Franschhoek Tatler - January 2024

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Page 43 Page Exploring Wildeberg SA Flavours Wins

Page Page 104 Horny Chamber Art Festival Music

Page Page 11 11 Q&A: Q&A: Simon Leaticia Alexander Zeeman

FRANSCHHOEK’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AND ADVERTISER SINCE 1994 • JANUARY 2024 2023

The Bag ThatDawn Builds Solms-Delta

Recycling plastic isn’t nearly as simple as one might think. Not only does plastic that goes After several years of depressing news from Solms-Delta (which was once lauded as a prime to recycling have to be clean, but it must also be separated into one of seven types – not example of successful land reform) the tide has finally turned and new dawn is on the cards all of which are recyclable. A pilot project currently underway in the valley could help turn for the historic wine farm. conventional wisdom about plastic recycling on its head.

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24 November 2023 marked the launch of the Solms-Delta Wine Company, an entirely new venture established to continue the ambitious journey of land restitution and community upliftment that was begun by Mark Solms in 2001. With the investment and expertise of American Fortune 500 executive, Tommy Hall, this seems set to change.

The vehicle for this change is the Solms-Delta Wine Company, which has been established as a stand-alone wine venture that is 100%-blackowned by the family of Tommy Hall, an American Fortune 500 executive.

“But this is not about us coming in and buying up the farms that once constituted Solms-Delta,” explains Hall. “This is a separate company that has many of the same goals as Mark Solms, in terms of community upliftment, skills development and employment opportunities. However, we want to make sure that we do it in a manner which is both socially equitable and financially viable over the long term.”

Continued on p2...

reception@marelisebester.co.za reception@marelisebester.co.za

The popular Oesfees will be revived

Another Clean Audit

On Thursday, 8 December 2022, the first 830 bags of plastic waste collected in the valley were sent to a cuttingedge plant in Cape Town to be turned into an innovative eco-aggregate used in concrete product manufacture.

take part in the pilot programme.

At the heart of the pilot project is a technology The pilot programme will run for three months developed by the Center for Regenerative Design & The Auditor(CRDC).

General South Africa announced another clean audit Stellenbosch from 1 January 2023 as part of a for larger cleaning and Collaboration Theoftechnology allowshas plastic recycling effort that is coordinated by members of to be converted into an eco-additive – RESIN8 – Municipality. The audit was for the 2022/23 financial year. According to the AGSA Stellenbosch the Franschhoek Heritage and Ratepayers Association that is added to concrete in the manufacturing of Municipality “is able to report credible and reliable financial and performance results. The (FHRPA). Current initiatives include the privatelystructural and other concrete products. clean audit outcome reflects that the municipality maintained a healthy financial position funded clean-up crew that cleans areas that are outside Replacing up to 20% of natural aggregates with and that all money spent is properly accounted for.” municipal jurisdiction or that need extra cleaning, the RESIN8 in concrete product manufacture has installation (and servicing) of refuse bins where they are several advantages: It improves the performance In a statement, Executivereduces Mayor, Adv. is a clear commitment that every cent of municipal lacking and monthly community clean-ups. characteristics of Stellenbosch concrete products, the Gesie van Deventer, said: “Good governance forms spending must be accounted for in a transparent Irmela Alberts, co-chair of the FHRPA says “We’re amount of quarried material used in the concrete and the bedrock of a waste thriving society. transparency, manner.by For this,the we environmental can indeed be and proud and we excited both economic removes plastic from the When environment.

Best openness, and trust are woven into the fabric of must continuously work to improve even further. opportunities this pilot programme presents forI of all, all seven types of plastic can be converted into governance, thehave way to forbe accountable leadership. am immensely of this achievement.” the valley. Our proud challenge now is to find ways to RESIN8 and ititpaves doesn’t clean to be used.

Clean audits more than plant a procedural necessity; The Mayor expressedsoher and thanks make it sustainable, thatappreciation the pilot programme CRDC SA become has a processing in Cape Town they symbolise a commitment to fiscal responsibility. for the leadership of Municipal Manager, Ms Geraldine can become a permanent one. We will keep the from where the local leg of a global programme Every cent for means resources areout. directed Mettler and Chief Financial Officer (CFO),significantly Mr Kevin Carolus.

Franschhoek Valley cleaner, send less titled ‘The accounted Bag That Builds’ is being rolled The where needed, public services.”green Mayor to van concluded by involvement saying that rubbish theDeventer landfill and through the programme isfostering named efficient after the distinctive “We have instilled a culture of good governance “There will always be room for improvement in of the local schools contribute to creating a mindset bags that are used to collect plastics for recycling. and accountability within are ourrewarded organisation any system, invite members of the public where peopleand litterIless” Individuals and companies per bag– unmatched when taking intoitconsideration toFor always that we these any excellent moreensure information oruphold if you have form of plastic they collect, making a simple way the for audit outcomes of small many income similar municipalities in standards.

I deeply appreciate the free public of plastic that you want to getthe rid role of feel to anyone to earn a while improving other parts of South Africa,” drive she continued.

“We continues to play in assisting contact Jocelyn at 073 587 6132. us to run a clean, the environment.

A collection in the Langrug are proud of the hard work councillors sound, stable and sustainable municipality.” community has already led tothat the our coining of the and officials areyour doing to ensure sound financial phrase ‘pick up money’ to inspire residents to Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Supplied management practices at the municipality. There Text: Editorial Desk

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2 | January 2024

NSRI Station 38 saving lives on Theewaterskloof Dam Many people associate the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) with daring ocean rescues in horrific seas. However, the NSRI maintains an active watch on inland waters as well – and the nearest base to Franschhoek is not to be found at Gordon’s Bay or Hermanus, but rather just over the pass at the Theewaterskloof Dam. Station 38 is located at Theewater Sports Club (TSC), on the shore of the dam. TSC is home to shore and boat anglers, power boaters and waterskiers, dinghy and keelboat sailors, the Theewater Sailing Academy, paddlers, and casual swimmers.

Station 38 is one of five bases serving inland waters throughout South Africa, and responds to emergencies not only at Theewaterskloof but also in surrounding rivers, irrigation canals and dams.

Contrary to popular opinion, the majority of drownings in South Africa do not occur at the coast, but rather in fresh water. There are more leisure activities that take place on inland waters than on the entire coastline of South Africa, and all of these activities come with the inherent risks of being near water. ‘Wild swimming’ is also popular throughout South Africa.

Theewaterskloof is the largest dam in the Western Cape’s water supply system, with a capacity of 4.8 million cubic metres. The dam itself was completed in 1980, but the NSRI station has only

been in place since September 2016. Before the opening of Station 38, all rescues and emergencies on the dam were handled by individual members of TSC, using the club’s own safety boats.

The vast majority of incidents on the dam are not life-threatening and include boats colliding with submerged trees, or fuel shortages far from the slipway. However, it was a particularly dangerous incident on New Year’s Eve in 2015 that led to the realisation that TSC members couldn’t take on safety responsibilities without NSRI support.

In that incident, a powerboat with two adults and a four-month-old baby aboard capsized. There were no life jackets or safety equipment on board, and neither adult had a skipper’s ticket. Worst of all, the child was strapped into a car seat. Heroic actions by TSC members Kuba Miszewski and his son Henio, which involved freeing the infant from the car seat while the boat was overturned and administering CPR ashore, resulted in there being no fatalities.

NSRI Station 38 in action on the Theewaterskloof Dam

Station 38 was established with a single freight container for a station house. TSC member Grant Ekermans served as the first station commander, with Kuba Miszewski as deputy station commander.

After a few months, a core crew was established, and later TSC member Shane Wiscombe became the station commander. Wiscombe still serves in that capacity today.

The NSRI is a voluntary organisation, and emergency crew are not paid for their time and expertise. The NSRI itself is a public benefit organisation and requires donations from the

public to continue with its life-saving work.

Donations are used to procure and maintain rescue vessels, safety equipment, the crew training regimen and logistical support. The NSRI also hosts a nationwide public drowning prevention initiative.

Donations to the NSRI can be made via their website, nsri.org.za, and are tax deductible. To arrange to make a donation specifically to Station 38, or to find out more about the Station’s activities, email station38@searescue.org.za.

Text: Barry Ross | Image: NSRI

Solms-Delta Dawn ...Continued from p1 Hall and Solms plan to reopen Fyndraai, the farm’s restaurant, long famous for its menu of heritage-inspired Cape Winelands cuisine. The adjoining Museum van de Caab will also reopen to the public, with exhibits detailing the shared social and cultural histories of the old farms in the Franschhoek Valley.

“We want to be involved in driving the change, especially in this corner of the Cape Winelands, where a large group of people have been historically disadvantaged,” says Hall. “In my job within the technology industry, every day is about problem-solving. Although I’m sure there are many complexities that I will need to come to understand, this seems to be a problem that can be tackled with some fresh perspectives.”

Once the initial phase is complete, the priority will be returning the vineyards – largely neglected over the last six years – to productivity: an opportunity to create much-needed employment and training opportunities, while establishing the Solms-Delta Wine Company brand in domestic and international markets. The first harvest is expected from a small portion of the Delta farm vineyards in 2024, with the remainder hoped to be back in full production by 2026. Until then, grapes will be sourced from selected vineyards across the Western Cape.

The Solms-Delta Wine Company launches with a pair of Rhône-style blends, crafted by consultant winemaker Francois Haasbroek. The Hiervandaan 2023 red and Amalie 2023 white blend are testimony to Haasbroek’s deft touch in the cellar and bring a more contemporary approach to the style for which the Solms-Delta brand was previously known.

While Hall plans to invest heavily in establishing the Solms-Delta Wine Company as a leading boutique wine brand, the wines are also a means to an end: the engine that will drive economic change in the lives of this close-knit farming community.

“It was always paramount that we do something to help the local community of the place we are now choosing to call home,” says Hall. “And yes, it would be easy to simply send off a cheque, but we

EST.

1986

Tommy Hall, CEO of the Solms-Delta Wine Company

felt the need for something more. Something that we knew would have a long-term transformative impact. And we wanted to ensure that the hard work done by Mark and Richard Astor and their team over the past two decades, and the successes they achieved, didn’t disappear from history.”

While the wheels of the new partnership are beginning to turn, Hall and Solms are also working towards a watershed moment: the revival of the annual Oesfees. This harvest celebration of traditional music and Cape country cooking has long been central to the culture of the Winelands, and the Solms-Delta Wine Company Oesfees 2024 will celebrate both the new harvest and the revival of the pioneering community projects that began in this corner of the Cape Winelands.

“Despite the challenges of the last few years, everyone loves a Phoenix story,” says Hall. “However the farms and workers came to be in the sad position they are in now, I know that together we are all going to rise from the ashes with this new partnership.”

Solms-Delta Wine Estate will be open to public from February 2024. www.solmsdelta.co.za Text: Editorial Desk | Images: Supplied

Bring on the bling or don your most fabulous fashion-forward ensemble and join us for a fun-Þlled afternoon of food, music, wine and unprecedented glamour! Enjoy a complimentary glass of Cap Classique on arrival. Tickets are limited and available at the Franschhoek Hospice office or shop.

Date: 24 February 2024 Venue: Domaine des Anges Clubhouse Time: 12:30pm Price: R450 pp Contact: Colleen - 082 887 8666 Email: fhospice@xsinet.co.za

Wine Tram - Tatler - 136x196.pdf

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2022/11/14

13:46

January 2024 | 3

Pass Closures Continue The Franschhoek Pass remains open for light vehicles, with the proceed-when-safe arrangement, until 7 January 2024. From 8 January until the end of February 2024, it will again be closed between 08h00 and 17h00 to allow for construction work. Light motor vehicles will be able to traverse the pass outside of the closure times.

The pass was reopened to selected categories of light motor vehicles after it was closed following a severe weather system that hit the Western Cape during the Heritage Day long weekend. The teams started working on temporary repairs as soon as the engineering team was satisfied that the landslips had stabilised sufficiently to start work.

In November 2023 repair work reached a point where the pass needed to be closed daily to initiate soil nailing. Soil nailing is a technique used to stabilise existing slopes. This soil reinforcement process uses metal tendons which are drilled and grouted into the soil to create something that represents a gravity wall. For this to be done the pass needs to be closed due to the size of the equipment that is used and the size of the working area required.

A 5-tonne weight restriction remains in force.

Provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers expressed his concerns over the non-compliance of some road users. “The blatant disregard of road signs and restrictions, by some road users is a serious concern. We have received numerous reports of heavy motor vehicles accessing the pass despite clear signage prohibiting such acts. This reckless behaviour compromises the repair works and negatively impacts the entire repair process.”

“What is a further concern is that should these trucks disregard the signage and get to the closure points during the closure periods, they will be stuck there until the road reopens because there

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This heavy goods truck was photographed on 15CY November while blatantly ignoring the temporary CMY weight restriction on the Franschhoek Pass.

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isn’t any space to turn around,” Minister Simmers continued.

The Minister continued and said, “I am aware of the inconvenience the closure has had on the local community and visitors and the impact the weight limitation has. However, the safety of all road users remains our primary concern.”

Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Des Raymer

Exploring SA Flavours Hetta van Deventer-Terblanche, a local chef, researcher, and culinary entrepreneur, has become a significant figure in South African cuisine. With a diverse culinary background and a passion for exploring new ideas, she has created a unique space for herself in the industry, always infused with the rich flavours of South Africa.

Hetta started her cooking adventure South Africa and the GI Foundation, at the renowned Silwood School of they provide a low-sugar, refreshing Cookery, known as Africa’s best chefs’ choice for different occasions, even school. Established in 1964 by Lesley reaching customers in the United Faull, this award-winning institution Kingdom. The brand’s commitment has consistently produced top chefs, to sourcing locally and using recycled maintaining a stellar reputation for materials reflects a dedication to both excellence. people and the environment.

