the Muse - Feb 2022 by the Muse magazine by Pinelands Directory

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PINELANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE issue

HOMEMADE HUMMUS

Heleen Meyer

KAI GOODALL

Innovative Engineer

125 | February 2022

MONEY Retirement MATTERS Annuities

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.

Call Matron Jackie on 021 531 5311 for any accommodation enquiries

www.helenkeller.org.za

2A Links Drive, Pinelands, Cape Town, 7405 Phone 021 531 5311 during office hours E-mail management@helenkeller.org.za

WELCOME

2020 VISION IS THE NEW 20/20 VISION I think it is still early enough in the new year to wish you all the best for the months to come. On the day we publish this edition, we can look at it as either the first day of February 2022 or the 676th day since the March 2020 lockdown. “20/20” used to be just a term to denote perfect vision. That was before we went through the year 2020. Normally, it would just have been a number, thrown away and forgotten at year-end, but this one stuck... These past two years have forced us to recalibrate any overly self-assured view of our control and mastery over nature and the way we thought we made the world bend to our wants. Perhaps this is the new '2020 Vision'... realising that having plans and goals is all fine and good, but be prepared to stop and rewrite them in quick succession. Since we are not quite out of 'this thing' yet, that doesn’t bode well for grand New Year resolutions and predictions, which don’t have a good record of success anyway. Perhaps the best use of a new year is to see it as a landmark in time when we can open a new life account, when we are allowed to pack away the worries of the previous period and look afresh at what road we really want to be on. “Resolutions” may be too a stern a word to be practical as it implies that we must “resolve” an issue in our life. That puts a pretty high bar to success, so no wonder they often fail and leave us feeling worse. Let’s be honest, most ‘big things’ in our life are pretty nebulous and hard to grab hold of. They are unlikely to be solved in a few weeks or even months - some of them will probably take years, and even then, will only bring us a bit closer to our ideal. That’s where the new 2020 Vision could help... Perhaps we should rather approach resolutions as a journey to our desired destination and not an immediate imperative to achieve. We should expect detours to be thrown up that will delay the journey. That will allow us to feel good about reaching minor waypoints that we can recognise as progress, instead of feeling failure when we don’t quickly arrive at where we dream to be. It may not be the quickest or most efficient route to a goal, but it will surely be a kinder and more satisfying journey, where we can enjoy whatever view is presented to us. I hope you enjoy this first edition on the road through 2022.

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

Kelp Gull Gulls are one of the commonest birds seen around Cape Town. The three most common gulls found are Kelp, Hartlaub’s and Greyheaded. Kelp Gulls are the largest of the three and are found along the coast and up to 50 kms offshore following trawlers, from northern Namibia to Mozambique. They are not usually found inland but frequent coastal dump sites. Adults have black backs and black upper wings. The beak is yellow with a pink spot on the lower mandible. Juveniles are heavily streaked dark brown; slowly becoming lighter to reach adulthood which takes about two years. Nests are a scrape on the ground lined with grass, usually next to a rock or bush on rocky islets, cliffs or dunes. See the Gull comparisons on page 10. 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.

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 126 • March 2022 Bookings: 14 Feb Published: 1 Mar 2022 Content: 18 Feb

© 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.

February 2022 | the muse | 1

www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za

Cape Care PHARMACY

PRESCRIPTIONS SPECIAL COMPOUNDS Flu Vaccine Special: R70 ALL MEDICAL AIDS ACCEPTED PHONE 021 534 0762 WHATSAPP 081 032 9538

Thursday 10 Feb 2022

Shop 4 Vereeniging Centre Vereeniging Circle Ruyterwacht

WESTERN CAPE BLOOD SERVICE

Donate blood at St Stephens Church Main Hall from 1:30pm until 7:15pm. Eat a balanced meal 3 to 4 hours before donating. Confirm times at 021 507 6300.

Mon - Fri 9am - 6pm Weekends 9am - 2pm

Tuesday 22 Feb 2022

PINEHURST

Primary School2022/01/22

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OPEN TUESDAY DAY 22 FEB We’d like to give you the opportunity to visit our school to see why the “Green School” is known as The School with Joy. Join a short address by the Principal and a tour around our facilities and Foundation Phase classes, which starts at 8:30am.

To register for the open day, please email reception@phps.org.za Rhone, Pinelands Tel: 021 531 2783

www.phps.org.za

5-125.indd 1

Cas h pa id fo r

t ho s e

Tony’s

Achieving excellence in a values-based community

EASURE

pre-loved items that no lon

PINEHURST PRIMARY OPEN DAY

Visit the School in Rhone, Pinelands to see why the "Green School" is known as The 15:16 School with Joy. To register for the Open Day, please email reception@phps.org.za or call 021 531 2783. See www.phps.org.za.

