The Hills - August 2017

Magazine 46

The Serval Cat

Your Unique Estate

AUGUST 20 17

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Recieve a Free Coffee & Test Drive in a Classic Car

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contents

estate news 04 06 07 10 13 15 2

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IMPORTANT CONTACT DETAILS INTRODUCTION LETTER THE AESTHETICS COMMITTEE TRAFFIC REGULATIONS WASHING DISPLAYED BUILDING COMPLIANCE

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lifestyle & décor 16 21 27 32 35 46

CLICK ON ATTERBURY ROAD SAFETY OF CHILDREN RESPECT FOR PETS FROM THE GYM MANAGER SERVAL CAT

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VINTAGE VISTA INDIGENOUS GARDENING

health & wellness 45 48

ROOT OF THE MATTER AIR PLANTS

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Contacts

important

Main Gate 079 079 4711 Levy Enquiries Bianca van Niekerk 011 214 5200 biancav@trafalgar.co.za Netcare Pretoria East Hospital 012 422 2300 (Antivenom) Gym Manager Francois de Beer 062 608 1814 thehillsfitnesscentre@gmail.com

Estate Manager

Environmental Officer

Johan van Schalkwyk 082 711 8732 johanvs@trafalgar.co.za

Hannes De Wet 082 551 6015 hannesd@trafalgar.co.za

Security Manager Jaco van Wyk 072 258 2239 jacovw@proteacoin.co.za

Carlita’s Restaurant 062 808 0015 | carlitasrestaurant@gmail.com

Disclaimer: This Newsletter is produced especially for residents/owners of The Hills to provide updates and useful information. It is produced by K-Studio on behalf of Trafalgar Property Management (Pty) Ltd. Although every effort is taken to ensure accuracy of content, Trafalgar Property Management (Pty) Ltd and/or the Publisher, cannot be held liable for any inaccurate information, and may not agree with all opinions expressed in this publication.

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Introduction Letter I am a born Free State farm boy with a passion for nature and the beauty it allows us to enjoy every day. With my feet firmly on mother earth I was brought up with a strong value system and have respect for what is right in life.

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I have a passion for people and enjoy seeing children laughing spontaneously. I seek to find the beauty in every situation and strive to live every day to its fullest potential. I am happily married with three children. I enjoy spending time with family and friends surrounded by nature whether camping out in the African bush or glancing far across the ocean, while I listen to the crackle of the flames eating away at the camelthorn wood fire next to me. I am inspired by the small things in life and find pleasure in helping others. I am privileged to be welcomed into The Hills family and I look forward to contribute towards growing this magnificent piece of heaven that you as residents call home, into a leading destination of choice for the nature-loving, peace-seeking individual. The Hills is for anyone looking for the best of both worlds. Where nature and true family lifestyle (like we knew when we were young) meets.

Regards

Johan van Schalkwyk

estate news

The Aesthetics Committee Francois van Wyk PrArch 24751027 | MProf(Arch)(Cum Laude) UP

It is my privilege to yet again share some insight and advice on behalf of Studious Aesthetics to make your home building experience an enjoyable period.

Balancing the professional responsibilities with the added financial pressure of a building process can be difficult. However, knowledge is power.

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As explained in our first article, the larger task of the aesthetics committee is to protect the value of each and every homeowner’s investment and also the value of the Estate.

In order to do this successfully, we need to ensure that your architect applies the Architectural guidelines to successfully help the developer to create a homogenous style and atmosphere that is in keeping with the aesthetics concept.

What is an Aesthetics concept?

For example: If we study a picturesque village in the South of France (so eloquently displayed in the recent tour de France cycle tour) we find that it is the harmony between the different buildings within its context that creates a collaborative beauty, not the beauty of the individual structure.

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In The Hills, the genre or style is referred to as the Highveld Vernacular or Modern “Farmstyle”. This is the cohesive glue that makes the Estate a success from an aesthetical point of view.

Typical elements of this genre include: • Proper Nothern Exposure in living

areas to create heat inside the house • Overhangs over windows, allowing

winter sun to penetrate and heat

the rooms and keeping summer sun out • Vertical proportioned windows • Pitched roofs • The use of verandas • Vertical slatted doors • The use of shutters • Red face brick • Natural dry packed stone

It is imperative to note that we still encourage architects and home owners to have the freedom to express their individuality within the genre of the Estate.