Hetta then gained varied experience Hetta’s commitment to in the culinary world. Mentored by understanding South African food Topsi Venter, a celebrated figure culture goes beyond the kitchen. promoting local flavours, Hetta Her research journey at North West developed a passion for South University led her to explore an 18th African cuisine. She later ventured century recipe manuscript, MSB into entrepreneurship, founding 522, delving into the genealogy, her catering business and taking social background and historical charge of ‘Laborie,’ a prestigious Paarl significance of contributors to the Hetta van Deventerrestaurant. There, she turned it into manuscript. Her recent dissertation, Terblanche a destination for authentic South a cultural-historical study, earned African homemade dishes. Hetta also served as the her the SA Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns Protea culinary manager at La Motte, further expanding her Boekhuis Trophy, acknowledging her contribution to expertise. the understanding of old South African recipes. Hetta Hetta’s keen business sense is evident in her recent is dedicated to uncovering the hidden stories and partnership, resulting in a thriving business: ‘Two in a cultural importance of South African food, exploring Bush’ cordials. These cordials, made from top-quality the rich tapestry behind the meals we share every day. organic rooibos, spring water, and premium natural www.twoinabush.co.za ingredients, are gaining acclaim for their health benefits and tasty flavours. With endorsements from Diabetes Text: Leila Shirley | Image: FotoArtistStudio

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4 | January 2024

A FOOD & WINE PAIRING FROM

Franschhoek Wine Valley Babylonstoren’s Bitterlekker

After overcoming breast cancer, Dutch artist Monique van Doorn and her husband have embraced a nomadic lifestyle. Spending a month at Plaisir De Merle Estate Monique found inspiration for her art in the natural surroundings. After returning to the Netherlands to celebrate Christmas with her family, she plans to return to South Africa in early 2024 to continue her creative journey.

A sophisticated, non-alcoholic aperitif with a slightly bitter taste to wake the palate. Made from Babylonstoren blood oranges, a hint of rosemary and honeybush tea. Expect a bittersweet symphony of herbal notes and refreshing, zesty citrus with a lovely, dry finish. Made for that bitterlekker hour at the end of a long day, it’s more than lekker. It’s bitterlekker.

Cellar door price: R135 per six-pack T 021 863 3852 E enquiries@babylonstoren.com

Babel Restaurant’s Deep-fried Nocellara olives and kale chips For the kale chips 1 bunch (800 g) curly kale; salt and pepper; 45 ml Babylonstoren extra virgin Frantoio olive oil How to: Preheat oven to 150°C. Remove stems from kale. In a large bowl, mix kale, salt, pepper and olive oil until well covered. Transfer kale to oven trays and bake for 15–20 minutes or until light and crispy.

For the deep-fried olives Oil for deep-frying; 1 tin Nocellara olives in brine, drained; 3–4 Tbsp (45 ml) all-purpose flour; 1 egg, beaten; 60 ml breadcrumbs How to: Heat a pot of oil over medium heat. Toss olives in flour, then transfer to beaten egg. Coat olives in breadcrumbs until well covered. Once oil is hot, add olives and fry until golden brown. Transfer olives onto a paper towel to drain excess oil, then serve.

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Send your answer to tatlercompetition@gmail.com. Winner will be informed before 23 January 2024. Prizes to be collected from Franschhoek Info Office before end January 2024 or be forfeited.

‘Horny Art’ Supports Anti-Poaching Unit

ANSWER THIS EASY QUESTION! What does Monique van Doorn call her art?

Monique’s artistic journey has taken her to various places, including Amsterdam, Barcelona, London, the Caribbean, Taipei and Florida, each contributing to her creativity. South Africa, however, holds a special place in her heart due to its natural beauty, authenticity, hospitality, and openness. Her current art collection, “Horny Art,” is exhibited at South Hill Winery in Elgin and White Water Farm in Stanford and also available online. Now she is looking for a place to showcase and give people the opportunity to buy her art in Franschhoek.

This collection not only raises awareness of wildlife conservation in South Africa but also raises funds for ‘The Black Mambas’, an all-women antipoaching team, with 10% of proceeds contributing to their conservation efforts in the Greater Kruger National Park.

Established in 2013, The Black Mambas implement the “Broken Window” philosophy, striving to make their territory the least appealing and least lucrative for poachers. Consisting of 36 young women, they patrol 20 000 hectares within the Balule Nature Reserve, a part of the Greater Kruger National Park. Beyond their crucial role in combating poaching, they serve as role models in local communities, advocating for the advantages of rhino conservation over poaching activities.

Monique’s drawings, driven by a profound reverence for nature, showcase critically endangered and vulnerable species, with a focus on horned animals such as kudu, cape buffalo, white & black rhino, and black wildebeest. These artworks delicately depict the skulls and horns of these endangered creatures, encouraging appreciation without necessitating the harming of actual animals. The incorporation of gold leaf in her art represents the inherent value of living animals in their natural habitats, rejecting the concept of animals as trophies. Monique’s collection, aptly named “Horny Art,” not only invites audiences to embrace the sensuality needed to appreciate

Monique van Doorn with some of her art

nature but also serves as a provocative conversation starter, drawing attention to her cause of wildlife conservation.

To stay updated on Monique’s art exhibitions and support wildlife conservation, follow her on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/horny_art_ bymonique/), Facebook (https://www.facebook. com/MoniquevanDoornLittleSecret) or her Website (https://www.LittleSecretbyMonique.com) Monique’s art is a profound expression of her appreciation for life and her dedication to healing the Earth from the impacts of poaching. Her artistic journey is a personal testament to her healing process, using painting to cherish life amidst adversity.

This initiative highlights the interconnectedness of art, nature, and the human spirit, encouraging community participation in protecting vulnerable species. Supporting Monique’s cause not only adds beauty to one’s life but also contributes to the preservation of wildlife and supports the invaluable work of the Black Mambas.

Text: Leila Shirley | Image: Monique van Doorn

5 Stars for GlenWood Chardonnay GlenWood Vineyards’ commitment to producing quality Chardonnay has paid off again. This time with announcement at the launch of the Platter’s by Diners Club South African Wine Guide 2024 that their Vigneron’s Selection Chardonnay 2022 was awarded 5 stars.

Producing world-class Chardonnays, GlenWood Vineyards has become known as the ‘Home of Chardonnay’. Its story began in 1984 when owner Alastair Wood had the vision, to build the brand (and land) from scratch, and over the years has established an enviable reputation for the outstanding quality of its wines.

Cellar Master, DP Burger, who has been at GlenWood for more than 30 years, was closely involved in selecting the best grapes for the Vigneron’s Selection Chardonnay 2022. Available through the Tasting Room at R300 per bottle, the wine, which is a beautiful yellow straw colour, has a subdued nose with vanilla and marmalade aromas.

On the palate it presents citrus peel and butter notes, ending in a crisp and lingering aftertaste

wine with a steely minerality on the finish.

“This latest accolade is not only a humbling experience but reaffirms my winemaking team at GlenWood’s passion in crafting the perfect Chardonnay for all year round enjoyment,” says winemaker Natasha Pretorius.

More than 8 000 wines, brandies, and husk spirits were judged for this year’s guide, with over 900 producers entering their products, continuing the guide’s reputation as the most comprehensive indication of the quality of local wines and winerelated spirits. Of this voluminous number of entries, only 226 wines secured five-star ratings. www.glenwoodvineyards.co.za Text: Editorial Desk | Image:

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January 2024 | 5

Cellar Chat Mark Tanner

As the year 1990 dawned it occurred to me that I somehow needed to expand my knowledge of the international world of wine. I contacted my cousin Richard, who was a successful wine merchant in England, for guidance and he came up trumps.

He invited me to join him on a three week tour of some of his French suppliers, whom he had never met before. This was to become a major experience into the subtleties of ‘negotiants’ and ‘courtiers’ and their relationships with the wine trade.

This all happened over thirty years ago but the memories are still fresh. So here are one or two visits to both world famous and lesser known French vineyards.

Chateau Margaux is perhaps the best known producer in Bordeaux. Neighbouring Chateaux cling to the 1885 Classification and the comfort of providing some of the world’s best wines.

One such is Chateau Palmer part-owned by the Sichel family and good friends with Richard.

Chateau Palmer (3e Grand Cru Classè) a picture book example. It produces, “Splendid balanced wines with great charm and finesse - obviously far better than its third growth Classification” (Hugh Johnson, The Wine Atlas of France).

We spent the day visiting such places as Chateau d’Arsac, Chateau La Tour and Chateau Siran. Lunch was at an atmospheric country restaurant, the Lion D’or at Arcins and to be recommended. The evening was the icing on the cake. A formal tasting of local wines before dinner at Chateau Palmer.

These were of course superb. We tasted among others a 1986 Chateau Pichon Loungeville Comtesse de la Lalande, a 1986 Chateau D’Angludet, Margaux. We finished with a 1961 Palmer Sirius.

An experience that encompassed the necessary sophistication that the occasion demanded and a veritable landmark event to be savoured.

On a completely different level, but with similar classic connotation, was a visit to Domaine Jacques

Prieur in Burgundy. Here Richard and I joined a couple of wine journalists in a tiny basement cellar.

We were served from the barrel and the man next to me tapped me on the ankle with his foot. “This is the best Chardonnay in the world,” he whispered, “Stand to attention when you taste!” It was a 1998 Clos de la Baune and he was right. I shall not even try to describe something that passes in an instant only to say that it will never be forgotten. Rather sadly all of this very limited production had been pre-sold to the 21 Club in New York. A sign of the times?

At a similarly small Burgundy vineyard the owner took us into his lounge, pulled back the carpet revealing a trapdoor to his tiny cellar. His dog, a Great Dane, descended with us onto a floor of stone chips and about 20 barrels, some of which were black with age and had a white fungal growth about them. The Great Dane sniffed and slobbered politely amongst us. We sampled from the barrel. Another absolute nectar. I could not escape noticing that he had placed some stone chips on the barrels. One had four chips, another six and so on. Once in the lounge again I asked about the chips and was told that the good man was illiterate the chips being his ‘code’ for the contents. Could this be? Apparently yes, his son had all the necessary on a computer but rustic charms always win in the end.

And the dog? I admired the animal’s interest in joining us and asked his name. Flicking ash off his Gauloise the good man said, “Churchill”.

Not every visit went without a little humour.

On one occasion Richard and I were invited to a luncheon near Libourne. Richard had been suffering from a mean tummy bug and felt that he should not tempt any food. In his halting schoolboy French he thanked the hostess for the invitation explaining that sadly he would not be eating because of the ‘bug’. Madame simply burst out laughing. Dabbing her eyes she controlled her mirth while we looked on puzzled. At the lunch table Richard asked the man next to him what had caused such amusement. He was told, “In French ‘Mal de Mer’ is seasickness, ‘Mal de Tète’ is a headache but you got the wrong ‘Mal’ and told her that you were menstruating!”

Pass the bottle please.

SAADA Cape Fair in Fhk Franschhoek Town Hall will be the setting for the South African Antique, Art & Design Association’s (SAADA) Cape Fair 2024. The boutique-style event that takes place on the weekend of 10-11 February brings together nine of South Africa’s top antique and art dealers, showcasing their exciting new stock in an intimate setting.

A curated selection of fine art, 20th century design, antiques, ceramics, silver, jewellery, coins and more will be on offer. Fair highlights include: a magnificent vitrified porcelain tile by Esias Bosch (presented by Riaan Bolt Antiques); a focus on the artist John Henry Amshewitz (presented by The Old Corkscrew); a beautiful opalescent glass lamp by Marius-Ernest Sabino (presented by Jeremy Stephen Antiques); and a striking mid-century gold, amethyst and diamond dress ring (presented by Bancroft).

SAADA is steeped in history and tradition. Founded in 1963, it is the oldest association of its kind in South Africa. Keeping up with the ever-changing times, SAADA has evolved into the modern association it is today by including Modern and Contemporary Art, Design, and Jewellery into its portfolio. For the association it is all about quality and authenticity.

The event is open to the public on both days from 10h00 to 18h00 and entry is free. www.saada.co.za | @SaadaAntiques (Facebook) | @saada_antiques (Instagram)

Esias Bosch, vitrified porcelain tile (Riaan Bolt Antiques)

hand crafted gifts & furniture in a creative retail space

whatsapp +27 71 1470757 • handmadelife.co.za 26 Huguenot Street, Franschhoek, 7690 facebook & instagram : @handmadelife.shop

Thoughts From My Kitchen Chantal Lascaris

What’s cooking in 2024?

As we head into 2024, we look forward to another exciting year ahead. Every new year provides us with an opportunity for a fresh start and new beginnings. So now is the perfect time to look at interesting trends that will shape our upcoming year. In a world that’s constantly evolving and things coming in and out of style, why would the food industry be any different? Here are some food predictions to look forward to this year.

Healthspan The new health buzzword will be ‘healthspan’.

We’re all familiar with the term lifespan which we use to measure length of life and our continuous search for a longer life. But this is no longer enough.

Healthspan is an equally important concept, emphasising living a healthy and productive life for as long as possible. Healthy eating is an important aspect of a longer healthspan and you can find many such recipes in my book ‘All Sorts of Healthy Dishes, the Mediterranean Way’.

Coffee There will be a surge in the popularity of flavoured coffees, with a vast selection available, everything from chocolate and vanilla to hazelnut.

There will also be more interest in single-origin coffees giving the discerning coffee drinker more choice. The instant coffee market will grow as diverse consumers will prioritise innovation and convenience along with quality and variety.

