The Village NEWS 10 July - 17 July 2019 by The Village NEWS

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10 July 2019

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Occupation of land must stop immediately From P 1

and cons of installing a desalination plant.

“If we find, for instance, that people who receive houses rent them out within the first few weeks after being handed the keys, I will not hesitate to take those houses back. If that is the case, the recipient did not deserve the house,” he said.

Mayisela said that, at this point, the working group is considering doing the Schulphoek project in two phases as the area that is closest to the ocean already has development rights. However, they will be working with other government departments on rezoning and the environmental approval processes.

He also said that, in future, new and innovative ways need to be found to unlock the value of municipal properties. “If a piece of land or a building is not being used optimally, I will ask that this property be transferred to the provincial government to be used to create human settlements.” He said that there are several human settlement developments in the country, and specifically one in Belhar, near Cape Town, where higher density projects are being developed to offer as many housing opportunities as possible. “A housing opportunity can take many forms. It includes freestanding homes, multi-storey dwellings, a serviced plot or rental accommodation. The development in Hermanus will aim to cater for all the needs in the various communities.” Simmers added that backyard dwellers will in future also be included as a priority on the provincial housing lists. It was re-emphasized that the only way in which the Better Living development at Schulphoek can go ahead, is by stopping the illegal occupation of the land. “I need two commitments from the community. The first is the undertaking that all occupation

She said that specific attention will be given to the environmental impact of the development on the area. “While it will not be possible to conserve the complete milkwood forest anymore, we will look for opportunities to conserve what is left and, if possible, try to rehabilitate some of the areas.”

The Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertius Simmers, addresses residents of Zwelihle and urges them to stop occupying further land in Schulphoek as this will put the proposed mixed-development housing project at risk. of the land will cease. The second is that all stakeholders continually communicate with their constituents to ensure that they are aware of what is happening at all times, to ensure that rumours and misinformation are not spread.” Phila Mayisela, Chief Director: Human Settlement Implementation at the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements, said the project cannot continue if the land continues to be occupied. Mayisela also gave further details to the stakeholders' forum on the progress of the development plans for Schulphoek ahead of the next

meeting of the 16-member working group on 22 July 2019. She said that one of the key challenges is how to bring the community onboard with the planning of the project and announced that a number of NGOs had been appointed to assist the stakeholders with the process. The involvement of ward councillors and community leaders will be crucial, she pointed out. Other key issues that the working group will be looking at in the next weeks include what type of buildings (four- or two-storey or semi-detached) will be needed to create the goal of 7 500 housing opportunities, as well as the pros

The Department of Human Settlements also said that they are considering setting up another working group to look at how to create housing opportunities in the whole of the Overstrand. The Schulphoek project proposal is informed by the Conradie Better Living Model being developed in Pinelands, Cape Town. The concept is to make well-located, affordable housing available in an area where the upmarket section of the development will assist in subsidising the lower-priced units. The proposal that was presented in March 2019 by Architect Mokena Makeka of Makeka Design Lab was for 1 000 housing units and included a multi-storey, mixed-use zone, consisting of both retail and housing space, a beach-facing residential area, seafront promenade, a pedestrian avenue, a milkwood forest corridor, mariculture facility and a desalination plant.

Hermanus protest marches postponed The protest marches planned for this week by Zwelihle Renewal (ZR) were postponed late on Monday evening after intense negotiations during the weekend and Monday evening. The decision by ZR to postpone the march was taken after a Hermanus Stakeholders Group meeting earlier in the evening. The stakeholders’ meeting was also attended by representatives of the provincial departments of Labour and Home Affairs. Members of Zwelihle Renewal were set to march to various businesses in town to hand over memoranda addressing the issue of more foreign nationals reportedly being employed than South Africans. At the stakeholders’ meeting, it was decided

that a task team would be set up to facilitate compliance with the labour laws in the Overstrand. This task team would be required to report back to the Stakeholder’s Group within the next month. A representative from the Department of Labour said that the official legislative guideline provides for a ratio of 60% locals to 40% foreigners. “No company may employ more than 40% foreign employees and those who do so are breaking the law and will be arrested alongside the worker,” he said. It was stated that the onus rests on the employer to ensure that the guidelines are followed and that the working permits of all employed foreign nationals are in order. Asylum seekers, on the other hand, do not need work permits

as they are allowed to work in the country and have the same access to government services as locals. According to the Department of Home Affairs, there are regular inspections at businesses in the Overstrand and a total of nine businesses in the area have been charged since March 2019 for not complying with the law. In anticipation of the marches that were set to take place from Tuesday to Friday, the Whale Coast Business and Community Forum (WCBCF) on Monday applied to the Cape High Court for an interdict to stop protesters from visiting their premises. The interdict was granted by Judge Monde Samela and stipulated that no protester would be allowed to come closer than 50 metres to the premises of any of the 18 applicants.

According to the WCBCF, they will do everything within the confines of the law to protect their businesses, staff and reputations. “The threats of mass protest action from a self-appointed group in town against legitimate businesses will not be taken lightly. This group’s assumption that labour issues, unfair business practices and other related matters are in existence here is based on false information,” WCBCF said in a statement. The Hermanus Business Chamber said it welcomed the postponement of the protest marches and is committed to working with the authorities and stakeholders on the newly formed task team to facilitate an appropriate outcome that will be conducive to the protection of existing employment opportunities and the creation of new ones.

www.thevillagenews.co.za

10 July 2019

The detrimental impact of removing burnt vegetation A

fter the devastating fires endured in the Overstrand during January 2019, the sound and smell of a fire brings different images to different people. Surprisingly, fire is one of our greatest tools for biodiversity conservation and fuel management, but as we as a community experienced it, it is also one of our most destructive forces. About 70% of the ecosystems that cover South Africa are fire-adapted. They need to burn in order to maintain their ecological integrity. But because of human activity there is a need to manage fire in a manner that is appropriate for the land-use and land-type, while maintaining natural processes and patterns as far as possible. Fire, however, when managed and controlled, benefits our natural areas and is actually vital to the survival of several living species. It removes low-growing underbrush and cleans the floor of debris, which opens it up to sunlight and nourishes the soil. Reducing this competition for nutrients allows established vegetation to grow stronger and healthier.

and decaying logs and branches for shelter in these barren, burnt landscapes: tortoises, snakes, geckos and lizards, to name but a few. These dead trees and shrubs and the insects, birds, reptiles and small mammals belong together like a braai and boerewors.

Many people have asked if they can remove the burnt standing trees and shrubs that remain after a fire because they look ugly and spoil the beauty of the regenerating species. Why it is important to leave these dead trees and shrubs standing The lack of old, dying or burnt vegetation is a major cause of biodiversity loss. Many species rely on dead or dying trees, logs, and branches for their survival. The removal of decaying branches from the natural veld after a fire can lead to the drastic decline in species such as insects, beetles, fungi, and lichens. Species relying on this material for food and/or shelter make up a large group of species in our Fynbos-dominated biome.

Even lichens and fungi are dependent on dead, decaying vegetation. When lichens die, they contribute organic matter to the soil, which further improves the quality of the soil so that more plants can grow. Lichens perform useful functions in nature, such as providing shelter for other organisms. They also provide food for animals, and materials that they can use to build their homes or nests. Dead trees and shrubs fill other physical roles as well. As long as they are standing, they create barriers or fences that slow down wind speeds that can cause wind-blown sand and sand erosion. The sand that is trapped around the base of stems helps to capture and hold moisture that saturates the ground, providing additional moisture to re-growing trees.

Some specialist beetles are found in the early stages of wood decay and are followed by predators and scavenging beetles and other insects. Birds and small mammals prey on these insects, which are a very important food source for them. Small rodents and birds assist with the seed dispersal of vegetation. In fact, some species depend on these dead

What’s on at

This photo taken in Franskraal in June shows where members of the community cut down the burnt vegetation after the January 2019 fire.

So next time you see fire-blackened trees or shrubs scattered throughout the burnt landscape, try to view the scene in a different light. All will benefit by your change of heart. The Overstrand Municipality urges residents throughout the Overstrand to please refrain from cutting down and removing burnt vegetation, as these actions can be even more devastating to the

rehabilitation of the veld. Call the Overstrand Environmental Management Services Department on 028 316 3724 or 028 313 8000 for guidance on how to tackle these issues in a responsible manner. You can also send an email to the Senior Environmental Manager, Liezl de Villiers, on ldevilliers@overstrand.gov.za or enquiries@overstrand.gov.za

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10 July 2019

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Innovation to minimise marine pollution O

verstrand Municipality’s Environmental Management Services Department, in partnership with Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT), fitted the first storm-water filter sock in Gansbaai last week to trap plastic litter and other debris that wash into the system after a rainstorm. The sock, which is 4 – 5 metres long and made of net, is placed over the outlet to capture up to 50 kg of litter before it ends up in our oceans. The municipality and the DICT team will be monitoring the sock and its contents over the coming months and, if successful, it will be used in the wider municipal area where there are hotspots. Inspired by a similar project in Australia, Wilfred Chivell of Marine Dynamics Tours and founder of the DICT, realised the need for a net system over the storm-water drain outlet in Gansbaai Harbour, an area notorious for plastic pollution and a prime spot to test the efficacy of this innovation. The first net design was sponsored by Marine Dynamics and installed on 8 June, but after a rainstorm the oyster net tore due to a design flaw.

Environmental Officer Benjamin Kondokter with the assistance of DICT and other municipal workers busy placing the sock over the storm-water pipeline outlet. PHOTO: Supplied

Wilfred and project leaders Hennie Otto (Marine Dynamics) and Benjamin Kondokter (Overstrand Municipality) then approached Ian Wessels of Wildegans Fishery who kindly donated the sardine purse seine net and stitching work required. The new, stronger net sock was fitted on Plastic Bag Free Day, 3 July. The nets are designed to prevent pollutants and solid waste, carried by storm water from the local road network, from flowing into the marine environment. “The storm-water drain outlet in Gansbaai Harbour leads straight to nearby rock pools and into the ocean,” says Wilfred. “The kelp that traps some of the waste makes it difficult to clean and this, too, is ultimately washed out to sea. We have been doing clean-ups for 20 years and found that 80% of the waste is plastic. “Dyer Island Conservation Trust is the first port of call for marine animal rescues and strandings in the Gansbaai area and we have witnessed first-hand the impact on our marine wildlife. We hope that through this project we can minimise this impact by reducing the amount of waste entering the marine system. Unfortunately, most of the waste will probably not be suitable for recycling, but we will do this where possible. This is a worldwide problem and our dream is to roll this project out in the Overstrand and in South Africa.”

