the Muse - Nov 2019 by the Muse magazine by Pinelands Directory

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PINELANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE issue

101 | November 2019

L SPECIA E FEATUR

N GARDE E & HOM

Charles Witbooi and Hulisani Takalani

from Habitat for Humanity SA PAPAYA AND Heleen BEAN SALAD Meyer

JABALPUR Community INDIA Travellers

WEST COAST Out and FOSSIL PARK About

PetLatch

LockLatch

MonkeyLatch

WELCOME

Image: by John McFarlane

About the cover: The remembrance poppy is a symbol used to recall the end of the First World War on 11th November 1918, and is a symbol of remembrance for all soldiers who have died in conflict. Left: Muse editor Max Schutte on the banks of the Langebaan Lagoon - breaking the journey to the West Coast Fossil Park. See the Out and About on Page 15.

Klaas’s Cuckoo

TO WRAP OR NOT TO WRAP?

After distribution of our previous edition, we received a couple of messages expressing regret that we had used a plastic wrap for the magazine so I would like to explain how we arrive at the decision. We do try to avoid the use of plastic wraps whenever we can and would also prefer not to use them, but sometimes, limited use is necessary. Every month we monitor a number of weather forecasts for our delivery day to assess the risk of rain. If there is a window of a rain-free day within a day or two, then we choose to delay distribution and not wrap. If however there is a credible forecast of rain over a few days (as there was last month) we wait as long as we can to make a call about wrapping. If we decide we need to do it, only about half of the magazines are wrapped - only those which must be delivered to outside post boxes in Pinelands and Thornton. The other half, which are placed on indoor stands or hand delivered inside buildings are never wrapped. We choose to use water-based eco inks to aid recycling and reduce solvent emissions and we choose the lowest paper weight from sustainable sources. The downside of this is that the magazine is more susceptible to moisture as the ink softens more easily and pages stick together - rendering it unreadable and wasted. From our own surveys, about one in ten homes do not have a postbox, about half are not waterproof, and with the remainder, lids are often left open with mail sticking out. Our experience is that, if it rains, magazines in many post boxes do get wet. On previous occasions when it has rained and we have not wrapped we had numerous complaints from residents that the magazine was unreadable. With the Cape weather being so hard to predict, it is a worry for us every month and our natural inclination is to avoid wrapping if at all possible and to wrap as few as is necessary if we do have to do it. As we must book delivery dates and order wrapping a few days before, it is not easy to always make the correct call, but we do try our best. 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, 7405 NEXT EDITION DEADLINES 102 • Dec 2019 Bookings: 22 Nov Published: 3 Dec 2019 Content: 27 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 2019 | the muse | 1

This beautiful emerald green bird is more often heard than seen. They are regular summer visitors to the Cape but some birds occasionally overwinter. The call, sounding like “meitjie-meitjie”, is repeated 5 or 6 times. The female differs from the male by having a duller, slightly brownish coat. Female Klaas’s Cuckoos lay a single egg in the host’s nest. The hosts in town would mainly be Sunbirds and Prinias, though in bigger gardens, Batises as well. These cuckoos have the ability to match the eggs of their hosts. In the image above a juvenile Klaas’s Cuckoo is being fed by its host, a Southern DoubleCollared Sunbird. Text: John McFarlane, Pinewood Village resident. John has been a keen birder for more than 30 years, and is a long time member of the Cape Bird Club. See www.capebirdclub.org.za.

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

BREAKFASTS LUNCHES SHWARMAS TRAMEZZINI FROZEN MEALS November Special

Wed 6 November 2019

BEEF BURGER Only R25.00

HAPPY HOUR @PINELANDS LIBRARY

was R29.90

Join the Pinelands Library social group for adults in the committee room at 10am for a talk by Faeza on Muslim Culture. All welcome. Call 021 530 7160.

NEW on the menu

Sat 9 & 30 November 2019

Baked or Fried Fish • Every Tuesday FREE WIFI

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

PINELANDS COMMUNITY POLICING FORUM AGM

Free deliveries from 9am - 3pm • Mon - Fri for orders over R40 to surrounding areas

Tony’s

101.indd 1

KAPS MARKET (Animal Protection)

Don’t miss the KAPS gift table at SASNEV from 9am & 1pm. Call Gloria 083 450 2782.

Thurs 14 November 2019

Millside Park, Morningside, Ndabeni 021 531 6398 | 021 531 6386 | 082 926 1361 website: www.goodys.capetown

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

res-M5-041.indd 1

2nd - 22nd December 2019

FREE ENTRY • SAFE PARKING • Cashless market. Credit/debit card facilities • Unique gifts for all ages from 200 crafters • Plants, home and garden decor • Light meals and refreshments all day • Child friendly environment

Relaxed Christmas Shopping VENUE Pinelands High School Forest Drive, Pinelands

pinelandsfair@gmail.com call • whatsapp pinelandscraftandgiftfair 082 661 6080

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

Saturday 30 November 2019 VISTA NOVA SUMMER FAIR

Loerie Road, Pinelands, 9am - 3pm. Enjoy food stalls, a tea garden, craft stalls, a flea market, plus live entertainment and lots more.

Saturday 16 November 2019

K, Ray and The Bird Contemporary Christian Band will lead a Christmas event of traditional and modern carols from 7pm, at PCC at 3 Nerine Avenue. All are welcome. Tea will be served after the service. E-mail pcchurch@cybersmart.co.za.

Take Back the Canal Full Moon Walk – 7:30pm for 8pm starting at the Clyde, Pinelands. Children and on-lead dogs are strongly encouraged! Stay afterwards for complimentary coffee & delicious snacks.

Wed 20 November 2019 PAGE TURNERS BOOK CLUB

Join the adult book club from 10:30am to 11:30am in the Library committee room. Guest speaker will be Niki Malherbe, author of From Courtrooms to Cupcakes and Somewhere in-between.