Something Swicy The latest food craze is anything ‘swicy’. This is a word combining ‘sweet’ with ‘spicy’. Many of us are familiar with ‘sweet and sour’ foods and swicy foods provide a similar experience. There is an active compound in spicy foods called capsaicin which produces a small pain response on the tongue, which we associate as a burning sensation.

When eating swicy foods our pain is soothed by the brain’s perception of sweetness. So the spice enhances the sweetness and vice versa. Swicy foods will be most popular with people who don’t like their food too hot.

Nurturing Nature Sustainability will continue to be dominant in

all aspects of the food chain. Consumers around the world will prioritise responsible sourcing in order to reduce their ecological footprint. They will purposefully choose products that address their impact on the environment, products that preserve our natural resources, and products that promote social and economic well-being.

Power to the Plants Plant-based eating will continue to trend. But there will be more of a drive towards wholesome vegetables, legumes, seeds and nuts in the foods as opposed to the more processed plant-based food. More people are becoming wary of processed foods and are looking for natural alternatives. The trend of mimicking meat will continue with fish substitutes taking centre stage.

Mushroom Mania Mushrooms are having their moment. They’ll be seen everywhere; from on our plates, all the way through to our décor. I think we’re drawn to them because of their integral role in nature and their sudden appearance which is mysterious and alluring. Our grocery shelves will provide us with a wider choice of mushroom varietals, thanks to the increasing influence of Asian cuisine and the health benefits fungi have to offer.

There is so much to look forward to in 2024.

Happy New Year!

6 | January 2024

Tatler Motoring MICHELE LUPINI

Mercedes’ EQE is Sublime. But What’s the Point?

It’s not the easiest time to be writing an electric vehicle road test. It’s been a crushing period for the auto industry and EVs in general. The bad news mounted by the minute. New data shows more than half of existing EV owners are reverting to combustion engines on buying a new car. Industry CEOs are to a man now admitting that demand is unexpectedly slow.

EV sales are down. A growing number of EV projects are already indefinitely delayed.

Volkswagen EV orders are down a shocking 50%.

They’re sacking 2,000 people and moving more fortunate staff back to ICE lines. Ford lost $1.3 billion in the last quarter. Make that a $36,000 loss on every EV they sold. The Oval is chasing down a $4.5-billion loss. And not surprisingly, delaying plans to spend $12 billion on expanding EV and battery production.

Panasonic slowed EV battery production by 60% in Japan versus the same quarter last year. Its US energy division forecasts are down 15%. And that all depends on subsidies anyway. At a time when EV sales were supposed to be exploding. Instead, EVs are themselves exploding. News seems never ending about deadly airport parking lot, ship, car, racetrack, and other infernos. All of them induced by EVs exploding onto flames for no rhyme or reason.

I told you so! – Toyoda That’s all on top of EVs kidnapping drivers, range anxiety, charging challenges, crushing interest rates and extreme EV price premiums. And it all appears to be squeezing the EV bubble until it pops. So much so that Mercedes-Benz boss Harald Wilhelm has suggested that some manufacturers won’t survive, should the electric car market implode: “I can hardly imagine the current status quo is fully sustainable for everybody.” Toyota chair Akiyo Toyoda just says, “I told you so!”

Now the EU has even reversed its draconian Euro 7 emissions regulations, effectively killing the goose that laid that electric vehicle egg. And that’s just scratching the surface… Yet the EV rhetoric continues unabated. Carmakers continue to lure customers

into electric vehicles. Including the arrival of this on our driveway. All the above said, let’s try to consider the Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 in its own right.

Straight up, we can tell you that its sublime.

Based on Mercedes-EQ’s premium-class electric architecture it shares with the EQS saloon, under which it sits in the brand’s growing South African EV portfolio. Completely unique versus its combustion equivalents, if somewhat bulbous, EQE carries a chrome slot-inlayed solid grille between darkened headlamps punctuated by unique DRL Matrix headlamps. Short overhangs and dynamic accents like this one’s splendid silver-rimmed black 21-inch wheels, bring an athletic character.

EQE 43 the ‘business saloon of the future The E-class of EVs, this 350 kW 858 Nm EQE 43 4Matic is said to blend innovation and emotion with forward-thinking sustainability in the business saloon of the future. Its electric all-wheel drive drivetrain benefits a pair of efficient, high power density permanently excited synchronous Mercedes EQ eATS motors, one on each axle. The six-phase rear motor is particularly juicy with its two three-phase windings.

That’s all powered by a nickel and manganeserich low-cobalt content 90.56 usable kWh lithiumion battery. Charge it up in half an hour on a more expensive than gas public charger. Or it takes forever on trickle at the motel. Home charging as sorted as Mercedes supplies fast chargers with the sale of the car. EQE 43 however gains F1-like situation-optimised three-stage energy recuperation. That brings highly adaptable onepedal driving ability. One aspect we like is that the dash shows two range variables, a regular one and another more optimistic ‘maximum’ value. That does ease range anxiety a bit.

One thing this EQE 43 is, is fast. Monstrously responsive, it sets off like a bat out of hell and seems to never let up. We love that bit of EV driving.

Our tests below confirmed sub-4 second zero to 100 km/h acceleration. But too much foot flat just kills the range. Talking about range, they promise 535 kilometres. The best we ever saw was however 100 km less than that on the Max prediction.

EQE 43 proved imperious on the road Four-link front and multilink rear suspension with Airmatic, ADS+ adaptive damping and optional rearaxle steering makes EQE manoeuvrable in town, yet rock solid on the road. There’s a subtle compromise to accommodate that inevitable EV heft, make

A Local Geological Journey with Nick Norman

that 3,095 kilograms of it, that comes through as a sometime brittle ride on certain road surfaces. EQE 43 is however imperious on the road, possesses fine handling and surprisingly good road holding.

It also boasts the highest level of passive and active safety with all the bells and whistles. NVH-optimised and sound insulated to be super quiet on the road, EQE also benefits a soundtrack said to emotionally While youthe may knowelectric something of the geological forms seen in the Franschhoek Valley, enhance dynamic driving experience includes AMG Raceto Start driving sounds. these features into a story of the valley’s geological it that is no simple task piece together Ours lacked the full-width MBUX Hyperscreen, history.

Local geologist and published author, Nick Norman, speaks and writes accessibly settling for more of a latest C-class-like cabin. We’d about theitotherwise of rocks. Born in Kwa-Zulu Natal where he completed his imagine will be veryremote close to world the forthcoming from to Cape for instance, like you can combustion E-class cockpit.

With the exception M.Sc in Geology, Nick has explored far and wide inJozi search of Town the stories embedded indorocks. with the gas car. It’ll be more like weeks to do that, of its disappointingly plasticky turbine nozzles, After exploring South American and Southern African geological features, Nick settled in than days if you do not have support. Which was once it’s typically modern, stylish, chic and business Franschhoek in 1981 where he has since continued toofwrite and explore the world of rocks. the stuff stagecoaches and ox wagons. class Mercedes inside. In fact, unlike its unique All of which leads us to conclude that the bodywork, there’s not much at all to distinguish Nick the story of how the Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 4Matic Sedan is indeed EQE astells an EV fromfascinating the driver’s seat.

Franschhoek Valley taken ontouchy its present form quite sublime… But taking what the world is Some of the tech has is… well, too after hundreds of millions of years and isand still starting to think of EVs into account, and factoring We’re not fans of all-touch car interfaces in a bit of good old homegrown load shedding, changing.

Youformay know thattothe had trouble instance trying set Franschhoek the climate Mountains formed sandstone, a kind and the fact that Mercedes has some damn decent control on are a bumpy road.from We have no issue delving panes of cyberspace to set part an arb of into sedimentary rock, and form of function, the Cape petrol and diesel alternatives sitting in the same but aMountains. knob does aNick far better job for main controls.

Fold emphasises that these showroom, what’s the point?

Same goes despite for the steering multifunction controls. mountains, forming part of the Cape There’s no feedback.

So owe whiletheir it allcurrent looks sexy, weto Images & data: Giordano Lupini Fold Mountains, do not form long for the older school wheel that just responded the process of folding (the convergence of plate Follow the rest of Michele & Giordano Lupini’s to inputs. Bin it Merc. It’s no good. tectonics that heaves vast quantities of the Earth’s motoring adventures at https://theauto.page Of course, you can override it all by yelling ‘Hey material upward, forming mountains). Rather, our Mercedes’ and just talking to the car. But then it’s ROAD TESTED: Franschhoek Mountains and valley were formed not always appropriate to holler in a car. And it Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 4Matic Sedan from an extremely slow process of erosion, mainly often fails to understand what you want it to do.

Motor: 350 kW 858 Nm, 2x synchronous electric byAnd water. then while this car has all the tech in the world Battery: 90.5 kWh lithium ion In accounting for this,with Nick takes Intelligence, us back to right up to Navigation Electric Drive: Direct, AWD almost million He listen explains that there’s600 no AM radio.years So I ago. cannot to may TESTED: a favourite sedimentation process was underway at this station. Which makes us wonder which 0-60 km/h: 1.94 sec of those manyby redundant includedwere to time, followed folding. features Igneouswas intrusions 0-100 km/h: 3.97 sec makeformed way for one I actually every time I drive… being (molten rockwant which pushes its way 0-120 km/h: 5.43 sec let’s try Earth’s sum thismantle one up. At R2.1-million, this allup So, from the and into sedimentary 0-160 km/h: 9.17 sec electric EQE 43 costs almost a quarter-million rock formations).

These would form Paarlmore Rock 400m: 12.2 sec @ 184 km/h Nick Norman with the Wemmershoek than an granite equivalent petrol-powered and the rock formations Mercedes-AMG on Montpellier 80-120 km/h: 2.58 sec Mountains in the background.

E53. It’s basically equally rapid, but costs zero on farm (near Bridge House School), exposed to the 120-160 km/h: 3.74 sec fuel. Especially if you have a solar installation at CLAIMED: in the Earth’s mantle. This movement would surface by erosion. The deposition of the sediments home, or at the office. But it costs more to charge VMax: 210 km/hanew - new continents, shape the landscape would form an impressive basin extending from up at a public charger per kilometre, than you will Energy: 21.9 kWh/100 km and rivers. This mountains, oceans, coastlines, Clanwilliam to Port Elizabeth and beyond (now pay for petrol at the pump.

Range: 535 km landscape dictated how the water would flow removed Drift).

EQE 43by is Continental quite sublime.

But what’s the point?

Warranty/Service: unl./5y 100K km inland, capturing2yprevious headwaters, and finding The that would You folding can comfortably drive 400ensue km on aonce charge more, with LIST PRICE: R2.112M its way toward the oceans.

In so doing, these active explains Nick, would heave material up to an this one. So to the office and the school run should RATED: 8 young rivers would carve out new valleys. And this almost Himalayan scale!

This time thein erosion be a synch.

But don’t expect to just jump and driveof is how the Franschhoek Valley and surrounding these gigantic mountains would supply sediments mountains came into being. extending across the entire Karoo Basin. Millennia Traces of this history can be identified in the valley. of erosive action would give way to a gently For example, river stones may be observed near undulating plain. At this stage, the supercontinent, Wemmershoek Primary School, which testify to the Gondwana, would start to break up due to stirrings fact that the Berg River had meandered from one side of the valley to the other, carving out the valley as it went. The geological foundations described have also set the scene for the ecological systems surrounding us. From the sandy nutrient-poor soil, derived from the extremely hard quartzitic sandstone, the world’s most bio-diverse flora has sprung forth: fynbos. Indeed, the harsh conditions 2023 marks the 50th have required our indigenous plant life to be anniversary of the Chevron resourceful, adaptive, and evolutionarily creative. It follows that the fauna have also had to acclimatise B25 race car, which was a to this harsh terrain. And yet, the valley’s ecology dual-purpose design for has provided enough organic matter, mixing with Formula 2 and Formula the eroded sedimentary rock and granite, to form Atlantic. It was built around soil that is fertile enough to produce some of the a full monocoque, the world’s finest wines and natural produce. And so we firm’s first, and had a fullfind ourselves entwined in the ongoing geological width nose incorporating and ecological story of the land in our valley. a front radiator. The first If this story piqued your interest, Nick’s books three chassis produced by can be purchased or ordered from your local book the Chevron factory went vendor. His publications include Going to Ground, to Team Gunston in South Box of Rocks, Geology Off the Beaten Track, The Africa.

Extraordinary World of Diamonds, and Geological Rhodesian John Love Journeys. For more information about Nick, you can dominated the Formula visit his website: https://www.nicknormanbook.com/.

JANUARY NE WS

FMM WISHES EVERYONE A SAFE AND HAPPY FESTIVE SEASON FMM AT THE KING’S PLATE

Once again, FMM is a sponsor for the L’Ormarins King’s Plate (formerly Queen’s Plate) taking place on Saturday 6 January 2024 at Cape Town’s Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse.

With Hollywoodbets backing, the famous racecourse has recently undergone a no-cost-spared revamp.

Leading Milnerton trainer Dean Kannemeyer said, “While we have already witnessed so much change and improvement in the region at various levels, seeing what has happened to our flagship racecourse is quite breathtaking. I have been fortunate to race at various racecourses around the world, and Hollywoodbets Kenilworth can now hold its own amongst the best internationally”. He added that the vision and investment by Greg Bortz and Hollywoodbets, including the upgrading of training facilities, was unparalleled in his lifetime of racing in the Cape.

Justin Vermaak, Racing & Bloodstock Executive for Cape Racing, said that the renovations and changes were essential to deliver on the promise of a world-class race day experience for the Summer feature season, which includes the L’Ormarins King’s Plate, South Africa’s premier mile-long Weight For Age horse race.

