The Village NEWS 27 Nov - 4 Dec 2019 by The Village NEWS

27 NOVEMBER 2019

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NEWS UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy

It's all about local produce, environmentally responsible practices, authenticity and originality.

New plans for astronomy centre Writer De Waal Steyn

Susan Skog enjoyed a scenic walk on Babilonstoring on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge recently when she came across this beautiful king protea (Protea cynaroides). These proteas have the largest flower head in the genus and are also known as giant, honeypot or sugarbush protea. PHOTO: Susan Skog

n anticipation of Wednesday’s Council decision not to approve the construction of an astronomy facility on Rotary Way, the Hermanus Astronomy Centre (HAC) has developed an alternative proposal for an astronomy education display at Gearing’s Point, which has been approved by both the Ward 3 Committee and the municipality. “We have been waiting for more than 18 months to receive final confirmation that the initial proposal to build an astronomy centre has been denied. Once we have received that in writing, we can go back to the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) with a revised application, together with a project plan and a budget, for the funding that was allocated for the centre,” said Pierre de Villiers of HAC. “The objective of the new plan is to convert the whale-watching viewing ring at Gearing’s Point into a self-guided Astronomy Education Centre by mounting more than 30 tablets of engraved engineered granite, measuring 600 mm wide by 800 mm high, on the inside of the existing ring wall. The tablets will be engraved with educational themes of an astronomical or geographical nature and will give a concise but comprehensive overview of current knowledge and insight. “In addition, we want to upgrade the old trig beacon by adding an information plaque describing the history and the importance of trig beacons in land surveying, as well as adding a Shepherd’s Sundial around the top of the existing beacon base and four granite engraved vertical sundials just below the Shepherd’s Sundial facing north, east, south and west. Lastly, we want to add six cardinal

direction (solstices and equinoxes) sunrise and sunset viewing ‘V’-slots into the top of the ring wall,” said de Villiers, adding that “This type of activity is sure to draw not only school groups but also other tourists to the CBD.” According to the municipality’s Department of Infrastructure and Planning, the reasons for not approving the centre on Rotary Way include non-compliance with the National Environmental Management: • Protected Areas Act; • the fact that the necessary due diligence on the impact on the Fernkloof Nature Reserve (FNR) was not done; • the impact on the road and parking facilities have not been adequately addressed; • the safety and security of the facility on an ongoing basis has not been addressed; • and the impact on the area surrounding the facility was not factored in to the motivation of the application. The construction of an astronomy centre has been on the cards since 2009 when council first approved the facility. Subsequently, an official application for the construction was made in November 2015, after which it was incorporated into the FNR’s 2016 Integrated Management Plan. During the public participation process, more than 50 letters of objection were received. The original plan included a 288m² facility next to the existing parking area on Rotary Way. The facility would have included a day-time astronomy centre with sundials and sun telescopes, as well as an amphitheatre and small kitchen. Anina Lee of Whale Coast Conservation said they are delighted that the original proposal was not approved. “We cannot allow for development to take place within the FNR and the revised plan makes a lot more sense. The new plan has no impact on conservation and in principle we support it,” she said.

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27 November 2019

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‘Line in sand’ on interaction with wildlife •

Writer De Waal Steyn

Primarily, the research outlines a ‘home-grown’ approach to a complex problem, one which draws a line – moving the SA tourism industry forward in terms of responsible and sustainable practices.

aptive wildlife attractions and interactions remain a complex, contentious and emotionally-charged issue. There is a growing movement, both locally and internationally, against tourism experiences that potentially harm animals, according to the South African Tourism Services Association (SATSA).

Leveraging the findings of the robust research study, SATSA will now collaborate with its members and the broader tourism industry to translate the research findings into practice. According to IOL. the National Department of Tourism has welcomed SATSA's “commitment to the protection of our wildlife and environmental resources”. Spokesperson Blessing Manale said the guidelines support the existing National Standards for Responsible Tourism in “encouraging visitor behaviour that respects SA's natural heritage and discourages exploitative wildlife industries”.

“In order to fulfil the principles of moving the conversation forward and educating to increase moral sensitivity and improve moral decision-making, a ‘Line in the Sand’ had to be drawn. It is from this line that reformation of captive wildlife attractions will be measured, thereby securing their continued approval, viability and longevity,” according to the association. In short, there is now a line in the sand as to what interactions with animals are acceptable and what are not. According to SATSA, interactions with all infant wildlife, walking with predators or elephants, interacting with predators and riding wild animals are no longer acceptable practices and facilities offering any such activities will no longer be recommended to international operators or visitors. “The travel industry, and tourists themselves, are clamouring for a clear marker that separates for them the acceptable (to support) from the unacceptable (to avoid). This point is where the industry’s tolerance limit is set and where to measure progress from. “We embarked on a comprehensive research initiative to develop a long-term vision for South Africa’s tourism industry with regards to animal interactions in tourism. The vision includes designing and agreeing on a framework to guide attractions, operators and tourists; to develop

Riding of animals (including sitting on elephants, ostriches etc.)

high-level suggestions for legislative intervention and regulation; and ultimately to position South Africa as an ethical tourism destination. “By providing the tourism industry with a useful tool by which to evaluate and select animal interaction activities we have moved yet another step closer with the launch of SATSA’s draft Animal Interaction guide,” said the association. This is the result of a year of research and robust consultation with the wider tourism industry and relevant stakeholders. Nationwide public workshops and an examination of local, regional and international guidelines, research and best practice contributed to the development of the guide. The study and resultant guide explore the

intricacies of animal interactions, including the reason why the animals are in captivity in the first place; the source of the animals; the use of the animals while in captivity; and the likely destination of the animals. The study conveys findings and recommendations around: • Performing animals (all types of animals, including elephants, predators, primates, cetaceans, birds, reptiles etc. trained to perform in a public show or display) • Tactile interactions with infant wild animals (e.g. cub petting) • Tactile interactions with predators or cetaceans (any interaction with land predators or aquatic mammals) • Walking with predators or elephants

Facilities falling outside SATSA's new criteria "will no doubt fight tooth and nail to keep the status quo,” said sustainable tourism consultant Dr Louise de Waal. “However, the wider industry has been begging for guidance on what captive wildlife interaction activities are, and are no longer acceptable." The DA’s shadow tourism minister, Manny De Freitas, said “It’s not natural for humans to interact with wild animals. In South Africa we need to foster an ethical and natural approach to wildlife tourism. We should educate tourists, explaining why certain activities are no longer acceptable.” SATSA hopes to implement the guidelines with full effect by the end of July 2020, after its AGM. “We hope to outline what the specific criteria for members who provide animal interactions will be at this meeting,” said SATSA CEO David Frost.

www.thevillagenews.co.za

27 November 2019

Readying our beaches for a smashing summer

Kleinmond’s traffic officers are ready for the holiday season. From left are Kenneth Kiewit, Liezel Hanekom, Christene Kholisile, Hannes Hanekom and Nino Williams.

Roadblocks planned across Overstrand Overstrand traffic officials, law enforcement and the special task team, together with SAPS and Provincial Traffic Services will be manning joint roadblocks during the December holiday season to ensure that only roadworthy vehicles and legally licensed drivers are using the roads. Motorists are urged to avoid overloading and to also ensure that every bus, taxi or charter vehicle has a valid operating licence and the correct permit conditions. Transport drivers must adhere to specific regulations which are set out in the National Land Transport Act and regular spot checks of all vehicles will be

carried out. If you're making use of paid transport, please make sure they meet all necessary requirements. When somebody is found to operate illegal transport services they’ll be fined and their vehicles will be impounded. All vehicles that transport passengers must have a seatbelt for every person and a car seat for those younger than three years old. If the vehicle is not able to comply with these requirements then it cannot be used as a form of public transport. Motorists must adhere to traffic laws and speed limits, and maintain a safe following distance.

The Overstrand Municipality is exceptionally proud that four of its beaches – Grotto, Hawston, Kleinmond and Castle Beach (Pearly Beach) are among the 45 South African beaches that have been accredited this year to display the Blue Flag. These beaches have earned Blue Flag status for the upcoming 2019/20 holiday season which opens officially on 1 December 2019. The Municipality was further granted Pilot Blue Flag status for Onrus Beach. Pilot beaches are not required to comply with all Blue Flag criteria yet, but must work towards meeting fundamental elements like water quality standards within a two-year period to stand a chance to ultimately acquire full Blue Flag status. Blue Flag status is awarded seasonally and municipalities must apply annually to renew the status of their beaches. In South Africa, the Blue Flag programme is managed by WESSA (the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) and the programme offers many benefits: Improved tourism facilities, enhanced management of coastal ecosystems, educational awareness programmes and excellent water-quality standards and facilities. Criteria for the Blue Flag programme stipulates that water samples are taken at regular intervals and that an independent laboratory should be responsible for testing all sea water samples.

Lifeguard Eden Timm with water samples taken at Onrus Beach on 19 November. The tender for lifeguard services on Overstrand beaches this year was awarded to Overstrand Community Lifeguards, who will be on all Blue Flag beaches daily from 09:00 until 18:00 – on Grotto Beach from 30 November – 31 March; on Kleinmond Main Beach and Hawston Beach from 30 November – 12 January; and on Castle Beach from 13 December – 12 January. Other beaches in the Hermanus and Kleinmond areas (as well as swimming pools) will have lifeguards on duty from 2 December – 31 January, and in the Gansbaai area from 13 December – 5 January.

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27 November 2019

Onrus resident reminisces about Intervarsity days Writer Pia Nänny

t’s autumn 1950 and Stellenbosch is abuzz. The annual Intervarsity competition against Ikeys is around the corner. Engineering student Con Hofmeyr has been selected as head cheerleader for the third consecutive year, but for the first time in 26 years a woman will accompany the supporters in the stands on the piano.

PHOTO: Pia Nänny

90-year-old Onrus resident, Nell Naudé (left), has fond memories of her stint as the Maties’ Intervarsity pianist in 1950 (below & below left).

Several newspapers report on this – Die Burger, The Cape Times as well as the local newspaper in Miss Nell de Vries’s hometown, Worcester. The latter tells its readers that this former head girl of the High School for Girls (Hoërskool vir Meisies) in Worcester composed the school’s song at the tender age of 15, when she was in Standard 8 (Grade 10). Nell, a third-year music student, was only the second woman to be chosen as the pianist. According to newspaper articles, a Miss Anna Hanekom was the first woman to accompany the Maties on the piano. This was 26 years earlier, in 1924. It’s spring 2019 and 90-year-old Nell Naudé (she married Johann Naudé, a farmer from Worcester, in 1954) remembers those days with a smile. “Intervarsity was the event of the year,” she explains. “Students had to attend sing-songs if they wanted tickets.”

Worcester and raised five daughters. Nell was also a music teacher in Worcester. Then, 33 years ago, they sold the farm and moved to Hermanus. Today Nell, who lives in Onrus, has 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. There were 29 people around the table when she turned 90 in October.

