FRIENDS OF IZIKO SOUTH AFRICAN
MUSEUM Non-Profit Organisation 052-511-NPO Postal address: P O Box 61 Cape Town 8000 South Africa Physical address: 25 Queen Victoria Street Cape Town SA Phone: 021 481 3913 Cell: 072 225 6893 E-mail: samfriends@iziko.org.za Website: http://www.iziko.org.za/; http://www.iziko.org.za/ static/page/friends-of-the-south-african-museum Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofIzikoSAMuseum/
SPECIAL SHOW AT THE PLANETARIUM: WEDNESDAY 2 AUGUST AT 18:00 After nearly a year of renovation and upgrades, the new Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome, a state-of-the-art digital facility, opened its doors to the public on 27 May. It replaces the old planetarium, an analogue facility that had been in use since the mid-1980s. This facility boasts immersive, 3D visual capability and has several exciting new shows on offer. Visitors to this Cape Town icon are sure to be blown away! Theo Ferreira, the planetarium manager, is offering Friends the unique opportunity to attend a free presentation in which he will discuss the upgrade of the planetarium and give us a chance to experience one of the new shows in this cutting-edge planetarium. It is not necessary to book for this excursion. Meet at the Planetarium entrance before the show starts at 18:00. Please note that this invitation has been extended to members of the Friends only. Please present your membership card to gain entry.
NEWSLETTER – JULY 2017 Now that mid-winter has arrived, we hope that you will find the upcoming activities and lectures interesting and appealing. Please look out for exciting events and lectures. We welcome suggestions from members; please contact us should you come across anything of interest.
LECTURE PROGRAMME 2017 We are delighted to let you know that from June 2017 Friends lectures returned to the TH Barry Lecture Theatre at the Iziko South African Museum, 25 Queen Victoria Street. The lectures have been changed to the last Wednesday of each month, the time remains 18:00. Lectures for the remainder of the year: Wednesday 30 August Speaker: Nick Sloan Title: Raising the Concordia Wednesday 27 September Speaker: Marion Edmunds Title: The Mendi – film and talk
OUTINGS Booking and advance payment to secure your booking is essential for all outings. JULY 28/29
Robben Island trip
AUGUST Wednesday 2 Planetarium presentation and show Thursday 3 Guided tour of first South African perfume museum Saturday 19 West Coast day trip with Dr Graham Avery Wednesday 23 Guided tour of art exhibition at Welgemeend
Wednesday 25 October Speaker: TBA Title: TBA
SEPTEMBER Thursday 7 UCT Anatomy and Pathology Museums Tuesday 26 Kirby Collection at UCT College of Music
Wednesday 29 November Speaker: David Wolfe Title: TBA
OCTOBER Saturday 14
Explore Huguenot tunnel, Du Toits Kloof, with Tony Murray
1
REPORT BACKS WELLINGTON Seventeen Friends and visitors met at Buffalo Ridge (Water) Buffalo farm, eleven kilometres from Wellington, the first of four stops. Kobus Lambrecht, the farm manager, showed us around, providing good insight into the workings on the only Buffalo mozzarella producer in South Africa. It is refreshing to find someone who is really passionate about his work, and so willing to give up valuable time in a busy schedule to share his enthusiasm with us. This passion was the hallmark of all four farms we visited. Our next stop was Quenti, a ‘vertical’ alpaca farm. Linda and Steve Nessworthy, the owners (who are a nurse and accountant by profession who ran a food importing business in a previous life) do everything themselves: shearing the animals, cleaning, spinning the fleece to produce yarn, and having the yarn knitted or woven to produce the final product. They bought old textile machinery and have learned by trial and error to operate this machinery. The products on sale at the farm – hiking socks, shawls and scarves – are of the highest standard. Once again, great enthusiasm for what they do. By then it was lunchtime and we headed for Lazanou, an organic wine farm a few minutes from the alpaca farm, where our host, Josef Lazarus, gave us a wine tasting of his six wines, all of which were excellent, especially the Syrah/ Mourvedre 2013 reserve that won a gold medal in France. His partner, Candice Stephanou, prepared a delicious lunch, served at the side of a dam in shade. Josef – very generously – allowed us to consume the balance of the six superb wines we tasted. Needless to say, all good intentions and willpower not to buy expensive wine went out the window after tasting such fine products. After this excellent repast we headed back to Cape Town, stopping at Olyvenbosch olive farm, where Paul van Eyssen, the owner, gave us a rundown on the olive industry in South Africa. We were able to buy some of their products, including olive oil and pickled olives, as well as olive soap and hand creams.
Above and left below: Photographer wishes to remain anonymous.
