The Huguenot Memorial Museum is one of Franschhoek’s top tourist attractions
The Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger said: “This is excellent news, which once again puts a Western Cape destination on the world-map, at precisely the time we are looking to boost our visitor numbers far beyond their 2019 levels.” She continued: “Just in this past week, we have learnt how our visitor numbers from key source markets are recovering to pre-pandemic levels, and that two Western Cape restaurants are in the global top 100 list. Together, this reminds us that there is still so much on offer in our beautiful province, with its diversity of experiences being amongst the best in the world. I encourage South Africans, in particular, to get out and see the beauty our province has to offer.”
Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Etienne Botha
“It isn’t difficult to see where Franschhoek gets its flair - from the majestic mountains surrounding the historic village to an endless array of activities, from internationally acclaimed wine farms to a wide array of local businesses. This gem of a town has cemented itself not only as South Africa’s culinary capital but also as a must-see for any local and international tourist. We are proud that Franschhoek has made this prestigious list and welcome all visitors to our valley with open arms. Their continued support sustains thousands of jobs,” said Mayor van Deventer. CEO of Franschhoek Tourism, Ruth McCourt added: “We are immensely proud that our valley that has been recognized (once again) as one of the “greatest places” in the world to visit. We continue to strive for and celebrate the diversity of our unique village that attracts both local and international visitors. And indeed, puts the whole of South Africa on the world tourism stage.” Minister Wenger concluded: “When I was sworn in as Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, I said that I was on the job for jobs. Leveraging our tourism and hospitality sector to do so is one of my priorities, and so, we will focus on removing the barriers that stand in the way of this sector, boost our destination marketing, and connect our region to more places around the world.”
PUMP TRACK OUTDOOR DINING SOUTH AFRICAN TABLE SHOPPING ROTISSERIE RESTAURANT PIZZA!WINE TA S TIN G YO U R FAVOURITE SPOT I N F R A N S C H H O E K ! ww w leop a rd s le a p co .z a Tel: +27 (0)21 876 8002 Email: info@leopardsleap.co.za R45 Main Road, Franschhoek Join our online community! Leopard s Leap W ine leopardleapwine leopardsleapT
The Mayor of Stellenbosch Municipality, Gesie van Deventer, joined Minister Wenger in welcoming the announcement.
This collection includes 50 destinations from around the world that Time’s correspondents and contributors nominated for exploring because of the destination’s offer of “new and exciting experiences.”
Scan the QR code to read the Tatler online Page 2 inEngineerCharge Page 12 inGardeningSeptember Page 14 WordsworthQ&A: Staff FRANSCHHOEK’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AND ADVERTISER SINCE 1994 • SEPTEMBER 2022 Computerised & General DENTISTRY Dr Schalk Du Plessis, B.Ch.D (Stell) | Pr No. 054 000 0507989 Tel 021 876 3070 Mobile 079 546 9266 (emergencies only) 2 Uitkyk St, Franschhoek, wwwdrduplessisdental@gmail.7690comfranschhoekdentist.co.zaDENTALPRACTICE Du Plessis Same-day Dentistry: Cerec Crowns TDentalVeneersImplantsInlayseethWhiteningOralHygienist Village Artisan at Franschhoek Physiotherapy TRACY-ANN MORRIS Audiologist and practice owner Thinking of selling? Aimee Campbell 072 693 4052 FullwithRegisteredthePPRAStatusAgent Unit 9, 62 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek 021 007 0673 | Email: aimee@greeff.co.za Carrick Campbell 071 502 3517 FullwithRegisteredthePPRAStatusAgent Franschhoek on Time’s 2022 Greatest Places List Franschhoek has made Time Magazine’s prestigious list of ‘World’s Greatest Places’ for 2022.
Stellenbosch Municipality was unable to assist as they are legally prohibited from using municipal resources in areas that don’t belong to them. The landowner – the National Department of Water and Sanitation – is simply not up to the task. Paul Silberman, owner of Paintsmiths Franschhoek, and Kim Nicolay, got the Paintsmiths Group’s supplier of Midas Paints, Dekro Paint, to donate 250-litre plastic drums that could be used as refuse bins. Several of these have now had an anti-littering message added to them and have been attached to posts in the worst-affected areas.
Bins for the Berg River Dam
Stellenbosch Municipality welcomed its new Director: Infrastructure Services, Mr Shane Chandaka, at the beginning of August. He succeeds Mr Deon Louw who had reached mandatory retirement age. Municipal Manager Geraldine Mettler said in a press statement that Mr Chandaka brings with him a wealth of experience in civil engineering, project design, public sector funding assessment and disbursement, as well as the management of large-scale infrastructure projects in the public sector. Mr Chandaka spent more than six years at the Western Cape Government as the Regional Director for Human Settlement Implementation and Provincial Planning and before that he served as the Director of Provincial Infrastructure at Provincial Treasury. Further to this, he spent more than eight and a half years at the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and before that he was a consulting civil engineer at Stewart Scott/ RHDHV International for more than five years. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Stellenbosch University as well as a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc. Engineering) Degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Mr Shane Chandaka, Stellenbosch Municipality’s new Director: Infrastructure Services
Franschhoek Rugby Club’s dynamic play on the pitch and vibrant atmosphere in the stadium on match days has won passionate support from its fans – the biggest support base in the region. In July it concluded a 10-year agreement that will see performance taken to the next level.
Franschhoek at Decorex
Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Supplied Refuse bins have been installed at the Berg River Dam through a private initiative.
Vuyisa Potina - 073 230 1337 | Cindy Douglas - 072 3833 227 | Stuart Douglas 082 3906 465 Text & Image: Editorial Desk Fltr: Stuart Douglas, Cindy Douglas and Vuyisa Potina
Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Stb Municipality
As Stellenbosch Municipality isn’t allowed to service the bins either, an alternative arrangement had to be made. The Franschhoek cleaning crew – sponsored by Paintsmiths, PicknPay, Tapasco and BP Garage – will regularly empty the bins and ensure that the mostly recyclable content is responsibly disposed of. Franschhoek Engineering kindly cut off the lids of the bins and installed them, as their contribution to the Irmelaeffort.Alberts, co-chair of the FHRPA, said: “It is gratifying to see members of our organisation taking the bull by the horns and solving real problems for our community. Community efforts can do a great deal to improve our environment and living conditions and relieve strain on our local authorities.”
2 | September 2022
“We believe that his years of experience, wealth of knowledge, understanding of public sector infrastructure projects and commitment to good governance practices makes him a massive asset to our municipality,” Ms Mettler concluded.
Another Win for Franschhoek Rugby
Text: Editorial Desk | Image:
Stuart Douglas has been making top-end solid wood furniture and cabinetry since 2005. His unwavering commitment to quality is apparent in the DouglasBuilt dado-rabbet jointed furniture and birch plywood and solid wood cabinetry offering. The solid wood furniture, along with numerous sculptured commissioned pieces, are all ergonomically considered and centred on dadorabbet joinery: this is a form of joinery that draws inspiration from the late Sam Maloof, the great American chair maker, and that Stu has adapted and refined to fit his own style. With an appreciation for comfort and for beautiful visible joinery (including finger joints and dovetails), once a sound form of wood-on-wood jointing is perfected, very little glue and no fasteners or splines are required, and a range of shaping options opens up.
True State Management is among the programme partners at Train Camp Franschhoek, and the Performance Management, Naming Rights and Fashion Partnership agreement it signed with the club represents a ground-breaking investment in community club rugby. The goal is to make the high performance services at Train Camp available to Franschhoek’s local players. George Collins, the club’s chairman, reflected on its history, the challenges it has faced, and the importance of the agreement. “Franschhoek Rugby Club was established in 2003, following a merger between the local Mountain Rocks and Groendal clubs. Located in a previously disadvantaged community characterised by drug and alcohol abuse, gangsterism and rising unemployment among the youth, the club has become a rallying point for the community. In the face of ongoing financial difficulty, the dedication of the players has seen them contest the Western Province Rugby Union’s second highest league competition for the past four years and earn the respect of the rugby community.”“Theclub has no source of stable income, and depends almost entirely on ticket sales and fundraisers,” he added. “This is an amazing opportunity for the players that will build the character and discipline that are invaluable in their lives off the pitch as well. We’re looking forward to building a positive working relationship between our team and theirs, and making Franschhoek Rugby Club a name to remember.” Train Camp’s Commercial Manager, Darryn Marshall, explained what the partnership means for rugby in Franschhoek, saying “Our role is to support the development of the players’ performance through medical, physio and conditioning services, and players from the rugby programme at the campus will also be introduced to the club’s ranks. The agreement will provide much-needed funding for the day-to-day cost of maintenance, operations and growing the club’s membership and fan base.” “It’s an honour to play this role for Franschhoek Rugby Club,” he added. “This region has a remarkable legacy of iconic players and exciting, skilful rugby. With the right interventions, and access to world-class strength & conditioning and medical expertise, we aim to maximise performance on match day – and showcase the talent we have in the Franschhoek Valley.” Luke Ochse
Three Franschhoek creative businesses took part in Decorex Cape Town 2022 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre form 16 - 19 June 2022.
Local hikers, bikers and dog walkers alike have long had a complaint in common – the amount of litter strewn about the Berg River Dam area, particularly after a weekend. Two committee members of the Franschhoek Heritage and Ratepayers Association (FHRPA) decided to do something about the problem.
Like many others, Paul Silberman and Kim Nicolay have long been appalled by the mess often found at both ends of the Berg River Dam; an area that is supposed to be pristine. While some people will always litter – education level seems to have little to do with it – part of the problem was that there simply were no refuse bins in these areas.
Potina Ceramics’ smoke-fired pottery utilizes classic round shapes that innovate in design and methodology. Each unique piece of white porcelain clay is inspired by a natural palette of bone and wood, creating subtle but altogether impressive works of art. Vuyisa Potina discovered his love for ceramics as a small boy, fashioning small models of oxen from hand-dug clay as he tended cattle in rural South Africa. Coco Africa, led by Cindy Douglas, is a small enterprise workshop specialising in designing and manufacturing unique, innovative, comfortable and useful everyday products. Each item is skilfully crafted by gifted local craftsmen from the Franschhoek community. The team focuses on the highest standards of manufacturing, joinery and finishing. This artistry results in the beautiful smooth finish, a trademark of Coco Africa’s products.
Engineer in Charge
The FLF’s supporters include: Protea Boekhuis, LAPA, NB-Uitgewers/ Publishers, Porcupine Ridge, Penguin Random House SA, New Africa Books and Seabourne Logistics ZA. Save the date for the next festival 19-21 May 2023!
Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Twitter HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco poses with one of the “OurVisionTogether” artworks at the 150th Open in Scotland.
On 11 August the FLF, its members and supporters donated books to the value of R200,000 to four primary schools (Wemmershoek, Wes-Eind, Dalubuhle and Groendal) in the valley. Included in the donation were thick, comfortable carpets to keep budding readers warm during storytelling and reading in the libraries. The FLF also donated stationery, printers and heaters.
Text: Editorial Desk | Image: FLF Dalubuhle Primary School learners with some of the books donated to their school library.
The first two works were bought by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and Sheikh Abdullah Kamel from Saudi Arabia. The NFTs were handed to them on the side lines of the 150th Open in Scotland.
Visitors to the Franschhoek Literary Festival (FLF) may not all know it, but the real purpose behind the festival is to raise money to support libraries in underprivileged schools in the Franschhoek Valley.
Local Artist Creates NFTs with Princess Charlene Franschhoek artist, Junaid Seneshal-Senekal, has been commissioned by Princess Charlene of Monaco to create fifteen paintings that will be sold as non-fungible tokens (NFTS). The first work in the series is a stylised portrait of the Princess.
Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Train Camp
FLF Donates to Libraries
FWT_Cape Town Tourism Advertisement - Visitors Guide (A5).pdf 1 2022/01/31 2:21 PM
Franschhoek’s status as a training destination for top athletes got off to an early start in July, with Train Camp hosting six swimmers from Angola ahead of their participation in the African and Junior World Championships. African swimmers have been grabbing headlines over the past few years, with the biggest surprise coming from Tunisian Ahmed Hafnaoui at the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo. The 18-year-old made it to the final of the men’s 400m freestyle final with the slowest qualifying time, relegating him to the outside lane where the water is more turbulent – but stunned the swimming world, and himself, by touching the wall ahead of the Australian and American favourites. The global aquatics federation, FINA, has focused on growing the sport in developing nations – and the number of African medallists on the podium. Tunisia hosted the CANA Senior African Championships at the end of August, and two members of the Angolan national team stayed in Franschhoek while preparing for the competition.
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African Swimmers Head to Franschhoek
The Princess announced the project on her Instagram account in July, shortly after returning to Monaco from an extended stay in South Africa. NFTs “are artworks that are sold virtually, and have a digital ownership certificate.”
The series of artworks is called “OurVisionTogether”.TheNFTswillbe sold in aid of the #feed2gether initiative, which is led by the Princess Charlene Foundation, in partnership with SA golfing great Louis Oosthuizen’s LOUIS57 Foundation. Oosthuizen’s foundation feeds South African children in need. Announcing the project, Princess Charlene wrote that she is “excited” about it and thanked Seneshal-Senekal, “who put his heart and soul into this creation, as well as his health for fasting for the entire duration of this work. What he experienced is a tragic reality for many and something most take for granted everyday. It highlights the importance of this project.”
The request from the Angolan Swimming Federation for high-performance coaching and strength and conditioning support coincided with the completion of the ground-floor south wing at Train Camp Franschhoek’s Commune Olympique residential hostel at the end of July. Although the six swimmers in the programme were coached in Stellenbosch, it proved an excellent opportunity to bring them to stay in Franschhoek – travelling by shuttle to training and back, with a wake-up call as early as 05h00 to make some of the morning sessions in the pool. With the residence not yet fully complete, dinners were hosted in the village – and the swimmers, and their Train Camp shuttle, became a familiar sight in the town. After a medical clearance by local GP Dr Nic Els, the swimmers underwent comprehensive assessments of body composition, dietary planning, and strength & conditioning testing. The coaching programme was headed by Cedric Finch in his capacity as one of Swimming SA’s National Head Coaches, who assessed and developed their technique, pacing, mental conditioning and competitive fitness. By all reports the programme was a resounding success. Within weeks the swimmers had all achieved personal best times in their preferred competitive events, and even broken an Angolan national age group record. Once the FINA Development Centre opens in 2023, Franschhoek can look forward to many more of these visitors –as the temporary home of Africa’s future Olympic medallists.
4 | September 2022 Please report all water, electrical, roads, stormwater, refuse removal and area cleaning issues to the Municipality directly: Stellenbosch / Klapmuts / Kayamandi / Jamestown / Raithby 021 808 8215 / 8953 / 8343 Dwarsrivier Region / Franschhoek 021 808 8632 AFTER HOURS FOR ALL REGIONS 021 808 8890 / 8891 Alternatively, send an email engineering.services@stellenbosch.gotov.zaor WhatsApp us on 0769510768 If we don’t know about it, we cannot fix it!
La Cotte Farm, founded in 1694, is situated on the fringe of the Franschhoek Village. The historic homestead, that dates back to 1836, is now home to the La Cotte Franschhoek Farmhouse Restaurant.
Text: Leila Shirley | Image: Huguenot Museum The Huguenot Memorial is rich in symbolism.
Surrounded by lush gardens and majestic oak trees, the stylish and tasteful décor that one experiences is in keeping with the new winter menu that chef Neethling has created for the season ahead. Seat yourself next to a crackling fire or soak up a ray of winter light in our conservatory whilst embracing a special moment in time. Our kitchen sources ethical and sustainable produce as well as vegetables from our garden that are harvested daily. From our freerange eggs with our farmstyle breakfasts to leasurely lunches with friends and family, La Cotte welcome you!
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Although most of us shudder to think of our country’s often brutal historical passages, it is from thence that we have emerged a democratic nation that may celebrate one of the most progressive and inclusive Constitutions in the world. We may have much work to do in living up to the ideals enshrined in the Constitution, but this need not be discouraging. It’s in our everyday encounters with people of other colours, genders, traditions and beliefs that we may learn to practice tolerance and find resonance with the notion of the rainbow nation. This does not need to be politically motivated. Rather, we may learn to see that our humanity reaches beyond these artificial boundaries made out to be impenetrable by way of divisive Considerpropaganda.how,for Zulu people, this public holiday is Shaka Day, celebrating the memory of this remarkable Zulu leader who was able to unite disparate clans and organize them into a formidable military force. Although his policies were characterized by brutality and ruthless expansion, Shaka was a potent unifying and organizing force. And this latter aspect of his legacy may aptly be invoked for the purposes of Heritage Day and the underlying motif of strength in diversity and the promotion of fundamental equality.
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As you are no doubt aware, Heritage Day on 24 September year celebrates of diversity. This holiday provides an opportunity to acknowledge how the history of country has moulded us in our respective ways as South Africans. Despite differences, we find ourselves unified behind many causes and ideas which have shaped us collectively. It was a collective effort that allowed us, having reached the cusp of economic and sociopolitical catastrophe, to emerge from the autocratic and bigoted rule of the Apartheid era.
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Franschhoek, too, is steeped in cultural heritage, a unique part of which is associated with French Huguenots that arrived in South Africa in the late 1600s. The Huguenots were Protestant refugees persecuted in France for their religious practices. They are, therefore, a potent symbol of the search for religious tolerance. The culture brought with them has left a lasting impact on South Africans, who have inherited, amongst other skills and practices, the viniculture around which the local economy revolves. As a Franschhoek resident, why not take the opportunity to delve into the history of the Huguenots by paying the museum and the monument a visit this month? The monument is a beautiful tribute to meditate upon, representing the departure from religious and cultural oppression and the movement towards a life of greater freedom. The freedoms enshrined in our Constitution are perhaps best enjoyed while engaging in that most unifying of all South African practices: the braai. The braai is a tradition which spans across all cultures in South Africa. It is just as popular amongst the Afrikaans as amongst the Zulus. The Zulu name is ‘Chesa Nyama’ which describes the vibrant braais of township residents. What could be more authentically South African than enjoying a glass of wine and some braaivleis this Heritage Day?
Heritage Day
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Opening hours: 10h00 - 18h00 Wednesday to Sunday
The business of winemaking is often both exacting and exciting, as is the final event, selling it. With literally hundreds of competitors it is necessary to explore all means of creating sales. Not easy. From personal experience, I am very much aware of the need to have an excellent product and confidence enough to establish a loyalty factor. While knocking on doors is one way, at the other end of the scale we have mass appeal. The other day, actually the other evening, I watched captivated as a young ‘marketing’ lady strutted her stuff at a wine tasting dinner in Riebeeck Kasteel. The lady represented one of the Walker Bay vineyards outside the Hemel an Aarde Valley and she presented her wines to a full house at The Barn restaurant. Happily this was a pleasantly informal tasting. There was none of the pairing a wine with each course stuff. Indeed, there was only one course which could be chosen from a short list, so that some had red meat and some not, a useful variation. The accent was on the wine itself and the sales pitch, equally informal, was speckled with amusing family anecdotes which produced a sea of smiles. I happened to be seated at the same table as the presenter. While dinner was served she went from table to table collecting orders. Her plate was untouched so a waiter took it back to the kitchen. He did this at least twice more before she eventually sat down. But that is dedication, isn’t it? And it worked. The next day I learned that she had taken orders, “Well above R400k”. Not bad for two hours on your feet while making friends. In my experience trying to sell to international supermarkets was about as difficult as it could get. Firstly, they were not interested in importing, there had to be stock ‘at home’. Secondly, samples were an immediate necessity. That notwithstanding, in some cases it took many months before your wine worked its way to the head of the queue and by then the vintage would be out of date. The above method at Riebeeck Kasteel works very well and I have often presented to clubs and similarly interested parties. In the UK a number of large companies, occupying whole office blocks with dozens of employees, will have a canteen or club on the premises where staff can relax and avoid the traffic. A wine presentation with an opportunity to purchase offers good after-work therapy. There is another way used to sell wine and this was the choice of Michael Trull, whom I have mentioned before. He purchased La Bri farm in the late 1970s. Needing some advice, he dug a hole and took soil samples to Bordeaux in France. He also took records of rainfall and hours of sunshine and all that would be necessary for the Bordeaux authorities to comment on his next move. They told him to plant Sauvignon
+27(0)21 867 0258 | info@harikitchen.co.za 2-Course Winter Warmer Menu R350 p/p with pairing glass of wine Open TUE - SUN, 11am - 5pm
The wine selection includes the wines of sister farm La Bri, as well as a variety of artisanal wines from independent winemaker Neville Lotz, producer of Inevitable Wines. He focusses on producing limited editions and special releases, produced via small batch barrel selection. Later this month will see the launch of their Deux Lions wine range. Head chef, Nanda Cardosa, also brings a distinctly creative flavour to the menu, which evolves according to the seasonal produce available locally. Regardless of the time of year, you may expect to enjoy a hearty meal in an environment which is at once classy and inviting. Alternatively, you may wish to order a platter of fresh sourdough bread, smoked olives, charcuterie, and locally produced cheeses to complement an afternoon wine-tasting. Deux Lions also produces plums and olives, from which a delicious range of preserves, chutneys, olive oil and other pantry essentials are made. Your experience at Deux Lions is assured to be an enjoyable one. It is well worth your while to pay them a visit and treat yourself to all that they have on offer. Visit their website to learn more about them and make a reservation. www.deuxlions.za.com Text: Leila Shirley | Image: Deux Lions Deux Lions celebrates the produce of the farm in relaxing, stylish surrounds.
Revitalised and reimagined, Backsberg has re-launched their brand, cellar and brand home. Now situated in Franschhoek, wine lovers can enjoy a refreshed portfolio of Backsberg wines – with a contemporary look and feel – from their new tasting facility, which overlooks the Franschhoek Mountains and Dassenberg.
MarkChatCellarTanner FRANSCHHOEK’S SPECIALIST PAINT SHOP 021 876 2082 SHOWROOM: Unit 80C Village Artisan,
Deux Lions has much to offer those seeking a beautifully-crafted boutique experience. Their reimagining of the wine farm is a stylish fusion of its creative contributors’ efforts. Located on the Huguenot farm La Bourgogne, the splendour of the farm grounds and the legacy of this historic piece of land uniquely flavour your wine-tasting experience.
6 | September 2022
New Look Backsberg
Franschhoek franschhoek@paintsmiths.co.za hamilton’s ENVIROLITE
This update of the Backsberg brand was inspired by DGB acquiring a majority shareholding and the start of a new journey as ‘Backsberg Family Wines’ with Simon Back representing the family on the board. “For more than a century Backsberg has been an iconic brand in the Cape wine industry and we are excited to share our new direction for the winery which celebrates generations of family tradition in a modern and contemporary way”, says Tim Hutchinson, executive chairman of DGB. Paying homage to the original Backs wine label, the new Backsberg logo focuses on embodying the brand values in a timeless design. Backberg’s new portfolio of wines includes three collections – Fifth Generation, Family Tree, and Patriarch. The complete range of Backsberg wines will be verified as “carbon neutral”. The brand new tasting facility was built around an integral piece of history – a century-old tractor, which was transferred from the original estate to its new home in Franschhoek. Vintage wine-making equipment owned by the Back family is on display in the new venue. Placing great importance on sustainability, items from the farm such as barrels and wood chips have been repurposed to create lighting, furniture and design elements, fashioning a truly authentic look and feel to the new space.
