RoodeLife Magazine - Issue 6

ISSUE

06 OCT DEC

2015

Buffelsdrift Community United Against Poaching

Pulse Dance Studio Takes On The World Stage Dealing With The Reality of House Fires

LOUWRENS SMITH

Insight & wisdom from a leader

An inspiring Christmas message from Liesel Krause-Wiid Easy Christmas Braai Recipes

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Community News

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Inspirational Living

Inside this issue...

04

Letter from the Editor

06

SOUL & SPIRIT CHRISTMAS TIME : A message from Liesel Krause-Wiid

41

07

THE TREEHOUSE & THE SILVER LINING

COMMUNITY NEWS THE BATTLE OF KAMEELFONTEIN

40

BUFFELSDRIFT COMMUNITY UNITED AGAINST POACHING

38

GOEIE NUUS FABRIEK GOLF DAY

30

PULSE DANCE STUDIO TAKE THE WORLD STAGE

10

12

18

AWARENESS DEALING WITH THE REALITY OF HOUSE FIRES INSPIRATIONAL LIVING LOUWRENS SMITH: Insight & Wisdom from a Leader Home of Danie and Sanet Mouton: Eco Design for seamless integration with Nature

05

BUSINESS & FINANCE Ilead Online JOINs FORCES WITH THE UNLIMITED TITANS

17

THINK RICH - IT’S YOUR CHOICE

26

FOOD & HEALTH ELEGANT CHRISTMAS BRAAI RECIPES

34

TO DRINK OR NOT TO DRINK

28

LONG TERM GOALS vs SHORT TERM GOALS

39

SPORT THE CLUB CAPTAIN’S VIEW AT PEBBLE ROCK

42

SHORT STORY: “THE SAD BAUBLE”

44

SCHOOL NEWS

03

Letter

from the editor

Welcome to the very last edition for the year of 2015. Before I begin, I would firstly like to thank our advertisers for your loyal support throughout the year. Without you, we would not be able to share our magazine with the residents of the Roodeplaat area. Secondly, I would like to thank my beloved husband, Johann, for his loyal support with this project, which we started as a team.

I would also like to thank everyone who was involved in putting together the RoodeLife magazine – from the designers to all of you who contributed your time and efforts to write interesting and wonderful articles. Also, a thank you to Mike Bolhuis, our entrepreneurs and homeowners, who welcomed us into their homes.

Thank you Nicola du Toit for the magnificent job you did with the layout of the magazine. Thank you Shireen Goosen, our photographer, whose photos added to the beauty of RoodeLife. Mieke Bolhuis – an extraordinary talented young lady who did all the sketches for the short stories, which added such colour to these stories! Thank you to our writer, Isebell Gauché, whose talents as a wordsmith added to the quality of the stories that we shared with you all. And lastly, thank you to our editing team who made sure that all the i’s were dotted and t’s crossed.

“ THE FUTURE BELONGS TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN THE BEAUTY OF THEIR DREAMS. MAY YOURS COME TRUE! ”

The idea behind RoodeLife was to bring the people of the Roodeplaat area together and get to know each other. In the last three months, we enjoyed quite a few events. Congratulations to Eduan Joubert with the successful opening of your Roodeplaat Gallery. Mariette and Pieter didn’t let the rain and cold weather stop them from going forward with the beer festival at Gabbata, and what a wonderful day that was. Erich Posthumus held an auction at the Goeie Nuus Fabriek’s golf day to raise funds for Gesinseenheid.

All of you are part of our community and have helped to bring everyone even closer together, and for that we thank you.

Editorial

Contributors

Danita Nortjé

Brenda van der Merwe

Lulie Swanepoel

Corrie Potgieter

2015 went by so fast and as I reflect on everything that has happened, I cannot help but feel that so many days went by unnoticed. Curro Roodeplaat especially experienced so much negativity, but they never gave up and instead kept their heads up and moved on. When you look back at 2015, what do you want to remember the most?

Advertising

Mieke Bolhuis

Danita Nortjé

Muller Crauwcamp

The Christmas holiday is just around the corner and I hope that we never forget the true meaning behind Christmas Day in particular. The RoodeLife team wishes you all a blessed Christmas. Enjoy your holiday and if you are travelling, please stay safe.

I would like to end this year with the following in mind – the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. May yours come true!

Dr Surene Fourie

Project Management

Engela van Eyssen

Danita Nortjé

Isebell Gauché Jackie Dabrowski

Photography

Liesel Krause-Wiid

Shireen Alberts

Lulie Swanepoel Mike Bolhuis

Optimum Financial Services

Ad Design

Prof. Andre Buys

Erika Wasserman

Morne Malan

Michelle Pienaar

Magazine Layout

Printing UVO Communications

Nicola du Toit

Cover Photo

Enquiries

Louwrens Smith & Family

Danita Nortjé danita@roodelife.co.za 082 751 4998

Until next year.

Danita.

Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/Roode.Life Follow us on Twitter #RoodeLifeMag

04

BUSINESS NEWS

The Titans of

Digital Marketing UNITE with the Titans of Cricket ARTICLE by LULIE SWANEPOEL

The Unlimited Titans club is one of South Africa’s leading cricket teams. Supporting such a winning squad; iLead Online signed up to be part of this team.

Bryan Nelson, the Head of South Africa’s Google Performance Advisor Team, who was a special guest speaker at the event, introduced some of the latest digital marketing trends and shared the awesome Red Bull F1 360° Experience (if you haven’t seen it yet, do yourself a favour and check it out on YouTube).

On September 18th, iLead Online hosted an event at the SuperSport Park located in Centurion, focussing on the importance of digital marketing.

At the event, the official announcement was also made that the titans of digital marketing, iLead Online, had signed up to become part of the Unlimited Titans team, making this a win-win deal. While iLead will be running the Titans’s digital marketing, the Titans will create more brand awareness for iLead Online.

Adding to the importance of digital marketing, Bernard Odendaal emphasised the significance of digital strategies and how important the execution of your strategy is, because you may have the best plan possible, but if not done properly, it will be worthless for your business.

Jacques Faul, the chief executive of the Unlimited Titans, made the official announcement, emphasising the importance of working together as a team. Jacques also shared the story as to how the sponsorship came to be, with him being a previous high school cricket coach of iLead’s General Manager, Elicus Marais, jokingly stating that Elicus could’ve been on the Titans bench, if it wasn’t for his “impeccable” fielding.

The day concluded with the MC, Robin Banks, reminding us that “you are awesome!” Robin most certainly added such flair to the day with his sharp wit and positivity, which can inspire even the most negative of people.

All-in-all, it was a fun-filled, entertaining and informative event, which stressed the fact that even a successful team such as the Unlimited Titans can benefit from digital marketing.

For more information regarding digital marketing visit www.ileadonline.co.za

05

SOUL & SPIRIT

Christmas

time

The birth of Jesus Christ is surely the ultimate event in the history of mankind and the universe which envelopes us. Henry van Dyke refers to the birth of Jesus as “the rising of the sun.”

Did you know that for the past 2 000 years, Jesus Christ

“I will wait and have hot chocolate ready for when you return. I

has had an impact on the world, unsurpassed by any other

would rather enjoy a good book in front of the fireplace.” As he

being who ever set foot on Earth. There is no other mentor,

was about to sit down, he heard thumping noises against

impeccable role model and formidable leader in our midst

the window. On investigation, he found that a flock of birds,

than Jesus Christ!

drawn by the inside light, were attempting to enter the house to escape the bitter cold outside.

His life on Earth had an immense transformational impact on mankind then, and will continue do so into eternity.

He ventured out into the cold and tried to entice the birds to

I believe that the main reason why Jesus made such a

enter a nearby open horse barn. He strewed bread crumbs

phenomenal difference in the world is due to the fact that

on the path leading to the barn and waved his arms, but to

He demonstrated the unconditional love that God has for us.

no avail. Every effort he made failed. He only wanted them to enter the barn where they would be safe and warm.

Jesus educated and taught us that we are not to discard or abandon fellow human beings, whether they are prostitutes,

Later on and very despondent, he went and sat on the

thieves, lepers or good Samaritans. He showed us that God’s

veranda, saying to himself “if only I could be a bird for a

love is inconceivable and unconditional. He “LIVED” God’s

while, so that I could fly out and guide them into the safety

barrierless grace!

and warmth of the barn.”

Should you be in a sombre mood today, you can be assured

In that very moment, he heard the church bells bellowing

that God loves you with a passion unbeknown and that you

and instantly remembered what he had said about how

are one of His countless gems! God loves you regardless of

ridiculous it would be for a God to become a man.

your history, fortune or failures!

It was a revelation when he realised why God had become

“For God loved the world so much that he gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

a man; to guide and comfort us with God’s love, so that we would not stray!

