the Muse - Mar 2015 by the Muse magazine by Pinelands Directory

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www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za

PINELANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE issue

NORMAN DAVIES GROUP SCOUTER PHS HEAD OF SCIENCE

ASIAN Heleen CARROT SALAD Meyer

HONOLULU Community HAWAII Travellers

49 | March 2015

IAL SPECU RE T A E F ON I T A C U E D ND A RE A C H ILD C

ORANJEZICHT Out and CITY FARM About

WELCOME About the cover: Raindrops on a bottlebrush flower. By Glynnis Schutte.

Above: Black-shouldered Kite

BIRDS IN PINELANDS

LEARNING NEEDS TO BE A LIFELONG HABIT

The way we are educated in school has changed dramatically over the past 50 years – as it should continue to! Half a century ago schools followed a strict curriculum to prepare school leavers to enter well defined professions in which they would work until their eventual retirement. Options for educational streams were limited to Science or The Arts in senior grades. In the current age however, it will be rare for a person to stay in a single profession through their working life. A young person entering the job market today can expect three to five radical career changes in their working lifetime. A decade from now, many of today's students will be working in jobs and professions that don’t yet exist. This is beacuse of the accelerated speed with which technologies, skills and social norms now change and become obsolete. Some of today's futuristic sounding job titles… Data Miner, Milennial Generation Advisor or Customer Experience Designer will no doubt soon be superceded by even more exotic sounding ones like Robot Counsellor, Healthcare System Navigator, Personal Media Remixer… who knows? I think it quite likely that formal defined professions will fade away and be replaced by the concept of Designing Your Own Job to fill a current niche. This will become the way to stay employable and in demand. What students need to survive this rapid evolution of the workplace is to be flexible, multiskilled, have an entrepreneurial spirit and to practice lifelong learning to develop and adapt their skills to fit the fast-changing needs of the world in which they will live.

The sight of a "BSK" hovering absolutely still, before dropping suddenly to catch a lizard or mouse, is very familiar in rural areas, and one can often be seen over the Pinelands soccer fields. Close examination will reveal a silvery-white bird with pointed wings, black shoulders and wing-tips, and a blood-red eye. BSKs are often seen perched on roadside poles on the West Coast and occasionally have the curious habit of wagging their tails slowly up and down, which might be a form of signalling to nearby birds. Text and image Dr Callan Cohen, research associate at UCT's FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, bird book author, and director of Birding Africa tours: www.birdingafrica.com.

crousrealestate.co.za

With help from educators, students need to prepare themselves to manage in a world in which continuous transition is completely normal and expected, and current knowledge becomes obsolete every five years. See the infographic on page 9 for a glimpse into the future of learning to see how we might meet these needs. Enjoy the edition!

Max Schutte Editor Max Schutte Photographer and Writer Glynnis Schutte Regular Contributors Heleen Meyer Freelance Food Consultant Callan Cohen FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology Carol Booth Cannons Creek Independent School Sue Torr Crue Consulting

Next Muse Edition: April 2015 Content Deadline: 20 March 2015

PINELANDS Contact Us tel • 021 531 3324 cell • 073 644 1288 email • muse@pinelandsdirectory.co.za post • The Muse, 12 Rhone, Pinelands, 7450 News, photographs, stories and ideas can be submitted to The Muse Magazine by email at muse@pinelandsdirectory.co.za. The Muse reserves the right to select articles for inclusion and to make alterations to submitted contributions.

*R2.795m

SOLD BY US THORNTON

*R1.595m *asking prices

Our Rate Card contains advertising and circulation details, publication schedules and deadlines and artwork requirements. View our Rate Card on our website: www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za.

© Copyright reserved. All editorial content and graphics are copyright and may not be copied, republished or re-used without the express permission of The Muse Magazine, which reserves all rights. Parts of this publication may also be subject to separate copyright by other parties.

March 2015 | the muse | 1

SOLD BY US

Chris Crous

Charmaine Crous

082 410 5559 082 410 5558 PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE FREE VALUATIONS • COMPETITIVE COMMISSION RATE

Office: 021 531 5457 Email: info@crousrealestate.co.za We b : www.crousrealestate.co.za

March Specials

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

SERVED UNTIL 11am was

Goodys Breakfast R29.90 Now R25.00

3 March

18 March

The Cannons Creek Annual Fun Run takes place at the school in Nursery Way starting at 5:30pm. Open to all members of the community. Call Terri 021 531 5011.

Pinelands Library Hall 7pm for 7:30pm. Sheryl Ozinsky will give a presentation on the Oranjezicht City Farm (OZCF) – a non-profit project celebrating local food, culture and community through urban farming in Cape Town. Contact Carol on pinelands.ratepayers@gmail.com.

CANNONS CREEK FUN RUN

4 March English Breakfast or was Cypriot Breakfast R33.90 Now R28.00 Millside Park, FREE DELIVERIES TO Morningside, Ndabeni SURROUNDING AREAS

021 531 6398

for orders over R30 Mon - Fri • 9am - 3pm

ALZHEIMER SUPPORT GROUP

The Helen Keller Society in conjunction with Dementia S.A. hosts a support group at the Society in Links Drive, Pinelands, on the first Wednesday of each month at 6pm. Open to all who have loved ones with dementia (Alzheimer’s). RSVP to Heather or Estelle on 021 531 5311 during office hours.

7 March

PINELANDS ISLAMIC CENTRE

Tony’s

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TREASURES

I will offer you cash for any of these items:

GOLD (even scrap gold) remember when you lost that

earring and buried the other in your jewellery box? SILVER from scrap jewellery to silver teasets MEDALS Boer War, WW1, WW2 inc badges & buttons. COINS remember the old tickey, sixpence, shilling, 5 shilling and R1 coin from the 60’s? POSTCARDS up to 1945 (1900-1920 are best) CUPS & SAUCERS duos & trios (plate, cup & saucer) OLD TOYS Schuco, Dinky, Meccano etc. BRASS & COPPER who still wants to clean it?

Call me… my number is 083 775 00 55 … you stand to earn some cash for those old trinkets, bits & pieces that no longer serve you.

email: destony@telkomsa.net

Ladies meet and greet to be held at the Pinelands Islamic Centre, off Nursery Way between Asr and Maghrieb for Pinelands 9:09 AM residents and madressa mothers and teachers. Welcome to bring a plate of eats. Najmah Mallick: najmah@meezaan.co.za.

7 March

PINELANDS METHODIST CHURCH “FUN-A-FAIR”

Come to the Methodist Church, Central Square, Pinelands , between 8am and 2pm for a fun–a–fair where you can buy books, bric-a-brac, plants, hand-crafts, cakes, jams, sweets, boerewors rolls, pancakes and much more. Kids can enjoy a jumping castle, and there will be live entertainment. An event not to be missed. Call 021 531 8972.