“I’m very blessed. My mind is still clear; I still drive my own car,” she says. She loves crossword puzzles The cheerleader and pianist were and Sudoku but plays bridge rather selected at the first sing-song event than the piano these days. “And we studying music. Some of her best and contra-bass. Stamp cards of the year. Students could nomiplay competition bridge, not social memories of her time in Stellenwere distributed to students and a nate people and all the nominees had to play something on the piano complete stamp card was crucial for bosch include impromptu meetings bridge,” she emphasises. those hoping to get a seat. at a café called Suikerbossie and before voting started. dances in the town hall. One of the Nell also enjoys attending local In 1950, the Intervarsity was hosted orchestras she heard there, Bobby’s music performances, but the grand “I got such a fright when they by Ikeys at Newlands. It was the Five, played at her wedding as well. piano she got in her third year at called my name. The pavilion was university now serves as a display host university’s responsibility to packed. I’m breaking into a cold surface for family photos. make sure that the pianos stood “We were only about 4 000 sweat just thinking about it,” she ready in the stands. “It was great students and you knew almost laughs. “Everyone wants it (the piano) but fun,” says Nell. “It was a real show.” everyone. We had so much fun. I don’t know where it will go. None Those were some of the best days She was selected by an overwhelm- She served as pianist for three of my children really have an ear years. of my life.” ing majority and the preparation for music,” she ponders. Hopefully started. The pianist was accomsomeone from the next generaNell was also primaria of Greylock, After their wedding, she and her panied by other musicians on tions will carry the musical torch… a small residence for students husband settled on a farm near instruments like the accordion

www.thevillagenews.co.za

27 November 2019

FROM THE EDITOR

An opportunity to share stories With the first summer season since Overstrand Hermanus was designated a Creative City of Gastronomy fast approaching, we now have a golden UNESCO opportunity to showcase all the wonderful reasons why our region was chosen as the first gastronomic city in Africa. Key to the UNESCO success was the Overstand’s focus on sustainable development and conservation. But the origin and quality of our food also played a deciding role. As the application noted, the Overstrand “is considered a top food destination, not because it has the top

Sugar & Spice

restaurants but because of the authenticity of its ingredients, which are largely sourced from within an 80 km radius all throughout the Overberg region, the agricultural heartland of South Africa. Foraging is what differentiates Hermanus from the truly big cities. Their entire food culture is based on sustainability and protecting the environment...”

positive story and the Overstrand has plenty to tell.

rituals while providing meaningful employment in local communities.

Restaurants, guesthouses and hotels can talk about where they are sourcing their ingredients from, whether they are cheeses from Stanford, flowers from Baardskeerdersbos, wine from Agulhas, lamb from Tesselaarsdal or fish bought through Abalobi, a mobile phone app that supports local small-scale fishermen.

Even those businesses that are not involved in farming, wine, hospitality or sustainability, especially those in the Central Business Districts of the Overstrand towns, can have a story to tell.

Those restaurants that forage for ingredients, as many of those on wine estates in the Hemel-en-Aarde do, have beautiful stories that explain how the terroir has influenced not just their wines but the outstanding dishes they create. Taking the decision to source only local, hand-crafted ceramic crockery that is produced in Kleinmond, whether for home or business use, tells a rich story of how we can use functional art to enrich life’s daily

Can you imagine all the wonderful stories that businesses can tell visitors that will bring to life what this designation really means in everyday life? Everyone loves a

Choosing to beautify your building and only planting indigenous species speaks to living within a floral kingdom with the highest biodiversity in the world. Visitors will take note, admire and comment on how beautiful our towns look. In the end, we, as residents, are the story of the Overstrand. We are the reason why the Overstrand was chosen as a Creative City of Gastronomy. We have so many stories all around us. And we must share these with all our visitors. Bring on summer! This is the good NEWS - Ed

The adventures of Superwoman

By Hélène Truter Banana milkshake, garage pie, jelly babies. Check. Nope, not on my way to a kiddies' party. I’m about to undertake the Great Trek from the Cape to the North in an old battered 4 x 4. The only time junk food is legitimate, in fact essential, is on a 1 500 km road trip. “Are you driving all the way on your own?” is the general horrified reaction. Well, firstly, there’s no space for a passenger. My vehicle is packed with stock from my shop. Chock a block. I’m off to the big city to flog my wares. Like a tupperware lady, I will come to you… Times are tough, business is slow, and a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do. Secondly, the point of a road trip is to have alone time, bingeing on unhealthy treats to keep awake, blowing your brains out with loud music, singing along and reminiscing about the days when you were

a careless teenager. And as I travel through the Moordenaarskaroo, I don’t have a care in the world, except that I’ve run out of jelly babies and I’m struggling to see through the windscreen. I suspect I’ve wiped out a large portion of the insect population south of the Vaal River. As they say; some days you’re the bug, some days you’re the windscreen. Mmm… that’s kind of the mood we’ve been in for quite some time now. When will the bad news ever end? And then… we WON THE WORLD CUP! Yes, it deserves to be in Capitals. In a couple of years to come, each and every South African will remember where he/she was when we became the world champions. I want to hold on to this feeling of euphoria. And as I drive through the dry and dusty Free State I feel like Superwoman as I sing along with Rodriguez. I’m suddenly brought down to earth when I notice that I’m running out of gas (the car, not me). I have no idea how far the next petrol station is. And I’ve run out of padkos. Superwoman? More like Super idiot.

Ah… but this is the year that we WON THE WORLD CUP. Lady Luck is smiling upon me. I spot a padstal, complete with donkeys and geese – and two petrol pumps. Relieved, I head for the slightly tatty pump, surprised that there are no petrol attendants. Then I see the faded notice: ‘NO FUEL. Awaiting license’. Really? They’ve clearly been waiting for a long, long time as those unused pumps look at least ten years old. I clearly misread Lady Luck’s smile. It was more like a cheeky grin… Fast forward to 2am. It’s been over 11 hours and I find myself just outside Bloemfontein. Exhausted. I’ve consumed enough snacks to feed a family of four. Superwoman had planned to drive through the night, but comes a time when you have to admit defeat. Bloem is asleep. So are the truck drivers at the truck stop. I pull up in front of the 24-hour Wimpy, cover myself with my coat and before you can say “Are you out of your mind, woman?” I’m dead to the world. Three hours later the earth moves. The trucks are heading out. Bleary-eyed, I head to the Ladies. I spot another woman who looks even

worse than me. She looks vaguely familiar… Oh. That’s me in the mirror. Note to self: Next time, pack veil. Mercifully, my pop-up shop is a huge success. Now the return trip awaits. Madam has learnt her lesson. She’s booked herself cheap accommodation online. I’m met by a woman with spectacular eyebrows, almost as odd as her slightly hysterical voice. I suspect I may be the first guest she has ever hosted. The apartment is, well… not an apartment at all. It’s the old servants' quarters. The toilet is right next to the bed. I kid you not. I have photos to prove it. You can basically use the loo as a bedside table. I tell Eyebrows I’m quickly going to buy fresh milk and hit the road, heading straight back to my beloved Hermanus. I vow that next time (which is in two weeks’ time) I will simply fly to Jo’burg. I turn up the volume and listen with half an ear to the news bulletin… What? Are you serious? SAA has been grounded? Overwhelmed, I sink into a pit of despair. And then I remember… WE WON THE WORLD CUP!

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27 November 2019

LET'S TALK Healthy and robust debate are crucial for democracy. The Village NEWS firmly believes in freedom of the press as well as the right of individuals to freely express themselves, as long as they don’t infringe upon the rights of others. The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors therefore do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of The Village NEWS. Letters may be shortened and/or edited for clarity and style. Enjoy our paper. Send your letters to dewaal@thevillagenews.co.za

Parking problems to be addressed We have heard from more than one source that informal car guards are charging R50 for their services. Please note that there are currently no formal parking attendants in the Hermanus CBD. The municipality is considering covering the signage boards indicating parking payments until the new tender is implemented.

Presently informal guards are taking advantage of the situation, with reports from more than one source that these guards are requesting R50. Please inform guests that tipping car guards for watching their vehicles is at their own discretion and no fixed amount is in place until the tender is finalised.

This situation will be addressed at a meeting on Wednesday 27 November to finalise the specifications for the Parking Management System. The municipality will keep the public posted regarding the process, but it is foreseen that the formal system will be implemented after 16 December 2019.

As a matter of interest, a Business Tech Survey done this year found that 43% of 4 911 respondents tipped around R5. Frieda Lloyd Cape Whale Coast Tourism Manager

From the kennel of Bertie Woofter Dog zones? Bah, humbug! It’s the twolegged species that need a short leash! Zones are for parking, you lazy riders! Speaking for myself and, on behalf of my roaming canine brethren, I think that we are already facing a pretty “ruff” deal from the industrious gauleiters. Let’s face it. You have made a pretty damn fine mess of the planet with your gas-guzzling machines, plastic everything, wasteful habits etc. Grrr-oomph. Perhaps you should take a leaf from your own book before casting aspersions in our direction. Clean up your

broken bottles, discarded cans, chicken bones, plastic bottles, fag ends, fishing lines and disgusting rubber balloon things – and leave us in doggy peace. In return for our boundless love, devotion, loyalty and security, we are relegated to second-class beings. All we ask is a little freedom to romp, frisk, sniff and play. Just a splash of water, expanse of sand or open green field. Don’t you realise that your cellphones spew out more junk than our poop – which is at least biodegradable and serves as our calling card, post box and local newspaper, all rolled into one?

Of course, we care for our feathered friends but they do have the open skies, the waves, high trees and mountains, while we are often shut behind four walls howling at the moon! The greatest threat to conservation is the human – standing pompously on its hind legs. And we are supposed to be your best friends? C’mon people, let’s not confuse conservation with deprivation! Yours in exasperation Bertram B. Woofter Barking Mad, Hermanus

Does anybody care about me? I am a white-fronted plover and I am battling to survive in the sand dunes next to Grotto Beach at the Klein River Lagoon. Every day I have to hide from seagulls, herons, humans and dogs. I have lost numerous brothers and sisters due to overheating of eggs when the adults are chased off the eggs in the hot sun. Breeding success is down to below 10% and most of the adults running on the beach are senior citizens. Our population has the potential to crash dramatically. Please, care about me so I have a chance of growing up undisturbed and help to build a new viable breeding population. I know you care. PHOTO: James Luckhoff

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Urgent notice for municipal and traffic payments Overstrand Municipality appeals to all ratepayers to make sure they switch their payment details from the old Absa account to the new Nedbank account.Ratepayers who pay accounts via the internet are urged to update their beneficiary details and to use the new, correct bank account details when paying their monthly municipal account. Legislation compels a municipality to renew the tender for banking every five years. Nedbank was awarded the tender as they met all the tender requirements, including banking fees. The correct account number for Overstrand Municipal Account Payments is Nedbank Account No. 1190136899. This account is solely for the payment of monthly municipal accounts. The payment must include your 12-numerical digit account number as the reference. The correct account number for Overstrand Traffic Fine Accounts is Nedbank Account Number 1190137186. This account is solely for the payment of Overstrand Municipality traffic fines and the payment must

include the 10 to 16 alpha-numerical digit reference number indicated on the fine. Please note that the “/” must not be included in the reference number. The correct account number for Overstrand Primary Account is Nedbank Account Number 1190136678. This account is for the payment of fees such as licence renewal, building plans, new water and electricity connections, boat launching, town planning etc. Clients are requested to obtain a reference number from the municipality before depositing money in these instances. The correct account number for Onrus Caravan Park Payments is Nedbank Account Number 1190137674. This account is solely for the payment of camping fees for the Onrus Caravan Park and the payment reference must include the booking number. NEDBANK: Type of account: Current Account Universal Branch Code: 198765 Branch: Inland Garden Route SWIFT Code: NEDSZAJJ