It is a prayer from deep within my heart that you will experience the presence of God during this festive season and that He will

Did YOU make the “U” turn? God is waiting in anticipation

bless you with love, joy and peace!

and with open arms for you to turn back to Him! You are His child and irreplaceable to Him. It is only in God’s presence

May every gift that you receive remind you of the greatest,

that true, mind-boggling peace is to be found!

most valuable gift that you have already received – God’s gift to mankind, His son, Jesus Christ, who was born and died for YOU!

A modern American tale tells us of a man who was an atheist.

On Christmas Eve, his family and friends invited him to join them to attend their church service. He laughed at the suggestion and said “who believes that God can become man?

This is the most ridiculous story ever! If there is a God, why would he then choose to become man?”

06

Liesel Krause-Wiid

COMMUNITY NEWS

The battle of

On the 11th and 12th of June 1900, the Roodeplaat area was the scene of a major battle during the Second Anglo-Boer War. Known as the Kameelfontein Action, it formed part of the larger Battle of Diamond Hill.

This was one of the last conventional battles of the war before commencement of the guerrilla war phase, which lasted another two years.

The previous week, on the 5th of June, some 25 000 soldiers of the main British force, under the command of Field Marshal Lord Roberts, had occupied Pretoria. President Paul Kruger and the Transvaal Republic’s government had moved to Machadodorp by rail and the Boer forces of about 3 800 Boer commandos, under the command of General Louis Botha, immediately prepared to prevent the British from leaving Pretoria and marching towards the east. Kruger divided his forces into three battle groups. He defended the railand wagon-road passes through the Donkerhoek Hills by sending General Koos de la Rey north to the Kameelfontein Hills and General Tobias Smuts south to Tygerpoort to intercept any encirclement attempts by the British.

General Koos De La Rey

De la Rey’s force consisted of some 1 800 men from nine different commandos, including his own Lichtenburg commando. He also had 10 artillery guns under the command of Captain von Dalwig of the ZAR State Artillery. On Friday, the 8th of June, a British force of roughly 1 800 cavalry soldiers, under the command of General John French, came through Derdepoort and camped at Kameeldrift. De la Rey set a trap for the British by preparing strong fortified positions on the hills surrounding the Kameelfontein Valley through which the wagon road towards the east led. He also left the prominent hill at the entrance to the valley unoccupied to mislead the British scouts into thinking that the area was unprotected.

PROFESSOR ANDRE BUYS lying in a rock shelter built

by British soldiers on Kameelfontein hill

BOER ARTILLERY

BRITISH CAVALRY

On Monday the 11th of June, the unsuspecting British force entered the Kameelfontein Valley and were taken by surprise when they came under heavy fire from the Boers positioned on the surrounding hills. They had to make a hasty retreat and were then pinned down on the hill at the entrance to the valley (the prominent hill east of Laerskool Kameelfontein).

By late afternoon on the 12thof June, General John French’s cavalry division was running out of supplies, including ammunition, and was exhausted after two days of heavy fighting, surrounded and on the brink of defeat. The next day, General Koos de la Rey was, however, ordered by Commander-inChief General Louis Botha to withdraw his commandos to Bronkhorstspruit after the British had breached the Boer’s defensive line 15km to the south at Diamond Hill.

During the Battle of Diamond Hill, the British lost 192 men: 44 dead, 144 wounded and 4 lost in action. Boer casualties amounted to 30 dead and wounded. As a result of the withdrawal, the end of the battle was inconclusive, but it could have changed the history of this war, which changed the history of South Africa forever. Afterwards, the official British chronicle of the war (Times History IV, p 296) recorded that: “It was but a hollow victory, if victory it can be called.”

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Mike Bolhuis Talks about...

Dealing with the Reality of House Fires Being prepared for possible fires is essential. A small fire can turn into a life-threatening situation within 30 seconds and a home can burn down within 5 minutes. Most deadly fires occur during the night when people are asleep.

Waking up to a blazing fire, you will be disoriented and, apart from the flames, you will need to deal with deadly fumes, hot air that can burn your lungs and the potential of suffocation. If the fire is out of control, you need to get out of the house immediately, which can be heartwrenching because there is no time to search for valuables.

Although an uncontrolled house fire may seem unlikely to most estate residents, the reality is that homes in eco-estates are always at risk.

Modern living means the usage of electrical appliances and load shedding leads to usage of more gas stoves, while staying in eco-estates implies being at risk of uncontrolled bush fires.

Prevent the spreading of fires from the surrounding natural bush to your home • Build with fire resistant material, such as special glaze glass and apply a fire coating.

• Regularly remove dry leaves and any flammable material from the roof.

• Keep the chimney clean.

• Store firewood far from the house.

• Clean and control plant growth in an area of 10 metres around the house.

• Space trees and plants 5 metres from each other and from the home.

• Keep a ladder, bucket and spade ready and keep a 30-metre hose connected to an outside tap.

• Keep a minimum of 25 000 litres of water available, whether in a storage tank or through municipal supply.

• Broaden the driveway with 5 metres to ensure easy access for the fire brigade vehicle.

• Keep emergency numbers at hand and plan an escape route.

• Mark the pavement clearly to help firefighters find the home.

• Keep thatch roofs and surrounding garden wet if there is a fire in the estate.

“ IT IS BEST TO CHARGE CELL PHONES DURING THE DAY “

Reduce the Risk of Large Scale Fire Spreading in Estates Minimise the risk of uncontrolled spreading of bush fires by keeping the estate grass shorter at the fences and near the homes, in addition to creating firebreaks. Follow best practices for firebreaks by only commencing with such at night, when it is easier to spot grass still on fire, having enough water available, and notifying the fire brigade and estate residents about the intended date for commencing with firebreaks.

Sprinkler systems around the homes will help to keep the surrounding area wet during firebreaks and thus reduce the risk of fires.

Cellphones and Fire Hazards A cellphone battery recharge problem that occurred during the night is believed by some to have caused the house fire in Sheffield in April last year, England in which five people died. Experts reckon that cheaper and sub-standard generic battery models and rechargers are often the cause of cellphone battery explosions or fires. It is best to charge cellphones during the day. Many of the modern phones have super-chargers that only require three hours of charge. Overloading a battery with charge compromises the battery’s integrity and increases the risk of explosion or electrical fire.

10

AWARENESS

How to Create a fire safe home: • Install smoke alarms and replace the batteries at least twice annually.

• Make sure that everyone in the house is familiar with the smoke alarm sound.

• Don’t leave children alone in a room where there is a possible fire hazard.

• Don’t allow children to be alone in the kitchen if the stove is on.

What to do when trapped inside a burning house:

• Don’t allow children to play near the stove or any heat sources.

• Fit fire shields to heaters and the fireplace.

• Switch electrical appliances off and disconnect from

• Keep calm, as it will improve your ability to breathe and make

power points when not in use.

rational decisions.

• Use flameless candles.

• Stay as low as possible – there is more oxygen nearer to the

• Notify friends, estate security and neighbours before

floor surface.

going on vacation.

• Move to a door and carefully touch the door with the back of

• Leave a key to the home and alarm system with a

your hand to determine if it is hot.

trustworthy neighbour or friend.

• If the door is warm or you can detect smoke coming through at

• Unplug all appliances and electrical equipment prior

the bottom – DO NOT OPEN IT! Rather find an alternative exit

to going on vacation.

route.

• Regularly remove garden and home rubbish.

• If the door is cool, open and move to the nearest exit.

• Never hang any type of fabric over or near a

• Place a cloth (preferably wet) over your mouth to minimise

heater to dry.

smoke and poisonous gas inhalation, as such may cause you to

• Never overload electrical sockets and power adapters.

lose consciousness.

• Stop, fall to the ground and roll to extinguish burning clothes while covering your mouth and face. Don’t run!

• If trapped in a room with no way to exit, use wool clothing (wet if possible) to cover any possible openings for smoke penetration around the door and ventilation holes.

• Go to the nearest window to call for help.

• Let the bath fill up and climb in it if you have safe access to the bathroom.

Emergency Numbers Help all home occupants to get outside if the fire is out of control and immediately call 10111 or 10177 for the Fire Brigade or call 112 from your cell phone. Don’t return to the house for any valuables. Make sure that the home’s occupants have the numbers on their phones and know the street address.

Fire Drill Be prepared – invest in basic training for your family members and other home occupants to understand how fires spread, what to do in an emergency situation and how to extinguish fires.

Mike Bolhuis Specialist Investigators into Serious Violent & Serious Economic Crimes PSIRA Reg: 1590364/421949 CELL: 0824476116 Email: mikebolhuis1@gmail.com Fax: 086 585 4924

Fireworx 1475 is a reliable and recommended company for such courses. Call 0860 777 337 for more information.

ARTICLE by Isebell Gauché

11

Louwrens

Smith RoodeLife visited Louwrens Smith, CEO of Optimum Financial Services and resident of Leeuwfontein Estates. Louwrens is strikingly humble, open and an amazing conversationalist, while he is also a company leader, achiever and highly qualified

Background •

Matriculated in 1986 at the age of 17 – although he doesn’t recommend

early school enrolment.

