Franschhoek Tatler - November 2020 by Franschhoek Tatler

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Bladsy 2 Tentoonstelling Vernuwe

Page 5 La Bri Syrah Shines

Page 14 Q&A: Paul van der Spuy

FRANSCHHOEK’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AND ADVERTISER SINCE 1994 • NOVEMBER 2020

Investment in Winelands Sport

Western Cape Cultural Affairs and Sport Minister Anroux Marais delivered the keynote speech at a cheque handover event in Franschhoek on 28 September

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The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) invested just over R1 000 000 into the promotion and development of sport in the Cape Winelands on Monday, 28 September 2020. The occasion was marked by a cheque handover ceremony held at the Perfumery in Franschhoek. With sport having already resumed (under protocols as per the regulations) around the country following the easing of lockdown restrictions, the money will be used to fund events, competitions and education. Dr Lyndon Bouah, Chief Director for Sport and Recreation at DCAS, spoke about how important sport is to society in terms of health and the economy. “If people do not participate in sport and recreation, they could become ill and could be a burden on the health system. So it’s important that we show that we have activity taking place,” Dr Bouah said during his speech. He also referred to the economic benefit of sport, mentioning that the Cape Town Cycle Tour brings R500 million into the Western Cape economy. This point was also raised by the executive mayor of the Cape Winelands District Municipality, Dr Elna von Schlicht. Cultural Affairs and Sport Minister Anroux Marais attended the event to hand over the cheques and deliver the keynote speech. “In a dismal national fiscal environment, adopting a whole-ofsociety approach inculcating collaborative effort

through sustainable partnerships is much needed to achieve our mutual goals to enable safe and connected communities,” Minister Marais said. “As the trusted partner of our sport and cultural stakeholders, those affecting dynamic change in behavioural trends at grassroots level are our most valued partners and we remain committed to empowering them and the various structures through innovative assistance and interventions as the need transpires. We are, therefore, happy to present R1 045 000 to the Cape Winelands District Sport Council to empower affiliated federations and clubs with funds needed to again administer, develop and host capacity-building workshops as we together safely move forward and forge our new normal in the sector.” The cheque handover – one of five in the province – was the culmination of a process during which DCAS considered various sports federations for funding. Enquiries: Bennett.Bailey@westerncape.gov.za (Sport Promotion) | 021 483 9631

Celebrating Excellence Celebrating the remarkable achievement of our National Agricultural Agents of the Year as announced recently at the National GoldClub Awards 2020.

Text & Image: Editorial Desk

La Motte Tasting Room Tuesdays to Saturdays, 09:00 – 17:00 Sundays, 11:00 – 17:00 Contact: 021 876 8820 | tasting@la-motte.co.za Pierneef à La Motte Restaurant Light meals and à la carte lunch: Thursdays to Sundays Contact: 021 876 8800 | pierneef@la-motte.co.za La Motte Museum Tuesdays to Sundays: 09:00 – 17:00 Art Experience on Tuesdays: 10:00 – 11:00 (reservations essential) Historic Walk on Wednesdays: 10:00 – 11:00 (reservations essential) Sculpture Walk on Thursdays, 10:00 – 11:00 (reservations essential)

La Motte invites you to experience its beautiful Franschhoek Valley setting, historical charm, stylish offering in the enjoyment of wine, cuisine and the arts, its environmental care and, above all, its people’s warm spirit of sharing. We look forward to welcoming you to La Motte!

La Motte Hiking Trail Tuesdays to Saturdays: 09:00 – 14:00 Contact: 021 876 8820 | tasting@la-motte.co.za

Visit our Farm Shop for a take-home reminder of La Motte. Visit www.la-motte.com for more information.

www.la-motte.com

2 | November 2020

Bridge House and Digemy Another Feather for Now ConnectEd Boschendal’s Cap Bridge House School and EdTech company, Digemy, have joined forces to create ConnectEd – the first Independent Examinations Board (IEB) curriculum online high school in Africa to utilise a dynamic adaptive learning platform. The school will launch initially for Grades 10 and 11, with other grades to follow next year and into 2022. “A key issue with the current education system is that all students are expected to work at the same pace,” says Kate Cowling, Head of College Academics at Bridge House. “Teachers, therefore, spend a lot of time repeating content until all the students have a solid understanding of the work. A second issue is that teachers are currently unable to make real-time data-driven assessments to identify which concepts individual students may struggle with as these insights are not automated and readily available.” As Kobus Louw, CEO of Digemy, explains, “The adaptive learning approach provided by Digemy and utilised by ConnectEd addresses both of these issues. The ConnectEd platform is powered by neuroscientific algorithms that identify each student’s knowledge gaps and adapt the repetition of questions and content accordingly, providing a tailored and effective personalised learning plan. The result: a decrease in time spent learning and an increase in retention.” World-class academic content based on the IEB curriculum created and developed by experienced Bridge House School staff will be provided to students via multimedia micro-module lessons. Personalised support will be provided through a bespoke facilitators’ programme and timetabled weekly live group meets for all subjects, both of which will provide a collaborative learning community.

ConnectEd will also empower students to take ownership of their personal, non-academic development with access to experienced professionals and inspiring mentors who will present masterclasses to expand students’ knowledge of the world beyond school. Students will have the opportunity to learn essential life skills and undertake curated supplementary courses in a number of subjects including personal financial management, memory mastery and entrepreneurship, amongst others. “Bridge House School holds true to the core values of its founders in providing a pioneering, dynamic and forward-thinking education for our students. “We are truly delighted to be launching ConnectEd, which will adhere to the intrinsic philosophy and offering of our campus school and which will enable us to significantly extend the reach of our successful brand of education. Ultimately, we hope to engender a transformational impact. With ConnectEd, students will be carefully supported on each step of their academic journey and will have every opportunity and resource to fulfil their individual potential and prepare themselves for success in our rapidly-changing world,” concludes the Head of School, David Clark. www.connectedschool.africa. Text & Image: Editorial Desk

Owlets Rescued from Construction Site

Boschendal Wine Estate has another feather to add to its already well-feathered cap. Influential international travel magazine Conde Nast Traveller has selected its accommodation offering for inclusion in its list of “The 9 best family hotels in the world 2020”.

The dramatically situated Rhodes Cottage is one of many accommodation options on Boschendal Wine Estate.

Boschendal is one of two African properties on the list – the other being Patrick’s Lodge in Senegal. The other properties on the list are situated in Panama, India, Seychelles, Maldives, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and the US. The estate impressed particularly with its commitment to organic practices, views and outdoor activities – ranging from swimming or trout fishing in one of the farm dams to hiking or riding one of the tracks through the pristine fynbos.

For the kids gardening, foraging and cooking over coals are some of the activities on offer, along with baking, upcycling and arts and crafts – all presented by sustainability graduates. We’re not surprised that they describe the estate as “a dreamy rural bolthole to settle down in after a whirlwind few days in Cape Town.” accommodation@boschendal.co.za | 021 870 4200 Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Boschendal

Tentoonstelling Vernuwe: Emosie en Simboliek Tref Die hooftentoonstelling van die Hugenote gedenkmuseum is onlangs bygewerk met die toevoeging van nog drie elemente tot die reeds indrukwekkende en innoverende uitstalling.

Last month (6 October), construction workers on the Train Camp site at the Franschhoek High School alerted management about three Western Barn Owl chicks, also nicknamed ‘ghost owls’, that they discovered in the roof of the hall that is currently under renovation to become the Train Camp gymnasium. The fluffy owlets, estimated to be around one month old, were on their own. According to Juanie Beukes from Safe Hands Animal Rescue Franschhoek whose team rescued the birds, it is believed the mother bird may either have been unable to get to her young or was possibly too afraid to approach the roosting spot because of the noise and ongoing building activity. It was decided the best option was to take them to Eagle Encounters in Stellenbosch where they’ll be nurtured until mature enough to be released into the wild. The golden-brown Western Barn Owl is a medium-sized owl with an endearing white heart-shaped face and is the most widely distributed species of owl in the world.

Die eerste element bevat vier antieke Franse lanterns en kersblakers waarvan een deur die Franse Ambassadeur Tristan Dalbis geskenk is. Twee van die lampe, die sogenaamde ‘lanterne clandestine’ en die ‘lumen’ hou direk verband met die godsdienstige gebruike van die Protestante in Frankryk tydens die 16-de en 17-de eeue. Bokant die lanterns en kersblakers verskyn Psalm 119: 105: “U woord is ‘n lamp vir my voete en ‘n lig op my pad.” Die tweede element is ‘n reproduksie van ‘n emosiebelaaide brief wat op 2 April 1719 deur Jacques Therond van Nismes in Frankryk aan sy seun in die Kaap geskryf op. Therond het pas, na 30 jaar, uitgevind dat sy seun, Jacques Jnr, lewend aan die Kaap van Goeie Hoop aangekom het, getroud is en kinders het. Die derde element handel oor die oorsprong van die Afrikaanse taal. Sentraal tot hierdie element is ‘n oorspronklike dokument uit ‘n negentiende eeuse Kaapse Moslemskool waarin vroeë Afrikaans in Arabiese skrif geskryf is. Lesers wat nog nie die nuwe uitstalling in die

Franse lanterns en kersblaker

hoofgebou van die Hugenote Gedenkmuseum besoek het nie kan gerus so maak. Dis van hoogstaande gehalte en voorwaar iets waarop die vallei trots kan wees. Teks & foto: Redaksie

November 2020 | 3

Good Food & Co in Good Hands The restauranteur sisters Emmarentia Klaasen and Joey Stiglingh, of Good Food & Co, have hung up their aprons and handed the keys to their successful restaurant and deli to Nico Vorster and Kelly Pilkington.

Wine & Film Series lassique presents C ap C a en or M of s ie av Nick D The Story of Champagne Emmarentia Klaasen and Joey Stiglingh

Nico Vorster and Kelly Pilkington

Good Food & Co recently celebrated its fifth birthday and looking back the sisters say that they’ve had a wonderful and successful adventure together, but now want to do other things. “We’ve had a great time getting to know the Franschhoekers and meeting both their day-to-day convenience and specialized dietary needs. Now it’s time to put ourselves first! We are immensely grateful for all of the support we’ve received from both locals and visitors and are sure that Nico and Kelly will continue to take the best care of them.” Emmarentia is finally retiring. “Only five years late,” she laughs “as my sister talked me into a ‘nice, easy little venture’. If only I knew the truth back then!” Joey is heading for the United States, as soon as Covid restrictions allow, to join her son and daughter in law. “I’m going to be the au pair for my grandchild while my children work on the yachts,” she explains. Nico and Kelly say they are not planning any dramatic changes – other than opening in the evenings from December – but do want to put their own touch on the offering. “We definitely want to

continue offering great food at great prices and over time we’ll add some new offerings to make sure we keep meeting the evolving needs of our clientele. Our main focus will still be locals, and the gluten-free, vegan and low carb customers that are a mainstay of the business. We will continue with heat & eat meals, platters and functions.” Nico, who trained as a chef at Northlink College, will be running the kitchen while Kelly will focus on the front of house. Nico’s last position before embarking on this venture was as head chef at La Paris Bistro. Prior to that he (amongst other places) worked in Tanzania (Beho Beho), the Caribbean (Castaway Cay private island), Lesotho, the USA (Disney Dream Cruises and Disney World Resort) and Anthonij Rupert Wines. Kelly is experienced in administration, accounting and restaurant management. She is also a formidable baker whose cakes will grace Good Food & Co.’s plates. They met while both working at La Paris Bistro.

