the Muse - Aug 2021 by the Muse magazine by Pinelands Directory

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PINELANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE issue

DATE Nina CARAMELS Timm

LOCAL Tulbagh TRAVEL Farmstay

120 | Aug 2021

PINELANDER Fortnite MARK JACOBS Gamer

HelenKeller S O C I E T Y E S T. 1 9 5 8 Retirement Estate 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

Comprehensive Services Include: Independent living & Assisted living Full nursing care OT and hard of hearing services for residents Low vision community services (by appointment) The Society offers a variety of accommodation, including beautiful cottages & en-suite rooms, some of which are available on a refundable life care contract with capital costs ranging from R530 000 to R1 000 000.

AVAILABILITY 3 Cottages, including rooms in Assisted Living and Care Centre Viewing my appointment only

Call Matron Jackie on 021 531 5311 for any accommodation enquiries

www.helenkeller.org.za

ACCOMMODATION SPECIAL

The first month’s rent is free for new applicants for a limited period only. 2A Links Drive, Pinelands, Cape Town, 7405 Private Bag X25, Howard Place, 7450 Phone 021 531 5311 during office hours E-mail management@helenkeller.org.za

WELCOME About the cover: "Armageddon is not around the corner. This is only what the people of violence want us to believe. The complexity and diversity of the world is the hope for the future." Michael Palin

WHAT A MONTH !

Images by Ann Koeslag

It has certainly been a nerve-wracking month... The on/off arrest of a former president, the return of a stricter lockdown due to the more virulent Delta strain, the rash of looting and destruction, the local taxi industry infighting... Thankfully, by the time you read this, we will probably be coming down the other side of the latest COVID peak and looking forward to some relaxing of restrictions and the chance to replenish "essential" supplies again. We can also be thankful that the Cape has so far been spared the worst of the unrest. I do hope that the economic hangover and real harm done to the livelihoods of good families and citizens of all walks of life will be evident enough for the perpetrators to question any repeat of their actions. I had a disappointing phone call last week from a local resident, complaining about the lack of variety and diversity in the Muse magazine. As there are only two of us doing the whole production of the magazine, part time, we do not have the resources to send out reporters to look for content. We rely on local residents to tell us about any interesting people or stories for us to follow up on. We welcome stories about anybody with connections to Pinelands or Thornton. We can only include articles about people if we are told about them. Please do let us know about anyone you think we should include a story about in the Muse magazine.... We really do need and welcome your suggestions. One thing we cannot accommodate though are requests to feature and promote people's businesses for free. There are of course times when a person's business may be mentioned in the course of an article about them, but it is not intended to promote their business as it is paid advertising that enables us to produce, print and distribute the Muse magazine as a free publication for the community. Thank you to the many individuals, clubs, societies, schools and regular contributors who have sent us tip-offs or full write-ups over the years. It is your help that enables us to produce a magazine that locals appreciate and want to read. I hope you enjoy this edition.

Max Schutte Editor and Advertising

Writer and Photographer

Max Schutte

Glynnis Schutte

CONTACT THE MUSE MAGAZINE c 073 644 1288 e muse@pinelandsdirectory.co.za

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. NEXT EDITION DEADLINES 121 • September 2021 Bookings: 16 Aug Published: 31 Aug 2021 Content: 20 Aug

© 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.

August 2021 | the muse | 1

Black Sparrowhawk The largest accipiter in the region. An accipiter is a hawk of a group distinguished by short, broad wings and relatively long legs, adapted for fast flight in wooded country. Not often seen in Pinelands but their presence may be noticed by a pile of dove feathers on your lawn and possibly a wing! The male is much smaller than the female. The back is always black but the front may vary from white to dark with only a white throat patch. They nest in tall trees but forage far from home, hence their presence in the suburbs. They feed mainly on birds. Featured bird text by: John McFarlane, local 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.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Tony’s

the lockdown restrictions at the time. Call Santa at 021 531 2600 for details.

There are no stamp circle meetings due to the Covid restrictions. For information contact: Martin at 021 689 5050.

