The Chamber’s Choice

Cervin Jefthas

Cervin Jefthas is worthy of the community’s admiration. He is an example of the entrepreneurial spirit that stems from an inherently businessminded individual who, in the face of adversity, leans towards opportunities when he sees them. Leaving school early at the age of 16, he was driven to find innovative ways to provide for a family.

Cervin’s first business was a tuck shop in Groendal, followed by a take-away shop, where he learnt a great deal about budgeting, product development and customer service. He has also worked in construction, observing the workings of the property development industry. Equipped with invaluable skills and knowledge, and recognising the need to ‘make money work for him’, he has discovered ways to use capital more productively. That is why Cervin has moved into property development, land ownership, and rentals, where, he says, ‘value is more stable’. He has built and owns apartments in Groendal, as well as the property where his tuck shop continues to operate. Most recently, he has purchased a club in Groendal – Club le Roux – which he plans to develop into a safe and friendly space, offering entertainment and enhancing its menu. a clear vision of what they wanted and the dogged determination to make it happen slowly, step by step the new reality began to unfold. This is a tough industry to work in. The environmental conditions challenge the people every day. Keeping people safe is a continual essential mission and it requires the conscious commitment of every soul. One wrong step can easily result in an injury or worse. These people do not work in a calm, quiet environment with nice lighting, a handy coffee machine and air conditioners that keep things at just the right working temperature. No. This is a tough environment – hot, noisy, dangerous, hi-tech, constantly changing and very competitive.

Cervin sites his uncle as a great inspiration to him on his journey towards personal and business success. He observed his uncle use determination, savvy, and hard work to navigate harsh circumstances with grace. An optimistic and cheerful character, he believes that success is made, in equal parts, of hard work and remaining true to yourself and your personal strengths.

Cervin, local entrepreneur and property developer, can be contacted on (078) 085-5937, or emailed at cervinjefthas68@gmail.com for more information about his business, Cervin General Tradings.

And yet this team of managers worked together harmoniously and with the single-minded purpose to improve working conditions, ramp up trip started, the destination and the reason for the trip. It is not necessary to record details of private travel.

• Keep records of all related travel expenses such as fuel, oil, repairs and maintenance, car licence, insurance, vehicle tracking costs, wear-and-tear, and finance charges or lease costs to claim the actual travel costs incurred.

• Record your motor vehicle’s closing odometer reading on the last day of the applicable tax year (end of February for individuals and also for many companies). The difference between the opening odometer reading and the closing odometer reading equals the total kilometres (business and private) travelled for the full year.

• Calculate the total business kilometres for the year using the detailed logbook.

• The travel deduction can then be calculated in one of two ways:

• (A) Use the cost scale table supplied and updated annually by SARS, if you have not kept an accurate record of all travel expenses – the table simply provides a rate per kilometre based on the value of the vehicle, or (B) calculate the claim based on actual costs incurred, determined by the accurate records and proof of all business travel expenses during the year, in addition to the logbook. Tax implications to beware of:

• If an employee receives a travel allowance, 80% of the travel allowance must be included when calculating PAYE. This percentage is reduced to 20%, where the employer is satisfied that at least the efficiency of the plant, improve the skills of the workforce and generally do their very best to engage each member of that workforce in this process of improvement and development. It is a big ask. But it is not one that they shied away from. Instead, they have embraced the challenge and made it the core and focus of their collective vision of the future. tony@siroccostrategy.com

The entire point of sharing this story is that we will always be much better working together towards clearly enunciated and effectively communicated goals. Surely, we can do this in every corner of our country, in every business, every community. We do not need misguided, self-centred politicians to help us do this. We must just get on with it. There is much to do!

80% of the motor vehicle use during the tax year will be for business purposes.

• However, if there is any underpayment of PAYE on the travel allowance due to incomplete or incorrect information, the employer is liable for any shortfall.

• Fuel costs can only be claimed if the employee pays the full cost of fuel used in the vehicle, and similarly, maintenance costs can only be claimed if the employee carries the full cost of maintaining the vehicle, for example, if the vehicle is covered by a maintenance plan.

• Where a travel allowance or advance is based on the actual distance travelled by the employee for business purposes (reimbursive travel allowance), it is non-taxable (i.e. no employee’s tax must be deducted) provided that two criteria are met: the rate per kilometre is not higher than the rate published by SARS, and no other compensation in the form of an allowance or reimbursement (except parking or toll fees) is received in respect of the vehicle.