As usual, FMM will be displaying some cars from its world class collection, all with light blue

colouring in keeping with the event’s colour code.

Placed in the Style Village area will be a 1953 BMW Isetta, while at the entry point on the in-field will be a 1928 Ford Model A, a 1934 Mercedes Benz Cabriolet B and a 1955 Chevrolet BelAir. Tickets for access to the Style Lounge Village and the Stud Club are available on Computicket. https://tickets.computicket.com/event/l_ormarins_ king_s_plate_2024/7238061/7238083/125805

FESTIVE SEASON DISPLAY CHANGES

The Festive Season is always the busiest time for visitors to the museum, and this year there is a host of new displays, so even patrons who have been to FMM recently will have plenty of new vehicles to view. The two biggest changes occur in Hall B, which is dominated by a BMW 50th Anniversary

Display. Hall C now features a full-house of Ford to celebrate the company’s South African centenary. As a result of these major display set-ups, there have been a few changes to the vehicles on display in the other two halls, so there are plenty of eye-catching new vehicles and bikes to look at.

TEAM GUNSTON CHEVRON

2 section of the 1973 SA Drivers Championship, which at that time encompassed Formula 1 and Formula 5000 single-seaters as well. Six different drivers were entered in the cars throughout the year, including Chevron works driver Peter Gethin in the first race of the championship.

For 1974, FMM’s car – Chassis No.3 – was raced with Lexington sponsorship for Brian von Hage, and the following year for Ian Scheckter.

It was then sold to the Domingo brothers for

the inaugural year of the SANick Formula Atlantic Text: Leila Shirley | Image: Norman championship. The car remained in South Africa with various owners before becoming part of the Heidelberg Museum collection on 16 April 1991. When the Heidelberg collection moved to Franschhoek it was later restored by HARP Motorsport in Cape Town. The car is said to have raced 21 times in its lifetime.

The Golden Anniversary Team Gunston Chevron is currently on view in Hall D.

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VISITING FMM

FMM’s opening time are Monday to Friday 10h00 to 18h00 (last admittance 17h00), Saturday and Sunday 10h00 to 17h00 (last admittance 16h00).

FMM will be closed on Christmas Day, December 25. Visiting the museum is by appointment only and via online booking. Entry fees: R80 adults, E-mail: kevin@drkevincampbellsaesthetics.com Facebook: @DrKevinCampbellsAesthetics Instagram: @drcampbellsaesthetics Address: 48 Artisan Village, Cabriere St, Franschhoek, 7690

R60 pensioners and motor club members (with membership ID), R40 children (ages 3-12). Only electronic payments are accepted. The famed FMM Pitstop Deli is open throughout the visiting hours.

For booking tickets and 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

Age Flawlessly with Dr Kevin

May 2023 | 11

Gardening Gardening January ininMay I just love living in the South of Africa. What a great I’ve place often to mused theNew pastYear. on how oneeven of see ininthe This May year is I am moreunpredictable aware of this blissful factofasthe weyear. see aEvery snowthe most months covered further under rumours farmer in theEurope wintershivering rainfall area will tell stories ofof war and great the years theydisruption. waited forOur thegeographic rain to sowisolation, their crops, agricultural land and practices, and with weather, the end good of May being the ultimate deadline. intact infrastructure makeplant us anon obvious In dryrelatively years the joke is that farmers the destination for those wanting to escape the effects 50th of May. This year things seem different. We of northern hemisphere disruption. Disruption were blessed with abundant early rains, and winter brought through a combination of globalism, quickly pushed a short autumn out of the way. political turmoil, and the dramatic effects of rapid My soil is too waterlogged to work already – a pity climate change. Even our dire political situation because had plans in to2024 prepare newAfricans sections may Ibe set big to change as South get for vegetable planting in spring.

I will have to go a chance to vote for a better future. no-till this will experiment withthe sowing Let’sseason reflect and on 2023 as we gaze into future. a green manure crop in narrow drills in the found soil.

As economic pressure hit, many consumers themselves unable to afford Adding some radish and other organically root crops produced should food. led toto anmake increase growing loosen theThis soilhas enough up in forhome the lack of produce asThis wellgreen as greater support for farmers’ deepofcultivation. manure sowing must markets.

We the are seeing be done before end ofmore the interest month in tomedicinal ensure and biomass functionalto plants, new terminology enough dig with into some the soil in spring. coming to the fore for functional ornamentals. Will Finding a decent green manure seed mix in small words like edimentals and medimentals become quantities might be difficult and expensive for the commonplace in 2024? I certainly hope so. Meadow home gardener. I’ve successfully used a mix of my gardening is a huge trend, as forecast in my 2022 expired vegetable and flower seeds combined article; commenting on the “wilding” trend that hit with Chelsea a garden bird seed blend from the the pet skills foodof in 2021.

Gardeners are learning section.

This gives a good variety of grains carefully planning out a year-round display and using greencombinations material. Adding some peas to the mix will of perennials, seed-sown annuals trap nitrogen in the soil for the next season. and colourful shrubbery, often food-bearing.

You will have to Iutilize the sunny days between A trend that see continuing is the move towards functional of our gardens.

We have a shift the cold fronts use to their best, because May seen is a busy towards a more utilitarian approach. gardening month, with the rewards onlyAquaponic coming poultry greenhouses, muchsystems, later in aviaries, the season.

Yoursheds, autumn pruning garden offi ces and large vegetable and cut flthe ower should be well on its way by now, with only gardens are becoming commonplace. Many late flowering shrubs such as Solanum, Tecomaria, gardeners are turning their hobby into a home Leonotis, Lavender, Plumbago and Hibiscus that business, with several proudly and deservedly still needs to be pruned. Tree surgery to deciduous calling themselves urban farmers. We trust that trees also needs to be done sooner rather than favourable legislation in 2024 will enable home later. growers Pay attention overgrown to turn to their Cannabis evergreen crops into trees a legal and shrubs cutting some lower income by source.

Southaway Africans are of in the a favourable branches andinopening the to let in more position the world in canopy that home growing and sunlight.

Perennials as Canna’s, Michaelmas consumption is such a declared constitutional right. daisies, anenomes, Salviaand and Gaura ThisJapanese year will bring the legislation regulations that this right, certainty to the should allwill beguide cut back hardbringing this month.

Fertilise massesafterwards. that were still to experiment and and mulch Lifthesitant Dahlia bulbs if you have

clay soil; in well-drained soil most bulbs and tubers can be left in the ground over winter. Fertilise all winter flowering shrubs with a balanced fertilizer.

Measured at La Cotte/Nerina Street

Measured at La Cotte/Nerina Street

2013 1471mm

2014 1033mm

2015 661mm

2016 754mm

2017 501mm

2018 867mm

2019 828mm

2020 910mm

2021 824mm

mm/month

2022 learn more about the advanced botany found in the Cannabis plant. Maybe 2024 will be the year when I will see my dream come true of seeing Cannabis plants, seedlings and seeds becoming commonplace in garden centres and nurseries.

We are already seeing Cannabis specific nurseries springing up around the country, it is well worth a visit should you be lucky enough to have one in Your lawnmower can be set slightly lower. This will your area. allow more sunlight to the lower swards of grass The focus on pollinators continues, tying in with and help against diseases. Lawns should be fed the above-mentioned wilding movement. Garden with a high potash feed to ensure good root growth Centres are marketing pollinator-friendly plants through Applying agricultural lime at a rate as such,winter. and home gardeners are increasingly ofinterested 50g per square meter helps keep winter weeds in creating urban hotels for even nonatbee baypollinator and will help ensure a lush species.

Gardens arespring filling lawn. up with nurseries stocked with sorts aThe diverse range ofare insects, reptiles andall birds and of winter sweet peas, delphinium, dianthus, we arecolour finally –creating a haven inside our cities for the remnants of the abundance ourpansies, forefathers foxgloves, Iceland poppies, larkspur, viola, found before industrial agriculture decimated our primula, stocks and lobelia.

Patient gardeners can landscape.

An of appreciation this new increase still sow seeds all of these.ofThe last of the winter in wildlife has led to hobbies and early spring flowering bulbssuch suchas astwitching Lachenalia becoming trendy, even at the school level where and Watsonia must be planted before the middle groups of bird-watching enthusiasts have created of the month. May is probably the best month new interest groups. Poultry keeping will also to establish new Fynbos gardens. Trees planted become trendy again, with ducks becoming the now will have a chance to establish a decent root new chickens. system beforeIthe heat arrives.

Colour-wise see asummer more subdued palette for 2024, In the vegetable broad lime beans, with brick orange, garden sky blue,beetroot, mustard yellow, cabbage, carrots, Swiss chard, onions, peas green and khaki celery, being the predominant colours and turnipsdecoration can all be sown now. is to also in garden and display.

WeWinter continue the successful the year tooptions grow salad seemost a trend towardstime moreofsustainable in garden design, with composite materials crops infurniture the Cape; summer is often simply too replacing plastic, and concrete, also in hot.

Sow cover cropmetal, on unused beds, even letting gardengrow construction. will soon find weeds is better DIY thatenthusiasts leaving the soil exposed. aInrange of new materials in building stores and willare our house cold and rainy autumn days further become more skilled at using paint spent in the kitchen.

Soups, broths, stews, andand slow hard landscaping elements to greater effect. roasts are the order of the day. While these are Let us embrace our gardens in this new year for all slowly bubbling away on the stove, we will have an the joy and sustenance it brings. abundance of guavas to process into preserves and Happy gardening.

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

Dam Levels

2023

MONTH

ACCUMULATIVE

MONTH

ACCUMULATIVE

2 8 58 15 76 164 92 122 27 5 7 68

2 10 68 83 159 323 415 537 564 569 576 644

12 27 159 103 211 355 162 76 320 8 23

12 39 198 301 512 867 1029 1105 1425 1433 1456

As at 4th December 2023 Steenbras Upper

99.3%

Steenbras Lower

90.0%

Wemmershoek

99.9%

Voelvlei

94.2%

Theewaterskloof

94.2%

Berg River Dam

98.3%

Total Storage

95.2%

Total Storage this date last year 74.1%

tamatie GROWING MASTER GROWERS

CANNABIS CONSULTANCY: limited availability Follow @tamatie.co.za on Facebook for updates on live and online training

www.tamatie.co.za • facebook.com/tamatie.co.za • natie@tamatie.co.za

chutney. I will also be dreaming about next season, and the abundance that I hope for by this time next year. Last year’s lack of planning and timeous action left our pantry quite empty this winter.

2012 1079mm

2013 1471mm

2014 1033mm

2015 661mm

2016 754mm

2017 501mm

2018 867mm

2019 828mm

2020 910mm

2021 824mm

mm/month

Dam Levels

2022

2023

MONTH

ACCUMULATIVE

MONTH

ACCUMULATIVE

January February March April

2 8 58 15

2 10 68 83

12 27 159

12 39 198

May June

76 164

159 323

92 122

415 537

27 5 7 68

564 569 576 644

September October November December

2012 1079mm

mm/year

Rainfall Figures

“

mm/year

Rainfall Figures

NATIE FERREIRA NATIE FERREIRA

July August

January 2024 | 7

As at 17th April 2023 Steenbras Upper

95.1%

Steenbras Lower

54.9%

Wemmershoek

69.8%

Voelvlei

38.9%

Theewaterskloof

55.8%

Berg River Dam

77.6%

Total Storage

58.1%

Total Storage this date last year 69.2%

Health & Wellbeing:

Sports & Performance:

Complementary Therapy:

Assist with mental clarity, wellness & beauty

Bounce back from injury and fasttrack your recovery

Support recovery from chronic conditions

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CANNABIS CONSULTANCY: limited availability Follow @tamatie.co.za on Facebook for updates on live and online training

E-mail: kevin@drkevincampbellsaesthetics.com Facebook: @DrKevinCampbellsAesthetics Instagram: @drcampbellsaesthetics Address: 48 Artisan Village, Cabriere St, Franschhoek, 7690 Dr. Kevin Campbell MBChB(Pret) PN 9990140000979767

Age Flawlessly with Dr Kevin Cell: +27(0)83 240 8620

www.drkevincampbellsaesthetics.com

8 | January 2024

Aftreetyd vir Shaeeda Shaeeda Jacobs was vir die afgelope 20 jaar in diens van die NG Kerk Franschhoek en het haar tyd om af te tree, nou aangebreek.

Haar loopbaan by die kerk het begin in November 2003 toe sy as algemene huiswerker by die kerksaal en die pastorie aangestel is. Gedurende die tyd wat ds.

Bossie Minnaar en sy vrou, Karen, hier in die bediening was, trap Shaeeda diep spore en help sy oral in en om die kerkterrein; as koster, om die kerkklok te lui, die kerk oop en toe te sluit, hulp te verleen tydens troues, asook om hand by te sit met die kindertjies tydens kleuterskool en Sondagskoolklasse. Haar herinneringe aan al die kinders wat voor haar oë grootgeword het, en nou self hul eie kinders het, is vir haar kosbaar en baie spesiaal.

Shaeeda is gebore in Franschhoek maar het as ‘n Moslem-kind grootgeword toe sy by haar tante

in Grassy Park gebly het totdat sy 20 jaar oud was.

Daarna het sy in haar jong volwasse lewe ver en wyd gewerk en baie plekke beleef o.a. Botswana, Namibië, Mafeking, Pretoria en Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha). Sy het egter al hoe meer begin verlang na haar ouers en keer toe terug na haar geboortedorp. Haar eerste werk in Franschhoek was by die destydse bekende Kalfi’s Restaurant.

