Franschhoek Tatler - June 2014

JUNE 2014 Thousands attend FLF

Theron in charge at Pierneef à La Motte

Red Balloon Revolution

Q&A with Mientie Kroukamp

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Franschhoek tops in SA Winelands TripAdvisor 2014 Travellers’ Choice Awards Franschhoek has yet again been named South Africa’s favourite Winelands destination. This was recently announced at the annual TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards for Destinations, where the valley was listed as one of the top three destinations in South Africa. Cape Town scooped first place, followed by Knysna.

This is not the first time Franschhoek has been listed as a destination favourite on TripAdvisor, securing a spot in 2012 and 2013 respectively, but moving up significantly in the listings for 2014. Paarl ranked fifth and Stellenbosch eighth in the rankings.

The sixth annual awards saw nearly 500 destinations honoured including the winners for the top spots in the world, as well as individual lists for Africa, Asia, Australia, Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, China, Middle East, Russia, South America, the South Pacific, the U.K. and the U.S. Travellers’ Choice Destinations honour top travel spots worldwide based on the millions of reviews and opinions from TripAdvisor travellers. Award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for hotels,

attractions and restaurants in destinations worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period.

TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel site, offering travellers the platform to plan and have the perfect trip. TripAdvisor branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 260 million unique monthly visitors, and more than 125 million reviews and opinions covering more than 3.1 million accommodation establishments, restaurants, and attractions. The site operates in 34 countries worldwide and has recently also turned its focus to the local tourist market by launching a dedicated domain for South African users.

Lavender farm: Appeal Court dismisses developer’s appeal

Five judges in the Court of Appeal (SCA) dismissed an appeal by Brashville Properties 51 (Pty) Ltd – a company owned or controlled by Robert Maingard – against an order of the Cape Town High Court setting aside authorisations by Stellenbosch Municipality for six guest cottages at Lavande de Franschhoek.

In April 2009, Province approved a site development plan (SDP) rezoning part of Lavande de Franschhoek from agriculture to residential for the extension of the manor house to provide additional guest accommodation.

On 7 December 2009 Brashville asked the Municipality to amend the SDP so it could build the six cottages instead of extending the manor house. As Brashville wanted them for the World Cup in 2010 it began work the next day without approved building plans. Ten days later the Municipality amended the SDP. On the same day Franschhoek’s building inspector served a “cease works” notice but work continued (except on Christmas Day) until 4 January 2010 when another “cease works” notice was served.

Building plans were submitted to the Municipality two days later and approved in six days.

Work began again but stopped on 24 January 2010 when the shells of the six cottages had been more or less completed after Werksmans acting for the Franschhoek Valley Conservation Trust (the Trust) and neighbouring

owners - JP Colmant, Anne Stone of Auberge La Dauphine and Georges Meyer of La Bourgogne - told the Municipality it could not amend an SDP approved

by Province.

The Municipality then rescinded approval of the amended SDP and Brashville asked Province to approve it. The SCA confirmed that “once the decision to amend the SDP had been rescinded, the approval of the building plans could not stand”. Another reason was that they had not been submitted to Franschhoek’s Planning Advisory Committee in accordance with a condition of Province’s approval of the original SDP. In terms of the Land Use Planning Ordinance 1985 a municipality can impose a contravention levy of 20% of building costs if a building does not comply with zoning or an approved building plan. When paid the “land concerned shall be deemed to be rezoned according to the utilization thereof.” Alternatively, it can order demolition or tell the owner to apply for a departure.

In a letter to the Municipality dated 25 March 2011, Province refused approval of the revised SDP. Although Province cannot instruct or influence a municipality in deciding how to deal with illegal building, the letter also said Brashville should be told to pay a contravention levy.

Continued on page 2...

Email: info@stellenboschblinds.co.za • Fax: 021 886 8516

THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLER

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Lavender farm: Appeal Court dismisses developer’s appeal ...continued from page 1...

In July 2011 Brashville paid a contravention levy of R52 000, the building plans were re-approved and work recommenced on 25 August 2011.

On 24 September 2011, supported by the Trust, the neighbouring owners began the High Court action to set aside the authorisations for the six cottages. Mr Maingard was warned that if Brashville continued building it did so at its own risk as there might be a demolition order.

In papers in the Cape Town High Court, Dave Daniels (then Municipal Manager) says Basil Davidson, Municipal Director of Planning, “ultimately formed the view” that as demolition “was too draconian an option” and a departure was inappropriate (because Province had refused rezoning), “a contravention levy appeared to be the only reasonable option”.

Daniels also said that Davidson acknowledged that he was influenced by Province’s letter.

The SCA judgment notes that in an email to Davidson, Pedro April, a Senior Planner, said, “From the provincial response it is clear that we must now instruct the applicant (Brashville) to apply for a contravention levy ……” It went on to say that this email and other letters showed that “the will of the department was brought to bear on the municipality [and that] the officials of the municipality did not apply their minds in deciding whether or not payment of the contravention levy was appropriate in the circumstances.” Accordingly, it confirmed that the contravention levy and re-approval of the building plans must be set aside.

Brashville’s advocate argued that the neighbouring owners did not have the right to bring the legal action because they were not affected by the six cottages.

However, the SCA said they had this right because the decisions had “the effect of subverting” the zoning scheme for the area where they lived and rezoned Lavande without

due process. It also noted that when officials approved the building plans they did not know three cottages were below the 1:50 year flood line because it was not marked on them.

Don Carroll, Chairman of the Trust said, “This is a landmark decision. It sends a clear message to developers and municipalities.” He went on to say, “Franschhoek must be very grateful to the neighbouring owners for their courage and commitment in pursuing this action and bearing the very substantial cost on behalf of all who wish to preserve the heritage and beauty of the Franschhoek Valley.”

Davidson did not reply to a request for comment.

Although six judges have decided against it, Brashville’s attorneys said it intends to appeal to the general public is entitled to know important facts”. (See side bar.) They were all presented as argument in the High Court and the SCA and dismissed in both.

In a report to the Trust that was in the court papers, Professor Fabio Todeschini said Lavande is located in “the most highly visually sensitive area in the Franschhoek Valley” which was part of the Cape Winelands Cultural Landscape tentatively listed as a World Heritage Site. The six cottages were “out of scale and inappropriate to the building [the manor house] and to the setting.” Guidelines for Development in the Franschhoek Valley (which he co-authored) said “If they [residential and tourist related buildings] are permitted at all in some parts of the valley, they would inevitably contribute to a growing suburbanization which would be environmentally disastrous and should be resisted strongly”. He scathingly dismissed the submission of the Municipal Planning Directorate (see side bar) describing it in court papers as an argument that could be used “in all manner of cases where inappropriate development could then be hidden from view!”

Barry Phillips

Response from Brashville 51 (Pty) Ltd Before any building work commenced the revised development proposal was work-shopped with both the provincial and municipal governments. Both authorities found the proposals acceptable in principle. The provincial department concerned (the “department”) even wrote to the municipality supporting the proposed amendment of the site development plan.

The reason for the refusal of the subsequent application for rezoning has nothing to do with the merits of the application. It is not uncommon for the provincial government to refuse such applications in instances where the applicant commenced with building work without prior approval of building plans. If a rezoning application is refused, it opens up the opportunity for municipal government to punish the offender by imposing a contravention levy. This is what was done in this matter.

All concerned by notices published in the press were afforded the full opportunity to comment on the development proposal. The municipal directorate concerned, after having considered the motivated objections received from the public, made the following submission to the relevant municipal committee during July 2010.

“The proposal will not detract from the natural beauty, tranquillity, character of its surrounding environment and the rural ambience of Franschhoek. It is the opinion of the Planning and Development Directorate, that notwithstanding the objections against this application, the proposed rezoning and amendment of condition of approval is desirable and would in all probability not have a detrimental effect on the aesthetic quality of surrounding properties, the character of the area, will not adversely affect any person or the environment if sufficient landscaping is implemented to screen the proposed structures from the surrounding properties and roads.”

The finding of the Directorate was correct and there is no reason to believe that it can come to any other conclusion should the matter again serve before it at a future date. If the SCA judgment should not be set aside it would imply that the municipality will again be required to consider the three options available to it. Rectification will only be a rational option if the land use is objectively speaking undesirable. The municipality has already found that this is not the case. It would therefore appear that the neighbouring owners may be busy with an academic exercise.

Provided by Du Plessis, Hofmeyer, Malan – Attorneys for Brashville 51 (Pty) Ltd

Response from Stellenbosch Municipality This judgment, as many others, has clearly acknowledged that the competency to consider land development matters within a municipal area resorts with the Local Authority concerned, as specified within Schedule 4 & 5 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. The current planning law reform process (Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act, Act 16 of 2013 & the Western Cape Land Use Planning Act 3 of 2014) has required of the municipality to prepare a draft Municipal Planning Bylaw with the

guidance of the Western Cape Government that will prescribe to Council and the public on the planning process to be followed that include, but is not limited to the submission, processing and evaluation of all land development applications.

The substance of the court judgements with regard to the Lavande de Franschhoek Guesthouse Development has been referred to Council’s Legal Department to provide the Municipality with advice on how to resolve the matter legally.

New Inam Educare Centre opened

June 2014

Leesboeke vir laerskool leerders

Wes-Eind Leerders met hul nuwe boeke

Leerders van Wes Eind Primêre Skool was onlangs onder die eerste ontvangers van die Afrikaanse vertaling van die Sunday Times se Nal’ibali storieboek. Die boeke is op 13 Mei oorhandig as deel van die Franschhoek Literêre Fees se Boekweek vir Jong Lesers.

Die boek, genaamd Storietyd, is ‘n vertaling van die Engelse storieboek wat laasjaar bekendgestel is.

Danksy skenkings van Sunday Times lesers en die Little Hands Trust kon die Engelse storieboek in Afrikaans, Xhosa, Sotho en Zulu vertaal word.

Times Media, uitgewers van die Sunday Times, het 1000 van die boeke aan die Franschhoek gemeenskap geskenk. Onder die ontvangers, benewens Wes Eind

leerders, was leerders aan Dalubuhle Primêre Skool, die FLF Bilblioteek Uitreikprojek, en die Kusasa Projek se lees program.

Leerders by albei primêre skole is deur skrywers van kinderstories besoek wat vir hulle uit die nuutvertaalde storieboeke voorgelees het.

Die Nal’ibali Lees vir Plesier projek word deur die Sunday Times ondersteun en geïmplementeer deur PRAESA (The Project for the Study of Alternative Education in South Africa). Dr Carole Bloch, direkteur van PRAESA, het opgemerk dat “Daar is geen beter geletterdheidsles as om die plesier te ervaar van verlore raak in ‘n goeie storie – en dit gebeur moeiteloos in ‘n taal wat jy goed verstaan.”

Thousands attend FLF

Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu with outgoing FLF Director Jenny Hobbs

The eighth Franschhoek Literary Festival from 16 to 18 May drew a record crowd of book lovers and authors. Events dealing with political issues and those featuring popular guests like Professor Tim Noakes sold out long before the festival. A total of 14 997 tickets were sold for the 102 events.

As 2014 is the centenary of the start of World War I, a number of events featured local historians and celebrated international writers like Margaret Macmillan, Thomas Kineally and Norman Stone. It was a privilege to sit and listen to Justin Cartwright talking to Margaret, Warden of St Antony’s College at Oxford, about Oxford University where they both studied. She said, “Oxford pushes you to raise your game.” In reference to the Crimean situation and the belief that history is written subjectively, she remarked, “History is a powerful tool.”

The political discussions were lively and often emphasised the message ‘Face the facts, be realistic.’

