The Village NEWS 25 Nov - 2 Dec 2020

THE VILLAGE

NEWS

25 NOVEMBER 2020 YOUR FREE COPY #ALLOVEROVERBERG The next issue of The Village NEWS will be out on 2 December 2020.

www.thevillagenews.co.za

Ivanhoe Sea Safaris in Gansbaai enjoyed a number of exciting trips out into Walker Bay last week and over the weekend, spotting Common dolphins, penguins, a Hammerhead shark, seals, Southern Right whales, a Bryde’s whale and even a flying fish! Thousands of Common dolphins were scattered throughout the bay, feeding alongside the seals and a few species of Tern on what the Ivanhoe team believed to be anchovy.

PHOTO: Jax Bath, Ivanhoe Sea Safaris

Vaccines on the horizon

Writer De Waal Steyn

B

y all accounts the world is in dire need of a Covid-19 vaccine and it is expected that the first doses will be ready to be administered by as early as mid-December, most probably to frontline medical personnel in America.

According to reports, South Africans are likely to get a Covid-19 vaccine in the second quarter of next year, with healthcare professionals being first in line, followed by the elderly.

Over the past few months there has been much speculation on when vaccines will be ready, and how effective and accessible they will be. There has been good news of late with three pharmaceutical giants revealing that their vaccine trials are showing promising results.

The coronavirus vaccine from Pfizer has proven

to be 95% effective, while the Moderna vaccine reduced the risk of catching the virus by 94.5%.

It was also announced that the Oxford vaccine showed a strong immune response in especially the elderly. The news comes as most of Europe is experiencing a second wave of the virus and local infection rates are beginning to rise.

prioritised and immunised, followed by the elderly. Stage two would entail 11% to 20% of the population being vaccinated, with people with comorbidities and high-priority teachers getting the shot. In stage three up to 50% of the population would be immunised, including other essential workers.

Pfizer, together with its Covid vaccine partner BioNTech, announced last week that they have submitted a request to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of their Covid-19 vaccine candidate.

In all likelihood the vaccine will be a double-dose combination and depending on what vaccine we adopt, it is expected to cost between $1 and $3 (USD) in poorer countries, according to the WHO.

Rajesh Narwal, a health systems adviser at the World Health Organisation (WHO) expects South Africa to see the arrival of a vaccine either in the first quarter of next year, or more likely in the second quarter. Like other countries, South Africa is set to adopt a phased approach. Stage one would see health workers

rently in stage 3 of clinical trials and is one of the leading trials underway at present, involving 60 000 adults in eight countries including South Africa and the US. Indications of vaccine efficacy are expected in the first quarter of 2021.

While the Port Elizabeth facility will be fully operational by 2023, it already has the capacity to produce more than 300 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine candidate a year.

The good news for South Africa is that Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has selected Port Elizabeth-based Aspen Pharmacare as one of the companies to manufacture its Covid-19 vaccine, once it has the go-ahead for commercial production.

The National Department of Health said that the government has put measures in place to facilitate the arrival of a vaccine. A ministerial advisory committee on the Covid-19 vaccine had been set up. There is also a National Strategy Framework, which is designed to make recommendations to the minister on funding, cost implications and other issues.

The vaccine candidate, Ad26.COV2-S, is cur-

Read more on Page 4

BLACK-VEMBER

40% AF!

OP MANS EN DAMES LEVI DENIMS *uitgesoekte voorraad

40% AF! OP MANS EN

DAMES POLO MODES

TOT

50% AF! Rip Curl Shorts

was R599

NOU R299

50% AF!

op uitgesoekte BRANDED t-hemde

O’Neill Boardshorts

50% AF!

was R599 NOU R299

Lizzard Boardshorts was R499

30% AF! Village Square, Hermanus | 028 312 3411

NOU R349

2

www.thevillagenews.co.za

25 November 2020

Globe-trotting Head for Generation Schools Hermanus Writer Elaine Davie

N

ikki Malcomess, the newly-appointed Campus Head at Generation Schools Hermanus could well have made an old John Denver melody her theme song: I'm leavin' on a jet plane / Don't know when I'll be back again… But this peripatetic educator who has lived all over the world has finally come home to roost – at least for now.

Certainly no event in her life could better illustrate her response to happenstance than her presence in this place at this time. Up to March this year, she had been heading up a school in Mauritius. Then her husband, Andy’s father passed away in Durban. Literally at the eleventh hour they managed to get four tickets on a flight to South Africa. They threw together hand luggage for themselves and their two children, Amelia, aged seven and James, five, and left early the next morning, 14 March, intending to be back in a week or so.

doorstep. She notified her school in Mauritius that she would not be returning, they found a home to rent and she looked around for a school for her children to attend.

Mainly because the school follows the Montessori curriculum and offers a Cambridge school-leaving pathway, she settled on Generation Schools Hermanus. This turned out to be not an end, but a beginning.

Calling the school to confirm her children’s enrolment, she was surprised when the call was answered

by Founder and CEO of Generation Schools, Jevron Epstein. During a short chat, he mentioned that the incumbent, Charl du Toit would be transferring to their newly-acquired Reddam School in Somerset West and asked if she would be interested in coming in for a job interview. And the rest, as they say, is history.

They spent some time with Andy’s mom in Durban and then, bringing her with them, they decamped to Hermanus where Nikki’s New Zealand-born mom and step-father lived. Hermanus was Nikki’s happy place, having spent many memorable holidays here, even while living abroad.

Nikki is beyond excited about the opportunity and is having a wonderful time getting to know the 52 educators and 276 learners at the school; her energy and enthusiasm are infectious. “I mean this is absolutely the dream job for me. What more could you ask for? It’s the kind of school I love working in, the staff are incredibly motivated and well-trained, the culture is not unfamiliar to me and the cherry on top is that I’m at the same school as my children. What a blessing! I realise I’ve been homesick for South Africa for years and as Amelia said to me the other day, ‘Mommy, you’re home now’.”

As time passed and they had no way of knowing when they would be able to return to Mauritius, she felt it was important to get the children into a school in Hermanus as soon as restrictions were lifted, and to find a home of their own, instead of continuing to camp on her mother’s

Nikki’s travels started at a very young age. Born in New Zealand, the family subsequently lived in Hong Kong and Australia where her father was a diamond merchant before returning to Johannesburg. She finished her high school education at St Stithians College in Johannesburg, then it

Unbeknown to them, it was the last flight out of Mauritius before it closed its borders against Covid-19. And they were locked out.

was off to Rhodes University, where she obtained a BA in Psychology, English and Drama. In her third year she taught Drama in a township school and enjoyed this experience so much that she decided to follow in the footsteps of her New Zealand grandfather, a school principal, and obtained her teaching diploma.

It turned out that, spanning a teaching career in a variety of schools and countries, Drama became a golden thread binding it all together – a thread she hopes to extend into her new posting at Generation School.

After leaving university, she travelled to London, together with five fellow students and was fortunate enough to obtain a Drama teaching post almost immediately. Unfortunately, the school was in crisis and threatened with closure, so in addition to her teaching responsibilities, she played a leading role in interacting with the Education Department in an attempt to revive the school. She eventually ended up staying there for three years before hitting the road again.

From running a theatre in a US summer camp, she moved on to Canada before returning to Cape Town and a most unlikely detour. After obtaining a diploma in Marketing and Advertising at UCT and a further diploma from the Red and Yellow School of Marketing, she obtained a research job organising focus groups countrywide to assess the response of youth groups to a variety of products. Although she loved the work, teaching was in her blood and eventually she took a job teaching English and Drama at Abbott’s College, Cape Town.

But by then, design architect Andy Malcomess was in her life and when he was offered a job with a company in Hong Kong, they decided to move on and Nikki entered a new phase in her teaching career. Between getting married and having two children, she worked herself into leadership positions in three different schools (she had attended one of them as a child), where she was introduced to and trained in the IB (International Baccalaureate) and Cambridge education systems.

When Andy’s work in Asia came to

Nikki Malcomess (circle and above), the new Head of Generation School Hermanus with son, James on her lap, is mobbed by his small classmates. At the back is teacher Deandre Etalla. an end, he joined another company with projects in Africa and they moved to Mauritius, where Nikki’s father lives. With three years at an IB International School and a Master’s Degree in Education under her belt, they received the fateful call from Durban and jumped on yet another jet plane, bringing her full circle back to Hermanus.

From a personal point of view, Nikki feels the Covid-19 pandemic has given her spiritual respite and an opportunity to reassess her life and future career. “I also think it has been an important chance for my children to reconnect with their identity and family values, and Amelia, in particular, has already responded very positively to this opportunity. Of course, it’s also been wonderful for my mom to play a more active role in their lives.”

Professionally, Nikki has come to espouse the enquiry-based, leadership-led Montessori system of

education within a Cambridge and IB framework. At Generation Schools Hermanus this applies to children from the age of 18 months to 18 years, with the option of tertiary education through the Cornerstone structure.

“There are so many features of the school that I love,” enthuses Nikki. “For instance the emphasis on on-going, in-service training and the sense of community you feel here.

Our full-time chef cooks a nourishing daily meal, picking veggies from the school’s own garden, for every child in the school. They eat it together in the central courtyard of the school, creating a real sense of family.”

Central to her vision is whole-child development, which includes access to sporting and cultural activities in addition to the academic programme. “I believe that education is all about offering learners as many pathways to individual choice as possible.”

Local expertise, national presence and international audience

R 6 200 000 FINE & COUNTRY FEATURE VERMONT, HERMANUS, WESTERN CAPE

Showstopper with ocean and mountain views We

proudly

present

our

privileged

exclusive

instruction.

Contemporary family living, modern, sophisticated and inviting, designed for comfortable in-and -outdoor living, just a few hundred meters away from Breakfast Bay Beach.

Enter through the grand front doors to a glamorous foyer with double volume ceiling, grand chandelier and imposing staircase all inviting you further into this home. The master bedroom offers a study area, airconditioning, and shadow line ceilings featuring another chandelier.

Enjoy magnificent mountain and ocean views from the terrace off the bedroom, which will only lead to relaxation while recharging. The 3 other bedrooms provide ample accommodation for an extended family.

The family kitchen offers full views of the entertainment area, lounge and large indoor braai area, leading out to a manicured garden, promising quality time with loved ones and friends.

Bhavinee Siepman 0827976233 WEB 1894401

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

Park Lane Office 119/121 Park Lane, London, W1 +44 (0)207 079 1515 admin@fineandcountry.com

Regionally 20 offices throughout Gauteng Nationally 50 offices across South Africa Internationally Over 300 offices globally

www.fineandcountry.com

4

www.thevillagenews.co.za

25 November 2020

What are vaccines and how do they work?

W hich vaccines are likely to be the most effective and how they work are among the questions that many people have. To answer that we first need to establish why we need a vaccine.

Most importantly, the vast majority of people are still vulnerable to coronavirus. It is only the current restrictions that are preventing more people from dying. A vaccine would teach our bodies to fight the infection by stopping us from catching coronavirus, or at least making Covid-19 less deadly.

What vaccines are being developed and what are the differences?

1. Pfizer/BioNtech: The big breakthrough came when Pfizer/BioNTech published its first results.

• • •

They showed it stops more than 90% of people developing Covid-19 symptoms It is given in two doses, three weeks apart About 43 000 people have had the vaccine, with no safety concerns

The vaccine must be stored at a temperature of around -70 degrees C and will degrade in around five days at normal refrigeration temperatures of slightly above freezing. It will be transported in a special box, packed in dry ice and installed with GPS

trackers.

The vaccine is a new type called an mRNA and uses a tiny fragment of the virus's genetic code. This starts making part of the virus inside the body, which the immune system recognises as foreign and starts to attack.

An mRNA vaccine has never been approved for use in humans, although people have received them in clinical trials for other diseases. The most important challenge for development of an mRNA vaccine remains its inherent instability because it is more likely to break apart above freezing temperatures.

Modification of the mRNA building blocks and development of the particles that can cocoon it relatively safely have helped the mRNA vaccine candidates. But this new class of vaccine still requires unprecedented freezer conditions for distribution and administration.

Pfizer said they have ramped up manufacturing capabilities across the globe in an effort to meet the high demand due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Based on current projections, the companies expect to produce globally up to 50 million vaccine doses in 2020 and up to 1.3 billion doses by the end of 2021.

2. Moderna: This vaccine uses the same approach as the Pfizer vaccine.

• • •

It protects 94.5% of people, the company says It is given in two doses, four weeks apart 30 000 people have been involved in the trials, with half getting the vaccine and half dummy injections

Moderna claims its vaccine can be maintained at most home or medical freezer temperatures for up to six months for shipping and longer-term storage. Moderna also claims its vaccine can remain stable at standard refrigerated conditions for up to 30 days after thawing, within the sixmonth shelf life.

3. Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccine: Trials of the Oxford vaccine have shown a strong immune response in older people.

• • •

Two weeks after a second dose, more than 99% of trial participants appeared to be protected It is given in two doses Trials are still continuing

This may be the easiest of the three vaccines to distribute, because it does not need to be stored at very cold temperatures. It is made from a weakened version of a common cold virus from chimpanzees, which has been modified to not grow in humans. The study shows the vaccine causes few side effects and provokes

How do mRNA vaccines work?

Like most Covid-19 vaccine candidates, the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are injected into the muscle, from where they enter the bloodstream and stimulate the production of antibodies to Sars-CoV-2 (specifically to the protein that forms the spikes covering its surface).

a response in T-cells that target the virus within 14 days of the first dose and a protective antibody response within 28 days of the booster dose, according to the report. Neutralising levels were achieved by 14 days after a boost vaccination in 208 of 209 recipients.

What other vaccines are being developed?

There are more than 100 vaccines being developed. Other trial results are also expected in the coming weeks.