Please see below a list of frequently asked questions on other aesthetic matters: 1. Can I put water tanks on my property Yes, it is recommended. However, the tanks should form part of the aesthetic concept of the house and Estate (as explained above).

Clause 29.5 in the architectural guidelines clearly explain that rain water tanks must either be buried under the ground or, if exposed, must be suitably clad to complement the building it is serving.

estate news We usually recommend that it matches the roof material. If tanks are placed on the ground, it should not be higher than the boundary wall. No exposed plastic tanks will be allowed. It is important to know that a plan must be submitted to the Aesthetics committee for evaluation before the installation of tanks. This is called an amendment or addition submission and is a one week process.

2. Why do we see some houses that clearly do not conform to the Highveld vernacular genre?

The Hills Estate was bought over by Century Properties from another developer.

The previous estate management had a different set of guidelines at the time including items that do not compliment the Highveld Vernacular style.

3. What is a building line?

A building line on a property is an imaginary line on a property that demarcates the building Restriction Area and is at a fixed distance from any boundary of the property.

It is important for the homeowner to note that the City of Tshwane building lines always applies.

The estate building lines, as explained in the guidelines, refer to the building lines that the estate is willing to allow but does not overrule the council building lines. The estate building lines is a relaxation of the council building lines and a building line relaxation would have to be applied for at the City of Tshwane council. This process requires from the owner to obtain consent from the affected neighbours and could be a laborious process.

We advise architects and owners to consider neighbours at an early stage in the design process to preserve good neighbourly relations.

For any other clarity on guidelines or questions you may have, please contact our office via email: www.thehills@studious.co.za

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estate news

Traffic Regulations The Estate Maximum speed limit is 30Km/h There are 46 stop signs in the estate, please ensure that you stop at all of them. There are children walking and riding their bikes to school please ensure that you keep to the speed limit and stop at the stop signs.

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It is quite noticeable that some individuals have no respect for others as there is some formula 1 test drivers in our vicinity, the most noticeable practice area is the stretch from where you leave the Estate towards Garsfontein Road. A friendly reminder that the speed limit on the Estate is 30 and for good reason too. We did experience some youngster driving around with off road motor bikes and quad bikes, we call on all parents to reiterate compliance and adherence with the younger generation and to avoid driving non roadworthy and unlicensed vehicles of any nature within the perimeter of the Estate.

Selling in The Hills Estate since 2013

Each OfďŹ ce Independently Owned and Operated

Please contact us for a FREE Property Valuation

Team Werner & Sheldon

Werner de Waal | 083 445 0495 | werner@wernerdewaal.co.za

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estate news

Washing displayed in public view This is a hindrance to our residence and we call on you to adhere to the rules and consider the rest of the community.

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Four Seasons Housekeeping

Spring Cleaning | Weekly Cleaning Pre and Post Rental Cleaning | Post Construction Cleaning Contact: Bonita Le Roux on 0832 985 933 Email: 4seasonshousekeeping@gmail.com

Building site compliance is something that needs to be mentioned.

Everyone received the guidelines when you started building and every new building site is 100% compliant when the initial inspection is done.

Unfortunately, there are many current building sites that are not compliant and we asked you to address this matter with your contractors without delay. Should you need assistance here please feel free to contact the HOA office for assistance.

BUILDING

estate news

Site

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Access control is one of those things that is part of modern society and is a vital aspect in your overall security, please pay attention to who you allow access too. Please take the time and schedule an appointment with us should you need assistance.

VISITOR ACCESS SYSTEM QUICK GUIDE The Hills Visitor Panel Numbers: 079 079 4711 Main Gate

Communication with the system is only possible if your phone number is listed on the Estate database.

WHEN YOUR VISITOR ARRIVES AT THE GATE: Step 1: Your visitor must furnish the guard with your stand number for effective access to the Estate, should your visitor provide alternate information the access process will take longer and cause delays at the gate.

Step 2: A call will be placed by the guard to your phone announcing your visitor.

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Step 3: Press 9 on your phone to grant access for your visitor, an “access granted” voice will be heard and your visitor is granted access. If you do not want to grant access to the visitor press ### on your phone and an “access denied” voice will be heard.