Adam Habib proved a popular guest and pointed out that, “Politicians only deliver when they are forced to deliver.” Prince Mashele pointed out that although the audience was intelligent, “They don’t understand what’s happening.”

Redi Tlabe was a panel member in interesting events.

Discussing ‘Books to Movies’ she offered the idea that films are more forgettable than books, which require a deeper investment. The Tim Noakes’ talk was as spirited as expected with converts in happy support and sceptics tuned

in to Lionel Opie’s questioning of the science and research.

The Franschhoek youth had a bumper literary week with 55 authors, poets and storytellers visiting nine schools. They entertained and inspired nearly 4 800 kids over the week, in English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa.

The Spelling Bee for primary school students had both an English and an Afrikaans category this year.

Impressively some contestants took part in both and two of them, Isabella Muller and Luciano Daniels from Wes-Eind Primary, were placed in the top five in both categories. The winner in English was Jacob Truswell from Bridgehouse and in Afrikaans it was Jaydene Marais from Wemmershoek Primary.

The prizes for all the winners included dictionaries sponsored by Nasionale Boekhandel.

The winners of the FWV South African Wine Writers Awards were announced on the Friday evening.

Tim James was the winner of the short form category for a series of six blogs and Jacques van Zyl won the long form category for an article on Lismore Viognier.

Jenny Hobbs, outgoing Director of the FLF said, “After eight years Franschhoek is ‘The Place To Be’ in May for South African and visiting authors and thousands of readers, all celebrating books. My highlight was escorting the Tutus into their event and the rock-star roar of cheering for the Arch.”

We congratulate her and her team for another great festival and look forward to the next one with Ann Donald at the helm.

FLF English spelling bee winners: Winner: Jacob Trustwell (Bridgehouse), 1st runner up: Sebastian Farrell (Bridgehouse), 2nd runner up: Isabella Muller (Wes-Eind Primary)

FLF Afrikaans spelling bee winners: Winner: Jaydene Marais (Wemmershoek Primary), 1st runner up: Luciano Daniels (Wes-Eind Primary), 2nd runner up: Charnelle Bezuidenhout (Wemmershoek Primary)

Already at home in their new classroom

26 April was a joyful day for many in the Langrug community. It was the day that the new Inam Educare Centre was opened.

The opening of the centre was the culmination of a long journey for those involved. Although the organisation behind the centre, the Langrug Childhood Development Trust (LCDT), was only formed in March 2013 the members of the trust have been busy improving the lives of the Langrug community since long before that.

Proceedings started with the parents and children of the crèche walking from the old shack where the crèche had been operating since 2012 to the new centre. At the new centre Mr Windvogel of the Western Cape Provincial Government’s Red Tape Reduction Unit – that was instrumental in obtaining

the necessary planning permissions – cut a red ribbon to symbolically open the new building.

Inside the new building the trustees of the LCDT thanked the parents of little Inam Ngalathi, whose name the new centre carries and who was tragically killed in a vehicle accident at a soup kitchen on 31 January 2013, for allowing them to name the centre after their daughter.

After the official opening everybody walked to Batho’s Place, accompanied by a brass band and the Sinothando Choir, where a soup kitchen was held for more than 500 Langrug children and their parents.

LCDT trustee, Caroline Verburg, reminded all present that “Education is the key to success!” and thanked all the local and overseas sponsors who made the new Inam Educare Centre a reality.

June 2014

THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLER

Cats se Pad kry ’n geelhoutboom vir 195ste verjaarsdag die bopunt van Reservoirstraat in Franschhoek.

Stellenbosch Munisipaliteit en Mont Rochelle Die staproete is ’n uitstekende bekendstelling aan Natuurreservaat het op 19 Mei in samewerking met die wêreldberoemde Kaapse fynbos-flora en bied Absa die 195ste bestaansjaar van die oudste wapad-pas panoramiese uitsigte oor die Franschhoek-vallei. in Suid-Afrika gevier. Dié pas is geleë aan die voet van Die volledige voetslaanroete is sowat 7 kilometer die Franschhoekberge. ’n Nuwe kennisgewingbord (een rigting) en strek uiteindelik tot by die historiese by die beginpunt van die Cats se Pad-voetslaanpad is JanJoubertsgatbrug in die Franschhoek-pas. Die ingewy om die spesiale geleentheid te vier. eerste stuk van sowat 3 kilometer loop van die dorp Die geelhoutboom is goedgunstiglik deur af tot by die nek van die Franschhoek-pas, en is Stellenbosch Munisipaliteit geskenk. Die inisiatief baie populêr. Verskeie verkoopspunte in die dorp is deel van die Miljoen Bome Veldtog van die verkoop toegangspermitte teen R30 per persoon en munisipaliteit om die gemeenskappe binne hul ’n uitstekende kaart met roete beskrywings teen R15 munisipale grense van bome te voorsien en om ook ’n per kopie. (Pryse geldig vanaf 1 Julie 2014) bydrae te lewer tot die bewaring van ekosisteme. Die Miljoen Bome Projek is ’n vennootskapsooreenkoms www.montrochellehiking.co.za. tussen Stellenbosch Munisipaliteit, die Wildlands Bewaringstrust en Leaf-aLegacy wat in September verlede jaar tot stand gebring is.

Absa het die nuwe kennisgewingbord by Cats se Pad asook die 195ste verjaarsdagviering van Cats se Pad geborg.

“Absa is trots op die vennootskap met Stellenbosch Munisipaliteit en die adviesraad van die Mont Rochelle Natuurreservaat. Die plant van die geelhoutboom en die verhoogde bewustheid van Cats se Pad, as ’n toerisme-aantreklikheid net voor die aanvang van die vakansieseisoen, vorm deel van ons fokus op goeie burgerskap.

Ons sien dit as ’n belegging om vir ons omgewing om te gee, pogings te steun wat klimaatsverandering vertraag en met ons besigheidsgemeenskappe saam te werk om ons gemeenskappe te laat floreer,” sê Willie Zastron, Provinsiale Hoof Besigheidsbankdienste.

Toegang tot die Cats se Jomine Johannes (Franschhoek Wine Valley), Raadslid Pietman Retief (Stellenbosch Pad-voetslaanroete is aan Munisipaliteit), Prof Izak Rust (Mont Rochelle Bestuursraad) en Bonisile Magewu (Absa)

Cellar Restaurant & Terrace

“I’m newly inspired every day. By the view from the restaurant of the valley beyond. By the restaurant itself, with its vaulted ceilings and crystal chandeliers. By the window in the restaurant that gives you a glimpse of the underground cellar and that reminds me of what I’m here to do: To pair amazing food with spectacular wines. So, when I’m

wandering through the kitchen garden, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are never far from my mind. The wines of Haute Cabrière are my muses. They define every culinary decision; they inspire every new idea.

The quest is deceptively simple: to make sure that every bite of food you take is made magical by a sip of matching wine.” – Ryan Shell, Head Chef.

Experience the true marriage of food and wine.

Address Pass Road (R45), Franschhoek Cape Winelands

Reservations & Enquiries +27 (0)21 876 3688 restaurant@cabriere.co.za

GPS Co-ordinates 33°54'51.63"S : 19° 8'7.90"E

For more information visit www.cabriere.co.za

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The Angels behind the Little Angels The Little Angels Crèche, in Franschhoek, celebrated its official opening in April 2014, with a number of prominent sponsors in attendance.

Little Angels is the brainchild of local resident, Eunice Williams, who was driven to action when she noticed a number of preschool children roaming the streets close to her home, rather than being stimulated and prepared for school in an Early Childhood Development Centre.

The many heart-wrenching stories of children whose parents could not afford to supply even one meal a day for themselves, let alone pay for their little ones to go to a crèche, moved Eunice and members of her church to tears.

Jannie van Zyl, cuts the ribbon at the opening of the Little Angels The Williams family set a room in Crèche, flanked by teachers, preschoolers, members of ‘The Filly’s their home aside to serve as a small Club’ and representatives of Prochorus and Franschhoek Build It. classroom, and with the help of came on board with a mammoth financial contribution Prochorus Stellenbosch, where Pam du Plessis and her allowing for the erection of a freestanding classroom team run a number of similar education projects across with toilet and washbasin, while Jonathan Peach, of Kyamandi, the Little Angels were soon able to stretch Build It Franschhoek, joined in by offering material at their wings. cost, to ensure that each Filly’s Rand stretched as wide Within a couple of days eight children were drawn the Little Angles smiles. off the streets and into the classroom. The current Today most of the children and their families see attendance is more than double that and each child is fed Eunice and the Little Angles team as part of their two meals a day, as well as a take-home snack – to ensure extended family, and their gratitude to organisations like that they sleep with their tummies full.

Prochorus and generous sponsors such as ‘The Filly’s The Franschhoek and Groendal communities must be Club’ is expressed almost daily. commended for stepping up to the plate. With church Congratulations to the Little Angels and all who have members reading to and caring for the children initially, helped to bring hope in a time of despair, may they soar Eunice soon built a local staff team to support her in as on wings of angels. caring for the children. Val de Vie’s ‘The Filly’s Club’

Munisipaliteit se finansies gesond ’n Onlangse studie deur die Provinsiale Tesourie Departement en hoof finansiële beamptes van munisipaliteite in die Wes-Kaap het Stellenbosch Munisipaliteit uitgewys as ’n munisipalitiet met uitstekende finansiële bestuur. Luidens die verslag dui Stellenbosch Munisipaliteit se finansiële verhoudings (‘ratios’) op die beste vlak van finansiële volhoubaarheid in die Wes-Kaap.

Volgens ’n munisipale verklaring het die studie ook aan die lig gebring “dat sekere dienste en tariewe (se pryse) baie laag is in vergelyking met ander klein munisipaliteite en dat ons nie die uitgawes ten opsigte van al ons dienste verhaal nie. Dié agterstande moet reg

gestel word.’’

Die verklaring lui voorts dat ’n MPAC (‘Municipal Public Accounting Committee’) onlangs ingestel is en goed funksioneer. ‘n Verslag deur die Ouditeur-Generaal het ‘n paar areas vir verbetering aangedui. Hierdie sluit in die opdatering van inligtingstegnologiebeleid, die definiëring van kernprestasie indikatore en verbeteringe aan sommige finansiële stelsels. “Die meeste hiervan het as oorsaak die feit dat ons nie die uitgawes van konsultante aangegaan het om ons finansiële state voor te berei nie.

Al hierdie uitgewysde areas kry gefokusde aandag om dit reg te stel,” aldus die verklaring.

THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLER

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June 2014

presented in association with “Les Vignerons de Franschhoek”

Lynx Wines Vino Blanco 2014

The new addition to the Lynx range.

Sophisticated, but totally unpretentious, this wine is affordable and meant to be enjoyed without having to spend hours analysing it.

It is dry, unwooded and fresh, and is a blend of 73% Viognier and 27% Grenache Blanc. It has made its way onto the French Connection Bistro wine list where you can order it by the bottle or by the carafe. Cellar Price: R55

French Connection Bistro’s

Franschhoek Salmon Trout Fish Cakes Ingredients: 500g Fresh Salmon Trout Sides 500g Lightly smoked salmon trout sides 3 Large potatoes, peeled and mashed 1 Onion finely chopped 2 Cloves of garlic, finely chopped 2 Lemons, juice and zest 75g Finely chopped herbs – basil, parsley, chives, coriander

Lynx Wines  Tel: 021 867 0406  Email: winemaker@lynxwines.co.za

Method: Debone and skin the sides of trout (smoked and fresh), season with salt and pepper.

Place on a greased baking tray and bake at 180c until cooked through.

When the sides of trout are cooked , leave to cool and flake.