Have you ever wondered how many bottles of Champagne Marilyn Monroe used to take a bath in, or where the name Veuve Cliquot came from? Join Nick in an intimate presentation and tasting of Morena MCC paired with a Three Streams Salmon Tasting. WHEN: 10th November at 6 pm WHERE: Franschhoek Theatre, 18 Akademie Street Stay for the 1961 movie sensation 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'. Audrey Hepburn was a lover of champagne, often opening a bottle before breakfast. Classic award winning movie, featuring the song 'Moon River'. Chantal Lascaris 'All Sorts' Cookbooks will be for sale and an exciting raffle awaits. R350 per person Due to social distancing only 25 tickets available To book email: shaneill@fhalc.co.za

www.goodfoodfranschhoek.com | 021 876 3556

La Motte Honoured for Conservation and Innovation

All proceeds support #Change4Twenty and the Franschhoek Hospitality Academy

La Motte was honoured in two categories in the 2020 Wine & Food Tourism Awards – for Innovation and as WWF Conservation Leader. “Innovation and personalisation have always been at the heart of the La Motte tourism experience, but 2020 demanded a new way of doing this. We had to find innovative ways in which to comply with new regulations, but still entertain those who can visit us at the estate and we had to be very creative in taking our experiences to those who can’t,” said La Motte CEO Hein Koegelenberg about the year’s challenges. “While we are excited about possible international arrivals, we really appreciate the support of local tourists and are very thankful for initiatives like the Wine & Food Tourism Awards as they recognise and support the efforts of the South African wine industry that is focused on keeping the tourism offering at its exceptional standard despite all our recent challenges,” he concluded. www.la-motte.com | 021 876 8000 Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Supplied

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La Motte CEO Hein Koegelenberg receives the Food & Wine Tourism Award from Margi Biggs.

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4 | November 2020

Franschhoek Wine Valley Focus Uncork the Outdoors Suffering from lockdown blues? Now that we’re on Level 1 and allowed larger gatherings, be sure to save the date for this year’s Franschhoek Uncorked Festival, which takes place over the weekend of 6 to 8 November. What better excuse to explore our beautiful valley, whilst uncovering a fine selection of wine gems from the Franschhoek Vignerons. Participating wineries in and around the valley will use the opportunity to showcase this season’s new release wines, which include MCC’s, white wines, rosés and even a few summer-inspired reds. Live music and great food add extra excitement to a fun day out. Be on the lookout for a few special events guaranteed to pique your interest. These include a unique Chardonnay and sushi pairing, and a tractor ride through the vineyards, to name but a few. This fun weekend festival promises something for everyone. This news is too good not to share and we encourage you to tell your friends about this unforgettable weekend in the Winelands. A mere 60 minutes from Cape Town they can come for the day or make a weekend of it, booking into one of the valley’s many accommodation establishments. COVID-19 safety regulations will be in place at all establishments as per Level 1 regulations. Pre-book your Uncorked Weekend Pass through www.webtickets.co.za, which costs R180 per person. Your Uncorked Weekend Pass (valid for all three days) allows you access to all of the participating wine farms as well as a complimentary tasting glass and free wine tastings. For more info and details on the special events taking place over the weekend, visit www.franschhoekuncorked.co.za. Although the past couple of months have been taxing on all of us we remain hopeful that there is light at the end of this very dark tunnel. The first signs of those rays have been the opening of a few new establishments in and around Franschhoek. Bespoke restaurants and our very own artisanal butcher are just some of the new ventures to launch during this time. We wish them all of the

GLENWOOD VINEYARDS Vigneron’s Selection Chardonnay 2018 Bold and powerful burst of citrus and tropical fruits with beautifully integrated oak and a creamy finish. Drink now or age 3 to 5 years from vintage. Cellar door price - R280 021 876 8002

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best and encourage you to pop in and visit them. Now that summer is in full swing the outdoors provides food for the soul, not forgetting the opportunity to appreciate the splendours of nature. We live in such a beautiful region with an abundance of outdoor activities, and this time of the year the weather is perfect for taking full advantage of this opportunity. The Berg River Dam is looking spectacular and the views offer the perfect backdrop while mountain biking, trail running or hiking. Let’s not forget the flora and fauna to be found in abundance in the beautiful Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve. Before making your way to these landmarks don’t forget to check that you have your relevant permits, which can be obtained from our tourism office. We value your feedback and invite you to pop into our offices, but please take note of our adjusted operating hours. We’re also more than happy to assist with more information on what’s happening in the region. Our website, www.franschhoek.org. za, is also a reliable hub for news.

021 876 4542

info@cafefranschhoek.co.za

ANSWER THIS EASY QUESTION! 6 bottles of the featured wine!

Who recently acquired DGB? Send your answer to tatlercompetition@gmail.com. Winner will be informed by email before 18 November 2020. Prizes to be collected from Franschhoek Info Office before end November 2020 or be forfeited.

PRINTED CANDLES gail.abrahams@gmail.com

Groot drakenstein Games club

November 2020 | 5

Cellar Chat Mark Tanner

I recently came across a list of international wines that had wowed the judges. Sadly none of them came from South Africa. On the other hand this was not a competition of any major stature. I looked at the list and amused myself by jotting down the first thought that entered my head on seeing an unusually named wines. A few examples: • San Valentina Garnacha (Glass of red on 14 February) • Bodega Cantena Zapata (Zorro on horseback) • Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon (Somewhere between California’s Screaming Eagle and New Zealand’s Squawking Magpie) • Domain de la Romanèe Conti La Tache Gran Cru (Heaven!). And so it goes, but first impressions count do they not? How often have you found favour with a wine you originally disliked? I suppose one

becomes accustomed if alternatives are few and far between. A friend of mine swore that not a drop of Sauvignon Blanc would pass her lips ever again. Today she admits gracious defeat and actually has some in her cellar (wine rack). On the other hand, one could easily get in a rut by sticking to a particular brand, a sort of ‘crutch’ or comfort wine. A few facts: South Africa is currently the eighth largest wine producer worldwide, producing some 4% of the world’s wine. The industry contributes R36 billion to our gross domestic product and employs nearly 290 000 people. However, wine farmers have been struggling as a result of weak harvests for the second year in a row and wine exports are down by 100 million litres in 2019 (Vinpro). This being due to ‘fluctuating weather conditions’. Happily the quality factor remains. Did you know that apart from obvious wine routes such as ours and Stellenbosch, there are a total of 20 routes to follow offering wine and sometimes paired with something else? We are all familiar with those circular stickers on bottles but did you know that there are some 21 different local competitions, challenges

Chamonix Chardonnay Tops at Michelangelo International Awards Chamonix Estate finds itself on top of the wine world after its Chamonix Chardonnay 2018 won the Grand Prix Trophy for Best Scoring Wine at this year’s Michelangelo International Wine and Spirits Awards. In addition it achieved the highest score of all the 109 Chardonnays entered into the awards. Stefan van Rooyen, CEO of Chamonix Estate, says winning this award is one of the highlights in the history of Chamonix. According to Neil Bruwer, Chamonix’s cellarmaster, both Michelangelo awards came as a huge surprise of which he and his team are unashamedly overjoyed. “No white variety shows soil, aspect and climate such as Chardonnay,” says Bruwer. “So, in the cellar, we watch over the wine with eagle eyes, but just to ensure that the natural processes run smoothly. The grapes are soft-

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crushed and the must fermented in French oak for between 15 to 25 days, depending on what the batches of grapes look like. The wine then spends 12 months in barrel, some 20% new, with regular lees stirring.” Bruwer says although the Chamonix team are busy celebrating these accolades with a few bottles of Chardonnay they will ensure there is enough of the awarded wine for the public! www.chamonix.co.za | 021 876 8400 Text: Editorial Desk | Images: Supplied

and awards? How about the Chenin Blanc Top Ten challenge or the Perold Absa Cape Blend competition, or even the exclusive Novare South African Terroir Wine Awards for single vineyard wines? I was recently asked about the different sizes of bottles for the discerning and collectors. Here is the Champagne / Burgundy capacity listing: Litres Bottles Name 1.5 2 Magnum 3.0 4 Jéreboam 4.5 6 Rehoboam 6.0 8 Methuselah 9.0 12 Salamanzar 12.0 16 Balthazar 15.0 20 Nebuchadnezzar A simple guide for that awkward ‘prezzie’. The wines of Alsace and Lorraine are actually rather pedestrian being simple, light and fresh, but paired with local cuisine (flammekueche – onion flambé tart) they certainly make the meal. Good food and wine are taken seriously here and excellent restaurants abound, as this promotional image confirms. Could this be a future Franschhoek?

La Bri Syrah Shines – Again La Bri Estate’s Syrah has done it again. For the fourth vintage in a row it has achieved a gold medal or better at the Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards. The results of the 2020 awards were announced on 2 October. The estate’s 2017 Syrah was awarded a double gold medal at the awards. The La Bri Syrah was one of only eleven wines awarded a double gold medal in the Shiraz category this year. Proof of the wine’s pedigree is clear from a look at the Michelangelo accolades of previous vintages. The La Bri Syrah 2014 achieved Platinum, while both the 2015 and 2016 were awarded Gold. The La Bri Syrah 2017 is deep purple and inky in colour. La Bri GM and winemaker Irene Waller describes it as “a voluptuous wine that entices with subtle violet tones in dark chocolate richness. The entry is soft with wellintegrated tannins leading to a velvet palate

brightened with hints of pepper and cloves.” She recommends pairing it with spicy lamb, venison or dark chocolate. The 24th Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards received a total of 1565 entries and were judged by a panel of 13 local wine and spirit experts. All wines were judged blind according to the 100-point international OIV system. www.labri.co.za | 021 876 2593 Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Supplied

2020/10/21 14:42

6 | November 2020

OILY RAG RETURNS Visitors to FMM on Sunday 22 November will be in for a bonus display of old vehicles when the

NOVEMBER NEWS

museum will host the Crankhandle Club’s 2020 Oily Rag Run for unrestored cars and motorcycles

BEHIND THE WHEEL A motoring veteran celebrated a birthday last

was reﬁned, build time dropped from 20 minutes to

month, so time to join in the festivities and take

ﬁve. The strategy was then implemented in all other

some T...

aspects of production. As a result, the time to build

built before 1966. The entrants – crews will be encouraged to wear period clothing – will gather early in the morning for refreshments before

quadrant for judging to take place, which will be

setting oﬀ on a scenic 100 kilometre route in

followed by a prizegiving. This popular annual

the surrounding area before returning to the

event always attracts a number of supporters

museum around midday for a picnic lunch on

and followers who often arrive in or on classic

the lawns. The cars will be parked around the

machinery.

