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FRANSCHHOEK’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AND ADVERTISER SINCE 1994 • DECEMBER 2021
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DA Retains Stellenbosch – Mayor Re-elected Stellenbosch has retained its status as a DA bastion in the 2021 local government elections. Despite losing some support, particularly to Good and the Freedom Front Plus, the DA remains firmly in control of the council with 28 out of the 45 seats. Only the DA and ANC were able to win wards; the DA emerging victorious in 19 and the ANC in 4. The DA also has nine proportional representatives and the ANC four, for a total of 28 and 8 seats, respectively. The remainder of the proportional seats are held by Good (3), EFF (2), ACDP (1), FF+ (1), PA (1) and PDM (1). Good, PA and FF+ were not represented in the previous council, while the DNCA did not win enough votes to return to council. The new council was inaugurated at a meeting on Monday, 15 November. The new executive mayor, executive deputy mayor and speaker were also elected at this meeting. Adv Gesie van Deventer was re-elected as executive mayor, while Cllr Jeremy Fasser was elected as executive deputy mayor and Cllr Quintin Smit as speaker. Adv Van Deventer made history by becoming the first executive mayor of Stellenbosch Municipality to serve two consecutive terms. “I humbly accept this renomination and trust that you have placed in me as your executive mayor and pledge that I will continue to serve all our residents with dedication and fairness, whether you voted for me or not. Stellenbosch has time and time again been recognised by the national government and various independent organisations as one of the best-run municipalities in South Africa. Our aim over the next five years must be to cement us in this position and to improve on this even further”, she said in her acceptance speech. Executive Deputy Mayor Jeremy Fasser grew up in Cloetesville and says that he is ready to serve all communities of the Greater Stellenbosch region. He previously served as the mayoral committee member for youth, sport and culture. Speaker Quintin Smit has been a Stellenbosch councillor for 10 years and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his new office. He previously served as the mayoral committee member for safety and security as well as infrastructure services. Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Stellenbosch Muni
Newly elected Executive Deputy Mayor Jeremy Fasser and Executive Mayor Adv. Gesie van Deventer.
Welcome
Lee-Anne Kurtz Franschhoek Rental agent
Lee-Anne Kurtz 082 618 1194 Voters braved rain and cold to cast their votes on voting day, 1 November 2021.
2 | December 2021
New Taxi Rank Opened Mayor Gesie van Deventer and Municipal Manager Geraldine Mettler joined Franschhoek taxi associations for the official opening of the new taxi rank in Groendal on 29 October.
The mayor, municipal manager, councillors, officials and taxi operators were present at the official opening of the new taxi rank in Groendal.
“With the collapse of rail infrastructure and reliable rail transport in South Africa, taxis have become a key role-player in moving our people from one place to the next. More and more residents rely on taxis to get them to work, school, the shops and home. This is precisely why the municipality decided that it is important to invest in the construction and upgrading of taxi ranks in our municipal area,” said the mayor. The local community identified the need for the facility during the Integrated Development Programme’s public participation process. After consultation with stakeholders, the facility’s design commenced in 2018, and construction work started in 2019. The facility is not only a taxi rank. It also includes formal and informal trading facilities, a taxi operations management office, a multipurpose venue for various community activities and community recreational spaces, including an enclosed waiting area for those transferring to travel long distances.
The taxi facility offers undercover holding and loading areas for taxis, waiting areas for commuters, administrative buildings, meeting rooms, ablution facilities and facilities for a caretaker. For first time ever, residents will have a formalised rank, with decent amenities and a roof to shield commuters from the winter rains and summer sun. The opening of this rank follows on the opening of the new Klapmuts Taxi Rank in August of this year. The Kayamandi Taxi Rank is undergoing extensive upgrades and will open before the end of the year. “This rank forms part of our ongoing efforts to improve public transportation services across the municipal area. It is another wonderful day for the community of Groendal and Franschhoek and I implore the community to take full ownership of this facility. Please take care of it and travel safely,” said the mayor.
Possibilities Unearthed at FHS Absa launched its Possibilities Unearthed project at Franschhoek High School on Tuesday, 26 October, by creating a sustainable vegetable garden in an underused part of the primary school’s playground. The new project forms part of Absa’s commitment to developing the communities in which it operates and aims to educate people about maximising their available resources to address the persistent issue of food insecurity. There are currently 9.34 million people in South Africa who face acute food insecurity. Deteriorating food security mainly results from the COVID-19 pandemic, high food prices, drought and economic decline. The bank wants to use the new project to impact the lives of its Smile FM Presenter, Maurice Carpede, stands in front of the newly customers and their communities. planted garden with learners from Franschhoek Primary School. Absa Executive for Vehicle and Asset Finance, Faisal Mkhize, believes that the new school landscape and the psychological impact Possibilities Unearthed project will bring the bank that planting a garden will have on the children. closer to its customers. “This is a great opportunity for us as a school. It will “As an action-oriented bank focused on creating help us teach our learners key life skills that will assist a meaningful impact in communities, we decided their development. We thank Absa for coming up to embark on a journey that will inspire South with this project that will go a long way to helping Africans to get their hands dirty and work towards alleviate the scourge of poverty,” she said. fixing their own immediate future – starting Absa aims to roll out Possibility Unearthed gardens out by using their unused space and planting a during key Absa-sponsored events in communities sustainable garden,” Mkhize said. that are most vulnerable to food insecurity. Primary school section head, Marina van Heerden, www.absa.africa had the privilege of planting some of the first vegetables. She looks forward to both the changed Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Absa
Wine Tram Kiosk Retraces Its Tracks The Franschhoek Wine Tram’s information kiosk is back at its former Franschhoek Square location in the centre of the village.
Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Stellenbosch Muni
The Franschhoek Wine Tram’s kiosk is back at its previous location at the recently-revamped Franschhoek Square
Franschhoek Wine Tram CEO, Paul Nel, says that the move aims to ensure convenience to all visitors, whether they are in the valley for only one day or several. Visitors to the kiosk will be able to find information on the Wine Tram’s offerings and make bookings. A free shuttle
will ferry visitors to the Wine Tram’s terminal/ ticket office at the entrance to the village, thus ensuring safe and convenient access to the Wine Tram’s service. Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Fhoek Wine Tram
Shop No.2 Checkers Centre 23 Main Road FRANSCHHOEK Tel +27 21 876 2609 Cell +27 60 806 6833 Email riane@makiwagalleries.com
www.makiwagalleries.com
December 2021 | 3
Re-Cycling a Network of Biking Trails
Matoppie League Finals
A project is underway to create a network of long-distance biking and hiking trails that will cover more than six thousand kilometres across the Western Cape. The non-profit organisation Trails South Africa has partnered with Imperial Logistics to create an interconnected system of off-road bicycle-friendly routes across the entire province.
The Franschhoek Country Club hosted the finals of the second Matoppie Social Bowls League on Sunday, 14 November 2021. The competition was tight and many laughs, curses and cheers were shared over the course of the four weeks of competition.
Trail construction on a road verge
The Trails Western Cape project began on 24 May 2021 and will incorporate popular adventure trails that run through nature reserves and privately owned land by working with local and provincial governments. Where existing paths are not accessible, new trails will be constructed on the verge next to established roads or highways. In some sections, disused railway tracks are also being repurposed into new trails. The construction of new trails in the Cape Winelands area represents the first phase of the plan. Trails between Ida’s Valley and the Banhoek Conservancy have already been linked. These will be linked to newly-built routes around Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl during the next phases. “We chose the Cape Winelands and the Western Cape to represent a proof of concept for our partners. We would like to expand our project beyond the Cape to become a network that covers the entire country,” says Reghard Goussard, cofounder of Trails South Africa. Kim Lord, co-founder of Trails South Africa,
notes that a key inspiration for this project was the network of cycle routes connecting the entire European continent known as EuroVelo. Much like the EuroVelo system, the Western Cape’s trails will offer everyone from cyclists to school children routes that are safe and removed from dangers associated with vehicular traffic. Lord adds that the EuroVelo is responsible for significant economic stimulation through tourism and job creation. The Trails Western Cape project has already created incomes for formerly unemployed workers from local areas who have been constructing trails. Once trail construction has been completed construction workers will be able to train as Trail Rangers, who will be responsible for the safety and maintenance of the routes. This will give both them and local communities interest in helping the tourism industry recover from the effects of Covid-19. Text: Pieter Naudé | Image: TrailsSA Facebook
Our Children Need Your Help!
Matoppie social league participants in celebratory mood.
Congratulations are due to the Bo-Hoek Bowlers, who retained the winner’s title from last year. The Silver Foxes were strong competitors and came within the proverbial inch of the title. Third place was taken by The Lawn Bowlers. It requires a team effort to put events such as this together. The Franschhoek Country Club wishes to thank, firstly, all the teams that signed up and competed. “You are very much a part of this event and it has been so much fun watching you all grow in the great competitive sport of bowls.” Secondly, all the amazingly generous sponsors that allowed the top teams to walk away with fantastic prizes. They are: Coco Africa, Pigcasso, GlenWood Vineyards, Karoo Craft Breweries, Off The Hoek, MCC Franschhoek, Myles Agar, @bpfranschhoek, Franschhoek Wine Tram, Wild Horse Kleinmond and Rickety Bridge Winery. The finalFWT_Franschhoek group to be thanked are all1 the FCC staff A-Z_2022.pdf 2021/11/11
members and other individuals who helped to run and host the event so smoothly. “All of your efforts definitely did not go unnoticed, not only by us but by everyone that attended.” The Matoppie Social Bowls League is not only a fun way to meet up, socialise and network, it is also a way to give back to the community. For the winning teams, the organisers donate cash prizes to the team’s charities of choice. On behalf of the Bo-Hoek Bowlers R3000 will be donated to Little Fighters Cancer Trust - Childhood Cancer Support. On behalf of The Silver Foxes R2000 will be donated to The Kusasa Project; and on behalf of The Lawn Bowlers R1000 will be donated to Isabelo to feed hungry minds. The third Matoppie Social Bowls League will be hosted early 2022. 8:59Text: AM
Editorial Desk | Image: Supplied
THE BEST WAY TO DISCOVER THE CAPE WINELANDS.
Huis Andrew Murray Children's Home cares daily for 155 children (baby to 18 years old) in need who have been orphaned or removed from parental care by the Children's Court. To fully cater to the children's emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual needs, we are dependent on the assistance of the community. Covid-19 has had a major impact on our children's basic needs and the government currently finances only approx. 50% of our children's needs. We need your help with a financial contribution, because each child is important!
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Contact Karen Petersen on 083 234 8875 or 021 873 3834 for any queries. Email karen@andrewmurray.org.za for a Section 18A tax certificate for your financial contribution.
HOP-ON HOP-OFF EXPERIENCE
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Suitable for adults & kids. Dedicated tour for 20+ guests. Guided tour. 4 - 5 hour experience. JOIN US AT OUR FRANSCHHOEK TERMINAL FOR A FRESH CUP OF COFFEE & BEIGNET. WWW.WINETRAM.CO.ZA | INFO@WINETRAM.CO.ZA | +27 (0)21 300 0338
4 | December 2021
Franschhoek Wine Valley Focus Franschhoek Reaches Herd Immunity
Franschhoek Cellar Statue de Femme Sauvignon Blanc 2021 The Statue de Femme is a graceful monument built in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the arrival of the French Huguenots in the Cape and stands surrounded by a beautiful garden. It displays simplicity and elegance with unmistakable reflections of historic French influences, just like this Sauvignon Blanc. Expressive tropical aromas tinged with capsicum opening up to attractive Cape gooseberry, grapefruit and pineapple fruit flavours balanced by a lively acidity that follows through to a fresh finish of pleasing length.. Cellar door price: R75
ò fhccellardoor@dgb.co.za 021 876 2086
Franschhoek Cellar Franschhoek has officially reached herd immunity by vaccinating more than 80% of its population against the COVID-19 virus. It is the first town in South Africa to reach this milestone. A project, supported by Premier Alan Winde, Wesgro and the Department of Health, was launched at the end of August with the goal was to have everyone in the valley vaccinated. This was done in an effort to encourage the faster return of international visitors to the region and, more importantly, stimulate Franschhoek’s employment growth. Prior to this project, Franschhoek only had two vaccination dates allocated per month. In order to reach population safety a minimum of 960 people had to be vaccinated per day. This also came with a hefty price tag, which had to be funded solely by Franschhoek Tourism. The daily projected cost of R37 600 was to fund marshals, coordinators and cleaners, amongst others, as well as their meals and transport
6 bottles of the featured wine!
to and from the relevant vaccination sites. By means of various fundraising initiatives, which included setting up a GoFundMe account, the goal was achieved, and the results have been phenomenal. Not only is 85% of the valley’s inhabitants vaccinated, but the local clinic has been able to employ the services of a nurse whose sole responsibility it is to administer vaccinations daily. In addition, Clicks was so impressed that they have come aboard by providing additional vaccination days at their Franschhoek store. “Not only has this been driven by Franschhoek Tourism, but it is a campaign which has actively been endorsed by the entire community, as the need for tourists to return to our valley safely and explore our amazing offerings, is so important. We are extremely grateful to Premier Winde for helping us realise our vision and supporting us all the way,” said Franschhoek Tourism Marketing Manager, Ruth McCourt.