WHEN YOUR VISITOR EXITS THE ESTATE Once you have granted access to your visitor by pressing 9 on your phone your visitor will receive a printed slip containing a one-time PIN for use at the entrance and the exit. The PIN number must be presented by the visitor (on the keypad) to enter and exit the Estate. The expiry date and time of the PIN is indicated on the slip. Should your visitor arrive at the exit gate with an expired PIN number, the guard will contact your stand as per the entry process described above to activate a new exit slip.

Visitors to the Estate will only be granted access on condition that the driver of the vehicle is in possession of a valid driver’s license.

PRE-CLEARANCE OF VISITORS VIA SMS This feature is only available via a cellphone Step 1: Ensure that your cellular number is loaded on the Estate database, if it is not listed the SMS features of the system will not be available to you.

Step 2: Decide on how many visitors you would like to pre-clear for the day.

Step 3: Should you require 3 visitors to have pre-clearance access codes, SMS C 3 to the visitor panel at the number listed above.

Step 4: You will receive an SMS reply from the visitor panel containing the Access code.

Forward the SMS to your visitor/s who in turn communicates the code to

the Guard at the visitors entrance lane to access the Estate. Access codes will only work for the number of times they were requested and will automatically expire at the time indicated on the sms EXTENDED PRE CLEARANCE CODES An extended pre clearance access code can be requested in instances where the resident requires an access code to work multiple times for an extended period. As per step 3 of pre-clearance codes, simply add the start and end date to the code request The format is as follows: c xx yymmdd yymmdd (note the spaces between the various fields) c Code Command xx - Number times the code must work yy - Year i.e 13 (2013) mm - Month i.e 01 to 12 dd - Day Example: You require an access code to be valid from the 25th December 2013 to the 28th December 2013 and you require the code to work 3 times only for the period, send the following sms: c 3 131225 131228 Please note that start and end dates may not exceed 30 days

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estate news

ATTERBURY ROAD UPDATE

Upgrades are complete and the road will be open in August.

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“IT’S A BEAUTIFUL DAY, DON’T LET IT GET AWAY” ~U2 When the noise of the city becomes too much and your heart craves for a little peace, the one place where you will find rest, is our beautiful nature reserve. All you hear is your thoughts, the chirping of birds and the gentle wind passing through. As I stood on the top looking over our beautiful Estate, breathing in the fresh air, I hear U2’s song playing in my mind ... “It’s a beautiful day, don’t let it get away”

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Thank you Evert von Zwietring - Stand 817 for the beautiful photos shared with us.

To all keen photographers out there… why not forward your contributions for placement in the newsletter? We live in such a beautiful Estate, let’s share with one another what life offers in such abundance. We eagerly await your contributions! It would be super if you could name your contribution, who knows you might see your photo on the cover of our next issue.

P.S: You don’t need to be a professional to be part of this.

VINTAGE VISTA

its a lifestyle

Custom furniture & carpentry, curtaining & wallpaper, upholstery & decor. All backed by our talented in-house design service.

Come to our showroom at 799 Old Farm Road, Faerie Glen Pretoria, or call us on 012 991 5455 Alternatively, email stash@vintagevista.co.za or visit our online store at www.vintagevista.co.za

lifestyle & DĂŠcor

&

BE BOLD add vintage to your

Style

Vintage Vista offers a combination of local and international furniture and decor, selected for their contemporary lines and design driven-style.

The team of designers at Vintage Vista also design and create once-off custom pieces for clients using mediums such as wood, metal and upholstery.

Vintage Vista is known for its eclectic style, bold use of colour & prints and successfully merging vintage and modern furniture in a design.

We are not only a furniture and dĂŠcor store, we have evolved into an inspiring lifestyle centre, where you will find Namaste CafĂŠ for a great coffee and a bite to eat, The Urban Room if you are up for a yoga class in the morning and lastly Tammy Taylor nails for a pamper session.

A close-knit team of five interior decorators offer a range of custom services including: A free interior decorating service, which includes having an interior decorator sent to your home to view the space, an extensive mood board and a non-obligatory quotation on mood board items. A one day make over. Send us pics of your space and we bring the goods to you, including carpets, accessories, scatters ect. We redo your space and you only take what you love.

