YOUR FREE COPY
25 MARCH 2020
THE VILLAGE
NEWS
DURING LOCKDOWN: DIFFERENT PAPER, SAME QUALITY
BE SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE – www.thevillagenews.co.za
PHOTO: Elizma Fourie ‘No wet feet for me’ is the title of this delightful photograph of a Black Oystercatcher taken by Elizma Fourie, President of the Hermanus Photographic Society. The photograph was entered for one of the club’s regular competitions, with the theme ‘Celebrating Nature’.
Preparing for lockdown Writer De Waal Steyn
I
n an attempt to slow down the infection rate of COVID-19, several measures have been announced by the Overstrand Municipality.
These measures will be in force during the 21-day nationwide lockdown period from midnight on Thursday 26 March until midnight 16 April, as ordered by Pres Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday evening 23 March. On Tuesday the total number of people in South Africa infected with the virus stood at 544, while four confirmed cases were reported in the Overberg. Mayor Dudley Coetzee announced that as of Friday 27 March all beaches, nature reserves, sports centres, caravan parks, day camps and community halls in the Overstrand will be closed to the public. All events have been can-
celled and no informal markets are allowed to trade. In addition, all tourism and municipal offices, including the payment hall, will be closed to the public and only emergency personnel will be on duty. Residents should pay their municipal accounts via electronic funds transfers. Pre-paid electricity can be bought online from home.ontec.co.za, via your cellphone or at grocery stores. More details regarding the future operations of the municipality, including the payment of rates and taxes, were to be discussed at a council meeting on Wednesday 25 March. Details will be published after 12:00 on www.thevillagenews.co.za and on social media. “Essential services such as refuse removal, sewerage, water and electrical services will continue as normal. While residents can put out their refuse bags and bins as per normal, none of the
drop-off points will be open,” the Mayor said. “While the offices of the Traffic Department will be closed, traffic services will continue. This means that no licencing and testing services will be available during the next three weeks, but traffic officials will be on duty.” Libraries will also be closed, but the return date of all books out on loan will be extended to the end of April. Cemeteries will remain open. It is, however, important that people attending funerals adhere to the national rule of fewer than 100 people and the social distancing guideline of keeping 1.5 metres apart. According to Coetzee, the municipal control room can be reached on 028 313 8111 24-hours a day for all municipal-related enquiries. Fire Services can be reached on 028 312 2400 and Law Enforcement on 028 313 8996. Despite numerous calls by political leaders for residents not to resort to panic-buying, on Tues-
day several stores in the Overstrand were filled with shoppers trying to stock up on last-minute essentials. Some stores reported that they had trouble keeping up with the demand for especially long-life products such as pasta, mieliepap, tinned foods, cleaning products and sanitisers. Most stores reported that there was no shortage of toilet paper. In compliance with the national lockdown, all restaurants, cafés, bars and coffee shops will be closed and all food delivery services will also be suspended for 21 days. Details on whether people will be allowed to exercise outside or walk their dogs, as well as protocols for traveling to the grocery store or pharmacy will be announced at a media briefing in Pretoria on Wednesday 25 March. While the lockdown will have a serious impact on the local and national economy, residents are urged to stick to the rules and regulations in order to stem the rate of infection.
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Your Coronavirus information guide The world has seemingly turned on its head during the last few weeks after the World Health Organisation declared the virus an international pandemic. Given the overflow of information, keeping up with the simple basics of the virus can be daunting. The Village NEWS has created this guide on P 3 and P 21 for you to stick up on your fridge for easy reference.
IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION NATIONAL HOTLINE: 0800 029 999 • PROVINCIAL HOTLINE: 021 928 4102 • EMAIL: doh.dismed@westerncape.gov.za • WHATSAPP "Hi" to 0600 123 456
CORONAVIRUS 101
HOW DO I PREVENT IT?
WHO'S MOST AT RISK?
What are the first symptoms? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these are the symptoms most likely to be experienced first: • Fever • Fatigue • Dry cough • Headache
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub • Practise and maintain social distancing. Keep at least one metre of distance between yourself and a person who is coughing or sneezing. The virus spreads when liquid droplets are expelled through the air – when someone coughs or sneezes. In the event that you are too close, you could breathe in the droplets, which may contain the Covid-19 virus, if the person coughing or sneezing is infected • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Your hands touch many surfaces and can potentially pick up the virus. Once your hands are contaminated, the virus can be transferred through your eyes, nose or mouth to the rest of your body • Practise respiratory hygiene. Don't cough or sneeze into your hands. Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Don't forget to throw away the tissue immediately • Get the flu vaccine • Boost your immune system
Older people Age seems to be the greatest consideration when assessing who is most susceptible to this virus. It appears that the risk starts increasing at around age 50 and escalates from there, the oldest people being the most vulnerable. As we age, our immune system is altered, so it's important to stay as healthy as possible. Someone who's 70 and very active and healthy is probably at lower risk than a less active person of the same age, but will still be more risk prone than someone who is 45 years old.
Other symptoms may include: • Muscle aches • Nasal congestion • Sore throat • Diarrhoea (not as common but reported in 3.7% of cases) If it starts off mild, why do people die? While about 80% of people suffer mild cases, older people (over 60) and those with underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer, heart conditions or pre-existing lung conditions are more likely to become severely ill and die from respiratory failure. Will I get it? The WHO reports that your risk depends on where you live or where you have travelled to recently, as the risk is higher in areas where numbers of people have already been diagnosed with the coronavirus.
IBUPROFEN VS PARACETAMOL The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that while it is not against using ibuprofen for Covid-19 symptoms, it recommends paracetamol as a safer option. This comes after the WHO recommended that people with Covid-19 symptoms should avoid taking medication with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. However, the WHO has since updated its advice, saying that based on currently available information, they are no longer advising against the use of this medication. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used to relieve headaches, painful periods, sprains and strains, colds and flu, arthritis, and other causes of long-term pain. The British National Health Service has said that while there is no firm evidence that NSAIDs can worsen Covid-19 symptoms, until more credible information becomes available, they suggest erring on the side of caution and recommend taking paracetamol to treat the symptoms of the new coronavirus instead – unless your doctor advises against its use, reports the BBC. In line with the approach of these medical professionals, it therefore seems safe to assume that if you are already taking medications with anti-inflammatory properties for other conditions, you should not stop without consulting a doctor.
People with lung diseases This category includes a number of lung conditions: • Asthma • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and chronic bronchitis • Pulmonary hypertension • Smoking. People who smoke can probably be thought to have some degree of lung disease. Smoking puts you at risk because it affects your defence mechanisms, the tiny little hairs – the cilia – that help protect your airways. In a sense they become paralysed and when that happens, the little hairs can't help with keeping germs out People with heart and blood vessel diseases This includes people with: • Heart disease, including a history of heart attack • Chronic heart failure • Build-up of plaque on the blood vessels • A history of stroke • Heart valve disease, with or without artificial heart valves • Heart rhythm conditions, including atrial fibrillation • Peripheral artery disease • High blood pressure • High cholesterol
People with diabetes The main types of diabetes include: Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, Gestational diabetes and Pre-diabetes. The steps that people at a higher risk need to take don't differ a lot from the standard procedures. Wash your hands frequently and well. Try to keep your distance from other people, and don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth. Keep often-touched surfaces in your home clean – that includes doorknobs, light switches, taps, toilet flushes, remotes, keyboards and phones.
SHORT FACTS • Most cases in SA fall within the 31 – 40 year-old age group • The oldest infected person is 85 years old and the youngest, two years old • If you're having trouble finding hand sanitizer and need to go out, put soap and water on paper towels and place the wet paper towels in a sealable plastic bag that you can take out with you • It's important to be up-to-date on vaccines, such as the flu injection • Make sure you have on hand a supply of any chronic medications you take – at least a 30-day supply • It is difficult for friends and family to limit visits. As an alternative use Skype, Zoom, or Houseparty (for the younger generation)
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People with compromised immune systems People who have weakened immune systems – and people taking medications designed to dampen their immune system – are at a greater risk from the coronavirus. Some examples include: • People with cancer • People with HIV/Aids • People who have had an organ transplant • People taking high doses of steroids or medications called biologics, often for autoimmune conditions
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25 March 2020
Part 2: Early business development in Hermanus Writer Dr Robin Lee
I
n Part 1 of this article, we looked at the earliest moves towards developing businesses in Hermanus, and how they gained momentum in the late 1800s when original settler families, who had arrived as fishermen, entered the property market and bought sites. From the information available for the period 1895 –1915, three important facts can be identified: First, Mosselrivier Farm was a farm in name only. No one was actually farming it. Thus, it was easier for the Colonial Government to proclaim parts of the land as 'commonage' and allow the Village Management to survey and sell plots. In this way, the land was available for businesses. Secondly, the early families were familiar with the capitalist economy, either from experience in their home countries or from their time at the Cape. Third, there was no other economic model available, and no organised grouping opposed the shift into a capitalist system. These facts are essential to the later history of the economy of our region. We see that families that had come to Hermanus as subsistence fisherfolk were acquiring permanent residences and places of business, within a single generation. For instance, when, in 1897, larger plots between Main
Road and High Street were surveyed and sold by the Village Management Board, the Henn family bought two plots, the Allengensky family three, the Groenewald family two and the Sheriffs and the Warringtons purchased one each. Two businesses stand out in the real estate sector. These are the Mossel River Seaside Township Development Co. and the Poole's Bay Township Development Company. Both of these were initiated by Jack Poole, whose wife had inherited the land from her grandfather, Duncan MacFarlane. It seems to be a feature of real estate transactions that a deal could be struck over an unsurveyed plot, and it could be occupied immediately. The formal survey might take place months or even years later, and registration later still. In one case, more than 20 years elapsed between 'purchase' and final registration. The decade 1900 to 1910 saw a boom in hotel and business construction: Royal Hotel (1902); The Marine Hotel (1904); Ocean View Hotel (1906); Riviera Hotel (1906); business premises for rental (Balcony Building, 1906); Rainsfords (department store, 1904); and three buildings comprising what was later called 'Lemm's Corner' (owned by the Oblowitz family). Joey Luyt tells an amusing anecdote about this general dealer: [Jacob Oblowitz's] shop carried a very varied stock, piled in confusion, and he would never admit – unless absolutely 2
1
forced to do so – that he did not have any particular article. Nothing was marked and prices would vary considerably, according to the customer. Olive Crews told me that on one occasion she went to Oblowitz's shop to buy some Post Toasties, the first of the many bowls of cereal we have today, but new on the market then. The children had become tired of porridge for breakfast every morning and she had suggested to my mother-in-law that they be given Post Toasties instead. Mr Oblowitz said yes, of course, he had it. After searching among his shelves he triumphantly produced a box of postcards. "There! I say I have it! Oblowitz has everything!" he exclaimed proudly. "No, Mr Oblowitz, I don't want postcards. I want Post Toasties," Olive said. "Hey! Vot you say? Postcards you ask for, postcards are vot I got!" Oblowitz insisted. "Post-Toasties," Olive said firmly. "Post-Toasties, hey? Post-Toasties," he muttered and went searching around the shelves again. But eventually, he had to admit defeat. "Vot sort of t' ing is dis Post-Toasties?" he demanded. "It's a kind of breakfast food," Olive explained as she prepared to leave. As she reached the door, he called to her, "Vait, vait, Miss Crews! I've got herrings!" By 1910, the following types of business were operating in Hermanus (with the names of those involved in brackets): • The fishing industry, which was in the process of transformation from subsistence fishing based on the boat-and-skipper model to a
1. The Balcony Building in Harbour Road dates back to 1906 and the premises were rented by various early businesses. 2. A map of the Mossel River Seaside Township Development initiated by Jack Poole. 3. The Mosselrivier Farm on which Hermanus was born, had only fynbos vegetation and no grazing.