Wednesday 23 Feb 2022

ger

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

Keep an eye out for Gloria running the Karoo Animal Protection Society (KAPS) bric-a-brac table at the Pop-up-Nursery at Pinelands Club from 9am to 1pm.

Come to the Pinelands Bowling Club from 3pm to 7pm for a foot stomping concert by the original Cape Town Celtic Band. See the advert page 12. Contact Margie 073 449 3963.

JENNY AND THE JAMESES

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! email muse@pinelandsdirectory.co.za. Send content for the March 2022 edition by 18 February 2022. R155 ensures placement in the calendar.

Growing confident children since 1998

Friends of Pinelands Library Donation Drive Ages 0 – 5 years 7:00am - 5:30pm

Registrations open for 2022

Grow your library by supporting the Pinelands Library Garden Project! Donations of : CASH COMPOST PLANTS are appreciated!

Donations can be dropped off at the library foyer.

CUPS & SAUCERS duos and trios (plate, cup & saucer)

destony@telkomsa.net

CANNONS CREEK FUN RUN

Sunday 20 Mar 2022

BRIC-A-BRAC SALES FOR KAPS

POSTCARDS up to 1945 (1900 - 1920 are best)

Call me... 083 775 00 55

Tuesday 1 Mar 2022

Saturdays 2022

PINELANDS STAMP CIRCLE

COINS tickey, sixpence, shilling, 5 shilling & R1 coins

FOUNTAIN PENS, PEN-KNIVES AND WATCHES

GRACE PRIMARY OPEN DAY

If you would like to learn more about "living education" come to the school open day at 8 Protea Close, between 8:45 am and 10:30am. RSVP 021 532 1816 or email admin@graceprimary.org. See advert page 6.

Currently there are no stamp circle meetings due to the COVID restrictions. For information contact: Martin at 021 689 5050

MEDALS Boer War, WW1, WW2 inc badges & buttons

OLD TOYS Schuco, Dinky, Meccano etc.

Friday 25 Feb 2022

Join the Cannons Creek Fun Run for 2, 4 and 8km events, starting at 5:45 pm. There will be medals for all finishers, and prizes for the winners in each category. Enter via Quicket for R85. Queries: infohs@cannonscreek.co.za.

2022/01/21 16:09

u e yo serv

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

For more information please contact 021 530 7160 pinelands.library@capetown.gov.za

ALWAYS CHOOSE THE BUSIEST AGENCY

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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

www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za FebruaryCentre 2022 | the︱muse | 3 ︱Phone: 021 531 7507︱pinelands@seeff.com ︱ Howard Pinelands SeeffPinelands

PINELANDER Pinelander Kai Goodall does it again! Using his innovative design approach Kai scooped the top prize for his Pedal n Spin washing machine entered into the RS Components International People.Planet.Product Student Design Challenge. Kai featured as Pinelander in our last online edition during strict lockdown as "Design winner at the SAIEE competition" see the September 2020 edition online at:www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za. Image by Candice Lowin UCT Web Content Manager/Photographer

FIRST INTERNATIONAL PRIZE

Excited at achieving his first international engineering design award, Kai Goodall, completing his Masters in Electrical Engineering at the University of Cape Town, is now expanding his Pedal n Spin washing machine project which was judged alongside stiff competition from five other finalists from top universities in the UK and Singapore. Winning the challenge put out by RS Components International People. Planet.Product Student Design Challenge in partnership with Grass Roots and The Washing Machine Project, gives Kai the opportunity to work on further upgrades to his design and make the innovation widely available.

INITIAL TESTING OF THE NEW DESIGN

The Pedal n Spin foot-cranked washing machine is an improvement on the Divya hand-cranked washing machine currently produced by The Washing Machine Project - collaborators in the competition. Kai's design refines the operation with an ergonomically designed foot pedal based on the treadle system, and for testing his refinement Kai asked members of his family, his UCT supervisor Dr. David Oyedokun and a young mother from a local informal settlement to trial the Pedal n Spin and report on its ease of use. He was given the thumbs up by his 12 year old brother, Oliver Bramwell and his 85 year old grandmother, Margaret du Toit, who said "It’s easier to use than you think".

ECO FRIENDLY AND AFFORDABLE

Using materials for construction that can be found easily and making the design simple for repair, Kai aimed at making his device affordable, portable, and energy efficient. It uses 20 litres of water and

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can do 5kg washing at a time. Ultimately the washing machine will be distributed globally to people in need or people that have sustainability and fitness in mind.

OTHER AWARD WINNING DESIGNS

With a focus on renewable energy and education Kai is building on his award winning designs. In 2019 he won the SAIEE (South African Institute of Electrical Engineers) National Student Project Competition for his solar powered car with solar tracking and self-driving abilities a device that is used at universities and schools as an educational outreach tool which also fires a passion for engineering in young minds. He feels that we have what it takes in South Africa to be amongst the top innovators in the world with perseverance and determination being key. Another project Kai has had success with is his Tap and Door Opener Multitool used in communal areas to help in the prevention of the spread of COVID 19. His master’s project is an upgraded selfdriving educational solar car that will have advanced self-driving and solar tracking abilities using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computer Vision.

