the Muse - Aug 2012 by the Muse magazine by Pinelands Directory

FR EE !

muse

the

PINELANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE issue

21| August 2012

ture a e f l ia Spec ology

n e h c e T or lif 1

f pages 9-1

travellers

• Pinelanders

in Bali

Pinelanders

• Batandwa Ntsebeza

FOOD

Roasted butternut soup

Soccer enthusiast

By Heleen Meyer

• Lenora Hammond

out & About

kidney donor

guided garden walk

YOUR GUIDE TO local NEWS, EVENTS, PEOPLE & PLACES

welcome About the cover: A stone crossing over a water feature on the garden tour at the Vineyard Hotel. See our Out & About on page 17. Photograph by Max Schutte of the Muse magazine

Birds in Pinelands

Make an impression in

The Cape Robin A fairly common garden bird in Pinelands. The soft and melodic song is rendered as a whistled `Janfrederick', giving the bird its Afrikaans name. Often keeps to thick tangles in the garden and ventures out to feed on open lawns at dawn and dusk. Photograph and text by Ian Sinclair from Cape Peninsula Birdlife by Roy Siegfried & Ian Sinclair.

the

muse

community magazine

A popular, quality, glossy magazine ﬁlled with engaging articles relevant to our local readers. A resource that people read and collect and keep. MAKE SURE THEY SEE YOU!

WELCOME TO THE FUTURE What a chilly month it's been — but at least the days are starting to get a little longer now! While the rain is certainly welcome to fill our dams for summer, I hope we will be treated to a little relief with the odd sunny Cape winter day to brighten our moods and dry out our soggy lawns. Three Pinelanders have won prestigious National Science and Technology Forum BHP Billiton Awards recognising their achievements! You can read about them in our gallery on page 11. This month in our Special Feature we also take a more lighthearted look at technology in our lives, where it's going, what might lay around the corner and our love-hate relationship with it. As usual, we have a number of Pinelanders, both young and older, doing extraordinary things and sharing their thoughts and experiences with us. Meet our very own aspiring Bafana Bafana coach Batandwa Ntsebeza — a ball of enthusiasm and inspiration for the development of sport in our neighbourhood. Keep warm and enjoy the issue

PUBLISHED MONTHLY AND FREE TO ALL READERS OUR SPECIAL FEATURES EACH MONTH ARE IDEAL FOR TARGET ADVERTISING - SEE OUR CALENDAR

CIRCULATION

The magazine is free with a total monthly circlulation of 8000 copies. 5000 copies are delivered to all homes, ats & businesses in Pinelands and to all houses in Thornton. Stands are placed in selected retail outlets in Pinelands,Thornton, Rosebank and Rondebosch. There is also hand delivery to selected businesses in Observatory and Mowbray. An online version of the magazine, as well as back issues, are also available for reading on the Pinelands Directory website, www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za, which has over 8000 visits every month.

SPECIAL FEATURE CALENDAR Jul 2012 • Winter Warmth Aug 2012 • Technology For Work & Fun Sep 2012 • Children & Education Oct 2012 • Fashion, Arts & Crafts Nov 2012 • Get Out and Travel Dec 2012 • Gifts & Celebrations ADVERTISING RATES

Advert space subject to availability. All sizes are in mm (width x height)

Max Schutte

MAIN FEATURES SECTION premium placement Editor Max Schutte Photographer and writer Glynnis Schutte Assistant Christelle Botha Regular contributors Carol Booth of Cannons Creek Independent School, Heleen Meyer freelance food consultant Sue Torr of Crue Consulting

Contact Us tel • 021 531 3324 cell • 073 644 1288 email • muse@pinelandsdirectory.co.za post • The Muse, 12 Rhone, Pinelands, 7450

We have ideas for features, but we also invite you to send us your suggestions, or even contribute an article or news. Email us at muse@pinelandsdirectory.co.za

Photo Credits: p6 © Mrclauds | Stock Free Images & Dreamstime Stock Photos p12 © Atanasis | Stock Free Images & Dreamstime Stock Photos

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All contributions, photographs and text, submitted to The Muse Magazine can be sent to muse@pinelandsdirectory.co.za. The Muse has the right to make alterations to submitted contributions.

www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za

August 2012 | the muse | 1

PINE CABS

LOCAL

TAXI SERVICE

EVENTS

DROP-OFFS AND COLLECTIONS Parties • Functions • Night Life Airport Transfers Day Tours

You drink We drive!

PINE CABS

LOCAL & SURROUNDING AREAS

PINELANDS • THORNTON • RONDEBOSCH NEWLANDS • CAPE TOWN • WATERFRONT

FOR BOOKINGS CALL

072 976 0592

pinecabs@hotmail.co.za

DENTIST Dr Elri de Villiers We provide a full range of dentistry for young and old in a friendly environment Surgery Hours Mon - Fri 8am to 5pm

Duncan

Howard

devillierselri@gmail.com

Avonduur

PHONE 021 531 3695

Howard Centre

Ajax Way 5

Forest Drive

Pinelands Tail rs Since 1998

We button up all your tailoring requests

Dressmaking & suiting Professional service Curtains & cushions Leather & suede Alterations

Zip into a branch near you

021 532 3480

Second Floor, Howard Centre

www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za Claremont • Durbanville • Gardens Kenridge •Milnerton • Sea Point

www.tailorcapetown.co.za

calendar 3 August

19 August

Reach For A Dream is encouraging all South Africans to buy a slipper sticker for R10 and swap your regular work or school shoes for your favourite pair of slippers on the 3rd of August. The Reach For A Dream Foundation is a nonprofit organization that fulfils the dreams of children faced with life threatening illnesses. Call 021 555 3013 or email genevieve@ reachforadream.org.za.

Watch the Pinelands Athletic Club walkers and joggers carrying their balloons down Forest Drive and up Viking, Union and Central Avenues to celebrate the club's anniversary.

Reach for your Slippers

Easy access and parking

5 Ajax Way Pinelands

community

V ww isit land w.pin e s co.z direct or a eve for mo y. nts in t re he are a!