•
•
• •
capitalistic structure; (Allengensky, McFarlane, Melnick) Sales of public and private land, as this was made available for private ownership of surveyed plots: (Poole, Morton, McFarlane, Bredenkamp, Van Coller) Construction of hotels, residences and a small number of public and commercial buildings (McFarlane, Beyers, Allengensky, Luyt, Sheriff, Rainsford) Management of the hotels (P John Luyt, Henry Luyt, Johnny Stemmet, Allengensky) General dealers of the uniquely South African small-town type, known as 'algemene handelaars." 3
As new hotels and shops opened in the early years of the 20th century, several townspeople revealed another aspect of a successful capitalist economy. P John Luyt, the owner of The Marine and Riviera Hotels, had previously worked for an insurance company (the Southern Life Association) and must have known something about selling to the public. He started actively marketing the town. His activities included many techniques used today. He collected information about attractive aspects of the town and directed promotional material at groups interested in each aspect. He produced printed material describing the attractions of Hermanus and mailed these to thousands of targets, in South Africa and abroad. Luyt's six daughters from two marriages spent many long afternoons at The Marine, addressing and filling envelopes by hand. All the hotels took extensive newspaper advertising and the massive coverage associated with Bill Selkirk's record shark catches was twice featured on a full-colour cover of the Illustrated London News. This publicity boosted the numbers of those visitors aiming at a pleasant angling holiday or looking for international recognition as a fisherman.
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25 March 2020
A yo-ho-ho for the hero of Hawston Writer Elaine Davie
F
or generations children growing up along the Whale Coast have carried the sight, sound and scent of the sea in their hearts. One might even say that as descendants of a long line of fisherfolk, a powerful connection with the ocean is built into their DNA. Born and brought up in Hawston, Noel Dreyer was just such a child. He could not imagine a life away from the sea, but, because the fishing industry had already begun to decline by the time he was a teenager, he took a different route and joined the South African Navy, no easy thing to do during the apartheid era. It was the right decision to make. After 38 years at sea, he retired a couple of years back as a Warrant Officer First Class. Not once did he regret the choice he made. It gave him the opportunity to grow as a person and see the world whilst maintaining his connection with the sea. As a weapons technician on South African frigates, he even attended courses in Germany and France. However, it was not all plain sailing. He was on board the frigate SAS Paul Kruger when it went down during a naval exercise off Cape Point in February 1982, with the loss of 16 crew members. Noel was amongst the 177 sailors who miraculously survived. That day the crew lived up to the ship’s motto, Out of the Storm came Courage. After a fulfilling career, when the time came to retire from the Navy, the question was, what now? For Noel, the answer was not difficult. First, he would return to his home town of Hawston, and second, he would try to share his passion for the sea and the Navy with the youngsters there. With youth unemployment as high it was, he wanted to give them the skills and the opportunity to follow in his footsteps. Aware of the prevalent drug and gang culture in the community, he also wanted to give them something that was both fun and constructive to do with their free time. And so the Hawston Cadet Corps was established. The children did a lot of
drilling and marching and Noel made sure they were enjoying themselves and at the same time, getting fit. “These kids want to feel they belong,” he comments, “and they love it when you praise them for a job well done.” They were also very proud of being invited to parade at events like the Hermanus Whale Festival and the Night of a Thousand Drawings. But a year ago, Noel achieved his ultimate goal which was to register the group as a SA Sea Scouts base, one of only 14 in the country. They are known as TS (Training Ship) Birkenhead after the British frigate that was wrecked off Danger Point in February 1852. “You can ask any of the members here,” says Noel, indicating his neat squad on parade,” and they will be able to tell you the story of the Birkenhead; they are very proud of the name.” He now has 45 members from Hawston and 12 from Mount Pleasant; this year they will be recruiting youngsters from Zwelihle as well. Pupils, both boys and girls, from Grade 6 to matric are eligible to join, but they also have a couple of littlies (Grade 2s) who were part of the Cadet Corps and are now looked upon as the base’s mascots. “The interesting thing about our members is that although they are more or less 50/50 boys and girls, it’s the girls who are the hardest working and most enthusiastic,” says Noel. His assistant, Irvine Esau nods in agreement. Apart from practical sessions over
weekends, the group meet two afternoons a week to make their way through a series of workbooks, with tests at the end of each. They are able to progress through the ranks from Seaman to Able Seaman, Leading Seaman, Petty Officer and Chief Petty Officer, earning badges as they acquire competencies which include personal hygiene, values, safety and survival skills, rope work, flags, environmental conservation and many others. Naturally, they must all be able to swim. From the rank of Able Seaman they can choose one of five categories in which to specialise: First Aid, Communications, Catering, Engineering and Seamanship. Of course, the greatest thrill is to go on adventures off base. Last year they visited Simonstown – seeing some of the big ships at anchor in the docks and visiting the Naval Museum was beyond exciting. Then, during the December holidays they took part in a weekend camp at the Hoek van de Berg Nature Reserve owned by the Raimondo family, an exercise to be repeated during the upcoming Easter holidays. Although the Nature Reserve is right next door to Hawston, the experience couldn’t be more different from that of their daily lives. “These kids are becoming role models in their communities,” comments Noel. “Their level of self-discipline, commitment and focus is having a major impact on their school work, too. Now we have received a won-
ABOVE: The TS Birkenhead sea scout corps on parade in their smart dress uniforms. Noel Dreyer is on the left and Irvine Esau on the right. PHOTO: Hedda Mittner BELOW: The corps pulled out all the stops during the Night of a Thousand Drawings in December last year. PHOTO: Taylum Meyer
derful donation from the Raimondo Trust to buy music instruments, so the youngsters are very excited about starting a band. After they have successfully completed the full Sea Scout programme, they are almost 100% sure of getting a place in the Navy post-matric if they want it.” Grateful as they are to be allowed to use the grounds of Hawston Primary for drilling, the fly in the ointment for this pioneering group is that, although they have been given a dinghy by SA Sea Scouts, the TS Birkenhead doesn’t have a sea base from which to operate. How do you teach seamanship when you don’t have access to the sea? Since the present occupants’ lease of the Fisherhaven Yacht Club is about
to expire, Noel applied to the Overstrand Municipality for the use of the premises, which come complete with flag poles, mooring and the other facilities they would need, but they were told to put in a tender. Unfortunately, they cannot afford the tender fees. As it is, on 9 May when they have their main annual parade, they will have to pay R3 000 for the use of the facilities for just one day. It seems a pity that such a worthwhile project, started by an enthusiastic individual for the benefit of the disadvantaged children in his community should not receive tangible support from the local authority. For more information Noel can be contacted on 073 161 8347.
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25 March 2020
FROM THE EDITOR
The next edition of The Village NEWS will be available on 1 April 2020. The NEWS can be found at over 300 distribution points in the Overberg.
028 312 2234
6 Royal Street, Hermanus
De Waal Steyn
PUBLISHING EDITOR dewaal@thevillagenews.co.za
Hedda Mittner
The power of one can change the world I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything; but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do. – Edward E Hale, American author and historian (1822 - 1909) So often we feel as if there is nothing we can do to make a difference in the world. We read about what is happening all around us but fail to understand how we fit into the ‘big picture’ and how we can have a positive impact on our environment.
hedda@thevillagenews.co.za
Raphael da Silva
Elaine Davie
Alta Pretorius MARKETING MANAGER alta@thevillagenews.co.za
Charé van der Walt MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE chare@thevillagenews.co.za
Tania Hamman
Science tells us that, on average,
However, in the safety of the usually ‘men-only’ pub behind the Duck ’n Fiddle, Druiwe felt emboldened, untouchable. His chauvinism could flourish unfettered.
raphael@thevillagenews.co.za
PHOTOGRAPHER & PRODUCTION MANAGER taylum@thevillagenews.co.za
But fate, in the form of COVID-19, is giving us a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to make a positive difference in literally hundreds of people’s lives in a strangely counter-intuitive way: by staying away from them.
her farm, and although he didn’t often wear a frock around the house, he knew which side of his bread was buttered, so he meekly toed the line.