Should Klein River Estuary be breached? The article in The Village NEWS of 20 November, Uilkraals Estuary artificially breached, details how all the relevant authorities were involved in considering the reasons why permission was sought, and given, for the artificial breaching of that estuary.

lagoon will open again, naturally. If urgent action is taken it may not be too late for the lagoon to be breached. I hope our Municipality will give consideration to this matter. John Truswell, Voëlklip

Given the similarities at play in the Klein River system, it seems strange that there have been no moves to breach the lagoon – which hasn’t opened for some years. We have by now had an average rainfall, so it seems uncertain when the

According to CapeNature, the artificial breaching of the Klein River and the Bot River lagoons are being investigated. As there is a possibility of rain in the next few days, a final decision by the relevant authorities will be taken after 27 November. – Ed

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27 November 2019

www.thevillagenews.co.za

MY ENVIRONMENT The Village NEWS online has hundreds of articles to help you discover the very best that the Overberg has to offer. The Hemelen-Aarde Valley is one of the top tourist destinations with a wine route that is now the fourth most popular in South Africa. So if you want to plan that perfect trip, go online and check out all the stories about this beautiful valley between heaven and earth. Guide to the Hemel-en-Aarde Wine Route thevillagenews.co.za/guide-to-the-hemelen-aarde-wine-route/ The Walker Bay Wine District’s most important road, the Hemel-en-Aarde R320, winds its way through South Africa’s premium cool climate wine region. Not only does it offer visitors to the area the opportunity to experience world-renowned Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but also some of our country’s best Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz, as well as innovative blends. Our wine valley puts a spring in your step thevillagenews.co.za/our-wine-valley-puts-aspring-in-your-step/ A visit to Hermanus is simply not complete without heading up the valley to experience the Hemel-en-Aarde region. As residents, most of us have taken visitors to our award-winning wine estates, many of which have thriving tasting venues that not only offer wine tastings, but also innovative food and wine pairings, platters and picnics. Hemel-en-Aarde Valley: It’s time to specialise in Pinot Noir thevillagenews.co.za/hemel-en-aarde-valleyits-time-to-specialise-in-pinot-noir/ Would you choose a bottle of Hemel-enAarde Pinot Noir over Burgundy, Oregon or Central Otago when dining in London, New York or Hong Kong? Roland Peens assesses the Pinot Noirs of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. www.pressreader.com www.issuu.com/dwaal

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The fascinating world of spiders By Dr Anina Lee

anywhere from fynbos habitats to near the sea. Some people even keep them as pets. While spiders might make some of us cringe, everyone finds them fascinating, especially when we learn more about them.

like spiders. I especially like jumping spiders (Salticidae) because they are so cute, with many beady eyes and a whole lot of attitude. That they are way too small to sink a fang into me helps a lot too. They are always welcome in my kitchen where they jump on any flies that dare to enter. I am more ambivalent about rain spiders. I know they seldom bite and are not particularly venomous. I’m quite chuffed when one appears from behind a picture on the wall because I know that no mosquito will plague me while this spider guards my bedroom. But the same spider on the ceiling above my bed is a different matter. What if it should jump or fall down onto my face in the night? We have all run into more than a few spiders in our lives, perhaps hanging out in a web near the front door, or skittering across a plant in the garden. Spiders live in almost every habitat on the planet, so it’s quite usual to find them

Dr Vic Hamilton-Attwell and Whale Coast Conservation are providing an opportunity for young and old to go on an eco-adventure on 5 December to find out more about spiders living in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve. And at the same time participants can contribute to our knowledge of the fauna of the reserve. Relatively little information exists about the spider species in Fernkloof and, with your participation, we can learn a lot more – and perhaps even find spiders that are unique or rare. ‘Citizen-science’ is the active public involvement in scientific research. Science is no longer restricted to academics but instead it has become a pursuit for the public in general. Nature lovers have been acting as data collectors for a long time, especially people who create lists of wildlife they see around them. Birdwatchers are especially keen on making lists of the bird species they see. Scientists have come to realise that these lists can provide useful information for monitoring animal populations. The mobile apps that are now available make uploading data extremely user-friendly. The Animal Demography Unit at UCT keeps

1. Rain spider PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons 2. Children often enjoy keeping spiders as pets. PHOTO: PetAssure 3. Jumping spider (Salticidae) PHOTO: Vida van der Walt extensive databases of thousands of records that are uploaded by both professionals and amateurs. Dr Vic will show you how it’s done. Citizen science thus enables participants to make a direct contribution to research, increase their own scientific understanding and learn about environmental issues. Additionally, citizen-scientists can help researchers to maximize the amount of data collected on a project. Why not join other citizen-scientists collecting valuable data about spiders in Fernkloof? It will be an experience to remember and you will upskill yourself. The Fernkloof spider hunt is on Thursday 5 December at 17:30 in the Fernkloof gardens. To book contact anina.wcc@gmail.com. The cost is R120 for adults and R60 for children. All proceeds go to environmental education.

Be on high alert for invasive species The Hermanus Botanical Society (HBS) has again highlighted an invasive species in our area. This is Senecio pterophorus season. It is a highly invasive weed from the Eastern Cape and KZN which has become a world-wide pest. It has spread alarmingly in the Overberg in the past 10 years. Worryingly, it is known to hybridise with indigenous species such as S. burchellii. HBS appeals to anyone who sees a manageable outbreak of this pest anywhere close to Fernkloof, or other sensitive natural areas, to take immediate steps to deal with it. It is easily identifiable by the narrow, coarsely serrated leaves, dark green above and silvery-grey below. It has dense, rather pretty, heads of small yellow daisies and can grow to about 2 m tall. It is in full flower right now (late November) but will start to seed very quickly. The first step is to deflower the plant by chopping off the head – both flowers and seeds. Put these in a plastic bag and dispose of it in the rubbish bin. Don’t put it in the compost! The rest of the plant can be pulled up and left to decompose.

SPIDER SURVEY

All proceeds go to environmental education Booking essential: Anina 083 242 3295 or anina.wcc@gmail.com

THE VILLAGE

EXPLORER

FOOD & WINE | EVENTS | COMMUNITY

Creative and original restaurants key to UNESCO gastronomic success Writer Raphael da Silva

lthough the UNESCO gastronomy designation encompasses the range of activities from “farm-to-fork”, inevitably visitors are going to judge the region by the quality and creativity of their restaurants, says Darryl Earl David, Director of the Overstrand UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, whose vision sparked the idea to apply for the recognition. “You can’t say that all restaurants will do a roaring trade because of this designation. What it does mean though is that your top restaurants will do better. The competition will be healthy,” says Darryl. Anton Verhoogt, owner/head chef of Barefoot Cook and Fisherman’s Cottage restaurants in Hermanus agrees. “Look at the places in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. You can go into any restaurant and you know it is going to be good because the competition is just so intense. The same is going to happen in Hermanus. The top restaurants will do even better. The others will need to pull up their socks if they are going to survive, or they will be swept under the carpet.”

PHOTOS: Karen Winter

that is not available elsewhere in the country. “The focus will be much wider than just the plated product, including local sourcing of quality products; environmentally responsible practices by farmers and retailers, such as banning single-use plastics; ensuring responsible and equitable labour practices, and community integration,” he says. Carolyn Martin, co-owner of Creation Wines on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, feels the designation will lead to greater creativity. “An example of innovation is taking exceptional local ingredients from a pristine In order to live up to its designation by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy, the Overstrand’s restaurants will have to focus on local sourcing of quality produce, environmentally responsible practices, authenticity and originality.

Jacques le Roux, co-owner of The Wine Glass in Hermanus believes that the designation provides an important springboard for the growing experiential tourism sector. “The initiative will challenge the local industry to up our collective game. We need to live up to expectations and ensure that we retain the designation well into the future,” he says. Jacques also believes that restaurants need to focus on authenticity and originality. “There is a place for the formula or franchise type of offering, but visitors will be looking for something

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environment and transforming these into value-added experiences and opportunities, such as wheat growers producing organic stone-ground flour used to create unique types of bread, such as vetkoek,” she says. Petri Hendriksz, the chef/owner of Pear Tree and Char’d restaurants, believes his role is to inspire, push and mentor his team to culinary excellence. “There is a difference between creating and imagining. Creating is the act of turning new imaginative ideas into reality. We bring these creations to life by using local suppliers and adapting to the availability of their produce. All this is only possible by recognising the potential in employees, motivating them to believe in your creation, and providing training so that they can realise their own imaginative ideas. You are only as good as your dream and your team.” But, cautions Darryl, “My greatest fear, in the context of South Africa, is that when you talk gastronomy and food, hunger inevitably comes into the discussion.” He says this is why it is so important that the Food Bank project is a success. “The Food Bank is an under-the-radar project that will not bring people into town. It’s a social responsibility project.” Setting up and successfully operating a Food Bank was one of the projects promised in the UNESCO application. Other ideas that Darryl has include highlighting those restaurants that are pushing the gastronomic agenda of creativity and originality by putting together a Coastal Culinary Route in the Overstrand and an Inland Culinary Route in the rest of the Overberg, and to run a yearly competition to acknowledge culinary excellence and to create excitement about the designation.

10 | FOOD & WINE

What's Cooking

27 November 2019

New restaurant opens at sports club

By Hedda Mittner

ince the beginning of construction last year, the ambitious Hermanus Sports Club has come a long way and now provides a state-of-the-art sporting hub. While there are still several projects in the pipeline, the complex already boasts a floodlit astroturf hockey field, six tennis courts (of which four are floodlit), two netball courts and four squash courts; the BMX track is up and running and a new skate park is currently being built. Another milestone that was reached this month was the opening of the restaurant and bar at the clubhouse, leased to Paul Richards, for whom this is a familiar environment. An avid

tennis and squash player, Paul says he grew up in sports clubs in Johannesburg. “Club members spend a lot of time together, so they feel like family,” he says, underscoring the importance of having a clubhouse where members can socialise and hang out between games. Paul, who is also the owner of Sandown Blues on Kleinmond Beach and previously owned The Shellfish Bar in Harbour Road, recently moved from Kleinmond to Hermanus and was ready for a fresh challenge. “The clubhouse was just an empty shell but we are slowly getting to where we want to be,” he says. The premises, designed by architect Anton du Plessis, are light and spacious, with rough brick walls, high ceilings, exposed beams, wrap-around windows that offer expansive views in all directions, and a verandah that overlooks the tennis courts. The clubhouse is reached via an elevated walkway above the squash courts. On the opposite side of the building towards the cricket field is an attractive courtyard that still needs to be completed by the addition of a tree in the centre

Owner of The Clubhouse, Paul Richards. PHOTOS: Taylum Meyer and walkways that will lead up to the restaurant. Paul’s right hand in this new venture is Judy van der Merwe, who started her career at The Burgundy and also worked at the old tennis club in town before the new courts were built at the Hermanus Sports Club. This means that most of the members already know her and should feel right at home. “For the regulars, the clubhouse really is like a second home,” says Paul. “We want to create a welcoming space where people can just relax and have a drink or a bite to eat.” The clubhouse menu offers toasted sandwiches, burgers, schnitzels, steak, Prego rolls, fish and seafood, along with coffees, teas and cold beverages,

including milkshakes. Nothing fancy, but good quality and good value. Most of the wines on the wine list are from the Walker Bay region and the bar will also stock craft beers and craft gins.

