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

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PINELANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE issue

LEFT OVER Nina STEAK STIR FRY Timm

Financial Advice SUE TORR Is your will valid?

122 | October 2021

AUSTIN SMITH AT THE OLYMPICS

ALWAYS CHOOSE THE BUSIEST AGENCY JUST LISTED 94 Apartments in Pineworx

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S BY OL U D S

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*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

Julie Meyer Sales 083 288 8481

Kathy Anderson Sales 083 987 7673

Jessica Evans Sales 083 985 2111

Debbie Peat Rentals 082 468 7772

Robyn Meyer Rentals 078 359 0354

Expertise Built Through Generations of Trust

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

SeeffPinelands

WELCOME About the cover: The Blue Crane is the National Bird of South Africa and has been classified as vulnerable. The decline of the blue crane is due to human population growth, the loss of grasslands to agriculture and accidental poisoning after crop dusting. Left: Editor Max Schutte bring out the braai!

Grey Heron in flight note s-shaped neck

THE EBB AND FLOW OF NATURE AND HUMAN AFFAIRS I have had the opportunity lately to spend more time at the seashore than I have before. It reminded me that, in common with much of nature, one never gets tired of watching water. There are often only small and subtle changes, but somehow they are enough to hold our attention. This is particularly true of the seashore. Perhaps it also has to do with the accompanying sounds to which we are instinctively attuned. Henry Beston observed that: “The three great elemental sounds in nature are the rain, the wind and the sound of the ocean on a beach,” which certainly rings true with me. The changes in the moods and colours of the ocean can also be both subtle and dramatic, from the gentle variation in the blue of the surface from a passing cloud’s shadow to the fiery sunset on the water or a fierce winter storm. The interplay between the ocean and the seashore is also a good metaphor for the ebb and flow of life in general. While the incoming tide brings fresh nourishment for the creatures living there, it also dumps a measure of unpleasant smelling seaweed, broken shells, flotsam and the occasion dead sea creature. Similarly, the outgoing tide, while cleansing the shore of the day’s detritus, also heralds a period of dryness for occupants of the zone when they need to close up and simply survive until the next high tide. This reminded me a lot of the highs and lows of each lockdown as we went into one and came out the other side for a few weeks respite before the next one... the rise and fall of the tide is bound by the regularity of the laws of nature, but nature still constantly surprises us in the random break and size of each wave. We can guess and try to predict exactly what is to come, but nature ultimately will keep her secret until she is ready to reveal it. The shoreline is also the meeting point of the “safe” world we know on dry land and the unknown water world beneath the waves and the endless ocean horizon on it’s surface. For nature there is no judgement of safe or unsafe, known or unknown... that is a human flaw to assign good or bad according to how we see it and how much control we think we have over a situation. In reality, nature has its own balance and harmony, even if we don’t always recognise it. 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

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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 123 • November 2021 Bookings: 11 Oct Published: 26 Oct 2021 Content: 15 Oct

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October 2021 | the muse | 1

Blue Crane in flight note straight neck I was recently asked the difference between cranes and herons. Probably the easiest way is to look at their necks. Herons curve their necks into an S shape and pull them in totally when flying, while cranes necks stick straight out. In the Western Cape the most common herons are the grey and black-headed. When flying they are easily differentiated by their under-wing pattern. Grey herons are uniformly grey while the black heron has a black trailing edge to its wings. The blue crane, the national bird of South Africa, and the only crane found in the Western Cape, is a plane blue colour all over with long tertial wing feathers. When standing, these feathers resemble a long tail. Blue cranes and black-headed herons are commonly found in open and newly cut fields and farm lands, whereas grey herons tend to inhabit wetlands. 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.

October 2021 | the muse | 2

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

COMMUNITY CALENDAR 7 & 11 & 15 OCT 2021

WESTERN CAPE BLOOD SERVICE

Donate blood at St Stephens Church Main Hall on Thursday 7th, at the Howard Centre on Monday 11th and at WCBS head-office on Friday 15th. Wear a face-mask. Confirm times at 021 507 6300.

