the Muse - Nov 2018 by the Muse magazine by Pinelands Directory

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PINELANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE issue

90 | November 2018

Professor Caroline Ncube SARChi Research Chair Award

Professor Liesl ZÃ¼hlke

African Research Leader Award ICE CREAM Nina SANDWICHES Timm

MASAI MARA Community MIGRATION Travellers

ZEITZ MOCAA Out and MUSEUM About

YOU CAN BE THE HOPE Every year individuals around the world are diagnosed with leukaemia and other life- threatening blood diseases. For many, their only hope is a life-saving blood stem cell transplant.

Are you between 18 and 45 years old?

Do you weigh over 50kg with a BMI <40?

Willing to help ANY patient in need?

Do you lead a healthy lifestyle?

Join The Sunflower Fundâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stem cell registry

WELCOME

Image: Linda Sumner

Left: Editor Max Schutte at the Zeitz MOCAA Museum in the V&A Waterfront. The exhibit by Mary Sibande is titled In the midst of chaos there is opportunity. See page 11.

HOW COOL ART THOU? LET ME COUNT THE WAYS…

Black-shouldered Kite

Over the years I have dabbled in a couple of languages. One thing I discovered is that understanding one is more than just learning grammar and vocabulary. You have to feel its unique rhythm and inflections and understand a little of the character of its speakers before it comes naturally. You have to free your mind from the patterns of your mother tongue.

This common bird of prey is a small grey and white raptor with a black shoulder and bright red eyes. It is commonly seen hovering over open fields, about 50 metres above the ground. When prey is sighted the kite glides gracefully straight down to the grass. Black-shouldered kites are highly nomadic, moving in response to food supply. Their diet includes small mammals, mainly rodents, insects and sometimes small birds. They are monogamous birds with the female of the species selecting her mate based on his territory. Breeding can occur at any time of the year but generally peaks in the summer months. The nest, built by both male and female, is a small platform of sticks lined with grass placed near the top of a tree in a fork. Two to six eggs are laid, and the female incubates for a period of 26 to 33 days. She also cares for the young whilst the father hunts for food which he brings to her and she feeds to the chicks. The young are taught to fly after about a month and the chicks will become independent after a further 40 to 70 days.The Black-shouldered Kite’s life span is approximately six years. Text by John McFarlane, Pinewood Village resident.

Certain concepts and feelings tend to have generation specific words to express them. For example, you can get a feel for a person’s generation by the word they choose to describe something as 'cool'. Here is a short list of the most popular words used through the past seven decades or so in roughly chronological order: wonderful • marvellous • splendid • A1 • hip • boss • groovy • outtasight • gnarly • hot • mega • kewl • awesome • radical • rad • wicked • sick • dope • sweet… If I have missed any words from the end of this progression it will surely expose me as being rooted a few decades back. Interestingly, 'cool' has survived and been universally used and respected from the 1950's to the present day so it may be a safe choice if you want to cultivate a timeless appeal. How is the way we speak developing? Language has always been a product of its times, but now no one really owns or controls it anymore. With the speed of social change and connection in today's world, I suspect we will see a period of relatively rapid evolution and subcultures in our language. It will likely become less formal and rigid grammar and spelling rules will soften. The rate of creation of new words will accelerate, both to put a handle on newly invented concepts, feelings and objects and also to replace words that have fallen out of favour or become stale or overused or just perceived to be 'old'. As much as we may scoff at “the way people talk today”, so too the scholars of Chaucer’s or Shakespeare’s generation listening to ‘The Queen’s English’ of today might be appalled at what we have done to their language, or pehaps they would delight in how it has evolved. I hope you enjoy the edition!

Max Schutte Editor and Advertising

Writer and Photographer

Max Schutte

Glynnis Schutte

CONTACT THE MUSE MAGAZINE t 021 531 3324 c 073 644 1288 e muse@pinelandsdirectory.co.za p The Muse, 12 Rhone, Pinelands, 7450 NEXT EDITION DEADLINES 091 • Dec 2018 Bookings: 12 Nov Published: 27 Nov 2018 Content: 16 Nov

View the Rate Card on our website: www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za

for advertising details, deadlines, artwork requirements, circulation information and publication schedules. Your news, photographs and stories 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.

© 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.

November 2018 | the muse | 1

BUYING SELLING LETTING PINELANDS, THORNTON and surrounding areas

Gavin McDougall 061 076 1481 We strive to be good to all, and good at what we do! Contact us for a free CMA valuation www.opendoorproperties.co.za info@opendoorproperties.co.za

November Specials COME FOR BREAKFAST choose any one for R25

SIT DOWN ONLY • Breakfast special until 11am

Goodys

English

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Cypriot

Saturday 3 November

Wednesday 28 November

Come to the Pinelands Presbyterian Spring Fête in St Stephens Road from 7:30am to noon. There will be something for everyone.

Meet at 7:15pm in the Activities Hall of the Pinelands Library for the AGM and annual prizegiving, quiz and bourse. All Welcome. There will be no meeting in December. Call Martin 021 689 5050.

PINELANDS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SPRING FÊTE

All served with toast and jam

also on special in November Beef or Chicken

Saturday 3 November

DUCK RACE AND CRAFT MARKET

Schwarma Only R49 was R54.90

We do a variety of platters for parties & year end functions Call for a full menu • 24 Hours notice required

BREAKFASTS • LUNCHES • FROZEN MEALS HOURS

Mon - Fri: 7:30am - 5pm Saturday: 8:00am - 1pm

Millside Park, Morningside, Ndabeni 021 531 6398 | 082 926 1361

www.goodys.co.za

Free deliveries from 9am - 3pm • Mon - Fri for orders over R30 to surrounding areas

Tony’s

V-090.indd 1

2018/10/21

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. FOUNTAIN PENS, PEN-KNIVES Yes, I buy AND EVEN BROKEN WATCHES them too!

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

Support the KAPS Christmas Sale

Come to the La Gratitude Pre-Primary and Pinehurst Primary School fields from 10am till 2pm for a fun filled morning of activities, crafts, games and things to eat. The Duck Race begins at 1:30pm - ducks are R20 each. There are many prizes to be won. A portion of the proceeds will go to Trinity Children's Centre in Mitchell's Plain. To have a stall (R100) call Celeste on 021 531 4961.