7 March

PNW TAKE BACK OUR CANAL WALK

Join the moonlight walk leaving Clyde Pinelands at 8:30 sharp. There will be cupcakes and coffee. Call Sandi 083 458 2508.

11 March

PINELANDS NORTH PRIMARY SCHOOL OPEN DAY

Dr Louise Wigens Dr Ryan Cholwill

Open day tours will be at 8:30am and 11:00 am. Entrance in Richmond Avenue, Pinelands. Call 021 531 3414.

GENERAL PRACTITIONERS

14 March

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Medical Aid Rates CareCross Approved PRACTICE HOURS

Mon - Fri 08:30 - 17:00 Saturday 09:00 - 12:00

Phone 021 531 4111

Jan Smuts Drive, Pinelands www.westendmedicalsuite.co.za

GRACE PRIMARY SCHOOL OPEN DAY

Come to the Congregational Church, Nerine Avenue, Pinelands, from 9.30am– 11am. Email info@graceprimary.org or visit www.facebook.com/GracePrimarySchool or www.graceprimary.org.

PINELANDS RATEPAYERS MEETING

25 March 2015 STEEL MAGNOLIAS

The cancer support group for ladies is hosted by cancer survivors Catherine and Yolandi, at Peak Inn Guest House, 20 Peak Drive, at 7pm. The speaker for March is Tina Stodel, social worker/psychotherapist. For info on Steel Magnolias call 073 207 7022 or 072 040 7563.

25 March 2015

PINELANDS STAMP CIRCLE

7:15pm in the activities hall of the Pinelands Library, with a slide show by Johan Bezuidenhout. One page exhibits – starting with the letter B, and an exhibit on bicycles by Martin Crawford. Visitors welcome. Call John 021 531 1954 or Martin 021 689 5050.

28 March 2015

PINELANDS PLACE SENIORS CENTRE ANNUAL FÊTE

Come to Lonsdale Way in Pinelands between 9am and noon for the annual fête with stalls for tombola, cakes, tea and coffee, various cards, garden plants, boerewors rolls, novelties, bric–a–brac and white elephant.

28 March 2015

PNPS BIENNIAL RED-A-FAIR

Come and enjoy the amazing vibe at the Pinelands North Community Red-A-Fair. Join us for a fun day out for the whole family, and immense bargains. Open from 9am to 4pm, the entrances will be in Richmond Avenue and Parkchester Avenue. There will be a book stall, white elephant, clothing, pancakes, a tea garden, “Off the Braai” and tons more... Call 021 531 3414 or 071 678 9344.

31 March 2015

PINELANDS LIBRARY APRIL HOLIDAY PROGRAMME

The Holiday Programme gets off to an early start on Tuesday, 31 March, at 2:30pm with an Easter craft activity , “Funny Bunny Surprise”, for children from 4 years of age. For the full programme, please visit the Library or the library web page on www. pinelandsdirectory.co.za or call 021 531 4658.

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! email muse@pinelandsdirectory.co.za.

Send content for the April 2015 edition by 20 March 2015. R100 will ensure placement in the calendar.

March 2015 | the muse | 2

Do I really have enough to retire? We recently sold three apartments in Howard Hamlet, Pine Glen and Viking Village at near full asking price and have just concluded 3 sales in Thornton.

Pat Peat Mandy Butler 083 290 1331 079 499 3351 RENTALS

RECENTLY SOLD

Buy a property as soon as it is practical.

Thinking of selling or renting or needing a market related valuation? Call us on 021 531 7507. We are available for all your property needs.

Featured Property: Pinelands

RECENTLY SOLD

Thornton R1.45m

Property prices in the past 30 years have continued to escalate beyond the inflation rate. Buy a car below what you can afford and dispose of your fancy cell-phone contract. Review your expenses every quarter and save for that deposit. With 69% of our population under the age of 35 the demand for rentals and homes at the lower end of the market will continue to outstrip supply. So if you are under 35 you still have 30 years to catch up.

UNDER OFFER

Julie Meyer

083 288 8481 Office 021 531 7507

NEW RELEASE

Kathy Anderson

083 987 7673 Office 021 531 7507

Sunny spacious family home

Second Floor, Howard Centre, Pinelands Phone: 021 531 7507 pinelands@seeff.com

NEW RELEASE

*R4.495m 6 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Peaceful, quiet area, 1200m² plot. Formal lounge & dining room, built-in pub. Generous Family/Tv room with doors to covered patio, built-in braai, pool & garden. Fully fitted oak kitchen. 3 bathrooms (mes). Domestic quarters. Automated 3 car garage. 3 Carports, OSP for 7 cars. Excellent security. WEB REF 344602

seeff.com

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

Pinelands R3.795m Pinelands R2.495m

under R1.5 million. Last month I reported a year on year increase in excess of 15% in Thornton and Sectional Title properties and the demand continues to grow.

R3.395m Pinelands R985 000 Pinelands R2.095m Pinelands Thornton R1.400m

Anyone saving for retirement is at some point going to start asking “do I have enough to retire?” After all, the whole reason for building up your retirement capital is so that you can eventually put it to use. The problem is that nobody actually knows the answer, as it is impossible to know exactly how much you will need. There are three variables that come into play – how long you will live after retirement, what inflation will be in the future and what return you will earn on your investments. Not being a financial planner I am not about to make an educated guess, but what I can advise you is that unless you have a plan of action, which should include property as part of your investment portfolio, very few will be able to retire financially secure. We have noticed a marked increase in the value of apartments and properties

*asking price

COMMUNITY NEWS

March 2015 | the muse | 4

SCOUT BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION Josiah Senior is a scout at 1st Pinelands. He led a team of scouts building a bridge over the Pinelands Canal on Saturday 21st February. The construction project was part of Josiah's Springbok scout advancement towards the Springbok Award. Josiah believes there are many positive benefits of being involved in scouts. "1st Pinelands Scouts at present is a very successful troop and I can honestly say being a scout has helped my life. Even to the point that I have become a much more organised person which has reflected in my school work and helped me achieve a gold award at the Eskom National Science Fair, and now I am representing SA in the USA with a science project in May." The Springbok award is the highest award that a scout can attain and must be done before the age of 18. Josiah's bridge building exercise is one of the tasks required for the award. The construction was done in phases with the planning as a starting point, including a scale model that had to be approved by the examining scouter. Next Josiah had to allocate the building tasks to his team and motivate them during the day – making sure they used their physical skills optimally. The bridge was built in approximately eight hours and was certainly strong and sturdy. Group Scouter, Norman Davies, was there to inspect and encourage during the day and the examining scouter, Mike Sands, looked over each step to ensure the correct construction plan was adhered to. Inspecting the scale model from left: The examining scouter Mike Sands, Group Scouter Norman Davies, Project leader Josiah Senior. Below: The final stages of the bridge over the canal – which was deconstructed the next day.