“One is often not privy to the heart of cellar action and that’s precisely what you’ll find here, a working winery with a majestic backdrop. One can even gaze directly into the cellar through the magnificent glass doors and is enveloped by the sights and sounds of daily winemaking life”, says Backsberg’s marketing manager, Bianca Lenhardt. To complement wine tasting, a selection of pairings, as well as grazing boards and picnics in the summer months are on offer.
Blanc and Semillon and that, before harvest, he should prune the tiny bunches of grapes to reduce his yield from a potential 14 tons per hectare to about 9 tons. The result was that Michael got 14 tons of flavour and finesse condensed into 9 tons of grapes. After a short maturation in French oak, he had produced this country’s first wood-matured white blend, Blanc de La Bri. He then went to Johannesburg and surrounds meeting various wine merchants. He would conduct a tasting for the merchant including some invited customers. This would inevitably result in the merchant placing an order; however Michael would reduce the number so that if say 10 cases were ordered, he would suggest perhaps only 2 cases due to limited stocks. The merchant would notify his customers of this ‘rare’ wine and soon a second order would follow, and a third. Michael’s technique had not just created a shortage, it had created a demand. More about Michael in a future issue. Cheers! Cabrière Street,
New Delights at Deux Lions
| Address: Backsberg Family Wines, Main Road R45, Franschhoek, 7690 Text: Editorial Desk
We stock a full range of Midas, environmentally friendly paints (water and oil based) and Earthcote specialised, textured trowel-on and brush-on products for wall and floor surfaces (300 colours to choose from). We also stock Thales Decontamination Solution for treating fungus and anti-fungal additives to add to all paints. We also stock waterproofing products, Weatherprufe and Eco Rubber Rolls of torch-on (3mm & 4mm) and various sizes of waterproofing membrane. Plascon water and oil-based paints. Hamilton’s and Academy paint brushes, rollers, trays and tray-sets, crack fillers, sand-paper, masking and buff tapes, turpentine, lacquer thinners, putty and a full range of drop sheets and rolls of plastic to cover floors and furniture. For DIY enthusiasts, we stock ladders, overalls and drop sheets. We also stock a full range of Woodoc ‘food for wood’ in various colours and a full range of Duram products, including Duram Roof paints in various colours and Duram Showfloor Polyurethane floor paint, also in assorted colours. We can also supply twin pack epoxy paints for specialised applications. All textures and colours are on show in our showroom. Pop in and have a coffee with us, whilst leisurely selecting your paints and colours. For FREE technical advice, paint specifications and quotations contact Paul 082 567 6162 Topiary Wine Estate, Wemmershoek Rd (R101), Franschhoek
Lupini had an unexpectedly good run to fourth overall at a tough weekend at Red Star near Delmas in Mpumalanga in July, before emerging from a crunching affair sixth at the East London Grand Prix Circuit in August. Unbeaten among his first year rivals in 2022, Gio’s Bullion IT Polo leads the rookie charge in sixth in the overall title race. The car will be shiny and straight again in time for his home round at Killarney on 17 September. Sounds like a good reason to make it a great day supporting the local lad at the races!
Museums are defined as “a building or institution where objects of artistic, historical, or scientific importance and value are kept, studied, and put on display”. FMM is no exception, but also keeps up with the times. The museum was honoured to be chosen as one of the country’s first venues to be included in Audi’s nation-wide public charging sites for electric vehicles...AudiSA in partnership with GridCars has embarked on a programme to install public accessible charging stations across the country. It is the first electric vehicle brand to invest in this technology, which entails installing 70 new EV charge connectors across 33 sites – one of which is FMM – in order to expand on SA’s existing public charging network for all electric vehicle drivers, regardless of vehicle brand or model ownership. Along with four 150 kW (DC) ultra-fast and five 80 kW (DC) being placed along major highway routes, FMM was one of the first of twenty-four 22 kW (AC) fast-charging stations enabling ±100 km in approx one hour that will be placed at public lifestyle and recreational venues across the country. This investment is in addition to the 50 kW to 75 kW (DC) charging stations with 20 connectors installed at the 10 Audi e-tron dealerships.
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VISITING FMM
FMM’s opening time are Monday to Friday 10h00 to 17h00 (last admittance 16h00), Saturday and Sunday 10h00 to 16h00 (last admittance 15h00). Visiting the museum is by appointment only and via online booking. Entry fees: R80 adults, R60 pensioners and motor club members (with membership ID), R40 children (ages 3-12). Only electronic payments are accepted. The famed FMM Pitstop Deli is open throughout the visiting hours. For booking tickets and any other information as well as signing on for a free monthly newsletter, logon to www.fmm.co.za or phone 021 874 9000 or e-mail fmm@fmm.co.za
A Kruger National Park camp parking lot is an interesting place. People arrive in waves as they stop for a break after hours in the car taking in the glorious bush and everything from the big five to glorious raptors and antelope, and the tiniest of wild, weird, and wonderful African creatures. Proud men emerge from their Hiluxes, Rangers and Fortuners, et al. They stretch, push out the chest and strut around their steeds. Then they peer around the lot to check what else is parked there. To a man their eyes stopped at our Land Cruiser 300. Then he taps his wife, his dad or his son on the shoulder, gesticulating ‘there it is’ as they amble on by. Such is the magnetism of the new King of Toyotas to South Africans. You’d almost expect to see little LC 300 magnets alongside the lion and leopards on the sighting boards inside. More angular and dynamic, LC 300 has more than a passing resemblance to its great ancestors. Our black GR version had an off-road pack with smaller wheels and fatter tyres, which helped split the opinion. Some love the Tonka toy looks. Others not so much. Powered by Toyota’s 230 kW 700 Nm 3.3-liter bi-turbodiesel V6. It brings a 30 kW and 50 Nm hike over the old V8. They promise 210 km/h top end and sub-9 litres per hundred. LC 300 lulls you into a sense of serenity. The V6 is supreme on the open road, its invisible 10-speed auto always pulling the correct cog. One must floor it to remind yourself of its stump-pulling performance. Or to even hear the engine. There’s fair feedback from rougher road surfaces, but on smooth highways it’s supreme. Well off the beaten track, our Cruiser proved unstoppable. It hydraulically decouples its anti-roll bars for ultimate control, axle articulation and body-roll, for supreme 4×4 ability and comfort. Back on the tar, switch the chassis to Sport Plus and 300 delivers a splendid performance car repertoire. The best of both. Not bad for a literal block of flats. We kept it in plusher Comfort mode most of the time, thank you very much! We took time to get to know all the little bits and pieces, which took a little getting used to. With so many buttons and functions, infotainment logic isn’t as deft as some high-class European rivals. But the deep, cooled center armrest cubby is a boon in the bush. The front cup holders are even big enough to take large Kruger Park thermo mugs and their handles. The conductive phone pad works a treat. Add USB and USB C ports, and more too. We drove far enough north to find a Baobab tree and ticked off most of the important animals. Most impressively, this powerful, unstoppable biturbodiesel V6 averaged 9.5l/100 l/100 km over almost 2,000 km on all surfaces. That’s a huge Cruiser step forward with fuel closing on R30 a litre. As with just about everything else about it, it’s a step Whereverahead.it went, the Land Cruiser 300 GR stopped the traffic. Its rarity due to the now easing chip shortage, just adds to the allure. Sure, there are bits that could be different. But it’s a Land Cruiser and it’s truer than true to that badge. There’s good reason why the omnipotent Land Cruiser 300 is known as the King of Africa. Yip. It’s that significant. Red more of Michele & Giordano Lupini’s motoringadventuresontheauto.page
Why The Land Cruiser 300 is Big Five Worthy
For all his brilliance, Henry Ford could be stubborn at times and despite falling market share he took some persuading by the Ford sales department to agree to develop a new model to replace the T. Once approval was given, Henry’s main focus of attention was the improvement of each aspect of production in order to make the new car easier and cheaper to build. The new car was more complex than the T, but its improvements included a more powerful 3295cc L-head four-cylinder engine that delivered 30 kW at 2 200 r/min and provided a top speed of 105 km/h. Peak torque was 174 N.m at just 1 000 r/ min. Other improvements included a battery and contemporary ignition system instead of a magneto, a three-speed sliding gear transmission, mechanical drum brakes on all four wheels, and Houdaille hydraulic shock absorbers. It was also the first Ford to have conventional driver controls, albeit the accelerator was positioned between the clutch and brake pedals. And on a safety note, the Model A was the first car with a safety glass windscreen.TheModel A was introduced on 2 December 1927 and received a tremendous welcome. It was available in four standard colours and seven body configurations. FMM’s car is a 1930 Standard Roadster, complete with Ford’s Flying Quail radiator mascot, said to symbolise the car’s ‘quick getaway in all traffic...’ Resplendent in multi-coloured paintwork, this well-restored example is an absolute delight to drive. Climbing aboard, as always with vintage machinery it is a tight squeeze and the driving position is cramped for anyone above average height. But fire-up the big four-pot motor and get out on the road, and its character oozes out of every revolution. Once in top gear, the whole car seems to exhale a deep breath of strength and presses on with quiet determination. It feels stable; the steering not too heavy at any speed and the ride is ‘comfortably vintage firm’. The brakes need a firm shove, but are adequate for the task. The revolving drum speedometer set into the stylish, art deco instrument panel is a pleasing period gimmick. Without doubt, the Model T was a hard act to follow, but the Model A proved to be more than a worthy successor. Although only manufactured between late 1927 and early 1932, over 4,3 million examples were sold. FMM’s Roadster forms part of a display of Fords dating from a 1923 Model T to a 1938 Model 85 LDV that are now on view in Hall B. NEWS
MICHELEMotoringTatlerLUPINI SEPTEMBER
A-FORD ABLE...
Gio Doing Franschhoek Proud in Crunching Polo Cup Franschhoek driver Giordano Lupini continued to extend his advantage among the SA National CompCare Polo Cup Championship rookies over the winter months.
BACK TO THE FUTURE
As winter once more draws towards an end, we would like to take this opportunity to remind all readers of the Tatler, that plans are well underway to present the ever-popular annual Franschhoek Open Gardens Festival. The date for this year’s festival is 28 - 30 October. Tickets will be sold in the village over this period, but once again we will be using Webtickets to facilitate sales and our pages on Instagram and Facebook to promote interest. Garden Festivals throughout the area are always highly popular attracting visitors from such diverse groups as gardening enthusiasts – equipped with wellies and brollies, to families with young children looking for ideas for their own gardens. Gardens come in many shapes, sizes and designs. In the Franschhoek Valley we are fortunate to have examples of gardens across the spectrum and even more fortunate to have owners willing to place their gardens on show… a huge commitment! This year we are pleased to include four new ones in the festival. The Open Gardens Festival is very much a community event – relying in all its aspects on community assistance. As the organisers, we have always drawn strength from this. This year, we would like to encourage everyone to support an initiative which we feel has, for some reason gone unnoticed. Several years ago The Franschhoek Indigenous Medicinal garden was established by Ann Sutton. It is at present run and cared for by Judah, our local medicinal plant expert, under the auspices of the Winelands branch of the Botanical Society. We aim to promote the knowledge and use of the existing vegetation, by providing printed information on the individual plants and their medicinal uses, some of which will be on sale, on site – so please support local! Finally, our heartfelt thanks go to all who make this event unique – the sponsors, the visitors, the garden sitters, municipal workers and most of all the garden owners and their staff. All proceeds earned from the festival stay in Franschhoek and are donated to local charities.
For further information contact the Franschhoek Forum: (079) 159 6476 Tickets will be sold via www.howler.co.za/ lentefees Text: Supplied | Images: Facebook Spoegwolf Koos Kombuis Valiant Swart
8 | September 2022 At our next meeting on 5 September we will be addressed by Roy Sproul, son of Rob Sproul, whoClubProbus Hospice News COLLEEN DOUGLAS PAARL-FRANSCHHOEK VALLEY PROPERTY@VALDEVIE.CO.ZA +27 (0)21 863 6105 The Sugarbush 65 years and older Awarded Best International Leisure Development 2020-2021 Houses are available for immediate occupation Experience peace of mind with world-class healthcare facilities PAARL-FRANSCHHOEK VALLEY PROPERTY@VALDEVIE.CO.ZA WWW.VALDEVIEEVERGREEN.CO.ZA +27 (0)21 863 6105 From R4.2 million Lentefees Set To Rock Franschhoek
Meals for Mandela Day
These free self-defence lessons were led by martial arts expert Chris Ensil, who holds a seventh dan rank in karate as well as a fourth dan in kickboxing. Held on Thursdays, Chris’s classes conveyed not only the fundamentals of contact defence skills but also the basics of defending against knife attacks.