•

Four years of military and a few months working with his mother.

•

Joined his father, Frans Smith, in the family brokerage business in 1990,

where the foundation of Optimum was laid.

Louwrens is a firm believer of ongoing tertiary education and self- improvement, as evident in his many qualifications: •

Degree in Financial Management from UNISA.

•

Qualification in Wealth Management from Milpark Business School.

•

National certificate in Financial Markets & Instruments – Wealth

Management, which he obtained with distinction.

He is also a member of the FPI and FIA, and in 2000 he became the youngest FIA member to be appointed as a director, during which time the Free State region grew from 18 to 100 members in less than two years.

“

Involvement in Optimum Financial Services I didn’t at first want to join my father’s brokerage business, but after he had explained what financial advisory services are really about, it all made sense. I am now passionate about financial planning and believe it to be important to ensure future security. ”

Optimum Financial Services was born on the roof of the Free State Rugby Stadium.

I was at that stage still very involved in rugby. The firm came about as the next logical step and Wesvaal Brokers was merged with Optimum.

article by Isebell Gauché

12

INSPIRATIONAL LIVING

Insight and Wisdom from a Leader

13

Our founders decided to trademark Optimum Financial Services. The company has since then grown to its current size of 120 well-qualified employees. Optimum is a shareholder in Cedar Advisory Services, an Imperial-owned company. We are also currently expanding our business to the UK. Optimum has become involved in community projects to promote healthy living, such as the Val de Vie Optimum trial running and Optimum Berge and Dale cycling event. My vision for the company is

Personal Success and Goals “I apply the values and truths learned in childhood to my life and business, and have four important goals – faith, family life, hard work and self – if you cannot be comfortable with yourself, respect and love yourself, then you are not able to love and respect others. You must be happy and satisfied with who you are if you want to make others happy.

Emotional intelligence is essential.”

to see it develop into one of the largest and truly independent financial advisory firms in South Africa with a strong international presence.”

Optimum currently consults more than 13 000 retail and 7 000 pension fund members.

“

View on Business Success and Leadership A good leader walks in front, leads by example, and should have integrity. Never do something or sell something to a person if you are not willing to buy or use the product. Participative management is important and you should be willing to ask for input in decision making.

A leader isn’t a dictator.

If someone makes a mistake, allow them to correct and learn from it. A leader must be able to take risks and manage such. You need to know when to take a risk and when to avoid it. Failures and mistakes should be seen as opportunities to grow and to improve.

Never grow your company to such an extent that you don’t know who your client is. Every client should be a happy client. Effective communication forms the basis for successful relationships and careers.

Success is about effective communication. People will only follow you if they know where you’re heading, and you must thus communicate your goals, objectives and aspirations.

Communication improves when following the four basic truths of simplifying the message, acknowledging the person, showing the truth, and seeking reaction.

Businesses and marriages often fail because of the lack of effective communication. People don’t talk about their future plans and then pull in different directions because they don’t understand where their partners are heading.”

Balancing Work and Family Life “Betsie is my soulmate. We met through friends and because we met as adults, the relationship developed over a period and had time to mature.

Your spouse should be your best friend and she is mine.

With Betsie being a lawyer means that we both have busy schedules.

Despite such, we make time for each other. We sometimes go on overseas vacations, just the two of us…it is essential to balance your business and family time, and our alone time helps to create the balance. We often run, dine and wine together.

We have two boys – Liam aged 6 and Louwrens aged 4. For me it is about quality and not quantity time with your children. It doesn’t help to spend an entire day with them if you don’t talk to them or don’t do things together. I thus make time to listen and communicate with them.

Our family has a tradition of three weeks sea vacation in December. We go to places such as Plettenberg Bay and the West Coast, love to hike and sometimes cycle while on vacation, which gives us quality time together.”

14

Due to the nature of my work, I often travel and have in the past flown to Cape Town as many as 40 times a year. The travelling can take its toll, but home is the family’s safe haven.”

Social Responsibility Louwrens is involved in the Vrede Foundation and is passionate about the cause because of his understanding of what people go through, since his mother passed away with cancer. He elaborated…

“Strive to improve your environment. You cannot expect to receive if you don’t give. You should give because you really want to and not because you hope to get something from it. I play a bit of golf and we often arrange golf days to support specific causes, such as Hospice. At Optimum, we support our people and clients because we care about causes that make a difference in people’s lives. The tradition of the annual Optimum Golf Day dates back to the first event in 2005 at Zwartkops and this year we hosted it at Wingate Park Country Club in Pretoria.”

Life at Leeuwfontein Estate “We first stayed in Harties and then Waterkloof before we moved to Leeuwfontein Estates in 2008 in search for a secure and tranquil lifestyle surrounded by nature. I don’t get to see or interact with many of the residents because I am only home a few hours a day and sometimes leave for work before dawn.”

Favourite Book and Movie “I recommend Dale Carnegie’s book titled ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’ and ‘Top Gun’ with Tom Cruise is my favourite movie.”

“Betsie is my soulmate.

Your spouse should be your best friend and she is mine.”

Interests His versatility is also reflected in his involvement in sports and aviation – among other things – he is a multi-engine rated pilot with over 1 000 hours fixed wing experience and is a keen mountain-bike athlete.

Louwrens explained: “The love for flying started in primary school when I drew a picture of an air force base. That’s when I realised flying is for me. I originally wanted to become a Boeing pilot. I experience emptiness when I cannot fly. My son also loves aviation.

I love hunting, though mountain biking and running are my other passions.

Message to the community “We are a wonderful community of caring people. My message to the community is that you must know who you are and be willing to look at your shortcomings the way others perceive such, if you want to reach your full potential.

Do introspection and acknowledge your weaknesses; discover and gladly embrace your strengths and build passionately upon the strengths.

Make every failure a step towards success. ”

I suppose I am not the best or top cyclist, but I enjoy it. I have completed seven Two Oceans Half Marathons and one marathon, as well as participated in triathlon events, and I love the outdoors. Mountain biking gives me time to think and it helps to fill the gap when not being able to fly.”

15

During the past decade, a substantial amount of the pioneers in South Africa's asset management industry responded to their burning entrepreneurial flair by leaving the large, established investment houses in favour of managing money within a boutique setting. This enabled them to apply their skills and passion for investing in an environment more closely aligned to their underlying investors.

Currently, the largest component of the countr y's most experienced investment professionals is represented by boutique investment professionals. The true worth of their collective years of investing experience is reflected in their exceptional track record.

It was against this backdrop that Optimum Financial Services decided to establish it’s own unit trust funds in April 2014.

OUR PHILOSOPHY We have been through many bull as well a bear markets and have learned one undisputable fact:

“Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world.

He who understands it,

No one can predict markets!

History has shown that today's top per formers are tomorrow's worst performers. We have taken an informed d e c i s i o n n o t t o p ro m i s e t o p

earns it ...

performers to our clients, but rather to focus on long term

He who doesn’t,

pays it ...”

consistent and superior risk adjusted returns.

Optimum Financial Services Group firmly

- Albert Einstein -

believes in a multi-management approach to investments. We believe that this approach will add real long term value to a portfolio at the lowest risk levels.

for The Boutique Investment Solution

OPTIMUM FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP for Comprehensive Financial Planning life • invest • insure • employee benefits legal • tax • payroll • finance • labour

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An Authorised Financial Services Provider FSP’s 8143 • 43488 • 44659 +27 (0)861 OPTIFIN (6784346) info@optimumgroup.co.za www.optimumgroup.co.za Optimum Group Offices Coutrywide: Gauteng • Free State • Northern Cape Western Cape • Eastern Cape

*Reffering to benchmarks

to view the latest fund fact sheets on these funds please visit our website, www.optimumgroup.co.za or contact our offices for more...

OPTIMUM FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP

Optimum Group 5 (Pty) Ltd t/a Optimum Financial Services Group Is an authorised financial services provider - FSP - 43488 Registration Number: 2009/001832/07 DISCLAIMER: Collective Investment Schemes in securities are generally medium to long term investments. The value of participatory interests may go down as well as up and past performance is not necessarily a guide to the future. The Manager does not guarantee the capital or the return of a portfolio. Collective Investments are traded at ruling prices and can engage in borrowing and scrip lending. A schedule of fees and charges and maximum commissions is available on request from the manager.

FINANCE NEWS

“Nurture great thoughts for you cannot go higher than your thoughts” Benjamin Disraeli

In a previous article, “How do I become wealthy?” we quoted Steve Siebold, author of How Rich People Think, where he said that becoming a millionaire had little do to with money itself, but much more with people’s mentality.

Herein, we focus on how your mentality, attitude, perception of life and your thoughts enable you to become wealthy and successful.

In 1937, Napoleon Hill published the bestseller that made him famous, Think and Grow Rich, a personal development and self-help book inspired

by Scottish-American business magnate and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

By 2011, over 70 million copies had been sold worldwide.