CENTRAL ZONE ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Rob Buck, Sports Director at Pinehurst Primary took a combined athletics team made up of the top athletes from the Quadrangular (Pinehurst, Pinelands North, Thornton and Pinelands Primary) to compete in the Central Zone Championships on Saturday, 21 February. There were some fantastic performances and the Pinelands – Thornton Team won 8 medals : 2 golds, 4 silver, 2 bronze: Left: Liam Buck receiving his gold medal for the 80m final with Percy Montgomery handing out the medals for this event!! 1st Liam Buck (Pinehurst). 2nd Imaad Essop (Turfhall Primary). 3rd Luqmaan Gabier (Turfhall Primary). Liam also managed to win gold in the 100m and silver in the long jump.

MEDAL WINNERS: Liam Buck from Pinehurst won Golds in u11 80m and 100m, and Silver in Long Jump. Leah Jones form Pinelands Primary won Silver in u13 100m and 200m. Joshua Parenzee from Pinehurst Primary won Silver in u12 Long Jump. Onyinyechi Osimiri from Thornton Primary won Bronze in u12 100m. Ogo Pascal from Pinehurst Primary won Bronze in u10 80m. The above 5 athletes are included in the Central Zone Team to compete at the Western Province Athletics Championships on Saturday 28 February at Coetzenberg Athletics Stadium, Stellenbosch.

Whoever you are and whatever your property needs, share them with us and…

Expect Great Things! If you are thinking of selling, or would like an obligation-free, market related valuation or just property advice, please give us a call! SALES Corner Protea Road and Kildare Road, Claremont ssho@sothebysrealtyss.co.za www.sothebysrealty.co.za

RENTALS

Charlene Macpherson

082 491 4622 or 021 673 1240 charlene.m@sothebysrealtyss.co.za

Lorraine-Marié Dellbridge 021 701 2446

Pinelands & Thornton

021 531 0773

COMMUNITY NEWS

BLUE SCHOOL COMMUNITY INITIATIVE – BUCKETS OF LOVE The Blue School Community Initiative started by Mr Ryan Porter and Miss Tamsin Carelse was reported in the February edition of the Muse, kicking off with the fantastic shoe drive collecting 1502 pairs of shoes. We mistakenly attributed the collection to the Red School – our mistake. The Blue school initiative continued to a Buckets of Love Drive where 500 buckets were packed for Catholic Welfare Development - see the team below. We look forward to hearing about the next charity drive by the wonderful dedicated team at the Blue School!

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

FOR SALE

Pinelands

SOLD BY US

*R3.850m

QUADRANGULAR ATHLETICS

Held at The Pinelands Primary School, the Blue School, this athletic event showcases the top runners from each primary school in their age group. Participating schools were Pinelands North Primary, Pinehurst Primary, The Pinelands Primary and Thornton Primary. Although it was a hot day the runners were very enthusiastic. The most outstanding runner of the day was Leah Jones from The Pinelands Primary. Leah broke two records at the event and went on to represent the school at the Zonal Above from left: Nina Rinquest (Pinelands North), Athletics, where she Leah Jones (Pinelands Primary), was placed 2nd in her age group. She now Thaakirah Majiet (Pinehurst). moves to the next round in Stellenbosch. The winning school of the day was Thornton Primary; Second Place was Pinehurst Primary; Third Place was The Pinelands Primary; and Fourth Place was Pinelands North Primary. Congratulations to the athletes.

March 2015 | the muse | 5

Thornton

*R795 000

Thornton

TO LET

Thornton

*R1.695m

SOLD BY US

FOR SALE Back row: Tanzeel Gamieldien, Jordan Napier, Mr Ryan Porter, Leah Jacobs, Leah Jones, Dayna Bailey , Miss Tamsin Carelse, Asanda Makaluza. Front Row: Jessica Khan, Cassidy Roman, Casey Williams, Bianca da Silva, Jessie Hendricks

Pinelands

*R612 000

LET BY US

R6 200 pm

Pinelands

R7 700 pm

RENTAL TEAM

Craig Watt 082 410 9720 Annette Mouton

Administrator

Qualified Tenant Database and Profile Network Affiliation

Council Accounts Collection • Legal Process Expertise • Maintenance

PROPERTY POINTERS STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS – LAND HOLDINGS BILL

President Zuma said in his response to the debate on his State of the Nation address, “Foreign nationals who plan to buy homes in South Africa will still be able to do so, as will foreign companies planning to purchase property, as they have done in the past.” “The Land Holdings Bill applies to agricultural land only,” he told a joint sitting of Parliament, thereby allaying fears that this proclamation would apply to all land bought by foreign purchasers of land in South Africa. “It does not affect those foreign nationals who are planning to buy homes or residences,” the President said.

M a c l e od ’s At t or n e y s

ATTORNEYS | CONVEYANCERS AND ESTATE ADMINISTRATORS

021 788 1439

PINELANDS

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH WE NEED YOU!

COMMUNITY NEWS

CANNONS CREEK IS 18

You can help to combat crime in Pinelands • Join the Neighbourhood Watch • Become a Patroller ENROLMENT FORMS ON THE WEBSITE

www.pinelandsnw.co.za Join us on

facebook.com/pinelandsnw twitter.com/pinelandsnw

JOIN US AT OUR AGM

For more information please email

info@pinelandsnw.co.za

Venue to be confirmed

Above: Rebecca White and Alaya Kaplen on Founders Day at Cannons Creek. Cannons Creek Primary School celebrated Founders’ Day on 11 February 2015. The entire school celebrated the 18th birthday with chocolate cake and the Pre-primary had a water fun day.

CHESS CHAMPS

23 April 2015 at 7pm

PINELANDS NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

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Building community while improving the safety of our suburb. Pinelands Neighbourhood Watch (PNW) has an incredible bunch of dedicated individuals who, night after night, patrol our streets in support of Pinelands SAPS. We have over 280 registered patrollers, approximately 60 members regularly patrol and a core group of 20 are relied upon to continually respond to short notice callouts and emergencies.

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT

We need more residents to commit to supporting our SAPS team on the road. With our dedicated radio network, we are well equipped to ensure we are able to act as additional eyes and ears for SAPS. W/O Waters of SAPS has labelled PNW as one of their “most effective resources”! But we need YOU to support us in our efforts. We have seen an incredible spirit building within our team. Mid-shift coffees have become an institution and patrollers have been able to connect, network and support each other and many solid friendships are being forged, leading to an incredible community spirit as we all stand together to secure our suburb and fight crime.