Saturday 23 November 2019 DANCE CO OPEN-DAY

Come to Pinehurst Primary School from 1-5pm and see what modern, contemporary, hip hop and musical theatre dance is all about. Entrance is free. Contact Viv for the exact times of each grade to be demonstrated. Call 083 273 2159 or email: vivpullin1@gmail.com.

Wed 27 November 2019

12/05/2014 10:25 AM

PINELANDS CRAFT & GIFT FAIR

PINEWOOD RETIREMENT VILLAGE ANNUAL FÊTE

Sunday 1 December 2019

PINELANDS NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH ANNUAL FULL MOON WALK

I will offer you cash for any of these items:

Saturday 30 November 2019

Notice is hereby given of the annual General Meeting of the Pinelands Community Policing Forum to be held at 12 noon at Old Mutual Central Campus. Email linda@ctct.co.za. 2019/10/27 08:20

TREASURES

OPEN DAILY Weekdays 9am-7pm Sat & Sun 9am-5pm

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

PINELANDS STAMP CIRCLE

Meet in the Activities Hall, Pinelands Library at 7:15pm. This is the AGM and final meeting of the year, to be followed by a Quiz and the annual Prize-giving. The meeting will conclude with a Bourse. Call Martin 021 689 5050.

Wed 27 November 2019 STEEL MAGNOLIAS

Cancer support for ladies. Call 021 531 3963.

PINELANDS CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH CAROL SERVICE

Mon 2 - Sun 22 Dec 2019 PINELANDS CRAFT AND GIFT FAIR

For relaxed Christmas gift shopping visit Pinelands High School, Forest Drive. This will be a cashless market with credit/debit card facilities. Open on weekdays from 9am to 7pm; and weekends from 9am to 5pm for unique crafts, plants, home decor and refreshments. Call 082 661 6080.

Wed 4 December 2019

HAPPY HOUR @PINELANDS LIBRARY

Join the Pinelands Library social group for adults in the Library Hall at 10am for the Year End Event. All welcome. Call 021 530 7160.

Sunday 8 December 2019 PINELANDS CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH CAROLS BY SUNLIGHT

Pinelands Congregational Church warmly invites readers to the service at 9am followed by carol singing. Tea will be served afterwards. Services over the holiday period are at 9am on Christmas Day and every Sunday. E-mail pcchurch@cybersmart.co.za.

Fridays

STORY TIME @PINELANDS LIBRARY

Come to the Kid’s Zone from 1:30pm to 2pm. For children from 3 years. Call 021 530 7160.

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

Send content for the December 2019 edition by 22 Nov 2019. R130 ensures placement in the calendar.

November 2019 | the muse | 2

Always Choose the Busiest Agency Another R12m sold in October R FOALE S

R FOALE S

Pinelands *R2.585m

S BY OL U D S

TO T LE

Pinelands *R19 500 pm

Pinelands *R3.250m

Pinelands *R3.695m

Pinelands *R2.595m

TO T LE

BY LE T U S

Pinelands *R3.495m

S BY OL U D S

Pinelands *R3.195m

Pinelands *R3.995m

S BY OL U D S

R FOALE S

Pinelands *R4.295m

S BY OL U D S

R FOALE S

Pinelands *R4.195m

Pinelands *R4.495m

Pinelands *R5.650m

S BY OL U D S

R FOALE S

Pinelands *R15 000 pm

Pinelands R1.450m

BY LE T U S

R FO LE SA

Pinelands *R15 800 pm

Pinelands R9 800 pm

*Asking price

If you are thinking of selling or renting please contact

YOUR EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTY TEAM AT SEEFF PINELANDS

Pauline Hareb Sales Manager 082 490 0344

Pat Peat Sales 083 290 1331

Julie Meyer Sales 083 288 8481

Kathy Anderson Sales 083 987 7673

Robyn Meyer Rentals 078 359 0354

Joy Mitchell Sales 076 459 4312

Expertise Built Through Generations of Trust

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

SeeffPinelands

We’re Real about Real Estate

COMMUNITY NEWS

CANONS CREEK VALEDICTORY

PROPERTI ES PINELANDS, THORNTON MAITLAND, KENSINGTON

* asking prices

021 531 0773 www.jawitz.co.za

Central Square Pinelands

HASSLE FREE LETTING

We Offer: The right tenants Management | Tenant Placements Maintenance | Inspections Secure rental payments Chris Crous Sales & Principal 082 410 5559

Nabeela Parkar with the High School Principal Mr Mike van Haght. She is the recipient of the Principal’s Award.

Trish Rix Rentals 078 038 2337

CANNONS CREEK PREFECTS ANNOUNCED FOR 2020

From left: Sung Hong - Head Prefect, Principal Mr Mike van Haght, and Deputy Head Prefect Radiyah Mohamed.

November 2019 | the muse | 5

Roger Lawrence Sales & Owner 082 895 2719

SOLD

FOR SALE | SOLE MANDATE

PINELANDS | * R3 195 000

THORNTON | * R2 100 000

SOLD

FOR SALE | SOLE MANDATE

PINELANDS | * R2 250 000

THORNTON | * R2 195 000

UNDER OFFER

The Duxes of the school for 2019 Left: Nabeela Parkar (Dux of Sciences) Right: Zoe Coss (Dux of Humanities)

Marion O’Gorman Rentals 076 588 0422

THORNTON | * R1 795 000 UNDER OFFER

FOR SALE | JOINT MANDATE

THORNTON | * R2 195 000 FOR SALE

THORNTON | * R2 700 000

THORNTON | * R2 190 000

TO RENT

PINELANDS | * R16 500 pm

PINELANDS | * R8 800 pm

TO RENT

THORNTON | * R16 000 pm

PINELANDS | * R22 000 pm

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

HelenKeller S O C I E T Y E S T. 1 9 5 8 Retirement Centre and Low Vision Community Services OVER 60 YEARS IN AGED CARE A Happy Community Enjoy your retirement in a tranquil garden setting

A Caring Community Caring for retired and visually impaired persons

A Well-maintained Infrastructure With competent staff and management

Services Include: Independent living Assisted living Full nursing care Low vision services (by appointment)

LIFE CARE CONTRACTS The Society has opened its life care contracts waiting list. These contracts are available on a refundable basis with capital costs ranging from R510 000 to R960 000.