Vintage Vista also offers a curtaining service, wallpaper and, reupholstery. The store is equipped with a large fabric room with an extensive fabric and wallpaper library, where we regularly meet with customers for consultations.

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We are here to meet your every need when it comes to the leisure and lifestyle of your home.

estate news

Safety

OF CHILDREN

Please be reminded that children younger than 14 years need to be accompanied while roaming on the Estate. We ended up with many youngsters down at the clubhouse area unaccompanied. This situation places huge pressure on our limited staff down at the facility. As much 27 as we want the little ones to enjoy themselves we would like to see them enjoy themselves safely.

lifestyle & DĂŠcor

Indigenous gardening Renier Pretorius (BSc Landscape Architecture) Director of deSCAPE

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estate news

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In recent years, many people and developments have realized the advantages of using indigenous vegetation in gardening.

With more and more people having less time on their hands to attend to gardens, the notion of a “low-maintenance” garden has become a big attraction. Indigenous species have adapted to local climate, geography and hydrology, which in turn allows them to thrive (once established) with minimal pesticides, fertilizers and watering.

When creating an indigenous garden, it is important to keep in mind that one of the reasons why South Africa has such a wide variety of species, is because we have many different “biomes”. (Savanna, Thicket, Grassland, Forest, Fynbos, Nama Karoo, Succulent Karoo and Desert) This needs to be considered when creating a “low-maintenance” garden, because the biome that you find yourself in will also help you determine the species that are best suited to your geographical location. (Biome maps of South Africa are readily available on the internet)

These advantages will assist one in achieving a low maintenance garden. In South Africa, we are privileged to have a wide variety of indigenous plants allowing us to create numerous different types of gardens through combining the right indigenous species. Indigenous species also tend to attract birds, butterflies and wildlife much more effectively, compared to exotic species.

• •

• •

Gauteng and specifically the Pretoria area has a moderate climate which is suitable for a lot of the indigenous species that are not typical for the biome. In a lot of instances, especially in cities, it is important to remember that many of the attributes of a given biome, may have been altered to a large extent due to human factors such as: Building rubble, which alters soil condition.

Buildings cast shade, which may cause microclimates around the building to be different.

Fertilizers and pesticides introduced may alter PH levels in the soil.

In some biomes plants benefit from wildfires, which occur naturally, but may have to be simulated with mowing/pruning techniques.

A common error, is that “low-maintenance” has been replaced with “no-maintenance” by many people, which in turn has led to the misconception that indigenous species have the reputation of being untidy in a garden setting. In a garden setting, layout and finishes will play a huge part in creating an aesthetical, contextual and practical garden, whether using indigenous or exotic species. A lot of indigenous species tend to be dormant during the winter months, which might make your garden more “dull” if not combined with indigenous species that give colour during the dryer months. If strategically placed, winter colours may even add to the aesthetic value to large extent.

In conclusion, there are more advantages than constraints, when working with indigenous species, but it is still important to understand what it is that you want to achieve and to take a wholistic and realistic approach when designing your dream garden.

“She has her moments…”

One of my design lecturers related that he would often be asked why his garden looks so dull in winter, his reply was: “She has her moments…”

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estate news

Respect for Pets

WE experienced some incidents with children that roamed the Estate, climbed on boundary walls and teased the dogs on the inside of some properties. We urge parents to address this with their children as we do not want to end up with children biten because of unthoughtful behaviour. Please advise the Estate office should you encounter similar behaviour. Our pets also deserve to be treated with the necessary respect.

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My Dad is the best because...

Congratulations

TO OUR FATHER’S DAY COMPETITION

Winner

Michelle Moore, who won this beautiful wine rack from Display Wines & 4 tickets to Fijnwyn Festival

He catches me before I fall, and encourages me to pursue my dreams. He shares in my hapiness, guides me through difficult times, helping me to never loose hope.

It’s amazing to know that I can follow in such great footsteps, I will always admire him for being such a great role model.

Thank you Dad for all the Life Lessons, Adventures & opportunities. I am who I am, because of you

Love you Dad!

