The Village NEWS 28 July - 5 August 2020

29 JULY 2020

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LEFT: The South African restaurant and tourism sector stood in solidarity on Wednesday 22 July to protest the stringent regulations that are decimating the industry and leading to countless job losses.

RIGHT: Cape Whale Coast tourism manager, Frieda Lloyd with the Deputy Mayor of the Overstrand, Elnora Gillion.

PHOTOS: Taylum Meyer

What began as a peaceful protest in Hermanus soon turned into a heated confrontation as authorities demanded that the roads be cleared.

Several restaurant owners such as Petri Hendriksz of Char'd and Pear Tree (pictured here) stood their ground. Read more on P4.

VIDEO: Regio TV

Budget to beat Covid Writer De Waal Steyn

T

he Covid-19 pandemic has become a double-edged sword with tough decisions needing to be taken between saving lives and saving livelihoods.

While the national infection numbers over the past week have climbed steadily, with between 13 900 and 11 200 new cases recorded daily, in the Western Cape new infections rose by between 550 and 1 500 cases daily over the corresponding period.

But, according to figures released by the Western Cape, of the more than 91 100 cases reported thus far, only about 12 600 are active cases. By Monday 2 897 people in the province had succumbed to the illness. A total of 1 062 recoveries had been reported out of the 1 334 cases in the Overstrand.

The fight against the pandemic in the province,

which at one time accounted for more than 70% of all reported cases in the country but now stands at 20%, was bolstered last week with the presentation of the province’s special adjustment budget tabled by David Maynier, Western Cape Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities.

According to Maynier, while there are some positive signs that the storm may be subsiding, the province must plan for the worst. “We have a plan and it is this budget that I call ‘A Budget to Beat Covid-19 in the Western Cape’. The budget supports the province’s immediate health, humanitarian, and economic response. We have worked hard to mobilise every cent available and have allocated R3.05 billion to support the fight against the virus,” he said.

The adjustment budget makes provision for: • R1.8 billion to the Department of Health for personal protective equipment, temporary field hospitals, testing and screening, and additional bed capacity;

• • •

R400 million to the Department of Transport and Public Works for the hiring of venues and the purchase of services for quarantine and isolation facilities; R310 million to the Department of Education for personal protective equipment, and the sanitisation of schools; R84 million for humanitarian relief.

But while the authorities are doing their utmost, businesses are caught in a life and death struggle for survival.

Newly released research by TransUnion shows that 90% of small businesses in South Africa are struggling or temporarily closed because of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Just 9% report that they are operating as normal and less than 1% of businesses say they are thriving. A total of 96% of small business owners reported a decrease in revenue, with 78% saying they have seen a significant decrease.

With cash flows being hit so hard, 32% of small

businesses report that they will be able to operate for less than three months at the current rate, and 50% reported extreme concerns with being able to fulfil critical payment obligations.

Nearly two thirds (59%) said they will have to cut staff salaries, 44% said they will be unable to pay rent, and 33% said they will have to start downscaling monthly services such as telecommunications and insurance in the next two months.

Nonetheless, small business owners remain optimistic about their ability to continue, with 53% indicating that it is likely that they will recover from the impact of the pandemic.

Lee Naik, CEO of TransUnion Africa, said the research is designed to help better understand how small businesses have been impacted by the pandemic, the changes they have experienced, and their expectations of how the crisis would affect their operations and subsequent ability to meet their payment obligations.

Continues on P 2

29 July 2020

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SMMEs the backbone of our economy From P 1 “The current global crisis has caused major economic and financial distress for consumers and businesses everywhere. For the estimated 2.5 million SMMEs that form the backbone of the South African economy and represent our best hope for economic growth, many jobs have already been impacted as consumers rein in spending,” said Naik.

“Coupled with government funding and grants from the business community and private individuals, the SMME community has avoided mass liquidations thus far. But with almost half of all SMMEs uncertain if they will survive for longer than six months, it suggests that cracks are starting to form.”

To adjust to the current environment, small businesses report that they have had to increase their efforts around work-from-home (WFH) technology, marketing, business IT/infrastructure, innovation and other online capabilities.

And a substantial portion reported that they have allowed arrangements to accommodate the financial distress their customers are facing by granting payment holidays, changes in payment terms, and discounts.

The study suggests it is inevitable that liquidations will become more widespread and that SMMEs will continue to operate in an exceedingly difficult environment for the foreseeable future. It suggests that to survive, small businesses will need to be extremely vigilant in their credit management practices. Each customer, whether existing or new, should be approached with heightened levels of scrutiny before credit is extended. In the SMME market, which has traditionally relied on trust-based relationships, this will require a vastly different customer engagement strategy.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said the new alcohol ban announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa has understandably resulted in many emotionally charged responses.

“On the one hand, excessive and dangerous alcohol consumption is resulting in trauma that is impacting our hospitals at a time when the country must ensure Covid-19 patients receive care. On the other hand, the ban is likely to result in a major economic impact and severe job losses in a second, equally dangerous ‘unemployment pandemic’. These two seem like the opposite ends of a see-saw – you cannot change one without having a significant impact on the other side,” said Winde.

According to him, Covid-19 infections are rising across the county. “As the first province to experience a rapid increase in cases, we know how vital it is to ensure we have those beds in place – especially in our ICUs and high care units.

Removing alcohol from the equation can have an almost immediate impact in freeing up beds in our healthcare system.

“But a sustained, long-term ban is a blunt instrument that does not address the root problems and will not solve the alcohol problem that this country faces. We must also find evidence-led and long-term solutions for these problematic behaviours that are so prevalent in South Africa and which impact on crime, violence, addiction, and our healthcare systems.”

The Western Cape saw an almost immediate surge in trauma cases as soon as alcohol was unbanned on 1 June, putting additional pressure on the healthcare systems at a time when Covid-19 cases were rapidly increasing. But while the re-introduction of the ban may alleviate more of that pressure, it will also result in major job losses in the Western Cape and elsewhere.

Wine industry body Vinpro estimates that the initial nine-week ban on local sales, and five-week ban on exports will result in 18 000 jobs lost and 80 wineries and 350 wine grape producers closing their businesses over the next year.

little significant impact on the most problematic categories of heavy and binge drinking. It did, however, indicate the introduction of a minimum price per unit of pure alcohol would have the desired impact on these targeted heavy and binge drinkers.

The Western Cape's hospitality industry is also under extreme pressure, with the restaurant sector in particular feeling the pressure of closures, the alcohol bans and the introduction of the evening curfew. Stats SA food and beverage data for April and May show a decline in revenue for this sector of 94% and 87% respectively, from 2019 revenues.

“We have obtained a legal opinion in this regard and it advised an MUP would fall within the legislative competence of the Western Cape government and would not violate either the Constitution or competition laws. This is something we are carefully considering, as a province, as a potential step towards reducing alcohol harms in our society,” said Winde.

Winde said agriculture, tourism and hospitality are the leading job creators in the province and a prolonged ban on alcohol sales will further contribute to the “jobs pandemic” taking shape in the Western Cape and across the country.

Reducing the availability of alcohol by reducing the density of liquor outlets and trading times, and limiting the sale of alcohol in large containers (such as 1 litre bottles of beer) have been shown to reduce the harms associated with alcohol in studies around the world.

“We anticipate almost 240 000 jobs will be lost in the province across all sectors because of the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown, creating a massive humanitarian crisis by putting hundreds of thousands of people at risk of food insecurity.”

To assist in curbing the harmful effects of alcohol while at the same time protecting jobs, the Western Cape government has established an Alcohol Harms Task Team, which will drive initiatives aimed at reducing the harms of alcohol on our society.

The focus areas of the team will include alcohol pricing. An independent study was done to determine the potential impact and feasibility of implementing a provincial excise tax and minimum price per unit of pure alcohol (MUP) in the Western Cape. The research evidence, however, advised against a provincial excise tax, with its primary impact being on moderate drinkers, with

“The Western Cape government is currently boosting enforcement capacity by deploying Law Enforcement Advancement Programme (LEAP) officers to enforce liquor-related regulations. The province will also be tabling Liquor Act amendments which will address key enforcement issues, such as the confiscation and destruction of illegally sold liquor and enhancing the Liquor Authority's capacity to hear enforcement cases.

“Currently, liquor which is confiscated from illegal traders is returned to them after paying an admission of guilt fine, rather than being destroyed. Similarly, licencing fees are the same whether you are a small trader, or a wholesaler, essentially creating a situation where there are few consequences for illegal trade, and few incentives for illegal traders to become licenced,” he said.

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29 July 2020 FAR LEFT: Lize van der Walt, Jeandré Marinier and Marie Vorster have joined forces in the premises of the former Barefoot Cook Restaurant.

MIDDLE: Rebecca Matthysen of The Eatery and Susan Roberts of Lilly Rose Florist are sharing space under one roof.

LEFT: Ian Macdonald and Ed Bredenkamp in the new Lembu Gallery in Warrington Place.

CBD businesses are making it happen Writer & Photographer Hedda Mittner

I

t only takes a short stroll down Harbour Road for the reality of the economic fall-out of the Covid-19 lockdown regulations to hit home.

