the Muse - May 2013 by the Muse magazine by Pinelands Directory

FR EE !

muse

the

www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za

PINELANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE issue

29 | May 2013

Money Matters al Speci feature -11 9 Pages

Pinelanders

John Gilmour

founder of LEAP SCHOOLS out and about

Up the west coast to Philadelphia

travellers

further up the west coast to Swakopmund

FOOD

Quick fishcakes

with sweet chilli sauce By Heleen Meyer

YOUR GUIDE TO local NEWS, EVENTS, PEOPLE & PLACES

GREENSIDE SERVICE STATION OUR WORKSHOP

is equipped with full diagnostic testing equipment for repairs, maintenance and servicing

GET-A-WAY CAR HIRE

PETROL SERVICE WITH A SMILE PETROL ACCOUNTS

www.getawaycarhire.co.za

with a full security system Deposit Required

Competitive

WE ARE SPECIALISTS IN

Engine & Clutch Overhauls All Types of Brake Repairs Wheel Alignment & Balancing Electrical & Aircon Repairs Engine Transplants with a 1 year warranty

AUTO CAR WASH AND FULL VALETS ROADWORTHY AND SAFETY CHECKS BREAKDOWN TOW-IN SERVICE TYRES

Daily, Monthly and Long Term Rates

Well Maintained

We BUY and SELL

1 - 5 Year Old Manual and Automatic Vehicles â&#x20AC;˘ VW, Honda, Nissan, Toyota

Extra Services Available Delivery and Collection, GPS Units, Trailer Hire, Child Seats

Motor Vehicles

We supply and install

U-TRACKER 24/7 live vehicle tracking systems

All vehicles valued at over R200 000 must have a tracking system fitted to comply with insurance company requirements.

supply and fittting of all makes and sizes

FEEL GOOD

PUNCTURES

Always Dry Easy to light Less mess and after fire smell Burns longer and hotter than wood Makes excellent coals Contains no chemicals

repaired while you wait

BATTERIES

check, service & replacement

EXHAUSTS & SHOCKS check & replacement

Compressed Grapeseed logs

AVAILABLE ON THE FORECOURT Made from waste grapeseeds from vineyards. Natural oils bind the log together so no glues are needed. SUITABLE FOR Braais & Webers Open & Closed Fireplaces Pizza Ovens Sold in 10kg bags. We deliver orders of 10 or more bags.

SAVES OUR TREES

43 MORNINGSIDE, NDABENI 021 531 7592 PHONE

welcome

Birds in Pinelands

Southern Double-collared Sunbird

Such a lengthy name for such a tiny bird! Very common in Pinelands gardens, especially those with lots of flowering plants for this nectar feeding bird to sup from. Often seen gleaning around window/door frames but not for insects which they also feed on. Here they are searching for spider webs which they gather and use to stick together plant material to make their untidy nests. This straggly nest is hung from the end of a long

and spindly branch to put it out of reach from predators, especially snakes. The female is a drab greyish brown, very unlike the brilliantly coloured male. Unrelated to hummingbirds of the Americas but, they do visit sugar feeders if presented. Text and image from Ian Sinclair co-author of Cape Peninsula Birdlife by Roy Siegfried and Ian Sinclair. To purchase a copy write to muse@pinelandsdirectory.co.za.

WINTER DRAWS IN Well, Autumn arrived quite suddenly didn't it? It feels like we are quickly moving into winter. During the last week or two of summer, before the chill set in, we were given a timely warning of the change of season by an army of ants that invaded the house, gathering food for their winter storerooms. It is always a sign for us that winter is imminent. We've also seen less of the squirrels who are usually so manically busy in the garden during summer — just the odd one doing some last minute collecting before the winter hibernation. I find it fascinating how wild animals instinctively know beforehand, and have the foresight and urgency to make make preparations for the lean times ahead — not something that comes easily for us humans busy enjoying the good times without too much thought for the future. I guess in nature the laggards don't survive long as there is no-one to bail them out when the crunch comes, while us humans have many social safety nets. Perhaps that's why we are such procrastinators about storing long-term reserves in our financial pantry. If this sounds like you then our Money Matters Special Feature this month may be just the advice and incentive you need to set you up for a great financial Springtime ahead.

Montagu Dried Fruit & Nuts Try our Cous Cous Recipe INGREDIENTS

1 Cup Montagu Mixed Dried Fruit apricots, cranberries and raisins are a good combination, but you can use any mix you like.

1 Cup Montagu Mixed Nuts

or you can use any nuts of your choice.

Enjoy the issue and keep warm!

1 Box couscous (about 500g) 2 Tbsp. fresh chopped parsley ¼ Cup extra virgin olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Juice of one lemon

Max Schutte

METHOD

Editor Max Schutte Photographer and Writer Glynnis Schutte Regular Contributors Heleen Meyer freelance food consultant Ian Sinclair bird expert and author Carol Booth of Cannons Creek Independent School Sue Torr of Crue Consulting Additional Photo Credits Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images © Captgully | © Loutocky | © Rceeh | © Ekays | © Tomsza

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 articles, but we also invite you to send us your suggestions, or even contribute a story or news. Email us at muse@pinelandsdirectory.co.za Our Rate Card contains advertising details, publication schedules and artwork requirements. You view the Rate Card on our website www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za