OPEN AFTERNOONS FOR VIEWING

3rd Tuesday each month at 3pm Excluding December Contact Matron Jackie

2A Links Drive, Pinelands, Cape Town, 7405 Private Bag X25, Howard Place, 7450

www.helenkeller.org.za

Phone 021 531 5311 during office hours E-mail management@helenkeller.org.za

COMMUNITY NEWS

THANK YOU!

FROM THE HELEN KELLER SOCIETY The Helen Keller Society held its annual fund-raising fête on 5th October, and made just over R100 000. Management wishes to thank the following people for their assistance and donations: WPC, SMA, Rotary, Spar, Merrypak, Sign Blast, Tony Wyllie, Camissa Coffee, Garden Cities, San Michele, including all the volunteers, community members and staff who participated. The Society is most grateful for their time and efforts.

PINELANDS NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH Pinelands Neighbourhood Watch (PNW) is pleased to congratulate former SAPS Captain van der Berg on his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel with effect from 1 October 2019. The position has been vacant since January 2019 with the transfer of Colonel Mouton to Sea Point. Lieutenant Colonel van der Berg has a long history with the Pinelands Police Station. He joined the force in Goodwood as a constable in January 1987 and was posted to Pinelands in June of that year where he rose through the ranks, promoted to Sergeant in 1989, Warrant Officer in 1991, and Captain in 1997. He has been acting Station Commander since Colonel Mouton’s transfer. He has one son aged 22. The Pinelands precinct serves the communities of Pinelands, Thornton, Ndabeni and Epping, and Lt Col vd Berg has always been known for his active partnerships with the communities that he

November 2019 | the muse | 7

serves. Asked by PNW whether there were any moments that stood out for him in his long relationship with Pinelands Neighbourhood Watch, he recounted an occasion in the early 2000’s when two women were murdered, leading to the mobilisation of hundreds of community members. He says: “I can recall a meeting that was held in the Pinelands High School Hall, which was filled to capacity and people had to stand outside. The community stood firm and assisted us in apprehending the perpetrators, a group of youths. Again in 2015, a spate of house robberies occurred. The involvement of the community was notable, and we managed to apprehend the suspect who was sentenced to 20 years.” These successes demonstrate the value of communities partnering with SAPS. PNW is delighted that the promotion has gone to someone who has shown his commitment, and dedicated his life, to the force and to the Pinelands precinct.

We wish him every success as he embarks on this new stage of his career and are confident that Pinelands Police Station will continue to serve and protect the Pinelands precinct under his leadership.

Creating and protecting your wealth

ABOUT OUR PRACTICE Crue Invest (Pty) Ltd was founded by husbandand-wife team, Sue and Craig Torr, in July 2004 as a niche, fee-based practice. Over the past 15 years, the company has grown organically and is now one of only 15 financial planning practices in South Africa to be accredited as an FPI Approved Professional Practice™. Providing advice on over R1 billion of invested assets, our team includes four Certified Financial Planning® professionals, two legal advisers and a team of administrative experts. All our financial planners are directors and shareholders in the business, meaning the company is 100% owner-managed. As a fiercely independent practice with no affiliation with any investment or insurance company, our aim is to develop life-long partnerships with clients to help them grow sustainable wealth and design legacies for their loved ones.

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

Adv. SUE TORR MANAGING DIRECTOR (BA, LLB)

CRAIG TORR, CFP® ERIC JORDAAN, CFP® DIRECTOR (B.COMM)

CINDY GORDON DEVON CARD, CFP®

DIRECTOR

(B.COMM, LLB, LLM, ADV. GRADUATE DIP. IN FINANCIAL PLANNING)

ERIN WHITE

DIRECTOR

DIRECTOR (B.COMM)

(ADV. CERTIFICATE IN FINANCIAL PLANNING)

GARETH COLLIER, CFP®

SHANEEZ BREDEKAMP

DOMINIQUE ROBERTS

(B.COMM)

DIRECTOR

(B.COMM)

OFFICE MANAGER

FINANCIAL PARA-PLANNER

SHANA PETERSEN

CHANTELLE POTGIETER

CORLENE BOTHA

HEALTHCARE CONSULTANT OFFICE HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATOR ADMINISTRATOR (NATIONAL CERTIFICATE IN WEALTH MANAGEMENT)

CRUE HOUSE 5 Long Place, Pinelands phone • 021 530 8500 email • info@crue.co.za web • www.crue.co.za Crue Invest (Pty) Ltd is an authorised financial services provider regulated by the Financial Services Board, FSP No. 19025

MONEY MATTERS

What to do with your bonus

We’re heading quickly towards what, for many of us, is the most expensive time of year. Year-end festivities, office parties, Christmas and New Year celebrations are followed rapidly by a new school and/ or university year, increased medical aid premiums and higher living costs. A yearend bonus can be a financial lifeline at this time of year. But before you spend it, consider the following options: • Pay off expensive debt Your bonus can be effectively employed to reduce your debt, particularly high interest debt such as retail and credit cards. Mounting unsecured debt, with compounding interest working against you, can keep you awake at night. Make a list of your debts, interest rates and repayments, and use some of your bonus to settle your debt. Paying off even one small debt can give you a massive psychological win going into 2020. • Invest your money If you haven’t started investing, use some of your bonus to set up an investment such as a unit trust portfolio. Even if you can only afford to invest the minimum lump sum contribution, taking the first step towards investing for the future can be life changing. With many unit trust platforms offering online investment capability, you can begin your investment journey from the comfort of your own home. • Boost your emergency fund There is nothing quite like a broken oven or sick dog to make you appreciate an emergency fund. The two most important features of an emergency fund are (a) that the money is easily accessible and (b) that the money is kept in a separate account. The nature of emergencies is that you cannot foresee them and, as such, the money is generally needed on the same day. Make sure that you have immediate access to the money as and when you need it. To avoid the temptation of dipping into your emergency fund unnecessarily, move it into a separate savings or money market account earmarked specifically for life’s unexpected events. • Maximise your RA contributions If you haven’t yet maximised your taxdeductible contributions towards your retirement annuity or retirement fund, bear in mind that you have until end-February