And yet, despite the galleries, eateries and bars that remain shut, the Hermanus CBD is also filled with businesses that are rising to the challenge and reinventing themselves to adapt to the new circumstances we all face.

One of the earliest to close their doors, Lembu Gallery can now be found just around the corner in Warrington Place (also known as ‘Art Alley’), where owners Ian Macdonald and Ed Bredenkamp have set up their new gallery in what used to be their fabric-printing studio. With no tourists around, they have discontinued this line of their business, which was so popular with visitors, but in their new home you will still find the same superior quality South African-made products such as bead art, glassware, ceramics, jewellery and African artefacts, as well as fine art and photography.

Ed and Ian are no strangers to hardship. Both hail from Zimbabwe, where they ran a safari lodge in the Matobo Hills and founded their fabric-printing business, Lembu (the Ndebele word for fabric). When the country started unravelling and the lodge was burned to the ground, they lost everything and had to flee, eventually making their way to Hermanus in 2004. “What we found in Hermanus is a caring community

– and that’s when we knew we had finally reached The Promised Land,” Ed told me a few years ago.

They may have arrived with nothing, but Ed and Ian immediately started rebuilding their fabric printing business, and Ed also started painting again, still focusing on the wildlife that had been such a big part of his life. They opened their first Lembu Gallery in Main Road in 2010 and a few years later they moved to Harbour Road. In 2016, they opened a second gallery in Warrington Place, Forty x 40. Due to the lockdown, however, they had to make the heart-wrenching decision to close both galleries in May. Having taken their gallery online (lembuonline.com), Ed and Ian are now also happily settled into their new gallery. “We have done our best to recreate the old Lembu that so many of our loyal clients knew and loved, and now look forward to welcoming them to the new Lembu,” says Ian. “The support from locals has been overwhelming and we’ve also seen many new faces in the gallery,” adds Ed with a smile, while reassuring customers that “all Cocid-19 protocols are in place – for your safety and ours”.

Another business in Harbour Road that is now boarded up is Hemingways Bookshop, which had been in the same premises for 25 years before owners, Beth and Noel Hunt, relocated last week to Victoria Square. “This lockdown has taught us a lot,” says Beth from their new shop opposite The Eatery, which she

says has given them a new lease on life. “We were like addicts in need of rehab,” she laughs. “We had become too complacent, too stuck in our comfort zone.”

They were loath to leave Harbour Road, Beth confesses, but with the hard lockdown and the lack of tourists, their income plummeted and they could no longer afford the rent.

When they saw the premises on Victoria Square (where the Flower Scene was before), she says it “beamed at us” – and their neighbours could not have been friendlier or more helpful.

The enclosed stoep of this renovated fisherman’s cottage is where Noel and Beth now spend most of their time, welcoming their customers and watching the locals come and go along the pedestrianised alley.

“Having The Eatery on our doorstep and great coffee on tap is an added bonus,” they both agree.

Getting the new shop ready, packing up and moving after so many years was emotional, stressful and exhausting, but both Beth and Noel seem re-energised despite the upheaval.

“We have been through so much, first when the mall was built, then the drought and the riots – and now Coronavirus,” says Noel. “But this feels like a new beginning for us. And we have to all remember that you can’t live while desperately trying not to die. The show must go on.”

While visiting Hemingways last week, it was interesting to see that the florist, Lilly Rose, has also come up with a solution by joining forces with The Eatery. Lilly Rose’s owner, Susan

Roberts had been working at the Flower Scene when it closed down and as soon as restaurants were given the green light to do deliveries, she jumped in to help The Eatery’s owner, Rebecca Matthysen, in the kitchen. The pair then came up with the idea of Susan setting up shop in the one half of the Eatery's premises, which would enable them both to continue trading while sharing rent. And thus Lilly Rose was born, with both businesses now happily co-trading under one roof.

This simple solution has also been applied by Tulip Coffee Bar, where several businesses have joined to form the High Street Market. And now Lize van der Walt, whose gallery shared The Barefoot Cook’s premises in Aberdeen Street (which owner, Anton Verhoogt, closed a few months ago), has also teamed up with two other businesses – artist Jeandré Marinier and Lifestyle Framing Studio.

Lize, Jeandré, who also teaches at the Hermanus Visual Art & Design Centre, and Lifestyle Framing Studio owners, Marie and Johan Vorster and their son, Wesley, all feel that operating from the same premises has several benefits, Noel and Beth Hunt have happily settled into Hemingways’ new premises on Victoria Square.

of which the most obvious is sharing overheads. But the two artists have also been inspired by Lifestyle Framing Studio to branch out in more commercially viable ways, by having their artworks printed onto fabric such as cushions, bags or T-shirts, and on surfaces such as mugs, coasters, trays or calendars.

“This has opened up a whole world of new possibilities for us,” says Lize enthusiastically. “We are amazed at everything Lifestyle Studio can do – from framing to designing, printing and embroidery. Together we are establishing a new creative hub in town.”

These courageous stories of innovation and perseverance are typical of the entrepreneurial spirit of Hermanus. And as Noel says, the business community in the CBD has already been through so much; yet it has proven time and again that obstacles can be overcome.

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29 July 2020

blowing their horns in support, and local musicians performing at several venues.

While some restaurants such as Fisherman’s Cottage, The Wine Glass and Café 1904 had opted to put their tables and chairs on the side of the road so that traffic down Main and Harbour Roads was not disrupted, other restaurants, including Char’d, Lemonicious, Fusion and Burgundy had blocked off Market Road and Marine Drive by placing their tables and chairs in the street.

Initiated by the Restaurant Association of South Africa (RASA), this collaborative campaign invited It did not take long for SAPS and Law President Cyril Ramaphosa to take Enforcement officers to arrive and deup a seat at any of the empty tables mand that the streets be reopened. and engage with the industry on the This led to heated arguments as hardships they are enduring. The crowds gathered in front of Burgundy strict operating guidelines, including while restaurateurs, including Henri the ban on alcohol sales and the Grové of Fusion and Grove’s Café, Pe9pm curfew, continue to cripple one tri Hendriksz of Char’d and Pear Tree, of South Africa’s best-loved trades Rudolf van der Berg of Burgundy and while restaurateurs are doing Anton Verhoogt everything in their power to PHOTO: of Fisherman’s survive and save the jobs Taylum Cottage of their staff.

Meyer tried to Disappointingly, the President did not refer to the restaurant industry or the protests once during his address the following evening, but just about everyone else has sat up and taken notice of the restaurants’ plight. Here in Hermareason nus, the protest was enthusiastically with the traffic supported by the public and there officials. Counwas a joyful atmosphere throughout cillors Jean Orban the town, with passing motorists

PHOTO: Hedda Mittner

F

irst came the social media posts of restaurateurs and their staff, holding up signs that declare how many jobs each business provides – and how many have already been lost. Then came the nationwide peaceful protest on Wednesday, ‘Million Seats on the Streets’, with the hashtag #Jobssavelives, which saw restaurants placing their tables and chairs in the street adjacent to their premises from 12:00 to 14:00.

PHOTO: Hedda Mittner

Restaurants unite in protest

PHOTO: Taylum Meyer

and Kari Brice, as well as Deputy Mayor Elnora Gillion arrived to try and mediate between the parties and, thankfully, the issue was finally resolved and the show could go on.

Cases have been opened against the offending restaurateurs but one of them, Rudolf van der Berg of Bur-

ABOVE LEFT: Shane Sauvage of La Pentola (left) and Rudolf van der Berg of Burgundy preparing boeries for those who had come out in support of the restaurants. ABOVE: Fisherman’s Cottage moved its tables and chairs out onto Harbour Road, where supporters joined in a free (and delicious!) snoek and patat braai. LEFT: At Char’d and Pear Tree, several tables were occupied by owner Petri Hendriksz’s giant teddy bears. FAR LEFT: Joke Gonggrijp, the owner of Dutchies and Ficks, was joined by a group of supporters as they danced in Marine Drive during the protest.

gundy, says it was important to him to take a stand for the restaurant’s 63 staff members, most of whom live in Zwelihle. “I don’t normally do this kind of thing,” he says, “but it’s our unemployed staff who will suffer the most. The reality is that people are frustrated and fed up.”

Further initiatives are being planned by the local hospitality sector, follow-

ing a meeting on Monday between the owners of various accommodation establishments, restaurants and other tourism stakeholders, including Cape Whale Coast Tourism Manager, Frieda Lloyd and Deputy Mayor of the Overstrand, Elnora Gillion. All agreed that the narrative that needs to be pushed now is that ‘Hermanus is open!’.

– Hedda Mittner

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29 July 2020

Plastic Patrol resumes cleanups T

he Mandela Day Plastic Patrol cleanup of the New Harbour in Hermanus resulted in almost 400kg of mostly plastic rubbish being collected in just three hours.

Gloves and collection bags are provided, but volunteers must bring their own masks. No groups are permitted and all volunteers have to sign a register.