A table tennis at one end of the large restaurant provides entertainment and Paul says he’ll also install a pool table in due course. “We have a great sound system and the venue is available for private and corporate functions, parties and weddings,” he adds. Although the restaurant’s official opening is on 6 December, it is already up and running and open to the public, Monday to Saturday from 11:00 – 20:00 (kitchen closes). Contact 072 505 1387 for enquiries or bookings.

TOP: The outdoor seating area overlooks the tennis courts. ABOVE: Clubhouse manager, Judy van der Merwe. FAR LEFT: Waitress Sharon Muparari and bartender Eric Mutandiwa. BELOW: The interior of the clubhouse is light and spacious.

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FOOD & WINE | 11

27 November 2019

Congrats to Warwick’s Chef School graduates

WINE & DINE

At the back, from left, are Vanessa Joseph, Bulelani Mhlonyane, Mathew Webster, Abongile Mafevuka, Amber Ambros, Thorne Reid, Chan-Morgan Booysen, Luzuko Madyibi, Markwill Miggel, and Antian Ambros. In front, from left: Asanda Sidelo, Sumien Warwick, Kevin Warwick (principal), Moiyzll Baatjies (sous chef at Arabella Hotel), Annabell Kapot (lecturer), and Asipe Siziba. The graduation ceremony of the National Youth Chef Training Programme (NYCTP) which is offered by Warwick’s Chef School in Hermanus, took place on 13 November in Cape Town. In 2017, 14 students from the Overstrand enrolled for this programme and completed their International Level 1 Certificate in Food Preparation & Cooking. Of this group, 13 continued with their second year of training and graduated on the 13th with an International Level 2 Diploma in Culinary Arts. Warwick’s Chef School is very proud of these students and special congratulations go to the top student in Hermanus for the Diploma Level, Amber Ambros. A total of 534 students across all the provinces graduated from the

programme this year. Students will now continue with their third year of training, with the focus on patisserie. The NYCTP is coordinated by the South African Chefs Association for the Department of Tourism. In the Overstrand, chef Kevin Warwick works together with local hotels and restaurants where students are placed to gain industry experience during their practical training. This programme is aimed at unemployed youth and has a great success rate, with graduates going on to work as qualified chefs in the hospitality industry, both nationally and abroad. Congratulations to The Marine Hotel which was awarded the best industry training venue for 2018/2019.

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WHAT’S ON

27 NOV – 25 DEC 2019

OVERBERG Thursday

www.thevillagenews.co.za/whatson the coffee shop with free workspace is open during the week from 09:00 – 17:00. Oak Avenue, Elgin | 09:00 – 17:00 (Sat & Sun)

‘Let’s Talk’ with Mayor Dudley Coetzee Constituents are invited to a public meeting where the Mayor and Cllr Kari Brice will be giving updates regarding issues in Ward 3 and the DA. This gathering will mostly take the form of a Q&A session and everyone’s input will be welcomed. Catholic Church Hall | 17:00

Hermanus Country Market A favourite among the locals. Young, old, two-legged and four-legged family members are all welcome. You’ll find wholesome goodies, homemade crafts, local produce, beers and wine, speciality foods, coffee and live music. Next to Hermanus Cricket Field | 09:00 – 13:00

It’s a Wrap Let’s wrap up 2019 with an insightful and fun evening in conversation with Tracy Going, South Africa’s muchloved TV personality and bestselling author, and Monique Kalkman, Dutch Paralympic gold medal wheelchair tennis player and golfer. They will discuss the highs and lows of 2019 and everyone’s resilience to just keep going. R150 pp will include eats and drinks. RSVP: Tania on 071 362 3573. Dutchies Restaurant, Grotto Beach | 17:00 Vermont Ratepayers & Environmental Association AGM Vermont residents are invited to attend the annual general meeting to find out what the VREA executive committee has achieved over the past year to protect and conserve the existing character and natural beauty of Vermont in a sustainable way. Members will be able to renew their subscriptions while residents who have not done so already will also be able to join VREA at a cost of only R150 a year per household. Snacks and refreshments can be enjoyed after the meeting. For enquiries, contact Chairperson Duncan Heard on 082 495 3943 or duncanheard@ telkomsa.net. Dutch Reformed Church, Berg St, Onrus | 17:30 (registration at 17:00) Whalers Athletic Club Join the Whalers for their weekly time trials, every Thursday afternoon. Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome. Choose between a 3 km, 5 km or 8 km route. Meet at Hermanus Country Market | 18:00 Think & Drink Join Stanford Conservation Trust’s year-end fun quiz evening. Only R150 includes a delicious meal and a R50 donation to the Trust for the upkeep of Stanford’s beautiful Wandelpad. Your fabulous quiz masters for the evening are John and Shirley Withers. Stanford Hills wines will be available at cellar-door prices to enjoy with your meal. Get friends and family together to form a team of eight or join a table on the night. To book, contact memberssct@ gmail.com or call Marian on 083 303 4330. Stanford Hills Estate | 18:30 for 19:00 Rotary Club of Hermanus Visitors are welcome at Rotary’s weekly meetings, every Thursday. Contact Frank on 082 870 1187 to confirm your attendance. Mollergren Park, Main Road, Hermanus | 19:00

Friday

Hermanus Hacking Group Volunteers are welcome to join the HHG in the clearing of invasive vegetation, every Friday morning. Meet at the start of Rotary Way. For more information contact Charlyn on 082 558 8731 or charlynvosloo@ gmail.com Rotary Way | 06:45 for 07:00 Bhuki Café Everyone is welcome at Friends of the Library's Bhuki Cafe where a cup of tea or coffee and delicious eats will cost only R25, every Friday. Each cup helps to raise funds for new books. Hermanus Library | 09:00 – 11:30 Kolwyntjie Teetuin Enjoy a sweet treat and tea or coffee at a nominal fee, and make new friends at the Onrus Care Centre, every Friday morning. Onrus Dutch Reformed Church | 09:30 – 11:30 Camphill Nativity Play Share in the joyous spirit of this Christmas season by joining the children, staff and board members of Camphill School for their annual Nativity Play. RSVP to 028 312 4949. Mercury Hall, Camphill | 10:00 Wine Down Friday Join Hermanus’s trendiest wine bar for their 2-for-1 special every Friday afternoon. Buy a glass of any of their lifestyle wines, beers or bubblies (MCC), or a tapas dish of dates and bacon, and get the second one free. A great way to wind down your week and ease into the weekend! The Wine Glass, 2 Harbour Rd | 16:00 - 18:00 Bottomless Bubbly Friday Join Domaine des Dieux every last Friday of the month after work for bottomless bubbly at R180 pp. Mini cheese and meat boards will also be available to snack on at R120 per board. For those who prefer not to drive, Domaine des Dieux has part-

nered with the ChillGuru tour bus, which will leave from The Wine Glass in Harbour Road at 16:00 and drop you off again after the event, where you could also end the evening off with a meal and wine at The Wine Glass. The cost of your bus ticket plus the Bottomless Bubbly is R250 pp. Be sure to book online by 27 Nov at www.domainedesdieux.co.za/Events. php Domaine des Dieux Tasting Room, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge | 16:30 – 19:30

pace. The route is dog friendly and children are most welcome. Camphill Road, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley | 08:00

Lights of Remembrance Overstrand Hospice invites you to join in this special celebration to commemorate the lives of loved ones, regardless of whether they received care from Hospice or how long ago they passed away. Bring along friends and family, picnic baskets, blankets and chairs. Refreshments will be on sale and candles will be sold at R50 each in aid of Overstrand Hospice. Fernkloof Nature Reserve | 17:00 for 17:30

Groeneweide parkrun Bring the whole family (dogs on leashes are welcome too) and enjoy this free, timed 5 km run/walk at your own pace. Register online at www. parkrun.co.za Groeneweide, Franskraal | 08:00

Friday Sunset Market Enjoy life in the slow lane with great local food, fresh produce, wines from the Stanford Wine Route, craft beer, gifts, books, chocolates and deli produce, while live music by local musicians keep your toes tapping. Entry is free and all are welcome. Plenty of parking and seating, and space for the kids to run around and play. Stanford Market Square | 18:00 – 20:00 Jo Martin Live Start the weekend with some great live music from local favourite, the Jo Martin Band. For more info or to make a booking, call 028 312 4665. The Gecko Bar, Hermanus New Harbour | 20:30

Saturday

Hermanus parkrun Meet for the weekly 5 km timed walk or run, come rain or shine. Run for your own enjoyment at your own

Betty’s Bay parkrun Join this free weekly 5 km timed run (or walk) where it’s only you against the clock. The whole family is welcome. Grab a post-run coffee in the Red Disa restaurant with fellow parkrunners. Harold Porter Botanical Garden | 08:00

Civvio Vine to Valley Trail Run Ignite your passion for the great outdoors and discover your inner trail runner. This month’s V2V Trail Run Series will be hosted by La Vierge in Hemel-en-Aarde, offering a scenic 5 km, 10 km and 18 km route among the estate’s vineyards and fynbos. The cost is R120 for adults, R70 for kids 10 – 18 years, and free for kids U10. Your entry includes a medal for your madness and there are loads of prizes up for grabs. Tickets are available at www.quicket.co.za La Vierge Wines & Restaurant, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley | 08:30 – 12:00 Elgin Railway Market This bustling steampunk station market, where Art deco meets Victorian, is unlike any other in South Africa, with more than 30 different stalls providing local wine, craft beer, arts & crafts and artisanal foods. Visitors can greet the steam train on the platform or view its arrival from the upstairs viewing deck. There’s live music throughout the weekend, and plenty of activities to keep children entertained, such as a jungle gym, roundabout, and even indoor and outdoor climbing walls. The market is open Saturdays and Sundays, and