Wednesday 7 November HAPPY HOUR @PINELANDS LIBRARY

Join the adult social group in the Library Committee Room at 10am for Fun and Games. All welcome. Call Brenda 021 530 7160.

Friday 9 November

1ST PINELANDS SCOUTS 90TH Join in to celebrate 90 years of scouting at St Stephens Road Scout Hall from 6pm to 9pm. Open to everyone historically or currently associated with First Pinelands. Please book and 10:23 AM pre-order food at http://qkt.io/xngUsr.

Saturday 10 & 24 November KAROO ANIMAL PROTECTION SOCIETY (KAPS) CHRISTMAS SALE

Come to SASNEV, 4 Central Square, Pinelands from 9am to 1pm for lovely Christmas gifts and very pretty Christmas decorations. Your support will help the animals in the deprived areas of The Little Karoo. To help with fund raising or goodies for us to sell see our website www.kaps. org.za or phone Gloria on 083 450 2782 .

PINELANDS STAMP CIRCLE

Wednesday 28 November STEEL MAGNOLIAS

Catherine Hermans hosts a monthly cancer support group for ladies meeting at 7pm at 20 Peak Drive. No meeting in December. Call 021 531 3963.

Saturday 1 December

PINEWOOD RETIREMENT VILLAGE ANNUAL FÊTE

Come to the annual Village Fête in University Drive from 8:15 am to 12:15 pm. Teas and snacks, books, tombola, cakes, pickles and jams, various raffles, boerewors rolls, pancakes, beers and cooldrinks, and lots of good bric-a-brac. Proceeds to charity and Village projects.

Sunday 2 December CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT

Come to this family service at 7:30pm at the Congregational Church at 3 Nerine Avenue, Pinelands (Off Crassula Way). There will be tea and mince pies afterwards. Services over the holiday period are at 9am on Christmas Day and every Sunday.

3 - 22 December 2018 PINELANDS CRAFT AND GIFT FAIR

Look forward to doing your end of year shopping at this fabulous, jam packed craft fair, which opens on Monday 3rd December at 9am and closes on Saturday 22nd December at 5pm. No more bookings for craft tables are avaialble.

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! email muse@pinelandsdirectory.co.za. Send content for the December 2018 edition by 16 November 2018. R120 ensures placement in the calendar.

November 2018 | the muse | 2

OPTIMISM “Should you find yourself in a chronically leaking boat, energy devoted to changing vessels is likely to be more productive than energy devoted to patching leaks.”

Not all sectors of the market are suffering the same fate. The Sectional Title market in Pinelands has remained buoyant as well as properties under R2 million in Thornton. Well priced rentals are also in demand. There is a definite decline in sales in Pinelands above R4m. This is clearly reflected by the number of homes being advertised on Property24 and Private Property where some homes have now been advertised for more than a year.

LI NE ST W IN G Pinelands *R3.300m

BY LE T U S

Holding out for a better price could be costly. The average time that it takes to sell or rent a home has now more than doubled, and every month there is a cost to you. A rental property standing empty is a loss of monthly income which you can never recover, whilst a home that does not sell could cost you between R25 000 and R40 000 per month in home loan re-payments, rates and taxes, maintenance or loss of interest if you are looking to retire.

Pinelands *R3.495m

Pinelands *R23 000 pm

Pinelands *R11 000 pm

S BY OL U D S

There is no doubt that property prices and rentals in Cape Town have shown a dramatic decline in the past three months and we are not sure when recovery will occur because it is almost impossible to predict what the market will do next.

BY LE T U S

Last month my article spoke about perseverance when selling or renting your home in a tough market. On reflection, I must mention NOT to confuse Perseverance with Optimism. You can only persevere if you do NOT have a ‘sell by date’ as blind optimism could be one’s downfall.

S BY OL U D S

Optimism Needs Realism

LI NE ST W IN G

Warren Buffet

Pinelands *R2.375m

Pinelands *R1.725m

*Asking price

If you need to sell in the current market you cannot push the envelope too far in terms of your asking price. The first 30 days that a property is listed are the most critical to get your home sold. If you are selling and buying in the same market then it makes no sense to hold out for a better offer, which may not materialise, as having cash in hand can get you a better deal when buying. by Johan Meyer

Speak to us if you need advice about the current market. We are happy to assist.

Pat Peat

Julie Meyer

Kathy Anderson

Pauline Hareb

083 290 1331

083 288 8481

083 987 7673

082 490 0344

Sales

Sales Manager

Expertise Built Through Generations of Trust

Ground Floor︱Howard Centre︱Pinelands︱Phone: 021 531 7507︱pinelands@seeff.com ︱

SeeffPinelands

|4 November2018 2018| |the themuse muse| 4 COMMUNITY NEWS November

GOLD RATED MODEL AIRPLANE PILOT SCOOPS AWARD In September this year Matthew Going flew his radio controlled model aircraft, an HS40 20cc, at the Oudtshoorn RC Airshow, and scooped the prize for the youngest gold rated pilot. At 15 years old he has passed the proficiency tests for solo, bronze, silver and gold set by the SAMAA (South African Model Aircraft Association). Only gold rated pilots were allowed entry at the Oudtshoorn airshow. Congratulations Matthew. Matthew enjoyed the show, meeting people and seeing the other model aircraft - some with a wingspan of 3.5 m. Some of the indoor events were fun accuracy challenges where balloons were popped with the aircraft. Matthew excels in extreme acrobatic flying, and practices at the Walker Bay Radio Flyers Club. Would Matthew like to become an airline pilot? "No thanks - I don't enjoy heights!" he says. We wish Matthew all the best with his model aircraft flying. Left: Cannons Creek High School Pupil Matthew Going with his HS40 radio controlled model aircraft.

CANNONS CREEK AWARDS

Mike van Haght (High School Principal) with the recipient of the Mike van Haght (High School Principal) with the incoming Head Principal's Award on the leftÂ - Luyanda Ncube, and on the right: Prefects for 2019 - on the left: Deputy Head Prefect: Luke Hoets, the Dux of 2018 - Cameron Beckett. and on the right: Head Prefect for 2019 - Nabeela Parkar.