The event, an initiative of Kim ‘Sharklady’ MacLean with the support – and active participation on the day – of Harbour Master Nomonde Simon, was held on Saturday morning, 18 July and drew more than 50 dedicated volunteer cleaner-uppers who helped to clear the harbour’s rocks, cliffs, parking lots as well as the sea itself.

The next Plastic Patrol Cleanup will be on Saturday 1 August, from 10:00 (weather dependent). It will focus on the marine environment, making use of boats and jetskis. Interested volunteers can contact Kim on 083 746 8985. Divers are also welcome.

Kim was overwhelmed by the public’s response, especially during these trying times. “The open-hearted Madiba spirit was evident in the commitment shown by all these wonderful volunteers,” she said.

Three local divers lent their hands and flippers to drag out from underwater, among others, four cellphones, many lengths of rope and masses of tangled fishing line, which mean possible death for many a sea creature or bird.

Plastic Patrol is sponsored by Sharklady Adventures, Majestic Cruising and Pick n Pay. The events are responsibly managed under Covid-19 regulations, with compulsory social distancing,

The Village NEWS is excited to present readers with interactive newspapers.

hand sanitisation and mask-wearing.

During lockdown, more and more of our readers have been using our website, social media, ISSUU and PressReader to get their fix of The NEWS.ISSUU is an online platform which allows publishers to upload their newspapers or magazines in an e-format for those who like to read online.

To get involved in future Plastic Patrol events, go to www.facebook.com/ plasticpatrolhermanus/

The tally was as follows: (Total weight 379kg) Cigarette butts 1063 Food wrappers 513 Bottle caps metal 480 Grocery bags plastic 282 Bottles plastic 258 Bottles glass 219 Bottle caps plastic 192 Other plastic bags 155 Plastic/foam packaging 134 Straws 132 Tobacco packaging 127 Paper bags 112 Takeaway containers foam 108 Takeaway containers plastic 107

Kim ‘Sharklady’ MacLean with Harbour Master Nomonde Simon after the cleanup.

Beverage cans 107 Construction materials 91 Cigar tips 86 Fishing net & pieces 82 Cups, plates foam 79 Lids plastic 71 Strapping bands 67 Cups, plates paper 61 Cups, plates plastic 57 Forks, knives, spoons 48 Fishing line greater than 1m 47 Rope greater than 1m 43 Other plastic bottles 41 Condoms 38 Diapers 20 Tampons 15

Appliances 12 Fireworks 12 Fishing buoys, pots, traps 10 Lighters 10 Balloons 9 Six-pack holders 8 Syringes 4 Tyres 3 Tiny trash pieces less than 2.5cm: Foam 350 Plastic 318 Glass 274 Other items picked up: Cellphones 4 Jacket; backpack 1 Fishing rod 1

“Auxiliary as a debt collection mechanism has, in compliance with municipal policy, been part of Overstrand Municipality’s debt collection method on accounts in arrears for many years,” it reads. This means that 60% of the purchase amount for electricity is credited to the person’s arrears account, as a method to reduce the outstanding balance that is owed to the municipality.

All you have to do is go to issuu.com, search for The Village News, and click on the cover of this week's newspaper: 29 JULY 2020

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“At the start of lockdown at the end of March 2020, it was decided not to apply the auxiliaries for a period of three months, in order to be lenient to individuals who could not honour the payment of their municipal accounts.”

When this information was advertised in the media, the municipality says it requested the public to contact them in order to apply for an extension of payment of accounts, thus allowing households ample time to apply for an arrangement to be made between the parties. According to the municipality, however, there has since this announcement been

an acceleration of unpaid accounts across all areas.

“With the announcement of the Level 3 lockdown regulations, the municipality again informed the public that the auxiliary on electricity purchases would be reinstated as of 30 June 2020. If your account was up to date – or arrangements had been made and honoured – the auxiliary would not apply,” says the municipality.

According to the municipality, these decisions were made after careful consideration of its finances and sustainability, while acknowledging the financial strain on the public, due

to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The public is once again urged to not just stop paying their accounts, but to contact the municipality in order to make arrangements to settle the arrears. If arrangements are honoured, the auxiliary charge of 60% will not apply.”

In applying for a payment arrangement, the municipality says your information could also assist the administration with assessing whether you possibly qualify for indigent support and, if the application is successful, you could receive an indigent subsidy.

YOUR FREE COPY

www.sacoronavirus.co.za • National hotline: 0800 029 999 • Provincial hotline: 021 928 4102 • Whatsapp "Hi" to 0600 123 456 Keep your distance

THE VILLAGE

NEWS 2m

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LEFT: The South African restaurant and tourism sector stood in solidarity on Wednesday 22 July to protest the stringent regulations that are decimating the industry and leading to countless job losses.

RIGHT: Cape Whale Coast tourism manager, Frieda Lloyd with the Deputy Mayor of the Overstrand, Elnora Gillion.

What began as a peaceful protest in Hermanus soon turned into a heated confrontation as authorities demanded that the roads be cleared.

Several restaurant owners such as Petri Hendriksz of Char'd and Pear Tree (pictured here) stood their ground. Read more on P4.

To see a video of the events that unfolded at the protest go to issuu.com, search for The Village NEWS, select this edition of the newspaper and click on the photo of Petri.

Budget to beat Covid Writer De Waal Steyn

Auxiliary charges on electricity purchases explained Confusion about the purchase price of electricity has prompted the Overstrand Municipality to issue a statement clarifying their position regarding auxiliaries on overdue accounts.

Apart from being easy to use, ISSUU also allows its creators to add website links, as well as video links to adverts and photos, allowing for an even more exciting read online.

PHOTOS: Taylum Meyer

By Sarah Taylor

T

he Covid-19 pandemic has become a double-edged sword with tough decisions needing to be taken between saving lives and saving livelihoods.

While the national infection numbers over the past week have climbed steadily, with between 13 900 and 11 200 new cases recorded daily, in the Western Cape new infections rose by between 550 and 1 500 cases daily over the corresponding period.

But, according to figures released by the Western Cape, of the more than 91 100 cases reported thus far, only about 12 600 are active cases. By Monday 2 897 people in the province had succumbed to the illness. A total of 1 062 recoveries had been reported out of the 1 334 cases in the Overstrand.

The fight against the pandemic in the province,

which at one time accounted for more than 70% of all reported cases in the country but now stands at 20%, was bolstered last week with the presentation of the province’s special adjustment budget tabled by David Maynier, Western Cape Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities.

According to Maynier, while there are some positive signs that the storm may be subsiding, the province must plan for the worst. “We have a plan and it is this budget that I call ‘A Budget to Beat Covid-19 in the Western Cape’. The budget supports the province’s immediate health, humanitarian, and economic response. We have worked hard to mobilise every cent available and have allocated R3.05 billion to support the fight against the virus,” he said.

The adjustment budget makes provision for: • R1.8 billion to the Department of Health for personal protective equipment, temporary field hospitals, testing and screening, and additional bed capacity;

• • •

R400 million to the Department of Transport and Public Works for the hiring of venues and the purchase of services for quarantine and isolation facilities; R310 million to the Department of Education for personal protective equipment, and the sanitisation of schools; R84 million for humanitarian relief.

But while the authorities are doing their utmost, businesses are caught in a life and death struggle for survival.

Newly released research by TransUnion shows that 90% of small businesses in South Africa are struggling or temporarily closed because of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Just 9% report that they are operating as normal and less than 1% of businesses say they are thriving. A total of 96% of small business owners reported a decrease in revenue, with 78% saying they have seen a significant decrease.

With cash flows being hit so hard, 32% of small

businesses report that they will be able to operate for less than three months at the current rate, and 50% reported extreme concerns with being able to fulfil critical payment obligations.

Nearly two thirds (59%) said they will have to cut staff salaries, 44% said they will be unable to pay rent, and 33% said they will have to start downscaling monthly services such as telecommunications and insurance in the next two months.

Nonetheless, small business owners remain optimistic about their ability to continue, with 53% indicating that it is likely that they will recover from the impact of the pandemic.

Lee Naik, CEO of TransUnion Africa, said the research is designed to help better understand how small businesses have been impacted by the pandemic, the changes they have experienced, and their expectations of how the crisis would affect their operations and subsequent ability to meet their payment obligations.

Continues on P 2

And keep and eye out for a "play" icon in the top right corner of adverts and photos that shows there is a video available to watch:

Hover over photos or pictures in the adverts and click play, then enlarge to full screen and enjoy!

Go to ISSUU and try it out with the Co.Unity advert and photo of Petri Hendriksz on P1, as well as with the Fine & Country advert on P16, which has three video links.

Interactive newspapers not only allow our advertisers to show more of their products that are on offer, but also allow our readers to watch videos taken during events without having to search for them on Facebook.

The video links work not only on desktop, but on mobile as well, so no matter what device you are using to get The NEWS, you will be able to watch them.

www.pressreader.com www.issuu.com/dwaal 083 700 3319 theagency@thevillagenews.co.za

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29 July 2020

FROM THE EDITOR

We need to be razor sharp The next edition of The Village NEWS will be available on 5 August 2020. The NEWS can be found at over 300 distribution points in the Overberg.