• • •

Data on the Russian Sputnik V vaccine, which works like the Oxford one, suggests it is 92% efficient Janssen's trial is recruiting 30 000 volunteers worldwide, to see if two jabs give stronger and longer-lasting immunity than one Wuhan Institute of Biological Products and Sinopharm in China, and Russia's Gamaleya Research Institute are all in final testing

However, a trial in Brazil for a drug developed by the Chinese firm Sinovac was suspended after a "severe adverse incident" – believed to be a volunteer's death.

What still needs to be done?

Trials must show the vaccine is safe • Huge-scale development must happen for the billions of potential doses • Regulators must approve the

•

Please note that this is a stock photo and not a photo of a vaccine for Covid-19.

Vaccines train the immune system to recognize the disease-causing part of a virus. Vaccines traditionally contain either weakened viruses or purified signature proteins of the virus.

This approach mimics what the SARS-CoV-2 does in nature – but the vaccine mRNA codes only for the critical fragment of the viral protein.

This gives the immune system a preview of what the real virus looks like without causing disease. This

vaccine before it can be given Researchers still need to find out how long any protection may last

It is thought that 60 – 70% of the global population must be immune to stop the virus spreading easily (herd immunity) – billions of people, even if the vaccine works perfectly.

Equally important are the unknowns about the vaccines themselves.

Scientists still don’t know how long vaccine-induced protection will last, for example, or whether inoculations can block actual infection, or only prevent the onset of disease. If the latter turns out to be the case, meaning the vaccines keep us from getting sick, but not infected, we still could be infectious to others. Until we know, do not toss those masks into the trash.

What if the SARS-CoV-2 virus mutates?

Only testing will allow data on whether the vaccine works against a mutated form of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, mRNA vaccine technology has the ability to be easily adapted and potentially modified relatively quickly to address new mutations of the virus. Because this technology does not include all or a portion of the actual pathogen, but instead utilises the pathogen’s genetic code, scientists could potentially modify the genetic code of the vaccine candidate to address any changes in the virus. simpler than proteins. For vaccines, mRNA is manufactured by chemical rather than biological synthesis, so it is much quicker than conventional vaccines to be redesigned, scaled up and mass-produced.

In fact, within days of the genetic code of the SARS-CoV-2 virus becoming available, the mRNA code for a candidate vaccine testing was ready. What’s most attractive is that once the mRNA vaccine tools become viable, mRNA can be quickly tailored for other future pandemics.

But antibodies are only one component of the body’s adaptive immune response, which develops over time, in response to invasion by a virus or other pathogen. There is also innate immunity, which we are born with and that is mobilised instantly upon infection but is not tailored to any specific pathogen.

But an mRNA (also called messenger RNA) vaccine is different, because rather than having the viral protein injected, a person receives genetic material – mRNA – that encodes the viral protein. When these genetic instructions are injected into the upper arm, the muscle cells translate them to make the viral protein directly in the body.

•

preview gives the immune system time to design powerful antibodies that can neutralise the real virus if the individual is ever infected.

While this synthetic mRNA is genetic material, it cannot be transmitted to the next generation. After an mRNA injection, this molecule guides the protein production inside the muscle cells, which reaches peak levels for 24 to 48 hours and can last for a few more days.

Why can an mRNA vaccine be produced so fast?

Traditional vaccine development, although well studied, is very

time-consuming and cannot respond instantaneously against novel pandemics such as COVID-19.

For example, for seasonal flu, it takes roughly six months from identification of the circulating influenza virus strain to produce a vaccine. The candidate flu vaccine virus is grown for about three weeks to produce a hybrid virus, which is less dangerous and better able to grow in hens’ eggs. The hybrid virus is then injected into a lot of fertilised eggs and incubated for several days to make more copies. Then the fluid containing virus is harvested from the eggs, the vaccine viruses are killed, and

the viral proteins are purified over several days.

The mRNA vaccines can leapfrog the hurdles of developing traditional vaccines such as producing non-infectious viruses or producing viral proteins at medically demanding levels of purity. mRNA vaccines eliminate much of the manufacturing process because rather than having viral proteins injected, the human body uses the instructions to manufacture viral proteins itself.

Also, mRNA molecules are far

What are the problems with mRNA? mRNA technology isn’t new. It was shown a while back that when synthetic mRNA is injected into an animal, the cells can produce a desired protein. But the progress remained slow. That’s because mRNA is not only notoriously unstable and easy to degrade into smaller components, it is also easily destroyed by the human body’s immune defences, which makes delivering it to the target very inefficient.

But beginning in 2005, researchers figured out how to stabilise mRNA and package it into small particles to deliver it as a vaccine. The mRNA Covid-19 vaccines are expected to be the first using this technology to be approved by the FDA. After a decade of work, the mRNA vaccines are now ready for evaluation. Physicians will be watching for unintended immune reactions, which can be both helpful and detrimental.

SOURCES: Washington Post, BBC, theconversation.com, Pfizer, Moderna, New England Journal of Medical Science, World Health Organisation, UNICEF

Introducing COMFORT at its FINEST

Harrismith modular units starting from R5 500

Wolseley couch

starting from R17 500 087 1533 625 | helene@incanda.co.za 15 Village Lane, Hemel & Aarde Village, Hermanus

www.incanda.co.za

WIN YOUR LOAN BACK!

The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) is a public entity under the National Department of Science and Technology (DST).

SANSA has a mandate to drive the promotion and use of space and cooperation in space-related activities. To achieve this mandate, the Agency fosters research in space science and technology, advances space engineering programmes, and supports the creation of an environment conducive to industrial development in space technologies within the framework of national government policy. More information about the organization can be found at http://www.sansa.org.za The following opportunity exists at the SANSA Hermanus campus, in the Western Cape to be filled by an individual with the relevant skills, drive, competencies and qualifications. This position requires the incumbent to be situated in Hermanus.

SANSA Communications Practitioner Reporting to the Managing Director, the incumbent will provide communication support and services to the Space Science programme and Hermanus facility that is aligned to the SANSA communications strategy. The incumbent MUST be willing to relocate to Hermanus as this position is based in Hermanus. The Communications Practitioner is expected to deliver the following duties:

TO ENTER, APPLY FOR AN AFFORDABLE CASHIES LOAN AGAINST YOUR SALARY.

•

BE APPROVED AND STAND A CHANCE TO WIN YOUR LOAN BACK.

• • •

We also offer a FREE credit report. Visit our Personal Finance Centre today!

• • •

Competition ends 31 December 2020. Winner will be notified telephonically on 3 February 2021! Valid ONLY at Cash Converters Hermanus.

• • •

Cash Converters Hermanus Astoria Village, 23 Long St Hermanus T: 010 590 6328 hermanus@cashconverters.co.za www.cashconverters.co.za

R

Prepare and implement the Space Science internal and external communication strategy through activities aimed at internal and external stakeholders.

Ensure that all communication is standardised using various mediums and that policies are being implemented and adhered to.

Manage external communication which includes but is not limited to promoting SANSA to targeted stakeholders, identifying opportunities and facilitating the production of all promotional material.

Responsible for science writing and editing which includes but is not limited to writing articles, press releases and editing internal and external reports and articles.

Manage all design, advertising, PR and Media for the Space Science Programme.

Manage digital and print collateral development and branding.

General administration which includes developing and managing the communications budget and procurement plans for the Space Science Programme and managing administrative duties such as procurement and record keeping etc.

Contribute to newsletter, social media and website content development and administration.

Develop strong relations with key media, private and public stakeholders of all levels.

Work with the Managing Director and the Business Development Practitioner to raise the visibility of the programme through all available channels.

The ideal candidate will have: • Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Journalism and/or Science Communication.

• A minimum of 4 years’ relevant experience.

www.thevillagenews.co.za

25 November 2020

Finding oneself in Betty’s Bay Writer Elaine Davie

I

n December 2018, retired Cape Town businessman, Hugh Winter, was thrilled at last to take transfer of the property he had bought in Betty’s Bay. It had belonged to the family of his son-in-law since the 1930s, one of the earliest homes in the village, and consequently held special significance for them all.

During the first week in January 2019, before he had even moved in, it was burnt to the ground. Not only was the house reduced to ashes, along with approximately 40 other properties in the Kogelberg fire storm, but also the pristine indigenous garden straddling 6 stands, from Clarence Drive to the ocean. The family was devastated. All Hugh’s plans for a peaceful retirement had literally gone up in smoke.

This was not the first occasion within a relatively short space of time that he had been faced with the challenge of starting over. When his wife of 40 years passed away after a protracted illness, it had felt as if the entire structure of his life had collapsed. He neither knew exactly who he was or where he was going; he was completely out of touch with his feelings.

Accepting an invitation from friends in India, he struggled to find a new path to the future.

During his professional life, he had lived in Shanghai and Hong Kong and had therefore been exposed to a non-Western way of life.

Yogic philosophies, developed over centuries, introduced him to the importance of self-awareness and achieving balance between the physical, cognitive and spiritual aspects of life.

Hugh enjoys wandering through his ever-changing garden to the rock pools below, always the source of new discoveries.

“Amongst other things that I learned from the ancient sages,” he says, “was that events don’t happen randomly and no matter what crises might befall us, the core of who we are is unique and enduring. In fact, there are many ways of living, and the best path is the one where the choices we make achieve the greatest balance in our lives.”

The beautiful fynbos conservancy created by Hugh Winter on his six plots in Betty's Bay is a place of peace and quiet contemplation.

Still mulling over these new insights, Hugh returned to South Africa, not yet sure how he was going to occupy himself. Then he was taken to see the Betty’s Bay property, and he fell instantly in love with it. He knew with absolute clarity that this was where he wanted to be.

Which is why the fire came as such a shattering blow. Just as he thought he had found the beginning of a new path, it seemed to have closed itself off to him. However, he decided that the property was worth saving and he was going to rebuild it. “So for the next year or so, I became a builder,” he says. “That was what I focused on, and the fact that I could shape this space around my values and needs.

The buildings should be simple and functional and the emphasis had to be on conserving the beauty of the natural environment.”

And that is how the Conservancy came into being. Miraculously, the rich diversity of fynbos that had been there before the conflagration re-emerged and with the help of a landscape gardener, all Hugh did was to shape the garden and clean up the three small perennial streams that flow through the property to the sea. He planted new trees and built ponds and dams and pathways down to the rock pools at the bottom of the garden, and the birds and the frogs and the porcupines and the mongooses came. Hugh estimates that about 55 bird species regularly visit his garden.

“I had begun to notice that people were so caught up in the worlds of electronic gadgetry and materialism that they had become estranged from nature altogether. Actually, it’s not just that they had lost touch with nature, it’s that they no longer understood that they were part of nature, its rhythms and cycles, death and rebirth and the movement of sun, moon and stars. In fact, they had cut themselves off from an important aspect of what

makes us human.”

With this in mind, he felt driven to create a sanctuary conducive to contemplation and meditation. In it he built a self-catering cottage for those with a thirst for peace and renewal, as well as a yoga studio, with huge windows facing the garden and the sea.

Although Hugh had been practising the yogic asanas for many years and had even taught informally, he has recently completed a formal yoga teacher training course and is hoping to start yoga classes in earnest next year.

The studio is called the Five Petals Yoga Centre. In Patanjali's Yoga Sutra, the eight steps, or lotus petals, provide an holistic blueprint for living a meaningful and purposeful life. Hugh calls it the art of being human.

And this is at the core of the personal life coaching he does. He makes the point, though, that the role of the coach is simply to act as a guide and to create a safe and non-threatening environment in which the individual works towards greater self-awareness and understanding. Getting to recognise the values that shape our lives and the goals towards which we strive are the responsibility of each one entering this journey of self-discovery.

“As a coach, I can help to uncover personal insights; and as a mentor, offer suggestions and facilitate lifestyle balance. But it is up to individuals themselves to do the work; they have to want to find their own pathway. And it is never a quick fix; it’s a process. The good stuff takes time, but a growth in confidence and energy is always its own reward.”

For more information, Hugh can be contacted on hughwinterbb@gmail.com or 083 2254169.

7

8

www.thevillagenews.co.za

FROM THE EDITOR

25 November 2020

Let’s make informed decisions

With Covid-19 vaccine developers reporting promising results, we are soon going to be faced with the question of whether or not we want to be vaccinated. It is understandable that many people would want and need the vaccine as soon as possible, but it is also understandable that some may be wary of not only a new product but also a new type of vaccine (mRNA) in the case of Pfizer and Moderna.

This leads us to the problem of what the medical fraternity now refers to as vaccine hesitancy. American research

data suggest only 3 in 4 people would get vaccinated if a Covid-19 vaccine were available, and only 30% would want to receive the vaccine soon after it becomes available.

question: Can the government compel us to be vaccinated or do we have the right to refuse it?

There are competing rights and duties on both sides. Forcing an individual to be vaccinated is a violation of their right to personal choice. But it is the fundamental right to life that throws the Covid-19 vaccine issue into stark relief, because it also means governments must make some effort to safeguard citizens’ lives by protecting them from life-threatening diseases.

One of the aspects of the Covid-19

If these numbers prove to be universally accurate, then even if a safe and effective vaccine is produced, at best world-wide immunity will be significantly delayed by vaccine hesitancy, at a cost to both lives and to the resumption of normal life, and at worst, it may never be achieved. It is therefore probable we will face the public health

THE VILLAGE

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

navigator, surveyor and cartoonist who isn’t around anymore to ask.

De Waal Steyn

But the latest news is that after his ship, the Santa Flatulata sank, Marco and his vuvuzela were rescued by Somali pirates two miles off Africa’s east coast near the port of Lawrence O’Marks. As soon as we’ve deciphered the rest of Lenny’s notes, we’ll let you know, Mr Angelo.