“I started working with the FVCSC several years ago to offer complimentary training in self-defence during the month of August,” says Chris. He adds, “The purpose of these lessons is to offer women the basics to protect themselves, but I really want to encourage them to join a martial arts training programme on a regular basis.”
In 2021 President Cyril Ramaphosa referred to the alarming national statistics of abuse against women as the ‘second pandemic’. In honour of Women’s Month in August the Franschhoek Valley Community Sports Centre (FVCSC) reintroduced its annual booster shot in the form of introductory self-defence lessons for women and young girls in the community.
The response from the woman in attendance has been has been immensely positive. “The women have walked away from this session with newfound pride, self-awareness and confidence to be secure within themselves and their ability to protect themselves,” reads a post on the FVCSC Facebook page.
Text: Pieter Naudé | Image: Supplied Sensei Chris Ensil and his assistants with a group of girls from Dalubuhle and Wes-Eind Primary Schools who received self-defence training.
Fighting for a Fighting Chance
The Keerom St Neighbourhood Watch ladies prepared two hundred meals for needy children as their contribution to Mandela Day. Although they received a few donations, for which they are immensely grateful, they bore most of the cost themselves. Ideally, they would like to do this regularly but would need sponsorship to do so. If anyone is interested in sponsoring their effort they are welcome to contact Faizah Ahmed on 067 718 3347. Pictured above from left to right are Faizah Ahmed, Petronella Roos, Jenna Brown, Rachael Pearce, Wilma van Sitters, Mernita Hendriks, Kimberly Brown, Bula Hendricks and Ilza Pearce.
Chris would like to express his gratitude towards Addam Stefanus and Tyrese Williams for their assistance during the classes.
Text: The Open Gardens Committee Hospice undertook its by-now-usual fundraising activities during the Bastille Festival by selling pancakes, salmon & cream cheese croissants and red, white & blue berets. Thanks to our donors and volunteers for their support!
On Heritage Day, 24 September, the Huguenot Monument grounds will be the scene for an Afrikaans music festival, the first of its kind in Franschhoek. The line-up features a multitude of Afrikaans musicians, including rockers Spoegwolf, blues legend Koos Kombuis and folk rocker Valiant Swart. Proceedings start at 11h00 and wrap up at 20h00. Apart from the music there will be a bar and an assortment of local food vendors. The majority of businesses supporting this event are local, further adding to bringing our valley together for greater economic benefit and employment. This is a family event with plenty of space for young ones to be active. Supporting the events, supports the community! Bring the family, support the community and celebrate spring in musical fashion!
Franschhoek Open Gardens 2022
072 229 845 |Branch code:
us by
The Reality Cocktail So here’s the cruel but very real reality of animal welfare currently... 4 million dogs in shelters! (Cats notWhenincluded.)lifegets hard people always start to neglect that which is least important to them. Often this means laying off staff, i.e. people who have homes with dependents, including animals. With little or no income and food and living costs escalating, where do they save? Not on their liquor or cigarette bills, but on their pet food. As a result, we see an alarming occurrence of dogs that used to be in good shape, now becoming skeletal, malnourished or just left emaciated... An associated problem is backyard breeding. Backyard breeders feel if registered breeders can make money by selling animals, they can also do it in their communities where people don’t have thousands of Rands to pay for a dog. Cheap animal trading is also increasing, leaving rescue workers with more and more emaciated, abused and neglected backyard-bred animals. Inexplicably, people that can hardly buy food for themselves keep taking in more animals – knowing they can’t feed them. The number of animals being surrendered is beyond comprehension. The stats are sobering: 4 million dogs in shelters, thousands being euthanized. But still the breeding blissfully continues... Young children who are supposed to attend school are wheeling and dealing on which animal they want their dog to breed with! Welfare organizations just can’t cope financially/ emotionally anymore... The need far exceeds the help available from sponsors who are doing their absolute utmost to help where ever they can with donations in all forms. Veterinary care is definitely only for the privileged as vet costs are devastatingly high. Brutal abuse however continues to increase… So what are rescuers left to do? If they euthanize a dog/cat – because they just can’t find any foster homes, no adoptive homes and all rescues with kennel facilities are full to the brim – they get excoriated for putting an abused, neglected or unwanted animal to rest. Should they have left it in its misery, suffering every day, finally dying a lonely, cruel and painful death? Sometimes the animal is perfect, just unwanted. Where to? Most people are renting homes and most properties don’t allow pets as part of lease agreements... So, where to with all these animals needing life lines? For those confronted with it daily, it grinds them down emotionally. Rescuers are working day and night, often placing their lives in danger going out to rescue, treat or rush an injured animal to emergency. They stand crying in silence while the green liquid of death silences the heartbeat of another unwanted, rejected, tortured or abused cat or dog. Often they are still wiping their tears when the next call out comes. They don’t get paid one cent in wages; they do what they do because they’re a breed of person who just can’t turn their backs on the plight of the voiceless. Inevitably, the strength of rescuers fades, their pain increasing as they are left unable to help. Their strength lies in the support and assistance of the ones who are able to donate/foster/adopt...
SiegfriedLetterEditor’sSchäfer For bookings please email reservations@deuxlions.za.com or phone 021 876 3245 Deux Lions invites you to
Help us generate much-needed funds for sterilisation, veterinary care, food, tick & flea treatments, deworming and education. The 100 Club consists of all those people who commit to paying the fund R100 or more per month on a 12/24 month basis (with the freedom to opt out with one month’s notice). also support donating to No. 05-10-01
DEADLINES - OCTOBER 2022
or
JUANISHARFBEUKES
Minnie Petersen (Councillor Ward 2)
water, electricity and emergency services.
Bookings - 16 September 2022 | Artwork - 19 September 2022 | Editorial - 16
–
SafeDonations:Hands Animal Rescue Franschhoek | FNB | Acc. No. 62836203076 | Paarl Branch code: 200110 You can
and
our vet account.Wellington Animal Hospital | Standard Bank | Acc.
and grandchildren,
to basic services
Savour
Club – on Heritage Day!
if
and
warm, friendly
All senior citizens in the Franschhoek Valleyand anyone who can help - are invited to the first meeting of the Franschhoek Senior Citizens’ Club at the Groendal Community Hall at 14h00 on Heritage Day – Saturday, 24 September 2022. We will celebrate our collective heritage in all its diversity, talk about our lives, have our blood pressure taken by health workers, plan some club activities, elect a committee and schedule meetings. Come along! You’ll be glad you did.
Dear EarlierReadersthisyear something happened that will irrevocably change an aspect of our valley that has remained unchanged for millennia. Ironically, it passed by quietly without as much as a whimper, let alone a roar of protest. What is it that will soon change, you may ask? The surprising answer is sunrise. Soon, sunrise in our valley will never be the same again. The morning people among us will know that the summer sun rises over the saddle between Du Toitskop and Middagkrans. Other than for the construction of the various passes over the mountain, the view from the valley towards the saddle has remained unchanged practically since time immemorial. For millennia anybody, or anything, standing in the valley would have observed the summer sun lighting up the eastern sky and rising from behind the mountain’s stony silhouette – perhaps breaking through a few wisps of cloud as it first illuminates the mountain tops and the western side of the valley before spreading its enveloping warmth over all the fertility below. The pen is mightier than the sword, the wise people say. Pen may not have touched paper in this case, instead it was probably just a show of hands – virtual or real, I’m not sure. Nevertheless the decision taken will change our sunrise forever. The events that culminated at a Stellenbosch Municipal Council meeting earlier this year, started just more than one hundred years ago with a decision by another council – that of Franschhoek. In 1910, the Franschhoek Council proclaimed 62 residential erven in what would, in 1982, become the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve. Sixteen prime erven (several situated on the saddle overlooking the valley) were sold at auction and soon two houses were built. For a long time, little else happened and further construction was actively discouraged by all concerned. In January 2014, what has now turned out to be a fateful decision was made that set in motion events that some – me included – would argue achieved the opposite of what was intended. The Stellenbosch Council decided “to ensure that the potential negative environmental impact posed by the development of the [privatelyowned] erven be limited by investigating the possibilities available to it in this regard.” Eighteen months later, in June 2015, it was reported back to council that such an investigation would cost “between R934 321.20 and R2 652 196.00.” Council decided this is too much to spend on such an investigation. It reconsidered its previous decision and decided to rather deproclaim the 46 unsold erven and consolidate them back into the reserve. The, admittedly laudable, effect of this decision was to make it nigh impossible for a future council to sell more erven in the reserve. It however left the original problem – what to do about the undeveloped privately-owned erven –unresolved.Councildecided to embark on a consultation process with the owners of the 14 erven in question to see if the owners of erven in sensitive positions (e.g. on the ridgeline overlooking the valley) would be willing to exchange them for similar erven in less sensitive areas. Some were. Others decided this was an opportunity to cash in at the ratepayer’s expense and made all manner of demands that Council either couldn’t or wouldn’t agree to, such as the provision of service infrastructure and deproclaiming adjoining erven. Council concluded that all the options investigated with regard to the undeveloped privately-owned erven would “result in a cost to Council that may not justify the purpose of the 2014 decision to investigate a more environmentally friendly approach to the potential development of the privately-owned erven located within Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve.”
life styles
Just because it’s an animal or not a pure bred does not make it less important... It’s still a living, breathing, warm-blooded creature that feels pain, fear, stress, agony, hunger, loneliness and abandonment... The reality is suffocating on both rescuers and sponsors. We do not know where all this will end, but we do know that we are giving our every bit of strength to try to help and educate. We care; we reach out; we cry; we shout; we stare in disbelief; we pick up (with blood staining our clothes or bones pressing into our flesh); we hold a head and gaze into helpless eyes as we say goodbye; we cut chains out of flesh; we feed and we water. We try our very best with the odds against us increasing daily, but we will be there until we just can’t anymore...
and neglect – sometimes even
insecurity, limited mobility,
–
| Ref: Safe Hands Animal Rescue
Letters Have something to say? Send an email to info@franschhoektatler.co.za
September 2022 | 9
Eight and bit years after that fateful January 2014 decision the Stellenbosch Municipal Council resolved to develop architectural guidelines for the privately-owned erven in the nature reserve. Effectively, this confirmed the status quo as it existed in 2014, but had now also given the landowners certainty about their development rights. Talk about unintended consequences… The Stellenbosch Municipal Council, predictably, did not think that our sunrise is worth several million Rand, although I believe it’s priceless. And now it will never be the same again. Make no mistake though; they tried to do the right thing. The real villains in this tale are a few private landowners who claim environmental concern, but only value their pocketbooks. C’est la vie, I suppose. Enjoy the sunrise before greed spoils it for all forever.Untilnext month. ISSUE September 2022 experience Luxury where quality and comfort meet with service the fruits of our farm through the Deux Lions Collection wines, olives, olive oils, cordials & preserves and our world-class culinary experience
First Meeting of Franschhoek Senior Citizens Although many senior citizens in the Franschhoek Valley are well off and enjoy enviable, active others in all not regularly experience isolation, abuse from is worse there is little no support from children financial a lack of access to healthcare limited access such as At the same time, older people may be supporting large families on their pension of just R1,780 per month, which may be the only income in the household. All this can add up to a continually stressful environment from which there seems to be no escape or relief. Also, they may not know their rights and how to get help when it’s needed. There are Senior Citizens Clubs in many communities where older people face these problems. A Seniors Citizens Club in the Franschhoek Valley can be a place where older people can get away from a stressful home environment, enjoy a range of physically and mentally stimulating activities, get advice on health and their legal rights, mix socially with other older people who may be in a similar situation, make friends and, above all, have some fun. There is an old saying – “A problem shared is a problem halved!” Recent research has shown that people with problems can significantly reduce their stress level simply by talking about their problems. That in itself is a health benefit. Talking about a problem won’t solve it, but you will feel better for having done so, the weight of the burden may become lighter, and you may find a way of dealing with it.
our communities do
family members. This
Barefoot
Next steps • Get started immediately to avoid the last-minute rush, and to minimise the risk of errors and omissions. Diarise the key dates, allowing time to attend to any potential problems, such as finding documents, obtaining third party information or getting professional advice.