By Sue Torr Director Crue Invest 2020 to do this. Being able to effectively invest with pre-tax money is a significant benefit and it is worth channelling a portion of your bonus to boosting your retirement savings. If you earn an irregular income or are a commission-earner and are unsure how much of your bonus to invest in your RA, consider parking the money in your access bond until you are able to calculate your annual tax-deductible amount. • Prepare for school and university fees If you have school or university-going children, you may want to set money aside for the inevitable costs of school fees, new uniforms, stationery, books, computers and sports equipment. Most schools start mid-January 2020 which means you will need access to cash in early January to ensure that your child is adequately kitted out in time for school. Many university and college deposits become due in February, providing a little extra breathing room. Give careful thought to what expenses will be payable and by when to ensure the ‘back to school/varsity’ stage is financially manageable. • Invest in yourself If possible, use part of our bonus to invest in your own personal development. Enrol in a photographic course, learn how to be an online share trader, register for online studies, join a gym or running club, learn another language or sign up for a cooking class. Invest in your own growth and development while at the same time finding fulfilment in learning and discovering new things. • Take advantage of upfront discounts Many service providers offer discounted fees if accounts are paid upfront annually. From experience, many schools, day care centres, gyms and clubs provide significant discounts if fees are paid in January for the entire year. While it might seem a big ask at the time, it will definitely help alleviate financial pressure later in 2020. • Put money into your home loan Putting all, or part, of your bonus into your home loan will have the welcome effect of reducing the overall interest that you pay in the long term. Any extra money you inject into your home loan immediately reduces the capital balance and saves you interest. As an extra benefit, this can also protect you against future interest rate hikes. 

November 2019 | the muse | 8

GARDEN & HOME

the

muse

community magazine Pg 9

SPECIAL FEATURE

THE PLEASURES OF HOME OWNERSHIP Why do we choose to buy a house? We may initially decide to buy due to changes in circumstance, such as a new job, a new family or downsizing, but we choose a house on emotion… one that fits our personality and can become our home to fill with good times and memories. When we buy a place to call our own, we also buy into the upkeep and repairs. When the plumbing breaks, the roof leaks, fuses blow and the weather finds a new way to cause problems... that’s the downside. However, owning a home truly grounds you and lets you become part of a community. With rentals, neighbours come and go but homeowners tend to stay put longer and develop closer relationships. Your home sees you through many of life’s important milestones. These moments are what life is about. Memories from Christmas mornings, summer lunches in the garden and winter dinners shared with with friends and family will linger for years to come. Also, you can literally put down roots by tending and growing your garden! As a

Peninsula POOL RENOVATIONS & MAINTENANCE

Gunite and fibreglass pools

home owner you are able to create your own personal oasis, with trees that will grow up with you and your family. This little piece of land is yours to look after and improve. This security allows people to form deep attachments to their own patch of ground. It also gives the owner the freedom to make improvements and additions, both to keep the home in working order and to make it more comfortable and usable. The writer Samuel Johnson expressed it as “No money is better spent than what is laid out for domestic satisfaction”. Finally, we can all relate to Jerome K Jerome’s improbable desire: “I want a house that has got over all its troubles; I don’t want to spend the rest of my life bringing up a young and inexperienced house.”

Kitchen Cupboards Built-in Cupboards Bathroom Vanities Bookshelves & Desks Owner-built and supervised to ensure quality and satisfaction KEVIN FISHER 021 531 6107 info@kingfisherkitchens.co.za 083 295 0610 www.kingfisherkitchens.co.za

Tom Botha YOUR PINELANDS POOL EXPERT

Kingfisher-S6-101.indd 1

2019/1

021 532 2774 • 079 845 4445 www.poolrenovation.co.za

SAVE WATER & MONEY WITH OUR

WATER NEUTRAL

POOL SYSTEM New Generation Filter Media Closed Backwash System Rainwater Harvesting Pool Cover

SERVICE CONTRACTS • MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS SPECIALISTS IN • marble plaster, fibreglass & pool paving WE ALSO DO • gate motors • intercoms • electric fencing

Our economical backwash system stores backwash water in a tank. Sediment is removed & clean water is then returned to your pool, reducing water wastage and saving money.

ONLINE POOL SHOP

w w w. p o o l re n ovat i o n . co. z a

Weekly and fortnightly maintenance contracts at reasonable prices. Installation and repair of pumps,filters, chlorinators and solar heating panels. Leak repairs, sand changes and supply of pool chemicals, equipment and accessories.

Lionel Berman

021 558 7910 079 368 4493

info@mvpools.co.za

www.mvpools.co.za

November 2019 | the muse | 10

COMMUNITY NEWS Here’s a challenge: don’t just #Stay, #DoSomething! There is so much that needs doing in South Africa that it can feel overwhelming, but imagine how much we could get done if everyone does something, one thing, anything?! Encourage someone, get to know someone, support someone, start something… As a keen knitter I was inspired to start a community knitting initiative where women can be creative and productive, learn new skills and be affirmed. Some of these women are homeless and unemployed, some have only occasional or part-time employment, so every bit helps. There is no cost involved to the ladies who participate, but the squares they knit are sewn up into quilts and sold to provide them with an income. The price of a blanket covers the direct expenses of making it and pays R20 for each bit of work contributed to it (like knitting a square, sewing up a row of squares or crocheting a round of the edging). These bits of work typically take about an hour each. The aim is to pay R20 an hour (South Africa’s general minimum wage) while giving the women flexibility to decide how many hours they work. No profit is loaded into the price. The blankets are knitted with gorgeous elle Pure Gold wool, which is machine washable.