KEISKAMMA TAPESTRY Lila Komnick kindly arranged for a small group of Friends to return to Parliament for an in-depth look at the Keiskamma tapestry which thrilled us on our first visit to Parliament in March and had us wanting further information and more time to admire this wonderful work. Assisted by a hard copy of the story of the tapestry supplied by the Keiskamma Trust, Lila gave the group interesting insights into the work, pointing out details in the historic stories which are depicted in the tapestry. One of the members of our group had worked with the artists and embroiderers. We were very fortunate to have her talk to us about the planning process, providing details of how the work evolved and some fascinating insight and background to the project. This tapestry is a marvellous way to explore the history of that region and to see in detail what life at that time was like. We were fascinated by the detail; we even found a penguin amongst the animals that are depicted. Thanks to Lila for her time and sharing her expertise. Charlotte Honiball
What was so interesting about this outing, is that Manie Rust, Nan and Carel van der Merwe’s guest who lives in Wellington, knew nothing of these places and was delighted to discover them. There are numerous other places of interest in and around Cape Town, so keep a lookout for our next adventure. Munro Bloch Above: Photo by Jo-Anne Friedlander.
2
HOTEL VERDE VISIT An enthusiastic group of Friends and guests recently enjoyed a visit to the carbon neutral Hotel Verde. This four star hotel, hidden away in the industrial area only a few minutes from Cape Town International Airport, is an impressive example of the multiple energy saving practices that can be successfully used in a modern hotel. We discovered the many and ingenious ways in which the hotel saves and provides energy while clients and visitors enjoy the benefits of top class hotel facilities that ranges from lighting controlled by occupancy sensors to power generating gym equipment and photovoltaic panels on the roof that provide 78 000 kWh per year. The vertical axis wind turbines at the entrance not only provide renewable energy but are also an aesthetically pleasing landmark. Efficient storage and the use of rain water and a grey water recycling system along with low-flow water fittings are all measures that ensure maximum water saving. A nice outdoor feature is the eco pool situated on the edge of a wetland area. The pool is free of chemicals and is crystal clear, giving the impression of swimming in a mountain pool. The wetland area also provides outdoor gym equipment for those who prefer to exercise in the fresh air. The Hotel Verde is Africa’s greenest hotel and has won a number of international awards for its energy saving and generating systems. There are a number of incentives for guests and staff that provide added interest and an element of fun. Another feature at the hotel is the weekly Earth Hour every Wednesday, open to everyone, with music, candles, solar powered jars and an ‘electricity free’ buffet and à la carte menu. Paintings by local school children decorate the walls and an attractive ‘living’ wall separates the lounge from the dining area. It was an interesting visit that introduced the group to many different ways of creatively saving and generating energy. Maxine Davies
Above: Photo by Maxine Davies.
Above: Photo by Sherry Woods.
THE DONALD GREIG FOUNDRY Thirty five Friends met at this foundry for coffee and biscuits before being shown around by Ali and Donald Greig. It was a very interesting tour in which we were shown how a bronze object is created, using a 5 000 year old method that evolved simultaneously in Egypt, Europe and South America (think Inca, Aztec and Mayans). It is a highly skilled process that involves making various moulds, starting with latex, then plaster and finally ceramic, into which the molten bronze at a temperature of 1 200 degrees Celsius is poured by leatherclad men who have soaked their garments in water prior to handling the crucible of molten metal to counteract the extreme heat in the pouring area, shielded from us by thick glass windows. The accuracy of the various moulds is such that even the artist’s fingerprints and any other very fine detail from the initial hand-crafted wax or plastercine model are captured and carried throughout the various stages of the process, until they appear in bronze on the finished object. Having seen and learnt how complicated and time consuming the process is gives one a better understanding of why the end result can never be inexpensive. The foundry and gallery are stunning, adorned with various artefacts, including two very large iron pulleys from the original grain silos in which it is housed. It provides a fitting space in which to display to the best advantage Donald Greig’s wildlife bronzes. It is best described by one member as a ‘hidden gem’ in the mother city. Ali and Donald’s warm hospitality and informative tour made this one of the highlights of 2017. Munro Bloch
3
PHILIPPI HORTICULTURAL AREA (PHA) It was a threatening sky that saw twenty nine Friends make their way to Nazeer Sonday’s Vegkop organic farm and control centre of the PHA, an activist movement working to protect this prime agricultural land from threats by silica mining and urban development. Due to the imminent rain we left immediately on the tour and saw the intensive vegetable farming taking place. The areas that have been targeted for mining and development includes an ecologically important wetland. Back at the PHA headquarters, warmed by hot vegetable soup, we heard from Nazeer and his colleague Susanna Coleman about the history of the Philippi vegetable farms, the importance of the Cape Flats aquifer which supplies irrigation, even in times of drought, and the potential for the area to be occupied by many small organic farmers that will create additional jobs. Nazeer stressed the urgency of acting to save this valuable resource and appealed for the assistance of the public. After his talk we enjoyed a delicious vegetarian lunch where much discussion took place. If you want to find out more about this project go to the PHA facebook page. Gill Grose