ONLINE EDITOR
Taylum Meyer
This sense of futility and disempowerment has permeated much of the world, leading to a self-centred individualism and a ‘bugger my neighbour’ attitude in many cultures and countries.
a coronavirus-positive individual infects a minimum of two other people. Because it takes about five days before the symptoms show, someone with the virus can transmit it to someone else before they even suspect they may have it and get tested.
There is no way to sugar-coat it. The next weeks and perhaps months are going to be tough, demanding that we step up to the plate and pull up our socks. We have no other choice. Surrendering is simply not an option. So, this is our chance to #flattenthecurve and show that we are the masters of our own destiny. Let us use the power of one in its most constructive way as we join together in an act of social solidarity ... by keeping our distance.
A simple calculation will, therefore, tell you that within about two weeks, one person will end up infecting at least 14 other people and within a month, this figure will increase to over a hundred.
This is the good NEWS - Ed
Hell hath no fury like...
CONTENT EDITOR
SUB-EDITOR & JOURNALIST elaine@thevillagenews.co.za
Despite these daunting projections and just when it feels as if the world is crashing down around us while we stand helplessly by, there is a possibility that never before in our history have we had the power to do so much.
Here he could feel like a real man again, away from the critical scrutiny of his dearly beloved, and he fully understood why men join golf clubs.
By Murray Stewart murray.stewart49@gmail.com
T
he battle of the sexes goes back to when they first invented sex. Men were granted certain assets/areas of superiority, like physical strength, singing baritone in the choir, or cultivating shoulder-length moustaches. Maintaining the equilibrium, women too, have assets/areas where they rule the roost (finer details are for a different type of publication), but in general, women get to wear the pants more often than men wear frocks. Druiwe du Toit, our local Merlot producer from Heaven’s Valley fell between two stools. At home, his wife wore the pants. It was after all
Sadly, it didn’t occur to him/them that many wives would happily pay their husbands’ annual membership to get them out of the house more often. Anyway, The Duck’s regular tipplers were on their usual barstools hanging onto their drinks, and Druiwe’s every word. Chuffed about his ‘luck’ at being born male, he was pontificating over what he reckoned the advantages were. “Men are just happier people,” he claimed outrageously. “Firstly, your last name doesn’t ever change. Even after a divorce.” Klippies Combrink, his olive-farming friend agreed. He’d been divorced twice, but being the
landowner, he’d been able to keep his surname and his farm – unlike the precarious situation his pal was in. “Men can wear a white T-shirt in the rain,” Druiwe continued. “Hell, we can wear no shirt in the rain, and we won’t get arrested.” He glanced around the room to make sure no ladies had strolled in behind him. That would certainly curtail his diatribe, and he was on a roll. “Secondly, car mechanics tell us the truth,” he stated with confidence, “and men never have to drive to another petrol station because this one’s loo is too yucky. The world is our urinal!” Sparky Snyman at the far end of the bar counter lifted his glass in solidarity. He usually quaffs 15 to 20 beers a day (for their medicinal properties) and this requires him to be able to pee anywhere, like other men do.
okes... everything on our faces stays its original colour!” (More sniggers). Klippies, despite his frustrating stutter, was keen to contribute. “We can’t f...f...we can’t f... fall pregnant either,” he managed without exploding and cussing. “And we only have to sh... sha... shave our f...f... faces, but chicks shave their legs and also their f...fa.. fan...” Thankfully Sparky interjected by stating that men can wear shorts no matter what their legs look like. Suddenly the pub went tjoepstil. “What the hell are you doing here?” Druiwe heard from behind him. Aargh! His missus! “You’re meant to be at the church committee meeting. Go home, Druiwe! Right now!”
“New shoes don’t cut our feet and mangle our toes,” continued Druiwe, “and people don’t stare at our chest when we’re talking to them.” (Sniggers from the rabble along the bar).
Flushing ruddier rouge than his usual ‘Merlot glow’ and feeling emotionally gelded, he slunk out. He wasn’t about to argue. He’d learnt that women always had the last word in any argument. Anything a man said after that was the beginning of a new argument.
“And we can open all our own jars!” He gulped down another mouthful of his ‘wine-muscles’. “For us, three pairs of shoes are enough. My underwear costs R39 for a three-pack, and also,
Driving home, anxious and nervous, Druiwe pondered over which outfit he should slip into. Which one would placate the missus more – the floral frock or the striped skirt?
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25 March 2020
LET'S TALK Healthy and robust debate are crucial for democracy. The Village NEWS firmly believes in freedom of the press as well as the right of individuals to freely express themselves, as long as they don’t infringe upon the rights of others. The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors therefore do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of The Village NEWS. Letters may be shortened and/or edited for clarity and style. Enjoy our paper. Send your letters to dewaal@thevillagenews.co.za.
David Leppan
02.01.1948 – 22.03.2020
Loving husband to Lynda; devoted father to Peter, Richard, John and Julie; grandfather to Christopher, Stephanie, Matthew, Ethan, Richard, James, Grace, Megan, Tash and Aimeé. You are forever in our hearts and memories until we meet again.
Another poisoned owl dies but all rodenticides are potentially poisonous to our pets, as well as the rodents, so care should be taken in the application and placing of these poisons in special containers.
A very sick, adult Spotted Eagle Owl, brought in to the Eastcliff Village Vet Clinic by a concerned resident in Kwaaiwater last week died of secondary poisoning before it could be treated. This follows the tragic death last year of the popular mother owl and her young chicks on the Golf Course, also reportedly killed by poison. Residents and pest controllers need to be warned of the dangers of secondary poisoning to our pets and raptors from rodents that have ingested anti- coagulant rodenticide. Anina Lee’s excellent article recently on the Year of the Rat highlighted the positive role of fynbos rodents in our unique ecosystem. However, some rodents have for centuries been a pest to man, spreading disease e.g. Bubonic Plague carried by fleas on the Black Rat (Rattus norvegicus) while the Brown Rat (Rattus rattus) and House Mouse (Mus musculus) are destructive to man’s property and
One of the Meyers’ beautiful adult Spotted Eagle Owls in their garden. food and spread undesirable bacteria around our homes and food establishments. There is a need to apply pest control methods in the form of available rodenticides, which have an active ingredient which will not cause secondary poisoning. However, we need to minimise the risk by ensuring the only SAFE Rodenticides like Racumin or Efecto Eco Rat are used. Numerous products are available off the shelf,
We love you. From Lynda, family, & Hermanus Property Sales Team
I have had the opportunity with our resident Spotted Eagle Owls to study the regurgitated pellets of undigested food that the owls reject. One can see predominantly the bones and hair of rats, mice, moles and other small invertebrates, so owls are undoubtedly nature’s best pest controller. With this active pair of resident owls and their two fledglings there are seldom any rodents seen where the owls hunt for their prey, so we need to encourage all our residents to protect these iconic raptors.
In these unprecedented times, there will be no Memorial Service.
We are so privileged to live in Hermanus, with the Fernkloof Nature Reserve on our doorstep, that we all need to protect and conserve the fauna and flora of our very special environment. Ed & Sally Meyer, Voëlklip The Overstrand Hospice 600 Club Draw was done on Thursday 19 March 2020 by Joan Bester (middle) of Garden Enterprises, which has been in existence for 25 years, servicing clients all the way from Arabella to Prawn Flats. She is responsible for some of the beautiful gardens on our wine estates. Sr Lynette Gloy was present and David Sutcliffe from Don Adams Auditors. The winners were: 1st Johan Conradie, 2nd Mulligan & Pickford, and 3rd R Gray. Anyone can join the club for only R50 a month. Funds raised by the 600 Club go towards paying the Hospice nurses’ salaries. There are cash prizes up for grabs every month. For more information, contact Norma Scott-Tomlin on 028 312 4679 or 600admin@overstrandhospice.org.za.
New recycling business in Hermanus It is such a relief to have a recycling business again, as I could not come to terms with recycling going to the landfill. I & L Recycling is located in 6 Roman Close, Old Industrial. Local photography ethusiast, Hestie das Neves, took this beautiful sunset photo in Onrus over the weekend.