HelenKeller S O C I E T Y

E S T. 1 9 5 8

Retirement Centre and Low Vision Services

Retirement Centre Community Services Resource Centre Low Vision Services Full Nursing in Care Centre (temporary or permanent) Assisted Living in Home & Askew Suites Independent Living in Cottages OPEN AFTERNOON FOR VIEWING every 3rd Tuesday in the month at 3pm Services and viewing by appointment only

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

Maynard Burgoyne

COMMUNITY NEWS

PINEHURST GYMNASTS AT THE SOUTH AFRICAN GYMNASTICS GAMES

Pinelands T 021 531 3041

sales.pinelands@harcourts.co.za FOR SALE

Thornton

*R2,385,000

FOR SALE Pinehurst gymnasts who took part in the South African Gymnastics Games in Gauteng. From left: Ella Molema - Level 4 Rhythmic Gymnastics Matthew La Vita - Level 5 Artistic Gymnastics Kaitlyn Buck - Level 4 Artistic Gymnastics Lucy Walker - Level 5 Rhythmic Gymnastics Keen gymnasts from Pinehurst Primary School enjoyed a trip to Gauteng in October this year to compete at the South African Gymnastics Games. They all enjoyed participating for the learning experience and a chance to compete, but also as a way of making friends and meeting new people. It was clear after speaking to the group, that the event posed some challenges that they had to overcome such as the ribbon breaking in the rhythmic gymnastics during Lucy's routine; and Kaitlyn finding the bars slippery on her dismount from the parallel bars.

Thornton

O UNDER

*R685,000

Thornton

FFER

*R1,850,000

SOLD

Anfield Village *R1,195,000

Anfield Village *R1,100,000

TO RENT

HOW DO GYMNASTS QUALIFY FOR THE SA GYMNASTICS GAMES?

Earning points at local provincial competitions for their various routines will earn the gymnasts a place in their district team. All district teams then participate at a provincial competition. Once again they have to attain a certain level / score a certain number of points in order to make the provincial team that then competes at a national level against the other provinces at the South African Gymnastics Games. The four Pinehurst Gymnasts Ella, Matthew, Kaitlyn and Lucy performed exceptionally well, attaining the required scores and were selected to represent the Western Cape team/province at the South African Gymnastics Games.

Pinelands

*R17,600pm

US LET BY

Pinelands

*R12,500pm

TO RENT

WHAT IS ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS?

Artistic Gymnastics is a discipline of gymnastics in which athletes perform short routines ranging from approximately 30 to 90 seconds on different apparatus. Men compete in six events: Floor Exercise, Pommel Horse, Still Rings, Vault, Parallel Bars, and Horizontal Bar, while women compete in four: Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam, and Floor Exercise. Kaitlyn Buck and Matthew La Vita perform Artistic Gymnastics.

Pinelands

*12,500pm

Thornton

*R9,000pm Quentin Jute

Intern Sales Specialist

C 082 864 8708

WHAT IS RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS?

Rhythmic Gymnastics is a discipline of gymnastics in which athletes perform dance-like rhythmic routines, while manipulating different apparatus including clubs, balls, ribbons, or hoops. Ella Molema and Lucy walker perform Rhythmic Gymnastics.

Love your Home

*asking price

November 2018 | the muse | 5 maynard.harcourts.co.za

Experts in home finance.

November 2018 | the muse | 6

COMMUNITY NEWS

SPRING PICNIC AT PLEASANT PLACE PARK

This event took place on a Saturday afternoon in September (we made sure there was no rugby or major sports on). We had invited all the neighbours that border Pleasant Place park, and the immediate surroundings. The weather played along and we had sunshine with

pretty, white daisies carpeting the grass field. Neighbours could come along, bring refreshments and catch up on whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening in and around Pleasant Place. Children of all ages, dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of all shapes and sizes played joyfully at the park. The Bronwell family is the newest to join

the Pleasant Place community. They moved from Johannesburg into their new home in December 2017. They love Pinelands and are very happy here. The newest member in Pleasant Place is the Miller's baby boy born in September - congratulations! This brings us to one of our longer residing, neighbours, Mr Crous, who has lived in his house in Pleasant Place since 1974. He joined the spring picnic as a loyal supporter of our fun neighbourhood get-together. Thank you everyone who came and we hope that we see more of you next year! Pleasant Place rocks !! By Michele Kendall.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Real about Real Estate

COMMUNITY NEWS November 2018 | the muse | 7

"WE WILL REMEMBER THEM" November traditionally marks 'Poppy Day', a time when we are reminded of the sacrifice made by many thousands of military personnel and civilians who lost their lives in the name of peace during military conflict. All over the world Remembrance Day Services are held to honour those who have fallen in war zones, and those who survived and carried on to build a better world. Today we uphold the tradition and honour all individuals who continue the struggle for peace. The annual Cape Town Remembrance Day Service falls on Sunday 11th November this year and the public are invited to attend the event which will be held at the Cenotaph in Adderley Street Cape Town at 11am. All those attending are asked to be seated by 10:30am. The Service will also celebrate the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day - the day that the First World War ended. The MOTHS will be present and the Cape Field Artillery Pipes and Drums will provide some music. A bugler will play the Last Post and the Reveille and a two-minute silence will be observed. After the wreath laying service, members of the public are invited to lay flowers at the cenotaph in remembrance of loved ones. Another Centenary was celebrated in May this year at the site of the Cape Town Noon Day Gun. In May 1814 Cape Town Mayor Sir Harry Hands synchronised the firing of the noon day gun with a time of silence to think of those who were fighting in the war, and to give thanks for those who had returned safely. A bugler ended the silence by playing from the Fletcher and Cartwright building on the corner of Adderley and Darling Streets. Sir Percy Fitzpatrick who had experienced the solemnity of the event, as central Cape Town came to a standstill during the silence, wrote to King George V suggesting it become a part of Remembrance Services. The idea was adopted world wide and is still observed in many countries today - honouring all those who are precious to us and have fought for the rights of all. For more information see the detailed blog entries by Regine Lord at Namibsands. wordpress.com. All Images supplied by Regine Lord.

PROPERTI ES

* asking prices

PINELANDS, THORNTON MAITLAND, KENSINGTON

021 531 0773

Central Square Pinelands

www.jawitz.co.za

RENTALS

Chris Crous Sales & Principal 082 410 5559

Trish Rix 078 038 2337

Marion Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Gorman 076 588 0422

Roger Lawrence Sales & Owner 082 895 2719

FOR SALE

PINELANDS | * R3 995 000

FOR SALE

THORNTON | * R2 395 000

THORNTON | * R1 449 000

TO RENT

PINELANDS | * R20 000 pm

TO RENT

PINELANDS | * R15 800 pm

TO RENT

PINELANDS | * R15 800 pm

THORNTON | * R13 500 pm

Buying, Selling or Renting? Contact us today! Qualified Tenant Database and Profile | Network Affiliation Maintenance | Council Accounts Collection | Legal Process Expertise

LET US GUIDE YOU HOME Battling to find your dream home? The one that meets all your requirements? The one that suits your pocket?