FRIENDS FOSSIL TRIP TO GANORA AT NIEU
BETHESDA This was the twenty first fossil trip, led as always by Roger Smith, a superb fossil finder and teacher par excellence, ably assisted by Tiffany van Zyl and Sibususu Mtungata, preparators in the palaeontology department. They spent three days before our excursion scouting for the most likely places to take the group to ensure that we would have the best experience possible. We met at the guest house, Ganora, in the early evening on the first day of the excursion to listen to Roger’s introductory lecture in which he told us what we can expect to find and where to find fossils. Our first stop on the Thursday morning was at Wellwood, a magnificent sheep farm which is almost a self-contained village. It has been in the Rubidge family since 1838, and is currently farmed by Robert Rubidge, the fifth generation. They have an incredible fossil collection, unique in that it contains numerous type specimens, mostly found on the farm itself and in surrounding areas. This quote from Sydney Rubidge says it all: ‘I value not what I have done. I set much greater store by the fact that, because I have done it, others following where I shall have been forced to leave off may, in their turn, advance the science of palaeontology even further and to much greater heights of scientific achievement.’ From Wellwood we drove up the Old Wapadsberg Pass look at the l Permian/Triassic boundary which Roger discovered and which is currently being confirmed by international scientists. After a delicious lunch in the field prepared by Tiffany, we looked for fossils of Lystrasaurus, one of the few species to survive this extinction. The day ended with a pre-dinner lecture by Roger on the possible causes leading to the Mother of all Extinctions, when over ninety per cent of life forms went extinct 252 million years ago.
Above: Ian and Kathy Jay discovering fossils. Photo by Ethleen and Al Lastovica.
4
On Friday we went to Doornbosch to wander along the (dried) river bed that contained various fossils which is used as a teaching site for paleontology students from UCT and Wits. We had boerewors rolls for lunch, expertly braaied by Roger, and eaten on the farmhouse stoep. Where else but in the Karoo would an absent homeowner allow a group of twenty four strangers access to the house and bathroom? And not only permit a braai on the front lawn but leave a wheelbarrow load of firewood for us. The afternoon was spent on the slopes behind the house. A few interesting finds were made, including a Theracephalian found by Roger. Malcolm Cerfontein presented an interesting astronomy lecture before dinner which illustrated just how small and insignificant we are in the Universe.
The final day in the field was spent at Riverdene where a number of excellent finds were made which Roger and Sibususu excavated for the museum’s collections. Once again Tiffany spoiled us with her catering skills, serving lunch on the farmhouse stoep. The afternoon was spent at Nieu-Bethesda visiting the Kitching Museum and having a guided walk along the Gatsrivier to look at fossils. Some visited the Owl House while those who had been before chose to support the local microbrewery. We had a most delicious braai of Karoo leg of lamb with all the accompaniments for our final dinner.
The goals of the Red Hill Eco Club, in existence since 2011, are to inspire an appreciation of the environment through experiential learning from the perspectives of the biological and environmental sciences in young people. Topics are considered against the background of their relationship to fynbos and the natural environment in their immediate area, specifically Red Hill and its surrounds as well as the Cape Point area. The members consist of youngsters aged from eleven years upwards who live in the Red Hill informal settlement situated just north of Cape Point.
The owners and staff of the guesthouse went out of their way to make our stay enjoyable; no request was too onerous. It was a great experience where we learnt a lot, ate too much, drank too much and had lots of fun. To quote Roger, ‘One is never too old to enjoy a happy childhood’.
NEW MEMBERS
Munro Bloch
IN MEMORY OF LOYAL FRIENDS SUPPORTERS
VISIT TO IZIKO MUSEUM BY REDHILL ECO CLUB Friends arranged for a group of fifteen members of the Redhill Eco Club to visit the Iziko South African Museum on Saturday 10 June. They were given a tour of the museum, took part in some activities and attended a show in the newly opened digital planetarium. Rosemary Smythe was host to the group and provided a sandwich lunch and a drink for each child, sponsored by the Friends.
Welcome to the following new members: Brian & Ann Davey, Annabie Kuhn, Terry Lessem, Wendy Paisley, Joy Rubenstein, Willem & Reggie Stiglingh, Anne & Geoffrey Moss and Steffne Hughes.
It is with sadness and a great sense of loss that we acknowledge the passing of three members in June. Richard Borden an enthusiastic long-time member of the Friends committee and popular ‘barman’ at lectures. Long-time members who also died in June were: Dr Peter Zoutendyk enthusiastic hiker and outdoor man, with his big smile and passion for life. Mrs Ine van der Tak who enjoyed exploring South Africa with husband Henk. Ine loved and supported the Opera. The Friends extend condolences to the Borden, Zoutendyk and Van Der Tak families. Your loss is ours too and we will miss Richard, Peter and Ine at our lectures and outings. Charlotte Honiball Friends of Iziko South African Museum
‘Like’ our Facebook page for updates:
https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofIzikoSAMuseum/
5