PNW/SAPS BIRTHDAY CAMPAIGN

Last year we launched a PNW / SAPS Birthday Campaign which has received fantastic support from the community. Each SAPS member is presented with a cake from Hundreds and Thousands,

www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za

which is partly sponsored by members of the Pinelands community and a breakfast voucher from Merrypak. This initiative has been incredibly well received by our Pinelands SAPS team and we are delighted by the response. Thank you to all who have contributed!

THE PINELANDS STREET CAMERA PROJECT

The Pinelands Street Camera Project (PSCP) is on track! The Phase 1 roll out is imminent! The installation of these cameras is a huge project with the potential to change crime patterns and our ability to respond thereto. Again community support, coupled with additional funding from local business, has seen this project very close to fruition. Please support the PSCP!! Help us to help SAPS keep our suburb safe!

TAKE BACK OUR CANAL WALK & AGM

Keep an eye out for info on our Take Back Our Canal Walk at 8:30pm on 7 March 2015! Join us at our AGM at 7pm on 23 April 2015, venue to be confirmed.

LEARN MORE

For more information on membership, registration, patrols, PSCP, purchasing your own radio or the Birthday Campaign please visit our website: www.pinelandsnw.co.za, e-mail info@pinelandsnw.co.za or find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

Together we can ALL make a difference!

Noah and Felix Melunsky participated in the SAJCC (South African Junior Chess Championship) 2014 that was held in Kimberley in January 2015. Noah played for the Western Province under 12 team, and they were awarded the trophy for 2nd place (B section). Felix played for the Western Province under 10 team, and they received the trophy for 3rd place. The SAJCC is the highlight of the year for junior chess players, with around 2 000 players competing, representing their provinces in teams of 10 players. It was a lot of hard work for the boys but also a lot of fun! Noah Melunsky, Jason de Villiers and Felix Melunsky entered the Western Province Schools Chess Trials (Central District) held at Belgravia High School on 6 & 7 February. They came in 4th, 6th and 8th place respectively in the under 11 section, and having come in the top 10 means they have successfully qualified for the Western Province Individual Schools Chess Closed Tournament which will be held in March at Wynberg Boys’ High School.

March 2015 | the muse | 6

March 2015 | the muse | 7

Steel Magnolias, a cancer support group for ladies, started just over a year ago. Our expectations were exceeded with the overwhelming positive responses and soon we were 25 ladies strong! We focus on empowering and educating our ladies as well as providing a forum in which to share personal experiences and exchange "tips" on how to make life easier during cancer treatment. We feel blessed to be part of this "sisterhood". Catherine and Yolandi

IN CELEBRATION OF THE STEEL MAGNOLIAS: I was one of those cancer patients who dealt with the dreaded 'big C' by doing what the medical specialists told me to do and then distancing myself from anything remotely related to the disease. After 8 months of unsuccessful chemotherapy my interest was piqued by a Muse article about two amazing cancer survivors running a support group. My first Steel Magnolias meeting was going to be a once off visit. Well, that was over a year ago and I have not missed a meeting by choice since! The ladies possess not only an inspirational strength but a unique brand of compassion, humour and empathy that has seen me through the most daunting events of my life. The knowledge acquired from expert guest speakers, the tears, the camaraderie, laughter and positivity has made my monthly support group visit a cherished highlight in my life. Rene Steel Magnolias have provided ongoing support to our family in times when we needed it most. Through inspiring texts, uplifting phone calls and caring deeds, we managed to get through each challenging situation. This group of ladies genuinely care even when they are facing their own trials. The sharing of laughter, personal experiences and knowledgeable speakers has made us stronger, never alone and able to cope with whatever tomorrow holds. Jacqui

STEEL MAGNOLIAS - A CELEBRATION! Main picture from left: Yolandi Reiche and Catherine Hermans at the "tip of Africa" in between two oceans."We felt that the world/life was at our feet..."

I am not a ‘group’ kind of person and so the last kind of group I would join is a “woe is me group”. Attending my first meeting with the ladies from Steel Magnolias was a real eye opener…lots of laughter, sharing of personal journeys and support… oh!… and of course… the red wine! Sue. When I was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma I thought “Why Me?” I come from a very long living family – Mum died at over 105, her mother at 94 and her grandmother at 92! On Dad’s side he was 93 and his brother was 91. Feeling very sorry for myself, I joined my friend at Steel Magnolias – what an eye opener! I was 69 and had been married for almost 50 years with grown up sons and four lovely grand children. I have had a great life! There I was surrounded with lots of beautiful young women who were all battling serious illnesses and also trying to bring up young children and hold down jobs! I felt so humbled and in absolute awe of them all. Thank you for giving me a different perspective on life and bringing me some lovely new friends. Sheila.

HelenKeller S O C I E T Y

E S T. 1 9 5 8

A Retirement Centre for All Offering Specialised Care for the Visually Impaired

To be part of Steel Magnolias is like having sisters with whom you can share your pain, your fears but also lots of laughter. I can't wait for our monthly meetings. Elzabe. The day that I received my 6th and last cycle of chemo, sitting in a completely different chair in the Oncology unit thanks to the British lady that stole my spot (yes, I’m a creature of habit), I met Catherine. It was fate. Listening to the stories about Steel Magnolias Cancer Support Group for Women, I knew this was a group of women that I wanted to meet. Steel Magnolias provides the perfect platform for women to share their personal stories and experiences, gain knowledge from one another and just be. Oh, and don’t forget the good laughs, wine and little projects we’re working on. For a few hours each month, I get to feel like any other “normal” person in this world. Robyn

Retirement Centre Community Services Resource Centre Low Vision Service Full Nursing in Care Centre (temporary or permanent) Assisted Living in Home & Askew Suites Independent Living in Cottages

March 2015 | the muse | 7

Links Drive, Pinelands, Cape Town, 7405 Private Bag X25, Howard Place, 7450 Phone +27 21 531 5311 Fax +27 21 531 8275 E-mail management@helenkeller.org.za Web www.helenkeller.org.za

community magazine pg 8

PINELANDS NORTH PRIMARY REPRESENTS CHANGEMAKER SCHOOLS IN AFRICA

by Rose-Anne Reynolds and Ann Morton Pinelands North Primary School

Following up on our Ashoka accreditation as a Changemaker school, Ashoka made funding available for Maggie Lemere, an oral historian and story teller, along with Nathan Golon, the director of Photography with Goodfight Media, who are both based in Washington DC, to make a movie about our school. Pinelands North was chosen to represent all Changemaker schools in Africa, to show what is possible with limited resources and a brave commitment to educating the whole child. In November 2014 for one week, they observed everything that the children and staff do that makes our school the empathetic, creative, problem solving, socially aware school it is! The story line focussed on David White, the first pupil with special needs who was enrolled at Pinelands North in 1998, who set the tone for the Inclusive school we are today. The movie, telling the Pinelands North

story, was released last week and is available on YouTube, Everyone a Changemaker: The Story of Pinelands North at youtube/ m92tLcVU6u8. This movie got more than 3 000 views in just four days! This is a hope filled story about a well functioning school in South Africa, so watch it and become inspired to change 'your' school from within. The movie is also available at africa. ashoka.org too. Our families love seeing their school from this perspective, and below are some responses from our children after seeing the movie: "I like the fact that everyone was shown in the video, even if it was for a few seconds. We got to hear the children’s side of the story, it moved me!" Kaitlyn Botha "The short film was spectacular – it shows the true beauty of the school, and it has inspired me to make a short film myself." Christopher Jhering.