Rickety Bridge

Paulina’s Restaurant’s

The Foundation Stone 2013

All 5 varietals in this blend contribute to this complete and well balanced wine. Elegant, spring blossoms, cool peach, mango and stone fruit on the nose. Subtle hints of oak spice and refined fruit expression. A rich and wellstructured wine that finishes with elegance and freshness on the palate. Will benefit from some aging. Cellar Price: R85

Rickety Bridge Winery  Tel: 021 876 2129  Email: info@ricketybridge.com

Sweat off the onions and garlic in a pan with a little olive oil.

Mix together the flaked salmon, mashed potato, onion, garlic and herbs.

Season with lemon zest and juice. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Roll in to 80grm cakes, dust with flour, dip in egg wash and then breadcrumbs.

Pan fry in a little olive oil until golden brown on the outside and warm on the inside.

Serve with homemade tartare sauce or herb mayonnaise, watercress and fresh lemon.

(Serves 4) French Connection Bistro  Tel: 021 876 4056  Email: info@frenchconnection.co.za

Butter Chicken Curry

Marinade: 1kg Chicken strips; 500ml Plain yoghurt; 100g Garam masala; 100g Grated ginger; 100g Grated garlic; 2 Lemon zest and juice; 50g Ground coriander; 50g Ground cumin; 30g Tumeric; 20g Chilli flakes; Ground pepper Sauce: 500g Tomato paste; 500g Butter; 1lt Cream; 150g Ground cumin; 100g Ground coriander; 10 Cloves; 5 Cinnamon sticks; 100g Fenugreek; Ground pepper; Salt Method: 1. Mixed all the spices into the yoghurt and mix with chicken

and leave overnight.

2. Cook tomato paste in pot and mix in butter bit by bit.

3. In a pan take all spices and cook spices over low heat do not burn.

4. Add cooked spices into tomato butter mix and then add cream and cook until all spices are mixed.

5. Strain and add seasoning 6. Fry off chicken in the pain and add sauce and serve with rice or roti Paulina's Restaurant  Tel: 021 876 2129  Email: functions@ricketybridge.com

Which website ranked Franschhoek as SA’s top winelands destination?

Send your answer to: tatlercompetition@gmail.com. The winner will be informed by return mail before 15 June 2014. Prizes have to be collected from the Franschhoek Info Office before end June 2014 or be forfeited.

June 2014

Living on my own my visits to bookshops invariably include a browse through the cooking section. Here I look out for titles such as “The Batchelor’s Kitchen” or “Cooking for one is always fun”, but to no avail...

I continually seek written advice on how to prepare single meals, anything to spice up my own boring, tried and tested recipes. This notwithstanding, I have a kitchen library filled with family orientated cookbooks. One book however stands out from the rest. It’s called: “How to drink wine out of fish heads while cooking lobster in a Volkswagen hub cap”.

Incredulous? The author is none other than Mr Ziggy Zen. I kid you not – ISBN 190281318 refers.

Mr Zen offers invaluable advice when buying fish, “Look for bright eyes which protrude, clean fresh smell, shiny scales and a nice smile”. He even offers cooking times for his recipes such as, “The baking time will take three glasses of Chardonnay”. Mr Zen is however economical with his advice on drinking out of a fish head. This would doubtless pose some difficulty; more so than drinking wine out of a Volswagen hub cap so let’s stick to glasses.

Wine glasses come in all shapes and sizes. Mostly traditional but some modern styles and shapes are catching on. Glasses are specifically designed to improve the bouquet of various wines. Sherry should be served in a ‘copita’, two thirds full. Champagne, MCC to us, is now served in a narrow ‘flute’ glass

THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLER

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as opposed to the shallow ‘cup’ glass supposedly fashioned after Mari Antoinette’s ‘you know what’.

The flute is slow to fill and it captures the aromas beautifully with its ‘tulip’ shape.

In Germany the traditional Rhine wine of Hock is offered in a stout glass with a knobbled stem of brown glass to reflect the desired colour into the wine.

Restaurants today often offer oversized wine glasses for red wines – great for providing the necessary airto-wine surface contact that softens the vintage. A slightly smaller, matching glass is ideal for white wines at a dinner party.

It is also worth remembering that a young wine served first shows off the qualities of an older one, a white will show off a red and a dry wine a sweet one.

Combinations of these in reverse will elicit disaster!

I have in my possession a remarkable looking glass specifically designed for tasting – a French ‘Impitoyable’. Handmade and blown from the purest crystal, it has no stem; it is flat-bottomed with a deep ‘punt’ for the middle finger and an ‘indentation’ in the side for the thumb. Swirling wine is disturbed by the indentation thus releasing more aromas. It looks incredibly professional. I used it once at a tasting and felt embarrassed by the stares of the other tasters. I have never used it since; however, I am sure that its effect is superior to both fish heads and hub caps.

International Duo at the Salmon Bar When I lived in Nairobi it was legend that if you sat for long enough on the outdoor terrace of the New Stanley Hotel you were bound to meet everyone you knew in the world.

I could say this will happen to everyone sitting at an outside café in Franschhoek. The village has become a must visit destination for both local and international visitors and investors. Even Richard Branson has invested here and this follows legendary Indian businessman Analjit Singh developing another tourism attraction close to the town.

My personal experience of this influx has been to meet with several of the people I have known around the world. Remarkable was to find one of the team now operating the Salmon Bar & Grill is PGA golf professional Nigel Burch. I know Nigel as a former tour player on both the European and Sunshine Golf Tours. We met both in Durban and Somerset West during his 15 years here in South Africa, between 1991 and 2006, when he coached golf to township children, as well as some of South Africa’s best tour players.

I was pleased to bump into him here in Franschhoek, but highly surprised when he told me in the intervening years he had owned and run a restaurant in the Costa Brava in Spain. “From golf to cooking?”

I couldn’t help but enquire.

“It has always been a passion of mine and the opportunity in Spain was a wonderful experience, but I always longed to be back in South Africa.” I ask, “And why Franschhoek?”

“In 1981 I met Herman Brown Jnr at Kloof Golf Course in KZN, a very good golfer, but better known as the son of champion race horse trainer Herman Brown Snr.” I learn that Herman Brown Jnr, in his own right, has garnered an enviable reputation, over the past decade, of training champion horses all over the world with successes in Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia. His wins with Western Cape horse Jay Peg in Dubai and in the Singapore Cup stamped him among amongst the world’s elite trainers with many other group 1 winners in the world’s most

prestigious races.

Nigel continues, “Herman and I remained close friends over the years and when I learnt he was now a resident in Franschhoek, where his wife Natasha is enjoying much success on the Western Cape’s equestrian and dressage circuit, the idea of teaming up to have our own restaurant took flight.”

Herman and Nigel have proved to be delightful hosts since their tenure at the Salmon Bar and Grill and I can confirm that the former golf professional can cook and present fresh food brilliantly. Allow me to suggest Nigel’s seared tuna or the aged sirloin steak, perhaps with the tempura prawns as a starter. If you are a golfer do not hesitate to ask Nigel for a lesson, as I confirm he has even improved my fragile game!

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THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLER

6

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June 2014

June 2014

THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLER

7

Some quality family time For most of us the average day is a blur of activities, jam-packed into 24 hours and by the time the children are in bed and asleep, we can barely keep our eyes open. The moments we get to spend together as a family are few and far between. Children love to be with you and need to spend time with you. When you are blessed with time to spend with them don’t palm them off to someone else or the television.

Even doing the simplest things with them will make a difference; all that matters to them is that it’s time with you and that you’re focused on them.

I’ve spoken to a few local Franschhoek families and here’s their list of five family activities to do in Franschhoek: On top of most people’s list was a visit to the “Franschhoek Beach”, better known as the Berg River Dam. Gain entrance to the dam from the Robertsvlei Road and it’s an easy 1km-walk to the first lookout point and a few hundred metres further is a beach. My kids have spent hours playing with the mud and building sand castles there. What a bonus not to have to drive an hour to Gordon’s Bay! Afternoon tea at Leopard’s Leap is another great family outing. There is a huge lawn, a water canal and

a jungle gym. The staff is really accommodating and will happily let you have drinks on the lawn while the kids run around and play.

A pancake at the Saturday market is always a winner.

There is something special about sharing fresh, warm cinnamon and sugar pancakes with family. Kids love it, and it only costs R7.

Many families rave about fishing at the small dam in Reservoir Street. It is a beautiful place and the perfect spot to spend some quality time together. All it will cost you is a picnic and a hand–made fishing rod.

If it’s a family meal you’re looking for then The Stall’s relaxed atmosphere is ideal! I don’t know of any child who wouldn’t be delighted to have a kiddies pizza and milkshake for supper. Most noticeable is that you don’t feel that you have to constantly manage your child’s noise and energy level at The Stall. There’s also a jungle gym and a child-friendly staff.

I hope you set aside time to enjoy some of these activities .They say the best investment you can make is spending time with your family - an investment with long term benefits for both you and your children.

Jenny Karsen – The Bumble Bee Play School

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THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLER

8

June 2014

Tatler Motoring Mini All Grown Up. The fourth generation Mini Cooper is here and while you may not notice at first, it’s all-new from the ground up with a fresh 100kW 220Nm 1.5-litre 3-pot turbo for the Cooper and a 141kW 280Nm 2-litre turbo unit nicked from the BMW 320i in the Cooper S. Performance and emissions are all-round improved, but really impressive is how sophisticated this latest Mini has become. The old one was like controlling a grade 5 class just back from devouring a bucket of sweets, but the latest version is far more relaxed, comfortable, composed and user-friendly. Fear not, it still punches you in the small of the back under power and turns and corners like a kart, but now you can live with it, too.

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New Cherokee is Chief This one is set to divide opinion: Jeep has released its all-new Italian-look Cherokee in SA with the choice of a new front-wheel drive and two innovative four-wheel drive systems. Power derives from a new 200kW 315Nm 3.2-litre Pentastar V6 set to top the future Alfa Romeo range, or the impressively named 130kW 229Nm 2.4-litre Tigershark MultiAir 4-pot. Packing a wireless charging pad, full-colour TFT instrument cluster and UConnect touchscreen, ‘best in class’ Euro NCAP safety and a broad spectrum of tech and spec, Cherokee comes in Longitude, Limited and Trailhawk trim with over 100 Mopar aftermarket accessories to add to the spec. Priced between R480k and R608k, Cherokee packs pretty good value, too…

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June 2014

THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLER

Gardening in June

9

Plant of the Month

Natie Ferreira

Frankie Brooks

Climate change, global warming or whatever you want to call it, there are definitely some weird things happening around us – maybe we should call it “climate weirdening”.

We had some good early rains and then nothing for almost 6 weeks – this forced most deciduous plants into an early rest only to be awoken again by the recent rain and warmer weather. Now it looks like September in the vineyards with most of them budding and showing new signs of growth. Timing of pruning, fertiliser, cultivation and other routine tasks that used to be done with only the almanac as a tool will become more of an art form in future (with some luck thrown in to ensure success). One of the many good things about this is that it will force us to be more observant of what is going on around us and to apply our knowledge, skill and gut feeling to gardening and farming alike. A broad acre farmer from the Free State recently told me that the one thing biological farming taught him is that you cannot farm from behind the steering wheel of your bakkie anymore – you have to get out and walk the land to read the signs that nature and your crop is giving you.