The first '"catch" of debris collected in Gansbaai Harbour. PHOTOS: Hennie Otto, Marine Dynamics The municipality said in a statement that this innovation could hopefully provide a simple solution to help prevent the rubbish discarded by humans from spoiling our river systems and the ocean. With 63 storm-water outlets in Gansbaai alone,

this project will be a long-term collaborative effort between DICT, Marine Dynamics and Overstrand Municipality, with an initial focus on the most problematic areas. In order to cover the costs in manufacture and ongoing management, Marine Dynamics and DICT have made applications for grant funding.

www.thevillagenews.co.za

10 July 2019

FROM THE EDITOR Let’s have more talking and less walking The events over the past 48 hours in Hermanus have once again demonstrated that when the whole community sits down and talks with one another, instead of resorting to walking the streets in protest, real progress on important issues can be made.

the events of 2018. The end result is absolutely clear. Everybody is a loser. Businesses suffer. People lose their jobs. Fewer visitors come to enjoy our natural beauty and hospitality. The local economy begins to grind to a halt.

All it takes is leadership, a willingness to listen to and accept points of view that may be different from one’s own and a commitment to following the rule of law.

In fact, as research has shown, it is those who are the most vulnerable and marginalised in our communities who are impacted the most, the very people who, it is claimed, will be the main beneficiaries of protest.

The last thing that Hermanus and the Overberg need is a repeat of

While there is no denying that everyone has the right to protest

peacefully, the pros and cons must always be weighed as to what is in the best interests of all communities. The burden of this decision falls squarely on the shoulders of the leadership. What has transpired over the last few days in Hermanus is proof that while we might not agree on everything, there is merit in first sitting down and discussing the issues, calling in the experts to assist and finding new solutions to old problems. One of the fundamentals of our

constitutional democracy is equality for everyone. After more than two decades of freedom, we, as a country, and the Overstrand as a community, are still charting our way towards becoming a fully-integrated society. Hopefully, what we have been able to achieve in the past week will light the way towards a new and brighter future and prosperity for all.

This is the good NEWS - Ed

Why teachers become alcoholic pole dancers

A Far Kraai

By Murray Stewart

Phyllis’s apartment, which is nothing out of the ordinary, except for Phyllis thevillagemuze@gmail.com – who’s a bit of a stunner – and piles of folders everywhere.

Phyllis Tyne from Caledon was chosen from hundreds of teachers to represent South Africa at an international symposium commissioned by the World Health Organisation - Focus on Alcohol Related Tendencies (WHOFART), titled ‘Why Teachers Drink’. More than dentists, plumbers or even politicians, teachers are believed to consume 3.7 times more alcohol than normal people do while working. So the Duck ’n Fiddle’s diplomatic division was asked by WHO-FART to interview Phyllis before she flies off next week to testify at the hearings in The Hague. They suggested we try chatting to her when she’s already well oiled and more relaxed – especially her tongue.

“Hi, come in,” she smiled. “Please sit… anywhere,” she said, waving the hand not holding her half-empty wine glass. “How about some Cardboardeaux?” she invited. There was a 5-litre box of red on the counter. (OK, it was school holidays, but it was also 9.30am!) “No thanks, Phyllis,” I declined politely, wanting to get straight to the point. “I’ll get straight to the point,” I began. “WHO-FART commissioned us to help understand why you’ve become what’s categorised clinically as – and I quote: a soak, a lush, a grog-sponge, or in Latin, inebriatis perpetulatum.”

“Wine in – truth out”, WHO-FART claims, and they want the truth about why so many teachers start drinking from the 10am ‘tea’ break on.

Refreshing her glass, and with more of a grimace than a grin, she pointed to a stack of exam papers she’d just finished marking. “If you knew what k*k I have to read, you’d also be reaching for the bottle… uh… box. It helps suppress the urge to jump off the roof. I’m gatvol! Up to here!” She indicated her forehead.

Well, I pitched up a few days ago at

Unfortunately the hand she used was

holding the wineglass, so after we’d mopped up and rubbed her down (glass refilled), I could continue. “That’s why I’m here, Phyllis,” I schmoosed. “What exactly drives you to drink? Maybe we can help.” She picked up a folder of exam papers from her class of sixteen-yearolds and opened it disdainfully. “Check out these answers,” she said forlornly. “My job’s on the line ‘cos I have to explain to the parents why these kids shouldn’t progress to matric.” She flipped through the papers. “For example, this question was: Name the four seasons?” She looked directly at me, but before I could get past summer, she interrupted. “No. The answer I got was salt, pepper, herbs and spices.” I wasn’t expecting that. Other questions involved anatomy. The fibula was deemed to be a small lie, and when asked what changes happen to our bodies as we age, we were told that when we get old, so do our bowels and we get intercontinental. Another bright spark maintained we actually had five bowels. A, E, I, O and U.

“You see?” she fumed, nostrils flaring. “And how’s this one? We asked what steroids were, and an answer I got was things for keeping carpets still on stairs!” I began to appreciate her frustration and started to yearn for a glass or two myself. Another question: what happens to boys when they reach puberty? Answer: They say goodbye to boyhood and look forward to adultery; and apparently the most common form of contraception is to wear a condominium. And after hearing that a terminal illness is vomiting at airports, and the best way to delay milk turning sour is to keep it in the cow, I fully understood her dilemma. But on learning that artificial insemination is when the farmer does it to the bull instead of the cow, I threw in the towel and joined her for a few glasses – in solidarity. Well, as it turns out, we got on swimmingly after that, and by lunch the box was empty. “I’m also a pole dancer you know,” she threw in casually, but that’s another story entirely.

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

LET’S TALK

FynArts isn’t a festival at all ‘Disgruntled FynArts supporter’ is not alone in thinking that something was amiss during the festival this year (Where did all the festivalgoers go? The Village NEWS, 19 June). Out for an early supper on the first Saturday, I was struck by how much the CBD resembled a ghost town. Then I remembered seeing, earlier, the stream of cars heading towards Curro School for the Big Event of the evening. As we neared Sandbaai at about 9.30pm, all those cars were streaming out again and, presumably, also heading for home. So, far from bringing a large mass of people together to enjoy the main event in the context of bringing life to Hermanus during a notoriously quiet time of the year, everyone was funnelled out of town. That’s where all the festivalgoers went! One would have thought that after last year’s troubles, the organisers might show some sympathy for the town that otherwise might enjoy some relief from the increased activity FynArts is supposed to bring at this time of the year. Alas, none in my acquaintance noticed any particular increase in activity, let alone a sense of occasion. It seems that FynArts has become a ‘thingin-itself’. Surely it is time to think again and remember what the festival is about, how it is presented, and how businesses participate. Does it achieve what it claims to, and what gives the current approach the right to call itself a “festival” at all? Another disgruntled FynArts supporter FynArts Festival Director, Mary Faure responds: All of us working for FynArts appreciate feedback from businesses and festival goers which we take seriously and address if possible. The purpose of FynArts is to develop a ten-day top quality arts festival structured for entertainment (concerts and exhibitions) and as a winter school (workshops, demonstrations, talks, wine tastings). The rationale is that a varied and busy arts festival programme will bring ‘new’ people to Hermanus in winter to spend more than one day. The longer visitors stay, the more likely they are to spend and eat out.

The opening weekend this year contained two large concerts conducted by Richard Cock. The Opening Concert was held at the Dutch Reformed Church. On the Saturday night referred to by Another disgruntled FynArts supporter, we presented the largest concert yet brought to Hermanus by this festival, at Curro – 45 orchestra members, 8 dancers, 3 soloists and a conductor. Hermanus has no other venue that can host an event of this size, nor seat anywhere near the number of people needed to make such a concert viable. A concert of this size generates pre- and post-event interest, marketing and excitement not only for the event, but also for the eight days ahead. When Richard Cock asked the audience at this concert to raise their hands if they had travelled to Hermanus especially for the festival, approximately a third of the audience of 820 did so – a large proportion indicating they had travelled from Gauteng. This is in stark contrast to the ‘large’ weekend concerts of the early years when a scattering of hands was raised to the same question asked of those 200 – 300-strong audiences. To shed the ‘ghost town’ image, restaurants need to stay open later during festivals. However, this brings its own financial challenges to owners. Open galleries could work as well – and are likely to face the same challenges. More evening events will be programmed as the number of festival goers increases – to ensure that audiences are not split between two evening events, thereby jeopardising ticket sales and an event loss for either or both events. This year the number of ticket sales increased by about 17% – very good growth considering the current economic climate. In addition, a greater number of visitors stayed in Hermanus for 3 – 10 nights. Festival lighting at night and bunting will create a buzz – especially the former. However, both of these require a financial outlay and FynArts is not yet financially viable. Every cent spent which cannot be recouped, or does not have direct benefit, such as the sound quality at events, must be very carefully considered each year. Any, and all, financial or in-kind sponsorships or ideas by local businesses will contribute to the sustainability, growth and ‘feel’ of the FynArts brand. Please contact me on 084 600 7058 if you would like to offer suggestions, support, advice or any other feedback.

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10 July 2019

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Overstrand Municipality: New banking details Overstrand Municipality appeals to all ratepayers to make sure they switch their payment details from the old Absa account to the new Nedbank account. Ratepayers who pay accounts via the internet are urged to update their beneficiary details and to use the new, correct bank account details (Nedbank, Account number 1190136899) when paying their monthly municipal account. Legislation compels a municipality to renew the tender for banking every five years. Nedbank was awarded the tender as they met all the tender requirements, including banking fees. What if you transfer money to the wrong (old) bank account? If you accidentally make a payment to the wrong recipient (old Absa account), be sure to notify the Municipality’s Client Services at enquiries@overstrand.gov.za. Remember to provide all relevant information, including your account number and contact details. Overstrand Municipality has made provision for this and the Absa account is still active, but please change to the new Nedbank account as soon as you can. The new account numbers are as follows: Overstrand Account Payments: Nedbank Account Number 1190136899 This account is solely for the payment of

Overstrand Traffic Fines Accounts: Nedbank Account Number 1190137186 This account is solely for the payment of Overstrand Municipality traffic fines and the payment must include the 10 to 16 alpha-numerical digit reference number indicated on the fine. Please note that the “/” must not be included in the reference number. Overstrand Primary Account: Nedbank Account Number 1190136678 This account is for the payment of fees such as license renewal, building plans, new water and electricity connections, boat launching, town planning etc. Clients are requested to obtain a reference number from the municipality before depositing money in these instances. Onrus Caravan Park: Nedbank Account Number 1190137674 This account is solely for the payment of camping fees for the Onrus Caravan Park and the payment reference must include the booking number.

NEDBANK: Type of account: Current Account Universal Branch Code: 198765 Branch: Inland Garden Route SWIFT Code: NEDSZAJJ

Make parking in CBD free I was flabbergasted the other day when I read on social media that German tourists were charged R70 per hour for parking at Gearing’s Point. I, too, have had my fair share of run-ins with car guards. Just the other day I was charged R4 for parking less than 5 minutes. I literally parked, walked into a shop next to my car to pick up a packet and got back into my car. No more than 3 minutes. It was only after I objected in the strongest terms that I was told to just go.