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estate news Topic of the Month - Meal Planning/ Nutrition Source: Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutrition (SCAN), Eatright.org

A word from your

Gym Manager With my quads screaming of fatique after doing 24 sets of legs and I am looking on my calendar to see what body part is up next, was amazed to see that it’s only 42 days till Spring day. (1st September) The fact still remains that there is no better time than NOW to start training for your “beach body”

“What should I eat before and after a workout?”

Sometimes the answer depends more on the athlete and their specific activity, but there are some common truths that apply for pre and post workout nutrition, whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned veteran.

Don’t Skip the Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are fuel for your “engine” (i.e. your muscles). And the harder your engine is working the more carbohydrates you need to keep going. So you may be asking - how soon before a workout should I eat? The answer? It depends.

As a general rule of thumb, it’s best not to eat immediately before a workout because while your muscles are trying to do their “thing,” your stomach is trying to simultaneously digest the food in your stomach. And, even more of a factor,

eating too close to a workout may cause you to experience some GI discomfort while you train or play.

Ideally, you should fuel your body about 1-3 hours pre workout, depending on how your body tolerates food.

Experiment and see what time frame works best for your body.

Here are some suggestions for pre workout fuel: • A peanut butter and banana or PBJ sandwich • Greek yogurt with berries • Oatmeal with low fat milk and fruit • Apple and peanut or almond butter • Handful of nuts and raisins (two parts raisins: one

part nuts) Notice that each of the above includes some protein as well as carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the fuel. Protein is what rebuilds and repairs. Getting protein and carbohydrates into your system is even more vital post workout.

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Post Workout Nutrition Your body uses stored energy (glycogen) in your muscles to power through your workout or game, but after that workout, you need to replenish the nutrients lost.

What to do?

Member of the Month

As soon as possible post workout, get carbohydrates and protein immediately into your body. This gives your muscles the ability to replenish the glycogen they just lost through training and helps your tired muscles rebuild and repair with the available protein and amino acids.

He also participated in our 1st Night Run and followed the 10km route.

George Horatio Fitzroy George enjoys doing HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) and Boot Camp.

Post workout meals include: • Post-workout recovery smoothie

(made with low-fat milk and fruit) • Low fat chocolate milk • Turkey on a whole grain wrap with veggies • Yogurt with berries The above offer mainly carbohydrates, some protein and are convenient.

Francois de Beer t 062 608 1814 e thehillsfitnesscentre@gmail.com

THE OVAL CLUBHOUSE OPENING ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL EVENT 37

estate news

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Classic Cars The Corber-Way interview by Chantél Venter

Have you always dreamt of owning a classic car? Do you do a double-take whenever you pass one on the road, and have to contain yourself from touching a vintage beauty in a parking lot? Then you are a classic car enthusiast. One such an enthusiast, Corber Viljoen, has turned this passion of his into a dream job. We chatted to him about his love for classics and how Moselin Exclusive Cars in Silver Lakes is helping others realise their vintage car dreams.

Where and when did your love for old cars start?

I started “working” at a body shop when I was in grade 9 – I actually just messed around with the old cars.

It was a friend of my dad’s place and I only found out years later that my father paid the owner who then paid me my “salary”.

I have since then been buying and selling classic cars – even project vehicles – as long as it is a classic!

Do you only have a “thing” for old cars or are there other motorised vehicles that flip your bonnet (so to speak)?

There is something about a vintage/classic car that

lifestyle & Décor just does it for me. Off-road vehicles have also become something I specialise in!

What is your all time favourite old car and have you had the opportunity to restore one?

I have not yet – hopefully one day I will have the chance to restore a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS. I have found one but there is no time for that now! I would love to own and restore a BMW 3.0 CSi and a 2002 Tii BMW. What part of the restoration process do you enjoy most?

I enjoy the big reveal! There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a happy client. Fabricating is also a pretty cool thing!

What kind/s of car/s do you own?

I have owned a number of classics but I haven’t kept a

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single one! Moselin Exclusive Cars owns some nice cars though: 1965 Corvette Stingray 1972 BMW 3.0 CSL 850 BMW Interceptor Cortina Diplomatic 750IL 360 Modena Ferrari And some more!

What is the story behind Moselin Exclusive Cars (previously GT Auto)?