OPEN DAY

PINELANDS NORTH 11 March 2015 PRIMARY SCHOOL EXCELLENT STAFF MOTIVATED PUPILS INVOLVED FAMILIES

working together to provide an inclusive, quality education! Richmond Ave, Pinelands

"I think it shows how PNPS guides and cares for all people and helps them achieve what they thought they couldn’t." Kaden Meyer. "I think it gives people a clear understanding that we are a happy inclusive school, in a quality learning environment." Matthew McFarlane. "I think the movie shows that PNPS takes people, no matter what their religion, background or condition." Izzy Ellman. "It was good to have change – sometimes you don’t want change but if it is right in front of you, you need take the opportunity to change." Amy Kedzior. 

Tours at

08:30 am 11:00 am

Happy and safe, yet stimulating, co-educational learning environment Vibrant team of committed and innovative teachers Enhanced curriculum

In-house learning support and enrichment programme

021 531 3414

Wide range of extramural activities

www.pnps.co.za

Nurturing aftercare facilities

admin@pnps.co.za

Above: Ann Morton encourages Matt Tooke across the finish line.

Outstanding art & music department

LOVE IN ACTION AT PNPS

As the principal, Ann Morton, could not have children, one of her initiatives many years ago, was to encourage her teaching staff to bring their babies and toddlers to school with them. This has resulted in at least 7 staff babies, over the years growing up as part of the Red School family. Our newest baby, Quaid, is pictured here in the staffroom during break time with his mom, Haley Holton. The interactions between the staff and children with Quaid at school, reminds us daily how much love, compassion, empathy, tolerance and kindness are the heart of our Red School ethos.

EDUCATION & CHILDCARE

community magazine pg 9

SPECIAL FEATURE

KnowledgeWorks Forecast 3.0

AAGLIMPSE INTO THEthe FUTURE OF LEARNING Glimpse into Future of Learning KnowledgeWorks Forecast 3.0

In the future...

MUSEUM

“School” will take many forms. Sometimes it will be self-organized.

Work will evolve so rapidly that continuous career readiness will become the norm.

For KnowledgeWorks’ full forecast on the future of learning, see Recombinant Education: Regenerating the Learning Ecosystem knowledgeworks.org/ strategic-foresight

Diverse forms of credentials, certificates, and reputation markers will reflect the many ways in which people learn and demonstrate mastery. As more people take it upon themselves to find solutions, a new wave of social innovation will help address resource constraints and other challenges.

MUSEUM

Learning will no longer be defined by time and place — unless a learner wants to learn at a particular time and in a particular place.

Learners and their families will create individualized learning playlists reflecting their particular interests, goals, and values.

These changes point the way toward a diverse learning ecosystem in which learning adapts to each child instead of each child trying to adapt to school.

At the same time, geographic and virtual communities will take ownership of learning in new ways, blending it with other kinds of activity.

Those learning playlists might include public schools but could also include a wide variety of digitally-mediated or place-based learning experiences.

> cell structure > french verbs > geography

Whatever the path, radical personalization will become the norm, with learning approaches and supports tailored to each learner.

Educators’ jobs will diversify as many new learning agent roles emerge to support learning.

A wide variety of digital networks, platforms, and content resources will help learners and learning agents connect Some of those tools and learn. will use rich data to provide insight into learning and suggest strategies for success.

ST Joseph’s Marist College Fully Independent Pre-Primary to Grade 12

St Joseph’s Marist College is an independent, Catholic school that caters for girls and boys from Pre-Primary to Grade 12. Our mission is fulfilled through the pursuit of academic excellence, the high standard of Catholic education and our Marist values of humility, modesty and simplicity.

The school’s innovative curriculum enables all pupils to achieve their full potential. Alongside our Mainstream curriculum, Montessori classes are offered from age 3 to 12 and our Special Needs Unit caters for up to 20 children. There are many sporting and cultural extra-murals on offer.

Each child is valued for their uniqueness within our Marist family.

Belmont Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town www.maristsj.co.za | 021 685 6715 | admin@maristsj.co.za

EDUCATION & CHILDCARE Maths & Physical Science Tuition

THE IMPORTANCE OF READING

Take charge of 2015 by enrolling early for extra lessons!

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By Carol Booth Principal of Cannons Creek Independent School 021 674 1695 021 797 5242 021 531 7400 021 696 8787 021 374 3109

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SPECIAL FEATURE

community magazine pg 10

Reading starts when your child is able to sit on your lap and look at pictures. The first type of book one obtains is either a cloth book or a hard cardboard book. Even though these books are durable, one still needs to treat them with respect and assist our children to learn to do this as well. Children need to continuously hear words and connect them to pictures so that their vocabulary increases daily. I am told, that a child needs to hear a word over 500 times 4:01 PM before it is added to their vocabulary when they are young. Therefore we need to continuously give input to our children. The best way to ensure that your child becomes a reader is to read to them daily. This becomes a special time for the family when you are able to cuddle with your child and create an even closer bond. When your child is about three years old, one needs to join the library. This can be made into a special outing where they look for a book weekly and some libraries even have a story-telling time. When your child starts school, sitting with them daily needs to be continued as one is making sure that they are reading the actual words on the page. Children – and adults – get good at improvising and ensuring that the story flows while not actually reading the written words. At the same time, we need to continue reading stories to them. When your child is ready, they will prefer to read their own books as

they enjoy putting their own characters to the folk in the story. Now one asks as they get older, how much should one be reading per day? Primary School children should be reading aloud with somebody following their accuracy for at least 10 minutes per day. Then on top of this children should be reading their novel for enjoyment and I here quote from a study by Nagy & Herman: Why Read 20 Minutes A Day (1987) with the following information: “If Student A reads 1 minute each day (180 minutes in a school year) he would have read 8 000 words. Student B reads for 5 minutes in day (900 minutes in a school year) which totals 282 000 words and Student C reads for 20 minutes each day (3600 minutes in a school year) which totals 1 800 000 words. By the end of Grade 6, Student A will only have read for 12 school days whilst Student C would have read an equivalent of 60 whole school days. Which student would one expect to have a better vocabulary and will be more successful in composition writing as well as comprehensions? The answer is clearly Student C.” We all wish to give our child a head-start so as parents it is one of the most important tasks we need to do on a daily basis. Besides, when one has a book to read one is never bored and books become friends. They assist children to write better and this can be seen across all the different subjects. In order to do Science, Mathematics, Geography or History to name but a few, one needs reading to assist us. Let’s change our reading habits – it only takes 20 days for a new habit to be formed – and create a culture of reading. 