As you turn into Roman Close, on your left is a big grey building, turn to your left into an alley. At the end
of short alley there is a painting of a milk cow on the wall, and to your right in the corner is I & L. Please support them. I recently took them nine recycling bags (clear plastic) that they were happy to accept. Zelda Miller, Eastcliff
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www.thevillagenews.co.za
25 March 2020
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H
enri Kuiper was no ordinary man – in the business world they called him a wunderkind in his youth, enfant terrible if he trod on their toes. Henri had a will to win, second to none. He maintained that this was drilled into him as a decorated young RAF fighter pilot in WWII where “if you lost, you were either dead or a prisoner.” The late Henri Kuiper with his wife, Ghanie. Together with a tough work ethic, self-discipline, and a genlife in the Overstrand’. erous supply of self-confidence to go with a sharp intellect, this killer instinct saw him In typical Kuiper style, he threw all his energy reach the top of several careers by the time and management expertise into reaching his he was in his mid-40s. Never afraid to reinvent goals and continued actively to participate in himself, Henri went from being a pilot to a Board meetings well into his 90s as Honorsuccessful advocate at the Johannesburg Bar, ary President of the organisation. He was to Managing Director of the SAAN (South Afextremely proud of its achievements. rican Associated Newspapers) which included the Sunday Times, Sunday Express and Rand This was a transformative time for him as a Daily Mail at a time when the Nationalist Party person: “I changed from being a hard-nosed, Government was giving the more liberal press aggressive businessman, where my interpera torrid time. The prestigious Financial Mail sonal relationships were all conducted on a was also launched by him. All before he was win/lose basis – with me as the winner – to 40. a win/win one. I have learnt that everyone is unique, each person has something valuable Unfailingly up for new challenges, he subto contribute. I suppose that’s what ubuntu sequently moved on to become a merchant is about. Whereas people used to work under banker at City Bank and from there to Board me, now I have learnt to work with them.” In membership and chairman of several blue2018, he and Ghanie were honoured to be chip companies like Standard Bank and Woolpresented with a Mayoral Lifetime Achievetru. At the ripe old age of 47, Henri decided ment Award for their service to the commuto ‘retire’, but what this actually meant was nity. to take a 3600 career shift and become a fruit farmer in the Elgin Valley, an industry about Right up to just before his passing, Henri’s which he knew absolutely nothing at the mind was as clear as a bell – he was interested time. A quick learner, he soon acquired more in everything, in politics, in the goings-on in farms before he and his wife, Ghanie, finally his own community and especially in educadid retire to Hermanus in their 70s. tion. He was also an avid reader and visiting him and Ghanie on their beautiful porch Henri referred to these tough business years surrounded by the flowers that meant so as his red period – kill or get killed. But there much to both of them, with the magnificent was another facet to his life which not only view of Walker Bay stretching before us, one provided fulfilment, but kept him grounded, had to be prepared to answer questions – lots and that was his marriage to Cecilia Hugo of them, on any number of topics. As the two (Ghanie) which took place in October 1947. of them sat on the couch holding hands, he By the time Henri passed away on Sunday never tired of saying how important she had morning 22 March 2020 he and Ghanie had been in his life. “I don’t know what I would been married 72 years and had produced four have done without Ghanie,” he would say. children of whom they were both immensely “After all, who else would have put up with proud: Margaret, Jannie, Irene and Adrian – me all these years?” together with a dynasty of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Although Henri had a sly sense of humour, they had both reached a place of serenity Henri and Ghanie were in agreement that where they had come to terms with their lives, their years in Hermanus were the happiest of the long years of their togetherness and their their lives. It was during this time that Henri, deaths. Henri lived large throughout his life bored with playing golf, entered what he with energy and enthusiasm, but he was comcalled his blue phase. Having become aware pletely at peace about leaving. Dear Henri, of the educational crisis in some of the poorer travel well, you will be missed. – Elaine Davie schools in and around Hermanus, he drew on The Village NEWS would like to express its sinhis wide network of professional and business cere condolences to Ghanie and the rest of the contacts to join him as Trustees and in 2002 family, as well as to the many members of the launched the Enlighten Education Trust to community who were close to them. ‘improve the quality of teaching, learning and Some years ago Henri Kuiper burst into tears when he visited a school in Hermanus and saw a teacher cut up pencils into four so that more learners in the class would be able to write! He could not believe that such conditions existed in our education. He promptly decided to do something about it. Using his network of influence amongst the ‘captains of industry’, he assembled a powerful board of trustees to establish the Enlighten Education Trust (EET). The trust deed was registered on 30 September 2002, empowering the trust to become a public benefit organisation in the Overstrand area. And the rest is history! Each year since then a large number of projects were provided to: Improve the cultural capital of learners, inspire teachers to improve their classroom presentations, help and encourage teachers to get better qualifications in their respective disciplines, help youngsters in early childhood development centres to be nourished physically and intellectually to give them a better chance to cope with the demands of subsequent schooling. The EET centre was built and has become a hive of activity for art, music, computer skills, robotics, pottery, and a library with a membership of over 6 000 members. The marimba bands have walked away with national honours, as have learners in art and music. Teachers have said thank you for their improved enthusiasm and skills, and the list goes on. In private conversation Henry often said that of all his achievements in life, he was the most proud of his initiative in starting the Enlighten Education Trust, ‘to bring a difference to life’. And well he might be! Allan Powell, Chairman, Enlighten Education Trust
25 MARCH 2020
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EXPLORER
FOOD & WINE • COMMUNITY • ENVIRONMENT • PET CARE
Welcome to the Hermanus Waterfront
PHOTO: Taylum Meyer
2 | EXPLORER
WHAT'S COOKING
25 March 2020
Keeping meals simple and nutritious during lockdown are some examples: Apples and citrus fruits can last a few weeks at room temperature and much longer if refrigerated (take them out of plastic bags and store in fridge drawer), while vegetables such as onions (can be refrigerated and even frozen), garlic, potatoes, cabbage, beets, carrots and squashes also have a long shelf life if they are stored in a place where they get some air, and are not washed until ready to be used.
By Hedda Mittner
V
isiting several restaurants in the Hermanus CBD over the weekend and speaking to some of their owners and managers brought home to me the uphill battle they were all being faced with since the Coronavirus reared its ugly head in South Africa. As Lemonicious at the Hermanus Waterfront posted on their Facebook page: “We are a local family-run restaurant and, as for everyone else, this is an extremely scary time for us.” Now that our President has announced a lockdown of 21 days, the picture has turned even bleaker – and the most astonishing and nerve-wracking aspect of the COVID-19 crisis is how fast it escalates. Only a few days ago, most of our local restaurateurs were still determined to keep their doors open. Already battling to cope with the shortened opening hours and fewer customers, which meant less income for the business and also fewer shifts – and less wages – for their staff, several restaurants and coffee shops initiated take-out and delivery services to keep their businesses ticking over. They are a resilient bunch, after all, who have had to cope with the disruption of riots, load-shedding and the general economic downturn over the past two years. Closing their doors would be a last resort, they said, but now,
with Monday night’s announcement of the lockdown just hours before The Village NEWS went to print, the decision has been taken for them. Over the next three weeks our streets and piazzas will resemble those ghostly images we have all seen of once bustling tourism hubs such as Venice, Paris and New York City. (It is still unclear if restaurants will be able to continue providing take-out food for pick-up or delivery, or even whether this will prove to be a viable business option.) Minimising risks and keeping everyone safe is all that matters now. How we are going to cope with the financial fall-out, no one really knows at this point. But for now, we’ll all be spending more time at home and preparing our own meals. While it is not necessary to frantically start stockpiling, we do need to plan a bit more carefully in order to minimise outings to the
shops to buy food and groceries. Most importantly, we don’t want to regress to the bad habits of our student years and live on canned food and instant noodles – the situation is already depressing enough – and we also need to ensure that we support our immune systems by eating as healthy as possible. Many of us have seen the meme on social media that reads: ‘The fact that canned foods, toxic chemicals and store-bought hand sanitisers are out of stock, yet fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs are fully stocked, shows that humans have no idea how the immune system works’. So let’s not forget to include fresh foods when we fill our baskets. Although they obviously do perish sooner than frozen or canned goods, there are certain fruits and veggies that can last for up to two months if stored properly. Here
Families who need to ‘stretch’ meals have the opportunity to become creative. Just take minced meat as an example: it can go a long way if you combine it with lentils or beans, which provide extra nutrients to boot. The same goes for eggs – you can make an omelette or frittata by adding pretty much whatever you feel like or have to hand, such as onions, potatoes, peppers and cheese. Vegetable soups are another great option and there are countless recipes available online – or simply make up your own. My own shopping list will include lots of pasta, canned tomatoes, capers and olives, and tinned tuna, pilchards and salmon (excellent for fish cakes), ground coffee, nuts and dark chocolate – and of course wine. (I’m hoping that most of our local wineries will continue to do deliveries; if so I’ll certainly be making use of that!) Good luck to everyone and remember, stocking up does not mean stockpiling. Please follow the safety protocols when leaving and entering your home and be considerate of others. If we shop responsibly, there will be enough to go around for everyone.
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25 March 2020
EXPLORER | 3
WINE & DINE
HAPPY DAYS & TAKE-AWAYS
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HERMANUS WATERFRONT
25 March 2020
Village Square, Hermanus 028 312 3411 COVID-19 UPDATE Extreme care with food preparation and staff hygiene FREE DELIVERY
Dear loyal LEMONICIOUS supporters: We are a local family run restaurant and as for everyone else this is an extremely scary time for us. Our restaurant has many families that rely on us for their roof over their heads and daily bread. Therefor we are trying our best to accommodate our customers and keep them safe, whilst maintaining a business flow to survive. FREE DELIVERY PLACE ORDERS 028 312 3611 / 082 875 8775
Our Plan
• Reduced seating capacity more space between tables
• No salt, pepper or other condiments on tables… only by request and sanitized after each use
• Limited physical contact with food products and glassware
Seafood, Sushi and Grills with a Whale of a View 028 312 3611 Marine Dr, Hermanus
HERMANUS WATERFRONT
25 March 2020
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EXPLORER | 5
The heart of Hermanus
ermanus Waterfront, formerly known as the Village Square, is an attractive and inviting retail centre in the heart of Hermanus’s tourism hub. Located above the Old Harbour with breathtaking views across the aquamarine waters of Walker Bay, it features more than 50 businesses, including exclusive boutiques, gift shops, restaurants and coffee shops. With its new branding and focus, Marketing Manager Kijl Resandt invites everyone to enjoy the contemporary look and feel of the Hermanus Waterfront, whilst remaining in line with the heritage and culture of the Village Square. Hermanus Waterfront caters for the needs
of residents and visitors alike by offering an eclectic mix of retail and gourmet offerings in a relaxed atmosphere. The double-volume arcade is filled with light and provides a pleasant space for browsing and shopping, while the amphitheatre, children’s play area and piazza with outside tables and colourful umbrellas provide the ideal meeting place for all. Each shop has its own unique character and offers speciality goods, unlike anything that can be found in commercial shops with mass-produced merchandise elsewhere in town. The enjoyable shopping experience,
luxurious holiday apartments and foreign exchange office in the centre make life easier for tourists who are looking for quality and convenience. Management of the Hermanus Waterfront wishes to assure its customers that the centre is following stringent preventive and protective protocols against the spread of the Coronavirus, with plenty of sanitisation stations to ensure a safe and hygienic environment. Current tenants include Africa Blue, African Dawn, Alley Market, Ansa Boutique, Aromatish, Belgian Waffles Bar, African Jewels, Cell World repair centre, CFM Satellite radio station, Char'd
Grill & Wine Bar, Chas Everitt Real estate, Classic Blue, Crazy Store, De Jagers, Die Biltong Ou, Fusion Restaurant, Gelato Mania, Goodiez, Groves Café, Guthrie & Theron Properties, Hermanus Harbour Apartments, House of Tobacco, Just Cruizing Cool Clothing, Kavanagh Diamonds & Jewellery, La Pentola Restaurant, Lau's Cuisine, Lemonicious, Matthew's Boutique, Mezz & Co, Mia Duvenhage Studio, Ocean Basket Hermanus, Out of the Blue, Pandora, Paulette van den Bosch Gallery, Pear Tree Restaurant, Porter & Craft, PSG Wealth, Sneakers, Spec Savers Hermanus, Sublime, The LAB, Tsonga Hermanus, Vendange, Victoria's Jewellery, Vodacom, Wimpy Hermanus, Wooden Barrel, Zigi Boutique and Waterfront Management.