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monthly municipal accounts and the payment must include the 12-numerical digit account number as the reference.

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I do not mind paying for parking, but I do think that this practice has become superfluous in our CBD and that parking should be free of charge. With free parking at the mall and most other shopping centres, the parking pressure in the CBD is no longer what it was in the past. For this simple reason many people now prefer to do their shopping elsewhere to the detriment of our beloved shops in the CBD. Peter Parker

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10 July 2019

Anatomy of a prescribed ecological burn FOLLOW US ONLINE

Writer Dr Anina Lee

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The Daily Maverick is one of South Africa’s most trusted and informative news organisations in the country. The Village NEWS is delighted to announce that permission has been given by Daily Maverick editor, Branko Brkic, for The Village NEWS online to republish their articles. While The Village NEWS online will stay clear of national and provincial politics, stories that will be of interest to residents of the Overberg will be carefully selected for republication on www.thevillagenews.co.za. These are just some of the stories from the Daily Maverick that you will find online.

Relationships: Lessons from an affair The madness of an affair could be, weirdly, a rich experience, even if it’s the kind of experience you’d rather avoid. https://thevillagenews.co.za/relationships-lessons-from-an-affair/

he 2018/19 fire season has become known as one of the most overwhelming in the history of the Overberg. While more than 30 wildfires burned during the season, 20 of these were very damaging and very costly. – Greater Overberg Fire Protection Association (goFPA). It is reported that in the first three months of the 2018/9 summer, the Overstrand Municipality had to spend R9 348 000 on fighting wildfires. A damaging peat fire in the Hemel-en-Aarde wetlands near Camphill has only just been extinguished six months later, with devastating effects on both the environment and the Camphill community. A fynbos fire can be good or bad. It is bad when it is a wildfire fuelled by hot conditions, senescent fynbos, alien vegetation and a strong wind – and threatens human-made infrastructure as well as fynbos that is less than 10 years old. It is good when there is little wind, the fynbos is older than 10 years, the wet season is at hand and plans are in place to control the fire if so required. We have long known that wildfires are necessary for the fynbos biome to function healthily – that includes both the smaller annual fires and the major wildfires that occur every decade or so. The wildfires are part of the natural fire regime of fynbos vegetation, which has been growing here for millions of years. Fynbos is not just adapted to fire, but also dependent on it. Fire returns nutrients to the soil in the form of ash, thus promoting

regeneration of fynbos biodiversity. However, there is a conundrum. Fynbos should burn every 10 to 20 years, but human settlements should not. Rapid urbanisation and an influx of residents to towns and cities have brought urban areas into ever closer contact with nature. More people are accessing these natural areas, whilst settlements increasingly spread into the wildlands. Increased interaction and proximity to the wildlands is contributing to the rise in fire incidents. Cape Aflame is an in-depth case study of wildfire in the Western Cape. It states: “The problem is that the urban and the wildland are incompatible… whereas fire cannot be tolerated in our urban areas, it is to be welcomed in the wildland surrounding us. “What can we do to reduce the conflicts on the wildland-urban interface? Prescribed burns are essential as they create more manageable conditions and can help to establish a mosaic of vegetation. Planned fires can be controlled and contained more closely, so that they are carried out when the wind isn’t raging on the hottest day.” The implementation of an integrated, long-term fire strategy can help maintain a patchwork of vegetation at various stages of development to break up large-scale fires. This can help to prevent big swathes of established, dense and more fire-prone bush from going up in flames. The Overstrand Municipality’s fire department and environmental section are presently working together on such a strategy for municipal land. According to fire ecologist, Dr Brian van Wilgen, “saying ‘no’ to wildfires is not really an option in the middle of a fire-prone fynbos ecosystem, so we need to find ways to manage and deal with wildfires more effectively. As we alter the natural fire regime through intervention and instigation,

so we stoke the problems of increasing the frequency, ferocity and scale of damaging fires. “The negative consequences of uncontrollably large and frequent, or unseasonal, wildfires go beyond the flora and fauna. Ordinary people and fire-fighters have died in uncontainable wildfires, homes have been destroyed and millions of ratepayers’ rands have gone into fighting fires. “We are starting fires when we shouldn’t, living up against the mountains and amidst vegetation designed to burn, treating nature as a pristine commodity that should not burn and not starting controlled fires when we should, then fuelling the fires with invasive plants that burn too hot. Perhaps it is time to ask what we can do differently, considering that humans are the main disturbance and the main complainant in this wildfire equation.” Johan Montgomery, Vineyard Manager of Hamilton Russell Vineyards & Ashbourne Vineyards, will give a talk on ‘The Anatomy of a Prescribed Ecological Burn’ at The Green House of Whale Coast Conservation on Tuesday 16 July at 17:30. In addition to managing the vineyards, Johan is also responsible for the environmental and ecological wellbeing of the farms. Both vineyards are WWF Conservation Champion members. Johan explains: “As part of the team tasked with establishing the local Fire Protection Association, I learnt the value of controlling alien vegetation, the landowners’ responsibility associated with this, and the benefits of prescribed burns.” In this talk Johan will unravel for us the meticulous planning and execution that goes into a prescribed ecological burn and why this approach has become part of modern sustainable farming practice.

It’s a systems breakdown across the country, with only 18 out of 257 municipalities receiving a clean audit The latest audits into local government by the Auditor-General paint a bleak picture of ongoing system failure and dysfunctionality in South Africa. The financial health of most municipalities is poor, with some flouting governance laws, disregarding recommendations made by the independent audit body, and in extreme cases, issuing threats against auditors sent in to assess their performance. https://thevillagenews.co.za/its-a-systems-breakdown-across-the-countrywith-only-18-out-of-257-municipalities-receiving-a-clean-audit/

ANATOMY OF AN ECOLOGICAL BURN

SPEAKER: JOHAN MONTGOMERY Tuesday 16 July 2019 17h30 @ the Green House R20 donation to environmental education Info: 083 242 3295 or anina.wcc@gmail.com

067 770 7629 | theagency@thevillagenews.co.za

THE VILLAGE

EXPLORER

FOOD & WINE | HISTORY | COMMUNITY

THE HOME OF FINE BOOKS 028 313 0834

Sandies Glen: How green is my garden Writer & Photographer Raphael da Silva

growing ethical, eco-friendly farming revolution is quietly being cultivated in Sandies Glen, a community nestled amongst ancient poplar trees, spring-fed dams and fynbos-covered mountains, in a secluded valley between the villages of Stanford and Napier. Organic vegetables, biodynamic wines, free-range eggs, goat’s milk cheeses and proteas – these are just some of the products that are being lovingly produced by both recently-arrived residents on smaller plots of land, as well as bigger, more established farms. Sondagskloof is one such smallholding in Sandies Glen. Here, over the past two decades, owners Cathy Marriott and her life partner, Basil Stilwell have passionately crafted their vision of the kind of life that they want to live – close to nature, healthy and self-sufficient but, most of all, being able to provide beautiful food for their family. Just like the vegetables they now grow for clients such as the new OK Foods at Gateway Lifestyle Centre in Hermanus, their growth has been organic. “This is the culmination of a longheld dream,” says Cathy, recounting the history of Sondagskloof. “We bought the property nearly 20 years ago when I was pregnant with our twin daughters and moved here permanently eight years ago from Cape Town. The whole idea was that we would live off the land and be self-sufficient, but it took a while to accomplish that. “All this was just wild bush with alien

Cathy Marriot and Basil Stillwell enjoy the winter sun on the stoep of their Sandies Glen home with their dogs.

vegetation when we bought the land. So we slowly started clearing the area and establishing gardens, with the main aim of feeding ourselves. So basically, this is how the garden started, very small. We grew enough for ourselves and we decided right from the beginning that, of course, it needs to be grown in ethically without pesticides and chemicals.” Five years ago, though, economic necessity compelled Cathy to take the next step with her gardens. “As soon as we were up and running, we realised that we were producing far more than we needed. Also, in order to pay our gardener’s salary, who was just so fabulous, we had to start selling our produce. So that is how we started supplying Graze,” recounts Cathy. Sondagskloof now does veggie boxes for Graze Slow Food Cafe in Stanford,

a well-known farm-to-fork restaurant that only uses locally-sourced produce for their seasonal menu.

Cathy in her gardens that supply OK Foods and restaurants in the Overstrand with organic produce.

these local producers. Sondagskloof currently also supplies the Fisherman’s Cottage as well as The Eatery restaurants with salad bags.

A glut of tomatoes about three years ago provided Cathy with the perfect opportunity to approach Deon Swart, the former owner of Green Ways, a health and wellness shop in Hermanus.

Apart from the gardens, Cathy and Basil have also built two chalets on the property that they rent out to weekenders and holidaymakers.

“He came on board and has just been fantastic. He is such a networker. He really helps local producers. When he takes you on and is committed to you, he sticks with you and promotes and pushes your product. He really has been lovely,” says Cathy.

“The whole idea of building the cabins was to bring people in who share our vision and enjoy this kind of life. So when we have people in the cabins, we let them come into the garden and pick vegetables with us. They are welcome to roam and to just get a feel for the kind of lifestyle one can have,” explains Cathy.

When OK Foods opened in the Gateway Lifestyle Centre a few months ago, Green Ways transferred their organic suppliers to OK Foods to provide a larger customer base for

But with everything that she and Basil have been able to accomplish with Sondagskloof over the years, the vision is not yet complete.

“I just want to delete that part of my life,” explains Basil who currently still needs to work abroad for much of the year to help with the bills that need to be paid, including tuition and expenses for their daughters who are both studying at the University of Cape Town. In the meantime, Cathy carries on with building Sondagskloof, knowing that Basil will, one day, be able to quit his job and join her full-time on the farm. “In the end, we are just trying to live a more mindful life. We want to live a quiet life centred around the seasons. We are getting there, but we are not yet perfect,” smiles Cathy.