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Adv. Mphaga started GT Auto along with another partner – due to differences in business this did not last and recently Moselin Exclusive Cars was born. The business, GT Auto and Moselin has been operating in Silver Lakes for the past 3 years. Moselin is an abbreviation for Moses and Lindi – this is Adv. Mphaga and his wife. I started as the Sales Manager in January 2017 and took over full management in June 2017 after 3 months’ negotiations with Adv.

Mphaga. I believe Moselin will be a game changer in the classic and exclusive car world within the next 12 months.

Moselin Exclusive Cars is more than just a place to view and buy restored oldies. It is an ideal family outing. What can visitors expect from a morning or afternoon at the garage?

We pride ourselves on the fact that we enjoy what we do and we want our customers to feel the same when they are here. We have a fully licenced pub and restaurant as well as the workshop, which our clients are more than welcome to enter for a glimpse of what we do.

People come here to enjoy breakfast or lunch and be transported back in time through the classic cars. We are also able to offer some advice where possible.

Are there any new developments visitors can look forward to?

THIS IS A SURPRISE but yes – massive changes and upgrades will be revealed soon. We hope to have the full rebranding completed within 2 months.

You recently exhibited at the Adrenaline Show, what was the experience like? Was it your first show or do you exhibit often?

We exhibit all over the country but it was our first Adrenaline. It is amazing and very fitting to combine the aircrafts with automotive masterpieces, as this is something unknown to SA. You own Wat Swaai jy on Facebook. Why did you start this endeavour?

This was started in 2016 – officially – but I have been using the same platform for the past 3 years in my buying and selling endeavours. Wat Swaai Jy is still my first born and there is also many great things planned for this in the near future.

Which services/plans do you provide for buyers?

Wat Swaai jy is a platform that facilitates the entire buying and selling process – taking the hassle out of the client’s hands and also obtaining the best value for

my clients. There are many buying platforms but Wat Swaai Jy and Moselin in turn operates on a fully ethical way of business and the aim is to be as transparent as possible.

What are the steps when a customer is looking to sell his/her classic car?

Sign my mandate or consignment form – this does not limit the client to only my services but gives the client and me some security.

Bring me the car or send me as many photos and details, confirm the paperwork and then I WILL sell your car at a market related price. I normally (98% of the time) obtain a higher price for my clients compared to other selling platforms. This is for classics as well as newer vehicles. Wat Swaai Jy covers any vehicle and is not 100% set on classics/exclusives.

Wat Swaai Jy will soon offer services such as finance through private companies, payment portals for secure payments as this remains a challenge when buying and selling.

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FIRST 20 RESIDENTS TO VISIT OUR GARAGE WITH THIS CODE WILL RECIEVE A FREE COFFEE & A TEST DRIVE MoS7Hills2017

I plan to disrupt the second-hand market. In our current economy people are looking at preowned vehicles more often than brand new cars and unfortunately this market involves some in convenience regarding ownership changes etc. This is where Wat Swaai Jy also features and we facilitate the entire process seamlessly.

Classic Cars are mainly an investment; do you offer certified valuations for insurance purposes?

We do. We do intensive research and then provide accurate valuations based on that.

How can customers get in contact with you?

I can be contacted on Facebook from the Wat Swaai Jy page or via email corber@watswaaijy.co.za or during office hours on my cellphone: 083 554 9370

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health & wellness

GINGER

ROOT of the matter

Ginger has been used for thousands of years as a natural treatment for colds and flu around Asia.

The University of Maryland Medical Center states that to treat cold and flu symptoms in adults, steep 2 tbsp. of freshly shredded or chopped ginger root in hot water, two to three times a day

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estate news

Serval Cat

The Tiger, small Lion, Big cat , the leopard , Cheetah and the thing with spots , are but some of the names given to the Serval Cats with their kittens roaming The Hills Estate.

The Leptaillurus Serval or Tierboskat in Xhosa: Hlosi, Ngwenkala.

Zoeloe: Sindebele, Tswana: Tadi.

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The Serval is a slender, medium built cat. That stands 54 – 62 cm at the shoulder and weighs 9-18 kg. The Serval has the longest legs of any cat relative – to its body size. Active in the day and night, the Serval can be spotted in the Estate, early in the mornings and late afternoon, if the veldt is wet the Serval tends to use the walkways to move around.