HERMANUS WATERFRONT
6 | EXPLORER
25 March 2020
Alley Market: Street food at its best 1
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he Alley Market at Village Square, now rebranded as Hermanus Waterfront, offers both residents and visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy a delicious grab-and-go meal in the heart of Hermanus’s busy town centre. The eclectic variety of stalls offers everything from coffee, pastries and sweet treats, to drinks, snacks, sushi and hearty, home-cooked meals. In keeping with its street food vibe, several vendors specialise in authentic African cuisine, like Cape Malay Foods, The Fish Box and Jojo’s West African Cuisine, while Little Italy, Taco Twister and Jay’s Sushi Bar add a cosmopolitan flavour. Customers can tuck into their purchases in the courtyard, where the walls have been adorned by local artist, Tertius van Dyk, and on Saturdays they can relax to the tunes of live music. “We are very excited about this venture, which broadens our offering and is an added attraction for tourists,” says Kijl Resandt, marketing manager of Hermanus Waterfront. Locals will also be pleased to know that everything at the Alley Market is available as take-out. Simply contact the vendor you’d like to order from and pick up your food a little while later. It’s as easy as that! Find the Alley Market at 104 Main Road, between Mr Price and De Jager’s. Meet the vendors: The Fish Box (4) is a joint venture by Freddie Mathews and his partner, Christa Visser. Freddie is a ‘Weskusklong’ who grew up among the fishing culture of the Cape West Coast. After 18 years in the SAPS, he relocated to Pringle Bay, where he managed a fish ‘n chips shop called HakeAway. Christa is a bookkeeper who also loves cooking, and the couple were looking for an opportunity to open their own business together when they heard about the Alley Market. “It is difficult to find premises if you want to start small,” says Freddie, “and this concept is ideal for entrepreneurs who don’t want to be burdened with huge overheads.” The Fish Box uses a secret recipe and a unique blend of spices for its hake and calamari, which Hake-Away gave Freddie permission to use. The batter is thin and crispy, and halaal-friendly too, as it’s water-based and not made with beer. Anything from The Fish Box’s menu can be ordered for take-out by calling or sending a WhatsApp to 060 965 1535.
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A 10% discount for pensioners is available every Wednesday. Jojo’s West African Cuisine (3) is one of the Alley Market’s top attractions. Owned by Jojo Bansen, a colourful character who hails from Ghana and his South African wife, Desireé, they serve authentic West African food that fuses pure Ghanaian flavours with South African flair. Having lived in Holland for many years, the couple settled in Hermanus with their daughter, Jasmine, six years ago. Eating healthy and balanced meals is something that the couple is very passionate about and their tasty meat, fish and chicken dishes are cooked in a novel air-fryer. Other exotic ingredients include yams, plantain, black-eye beans, herbs and spices, especially garlic and ginger. Jojo’s offers unique food that you won’t find anywhere else in Hermanus. A variety of vegan and vegetarian options are available, and don’t forget to take home a bottle of Jojo’s popular homemade Shito hot chilli sauce. To order a take-away, call 067 050 4712. Jojo is also available for private functions and catering. Cape Malay Foods (5) is the brainchild of Amina Gierdien, who is originally from Worcester and worked as a qualified beauty therapist at a Cape Town salon and the Caledon SPA before giving her love of cooking free rein. As a caterer her home-made food has been in great demand for many years, and can now also be enjoyed at the Alley Market. Amina sells a variety of traditional Cape Malay spices, atchar, samosas and koeksisters, along with her special meal of the day, which could be anything from a bobotie or roti to a Cape Malay curry or biryani. Suffice to say that it will be something irresistibly wholesome and tasty! Amina is available for private functions and catering. Place your order by calling 082 373 4786. Chef Jay’s Sushi Bar (7) is owned by Jaylor Boneyon, who hails from the Philippines where he was working as a chef in a large hotel when he was offered a job at a Japanese restaurant in Johannesburg. He was eventually lured to Hermanus by a previous owner of the Village Square to work as a chef at Lemon Butta (now Lemonicious) and has lived here happily for 13 years. Chef Jay’s extensive sushi menu offers every-
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thing from Maki, Temaki, California Rolls, Nigiri, Sashimi and Fashion Sandwiches, to his special Chef’s Inside Out Rolls, salads and rice toppings. His artistic creations are made from the freshest ingredients and are beautifully presented. Chef Jay also offers customised take-away sushi platters for those special occasions and celebrations. Place your order by calling 079 986 8623 or 072 556 2409.
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Mark Proctor of Taco Twister (6) has been in the hospitality industry for over 20 years. He first came to Hermanus from Johannesburg four years ago to visit his retired parents. In December last year he was back for good and looking for a business venture that would not cost him an arm and a leg. “I really liked the Alley Market, especially the laid-back vibe,” he says. As the name suggests, Taco Twister offers this classic Mexican dish with a variety of options, the idea being that customers can build their own tacos. Think chilli con carne, enchiladas, jalapeno slammers… with a choice of sides and toppings such as guacamole, tomato salsa, cream cheese, pesto, hummus… It’s unadulterated, belly-warming comfort food. And on Taco Twosday (every Tuesday) you get two tacos for only R50. Contact Marc on 072 807 8715. CEM Nuts (2) is reminiscent of an old-fashioned candy store and offers a range of treats that includes candied nuts, Turkish Delight and mouth-watering fudge. Owner Cathrine Mavuto has been joined in this venture by her partner, Samba Cox, who previously worked for Woolworths for 12 years. Little Italy specialises in pizzas and pastas, and its busy owners, Thomas and Sylvia Peter, are also opening a bar soon at the Alley Market, along with a take-away outlet in the Station Centre. The couple has over 40 years of experience as restaurateurs, having previously owned two acclaimed restaurants in Plettenberg Bay. They have only been in Hermanus for a month and clearly have big plans!
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Other stalls at the Alley Market include Yaeli’s, Burger Burger and Hot Shots Coffee & Pastries (1). There really is something for everyone. Don’t forget to swing by the next time you’re in town! - Hedda Mittner
PHOTOS: Hedda Mittner
ENVIRONMENT
25 March 2020
EXPLORER | 7
The large white fleshy stigma can clearly be seen in this un-pollinated orchid Disperis capensis (‘Cape Witch Orchid’, or ‘Moederkappie’).
The Orchid and the Carpenter
By Dr Anina Lee Whale Coast Conservation
W
e have all read about the decline in bee populations around the world and the dire predictions for a world devoid of bees. Most of these articles refer to honey bees. However, there are hundreds more types of wild bees that perform equally critical functions in nature. How much do we know about them? Whale Coast Conservation had invited wild bee expert Jenny Cullinan from Ujubee to come and tell us more at our monthly talk in March. But alas, Covid-19 tripped us up. Jenny sent us the following teaser for her talk: As a keystone species, honey bees are fundamentally important to all terrestrial life, yet information about them is slanted to support their agricultural exploitation. By contrast, this talk looks at the ecology of all wild bees, not only honey bees. A richly illustrated talk covering the complex world of bees and their interconnectedness to everything around them. The talk will take you right into this wild world of bees living wild and free. Some solitary bees blow nectar bubbles into the wind; others mate on just one type of flower, some use leaves to line their nests, or close their entrance holes with cellophane… Disappointing – but once life is back to normal we will definitely invite Jenny again. In the meantime, I can do no better than tell you about one of Jenny’s interesting observations about the orchid and the carpenter. When we think about orchids we usually have a mental picture of large glamorous exotic flowers with romantic overtones. Yet they are very common. In fact, the orchid family (Orchidaceae) is the second largest of all the flower families in the world after the daisies (Asteracaea). So orchids are really very common. With the fabulous diversity of flowers in fynbos, one would therefore expect to find lots of orchids among the more obvious fynbos species. And we do. Some are large and bold (like the fields of pink Satyrium carneum along the R43 just outside Gansbaai) and some are very small, but systematically tracked down by a small band of orchid enthusiasts. Disperis capensis is one of the Fernkloof specials. Its common name is ‘Cape Witch Orchid’, or ‘Moederkappie’. Two very different descriptions, but both obvious, depending on how you look at it. But before we talk about pollination we should have a brief look at the structure of an orchid. A pollinated orchid with pollen stuck to the stigma. PHOTOS: Jenny Cullinan & Karin Steenberg of Ujubee
In order to attract the pollinator, the petals of an orchid are arranged as an attractive frame for the reproductive area of the plant. (There is an astounding variety of orchid ‘frames’). Pollen is contained in a pair of structures called ‘pollinaria’ (singular pollinarium), which end in sticky patches called ‘viscidia’ (singular viscidium). These are situated above a large, fleshy two-lobed stigma that leads to the ovary beneath the flower – the ovary often looking like a flower stem. The Cape Witch Orchid has no nectar or other reward for bees, so it uses deception to attract the carpenter bee to its flowers for pollination. The orchid times its flowering to coincide with that of another similarly coloured flower such as Muraltia, which does have nectar as a reward for the bee. The carpenter bee (Xylocopa rufitarsis) visits Muraltia for nectar. But sometimes he mistakenly visits the witch orchid instead. Realising that there is no nectar to be had, he immediately flies off. But too late – he has an unwelcome hitchhiker. The sticky viscidium is firmly stuck to his chest. As he flies off, the pollinarium is drawn out of the flower. The pollinarium immediately curls backwards so that the pollen grains are now facing outwards, ready to be delivered to the stigma (female part) of the next orchid mistakenly visited by our busy bee. The pollen can now fertilise the flower, which results in seeds to grow the next generation of orchids. Jenny Cullinan moved to the Cape seven years ago and has been involved with wild bee research in Cape Point Nature Reserve (TMNP) and various other biomes for the past six years. Her research is self-funded and is totally focused on the ecology of wild bees; a long and thoughtful study of the bees’ home and of all of the living world around them – and of the consequences of our actions in it. She is also an artist (sculptor), using her art to raise awareness about bees. She is the founder of Ujubee Conservation and in 2019 won a Conservation at Work 'Cape Fox' award for the Best Contribution to Biodiversity by an Individual. Source: Pollination by Deception by Jenny Cullinan and Karin Sternberg
ABOVE: A carpenter bee (Xylocopa rufitarsis) visiting Muraltia for nectar. BELOW: The pollen grains are outwardly orientated as the bee flies from flower to flower sipping nectar.