Although the title implies that the book deals with how to attain monetary wealth, the author explains that the philosophy taught in the book can be used to help people succeed in all lines of work and to do or be almost anything they want. It provides the reader with 13 principles in the form of a philosophy of personal achievement.

They are: desire, faith, autosuggestion, specialised knowledge, imagination, organised planning, decision, persistence, power of the master mind, the mystery of sex transmutation, the subconscious mind, the brain, and the sixth sense.

Overwhelming? It needn’t be. Like all changes in life, it starts with choice.

Human beings have a choice to change their behavioural patterns. We are not merely driven by instinct.

It’s all in the mind and it starts by constantly thinking about who or what you want to be and acting upon those thoughts, says Hill. In other words: choose to leave the comfort zone of just accepting things the way they are.

As Hill puts it: “You are the master of your destiny. You can influence, direct and control your own environment. You can make your life what you want it to be.”

It’s quite simple to get started: 1.

2.

Dream big and share your thoughts: Find yourself a mentor, a role model; somebody whose knowledge and advice you respect. Find yourself somebody you can talk to, and listen to… about your plan and dreams for success.

Act upon advice and great plans: The Optimum Financial Services Group has been mentoring many successful clients. Not only do they provide them with sound advice, but they also assist them in carrying it out.

Optimum has a team of experienced and skilled experts to help you create and implement a success strategy, and to be by your side every step of the way.

3.

Start with the small things: The things you can control or change, and soon the bigger things will follow.

The first step may consist of assessing your personal finances, and drawing up and sticking to a personal budget. And while you’re at it, start teaching your children to follow your example.

Revise your long- and short-term insurance policies, your medical aid, as well as your last will and testament, and make sure that it is always up to date. Optimum will be able to assist you with all of the above.

An essential part of this budget should be a savings and investment plan. No matter how small the amount, get into the habit of putting away money on a regular basis. The Optimum Investment Team can assist you in doing this, and together you can create a financial portfolio that will meet your needs. You will soon have the satisfaction of knowing that you are not merely working for your money, but your money is working for you!

4.

Don’t act impulsively: Don’t let the car dealer or estate agent convince you that this car or that house has your name on it.

Talk to your mentor. Be cautious not to become the prey of “get rich quick schemes”. If a scheme sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

5.

Don’t quit when you don’t experience instant success: “A quitter never wins, and a winner never quits” – Napoleon Hill.

When your plans don’t work out the way you wanted them to, don’t fall into a state of defeat, but go back to the drawing board and work on a better one. Be inspired by people who have already travelled the long tough road to success, be patient and stay focused on your own success-strategy.

“It takes time to succeed because success is merely the natural reward of taking time to do anything well.” - Joseph Ross Know what you want, believe that you can achieve it, and be ready to receive it. “Visualise this thing you want. See it, feel it, believe in it.

Make your mental blueprint and begin” - Robert Collier.

article by Optimum financial services

17

Eco | design for Seamless Integration with Nature PROUD WINNER OF THE 2015 PIA AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

The four-bedroom eco-designed home at 358 Wielewaal Road in Leeuwfontein Estate is spacious enough to cater to the living needs of the Mouton family, consisting of Danie & Sanet and their two kids aged 7 and 9.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF Dook Clunies-Ross

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INSPIRATIONAL LIVING

Braam de Villiers from Earthworld Architects & Interiors designed the unique earthy looking country estate manor, while Thys Maritz from Karamen Projects led construction, which commenced in April 2013, with the final touches applied in July 2014.

Sanet explains the inspiration behind the eco-design: “We wanted something that naturally blended with surrounding nature, with an open layout for optimal spaciousness and living.”

She continues, “A key design criteria was for the house to be eco-friendly, without the need for artificial temperature control – cool in summer and warm in winter.

Special e-coated glass and isolation in the roof, extended roof overhangs, solar geysers and six rain water tanks are some of the ways in which the eco-friendliness was achieved.”

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It is a single story natural-modern home with the overall design utilising earthy décor for best integration with the bushveld surrounds.

Sanet describes the home as

“a natural, modern home in the bush that feels more like a lodge or holiday house than a primary residence. It blends perfectly with the natural surroundings and fits the spirit of the eco estate.”

Karen Viljoen, the landscape architect of the beautiful indigenous garden, skilfully created a natural barrier between the wild character of the surrounding bush and the home. A stone-clad waterhole for the indigenous wildlife provides for scenic game viewing from the home.

The boma under the indigenous thorn trees is also stonebuilt and makes for the perfect second braai area in the summer months.

Wooden window frames and sliding doors reduce the need for brick walls. With the wooden colour scheme and a touch of olive green on the exterior, the home achieves a lodge ambience.

A large window opposite the front door faces a small garden with the natural bush as a background to enhance the open atmosphere, while the concrete roof and hallway form part of the entrance as an introduction to the rest of the home.

A large Indonesian river wood table forms the centre piece of dining room, while the leather lounge suite and wooden stump coffee tables make for unique conversation pieces.

The overall earthy design of the house is repeated in the study with its rack-and-stack doors leading onto the garden area.

Sanet says the family prefers entertaining outdoors during the summer months, allowing for maximum enjoyment of the natural bushveld setting, while they enjoy cosy evenings indoors with a wood-burning Morso fireplace creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

With the open plan layout of the entire home, entertaining guests is a sheer pleasure. The Mouton’s often invite small groups of friends and family members over and entertain mostly on the spacious veranda with its built-in braai and fireplace, the outdoor boma, in the open plan kitchen and at the swimming pool.

An open plan kitchen, with kiaat & white melamine cupboards and Caesar stone counter tops, creates the perfect setting to combine socialising and cooking.

It also features a separate scullery for optimal food storage space.

In her words, “First prize is actually a combination of both, since the inside area opens with rack & stack doors onto the outside area.”

The bedrooms are spacious, with the children’s rooms being slightly larger than the standard size rooms and featuring sliding doors leading to the garden for easeof-movement. A television and playroom complete the indoor private children’s play area. Earthy décor is repeated throughout the three full bathrooms.

The Mouton’s have succeeded in seamlessly integrating modern living with the natural setting of the Leeuwfontein Estate.

article by Isebell Gauché

21

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FOOD & HEALTH

Elegant

CHRISTMAS|BRAAI December is a happy time of holidays shared with family and friends, so don’t make it the most stressful month of the year.

Organise and plan carefully ahead of time.

Shop early, keep all your plans simple and prepare as much as possible in advance.

Forward Planning If you shop and make some of the preparations before the time, it will help keep the cooking on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to a minimum, and you will be able to relax with your family and friends.

Rather emphasise the message of peace this Christmas with a no-fuss, well-organised and down-to-earth “braai menu”.

WHAT’S ON THE

CHRISTMAS MENU STARTERS

FETA CHEESE WITH THYME AND BALSAMIC GLAZE PARCELLS MAINS

BOEREWORS KEBABS BRAAI MEAT SELECTION MEALIE PAP MUFFINS YOUR FAVOURITE SELECTION OF SALADS DESSERT

BLUEBERRY CASSATA

From left to right: Christmas Blueberry Cassata, Herb & Feta Cheese Parcels with Balsamic Glaze & Mealiepap Muffins.

26

Relax & catch up on family time this Christmas with these tasty recipes that can be prepared ahead of time.

Herb & Feta Cheese Parcells with Balsamic Pear GlazE MAKES 4-6 PORTIONS You will need: 4 4 40 ml 40ml 50ml

feta cheese wheels, one per person tinned pears, soaked overnight in sherry or port balsamic vinegar or reduction fresh basil, chopped brown sugar

Foil, cut into squares, to cover feta cheese wheels Salt and pepper to taste

How to make: Place two foil squares on top of each other. Place 1 feta cheese wheel on the foil. Sprinkle with chopped basil and place a pear halve on top of each feta wheel. Sprinkle with brown sugar and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pour the balsamic over and close the parcels Place it on the braai grid and braai for 10 minutes or bake for 10 minutes in a preheated oven or in the Weber.

Open the parcels slightly for the last 2 minutes. Serve immediately as a starter or as side dish with “braaivleis”.

Mealiepap Muffins

MAKES 12

You will need: 350ml mealie meal 1L water 5ml salt

1 onion, finely chopped OR 250ml spring onion, finely chopped 5ml olive oil 250g lean bacon, chopped 10ml dry parsley 5ml fresh basil 5ml paprika 25g soft margarine 2 eggs 10ml baking powder 250ml cheddar or mozzarella cheese, grated 125ml whole kernel corn 1 punnet cherry tomatoes, quartered

black pepper to taste

How to make: Pre-heat the oven to 180°C. Make the pap by adding some of the water to the mealie meal to make a paste. Bring the rest of the water and the salt to the boil. Add the paste to the boiling water and stir briskly until thick. Lower the heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

Prepare the cheese parcels the day before and add the balsamic just before heating.