• Keep accurate records of all the calculations and source documents used as SARS may ask for these documents to be verified and/or for the calculations to be justified.
• Check that you have received certificates and documents relevant in determining your tax obligations such as your IRP5/IT3(a)s and other tax certificates like medical certificates, retirement annuity fund certificate and other 3rd party data. If not, immediately contact the 3rd party data provider.
• Ensure all your information is correct. Update your personal information such as banking details, address and contact details on eFiling or the SARS MobiApp, and make sure all information provided on the return is true.
10 | September 2022 FOR FINANCIAL SECURITY AND PEACE OF MIND PROFESSIONAL ADVICE ON E davidk@rbs.co.za T +27 21 443 4400 C +27 83 447 0797 Life Disability/IncomeCoverProtectionDreadDiseaseCoverMedicalAids/GapCoverRetirementFunding David Kramer Tax Season 2022: Beware, The Deadlines Are Shorter! In this article, we look at the who, how and when of this 2022 Tax Season; highlight some issues that require special attention; and suggest practical next steps to help you avoid the last-minute rush, the risk of errors and omissions, and the cost of late submissions, penalties and audits. At a glance Tax Season 2022 opens 1 July 2022 – here is a summary of who must submit, and when by. • Manual submissions or at a SARS office – 24 Oct 2022 • Individual non-provisional taxpayers – 24 Oct 2022 • Provisional taxpayers – 23 January 2023 • Companies – Within 12 months of financial year end Who is exempt from filing? • Individuals receiving total annual gross income of less than R500,000 from only one source with no other allowances or benefits, and from whom PAYE has been deducted as per the prescribed tax deduction tables. • Individuals who are not claiming tax related deductions or rebates such as medical expenses, travel and retirement annuity contributions other than pension contributions made by their employer. • Individuals who only receive interest below the interest exemption thresholds; amounts from tax-free savings accounts; or dividends. • Individuals who are non-residents throughout the year. Even if you could be exempt at first glance you might still benefit from filing a return due to your particular circumstances. If there is any doubt, professional advice is essential.
We spent this past weekend in the rural Eastern Cape town of Queenstown. It is simultaneously depressing, but also energising and encouraging. It is in some ways a microcosmic metaphor of our country. In this town there are some extremely wealthy people. But they are a tiny minority. The vast proportion of the population is mired in poverty and unemployment. There are limited opportunities and for the children in the town the opportunity to escape this economic prison must seem almost impossible. This must be a significant conundrum for those that care about the town because looking in from the outside Queenstown seems to be a boom town. There is much development going on and any town that can support three KFCs, and three Wimpys alongside the dealerships of all the major vehicle brands who all seem to be thriving must be experiencing encouraging levels of economic activity. Granted, the farming community has had a few good seasons, which always helps. But whatever the case, the town is busy and shops are like beehives of activity. For most though the daily struggle to survive is real. The ravages of rampant corruption in the municipality and frequent redeployment of executive mayors have resulted in a municipality which is or has been technically insolvent. Municipal assets including fire engines, waste trucks and the mayor’s car were all attached and auctioned for non-payment of monies owing. Massive debt to Eskom and electricity infrastructure that is collapsing because of poor or non-existent maintenance results in frequent power outages. While we were there the power was off from Friday evening and only came back on at 22h00 on Sunday! Imagine trying to run an educational institution in this situation? There are many schools in the town, but to a great extent education plays second fiddle to the drive to survive and this is all dependent on access to money. For many in the educational world the temptation to just let things slide amidst the chaos of a dysfunctional municipality filled by mostly incompetent deployed cadres must be strong. However, (and this one of the exciting things) this is not happening. Indeed, in an increasing number
of schools the opposite is happening! We were there to award the bursaries earned by learners at schools who are members of the Queenstown Education Foundation. Apart from the obvious positive financial impact that these bursaries will have in this economically impoverished environment socio-emotional impact was visibly huge. Giving a hand-up such as this does not only impact the life of the learner, but also the lives of the learner’s families and the communities from which they come. So, what makes the difference between those thriving and those that struggle? It lies in leadership; visionary, strong and valuesdriven leadership. The schools of the Queenstown Education Foundation (QEF) are blessed with leaders that are transformation-oriented and driven by the need to create a caring, thriving and innovative culture in the schools they lead. We last visited these schools before Covid hit. The transformation in attitude, in social orientation and the desire to be the very best that they can be, notwithstanding all the contextual challenges is remarkable!Thesenseof pride in the learners is palpable. The visible appearance of the buildings is as good as one will see anywhere and it is obvious that the development and refurbishment of the buildings continues apace. The eleven member schools of the QEF are all led by remarkable people who are imbued with a passion for their institution and a passion to continually lift the performance of every element in their schools to the next level. They do this by filling the staff of their schools with individuals who share the same vision and passion for excellence. The other critical element that they all pursue is to engage the community of stakeholders important to each of their schools as a committed group of supporters who want only the best for the school concerned. The third element is that there is a focus on discipline at all levels. Not punitive top-down discipline but individual and self-discipline that applies to everything from a simple “We don’t litter” to the more fundamental and more difficult aspect of respect for each other irrespective of culture, religion or origin. We can all learn much from what these leaders have achieved and are achieving in the most difficult of circumstances with no excuses. The ingredients of success? Clear focus, a strong vision, a committed community and a drive to be the very best that they can be. tony@siroccostrategy.com
Last year, SARS refunded more than R17 billion to taxpayers. • Plan ahead financially to meet the tax liability that will be due along with the submission deadline.
Last year more than three million taxpayers were auto-assessed, and significantly more individual taxpayers will be auto-assessed this year. If you are auto-assessed, SARS will send you an SMS that your tax return has been pre-populated by SARS on eFiling or the SARS MobiApp. Check with your accountant before making any decisions about your auto-assessment. Be sure to check if your auto-assessment is correct as soon as you receive the SMS notification, because this year there is no need to “accept” the assessment: SARS will regard it as accepted unless changes are made as detailed below before the 24 October deadline. If an amount is due to SARS, the next step is simply to make the payment via eFiling or SARS MobiApp. If a refund is due to you, check that your banking details with SARS are correct and simply wait for the refund. If you don’t agree with the automated assessment, an accurate ITR12 tax return can be filed within 40 business days of the date of the auto assessment. If this return is filed after 24 October, it will be subject to normal late submission admin penalties and interest. If SARS accepts the changes, a reduced or additional assessment will be issued. If not, the normal objection and appeal options are available SARS has stated that Company Income Tax (CIT) filing compliance is currently a focus and urges companies to note that it is compulsory for registered companies that are required to file a return to do so on time and complete in all respects. Non-compliance is as expensive as ever, with the same penalty rules for auto-assessments expected to apply for the 2022 filing season. The late submission admin penalty ranges from R250 to R16,000 a month for up to 35 months, depending on the assessed loss or taxable income of the taxpayer for the year prior to the year being assessed.
Good Leadership Always Counts
TONYLeadershipBusinessFROST MAKE LIFE EASIER 021 876 2676 | franschhoek@taxshop.co.za | www.taxshop.co.za Tax Services BusinessServicesAdvisory BookkeepingMonthly ServicesPayroll RegistrationsBusiness ManagementReports StatementFinancials MaintenanceOfLedgers&Records Budgeting Performanc&eReviews
Issues requiring special attention This year’s tax season is substantially shorter than last year’s for provisional, non-provisional, manual and branch office submissions! Last year, non-provisional taxpayers had until 23 November, extended to 2 December at the last minute. Thisyear’sdeadlineisamonthearlier,on24October2022. Similarly, the 23 January 2023 deadline for provisional taxpayers is a week earlier. That’s less than seven months away, including the December and January holiday periods. Home office expenses remain in the spotlight, as SARS disallowed over 60% of home office claims last year. Make sure you qualify for this deduction, and that it is correctly pro-rata calculated for allowable non-capital expenses such as rates and taxes, electricity, repairs and insurance. Deductions can’t be claimed for reimbursements or equipment provided by an employer without charge. Also be sure to understand the potential capital gains tax impact when you sell your home for which the deduction was claimed. Professional advice is essential here!
In addition, failure to submit the return(s) within the prescribed period could result in a summons and/or criminal prosecution, which upon conviction is subject to a fine or to imprisonment for a period of up to two years.
• Consider professional assistance to ensure all exemptions, rebates and deductions for businesses and individuals are included and that the many terms and conditions, dictating when and how these may be claimed, have been met.
SARS has significantly improved its abilities to draw information from third parties, including employers, financial institutions, medical schemes, retirement annuity fund administrators and other third-party data providers, making it easier than ever before for SARS to detect incorrect or undisclosed information.
Anthonij Rupert Wyne says goodbye to Managing Director, Gary Baumgarten, who hangs up his hat after 11 years and who has played a pivotal role in the running of the farms. He will be replaced by newly appointed Carel Chapman, himself no stranger to the company. Hailing from a farm in Gobabis, Namibia, Carel completed his BCom Hons in Financial Economics from the University of Stellenbosch in 2005. He has been a consultant to Anthonij Rupert Wyne since 2020, which stands to his advantage as he knows the company well. He has extensive experience in the wine, farming, and hospitality industries. He previously served in various management and directors positions, including at Rust and Vrede, Guardian Peak and Ernie Els Wines. He was also a founding shareholder of Namibia Wine Merchants. Carel takes over the executive duties as of July 2022. He says; “My new position presents a wonderful opportunity at one of South Africa’s foremost wine and agricultural businesses. I look forward to contributing to the success of Anthonij Rupert Wyne and to building on the culture of excellence.”AnthonijRupert Wyne is grateful to Gary for his dedication and passion which is summed up in his statement: ‘As I enter retirement I reflect on what I have learnt during my time at Anthonij Rupert Wyne, and I’m proud of the team I call family, and wish Carel all of the best for this next chapter in his journey,’ says Gary. Editorial Desk | Image: Supplied Manager Manager LongawayTerm
Text:
required for residential building in Franschhoek. Must have experience in the plumbing, electrical or building industry and be able to manage staff, supervise contractors, liaise with owners/occupants and personally attend to extensive minor maintenance and repairs. Send one page CV carl.smit@sltrust.co.za.to We manage and care for your home, while you are
and Short Term Call Graeme, email or visit our website. AGM The Chairman and members of the Board of Governors of Franschhoek Hospice cordially invite you to attend the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, 27th September 2022, at 17h30 at HOSPICE HOUSE, Franschhoek RSVP Colleen Douglas - Monday to Friday - 09h00 - 14h00 T: (021) 876-3085 | C: 082 887 8666 | E: fhospice@xsinet.co.za before 21st September 2022 REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED AFTER THE MEETING Help us generate much-needed funds for sterilisation, veterinary care, food, tick & flea treatments, deworming and education. The 100 Club consists of all those people who commit to paying the fund R100 or more per month on a 12/24 month basis (with the freedom to opt out with one month's notice). Bank Details: Safe Hands Animal Rescue Franschhoek Bank: FNB | Branch: Paarl |Branch Code: 200110 Acc No.: 62836203076 | NPO No: NPO 235-331 STERILISATIONREHAB EDUCATION VET CARE FEEDINGRESCUE Please support SHARF by joining the SHARF 100 Club
When Christopher Opperman launched Oscar Busdienste in 1984 it was after a particularly difficult period in his life. Mere months before starting his business, an injury from a car accident had led to his retrenchment from work and his life savings soon began to diminish rapidly. Yet while his job prospects seemed grim, he only grew more determined to find his vocation. When he stumbled upon an old bus wasting away in a scrap yard, he immediately saw an opportunity to start his own transport company. Using his last savings he purchased the vehicle, restored it to its former glory and established his own bus service named after his son, Oscar. Thirty-eight years later, Christopher has expanded his fleet to four buses with sixty seats, a bus with thirty seats and three mini-buses with seating for fifteen each. Over more than thirty-seven years Oscar Busdienste has safely transported groups of travellers for work commutes, funerals, children to schools and all manner of other events. Regardless of the passengers, Christopher never tires of hearing the community describe him as the safest driver they know. It is a reputation he considers to be invaluable and something he can give back to the community which has supported Oscar Busdienste since its inception. Christopher can be reached at 062 157 7956 for quotes or any queries.