C ANN O N S C R E E K

23/02/2015 9:13 AM

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

2016 GRADE 8 SCHOLARSHIP EXAMINATION 11 March 2015 Applicants wishing to be considered for the scholarship examination, should please contact the school for a scholarship application form on infohs@cannonscreek.co.za or 021 531 5011 by 9 March 2015

www.cannonscreek.co.za

EDUCATION & CHILDCARE

Kids @ home Pinelands

community magazine pg 11

DAVE CAMPBELL– NEW PHS PRINCIPAL

Tell us a little about your family. My wife Denise and I met when we were teaching English at The Settler’s High School in the early 80’s. Our daughter, Julie, graduated two years ago with a B.Journ and is currently working as a TV journalist for News24 in Cape Town. Dylan is studying for his Masters in City and Regional Planning at UCT. We still enjoy going on family holidays together. What is your background? After teaching at The Settler’s High, I ran the English Department at Camps Bay High, and thereafter cofounded Cedar House School where I was head until 2003. Then I was head at Somerset College, and I am currently a Deputy at St John’s College in Johannesburg. I have spent the last four years reconnecting with my passion for teaching in the classroom. What is your education philosophy? Teaching is about relationships, where teachers act as mentors and role models in happy, engaging and relevant institutions.

Enquiry and learning are to be the top of the agenda; and diverse and rich extracurricular offerings develop character, Kids@home • Early Learning Centre resilience, tolerance and teamwork. We are a We strive to create a Why Pinelands High School? Pinelands High is home based safe, happy, stimulating a centre of excellence, with a fascinating pre-school environment in which transformative journey. I admire the in Pinelands. our children can develop community feel of the school, the friendly, We offer care their early learning skills for children through assisted happy pupils and staff members. Being aged 3-6 years educational activities back in the Cape with our family, friends, (Gr 000 – Gr R) and play. (and the mountain!) will be good. How can schools remain relevant? Schools We are currently accepting must remain values based, providing a applications for 2016 & 2017 strong ‘due north’ in a rapidly-shifting moral environment. Schools need to Contact Sharon Gray develop character, extend young people call 021 5311533 academically, emotionally and physically, sharon@kidsathome.co.za root them in their community and country, and prepare them to thrive in a global community. Young people are to be aware of their privilege in a society where so many have so little. Finally, learning must meet young people where they are, with the use of technology and up-to-date teaching methods critical in holding the attention of the 21st century child. How will you apply your previous experience to Pinelands High School? Outdoor education and leadership training have always been a passion of mine. I look forward to becoming involved in leadership development. I believe strongly in the mentor role in the professional environment and my various PinelandsHigh-S6-044.indd 1 23/02/201 positions of leadership have enabled me Feeling left behind? Classes to play a part in the development of young Get the help you need to catch offered in teachers. I hope to contribute to the school’s up and even get ahead in Maths. Pinelands very successful learnership programme. I grade R You CAN do it. for hope to use my unique experience of four to grade 12 years in the classroom after stepping down CONTACT Linda McDonald: 082 341 3392 as a head, in my management position – as Email: linmcd1302@gmail.com well as doing some teaching! 

WAX MATHS

PINELANDS WaxMaths-S7-044.indd 1

HIGH SCHOOL

excellence • innovation • leadership

OPEN DAY SATURDAY 7 MARCH 2015 11h00 – 14h00 www.phs.org.za • 021 531 7410

23/02/2015

ans Souci

SPECIAL FEATURE

EDUCATION & CHILDCARE

community magazine pg 12

Girls’ High School NEWLANDS

In the heart of Newlands lies Sans Souci Girls’ High; a smaller public school where pupils become confident, well-rounded young women who are primed for life. • Annual 100% matric pass rate, high university entrance & distinction rates and high subject averages • Variety of academic subjects includes accounting, consumer studies & sciences

HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD’S SPORTING DEVELOPMENT By Rob Buck Rob Buck is a parent of two young sporty kids and works as the Sports Director at Pinehurst Primary. He is a Physiotherapist, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and has a passion for youth sporting development.

Tradition of excellence in Visual Art, Drama & Music: Instruction offered in a particularly broad range of instruments • Annual hosting of FACETS; a ‘Festival of Brilliance’ in music and other disciplines •

• Professional coaching in chess, softball,

swimming, tennis, hockey and netball

• Societies: Debating, Art, History, Green

Girls and Interact One-Way Christian Union and Muslim Students’ Association • A balanced, holistic education offered • Active

ARE PARENTS EXPECTATIONS TOO HIGH? At a seminar on Parenting in Sport, Gary Kirsten shared: “Sometimes the worst part of playing sport at school is the journey home in the car.” Now Gary wasn’t referring to his own father, but it made me wonder how many children have given up sport because of unrealistic expectations and demands of ambitious parents. Recently, I read a blog post by Keith Richardson (a headmaster and great coach to many young sportsmen) who said: “Earl Woods, father of Tiger, and Richard Williams, father of Venus and Serena, have done no favours to talented young children. They have sent the message to parents that successful sports men and women are created from a young age by relentless and aggressive parental pressure.”

Giggle & Grow

SO, WHAT SHOULD WE BE DOING? 1. Realise that your child plays sport for their own entertainment, not yours. Two of the most common reasons are to have fun and spend time with friends. Becoming world champion is often not their main reason for getting involved. 2. Resist the temptation to let them specialize in any one sport too early. Primary school should be a multisport environment where your child attempts and enjoys many different sporting activities. In high school they can start the specialization process. Many top sports men and women were fantastic all-rounders when they were young. 3. If your child shows potential, ask them what they want to achieve. Relating their goals back to the effort they are putting into their training is a much better motivator than mom or dad nagging them to work harder. 4. Praise the effort they put in rather than the outcome of the match or game. This helps them to develop a mindset that hard work and effort produce results and get recognition. 5. Remember that one of the most motivating messages you can give your child is: “I love to watch you play”. 

FRENCH FOR

KIDS & TEENS

FUN FRENCH CLASSES IN SCHOOLS OR AT HOME and HOLIDAY PROGRAMMES!