De Waal Steyn PUBLISHING EDITOR E: dewaal@thevillagenews.co.za T: 083 700 3319

With a “jobs pandemic” hanging over the heads of business owners and thousands of households feeling the stranglehold of an ailing economy, the actions of the government and government agencies need to be questioned.

The roughhouse tactics employed by the SAPS during last week’s protest action in Cape Town by the restaurant and tourism sectors was uncalled for. Yes, it is against the law under lockdown regulations to

CONTENT EDITOR E: hedda@thevillagenews.co.za T: 083 645 3928

ONLINE EDITOR E: raphael@thevillagenews.co.za T: 074 125 5854

Elaine Davie SUB-EDITOR & JOURNALIST E: elaine@thevillagenews.co.za T: 084 343 7500

Taylum Meyer PHOTOGRAPHER & PRODUCTION MANAGER E: taylum@thevillagenews.co.za T: 084 564 0779

Charé van der Walt MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE E: chare@thevillagenews.co.za T: 082 430 1974

Nickey Jackson

But firing water cannons and forcing peaceful protesters (who were adhering to social distancing) to flee does not give the impression of listening to grievances, but rather that of ignoring the plight of those desperate to help save jobs.

The broad strokes with which the government bans and unbans the

sale of alcohol, persists in its decision to ban the sale of tobacco, and continues to fail to address the growing backlog in promised government assistance is becoming too much for the average South African to bear.

The vast majority of South Africans are in full support of all lockdown regulations that help curb the spread of the virus. We have shown our good faith during the Level 5 lockdown and now it is time for the government to reciprocate.

We urge government to listen to the sage advice of business and community leaders who are seeing a pandemic greater than Cocid-19 on the horizon. A willingness and commitment to engage with all stakeholders in preparing razor -sharp and effective methods to curb the spread should be the order of the day, rather than the current broad-brush approach that does not benefit the country.

Working together should be the good NEWS – Ed

Pick a President and Pampering Plants

Hedda Mittner

Raphael da Silva

hold public gatherings, but business owners do have a right to have their voices heard.

By Murray Stewart murray.stewart49@gmail.com

evening. Single malt, no doubt. He’s also fat.

merings into the nature of science and life itself. - Washington Post

S

Candidate 3: This bloke is a decorated war hero. He is lean, a vegetarian, and he doesn’t smoke. He drinks the occasional beer or glass of wine at social gatherings, and has never committed adultery.

Vegetarians nobly promoting a cruelty-free diet (which means not slaughtering animals), were stunned to discover that plants too, are emotional. They have feelings and their reactions were visibly noticeable.

I wonder who you chose. Their identities are hidden further in the column, but no peeking…

Experiments with different sounds and conditions resulted in a pattern of constant responses from certain plants, and every plant they experimented with reacted to a flame or blade by microscopically shrinking away. They appeared to be aware of the danger.

trange occurrences and contentious conspiracies pop up regularly, and we often need to take a step back and separate the wheat from the goats. Some questionable events may appear truly strange, and some, without question are strangely true.

Executive Decision It all depends on you. The contents of the ballot boxes have been counted, double-checked and verified, but the unbelievable has happened – a dead tie between the three presidential candidates. Your vote is the last one to be counted, and will decide the next free-world leader (The Angry Orange in the White House excluded).

Candidate 1: He associates with crooked politicians and consults with astrologists, mediums and fortune tellers. He’s had two mistresses and is an enthusiastic smoker. He also drinks between 8 and 10 martinis every day.

Candidate 2: He has been kicked out of office twice, and never rises before noon. He smokes constantly, used opium during college and drinks half a bottle of whisky every

Vegetation Agitation Back in the seventies a couple of scientists – Tompkins and Bird – wrote a book called The Secret Life of Plants. It documents their many experiments which claim to reveal unusual phenomena in plants regarding their perceptions and reactions to various stimuli. They delved into theories about “foliaceous philosophies, organic emotions and progressive farming methods for optimum output”. Weird nè?

But check out these reviews: Once in a while you find a book that stuns you. Its scope leaves you breathless. - San Francisco Chronicle Incredible! Bristles with plenty of hard facts and astounding scientific and practical lore. - Newsweek A fascinating book with mystical glim-

Apart from the influence of different styles of music, the book includes experiments with plant stimuli using a type of ‘polygraph’ to prove that plants have reactions and emotions. It has changed the way many people treat their trees, flowers and vegetables, creating a cult following of millions worldwide.

Stevie Wonder – prodigious composer that he is – was so moved by the ground-breaking concept that he wrote the music score for the documentary film The Secret life of Plants, based on the findings in the book, and released it as a double album. Whether you’re a vegetarian or not, this is a beautifully orchestrated

collection of works which garnered accolades worldwide. Well worth a listen.

Anyway, four decades later, another bunch of esteemed scientists performed similar experiments with newer, high-tech equipment.

Perhaps these boffins didn’t sing to, or smoke their specimens enough while conducting their research, but one way or another their results proved the earlier findings to be largely codswallop. However, repeated experiments concluded that tomatoes do scream when sliced.

By the way the three candidates earlier were Roosevelt, Churchill and Hitler, and I wonder who took your fancy.

Ultimate Insults When you feel the urge to insult someone’s intelligence, here are a few to keep up your sleeve.

• Got into the gene pool while the lifeguard wasn’t watching.

• Some drink from the fountain of knowledge – he just gargled.

• He’s so dense, light bends round him.

• She would be out of her depth in a car-park puddle.

• He’s got a photographic memory but the lens cap’s glued on.

Let’s hope they don’t say the same about you, though.

HERMANUS: SEVEN-DAY WEATHER AND TIDE TABLE Wed | 29 Jul

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LOCKDOWN LEVEL:

LEV

COVID-19 DASHBOARD OVERSTRAND

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29 July 2020

3

EL

TOTAL CASES AS OF 27 JULY 2020:

OVERSTRAND BREAKDOWN OF CASES: TOTAL (ACTIVE)

WORLD: 16 535 241 SOUTH AFRICA: 445 433 WESTERN CAPE: 91 180 (20.40% of cases in SA) OVERBERG: 2 751

• FISHERHAVEN: 13 (3) • GANSBAAI: 222 (43) - 2 deaths • HAWSTON: 99 (23) - 1 death • HERMANUS: 130 (23) - 4 deaths • KLEINMOND: 79 (31) - 1 death

• MT PLEASANT: 124 (22) - 1 death • ONRUS: 48 (6) - 2 deaths • SANDBAAI: 24 (7) • STANFORD: 68 (17) - 2 deaths • VERMONT: 15 (4) • ZWELIHLE: 512 (75) - 5 deaths

LAST WEEK'S TOTAL CASES:

TOTAL: 1152 (452) - 18 deaths

WORLD: 14 764 303 SOUTH AFRICA: 364 328 (5th in the world) WESTERN CAPE: 84 340 OVERBERG: 2 264 OVERSTRAND: 1 152

(20 JULY)

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.

Local moving company lightens the load Research tells us that one of the most stressful life events is moving.

Maybe even more so when braving the elements and making it happen between two apocalyptic Cape storms. This is what happened recently, taking two big transport moves, ducking the puddles and wind storms, to close a chapter of 25 years in Harbour Road and relocate our bookshop to Victoria Square in the CBD. Yes, moving certainly gets our vote as being right at the top on the list of stressors!

But we were saved by a miracle. On the recommendation of friends who had recently settled into a new home, having relocated from America, as

well as receiving another referral, we were introduced to Johan and Ilse of Tetris Movers – a family-run business.

From that moment, realising we were in the hands of a local professional company, we felt reassured, even though the reality of it all remained daunting. But Johan with his team of six strong men took it in their stride with a structured and faultless game plan.

While Noel and I flagged under the strain of such a huge move, they made it seem effortless, which of course it was not. Boxes upon boxes of books, heavy furniture and bookcases, plant tubs that weighed a

Talisman Hire to the rescue

ton, shop signage, a vintage Raleigh bicycle, and a thousand other things accumulated over the years could never be considered a walk in the park.

This is the reason we wish to accolade Tetris Movers for both their professional and personal attention to our move, which after a quarter of a century in Harbour Road, was undoubtedly an emotional one. But one thing we know, we could not have done it without them. They went the extra mile in ensuring we arrived at the other side in one piece. Thank you, Tetris Movers, for lightening our load.

Beth Hunt

Join OAK for online concert

The stream will start at 15:30 with an introduction to the venue, the artists and partner organisations.

The Cape Town-based Amici String Quartet comprises Suzanne Martens, Petrus de Beer, Karin Gaertner and Peter Martens, who have appeared throughout South Africa to great critical acclaim.

Megan-Geoffrey Prins was named as the 2019 Standard Bank Young Artist for Music and is currently a full-time lecturer in piano at the University of Pretoria.

The concert, featuring Schumann’s Piano Quintet and Dvořák’s Piano Quintet No 2, will start at 16:00.

Concerts Connect has partnered with Overstrand Arts/Kunste (OAK) and six other music societies in presenting

After the success of Concerts Connect’s premiere series of three concerts, in partnership with Overstrand Arts/Kunste (OAK), music lovers can once again look forward to another world-class online concert featuring the Amici Quartet with Megan-Geoffrey Prins on Sunday 2 August from the historical Old Nectar in Stellenbosch.