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

May 2013 | the muse | 1

Put all the dried fruit in the water you are going to cook your couscous in. This will rehydrate it. Once the water is hot, add the couscous and cook according to the package directions. Meanwhile toast the nuts together in a dry non-stick pan over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes until light brown and fragrant. Be sure to watch them carefully so they don’t burn. Once the couscous is cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in the olive oil, lemon juice, parsley and toasted nuts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

You can buy the dried fruit and nuts you need at

5% Pensioner’s Discount on Wednesdays

Montagu Dried Fruit and Nuts Shop G07, Howard Centre, Pinelands

www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za call • 084 474 3989 or 074 574 2282

email • montaguhoward@gmail.com

OSTEOPOROSIS TEST Don’t wait until it is too late

You can do something right now The ultimate osteoporosis screening and monitoring test that does not deplete your medical savings account. NOW AVAILABLE AT A PHARMACY CLINIC NEAR YOU

The test costs R350 and is covered by medical aids. There is a discount for block bookings of 12 or more tests. This new technology from Israel gives immediate WHO approved T & Z scores & fracture risk assessment. Recognised by the International Approved in the Osteoporosis Foundation. USA, Canada, UK, Tested and supported by entire EU and gynaecologists, GP’s and many other pharmacists in South Africa. countries. On request we will present to your doctor or specialist, ethics committee approved, Independent International Clinical trials.

For details of the test or to book an appointment in your area please call

Colin Owen on 082 557 2872

Bayley’s Catering

4-029.indd 1

17/04/2013

DELICIOUS MEALS Ready to Heat & Eat

servings 1-2 approx weight 400g

MACARONI CHEESE GROUND BEEF LASAGNE NOODLES AL FORNO EILEEN’S BOBOTIE BUTTER CHICKEN CHICKEN A LA CREME COTTAGE PIE THAI GREEN CHICKEN CURRY CHICKEN STROGANOFF BEEF STROGANOFF

R25 R30 R32 R40 R40 R38 R35 R40 R40 R50

Community calendar 9,10,11 May

Family Health Check DayS ORGANISED BY Rotary

This is a national initiative aiming to get as many of the population immunised as possible, and to test for TB, HIV and cervical 3:18 PM cancer. The health checks will be carried out by the Department of Health. Watch the press for details of a clinic near you. Call Chris Woolnough on 083 984 7824.

9 May 2-3 1kg

8-10 3kg

R55 R60 R65 R85 R90 R80 R80 R85 R85 R100

R155 R160 R180 R220 R260 R220 R220 R240 R240 R300

A selection of dishes is stocked GOOD FOOD! but it is best to book in advance. GOOD TIMES!

Phone • 021 591 8480 A5 Olympic Park Bayley • 082 866 2681 969 Voortrekker Rd Gill • 083 309 1511 Goodwood email • dave@bayleyscatering.co.za web • www.bayleyscatering.com

Blood donor clinic

The Western Province Blood Transfusion Service clinic is at St Stephen's Church Hall, Central Square from 3pm to 7:15pm. Call 021 507 6300 or info@wpbts.org.za.

11 May

Mother's Day Breakfast

Spoil yourself at the Pinelands High School fund raiser for the school history class "Paris with Harris 2014". Come to the Pinelands Club from 8:30am to 11:30am for lots of fun, entertainment, spot prizes, a raffle, and displays of products that women love. Ticket are R60. For more details call Sonia 073 124 2114.

21 May

Choosing a financial advisor

Core Wealth and Old Mutual invite you to attend a presentation at 5:30pm at Mutual Park. See the special feature advert page 9 for more details.

28 May

U3A Literature Group

Meet at 2:30pm in the meeting room at Pinelands Library to hear Barbara Erasmus talking on her book Chameleon. Call 021 689 5862 for details.

29 May

Pinelands Stamp Circle

The monthly meeting will be on 29 May 2013 at 7:15pm in the Activities Hall of the Pinelands Library. Members will offer surplus material in a society auction. One page exhibits will cover “Vikings” and “Early Steam Locos”. Visitors and those interested in stamp collecting are most welcome. Call John 021 531 1954 or David 021 531 4015.

Dates to look out for: 1 May Workers Day 12 May Mother's Day

SEND us your EVENTS! email muse@pinelandsdirectory.co.za. Send content for the June 2013 edition by 17 May 2013.

Pinelands

Recently

Property Talk

Suite SF09, 2nd Floor, Howard Centre, Pinelands Tel: 021 531 7507 pinelands@seeff.com

seeff.com

SOLD

*R2.399m

Garden City Heights R6 800 pm

Nightingale Close *R880 000

Riverplace Mews R6 000 pm

NEW RELEASE

WEB REF 277446 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 Near Old Mutual, this is the perfect family home with a newly renovated kitchen, huge tiled lounge/dining room flowing through a family/braai room to garden. Study off the main bedroom. Bonus - 3 roomed cottage attached to the house with own separate entrance for guests or rental income. Correctly priced so to sell quickly. A good investment. Contact: Herman 082 373 5700 or Barry 072 740 0756

*R975 000

RECENTLY LET

*R2.285m

Reyger Avenue

RECENTLY LET

SO MUCH SPACE

*R650 000

NEW RELEASE

Orchard Place

York Close

RECENTLY LET

FEATURED PROPERTY

*R1.295m

NEW RELEASE

Should you still be uncertain give us a call and we will happily assist. You can reach me on meyer@seeff.com or on 021 531 7507.