Download the WCBS cookbook for delicious iron-rich recipes

Wednesday 27 Oct 2021 PINELANDS STAMP CIRCLE

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

Tony’s

Saturdays 2021

KAPS CHARITY TABLES

TREASURES

Keep an eye out for Gloria at the Pop-upNursery at Pinelands Club from 9am to 1pm,

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!

email: destony@telkomsa.net

Tel: 021 531 5465

Join us today!

LA GRATITUDE DUCK RACE

The race is on! After a year of social distancing, the La Gratitude Pre-primary racing ducks are eager to take to the canal again. Watch for stalls where you can buy a duck or call Celeste on 021 531 4961 for more information.

Doctor

ENQUIRE NOW

Cell: 072 373 3092

We strive to be the best at what we do! Todswim Individual Our family run business 8-24 months Coaching has been in operation for 35 years. We have the experience & expertise Learn Stroke to understand each Tuition/ to swimmer’s personal Swim Correction needs to achieve confidence, happiness and progression. SSA

PINELANDS SWIMMING ACADEMY

Saturday 6 November 2021

By Heather Rodwell

20/01/2016 10:25 PM

Indoor heated pool

PINELANDS LIBRARY EVENTS

Pinelands Library events are on hold. For Happy Hour information call Santa at 021 531 2600. For Pageturners Bookclub email Verna.Putsoane@capetown.gov.za.

Brighter Day We are becoming the truest version of ourselves. This process is painful, uncomfortable, and sometimes too hard to swallow. But the end result is worth it. Remember you are perfect in all your imperfection. And when you feel like you're not on the right path, your intuition will show the way and lead you to your brighter day.

… you stand to earn some cash for those old trinkets, bits & pieces that no longer serve you.

res-M5-059.indd 1

October 2021

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! email muse@pinelandsdirectory.co.za. Send content for the November 2021 edition by 15 October 2021. R140 ensures placement in the calendar.

Call me… my number is 083 775 00 55

Learning should be fun!

weather and covid restrictions permitting. Buy lovely items or donate dog/cat food which will be sent to KAPS in Barrydale.

Squad Training

Accredited Instructors



FULLY COVID-19 COMPLIANT

www.pinelandsswimmingacademy.com f Pinelands Swimming Academy

Growing confident children since 1998

Dr Louise Wigens

Ages 0 – 5 years 7:00am - 5:30pm

Registrations open for 2022

MBChB , Dip in Child Health (UCT)

Phone for an appointment

021 531 4111

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

www.westendmedicalsuite.co.za

INDIVIDUAL, GROUP & CREATIVE ACTIVITIES Outside Play · Story Time · Music

COVID

Compliant

CALL DEBBIE · 021 531 7372 · 083 324 9204

www.ready-steady-grow.co.za

October 2021 | the muse | 3

COMMUNITY NEWS

From Left: Goodys new owner Chris Evgenicos with retiring owners Mary and Nick Caldis.

NICK & MARY CALDIS FROM GOODYS RETIRE Nick and Mary Caldis have been residents of Pinelands since 1980 when they bought the WALK EASY shoe store in Howard Centre. In 1981 Nick opened CALDIS JEWELLERS and many Pinelands “brides” wear rings bought there. In 1991 they sold the shoe store and in April 1996 they opened GOODYS FAST FOODS, which soon became a firm favourite of the Pinelands Locals. CALDIS JEWELLERS was sold in 2007. With the renovations by the new owners of Howard Centre, Goodys was obliged to cease trading for 12 months during renovations, then reapply to become a

PINELANDS

R3 500 000

R1 195 000

PINELANDS

R3 375 000

SOLE MANDATE

5 Beds • 3 Baths • 0 Gar GARDEN APARTMENT 2 Beds • 1 Baths • 0 Gar HOME WITH A FLATLET 3 Beds • 2 Bath • 1 Gar

Starring 4 bedrooms in the main house with 2 bathrooms (mes), open plan lounge and dining area with fireplace, fitted kitchen with gas stove, outside studio with bathroom, pool, double carport and electric fence.