Shaeeda het drie seuns: Ibrahim (32) wat in Dubai werk by ‘n gastehuis; Jubeier (27) wat op ‘n plaas in Franschhoek werk, en haar jongste Ruben (21) wat tans ‘n student by die gasvryheidakademie in Franschhoek is. Sy is ook die ouma van vier kleinkinders, twee in

Community-Funded Foot Patrol Another example of why Franschhoek is thriving It doesn’t take long to understand why Franschhoek was listed by Time magazine as one of the greatest places in the world. The culinary capital of South Africa boasts 8 of its top 100 restaurants, is home to countless award-winning vineyards and an ambience described by locals and tourists alike as simply magical. Property prices are rocketing, crime rates falling and tourism rebounding to pre-Covid levels.

Underpinning the town’s success is an engaged local community, working tirelessly to bolster stretched municipal resources in every sector. Be it social development, education, feeding schemes, tourism, heritage preservation, fire prevention, security or animal welfare, you’ll find a group of Franschhoek citizens actively engaged and getting things done.

The latest addition to this public-spirited collective is the Franschhoek Foot Patrol, aiming to preserve Franschhoek’s long established reputation as one of the safest villages, for all to enjoy and tourism to thrive.

“We saw a need to supplement traditional law

enforcement and private security, throughout the year, but especially during the busy tourist season, when resources are stretched ever thinner” said Pat Jacobs, volunteer manager of the Franschhoek main road security project,.

“The initiative has already made a big impact,” said Franschhoek SAPS Station Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Roussouw “making it possible for us to be more focussed on other serious incidents. The work relationship between SAPS and external players is of utmost importance to address crime and create a safe environment for all.”

A sentiment echoed by Kurt Maske, security volunteer and local paramedic, who added “we have observed a significant reduction in petty crime, this proactive approach to community safety has proven to be a powerful deterrent, fostering a safer, more secure environment for residents and visitors alike.

In just 3 months the Franschhoek Foot Patrol has raised 50% of the R900,000 needed to add 4 permanent security officers, patrolling the high

Dubai, een in Port Elizabeth en haar jongste kleinkind, ‘n babadogtertjie in Franschhoek.

Shaeeda was nooit getroud nie, maar ses jaar gelede het sy die liefde van haar lewe ontmoet en is sy met Daniel Morris getroud. Hulle is die pleegouers van vier kinders en in die gemeenskap van Groendal is die paartjie alombekend vir hulle liefde, ondersteuning en veilige huis vir verwaarloosde kinders.

Haar antwoord op wat sy en Daniel met hul vrye tyd gaan doen is om al hulle tyd en aandag toe te spits op die talle kinders in nood. Dit was nog altyd hul albei se liefdesgawe. Shaeeda die naam beteken nie verniet “blom” nie. Dit is ons wens dat sy net verder sal blom met die seën van God op haar en Daniel se toewyding om na die verstote en huislose kinders in die gemeenskap om te sien.

(Namens die NG Kerk Gemeente Franschhoek) Teks: Ingrid Maritz | Foto: Verskaf street, throughout the day and into the evening.

“The support we have received from local businesses and individuals banding together has been incredible. There is still much to do. We need to raise more funds and recruit volunteers to extend patrols year round,” said the Foot Patrol’s Operations Manager, Elsa Post.

Wendy Smith, resident and co-owner of Monument House, is typical of many willing to take an active role in ensuring Franschhoek continues to thrive “we really care about our very special village, even though we’re outside the CBD, we immediately decided to donate. Everyone who enjoys our beautiful high street, not just those who have businesses or reside there, must do what they can.”

Civic mindedness along with public, private partnership is central to Franschhoek’s DNA, a point underscored by Ruth McCourt, CEO of Franschhoek Tourism. “The magic of Franschhoek Village is sustained through the collaborative efforts of businesses and the community. Local businesses from wineries and restaurants to galleries and boutique shops are deeply connected to the community and are committed to supporting and uplifting the town and its residents. By prioritizing business and community engagement, Franschhoek continues to thrive as a unique and enchanting destination, benefiting all who call it home and those who visit.”

The Franschhoek Foot Patrol would like to thank all residents and business owners who have already

Shaeeda Jacobs

Franschhoek Foot Patrol and Private Security Firms working hand in hand to supplement municipal law enforcement

donated, especially restaurants Allora, Bootleggers, Elephant & Barrel, French Connection and Mon Amour for providing meals to the patrols.

To say thank you, a full list of business donors will be published in next month’s edition. Equally important, private donors will remain anonymous in compliance with data privacy.

The project needs another 150 donors. If you’d like to donate, volunteer or are a restaurant owner that can provide patrol meals, please email fhoekpatrol@gmail.com or WhatsApp Elsa Post on 078 285 5053.

Text & Image: Editorial Desk

Bridge House Student Leaders

Lulama Mayise and Max de Graaf are Bridge House’s Student Leaders for 2024

Hospice News Colleen Douglas

Annette’s 19th Quiz evening in aid of Franschhoek Hospice, held at Leopards Leap Family Vineyards, was a huge success. The evening was filled with much laugher and testing of knowledge. We are so blessed to have wonderful people supporting us. To Annette and Barry, thank you so much for organising the Quiz and to their assistants Jo, John, Stuart, and Julian. Thanks also to the following sponsors: Three Streams, Woolworths, SHARF, Quality Food Basket, Jill Dale of Fontenay, Matthew Gordon, James Stewart, Bridge House School, Nicole, Grande Café, Shelley and Doug our Auctioneer.

Further thanks are due to the following staff members at Leopards Leap for the delicious supper and their excellent attention to service: Chef Christiaan and his team (Helena, Sadia, Jessica, Mielo, Duko, Arisha, Cohen and Shere-lee) and the fronthouse team: Marsica, Shanre, Delia, Celeste, Marizaan, Rozaan, Jennifer, Mary, Nathalie, Elise and the cleaners: Nomfuneka, Zanele, Veronica, and Zuki.

A final thanks goes to the volunteers and hospice staff on duty on the evening: Astrid, Bjorn, Pearl, Marelize and Tiana.

Congratulations to Table No 8 for being the brains

of the evening.

To the supporters and bidders, we are truly grateful for your continued support. *** On 1 December, 50 patients received a Christmas box, filled with delicious goodies, a carrier of nonperishable items and another with toilettes.

A huge thank you to the following volunteers who very generously donated all the items: Carol, Helen, Liz M, Liz K, Ann, Bronnie, Kate, Debbie, Elaine, Elizabeth, Glynda, Gundi, Heather, Hilary, Ina, Jane, Helen, Kathy, Marie-Louise, Moira, Renee, Anna, Arina, Leigh, Suzanne, Pam, Pat, Barbara, and Anton. Once again, thank you for bringing so much joy to them. *** We finished our fundraising for 2023 at the Cap Classique Festival by selling our freshly-baked croissants filled with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and chives. It was a fabulously successful weekend for Franschhoek Hospice. Thank you to Three Streams Smokehouse for their continued support.

To the organisers of the Cap Classique Festival, thank you for inviting us to be part of the weekend.

January 2024 | 9

Editor’s Letter

networks and data centres “are responsible for nearly 1% of energy-related global greenhouse gas emissions annually and accounted for approximately 300 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2020.”

Another study, by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), found that cloud computing and data services now have a greater carbon footprint than the global airline industry – an industry often maligned for its carbon footprint.

One data centre, it was found, can consume as much electricity as 50,000 homes.

Then one also has to think beyond carbon to the environmental costs of our electronic devices, from mining for rare minerals to use in components, to the impact of logistics chains and ultimately disposal of e-waste. Paper made from certified sustainable sources suddenly deserves a fresh look. It’s not that it has no environmental cost, but we need to remind ourselves that there are two sides to most issues.

Molony identifies several reasons why consumers often think paper is bad for the environment.

Timber harvesting has been equated to deforestation Deforestation happens when natural forests are cleared to make way for something else, be it mining, cattle ranching or urban development – i.e. they are not replanted. In South Africa, Molony says, the production of timber, pulp and paper is similar to wheat or maize farming except that the rotations are longer. “There are always trees of different stages of maturity growing, and forestry companies use the same land over and over again, with thousands of hectares audited, certified and sustainably managed.”

This is of course not to say that deforestation isn’t a problem. SA has few natural forests and these

should be preserved. The major deforestation concerns though are in tropical developing countries where illegal logging rather than sustainable forestry is the big culprit.

The perceived impact of forestry is visible The visual impact of a plantation that has been cut down, i.e. harvested, is hard to miss. What we often forget is that they are replanted or regrow without assistance.

“On the flip side, we do not see the impact of storing terabytes of data in the cloud, posting our holiday snaps on Instagram or sending emails to all and sundry. We do not see the tonnes of metals, cables, fans, switches, the electricity needed to power all the servers or keep them cool. We do perhaps see the mounting volumes of e-waste.”

Forestry is a monoculture Forestry plantations are monocultures, but so are sugarcane fields or vineyards. Management practices can go a long way to support biodiversity conservation. Molony points out that “a third of forestry-owned land is not planted with commercial trees but managed for the conservation of the natural habitats and the biodiversity they contain.” I suspect few other monocultures can claim that.

Trees use water All life requires water! The amount of water trees use depends on an array of factors from abiotic (soil, climate) to biotic such as the size, age and health of the plant.

Responsible forestry operations practice water

Franschhoek Floods: Time for Action?

Franschhoek’s floods have many a tongue tattling.

Quite rightly so, following devastating widespread damage to property and infrastructure. But nobody can say we were not warned.

We let our rivers rot. Franschhoek’s infrastructure was doomed never to keep up. We carried on as if nothing could ever happen. But a ‘ten year’ deluge hit. Followed within the season by the ‘hundred year’ flood. To shattering effect. Nothing that should have, worked.

Biblical waters ignored our rivers to find their

own way through homes, ravaging businesses, and destroying infrastructure. To be blunt, we were never prepared for it. Sinfully so, despite our many prior floods. Was that really a hundred year flood?

Or is it the new normal?

Many lost everything. Now insurers blame officials.

Officials blame people. People blame insurers. And so forth. Will we just mop up again next year? What to do about it? Well, the rivers of Franschhoek need a comprehensive rethink. As do our bridges, and the rest.

Start where those wholly inadequate furrows meet under Huguenot Street between Kruger and Louis Botha. Build a neat little bridge there. A bridge to handle any flood. And more. One to make our village proud. Right at the entrance.

Surely if Ashton just across the mountains can have a grotesque R130-million bridge, why can’t Franschhoek have a cool little one at quarter of the cost? Build our other bridges better too. And redirect, dredge and clean all the rivers and waterways while we’re about it.

Design it clever. Make them work like rivers, waterways and drainage should. Learn from our lessons.

And do it right, for generations to come. We owe it to our village.

Michele Lupini

Lions Rest Estate We write as a group of Franschhoek residents who are concerned about the potential consequences of what we regard as the omission of critical information from the online brochure for the Lions Rest Estate and the discrepancy between the authorised number of units and the number shown on the estate plan.

At the outset it is necessary to record that at the heart of our concern lays everyone’s fundamental constitutional right to an environment which is not detrimental to our wellbeing. The existing traffic conditions in Dirkie Uys Street is already a matter of grave concern and we believe that even if certain proposed road improvements were to be implemented, the increase in traffic generated by the Lion’s Rest development may potentially materially and adversely affect the traffic situation.

The Environmental Authorizations granted by the Western Cape Government; and the Consolidation, Rezoning, Consent Use and Subdivision Approval granted by Stellenbosch Municipality for the development of Lions Rest, require that the development shall be a Retirement Village consisting of 129 units of which 91 units would be free standing, 22 units would be designated for row housing and 16 units would be integrated into the administration building and clinic. However, the estate plan in the online brochure for Lions Rest shows 105 freestanding units.

The Environmental Authorisation also stipulated that the free-standing houses must be 100-180m2.

However, all house types shown in the online brochure which all have 3 or 4 bedrooms are all more than 180m2.

The approval granted by Stellenbosch Municipality limits the size of the free-standing houses to 100m2.

In terms of the Environmental Authorization and the Municipal Approval, the completed development may only be used as a Housing Development Scheme for Retired Persons as contemplated in Act 65 0f 1988. Section 7 of that Act deals with the “Limitation of occupation of land to which a housing interest relates”. These provisions clearly and unambiguously dictate that no person other than a “retired person” (defined as a person aged 50 years or older) or the spouse of the “retired person” may occupy a unit in such a retirement village. However, as at 6th December there was no reference in the online brochure for Lions Rest to it being a Retirement Village or to occupation being limited to a “retired person” and his or her spouse.

It is noteworthy that Minister Anton Bredell (Western Cape Minister for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning) in his letter M3/6/5 dated 15 April 2016 in subparagraph (xii) of his reasons for not upholding the appeal to the first Environmental Authorisation,

stated the following: “The utilisation of the site as a retirement village ensures that there will be a lower occupancy of residents when compared with other residential developments. In addition, the residents do not need to drive during peak traffic hours and are not required to undertake school runs which would contribute to a greater traffic impact.”

By law and under the conditions of the approvals granted by the authorities concerned, the occupation of Lions Rest units by persons of all ages is not permitted unless the written consents of all the other owners or occupiers of the estate are obtained.

The traffic impact studies conducted for the planned development of Lions Rest and the recommendations made which are incorporated in the municipal approval were on the basis that it would be a Retirement Village. A trip generation factor of 0,3 – applying to a Retirement Village – was used. If the proposed house types at Lions Rest are family or group occupied, based on the trip generation factor applied in traffic impact studies to “other residential developments” as mentioned

by Minister Bredell, it is estimated that the traffic volume generated would increase by more than 3 times the volume generated by a Retirement Village.

