Franschhoek Tatler - February 2014

“Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another”

FEBRUARY 2014 Matric results

Local choir releases CD

Security cameras for the valley

V&A Deon Meyer

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La Motte settlement to be expanded

Google Earth image from the Phase 2 Heritage Impact Assessment by Aikman Associates showing the location of the proposed expansions at the La Motte Forestry Settlement.

The La Motte settlement is set grow to more than twice its current size during the next few years.

Details of this development have emerged as the Environmental Impact Assessment process has continued its course.

The development of affordable and GAP housing in the La Motte area follows studies undertaken for both the previous Franschhoek Municipality and subsequently for Stellenbosch Municipality. The La Motte site was one of the areas identified for further housing development and the Town Council resolved to proceed with development there during 2012.

It is proposed to allow further development in three areas. Although the settlement can only be glimpsed from the R45 the proposed site design was carefully considered to mitigate the impact of the development.

Area 1 is to the south east of the TCTA township (White City) and is separated from that township by a corridor of natural vegetation. This area of 4.59ha, smaller than the TCTA township, will accommodate 106 erven of 300m² in a gridiron layout and has been selected for GAP housing.

Area 2 straddles the Robertsvlei Road and is separated from the existing settlement by a river corridor and associated wetland. This area is envisaged as containing “community facilities and a commercial centre centred on the existing forestry workshops, stores and the fire station.”

Area 3 has been broken up into two pockets by allowing for a corridor of natural vegetation separating them. Three hundred and twenty nine erven ranging in size from 160m² to about 190m² with the larger erven on the outer edges of the two gridiron sites are proposed.

The botanical studies didn’t yield much of interest as all the sites in question have been highly disturbed over many years. One red-listed plant species (Lachnaea capitata) was however found in Area 1. Its status is considered as vulnerable.

Interestingly an almost unknown abandoned cemetery with approximately 80 graves was discovered to the northwest of the La Motte settlement. Its existence was unknown to the municipality and local residents could also shed little light on its history.

Email: info@stellenboschblinds.co.za • Fax: 021 886 8516

THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLER

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Council requests official accommodation for mayor, but he doesn’t want it…

Minutes of a Municipal Council meeting held on 29 August 2013 (the latest available on the municipal website) contain an agenda item in which the Council proposes to ask the MEC for Local Government for permission to provide official furnished accommodation to the Executive Mayor.

In motivating the request the Council quotes Government Gazette No 35962 of 07 December 2012 which under the heading Tools of Trade Section 14(a)(viii) states: “Official accommodation and furniture. To be provided to fulltime Executive Mayors or Mayors.” The Gazette goes on to state: “The extension and implementation of the above tools of trade must be done in consultation with the member of the Executive Council responsible for local government in the province concerned.”

The minutes reflect that the Council did not request comment on the proposal from any municipal departments before recommending that: “(a) that Council mandate the Director Strategic and Corporate Services to seek permission from the MEC of Local Government to implement the above; and (b) that, after permission was given to the

Municipal Manager by the MEC, the Municipal Manager make appropriate Mayor Conrad Sidego accommodat ion and furniture available to the Executive Mayor.”

Rate payers could be forgiven for being irate at this point. Why, after all, should official accommodation be provided for a well-remunerated politician? The good news is that the item was withdrawn without discussion as the Mayor indicated that he isn’t interested in official accommodation in Stellenbosch.

(The Mayor resides in Cape Town and was deployed to Stellenbosch by the DA’s top brass before the last local government elections.)

One could say it’s a travesty averted and leave it at that, but what does this little incident say about the Council and municipal administration? Who after all prepares such an item and has it placed on the agenda without first determining if the mayor actually wants official accommodation? Somebody with nothing better to do, perhaps? If so, then there’s a real opportunity to save some money!

Traffic safety – a speed bump too far?

As Franschhoek continues to grow in size and popularity, traffic is increasing and the patterns thereof changing. Traffic offences have also increased at an alarming rate.

Problems along Huguenot Rd are obvious. Heavy vehicles are passing through day and night (some deliberately avoiding the weigh-bridge at the Du Toitskloof Tunnel), parking is in critical shortage and pedestrian crossings are non-existent. As Huguenot Rd is a provincial road (R45) municipal and provincial authorities are jointly responsible to oversee and solve the disarray.

This however is hard to imagine given the experience of several Dirkie Uys Street property owners who have been actively trying for longer than a year to get the municipality to properly address their traffic safety concerns.

Many road users (including truck and bus drivers) have started using Dirkie Uys Street to avoid the slow pace in Huguenot Rd. This is unacceptable to property owners in residential streets such as Dirkie Uys Street.

Property owners in Dirkie Uys Street concerned about increasing heavy vehicle traffic and speeding in their street, took up the matter with the municipality.

Of particular concern was a foreseen increase in heavy vehicle traffic in both Dirkie Uys and Reservoir Streets as a result of the building approval given for the redevelopment of the Agrimark site.

The first meeting with the Head: Traffic Engineering of Stellenbosch Municipality, Mr Nigel Winter, took place on 27 March 2013. Residents explained their concerns to an apparently receptive Mr Winter. It was agreed that heavy vehicles and buses should be kept out of residential streets.

On 23 and 24 May 2013 a number of signs were erected prohibiting all vehicles (including buses) heavier than 3.5 tonnes from using residential streets as thoroughfares. Eight more signs are needed and were promised, but despite several reminders Mr Winter, who says he ordered the signs in September last year, has not responded.

Soon after the “No Thoroughfare” agreement residents also asked for speed bumps to be installed in Dirkie Uys Street. While apparently favourably

The most recent accident in Dirkie Uys Street took place at about 00h45 Sunday morning, 5 January 2014. It is alleged that both speeding and driving under the influence played a part in the accident. received, the outcome of this request is an entirely different story.

In August 2013 the ward committee of Ward 1 asked the chairman, Councillor Frazenburg, to make enquiries and expressed their support for using part of the ward’s small capital projects budget allocation for this purpose.

In a subsequent meeting with residents on 29 November 2013 the Councillor was again asked to raise the issue (and two other issues) with Mayco during their meeting on 2 December 2013. He promised to give feedback on the Mayco meeting not later than Wednesday 4 December 2013. At the time of this edition going to press (24 January 2014) no feedback had been received.

While month after month passes without any response from the municipality there have been at least two accidents at the intersection of Dirkie Uys and Reservoir Streets involving speeding, ignoring the Stop signs and/or drunken driving.

And still there is no action, or word, from the municipality. It seems traff ic safety (and communicating with residents) remains a speed bump too far for local politicians and off icials alike…

FEBRUARY 2014

Drinking water safe, but no Blue Drop status for Franschhoek South The latest results (2011) of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry’s Blue Drop Awards for the quality of drinking water have been released. While most of the Stellenbosch Municipal area’s water received Blue Drop status parts of Franschhoek failed to achieve this coveted status – which it did achieve in 2010.

Residents of Groendal, Mooiwater and parts of Franschhoek South, which receive their drinking water from the Wemmershoek Dam can rest assured that they are drinking Blue Drop water. The older and higher-lying parts of Franschhoek South that receive much of their water from the Mont Rochelle catchment area at the top of the mountain pass saw a deterioration in microbial levels. On this criterion the water scored 81.3% vs 97.9% for the water from the Wemmershoek supply and 99.9% in the remainder of the system.

Stellenbosch Municipality assures consumers that the drinking water is “safe to drink with regards to all substances indicated as possible water safety risks in the drinking water quality standard, SANS241: 11.”

It is pointed out that water extracted from mountain sources regularly shows yellow or brown discolouration as a result of decomposing plant matter. Other sources of discolouration include sediments and muddy runoff in dams, and blue-green algae.

According to Stellenbosch Municipality “An

average of 100 operational samples (are) taken weekly at the water treatment plants and at various sampling points on the network and reservoirs throughout the greater Stellenbosch Municipal area. These are supplemented by an average of 100 compliance samples, taken by an external service provider, per month. The sampling schedules are set up in such a way as to ensure that the water sources, treatment works, storage reservoirs and points of use (consumer taps) are monitored. The water samples are analysed by both our in-house laboratory and other accredited laboratories to ensure fast reliable results that are uploaded on the Blue Drop System.”

A look at the DWAF’s Blue Drop webpage reveals that for eight of the nine monitoring points in Franschhoek South (the area that receives water from the Mont Rochelle mountain catchment) “Compliance levels are too low; there were extended periods when the water did not comply with standard / or no monitoring to confirm actual quality of tap water.” Only the monitoring point at the SAPS station shows a different status: “Generally safe to drink but with some chemical parameter failures.”

If the above has set off your alarm bells, don’t worry. As anybody that has ever tasted it can tell you there is nothing better to drink than water straight from our mountains – even if it has slightly higher microbial levels!

Franschhoek Gr 12s

Anja Landman (Bridge House School)

Hailey Hyppolite (Franschhoek High School)

Schools have started again and there’s a brand new batch of Grade12s studying their way towards final matric exams at the end of 2014. We asked Franschhoek’s three high schools how their 2013 matrics fared.

Die 72.5% slaagsyfer van Groendal Sekondêr se 2013 matrieks is ‘n verblydende verbetering op die vorige jaar.

18 van die leerders het toegang tot ‘n B-graad behaal.

Volgens die skoolhoof, Mnr Kulsen, is daar ruimte vir verdere verbetering – die basiese strukture is in plek, die skool en personeel is stabiel en dit is die leerders se plig om skouer aan die wiel te sit, alhoewel omstandighede vir sommige kinders moeilik is. Hy noem ook dat, gemeet aan die aantal matrieksertifikate wat nooit by die skool afgehaal is nie, kinders blykbaar nie dieselfde prioriteit aan ‘n matriek sertifikaat toeskryf as volwassenes nie.