Wednesdays 2021

Thursday 26 August 2021

Due to COVID restrictions the Pageturners bookclub which is normally held between 10am and 11am on Wednesdays has been suspended. For more information contact Verna Putsoane at: Verna.Putsoane@capetown.gov.za

PINELANDS STAMP CIRCLE

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

res-M5-059.indd 1

Doctor

MBChB , Dip in Child Health (UCT)

021 531 4111 076 588 6603

West End Medical Suite, HOURS Mutualpark, Pinelands Mon - Fri 09:00 - 15:00 reception@drwigens.co.za appointments@drwigens.co.za

WESTERN CAPE BLOOD SERVICE

WCBS is taking extra precautions at clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please donate blood at the St Stephens Church Main Hall, Central Square, Pinelands from 1:30pm to 7:15pm. All blood donors are required to wear a face-mask. Please confirm donation times at 021 507 6300.

Wed 1 September 2021

HAPPY HOUR @ PINELANDS LIBRARY

The Happy Hour meetings hope to recommence at the Activity Hall between 10am and 11am, but depend entirely on

20/01/2016 10:25 PM

Dr Louise Wigens Phone for an appointment

Wednesday 25 Aug 2021

www.westendmedicalsuite.co.za

PINELANDS LIBRARY PAGETURNERS BOOKCLUB

Saturdays 2021

KAPS CHARITY TABLES

Gloria will be running two charity tables every Saturday at the Pop-up-Nursery at Pinelands Club from 9am to 1pm, weather and COVID restrictions permitting. There will be lovely items for sale and a box for donations of dog/cat food which will be sent to KAPS in Barrydale.

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! email muse@pinelandsdirectory.co.za. Send content for the September 2021 edition by 20 August 2021. R140 ensures placement in the calendar.

PINELANDS LIBRARY We are here to serve the community and residents of Pinelands. Under Adjusted Alert Level 4 Lockdown, and until further notice, we are offering a drop and collect service. This allows: • 20 Items per library card which can include 5 audio-visual items • Borrowing period: 30 days. • One renewal allowed of 30 days. • Items can be requested via email, telephone or at our entrance. • Allow for collection the day after the request is made. • Because we know some of our seniors’ outside access is limited, we will allow requests and same day collection at our entrance. You can search for available material or renew your books on our Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) opac.capetown.gov.za User Name: Library card barcode, PIN: Last 6 digits of barcode PHONE: 021 530 7160

pinelands.library@capetown.gov.za

www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za

OPENING HOURS Mon - Fri 09:00 - 16:00 Saturday 09:00 -12:00 @pinelandslibrary Why not like our Facebook page and be informed instantly of any news at our library

August 2021 | the muse | 2

August 2021 | the muse | 3

COMMUNITY NEWS

CANNONS CREEK SUPPORTS THE "CHANGE FOR CHANGE" PROJECT BY COLLECTING FOR THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR THE DEAF (NID) Cannons Creek Primary School recently handed over their Change for Change money boxes totalling R8394.55, to the National Institute for the Deaf (NID). The pupils have been collecting loose change during Term 2, as part of an Outreach initiative, to donate to this worthy NPC (Non-Profit Company) who need to generate 90% of their budget. The funds from the Change for Change project will be primarily used for operational costs relating to the care of their elderly and multiple-disabled Deaf beneficiaries. The NID was started in 1881, and is the foremost organisation in South Africa providing allinclusive services to the Deaf and persons with hearing loss in South Africa and Africa.

GREEFF

DIE PLEIN R3 850 000 Web Ref No 4752881 Beds 4 • Baths 2.5 • Receptions 2

250 000 PINE ACRESR2 STREET R2 250 000 Web Ref No 4555177 Beds 2 • Bath 1 • Receptions 2 • Garage 1

Above: Cannons Creek pupils hand over their donation to the National Institute for the Deaf (NID . From Left: Kiara Puccini (Grade 5), Alaya Kaplen (Grade 6), Zoe Inegbese (Grade 6), and Ms Irene de Bod (NID Chief Development Officer). The school's message was:

"Let's open our hearts and do our part; show that we care by being aware; the Deaf can not hear; we can still bring them cheer; we can relate when we donate." Greeff Properties greeffproperties

AFFILIATE

OF THE YEAR

2018

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CAMP ROAD R3 650 000 Web Ref No 4753018 Beds 4 • Baths 1.5 • Receptions 2 • Garage 1

