The Village News - 6 Feb - 13 Feb

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6 FEBRUARY 2019

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Drama at High School CHOO-CHOO This steam locomotive that travels between Cape Town and Elgin every weekend offers day trips to the newly-established, Art Deco-inspired Elgin Railway Market. Here visitors can enjoy live music, while strolling through the market and having their pick of the tantalising selection of food and beverage stalls. The steam locomotive, named Dominique, is one of several owned by the Ceres Railway Company. Construction of the Ceres Railway track started in July 1910 and was completed in May 1912, using second-hand material. Part of the company’s mission is to help preserve and promote South African Rail Heritage which involves restoring and refurbishing old locomotives and coaches. Visit www.ceresrail.co.za for more information. PHOTO: Martin Etsebeth

Muni steps up leash law enforcement Writer De Waal Steyn

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he municipality is set to ensure that dogs stay on their leashes when owners are walking them in public areas. This follows an incident last week in which a Duiker fawn that had been injured during the recent fires and received treatment by a local vet, was attacked and killed by dogs running free in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve (FNR) shortly after it was released into the reserve. The municipality has requested that dog owners take great care when walking their dogs in the reserve and the areas surrounding it because

rescued antelope are being released into the area. Dogs are allowed in the FNR but must be kept on a lead at all times and are only permitted on the lower paths – the blue and yellow routes. “Allowing a dog in a public place without being kept on a leash under control of a person will result in a fine of R200 and/or impoundment. According to the municipal bylaw dogs must always be on leashes and should be controllable by the person holding the leash. The bylaw clearly stipulates that ‘No person may allow any dog to be in a public place unless

it is kept on a leash. A public place as defined in this bylaw includes any beach area’,” according to a press release from the municipality. The enforcement of the bylaw will be done at all public places in the Overstrand, including the cliff paths and beaches. No dogs are allowed on any of the Blue Flag beaches between 09:00 and 18:00. The municipality said it urges members of the public to ensure that their dogs are on leashes at all times when they are walking in public places. There have been several reports recently of dogs running free and

attacking other dogs or people. The municipality said the impoundment of an animal will only be used as a last resort. Law enforcement officials will first caution people whose dogs are not on leashes and, if necessary, impose a R200 fine. But depending on the circumstances, dogs may be impounded. If that is the case the dog will be taken to the local animal welfare society and a fine will be payable before it is released. The welfare society may decide whether they will charge an additional fee for their services. A call has also been made to dog

owners to ensure that they carry bags with them to pick up dog poo and to not bury it in beach sand, as it eventually washes into the ocean. It is also a good idea to carry an extra bag to hand to people who do not have bags with them. Any contravention of this bylaw can be reported to the Municipality’s Law Enforcement on 028 313 8996 or Control Room 028 313 8000/8111. Alternatively send an email to enquiries@overstrand. gov.za and provide the license plate or address of the person with the dog not on a leash.

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6 February 2019

Discussions on 30% guidelines for foreigners Writer Raphael da Silva

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he Departments of Labour and Home Affairs have promised to step up their inspections in Hangklip-Kleinmond while the Hangklip-Kleinmond Working Group will meet with local businesses on 11 February, to get feedback on a working proposal that legal foreign employees should not make up more than 30% of a company’s workforce. These were the two outcomes that were agreed at a meeting held Monday, February 4 at the Kleinmond Public Library, that was attended by Executive Mayor, Dudley Coetzee, Overberg Deputy Mayor, Archie Klaas a number of Overstrand councillors, the police, community and church leaders, officials from the Departments of Labour and Home Affairs, as well as representatives from the Community Policing Forum, the Hangklip-Kleinmond Business Forum and Child Welfare organisations. The Monday meeting, chaired by Western Cape Member of the Provincial Parliament, Masizole Mnqasela, was only agreed to late on Sunday evening following a weekend of intensive discussions between the Hangklip-Kleinmond Working Group, community leaders and residents, after a call went out on Tuesday, January 29, that all foreigners from other parts of Africa must leave the area by the weekend.

Talking points: ■ The 30% maximum employment of foreign workers in Kleinmond is only a proposal for discussion right now and could change after further discussions. Currently, South African legislation does not specify how many foreigners a company may employ. It only states that foreigners must have the proper legal documentation, including residence and work visas. However, according to officials from the Departments of Labour and Home Affairs, they have frameworks which they use to aid them in their decision-making processes. For labour, at least 60% of employees should be locals. For Home

Overstrand Councillor Simphiwe Tebele echoed these sentiments. “I think the plea to the Business Forum is to sensitize its members that just because they are driven by profit and likely to choose the cheaper labour option, they must still understand how important it is to have the right mix and develop local talent.” Later on, in discussions, Tebele added that Council had learned lessons from past protests. “We are dealing with this thing before it comes to a boil and gets out of hand,” he said. Deon Brits, the Vice-Chair of the Hangklip-Kleinmond Business Forum said, “We are committed to a fair process and that everyone who owns a business here sticks to the law.”

According to Mnqasela, who is also a member of the Working Group, “You could cut the fear the foreigners were feeling with a knife.” In the end, agreement was reached to have an expanded meeting with officials from the Departments of Labour and Home Affairs and the Hangklip-Kleinmond Business Forum, and to report back on the Monday evening to residents who predominantly live in Overhills. In his opening statements, Mnqasela said, “It is a

reality that locals are prejudiced when it comes to work opportunities. Let the foreigners work alongside the locals, but let them be in the minority, as they are in the community. While employers are welcome to employ whoever they like, the point is that we need fairness.”

In response to how they would be able to increase inspections, the Department of Home Affairs said that they only have three immigration inspectors to cover the whole Overberg while the Department of Labour said that they have six inspectors plus a team leader to carry out their work. Both, however, said that they would be calling on additional resources in the short-term to step up their work in Hangklip-Kleinmond. The meeting with local businesses, the Hangklip-Kleinmond Business Forum and the Working Group will be held at 19:00 at the Kleinmond Town Hall on February 11, 2019.

Affairs, the split is 50%. However, according to Home Affairs’ framework, if a foreigner sets up a business in the country, they need to first employ at least five South Africans before they can employ a foreigner. “This is the start of a process. It is not in the law. But it is something we are talking about to calm the situation. We are starting this process hoping that this will be a model for others to follow,” said Mnqasela, acknowledging that there isn’t a lot of guidance that can be followed in dealing with the employment of foreigners who are legally in the country. ■ Work permits are normally granted to

foreigners to work at specific companies in a specific role and are not transferable unless permission has been given for the change by government.

Affairs cannot actually arrest anyone. Only the South African Police Service (SAPS) can do so. Immigration officials are not allowed to enter a residential dwelling unless they have a court order.

■ If a foreigner is arrested for being in the country illegally, the employer can also be charged. Likewise, if a landlord rents a dwelling to someone who is in the country illegally, they can also be charged. An employer or landlord cannot claim ignorance of the law.

■ In terms of their Standard Operating Procedures, the Department of Labour needs to give notification of their intention to visit and the business must acknowledge that they have received notification.

■ An immigration inspector does not need to give prior notice of their visit. They do, however, have to immediately introduce themselves and state the purpose of their visit. Home

“Immigration is the sniffer dogs and Labour does the due diligence,” said Mnqasela, to distinguish the roles of the two government departments.


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6 February 2019

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Locals fight to preserve the Esplanade Writer Hedda Mittner

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n application for the total demolition of the Esplanade Holiday Apartments in Marine Drive, Hermanus, which was approved by Heritage Western Cape (HWC) in December, is set to go ahead. The proposed plan by the new owner is to erect a four-storey building comprising 30 units, although it is as yet unclear whether the units will be sold or let. The Overstrand Heritage and Aesthetics Committee (OHAC) did not support the application and has appealed this decision. Vice Chair Katie Smuts presented the OHAC’s case to the Heritage Western Cape Appeal Committee on 23 January and says they are awaiting notification of the formal outcome of the meeting. “Indications are that HWC will stand by their approval for demolition, but the plans for the proposed replacement will need comment from the OHAC before a final decision is taken,” she says. The Esplanade Holiday Apartments today (above) and almost 100 years ago (left) when it started out as Stemmet's Private Hotel. The OHAC is recommending that the facade be retained, including reopening the enclosed balconies and removing the walls on the ground floor that were added between the apartments.

Meanwhile, the online petition in support of the appeal, launched by the OHAC on www.change.org and supported by the Hermanus History Society, has rallied the support of over 1 500 signatories. The OHAC is not appealing for the retention of the entire building, but merely recommending that the original front portion be retained, which would preserve the symmetrical façade and twin gables. In this way, “the rear could be redeveloped while retaining the charming and authentic street aspect typical of an historic Hermanus hotel,” says Katie. However, total demolition of the building has been approved, and the proposed plan is to replace it with a new, modern structure that maximises the permitted height and mass allowances. “We are aware that the building is not of exceptional aesthetic or architectural merit. However, it is a very typical example of the numerous hotels that sprung up in Hermanus in the early- to mid-20th century that resulted from and, in turn, drove the rise of Hermanus as a resort and destination town between and after the Wars,” says Katie. “As such it holds social and historical significance to the town and its residents. Further to this, its position on Marine Drive, close to the end of that road, and its status as one of the few remaining examples of these buildings, lends it landmark status. Its street interface, mass and bulk are all characteristic of buildings of this type and period, while its symmetrical facade and twin gables lend it visual interest.” Dr Robin Lee says too many historical buildings have been lost to developers over the years and that the Hermanus History Society (HHS) supports the OHAC’s appeal. “The building, which was erected in 1927 by the Stemmet family, is also linked to two ‘side stories’ that play a significant role in the history of our town,” he says. (See info box) Katie says the loss of The Esplanade will “serve as a further blow to the remaining charm of Hermanus as an historic seaside resort. This erosion of character also serves as a catalyst to encourage further demolitions and development applications as a sense of place and streetscapes are lost.”

The history of the Esplanade The building was erected by the Stemmet family in 1927 and Sandy Grant, who named it Hamewith). known as Stemmet’s Private Hotel. The rocks in front of the hotel were regarded as the premier spot to catch galjoen. A few years later Westcott built a new factory at the eastern end of Mitchell Street and it became very profitable when The one story about the hotel involves the Luyt family, who Westcott was awarded the sole franchise for Coca-Cola in owned both The Marine and Riviera hotels in Hermanus. the Overberg in 1948. S J du Toit writes in Hermanus Stories P John Luyt had installed his older brother, Henry as manI, “When Westcotts closed down, it was one of the oldest ager of the Riviera, probably in the 1920s, because one bottling companies in the country and one of the few that reference points to the fact that Henry had been manager had a popular line of spring water among its products.” at the Riviera Hotel for 16 years before P John Luyt offered him the chance to buy Stemmet’s Private Hotel for the Luyt Details of the fate of the Esplanade Hotel between 1948 family in 1936. and the 1970s are unrecorded, but in about 1978 Basil Clark-Brown bought the building and altered it significantly, Henry Luyt changed the name of Stemmet’s Private Hotel turning it into the Esplanade Holiday Apartments which are to the Esplanade Hotel and managed it until 1948, when he there today. At about the same time he acquired several sold it to raise funds to build the Birkenhead Hotel at Voëlproperties, including the Windsor Hotel, which he renovatklip. This venture was just about the only failure of the Luyts ed, and the downmarket Seahurst Hotel, which was rebuilt in Hermanus. The company eventually went bankrupt and as 45 Marine Drive. the Birkenhead had to be sold. Clark-Brown saw Marine Drive as the centre of tourist life in The second story involves the original owner, Johnny Hermanus, rather than the area around the Old Harbour and Stemmet, who in the meantime had started a mineral Gearing’s Point. He coined the phrase “Champagne Mile” for water factory in the backyard of the hotel. When Henry the stretch of Marine Drive from The Anchorage (holiday Luyt purchased the hotel, Stemmet sold the factory to Dick home of the Gearings family) to Swallow Park. Clark-Brown Westcott, who moved it to a building in Main Road, where made an attempt to give a ‘Riviera’ feel to both the Esplathey operated as Westcott’s Mineral Waters. (Incidentally, nade and the Seaview Cottages and they are relatively unobaccording to S J du Toit, Westcott built a house next door at trusive. the Marine Drive end of the property which he later sold to - Robin Lee

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6 February 2019

Annual report open for comment F or the municipality and the wider community, including businesses, the housing-related protest action in the Hermanus area between March – June 2018 was challenging and disrupted our attempts to provide services to all,” states Mayor Dudley Coetzee in his foreword to the municipality’s annual report.