Groendal Sekondêr se toppresteerder is Reginald Pheiffer. Hy het 78% vir Besigheidstudies behaal en is by die Universiteit Stellenbosch aanvaar om hierdie jaar B Comm te studeer.

Franschhoek High School reported that 26 of their 29 matric students in 2013 passed the matric exams.

48.3% achieved admission for a Bachelor’s Degree and 31% for a Diploma. They are proud of the fact that in nine of the thirteen subjects offered at the school a 100% pass rate was achieved. The focus

Reginald Pheiffer (Groendal Secondary School)

will now be on the other four subjects in which they would also like to achieve a 100% pass rate.

Hailey Hippolyte is the 2013 matric class top achiever. She says, “I completed matric with a Bachelor’s Degree admission. I will start my studies at Stellenbosch University, doing a B Comm (Industrial Psychology) which allows me to operate within the psychology field as well as the corporate world. My hopes are to obtain my degree at Stellenbosch University and then continue with my honours abroad.”

The 2013 Bridge House matric class maintained the school’s excellent 100% pass rate. Sixty candidates wrote the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) National Senior Certificate examinations and 95% of them achieved entry into a Bachelor’s Degree course. The top three students are Anja Landman, with distinctions in eight subjects, Aimee Bosman, with eight distinctions, and Daniel Pretorius with seven distinctions. Bridge House is understandably proud of the impressive results achieved by their students and of the teachers who have put in hard work over the years.

We wish Franschhoek learners and their teachers all the best for 2014.

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FEBRUARY 2014

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The donkeys are just dandy, thanks! Feline visitor For some years Auberge La Dauphine Guest House has been home to various rescued donkeys owned by the McGregor Donkey Sanctuary. Muriel and Apples are the current residents.

Apples was originally seized by the Cart Horse Protection Society in Cape Town due to neglect.

He spent 3 months in “rehab” before coming to Auberge La Dauphine. His companion Muriel was rescued from a “petting farm” on a winery in Paarl as her feet were completely overgrown – again due to neglect. Although she will never win any races, her feet have been repaired as much as physically possible and are under constant care.

Guests at Auberge La Dauphine are frequently awakened to the sound of braying as Muriel and Apples await their breakfast. To go and see donkeys (and maybe adopt one!) please contact the McGregor Donkey Sanctuary at www.donkeysanctuary.co.za or 023 625 1593.

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Veuve Cliquot Masters Polo 2014

Synonymous with flutes of champagne and exquisite couture fashion, guests of the fourth annual Veuve Clicquot Masters Polo 2014 are set to attend what has now become South Africa’s most exclusive and luxurious polo event on the Western Cape’s social calendar on Saturday, 01 March 2014.

Drawing inspiration from polo’s global presence, with its rich cultural heritage, the prestigious Champagne House sponsors some of the world’s leading polo events such as the Manhattan Classic in New York City, the LA Polo Classic, the UK’s Gold Cup and the Veuve

Venues: Paarl & Wellington

Clicquot Masters Cape Town, the only event of its kind on the African continent.

VIP guests of Veuve Clicquot Masters Polo 2014 tournament can look forward to an afternoon of stylish décor opulence, perfectly chilled Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label champagne, gourmet canapés, lavish couture fashion and a highly anticipated action packed finale of polo.

More than any other sport, polo is best savoured live – a theme steeped in tradition and perpetuated

by Veuve Clicquot.

Tickets available from www.computicket.co.za

• Wedding choreography

Big cats are becoming regular visitors to the village.

This Cape Mountain Leopard was picked up by the security cameras at Fransche Hoek Estate at 05h30 on 4 December 2013.

• For students of all ages l and levels of dance

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THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLER

FEBRUARY 2014

FEBRUARY 2014

THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLER

Cellar Chat

On and Off Course

Mark Tanner

A wine route less travelled? I have recently been spending some time outside my vineous comfort zone and have found a pocket of vineyards not far from here that I think deserves attention.

Paarl is neighbourly and just over there. Wellington is tucked away in a corner of summer heat just beyond neighbourliness and, I daresay, not often visited by our residents?

Big mistake. Hidden in a seemingly time-warped valley of gravel roads and colonial architecture are rare finds indeed.

“Nabby-jelly-gen”, exclaimed my UK passenger, “Strange name for a vineyard?” After explaining the meaning of ‘Nabygelegen’ we entered to taste James McKenzie’s range of wines. I have always had a soft spot for a cellar dog and James has not just one but nine of them. Visitors are greeted by a veritable canine ‘tsunami’ of wagging tails as they nuzzle for a friendly sniff, then lie down at your feet like a new best friend.

James presents his wines with professionalism and humour. He has a vineyard in the foothills at which he manages to avoid the effects of full-on summer heat. I won’t go through the list. Suffice to say that in 2012 two of his wines were chosen for the Queen’s Jubilee dinner for Commonwealth heads of state – as if being listed at the Dorchester wasn’t enough. And you can taste these wines with a Staffie sitting on your feet, instead of a Corgi.

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Lawrence Gould Not far away is Bosman’s Family Vineyards where the eighth generation is continuing to produce wines of special merit. Tastings are by appointment and a phone call will get you a rare privilege: a chance to see some of the original cellar architecture with chalk marks on the woodwork going back nearly two hundred years.

The wines, only one word – sublime. Corlea Fourie is a winemaker with a winning smile and charm to match.

Somehow she manages to put both into her wines.

They all have an elegance and finesse that maybe only a woman’s touch can produce A little further afield is Welbedacht with Schalk Burger at the helm. A hearty, jovial giant of a man, he makes wines for all tastes and occasions. Doolhof should not be overlooked and so the list goes on.

A place to stop for lunch? Try ‘Oude Wellington Estate Restaurant’ down a paved driveway off the Bains Kloof road. This eatery is set in a timeless farmyard with gabled outbuildings offering an atmospheric setting. The menu is satisfying, the wines local and the restaurateur is an old friend. Not necessarily of mine, but of Franschhoek. Remember when the First National Bank was a Greek restaurant called ‘The Forge’, and when the only competition was Chez Michel, now House of Wines? John and Susanna Tecklenburg were Chez Michel at that time and now operate the Oude Wellington Estate. Why not drop in for a glass before lunch, and a trip down memory lane?

Irish and South African Links

A visit, from one of my favourite people in Golf Tourism, to Franschhoek, coincides with my listening to a radio interview on how our South African nonmatriculants (and matriculants) are going to find their way into today’s competitive market place. I can’t remember the figures of those that are entering into today’s South African job search, but I do remember my father’s advice, “Listen more than you speak and you will learn a lot more.”

So back to Maura Nolan, who, as an Irish barmaid in New York, overhears her upmarket clientele talking about golf. Many talk about their ambitions to visit Scotland and Ireland to play the great golf links of these two countries famed for their iconic golf venues.

Maura is a listener and decides she could probably facilitate making this ambition happen for her bar clientele, especially as her aunt has the facility to get tee times on many of the Irish links courses. Maura, with no experience, puts together a suggested itinerary to Ireland and to cut a story short, 25 years later is the best producing golf tour operator to Scotland and Ireland, from North America.

the trade name ‘Safari Golf Tours’ and she was pleased to tell me that both Arabella and Pearl Valley courses are included in her substantial Golf and Safari program. In March, Maura is bringing 24 of America’s best golf course journalists and golf course raters (judges) from all around America and knowing this ‘good listener’, she tells me she has heard that Americans are now looking to us, as a sought after destination for golf and safari. She adds the rate of exchange does help and without doubt the publicity around Madiba’s passing has put South Africa very much back on the world map.

In December I was pleased to be included, as a guest, in the Christmas lunch of the accommodation committee of Franschhoek Wine Valley Tourism.

This resulted in a new discovery, as we were guests of the Angala Boutique Hotel and Guest House. This delightful property is located on the upper ground behind Vrede and Lust. At its core is the natural pool; natural, as plants are grown in and around the pool taking care of tasks such as water filtration. An added bonus of the pool is the panoramic view of the Du Toits Kloof Mountains.

A book that reads like wine South African romance novelist Charmaine Pauls presented and signed copies of her latest romance, The Winemaker during a wine tasting at Boekenhoutskloof on 7 January 2014.

The Winemaker is the story of a British woman, Zenobia Rambling, who gives up her life in London and travels to South America to marry her Chilean fiancé. The minute she arrives on foreign soil, her fiancé leaves her for his agent. Penniless, jobless and alone, Zenna finds herself with a house she cannot afford and owning a stolen vehicle by accident. After a scary encounter with the Chilean police, Zenna is prohibited from leaving the country until the date of the court hearing.

Her neighbours support Zenna during this difficult time and invite her to their wine farm where she eventually starts working with Etán Perez-Cruz, the enigmatic but difficult

world-class winemaker. Can he save her life from dangerous kidnappers, and will he sacrifice his brother’s happiness for his own?

The backdrop for The Winemaker is the Santiago and Colchagua Valley vineyards and wine history in Chile, where the writer currently resides.

The protagonist, Etán Perez-Cruz, was inspired by award-winning Chilean oenologist, Francisco Baettig from Viña Errazuriz. “His superstar wines made headlines worldwide and I was intrigued by both the product and the process of creation,” says Pauls.

The book is Pauls’ third release after Between Yesterday & Tomorrow and Between Fire & Ice. A literary romance, Second Best, is due for release in February 2014. www.charmainepauls.com

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Maura Nolan listening to me!