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MOUNTBATTEN AVENUE R3 695 000 Web Ref No 4746697 Beds 3 • Baths 1.5 • Receptions 2 • Garages 2

ANFIELD VILLAGE R1 095 000 Web Ref No 4813177 Beds 2 • Bath 1 • Reception 1

Michael Maingard - 082 497 7888 - michael@greeff.co.za

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Daniel Etherington - 072 709 0057 - daniel@greeff.co.za Michael Steenkamp - 074 444 7022 - msteenkamp@greeff.co.za

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EDUCATION

NOURISHING THE SOUL THROUGH EDUCATION A fresh loaf of bread brings to mind the idea of physical nourishment. After all, bread has been a staple food for human beings throughout much of history. Yet today, just buying bread confronts us with a myriad of choices - should we get gluten free; rye; ciabatta; cornbread; pita; sourdough or a simple brown loaf? We ask ourselves: “what is healthier?”; “which one will stave off hunger for longer?”; “is it not better to make my own?” When we expand this idea to the nourishment of our children’s souls, the stakes become even higher. What are the core ingredients required to stimulate the imagination, character, thought processes, desires and mental appetites of our children? How can the educational process stimulate and nourish the soul as well as equip children with skills and knowledge? This article aims to highlight two essentials: The Importance of Story and Holding onto Beauty.

VIRTUAL OPEN EVENING Thursday 9 September 7:30-8:45pm We are a thriving, competitively priced independent school in Pinelands with small classes using a rich and stimulating curriculum, striving to serve the child as a whole person.

8 Protea Close Pinelands 021 532 1816

admin@graceprimary.org

www.graceprimary.org

Philosophy Director at Grace Primary School

THE IMPORTANCE OF STORY

Stories are unique to human beings and since ancient times have been the means by which important facts were stored and remembered. Narrative accounts nourish the soul because they awaken new perceptions and provoke a desire to grow. Studies have shown that our minds treat stories differently than other types of material. People find stories interesting, easy to understand, and easy to remember and therefore stories make it possible for teachers and parents to introduce new material in a way that is both nonthreatening and interesting. However, in our world today, while knowledge is plentiful and at our fingertips, the integration of knowledge into meaningful narrative is gradually being lost. Many children are adopting a learning style called “grazing” in which they read headlines, glance at images and move on. They are good at skimming for bits of knowledge, but not as good at paying close attention to whole narrative accounts. In this modern context, it is increasingly important for us to allow the nourishing quality of stories to do their work. Imagination and reason working together bring creativity, energy and meaning to mental growth. In the school setting, we should be helping children build a timeline or narrative in which to place different aspects of their learning. We should also be helping them to become more accustomed to learning from whole books and engage with sustained arguments as opposed to fragments of knowledge. Our children need the understanding of the whole to weigh the important from the trivial; or the admirable from the worthless. They also need the power of attention to engage meaningfully as listeners and contributors in a complex world.

HOLDING ONTO BEAUTY

If you would like to hear more about the ‘living education’ offered by Grace Primary, please contact the school to receive a Zoom link for this virtual event.

By Judy McComb

Beauty is a term often misunderstood. We think of it as a subjective description of the aesthetically pleasing or of something nice but non-essential. How can beauty nourish the souls of our children and why discuss it in the context of education? Throughout the ages, beauty was viewed by philosophers as one of the three great transcendentals, along with truth and goodness. Beauty was conceived as having both an objective and subjective reality

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whether in art, music, poetry, literature or drama. The modern era has not always prized beauty, prioritizing results and productivity instead. In the educational sphere uniformity, constant measurement and an overly analytical focus have too often taken centre stage. Yet, the appreciation of beauty is a unique gift to us as human beings and a “muscle” that should be exercised. Children need more opportunities to appreciate that which is beautiful - not so much by dissecting and analysing great poetry or music or art, but by enabling them to enjoy beautiful words or images or sounds and to form their own internal connections. Beauty enlarges our cultural literacy and provides an oasis that builds resilience against the ugliness that is part and parcel of our world. As Alexander Solzhenitsyn wrote in his Nobel prize speech, “Not everything has a name. Some things lead us into the realm beyond words … It is like that small mirror in the fairy tales - you glance in it and what you see is not yourself; for an instant you glimpse the Inaccessible, where no horse or magic carpet can take you. And the soul cries out for it.”