GREAT INTEREST IN THE PEDAL N SPIN

Kai has shown the product of his winning design during live TV interviews on eNCA, SABC 2 Morning live and SABC 3 Expresso Show. News articles have appeared in UCT News, Times Live online news, Die Burger newspaper, News 24 online news and in You, Huisgenoot and Drum Magazine. Kai has been pleasantly surprised at the huge interest shown in his design, which could make the lives of many who live in a world without electricity or the use of a conventional washing machine, that much

easier. He is especially honoured at being asked to be a part of the "Fresh Advisor Board" as an advisor to RS Components – the main competition sponsors.

HOW WILL YOU USE THE PRIZE MONEY?

"I am currently using the funds received from the sponsors of the competition to manufacture a number of units with a local sustainable woodworking company called Forest Creations. These improved units will have greater portability, a water drainage valve, and quick release mechanisms for the drive cage. The upgraded design will possibly also include a second spin cycle barrel with holes in it along with a splash guard to allow the user to spin dry their clothes. The units will be distributed to local townships in Cape Town for field testing and regular user feedback to further improve the innovation before serious manufacturing and distribution processes are developed. After which the Pedal n Spin washing machine will be distributed globally to people in need or people that have sustainability and fitness in mind."

CONTACT KAI

Look out for more news on Kai's success and the roll out of the Pedal n Spin on News 24, the You magazine, Huisgenoot magazine and Drum magazine. See his videos on his YouTube Kai Goodall! For any more information, collaboration, and updates, please contact Kai Goodall on his email kaigoodall@gmail.com. You can also follow Kai on his Instagram or connect with him on LinkedIn Kai Goodall to see updates on his washing machine and other exciting engineering projects. We wish Kai every success with this exciting venture and for his future in design projects. 

February 2022 | the muse | 4

GREEFF

% 80

Greeff Properties

greeffproperties

www.greeff.co.za

D L SO

133 Forest Drive Service Road, Pinelands

Get in touch with our agents:

From: R700 000 (including VAT, No Transfer Duty)

Daniel Etherington

Dual Mandate - Web reference number: ND63

072 709 0057 - daniel@greeff.co.za

Studio, one one bedroom bedroom and and twobedroom two bedroomunits unitsavailable available Studio,

Aaqilah Hendricks 083 296 1945 - aaqilah@greeff.co.za

SOLD IN 3 DAYS

CEDAR AVENUE R3 200 000* Beds 4 • Baths 2 • Receptions 2 • Garage 1

STEENBOK CLOSE R2 100 000 Web Ref 4961643 Beds 2 • Bath 1 • Reception 1 • Garage 1

KEURBOOM CRESCENT R2 999 995 Web Ref 5074310 Beds 3 • Baths 2.5 • Receptions 2 • Garage 1

LINNET WAY R1 795 000 Web Ref 5093843 Beds 2 • Bath 1 • Reception 1 • Garage 1

ELAND WAY R2 795 000 Web Ref 5093110 Beds 4 • Baths 2 • Reception 1 • Garage 1

HOWARD HAMLET R1 150 000 Web Ref 5096354 Bed 1 • Bath 1 • Reception 1 • Parking 1

*Listed price

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

Scan to view all listings

C AN N O N S C R E E K INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

100% Pass Rate Bachelor Degree Passes: 100% Congratulations to every 2021 Matriculant

TOP ACHIEVERS: Ilhaam Cassiem 8 distinctions

Kelsey Hendricks 7 distinctions

Samantha Nelson 7 distinctions

Jamie Hindmarch 6 distinctions

Kerry Porrill 6 distinctions

Razaan Aboo 5 distinctions

Siyathokoza Sekhosana 4 distinctions

(incl IEB AP Maths)

OPEN DAYS: Primary School: 11 March 2022 | 09h00 – 12h00 High School: 12 March 2022 | 09h00 – 12h00

www.cannonscreek.co.za 021 531 0912 (Primary) 021 531 5011 (High) marketing@cannonscreek.co.za

CannonsSchool

cannonscreekschool

@cannons_creek

ek-M4-125.indd 1

2022/01/24

OPEN DAY

Friday 25 February

Programme runs

8:45 - 10:30am

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

RSVP 021 532 1816

admin@graceprimary.org

If you would like to learn more about the ‘living education’ offered by Grace Primary, please join us at this event to see the school in action and ask all your questions.