Local expertise, national presence and international audience
R 7 500 000 FINE & COUNTRY FEATURE VOËLKLIP, HERMANUS, WESTERN CAPE Beach house in Kammabaai with sea and mountain views. Perfectly positioned with stunning sea and mountain views nestles a spacious four bedroom family home in the much sought-after Kammabaai. Your dream is only a heartbeat away to start enjoying the glass of champagne, the cup of Earl Grey morning tea on the lovely veranda overlooking the ocean, or experiencing superb sunrises and sunsets in the mecca of Hermanus. The living areas of this refreshing and vibrant yet minimalistic home, ticks all the blocks for great family gatherings, braai’s and entertainment. Situated in the heart of the Cape Whale Route, the oncehumble fishing village of Hermanus has developed into a worldfamous tourist destination. Still, despite its fame, Hermanus has maintained the rustic charm and natural beauty that made it such a sought-after destination to begin with. Indeed, Hermanus preserves its seaside seclusion while offering a host of activities that appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and culinary connoisseurs alike. Whale-watching, wine-tasting, beaches, restaurants, art galleries, this resort town has it all. Jenny Küsel 082 262 7578 Stephen De Stadler 082 441 0120 WEB: 1683482
R 7 500 000 FINE & COUNTRY FEATURE VOËLKLIP, HERMANUS, WESTERN CAPE Modern, elegant home offering spectacular vistas. Modern home, designed with great care and finished with visible craftsmanship confidence, ideally set in a much soughtafter neighbourhood. Justifiably elegant fittings complement the promise of comfortable and pampered living in this stylish and beautiful home-to-be. Still under construction, certain finishes like bedroom cupboards and the stove are the buyer’s choice. The grand sized lounge and dining area, with its South-facing balcony afford stunning sea vistas over the Atlantic Ocean that borders Voëlklip. The adjacent open-plan kitchen, with its pale Caesarstone tops and balmy grey cupboards, seamlessly joins the braai room, with its separate pizza oven, assuring poolside pleasure to the North with magnificent mountain views. Four en-suite bedrooms, with the main bedroom situated on top level assures views over sea and lagoon from the spacious private balcony. This is a place that will ensure family-fun and holiday-delight. It could be your forever home, filled with light and laughter. Pieter Hugo 072 785 8254 Stephen De Stadler 082 441 0120 WEB: 1639650
Hermanus Office 16 Hope Street, Hermanus, 7200 + 27 (0)21 205 7135 hermanus@fineandcountry.com
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PET
8 | EXPLORER 10
25 March 2020
There’s always a silver lining By Hilldidge Beer
I
n torrid times, like those we are experiencing now, our pets are an important source of comfort and companionship. Numerous global studies have shown the impact pets have on the emotional and physiological wellbeing of their owners. Let’s focus on those, and on what we can do to maximise this special bond. COVID-19 has the world in a frenzy, and with good reason, but there is currently no evidence to suggest that companion animals can be a source of infection to people. In fact, now more than ever, as we face extended periods of self-isolation our pets will become important sources of support and wellbeing. Several large scientific studies conclude that dog owners, for example, are healthier than people who do not have a dog in the house. Dog owners are at lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease, probably because they exercise more. When
you have a dog you have to walk it, even in bad weather. Pets also have a significant impact on blood pressure and stress levels because when we’re with them, we’re focussing on their needs which helps us forget our own anxieties. What to do during self-isolation So you can’t go to the gym or yoga class or your favourite coffee shop to meet a friend, but you can interact with your dog or cat. Here are some fun ways to take the loneliness and boredom out of self-isolation:
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Take your dog for a walk. It’s not only good for you to get fresh air but walking is meditative, too, so it calms a fearful mind. And the walk
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is good for both your and your dog’s cardiovascular health. Avoid crowded doggy parks and choose paths that allow plenty of air and space between walkers. Play with your cat. Too few people appreciate how much cats enjoy interactive play, believing that felines prefer to sleep all day. That’s true for more than half of an average 24-hour period, but when they are awake cats need the
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same stimulation and attention as dogs. Think of this as an exercise in mindfulness: the more focussed you are on the game, the less likely you are to brood about COVID-19. EberVet Vetshops have a variety of toys – from feathered wands to catnip-stuffed balls – that keep cats amused for hours. Caring for others helps take the focus off our own wants and needs. Pets need food, bedding, parasite control, clean water and love. If you are self-isolating take this opportunity to wash your pet’s bed and bedding, check collars and leads (do they need replacing?), replace broken toys, cracked food bowls and litter trays, and
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apply parasite control. If you call ahead, your EberVet Vetshop can have your order ready for you so there is minimum contact time in-store. All our stores are sanitised with F10 veterinary disinfectant, a powerful virus killer that destroys all coronaviruses. Draw up a pet emergency list. We never seem to have the time to do this; now’s the ideal opportunity. If you have to be taken to hospital or into quarantine, who will take care of your pet? Will they know what to do? Does your pet require chronic medication, and in what dosages? Who is your vet? Drawing up a document with all of these details will make life a lot simpler for the person who has temporary custody of your pet, and you’ll have peace of mind. Hug and kiss your dog or cat. Unless you are sick, there is nothing to prevent you giving your pet big comforting hugs and kisses. Ahhh, now that feels good!
Veterinarian Dr Hilldidge Beer is CEO of the EberVet Petcare Group and of EberVet Vetshops.
CASINO, HOTEL, SPA AND ENTERTAINMENT
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25 March 2020
MY HOME
The ABC of Property Transactions By LB Vorster
Signatories to a Deed of Sale (‘Offer to Purchase’)
H
aving entered into a deed of sale, i.e. having accepted an offer to purchase presented by a real estate agent or a purchaser, a seller most certainly does not want to discover afterwards that the deed of sale lacks a vital further signature by the purchaser or that the signatory did not have the authority to make an offer on his/her own, thus leaving it null and void. Similarly, a purchaser would not want to ‘lose’ a property merely because the seller’s signatory had no authority to accept an offer on behalf of a spouse with whom he/she is married in community of property or to accept an offer on behalf of a legal entity (company, close corporation or trust).
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It is therefore essential that parties take special care when making or accepting an offer to purchase and that they seek legal guidance in the event of any degree of uncertainty as to the validity of a signature. Signature by the respective parties
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If a person who makes or accepts an offer is single or married out of community of property, i.e. in terms of an ante-nuptial contract, his/her full names, identity number and marital status should be stated and only his/her signature is required.
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In the case of a minor, this has to be stated, as well as the fact that he/she is being assisted by his/her legal guardian who will have to countersign the offer/deed of sale, either as a potential purchaser or as the seller. It is recommended that the full names and identity numbers of both the minor and his /her guardian are reflected in the offer/deed of sale. If a person is married in community of property, i.e. without an ante-nuptial contract, both spouses have to sign/accept the offer and should supply full names, identity numbers and state the fact that they are married to each other in community of property. Should a person represent a
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legal entity, i.e. a company, close corporation or a trust, as seller or purchaser, the offer/deed of sale must reflect the entity’s correct name (preferably the registration number as well), the fact that the signatory is signing in a representative capacity AND that he/she is duly authorized thereto by virtue of a resolution signed by ALL the directors/members/trustees of the entity, a copy of which should be attached to the offer/deed of sale. If a person signs an offer to purchase/deed of sale on behalf of an individual by virtue of a General or Special Power of Attorney granted to him/her by such individual, then the full names (and preferably the identity numbers) of both
the individual and the authorised representative have to be provided, together with appropriate wording to the effect that the offer is being made or accepted in a representative capacity. In such an event the signatory will not assume any rights or obligations in his/her personal capacity. The marital status of the representative is not required. Of particular importance to purchasers
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It IS possible to make an offer on behalf of a company or close corporation still to be registered. In such an event, the offer must clearly state that the signatory
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is acting in his/her capacity as trustee for the entity still to be registered, in which event the signatory will not assume personal liability. However, a well-advised seller will insist on the entity being registered and the sale ratified within a specific time frame, failing which the signatory in his/ her personal capacity will become the purchaser. The seller should also ensure that once the entity is registered, and the sale ratified, the signatory binds him/herself as surety for compliance by the entity of its obligations. It is NOT possible to make an offer on behalf of a trust still to be registered. The trust has to be in existence and a copy of the formal Letters of Authority, issued by the Master of the High Court empowering the trustee/s to act on behalf of the trust, should be attached, together with a resolution signed by all the trustees of the trust. Nomination of a third person/entity in an offer to eventually take transfer of a property is almost no longer an option. The South African Revenue Services (SARS) insist on strict compliance with Section 16 of the Transfer Duty Act in terms of which the nominee has to accept the nomination on the very same day of being nominated, making it totally impractical, if not impossible, in the majority of cases.