Cindy Sarandis 071 081 4413 • Web RXBS-2160

RE/MAX Property Associates: 021 531 4477

PINELANDS

SOLE MANDATE

SOLE MANDATE OPEN PLAN LIVING

tenant. They relocated to 41 Morningside Road in Ndabeni and transformed the premises into the current Goodys which opened in March 2010. With the success of Goodys, the Landlord of Morningside Centre decided to upgrade all the ground floor to retail stores with “Bake & Nut” at the other end of the strip mall. Their Daughters, Philia and Eleni, both attended the Red School (PNPS) and Pinelands High School. They decided to emigrate to Greece, got married and both have two sons. Philia recently embarked on a new career as a property broker

in Majorca, Spain, while Eleni has stores called “Beads of The World” in Thessaloniki Greece. Nick and Mary will be retiring to Europe to be nearer to their daughters and grandchildren. Nick and Mary are so happy that the buyer of Goodys, Chris Evgenicos (“Evgenicos” is the Greek word for “Polite”) will continue their legacy selling the wonderful Greek and other dishes customers love. Chris will be employing the loyal staff of Goodys. Two of the staff Mona Timm (Chef) and Eleanor Assure (Manager) have been there since the day it opened 26 years ago! Nick and Mary have always made “customer service” and “value for money” the cornerstone of any business they have opened and over the years many customers have become dear friends. The Evgenicos family have been operating take-aways and bakeries since 1961 in Gauteng and Chris grew up with the same “customer centric" focus. Chris studied law at Pretoria University but later joined the family business in which he had been assisting since he was a teenager. Nick and Mary would like to take this opportunity to thank their loyal customer base and hope that they will continue to support Goodys which has become a uniquely Pinelands institution over the past quarter century.

R3 345 000

SOLE MANDATE

This immaculate garden apartment is found in sought after Howard Hamlet Pinelands. Includes 2 bedrooms both with bics, bathroom with shower over bath and living room open plan to the kitchen which has a fitted stove. Cats welcome.

Lovely light, bright & spacious family home in quiet crescent. House comprises living area, kitchen, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. Large, separate entrance for extended family or passive income, pool & garden. Secure parking behind electric gate.

Cindy Sarandis 071 081 4413 • Web RXBS-2132

Abigail Hinchcliffe 084 577 3576 • Web RXBS-2031

RE/MAX Property Associates: 021 531 4477

PINELANDS

R2 195 000

SOLE MANDATE

RE/MAX Property Associates: 021 531 4477

MOWBRAY

R3 600 000

SOLE MANDATE

FAMILY HOME , CENTRAL LOCATION 3 Beds • 2 Bath • 1 Gar A LITTLE GEM IN PINELANDS 2 Beds • 1 Bath • 1 Gar ARTISTIC HOUSE ABOVE MAIN ROAD 4 Beds • 1 Bath • 1 Gar Family home with established garden, opportunity to modernise and to add flatlet. Lounge, dining area and family room, outside entertainment area, pool and spa. Single garage, double carport. Walking distance to the Green school.

Versatile and well-kept home in Pinelands. Ready to invest or move in. Featuring 2 bedrooms, spacious open plan lounge and loads of natural light. Bonus feature includes a lock up garage.

Abigail Hinchcliffe 084 577 3576 • Web RXBS-2256 Byron Louw 082 081 2299 • Web RXBS-2116

RE/MAX Property Associates: 021 531 4477

Creative spacious family home with beautifully renovated woodwork looking for a new family to share the magic. Proper foundations with raised floors, High ceilings, working fireplace and extra off street parking.