E: dewaal@thevillagenews.co.za

Hedda Mittner

CONTENT EDITOR T: 083 645 3928

But back to the emails. Many folks asked about our inexpensive home-made Champagne Spritzer, ideal for any occasion, so here’s a quick step-by-step guide again.

Fill a large glass/tankard 50/50 with wine and cold water. Pour in a dollop of Oros for flavour and colour. Add ice and just a pinch of ENOs. Stir vigorously and drink while still fizzing. Repeat ad nauseum. Guests love it.

E: hedda@thevillagenews.co.za

ONLINE EDITOR T: 074 125 5854

E: raphael@thevillagenews.co.za

Elaine Davie

JOURNALIST T: 084 343 7500

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

E: taylum@thevillagenews.co.za

In the same way, the introduction of mass immunisation programmes therefore requires a balancing act between personal choice and public safety.

The time has come for us to start thinking and talking about these issues. We need to have a clear understanding of

the choices we are being faced with.

We must not be swayed either way by the illogical arguments of hard-line anti-vaxxers or the public relation bumf spun by large pharma.

On the one hand you might have the right to refuse vaccination but on the other it might impose limits on your freedoms of travel or access to schools and workplaces. This, while you have a responsibility towards yourself and those around you. Public consent on these issues is vital.

This is the good NEWS. -Ed

Replies to Readers’ Frequently Asked Questions

PUBLISHING EDITOR T: 083 700 3319

Raphael da Silva

pandemic that has changed the way in which we think of illnesses, is our public responsibility to others. For instance, we do not wear masks only to protect ourselves from the virus, we also wear them to protect others from being infected by us.

By Murray Stewart murray.stewart49@gmail.com

T

he end-of-year joys and horrors are just around the corner, so before the madness sets in, I’ve decided to knuckle down and answer those emails from readers around the globe that have been piling up on Fanny White from Kansas – who wants to remain anonymous – the editorial desk all year. asked where she could buy a tanning machine like President Micky Angelo, curator of the Trump’s. Well Fanny, they’re made archives in Venice’s Nautical History Museum, enquired about in China, and with the current tariff wars raging, they’re pretty Marco Polo’s journey to the East scarce, but some are still available via Southern Africa which, he on the black market. maintains, isn’t recorded in any historical documents in his library.

Sadly, the President’s highly This, Mr Angelo, is due to poorly popular model Burnt Orange is out scribbled records in Latin shorthand by Lenny da Vinci, the ship’s of stock, but others in the range

include Merlot Glow, Brazilian Bronze, Siam Sallow and Rum’n Raison for the rugged outdoor look.

All come in sweat or matte finish.

Orders via the Russian Embassy or Rudy Giuliani.

Then there’s the Black Forest Lumberjack Union who asked for our help. They’ve been unable to get answers from The Hood, the den of dubious delights owned by Red Riding Hood with her creative herbal cookies.

They’re looking for the slightly camp wood-cutter who pitched up late, and being a vegetarian, refused to help the wolf eat Granny. The Union bosses want a word with him. If you know his whereabouts please email us.

Dozens of readers are still confused and sceptical. Well, the answer to their frequently asked question is yes. It is true. We are visited by aliens/angels, and have been since biblical times. Welcome to the 21st century.

Penny Lane from Liverpool wrote: “Since you alerted us about how often people begin a sentence with the word ‘so’, our whole family plays a game around the TV every evening called So Spotting.

The first to shout ‘spot!’ when anyone starts their answer with

‘so’, gets a point. The one with the least points by the 8pm news does the dishes.” Glad we could help, Penny but it drives me mad.

The ladies from the Somerset West Underwater Bridge Society are in a dilemma about “safety regulations for this Coronavirus thing”.

Apparently eye-contact and subtle hand gestures are vital in Bridge, especially when playing in the deep end. “Social distancing is not practical,” they claim, “and the masks get tangled up with our goggles and snorkels. Will we be fined if we don’t wear masks?” Yes ladies, you will. Rather play in the shallow end.

Mr Qultzal is the owner of The Duck ’n Fiddle’s Mexican franchise called The Quack ’n Banjo. His family tree has roots going back to the Aztecs, and their ancient language, Nahuatl, was passed down to him through the generations. As a result he thought we should all know that the following words come from the Aztecs: Chocolate. Chilli. Coyote.

Well, thanks for that Mr Qultzal.

From now on I’m sure our readers will always think of Coyote chasing Road-runner when munching chillies.

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

E: chare@thevillagenews.co.za

HERMANUS: SEVEN-DAY WEATHER AND TIDE TABLE Wed | 25 Nov

Thu | 26 Nov

Fri | 27 Nov

Sat | 28 Nov

Sun | 29 Nov

Mon | 30 Nov

Tue | 1 Dec

14°/16° Some Rain

15°/17° Partly Cloudy

14°/24° Clear

16°/23° Clear

16°/24° Clear

18°/21° Partly Cloudy

17°/19° Some Rain

Nickey Jackson

SALES REPRESENTATIVE & DESIGN T: 079 408 7722

E: nickey@thevillagenews.co.za

ADMIN & FINANCE

E: admin@thevillagenews.co.za

MEMBER OF THE Audit Bureau of Circulations of SA 11 208 audited weekly circulation

HIGH LOW HIGH LOW

00:22 06:16 12:31 18:56

HIGH LOW HIGH LOW

01:02 06:56 13:07 19:28

HIGH LOW HIGH LOW

01:35 07:30 13:38 19:58

HIGH LOW HIGH LOW

Proudly Sponsored By

Talisman Tool Hire WEATHER: www.yr.no / TIDES: www.tide-forecast.com

02:06 08:02 14:09 20:27

HIGH LOW HIGH LOW

02:36 08:33 14:39 20:56

HIGH LOW HIGH LOW

03:06 09:05 15:10 21:26

HIGH LOW HIGH LOW

03:37 09:36 15:41 21:57

De Bos Dam N/A Last week N/A

Weekly Rainfall N/A Last week N/A

9

www.thevillagenews.co.za

25 November 2020

Black Friday: Appeal to maintain Covid-19 safety protocols T he Western Cape Government called on all businesses and shoppers to adhere to strict Covid-19 safety protocols during ‘Black Friday’ this week.

“Black Friday sales traditionally mark the start of the festive spending season, and this year will be an opportunity for businesses to recover revenue lost during the Covid-19 restrictions, however we appeal to retail businesses to please implement the necessary health guidelines to stop the spread of Covid-19 and ensure that their staff and customers are as safe as possible,”

the government said in a press release.

According to the release in support of retailers and other businesses, the Department of Economic Development will be meeting with major retailers and the property management companies for major shopping centres to discuss risk management strategies, as well as the consequences of non-compliance with the Covid-19 safety measures. The engagement will include relevant law enforcement agencies who will assist to manage Covid-19 safety compliance.

“We are appealing to both retailers

Safe hiking in Fernkloof Nature Reserve With its 60 km of inter-linked trails, Fernkloof is a delight for avid hikers and nature lovers. It is one of our town’s top attractions and many visitors are expected over the holiday season.

To ensure the safety of all visitors, Tourism Safety Monitors are available to accompany hikers in the nature reserve on a complimentary basis during weekdays between 08:00 – 16:00. Please make a reservation to walk with one of these guides by emailing infomanager@hermanus. co.za or capewhalecoast@overstrand. gov.za.

The summer gate opening times for Fernkloof are from 06:00 – 19:00 and all visitors must please ensure that they keep to these times.

Safety tips: • Program emergency numbers in your cellphone before your hike • Don’t hike alone • Allow yourself enough time • Inform someone of your route and what time you’re expected back • Wear a hat or cap and sun block in summer. Weather changes rapidly and unexpectedly • Stick to well-used contour paths

and shoppers to play their part in stopping the spread of Covid-19 during Black Friday.” Specifically, retail stores and other businesses should consider the following: • Reducing congestion at shops and malls: Run as many promotions online as possible, stay open for longer hours and consider running specials over a longer period; • Managing customers inside stores and malls: Limit the number of people in-store to ensure social distancing, ensure correct wearing of masks and that sanitiser is available;

• •

•

Managing store entry: Maintain strict screening protocols at the store entrance and stagger entry into the store; Managing congestion at pay points: Be vigilant of congestion and take measures to ensure social distancing. Reduce congestion by minimising use of cash. Ensure that card payment machines are regularly sanitised; Reducing infection among staff: Ensure that more frequent sanitising of frequently touched items/ surfaces takes place, for example at goods receiving, within the stores,

at till points and so on. Ensure health measures are maintained in communal staff areas such as canteens and smoke break areas.

Ensure staff are informed and have the resources to enforce health protocols in store.

“Supporting retail sales during this time is important to our economic recovery in the Western Cape, but both customers and businesses need to anticipate any potential Covid-19 health risks that may occur in order to ensure that we keep safe and move forward,” according to the statement.

Muni gears up for summer With the summer holiday almost within sight, Overstrand Municipality is preparing to ensure holiday makers can look forward to a safe and clean environment when they visit our beaches and public amenities.

We invite everyone who lives, works and plays here to have a fun-filled summer holiday season in a responsible manner. Please do not drink and drive, do not drink and swim, and abide by traffic rules and blue flag beach rules. Continue to wear your masks and remember to wash your hands frequently.

• • •

Always take enough water, especially in summer, and food in case of a delay Take a fully-charged cellphone A walking stick makes for an easier hike. These are available at the visitor centre on loan

Here's a reminder of the contact numbers you might need for the various emergency services: • 028 312 2400 in case of a fire, flood or medical emergency • 028 313 8980 for security and safety issues • 028 313 8000 for general enquiries / accounts • 028 313 8111 for emergencies relating to basic services / municipal infrastructure • 028 313 8996 law enforcement day-to-day complaints

We are all eager to get back to our pre-Covid lives. Managing the risks can help us get there faster.

• •

Think about space: If someone stands too close, kindly and politely ask them to step back.

Think about ventilation: Ensuring good ventilation is an effective

•

way to prevent the spread of Covid-19 whilst enjoying the summer breeze. Keep all available windows open.

Think about the smart choice: Inviting people over? Keep your gathering small and outdoors.

Thembisa Elvit, Bulelani Shabangu, Eltonio Arnolds and William Uys busy painting and fixing the ablution blocks and buildings at Hawston beach.

PHOTO: Supplied

Please make safe choices.

GRAPE EXPECTATIONS! Donald Bett took a drive up the Hemelen-Aarde Valley last week and says he could not resist taking some photos of the amazing scenery. This panoramic shot with the impressive Babylonstoren Mountain in the background was taken from the entrance to Domaine des Dieux, on top of a hill overlooking the vineyards. “The vines are looking so healthy that a good harvest should be on the cards early next year!” he says.

PHOTO: Donald Bett

Homeleigh Holiday Care Program 24-hour live-in care for 1-4 weeks, At a special rate from 15th Dec -15th Jan

For more information contact Hannelie Fourie on 083 381 5012

WIN YOUR !

K C A B N A LO TO ENTER, APPLY FOR AN AFFORDABLE CASHIES LOAN AGAINST YOUR SALARY. BE APPROVED AND STAND A CHANCE TO WIN YOUR LOAN BACK. We also offer a FREE credit report. Visit our Personal Finance Centre today!

Competition ends 31 December 2020. Winner will be notified telephonically on 3 February 2021! Valid ONLY at Cash Converters Hermanus.

Cash Converters Hermanus Astoria Village, 23 Long St Hermanus T: 010 590 6328 hermanus@cashconverters.co.za www.cashconverters.co.za

R

12

www.thevillagenews.co.za

25 November 2020

Hiking group unites nature lovers Writer & Photographer Tweet Gainsborough-Waring

W

hat started as a casual hiking group at the end of September, has in two short months mushroomed into an enthusiastically supported group offering a range of outdoor activities and experiences.

The Hermanus Hiking & Outdoor Group has also garnered more than 600 members on its Facebook page.

Started by Onrus resident Klaradyn Stemmet, a mother of two and owner of Nonna, a 10-month-old German shepherd who all love the great outdoors, the group is open to anyone who enjoys being out in nature. Its members include residents from the Overstrand and some who live in other areas and even overseas. Showcasing the natural beauty of Hermanus and its surrounds, an unexpected spinoff has been that it is proving a great marketing opportunity for our town.

Mountain biking had been Klaradyn’s main sport until two accidents resulting in neck injuries somewhat curtailed her biking activities. Undeterred, she looked for another outlet and decided to escalate her regular dog walks to more ambitious hiking excursions. Klaradyn says she loves getting away from it all and her favourite walks are those that take her out of sight of houses and into nature. One of the

reasons for starting the hiking group was the fact that for a woman hiking alone there are security risks, and by bringing like-minded people together there would be more opportunities to explore and enjoy nature safely.

She hopes the club will bring people joy and give those joining her a greater awareness of nature, themselves and others, says Klaradyn. “It's all about getting in touch with yourself and what really matters most.” The group, whose members vary in age from 10 to over 70 years of age, has hiked some beautiful routes and many new friends have been made. Anyone is welcome to join the Facebook group as well as the WhatsApp group for regular updates and the hikes are free of charge, unless a cost is indicated for a specific outing.

Hikes vary from mountain trails and jeep tracks to leisurely walks along coastal paths. A recent Saturday morning hike took us via a hidden kloof in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley to an unexpected waterfall before descending through vineyards and past dams back to the starting point. Along the way we could indulge our senses not only in the magnificent mountain and bay views but also in the many flowers blooming at this time of the year. After the hike several hikers opted to relax over a cup of coffee at Die Plaaskombuis.

So who joins these hikes? Men and women from all walks of life, and for many reasons. Some are there because there is security in numbers, others want to expand their knowledge of the area and explore different routes.