We, the residents of Kidbrooke Place, have had a very difficult week with electricity supply and I wish to compliment the management and staff of Talisman Hire for their very professional and prompt service in supplying generators to some of the residents during this blackout.

All the equipment supplied was in excellent working order and their staff were most helpful in explaining the working procedure of the units.

Thank you for great service in a time of real need!

Norman Kerr

Thank you, golden oldies!

This letter is to acknowledge and thank the warm-hearted folk of Kidbrooke Place. Since they started their ‘Kidbrooke Grapevine’ fund to purchase and deliver ingredients for the soup kitchen in Zwelihle, R30 000 has been raised, which has been used to buy

bulk ingredients for the Zwelihle Youth Café at the RDP Centre. Fikiswa Gxamesi, William Ntebe and their hard-working team have expressed their sincere appreciation for the donations.

Ben Pheiffer, Kidbrooke Place, Onrus

this concert.

Tickets are available at www.quicket. co.za and can be purchased in support of OAK. For enquiries, contact OAK secretary René du Plooy on 082 940 4238 or renedup@telkomsa.net

Sandra Tannahill sent The Village NEWS this photo of a bare brick wall that had been transformed by mural art. “I took this pic years ago in Belfast, Northern Ireland,” she writes. “Besides the fun element it was a quite considerable magnate for visitors. Might this inspire local artists to add a bit of cheer to passers-by?”

Main Road, R43, Sandbaai, Hermanus, 7200

info @shopwhalecoastmall.co.za 021 476 0994

FOOD EQUALS LIFE AT WHALE COAST MALL

Whale Coast Mall believes good food is an essential o ering and our tenants therefore present a diversity of quality food options at a ordable prices to cater for every taste. Our restaurateurs are a vibrant bunch of professionals who thrive on serving customers the finest food, accompanied by a ready smile and good cheer. Our tenants also actively involve themselves in the welfare of our communities, assisting in a variety of ways, including sponsorships, food donations and school projects.

We are proud to be associated with these first class eateries and invite you to support them; they look forward to welcoming you.

Best of Asia prides itself in quality food, served with e�ciency.

We are a seafood and Chinese cuisine restaurant, and create culinary masterpieces for every occasion. After just one taste, you will want to return for more scrumptious meals! Call 028 316 4120, or order on Whatsapp 084 883 5455.

McDonald’s Whale Coast Mall welcomes our customers back through Drive Thru and Take Away from Monday to Sunday 8.00am to 10.00pm. We are ready to serve you the delicious meals you know and love, with additional health and safety measures for your and your family's protection.

Big Joe’s Real Pies has become a household name in Hermanus for warm, homemade pies, made from only the best ingredients.

Our aim is to provide our customers with an enjoyable and a�ordable meal, which also reminds them of home. A wide variety of delicious pies is available, so do pay us a visit!

Wimpy has been a family favourite since 1967, serving up those burgers, brekkies and grills that all South Africans enjoy.

With the strictest safety and hygiene measures in place, we can’t wait to welcome you back. As for our warm, welcoming smiles?

You’ll still find them there behind our masks.

Locally-owned Ocean Creek Spur has been providing Hermanus with wholesome meals, a vibrant family atmosphere and the friendliest service since 2017. Until you can sit in our restaurant again, call 028 312 3095 to order delicious meals for take-aways, call and collect, or home delivery.

Mugg and Bean Whale Coast Mall is where people gather for a cup of excellent co�ee and a hearty serving of home-style food.

We have missed our loyal customers and look forward to seeing you again, even if only for a take-away, or call and collect order.

Pop in for your favourite treats.

The Deli Co�ee Co o�ers a decadent slice of goodness in the Whale Coast Mall. The Deli’s menu features exquisite food (including treats for the health fanatic), together with delicious co�ee and other hot beverages. Our shelves are stacked with designer products from local producers.

This unique deli o�ers a wide range of premium quality deli meat products, fresh meats, imported German deli delights, as well as a range of delectable meals. For excellent hospitality, outstanding products and a fantastic setting, be sure to pay us a visit.

Steers symbolises quality food, served with a smile, to ensure return customers. Our burgers are legendary, complemented by our deliciously seasoned, hand-cut chips and super thick shakes. Definitely designed to keep those lockdown blues at bay! Steers is also endorsed as Halal- compliant.

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29 July 2020

Gansbaai businesses join in protest S

everal restaurants in Gansbaai set their tables outside on the pavement as part of the nationwide ‘One Million Seats on the Streets’ peaceful protest initiated by the Restaurant Association of South Africa (RASA) on Wednesday, between 12:00 and 14:00.

Other businesses, including the owners and staff members of Gansbaai’s guesthouses, tourism organisations, shops, wineries and restaurants, staged another protest against the devastating impact of the lockdown regulations on Friday between 10:00 and 12:00. With many community members joining in, they formed a human chain (with distances between them) on the pavement along Gansbaai’s Main Road between Voortrekker and Fabriek Streets.

and hospitality sector, is becoming desparate as owners are unable to sustain their businesses and keep staff on their payroll. It is just one of our Overstrand towns that is largely dependent on tourism and where the loss of income threatens business

closures and count- less job losses.

– Hardus Botha

1

The ‘Strong Men’ from Health & Active Gym in Main Road, Gansbaai.

1. The owner of Kuslangs Restaurant in Franskraal, Manny Paiva, does not have a pavement next to his restaurant. So he set two tables in Rosseau Street that motorists had to drive around, all of them hooting and waving to show their support. With Manny is restaurant manager, Elma Stassen.

2. Staff members from The Great White House and Marine Dynamics in Kleinbaai making their voices heard during the silent protest.

3. Trevor and Sanmarie from Lomond Wine Estate joined the peaceful protest in Gansbaai on Friday.

PHOTOS: Hardus Botha

2

The plight of business owners in Gansbaai, especially those in the tourism 3

OVERSTRAND MUNISIPALITEIT ERF 736, 11 ABERDEENSTRAAT, NORTHCLIFF, HERMANUS: AANSOEK OM HERSONERING, VERGUNNINGSGEBRUIK EN AFWYKING: WRAP NAMENS PENHEY (EDMS) BPK

OVERSTRAND MUNICIPALITY ERF 736, ABERDEEN STREET 11, NORTHCLIFF, HERMANUS: APPLICATION FOR REZONING, CONSENT USE AND DEPARTURE: WRAP ON BEHALF OF PENHEY (PTY) LTD

UMASIPALA WASE-OVERSTRAND ISIZA 736, 11 ABERDEEN STREET, ENORTHCLIFF, EHERMANUS: ISICELO SOKUCANDWA NGOKUTSHA, IMVUME YOKUSEBENZISA NOKUPHAMBUKA: WRAP EGAMENI LIKA PENHEY (PTY) LTD

Kragtens Artikel 47 en 48 van die Overstrand Munisipaliteit Verordening vir Munisipale Grondgebruikbeplanning, 2015 word hiermee kennis gegee van die onderstaande aansoeke van toepassing op Erf 736, Hermanus, naamlik:

Notice is hereby given in terms of Sections 47 and 48 of the Overstrand Municipality By-Law on Municipal Land Use Planning, 2015 of the applications mentioned below applicable to Erf 736, Hermanus namely:

Esi saziso sikhutshwa ngokwemiqathango yeSolotya 47 no 48 loMthethwana kaMasipala waseOverstrand woYilo lokuSetyenziswa koMhlaba wowama-2015 ngokwezicelo esifunyenweyo esicapazela Isiza 736 eHermanus ezichazwe ngezantsi:

1.

Hersonering ingevolge Artikel 16(2)(a) van die bogenoemde Verordening om Erf 736, Hermanus te hersoneer vanaf Algemene Residensiële Sone 1: Dorphuisskema (GR1) na Sakesone 3: Plaaslike Sake (B3).

1.

Rezoning in terms of Section 16(2)(a) of the abovementioned By-Law to rezone Erf 736, Hermanus from General Residential Zone 1: Town Housing (GR1) to Business Zone 3: Local Business (B3).

2.

Vergunningsgebruik ingevolge Artikel 16(2)(o) van die bogenoemde Verordening om 'n bestaande woonstel op die grondvloer te akkommodeer.

2.

3.

Afwyking ingevolge Artikel 16(2)(b) van die bogenoemde Verordening om die volgende te verslap: a. Noord-Westelike syboulyn vanaf 3m na 1,2m om die bestaande kantore te akkommodeer; en b. Noord-oostelike syboulyn vanaf 3m na 1,2m om die bestaande kantore en woonstel te akkommodeer.

3.

1.

Ukucandwa ngokutsha ngokweSolotya 16(2)(a) laloMthethwana okhankanywe ngentla sokucandwa ngokutsha Isiza 736, eHermanus ukusuka kwi iNdawo yokuHlala Eqhelekileyo 1: Izindlu zeDolophu (GR1) ukuya kwiNndawo Eyoshishino 3: Ishishini leNgingqi (B3).