Springbok Close

SOLD

Homeowners have until the end of April 2013 to lodge an objection against the proposed rates valuation of their property. Homes are valued every four years with the current valuations as at 1 July 2012. Council uses a computer assisted mass appraisal system to ensure fairness. However, these valuations may not accurately reflect the values of some individual properties. Your rates will not increase by the same percentage as your valuation increase. Council must still set the new Cents in the Rand rate once they have determined their budget. We have had many calls from property owners asking whether their proposed valuation is appropriate. Council has indicated that they will not accept a valuation from an Estate Agent, but we can advise you on whether the valuation is fair. You must substantiate any objection with documented proof of comparative sales in the area. How does one determine whether the proposed council valuation is market related? • Your valuation should not have increased by more than 20% from the previous period (2009) unless you have done alterations. Pinelands property values increased by 21% on average in the last 4 years for properties below R2m and by 10% for properties above R3m. Thornton had a 15% average increase. • Would you accept an offer to sell your property for the new proposed valuation? If your answer is no, then the municipal valuation is probably on the low side and you should not raise an objection • Sectional title owners can talk to others in the complex to compare valuations or lodge a ‘mass’ objection. • The Council valuation of a property bought in the past 18 months should reflect the purchase price. It is important that you do your homework and not merely object because you do not ‘like’ an increase in rates. They are unfortunately an integral part of the cost of owning a home.

SOLD

Sold & Let

with Johan Meyer Is my new municipal valuation market related?

Redgum Avenue

*R1.195m

Anfield Village

R3 500 pm *asking price

SA’s preferred home of more than 33 000 properties for sale and rent

Community news

Pine Needles celebrate thirty years together! Pine Needles Patchwork and Quilting Group celebrated their 30th anniversary last year. They are proud to be one of the oldest quilting groups in South Africa. In 1982 Hazelmay Duncan started Pine Needles in her home. There are only two of the five founding members still involved, but the group of 20 quilters continues to meet regularly. The group consists of a mix of Traditional, Innovative and Art quilters as well as quilt teachers and quilt judges and prizewinners. Some of the members were instrumental in the formation of the Good Hope Quilters Guild in 1987 as well as the South African Quilters Guild two years later. Pine Needles have made quilts for many charities, have sold raffles, given talks and demonstrations and exhibited their work to promote patchwork and quilting. The Pine-Needles have formed strong

Above: The Pine Needles Patchwork and Quilting Group. Back row from left: Pam Lundwall, Margie Pearson, Bev McDavid, Helen Sands, Glenda Weidmann, Anneke van Dijken, Jenny Holland. Front row from left: Rose Pegoraro, Hazelmay Duncan, Wanda Carmichael, Vivienne Hilton, and Jenny Hermans. members who have moved, shared good laughs, swapped fabrics and magazines, passed on tips, recipes and advice, as well as sharing their worries and dreams. They look forward to many more years of caring and sharing together! Contact Pam Lundwall philip@mweb.co.za.

bonds over the past 30 years. They have celebrated birthdays and anniversaries, wept at weddings and funerals. They have travelled to quilt shops and shows, sewn through the night, championed achievements, hosted meetings and hung quilts. They have kept in touch with

For sales call Marina 083 300 9530

S A FOR LE

The brand most recognized by sellers and buyers of fine real estate

Forest Drive, Pinelands - R3 600 000

Wattle Grove, Pinelands - R3 850 000

a high demand for properties.

in the Pinelands area as we have

We are currently looking for stock

We have people looking for flats and houses. Should you want a free rental valuation or help sourcing and qualifying tenants please feel free to give me a call.

For rentals call Roxy 079 066 3716

Garden City Heights - R6000

Chipstead Way - R16 500

2nd Floor, Buchanan Chambers, cnr Pearce and Warwick Roads, Claremont. Tel: 021 673 1240 ssho@sothebysrealtyss.co.za For Sale Enquiries in Pinelands please contact Marina 083 300 9530 or marina.n@sothebysrealtyss.co.za For Rental Enquiries in Pinelands please contact Roxy on 021 673 1240 Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated

www.sothebysrealty.co.za â&#x20AC;˘ www.sothebysrealty.com

Pinelands & Thornton

021 531 0773

Community news

Science Whiz Kid — Matthew McFarlane

Central Square | Pinelands www.jawitz.co.za

PROPERTIES

Thinking of selling or WE DO IT renting your property? ALL THE TIME! SALES AGENTS

Richard Smith 083 557 7515 Linette Smith 082 466 1825

* asking price

SOLD

BY US

From the left: Mr Jerry Mofoka, IMG (Institutional Management & Governance) manager, Matthew McFarlane (centre) and Mrs Ann Morton, principal of Pinelands North Primary School.

atthew McFarlane, a pupil at Pinelands North Primary School, achieved top marks out of all Grade 4 pupils in the country in the national Natural Science Olympiad in 2012. One paper, set on all Grade 4, 5 and 6 science work, is set for this Olympiad, which last year, was written by 27 911 children. Matthew, who is now in Grade 5, was overwhelmed to find out that he had topped the Grade 4’s and only two Grade 6 pupils had beaten him overall!

Pinelands

BY US

*R2.095m

Pinelands

*R4.595m

FOR SALE

SOLD BY US

Thornton

*R1.150m

Thornton

*R1.195m

TO LET

LET

BY US

Mr Jerry Mofoka, IMG manager for the school, came to congratulate him personally. Matthew says, “I am surprised that Mr Mofoka came just for me!” Matthew is part of the Creative and Talented programme run at the school, a programme for very bright children.

The Howard Centre Easter Bunny !