Seared Tuna Salad
Ingredients: 1 x Fresh Tuna (150g),1 x Carrot (Julienne), 20g Red Cabbage (Julienne), 6 Green beans (Blanched and split in half), 1 x inch of Ginger (finely chopped), 10 ml Sesame oil, 5 ml Teriyaki and soya sauce combined, Salt and pepper to taste, Toasted Sesame seeds for garnish
ANSWER THIS EASY QUESTION!
Method: In a hot pan with sesame oil, sear the tuna on both sides. Put aside. Fry off the red cabbage, add the teriyaki and soya sauce and allow to reduce slightly, just as it’s ready add the blanched green beans and remove from the heat. Add the carrots and toss through. Add seasoning. Plate the veg and slice the tuna into 1cm slices. Place on top of the veg. Drizzle a little soya sauce and finish off with the toasted sesame seeds.
ò fhccellardoor@dgb.co.za 021 876 2086
Which team won the Matoppie Social League?
Send your answer to tatlercompetition@gmail.com. Winner will be informed by email before 23 December 2021. Prizes to be collected from Franschhoek Info Office before end December 2021 or be forfeited.
Will you share your home with me?
Eight-month-old calico looking for a home. Spayed, vaccinated, dewormed and tested negative for feline leukemia. Please phone 083 621 1492
PRINTED CANDLES WhatsApp 082 492 9078
Groot drakenstein Games club
December 2021 | 5
Cellar Chat Mark Tanner
My vegetarian friend insists that chicken is a vegetable. In a similar vein, I find that some wines boast an apparent over-abundance of stickers in an attempt to upgrade their status. Bottle Bling is what the industry calls it. At first glance, a sticker may suggest that the wine received an award from a brotherhood of Burgundian sommeliers. A closer look invites you to scan the sticker or advises that this is the Cellar’s Choice. But how are wines judged to qualify for the absolute, genuine thing? Some years ago, I received a letter advising that I was selected as a taster for the International Wine Challenge held in London each May. It is the most rigorous and impartial event of its kind. The task was to taste and evaluate some 28,000 wines from all over the world over a ten-day period. It is not quite as daunting as it may sound, as I was not alone. I had joined a band of around 300 tasters who indicated when they were available over the tasting period. A taster would perhaps only attend the Challenge for a few mornings or afternoons. Very few handled a full day for understandable reasons. At any one time, this meant that there were only about 50 or 60 tasters there. On arrival, I joined a team of four others, of which one was a senior taster. Before us, on a huge open floor, sat rows of trestle tables, each with a row, or flight, of bottles, all anonymous in brown wrappings and numbered from first to last, with usually around 20 to 30 bottles per flight. We were told three things about the wines, their origin, the grape cultivar and an indication of price. Without this, we would be tasting for a month of Sundays! Starting at the first bottle we would move along the table at the rate of the slowest taster. Scoring was complex and achieved by ticking boxes. When the last bottle was reached the senior taster would ask for any comment on the wines. Any wine commented on would be tasted again. If necessary, a second bottle of the wine would be obtained from the ‘library’ and in the event of serious contention, a Master of Wine would make the final decision. Each table would be as different as possible from the previous. After dry white wines, the team would move to Port wines and from there to
Champagnes, then red wines and so on. Naturally, one’s palate would suffer. Small cubes of white bread on the tables were a help as nibbles, but occasionally tasters would excuse themselves and go for a cup of tea, which I found to be a perfect palate cleanser. At my level of involvement, we were simply identifying wines to go forward for a more rigorous tasting, after which a third panel would make the awards. And the wines? As we never knew what we were tasting, there was no rush to go out and buy. For me, the greatest benefit was meeting my fellow tasters. They included winemakers, journalists, wine writers and generally all careers to do with wine. There is a reason for holding the Challenge in May. It is also the month of the London Wine Trade Fair that attracts many international visitors and exhibitors and is the largest in the Englishspeaking world. The Challenge uses the Trade Fair as a pool to provide tasters. A commercial spin-off is that Challenge award results are given to Trade Fair participants at their stalls. This leaves from May to October, when the results are made public, to enable wines from all over the world to be imported for the UK Christmas season. In 1993 Dieu Donné received the highest possible award, Trophy Winner, for its 1992 Chardonnay. François Malherbe of Eikehof was the winemaker at that time, and we both attended the award dinner in London. A night to remember and a wine never to be forgotten.
Lovely Lamara A little morning fog hugs the verge beside the R45 and the valley is still waking from its slumber. Adele is singing Hello on the car stereo and I’m ready for the open road. My destination, however, is just two songs away. In the middle of Set Fire to the Rain, I arrive at the gate to Two Rivers. A quick phone call opens the gate. The blacktop gives way to a farm track flanked by towering plane trees. Following my instructions, I cross over the briskflowing Berg River, drive past a deceptively barren-looking fynbos-covered ridge, past various orchards and along a white post and rail fence that brings me to Lamara’s gate. Lamara is part of the historic Two Rivers farmlands in the Dwars River Valley. Corporately owned for most of the previous century, these expansive farmlands are now in private hands again. Since 2015 the section now called Lamara has been owned by Belgium-based entrepreneurs JM de Buck and Sylva Mannens. I’m welcomed by GM Marlene Loubser – a horticulturist by training - as I arrive at the two large architect-designed farm buildings. It’s not long before we’re comfortably installed in her first-floor glass cube office. Coffee in hand, I’m battling to focus on the conversation as my attention is invariably drawn to the sunshine that is transforming more and more of the landscape outside, covering it in soft, golden tones. Lamara, I’m told, means ‘the glow of the diamond’ or ‘the liquid gold’. I wonder if this is what JM and Sylva had in mind when they named the property. Lamara extends over 120 hectares of which 30 hectares are cultivated. JM and Sylva’s aim is to create a farming venture that is both ecologically and socially sustainable. This is why they’ve chosen crops with a balanced need for water and different harvest seasons: lemons, olives, pomegranates and essential oil crops (rosemary & lavender). Twenty hectares are planted to Eureka lemons destined for global export markets; eight hectares consist of olive groves (Lecino, Frantoio, Mission and Coratina varietals), seven hectares are planted to rosemary and three to lavender. The newest addition, pomegranates, takes up 0.5 hectares. GM, Marlene, is a qualified olive oil judge. When she says the estate’s blended extra virgin olive oil is “fresh and fruity on the nose with hints of apple and artichoke,” I bow to superior knowledge. She adds that “The rich mouthfeel is well balanced with a tingling pepper and a pleasant bitterness”. I think it’s really nice…
Lamara’s olives are hand-picked at optimal ripeness
Asked about plans, JM and Sylva share that they see many opportunities for combining crops, such as producing lemon olive oil and developing a range of products around the rosemary and lavender oils. Marlene is also developing a bio-dynamic vegetable garden to supply the farm staff. Occasionally though, some other farm inhabitants help themselves to vegetables too. Porcupines and bushbuck, in particular, have developed a fondness for the garden’s offerings. If you’d also like to share in Lamara’s bounty and beauty, get in touch with Marlene and make the two-song trip to where the liquid gold is. marlene@lamara.co.za | 082 898 9187 Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Lamara
Online 3-Day Auction 3-5 December 2021 | 09h00 Start Each Day Viewing: 2 & 3 December | 09h00 - 15h30
Consignment of antiques, jewellery, furniture, fine art, silver, gold coins, porcelain, carpets, wine, vintage toys, classic vehicles & collectables welcome.
Domaine Brahms Winery | Vryguns Road | Windmeul | 072 629 0109 | paarl@oldjwauctioneers.com Catalogues online www.oldjwauctioneers.com
6 | December 2021
Join Hands To Save Animals A HUGE THANK YOU
At the end of another hard and difficult animal welfare and rescue year, SHARF want to sincerely thank everyone that supported us during this year. We thank you for your belief in us and your partnership with us; be it as a financial, emotional, foster, adoption or transport supporter. We are immensely thankful to you and would not have been able to do our work without you.
POWER BREED ISSUES
The valleys's animal warriors and private animal ambulance for those in need; on the go, 24/7, rescuing, treating, sterilizing, rushing injured animals to vets…SHARF is there to assist. We give our support to the communities day and night, where possible. Unfortunately, SHARF does not receive any municipal grants and therefore as a registered NPO, are fully reliant on the financial support of the people of the valley. We strive to give our best in time and
service while educating the public regarding responsible ownership as we treat and help. We are at the vets on a daily basis with injured or sick animals; doing our utmost to save lives, treat wounds and sterilise animals. Our biggest challenges currently are the amount of injuries due to dog fights and animals injured by vehicles because animals are not being kept safe and secure in their yards. It is high time the public realises that if you don't have a secure fence to keep your animals in, then it's the responsible thing not to have certain breeds of dog as pets. Dog fights are out of control. Too many people have power breeds that they can't keep in a yard. Some don't even have a yard, so the dogs roam the streets, fighting over food or females. Another concern is the number of small children "walking" these power breeds. They can't control these dogs and can't stop a fight when it starts! As much as I would love to have a leopard, I know I can't, because I do not have the right conditions to keep one! The same applies to these power breed dogs – if you don't have a properly fence yard with gates that are kept closed, then you don't have the right conditions to keep a power breed. Chaining should not be an option: it's cruel and selfish. And then you get proper yards with owners who don't lift an arm to open and close a gate as it's too much trouble, so the gate stays open. Or the Great Excuse… “The children left it open.” The bylaw, regarding certain breeds in public places should be enforced, plus no child must be allowed to WALK a dog that weighs more than he himself. Too many innocent animals suffer due to this problem.
STERILISATION INFO
SHARF is focused on sterilisation and have thus far this year sterilised almost 200 dogs and 50 cats. We are sterilizing animals weekly in an effort to impact the enormous uncontrolled breeding problem. Kindly consider sponsoring a sterilisation at the welfare rate of R800 per dog and R500 per cat. Contact SHARF on 076 327 4939 for info re sponsorship.
FIREWORKS
Please consider animals and refrain from using fireworks. It only traumatises living beings and blows a hole in your purse… Remember, in January it's back to school and you'll regret the money you wasted on illegal fireworks. See our FB page for more animals needing a forever home
Bank Details: Safe Hands Animal Rescue Franschhoek Bank: FNB Branch: Paarl Branch Code: 200110 Acc No.: 62836203076 NPO No: NPO 235-331
SHARF 100 Club
Please support SHARF by joining the 100 Club Help us generate much-needed funds for sterilisation, veterinary care, food, tick & flea treatments, deworming and education. 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 one month's notice).
REHAB
EDUCATION
VET CARE
RESCUE
FEEDING
STERILISATION
December 2021 | 7
Another Gold For Les Grandes Horizontales
The Franschhoek Distillery: Keeping Spirits High
Local boutique winery, My Wyn, received a gold medal at the recent inaugural Red Blend Challenge for their Les Grandes Horizontales Rouge 2016. This is the second gold medal for this wine; the first came at the Cabernet Franc Challenge in 2020.
Recurring alcohol sales bans during the COVID-19 pandemic have placed smaller distillers and micro-breweries under immense pressure. The Lermer family at The Franschhoek Distillery, however, chose not to let lockdowns dampen their spirits as they have used the time to expand their range with two new varieties of absinthe and a plum-based gin.