The Ford Model T went on sale for the very ﬁrst

a Model T dropped from 728 to 93 minutes and

time on 1 October 1908. Even those with limited

as testament to the eﬃciency and economies of

car knowledge will have, no doubt, heard of the

the procedure, the price of the touring car version

planetary gearbox. Neutral is in the middle of the

famous Model T that pioneered many recognisable

dropped from $825 in 1908 to $259 in 1925. At one

pedal’s length of travel.

aspects of the modern car. More than a century

time the Model T comprised as much as 40% of all

Once in top and with engine running smoothly,

later, manufacturing methods and engineering

cars sold in the United States. As the car established

the Model T is an absolute joy. Mindful of its age

solutions in the current automotive landscape still

itself it soon came to be nicknamed Tin Lizzie, some

and lack of sophistication, it is in no way a ‘bone

owe credit to Henry Ford’s brainchild.

say because Lizzie was popular slang for a good and

shaker’ – on admittedly generally smooth surfaces

faithful servant.

around L’Ormarins I was nevertheless amazed

The Model T was a masterstroke and the world’s ﬁrst assembly-line manufactured motor car. It

The Franschhoek Motor Museum in South

at just how comfortable the ride is. At a cruising

was light (around 550 kg for the ﬁve-seat tourer),

Africa has a number of Model Ts in various

speed of around 40 km/h it feels much faster, the

small, and practical, simple to maintain and, above

conﬁgurations in its collection. This car is a 1925

2 896 cm3 motor pushing out a mere 15 kW but

On 18 December 1999, the Global Automotive

all, aﬀordable – it was Henry’s ‘universal car’. The

Tourer, one of the fourth generation Model Ts,

with lots of torque.

Elections Foundation named the Ford Model T as

rudimentary chassis ﬂexed, as did the body, but it

and being right-hand drive meant it was built in

Riding on 30x3,5 inch tyres, the T has a small

all held together. The ability to traverse poor, often

Ford’s Walkerville, Ontario plant in Canada. It has

turning circle it is an easy car to manoeuvre.

unmade roads with a degree of comfort was the

a proper steering wheel with hand throttle and

Braking relies on pushing the right-hand pedal,

priority.

advance/retard levers on the column, three pedals

which activates the saucer-sized rear drums, but

the Car of the Century (COTC), a worthy accolade for a truly remarkable motor car. FMM”s 1925 Ford Model T Tourer is currently on view in Hall A.

The engine was unusual for the period inasmuch

and a stout, ﬂoor-mounted handbrake. Ignition on,

pulling on the handbrake as well allowed for more

that the four cylinders, their water jackets and the

depress the starter button on the ﬂoor, then push

eﬀective stopping ability. Oh, the middle pedal?

top half of the crankcase were cast as one unit. The

down (very) hard on the left-hand pedal to select

That is for engaging reverse…

fuel and lubrication systems were primitive but

ﬁrst, release the handbrake into neutral, ease oﬀ

Today, the whole driving experience needs

quite adequate except when climbing a very steep

the left pedal and away we go. Fiddle with the

thought because of the unusual controls, but

slope, because they depended on gravity feed.

hand throttle and ignition advance/retard until up

around a century ago for many of the 16,5-million

AND MUSEUM OPERATING

Ford’s moving assembly line was the beginning of

and running before releasing the left pedal all the

people around the world who bought a Model T, it

mass production in the auto industry. As the process

way to the top to engage second (top) gear in the

must have ranked as an experience of a lifetime.

HOURS & INFORMATION

Tatler Motoring MICHELE LUPINI

BMW’s 3.2-second 0-100 X6 M – more than meets the eye Monster street cred doesn’t mean this big Beemer SUV can’t wander off the beaten track I looked forward to test driving BMW’s monster X6 M Competition for a number of reasons. Mostly because it packs the same heart as the M5 Competition that smashed my test run records with a 2.9 second 0-100 blast a few months back. So I grabbed my test kit and camera, snatched the keys straight from the lad who delivered the Vader-like black machine and headed straight out on a voyage of adventure. Appropriately enough, I was dressed to match the slippery ute with its slithers of rubber wrapping those superb 21 and 22-inch alloys. My old holed Supergas and faded skinny jeans kinda fitted the bill. Hold that thought. The first order of business was to determine how fast this thing really is. The new Competition packs BMW M’s 465kW and 750Nm of torque with its TwinPower 4.4-liter biturbo V8. It benefits from a 30kW power hike over the old one. All those horses stampede through the default eight-speed M Steptronic tranny with Drivelogic to M’s xDrive allwheel-drive. While the AWD system is rear-biased, you can’t

expunge the front axle. So, hooliganism and smoking the rear axle is not an option. It does however pack 4WD and Sport modes and an Active M Differential to optimise traction and dynamics and see it to 100km/h in — wait for it — a claimed 3.7 seconds! Knowing that BMW is notorious for its conservative claims, I quickly wired my X6 M Competition up, spent a few runs to acclimatise myself with the finer nuances of its launch procedure and lined up in my starting box. The first two runs were in the low 3.6s. Already superlative, but I felt they were not perfect. First off, you need to know where to go to even make M’s launch control work. It’s quite a rigmarole. With it all figured out, my next run was in the low three-point-threes. Then I managed two perfect launches, both of which broke into the 3.4 second bracket to 100 km/h! In short, this two-thousand kilo ‘sports activity vehicle’ gets off the line like a rocket to crush 60 km/h in 1.7 seconds. 100 km/h happens in 3.37 seconds and it stops the clock at 7.95 seconds at 160 km/h. To get to 200 km/h takes just 12.33 seconds, a fraction of a second after flattening the quarter mile in 11.6 seconds at 194 km/h. X6 M did not break our SUV 0-100 km/h record, but it certainly did not disappoint. Comfortable and precise over all the various paved surfaces we attacked, straight line acceleration is something I’d describe in a manner not appropriate to this forum. There’s minimal body roll, the brakes are fantastic. Not too sharp

however, so there’s always a feeling of full control. The driver also enjoys a sense of full control and not a hint of panic — even if it has 465kW and 750Nm on tap! That’s partly because of the new X6’s far stiffer new shell, bespoke kinematic and elastokinematic properties. Add M-specific adaptive suspension with electronically controlled dampers, active roll stabilisation, M Servotronic steering and Dynamic Stability Control form in the M Dynamic Mode. Sounds like alphabet soup, I know. But it all works! Which means that X6 M Competition goes exactly where you point it; on or off the power. It holds the road effortlessly and devours the space ahead in dramatic fashion. 21” front and 22” rear wheel and tyre gives the big, bad Beemer the best of both worlds — directional control into corners and a cool, planted feeling coming out. Just amazing for such a big car. never mind a shockingly comfy ride. Having devoured a considerable amount of fuel at full chat (don’t worry — it’s actually quite good in normal driving at 12.5 l/100km), I was still eager to drive this car hard and took in a few local passes. Then we slowed it down completely. I had long before decided to take the beast off-road — it’s a damn well 4×4 after all, is it not? So we need to test it off-road, no…? To be honest, X6 M Competition handled the old loggers paths and farm tracks on our route very well. It’s important to know how deep or severe a

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ditch you can tackle. The front valence and spoiler are really low, which is the only real limitation if you’re gentle enough. Sure, the low-profile rubber is also a limiting factor and I would not get clever over too sharp a break-over angle. Against expectation, the X6 M Competition proved a gentle giant in the rough. It’s soft enough not to break traction even with all that grunt and throttle modulation is good. I had to reverse out of one muddy situation after underestimating the severity of the hole, but it pulled out easily. On my way back onto the tarmac, I stopped to snap one last picture of the car. I hopped out, camera in hand. And went down like a lead balloon, the camera skitting across the slime. Remember those old Italian sneakers I referred to above? Well they did not like that mud one bit. I had to walk very carefully from there to get the picture – it was quite treacherous! The point of reporting my tumble is simple. X6 M Competition was just as out of its depth on those muddy tracks as I was in my sneakers. In 4×4 terms, those tyres have no real traction at all in the mud, just like my Supergas. But the BMW mastered the conditions and I went ass over kettle. Moral of the story — this BMW passed the off-road test as well as it aced it on the road. And that’s something I’d never have expected! Catch all Michele’s mad motoring adventures on his brand-new website https://theauto.page

November 2020 | 7

IN FRANSCHHOEK @ 48 VILLAGE ARTISAN

021 876 4234 Bronwen 074 325 5555 · Maans 076 842 6052

chphysiotherapy@gmail.com

From Paw Paws and Baobab to Litchi and Titch A new shop – almost entirely devoted to soft, smooth skin – has recently opened opposite the Franschhoek Town Hall. The Tatler stopped by to find out more. Litchi and Titch is the brainchild of Lecia Durham with business partner Debbie Schriekker – respectively the Litchi and Titch in the business’ name. Lecia and Debbie both have sales and marketing backgrounds and share a passion for all things natural and environmentally conscious, especially cosmetics. Starting a business to profit from their passion seemed a logical step, so they took it in 2017. Their first product, a paw paw balm, proved an instant success and they soon started adding other products to the range. The Litchi and Titch range includes not only body skincare products, but also home fragrances and

021 876 4234

en Talbot 074 325 5555 · Maans Lintvelt 076 842 6052

essential oil blends. Paw paw and baobab form the basis of several products – especially in the body and skincare range. The papain enzyme in paw paw helps reduce pain, calm inflammation, minimize swelling and generally assists with alleviating skin infections. Baobab has high concentrations of omega 3, 6 and 9 acids and vitamins A, C, D, E and F which make it highly nourishing and hydrating. Combining paw paw and baobab thus results in products that are excellent for fine lines, wrinkles and elasticity. If you haven’t gathered as much already, Litchi and Titch products are all natural – in every sense of the word. African plant and flower oils and botanical extracts form the basis of the range, with the aforementioned focus on paw paw and baobab as hero ingredients. What you won’t find in a Litchi and Titch product are: toxins, parabens, chemical enhancers and stabilisers. In addition to using locally-sourced ingredients, the range is locally manufactured and is not tested on animals. It is as Lecia says: “We’re treading lightly on the environment and doing our little bit for the earth.”