Pinelands

*R12 450 pm

RENTAL TEAM

Pinelands

R4 350 pm

Craig Watt 082 410 9720 Annette Mouton Administrator

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

PROPERTY POINTERS

THE RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL (RIGHT OF PRE-EMPTION)

Howard Centre’s Easter Bunny handed out Easter eggs at Pinelands Primary, The Blue School, on 28 March 2013. Later that day the Bunny continued with his generosity when he handed out Easter eggs at Howard Centre.

May 2013 | the muse | 5

To clarify the meaning of Right of First Refusal: This is nothing more than an agreement between the owner of a property and another person (the prospective purchaser) that the owner will give that person the first opportunity to purchase the property should the owner decide to sell it. It is however a myth that it gives this first buyer who puts in an offer the automatic right of being given the final opportunity to increase his offer, if and when there are other competing offers. ATTORNEYS CONVEYANCERS M a c l e o d ’ s AND ESTATE ADMINISTRATORS www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za A t t o r n e y s 021 439 7490 |

MATRIC DANCE

Community news

Cannons Creek Matric dance was held at the Granger Bay Hotel School April 12th. The venue is always a surprise for the Matrics, and this year there was more fun and games as they solved clues to find their matric invites. All agreed that the Granger Bay Hotel School was a good choice. Having the Matric dance early in the year promises better weather for the event and clears the calendar for the vital matric exam studying. Photograph: Andrew Swarts

BEDS FROM HOME BED AND MATTRESS SPECIALIST www.bedsfromhome.co.za • info@bedsfromhome.co.za

BED AND MATTRESS SPECIALS! RESTFUL SLEEP

Bonnel Spring. Medium firm feel. Ideal for kids or spare room. Max 85kg pp

LUXURY ROSE

Bonnel Spring medium firm. Aloe Vera finish. Main bedroom. Max 110 kg pp. Free suede base option

PINELANDS 021 532 2010

Sunrise Park, Sunrise Circle, Ndabeni Tokai • Honeywell Rd • 021 701 8259 Builders Warehouse Interchange 021 852 9056

Somerset West Interchange 021 851 2421

POCKET SPRING COLLECTION

Firm or plush. Pocket springs for correct body contour. Max 140kg pp.

10 Year Warranty

15 Year Warranty

SINGLE BEDSET DOUBLE BEDSET WAS R1799 WAS R2199 NOW R1499 NOW R1799

DOUBLE or QUEEN KING BEDSET DOUBLE or QUEEN KING BEDSET WAS R3799 WAS R4999 WAS R6999 WAS R8499 NOW R2999 NOW R3999 NOW R5499 NOW R7499

MATTRESS PROTECTORS

ADJUSTABLE BEDS

• Imported German remote adjustable beds and mattresses • Custom made frames and designs • Sizes: Single, Queen or King • Call or email for pricing or details

20 Year Warranty

SOLID WOOD BEDS & PEDESTALS

• 100% waterproof and breathable • Dust mite and allergy protection • Gives a healthier mattress life Single • R320 3-Quarter • R350 Double • R400 Queen • R450 King • R550

Terms and conditions apply. Limited stock offer.

Community news

Do you want to cycle in safety?

Martin and Joyce Bester, Married for 60 years and still smiling Many congratulations to Joyce and Martin Bester on their 60th wedding anniversary. They have fond memories of their wedding at St George's Cathedral in Cape Town, on 11 April 1953 — and they still laugh at the fact that Joyce was 15 minutes early for the ceremony! They even remember their first dance when they met — it was a Tennessee Waltz — and they have never

looked back. Martin and Joyce have lived in Thornton for 43 years. They have 4 children, 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. They love the Lord and share a great sense of humour, which is evident when Martin is asked about the secret of their marriage happiness, he says with a twinkle in his eye "just say, yes dear, then everything will be fine!"

Helping Hands Promotion at the Howard Centre

Pinelands resident and keen cyclist, Paul Teubes would like to form a group of cyclists who can increase their safety by cycling together. He notes that there have been some incidents reported at Rhodes memorial and on the mountain roads, and would like to invite mountain bikers and roadies alike to join in some organised group rides. If you are interested please contact Paul pteubes@oldmutualpfa.com.

Caring for elderly parents A group of concerned Pinelanders from the Pinelands Baptisit Church have been addressing the fact that there are an increasing number of families with the responsibility of looking after their elderly parents, and face challenges that they are not prepared for. Last year the group organised talks on Aging — Emotions and Expectations, Family Dynamics, and Physiotherapy for the aging. This year there will another set of talks, starting with legal matters on 18 April (too late for this publication), followed by a workshop on capturing and documenting family histories on 1 August. Then on 17 October there will be a panel of experts answering questions on financial matters. Meetings start at 7:30pm at the Pinelands Baptist Hall. Please call Janine 021 531 3922.

Our caring and expert team is ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you and your family. WE WILL TAKE CARE OF

oward Centre had its first Helping Hands Promotion from 6 – 9 March 2013, where charities had the opportunity to promote their organization. This will become an annual event. In the picture is Wolanani, an organisation selling second hand books. Other organisations that took part were the Village Care Centre, Butterfly Way, Educare Centre (Vuyolwethu), SOS Childrens Village,

May 2013 | the muse | 7

Animal Rescue Organisation, Beth Uriel, Rape Unit Cape Town Trust, Wola Nani, Girls and Boys Town, Breadline Africa, St Lukes, Woodside, Nazareth House, Heart & Stroke Foundation, Cape Town Multi Service Centre, Beauty without Cruelty, Early Learning Resource Unit (ELRU). Their responses were overwhelmingly positive and they were extremely grateful for the opportunity.