Quentin Von Stein 083 460 4048 • Web RXBS-1613

RE/MAX Property Associates: 021 531 4477

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. 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

October 2021 | the muse | 5

COMMUNITY NEWS

SPRING RETURNS TO PINELANDS PARKS Good news! The famous Western Cape natural Spring flowers should be back in our suburb's parks and open spaces one day, with the support of the City of Cape Town. Dr Z Badroodien, member of the mayoral committee for Social Services and Health, this year gave the Spring flowers a reprieve from the mowers. Older residents may remember the sheets of white and golden daisies that decorated our open spaces, along the Elsieskraal River (before it was canalised), on sports fields and sidewalks. Nature’s annual gift to us, free of charge! At that time Pinelands was a Garden City with a very nature conscious Municipality and a sympathetic, management system that allowed the natural plants to grow

freely, blossom and seed themselves for the following Spring. Children played among the flowers. People now travel to Namaqualand to enjoy the same. Then politics changed things, our Municipality was absorbed by the Metro and for two decades the City of Cape Town mowed open spaces according to a roster, regardless of necessity. The plants that came up in early winter were sprayed with herbicide and those that survived were rigorously cut to ground level, even in full bloom and in mid-summer, when clouds of dust blew over our houses. The volunteer eco-group Friends of Pinelands Parks (FoPP) was formed in 2020 to help restore our natural floral heritage

by stopping careless, costly and polluting mowing processes. An agreement of cooperation was reached with the City's Parks Board for eco-friendly management, to help restore nature’s beauty in Pinelands, to counter climate change and bring about the physical and spiritual well-being for residents that Garden Cities’ Founders intended. From this year there will be a no-mowing period during the floral and seeding season, for Coronation Park, Wattle Grove park, Sunrise Circle, Garden of Remembrance and Julianaveld, to begin with. This falls largely within the winter months when the parks are often wet and less used. FoPP also agreed with the Parks Board about the planting and protection of trees and barriers to keep vehicles out of parks and designing public information boards to regulate the use of the spaces, e.g. studded football boots and digging by dogs are not allowed. The butterflies and bees will come back; we already had a flock of black-headed ibis rooting in the mud this winter, numbers of guinea-fowl and eight Egyptian geese graze daily on the Julianaveld; kiewiet and dikkop will hopefully return to nest, like in the old days. By Dr D. Sleigh - formerly provincial coordinator of Conservation Education in the Western Cape Education Department.

Sold

Pinelands.

SOLD BY US

R5.495 million* 3 Bedrooms / 2.5 Bathrooms / 2 Garages / 6 Parkings / Erf 1,190 m²

SOLD BY US

*listing price quoted

Geneé Rodinis

GoldClub Agent

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

R4.28 million* 4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms / 6 Garages / 5 Parkings / Erf 805 m²

Webb AAorneys pamgolding.co.za/pinelands

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

Valkenberg Estate Liesbeek Avenue Mowbray

We are still open and looking forward to welcoming you back

122.indd 1

2021/09/19 12:09

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.

021 558 7910 079 368 4493

info@mvpools.co.za

www.mvpools.co.za

BEST

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2021/09/18

Facilities Management

Landscaping, Property & Maintenance Services

Julian@bestlandscaping.co.za 071 567 9775 Dipl. Ing. FH Osnabrück, GER Professional Landscape Manager SACLAP REG. 20314, RSA

www.bestlandscaping.co.za

Principal La Gratitude Pre-primary School

How many parents of preschool going children have heard the phrase: “Your child needs to move their bodies to help with future learning.” Hopefully all of you! But why is this? How does your child moving their body help with later learning? Are movement programs not a little outdated? Well the short answer is NO! Besides the obvious health benefits, there are numerous studies that are still confirming that movement is essential to your child’s learning. It has been proven to help increase memory, perception, language, attention, emotion and decision making. A simple activity, like a well thought out obstacle course, will improve your child’s spatial awareness (the ability to know where their body is, in relation to objects around them). This in turn, should help them to better learn the letters of the alphabet, as they figure out the position 10:15 of the circle on the “b” and “d”, and in which direction it goes. Through climbing and outdoor play, children learn essential problem solving skills in order to figure out how to move their bodies, to achieve what they want to. Activities such as riding a bicycle, marching, crossing one arm over to the opposite leg, all work on bilateral integration and crossing the midline; essential automatic skills needed for later reading and writing. And the list goes on… These movement activities, repeated on a regular basis, help to forge and strengthen the neural pathways between the brain and the body. Research shows that our brains cannot adequately focus on two tasks at the same time. As much as we like to say