A recent newcomer admitted to being a cricket widow, who preferred hiking to watching cricket, but did not want to hike alone. It’s not unusual to rub shoulders with doctors, teachers, and the occasional swimming coach. Children and dogs (when permitted) are welcome. On a typical hike you’ll find the group splits according to fitness levels, and when possible there will be access to shortcuts for the less fit, or those pressed for time.

When not outdoors Klaradyn teaches English online from home. When Covid-19 struck, she decided to take a sabbatical from her job as a real estate agent to spend more time with her children (daughter Karmyn, who is now writing matric and her younger brother, Janco) and her mom, who is ill. Her two passions are nature and art, both of which she finds healing and peaceful, and in her down time you’ll find her in front of the easel painting seascapes and landscapes.

She has also started teaching pottery, which she says is another way in which people can just play and express themselves.

Klaradyn has her ear to the ground

ABOVE: Klaradyn with her dog, Nonna enjoying the great outdoors.

BELOW: Klaradyn briefs the group before setting off from Die Plaaskombuis on a recent hike.

when it comes to outdoor activities and recently organised kayaking trips out of the Hermanus Old harbour.

Members are also welcome to organise outings and put the details on the WhatsApp group. For further information go to the Hermanus Hiking &

Outdoor Group on Facebook, where you can see more about previous and planned activities. Klaradyn is also an accomplished photographer and she posts inspiring photos of the routes, scenery, views and flowers after every hike.

1

Hoy’s Koppie

7

Voëlklip, 2 Stanford & Gansbaai

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

2

1 11 9 4 Village Square

3 Hermanus Pieters se Fontein

3

New Harbour

5

10

Market

8

(The place our village was originally named after)

Old Harbour

6

Gearing’s Point

4

5

9

6

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

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

Please visit our website to view our full menu.

EMAIL: info@ficks.co.za

8 7

10

11

TEL: 0283124082

14

www.thevillagenews.co.za

2 – 4 December Art Retreat Seasoned Hermanus artist Obert Jongwe, who is represented by Rossouw Modern Art Galleries, will be offering an art retreat from 2 – 4 December in the beautiful and tranquil valley of Hemel-en-Aarde. You’ll be staying on High Season Farm for two nights, with your every need taken care of so that you can focus solely on unlocking your inner artist. The programme includes the following: • Wed 2 Dec - Day 1: Arrival between 12:00 and 13:00 Welcome and familiarisation of the property, followed by lunch 16:00 Obert’s story and introduction to the art retreat 17:00 Set-up and preparation 19:00 Dinner at High Season • Thur 3 Dec – Day 2: 08:00 Breakfast 09:00 – 13:00 Morning session 13:00 Lunch 14:30 – 17:00 Afternoon session 17:30 Public Art tour of Sculpture on the Cliffs in Hermanus 19:00 Dinner at Burgundy Restaurant.

Return to High Season • Fri 4 Dec – Day 3: 08:00 Breakfast 09:00 Morning session and finishing touches Depart at 11:00 The all-inclusive cost of this art retreat (accommodation, meals, art supplies and personal guidance) is R7 200 pp for double/sharing accommodation and R8 200 pp for single accommodation. It is limited to six persons to allow for personal attention. For more details or to book your spot, contact Obert on 065 259 3500 or obertjongwe@ gmail.com.

The Hermanus First Fridays galleries will be hosting their monthly Artwalk

on Friday from 17:00 – 20:00. Artists could extend their stay at High Season for their own account.

Another win for Old Harbour Beer

E

xcited supporters, clients and friends gathered at the Hermanus Brewing Company on Friday afternoon to hear the announcement of the winners of the 2020 South African National Beer Trophy Awards.

28 Nov – 13 Dec Volmoed Art Exhibition Alyson Guy and the Volmoed artists will be exhibiting an assortment of artworks produced during the lockdown from 28 November – 6 December. The art exhibition will include works that would have been exhibited during the FynArts Festival with the theme, ‘Memories’. Visit the display in the Meeting Room at Volmoed in Hemel-en-Aarde Valley between 10:00 and 16:00 daily.

Alyson will also host an Open Studio and Art Sale in the Volmoed Art Room from 7 – 13 December between 10:00 and 16:00 daily.

Contact 084 510 0952 or 028 312 1282 for more information

12 December Fynbos landscapes of the Overberg Saniki Wessels from Bettys’ Bay will have another solo exhibition of ‘Fynbos Landscapes of the Overberg’ at Ecology Lifestyle Farm on the R43 near Botrivier. The exhibition will be opened on Saturday 12 December at 15:00. Saniki works in oil on canvas and all her landscapes are inspired by her beautiful environment – the mountains, ocean and fynbos of the Betty’s Bay/Kleinmond area. For catering purposes please RSVP before 1 December.

Contact Saniki on 082 321 4444

This year’s ceremony was a virtual one via Zoom but the good news was not appreciated any less, especially when it was announced that the Old Harbour Beer Dark Lager had won a silver medal.

It was the first time they’d entered their new baby and it made its par-

ents, James and Di very proud – especially in these difficult times when it is estimated that 31% of craft beer breweries have had to close down due to the fall-out of the lockdown regulations. Many others have had to sell off equipment, retrench staff or move to cheaper premises.

Congratulations to the Hermanus Brewery team, and to another Overberg brewery, the Old Potter’s Brewhouse in Greyton, which was awarded silver for their Stout, and a gold medal for their Plaas Japie Saison (right).

– Hedda Mittner

PHOTO: Barley and Hops

ART NEWS

25 November 2020

Left are the Hermanus Brewery team – Meschak Mbogwana (assistant brewer), Di Rattle (co-owner), Jay Ndike (head brewer) and James Rattle (co-owner) – drinking a toast to this “little brother” of Old Harbour Beer’s double-gold Lager.

PHOTOS: Taylum Meyer

Local artist Lize van der Walt, who joined Lifestyle Studio earlier this year, has moved back to her home studio and art gallery in Voëlklip, where she held an opening that was well supported by her loyal clients and friends on 12 November.

Here celebrating with Lize (middle) are Adelene Esterhuizen and Bernice Bruwer. Lize Art Gallery is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 – 16:00 and Saturdays from 10:00 – 15:00. The opening of her Summer Exhibition will be on 15 December.

You’ll find Lize Art Gallery at 26 7th Street, Voëlklip. For more information contact 076 155 9015.

WHAT’S ON

26 NOV – 29 NOV 2020

OVERBERG 26

Thursday

Christmas Feast at The Marine

Fernkloof Pop-up Market Visit the tranquil Fernkloof Garden and support local at this two-day pop-up market where you will find lots of beautiful hand-made products, home-made food and so much more!

Fernkloof Nature Reserve | 09:00 – 18:00 (Thur & Fri)

27

Friday

Round up the family and join us for our Christmas Eve Dinner or Christmas Day Lunch celebration!

The Perfectly Preloved Second Chance Market Hermanus High School is hosting a fundraising market of previously loved goods. Bring your family and friends to support the school and find treasures at bargain prices.

The Bus Shed, Hermanus High School | 12:00 – 20:00 Wine Down Friday Celebrate that TGIF feeling at The Wine Glass at the end of a busy week! Enjoy the vibe and get two for the price of one on selected wines, beers and nibbles. Takura Terry & The Rockingsouls will be back again this Friday to rock you into the weekend!

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

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

The Marine | 17:00 – 19:00 Lights of Remembrance Join Overstrand Hospice in commemorating the life of a loved one, whether or not they received care from Hospice, or how long ago they passed. You are welcome to bring friends and family along to this candle lighting ceremony to celebrate the memory of loved ones and reflect on special moments spent together.

Bring picnic baskets, blankets and folding chairs, weather permitting.

United Church, Hermanus | 17:00 for 17:30 Stanford Sunset Market Come and enjoy Stanford’s favourite, family-friendly, dog-welcoming,

www.thevillagenews.co.za/whatson

R 985 per person half price for kids under 10

open-air market. Bringing you local food, coffee, deli products, gifts, plants, fresh produce and live tunes on the last Friday of every month.

Pop in, meet new people, hook up with old friends, support local vendors and take delicious food home for the whole weekend. Entry is free and there is plenty of free parking.

Please wear your mask and practise social distancing. In case of rain, the market will be held at Birkenhead Brewery.

Stanford Market Square | 18:00 – 20:00

28

Saturday

The Blossom Wine Wobble Enjoy a 5 km Family Fun Run (or walk) in the vineyards at Elgin Vintners, with plenty of wine stops (and cooldrinks for the kiddies) along the route. Tricycles, strollers and well-behaved dogs on leashes are all welcome. The entry fee is R30 for adults and R15 for scholars and toddlers, all in aid of Grabouw Animal Welfare. Tickets available at www. quicket.co.za. Lots of lucky prizes to be won.

Elgin Vintners, Appletiser Rd, Elgin

| 09:00 Hermanus Country Market A favourite among the locals. Young, old, two-legged and four-legged family members are all welcome.

You’ll find wholesome goodies, home-made crafts, local produce, beers and wine, speciality foods, coffee and live music.

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

Hermanuspietersfontein Wine Cellar | 09:00 – 13:00 Stanford Saturday Morning Market Come and sample the artisanal delights on display, from home-

SPACE AGENCY HOLIDAY PROGRAMME

AGE 6-8 Date: 17 December TIMES: Session 1: 08:30-10:30 Session 2: 11:00-13:00

AGE 9-12 Date: 18 December TIMES: Session 1: 08:30-10:30 Session 2: 11:00-13:00

VENUE: SANSA, Hospital St, Hermanus

HAVE SOME FUN LEARNING ABOUT SATELLITES AND ROCKETS!

BOOK YOUR SPACE NOW AT events@sansa.org.za or 028 312 1196

made sheep and goats’ cheeses to wood-fired ciabattas, pastries and pies, farm-fresh vegetables, freerange eggs, flowers, preserves and deli delights (including gluten-free, wheat-free and vegan goodies) to tantalise your taste buds! #Nomasksnoservice.

Stanford Hotel Stoep | 09:00 – 12:00 Junktique Market One man’s junk is another man’s treasure. Pop in and give new life to a previously loved item. Treats and nibbles also available. R50 per stall.

To book contact 028 341 0340 or book@stanfordinfo.co.za.

Stanford Tourism Office Courtyard | 09:00 – 12:00 Gansbaai Farmers’ Market Specialising in organic, homemade and home-grown products such as fresh farm produce, oven-fresh bakes and pastries, local wines and craft beers, and indigenous plants and herbs. No plastic or polystyrene packaging; only eco-friendly wood, paper, glass and earthenware used to display goods. For enquiries, contact 028 384 1439 or doulene@gansbaaitourism.co.za

Kapokblom Street, opposite Gansbaai Tourism | 09:00 – 14:00 Panthera Sunset Visit Enjoy a unique experience by visiting Panthera Africa’s big cats at sunset, when they come alive after a long day of rest. Your passionate host will take you around to the big cat enclosures and tell you their heartfelt stories, and how they came to be at this non-profit sanctuary. Only for people 16 years and older. Pre-booking is essential at R490 pp. Telephone bookings only on 071 182 8368. Wear sturdy and comfortable shoes, and bring your camera and a jacket.

Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary (near Stanford | 17:30 – 19:30

29

Sunday

Overberg Toy Run There will be live music, wine tastings, food stalls and Birkenhead beer at the Covid-19 Special Edition Toy Run. This annual bikers’ charity event to collect toys for underprivileged children is South Africa’s largest mass ride and everyone is invited to bring toys! The starting point in Hermanus is MacDonalds at the Whale Coast Mall (leaving at 09:00), the Caltex Garage at the Casino in Caledon (leaving at 10:00), the Wimpy in Gansbaai (leaving at 09:00), and the Wimpy in Bredasdorp (leaving at 10:00). These groups will join up for a mass ride into Stanford. For more info, contact Eddie Noble on 083 261 5675.

End point: Birkenhead Brewery, Stanford | from 11:00

16

www.thevillagenews.co.za

25 November 2020

MY HOME

By LB Vorster

O

Buying property from a non-resident

n 1 September 2007, section 35A of the Income Tax Act, No 58 of 1962 (‘the Act’), came into operation.

(presumably also if the seller is a close corporation – the Act only refers to a company); 2.3. 15% if the seller is a trust.

1. In terms of Sec 35A of the Act all purchasers of immovable property (including non-residents) are burdened with a statutory duty to withhold a certain percentage of the purchase price for payment to the South African Revenue services (‘SARS’) if:

3. The amount withheld by a purchaser in terms of the Act has to be paid to SARS:

1.1. the seller is a non-resident; 1.2. the purchase price exceeds R2 000 000.

2. A purchaser is then compelled to withhold an amount equal to: 2.1. 7,5% of the purchase price if the seller is a natural person; 2.2. 10% if the seller is a company

3.1. within 14 days from the date on which the amount was withheld, if the purchaser is a resident; 3.2. within 28 days after the date on which the amount was withheld, if the purchaser is a non-resident.

4. In the event that a purchaser fails to pay any required amount to SARS within the period allowed for payment, he/she/it will be liable for payment of: 4.1. interest at the prescribed rate on any amount outstanding, and;

4.2. a penalty equal to 10% of the amount outstanding.

5. A purchaser who knew, or who ought reasonably to have known, that a seller is a non-resident and who has failed to withhold the required amount, will be personally liable for payment of such amount to SARS on a date not later than the date on which payment should have been made if the amount had in fact been withheld.

6. In the event that: 6.1. an estate agent, who is entitled to commission in respect of the sale of a property, and/or 6.2. a transferring attorney, who is entitled to a fee for professional services rendered in connection with the registration of transfer of a property,

knows, or should reasonably have known, that a seller is a non-resident, and fails to notify the purchaser in writing thereof (and that Section 35A of the Act may apply), the purchaser will be relieved of the sanction as explained in paragraph 5 above.