Christmas Blueberry Cassata MAKES 4-6 individual dessert servings You will need: 500ml 250ml 250ml 25ml 5ml 50ml 25ml

Christmas fruitcake or Christmas pudding blue berries or any other type of berries ricotta cheese castor sugar vanilla essence almonds, chopped brandy, kirsch or sherry

How to make: Crumble the fruitcake or pudding as a bottom layer into individual glass bowls. Beat the ricotta cheese, castor sugar and vanilla essence together until smooth. Layer the blueberries, ricotta and almonds, ending with ricotta. Drizzle with brandy and serve well chilled.

Make this festive dessert a few days in advance so that it’s ready so serve in minutes on Christmas Day.

Sauté the onion in the oil until soft and transparent.

Add the bacon and fry until crispy. Mix the bacon and onion mixture together with the rest of the ingredients into the slightly cooled pap. Mix well.

Spray muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Fill the muffin pan, heaped up with the mixture.

Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.

Serve hot with a tomato salsa or a glazed tomato sheba.

The mieliepap can be made the day before and just slightly reheated when needed.

Recipes & tips by:

Engela van Eyssen

TROOSKOS COMFORT FOOD

082 388 0502 engela@justlocal.co.za 27

FOOD & HEALTH

LONG TERM GOALS VS. SHORT TERM GOALS ARTICLE by BRENDA VAN DER MERWE

Set a long-term goal, which is achievable and realistic. We all want to look good, but it is much more important to be healthy. Of course, you can drop a few dress sizes, just be realistic about it. Your age definitely plays a role when it comes to the amount of time and energy you need to put in.

The younger you are, the quicker your metabolism, and the easier it will be for you to shed a few extra kilograms. Unfortunately, the opposite is also true, as we age, our metabolism starts slowing down and we need to work so much harder to lose unwanted body fat.

It is also important to note that if your problem areas are hips and thighs, you cannot start a diet and exercise regime with the hope of only losing weight in those specific areas. The moment that you start to exercise, your whole body starts to burn fat, because you are speeding up your metabolism.

“ Most of us can relate to conversations like “this holiday I must have a sixpack” or “I need to fit into these pair of jeans before next month”. These are examples of short-term goals, mostly set for the wrong reasons. People will do anything, as long as they can look good in the shortest period of time. This includes the so called “crash diets” and taking all types of diet supplements without consulting a professional.

The results are sometimes devastating! Taking the wrong supplements or starving yourself over a period of time will have a negative impact on your metabolism and health. If you don’t have the knowledge and you are desperate, you are susceptible to any marketing and advertising material that addresses these desperate needs. The market is loaded with an array of choices. People are bombarded with the “quick fixes”, the “best exercises” or the “most effective methods”, and they become fixated on this journey of trying them all at some point in their lives. They seldom find “THE ONE”. It just becomes this endless pit of frustration.

People get despondent when they don’t see results in a short period of time. They will either give up altogether, or they will jump from one diet to another. You might lose 2-3kg in the first two weeks, then it gets progressively harder to lose weight, because the body adapts to the diet and exercise programme. This is where you need a professional to constantly tweak your diet and exercise routine, until you have reached your goal.

You also need to have patience and work with your body, not against it.

Taking the wrong supplements or starving yourself over a period of time will have a negative impact on your metabolism and health.

However, if you have a specific area you would like to focus on, you can do specific exercises for that muscle group, to shape and tone that area. By losing weight, you might have thinner arms, but if you want to define the triceps or bicep muscle, you will need to do specific exercises to develop and tone the muscles.

If it was so easy to lose weight, we would all be skinny. Are you willing to put in the effort, the time and the self-control? There in the kitchen, when nobody is watching, can you control your bad habits? When no one else is interested, can you still go out and do your exercises for the day, or are you easily persuaded into doing something else instead? You see, we all have excuses for why we are not in shape, but in your heart, you will know the real reason. You can keep on making excuses, but at the end of the day, you are responsible for your own successes and failures.

In conclusion, don’t beat yourself up too much. After all, we are only human. Don’t exclude yourself from social gatherings and life simply because you are on a diet. Life goes on, whether you are overweight or skinny. Just keep it real, know your limitations and enjoy your journey to a better, healthier you.

Brenda van der Merwe | Pilates & Fitness Professional | 082 825 0366 | brenda01@iburst.co.za

28

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Pulse Dance Studio takes on the World Stage

Sky is the limit Thefor the pulse dance empire The Pulse Dance Empire was part of the 90-strong South African team that competed in the World Championships of Performing Arts in Hollywood from 11 – 18 July. The world championship event, which takes place annually in Hollywood, is referred to as “The Talent Olympics” and is the only one of its kind in the world.

The South African team that competed in the fields of drama, dance, vocal, instrumental, modelling and variety arts, won a total of: 158 Gold medals, 142 Silver medals, 79 Bronze medals.

24 scholarships to the Millennium Dance Complex (9 of which were from Pulse Dance studio).

7 scholarships to the New York Film Academy.

2 scholarships to the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts.

3 Grand Champion Awards.

Overall Junior Grand Champion Performer of the World Title.

Pulse Dance Studio also topped the 9 scholarships and made South Africa proud by winning 6 gold, 4 silver and 2 bronze medals, as well as 3 Division Winners trophies.

The whole trip was over the top and exceeded our expectations. From singing the National Anthem in the airports, to cheering each other on at the competition.

Team South Africa stood together as one team and supported each other. The vibe and energy was electric, but at the same time very stressful. Standing in the hotel lobby, watching each country as they walked in, made our hearts pound a little faster than usual and seeing the big white building with “Long Beach Performing Arts Centre” written across it from our hotel room made the reality of the of it all really sink in that we had made it!

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When we walked in on the first day of competition and saw the 12 judges sitting around the stage, the World Championship logo, the lights, the big crowd of audience, and all the dancers stretching and getting ready to perform, it made my dancers and I realise that this was it. All the Saturdays, Sundays, weekdays and hours of practice had finally come down to these 60 seconds on the stage. It was now or never.

We could cut the tension with a knife in the dressing room, but the Pulse Dancers were focused, professional and knew what was expected of them. On top of this, they were ecstatic to dance on the world stage and could not wait to show the world what they’ve got.

The week of intense competition flew by quickly and 12 routines later, we were at the prize giving waiting for the results. The tears of pride and joy couldn’t stop rolling off the cheeks of myself and the parents, as we watched our dancers being called up on stage to collect their gold, silver and bronze awards, as well as their trophies and scholarships. I could not have been prouder than at that very moment!

The Millennium Dance Complex is where world stars and celebrities train, the likes of which include Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Jennifer Lopez, and dancers and choreographers of Step Up and many more.

These scholarships are a massive opportunity, as our dancers will get a chance to learn from the best, including some amazing choreographers, especially in the genre of hip hop. Our dancers might also be scooped up to do music videos and dance movies, like Kenya posted on Instagram. Kenya Clay is the amazing dancer and choreographer from Millennium Dance Complex that gave the scholarships. She choreographed Dance Moms, Americas got Talent and many more.

We are not a team, we are an empire.

If you would like to find out more, please contact Corlanie Botha at corlaniebotha@gmail.com

Climb Kilimanjaro!!

Contact Mariska Griffin in Pebble Rock to arrange a presentation if you are interested in climbing the highest mountain in Africa.

Owners (Mariska & Rika) climbed all the different routes and their experience & advice will give you the best chance to summit!

“Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be”

ISSUE 7 | JAN 2016 We look forward to sharing more stories with the Roodeplaat community. Happy holidays ...

CONTACT US 086 11 000 78 info@exploreplus.co.za www.exploreplus.co.za facebook.com/exploreplus

W W SERVICES & ACTIVITIES

To be booked in advance through Sable House: • Beauty Treatments • Golf Packages • Game Drives • Boat Rides • Airport Transfers / Shuttle Service • Sightseeing Tours • Olympic-size Swimming Pool • Volleyball, Tennis & Squash Courts • Hiking Trail • Fully equipped gym with personal trainers

here luxury and nature meet beautiful tranquil surroundings on the banks of the Roodeplaat Dam...

Huge windows and inviting balconies draw the atmosphere of the region right into every corner of the country house ..... making this the perfect venue for conferences, corporate guests, holiday makers, week-end escapees and even training retreats.

We offer various Wedding Packages & cater for whatever business, function or occasion we will endeavour to provide you with your individual requirements.

Elevating Minds hosts workshops & Team Building Exercises tailored to your Corporate Needs at our venue. (www.elevatingminds.com)

ACCOMMODATION INCLUDES

12 self-catering units. Each unit consists of 2 en-suite bedrooms, lovely lounge and dining room opening onto a private balcony with braai facilities, fully equipped kitchenettes. We offer Self-Catering packages and Bed & Breakfast. as well as dinner.

One luxurious family unit consisting of: 1 spacious en-suite bedroom with corner bath and reading corner and 2 double rooms with sharing bathroom. All units are equipped with a LCD Television, DVD Player & DStv. Wireless internet is available.