Consent use in terms of Section 16(2)(o) of the abovementioned By-Law to accommodate an existing flat on the ground floor.

2.

Imvume yokusebenzisa ngokweSolotya 16 (2) (o) laloMthethwana okhankanywe ngentla ukuvumela iflethi ekhoyo kumgangatho ophantsi womhlaba.

Departure in terms of Section 16(2)(b) of the abovementioned By-Law to relax the following: a. North western lateral building line from 3m to 1,2m to accommodate the existing offices; and b. North eastern lateral building line from 3m to 1,2m to accommodate the existing offices and flat.

3.

Ukuphambuka ngokweSolotya 16 (2) (b) laloMthethwana okhankanywe ngentla ukuphambuka kokulandelayo: a. Kumgca wesakhiwo osecaleni osemantla asentshona ukusuka ku 3m ukuya ku 1,2m ukuvumela iiofisi ezikhoyo; kwaye b. Kumgca wesakhiwo osecaleni osemantla empuma ukusuka ku 3m ukuya ku 1,2m ukuvumela iiofisi ezikhoyo neflethi

Full details regarding the proposal are available for inspection during weekdays between 08:00 and 16:30 at the Department : Town Planning at 16 Paterson Street, Hermanus.

Iinkcukacha ngokwemiba yesi sindululo ziyafumaneka ukuze zihlolwe ngulowo nalowo ufuna ukuzifundela ngeentsuku zokusebenza ngamaxesha okusebenza aphakathi kwentsimbi yesi08:00 ne-16:30 kwiCandelo: Zicwangiso ngeDolophu kwa-16 Paterson Street, Hermanus.

Enige kommentaar op die voorstel moet skriftelik ingedien word in terme van Artikels 51 en 52 van die voorgeskrewe Verordening by die Munisipaliteit (Patersonstraat 16, Hermanus / (f) 028 313 2093 / (e) loretta@overstrand.gov.za) voor of op 28 Augustus 2020 met die naam, adres en kontakbesonderhede, belang in die aansoek sowel as redes vir die kommentaar aangedui. Telefoniese navrae kan gerig word aan die Senior Stadsbeplanner, Me. H van der Stoep by 028 313 8900. Die Munisipaliteit mag weier om kommentare te aanvaar na die sluitingsdatum. Enige persoon wat nie kan lees of skryf nie kan die Departement Stadsbeplanning besoek waar hul deur ‘n munisipale amptenaar bygestaan sal word ten einde hul kommentaar te formuleer.

Any written comments must be submitted to the Municipality (16 Paterson Street, Hermanus / (f) 028 313 2093 / (e ) loretta@overstrand.gov.za) in accordance with the provisions of Sections 51 and 52 of the said By-law on or before 28 August 2020, quoting your name, address and contact details, interest in the application and reasons for comment. Telephonic enquiries can be made to the Senior Town Planner, Ms. H van der Stoep by 028 313 8900. The Municipality may refuse to accept comment received after the closing date. Any person who cannot read or write may visit the Town Planning Department where a Municipal official will assist them to formulate their comment.

Naziphi na izimvo ezibhaliweyo zingangeniswa ngokwezibonelelo zamaSolotya ama-51 nama-52 kwaMasipala (16 Paterson Street, Hermanus / (f) 028 313 2093 / (e) loretta@overstrand.gov.za) ngoLwesihlanu okanye ngaphambi koLwesihlanu, 28 EyeThupha (uAgasti) 2020 ukhankanye igama lakho, idilesi, iinkcukacha ofumaneka kuzo, umdla wakho kwesi sicelo nezizathu zokunika izimvo. Imibuzo ngefowuni ingabhekiswa uMyili-dolophu oPhezulu, Nks. H van der Stoep ku-028 313 8900.

UMasipala angala ukwamkela izimvo ezifike emva komhla wokuvala. Nabani na ongakwazi ukufunda okanye ukubhala angaya kwiCandelo leDolophu apho igosa likamasipala liza kumnceda avakalise izimvo zakhe ngokusemethethweni.

Munisipale Bestuurder, Overstrand Munisipaliteit, Posbus 20, HERMANUS, 7200 Munisipale Kennisgewing Nr. 57/2020

Municipal Manager, Overstrand Municipality, P.O. Box 20, HERMANUS, 7200 Municipal Notice No. 57/2020

UMlawuli kaMasipala, Kwiofisi zikaMasipala, PO Box 20, HERMANUS, 7200 InomboloYesazisokaMasipala 57/2020

Volle besonderhede rakende die voorstel is beskikbaar vir inspeksie gedurende weeksdae tussen 08:00 en 16:30 by die Departement: Stadsbeplanning, Patersonstraat 16, Hermanus.

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29 July 2020

Preserving Kogelberg marine life and livelihoods Writer Elaine Davie

M

ost of us are probably familiar with the iconic logo of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF); indeed, the giant panda has become the poster child for conservation the world over. The organisation was established in Switzerland in 1961, and inspired by this initiative, industrialist Anton Rupert founded the Southern African Wildlife Foundation in 1968. In 1995 it transformed itself into WWF South Africa.

As the logo suggests, at the start, both organisations focused primarily on the conservation of specific endangered species, mainly mammals, but over the years the WWF’s philosophy has undergone a sea change. Led by an awareness of the interdependence of all living things, its approach turned towards environmental protection, where an entire ecosystem was viewed as an integrated entity. Considering the role – usually destructive – played by humankind in the environment, it clearly made no sense to exclude people from the equation.

This is currently being underlined by the effect of man-made climate change on the planet.

Many of us may not be aware that the WWF has maintained an active presence in the Kogelberg since 2012, focusing mainly on the welfare of the coastline between Kleinmond and Pringle Bay. An integral aspect of its projects is its working relationship with small-scale fishermen and women who have plied their trade here for centuries, albeit with diminishing reward.

In recognition of the hard times they are currently experiencing, especially during lockdown, on Mandela Day this year, the CEO of WWF-SA, Dr Morné du Plessis and his local team handed out food parcels and vouchers to 94 fishers with whom they are partnering in the Kogelberg. The low-profile event was also attended by Barbara Creecy, Minister of the Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) and representatives of the fishing community who had the opportunity to engage in dialogue with the Minister about their situation.

Creecy acknowledged that they had been hard hit by the economic and social effects of Covid-19 long before many other communities, as the Asian markets closed their doors to African marine products. In the spirit of Nelson Mandela, she said, she was reaching out a hand of friendship and support to these smallscale fishing communities. “Ours is a common struggle for transformation of the fishing industry, sustainable use of marine resources and access to better livelihoods for coastal communities.”

WWF agrees. “One of the severe challenges faced by small-scale fishers is that many of the marine resources that they have depended on historically have either collapsed or are in decline. Unless these resources can be effectively managed,” they conclude, “this will continue on a downward spiral.” They are currently implementing a three-pronged approach to this challenge, in collaboration with the local fisher people and their families, with the aim of restoring and preserving a healthy marine ecosystem on the one hand and assisting the local fisher folk to develop sustainable livelihoods on the other.

There is a constant striving for balance between these two imperatives and Sindisa Sigam, WWF’s Small-scale Fisheries Co-ordinator and his colleague Kholofelo Ramokone are at the rock face. “In our interactions with the local fishing communities, apart from calling for assistance to cope with the dire economic circumstances they find themselves in, they have two requests: They would like to participate in management decisions about their future, instead of having policy imposed on them; and secondly, they would like to be actively involved in research projects in this area,” comments Sindisa. “I believe this indicates that they want to be part of the solution for themselves and the ocean.”

In terms of developing a strategy for the sustainability of the fishing communities, WWF has launched several interlocking initiatives. On the one hand, they are working with recognised small-scale fishers, encouraging them to utilise

The proud youngsters who form part of WWF-SA’s Youth Monitoring Project: Charlton Botes, Danelee Plaatjies, Sebastian Wentzel, Kervin Plaatjies and Marcelin Barry.

Local fishermen helping to deploy the BRUVs that record valuable information on the ocean floor.

PHOTOS: WWF-SA their line-fish permits, rather than only relying on the Asian markets for West Coast Rock Lobster sales. Fish species like Cape bream (Hottentot) and Carpenter are recommended, as they are not on the WWF-SASSI red list.

“It would also be to the fishers’ advantage,” stresses Sindisa, “for government to complete the formation of strong, community-based small-scale fishing co-operatives in the region, such as they have already established in the other coastal provinces. According to government, the co-operatives will be granted fishing rights for 15 years for a basket of different species.”

As WWF comments: “An enormous task lies ahead for the Department as it works to ensure that the small-scale fishing co-operatives are supported so that they can become economically sustainable and meet the food security needs of their community, alongside protecting sensitive marine resources.”

The Kogelberg fisher communities are already making a valuable contribution towards the protection of marine life, with exciting potential to expand. In 2017 twelve of the local fishermen were recruited to participate in a two-year pilot project using baited remote underwater video systems (BRUVs), which provide a non-destructive, non-invasive technique for capturing valuable information. This coastline is a hotspot for marine biodiversity, including, amongst others, 60 species of sharks and rays which, because they share their habitat with many other sea creatures, can be looked upon as ideal ‘umbrella’ species.