Accolades aren’t new for this wine. The 2015 vintage was in the top three Cabernet Franc-dominated blends at the Cabernet Franc Challenge 2019. My Wyn Les Grandes Horizontales, a range born in 2012, reflects a feminine, velvety style that is intriguing and complex. Winemaker Jacoline Haasbroek says the wine “promises an experience that will linger in the memory.” Each vintage is a unique blend and is bottled unfiltered. The exact make-up of the five-way blend is secret. Each vintage is, therefore, in Jacoline’s words “An affair that may only last for
a single vintage.” Wines entered for the Red Blend Challenge were judged blind, using the 100 points scoring system. Out of the 46 entries received, 13 achieved gold medals. According to Celia Gilloway, from Events by Celia, judging blends is always challenging as the scope is wide with various styles and expressions. My Wyn is known for its prize-winning Cabernet Franc wines, Jacoline’s favourite cultivar. www.mywynfranschhoek.co.za | 083 302 5556 Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Supplied
La Motte: Art & Culture Champion La Motte was announced as the South African Winner in the Arts & Culture category of the 2022 Best of Wine Tourism Awards that honours innovation and excellence in wine tourism throughout the eleven greatest wine regions of the world. “We are delighted to be recognised by the Great Wine Capitals of the World for our dedication and creativity when it comes to developing a wine tourism experience around art and culture”, says CEO Hein Koegelenberg. “It brings us much joy and we hope to share that with everyone who visits us on the estate.” La Motte is passionate about art in all its forms. Other than celebrating the art of living through a renowned wine portfolio and acclaimed restaurant offering, guests are invited to participate in a variety of art and culture related experiences. Contemporary Art : Now on exhibition in the La Motte Museum, Threads of Synergy pays homage to the artisans’ presence in the making of works. This exhibition of large-scale tapestries calls for a tactile encounter, regaining sensitivity towards surfaces and reawakening the sense of touch. Art Heritage: Celebrating the Rupert family’s passion for art and the conservation of South Africa’s art heritage, the permanent heritage exhibition of landscape master, JH Pierneef, is one of the highlights of a visit to the La Motte Museum. The exhibition guides guests through an important era of South Africa’s art history and extends to beautiful linocuts displayed throughout the estate.
Walk & Talk: Learn more about the beautiful sculptures on the estate on a guided or self-guided Sculpture Walk or book for a Wednesday morning Historic Walk focusing on the history of the Franschhoek Valley and the unique Cape Dutch Architecture. Classical Music: Inspired by La Motte’s owner Hanneli Rupert-Koegelenberg, music lover and celebrated mezzo-soprano, classical music concerts are presented in the beautiful La Motte historic cellar. The summer programme sees a wonderful variety of performances. www.la-motte.com | 021 876 8000 Text: Editorial Desk | Image: La Motte
Situated in the mountains behind the Huguenot Monument on La Verdure Farm, this artisan distillery began almost by accident from the family’s desire to farm closer to nature. As a small-scale fruit export enterprise, David, Susan and their son Jonathan felt that the harsh pesticides required under export regulations detracted from their vision of a biodynamic farm. Jonathan, whose striking moustache inspired the distillery logo, looked to a sub-culture of fruit wines and liqueurs from the oriental market to re-purpose thirty tonnes of their plum harvest. La Verdure has been crafting its own Shiraz, Chloë, since 2005 which meant that the new type of fruit mash offered Jonathan an opportunity to distil something entirely different. “After a bit of refining and a lot of experimentation we produced a spirit similar to Slivovic which is a beverage that Bosnia and Yugoslavia use most of their plums for. I was unknowingly making something with a huge history behind it,” says Jonathan. David adds, “We have a lovely client base of Serbians now and they choose to purchase the Slivovic we make rather than importing their own.” Since the fateful decision to go green and dabble with plum-based spirits, Jonathan has expanded The Franschhoek Distillery’s offerings with gin, rum and even two different tiers of absinthe. The Lermers also work with Huguenot Fine Chocolates to craft bespoke confectionaries that pair well with their products and encase their spirits with chocolate. The Franschhoek Distillery has garnered several
Jonathan and David Lermer
awards for its distinctive libations. The Slivovic, Anné-Anné gin, and absinthe were awarded at the 2019 Merit Spirits Awards, while their Rum and Premium absinthe were winners at the 2020 SA Women’s Wine and Spirit Awards. When asked what is next, Jonathan said that he has new ideas for the elderflower-based syrup he makes. “It’s still a work in progress, but it has potential to be crafted into an elderflower spirit, or perhaps just as a sour element to a cocktail,” he says. So far, the elderflower syrup has been used frequently in his alcohol-free mocktails, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Based on his inventive track record, we’re sure Jonathan will create a stunner! jonno@thefranschhoekdistillery.co.za | 084 929 6212 Text & Image: Pieter Naudé
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8 | December 2021
Tatler Motoring MICHELE LUPINI
Mu-X, Mu-X Bolder! We Drive Isuzu’s Fine New SUV Isuzu’s all-new mu-X SUV is set to ruffle a good few feathers in the ever virile family SUV market. Focused on reliability, durability and capability, Isuzu wants mu-X to appeal to owners’ emotional senses. We drove it on launch and found it a most compelling argument. Based on the upcoming all-new Isuzu D-Max bakkie, the bolder new styling, quieter, more luxurious mu-X has next generation driver assistance and safety too. Large and solid with strong character, the doors open and close with a premium thud. Easily accessible with keyless entry, just grab the A pillar handle and hop over the wider running board. A plush carpeted cabin welcomes you with a cavernous, solid, elegant and roomy feel. It is climate controlled and ambient lit by night. The 3D-design space has a smaller multifunction paddle shifter steering wheel and multi adjustable seats. The steering wheel and touch controlled 9 or 7-inch intuitive screen infotainment has CarPlay and Auto mirroring, Bluetooth, audio streaming, Wi-Fi, a rear-view camera and either 6 or 8-speaker
audio. A seven-seater from the ground up, it has a spacious third row. And a neat new height adjustable plastic tailgate for low car ports or garage doorways. Mu-X has a 140 kW 450 Nm 3 litre turbodiesel four-pot mated to a fine 6-gear autobox. Quiet, smooth and effortless, it drives without fuss or bother. Linear delivery from low down on the range allows the gearbox to keep its higher gears, so very little shifting required. Mu-X rides on allnew suspension front and rear. New springs and roll bars significantly reduce body roll, road holding is impressive. mu-X excelled over all tar and dirt surfaces. Locally developed to suit South African conditions, special attention was paid as much to dirt road behaviour as it was to its towing ability. A heavy duty tow bar delivers market leading 3.5ton braked towing capacity. And off the beaten track, mu-X handles rutted down and uphill paths without effort. A tight turning circle also makes parking a synch for a vehicle its size. Five-star safety specced mu-X has a novel centre airbag between the driver and the front passenger. Top models get adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance. A 4×4 terrain dial selects hill start and descent controls, and a rough terrain button sharpens it up on the gravel. Add sharper booster brakes and traction control. Built using 0.3 mm thicker metal, there was no sign of rattling, buzzing, or whistling throughout the trip. The new mu-X is the company’s first launch since the local arm was established as a wholly owned Isuzu subsidiary. South Africa is Isuzu’s only manufacturing and distribution organisation outside of Japan and the company is also well invested in the African continent. Competitively priced on quality and features and covered by a class-leading 5 years or 120,000 km warranty, the bold new Isuzu mu-X is initially available in a threecar range bound to disturb the well-established medium-sized SUV party. It went on sale at the beginning of the month. *Find many more of Michele and Giordano’s motoring experiences at https://theauto.page
Giordano’s Record Season
Giordano Lupini was delighted with his racing season aboard his Bullion IT Banhoek Chilli Oil Volkswagen Jetta in 2021 cheapercars WP GTi Challenge. “We had a good year,” Franschhoek racer Giordano admitted. “We ended second in the class B championship and fourth overall despite missing races early in the year. “We also had great fun developing our car and improving the class lap record to a point nobody ever thought possible! “A special thank you to my team and our sponsors, Clive and Johan from Bullion IT, Ken and the team at Banhoek Chilli Oil. “Also to Stephen at Master Panelbeaters, Pieter at Franschhoek Sign Co, Ted at Bilstein and the rest who made it possible for us to do what we love. We salute you.”
DECEMBER NEWS
BEHIND THE WHEEL
BIKER BITS
to describing the character of FMM’s 1926
was building engines for the Jordan team, which
delivered 106 kW at 10 000 r/min.
had just lost its supply of Ford engines. Yamaha
rev up to 11 500 on its way to a top speed close
stepped in with a free supply of the OX99 3,5-litre
to 270 km/h. And the Sasol Jordon development
72-degree V12 engine for the Jordan 192 race
engine belongs to the bike that is now part of the
car. And taking over the sponsorship reins was
FMM collection, which had only 11 km on the
South African fuel and energy company Sasol,
odometer when it arrived!
The word ‘patina’ does not even come close
Talbot 14/45, its black paintwork dulled by years of exposure to the elements. But all the dings, scratches, tears and cracks demand respect rather than dismay. It represents the antithesis of mollycoddled concours machinery. Talbot was founded in 1903 with financial backing by British aristocrat Charles ChetwyndTalbot, the 20th Earl of Shrewsbury. The company started out by importing French Clement-Bayard
engine speed it happily could maintain all day.
cars and branding them as Clement-Talbots, but
FMM’s Talbot is one of the earliest 14/45s to be
in 1905 began assembling the cars in a facility in
built and was acquired in 1975 in pretty much in
London and selling them simply as Talbots. By
the condition it is in today. It starts immediately
1910 monthly sales were between 50 and 60
on the button and settles into a smooth rhythm.
units. In 1913, a Talbot driven by Percy E Lambert
Alongside the handbrake to the right of the footwell
became the first car to cover 100 miles (161 km) in
sprouts the gear lever with a well-worn ‘gate plate’
an hour, an unwitting foretaste of the brand’s later
that facilitates precise engagement of the cogs. It
sporting pedigree.
was one of first Talbots to feature a four-speed
In the early 1920’s, Talbot built a number of
transmission and had a top speed of 100 km/h.
successful models including the 14/45 which was
The 14/45 was marketed as ‘the real sportsman’s
launched at the 1926 London Motor Show; the
car’ and, with 11 851 made, proved a commercial
numbers denote the car’s fiscal/actual horsepower
success at a crucial stage in Talbot’s history. Sadly,
ratings. It was mostly sold as an open two- or four-
it was not to last, but the charisma that surrounds
seater, but they were by no means sports cars. The
the name seeps from every ding, scratch, tear and
14/45 was powered by a 1 666 cc in-line six-cylinder
crack of this bare bones example.
engine that produced 35 kW at 4 250 r/min, an
The Talbot 14/45 is currently on view in Hall C.
FESTIVE MESSAGE
As we approach the end of a year affected by the many trying consequences of the COVID pandemic along with the disruptions caused by load-shedding, the museum has managed to continue functioning. The curator and staff at FMM would like to thank the general public and all of its friends who have supported and visited the museum and wish everyone a safe and blessed festive season and a healthier and brighter New Year.
In 1992 Yamaha was trying its hand at F1 and
Power Valve) system and It could
who worked diligently with Yamaha to maximise
A special Sasol Yamaha display featuring the
the power available to them both from the engine
FZR along with period video clips is currently
and fuel source. But F1 is an expensive game...
on view in Hall D.