7. An estate agent and/or a transferring attorney who fails to notify a purchaser of the fact that the seller is a non-resident, will be jointly and severally liable for the payment of the amount which the purchaser is required to withhold and pay to SARS, but their liability will be limited, respectively, to the amount of the estate agent’s commission and/or the professional fee of the transferring attorney.

8. A purchaser, estate agent and/ or transferring attorney will be

entitled to claim from a seller any amounts that they were compelled to pay to SARS following their failures referred to in paragraphs 5 and 7 above.

9. It is important to note that a seller is entitled to apply to SARS for a directive that no amount, or a reduced amount, be withheld by a purchaser.

The insertion of Section 35A into the Act was necessitated by the fact that effective recovery of tax (including capital gains tax) from a seller is often impossible if the latter moves abroad once a property is sold.

It is much easier for SARS to recover the tax from a purchaser who will be holding the immovable property upon completion of the transaction.

“Good days start at night” Karin 028 312 2616 083 261 6093

6 Adam Street Whale Park, Hermanus

25 November 2020

www.thevillagenews.co.za

17

18

www.thevillagenews.co.za

25 November 2020

Toys for tots, teens and all kids in between Writer & Photographer Hedda Mittner

I

n this digital age when so many children seem to be glued to screens from a very young age, it is comforting to find an old-fashioned toy store where nothing much has changed over the years. Kidz Stuff, the iconic toy shop in Mitchell Street, has not only endured for a quarter of a century, but continues to thrive under the loving ownership of Theresa and Chris Fenn.

This month Kidz Stuff celebrates a rare milestone – its 25th birthday.

While its history goes all the way back to 1990 when Jane Day started a baby clothing store inside Chilli Pepper, toys were added to the range in 1995 and became the main focus under the ownership of Martin and Madelaine de Klerk, who moved Kidz Stuff to its current premises in 1997.

The Fenns moved to Hermanus from Cape Town and took over Kidz Stuff in 2016. “We found everything we wanted here and it’s a great town to live and work in,” says Theresa.

“Hermanus has all the necessary infrastructure such as schools and hospitals, and yet it still feels like a village. We love the vibe in the CBD and enjoy being able to walk everywhere.”

While Chris looks after the logistics such as the acquisition of new stock, Theresa is in the shop every day

alongside Rozlin April. Rozlin has been with Kidz Stuff for seven years and Theresa says they were lucky that she agreed to stay on. “She was a familiar face to customers and has been a great help to us since we opened our doors.”

Both Rozlin and Theresa are experienced with children (Theresa’s face lights up when she talks about her four grandchildren, aged between one and 9 years) and delight in their company. “We only stock quality brands that are designed to entertain and educate,” says Theresa. “Children need that active participation, not passive screen time.” She adds that it was heartwarming to see how many parents bought educational toys, board and card games, puzzles and LEGO sets to keep their youngsters occupied while the schools were closed during lockdown.

Although they no longer stock baby clothes, Kidz Stuff has a comprehensive baby department that offers everything from camp cots and baby linen to prams, car seats, mobiles and play gyms. Sourcing new and exciting stock has been driven by customer demand and includes fun educational toys and books, smart games, construction kits, collectable toys, and an impressive arts and crafts section.

The variety of goods in a shop of this modest size is truly astonishing and Theresa is proud of the fact that several brands, such as Steffi and Evi,

Rozlin April and Theresa Fenn of Kidz Stuff are ready to help you find those perfect gifts for the youngsters in your life.

are stocked exclusively in Hermanus

by Kidz Stuff.

Among the quality brands you’ll find Playmobil, LEGO, Duplo, Smart Play, Zingo, Paulinda, Melissa & Doug, Sylvanian Families, Hasbro, Castorland and RGS puzzles, and Our Generation dolls and accessories, to mention but a few. Other familiar trade names

include Barbie, Paw Patrol, My Little Pony, Peppa Pig, Hot Wheels, LOL Surprise! and many more. With the holidays coming up, family board games are always a popular choice and you’ll find everything here, from Scrabble, Catan, Pictionary, Cluedo, 30 Seconds and Charades, to Boereplaas, Ticket to Ride, The Next Stop and various versions of Monopoly

and Trivial Pursuit.

Visit Kidz Stuff at 16 Mitchell St, Hermanus or www.kidzstuffhermanus. co.za. Contact 028 312 4373 / info@ kidzstuffhermanus.co.za. For online shopping, go to https://bit.ly/kidzstuffhermanus where you can browse and shop from the comfort of your home.

Look flawless this holiday season A

nd just like that it's the end of November!

The Christmas decorations are going up and holiday preparations are in full swing. Relatives are on their way, Christmas parties are being planned and year-end staff functions are attended.

And we at Refine would like to share our most popular skin treatments to help you look flawless and picture perfect this holiday season!

1. Acne Scar Treatment Whether you need to look your best when facing a client, want to be picture-perfect for your next pictorial, or would just like to flaunt a revealing summer dress, we have safe and effective treatments that will help to remove any unwanted marks and blemishes, giving you smooth and flawless skin. A safe and effective microneedling procedure that stimulates controlled collagen production will help to heal scars from acne, giving you smoother skin.

2. Hollywood PEEL Thinking of wearing a youthful, no make-up look to your next holiday reunion? The Hollywood facial treatment can bring out an even fresher glow. This procedure exfoliates dead skin cells, dirt and excess oil. It also lessens wrinkles and scars, clears pores, and removes whiteheads that haven't become inflamed, leaving only bright and supple skin.

3. Lips, lips, lips With the latest lip frenzy from Sweden, Dr Emett is using a new technique for a more natural, more luscious, hydrated lip. Whether you choose to pucker-up under the Christmas holly, or strut your stuff on the beach this year, your gorgeous lips will define your femininity with a touch of sass!

Worried that your large pores will get unwanted attention? Don't let this steal your confidence. Get yourself a pore minimising facial in time for the get-togethers you'll attend during the holidays. It will not only leave you with a smoother, hydrated face but also give you a chance to relax.

7. Restylane Skinboosters Keep your face, neck and dĂŠcolletĂŠ hydrated and glowing with Restylane Skinboosters. Restylane is essentially a hyaluronic acid, which occurs naturally in the body and provides long-lasting, deep skin hydration from the inside. On top of that, Restylane Skinboosters can help reduce the appearance of scars and fine lines, and lift, tighten and plump the skin.

8. Skin Tightening Even the chicest Christmas getup can't hide wrinkled, saggy skin. However, Tripolar radiofrequency can deal with these problems easily! This procedure uses bipolar and tripolar radiofrequency to boost the production of collagen, tightening the skin. Over a series of sessions, skin tightening will smooth out your wrinkles and give your face a noticeable lift.

9. Non-Surgical Face Slimming High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is the latest technology that can reduce fat in certain areas such as a double chin and tighten the skin in

just one session. This non-invasive treatment uses ultrasound to heat up the skin and tighten the collagen bands.

Thread lifting remains another choice for lifting fat and excess skin back up towards where it used to be. Remarkable, long-lasting results are achieved with this simple in-office procedure. The one-stitch mini-lift...lifting up, up, up, and away!

10. Body ready Summer crept up on us suddenly and many need

to get their body beach ready quickly.

LPG lipomassage firms, tightens and gets rid of cellulite. This full body treatment originated in France and though it feels as pleasant as a full body massage, it is rigorous in ridding the body of excess water retention, reducing fat and tightening loose skin.

Consult with us to find out how we can boost your confidence and help you look flawless for the holidays!

4. TCA Peel You might think of wearing a halter-neck top to your next Christmas party, only to be held back by an uneven skin tone. A trichloroacetic (TCA) peel can help solve your problem. This light chemical peel treats hyperpigmentation, whether from pregnancy or sun damage. As a bonus, it also tightens the skin and lessens fine lines and wrinkles!

5. E-light Skin Rejuvenation Can't wear your holly-red cocktail dress because of sunspots and spider veins? Say hello to the E-light Skin Rejuvenation. This painless anti-ageing procedure targets all kinds of skin discoloration.

It ultimately leaves you with a more youthful appearance!

6. Get your glow on with Mesotherapy

AUDIOLOGIST

Homeleigh Holiday Care Program

Felicity Maclennan-Smith M.CommPath (Audiology) UP

24-hour live-in care for 1-4 weeks, At a special rate from 15th Dec -15th Jan

The practice is still situated at 8 Magnolia Avenue in Hermanus (opp. the Municipality) and is fully operational again.

Contact 028 3131437 or 0834430221.

For more information contact Hannelie Fourie on 083 381 5012

With proper apologies to Dr Seuss

Choose to hear!

20

www.thevillagenews.co.za

25 November 2020

MY ENVIRONMENT

Dragonflies – marvels of flight and sight

By Dr Anina Lee

B

ack in the 1950s, when we were young, we did not have a swimming pool. But our neighbours did. It was tucked away in a corner of the garden, surrounded by stone walls and pergolas where Catawba grapes twined and dropped their over-ripe fruits on the ground. Bees fed off the spilt juice – and unwary children stepped on them with bare feet.

We loved that swimming pool. The pool technology was primitive – a massive sand filter, the size of a small house, which together with the outsize pump, operated from the ‘pool house’. Despite the best efforts of the owners and doses of chlorine, the pool remained obstinately dark green and murky.

Contrary to what one would expect, the deep depths of that pool was home to surprising numbers of incredible wildlife. Our favourites were the strange dragon-like creatures with an extendable ‘arm’, with which it caught other creatures. We had no idea what they were, and never thought to ask. There was no internet, no tradition of using libraries, and parents who were educated in the arts and the law and had scant knowledge of nature.

It did not occur to us children that there could be any connection between the strange creatures in the water and the dragonflies we saw darting and dancing and dipping their tails into the water. I learned much later that the creatures in the water were dragonfly larvae.

Dragonflies are very ancient, and

were the first insects to inhabit our planet, having arrived on the scene around 300 million years ago.

They've had a long time to perfect the art of flying, hunting, and just being amazing.

It was evident even to us ignorant children, that dragonflies are spectacular flyers. They can catch small insect prey in mid-air. Gnats, mosquitoes, midges, beetles and other ‘pests’ are on the menu.

Dragonflies can judge the speed and trajectory of a prey target and adjust their flight to intercept it. They're so skilled they have up to a 95% success rate when hunting. They have two sets of wings with muscles in the thorax that can work each wing independently.

This allows them to change the angle of each wing and practice superior agility in the air. Dragonflies can fly sideways and backward, and can hover in a single spot to ambush unsuspecting prey from any direction.

Their serrated mandibles (mouthparts) are also impressive. No wonder dragonflies and their close relatives the damselflies are classified in the order Odonata, meaning ‘toothed ones’. When hunting, dragonflies catch prey with their feet, tear off the prey's wings with their sharp jaws so it can't escape, and devour it, all without having to land.

To be such a successful hunter, dragonflies also need to see clearly. They have huge compound eyes that allow near-360-degree vision. If you look at a dragonfly's head, you might notice that it's almost all eyes – well, except for the mouthparts. Their compound eyes are made up of around 30 000 facets, each of which brings visual information.

Incidentally, the way to distinguish a dragonfly from a damselfly is to look at the eyes. The dragonfly’s two compound eyes meet at the top

of the head, while the damselfly’s eyes are separated on the sides of the head. You can also recognise a damselfly by the fact that it folds its wings down the length of the body in repose, while a dragonfly’s wings point out to the sides.

Dragonflies are so skilled on the wing that they also mate and lay eggs in-flight. As you can imagine, it's not easy for two flying insects to hook up without some ‘docking’ mechanism. The male has specialised appendages at the end of his abdomen with which he clasps the female behind the head – so docking successful.

Now how to get the sperm to the female when the business end of his abdomen is clutching her neck? Ah, he has a plan. Before he grabbed the female, he had already transferred sperm to his 'secondary accessory genitalia’ positioned below the second and third abdominal segments.

These genitalia have a small sac for sperm storage and a penis.

After the male has grasped the female, the female bends her abdomen around and under to lock with the male’s genitalia and copulation takes place in this ‘wheel’ position with the transfer of sperm.

Soon after mating, the female starts to lay her eggs, often still in the nuptial clasp with the male – which ensures that other males don’t get any favours. Eggs can be deposited on the water surface, on aquatic plants or even underwater, depending on the species.

But what about the dragonfly nymphs that so entranced us as kids? They hatch from the eggs underwater.

Dragonfly nymphs are also serious predators. They live below the surface for up to two years. They moult as many as 17 times as they grow and get ready to head to the surface where they transform into the drag-

A Blue Emperor Dragonfly. Dragonflies were the first insects to inhabit our planet around 300 million years ago.

PHOTO: Karien Jordaan onfly adults we see in the air.

The larvae are exceptionally well adapted for aquatic life, with the ability to snag prey at lightning speed. For this, they use an extendible lower jaw or labium (also called a mask). The mask is a hinged structure, unique to dragonfly larvae, which can be extended to catch prey, or withdrawn under the head when not required. They feed on a wide variety of food, including other insect larvae, tadpoles, and even fish!

Furthermore, they breathe in a rather unexpected way. They draw water in and out through the anus.

There are gills in the rectum that can extract oxygen from the water.

However, one thing they cannot adapt to is pollution. You will find no dragonflies in polluted water. For

this reason, dragonflies are excellent indicators of the health of a water body. The presence of dragonflies indicates a happy ecosystem. If there are none, it gives reason to find out why and do what is necessary.

As is the case with many of earth’s creatures, dragonflies need protection from the damages humans have wrought, from pollution to habitat loss. Not only are they beautiful aerial artists, but they do a sterling job of controlling populations of pest insects. They also inspire us to create new technology – from drones to artificial visual systems – based on their incredible skills in flight and vision.