5 August

McKenna & Scott Road Race From 7:30am in Pinelands. Entry fee is R30 for 10km and R10 for 5km it is. A donation from the race proceeds will be given to Red Cross Children's Hospital Trust. Call Hayley Smith on 082 774 0228. Register at www.topevents.co.za

10 August

Buyela dance and drama A family production by Youth for Christ with a message of Hope and Healing, presents “YO AFRICA” at the Thornton Methodist Church Hall at 7pm. BUYELA is a group of 12 multicultural volunteers between the ages of 18 and 23 who travel through South Africa, by invitation from schools, churches, companies and communities, to tell their story.

75th Anniversary group run

30 August

Blood donor clinic Western Province Blood Transfusion Service blood donation clinic at St Stephen's Church Hall, Central Square from 3 pm to 7:15 pm.

1 September

Fayre at Gaia Waldorf School Celebrate spring at Gaia Waldorf School Spring Fayre, Oude Molen Eco Village, 11am- 4pm. Enjoy food, craft, games and entertainment for the whole family. For more information call 021 447 0546.

8 September

St Stephens Craft Market Look out for the St Stephen's Church Spring craft and gift fair from 10am to 3pm . Stock up on crafts, and gifts, and stay for lunch in the tea garden. Enquiries 021 531 3350.

Dates to look out foR

August 9 National Women's Day

SEND us your EVENTS! Email muse@pinelandsdirectory.co.za. Send content for September edition by 17 August

August 2012 | the muse | 2

Pinelands

Good to

Property Talk

Know

with Johan Meyer

Much is made about correctly pricing your home when you decide to sell… but is it just about price?

When I drove through Pinelands the other day I noticed a home with a large number of estate agency boards as well as a security company’s boards outside. Judging by the state of the boards they had obviously been there for some time. There must be something wrong I thought. Why has the property not sold? Was it the price? Was there a proper marketing plan and what advice did the agents give the seller? The process of selling normally begins with sellers calling in agents for a market value estimate. Unfortunately, most often the agent’s valuation is not accepted and the seller dictates the asking price. No problem with that, provided there is a proper marketing plan in place. This plan must include discussions about the target market, price reductions if there are no early offers, feedback from the agents, and the seller’s time frame in which to sell. Unfortunately, sometimes agents may inflate valuations just to get the mandate and subsequently the property fails to sell for this price. When the mandate comes to an end, all and sundry now descend on the property, putting up their boards. The property becomes ‘shop-soiled’, time on the market is extended and it ultimately sells for far less than it should have. There are times when a property is correctly priced but still does not sell. There can be many reasons. Probably the biggest reason is that the target market for that property is very small. It may have stairs and not suit older folk or a small garden which does not suit a family. It may not be modern enough for a young couple and not secure enough for others. Aside from the economic environment and the tight lending criteria, buyer’s needs are constantly changing and it takes an experienced agent who is able to match the needs of the right buyer to a specific property. You need lots of time and patience and your property needs to be exposed effectively. Putting a multitude of boards on the wall is definitely not the way to go. Emotion and perception play a serious role in the sale and purchase of a property.

Please contact me on 082 807 0633 or by e-mail on meyer@seeff.com should you wish to discuss any property topic with me.

RECENTLY SOLD SOLD

FEATURED PROPERTY

*R695 000

East Way

*R1.875m

With inflation expectations dropping to the lowest levels in almost two years and looking to beat the 6% inflation target for the next few years, are we in for a potential rate cut? The year-on-year inflation rate has dropped by more than 0.5% in the past month and is now at the lowest levels since November 2010 when Reserve Bank Governor Gill Marcus reduced the Repo Rate to 5.5%. So let us see what transpires in the next few months. What would a possible rate cut mean to the Residential market? In the short term it will create a positive outlook, but we do not foresee any sudden improvement in property prices. There is still too much unmanaged debt in the system. Unfortunately, all those investors relying on income from their fixed investments will suffer. The positive is that, hopefully, they will be looking for alternative forms of income such as rental income from property investments which should drive the Sectional Title market.

For a free market estimation of your property please call us on 021 531 7507

NEW RELEASES

UNDER OFFER

Chelsea Close

Is there any good news for us around the corner?

*R2 275 000

WEB REF 2268720 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 1 Secure enclosed entrance. Open plan lounge and dining room with fireplace, kitchen with separate laundry area. 3 Bedrooms (2 with bics), family bathroom and second toilet off laundry area. Woodstrip flooring. Single garage, double carport and ample secure parking behind auto gate. Separate workroom. Enclosed front and back garden. 952 sq m plot. *asking price Contact: Herman 082 373 5700 or Barry 072 740 0756 Suite SF09, 2nd Floor, Howard Centre, Pinelands Tel: www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za 021 531 7507 pinelands@seeff.com

seeff.com

Leeuenhof

*R1.950m

SOLD

POSITION ! POSITION ! POSITION !

Viking Business Place *R620 000

Coral Tree, Thornton

*R1.150m

SA’s preferred home of more than 33 000 properties for sale and August rent 2012 | the muse | 3

Community news

Pinehurst Fire in the Primary School home! senior Choir scoops Provincial and Stephania Falcon is very grateful to neighbours and Pinewatch for attempting national Awards to save their home from the fire that engulfed it one night when the family was out. The extensive damage done in just 20 minutes has forced them to move out for three months while repairs are done. The insurance inspector determined that the fire started with a mutliplug placed under a bed. A safe appliance becomes a potential hazard when positioned close to fabrics or flammable materials. It is a mistake to hide 'ugly' multiplugs under a couch or behind a curtain, as is charging the cellphone, running the dishwasher and washing machine at night, and leaving the TV in stand-by when you are asleep. A fire at night is particularly dangerous as it is difficult to escape in the dark.

Left: The grade sevens of Pinehurst Primary School choir with the trophies they won in the provinicial round of the South African School Choral Eisteddfod. Back Row: Imke Mühr, Miss Melissa Klaase, Milani Mningiswa. Front Row: Ikhona Plaatjie, Asekhona Magqwaka, Nicolas Robinson.

Prevention:

• Keep plugs well away from furnishing fabrics, curtains and carpets. • Choose a Proudly South African multiswitch which is tested and certified. • Switch off all plugs when they are not in use except for the fridge. • Have at least two fire extinguishers in your house and a torch. • Make sure you have an escape route, especially if every room has burglar bars. • Place a smoke detector in each of your rooms and under the roof. • Be sure to have hose pipes long enough to reach around the whole house. • Check your insurance policy carefully to see what your real cover is.