“The emotional, economic as well as physical damage to our community and assets will remain. Damages to municipal infrastructure such as, but not limited to, the Hermanus sewage works, swimming pool buildings, various other buildings and roads, amount to approximately R40 million. “The economy of our area has suffered, compounding the strain that the downturn in the national economy placed on businesses in Hermanus. However, we are thankful that municipal service delivery to the affected areas has resumed,” he says. The audited annual report for the 2017/18 financial year of the Overstrand Municipality is now open for public comment before it is set to serve before council at a public meeting on 27 March. According to the municipality, this document reflects their performance over the past financial year in attaining the strategic objectives set out in the Integrated Development Plan (IDP). Consequently, it is extremely

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valuable, as it helps stakeholders and leaders navigate through the obstacles and pitfalls of service delivery, in order to benchmark new standards of performance and set new goals for improvement. According to Coetzee the municipality, in partnership with other spheres of government and the affected communities, is attempting to find lasting solutions to the dire and ever-increasing housing need in the municipal area.

“We will not compromise on the basic service delivery mandate to our communities. The municipality is committed to deliver on our vision to be a centre of excellence. The performance and achievements stated in this annual report are testament of our commitment to sustained service delivery. We will continue to apply sound financial management to ensure that we maintain a clean audit outcome,” he said. Municipal Manager, Coenie Groenewald, said in reflecting on the 2017/18 financial year, that he is pleased to report that the Overstrand Municipality has performed well in relation to service delivery, governance and financial management. “Overall, the Municipality met 379 (85%) of a total number of 447 key performance indicators (KPIs) for the period 01 July 2017 – 30 June 2018. A total of 60 (13.42%) KPIs were almost

Some highlights: • A clean audit for the 6th consecutive year. This places the municipality among the top 5% of local municipalities in South Africa to have received three or more consecutive clean audits. • National Treasury ranked Overstrand Municipality 1st amongst the smaller municipalities in the Western Cape for its financial viability in May 2018. • Outstanding debtor recovery in 2017/2018 stands at 99.64%, compared to 99.44% in 2016/2017. • Water losses were reduced to 18.82% in 2017/18, compared to 21.32% in 2016/17. Electricity losses were reduced to 5.12% this year, as opposed to the 7.37% in the preceding financial year. In terms of the average electricity losses of 14.5% in South Africa, this is considered an excellent achievement.

met and 8 (1.8%) of the indicators were not met. “The housing and land-related protest actions in the 4th quarter of the 2017/18 year resulted in capital project delays and a temporary disruption of services to the affected areas. Normal service delivery to applicable areas has since resumed. The capital projects that could not be finalised due to the protest action were rolled over to the 2018/19 financial year through an approved adjustments budget in August 2018,” said Groenewald. He said the municipality is committed to continuing to render quality services to the benefit of the community. “It is of utmost importance that sustainable solutions are found to the housing and land-related needs.” Financially, the municipality performed well during 2017/18. “Though the financial health of the municipality can be assessed as good, sound financial management will remain a priority. This is of utmost importance due to escalating service delivery needs from our community, concomitant with the impact the weak economic growth of the country has on our community’s ability to pay for services. We remain committed to accountable and ethical governance with no tolerance towards corruption and/or fraud. Any indications of alleged misconduct against officials and councillors must be reported for investigation,” he said.

• The municipality received the Govan Mbeki Housing Award 2017 for runner-up in the category ‘Best Integrated Residential Development’ for the Mount Pleasant Housing Project. • Overstrand Municipality has won the Waste Management Section of the Greenest Town competition for the 7th time in 9 years. • The municipality won the Water Management and Conservation section of the Greenest Town competition for the 4th time in 5 years. • Certificates of outstanding achievement for Innovation were received for the Rethink the Bag Project, and the outsourcing of bulk water and waste water works. • A total of 112 932 m² of roads were patched and resealed during the 2017/18 financial year. This actual performance exceeds the target of 100 000 m².

The municipality’s estimated population for 2017/18 is 95 482 based on the municipality’s own projections.

The graph below shows that the total number of indigent households reduced from 7 418 households in 2016/17 to 7 385 households in the 2017/18 financial year. This indicates a reduction of .44% in the total number of indigent households within the municipal area over the two financial years (2016/17 – 2017/18).

Financial year

Housing Backlog

Unemployment

2010/11

5 945

24.1%

2012/13*

6 412

23%

2013/14*

6 719

23.3%

2014/15

6 807

23.3%

2015/16

7 038

23.3%

2016/17

7 612

23.3%

2017/18

7 814

23.3%

Socio Economic Status (*based on 2011 Census Figures)

All stakeholders, especially the ratepayers' associations and community organisations, are urged to give their feedback on or before 22 February 2019 to the Municipal Manager, for attention: R Louw (rlouw@overstrand.gov.za) or write a letter and send it to PO Box 20, Hermanus 7200. The report can be accessed on the municipal website, www.overstrand.gov.za (go to the documents tab, click on strategic documents, then annual report). Alternatively, printed copies are available during office hours at the administrative offices and public libraries.

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6 February 2019

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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. Enjoy our paper. - The Editorial Team

T: 028 312 2020 A: 8 Arum St, Hermanus Industrial

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Mediclinic is excellent

Rotary thanks community for supporting fundraiser Dressed all in white, 200 guests came together on Thursday night to raise funds for the Camphill Farm Community who had suffered losses during the devastating recent fires. Seated at long white tables they indulged in delicious food, made new friends and partied the night away. None of this would have happened without the wonderful support of many businesses and individuals. The Rotary Club of Hermanus would like to acknowledge the generosity of the following people or businesses for their contribution to the success of the Long White Supper Table: CanD’s Kitchen provided the

dessert, Cape Union Mart donated mozzie muti, the Cuckoo Tree assisted with the main meal, Dischem provided bottled water, Anton Verhoogt from the Fisherman’s Cottage assisted with the main meal, Food Lover’s Market donated a voucher, Function Hire loaned tableware and glasses, Gouws Joinery donated boards, Haygrove Heaven supplied berries, Hermanus High School provided their hall, Hermanuspietersfontein donated cases of wine, Janine Neethling entertained on the keyboard, Roger from Le Marchand donated ingredients, Les van Niekerk and her team made the starter course, Peter Southworth designed the invitation, Tullishe le Roux from the Hospitality Group

While here on holiday last week, my husband collapsed on a Friday evening with a deep vein thrombosis and subsequent pulmonary embolism (clots in the lungs).

co-ordinated the kitchen and assisted with the main meal, the Valley Farmstall provided veggies, The Village NEWS donated advertising space, and Werner de Wet, the stilt walker entertained the guests.

We were very lucky that our friend and neighbour brought us to the Mediclinic, where he was treated in the Emergency Room by an amazing team of Dr Leon Siecker and his nurses. He was admitted to ICU and then to a ward where be came under

We would like to extend our special thanks to the above people/businesses, those who supported by attending the Long White Supper Table as well as those who made cash donations. The final amount raised for Camphill Farm will only be known once all invoices have been received.

the wonderful care of Dr Tredoux and also amazing nurses. The personal attention of these doctors and nurses is as good as anywhere we have been, living in Europe and the USA (and I am a doctor myself!). We cannot begin to tell those of you living in Hermanus and those visiting, how fortunate you are to have such an excellent facility on your doorstep. Roger and Pixie Scheer

Camphill says thanks On behalf of everyone at Camphill Farm Community Hermanus we would like to thank Rotary Club Hermanus and the sponsors who made the Long White Table fundraising event on 31 January, in aid of the fire damage, an enormous success.

Ann Wright President Rotary Club of Hermanus

The following sponsors donated prizes on the evening: African Pride Arabella Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection; Arabella Golf Club; Rossouw Modern Gallery; The Wine Glass; Originals Gallery; Lady Stanford

River Boat Cruise; River Rat Stanford; Croydon Wines, Somerset West; Eden Café; and Arabella Diamonds. The single act of kindness to say ‘thank you’ does not even begin to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation. It is through generous and sincere support from warm-hearted people such as yourselves that we continue to thrive. Camphill Farm Community Hermanus

Over R20 000 raised for firefighters On Wednesday 23 January, Jozua Rossouw (owner of Rossouw Modern Art Gallery) and Anton Verhoogt (owner of Fisherman's Cottage and Barefoot Cook) organised a thank you party at Lemm's Corner for over a hundred firefighters that fought the fires in the Overberg last month.

Back from left are Garren Jackson (HARSA), Bernardus Groenewald (OWV), Petrus Bothma (HARSA), Jozua Rossouw, Angelo Aplon (Assistant Fire Chief at HFD), Meagan Carlese (HFD), Kim Heneke (HFD), Lester Smith (Fire Chief at HFD), (front) O'Neil Geldenhuys (chef at Fisherman's Cottage) and Anton Verhoogt with his son Willem and wife Nicole. PHOTO: Taylum Meyer

The party doubled as a fundraiser and approximately R23 400 was raised.

Three organisations who worked directly with the fires were selected to receive the funds, namely Hermanus Fire Department (HFD), Overberg Wildfire Volunteers (OWV) and Hemel-en-Aarde Rural Safety Association (HARSA). The funds raised (R7 800 for each organisation) were handed over at Lemm’s Corner on Friday, 1 February.

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6 February 2019

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OPINION MATTERS Place needed for our dogs to run free The debate on whether dogs should be allowed off their leashes in public places has been raging in our towns for many years. It is such a heated debate that a proposed change in the bylaw, allowing dogs to walk without their leashes at certain times, was scrapped due to the huge number of comments received from the public. The volume of the comments was such that it took municipal officials several months before all the comments were collated, resulting

A Far Kraai

in the amendments not serving before council. But the news of a fawn being killed by dogs running free in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve has led to the municipality stepping up its enforcement of the bylaw. Tragically, the fawn had been nursed back to health after it was injured in the recent fires, and had only just been released back into the wild when it was killed. Dog owners often argue that their dogs

ther out of fear or to show dominance or due to instinct.

are well trained and would not harm other dogs or humans. But the reality is that there are reports almost daily of either humans or other dogs being threatened or even attacked by dogs not on a leash. According to the bylaw, dogs are not allowed off their leashes in public areas and owners are personally liable for any damages caused by their animal. This is a huge risk to bear as no matter how well trained a dog is, it is always possible that it might attack ei-

The time has come for the authorities to not only strictly enforce the bylaw, but also relook the current statutes and create designated areas where dogs can be let off their leashes. All over the world, towns and cities have dedicated dog parks that are enjoyed by dogs and their owners alike. In the Overstrand we have the added benefit that even part of a beach can be used for this. This is the good NEWS – Ed.

Not only four-legged creatures fell foul of the law. Over the years, offenders included horseflies, snails, locusts and caterpillars, and in the 17th century a Russian goat was in court accused of “lewd and unbecoming behaviour”. Quite what got into her is uncertain, but she was banished to Siberia. (I’m not making this up.) The first documented ‘animal’ trial was in 864 CE. The Diet of Worms (also for real) decreed that “the hive of bees which stung a man to death

De Waal Steyn Publishing Editor dewaal@thevillagenews.co.za Hedda Mittner Content Editor hedda@thevillagenews.co.za Raphael da Silva Online Editor raphael@thevillagenews.co.za Kathy Bentley Marketing Manager kathy@thevillagenews.co.za

Tania Hamman Office Admin admin@thevillagenews.co.za Nickey Jackson Graphic Designer nickey@thevillagenews.co.za Jessica Pote Graphic Designer jessica@thevillagenews.co.za

By Murray Stewart (old photo) thevillagemuze@gmail.com

One can only wonder why someone would loiter around the pointy end of an ox in the first place. But in sympathy with the bereaved family, let’s hope – if they could stomach it – they were at least compensated by being allowed to eat the murder weapon.

074 125 5854

Charé van der Walt Marketing Representative chare@thevillagenews.co.za

When the cows come home to roast

Fortunately, the old and rather insane concept of punishing animals that break the law is now out-dated, but was perfectly acceptable back in biblical times. In Exodus it states: “If an ox gore a man or a woman that they die, then it shall surely be stoned.”

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should be suffocated”, so they were. In another bee incident in the Dark Ages, St Bernard was preaching in a French church when a few inquisitive bees from the adjacent graveyard irritated him during his sermon. He excommunicated the entire swarm from the pulpit. They never returned. Animal trials were conducted according to established legal procedures, and some lawyers made quite a reputation as the defence council. The trial of a bear accused of ravaging some German villages in 1499 was delayed for weeks for legal arguments. The defence lawyer submitted that the accused had the right according to the law, to be tried by its peers – a mixed jury of brown and tan bears. The case is still open. Our feathered friends were not immune to prosecution either. In 1471, a rooster from Basle in Switzerland was found guilty “in defiance of natural law” of laying an egg. The farmer insisted the cockerel was a hen when he bought it, and suggested some evil spiritual intervention. The bird

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was found guilty, and like a witch was burnt at the stake as “a devil in disguise.” (Shades of KFC?) Some animals have appeared in court not only as felons, but also as witnesses. In Savoy in the 17th century it was believed that despite the Good Lord not granting animals the gift of speech, they had every opportunity to bleat/moo/bark in protest when they disagreed. So, if a man murdered the ‘gardener’ for bonking his missus, but denied it in front of his domestic animals and they remained silent, he was innocent. Simple really. Anyway, an enterprising French lawyer called Bartholomew Chassenée made quite a hit with his skillful defence of some rats back in 1521. They’d been accused of destroying a local farmer’s barley crop, and when his clients failed to appear for the hearing, he successfully declared the summons invalid. He claimed the perpetrators couldn’t be clearly identified, so it should have been served on all the rats in the district. (I’m still not making this up.)