I met Maura on her regular visits to South Africa, as she was considering putting together a program to this country. Her words, “I couldn’t believe the quality of the golf courses, the dining experiences, the wines and the people, added to which was the wonderful safari experiences on offer.”

This visit is to promote her new offering under

A dangerous table

A memorable feature has to be the round drinks table near the pool, where a central trough allows for ice to be placed, chilling the chosen wines. Dangerous, as it does allow a substantial numbers of bottles to be placed there! We had fun!

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FEBRUARY 2014

Kalfi’s Restaurant now Hans & Marida’s

Kalfi’s new owners, Hans and Marida Olivier Owner-operated Kalfi’s Restaurant has been a firm village favourite since 1992 – especially for those looking for a good serving of home-cooked and traditional meals. Kalfi’s has recently changed hands and the new owners are Hans and Marida Olivier from Kimberley and Durbanville respectively.

Hans, originally from Sweizer Reinecke, has been in the civil service for most of his life. He recently resigned as Manager of the Dept. of Health Forensics. Hans was born in Kimberley where he also matriculated from Commercial High. After his studies he became a Forensic Analyst for SAPS. Hans is passionate about figures and is enjoying interacting with the customers at Kalfi’s.

Marida is as charming as the small Karoo town of Victoria West where she was born. She had her own coffee shop in George before relocating to Cape Town where she spent most of her years – most recently as bookkeeper at Whitehead Scientific.

Marida is passionate about food and is always looking for new recipes and then trying her own versions!

She believes you get the “feeling” of the recipe in the kitchen while preparing it. “Seeing people enjoy a hearty plate of my food – mostly traditional South African – is very rewarding,” she says.

The menu has seen a few changes. The famous chicken pie is back by popular demand and a few new items are making an appearance, for example pork spare ribs, lamb shanks and pancakes filled with either regular cinnamon sugar or a savoury filling of curried mince or chicken, roast butternut, spinach and feta. Revised breakfast recipes have already received the nod of approval, while the bobotie and

F I R S T F R I DAY OF THE MONTH

Malay curry recipes have also been tweaked.

A selection of sweet treats is also on offer. Homebaked cakes, scones and lemon meringue pie are regulars with a Pick of the Day adding further variety. There are also preserves and scrumptious biscuits for sale.

Daily specials vary and include spare ribs, lamb shanks, chicken schnitzels and T-bone or rump steaks. What doesn’t change is Monday’s special: Buy one burger and get one free. (Terms and conditions apply.)

The Oliviers are planning on installing airconditioners for those really hot summer days and have already installed DSTV for those who’d like to catch a bit of sport or news. Free Wi-Fi will soon be available and cosmetic changes to the interior and beautifying the exterior are also on the cards.

Future plans include a Sunday Carvery where people can bring their own bottle of wine and enjoy a healthy meal with pudding. “We’re also thinking of making nice traditional soups and stews for guests to enjoy next to the fire place during winter. We’ll advertise these when winter comes, so keep an eye out for them!” they add. Before then though there is Valentine’s Day for which they’re already working on a special menu. Best to book for that one soon; as you wouldn’t want to disappoint your sweetheart, now would you?

While doing good by customers goes without saying, soon-to-be printed new menus will honour staff by naming the dishes they believe they’re best at after them. Anyone for Beralise’s Bobotie or George’s Ice Coffee? Only at Kalfi’s, of course!

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FEBRUARY 2014

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The benefits of a bedtime story book is likely to calm you all down and in many cases children who are read to sleep better than those who watch a cartoon or two before bed.

There are many academic benefits too. Reading to a child improves language development and reading and writing skills. It will also foster a love for books and hopefully an internal motivation to read to themselves at a later stage. Research shows that children with a genuine interest in leisurely reading are likely to do better in Maths and English - not to mention the food that books provide for a hungry imagination. Most importantly the simple act of reading that bedtime story fosters a parent-child bond which is invaluable.

Your child is never too young or old for a bedtime story, make it part of a routine, something they can look forward to and learn from.

I hope that the next time you are asked the dreaded question, after one of ‘those’ days, you’ll be able to pick this option: D: Hide ‘Green Eggs and Ham’, snuggle into bed and share a bedtime story with your little one.

Looking for good books to read to your pre-schooler? www.commonsensemedia. org/book-lists.

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This scene is all too familiar to any parent…You’re running late from work, pick the kids up on the way and arrive at the gate only to remember that you have no milk or bread in the house. The last thing you need now is to hang out at Pick ‘n Pay at 17:30 with your hungry, grumpy children. After fighting over which trolley to use, which bread to buy, why sweets are not a good idea and why you can’t carry two children and three shopping bags at once, you make it to the car alive!

It is now 18:00. You get home, cook scrambled eggs, force feed the required carrot stick to settle your conscience, wrestle them into the bath, have a lengthy conversation about why one can’t sleep in boots and are about to switch the light off when a sweet little voice says, “Mommy, you forgot to read us a bedtime story?”

You’re tempted to: A: Say that the behaviour they displayed today does not deserve a book! B: Pretend you didn’t hear the question, switch the light off and run! C: Offer a short episode of Mickey Mouse Club House instead.

These are ALL human responses – and besides, after the day you’ve had, reading Green Eggs and Ham for the 50th time in a month may just push you over the edge!

If this sounds all too familiar, take a deep breath… and consider the following.

After the busy day you and your children have had, a

THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLER

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Tatler Motoring

FEBRUARY 2014

spinning

New Mustang confirmed for SA

studio

Ford Mustang, the world’s favorite pony car, has been completely reimagined. South African fans can look forward to seeing it on local roads in 2015.

“Ford Mustang inspires passion like no other car,” said Raj Nair, Ford Group Vice President, Global Product Development. “The visceral look, sound and performance of Mustang resonate with people, even if they’ve never driven one. Mustang is definitely more than just a car – it is the heart and soul of Ford.”

The new Mustang has been developed with impressive performance, driving dynamics and usability in mind – and includes a significant amount of advanced driver convenience and driver aid technologies.

“The illustrious Mustang brand has eluded us for some years in South Africa, but as part of the One Ford strategy we can now look forward to welcoming this iconic nameplate to South African showrooms,” said Ford Marketing Manager Gavin Golightly.

Unmistakably Mustang The clean-sheet design of both Ford Mustang fastback and convertible evokes the essential character of the vehicle, retaining key design elements of the classic Mustangs recognisable to car fans across the globe, including the long sculpted hood and short rear deck, with a contemporary execution.

“You only get one chance to make a first impression and when you see this car, you immediately see a Mustang strong and true;” said Moray Callum, Ford Executive Director, Design, The Americas.

Large, clear instrumentation puts vehicle information right in front of the driver in the roomy cabin with an aviation-inspired cockpit, while

ergonomic and tactile switches and knobs provide control. The vehicle’s width and new rear suspension contribute to improved shoulder and hip room for passengers and a usefully shaped bootspace that can accommodate two golf bags.

A Mustang for the true driving enthusiast The new Ford Mustang features all-new front and rear suspension systems. At the front, a new perimeter subframe helps to stiffen the front structure while reducing mass, providing a strong foundation for more predictable wheel control that benefits handling, steering and ride.

The new double ball-joint front MacPherson strut system also enables the use of large, powerful brakes.

At the rear is an all-new integral-link independent rear suspension. The geometry, springs, dampers and bushings all have been specifically modified and tuned for this high-performance application, and are well-suited to high speed driving. New aluminium rear knuckles help reduce unsprung mass for improved ride and handling.

The advanced, Ford-developed stability control is tuned to maximise the new Mustang’s dynamic capabilities with features like torque vectoring that directs engine power to individual wheels to keep the car on course. When the time comes to turn up the wick at the track, manual transmission variants of the Mustang GT include standard launch control that enables drivers to achieve smooth, consistent starts every time.

Advanced driver-assist features include standard Ford SYNC™ with Voice Control and Touchscreen, that lets drivers control their entertainment.

Models destined for South African shores have yet to be confirmed.

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FEBRUARY 2014

THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLER

Gardening in January

9

Plant of the Month

Natie Ferreira

Frankie Brooks

“Can you believe it’s February already!” Those words are probably used in reference to the second month of the year more than of any of the other months. February just happens. It is also our hottest month and therefore not a great gardening month.

But it is a bountiful month in the vegetable and fruit garden and if you can stand the heat it is a month to get into the kitchen.

Harvesting is not work, it is simply too much fun, but it can be time consuming. Try and do as much processing in the vegetable garden already. Setting up a table and tap or hosepipe next to the compost heap will save some work in the kitchen later.

Remove outer leaves of cabbages, twist the tops off beetroot and carrots, and even peel sweetcorn right there in the garden. I always try to find ways of doing things the easier or more efficient way – even snapping off green beans next to the little stem thingy leaves one less step in the kitchen! While you are harvesting look out for pests and diseases, pick off dead leaves and remove any rotting or over ripe fruit. Harvest regularly; even daily if need be.

This not only prevents fruit from rotting, but also stimulates certain plants like green beans, courgettes and tomatoes to produce more.

It is too hot to really sow anything straight into the garden, but you can start with winter veg such as brassicas, onions and leeks into seed trays or seed beds. These will require shade during the afternoon once germinated. Keep your garden well watered. Early mornings are best for this. Watering during the middle of the day is seldom a good idea, but I have found that it helps on a very hot day to cool everything down. I never use high nitrogen fertilisers in summer, but sad looking plants can be revived with some liquid fertiliser. Using granular fertilisers often lead to plenty of soft growth that will only burn and wilt on a hot day. The same applies to lawns.