www.graceprimary.org

COMMUNITY NEWS

CANNONS CREEK CELEBRATES MATRIC RESULTS Cannons Creek Independent High School is overjoyed at its 2021 Matric Results. The school achieved a 100% pass rate for the 19th year running and 100% Bachelor's Degree Pass for the 3rd consecutive year. Mr Mike van Haght, the High School Principal, commended the class, taking into account that while 6853 High Schools wrote the NSC exams in 2021, only 91 schools achieved a 100% pass rate for the past five years. In an address to the Matrics and their families, Mr van Haght said, "Well done to the Matrics of 2021. Well done to your parents - they probably sweated more than you did. Well done and thank you to your families, for not being able to do things that a family would normally do 'cause there's someone writing Matric or studying'. To the teachers and to the staff who supported the teachers - I want to say a big Thank You for enabling us to maintain these outstanding results." Some of the school's top achievers were Ilhaam Cassiem (8 distinctions - English, Afrikaans, Life Orientation, Accounting, Computer Applications Technology, Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Spanish SAL); Kelsey Hendricks (7 distinctions English, Afrikaans, Design, Life Orientation, Drama, History, and Maths Literacy); 10:37 Samantha Nelson (7 distinctions - English, Life Orientation, Drama, History, Life Sciences, Maths Literacy and Visual Arts); Jamie Hindmarch (6 distinctions - English, Life Orientation, Geography, Life Sciences, Maths, and Physical Sciences) and Kerry Porrill (6 distinctions - Life Orientation, Accounting, Life Sciences, Mathematics, Physical Science, and IEB AP Maths). Subjects which achieved A averages at Cannons Creek were French (98% average), Visual Art (91% average), Spanish (85% average), Tourism (82% average), Maths Literacy (81% average), History (81% average), and Life Orientation (81% average). A special congratulations to the three pupils who achieved a full-house of distinctions: Kelsey Hendricks, Ilhaam Cassiem, and Samantha Nelson. The top achievers were Ilhaam Cassiem, Jamie Hindmarch (88.29% aggregate), and Kerry Porrill (86.43%). The 2022 plans are diverse with Ilhaam planning on pursuing MBChB at Stellenbosch University, Luke Albertyn studying Software Development at Varsity College, Anesu Mbidzo studying Marketing Management while playing Football at the Sharks Academy in Durban, and Heon Jun (Joshua) Lee who plans on attending Villanova University in the U.S. to study Dentistry or Bioinformatics.

www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za

Ary ton du Plooy, Jamie Hindma rch, Anesu Mbidzo, - enjoying the Pitt ton Den uelSam and Kev in Breeds, es mat class w opportunity to see their fello

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February 2022 | the muse | 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE AT PINEHURST PRIMARY SCHOOL On the 10th of December 2021, Pinehurst Primary School celebrated excellence, one of the school’s six values, by recognising the hard work and determination of their learners at a special Awards Ceremony.

The whole-school-evening-event, which remains a highlight on the school calendar, was scaled down to a smaller morning ceremony for our Gr 7 learners and their parents.

There are too many achievements to mention them all here, but Pinehurst is proud of all the learners for completing another unusual school year in good spirits. The Class of 2021 will certainly be missed.

Principal Mr Carroll with Herman Bosman who received the Principal’s Award. Herman also received the Sportsman of the Year Award.

Principal Mr Carroll with Azrah Ameeroedien who achieved academic first place, receiving the Anderson Award. Azrah achieved the highest mark in English, History, Geography, Natural Science and Economic Management Sciences.

Principal Mr Carroll with Jacklyn Kengne who received the Founder Pupils’ Award as voted by teachers and learners. Jacklyn also received the Principal’s Award and an award for Proficiency in English.

Sports Director Mr Buck with Lucy Walker who received the Sportswoman of the Year Award and the Hooley Music Award.

Absent for the photograph: Hannah Mitchell who received the Swan Fellowship Award as voted by her peers.

PINELANDS

R4 895 000

R3 600 000

JOINT MANDATE

JOINT MANDATE OPEN PLAN LIVING

PINELANDS

THORNTON

R2 300 000

SOLE MANDATE

5 Beds • 4 Baths • 2 Gar THE INCOME GENERATOR 7 Beds • 5 Baths • 0 Gar FAMILY HOME WITH 1 BEDROOM FLATLET 3 Beds • 1 Bath

Double volume ceiling property boasting an overhead walkway, 4 over sized bedrooms, 3 en suite bathrooms, open plan living, fitted kitchen, eating counter, wfh, u/c patio, pool, water tanks, outside accommodation and double garage. Loads of extras.

Showcasing aluminium windows, doors & security gates throughout. Main house has 4 beds, 2 baths (mes), lounge, dining room, fitted kitchen + laundry. Three income generating rooms with bathrooms outside, pool, lapa and 6 car parking.

This home has a lovely feel, modernised while retaining character. Traditional porch overlooks quiet crescent. Bright, spacious living area. Large, secure back garden. Separate entrance finished to high standard with o/p living/kitchen area.