Christopher Opperman owner of Oscar Busdienste
Animal Portraits by Leandri Erlank
Building
September 2022 | 11
Anthonij Rupert Wyne Appoints New MD
The Chamber’s Choice
Combining my passion for art and animals, I create fine art portraits of a wide range of animals and wildlife. Using charcoal on paper, each piece is developed to give the best representation of that specific animal's personality and likeness. I aim to create a unique work of art capturing more than just a photo realistic drawing of your pet, and I love getting to know my customers and their animals. This is such a personal undertaking and I aim to do my utmost to deliver. Each piece is as unique as the fur baby involved so I am more than happy to chat about all the possibilities. Feel free to email me at lean3erlank@gmail.com to commission a piece or for a price list.
Required for Residential Scheme BUILDING MANAGER Experienced Building
The researchers say most of the participants were convinced that South Africans are to an extent aware that they need to reduce their salt intake, but unaware of the hidden salt in food or the amount of salt they add to food while of after cooking. “There was, however, consensus among the participants that currently there is no consumerawareness campaigns to address this. They mentioned that the school curriculum makes space for nutrition education, but not for salt awareness education per se.
“There was strong consensus that without better communication and collaboration between government and key role-payers, funding, and more evidence-based research on South Africans’ salt intake from processed foods and discretionary intake, the strategy is unlikely to succeed.”
NATIEinGardeningSeptemberFERREIRA tamatie GROWING MASTER GROWERS www.tamatie.co.za • facebook.com/tamatie.co.za • natie@tamatie.co.za CANNABIS CONSULTANCY: limited availability Follow @tamatie.co.za on Facebook for updates on live and online training FiguresRainfall Measured at La Cotte/Nerina Street mm/year mm/month Dam Levels 2012 1079mm 2011 830mm 2013 1471mm 2015 661mm 2016 754mm 2017 501mm 2018 867mm DecemberNovemberOctoberSeptemberAugustJulyJuneMayAprilMarchFebruaryJanuary As at 22nd August 2022 Steenbras Upper Steenbras TheewaterskloofVoelvleiWemmershoekLower Berg River Dam Total Storage Total Storage this date last year 2021 MONTH9048616315211515814677319 ACCUMULATIVE995763226378493651665732805824 98.9%81.5%98.2%81.0%67.4%76.3%91.4%91.2% 2014 1033mm 2020 910mm 2019 828mm 2022 MONTH2858157616492 ACCUMULATIVE2106883159323415
Salt Strategy Rethink Needed
Now is normally when we celebrate the end of winter, with warmer drier weather energizing and enabling the gardener to get out into the landscape to create and sustain. This year it seems like our seasons have shifted at least a month ahead. Gone are the lazy days of this year’s Indian summer to be replaced with an Arctic cold that creeps right up into your bones. This has brought welcome, if somewhat late, rains to most of the Western Cape, with grain farmers especially thankful for the justin-time salvation for their crops. It seems like our dams will be full after all this year, despite the weather prophets of doom’s projections. September is not a month to sit around and sulk about the weather though; it is action time for the gardener. The sunny days in between might not be enough to dry out the soil sufficiently to be worked, but there is plenty else to do besides digging in your cover crops. Your roses, fruit trees and other deciduous plants should have been pruned by now – if you haven’t done it yet you can still give them a light cut, with focus on renewal and getting rid of dead, diseased and wayward branches. Keep the trees healthy by distracting pests and spray preventatively against rot and mildew. Trim winter flowering shrubs to shape, deadhead spent perennials and tie up and trim back climbing plants. It is a good time to reshape hedges and topiaries. Cut hedges at a slight outward angle towards the base so that the sun can reach the bottom branches. If the weather allows it, you can set your lawnmower real low to remove the thatch on your lawn. Spreading a layer of fine compost or lawn dressing afterwards will give your lawn a fresh look, keeping it green into the dry season. The entire garden needs fertiliser now. I love the variety of organic options that are available nowadays. A good chicken manure-based blend gives a balanced feed. Top up with higher nitrogen feeding on vegetables and roses. Putting mulch down around trees and shrubs will allow a buffer to slowly release the applied fertilizer. Most plants respond well to foliar feeding in spring – spray as often as you can with a weak soluble fertilizer blend. Deficiencies that show up can also easily be addressed this way. As can be expected most of my time will be spent in the food and medicine garden. While the soil is too wet to dig I am going to clear strips into the cover crops to start my early plantings of green beans, squashes, sweetcorn, beetroot and carrots. Most summer crops can be sown in seedbeds or in the ground but watch out for late frost – a definite possibility in most areas of the Western Cape this year. I am starting most of my vegetables under cover – the first of the pumpkins, tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, okra and watermelons have already germinated. The cold wet weather can play havoc in the garden – watch out for rot and rust on peas, broad beans and celery. Remove storm damage as it occurs. Mulch immediately after weeding – rain on bare soils washes away precious nutrients while compacting the remains. September is often a month a famine for the self-sufficient. Fresh produce is limited to cabbage, spinach and lettuce, the pantry is empty and our summer crops still months away. Every year I promise myself to plan better for these months – staggered plantings of peas and broad beans could go a long way towards some variety in spring. I also happen to have the most amazing crop of Florence fennel this year – not everyone’s favourite but finding new ways to prepare the giant bulbs is rewarding.
Source: Marzanne van Loggerenberg, Bianca van der Westhuizen & Nelene Koen (2022): Key roleplayers’ perceptions of the current salt legislation in South Africa: Opportunities and Challenges. South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition, DOI: 10.1080/16070658.2022.2051381
According to the researchers, the participants were also in agreement that it is difficult to monitor the salt content of food. The participants made a few recommendations that can help to move the salt-reduction strategy forward. “They emphasised the need for consumer awareness and education campaigns to be implemented again and to be made specific for the intended target group.
“Although the participants felt that any education and awareness campaign needs to be continuous for the population to benefit from it, they acknowledged that in the face of other important nutritional challenges people’s salt intake is not high on the government’s agenda.”
12 | September 2022
The researchers add that the participants cautioned against ‘one-size-fits-all’ awareness and education campaigns because different income groups have different priorities when buying food. For poor South Africans, choices are often not about health, but about affordability.
A few years ago, South Africa implemented an innovative strategy to help reduce citizens’ high salt intake. Despite some initial success, key role-players believe the government has failed to build on this early momentum because South Africans still consume more salt than the daily recommended intake of 5 grams or a teaspoonful. This is according to a new study titled “Key roleplayers’ perceptions of the current salt legislation in South Africa: Opportunities and Challenges”. It was undertaken by Marzanne van Loggerenberg and Dr Nelene Koen from the Division of Human Nutrition at Stellenbosch University, and Dr Bianca van der Westhuizen from the Department of Life and Consumer Sciences at the University of South Africa. The study was published recently in the South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The researchers interviewed key role-players in academia, government and policy-related institutions, the research sector and nongovernmental organisations regarding the challenges and opportunities to move the country’s salt-reduction strategy forward. According to the researchers, South Africa has been a pioneer in implementing such a strategy in conjunction with a public awareness and education campaigns. The first mandatory sodium restriction targets came into effect in June 2016 and the last of the implementation targets in April 2019 (and some in April 2020).
“Salt monitoring also needs to be standardised and reinforced, and takeaway outlets, sit-down restaurants and other food service units should be included in the strategy to target discretionary salt intake. “Front-of-package labelling could be used to strengthen the strategy, as these labels can be in the form of logos or symbols and not just words.”
Botulinum Toxins | Dermal Fillers | Intravenous Therapy Age Flawlessly with Dr Kevin C e l l : + 2 7 ( 0 ) 8 3 2 4 0 8 6 2 0www.drkevincampbellsaesthetics.comE-mail:kevin@drkevincampbellsaesthetics.comFacebook:@DrKevinCampbellsAestheticsInstagram:@drcampbellsaestheticsAddress: 48 Artisan Village, Cabriere St, Franschhoek, 7690 Dr. Kevin Campbell MBChB(Pret) PN 9990140000979767 @ 48 VILLAGE ARTISAN 021 876 4234 · 074 325 chphysiotherapy@gmail.com5555 IN FRANSCHHOEK
The researchers add that the participants also emphasised the importance of training and educating healthcare professionals to help reinforce the strategy.
The researchers say a successfully implemented strategy will help to save lives and decrease the burden on the healthcare system.
“They also said government is not using or exploring opportunities national and local radio stations and television for consumer education and awareness programmes and advertisements.
September 2022 | 13 w etappingmusic by , COME AND PARTY FOR UNCORKEDATE!!RESCUE , Bridg e House thy, 14 of October Fur ther inf o to f ollow... Date: Saturday 10 September 2022 at 8am Venue: Franschhoek Tennis Club Entry deadline: 6 September 2022 JOIN THE RAINBOW KIDZ TENNIS TOURNAMENT www.bounztennisacademy.co.zainfo@bounztennisacademy.co.za Enjoy a fun filled day to improve your tennis skills, for all levels under 18. register today proudly sponsored by Groot drakenstein Games club
with the sta of Wordsworth Books Leila Shirley, Terrance Brown and Pieter Naudé
Justin Fox (from Beat Routes, Karavan Press, 2021)
The Echo Chamber. By John Boyne. Publ. Doubleday. 420 pages. In the Middle Ages an offender against society could be silenced by having his head removed. In later years, an offender could be defenestrated or deported or blackballed. In contemporary digital times an offender is simply “cancelled” by social media, a punishment far worse than the previous ones because of its sheer infectiousness. Several million fingers pressing “unfriend” or “cancel” on the screen of their phone are far more deadly than a one-head-at-a-time guillotine. This issue takes us to John Boyne and his latest novel “The Echo Chamber.” The author is perhaps best known for his moving “The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.” However, in 2019 he wrote a Young Adult novel called “My Brother’s Name is Jessica” which is an empathetic exploration of gender issues and transitioning.Thisunexpectedly brought down the wrath of social media on his head, unleashing an online furore of outrage at his use of certain taboo/sacred gendering phrases. He, in turn, was so infuriated at this onslaught of unjustified criticism that he decided to take his revenge in a satire on the use and misuse of all media in the UK, from the public to the social. The result is a rollicking demolition ride through British society not seen since the days of Tom Sharpe and Howard Jacobson. On board this Ship of Fools is the Cleverley Family, headed by George Cleverley, a beloved, white-haired BBC TV personality, an amalgam of John Simpson and Michael Parkinson. He incurs the wrath of his public through a series of gaffes on air involving the misuse of by now lethal gender terms. Neither he, nor the BBC top brass, shows much awareness of the minefield they are waltzing over.