Your roses can do with some attention this month.

Do some light finger pruning of new buds and deadhead regularly. You do want as much leaf cover as possible, therefore regular spraying against black spot is a must. This is particularly important if you have overhead irrigation. Chafer beetles, aphids and scale can be a problem. These are best treated reactively as they occur. Also remember that insect infestations normally point to a bigger problem – often watering, feeding or general plant health.

In the kitchen you will have your hands full with jams, preserves, blanching and freezing and

Vincas –Ying and Yang

preparing all the gifts from the garden. Plums are in abundance and both jam and jelly are really easy to make. The same with grapes – see if you can get your hands on some Shiraz or Cabernet grapes.

These make the most amazing syrup. I use 500 grams of sugar for every kg of grapes. Mix well and let it stand for a few hours. Then cook it at high heat until the syrup starts to thicken. Strain and then reduce further until it reaches the consistency you prefer. Bottle into sterilised jars or keep in the fridge in airtight containers. Nothing beats this over ice cream or pancakes.

Enjoy the heat and happy gardening.

Madagascar is the natural home of Catharanthus roseus, the five-petaled wonder of the medicine world.

It’s a fascinating concept to think that Vincas could be responsible for both saving and taking lives.

This much loved bedding plant is extremely toxic if consumed, yet it contains approximately 70 alkaloids of which many have medicinal properties which have been used in traditional medicine for decades!

These days’ vincas come in some blazing hot colours from pinks, reds and oranges to purples but if you’re more of the soothing type, whites and light pinks are available too.

Do you have a sunny patch of soil that you look at and think “nothing will grow here, it’s just too dry and dusty”? That’s where you’re going to plant up a bunch of vinca seedlings! You can water them regularly after planting but only until they’ve settled in nicely and after that, cease and desist, because they are the kids who hardly ever stand on the pool steps on a hot day – dry feet and warm face!

Is it any wonder that these annuals took the world by storm? So easy to grow, and can be used

in a variety of places including containers, hanging baskets, borders for colour in a flower bed, or even as an edge to beds and paths.

Information supplied by the Bedding Plant Growers Association. For more go to www. lifeisagarden.co.za

Rainfall Figures Measured at La Cotte/Nerina Street for periods indicated

mm/year 2002

1100

2003

824

2004

709

2005

916

2006

884

2007

1153

2008

1217

2009

978

2010

740

2011

830

2012

1079

2013

1471

mm/month 2012

Dam Levels 2013

Month

Accumulative

Month

Accumulative

January February March April May June

9 6 35 105 89 217

9 15 50 155 224 461

11 36 20 83 88 246

11 47 67 150 238 484

July August September October November December

194 239 112 45 24 4

655 894 1006 1051 1075 1079

139 409 131 61 242 5

623 1032 1163 1224 1466 1471

As at 13 January 2014 Steenbras Upper Steenbras Lower Wemmershoek Voëlvlei Theewaterskloof Berg River Dam

100,0% 82,8% 88,1% 86,7% 93,9% 99,9% 92,9%

Total Storage 92.9% This Time Last Year 84.4% - 98.8%

T H E R E I S N O P L AC E L I K E R I A’S

Three busy teams now operate from my office: RIAPOOLS, VALLEY GARDEN SERVICES & RIAHOMES If you are unhappy with your current services, I suggest you give me a call.

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YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT! 5 STAR HOME SERVICES • POOL MAINTENANCE • GARDEN SERVICE • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT • PROFESSIONAL STAFF • WE ONLY NEED ONE KEY

RIA: 072 347 5355 OR ROY: 071 591 0342 • EMAIL: ria@kingsley.co.za

THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLER

10

Bhabhathane News The Power of Partnership

Most would agree that there is no shortage of willing people and good intentions when it comes to community social upliftment in the Franschhoek Valley. In fact, some might suggest that there are too many projects and initiatives and, to paraphrase St. Bernard of Clairvaux, the road to failure is paved with many of those good intentions. Bhabhathane recognises this, and as an organisation has always been quick to partner with effective, existing organisations to further its aim of transforming the schools of our valley.

One such organisation is the registered Section 21 Public Benefit Organisation, Prochorus, which was established in 1996 and has a proven poverty-alleviation track-record in a number of impoverished communities in and around Stellenbosch, Somerset West and Cape Town. With the establishment of a local Franschhoek presence and their overt interest in Early Childhood Development (ECD), a Bhabhathane/Prochorus working relationship makes perfect sense.

The Prochorus model focuses on the implementation of sustainable programmes at existing crèches by actively supporting crèche owners, through training, the coordination and provision of volunteers and the sourcing and distribution of sponsorships and donations.

“Our goal as Prochorus,” says Brett Garner, the experienced school head and educator at the helm of the Franschhoek office, “is firstly to redress the social imbalances in society and secondly to meet the needs and concerns of the local community.

The Bhabhathane Steering Committee defined the need for intervention in ECD as just such a concern and, given our experience in that field, we’re excited to come alongside them in their endeavours.

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Todwil

Foundation and support from the Shofar Franschhoek church, we’re in a position to make an immediate, positive impact as we empower the heads of the various schools to effectively manage and run their schools and assist with the provision of training and resources.”

Alastair Wood, project director of Bhabhathane, adds “We are delighted to be partnering with Prochorus on the ECD project within Bhabhathane. The critical importance of the first five years of life to one’s future development is undisputed, so the ECD project has been given the very highest priority by the Bhabhathane Steering Committee. This committee includes the principals of the seven schools in the valley together with the Chairman of the ECD Forum, and it oversees all Bhabhathane’s work”.

There are twenty ECD centres in the valley which currently teach some 600 learners. Each centre is at a different stage of development but all will participate in the project to varying degrees depending on their status and need. The objectives of the ECD project will be to achieve full enrolment, increase the capacity and upgrade existing ECD centres, develop a compliant common curriculum based on the recently-released curriculum framework from the Western Cape Education Department, support the ECD Forum, assist ECD centres to become registered and funded by the Department of Social Development, assist teachers to become qualified and provide food to those learners in need.

For more information about the ECD project, contact Brett Garner at brett@fisp.co.za, or Alastair Wood at alastair.g.wood@gmail.com regarding Bhabhathane.

Franschhoek Bowls Club We trust that all our readers and bowlers had a happy and enjoyable festive season and that all batteries are suitably re-charged. Let’s hope that 2014 will be a better year than 2013 for all of us.

There is not much news on the bowling front.

Life goes on quietly and the continued support our “swallows” keeps us going. A special welcome to Ivor and Pauline and also to Steve Wright - nice to have you back again. We understand that Ray Tungate and Joan will be returning soon as well.

Just to remind you that we play on Tuesdays and

Thursdays at 15h00 (3 pm) and Saturdays at 14h00 (2 pm). On a Tuesday or Thursday (depending on demand) we have a little social get-together after the game and “boerewors” rolls are available to soak up the refreshments! An appeal is once again made to all to come and join in the fun!

There being no further news, all that remains for me to say is “Pay with a pound on!”

Until next month Mike Brönn (021) 876 3878 (H) / 082 570 1793

Rotary News

Mark Tanner

25 – 27 March are dates to remember. These three days are devoted to Rotary Family Health Days that will take place in Franschhoek North/Groendal, incorporating Langrug and Mooiwater.

Rotary Family Health Days are joint events between Rotary and the Department of Health. Over this period testing will take place for TB, HIV, Cholesterol and,

Simunye Gospel Choir releases CD The Simunye Gospel Choir has released a CD – the first of several they hope!

Learners from the Mooiwater community formed the choir in 2009. They say their aim was “to make a difference in our own lives - spiritually - and preaching the word of God through our beautiful voices.”

The group has performed all over the Western Cape at events such as weddings, private parties, meetings and functions.

The choir wishes to express its gratitude to everybody that supported them and contributed to making their CD project a reality. “Many thanks especially to the NG Church for allowing us to raise funds at the Village Market and hosting concerts – this is where we get much-needed recognition. To all the shops near the Standard Bank – and across the road – thank you for putting up with the noise we

make. This album is the result.”

The album is available at the Village Market at R80 each.

To book the choir call 084 069 6735 or 084 626 3832, email simunyechoir.music@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page: Simunye Gospel Choir.

Probus Club Luncheon Meeting – 3 February 2014 12h30 for 13h00 at La Petite Dauphine – Studio/Café Bonbon A Probus Club is a local association of retired or semi-retired professional or business people, (or others who have had a measure of responsibility in any field of worthy endeavour), who are of good character and are respected in their communities.

The Club meets regularly for fellowship and an extension of its members’ interests.

Our speaker for February will be our own local and well known Prof Izak Rust. We will be having a talk on “The Franschhoek Mountains”.

As usual, our meeting will be on the first Monday of the month which will be 3 February 2014.

This is the first meeting of the year and we will be having our AGM in March 2014. Please put on your thinking caps and come up with names of people to be elected onto our Committee for the year 2014/15. It is always good to have new members on committee to prevent the present committee from becoming stale. Feel free to bring friends along as this promises to be a very good talk.

Should anyone, who is not a member, want to join us for lunch, please contact Alta Malherbe on 021 876 3179 to reserve a seat. Lunch at 12h30 for 13h00 will be at La Petite Dauphine in Café BonBon or the Studio. We order from a limited menu and each pays their own account. Please bring cash.

Members will receive an invite to reply to.

See you there!! ***

‘n Probus Klub is ‘n plaaslike assosiasie van afgetrede of semi-afgetrede besigheidspersone, (of anders persone wat gedurende hulle lewe agtenswaardige verantwoordelikhede gehad het), wat van goeie karakter is en met respek in die gemeenskap behandel word. Die Klub vergader gereeld vir vriendskap en uitbreiding van die lede se belange.