For more information go to sondagskloof.co.za

FOOD | 13 11

10 July 2019

WINE & DINE

Brendan and Sonia offer real country hospitality and fresh, simple and satisfying fare at De Postkantoor Café. sun on the stoep, admiring the scenery of rolling farmlands under a clear blue sky and drinking in the tranquil atmosphere, lulled into deep relaxation by the fresh air and the faint smell of wood smoke, the soft sound of a wind chime in the gentle breeze and the far-off sounds of farm animals. It really is quite blissful. Warm hospitality and wholesome food are Sonia and Brendan’s trademark. When they are not in the kitchen, they can be found chatting to guests or people dropping in – and it struck me that this may very well be one of the last towns on earth where people come by, in person, to deliver messages, make arrangements or discuss some issue, rather than sending a WhatsApp. Everyone clearly knows one another and just because it’s a small town and the pace is slow, it’s not to say that there’s nothing going on. I visited De Postkantoor Café on a Friday, and if a lazy day of peace and quiet is what you’re

after, I can really recommend it. The eatery is only open from Friday to Sunday, and from what I hear it can get very busy over weekends, especially on a Sunday. De Postkantoor specialises in breakfasts, using free-range eggs and the tastiest, crispiest bacon which is hand-cured and smoked by Brendan himself. Light lunches include various pancakes, toasted sandwiches, burgers, salads and kiddies’ meals, and on a Sunday there are always lunch specials on the blackboard. The coffee is made with an old manual La San Marco machine, which, Brendan says, “is as old as our children, but much more reliable and cheaper to run!” The beer is ice cold and they offer most spirits and mixers, along with a small selection of local wines that may change from week to week. Open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays from 09:30 – 20:00. Available for private functions. Contact 084 583 7095 or posmeester1@gmail.com

The Western Province Rugby team and coaches always make time for a party during their winter boot camp in Hermanus. Last week they let their hair down at Hermanus Brewery, enjoying a night of Old Harbour Beer, beer pong and sing-a-longs. During all this merriment, Di Rattle of Hermanus Brewery was snapped in the company of two rather tall fellows – Stormers Chris van Zyl (left) and Dan Kriel.

CALL TO BOOK. OPEN 24HRS

0846 885 885 Affordable transport door to door.

WHAT’S ON

OVERBERG Thursday

www.thevillagenews.co.za/whatson plates and real cutlery; real cups and real glasses; a real hangout for real people. Hermanuspietersfontein wine cellar | 09:00 – 13:00

Whalers Athletics Club Join the Whalers for their weekly time trials, every Thursday afternoon. Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome. Choose between a 3 km, 5 km or 8 km route. Meet at Hermanus Country Market | 17:30

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

Rotary Club of Hermanus Visitors are welcome at Rotary’s weekly meetings, every Thursday. Contact Frank on 082 870 1187 to conirm your attendance. Mollergren Park, Main Road, Hermanus | 19:00

Friday

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 028 384 1439 or doulene@gansbaaitourism.co.za Kapokblom Street, opposite Gansbaai Tourism | 09:00 – 14:00

Hermanus Hacking Group Volunteers are welcome to join the HHG, every Friday morning, on Rotary Way. For more information contact Charlyn Vosloo on 082 558 8731 or charlynvosloo@gmail.com Rotary Way | 07:15 – 09:30 Introduction to BodySensing movement course Join Nicholas McLean, the ‘gut health yogi’, for a lesson in understanding stress and pain, and how to release them. This session serves as a prelude to a four-week course, starting on 16 July, on healing stress and pain with myofascial unwinding through intuitive movement. This BodySensing healing-through-movement course will help you to ind your way to a lighter, calmer, pain-free you by tapping into the wisdom of your body's ability to heal itself from suppressed stress, underlying inflammation and chronic pain. The cost is R50 pp and booking is essential. Contact Nicholas on 082 437 9776. The introductory session is limited to 10 people and will be repeated at the same time on Saturday 13 July. BodyMind Studio, Sandbaai | 09:00 – 10:30 Bhuki Café Everyone is welcome at Friends of the Library's Bhuki Café where a cup of tea or cofee and delicious eats will cost only R25, every Friday. Each cup helps to raise funds for new books. Hermanus Library | 09:00 – 11:30 Kolwyntjie Teetuin Enjoy a sweet treat and tea or cofee at a nominal fee, and make new friends at the Onrus Care Centre, every Friday morning. Onrus Dutch Reformed Church | 09:30 – 11:30 Creative card-making workshop Join artist and qualiied art teacher Karin von Maltzahn for an enriching and social morning over cofee and

Monday cake while exploring various ideas and methods of making cards and bookmarks. The cost of this workshop is R150 pp, including all art materials, cofee and cake/muin, and 10% of the proceeds will be donated to Arts and Crafts at the Enlighten Education Trust. Booking is essential. Contact Karin on 072 5488 755 or Ilse-Marie on 079 4952 879 or info@cafeblu. co.za Caffe Blu, Hermanus Station Building | 10:00 – 12:00 The story of India U3A presents the second part of a new DVD series on India by acclaimed writer and historian, Michael Wood. This six-part series uncovers the fabulous sights, sounds and

LIVE MUSIC Des Bosch: Friday 5–9pm DJ Dalwin: Friday 9:30pm Jaco Tosen: Saturday 2–6pm Des Bosch: Sunday 1–5pm

Come and enjoy our Winter Wood Fire Grill Specials in our beer garden, taproom or restaurant 028 316 4626 | info@hermanus.beer www.hermanus.beer/

MANUFACTURERS OF SIMULATED STONE PRODUCTS

HERMANUS

Saturday

Hermanus parkrun Meet for the weekly 5 km timed walk or run, come rain or shine. Run for your own enjoyment at your own pace. The route is dog friendly and children are most welcome. Camphill Road, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley | 08:00

dazzling achievements of the world's oldest and most influential civilization. From the deserts of Turkmenistan to the Khyber Pass and the plains of Pakistan, from the Himalayas to the palm-fringed shores of Kerala, Wood chronicles the rich history of the subcontinent, the diversity of its peoples, cultures and landscapes, the intense drama of its past and the originality and continuing relevance of its ideas. This episode is entitled Ages of Gold. Catholic Church Hall | 10:00 Rewind Join Backstage Café & Grill (previously Soul Café) every Friday night and relax to the tunes of their resident band, Rewind, as they perform all your favourite hits from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. R50 pp. Call 028 313 2137 to book. Backstage Café & Grill, 181 Main Road, Hermanus | 20:00

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 cofee in the Red Disa restaurant with fellow parkrunners. Harold Porter Botanical Garden | 08:00 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 ind wholesome goodies, homemade crafts, local produce, beers and wine, speciality foods, cofee 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 ind real

Overberg Quilters Guild Anyone with a passion for quilting is welcome to join the guild for their monthly meeting. For enquiries, contact Elize on 082 374 1533. De Wet Hall, Roos St, Onrus | 09:00 for 09:30

Orbit: From January to the March equinox U3A Overberg presents the second episode of Orbit: Earth’s Extraordinary Journey, a three-part documentary by Kate Humble and Dr. Helen Czerski, who go on a mission to chronicle the Earth's voyage around the sun. For one complete orbit, 584 million miles, Humble and Czerski discover why the planet tilts and how this results in extreme weather events. In Episode 2 they travel from January to the March equinox. From Chile and the Beagle Channel, Kate Humble explains the power of the sun’s gravity, while Helen Czerski goes to the Arizona desert and the Gulf of Mexico to explain the enormous impact of the huge meteorite that caused the meteor crater. They then move to Greenland to see the Aurora Borealis caused by charged radioactive particles. Catholic Church Hall | 10:00

Cobbles

Cladding

Coping

Pavers

Landscaping

Tiles

Duplicate Bridge All who enjoy playing bridge are welcome to join in, every Monday. For more information, contact Riekie Louw on 028 314 0662. Fernkloof Hall | 13:00 Hermanus Astronomy Centre Join HAC for their monthly meeting when Dr Nicolaus Erasmus will present a talk on Near Earth Asteroids: monitoring close approaches and mitigating objects. Contact 081 212 9481 or peterm@hermanus.co.za Catholic Church Hall | 19:00

Tuesday

Voyages of Discovery U3A Overberg presents the second episode of a new DVD series, History’s Greatest Voyages. Presented by Vejas Gabriel Liulevicius, an award-winning history professor at the University of Tennessee, the course covers the voyages of some of the greatest and most influential explorers the world has ever known – successful as well as unsuccessful, admirable as well as flawed. The title of this week’s lecture is Xuanzang's Journey to the West across Asia: Lief Eriksson and the Vikings. Catholic Church Hall | 10:00

Wednesday

Use it or lose it Hermanus Women in Business will be hosting a networking breakfast with Louisa Beyer as the guest speaker. Louisa is a radiographer, oncotherapist and lecturer who left the academic world to become the owner of Bio-link Attention Training Centre in Hermanus, Kleinmond and Caledon, where she helps children and adults to improve their concentration and focus. Louisa will talk about brain health, what happens to our brains as we age and what we can do to prevent the loss of neurons. Attendance to be conirmed no later than 15 July. You are welcome to bring along marketing material and a lucky draw gift. Tickets are R150 pp, payable in cash at the door. For enquiries, contact Anneke Otto on 079 872 9631 or hermanus.womeninbusiness@gmail.com The Class Room, Hemel-en-Aarde Village | 08:30 for 09:00 Graze Farmers Market Reduce your carbon footprint and get your fresh veggies – always seasonal, always fresh. Stay for cofee and breakfast. For more info, call Tabby & Alex on 076 243 1930. Graze Slow Food Café, Stanford | 09:00 – 12:00 Home Industries Market Get your fresh micro-greens, home-processed and home-baked goodies at this family- and pet-friendly market, every Wednesday. New vendors are welcome. Contact Lani on 082 679 7819 or visit www.afdaksrivier.co.za Café Tango & Afdaksrivier Nursery | 09:30 – 12:30

Hermanus Bird Club All guests are welcome to join the club for their monthly meeting at no charge. The guest speaker this month is Gavin Turner, who will present A Pelagic Adventure. Wine is available at a donation of R10 per glass. For more information, contact club chairperson, John Saunders, on 078 9559785 or antares@hermanus.co.za Fernkloof Hall | 18:00 for 18:30 Grape Expectations Enjoy ‘Easy Wednesdays’ with The Wine Glass and get up close and personal with Walker Bay Wines from Stanford. Arrive to welcoming drinks and canapés, followed by a talk and tasting presented by viticulturist and winemaker David Smit. R195 pp includes two courses with wine, plus dessert. Early reservation is essential as the event is limited to 40 tickets. Contact foh@thewineglass.guru or 082 082 0007. The Wine Glass, 2 Harbour Rd, Hermanus | 18:30

Thursday

Friday

Wines, Whales & Music Weekend Enjoy a three-day soirée of wine tastings, high tea, gourmet dinners, chanteuse Cat Simoni, the world-class musicians of Whale Time Serenade, a chocolate-making workshop with chocolatier Richard von Geusau – and

of course whale watching – in one of the world’s most pristine coastal nature reserves, renowned as an important nursery area for Southern Right whales. With the addition of eco boat cruises, guided walks, and a whale presentation by De Hoop Collection’s very own knowledgeable expert guides, the weekend is sure to delight! The cost ranges from R1 152 pp per night sharing in a Rondawel to R2 611 pp per night sharing in a Suite. Rates include wine tastings, breakfasts (Saturday & Sunday), Dinner (Friday & Saturday), High Tea, Music, and Whale presentation. Booking is essential for this calendar favourite. Visit www.dehoopcollection.com or contact 021 422 4522 or res@dehoopcollection.co.za De Hoop Nature Reserve | Fri – Sun (Ends on 28 July)

We are Songwriters This week’s session is hosted by local musician Ryno Velvet, a well-known lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist and drummer. The Gecko Bar, Hermanus New Harbour | 18:00 – 22:00

Joburg Ballet to return J oburg Ballet is set to dance its way into the hearts of Overstrand residents when it returns to Hermanus next month for the third year running. The event will be hosted this year by Just Care After-care in Mount Pleasant.