So what is the diligent gardener to do in this month of June which is not like June at all? I would carry on as usual; applying some general gardening rules to ensure my actions are at least improving conditions in the micro-climate that I have control over. Never work wet and waterlogged soil, don’t even walk on it. Mulch with manure, straw, grass clipping or whatever bulky green or brown material you can find. Prune trees and shrubs to bring in more sunlight. Create berms and hedges for breaking the wind. Plant more trees. Attract birds and other wildlife into the garden. Grow more of your own food. Use little or no chemical sprays and fertiliser.

Observe, plan and enjoy your garden.

But there are also some routine tasks that need attention this month. Hydrangeas need pruning; also all the late flowering shrubs. Take cuttings as you go along.

June is a great month to transplant shrubs and trees.

New plantings of Fynbos and Mediterranean plants will get a decent head start before summer. The last of your spring flowering bulbs must be planted now. Some cheer can be brought into the winter garden by planting flowering annuals. Also look around you and to see what is flowering at the moment to plan next year’s winter garden. I simply love all the reds, oranges and yellow that brings warmth into the winter rainfall area.

Your citrus trees will probably need some post-harvest feeding – chicken manure is always a good choice, but be careful not to burn the roots. Mulch all fruit trees with a thick layer of manure or compost. Carrots, beetroot, lettuce, peas, broad beans, radish, leeks and chard can still

Passionate Pansies and Shrinking Violas

be sown, but don’t wait too long with this. Harvest and remove the last of the summer veggies – those last few tomato bushes will only provide a nice breeding ground for pests and diseases. My gut feel is to delay pruning of fruit trees and vines until July this year, but make your own decision about this.

I love slow cooking during the winter months and while a pot of bone broth is slowly simmering for days on end I might have a beef stew in the oven with some pumpkin or sweet potato slowly caramelising on the side. On other days it is time for some action and this year I will try to make some marmalade for the first time. I also have loads of green tomatoes that need a plan. Will let you know how that went.

What is the easiest way to tell the difference between our beloved pansies and violas? Their size of course! As the idiom “shrinking violet” suggests, violas are the smaller of these two beauties although it’s the Victorian meaning for viola which refers to “modesty” which gives a little more context to the idiom’s origin. Pansy, on the other hand, means “to think” and is almost always referred to in the context of love, which is so appropriate given how gorgeous they are!

When the colour starts to drain away from your garden in the last month of autumn, you’ll find solace in the pretty faces of both pansies and violas.

Pansies will withstand more severe cold than violas, thawing and bobbing around by mid-morning. Plant these floriferous little angels in either a sunny or partially shaded area but keep in mind that violas will perform better than pansies do with more shade.

Sometimes we’re blessed with a warmer winter than is naturally ideal and our pansies and violas are not too comfortable with the unwanted underfloor heating. If

Measured at La Cotte/Nerina Street for periods indicated

mm/year 2002

1100

2003

824

2004

709

2005

916

2006

884

2007

1153

2008

1217

2009

978

2010

740

2011

830

2012

1079

2013

1471

mm/month 2013

Month

Accumulative

January February March April May June

11 36 20 83 88 246

11 47 67 150 238 484

69 5 76 50

69 74 150 200

July August September October November December

139 409 131 61 242 5

623 1032 1163 1224 1466 1471

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that happens, make sure to throw a nice thick blanket of mulch over the soil around them.

Wheher planting these splendid little faces in a bed, a border, a pot, in hanging baskets, in small or large groups, in one solid block of colour or a rainbow of gold, white, purple, red, black and orange … your garden will be transformed into a happier place this winter.

KING EST. 1688

As at 19 May 2014 Steenbras Upper Steenbras Lower Wemmershoek Voëlvlei Theewaterskloof Berg River Dam

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Total Storage 71.9% This Time Last Year 50.1% - 72.1%

THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLER

10

ACVV Nuus

Riana Pretorius Wonderwerke gebeur!

Die ACVV het nog ‘n maatskaplikewerker in diens geneem. Baie welkom aan Me Lumka Lirula van Eersterivier. Sy is spreekwoordelik aan die diepkant ingegooi. Daar is meer lêers op haar tafel as skryfbehoeftes in die hele kantoor. Me Lirula het ook weggespring met ‘n week lange kursus oor die Kinderwet.

Dit is so belangrik vir die maatskaplikewerkers om die Kinderwet te ken en verstaan.

Die ACVV bestuur het hulself ook bewys as bobaas baksters. Vanaf 25 – 29 April 2014 was ‘n seminaar, Healing the Past – Releasing the Future, aangebied in die Franschhoek NG Kerk. Die ACVV het aan 250 seminaargangers elke dag oggendtee met ‘n versnapering, ligte middagete en middag koffie aangebied. Dit was ‘n voorreg om betrokke te wees by die seminaar. Die ACVV ontvang nie net nie, maar is

altyd gewillig om te gee en te dien.

Die winter is hier, ons reën papnat en kry koud. Maar ons het ‘n snoesige huis met ‘n verwarmer, warm komberse en klere om ons droog en warm te hou. Kom ons deel hierdie winter die voorreg om warm en droog te wees met dié wat nie so bevoorreg is Lumka Lirula nie. Enige ekstra kombers of trui wat al reeds ‘n jaar of twee in jou kas lê sal baie welkom wees. Vir elke nuwe kombers en trui wat jy vir jou koop, kan jy ‘n oue gee aan iemand wat nie het. Die Maatskaplikewerkers kry daagliks te doen met gesinne wat regtig behoeftig is en dit sal help as ons hulle – veral die kinders – kan warm hou die winter.

Wees dankbaar, want ander het minder.

Farm worker dialogue Farm worker health provision Health provision to farm workers is an essential element in maintaining sound labour relations in the agricultural sector. Satisfactory health provision is often restricted by lack of access to clinics or by a lack of money or even by a sheer lack of information that enables workers to seek assistance before it is too late. Preventative medicine is far more effective, and cheaper, than treatment.

Community Based Services (CBS) in Stellenbosch are actively involved in providing better health services to farm workers. They contract various health and social service NPOs to visit farms and engage with the workers and the farm owners. For

instance, the HAST non-profit NGO recently visited Solms-Delta for a day of information provision and testing sessions, providing valuable information on birth control, early detection of TB and all the aspects of HIV/AIDS treatment. In order to formalise this interaction a delegation from the Farm Dialogue met with Jonathan Abrahams, the CBS Co-ordinator, to discuss ways in which the CBS network can liaise with the Farm Dialogue members. The first step entailed drawing up a list of farm owners in the Franschhoek Valley who were willing to commit to hosting regular visits by CBS members. After that CBS would conduct an audit of farm workers’ needs and then set up a regular programme of visits.

Fleur de Lis

June 2014

Hospice News Colleen Douglas

I’d like to start with a very belated ‘thank you’ to the Franschhoek Health Club who held a Hospice fundraiser in March. Once all the money was collected and counted it was a very welcome R6270. Thank you to the staff of Franschhoek Health Club, members, hospice staff and volunteers who participated in this fundraiser.

Leading up to the Franschhoek Literary Festival we decided to sell our books in our hall. Thank you to our volunteers who were in charge of the sale and to Franschhoek High School for their support in purchasing so many of the books. (See photo of the scholars enjoying their own Literary Festival at Hospice.)

During the literary festival we braved all types of weather, but nothing would stop us from selling more books, water and boerewors rolls. All together these efforts raised R10 000 after expenses. Thank you to Pick ‘n Pay for the loan of the fridge, Haute Cabrière for the umbrellas and Carol Dendy-Young for the gazebo.

With our patient load at present at 225 and on the increase we need to continue to fundraise, repeat the successful ones because they are in demand and scratch the grey matter to find new ways to raise funds.

Please save the dates for the following events: 28 June, 3 Courses 3 Countries, Café BonBon: This year you will be dining in Thailand, Hungary and France. Tickets are R 250 pp and available at Hospice.

Seating is limited and we have already started selling tickets.

12 & 13 July, Bastille Week-end: We will be at the Town hall and the Marquee, selling pancakes, berets, scarves and rosettes.

16 August, Gourmet Dinner & Auction with a Sporting Celebrity: This event is new on our fundraising calendar. If you would love to rub shoulders with a Sporting Celebrity, then save this date. L’Ermitage,

Above: Franschhoek High School learners held their own impromptu literary festival Below: Hospice staff and volunteers put on a successful book sale

Franschhoek Cellars and Franschhoek Hospice are putting together a glamorous evening with a 4-course gourmet dinner and a mini auction. More information regarding this event will be made available shortly.

Please keep on clearing out your closets and drop off any unwanted items at Hospice for our shop, from a teaspoon to a television set are welcome. We can also collect. Monday to Friday 08h30 – 14h30.

To all staff members and volunteers who continue to support Hospice, thank you – you are all very special people.

FREMCO Trust awards bursaries Bo: Fleur de Lis se jong garde het deel geneem aan ‘n 5km pretloop te Hermanus op Saterdag 11 Mei. Die geleentheid het saamgeval met ’n heerlike naweek vir die ouer persone vanaf 9 - 11 Mei in Hermanus. Daar’s vleis gebraai, vars vis geëet, pannekoek gebak in ’n pot en heerlike Sondag ontbyt genuttig op Moedersdag! Dankie vir al die donasies en gewillige hande wat die naweek moontlik gemaak het. Fleur de Lis daag nog tehuise uit om aan die pretloop te kom deelneem. - Marelize de Villiers - Bestuur Left: An Easter Hat Lunch was held at Fleur de Lis by Janine Kolesky of the Franschhoek Lions Club. In the photo left are Joy Tarr (left) the winner with her Cock & Hen Hat and Kinnie Human (right) who came second in the competition with Maryna Oosthuizen from Fleur de Lis. The winners were treated to a pedicure at Salon Excelsior.

Rotary News

Mark Tanner

In April Franschhoek Valley Rotary hosted a party of five Swiss visitors who will, in turn, be hosting South African teachers in Switzerland. This is part of the Rotary Foundation Vocational Training Team (VTT).

These ladies called on early education stakeholders in the valley and were shown the best of what Franschhoek has to offer. Martha Kumalo and Mariska Samuels from Groendal will soon be visiting Switzerland for nearly a month.

To find out more about how Rotary is assisting our community, or to attend a meeting, without obligation, please contact Mark Tanner on 082 773 9217.

Rotarians with the visiting Swiss delegation

Probus Club

The FREMCO Trust presented 23 bursaries to deserving students from previously disadvantaged communities on 14 May. The event took place at the Congregational Church Hall in Groendal.

Rev Norval Williams opened proceedings with scripture and prayer. His message, from James 1: 5 and Psalm 32:8, was that without the word of God goals cannot be achieved, but with God everything is possible.

Minnie Peterson, Chair of FREMCO Bursary Committee, then introduced the successful bursary applicants, who are studying everything from nursing and PR to law and accounting.

Business leader and academic, Dr Ernest Messina, then delivered an inspiring address. He related his past as a ‘farm child’ in Franschhoek and challenged the bursary recipients by saying that if he, with his background, could achieve success they can too.

“You can achieve the highest, but life isn’t easy. Go out and be the best you can be, because you can!”

Dr Messina also referred to the great and increasing inequality in our midst as a serious indictment of our society. He continued to say that the only sustainable way to address this is through quality education.

The FREMCOTrust was created in 2001 when development of the FranscheHoek Estate started after the signing of the historic Social Accord in 1998. It receives a small percentage of the proceeds of all property sales on the Estate. To build on this success, the Fremco Trust plans to embark on a Bursary Fundraising effort later this year by targeting the local business community. To support the Trust or for more information feel free to contact Trust Administrator, Ralph Damonse on 082 344 5911 or damo@iafrica.com.

Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve News

Alta Malherbe

Luncheon Meeting – 2 June 2014, 12h30 for 13h00, La Petit Dauphine – Studio/Café Bonbon A Probus Club is a local association of retired or semiretired professional or business people, (or others who have had a measure of responsibility in any field of worthy endeavour), who are of good character and are respected in their communities. The Club meets regularly for fellowship and an extension of its member’s interests.

We would like to invite new members to join our club.

The joining fee is only R50 and then R100 membership per year. For this you will be informed of our meeting every month and we usually have a speaker. At present our meeting place is in the Studio/Café BonBon at La Petit Dauphine. Come and join us once a month for a

The FREMCO Bursary recipients with members of the FREMCO Bursary Committee, FREMCO Trustees and guests

very enjoyable and interesting luncheon. You may come as a visitor for the first month to see what it is all about.

All you will have to pay is for your lunch. Just give Alta Malherbe a ring on 021 876 3179.

For the June meeting our talk should be very interesting: Andrew Chin and Ram Barkai, will be giving a talk on their various swims, including swimming around Cape Point, the Alcatraz Crossing and numerous Robben Island swims.

Those who have not yet paid, please bring along your membership fees for 2014.

As usual, our meeting will be on the first Monday of the month which will be 2 June 2014 at 12h30 for 13h00.

See you there!!

Well worth a visit is the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve website www.montrochellehiking.co.za.

Severe erosion damage to Lower Cats se Pad hiking trail is currently under repair but all trails remain open.

As from 01 July 2014 new prices apply: DAY PERMIT: R30.00 per adult; children under 16 and under supervision FREE A day permit is valid for one day between sunrise and sunset.

A day permit can be purchased at the Franschhoek Information Office, the Franschhoek Protea Hotel, or the Huguenot Museum Shop. Tickets can also be purchased online – click the Webtickets link on the MRNR website.

Always keep your ticket at hand when hiking in the reserve.

YEAR PERMIT: R150.00 per adult person A year permit is valid for 12 calendar months from date of purchase and allows for unlimited entry.

Available over-the-counter only.

HIKING TRAILS MAP: R15.00 A most useful full-colour trails map and information pamphlet.

SPECIAL PERMITS: Special permits for researchers and community groups are available on application. Commercial permits are handled by PERMITZ. Contact the Franschhoek Information Office (021 876 2861) for details.

June 2014

Letters

Valley vision Dear Siegfried, Re: ‘A Vision for the Franschhoek Valley?’

First I would like to thank you for initiating this debate in your leader article of the May edition of the Franschhoek Tatler, and challenging the Franschhoek community to air their views on their vision of the valley.

I intend to discuss this under four points, but before I do so I would like to expand on where I come from.

I have lived in and been part of the economy of the valley since 1983, that is 31 years. For some this does not make me a ‘Franschhoeker’, to others it is a life time. I have seen it transform from an area lost in time, the majority of the vineyards having been trained as bush vines, very old and mainly Chenin Blanc or Semillon. The most successful activity was the fruit industry, encompassing plums, pears and some peaches/nectarines. Tourism had not reached this area, although financially successful fruit and tourism endeavours were being experienced all around the Western Cape in areas such as Stellenbosch, Paarl, Elgin and Robertson, not to mention Cape Town.

In 1983 the valley had no restaurants, only two wineries and accommodation consisted of just three hotels.

The entrance roads were narrow and very uneven, and Tracey’s was the local garage where fuel was dispensed and cars were repaired.

Most of the change since then has been positive, however as in all capitalist environments there are downsides, one being greed. This we have seen in the form of outside developers initially removing parts of our heritage buildings, and more recently being given permission to build out of character to the culture of the valley. A common phenomenon in many areas is the development and rapid expansion of informal townships and this valley has not been left out. So how would I like to see the valley go forward? · Environment: (i) Natural: this must remain resolutely rural. This will require limiting the subdivision of farms and the restriction of urban grid development to the existing boundaries. I do believe that a re-think in the cultivation of timber on certain hill and mountain slopes is necessary; (ii) Built: The valley is dominated by Cape Dutch style, and the village by Victorian style buildings.

The culture around these two must be maintained with any new development fitting into this in a subtle way.

The informal settlements must be upgraded and the low cost housing suburbs improved upon, especially when it comes to roads and other services. The Berg River dam must be made available to eco-tourism activities on a controlled basis, and the Franschhoek Pass limited to light traffic and trucks with permits to travel granted only to operations in the greater Drakenstein Valley. · Community: It would be wonderful to see a community united in its diversity, contributing to the betterment of all especially the less privileged. Here a body such as the ‘Franschhoek Trust’ could take the lead in bringing together representatives of all organised bodies to agree upon matters of common concern which need Local and Provincial authority attention.

To talk with one voice has much more influence than each trying to have their individual concerns heard. The valley has an enormous intellectual capital in its midst

THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLER info@franschhoektatler.co.za

with great innovative minds. They need to be utilized for the common good. · Business: Tourism has become the life blood of the valley and together with its off-shoot, agri-tourism (mainly wine-tourism), is providing the bulk of the jobs in the valley. However, it would be foolish to expect this sector to expand in the valley ad-infinitum. So the restriction on the area available to housing and the strict policing thereof becomes essential. The valley has a tremendous unemployment level already, which will never be solved by the combined Tourism and Agricultural sectors. But, when operating in its heyday of the 1980s, the Forestry sector absorbed many that are now out of work. It is imperative that pressure be made to bear on the local and provincial authorities to cause the Forestry sector to be opened up once more · Municipal Interface: It would be impractical to think that the valley could be governed by its own municipality once more, however in a creative way this could solve much of the dissatisfaction the community has with the way Stellenbosch Municipality handles the affairs of the valley. By having the mechanisms, both private and public, to deal with the municipality, a better interface, and as a result, better service, could be acquired. An “assistant-municipal manager” allocated to serve the valley with greater decision making powers than seen by the municipal officials in Franschhoek should be installed, and as discussed under ‘Community’ above, the people of the valley need to talk with one voice.

In general the valley has progressed in a very positive manner, as can be seen by its recent recognition as the third most popular destination in South Africa. The challenge is to keep it there and improve upon its progress.

As reference, I would like to suggest that all residents acquire a copy of the first Business Plan drawn up by the then Tourist Association, Franschhoek Vallée Tourism, in 1998 and endorsed by the Franschhoek Municipality as its way forward. Franschhoek has become a striking resemblance of this plan!

Richard von Hoesslin

Dankie/Thank you Liewe Franschhoek Gemeenskap Baie dankie vir al julle ondersteuning die afgelope tyd met Jannie se siekte en afsterwe.

Ek kon nie vra vir ‘n beter ondersteuningstelsel nie.

Julle is almal wonderlike mense en ek en hy was baie bevoorreg om in Franschhoek op te eindig. Dankie dat ek julle nog op ‘n daaglikse basis kan beleef. Julle is ‘n gemeenskap duisend!

Wilna van der Westhuizen - Fleur de Lis

Dear Franschhoek Community Thank you very much for all your support in recent times during Jannie’s illness and passing.

I couldn’t have asked for a better support system. You are all wonderful people and Jannie and I were privileged that life brought us to Franschhoek. Thank you that I can continue to experience you all on a daily basis. You are a fantastic community!

11

Editor’s Letter

Siegfried Schäfer

Dear Readers With the National and Provincial Elections (NPEs) still relatively fresh in our minds I thought I’d do a bit of an analysis of the election results over the past three NPEs in wards 1,2 and 3 (essentially ‘our’ side of the Simonsberg, but excluding Pniel, Languedoc and Kylemore). The voting stations I included were: Franschhoek Town Hall, Groendal Community Hall, Dalubuhle Primary School, Groendal Secondary School, La Motte Bosbou Community Hall, and Groot Drakenstein Games Club.

The first striking pattern is that there was very little difference between who voters voted for on the national vs the provincial ballot. To such an extent that I did not even consider the provincial ballot results in my analysis. (The difference at all voting stations considered ranged between 1 and 2%.)

A striking feature is that smaller parties were decimated – this was also the case nationally. For example, in 2004 the fifth largest party (by percentage of votes) at the Franschhoek Town Hall was the ID, with 7.14%. This year it was Agang with 0.89%. This pattern holds true for all the voting stations analysed.

The corollary to this is that it really is becoming a two horse race between the ANC and the DA. This brings me to one of the big differences compared to the national results – the performance of the EFF. Nationally they managed to get 6.35% of the vote. The best they were able to do at any of the voting stations considered here was 3.34% at Groendal Secondary School. (In Stellenbosch Municipality as a whole they managed 1.65%) The DA attracted more than 70% of the vote at four of the six voting stations considered. The ANC won more than 70% at the fifth and took 56.59% at the sixth voting station considered.

Pleasing to the DA must be that over the last three NPEs it has increased its share of the vote at 5 of the 6 voting stations considered – at the sixth one it increased in 2009, but decreased this year. For the

ANC it’s the opposite story. At every voting station where the DA gained over the last three NPEs the ANC has shed support.

Also interesting is to look at who the top 5 parties in the last three elections were. In 2004 the ID, NNP and UDM featured among the top 5. By 2009 the NNP no longer existed and COPE featured, only to be decimated this year and give up its spot to the EFF. Among the small parties the performance of the ACDP is interesting. Although its share in the vote in the entire Stellenbosch Municipality has pretty much halved with each NPE since 2004, it has maintained its position in the top 5.

Another new entrant in the top 5 (only at the Franschhoek Town Hall and for Stellenbosch Municipality as a whole) is the Vryheidsfront Plus.

The number of votes the VF Plus has received hasn’t varied greatly, so it certainly isn’t a sign of a move to the right by significant numbers of voters. Rather it’s a result of the other small parties either disbanding or performing really poorly, while the VF Plus has managed to hold on to its few voters.

So what does this all mean for our next elections, the Local Government Elections in 2016? The top 5 for Stellenbosch Municipality this year were: DA 62.51%, ANC 29.09%, EFF 1.65%, ACDP 1.55% and VF Plus 1.33%. Comparing these results with those of the previous NPE I’m willing to make some observations (or even predictions!): The ANC’s share of the vote is unchanged in the past two NPEs and its number of votes hasn’t changed a great deal, thus it is reasonably safe to assume that these are core supporters who will almost never vote for anybody else. The DA has gained tremendously, but mostly at the expense of the small parties. It is unlikely that any significant challenger will emerge for DA votes, whereas the ANC will have to contend with the EFF and probably a new workers party.

I would therefore conclude that Stellenbosch Municipality is the DA’s to lose. As always time will tell…

Until next month

Franschhoek Tatler Tel 021 876 3460 Email info@franschhoektatler.co.za Tatler Online www.franschhoektatler.co.za Deadlines - July 2014 Issue - Ad Bookings: 16 June 2014 Artwork: 17 June 2014 E ditorial: 17 June 2014

FRANSCHHOEK WINE VALLEY NEWS

Cook Franschhoek

Franschhoek Winter Wines

Getting back to basics! This is the food trend for 2014. Experience these and more at this year’s Cook Franschhoek, 13 to 15 June.

A feast for the senses and growing in popularity, this annual event is perfect for all foodies. Whether you’re just starting out or have been cooking for years, there is something for everyone. The interactive and exclusive hands on demo kitchens will be focusing on the following themes: • Snout-to-tail • Locally produced (direct from farm to table) • Artisanal bakeries (includes gluten free) • Smoked meats (including charcuterie) • Cooking over a fire (how to cook in a Weber, green eggs and rotisseries) • Pickling, fermenting and preserving • ‘Locavores’ (essentially eating only what is locally produced within a certain radius) Most of the demonstrations include a beautifully prepared and paired meal with a Franschhoek wine.