Earlier this year the Pinehurst Primary School Senior choir came first in two categories of the Provincial round of the South African School Choral Eisteddfod, to secure themselves a place in the National competition. The categories were Western and Afrikaans. In July they travelled to Johannesburg for an unforgettable experience. They represented the Western Cape at the Nationals of the South African Schools' Choral Eisteddfod. Schools from all nine of South Africa’s provinces competed in this amazing event. The Senior choir achieved third place and a beautiful bronze trophy!

Madiba Day The staff from the Kenilworth Clinic who brought homemade cupcakes and cards made by themselves and residents, for the residents and staff in the Helen Keller Care Centre.

In case of fire:

◊ If the fire has developed to a stage when

your fire extinguisher is no longer useful, then shut all the doors behind you and get out of the house. ◊ Break a small hole in a window next to the flames and quench the fire with the hosepipe. ◊ Phone the Fire Brigade. Save these numbers in your cell phone Epping Fire Station 021 534 1387 or the Police Station 021 506 2022. ◊ Install a flip door for your pets, even the big ones. It can be one way only. After a fire, the real victory is for everyone, including the pets, to come out unhurt.

www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za

The South African Navy Band wowed the crowds at Nobel square with a free concert on Mandela's birthday. The homestead charity which looks after street children was supported at this event. Photograph Reggie Lord http://namibsands.wordpress. com/2012/07/19/celebratingmadibas-94th-birthday

August 2012 | the muse | 4

Pinelands & Thornton

021 531 0773

Community news PROPERTIES

Thinking of selling or renting your property? SALES AGENTS

Central Square | Pinelands www.jawitz.co.za

WE DO IT ALL THE TIME! Richard Smith 083 557 7515 Linette Smith 082 466 1825

* asking price

FOR SALE

Emma Black in the YOU MISS Teen Competition Competing nationally with hundreds of girls throughout South Africa, Emma Black proved to the organisers of the You Miss Teen competition that she had the qualities that they were looking for: "A vibrant girl between the ages of 14 and 18, who is an attractive all rounder with personality and community spirit. We want someone who will be a role model to other young readers". Emma tells us how she felt after being chosen as a finalist. "I was flipping through a YOU magazine and saw the entry page for YOU Miss Teen. All I had to do was send in a picture and write a supporting essay. It sounded easy enough. The thing that really attracted me to the competition was the fact that they not only focused on looks but were interested in the community service you partake in. A few weeks after entering I got a call to say I had made the top 21, I was really excited and shocked. Now I needed to get people to vote me into the top 10. I had a ton of support especially from my school, Chesterhouse College, and because of all this amazing support I made it into the top 10. Next was an interview with the editor of YOU, which was nerve wracking to say the least. I must have done something right because I soon got a call telling me I was the 2nd runner up. I had the most amazing chance to have a photo shoot done at YOU. All in all it turned out to be a great experience and opportunity in the end."

Pinelands

FOR SALE

*R2.195m

SOLD

BY US

*R1.895m

FOR RENT

Pinelands

*R999 000

SOLD

BY US

Poplar Way, Pinelands

Thornton

Tecoma, Thornton

*R1.150m

FOR RENT

R9 600 pm

RENTAL TEAM

Thornton

R7 450 pm

Craig Watt 082 410 9720 Annette Mouton Administrator

Photograph by Touch of Madness Photography

be a pnw patroller Pinelands residents are committing to just two hours every six weeks to be the eyes and ears against crime, as PNW Patrollers. The information garnered by volunteers is being used by the law enforcement agencies to make our suburb safer for all. To Join email PineNW@gmail.com.

Qualified Tenant Database & Profile Network Affiliation • Maintenance Council Service Account Collection • Legal Process Expertise

PROPERTY POINTERS

A Stitch in time saves nine - If a bond is registered on your home, it must be cancelled on transfer. The seller is responsible for the conveyancer’s fees for this cancellation. You should give a written 90 days notice to the financial institution to cancel your bond when the property is put on the market, and keep a copy, or it may attract penalty fees. Cancellation can be extended if it takes longer than 90 days to sell. On signing of an offer to purchase, give this cancellation notice to the transfer attorney. Once the conveyancer has issued cancellation instructions the notice period does not expire. ATTORNEYS CONVEYANCERS M a c l e o d ’ sAugust AND ESTATE ADMINISTRATORS 2012 | the muse | 5 A t t o r n e y s 021 439 7490 |

www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za

Community news

PINELANDS BRANCH Resident Agent

Pauline Hareb 082 490 0344 021 447 9890 Property Consultant

Craig Gilfillan 072 6500 276 PINELANDS

Bedrooms 6 | Bathrooms 3 | Garages 2

R2 800 000

Web Ref: 119071

DOUBLE STOREY FAMILY HOME – DUAL LIVING. In a quiet crescent this magnificent house offers accommodation for 2 families. Main house: 3 Bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, large lounge, dining room and family room, fully fitted kitchen. Outside cottage: Lounge, fully fitted kitchen, 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom. Double garage, well point, outside entertainment area, pool, parking for 2 cars, stunning mountain views.

PINELANDS

Bedrooms 3 | Bathrooms 2 | Garages 1

R1 480 000

Web Ref: 205951

NEAT AND SWEET! - Bright, light and sunny cluster home in a quiet close. Entrance hall, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, open plan lounge, kitchen and dining area, family room. Well maintained garden with irrigation system. Wooden deck braai area, perfect for entertaining. Single garage with off-street parking behind automated gate. This home will have you charmed.