25 March 2020
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MY WELLNESS
25 March 2020 The new Angel Labyrinth in Pringle Bay.
Walk your way to tranquility Writer & Photographer Sarah Taylor
W
e’re entering a new way of life, ‘thanks’ to Corona. These days, virtually every news story online, on TV or in the newspapers is about the virus: politics, environment, art, business, sport have all been besieged. It’s impacting on most spheres of existence on Earth and, while it may turn out to be the greatest unifier for humans and could be a powerful wake-up call on globalisation, it is taking its toll on us, stress-wise. Being as calm as possible is one of the best things we can do to quell the virulent spread of Corona, alongside hyper-vigilant hygiene and social distancing. Science has long shown that stressed ‘naked apes’ are more prone to various illnesses. Stress reportedly leads to a heightened heart rate and blood pressure, a disrupted digestive system and a corticosteroid reaction that suppresses our immune system, opening the door to infection. One way to reduce stress and boost mindfulness is to meditate and quieten the mind. And walking a labyrinth, with its ancient geometry, can do just that. For 2 000 to 3 000 years, labyrinths have featured in many cultures around the world. People have used labyrinths for healing and enlightenment. And, we in the
Overberg, are fortunate enough to have a new labyrinth to soothe us and our itchy feet. It’s a perfect mini-getaway and it’s outdoors in the heart of peaceful Pringle Bay, so no crowds to fear. Instead, you’ll be surrounded by mountainand seascapes, with a pair of Spotted Dikkoppe as guardians. Called the Pringle Bay Angel Labyrinth, it has seven circles, not the 11 of the mediaeval labyrinth in Chartres, France, on which it is based. The in-and-out walk in Pringle Bay totals 332m, so it’s not quite the size of Stellenbosch’s Great Labyrinth of Africa, with its anticipated 10km (5km in, 5km out) of spekboom-surrounded pathway! This smaller version you can walk comfortably in 10 – 20 minutes, there and back, depending on your pace and dawdle level. Inner-peace & release Traditionally, people have used labyrinths to find inner peace, release negative thoughts, solve problems and deal with internal issues. The serpentine route of a labyrinth symbolises a pilgrimage to a holy or sacred place, or the journey through life from birth to spiritual awakening, to death. Walking a labyrinth is a way to connect with higher energies and one’s essential self. I have great respect for these sacred and healing spaces, having experienced a few labyrinths
in the Namibian desert, on South African farms and in lush-green countrified England. Here’s what I would recommend: When you arrive at the entrance, take time to close your eyes and centre yourself. Enter with an intention. This can be a question, a statement, an affirmation or a prayer. What are you going through at the moment? What are your concerns or worries? How can things improve?
Laying a labyrinth is truly a labour of love. And this one in Pringle Bay owes its being to the inspiration and hard work of local wonder-women Heather Miller (co-owner of the land on which it is located), Dawn Myburgh and Ilse van Baalen, who laid out the intricate twisty-turny circular design with paving stones. Other members of this peaceful community are assisting by bringing rocks to replace the pavers.
Then you enter, open-eyed and open-minded, and prepare for a walking meditation.
This age-old tool for accessing wisdom, inspiration and relaxation might be just the path you’re seeking to calm those hurly-burly thoughts amid the chaos of modern life. Go on, be an angel and take a walk on the enlightened side!
As you walk the labyrinth, preferably alone or at least silently, and meditate on your intention, curving towards and then away from the centre and then back again, you may find that realisations and answers come to you. Spending some time in contemplation at the centre before making the return trip can provide further clarity of thought and a peacefulness rarely felt in day-to-day life.
The Pringle Bay Angel Labyrinth is located at 335 Peak Road, at the intersection with Pass Road and Crescent Street. It is free and members of the public are welcome to walk it at their leisure, anytime.
DURABILITY OF THE CORONAVIRUS Research shows the new coronavirus can survive for a significant amount of time on some surfaces. That’s why it is vital to wash or sanitise your hands, especially when you can’t control the surfaces around you.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET SICK If you think you have been exposed to Covid-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as a cough or difficulty breathing, call either the national or provincial hotlines and make arrangements to be tested.
Researchers from several institutions, including the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the University of California, tested the viability of both the Covid-19 virus and the SARS virus on plastic, in aerosols, on stainless steel, copper and cardboard. It showed that the Covid-19 virus was more stable on hard, non-porous surfaces such as plastic and stainless steel than on copper and cardboard. The virus was detected for up to 72 hours after exposure on plastic and stainless steel, even though it became weaker and less infectious with the passage of time. The Covid-19 virus remained viable in aerosols for three hours after exposure, but also showed a decline in potency. The research also showed that the Covid-19 virus was able to survive a little longer on all surfaces than the SARS virus, even though both viruses seemed less contagious with time. According to the WHO, there are a couple of things you can do to protect yourself: • Wash your hands meticulously for up to 20 seconds, especially after doing grocery shopping, touching public surfaces, going to the bathroom and before touching your face. • Listen to any governmental advice and practise self-isolation. This is not to spread panic, but simply to eliminate the spread of the virus in public areas. • Keep your distance from other people in public, especially in queues and near counters in retail outlets. Respect the personal space of anyone working in shops. • Keep your own house clean when coming in from outside. Regularly wipe your kitchen and bathroom surfaces with a disinfectant cleaner. • Cover your mouth with a disposable tissue or a flexed elbow when you cough or sneeze. This will prevent droplets from being deposited on surfaces by our hands. • If you are prone to coughing and sneezing and worried about spreading droplets, or if you are caring for someone who is sick, wear a protective mask around your mouth and nose.
• Stay home, unless you need medical care. People who are mildly ill with Covid-19 are able to recover at home. Do not leave, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas. • Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis. • Separate yourself from other people in your home. If possible, you should stay in a specific ‘sick room’ and use a separate bathroom, if available. • If you are sick you should wear a face mask when you are around other people. • Clean your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. • Avoid sharing personal household items such as dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people in your home. After using these items, wash them thoroughly with soap and water or put in the dishwasher. • Clean all “high-touch” surfaces every day, including phones, remote controls, counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables. • Clean and disinfect areas that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them. • Monitor and manage your symptoms. For a fever over 38°C, take paracetamol rather than ibuprofen. • Hydrate (drink!) hydrate, hydrate! • Rest a lot. You should not be leaving your house. Even if you are feeling better you may still be infectious for 14 days and older people and those with existing health conditions should be avoided. • Things you should buy ahead of time: face tissues, paracetamol, whatever your generic mucus-thinning cough medicine of choice is (check the label and make sure you're not doubling up on paracetamol). Honey and lemon can work just as well. Vicks Vaporub for your chest is also a great suggestion. • If you don’t have a humidifier, that would be a good thing to buy and use in your room when you go to bed at night. (You can also steam yourself over a pot of boiling water with a towel draped over your head.) • If you have a history of asthma and you have a prescription inhaler, make sure the one you have isn’t expired and refill it/get a new one if necessary. • This is also a good time to meal prep: make a big batch of your favourite soup to freeze and have on hand. • Stock up on whatever your favorite clear fluids are to drink – though tap water is fine, you may appreciate some variety. • You DO NOT NEED TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL unless you are having trouble breathing or your fever is very high (over 39°C) and unmanaged with meds. Some 90% of healthy adult cases have thus far been managed at home with basic rest/hydration/over-the-counter meds. • If you are worried or in distress or feel your symptoms are getting worse, call the corona hotline and they will advise if you need to go to hospital. Hospital beds will be used for people who actively need oxygen/breathing assistance/ IV fluids. • If you have a pre-existing lung condition (COPD, emphysema, lung cancer) or are on immunosuppressants, now is a great time to talk to your doctor or specialist about what they would like you to do if you get sick. Remain calm and make rational preparations and everything will be fine.
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Contact AVBOB Hermanus on 028 312 1156. *Terms and conditions apply. Free funeral benefits only apply if AVBOB Funeral Service conducts the funeral. AVBOB is an authorised financial services provider. AVBOB is a level 2 B-BBEE contributor. FSP 20656. www.AVBOB.co.za Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.
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On the Greens
25 March 2020
Golf results:
By Willem Lindeque, Operations Manager, Hermanus Golf Club Well done to all the competition winners for the past week. In this difficult and uncertain time, we urge everyone to do what they can to stay safe. Happy golfing, see you at the club.