CONCLUSION

It is our task as educators to constantly reassess our goals. We might be inspired by the belief that knowledge and skills lead to access, success and power in life for our students. However, in this view education is presented as a means rather than an end, with goals far too narrow and confined. Education is so much broader - it is about growing healthy-minded people who have taken the time to find personal delight and joy in living and who have listened and read broadly enough to develop the wisdom and discernment necessary to take us forward in our human story. 

August 2021 | the muse | 6

Creating and protecting your wealth

RETIREMENT By Sue Torr Director Crue Invest

IS LESS STRESSFUL WHEN YOU HAVE A PLAN

Succession: Transferring your wealth to the next generation

In this article, we explore the various mechanisms available to transfer assets from one generation to the next. A last will and testament Through the creation of a valid Will, you are able to appoint a trusted executor to administer your estate, set up a testamentary trust to house assets intended for your minor beneficiaries or special needs children, create special bequests, and nominate heirs to your estate. The structuring of your Will can also be used to reduce estate duty and to ensure that there is sufficient liquidity to cover your estate costs. Remember, assets held in civil law jurisdictions such as France, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands and Mauritius, may be subject to mandatory succession rights, otherwise known as ‘forced heirship’, which place a restriction on how your wealth can be distributed – generally with a view to protecting the spouse and children of a testator. Trust Trusts make excellent estate planning vehicles and are used regularly to house, protect, and ensure the succession of assets to the next generation. Whether to use an inter vivos or testamentary trust to give effect to your succession plan depends on a number of factors including the nature of the asset, the age of the intended beneficiaries, and the intention for which you envisage the asset being used. Special trusts, which can be set up as testamentary or inter vivos trusts, are worth mentioning in circumstances where an estate planner has a special needs child or a spouse who has been diagnosed with dementia, especially when it comes to safeguarding assets and ensuring that those beneficiaries are not taken advantage of. Donations It is important to keep in mind that SARS makes provision for a Donations Tax threshold of R100 000 below which no Donations Tax is payable. Thereafter, tax is calculated at a flat rate of 20% on the value of the donation up to R30 million, and at a rate of 25% on donations over and above R30 million. Donations between spouses are not subject to tax, as are bona fide contributions made towards the maintenance of a person, and donations

August 2021 | the muse | 7

towards any sphere of government or registered political party. Business assurance If you have a large portion of your accumulated wealth invested in your business, then it is important to consider what will happen to your business interests in the event of your death. If correctly structured and supported by a business assurance agreement, the proceeds of a business assurance policy will not attract estate duty in the deceased’s estate and, having said that, it is always advisable to have one’s business assurance structured by an expert in this field. Beneficiary nominations If you wish to provide capital to your spouse and/or children in the event of your death, taking out life cover is an effective method of achieving this. Remember, however, that the proceeds of a life policy will be subject to estate duty which must be taken into account when determining the correct quantum of cover you require. On the other hand, beneficiary nomination on a living annuity allows you to ensure the succession of invested capital to your spouse or child, with the added benefit that the value of the living annuity does not form part of the estate when it comes to calculating estate duty. Nominating your loved ones as beneficiaries to your living annuity also gives them almost immediate access to capital without it having to go through the estate administration process and possible delays. Retirement funds From an estate planning perspective, retirement annuities are advantageous in that they are tax-efficient both during your lifetime and on your death. That said, the impact of Section 37C of the Pension Funds Act must be understood. In the event of your death, it is the retirement fund trustees who are responsible for determining how your retirement funds will be distributed after a process of establishing who your financial dependants are. Based on their investigations and findings, the retirement fund trustees will make a determination and allocation in respect of the fund distributions, and this may not necessarily be in line with your intentions. To see the unabridged version of this article go to www.crue.co.za. 

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Retirement planning is a specialist area of expertise. At Crue Invest, we take a multi-disciplinary approach to planning which includes investment, tax and estate planning to ensure that your retirement is carefully considered and provided for. Our team of financial advisors has a wealth of financial, legal and tax experience to help and guide you through the important decisions leading up to formal retirement and throughout your retirement years.