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 Market in the Garden Hunt for treasures at this peaceful market set among the shady trees of a beautiful garden. St Peter’s Church, Main Road, Hermanus | 09:00 – 13:00 Stanford Saturday Morning Market Come and sample the artisanal delights on display, from home-made sheep and goats’ cheeses to cured meats, farm-fresh vegetables and deli delights to tantalise your taste buds! Stanford Hotel Stoep | 09:00 – 12:00 Junktique Market Come and browse at leisure for that special find, every last Saturday of the month. If you have unwanted treasure to get rid of, then book your spot by contacting 028 341 0340 or office@stanfordinfo.co.za. Stanford Tourism Courtyard | 09:00 – 12:00 Gansbaai Farmers Market Specialising in organic, homemade and homegrown 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 Market to Market Experience Hermanus and see how the locals live by joining the ChillGuru bus and cruising from market to market. Your ticket (R150 for adults and R80 for children U18) includes a

round trip to the Hermanus Country Market and Die Markie at Hermanuspietersfontein, with a free coffee or drink and a tasty homemade something to nibble on, followed by a free lifestyle wine tasting at The Wine Glass. To make a booking, call 082 700 4163. Departing from Lemm’s Corner | 09:30 Lomond 5km Trail Run Every last Saturday of the month, anyone who is feeling energised can run (or walk) for free at Lomond Wine Estate. This scenic 5km trail running track is ideal for all ages. The tasting room will be open, serving coffee, wine, beer and delicious platters. For more details call 028 388 0095. Lomond Wine Estate | 10:00 – 16:00 The Stanford Stumble This popular annual event is an awesome day out for the whole family, and entails a gentle meander (or a run, if you are that way inclined) through the vineyards, with teams encouraged to dress in their most outrageous outfits. Now in its eighth year, the Stanford Stumble raises funds for The Butterfly Centre NPO, which provides individualised education for children who do not fit into the mainstream environment. Tickets available at the gate. R100 for adults, R50 for children U16, and free entry for children U6. Stanford Hills Estate | 16:00 Jolly Rooster Dinner Dance Great fun awaits you at this ‘80s themed dinner & dance evening featuring your favourite hits from the ‘80s, tastings from Jolly Rooster’s award-winning distillery, an entertaining show by comedian George, and a few other fun surprises. Shuttle services available. Entry is free but booking is essential. For enquiries and bookings, call 028 341 0012 or 076 320 3092. Jolly Rooster Fynbos Distillery, 32 Kleine Street, Stanford Industrial Area | 18:00 – late Jimm Harisson Project Live This alter-rock-acoustic-blues trio from the infamous Bellville Rock City, consisting of Jimm Harisson on guitar and vocals, Righard 'Die Keyser' on bass guitar and Behan Croeser on percussion, will be lifting the roof of The Brewery with music to soothe the soul. Bookings are essential on 028 316 4626. The Brewery, Hemel-en-Aarde Village | 19:00 – 22:00

Monday

Cosmology Join the Hermanus Astronomy Centre for a presentation on Black Holes, Tides and Spacetime – Understanding Gravity. For more information, contact derekduckitt@telkomsa.net Our Lady of Light Catholic Church | 19:00

Tuesday

Hermanus Business Chamber yearend function Join the HBC for an interesting introduction to Abalone and Wave Energy. Delicious finger foods, wine and drinks will be served. The cost is R120 pp for members and R150

pp for on-members. Space is limited and booking is essential. Bank details: Hermanus Business Chamber, Standard Bank Account number 082257833. Members should use their business name as reference and non-members their name and surname. Email info@hermanuschamber. co.za. The Heart Shed, New Harbour | 17:30 – 20:00

everyone can enjoy the day, whether you are a runner, triathlete or just want to experience the beautiful route around the historic town. Enjoy the Farmer’s Market at the finish on the Village Green with local artisanal foods, beer and wine. For more details and to enter, go to electricink. co.za/race-2-stanford/ Hermanus New Harbour | 07:30 Civvio Vine to Valley Trail Run Ignite your passion for the great outdoors and discover your inner trail runner. This month’s V2V Trail Run Series will be hosted by Hermanuspietersfontein, offering a scenic 5 km, 10 km and 18 km route. The cost is R120 for adults, R70 for kids 10 – 18 years, and free for kids U10. Your entry includes a medal for your madness and there are loads of prizes up for grabs. Tickets are available at www.quicket.co.za Hermanuspietersfontein Wines, Hemel-en-Aarde Village | 08:30 – 12:00

Wednesday

Hermanus Photographic Society Everyone is welcome to join the Hermanus Photographic Society’s regular meetings, on the first Wednesday of every month. This will be the last meeting for 2019 and refreshments will be served at the interval. For more information, contact Elizma Fourie on 082 499 5116 or info@ hermanusphoto.co.za Dutch Reformed Church Hermanus | 19:00

Thursday

Hermanus Bird Club Monthly Walk Join the club for a day trip to De Mond Nature Reserve near Bredasdorp. This is a fantastic place for shore birds and waders. Your guides will be Ronnie Hazell and Chris Cheetham. Please bring your own picnic lunch and refreshments. For any enquiries, contact John Saunders on 078 955 9785. Meet at Fernkloof Nature Reserve | 07:00 Spider Survey Join Whale Coast Conservation and Dr Vic Hamilton-Attwell for an eco-adventure to learn more about the spiders in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve. The cost is R120 per adult and R60 per child. All proceeds go towards environmental education. Booking is essential. Contact Anina Lee on 083 242 3295 or anina.wcc@ gmail.com. Fernkloof Nature Reserve | 17:30

Saturday

Race2Stanford Don’t miss out on the third edition of this half-iron distance race. The Race2Stanford Triathlon features a 1.9 km ocean swim in the Hermanus New Harbour, a 90 km cycle through the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, and a 21 km run in and around scenic Stanford Village. A 7 km fun run option at 09:30 has also been added so that

BMXtreme Showdown Join the Overberg BMX Club for a great day of racing. All ages and bikes are welcome. In addition to the BMX race, there will also be a Big Air demo and competition and a Bunny Hop competition, with great prizes to be won. Enter via the Overberg BMX Club Facebook page at R100 pp. For enquiries, contact 079 606 1995. BMX Track, Hermanus Sports Club | 09:00 (practice run) & 10:00 (race starts) Book reading Carol Gibbs, the author of All things bright and broken, will be giving a talk and signing copies of her book, published by Jacana Media. Long listed for the 2019 Barry Ronge Sunday Times Literary Awards, this autobiographical novel tells the story of a dysfunctional family and has been described as “raw, funny and extremely moving”. Andante Antique Shop, The Yard, Harbour Road, Kleinmond | 15:30 Andrew Young Unwrapped Have yourself a merry little Christmas with saxophonist Andrew Young and pianist Tony Drake who will be unwrapping a feast of songs for an evening of pure entertainment with their own unique brand of smooth, easy-listening jazz. These award-winning, world-class musicians will take you on a musical journey ranging from traditional gospel songs to the Christmas classics. To get into the spirit of the holidays, guests can enjoy a glass of wine or Gluhwein and a mince pie before the concert. Tickets at R150 pp are available from Computicket. Visit www.andrewyoung.net. Municipal Auditorium | 19:00 Carols by Candlelight at Benguela Enjoy an unforgettable evening of Christmas carols with the talented Handevat Music Project in this stunning lagoon setting. The Handevat NPO is a group of professional musicians and educators who work in the underprivileged communities of Kleinmond. Come and support this joyful fundraiser, with all proceeds from ticket sales going to Handevat. Tickets at R100 for adults and R50 for children U12 are available at Benguela Cove, Checkers or Shoprite. De-

licious gourmet hotdogs, cold drinks and bottles of wine will be available throughout the show from the food trucks. For more information, contact 087 357 0637 or info@benguelacove. co.za. Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate |19:00 – 21:00 Craig Lucas Live The super talented hitmaker, Craig Lucas from Elsies River in Cape Town is a graduate in Economics and Politics at UCT, but despite a promising career ahead of him, The Voice SA Season 2 winner has always secretly loved singing. Tickets to his show are R100 pp, available via Computicket or at the Caledon Hotel reception. Swartberg Venue, Caledon Hotel, Spa & Casino | 20:00 (doors open at 19:30)

Sunday

L2L Practice Walk Everyone is welcome to join the Lighthouse 2 Lighthouse Ladies for a three-hour practice walk along the coast, mostly on hard sand at low tide, to Sopies Klip and back. Meet at Grotto Beach parking lot | 08:00

Wednesday

Grand Piano, by the internationally acclaimed pianist Christopher Duigan in the magical cellar of the Bouchard Finlayson boutique wine estate. Christopher will play music from Handel, Liszt, Chopin and Rachmaninov, together with a selection of modern and contemporary music. This annual event, generously sponsored by the Lloys Ellis Family, Bouchard Finlayson and Ian Burgess of Simpson Pianos, is in aid of the Hermanus Cancer Fund. Tickets at R250 pp are available from www.webtickets.co.za. There will be two performances – on 17 and 18 December. Pre-concert wines and canapes will be served from 17:45 and the concert starts at 18:30. Bouchard Finlayson Wine Estate, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley | 18:30 (Tues & Wed)

POP-UP IN HERMANUS 17 December 2019 66 Luyt St, Eastcliff 10:00 – 16:00

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Christmas with Richard Cock Richard Cock has become well known to Hermanus audiences through FynArts. Two years ago he offered to give back to Hermanus by supporting Izibusiso Place of Safety in Zwelihle. His first concert sold out so quickly that he offered to perform a second one on the same day. Now Richard is back, this time with one of his protegés, tenor Siyabonga Maqungo, who sings in the Berlin Opera, and violinist Lucia di Blasio Scott. This year the programme will be a wonderful mix of Christmas music, familiar tenor arias and music for violin by the ever-popular Fritz Kreisler, interspersed with entertaining readings by Richard Cock. Two concerts will be performed and tickets at R230 pp (incl. wine and snacks) can be booked at the Hermanus Tourism Bureau or online at www.webtickets.co.za. United Church Hermanus | 15:00 & 19:00 Jannie du Toit Christmas Concert Join Jannie du Toit (guitar and vocals), with Chanie Jonker (piano and accordian) and Susan Mouton (cello) for Die eggo in jou oë. This performance in aid of Huis Lettie Theron will include Christmas carols. Tickets at R100 pp are available from Huis Lettie Theron. Call 028 312 3721. Municipal Auditorium | 19:00

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16 | COMMUNITY 14

27 November 2019

Bikers ride for charity T

he annual charity mass ride known as the Toy Run is an initiative that began in South Africa in 1982 and now celebrates 34 years of giving and caring for those less fortunate during the festive period. The Toy Run is the largest motorcycle-related charity event in Southern Africa and arguably the world. This year’s Overberg Toy Run took place on Sunday 24 November and was hosted by Stanford on the Village Green. Bikers and spectators were asked to bring toys and educational items which were collected by Stan-

ford Rotary for distribution as gifts for disadvantaged children in orphanages, shelters, homes and hospitals. More than 900 bikers met early in the morning in Gansbaai, Bredasdorp, Hermanus and Caledon and then made their way to the intersection of the R316 and R326,where they all met up and continued riding into Stanford as one group – which was quite a sight to behold!

The Hermanus group of bikers set off from Whale Coast Mall at 08:30 to meet the rest of the groups at the R316/R326 intersection.

PHOTO: Tracey Anderson PHOTO: Tracey Anderson

Once in Stanford the riders enjoyed the rest of the day at a celebratory mini-market on the Market Square with local food, craft beer, wine and music. TOP RIGHT: Stanford Rotary will distribute the collected toys to disadvantaged children in the Overberg. ABOVE RIGHT: Bikers relaxed after the ride at a market on the Village Green. BELOW: One group of riders set off from the Whale Coast Mall in Hermanus. PHOTOS: Taylum Meyer

PHOTO: Tracey Anderson

Locals Francois Swart and Ian Nuttall, who enjoy riding as a hobby, were among the Hermanus group.