The answer lay with the Yamaha FZR 1000 motorcycle engine, which was ideal for testing fuel consumption, burn rates, temperatures, performance etc First introduced in 1987, the Yamaha FZR set the way as a 1 000 cc superbike – even the ergonomics of the FZR were a revelation. The 1 003 cc five-valves-per-cylinder inline-four engine featured Yamaha’s EXUP (Exhaust Ultimate
VISITING THE MUSEUM
Under the latest Level 1 restrictions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Franschhoek Motor Museum continues to be fully operational and is now open for longer hours. The December to March opening times are Monday to Friday 10h00 to 18h00 (last admittance 17h00), Saturday and Sunday 10h00 to 17h00 (last admittance 16h00). Visiting FMM is by appointment only and via online booking. Entry fees: R80 adults, R60 pensioners & motor club members, R40 children (ages 3-12). Only electronic payments are accepted. All of the Government’s statutory measures regarding attendance at public places remain in place and are continually being enforced including the compulsory wearing of masks, appropriate sanitisation, social distancing and no crowding. For any other information as well as signing on for a free monthly newsletter, logon to www. fmm.co.za or phone 021 874 9000 or e-mail fmm@fmm.co.za
December 2021 | 9
Tea May Ward Off Depression The increasing academic and clinical interest in how lifestyle factors, typically associated with physical health, may also impact mental health, have prompted researchers to look more closely into the effects of tea-drinking on psychological well-being. Currently, a third of people with anxiety and depression never find an effective therapy, which is why scientists are starting to explore new, more integrated forms of treatment that look at the interconnectivity between the brain and the gut. Adele du Toit, spokesperson for the SA Rooibos Council (SARC) says more and more research supports the importance of healthy living, also encompassing tea-drinking, as a way to ward off depression. “In recent years, the role of nutrition in mental health and preventative medicine has prompted explorations into the effects of tea, especially herbal tea, on mental health. “Researchers have found that frequent tea consumption has a strong linear relationship with reduced rates of depression. One study determined that for every three cups of tea consumed a day,
the relative risk of depression decreased by 37%. It’s likely that the healthy compounds in tea stimulate a positive response in the gut and brain, which improves mood. Similarly, the act of making tea is in and of itself relaxing, which allows us a mental and emotional breather.” Among the major triggers of depression is stress. The effect of chronic stress over a prolonged period is harmful and increases the risk of depression and anxiety disorders. Severe stress, caused by life events, such as a divorce or financial loss, sends the psyche out of equilibrium therefore it’s vital that stress is managed properly. Already, one in three South Africans suffer from depression and rates are climbing. Scientists from Stellenbosch University found that Rooibos tea contains two rare antioxidants, aspalathin and nothofagin, which interferes with
the production of cortisol – a stress hormone secreted by the adrenal gland. Tests were carried out in a lab on adrenal cells that were stimulated to mimic a stress response similar to which occurs in humans. Researchers concluded that Rooibos tea lowers the production of cortisol and by doing so, also lowers the body’s response to stress. An added benefit is that Rooibos is caffeine-free, which helps the body to relax, whereas caffeine interferes with sleep, dehydrates you, increases blood pressure and raises anxiety levels. Du Toit says Rooibos is rich in polyphenols – compounds found in plants, including flavonoids and phenolic acid that benefit the body and fights disease. It also helps to widen blood vessels, which in turn reduces blood pressure and anxiety. “Globally, we are seeing a move towards more natural ways of treating a variety of illnesses. Researchers are only beginning to examine how tea exerts its effects on mood and cognition. For now, they are trying to identify the major active compounds that give tea its mental health benefits and whether they work alone or in combination with other compounds present in the beverage.” She says during the pandemic, tea has taken on
Morning vs Afternoon Snacks for a Healthy Diet The COVID-19 pandemic has made a fundamental impact on how we live, work and play – including our choices around food. This was what Tiger Brands’ Eat Well Live Well: State of Nutrition Report 2021 found to be true amongst the post-pandemic South African society. According to the study, there has been a noticeable decline in snacking. Fifty-one per cent of South Africans were eating more snacks in August 2020 than in April 2020, compared to twenty-nine per cent in May 2021. This suggests that South Africans have possibly become more cognisant of portion control and more mindful eating behaviours; or that their eating behaviours have been impacted by the financial implications of numerous economic lockdowns. The global trend towards ‘mindful eating,’ involves making smarter choices around what we eat and how much we eat, but also when we eat it.
milk product, yoghurt is full of probiotics, which are made up of good bacteria and are known to help reduce inflammation and allergies and boost the immune system. Add a teaspoon of honey to sweeten. 2) A piece of fruit (or a snack that contains fruit). As Kallee elaborates: “Our food scientists take the body’s needs at different times of the day into consideration when formulating the range of Jungle Energy Bars. For example, the bars are high in energy and fibre to keep one fuller for longer, sustaining hunger until your next meal. Furthermore, the main ingredient in these bars are Oats – which are what we call ‘slow carbs’ – these carbs are high in fibre and take more time to digest, which prevents the quick rise in blood sugar that refined carbs can cause.”
a bigger role in people’s lives as many have turned to it for solace. “As researchers strengthen their understanding of how various teas act on the body and how much of it should be consumed to produce the desired effect, there is no reason not to encourage people to drink tea as a means to improving mood,” remarks du Toit. Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Pixabay
IN FRANSCHHOEK
@ 48 VILLAGE ARTISAN
021 876 4234 · 074 325 5555 chphysiotherapy@gmail.com
Text: Editorial Desk | Image:
This is the opinion of Kershnee Kallee, Marketing Manager for Jungle South Africa, who comments: “In the morning, especially just after waking up, our cortisol levels are at their highest – this can increase the motivation to eat or snack on sugary treats. But to avoid a sugar high and the inevitable drop that comes after it, we recommend reaching for slow-digesting carbohydrates, as are found in cereal bars. Similarly, mid-afternoon is where a lot of individuals experience an energy slump. That’s when it’s better to opt for energy bars that get your internal engines firing again.” Below, Kallee shares a few snack suggestions for the morning and afternoon: Morning Snacks to Get You Moving 1) A handful of nuts: These are a great source of plant-based protein and reap a number of health
benefits. 2) Homemade trail mix: This could include nuts, popcorn, dried fruit, high-fibre crackers or biltong. For a snack that contains all of the above (and more), reaching for a cereal bar is an ideal option. “Life on the go often entails eating on the go. But eating on the go doesn’t always mean reaching for a sugary ‘quick fix.’ A 40g Jungle Almond Berry Deluxe Cereal Bar contains very low levels of sugar as well as real fruits, nuts and seeds. These ingredients meet the body’s need for fibre to get the digestive system going, as well as the need to replenish your stores of energy; minus the quick but unsustainable burst of energy that often follows sugary snacks,” says Kallee. Afternoon Snacking When Energy is Lacking 1) A cup of plain yoghurt: Being a fermented
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10 | December 2021
Fleur de Lis News
Bhabhathane News
MARIËTTE HUGO
Bittersweet to Greet Mr Malvin Kulsen (60), the current principal at Groendal Secondary School (GSS), is closing a long chapter in his life of public servanthood. Mr Kulsen is retiring from the principal’s office at the end of the 2021 school year after 36 years of service. For Mr Kulsen, teaching has been a calling that runs through his veins – both his parents were trained teachers and so were several other family members. His journey as a teacher started in 1985 when he started teaching in Wellington. In 1991 Mr Kulsen started teaching at GSS – the same year that the school opened its doors. Having been part of the Groendal community for 31 years, Mr Kulsen finds it a bittersweet experience to say his goodbyes. After retirement, Mr Kulsen is looking forward to taking time for a well-deserved break from the responsibilities of his office and spending more time with his family – his wife, children and grandchildren. However, he says that he will not be able to do nothing for too long, and will continue to seek ways in which he can still contribute to empower, develop and build communities and people. Some of the achievements that Mr Kulsen will be remembered for being a part of are: developing isiXhosa as a Home Language subject at GSS in 1996, as well as his frontline role as principal in building the Groendal Secondary School Hall. He remembers the challenges they faced when the school did not have a hall, especially during the Grade 12 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. While sitting back in his office chair reminiscing about his time and service, Mr Kulsen acknowledges that GSS has taught him valuable lessons as well. He says that to survive in the teaching profession a person needs to be adaptive because the learners,
Principal Malvin Kulsen
parents, and communities are changing outside the school fence. This lesson has been of immense value to him – although he acknowledges that it took him a while to realise it. The legacy that Mr Kulsen leaves at GSS is a learner population, staff, a community and a valley willing to stand behind someone (in this case Mr Kulsen) who is willing to take the lead for something that will benefit the whole community. In his own words: “Dit is vir my regtigwaar belangrik dat ons ‘n gesamentlike poging aanwend om dit wat ons het te behou en uit te brei. Daar is baie waarheid in die gesegde: ‘It takes a village to raise a child’”. While Mr Kulsen prepares the ground for those who will follow in his footsteps, we applaud his courage, leadership, persistence and consistency in serving the people. Text: Basheer Arries | Image: Bhabhathane Project
Hospice News COLLEEN DOUGLAS The Franschhoek Hospice team would like to thank the following for their continued support during the year: All our supporters, who attended our fundraising events, volunteers who assist on the day, volunteer caterers for the eats and refreshments for our day-care patients and to all our sponsors who continue to donate through very difficult times. To the staff of Franschhoek Hospice, thank you for your loyalty and dedication. The Franschhoek Hospice Office will close on 17
December 2021 and re-open on 11 January 2022. The Franschhoek Hospice Shop will be closing at 12h00 on 24 December and re-opening on 28 December 2021. Then it will close again at 12h00 on 31 December and re-open on 3 January 2022. The Franschhoek Hospice team wishes you all a peaceful, safe, and healthy Christmas holiday. For Your Diary: April 2022: Let’s enjoy another CODA concert/ picnic under the stars at Leopard’s Leap. Details of the event to follow next year!
Probus Club
vocational activity to a calmer way of life. This is achieved through these valuable features of membership: • Opportunities to extend compatible social contacts and maintain an interest in the topical issues of the day. • Nurturing positive attitudes to ageing through group recreation and the sharing of information on 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.
MARK TANNER
We meet on 6 December at Franschhoek Cellar for our Christmas Lunch and to enjoy the fellowship that has eluded us over the past months. This year, apart from the menu, the spotlight will be on a decorative theme and some entertainment. January is our interlude month with no meeting. We are back again in February and anyone interested in joining may contact me on 082 773 9217. What is Probus all about? In South Africa, there is a rapidly growing number of Probus Clubs, which offer retirees the facility to manage successfully the transition from a high-pressure executive, professional and other
FHRPA Help Us Make Things Better The Franschhoek Heritage and Ratepayers Association (FHRPA) is passionate about our valley – South Africa’s Valley of Dreams. Please help us to keep Franschhoek special. There are many projects that the Association would like to undertake but, as nothing is free, we do need funds to implement them. Here’s a sampling of what we’re planning/working on: We’d like to help finance the “Keep Franschhoek Clean” team that is on the road five days per week keeping the outskirts of Franschhoek clean, start a recycling initiative at a Franschhoek primary school where children will be rewarded for doing the right thing, initiate a regular litter pick-up day for Franschhoek, clear the overgrowth of aliens and grass at the church cemetery in Middagkrans Road
to discourage vagrants living there, fix the post office’s shutters, etc. The FHRPA does not charge any membership fees and the committee members give their time and expertise for free. To enable the Committee to continue with its efforts to improve everybody’s lives we’re appealing to residents to make donations to: Nedbank Franschhoek Account Name: Franschhoek Ratepayers And Heritage Current Account No: 1197745289 Regular statements and descriptions for what the funds have been used for, will be published. Your assistance will be highly appreciated and you’ll see the difference all around you!
Die einde van 2021 is in sig. As ons terugkyk oor die jaar, was daar maar baie uitdagings. Weens Covid-19, het Fleur de Lis ook gebuk gegaan onder verskeie regulasies wat regtig nie aldag maklik nie was vir die inwoners, familie en die personeel. Even with all the regulations, the staff and carers tried their best to keep the spirits of our residents high. From the management side we want to thank all of our staff, nurses and carers for their hard work during this year. Gedurende Oktober was daar ‘n tee waar die inwoners deftig kon aantrek en natuurlik ook pryse vir die bes gekleede inwoner. Daar was ander aktiwiteite soos pret stap om die tehuis, geheue speletjies en verskeie sport aktiwiteite. Daar was ook ‘n uitstappie na Cape Garden Centre. Almal het dit vreeslik baie geniet om bietjie uit te kom en veral om tussen al die mooi plante te kon wees. Residents were also treated to a morning of beautiful music, when they were entertained by the singer Belia Lourens and served some delicious refreshments. Die naweek van 29 - 31 Oktober het die jaarlikse Franschhoek Open Gardens plaas gevind. La Cotte plaas het aangebied dat Fleur de Lis tee en botterbroodjies in hul tuine kon verkoop. La Cotte Farm graciously supplied tea and coffee which was served under their magnificent old oak trees. The
VLNR: Jason, Mariëtte, Eleanor en Bronwen tydens die Open Gardens
delicious cream scones served with the tea were baked by Ruth Paulse and prepared by Cheryl Garrod and Bronwen Orpen. A record amount was raised in aid of Fleur de Lis. Die bestuur van Fleur de Lis wil baie dankie sê aan al die vrywilligers wat bereid was om te help met die verkope. Management of La Cotte, we don’t know how to thank you enough for supplying the tea, coffee and the use of your premises. As Fleur de Lis management, we would like to extend a big thank you to everyone for their contributions, from time spent with the residents, taking them shopping or other donations like fruit and vegetables during the year. Mag een en elk ‘n geseënde en veilige feestyd saam met hul familie deurbring. Alle voorspoed vir 2022!!