The fishers work in collaboration with the Kogelberg Marine Working Group, an overarching co-ordinating body consisting of most local stakeholders such as WWF-SA, representatives of CapeNature, the provincial DEFF, Overstrand and Overberg Municipalities and others. With their wealth of local knowledge, the fishers are ideal partners and the hard work they put into the project is greatly appreciated by the scientists.

WWF-SA describes the operation as follows: “Attached to the BRUVs camera on a metre-long

metal rig, oily fish bait attracts both scavengers and predators to be filmed on the ocean floor, allowing scientists to measure their abundance and diversity.” However, as they also point out, “Capturing these videos takes a lot of work.

Camera rigs must be set up with bait, boats need to navigate to the exact spot in the ocean, heavy metal rigs and ropes must be deployed and then delicately retrieved and hours of video footage must be analysed with careful eyes.”

Indeed, two local youngsters were recruited and trained specifically to undertake the data analysis. This pilot project was so successful, as demonstrated in two scientific papers subsequently published, that funding has been obtained by WWF-SA to continue the work until 2023.

The other scientific project in which the local communities are heavily invested is the Youth Monitoring project, of which Sindisa is particularly proud, because while its main aim is to collect scientific data, at the same time, it empowers and upskills young people. “Their role is to move up and down the Kogelberg coast on a rotational basis and collect as great a diversity of data as possible. This could include what seabirds have been observed and where, nest sightings, weather conditions on a particular day, sea turbulence, human intrusion, shoreline detritus – anything that may impact the environment.

“The monitors are currently being assisted to upgrade their Grade 12 results, so that they can qualify for the Criminal Law Enforcement and Environmental Conservation programme offered by the Nelson Mandela University.

Obtaining this qualification will equip them for employment with any conservation body in South Africa.”

At a recent function at the Stony Point penguin colony, some of these youngsters proudly showed off their sparkling white T-shirts sporting the slogan The Panda Made Me Do It. Be that as it may, the spirit remains the same and they are making an invaluable contribution to the preservation of a unique marine environment, all the while acting as remarkable role models in their own communities.

We're moving house!

Our EberVet Vetshop at IPIC Shopping Centre is moving to the Whale Coast Mall We look forward to welcoming you & your furry family to our new home very soon

EberVet Vetshops are also at Station Mall (tel: 028 312 3028) & Onrus (tel: 028 316 2904)

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www.thevillagenews.co.za

Shelter making progress Construction of the Hermanus Night Shelter in Malva Street, Mount Pleasant reached a new milestone this month when Lenvalco Readymix arrived on site with their giant cranes to pour the concrete floor slab.

Building operations have been in full swing since the lockdown regulations for the construction sector were relaxed and Ray Hartman of the Hermanus Night Shelter association (HNSA) says the site has been a hive of activity.

“Our builders have prepared the interior by installing the ceilings and laying all the plumbing lines and electrical conduits,” he says, adding that “none of this would have been possible without the financial and moral support of numerous gen-

erous individuals and charitable organisations. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone concerned for their continued support and involvement. We also extend a warm welcome to anyone who would like to visit the site to view the progress

that has been made.”

For more information, visit www. hermanusshelter.co.za. Ray can be contacted on 083 731 0678 or nightshelterhermanus@gmail. com.

OVERSTRAND MUNISIPALITEIT OPENBARE DEELNAMEPROSES: SAMESTELLING VAN 'N REHABILITASIE- EN BESTUURSPLAN EN ONDERHOUDSBESTUURSPLAN VIR PADDAVLEI VLEILAND IN HAWSTON

29 July 2020

Adriaan Basson, a Grade 5 learner at Curro Hermanus, participated in the nationwide DramaWeb SA competition and won platinum awards for Afrikaans and English during lockdown.

Adriaan was chosen as one of the country's top 10 in the Grade 5-7 group for his English poem.

The final competition took place on Sunday 26 July.

We look forward to hearing the final results when they are released, Adriaan!

OVERSTRAND MUNICIPALITY PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS: COMPILATION OF A REHABILITATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN AND MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PADDAVLEI WETLAND IN HAWSTON

Ligging: Paddavlei-vleiland is 'n oop watermassa binne 'n groter vleilandgebied wat in die Skilpadsvlei dreineer en van daar na die Botriviermonding. Die vleiland is geleë in die voorstedelike gebied van Hawston, naby Hermanus in die Overstrand Munisipale Gebied.

Projekbeskrywing: 'n Projek wat die samestelling van 'n rehabilitasie- en bestuursplan vir die Paddavlei-vleiland in Hawston behels, is deur die Munisipaliteit Overstrand geïnisieer.

Location: Paddavlei Wetland is an open body of water within a wider wetland area that drains into the Skilpadsvlei and from there to the Bot River Estuary. The wetland is located the suburban area of Hawston, near Hermanus in the Overstrand Municipal Area.

Project Description: A project that entails compilation of a Rehabilitation and Management Plan for the Paddavlei Wetland in Hawston has been initiated by the Overstrand Municipality.

'n Belangrike deel van hierdie projek is die onderneming van 'n openbare deelnameproses met alle belanghebbende Paddavleigemeenskappe en die plaaslike gemeenskap. Die sleutelfokus van hierdie verbintenisse met die belanghebbendes is om: 1. Verkry historiese inligting oor die funksie / doel van die vleiland; 2. Bepaal die bestaande gebruik van vleiland; 3. Bepaal die visie en behoeftes van die plaaslike gemeenskap sowel as die gewenste toestand van die vleiland; en 4. Lewer kommentaar op die konsepbestuurs- en rehabilitasieplan vir die Paddavlei

A key part of this project is the undertaking of a public participation process with all Paddavlei affiliated interest groups and the local community. The key focus of these stakeholder engagements is to: 1. Obtain historical information on the function/purpose of the wetland; 2. Determine the existing use of wetland; 3. Determine the vision and needs of the local community as well as the desired state of the wetland; and 4. Obtain comment on the draft management and rehabilitation plan for the Paddavlei

Die samestelling van die Onderhoudsbestuursplan sluit in die projek wat voorsiening maak vir gereelde instandhoudingsaktiwiteite binne die Paddavlei wat deur die owerhede vooraf goedgekeur is. Die dokument hou spesifiek verband met Aktiwiteit 19 soos gelys in die NEMAomgewingsimpakstudie (OIE) -regulasies Kennisgewing 1 van 2014 (GN R. 983), soos gewysig.

Included in the project is the compilation of the Maintenance Management Plan), which will be preapproved by the authorities, that will allow for regular maintenance activities to be undertaken within the Paddavlei which have been preapproved by the authorities. The document specifically relates to Activities 19 and 27 as listed in the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations Listing Notice 1 of 2014, as amended (GN R. 327). In addition, a water use authorisation is being applied for, for approval of the associated Section 21(c) and (i) water use activities in terms of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998.

Geleentheid om deel te neem: Belanghebbende partye (I&AP) word hiermee in kennis gestel omtrent die beskikbaarheid van die Konsep Rehabilitasie- en Bestuursplan en Onderhoudsbestuursplan vir Paddavlei vleiland in Hawston vanaf 31 Julie 2020 tot 29 September 2020.

Die dokument is beskikbaar vir ‘n kommentaar periode van 60 dae.‘n Publieke ope dag sal gehou word op 18 Augustus 2020, te die Thusong Sentrum, Vlei Straat, Hawston tussen 15:00 en 18:00. Hierdie publieke ope dag sal aan inwoners die geleentheid bied om vrae te stel en die projek met die projek span te bespreek. Die nodige covid-19 veiligheidsmaatreels sal toe gepas word tydens die publieke ope dag. Die dokumente kan afgelaai word by: https://www.overstrand.gov.za/en/documents/strategic-documents/environmentalmanagement-services Harde kopiee van die dokument kan ook verkry word vanaf die kontak persone onder voorsien.

Enige verdere navrae kan gerig word aan Cornerstone Omgewingskonsultante (Pty) Ltd.: Kontak: Me. Mari de Villiers E-pos: mari@cornerstoneenviro.co.za | Tel: 021 887 9099

Opportunity to Participate: Interested & Affected Parties (I&AP’s) are hereby notified of the availability of the draft Rehabilitation Plan and Maintenance Management Plan for Paddavlei Wetland in Hawston from 31 July 2020 to 29 September 2020. The documents are available for a commenting period of 60 days. A public open day will take place on 18 August 2020, at the Thusong Centre, Vlei Street, Hawston between 15:00 and 18:00. The public open day will provide opportunity for residents to ask questions and discus the project with the project team. The necessary COVID-19 safety protocols will be implemented during the public open day. The document can be downloaded at: www.overstrand.gov.za/en/documents/strategic-documents/environmental-management-services.

Hard copies of the documents can also be obtained via the contact details provided below.

Further information or queries can be directed to: Cornerstone Environmental Consultants (Pty) Ltd. Contact: Mrs Mari de Villiers E-mail: mari@cornerstoneenviro.co.za | Tel: 021 887 9099

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www.thevillagenews.co.za

29 July 2020

MY WELLNESS

Looking after children’s sensory health Y

oung children need to smell, taste, hear, see, touch and move their muscles and joints as they learn how to interpret and navigate the world around them. But this has become quite a challenge during the pandemic.