Pre-School Pinelands

Facebook Website Address Email Contact

Sans Souci Girls’ High School (Official)

www.sanssouci.co.za Esmé Road, Newlands office@sanssouci.co.za T: 021 671 7188 F: 021 683 4090

OPEN Wednesday 11 March DAY 17:30 - 19:30

Classes for children ages 3 to 6 Including Grade R

Fully qualified and experienced teachers Small classes in a friendly home environment Limited spaces available

Aftercare available

Principal 083 463 8778 Kelly Herselman kellyh03@gmail.com

PLAYGROUPS IN

BOOKINGS AND INFO

PINELANDS PHILOMENE 072 214 6818 CAMPS BAY SEA POINT philomene.l.l@gmail.com GARDENS FOR 2 TO 7 YEAR OLDS

MONEY MATTERS

The best time to “plant a tree was

twenty years ago. The second best time is now.

By Sue Torr Director at Crue Consulting

CHINESE PROVERB

MIND OVER MONEY DONT PROCRASTINATE

For many South Africans, budgeting is nothing more than a painful, pennypinching process that sucks the last remnants of joy out of life. Over and above the hard facts often revealed at the bottom of the balance-sheet, most of us are left, post-budgeting, swamped by a flood of negative emotions which include frustration, guilt, envy, anger, shame, disappointment and despair. Little wonder that the personal budget has become procrastination’s dearest friend.

BUDGET AND PERSONAL DECISIONS

Budgeting per se has very little to do with maths. Budgeting is in fact a deep personal experience during which we discover the difference between what we want now and what we want most. And therein lies the secret to managing one’s money: budgeting starts with a personal determination of the prize. The end goal. The dream. The very thing we want more than anything else. It involves a deliberate, personal decision to sacrifice what we merely like for something that we truly love. It’s a conscious decision to forego instant gratification in purposeful pursuit of true personal satisfaction. You see, without an end goal or a prize, the very existence of a budget is secondary, for in the words of the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland, “If you don't know where you're going, any road will get you there.”

MASTER YOUR MONEY

Preparing a budget places one in the position of master over both one’s money and financial destiny. More than merely mathematical, it involves an important psychological shift – from being slave to one’s creditors to being manager of one’s hard-earned money. Simply put, a budget involves telling your money what to do so you don’t end up wondering where it went.

WHAT IS YOUR PRIZE/END GOAL/DREAM?

Whether your prize is overseas travel, a

March 2015 | the muse | 13

comfortable retirement, tertiary education for your children or the purchase of a sports car, the very existence of a pre– determined goal can have an enormous impact on one’s spending behaviour. In the absence of a budget, consumer spending is nothing more than erratic, whimsical and emotionally driven. Research shows that, if consumer spending isn’t controlled by a personal budget, their spending falls into one of the four following categories: • Habitual spending: Purchasing that mandatory café latte every morning because you don’t feel you can start the day without it. • Bargain hunting: The ill-conceived belief that one can save money by spending. • Impulse shopping: The heady, short-lived rush experienced by buying on impulse. • Retail therapy: Obtaining emotional satisfaction from the very act of shopping.

DELIBERATE PLANS AND GOALS

When it comes to personal money habits, there’s an apt adage: “If you keep doing what you’ve always done, you’ll keep getting what you’ve always got.” In the absence of personal financial goals, the regrettable reality is that our spending habits will probably remain wanton and directionless – with overspending, debt and anxiety being the obvious result. Identifying the prize and putting a workable budget in place to achieve it, means embarking on a deliberate plan to ensure a different (and better) outcome.

WHAT IS TRUE WEALTH?

A budget has the power to position you as the driver of your financial destiny. It is a mechanism that re-directs one’s focus from how much you have, to how much you can do with what you have. In its simplest form, budgeting determines the difference between how much you earn and how much you spend. True wealth is what you deliberately decide to do with the difference. 

”

We believe that every South African should have a financial plan. A plan that helps to build and protect wealth and aims to secure a financially stable future. Regardless of one’s income, status or net worth, we believe that a financial plan is important for one’s self-worth. Financial planning is not the privilege of the impossibly wealthy. It is the right of every individual who wishes to protect their financial future and the futures of their loved ones.

There’s no better time than the present to take the first step towards financial well-being. A year from now you may wish you had started today.

OUR FEE-BASED ADVICE COVERS  Retirement planning  Short, medium & long-term investing  Risk cover in the event of death, disability or severe illness  Drafting of Last Will & Testament  Estate Planning  Tax advice and structuring  Business & partnership assurance  Budgeting & debt reduction  Medical aid & gap cover

Come and have a cup of coffee with us. We’d love to help you plan.

CONNECT WITH CRUE Phone us on (021) 530 8500 Email sue@crue.co.za or craig@crue.co.za Read our online column at www.crue.co.za Like our Facebook Page Follow us @crueconsulting See what interests us at pinterest.com/crueconsulting View us on Instagram instagram.com/crueconsulting See our images flickr.com/crueconsulting Licensed Financial Service Provider No. 19025

PINELANDER

NORMAN DAVIES Head of the Science Department at Pinelands High School and Group Scouter, Norman has influenced the lives of many people through his mentoring, support, educating, and efforts to encourage a rounded sense of science education and a balanced lifestyle.

KEEPING SCIENCE RELEVANT AT SCHOOL

How has science shaped society and the world around us? What does society need with respect to science? Norman uses these questions to explain science as an ever changing field where we have to constantly re-evaluate our circumstances, re-examine how things work and how they can be applied in today's world. "I encourage an interest in the outside world and international experiences. I enjoy topics where we humans are still only scratching the surface such as climate change, space travel, the deep ocean and how the brain works. Learners are taught to understand that what is applicable in science today

www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za

may not be relevant tomorrow, so an essential pillar of science teaching is the constant progress, which requires constant re-evaluation. One is constantly reminded of the impact a chance remark can have. One student has chosen to study astrophysics because I said the country will need thousands of astronomers to work on the SKA project (see Muse Dec 2012). " PHS has had good success at the recent Eskom Science Fair with two students having a project chosen for representation at the International Science Fair in the USA later this year.

YOUR ROLE AS A SCOUT LEADER.

I began scouting as a youngster and enjoyed the adventure of the outdoor activities and benefited from the challenges and opportunities given to me through scouting. I spent 11 years as a Troop Scouter in Observatory, and have seen Scouts using the different activities to examine and discover who they are as individuals. It is a place where calculated risks can be taken (not foolishly), to measure one's strengths and weaknesses, to know what you can do – what you are capable of. As scouts become more engaged in the organised activities they also engage in relevant discussion with scout leaders that can lead to life/career choices. In a way it is an adjunct to parenting and replaces the gaps in which sometimes children try dangerous things in unhealthy situations. For the past six years I have been the Troop Scouter at 1st Pinelands Scout Troop.

During this time we have seen five scouts, soon to be six (see Muse page 4), achieve their Springbok Award, won the Rayner trophy for hiking twice and the Gordons's Shield for Camping once. Currently we are raising funds for ten scouts to go to the 23rd Scout Jamboree in Japan in July. This year my scout role is changing to Group Scouter and a younger scouter is taking responsibility for the Troop.

HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR PHYSICS TEACHING ROLE AND ALSO THAT OF SCOUT LEADER?

It is an added benefit to be able to teach a child in both the academic arena and also in an alternate environment where the students are allowed to be more familiar. Both environments provide teaching and learning experiences for the students, and as a leader one uses very similar techniques of trust and encouragement to achieve a successful result.

FAMILY LIFE IN PINELANDS

Norman and his family have been in Pinelands for 12 years and before that they lived in Mowbray. Norman comments that Pinelands is one of Cape Town's best kept secrets, with a good community feel, plenty of green spaces, and good amenities. In his free time Norman loves climbing the mountain, walking on the beach with his wife Helen and spending time with his children Jesse and Ashley. Outdoor scouting adventures are always a highlight especially the camp in January every year when all the scouts come together for a week-long camp. 

March 2015 | the muse | 14

Photograph and interview: Glynnis Schutte

LIFE AFTER UNIVERSITY

Norman studied Chemical Engineering at UCT, but was not fulfilled in this field. Realising he had a love for people and children and developing relationships, teaching became an obvious choice and he started his teaching career at Westerford High School where he taught for 7 years. His interest in education development led him to an NGO, and then to UCT where he presented in service training courses to senior phase teachers (grades 7, 8, and 9) – courses where natural science teachers could upgrade and re-skill and qualify for an Advanced Certificate in Education. Norman is now Head of Science at Pinelands High School and is using his experience to introduce more of a practical component into science teaching, with the understanding of the profound benefits of practical experience.

Above: Norman Davies 1st Pinelands Group Leader. Behind him the Scout team, led by Josiah Senior, build a temporary bridge over the Pinelands Canal. (see page4).

TRAVELLERS

Hawaii by Dorothy Du Plooy, a paediatric physiotherapist who is spending a year in Vancouver with fiancée Mark. On the way there, they stopped to visit family in Hawaii. In Hawaii we visited Mark’s son Robin, his wife Tatyana and their kids Tavo (2yr ) and Katya (4 m). They live on the island of Oahu on the outskirts of Honolulu. My first impression of Honolulu is a hotchpotch of architecture, and the island is surrounded and divided by beautiful mountains covered in very lush vegetation. Mark and I spent the first 5 days in a hotel right on Waikiki beach which is postcard beautiful. It is a long stretch of white sand with the calm ice blue ocean gently lapping at the shore. There are hundreds of holiday makers swimming, surfing, rowing out on outrigger boats or regally balancing on their SUPs (Stand Up Paddle Boards). The sea never feels crowded, as it is shallow for a long distance into the sea before you get to the waves which only break quite a distance from the shore. Hawaiians are very friendly, and are always ready to serve with a smile and an aloha. Hawaiian food is generally quite delicious One of their traditional dishes is poke (pronounced po kay) which is raw tuna with a dressing of sorts. On the other hand, coffee is not their forté. The Hawaiian language fascinated me. They only have 13 letters in their alphabet, which includes all our vowels and an

March 2015 | the muse | 15

apostrophe, which counts as a letter. Starters are called pupu. Their national fish is a Humuhumunukunukuapua’a! We had our daily walks along the beach front, and, although the sea is chocolate box beautiful in Hawaii, the next time you take a stroll along the beach front in Sea Point, just know that you are in one of the most beautiful places in the world. We took a detour through Pearl Harbour, where they have left one of the buildings still pockmarked with bullet holes. I wished that my Dad was still around to share his rich knowledge and memories of the history with me. I have never seen such a big fleet of submarines. The American naval fleet is quite impressive to say the least. There is a small (by Kirstenbosch standards) botanical garden in the caldera of the Koko Crater that we walked through. There are plants from different areas of the world and we felt quite at home among the baobabs and aloes. The beaches at Ko Olina consist of five manmade lagoons. I had this fight in my head between the fact that nature was interfered with in a big way and just enjoying the beauty that was created. Tat’s and Robin’s Christmas gift to us was to attend a luau with them. A luau is a traditional Hawaiian party with traditional food and music, which was quite a treat. We sat on the beach waiting for luau watching the sun set on a magnificent day and just drinking in the feeling of being in a beautiful

part of the world. What made it even more special, was that there was a monk seal that had come to rest on the beach. There are only 1 200 of them left in the world and we were lucky to see 2 of them that week. We went to the Big Island for two days, spending our first night at Kilauea lodge. The Kilauea volcano was quite active last year and the lava flow stopped on the outskirts of the small town of Pahua having burnt down part of a house and just leaving the garage untouched. It is quite strange to listen to daily lava updates on the radio as you travel along. On our first day there we had a long walk along the Kilauea Iki Crater, but it was too misty to see into the crater. We could walk right through the Thurston lava tube, which gets formed by the outside of the lava hardening and the hot centre still continuing it’s flow. On the second day we watched in total awe the steam vents and the plants that flourish in that hot steam. We stood on the Kilauea Caldera overlooking the Halema’uma’u Crater and could hardly tear ourselves away when the staff from the observatory came to warn us that the level of smog or sulfur dioxide gas had become dangerously high and that we all had to go into the observatory until it was safe to leave again. I have never in my wildest dreams thought I would get to Hawaii and am so fortunate to have had such a great experience, thanks to Mark for taking me along. 

OUT AND ABOUT

March 2015 | the muse | 16

Oranjezicht City Farm There is something to entertain the whole family if you decide to go to Upper Orange Street and visit the Urban organic farm OZCF. We were treated to a tour starting with feeding the koi in the fish pond, learning about companion planting, then peering over the City Skyline in the curve of Table Bay in the distance. The area boasts a rich and long history, the evidence of which can be seen in the remaining heritage buildings alongside the farm in Homestead Park. There are jungle gyms and slides here for the children to play on and a welcome rest in the shade. There is no access to the original natural spring pumping station, but it can be seen just below the farm boundary. OZCF advertisies a pick your own harvest day â&#x20AC;&#x201C; watch their website or the face book page, and is instrumental in the running and supply of organic fruit and vegetables to the Saturday Market Day that now runs from the Premier's residence Leeuwenhof. This has proved to be a very popular

market that has seen Premier Helen Zille conducting the traffic mayhem once in a while! OZCF is a non profit project and would be happy for volunteers to help with the farming. Funds are raised through their Bokashi composting bins, and T-shirts. We enjoyed a tasty lunch after our tour, just across the road at Will's Cafe and Deli. We found good service, reasonable prices and plenty of tables indoor and out. The range on the menu is extensive from hot meals to delicious deli choices on rye, croissants or various other breads, and breakfast all day. We took home some vegetable rotis from the deli which is well stocked, clean and fresh. There is free wifi evidenced by the number of tables occupied by coffee drinking patrons and their laptops. See www.ozcf.co.za. ď&#x20AC;ź

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