we are multi-taskers (present company included), that is an impossible statement. We are either flitting between tasks, or not giving a task adequate attention and brain power. So, consider your child in the Primary School environment, where the activities slowly become more task-oriented as they move through the grades. If your child’s brain is trying to concentrate on how to move their bodies, or hold them up at a table, instead of it being autonomous, critical brain space and functioning is being used. However, if your child is fully capable of, for example, moving freely and easily between and across the two halves of their body, they can concentrate more fully on the structure of that sentence they are trying to write across the page. So what do you do if you’re worried that your child may not be able to perform certain movements adequately? Or how do you know that what they are currently able to do is age appropriate? Well, the first step would be to chat to your child’s preschool teacher. We are trained to look out for certain physical milestones in your child’s development, and we are also able to spot possible ‘red flags’ that might alert us that your child needs some additional support. Often we are able to work on these at school, through various movement activities. There are however, times that we may need to refer to a specialist, such as a Physiotherapist. Your child’s brain is at a critical development stage up to the age of 7 years old, and we want to take advantage of this period in your child’s learning. In the meantime, let your creative juices flow! Create your own movement games and activities at home, both inside and outside. You will get those endorphins flowing and have wonderful family time too; and we all know that quality time spent with your children is rewarded down the line. So keep moving, keep learning, and most importantly, keep having fun! You won’t regret it. Happy Moving!

www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za

Portrait image by Fox and Hare Photography.

www.thewildfig.co.za By Samantha Anderson

Lionel Berman

October 2021 | the muse | 6

LEARNING TO MOVE, MOVING TO LEARN!

Bring this advert with you for a 15% discount during October

021 448 0507

PRINCIPAL'S ARTICLE

COMMUNITY NEWS

THEATRECRAFT ENTERTAINMENT

By Paula Pursch

Covid has been a real game-changer for the Theatrecraft drama pupils. Many drama high points were lost - productions, parents watching days and the drama camp - it's meant outdoor classes with the wind whipping their words away and the relentless mask-wearing and sanitizing. To lift spirits, each class has rehearsed a short 5 minute item from a stage musical with one group even doing an 8 minute playlet, all behind masks. As well as costumes and props we draped clothing racks with blankets and curtains and created a stage and wings. There are now two happy, 15 minute shows for the parents to watch at the last lesson this term. The hard challenges have not dampened the excitement and enthusiasm of the cast.

By C Balladon

PINEWOOD VILLAGE SPRING OLYMPICS

On 1 September, Pinewood Village held their Spring Walk with an Olympic flavour. Residents (and staff) were tasked with dressing-up in their best Olympic attire. From hockey to equestrian, from boxing to tennis, the residents did a sterling job of representing their favourite sport or country. During the walk the Village became abuzz with laughter and feel-good energies from all participants. Those who were unable to participate, were seated outside their cottages with a cuppa in hand cheering at the group as they walked past. The walk ended at the brand new braai area within the Village – the fires were lit for the delicious boerewors rolls. After the medal ceremony the residents and staff danced to Jerusalema in the spacious, re-designed parking area.