Jim Pascual Agustin (from Bloodred Dragonflies, Deep South, 2022)
14 | September 2022
The entire Wordsworth team keeps a watchful eye on books racing up the charts, making a splash in sales or even causing uproar online. They offer invaluable guidance to our shop on what the world is reading and what we should be selling. We also look to aggregation sites, social media, online stores, reviews and talking to customers about filling shelves with an engaging and intriguing selection. Does selling books change the way you read and perceive them? We did not think it possible, but somehow all three of us have reached new levels of bibliophilia! Through our work we have had the privilege of discovering so many new writers and we sampled new genres that we normally would not have thought to pick up. We are always working hard to keep the shop running smoothly, but spending so much time amidst the smell of new books has heightened our appreciation of them. What can we expect in the future from the newest bookshop in the village? We would love to make the bookshop a Franschhoek destination. From book launches, to presentations from local authors, we hope that the act of visiting Wordsworth Books will become both an exciting event for the community as well as a place where we can discover the new treasures of literature together. Groot drakenstein Games club
Those who know me will tell you that I am moved and inspired by the natural world. Always have been. Many of my poems feature wildlife and wild places. So, to coincide with the publication of my new collection, Thicket: Shades from the Eastern Cape, which is a kind of celebration of that province’s natural wonders, I have chosen three short pieces this month by other South African poets, all based in Cape Town, who share my passion for nature, for wilderness. Born and brought up in the Philippines during the brutal Marcos dictatorship, poet Jim Pascual Agustin has for many years lived and worked in Cape Town, publishing ten books of poetry. His latest, Bloodred Dragonflies, draws on both of these lives and often uses elements from the natural world – chameleons, salagubang beetles and dragonflies, for instance – to illustrate them. Here, though, it is simply air, the wind in the trees: The Path of the Wind
I’mIamnotblackorwhite,colouredorIndian.notCapeyorVaalie,InkathaorIndependent,notCongressionalorChristian.I’mnotoldbloodorkwerekwere,notPorraorGreek,notChiefsorPirates.IamneitherBafana,norSpringbok;neithersettlernornative.
Ian (fromMcCallumEcological Intelligence: rediscovering ourselves in nature, Africa Geographic, 2005) Harry Owen’s new poetry collection is Thicket: shadesfromtheEasternCape, published by Minimal Press, Cape Town. Details: www.harryowen.co.za.
hemmed[…]Iamalloftheseandnoneofthem.Iamtheland.MybodyiswashedbyAtlanticandIndian,byKalahariandNamib,skirtedbytheLimpopoandOrange.MysturdyframeistheendandbeginningofAfrica.Iamcontainedandhappy.
wherethatHaveweforgottenwildernessisnotaplace,butapatternofsouleverytree,everybirdandbeastisasoulmaker?Haveweforgottenthatwildernessisnotaplace,butamovingfeastofstars,footprints,scalesandbeginnings?Sincewhendidwebecomeafraidofthenightandthatonlythebrightstarscount?orthatourmoonisnotamoonunlessitisfull?Bywhosecommandweretheanimals throughgropingfingers, oneforeachhand, reducedtothebigandlittlefive? thatHaveweforgotteneverycreatureiswithinuscarriedbytidesofearthlybloodandthatwenamedthem?Haveweforgottenthatwildernessisnotaplace,butaseasonandweareinits finalhour?
Justin Fox, our second poet, is a well-known travel writer, photographer and editor who published his first collection of poetry, Beat Route: travel poems from near and there, last year. It includes a wonderful paean to this country called Land Song, from which these two short extracts are taken: Thisochresoil,thisbluewater:Ours.
weighsIhaveseendayswhenthewindsoheavyontrees,theybendclosetobreaking.Alimbwiththegreenestleavesorweakenedbyagewouldhavetogivein.Thetrunkmayhavetolearnanewanglesunward.Lessapparentisthepaththewindmustmake.Ithastounravel,splittingitselfintocountlessstrandstonavigatebetweeneachleaf,eachbranch.
Part of George’s crew is his wife, Beverley Cleverley. It is obviously not her fault that her parents did not foresee the surname of her future husband. But she can be blamed for earning a fortune through her best-selling novels, which are entirely written by her ghostwriter (whom she unjustifiably despises). As a side-plot, she is simultaneously having a roaring affair with a virile Ukrainian with a pet 100-year-old tortoise. This is raucous stuff. Rounding off this sorry crew is son Nelson (named unctuously by his father after Mandela) who enjoys dressing up in uniform in his nightly prowls. Achilles, the other son, lures middle-aged men into costly non-consummated affairs. And the worst of a bad lot is daughter Elizabeth who is an Internet Influencer with a website @TruthIsASword through which she trolls all and sundry, including her father. She is the sort of person to whom the word “cancel” is a death sentence. There are a host of other characters as bad as the Cleverleys. This results in quite a lot of frenetic plotting and sub-plotting to steer all the characters to their predestined come-uppances. With such a variety of bad eggs you can only expect an omelette of a However,plot.
Boyne’s original sense of outrage is well integrated into this boisterous, infectious, very funny dissection of a society that has become too reliant on the effects of social media.
CHARLOTTEReviewBookVAN ZYL A PROUD SPONSOR OF... A PROUD SPONSOR OF... A PROUD SPONSOR OF... HARRYLicencePoeticOWEN
When did Wordsworth Books open in Franschhoek and what are your roles at the new shop? Located in Bijoux Square, Wordsworth Books Franschhoek is the newest branch in the Wordsworth family of bookshops and our opening coincided with Bastille Weekend on 16 July 2022. The team consists of Terrance as manager with Leila and Pieter appointed as booksellers. We focus on different areas of running the shop, but our collective goal always comes down to getting the latest and greatest books onto our shelves as soon as possible. Were there any notable challenges in opening your shop? We worked very hard to get the shop ready for Bastille Weekend, so as to open our doors to the Franschhoek community during a festive time. A notable challenge was therefore to decide what might appeal to our potential customers as we had masses of books to choose from. Finding the right flow for books throughout the shop was another creative challenge and as a team we had to find the solution to both conundrums very quickly. What drew each of you to working in a bookshop? Terrance has always loved books because of how they allow each one of us to expand the horizons of our knowledge, whereas Pieter is an avid book collector and enjoys owning rare gems. For Leila working in a bookshop was an opportunity to connect with other readers over her favourite titles. The common denominator between us is that we are voracious readers and we want to play an integral part of Franschhoek’s reading culture. This really is the perfect place for a book lover. Is there anything that distinguishes your book shop from others? Terrance once made the joke that we stock up like an ‘airport bookshop’ because our speciality is in actual fact variety. We constantly challenge ourselves to investigate areas of literature that we would not normally read so we can better serve our customers. We want those who take their time and browse the shop to be rewarded with books they might not have expected to find. Have you had any memorable encounters with customers? It is always a treat when a Franschhoek author comes in and chats with us about their books on our shelves. We also had several exciting visits from renowned author and speaker Robin Sharma himself. Still, our customers in general are always so passionate and friendly that every encounter with a member of this community is unique and memorable. Trading in books is a lovely way to get to know Franschhoekers. Do you have a particularly favourite section? Leila is always happy to catalogue and curate the philosophy and popular psychology sections because she loves the boundless wisdom these books can offer. Terrance is particularly fond of children’s picture books since the illustrations by modern authors look more than ever like beautiful works of art. Pieter is a popular science and general fiction fan, but he is indulging a lot more in true crime and history lately. How do you choose the books that end up on your shelves?
In a world obsessed by corporate ambition, wealth and political control, it can be easy to forget the relevance of the natural world. But the remarkable Ian McCallum, medical doctor, psychotherapist and staunch conservationist, is also a poet of compelling power who employs his lifelong commitment to the wild to remind us here of how crucially important such places are: Wilderness
September 2022 | 15
Communion and Sunday School 10h00. Revd Wilfred Meyer 084 407 1280. Office - 021 874 4008. willowdale@cybersmart.co.za SHOFAR CHRISTIAN CHURCH: Services - 09h00 & 18h00 English services at 7 Lambrechts Street. Pastor Richard Wade. 083 225 8529. All welcome! TRINITY CHURCH: Worship Sundays at 09h30 at L’Ermitage Chapel, with Holy Communion. Weekday service Thursday at 10h30 at Fleur de Lis. Contact Gavin – 083 799 0726. UNITING REFORMED CHURCH: Sunday service 09h30. Dr Shaun Burrows. 021 876 2632. Visitors welcome. GENERAL Alcoholics Anonymous: WED evenings 19:00, Groendal Community Centre, Contact David +27 83 305 Useful5159 Numbers ACCOUNTANTS Tax Shop 021 876 2676 Bookkeeping Services Overberg 082 352 9006 ATTORNEYS Susan Charlesworth 021 876 2592/072 402 9469 Snipelisky & Killian 083 250 0943/021 876 2084 BURGLAR ALARMS Pepler Alarms 021 876 3308 CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS Boland Bridge Club 021 876 3031 Franschhoek Tennis Club 078 278 4843 FHK Heritage & Ratepayers Ass. 083 441 8280 Groot Drakenstein Games Club 021 874 1906 - Craig Mc Naught: Captain 080 845 1014 - Lejean Pieterse, Hiring 082 490 0405 Lions 021 876 3775 Stb Masonic Lodge (Chris) 072 211 9991 Franschhoek Rotary Club 082 891 4613 Franschhoek Probus Club 021 876 3179 ELECTRICAL Franschhoek Electric 074 313 7829/021 876 3640 Rensburg Electrical 021 876 2120/083 309 2923 EXCAVATIONS Andrew Schmidt 021 876 4431/082 972 5755 Burger Excavations 072 3408518 HEALTH & BEAUTY Franschhoek Pharmacy 021 876 2261 Franschhoek Health Club 021 876 3310 HOUSE & GARDEN Clock Repairs 028 840 1716 Lighting & Accessories 021 876 3640 Ria Pools (Franschhoek) 021 876 2612/072 347 5355 Sue’s Gardens 083 321 3442 Valley Garden Service 071 591 0342 INTERNET ACCESS PostNet 021 876 3025 OPTOMETRIST Marelise Bester 021 872 3530 PHYSIOTHERAPY Claire Horn 021 876 4234/082 582 1029 PLUMBERS Franschhoek Plumbing 021 876 3759 PSYCHOLOGIST Danielle Smith 082 812 1476 PUBLIC SERVICES Hospice 021 876 3085 Library 021 808 8406 Post Office 021 876 2342 Welfare (ACVV) 021 876 2670 SPCA 083 745 5344 SCHOOLS Bridge House School 021 874 8100 Franschhoek High School 021 876 2079 Groendal Primary School 021 876 2448 Groendal Secondary School 021 876 2211 Wes-Eind Primary School 021 876 2360 Dalubuhle Primary School 021 876 3957 STORAGE Franschhoek Storage 021 876 2174 TOURIST INFORMATION & SERVICES Info Office 021 876 3603 Winelands Experience 021 876 4042 Huguenot Memorial Museum 021 876 2532 VETERINARY Fhk Animal Clinic (plus surgery) 021 876 2504 Emergencies/Weekends 021 863 3187/082 8089 100 EMERGENCY NUMBERS Stb Fire Dept. (Buildings) 021 808 8888 District Municipality(Bush & veld) 021 887 4446 021 886 9244 Police 10111/021 876 8061 Eskom 086 003 7566 Omnipage Farm Watch 021 852 3318 Plaaswag 021 876 2346 N1, N2 & R300 Emergency number: 021 946 1646 DENTISTS Dr Schalk du Plessis 021 876 3070 DOCTORS Dr Karin Eksteen 021 876 4622 Dr Alexander Heywood 021 876 2474 Dr Hannes Van der Merwe 021 876 2304 Dr Nicolas Els 021 876 2561 Dr Bernard Fisher 021 876 4622 AUDIOLOGIST Audiologist Tracy-Ann Morris 084 264 0000 EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONSE Medicare EMR 074 363 7744/021 876 4316 MUNICIPALITY (Ward 1) Clr Pfeiffer (DA) 079 597 2765 (Ward 2) Clr Petersen (DA) 082 404 5055 (Ward 3) Clr Manuel (DA) 074 686 2364 (Ward 4) Clr Adams (DA) 073 446 5411 Municipality (Office Hours) 021 808 8700 Municipality (afternoon only) 021 808 8890 Municipality 24hr Service 021 808 8700 Smalls Copyright: All rights reserved, reproduction in whole or part prohibited. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the editor. Publication of editorial or advertising matter does not imply endorsement o r warranty in respect of goods or services therin described. Local R350; International R800 Carlos Venter 0 7 1 5 9 1 0 3 4 2 | va l l ey g a rd e n s e r v i c e @ g m a i l c o m V A L L E Y G A R D E N S For a wonderful garden all year round with no hassle! PSYCHIC MIA For accurate answers to all problems, SMS your name, date of birth and a specific question to 38527. “Not for Cell C”. R10 per SMS. Contact Gill gilmal@bridgehouse.org.zaMalcolmor+27(0)8748100 for a bespoke tour of the school or an online interview with the changemakersprogressiveyoungwww.bridgehouse.org.zaHead.mindsareinspired;whereindividualcareandattentioniscombinedwithadistinctive,educationandwhereareequippedwithskillsforaworldbeyondourimagination.BridgeHouseisaleadingindependent,co-eddayandboardingschool,situatedinabeautiful,safesettingintheFranschhoekValley.Anindependent(IEB)Matricexaminationacceptedbyuniversitiesworldwide·Anexcellentacademictrackrecord–100%passratetodate·Awidevarietyoftraditionalteamandindividualsportsandculturalactivities·Four,spacious,modernboardinghousesforstudentsfromGrade6to12·Extensivefacilitieson28hectaresoflandOpenDayisanydayyouwantittobe.
