Franschhoek Tatler - May 2015

May 2015

FRANSCHHOEK

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Pre-war London Bus

Classical Music

Q&A: Ilse Schermers

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Franschhoek SA’s top winelands destination – again TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Destinations Award

Franschhoek is on TripAdvisor’s Top 10 Destinations in South Africa list for the fourth year.

Maintaining the third position it achieved last year Franschhoek is once again the top destination in the Cape Winelands.

Interestingly, both Paarl and Stellenbosch dropped back on the list, with Stellenbosch barely making the list at number 10 this year. Paarl dropped from fifth position in 2014 to ninth this year and Stellenbosch from eighth position in 2014 to tenth this year.

The TripAdvisor Top 10 destinations in SA are: (1) Cape Town, (2) Knysna, (3) Franschhoek, (4) Plettenberg

Bay, (5) Johannesburg, (6) Constantia, (7) Camps Bay, (8) Hermanus, (9) Paarl and (10) Stellenbosch.

Franschhoek also secured the 9th position in the Top 25 African Destinations in the same competition.

The TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Destinations Award honours top travel spots worldwide based on the millions of reviews and opinions from TripAdvisor travellers. Award winners are determined using an algorithm that takes into account the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for hotels, attractions and restaurants in destinations worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period.

Municipality reduces events red tape Stellenbosch Municipality has committed itself to red tape reduction to improve service delivery.

The Municipality has recently developed a standard operating procedure (SOP) for event applications in order to reduce the waiting period for events to be processed.

Previously, the minimum notice period to consider and process an application for small events – accommodating between 50 and 500 people – was a minimum of 30 days. The minimum notice period has now been reduced to 10 working days (2 weeks).

For an event involving between 500-2000 people (medium size event) a minimum of 20 working days (4 weeks) will be required. The reason for this is that the risk factor is higher with the increased number of people attending such an event and the municipality together with SAPS and other role players need to ensure that event organisers address all risk factors

associated with the event.

For events involving more than 2000 people (large/ major events) a minimum period of 6 months will be required. This requirement is legislated by the Events Act as with any other event catering for more than 2000 people.

However, most event applications fall in the category that cater for between 50 and 500 people and for that reason the Municipality has reduced the notice period for these types of events to 10 working days.

Event organisers can visit the municipal website where all the relevant application forms are available for download. Enquiries can be addressed to Mr Neville Langenhoven (Tel 021 808 8497 or Email: Neville.Langenhoven@stellenbosch.gov.za) The relevant forms can be downloaded at http:// bit.ly/1OULaEu

Franschhoek Tatler

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Oesfees beter as ooit

On the beat Illegal dumping: R500 reward offered The April Tatler contained a letter about illegal dumping along the Robertsvlei Rd. Since then we have received the accompanying photo of a vehicle that was captured on CCTV footage dumping rubbish in the area during late March. Unfortunately the vehicle’s licence plate isn’t visible, but should anybody be able to positively identify it La Roche estate has offered a R500 reward for such an identification.

Please contact La Roche Estate at 021 876 2940 or email pa@larocheestate.com if you know who the culprit is.

Do you know this vehicle?

Drug bust On 10 April the crime prevention team at Franschhoek SAPS received a tip-off about a large quantity of ‘tik’ in a shack in Langrug informal settlement. Police raided the shack and found

1021 sachets of ‘tik’ with an estimated street value of R20 000. A 26-year old woman was arrested and appeared in the Franschhoek Magistrate’s Court on 13 April.

Tina Botha

of bone marrow stem cell donors, onto the South African Bone Marrow Registry, in order to save the lives of patients suffering from life threatening blood disorders like leukaemia. Fifteen years later over 68 500 donors have registered.

Still very much a part of The Fund, Tina has taken on another passion of hers and will be opening a small guesthouse in Franschhoek, aptly named Fleur du Soleil (Flower of the Sun) while continuing in her efforts to sow the Seeds of Hope for patients all over South Africa and the world. Tina would like to encourage the people of Franschhoek to get involved and to give the Gift of Life and continue in the efforts of building a state asset for our patients. Tina will also be investigating hosting a Sunflower fundraising event in Franschhoek in the future in order to educate more people and pay for the expensive testing costs of recruiting more donors to save lives.

For more information: 0800 12 10 82 │www.sunflowerfund.org.za

Municipal budget now more than R1.7bn The draft municipal budget for 2015/2016 was recently released and is more than R1.7 billion – R1 723 721 447 to be precise. This represents growth of 8.21% over the 2014/2015 budget.

Property rates will increase by 6.2%, electricity by 12.6% and water, sanitation and refuse removal by 9%. Property rates make up 22% of the total budget, electricity 38%, water 9%, sanitation 5% and refuse removal 3%. The remainder comes from sundry sources.

Of the total budget 73.79% is allocated for operational expenditure and 26.21% for capital expenditure. On the operational side the single largest item is employee related costs, at 27.58% of the total. Other significant items are bulk purchases (25.74%), depreciation (11.72%), contractual services (1.02%), finance charges (1.86%) and remuneration of councillors (1.24%).

Studying the capital budget projects contained in the medium term expenditure framework for the next 3 years yields a fair number of projects in the Franschhoek Valley, while several other projects will also benefit the valley although they are not specifically identified as such in the framework. Specifically identified projects include: • Informal traders R250 000 in 2015/2016 • Triangle site R50 000 in 2017/2018 • La Motte community hall upgrade R50 000 in 2017/2018 • La Motte Clubhouse R500 000 in 2016/2017 and R500 000 in 2017/2018 • La Motte GAP housing R500 000 in 2016/2017 • Informal settlement grant Langrug Franschhoek UISP R1 000 000 in 2015/2016 and R2 200 000 in 2017/2018 • Water treatment works construction R1 000 000 in 2016/2017

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• Construction and maintenance of municipal facilities Franschhoek R250 000 in 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 and R500 000 in 2017/2018 • Street lighting Wemmershoek R750 000 in 2015/2016 and R1 000 000 in 2017/2018 • Street lighting La Motte R750 000 in 2015/2016 • Franschhoek cable network R400 000 in 2015/2016, R500 000 in 2016/2017 and R600 000 in 2017/2018 • Franschhoek general system improvements R1 000 000 in 2015/2016, R1 500 000 in 2016/2017 and R2 000 000 in 2017/2018 • Franschhoek replace switchgear R1 000 000 in 2015/2016, R1 000 000 in 2016/2017 and R1 000 000 in 2017/2018 • Upgrade gravel roads Mooiwater (3 sections) R4 500 000 in 2015/2016 and R2 000 000 in 2017/2018.

• Upgrade gravel roads Franschhoek, Wemmershoek & La Motte R4 500 000 in 2017/2018 • Reseal of roads Franschhoek CBD R1 750 000 in 2015/2016 • Reseal of roads Groendal R2 750 000 in 2017/2018 • Reseal of roads Wemmershoek, La Motte, Maasdorp R1 000 000 in 2015/2016 • Taxi rank Franschhoek R50 000 in 2015/2016 and R2 000 000 in 2017/2018 • Traffic calming implementation Franschhoek R150 000 in 2015/2016, R150 000 in 2016/2017 and R150 000 in 2017/2018 • Main road intersection improvements (traffic circles) R2 000 000 in 2016/2017 and R2 450 000 in 2017/2018 • Solid waste drop-off R7 000 000 in 2015/2016 and R3 000 000 in 2017/2018 • Formalise skip area in Franschhoek and Kayamandi R90 000 in 2015/2016

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insluiting van Koos Kombuis, Elvis Blue en Hot Water.

Dan was daar die groep wat Adriaan Brand, hoof van die musiek ontwikkelingsprogram by Music van de Caab, op Barrydale ontdek het en fees toe genooi het.

Hulle is die Netvirpret Projek en hulle vertoning het die wonderlik beskrywende naam van Inheemse Khoi-San Riel jazz blikkies ballet met poppe.

Die musikante van Solms-Delta het natuurlik hulle kant gebring en feestelik meegedoen aan al die plesier. Daar was die Klein Handjies, die Delta Valley Entertainers, die Langbroeke, Soetstemme, Papier Langarm Orkes en Lekker Lekker Delta.

Landgoed wyn (met omsigtigheid gemonitor) en Kaapse kos het groot byval gevind by besoekers wat ook gebruik gemaak het van welkome kinderoppasdiens.

Die 2015 oesfees was ‘n gepaste afsluiting vir ‘n oesjaar wat alom bestempel is as uitstekend. www.solms-delta.co.za

Tina Botha, Founder-Director of The Sunflower Fund, a national NGO based in Cape Town, recently moved to Franschhoek to spread the Sunflower Seeds of Hope.

When Tina was faced with the news that her son, Chris Corlett, had been diagnosed with a life threatening blood disorder she embarked on a selfless journey to save her son’s life that would leave a permanent footprint in the NGO landscape for many years to come.

Chris was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia at the very young age of 14 in 1997.

Doctors told Tina and her family that he needed to find a matching bone marrow stem cell donor and undergo a bone marrow transplant in order to survive. She thought that finding a match would be easy and was unsettled when she was faced with further devastating news. The odds of finding a suitable match were 1:100 000 and there were only approximately 1200 donors registered on the South African Bone Marrow Registry. Her resilience and desperation to save her son’s life, led to a PR media frenzy urging South Africans to join the Registry in the hope that they would save Chris’ life.

“I was overwhelmed by the response that we received from willing family, friends and complete strangers who stepped forward to try and make a difference” said Botha. Unfortunately after a gruelling three-year battle, Chris sadly lost his life on 10 September 2000.

“Although the loss of my son was the most difficult thing I have had to endure, I knew in my heart that I had to continue building the registry to help save the lives of other patients who needed to find a matching lifesaving donor” stated Botha.

Tina went on to start The Sunflower Fund shortly after Chris passed away. She named it after a beautiful painting of sunflowers that he painted while in isolation during his treatment. The Sunflower Fund is responsible for the education and recruitment

Photo: Eddie Wilson - Foto Artist Studio

Sunflowers spreading hope

Benewens die musiek het die dansers ook vir groot vermaak gesorg

Die ATKV Oesfees by Solms-Delta het hierdie jaar op Menseregte Dag geval. Dis paslik in die lig van die onlangse toekenning van die trofee in die Feeskategorie van die Kaap Wynlande Burgemeesters Toerisme Toekennings aan hierdie fees. Wat nasiebou betref, is hierdie fees ‘n uitstekende voorbeeld van wat deur taal en kultuur bereik kan word. Plaaswerkers en werkgewers van die vallei en besoekers van plaaslik en elders was ‘n toonbeeld van samehorigheid op hierdie feestelike dag onder die eikebome van die landgoed.

Meer as 5500 mense het kom saamspeel, en saamdans. Egte plaaslike musiek deur sterre van die musiekbedryf en groepe wat tussen plaaslike wingerde tot stand gekom het, het van dieselfde verhoog af die skare vermaak.

Emo Adams, Hannes Coetzee en die Radio Kalahari Orkes is reeds instellings by die fees en hierdie jaar is nog meer luister aan die program verleen deur die

May 2015

May 2015

Franschhoek Tatler

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Researcher assesses white rot problems in SA vineyards While Europe only has to cope with one wood rot fungus causing the white rot symptom of the vine disease esca, at least ten species are found in South African vineyards. Three of these species were unknown to science until plant pathologist Dr Mia Cloete recently traced and described them.

Dr Cloete received her doctorate in plant pathology during the March graduation ceremony of Stellenbosch University. Her study leaders were Dr Lizel Mostert of the SU Department of Plant Pathology and Dr François Halleen of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC).

To the untrained eye it is quite hard to spot the presence of esca in a vineyard. Farmers find that their vines are declining and do not look their best.

In some cases, tiger-like stripes appear on vine leaves just before autumn. Only when the vines are cut open can one see the clear discolouration or rotten areas in the wood tissue.

According to a recent article in the British daily The Telegraph, at least 13% of all French vineyards are affected by esca, and it has already cost their industry about 1 billion Euro. It also occurs in Australia, the USA and South America, and is transferred by a variety of airborne fungi found in these countries.

“No monetary value has yet been placed on the

impact that esca is having on South African vineyards, but farmers certainly do not achieve the 30-year age and bearing capacity of their plantings that they are used to,” says Dr Cloete.

Her research forms part of a larger initiative launched by the ARC in the early 2000s to investigate the incidence of esca in South African vineyards, and the fungal complexes that cause them. Samples have since been collected from different vineyards across the country and analysed.

In the process Dr Cloete has described three new fungal species that cause wood rot. Two of these species are found widespread in Western Cape vineyards, while the third occurs in vineyards in the summer rainfall areas of the Northern Cape and Limpopo.

Dr Cloete suggests that most wood rotting fungal species found in South African vineyards occur naturally in the indigenous environment and are conveyed to vines as host plant.

“It is recommended that farmers focus on protecting pruning injuries as a control measure,” she advises.

Dr Cloete has also conducted further tests to ascertain the disease-causing effect of white rot species in two cultivars. All ten species caused white rot in Shiraz and Mourvedre. Mourvedre was furthermore found to be generally more susceptible to white rot than Shiraz.

Dr Mia Cloete inspects old vines for white rot

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Dr Glynn Till “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.

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GRANDE PROVENCE WINE AND DINE COLLABORATION Join us for an evening of exquisite wine and superb cuisine at Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate, when we host our Wine and Dine Collaborations for 2015.