PINELANDS

R2 295 000

ENTERTAINERS DELIGHT! Spacious family home. Large lounge / dining area, fireplace, bar, built in braai. Well maintained garden and pool. 3 Bedrooms (mes), fourth room. Large fully fitted kitchen. Guest cottage with bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette and lounge. Laundry room. Double garage.

www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za To view our portfolio visit www.rawson.co.za/pinelands

Tania Bownes, director of DreamWorker shares the success story of Anthea Barkhuis in Pinelands. DreamWorker is a community based organisation, set up to help the unemployed people of the Cape Metropole find work. Anthea, had been unemployed for over 2 years, before she registered with DreamWorker. “I was working in an aluminium factory, but then I lost my job” says Anthea. “I really tried to find work, but there was nothing out there for me.” When Michelle, of PineWash, desperately needed another assistant to cope with the demands of her growing home laundry business, she turned to DreamWorker, requesting someone with a vibrant personality, who could interact with customers, as well as handle the laundry. "DreamWorker didn’t just send me anybody", says Michelle, "They took a careful brief and found the 'click' for me. Anthea may have worked in a factory before, but she 'clicked' beautifully in my business. DreamWorker is grant and donation funded, so they simply asked for a donation and by not pressurising me with fees I feel I want to donate to this really worthy cause." Anthea says “It is so peaceful compared to the factory. We are a team and I am valued in the team. I have learned so much from Elise and Michelle— about laundry and about life too!” She beams. Michelle cannot speak highly enough of Anthea. “She has a lovely sunny personality, is a quick learner, trustworthy and totally reliable. My business is literally in my home.

Anthea Barkhuis finds work thanks to DreamWorker Anthea gets on famously with my family — from my kids to my parents!” Anthea has a word of advice for people who are unemployed. “Keep looking. Never give up. Have faith that things will get better. And always be truly grateful for whatever good you have in your life. I know I am!” DreamWorker has been actively helping the unemployed since 2009 — drivers, painters, gardeners, domestic workers, admin staff, restaurant staff, and shop assistants. For more information on finding staff from DreamWorker, call their Athlone office on 021 696 4048 or visit www.dreamworker.org.za. To buy a day of work for an unemployed person in their own community click on Link of Love.

Can you spare some paint? Mhani Gingi is an NGO dedicated to alleviating poverty, and one of the programmes it supports is the Siyaphila Children's Home in Nyanga. The dedicated young ladies who run this early learning centre are a wonderful example to the community. They have done fund raising, been registered and are in the process of completing their qualifications.

Their latest project has been the erection of a new wooden classroom that needs painting. Mhani Gingi would like to assist this committed group of ladies and are therefore appealing for old paint, unwanted paint, brushes, turps, rollers or donations to buy paint. Please contact Joan Wright on 021 531 1797 or 072 040 3169.

August 2012 | the muse | 6

Community news

Pinelands Athletic Club

Turns 75!

The club has come a long way since Gifford Pentland-Smith along with 21 Pinelanders and the support of the founder of Pinelands, R Stuttaford met in 1937 to form the Pinelands Athletic Club. Most of Pinelands Athletic Club’s history was briefly covered in the article “Running Through The History” see the Muse Feb 2011. Until the mid 1980’s the clubhouse on the Upper Oval was shared by the cricket club and the athletic club. There was a cinder track around the oval where athletic meetings were held, and the local schools would hold their annual sports days. When the Pinelands Hockey and Cricket clubs formed the Pinelands Sports Club, the athletic club arranged to move to the lower oval, where it is today. In August 1987 a Yellowwood tree was planted by the Mayor of Pinelands, Alderman Alec Dose, to mark the opening of the Athletic Club’s new home. This tree still stands today 25 years later, next to the clubhouse. Although Pinelands is regarded predominantly as a road running club, there are a few members who participate in track and field events. At the South African Masters Championships held earlier in the year, two of the club’s members came home with gold and silver medals. Robin Buck, a Pinelands resident and physiotherapist, won gold in his age group for the long jump. While Steve Johnston, former club chairman, won gold and

by Kaare James

75th

EMBRACE WINTER!

Anniversary

2012 pinelands athletic club

silver medals in his age group for throwing the heavy weights, such as shot put, and discus. Two other club members who could not take part due to injury, Borg Stannuis age 84 and Philipp Frech age 92, the oldest member in the club, hold world records in their respective age groups. In 2010 Borg set world records at the World Masters Championships in New Zealand and Philipp in 2011 at the World Masters in Sacramento California. There are some long standing members in the club, the President, Kaare James and his wife Marlene, Club Secretary, who joined the club in 1978. Kaare has run 30 Two Oceans Ultras, 30 Winelands Marathons and 122 standard 42km marathons. Another long standing member is Kenny Williams who has run 30 Comrades Marathons, winning silver medals for 16 of them, and 30 Two Oceans Ultras. Pinelands Athletic Club has always attracted the adventurous runner, competing all over the country to see how many kilometres they could do in a year. At first there was Clive Searle, John Haig, Dickie Weers and Clive Biggs trying to outdo each other. Then there was Tony Will who ran approximately 2500 kms in a year. Not to be outdone, Keith Solomon has passed that total and is looking to do more. Although club competition is a social event, now and again one or two members may finish in the top three in their age group at a road race and come home with some prize money. Nancy Will who has now retired from running was the front runner of the club and kept the Pinelands flag flying. Although no longer on the road, Nancy and her husband Tony are very keen supporters of the club and offer encouragement wherever they can.

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Order online or by phone Free delivery in Pinelands or collect from our oﬃces at 7 Howard Studios Above From Left: Wendal Smith (Chairman) Marlene James (Secretary) Kaare James (President). Right: Kaare James on his 30th Two Oceans Race.

www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za

Phone: 021 531 1341

www.pharm.co.za Terms: Prices include VAT. Cash With Order or Cash on Delivery. We accept EFT but not credit card payments.

August 2012 | the muse | 7

www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za

August 2012 | the muse | 8

WHY GLASSES MAY SOON BE THE MUST-HAVE TECH ITEM Smartphones, tablets, iPads, iPhones or ultralight netbooks — all desirable and changing the way we communicate, but which of these devices will endure? Probably none — enter Augmented Reality Glasses. A small projector displays information in front of the wearer's normal view, much like a fighter pilot's heads-up display. The aim is to do away with bulky computers, tablets and smartphones and keep the user completely and discreetly connected. Information and interaction popular with smartphone users would be available through the glasses, via natural language voice commands and a touchpad. The glasses also let users capture video with a built-in

camera, use apps, the internet and social networking sites on the move. The glasses are location aware and so could give useful, realtime information about your surroundings. Google is an early mover on this concept with its Project Glass program. An early edition will be available to selected developers in 2013, with a consumer version slated for 2014. Don't expect early versions to live up to the hype, but given time to develop it's a likely progression in mobile communications. 