Tending the Deceased Funeral Arrangements Certiﬁcates & Programmes

Ordering Flowers Memorial Stones Newspaper Notices

We oﬀer funeral policies and accept all recognized policies. We assist with funeral preplanning and arrange repatriations.

MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE SIGNING FOR Before signing, get a full written quotation for a funeral and check that all relevant items are listed individually with their costs. This helps you to get comparable quotes from other service providers. If you are uncomfortable with shopping around you can ask a family friend to do it for you.

www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za phone 021 593 9053 • 082 545 6089 (24 hrs) email maitland@martinsfunerals.co.za web www.martinsfunerals.co.za

MONEY MATTERS

the

muse community magazine

SPECIAL FEATURE

Retirement Planning "Am I on track for retirement?" This is the most commonly asked question to financial planners. Having ‘sufficient’ money in retirement is a relative term and will vary, depending on your expected lifestyle.

Destination Wealth specialists in provision of

Medical aids Life insurance Personal protection Investment planning Retirement planning Contents and car insurance

TAKE ACTION

Plan your financial future with us

A financial planner can help you plan a financially stable retirement. He or she can give you ideas, suggestions and alternatives towards cost effective current investments, to improve your current financial situation and ensuring financial security in later years. After a full analysis, you will be more assured of being on track for retirement. Choices vary from simply saving more money, investing more aggressively, delaying your retirement date, or even working part-time in retirement. You may consider selling your home and buying a smaller one that will reduce your living expenses. But, be warned, moving into a retirement village may cost you more than your present home. A financial planner is able to be an objective person guiding you through some of these emotional decisions that you may face. Trying to navigate the world of planning for your retirement on your own is a truly

Core Wealth Managers Qualified, Independent & Personal

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Life, Disability and Income Protection Retirement and Investment Planning Contact us to get your retirement planning on track

Kirsty Scully

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An Authorised Financial Services Provider FSB No. 36946

difficult task. There are thousands of investment options from which to choose, and finding the right mix to create a comfortable retirement is difficult and personal. Making an informed decision requires wide-ranging and current knowledge, which is why good financial advice is so powerful when applied timeously and appropriately. The key to a successful retirement plan is team work with your financial planner — starting now. The younger, the better. The sooner you start to save, the less it costs. In planning for your retirement, don’t forget that significant tax deductions can be made by using a pension or provident fund, as well as a retirement annuity. These vehicles give you excellent tax breaks while you save, but also allow you to reduce your taxable income on retirement, as a result of generous rebates, ensuring that you get even more value for money. To plan effectively for your retirement, set your goals and allow your trusted financial planner to do the rest. Article supplied by Kirsty Scully CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® of Core Wealth Managers. 

HOW TO AVOID

DODGY FINANCIAL ADVICE

Choosing a financial advisor is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Join Old Mutual and Core Wealth Managers for a short presentation where we explore how to choose a trusted and knowledgeable advisor to avoid the financial pitfalls to which many investors have fallen prey.

HOW TO WEED OUT

BAD FINANCIAL ADVICE TO PROTECT AND GROW YOUR WEALTH 21 MAY 2013 • 5:30pm for 6pm CENTRAL CAMPUS, MUTUAL PARK JAN SMUTS DRIVE, PINELANDS YOU ARE WELCOME TO BRING FRIENDS

Core Wealth Managers Qualified, Independent & Personal

BOOK YOUR SEAT ON 021 975 9072 OR info@corewealth.co.za BY WED,15 MAY 2013

Money Matters 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

Let's talk about money www.cruechronicles.com

SEVEN HABITS OF THE FINANCIALLY SAVVY By Sue Torr Director at Crue Consulting

The difference between financially stable individuals and those who grapple from pay-cheque to pay-cheque has less to do with inherited trust funds or perfectlytimed stock market winnings, and more to do with a set of financial disciplines followed by the financially astute few. We suggest the following seven habits of the financially stable.

1 They know where they’re going

The first step towards financial freedom is defining your end-point and determining exactly what you wish to achieve financially, from the home you live in, your children's education, the car you drive, vacation goals, as well as your longer-term retirement plans. In the wise words of Yogi Berra, “if you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.”

2 They have a map

A written financial plan is, in essence, a road map which provides exact directions on how to achieve your goals. Unsupported by a clearly defined road map, financial goals remain aspirational dreams as directionless as Alice in Wonderland when she asked the Cheshire Cat, “Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?“. “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat. “I don’t much care where.” said Alice. “Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the Cat.

3 They understand and harness the power of compound interest

Also known as the seventh wonder of the world, for the financially uneducated the sheer wonder of compound interest can never fully be appreciated. The most financially stable people started saving from their first pay-cheque and never interrupted the magical cycle of compound interest. Whilst your retirement funding shortfall may appear alarmingly large right now, there’s no doubt it will appear near insurmountable this time next year unless you take immediate action. In the words of Karen Lamb, “A year from now you may wish you had started today.”

4 They follow a budget

Far from perceiving a budget as a tool of the frugal or a measure of austerity, those

www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za

021 530 8500 • info@crue.co.za • www.crue.co.za

that are financially savvy understand that a budget is in fact an enabler of financial freedom. A budget provides essential insight enabling you to channel your income towards what’s really important to you. When it comes to finances, there’s nothing blissful about ignorance, and knowledge really is power.