Ons spreker vir Februarie 2014 sal ons eie welbekende Prof. Izak Rust wees. Hy gaan met ons gesels oor “Die Franschhoek Berge”. Voorwaar ‘n interessante onderwerp, veral vir dié van ons wat hier woonagtig is en wat bietjie meer wil weet van ons omgewing.

Hierdie is die eerste vergadering van die jaar en in Maart 2014 sal ons ons AJV hou. Knyp asseblief bietjie tyd af om te dink aan persone wat dalk op ons komitee kan dien vir die nuwe jaar. Nuwe persone is baie belangrik op die komitee om nuwe lewe in die komitee te blaas en ons op ons tone te hou. Bring gerus vriende saam aangesien hierdie belowe om ‘n baie interessante praatjie te wees.

Enigiemand wat nie ‘n lid is nie en die ete wil bywoon, kontak asseblief vir Alta Malherbe 021 876 3179. Die middagete is om 12h30 vir 13h00 by La Petite Dauphine in Café BonBon of die Studio. Lede sal voor die tyd ‘n uitnodiging ontvang waarop hulle moet antwoord. Ons bestel van die spyskaart en elkeen betaal sy eie rekening.

Bring asseblief kontant saam.

Sien julle daar!!

Hospice News Colleen Douglas

hopefully, eye and dental health.

Testing is held in a community building in a relaxed atmosphere with play facilities for children.

Watch this space for further details. For more information on local Rotary activities please call Mark Tanner on 082 773 9217.

Fleur de Lis Fleur de Lis wens almal ‘n baie voorspoedige 2014 toe. Daar is groot gebeurtenisse en lekker dinge in die vooruitsig vir ons. Besoek ons gerus sodat ons u kan meedeel wat ons alles beplan.

Ons eerste uitstappie is na die Wheelchair Challenge, later hierdie maand, wat altyd ‘n hoogtepunt is op ons jaarprogram. Fleur de Lis het die afgelope vyf jaar die oudste deelnemer gehad – waarop ons baie trots is.

Daarom gaan ons definitief ons titel weer verdedig.

Ons Groendenne klub gaan ook in Februarie weer

FEBRUARY 2014

begin. Baie dankie aan almal wat dit vir ons moontlik maak om hierdie klub van krag tot krag te laat groei.

Almal sien baie uit na die Dinsdag oggend tee wat ook weer hierdie maand begin - baie dankie aan almal wat dit moontlik maak.

Dankie ook vir die skenkings wat ons daagliks by Fleur de Lis ontvang. Ons is baie dankbaar en sonder dit sou ons nie kon vermag wat ons mee besig is nie.

Fleur de Lis bly ons TROTS.

The Hospice staff is all rested and ready for 2014. First on our calendar this month is our Remembrance Service, 16 February 2014 at VGK Church, Dirkie Uys Street at 09h30, refreshments will be served after the Service.

Please also diarise the following events and come and support your local Hospice: Franschhoek Health Club will be holding a fundraiser for Hospice 3 -7 March, details of which are to be confirmed.

14 March – our annual Bridge Drive Lunch, at Domaine des Anges. Tickets will be available from middle February, details in the next Tatler.

5 May, Bucks Fizz breakfast. This year we will be entertained by Nik Rabinowitz, who has kindly donated his time and energy to this fundraiser. Venue and ticket prices to be confirmed.

16 & 17 May, Bumper Book sale during the Franschhoek Literary Festival Hospice had the privilege of hosting and catering the launch of Nick Norman’s latest book ‘Geology off the Beaten Track’. Thank you Nick for your generous donation. This money will be put towards securing our parking area.

Brent Farrell handed over a cheque of R20,000 to Hospice on behalf of Greeff Properties. The money will be used to help secure the Hospice parking area.

Belated visit from Santa

The Ukuzinca Foundation brought cheer to hundreds of kids from Franschhoek’s informal settlements with Christmas gifts – just two days after Christmas day. The happy occasion happened at Batho’s Place and allowed Batho’s manager, David Molorane, to play Santa for a day – a role he seemed to thoroughly enjoy.

FEBRUARY 2014

THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLER

Letters

info@franschhoektatler.co.za

Thank you and plans for 2014 Good day to all my friends and family, I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has been very supportive of me, my family and the community of Langrug at large.

Through the challenging times I have gone through the past year you have been there for me and continued to give your generous support. 2013 would not have been the same without you and I am looking forward to working hand-in-hand with you again in 2014.

I would like to say special thanks to Mama Africa – Giselle Vluggen – and the rest of my family in Holland for making sure Andrew’s dream continues throughout the year and for supporting the community of Langrug. Thank you Mama Africa.

During 2014 my main focus areas will be Langrug and Botshabelo (not far from my home town of Bloemfontein). I would again like to ask any sponsors/donors who are able to help me help people in need to please contact me.

Special thanks again to the following generous people: Tom Manigk, Nard Beurskens, Caroline Verburg, Bob van Grieken, Fons Verhulst, Harold Robles, MKI Team, Ria van der Merwe, Candice Holgate, Carole Abro Day, Marianne Tracey, Isabel Mabhena, Gonzalo Urrutia Kirkland, Red Tape Productions, Eastern Mosaic Crew, Solms-Delta and the Crew , Madala Entertainment Crew, Ingrid Jorgensen, Siegfried Schäfer, Daniele van der Hucht, Johanne, Liz Chamberlayne, Sintu Quza, Kusasa, Garth van Zyl, Stuart Downie from Pick n Pay, Henriette Kruger, Muriel Wolda, Nurlaila Wolda, Nicky Kingsley-Quick, Karin de Man, Oliver Krieger and the WPI Crew.

To those whose names are not mentioned, please know you are not forgotten. God knows you are doing good deeds and so do we.

Happy, happy New Year to you all.

I love you all.

David Molorane Manager: Batho Tours and Batho’s Place Restaurant

In loving memory Jack Norman Baker (19/07/1928 – 11/12/2013) Loving husband, father & grandfather Jack was born in King William’s Town where he spent his early schooldays at Dale College.

His parents subsequent ly moved to East London where he finished his schooling at

Cambridge High School.

His first work experiences included repairing and maintenance of tractors and windmills . He had soon to conquer his fear of heights! As a young man, he and his pals loved touring by motorcycle and they travelled to and from what was then northern and southern Rhodesia. The roads were appalling and huge potholes a constant threat. Definitely not for the faint-hearted! If problems arose with one of the motorbikes, Jack could always be relied upon to identify, help rectify or advise. Bikes became a lifelong passion and he became a collector, owning amongst many, a famous Ariel Four Square and his favourite, Vic Procter’s Vincent “Black Lightning” which held the South African land speed record for bikes for a good 25 to 30 years.

In his early twenties, he met the love of his life, Shirley Dawn Fetting. He was best man to his great friend, Peter Rose-Innes and Shirley a bridesmaid to her cousin, Sheila, at their wedding. It was love at first sight and even though Jack had by that time moved to Port Elizabeth, he used to journey to and fro most weekends to visit Shirley in his little yellow Peugeot 202 convertible, which leaked horribly in the rain.

They married in July 1952 on his birthday and were devoted to each other for 62 years. They had three children, Heather, John and some twelve years later a son, Gary. He brought much joy and happiness to them but was tragically killed in an accident in September 1985, aged only 17. A terrible loss to our family.

Jack’s career in engineering firms progressed and they moved to Durban for some twenty odd years, and subsequently on to Hout Bay. Jack spent most of his working life for Huck Bolts, a company which produced very specialised components in the manufacture of airplanes and trains. One of the highlights of his career was visiting the Boeing factory near Paris. He loved good food and being fêted by

his colleagues in wonderful French restaurants was a memory he treasured.

His passion for motoring had by then progressed to vintage and veteran cars, too many to mention which he restored with love and great attention to detail.

He had a particular fondness for Jaguars and went to extraordinary lengths to procure the exactly correct colour leather upholstery hides from the original suppliers, Connelly Hides, in England, for example.

When Jack retired in 1993, the couple decided to settle in Franschhoek, having fallen in love utterly and totally with the beautiful mountains. Their children and grandchildren followed in due course. They lived in Victoria Village, their cottage being the second to be built, at that time still surrounded by open ground.

They did love life and welcomed all new additions to ‘our’ village and were so very happy there.

Jack as a person was the kindest, most gentle of men. He had impeccable manners and taught us, his children by example. He adored dogs, a trait that has certainly been passed down to us. His mother complained that he was not ever to bring home yet another puppy from a farm.

He left us Wednesday, 11th December, after a long illness bravely fought to the end, with dignity and always a smile. We would like to say a special thank you to the staff and nurses of Fleur de Lis who were so very kind to him.

He was the most wonderful husband, dad and grandpa we could have ever wished for and we will miss him forever.

11

Editor’s Letter

Siegfried Schäfer

Beste lesers, Geld is klaarblyklik nie meer wat dit was nie.

Dis nou as ek moet oordeel aan die hoeveelheid kleingeld wat ek deesdae op straat optel. Ek was al een keer gelukkig genoeg om ‘n R100 en ‘n ander keer ‘n R20 noot op te tel, maar ek dink nie dit sê veel oor geld as sulks nie – eerder oor mense se greep daarop.

Een en twee sente is nou geruime tyd al nie meer in sirkulasie nie. Dit maak vyf sente ons laagste waarde munte. Nou nie dat ek aan enigiets kan dink wat mens met ‘n vyf sent kan koop nie! Ek het nou al ‘n paar keer gehoor dat daar selfs mense is wat vyf sente weggooi – miskien is dit juis omdat jy niks daarmee kan koop nie.