29 May 2015 : Pinot Noir

Grande Provence, Oak Valley Estate, Newton Johnson and Creation

26 June 2015 : Cabernet Sauvignon

Main Road Franschhoek PO Box 102 Franschhoek 7690 Western Cape South Africa www.grandeprovence.co.za

Grande Provence, Neil Ellis Wines, Thelema Mountain Vineyards and Spier

31 July 2015 : Shiraz

Grande Provence, Hartenberg Wine Estate, Eagles Nest Wines and Lammershoek

21 August 2015 : The Grande Provence Red

Grande Provence, Joostenberg, Warwick Wine Estate and Hermanuspietersfontein

25 September 2015 : White Blends

Grande Provence, De Morgenzon, Strandveld Vineyards and Tokara

23 October 2015 : Sauvignon Blanc

Grande Provence, D’Aria, Steenberg and Klein Constantia

For reservations please contact T 021 876 8600 or E reservations@grandeprovence.co.za

• 10% discount for a mixed case of 12 wines • Accommodation at our superb Owners Cottage available.

Contact us for further information.

Franschhoek Tatler

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May 2015

presented in association with “Les Vignerons de Franschhoek”

Grande Provence

The Restaurant at Grande Provence’s

An elegant, full bodied wine with outstanding fruit and wood integration. Experience citrus, almonds and creamy flavours on the nose and palate, with nuances of vanilla. The wine has a soft and well balanced mouth feel with an elegant, lingering finish. Matured for 11 months in 60% first fill and 40% second fill.

French oak barrels. Enjoy this wine now or mature for 2-3 years from vintage.

Cellar Price: R140 Grande Provence  Tel: 021 876 8600  Email: wine@grandeprovence.co.za

Ingredients 1 medium sized norwiegen salmon; 1kg cooked and blended beetroot; 1kg coarse rock salt; 1.6kg fine sugar; 10 pink pepper corns; 1 bunch of dill; 3 lemons; 2 shots of bourbon whiskey; 100ml sunflower oil; 100ml avocado oil; 1 spoon of Dijon mustard; 4 egg yolks; A variety of greens; Rough chopped walnuts; Lime sorbet; Smoked salmon roe; Moulden salt Method - the curing process: Fillet, skin and debone salmon, refrigerate. Mix the salt, sugar, zest of 2 lemons, chopped dill and crushed pepper corns. Baste salmon in whisky then in dry mix.

Place a 2cm layer of dry mix on base of tray, place the salmon on top of this and cover with the remaining salt. Pour beetroot puree over salmon. Cling wrap the tray and mark it for the fish to be turned over after 36 hrs. After turning let sit for another 36 hrs, then remove from liquid, lightly rinse then pat dry and brush with avocado oil.

Black Elephant

Foliage’s

Chardonnay 2013

Amistad Syrah 2012

Our maiden 2012 Syrah shows notes of blackcurrant, cracked peppercorns, lavender and rosemary. The palate is full-bodied with spicy edges, a silky texture and balanced acidity. The finish is dry with great longevity and lasting taste of wet stone, cinnamon and cherry. Best served at 16-18°C and will benefit from decanting in the first 3-5years.

Cellar Price: R165 Black Elephant  Tel: 021 876 2903  Email: sales@bevintners.co.za

Ruby Salmon Gravadlax - Foraged Franschhoek greens, Duo of Smoked Beetroot and Avocado Oil Mayo, Candied Lemon and a Citrus Sorbet Method Candied lemon zest: Peel the lemon with a peeler or sharp knife and place in a pot of 100ml water, bring to the boil then rinse and repeat this process 3 more times. On the fourth time place 150g of sugar in the water and reduce by 75 percent- remove the zest to dry and store in an airtight container. Make two standard mayo bases with 2 eggs in each and half a spoon of Dijon. In one incorporate the avocado oil then a squeeze of lemon and season.

In the other use the sunflower oil but in place of adding the lemon juice and seasoning add some of the liquid from the cure, enough to add seasoning and colour. To plate, dress the leaves with a basic dressing or avocado oil and thinly slice the salmon.

The Restaurant at Grande Provence  Tel: 021 874 8644  Email: restaurant@grandeprovence.co.za

BBQ beef neck, wild mushroom and potato ragout, caper and raisin puree, forest sorrel Ingredients: 2,5kg beef neck deboned, sliced into 3 strips; 50g rock salt; 10g black pepper; 10g coriander seeds, crushed; 10g porcini/bolete powder; 2g chili flakes; 2g smoked paprika Method: Grind dry ingredients and run into meat. Place on hot BBQ and grill until dark. Place meat in a roasting tray and add: 3L chicken stock; 2 carrots; 1 onion, halved; 2 cups dried wild mushrooms; 1 bay leaf twig with about 10 leaves; 1 young pine needle brush; 2T wild garlic. Cover and place preheated oven at 160°C for 4 hrs until tender. Remove meat and strain sauce into a pot. Reserve 1 cup sauce for

ragout. Reduce sauce over high heat until it starts to thicken. Cut each strip of meat into 3 and place on roasting tray. Pour over sauce and grill in oven for 15 min until caramelised. Keep warm until needed.

Ingredients - Mushroom ragout: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp butter; 1kg mixed wild mushrooms, sliced; 2 tbsp maroggo; Salt; Reserved beef neck stock Method: Heat a large frying pan and add olive oil and butter. Saute mushrooms until tender and add maroggo and stock. Cook over high heat until the sauce is thick and season to taste.

Ingredients - Caper and raisin puree: 1

cup raisins; 1 cup capers; 1 cup water Method: Place all the ingredients in a saucepan and simmer for 5 minutes until half the water has reduced. Blend until smooth and keep warm. Spoon the puree onto warm plates, top with the ragout and meat and sauce and garnish with wood sorrel. Recipe serves 9

Foliage  Tel: 021 876 2328  Email: chef@foliage.co.za

Answer this easy question!

The owner of which iconic Napa estate recently visited Franschhoek?

How to enter

Send your answer to: tatlercompetition@gmail.com.

The winner will be informed by return mail before 15 May 2015.

Prizes have to be collected from the Franschhoek Info Office before end May 2015 or be forfeited.

MONNEAUX RESTAURANT Tel: +27 (0)21 876 3386 email: info@fch.co.za www.monneaux.co.za

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May 2015

Franschhoek Tatler

On and Off Course Lawrence Gould

Genuine Golf at the Masters Professional golf has four majors – The Open, the US Open, the US PGA Championship and The Masters.

Somehow the Masters remains my favourite. This is probably because this tournament, now in its 79th year, is always played on the same course and as an avid TV spectator I grew up knowing all the holes and their challenges. It has remained where records can be fairly compared and where the beauty of the course enhances the visual golfing drama, which unfolds annually.

I grew up in an era where the main golfing gladiators of the day, were Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Arnold Palmer, with 13 Masters wins between them and for many years I followed a gentleman of golf called Ben Crenshaw (2 wins).

Then came the Spanish invasion with Seve Ballesteros and Jose-Maria Olazabal (5 wins between them) the first European superstars on television and the matadors from Spain who captured the hearts and minds of a global audience.

And then a new generation watched in awe as 21year old Tiger Woods smashed all previous records and win his first of four titles.

Well this year, as always, the Masters produced memorable moments. During the par 3 competition,

on the day prior to the Major, 75-year old Jack Nicklaus got a hole in one; remarkably his first ever at the Masters.

Then Trevor Immelman (a former Masters Champion) also got one! (I have played with Trevor!) Then Justin Rose fought for the Championship and came as close as joint second: (I have played with Justin!) In fairness it was the emotional passing of one era to new one. This, as two Texans passed the baton from one to the other.

Ben Crenshaw retired from the Masters and on practice day played with his fellow Texan the 21-year old Jordan Spieth. No doubt words of wisdom were passed on and Spieth’s remarkable win was faultless. The memory for me though was Gentleman Ben handing over to Genuine Jordan.

The young man, no doubt destined to be one the greats of the future, seems so genuine, has a great attitude and gave tribute to his inspiration being his special needs sister watching back at home.

He remains with his high school sweetheart and has retained his caddy since their first tournament together. The future of golf looks in good hands.

5

Cellar Chat

Mark Tanner A few years ago I decided to check out my family history. The result was a rather fancy coat of arms with the following heraldic blazon: “Argent on a chief sable, three Moors heads in profile couped at the neck sable banded about the temples of the first and gules”. In essence, the Moors heads confirm that family members joined at least three of the crusades, the blazon being awarded by King John (The Lion Heart) in recognition of this.

How interesting to think that my forefathers trekked all the way from northern Europe to the Holy Land. A huge procession of soldiers, Knights Templars, servants, wagons and animals slowly moving south to smite Saracens! What has this to do with wine? Not a great deal, however, it is the little deal that intrigues.

These Crusaders followed a trail that, in order to sustain all involved, journeyed through fertile valleys offering lush pasture for the animals and plenty of fruit and veg for the humans. At one such valley, in today’s Slovenia, a group broke away from the main stream. “This is paradise,” they claimed. “You continue to your Jerusalem, we have found ours

here!” And so they stayed.

Today the wines of Jeruzalem in the province of Ljutomerske – Ormoske are among the best quality to be found in Slovenia. They are mostly white, crisp and full flavoured. At their wine co-op I was shown their cellar where white wines dating back as far as 1912 are laid down gathering all kinds of detritus behind locked wrought iron doors. I was given two bottles – one for each my childrens’ birth year.

I have mentioned Slovenian wines before and have learned to admire them for what they are: a range of exciting wines made from Mediterranean to Alpine vineyards, from aromatic whites to heavy, pungent full-bodied reds. My greatest disappointment being that we have no access to them here. I am sure that if their reds were available there would be an entirely new category at our Potjiekos Competition.

The Slovenian valleys and rivers not only sustained the outward bound Crusaders, but also those on their return journey northwards. It was important for the men to have places where they could stay while wounds healed and the animals could recoup.

The locals will offer you a clear and precise account of how this all took place, as if it happened last Thursday. Mindful of the many English who helped to establish this ‘paradise’ I looked for traces of any familiar names. They had all disappeared through the mists of time. No Smith, no Jones, not even a Tanner.

Texans Spieth(21) and Crenshaw (63)

Jordan Spieth and Caddy Michael Greller

Danielle Smith Clinical Psychologist

• Individual Psychotherapy (adults) • Couple Psychotherapy • Play Therapy (children) • Parent Counselling • Parent-Infant Psychotherapy (for sleeping, feeding, crying or other behavioural problems) 14 Cabriere Street, Franschhoek, 7690 danieles@iafrica.com

FRAN SC HHOEK

Wines Franschhoek proudly presents

WINE OF THE WEEK - FREE TASTING

LA CHATAIGNE 4/4 - 10/4 Come and taste La Chatiagne’s super Rosé, one of our favourites, and their great Sauvignon Blanc.

LA COURONNE 11/4 - 17/4 Taste their Malbec, a variety thats quite unique for the valley - it’s yummy!

If you are a lover of unwooded Chardonnay - this one is fab!

RICKETY BRIDGE 18/4 - 24 /4 Come and taste some great Foundation Stone with great wines, price and performance from Rickety Bridge.

SOLMS DELTA 25/4 - 1/5 Amalie - what a beautiful wine - a Rohne style blend, base is Grenache!

Hiervandaan - a Shiraz Classic Rohne style blend - a great wine come and try!

Franschhoek Wines at cellar door prices.

Open 7 days a week 23 Huguenot Road, Tel: 021 876 3185 •

Franschhoek Tatler

6

May 2015

La Petite Dauphine a favourite among discerning travellers A survey conducted by New World Wealth, proved Franschhoek to be a firm favourite among multimillionaires who travel to Africa. The research focused on where the rich and famous choose to unwind while in South Africa. In the luxury boutique hotel category (less than 30 rooms) Franschhoek’s La Petite Dauphine Guest Farm came out on top.

La Petite Dauphine is situated on a historic working fruit farm in the heart of the Franschhoek Wine Valley – within walking distance from the village.

Accommodation consists of six Luxury Suites, two Exclusive Villas and one Junior Suite with en-suite bathrooms and private lounges. The accommodation is set among vineyards and plum orchards and offers magnificent views of the Franschhoek Mountains. The Exclusive Villa Suites also boast their own splash pools.

With Franschhoek a firm favourite among discerning travellers La Petite Dauphine was joined on the list of Top 5 Luxury Boutique Hotels in South Africa by fellow 5-star establishments Franschhoek Country House (3rd) and La Residence (5th). www.nw-wealth.com | www.lapetite.co.za

Nail Salon

Open from Tuesday - Saturday Opening Times 9am - 5pm Shop 13, Place Vendome, Huguenot Street, Franschhoek, 7690

T: 083 560 9997

La Petite Dauphine

May 2015

Franschhoek Tatler

Tourism Update likes La Petite Ferme for USA

La Petite Ferme has one of the best views of the Franschhoek Valley

Popular tourism website, Tourism Update, recently asked their readers to list African tourism products suited to the United States market.

More than 40 different ideas were received. These ideas were submitted to a judging panel in the US, who narrowed them down to the top seven products, La Petite Ferme in Franschhoek being one of them.

The list includes a mixture of expected and unexpected offerings. Marine Dynamics’s shark cage diving offering and Cape Canopy Tours in the Elgin Valley provide the adrenaline spikes on the list. The Kruger National Park, Tintswalo Safari Lodge and Victoria Falls provide the obligatory bush experience, while Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, La Petite Ferme and a luxury Cape Town and Kruger

combination (e.g. Cape Grace & Sabi Sabi) rounds out the selection.

La Petite Ferme is a country restaurant and winery with four-star accommodation situated on the Franschhoek Pass. Known for its world-famous country cuisine the family-owned and operated restaurant offers guests a culinary experience of note – with views to match.

Home to staff who have been with the restaurant for over 30 years, La Petite Ferme offers warm and personalised service. Owner Mark Dendy Young has been crafting the farm’s award-winning wines, such as the flagship Merlot, for 20 years. His memorable cellar tour makes La Petite Ferme one of the more intimate wineries in the valley. www.lapetiteferme.co.za | www.tourismupdate.co.za

Underage drinking is a reality Consuming alcohol is part of many people’s live. Sadly alcohol abuse is becoming its frequent companion.