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And finally, back in the Middle Ages, pigs could roam freely through many European villages – a freedom which the law claimed they sometimes abused. In 1547 a sow and her six piglets were accused of eating a child. She was found guilty and executed, but her family was spared ‘because of their youth and the bad example set by their mother’. Huh?

Mitch Scholtz Content Curator mitch@thevillagenews.co.za Elaine Davie Journalist elaine@thevillagenews.co.za Taylum Meyer Photojournalist & Line Editor taylum@thevillagenews.co.za

GET YOUR COPY Printed: 028 312 2234 Digital: issuu.com/dwaal The Village NEWS is published weekly and the next edition will be available on 13 February 2019. The NEWS can be found at over 300 distribution points on the Cape Whale Coast from Pringle Bay to Gansbaai.

6 Royal Street, Hermanus

Anyway, talking of lawyers and animals, Charles Dickens wrote: ‘the law is an ass’, which is true. But those lawyers associated with the Angry Orange in the White House confirm the belief that the converse is often more applicable.

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When the new summons to the entire rat population was also ignored, Chassenée pleaded that “evilly disposed cats” belonging to the prosecutors were intimidating his clients. He demanded a cash guarantee that these cats would not molest the rats on their way to court. The prosecution understandably refused and the case was dismissed.

Leijla Steyn Content Curator leijla@thevillagenews.co.za

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Audit Bureau of Circulations of South Africa transparency you can see

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6 February 2019

www.thevillagenews.co.za

THE VILLAGE

NEWS

The Hawston Cadet Group held their passing out parade on Saturday at the primary school. The brightly dressed cadets, shoes gleaming in the sunlight and berets neatly on their heads, executed their march with military precision while dignitaries, parents and members of the community watched their every move. The cadets, who have been keeping a watchful eye on the safety of cyclists on the R43, received much-needed and well-deserved funds from among others the Night of a Thousand Drawings and Hermanus Rotary Club. PHOTO: De Waal Steyn

ONLINE

The Village NEWS launches 'What's On' online Find all your local events online, updated daily to give you the latest and greatest in What's On. www.thevillagenews.co.za/whatson HAVE AN EVENT? Visit our What's On page and add it yourself or send us the details via events@thevillagenews.co.za. The Hermanus Night Shelter started as a dream and is now fast turning into a reality thanks to generous donations by the public and various organisations like the Cape Town Chapter of the Harley Owners' Group. The “tophat” roof which sits above the dining room/ lounge area will be unique in the area, adding additional light and air to the building. With the tax year ending at the end of the month, now is a good time to donate to the HNSA, since all donations are tax deductible. Donations can be deposited into the following account: ABSA Bank, Hermanus Night Shelter Association, account number: 4081927061. Please use your email address as the payment reference.

EXPLORE OUR NEW FACEBOOK GROUPS

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Proposed 3% average increase for licence fees The Provincial Government gazette has published the draft regulation pertaining to motor vehicle licence (MVL) fee increases in the province. The draft regulation is still open for public comment until Friday, 8 February 2019. According to the Western Cape Government the proposed fee increases amount to an average 3% for the Western Cape, a figure well below inflation. The provincial government relies on vehicle licence fees to:

• Build, upgrade and maintain the provincial ly-owned road network. • Assist municipalities to fund the mainte nance of their more strategic roads. • Continue to reduce the maintenance back log, which has been decreased by over 16% over the last 7 years. “These fees, along with budgetary allocations, help keep the province’s roads in a good condition and during the 2017/18 financial year 94,8% of vehicle kilometres travelled on surfaced roads were travelled on roads in fair

or very good condition. A total of 7019 km of provincial roads are in a fair to very good condition,” according to a press release. During this period 63 080m² of surfaced roads were upgraded, 915 772 m² of surfaced roads were rehabilitated, 45 997 km of gravel roads were bladed, and 22 km of gravel roads were upgraded to surfaced roads. This is in addition to the construction or upgrading of 6 bridges and 76 culverts. Our roads are an asset with an approximate value of R68 billion and they are consumed, over time, by the close to 2 million

vehicle owners in the Western Cape and other users.” Any person or organisation wishing to comment on these draft regulations is requested to lodge such comments on or before Friday 8 February 2019 by posting it to: The Head of Department, attention: Mr SJ le Roux, Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works, PO Box 2603, Cape Town 8000; or by emailing it to: Shaldon.LeRoux@westerncape. gov.za.


THE VILLAGE

EXPLORER

International Fusion Cuisine New Summer Lunch Menu: R120 - 2 Course / R150 - 3 Course Open 7 days a week from 11:00 all day

BOOKS | ART | EVENTS | NATURE

Tel: 028 313 1685

Shop no. 4, Ocean View, 87 Marine Drive, Village Square

Book Cottage turns over a new page Writer & Photographer Hedda Mittner

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t’s in the locals’ hands, whether our CBD continues to thrive or not,” says John Morris, the owner of The Book Cottage. “Our local economy is not only reliant on tourism but, more importantly, on locals supporting local businesses.” Like many other business owners in the CBD, John has had to face serious challenges in the past year which, as he says, required “serious decision-making”. When his lease at The Book Cottage’s premises in Long Street came up for renewal at the end of January, he decided to use this as an opportunity to scale down and reinvent his business. The Book Cottage has been a landmark in Hermanus since the late Sue McNaught opened its doors in Harbour Road in 1996. In 2014, shortly after the shop had relocated to new premises in Long Street, John purchased the business from then owner, Megan Warren. He immediately threw himself heart and soul

into the business and set about restocking and redesigning the store. As an ardent music lover, he also added a music room which housed an extensive selection of music books and classical music CDs and DVDs. “I saw myself as the custodian of a very special shop and it was an honour for me to continue the legacy of Sue McNaught,” says John. “I was especially pleased when Sue’s family told me she would have loved what I’d done with the shop.” The Book Cottage went from strength to strength, regularly hosting book events and launches that were always well attended. When the Whale Coast Mall opened its doors in November 2017, however, “the whole shape of the town changed”. With fewer feet in the CBD, most businesses were affected, including The Book Cottage. “After the 2017/2018 holiday season we were still assessing the full impact of the mall when the unrest started. With the rioting and road closures, staff shortages and visitors avoiding the area, our businesses suffered even more,” says John. “Many had to make changes and reinvent themselves in order to survive.” In John’s case, he fully embraced the ‘adapt or die’ attitude and, once he’d made his peace with the fact that a change was necessary, wonderful things started to happen. Having decided not to renew his lease at the Long Street premises, an excellent opportunity presented itself when Nicolette Lloyd approached him about leasing one of her properties – a delightful, double-storey shop next to Brasserie South on Station Square (opposite Woolworths).

John Morris, the owner of The Book Cottage, settling in to his attractive new premises near Station Square in the CBD.

Although the premises are smaller than his previous shop, John immediately saw the potential. “Although The Book Cottage had previously been housed in traditional fisherman’s cottages, the new premises were also designed in the Cape Vernacular style and the shop merely feels like a more contemporary version of a traditional cottage. It has beautiful proportions, my shelves fitted perfectly and my furnishings look as if they have always belonged here. I couldn’t be happier.” John is very proud of the fact that he never lost one trading day during the move. “We did it in increments over several weeks without having to close our doors. I must add, though, that none of this would have gone as smoothly as it did without the support of some very special people in my life, including my right hand, Har-

riet Claudine Scheffers (affectionately known to The Book Cottage’s customers as ‘Dean’), Claudia Schindler (who runs the shop on Mondays, John’s one day off ), friends Kim and Victor Breach, Marc Herbach, Ashleigh Temple-Camp, Niven Nel, Chrissie Vismer, Marion da Silva, ‘Oom Hansie’ from ADT, Maurice Dourée and Irma Bezuidenhout, and Nicolette Lloyd. The Book Cottage stocks a comprehensive range of books in all genres, along with cards, maps, diaries and journals, as well as the latest classical music releases from Sony and Deutsche Grammophon. Find them at Shop 1, 32 Mitchell Street, Hermanus or call 028 313 0834. They are open Mon – Fri from 08:00 – 17:00, and also on Saturday and Sunday, although they might close a little earlier over the weekend.


10 | ART

6 February 2019

Become a Friend Artwalk a huge benefit of FynArts to the CBD

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he countdown to FynArts 2019 has begun! The programme booklet, packed with exciting, stimulating, and fun events, with the participation of a host of artists, performers, musicians, presenters, chefs and personalities in the wine industry, will arrive at the Hermanus Tourism Bureau on Friday 8 February. FynArts 2019 will run from 7 - 17 June and Hermanus can once again look forward to a ten-day festival filled with art in various forms to enrich and entertain the growing number of festival-goers.

The monthly Hermanus First Fridays (HFF) Artwalk once again brought a festive atmosphere to town on Friday evening, 1 February. Not only were the galleries packed with art-loving locals and visitors, but the restaurants in town were fully booked, too, as artwalkers turned the event into a night out on the town.

HFF has been one of the most successful and sustainable initiatives, not only in promoting Hermanus as an art destination but also in drawing people to the CBD over the last five years. The tourists love it, and so do the locals. The galleries benefit, and so do all the other businesses in town, most notably the bars and restaurants.

Our town owes a huge debt of gratitude to the dedicated members of the HFF committee under the leadership of Liz Coates, for the vision they had in establishing the Artwalk and for ensuring that it continues to add a vibrant dimension to the cultural scene of Hermanus. Long live the Artwalk! - Hedda Mittner

The Friends of FynArts 2019, which was launched at the FynArts AGM in November last year, has since signed up a number of enthusiastic supporters. “Arts festivals and organisations worldwide rely on donations, grants and sponsorship for their sustainability and growth. FynArts is no exception. We are deeply grateful for the Friends of FynArts’ advice, time and financial support in helping us continue to develop a top-quality arts festival, with relevance for the widest community,” says Festival Director, Mary Faure. As well as contributing to the promotion of the arts, all Friends of FynArts receive the following benefits: ■ Priority booking for themselves for all the events, in advance of the

general public

■ An invitation to the welcome cocktail party before the Opening

Concert

■ A special invitation to the Annual General Meeting ■ An invitation to exclusive Friends events during the year ■ All Friends are listed on the Friends page at hermanusfynarts.co.za

This year, FynArts has also launched a new Friends category for businesses. The benefits are: ■ Two tickets for priority booking are available for each business ■ An invitation for two representatives to attend the welcome cock-

tail party before the Opening Concert

■ A special invitation for two representatives to attend the Annual

Grade 2 teacher from Curro, Sonja, Friends (from right) Peter, Alison, Ingrid and Dorothea with artist Petrus Vilwith her friend, Günther and his dog, joen at Art Thirst in front of one of his paintings. Alison will be launching her Hansie, which accompanies them on first solo exhibition in Vermont next month. PHOTOS: Taylum Meyer all the artwalks.

General Meeting

■ An invitation for two representatives to attend exclusive Friends

events during the year

■ The name of the business will be listed on the Friends page at

hermanusfynarts.co.za and will include a link to the relevant business website

The annual cost of becoming a Friend is the same as for 2018. Sign up for an annual contribution of R300 (single); R500 (couple); R1 000 (business); or become a Lifetime Friend for a once-off, life-time contribution of R3 000 (single); R5 000 (couple); R10 000 (business). The first exclusive Friends event for 2019 will be on Thursday 28 February. The details of this event will be published soon. If you would like to become a Friend of FynArts please contact the Coordinator of Friends of FynArts, Joanna Hardie at joanna@hardie.co.za or FynArts Administrative Coordinator, Chantel Louskitt at admin@hermanusfynarts.co.za or 060 957 5371.

Artist and gallery owner, Malcolm Bowling in front of his striking painting of blue cranes that has been purchased by the Cape Town International Convention Centre. PHOTO: Hedda Mittner

The owner of Gallery 19, Jenny Jackson (right) with artist Sarah Abbott. After five years of running a one-woman gallery, Jenny has invited Sarah to exhibit her works in her gallery.