We need to urgently protect our freshwater systems and support the conservation of habitats – for the dragonflies and us – so that they can survive for another 300 million years.

25 November 2020

21

www.thevillagenews.co.za

MY SCHOOL

Learners earn colours at inter-district tennis tournament The below players received their Kavalier Platteland colours:

girls); Jean Joubert and Wilhelm Mostert (U12 boys); Roxy Bredenkamp, Sophia Thorpe, Surita Lamprechts and Elke Keulder (U12 girls); and Ben Loots and Christo van Graan (U13 boys) earned their ‘Kavalier Platteland’ colours.

Lukas Calitz, Nicholas Delplanque and Thomas Henn (U10 boys); Caelan Bredenkamp and Heike Keulder (U10

Kavalier Platteland won gold in all the age categories, and Wynland (Stellenbosch) and Drakenstein (Paarl) took a

Hermanus Primary School is very proud of their young tennis stars who recently participated in the Inter-district tennis tournament.

Sidney Sargeant had an amazing Tennis South Africa (TSA) Tournament in Strand this past weekend. He came 5th out of 30 other U14 players. He won three out of four of his matches against high-ranked players. Sidney beat the second and fourth best ranked players in three sets on Sunday. He has been working very hard throughout the year and this was one of his best tournaments so far!

He will be playing in the next TSA Junior Tournament which takes place from 18 to 22 December. He will also play in the Hermanus Club Championships over the next two weeks. Curro Hermanus is extremely proud of him, and would like to wish him good luck.

Curro Hermanus would like to thank proud parents, Margitte and Danie Jooste from Jooste & Semer Attorneys, for the generous gifts for all their teachers and staff at the Curro Primary School. It has been a tough year, and these gifts are much appreciated. From left are Zelda Killingsworth (Head of Primary School), Kobus Vermeulen (Executive Head), Margitte and Danie Jooste.

PHOTO: Curro Hermanus

solid beating from them.

Back from left are Elke Keulder, Roxy Bredenkamp, Surita Lamprechts, Ben Loots, Sophia Thorpe, (front) Nicholas Delplanque, Wilhelm Mostert, Elke Keulder, Thomas Henn, Caelan Bredenkamp, Jean Joubert and Lukas Calitz.

Absent: Christo van Graan.

Curro Hermanus Chess Club was proud to host Anzel Laubscher, an international Woman Chess Master, at the school last week. Anel was a member of the South Africa Ladies Team in the World Olympiad in Russia in 1998 and has since then represented South Africa at the African Championships, Commonwealth Games, World Chess Olympiads, Women’s World Team Championships, Women’s World Cup and Women’s World Championships. A phenomenal ambassador of the game, Anzel endeavours to inspire and encourage others to grow in the game through her holistic approach towards coaching children. Members of the Curro Hermanus Chess Club were fortunate to play in a simul against Anzel and they thoroughly enjoyed her entertaining wit and admirable skills. They look forward to hosting her again soon.

22

www.thevillagenews.co.za

25 November 2020

MOTORING

F

on cars

Compiled by John Floyd

Continental from rubber tree to road T

he tyre is a complex combination of components made from numerous ingredients, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, textiles, steel wire and steel cord. But how do we get from the rubber tree to the road? Tyre production consists of six key stages in the manufacturing process: sourcing of materials, production of compounds, manufacturing of components, building the tyre, vulcanisation and, finally, quality control.

The first stage for tyre manufacturing is the sourcing of raw materials used to create the necessary compounds and components. Natural rubber is tapped from rubber trees grown in large plantations. The milky fluid (latex) extracted coagulates when acid is added to it. It is then cleaned and pressed into solid bales for easier transportation and storage.

Synthetic rubber and materials such as silica are used to reduce wear, increase grip and extend the life of the tyre, and are supplied by the

1

chemical industry. The bales of natural and synthetic rubber are sectioned, cut to size, weighed and then mixed with other ingredients. Base materials such as rayon, nylon, polyester and aramid fibres that serve as reinforcement for the tyre construction are supplied by the textile industry.

High-strength steel serves as a starting material for the manufacture of steel belts (steel cord) and bead cores (steel wire). These give the tyre rigidity, which enhances shape retention and directional stability. Pre-treated steel cord is fed into a calender, where it is embedded in one or more layers of rubber that results in a continuous sheet of steel and rubber.

In the next stage, kneadable rubber material that has been blended in a mixer is now ready to be made into the tread. A screw-type extruder shapes the rubber into an endless tread strip.

After extrusion, the tread is cooled by immersion and then cut to length in line with the size

of the tyre.

A multitude of textile threads is then fed into the calender by a large roller device and embedded in a thin layer of rubber, which is then cut to the desired width. The core of the bead, which keeps the tyre firmly seated on the rim of the wheel, is made up of many ring-shaped steel wires, each with its own rubber coating.

An extruder forms sidewall sections that are cut to suit the particular tyre size, and a calender produces a wide, thin layer of airtight inner liner.

Building the tyre brings the various semi-finished products together on a tyre building machine, producing what is known as a ‘green’ tyre.

This is done in two stages; first the casing, then the tread/belt assembly.This green tyre is then sprayed with special fluid and prepared for the next stage of development, vulcanisation. In this process, the tyre is placed in a curing press at a specific pressure and temperature, which

3

gives the tyre its final shape. The vulcanisation results in the raw rubber becoming flexible, elastic rubber. Curing press moulds give the tyre its tread pattern and sidewall markings.

The typical breakdown of ingredients that make up a modern tyre, comprise approximately 41 percent natural and synthetic rubber, 30 percent fillers (carbon black, silica, carbon, chalk), 15 percent reinforcing materials (steel, polyester, rayon, nylon), 6 percent plasticisers (oils and resins), 6 percent chemicals for vulcanisation (sulphur, zinc oxide, and others), and 2 percent anti-ageing agents and other chemicals.

Each stage of production – from the inspection of raw materials to delivery of the finished tyres – is subjected to strict quality controls.

Finished Continental tyres are subject to visual checks, X-ray inspection, and are checked for uniformity. Once the tyre has passed all checks and inspections, it is sent to the distribution warehouse for shipment.

4

2

6

5

23

www.thevillagenews.co.za

25 November 2020

All-new Honda WR-V

H

onda Motor Southern Africa is expanding its presence in the increasingly popular compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment with the launch of the all-new WR-V – an exciting new addition to its South African line-up that builds on the brand’s established and highly regarded pedigree in the SUV market. Garnering inspiration from two of its best-selling siblings, the Jazz and BR-V, the all-new WR-V exudes a trendy, exciting personality and is certain to be a winning formula.

From the bold exterior design to the spacious and practical interior, the WR-V is an entry-level SUV offering for consumers seeking a seamless combination of style, practicality and versatility.

The tech-savvy WR-V also boasts an abundance of safety, convenience, and connectivity features across the two-model range, making for an exceptionally comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.

“The WR-V makes its debut in the entry SUV segment, which is the fastest-growing and most competitive segment of the market,” says Yuishi Fukuda, president of Honda Motor Southern Africa.

Comprising almost 18% of the new passenger car market in South Africa, the entry SUV segment consists of just over 50,000 units a year and has displayed a remarkable 39% growth year on year by the end of 2019.

“We aim to grow our footprint in this crucial sector with an expanding range of exciting new SUV models, in which the WR-V will be a key new player,” Fukuda says. “The WR-V retains all of Honda’s proven attributes in terms of unrivalled quality, durability and reliability, while appealing to a new range of customers in the compact SUV category.”

Dinesh Govender, Honda GM of Automobiles and Corporate, adds: “Within our existing line-up, the WR-V is positioned below the HR-V and alongside the BR-V to become our most affordable five-seater compact SUV to date. It retains all the coveted hallmarks of the Honda brand, including innovation, tactile quality, reassuring safety and a comfortable and engaging motoring experience, and promises to shake up the SUV segment in South Africa.”

EXTERIOR DESIGN The exterior design of the All-New WR-V exhibits a compact yet confident

visage, uniquely separating it from other mainstream offerings in the market.

While instantly recognisable as a member of the Honda family, the new WR-V features bold, distinctive styling and a sporty, agile appearance linked to the raised stance and rugged appeal expected of a SUV. The front-end treatment features an expressive, bold headlight design complemented by distinctive LED daytime running lights, which frame Honda's signature wing face. A pronounced swage line, crisp contours and emphasised wheel arches further add to the head-turning presence of the newcomer.

The Elegance model is equipped with LED projector headlamps and LED fog lights over the Comfort model's Halogen Projectors and fog lights, both of which are sleek, precise and functional.

The short, wide bonnet's angle seamlessly integrates with the rake of the large windscreen, while slim A-pillars enhance the smooth, aerodynamic lines of the frontal design. The generous glass areas create an airy, inviting impression that emphasises the spaciousness of the cabin, while also ensuring that both front and rear occupants enjoy superb all-round visibility. In addition, large front-quarter windows on either side ensure unencumbered visibility from the cockpit.

The tidy rear-end treatment is dominated by the large C-shape LED tail light clusters, a tailgate that opens all the way down to bumper level to provide effortless loading, and rear trim finished in contrasting charcoal and alloy to underscore the WR-V's capable character.

The raised stance and wide tracks of the WR-V further reflect a rugged attitude typical of a SUV while the striking 16inch alloy wheels and slim roof rails add a classy touch.

INTELLIGENT PACKAGING AND PRACTICALITY Despite its compact footprint, the WR-V looks and feels spacious inside. The interior execution focuses on intelligent packaging to deliver a spacious front and rear cabin which comfortably seats five passengers. The WR­V does not compromise on luggage capacity either, offering a generous 363 litres with the rear seats up, and an impressive 881 litres with the rear seats folded flat.

Better yet, the WR-V also incorporates Honda's ingenious "Magic Seat" system borrowed from the popular Honda Jazz and HR-V. The Magic Seats can be configured in several different ways to accommodate a variety of tall and long objects.

In Tall Mode, the Magic Seats make it easy to accommodate upright objects, allowing a floor-to-roof space of more than 1.2 metres. In this configuration, two mountain bikes with their front wheels removed can be transported upright simultaneously. Long Mode allows for extended-length objects up to 2.4 metres, such as stepladders and surfboards, to be transported with ease by folding both rear seats and the front passenger seat flat.

INTERIOR COMFORT & CONVENIENCE The WR-V's interior is inviting and offers a host of comfort and convenience features aimed at making every commute enjoyable and effortless. The upholstery consists of high-quality black fabric providing the perfect balance of comfort, support and durability.

more. In addition, the Elegance gains an upgraded 6 speaker system.

Both models benefit from rear parking sensors while the Elegance gains an integrated reverse parking camera which provides added convenience when manoeuvring the vehicle in and out of tight spaces. Customers will also appreciate other added amenities available on the Elegance model such as cruise control and smart keyless entry with push button start, allowing the driver to seamlessly unlock, enter and start the car with the key fob still in their pocket.

Soft-touch charcoal finishes emphasise the upmarket feel of the cabin, while silver accents add a further air of sophistication. Both models feature a threespoke multifunction steering wheel with audio controls. The Elegance model gains leather finishes for the gearshift knob and steering wheel which continues the elegant theme of the interior environment.

ENGINE, TRANSMISSION & SUSPENSION Fuel economy has become an increasingly important consideration for many consumers who are in the market for an entry-level vehicle. As such, the All-new Honda WR-V is powered by an advanced and reliable 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine which employs Honda's i-VTEC intelligent valve timing management system, ensuring an optimum balance of performance and fuel efficiency.

Shared with the popular Jazz, the instrument panel of the newcomer is intuitive and ergonomic, featuring a trio of clear, circular dials with blue backlighting.

Both models feature automatic air-conditioning with intuitive touch-panel controls as well as front and rear electric windows.

Maximum power output is rated at 66kW, reached at 6 000 r/min, combined with a peak torque output of 110 Nm at 4 800 r/min. Both models are equipped with a quick-shifting five-speed manual gearbox and are capable of a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of just 6.4 litres/100km.

In terms of infotainment, the Comfort model is equipped with a user-friendly five-inch LCD audio system featuring Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free telephony and audio streaming, USB connectivity and four loudspeakers. The Elegance model has a neatly incorporated seven-inch touchscreen display audio system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. This intuitive system allows the driver to have complete functionality of a smartphone at their fingertips, including app-based navigation, audio streaming and much

Under the skin, a highly rigid structure employing a significant proportion of high-tensile steel creates a stiff platform for the independent, MacPherson strutbased front suspension, and torsion beam rear set-up. The chassis has been designed to offer confident handling and a refined ride, while the electrically assisted power steering delivers effortless, crisp steering response.

SAFETY As one would expect from a Honda, the WR-V comes standard with an abun-

dance of safety features including six SRS airbags – comprising dual front, side impact and side curtain airbags – for both the Comfort and Elegance models.

Additional features include front seatbelt pretensioners, ISOFIX child seat anchors as well as an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic BrakeForce Distribution (EBD), allowing for safer and more effective vehicle control during emergency braking and when navigating unfavourable road conditions.

The WR-V has been designed with Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure which allows for the even distribution and redirection of collision energy away from the passenger compartment, while at the same time minimising damage to other impacted vehicles.

MODEL SPECIFICATIONS & COLOUR LINE-UP The Honda WR-V range comprises two models, the Comfort and Elegance, both employing the same 1.2-litre powertrain and five-speed manual transmission.

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

WARRANTY & SERVICE PLAN The new Honda WR-V comes standard with Honda's five-year/200 000km warranty, backed by a four-year/60 000km service plan as standard with service intervals every 15 000km.

Three-year AA Roadside Assistance service is also included in the purchase price.