This is the perfect opportunity to interact with the chefs and winemakers as well as master the art of intricate dishes. The groups are kept small to allow for one on one interaction.

Booking for all demonstrations is essential and can be done via www.webtickets.co.za.

For a detailed programme on Cook Franschhoek visit www.cookfranschhoek.co.za or contact the Franschhoek Wine Valley offices on 021 876 2861. Follow us on Twitter at @Franschhoek_SA for regular updates.

Winter is here! Each of the Franschhoek Vignerons will be showcasing their top red wines at this year’s Franschhoek Winter Wines on Saturday, 21 June at the Franschhoek Motor Museum, L’Ormarins Estate. (12pm to 5pm).

Sip, sample and savour some of the best red wines on offer. Enjoy delicious comfort food prepared by the chefs at Terra del Capo, Anthonij Rupert Wines.

Perfect for braving the cold weather, while you view some of the finest vintage and luxury vehicles on display. The Franschhoek Motor Museum offers visitors the opportunity to look back at more than 100 years of motoring history with its unique and exciting collection of vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and memorabilia.

Live entertainment will round off what promises to be the perfect experience.

Tickets are available directly from www.webtickets. co.za at R180 per person. This includes a wine glass, a tasting of all the wines on show, as well as entrance to the Franschhoek Motor Museum. Booking is essential as tickets are limited.

For more information the Franschhoek Wine Valley office on 021 876 2861 or office@franschhoek.org. za. Join their Facebook page or follow them on Twitter @Franschhoek_SA.

13 - 15 June 2014

21 June 2014

Wilna van der Westhuizen - Fleur de Lis

1600 gift bags and cup cakes – a celebration of life!

On 22 April, Red Balloon Revolution worked together with The Kusasa Project and top chef Margot Janse to celebrate the lives of more then 1600 children in Franschhoek.

Four primary schools, where The Kusasa Project is involved, were visited by an enthusiastic group of volunteers replete with red balloons and gift bags.

To make the celebration day complete, every child also received a delicious cupcake made by Margot Janse and her team.

“To see the smiling faces of these happy kids gives us enormous joy and makes us incredibly proud to be able to do this Primary school learners enjoy their gifts for them.” exclaimed Red not be the last.“We’re all very happy and thankful Balloon Revolution’s Jitra and Sophie once they had that we were introduced by Margot Janse. With distributed all the gift bags and balloons. Our motto is her motivation to feed the children (through her that every life is worth celebrating.”

Isabelo Project) and our motivation to improve their Red Balloon Revolution is a Cape Town based educational opportunities and to celebrate their life, foundation whose aim is to celebrate the lives we are certain to make a difference in the lives of of underprivileged children in South Africa. “By these children. celebrating their life, we want to tell children that no To fund the gift bags, Red Balloon Revolution matter where they are born or how difficult their life produces and sells a popular range of African made circumstances are, their lives are worth celebrating.” products. All the proceeds go straight back into the gift The foundation celebrates life by handing out Red bags. In their web shop (www.redballoonrevolution.

Balloon Revolution gift bags. In these reusable bags com) you can find a wonderful array of bags, baby the children find ‘responsible’ gifts such as a warm shoes, iPad sleeves and much more. winter scarf, a piece of soap, a motivational journal, a For more information about The Kusasa Project pen, tomato seeds and two red balloons. visit: www.thekusasaproject.org and to read more This is the first time that Red Balloon Revolution and about chef Margot Janse and the Isabelo Project visit: the Kusasa Project have joined hands in a charitable www.lqf.co.za endeavour and according to both foundations, it will

THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLER

12

A peachy venture for April In April a commercial milestone of sorts was reached in Franschhoek – the village’s first furniture shop opened its doors at BuildIt Franschhoek.

The new venture is a partnership between BuildIt’s Johnathan Peach and Ruth April. Regular e-TV viewers and Tatler readers may recall that Ruth was the winner of e-TV and BuildIt’s ‘Jack Up Your Shack’ competition in 2012. Rather than spending all her winnings on ‘jacking up her shack’ Ruth opted to do the wise thing and kept some of her winnings to invest in an income-generating venture. As Jonathan already knew Ruth he was delighted to offer her a partnership in a new venture. The result is a spoton expression of BuildIt’s corporate slogan: Sinawe – together we build.

The new shop sells a wide range of furniture and appliances. Popular brands such as Cloud 9 mattresses, Tedelex, Defy and LNG appliances are now available right on Franschhoekers’ doorsteps. Whether you’re looking for brightly coloured funky plastic chairs, a mattress, simple dining set, stove or DIY cupboards Ruth will be able to assist you. BuildIt can also assist with arranging payment terms.

In an effort to assist local carpenters the shop also

Business Leadership Creating Fulfilment

Ruth April and Jonathan Peach in their new furniture shop

stocks locally made pine tables, benches and storage/ display boxes. The shop also buys second hand furniture and electrical appliances.

An ever-smiling Ruth says that: “The opportunity to become a business woman is a milestone on my journey to success.” fbuildit@gmail.com, 021 876 2883 or 021 876 4410

TAX

INDIVIDUAL & CORPOR ATE

Accounting and B ookkeeping • T ax • P ayroll • Company Formation and Services • BEE Certification and Verification • Insurance & Investments • DTI Incentives • Foreign Exchange Email: franschhoek@taxshop.co.za

Phone: 021 876 2676 • Cell: 082 804 0764

Shop 3, La Rue des Roses, 2 Main Road, Franschhoek

June 2014

So often we find someone or something else to blame if we feel unfulfilled or unhappy with our life, circumstances or job, but we can never, ever say that we have absolutely no control over what happens next! We always have a choice and we can always strive for a positive outcome no matter what the circumstance may be.

To a large extent this is something that leaders have a responsibility to help create: The environment and circumstances in which those that follow them feel that they have a measure of control over their lives and over the conditions in which they have to live and work. If you are able to achieve this you will have more fulfilled, more motivated and more productive followers. Basically people want work that provides meaning and they want circumstances in which they can be express their talents to the full.

There are so many things that leaders can do but here are a few ideas that will help the process along: · Be consciously in the present when you engage with those that you lead. Be focussed on the here and now and tune in intensely to what your followers are expressing, verbally or otherwise. This way they will know that you really value their contribution. · Always try to keep things in perspective. The world is big and complex enough without making small issues bigger than they need to be. · Learn to bounce back from setbacks quickly and positively. Help everyone to concentrate on what you are trying to achieve, rather than on the recent setback. The setback is what it is and nothing can change it, but you most certainly can affect the way of the future. Bouncing back breeds a culture of resilience. Do so with a healthy sense of humour. Help your people always to see the lighter side of life. A sense of humour is a great stress reliever. · Always be committed. Be passionate about what you do and show it. It is infectious and will enthuse your followers. · Concentrate on building a strong sense of teamwork, at the heart of which is a commitment to each other, and a genuine seeking out of opportunities to help and support each other. · Play to your strengths. Understand what you are really good at and use those strengths to motivate others to do the same. Select people as far as possible that compliment your strengths so that you do not end up competing for space but rather helping each other to fill the available space with your collective energy and drive. · Be positive. No-one finds negativism and pessimism attractive. Those who constantly find fault and see the

downside in everything seldom attract the kind of followers that make a positive difference. · Maintain an action orientation. In the end, no matter how much reflection and planning may be necessary, the only thing that really counts will be action. · Be kind to your people. It’s the little things that count.

Just by helping people along without wanting recognition will help to build a reputation as one who truly cares; someone who does things from the heart and not for public recognition. It is easier and more sustainable to be good to people than to behave in a ruthless uncaring manner. People don’t hang around to be abused for too long! Part of doing this is to show true gratitude when it is due. Let people know that you truly appreciate whatever it is they have done to make a difference.

When you do these things you send a message to the whole organisation about what values are important and what behaviour should be repeated.

It is your organisation to make and mould and will be a reflection of who you are too! So what kind of legacy do you want to leave?! tony@siroccostrategy.com

June 2014

THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLER

13

Book Review

Charlotte van Zyl

Mientie Kroukamp

ACVV soup kitchen

worker. A new agreement What is the ACVV with the Department of and what does it do?

Social Development sees The ACVV – their taking over some Association of Afrikaans areas.

Christian Women – is What does your a welfare organisation work entail? which renders social The ACVV core business services to vulnerable is child protection services. children, families, women Time is mostly spent on and the elderly. statutory services, like risk The association was assessment of children, established in Cape Town counselling, investigations in 1904 by a group of into family matters, report women who wished to writing, supervision of offer assistance to victims Q&A with Mientie Kroukamp, placements of children of the Anglo-Boer War. social worker at the ACVV in alternative care (foster Emergency relief was care, youth care centres) their first priority, in particular to the vast number of and family reunification services. homeless women and children. In due course other The auxiliary worker runs the awareness and needs were identified which led to the inclusion of prevention programmes in pre-primary and primary primary care, educational programmes and social schools, such as child abuse prevention, information services. Today, services and facilities of the ACVV regarding the Children’s Act, holiday programmes, are available to all those in need, regardless of race, parenting skills development and supervision of the language, culture, religion or gender. soup kitchen.

Today there are 117 branches staffed by volunteers Are you the only organisation that does social and trained staff. The ACVV in Franschhoek runs work in the local community? two programmes, the Fleur de Lis Old Age Home The ACVV is the only organisation that renders and Child Protection Services – the latter are rendered statutory services according the Children’s Act. We from the office in Groendal. work with other organisations like Kusasa, Youth Is the ACVV associated with a specific church Development and Hospice in other fields. denomination? How much does the Dept of Social The ACVV functions according to Christian values Development contribute financially towards the and is not affiliated to a specific church denomination. services you render and how else is the ACVV We have a working relationship with the DR Church funded? in Franschhoek which supports our soup kitchen.

The department only covers half of the costs. The What is the area covered by the Franschhoek ACVV depends on fundraising to cover running costs office? and staff salaries. The Lotto, Community Chest and According to the working agreement with the Municipality (Stellenbosch and Winelands District) Department of Social Development, the ACVV also contribute towards costs. renders services in Langrug squatter camp, Groendal, How many children in Franschhoek are Mooiwater and Franschhoek village. The Department placed in alternative care? renders services on farms in the district, Bosbou La This figure fluctuates. At this stage there are 95 Motte and Saagmeule Wemmershoek. children in alternative care options (Foster Care and Who are your staff and what are your Youth Care Centres) and over 30 new cases waiting qualifications and experience? to be investigated. We also render services on a preWe are two qualified social workers, one with statutory level to support families in handling their a four-year university degree and the other has a responsibilities. Each social worker has a case-load of Master’s degree in Social Work, both with more than more than 200 families. fifteen years’ experience in our field. We also have What is your greatest wish for the ACVV with an auxiliary worker who has a year’s college training. reference to necessary resources?

We are supported by an administrative official and an I would like to see more involvement from the office manager/bookkeeper. community in support of the ACVV. The needs of Do you need more staff ? the poor and vulnerable in our community are great Yes, our workload is more than we can handle. We and we offer many opportunities for people to get need a third social worker to deal with the intake involved and make a difference in other’s lives. of new cases, but because of the lack of funds, The ACVV office can be contacted at 021 876 2670 the ACVV cannot afford to appoint another social VISIT OUR WEBSITE

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The Circle

By Dave Eggers Publ: Hamish Hamilton, 491 pages Our fears of the future take many forms. There are geophysical fears like global warming. There are political fears like China turning the whole world into a gigantic tennis shoe factory. There are medical fears that antibiotic resistant germs are going to wipe us all out.

Now we have a new fear that is not based on a shortage or the lack of a commodity. In this new Age, the Early Internet Age, the threat comes from an overabundance of everything available with a click of the cursor on your computer screen.