5 They live within their means

Whilst a budget may tell you what you can’t afford, it doesn’t have the power to stop you from buying it. There’s nothing undignified about living below one’s means. Calvin Coolidge once remarked, “There is no dignity quite so impressive, and no one independence quite so important, as living within your means.”

6 They protect the downside

While you are able to work, your single greatest asset is unquestionably your ability to generate an income. All your financial goals — whether short, medium or long term — are dependent on your ability to earn money over the period of your working life. If you’re earning an income, make sure you have an appropriate income protection benefit that will replace your income in the event of illness or disability, and secure your retirement funding in the long term.

7 They look to educate themselves financially

Remaining financially astute and educated is vital. Benjamin Franklin said “If a man empties his purse into his head no one can take it away from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” Whilst one may seek advice from a financial planner, those who are financially astute take personal responsibility for their finances and retain full control over their affairs. Our advice is to put these habits into practice today and reap the rewards of a financially fulfilled destiny. 

May 2013 | the muse | 10

SPECIAL FEATURE

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Remote Jamming Income Protection

South African motorists are being urged to physically check that their motor vehicles are properly locked before they walk away, if they use a remote key, in order to avoid the consequences of the ‘remote jamming scam’. The concept behind the scam is that some third party remote controls can interfere with a vehicle’s remote control if both are used at the same time. The ‘scammer’ presses their remote at the same time as the vehicle owner presses their remote to lock the vehicle, jamming the remote control locking mechanism of the vehicle. The car owner does not realise that the car remains unlocked. The danger is that this scam causes break-ins with no visible forcible entry, placing vehicle owners at risk of insurance claim rejections. Whether an insurance Christelle Fourie, MD of MUA company will pay out this Insurance Acceptances, gives type of claim varies greatly the following tips to avoid between insurers and policies. falling victim to the scam: However, for a claim to be successful, the insurer would most likely request some form of proof from the client, which is tricky unless the vehicle happened to be parked in view of a security camera and the footage can be obtained.  Article supplied by Rory Mitchell, General Manager at GVC Insurance Consultants.

• Double check that the vehicle has been properly locked before walking away. • Make sure that nothing is visible. If items must be left in the car, store them in a locked compartment. • Consider extra security features such as smash and grab film on the windows.

Imagine having studied for years, set yourself up in a business or having worked your way up in a firm only to be struck down with an illness, disability or impairment that will impact your future working career. Have you ever thought how important your income generating ability is and how quickly it can be halted by an unforeseen event? Can you imagine the impact on your family and the financial implications of not earning an income temporarily or permanently? Your income earning ability is your most valuable asset and the need to protect this asset is as important, or even more important, as insuring your car, home and valuables. Income protection is a vital form of insurance which will take effect if you become temporarily or permanently unable to work due to medical, mental or physical disability. Who wants to become a burden on the state, one’s family or children? To determine your needs an holistic financial plan must be done to ensure that the correct form of Income protection is put in place. The correct product can then be implemented and the benefits must be flexible during your working career so that changes can be made to fit in with your type of employment and your changing income. This benefit can be purchased as a stand alone product or part of a fuller financial plan. It can be set up for a term or for the whole of your natural life.  Article supplied by Jill Ingram, Certified Financial Planner ® at Wealth & Asset Financial Services.

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Out and About

Philadelphia on the west coast

Dating back to 1863, the story goes that local farmers grew tired of driving the long distances into Durbanville or Cape Town to attend church, so Jan van Schoor made available 20 morgen of his farm Dasvlei for the founding of an NG Kerk. A picture perfect village soon grew around this handsome church with its square steeple. Park on the large square behind the church, in the shade of towering bluegums: everything is in walking distance. The heart of the village is no doubt the Pepper Tree Art Stable and Coffee Shop, open Tuesday to Sunday — comfortable wooden chairs and tables, prettily decorated with freshly picked flowers, tempt visitors to sample from a daily menu of light lunches, sandwiches, salads, wraps, and enough desserts to persuade you to interrupt your diet! Linger in the dappled

shade of the flourishing pepper tree (its branches clearly loved by kids), watch the birds splashing in the water fountain, and enjoy homely country-style cooking. Their apple crumble with ice cream and their cheesecake with berry coulis are irresistible. Pop in at the little shop, to pick up homemade jams and preserves, farm-fresh eggs, baked goods, and some delightful works of art. Nearby, you will find Magic Minerals, selling a vast selection of rocks, minerals and gemstones, ornate handmade jewellery, wind chimes, colourfully painted wooden items, necklaces made of stone beads, an eclectic assortment of objets d’art, as well as an array of succulents and cacti.

this year, we discovered a labyrinth in the spacious garden at De Malle Meul. The friendly proprietor told us that she had finished building this four-element labyrinth in May last year. A great playground next to it will keep the nippers occupied — the labyrinth itself is not safe for small children. Meditatively walking such a labyrinth is an ancient spiritual tradition of clearing the mind, gaining insight, and reaffirming your life purpose. Philadelphia is celebrating its 150-year anniversary this year with an exciting program of events. see www.ngkerkphiladelphia.org.za 

Photographs and Text by Regine Lord

he historic village of Philadelphia on the R304 just off the busy N7, about 26 km outside Durbanville, is one of our favourite destinations. Nestled among brilliantly yellow canola fields and rolling green fields dotted with dairy cows, and exuding plattelandse rustigheid, it invites visitors to slow down and take a deep breath.

Above: Richard Lord enjoying a relaxing morning at the Pepper Tree restaurant.