The riders who did the Toy Run met in Stanford on the Village Green.

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27 November 2019

The puppetry magic of Mama Beauty puppeteers to go on to perform in public. In 2013, when PIE handed the project over to the Enlighten Education Trust, it became known as the Enlighten Community Puppetry Project, which ran until 2017. As a result of waning funds the project was discontinued.

Writer Tweet Gainsborough-Waring

y first introduction to Beauty was Christmas 2018, when I paused a while to watch her rendition of the Christmas story using hand puppets to bring the message of baby Jesus to her audience of children, sitting on the ground with rapt attention in front of her ‘stage’ – a long wooden table on trestles at the Hermanus Country Market. Her puppets were all handmade by herself and added up to a colourful cast of characters that included African maidens, a raucous frog prince, and mythical figures from African folklore. Beauty, who comes to the market every Saturday from Zwehlile, is a natural-born storyteller. She gets a taxi from the township to Hermanus and then walks a good 2 km from the taxi rank to the market, where she sets up her outdoor stage with all the characters lined up and ready for action. She is warm, motherly and known affectionately to stallholders and regular visitors as “Mama Beauty”. The entertainers at the market will often give her a plug – “Don’t forget to visit Mama Beauty’s storytelling” – as she walks through the stalls and play area with one of her string puppets. Beauty lives her stories, deepening her voice as she takes the part of the lion, the King of the jungle, or croaking comically as she makes her bright green frog hop across the table – looking perhaps for his princess? A recent story I happened upon looked a little frightening with

To further puppetry, clubs were formed, often at the homes of the trainees. These were aimed at building self-confidence, creative skills and enhancing a sense of achievement in those who attended. The focus was on stories which were both easy, relevant and easily translatable into isiXhosa.

Beauty tells the story of the Three Little Pigs. Here the first little pig builds a house of straw. PHOTO: Taylum Meyer a hyena and a lion taking centre stage, but her enthusiastic audience, comprising young and old, were captivated. Beauty hails from Umtata and has lived in Zwehlile for 15 years, where she has raised four children and now three grandchildren. I couldn’t help but think how lucky those grandchildren must be to have a granny with a story repertoire like Beauty’s. She says her six-yearold grand-daughter loves the stories and has already started making her own puppets. Her inspiration for taking her story telling further came from Onrus resident John Coates, now living in Cape Town. Mr Coates, the

founder of the Puppetry in Education Trust (PIE) met Beauty when she joined the second intake of women for training. The project taught the use of puppets as a means of communication. Started in 2004, it was initially funded by the WC Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, and proved extremely popular. Soon a second group was formed. Beauty jumped at the opportunity of using puppets as a teaching tool and joined the second group to learn more. Mr Coates and his team taught the women how to make the puppets and helped them start puppetry clubs in their homes which children could attend after school. One of the aims of PIE was for its trainee

Beauty, who loved to teach, expanded on simply telling stories to offering activities after the tales such as colouring in and singing, as well as teaching the children to create and make their own puppets. Twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays she has continued to run an after-school club for the children of Zwehlile at her home. The club has become popular and has 30 participants. By doing research at the local library, Beauty supplements her knowledge of local stories, translating the stories into whatever language is appropriate for where she is performing. She is a popular visitor to schools, creches and children’s parties, where she weaves her magic and brings alive local traditions and customs at a level understood by young ears. Beauty, who has been at the Country Market for two years, is looking forward to another festive season where the Christmas story will no doubt be a highlight.

18 | COMMUNITY 16

27 November 2019

The Hermanus Frail Care Centre t/a SOFCA

Our Christmas Wish List

SOFCA was established 34 years ago as a registered NGO & NPO We are a residential home that offers 24-hour care for the frail & inﬁrm elderly residents of Hermanus and surrounding areas. SOFCA cares for many residents who are not able to afford their full fees which results in substantial losses for us and makes any capital expenditure an enormous challenge. In light of this, we are appealing to local businesses and individuals to help us so our residents can live happily, safely and comfortably.

R750 000

Wishing You & Your Loved Ones a Wonderful Christmas and a Prosperous New Year Contact Details: SOFCA, 1 Hospital Street, Hermanus 7200 Tel: 028 312 3236 email: sofca@telkomsa.net website: www.sofcahermanus.co.za or ﬁnd us on Facebook

Bank Details: Nedbank, Hermanus Name of account - SOFCA Branch Code - 147005 Account No. – 1470014343 Ref: Xmas/(your email address)

Knitting up a storm Members of the Lombardi Social Centre in Mount Pleasant, who had been enthusiastic participants in the Living Tapestry project, decided, after it was done, that they needed to take on another task to keep their fingers busy. Knitting was the answer.

make these colours available at a discounted price of only R20 per ball (ask for Wanda). Wool for the small squares can, of course, be in any colour, and leftovers would also be welcome. Donated wool can be dropped off at The Beanery in the Gateway Centre.

Aware that there are many children at Mount Pleasant Primary who are extremely needy, they decided to get busy well before winter to knit school jerseys for them. The less-experienced knitters would produce squares for knee blankets.

In the picture above, some of the ladies are already hard at work in their labour of love. Seated from left are Annie Classen, Enid de Beer, Moira Claasen, Maria Engelbrecht, Helena Sauls and Meisie Spandiel. Standing: Christine Pretorius, Anna April, Magdalene Gardiner and Louisa Petersen.

However, for an ambitious project like this they need wool – lots of it. The school uniform colours are Royal Blue and Bright Yellow (Charity) and Stitch and Craft have generously agreed to

For further information, contact Rothea Kleynhans on 082 327 3531. – Elaine Davie

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27 November 2019

MY PET

Veterinarian Dr Hilldidge Beer is CEO of EberVet Vetshops, www.ebervet.com

Travel plans for pets Writer Dr Hilldidge Beer

here’s nothing quite as welcome as the December holidays after a long, hard year but before we plunge into making our own travel plans there are very important members of the family that need our attention too: our pets.

and diseases like distemper and parvovirus are highly contagious and deadly.

Whether you’re taking yours along, booking them in for boarding or arranging a house sitter, special arrangements must be made to keep them safe and healthy over the holidays. Here’s what to consider:

Parasite control against worms, fleas and ticks is essential at this time of year as parasites thrive in warmer weather and are easily passed on from pet to pet, and in the case of tapeworm, to humans, too. Because different parasites are found in different parts of the country, the broadest possible protection you can get is best, because you don’t know what the stranger’s dog you meet on the beach might be carrying.

If you are taking your pets with you Ensure your pets' vaccinations are up-to-date and that you’ve applied the best all-round parasite control you can afford. Your pets are likely to encounter other dogs and cats that may not have been vaccinated

If you’re travelling by car, plan your journey so that you can stop every couple of hours to let your dog out to pee and always make sure you have fresh water on hand. A good tip is to cover your side windows with shade cloth because as you travel, the sun shifts, and your cat or dog

may end up in full sun which could result in heatstroke. If you’re booking into a guesthouse, call ahead to ensure they are pet friendly. Most online accommodation sites, like www.booking.com or www.afristay.com, list pet friendly hotels and guesthouses. Remember that your pet may feel slightly anxious at first as this isn’t his home. Take his own bed or blanket along to make him feel more secure and keep plenty of treats on hand to take his mind off his anxiety. If you’re booking your pet into boarding kennels All reputable boarding kennels will insist on kennel cough vaccinations for dogs. This highly contagious disease is easily spread in kennels, so make sure your dog has his vaccination before you go. Ensure that his annual vaccinations are up to

date too, and if your pet isn’t already microchipped do it now. It’s a quick, painless procedure that takes just a few minutes at your vet or local animal welfare centre and is the safest way to ensure your pet’s return should he escape from the kennel. If your pet is on medication or has special dietary needs, write down the instructions for the kennel owner and insist that it is pinned onto his cage. If you’re using a pet sitter List your pet’s needs and habits, likes

and dislikes and tape to the fridge or somewhere similarly prominent so that your pet sitter is in no doubt as to what he or she must do to properly care for your fur baby. Include the telephone number and address of your local vet, and after-hours emergency. Ensure there is enough pet food to cover the holiday period (and a bit extra) and have plenty of treats on hand. Treats are a great way for pet and sitter to bond. Double check leads, collars and harnesses and replace if frayed. A few new toys will help with your pet’s anxiety during your absence.

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27 November 2019

MY WELLNESS

Fun Fitness event for Overstrand Hospice A great Fun Fitness 4 Free morning was enjoyed by more than 50 locals at the Old Harbour Amphitheatre on Saturday 23 November. Young, old, fit and unfit locals joined in the fun, from Fisherhaven, Hawston, Zwelihle and Hermanus, to celebrate health and wellness and to support Mission5Million (M5M). The proceeds of the event will be donated to Overstrand Hospice, which is working through M5M towards eradicating malnutrition worldwide. According to the World Health Organization and UNICEF, roughly 100 million children in developing countries are underweight and over 150 million are malnourished. In Africa alone, 23 million primary school-age children attend classes hungry.

To find out more about general wellbeing, the prevention of challenging health conditions through plant-based nutrition, and to join Overstrand Hospice in supporting M5M through contributions of nutritional supplements to schools, please contact Isabel Schoeman on 072 268 0709 or email issieschoeman@gmail. com. Overstrand Hospice wishes to thank everyone who gave freely of their time for this Fun Fitness 4 Free morning, especially the instructors, Lize Smit of NewBody, MK of Sxolies Aerobics Club and Shontal Lottering (Zumba instructor), and also those who donated prizes. PHOTOS: Kyle Bonorchis

Fun Fitness 4 Free instructors, Lize Smit of NewBody, MK of Sxolies Aerobics Club and Shontal Lottering (Zumba instructor).