The Role of Social Media in Family Communication and Education By Giorgia Bauer Grade 12 pupil Cannons Creek Independent School Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, Podcasts. YouTube, Email, Instant Messaging — every one of us has used, or will inevitably use, social media at some point in our lives. It plays such a large role in our society today, bridging vast gaps in communication, but has it got to the point where social media plays too much of a role in our lives? Social media has undoubtedly made communication easier, faster and cheaper.

www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za

For example, I haven’t received a phone call from my mother in months; she simply sends me a message on WhatsApp (a social media application available for smart phones) every time she wants me to turn on the oven or feed the dog. Social media has also changed our perception of ‘netiquette’ (network etiquette). For example: is it acceptable for your children to be on their phones in the car instead of engaging in conversation? Despite the benefits of social media, I can’t help but wonder whether we are losing the basis of human communication. We are losing our ability to express ourselves, relying on emoticons and LOLs to do the job for us. This is linked closely to the role of social media in education. Perhaps by communicating less with people face-to-

face, language development and emotional maturity may be hindered early in life. Despite the fact that social media gives students access to a wider range of information, plagiarism is far easier, and harder for teachers to identify. Social media can also distract students from their education. Many students would opt to spend a free lesson on their cell-phones, rather than finishing homework. There is definitely a place for social media in society, including family life and education. However, due to its addictive and timeconsuming nature, it is important to be aware of one’s usage of social media. Create time for traditional human interaction with your family and use social media as a tool to advance your education rather than hinder it. Everything in moderation. 

August 2012 | the muse | 9

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THE BLESSINGS AND THE CURSE OF TECHNOLOGY by Max Schutte

"It is questionable if all the mechanical inventions yet made have lightened the day's toil of any human". So said John Stuart Mill, an English philosopher and economist in the mid 1880's. His comment still rings true a century later. We were sold the idea that technology would reduce the amount of time we spend working and reward us with more leisure time. While it has freed us from many dull, manual and repetitive chores, working hours have steadily increased. It seems we just spend the time freed up doing different and more difficult work. I'm not sure that humans are programmed to be creatures of pure leisure. I think we will always have that inquisitiveness and desire for new ways of doing things. What technology does do is enable us to get more done in the same time, and do things that were impossible for previous generations — and that is not a bad thing. Still, it often seems that we have more new stuff than we really need. It's not that we don't want progress — we just don't want it to keep changing too quickly and we want it to be reliable and useful to us in our everyday lives. Humourist Douglas Adams put it well:

"We are stuck with technology, when what we really want is just stuff that works". I do worry that the pervasiveness of our always-on society has stripped us of the opportunities for slow and considered thought and contemplation — something that is vitally important for human social progress. Since the Stone Age, man's use of technology has advanced relentlessly. Over the past few centuries though, it has accelerated exponentially. The amount of knowledge doubles every decade. It is now impossible for a person to really understand much about

everything — just a few selected areas of personal specialisation that really interest us. DIY is rapidly becoming a thing of the past. We now need specialists to fix our cars, appliances and essential tools, simply because we cannot keep up with how the many new gadgets around us work anymore. Carl Sagan remarked:

"We live in a society exquisitely dependent on science and technology, in which hardly anyone knows anything about science and technology". This will certainly be true in our near futures as the fields of Biotechnology and Nanotechnology explode into our lives, engineering new life forms and magical materials and tinkering with existing ones. One thing is for sure — while we may enjoy their benefits, very few of us will understand how they work and no-one will be able to avoid them. Whether particular advances will be for the better or be disastrous we cannot predict. Technology has always advanced much faster than our ability to absorb it and regulate its use in accordance with society's moral beliefs. We can only hope and trust that the world's most basic and pressing problems — affordable and renewable energy, food and water are not forgotten about in the technology race. As for world peace, fair societies, personal happiness and the elimination of poverty — well that's something that technology can't sort out for us. Those are things that need considered contemplation for humans to ponder over. 

THE EXTINCTION TIMELINE • When technologies or concepts cease to be in existence or common usage*

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TELEMANN

1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040

Smallpox • Elvis • Moon Landings • Valve Radios • 78 RPM Records Berlin Wall • Soviet Union • 8-Track Casettes • Space Invaders • Sinclair C5 The British Empire • Betamax • Apartheid • Chernobyl • Pacman • Typewriters • Telex Paternity Disputes • Polaroids • Concorde • Punch Cards • Sunday Lunch • Letter Writing Privacy • Cheap Oil • Retirement • Long Attention Spans • Spelling • Love Letters • DIY Skills • Handwriting Fixing broken stuff • Cheap Chinese Labour • Desktop Computers • Peace & Quiet • Free Roads • Getting Lost Keys • Coins • Low-Cost Travel • Glaciers • The Middle Class • Wallets • Neck Ties • Petrol Engine Vehicles Half the World's Languages • Physical Newspapers • Bank Notes

published under a Creative Commons Attribution - Share Alive 2.5 License

*Not to be taken too seriously

August 2012 | the muse | 10

SPECIAL FEATURE

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Pinelanders win Science Awards! The winners of the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) BHP Billiton Awards, 2012 have been announced. The awards celebrate outstanding contributions to Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation (SETI) in South Africa. Of the twelve winners, three are from Pinelands. Congratulations!

Professor Professor Dr Bongani Mayosi Valerie Corfield Kit Vaughan Professor Bongani M Mayosi, a cardiologist, researches heart disease using molecular approaches for cardiomyopathy, clinical trials for pericardial tuberculosis, and epidemiology for rheumatic fever. At Groote Schuur Hospital he is Head of the Department of Medicine, and chief specialist physician. He also heads the Department of Medicine at the University of Cape Town. This extremely humble recipient of the award sees it not only as recognition for his research, but also for his attempts at promoting others in the scientific world. The motto that he uses in his quest to help others in their research is "Lift as you Rise", which he learnt from his mother, who belonged to a self help group of women in the Transkei, called Zenzele. Professor Mayosi has therefore decided to dedicate his award to his mother, who taught her five children this pursuit of excellence. Professor Mayosi grew up in a town called Ngqamakhwe in the Transkei. From here he went to medical school in Durban, and moved to Pinelands in 1992. He lives here with his wife and two daughters. When asked why he decided to do medicine he said "My father was a district surgeon and I believed all men became doctors, so that's what I did!" 