Founded in 2015, Just Care provides both a safe haven and a stimulating environment for approximately 130 primary school children under the watchful eye of founder and trustee Jacquie Rathfelder, with the support of her staf and several volunteers. Joburg Ballet’s performance, entitled ‘Dance 2 Enhance our children’s lives’ will not only raise funds for Just Care but also include an outreach programme. This will entail a charity performance on Wednesday 14 August for children from disadvantaged communities, who will also receive a snack and a cooldrink. “Apart from the terriic cause behind this event we want more children to be exposed to ballet and this is where the Outreach Programme

comes in – not all children have the means to experience the art and we need to keep ballet alive,” says organiser Cheryl van Niekerk, a former ballet dancer and chairperson of the Val Whyte Bursary. Cheryl, who lives in Hermanus, works closely with the ballet company through the Val Whyte Bursary, which helps young and upcoming dancers ind a foothold in the world of ballet. The Joburg Ballet came into existence (originally as the ‘South African Ballet Theatre’) in 2001 under the direction of six ex-dancers from PACT (Performing Arts Council of the Transvaal), which had been disbanded the year before. Artistic Director, Iain MacDonald, one of the founders of Joburg Ballet, was approached by Cheryl to bring the company to Hermanus and the irst event took place in 2017, in aid of SANTA. “It is rewarding for our dancers to perform for new audiences, and our experience has shown that the welcome we receive in smaller cities and towns is always

warm and enthusiastic,” MacDonald said at the time. In addition to the outreach programme, Joburg Ballet will present four performances this year, starting with a Master Class on Wednesday 14 August where aspiring ballet dancers will have the unique opportunity to receive one-on-one attention from Joburg Ballet’s professional dancers. There will be two sessions – a classical repertoire for dancers aged 8 – 12 years and a contemporary repertoire for 13 – 18 years. The Gala Performance will take place on Thursday 15 August, followed by a Special Performance on Friday 16 August, where members of the audience are invited to enjoy snacks and wine, and to meet the dancers (still in costume) after the performance. The inal performance will be a Matinee concert on Saturday 17 August. The programme will include

highlights from ballet classics, including The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker, as well as exciting neo-classical pieces. The programme showcases the company’s leading dancers, giving Hermanus audiences the chance to see ballet at its best. This exciting event is made even more special by its unique 'in the round' format. “It’s a specialised way of presenting ballet and the advantage is that it opens up more space, allowing up to 12 dancers to perform together. Last year’s audiences were enthralled, not only by the excellent programme, but

also by the close proximity of the dancers, something that cannot be experienced in a regular stage performance,” says Cheryl. The venue for all the performances is the Onrus Dutch Reformed Church in Berg Street, Onrus. Tickets range from R50 for the Master Class and R180 – R250 for the Matinee, to R230 – R300 for the Special Performance and R300 – R350 for the Gala Performance. Tickets can be purchased online at www.webtickets.co.za or at the Hermanus Tourism Bureau (T: 028 312 2629) -Hedda Mittner

14 | PROFILE 16

10 July 2019

Stuart Cloete: A novelist in Hermanus Writer Dr Robin Lee

ne of the obvious features of Hermanus history is the large number of famous and well-known people who visited the town during the 20th century. Some came only once, for instance the internationally known English woman pilot, Amy Johnson, who rested for a few days at The Marine after her record-breaking solo flight from London in the 1930s. Other famous people didn’t settle here for any length of time but visited repeatedly. Sir William Hoy is the best example of this. He relaxed here from his work as General Manager of the South African Railways for many years. He loved the ishing and the serene atmosphere of the little village, and stayed at The Marine Hotel on every occasion. But a few individuals with international reputations settled here and became part of Hermanus life. Perhaps the best known in this category is the novelist Stuart Cloete and his second wife, Mildred West, always known as Tiny. Stuart was already a best-selling author when the couple purchased a farm known then as Wesselshoek, between Stanford and Gansbaai in 1948. They stayed there for ive years and in 1952 moved into Hermanus and bought a property at 24 Westclif Road in Westclif. They lived there together until Stuart died in 1976, having resided in our town for 38 years. Tiny continued to live in Hermanus until her death in 1993, having lived here for 45 years. Both Stuart and Tiny are buried in the Hermanus cemetery. Stuart Cloete was deinitely not retired nor resting on his reputation while he lived in our town. Between 1952 and 1976 he published no fewer than eight of his fourteen novels, as well as eight collections of short stories, a three-volume autobiography and four books of social and political comment. In his spare time, he and Tiny bought, renovated and resold at least 20 ishermen’s cottages. Cloete was a highly controversial igure in his time, though not widely read now. His life seems to come straight out of the setting of mystery, violence and misunderstanding portrayed in his novels. He was born on 3 July 1897 in Paris into a family, the surname of which he believed was “Graham”. His mother was Scots and his father, South African. He was the fourth in a family of ive male children. Father and mother had busy social and business lives and Stuart’s much old-

er brothers had already left the family home. Stuart was brought up by and received early private education from a governess in Paris until he was eight years old. He was then sent to a boarding school in England. In 1909 he was taken out of that school and sent to a series of French schools. He ran away from every one of these and was sent again to England, where he eventually inished the curriculum in 1914. He immediately enlisted in the British Army on 17 September 1914, with the rank of Second Lieutenant in the Coldstream Guards. In 1915, shortly before Stuart was sent to the frontline in France, his father told him that his surname was not “Graham”, but “Cloete”. Stuart’s father had been convicted of fraud at one time and after serving his sentence, unoicially took a diferent surname to conceal his identity. Because he was on the point of leaving with his regiment for France, Stuart did not take action at this time, but in 1924 he took legal steps to recover his real surname, which gave rise to the imposing new name of Edward Fairlie Stuart Graham Cloete. Stuart Graham (as he still was then) fought in France from August 1915 to late 1916, when he was wounded and temporarily paralysed on his left side. He also sufered from shellshock (PTSD) and was hospitalised in the town of Reading in Southern England, where a nurse, Eileen Horsman took care of him. They married in July 1917. Stuart returned to the Front and was wounded again in May 1918. After the war ended the couple settled in France on a small farm Stuart bought and lived there until he was well again. He had now become interested in his South African origins. In 1924 Stuart reverted to the surname Cloete, and the couple decided to go to South Africa. He secured a job with the Transvaal Estates and Development Company on a cotton farm near Wambaths, just north of Pretoria and then bought a dairy farm of his own in the same

area. This venture was commercially successful, but by 1935, he felt that he had done enough to prove that he was a capable farmer and started to write stories.

while Turning Wheels was not unbanned until 1947. But internationally the book was a hit, with 2 million copies sold in the English edition and translations into fourteen languages.

He became bored with ranching, as he admits: It isn’t a bad life, ranching. But after a while, you begin to think. One day it occurred to me that I had spent enough of my life at the job of looking after cows. There is just so much you can do with cows. I had a lot of good ones, and if I would stick at it for thirty years more I’d have better ones… it seemed to me that nothing else would change much whether I stayed on the ranch or not. So I chucked it up and went to London. That’s when I decided to have a shot at writing.

Stuart was invited to Hollywood to consider ilming it. With World War II just starting nothing came of the approach, but two of his subsequent thirteen novels were made into popular ilms. The ilms were The Fearless Heart (1961) and Majuba (1968), and both were moderately successful. There was a strong representation of South African actors in Majuba (including Patrick Mynhardt and Anna Neethling-Pohl), while South Afrcan Juliet Prowse had the starring role in The Fearless Heart.

By 1937, he had moved to London as a full-time writer and published his irst novel, Turning Wheels. The ‘turning wheels’ are those on the ox wagons of several ictional parties of Voortrekkers during the Great Trek. However, it is not the ‘Groot Trek’ you were taught about in school history textbooks. Battles with the black tribes are described in gory realism, with heroes and villains on both sides. Sex is an important theme, also vividly portrayed, and the Boers are treated critically, as individuals, and not as national heroes. An academic critic describes the content as follows:

Albert R Broccoli (who produced the early James Bond ilms) approached David Lean to direct a ilm version of Rags of Glory but Lean declined. He described the book as “Very good, in an awful sort of way”.

On one level, Cloete relates the saga of a group of Voortrekkers who under the primary leadership of an unequivocally egocentric forty-six-year-old widower, Hendrik van der Berg, leave the Cape in 1836 and, after numerous tribulations en route take several of their lives and decimate their initially vast numbers of horses, cattle, and sheep, reach the Northern Transvaal in January 1838… The overall picture which Cloete paints of this segment of the Great Trek is… one of intrigue, poisoned motives for migrating, social disarray in the community, racial strife and oppression on all sides, and group defeat. There was an outcry, and importation of the book to South Africa was immediately stopped. Later four more of his novels were banned

In 1939, Cloete travelled to the USA to publicise the book and, on board the liner, met the woman who was to become his second wife. After he divorced his irst wife, Eileen, he married Mildred, always called Tiny, in 1940. The couple based themselves in the USA for the duration of World War II. Cloete published quite steadily during this period: Watch for the Dawn (1939); The Hill of Doves (1942); Christmas in Matabeleland (1942); Congo Song (1943); a book of poetry; and three non-iction books. In 1948, he decided to return permanently to South Africa and bought a farm, known then as Wesselshoek, between Stanford and Gansbaai. Some accounts describe the farm as being part of what is now Grootbos Private Reserve, while others claim that it is now the health resort Bodi Khaya. Stuart invested much time and efort in clearing alien vegetation from the land and encouraging the growth of natural fynbos but does not appear to have actively farmed. At about this time, he wrote another novel, The Curve and the Tusk, which was published in London and Boston. Some references claim that Cloete invested large percentages of the couple’s income in the farm, without a corresponding return and that Tiny had to intervene and oblige him to sell up and move into town before the farm bankrupted them. However, the oicial records show that Cloete paid £2 850 for the property and sold it four years later for £8 000, a very considerable proit. Both remained in Hermanus for the rest of their lives. Stuart died in 1976 and Tiny in 1993. In later life, she became active in the Animal Welfare Society and donated funds for the creation of the Tiny Cloete Clinic that is part of Mollergren Park. In an interview given late in life, Cloete said: As a man I am very happy, but, as a human being I am in despair, as I can see no answer to overpopulation or pollution.