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27 November 2019

Three generations of child care in Zwelihle Writer Elaine Davie

gone Levels 4 and 5 ECD training through Boland College and she appointed three untrained assistants, including her own daughter, Bianca, to help her. She actively supervised the activities at Phaphama, whilst retaining her job at Enlighten. The parents paid a minimal amount in school fees (sometimes nothing at all) and Mabel subsidised the running costs of the centre from her own salary, as well as sending Bianca and the other assistants away for training.

rs Elizabeth Saul was one of the earliest residents of Zwelihle and any way you look at it, she was a remarkable woman. Not only did she raise nine children of her own in her small home, but it became a safe house for young political activists on the run from the authorities during the apartheid years. After her seven daughters and two sons grew up, instead of sitting back and putting her feet up, she found herself looking after many of their children – 24 in all! This exceptional matriarch was anxious to ensure that all her children received the best education available and supported them in whatever career they decided to follow. One of them, Mabel, had her heart set on becoming a nurse, but because there was no money for training, she was happy to get a job at Camphill School where she would be working with intellectually disabled children. Her mother considered this a blessing for both Mabel and the children and she was delighted when the school sent Mabel off to the Rudolph Steiner Training Institute in Cape Town for training in kindergarten teaching. “My mother had such a heart for children,” Mabel remembers. “I knew I could bring Camphill children home for the holidays if they lived too far away to get to their place, and I knew they would be safe and loved in our house.” It was while she was at Camphill that she was befriended by someone who would continue to play an important role in her commitment to Early Childhood Development (ECD). She was Swiss-born Suzanne Elsholtz, an experienced Steiner educationist. Indeed, this method had proven so

The pre-schoolers at Phaphama ECD Centre in Zwelihle recently enjoyed a whale of a Christmas party sponsored by two foreign friends of the centre, Suzanne Elsholtz and Carol Cole. After a delicious braai with juice and pudding, everyone had fun playing special games and tumbling around on a jumping castle. When it was time to go home, they were each given an exciting Christmas parcel packed with clothes and other goodies. With some misgivings, even Mabel Saul founder of Phaphama was persuaded to join the children on the jumping castle. successful at Camphill that it was decided in 1994 to start a Waldorf School on the Camphill property for mainstream children, and Mabel was appointed its first kindergarten teacher, with seven children in her care. The class soon grew from seven to 14, and then to 21 children and it became clear that if the school was going to continue growing at this rate, they would have to find new premises off campus. Several different rental premises were used before the current Waldorf School was built in Sandbaai. Sadly, Mabel’s mother passed away in 1995 and having lived her life in service of her family and her community, she left strict instructions in her will that her house was to be used either to provide accommodation for homeless people, or for the care of children. Knowing how scarce accommodation

was at that time in Zwelihle, her children chose the first option: to provide temporary accommodation for people from the Eastern Cape until they could build a shack or be allocated a house. A few years later Mabel came up with an alternative proposal. In 2003, she had left Waldorf School to join Enlighten Education Trust’s newly established ECD outreach programme as a facilitator and trainer, and for the first time realised the full extent of the need for good-quality ECD in Zwelihle. There were very few well-equipped facilities, run by trained staff, implementing a professionally-designed ECD programme. But of equal relevance, most of the parents couldn’t afford these services. That meant that many small children were either left alone at home while their parents were at work, roamed the streets with

older siblings, or were accommodated in often unsafe and unhygienic homebased child-minding facilities with untrained carers. Mabel’s siblings didn’t need much persuasion and with the encouragement of her previous employers at the Camphill and Waldorf schools, as well as Enlighten management, on 15 January 2007, the new Phaphama (‘Be Alert’) ECD Centre opened its doors in her mother’s house, with 20 small pupils. The next day 65 arrived. “It broke my heart to send most of them away,” laments Mabel, “but we simply couldn’t accommodate any more than 20. The place was still stuffed with my mother’s furniture and each day we had to carry it outside to make space for the children.” By this time she herself had under-

In the intervening 12 years Phaphama has undergone a complete transformation, inside and out, thanks to the ongoing support of her friend Suzanne Elsholtz, now living in Ireland, and American Carol Cole, another Waldorf friend, as well as assistance from Enlighten and several major donors. Fully furnished, with all the indoor and outdoor educational equipment any child could wish for, completely fenced, with its own vegetable patch and fully-equipped kitchen, laundry and first aid facilities, it still caters primarily for the poorest children in Zwelihle. The centre follows an approved ECD programme, under the supervision of a now fully-qualified Bianca and two additional teachers. “Of course, I’m always around, too, to make sure everything’s as it should be,” adds Mabel with a glint in her eye. “I’m sure my mother sees too and is happy. It all started with her, after all.” And so the project has come full circle. Mabel herself has become the face of ECD in Zwelihle, through her training, supervision, mentorship and monitoring of formal and informal ECD facilities. The compassion for children which started with Elizabeth Saul and was taken forward by Mabel and Bianca has enriched and enhanced the lives of literally thousands of children in Zwelihle.

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27 November 2019

MY HOME

Let us FICA together By Stephen de Stadler Managing Director Fine & Country Hermanus, Arabella and Kleinmond

sitates an understanding of this “cleaning” process. Dirty money (or money earned from criminal activities) has to be laundered so as to alter its identity. Other countries may not be as vigilant as South Africa when it comes to the transfer of funds outside the country. If that money is invested in a property which is subsequently sold, the proceeds from the sale will now appear to be clean money.

he name of the relevant legislation itself – The Financial Intelligence Centre Act, 38 of 2001, as amended – is enough to instil a feeling of fear and trepidation in the mind of a rational individual. Next moment, the estate agent appears on your doorstep with a checklist requiring all sorts of highly personal information from you. The agent is there because the admin manager in the office has indicated to the agent that no commission will be paid unless both buyer and seller have been correctly “FICA’ed”. The Financial Intelligence Centre is the national body responsible for the gathering, analysis and dissemination of financial intelligence. The main purposes of this process are to identify the proceeds of crime, and to combat money laundering and the provision of funding for furthering acts of terrorism. The basic principle is that any person or company dealing in a financial transaction is required by law to identify and understand their client to the extent that they are able to declare that the proceeds received for the

transaction in question are not likely to have been obtained in the commission of a crime; alternatively, that the proceeds from the transaction are unlikely to be utilised to fund any acts of terrorism – which is also defined. The people reading this who have been living in the same house for the past 10 years and have decided to downscale in anticipation of retirement or upscale as their family grows, often ask why on earth we would require this information from them. The principle to remember is, however, that in order to apprehend the minority who commit crimes you have to apply the same rules and regulations to everyone.

The people responsible for financial crimes often look no different to the average man or woman in the street. Notwithstanding the scientific techniques used to identify criminals, there is no “profiling” which could be applied to identify shady individuals. What sets them apart is that they often have more money than their status in life would suggest they should have. By questioning (for example) the sources of funds and asking where the capital that they are about to invest in a home was raised, early warnings of potential problems are timeously identified. The use of property transactions for money-laundering purposes neces-

By undertaking the know-your-client exercise, the vigilant estate agency will be able to pick up possible irregularities. For example, foreigners investing in property in South Africa will usually have a bank recommendation letter or something of that nature which vouches for the client. Were the proverbial “suitcase of money” to be produced as part of any acquisition, that would however under normal circumstances be regarded as unusual and hence reportable. All estate agencies have to follow a process commencing with registration of the entity with the Financial Intelligence Centre, the appointment of a compliance officer, training of all the staff, and ultimately the creation of a proper risk management compliance programme. What happens in practice

is that any cash transactions in excess of R 24 999.99 have to be reported, and any other transactions that the estate agency in good faith considers to have an element of risk involved. Alternatively, if the estate agency is not able to satisfy themselves as to the validity of any element of the transaction, this also has to be reported. Reporting by its very nature is merely flagging a transaction for inspection by the authorities, and in no way implies that the estate agency is doubting the credibility of the parties, but where there is any doubt, better safe than sorry is the correct approach. So the next time an estate agent asks you for the FICA documents, please be so kind as to assist as soon as possible. The fines that can ultimately be imposed on the estate agency for non-compliance are significant, and no compliance officer really wants to experience the food in a place of incarceration! The views expressed above are those of the writer in his personal capacity and may not necessarily reflect the views of Fine & Country as a national and international brand.

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27 November 2019

Lightstruck proud of its Hermanus achievement

ermanus is a town that is close to my heart as we have been holidaying in the area for many years,” says Hannes Pieterse, CEO of the fibre-optic company, Lightstruck.

The company has been hard at work for the last few months, installing the first fibre-optic cables in Hermanus, to the delight of residents and businesses. And as hard at work as the Lightstruck teams have been with installing thousands of metres of cabling, so too has its CEO been busy behind the scenes to ensure that the town’s first fibre-optic network conforms to the highest international standards. Hannes, with his calm demeanour, is proud of what the company has been able to achieve since its inception some nine years ago. “I grew up in Makhado, formerly known as Louis Trichardt, in the north of the country. It was a quiet and restful little town, but I got more than enough excitement after I matri-

culated and joined the army. “I was conscripted to the engineering corps in Lohatla in the Northern Cape, where I took part in testing all the external explosives on behalf of the defence force. I have handled some pretty serious bombs and have seen amazing explosions,” says Hannes. After the excitement of the army, Hannes studied theology at Potchefstroom University. “I spent a decade completing my studies, including Ancient Greek, before I entered the ministry for another decade. During this time my wife of 26 years, Ronel, and I were involved in marriage counselling. For more than three years we organised and presented courses and camps for couples at Golden Gate in the Drakensberg.” In 2010 Hannes’s life changed and he found himself working in the fibre-optic industry. “I worked for fibre-optic supplier, Frogfoot before they were

bought out by Vox. Not being a corporate creature, I decided to rather work for myself. While I was installing a network in Constantia, it was suggested by some investors that I start a fibre-optic company, and before we knew it, Lightstruck was born. “Ever since then the company has grown and now we are busy with four big projects in South Africa and one in Namibia. I firmly believe in strong principles, not only in my personal life but also in my company. We are proud of what we have achieved and confident that the networks we build are the best in the country,” says Hannes with pride. And that is what Hannes and Lightstruck are promising Hermanus: a network that will be reliable and fast. “It has not been an easy road to where we are today, but I am very proud of what we have achieved and look forward to a long and successful relationship with the town,” he says.

Hannes and Ronel Pieterse and their two sons, Gerard and Rohan, who are both students at Stellenbosch University, live in Somerset West and often spend time in the Overberg.

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27 November 2019

Teen boxer on a golden streak Writer and Photographer Sarah Taylor

skills, but she has also built positive friendships with fellow boxers, aged 8 to 25 years.

talented Zwelihle teenage girl is making waves in boxing circles in the Western Cape. Sixteen-year-old Nambita ‘Cassandra’ Nywebeni won gold in her first match at a women’s month festival held at the University of the Western Cape in September after boxing for only three months at the Overstrand Whale Boxing Club (OWBC).

“Everyone is my friend here,” she says, beaming around the club, which consists of a concrete central square surrounded by three containers with boxing and general gym equipment, sourced with the help of the club’s patron, local businesswoman Carole Dods’s fundraising efforts. Mzi is clearly a very positive role model and father figure to the 40-odd young boxers who attend the free classes he offers. Many children in Zwelihle, like Cassandra, have grown up in single-parent (usually mother-headed) homes.

“I started boxing in June, after I was introduced to the boxing club by another girl. Although she stopped boxing, I have carried on, coming to practice every single day,” she says. “I also always box with boys as there are no other girls at the club at the moment.”

While boxing is an excellent exercise, Cassandra says her new sport also makes her feel empowered as a young woman.

These, says Cassandra, are the secrets of her recent boxing success, which saw her triumph in the UWC competition.

“I’m glad I had the guts to come to boxing in the first place. Many people are scared and don’t want to do it, because they don’t want to be beaten up,” she says, although another reason she wanted to join the club is because it offers her a safe and peaceful haven.

Mzi Damesi’s OWBC, founded in 2007 and run on sponsorships and donations, offers free boxing training daily, from 5 to 7pm at the club, which is based at the Zwelihle Sports Grounds. New member Cassandra is a learner at Hermanus High School, where she has been excelling at sport, playing in the first teams for netball, tennis, cricket and hockey. “Since starting to box and becoming serious about it, I have asked my principal, Mr Hassenkamp, if I can move away from school sports and focus on my boxing,” she says.