Pinelands A peaceful and quiet home in Olde Pinelands

AN UPLIFTMENT PROJECT KNITTING WITH LOVE By Antoinette Loggenberg

To find out more email: Antoinette at aloggenberg@telkomsa.net and have a look on Facebook @ImagineKnitHandcraftWithHeart. Images by Barbara Coaton.

R3 395 000 Erf size: 741m2

Centrally located in Pinelands this 3 bedroom home with stunning oregon pine floors throughout is a must see! Featuring a tiled kitchen + pantry, full family bathroom and full en-suite. Light and bright living spaces with fireplace and carpeted study. Patio area with built in braai and swimming pool, perfect for those Sunday afternoons! Double automatic garage, single carport and full alarm system. Dual living - Full family home

Erf size: 729m2

This beautifully secluded family home offers accommodation for the whole family – and grandma too! Main house featuring 3 bedrooms, family bathroom, lounge with working fireplace and L-shaped kitchen open plan to the dining room. Separate newly built 1-bedroom cottage with spacious en-suite and secure parking for 2 cars. Step inside to fully appreciate what this home has to offer!

Pinelands

R2 600 000

Pinelands Perfect paradise

R3 295 000 Erf size: 818m2

Picture perfect 3 bedroom family home in Pinelands! Featuring a spacious lounge with fireplace, separate dining room and sun room with wooden panels. Beautiful tiled kitchen, 2 bathrooms and separate study. Back garden with pool, gardeners cloak room and built in braai. Single garage, double carport and full security system! All that’s missing from the picture is your happy family…

November 2019 | the muse | 11

COMMUNITY NEWS

CELEBRATING HERITAGE DAY AT PINELANDS LIBRARY On the 23rd September Pinelands Library hosted a fun Heritage/Holiday Programme organised by assistant librarian Margaux Bergman. The hall was packed with 40 children and ten adults from the Tomorrow Trust, (www.tomorrow.org.za) as well as a few local children for a morning of story telling and games. The City’s Library and information services sponsored some whistles and pencils and Robin Stuart of Bumble books sponsored the Colouring in books. South African author Lucy Stuart Clark read from her book “Table Mountain Holiday”. Children also enjoyed engaging with teen author Amr Salie and hearing about his love for reading, writing and gaming. Once the story-telling session was done the children were filled with excitement as they were ready to play games. Some of the games included chess, scrabble, playing cards, Jenga, snakes and ladders. There were some hoola hoops, bottle tops, pick up sticks and Old Maid that brought up the nostalgia of the games we used to play. Everyone enjoyed themselves and the event closed at noon.

Lucy and Robin Stuart Clark reading to the children

This year Pinelands Library identified a Local Author collection, where readers are encouraged to explore books about South Africa. These books are easily identifiable by their South African flag spine label in both the children’s and adult sections of the library. By Margaux Bergman, assistant librarian.

An owner managed beauty escape

COMMUNITY NEWS

HAIR | NAILS | FACIALS | WAXING | GIFT VOUCHERS

PNPS CELEBRATES ITS 71ST BIRTHDAY!

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

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

021 531 5327 | www.urbantherapy.co.za

Sunrise Park, Prestige Drive, Ndabeni (next to Spar Tops)

Doctor

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At the Founder’s Day Assembly PNPS was thrilled to have the input of two past pupils, Barbara Hallock and Jennifer Hill,

2019/10/28 09:55

PINELANDS NORTH PRIMARY SCHOOL POETRY COMPETITION Celebrating the school’s birthday, the annual PNPS poetry competition has two categories; “poetry recitals” and “aspiring poets”. A winner is selected in each category for Grades 1 – 3, Grades 4 & 5, and Grades 6 & 7. In previous years, poems have been recited and written in English and Afrikaans. This year PNPS strived to be more inclusive, so they added poems in isiXhosa. Each child presented a poem to their class teacher, after which the top 5 were selected in each grade and given the chance to perform as a contestant in the competition. PNPS called upon outside judges - Chantal Petersen, a former teacher who is very familiar with the competition

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who attended PNPS in the early 1950s, and are also grandparents of pupils currently at PNPS. By Shereen Stadler. having run it herself when she was still teaching at PNPS; Mikhail Williams, singer, songwriter, actor, YouTuber and former PNPS pupil; and, Siv Ngesi, comedian, popular television presenter, prolific actor, MC, producer, a social media sensation and also a former PNPS pupil. For the Recital category, the winners were as follows: Nima Shanly in Grade 3 who recited ‘Where go the boats’ by Robert Louis Stevenson, Esam Mjenxane in Grade 4 who recited ‘Intaka Ezintlanu’ and Dylan Fransman in Grade 7 who recited ‘Still I rise’ by Maya Angelou. For the Aspiring Poets category, the winners were as follows: Nicolas Tooke in Grade 3 with his poem ‘Lost’, Kaylin Mathews in Grade 5 with her poem ‘If my homework could talk’ and Darakshaan Faki in Grade 6 with her poem, ‘Changing times’. Recitals Grades 4 & 5: Judges Chantal Petersen, Mikhail Williams, Siv Ngesi.

Front from left: Esam Mjenxane, Derek Meyer, Zoe Wolhuter, Kathryn Langdon.

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November 2019 | the muse | 12

PRINCIPAL‘S ARTICLE

EDUCATION FOR THE 21ST CENTURY ENQUIRY - BASED LEARNING By Tracy Wahl Principal, Cannons Creek Primary School

WHAT IS ENQUIRY BASED LEARNING?

Enquiry-based learning is an integrated cross-curricular approach facilitated by the class teacher. The implementation generates questions which cultivate curiosity and drive enquiry. It is a form of active learning that starts by posing questions, problems or scenarios. The children are actively involved in research and collaboration in order to attempt to solve the questions posed. The teacher facilitates learning, continually asking questions to make children think rather than giving them the answers.

THE BIG QUESTION

It all starts with the curriculum and skills required for the term, finding common threads and links between ‘subjects’. One overriding open ended question is posed for the term. The tasks and assignments are built around the question in an attempt to motivate children to critically analyse, and then to reflect on their findings.