Maths Maestros Congratulations to JD Fourie (right) and Ryan Glazer (far right) who took part in the national A+ Students Maths Competition. Both received Champion of Champions awards in their respective age groups. JD has furthermore been selected to be part of Team South Africa to participate in an international competition later this month. Congratulations are in order! Text & Image: Bridge House
Open Gardens 2021 This year, once again, we are proud to report back on the outstanding success of the Franschhoek Open Gardens weekend. Each and every one of the Open Gardens events through the years has been a triumph for the gardeners, who have constantly had to face differing challenges – drought, heat, rain etc. – but as we are all aware, the health issues of the past eighteen months have introduced previously unknown problems for all of us. However, perhaps because of one of the most trying effects of the “covid crisis” – the restriction of personal movement, the festival this year enjoyed an unprecedented attendance. All our visitors, both local or from further afield, rejoiced in the sense of freedom and beauty that accompanies a garden visit. Many also spoke of the unexpected, positive side of lockdown which has been to encourage them to develop their own gardens – large and small. Visitors from Europe were The gardens at La Cotte were at their finest during amongst those who praised the Franschhoek Open Gardens weekend. the success of our event, saying that it was up to international standards! there are many, as yet unseen jewels to add to the Well done to all of you for earning our lovely village Franschhoek Gardens crown! Maybe the owners such praise. are not sure of their ‘wow’ value. Don’t be shy, get in Our thanks go out to all the garden owners for touch – we would love to hear from you. their dedication and willingness to agree to be Finally, it has been our claim that the strength of “on show”, to their workers who make much of it the Franschhoek Open Gardens event lies in the possible through months of work in varied weather, diversity of the gardens on offer – but after the trials to the garden sitters and other helpers over the of the past months we proudly feel we can add a weekend, providing support and transport. further accolade and say that it lies in the “Strength Special thanks go out to all our sponsors and the in Adversity” of all our gardeners! Lions Ladies who remain an essential arm of this Many thanks to all in the village! Keep well and event. Lastly, but not least, thanks to the Fleur de see you next year! Lis helpers for providing delicious scones and tea at All proceeds from the Open Gardens Weekend go La Cotte farm. to Fleur de Lis Home for the Aged and Franschhoek We are truly fortunate in our lovely village in emergency and medical services. having such a great variety of gardens – large, small, traditional, indigenous, etc. – making it Text: Barbara Gardener | Image: Open Gardens possible for us to regularly introduce new gardens Committee to view. This is a constant need and we are sure that
December 2021 | 11
Letters The Bowling Club Dear Editor What a pity that one venue can pollute such a lovely area of Franschhoek. Loud disco music that penetrates right through the house making it vibrate is no way to live, especially on a Saturday morning or late evening. Many would argue that it’s on the Pass with its noisy traffic, the log lorries and apple trucks but they never disturbed us unlike the constant music pounding endlessly though the house followed by
screaming and shouting. We can walk away and we shall, sadly, as we have always enjoyed our garden and mountain view but what of the many visitors whose afternoons and evenings have been wrecked by this venue. Close to the beautiful monument and museum, surrounded by guest houses and homes, it is a sad indictment of bleak municipality powers that turn a blind eye to such a thorn in the side of so many local residents and perhaps is an indication of the crass lack of fairness that is the local government of Franschhoek. Yours sincerely Susan Thompson 3 Protea street, Franschhoek
A Wheelie Nice Competition When life deals you lemons, you’re advised to make lemonade. When anonymously black wheelie bins are stolen, paint yours recognisably bright. The Franschhoek Heritage and Ratepayers Association, Paintsmiths and local wineries & breweries have teamed up to turn hassles into happiness by launching a ‘Paint Your Wheelie Bin’ competition. The dual aims of the initiative are to make it easy to recover ‘misappropriated’ bins and to enliven rubbish day! This is how the competition works: (1) Paint your wheelie bin, (2) Take a photo of it, (3) Send the photo to info@fhrpa.co.za before the 15th of the month, (4) Read the next month’s Tatler to find out if you’re a winner. Paint and technical support can be obtained from Paintsmiths (Unit 80 C – Artisan Village, Franschhoek). Don’t be tempted to just do it… most paints and primers don’t stick to wheelie bins. Ask the experts first!
Bridge House Student Leaders
Stella Goedvolk and Ntsika Njovane who were announced as 2022 Head Girl and Head Boy at the College Awards Ceremony that took place on 14 October.
‘Thank You’ From the Not-So-Scary Skeleton Franschhoek’s main road once again teemed with little angels, mini monsters, scary skeletons and other fun and festive creatures on 30 October. After almost two years of uncertainty and curfews it was the sixth year that I had the privilege to roam the streets and shout ‘Trick or Treat!’ with the village kids. This year our route started at Tapasco, from there we jigged our way to The Deli at Good Food & Co and Get Lost Coffee, shimmied to French Connection and Café Franschhoek, free-styled our way Elephant & Barrel, Bovine and Essence before ending (dis?)gracefully at Le Bon Vivant. The proceeds from this year’s Kids Trick or Treat Walk were donated to Annette Phillips’ The Hoek Kennels Project that makes kennels for township dogs out of plastic barrels. Thank you from the very bottom of my skeletal heart to every restaurant, pub and coffee shop that took part and to your amazing staff for handing out the sweets and treats you so kindly provided. Thank you kindly to PicknPay Franschhoek for the wicked sweets donation and the 100 cupcakes made
Scary but sweet trick or treaters
and delivered – it’s a good thing skeletons can’t eat… Further thanks are due to all the parents who donated scary amounts of sweets and tickets and to all the children for dressing up in their most frightening frocks to support the event. A skeleton also needs helpers and I can always count on Chris, my mom and Liam to be mine! Kids and busy roads are an evil combination, but Ashley and Findlay Bauer, Juliana and Hennie Grobbelaar, provided the safe hands every time we needed to cross a road. I do hope to see you all again at the Easter Egg Hunt 2022! Alisha ‘Bones’ Erasmus
Editor’s Letter Siegfried Schäfer
Dear Readers, With the gifting season upon us and global logistics challenges in the news, a recent headline in The Atlantic struck me; “America Needs You to Buy Less Junk”, it said. (For America, the name of any other country can be substituted.) The simple truth is that a large percentage of what we buy, we don’t need. As the Atlantic article points out, “A lot of people buy things for the sake of it, stuff they don’t need or even particularly want and in many cases won’t use, as a salve for boredom or anxiety or insecurity.” The article refers to studies of materialism by Tim Kasser, a psychologist and professor emeritus at Knox College, Illinois. He found that “a person’s propensity toward materialism – “[defined] as a set of values and goals focused on wealth, possessions, image, and status” – tends to increase when they’re feeling threatened, insecure, or unsure of themselves.” This is, of course, the effect that the COVID pandemic has had on people. It also explains why as soon as it was possible to do so comfortably-off people rushed out to spend the money they’d otherwise have spent on restaurant meals and vacations on gewgaws of debatable utility, more clothing they’ll hardly ever wear and dust-trapping trinkets. The pandemic, Kasser says, does offer people an opportunity to change their materialistic ways. “Shaken out of the dayto-day inertia of existence” the pandemic can also be an opportunity for people to re-evaluate what is important in their lives. Kasser found “that an honest appraisal of those things generally leads people to less materialism and more investment in their families and communities.” I’m happy to say that I’m one of the people re-evaluating the need for things. Since the pandemic, I’ve only bought one item of clothing (socks & jocks don’t count!) and am
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finding much more joy in reducing the volume of stuff around me rather than accumulating more. What has also contributed to my ongoing conversion to minimalism is dealing with my late mother’s things. She wasn’t anywhere near the worst hoarder around nevertheless I find myself having to decide what to do with three delicate china tea services, a dozen glass serving plates, three sets of silver cutlery, boxes of unidentified family photos and drawers full of linen, handembroidered by her mother, grandmother and great aunts. She had started giving away a few things in her later years, but in the end, the grim reaper caught up with her too quickly to finish what she started. Please don’t knowingly inflict this lot on your children! Change, the Atlantic article notes, is possible. “If you’re currently stewing in consumer hell, frustrated at shipping times and fearful of what holiday shopping will look like, it might be time to take a step back. You can stop. Not stop buying things entirely – you have to keep being a person, of course, and no one will begrudge you things that bring you joy, or begrudge your kids their Christmas presents. […] But if you find yourself idly filling online shopping carts with mediocre sweaters or new golf equipment you won’t use until next spring anyway, you can just close the tab.” As far as Christmas presents go, so much of what we give, and receive, has very little value, or use, beyond the thought. I don’t know about you, but rather than receiving a trinket or gizmo, clothing that doesn’t fit and isn’t my style, a book I might not like and more crazy socks or ties, I’d much rather have something home-baked or home-made (even if it wasn’t your home!), a vinous libation of some kind, or my personal favourite – the most boring and versatile gift ever – a gift voucher. And if you want to seriously impress me, just send me a hand-written card. The planet will forgive you this one little card! All that remains for me is to wish everybody a blessed festive season. To quote Oprah Winfrey: “Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right.” Until 2022!
12 | December 2021
Gardening in December NATIE FERREIRA
cage can give you the benefit of live nitrogen rich manure and the bonus of an occasional high protein meal if you are so inclined. As we move into summer you will start to deal with the effects of the accompanying heat and winds. Getting your soil covered with mulch
“What happened to 2021?”
develop extensive root systems. Make sure your irrigation system is working optimally and that
as a whirlwind of a year. As the world buckles
your garden is zoned correctly. Protecting your
under the response from governments to a
garden and outdoor living spaces from the harsh
potential pandemic, us gardeners just smile
Southeaster is a challenge in the Cape. Think
while sharpening our secateurs. The therapeutic
out of the box here – shade net windbreaks
effects of gardening have saved many from
covered with reeds, overhead cover and well
depression, anxiety, and ill health during these
placed hedges can all help to redirect the wind.
troubling times. While we speculate on a
We have some amazing fast-growing indigenous
potential response to an expected 4th wave of
trees
infections, we can be sure that, come what may,
windbreaks. Brachyleana discolor, Tarconanthus
our gardens will be the refuge from whatever the
camphoratus, Rhus crenata, Tecomaria capensis
powers-that-be throw at us.
and Kiggelaria Africana are all good options and
and
shrubs
that
can
be
grown
as
Gardeners should be excited about this season.
will be far more effective against the wind than
We are experiencing the closest to “normal”
any boundary wall or fence. Make sure all young
conditions that I’ve seen in many years. A solid,
trees are well staked after planting.
cold winter with above normal rainfall filled our
Walk your garden regularly, keeping a pair of
dams and groundwater resources to potential.
secateurs at hand to deadhead roses, cut wind
Then a proper extended spring protected us from
damaged branches, cut some flowers for the
early summer winds to bring us to the delight we
vase, and keep topiaries and hedges under
are witnessing in gardens and parks all around
control. You will be amazed at how much work
us. This season is there to enjoy the fruits of your
this simple act can save you later. It is also very
labour. Nowhere better to take that literally than
therapeutic when done at the end of a stressful
in your own garden. Eating from your own hand
day. There is still time to pretty up a dull looking
from your own garden seems like a privilege but
area with some flowering seedlings – the nurseries
should be experienced by all. My readers should
are bursting with colour this time of year and you
know about my yearly challenge to prepare as
might find some decent special offerings. While
much of the Christmas meal as possible from
planting up pots, invest in moisture retaining
my own garden. This year we were slow on the
granules to save on watering later.
vegetable front – but the promise of green beans,
Summer is a time for entertaining. Make the
sweetcorn, early squash and tomatoes and lots
most of your garden this year by finding new
of greens are there. And our little family of pigs
places to host guests and prepare meals. A
that worked so hard transforming all garden and
cooking boma can make the family feel like they
kitchen scraps into wonderful food and compost
are in an exotic location whilst preparing food
will take care of the main attraction. Having
straight from the earth. Cooking with fire should
livestock around the home garden is an amazing
extend way beyond braaiing meat. Take your
addition. My chickens are the gems of my garden,
cooking outside this season and experiment
even though we don’t get many eggs from them.
with new ways to use fire.