Celebrate the most romantic day of the year with a delectable four-course Valentine’s Day dinner. Thursday, 14 February from 18h30 R 495 per person R 755 per person including wine pairing Marine Drive, Hermanus, Whale Route 028 313 1000 | bookings@themarine.co.za themarinehotel.co.za

VALENTINE’S DINNER - R495 per person


BOOKS | 11

6 February 2019

The Genius and the Courtesan Writer Elaine Davie Photographer Taylum Meyer

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ore than 70 years after the end of World War II, Winston Churchill is still a household name. Controversial statesman, brilliant orator, writer and artist, he was considered by many to be Britain’s saviour against the evil empire of Nazi Germany. However, there was another Churchill, whose name is far less wellknown, yet who in her own way, was quite remarkable. She was Winston’s daughter-in-law, Pamela, wife of the Churchills’ only son, Randolph and a great favourite of the elder statesman. Several years ago Hermanus residents, Allan and Joanna Hardie, both avid readers of historical biographies, found themselves separately reading books about these two Churchills simultaneously and began to compare notes. So intrigued were they with these larger-than-life personalities that they read more and more about them and eventually put together a power-point talk entitled ‘Two Churchills who changed history’ to share with others. Starting with a presentation to members of U3A in Knysna, where they lived at the time, requests for it have continued to follow them, the most recent talk having been given to members of the SAARP in Hermanus last month. With the passage of time, it has been possible to put together a more balanced picture of Winston Churchill than was possible during his lifetime. Descended from the famous John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, Winston came from a long line of politicians. On the other hand, his beautiful mother, Jenny Jerome was an American, daughter of a so-called banking robber-baron. Highly intelligent and much more ambitious than her rather weak husband, Randolph, she exercised her considerable charms on influential men not only to advance her husband’s career, but her own ambitions, as well as those of their son, Winston in due course.

Allan and Joanna Hardie share a passion for historical biographies and the two Churchills who changed history particularly fascinate them.

Winston was not a good student at school and was badly bullied, but from the earliest age he had a passion for war, everything about it – the uniforms, the strategy, the weapons, the camaraderie. When, as a child, he played with his toy soldiers, his brother was told to address him as general! He was in his element when he was able to serve in the army in India, in the South African War as a war correspondent and in France during WWI, taking his own bath along for the campaign and billeting himself in a comfortable French farmhouse. As he once said, “I’m a man of simple tastes, easily satisfied with the best.” Very conscious of his place in the English nobility, he took it for granted that these expectations of personal comfort would be honoured. One of his greatest weaknesses, however, was his spendthrift nature. He was in unremitting debt his whole life long. Constantly seeking new ways of making money, he blew it all on horse racing, cigars and whisky, sponging off his friends and acquaintances and almost never repaying their loans. This was a trait he shared with his son, named Randolph after Winston’s father, and his daughter-inlaw Pamela. Pamela Digby was the daughter of an aristocratic, but impoverished family who, like Winston, had not

excelled at school, was shy and not conventionally pretty. Nevertheless, she developed a charm and sexiness that men simply could not resist. She married Randolph Churchill at the age of 19 after only one date and young Winston was born a year later, but Randolph was the most outrageous gambler and womaniser and after five years she had had enough of his behaviour and divorced him. It was wartime, she was a single mother with a small child and she could depend on neither her own cashstrapped family nor her equally cashstrapped parents-in-law for help. Like Winston’s mother, Jenny, she was quick to realise that if she were to support herself and her child and gain a position of influence and financial stability in a male-dominated world, she would have to do it through these same men. From then on, the acquisition of money and influence became the driving force in her life. Fortunately for everyone concerned, she liked men and they adored her, beating a pathway to her bed. A wonderful hostess and a true woman of the world, she was able to converse with intelligence on almost any topic. Someone once referred to her as ‘scintillation personified’. Throughout her life, Pamela continued to have liaisons, and sometimes long-term relationships, with literally dozens of the wealthiest, most hand-

Some of the books which informed their talk on the Churchills.

some and most influential men in England, Europe and America, ranging from politicians, to industrialists, the heads of giant corporations, bankers, celebrities in the entertainment and newspaper industries and wealthy playboys – most of them married. They lavished on her expensive gifts of all kinds, from jewellery, luxury apartments and cars to artworks. She married twice more, first to Broadway producer Leland Hayward and six months after his death to Averill Harriman, heir to a railroad fortune and a former lover. Upon the deaths of both these men, she inherited copious sums of money and many valuable properties, to the wrath of her stepchildren. Adopting American citizenship at the time of her marriage to Harriman, she also became deeply involved in the Democratic Party and was influential in facilitating Clinton’s race to the White House. Appropriately, she died in Paris, the City of Love, in 1997, as America’s highly respected and extremely successful Ambassador to France. Winston Churchill might have been talking about his daughter-in-law, when he quipped, “One does not leave a convivial party before closing time.” Joanna Hardie is a great admirer of Pamela and the life she built for

herself. ”You couldn’t make her story up, it was so extraordinary,” she says. “What I love is her guts and her drive. She was an avid reader, to the end she continued to educate herself in politics, diplomacy and matters of public interest and she was an incredibly hard worker. Her rise to fame didn’t come easily; she worked hard at it. Despite her adaptability to the needs of the different men in her life, I think she was deeply grounded within herself. She lived extravagantly and she lived large and she was indeed the life of the party.” The last word goes to Winston, though: “I have no fears about what history will write about me, for I shall write it myself.” His-story and Pamela's can be found in the Hardies’ sources: Churchill by Roy Jenkins, published by Pan No more champagne – Churchill and his money by David Lough, published by Head Zeus Dark Lady – Winston Churchill’s mother and her world by Charles Higham, published by Virgin Books Life of the Party by Christopher Ogden published by Warner Books Look out for an illustrated talk about Pamela Churchill Harriman by Joanna Hardie during the FynArts Festival this year.


WHAT’S ON

OVERBERG Friday

GOT AN EVENT? Send us an email to events@thevillagenews.co.za or send us a WhatsApp to 074 125 5854. FREE for community & non-profit organisations R 100 for everyone else R 150 to include a photo

Wednesday

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Hermanus Business Chamber The HBC invites everyone to their first meeting of the year, which will entail an Information and networking evening. Snacks and refreshments will be served, followed by a presentation on the Ability Garden’s Organic Vegetable Production Model and a presentation by Tania Wyngaard of LightStruck on The installation of Fibre in the Overstrand. Booking is essential for catering purposes. RSPV: martin@ whalemail.co.za or 076 029 7587. Hemel-en-Aarde Brewery | 18:30

www.thevillagenews.co.za/whatson 8

Hermanus Hacking Group Volunteers are welcome to join the HHG, every Friday morning. For more information contact Charlyn Vosloo on 082 558 8731 or charlynvosloo@ gmail.com Rotary Way | 06:15 – 08:30 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 R20. Every cup helps to raise funds for new books. Every Friday from 09:00 – 11:30, at Hermanus Library. 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

seven-part series is entitled The Great Japanese Train Ride. Catholic Church Hall | 10:00 Primary School Cricket Clinic This two-day cricket clinic will run on Friday and Saturday, focusing on specialised exercises to improve batting and bowling expertise, fieldwork, fitness, match planning and cricket psychology. The two sessions on Friday will cater for Gr R – 3 learners from 14:00 – 16:00 and for Gr 4 – 7 learners from 16:00 – 18:00. The two sessions on Saturday will be for Gr R – 3 from 08:00 – 10:00 and for Gr 4 – 7 from 10:30 – 12:30. The cost for both days is R300 per child. Bookings can be made with Mr Botha on 072 426 4829 or Mr du Preez on 082 927 3796. Hermanus Primary School | from 14:00 on Friday

Saturday

Hermanus Photographic Society The first meeting of the year will introduce the theme for the February Club Competition, ‘Sand and Sea’ and the Audio Visual Group’s first challenge for the year, a short poem by Spike Milligan titled ‘Smile’, which will be followed by a discussion on future workshops, outings and activities for the year. Everyone is welcome at the club’s monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of each month, from the beginner to the advanced photographer. Visit www.hermanusphoto. co.za for more info or contact info@ hermanusphoto.co.za. Hermann Swart Hall, Dutch Reformed Church, Hermanus | 19:00

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The Singing Cook Pensioner’s Special Do a good deed and take a senior out to lunch at this special venue, where the cook will even sing you a song as your meal is served. R135 pp. Book by calling 072 462 4271. The Singing Cook, Rivendell Wine Estate | from 12:00

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

Matt Carstens Live Enjoy a fun night of great music by Matt Carstens. Call 028 312 4665 to book. Gecko Bar, New Harbour | 21:00

Tai Chi Intro Session Join Dr Arien van der Merwe for a Tai Chi intro session with Marguerite van der Merwe at only R90 pp. Bookings are essential. Contact 067 116 6111 or hermanus@drarien.co.za or visit www.drarien.co.za for more information. Arundel Medical Rooms, Westcliff | 16:30

Thursday

Country Market, where refreshments will be available from a variety of food and drinks stalls. The entry fee is R75 for adults, R50 for scholars, and pre-schoolers enter free. Tickets are available at Hermanus High School (Jacky), Vodashop Whale Coast Mall and Smart Toys (Checkers Centre). For further enquiries, contact ChristaMarie on 083 309 9821. Hermanus Country Market | 18:30 (registration at 16:30)

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

Great Railway Journeys U3A presents a new series devoted to the magic of the railways by the entertaining speaker, Chris Tarrant, who has a knack of combining interesting facts about the railways with wit, humour and local particulars. The second DVD presentation in the

Twilight Family Fun Run This popular annual event again promises to be fun for the whole family. The scenic 5 km run (or walk) starts and ends at the Hermanus

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Lighthouse 2 Lighthouse Practice Walk For a small registration fee of R120 pp, anyone may join the L2L ladies on this official practice walk in aid of the runner-up charities for 2019, the Overstrand Association for Persons with Disabilities (OAPD) and Overberg Wheelchair Association (OWA). This 18 km hike from De Kelders to Grotto Beach is a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty of our coastline and all proceeds will be donated to these worthy charities at the L2L Awards evening after the big L2L Ladies Walk in March. Coffee and various items made by the charities will be available after the practice walk, so please bring some extra cash to support them. Walkers should wear walked-in training shoes and active gear and bring a daypack with snacks and water. Registration at Grotto will commence at 06:00 and the bus to De Kelders departs at 07:00 sharp. Contact info@lighthouse2lighthouse. co.za for more information. Grotto Beach | 06:00

WE HAVE MOVED 7 Argon Street, Sandbaai Industry, Hermanus

NEW FACTORY LOCATED AT:

MANUFACTURERS OF SIMULATED STONE PRODUCTS

HERMANUS

16 Bakenshoogte, Industrial Park, On the R43 just before the Botriver Turnoff


Hermanus parkrun Meet for the weekly 5 km timed walk or run, come rain or shine. Run for your own enjoyment at your own pace. The route is dog friendly and children are most welcome. Camphill Road, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley | 08:00 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 Bird identification and conservation course BirdLife Overberg presents their Flight for Birders 2019 course, which has been revised and now consists of equal thirds of bird identification, birding tourism and conservation issues. People working in the tourism and conservation industries, as well as novice bird-watchers are encouraged to participate. The cost of R550 pp includes coffee and tea, a practical outing, basic notes and a certificate endorsed by BirdLife South Africa. The two-day course starts on Saturday at 08:30 and ends on Sunday at 15:30. For more information or to register, visit www.westerncapebirding. co.za or contact Elaine at mwjasser@ mweb.co.za or 082 455 8402. Mollergren Park, Main Rd, Hermanus | from 08:30

Gansbaai Farmer’s 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 info@ gansbaaitourism.co.za Hangklip-Kleinmond Market You’ll find unique handmade crafts and collectibles, yummy food stalls and free parking. Children and pets welcome. Vendors can apply by contacting Brenda on WhatsApp 072 469 2991 or email hangklip.kleinmond. market@gmail.com Mthimkhulu Village Centre, 102 Main Road, Kleinmond | 09:00 – 14:00

Contact Nicholas on 082 437 9776 or nicholas@guthealthyogi.com for more info. Fernkloof Nature Reserve | 08:00 – 09:00 Summer Fun in the Courtyard Enjoy oysters and bubbly, local wines, craft beer and tapas-style plates, every Sunday. For more info or to reserve a table, call 028 312 2553. The Wine Glass, 2 Harbour Road, Hermanus | from 12:00

Monday

The importance of coal as an energy source locally and internationally will also be discussed in this lecture, entitled Carbon and its Compounds and Allotropes by Dr John Bristow and Dr Bjorn Von der Heyde. Catholic Church Hall | 10:00

Sushi for two Celebrate Valentine’s Day by enjoying tempura prawn sushi, chocolate mousse and two glasses of wine with your loved one. R650 per couple. To book, contact 028 341 0647 or 082 405 11280. The Zesty Lemon Restaurant, Sir Robert Stanford Estate | 19:00

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Father and Son U3A Overberg presents two new lectures on Andrew Geddes Bain and his son, Thomas Charles Bain. The first will focus on the explorer, road engineer, palaeontologist and father of South African geology, Andrew Geddes Bain, who made three extended