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4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 4 Garages Cold Room Store Room Pool

Big Braai /Lapa area overlooking the dam Beautiful bushveld sunset from entertainment area

FOOD & HEALTH

TO DRINK? OR NOT TO DRINK The festive period is upon us with its social functions and increased alcohol consumption.

Moderate use of alcohol can be an enjoyable, safe experience that may even have health benefits.

Overconsumption, however, negatively impacts on our health and social life.

But how much is too much? “Moderate drinking” for men means no

The bottom line is that to get any health benefits from alcohol, we must

more than two drinks a day, while for women it means no more than one

drink responsibly. That means having no more than 1-2 drinks per day,

drink a day. One drink is equal to one bottle of beer, one glass of wine

having them at mealtimes and as part of an overall healthy diet, and

or one shot of liquor. It does not matter what you drink, as the benefits

making sure that you are not exceeding your calorie needs. If at any

come from the alcohol in these drinks. Anything more is no longer

time you feel that you are no longer in control of your drinking, seek

moderate and you cannot “save” your drinks for the weekend. Drinking

professional help.

seven drinks in one day, and not drinking the rest of the week, will have dramatically worse effects on your health, even though it averages to the

So in true South African fashion, my toast to all responsible drinkers for

same levels of consumption.

this festive period: “Cheers”!

Many people enjoy a drink without any problems, but binge drinking or drinking heavily over longer periods of time can have very serious consequences. Alcohol misuse not only harms the individual, but

DO I HAVE A DRINK PROBLEM?

damages relationships and society in general, in terms of violence and

Answer the following questions truthfully:

crime, accidents and drunk driving. More research remains to be done

1) Do you have a problem with Alcohol?

on the relative risks and benefits of drinking alcohol.

Tips for responsible drinking Always consume alcohol with food Sip each drink slowly

2) Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?

3) Have people annoyed you by criticising your drinking?

4) Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?

5) Have you ever had a drink the first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?

Space drinks out to no more than one drink per hour Consume plenty of water in between drinks

If you answered “yes” to one of the questions, you may have a problem

Never drink while pregnant

with alcohol. More than one “yes” answer makes it highly likely that a

Don’t mix alcohol and medication

problem exists. If you feel that you have a problem with alcohol, please

Never drive when intoxicated

see your GP right away. Effective treatment and help is available.

Dr Surene Fourie Sablemed Medical Practice T | 012 808 1111 / 2222

34

BREAKING NEWS Wedding Special Extended R320 / PERSON INCL CHAPEL VENUE DÉCOR & BUFFET MENU VALID UNTIL 31 MAY 2016 TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY

BEAUTIFUL GOLF ESTATE VENUE(Pebble Rock) GARDEN / CHAPEL CEREMONY VENUE INCLUDED INCLUDE SETUP AND BREAKDOWN

Marie 082 260 2256 marie@fmnevents.net

MINIMUM OF 60 GUESTS

35

Beerfest @GABBATA

UPCOMING EVENTS

Come rain or shine fun was had by all who attended the Beerfest hosted by Gabbata Lodge in September. Thank you too all of those who joined in on the festivities, we hope to see you again soon.

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

BreaKfast Special: Mon - Fri (08h00-11h00) Order 1 breakfast & get a cup of filter coffee free

LUNCH Special: Mon - Fri (11h00-17h00) Order 1 Eisbein & get a free Cream Ale Draft Beer

LUNCH Special: Mon - Thurs (11h00-17h00) 30% off when you order a T-Bone or Cajun Fish

mediterranean Summer evening 27 November 2015

WORLD CUP FINAL 31st October 2015

COMING SOON Girly Pamper Day (Bookings essential) Wine Fest

KITCHEN TIMES Mondays (08h00-16h00) Tues - Saturday (08h00-21h00) Sunday Breakfast (08h00-10h00) Buffet (12h00-15h00) TAKE AWAYS & PIZZA NOW AVAILABLE!

WEDDINGS | BED & BREAKFAST | FUNCTION VENUE | RESTAURANT | KIDS PLAY ZONE | CONFERENCING

WINE CELLAR | BOMA | TERRACE | A LA CARTE MENU | BOOKINGS WELCOME

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.GABBATA.CO.ZA | CALL 082 420 9013 Stand 69/70 Leeufontein, Kameelfontein Road, Roodeplaat, Pretoria, 0035

www.conqueror-pta.co.za 012 567 1378

“The World’s Best Off-Road Campers”

STAND A CHANCE TO WIN

DO NOT HESITATE! BOOK YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY DESTINATION

A SET OF SPOT LIGHTS TO THE VALUE OF R5000 WHEN PURCHASING MORE THAN R15000 WORTH OF ACCESSORIES

RIGHT NOW! CONTACT US FOR A QUOTATION ON ONE OF OUR CONQUEROR OFF ROAD CAMPERS

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BANDE

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SKOKBREKERS

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www.exhaust-tyre.co.za

COMMUNITY NEWS

Erich Posthumus, better known to the kids as Norman with his funny outfits, had his first big fundraiser on September 4th at the Pebble Rock Golf & Bushveld Estate. 40 players joined Erich and his family for a fun-filled day; not even the cold weather could keep the players from enjoying the day.

GOEIE NUUS FABRIEK

Golf Day

At the end of the day, Erich first thanked all the sponsors for their contributions, which made the day such a success. The day then concluded with the prize-giving ceremony, which was a little different from what golf players are generally used to. Some of the prizes that were auctioned off included Pierre Spies’s rugby boots, jersey and scrum cap, and Argilla Pottery, as well as a few pieces from the renowned painter, Eduan Joubert. All the funds raised will be donated to the Gesindseenheid project.

Well done to Erich for organising such a wonderful and successful day. The great effort you put into the organisation of this event has most certainly not gone unnoticed!

Should you wish to become part of the Goeie Nuus Fabriek, please feel free to contact Erich at 083 419 6262.

Jomaine van Schalkwyk connecting to wellness Therapeutic Reexology from a Therapist registered with Allied Health Professions Council SA Recommendations

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At connecting to wellness we listen to your story, and support you on your journey to wellness.

Call: 082 888 8559

38

Email: jomaine@global.co.za

SPORT

The

Club Captain’s

Views

As the red African sun rises from the east and dawn breaks on a Saturday morning, it is time for the early bird members of Pebble Rock to prepare and face the challenges the course will pose today. Corrie Potgieter, the current Club Captain, shares why Pebble Rock Golf Course is his home course, and why he is passionate about this little jewel…

I am a normal golfer (9 handicap) with a passion for this wonderful game that we all like to play. A big part of what makes this game one of my passions is the people who share my passion. Without these people sharing the walk through nature, the same people who soon become friends, the game would just not be the same for me and this is also why Pebble Rock is my home course.

Pebble Rock is blessed with an incredible team behind the scenes and active members who make every golfing outing an enjoyable experience.

Whether you are a member or a visitor, you are treated with a warm smile in the pro shop, a “goeie môre” on the putting green and a nice cold one in the clubhouse where everyone gladly listens to the long putt that fell (or just lipped out).

What makes this course unique from any other course in Pretoria is the location.

The ambiance of the bushveld removes you from the city. This is good for my soul and provides me with that inner peace required to deal with our daily challenges. By the time you are on the 1st tee, it is hard to imagine that you are just 20 minutes from Menlyn Park Shopping Centre. This ambience is supported by a luxurious clubhouse overlooking the golf course and related facilities to ensure that the tranquil experience is felt on and of the golf course.

With regards to the course and its layout, my advice to visitors is “hit straight”.

The course does not require you to be a long hitter, but rather to be in play.

The course has some blind shots, so playing the course for the first time is sometimes challenging. But once you get to know the course and where to aim for, it becomes easier. The trademark of the course is the greens.

All of the greens are receptive and run true to form at a reasonable speed, which makes putting a pleasure. So if you stay in play and your putter is hot, look out for a low score.

Water is a big challenge for our course. To maintain our course, we have secured additional grey water from the surrounding developments, which helps us to improve the course’s condition. With this being said, we ask golfers not to lick the golf balls!

I am proud to say that Pebble Rock, a little jewel to the east of the Roodeplaat Dam, is my home course, and we are looking forward to seeing you and some friends in the near future on our course.

www.pebblerock.co.za

ARTICLE by CORRIE POTGIETER

39

COMMUNITY NEWS

Buffelsdrift Community

UNITED AGAINST POACHING

Buffelsdrift Bewarea is a nature conservancy near Roodeplaat Dam. The conservancy is a birding hot spot and is fast becoming one of Gauteng’s top mountain biking destinations.

Among the wilder residents are zebras, wildebeest, kudu, blesbok, and a host of smaller mammals, such as mongoose, civets, porcupines and warthogs.

HOW YOU CAN HELP Teams of volunteers are trying to protect the animals by arranging snare hunts. These events occur every second week; alternating between Saturdays and Sundays.