FAR RIGHT: A seven-year-old Stuart Cloete in 1904. RIGHT: Stuart Cloete in 1918 and later in life (ABOVE).

The author welcomes any comments or aditional information. He can be contacted at robinlee@hermanus.co.za

COMMUNITY | 17 15

10 July 2019

LearntoEarn: A hand up, not a hand out Writer Elaine Davie Photographer Taylum Meyer

n the eight years I have worked at LearntoEarn, I can honestly say that 100 per cent of the few students who have dropped out of our courses before completion are those who have been fully sponsored by someone else.” This is the somewhat startling observation of Monica Pike, Manager of LearntoEarn Hermanus. “We are here to give our students a hand up and not a hand out, which means that they must take the initiative to improve their skills and be prepared to put their money where their mouth is and make a personal investment in their education.” The LearntoEarn organisation (LtE) this year celebrates its 30th year of existence (20th in Hermanus; the original centre is in Khayelitsha), yet its contribution not only to the empowerment of unemployed people, especially women, but also to the economy of the Overstrand, seems to have remained generally unrecognised. Not only do its graduates emerge from their training with practical, marketable skills relevant to our region, but also with a range of ‘soft’ attributes like good time-keeping and customer-relations, an appreciation of the value of performance excellence, a willingness to learn additional skills and a drive to continue improving their earning capacity. As important, is their growth as human beings and their understanding that everyone, no matter what their circumstances, has a valuable social and economic role to play in the development of their home town. Thanks to the outstanding quality of the LtE graduates, the organisation has built up an excellent relationship with some of the top hotels and restaurants in Hermanus, as well as supermarkets, hardware shops and building contractors, with the result that as a course ends, most of them are snapped up. In many cases, former LtE students have risen through hard work and commitment, to management or other senior positions in the company. On the other hand, a significant number of them have chosen to start their own small businesses and in most instances have made a spectacular success of them. LtE Hermanus currently offers seven full-time courses, ranging in length from three weeks (Basic Computers) to 17 weeks (Basic Handyman Skills). The other three are Basic Cashier Skills (six weeks plus the Basic Computer course), Home Management and Business Essentials (eight weeks each) and Basic Hospitality Skills (12 weeks). Life Skills training is included in all of these courses. The classes are kept small so that the students can receive individual assistance, but fresh intakes are accepted several times a year for each

of the courses, producing a total of between 196 and 200 graduates. Because the courses have been designed around the needs of potential employers, they are largely practical, but most include some basic theoretical input as well. The first course introduced in Hermanus was Sewing and it remains one of the most popular. Although the student fee for this course is R350, it costs the organisation in the region of R11 500 per student to present. Sewing teacher, Numfuzo Gawulekapa has been running these comprehensive courses since the very beginning. “Each of the students has to produce seven garments during the course and each of them calls for a specific technical skill,” she explains. “But we start with things as basic as how to use a tape measure, how to thread the sewing machine and overlocker and how to cut a pattern.” She holds up some of the beautifully-made garments made by the current batch of students who will be graduating at the end of this month. “We’re very lucky to get lots of donations of fabric from the public of Hermanus, which means our students don’t have to buy anything themselves. As they take the garments home afterwards, they usually make them for specific members of the family.” “Our students range in age from about 19 to 50 – both women and men, by the way,” adds Monica. “It’s so exciting to see especially older women grow in confidence and self-esteem as the course progresses. Some of them have been downtrodden by their husbands into believing they are good for nothing but to bear children and cook for the family. Now they can actually earn an income for themselves. Many of them work from home, so we try to find them a second-hand sewing machine to use and where we can, refer customers to them. One of our graduates, Ntombi Hlohla, is making an excellent living from producing school uniforms and doing alterations from home. “The other success story is that of Zukisa Fono, who started off making bags to sell and then, after further training at CPUT, launched his own upholstery business. Now he can’t keep up with demand. Our Business Essentials part-time course includes all aspects of running a small business, which is very useful for those who wish to go that route.” There’s no gender discrimination in any of the LtE courses, so the Basic Handyman course which includes painting, plumbing, electrics, woodwork, tiling and general maintenance has produced a significant number of female graduates. “The only thing they don’t like to do is to climb up the scaffolding,” laughs their instruc-

The first course that was introduced in Hermanus was Sewing and it remains one of the most popular.

tor, Winston Munemo. For a tourist destination like the Overstrand, one of the most popular courses is Basic Hospitality. It covers a comprehensive range of skills, including cooking, baking, table and beverage service, food and wine pairing and much more. Next year a barista course, Ground UP will be added as a complementary skill. Not only are these graduates in demand for hotels and restaurants, but also for the deli counters in supermarkets. This course produced another graduate of whom LtE is extremely proud. Gilbert Muchanyara runs his own catering business which is on the Municipality’s procurement list and he often makes use of LtE’s students to act as waiters at his functions.

ABOVE: Sewing teacher Nomfuzo Gawulekapa and Branch Manager of LearntoEarn Hermanus, Monica Pike. BELOW: Hospitality students Lwandiso and Chikondi with their Chicken Breyani. PHOTO: Chantel Badenhorst

As a Non-Profit Organisation, funding is always a headache for Monica. “But we know what a difference our courses make to the lives of unemployed people in this region – as well as to its economy (our students come from as far afield as Kleinmond, Bot River and Gansbaai) – so we are determined to keep our flag flying high.” Donations of any kind are welcomed by LtE, whether it be fabric for the Sewing course, tools for the Handyman course, crockery and cutlery for Hospitality or unwanted computers or sewing machines. If you would like to attend the organisation’s Graduation Ceremony on 31 July, please contact Monica. This is certainly an organisation of which all Overstrand residents should be immensely proud. LearntoEarn can be contacted on 028 313 0564 or herm@learntoearn.org.za Website: www.learntoearn.org.za

Zuks Upholstery & Heavy-Duty Sewing At 32, Zukisa (Zuks) Fono is no Bill Gates, but he is the owner of a very successful – and growing – business in Zwelihle. In 2009 he completed a sewing course at LearntoEarn, following it up with a course in Costing, Pricing and Pattern-making at CPUT. Then he was ready to go into business. Zuks rented a space at LearntoEarn where he made bags, umbrellas and cushion covers. One day a client asked him if he could re-upholster two wingback chairs. With a staple gun, a pattern of the chair's upholstery and a can-do attitude, Zuks refurbished them beautifully. Which is when his interest in upholstery and heavy-duty sewing began. While attending a marketing course at the municipality in 2016, Zuks met a man from the Eastern Cape who was doing upholstery in Zwelihle. He showed Zuks a few tricks of the trade and the two men went into business together for a while before parting ways. After that, Zuks taught himself everything he still needed to know about upholstery. He now has his own premises in Mandela

Road, Zwelihle with one part-time and two full-time assistants. He offers services such as furniture repair, re-covering of umbrellas, upholstery, trampoline covering and more. His clients include Cattle Baron, Lemon Butta, the Overstrand Municipality and Lavender Manor. With his emphasis on efficiency and good quality service, Zuks is on the way up! Zuks can be contacted on 063 379 5513 or at zuks@hermanus.co.za. He also has a Facebook page: Zuks Upholstery & Heavy Duty Sewing. -Taylum Meyer

16 | MOTORING 18

10 July 2019

Ford Figo: Small but no lightweight TH

DV E N T U R E S EA OF

FL YD & LLO D O

By John Floyd

D BY HE FO R D

& Frieda Lloyd

On Saturday 13 July one lucky Overstrand resident will drive off with a brand-new Ford Figo when the final draw in Ford Hermanus’s Pasella Promotion will be held at Burgundy Restaurant above the Old Harbour. Our intrepid travel duo, tourism manager, FRIEDA LLOYD, and motoring journalist JOHN FLOYD, took time out to get to grips with the Figo 1.5 Ambiente – one of South Africa’s favourite compact cars. Frieda: At first glance the Figo looks small and demure, but the moment we drove this little car off the showroom floor of Ford Hermanus in Arum Street it lived up to the definition of its name in English: present on all sides. It might be small, but boy, it has road presence! To fit this mood, we decided the Figo would take us to Clarence Drive, voted one of the most scenic routes in the world. John: It is hard to believe that it has been nine years since I attended the press launch of the Ford Figo. Built in India, the Figo was based on the previous Fiesta platform, with a revised front and rear styling. As can be expected, it was an instant success. Sales blossomed but were limited due to production capacity at the Indian assembly plants. The face-lifted version arrived in 2013 and resulted in increased sales. In 2015 a new Figo arrived and continued to satisfy this sector of the market despite increasing competition. It was refreshed once more in 2018 and is still a favourite on the local market. It may be the entry level in the range but the Figo still has a lot to offer. The latest styling from front to rear stands on a set of 14-inch steel wheels with cover and carry 175/65 rubber for a more upmarket look. Frieda: As locals we sometimes do not take enough time out to enjoy and appreciate the splendour that makes our region such a popular tourist attraction. The little Figo offered the perfect ride as we manoeuvred the bends to Kleinmond and on to Rooi-Els. It is the sheer scale of

the mountains above the road that immediately arrests the senses and makes this stretch of road one of the most scenic in the world. With the Figo firmly gripping the road, even a sudden decision to turn off to visit Harbour Road in Kleinmond did not provide me with time to gasp as we charged around the corner to see what the Potter’s Gallery had in stock (my indecision and John’s skills as a master driver were at fault here). Corinne de Haas of Potter’s Gallery and her team craft tableware used by celebrity chefs in many of South Africa’s top restaurants to enhance the plating of their signature dishes. Everyone who wants to know what the latest trends in the world of crockery are, must stop off at this gallery – and shop! John: Having indulged Frieda in her search for the holy grail of crockery, we waved Kleinmond adieu and hastened on towards Betty’s Bay and Rooi-Els. The Figo has inherited Ford’s chassis dynamics and is an absolute driving pleasure, with lots of grip and well-weighted power steering making control a breeze in any conditions. The small Ford provides a comfortable and quiet ride. The interior is spacious, although rear leg room is limited, as is boot space, but it is a compact vehicle and folding down the rear seat provides more luggage space. Especially if you have the queen of shopping as your passenger. A well laid-out dashboard with well-positioned controls, comfortable

seating and height-adjustable steering wheel allow one to find the ideal driving position – and sitting position if you are inclined to wait in the car during shopping expeditions. Frieda: After spending some time in the shops and galleries, the scenic beauty of Betty’s Bay and the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens made us quickly realise again what a serenely beautiful environment we live in and what a calming and positive effect it has on one. For those who want to do more than just drive to Betty’s Bay, there is a parkrun every Saturday morning at 08:00 at no cost. After the devastating fires earlier this year, extensive work has been done in the gardens and there are also a few new walking trails to get the blood circulation flowing. Apart from its pristine flora, Betty’s Bay also offers visitors access to one of the largest breeding colonies of African Penguins in the world. The penguin sanctuary at Stoney Point allows you the opportunity to observe these flightless birds up close. John: As fast as a speeding penguin under water, the Figo offers real excitement in the form of the new 1.5 litre petrol engine which has to be one of the smoothest 3-cylinder engines ever. Developing 88 kW at 6