Books, movies, television series, food and drink, and above all, information is constantly, inexhaustibly available. This sounds like a dream come true, but Dave Eggers in his latest book “The Circle” begs to differ.

Eggers knows quite a bit about catastrophes. In “What is the What?” he described the plight of child refugees in the Sudan. In “Zeitoun” he showed the bureaucratic horrors during and after Katrina struck New Orleans. In his other work, including his oral histories, he shows he had a finely developed social conscience.

In “The Circle” he updates the dystopian vision of Orwell’s ”Nineteen Eighty-Four” except that now dictatorial power is not only used by the state, but also by the monopolistic techno-consumerist world. To show how this works he has created a mega company which knits together Google, Twitter, FaceBook and YouTube, which apparently has the benign intention of making the world an easier place to live in. The sprawling corporation with its acres of tended gardens and air-conditioned offices and delectable cuisine and overnight apartments for workers who don’t want to go home, resembles nothing less than the Pentagon in R&R mode.

This is The Circle that only employs highly gifted geeks and wired technocrats. Such a one is Mae, recruited by her friend Annie, a manager at the Circle, for her intelligence and her ambition. Mae throws herself into her work, finding new clients, servicing the queries of old ones, always refining the image of the Circle. She does not actually invent anything

new, or produce an innovative product, but just keeps customers satisfied. One starts to understand why the Circle is a circle.

Part of her daily routine is to socialize with her fellow workers, to “befriend” colleagues and go to the many social functions and discussions available to all the employees. Slowly the Circle begins to take over every aspect of her life. Central to this is the “TruYou” system that charts your every movement and stores it in the giant company memory. Even bathroom breaks are restricted to a few moments.

The reader soon realises that in this paradise of affluence and consumerism, the lives of the workers are as restricted and constricted as in the sweatshops of China and India. The employee’s life is the company’s life. The employee’s thoughts are the company’s thoughts. The nightmare surveillance scenario revealed by government whistleblower Edward Snowden is given another dimension by “The Circle.”

Clients are encouraged to become “transparent”, to share with the rest of the world all they feel and see and do. Any attempt at clinging to any kind of privacy is frowned upon by the millions who are watching. Privacy equals secrecy, which should not be encouraged. Politicians become “transparent”, to show they are not corrupt. Countries follow suit, continents scramble to join and, in doing so, effectively hand over power to The Circle.

Eggers creates a former boyfriend of Mae, called Mercer, who represents the rapidly vanishing values of anti-consumerism. He is a typical Good Guy, the Conservationist who watches the environment being ravaged and sees his protests come to nothing. In some ways, this character is redundant, as the evils of the Circle are so obvious that you don’t need a tree-hugger to point them out. It is obvious that things can only go very wrong for him. And the mysterious Kalden who is both lover and mentor to Mae? Same thing – we are scared out of our wits even without them.

This is a beautifully written page turner, worth reading for the sheer inventiveness of the workings of the technopark and the delicate line between having the world at your fingertips at the touch of a button, and becoming a cursor manipulated by the Big Blogger in the Sky.

Village comes together to “Heal the Past” The conference about “Healing your Past and Releasing your Future” held in Franschhoek over the last weekend in April was described in glowing terms by many of the attendees.

The conference, based around the writing of Frank and Catherine Fabiano, encouraged attendees to explore the developmental process that forms the human personality and discover the impact, both positive and negative, of trauma experienced at each stage of development. Attendees were taught “to connect the dots between their childhood hurts and their adult ‘stuckness’ and be gently guided towards total healing and restoration in Christ.”

The success of the conference was in part attributed to the fact that it included the full diversity of the village.

The dominee of the Dutch Reformed Church, Peet Bester, opened his beautiful church, which enabled

more people to attend than any other venue in the village could have accommodated.

The pastor of Shofar Church, Yannis Acavalos, donated the Eagle’s Nest accommodation centre to house many delegates from other parts of the country, including many who could not afford accommodation elsewhere in Franschhoek.

The amazing ladies of the ACVV undertook the catering for the 250 delegates over the 4-day conference and did a fantastic job.

Local individuals provided magnificent flowers in the church, gave beds in their homes to members of the teams that came from Hong Kong, Johannesburg and elsewhere, helped with registrations and provided affordable tasty meals in the evening to people.

One attendee summed it up by saying: “This was a God event and hopefully will have a lasting effect on all people in our valley.”

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June 2014

14

Smalls R30. 30 words max. Leave at Franschhoek Pharmacy with payment TO LET: 2 Bedroom/1 Bathroom first floor apartment in La Petite Provence Security Wine Estate. Also 1 covered parking bay and communal swimming pool and tennis court. R6000. Please contact Marius at 083 564 3642 KITTENS AND DOGS looking for homes. Call Annette 021 876 3155 BOOK BINDING AND BOOK REPAIRS. John Hicks 082 361 0900 or john@thearmchair explorer.co.za HOUSEKEEPER/DOMESTIC: Maureen Zandile Cele is looking for a 3-days-a-week domestic job. Her no is 0835293155. For a reference call Mrs Callahan on 084 2002221 EXCESS BOOKS? Shelves creaking, moving house or just thinning out your collection? Contact John Hicks.

021 876 4129 FRENCH TUTOR: Do you want to speak French? Are you planning a holiday in France? Have you got French clients? An experienced French Tutor is now available in Franschhoek to help you ‘parlez Français’. Call Jean-Jacques on 078 757 2523. GARDENER/HOUSEKEEPER: Kenneth, a 30 year old Malawian is looking for a job. Gardening, Housekeeping or anything else that’s available. Cell: 083 346 8204. LOOKING FOR THAT SPECIAL BOOK and can’t find it? Call John at the Armchair Explorer , we will source it for you. Cell: 082 361 0090 FURNISHED GRANNY FLAT: Single person only. Available from 1 April.

Contact 021 876 2664 or 083 331 55 77.

Cell: 083 252 1054 Fax: 021 876 3501 E-mail: wwt@iafrica.com

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June 2014

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Hennie Nel 082 356 0226 | franschhoekit@vodamail.co.za

FRANSCHHOEK

16

THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLER

June 2014

June Calendar 12 June

Tuesdays

Sean Disney and Vaughan de la Harpe discuss their book “Poles Apart” which documents their summits of the 7 highest peaks and their journeys to the North and South Poles. Venue: Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards. Time: 19h00 – 20h00.

Cost: R200 per person.Tickets: reception@leopards leap.co.za or 021 876 8002

Time 19h00. Venue: NG Church Consistory. Contact 021 867 0983 or 073 125 0188 (Jeffrey)

Book Discussion

13 June

Guess Where?

How well do you know your valley? See if you know where each month’s photo was taken.

In the following month’s Tatler we’ll give you the answer.

Did you get it right last month?

The Wine Bearer is a bronze sculpture by Toby Megaw that welcomes visitors to La Motte. Megaw was commissioned by La Motte’s owner, Hanneli Rupert-Koegelenberg and her husband, Hein Koegelenberg, to create the 4m high sculpture of a woman with an overflowing cup.

The cup overflowing with water is symbolic of wine as La Motte is a historical wine estate. The cup also refers to the proverb “my cup runneth over” – indicating the appreciation for the estate’s blessings. The constant flow of water is also symbolic of La Motte’s culture of sharing.

The sculpture is placed within a fountain with the specific reference to the Christian belief and Jesus’ invitation to drink from the living water.

The scripture is engraved on a stone next to the sculpture.

Joytish Vedic Astrology Robert Rittel

ARIES (21 March – 19 April)Uranus and Mars create an aspect with each other in this constellation and have an unpredictable energy; it could put you in stressful circumstances. No problem can ever be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it. TAURUS (20 April – 20 May) Venus has moved into its ruling sign and intensifies the senses with earthly desires. Spoil yourself with culinary experiences and sensuousness, creating those memories that are the music of your life. GEMINI (21 May – 20 June) With the sun traveling through this asterism, decisions for the twins will come with more confidence and pride. Don’t jump to hasty conclusions; let the world find its way to you. CANCER (21 June – 22 July) Mercury is entering this sign and creates emotional and over analytical perceptions. Feeding the garden of your mind with good literature will bring blossoms to your restless wondering. LEO (23 July – 22 August) A good month for the kings of the animal zodiac to put their words and roars into action. Excellent potential is being built to bring those needed resources home. Your loyalty finds itself only by you creating it. VIRGO (23 August – 22 September): The impression of the Virgin Mary and the idea of purity must listen to the inheritance of the divine memory, which is needed to fill the cup of devotional satisfaction. Darkness travels towards light, denial towards the decay. LIBRA (23 September – 22 October) Mars is still in this

sign and insists on creative relationships – these are the gifts of love you deserve. Be inspired only by your idea of compassion and handle actions with carefully considered liberation. SCORPIO (23 October – 21 November) The fixed water sign is under powerful obligations with Saturn and Jupiter and reveals healing energies that should not be ignored. Thought feeds itself with its own words and the power of your promises. SAGITTARIUS (22 November – 21 December) The stranger in your dreams is now very dear to you. The language of the eternal question is in your silence. These little thoughts have whispers of joy in your heart. CAPRICORN (22 December – 19 January) Disappointments and pain are the breaking of the shell towards refined conscience. Saturn will always seek the simplicity to create space for wisdom. The dry river-bed finds no thanks for its past. AQUARIUS (20 January – 18 February) A mere flower has the strength of strong tree in a storm. In quiet the flower is just another magic acknowledgement towards that graceful strength, and its wealth – an observation without judgment! PISCES (19 February - 20 March) The fish in the water is silent, the animals on earth are noisy and the birds sing. You have the silence of the sea, the noise of the earth and the music of the air. The liberation of the mind focuses at every point but does not move.

For consultation please write to robert.vedicastrolology@gmail.com or call 073 312 1265

Alcoholics Anonymous

Thursdays

Franschhoek Backgammon Club meets All welcome. Own board not required. Venue: Taki’s Place . Time: 19h00 . Info: Graeme Oliver – graeme@ poachedrhino.org or 072 815 8209

Cook Franschhoek

Saturdays

Getting back to basics cooking demonstrations. Details on cost, venues and pricing at www.cookfranschhoek.co.za.

Tickets: www.webtickets.co.za

Franschhoek Village Market Breads, olives, ginger beer, pastries, plants, seedlings, breakfasts, coffee, crafts and more. Venue: Dutch Reformed Church Grounds. Time: 09h00 – 14h00

21 June

Church Services

Franschhoek Winter Wines Franschhoek wineries showcase their top reds. Venue: Franschhoek Motor Museum. Time: 12h00 – 17h00. Cost: R180 per person.

Tickets: www.webtickets.co.za

Mondays & Thursdays

Iyengar-style yoga classes at Artemis barn, 18h00-19h00. Contact Danielle on 073 388 1404.

Franschhoek Methodist Church Sunday service 09h00 – all welcome. Rev Nuno Vergueiro 021 872 3580 or 082 662 4509. Contact person: 021 876 2510 or 083 287 5756 NG Kerk Franschhoek Sondagdienste 09h30.

Geen aanddiens meer nie.

Ds Peet Bester. 021 876 2431.

Shofar Christian Church Sunday service 09h00. Pastor Yannis Acavalos 021 876 3348 Roman Catholic Church Mass every 2nd Saturday of the month at the

Bookshop gets façade lift Treasure House Books will reopen in June The new Cape Georgian façade was designed by Franschhoek architect Graham Goosen and built by Johan Myburgh of Burgh Construction, Paarl. The double volume inside is under a new pitched roof that adds greatly to a feeling of bright airy space that is unusual in a second hand book shop. The old carport has become a gallery for occasional art and craft exhibitions with three large picture windows.