The challenges “Covid-19 is limiting our children's exposure to sensory stimuli and sensory processing opportunities, which are crucial for development and academic learning,” says occupational therapist, Annetta Saaiman. “Parents and caregivers are urged to provide safe, sensory-rich environments at home by using everyday life activities such as gardening and baking (no need for fancy toys!).”

Sensory triggers “Furthermore, our children's sensory systems are severely challenged by the lockdown restrictions and this can lead to meltdowns and resistance to learning.” Annetta says sensory triggers that could affect children’s behaviour include the following:

•

•

•

Wearing a mask can be distracting, lead to fidgeting, anxiety and frustration buildup. Some children might find it soothing and calming but be aware of 'avoidance' behaviour.

Social distancing prevents children from running freely and participating in games with friends that require bumping, pushing, pulling and touching. Movement will be restricted on the playground equipment.

Strict boundaries will apply in the classroom, at the desk and during floor time. Children will be required to stand behind lines, in lines and sit on specific 'dots'. No sharing of clay, pencils or sweets will be allowed. Your high-energy child won't be able to express and release built-up energy freely and will struggle to follow the rules. The sensory sensitive child will benefit from the structure and feel safe, but this can enforce rigid behaviour and prevent the learning of new skills.

The need for frequent hand washing and sanitising hands and surfaces can also act

as sensory triggers. The constant smell of hand sanitiser, and touching sticky objects and surfaces will affect your sensitive child's tolerance and frustration levels.

The opportunity Annetta says the Covid-19 pandemic has also created a wonderful opportunity for us to practice self-regulation, which matures just like other developmental processes. This refers to our ability to control the following in our everyday environments: • Body (motor actions) - Sensory regulation • Mind (thoughts) - Cognitive regulation • Heart (emotions) - Emotional regulation “As children get older, they learn to think before they act,” says Annetta. “Children with higher levels of self-regulation have achieved higher scores in reading, vocabulary and math. It is not only associated with higher future academic levels, but gives children strategies to stay calm in stressful situations. By developing strong habits of self-regulation, they will be able to apply them throughout their lives.”

How do we do it?

• Parents, teachers and therapists should model good self-regulation for developing children.

• Children who show good self-regulatory behaviour should be grouped with others who struggle.

• Sensory breaks with movement that requires the muscles and joints to work hard should be used, as this is calming and releases ten-

• • • •

sion (sensory regulation).

Body/sensory regulation can contribute to emotional and cognitive regulation.

Specific strategies for emotional and cognitive regulation need to be addressed.

Good self-regulation should be rewarded.

Children who show signs of poor self-regulation should be identified and referred to occupational and/or psychological therapy for more direct intervention.

Workshops Her mission is to promote sensory healthy children by running workshops for parents and teachers on how to change the home and school environment to develop sensory processing and sensory regulation abilities, says Annetta. She is offering two workshops next month – one for parents/caregivers from 21 – 22 August (‘Sensory processing made practical for parents’), and one for educators from 28 – 29 August (‘Sensory processing made practical for educators’). Due to the need for social distancing, participants will be limited according to venue size. Workshops are also available via zoom.

“It is important to remember, though, that workshops do not replace individual assessment and treatment, in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team,” says Annetta.

To find out more about how occupational therapy could benefit your child, or to sign up for one of the workshops, Annetta can be contacted on 072 118 5683.

www.thevillagenews.co.za

29 July 2020

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MY ENVIRONMENT

Mola mola: The Incredible Hulk

By Dr Anina Lee

A

couple of weeks ago a large Ocean Sunfish or Mola mola washed out on the beach at Nature’s Valley. The Nature’s Valley Conservation Trust posted some photographs on social media.

There are actually three species of sunfish that are found in the temperate waters off the South African coast. Some have even been spotted in Walker Bay. It is probably one of the more bizarre-looking fish in the ocean. For a fish it certainly is – the largest bony fish in the world. There are larger fish in the sea, but they are all elasmobranchs (cartilaginous fish), like sharks, rays and whale sharks. Instead of a bony skeleton, they have cartilage (the same stuff your ears and the tip of your nose are made of ).

Sunfish do not have scales to protect them like most bony fish do. They have a sandpapery skin, more like a shark. This lack of scaly protection makes them more vulnerable to parasites – but more of that later.

As you can see from the photographs, the fish is flattened laterally – from side to side.

(The one in the photo is lying on its side.) The body is almost disc-shaped, with two large fins projecting, one from its dorsal side (back) and one from the bottom (anal fin). There is also a stubby pseudo-tail. And it’s big – really big. An adult can weigh over 2 200 kg – the same as an adult white rhino. The length from the tip of the dorsal fin to the tip of the anal fin can be over 2 metres.

It’s the shape of the fish that gave it its Latin name Mola mola. ‘Mola’ is Latin for a millstone – a large, round, flat, rough-surfaced, disc-shaped stone.

Maybe repeating the ‘mola’ part for both the

genus and the species name gave it a pleasing ring. ‘Mola mola’ is not easily forgettable. It’s probably one of the few animals where the scientific name is regularly used to describe it. Not many people use the common name, ‘Ocean Sunfish’, or the German name that translates to ‘swimming head’.

Molas produce many strange-looking offspring As you might expect from their size, female molas produce more eggs than any other vertebrate on earth – about 300 million at a time. The baby fish that hatch out of them are tiny and equally strange-looking. Little mola fry are protected by a star-shaped, transparent covering that looks like it should be hanging from a Christmas tree. Those spikes gradually disappear as the young mola grows.

So how does the equivalent of an underwater flying saucer swim around? Molas move around on their sides flapping their dorsal and anal fins like a pair of wings, and steering with the lumpy pseudo-tail (called a clavus). It’s not efficient, but it works.

Why do they seem to say “ooh”?

When you look at mola photographs, you will notice they all seem to be saying “ooh”, which is pretty much what we would say if we are lucky enough to see them.

The reason is that they have fused, beak-like teeth. Their upper and lower teeth are fused into a parrot-like beak that’s stuck permanently open. It’s perfect for slurping up jellyfish and other delicacies, but it’s not pretty.

Why are they called ‘Sunfish’?

Originally, it was thought that molas spend their days near the surface of the sea, basking in the sun. But recent research has shown that they dive to depths of up to 200 metres or more to snack on jellyfish and siphonophores (invertebrate organisms that include jellyfish, corals, and sea anemones). In addition to jellies and zooplankton, they are also known to eat squid, sponges, eelgrass, crustaceans, small fishes and deep-water eel larvae.

So why are they so often seen at the surface of the sea, sunbathing? The reason seems to be that diving so deep for their food chills them, so in between dives they soak up the rays to warm up. This allows the molas to dive repeatedly for

Mola mola, the largest bony fish in the world, can weigh over 2 200 kg – the same as an adult white rhino. The fish is flattened laterally – from side to side. (The one above is lying on its side.)

PHOTO: Nature’s Valley Trust

The reason why molas all seem to be saying “ooh”, is because their upper and lower teeth are fused into a parrot-like beak that’s stuck permanently open – perfect for slurping up jellyfish and other delicacies.

PHOTO: National Geographic

The ‘Incredible Hulk’ starts out life as a tiny piece of popcorn. Mola babies are protected by a star-shaped, transparent covering, and the spikes gradually disappear as the young mola grows.

PHOTO: Kerryn Parkinson food and so extend their foraging time. Their large size is another benefit. The larger the animal, the smaller its relative surface area and the slower their heat loss in deep cold water.

They’re covered in parasites It’s not easy for a sunfish that has no scales to avoid parasites. More than 50 species of parasites have been found on molas. They therefore have to pay visits to ‘cleaning stations’ where small fish will pluck the parasites from their skins. However, some parasites are so deeply embedded in the mola skin that they can only be surgically removed. This service is kindly provided by seagulls and other seabirds that can dig them out with their sharp beaks – another reason for molas to hang out in surface water.

Conservation status The IUCN ranks Mola mola as a vulnerable species. Bycatch (fish caught unintentionally

while harvesting other species) is a serious problem for molas. They swim about in the open ocean, they’re massive, and they like to float at the surface… You can see where this is going. Molas are frequently captured as bycatch in many fisheries that use long lines, drift gillnets, and midwater trawls. For example, scientists estimate that longline fisheries in South Africa alone account for as many as 340 000 Mola molas as bycatch each year. As is the case with most ocean fish, molas are under serious threat.

Based on these high bycatch rates and population declines of up to 80 % in some areas, the IUCN suspects that the global Mola mola population has declined by at least 30 % over just three mola generations.

Will our grandchildren ever have the awesome pleasure of seeing this incredible hulk?

WCC presents another Zoom talk on Thursday 30 July at 18:00. Jean Tresfon is a conservation photographer who highlights issues of both delight and concern in his photographs, whether underwater or from the air. He is also a brilliant storyteller. The image above is of the Bot River Estuary opening last week.