The Litchi and Titch skincare range includes oils, serums, balms, washes and lotions and, in another departure from the norm, focusses on skin concerns rather than skin types. Asked about customers’ favourite product Lecia confirms that it is still their original Paw Paw and Baobab Beauty Balm. “It’s a genuine go-to salve for all dry skin patches, including lips, cuticles, eczema and light abrasions,” she avers. It’s clear that the same love and care that goes into the products also went into the shop. The interior is dramatic, yet elegant and simple, allowing the products to take centre stage. Local artist Sarah Boulton’s botanical designs are not only to be found on the walls they also grace some of the packaging. Lecia and Debbie say their first month trading from a physical store (their webshop opened 2018) has been challenging but also very rewarding. “It’s a tough retail climate but we are up for the challenge,” they say. www.litchiandtitch.co.za | 072 318 0322

Lecia Durham and Debbie Schriekker, aka Litchi and Titch

BALLET OPERA DOCCIES TALKS

Entry R120 per person All screenings at 18h30

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COMPLIANT

Friday screenings half price No cash accepted Franschhoek Theatre supports Franschhoek High School

Resistance 11 & 19 November

The High Note 12 & 27 November

Saturday Night Fever 21 November

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8 | November 2020

Dendy Doodles

by Neil Dendy

When You’re Good, You’re Good

Young

Carin van Rensburg is a Franschhoeker, a good one; she is also a tennis player, a very good one. She occupies a top spot in the TSA (Tennis South Africa) senior rankings. Recently she became the South African Number 1 ladies player in the 60 to 65 age group and will lead her seniors team when they compete in the USA. Earlier this year when Carin was selected to represent the SA team to compete at the ITF Seniors World Team Championships at Boca Raton in Florida USA, she was already ranked second. The championships were fortunately not cancelled because of the Covid pandemic but postponed to 2021 and the team would still participate. This presented an opportunity for the rankings to change and change they did! At the end of September the Growthpoint Seniors Winelands Super 6 tournament was held and Carin won all her matches, including the one against the No.1 ranked lady, resulting in her taking over the top ranking. Carin has been playing her favourite sport since the age of 8 while growing up on La Provence where she still lives. Her dad, a keen sportsman, switched to tennis when he stopped playing rugby and was joined on court by his wife. The coach suggested the parents bring the kids to tennis too and so a life-long involvement started for the five siblings. They all played at provincial level in school and all five were awarded tennis scholarships to study and play in the USA. Carin went to Louisiana where she studied Public Relations and Journalism and played tennis for the university. She had interrupted her studies at Pretoria University

also great pleasure to be derived from travelling the

and returned after two years in the USA to complete

country and the world to play tennis. She says, “One

her BA degree there.

of my practice partners is my mother who still plays

The family’s tennis tradition continues in Carin and

an excellent game on a regular basis, so I don’t see

husband Johann’s three children who have also been

any reason for stopping.” Additional training comes

awarded USA tennis scholarships through the NCAA

from a weekly practice with Shaun from Bounz Tennis

(National Collegiate Athletic Association).

Academy.

Referring to lockdown, Carin said she learnt that doing

Being number one inspires Carin to work harder on

farm work and gardening is good cross-fit training for

and off the court and to stay fit and healthy so that she

tennis. Breathing fresh air and carrying heavy loads like

can measure herself against international competition

bricks and garden furniture strengthens ones ability to

next year. That is an exciting prospect and a challenge

hit balls harder and improves staying power.

which she welcomes. Her motto? Attitude determines

We asked Carin what it is that makes her so

altitude. She is living proof that it works.

competitive and she said that apart from loving tennis it was the reward of consistent hard work. There was

FRANSCHHOEK’S SPECIALIST PAINT SHOP

Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Supplied

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November 2020 | 9

Bridge House SLC 2021 The Bridge House Student Leadership Council for 2021 was recently announced. As has become the norm in these Covid times the announcement was made a blended online/in person meeting, while the rest of the school watching from their classrooms on Google Meet.

The SLC members for 2021 are: (Back Row FLTR) Justin Calderwood (Head Boy), Chrissie Blaisse (Head Girl), Unomuinjo Katjiuongua, Joshua Richardson, Divan Swanepoel, Bradley Concar, Alessandro Hartman, and Laela Masson. (Front Row FLTR) Tamtawan Lekcharoensuk, Summer Thomas, Rosie George, Chrisentia Hoffman, Renée Louwerse, Amy Xakaza and Malaikah Majid.

Franschhoek High Matrics Say Farewell! On 16 October 2020, the matriculants of Franschhoek High School spent their last day at what will now be known as their Alma Mater.

Editor’s Letter Siegfried Schäfer

Contrary to my expectation watching some of the garden videos, especially conversations with owners, was in some ways more revealing than just visiting would have been. And I now do want to visit them! I also recently read a bit about the Bridge House Garden Farm project and saw a drawing of what

Dear Readers

is proposed. Information was short, but it sounds

These days there is a day for everything from the

worthwhile and intriguing.

worthy to the banal. For example, 1 October was

Another garden that generated a bit of interest

International Day of the Older Persons, International

recently was that in front of the Franschhoek Town

Coffee Day and World Vegetarian Day – amongst

Hall where artificial lawn was installed last month. I

others. 15 October was International Handwashing

encountered quite a bit of conversation about this,

Day – quite appropriate in these times, although every

the majority opinion seeming to be that artificial lawn

day should probably be Handwashing Day. Mole Day

is better than gravel, paving or patchy and dead, but

was celebrated on 23 October. Contrary to my first

real, lawn in such a high-visibility area. I concur.

thought – ‘Do moles care that they have a day?’ – it’s

Good news for village gardeners is that water

not a day to celebrate near-blind burrowing animals.

restrictions have now officially been lifted and with

Instead, this day commemorates Avogadro’s number

that the punitive tariffs that were imposed. While it

which is a basic measuring unit in chemistry and is

may now be okay to admit to having removed the

celebrated to generate interest in chemistry.

bucket from the shower it certainly isn’t okay to start

On the sillier side of things 1 October was also Balloons

being wasteful with water. I do hope that some of

Around the World Day, 6 October was Mad Hatter Day

the good habits developed during the worst of the

and 17 October was Wear Something Gaudy Day.

drought will stick with us.

Getting back to more serious celebratory days,

To conclude with I’ll share two of my favourite

on 10 October South Africa celebrated National

garden quotes. The first is from Marcus Tullius Cicero

Garden Day. I can’t remember whether I did much

who said: “If you have a garden and a library, you

in my garden on the 10th, but my garden is looking

have everything you need.” Libraries and gardens are

better now than it did the same time last year, so

certainly two of my happy places! The second quote

I’m satisfied. If nothing much else, the existence of

is particularly apt in these gloomy times. Actress

National Garden Day did get me thinking about and

Audrey Hepburn said, “To plant a garden is to believe

noticing some garden-related events.

in tomorrow.” Right now I think belief in tomorrow

Unfortunately, Franschhoek did not have an Open Gardens Festival this year. A village that did was McGregor, which staged a virtual Open Gardens.

is about all that is keeping many of us going and we can all do with some of that! Until next month!

DEADLINES - DECEMBER 2020 ISSUE Bookings - 14 November 2020 Artwork - 16 November 2020 | Editorial - 16 November 2020

Their register teachers, Miss Crous and Mrs. Morgan, decided to surprise

Franschhoek Leeskring

them with a semi-gala valedictory and invited them to the Franschhoek

SUSAN MÖLLER

Theatre that morning. After

being

welcomed

the

theatre by their teachers they were served drinks and gourmet snacks. The unexpected treat amazed the matrics and emotions were soon running high. Once seated, there

Ready for the world. But ﬁrst there are the exams! for them outside and dedicated a dance to them and

who plays the role of Daniel Lefras in Arendsvlei, were

created a guard of honour. From there the matrics

excellent speakers.

proceeded on a red carpet towards the school building.

The acting principal Mrs. Myburgh and the chairman

They walked past their proud parents who were waiting

of the governing body, Mr. Denver Adonis, addressed

at the gate to hand them each a rose and to do a

the learners before McEwan and James motivated

short prayer, after which the rest of the school created

them with stories of both loss and gain. They were

another guard of honour to end the proceedings.

encouraged to always keep going and to remember that they had enough to be enough.

Generous assistance and sponsorship from Raymond from Vikings Caterer, Good Food & Co, Rupert

A slideshow, by Miss Swart, caused a rather comedic

Wines, Old Road Wines, Franschhoek Theatre and

and emotional trip down memory lane before the

Franschhoek Flowers made the event a memorable

one. Although it was the matrics’ last day at the school,

left the theatre, there was another surprise in store

they will always be Fransies. We wish them the best

when they were given golf shirts individualized with

of luck with their final exams and look forward to the

their names. Sponsored by Montis Bluestar (Sanlam),

results in February.

the gifts were very well received. A group of learners led by teacher Julene, waited

Text & Images: Charnelle Morgan

hierdie eerlikheid lê die krag van Snyman se skryfwerk.

mens grootgeword het, kan maklik in ‘n nostalgiese verlange na ‘n vervloë era of ‘n woedende tirade daarteen

Probus Club

Koffie/tee is beskikbaar vanaf 14h30 in die NG Kerksaal. Verrigtinge begin om 15h00. Skakel Susan by 072 932 5393 vir bevestiging (om binne die Covid vereistes vir byeenkomste te hou). This is achieved through these features of membership: and maintain an interest in the topical issues of the day. • Nurturing positive attitudes to ageing through

MARK TANNER

group recreation and the sharing of information on

Our next meeting will be on 2 November at the usual place and time. Franschhoek Vineyards have taken care to arrange the necessary requirements in accordance with Covid 19 regulations.

Besoekers is baie welkom (koste R30) om saam na hierdie bekroonde skrywer te kom luister.

• Opportunities to extend compatible social contacts

Our speaker will be Nick

French who is very experienced and is our Association Exco member. He will talk on a subject of his choice. What is Probus all about? In South Africa, there is a growing number of Probus Clubs, which offer retirees the facility to manage successfully the transition from a high-pressure executive, professional and other vocational activity to a calmer way of life.

Hospice News

issues of concern to Senior Citizens. • Support in grief and illness. • Speakers at monthly luncheons who provide a fresh mental challenge and stimulation. • We are a-political and non-sectarian • We are mindful of the fact that costs are an important consideration. Membership fees, therefore, are kept to a minimum; while monthly luncheon costs vary. • Probus is not a Service/Fund Raising organization. For more information please contact Mark Tanner on 082 773 9217.

Water Restrictions Lifted

COLLEEN DOUGLAS

Stellenbosch Mayor, Adv Gesie Van Deventer, announced on 21 October that water restrictions will be lifted on 1 November. This follows a similar move by the City of Cape Town a few days earlier.

The Reuben Riffel Golf Day in aid of Franschhoek Hospice was our first fundraiser after lockdown and was

From 1 November 2020 Stellenbosch Municipality

finally played on 15 October at Val de Vie Pearl Valley Golf Estate after been postponed due to heavy rains and gale force winds. The best decision ever made! A much smaller team of players took to the course than in previous years but the day went on. The golfers played in glorious sun-filled windless conditions. Franschhoek Hospice would like to thank the following individuals and businesses who donated towards the prizes, raffle, beverages and catering of the Franschhoek Hospice Golf Day. Three Streams, Good Food & Co, Chill Beverages, Peninsula Beverages, Courtleighs,

en belewing word ontblotend eerlik onderneem. Juis in

lesers goed raaksien wat hulle nie kan (of wil) sien nie.

moet word. So ‘n ondersoek na die ou sekerhede waarmee

se Geheim 3, and award-winning Cantona James

Solutions,

nuwe verstaan en belewing”. Die soeke na ‘n nuwe verstaan

Snyman is bekend vir sy fyn waarneming en hy laat

van die ou sekerhede waarmee ek grootgeword het” beskou

speakers. Jurgen McEwan, who was

Perfect

behou ook deernis. Die klem val deurgaans eerder op “n

lewensreise soos verwoord in sy boek Soekmekaar.

hele Soekmekaar as ‘n reis na ‘n nuwe verstaan en belewing

introduced to two celebrity guest

and will be seen as Jacob on Sara

verval. Maar Snyman wys nostalgie eksplisiet af, maar

Willie Burger sê in sy resensie van Soekmekaar,”dat die

was an added surprise as they were

seen in Arendsvlei as Clem Pekeur

Die Franschhoek Leeskring se jaar sluit af op 5 November waartydens Dana Snyman gesels oor sy