Greeff Properties

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2018

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UNDER OFFER

MOUNTBATTEN AVENUE R3 695 000 Web Ref 4746697 Beds 3 • Baths 1.5 • Receptions 2 • Garages 2

GARDEN CITY HEIGHTS R1 850 000 Web Ref 4820582 Beds 2 • Baths 2 • Reception 1 • Parking 1

PARKCHESTER AVENUE R3 695 000 Web Ref 4833160 Beds 4 • Baths 2 • Receptions 2 • Garage 1

GARDEN CITY HEIGHTS R1 750 000 Web Ref 4928022 Beds 2 • Baths 2 • Reception 1 • Parking 1

DUIKER CLOSE R2 850 000 Web Ref 4854437 Beds 3 • Baths 2 • Receptions 2 • Garage 1

ANFIELD VILLAGE R1 095 000 Web Ref 4813177 Beds 2 • Bath 1 • Reception 1 • Parking 1

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

#GreeffLove www.feedthenation.org.za

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

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083 288 8481

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COMMUNITY NEWS

PINELANDS NORTH TURNS 73!

Send your good wishes On 15 October Pinelands North will celebrate 73 years of providing quality education to the Pinelands community. Annually, on the school’s birthday, the Governing Body also celebrates the staff who have contributed to the school over many years. You might be interested to know that this year Ann Morton completes 25 years as principal and is the longest serving principal in the school’s history. Her deputy, Shereen Stadler, has been at the school for 15 years this year and they are the only school in Pinelands with two women at the head! 11 staff will

also be presented with 5-year awards! What about taking a moment to send your congratulations to the school and/or to the staff so that your letters or comments can be included in their birthday celebrations? PNPS is planning

an online live showcase on the day and would love to include your comments. Please email these to events@pnps.co.za. The link to the online live showcase will be available on the school’s FaceBook page on the day.

which is both a national and international level competition, to be held virtually in October. We wish them all the best in this next phase of the competition.

Seated L to R: Kaneez Abbas, Dorcas Rezant, Nabeelah Ismail, Andrew Cornelissen. Standing: Mrs Nicole Masureik, Yusha Samaai. Absent (inserted): Joshua Lugt, Aaliyah Sonnie.

YOUNG SCIENTIST MEDAL WINNERS FROM PINELANDS HIGH SCHOOL All science students in Grade 11 at Pinelands High School completed a Science Fair project in May 2021. A small group of seven students were then invited to participate in the Western Cape Virtual Science Fair - Eskom Expo for Young Scientists. All 7 of Pinelands High School’s entrants won awards, with Aaliyah Sonnie winning a gold medal for her project on the "Effect of Socioeconomic Status on Awareness and Behaviour Regarding Global Warming". Joshua Lugt and Kaneez Abbas both won silver medals while Andrew Cornelissen, Nabeelah Ismail and Dorcas Rezant won bronze medals. Pinelands High are so proud of these Grade 11 students, for their hard work and dedication to this extra curricular activity, particularly during COVID times. Aaliyah, Joshua, Kaneez and Andrew will represent the Western Cape region at ISF (International Science Fair)

STUDYING THE HEART AT PHS Grade 10 Pinelands High School Life Science students have the opportunity to study sheep hearts. As part of the module on circulatory systems, they study heart structure and learn many new anatomical names such as ventricle, atrium and aorta. It is one thing to see a neat labelled diagram of a heart, but quite another to see and touch a real heart. Applying the new words and understanding the function of each structure is enhanced by seeing and handling the sheep's heart. For example, the walls of the ventricles

www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za

are so much thicker and stronger than the atria walls, as the ventricles push blood to the rest of the body and the lungs, while the atria receive blood from the body and lungs.