“I have seen some of my friends in Zwelihle heading down the wrong path of drinking and smoking. Thanks to boxing, I have moved away from stuff like that before getting sucked into bad habits. I am also much safer when I’m at practice because every time when I get home there are always problems like friends being drunk,” says Cassandra.

At the club, Cassandra has not only learnt life-saving and confidence-building self-defence

She has tried to encourage her female friends to join her in boxing, but they say they don’t want

Mzi Damesi of the Overstrand Whale Boxing Club is very proud of his young female boxer, Cassandra Nywebeni. to be fit and muscular, as they think they won’t look feminine. “I used to fear walking through Zwelihle, scared that someone might try to rob or rape me, but since joining this club, I feel a lot stronger, less scared and more able to protect myself,” says Cassandra, appealing to other Overberg teens to take up the challenge. “I love the physically hard practice of boxing, knowing that it will benefit me in many ways.

“It mostly helps people who have anger issues. When you learn to box, you don’t react straightaway to small things. Now that I am boxing, I don’t get angry like I may have done in the past, as I know that I can always box out the anger later. "Boxing works as mental and physical therapy, and it helps with discipline too, as we need to respect ourselves and each other, our elders and the sport.”

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27 November 2019

PPC workshop at Night Shelter P PC Ltd (Pretoria Portland Cement Limited) recently partnered with the Hermanus Night Shelter Association (HNSA) as part of their CSI (Corporate Social Investment) initiative. The first step in their partnership was a one-day skills upliftment workshop in plastering.

The workshop was hosted by PPC Technical Specialist, Roann Heunis at the construction site in Malva Street where the night shelter is taking shape. A total of 30 individuals from the local community were given an opportunity to learn new building skills, such as how to handle cement correctly in the mixing of plaster and concrete. Each attendee was given a T-shirt and a sun hat, as well as cooldrinks and boerie rolls which were supplied by PPC (with the boerewors braaied by Kaap Agri). “PPC exists to empower people to experience a better quality of life. Our ethos of ’Strength Beyond’ ensures that we go above and beyond to provide value to our customers through educational workshops such as these,” said PPC Coastal Business Unit Head, Johan Vorster. “By adding value to the communities in which we operate, we strive

to bring about positive change by giving them skills they can use for the future. As a 100% local business and 100% quality brand, educating our contractors is an essential part of our business model. We have a moral obligation to educate and upskill our customers on good quality products and good workmanship,” Vorster continued.

As part of the workshop, PPC also committed to supplying cement products to the night shelter through Kaap Agri – one of PPC’s customers in the area which has been involved with helping the Hermanus Night Shelter since the beginning. The cement supplied was used for the plastering of the interior walls of the main shelter building.

“We are not just a provider of products and services, but are also focused on ensuring that we build quality structures that will stand the test of time.”

“In the present economic climate, charitable organisations are finding it increasingly difficult to access financial funding. We are grateful to PPC for their contribution to the shelter as

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PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS FOR THE CLOSE CIRCUIT TELEVISION POLICY ON OVERSTRAND MUNICIPALITY PROPERTY

PUBLIEKE DEELNAME PROSES VIR DIE KONSEP BELEID VIR DIE SKEP EN INSTANDHOUDING VAN KRING TELEVISIE

INKQUBO YOKUTHATYATHWA KWENXAXHEBA KULUNGISELELWA UMGAQONKQUBO WOMABONAKUDE OJIKELEZAYO OKUFUTSHANE KWIPROPATI YOMASIPALA WASE-OVERSTRAND

Overstrand Municipality hereby do notify and invite all community members to comment on the Draft Policy for Close Circuit Television Policy on Overstrand Municipality Property.

Overstrand Munisipaliteit stel u in kennis en nooi alle lede van die gemeenskap om kommentaar te lewer op die Konsep Beleid vir die Skep en Instandhouding van Kring Televisie op Overstrand Munispaliteit se Eiendom

UMasipala wase-Overstrand wazisa waye emema onke amalungu oluntu okokuba anike izimvo kuMgaqo-nkqubo oYilwayo ukulungiselela uMgaqo-nkqubo woMabona-kude oJikelezayo okuFutshane kwipropati kaMasipala wase-Overstrand.

Die doel van die beleid is om te verseker dat Overstrand Munisipaliteit, sy werkneemers en hul belanghebbendes voldoen met goeie praktyk en aanspreeklikheid in verband met die vereistes van die beskerming van persoonlike informasie wet, Wet No 4 van 2013 toe die bestuur van LPR en CCTV data stoor en sekuriteit en naam borde

Injongo yoMgaqo-nkqubo kukuqinisekisa ngento yokokuba uMasipala wase-Overstrand abasebenzi bakhe abachaphazelekayo bahambelana neendlela ezilungileyo zokusebenza nokuthatyathwa koxanduva ngokuphathelelene neemfuno zokhuseleko loMthetho ongengcaciso yomntu, uMthetho onguNombolo 4 wama-2013 xa esebenzisa i_LPR yeBhunga kunye nokugcinwa kweenkcukacha zamanani eCCTV, uKhuseleko kunye noPhawu.

The purpose of the Policy is to ensure that Overstrand Municipality its employees and stake holders comply with good practise and accountability in respect of the requirements of the protection of personal information Act, Act No 4 of 2013 when operating Council LPR and CCTV data storage, Security and Signage. COPIES OF THIS DOCUMENT CAN BE VIEWED: • At all public libraries within the municipality • On our official website: www.overstrand.gov.za, click on the Documents and Strategic Documents tab and download the full Draft Policy The closing date for comments is 27 December 2019 Comments and inputs can be forward to: Senior Manager: L. Smith 028 313 5041 or lestersmith@overstrand.gov.za Administrator: Disaster Risk Management M. Carelse 028 313 8941 or mcarelse@overstrand.gov.za MUNICIPAL MANAGER Notice 178/2019 27 November 2019

KOPIEË VAN HIERDIE DOKUMENT KAN BESKOU WORD: • By alle biblioteke binne die munisipaliteit • Op die amptelike webwerf: www.overstrand.gov.za, kliek op Dokumente en Strategiese Dokumente-blad en laai die volledige Konsep Beleid af Die sluitings datum vir kommentaar is 27 Desember 2019

IIKOPI ZOLU XWEBHU ZINOKUHLOLWA: • Kuwo onke amathala eencwadi karhulumente akumasipala. • Kwi-webhusayiti yethu esesikweni: www.overstrand.gov.za, cofa kumaXwebhu nakumaXwebhu eQhinga (Documents and Strategic Documents) vula wonke uMgaqonkqubo oYilwayo Umhla wokuvalwa kokungeniswa kwezimvo ngowe- 27 EyoMnga 2019

Kommentaar en insette kan gestuur word aan: Senior Bestuurder: L. Smith 028 313 5041 of lestersmith@overstrand.gov.za Administrateur: Ramp Risikobestuur M. Carelse 028 313 8941 of mcarelse@overstrand.gov.za

Izimvo neengcebisozinakho ukuthunyelwa: KuMlawuli Ophezulu: L. Smith 028 313 5041 okanye lestersmith@overstrand.gov.za Umlawuli: ULawulo loMngcipheko weNtlekele M. Carelse kule nombolo 028 313 8941 okanye mcarelse@overstrand.gov.za

MUNISIPALE BESTUURDER Kennisgewing 178/2019 27 November 2019

UMLAWULI KAMASIPALA ISaziso 178/2019 27 EyeNkanga 2019

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27 November 2019

MY SPORT

Hermanus parkrun legend gory, the third highest in the world.” A proud achievement indeed! Oom Willie says he enjoys being part of the community of Hermanus parkrunners on a Saturday morning.

“My health is of utmost importance to me. I believe when you retire you should get good exercise and stay active. Although old age affects your muscles, hearing and memory, the parkrun is one of the events which has encouraged me to keep active. Personal times at my age are not that important, but yes, it is also good for the ego to keep track of my records,” says Oom Willie.

A tribute to Oom Willie on the Hermanus parkrun Facebook page reads: “It is also amazing to note that he has run 76 times in the VM 90–94 age cate-

He was a roadrunner since 1983, participating in all distances, from 10km to 100km, achieving SA grade records in most of them. He also participated in master athletics in the 800m, 1 500m, 2 000m steeplechase, 5 000m and 10 000m, again achieving SA age grade records. Besides many other

illie Loedolff, affectionately known as “Oom Willie”, is a legend in his age category at the Hermanus parkrun. Not only did he recently complete his 200th parkrun at the age of 91, but he also performed 102 volunteer tail walker duties.

national road running events, he also completed 13 Comrades Marathons. Oom Willie adds: “My message to parkrunners and walkers is that parkrun gives you the opportunity to exercise and to improve your health out in the fresh air. Training during the week is important as it makes the actual parkrun more enjoyable. People often think they are not able to participate, but your body and mind are much stronger than you think – don’t just give up. Keep going and eventually your fitness level will increase and the 5 km will become easy. Besides the health benefits, participating in the parkrun is a wonderful way to get away from a busy life, meet new people and enjoy nature.”

Oom Willie in his Trail Walker vest as he finishes yet another 5 km Hermanus Parkrun. PHOTOS: Alan Paulick

Congratulations, Oom Willie, you are a true inspiration! It would be interesting to know if any of the other parkruns has a legend like Oom Willie. – Sue Upton

Young equestrians strut their stuff The Overberg Equestrian Federation runs an annual league event for showing and jumping. Riders accumulate points by competing in the five shows held at intervals throughout the year.

whole family gets involved, with moms often escorting the younger riders around a course while other family members help with looking after the horse in between events.

The final show for this year took place on Sunday 24 November at the Maremmana Estate near Bot River, attracting 20 plus riders from equestrian clubs in the Overberg area.

The judges and organisers are passionate about encouraging riders to gain confidence. For example, they will encourage inexperienced horseand-rider combinations who might be experiencing difficulties to complete the course, rather than disqualifying them.

The Overberg Equestrian League was initiated to encourage local riders to compete, bring on young horses and have fun in an affordable way without having to travel over the mountain. It is also a great family outing as the

The league and the trophies are sponsored by the Overberg Equestrian Federation.

Liv Gordon, who came second in show jumping, on Esmak. PHOTOS: Tweet Gainsborough-Waring

Little Morgan du Toit (U10) on Napoleon gets a little help from mom.

Results: U10: Carli Swart (1st), Marie Fourie (2nd) U14: Carla Whiteman (1st showing and show jumping), Simone Roux (2nd showing), Liv Gordon (2nd show jumping) and Sarah Marshall (3rd, showing and show jumping) U18: Grace du Toit (1st show jumping) and Sophia Byleveldt (2nd show jumping) Adults: Alisha Fourie (1st), and Sharon Maurer (2nd)

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The Village NEWS 27 Nov - 4 Dec 2019

Articles inside

Hermanus parkrun legend

PPC workshop at Hermanus Night Shelter

Teen boxer on a golden streak

Travel plans for pets

New restaurant opens at Hermanus Sports Club

Bikers ride for charity

Creative and original restaurants key to UNESCO gastronomic success

The fascinating world of spiders

‘Line in sand’ on interaction with wildlife

New plans for astronomy centre