• If the two criteria mentioned above are NOT met, the reimbursive travel allowance is taxable and employees’ tax must be deducted from any amount that exceeds the prescribed rate per kilometre. To maximise the tax deductions related to business travel, make sure that an accurate and up-to-date SARS-compliant logbook is kept current for each vehicle and each employee with a travel allowance, and that you consult with your accountant to understand the many tax implications for all concerned before making decisions regarding business travel.

The year is still young with prospect of new things to come. Fleur de Lis is ready to take them on with a positive mindset and lots of energy.

Namens ons bestuur wil ons sommer wegval en groot waardering uitspreek aan elke persoon, besigheid, plaas en klub van wie ons soveel skenkings ontvang. Elke vrug of groente, toiletware, items wat dalk nie meer gebruik word en finansiële skenkings word met soveel waardering ontvang. Sonder elkeen se hulp sou ons nie instaat wees om die beste vir ons inwoners te gee nie. We would also like to thank every Fleur de Lis employee for the amazing work they are doing. We know it is not always easy. We also want to say a special thanks to Anita Gouws, chairman of Fleur de Lis, who always makes time for Fleur de Lis and puts in so many hours to help make sure things run smoothly.

Our yearly Amakierie-kierie sport festival, is taking place on 3 March. Make a note to join in this amazing event, where Fleur-de-Lis competes against some other retirement homes in fun games. It’s a lovely

Hospice News

COLLEEN DOUGLAS day to spend with family and friends under the trees in front of the church. There’ll be take-aways and entertainment. See you there!

Franschhoek Hospice started the year in a wonderful way with our Fab Lunch held at the Domaine des Anges clubhouse. Guests were seated in the magnificent garden, under the shady oaks trees. They enjoyed a most delicious lunch, consisting of an Asian fishcakes starter, followed by SMITTEN chicken curry and delicious desserts. Thank you to the residents of Domaine des Anges for their donation of the clubhouse for this event.

Daar is tans ‘n woonstel beskikbaar, indien enige iemand sou belangstel. Kom kyk gerus, die woonstelle is oorgedoen en lyk soos nuwe woonhede. Daar is ook kamers binne beskikbaar. Kontak gerus die kantoor, 021 876 2411, kom stap deur en kom skryf u naam op as u wil deel raak van die Fleur de Lis familie. Ons sien uit om u te verwelkom.

OBITUARY David Walters

David Walters, one of our country’s master potters, most recently moved to Newlands Village in Cape Town, but lived and worked in Franschhoek for over twenty years.

He was born in Durban in 1950 and matriculated in the class of ’68 from Hilton College, where he was known as Taffy. He graduated in 1974 with his wife Michelle from the Fine Arts Department of Natal University (Pietermaritzburg) where they both majored in Ceramics.

David’s flair for finding old buildings with good bones, where they could establish a pottery studio, showroom and home, began in 1984 with the restoration of the 1840 wood-and-iron grinding mill and water wheel at Caversham on the Lions River in Kwazulu Natal.

A year later David, together with several local resident craftspeople, founded The Midlands Meander. This craft route is now well established and has economically uplifted everyone in the area. Serious flooding in 1987 swept away the mill and the wheel and roared through their home. This, the political situation at the time and the chance to offer their learning disabled son, James, better opportunities, sent the family to live in England.

They began the business again in The Particular Baptist Chapel at Kenninghall in Norfolk, creating The Particular Pottery, and converted the 1794 agricultural timber black barn on the property into a home.

After a successful ten year career, David and his family returned to South Africa. He oversaw the restoration of one of Franschhoek’s oldest Victorian buildings – Roubaix House (dated pre 1910) to create a home, pottery studio and gallery. David became a committee member of the Franschhoek Tourism Association and was responsible for marketing the arts sector. His skilled throwing demonstrations on the potter’s wheel, their gallery openings and lively “pop-up” feasts at the long studio table with friends and guests, became sought-after village events.

porcelain dinnerware for restaurants and local chefs including Reuben Riffel, David Higgs and Camil Haas. Many of his bespoke dinner services were shipped to customers all over the world.