Uncomfortable statistics and research are quoted by authorities especially during holiday periods. One of the possibly neglected areas of this problem – underage drinking – was brought to the public’s attention again during the recent holiday period.

SAB is serious about responsible drinking and the fight against alcohol abuse; hence their You Decide underage drinking schools programme. As part of the programme they recently launched an 18+ campaign.

In support of the prevention of underage drinking, they drew up a checklist of warning signs for parents and care givers. Watch out for: • Find the triggers: Teenagers may want to use alcohol when trying to fit in, reduce stress or feel relaxed.

The situation should be addressed immediately and alternative solutions sought.

• Watch out for stress, anxiety and depression: When teenagers can’t cope with life they may turn to alcohol for comfort. The initial relief could lead them to believe alcohol will heal their pain. They need to find a healthy outlet for their frustrations.

• Be aware of teens who regularly complain about being bored: They probably can’t deal with being alone, have trouble keeping themselves occupied and crave excitement. They are prime candidates for using alcohol.

• Take note when a teen starts exhibiting signs of rebellion and anger: It is not unusual for teens to express their anger at figures of authority by doing something they have been told not to do. Alcohol frees

angry teenagers to behave aggressively or defiantly.

• Watch out if they start mimicking their friends: The use of the excuse “Everyone is doing it” is a trap created by false impressions that others are unaffected by alcohol and by the glorifying of drinking in popular culture.

• Take note of a lack of confidence in a teen: Being under the influence of alcohol allows teens to do things they would otherwise not risk.

Alcohol becomes a crutch on which they rely to make social settings more comfortable.

The following signs may indicate a problem with alcohol or other drugs, or could simply point to normal adolescent behaviour. However, if you notice several of these signs at the same time, if they occur suddenly, and if some of them are extreme in nature, it could be a sign of alcohol use.

• Mood swings: flare-ups of temper, irritability, and defensiveness.

• School problems: poor attendance, low marks, and/or recent disciplinary action.

• Switching friends, along with a reluctance to have you get to know the new friends.

• A “don’t care attitude”: sloppy appearance, a lack of involvement in former interests, and general low energy.

• Finding alcohol in your child’s room or backpack, or smelling alcohol on his or her breath.

• Physical or mental problems: memory lapses, poor concentration, bloodshot eyes, lack of coordination, or slurred speech. http://www.sabstories.co.za/alcohol-issues/ sab18plus

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Franschhoek Tatler

8

Tatler Motoring

Fuel-efficiency – myth or fact?

Michele Lupini

Evolution of the beast Over the years, cars have changed dramatically. Just consider how Ford evolved from the Model T to the Focus on this page; VW’s Beetle to the Golf and Peugeot’s old 404 to what the 308 is today. It seems it’s light years’ difference, yet most of it happened only 20 to 50 years ago.

Well not quite… While how cars look may not have evolved as dramatically over the past 20 years or so, developments under the skin have been beyond dramatic.

Take these three for example. Based on the seat of your pants, and at face value, you’d probably say the latest Golf, 308 and Focus on this page had two-litre engines that accelerate to 100km/h in around twelve seconds and gobble about 9 litres per 100km?

Once again, not exactly… The VW and the Peugeot are 1.2-litres big and that Ford just a litre. But they accelerate to 100km/h in under 10 seconds and sip around five litres per 100km. In other words, they are half the capacity and use half the fuel but run far stronger than you may suspect.

It’s all to do with those draconian emissions laws that have transformed the car industry as you know it.

May 2015

These cars use small turbocharged engines not just to save fuel, but to perform far better too.

But it doesn’t end there. The latest Focus may have all the new tech, but it’s still just a face-lifted model that weighs in at 1.3 tons; the VW is already a couple of years old and it weights 1.2 tons and both are as sophisticated as you can get, even for middling hatchbacks.

But the Peugeot stretches those modern advances into the chassis and cabin and not only does it weigh just a ton for significant strides in consumption and performance, but it also revolutionises car cabins as we know them with a futuristic touch screen and a revolutionary button-free dash.

Yes, cars are changing before your eyes – not necessarily in what you see, but in how they are made and how they drive.

Pick up a copy of AutoWeek early in May for a proper look at this tantalising trio – or even better – go take a closer look at the cars. Any of them will change how you look at driving forever. Again…

Catch Michele Lupini’s day job efforts in AutoWeek newspaper and Bakkie & Truck magazine available on village bookshelves

TAX

When buying a car one of the prominent parts of the sales pitch is fuel efficiency. Then there are the tips thrown about on how to be more fuel efficient when driving.

Les Mc Master, Chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), says while fuelefficiency tips may have worked in the past where vehicles had less sophisticated components, most don’t apply anymore since vehicles manufactured today have computer-controlled automotive systems.

“Fuel efficiency is, however, still a consideration especially with the imminent fuel price increase expected at the end of the month. The fuel price relief we have experienced recently seems about to turn with an approximate R2 per litre increase expected.”

Interestingly, he believes that the most fuel efficient engines in the current market are diesel.

“Diesel engine technology has progressed in leaps and bounds over the past decade and most certainly in the last five years, proving that this technology is becoming the one of choice. European countries are, by far, at the forefront of diesel powered use and the rapid expansion will see diesel powered passenger vehicles become the vehicle of choice in the near future probably surpassing all other forms of power.”

“However, since only a few vehicles makes currently have diesel engines, it’s probably a good idea to know the truth about many fuel-efficiency tales out there,” he adds.

Gearing into Neutral at stops This idea may have been relevant when engines used carburetors but today’s cars have computerised fuel-injection systems. These systems sense if an engine is revving above idle when you ease off the accelerator. If that happens, the fuel injectors shut off, so fuel is no longer injected into the engine, even if the car is still in gear. By constantly shifting in and out of neutral the only thing you may accomplish is premature wear on your gear box.

A full tank is more fuel efficient The idea that a tank more full than empty will prevent fuel evaporation inside the tank is incorrect. Fuel systems in modern cars are designed with vapour recovery systems so no evaporation is possible. Some vehicles with pressurised fuel systems even display a ‘check engine’ light if the petrol cap is loose, missing or not properly sealed.

A dirty air filter leads to lower mileage The engines in older vehicles pulled air straight through the air filter into the carburetor, so a

clogged filter could affect fuel efficiency to some degree. However today's advanced engines have a computerised engine control module (ECM) to regulate the air-to-fuel ratio. Air goes through the filter and then through a mass airflow sensor that lets the ECM gauge the airflow and adjust the fuel accordingly; less airflow means less fuel is sent to the engine. While fuel efficiency may not be affected, dirty air filters can lead to sluggish acceleration.

Filling up when it’s cooler saves me money For years, a myth has been circulating that if you buy petrol during the cooler part of the day you get more for your money, since a cooler liquid is denser. This theory may sound believable but at filling stations petrol is almost always pumped from storage tanks underground that are naturally insulated from large temperature swings. Because of this, any slight change in the temperature of the petrol is so small you wouldn't notice any real savings.

Cruising downhill in Neutral saves petrol This is one of the biggest myths thrown around.

The truth is that when coasting in Neutral, the engine is idling, consuming just as much petrol as when it's idling at a traffic light or warming up in your driveway. The reality is that it’s actually a bad idea to roll downhill or up to a stop sign in Neutral because you need to be able to use the accelerator to avoid any unexpected road hazard. Cars don't handle well in Neutral during sharp cornering maneuvers when the engine isn't connected to the drivetrain – the components in the vehicle that generate power.

Fuel saving devices Lastly be aware of claims made by manufacturers regarding fuel saving devices. There are a number of different devices doing the rounds and each one is purported to have magical fuel saving powers, be it a magnet device connected to the fuel supply line which “aligns” the atoms in the fuel by electromagnetic field, to the swirl or vortex device which is fitted to the intake manifold. There is no scientific evidence that any of these devices will in any way improve the fuel efficiency of a motor vehicle. Be cautious of marketing ploys and before you consider purchasing such a device, seek the expertise of your nearest MIWA dealer to guide your decision making.

Rule of thumb, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Many a gullible consumer has been duped into doing costly damage to their vehicle by the unscrupulous marketers of these devices.

“If in doubt, rather ask an expert,” he advises.

A long way from London!

Double decker bus temporarily in Franschhoek

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

The old London bus that is being restored in Franschhoek

What may be one of the oldest busses in South Africa has found a temporary home in Franschhoek.

The bus is to be converted into a mobile education centre for the Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve (CWBR).

The history of the bus hasn’t been fully established yet, but it formerly belonged to either Cape Tramways or Golden Arrow Bus Services. (The two companies merged in 1956.) It may well be one of 15 doubledeckers that were brought into the country in 1948 by the Golden Arrow Bus Company – part of an order for 30 that was placed before the outbreak of WWII, thus pre-dating the famous Route Master busses.

Whoever its original owner was, it was eventually sold to Ashton Canning (KOO) who used it as staff transport.

Mr Killian was the mechanic in charge of the bus at Ashton Canning and when the company decided it had no more use for the bus they gave it to him.

Killian stored it for several years before donating it to the CWBR. The bus was towed to Franschhoek and is now

parked at Otter’s Bend Lodge where it will be restored and converted into a mobile education centre for the Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve’s Sustainable Living Centre situated outside Stellenbosch at DelVera Agri Village.

The bus is powered by a straight-six Gardner engine, with a three-speed automatic gearbox. William Jelbert from Wilbot Engineering will be overseeing the mechanical restoration of the bus. It’s safe to say though that even fully restored it will not be breaking any speed records. The maximum speed of the bus is expected to be around 50 km/h – with the wind from behind!

According to Mark Heistein, CEO of the CWBR, they have been in contact with the London Bus Museum who responded that they’ve never seen a bus like it before and asked for detailed photos to be sent to the factory for possible identification.

Are you familiar with this type of bus, or do you know somebody who might be? If so, please contact Mark Heistein at markheistein@gmail.com. http://on.fb.me/1aIVoID

May 2015

Franschhoek Tatler

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Franschhoek Tatler

10

Birds, Beasts and Bush Club

ACVV News Ronelle Pinard

Encounters with their rehabilitated raptors, which our members found particularly interesting. It was a very pleasant morning out of town.

On Saturday, 11 April, our monthly meeting was held at Artemis Barn and Mariana Delport informed us how to make our gardens bird-friendly. Meetings are held on the second Saturday of each month at 15h00. Everyone is welcome. Club members pay R5.00 to enter the lucky draw and visitors pay R20.00.

Membership to the club is open to anyone who has a love for nature, wild-life, birds and animals.

For more information please call Robyn on 072 999 8581 or email bbbclubfrhk@gmail.com. Our next meeting will be on 9 May 2015.

Franschhoek Feeling goes elephant for The Kusasa Project Birger Lundgren’s new shop ‘Franschhoek Feeling’ sells a delightful toy elephant, representing the history of the valley. This has been well received by the visitors to the region and sales have been good. As Birger has an interest in supporting local initiatives, especially those connected with education, he donated part of the proceeds from the sales of the elephant to The Kusasa Project. Doug Gurr, Trustee of The Kusasa Project, visited the shop to receive the R12 000 donation and had some fun along with Birger showing off the different elephants for sale.

Probus Club Alta Malherbe The Probus Club is a local association of retired or semi-retired 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 once a month for fellowship and interesting talks.

The ACVV joined the international RED MY LIPS campaign from 1 April to 30 April 2015 in support of Sexual Abuse Awareness Month! Our Groendenne Club for the elderly also joined us and had great fun with Juliana Grobbelaar and Penny, our auxiliary social worker! Read about this campaign and join ACVV next year in this campaign against Sexual Abuse – www.redmylips.org/About.html.

We are happy to announce that Sally Trench, founder of Project Spark, sponsored two contract social workers for ACVV Franschhoek. We welcome Lizelma Olivier, a Forensic Social Worker, to complete a twoyear research project on behalf of Project Spark and Dr Elsa van der Watt who will be with us for an initial period of six months. She will be completing existing foster care applications. Dr Elsa will also be organising and handling foster care groups on Saturdays.

Project Spark was set up in 1973 by Sally Trench as a Registered Charity – No: 261255 in UK. It was born of the belief that given unconditional love, care and understanding within a firm appropriate discipline, young people often labelled as ‘deprived’ or ‘traumatised’ can be helped, given hope, selfconfidence and be responsive to the needs of others.

Over thirty years of experience has proved that this belief is justified. Read her life stories in her books,

The Groendenne Club had fun with purpose at their meeting

Bury Me in My Boots (1968), Somebody Else’s Children (1990) and Fran’s War (1999). Project Spark has initiated and is still currently involved with nine charity programmes in the UK. Sally, ‘a swallow’, is involved in Franschhoek with sponsoring services at the ACVV and Good Hope Psychological Services.

She has also initiated vegetable gardens in the primary schools and helped supply English teachers in West End and Wemmershoek Schools, over some years, after arriving in Franschhoek in 2009. Over these years here she has quietly been ‘working hands on’ with individual children in most need.

ACVV Franschhoek is in need of volunteers to assist us at the Franschhoek Market on Saturdays from 08h00 – 14h00.

Please contact me at the office on 021 876 2670. Thanks!

Onward and upward… until next time!

Hospice News

Tallulah’s, Franschhoek Skin Care Clinic, Fromages de France, Pinz Nez, Indian Summer, Le Bon Vivant, Mrs Mostert, Adam, Carol, Kathy, Lindy, Hilary, Ann, Alison, John, Larry, Malcolm, Alex and Carol D Y. Together you helped us to raise over R20 000. Staff and volunteers – thank you for your dedication.