INTEGRATING SUBJECTS

Enquiry-Based Learning is not entirely new, as Outcomes-Based Learning and Project-Based Learning were around when I first started teaching. However, the idea of integrating subjects completely in order for children to answer one big overriding question is taking off around the world. We have broken down the silos of individual subjects and enhanced learning in a huge way.

CHILDREN AND TEACHERS ENTHUSIASM

We are still guided by the curriculum, but the enrichment comes in the delivery and discovery of knowledge. The enthusiasm for learning has been overwhelming and the teachers have rediscovered their passion

November 2019 | the muse | 13

Each alien has a QR code linked to a video of the child explaining their alien. for teaching. Our children are developing critical thinking skills through research and collaboration. They are encouraged to reflect on their task and progress is made individually and as a group.

MOVING AWAY FROM “TEACHING TO TEST”

As a school we had found that the curriculum encourages “teaching to test” and being results driven. Too much emphasis is put on the marks achieved and not enough emphasis on the journey of learning. Change was necessary. Somehow we needed to bring the fun back into teaching and make learning more interactive and exciting for our pupils. At the start of 2019 we embarked on a learning journey which involved hours of workshops. The curriculum was stripped down to the most important concepts and skills to be taught in each grade. It was a daunting task at first and one we hadn’t realised was going to involve so much work - all for one term’s work.

PARENTS EXCITED BY NEW CONCEPT

As the year progressed and ideas unfolded, the teachers became so excited about this new way of teaching. We launched this innovative programme to our parent body in June, in preparation for the third term not giving away any of the anticipated ideas to the children. We were definitely met with

a little apprehension, but most parents were very excited about our new initiative.

GREATER RETENTION OF KNOWLEDGE

Each grade held a Showcase evening at the end of the term of all their tasks and assignments. It was amazing to see how much more was covered than what was expected and more importantly, the assessments showed a much deeper retention of knowledge because the learning was hands-on. The integration of technology is important in enquiry-based learning and a variety of programmes were used by each grade in their Showcases. Each grade incorporated different means of technology to present various aspects of their curriculum. In the image above the “See-saw” approach was used which gives the children a way to demonstrate their understanding to their teachers, fellow learners and parents. The QR code is linked to a video where the child gives an oral explanation of their alien.

PILOT TERM A GREAT SUCCESS

After initially thinking we would only embark on this project for two terms a year, our teachers have decided that ‘There is no going back!’ I would like to encourage all schools to embrace this approach to teaching and learning. 

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PINELANDERS

Charles Witbooi Hulisani Takalani

Programme and Advocacy Manager THE GREAT NEED FOR HOUSING IN SA

It is an undisputed fact that South Africa needs change, and one of the biggest challenges is to overcome the lack of adequate housing and conquer the cycle of poverty which is invariably linked to the lack of this basic human right. Habitat for Humanity is an international organisation working tirelessly to address the need for affordable housing, and the national South African Habitat for Humanity offices are based in Logan Way in Pinelands. Two Pinelanders Charles Witbooi and Hulisani Takalani spoke to the Muse about the work they are doing to make a difference to South African Society with the volunteer builds co-ordinated by Habitat for Humanity SA, and accompanied by skills development for future employment.

IDENTIFY, BUILD, DEVELOP SKILLS

Hulisani explains how Habitat for Humanity SA works in partnership with local, provincial and National Government to identify and prioritise areas where housing, unemployment and lack of skills development require critical attention. Funding is sourced from international donors as well as local corporate companies, schools, universities and other interested organisations. The wider community is then encouraged to give of their time and to become involved in the organised builds which will provide brick and mortar housing to those, who in some cases, have

www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za

Community Development Practitioner

waited more than 60 years for a decent house to call their home.

HOUSE, HOME, WORK OPPORTUNITIES

Building projects in the Western Cape have been implemented in Mfuleni, Pelican Park, Wallacedene and Masiphumelele. The build process does not stop there though. Hulisani as the Community Development Practitioner organises workshops for the new home owners teaching them about their rights and responsibilities of owning a house, including maintenance, budgeting and planning for the future. There are skills workshops teaching DIY and many other opportunities to learn a skill that would lead to self-reliance and an improved livelihood - something quite impossible when one doesn’t have a roof over one’s head.

VOLUNTEERS COME FROM ALL WALKS

Volunteers on a build can come from many walks of life and offer skills that may not only be the physical hard slog of lifting bricks. Any building project needs a project manager, a professional builder, a health and safety officer - and the community where the build takes place also provides labour and skills for the build, learning as they go along and obtaining experience that along with business training can result in work opportunities for years to come.

HULISANI TAKALANI

Hulisani moved to Pinelands just over a year ago from Pretoria. He followed his passion by working with Habitat for Humanity SA

and helping communities to find a way to lift themselves out of poverty. He enjoys the close proximity that Pinelands offers to many facilities and says that at the moment he is still “sightseeing” in Pinelands, a community that he finds quiet and friendly.

CHARLES WITBOOI

Charles Witbooi has lived in Pinelands since 2004 - when he explored the suburb as a Garden City choice for himself and his wife. His daughter attends Pinehurst Primary. He enjoys running along the canal with his dog and appreciates the community involvement of neighbours. Starting at Habitat for Humanity SA earlier this year, Charles feels very happy to have left the corporate world to join a Christian values-based organisation. He first heard about Habitat for Humanity SA when he volunteered to be part of the build at Mfuleni, being responsible for coordinating volunteers. Now he works full time for Habitat for Humanity SA as the Programme and Advocacy Manager. He confirms that a build does not only need “muscle” volunteers for a build, but any professional service that would have to be paid for can be volunteered and would help towards building a better nation!