Nature conservancies like Buffelsdrift Bewarea are extremely important, as they represent a refuge and haven for wildlife within close proximity to ever-expanding urban areas. There are also protected plants, such as the African wild potato (Hypoxis hemerocallidea) and other cryptic species, such as the African bullfrog (Pyxicephalus adspersus).

Without protection, these habitats can become degraded; threatening the survival of these species.

Illegal poaching of wild animals and trees is an increasing problem in the conservancy. There has been a recent influx of people to an informal settlement adjacent to Buffelsdrift, with an associated rise in the number of snares found and wood taken from the conservancy.

They focus on a different area in the conservancy at each event, and offer an opportunity for participants to enjoy a scenic walk in the bush and do some good at the same time. Children also enjoy attending these events and are often the best snare spotters!

Events range from 2-3 hours and therefore don’t take up a lot of time on precious weekends. Upcoming dates are the 11th and 24th of October.

Special thanks to Farmstead, Kuthula, Roodeplaat Spar, Drift Butchery, and Heath & Wentzel Optometrists for supplying venues and catering.

Anyone interested in more information or attending a snare hunt can contact Jackie Dabrowski at jdabrowski1@csir.co.za.

Residents have found many wounded and dead animals as a result of snares, which are non-discriminant and slow killers.

40

ARTICLE BY Jackie Dabrowski

SOUL & SPIRIT

The Tree House & the silver lining ARTICLE by Müller Crauwcamp

The influence of the father in every boy or girl’s life is profound!

It is truly fascinating how the father impacts the world of his children. It is not only the burden of responsibility that has been bestowed upon the father, but also the blessing that follows when he is in line with God’s will.

Paul is a friend of mine and although he is now only in his thirties, his sideburns have already turned silver. He has been blessed with three boys and realised the importance of getting involved in the neighbourhood.

Coming back from a men’s camp, he decided to invite his boys on an adventure and started to build a tree house together.

Their next-door neighbour was a single mom; the father left many years ago. Paul felt the urge to involve her two boys in this adventure too and the mother of the two boys welcomed the opportunity for them to be a part of the tree house project. She felt that the boys needed to spend some time with a Dad-figure.

It would be an adventure that spoke to their hearts. However, the rule was that he would not build alone. All the boys had to be present, as this was their project!

The next two weekends were spent drilling holes, cutting planks to size, up and down ladders, passing tools, balancing poles at the right height and generally working quite hard. All the boys were responsible to pass nails, screws, drills, screwdrivers, etc.

They had to focus and when they got tired, they had to dig deep to gather more energy and strength to continue. The tree house finally reached completion and there was a real sense of accomplishment. They were quite proud of their project.

The story, as it turns out, did not stop there. Two weeks later, the boys had a fun day at school. At one of the stalls, they could spray their hair any colour. The younger of the two neighbourbrothers got hold of silver paint and sprayed his sideburns silver.

He then marched up to my friend and said: “Uncle Paul, now I look just like you.”

Grey hair can indicate a silver lining…

My friend’s aim was to spend some quality time and to be present in the boys’ lives for a short period of time. The effects were profound, however, as they identified with him because he validated them.

Even Jesus received the validation from His Father – and maybe you hear His voice saying the same thing to you:

“You are my BELOVED SON in whom I am well pleased.”

41

SHORT STORY

The

Sad Bauble

A Short Story by Morne Malan

Christmas!

Sally bounces around the living room. Mommy has just bought the

With her friendly face, her white gown and silver Angel wings,

most beautiful tree Sally has ever seen in her 7 years. As usual, the

she is the most beautiful thing Sally has ever seen.

Christmas tree has a very special place right beside the fireplace, near the window. Mommy puts the tree inside the decorated pot

“Sally, what’s taking you so long?” mom calls.

and takes a step back to admire the beauty of the tree.

“Coming mom,” Sally quickly packs the baubles back in the box and hurries down the stairs.

“Can we decorate it now, please mommy, please!”

42

“Now hold on a bit, Sally. Do you remember where we put the

“Oh Sally, isn’t that just the most beautiful tree you have ever

decorations?”

seen?”

With a twinkle in her little blue eyes, Sally turns and races up the

Mommy smiles down at her little girl, who tightens the grip in

stairs towards the attic. She knows exactly where the decorations

mommy’s hand. A lonely tear rolls down Sally’s cheek. The Angel

are. How could she ever forget! She loves to sit and hold the

is missing – she had her a few moments ago and now, now she

brightly coloured baubles. And the Angel – she is her favourite.

is gone. Sally searched for her everywhere, but couldn’t find her.

Meanwhile, in the attic….

“What’s wrong Sally?” mommy asks.

Sniffing sounds coming from underneath granddad’s old rocking

“The tree is perfect, but we are missing the Angel,” Sally replies

chair. A lonely bauble has rolled under the chair and Sally didn’t

sadly.

see him. Bobby is heartbroken. While playing with the baubles, Sally didn’t notice that one red one rolled away. Bobby lay

At that very moment, Daddy walks in the door holding a wrapped

there, trying very hard to move, but couldn’t. He badly wanted

object. He kneels beside Sally and slowly unwraps the most

to hang on the Christmas tree with all the other baubles. Bobby

beautiful star that Sally has ever seen. Sally reaches out and

remembered how the lights on the tree made him feel so warm

touches it lightly.

when the snow started to fall. And mom’s baking – the smell of cinnamon, spices and apple. But most of all Sally – her blonde

“Daddy, where are you going to put the star?” Sally asks. Daddy

curls and small hands. She would sit and look at them for hours.

takes Sally in his arms.

The giggles and laughter echoing from downstairs into the attic

“What about right there?” he says while pointing to the top of the

bring Bobby back to reality. Sally is happy. This is her favourite

tree.

time of the year and her favourite thing to do is decorate the Christmas tree. Bobby decides that he has to make a plan if he

“Noooo!” yells Sally. “That is where the Angel must go!” Sally

wants to be part of Christmas – but what? Just then he hears a

races up the stairs and slams the door to her room shut.

scratching sound and something wet touches him. Patch! Why didn’t he think of this long ago? His only way out is the black and

Sally jumps onto her bed and something catches her eye. There,

white mutt that Sally so desperately loves.

on the floor next to Patch’s bed, is the Angel. Sally can almost not believe that she has found the Angel. She picks her up and

“Pssst! Pssst!” Patch stops and jerks back. “Help me, Patch.

puts her down on her bed, while thinking that she has never seen

Patch!”

something so pretty. There is a knock on the door.

Patch bends down towards the sounds coming from under the

“Sally?” mommy says.

chair. Very gently, she tries to paw the bauble from under the chair, but Bobby is stuck. His string is caught on a screw. Patch

Sally looks at mommy with tear stained cheeks. Mommy bends

sits down and wags her tail – swoosh, swoosh – along the floor.

down to face Sally, takes her face in her hands, wipes the tears and smiles.

“Patch! Come here puppy. Patch! Where are you hiding?” Sally calls from downstairs.

“Oh Sally, don’t you know the true meaning of Christmas?

Whether we put an Angel or a star at the top of the tree, it doesn’t

“Patch, go get Sally. Go, Patch!”

matter. What matters is that Christmas is the day on which Jesus was born. Christmas is a celebration of his birth.”

Patch darts around the corner and slap bang into Sally. He nudges at her little hands and pulls at her bright yellow top.

Sally looks at mommy. “But mommy, the Angel belongs on the top.”

“What’s wrong puppy?” Sally senses that Patch is trying to tell her something. Patch barks, turns and runs into the attic.

Later that evening, just before Sally goes to bed, she puts milk and cookies out for Santa and the reindeer. Mommy puts on the

“Is everything okay?” mommy calls.

lights and Sally stands watching the baubles come to life. Bobby is so excited, he is glowing a very bright red. But there, right on

“Patch is acting strange. I think something is in the attic,” Sally

the top of the tree, much to Sally’s delight, is the Angel.

replies.

Mommy slowly walks up the stairs and enters the attic with Sally close on her heels. Patch is scratching under the chair and Sally wastes no time in looking. In the furthest corner lays Bobby. He sees Sally’s little hand coming towards him and can almost not believe his luck. Patch rescued him!

Sally picks him up and screams out to mommy “I missed one.”

She races down the stairs and finds the perfect place on the tree for Bobby, right by the window. Sally steps back and sighs.

Morne Malan, our short story winner from Curro Roodeplaat.

43

SCHOOL NEWS

T 012 808 9938/9 F 012 808 9941 E bemarkingr@curro.co.za www.curro.co.za

MEET CURRO ROODEPLAAT’S NEW MANAGEMENT

It has been a challenging time for Curro Roodeplaat, but we are looking forward to the new semester, hoping that, in the interest of our children, we can put the past behind us and move forward. I would like to communicate the following changes in the management structure: John Bissett is leaving Curro Roodeplaat at the end of this term, upon his request and will be redeployed elsewhere in the Curro group. The school will have the opportunity to say farewell to John at an appropriate time, but we would like to thank him for the tremendous contribution made to Curro Roodeplaat. He has made his mark at Curro Roodeplaat and will be missed.