Wilderers,

Mont

Rochelle, Holden Manz, Haut Espoir, Chamonix, Four Paws, Franschhoek Pass, Eikehof, Spier, Chalmar Beef, Marlene, Vernon Barnard, Renee & West, Debbie, Lyn, Colleen, Helen, Marlene, La Vie de Luc, Pizza Kiosk, Holy Macaroni, Group 1, Steph, Seriti, AMH Aircon & Refrigeration, King Price, Big Dog, Haute Cabriere,

Rupert & Rothschild, Maryke, Reuben, TJ Transport, Swellendam week-end A Hilltop Country Retreat, River Canoe Experience, Powel house, Tredici, Mix Telematics Africa, Rina, Dale, JetSet-Go, Peter Music Man, Eugene and Marcel. Thank you also to the amazing volunteers and hospice staff who worked the entire day with a cheery smile, fetching, carrying, and setting up the holes and other tasks which they had not volunteered for but stepped in to assist. Marlene, Marelize, Pearl, Lyn, Helen, Ann, Liz, Hilary, Emma, Renee, West, John, Bertie, Zavier, Tiana, Simone, Gavin and Trish our photographer. We are truly blessed to have a team of wonderful supporters who continue to have Franschhoek Hospice at heart. Thank you everyone you made our golf day a day to be remembered.

and distribution networks across the province.

will therefore move from level 2 water restrictions to no

“Stellenbosch Municipality is bound by decisions

water restrictions, meaning that normal water tariffs will

taken by the National Department of Water and

once again apply. “It will be the first time in 5 years that

Sanitation, who operate the WCWSS network, as well

we are in a position to lift water restrictions, following

as the City of Cape Town. This is because we tap into

two years of excellent winter rains,” the mayor said.

the same water resources as the City and receive

The normal water tariff was approved by council

approximately a third of our water from the City.

earlier this year as part of the annual budget. The

“Research has shown that South Africans use up to 70%

lifting of water restrictions and the move to the normal

more water per capita than the international average,” she

water tariff scale has the potential to offer financial

continued. “We are a water-scarce country and our high

relief to residents and businesses struggling with the

water usage could result in another future crisis. I urge all

economic effects of the Covid-pandemic.

residents to please continue to use water wisely, save water

Mayor Van Deventer also said that many residents

wherever possible and help us to avoid another crisis. I also

and businesses have inquired about the state of water

want to thank all our residents who have gone above and

restrictions and tariffs, “given the fact that our Province has

beyond in their efforts to save water and who helped us

experienced good rainfall that has filled up most of the

successfully manage this difficult time. I am proud of all

dams in the Western Cape Water Supply System (WCWSS).

the efforts being made to make us a water-wise region!”

The WCWSS is a complex water supply system comprising an inter-linked system of six main dams, pipelines, tunnels

Text: Editorial Desk

10 | November 2020

Gardening in November

mm/year

Rainfall Figures

NATIE FERREIRA

2010 740mm

Measured at La Cotte/Nerina Street

If the year was a week, we are heading for Saturday afternoon! And what a year it was. 2020 is for many a year to forget, for others a year to remember. For the gardener, the extended lockdown at least provided ample opportunity to get their hands dirty. Partner that with the good winter rains we had, and you should have the recipe for a stunning Summer garden. For the essential service providers that were not so lucky to get the winter off there is still a little bit of time left to get the garden ready for Christmas. I recommend focusing on your immediate living areas and creating a few focus points in the garden. Adding some colour to your entrance or driveway puts a smile on your own face as well as helping to pretty up the neighbourhood. The first urge is to head out to a nursery and filling the boot with 100’s of seedlings and flowering shrubs. If you have the budget for that go for it, but this year might be a tight one for many. I recommend taking time out to really plan your efforts for maximum effect. Bring colour and accent into your outdoor spaces with paint, pieces of décor and outdoor furniture. Often just the clever placement and display of your existing pots can make a major difference. When you do go out to the nursery make sure you have a list of plants as well as a photo or two of the targeted areas. I recommend linking your decorating efforts by colour. Picking up a theme at the gate, following through in the driveway, repeated at the front door, and then thrown at you in the main garden can have a dramatic effect, balancing the entire garden. Do not neglect the rest of the garden though. A quick list of essential chores for the month include planting the last of the summer bulbs, deadheading roses regularly, picking fruit, staking trees, pruning spring flowering shrubs and feeding the entire garden with a foliar spray – anything that smells of fish is normally good. Roses and summer flowering shrubs should be fed with a balanced fertiliser and citrus trees still need some supplemental nitrogen. Keep an eye out for pests and treat susceptible plants preventatively against diseases. Your irrigation system, hose pipes and watering cans should be working and on hand by now.

2015 661mm

2011 2012 830mm 1079mm

mm/month

2019

The chaos and trauma of the year taught us the value of self-sufficiency. Fruit trees, berries, perennial vegetables like artichokes, asparagus and rhubarb are all investments in future food security. Once established they do not need a lot of water either. But we also cannot live without our annual veggies – and now is the time of the summer abundance. Tomatoes, courgettes, eggplant, squash, pumpkin, cucumber, peppers – all of these will be filling our harvest baskets soon. If your planning failed you this year there is still time to head for the nearest nursery to see what they have available. You will surely find some well-established seedlings as well as larger plants in pots. For the more patient gardeners almost all the summer vegetables can still be sown for an autumn harvest. Continue with your succession sowings of green beans, corn, root crops and leaf lettuce. Find new ways to serve up the abundance of the garden. Summer is salad season – learn more about edible flowers and try new herbs and lettuces. Quiches and stir-fries provide an opportunity to combine new flavours and textures. Preserves from the orchard or vegetable garden can spruce up a snack platter, ensuring bragging rights for the evening. Try making your own green fig preserve, vegetable pickles, fruit and mint jellies, achar and chutney. A good recipe book or good old Google can help a lot here. Happy gardening.

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January February March April May June July August September October November December

2017 501mm

2016 754mm

2013 1471mm

2014 1033mm

2018 867mm

2019 828mm

Dam Levels

2020

MONTH

ACCUMULATIVE

MONTH

ACCUMULATIVE

22 17 51 32 67 121 267 48 39 126 9 29

22 39 90 122 189 310 577 625 664 790 799 828

23 1 3 45 84 164 198 177

23 24 27 72 156 320 518 695

As at 14th September 2020 Steenbras Upper

99.3%

Steenbras Lower

99.9%

Wemmershoek

95.4%

Voelvlei

94.4%

Theewaterskloof

95.6%

Berg River Dam

100.5%

Total Storage

96.4%

Total Storage this date last year 81.8%

7ඁൾ ඍඁ $ඇංආൺඅ :ൾඅൿൺඋൾ 4ඎංඓ

3RD DECEMBER 2020 6:30PM FOR 7PM Covid Compliant. Please wear masks. Make a table of ten or we will place you with new friends. R400 per head to include supper (vegetarian option) Cash bar for wine & beer All tickets to be pre-booked and paid in full Contact Annette to book place and arrange payment info@thegardenhouse.co.za | 021 876 3155 Whatsapp 083 340 3439 or 083 441 8280 (Barry)

November 2020 | 11

Standard Bank Franschhoek More than 100 years of service Standard Bank’s history in Franschhoek is a storied one. The bank first opened here on November 13, 1918 and established a permanent branch in 1919, purchasing the building at 36 Huguenot Road where they have operated from for the last 102 years in May of that year. Their commitment to the Franschhoek community has remained as constant as their address ever since. The Bank has served people from all walks of life and recently recently reaffirmed their commitment to the people of the valley by investing in infrastructure and additional employees. The bank prides themselves on the relationships they have built in Franschhoek and their customercentric approach will continue to define how they work moving forward. For them, their customers and their needs come first. The experienced and talented team is made up of a Branch Manager and a capable team and a Prestigeand Private banker who provide end-to-end personal banking offering for all the people of Franschhoek. At Standard Bank Franschhoek, they offer in branch universal banking for customers with basic general banking needs, prestige banking for customers with slightly more sophisticated banking needs, and private banking for high nett worth individuals. Prestige and private banking customers will soon be able to meet their

bankers at their dedicated offices in Val de Vie estate. For them to continue serving their customers in this rapidly changing modern world, they also needed to adapt and invest in new technology and spruce up their building. While it remains a heritage site and they have not touched the façade, inside everything, from the paint on the walls to the furniture, and even some capabilities, is brand new and Standard Bank Franschhoek now rivals any of the branches in their national network. The bank is open plan and provides more space for customers to interact with their banking team. They have also installed free Wi-Fi and a device to help customers setting up their internet or mobile banking. Many customers make use of this service if they need to do any online banking during the day. Standard Bank staff is also fully enabled to help customers with online and mobile banking. The Branch can also cater, by appointment, for Business Banking needs via a capable specialised team of bankers that assists with bespoke solutions in all industries. No matter how small or large your business the Business team is ready to listen and assist in your specific needs. They have also installed a 2020 generation ATM equipped with all the latest functionality for withdrawals and deposits. The new ATM is also perfect in allowing for sizeable Business deposits at your convenience which is specifically aimed at the large

number of thriving businesses in town. In true Franschhoek tradition the branch represents the age-old beauty of our town combined with world-class service and hospitality thanks to their experienced staff and modern new branch. One-hundred and two years is a long-term commitment, and it is one Standard Bank clearly intends to stick for another 100 years. Standard Bank began its partnership with the people

Joey Adams, Private Banker

Daryll Orsen, Universal Banker

Shireen Douman, Transactional

PROMOTIONAL ARTICLE

of Franschhoek more than a century ago. Today, they are ready to welcome their customers and the rest of Franschhoek to a new state-of-the-art facility and they are ready to serve you in the same excellent way they have for the last 102 years – living up to the brand promise that with Standard Bank, It Can Be. They remain committed to helping uplift Franschhoek and its people so that they can grow and prosper well into the future.