Cindy Sarandis 071 081 4413 • Web RXBS-2323

Cindy Sarandis 071 081 4413 • Web RXBS-2310

Abigail Hinchcliffe 084 577 3576 • Web RXBS-2307

RE/MAX Property Associates: 021 531 4477

PINELANDS

R2 250 000

PINELANDS

R3 175 000

SOLE MANDATE

JOINT MANDATE LOCK UP & GO COTTAGE

RE/MAX Property Associates: 021 531 4477

PINELANDS

R2 095 000

OPEN MANDATE

2 Beds • 1 Baths • 1 Gar 4 BEDROOM DOUBLE STOREY 4 Beds • 3 Bath • 2 Gar SPACIOUS, SECURE LOCK UP & GO 2 Beds • 1 Bath • 1 Gar

Lovely, quaint cottage, free flowing from kitchen to living area. Sliding doors from living room onto paved, covered patio & manageable garden. Garage with direct entrance into house. Communal use of pools & play areas. Pet friendly. 24-hr secure access.

Large 200m2 free standing double storey cluster with double garage and low maintenance garden. Open plan living and dining room. Option of dual living. No Levies. Walking distance to Howard centre. In need of TLC.

Abigail Hinchcliffe 084 577 3576 • Web RXBS-2455 Marlett Cuyler 082 514 4402 • Web RXBS-2439

RE/MAX Property Associates: 021 531 4477

Great Investment opportunity in Pinelands with this 2 bedroom home located in a quiet cul-de-sac. This is an ideal opportunity for first time buyers to get into the property market. Set on a 263 m2 erf with an automated garage.

Byron Louw 082 081 2299 • Web RXBS-2116

RE/MAX Property Associates: 021 531 4477

February 2022 | the muse | 8

PRINCIPAL'S ARTICLE By Ann Morton Principal Pinelands North Primary School (The Red School)

THE BENEFITS OF SCHOOLING FOR A GREAT FUTURE During the holidays I pondered the decision of some families over the past two years to home-school their children. I thought through my perceived benefits of being within a diverse, enlightened school community. Here are my thoughts on the benefits of good schooling for all future adults!

diverse backgrounds and this could create a ‘culture clash’. Living and learning at home amongst people you know means little opportunity to learn empathy and understanding of difference. Co-operative learning benefits everyone, especially when those participating are very different.

LEARNING SOCIAL SKILLS AT SCHOOL

If we learn good communication skills like networking, negotiation, mediation and public speaking before we leave school, we become exceptionally valuable future employees. Good writing skills and critical thinking are often part of our school assignments, with paying attention to the detail and handing the project in on time being awarded success. Another business skill we learn while at school is how to utilise resources that are available, often through recycling or reusing items, and this means that we make good decisions about how to treat resources responsibly. Decision making is another skill learnt at school: the consequences of good and bad decisions, by ourselves and others, are very evident. Ethical behaviours are also learnt through mentorship and watching the community interact positively.

Our social behaviour is moulded by the people around us. We learn how to watch others for non-verbal cues as well as listen to them to understand their opinion. We learn to make friends and to gently release them when the time is right. Working in groups, particularly with people you don’t like, is difficult but being at school requires us to learn how to do this. School helps us to learn how to succeed and fail, and our schooling teaches us that if we persist through failure, we still can succeed!

EXERCISING CHOICES OUTSIDE THE HOME Some things at school are out of our control and so we need confidence to face challenges – not everything can be controlled just because we wish it were so! Schools bring together families with

VALUABLE SKILLS FOR FUTURE CAREERS

TECH SAVVY, TECH SAFE

JOIN US FOR THE FIRST SESSION OF THE YEAR

THE SCHOOL AS AN INCUBATOR FOR FUTURE ADULT ACTIVITIES The hobbies we have as adults are often learnt at school too. Some schools like ours still include embroidery, sewing, woodwork and growing plants in their daily curriculum so children are introduced to lots of activities which can become life-long hobbies. Good reading skills and access to great reading material usually means we become ‘hobby’ readers as adults too. Sporting activities and being active throughout life usually starts at school if this is a positive experience.

INSTILLING A LOVE FOR LEARNING Good schools teach us to love learning! Learning through play, through experimentation and through practice helps us to continue to be life-long learners.

SCHOOLS OFFER UNIQUE AND ESSENTIAL SOCIAL AND ACADEMIC SKILLS Nowhere in this article have I mentioned school subjects! Anyone can learn anything online these days but the skills one learns through interaction within a community are the valuable ones we can take with us into adulthood. Viva schooling! 

Pinelands Methodist Church Wed 23 February 2022 | 7:30pm Shantelle Weber University of Stellenbosch Ross Hill Curro DigiEd Explore the tension between preparing your children for a high tech future and protecting them from the hazards of the online environment.