Opposite the church, De Malle Meul, where you can eat a delicious Sunday buffet, is a gorgeous venue for weddings, musical performances, conferences and other functions. If you aren’t ready to leave Philadelphia yet, sleep over in their two snug self-catering cottages, or attend one of their workshops. The art centre and gallery proudly displays the work of Pieter van der Westhuizen, who was a resident of Philadelphia for 24 years. When we visited the village in March

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E&OE

Ask the Principal

Teaching your child the value of money How to teach the value of money?

A good question, as the new trend is for parents to give their children as much as they can. They do this simply because they are in a position to do so and because manufacturers are producing items which are affordable. These items are easy to obtain and the only input from the parents is financial.

Shaping future generations

What we are setting ourselves up for? After schooling, can we afford to send our children to University or College, purchase a flat and provide them with a car? This will be the expectation of your children if one purchases too much for them without them having learnt the value of money and not having them work towards a desired item or goal. Our children will become the entitled youth and we need to bear in mind that it will be of our making. They have simply been taking advantage of what we have offered or set ourselves up to offer — the expectation that we have created.

So how does one start?

In order for us to teach our children that everything has to be worked for, and that money does not just appear, we need to start when they are very young. Firstly, by not purchasing every item they see in the shops. They need to be able to be taken

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into a shop just to look at the toys. They can have a notepad specifically for them where you can write down the items that they like and are possibly interested in. This can then give you a great list for their birthdays and Christmas presents.

Learning to share the cost

You can also plan with them to earn 50% of the cost of the item and create a chart at home where they can monitor their savings towards it. They can be given extra tasks around the house and be given a realistic amount for them. (Don’t overdo this as this is another learning lesson too.) They can watch their savings grow and when they have achieved the amount, make a special outing to the shops to purchase it. Take a photograph for them to show that they purchased their own toy or book. They will be proud of this for many years to come.

The value of earned possessions

One can continue with this process right up to when they leave school. I have seen a child purchase their own second-hand car and boy, you could see how proud he was of what he had achieved! The many hours that he stood at the garage pump were worth it. The care that was taken of the vehicle that he purchased himself far exceeded that of any of his mates who were just given cars. Interesting!

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The point to remember is that we are trying to teach them something for life. It is not about us simply being able to afford it, so therefore we buy it. If we do that, they do not learn anything and they ‘pay’ for it later in life. It becomes a hard lesson as they land up in financial difficulties. The use of credit cards adds to this problem unless they have been taught how to do financial planning and have realistic expectations.

The same applies to equipment purchased for our children.

We need to teach them that it costs money, that somebody had to work for it and that they need to care for it as it cannot (or should not) just be replaced when lost. I remember, many years ago, a young pupil was bought a very expensive hockey stick by his father. He did not like the brand and so on the first hockey practice, set about breaking it so that he could get his father to purchase the hockey stick of his choice! Clearly he had not been taught a thing about the value of and respect for the item purchased for him. In short, if we teach our children to work for something, they will not only have succeeded in a huge lesson in life, but also feel very proud of what they have achieved; and learn to look after it as they were the ones who put in the effort! 

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Pinelanders

John Gilmour

fter ten years of teaching at Pinelands High School and five years as principal of Abbott's College John had another look at the way he had been implementing his plan to give an equal opportunity to the children of Langa. John was still aware of the extreme inequity of the children living in Pinelands, the original Garden City, and those children living in the dormitory suburb of Langa, built just metres away to house those that the government of the time wanted out of the cities. John realised his plan of transporting children from Langa to the 'white' suburb for a couple of hours of teaching was not really working. It pulled the children out of their cultural norm and disturbed their natural development. When his twin daughters were very young, John took the leap, left his full time teaching position and devoted his time to starting a school where children from Langa could get

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a good education and still be comfortable in their own cultural upbringing.

platform to get more people together to work for the common good of all.

For the first eight months John struggled to get funding. That was in 2004. Now almost 10 years later he runs two LEAP schools within the buildings donated by the Old Mutual at Mupine, and there are three LEAP schools in Gauteng and one in Limpopo. He feels happy that he is contributing to the rebuilding of our society in South Africa, and he is seeing proof of his success in a 94.7% matric pass rate, which is making funding easier and allowing the development of more LEAP schools.

John's sporting days at school saw him as the coach for first team cricket and hockey. Nowadays his lifestyle revolves around his twin daughters, now 14, who keep him busy with their interests such as horse riding. John is a people person and although he understands the conservative nature of many people in this country, he has also recognised the willingness of the community to engage with his program.

John has a much appreciated mentor in Dr Mamphela Ramphele who understands the high risk of leadership. LEAP schools endeavour to instil in each pupil that they can be future leaders of our country. John believes that South Africa is on the cusp of a high potential for change and he likes to think of the LEAP schools as a

The impact made by the LEAP schools is possible through partnerships and collaboration, if you would like to get involved by financially supporting the work or through another way, please contact Sabrina on sabrina@leapschool.org.za or 021 531 9715. They are also very happy to receive second hand goods, including clothes, to distribute to their community partners. See www.leapschool.org.za

May 2013 | the muse | 14

Photographs and Text by Glynnis Schutte

While teaching at Pinelands High School in the eighties John was impassioned by a quest to help the learners in the Langa community. The pupils of his high school class were instrumental in awakening his feelings for the community that lives on our doorstep, by asking John "how can we share what we have?" John is the founder and Executive Director of the LEAP science and maths schools, six in all, where students from disadvantaged communities can be equipped with academic and personal life skills.