October 2021 | the muse | 10

COMMUNITY NEWS MONEY MATTERS

Creating and protecting your wealth

THE IMPORTANCE OF

ESTATE PLANNING

By Sue Torr Director Crue Invest

Is your Will valid? Here’s a checklist: The validity of your Will is paramount to ensuring that your assets are distributed amongst your heirs in accordance with your wishes – and checking the validity of this all-important document means paying careful attention to the detail. Here’s a checklist that’s worth going through to determine whether your Will can stand up to legal scrutiny. Were you mentally sound at the time of drafting your Will? A testator or testatrix must be mentally sound with no mental illness, not affected by alcohol or narcotics at the time of making a will. It is a legal requirement that anyone drafting a Will is over the age of 16. Did anyone influence or pressurise you? Your Will is confidential and you are under no obligation to discuss or share the contents of your Will with anyone – not even your spouse. Who typed or wrote out your Will? If someone else wrote out or typed your Will for you, make sure that person is not named in your Will. If you wrote out your Will by hand, make sure that your writing is clear and legible. Did you sign your Will in full? It is a legal requirement that you sign in full on the last page of your Will. It is advisable that your signature is placed at the bottom of the page and as close to the last paragraph as possible. It is highly advisable to sign every page and this must be done in the presence of two witnesses. Did you use a mark or thumbprint? If for whatever reason you were unable to sign your Will in full and used a mark or a thumbprint instead, make sure that this was done in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths, and that the Commissioner certified the Will and signed every page of the Will. Is your Will dated? Interestingly, it is not a legal requirement that your Will be dated, although it is highly advisable that you do so to avoid confusion. Were your witnesses over the age of 14? Remember, your witnesses are not required to read or understand the contents of your Will. They must be at least 14 years old and their job is to attest that you signed the Will in their presence. Where did your witnesses sign? Although it is not a legal requirement that your witnesses sign on every page, it is

advisable to ensure that they do so. Are your witnesses beneficiaries? If you’ve realised that your witnesses are named beneficiaries in your Will, you need to resign your Will using new witnesses. Have you included the correct personal information? To avoid any doubt or confusion as to who the testator is, make sure that your Will includes your full names and ID number. Ensure that your Will includes your marital status and how you are married. Have you clearly identified your beneficiaries and heirs? Include the full names, ID numbers, and the relationship to you of all beneficiaries, heirs and legatees. How big is the gap between the last paragraph and your signature? A significant gap can provide fraudsters and those with ill-intent opportunity to add to your Will without your knowledge. What about the residue of your estate? Make sure that your Will includes a clause that specifically deals with the residue of your estate which is everything left over once you have made provision for your heirs and legatees. Have you revoked all previous Wills? You want to avoid any confusion or uncertainty at all costs which means that your current Will should specifically revoke all previous Wills. Does your Will specifically refer to your South African assets? If you have both local and offshore assets, make sure that your local Will specifically refers to your South African assets, and that you have a separate Will dealing with your foreign assets. Are there any amendments to your Will? Ensure that any amendments are clearly made and signed by you and both witnesses. Where your original Will is located? Remember, only the original of your Will is acceptable by the Master, and a copy of your Will is not deemed valid. Ideally, make sure that you and your witnesses sign three originals of your Will. Keep each original in a separate location. Importantly, make sure that your spouse or loved one knows where the originals of your Will are kept.

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To see the unabridged version of this article go to www.crue.co.za. 

Estate planning is much more than drafting a will. A well drafted estate plan should ensure that there is sufficient liquidity in your estate to cover its costs and liabilities, and to provide adequately for your loved ones in the event of your passing. Further, your estate plan should include tax structuring to ensure that your deceased estate is not saddled with unnecessary taxes. Most importantly, your estate plan should be fully aligned with your will to ensure that your estate is distributed according to your wishes. Consider a well constructed estate plan as a final gift to your loved ones.

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 need advice on your estate planning, let’s 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

COMMUNITY NEWS

AUSTIN SMITH

After 183 caps and 67 goals Olympic hockey player and national team player for 17 years, Austin Smith announces his retirement from international hockey this year. Pinelander Austin comes from a family of keen hockey players and knows the Pinelands Oval well. At the age of twenty he sought international experience to realise his Olympian dream and joined the Reading hockey team in England where he played for 5 years before joining Den Bosch in the Netherlands to play in the Dutch League. When did you represent South Africa at the Olympics?

I played at the 2008 Beijing, 2012 London and 2020 Tokyo Olympic games. I was the captain of the team from 2009 - 2016 which included captaining the team at the London Olympics.