November 2018 | the muse | 7

Then CALL us today. We know just how to assist YOU. Follow us on Facebook at Jawitz Properties Pinelands

An owner managed beauty escape

HAIR NAILS FACIALS WAXING SPRAY TANNING

FATHERS DAY SPECIALS Our own passionate and talented team of qualified nail technicians and skin therapists offer you top quality treatments.

You will leave feeling pampered, refreshed, GIFT rejuvenated and most VOUCHERS AVAILABLE importantly – beautiful!

November 2018 | the muse | 8

COMMUNITY NEWS

PINELANDS SAPS AND PINELANDS NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SUPPORT "KEEP A GIRL CHILD IN SCHOOL" WOMEN'S MONTH INITIATIVE

phone: 021 531 5327

www.urbantherapy.co.za Sunrise Park, Prestige Drive, Maitland

Nanny

y-M5-075.indd 1

2017/06/27 8:43 PM

TRA IN I NG

Empower your nanny to connect with you and your children on a deeper level.

Life orientation teacher at Pinelands High School Mr Jamiel Landers receives the donation from SAPS and PNW. From Left: Constable George, Constable Maduna, Jamiel Landers, Heidi Ebrahim, Lindsay Cracknel and Sergeant White.

• Health and Safety • First Aid • CPR and Choking • Routines and Sleep • Baby and Toddler Stimulation • Trust and Confidence • And More...!

To book contact Nicole Leverton 074 899 2406 or

nicole.leverton@yahoo.com Courses at Shofar Rondebosch, 26 Main Rd, Rondebosch

90.indd 1

Women’s Month may be past, but it lingered on a bit longer when Pinelands Neighbourhood Watch (PNW) and Pinelands SAPS distributed sanitary products to neighbouring schools on Friday 12 October. The donations, generously donated by the Pinelands community, were in support of PNW’s ‘Keep a Girl Child in School’ initiative. Schools that benefited were Pinelands North, Pinelands Primary, Pinehurst, Oude Molen, Vista Nova, Garden Village, Pinelands High, Grace Primary and Thornton Primary.

JOIN PINELANDS NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH!

PNW members are young and old, male and female, with one objective - making Pinelands safer for all by being SAPS’ eyes and ears. SAPS has limited resources and cannot be everywhere at once. You can help, whether from your car or simply by reporting any unusual activity in your street. Visit www.pinelandsnw.co.za to join.

WELLNESS WAREHOUSE IS NOW OPEN IN HOWARD CENTRE 2018/10/18 3:29 PM

SA’s leading health retailer, Wellness Warehouse offers everything you need to live life well under one roof. Stock up on quality health supplements, organic and natural beauty products, real foods, eco home products and natural baby care, all offered with personal service and a 360° approach to health.

GET R50 OFF

WHEN YOU SPEND R200 OR MORE

HEALTH

FOOD

BEAUTY

T’s & C’s: Offer available at Wellness Warehouse Howard Centre until 30 November 2018. One voucher per user. Valid in store only (excluding cafe). Not redeemable in conjunction with other special offers.

COMMUNITY NEWS

CONGRATULATIONS TO MILLICENT GARDINER CELEBRATING 102 YEARS!

propertysmithrealestate@gmail.com PO Box 727, Rondebosch 7701

Above: Millicent Gardiner on her 102nd birthday with staff at Pinewood Village from left: Sister Melanie Kleinsmith, Fagmia van Niekerk, Frieda Bunding, Victoria Ncwane, Sister Mabel van Zyl and centre stage "Milly Gardiner." Milly, as she is fondly known at Pinewood Village, celebrated her 102nd birthday in October. She was born 16/10/16 in Karibib in Namibia (then SWA) to Afrikaans parents. Her father was working there at the time and Milly grew up to be completely bilingual. Returning to Cape Town they lived in Tamboerskloof and Sea Point respectively. Before her marriage, Milly worked in the Post Office and later at Southern Life. Jean, her first daughter was born in Sea Point and when her second daughter Stephanie was on the way, they moved to Pinelands to Victory Avenue (after the War) where they stayed for 54 years before moving to Pinewood Village in 2001. Milly now has three grandchildren - Carla, Drew (in New York) and Jeanne and five great grand children. Her secret to long life is her happy nature and optimistic outlook on life. Her famous saying is "Laugh and the world laughs with you, cry and you cry alone". The other saying that her children remember her using often is "Hou die blink kant bo". Congratulations Milly!

RONNIE

LINETTE

082 449 7327 082 466 1825 FOR SALE

THORNTON

RICHARD

083 557 7515 SOLD

THORNTON *R1 195 000 *R1 295 000 * Asking Price

PROPERTY TRANSFERS RECORDED IN SEPTEMBER 2018 Pinelands Full Title R6 200 000 R5 750 000 R5 200 000 R3 850 000 R3 650 000 R3 500 000 R3 500 000 R2 800 000 R2 700 000 R2 250 000

11 Hillrise Road 17 Oranje Avenue 18 South Way 4 Brookdale Ave 5 Ajax Way 54 Ringwood Dr 11 Union Avenue 1 Hockey Close Ripleby, Howard Dr 159 Eland Way

Thornton Full Title R2 350 000 R2 100 000 R1 560 000 R1 410 000 R1 300 000 R1 050 000

15 Denneboom Ave 8 Tecoma Crescent 3 Elm Road 34 Longboat Close 4 Faeroe Close 19 Riverwalk

Thornton Sectional Title

R630 000

106 First On Forest

Pinelands Sectional Title R1 895 000 R1 650 000 R1 550 000 R1 200 000

27 Glen Roy 67 Garden City Heights B103 Nightingale Close 7 Howard Hamlet 3A

Above: Milly with Pinewood Village manager Pieter Janse van Rensburg.