Pinelanders

The LEAP Dream The campus at Pinelands, Mupine, houses two LEAP shools in the previous Old Mutual Training centre. LEAP 1 for students from Langa, and LEAP 2 for students from Phillipi, Crossroads and Delft. The children are invited to attend extra lessons in maths and science at the schools in their community for a year prior to coming to LEAP. These classes are run by refugees and African nationals through the LEAP Learning Centre. If the children are keen to study science and maths they are tested and they attend camps where their abilities and 'staying power' are measured to see if they will be able to cope with the extra long school hours – 8:15am to 5:15pm every weekday and every Saturday morning. Lonwabo, a competent young student, conducted our tour through the school, where we visited different classes and were introduced to the teachers and the students. Each class is reasonably sized and the students are keen and enthusiastic. One class was on life orientation where students were given the opportunity to discuss how they felt about unsettling home situations, teenage pregnancies, and paternities — and fellow students were offering ways of coping. It was impressive

Lonwabo Mfinyongo with the display of the school's Code of Conduct to which the LEAP students aspire.

Pinelands

to hear a young student urging his fellow student to respect their mother's wishes in a situation "because we don't always know all the details of what has happened". Lonwabo comments that the classes have helped him to cope and taught him how to learn through his mistakes. The grade 9 Xhosa lesson was discussing music groups and having a lot of fun. The grade 9 maths group was busy with a "please do now" exercise — a starting point for the class to attempt to solve a few maths problems on their own. This is part of John Gilmour's vision that teachers should "facilitate and not pontificate". The last class we visited was Lonwabo's science class, with the periodic table painted on the wall and depictions of various scientific experiments also adorning the walls. Lonwabo hopes to study civil engineering and is keen on doing some cricket if he can find the time between studies. The success of the LEAP schools is seen in the 94.7% pass rate for matric in 2012, with a 90% maths pass rate, an 85% science pass rate, and 78% of their students can apply for tertiary study. 72% of LEAP past students are currently pursuing tertiary studies and 12% are working. This year, LEAP is celebrating their first physiotherapist, engineering graduates and honours graduates. LEAP students are encouraged to take part in community programmes which adds to the LEAP combination of good education and personal growth. 

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Travellers

The 18-hole Rössmund Golf Course, one of only five registered all-grass desert golf courses in the world, where springbok graze on the greens.

Swakopmund

Text and Photographs by Regine Lord

A lovely town on the edge of an inhospitable desert, Swakopmund sprawls along the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, its back to the undulating ochre-andred sand dunes and gravel-covered lichen fields of the vast Namib Desert. It lies just north of the Tsoakhaub (Swakop) River mouth.

Left from the top: View from the Woermann Tower looking towards the sand dunes. Pelicans at the quaint Walvis Bay waterfront, and the historic Swakopmund jetty with a seafood restaurant at its tip.

Getting There

Excursions

riding in the Swakop river valley, through the dunes and along the beach. Or buy an ice-cream at the Museum Café and stroll to the front of the breakwater (the Mole), which was originally constructed north of the Swakop river mouth to create a safe harbour. This silted up, forming a beach ideal for sun-bathing and swimming. No visit to Swakopmund is complete without crisp freshly baked Brötchen from Café Treff Punkt, whose baked goods come from the Hansa Bäckerei.

Fly into Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport or Walvis Bay’s Rooikop Airport, and drive to Swakopmund. Or take the slow TransNamib train from Windhoek to the coast, or the luxury Desert Express with several excursions en route. Or hop on a shuttle bus.

History

It was founded in 1892 by Major Curt van Francois of the Schutztruppe as the main harbour for German South West Africa (now Namibia) — the deep sea harbour of Walvis Bay, some 30 km south, was under British control. In 1915, South Africa took control of the country from Germany, until Namibian independence in 1990. Much of the architecture is still in the German colonial style, with gorgeously preserved historical buildings, and many people still speak German.

Climate

The pleasantly temperate climate attracts visitors from up country, keen to flee

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Drive east to the dramatic and desolate Moon Landscape and follow Weltwitschia Drive into the lichen fields to the largest Welwitschia mirabilis – over 1500 years old. Drive north to the angling village of Henties Bay and the largest colony of Cape Fur Seals in the world at Cape Cross, and onwards to the isolated Skeleton Coast National Park. scorching summers. An impenetrable morning fog regularly cloaks the town (10 km inland, though, the skies are blue!); clearing up mid-morning, it reveals brilliant blue skies. Desert−adapted fauna and flora depend on this fog for their survival.

Activities and sightseeing

As befits a tourist mecca, every type of accommodation is available, as well as shops, banks and internet cafés, arts, crafts and souvenir shops. Adrenalin junkies will be in heaven — take a flip in a helicopter, micro-light or small plane, go skydiving or hot air ballooning, quad-biking or sandboarding, horse-riding and even camel-

Drive south to Walvis Bay, via the beach resorts of Langstrand and Dolphin Beach. Refresh yourself with strong coffee and German Brötchen at Café Probst, admire flocks of flamingos feeding in the shallow waters of the lagoon. Take the inland road (C34) back to Swakopmund, stopping at Dune 7, at 130 metres the highest dune in the coastal dune belt. The history of Swakopmund is peopled with fascinating characters, who displayed courage and resourcefulness in the face of hardship and adversity. Amble in their footsteps and be awed by those brave pioneers who settled in the desert. 

May 2013 | the muse | 16

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May 2013 | the muse | 17

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