Important Dates: 4 May, Nik Rabinowitz, a the NGK Hall, tickets still available. R200pp, Complimentary wines sponsored

by Haut Espoir 15 & 16 May, during the Literary Festival, we will be having a Bumper Book Sale outside Hospice House, 09h00 until 15h00. We will be selling ‘boerie’ rolls, chicken burgers and water. Weather permitting.

27 June, Café Bon Bon, An Evening in Paris. R250pp, 3 course meal, a complimentary glass of sparkling upon arrival. Limited seating so please book early.

Colleen Douglas

Come along and see what it’s all about. We meet at Café Bon Bon at 12h30 for 13h00. This month our speaker is Neil Palmer who will speak about World War 1.

During the year we cover a range of topics and always advise our members of what is going on.

Probus is a club where you can meet new people and make new friends with similar interests. We welcome new members. The joining fee is only R50, ongoing annual fee of R100 per year.

If you have any queries please contact the secretary, Marj Dale, at 028 840 0955, or 071 987 8080. We would love to hear from you.

Our Bridge Drive Luncheon held on 13 March was another successful fundraiser and a day enjoyed by all who played. We thank the following wonderful businesses and individuals in the village who continue to donate to and support us: Residents of Domain des Anges for the Clubhouse, Racine, Jade, Rose Cottage, Cooksensuals, Vera, Drakenstein Nursery, Vendange, Petit Jourdan, Terbodore, Tigi, Salmon Bar, Ruan, L’Ermitage, Foliage, Franschhoek Art House, Cape Vue, Plop Beanbags, Crisp, Boschendal,

Photo: Trish Heywood

An evening at a citadel of art Hospice House was evacuated in just a few minutes during our fire drill on 25 March

Photo: Trish Heywood

Robyn Kadis

Eight club members ventured out to the False Bay Nature Reserve’s annual Bird-a-thon at Zeekoevlei on Saturday, 28 March. The aim of the day was to educate the local residents about the reserve and introduce them to the wonderful variety of birds that call it home. A number of bird clubs around Cape Town took part and our members joined the throngs of birders, school children and families that walked the 6km route around the reserve. The weather was beautiful and the birds were out en-force. Most notable were the many Greater Flamingos that are always present as well as the extraordinary large number of Cape Shovelers on the various dams.

Our members were able to identify a large number of water birds and helped other novice birders with their identifications. At the festival, various stalls were available with interesting displays including Eagle

May 2015

Lyn de Villiers (right) with two of the players at the bridge drive

Groendal reach the U12 schools cricket finals The Ilse Schermers Art Gallery (IS Art) and Citadel Wealth Management hosted ‘An Evening with Angus Taylor’ on 22 April 2015. Present at the event were (FLTR) Oliver Dresner (Citadel Wealth Management), Anne-Marie and GT Ferreira, Ilse Schermers (IS Art), Tracey Kirsten and Angus Taylor.

Internationally renowned Taylor is known for his powerful sculptures characterised by craftsmanship and his choice of alternative natural materials. He also believes

in the powerful communicative platform that public art offers. During the course of the evening Taylor unpacked the difference between the gift economy and the market economy, and how this relates to the art industry. In addition Alfred Bester, Specialist Trust Practitioner, who has been instrumental in establishing the Citadel Art Price Index talked about the art fiduciary structure of warehousing pieces of art. Delicious canapés and wine pairings were provided by Foliage Restaurant.

Over the eight weeks of February and March this year cricket dominated almost all facets of life in the valley. Firstly the annual league six-a-side tournament was held at Groot Drakenstein Games Club (Groot Drak), secondly the ODI World Cup was played with South Africa being dumped in very controversial circumstances in the semis and thirdly, in the latter weeks of March, the World Golden Oldies Cricket Festival was held in Cape Town and the Winelands, entertaining 55 teams from around the globe.

While all of these were happening the ever popular School’s Under-12 T20 Cricket Tournament was played, staged by Groot Drak. In addition to the ten schools that participated in 2014 Paarl Boys Junior School requested to be included, pushing up the numbers from four nine years ago to eleven schools in 2015.

Two logs played through the five weeks of round robin games. The top two teams of each log going through to the semi-finals. Groendal topping group A then played Simondium, second in group B, and Paarl Boys top of group B, played PC Pietersen second in group A. Two very competitive games were played with Groendal and Paarl Boys moving into the finals.

On Friday, 13 March, Groendal took on Paarl Boys.

It was a beautiful day for cricket – in contrast to the 2014 final that was washed out by rain. Paarl Boys won the toss and decided to bat first, reaching 103 in their allotted 20 overs. In 19 overs Groendal were all out for 77, Paarl Boys winning by 26 runs. It must be noted however, that Groendal acquired more runs from the bat than did Paarl Boys, but their bowling let them down with too many wides having been given away.

A wonderful six weeks of cricket was experienced with teams with no facilities to practice and often no cricket coach at the school showing tremendous improvement.

The participating schools were Franschhoek High, Wes Eind Primary, Dalubuhle Primary, Groendal Primary, Wemmershoek Primary, Bridge House School, Pniel Primary, PC Pietersen Primary, Simondium Primary, Klapmuts Primary and Paarl Boys.

Groendal Primary’s cricketers reached the finals

On a sad note, Charlton Riffel, the brother of Russell Riffel who died in the tragic bus accident on the Franschhoek Pass, was part of the Groendal team during the round robin stage, i.e. up to the bus accident.

He was unable to play the following week in the semifinal and the final; however, he has been rewarded as part of the original team by the Groot Drak organisers.

A word of thanks must go to both Groot Drak and Bridge House on whose fields the games were played. Also, the contribution by club members to coaching and managing the games is much appreciated; especially the long hours on the field endured by David Norris.

Finally, this tournament can only be staged with the support of generous sponsors. Transport, kit, clothing, field and pitch maintenance, food, trophies and coaches all have to be financed. Much appreciation too goes to this year’s sponsors, namely the Stellenbosch Municipality’s Grant-in-Aid, the 2014 Rickety Bridge auction, the Groot Drak Golf Day and La Fontaine Guest House. Anybody wishing to support this proven contribution to the growth of the valley’s youth, can contact Richard von Hoesslin on 0824902446 or richard@ vonhoesslin.co.za

May 2015

Letters

Franschhoek Tatler

info@franschhoektatler.co.za

Editor’s Letter

Siegfried Schäfer

Thanks Black Elephant Vintners Dear Sir Black Elephant Vintners hasn’t focused only on identifying and procuring quality estate-grown grapes from the Franschhoek Valley and surrounding regions to produce quality wines. They have also identified talented young soccer players from our own Franschhoek community of Groendal, Mooiwater and Langrug, groomed by the South African Football Association (SAFA) registered soccer team Franschhoek United FC. The club itself has exciting plans for major improvements which would not be possible without the support of Black Elephant Vintners.

They have helped the team to produce great quality players that are representing the Franschhoek Valley in the SAB League (the 3rd division of the ABSA Premiership – PSL), Nedbank Cup, SAB knockout tournament and The Metropolitan u/19 cup. The involvement of BE Vintners is successful for both sides and allows families who struggle financially to continue to play the sport they enjoy.

BE Vintners not only sponsors the club, but is also assisting in encouraging and expanding the club by creating structures needed in a soccer club – not for

Franschhoek FC or BE Vintners, but for the whole of the Franschhoek Valley.

Franschhoek United FC appreciates everything that BE vintners has done for the club thus far; including affiliation to the league, casual team wear, training equipment etc.

Your support will open many new opportunities for these young men, help them to develop the technique necessary to enhance their football skills and enable them to participate in highly distinguished tournaments. These events will broaden their discipline and character, on and off the field, which is invaluable to their future endeavors.

As you can imagine, there are a lot of expenses involved in participating in a high calibre league. Your contribution is not solely a charitable contribution, but is also an advertising opportunity. Without the support of people like you, we will not be able to reach our goals. Thank you once again for your generous support of our team. Also thanks to Le Quartier Français and Chamonix for contributing to the club.

Respectfully,

Pass problems Dear Editor I was interested in the comments made (on the Franschhoek Pass) in the April issue of the Franschhoek Tatler. I drive several days a week to my farm near Grabouw via the pass. The drive requires considerable focus because of the huge double-link lorries. After six years of negotiating the pass the law of averages is against me…

I am dumbstruck by the carnage that has occurred on

the pass and by the way the traffic authorities handle this area. I have never seen a Traffic Department vehicle on the pass save during film shoots and then there are several doing absolutely nothing. Why isn't there also a camera at the entrance to the town?

I have written twice to the Department without ever receiving an acknowledgement.

I support your efforts to improve safety on the pass whole heartedly. Please push hard.

Azola Tafeni & Franschhoek United FC

Garry Southern

Classical music to complement literary festival Christopher Duigan’s Music Revival presents another Autumn Music Weekend in Franschhoek from Friday 15 May to Sunday 17 May 2015. This coincides with the Franschhoek Literary Festival taking place the same weekend.

This series of concerts offers local audiences and visitors a thrilling experience of music in the Franschhoek NG Church and at Cafe Bon Bon. There are three concerts in the NG Church. For Violin and Piano on Friday 15 May at 19h00 features international concert violinist and member of the Carnegie Hall Young Artists Programme, Joanna Frankel. Frankel plays a superb selection of music by Elgar, Gershwin and Ravel for an evening recital with Christopher Duigan (piano).

Duigan, who has won a popular following with local audiences, plays a solo recital on Saturday, 16 May, at 12h00. One of South Africa’s leading concert pianists, Christopher Duigan plays a varied recital of solo piano music by FJ Haydn, Frederic Chopin and ‘water themed’ music by Franz Liszt, Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel. On Sunday, 17 May, at 12h00 the focus turns to guitar music when South African classical guitarist James Grace introduces young guitarist Chloe Murphy. In For Two Guitars they feature music by John Dowland and Isaac Albéniz, with original duo works by Fernando Sor and Maximo Diego Pujol.

Tickets for the NG Church Concert cost R100 and are available at www.webtickets.co.za and the door.

The performance time for each of the concerts, which feature the beautiful community-owned grand piano in the church on Friday evening and Saturday at noon, is 70 minutes each.

In addition there are two generous concerts taking place at the Cafe Bon Bon at La Petite Dauphine.

A Grand Soiree takes the form of an exciting opera evening featuring two magnificent voices. Violina

Dear Readers Public debate in South Africa, as in many other places, suffers from a great paucity of good ideas.

I can think of several reasons why this is the case.

Seriously underwhelming national leadership by less than inspiring individuals is certainly one. The state of our public education system is another. And of course there is also the hand-out mentality that has taken hold in our society. Why bother thinking about creative solutions if not doing so ensures a hand-out to yourself or those who keep you in power?

But where do good ideas come from? Author Steven Johnson wrote a book on it. Not surprisingly it’s called Where Do Good Ideas Come From - A Natural History of Innovation. He points out that despite the language we use when we talk about ideas – Eureka moments, flashes of inspiration, light bulb moments, etc. – most good ideas don’t happen suddenly, but rather have a long build-up before the Eureka moment.

Turning his attention to the environments where good ideas are born he finds that it is not the person sitting studiously in a corner that is most likely to arrive at a good idea. Instead good ideas flow from interactions between people – often informal or at the margins of other projects. He calls these interactions ‘liquid networks’.

Some of the most productive liquid networks ever where the ones that developed around the English coffee houses from around the 1650s.

Let’s remember that until the rise of the coffee house most everybody was permanently on a buzz as water was unsafe to drink and beer and other alcoholic beverages were the safest thirst quenchers.

It should come as little surprise then that the rise of the coffee house roughly coincided with the industrial revolution – replacing a depressant

11 (alcohol) with a stimulant (coffee) is bound to lead to some good ideas.

Just because something is a good idea though doesn’t mean you have to do it. After all taking on too many good ideas could mean that you don’t have enough time (or other resources) to properly develop or implement any of them. It could also keep you from focussing on that one really great idea. Sometimes the best thing to do with a good idea is to set it free, although Apple and Samsung probably won’t agree with this statement.

What got me thinking about good ideas was actually a news item reporting that the Metropolitan Police in London will no longer be providing security services for certain types of demonstrations – instead organisers will now have to foot the bill for private security. The outcry was prompt and (professional?) demonstration organisers claimed that the decision limits democratic rights such as freedom of expression and the right to hold public gatherings.

My thoughts were that under normal circumstances the police should not be needed to – and this is usually the case – protect non-participants from the participants in a march or demonstration.

Democratic rights have limits; as the saying goes ‘My right to swing my fist ends where your nose starts.’

Likewise the right to protest should end where the protest imposes unreasonable restrictions on the rights of non-participants to exercise their rights.

If police have to be diverted from their primary duties in order to keep ill-disciplined marchers at bay I really don’t see why tax payers in general rather than the march organisers should pay for this. It’s the widely-accepted ‘user pays’ principle in action.

Another way to formulate this principle is to say that if you create a problem you’re responsible for solving it. Needless to say unruly marchers, petro-chemical companies, mining houses, tobacco companies, etc. are not at all keen on this idea!

(Economists will recognise this as the issue of ‘externalised costs’.) Be that as it may, I think the ‘user pays’ principle is more than a good idea – it’s a great one!

Until next month

Deadlines - June 2015 Issue Ad Bookings: 15 May 2015 Artwork: 18 May 2015Editorial: 18 May 2015

Around sunset at the Franschhoek Literary Festival 2015 A number of early evening events have been added to the line-up of the 2015 FLF, offering festival goers a relaxing and entertaining wind-down before heading off for dinner.

Two events are literary/musical evenings touching on the lives of two of South Africa’s favourite singers – PJ Powers and the late Brenda Fassie.