• Saturday 14 March Club Competition - Combined Stableford East Course Winners - 1st: Rob George & Peter Cawdry - 80 pts, 2nd: Brian Taylor & GP le Roux - 76 pts; South Course Winners - 1st: Stephen O’Kennedy & Morgan O’Kennedy - 70 pts C/I, 2nd: Werner Otto & David Romburgh - 70 pts C/O; North Course Winners - 1st: Peter Gray & Stephen vd Merwe - 71 pts, 2nd: Izak Krige & Ray Calitz - 69 pts • Tuesday 17 March Ladies Competition Captain vs Vice Captain - 4 BBB Stableford - Captain - 495 pts, Vice Captain - 502 pts • Wednesday 18 March Men’s Competition - 4BBB Medal East Course Winners - 1st: Jan Cloete & Shaun Smith - 63 net C/I , 2nd: Duncan Fletcher & Brian Cartwright - 63 net C/O; South Course Winners - 1st: Jo Baartman & Jeremy Sechiari - 63 net C/I, 2nd: Ian McAdam & Johan van Vuuren - 63 net C/O; North Course Winners - 1st: Charl van Zijl & Louis Bester - 62 net, 2nd: Wim van der Wetering & Roelof Kuiper - 64 net
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25 March 2020
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Walking for Stanford’s Butterflies Writer & Photograper Taylum Meyer
T
he 2020 Lighthouse 2 Lighthouse Ladies Walk took place from 12 to 15 March in aid of the Butterfly Foundation, which is currently building a school on the Stanford Hills farms of its founder, Jami Kastner. The group consisted of 122 ladies this year, many of whom already have multiple walks under their belts. Starting out on my walk for the second year running, I had to ask myself why I was doing this – apart from helping to support a local Overstrand charity, of course. I struggled with the same question last year, when we walked in aid of Camphill School Hermanus, but this time round, I realised that I was not only walking for charity, but also for myself. Plucked out of the routine of my ‘normal’ life and transported to the great outdoors for four days, the 100 km walk offered me the chance to relax mentally and to reset – something I have not had the opportunity to do in quite a while. While it was still physically challenging and my body was pretty tired when I returned home, my mind was at ease and I felt ready to face the real world again. Perhaps the most therapeutic part of the experience was getting away from technology (there was often no cellphone reception along the walk or at camp) and the daily stresses of my job. My fellow walkers and I were mostly blissfully unaware of the status of COVID-19 over those four days. South Africa was just starting to report its first few cases, and if the walk had been scheduled for only a week later, it probably would have had to be postponed or even cancelled. The event was even more special than usual this year as we were joined for the first time by Jami Kastner, whose Butterfly Centre is the main beneficiary for 2020. Jami addressed all of us on the second evening and told her emotional and inspirational story, saying that this walk was a personal pilgrimage for her. She has big plans for the Butterfly Centre and thanked all the ladies for helping her turn her dreams into a reality.
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This was also the first year that L2L, with the help of their main sponsor, Spar, elected an ambassador – former international netball player, Vanes-Mari du Toit, who is not only down to earth with a great sense of humour, but is also patient and kind, and very involved in charity work. Vanes-Mari is married to the assistant forwards rugby coach for England, Matthew Proudfoot, who was also the assistant coach for the Springboks at last year’s Rugby World Cup. Each morning we woke at 05:30 for a delicious breakfast (with everything from oats and fruit, to muffins and croissants) and by 07:00 were on the bus en route to the starting point of the next day’s walk. Day 1 started at Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, where representatives of SANParks and Spar were waiting to see us off. After a quick group photo in front of the lighthouse, we set off on the 18 km walk to Brandfontein. The terrain was challenging, with soft sand and loose rocks hindering our progress, but on the last stretch to Brandfontein there was a beautiful beach with hard sand which was lovely to walk on.
committee handed out spot prizes for the worst blisters, best attitude, youngest and oldest walkers (yours truly, at 24, and Leslie Clarke, at 79 years respectively), and other fun ‘categories’. Day 4 started at Pearly Beach and ended at Danger Point Lighthouse in Gansbaai (27 km), where Overstrand Mayor, Dudley Coetzee, L2L Patron, Nicolette Johnson, the learners from The Butterfly Centre and several of our sponsors were waiting for us with shiny medals and sparkling wine.
The walkers stopped at Buffeljagsbaai on Day 3 where L2L has helped to fund proper classrooms for the Seestrerretjies Crèche.
After all the speeches, we left by bus for the last 1 km of our walk from the mouth of the Klein River Estuary to Grotto Beach, where our loved ones were waiting. It is always an emotional moment for the ladies when they are reunited with friends and family, and all around me couples were embracing and children running into their mothers’ arms. I think L2L has become part of my life now and I’ll be back for my third walk next year. And I will no longer be wondering why I am doing this.
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After getting onto the busses waiting for us at Brandfontein, we headed for Die Damme, where we were accommodated for the three nights of the walk, and got busy unpacking and settling in while enjoying hot coffee from The Beanery Hermanus (a treat we enjoyed every day). Evening came around quickly and at 18:00 we were served delicious chicken pie and salads from The Eatery Hermanus (we ate very well on the walk!). The next morning it was back to Brandfontein for the second part of our walk, which ended at our camp after a 19km trek. We were blessed with beautiful weather and gorgeous beaches and a few of the ladies even took a dip in the ocean. The Eatery provided us with a hearty lasagne for dinner, and we all had an early night to get enough rest ahead of the gruelling third day. At 29 km, Day 3 covers the longest distance of the four days. As the ladies do every year, we stopped at Buffeljagsbaai to visit the Seesterretjies Crèche, which had just moved into its new classrooms thanks to funding from Lighthouse 2 Lighthouse. This year three of the teachers from the crèche joined us for the first part of the walk from Die Damme to Buffeljagsbaai. A warm welcome with watermelon and singing children awaited us at the crèche and we all took a moment to relax before setting off on the rest of the day’s walk to Pearly Beach. Here we enjoyed ice creams – the best Magnum I ever had! – before taking the bus back to camp. Dinner that evening was fish and chips and complimentary wine from Ocean Basket Hermanus, followed by a ‘prizegiving’. The L2L
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1. L2L Chairperson, Ronelle van Zyl enjoying some music on Day 3. 2. Day 2's windy walk ended at Brandfontein. 3. Mayor of the Overstrand, Dudley Coetzee, with the Kastner family, Jami, Peter and Jack. 4. Local Caz Flynn (left) , with L2L Ambassador, Vanes-Mari du Toit (Proudfoot).
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25 March 2020
MY SPORT
Famous athletes who triumphed after illness By Tony O'Hagan
C
OVID-19 has had a devastating impact on world economies. Industries across the spectrum are feeling the negative effects of this illness, which is spread by the Coronavirus. The sport sector is one of many suffering economic disaster, as sporting events are cancelled or postponed throughout the world. This applies to all sporting disciplines. Consider just one example – the English Premiership. With the current shutdown in the UK, clubs are losing income as matches are cancelled, yet still have to pay their staff and players’ salaries and keep up the maintenance of sportsgrounds. The Football Association is now devising plans for financial assistance, fearing the permanent closure of clubs, particularly those in the lower leagues with minimum resources. This scenario applies to all other sporting associations. The advent of COVID-19 got me thinking about disease and the manner in which it has ended the careers of athletes, some in the prime of their sporting prowess. However, there are many who overcame serious illness to participate again at the highest level. There are also those athletes who overcame injury and returned to compete again. Some of those who battled disease and excelled after comebacks include:
immediate success but soon after, was diagnosed with advanced testicular cancer which had spread to his abdomen, lungs, lymph nodes and brain. He was given a 40% chance of survival.
world tennis rankings in 1995, but personal problems during his tumultuous marriage to actress Brooke Shields, coupled with injuries that led to poor performances on the court sent him into a gaping abyss of depression.
He opted for surgery and aggressive chemotherapy treatment. Despite the debilitating effects of chemo, Armstrong went on cycling between chemo sessions. He saw cancer as his greatest competitor and determined to beat it.
This depression led him to self-medicate using crystal methamphetamine, and his ranking plummeted to number 140. Although many believed at this point that his run as one of the sport's premier competitors was over, Agassi cleaned up his act and worked his way back to top physical and mental shape. In 1999, he was back at No. 1.
Armstrong went on to make a full recovery and returned to professional cycling, winning the Tour de France seven times. He married Kirstin Richard in 1998 and they have three children. The pregnancies were made possible thanks to sperm that Armstrong had banked before chemotherapy and surgery. The couple divorced in 2003. Armstrong fell from grace after he was exposed for taking performance-enhancing drugs administered into the bloodstream, and was banned from cycling for life. Ervin ‘Magic’ Johnson (2), the legendary LA Lakers and American basketball player who was part of the famous American ‘Dream Team’, tested positive for HIV in 1991. He immediately retired to deal with his health and spend time with his family.
Cyclist Lance Armstrong (1), who was hated as much as he was loved, but universally admired for his comeback after being diagnosed with life-threatening cancer.
This decision didn’t sit well with him, though, as he felt there was plenty of play left in him. He started coaching but this did not satisfy him. After four seasons’ hiatus, at the age of 36, he was back on the basketball court in the 1995/6 season, averaging a healthy 15 points per game. He went on to become a two-time inductee into the Basketball Hall of Fame, an advocate for HIV/AIDS, an entrepreneur, philanthropist, broadcaster and motivational speaker.
Armstrong entered the cycling world achieving
André Agassi (3) was ranked number 1 on the
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Agassi went on to become the fifth male player in the history of tennis to have won all four Grand Slam titles. In 2002, he became the oldest player in the world, at that time, to reach the No.2 ranking. Agassi married Steffi Graf in 2001 and they have two children. The couple has multiple business interests in America. Phil Mickelson (4), the winner of five golf major championships, thought his career was over when he began experiencing severe joint pains in 2010. He was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, a type of autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the joints. Symptoms of this disease include joint pain and swelling, along with itchy patches that form on the skin. Now, with regular treatment to help manage the condition, he is able to compete at the elite level of the sport he loves. Mickelson is one of only 12 players in the history of golf to win three of the four majors. (The only major he hasn’t won is the US Open, where he has finished runner-up a record six times.) Mickelson has spent over 25 consecutive years in the top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2012.
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