ALL WELCOME but COVID protocols apply, so space is limited. RSVP essential.

RSVP: 021 531 8972 or 082 373 0535 or 082 785 2053 or laurenhill@mweb.co.za or pinemeth@xsinet.co.za

Speakers will discuss the use of purposeful tech-rich curricula in schools, ethics and responsibilities around social media usage, as well as challenges facing digitally marginalised children in lower resourced schools and communities, seen through the lens of social justice. Panel discussion and Q&A will follow.

THE

Dance Co.

COMMUNITY NEWS

PINELANDS

DANCE CO AT THE BAXTER THEATRE

MODERN DANCE • HIP HOP • MUSICAL THEATRE

Dance Classes for all ages

The show Memories performed by students from Dance Co Pinelands, at the Baxter Theatre last December, was enjoyed by the dancers and audiences alike. Dance choreography included modern, contemporary, musical theatre and hip hop for all ages.

ENROL NOW FOR 2022 Viv Pullin • 083 273 2159 • vivpullin1@gmail.com www.danceco.capetown

DanceCo-M5-125.indd 1

Sold in 2021 SOLD

R5.495 million* 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages

SOLD

R4.375 million* 4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 6 Parkings

2022/01

Pinelands.

SOLD

R4.595 million* 3 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 6 Parkings

SOLD

R4.5 million* 5 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 2 Garages | 6 Parkings

SOLD

R4.25 million* 4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 6 Garages | 5 Parkings

R4.225 million* 4 Bedrooms | 1.5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages | 2 Parkings *listing price quoted

Geneé Rodinis

View my listings

GoldClub Agent

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

Webb AAorneys pamgolding.co.za/pinelands

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

COMMON GULLS

ST GEORGE’S GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOUNDED 1848

OPEN WEEK Monday 14 – Thursday 17 February 2022

Looking for a school for 2023 that can offer your child a truly diverse environment in which they can flourish, be a rigorous thinker and develop their courageous voice? Being part of one of the small group tours during our Open Week, will give you a great feel for the school. For further information and to book your place on one of the tours, please visit www.sggs.co.za to do an online booking for one of the tours or contact Sheryl on admissions@sggs.co.za

Richmond Road, Mowbray | 021 689 9354

www.sggs.co.za

Text by John McFarlane

Gulls are one of the commonest birds seen around Cape Town. The three most common gulls found are Kelp, Hartlaub’s and Greyheaded. (continued from page 1). Kelp Gulls are the largest of the three and are found along the coast and up to 50 kms offshore following trawlers, from Namibia to Mozambique. They are not usually found inland but frequent coastal dump sites. Adults have black backs and black upper wings. The beak is yellow with a pink spot on the lower mandible. Juveniles are heavily streaked dark brown; slowly becoming lighter to reach adulthood which takes about two years. Nests are a scrape on the ground lined with grass, usually next to a rock or bush on rocky islets, cliffs or dunes. Hartlaub’s Gulls are almost half the size of a Kelp Gull. The colouring of the Hartlaub’s Gull is grey back and wings that are tipped with black and white. They have red legs and a black beak. They are highly gregarious and often frequent human habitation, gardens, parks and restaurants for scraps. They sometimes follow fishing vessels but not far offshore. The nest is a bowl of roots, grass, and twigs built on the ground usually next to a shrub, colonial and normally on off-shore islands. In recent years they have been nesting on tall buildings around Cape Town. Hartlaub’s range is mainly from Cape Point up the southwest coast, but recently has spread up as far as Port Elizabeth. Greyheaded Gulls are smaller than Kelp Gulls, but slightly larger than Hartlaub’s Gulls. Non-breeding birds are very similar to the Hartlaub’s. The breeding bird has a grey head with a pale red-ringed eye. Greyheaded Gulls range from north Namibia to north Mozambique. Colonies are also found in Gauteng, Free State, Angola and Zimbabwe. They are however uncommon in the SW Cape.The nests are a shallow bowl of grass, weeds and twigs on flat ground, often next to plants. Sometimes old Coot nests are used and in colonies of several dozen nests.