THE CRUE INVEST TEAM

Back from left: Eric Jordaan, Devon Card, Alex Odendaal Middle from left: Sue Torr, Craig Torr, Hannah Myburgh, Dominique Roberts, Chantelle Potgieter, Erin White, Shana Petersen, Gareth Collier, Corlene Botha Front from left: Shaneez Bredekamp, Ayden Whitehead-Reeks

If you’re planning to retire or if you need some advice on your retirement funding, let’s have coffee and a chat. As one of only 14 financial planning practices countrywide who hold the FPI Approved Professional Practice™ status, Crue Invest remains committed to upholding the highest industry standards of independence and ethics.

CRUE HOUSE 5 Long Place, Pinelands phone • 021 530 8500 email • info@crue.co.za web • www.crue.co.za Crue Invest is a licensed financial services provider FSP 19025

EDUCATION

PINELANDS NORTH PRIMARY SCHOOL - PARENT VOLUNTEERS SCHOOL PRINCIPAL CALLS FOR PARENT SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS

After months of COVID safety protocols preventing parents from being present on the school grounds, a call for support rose from the principal, and the response from the parents has been just heart-warming.

INCREASED SAFETY MEASURES

Ensuring the learners’ safety is a priority at Pinelands North Primary School (PNPS) and this has meant significant changes in the running of the school. It means dividing each grade over three classrooms to ensure proper social distancing. A new timetable was designed with altered break times to allow classrooms to be ventilated frequently. Innovative drop-off systems were created to allow for efficient health screening. However, this impressive safety plan requires more time and energy from teaching staff who also provide the added supervision of playground duty and traffic control, whilst also teaching more classes.

THE RED CONNECT

Realising the strain that her staff was under, principal Ann Morton put out a request to ask parents to consider volunteering. The Red Connect, the parent-teacher association, rose to the challenge by using their mobilising and co-ordination skills from pre - COVID event planning for school functions. Soon parents were recruited, shifts organised and, working within the school safety protocols, parent volunteers became a regular feature in the everyday functioning of the school.

DAILY HELP FROM PARENT VOLUNTEERS

Every day three different parents assist with the morning traffic control and another three parents release teachers from doing playground supervision. Further, it was noticed that the grade 1 teachers, whose children were attending school for the full week, were particularly stretched. Grade 1 parents organised themselves to assist in the classroom to lessen the load in 10 different time slots during the week. Since the start of Term 2, over 45 parents have been regularly volunteering.

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By Jacqui Tooke Parent Volunteer at Pinelands North Primary School

Here are some reflections from our parent volunteers: “It is absolutely wonderful being an observer and I wish that volunteering was part of the normal curriculum.” Dianne Makings. “Through volunteering, I have seen how full the teachers’ plates are, and how stretched they are most of the time, so it’s been heart-warming to help where possible.” Aneesha Andrews “COVID meant that as parents we suddenly lost our ability to interact with the school community. Volunteering for traffic duty has meant that for a small moment each week I have had some contact with teachers, parents and the kids' classmates as I ‘freeze ray’ stop the cars to help them cross the parking lot to their classrooms. Even the smallest gestures like waves and smiles and the odd passing mini-chat have been great to feel a bit more connected.” Rike Sitas “The best part of volunteering now is feeling part of the kids' lives as a group. Our kids are together for many years as they progress through junior school and I've enjoyed seeing how they've all grown and changed. I've enjoyed observing playground dynamics and getting a feel for the teachers and the vibe of the school.” Katherine Farrell

SUPPORT FROM PARENTS AND FAMILIES

In pre-COVID days PNPS had an open-door culture with parents being encouraged to be involved in many activities around the school. The pandemic restrictions understandably curtailed this, hence the eager response by parents when there was an opportunity to participate in the everyday spaces of the school. The feedback from the teachers has been positive and many appreciated knowing that the safety and education of the children is not just upon their shoulders, but they are in fact supported by a village of enthusiastic parents and families. 

August 2021| the muse | 8

August 2021 | the muse | 9

COMMUNITY NEWS

WHAT HAVE WE HERE? These photos submitted by Ingrid Nye tickle the imagination especially after the years of theories around crop circles. Can you tell where in Pinelands the photos were taken? Can you explain the patterns in the grass or think how they were made? Watch out for the full story in the September Muse magazine.