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Professor Corfield, now semi-retired from her post as a research scientist at Stellenbosch University, is also a science communicator who has lived in Pinelands for 26 years. Here are her thoughts after receiving the award: "I am really lucky to have enjoyed a career in science research spanning five decades. Along the way I’ve been a botanist, biotechnologist and molecular geneticist, now that I am semiretired I can indulge in my other great passion, namely, sharing my interest in science and technology with the 'general public', especially school learners. I was really thrilled to receive the NSTF-BHP Billiton award for stepping outside academia and developing activities to engage a wider audience in science, technology and innovation. I would encourage every South African scientist to become active in communicating their research interests beyond the 'ivory tower'; it is fun, rewarding and will help build a scientifically-literate society. Communicating science has taken me from Cape Town to Polokwane, Windhoek to Mount Frere and even indirectly to the Taj Mahal; but one of the greatest rewards is meeting someone who has seen me performing a previous science 'gig' who has been inspired to call science one of their own passions." 

Dr Kit Vaughan is a biomedical engineer who holds an A rating from the National Research Foundation for his pioneering studies of the biomechanics of human locomotion. In 2009 he was awarded a senior doctorate, the DSc (Med) in biomedical engineering, and the following year he took early retirement from UCT to establish a new company called CapeRay. The company is committed to the manufacture of innovative equipment using the latest advanced technology to diagnose breast cancer, a disease that will affect one in eight women during their lifetime. When asked what this award meant to him, Dr Vaughan said “This is a team award that recognizes the creativity and ‘can do’ attitude of all the engineers at CapeRay. Our challenge now will be to ensure that we follow through on the promise of our PantoScanner platform.” Dr Vaughan grew up in a mining town called Blyvooruitzicht and was educated in South Africa, USA and UK. Having worked as professor of orthopaedics and biomedical engineering in the USA for almost ten years, he and his family returned to South Africa in 1996 and settled in Pinelands. He considers himself fortunate to have a second career beyond academia, making a difference to the lives of women. 

August 2012 | the muse | 11

talk about money At Crue we're passionate about helping people take control of their nancial aﬀairs so they can enjoy genuine nancial freedom. Owned and managed by husband and wife team, Craig & Sue Torr, Pinelands-based Crue Consulting provides lifestyle nancial planning advice and services for our clients. Our nancial planning process ensures that all aspects of your nancial portfolio are addressed and managed - from planning for your retirement, protecting yourself against risk, funding for education to planning your estate. Our unique planning procedure ensures that you are nancially prepared for life's eventualities, whether forseeable or unexpected. Our specialist team is made up of legal, accounting, tax and nance experts who work together as a team to ensure that each client receives the highest level of advice and service. Come and have a cup of coffee with us.

We'd love to help you plan.

You are most welcome to phone or email either of us Phone us on 021 530 8500

sue@crue.co.za craig@crue.co.za

We'd love to hear from you! Follow our regular column

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Too good to be true By Sue Torr Director at Crue Consulting

Think Bernard Madoff, Charles Ponzi and J. Arthur Brown and you’ll no doubt think fraudsters, white collar con-artists and investment scams. Through his Ponzi-styled investment scheme, Madoff managed to swindle over $65 billion from literally thousands of well-meaning investors over a period of thirty years, pulling off the largest investment fraud the United States has ever seen. One can be forgiven for thinking that the victims of investment fraud are less financially astute and somewhat lesser educated than the average investor, but you’d be entirely wrong. Just ask Kevin Bacon and Steven Spielberg. Whilst Spielberg and Bacon suffered financial losses at the hands of Madoff’s deceit, they’re not the only high profile victims of fraudulent schemes. Zsa Zsa Gabor, Eric Roth, John McEnroe, Robert de Niro and Uma Thurman are just a few of the famous people who’d most certainly like to forget their experiences of being duped by clever con-artists. And while many believe that the Bernie-Madoff-type scam artists of this world are academically gifted, the reality is that they’re just better students of human behaviour and habits. Research shows that the average victim of fraudulent investment scams is an optimistic, married man in his latter 50's who has a higher-than-average knowledge of financial matters and a deep confidence in his own judgement. Poignantly, these victims also have a deep-seated belief that investments scams are atrocities that only happen to others. With a superfluity of investment scams ranging from winning the Spanish lottery to selling fictitious plots of land Masterbondstyle, it’s the Pyramid and Ponzi schemes that are the overwhelming masters of entrapment. In a Ponzi scheme, the central fraudster collects money from new investors and uses the money to pay purported returns to earlystage investors, rather than actually investing the money. This type of scheme requires a steady stream of incoming cash in order to stay afloat. Unsurprisingly, the Ponzi-type scheme tends to collapse when the fraudster

can no longer attract new investors, or when too many investors try to exit the scheme. A Pyramid scheme, on the other hand, operates on a business model which involves promising participants payment or services, primarily for enrolling other people into the scheme, rather than supplying any real investment, product or service to the public. Like the Ponzi scheme, it is a nonsustainable business model that is destined to collapse because it is simply impossible to enroll the number of participants that the model relies on. Most Pyramid schemes run along the concept of eight participants, each tasked with ‘recruiting’ an additional eight participants to form the next rung of the Pyramid. A cursory glance of the numbers is enough to cast doubt on the viability of any Pyramid scheme. Stage 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Participants 8 64 512 4096 32 768 262 144 2 097 152 16 777 216 134 217 728 1 073 741 824 8 589 934 592

Each of the 8 participants must recruit 8 more. Each of the 64 participants must recruit 8 more. One third of South Africa’s population. More than three times America’s population. More than all the people in the world

The reality is that these schemes are packaged as highly sophisticated multilevel marketing businesses and touted to unsuspecting investors who neither question their credibility nor investigate the truth behind their sales pitches. Blinded by promises of lofty inflation rates and guaranteed doubledigit returns, many investors jump at the opportunity to make a quick buck rather than pay attention to the alarm bells that should be tolling somewhat loudly. The reality is that genuine long-term wealth is created by time in the legitimate investment markets. The best approach is to stay on guard, ask questions, check credentials and if you think it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 

August 2012 | the muse | 12

Dried Fruit and Nuts

Where drying fruit is a way of life

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opposite Woolworths Call André 084 474 3989 Tree & Ground Nuts Vine & Tree Fruit Fruit Mixes Seed Bars Fruit Rolls & Bars Savoury Snacks Sweet Snacks Snack Packs Strip Packs www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za

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We also stock a range of BILTONG August 2012 | the muse | 13

Pinelanders

Batandwa Ntsebeza Batandwa Ntsebeza dreams of coaching the national South African Soccer team, Bafana Bafana, and taking them to FIFA World Cup Glory.