Several droppings and track have been spotted on the walkways by me throughout the Estate. We‘ve recently discovered that there is a male, female and two kittens.

black – tipped tail. Facial features include the brownish or greenish eyes, white whiskers on the snout and near the ear. The ears are as large as those of a domestic cat, (But large relative to the size of the head) and black on the back with a white horizontal band in the middle. Three to four black stripes run from the back of the head onto the shoulders, and then break into rows of spots. The white underbelly has dense and fluffy basal fur. The serval has good sense of smell, hearing and vision.

The Serval is one of the estate’s prise possessions and needs to be protected at all cost. They are non aggressive and very allusive.

Figure 3 Footprint and droppings of the Serval cat.

Environmental greetings from The Serval prefers areas with cover such as reeds and tall grasses in the proximity of water such as wetlands and savannahs. The Serval has been spotted Environmental officer. near the dam and on the river banks in the Estate.

He roams through the whole Estate and was seen in several gardens, hunting for rodents (particularly vlei rats), small birds, frogs, insects and reptiles. The Serval uses it’s sense of hearing to locate the prey, it leaps over 2m above the ground to land on the prey on it’s forefeet and finally kills it with a bite to the neck or head.

Hannes de Wet

It is characterised by a small head, large ears, a golden – yellow to buff coat spotted and striped with Figure 1 Serval droppings on the walkway in Ext.6

Figure 2 Serval droppings size indication to a bakkie key.

Figure 4 The fur of rodents can clearly be seen in the droppings.

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PLANTS

9 Beautiful plants that purify the air inside your home written by Chantél Venter

We all know that the air out there is polluted, which is why we appreciate the role trees play in purifying the air we breathe. But what about inside the home? Did you know there is such a thing as indoor air pollution?

Everyday products used cleaning (detergent, floor surface cleaner), personal (toilet paper, tissues),

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for and care DIY

projects (glue, paint, inks) etc. are releasing contaminants such as formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, ammonia etc. into the rooms we should feel the safest in. Add poor ventilation, mold, pollen etc. to the mix and this could be the reason why you are feeling congested, suffer from headaches and even nausea.

Ensuring

proper

ventilation

in your home is a good start in combatting indoor air pollution, but there is something else you can do too: add a few plants in your home.

Potted plants can do more than just add a beautiful green touch, they can: • uplift your mood; • reduce mental exhaustion; and • purify the air.

Some of these include: 1. Ficus Ficus Benjamina/Weeping Fig

4. Boston Fern Nephrolepis exaltata v. Bostoniensis

7. Aloe Vera A. barbadensis Mill

A ficus is technically a tree but it is the ideal house “plant” to combat benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene in the air. Keep your ficus in a humid area with bright, indirect sunlight.

Give a room a forest-like appearance with a fern and rid it of formaldehyde and xylene in the process. Place on a surface or hang from the ceiling in a humid/moist area that gets some indirect sunlight.

2. Peace Lily Spathiphyllum sp.

5. Snake Plant/ Mother-in-law’s tongue Sansevieria trifasciata

Best known for its healing properties, aloe vera is also a potent air purifier ridding the air of formaldehyde. This plant likes sunny, dry areas and doesn’t want too much water.

The beautiful white and green blooms of a peace lily will brighten up any room while purifying the air from ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene. Plant in a vibrant pot and place in a shady area.

This edgy plant removes benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene from the air. Place in a humid area with some sun.

3. Spider Plant Chlorophytum Comosum “Vittatum” The white and green wispy leaves of a spider plant looks great in any shaped pot and rids a room of formaldehyde and xylene. Place plant in a bright area that receives ample indirect sunlight.

6. Bamboo Palm Camaedorea seifritzii Remove benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene with a bamboo. This fun plant will grow quite tall and needs a bright and sunny environment in order to flourish.

8. Gerbera Daisy Gerbera jamesonii Who knew that something so gorgeous could be such an effective air purifier? Place it is a high light area and rid the room of traces of benzene and trichloroethylene.

9. Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum morifolium An equally beautiful plant that also flourishes in an area with bright and direct

sunlight, the chrysanth frees the air of benzene. Ideal for a home office where traces of glue and ink is found, or in the scullery/kitchen where plastics and detergents are used.

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