Beijing Olympics 2008

Each experience was unique and special in their own way. The Beijing Olympics was the culmination of 10 years of dreaming. I had the goal as a 12 year old to become an Olympian so walking into the opening ceremony in Beijing felt very emotional from that perspective.

London Olympics 2012

In London it felt more like we were there to get results. I was far more focussed on performing well and less interested in what was going on around me. We were well prepared as a team and got some good results against the top nations.

Tokyo 2021

Tokyo was something I hope no Olympian has to ever experience again. The stress leading up to the Olympics was intense. Would the Olympics go ahead, would I be selected, would I get covid and be in isolation back home while the team participated, would I contract covid on

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the flight and have to quarantine in Japan, would I have to cut my experience short because of my room mate contracting the virus mid tournament? It really felt like we were living in a constant state of panic.

No cheering spectators

There were of course other things like not having spectators which took the shine off playing but having not played with a crowd for the past year it almost felt normal. I think the thing I missed the most at the Tokyo Olympics was the camaraderie among contestants. Usually there is a lot more interaction and you get to meet more people but because everyone was just as nervous as I was to contract covid these types of casual chats were few and far between.

Hopefully people back home enjoyed watching!

I'm still incredibly glad that I represented South Africa and consider myself very fortunate to have been able to be part of such an amazing event given what most of the world is going through right now. I hope we were able to bring some joy into people's homes when they watched us play in the green and gold.

Advice for aspiring Olympians

It is worth all the sacrifices. I had to go

overseas, miss out on lots of my friends' birthdays and the fun events but I will be able to experience those again in the future (especially because I have such amazing mates). Your chance to attend an Olympic Games is extremely limited so go for it, with all you've got!

Best memories

It's been an incredible 17 years being part of the national team. Even with all the challenges we have faced as a team it's still been worth it. There's no doubt in my mind about that. I've worked, met and played alongside some absolutely fantastic people which has made the experience all that more enjoyable. Those are the memories I will cherish most dearly when I think back to my time as a member of the South African Men's Hockey Team. It's been an honour.

And now...

Austin, happily engaged to Dutch born Colette, is set to continue teaching and coaching - giving the benefit of his experiences to the next generation. He has a Bachelor of Education and teaches at the Eindhoven international School. He also has the KNHB (Koninklijke Nederlandse Hockeybond) Hockey Trainer Level 4 qualification. We wish Austin all the best! 

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COMMUNITY NEWS

CANNONS CREEK GRADE 3'S EXPLORE SPACE

SPRING DAY AT CANNONS CREEK

This term the Grade 3s from Cannons Creek School are exploring space. Thank you to Cedric Jacobs from The South African Astronomical Observatory Centre, for an interesting talk about the planets and Solar system. The pupils Mr Jacobs with Grade 3 pupils from Cannons Creek - David each made their own telescope and binoculars. Jacobs, Julia Gay, Mia-Rae Hopley, and Joshua du Plooy.

On 1 September, Cannons Creek Primary School spread the cheer of Spring to its local community, by dropping off Spring cards in the postboxes of the neighbourhood. The pupils dressed up in bright and bold colours, to symbolise Spring; while the Pre-Primary held a Spring Hat Parade to celebrate.

Below Left: Cannons Creek Grade 4 and 5 pupils visited the CPOA Pinelands Place, and wished residents well with some Spring cards. Seen below left are Ms Marjorie Vine (resident), Khloe Potgieter, Mrs Elizabeth Geyer (resident), Casey Laver, Thando Mokoena (Home Manager), Nathan Human, and Alexia Arnold. Right: Cannons Creek Grade 2 pupils armed and ready with their Spring cards, before the delivery - Akiva Davidson, Zara Madaramoothoo, Evan Adams, and Michaela Goldstein.

Cannons Creek Grade R pupils dressed up for Spring Day: Shaughan Gay, Alison Mugwagwa, Wyatt Hector, Emma Hofmeyer and Abigail Spencer.

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