It’s a frog’s life Whale Coast Conservation presents a talk on the unique Western Cape frog diversity by Dr Louis du Preez, co-author of the authoritative Complete Guide to the Frogs of Southern Africa. R20 donation towards environmental education. Contact anina.wcc@gmail. com or 083 242 3295. The Green House, R43 Vermont | 17:30 Meditation for Beginners Join Dr Arien van der Merwe for a meditation class for beginners. Attendance is free but bookings are essential. Contact 067 116 6111 or hermanus@drarien.co.za or visit www.drarien.co.za for more information. Arundel Medical Rooms, Westcliff | 18:00

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 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 Die Markie Where local and international foodies and wine lovers meet. You’ll find real plates and real cutlery; real cups and real glasses; a real hangout for real people. Hermanuspietersfontein wine cellar | 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

Wednesday

Build your own pizza Bring the kids to this child- and pet-friendly venue where they can learn to build their own pizza with The Singing Cook, Antonio da Silva-Swart. Only R55 per child, every Saturday. Book by calling 072 462 4271. The Singing Cook, Rivendell Wine Estate | from 12:00 Bianca Blanc Join Bianca Blanc for an intimate, acoustic performance of songs from her self-titled debut album, covers of some of the music that inspires her and maybe even some exclusive new material. R100 pp. Book your table on 028 313 2137. Soul Café, Main Rd, Hermanus | 20:00

Sunday

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BodySensing Nature Flow session Join Wellness Coach Nicholas McLean, also known as the Gut Health Yogi, for a BodySensing session of intuitive yoga while surrounded by the beauty of nature. Sessions are free but donations are welcome.

exploration treks into the interior, visiting Botswana 15 years before Livingstone. He built some well-known mountain passes including Bain's Kloof, discovered fossilised mammal-like reptiles in the Karroo, and produced the first geological map of the Cape Colony. He was also a most amusing writer and is credited with having penned ‘Kaatje Kekkelbek’, the first example of written Afrikaans. The lecture will be presented by Robin Richards, who is a great-great grandson of Andrew Geddes Bain. The second lecture on Thomas Bain will follow on Monday 18 February. Catholic Church Hall | 10:00

Tuesday

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Carbon, the backbone of life on earth U3A presents the second lecture in their new series on carbon, one of the most important elements in organisms. Carbon in nature appears in many different forms (allotropes) like coal, diamonds and graphite, which makes the geology of carbon a particularly interesting subject.

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SAARP Social Club meeting The Hermanus Social Club of SAARP (The South African Association of Retired Persons) will host their monthly meeting and anyone is welcome to join. The guest speaker is Leanne Dryburgh who will do a presentation titled The Wild Horses of Fisherhaven. For further information contact Ingrid on 028 316 2390 or 082 081 6889, Mon – Fri between 08:30 – 13:00. Sandbaai Hall | 09:30 – 11:45

Thursday

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Love Letters in the Sand Join Whale Coast Conservation on Valentine’s Day for a romantic outing and express your love in beach art designs, guided and inspired by Andrée Bonthuys. Adults R120, children R60. All proceeds go to environmental education. Book with Anina on 083 242 3295 or anina.wcc@gmail. com Mussel River Beach | 17:30

Panthera Valentine’s Day Sunset Visits Come and enjoy the evening with your loved ones as the sun sets and the cats come alive after a long day of rest. Sunset is a magical time of day at Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary, when you may hear and even see the lions roar! Duration: 2 hours. Cost: R490 pp. Only for people 16 years and older. Pre-bookings essential; limited to 20 places. Go to www.pantheraafrica.com Panthera Africa near Stanford | 18:00

Saturday

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Fynbos Explained The Hermanus Botanical Society presents a Fynbos course over five weeks on Saturday mornings, comprising two talks of an hour each, with a tea/coffee break in between. The first week’s two topics are A General Introduction to Fynbos by Di Marais, followed by Fynbos Flower Parts by Vic Hamilton-Attwell. The cost for BotSoc members for the entire course is R1 000 (R1 200 for non-members), single talks R100 (R120 per talk or R240 per morning for non-members). The takings from this course will finance microscopes for BotSoc’s new Research Centre. To book contact Di Marais at maraisdianne@gmail.com or 028 312 1162. Fernkloof Nature Reserve | 09:00

Sunday

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Elvis Live @ The Singing Cook Enjoy a delicious Sunday afternoon Spitbraai with Elvis: All the hits, all the moves with a live band backing. R285 pp gets you a Lamb Spitbraai, four veggies, a salad buffet and dessert. Book now by calling 072 4624271. Rivendell Wine Estate, C/O R43 & R44 | 12:00 – 16:00

Send your event details to events@thevillagenews.co.za www.thevillagenews.co.za/whatson


14 | NATURE

6 February 2019

The consequences of fynbos fires for birds

I

n the weeks since the devastating fires in the Overberg, we have seen and read about the heroics of firefighters, the damage to properties and the way that fynbos is dependent on fire to regenerate, depending on the intervals between fires. We have read stories about little buck injured by the heat and smoke that were rescued and lovingly cared for, and we have seen vivid videos of a teen saving tortoises where he could. We know that many animals, especially the slow-moving ones don’t make it. We can hardly bear to think about the chameleons. But somehow we don’t think much about the fynbos birds. Surely they can just fly away? Yes, they can, but where is away? If the fires are extensive, as the recent ones have been, away might have to be far away to where they can find food and nesting sites. This is why it is so beneficial to plant fynbos plants in urban gardens, so that we provide forage and homes for birds and beasts until the fynbos regenerates. However, many avid birders did not forget about the impact that fires have on birds – some positive, some negative. Pat Redford of the

Hermanus Bird Club wrote the following article on the club blog site: Short-term benefits of fires for birds Among the positive consequences of fynbos fires for birds are short-term food opportunities for some species, such as Raptors that are often attracted to fire and its charred results, moving in from adjacent habitats. This is particularly evident where predatory birds may flush out injured birds and animals or find other carrion. Jackal Buzzards, Steppe Buzzards and Spotted Eagle Owls are known to visit burnt areas immediately after smoke dissipates. After a relatively short time they move on. Other species that may take advantage in the aftermath of fynbos fires include the Fork-Tailed Drongo, Fiscal Flycatcher, Fiscal Shrike and Cape Grassbird. They are known to take up the debris of insects, arthropods and the seeds of various Proteaceae which are exposed about two weeks post fire. Increased Genetic Diversity Nectar-eaters such as the Cape Sugarbird, Orange-Breasted Sunbird and Cape Bulbul will immediately

move away to neighbouring areas. This dispersal to other areas may be advantageous to genetic diversity as they will breed with different groups, returning only once the area has recovered. Negatives are longer-term The time required for the fynbos habitat to recover varies. Usually, fire patterns are such that most fynbos bird species are able to simply relocate temporarily to unaffected areas of similar habitat, at least until the affected areas recover. Some fynbos species take longer to recover, hence food sources can be limited. Neighbouring suburban gardens often become a refuge for the nectar-eaters immediately post fire.

Orange-breasted Sunbird nesting sites for some fynbos bird species. The intensity of fires can significantly alter the fynbos profile of an area. Some plant species may benefit from low-intensity fire heat to allow for seed dispersal and germination. However, a very hot fire can totally destroy the underground parts of plants and buried seeds. Again, this impacts on breeding, nesting and the food source of endemic birds and may also lead to fragmentation of breeding sites.

The frequency of fire impacts on the recovery of certain fynbos plant species, which in turn impacts on suitable nesting sites. For example, Orange-breasted Sunbirds prefer the upper branches of Protea neriifolia, which may take up to six years to become mature enough to provide nesting sites and to produce seeds. If the veld burns too frequently, many plants may not have a chance to seed and grow, leading to permanent loss of habitat, thus minimising preferred

What’s on at

Breeding season versus fire season Generally fires occur during the hot summer and autumn months, when breeding is finished. Most fynbos birds breed during late winter and

early spring, so impact on breeding is mainly confined to loss of suitable nesting sites. However, if fires occur earlier in the breeding season, the fynbos bird species most affected would be those nesting in fynbos scrub, such as Cape Grassbird, Karoo Prinia, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Neddicky, Grey-backed Cisticola and Cape Sugarbird. Some birds like the Victorin’s Warbler concentrate in damp, south-facing stream-side kloofs where they are shielded from all but the fiercest fires. The Hermanus Bird Club meets every third Wednesday at Fernkloof Nature Reserve. https://hermanusbirdclub.wordpress.com

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HISTORY | 15

6 February 2019

History Society visits historic Overberg farm

T

he Hermanus History Society (HHS) will visit an historic site near Stanford on Monday, 18 February. This excursion to the farm of Danie and May de Villiers, named Goedvertrouw, is the first of several that will be undertaken this year by the HHS, which has more than 100 members. The history of Goedvertrouw goes back almost 300 years, when the right to use the land for the grazing of cattle (“weiregte”) was given to Pieter Swart by the VOC authorities in 1729. At the time, this land was described as “over de Uijle Craals Rivier”. In the course of time Pieter Swart became the tenant of the loan farm with the same name. After the Swart family, there were six other tenants before the turn of the century. In this period the name “Goedvertrouwen” started to appear in the documentation that is available in the Cape Archives. In 1810 an interesting person, with the name of Samson Dyers, became the tenant of the loan farm. Dyers was a Polynesian seaman who deserted from his ship when it called in Cape Town. He was hired by a Cape firm to harvest seals on the island off Kleinbaai, today called Dyer Island. It is not clear when the first buildings that currently still exist on Goedvertrouw were constructed. It is however certain that a house existed before 1818 on the spot where the main farm house currently is

located. A map dated 1818 was found in the Cape Archives, the year that the mapping of loan farms commenced, in preparation of them being granted to the occupiers. The map was drawn by Mr Hopley, the surveyor appointed by the new British government, located in Caledon at the time. The main house was probably constructed between 1813 and 1818 by either Lucas Maree or Petrus Robert de Villiers, tenants during that period. The cottage adjacent to the main house was most likely built earlier. The building material used in the construction was lime stone and clay/lime as bonding material. In 1842 the first Englishman, John Metcalf bought the farm for £500. He wrote to his father in England about the property that he purchased and included a drawing of the inside of the main house which clearly resembles the front part of the current house. He very interestingly discusses the surroundings and his neighbours who, at that stage, were all “boere”. These letters survived and are currently in the hands of his brother’s descendants, the current Metcalf family in South Africa. From 1850 the farm was occupied by Jacob Isak de Villiers, known as Jacob Osboer. His descendants are the De Villiers’ current neighbours, who still own and farm on a part of the original Goedvertrouw. – Hermanus History Society

New book on the history of Hermanus Hermanus History: people and events that touched our town 1890-2018 by Dr Robin Lee will be published this week. It contains nine substantial essays by the author, based on research carried out as part of his membership of the Hermanus History Society. Copies are available from Robin, who has financed the research, writing and production of the book. In order to recover this expenditure, the Hermanus History Society is offering a priority sale to its members at a cost price of R120. You may reserve a copy by emailing robinlee@hermanus.co.za, and individual arrangements will be made to transact the sale by cash or EFT. Alternatively, you may approach Robin after any U3A meeting with exact payment in cash. This priority sale ends on Monday 18 February.

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6 February 2019

www.thevillagenews.co.za

Rotary Hermanus raises funds for Camphill

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he Rotary Club of Hermanus hosted a Long White Supper Table fundraiser for Camphill Farm in the Hermanus High School hall on Thursday 31 January. Hermanus Rotary President Ann Wright said the response from the community was overwhelming and that the funds raised exceeded all expectations. Camphill was one of several properties that suffered extensive damage during the recent runaway wildfires in the Overstrand and the funds will be used to help them rebuild what was lost, including outbuildings, fences and a large barn. The teachers’ staff room was also extensively damaged, and 27 beehives were destroyed in the fire.