As dit wel so is, moet ek sê die vyf sent weggooiers is dom. As jy genoeg vyf sente bymekaar sit kan jy mos immers wel iets daarmee koop.

Dit bring my by ‘n interessante storie wat ek oor munte hoor, naamlik dat daar ‘n beperking is op die aantal munte wat jy mag gebruik om iets te koop. M.a.w. dat jy nie met ‘n kruiwa vyf sente mag opdaag as jy ‘n paar stukkies kruideniersware gaan koop nie. In die Verenigde Koninkryk, byvoorbeeld, mag handelaars weier om een en twee pennies as betaling vir ‘n bedrag van meer as twintig pennies te aanvaar. Dit staan hulle natuurlik vry om dit te aanvaar, maar hulle kan nie gedwing word nie. Ek het die Suid Afrikaanse Reserwe Bank gevra wat die situasie by ons is, maar wag nog op die antwoord!

As ons van nog munte ontslae wil raak stel ek voor dat ons die Reserwe Bank vra om van twintig sente en twee rande ontslae raak. Tien sente en een rande sal mos die ding doen. Ek vermoed egter dat vyf sente waarskynlik ook in die stof sal byt voordat twintig sente of twee Rande verdwyn.

Gebruike rondom munte en note verskil natuurlik oor

die wêreld. As jy volgens flieks en TV-reekse oordeel sal jy dink dat Amerika nie twee sente of vyftig sente gebruik nie, hulle praat dan net van ‘pennies’, ‘nickels’, ‘dimes’ en ‘quarters’. Een, vyf, tien en vyf-en-twintig sent, onderskeidelik. Tog munt hulle beide twee sent stukke en ‘half dollars’. Nog iets wat mens nie op die groot of klein skerm sien nie is een Dollar munte. Tog bestaan hulle ook – benewens die meer bekende een Dollar note. Is daar enige ander land wat die ekwivalent van ‘n 25 sent stuk het, of dieselfde geldwaarde in beide munte en note sirkuleer? Ek wonder.

My gevoel oor die saak is dat ‘n mens altyd op die Amerikaners kan reken om anders te wees. Of dit nou sin maak of nie... hulle neig mos om te dink dat wat vir hulle geld moet vir die wêreld geld! Hulle het darem in 2001 uiteindelik daarby uitgekom om aandeelpryse te desimaliseer – voorheen het hulle aandele in eenhede van 1/16-de van ‘n dollar (6.25 sent) verhandel! Nou is daar nog net gewigte, lengte mate en spoed oor vir hulle om te desimaliseer. Die vet alleen weet wanneer hulle dit gaan doen.

Die VSA is egter nie heeltemal alleen in die argaïese gebruik van imperiale mate en gewigte nie. Daar is nog twee lande wat nog nie amptelik die metrieke stelsel vir alle mate gebruik nie. En watter uitgelese paartjie is dit nie – Burma en Liberië! Genadiglik word die druk vir verandering al groter, al lei dit soms tot ongewone uitkomste waar die imperiale en metrieke stelsels ongemaklik met mekaar saamleef. Ek dink byvoorbeeld aan die eerste keer wat ek in Engeland gaan melk koop het en met ‘n 2.27 liter melkkan gekonfronteer is. Ek het die spreekwoordelike ‘double take’ gedoen voordat ek uitgewerk het dis vier pinte. Mense se gewoontes verander maar moeilik...

Tot volgende maand!

Franschhoek Tatler Tel 021 876 3460 Email info@franschhoektatler.co.za Tatler Online www.franschhoektatler.co.za Deadlines - March 2014 Issue Ad Bookings: 13 February 2014 Artwork: 15 February 2014 E ditorial: 13 February 2014

FRANSCHHOEK WINE VALLEY NEWS Security cameras for the valley An initiative by Franschhoek Wine Valley will see the erection up to 43 security cameras throughout the valley in 2014. The area covered will be the extended Franschhoek Valley up to Simondium and including the R301, Groot Drakenstein and Banhoek areas.

The project was initiated after the spate of home invasions that rocked the valley during mid-2013, preceded by the same pattern of attacks in 2012. (A gang member arrested after an attack last year, was also involved in a valley attack as far back as 2009.)

Cameras, with licence plate recognition technology (LPR), will be erected on all major roads and at intersections in the valley. They will be monitored by the SAPS, Pepler Alarms and big farms with security centres. Community participation will also be encouraged and Franschhoek will be able to network with all the other community LPR users around the Peninsula who share data on wanted vehicles.

Whether criminals are using cloned plates, stolen plates, damaged plates, regularly changing plates, or no plates at all to commit a crime, LPR technology together

with the networking capabilities of communities and authorities, makes provision for all scenarios.

“It will not be possible to enter or leave the valley by vehicle without passing the cameras,” said Arthur Mc William Smith – FWV board member responsible for collecting the funds for the initial Franschhoek Village stage of the project.

The project has been divided into five zones and each zone will be responsible for collecting its own funds to finance the project. The first zone covers the area from the top of the Franschhoek Pass down to just beyond the entrance to La Motte Farm. The finance needed for this zone is R550,000.

Mc William Smith continued: “Permission is still awaited from the provincial authorities to erect camera masts on the provincial roads but we are being actively assisted in this by Stellenbosch Municipality - who also plan to erect three cameras on the main road to look out for crime on the pavements.”

Rollout of the project is expected to be completed by mid to late 2014.

Wedding Announcement

Caryn & Enrico Mazullo - 1 February 2014

Jack and Shirley on holiday in France

My dearest husband, Enrico Mazzullo...

Today is the day we will reminisce about as our hair turns grey and the wrinkles crowd the spaces on our cheeks. With grace and wisdom, I know I will look back on this day as the beginning of a journey – challenging at times, but an incredible journey nonetheless.

And even as my memories fade, as the moments of my younger life seem farther behind me, I promise to never forget this day, our wedding day.

With Love, Hugs, Kisses… And the promise of a lifetime together.

Your Wife, MRS Caryn Mazzullo.

THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLER

12

Business Leadership

Tony Frost

Leadership for 2014

If nothing else, 2014 is sure to be an interesting year.

There are going to be the usual challenges for leaders and then, of course, there will be some curve balls as there always are. Two things are likely to dominate especially in the first half of the year – the global economy and the looming national elections which will all but consume us all in the first quarter of this year.

The global economy seems to be showing really encouraging signs of returning health. However the consequences of this improving health may well be somewhat uncomfortable for us in the emerging economies. The much heralded tapering of the US stimulus package, the sluggish improvement in Europe and some uncertainty in China and the East will all play out strongly in our economy. Much of this is unpredictable and it is the unpredictability which actually poses the challenge for leaders.

It seems likely that our elections are going to be hotly contested with politicians making outlandish statements, impossible promises and fairy-tale commitments all of which will result in a stirredup nation uncertain about the future. But this is the stuff of elections all over the world; certainly not unique to South Africa. And then the elections will be over, we will know what we have to deal with for the next few years and life will return to some semblance of normality.

So how should leaders be leading in conditions like these?

Be very clear about where you want to take your organisation. Interact a lot with your colleagues about this and in so doing help them to feel that it is their vision or at the very least a co-created vision of the future. Make this a vision deep into the future, not just some short term action plan.

Communicate this vision with all the energy and with as much regularity as you can. Always try to do this in a way that the members of your organisation know what they have to do wherever they are in the organisation to contribute to the realisation of that vision. This will give your colleagues the confidence of a future worth fighting for.

Listen to your colleagues. I mean really listen so that when they are talking to you they know that you are 100% present and concentrating on what they are saying to you. Often we are so busy that we don’t give our colleagues the kind of respect they deserve

FEBRUARY 2014

Financial Matters

Celia McGuinness

Employment tax incentive

– which includes giving them our full attention when they share something with us.

Avoid trying to communicate by e-mail unless there is absolutely no other alternative. And don’t think you are really communicating if you use the social media either. These modes provide only for snapshot information sharing. Real communication takes place best when it is eyeball to eyeball and in a hearty exchange.

Don’t shy away from emotions. When the conditions are highly charged such as they are likely to be for at the least the first half of this year people will be stressed and nervous and insecure. Let them vent their emotions but let them also know that they enjoy your support and that you are there to help and guide and advise whenever and as often as necessary.

Having said all of this, do not allow emotions to outweigh good rational discourse and analysis. You need both. Remember emotion and motivation are just the opposite sides of the same coin. You cannot have the one without the other!

Use every opportunity you can to affirm and encourage and recognise effort as much as success. It is important to remember that effort is the precursor to success and we do not want to people to stop making the effort especially in the face of difficulty.

Help people over the hump of effort so that they can see that success is not far away and that it will come if they keep making the effort. Of course, the effort must be directed and guided to make sure that everyone is heading in the same direction, but after all that is your primary job as the leader!

Avoid busyness! Being busy can be addictive, but often it doesn’t achieve much. It is more important to stand and be counted on important issues and to be recognised for this than just being busy. Spending the day answering e-mails may be very satisfying, but would it not be better to be amongst your staff showing them what is important and explaining what needs to be done to achieve the organisational goals in person?!

It has oft been said that leadership is not for sissies.

This is true. But it is also true that you don’t need to make it lonelier than it already is. Bury yourself in the bosom of the community you lead and you will draw enormous strength from the courage, support and encouragement that you find there! tony@siroccostrategy.com

In light of South Africa’s high unemployment rate, Government has looked at various measures to address this issue, one of which is the employment tax incentive aimed at creating jobs for the country’s youth.