Pinelands JUST LISTED

R3.650 million

KW1533060

4 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms / 1 Garage / 2 Covered Parking Bays / Erf 827m²

Client Testimonial

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Geneé Rodinis GoldClub Agent

+27 (0) 83 658 2121 genee.rodinis@pamgolding.co.za

Webb AAorneys Attorneys | Notaries | Conveyancers 021 013 3610 | www.webinc.law

June 2021 | the muse | 10

TRAVEL

Fraaigelegen Farm Stay In March this year we had the opportunity to stay on a farm at the foot of the Witzenberg Mountains. Fraaigelegen is run by Juergen and Venishree - the perfect hosts and producers of award winning extra virgin olive oil Adhara Evoo. Our cottage had an idyllic verandah with a view through the vineyards towards the farm dam. We were keen to have a walk and stretch our legs after the drive from Cape Town but the heat of the day kept us in the shade - while we contemplated a swim in the dam. Fraaigelegen is just 14 km from Tulbagh. We had planned our weekend so that we could see as much of the area as possible while giving ourselves time to unwind as we breathed the fresh country air pushing the sadness of the COVID pandemic into the back of our minds. Our journey from Cape Town took us first to Bosjes for tea and sightseeing of the beautiful chapel and gardens. (see Muse May 2021). Then we took a slight detour to Opstal winery for a lunchtime "vertical burger" complemented by their refreshing "Blush" rosé and views over the valley. Arriving at Fraaigelegen we settled happily into our cottage, which had all the amenities one could wish for including an outside braai and an inside fireplace which one would surely need right now in the depths of winter! We appreciated the

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self check in and the basket of goodies we ordered before arrival. Walking freely about the farm through the vineyards and the olive groves we found our favourite spot down at the dam under the trees watching the sunset. We didn't see as many birds as we had expected but were treated to owls hooting nearby! There is one cottage where dogs are allowed. It is further away from the dam and closer to the "rustic" camp site. Since it is a working farm with chickens and farm dogs, visiting dogs need to be kept on a lead while walking. We thoroughly enjoyed the historic town of Tulbagh. There are a host of craft shops and galleries along Church Street and an interesting kitchen garden which has small plots for people to grow their own produce - alongside the peace garden. Tulbagh dates back to the early 1700's and is steeped in history with many Cape Dutch, Edwardian and Victorian heritage sites. There were many restaurants to choose from but we found that the Tulbagh Hotel serves a good plate of fish and chips! Fraaigelegen Farm is off the R46 heading towards Ceres, and between Tulbagh and Wolseley. Turn at the sign "Weltevrede“ on the R46. Follow the gravel road for about 3 km, then turn right at the sign Fraaigelegen. Call Venishree Mayer: +27 71 404 2766 or fraaigelegenfarm@gmail.com. 

August 2021| the muse | 10

August 2021 | the muse | 11

LOCAL TRAVEL

Fynbos Guest Farm

an Escape to the Country! Fynbos Guest Farm, situated just 2km from the town of Wolseley in the Western Cape, is a hidden gem and a true "Escape to the Country" for us City Dwellers. This 67 hectare farm took many years to reach its current state of peace and beauty. The stories are numerous about how the rescue animals came to be there. There is an amazing harmony amongst the animals the free range hens, turkeys, Muscovy ducks, peahens and peacocks is wonderful to see. The informal gardens have been designed and created by the owners and are an absolute delight to wander through. You will find many inspirational sayings, artwork hanging from branches, a tiny Mushroom Village, a stunning glass Meditation Room, chickens running around, even a white bunny can be spotted at times. There is also a Labyrinth near the Pine Forest walk – ideal for some reflection and time out. The Meditation Room has artwork by Susan Smuts and the floor was created out of glass. It is a beautiful place. The animals range from an abused Cart Horse, to a Racing Horse, Donkeys, Llamas,

PINELANDS

R4 350 000

Zebra, Ostrich, Pot Bellied Pigs, Alpacas, Nguni goats, sheep, many ducks, geese, hens and the 2 Great Danes who love everybody. Watch the horses return to the stables at 16:20 every day or watch them go off every morning. No riding is allowed. When there are no guests, the horses have the run of the farm – a well deserved life! Another walk on the farm is the Pine Forest Walk – a circular walk of 1.2 km. The Farm has over 20 benches in various spots for one to sit and watch the animals or just absorb the wonderful country air and views of the mountains. Our stay was one of the most relaxing during this long year of COVID – March 2020 to March 2021 and still ongoing. There is nothing better than listening to the crunch of a carrot being eaten by a donkey, a Llama or an Alpaca to realise that life is indeed an adventure and not a Package Tour!! Contact www.fynbosfarm.co.za for further info/accommodation/day visitors . By Judelle Drake of Bradclin Portfolio. See Blog www.travelsnippets.co.za. 