Her transition from the Department of Education to Curro ensued when she was appointed senior phase head at the newly opened Meridian Karino independent school in Mpumulanga in 2013.

Dr Lalla headed and developed the academic side of the high school during this period. She also lectured on a part-time basis at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in the field of Educational Management and Leadership in 2008/9.

Ferdi Niemand has been appointed as the new Executive Head to Curro Roodeplaat and will join us on 1 October 2015. He was born in Pretoria, where he started his school career at the Jopie Fourie Primary School. He matriculated in Limpopo at the Piet Potgieter High School. He obtained his BA degree and HED at the University of Pretoria, with History and Psychology as majors. He also obtained the Honours BEd (Education Management) degree cum laude from Unisa.

For his master’s degree he completed the MEd (Education Management), with the theme of his dissertation: “The role and influence of the principal on the implementation of outcomesbased education”.

She has a Higher Education Diploma (Springfield College of Education), a Bachelor of Arts degree (Unisa) and a Bachelor of Education Honours degree (Unisa). Her passion for education motivated her to complete her master’s degree in Education (cum laude) and her PhD in Educational Management and Leadership, both at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

As the operational head of Curro Roodeplaat high school, Dr Lalla aims to raise the standard of teaching and learning and to provide every learner with total quality education.

After completing his military service he started his teaching career at Zwartkop High School in Centurion in 1990.

Higher Education Diploma (cum laude) at the Teachers’ College Pretoria. She settled in Polokwane as a Mathematics teacher, and was employed at Meridian College from 1994 to 1996.

In January 1997 she joined Northern Academy – the biggest independent school in South Africa. During this period she obtained her HonsBEd in Education Management and Law (cum laude) at the NWU.

Since January 2007 he has been a deputy principal at Midstream College, responsible for leadership, discipline and culture. He is also a vice-president of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union, chairperson of the Blue Bulls High Schools’ Rugby Association and vicechairperson of the Beeld Noordvaal rugby competition.

He is married to Lorinda, a business woman, and they have two daughters: Annerine, who is in her second year of study in Foundation Phase education at NWU/PUK, and Lilandi, who is currently in Grade 11. Ferdi is a staunch Blue Bulls supporter and enjoys a round of golf now and then. He loves nature and as a family they go camping in one of our national parks every year. He lives every day by the grace of God. Dr Sharitha Lalla has been appointed as opera tional head of Curro Roodeplaat high school. She has been in the educational field for the past 23 years. Her experience extends from school to tertiary level. She has been an educator and a middle manager at Gokul School in KwaZulu-Natal. In 2012 she relocated to Mpumulanga and was appointed at Valencia Combined School.

44

Alta Theunissen has been appointed as the operational head of Curro Roodeplaat primary school. She has been involved in the educational sector for the past 22 years. She obtained her

Her 16 years of management experience include experience as intermediary phase head and operational head.

Like most educators she believes in quality academic teaching and the development of the child in totality. As operational head of Curro Roodeplaat primary school she will dedicate herself to combining teaching with enthusiasm and commitment from learners and educators to ensure successful results and a high standard of academic instruction.

We would like to wish the new leadership team well with their task. Should you have any specific questions or comments, please email us at engage@curro.co.za

012 808 0820

Dit is ‘n voorreg om ‘n kaalvoet Poortjie te wees

REDUCE

REUSE

RECYCLE

Laerskool Kameelfontein vier Wêrelomgewingsdag.

Wêreldomgewingsdag is hierdie jaar met groot oorgawe by Laerskool Kameelfontein gevier. Die tema vir die dag was “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle”. Die gebeure van die dag is vooraf gegaan deur ‘n plakaat-en inkleurkompetisie. Baie dankie aan die deelnemers en geluk aan die wenners in die onderskeie kategorieë.

Die Ekokomitee het ‘n praatjie gehou oor die nadele van besoedeling en hoe elke kind ‘n taak het deur herwinning om besoedeling te bekamp. Die viering van Wêreldomgewingsdag is afgesluit deur ‘n besoek van Milanie Cilliers –Miss Earth SA aan die skool. Sy het saam met die Ekokomitee ‘n paar bome op die skool terrein geplant.

DIE EKOKOMITEE BE-OOG OM VOOR DIE EINDE VAN HIERDIE JAAR DIE INHEEMSE BOME OP DIE SKOOLTERREIN TE BENOEM EN TE ETIKETEER. HIERDEUR HOOP HULLE OM DIE KINDERS BEWUS TE MAAK VAN DIE ONDERSKEIE BOME EN DIE GESINNE AAN TE MOEDDIG OM MEER INHEEMSE BOME IN ONS OMGEWING TE PLANT.

TEL: (012) 808 5064 SEL: 071-605-8492 KANTOOR@KAMMIES.CO.ZA WWW.LAERSKOOLKAMEELFONTEIN.CO.ZA/

Harcourts Zambezi T 012 548 5730 C 082 891 3055 E zambezi@harcourts.co.za View www.harcourtszambezi.co.za

TAKING REAL ESTATE SERVICE TO NEW HEIGHTS.

Left to right: Rassie, Mara, Derick and Nadia

We at Harcourts Zambezi go above and beyond for our clients.

Whether you’re buying or selling property, you can trust in us to get you the results you want, when you want them!

Pebble Rock Golf Village

R2,350,000

Pebble Rock Golf Village

R2,590,000

Pebble Rock Golf Village

R4,200,000

Pebble Rock Golf Village

R6,400,000

This house offers 2 bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, two living areas, beautiful kitchen with scullery and separate laundry.

Lovely family house with pool and manicured garden 4 bedrooms, two en suite bathrooms, and a 3rd bathroom for the other 2 bedrooms.

3 living areas with a big lounge. Stunning open-plan kitchen.

Directors house with prime location on golf course 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Separate lounge, open-plan kitchen with dining room. Upstairs hosts a family/tv room.

One of a kind, exquisite finishes,classic house 4 bedrooms, main en suite. 5 living areas and entertainment area with braai.

Beautiful kitchen with scullery and walk-in pantry, gas stove and breakfast nook.

Derick 082 891 3055

Derick 082 891 3055

Derick 082 891 3055

Derick 082 891 3055

Single storey house with stunning view

Kameeldrift East

Web NZI24969

R2,100,000

Vacant land for sale This 10.1 ha vacant stand has power and water points and is close to Kiviets Kroon Estate. Ideal for a developer.

Rassie 082 890 1445

Leeuwfontein

Web NZI24946

R4,800,000

Beautiful executive style home.

Home with dam view in the popular Leeuwfontein Estates. 5 bedrooms, 3 en suites and a family bathroom as well as a guest cloak room. 2 open-plan kitchens with a separate laundry/scullery.

Mara 083 291 1305

Web NZI22658

Kameelfontein

Web NZI22362

R550,000

Vacant land for sale Vacant stand in the sought after area some 20 km from Zambezi N1 off ramp.

Close to Curro schools and Kameelfontein Primary school. Short dirt road of about 600m. Come build your dream house in nature.

Web NZI24753 Rassie 082 890 1445

Leeuwfontein

R8,000,000

Extraordinary smallholding with bushveld view This beautiful property can be turned into a wedding venue, conference facility, spa or anything you want it to be. The buildings consist of a 4 bedrooms, main en suite and a family bathroom.

Web NZI24332 Mara 083 291 1305

Elandshoek

Web NZI23799

R1,950,000

Leeuwfontein

Web NZI23793

R3,800,000

House for sale This 12.8 ha stand is close to Cullinan and has lots of sheds and store rooms. A big Ericson dam supplies water to a tank, both with electric pumps. Two fitted bore holes. Enclosed stoep.

Buy of a lifetime Beautiful single-storey home in a secure game estate with 4 bedrooms, main en suite and 2 family bathrooms. The living area is a spacious dining room/lounge/ bar as well as a study. Not to be missed.

Rassie 082 890 1445

Mara 083 291 1305

Sable Hills

Web NZI24268

R4,350,000

Beautiful Home with Waterfront View 4 bedrooms all en suite and guest cloak room. Fully equipped open-plan kitchen with granite finishes and separate laundry/ scullery. The living area is a lounge/dining and TV room going out to veranda with built-in braai.

Web NZI24298 Mara 083 291 1305

Sable Hills

Web NZI24794

R3,800,000

House back on the market!

4 bedroom, 3 bathroom house with fantastic views tucked away within the thriving bushveld. Sable Hills Waterfront estate is one of the most luxurios and truly breathtaking estates this country has to offer.

Web NZI24927 Nadia 082 359 1091 Experts in home finance.

happy

holidays

f r o m t h e R o o d e L i f e Te a m

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