2011 2012 830mm 1079mm
Measured at La Cotte/Nerina Street
2016 754mm
2020 January February March April May June July August September October November December
2013 1471mm
2017 501mm
mm/month
Regular deep watering will ensure your plants
This refrain echoes through our land as we
Ducks are even easier to keep. Even just a rabbit
Rainfall Figures
(living or decomposing) is as important as ever.
close the book on what can only be described
mm/year 2014 1033mm
2015 661mm
2019 828mm
2020 910mm
2018 867mm
Dam Levels
2021
As at 15th November 2021
MONTH
ACCUMULATIVE
MONTH
ACCUMULATIVE
23 1 3 45 84 164 198 177 84 31 80 20
23 24 27 72 156 320 518 695 779 810 890 910
9 0 48 6 163 152 115 158 14 67
9 9 57 63 226 378 493 651 665 732
Steenbras Upper
99.1%
Steenbras Lower
92.1%
Wemmershoek
94.0%
Voelvlei
97.4%
Theewaterskloof
100.0%
Berg River Dam
99.9%
Total Storage
98.8%
Total Storage this date last year 99.4%
tamatie GROWING MASTER GROWERS
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See you in 2022!
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December 2021 | 13
Business Leadership TONY FROST
Change Is All Around Us It may be a bit of a cliché, but we do live in watershed times of significant, even tectonic, change. To illustrate, let us list just a few of the most significant: climate change, global tax reform, the fourth industrial revolution, the ongoing adjustments to our lives and lifestyles resulting from the Covid pandemic, increasing pressure on water resources, and, locally, the worst performance ever of the ANC at the polls. There are others, but these are good enough for us to understand that we are living times of dramatic, discontinuous change. The power of the media and especially social media has never been stronger. Its influence is pervasive, content mostly untested and usage unregulated. It is everywhere and with everyone, all the time. It is easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless; even alone. And yet, there has seldom been a time when collective, community action has been more important for the stability and health of our planet, our country. We have learned, not just in South Africa, that politicians are generally untrustworthy. Promises are cheap and easy to make. Doing the hard yards of caring for the people they purport to represent is a much more difficult ask. But this is what we expect of them. If this is our expectation, then there is certainly a compelling argument to be made that this places an important burden on us to hold them accountable. But more than that, to start taking action in our own communities for the things we believe we deserve as honest, caring and taxpaying citizens. No longer can we just vote and hope for the best. We must become active, vocal and unrelentingly so. The politicians will not feel accountable if we do not do this. If Council (local, Advert Franschhoek(PR).pdf 1 provincialNewspaper or national) self-evaluations take place, they are spectacularly unsuccessful in ensuring
that positive change happens. Therefore, this critical role in effective leadership falls on us, the ordinary citizens. The first step is to know who your designated councillors are and what their intentions are relative to your community. It is vital for the community to be clear, and collectively so, about what the key issues and objectives are for the community. Then a schedule of regular town hall meetings must be planned and held at which the councillor must come and account. It is almost certain that these meetings will enjoy airtime on social and other media. Politicians generally do not like negative publicity. Keeping them in the spotlight is crucial to keeping them accountable. The second strategy for creating the changes you wish to see is direct action. There are many examples around the country where communities themselves are transforming the landscape. Two good examples come to mind: The first is a suburb in Fish Hoek, Masiphumelele (a Xhosa word meaning “let us succeed”), where the community is transforming itself and using sport development with the kids as its lynchpin. The second example is in the Eastern Cape town of Komani. Here local residents are cleaning up the town and fixing infrastructure; from cleaning the cemetery to rubbish removal, water provision, painting road markings and much, much more under the banner of #FortheloveofKomani. Reaching out to neighbouring communities in our fractured society should form an essential part of developing collective community action. What is certain is that we must all become active citizens. Sadly, the best people do not go into politics anymore. They stay in the community and focus on doing an honest day’s work wherever that may be. We need those local heroes to stand up now like never before and especially in our country at this time. We have seen examples from around the world where local heroes have changed the course of history for their communities. We need these heroes to do so in Franschhoek, in Stellenbosch, in Cofimvaba, in Mogale City and many other places. We can no longer be silent and 2019/09/10 09:12 compliant. Especially now.
tony@siroccstrategy.com
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Franschhoek Gains a Chamber of Commerce and Industry A new chamber of commerce and industry was launched on 12 October at a formal event held in the Franschhoek Town Hall. The occasion served both as the chamber’s official launch and as an opportunity for registered members to elect primary office bearers.
The office bearers of the recently-established Franschhoek Chamber of Commerce and Industry. FLTR Wilfred Moses, Haneley Daniels, Jodi Sameuls, Trevor Jefthas
The chamber was founded with four members in May 2021 as a mandate handed down by Col. Frederick Rossouw from the Franschhoek Community Police Forum. The mandate was to establish a pro-business entity in Franschhoek that would nurture the economic prospects of its members regardless of race, culture or gender, and to provide a productive forum where businesspeople can offer support to one another. After the results of the evening’s voting were tallied Wilfred Moses was announced as the new president of the chamber. Trevor Jefthas was elected as vice-president. Members elected Haneley Daniels as secretary while Jodi Sameuls was chosen to serve as the chamber’s treasurer. “No matter where you start, as long as you have
C
M
Y
CM
MAKE
LIFE EASIER
MY
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CMY
K
021 876 2676 | franschhoek@taxshop.co.za | www.taxshop.co.za
FOR FINANCIAL SECURITY AND PEACE OF MIND
Susan Charlesworth ATTORNEY NOTARY CONVEYANCER
Areas of practice:
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a dream and the will to overcome, and not just to survive, you will succeed,” said Moses during his first address as president. “With the experience, knowledge, and skills we have at our disposal all of us can say in five years this is where I was, and this is where I am now, and I will help others to achieve the same.” When asked about the near future ambitions of the chamber, office bearers stated that the first order of business was to engage with key projects and role players active in Franschhoek and beyond. Moses added that campaigning for more members continues as an equally vital task since the chamber strives to represent the demographics of Franschhoek. Text & Image: Pieter Naudé
14 | December 2021
Book Review
CHARLOTTE VAN ZYL
Should We Stay or Should We Go?
with Wilfred Moses Advocate and President of the Franschhoek Chamber of Commerce and Industry You were once a columnist for the Tatler. What was the general theme of your articles? Yes, I was a contributor to the Tatler while I was completing my legal studies. Many of my write-ups emphasised how labour laws can and should serve a productive relationship between both employer and employee. Labour laws should not be seen only as a strict set of rules to define different roles in the work place. It is for the mutually benefit of both parties. How can education about labour laws foster a better work environment? Businesses tend to flourish in an environment where both employers and employees have a better and deeper understanding of the law. I am of the view that a better and deeper understanding of labour laws can help these two parties to realise they are actually co-dependant for the success and sustainability of the business. Before you pursued your law degree, what were some of your prior qualifications? After completion of my secondary schooling at Oudtshoorn, I graduated with an Honours degree in theology from the University of the Western Cape and went to the Federal Theological Seminary in Pietermaritzburg, Kwazulu-Natal to “round-off” my theological studies as part of preparation to enter the Ministry. My denomination (United Congregational Church of SA) sent me to Franschhoek to do my two years’ probation and that is really how I was introduced to the village in the late eighties. After five years in the ministry, I decided to further my studies at the University of Stellenbosch and eventually received my Masters degree in theology. It was during that same period that I completed my postgraduate diploma in higher education at UNISA. Did your experiences in the Franschhoek church community guide you towards a career in law? I have always regarded myself as a community activist. During my time in the fulltime ministry I came to learn that people grapple with labour related issues, such as disciplinary actions, evictions and unfair labour practices. That was the start of my career as labour consultant and I was privileged to act in that capacity and as community liaison manager on construction projects in the Western Cape, at Sasol and on the mines. I realised that a formal qualification would enable me to offer better assistance, which is what prompted me to re-register at UNISA for an LLB in 2009. When did you start your own practice as an advocate? In 2015 I opened the doors to my own practice in Groendal after completion of the final part of my training at the University of Cape Town Law School. This involved a series of practical courses over nearly seven months – during which time I often questioned my presence amongst fresh-faced youngsters! Would you say that your work as a minister and an advocate are connected by an imperative to
Poetic Licence HARRY OWEN
‘What do you believe?’ This is a hard question to answer, and often a loaded one. There seems to be within it an implication that, if you are to be taken seriously, you must hold to a particular religious faith, usually the one embraced by the questioner. Many poets do indeed hold strong religious views, and I count some of these amongst my favourites. I’ve always been powerfully drawn to the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins, for instance, who was a Jesuit priest; and to that of the Sufi mystic Rumi. Their work is simply wonderful. And there are many more. Yet, much as I respect their devotion and admire their poetry, I do not share their convictions.
help members of the community? While I don’t practice as a full-time minister at this stage, that part of my life will remain with me. As an ambassador of the church, it is expected of any Christian to reveal a certain attitude towards his / her community, regardless of who they are or where they come from. My office is not in an affluent area, so I try to render a service that is affordable to clients in the vicinity. I also do a lot of pro bono work as I believe that success is not just about having an impressive annual turnover on your books, but in my world success is also based on the positive contribution one can make in the life of an individual. I am convinced (and it has been proven) that wealth creation will follow automatically from that. What have been some of your central preoccupations since your election as the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry? The other office bearers of the chamber and I are very busy during this building phase of the organisation as it demands a lot of time and effort to get structures in place to ensure the smoothrunning of the Chamber. We engage with several important role players within the Franschhoek community and are running campaigns for new members. How will the new Chamber of Commerce and Industry function within Franschhoek? The Chamber functions as a mouthpiece for all our businesses within the village and represents the economic interests of all its members, regardless of race or culture. We strive to be deeply involved with several new projects on the horizon and to provide members with opportunities within these endeavours. We focus also on facilitating new projects for members. What is your personal vision and goal for the Chamber of Commerce and Industry? I would like to see that we represent all the businesses of Franschhoek across racial barriers and to help prospective members to see the benefits of being part of the organization. A particularly meaningful project to me personally for our current financial year is to work in the field of education in collaboration with our local schools. It is imperative to encourage a mind-shift amongst young people to think broader than just waiting for an employment opportunity, but to become visionaries in their own communities and by doing so, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship.
Is this odd? I don’t think so. Whatever our differences may be in matters of faith, what we share is our humanity. It is this reality, more than any particular ideology, to which I cling. It may seem trite, even a cliché, but I believe in life. I believe in us, in our potential for good. Reminding me of this, a few years ago a wonderful event occurred. As you may know, in 2013 the poetry anthology called For Rhino in a Shrinking World was published. It includes the work of many fine South African poets, as well as others from all over the world. Its purpose is to highlight the plight of rhinos which were – and still are – being viciously butchered in ever-increasing numbers to feed the erroneous belief that their horn has medicinal or magical properties. This, of course, is nonsense, but gullible people have been persuaded to believe it. You may think me naïve, but I suspect that overwhelming numbers of these people do not understand the brutal reality of their demand for rhino horn and do not wish, whatever their belief systems, to contribute to the animal’s extinction.