Macleod’s Attorneys

November 2018 | the muse | 9

ATTORNEYS | CONVEYANCERS | ESTATES ADMINISTRATORS

021 788 1439

PRINCIPAL'S ARTICLE

November 2018 | the muse | 10

POINTS FOR PARENTS TO PONDER... By Tracy Wahl Principal, Cannons Creek Primary School

After 32 years in the profession of which 12 have been in senior management, it has become apparent that trying to find the ultimate balance in motivating your teaching staff, keeping most of the parent body satisfied while focusing on the wellbeing of all pupils; has become more of a challenge in the latter years.

TEACHERS ARE PASSIONATE

Teaching is a career for those who are really passionate about children; it is not just a job. Teachers really care about each child in their class, but there are a number of children to focus their attention on - not just one. Teachers go home at the end of the day and think about your child, even over the weekends. During the holidays whilst shopping they will look out for games and equipment that could be useful or of value in their classrooms. As a teacher you never really switch off from the job.

TEACHERS & PARENTS WORKING TOGETHER

Teachers help guide each child to be the best they can be. Each child has unique strengths and many have different learning styles – it’s identifying their niche that is important to any great teacher. We value the support and encouragement from parents who understand that we are in this together for the benefit of their child.

Pinelands

At school we educate children - but values, attitudes and manners should be taught at home. We can only build on what you have instilled in your child from birth.

WE ARE ROLE MODELS

Children are like sponges and so they copy what they learn from their role models. Therefore it is important to be mindful, as parents, of your words and actions in front of your children. Your words and actions can affect how they treat others at school. Making regular and unwarranted excuses for unfinished tasks, projects and sport at school is not a good practice. School is where children learn the work ethic that they take on to tertiary education and later into their work environment.

TEACHING RESPECT FOR OTHERS

Because teachers have lives and families beyond the classroom; it is a good idea to refrain from making contact after hours and on weekends about anything that is not a medical emergency. Perhaps view this in the same way that you would in contacting any other professional person. Children can be taught to respect others and themselves. By exposing them to different cultures, customs and traditions, they will learn to treat all people with respect and value the differences that make us all special.

LEARNING FROM MISTAKES

It is important that children learn to make mistakes and at times to lose a game. Too often we protect our children and allow them to win when playing family games. Unfortunately they need to learn that there will always be winners and losers in life. It is so important for them to learn resilience. Resist the urge to fix every problem,

R2 995 000*

Olde world charm hideaway Sole Mandate Discover this full family home located in a peaceful part of Pinelands. Offering 3 bedrooms, family bathroom, spacious living areas and a farm style kitchen! Exquisite block wooden flooring in the lounge with working fire place. Separate North facing 1 bedroom cottage perfect for extended family or as an income generator. Looking for people of vision to scoop this outrageous bargain! Erf size: 729m2

Pinelands Area Specialist CHARLENE MACPHERSON 082 491 4622 charlene.m@sothebysrealtyss.co.za

Pinelands Intern Area Specialist STEPHEN MACPHERSON 082 445 7011 stephen.m@sothebysrealtyss.co.za

protecting them from disappointment. Children must learn to take ownership of their actions and learn the consequences. This may sound harsh to some, but at school we would never allow a child to go hungry and we can always make a plan from the second hand shop for forgotten sports clothes. Delivering items left at home doesn’t teach them anything as in all probability it will happen again next week!

TEMPERING OUR REACTIONS

It is heartening to know that children are very adaptable. They deal with change easier than adults, and so it is not necessary to react to everything your child says at home; children learn quickly how to get a reaction out of parents who fight their battles for them. At school we always say: “ If you don’t believe everything your child says about us, we in turn won’t listen to everything they tell us about home”!

THE TRIANGLE OF TRUST

The teacher - child - parent relationship is a triangle. Together we form the base with the child at the pinnacle. The child must know that we are all working together for his/her benefit. No negativity should be discussed in the child’s presence, thereby breaking down their trust. Children love and respect their parents and teachers alike. They will feel safe in the knowledge that we are in agreement about their well-being. When you buy into the school of your choice, trust that at all times they have your child’s best interest at heart.

FOR THE LOVE OF CHILDREN

The expectations on teachers from the school and parent body is huge, but they do their work for the love of your children. Happy teacher, happy children, happy parents! 

www.sothebysrealty.co.za | www.sothebysrealty.com Each office is Independently Owned and Operated

www.facebook.com/SothebysRealtyPinelands If you are thinking of selling or renting and would like a free market related valuation, please call, we will be happy to assist.

Pinelands Rental Agent TALANA ROBERTSON 076 516 3981 talana.r@sothebysrealtyss.co.za

Art Therapy Interactive, experiential

COMMUNITY NEWS

PNPS PUPIL WRITES A BOOK!!

November 2018 | the muse | 11 By Chantal De Beer, Librarian at Pinelands North Primary School. Esam Mjenxane from Grade 3 races into our school library with a big smile as he asks, “Is it on the shelf yet?” I laugh at his enthusiasm, as I humbly apologise for it not being there yet. Esam's story idea about a spy puppy was inspired while watching a movie about a dog who had a friend that was a spy. After his father read it, they decided to publish it. I found out while interviewing Esam that he is fascinated with stories which inspire him to write his own. He is hoping to become a famous author one day. Esam’s smile spreads across his face again while he writes his name in our copy of “Max the Spy Puppy” and places it on the shelf, ready for his fellow bookworms to read. This book is Esam’s first story and we look forward to seeing his next one to be published, titled “Swimmer the Dolphin”.

Time To Think accredited Coach and Facilitator For adults and children with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss. My coaching sessions can help you process and heal. I also run team workshops at Kirstenbosch

Registered Therapist

TESSA WHYATT

084 980 5319 tessa@tessa.co.za

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2018/10/22

GYM WIZARDS

PINELANDS

ZEITZ MOCAA - MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART AFRICA

Tumbling, Trampoline & Ninja Classes High Energy & Fun Classes Safety Qualified Coaches Beginner to Advanced

Annual Membership: R235 / Year + R1 060 / Term for 1 Hour / Week

Call: 021 532 1832 WhatsApp: 073 976 8577 Unit 8, Sunrise Park, Prestige Drive, Ndabeni I never dreamed that when standing on the admin@gymwizards.co.za large glass circles of the 6th floor sculpture www.gymwizards.co.za garden of the Zeitz MOCAA museum that I was directly over one of the 33m high concrete tubes that used to be part of the grain silo. The museum is a marvel of architecture and we were blown away by the beauty of 1 2018/10/2 the sculpted silos - opened up and usedGymWizards-M5-090.indd as stairwells, lift shafts - light wells. The grain silo complex has been fashioned into the Silo Hotel with its magnificent huge pillow windows. The 42 grain storage silos now house the largest museum in the world dedicated to African contemporary art. There are 100 galleries spanning 9 floors and a restaurant on the 6th floor. We took the spiral stairway stopping at each floor to browse the exhibits and then view the huge central "cathedral cut-out" breathtaking! R190 per adult. Free for under 18. Free to African citizens on Wednesdays 10am to 1pm (take your ID). Wednesday to Monday open 10am to 6pm. Closed on Tuesdays. Watch the website for night time openings see www.zeitzmocaa.museum.