PJ is first up, with a special programme adapted from her Firefly show especially for Franschhoek. Using the same title as her memoir, Here I Am, PJ will bring her personal story to life with anecdotes and musical interludes. Audiences can expect to be moved, amused and inspired by PJ, and thoroughly entertained with the story and music of this consummate performer.

(Event 44, 17h30 on Friday 15 May) On Saturday evening, the inimitable journalist/ author/commentator Bongani Madondo and the equally fabulous radio broadcaster Shado Twala, offer a journey through the life of Brenda Fassie.

Bongani edited a collection of essays about Brenda, I’m Not Your Weekend Special, and using this as a base, they will reflect on Fassie’s legacy through words, music, images and videos. (Event 92, 17h30 on Saturday 16 May) Music lovers should also look out for two events with the legendary muso, Hugh Masekela.

He will join Bongani Madondo and PJ Powers in an event (#46) on Saturday 16 May at 10h00 – The

Sounds of Music, when, facilitated by Marianne Thamm, they will talk about life in the world of music, and the power of words and music to change life.

Then, on Sunday 17 May, Hugh – a storyteller of note – will be in conversation with his friends Mandla Langa and Bongani Madondo about music, books, writing and friendship. (Event 106 The Tale is in the Telling, 11h30) Also on Friday evening, fans of the late Chris van Wyk (Shirley Goodness and Mercy) can still buy tickets for a special tribute to Chris, when actor Kurt Egelhof will present a programme of readings from Chris’s works. Chris was always a great friend of the FLF, and was one of the most popular authors who gave his time to visit schools in the greater Franschhoek Valley, sharing his love of literature and encouraging a love of reading in young learners. It is a great honour to be able to acknowledge his contributions through this special event. (Event 45, 17h30, with a repeat on Saturday, if necessary).

And finally, festival poets will read from the works at a free poetry session at Essence restaurant on Friday from 17h30. They will be joined by other invited poets. A bar a menu service will be available.

Please note: the Saturday night performance of Crritic! with John Maytham, is sold out. www.flf.co.za

Susan Charlesworth ATTORNEY • NOTARY • CONVEYANCER

James Grace

Anguelov has earned a stellar reputation as SA’s top mezzo-soprano. Angelov introduces the young tenor, Lukhanyo Moyake. They sing celebrated arias, duets and songs from Carmen, Samson and Delilah, La Traviata, Rigoletto and more making for a glamorous evening. This special concert on Saturday, 16 May, starting at 19h00 includes a three course meal. Tickets are R450.

The final concert event, Bon Bon Finale, starts at 13h00 on Sunday, 17 May. Christopher Duigan plays a selection of music by Frederic Chopin in this beautiful restaurant setting and together with Joanna Frankel (violin) they play a section of violin favourites in an entertaining after lunch performance. Again tickets are R450 and include a three course meal. Bookings for the Café Bon Bon events can be made at 021 876 3936.

The Autumn Music Weekend in Franschhoek is kindly supported by Ian Burgess Simpson Pianos. www.musicrevival.co.za

Areas of practice: Estate and succession planning | Commercial Law Administration of estates, trusts & curatorships Engineering & Construction Law Antenuptial contracts | Conveyancing Unit 4 / 79 Artisan Village, Cabrière Street, Franschhoek, 7690 Tel: +27 (0)21 876 2592 Fax: +27 (0)21 876 2591 Email: susancharlesworth.law@telkomsa.net Also at 342 Val De Vie, Paarl www.susancharlesworth.co.za

12

Financial Matters Celia McGuinness

2015 Budget Proposals (Cont) Last month we highlighted some of the budget proposals presented by the Minister of Finance, Mr. Nhlanhla Nene on 25 February. This month we look at some of the other proposals.

COMPANIES Corporate Tax Rates No change is proposed to corporate tax rates.

Turnover tax for micro businesses The turnover tax regime was introduced to limit the compliance burden on micro businesses with annual turnover of up to R1 million. These rules eliminate the need for a great deal of paperwork and compliance expenses. Government proposes to adjust the rates and thresholds to make the turnover tax more attractive.

Distribution and issue of shares for no consideration The current wording in section 40C of the Income Tax Act creates anomalies when a company distributes shares internally. It is proposed that changes be made to clarify that the section’s provisions only apply to the issue of shares, not their distribution.

Amounts from disposal of shares Government will consider the provisions of section 9C of the Income Tax Act to address the problem of return of capital after a taxpayer has held a share for a period of three years, as well as the meaning of the term “disposal” for the purpose of this section.

Amounts from disposal of shares If a contract is cancelled, it is expected that the parties will be restored to the status quo before the transaction. However, it is argued that the cancellation of contracts results in the rebasing of the asset’s base cost, leading to zero capital gain or capital loss. This is prevalent between connected persons. It is proposed that this potential anomaly be removed.

Third-party-backed shares In 2014, changes were made in the Income Tax Act regarding the refinancing of third-party-backed shares for qualifying transactions and limited pledges.

Further refinements are needed to clarify the requirements or meaning of “qualifying purpose” to further the provisions’ objectives.

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS) In 2012, a special tax dispensation for listed REITS was introduced in the Income Tax Act. The provisions of section 25BB will be refined to remove anomalies.

Unlisted property-owning companies

Market Chatter

Keith Hodgekiss

To be greedy or fearful?

We live in a truly seminal time for a country that produced one of the most historically significant events of the last century. Before we explore the impact of this period on market participants, let us review the recent events of importance.

The global markets have continued their record performances with the usual factors being the driving force, namely the European and Japanese QE programmes and softer commodity prices. The result leads to an increase in aggregate demand for the riskier assets such as companies’ shares. With the US Federal Reserve Bank’s anticipated interest rate increase now priced into the market, the US dollar seems to have stabilised in relation to other major

Franschhoek Tatler

May 2015

Unlisted property-owning companies marketed to the general public or held by institutional investors do not qualify for the same special tax dispensation as listed REITS. Government proposes that unlisted property-owning companies should qualify for the same tax treatment if they become regulated. A regulatory framework for unlisted property-owning companies will be developed.

Hedge Funds Government proposes that hedge funds be declared as collective investment schemes, subjecting them to similar rules as other collective investment schemes in terms of the Collective Investment Schemes Control Act (2002). Tax amendments will be considered to minimise any inadvertent tax consequences that may arise from the restructuring of regulated hedge funds.

Securities lending arrangements The transfer of collateral in a securities lending arrangement provides the lender with confidence that they will not lose the underlying value of the securities lent, which increases liquidity in this market.

Government proposes to review the tax treatment of the transfer in beneficial ownership of collateral to reduce any negative effects on acceptable business practices and limit the use of collateral in possible tax avoidance arrangements. In addition, the current tax treatment of securities lending arrangements will be reviewed to account for corporate actions during the term of such arrangements.

Introduction of the SAM basis of regulating long-term insurers In 2016 the Financial Services Board intends to implement Solvency Assessment and Management (SAM), a risk-based supervisory regime for longand short-term insurers. The SAM basis of valuing policyholder liabilities is not in line with the current tax treatment. To take account of SAM, government proposes a new valuation method for the policyholder liabilities of long-term insurers.

The new approach will be based on an adjusted International Financial Reporting Standards method of valuation.

Research and development (R&D) The R&D tax incentive was introduced to boost R&D as a percentage of gross domestic product and to encourage knowledge transfer and skills development. For expenditure to qualify the taxpayer must submit an application for approval to the adjudication committee. However, the backlog in the approval process is creating difficulties, especially for smaller businesses. Measures will be considered to ensure that taxpayers are not disadvantaged by undue delays by the adjudication committee. The issue of third-party funding for R&D activities will also be considered.

Government grants Government will review the tax treatment of government grants, as well as the regulatory mechanism relating to these grants. Government aims

to address anomalies related to grants that were not previously listed, the claiming of deductions on taxexempt grants, and grant relationships with publicprivate partnerships.

Revision of manufacturing assets Section 12C of the Income Tax Act makes provision for an accelerated depreciation deduction for manufacturing assets, provided that the assets are directly used by the taxpayer for the purposes of his or her trade. Due to changes in the business models of some manufacturing activities, government will review the conditions of the granting of this allowance without undermining the current limitation provisions in section 23D of the Income Tax Act. Film Incentives Government will refine film incentives in section 12O of the Income Tax Act to remove anomalies arising as a result of the interaction of its provisions with other provisions in the Income Tax Act. ENVIRONMENTAL TAXES Carbon taxes The proposed carbon tax has been further refined after a review of the comments received. The potential use of carbon offsets was well received as a cost-effective mechanism to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and taxpayers’ carbon tax liabilities. The tax design seeks to minimise potential adverse effects on low-income households and industry competitiveness.

The publication of the draft carbon tax bill later in 2015 will allow for a further period of consultation.

This will also allow for the tax to be aligned with the proposed carbon budgets. Amendments to the customs and excise act will be effected to provide for the administration of the carbon tax.

Energy-efficiency savings tax incentives The energy-efficiency savings tax incentive will be increased from 45 c/kWh to 95 c/kWh and extended to cogeneration projects. This incentive was introduced in November 2013 to complement the proposed carbon tax. Businesses can claim deductions based on energy saved. In future, this allowance will be funded through a recycling of revenues from the carbon tax.

Tyre levy South Africa generates an estimated 108 million tonnes of waste each year, of which only 10 per cent is recycled. Government has designed additional environmental levies on a range of waste streams to help divert waste away from landfills towards reuse, recycling and recovery.

Government proposes a tyre levy, with effect from the last quarter of 2015, to be implemented through the Customs and Excise Act and collected

by SARS. The existing levy arrangements for tyres as per the Department of Environmental Affairs’ regulations will be replaced with the proposed tyre levy. Revenues from the levy will be deposited into the National Revenue Fund, and an onbudget allocation will be made available through the budget of the Department of Environmental

Affairs for the recycling of waste tyres and other waste streams.

VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT) Educational services Educational services are currently exempt from VAT, but there are uncertainties around the definition of “educational services” and the VAT treatment of certain expenditures, such as accommodation and the provision of meals. The Davis Tax Committee is reviewing the VAT implications for educational institutions, and its conclusions will guide potential changes.

Thresholds for payment basis To help with cash flow, some vendors with annual taxable supplies below R2.5 million are allowed to account for VAT on a payment basis rather than an accrual basis. These vendors must be natural persons or unincorporated bodies of which all members are natural persons. The Davis Tax Committee is reviewing this provision.

There may be scope to increase the threshold and/ or broaden the application to include incorporated businesses under this regime. However, the abuses previously experienced when businesses on the accrual basis transact with businesses on the payment basis will have to be addressed.

Regulation prescribing foreign electronic services The regulations prescribing electronic services will be updated to include software and other electronic services and to remove some uncertainties.

Adjusted cost The definition of “adjusted cost” in section 1 of the VAT Act be amended to deem VAT at the standard rate to be included where the acquisition was subject to VAT at the zero-rate.

Commercial accommodation The definition of “commercial accommodation” in section 1(1) of the VAT Act states that an establishment is a commercial accommodation if it regularly or systematically supplies the listed supplies and where the total annual receipts from such supplies exceed (or are expected to exceed) R60 000 in a period of 12 months. It is proposed that the registration and threshold requirements of a commercial accommodation be reviewed.

Diesel refund system The diesel refund system’s implementation has experienced technical and administrative challenges and the system’s administration will be comprehensively reviewed. While the review is under way, steps will be undertaken to deal with some of the immediate challenges. This includes, among others, disputes over refunds for subcontracting in the mining sector through cession mining licences in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (2002). In the farming sector, attention will be given to rules for sugarcane contract farming and issues related to small-scale farming.

currencies. The South African rand has settled above R12/$, and although this is somewhat weaker than a year ago it has held its own against the major trading partners despite the various negative infrastructural occurrences over this period.

The plight of Eskom has led to a recent negative growth revision for South Africa for 2015 by the IMF to 2% from 2.3%. The xenophobic attacks in Kwa-Zulu Natal which are spreading through the countryside and the Rhodes statue events seem to both be polarising factors within the fragile social fabric of South Africa. From an investor’s point of view these events combined with others would force most to shift in their seats and wonder about the risk factor that their capital should employ to justify the correct return on the investment.

Pondering this scenario, I remembered Warren Buffet’s famous statement, ‘Be greedy when others are fearful and fearful when others are greedy’. I find this apt as many investment managers reach their maximum foreign capital allocation (25%) in retirement funds in the name of diversification.

In essence this indicates the investment manager sentiment is bearish on the South African equity market as they are deploying the maximum amount of capital offshore. A point that I find very interesting is that, although we know the South African equity market is globally driven by multinational companies listed on our exchange and harvesting income from abroad, the JSE is also the index of choice for African economic growth with a vast continental footprint.

The JSE is largely influenced by companies that have geographically diversified income streams that do not rely on the South African economic climate. If South African GDP growth stalls and the European and African markets are growing, the local bourse will continue to tick higher based on the nature of the income of the largest listed companies on the South African stock market.

It is well known that Africa has been viewed keenly as the continent with the most potential for growth over the next couple of decades as a result of starting off a low base and infrastructural integration and development of mechanisation, IT and just about

everything else. I have recently returned from Rwanda where I encountered yet another example of China’s investment plan, building a very out-of-sorts looking university, which has just opened, near Musanze (Ruhengeri). China is now Africa’s largest trading partner which means that they must believe in the potential of the continent as they continually look at ways to invest their burgeoning sovereign wealth fund surplus.

South Africa has had a head start in Africa and the next step would be to develop our services sector and focus on a value added approach. This is obviously easier said than done, but it is possible and investors should consider the various factors. Is everyone being greedy or are they being fearful? I suppose it is all about perspective.