Dirkie Uys Street, especially post the floods, is barely passable for the existing traffic and is already challenged by the width and safety constraints

Siegfried Schäfer

Dear Readers Those of you who have been reading my missives for a while will know that I’m a bit of a greenie.

One manifestation of this is that in my office I hardly ever print anything on new paper. Mostly I print on scrap paper, which I collect wherever I go. It’s surprising how much single-sided printed matter gets handed out at meetings!

I have managed to go through a year without buying a ream of paper. As I’m a frugal fellow this gives me warm fuzzy feelings! I’m also doing my bit for the environment by using something twice that would otherwise only be used once before disposal, or hopefully recycling. On the downside, using scrap paper results in a few more paper jams in my printer which usually happen when I have the least time to clear them!

In our increasingly digitised lives, a notion seems to have taken root that printing something is bad for the environment and storing it on a device or in the cloud is not. In a recent opinion piece Jane Molony, Executive Director at the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA), took aim at this notion describing it as ‘greenwashing’.

At the core of this notion, she says, are some oftoverlooked facts, namely that sustainably grown trees act as carbon sinks, that farmed wood is a renewable resource and that we often overlook the impact of our digital footprints on our planet.

Molony quotes International Energy Association statistics that show that data transmission

Letters

FHS Leerling Leiers

stewardship by maintaining buffer zones between plantations and riverine areas and by ensuring that these areas remain free of water-guzzling invasive species.

It is also worth remembering that plantations are not irrigated, unlike most other monocultures.

Plantations have been calculated to use approximately 3% of SA’s total annual water usage. Crop irrigation accounts for 62% and domestic use for 23%.

The impossibility of paperlessness “Many people forget that paper is more than the stuff we stick into our laser jets and copiers.

The same stuff that makes pristine A4 sheets makes cardboard boxes, gift bags, toilet paper, facial tissue, magazine paper, book paper, labels, and countless cellulose-based products such as sponges, textiles and cellulose acetate (or cellophane). They all started as wood fibre. These everyday products are all renewable, and many of them are recyclable.

“Other components of wood are finding their place in a variety of applications: sugars can be used to make xylitol; lignin is processed into lignosulphonate for dust suppression, water treatment and improving the flow of concrete.”

The paper v digital debate is more complex than it’s often presented. Responsibly using paper products is fortunately quite easy: Look out for the FSC or PEFC sustainability certifications and recycle all your paper products and packaging.

Until next month!

DEADLINES - FEBRUARY 2024 ISSUE Bookings - 16 January 2024 | Artwork - 17 January 2024 | Editorial - 16 January 2024

presented by Dirkie Uys St as it passes the WesEind Primary School and the historic houses north of De Villiers St. These current and future unsafe road traffic conditions in Dirkie Uys Street have been recorded extensively in earlier submissions that were made to the authorities. The relevant conditions of approval were imposed inter alia with the intention to ensure that a reduced volume of traffic will be generated by the development of a Retirement Village.

We are concerned that in consequence of the absence of any reference in the online brochure for Lions Rest to it being a Retirement Village with an age restriction, the 3 and 4 bedroom units are purchased and occupied by families or groups younger than 50 years and there will consequently be an unsustainable increase in traffic volumes that will materially and adversely affect the safety of both motorists and pedestrians (particularly young school children) using Dirkie Uys Street, De Villiers Street and the surrounding road network.

We believe that, in fairness, the developer should be afforded the opportunity to point out to all concerned where, according to him, we misunderstand the factual position or, alternatively, what he intends to do to correct what we regard as the wrong impression created by the marketing material.

Concerned Local Residents and the Principal of Wes-Eind Primary School

SRA Short of Requirement The steering committee for the Special Rating Area (SRA) hereby wish to inform Franschhoek village residents that we did not receive the required 60%+1 support vote and therefore could not submit the SRA application to Stellenbosch Municipality.

Velin Koen en Taylor Parks is as Hoërskool Franschhoek se hoofseun en hoofdogter vir 2024 aangewys. Hier is hulle saam met die skoolhoof, Mnr. Jaco Haasbroek.

We are however confident that the proposed SRA Business Plan that focused on delivering a safer, cleaner, greener, and caring environment for Franschheok village was balanced and workable and met all the governance criteria except for the required resident support.

The steering committee plan to hold a strategic review of the entire SRA process early in the New Year with particular focus on those property

owners that did not partake in the voting process. The next SRA application deadline is on 30 September 2024.

The steering committee would like to thank all those property owners who voted in support for the SRA initiative and to all the many volunteers who so kindly assisted in the process.

SRA Steering Committee

10 | January 2024

Business Leadership TONY FROST

It’s the start of a brand-new year.

When nothing is certain, anything is possible!

At the beginning of December 2023, the world gathered in Dubai (the world’s most unsustainable city) to debate the future of our planet and the impact of climate change. There is an exceedingly deep irony in this! Dubai has no natural resources.

Everything has been imported and that very importation contributed to the climate state of the world today.

2023 was the hottest year on record. For the first time, we have almost breached the 1.5 ºC temperature increase since pre-industrial levels, the threshold punted by the experts as the point of no return if we wish to prevent a significant meltdown of the poles and the Greenland ice

shelf amongst several other disasters including the ongoing extinction of many species.

The truth is that we are all complicit, some more so than others. No one has no guilt in this matter.

We are reluctant to change. We love driving our cars, we find it difficult to resist the lure of travel, especially international travel. Farmers find it very difficult to adopt new improved, more climatefriendly, farming methods which result in lower emissions and far lower water usage. We know all these things and yet we persist when for the first time in living memory we are literally staring down the barrel of own extinction. The planet will easily continue to exist without us. It will keep tumbling through space. Its beautiful blueness will burnish even brighter; the oceans will begin to return to their former abundance; the air will be clean; the plants will breathe better and once again Planet Earth will become a Garden of Eden.

One may well wonder about the relevance of all this in a column of this nature. It is relevant because every single person on the planet is helping to maintain the status quo which we know full well

is not working very well for us now. At the same time, all of us will benefit from a healthier, more sustainable planet. Perhaps the most complicit of us, if there are categories of complicitness, are the politicians. Their worldview is even shorter than their term in office. They have only just been elected when they start canvassing for the next election.

This means they are inherently petrified of doing anything that may rock the currently reasonably comfortable boat, for fear of losing votes.

We sent our COP28 delegation, including our President, to Dubai to argue strenuously for change.

There were 70000 delegates. What kind of world will 70000 delegates be able to redesign?!

We have seen what happened to previous firm commitments at previous highly publicised COP conferences. Simply put, not much, despite the millions of words spoken and plantations of trees cut down to produce many thousands of pages of reports and millions of tonnes of carbon emissions caused by the thousands of aircraft flying to the Middle East.

We should remain hopeful. We have a right to be

hopeful about the future and we have the right to expect the best from our politicians to make the best possible decisions in the best interest of all of us. The right decision may well not be comfortable in the short term. We need to get used to this idea.

Please forgive me for remaining sceptical of their ability, maybe even willingness, to do what is best for all of us. I think we can certainly expect the politicians to do what is best for them.

Tough decisions are often not popular. But we elect our leaders to make tough decisions, to keep us informed and to enlist our aid to get the tough things done in the most efficacious way. This is what great leaders do!

The New Year lies ahead. It is time for hope. It is a time for action. It is particularly a time for all of us to become noisy active citizens. Each of us can do something, no matter how small. Small steps count. It is in our interest. And it is especially in the interest of our children and grandchildren.

When things are uncertain anything is possible.

We must make it happen!

seeking expert advice, a visit to Paintsmiths Franschhoek is highly recommended. To learn more, visit the store’s Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/PaintsmithsFranschhoek/. You

can also contact Paul Silberman’s store on 021 876 2082 or email franschhoek@paintsmiths.co.za.

tony@siroccostrategy.com

The Chamber’s Choice Paul Silberman, owner of Paintsmiths Franschhoek Paul Silberman, owner of Paintsmiths Franschhoek, embodies an entrepreneurial spirit of which the Chamber of Commerce can be proud.

Throughout his life, Paul has prioritised experience over formal education, driven by his passion for witnessing the success and growth of ventures through hard work. His journey has involved numerous professional positions, reflecting his curiosity and commitment to continuous learning, ultimately leading to well-deserved success.

In his youth in Johannesburg, Paul gained early experience in administrative work at the stock exchange, learning lessons about value, profitmaking, and decision-making risks. His journey continued with roles including car salesman, trainee supermarket manager and, in construction, painting contractor and handyman. A move to Cape Town saw him successfully establish a glazing business, which later garnered a significant buyout offer from a larger firm. Seizing the opportunity, Paul sold his thriving business and started a painting contracting business

in Cape Town, thereafter relocating to Franschhoek where he started ‘PaulAndAll’ Painters & Decorators.

Fourteen years ago, Paul established ‘Paintsmiths Franschhoek,’ becoming an integral part of the local community. His store, located in the Village Artisan Centre on Cabriere Street, provides a diverse range of paints and accessories for interior and exterior home projects. Paul is known for sharing his extensive knowledge and expertise, offering valuable advice to customers, builders and carpenters, to ensure the right products for each project.

Paintsmiths Franschhoek provides customers with an extensive colour range to choose from.

Customers have the option to take home colour swatches for testing before making a purchase.

Beyond its diverse paint offerings, the store also stocks fillers, pigmented cement flooring, wood paints, varnishes, and a comprehensive selection of paint brushes and rollers. While it serves as a onestop station, Paul’s central focus remains on paint quality. He takes pride in referring customers to reliable, honest and quality painting contractors who use all his products on a regular basis.

For those undertaking a painting project and

Text: Leila Shirley | Image: Paul Silberman

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A PROUD SPO

January 2024 | 11

with Simon Zeeman, Agri-award winner, and production manager at Babylonstoren Can you share some insights into your journey in the agricultural sector, leading up to your recognition as the 2023 winner of the ‘Franschhoek Agriworker of the Year’ in the middle management category?

Growing up in modest circumstances, I understood the importance of hard work and perseverance from an early age. My venture into agriculture started with the conviction that success stems from determination and dedication. Attending the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute equipped me with the skills to carve my path, aspiring to one day own a farm. This award symbolises the profound impact of diligent effort and the acknowledgment of one’s value through others.

Working at Babylonstoren, a renowned wine farm, must be an exciting experience. Could you elaborate on the role you play within the farm and

Poetic Licence HARRY OWEN

how your responsibilities contribute to its success?

In my position as a production manager at Babylonstoren, I handle various responsibilities, overseeing the harvesting and production processes for vines, figs, mulberries, and prickly pears. Beyond ensuring quality and customer satisfaction, I actively engage with the entire production cycle. My role goes beyond tasks; I strive to create a community among the teams, promoting a sense of pride and unity. Participating in friendly competition with neighbouring farms, not only enhances our products but also fosters camaraderie and a shared purpose, transforming Babylonstoren into more than just a workplace - it’s a family.

The ‘Agri Awards’ are a prestigious acknowledgment in the agricultural community. What does it mean to you personally to receive this recognition, especially in the context of the Franschhoek Valley, known for its rich agricultural heritage?

The Agri Awards go beyond individual acknowledgment for me. They symbolise a celebration of diligence and commitment within the agricultural community. Against the backdrop of Franschhoek Valley’s agricultural heritage, this recognition pays tribute to the determination and hard work of workers pursuing progress, job satisfaction, and community betterment. Being a part of this story is a true honour, allowing me to highlight the skills and dedication that stem from continuous hard work.

Babylonstoren is celebrated for its impressive business and commitment to agriculture. How do you think your efforts and achievements align

with the farm’s overall goals and values?

Babylonstoren is renowned for its successful business and dedication to agriculture. My efforts harmonise effortlessly with the farm’s overarching goals and values. As a production manager, I prioritise quality and team motivation, cultivating a strong sense of belonging. Our commitment to quality, always providing the best value to our clients, not only improves our products but also allows our employees to feel pride in their work.

The farm’s commitment to community and quality resonates with my dedication to purposeful work and community service.

Winning the ‘Franschhoek Agriworker of the Year’ suggests a significant contribution to the agricultural community. What specific initiatives or projects have you been involved in that you believe contributed to this recognition?

Being named the ‘Franschhoek Agriworker of the Year’ validates my dedication to community service, not only within Babylonstoren but also beyond.

Apart from managing production and teams at Babylonstoren, I contribute by donating food to those in need and serving as a deacon in my local church, aiming to bring meaning and gratitude to others. My capacity to extend assistance and kindness in the community reflects not only my wellbeing and hard work but is also greatly facilitated by the opportunities provided by Babylonstoren.

In your role at Babylonstoren, what aspects of your work do you find most fulfilling, and what do you love most about contributing to the success of such an incredible wine farm in the heart of the

Heaney’s poem as a starting point for her own poem ‘Uncoding Landscape’, finding herself taking his advice as she drives alongside a very different bay:

Book Review

Uncoding Landscape (after Seamus Heaney’s ‘The Peninsula’)

One of my favourite poets is the Irish Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney, who died in 2013. A version of one of his poems that first appeared in 1969 was also included in a selection of his work after his death. It is called ‘The Peninsula’:

Heaney writes when you have nothing more to say go drive around the peninsula. And, shock-stilled, I do. Searching the contours for his rocks and logs, fields, leggy birds, and islands rising out of fog to the bay.

The Peninsula When you have nothing more to say, just drive For a day all round the peninsula.

The sky is tall as over a runway, The land without marks, so you will not arrive But pass through, though always skirting landfall.

At dusk, horizons drink down sea and hill, The ploughed field swallows the whitewashed gable And you’re in the dark again. Now recall The glazed foreshore and silhouetted log, That rock where breakers shredded into rags, The leggy birds stilted on their own legs, Islands riding themselves out into the fog, And drive back home, still with nothing to say Except that now you will uncode all landscapes By this: things founded clean on their own shapes, Water and ground in their extremity.