PINELANDS

R3 995 000

JOINT MANDATE

SOLE MANDATE

PINELANDS

R3 500 000

SOLE MANDATE

DUAL LIVING WITH OPTIONS 5 Beds • 4 Baths • 0 Gar ACCOMMODATION GALORE 5 Beds • 3 Baths • 2 Gar OPEN PLAN LIVING

5 Beds • 3 Bath • 0 Gar

Options! 3 Bedrooms, 2 bathrooms in the primary residence, with 2 living areas, dining room and huge, eat in, fitted kitchen. Bonus is a self-contained one bedroom flatlet, outside room, water tank, pool and parking for many.

Farmhouse vibes! Open plan living, granite top kitchen, laundry closet, 5 bedrooms (with work-from-home options), 3 bathrooms (2 en suite), indoor braai, secluded pool, water tank, well point, double garage and wine cellar.

Main house celebrates 4 bedrooms with bics, 2 bathrooms, open plan living area with fireplace and laminated floors throughout, plus studio apartment, private pool and electric fence.

Cindy Sarandis 071 081 4413 • Web RXBS-2160

Cindy Sarandis 071 081 4413 • Web RXBS-2130

Cindy Sarandis 071 081 4413 • Web RXBS-1732

RE/MAX Property Associates: 021 531 4477

PINELANDS

R3 375 000

SOLE MANDATE

RE/MAX Property Associates: 021 531 4477

PINELANDS

R2 295 000

SOLE MANDATE

RE/MAX Property Associates: 021 531 4477

THORNTON

R2 450 000

SOLE MANDATE

FAMILY HOME WITH A FLATLET 3 Beds • 2 Bath • 1 Gar GET A FOOT INTO PINELANDS 2 Beds • 1 Baths • 1 Gar PACKED WITH POTENTIAL 4 Beds • 1.5 Bath • 0 Gar

Lovely light, bright and spacious family home with open- Low maintenance lock up and go 2 bedroom home in a great Four bedrooms, dining room, TV room, family bathroom, plan living area. In the kitchen there is a peninsula for casual position with vast potential, additional parking for 2 cars. spacious kitchen leading to large back yard and an incoming eating. Walk-in wardrobe and bathroom compliment master Come and put your own stamp on it. generating flatlet. Secure parking for up to 6 vehicles. suite. Garden has a sparkling pool and established plants.

Abigail Hinchcliffe 084 577 3576 • Web RXBS-2031 Byron Louw 082 081 2299 • Web RXBS-2116

RE/MAX Property Associates: 021 531 4477

Byron Louw 082 081 2299 • Web RXBS-2155

RE/MAX Property Associates: 021 531 4477

PINELANDER

Mark Jacobs "TheActualFresh" Fortnite Gamer Having an income generator that we enjoy and are also good at is sometimes just a dream. For Mark Jacobs, his skill with online video gaming is becoming a career possibility. He talks to the Muse about his experience and future with "esports" and his hopes of becoming a professional gamer.

SPEED AND STRATEGIC THINKING

"Fortnite" is the name of one of the bigger games that features in competitions with cash prizes. It is a survival game where 100 players fight against each other in player versus player combat to be the last one standing. It is a fast-paced, action-packed game, not unlike The Hunger Games, where strategic thinking is a must in order to survive. There are an estimated 125 million players on Fortnite. It has been recognised that video games and traditional sports require similar skills. Along with thinking strategically one has to work with a team and exhibit strong individual effort.