February 2022 | the muse | 10

MONEY MATTERS

By Sue Torr Director Crue Invest

9 facts about retirement annuities

We’re all familiar with the term ‘retirement annuity’ and the significant tax benefits associated with this type of investment vehicle, but there are some lesser known details and benefits about RAs that all investors should know about. 1. You can transfer your insurance RA to a unit trust platform. If you transfer your insurance RA to a new generation RA which is housed on a LISP platform, no expensive upfront commissions will be paid to your financial advisor as in the case of an insurance RA, and your advisor will earn an advice fee that is charged per annum as a percentage of your invested capital. 2. You can use an RA to preserve your retirement benefits. While a preservation fund is an excellent vehicle in which to preserve retirement benefits, it is not the only option available. Transferring your group retirement benefits into a retirement annuity structure has significant advantages. For instance, if you transfer your funds into an RA, you can continue contributing towards it on a regular basis and can make additional contributions if required. Remember, however, that you will not be able to access the funds housed in your RA prior to age 55. No tax is payable on the transfer of retirement benefits into a retirement annuity. 3. You can have as many RAs as you like. You are permitted to invest up to 27.5% of your taxable income on a taxdeductible basis towards an RA, with this limit being applicable to the aggregate of all your contributions towards an approved retirement fund. There is therefore no tax advantage to having more than one retirement annuity. If your RA is invested on a LISP platform, you can fully diversify your investment strategy (subject to the limitations of Regulation 28 of the Pension Funds Act) within a single retirement annuity, meaning that additional RAs will not create opportunity for extra investment diversification. 4. RAs are more tax-efficient that TFSAs. When it comes to tax on investment returns, retirement annuities and tax-free savings accounts present the same taxefficiency for investors. No tax is paid on

any dividends or interest earned in either an RA or a TFSA, and there are no CGT consequences. The big difference between the two investment structures is that your contributions towards an RA are taxdeductible, whereas your contributions towards a TFSA are made with aftertax money. As such, TFSAs become attractive investment vehicles once you have maximised your tax-deductible contributions towards an RA. 5. RA funds are protected from creditors. If you are declared insolvent, Section 37B of the Pension Funds Act provides that the funds in your retirement annuity are protected from your creditors, although in terms of the Act, certain monies can be deducted from your pension fund money, including money owed to SARS, and amounts due and payable under the Divorce Act and Maintenance Act. 6. Your over-contributions will roll over. While your tax-deductible premiums are limited to R350 000 of your taxable income per year, this does not mean that you cannot invest more than this in a tax year. Any over-contributions are rolled over to the following year and can be used for tax deduction purposes in that year. 7. The funds in your RA are not subject to estate duty. The money invested in your retirement annuity does not form part of your deceased estate and will not be taken into account for estate duty purposes. 8. You can use your RA to reinvest your tax returns. An effective way to use your retirement annuity is to reinvest the tax returns you receive from SARS. 9. You can stop contributing to your RA without being charged penalties. Unit trust-based retirement annuities are transparent, flexible investments which, unlike insurance-based RAs, allow investors to completely customise their contributions. You can choose to contribute monthly, quarterly, bi-annually or annually. This makes RAs very attractive for those who earn an irregular income, or who earn intermittent commissions or bonuses.

February 2022 | the muse | 11

www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za

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

Creating and protecting your wealth

Crue Invest is a professional financial planning practice based in Pinelands, Cape Town, and is one of only 14 practices in South Africa to be awarded the FPI Approved Professional Practice™ accreditation. This accreditation recognises that our practice meets the highest ethical standards in pursuance of our profession, and reinforces that our standards in terms of knowledge, expertise and ethical conduct are amongst the best in the country. Come and have coffee with us. We’d love to help you plan.

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

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

A Concert on the Green

Jenny & the Jameses

COMMUNITY NEWS

WITH

CANNONS CREEK FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL There was much excitement on 17th January 2022 when Cannons Creek Independent School started the new term with many smiles at being able to begin the year in-person, compared to 2021's beginning. Seen here are some of the happy faces at Cannons Creek.

with A top original Cape Town Celtic folk band

5.indd 1

Pinelands Bowling Club

St Stephens Road, Pinelands Sunday 20 March 2022 | 3pm - 7pm Foot-stomping entertainment with beautiful airs and a little country

ianna Grade 1 pupi l G ith du Plessis, w ues pa rents Mr Jacq du and Mrs Louise Plessis

r Mrs Grade 2 teache w ith i, in cc Pu Laura n Luca her two childre ia ra K (Grade R R) and (Grade 6) Grade R pupil Arya Ngwenya with dad Mr Carlton Ngwenya

Bring along a picnic and blankets. Food will also be on sale. Fully licenced bar. No alcohol to be brought onto or removed from the venue.

Tickets | R100

CONTACT Margie Cochrane 073 449 3963 event.bookings@pinelandsbc.co.za

) and Jyothi (Grade 11 ith w ) R Isaac (Grade and a m Pu r M pa rents i id Mrs Pr iya Mam

rade Cha rlie-Rose (G 4), de 1) and Jesse (Gra ra La rs M , om w ith m Hughes

Grade RR pupils Rebecca Marjawar, Matilda Andrews, and Julian Plastow

PINELANDS HIGH SCHOOL 2021 MATRIC TOP 15 ACHIEVERS 2022/01/20 13:21

Following a difficult last two years of schooling disrupted by the pandemic, the class produced very strong results which include an 86% Bachelor’s pass rate, 201 subject distinctions and a 98,9% pass rate. Pinelands High School is very proud of their full staff team of teachers, leaders and support staff who all contributed to ensuring that the school remained a safe, high-functioning and caring learning environment during the past two years. It takes a village to raise a child; it takes a whole school to produce good results!