A Passion for soccer

Batandwa and his family moved to Pinelands in 1997, bringing his love for soccer with him, and at the age of 10 he joined Clyde Pinelands Football Club playing as a striker for three years. “During my time at Clyde I felt awakened, and as if I belonged on the field. Playing, scoring and winning as a team is one of the greatest feelings ever, and any athlete can tell you that.” Batandwa also played soccer at Pinehurst Primary coached by the current principal Mr Farell. At Pinelands High he tried rugby and hockey, but soccer remained his first love, and in matric his high school soccer team reached the final of the Santos Schools Cup in 2006. A love for food and cooking prompted Batandwa to enroll for a course in the hospitality industry, but he couldn’t ignore his passion for soccer, which had taken a back seat due to long hours. The decision was made therefore, in 2010 to enrol in a sports management course at CPUT. “I figured that with my experience as a player, and my passion for the game, I'd be able to pass my strengths on to younger players as a manager.”

Coaching at the Academy

In 2011 Batandwa became an apprentice to the U19 coach, Andre Alexander at the Jean Marc Ithier Soccer Academy, and ultimately was selected as coach to the under 17 team for the 2012 season. Ithier, from Mauritius, started the Academy after he left Santos, with a vision to help young talented players from Pinelands and other local schools, to become professional soccer players.

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What is the mark of a successful team?

"I think it is important to have a racially and culturally diverse team, with each cultural group bringing its strengths to the field, along with their supporters to fill the stadiums. My ideal team would draw on players from various sectors of society to produce a style of play that the whole country can enjoy and be proud of. Identity is also a key factor in a successful team. Generally in soccer each region has a certain style of play or identity that people come to recognize that region for. For example Barcelona in Spain is known to play a quick passing possession style. Same thing with Pinelands, at the Academy we strive to produce a playing style of soccer that will produce lots of goals (something that’s currently lacking in SA soccer) and entertainment for all the people to enjoy. In a few years Pinelands soccer will be entertaining enough to sell out the Cape Town Stadium."

soccer as popular as rugby and cricket “I would love local soccer to be as much of a culture as rugby and cricket. Let's see our young players' names immortalised within our own leagues and internationally. I am inspired by former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola, and his ability to raise great, World Cup-worthy players from the youth leagues. Hopefully when I get to professional level, I will work with the young talent from the Academy again.”

Red Friday in Pinelands

"The Jean Marc Ithier Soccer Academy colours are red — imagine if Pinelands had a “Red Friday” where everyone in the community wore red in support of our local soccer and basketball teams from the Youth Sports Centre proposed by Don Shay (See Muse July 2012). Football Fridays were used by Bafana Bafana during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. So let’s bring back the gees." 

August 2012 | the muse | 14

Photograph by Glynnis Schutte

From Chef to Sports Management

Pinelanders

Lenora Hammond kidney donor I have been a resident of Pinelands for 21 years. My husband moved to Pinelands from Rhodesia in 1976 and matriculated from Pinelands High School. We have four children, our third, Christopher, was born with chronic renal failure. I became a kidney donor for my son, and 8 months later I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I am hoping my story will be an encouragement to women in stressful situations. Ultrasound shock

My third pregnancy was fairly routine. I was 35 years old and in very good health. At 27 weeks gestation however, life as we knew it was about to change! A scan showed that Christopher had posterior urethral valves which has the risk of complication of renal failure. He was delivered via Caesarian at 36 weeks.

Christopher’s Journey

From the age of 5 days he has faced multiple surgeries and procedures, including the removal of his right kidney at age 18 months. He has been a regular out-patient at Red Cross Hospital, and we have been looked after by a very dedicated staff of Renal Specialists.

Content supplied

Who can be the donor?

With the onset of puberty, and thus a progression of growth, Christopher's renal function began to slowly deteriorate. Peter and I went for testing and I was found to be the ideal donor for Christopher.

Waiting for theatre time

After a couple of false starts we were eventually given December 2nd 2009 as a

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Above: Lenora Hammond and her son Christopher Hammond new operating date. At this stage Christopher’s remaining kidney function was down to less than 5%. My kidney was transported to Red Cross Children’s hospital in good time and the four hour operation on Christopher was deemed mostly successful, with some "minor difficulties". In the end though, these complications turned into months of further operations and serious delays. The graft kidney was not ‘kicking in’ and Christopher was in end-stage renal failure now.

One last hurdle to reach success

Finally, in March 2010 Christopher faced his 11th operation, where his own native ureter, which was left from his nephrectomy at 18 months, was reconnected to the graft kidney. This operation, though very painful and difficult to recover from, ushered in the beginning of Christopher’s recovery. Several further procedures were needed. His weeks at the hospital had turned into months.

Another shock, another hurdle

Just as life was settling back into a semblance of normality, and my own body had healed from being a donor, I went for a routine mammogram. A subsequent biopsy revealed ductal breast cancer and it was deemed necessary to perform a bilateral mastectomy, followed by months of chemotherapy. My first reaction to the news was numbness. But to be honest I think the revelation of having ‘the Big C’ was much worse for my family. The fact that I have cared for a chronically ill child for 16 years has prepared me for ‘hospital emotions’, and I felt no fear. My faith in God and His sovereign plan for me undergirded us throughout the next chapter of our lives.

Can we prevent cancer?