Many, many years ago the Marshes stayed at the Swiss Farm Excelsior, as it onc was, and just knew that Franschhoek was where they wished to live when Brian retired. Then, six years ago, Marion acquired the old electrician’s workshop a few yards down the road from the Town Hall and realised a lifelong ambition to be a bookseller.

Thanks to the support of the village and its many visitors, Treasure House Books had saved up enough,

Useful Numbers

ACCOUNTANTS 021 876 2676 Tax Shop ATTORNEYS 021 876 2592 / 072 402 9469 Susan Charlesworth Attorney BURGLAR ALARMS 021 876 3308 Pepler Alarms CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS 021 876 3031 Boland Bridge Club 082 557 0278 Franschhoek Tennis Club 021 876 3460 Franschhoek Valley Conservation Trust 021 874 1906 Grt. Drak. Games Club 021 876 3775 Lions 021 876 4178 Rate Payers’ Association 072 211 9991 Stellenbosch Masonic Lodge (Chris) 082 773 9217 Franschhoek Rotary Club COMPUTER SERVICES 082 356 0226 Franschhoek IT Services 084 015 8808 Solid IT Solutions ELECTRICAL 082 823 7119 / 021 876 3640 Franschhoek Electric 021 876 2120 / 083 309 2923 Rensburg Electrical EXCAVATIONS 021 876 4431 / 082 972 5755 Andrew Schmidt 072 340 8518 Burger Excavations HEALTH & BEAUTY 021 876 2261 Franschhoek Pharmacy 021 876 2218 Salon Excelsior 021 876 3310 Franschhoek Health Club HOUSE & GARDEN 028 840 1716 Clock Repairs 021 876 3640 Lighting & Accessories 021 872 0747 / 083 658 4944 Paarl Pools 021 876 2612 / 072 347 5355 Ria Pools (Franschhoek) INTERNET ACCESS 021 876 4741 Internet Café 021 876 3025 PostNet OPTOMETRIST 021 872 3530 Marelise Bester PHOTOGRAPHIC 021 876 4741 Franschhoek Photolab PHYSIOTHERAPIST 021 876 4234 / 082 582 1029 Claire Horn PLUMBERS 021 876 3759 Franschhoek Plumbing PUBLIC SERVICES 021 876 3085 Hospice 021 808 8406 Library 021 808 8700 Municipality (Office Hours)

Methodist Church, Bagatelle Rd, Fhk. 073 488 6816 Trinity Church Franchhoek Sunday 10h00.

Fr Gavin Mitchell 083 799 0726.

All Services are held at L’Ermitage Hotel Chapel in Franschhoek.

Anglican Church St George’s Church, Groot Drakenstein.

Sunday Services: Holy Communion and Sunday School 10h00. Rector Fr Joe Humbles – 021 874 1120 New Apostolic Church Le Roux Weg, Franschhoek Sundays 09h00, Wednesdays 19h30 Rector: Charles Leibrandt

Sport

FHK Cycling Club Outrides Regular road ride on Saturdays to Stellenbosch and back followed by coffee.

(MTBs also welcome). Venue: Meet at BP garage. Time: 08h00. Contact: Paul Barkley 083 302 9096

Franschhoek Tennis Club

Social tennis is played at the Franschhoek Tennis Club on Fridays from 08h30 and on Sundays and Public Holidays from 09h00. During June, July and August starting times are 30 mins later. For more information contact021 876 4184.

June 2003

by this year, to convert its unattractive building into a visually pleasing shop more in keeping with the image Franschhoek projects today.

Removing a shop front and a roof is a major upheaval! The business had to shut down. Everything had to be moved out (mostly to Franschhoek Storage in Fabriek Street). But at the end of it, this “treasure house of the mind” will have a space in which, over time, all the additional internal improvements that have been proposed in Graham Goosen’s design, can be realised.

Many regular customers, some far from Franschhoek, have asked when “The Book Shop” will reopen. “Well”, Marion says, “in June we’ll have our 10 000 books back on the shelves and we would love all the friendly people of Franschhoek, and beyond, to pop in and inspect … and browse among our new, used and rare books and or vinyl LPs. We hope you will like the face lift as much as we do.”

021 808 8890/1 Municipality 24 hr Service 021 876 2532 Museum 021 876 2342 Post Office 021 876 2670 Welfare (ACVV) 021 876 4808 SPCA SCHOOLS 021 874 8100 Bridge House School 021 876 2079 Franschhoek High School 021 876 2448 Groendal Primary School 021 876 2211 Groendal Secondary School 021 876 2360 Wes-Eind Primary School 021 876 3957 Dalubuhle Primary School STORAGE 021 876 2174 Franschhoek Storage TOURIST INFORMATION & SERVICES 021 876 3603 Info Office 021 876 4042 Winelands Experience TRANSPORT GOODS 021 876 2440 / 082 821 5234 Gerald Fourie VETERINARY 021 876 2504 Surgery (pm only) 021 876 4278 Huguenot Animal Clinic 082 577 9900 Emergency EMERGENCY NUMBERS 021 808 8888 Fire Rescue 10111 / 021 876 8061 Police 086 003 7566 Eskom 082 374 2949 Neighbourhood Watch 021 852 3318 Omnipage Farm Watch 021 876 2346 Plaaswag DENTISTS 021 876 3070 Dr Schalk du Plessis 021 876 2634 Dr Rob Hammer 021 876 4320 Dr Servaas de Kock DOCTORS 021 876 4622 Dr Tracey Garner 021 871 1063 Dr Shelley Hellig 021 876 2474 Dr Alexander Heywood 021 876 2304 Dr Hannes Van der Merwe EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONSE 074 363 7744 / 021 876 4316 Medicare EMR MUNICIPALITY (Ward 1) Councillor Frazenburg (DA) 021 808 8490 (Ward 2) Councillor Ntsunguzi (ANC) 021 808 8754 (Ward 3) Councillor August (DA) 021 808 8186 (Ward 4) Councillor Johnson (DA) 021 808 8019 Municipality (afternoon only) 021 808 8890 Municipality 24hr Service 021 808 8700

June 2014

THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLER

On the Property Front

That Property Guy

We took a look at the availability of retail space last time and I must say even more shops have been filled in the meantime with interesting new offerings.

Indeed a sign of an inherent belief in the viability of Franschhoek as a destination.

There have been many property sales over the last few weeks and the available stock is definitely diminishing. Don’t be fooled by the number indicated as “for sale “ when searching for property on the big property portal sites as multiple agencies list the same property and also sold properties are only removed when the transaction is complete, so the real number available could be a third or even less of what you see!

I simplistically compared the gross offerings of all property for sale in the various price bands recently (to give me something to talk about at the braai).

Interestingly there are almost the same percentage properties for sale in each R1m price band, from R1m to R6m, just more than 10% per R1m increase. So 60% of all properties available are priced under R6m.

Then properties above R6m but under R10m make up 25% and lastly property over R10m represents 15% of the available stock. So I suppose that gives some indication, I am just working on exactly what!

One of the questions from potential new buyers often discussed and debated is “where should I buy?”

This is obviously impossible to answer as there are many factors influencing such a decision to say the least, but let us take a look at a starting point.

In an estate or in the village?

There seems to be “Village People” and “Estate People”. It’s not often that they hunt in each other’s territory. Village People generally assess different locations in the village whereas Estate People compare estates for choice.

What Village People see as paramount is the sense of community, being able to walk to all the venues in the village, hearing dogs and people chatting in the streets, the old charm, big trees and character. Maybe less wind, but that’s a different story. Also they are not keen on steering committees, paying levies and the rules and regulations that come with the alternative of estates.

Estate People predominantly want security and the lifestyle that is associated with open spaces, views and the sense of living and owning part of a farm. The price for that is adherence to internal rules, esthetic guidelines, a sense of uniformity and paying levies.

For them there are only five estates in Franschhoek, not counting smaller complex developments and these five represent 255 full title properties. So it’s but a small percentage of the village. All of the estates have the typical winelands offerings of vineyards and olive groves, but the winemaking enterprise is typically ring-fenced to not affect the levies of owners.

It might be argued that potential investors looking to use their Franschhoek homes as their holiday homes would prefer estates, for the sense of security and management offered. But just as many holiday homes have been bought in the village. One thing that does affect the potential holiday home purchase is the ability to rent it out as holiday accommodation.

This is not accepted in most of the estates due to the commercial and security implications and could negatively affect such a decision.

So in conclusion, both options come at a price and offer different joy. The pros and cons are clear; it’s the value one places on them that are different!

SA estate agent commission – too high?

South African estate agents are sometimes asked why they feel justified in charging commission at a ‘high’ level. This question is often backed by the statement that UK and European estate agents work on far lower commissions.

It has to be remembered that if an agent is good at securing for themselves and their superiors a satisfactory commission, they will probably also have the negotiating ability to secure a good sale price for their client, the seller.

This is according to Bill Rawson, Chairman of the Rawson Property Group, who says the first point to be clarified on this subject is that the service provided by South African estate agents is far more comprehensive and thorough than that of overseas agents working on two or three percent commissions.

He says quite often, such overseas agents do not even accompany the buyer to the property for sale – they simply hand over a set of keys or arrange a date for them to meet the seller. He says then, too, they may place minimal or no advertising, and insist that the seller funds it all. He says this is a common practice, even among the most reputable, high profile UK companies.

Rawson says the plain truth is that the level of service given will depend on the fees charged.

“Estate agents are in one of the few careers where the payment depends almost entirely on the results they achieve. It is simply not possible to give the sort of service South African agents are committed to unless they can charge at the accepted rates prevailing today.”

He says the complaint about high charges is inclined to crop up most frequently when a home is sold quickly and with little apparent effort.

While it is completely understandable that the seller feels overcharged on such occasions, Rawson says it has to be recognised that: The sale may well have come about because the agency group to which the agent belongs has invested heavily in branding, advertising and IT communications, particularly websites, to achieve a high profile and a large

measure of public trust.

The group, if it is at all reputable, will also have invested heavily in ongoing training, thereby giving its agents the skill to market homes competently and to steer away from the many legal and accounting pitfalls that can so easily occur when an untrained agent handles a sale contract.

The franchisee himself will be carrying the high upfront costs of buying or renting premises and telephones for his agents and adapting these so that they become congenial work areas.

All homes do not sell fast and some do not sell at all, and every marketing group’s fee structure has to take this into account.

The agent’s personal costs are also extremely high. He has to own and run a car, laptop, camera and a cell phone and quite possibly has to fund additional advertising to get his own name better known. As mentioned, agents seldom receive retainers – they have to live off their share of the commission they earn for their franchisees and they can go through lean periods in which they earn nothing at all.

Rawson says at the Rawson Property Group, the majority of franchises are charging high standard commissions in all price categories (not just upper end homes) and these are accepted by the clients because the standard of service is generally agreed to be excellent.

He says one cannot emphasise too often that selling so valuable and cherished an asset as a home can be highly stressful. He says the agent’s task is to reduce the stress to a minimum, while at the same time achieving the best price the market can deliver.

Rawson says commissions are often negotiable, but clients should not resent it if their agent proves to be a tough negotiator.

He says it has to be remembered that if an agent is good at securing for themselves and their superiors a satisfactory commission, they will probably also have the negotiating ability to secure a good sale price for their client, the seller.

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INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY GROUP

REMAX.CO.ZA

June 2014

The Real Estate Leaders NOBODY IN THE WORLD SELLS MORE REAL ESTATE THAN RE/MAX

June 2014

THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLER

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