Back row: Amy Irlam, Na'ilah Kara, Bethany Toohey, Yethu Kibi, Cameron Veroni, Mikhail Williams, Kirsten Dryding, Hewan Naidu, Caleigh Mac Millan, Ryan Blankenberg, Hannah Cloete. Front row: Kai Reynolds, Roxanne D’Oliveira, Sarah Kruger, Sankara Atsilut.

www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za

February 2022 | the muse | 12

COMMUNITY NEWS

WHO SAID COVID MEANS LESS LEARNING AT SCHOOL? During Covid most children have learnt how to be resilient, to be positive in the face of negativity and how to maintain ‘grit’. Text by Pinelands North Primary School Staff

Pinelands North Primary School spent the last two weeks of last year celebrating their children’s achievements at individual grade award ceremonies. To better social distance every grade chose a theme, a venue and the ‘uniform’ for the day. One family member of each child was asked to join them for an hour during the day, to celebrate 2021. This meant that some grades wore fancy hats and met their parents around the swimming pool and others chose a more formal occasion in full uniform in the hall.

SUCCESS IN LIVING MATHS COMPETITION

Besides these celebrations, the Red School children have exceeded expectations in so many other ways this year. Three Foundation Phase pupils; Benjamin Whyatt, Benjamin Draper and Jaime Barendse came first in Grade 1, second in grade 3 and third in grade 3 in South Africa in the Living Maths Competition! This mathematics ‘talent’ contest is written by hundreds of thousands of children all around South Africa annually.

ALTERNATE SKILLS PLUS TECHNOLOGY

Children at the Red School also learn ‘alternative’ skills: Grade 4 and 5 pupils learnt how to knit and then knitted at least one square which was added to create knee blankets for the elderly. In Woodwork, pupils created cup holders, blackboards, picture frames and bird feeders by using their skills of sanding, cutting, polishing and varnishing. In grade 7 Technology the pupils created indoor thinking and logic games to entertain younger pupils on rainy days.

ART - INDOORS AND OUT

Last year, every child created art in a variety of creative spaces; from the classroom to the art room, the school hall and outside. Each child created an art portfolio filled with all the incredible art they made. We had parent volunteers assist us in the Foundation Phase, as well as teachers across the grades, adding their own creative flair to the subject.

February 2022 | the muse | 13

CELEBRATING OUR INNER MUSICIAN

Despite restrictions, our Music Department participated in the Cape Town Eisteddfod and received very good results and continued making music together in a small ensemble. Some students did their Trinity exams and were rewarded with results such as high merits and diplomas. Each student performed in a virtual concert, celebrating the musician in themselves!

GARDENING, BAKING AND ANIMAL CARE

Some Creative and Talented pupils followed a Rock Solid theme and created gardens using rocks, and others made a picture book to share with younger pupils. Grade 6 pupils spent their Life Skills lessons learning skills for life: how to change a tyre, how to identify plants and create a garden, and how to tie a tie! In Grade 2 pupils learnt baking skills, while learning about measurement: they learnt to double a recipe and make recipe cards to take home to also spoil their families. For some this year has been the year of learning how to care for animals: grade 2, 3 and 4 pupils were trained in how to care for guinea pigs, chickens, ducks and rabbits and then daily cared for them, fed them and loved them.

VARIETY AND FUN IN SPORT

The sports programme grew and diversified during Covid too. All our pupils attended compulsory sport programmes as part of the school day. This programme included a variety of activities that helped improve the mental and physical development of each child. Children could also volunteer

to participate in sports clinics after school and on Saturdays. If anything, our pupils learnt more last year than they had previously because they had more options, more opportunities and most of all had more fun at sport. This year our pupils will again have a chance to test their sporting skills, as we work towards building a fun but competitive spirit as we get ready to compete against other schools.

FUN FRIDAYS

Pupils in Red Roots demonstrated their love of inquiry and learning through play throughout the year. On 'Fun Fridays' they learnt three languages: Sign Language, isiXhosa and Afrikaans; using songs, actions and rhymes, as well as learning how to bake and make delicious treats from around the world. They learnt how to grow their own plants from vegetable offcuts and planted them in the veggie garden. A highlight again was the interaction with the animals: even those who were very nervous learnt how to interact, care for and play with Tobin, the dog, and our two tortoises, Ncothoza and Rimples.

OPPORTUNITIES DURING COVID

Covid has created opportunities to learn differently and has added a richness to our learning. Besides all these obvious learnt skills, most children have also learnt how to be resilient, to be positive in the face of negativity and how to maintain ‘grit’. If we as adults had learnt these skills at school, wouldn’t we have had a richer and fuller life? 

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