The Employment Tax Incentive The Employment Tax Incentive Bill, No. 46 of 2013 (the EITB) was introduced in Parliament in October 2013 and is now effective. The purpose of the bill is to encourage employment creation by the Government sharing in the cost of expanding job opportunities, with the private sector. The incentive will be available in respect of certain employees employed by an employer from 1 October 2013. Employers may either reduce their employees’ tax by the incentive amount or where the employees’ tax cannot be reduced, the employer may claim and receive payment of the incentive due. The first claim by employers can only be made in January 2014 and there is a sunset clause of 1 January 2017.

When will an employer qualify for the employment tax incentive?

The employer will be an eligible employer if registered as an employer with the South African Revenue Services (SARS). However, some employers will not be recognised by SARS as eligible employers. Check with your financial advisor or accountant whether your business qualifies.

An employee will be a qualifying employee if: 1. The monthly remuneration of that employee does not exceed an amount of R6 000.

2. The employee is: • in possession of an identity card OR asylum seeker permit • 18 to 29 years old • employed by an employer operating:  through a fixed place of business located within a special economic zone (and mainly working in that zone)  or in a designated industry (All designated industries are still to be announced by SARS)  not a connected person in relation to the employer  not a domestic worker  in relation to the employer, was not an employee of the employer or an associated institution prior to 1 October 2013.

How is the incentive determined?

The manner in which to calculate the tax incentive is dependent on the remuneration earned by the employee. There are two methods of determining the tax incentive – the first method applies to the first 12 months of the qualifying employee’s employment (commencing from 1 January 2014) and the second method applies to the next 12 months in which the same employer employs that employee. The two methods are set out in the table below.

Monthly Remuneration

Method 1 – first 12 months

Method 2 – 2nd 12 months

≤ R2 000

50% of remuneration

25% of remuneration

R2 000 - R4 001

R1 000

R500

R4 001 - R6 000

X = A - (B x (C - D)) X = R1 000 – (0.5 x (MRem – R4 000))

X = A - (B x (C - D)) X = R500 – (0.25 x (MRem – R4 000))

> R6 000

TAX

INDIVIDUAL & CORPOR ATE

Accounting and B ookkeeping • T ax • P ayroll • Company Formation and Services • BEE Certification and Verification • Insurance & Investments • DTI Incentives • Foreign Exchange Email: franschhoek@taxshop.co.za

Phone: 021 876 2676 • Cell: 082 804 0764 Shop 3, La Rue des Roses, 2 Main Road, Franschhoek

NIL

NIL

These employees would normally not pay standard tax as they earn less than the tax threshold. The incentive will therefore have to be deducted from the employees’ tax withheld from the employer’s other employees.

Unavailability of employment tax incentive for reducing employees’ tax In terms of section 8 an employer will not be entitled to reduce its employees’ tax liability by the incentive available in that particular month if that employer: • has not submitted any returns due to SARS; or • has any outstanding tax debt, excluding a tax debt in respect of which an agreement has been entered into with SARS in terms of payment of that debt or the debt is less than R100.

Rollover of employees’ tax incentive If the employer has not utilised the full incentive due to: • insufficient employees’ tax being payable; • failure to utilise the incentive even though there is sufficient employees’ tax payable; or • impermissibility to utilise the incentive in terms of section 8 as set out above; that employer will be allowed to roll over the excess incentive to be claimed in subsequent months and if not recovered from SARS by the last day of February of the relevant year of assessment, that employer may claim the excess incentive when the annual employer reconciliation is submitted.

Cessation of employment tax incentive In terms of the EITB, an employer may not receive and employment tax incentive after 1 January 2017.

Amendments to the Income Tax Act, 58 of 1962 Exemption in terms of section 10(1)(s) A new sub-section to section 10(1) – that is, section 10(1)(s) has been introduced into the Income Tax Act. In terms of this section, the employment tax incentive will be exempt from taxation.

The Fourth Schedule Paragraph 2 of the Fourth Schedule has been amended to take into account the effect of the Employment Tax Incentive Act, 2013 (as referred to in the amendment).

Furthermore, paragraph (2A) has been inserted after paragraph 2 in order to provide for the reduction of employees’ tax by the amount of employment tax incentive determined in terms of the Employment Tax Incentive Act. Amendment to the TAA Section 70 of the TAA has also been amended to provide that a senior SARS official may disclose to ‘the Department of Labour, the name and contact details of all employers registered for employees’ tax and eligible to receive the employment tax incentive in terms of section 2 of the Employment Tax Incentive Act, 2013.’

FEBRUARY 2014

THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLER

13

Book Review

Charlotte van Zyl Lion Heart

met Deon Meyer wie se jongste boek, Kobra, onlangs verskyn het.

Kobra begin met ‘n moord in Franschhoek. Wat het jou laat besluit om dit hier te laat gebeur?

Want Franschhoek is die perfekte omgewing vir ‘n ‘veilige huis’ waar lyfwagte ryk buitelanders kan oppas – pragtig, effe afgeleë, maar naby genoeg aan die lughawe en die stad, met eksklusiewe vyfster-hotelle en gastehuise.

Die taalgebruik van sommige karakters in Kobra is eiesoortig Kaaps. Dit lees lekker, maar gaan dit nie moeilik vertaal nie?

Dit hoef nie as Kaaps te vertaal nie, want as jy nie Suid-Afrikaans is en Vlakte-Afrikaans verstaan nie, gaan jy dit in elk geval nie verstaan nie.

In watter tale gaan Kobra vertaal word?

Dit sal bepaal word deur hoeveel buitelandse uitgewers eindelik die boek uitgee. Dié kontrakte is nog in die proses van onderhandeling.

Dink jy jy sou ‘n behendige sakkeroller soos een van die karakters in die boek, Tyrone, kon wees?

Nee. My hande is te groot, en my senuwees te dun.

Wat sal jy vir jou protagonist, Bennie Griessel sê

as jy hom sou raakloop?

Ek sal seker maak ek loop hom nie raak nie, want Bennie sal my beslis bliksem vir al die goed wat ek hom al laat oorkom het.

IT is ‘n gesogte, en lonende, teiken vir misdaad.

Dink jy daar is voldoende sekuriteit vir data op ‘n geheue stokkie?

Geheuestokkies wat jy van die rak af koop, het geen data-sekuriteit nie – die gebruiker moet dit doelbewus later aanbring. Dit is moontlik om byna volkome sekuriteit te bewerkstellig, as jy weet wat jy doen.

Gaan jy aanhou boek skryf of gaan jy jou toespits op draaiboeke?

Ek dink nie dié twee is wedersyds eksklusief nie. Ek hoop om al twee te doen.

Is jy nog ‘n ‘biker’?

Ja. Kom jy weer hierdie jaar na die Franschhoek Literary Festival?

Ja.

Summer Concerts @ Solms-Delta

Each Saturday evening in February you can enjoy traditional Kaapse-kos and Solms-Delta wines while you listen to the sounds of local favourites including Valiant Swart, Koos Kombuis, Anton Goosen, Robin Auld & Tribal Echo alongside the talented Music van de Caab musicians, the Soetstemme choir and the Delta Langbroeke. Preorder a picnic or buy traditional favourites such as Chef Shaun’s famous braai-bord, Malaysian chicken or veg curry roti, waterblommetjie lams potjie with rice and kiddies boerewors rolls from our food stalls.

By Justin Cartwright.

Publ: Bloomsbury, 330 pages I would like to believe that Justin Cartwright when he was hiding out in Franschhoek for a few months last year was in the process of writing “Lion Heart.” Not that we get a mention, but possibly the mysterious mist pouring over the bare mountains during a southeaster, or the night sky lit up by the flames of an elemental forest fire might have contributed to the author’s imagination.

“Lion Heart” is filled with mystery, perhaps the greatest historical mystery of all. “Is there is a True Cross, and if so, where is it hidden?” Richard Lion Heart spent his life and, incidentally, the lives of thousands of his knights and followers, battling Saladin to try and find the Cross. Or even just a bit of it. Were the Crusades worth it? Cartwright tells this background story well.

One is fascinated and appalled by the chronicle of twelfth century mayhem and slaughter and familial backstabbing.

But the main story, set in contemporary England, revolves round the life and loves of the central character, Richie Cathar. He has many connections to Richard Lion Heart. He is named after him. He has inherited a quest from his larger-than-life father, who tried unsuccessfully throughout his life to solve the problem of the whereabouts of the Cross. But he hadn’t spoken to Richie for the last 10 years of his life, effectively rejecting his existence - and landing him with a huge identity crisis.

So Richie (such an unfortunate diminutive!) sets out on a quest to trace his father’s footsteps. He is

not armed with spear and shield. He has a few tattered notes from his father and the resources of the Bodleian Library in Oxford.

He is much like Patrick Melrose from the St Aubyn novels. Clever Oxford boy cursed by a vindictive father and surrounded by smart, decadent academics. He sets out for Jerusalem, where he has an affair with Noor, a luscious Palestinian-Canadian woman, who might, or might not, be a spy. This brings him into contact with a wealthy, aristocratic Arab woman, who had been his father’s lover. Another part of the jigsaw is Father Prosper, a Dominican monk, who knows more about the father than he is prepared to say, yet still assists Richie in his research in the musty archives in Jerusalem.

The problem is that the more information Richie gathers (literally thousands of pages of manuscripts) the further he is from the truth. Half-truths slide past him, calling into question his own identity, the nature of his search, and the book he is going to write about the quest for the Cross.

Cartwright quotes from W.G. Sebald in the preface.