Tanya Conradie, Universal Banker

Join Hands To Save Animals

STOP BREEDING!! We all know the tremendous suffering and financial setbacks Covid 19 has caused people from all walks of life. It seems though, that breeders of dogs and cats, are unfortunately, blissfully unaware of this state of affairs. The result: Thousands of heart breaking cases of gross animal abuse and neglect. It does not take much to realise that these animals are the victims of greedy and self-centred breeders. So-called 'power breeds' are especially falling victim because of backyard breeders preying on the emotional needs of those who use their power breeds as symbols of bravery, strength and status. They parade these dogs like trophies through streets already crowded with animals desperately clinging to life. Occasionally these braggards let their aggressive dogs loose on other dogs just to see what their dogs are capable of. Many of these unwanted or dangerous animals are bred because of myths such as that cats/dogs must have at least one litter, or that sterilised dogs become vicious. Often it's purely for financial gain though and the offspring are sold to anybody who says they want a puppy or kitten. The vast majority of these pups and kittens end up in the most horrific circumstances. Starved of food, love and attention they venture out into busy streets where most motorists feel nothing about hitting an animal and just leaving it injured or dying next to the road! Most breeders claim that their puppies or kittens are going to good homes! Homes (they claim) where they will be looked after, protected, fed, vaccinated, dewormed and treated for ticks and fleas by the new owners. The reality is that at these 'good homes' the puppies/kittens are usually kicked and hit by grown-ups and dropped by toddlers as young as two who carry them like dolls – breaking ribs and limbs, injuring spines and causing brain damage. Those lucky enough to survive at their good homes – who are not killed by cars, torn apart by power breeds, injured by children, killed by Parvo, or sucked dead by ticks & fleas –end up on heavy chains or in filthy matchbox-size cages without clean water or food nearby. Usually these poor puppies and kittens get given to buyers at the unimaginably young age of 4 weeks! The breeders do not even know that puppies and kittens must stay with their mother until 8 weeks old and that they as breeder should vaccine all kittens/puppies at 6 weeks of age, thus allowing the vaccine to strengthen the puppy/kitten's immunity while it's still with their mother. Most new owners also don't know, and aren't told by breeders, that more vaccinations are needed at 9 and 12 weeks of age. The result? Dozens of puppies starving and infecting dozens more with

the deadly, highly-contagious Parvo virus. Get the picture? That's why rescue organisations desperately try to educate people regarding sterilisation. We don't sell animals for financial gain. It's all about the future well being of an animal for us. There are a lot of people who really care. They go to the effort of properly fencing their yards, they vaccinate, feed their animals proper food, provide shelter and treat them with respect. For them we are eternally thankful. But these people are the minority… We want breeders to start thinking about the consequences of uncontrolled breeding and ask themselves... Do I want these puppies/kittens chained or caged, injured by pangas/knifes, burnt with oil or boiling water, ripped apart in dog fights, dying of parvo, erlichia, biliary or starvation, injured by children, mutilated by cars and ignorant human beings? The solution to this problem is sterilisation. That's the responsible and mature thing to do for your female and male animals because the males actually make the babies! We want to help people care for their animals but with the uncontrolled number of puppies and kittens we have to save we just can't keep up with helping the other sick or injured animals. We are here to help sick and injured animals, but to keep offering our services we need communities to take hands with us and help us by stopping this tremendous wave of uncontrolled breeding by choosing to sterilise their animals. Only then will we be able to provide the much-needed veterinary care for those animals already in your possession. Both SHARF and the SPCA perform sterilisations in the Franschhoek Valley. To contact SHARF for sterilisation kindly phone 076 327 4939 or email us at info@safehandsanimalrescue.org.za

Bank Details: Safe Hands Animal Rescue Franschhoek Bank: FNB Branch: Paarl Branch Code: 200110 Acc No.: 62836203076 NPO No: NPO 235-331 FESTIVE BRAKFEST Sunday 13 December, 10h00, Venue: TO BE CONFIRMED | R220 p.p. Exciting raﬄe prizes

SHARF 100 Club As a pro-life, non-proﬁt, rescue and welfare organisation SHARF invites all animal lovers to join the new 100 Club Fund. The fund is dedicated to the rescue, veterinary treatment, basic care, feeding and sterilisation of animals in the low income and farm communities of the valley. The 100 Club consists of all those people who commit to paying the fund R100 or more per month on a 12/24 month basis (with the freedom to opt out with a month's notice).

RSVP before 10 December | Abi: 072 922 4078

QUIZ NIGHT An evening ﬁlled with fun and laughter while your general knowledge is tested by Annette & Barry Philips. 3 December, 6:30pm, Leopard's Leap, R400 p.p. All tickets to be pre-booked and paid in full Contact Annette for bookings & payment info@thegardenhouse.co.za | 021 876 3155 WhatsApp: 083 340 3439 (Annette) 083 441 8280 (Barry)

12 | November 2020

Capitalworks Acquires Brait’s Interest in DGB

Seeff Franschhoek’s New Rental Asset

The South African asset management company Capitalworks and businessman Tim Hutchinson – long-time head of the liquor company DGB – have acquired DGB’s majority shareholding held by Brait, the JSE-listed independent investment company, for an undisclosed sum.

Moira Atkinson is the new rental agent intern with the Franschhoek office of Seeff Properties, which has been operating since March 2003. By all accounts she is raring to get into the market to assist clients.

DGB is a leading SA producer and distributor of wine and spirits to the local and international markets. The transaction followed a process that Brait began last year to realise various investments and was concluded during this year’s Covid-lockdown. This development at one of the country’s foremost liquor companies also sees a major change in DGB’s executive, with Hutchinson stepping down after three decades at the company’s helm and handing over the reins of DGB Group CEO to Ricardo Ferreira, current CEO of DGB South Africa. Hutchinson becomes executive chairman of the company that he helped build into a major force in the wine and spirits sector since concluding a management buy-out in 1999. This saw DGB management and Brait acquire 80% of the company from the late mining and wine magnate Graham Beck. Since Hutchinson was appointed as CEO of DGB in 1990, he has led the company through an enormous growth phase. This included development of its international wine business to over 70 countries, supported by 10 DGB offices around the world, establishing a major production, winery, bulk-storage and bottling facility in Wellington and the acquisition of Boschendal in 2005, Franschhoek Cellars in 2009 and Brampton in 2012. Hutchinson says Capitalworks is an ideal partner for DGB due to their energetic pursuit of investment opportunities and the ability to unlock value for investors. “Capitalworks also has a very solid understanding of DGB’s business,” says Hutchinson. “Chad Smart, founder of Capitalworks, served on the DGB board of directors for eight years. We have a perfect partner in Capitalworks, a team we have known for a long time and with a thorough understanding of the local and international drinks business. Having Capitalworks invested alongside us, I am positive that we can really grow the business in the future, in a rapidly-changing and exciting environment.” In announcing the change in shareholding and management structure, Hutchinson says Ferreira is the ideal person to take over as Group CEO in steering the company into the future, especially through the damaging outcomes caused by the abrupt shut down of the South African liquor industry as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown. “Ricardo is my logical successor as he has been running our South African business very successfully since joining DGB in 2014 from SAB,” says Hutchinson. “As shareholder and chairman, I will play a supportive executive role to assist the team in building our brands and trade relationships. It is pleasing to see personnel promotions like this coming from within the ranks, which pays tribute to the ongoing growth and development of our people at all levels.” Ferreira Newspaper says, “This Advert vote of Franschhoek(PR).pdf confidence, entrusting 1 to me more responsibility for a business as

Ricardo Ferreira and Tim Hutchinson

special as DGB is in no way underestimated. Our full team, brands, customers and shareholders have my absolute commitment to contribute as meaningfully as I possibly can. I am enormously honoured to be a part of DGB, now as CEO. “Tim is synonymous with DGB, having created a leading South African drinks company with a global footprint for over 30 years. All this he achieved through remarkable vision, led by an appreciation of consumer needs in worldwide markets, a genuine understanding of brand fundamentals across all categories, further underpinned by the strongest commercial aptitude. His ongoing participation in our business retains DGB in an excellent position for continued success”. Garth Willis, Partner at Capitalworks, said that Capitalworks focusses on partnering exceptional management teams in businesses that offer the opportunity for significant growth. “We are extremely excited about investing alongside Tim, Ricardo and the rest of the DGB management team, who have grown the brand portfolio over the years and demonstrated an ability to guide the company through recent challenges.” Hutchinson says the new energy at DGB resulting from the changes in shareholding, structure and management will serve the company in good stead at a time that the South African landscape for liquor companies has changed. “I don’t think I need to tell anyone how much the liquor industry has suffered during the protracted shutdown,” he says. “DGB was certainly no exception. However, we went ahead with the transaction as we are investing for the long-term. The potential especially lies in the premium sector of DGB’s wine brands where there are excellent growth prospects, both internationally and in the local market. “One of the strengths of our business is that over 60% of our wine sales are in the international markets, to which we could continue exporting during the local lockdown. It was also very pleasing to see our local business showing amazing resilience with DGB staff at all levels making personal sacrifices to get through the pandemic and working hand-in-glove with our customers, suppliers and distributors.” 2019/09/10

09:12

Text & Image : Editorial Desk

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Moira has extensive experience in the shortterm and holiday letting spheres in Franschhoek’s target markets and has worked in the industry for several years. “I joined Seeff Estate agents at the beginning of October as the intern for their rental portfolio. I then realized the intense need for rental properties in this area. Especially due to Covid-19 many international homeowners cannot travel regularly to their properties in South Africa and have now started listing their properties with The Seeff Franschhoek team (FLTR) Shanice Etson, Tania Van Deemter, Moira Seeff for medium to long Atkinson and Marianne Van Der Merwe term rental. “Our short-term rentals are properties rented property owner or a person looking for a place for two or three days, while some people rent to rent, should look for in a professional estate properties for longer periods for their holidays in agent.” the Winelands, of which Franschhoek is a major “We need to be able to recognise the needs attraction. of both the property owner and the person “Seeff is well-known in the real estate arena and looking for a rental and match these needs to we have many satisfied tenants and landlords the right person. who have long standing relationships with our “I also love the property management side of Winelands branch. We strive to keep our clientele this business and can craft my proposals based happy at all times and make sure that their on many years’ experience in the business world. investment is our priority,” says Moira. “My advice to any prospective client would be Moira is based in Franschhoek where she has that they should find a reputable estate agent lived for the past 7 years with her 3 dogs, having in the area, one who knows not only the town moved here from Durban after exiting the itself, and the different suburbs or areas available corporate world. but also the other offerings, opportunities and “I needed something to keep myself busy with facilities that they might need. And I am sure that and the property business appealed to me. I like we at Seeff can provide that,” Moira concludes. working with people and have good listening skills. This is something that any prospective Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Supplied

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November 2020 | 13

Business Leadership TONY FROST

Why Nature is Important! Isn’t interesting how many life-critical things we take for granted? Like fresh air, water, food. There are many parts of the world where there is a deep-seated understanding, because of the circumstances in which those populations find themselves, that these things are not guaranteed. And as populations grow, these extremely basic but life-essential necessities become even more scarce and under pressure. It is partially this invisible and insensate acceptance of these essentials that places all of humanity at great risk. When the so-called leader of the free world is in denial of the importance of the sustainable supply of these essential life-giving elements, then we should know that we are in big trouble! As Professor Guy Midgley recently articulated so succinctly, we have two systems running in parallel and upon which we, as people, are dependent. But if you examine the two systems, the one is an uncaring predator on the other with massive consequences for all of us. Of course, there are also huge consequences for the system that is being consumed at an ever-increasing rate by the other. We are talking here of the Economic System and the Living System, our planet. The Economic System is 100% dependent on the Living System, as are we! Every single thing we consume, buy, collect, dispose of comes from our planet. Some of it, maybe even most of it, is transformed by industry into something unrecognisable as natural. This transformation itself is a creator of significant damage to the Living System, even though it is also the source of a great deal of wealth for those that undertake the transformation. Much of what is extracted by the Economic System is basically nonrenewable, such as coal, or oil, or gold, or platinum and so on. These are all wasting resources and when they run out there is nothing we know of to replace them. Logic, therefore, tells us, that if we are sensible, we should start now replacing them with renewable and sustainable alternatives. Some – like some of the metals and minerals – are recyclable, e.g. iron,

platinum and some plastics, but there are others like coal, oil and gas that once used are gone forever. Even though some of the transformed resources may be used again in some form or another, the Economic System itself has created great inequity. Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, has pointed out that 26 individuals in the world own as much wealth as 50% of the world’s population together. This situation is, in itself, completely unsustainable which means that we need to work on transforming the Economic System itself into an entity more sustainable and equitable! What does this have to do with Nature? Nature is the Living System. It is uniquely selfregenerative and self-healing. It has supported humanity for millennia, but it is under massive threat from humanity now! We are consuming the products and services of the Living System C at an unsustainable rate and we are polluting at a rate that now not only damages the Planet, M the Living System, but is also beginning to have an increasingly deleterious effect on the health Y of humanity. In 2003 a Professor of Conservation Science predicted that we would see increasing CM natural disasters and the likelihood of an unknown virus that would emerge with devastating results MY for humanity. We now know the latest virus as Covid 19. There are more to come unless we start CY paying attention to the immune system of the Living System, the only home we know, and begin CMY to wind back our consumptive behaviour. We must invest in sustainable and renewable energy sources; K buy local as much as possible; consume organically grown fresh foods; utilise public transport as much as possible, or walk, or cycle. We should avoid consuming anything whenever we feel like it; if we must consume then we must make sure we reduce our consumption of damaging, non-renewable products; we must recycle and compost as much as possible; buy eminently re-usable goods and finally we should endeavour to recover whatever we can that can be converted back into energy! Finally, let us talk about our psychological health and well-being. It is well documented that spending time in nature has a significantly beneficial effect on our psyches and the inherent design of our bodies is that they are designed to self-heal given the chance. Maybe this is an important throwback to our very beginnings when we were abundantly conscious of our total dependence on the Living System and lived by our wits. The sad part of our current existence is that everything we have comes from some shop, which sources pretty much everything it sells to us from some production facility which has processed the original and natural products into something synthetic which our bodies have to learn to metabolise. In Nature, there is no pretence, no intermediary processing, no separation from our origins. When we walk barefoot in the park or the bush or in the running river we become truly grounded again and start to rediscover our souls. This is good for us and all those around us! tony@siroccostrategy.com