CREATING ONLINE CONTENT

Mark loves digital design and has knowledge of graphic design and video editing. He has been working with applications such as Adobe Premiere Pro for over two years since he started his YouTube channel. He plays in cash prize and bragging rights tournaments weekly and is well known in the South African Fortnite community as a pro player and content creator. His YouTube channel where he creates videos, and live streams has over 3 000 subscribers. Watch the self made announcement when he joined LITE gaming at www.youtube. com/theactualfresh. Before Mark joined Lite Gaming, he was signed with the Energy Esports gaming organisation.

PRO PLAYERS WORKING AS A TEAM

Mark became interested in gaming when he was 6. At 12 years old he started playing competitive esports. In Fortnite Battle Royale, there are competitive game modes of ‘Solos’, ‘Duos’ & 'Trios'. The ‘Trios’ game mode (which is the main focus of 2021) is a game mode where teams consist of three players. A game consists of up to 100 players, so there are 33 teams competing

www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za

in a match at the same time (and there is only one winning team per game). Teams are put together by the players themselves. The top teams consist of pro players from different organizations e.g. LITE Gaming, Bravado Gaming, Goliath Gaming, The Punishers Organisation, etc...

ESPORTS TOURNAMENTS CASH PRIZES

There is prize money in local tournaments such as the Knysna Esports Cup played on the 16th of July 2021 with a prize pool of R20 000. Income is generated by sponsors and advertisements. Mark has been playing Fortnite since December 2017 and started playing competitively around mid-2018, competing under the username 'TheActualFresh'. He has won 8 tournaments and placed in the top 10 in over 20 tournaments between 2018 and 2021. He is 17 years old and wishes to have a career in professional gaming after school. Although Mark is concentrating on esports he is considering enrolling for courses at Vega College where they offer Digital marketing, Brand communication, graphic, digital and game design.

BEST ATTRIBUTES OF A FORTNITE GAMER:

• being able to work with new people; • fast and calculated decision making; • mechanical skills (aim, movement and vision, construction); • having good mental health; • updating your knowledge of the game; • and lastly, self improving whether it's as a teammate or as an individual. Mark enjoys support for his gaming life from the Pinelands High School community and his teachers. "Although I do not see

gaming as a matric subject I do think it could be an esport that many High Schools would benefit from if integrated into their extra murals," said Mark.

TIPS FOR PROSPECTIVE GAMERS:

"I would recommend having realistic goals. You need to think about things such as what you currently have and what you would need, to be a professional player: • Equipment – A good computer, good gaming peripherals and good internet; • Time – Do you have extra murals after school? Do you have other hobbies? Are you able to keep up with the workload of High School as well as gaming? • Social Media – Do you have the necessary platforms with enough followers or subscribers to get noticed by big organizations? Is your public representation of yourself positive or negative? And finally, • Good mental health – Are you able to cope with random challenges that will be thrown at you? Are you able to be kind to people who may not be kind back? Are you able to pick yourself up after losing a game and remain positive and confident for the next?" Mark's next big tournament that he will be competing in is the Fortnite Champion Series for Fortnite Chapter 2 Season 7, which features a $3,000,000 prize pool, split across 7 regions. He will be competing in the Middle Eastern qualifiers (and hopefully semi-finals) throughout the month of August. The Muse wishes Mark all the best in his future career. 

August 2021| the muse | 12

August 2021 | the muse | 13

COMMUNITY NEWS

CANNONS CREEK GRADE 3'S LEARN ABOUT RECYCLING WITH A "TRASHION SHOW"

The Cannons Creek Grade 3s ended off their Inquiry-based Learning (IBL) theme this term with a "Trashion Show". They were put into pairs and each person had to design an outfit for their partner. They could use any recyclable materials they liked.

The IBL theme was: 'Why are we so wasteful' where the grade explored a variety of topics - they created a wasteless picnic, they created an e-book featuring a recycling monster and they lived in waste for a week in the classroom, all whilst learning about recycling.

Above left: A Grade 3 Class of Cannons Creek, sporting their 'Trashion' outfits. Above: Sazi Masango. Below from left: David Jacobs; Jean Collier; Kaylee Hendricks; Maria Stamatiadis; and Lené Middleton.

St Joseph’s Marist College Shaping your child’s future through academic excellence and family values.

Applications now open for 2020. Applications are are now open - Apply today www.maristsj.co.za

Age 3 to Matric | Small classes | Over 100 years of success.