November 2018 | the muse | 11

November 2018 | the muse | 12

PINELANDS HIGH GIRLS WIN U19 LEAGUE

PINELANDS CRAFT & GIFT FAIR 3rd - 22nd December 2018 FREE ENTRY • SAFE PARKING

• Unique gifts for all ages from 170 crafters • Credit/debit cards & Masterpass facilities No cash accepted • Light meals and refreshments all day • Child friendly environment

Pinelands High School 1st team hockey girls won the U19 Town Central girls league this September. The league ended with two top-of-the-table clashes in one week. Pinelands won both games, beating Brackenfell 3-0 (picture above) and Edgemead 3-1 on the final day of the season. Over the league season the team won 11 out of 11 matches, scoring 38 goals and conceding only 3 along the way. They showed great commitment all year and winning the league was a product of their hard work and dedication. Back row: Mr Luke Thonissen (Coach), Amy Adams, Sarah Wakelin, Moletlo Somo, Tess Thomas, Rebecca Marx, Lynne Tertiens, Caitlin Erasmus, Ms Alison Dewar (Manager) and Shanice Philander. Front Row: Casey Coetzee, Saarah Abrahams, Kauthar Petersen, Nadine Faulmann, Shireen Koks, Chelsea Jeffery, Yusra Azzakani.

PINELANDS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT LEADERS FOR 2019

Relaxed Christmas Shopping OPEN DAILY

VENUE

Weekdays 9am-7pm Pinelands High School Sat & Sun 9am-5pm Forest Drive, Pinelands pinelandsfair@gmail.com call • whatsapp pinelandscraftandgiftfair 082 661 6080

Doctor

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2018/10/19 11:54 AM

Dr Louise Wigens MEDICAL AID RATES Phone for an appointment

021 531 4111

Mutual Park, Pinelands HOURS West End Medical Suite Mon - Fri First Floor - in the mall 08:30 - 17:00 drsreception@telkomsa.net www.westendmedicalsuite.co.za

Back row: Benjamin Stannard (Deputy Chairperson RCL), Mr Campbell (Principal), Hriday Panchal (Head Boy) Front row: Andrea Tafirenyika (Deputy Head Boy), Rana Ebrahim (Head Girl), Casey Coetzee (Deputy Head Girl), Caylee Coetzee (Chairperson RCL)

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Creating and protecting your wealth

MONEY MATTERS

How to plan to not retire

PLANNING FOR A

FULL RETIREMENT

By Sue Torr

Director Crue Invest If you are planning to work for the rest of your life, it is entirely understandable if saving for retirement is not top-of-mind. The idea of a formal retirement at age 65 followed by a sedentary life of golf and gardening is becoming less and less appealing to many people. There is more and more evidence that retirement is a fluid state and that the idea of a passive retirement is unappealing to most people.

SHOULD WE STOP WORKING AT 65?

According to historians, the modern retirement framework was created by Otto von Bismarck in 1881 when he agreed that the state would pay a pension to any nonworking citizen older than 65. In doing so, he set in place an arbitrary retirement age that still exists today. However, retirement is not a natural state for human beings and for most of recorded history retirement meant working until you died. In his book, The New Retirementality, Mitch Anthony calls retirement ‘a short-sighted political machination and social manipulation, which is no longer relevant and is hopelessly out of touch with our times.’

PERMANENT LEISURE IS NOT IDEAL

Transitioning overnight from being a productive member of a workforce to being a fully retired citizen seems a somewhat unnatural process. Boredom, feelings of worthlessness and lack of purpose can increase the risk of clinical depression. Many believe that a life of permanent leisure is simply not an ideal state of happiness. According to Mitch Anthony, “One of the great tragedies in America is having enough money to do absolutely nothing and doing exactly that.”

LEADING A MEANINGFUL LIFE

In fact, many retirees attest to not being fully prepared for the boredom and lack of purpose they are faced with in the first months after retirement. One of the real risks of retirement is not knowing how to make the next 30 years of one’s life meaningful which, in turn, can lead to depression, illness, divorce and premature death.

BENEFITS OF THE 'GIG' ECONOMY

The ‘gig economy’ – think Uber, Airbnb, dog-walking, house-sitting and tutoring – has become particularly appealing to retirees who seek to fill the void in their

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lives. Many retirees who have formally retired from their jobs are simply not ready to stop working which makes concepts like Airbnb particularly appealing to those in the retirement life stage. Airbnb has become an increasingly attractive option for the over 50 market as it ticks all the boxes. Airbnb hosting is ideal for retirees who own property, want flexibility, need extra income and desire an opportunity to remain engaged and connected. Similarly, according to Uber, more of its drivers are over 50 than under 30, and about one quarter of its drivers are 50 or older. Not only has the gig economy provided real opportunities for retirees to freelance, consult and generate income through online platforms, it has also removed their fear of redundancy and lack of relevance.

A PERSONAL VISION FOR RETIREMENT

Modern day retirement planning involves moving away from just investment models and asset allocation to building a clear personal vision of retirement in whatever form it may take. Many pre-retirees are unenthusiastic about funding for retirement because, while they don’t aspire to a formal retirement, they also have no clear vision for this life stage except to know that golf and gardening is not an option. It is difficult to stay motivated to save and invest for something that is murky at best. Having enough money to retire is only one aspect of retirement planning. Knowing what you intend doing with the rest of your life is another thing altogether.