I know there are diverse opinions on what exactly causes cancer, and what the cures should be. From my perspective and experience, I feel that stress and trauma in my life certainly helped the cancer along! My advice — take the time to look after yourself in the midst of your busyness. Surround yourself with friends from your congregation or fellowship who will be available to support you and assist you in a time of crisis. Look after your health; choose healthy foods and an active life-style. The way we live as adults will one day be mirrored by our children, so if we want them to make healthy choices in the future, we must model this by example. A positive outlook on life, coupled with good nutrition and exercise can prevent many diseases, including cancer.

Christopher competes in Karate world Championships Two and a half years have gone by since the transplant, and Christopher is doing remarkably well. In 2010, one year after the transplant, he graded for his black belt in karate. After training four to five days a week in the lead up to the Karate World Championships in Atlantic City, in July, he earned his national colours and represented South Africa in the USA. He is a student at Canons Creek High School.

New beginnings

My cancer journey has certainly given me a new perspective on things. I try to realize every day, that nothing can be taken for granted, and I thank the Lord for restoring my son and me to good health again. 

August 2012 | the muse | 15

Travellers

Bali by Meryl Lawrence

My passion for the tropical island of Bali stems from first impressions gained on a family holiday in 2005 when we rented an old Toyota Kijang and travelled around the island stopping in small villages, staying in ‘homestays’ run by the locals, and finally catching a ‘spider boat’ to the unspoilt island of Nusa Lembongan off the coast of Sanur.

ali is a country of such diversity, from Kuta, filled with loads of hotels, abounding with backpackers and surfers and the hubbub of colourful market places, to the inland forested areas of Ubud in the mountains. The countryside surrounding Ubud has volcanos and inland lakes with picturesque Water Temples perched on small islands. Beautifully manicured grounds surround these Temples and the complex Balinese culture makes them all the more fascinating to visit. The road leading up into the mountains passes through iridescent green rice paddies where locals still plough with water buffalo or hand ploughs and you may be lucky enough to see an ancient threshing machine being used on the side of the road.

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Ubud the cultural area of Bali Many artist's studios can be found here along with pottery, wood carvings and medicine men — the most famous of course being Ketut Liyer about whom Elizabeth Gilbert wrote in her book Eat, Pray, Love. Pearl and jewellery shops craft exquisite pieces at competitive prices. Massages and pedicures become an important part of daily life on a trip to Bali, as spa treatments come at ridiculously low prices. The Indonesian food is delicious and inexpensive with Nasi Goreng being a favourite along with Mie Goreng, accompanied by banana fritters (piesang goring) and ice cold Bintang Beer for which Bali is famous, plus the most delicious pure fruit juices and lassies (yogurt smoothies). Ubud to East Coast, Candidasa We leave our small boutique hotel with its stone bottomed pool overlooking the rice paddies, and follow the winding roads through Gianyar past the Japanese War Tunnels and the intriguing Elephant statue finally arriving at the small fishing village of Candidasa. Our rustic Bali Rice Bungalows are perched under date palms, metres from the tranquil sea where you can go snorkelling to Blue Lagoon. A trip to White Sand Beach is also a must with its tiny warungs (basic restaurants) fringing the sandy beach. There are many activities ranging from white water rafting, elephant rides, hiking up the volcano of Mount Agung, diving and of course surfing and swimming on the lovely beaches, or just relaxing around the swimming pool. You can even attend a Balinese cookery class and cultural experience. The Water Palace of Amlapura A day trip takes in the magnificent gardens and koi ponds of the Water Palace that was

Top Left: A spider boat in the bay at sunset. Above: Some Pinelanders with Meryl in Bali in May this year (photo Nigel Laurence). Bali Rice bungalows in Candidasa

nearly destroyed in the volcanic eruption of 1963. Then on to the Bali Aga Village of Tenganan where Balinese still live in the old style of accommodation and farming. Water Buffalo roam the streets and you can enter some of the homes to view or purchase their world famous, intricate woven ikat fabric. Dolphins at sunrise In the north is a larger village called Lovina, well known for the dolphins found in the bay. These mammals travel across the bay every morning and return every night. On a boat trip with a local fisherman at sunrise you may be lucky to see the dolphin arcing out of the water. A land of colour and vibrancy Bali is a land of celebrations and colourful festivals, where much of the culture is depicted through dance. They are vibrant, colourful, disciplined people who have huge respect for tourists and each other. I have hosted 9 tours to Bali and can't wait to go back again. Call Meryl 082 403 7248 

August 2012 | the muse | 16

Out and About Terraced lawns, fountains, bridges over the Liesbeek River, pebbled walkways, cycad and rooftop gardens, tortoises and a botanical guide who walks through the history of the Vineyard Hotel. Then on to tea and pastries, while admiring the view of the eastern slopes of Table mountain. The original owners of this beautiful landscaped property were Andrew Barnard and his Scottish wife Lady Anne Barnard. They called their home "The Vineyard", because it was surrounded by acres of vines. The original house was transformed into an hotel by a Scottish Banker – James Mitchell, in 1894. Rudyard Kipling visited the hotel in 1898, admiring the peaceful surroundings. The current owners, the Petousis Family have developed an extensive "green" policy throughout the establishment, including the

Garden Tour at the Vineyard gardens, managed by horticulturalist and environmental manager, Chris van Zyl. We visited the lush gardens for the regular Wednesday tour, with our first stop at the roof gardens that cover the undercover parking. Indigenous plants surround the numerous ponds and surprisingly full size trees are flourishing here. We make our way to the viewing platform looking across the Liesbeek River towards the mountain, past Crane Flowers, including the "Mandela Gold" variety, which has to be hand pollinated in the Cape.

Chris points out three varieties of yellow wood trees and notes that all pathways in the garden are fashioned from natural stone. After the cycad garden we complete the circular tour and head for our tea time treats. Lovely coffee and a selection of sandwiches, pastries and scones await us. By now the sun has come out, and we decide to go back and explore some more of the garden walk in our own time. Tours are held every other Wednesday morning. For bookings call 021 657 4500, see www.vineyardhotel.co.za. 

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August 2012 | the muse | 17

ssho@sothebysrealtyss.co.za For Rental Enquiries in Pinelands please contact Roxy on 021 673 1240 www.sothebysrealty.co.za • www.sothebysrealty.com

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