If any readers have a particular topic that you would like me to write about please email me. I will choose the most interesting one and make sure that I research the subject and include the material in my following column. If you have any other questions feel free to email me as well.

May 2015

Franschhoek Tatler

Gardening in May Natie Ferreira

May is the heart of autumn and also one of the most unpredictable months weather-wise. At the time of writing this article we have not had any significant rain yet and the dry conditions seems set to prevail for at least another two weeks. Nevertheless the evenings are cooler and the days shorter so the loss to evaporation is not that high.

The whole water-wise topic has been on everybody’s lips for the past few years, but it is a very important issue and cannot be overstressed. We need to become more aware of what grows naturally around us and go for those plants that are best adapted to our climate.

Unfortunately some rogue opportunistic invader plants have taken advantage of our climate and without their natural predators they are in abundance and taking over much of our natural land. The first line of defence against dry conditions is to get rid of all invasive alien plants in your garden and on your farm land. These plants have an unfair advantage over our endemic plants and will always win the fight for nutrients and moisture, even in the home garden. Replacing a Blue Gum or Pine forest with an indigenous jungle seems like an impossible task, but it can be done. Here it is often necessary to not only think of the now, but also of future generations. The establishment of a small grove of beautiful trees or even just the planting of a specimen tree in a special place leaves a legacy that cannot easily be equalled.

Choosing indigenous and predominantly endemic plants are probably the most ecologically sound option, but it can leave us with a limited palette.

Luckily we are blessed with a vast range of appropriate plants from other parts of the country and the world with similar climates. Here I particularly think about the Mediterranean, Mexico and the south-western parts of the USA. Your local nursery should be able to help you with a list of suitable plants.

Our industry was purged from all invasive ornamental plants about fifteen years ago through legislation. This is an ongoing process and you can be quite sure that any plant

bought from a reputable nursery is safe to plant in your environment.

May is still a busy month on the maintenance side of things. With the late heat most summer flowering shrubs were still in bloom in April and you probably haven’t pruned them yet. Don’t leave this too late.

Lawns can be cut less frequently, but at a lower setting.

Your roses should be entering a rest phase by now.

This process can be forced by withholding fertiliser and fungicides and less frequent watering. Citrus trees will need a side dressing of 3:1:5 or Rapid Raiser.

It is a good time to apply compost or rotten manure to the garden beds. Lift Dahlia bulbs if you have clay soil; in well drained soil most bulbs and tubers can be left in the ground over winter.

The nurseries are stocked with all sorts of winter colour – sweet peas, delphinium, dianthus, foxgloves, Iceland poppies, larkspur, pansies, viola, primula, stocks and lobelia. Patient gardeners can still sow seeds of all of these. The last of the winter and early spring flowering bulbs such as Lachenalia and Watsonia must be planted before the middle of the month.

In the vegetable garden beetroot, broad bean, cabbage, carrot, celery, Swiss chard, onions, peas and turnips can all be sown now. Winter is also the most successful time of the year to grow salad crops in the Cape; summer is often simply too hot. Sow cover crop on unused beds, even letting weeds grow is better that leaving them exposed.

You should still be quite busy working away the autumn harvest in the kitchen. Makataan (wild water melon preserve) is a true South African delight and I will be stocking up on this. The last of the green beans will be curried for an easy side salad with the braai. This year I will also try and do something with all the green tomatoes still hanging on the (rather sad looking) plants.

13

Plant of the Month

Frankie Brooks

The Magic of Snaps – Antirrhinum The word “Antirrhinum” is one that even wordsmiths don’t enjoy receiving in a spelling bee and if you mention the mouthful that it is to most they quite likely won’t be sure what you’re referring to. Instead, say “snapdragon” and even the most common layman will not only greet you with a knowing nod, but also be able to spell it first time round. This complex name is derived from the Greek words “anti” and “rhin” meaning “like” and “nose” respectively which describes the snout shaped flower.

The common name was evidently given because the flower looks like a dragon’s face and snaps when squeezed together. Is there anyone who hasn’t squeezed a snapdragon’s cheeks together?

Snaps have an interesting dual symbolism of both deception and graciousness. The ties to deception are believed to come from the legend that a person concealing a snapdragon would appear fascinating and alluring when in fact they are not. When presented to a host or used in a bride’s bouquet, however, this signifies the more gracious symbol afforded to snaps and represents appreciation and good wishes. In Germany, these blooms were even believed to keep children safe from evil spirits if hung over their beds among an array of other magical uses.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking for something tall, in-between, or short for your garden, snaps have an amazing range when it comes to heights, with your shortest, dwarf varieties starting around 15cm and others peaking at an incredible 120cm. Naturally you’ll be looking to buy the dwarf types if you’ve a window box or container to plant up and they even work really well as edging or border fronts. Your middle-of-the-range heights would be great for regular mid-range bedding, and naturally the giants of the snaps world will be relegated to the back of the bed. Don’t plant them too far back so as to make them inaccessible though because they make excellent cut flowers! They may need a little help with staking until their stems are nice and strong.

It’s not often that you’ll find snapdragons in bloom available for purchase in your garden centre, with good reason. If they are planted green i.e. before they bloom, it allows the plant to develop strong roots first before plummeting all its energy into making those

pretty flower faces we love to squish. This makes for a much stronger plant from the get go so if you happen to buy one with flowers, just pinch back the main stem and it’ll be as good as new.

Snaps prefer being planted in full sun, and it’s very important to find a good balance with their water regime. They like moist but not water logged soil and are not happy if left thirsty. Don’t plant them too close together as they tend to get a little claustrophobic and like a fair amount of air flowing around them.

Whet your colour appetite by heading into your nearest garden centre and checking out the incredible array of colours snaps are available in, in both single and bi-colours. If you can think it, snaps have it. Except true blue. Snaps never quite managed true blue. www.lifeisagarden.co.za

FOR FINANCIAL SECURITY AND PEACE OF MIND

Rainfall Figures Measured at La Cotte/Nerina Street for periods indicated mm/year 2003

709

2005

916

2006

884

2007

1153

2008

1217

2009

978

Life cover • Disability/Income protection Dread disease cover • Medical Aids/Gap cover • Retirement Funding

740

Dam Levels

2014

824

2004

2010

PROFESSIONAL ADVICE ON

mm/month 2015

Month

Accumulative

Month

Accumulative

January

69

69

20

20

February

5

74

11

31

March

76

150

April

50

As at 16 March 2015 Steenbras Upper

82.5%

Steenbras Lower

46.8%

200

Wemmershoek

61.9% 57.9%

May

120

320

Voëlvlei

June

260

580

Theewaterskloof

64.0%

July

135

715

August

162

877

Berg River Dam

64.9%

2011

830

September

64

941

2012

1079

October

13

954

62.9%

2013

1471

November

72

1026

7

1033

This Time Last Year

1033

December

2014

Total Storage

59.8 - 93.0%

083 447 0797 • davidk@lifeforcefs.co.za

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

www.minimaxcinema.co.za

Ticket prices: 3D - R60 2D - R46 3D glasses available at R10 each Mondays & Tuesdays Special: Half Price

FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD 01 May

SOMER SON 8 May

Big Screen Magic

MAD MAX FURY ROAD 15 May

TOMORROWLAND 22 May

LIKE OUR PAGE ON

BARELY LETHAL 29 May

Subject to change without notice - We regret no complimentary tickets and vouchers are allowed during first week of any new release • TEL 021 872 0714/5 • New Street, Paarl

Franschhoek Tatler

14

Book Review

Charlotte van Zyl

Icarus (available in English in October 2015)

By Deon Meyer

Photo: Herman van Wyk

2015, Publ: Human and Rousseau 408 pages

with Ilse Schermers, curator at ISART Has Franschhoek become an art destination?

Franschhoek has definitely evolved into one of the country’s most vibrant art destinations over the past ten years.

Should a curator have artistic talent or is business acumen more important?

A fair share of both does help but firstly I think the love, appreciation and understanding of art is most important. Depending on the type of art gallery you run, it is important to have a solid understanding of business and figures. A commercial art gallery is like any other business – close attention has to be paid to administration and finance in order to grow and succeed.

You have been involved in a number of art collections and exhibitions on wine farms. Why are wineries and art a good fit?

Wine farms in the Cape have undergone a complete transformation over the past two decades. Where they primarily concentrated on the production of wine twenty years ago, they have now become ‘lifestyle’ destinations. When I first established my gallery on a wine farm, more than ten years ago, I venture to say that I was the only gallerist working from a designer wine farm at the time. A destination has to create a number of attractions for the public and good wine, food and art make a perfect combination as seen at Tokara and Lourensford Wine Estate, where I operate a sculpture garden and art gallery.

Your gallery interleads with a restaurant. Is there reciprocity between a restaurant and an art gallery?

IS Art and Foliage Restaurant make a pretty pair.

I have found that clients who are interested in good art are usually no strangers to good food and wine.

We were very lucky to find our current space where we could plan direct access and an easy flow between the gallery and the restaurant. As I mainly work with contemporary South African artists, an association with Chef Chris Erasmus, who, in my opinion, is a contemporary South African chef, makes for a winning combination. We also have the opportunity to place some of our artworks in the restaurant and change it on a regular basis – as we do our exhibitions.

Is there something you would never exhibit in Is Art? Never say never!!! Art is a constantly evolving and exploring field – something that is completely

irrelevant today may be very relevant in the future.

Who are the best clients, people who buy art because it’s beautiful, collectable or an investment? Who does what?

A bit of all of the above makes for a good client.

My first option would be for a client to purchase the work primarily because he loves the work and/or the work has some meaning for him. In my experience, if the work is good and it is realistically priced, the work should automatically become a future investment for the client. I do not believe in buying artwork purely for investment purposes.

Who are the most interesting new South African artists to look out for and what are they doing?

The young sculptors Isobel Mertz and Kobus la Grange; Lyndi Sales’s installations and work with paper; Lehlogonolo Mashaba’s works with and on paper and Nandipha Mntambo’s mixed media works, to mention a few.

If a collector said she had R100 000 to spend on art and asked you what she should buy in your gallery. What would you advise?

A Guy du Toit bronze sculpture; a sculpture by Wilma Cruise; a drawing by Diane Victor or Hanneke Benade; a painting by Sam Nthlangetwha; or a work

by Angus Taylor – but there are many more very talented artists that I can think of.

If an art lover wanted advice on how to spend R10 000, what would you suggest they buy?

Any works on paper by any of the established artists in that price range, a small sculpture by one of our good sculptors or visit the end of the year graduation exhibitions of the final year art students of Stellenbosch University or Michaelis Art School, who knows, you may just be buying your first ‘Kentridge’ or ‘Stern’.

Which is your favourite gallery in the world (apart from your own) and why?

I would probably choose the David Zwirner Gallery in New York and London for my favourite gallery space internationally as well as De Stedelijke Museum in Amsterdam for the type of work that they show.

Locally I like Michael Stevenson Gallery in Cape Town for their interesting exhibitions and always moving the boundaries of art in this country, as well as Dylan Lewis’s Sculpture Park near Stellenbosch for its sheer magnitude and beauty.

Very special home wanted for a very special dog Annette Phillips rescued Woofy – now renamed Harry – at the beginning of December 2014. His back leg had been severely injured in a car accident.

The leg was operated on, but due to the time elapsed between the accident and the operation, it did not heal and had to be amputated. Harry doesn’t seem to miss his fourth leg though and thinks he’s just like other dogs.

Harry is a small to medium dog with a big heart and relishes affection. He’s a wonderful watchdog, great with children and grew up with cats. Annette says ”I would like to keep him but with 4 cats, 2 dogs, a guest house and Barry [Annette’s husband] – I think that I have sufficient to look after. Please, consider giving him a forever home.”

Harry is neutered, vaccinated and dewormed. All medical expenses, should they occur, will be dealt with. He is currently in foster care as his possible forever home fell through because the landlords would not allow a dog.

Contact Annette Phillips at 021 876 3155 or info@ thegardenhouse.co.za

In the Boland you anticipate a new Deon Meyer thriller in the same way as you do the annual winter rain. It is entirely necessary for the well-being of the vineyards, and at the same you are apprehensive that it will not be as good as last year’s.

However, as you start Meyer’s latest book “Icarus” all your fears are allayed. The rain has fallen beautifully.

The story has all the familiar ingredients that we in the Boland crave.

Firstly, a setting that includes the KWV wine cellars in Paarl, a gracious winefarm called Klein Zegen somewhere between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek and a crooked IT business located in the oak-lined streets of the Eikestad.

Secondly, the usual Meyer characters are there to fight crime and to back each other up. There is Captain Bennie Griessel, older and, alas, not wiser, about to fall off the wagon. Torn between his love of the bottle and his love for Alexa, his steadfast ex-alcoholic mate. Then there’s detective Vaughn Cupido, anxiously taking responsibility for his first big case involving a murder investigation. This becomes a lot more complicated when he falls hopelessly in love with the beautiful Desiree Coetzee, the murdered man’s PA. Griessel and Cupido are surrounded by the usual supporting cast: Major Mbali Kaleni, fighting her weight as well as crime, detective Lithpel Davids now without the lisp that gave him his nickname and Thick and Thin

Dylan Lewis: An Untamed Force

By Dylan Lewis & Ian McCallum, Principal Photographer Gerda Genis Publ: Struik Nature

Dylan Lewis is regarded as one of the world’s finest wildlife sculptors.

His works grace wine estates, grand foyers and botanical gardens – even Franschhoek’s main road, outside EBONY. They are also snapped up by local and international collectors, galleries and institutions.