PRICING • WR-V 1.2 Comfort MT R289 900 • WR-V 1.2 Elegance MT R319 900

24

www.thevillagenews.co.za

25 November 2020

The first ever BMW iX

A

vision is turning into reality, as the BMW Vision iNEXT becomes the BMW iX. With a year still to go before its market launch at the end of 2021, the BMW Group is providing a first look ahead to the future BMW iX, which is currently still in the series development phase.

Conceived from the outset for purely electric mobility, the iX sees BMW redefining the successful Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) concept. With its completely newly developed, precise and minimalist design, the BMW iX is the first representative of a trailblazing generation of cars poised to redefine the driving experience, the feeling of space inside and the relationship between vehicles and those on board.

The BMW iX harnesses the latest innovations in the fields of electrification, automated driving and connectivity to deliver a mobility experience that puts people more than ever at its heart. To this end, its design has been developed from the inside out.

The BMW iX has been created to provide quality of life and wellbeing for drivers and passengers. The clear and minimalist design of its exterior showcases a new form of mobility geared squarely to the needs of the vehicle’s occupants. Its interior offers those on-board innovative options for using the time during a journey – and enjoying relaxation, safety, security, and a new form of luxury in the process.

The BMW Group’s new technology flagship – courtesy of BMW i, the “workshop for the future”.

The design and technology of the BMW iX form an overall package that lays the foundations for what is, in many respects, a new kind of driving experience. In so doing, it comprehensively embodies the character of the BMW i brand, whose mission is to transform personal mobility.

BMW i plays a central role at the BMW Group as a “workshop for the future” and driver of innovation across the company.

“The BMW Group is constantly striving to reinvent itself. That is a central element of our corporate strategy,” says Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “The BMW iX expresses this approach in an extremely concentrated form.”

The BMW iX will go into production at BMW Plant Dingolfing from the second half of 2021 as the BMW Group’s new technology flagship. It brings together the company’s latest developments in the strategic innovation fields of Design, Automated Driving, Connectivity, Electrification and Services. Added to which, the vehicle concept and design of the BMW iX are rooted in an all-embracing approach to sustainability. This is reflected in areas of the car such as its optimised aerodynamics, intelligent lightweight design and extensive use of natural and recycled materials, which help to create a cutting-edge sense of luxury and comprehensive feeling of wellbeing on board.

Fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology delivers outstanding efficiency and long range.

The fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology – which encompasses the

two electric motors, the power electronics, the charging technology and the high-voltage battery – guarantees exceptional efficiency. The power unit developed by the BMW Group has been manufactured sustainably without the use of critical raw materials known as rare earths and will, by the most recent calculations, develop maximum output of more than 370 kW. That will be enough to power the BMW iX from 0 to 100 km/h in under 5.0 seconds.

At the same time, the vehicle’s clear aim is to post an exceptionally low combined electric power consumption figure for its segment of less than 21 kWh per 100 kilometres in the WLTP test cycle. A gross energy content of more than 100 kWh should enable the latest-generation high-voltage battery to record a range of over 600 kilometres in the WLTP cycle. That equates to more than 300 miles according to the EPA’s FTP-75 test procedure. (All figures relating to performance, energy consumption and range are predicted values based on the car’s current stage of development.)

DC fast charging: over 120 kilometres of extra range in ten minutes.

The new charging technology of the BMW iX enables DC fast charging at up to 200 kW. In this way, the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent of its full capacity in under 40 minutes. Added to which, within ten minutes enough energy can be fed into the battery to increase the car’s range by more than 120 kilometres.

It takes less than eleven hours to charge the high-voltage battery from 0 to 100 per cent at 11 kW from a Wallbox.

The batteries fitted in the BMW iX are designed as part of a longterm resource cycle and enable an exceptionally high recycling rate. The power used to produce the battery cells and the high-voltage battery as a whole come exclusively from renewable sources.

New technology toolkit underpins further advances towards automated driving.

The new technology toolkit making its debut in the BMW iX also provides the platform for significant progress in the areas of automated driving and digital services. For example, the level of computing power has been developed to process 20 times the data volume of previous models. As a result, around double the amount of data from vehicle sensors can be processed than was previously possible.

“We are setting new industry standards with the technology in the BMW iX. The iX has more computing power for data processing and more powerful sensor technology than the newest vehicles in our current lineup, is 5G-capable, will be given new and improved automated driving and parking functions and uses the high-performing fifth generation of our electric drive system,” says Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development.

Fresh design for a new driving experience.

The BMW iX is leading the way for a future generation of cars with which the company is redefining sustainability, driving pleasure and what it

means to be premium. This trailblazing character is clearly expressed in the car’s design. It provides the basis for a new kind of driving experience in which familiarity, relaxation and self-determination are the dominant themes.

The exterior of the BMW iX represents a distinctive re-imagining of the powerful proportions of a large BMW SAV. The BMW iX is comparable with the BMW X5 in length and width, and is almost the same height as the BMW X6 on account of its flowing roofline.

The size of its wheels, meanwhile, brings to mind the BMW X7.

The minimalist use of character lines and generously shaped surfaces conjure an aura of supreme assurance.

The crisp lines, clear structure and almost rectangular contours around the wheel arches contribute to an imposing body design. And the reduced design language steers the eye onto precisely constructed details that accentuate the sophisticated character, brand identity and optimised aerodynamics of the BMW iX. Front end: expressive, vertical kidney grille serves as an intelligence panel.

At the centre of the front end stands the prominent, vertically emphasised kidney grille. Since the electric drive system of the BMW iX requires only a small amount of cooling air, the kidney grille is completely blanked off. Its role has duly turned digital and here it functions as an intelligence panel. Camera technology, radar functions and other sensors are integrated seamlessly into the grille behind a transparent surface.

Developed and produced at the BMW Group’s LuTZ lightweight design and technology centre in Landshut, the kidney grille for the BMW iX presents a technologically lavish advertisement for intelligent mobility. The grille has reinvented itself as an innovative and multifunctional hightech interface for the advanced driver assistance systems with which the BMW iX paves the way for automated driving.

Clearly designed surfaces, discreetly integrated technology.

The exterior design highlights of the BMW iX also include the slimmest headlight units ever to feature on a series-produced model from BMW, the flush-fitted door openers (operated at the press of a button), the frameless side windows, the tailgate – which has no separation joints and extends across the whole of the rear – and the likewise extremely slim rear lights.

The BMW kidney grille is not the only example of how the principle of shy tech has been integrated into the design of the BMW iX: an array of other cameras and sensors are likewise positioned discreetly, the door openers are flush, the filler neck for the windscreen washer fluid is concealed under the BMW logo on the bonnet and the rear-view camera has been integrated into the BMW logo on the tailgate. The technology stays in the background and only becomes apparent as and when the relevant functions are called into action.

“The BMW iX shows how we can give new technologies a very modern and

emotionally engaging design. The car is technologically highly complex, but it feels very clear and uncomplicated,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “The BMW iX offers a mobile living space in which people will feel at ease and the car’s intelligence is always available without becoming obtrusive.”

Interior design: people at centre stage.

A high level of spaciousness, a mixture of high-quality materials, newly developed seats with integral head restraints and an exceptionally large panoramic glass roof immerse all five seats of the BMW iX cabin in a luxurious, lounge-like ambience. The all-new architecture of the BMW iX cabin underpins a perfectly clear and straightforward functionality that revolves entirely around the needs and emotions of the driver and their fellow occupants. The drive concept means there is no centre tunnel, adding to the open, airy feel while also allowing extra legroom in the front and rear, sufficient space for storage facilities, and a centre console crafted to look like a high-quality piece of furniture. The minimalistic design language and clearly structured surfaces shine an even brighter spotlight on the feeling of spaciousness inside the car.

The displays and controls are all stripped down to the essentials, further reinforcing the impression of an uncluttered cabin offering a place of relaxation. The technology of the BMW iX is used intelligently and only becomes visible when it is needed. This makes it intuitive to use rather than seeming overly complex.

The interior design conveys a sense of safety and familiarity and engenders a new type of bond between occupants and vehicle. The shy tech approach for the interior can be seen in a number of features, including

speakers integrated out of sight, intricately styled air vents, heated surfaces and the discreet recessing of the BMW Head-Up Display’s projector into the instrument panel so it is almost invisible. The hexagonally shaped steering wheel, a rocker switch for gear selection and the BMW Curved Display – which forms part of the next-generation BMW Operating System – clearly advertise the futuristic form of driving pleasure on offer.

Intelligent lightweight design and optimised aerodynamics increase range.

The energy and range of the BMW iX benefit from innovative solutions in the areas of lightweight design and aerodynamics. Its body structure, featuring an aluminium spaceframe and innovative Carbon Cage, can claim extremely high torsional stiffness, which in turn enhances agility and maximises occupant protection, while minimising weight.

The intelligent material mix, with a variety of materials employed exactly where their specific properties can be utilised to best effect, is unique in this segment. Together with the superb aerodynamics, the intelligent material mix helps to endow the iX with remarkably composed, relaxed driving characteristics combined with instant, precise response to every movement of the accelerator and turn of the steering wheel.

Fully capitalising on the benefits provided by the all-electric drive system and meticulously implementing proven measures from the past in the front end of the car, the underbody section, the wheels and the rear end gives the BMW iX optimised aerodynamics, which have a positive effect on both the performance and range of the purely electrically powered SAV. The BMW iX boasts outstanding aerodynamics for its class, with a drag coefficient (Cd) of just 0.25.

25 November 2020

www.thevillagenews.co.za

25

26

www.thevillagenews.co.za

25 November 2020

New MINI Countryman now in SA T

he biggest and most versatile member of the MINI model family generates fresh stimuli for driving pleasure and individual flair in the hallmark style of the British premium brand.

Precisely refined design, attractive additions to the equipment range and innovative technology in the areas of operation and networking underpin the exceptional status of the new MINI Countryman within the premium compact segment.

Its robust vehicle concept, an ample, versatile interior with five fully-fledged seats, and the ALL4 allwheel drive system (only available as standard equipment on the JCW Countryman model) make it an unmistakable all-round talent that inspires typical MINI enthusiasm not just in day-to-day traffic, but also on long-distance trips and when venturing onto unsurfaced terrain.

The progressive character of the new MINI Countryman is reflected in new digital MINI Connected services and, what is more, the desire for individualisation is catered to more radically than ever before with the range of additional optional extras and Original MINI Accessories.

With the new MINI Countryman, the tradition-steeped British brand continues to pursue its conquest of additional target groups. Even in its first generation, the MINI Countryman was a pioneer. As the first model with an exterior length of more than four metres, four doors, a large tailgate, five seats and (optional) all-

wheel drive, it laid the foundations for the brand’s highly successful advance into the premium compact segment. The MINI Countryman now accounts for almost 30 per cent of the brand’s new registrations worldwide.

The launch of the current model generation once again sees a significant optimisation in terms of space, versatility, functionality and ride comfort. The new MINI Countryman is available with two petrol engines featuring the latest MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology. The engines have seen extensive further development and cover an output spectrum ranging from 100 kW to 141 kW (combined fuel consumption: 6.7 – 6.3 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 153 – 143 g/km).

The new MINI Countryman: an overview of the highlights.

• Distinctive front design with newly designed radiator grille.

• LED headlamps and LED fog lights now as standard.

• LED rear lights in Union Jack design.

• New body finishes, new option Piano Black Exterior.

• New light alloy wheels.

• Latest generation of engines, all models comply with Euro 6d emissions standard.

• Standard 7-speed Steptronic with double clutch. Paddle shifts are optional for the MINI Cooper S Countryman.

• New digital cockpit display with 5-inch colour screen as standard.

• Newly designed central instrument in Piano Black High Gloss design

available as an optional extra.

• Sports leather steering wheel as standard in all model variants.

• New range of leather trims and interior surfaces.

• MINI Connected with new functions.

• Extended range of Original MINI Accessories.

Distinctive proportions, powerful charisma.

Thanks to its unmistakable proportions, the new MINI Countryman is instantly recognisable as the brand’s largest model. The threepart structure of the vehicle body that is typical of MINI is interpreted in a particularly striking way by the model-specific roof line.

The car’s upright stature and increased ground clearance are suggestive of generous interior space, robust character and inspiring driving characteristics – both onroad and off-road. The optional MINI ALL4 exterior look and the roof rails – also available as an optional extra – further underline the versatility of the new MINI Countryman.

The precisely modified design of the car's front section lends even more intense emphasis to the powerful charisma of the new MINI Countryman. The new structure of the bumper covering, now entirely in body finish, ensures a particularly clear-cut and high-quality appearance. The redesigned radiator grille has the hexagonal contours that are typical of MINI and is surrounded by a slim, one-piece chrome frame.

Its air intake is subdivided by three

horizontal struts in the MINI Cooper Countryman. The radiator grille of the new MINI Cooper S Countryman is characterised by a hexagonal grid pattern with a red “S” and a single chrome strut.

Bright spot: LED headlamps now standard.

The redesign of the front section adds LED headlamps to the standard trim in the new MINI Countryman: here, the latest version of these lights features a particularly high-quality design that emphasises the technology used. The distinctive, slightly asymmetrically rounded contours of the headlamps are accentuated by a continuous band of light that takes on the function of both daytime driving light and turn indicator.

The turning light included in the functional range of the LED headlamps provides intensive illumination of the side areas of the road when changing direction.

The standard trim of the new MINI Countryman also includes LED fog lights, with a light band in the upper semicircle of each fog light serving as a parking light.

Adaptive LED headlamps with variable light distribution and matrix function for high beam are available as a newly added option. In addition to the turning light, they also provide bend lighting, automatically adapting their effect to the traffic situation and weather conditions. In urban traffic and when visibility is limited due to the weather conditions, the side area of the road is

illuminated more intensely by adding the dimmed turning light. When driving on motorways it is possible to selectively increase the range of the high beam.