Guests were asked to wear allwhite to the Rotary Club fundraising dinner in aid of Camphill. BELOW LEFT: From left are Eleanor Niehaus (Creation), Ann Wright (Hermanus Rotary President), Carolyn Martin (Creation), Frieda Lloyd (Cape Whale Coast Tourism) and Danel Cloete (Bouchard Finlayson). BELOW RIGHT: Sam Hodson (CEO of Camphill), Ann Wright (Hermanus Rotary President) and Patrick MacPhail (Rotary member and Friends of Camphill chairperson). PHOTOS: Taylum Meyer

The guests each received a small jar of honey from Camphill, created by the residents to thank them for their support. Ann also extended her thanks to the community, on behalf of Rotary Hermanus, for their contribution towards making this event such a huge success. – Taylum Meyer

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6 February 2019

Financial Matters

17

www.thevillagenews.co.za

Minimise your taxes in February

By Janet Hugo Sterling Wealth

F

ebruary is tax month and time to review your investments and take advantage of some of the few breaks from the taxman. The two most important taxes to consider are capital gains tax (CGT) and income tax. The cost of profitability Capital gains tax (CGT) is the tax on the gain (profit) you earn on an investment. It’s not a separate tax and forms part of your income tax. Forty percent of your capital gain is added to your income tax and then taxed at your marginal tax rate. This inclusion rate increases to 80% for trusts. So the effective rate for individuals can amount to 18% and 36% for trusts. It’s prejudicial when assets increase in their intrinsic value and by inflation, which can ‘duplicate’ the liability. One of the CGT tax breaks is the annual R40 000 exemption. You can use this, for instance, to rebalance your investment portfolio to the extent of a R40 000 gain without paying tax. It’s wise to do this from an estate planning point of view, as you keep increasing the base cost, which will

lessen future gains. Deferring the sale of an asset is also regarded as a way of minimising the long-term impact of CGT as you can benefit from the compound growth during the extended time frame. You can also use the asset as collateral to borrow money to make other investments. Borrowing does increase risk, but a deferred sale and CGT does mean that SARS bears some of it. The three wonders of retirement annuities The other main tax to review is income tax, which you can reduce very effectively by investing in retirement annuities (RAs), as the contributions are tax deductible. You can continue to benefit in retirement as you don’t have to convert an RA into a compulsory annuity, and you can continue to make contributions to the investment. Another advantage to investing in RAs is that there’s no tax within the fund, which speeds up the growth. And if you do transfer the funds into a compulsory annuity, you don’t pay CGT on the gain. (You may have to pay a lump sum tax if you make a withdrawal to invest in a discretionary investment, for instance.)

The third benefit is that RAs can be used as an effective estate planning tool; in South Africa, retirement funds do not form part of your estate and attract estate duty. RAs do have one disadvantage though, which is that they need to be Regulation 28-compliant which limits the equity allocation to 70% and the offshore component to 30%. This can reduce risk, which is appropriate for retirement investments, but also growth, over the long-term. Do remember to check your RA contribution in February and top it up to 27.5% of your income (to the maximum of R350 000) to make full use of the tax deduction. Why not go tax-free as well? Tax-free investments are another great way to protect your after-tax savings. As for RAs, there’s no tax within the fund, but by the same token, the contributions are not deductible. One of the most significant advantages of using tax-free investments is that the underlying investment strategy is not regulated, and you can assume more risk and allocate a greater proportion to equity and off-

shore investments. This makes them excellent investments to gift to your children and grandchildren who have long investment horizons. And again, as for RA’s, check your contributions in February to make sure you’ve invested up to the R33 000 limit during the financial year. There is a lifetime limit of R500 000, but this shouldn’t deter you from using them for yourself and your children. Be modern and flexible Modern, flexible endowments are also useful if your income tax rate is higher than 30%. The tax rate on investments in an endowment is only 30%, and CGT is capped at 12%. I refer to modern and flexible endowments as those in which you can structure the underlying investments, as opposed to those which are insurance-based, which can attract high fees, reducing growth. A word of warning There’s been much talk in the media lately about using Section 12 J investments to reduce income tax. The government introduced this taxbreak to promote investments in new ventures, thereby assisting economic growth.

The investments are fully taxdeductible which can effectively reduce the cost by up to 45%. This is very attractive from an income tax perspective, but if you sell your share, CGT is applied to the full value of the investment, as opposed to the gain. (The base cost is set at 0.) There’s also much risk involved as you need to hold the investment for five years, which affects the liquidity of your portfolio, and there may be a high risk attached to the investment itself. There’s a chance that you may lose your money. So, a word of warning: I wouldn’t recommend investing in a Section 12 J venture, just because of the taxbreak. Where to from here? There’re other ways of minimising tax, so do seek professional advice from a qualified financial planner with the CFP® certification. Tax planning forms a very important part of financial planning and can have a significant effect on long-term returns. By Janet Hugo CFP®, a registered Financial Planner and practising independent Wealth Manager at Sterling Private Clients, Hermanus.

OVERSTRAND MUNISIPALITEIT ONGEREGISTREERDE ERF 9901, ELFDESTRAAT, HERMANUS(VOËLKLIP), OVERSTRAND MUNISIPALE AREA: AANSOEK OM SLUITING VAN OPENBARE OOPRUIMTE, HERSONERING EN KONSOLIDASIE: C HEYS NAMENS “DIE BERGRANT TRUST”

OVERSTRAND MUNICIPALITY UNREGISTERED ERF 9901, ELEVENTH STREET, HERMANUS (VOËLKLIP), OVERSTRAND MUNICIPAL AREA: APPLICATION FOR CLOSURE OF PUBLIC OPEN PLACE, REZONING AND CONSOLIDATION: C HEYS ON BEHALF OF “DIE BERGRANT TRUST”

UMASIPALA WASEOVERSTRAND ISIZA 9901 ESINGABHALISWANGA, ELEVENTH STREET, HERMANUS (VOËLKLIP), KUMMANDLA KAMASIPALA WASEOVERSTRAND: ISICELO SOKUVALWA KWENDAWO YOLUNTU EVULELEKILEYO, UKUTSHINTSHWA KWENDAWO NOKUHLANGANISWA: C HEYS EGAMENI LE- “DIE BERGRANT TRUST”

Kennis word hiermee gegee ingevolge Artikel 47 van die Overstrand Munisipaliteit Verordening vir Munisipale Grondgebruikbeplanning, 2015 (Verordening) dat ‘n aansoek ontvang is vir:

Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 47 of the Overstrand Municipality By-Law on Municipal Land Use Planning, 2015 (By-Law) that an application has been received for:

Esi sisaziso esikhutshwa ngokwemiba yeSolotya lama-47 loMthethwana kaMasipala waseOverstrand weSicwangciso soYilo lokuSetyenziswa koMhlaba, sonyaka wama-2015 (uMthethwana) sokuba kufunyenwe isicelo:

• •

Die sluiting van ongeregistreede Erf 9901, Hermanus ingevolge Artikel 16.(2)(n) van die Verordening; Die hersonering van ongeregistreerde Erf 9901, Hermanus vanaf Oopruimte Sone 2: Openbare Oopruimte na Residensiële Sone 1: Enkelwoonsone ingevolge Artikel 16.(2)(a) van die Verordening; en Die konsolidasie van ongeregistreerde Erf 9901, Hermanus en Erf 3517, Hermanus ingevolge Artikel 16(2)(e) van die Verordening.

• •

The closure of unregistered Erf 9901, Hermanus in terms of Section 16.(2)(n) of the Bylaw; The rezoning of unregistered Erf 9901, Hermanus from Open Space Zone 2: Public Open Space to Residential Zone 1: Single Residential in terms of Section 16.(2)(a) of the By-Law; and The consolidation of unregistered Erf 9901, Hermanus and Erf 3517, Hermanus in terms of Section 16(2)(e) of the By-Law.

• •

Sokuvalwa kweSiza 9901 esingabhaliswanga, eHermanus ngokweSolotya 16.(2)(n) loMthethwana; Ukutshintshwa kweSiza 9901, esingabhaliswanga eHermanus ukusuka kwi-Open Space Zone 2: Public Open Space sibe yi-Residential Zone 1: Single Residential ngokwemigqaliselo yeSolotya 16.(2)(a) loMthethwana Nokudityaniswa kweSiza 9901 esingabhaliswanga, eHermanus neSiza 3517, eHermanus ngokwemigqaliselo yeSolotya 16(2)(e) loMthethwana.

Volle besonderhede rakende die voorstel is beskikbaar vir inspeksie gedurende weeksdae tussen 08:00 en 16:30 by die Departement: Stadsbeplanning, Patersonstraat 16, Hermanus. Enige skriftelike kommentaar moet ingevolge die bepalings van Artikels 51 en 52 van die Verordening ingedien word en die Munisipaliteit (Patersonstraat 16, Hermanus / (f) 028 313 2093 / aconradie@overstrand.gov.za bereik voor of op Vrydag, 15 Maart 2019, met die naam, adres en kontakbesonderhede, belang in die aansoek, sowel as die redes vir kommentaar. Telefoniese navrae kan gerig word aan die Stadsbeplanner, Mnr. H. Boshoff by 028 313 8900. Die Munisipaliteit mag weier om die kommentaar 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 formaliseer.

Detail regarding the proposal is available for inspection during weekdays between 08:00 and 16:30 at the Department: Town Planning at 16 Paterson Street, Hermanus. Any written comments must be submitted in accordance with the provisions of Sections 51 and 52 of the By-law and reach the Municipality (16 Paterson Street, Hermanus / (f) 028 313 2093 / (e) aconradie@overstrand.gov.za on or before Friday, 15 March 2019, quoting your name, address, contact details, interest in the application and reasons for comment. Telephonic enquiries can be made to the Town Planner, Mr. H Boshoff at 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 in order to formalize their comment.

Iinkcukacha ngokwemiba yesi sindululo ziyafumaneka ukuze zihlolwe ngulowo ngolowo ufuna ukuzifundela ngeentsuku zokusebenza ngamaxesha okusebenza aphakathi kwentsimbi yesi08:00 ne-16:30 kwiCandelo: Zicwangiso ngeDolophu kwa-16 Paterson Street, Hermanus. Naziphi na izimvo ezibhaliweyo zingangeniswa ngokwezibonelelo zamaSolotya ama-51 nama-52 kwaMasipala (16 Paterson Street, Hermanus / (f) 028 313 2093 / (e) aconradie@overstrand.gov.za) ngoLwesihlanu okanye ngaphambi koLwesihlanu, 15 kweye Dwarha (UMatshi) 2019, ukhankanye igama lakho, idilesi, iinkcukacha ofumaneka kuzo, umdla wakho kwesi sicelo nezizathu zokunika izimvo. Imibuzo ngefowuni ingabhekiswa uMyili-dolophu oPhezulu, Mr. H Boshoff 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.11/2019

Municipal Manager, Overstrand Municipality, P.O. Box 20, HERMANUS, 7200 Municipal Notice No. 11/2019

UMlawuli kaMasipala, kuMasipala wase-Overstrand, P.O. Box 20, HERMANUS, 7200 Inombolo yesaziso sikaMasipala 11/2019


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6 February 2019

www.thevillagenews.co.za

MY WELLNESS

Eating disorders – what goes wrong? Writer Hayley van Stenis

M

ost people have an opinion about this topic, and possibly under- or over-diagnose the disorder. I hope this article will answer some questions and outline some of the criteria, giving the reader a clearer picture of a disorder that affects more individuals than we can begin to imagine. It is a myth that eating disorders affect just adolescent girls Also known as a process addiction, eating disorders, like most addictions, are not sexist or ageist. But what exactly is a process addiction? Unlike chemical addiction, where you uncontrollably and repetitively ingest chemicals or alcohol, a process addiction is characterised by uncontrollable, repetitive behaviour, and the thoughts connected to that behaviour. Examples may include sex, eating, gambling, shopping, excessive exercising, and co-dependent relationships. It is important to remember that sobriety from a chemical addiction means complete abstinence from drugs, whereas sobriety in the case of a process addiction is much more tricky. An individual suffering from a binge-eating disorder, for example, cannot just stop eating. Likewise, a sex- or love-addicted person cannot be expected to just stop having any form of relationship with others.

Eating disorders do not always stand alone, and people may suffer from both a chemical and a process addiction, or have more than one of each. This is where cross-addiction comes into play; giving up the one addiction, but then turning to another, or using one addiction to support another. An example may be when an eating disorder client uses drugs to curb their appetite. What behaviour explains the essence of the eating disorder? To answer this I make use of the term ‘dysfunctional eating’ which refers to an obsessive preoccupation that the person develops with eating and with the way they look. So much so that there is very little time or energy left for anything else, and their lives become unmanageable. Their relationships, work, self-care, and daily responsibilities take a back seat, due to these obsessive behaviours and thoughts. The person has taken to reaching outside of themselves to solve an unhealthy relationship within themselves. Food is what they use to process their emotions. Food is what they sometimes deny themselves as a means of personal punishment. Food is something they might indulge in, and use to soothe themselves or reward themselves. Food is something they might reject to change their body shape, in the belief that this will fix their internal turmoil. They might use it to drive people away or control

the way people behave towards them. Everyone’s eating disorder is different, but also strangely the same. Three of the classification categories according to the DSM5 (Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition) are Anorexia, Bulimia and Binge-eating. Anorexia Anorexia is thought to be the most fatal of all psychiatric illnesses. The main criteria is a low body weight. People suffering from this disorder will also have body image distortions, i.e. seeing themselves as overweight, even when they are not. Anorexics have an obsessive fear of gaining weight, which manifests by the individual depriving themselves of food. This behaviour will more than likely be coupled with excessive exercise or induced vomiting, and the use of laxatives, diuretics or enemas. Try and imagine your worst fear and being faced with that every day, three times a day. This is how the Anorexic experiences meal times, and any interaction with food, or even potential interaction with food. Bulimia It is a myth that if you have an eating disorder you will be underweight. Bulimia Nervosa, also known as binge-eating, is characterised by an individual eating abnormally large amounts of food in a considerably short period of time. These foods are normally high in fat and sugar con-

tent. The Bulimia cycle is exhausting and soul destroying. The individual starves themselves of food, due to deep-seated feelings of physical and mental loathing, shame and guilt. This starvation triggers a compelling need to eat – a normal starvation reaction. The individual ignores the signals from the body, until the need for nourishment is experienced as uncontrollable. Then the individual breaks down and binges. The binge is followed by increased feelings of self-loathing, shame, guilt and a sense of loss of control, and the individual then compensates for the binge through self-induced vomiting. Others purge through over-exercising, fasting, and/or the use of enemas, diuretics or laxatives. Whatever the chosen behaviour is, the self-defeating cycle continues. The person is stuck, not moving forward or backward, treading water with their head just millimetres above the surface. Unlike Anorexia, a person suffering from Bulimia usually maintains a normal weight or is slightly over or under, which generally makes it harder to detect than serious cases of Anorexia or Binge-eating. Binge-eating It is a myth that all overweight people are overweight because they just love food. Binge-eating Disorder is when individuals binge without the compensatory behaviour, including

During binges, the food is consumed more quickly than normal. This often happens in secret, and binge eaters might hide or lie about their food intake. This cycle is also characterised by guilt and shame around their eating pattern. In response to these emotions, the individual will go through periods of choosing to starve themselves of all nourishment, or attempt diets to try and reduce the traumatic and overwhelming emotions they experience around eating. It’s all about the food but it is not about the food The most important fact to remember about eating disorders is that no matter what dysfunctional pattern the person has chosen, it is a symptom of an unhealthy relationship with themselves. The individual, in desperation, has reached outside of themselves, to try and solve a problem inside of themselves. So treating this disorder needs to be a dual process. The individual needs to build an awareness around their dysfunctional eating patterns, and look at less dysfunctional options. This Includes looking into their personal dynamic, and working on making positive changes to their relationship with themselves.