This publication picks up where a previous left off, but as Ian McCallum writes in the introduction “Every chapter, every phase of his work has fed and fuelled the next. There is an interacting circularity about his work. Trying to find where it begins and ends is like trying to discover the hiding place of a leopard. The fragmented forms, for example, appear – albeit veiled – very early in Dylan’s work. It is as if they have always been there, waiting.”

McCallum’s brief introduction reveals how the sculptor’s boyhood in a happily bohemian, natureloving and creative family inspired him, and traces his artistic development from what have come to be known as ‘the cat years’ to his current, more esoteric and mythical approach.

The book not only illustrates Lewis’s works, but also

May 2015 from forensics, the double act that misses nothing.

What about the murdered man? Wealthy young businessman Ernst Richter is found half-buried in the beach sand on Bloubergstrand. His controversial and morally shaky social website Alibi, run from a glitzy office in Stellenbosch, forges hotel receipts, airline tickets and anything else that might provide an alibi for errant husbands or partners. Predictably the firm has a clientele of slimy businessmen and creepy politicians who can afford to pay huge amounts of money to hide their indiscretions.

The clients’ identity is dangerous information to possess, and Alibi’s files pose a huge threat to powerful and unscrupulous men. The detective team starts to explore the company and its clients, assisted by the lovely Desiree.

At the same time, in a parallel narrative unfolding in alternate chapters, a young wine farmer, Francois du Toit, is telling advocate Susan Peires an epic tale involving a long line of du Toit patriarchs. As in all good Afrikaans epics the story includes a mixture of talented rugby-players, hardworking salt-of-the-earth wine farmers, saintly women, psychopaths and the KWV. (Actually the old apartheid KWV, not the present better guys.) The usual indigenous blend of sport, family inheritance and the blue mountains of the Boland.

As this story unfolds a whole herd of new suspects in the Richter murder appear, each more logically motivated than the other. Meyer has managed to create a double narrative with the greatest skill; each story blends with the other until the climax, which is completely unexpected. This is one murder mystery that you are not going to be able to outguess.

An extra bonus is that the story is aware of contemporary events in South Africa. The Pistorius murder trial, the Marikana massacre and other traumatic happenings provide a background of violence that makes the events surrounding the investigation appear to be credible and familiar. My vote is that this is the best Deon Meyer so far. I am looking forward to hearing him speak at this month’s Franschhoek Literary Festival. includes images of preliminary sketches and the artist at work. Works are not presented in chronological order, which highlights both the continuity and progression in Lewis’s work.

The works are mostly depicted outdoors, often in the sculpture garden behind Lewis’s studio. These are some of the most powerful images in the book. The image of two buffalo bulls guarding over the sculpture garden (p92-3) where real buffalo once roamed can be viewed both as an indictment of those who wiped them out and a reminder of what once was. Male Trans-Figure I (p144-5) rears up out of the landscape echoing the energetic shapes of the landscape behind it. Gerda Genis’s photography certainly does Lewis’s sculpture proud.

If there’s anything that detracts from the book it was the decision not to use captions on the relevant pages, but rather to collect them all near the end of the book – before a Q&A with the author, another odd positioning choice. Some readers may find it rewarding to have to flip backwards to access the captions as it allows for the formation of an own opinion before reading the caption, but this reviewer found it irritating instead.

Despite this reviewer’s doubts about the structure of the book there can be no doubt that it is a beautifully presented overview of and insight into Lewis’s work.

It should be on every South African art lover’s coffee table or bookshelf – as it is on mine.

Bussing balletomanes On the evening of 31 March a group of Franschhoekers boarded two Culture Vulture buses and headed for the Opera House at Artscape to attend a performance of the ballet Carmen.

Although one or two of the group had thought it would be an opera, they gracefully arabesqued into the idea of the ballet. The Graham Beck Brut and wines on offer added to the sense of occasion, as did the mouth-watering snacks on board the bus.

Merry discussion on the trip home confirmed everyone’s enjoyment of the sensual ballet and orchestral version of the familiar music so well performed by the Cape Town Philharmonic

Orchestra. Some of the swallows pointed out that, compared to overseas productions, Veronica Paeper’s Carmen was colourful, energetic and fun.

Compliments for Tracy Li’s guest performance in the leading role were profuse. She was ably partnered by Daniel Rajna.

The local JDJ Davids buses delivered everyone safely back in the village well before midnight and still in time for a good night’s sleep.

If you would like to receive information on future outings, please send your name, email address and cell phone number to news@franschhoektatler. co.za.

FLF Book Chat Explore the FLF Collection in our library!

The hundreds of books donated by the Literary Festival include South African history, memoirs, environmental issues, hot politics, cooking, gardening and a host of other subjects, as well as the latest novels.

Read some of the books by authors coming to

this year’s FLF, including Zelda le Grange’s Good Morning, Mr Mandela, Vernon Head’s The Search for the Rarest Bird in the World, Rehana Rossouw’s What Will People Say? and Malaika Wa Azania’s Memoirs of a Born-Free.

For a list of the books in the FLF Collection, email hobbsall@icon.co.za

May 2015

Franschhoek Tatler

Golden Oldies Cricket Festival The World Golden Oldies Cricket Festival is held every two years at a different location around the globe. This year the opportunity was given to Cape Town and the Cape Winelands, with the Groot Drakenstein Games Club being nominated as one of the pivotal clubs in the Winelands. The Golden Oldies movement defines participating players as those 40 years and older, but with the merger of the Vintage and Golden Oldies movements, players from 35 and older are being invited to play. Its objective is to encourage friendly cricket to be played in the spirit of Fun, Friendship and Fraternity.

The opening and closing ceremonies, emceed by former South African international, Mike Procter, were held at Newlands Cricket Ground and Ratanga Junction respectively. This was to accommodate the 1000 plus participants from 56 teams globally.

The festival took place from Sunday, 22 March, to Saturday, 28 March, with 28 games played on each of the Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Groot Drak was approached by three participating teams to play warm-up games the week prior to the festival. This resulted in it playing six foreign teams in two weeks, utilising 20 aging players to do so. A buffet lunch and a traditional sit-down dinner were arranged for each game. In addition to the six teams Groot Drak played, it was required to entertain six additional teams, which played at Bridge House School. This saw it entertain up to 100 people each playing day of the festival.

In the week ending Saturday, 21 March, Groot Drak played three games beating the Toronto Stragglers (Canada) and the Queensland Cricket Club (Brisbane, Australia) but going down to Griffith University (Brisbane, Australia). During the festival week it played and won all three against Cuckfield (England), CBC (Sydney, Australia) and Trinity Tigers (Sydney, Australia).

Attending the festival were many former

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BANNERS Former West Indies international, Sir Garfield Sobers, with Groot Drakenstein’s Colin Myburgh. internationals besides Mike Procter, who was the Golden Oldies cricket ambassador in South Africa.

Most notably attending the week were two former West Indians present to promote the next festival venue of Barbados, namely Sir Garfield Sobers and Joel Garner.

This is the eighth time the Groot Drakenstein Games Club has participated in Golden Oldies Festivals around the world since 1998 when it was first held in South Africa. This has been instrumental too in putting the Club, together with the extended valley, squarely on the cricketing map.

Richard von Hoesslin

Community cricket at Groot Drak On Saturday, 28 March 2015, the FGNA (Franschhoek Gentleman’s Networking Association) Third Annual 6-a-side Cricket Tournament was held at the Groot Drakenstein Games Club. It was a very causal social affair with three teams of six players each, made up of local Franschhoek community members as well some overseas visitors.

Team Purple Panthers, captained by David Kramer, consisted of Doug Gurr, Alta Wasserman, Karolyn Hawker, Joan and Trevor Ernstzen.

Team Rhino, captained by Neil Palmer and assisted by Alexander Palmer, was made up of David Foster, Kim Tracey, Kim Nicholi, Rhian du Plessis and visitor Johnathan Lewis.

The Harriers team were captained by Phil Harrison and were made up of Christy Harrison, Peter Harrison, Hugh Inkpen, David MacGinty, Robyn Kadis and replacement Matthew Tracey.

The three games were played in beautiful weather with the magnificent Franschhoek Mountains as a backdrop, allowing both players and spectators to enjoy a very pleasant day in the most picturesque setting. Although the games were played in the spirit of fun and not taken too seriously, the results were as follows: Game 1: Rhinos 36 (Rhian Du Plessis 15) v Harriers 33 (David MacGinty 9) Game 2: Harriers 54 (Matthew Tracey 21, Phil Harrison 20) v Purple Panthers 25 (Alta Wasserman 12) Game 3: Purple Panthers 35 (Doug Gurr 12) v Rhino 30 (David Foster 14) With each team winning a game, the finalists were

15

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decided on run difference. This meant the final was a showdown between the Harriers and the Rhinos. The final score: Harriers 62 (Matthew Tracey 20, Hugh Inkpen 22) v Rhinos 38 (Jonathan Lewis 14, Kim Tracey 16). Thus the 2015 Champions were Team Harriers! Congratulations to you all.

Thanks must go to Dallas van Zanten and her partner Philipe for preparing a wonderful lunch and to Neil Palmer for organising the event. Thanks also to everyone who took part – well played. The event was thoroughly enjoyed by all who participated and it is hoped that an additional tournament can be held later in the year.

Robyn Kadis

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and reliable. I’m not currently working and can start immediately. Call me on 078 087 5627 or 061 292 4007.

LOOKING FOR THAT SPECIAL BOOK and can’t find it? Call John at the Armchair Explorer, we will source it for you.

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Relax! Let RIAPOOLS bring the sparkle back to your pool. Call: 072 347 5355 BOOK BINDING AND BOOK REPAIRS. Contact John 021 876 4129 or john@thearmchair explorer.co.za RIAPOOLS is this area’s premier pool maintenance company. For advice please call: 072 347 5355

PET-SITTER/HOUSE-SITTER/ CARE-TAKER: I am a responsible, mature woman who adores animals.

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KITTENS AND DOGS looking for homes. Call Annette 021 876 3155 EXCESS BOOKS? Shelves creaking, moving house or just thinning out your collection? Contact John Hicks 021 876 4129 MAILBOXES: Postnet Franschhoek.

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May 2015

be viewed at Le Ballon Rouge Guest House. Tel. 021 876 2651.

FOR SALE: 1 Large chocolate brown L-shaped Coricraft couch. As New. R6 000. Tel 021 876 3100 TO LET: Flat for single person. Please call 021 876 2664 DOMESTIC WORKER: Charity Chimalizeni as 27-year-old Malawian is looking for a job as a domestic worker. She has 3 years’ experience. Call her at 061 376 3348 FOR SALE: “La Scala” coffee & espresso machine R10 000. Fireplace mantle in wood & marble R5 000. Can be viewed at Le Ballon Rouge Tel 021 876 2651 EMPLOYMENT – RETAIL: Mature lady seeking part-time work in the retail industry. Has many year’s managerial experience. Tel 021 876 2404 after 6 pm. .

COMPUTER TECH: For all your computer needs; hardware, software, virus removal and any other problems phone 083 314 3281. Based in Franschhoek. .

OFFICE SPACE TO LET: Prime position. Pristine condition Available 1 May 2015. Call. 0842470013 Smalls R30. Text Only, max 30 words. Leave, with payment, at Franschhoek Pharmacy before 15th of preceding month

TO LET: One bedroom flat. Separate kitchen. Electricity included. R4 000 p.m.

Tel 021 876 2404 after 6 pm .

NAME BADGES: PostNet Franschhoek. R75 each. Silver, gold or White plate. Magnet fastening.

Made on site – professional express service! Phone: 021 876 3025 / Email: franschhoek@postnet.co.za INTL NEWSPAPERS: PostNet Franschhoek. Available daily, place a monthly order pre-paid and receive 10% discount. All orders must be confirmed in writing by email. Phone: 021 876 3025 or email: franschhoek@postnet.co.za DOMESTIC OR CHILD MINDER: My name is Precious. I’m looking for a job as a housekeeper, house cleaner or child minder. I have experience in these fields. I’m honest, hardworking

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PO Box 92, Franschhoek, 7690 Tel 021 876 3460 Email info@franschhoektatler.co.za Editor Siegfried Schäfer Layout Gail Abrahams Printing Signet Printers Subscriptions 12 Issues - R200/Overseas R400 Copyright: All rights reserved, reproduction in whole or part prohibited. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the editor. Publication of editorial or advertising matter does not imply endorsement or warranty in respect of goods or services therin described.

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May 2015

Franschhoek Tatler

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FRANSCHHOE K

Franschhoek Tatler

18

May Calendar 3 May

Wings for Life World Run Venue: Boschendal Estate.

Time: 13h00. Info: www. wingsforlifeworldrun.com/ capetown.

9 May

St George’s Parish Bazaar Venue: Groot Drakenstein Games Club. Time: 10h00

15, 16, 17 May

Franschhoek Literary Festival Venue: Various in the village. Time: from 10h00. Cost: R70 per event Tickets: www.webtickets.co.za

16 May

Christopher Duigan piano recital Venue: DR Church. Time: 12h00 Cost: R100. Tickets: www. webtickets.co.za or the door

16 May

Opera evening with Violina Anguelov, Lukhanyo Moyake, Christopher Duigan Venue: Café Bon Bon. Time: 17h00. Cost: R450 p.p. includes 3 course meal. Tickets: Café Bon Bon 021 876 3936

16 May

Bassoonist Lecolion Washington, pianist Luis Magalhaes Venue: La Motte Historic Cellar Time: 19h00. Cost: R170. Tickets: 021 876 8000 or concerts@lamotte.co.za

17 May

Classical guitarist James Grace Venue: DR Church. Time: 12h00 Cost: R100. Tickets: www. webtickets.co.za or at the door

17 May

Pianist Christopher Duigan, violinist Joanna Frankel

Venue: Café Bon Bon. Time: 13h00. Cost: R450 pp includes 3 course meal. Tickets: Café Bon Bon 021 876 3936

Uniting Reformed Church Sunday service: 09h30. Minister: Dr Shaun Burrows, 021 876 2632 All visitors most welcome.