By Lionel Shriver. Publ: The Borough Press. 266 pages. Not only is Lionel Shriver not a man but, as a woman writer, she has tackled subjects that many men would shy away from. In “We Need to Talk about Kevin” she addressed the issue of mass killings at US schools, in “Big Brother” she broke the taboo about discussing the problem of obesity and in “The Mandibles” she critically foretold the demise of the American Dream of never-ending capitalism and a limitless money economy. Her demolition style is precise and ironic, and her humour is sardonic. In her latest book, “Should We Stay or Should We Go?”, she broaches another difficult subject – perhaps the most difficult subject humanity faces now: the quest to make death optional. Its simplest form is that of euthanasia, choosing the time and the manner of your passing. The nearly universal ban on the practice is an indicator of its complexity. Then there are many scientists working on ways to make human cells young again and, by doing that, to defer death beyond normal expectations. This raises the new and tricky question of the appropriate time to die given the increasing longevity of humankind. With 70 being the new 50, Planet Earth is lately being colonized by a crop of oldies with new hips, knees, pacemakers, all eating superfoods and glutenfree meals and heading towards their eighties or nineties quite happily. Or maybe not so happily… Shriver cleverly avoids any potential accusation of heavy-handedness in her approach to this tendentious subject matter by engaging in some wry self-mockery. On page 203, one of the characters says, “Please tell me that you are not listening to that Shriver woman. She’s a hysteric. And so annoyingly smug, as if she wants civilization to collapse, just to prove she’s right. I can’t bear the sound of her voice.” What “that Shriver woman” has done is create two very ordinary characters living in modern-day England. Cyril Wilkinson is a doctor in the NHS, and his wife Kay used to be a nurse and is now an interior designer. They are both in their fifties and have just experienced the trauma of caring for Kay’s ageing, dementing, incontinent father who is being kept alive by the miracles of modern medicine. Cyril takes stock of the helpless suffering of the old man, and also of the time and energy consumed in looking after him, and decides to opt out of old age. He proposes that when he and Kay reach the age of 80, they will both take an overdose of Seconal (which he has carefully hoarded) and spare themselves and their family the mess and trauma of their dependent ageing. After some hesitation, Kay agrees. Hence the title of the book. However, the best-laid plans inevitably go awry. When the fateful day arrives (slightly sooner than they expected) all sorts of personal and social complications arise, which prevent them from
carrying out their plan. This allows Shriver to wittily explore every form of avoiding death from the obvious to the fantastic. The obvious is an extension of their life into an oldage home from hell, designed to dehumanize and belittle any remaining humanity of the couple – all in the name of taking care of them. It takes away all sense of agency and they wistfully wonder where they can get hold of the Seconal again. Another form of avoiding death is the invention of a series of drugs that eliminate biological death and dying. The prospect of an eternal life that seems at first glance to be marvellous soon reveals itself to be an even worse fate than death. And so it goes. Many more alternative lives (or deaths) are suggested, some more satirical than others. All allow Shriver to be mordantly witty about many additional topics, like Brexit, modern marriage, the nanny state and mad scientists. Despite its subject matter, this is not a morbid book at all. It is a thoughtful and, at times, very funny novel about ways of living and ways of dying, and ways of getting away with both in a future world.
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In other words, I believe in their essential human goodness. A Catalonian friend of mine, the tireless environmentalist and lover of Africa Xavier Surinyach Mateu, wouldn’t call himself a poet, but this too, translated from the Spanish, is something I believe in: The Natural World: a love poem
I don’t want a world without elephants, without rhinos, without lions, tigers or jaguars, without orangutans or gorillas, without ancient forests or rivers of crystal waters, without great whales swimming in our oceans. I want a world in which I am blended with nature, embracing her, holding her to me because she and I are the same. Being with her and in her and of her is how I know myself complete.
And here is a short poem from my first published collection. I haven’t changed my mind. Important Things
I ought to write about important things, content myself with facts as papers do, reflect on tragedies, the way life brings a sense of helpless chaos surging through to grip the innards, wring the heart and squeeze the flesh of joyful happiness to stone. I ought to write of useful things like these: Sky Sports, the Internet, the mobile phone. I know that GM foods aren’t safe, I know our days are filled with crime and drugs and war, that meningitis kills and that we grow our own extinction in our lust for more ... and yet I find the flowers, sunshine, sea, the peace of clifftops written up in me.
Harry Owen (from Searching for Machynlleth, NPF, 2000)
December 2021 | 15
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Modester Tembo on 083 639 8801
RiaPools: 072 347 5355
HOUSEKEEPER LOOKING FOR A JOB: My name is Caroline Maweng, age 31. I have two years’ experience working at La Chataigne Guesthouse, cleaning and ironing. For reference please contact Julie Parkfelt on 082
RE-FIBRE GLASS YOUR POOL in any colour you like. Call RiaPools for a quote: 072 347 5355 PROFESSIONAL POOL SERVICE REQUIRED? Keep it
FRESH CLEANER: We offer cleaning services. We are
call Susan at 072 932 5393
Franschhoek Electric
074 313 7829/021 876 3640
DOCTORS
Rensburg Electrical
021 876 2120/083 309 2923
Dr Karin Eksteen
028 840 1716
Medicare EMR
Lighting & Accessories
021 876 3640
MUNICIPALITY
PostNet
high windows that you can’t reach and fire places we
included a light dinner & tea/coffee. Meetings held as Villa
can clean them for you. We can also provide you with a
Visaggio outside Paarl. Contact Len van der Walt – 082 579
cleaner for your self-catering guests if they do not have
2994. Booking essential.
12h00 by DeWetstraat 7.
kitchenette includes a small fridge, microwave and sink etc, but it’s not suitable for proper cooking and food preparation. Therefore, 20 packaged, cooked meals will be provided p/month. In addition all linen and towels will be provided and the unit will be serviced once a week. Personal laundry services will also be available once a week. Rental R11000 p.m. 083 298 3525 (Cathy) WESTERN CAPE HOUSE SITTERS: We have many mature, kind, responsible, animal loving, live-in housesitter members who would love to care for your home and pets. Your furry children may miss you but their environment and routines remain intact which is why we at Western Cape House Sitters will provide a perfect win-win for everyone... Peter Walsingham 082 822 4200 info@ westerncapehousesitters.co.za HOUSE TO RENT (in town) in Franschhoek. Fully furnished. Available 2022. R40k p/m + W&L. Call 083 348 1230 GATEHOUSE TO RENT (in town) in Franschhoek. Fully Furnished. Available 2022 R10k p/m + W&L. call 083 348 1230 PROFESSIONAL PICTURE HANGING.
Specialising in
hanging several frames to form collages. Franschhoek village based. Tel: Darlington Mlandeli 061 772 2572. Email: ddmlandeli@gmail.com CHAUFFEUR/DRIVER AVAILABLE in Franschhoek. I am an experienced Zimbabwean driver with references. Available to drive you in your car on an hourly or daily basis. Why drive in to Cape Town when you can relax and enjoy the ride? Tel: Darlington Mlandeli 061 772 2572. Email: ddmlandeli@gmail.com JANE PARKFELT DESIGNS Ready for a new website?
Community Events 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 (May not take place, depending on Covid regulations)
CHURCH SERVICES
Franschhoek Plumbing
082 404 5055
(Ward 3) Clr Manuel (DA)
074 686 2364
(Ward 4) Clr Johnson (DA)
021 808 8019
Municipality (Office Hours)
021 808 8700
Municipality (afternoon only)
021 808 8890
Municipality 24hr Service
021 808 8700
021 876 3759
PSYCHOLOGIST 082 812 1476
PUBLIC SERVICES Hospice
021 876 3085
Library
021 808 8406 021 876 2342
Welfare (ACVV)
021 876 2670
SPCA
021 876 4808
Bridge House School
021 874 8100
Franschhoek High School
021 876 2079
Groendal Primary School
OCW
Restoration Carpentry Joinery
021 876 2448
Groendal Secondary School 021 876 2211 Wes-Eind Primary School
021 876 2360
Dalubuhle Primary School
021 876 3957
STORAGE Franschhoek Storage
021 876 2174
TOURIST INFORMATION & SERVICES Info Office
021 876 3603
Winelands Experience
021 876 4042
Huguenot Memorial Museum
021 876 2532
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.
VETERINARY
ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Groot Drakenstein. Sunday Services: Holy Communion and Sunday School 10h00. Revd Wilfred Meyer 084 407 1280. Office - 021 874 4008. willowdale@cybersmart.co.za
Stb Fire Dept. (Buildings)
021 808 8888
District Municipality(Bush & veld)
021 887 4446
Gerald Fourie Fhk Animal Clinic (plus surgery) Emergencies/Weekends
021 876 2940/082 821 5234 021 876 2504 021 863 3187/082 8089 100
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Our Services Now Include: Spraying & Built-in Cupboards C: 071 990 9219 • C: 079 961 1671 ocwcarpentry@gmail.com Old Simondium Winery, R45 PO Box 5, Groot Drakenstein, 7680
SHOFAR CHRISTIAN CHURCH: Services - 09h00 & 18h00 English services at 7 Lambrechts Street. Pastor Richard Wade. 083 225 8529. All welcome! TRINITY CHURCH: Worship Sundays 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.
GENERAL Alcoholics Anonymous: WED evenings 19:00, Groendal Community Centre, Contact David +27 83 305 5159
ACCOUNTANTS Tax Shop
021 876 2676
ATTORNEYS Susan Charlesworth
021 876 2592/072 402 9469
Snipelisky & Killian
083 250 0943/021 876 2084
BURGLAR ALARMS
items needed for our ‘First Friday of The Month’ jumble
Pepler Alarms
sales. Please help us to help the animals of the valley.
CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS
Please drop off at the SPCA clinic in La Provence Street,
Boland Bridge Club
Groendal, or phone for us to collect. 021 876 4808
021 808 8490
(Ward 2) Clr Petersen (DA)
021 876 4234/082 582 1029
TRANSPORT GOODS
co.za | info@janeparkfeltdesigns.co.za | 071 161 7837
STUFF WANTED: All manner of clothing and household
(Ward 1) Clr Frazenburg (DA)
PLUMBERS
METHODIST CHURCH: Sunday service 10h00. Rev Russell Norman. 021 872 3580 or 082 662 4509.
businesses, services or individuals. janeparkfeltdesigns.
you out! Call RiaPools: 072 347 5355
Claire Horn
021 872 3530
074 363 7744/021 876 4316
SCHOOLS
Useful Numbers
POOL PUMP PROBLEMS? Noise? We quote and help
OPTOMETRIST
Post Office
good taste, affordability and easy navigation for small
Or a website refresh? My website designs offer simplicity,
021 876 3025
Danielle Smith
weekends. Contact Safe Cleaners. Darlington 0617722572
wifi, DSTV, water, electricity and air-conditioning. The
083 321 3442
INTERNET ACCESS
Once-off joining fee of R200, then R65 per meeting, which
single person for a medium term let. The rental includes
021 876 2612/072 347 5355
Sue’s Gardens
and turn your walls into new shiny ones. Even those very
084 264 0000
EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONSE
Clock Repairs
require repainting. We can clean off the greenish moulds
Voor Donderdae, 18h00 @ R8 elk Optel: Vrydae vanaf
021 876 4622
Audiologist Tracy-Ann Morris
PHYSIOTHERAPY
during their stay. Service is offered everyday including
021 876 2561
Dr Bernard Fisher AUDIOLOGIST
Marelise Bester
THE PERFECT PANCAKE PLACE Bel: 073 663 1232 Bestel:
Dr Nicolas Els
021 876 3310
public speaking, communication and leadership skills.
time to do their dishes, beds, laundry and housekeeping
021 876 2474 021 876 2304
021 876 2261
part of Agora International, assists in the development of
021 876 4622
Dr Hannes Van der Merwe
Franschhoek Health Club HOUSE & GARDEN
021 876 3070
Dr Alexander Heywood
Franschhoek Pharmacy
house, garage or walls. Those walls of your house do not
furnished, private, separate entrance flatlet available for
072 3408518
HEALTH & BEAUTY
PUBLIC SPEAKING / LEADERSHIP: Paarl Communicators,
GARDEN FLATLET (with a difference) TO LET: A fully
021 876 4431/082 972 5755
Burger Excavations
here to help you with your cleaning services, be it your
or 0749134287 email: ddmlandeli@gmail.com.