BUILDS PLANNED FOR 2020

Habitat for Humanity SA will be hosting four team builds across Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban in 2020. In a combined vision of a South Africa

November 2019 | the muse | 14

PINELANDERS (CONTINUED)

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where everyone has a decent place to live, sectors will come together to build in April (Desmond Tutu Blessed Easter Build), July (Nelson Mandela Day Build), August (Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Build) and October (World Habitat Day Build) where every year, Habitat for Humanity â&#x20AC;&#x153;reminds the world of its collective responsibility for the future of the human habitatâ&#x20AC;? says Patrick Kulati, Chief Executive Officer, Habitat for Humanity South Africa.

BUILDING SHELTER BRINGS HOPE

Habitat for Humanity SA appeals to all who are able to spend time on a build to join them on site and give hope to those who struggle without decent homes. Book your team for their 2020 builds and join the effort to build homes and build hope. For further information see habitat.org.za. Call 021 657 5640.

OUT AND ABOUT After visiting the West Coast Fossil Park, the mummified â&#x20AC;&#x153;turned to rockâ&#x20AC;? fossilised bones of animals that roamed the plains of the West Coast have taken on a new fascination for me. My new favourite word is Sivathere. This the name of a long extinct type of short necked, long horned giraffe whose bones were found at the dig site that is open for the public to see. The West Coast Fossil Park is a magnificent illustration of the knowledge that can be gained from examining our past - millions of years ago and seeing how dramatically the landscape has changed over time. The site was discovered when an open cast mine digging out phosphate came upon layers of fossilised bones. It appears that a catastrophic flood washed the remains of the animals downstream to this area where they were buried and have remained for millennia. Yes, can you believe that the Berg River once used to run through this area creating a large estuary flowing into the sea? It takes about an hour and a half to reach the West Coast Fossil Park, but it is well worth the drive. The entrance fee (R40 for adults; R20 for children with pensioner & student concessions), includes entry to the three story museum where the â&#x20AC;&#x153;undergroundâ&#x20AC;? exhibit is extremely well

The â&#x20AC;&#x153;undergroundâ&#x20AC;? exhibition room

November 2019 | the muse | 15

West Coast Fossil Park

The Great Hall of the Exhibition Centre with wood carved depictions of the Sivathere. done. I discovered here that those pesky earwigs that I chase out of the kitchen have been around for 208 million years! In the museum is a clever video and sound exhibit of nocturnal creatures of the area. For a bit of refreshment a pleasant restaurant serves light meals and snacks - we enjoyed a good piece of carrot cake, sitting at the outside tables overlooking the vast dip in the land where the mine

Tour to the dig site

used to be and which now houses the fossil dig site. It costs more to visit the dig site with a tour guide (R100 per adult; R50 for children - this includes the entry fee). From Cape Town take the R27 towards Velddrif. Turn right at the Engen one stop into Langebaanweg. At the t-junction turn left onto the R45 and follow the signs. See www.fossilpark.org.za. Call 022 766 1606 for opening hours.

Fossilised bones at the dig site

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COMMUNITY NEWS

MEET THE SUPERHEROES OF PINELANDS LIBRARY NEW YEAR’S EVE

CELEBRATION from 7:30 pm at PINELANDS BOWLING CLUB St Stephens Road Pinelands

Pinelands Library Staff: left to right: Alfred Gcolotela, Margaux Bergman, Phumeza Dass, Adelia Delmore, Brenda Lufele, Ashraf Allie, Valencia Sinclair, Buyiselwa Jali, Deborah-Jane Vos, Verna Damons, Lauren Proctor, Sobantu Zingitwa, Marlene Davids, Paul Simon Fumile, Nigel Klaase. Three things one cannot do without in this world - understanding before judgement; empathy with others and a good book that brings forth edification - a boisterous laughter, tears of responsiveness and when it is all over, a feeling of...got to get myself another one. Where can one find such a treasure trove in society today where all are greeted with a “good morning, nice to see you,” and where patrons eventually become family? Pinelands Library situated at Howard Centre in Pinelands has stood the test of time for many generations from all walks of life. There is access to the world wide web, story telling for the young, research about any subject - the list is

endless and cared for by the dedication of a special breed of people - the Superheroes of Pinelands Library. They will probably never win the Nobel Prize for literature but from the library aides to the volunteers and the army of Librarians and their Peers who serve so tirelessly - we salute you. Pinelands Library is indeed an oasis and trustworthy friend for many. So whenever you feel sad or lonely and family is far away, remember there is a place in our community where there is hope and a smile in those things we call books. So come in, put your feet up and hear the silent voices of those who have gone before you. Pinelands Library is HOME. By Verna Damons.

Music • Cash Bar • Snacks Included Entry R120 Tickets available in advance at the bar Enquiries: 073 449 3963 GO LOCAL

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DANCE FOR A CHANGE

BALLET STUDIO

The premier ballet studio in Pinelands, teaching classical ballet to young dancers of all ages for the past ten years BALLET FOR BEGINNERS TO ADVANCED STUDENTS INCLUDING OPEN ADULT CLASSES AND PRIVATE COACHING Venues: Pinehurst Primary School, Pinelands Presbyterian Church, St. Andrew’s Church Hall REGISTRATION FOR 2020 NOW OPEN

Sannette van der Mescht

B.A.(Hons) HDE, Associate ISTD Cecchetti

083 451 2927 | tess2797@icloud.com balletinpinelands.wixsite.com/ballet-in-pinelands

Achieving success as a young ballet dancer comes with long hours and commitment. Training 5-6 days a week at Dance for a Change Ballet Studio paid off for three Grace Primary students Ruth van der Vinne, Bethany Reynders and Molly de Witt who achieved excellence at the Cape Town Eisteddfod. Each girl achieved a Gold Diploma for every one of their solo and group entries, and they won the Best U12 Novice Classical Trio. 16:34 Bethany Reynders and Molly de Witt both won their Own Choice Classical and Demi-character sections in their age groups (ages 11 and 12). The girls danced in the studio’s Group dances, which were awarded Winner of the 13 and over, All Ages Ballet Group, as well as the Cape Town Eisteddfod Award for the Best Senior Ballet Group. Ruth van der Vinne and Bethany Reynders achieved Distinctions in their Grade 5 Cecchetti examinations and participated in the prestigious Mabel Ryan Awards. Working in association with the Barbara Lewis School of Ballet and Kerryn Howard’s Ballet Bodies, the girls are aiming for the South African International Ballet Competition in June 2020.