Susan Charlesworth ATTORNEY NOTARY CONVEYANCER

Areas of practice:

Estate and succession planning | Commercial Law Administration of estates, trusts & curatorships Engineering & Construction Law Antenuptial contracts | Conveyancing The Franschhoek Cellar Offices, Main Road, Franschhoek, 7690 Tel: +27 (0)21 876 2592 Fax: +27 (0)21 863 1495 Email: susan@sgclaw.co.za Also at 342 Val De Vie, Paarl www.susancharlesworth.co.za

Welcome to our NEW rental agent. Moira Atkinson 081 377 2592 www.seeff.com

FRANSCHHOEK HOSPICE

Annual Potjiekos Lunch

COMPLIMENTARY MCC ON ARRIVAL | CASH BAR ONLY 50 SEATS AVAILABLE, PLEASE BOOK NOW! Venue: Domaine des Anges Clubhouse Saturday, 28 November 2019 at 12h30 | Only R300 per person Call Colleen on 082 887 8666 to reserve your seats

14 | November 2020

Book Review

CHARLOTTE VAN ZYL

Human Kind. A Hopeful History by Rutger Bregman. Publ: Bloomsbury. 453 pages.

with Paul van der Spuy - Train Camp Concept and Interior Designer What do you think of the Franschhoek High School buildings? They’re amazing. Obviously the oldest ones give you lots of great details and historic references to spark ideas, but even the newer buildings are full of interesting features and well-executed Modernist forms. But more important than that for us is how they’re part of the heritage of Franschhoek. These buildings have seen generations of people come and go, and are knitted into everybody’s history. There’s a real responsibility to respect and sustain that. What is your brief at Franschhoek High for the Train Camp project? Train Camp’s brief to me was unbelievably comprehensive. At the heart of it was the need to understand how the facilities would be used, and the calibre of people who would use them – and how the Train Camp brand has to be expressed in every detail. This campus will be hosting Olympic athletes, and high school-aged future stars will live and train here fulltime. You look at some of these swimmers, and they’re spectacular – like supermodels with toned physiques and a huge global following. That’s a big part of our audience – 16 to 30 year old athletes who’ve travelled all over the world and trained at the best facilities. We have to integrate that world with the town and the school environment, and deliver a great experience for everyone. So the objective is not to create the biggest, most impressive sports centre – but rather one that fulfils the performance requirements and conveys the character of Franschhoek. There has to be design integrity and it needs to have soul, because that audience has an innate sense of what’s cool. Is it not impractical to save old buildings for new purposes? Not at all – that’s part of how one captures the soul and history of the environment. The internal configurations are changing to deliver on the training and performance brief, but there’s nothing wrong with the underlying infrastructure. This a historic site, and we have a responsibility to preserve as much of the history as we can while making the facilities relevant to the present and future – of the school and of Franschhoek as a sports tourism destination. Before the pandemic and lockdown, sports tourism was the fastest-growing sector in the industry worldwide – and that will probably recover quicker than leisure travel. How does the design of new buildings ﬁt in with the old ones on the same site? Franschhoek has been so well preserved and carefully developed, and we’ve understood from the beginning that any new buildings need to be sensitively designed. We already have buildings from different eras – Victorian, Edwardian and the newer buildings from the 1970s. Obviously we can’t create faux historic structures, so we’ve taken cues from the existing Modernist buildings and used

simple elements that are pretty much timeless. We want to develop and beautify the site without disrupting it. What is the most satisfying aspect of the Train Camp project? Putting together the pieces of an environment that will benefit the whole of Franschhoek for years to come. I go back and forth through the town a lot, and I’ve seen so many people playing sports and training informally wherever they can. This campus will bring them together, and give the community a hub of activity that they can share with some of the best athletes in the world. Designing for those diverse audiences, and finding ways to inspire and excite them, is very rewarding. What is the most challenging aspect? The same thing. It’s a real test of one’s thinking to create an environment and design that appeal to local and international audiences, and preserve the character of the site and the town while introducing something completely new. For us it also has to inspire the kids at the High School and in the community. They will get a great standard of education in a completely upgraded environment, and the school sports programmes will be rejuvenated – but beyond that there are also potential career opportunities at the campus, and not just in the hospitality sector. These kids could consider working in the sports industry one day. You are well-known for designing suits and winning fashion awards. How did you progress from clothes to buildings? To frame and present my fashionwear, I began designing stores from which to sell them – and it developed from there. But fashion and brands are very relevant to this project. The brand has to live in all of the design details – through colour, in motifs, and in spirit. The athletes who visit the campus must love the environment, connect with the brand, want to buy the T-shirt – and especially to keep coming back. You create loyalty through brands, and you just have to look at the Instagram accounts of many international athletes to see how they’re tied together. These attractive, superfit people travel the world, they’re very fashionconscious and often sponsored – and they post photos and videos of themselves in beautiful places all the time. This campus will be on their itinerary, and it will extend out to the restaurants and shops in the town. Fashion, design, brands, lifestyle – it’s all one thing.

Groot drakenstein Games club

Anyone who enjoyed reading Malcolm Gladwell (The Tipping Point, Blink), Yuval Noah Harari (Sapiens, Homo Deus) or Alain de Botton (The Course of Love, How Proust can Change Your Life) will have a great time with “Human Kind. A Hopeful History”, by the young rock-star historian from the Netherlands, Rutger Bregman. Like the above-mentioned authors and thinkers, Bregman sifts through a multiplicity of familiar historical facts as well as an array of well-known scientific experiments and brings to them his own penetrating vision. He is determined to shake up our pessimistic assumptions about the fate of humanity. We might be forgiven for believing that the world is going to hell in a handbasket, what with the persistence of the Coronavirus, the nature of climate change and the presence of Donald Trump. “Not so fast!” argues Bregman. Mankind is a cooperative species, happiest (and most successful) when working together either multilaterally or on a neighbourhood project. When given the opportunity human beings are eager to please others, rather than attack them. Homo Sapiens should rather be renamed Homo Puppy, because humans are as responsive to an act of kindness or attention from others as a puppy that rewards its owner with a wagging tail after being given some attention. If all of this sounds a bit airy fairy, let me remind you that this young man brought the World Economic Forum at Davos to a standstill three years ago when he shocked the High and Mighty by accusing them all of being tax evaders. He argued persuasively that if the top 1% of the world population were appropriately taxed, the other 99% would be removed from poverty. He also reminded them sarcastically of just how many private jets were parked nearby as their billionaire owners blindly debated the ways to combat rising global air pollution. That excursion resulted in his bestselling book “Utopia for Realists.” He brings this same energy to bear on the old question of whether we share the opinion of political philosophers like Thomas Hobbes (1588– 1679) who viewed our human life as being “nasty, brutish and short” or Jean Jacques Rousseau (17121778) who felt that humankind is naturally good but gets perverted by the rules and demands of society. Bregman says we should have faith in the inherent goodness and natural decency of

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humanity. In order to prove this, he re-examines certain critical events in history - starting with the Neanderthals. He wonders what distinguishes evolving humankind from other species. His answer is: “Social learning. Humans are ultra-social learning machines. Blushing is uniquely human, as is the ability to follow the direction of another person’s gaze. Evolution is based on cooperation with others. Bregman also examines a series of popular assumptions including those of Robert Ardrey (author of “The Territorial Imperative”) and of his mentor, our own Dr Raymond Dart, who believed that the prehistory of humanity was based on violence. He counters with an example of wild animals being domesticated through kindness and cooperation. This includes a fascinating experiment in the 60’s in Russia, which saw ferocity being bred out of the Silver Fox, an exercise long thought to be impossible. The book continues with the debunking of various well-known experiments by social scientists, including the infamous Stanley Milgram laboratory experiment “proving” that children are inherently dishonest and selfish. Bregman also disproves the “Lord of the Flies” argument, and challenges the myths surrounding the Easter Islands. The last portion of the book deals with larger socio-political issues like democracy and its direct opposite, totalitarianism. He analyses how, here as well, human kindness plays a vital role. This section is of special interest to South Africans as it includes the story of how Nelson Mandela met General Constand Viljoen when the first democratic elections were threatened by civil war, and managed to convert him to peace through such human acts of speaking to him in Afrikaans and drinking tea with him. In fact, the very concept of “Ubuntu” is based on social cooperation and common humanity. Bregman makes one re-assess the too easy assumption that modern civilization is worse than previous ones, and has re-awakened the conversation about what one means by humanity. His easy style and his well-chosen examples make his ideas accessible and thought-provoking. His message reflects the words of our own beloved Archbishop Tutu, who said: “We are each made for goodness, love and compassion. Our lives are transformed as much as the world is when we live with these truths.”