There is so much more to retirement planning that investment modelling and asset allocation. Depending on when you choose to retire, retirement can be one of the longest life stages. Over and above retirement funding, a well-thought out retirement plan should also consider: CHARITABLE PURSUITS Giving back to others through your place of worship or charity, following your philanthropic pursuits, remaining involved in social upliftment causes and giving back to those less fortunate PHYSICAL HEALTH Remaining physically active, keeping your body fit and strong, attending gym or exercise classes, and enjoying sport and outdoor recreation EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING Keeping busy, maintaining a sense of purpose and belonging, having a reason to get up in the morning, and remaining relevant in an ever-changing world SUPPORT SYSTEM Having a reliable support system, having care facilities in place if necessary, keeping a close circle of friends and family that you can rely on STAYING CONNECTED Keeping connected with the outside world, having regular contact with friends and family, socialising with people that are important to you PROFESSIONAL FULFILLMENT Pursuing entrepreneurial pursuits, generating additional income, mentoring younger professionals, remaining professionally engaged

PLANNING FOR FINANCIAL FREEDOM

Retirement means different things to different people. Some dream of quitting work to lead a quiet life of gardening and golf. Others dream of re-skilling themselves to begin a new business venture. Many people long for a life of travel and adventure. Every person’s vision of retirement may be different, and yet all dreams are underpinned by the same common denominator: the freedom to choose. Financial freedom is about having enough accumulated wealth to choose what you want to do with the rest of your life. Whether it is work, play or travel, your retirement capital buys you freedom to spend your time on your terms. Let retirement be the start of anything you want it to be. 

Back: Corlene Botha, Gareth Collier, Craig Torr, Eric Jordaan, Devon Card, Shana Petersen Front: Chantelle Potgieter, Shaneez Bredekamp, Sue Torr, Cindy Gordon, Erin White, Dominique Padua

Crue Invest (Pty) Ltd is an authorised financial services provider regulated by the Financial Services Board, FSP No. 19025

CRUE HOUSE 5 Long Place, Pinelands phone • 021 530 8500 email • info@crue.co.za web • www.crue.co.za

PINELANDER Congratulations to researcher and lecturer Caroline Ncube who has had her work recognised with the award of the SARChi Chair in Intellectual Property, Innovation and Development in the Law Faculty at the University of Cape Town. Her motivation has always been to change people's lives for the better. Her work in creating a balanced approach to Intellectual Property Law (IP Law) serves the areas close to her heart - social justice, access to knowledge and medical treatment for all.

PROFESSOR CAROLINE NCUBE

THE SARCHI CHAIR

The SARChi Chair provides funding for an initial term of five years to increase the production of post graduate students.

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Caroline is looking forward to being able to sponsor students and grow a cohort of scholars researching Intellectual Property Law (IP). She hopes to retain the chair for the maximum of fifteen years and grow with it.

WHAT IS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW?

Just by being alive we create 'property' that can be protected by law (copyright, trademarks or patent laws) - the way we think, what we write - stories and articles, photographs we take. In larger areas medical research is regarded as property to be protected. To ensure that we live in a just society with opportunities for all, intellectual property law ensures the fine line that exists to protect the 'inventor' and his ideas or creations, but at the same time giving access to this idea to those who need it. There is no 'one size fits all' rule and each case should to be weighed up giving each party equal opportunity.

ON BECOMING A PROFESSOR

Caroline presented her inaugural lecture as a Professor in March 2018. "When I joined UCT in 2005 I set three ambitious targets for myself - to get my PhD, achieve a full professorship and achieve an NRF rating by the time I turned 40. I was 29 at the time...

and made it with six months to spare. My advice is to put in the work, even when times are bleak. UCT has come a long way in the last 16 years - we can look forward to exciting times ahead."

YOUR CAREER AND TRAVEL

"I have been fortunate to travel extensively in my work. My favourite places are those within Africa - the vibe in Accra, Ghana is captivating. I have good memories of visiting the Giraffe centre just outside Nairobi. Usually South Africa is seen as the leader in Africa, but we can learn for example from how Nigeria copes with a large population. The South African population is growing at 1 million per year without the economic growth required to sustain the population. On the other hand Botswana, with a smaller population is both politically and economically stable and is stewarding its natural and mineral resources well."

FAVOURITE THINGS ABOUT PINELANDS

"Apart from the proximity to work, we have always loved Pinelands for the calm and constant atmosphere in the community. The neighbours are friendly and kind and we are very happy here. " ď&#x20AC;ź

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Image and text: Glynnis Schutte

WHO IS CAROLINE NCUBE?

Caroline is from a family of five children growing up in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. She was the only sibling to follow law as a career obtaining her LLB from the University of Zimbabwe, and practicing as an attorney for a short while before completing her LLM at the University of Cambridge. Caroline then took up teaching posts at the Universities of Limpopo and Zimbabwe. In 2005 she joined UCT as a lecturer in the Department of Commercial Law. She held the post as Head of Department from 2014 to 2016, and in 2017 she was the Deputy Dean in Post Graduate Studies. Married to Phenias, they have two sons, Vuyo, who is now 16 and Wandile who is 13 years old. Caroline believes in a healthy lifestyle and is an amateur runner, hoping to participate in marathons. She is an avid reader and enjoys writing poetry - aiming one day to write a novel â&#x20AC;&#x201D; something different from the books she has already authored in Intellectual Property Law.

PINELANDER

PROFESSOR LIESL ZÜHLKE Paediatric cardiologist Liesl Zühlke working at the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital has been honoured with a prestigious African Research Leader Award. Liesl now directs a children's heart disease research team. At the age of four Liesl announced that she was going to be a paediatric cardiologist, inspired by the work done by Professor Christiaan Barnard. Her family supported her every inch of the way, sacrificing what they could to secure her dream.

VAST EXPERIENCE

With an impressive CV Liesl is no stranger to awards such as the NIH Fogarty Fellowship, Wellcome CIDRI and Thrasher awards, the Hamilton Naki post-doctoral Clinical Scholarship, and an academic excellence award from Discovery. Participating in and organising conferences add to her workload, as well as directing a number of research programmes and establishing the new Children's Heart Disease Research Unit at the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital.