300 r/min and torque of 150 Nm at 4 250 r/min, the power unit coupled to a very slick and smooth five-speed manual transmission, provides power to cope with any driving mode. Fuel consumption is claimed at 5.7 l/100km and with a 42-litre tank, the range is estimated to be 737 km. Frieda: In Pringle Bay we stocked up on deli products for our photo stop along Clarence Drive to appreciate the view. Lemon and Lime is a gourmet emporium that has been going for many years and besides deli products you can also find gifts and various other goodies. The shelves are lined with local produce and the current inflight magazines are available, thanks to resident editorial director and founder of Mikateko Media, Ingrid Jones. And while you find yourself in this beautiful town, Pringle Art Zoo is one of the Cape Whale Coast's hidden gems. Where else would you find a combination of coffee shop, juice bar, animation hub, bike tours and repairs and art studio all in one? Art Zoo offers lip-smacking coffee at only R15 per cup, animation services, bike tours of the area and a curry club in winter. In addition, Pringle Bay village is well on its way to going plastic free. All the shops in the area have made a collective decision not to use plastic

bags. The Figo surprised me in more ways than one. At first sight it looked so small but once seated I felt comfortable with enough room for movement. The Figo hugged the tarmac and traversed the dirt roads with ease. Our last treat of the day was a slow cruise from Rooi-Els to the newly-established roadside eatery, PitStop and Grille Shack on Clarence. Here kids can play while adults relax at leisure with a menu that will satisfy every craving. John: There are no prizes for guessing who planned all the stops en route, but thanks to this I have discovered a plethora of new and interesting local arts & crafts and food shops along the way. The Figo is much the same as the villages dotted along the way: not too big, but a whole lot of fun. In colloquial Italian, Figo means, it’s simply “Cool”. The Ford Figo 1.5 Ambiente sells for R186 600 and comes with Ford Protect, comprising a 4-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty, 3-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and a 5-year/unlimited corrosion warranty. Service intervals are 15 000 km.

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10 July 2019

9 Mitchell Street, Hermanus 086 188 8987 janet@sterlingwealth.co.za www.sterlingprivatewealth.co.za

Financial Matters

Is your money tree for the future growing?

By Janet Hugo CFP Director – Sterling Private Clients

n June I had the privilege of giving a presentation about the history of money. Of course, that involves how a strategic, diversified portfolio can help deal with the unpleasant subject of inflation.

There seems to be a cycle of wars, peace, economic booms, lean times and inflation. What is clear is that inflation undermines wealth, whether we look at the fascinating Roman Empire experience of 1700 years ago, or when we look at the swings of the last century or so. Your and my ability to improve lives and lifestyle depends a lot on how we manage inflation. The reality is that we are still dealing with the same cycles and there is no magic wand. With a little attention though, we can do a lot to protect wealth and investments. True wealth management is multi-disciplined: investors need to plan investment strategy and cash flow needs. A diversified basket of asset types that are suitably flexible, helps to stay ahead of inflation. As you dig deeper into what to invest in, as well as strategies, and how to diversify and be flexible, you realise that there are quite a lot of opportunities to make a difference, even when times are tough. Along the way, you want to be sure that you are tax efficient in the mix. It’s complicated, but solvable.

In South Africa the government seems to be hoping that lower interest rates will stimulate the dreary economy. The theory is that this would encourage businesses to either spend their cash or borrow money to expand their business activities, resulting in less unemployment and a boost to the stock market. Yet structural and confidence problems persist. We still live with risks of inflation as politicians ignore the lessons of history.

have helpful conversations with those you trust, your options may change. It’s not about having the money, but what we do with that money. We need to know that we’re doing something – not just in the future, but now – that is of value. That’s

when we start to feel rich. Allocate time to ponder what relative wealth looks like for you. What can you do now towards looking after and building what you have?

ficulties to become one of the most successful women of all time, said: “There are people who have money and people who are rich.”

Coco Chanel, a woman who overcame her fair share of financial dif-

22830

I enjoyed researching the history of money. I was reminded that people vote good and bad governments into power, or accept dictators, who tweak policies – but the value of money or inflation is usually the core of the success or failure of countries and economies. Inflation and the way it is managed damages or builds confidence.

In recent years, most stock markets have been difficult or performed poorly. Low-risk interest bearing investments have tended to beat higher-risk shares. It has been tempting to settle for more predictable interest rate returns as they have beaten the JSE in recent years. Yet when markets run, you don’t want to miss the boat. We can never be sure when the cycle will turn and they have a way of turning just when least expected, perhaps soon.

Around the world studies show that wealth and fund managers achieve most of their investment returns by getting their asset allocation correct. This is key, even more so than which share they buy and when. Benjamin Franklin wisely once said that “money has never made man happy, nor will it, there is nothing in its nature to produce happiness.” As a wealth manager and financial advisor I watch this play out in so many families. I am continually surprised that people live with unanswered questions about how much is enough money for my family to live off, whether I live to 80 or 100? Making more and earning more is only part of the answer. Are we wisely or appropriately invested? Are our investments correctly diversified? And the worst question that people live with – is my money safe? It’s true – if you long for a sweet, nourishing, fulfilling life, your answer is not cash. Money is the soil we plant the tree in. Eventually it will bear that sweet, satisfying fruit for you to enjoy. So, what do some of us do? We load a whole bunch of soil into our lives, if we can, and then wait next to our pile of soil, waiting to be happy. Not even sure that we have the right soil or whether we have enough. The question really is; what are we planting?Of course, to plant a ‘tree’ of riches in the wealth you’re creating, you have to first decide what true riches look like for you; what choices do you have for what to grow in your soil? Or what are the questions that you want answered. The more you think about it, and

A RELATIONSHIP THAT’S YEAR-ROUND — NOT JUST FOR HOLIDAYS. Nedbank is proud to be appointed as the new banking partner to the Overstrand Municipality. Our skilled business bankers and public sector specialists, with a strong understanding of the Overstrand Municipality’s vision, have the financial expertise to help grow your business. We look forward to offering customised banking solutions to take Overstrand Municipality to the next level. Businesses can contact our Public Sector Provincial Manager Edwin Mosesi at edwinm@nedbank.co.za and partner with Nedbank today.

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10 July 2019

MY WELLNESS

The source of youth is accessible to us all! Writer Dr Julienne Fenwick, MBChB The Green Room, Hermanus

fter the age of 35, regardless of how healthy or active a lifestyle we have led, we all reach a biological threshold where our physical and mental functions start to slow down. ‘Brain fog’ sets in. You feel more sluggish. Sometimes, more anxious and, for many, it becomes a daily challenge not to start the day in a low mood. The explanation for what is happening is that your body is made up of cells. Everyone is powered by something called mitochondria, the tiny energy plants that give your body energy. Mitochondria take all the nutrients we ingest and create a life-giving force known as Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). ATP is a complex organic chemical that provides the energy to drive the many cell processes in our bodies. Living the fast-paced lives that we do and often eating food containing

chemicals, hidden sugars, hormones and heavy metals, our mitochondria get tired of fighting an uphill battle. They start to wither away, not only leaving us to age prematurely but often leading to chronic disease and even some cancers. The good news, though, is that we all have the ability to rekindle our mitochondria. Some suggestions to effectively boost your mitochondria include: • Nourish your body with fibre-rich organic vegetables and fruit, ensuring a rainbow of colours on your plate for each meal. This helps to detoxify the poisons that accumulate in your body and cause your mitochondria to slow down. • Avoid mito-toxic foods such as gluten, dairy, sugar, processed flours and trans fats, as well as artificial flavourings and sweeteners. • Increase your Omega 3 fat intake with low-mercury wild-caught fish, small portions of grass-fed meat, nuts and seeds. • Consuming a bone broth can decrease your risk for auto-immunity caused by compromised mitochondria as it helps heal leaky gut.

Bone broth is a highly nutritious stock made from animal products (the leftover carcasses and bones from pasture-raised beef, lamb or freerange chickens), organic vegetable off-cuts, bay leaves and filtered water that is boiled together in a pot on low heat with some apple cider vinegar added to extract minerals, collagen and amino acids. This concentrated nutrient-dense liquid can be added to soups, sauces or taken as a shot with your daily supplements. This reduces inflammation and helps to heal leaky gut and auto-immune disorders. Leaky gut is a condition where the cells in the gut become permeable (leaky) due to inflammatory foods that we eat too much of such as dairy, gluten and highly processed grains, to name a few. Pathogens such as bacteria, yeast and viruses leak into the bloodstream through the holes in the gut and cause the immune system to work in overdrive. This can lead to symptoms similar to irritable bowel syndrome, malabsorption of vital vitamins and minerals and certain auto-immune diseases.

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Drink at least one to two litres of filtered water per day, and minimise your coffee intake to only one cup per day. Take mitochondria-protective and energy-boosting supplements such as Acetyl-L-carnitine, alpha-lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, N-acetylcysteine, NADH, D-ribose, resveratrol, and magnesium aspartate. Please consult with a functional health practitioner first to ensure you are taking the right supplement for you. Do high-intensity interval training, combined with breathing exercises to help boost energy and longevity.

•

If you start to follow these seven easy steps, you will immediately start to feel a difference. Take care of your mitochondria and they will take care of you.