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frequently eating large amounts of food when not hungry. The individual might eat excessively throughout the day, or eat moderately and then have one or more binges per day.

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The Sanlam Cape Mile swim to be held on 17 February is the perfect warm-up swim for the largest XTERRA in the world, XTERRA Grabouw which will take place at the same venue the following week on Saturday, 23 and Sunday, 24 February. PHOTO: Tobias Ginsberg

Excitement builds for Cape Mile

R

eturning to the serene Eikenhof Dam (Elgin Grabouw Country Club) on Sunday, 17 February 2019, the 5th annual Sanlam Cape Mile brought to you by Sanlam Investments features a fun 500m team relay category (four swimmers per team) that promises to be the source of much excitement. One of the first teams to enter, Team Kannemeyer will comprise three brothers and a sister-in-law. “We’ve all taken part in various triathlons as individual entrants. The Sanlam Cape Mile is the only big Mile race in the Western Cape that allows individual and team entries,” says Jacques Kannemeyer. “We are looking forward to participating as a family. The team relay definitely adds an additional fun element to the event. Apart from all the jokes flying around between members of

the extended family, the team entry gives us a great opportunity to work towards a common goal, while on the day we will get to enjoy the event together.”

Husband- and-wife duo, Gunter and Lee-Anne Richter will team up with friends, Paul Hodgson and Sue Hatton in the Sanlam Cape Mile’s 500m team relay.

“The team element adds more fun, while the shorter 500m distance is definitely more appealing. I’m looking forward to winning the race,” says Nicole Kannemeyer. Werner Kannemeyer is looking forward to the challenge of the Sanlam Cape Mile. “This will be the first time that I participate in the Sanlam Cape Mile. The team element is great as it allows for some family team building. My main goal is to make it to the finish.”

“Our reason for entering the Sanlam Cape Mile is two-fold,” says Gunter Richter. “We wanted to do an open water swim and have a challenge to get fit. This will be the first time that I will be participating in the event. We have yet to confirm who our strongest swimmer is and have not yet decided on the swim sequence. Our goal is to finish the swim while having a fun day out doing something different.”

“Jacques is the reason that we entered the Sanlam Cape Mile,” says Andre Kannemeyer. “He is the only team member who has participated at the event in the past. I agree with Werner, my goal is also to finish.”

The first 2 000 swimmers (entered and paid) will receive a technical event t-shirt, while all swimmers will receive a branded swimming mesh bag.

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MY HOME GAS INSTALLATIONS

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Human interaction needed for successful property sales

T

echnology is constantly changing the way the world operates. The phrase the ‘Internet of things’ (IoT) is becoming a growing topic of conversation both in the workplace and outside of it. It's a concept that not only has the potential to impact on how we live but also how we work. But what is the Internet of Things? Simply put, it is the concept of connecting any device with an ‘on’ and ‘off ’ switch to the internet (and/or to each other). This includes everything from cellphones, coffee makers, washing machines and almost anything else you can think of. Analysts say that by next year there will be over 26 billion connected devices – that’s approximately four devices for every human being on the planet. These advances have already significantly changed the way we live. Online shopping means that the need to

“pop down to the shops” now merely entails a few clicks and entering payment details and a delivery address. Verbal communication and the writing of formal correspondence is often reduced to electronic communication, which is, by its very nature, fast and instantaneous, very specific and to the point, and dare we say it, often very flat and without passion. Although we have become accustomed to many of these developments, the question remains: How does this affect the business of ensuring that buyers and sellers are able to have a meeting of minds which ultimately results in the sale of a home from one to the other? Technology has already significantly changed the way in which real estate transactions are initiated. The potential buyer is able to set search parameters across a variety of

requirements, including, for example, area, price and number of bedrooms. The resultant output can be reviewed from the comfort of your home and further details can be sought from the relevant agent, merely by clicking a contact button. Understanding both the seller’s and the buyer’s needs goes to the root of the successful conclusion of a real estate transaction. Buying or selling a home is stressful and emotional. These stresses are reduced by professional consultants ensuring that they match compatible buyers and sellers, thereby limiting the time wasted on inappropriate viewings. Technology assists in bringing a buyer to a seller, but more than technology is required to bring the correct buyer to the correct seller. Given that most buyers make the initial contact through industry or agency portals, the first impression becomes the

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most important aspect in the modern real estate environment. Professional photography and an appropriate description can make the difference between a potential buyer stopping to have a look, or merely bypassing your property. The successful estate agent has the ability to package a home so that it comes to life. That first picture or that first sentence must catch the attention of the largest possible number of potential buyers. Why then do so many sellers confuse their potential buyers by allowing so many different agents to present their homes? If one agent exhibits a beautiful, captivating, living home, why would you confuse or even lose the buyer by allowing them to bypass your property because you have allowed a less-appropriate marketing plan to appear alongside the best choice? Sellers must choose the most appropriate agent to present their

home, based on an agreed marketing proposal, and then give them the time and space to perform as professionals. Buyers select an agency to assist them based on the professionalism with which they present houses. Inferior presentation is often reflected in the after-sales service as well. The first step in the process of bringing together buyers and sellers and ensuring the transaction results in a transfer of the home also requires professional dedication and superior service. Stephen de Stadler Managing Director Fine & Country Hermanus, Arabella and Kleinmond The views expressed 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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6 February 2019

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Hassenkamp takes Hermies to new heights Writer Elaine Davie

A

fter five years as Principal of Hermanus High School, Greg Hassenkamp can still not believe his luck. And undoubtedly, there will be many parents and children in Hermanus who will feel equally happy about his appointment. Not only has the school achieved excellent results under his leadership, but he identifies so strongly with it, that in the minds of many, school and principal are indistinguishable. Having previously been Deputy-Head of Pretoria Boys’ High, a very large single-sex school in a very large city, it took him a while to adjust to a smaller co-ed school in a smaller town in a different province. However, supported by an excellent Governing Body and a hard-working and effective staff complement, he soon took to it like a duck to water and was able, in a remarkably short time, to put his own stamp on the character of the school.

Hermanus High School Principal Greg Hassenkamp at his desk at the school (above); on the hockey field wishing the athletes good luck (left); and rolling up his sleeves to help douse the recent fire that threatened to engulf the AstroTurf (below left). PHOTOS: Taylum Meyer

he could be seen helping to fight the recent fires, in his suit, in a successful bid to save the newly-built AstroTurf ). “I think the community understands that a good school adds value to the town,” says Greg, “but one thing is certain, we wouldn’t survive without their support.”

“Actually,” says Greg, “I found a very good school when I arrived, so all I have had to do is expand on what was already there. In fact, the quality of a school is determined on the one hand by the pupils – their energy and honesty and pride – and on the other, by the teachers. Nothing can be achieved without their full commitment, and I have been blessed with a brilliant staff, a good mix of mature, experienced educationists and younger teachers, with fresh new ideas and lots of energy.” He and the Governing Body have formulated a new short- to longer-term vision for the development of the school. The first year of three, threeyear cycles has just been completed and Greg finds this road forward very exciting. “With an enrolment of 970 pupils, the school is at capacity at the moment, but within that limitation, there are many ways in which we can move in exciting new directions,” he points out. “Our aim is to become a destination school; in other words, a school whose standards compare with those of any other school in the country”.

Greg has very firm ideas about the role of education. “At this school, our educational policy is built on four, equally important pillars – academic, cultural, sports and service. If you want to build young people with strong characters, a firm set of values and a wide range of interests who will be worthy citizens of this country, then what they learn in extra-mural activities, like sport, the arts and community service are just as important as what they learn in the classroom. So balance is critical; I try personally to participate in and support the learners on the sports field, at a choir performance, in projects where they

reach out to the wider community, whenever I can. We are not a privileged school, you see, but we are all privileged to be part of this family and we try to share that good fortune with the wider community.” He pays tribute to the people of Hermanus for the support they unstintingly give to every aspect of the life of the school, whether it be attending a rugby match or a school play or sponsoring a pupil who needs assistance. Integration of the school into the wider community is vitally important he feels (which is why, together with other concerned citizens,

Everybody in Hermanus celebrated the excellent 2018 matric results achieved by the school once again, but Greg believes that without the involvement of the community, they would not have been nearly so successful. This year, the 176 matric pupils hope to do even better. There are 21 subjects for them to choose from, 17 offered within the school timetable and four extra-murally, with possibly more to come in the future. They range from the basic maths, science and languages to information technology, add maths, art, music, dance and drama. The focus is on preparing the young people for a knowledge- and communications-driven world which is changing at the speed of light. Greg praises his remarkable teaching staff for their very special skills and commitment. Because the school is

parallel medium, with approximately 60% Afrikaans-speaking and 40% English-speaking learners, all the educators must be able to teach in both languages. And they do so with aplomb! Indeed, two of the teachers at the school were named amongst the top educators in the province in 2018. On a personal note, Greg and his wife, Amanda, who teaches at Hermanus Primary School, are so grateful that their own two children are growing up in a town like Hermanus. “They enjoy a free, relaxed lifestyle which most city children are denied,” says Greg. “It’s lovely for me to have my daughter already at the school where I am and next year my son will be here, too. And even though the new school term began on a somewhat fiery note, he is excited about the year ahead. “The kids are the ones that drive the process after all: their enthusiasm and pride in the school energise me all over again. In a nutshell, it’s simply a huge privilege for me to be at Hermanus High School; I couldn’t have asked for more.”

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6 February 2019

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No business like show business Writer Elaine Davie

T

here is a special magic that happens in a darkened theatre between the actors on a stage and an audience. It has to do with a shared creative process, a twoway exchange of energy that enhances the experience for both parties. No child should leave school without having had a taste of it, either as a member of the audience or as a performer. For some, it will become a lifelong passion.

to debunk the ridiculous stereotypes we create about one another. Of course, as in all good stories, love triumphs in the end, but in the process both audience and players have a lot of fun laughing at themselves. Writing the play was an exciting challenge for Hlomela Ngokro, also a Grade 12 Drama student. Although she had done some scriptwriting during course assignments, she had never before written a whole play.

Those who attended the Schools Intertheatre (SIT) on Monday 28 January felt it. The director of Hermanus High School's production of Cultural Blues, Grade 12 Drama student, Tarmin Jacobs describes the feeling: “I was standing at the back of the theatre watching, and it all suddenly came together. The actors were full on; they were giving everything; they remained positive even when there was a technical glitch. And the audience was with them. I just stood there and felt as if I was bursting with pride, like a mother whose child has done well.”

During rehearsals input from cast members resulted in a few changes to the script, but her general approach seemed to have hit the sweet spot. She and Tarmin were the only Grade 12 Drama students in the play, so the challenge for them both was to steer the other team members in the right direction without losing out on the fun, and also to inspire them with a love of live theatre.