November 2020 | 15

Smalls HOUSE TO RENT: In Franschhoek village. Fully furnished. R34k p/m. Please call 083 348 1230 GATEHOUSE TO RENT: In Franschhoek village. Fully furnished. R10k p/m. Please call 083 348 1230 LOOKING FOR A JOB as a domestic worker/housekeeper. I am a Malawian lady aged 38, I have 7 years’ experience. I am available immediately. Please call me on 061 798 0189/084 943 9577 HOUSE CLEANER looking for a job. I am a Malawian lady aged 28. I am a hard worker and a fast learner. I’ll be grateful for your favourable consideration. Please call Patuma Duncan on 0027 655 641 156/081 207 8148 ONE DAY A WEEK. I am a Malawian looking for a job as a gardener one day a week. I also have painting experience. References available. Please contact Bright Austings on 083 640 8399 THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER: Yarns, needles, threads, etc. Also beautiful baby clothes and handknitted gifts. 1a Bordeaux Street. 021 300 5668. POOL PUMP PROBLEMS? Noise? Wequote and help you out! Call RiaPools: 072 347 5355

STUFF WANTED: All manner of clothing and household items needed for our ‘First Friday of The Month’ jumble sales. Please help us to help the animals of the valley. Please drop off at the clinic in La Provence Street, Groendal, or phone for us to collect. 021 876 4808 CHANGING TO A SALT WATER SYSTEM? Let us advise & quote for you! Call RiaPools: 072 347 5355 FRESH, ORGANIC FARM PRODUCE: Delivered weekly to Franschhoek, including vegetables and fruit in season, chicken, eggs, cheese, honey, etc. Lists of available produce received on Monday, orders placed on Tuesday for Wednesday delivery. A number of Franschhoekers are already receiving weekly deliveries. To be added to the list contact Sue Norman on 083 321 3442 or suenorman50@outlook.com. DO YOU STILL HAVE THAT POOL LEAK? Losing water all the time? Let us quote and take care of the problem! Call

RiaPools: 072 347 5355 RE-FIBRE GLASS YOUR POOL in any colour you like. Call RiaPools for a quote: 072 347 5355 PROFESSIONAL POOL SERVICE REQUIRED? Keep it local! Get a quote. Call RiaPools: 072 347 5355 RE-THINKING YOUR GARDEN? For Garden Consulting call Susan at 072 932 5393 PUBLIC SPEAKING / LEADERSHIP: Paarl Communicators, part of Agora International, assists in the development of public speaking, communication and leadership skills. Once-off joining fee of R200, then R65 per meeting, which included a light dinner & tea/coffee. Meetings held as Villa Visaggio outside Paarl. Contact Len van der Walt – 082 579 2994. Booking essential. THE PERFECT PANCAKE PLACE Bel: 073 663 1232 Bestel: Voor Donderdae, 18h00 @ R8 elk Optel: Vrydae vanaf 12h00 by DeWetstraat 7.

Useful Numbers ACCOUNTANTS Tax Shop

021 876 2676

Franschhoek Photolab

021 876 3921

Emergencies/Weekends

PostNet

021 876 3025

EMERGENCY NUMBERS Stb Fire Dept. (Buildings)

OPTOMETRIST

ATTORNEYS Susan Charlesworth

021 876 2592/072 402 9469

Marelise Bester

Snipelisky & Killian

083 250 0943/021 876 2084

PHYSIOTHERAPY Claire Horn

BURGLAR ALARMS Pepler Alarms

021 872 3530

021 876 3308

021 876 4234/082 582 1029

PLUMBERS Franschhoek Plumbing

CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS Boland Bridge Club

021 876 3031

PSYCHOLOGIST

Franschhoek Tennis Club

078 278 4843

Danielle Smith

021 876 3759 082 812 1476

021 863 3187/082 8089 100 021 808 8888

District Municipality(Bush & veld) 021 887 4446

021 886 9244

Police

10111/021 876 8061

Eskom

086 003 7566

Omnipage Farm Watch

021 852 3318

Plaaswag

021 876 2346

N1, N2 & R300 Emergency number: 021 946 1646

FHK Heritage & Ratepayers Ass. 082 496 8749

PUBLIC SERVICES

Groot Drakenstein Games Club 021 874 1906

Hospice

021 876 3085

Dr Schalk du Plessis

- Craig Mc Naught: Captain

080 845 1014

Library

021 808 8406

DOCTORS

- Lejean Pieterse, Hiring

082 490 0405

Post Office

021 876 2342

Dr Karin Eksteen

021 876 4622

Lions

021 876 3775

Welfare (ACVV)

021 876 2670

Dr Shelley Hellig

021 871 1063

Stb Masonic Lodge (Chris)

072 211 9991

SPCA

021 876 4808

Dr Alexander Heywood

021 876 2474

Franschhoek Rotary Club

082 773 9217

SCHOOLS

Dr Hannes Van der Merwe

021 876 2304

Franschhoek Probus Club

021 876 3179

Bridge House School

021 874 8100

Dr Nicolas Els

021 876 2561

Franschhoek High School

021 876 2079

Dr Bernard Fisher

021 876 4622

ELECTRICAL

DENTISTS 021 876 3070

Franschhoek Electric

074 313 7829/021 876 3640

Groendal Primary School

021 876 2448

AUDIOLOGIST

Rensburg Electrical

021 876 2120/083 309 2923

Groendal Secondary School

021 876 2211

Audiologist Tracy-Ann Morris

Wes-Eind Primary School

021 876 2360

EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONSE

021 876 3957

Medicare EMR

EXCAVATIONS Andrew Schmidt

021 876 4431/082 972 5755

Dalubuhle Primary School

Burger Excavations

072 3408518

STORAGE

074 363 7744/021 876 4316

MUNICIPALITY

Franschhoek Storage

HEALTH & BEAUTY

084 264 0000

021 876 2174

(Ward 1) Clr Frazenburg (DA)

021 808 8490

Franschhoek Pharmacy

021 876 2261

TOURIST INFORMATION & SERVICES

(Ward 2) Clr Petersen (DA)

082 404 5055

Franschhoek Health Club

021 876 3310

Info Office

021 876 3603

(Ward 3) Clr Manuel (DA)

074 686 2364

Winelands Experience

021 876 4042

(Ward 4) Clr Johnson (DA)

021 808 8019

021 876 2532

Municipality (Office Hours)

021 808 8700

Municipality (afternoon only)

021 808 8890

Municipality 24hr Service

021 808 8700

HOUSE & GARDEN Clock Repairs

028 840 1716

Huguenot Memorial Museum

Lighting & Accessories

021 876 3640

TRANSPORT GOODS

Ria Pools (Franschhoek)

021 876 2612/072 347 5355

Gerald Fourie

Sue’s Gardens

083 321 3442

VETERINARY

INTERNET ACCESS

021 876 2940/082 821 5234

Fhk Animal Clinic (plus surgery) 021 876 2504

FRANSCHHOEK’S

FOR BUILDING • GARDENING • RENO VATING SITUATED BEHIND BP GARAGE • WE SPECIALISE IN:

Our Services

WE MANAGE ALL RELATED HOMEOWNER SERVICES WITHIN THE BOLAND, HELDERBERG, WINELANDS AND SURROUNDS

01 02 03 04

MAINTENANCE Overseeing all property maintenance. WEEKLY CHECKS Weekly/security checks are available on request. CLEANING Interior and exterior professional cleaning / Pre and post visits. PAYMENTS Recovery of all utility charges and attending to payments if requested.

kate@silverliningpm.co.za +27 (0)79 068 2130 www.silverliningpm.com

TOOL & EQUIPMENT HIRE Brush Cutters, Lawn Mowers , Chain Saws, Concrete Mixers, Drills , Compressors, Pumps, Jackhammer s SERVICING & RE PAIR Light Industrial Equipment RUBBLE & REFUSE REMOV AL DELIVERIE S LIGHT DOMESTIC MOVES PORTABLE LOOS CLEANING of businesses and other premises

always at your service

072 378 1916 or 021 876 4123 Email: onhireo@gmail.com

Community Events Alcoholics Anonymous: WED evenings 19:00, Groendal Community Centre, Contact David +27 83 305 5159

SPORT Franschhoek Tennis Club: Social tennis is played at the club on Fridays, Sundays and Public Holidays from 08h00. For more information contact Ross. 078 278 4843. Parkrun: Saturdays at Rickety Bridge Wine Estate.

Time: 08h00. Cost: Free. Register at www.parkrun.co.za

CHURCH SERVICES Methodist Church: Sunday service 10h00. Rev Russell Norman. 021 872 3580 or 082 662 4509. NG Kerk: Sondagdienste 09h30. Geen aanddiens. Ds Peet Bester. 021 876 2431. Besoekers welkom. New Apostolic Church: Le Roux Street, Groendal.

Sundays 09h00, Wednesdays 19h30. Rector: Charles Leibrandt. Shofar Christian Church: Services: 09h00 English service at 7 Lambrechts Street. 18h00 Afrikaanse diens by Franschhoek Rugbyklub, Groendal. Pastor Richard Wade. 083 225 8529. All welcome! St George’s Anglican Church: Groot Drakenstein.

Sunday Services: Holy Communion and Sunday School 10h00. Rector Fr Joe Humbles. 021 874 1120 Trinity Church: Worship every Sunday at 09h30 at L’Ermitage Chapel, with Holy Communion. Weekday service Thursday at 10h30 at Fleur de Lis. Contact Gavin – 083 799 0726. Uniting Reformed Church: Sunday service 09h30. Dr Shaun Burrows. 021 876 2632. Visitors welcome.

16 | November 2020

FRANSCHHOEK

STORAGE For short and long term storage solutions. We offer lockable bays, containers and ﬂoor space.

OCW

Restoration Carpentry Joinery

SAFE. SECURE. AFFORDABLE.

PACKAGING TRAILER HIRE 6 Fabriek Street 0218762174 0823206523

Our Services Now Include: C: 071 9219 • C: 082 390 8191 Spraying &990Built-in Cupboards ocwcarpentry@gmail.com • PO Box 5, Groot Drakenstein, 7690 C: 071 990 9219 • C: 079 961 1671 • ocwcarpentry@gmail.com Old Simondium Winery, R45 • PO Box 5, Groot Drakenstein, 7680

FLOOR MASTER STELLENBOSCH

Vegland Fruit & Veg

Franschhoek based Deliveries 6 day per week Shop 2 behind BP Garage vegland.orders@gmail.com | 021 876 2125

Wooden floor repairs, sanding & polishing. Since 1992. Also solid wood & laminated flooring installations. Call Tim for a free quotation. Cell: 082 442 5244 Email: floormasterstell @gmail.com Tel: 021 - 887 6707 www.floormaster stellenbosch.co.za

Our service wood floor you!

+27 (0)21 876 3640 Unit A, Fabriek Nationale No 1, 9 Fabriek street, Franschhoek 7690 herman@franschhoekelectric.co.za www.franschhoekelectric.co.za

ssuesR300

verseas R600

Copyright: All rights reserved, reproduction in whole or part prohibited. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the editor. Publication of editorial or advertising matter does not imply endorsement or warranty in respect of goods or services therin described. 074 313 7829

Sue’s Gardens Sue Norman Landscaping and maintenance of gardens, all sizes! Mulching services available. R NE W EMAIL PLEASE NOTE OU tlook.com ou @ suenorman50

cell 083 321 3442 tel/fax: 021 876 2510

November 2020 | 17

Celebrating Excellence Celebrating the remarkable achievement of our National Agricultural Agents of the Year as announced recently at the National GoldClub Awards 2020. With over 20 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience in Franschhoekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s real estate industry, Doug Gurr and Jeanine Allen are firmly entrenched in the region. With their years of experience as resident agents in Franschhoek, Doug and Jeanine understand the level of professionalism, discretion and market insight required. Whether you are considering buying, selling or investing, I can unequivocally recommend Doug Gurr and Jeanine Allen as your trusted property agents. Kind Regards

Andrew Golding CE Pam Golding Property Group Doug Gurr +27 (0)72 610 7208, doug.gurr@pamgolding.co.za | Jeanine Allen +27 (0)82 410 6837, jeanine.allen@pamgolding.co.za

18 | November 2020