Mito-Life and Shop With Doc initiatives will be coming soon to OK Foods, Gateway Lifestyle Centre. Stay tuned for further information. If you would like to contact Dr Fennwick, she can be reached on 072 468 7971. Check out the Mito Life Hermanus Facebook page for more information https://www. facebook.com/okfoodsgateway/

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10 July 2019

MY HOME

Lack of conidence in economy leads to downturn in property market By Stephen de Stadler Managing Director Fine & Country Hermanus, Arabella and Kleinmond

ith or without a more all-encompassing public transport initiative – a topic of conversation which I intend to discuss more in future columns – Hermanus is a fairly unique town within the context of the residential property sector. In the current buyer’s market, property professionals spend a lot of time analysing the markets in order to provide effective and useful pricing information to their sellers. Our irm in particular, uses Lightstone Property and the Deeds Office as essential sources of information. All this data is incidentally in the public domain, and hence we can use it without fear of transgressing any of the public access to information legislation. The information which follows has been extracted from these two sourc-

es, but all errors which may inadvertently arise are only to be credited to the writer. Hermanus, as deined in this particular column, stretches from Fisherhaven through to Voëlklip and all the areas in between. We all know and recognise that the residential property market has been extremely subdued over the last 12 months. As an indication, there were 880 freehold registrations in 2018, whereas for the year to date the number totals approximately 220. The market is likely to improve during the remainder of 2019, but unfortunately we can comfortably predict that it will not meet the same levels as 2018. In the sectional title market, the trend is the same, but less severe. So far there have been 50 registrations this year, which does indicate a better chance of reaching the number achieved in 2018 (120 registrations). The age of buyers and sellers is, perhaps surprisingly, not as “aged” as people often assume. 20% of buyers

in the last year were aged 65 years or older, 34% were between the ages of 50 to 64, 32% were aged between 36 and 49, and 14% were younger than 36 years. The sellers of these houses were predominantly 65 years or older (41%), with the remaining three classiications contributing 33%, 22% and 5% respectively. The comparison of buyer and seller data points to a subtle change in the age demographics of the average Hermanus resident over time. The inal statistic that I wish to share is about the period of time that sellers in the last 12 months have owned their homes: 41% have owned their homes for more than 11 years, 8% for between 8 to 10 years, 10% for between 5 and 7 years, and 41% for less than 5 years. The fact that so many people who sold in the last year had owned their homes for less than 5 years may have a lot to do with the relative instability of the environment in which we live

and have lived for the past year. Hermanus as a town consists of a high number of entrepreneurial investors and business owners. Unlike large cities (like Cape Town) where there are signiicant industries which are able to survive periods of economic downturn because of their size and relevance to the total economy of South Africa, and towns from where one can commute on a daily basis to a large city to work, Hermanus creates (in principle) its own economy. Whether this economy is generated and supported by retirees spending their pensions, or new business owners investing in the region, is largely irrelevant. What matters most is that we who live and work here will determine whether the future is brighter than the past. But back to the property statistics. By my own calculations the value of transfers over the past 12 months is down more than 35% over the preceding 12 months. This is after adjusting for some signiicant outliers and exceptional sales. The trend

rather than the outright number is more relevant, but the fact remains that the depth of activity in any property market is directly related to the current and future generation of economic activity. This does beg the question: Why do we as a community not work more together to ensure that our local economy is not destroyed? Surely the issues which arise – and we know they are real and numerous – can be resolved by real and honest discussion amongst all affected parties. Let us preserve our town and work together to ensure its growth. The more investment in Hermanus and its surrounds, the more the economy grows, the more work is created, and the better off we will all be in the longer term.

The views expressed above are those of the writer in his personal capacity and may not necessarily reflect the views of Fine & Country as a national and international brand.

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The benefits of green cleaning G

oing green is about more than just recycling here and there – it’s a lifestyle choice. It’s about considering how each choice you make, as a consumer and an inhabitant of our earth, can impact the world around you.

environmental impact and so improve the sustainability of our planet,” says GLAC director, Quintin Richards. “We are deeply committed to ensuring an environmentally friendly code of practice and independent tests done by SAA Technical as well as by the City of Cape Town have both resulted in our eco-friendly products being given the green light.”

One of the biggest misconceptions that stands in the way of making the shift to eco-friendly living is that it’s wildly expensive, time-consuming, or difficult to achieve. This simply isn’t the case – rather, using renewable resources can actually be more cost-effective!

Most of GLAC's products come in 1L, 5L, or 25L containers. Same-day delivery is available for orders above R250.

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Switching to as many eco-friendly cleaning products as possible is one of the best ways to combat the harm being done to our environment. The good news is that you can now buy eco-friendly products from local company, Green Life Africa Chemicals (GLAC) at several supermarkets, including Eastcliff Spar and Gateway Lifestyle Centre’s OK Foods. Their products are also available at Build it Hermanus, and among the clients they supply are local schools, residential and business complexes, and well-known hotels, B&Bs and restaurants. GLAC’s eco-friendly cleaning products are not harmful to the environment, humans or animals. That’s because they are safe, biodegradable, non-toxic, non-corrosive

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When you make the transition from using traditional chemical-laden cleaning products to eco-friendly ones such as GLAC's, you're creating a safer and healthier environment for you and your whole family.

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• and non-flammable. None of their products contains Formaldehyde. They not only efectively cleanse, disinfect and sanitise your home but also eliminate odour-forming bacteria, leaving behind soft,

natural fragrances. “By striving to be environmentally friendly, we can set our business apart from our competitors and inspire our customers to reduce their

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Bio Floor Care: A multi-purpose cleaner for any floor surfaces, glass, tiles and ceramic. Non- toxic and non-allergenic, with a Cherry or Lemon fragrance. Bin Boss: Used in bins to deodorise and minimise flies and maggots, to eliminate malodours in drains and prevent blockages. This product (blue in colour) is non-toxic and nonallergenic, with a Cherry or Lemon fragrance. Degreaser: Used to clean most kitchen surfaces where grease and sludge build-ups are found. Non-toxic and non-allergenic. Hand Sanitiser Spray Dispenser: Non-alcohol based. No water required – Manual unit, no batteries or electricity required. Dishwashing liquid: Used for normal hand washing of dishes. Lemon fragrance.

Firelighters and 4kg briquettes: GLAC is the first company to develop a ‘single finger firelighter’ that offers a 17-minute burning time outdoors and up to 20 minutes indoors. he firelighters are all individually wrapped in a compact, clear wrapper, giving the product a longer shelf life. The single finger is ignited with its wrapper in order to avoid contact with the paraffin content. When you switch to green cleaning products, you will not only be doing your part to curb the amount of harmful chemicals being released into our atmosphere but also contributing to a healthier home environment. You will no longer be breathing in any Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) found in hazardous chemicals, which can linger in the air long after use and have been associated with a host of health problems. Keep an eye out next time you go grocery shopping: you may be surprised to see that, more often than not, green cleaning products are more affordably priced than traditional chemical-laden products. By buying eco-friendly all-purpose cleaners that do multiple jobs, you will also save money by eliminating the need to purchase other products.

For more information, contact 028 316 1343 or 065 175 9061 or email emile@glafrica.co.za

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Share your sport news with us! It has never been easier. Send it to admin@thevillagenews.co.za and we will gladly consider it, whether it be competition results, a friendly rivalry, a once-off feat or a major tournament.

MY SPORT

Young athletes shine in sports arena Cori "Coco" Gauff

By Tony O'Hagan

he heroics of 15-year-old, Cori "Coco" Gauff at this year's Wimbledon prompted me to take a look at some of the youngest players who have made their mark in international sport. Cori not only beat ive-times champion Venus Williams, 25 years her senior, in the irst round last week, but went on to defeat 2017 semi-inalist Magdalena Rybarikova. In a gruelling third-round match on Friday she continued her winning streak by defeating Polona Hercog from Slovenia, almost twice her age. This sensational newcomer is the youngest player to qualify for Wimbledon, with the emphasis on the word "qualify", as opposed to direct acceptance into the main draw. Qualifying entails a player having to win three rounds at the Wimbledon qualifying event at Roehampton, which is held the week before Wimbledon. Cori Grauff excelled in her qualifying matches to make the main draw at Wimbledon. She is, however, not the youngest to have played at Wimbledon. There are a number of younger players who were accepted directly into the main draw without having to play in the qualiier. Direct entry is based on results prior to Wimbledon. Among those who were younger than Cori Gauff, and well known for their later exploits on the tennis circuit, are

at the age of 15 years and 9 months and two Grand Slam singles at the age of 16. After ankle and hip injuries curtailed her career for some ive years, she returned and won numerous doubles titles. She retired with 25 Grand Slam titles (5 singles, 13 doubles and 7 mixed doubles). The Cricket World Cup has been in the limelight over the past few weeks and it was interesting to delve into cricketing history and discover some of the youngest cricketers to represent their country. Hasan Raja of Pakistan occupies top spot, making his debut at the age of 14 years and 237 days. Sachin Tendulkar is the 5th youngest, aged 16 years and 205 days when irst appearing for India.

PHOTO: GettyImages Jennifer Capriati and Martina Hingis, who were 14 years of age when they made their irst appearance at Wimbledon. The American player, Jennifer Capriati turned professional at the age of 13 years and 11 months, and reached the top 10 world ranking at the age of 14 years and 8 months. She won Olympic gold at the age of 16. After a break due to a number of personal struggles, she returned and won three career Grand Slam titles. Swiss national, Martina Hingis made her irst appearance at Wimbledon at 14 and was the youngest to win a Grand Slam and reach World No. 1. She won the Wimbledon Ladies’ doubles

(prop) at 21 years and 25 days. An interesting youngster at inside centre was Sidney de Melker, who played two tests for South Africa between 1903 and 1907 at the age of 19 years and 158 days. In later life he was in the headlines as the third husband of the notorious Daisy de Melker, who was hanged for the murder of her son, having already murdered her irst two husbands, all poisoned by her. A lucky escape for Sidney! Legendary winger, Jonah Lomu was the youngest player to don the All Black jersey in 1994, at the age of 19 years and 45 days. The winger’s performance at the World Cup in 1995 earned him many fans in South Africa.

Paul Adams is the youngest Protea at 18 years and 340 days, making his debut against England on Boxing Day, 1995. Nicknamed, "Gogga”, Adams had an unorthodox bowling action, described by the English as a "frog in a blender". Despite his young age, Paul Adams only ranks 95th on the list of youngest players.

The African Cup of Nations currently on our screens showcases the football arena and Bafana Bafana's participation at the event. The youngest to wear the South African jersey is Aaron Makoena, known as "The Axe", at 18 years and 9 months. He went on to captain the team and play a leading role in management.

Rugby will soon take centre stage as the World Cup in Japan draws closer. Kick-off for this prestigious event is on 20 September and the Springboks will lock horns with arch rivals, the All Blacks on Saturday, 21 September. The youngest player to represent South Africa was wing, Jack Hartley, at the age of 18 years and 18 days in a match against Great Britain in 1891. Other notables as the youngest in their positions are Frans Steyn (outside centre) at 19 years and 181 days, Chilliboy Ralepella (hooker) at 19 years and 290 days and Ollie le Roux

On the topic of youngest, one remembers the exploits of swimming legend, Karin Muir who, at the age of 12 years and 10 months, became the youngest person to break a sporting world record in any discipline when she swam in the 110 yards backstroke at the ASA Championships in Blackpool. During the next ive years she broke 15 World backstroke records. Age does not appear to present any barriers in gaining world-wide acclaim as the young guns continue to prosper on the international stage.

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The Village NEWS 10 July - 17 July 2019

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