Mondays & Thursdays

Shofar Christian Church 08h30 English service, 10h00 Joint tea & coffee, 10h30 Afrikaans service & 18h00 Evening service (last Sunday of every month) 7 Lambrechts Ave, Franschhoek. Ps Theuns Pauw 021 876 3348

Tuesdays

Roman Catholic Church Mass every 2nd Saturday of the month at the Methodist Church, Bagatelle Rd, Fhk. 073 488 6816

Iyengar-Style Yoga Classes at Artemis barn, 18h00-19h00.

Friday morning 08h00 – 09h00.

Ladies class (pre/post natal, menopausal, recuperative) Contact Danielle on 073 388 1404.

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

Fridays Friday Night Live @ La Petite Ferme A la carte dinner and live music al fresco style. Venue: La Petite Ferme. Time: 18h00 – 21h30. Cost: R50 cover charge Reservations: 021 876 3016

Saturdays Franschhoek Village Market Breads, olives, ginger beer, pastries, plants, seedlings, breakfasts, coffee, crafts and more. Venue: Dutch Reformed Church Grounds.

Time: 09h00 – 14h00

Church Services NG Kerk Franschhoek Sondagdienste 09h30. Geen aanddiens meer nie. Ds Peet Bester. 021 876 2431.

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

Trinity Church Anglican Communion Service Sundays 10h00.

Weekday Communion with Prayers Wednesdays 10h00. All services at L’Ermitage Chapel. Fr Gavin Mitchell (083 799 0726) or Fr Michael Pedder (082 460 7833).

ST George’s Anglican 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 contact 021 876 4184.

May 2015

Jyotish Vedic Astrology Robert Rittel

Aries, 21 March – 19 April: The energetic and fiery element of Mars has moved into the constellation of Taurus and eases itself with comfort and leisure. In the southern hemisphere, where the winter months are in season, things are slowing down. Restore your mental abilities with good literature and avoid using the word ‘if ’.

Taurus, 20 April – 20 May: Venus in Gemini brings out the social and communicative side in us.

The people we know and respect are the real stepping stones to our success. Does happiness depend upon comfort with others? The answer is definitely a big, ‘No! ’ Happiness lies in the quality of your mind and the awareness of your senses with your soul.

Gemini, 21 May – 20 June: Mercury traveling through its own sign is always good for profound written or verbal contracts and agreements. All lawyers will tell you that you have to ‘read the small print’ and that you have the right to change any details.

Do not get intimidated by big names and institutions.

Exercise your rights.

Cancer, 21 June – 22 July: Your emotional awareness is the proprioception that comes from your nervous system as a whole. Its input comes from the sensory receptors of your vision, hearing, smell, touch and sight. Proprioceptive ability can be trained to assist you in controlling your overwhelming reactions.

Leo, 23 July – 22 August: The messages that you receive are the symbols of your internal reality and the manifestation of your circumstances. The language of the symbols is the acceptance of your sacred ‘protection’. All living stories maintain those mysteries.

Jupiter, the planet of grace, expansion and faith, is in your favour; listen to the universe inside you.

Virgo, 23 August – 22 September: The constellation of the Virgin is all about refinement and many tedious tasks. Everybody thinks the bigger the better, but our planet in space is small. God knows

A While Ago May 2010

Franschhoek honours its farm workers The Franschhoek Wine Valley Tourist Association has given recognition to the Franschhoek Vignerons farm workers by awarding the Farm Worker of the Year Award, at the 2010 Oesfees at Solms Delta, in Franschhoek, held on 27 March 2010. The aim of the award was to establish role models for farm workers and in doing so encourage service excellence.

In what has become a prestigious award in the community to be held on an annual basis, vignerons members were asked to nominate one or more of their farm workers. Members of staff at the participating farms were also given the opportunity

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how important that miracle is for all. He gets weary about great kingdoms and names, but never tired of a little prayer.

Libra, 23 September – 22 October: As long as the present spirit of humanity has commercialism and materialism as ideals, they’re protecting the false master. Gains by the loss of another cannot be profitable. The scale of justice is a heavenly symbol which represents the balance and exchange of real values, such as an idea or the intuitive creativity, against real appreciations and not mediocre pretence.

Scorpio, 23 October – 21 November: In the antiquity of astrology, Scorpio plays the most important role in our life: the time of transformation, the time of struggle and the testing ground of your spirit. The place of miracles and endurance; for great souls need to struggle, because they can. The emotional healing is in you; trust the unknown.

Sagittarius, 22 November – 21 December: Saturn the planet of time keeping and restrictions on time is forcing you to be diligent and patient. Think wise and in terms of a long road ahead. Your natural expectation of immediate success will not work. Only true free will and circumstances falling into place have realistic potential.

Capricorn, 22 December – 19 January: You are an evolving soul participating in the evolution of an embracing creative intelligence. Your daily experience is seen in the context of this intelligence supporting your highest attainment and realization of the understanding to your service as a part of the universal love.

Aquarius, 20 January – 18 February: The illuminated soul does not seek after occult power, but occult powers come to them. We all have the creativity to express the inheritance of our ancestors that lives in the language of symbolic meanings and visions we embrace. Exercise has the quality of healing in it; the water bearer pours that knowledge onto humanity.

Pisces, 19 February - 20 March: Faithfulness has a fragrance that is perceptible in the atmosphere of grace.

It is the faith in you and in that spirit, which needs to be attained as much as you are dear to your loved ones and all nature and animals you embrace. To know the life within you is the joy that comes from the light of your soul. to nominate a colleague.

An independent panel of judges interviewed participants, and the winner as well as all of the candidates, was awarded a training programme funded by the wine industry, to promote his or her career. The training programme will be completed in consultation with their employer, as well as the panel of judges.

A few of the attributes the panel were looking for were dedication, responsibility, knowledge, interpersonal relations and community participation.

Jacques Daniels of Franschhoek Pass Winery was the overall winner, who, besides receiving the training programme as part of his prize, also received cash, gift vouchers and a trophy. His fellow nominees included Susan Davids (Glenwood), Paul April (La Bri), Clive Cupido (Mont Rochelle), Saul Willemse (Mont Rochelle), Andries van der Westhuizen (Plaisir de Merle), Frederick Fischer (Solms Delta) and Jeffrey van der Merwe (Solms Delta).

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STORAGE

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TOURIST INFORMATION & SERVICES

Info Office Winelands Experience

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TRANSPORT GOODS

Gerald Fourie

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VETERINARY

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EMERGENCY NUMBERS

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021 808 8123/021 808 8888 10111/021 876 8061 086 003 7566 083 493 7778 021 852 3318 021 876 2346

DENTISTS

Dr Schalk du Plessis Dr Rob Hammer

021 876 3070 021 876 2634

DOCTORS

Dr Tracey Garner Dr Shelley Hellig Dr Alexander Heywood Dr Hannes Van der Merwe

021 876 4622 021 871 1063 021 876 2474 021 876 2304

EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONSE

Medicare EMR

074 363 7794/021 876 4316

MUNICIPALITY

(Ward 1) Councillor Frazenburg (DA) (Ward 2) Councillor Ntsunguri (ANC) (Ward 3) Councillor August (DA) (Ward 4) Councillor Johnson (DA) Municipality (Office Hours) Municipality (afternoon only) Municipality 24hr Service

021 808 8490 021 808 8754 021 808 8186 021 808 8019 021 808 8700 021 808 8890 021 808 8700

May 2015

Franschhoek Tatler

19

The Pros and Cons of growth versus cash flow on property

Lower-segment property price growth drives higher segment growth

Just back from another visit to Australia, Bill Rawson, Chairman of the Rawson Property Group, reports that to his surprise, in the Australian property media, the pros and cons of capital growth versus cash flow on property is still being debated at length.

“I thought that the last word on this subject had been said some time ago because of course there is usually a high connection between good rentals and capital appreciation. If you achieve good rentals you will usually also get significant capital appreciation and vice versa. However, those interviewed in the Australian property press made many points that are as relevant in South Africa as they are to Australia.”

Those backing capital growth, said Rawson, argue (to quote an article in the Australian Property Investor) that genuine wealth is achieved when the value of your assets double in every growth cycle. These, as in South Africa, usually cover time periods of seven to ten years, but in some cases they can be as short as five years.

To achieve this very valuable doubling, the rental income has to be supplemented by significant capital appreciation.

Most people agree that new property in general appreciates faster than old property and this outlook in South Africa and Australia is encouraged by certain tax allowances on new property.

Several investors interviewed, said Rawson, tipped the CBD peripheral sectional title properties as likely to offer the best opportunities for growth, particularly if they are close to public transport and good facilities such as schools and retail complexes.

“It is noteworthy that most advised avoiding the really luxurious top-priced properties in favour of the medium-priced units. We have found the same approach tends to work in South Africa.

“One investor, Cam McLellan, who invests almost exclusively in residential property in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, was quoted as saying that his researchers always begin with the elimination of markets that common sense indicates are not as well positioned as they might be or have been performing so well that they may well be nearing the overvaluation stage.

“McLellan says that he then waits for a stagnation or even a downturn period in the property market before buying. The adverse conditions at these times make it possible to obtain a good price as there is less competition.”

“Later when the property market does begin to show real signs of life he may liquidate some of his equity and buy again in the lower price brackets.”

Luxury lifestyle estates are increasingly benefiting from a growing number of buyers moving up into the higher-value markets. Estimates reflect around 318 000 residential properties within secure gated communities, with a combined value of R643 billion at an average of R2 million per property (almost three times more than the national average of R700 000 per home). Fifty percent of these are in Gauteng and 25% in the Western Cape.

This was some of the information shared yesterday morning at the debut Lightstone Overview of the Property Industry press conference held at Pearl Valley Golf & Country Estate outside Paarl in the Western Cape.

Forecasting in 2014 a year-on-year house price inflation figure of 6,7%, property-specialised risk management company Lightstone reported an actual price growth rate of 6,72%, with a steady performance in the higher-end markets throughout last year. The value of price growth was its highest since the 2008 subprime mortgage crisis, with lowvalue price growth leading the pack by just under 30%, followed by mid-value, high and luxury.

The ongoing demand for more formal housing throughout South Africa has driven the strong price growth in the lower- to middle-segment markets.

And, adds Paul-Roux de Kock, Analytics Director for Lightstone, “Growing demand in the lower-value markets has a longer term positive impact on the high-end categories. South Africans want to grow, to increase their net worth, and ultimately to afford that dream home that offers all the benefits associated with success.”

Sales of Pearl Valley’s newly released developer erven is mirroring this trend, with a growing demand among younger buyers for freehold stands which allows them to establish their dream country home for the first time.

Although price growth forecasts are pegged at 7,2% for 2015 for a potential high road scenario where GDP grows more than expected, a demand for security in the face of deteriorating crime statistics, and aggravating factors such as labour unrest, will pose the biggest threat yet to the property market, as these reduce the purchasing power of buyers and bank risk appetite in the low- and mid-value markets.

Lightstone therefore forecasts a more realistic residential price growth of around 5.8% for 2015.

De Kock says he’s “cautiously optimistic” about what this year holds for the South African property

Bill Rawson

“This advice is quite clearly sound, but it is worth commenting that in South Africa many new projects continue to show significant capital appreciation five, ten or more years after their completion – to the surprise of those who still stick firmly to bubble burst philosophies.”

One of those promoting the income earning potential as a priority defined it as “achieving a rental yield that is well above current interest rates” – in Rawson’s opinion a worthwhile definition – but the same spokesman warned that mediocre investments will often continue to perform badly in perpetuity, or if revived in some way or other may take anything up five years to give the same sort of returns as a good investment.

Most of those quoted in the Australian Property Investor also conceded, said Rawson, that once good rentals are achieved, capital appreciation tends to follow – which has also been his experience.

While virtually all those quoted advocated continual on-going buying of property stock, provided the investor has reserves to ride out bad periods, many warned against overextending oneself in this field.

Jessica Darnbrough of Mortgage Choices said that overextending in boom periods is probably the biggest mistake that investors make.

Concluding his comments, Rawson said that it was quite apparent from the comments made by those interviewed that to achieve their goals they had all had to take fairly tough lifestyle austerity measures.

“The message coming through loud and clear from these successful entrepreneurs,” said Rawson, “is that sacrifices will initially be necessary – but in the long term they will be very well worth making.” www.rawson.co.za | 072 991 6272 (Janice Hicks)

Pearl Valley Golf & Country Estate

market. “The market is positive and banking activity reflects that.”

In the higher-value markets, around 60% of property transactions are bonded, with over 85% of bonds granted being for primary loans as opposed to further advances or switches. Average mortgagelender loan-to-value of primary bonds range from 82% to 93%, depending on the bank, with deposits of between 7% and 18% required.

“We realise the enormous financial and socioeconomic benefits that a stable development like Pearl Valley can have not only for its residents and potential buyers, but for affiliated communities connected with real estate, golf or tourism,” comments Gawie Marx, General Manager, Pearl Valley Golf & Country Estate. “We are pursuing this through the rollout of our Master Plan, which includes the establishment of a super-luxury hotel by the Mantis Group comprising 80 rooms and other estate development projects such as the expansion of our equestrian centre”.

“Investors are staying,” Marx explains. “Once they’ve built their dream home and are enjoying the benefits of secure country living, the winelands lifestyle and seeing their children educated in top-end schools, the chances of them selling are minimal.”

44% of the Estate’s residents were existing owners for more than 5 years, with at least 10% of the total residents figure being owners for 11 years and more.

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