Dr Schalk du Plessis
ELECTRICAL
Ria Pools (Franschhoek)
local! Get a quote. Call RiaPools: 072 347 5355 RE-THINKING YOUR GARDEN? For Garden Consulting
326 3900 or contact me on 078 971 8674
086 003 7566
Lions
produce received on Monday, orders placed on Tuesday
LOOKING FOR JOB: I am a 22 year old Malawian looking
10111/021 876 8061
021 876 3308 021 876 3031
Franschhoek Tennis Club
078 278 4843
FHK Heritage & Ratepayers Ass.
082 496 8749
Appliance Repair 24/7 Fridges | Freezers Washing machines Tumble dryers, etc. Gas refill from R250
WhatsApp welcome
fixit930@gmail.com
Local R350; International R800 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 o r warranty in respect of goods or services therin described.
16 | December 2021
Myles Agar
FRANSCHHOEK
STORAGE
LANDSCAPE SERVICES, PAVING, TREE FELLING AND PRUNING
For short and long term storage solutions. We offer lockable bays, containers and floor space.
mylesagar@franschhoekwildhoney.co.za 083 279 7960
SAFE. SECURE. AFFORDABLE.
PACKAGING TRAILER HIRE 6 Fabriek Street 0218762174 0823206523
Guaranteed Affordable Prices on Sales & Service of: SMART HD & UHD LED Tvs Home Theatre Systems • Multiroom Audio DSTV Satellite & Terrestrial Installations
DOMESTIC OR COMMERCIAL CLEANING Daily, Weekly, Monthly or Once-off and we can do WINDOW CLEANING, IRONING, CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING
9 New Street, Paarl, 7646 T: 021 872 1346 | F: 021 872 6625 E: sales@cathmar.co.za | Web: www.cathmar.co.za
Vicky Cell: 082 975 2494 Email: vjmuscroft@iafrica.com
Sue’s Gardens Sue Norman
Ons gebruik ons gevorderde lugopmeting stelsel om ‘n kwaliteit besproeiingsontwerp en -stelsel te lewer.
Landscaping and maintenance of gardens, all sizes! Mulching services available.
We use our advanced aerial survey equipment to supply a high quality irrigation design and system.
De Villiers Visser
UR NEW EMAIL PLEASE NOTE O@ tlook.com suenorman50 ou
Besproeiing / Irrigation
cell 083 321 3442 tel/fax: 021 876 2510
+27 (0)21 876 3640
WE MANAGE ALL RELATED HOMEOWNER SERVICES WITHIN FRANSCHHOEK, BOLAND, WINELANDS AND SURROUNDS
Unit A, Fabriek Nationale No 1, 9 Fabriek street, Franschhoek 7690 herman@franschhoekelectric.co.za www.franschhoekelectric.co.za
074 313 7829
FLOOR MASTER STELLENBOSCH
SACEX
Wooden floor repairs, sanding & polishing. Since 1992. Also solid wood & laminated flooring installations. Call Tim for a free quotation.
CARBON & ENERGY
Cell: 082 442 5244 Email: floormasterstell@gmail.com Tel: 021 - 887 6707 www.floormasterstellenbosch.co.za
Our service wood floor you!
SOLAR ENERGY
NRS-052-2-2:2012 ___________________________________ 021 020 1041 - 076 132 8954 www.solarenergy.capetown Franschhoek | Paarl | Stellenbosch
December 2021 | 17
18 | December 2021
Tania van Deemter PPRE / Achiever Agent
0 76 7 2 6 2 8 7 3
tania.vandeemter@seeff.com
FOR SALE
FOR SALE - EXCLUSIVE SOLE MANDATE Superb and immaculate Eco Home on an intimate estate close to town. This modern and immaculate home is surrounded by wonderful mountain views. The house offers 3 bedrooms plus a flexible space which could easily be used as a 4th bedroom or a lovely study. Stunning reception space which opens fully onto a covered deck with an eco pool. Double garage, full solar system with battery back up.
RECENTLY SOLD BY TANIA SOLD
SOLD
Fransche Hoek Estate R6 900 000
(Asking Price)
SOLD
SOLD
Le Bourgette R2 950 000 (Asking Price)
SOLD
SOLD
L’ Ermitage R3 400 000
(Asking Price)
R 7 500 000
Lille Street R5 750 000 (Asking Price)
Akademie Street R7 300 000 (Asking Price)
Testimonials from very satisfied clients
Calais Street R5 985 000 (Asking Price)
I became a client of Tania early 2020 during the first few months of the Covid-19 Pandemic and period of lockdown. Tania’s warm personality level of service, professionalism, attention to detail, constant sharing of information and perseverance to find the right property for me was exceptional. I am now a proud property owner in Franschhoek and bought the property purely on the basis of engagements with Tania and material shared throughout the process. Tania will be top of mind should I ever decide to upgrade or buy another property in Franschhoek and I will have complete peace of mind to refer friends to her. JR - Johannesburg My husband and I would like to recommend the services provided by Tania van
We met Tania many years ago when she organised the rental of our home in Franschhoek. Tania did a very detailed inventory, managed the rental well and nothing was ever too much trouble. She always came with a smile and good humour throughout. Because of this Tania was the first person we contacted to sell our home when the time came and wow, she has excelled herself! Never in the 50 years of buying and selling property have we ever had such a consummate professional selling our home! Tania is knowledgeable, listens and understands, and wants to! Our needs were always at the forefront, too many to list here, but if I said she even helped us to sell our surplus furniture with the zeal of a terrier, it would give you some idea. Smiling at all times, with a great sense of humour
Deemter in her capacity as realtor for Seeff. Working with Tania was absolutely a pleasure, and we marvelled at her patience and perseverance in getting our real estate contract to closure. She is the consummate professional who obviously loves her work. Tania’s knowledge of the ins and outs of real estate buying and selling impressed us to no end, and we believe she deserves some sort of medal for her work under difficult and trying circumstances. She always provided us with step by step guidance through the process of our acquisition, and her cheerfulness and positive attitude brought us reassurance that we would reach our goals. Tania’s experience in other markets in addition to the South African market makes
and genuine warmth, Tania has turned an otherwise stressful time into a delight. I can
her a real asset to the Seeff team. LG - Franschhoek
think of no one who would match her manner, service and professionalism. We both thank
I have had the pleasure of observing Tania and her exceptional work ethic
you so very much Tania, you are such a lovely and professional agent. We wholehearted-
twice-and it was the same property! She is friendly, efficient, capable, really on
ly recommend you to anyone considering selling their home! Wishing you all happiness,
the ball, and fantastic to deal with both as a seller and a buyer. I would highly
health and prosperity, your continued success we take as a given! Thank you!
recommend her to anyone looking to purchase or sell a home.
RS - Franschhoek
AS - Franschhoek
December 2021 | 19
Exclusive Mandates Franschhoek
Ref: FWI1547575
Ref: FWI1544062
FRANSCHHOEK
R2.5 MILLION
LA PETITE PROVENCE, FRANSCHHOEK
R4.25 MILLION
2 Bedrooms / 1 Bathroom / 1 Parking
3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms / 3 Parking
EXCLUSIVE MANDATE – Third floor apartment in a secure complex, with an open-plan living area opening onto an East-facing balcony, mountain views, durable travertine floors, and garage with laundry section.
EXCLUSIVE MANDATE – Newly-renovated cottage in immaculate condition in a secure estate, with quality finishes, well-designed kitchen, open-plan living areas, and under-carpet heating and sash windows in the bedrooms.
UNDER OFFER
Ref: FWI1539839
Ref: FWI1532161
LA PETITE PROVENCE, FRANSCHHOEK
R4.65 MILLION
LA PETITE VILLAGE, FRANSCHHOEK
R5.45 MILLION
3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms / 4 Parking
2 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms / 2 Parking
EXCLUSIVE MANDATE – Comfortable living in a secure estate, surrounded by beautiful views. With an enclosed patio with glass/conservatory section, and open-plan living areas with high ceilings and exposed trusses.
EXCLUSIVE MANDATE – Executive townhouse, set in the centre of Franschhoek Village, in a boutique gated complex. With stylish finishes throughout and two easy-to-maintain garden areas. Short-term rentals allowed.
Pam Golding Properties Franschhoek is a proud sponsor of the Franschhoek Chamber Music Festival. The festival programme features concerts at various venues in Franschhoek. Works by Bach, Beethoven, Bizet, Brahms, Elgar, Mendelssohn, Mozart, Tchaikovsky & more. Wine, MCC and Champagne tastings, special lunches and dinners, accommodation specials as well as various ceramic and art exhibitions.
24 - 27 FEBRUARY 2022 Tickets on sale 1st December 2021 via Quicket.co.za www.fcmf.co.za Franschhoek Winelands 021 876 2100
Live Remarkable. Jeanine Allen 082 410 6837 | Doug Gurr 072 610 7208
20 | December 2021
LOCAL
EXPERTISE
NATIONAL
PRESENCE
INTERNATIONAL AUDIENCE
BO LA MOTTE
CABRIERE STREET
FRANSCHHOEK VILLAGE
Part of one of the original farms settled by the Huguenots in the late 1600’s. Income producing 16 ha Lifestyle Wine Estate a 10 minute walk from Franschhoek centre. Historic four bedroom Main House. Income from 6 self-catering cottages, 100 tonne wine cellar, vineyards and olive trees. Asking price excludes VAT.
One of Franschhoek’s finest historic homes, beautifully renovated to present a classic contemporary finish. Very large three bedrooms ensuite main house with open plan kitchen/dining, double volume living room library, office, media room. Separate income producing cottage. Deep covered verandah, lush north-facing mature garden with eco pool.
New to market! Artistically updated to present European style within the setting of a country garden with gorgeous mountain views. Open plan living areas, double-volume ceilings, seamless inside/outdoor flow. Three bedrooms en-suite. Stunning garden with decked pool and sauna, single garage.
Tom Clode 079 955 3114 Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194
Tom Clode 079 955 3114 Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194
Tom Clode 079 955 3114 Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194
R75 000 000 ex VAT
R18 500 000
R8 950 000
VICTORIA VILLAGE
LA FERME CHANTELLE
VILLEFRANCHE
Charming 3 bedroom cottage excellently located in a private and tranquil corner of desirable Victoria Village gated estate. Spacious living/dining room, open plan to a generous separate kitchen. Main bedroom en-suite two further bedrooms with family bathroom, mature garden and single garage.
Excellently located on this desirable lifestyle estate, immaculately presented five bedroom, four bathroom home with stunning views intelligently designed with an emphasis on open plan inside/outside living. This property has so much to offer and is well worth viewing.
Highly sought after for buyers seeking easy access to the Village. Double-storey property with generous open-plan lounge, dining and kitchen on the ground floor and two spacious double bedrooms upstairs. Charming courtyard garden with swimming pool. Single garage. Ideal low maintenance property for lock-up-and go living.
Tom Clode 079 955 3114 Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194
Tom Clode 079 955 3114 Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194
Tom Clode 079 955 3114 Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194
R3 950 000
R12 950 000
R4 995 000
FAMILY HOME IN GREAT LOCATION
PRIVATE COUNTRY ESTATE
FRANSCHOEK VILLAGE
A rare find. Combining a central but tranquil location with breathtaking view, this 3 bedroom family home is built in an attractive Cape Victorian style and has the added benefit of a separate one bedroom loft style apartment. Also includes mature flower filled garden, large pool, garden building and double garage.
Architect designed home nestled in 5.25 hectares of gardens with the finest views in the Franschhoek Valley but within a few minutes drive of Franschhoek Village. Seven bedroom main house, staff cottage and 3 garages. Extensive grounds including pavilion, 20 meter pool and tennis court.
Boasting many period features and classic Franschhoek charm and character this 9 bedroom sn-suite property has been lovingly restored into a very successful guest house, fully booked for most of the summer months and also has excellent occupancy in winter. The property is VAT registered and will be sold as a going concern.
Tom Clode 079 955 3114 Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194
Tom Clode 079 955 3114 Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194
Tom Clode 079 955 3114 Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194
R8 950 000
300 offices globally 40 offices nationally
POA
R11 950 000
Fine & Country Franschhoek 23 Huguenot St, Franschhoek, 7690 +27 (0)21 876 3322 | franschhoek@fineandcountry.com