From 100 Poems (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2020) The peninsula of this poem lies close to Belfast in Northern Ireland and it shows how, as in his much later poem called ‘Postscript’ – “make time to drive out west/ into County Clare, along the Flaggy Shore” –, Heaney often turned for inspiration to the dramatic Irish coastline. Particularly when he felt ‘dry’ and unable to write – “when you have nothing to say” – a drive along the coast allowed him to “uncode all landscapes”, freeing his imagination to compose again.

South African writer and editor Michèle Betty uses

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But all I can see is the road before me. A long haul past twisted chicken-wire fencing and gates, lopsided and leading me through Chapman’s Peak, alongside cliffs and ravines, where workers in brazen orange overalls brace canopies onto rocky hillsides, an omen of falling debris. I search the cirrus skies.

Uncode, Heaney counsels: and my eyes settle below, on the dense, moon-flat ocean where, across False Bay’s expanse, in my far sight, I spot a speck, a miniature white lighthouse – mature in its aged loneliness – standing mute; offering in allure, solace to ships on furious, storm-ridden nights.

Michèle Betty (from Touching the Wild: McGregor Poetry Festival 2022) I really like this poem, especially the “moon-flat ocean”. At first Betty seems disappointed in the Irishman’s advice, when “all I can see is the road before me” and “workers in brazen orange overalls”.

But, as Heaney warns, “you will not arrive/ But pass through”. That distant lighthouse may be only a “speck” but it provides “solace” both to stormlashed ships out in the bay and to the desiccated imagination of the poet. It seems that Heaney was right after all, and this poem is the proof.

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A PROUD SPONSOR OF...

CHARLOTTE VAN ZYL

The House of Doors

by Tan Twan Eng. Publ. Canongate. 304 pages Penang is an island off the coast of Malaysia. It is not as glamorous as Singapore or as clamorous as Hong Kong. But it has a long and mysterious history involving generations of Chinese and other South East Asian cultures, and was controlled for many years by the British Empire. This means it is home to the Straits Chinese as well as to generations of stiff upper-lipped English administrators with their servants, gin slings and whiskey stengahs.

All of this has been fertile ground for novelists like Somerset Maugham, Joseph Conrad and Anthony Burgess who have all exploited the heady mix of exotic locales, steamy sex, repressed desires and racial tensions.

Lately, is has provided writer Tan Twan Eng with material to explore with his novels like “The House of Evening Mists” (which I reviewed many years ago) and “The Gift of Rain.”

Now, in his latest novel, “The House of Doors,” he takes up the same themes that fascinated the older writers: interracial love, adulterous affairs, unhappy marriages, and, for good measure, homosexual love.

Additionally, he adds a wry, intertextual twist.

Somerset Maugham, the old South East Asian chronicler, is himself a character in the book, behaving in much the same way as many of his own characters. Adding to the complexity of the plot is the fact that he uses the events that we, the readers, experience in the course of this book, to provide his own version of the self-same events in a later collection of short stories.

Franschhoek Valley?

The most rewarding part of my role is not just overseeing production but fostering a sense of community within the teams. Bringing employees into the Babylonstoren family, and making them feel connected to something beautiful and significant, brings me immense joy. Contributing to the success of this extraordinary farm goes beyond daily tasks - it’s about creating unity, instilling pride, and establishing a meaningful bond with our work.

I feel privileged to be in this position and grateful to contribute to something even more remarkable than I could have envisioned.

The narrative is set in Penang in two time zones, 1921 and, in flashback, 1910. It imagines that Somerset Maugham arrives for a two-week visit, together with his “secretary,” his clandestine lover, Gerald Paxton, at the home of his old friend, the lawyer, Robert Hamlyn.

Hamlyn’s wife, Lesley, is the narrator of most of the story and we experience most of the events that occur during the fortnight through her eyes.

Somerset Maugham, always on the lookout for a good (and familiar) story at first believes that Lesley, the aristocratic white lady, had an affair with Sun Yat Sen, the Chinese revolutionary leader during his stay in Penang eleven years before.

But soon he becomes even more intrigued by another story that is introduced in the main narrative.

This is the (true) story of Ethel Proudfoot, another upper-crust Penang lady who was on trial for shooting her lover dead. He later, to the dismay of the locals, used this scandal in his collection “The Casuarina Tree.”

If this were not enough, Lesley confesses to him the true story of her adulterous love affair with the Chinese doctor Arthur Oh, the owner of the house of many doors of the title. (The doors are the highly decorated entrances to the famous double-storey shop houses of South East Asia, with their “five foot pavements.”)

All this takes place against a background filled with the exotic smells of Asian food, sea breezes, fragrance of flowers and lush vegetation, the clamour of the dirty narrow streets of the poor, as well as the secrets and mysteries that enveloped Penang’s ex-pat community in the early part of the 20th century.

The epilogue, set in the Karroo where Lesley patiently waits out the end of her life after the death of her wayward husband, is quietly poignant.

This is a rich and fascinating novel. The author doesn’t moralize, nor does he judge. “I wish to understand. How else can we understand another person if we don’t regard him or her as a fellow human being?”

12 | January 2024

Smalls

Community Events

JOB WANTED: Extremely hard-working, reliable and trustworthy man looking for permanent work as a housekeeper/gardener. Has experience with painting, gardening and doing general handyman work. Please contact Julian 074 441 9988.

GARDENER: Good reference available. Available for one or two days per week. Phone 071 024 3647

SPORT

Franschhoek Pharmacy

021 876 2261

Police

10111/021 876 8061

Franschhoek Health Club

021 876 3310

Eskom

086 003 7566

Karen Protheroe (Dietician)

082 925 0931

Omnipage Farm Watch

021 852 3318

Plaaswag

021 876 2346 021 946 1646

HOUSE & GARDEN Clock Repairs

028 840 1716

N1, N2 & R300 Emergency number:

at the club on Fridays, Sundays and Public Holidays from

Lighting & Accessories

021 876 3640

DENTISTS

08h30. For more information contact Nicky. 082 455 6411

Ria Pools (Franschhoek) 021 876 2612/072 347 5355

Dr Schalk du Plessis

Sue’s Gardens

083 321 3442

DOCTORS

Valley Garden Service

071 591 0342

Dr Karin Eksteen

FRANSCHHOEK TENNIS CLUB: Social tennis is played

PARKRUN: Saturdays at Rickety Bridge Wine Estate.

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

OPTOMETRIST

PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR: 35 years in business. Hire Patrick de Marco for extra marital affairs & cheating partners, criminal or civil investigations. Confidentiality and professionalism guaranteed. Call or WhatsApp

Marelise Bester

CHURCH SERVICES METHODIST

CHURCH:

Sunday

service

PHYSIOTHERAPY Fhk Physiotherapy Associates

10h00. Rev Russell Norman. 021 872 3580 or

076 842 6052 (Maans) PLUMBERS

BABYSITTING SERVICES: I am Clare Marsh, I am

NG KERK: Sondagdienste 09h30. Geen aanddiens.

Ds Peet Bester. 021 876 2431. Besoekers welkom.New

Franschhoek Plumbing

working with children and I’m very accommodating.

Apostolic Church: Le Roux Street, Groendal. Sundays

PSYCHOLOGIST

I charge an hourly rate of R120. If you’re interested

09h00, Wednesdays 19h30. Rector: Charles Leibrandt.

Danielle Smith

please contact me on 060 918 4125

ST

BOOKKEEPING SERVICES WINELANDS: We provide

GEORGE’S

Drakenstein.

ANGLICAN

Sunday

Services:

affordable accounting, payroll and tax services to

and

Sunday

School

individuals, small to medium sized entities and trusts.

Meyer

084

1280.

We also offer cloud accounting and are certified

willowdale@cybersmart.co.za

partners with Sage, Xero & QuickBooks for cloud accounting and registered member of SAIT. Call LeeAnn 076 321 5274 GARDEN?

For

Garden

Consulting call Susan at 072 932 5393 RE-FIBRE GLASS YOUR POOL in any colour you like.

Call RiaPools for a quote: 072 347 5355 WESTERN CAPE HOUSE SITTERS: We have many mature, kind, responsible, animal loving, live-in house sitter 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 CHANGING TO A SALT WATER SYSTEM? Let us advise & quote for you! Call RiaPools: 072 347 5355

407

CHURCH: Holy

10h00.

Office

-

Groot

Communion

Revd 021

Wilfred

874

4008.

SHOFAR CHRISTIAN CHURCH: Services - 09h00 &

074 363 7744/021 876 4316

(Ward 1) Clr Pfeiffer (DA)

079 597 2765

(Ward 2) Clr Petersen (DA)

082 404 5055 074 686 2364 073 446 5411

Municipality (Office Hours)

021 808 8700

Welfare (ACVV)

021 876 2670

Municipality (After Hours)

021 808 8890

SPCA

083 745 5344

Municipality 24hr Service

021 808 8700

SHARF

076 327 4939

021 876 2360

Dalubuhle Primary School

021 876 3957

YOUR AD

HERE!

STORAGE Franschhoek Storage

021 876 2174

TOURIST INFORMATION & SERVICES

GENERAL

Info Office

066 224 6360 / 073 688 9894

WED

evenings

19:00,

Huguenot Memorial Museum

Centre,

Contact

David

VETERINARY

+27 83 305 5159

Fhk Animal Clinic (plus surgery)

Useful Numbers

Emergencies / Weekends

Tax Shop

021 876 2676

Bookkeeping Services Winelands

076 321 5274

Month’ jumble sales. Please help us to help the

ATTORNEYS

animals of the valley. Please drop off at the SPCA clinic

Susan Charlesworth

021 876 2592/072 402 9469

in La Provence Street, Groendal, or phone for us to

Snipelisky & Killian

083 250 0943/021 876 2084

collect. 021 876 4808

BURGLAR ALARMS PRODUCE:

Medicare EMR

021 876 2342

Wes-Eind Primary School

Community

084 264 0000

Post Office

021 876 2211

Groendal

Audiologist Tracy-Ann Morris

(Ward 4) Clr Adams (DA)

021 876 2448

Anonymous:

AUDIOLOGIST

(Ward 3) Clr Manuel (DA)

Groendal Secondary School

Alcoholics

021 876 4622

021 876 3085

Groendal Primary School

Dr Shaun Burrows. 021 876 2632. Visitors welcome.

021 876 2561

Dr Bernard Fisher

021 808 8406

021 874 8100

UNITING REFORMED CHURCH: Sunday service 09h30.

Dr Nicolas Els

Library

021 876 2079

– 083 799 0726.

021 876 2304

Hospice

Franschhoek High School

service Thursday at 10h30 at Fleur de Lis. Contact Gavin

021 876 2474

Dr Hannes Van der Merwe

021 876 2532 021 876 2504

021 863 3187 / 082 8089 100

Email info@franschhoektatler.co.za

EMERGENCY NUMBERS Stb Fire Dept. (Buildings)

021 808 8888

District Municipality(Bush & veld)

021 887 4446

ACCOUNTANTS

STUFF WANTED: All manner of clothing and

FARM

PUBLIC SERVICES

Bridge House School

TRINITY CHURCH: Worship Sundays at 09h30 at

021 876 4622

Dr Alexander Heywood

MUNICIPALITY 082 812 1476

Richard Wade. 083 225 8529. All welcome!

household items needed for our ‘First Friday of The

ORGANIC

021 876 3759

18h00 English services at 7 Lambrechts Street. Pastor

L’Ermitage Chapel, with Holy Communion. Weekday

021 876 3070

EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONSE

SCHOOLS

POOL PUMP PROBLEMS? Noise? We quote and help you out! Call RiaPools: 072 347 5355

FRESH,

021 876 4234 (office) 074 325 5555 (Bronwen)

offering babysitting services in Franschhoek. I love

YOUR

021 872 3530

082 662 4509.

Patrick now: 0846778731

RE-THINKING

021 886 9244

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Delivered

weekly to Franschhoek, including vegetables and fruit in season, chicken, eggs, cheese, honey, etc. Lists of available produce received on Monday, orders placed on Tuesday for Wednesday delivery. A number of Franschhoekers are already receiving weekly deliveries.

To be added to the list contact Sue Norman on 083 321 3442 or suenorman50@outlook.com.

Pepler Alarms

021 876 3308

CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS Boland Bridge Club

021 876 3031

Franschhoek Tennis Club

078 278 4843

FHK Heritage & Ratepayers Ass.

083 441 8280

Groot Drakenstein Games Club

021 874 1906

- Craig Mc Naught: Captain

080 845 1014

- Lejean Pieterse, Hiring

082 490 0405

Lions

021 876 3775

DO YOU STILL HAVE THAT POOL LEAK? Losing water

Stb Masonic Lodge (Chris)

072 211 9991

all the time? Let us quote and take care of the problem!

Franschhoek Rotary Club

082 891 4613

Call RiaPools: 072 347 5355

Franschhoek Probus Club

021 876 3179

PROFESSIONAL POOL SERVICE REQUIRED? Keep it local! Get a quote. Call RiaPools: 072 347 5355

ELECTRICAL Franschhoek Electric

074 313 7829/021 876 3640

Rensburg Electrical

021 876 2120/083 309 2923

Masterlec Electrical

082 5675 820/082 344 8899

SERVICES: Certicates of Compliance Inverter and Solar Installations Re-wiring | Fault nding Electrical maintenance Leak detection Bathroom renovations Plumbing maintenance Drainage W: www.capeplumbingandelectrical.co.za E: info@capeplumbingandelectrical.co.za C: 082 390 3241 and 074 259 2218

SERVICES: Renovations | Construction Alterations | Painting Roong | Paving Project management Waterproong W: www.cdhconstruction.co.za E: info@cdhconstruction.co.za C: 076 330 3908 or 082 390 3241

EaziFix waterproofing systems provide a seamless, durable and reliable solution, developed for South African conditions.