ABOUT THE AWARD

Liesl obtained her degree from UCT and trained as a paediatric cardiologist in Cape Town and also in Düsseldorf in Germany. Her PhD was based on the outcomes in rheumatic heart disease. Currently she is the only full-time female consultant in paediatric cardiology at the Children's Hospital. "In South Africa we need to take into consideration our particular context and never forget the social determinants of health and the role that poverty and

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inequality play in health outcomes,” says Liesl. The award is jointly funded by the United Kingdom Medical Research Council and the United Kingdom’s Department of International Development and promotes research leadership across Sub-Saharan Africa. Funding of 14.5 million Rand over the next five years will enable Liesl to lead a research team on rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease and cardiac diseases associated with HIV - with the aim of improving patient care. "This award is really an acknowledgment of the importance of the work, my excellent team and the patients who will benefit" says Liesl.

THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY

Liesl places great emphasis on family life believing in family meals around the table, and escaping to country getaways where with no electronic devices. She is married to Alexander, a plastic surgeon at Tygerberg Hospital and has two sons — Gabriel studying for matric will go into medicine; and Eli who is 13 years old. The children have inherited a love for music from their mother and play piano, cello and violin. Liesl refers to her extended family as the "Zupaburys" — a combination of the surnames of her sisters married names. Her sister Samantha Page was editor of the Oprah O magazine and is now with John Brown Media. Her sister Wendy works for the Smile Foundation.

THE IMPORTANCE OF MENTORSHIP

"I am extremely grateful for the great mentorship from two of my advisors in getting me to where I am today. Friend and companion dog walker Professor Marian Jacobs has always given me strong support. The late Professor Bongani Mayosi supervised my PhD and I consider him my "scientific father" - teaching me many life lessons. He recognised my desire to make a difference and encouraged my research career. I deeply miss him, his friendship and guidance."

TRAVEL

I have travelled to many places through my work, especially in my early career when I lived in Germany for four years - learning to speak German and treating patients in a German Hospital. Some of my favourite African destinations are Senegal - because the people are peaceful and calm; Uganda and Ethiopia.

WHY PINELANDS?

I fell in love with Pinelands when my mother drove through on the way to Mowbray. When Alexander and I returned from Germany we completed the renovations on a house in Pinelands which has become the home that we love. Pinelands is a medical hub for those working at local hospitals and UCT — one can almost have a ward round in the SPAR!" 

www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za

Image and text: Glynnis Schutte

Growing up on the Cape Flats, Liesl came from a family that believed in Liberation through Education. Their family holidays were sacrificed so that Liesl could go to Springfield convent. It was a tumultuous year when Liesl wrote her matric, and she acknowledges that she was lucky to get into medical school.

TRAVEL TRAVELLERS

Camping trip to the

Masai Mara

By Peter Sumner For ages now, visiting the iconic Big Three: Serengeti, Masai Mara and Ngorogoro has been a desire, but not really something I thought I would ever achieve. Being invited to present a paper at a conference in Kenya changed all that. The conference was in early August, during the migration - a time when over a million wildebeest, zebra and antelope follow a grazing pattern through the Serengeti-Masai Mara reserves, with an awe inspiring crossing of the Mara River.

AN AFFORDABLE THREE DAY TOUR

Initial investigation revealed that it would be way out of budget, but I discovered an inexpensive option at 100 USD per day for a three day trip starting from Nairobi. A very pleasant chap came to get me at my digs and navigated through the stress that is Nairobi traffic to a dingy office where I met the tour operator. I paid and was taken to the tour vehicle where I waited for another five people to join the trip. Pretty soon we were off into more Nairobi traffic. After the climb of another 600 metres to Limuru, we plunged into the Great Rift Valley, but not before stopping to take some hazy photographs. A while later we stopped for lunch and were ushered into a roadside café that seemingly all tour operators use. The buffet was palatable and included in the fee. About 60 km from our destination, the road, which had been reasonable up till now, became a challenge to say the least, and we experienced severe rock and roll.

ARRIVING AT LENCHADA CAMP

Eventually around 4pm we came to our camp, Lenchada. Having stayed in camping accommodation in other African countries, I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of my shared tent, which included ablution facilities. We settled in and had tea/ coffee and were ready to go. It was about 6 km to the park gate and as a hard core

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‘parker’ who has seen most things, I was disappointed that we only got in at 5:15pm. It didn’t take long before we saw some buffalo, and as none of my companions had been to Africa before this was great. One of the Big 5! We also saw some eland, impala and Thompson’s gazelles before we saw, across the plains, a large group of vehicles. Our guide got us there quite briskly and we saw some lionesses lounging on the banks of a stream. My main focus was the migration and birds, but I had to bow the knee. I did see some great birds but not many, as we made our way out of the park before 6:30pm. Supper was a lot better than I expected. Another decent but plain buffet and I slept well.

AN EARLY START INTO THE PARK

An adequate breakfast was served in time for us to get to the park gates just after they opened at 6:30am. A row of silhouetted giraffes gave my companions an excellent photo opportunity. It was not long before we saw the tell-tale cluster of vehicles that had found a male lion and my companions were excited. Same again, but this time it was a cheetah that raised the excitement. It was now getting warmer and we meandered along stream banks looking unsuccessfully for leopard, but we did flush a bare faced go-away bird to my delight.

REACHING THE RIVER CROSSING

We decided to go to the main crossing area of the Mara River, and on the way we passed hill after hill that was occupied by wildebeest. I have never seen so many animals before never mind one species. They were on both sides of the road and as far as you could see, and it didn’t stop for five minutes until the terrain changed. Then another 5 minute dose. We got to the Mara River only to find a hiatus in the crossing. But still we got to see where the crossing

occurred with the attendant hippos and crocs, and a large colony of white backed and Rueppell’s vultures.

EASTERN CHANTING GOSHAWK

We enjoyed the packed lunch under a shady tree and headed back. In the heat of the day not much was happening, and we passed the seemingly unending hills of wildebeest. Then great excitement as my companions spotted a lone elephant. During the migration they head into quieter areas as the wildebeest bring lots of flies with them. More vehicles together. This time it was a pride of lions feeding on a wildebeest. As we drove out there were many satisfied customers in our vehicle, including me as I had spotted an Eastern chanting goshawk among other birds.

A SATISFYING EXPERIENCE

Dinner, sleep and breakfast followed a similar pattern, and we headed once more for the park. We saw the usual suspects and the customary gaggle of vehicles pointing us to another lion sighting and all too soon it was time to make our way out of the park and take the interesting roads home. It was a great experience, but had I done better preparation, I would have chosen the five day option. But if you don’t need luxury, I can heartily recommend the experience. 

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