PARKRUN: Saturdays at Rickety Bridge Wine Estate. Time: 08h00. Cost: Free. Register at www. parkrun.co.za (May not take place, depending on Covid regulations) CHURCH SERVICES METHODIST CHURCH: Sunday service 10h00. Rev Russell Norman. 021 872 3580 or 082 662 4509. NG KERK: Sondagdienste 09h30. Geen aanddiens. Ds Peet Bester. 021 876 2431. Besoekers welkom.New Apostolic Church: Le Roux Street, Groendal. Sundays 09h00, Wednesdays 19h30. Rector: Charles Leibrandt. ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Groot Drakenstein. Sunday Services: Holy
16 | September 2022 BOOKKEEPING SERVICES OVERBERG: We provide affordable accounting, payroll and tax services to individuals, small to medium sized entities and trusts. We also offer cloud accounting and are certified partners with Sage, Xero & QuickBooks for cloud accounting and registered member of SAIT. Call LeeAnn 082 352 9006 WANTED TO BUY: Crockery-pretty pieces. Cutlery. Tablecloths. Any vintage items. Debbie 082 825 5666. Nicky 072 871 ACCOMMODATION9103 AVAILABLE: On Secure Estate. Private Entrance, Parking Bay, Shutters, DSTV, Kitchenette, Shower, Furnished 1-Bed Cottage R 7500 per Month Call Mark 021 934 5630 Need BASIC COMPUTER Services? SECRETARIAL or BOOKKEEPING Services? Contact Ronelle Pinard 0736461687HANDYMAN painting and renovation business for sale. Call 072 782 7482 RE-THINKING YOUR GARDEN? For Garden Consulting call Susan at 072 932 5393 RE-FIBRE GLASS YOUR POOL in any colour you like. Call RiaPools for a quote: 072 347 5355 WESTERN CAPE HOUSE SITTERS: We have many mature, kind, responsible, animal loving, live-in housesitter members who would love to care for your home and pets. Your furry children may miss you but their environment and routines remain intact which is why we at Western Cape House Sitters will provide a perfect win-win for everyone... Peter Walsingham 082 822 4200 info@westerncapehousesitters.co.za JANE PARKFELT DESIGNS Ready for a new website? Or a website refresh? My website designs offer simplicity, good taste, affordability and easy navigation for small businesses, services or individuals. janeparkfeltdesigns.co.za | info@janeparkfeltdesigns. co.za | 071 161 7837 POOL PUMP PROBLEMS? Noise? We quote and help you out! Call RiaPools: 072 347 5355 STUFF WANTED: All manner of clothing and household items needed for our ‘First Friday of The Month’ jumble sales. Please help us to help the animals of the valley. Please drop off at the SPCA clinic in La Provence Street, Groendal, or phone for us to collect. 021 876 4808 CHANGING TO A SALT WATER SYSTEM? Let us advise & quote for you! Call RiaPools: 072 347 5355 FRESH, ORGANIC FARM PRODUCE: Delivered weekly to Franschhoek, including vegetables and fruit in season, chicken, eggs, cheese, honey, etc. Lists of available produce received on Monday, orders placed on Tuesday for Wednesday delivery. A number of Franschhoekers are already receiving weekly deliveries. To be added to the list contact Sue Norman on 083 321 3442 or suenorman50@outlook.com. DO YOU STILL HAVE THAT POOL LEAK? Losing water all the time? Let us quote and take care of the problem! Call RiaPools: 072 347 5355 PROFESSIONAL POOL SERVICE REQUIRED? Keep it local! Get a quote. Call RiaPools: 072 347 EventsCommunity5355 SPORT FRANSCHHOEK TENNIS CLUB: Social tennis is played at the club on Fridays, Sundays and Public Holidays from 08h30. For more information contact Ross. 078 278 4843.
September 2022 | 17 9 New Street, Paarl, 7646 T: 021 872 1346 | F: 021 872 6625 E: sales@cathmar.co.za | Web: www.cathmar.co.za Guaranteed Affordable Prices on Sales & Service of: SMART HD & UHD LED Tvs Home Theatre Systems • Multiroom Audio DSTV Satellite & Terrestrial Installations Email Ons gebruik ons gevorderde lugopmeting stelsel om n kwaliteit besproeiingsontwerp en -stelsel te lewer. We use our advanced aerial survey equipment to supply a high quality irrigation design and system. De Villiers Visser Besproeiing / Irrigation FLOOR STELLENBOSCHMASTER Wooden floor repairs, sanding & polishing. Since 1992. Also solid wood & laminated flooring installations. Call Tim for a free quotation. Cell: 082 442 5244 Email: floormasterstell@gmail.comTel:021-8876707 www.floormasterstellenbosch.co.za Our service wood floor you! DOMESTIC OR COMMERCIAL CLEANING Daily, Weekly, Monthly or Once-off and we can do WINDOW CLEANING, IRONING, CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Vicky Cell: 082 975 2494 Email: vjmuscroft@iafrica.com cell 083 321 3442 tel/fax: 021 876 2510 Sue Norman Sue’s Gardens Landscaping and maintenance of gardens, all sizes! Mulching services available. PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW suenorman50@outlook.comEMAIL C: 071 990 9219 • C: 082 390 8191 ocwcarpentry@gmail.com Old Simondium Winery, R45 PO Box 5, Groot Drakenstein, 7680 Restoration | Carpentry Joinery | Built-in OCWCupboards RESTORATION&PROJECTMANAGEMENT 074 313 7829 +27 (0)21 876 3640 Unit A, Fabriek Nationale No 1, 9 Fabriek street, Franschhoek herman@franschhoekelectric.co.z7690awww.franschhoekelectric.co.za WE MANAGE ALL RELATED HOMEOWNER SERVICES WITHIN FRANSCHHOEK, BOLAND, WINELANDS AND SURROUNDS FRANSCHHOEKSTORAGEForshortandlongtermstoragesolutions.Weofferlockablebays,containersandSAFE.SECURE.AFFORDABLE.PACKAGINGTRAILERHIRE6FabriekStreet02187621740823206523
The reserve's flora consists of montane fynbos established on leached acidic sandy soils. Fynbos (the world's smallest and most diverse plant kingdom) is primarily characterised by four types of plants: Proteas, Ericas, Restios (reed-like plants resembling grass) and geophytes (bulbs). www.montrochellehiking.co.za
FRANSCHHOEK
18 | September 2022 Day Hiking Permit: R70 per person | Hiking Trails Map: R30 Hiking permits and maps available at: Tourist Information Centre Tel. 021 876 3603 | www.webtickets.co.za Keep the permit with you. | Enter and hike at own risk. | Do not hike alone. | Always put safety first.
Discover Franschhoek’s Pristine Mountainland Situated high above the Franschhoek Valley the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve (established 1983) is part of a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site - the Cape Floral Region Protected Areas (2004) and linked to the UNESCO-designated Boland Biosphere Reserve. Ever since 1823 mountain springs in the reserve have provided Franschhoek with high quality drinking water. The reserve is known for its spectacular views of the valley, diverse plant and small animal life and well-maintained network of hiking trails. It is also a popular j u m p i n g o f f p o i n t f o r p a ra g l i d e r s a n d i s b e c o m i n g a f a v o u re d destination for trail runners. T h e F ra n s c h h o e k m o u n t a i n l a n d c o n s i s t s o f Ta b l e M o u n t a i n sandstone that was raised as a mountain range more than 265 million years ago. The present mountain and valley landscape is the result of erosion over the past 140 million years. Three large peaks dominate the reserve: Perdekop (1575 m), DuToitskop (1418m) and Middagkrans (1029 m). In summer southeasterly winds can form impressive 'cloudfalls' over Middagkrans. Both summer and winter weather conditions in the reserve can be challenging to the uninitiated - the former being hot and dry and the later wet and cold with occasional snow on the higher ground.
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Pam Golding Properties (Pty) Ltd - Franschhoek Winelands Registered with the PPRA. of a Business Property Practitioner FFC. Operating a Trust Account. 876 E: winelandsint@pamgolding.co.za
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September 2022 | 19 EXCLUSIVE MANDATE EXCLUSIVE MANDATE EXCLUSIVE MANDATE Property Showcase DOMAINEFRANSCHHOEKDESANGES, FRANSCHHOEK FRANSCHHOEK R27.5 MILLION Excl. VAT R12.8 MILLION R3.4 MILLION Excl. VAT 5 Units / 36 Parking / Erf size 6,740m² 3 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms / 2 Garages / 4 Parking Vacant land, approximately 524m² Ref: FWI1575825 Ref: FWI1579641 Ref: FWI1570394 Doug Gurr 072 610 7208 Registered with the PPRA - Full Status doug.gurr@pamgolding.co.zaFFC Jeanine Allen 082 410 6837 Registered with the PPRA - Full Status jeanine.allen@pamgolding.co.zaFFC A charming, attractive commercial property at the gateway to Franschhoek, on the main approach road entering the town. There are 5 separate units: a garden restaurant, currently vacant building with generator and seating for 60 inside and 60 outside, a spa & wellness centre, a laundry and a residential unit. Perfectly positioned overlooking the mature garden and estate dam to frame the most beautiful mountain views. Unique in design with emphasis on tranquility and privacy. A relaxed patio opens onto the garden with glass stack-and-fold doors for all year Extremelyenjoyment.rareopportunity to build your dream home in the heart of the village! This well-located residential erf also offers a fully functioning borehole and a lovely mature tree to add to the garden design.
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20 | September 2022 LOCAL EXPERTISE NATIONAL PRESENCE INTERNATIONAL AUDIENCE Fine & Country Franschhoek 23 Huguenot St, Franschhoek, 7690 +27 (0)21 876 3322 | franschhoek@fineandcountry.com 300 offices globally 40 offices EXPERIENCEnationallySelling property in Franschhoek since 2009 JUDGEMENT Providing insightful experienced advice to sellers and buyers SERVICE Consistently applauded by clients for service excellence Tom Clode 079 955 3114 Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194 CONTACT US TODAY TO DISCUSS ALL YOUR PROPERTY NEEDS. A SELECTION OF PROPERTIES SOLD BY FINE & COUNTRY FRANSCHHOEK SO FAR IN 2022* *Prices shown are asking price R3 950 000