What is more, the adaptive LED headlamps in the new MINI Countryman now feature an automatic selective dip function for the high beam. For this purpose, the high beam is subdivided into four segments that can be activated and deactivated independently of each other and adapted to the situation on the road at speeds of over 70 km/h.

As soon as the front camera of the new MINI Countryman detects an oncoming vehicle or a vehicle driving ahead, the space that vehicle occupies is only illuminated at low beam brightness, while the other high beam segments continue to illuminate the rest of the road in the normal way. As such, the matrix high beam is able to increase the range of vision while at the same time avoiding any dazzle effect on other road users.

Redesigned rear apron and LED lights in Union Jack design.

With its redesigned bumper trim, the rear apron also contributes to the particularly powerful and contemporary look of the new MINI Countryman. The upright rear lights with chrome frame provide an exclusive, unmistakable accentuation that evokes the origins of the British brand. All lighting functions now feature high-quality LED technology as standard, while the graphic struc-

ture of the light source traces the pattern of the Union Jack. With its striking lines, the flag motif provides a distinctive form of identification – both during the day and in terms of night design.

ries programme. 17-inch light alloy wheels in Channel Spoke Black design are new to the range of ex works options, as are 19-inch light alloy wheels in the design variant Turnstile Spoke 2-tone.

Striking look: two new body finishes, Piano Black Exterior and new alloy wheels.

The range of body finishes opens up new possibilities for an individual look, including the newly added colours White Silver metallic and Sage Green metallic. The roof and mirror caps of the new MINI Countryman can be finished in black as an alternative to the body colour.

Interior: ample space and even greater scope for individual style.

The new MINI Countryman combines versatile driving characteristics with a versatile interior. Three fully-fledged seats are available at the rear. Alternatively, the second row of seats can also be used to expand transport capacity. By folding down the rear seat with a 40:20:40 split, storage space can be extended from 450 to up to 1 390 litres.

The Piano Black Exterior option – likewise new and available for all variants of the new MINI Countryman – ensures a particularly striking appearance: here, the headlamp surrounds, rear lights, radiator grille and side indicator elements – or side scuttles – are finished in highgloss black instead of chrome, as are the door handles and the model lettering on the luggage compartment lid.

Additional identification features in high-gloss black are available from the range of Original MINI Accessories, including the MINI logo and the “Cooper S” and “ALL4” inscriptions in Piano Black design. Matching exterior mirror caps and side scuttles with a grey-black flag pattern in Night Jack design are also available for retrofit.

Depending on the model variant, the new MINI Countryman is fitted as standard with light alloy wheels that are 17-inch in size, with light alloy wheels in sizes up to 19 inches available as optional extras and as part of the Original MINI Accesso-

27

www.thevillagenews.co.za

25 November 2020

Selective customisation of the interior oriented towards the customer’s personal style has become even more attractive due to the addition of new options and a further developed product range. The Colour Line for the lower section of the instrument panel and door trim, previously available as a single option, is now an integral part of the leather trim designed to match the relevant colour scheme.

The MINI Cooper S Countryman now comes as standard with Piano Black interior surfaces for the cockpit and door bezels. These are combined with accentuation strips in the variant British Oak dark.

Engines with optimised MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology and emission control to meet the Euro 6d emission standard.

An extensively further developed engine portfolio enables the new MINI Countryman to achieve an even more favourable balance between driving fun and fuel consumption. In addition to further

optimisation of CO2 levels, other aspects of the emissions performance have been likewise consistently improved by means of the relevant measures – including particulate filters for petrol engines and SCR with AdBlue injection for diesel engines.

This means that all model variants of the new MINI Countryman now meet the particularly rigorous Euro 6d emission standard.

MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology is used in the 3-cylinder petrol engine of the new MINI Cooper Countryman and in the 4-cylinder petrol engine of the new MINI Cooper S Countryman, and now includes an exhaust manifold integrated in the cylinder head along with turbo charging.

Among other things, this ensures highly effective cooling of the exhaust gases and the turbocharging system. At the same time, crankcase cooling can be reduced when demand is low in the partial load range by means of a new split cooling valve. In addition, petrol engine direct injection operates at a maximum pressure that has been increased from 200 to 350 bar.

New equipment features: sports leather steering wheel, digital cockpit.

The interior of the new MINI Countryman also has increased appeal due to an extended range of standard equipment. It now includes a sports leather steering wheel in all model variants. In the new MINI Countryman, the front passenger can also adapt seat height as required. Electrically adjustable seats are available as an option, including a memory function on the driver’s side.

A new digital instrument display is standard for the new MINI Countryman. The display in Black Panel design behind the steering wheel has a diameter of 5.0 inches. The range of audio and navigation systems has been restructured. The standard Connected Media and optional Connected Navigation Plus, available as an alternative to the basic configuration, each include an 8.8-inch colour screen with touchscreen function located in the central instrument that is typical of the brand.

The new MINI Countryman is available in South Africa in two model variants: MINI Cooper Countryman: 100 kW, 0 – 100 km/h in 9.7 seconds, top speed: 203 km/h, fuel consumption (combined): 6.3 litres/100 km, CO2 emissions (combined): 143 g/km.

The circular control unit in the new MINI Countryman exhibits a refined surface look, with the audio control panel and the buttons for hazard lights and driver assistance systems now integrated even more harmoniously. Meanwhile touch-sensitive bookmark buttons and high-gloss Piano Black surfaces underscore the premium character of the central instrument.

MINI Cooper S Countryman: 141 kW, 0 – 100 km/h in 7,5 seconds, top speed: 226 km/h, fuel consumption (combined): 6.7 litres/100 km, CO2 emissions (combined): 153 g/km.

The Radio MINI Visual Boost and the digital instrument display form part of the standard equipment Connected Media, while the Connected Navigation option makes a range of additional infotainment functions

available in the new MINI Countryman in addition to providing a convenient route guidance system.

This option also comprises wireless charging for compatible mobile phones and a second USB socket.

The new MINI Countryman: always online and up-to-date thanks to intelligent networking.

The new MINI Countryman is equipped with a SIM card that is permanently fitted in the car. This enables use of Intelligent Emergency Call with automatic detection of vehicle location and accident severity, as well as MINI TeleServices. The Connected Media option includes a wide range of MINI Connected digital services.

This provides access to the Real Time Traffic Information service as well as the internet platform MINI Online and preparation for Apple CarPlay. MINI Connected can be used to send navigation destinations from the smartphone to the vehicle.

Individual style for retrofitting: MINI Original Accessories.

High-quality retrofit options from the programme of MINI Original Accessories enable functionality, convenience, driving fun and individual style to be adapted even more precisely to personal preferences in the new MINI Countryman.

The selection ranges from a rear bicycle rack, a roof box, a moulded luggage compartment mat and all-weather floor mats.

PRICES: • MINI Cooper Countryman R599 624 • MINI Cooper S Countryman R631 004

28

www.thevillagenews.co.za

25 November 2020

New Renault KWID ULTRA LTD EDT • The Renault KWID was first launched into the SA market at the end of 2016 and has redefined the market with almost 30,00 cars sold to date, offering affordable mobility to all. With the arrival of the New Renault KWID ULTRA Ltd Edt, the value proposition becomes even more attractive.

• The Renault KWID ULTRA Ltd Edt presents an even more compelling offer with great visual enhancements and features: • Unprecedented features in its segment include: 8” Touchscreen MediaNav® with Bluetooth®, USB, AUX and MP3 playback, now with the added convenience of Reverse Camera and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, front and rear powered windows, electrical adjustable door mirrors, aircon and remote central locking.

• Increased safety with dual front airbags, ABS brakes and improved road holding thanks to the 14” wheels and sturdier rear axle.

• Striking SUV KWID design offers segment-unique LED Daytime Running Lights, and class-leading 180mm ground clearance, providing the lift to take on any challenge with ease, with the KWID ULTRA Ltd Edt boasting a sleek two-tone Black-and-White look.

• Spaciousness of the Renault KWID is in line with upper segment vehicles comfortably accommodating 5 adults with best in class 279 litres boot space, matched by vibrant interior finishes.

• Powered by Renault’s frugal 1.0-litre Smart Control efficiency (SCe) engine optimised for performance and efficiency, enabling best in class fuel efficiency from only 4.7 li-

tres/ 100km on the manual models and an impressive 4.4 litres/ 100km on the AMT model within the fuller range.

• The Renault KWID range is priced from only R162 900, inclusive of 1 Year Comprehensive Insurance, a 2 Year Service Plan and 5 Year Warranty, with the latest KWID ULTRA Ltd Edt model retailing at R174 900.

• With only 100 units available, the Renault KWID ULTRA LTD EDT offers both unique-ness and exclusivity to our customers.

An innovative and affordable entry-level vehicle, the Renault KWID overturns established entry segment design cues thanks to its robust, stylish exterior plus a modern and inviting interior equipped with generous cabin space as well as features and fitments normally unattainable in its class.

Not only was the Renault KWID hatchback specifically designed to meet the needs of anyone looking to buy an affordable car, but also to make driving simpler. With its more appealing design and impressive array of equipment, the New Renault KWID ULTRA Ltd Edt certainly presents a striking offering in the passenger car market.

STRIKING SUV-LOOK The Renault KWID is borne from Renault Global’s design expertise. It exudes a sense of robustness and is both modern and advanced.

It puts forward a more muscular and tough exterior enhancing its SUV-inspired look, which certainly makes it aesthetically pleasing.

The new larger 14” wheels sporting stylish wheel covers give the Renault KWID an impressive ground clearance

and sturdier stance, and together with the new rear axle add to the safety of the vehicle by improving its roadholding. The Renault KWID offers unique design cues, such as SUV styled headlamps with silver streak LED DRL’s, and tail lamps with LED light guides, while the new front fascia exudes a sense of aggression, adding to its overall appeal.

The new bi-tone RENAULT KWID ULTRA Ltd Edt takes the already stylish design to the next level, with a white gloss body finished off with a striking black roof and side mirrors, and 14” diamond cut black aluminium alloys.

What’s not to like?

SMART STYLISH INTERIOR AND UNPRECEDENTED FEATURES IN ITS SEGMENT The Renault KWID is as striking on the inside as it is outside – evident from the new chrome finishes which give it a more premium feel, while the upholstery fabrics take modern to a new level. The piano black centre fascia and meter cluster with sporty graphics certainly give a more pronounced and sporty ambiance.

The KWID boasts a surprising level of advanced technology – including standard aircon, electric front and rear windows and electrical adjustable door mirrors.

The bold and confidence-inspiring interior of the Renault KWID offers both style and practicality, featuring intuitive technology to ensure that driver and passengers stay connected, including a new MediaNav® / multi-media system complete with a larger 8” touchscreen display, radio and Bluetooth® connectivity, and the convenience of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

The addition of a reverse camera and park distance sensors puts the Re-

nault KWID in a league of its own, for complete ease of parking and added peace-of-mind.

The sporty front seats are generously sized, offering superior comfort while the electric power steering and one-touch lane change indicator make driving a breeze. Electric front and rear windows add to driver and passenger convenience while the powerful air-conditioning with heater functionality ensures driving pleasure irrespective of the weather.

All controls are within easy reach from both driver and passenger sides.

The passenger glove box, driver and passenger in-door storage space with 1-litre bottle holder and rear parcel tray allow for practical and convenient stowage, totalling 27 litres.

The Renault KWID’s inviting interior is enhanced by its class-leading space that comfortably seats five adults and is complemented by a class leading boot space of 279 litres.

OPTIMISED ENGINE EFFICIENCY The compact 1.0- litre 3-cylinder Smart Control efficiency (SCe) engine powering the KWID models has been optimised for power and performance and pushes out peak power of 50kW @ 5 500 rpm and maximum torque of 91Nm @ 4 250 rpm.

The Renault KWID model paired to a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT gearbox, the best automatic entry offer in the South African market.

Drivers will appreciate its good responsiveness and drivability at low revs and wide torque band across the rpm range. An extremely fuel-efficient petrol-powered engine, it delivers an incredible 4.7 litres/100km and class leading 4.4 litres/100km with the AMT transmission.

SAFETY MATTERS

The Renault KWID has dual front airbags, for both driver and passenger, and the full Model range is equipped with ABS brakes allowing for increased pad and disc life, and improved stopping during emergency braking. A seat belt reminder presents an added safety feature. The roadholding is enhanced thanks to the new 14” wheels and more robust rear axle.

AND . . . THE RENAULT KWID COMES OUT TOPS !

With the recent release of the 2020 version of the AA-Kinsey Report, the Renault KWID 1.0 Expression has been recognized as the vehicle that boasts the cheapest parts basket in South Africa.

It is 1st within the City cars and entry-level vehicles category with a total parts basket of R62 990.01, an accolade that will stand us in good stead in the market.

PEACE-OF-MIND COMES STANDARD To facilitate peace-of-mind driving, the Renault KWID model range comes standard with a 1 Year Comprehensive Insurance Cover, a 2 Year Service Plan, and a 5-year/150 000km mechanical warranty and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. Services take place at 15 000km intervals.

RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICING • Renault KWID Expression 1.0-litre SCe: R 162 900 • Renault KWID Expression AMT 1.0-litre SCe: R 172 900 • Renault KWID Dynamique 1.0-litre SCe: R 172 900 • Renault KWID ULTRA LTD EDT 1.0-litre SCe: R 174 900 • Renault KWID Dynamique AMT 1.0-litre SCe: R 182 900 • Renault KWID CLIMBER 1.0-litre SCe: R 183 900 • Renault KWID CLIMBER AMT 1.0-litre SCe: R 193 900