This was the culmination of a process that started at the end of last year when each of the school’s three ‘houses’ started working on a play to present in January 2019. They were expected to do everything themselves, from creating an original script, to carrying out auditions, directing the play, organising props, décor and costumes as well as the operation of sound and lighting systems. The three plays competed against one another before an audience of parents, staff and other pupils, together with three judges, all specialists in the field of Drama and Theatre. Having won the in-school competition with their play, Cultural Blues, the ‘Blue’ production went on to compete against a play from Bredasdorp High School on 28 January, and won again. Not only that, but several of them were presented with special awards: Best script – Hlomela Ngokro; Best Director – Tarmin Jacobs; Best actress – Qhomisa Mahangu and Best actor – Lundi Mboyiya. They decided to produce a play that spoke to the lived realities of our somewhat schizophrenic community at a time of political tension and threatened land grabs. But they wanted to do it by taking the mickey out of our petty disagreements and inter-cultural misunderstandings, and especially

ABOVE: A scene from the play in which one of the characters is at home with his parents in the township just before his sister arrives with a foreign exchange student. LEFT: Tarnim Jacobs (Grade 12 learner and the director of Hermanus High’s production) and Hlomela Ngokro (Grade 12 learner and script writer) accept the trophy from the emcee for the evening, Mrs Reinke, and the school’s vice-principal, Mr Hooneberg. BELOW: The Bredasdorp High and Hermanus High drama students ranged from Grade 8 – 12. The students wrote, directed and acted out the production themselves. PHOTOS: Taylum Meyer

At the beginning of last year Drama became fully integrated into the school timetable at Hermanus High, instead of being an extra-mural subject, and Drama teacher, Elenore Wilson has very strong feelings about its role in education. “The main purpose is not to turn out a cohort of professional theatre practitioners, although one or two of them may decide to make it their career, but to enrich their lives, no matter what they end up doing. “It does wonders for their self-confidence, stretches the imagination, explores their creative capacity and exposes them to the power of words and communication. It’s especially valuable to those learners who are not particularly talented at sports, because it offers them a niche in which they too can excel in the school community.” The two girls agree that it has also given them the opportunity to see the world through others’ eyes. They are already in rehearsal for the school’s major production of the year, Shakespeare’s Macbeth (with Hlomela in the challenging role of Lady Macbeth). It will be staged in Hermanus on 11 April and at Cape Town’s Baxter Theatre in mid-May as part of the Schools’ Shakespeare Festival. This will be your chance to share in the magic. After all, this creative drive has been part of our human DNA since our ancestors first huddled round a fire in the dark and started to act out stories of hope that gave meaning and beauty to their lives. We need that still, perhaps more than ever.

UNITED CHURCH HERMANUS BEKOSTIGBARE ERWE: HAWSTON

AFFORDABLE ERVEN: HAWSTON

VOORAF-KEURING VAN POTENSIËLE BEGUNSTIGDES VIR 107 BESKIKBARE ERWE

PRE-SCREENING OF POTENTIAL BENEFICIARIES FOR 107 AVAILABLE ERVEN

Die publiek word hiermee uitgenooi om die lys van potensiële begunstigdes, geïdentifiseer vanuit die behuisingsdatabasis (waglys) vir Hawston, te besigtig by:

The public are hereby invited to scrutinise the list of potential beneficiaries identified from the Housing Demand Database for Hawston at:

PLEK: Thusongsaal, Hawston

PLACE: Thusong Centre, Hawston

DATUMS (WEEKSDAE): 06-28 Februarie 2019 vanaf 09:00 - 16:00

DATES (WEEKDAYS): 06-28 February from 09:00 – 16:00

DATUMS (SATERDAE): 09, 16 en 23 Februarie 2019 vanaf 09:00 - 13:00

DATES (SATURDAYS): 09, 16 & 23 February 2019 from 09:00 - 13:00

Lys met name van potensiële begunstigdes en kwalifiserende kriteria sal by die Thusongsaal en ander plekke in Hawston geplaas word.

List with names of potential beneficiaries and qualifying criteria will be placed at the Thusong Centre and other venues in Hawston .

Voorafkeuring sluit dus 28 Februarie 2019 en kommentare / besware wat aangeteken word, sal ondersoek word.

Pre-screening will thus close on 28 February 2019 and comments/objections will be recorded and investigated.

Services 10th February

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6 February 2019

Putting Pirate

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The month of love is upon us

By Julian Shaw

G

reetings to all again, and yes, Janu-worry is over! Hermanus Golf Club is as busy as ever, with February always being a busy time for all involved here. Our terrace area has definitely taken on a cosmopolitan flavour and everyone seems to be enjoying the sunshine, while the northern hemisphere is blanketed in the icy white stuff! Another successful Burns Supper Well done to all involved in the annual Burns Supper that was held here at the club last week. The bagpipes where out, the kilts on and a wee dram was definitely had! Burns Supper is a celebration of the life and poetry of the Scottish bard, Robert Burns (25 January 1759 – 21 July 1796). The suppers are normally held on or near the poet's birthday, 25 January, occasionally known as Robert Burns Day but more commonly known as Burns Night. The traditional

supper is the legendary Scottish dish of Haggis, which was served at the club, much to the delight of our Scottish contingent. We welcome the Royal and Ancient This week we welcome some of the most influential people in our golfing circles and part of the world’s golfing governing body, the Royal and Ancient members. Each year we host a party of the R&A for two days, and this year we have well over 80 players, both local and international. It’s always a super two-day event and judging from the weather forecast it should be nice and warm for them! Welcome to all the players and here’s wishing you the best of golfing fortunes. Until next week, have a great time and remember: play the course as you find it and the ball as it lies! Julz and the team

Scores at a glance SATURDAY ALL TOGETHER 26 JANUARY Alliance Stableford 148 players East Course (Red) 1 - 9 & 10 - 18 1st: R Calitz, G Steyn, L le Roux and K vd Walt 89 2nd: P Munro, B Shaw, S O’Sullivan and J Makinson CI 88 North Course (Blue) 19 - 27 & 1 - 9 1st: A Gouws, L Louw, AP Gouws and J Clifford 87 2nd: M Scheepers, H Scheepers, P Streicher and N van Niekerk CI 86 South Course (Green) 10 - 18 & 19 - 27 1st: D Boers, T Richards, H Barker and R Franck 92 2nd: R George, G Donald, P Cawdry and P Vorster CI 82 Best Gross: R Franck 74 8 two clubs @R28 each (Pat van Renen got 3!) This week’s attendance draw was sponsored by Hermanus Glassmen (fellow member

Peter Bouwer) and was won by Ines van der Plas. LADIES TUESDAY 29 JANUARY Betterball Stableford 88 players Winners - North Course: Janet Swarts and Rici Hanekom 44 points Winners - South Course: Pippa Adams and Adelle Basset 46 points MEN’S WEDNESDAY 30 JANUARY Betterball Stableford 144 players Winners - East Course: Arend Potgeiter and Deon Muller 45 points Winners - South Course: CP Terblanche and Paul Lotz 46 points Winners - North Course: Gary Combrink and Peter Bennett 45 points Ball pool pays to 43 2 recorded two clubs

Ernie Els

Who are South Africa’s richest athletes? Writer Tony O'Hagan

S

urveys done by SA Diaries and Tom Head list the richest South African sportsmen based on net worth. There are those one would expect to see but also a few other interesting listings. These are the top net worth earners: 1. ERNIE ELS - Net worth R1.3 billion Known as the "The Big Easy", Ernie is a fourtime major winner (two Opens and two US Opens) and a former World no.1. He has 79 tour victories and has designed numerous golf courses around the world. He is also the owner of a wine farm. Ernie, at the age of 49, is an active competitor on both the regular PGA and European Tours. He is still a force to be reckoned with, as illustrated in the recent Dubai Classic, and watch out when he joins the Senior Tour, for which he will be eligible next year! 2. JACQUES KALLIS - Net worth R980 million As one of the best all-rounders in cricket history, he is the only player to have made 10 000 runs and taken 250 wickets in both test and one-day formats. He has been a player and manager in the lucrative Indian Premier League. 3. RETIEF GOOSEN - Net worth R654 million Known as "The Goose", Retief won two US Open titles and has 41 tour victories. Known for his ice-cool temperament, he had 252 weeks in the top 10 of world golf. His endorsements include Rolex and Grey Goose. 4. BRYAN HABANA - Net worth R614 million This speedster has 124 caps for the Springboks. He was the IRB Rugby Player of the year in 2007 and a World Cup winner in the same year. Bryan is the Springbok top try scorer with 67 tries. He represented the Lions, Bulls and Stormers before signing a lucrative 5-year contract with French Top 14 club, Toulon. 5. STEVEN PIENAAR - Net worth R523 million Pienaar made more than 150 appearances for English Premier League Club, Everton. A real hero on Merseyside, Steven also represented the likes of Ajax, Dortmund and Spurs. He returned to South Africa to play for Bidvest Wits.

Sheila and Alastair Lyle who hosted the Burns supper at the Hermanus Golf Club on Friday evening, 1 February.

6. LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN - Net worth R496 million Louis has 19 tour victories and came to prominence when he won the Open Championships at St Andrews in 2010. He also gained second place in both the US Open and Masters. He has endorsements with

Mercedes Benz and UPS. 7. CHARL SCHWARTZEL - Net worth R457 million Charl has 23 tour victories, including wins on the Asian tour, and he won the US Masters in 2011. He was ranked 6th in the world in 2012 and is a talented pilot. A multiple winner of the Alfred Dunhill at Leopard Creek, Charl has 11 European tour victories. 8. JACQUES FOURIE - Net worth R286 million Jacques is a former Lions, Stormers and Springbok rugby player. He won 72 caps for the Springboks over an 11-year period and was an integral part of the winning Springbok World Cup team in 2007. His later rugby career was spent in Japan with the Kobelco Steelers. 9. AB DE VILLIERS - Net worth R265 million Ex-Protea Captain and batting sensation, AB has a number of batting records, including the world's fastest One Day International (ODI) 50, 100 and 150. He also scored the fastest century by a South African. AB has represented three Indian Premier League teams and is a prolific run-getter and hero at this annual event. 10. CHRIS MORRIS - Net worth R222 million Protea all-rounder who has cashed in on the Indian Premier League riches with the Delhi Daredevils. Chris has played in the IPL since 2013 and holds the league's fastest half century, scored in 17 balls. 11. OSCAR PISTORIUS - Net worth R194 million Oscar was an iconic paralympian and the face of the Paralympic Games in London in 2012. He won gold medals in Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012. He held world records in both the 100 and 200 metres. He was found guilty of murder and is now serving a jail sentence after a trial that was publicised world-wide. Word has it that his net worth has been depleted after the expensive trial and legal fees relating thereto. How times have changed in the sporting arena! Gary Player is reputed to have earned around R224 million on the PGA and Senior tour over a 60-year period, less than half of the net worth of Schwartzel or Oosthuizen. Djokovic won the men's singles at Wimbledon last year earning R52 million in prize money. For the same achievement in 1968, Rod Laver earned R42 000! Time to encourage the youngsters to hit a golf or tennis ball or put on a pair of boots and start kicking a round or oval ball!


24

6 February 2019

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MY SPORT Business League winners

24 HOUR SERVICE

14 Dirkie Uys Street, Hermanus Unit 4A, Trading Post, Onrus hermanusvet@telkomsa.net

Tel: 028 312 3065 | Onrus: 028 316 2753

The annual Hermanus Bowling Club Business League concluded last Friday with the Maintenance Man team taking 1st place in the A Division. Here is Hermanus Bowling Club President, Alick Bruce-Brand (left) and sponsor Rayvin Rademeyer from Warwick Wealth with Johan de Jager, René Fullard, Louidi Koster, Jaco Lourens and Michael Range from the Maintenance Man team. Alick also thanked Rola Hermanus under the leadership of dealer principle James Houghton for their continued support for this very successful annual championship. Five swimmers from the Curro Hermanus Aquatics Club took part in the Jack Currie Championship Gala (JCCH) on Saturday and Sunday 2 – 3 February. The gala was hosted by Western Cape Aquatics (WCA) in Malmesbury. From left are Deandré Smit (third place 50m breaststroke and fifth place 100m breaststroke), Raynen Jordaan (first place 50m butterfly, second place 100m breaststroke and third place 50m backstroke), Marc de Villiers (fourth place 50m freestyle), Camille Loriston (fourth place 50m freestyle Level 2) and Meghan Stapelberg (fifth place 200m breaststroke). The swimming club is for all children in the Overberg. If you wish to join, contact Estelle Immelman on 073 027 5691 for more information. PHOTO: Supplied The Round Table team took first place in the B Division. Here are James van Rensburg, Dennis Welman, Juan Mostert and Andries Götze.

The C division was won by Neil Mulder (left) together with Zelda Esterhuizen and Marcelinne Banton from BUCO. Absent is team member Liston Davidowitz.

Luke Kavanagh, a grade 8 learner at Curro Hermanus (in orange), took part in the SRAM WC XCO Series on Saturday 2 February. This mountain bike race doubles up as the opening round for the SA Cup and riders can earn valuable points. The event was open for all ages to enjoy, from youngsters to adults. Luke made his school proud by coming in second. PHOTO: Supplied

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