Rubber Waterproofing of: Ÿ Asbestos Roofs | Metal Roofs Ÿ Tiled Roofs | Slate Roofs Ÿ Concrete Roof Slabs Ÿ Balconies, Gutters & Valleys Ÿ No Flames Ÿ No Torches Ÿ No Waste

GET IN TOUCH

www.eazifix.co.za | info@eazifix.co.za 082 476 5278 | 063 631 8482

January 2024 | 13

FRANSCHHOEK

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

SAFE. SECURE. AFFORDABLE.

PACKAGING TRAILER HIRE

VALLEY GARDENS

6 Fabriek Street 0218762174 0823206523

For a wonderful garden all year round with no hassle!

Carlos Venter

071 591 0342 | valleygardenservice@gmail.com

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 Besproeiing / Irrigation

UR NEW EMAIL PLEASE NOTE O@ tlook.com suenorman50 ou

Shaun and Christie Winkler 064 802 4269 franschhoekremovals@gmail.com

cell 083 321 3442 tel/fax: 021 876 2510

Email

OCW

RESTORATION & PROJECT MANAGEMENT

+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

Restoration | Carpentry Joinery | Built-in Cupboards C: 071 990 9219 • C: 082 390 8191 ocwcarpentry@gmail.com Old Simondium Winery, R45 PO Box 5, Groot Drakenstein, 7680

074 313 7829

082 391 5327

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.

Email: kc@fmstell.co.za

14 | January 2024

FRANSCHHOEK

Discover Franschhoek’s Pristine Mountainland Situated high above the Franschhoek Valley the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve (established 1983) is part of a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site - the Cape Floral Region Protected Areas (2004) and linked to the UNESCO-designated Boland Biosphere Reserve.

Ever since 1823 mountain springs in the reserve have provided Franschhoek with high quality drinking water. The reserve is known for its spectacular views of the valley, diverse plant and small animal life and well-maintained network of hiking trails. It is also a popular jumping-off point for paragliders and is becoming a favoured destination for trail runners.

The Franschhoek mountainland consists of Table Mountain sandstone that was raised as a mountain range more than 265 million years ago. The present mountain and valley landscape is the result of erosion over the past 140 million years.

Three large peaks dominate the reserve: Perdekop (1575 m), DuToitskop (1418m) and Middagkrans (1029 m). In summer southeasterly winds can form impressive 'cloudfalls' over Middagkrans.

Both summer and winter weather conditions in the reserve can be challenging to the uninitiated - the former being hot and dry and the later wet and cold with occasional snow on the higher ground.

The reserve's flora consists of montane fynbos established on leached acidic sandy soils. Fynbos (the world's smallest and most diverse plant kingdom) is primarily characterised by four types of plants: Proteas, Ericas, Restios (reed-like plants resembling grass) and geophytes (bulbs). www.montrochellehiking.co.za

Day Hiking Permit: R70 per person | Hiking Trails Map: R30 Hiking permits and maps available at: Tourist Information Centre Tel. 021 876 3603 | www.webtickets.co.za Keep the permit with you. | Enter and hike at own risk. | Do not hike alone. | Always put safety first.

January 2024 | 15

Just imagine a school where young minds are inspired; where individual care and attention is combined with a distinctive, progressive education and where changemakers are equipped with skills for a world beyond our imagination. Bridge House is a leading independent, co-ed day and boarding school, situated in a beautiful, safe setting in the Franschhoek Valley. · An independent (IEB) Matric examination accepted by universities worldwide · An excellent academic track record – 100% pass rate to date · A wide variety of traditional team and individual sports and cultural activities · Four, spacious, modern boarding houses for students from Grade 6 to 12 · Extensive facilities on 28 hectares of land

Open Day is any day you want it to be.

Contact Gill Malcolm gilmal@bridgehouse.org.za or +27 (0) 874 8100 for a bespoke tour of the school or an online interview with the Head.

www.bridgehouse.org.za

SHOWROOM: Unit 89C Village Artisan Cabriere Street, Franschhoek

SHARF 100 Club From as little as R100 per month you enable us to carry on….

Treating Feeding Sterilising Educating Rescuing Housing We’re a registered Non-Profit and Public Benefit Organisation.

Your donation is tax deductable.

Bank Details: Safe Hands Animal Rescue Franschhoek | FNB Paarl Branch Branch Code: 200110 | Acc No.: 62836203076 | NPO 235-331 PBO 930076522 Juani - 076 327 4939 | Bettina - 073 389 4355

021 876 2082 franschhoek@paintsmiths.co.za

FRANSCHHOEK’S SPECIALIST PAINT SHOP We stock a full range of Midas, environmentally friendly paints (water and oil based) and Earthcote specialised, textured trowel-on and brush-on products for wall and floor surfaces (300 colours to choose from) and a full range of paint brushes, rollers and accessories.

We also stock Thales Decontamination Solution for treating fungus and anti-fungal additives to add to all paints.

We also stock waterproofing products, Weatherprufe and Eco Rubber, Rolls of torch-on (3mm & 4mm) and various sizes of waterproofing membrane. Plascon water and oil-based paints. Hamiltons and Academy paint brushes, rollers, trays and tray-sets, crack fillers, sandpaper, masking and buff tapes, turpentine, lacquer thinners, putty and a full range of drop sheets and rolls of plastic to cover floors and furniture. For DIY enthusiasts we stock ladders overalls and drop sheets.

We also stock a full range of Woodoc 'food for wood' in various colours and a full range of Duram products, including Duram Roof paints in various colours and Duram Showfloor Polyurethane floor paint, also in assorted colours. We can also supply twin pack epoxy paints for specialised applications.

All textures and colours are on show in our showroom. Pop in and have a coffee with us, whilst leisurely selecting your paints and colours.

For FREE technical advice, paint specifications and quotations contact Paul 082 567 6162

16 | January 2024

SOLE MANDATE

Web Ref 5648963

Verdun Road

R55 000 000

Web Ref RL20894

Chateau Dauphine

R49 000 000

10 Beds | 9 Baths | 8 Receptions | Security | Pool

15 Beds | 15 Baths | 5 Receptions | 2 Garages | Pool

Magnificent tranquillity in a private location Located in a wonderfully secluded corner of Franschhoek, this stunning property comprises four dwellings and is set in an awe-inspiring, landscaped garden. The two-hectare property is rich with a variety of plant species and features trees, meandering walkways and tranquil shaded seating areas.

Gracious manor house and guesthouse on four hectares Built in a historic French Chateau style, Chateau Dauphine’s manor house was constructed in 2011 and offers 850m2 of living space consisting of four en suite bedrooms, a spacious lounge, an elegant French country kitchen, and an open-plan dining and entertainment area.

Web Ref RL20731

Web Ref RL20920

Francolin

R15 750 000

Roux

R13 999 000

3 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 2 Receptions | 2 Garages | Pool

3 Beds | 3.5 Baths | 4 Receptions | 2 Garages | Pool

Stylish estate living with spectacular views Exclusive dual mandate. Designed to maximise views of the surrounding scenery, this home truly delivers, offering sights from the lush, indigenous greenbelt to the majestic mountains.

Elegant Franschhoek villa This outstanding, classic-styled villa residence is perfectly positioned for magnificent agricultural and mountain views on the urban edge of the village.

Web Ref RL20729

Web Ref RL21330

Calais

R8 750 000

Bagatelle Street

R29 950 000

6 Beds | 6 Baths | 3 Receptions | 2 Garages | Pool

5 Beds | 4 Baths | 3 Receptions | 2 Garages | Pool

Impeccable home in a quiet location This large residence is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac and is well-maintained and versatile. It offers a variety of amenities and works equally well as a home for a large family or as a guesthouse for the discerning investor.

Rural splendour optimised This gracious country retreat sits thoughtfully in the landscape to take full advantage of the superb setting, with iconic views across the valley.

Carrick Campbell | Farm Specialist 071 502 3517 | carrick@greeff.co.za Aimee Campbell | Property Practitioner 072 693 4052 | aimee@greeff.co.za Guy Healey | Property Practitioner 082 263 7320 | guy@greeff.co.za

62 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek Tel: 021 007 0673 | www.greeff.co.za

January 2024 | 17

18 | January 2024

January 2024 | 19

Franschhoek Area Specialists

Sold By Us

SOLD

Iconic Wine Farm, Franschhoek - POA FARM: 51 HECTARES

SOLD

Spectacular home set on 4132m2 plot with vineyards - R23.5 million 4 BEDROOMS I 4 BATHROOMS I 3 COVERED PARKING

Jeanine Allen, 082 410 6837 | jeanine.allen@pamgolding.co.za GoldClub 10-year Elite | Emerald Circle Agent Registered with the PPRA - Full Status FFC.

Doug Gurr, 072 610 7208 | doug.gurr@pamgolding.co.za GoldClub 10-year Elite | Emerald Circle Agent Registered with the PPRA - Full Status FFC. Pam Golding Properties (Pty) Ltd - Franschhoek Winelands. Registered with the PPRA. Holder of a Business Property Practitioner FFC. Operating a Trust Account. W: +27 21 876 2100 | E: winelandsint@pamgolding.co.za

20 | January 2024

LOCAL E X P E R T I S E

NE

W

LIS

TIN

G NE

W

LIS

TIN

INTERNATIONAL

NATIONAL P R E S E N C E

G NE

W

LIS

TIN

AUDIENCE

G

CAPE VICTORIAN FARM HOUSE ON SECURE ESTATE

HERITAGE PROPERTY WITH DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL

STUNNING 5 BEDROOM FAMILY HOME IN CENTRAL LOCATION

Exclusive Mandate. Ideally located in the secure La Petite Provence estate, this Cape Victorian “farmhouse” circa 1927 has been recently renovated and combines charming period features with a contemporary feel. Ideally suited to family living, generous open-plan kitchen and dining room, two separate lounges, five ensuite bedrooms. Two separate titles, house on 1,057sqm plot; garden and pool on a 663 sqm plot.

Authentic 4 bedroom Cape Victorian style property set on a private corner stand in tree-lined Akademie Street, sensitively renovated over the years to create a comfortable family home with original charm, period features and sense of place. A gorgeous mature garden on over 1800sqm envelops the original home creating a sanctuary for the family and a canvas for potential development of the 120m2 garage building.

A contemporary interpretation of a classic period style property. Spacious living areas with garden views. Deep covered stoep perfect for indoor/outdoor living. Generous kitchen, dining room ideal for entertaining. Ensuite ground floor bedroom/study. Four luxurious upstairs bedrooms en-suite with wooden floors, high ceilings and mountain views. Bright spacious upstairs second living area.

Landscaped walled garden, pool, flower beds, mature trees and shrubs, a real oasis.

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

NE

W

T LIS

R12 950 000

R13 750 000

R19 995 000

ING

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

FOUR BEDROOM VILLAGE PROPERTY

4 BEDROOM HOME WITH BEAUTIFUL GARDEN

Highly valuable Mixed-Use Zoning this double storey property is well situated with High Street visibility. Zoned for multiple uses and well suited to a business or tourism/guest house. Draft plans are available for conversion to two high end holiday rental units (two bed and one bed).

Given the likely interest the seller is proceeding by way of a sealed bids auction with a deadline of 2.00pm Thursday 15th February 2024, earlier offers will also be considered.

This property has it all. Location, large plot, and huge period charm.

Available to the market for the first time in over 20 years this much loved home sits grandly in the historic heart of Franschhoek village.

Includes spacious open plan living/dining/kitchen area, four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Scope to extend into large roof space. Large covered veranda, park like garden, pool with mountain views. A very special property, early viewing highly recommended. Erf size 1249m2.

Sole Mandate. Charming centrally located double storey character property bursting with style and period features. Three bedroom main house, open plan kitchen/dining/living area, separate one bedroom apartment, garden office, deep covered stoep, secluded garden with pool and mature trees, and ample off-street parking complete this charming property. Erf size 735m2.

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

R7 995 000 + VAT

FRANSCHHOEK HERITAGE PROPERTY ON 2,000m2 Historic gem sensitively updated to present charming original features with a fresh, contemporary twist. This unique four bedroom home is a rare find even by Franschhoek standards. Period features includes high ceilings and sash windows. Wonderful flow to the swimming pool area with outdoor lounge/dining terrace space for entertaining with gorgeous mountain views and charming garden outlook. Erf size 2,170m2.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114 Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194

R16 970 000

R12 000 000

3 BEDROOM VILLAGE PROPERTY WITH STUNNING VIEWS This double storey 3 bedroom home enjoys a large plot and an elevated position affording wonderful mountain views. Very spacious first floor living room/kitchen/dining room. Large covered verandah, mature garden, family pool, three double bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, double length integrated double garage, full solar power system. Erf size 1235m2.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114 Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194

300 offices globally 40 offices nationally

R7 950 000

R7 950 000

TWO-BEDROOM APARTMENT Sole Mandate. Fully renovated first floor apartment on La Petite Provence secure estate. Offering an easy lifestyle for either permanent or lock-upand-go living. Well-appointed kitchen provides counter seating and an open-plan layout. The lounge/ living area enjoys plenty of light, a fireplace and a private balcony. The two bedrooms with built in cupboards share a full bathroom. Also includes a dedicated, covered parking bay.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114 Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194

R2 750 000

Fine & Country Franschhoek 23 Huguenot St, Franschhoek, 7690 +27 (0)21 876 3322 | franschhoek@fineandcountry.com