Together with Christopher Duigan of Music Revival, David presented classical music concerts regularly in the Dutch Reformed Church and helped raise money to buy a piano for the community.

David was recognized as a Cape Craft Icon and a Fellow of Ceramics SA.

Top Geographer

A huge thank you to our sponsors of the day, SMITTEN, Three Streams Smokehouse, Mont Rochelle, The Franschhoek Farm, Stony Brook Vineyards, Holden Manz, Two in a Bush, Basem, Rina Lotter, Heather Nolting, La Cotte Farm, Red Carpet Productions and the NG Kerk.

endless energy makes it all happen!

Bürgin, a Bridge House School Grade 12 learner, achieved first place in the 2022 South National Geography Olympiad. He will be one of four SA learners to represent South the International Geography Olympiad (iGeo) later this month.

The staff and volunteers who worked many hours on the Friday and Saturday, before and after, Marelize, Pearl, Cornelia, Evelyn, Lebo, Roger, Elroy, and Alfred. A very big thank you from me, your

International Geography Olympiad will online and hosted by France from 12 to under the auspices of the International Geographical Union Olympiad Task Force.

Probus Club

During this time, David produced hand thrown

Franschhoek

He also curated an annual ceramics exhibition, called “David Walters and Friends”, at the A rated national William Humphries Art Gallery in Kimberley. He leaves Michelle and their daughter Sarah (a graduate of the Norwich School of Art & Design), who are continuing David’s legacy by running The Ceramics Gallery in Newlands.

Franschhoek Leeskring

Leeskring

SUSAN MÖLLER vocational activity to a calmer way of life. This is achieved through these valuable features of membership:

To Trish Heywood, our very own Hospice Photographer, thank you for always being there for hospice events.

To all our supporters who attended the lunch, thank you for your continued support.

• facilitate social contacts between young people from different countries and in doing so, contribute to the understanding between nations.

By die volgende byeenkoms van die Franschhoek Leeskring, wat op 7 Julie plaasvind, bespreek Danie du Toit Francois Smith se “Die getuienis”. Die byeenkoms word gehou in die NG Kerksaal. Lede en besoekers geniet vooraf n koffie koffie/tee met verrigtinge wat om 15h00 begin.

By die volgende byeenkoms van die Franschhoek Leeskring wat op 2 Maart plaasvind, bespreek Elkarien Fourie die bekroonde skrywer Etienne van Heerden se boek “Die swye van Mario Salviati”.

Navrae: 0729325393

MARK TANNER an annual competition for the best 16 year-old Geography students from all over Students chosen to represent their are the very best, chosen from thousands who participate enthusiastically in their National Geography Olympiads. of the Olympiad are to: stimulate active interest in geographical and environmental studies among young people; contribute positively to debate about the importance geography as a senior secondary school subject drawing attention to the quality of geographical knowledge, skills and interests among young people;

Our February meeting with Peter Haffenden’s talk on security for the Royal Family was well attended. We have no speaker for 6 March as it is our Annual General Meeting when we elect new Committee members.

Our speaker for April is still to be confirmed. We are hoping to hear from a SAAF helicopter pilot who will explain the intricacies of air-sea rescue. More in next month’s Tatler.

What is Probus all about?

• Opportunities to extend compatible social contacts and maintain an interest in the topical issues of the day.

• Nurturing positive attitudes to ageing through group recreation and the sharing of information on issues of concern to Senior Citizens.

• Support in grief and illness.

Dis ‘n roman oor gierigheid en versweë skande; oor die verlede as gevangenis; oor mense wat onder hul andersheid ly. Dit is ook ‘n roman oor kunstenaarskap en oor bevryding.

Francois Smith se derde roman, “Die getuienis”, slaan ’n interessante nuwe rigting in, weg van sy twee vorige romans “Kamphoer” en “Die kleinste ramp denkbaar” waarmee hy reeds vir hom ’n beduidende plek in die Afrikaanse lettere oopgeskryf het.

• Speakers at monthly luncheons who provide a fresh mental challenge and stimulation.

• We are a-political and non-sectarian

SA’s top young geographer, Destin Bürgin.

Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Bridge House School

In South Africa, there is a rapidly growing number of Probus Clubs, which offer retirees the facility to manage successfully the transition from a high-pressure executive, professional and other