Image by Fredah van der Vinne

DANCERS EXCEL AT THE CAPE TOWN EISTEDDFOD

The studio offers contemporary training to ballet students so the girls won the best U12 Modern Novice Duet. Molly de Witt and senior dancer, Kara Hugo attained Gold Diplomas for their contemporary solos. Working with renowned dancer/ choreographers such as Adele Blank, Russel Cummings, Ciara Baldwin and Nathan Bartman adds to the excellence in their training. By Sannette van der Mescht. Above: Ruth and Bethany at the Dancers Love Dogs charity photo shoot before their performance at the Artscape Opera House.

November 2019 | the muse | 16

TRAVELLERS

Jabalpur India

By Najmah Mallick

In September I was honoured to be invited to Jabalpur as a speaker to the Madhya Pradesh Association of Women Entrepreneurs (MAWE) event called SWEEP – Sustainable growth of Women Entrepreneurs through Export Promotion. Attendees came from the Maldives, Australia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Ethiopia, as well as some government ministers from Madhya Pradesh. The Maldives had the largest contingent of businesswomen including their Hon. Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services. The topics focussed mainly on levelling the playing field for womenowned businesses, assisting start-ups to overcome barriers to market entry, as well as the role of women entrepreneur associations in supporting businesswomen.

A serene boat trip on the Narmada river in central India near the city of Jabalpur in the state of Madhya Pradesh gives a beautiful view of the 8km gorge created through the soft marble cliffs. The popular tourist destination is known as Marble Rocks. After the inspiring conference the journey home was the opposite of serene, but rather a lesson in “making a plan.”

pay for a meal and accommodation for the night. Since Jabalpur airport has no sound system, the only English speaking airport official had to speak at the top of his voice to make announcements.

CATCHING A TRAIN TO BHOPAL

An Indian gentleman Anurag and a lady Aarti, also conference attendees, were booked on the same flight to New Delhi and became our “interpreters” at the airport. They were both extremely helpful. Anurag’s travel agent suggested we take an overnight train to Bhopal, and catch a flight from there to New Delhi the next morning. So, in the pouring rain and the darkness of night, Anurag, Ayanthi, Manoji (2 ladies from Sri Lanka who also attended the

SUCCESSFUL CONFERENCE

Some amazing work of designers from India, Kolkata as well as the Maldives were show-cased at a fashion show, along with the body-painting work of India’s top body-painter, who is among the top 5 body painters of the world! MAWE President Archana Bhatnagar highlighted the struggles of patients living with Thalassaemia, a rare blood disorder. The MAWE ladies inspired everyone with their passion and drive to succeed, not only in their own businesses, but in their desire to see fellow businesswomen enjoy success too.

FLIGHT HOME IS CANCELLED!

On the day of our departure, it rained heavily throughout the day, leading to my flight for New Delhi being cancelled. It came as a shock that Air India would refund the cost of the flight, but not assist with arrangements for another flight, nor

November 2019 | the muse | 17

conference) and I, headed for the train station via taxi. To calm our nerves while the taxi driver negotiated the traffic and animals on the road through the rain, Anurag played Abba’s “Dancing Queen” for us to sing along to! We reached the station and it looked as it does in the movies – with people (and dogs!) sleeping all over the floor. “Not to worry”, said Anurag,

“my travel agent has booked a first class, 4-sleeper berth for us”. It was clean and the train staff made our beds with clean white sheets, pillows and blankets, and we each received a white hand towel. Not at all bad! The bathroom however, was definitely NOT first class!

MISSING THE BHOPAL STOP!

We eventually fell asleep after 2am. I was awoken at 6am by Ayanthi who had spoken to the conductor on the way to the bathroom, “Ma’am, are you not going to Bhopal, because we’ve passed Bhopal Station about 10km ago?” Oh no, what now?

TUK-TUK TO THE AIRPORT

Anurag arranged with the conductor that while the next station was not a scheduled stop, he would stop the train for us, so that we could make our way to Bhopal airport. We needed to be ready with our luggage and jump very quickly when the train stopped. The station was really small. It was 6:30am, it was still raining, and there were no taxis to take us to the airport. The only option was to go via tuk-tuks, which do not offer complete cover. The potholes were all filled with water and the drivers really had to negotiate the traffic (and cows!) very carefully. It was scary, to say the least!!

ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL

Eventually, we arrived at Bhopal airport, and caught a flight to New Delhi. I cannot describe the feeling when we landed in New Delhi, and I was able to make my way to Cape Town, albeit via Istanbul! I thank the Almighty that this all ended well, but it was an adventure that will stay with me for a very long time! 

COMMUNITY NEWS

COLOURFUL PINEHURST PRIMARY GREEN RUN

A balmy Friday evening in October saw the 8th running of the Pinehurst Primary Green Run. There was much excitement as over 600 runners lined up for the start of the 2.5km and 5km races. After a good dousing of colour the runners headed out onto the track around the Elsieskraal Canal. Mr Nambassi was the first Pinehurst teacher

to cross the 5km finish line (although he may have been the only teacher running the 5kms). After the races the runners were able to enjoy all the tasty treats that were on offer and browse the colourful stalls. Much fun was had by all the participants and the Pinehurst PTA would like to thank all the children, moms and dads, grandparents, teachers and the Pinelands community who supported the event and made it such a success. A big thank you to Steers, Pinelands Spar and Smuuthies for generously donating the lucky draw prizes. A big thank you also to Nigel Schuller of RSA Litho who sponsored the printing of the posters, Rory Mitchell of GVC Insurance Consultants who sponsored the insurance for the event and Gary Spaans who was our MC on the night. We look forward to the 9th Green Run in 2020! By Samantha Carmichael (PTA Chairperson).