“It is frightening to realize how little we know about our species, our purpose and our end.” Part of the brilliance of this book is the way that the search for the Cross represents any quest for an ineffable goal: to know who you are, to find a holy relic to believe in, and to search for love.

And, in case you were wondering, I think Justin Cartwright does a much better job than Dan Brown.

Join us from 18h00. Music from 18h30 to 20h30. R90 per ticket (excludes food and drinks, no BYO). Children under 12 years R45; children under 3 free. Tickets available from Solms-Delta’s Fyndraai restaurant; restaurant@solmsdelta.co.za or 021 874 3937 ext 115. Limited places will be available on the night.

Line-up: 1 February: Robin Auld 8 February: Anton Goosen 15 February: Valiant Swart 22 February: Tribal Echo

FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE

SUMMER 2014

FEBRUARY 2014

Enjoy dinner from La Petite Ferme’s famous à la carte menu, alfresco under African summer skies, to the sound of live music on our lawns.

Fridays from 18:00 till 21:30 | R50pp cover charge | Reserve your table 021 876 3016 | For further details visit www.lapetiteferme.co.za

7 FEB Lynne Poulsen & the Dreamcatchers

14 FEB James Stewart

7 MAR Tarabu

Pop & Rock

Smooth Jazz

28 FEB Natasha Meister Band

14 MAR Newton & Co Band

21 MAR James Stewart

28 MAR Natasha Meister Band

Blues & Soul

MARCH 2014

Jazz & Soul

21 FEB Tarabu

Smooth Jazz

Blues & Rock

Pop & Rock

Blues & Soul

FEBRUARY 2014

THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLER

14

February Calendar

If you’re organising an event in Franschhoek and would like it listed in our calendar please send the details to info@franschhoektatler.co.za. before the 14th of the preceeding month. It’s free!

8 February

Franschhoek Summer Wines Relish Franschhoek’s best wines for summer. Venue: Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards. Time: 12h00 – 17h00. Cost: R120 per person. Tickets: www.webtickets.co.za Contact: Franschhoek Wine Valley, 021 876 3603

9 February

Race for charity in our beautiful valley Venue: Bridge House School. Time: 07h00 (53km), 07h30 (26km), 08h15 (8.5km). Cost: R90 – R170 per rider. Contact: Willemien Roux, 084 843 5389, fhoeklionsmtb@gmail.com

Know your village

14 February

How well do you know your village? See if you know where each month’s photo was taken.

In the following month’s Tatler we’ll give you the answer.

Did you get it right last month?

Valentine’s Day

22 February

La Motte Classical Music Concert Verena Fischer & Erik Dippenaar (baroque flute, harpsichord).

Venue: La Motte Historical Cellar. Time: 19h00. Cost: R170 per person. Contact: Angela, 021 876 8000, concerts@la-motte.co.za

Mondays & Thursdays

Iyengar-style yoga classes at Artemis barn, 18h00-19h00.

Contact Danielle on 073 388 1404.

The Huguenot Memorial at the end of Huguenot Street was inaugurated in 1948 and celebrates the religious freedom that the protestant Huguenots found at the Cape after fleeing from France. The memorial was constructed of Paarl Granite, the architect was JC Jongens and it is rich in religious and other symbolism

Tuesdays

Alcoholics Anonymous Time 19h00. Venue: NG Church Consistory. Contact 021 867 0983 or 073 125 0188 (Jeffrey)

Saturdays

Solms-Delta Summer Concerts Enjoy local music, Kaapse kos and Solms-Delta wines. Venue:

Solms-Delta. Time: 18h00. Cost: R90 per person excluding food & drinks. Contact: museum@solms-delta.co.za or 021 874 3937 ext 135.

Saturdays

Franschhoek Farmers’ Market Breads, olives, ginger beer, pastries, plants, seedlings, breakfasts, coffee, crafts and more. Venue: Dutch Reformed Church Grounds.

Time: 09h00 – 14h00

Sundays

FCC MTB Outride: Meet at 08h30 top of Robertsvlei Road.

Call Geddan Ruddock 082 578 3017

Church Services

Franschhoek Methodist Church Sunday service 09h00 – all welcome.

Rev Nuno Vergueiro 021 872 3580 or 082 662 4509 Contact person: 021 876 2510 or 083 287 5756 NG Kerk Franschhoek Sondagdienste 09h30 & 19h00. 021 876 2431. Geen aanddiens meer.

Shofar Christian Church Franschhoek Sunday service 09h00.

Pastor Yannis Acavalos 021 876 3348 Roman Catholic Church Mass every 2nd Saturday of the month at the Methodist Church, Bagatelle Rd, Fhk. 073 488 6816 Trinity Church Franchhoek Sunday service 10h00. Fr Gavin Mitchell 083 799 0726.

All Services are held at L’Ermitage Hotel Chapel in Franschhoek.

Anglican Church: St George’s Church, Groot Drakenstein.

Sunday Services: Holy Communion and Sunday School 10h00.

Rector Fr Joe Humbles – 021 874 1120

7 6 3 5 8 1 2 4 9

Joytish Vedic Astrology Robert Rittel

ARIES (21 March – 19 April)

LIBRA (23 September

If you are planning any changes, go for it, and stick

– 22 October)

to it! Arguments must be avoided as they may

The essence of your happiness

lead to misunderstandings and confusion.

depends on self-knowledge and not what others tell

TAURUS (20 April – 20 May)

you. Reveal the splendor of you creativity with

Venus is still under the influence of Saturn and is

curiosity about life and its endless potential.

looking for sound solutions in terms of relations

SCORPIO (23 October – 21 November)

and financial securities. Be aware of “sweet

The sign of mysteries and deeper understanding

politics” by people you know.

easily gets used to the facts of rational and logic

GEMINI (21 May – 20 June)

assumptions, which can be very misleading –

Mercury has moved into Pisces and is debilitated;

make some space for the impossible to happen.

all promises to you should be taken with a pinch

SAGITTARIUS (22 November – 21 December)

of salt. Choose your words carefully and keep

The mutable fire of your desires and the

track of your agendas.

forbearing rightness of you personality will be

CANCER (21 June – 22 July)

challenged by the virtue of your wits and has to

Relationships are the key this month, which could

observe ethical values.

have great potential, but need to be based on a

CAPRICORN (22 December – 19 January)

deeper level of trust. Awareness takes you further

A love of excellence makes the small things a

than emotionally overwhelming feelings.

source of satisfaction. Along with knowing that

LEO (23 July – 22 August)

wisdom comes from deep within it is the

The Sun in Aquarius is in opposition to Leo and

threshold of your individuality.

you will be confronted with equally strong

AQUARIUS (20 January – 18 February)

persons or institutions that may not follow

The month of the water bearer will bring opportunity

your instructions. Humbleness can be a stroke

to nourish friends with your unique expression of

of genius.

how the synchronicity of the universe works.

VIRGO (23 August – 22 September)

PISCES (19 February - 20 March)

To trust and be trusted is the music of the sphere

There are not only ‘up and down’ cycles, the ‘in and

in this month. Re-evaluate your ideas to the point

out’ ones are equally important to create your

that you are very sure. Ultimate reality is the faith

involvement out there. Stand back and observe

within you.

without attachments.

For consultation please write to robert.vedicastrolology@gmail.com or call 073 312 1265

Useful Numbers

ACCOUNTANTS 021876 2676 Tax Shop ATTORNEYS 021 876 2592 / 072 402 9469 Susan Charlesworth Attorney BURGLAR ALARMS 021 876 3308 Pepler Alarms CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS 021 876 3031 Boland Bridge Club 082 557 0278 Franschhoek Tennis Club 021 876 3460 Franschhoek Valley Conservation Trust 021 874 1906 Grt. Drak. Games Club 021 876 3775 Lions 021 876 4178 Rate Payers’ Association 072 211 9991 Stellenbosch Masonic Lodge (Chris) 082 773 9217 Franschhoek Rotary Club COMPUTER SERVICES 082 356 0226 Franschhoek IT Services ELECTRICAL 073 238 1875 Home Technology 082 823 7119 / 021 876 3640 Franschhoek Electric 021 876 2120 / 083 309 2923 Rensburg Electrical EXCAVATIONS 021 876 4431 / 082 972 5755 Andrew Schmidt 072 340 8518 Burger Excavations HEALTH & BEAUTY 021 876 2261 Franschhoek Pharmacy 021 876 3543 Franschhoek Health & Skincare 021 876 2218 Hairdresser 021 876 3310 Franschhoek Health Club HOUSE & GARDEN 028 840 1716 Clock Repairs 021 876 3640 Lighting & Accessories 021 872 0747 / 083 658 4944 Paarl Pools 021 876 2612 / 072 347 5355 Ria Pools (Franschhoek) INTERNET ACCESS 021 876 4741 Internet Café 021 876 3025 PostNet OPTOMETRIST 021 872 3530 Marelise Bester PHOTOGRAPHIC 021 876 4741 Franschhoek Photolab PHYSIOTHERAPIST 021 876 4234 / 082 582 1029 Claire Horn PLUMBERS 021 876 3759 Franschhoek Plumbing 084 550 5229 Rudolf Smit PUBLIC SERVICES 021 876 3085 Hospice 021 808 8406 Library 021 808 8700 Municipality (Office Hours) 021 808 8890/1 Municipality 24 hr Service 021 876 2532 Museum 021 876 2342 Post Office 021 876 2670 Welfare (ACVV) 021 876 4808 SPCA SCHOOLS 021 874 8100 Bridge House School 021 876 2079 Franschhoek High School 021 876 2448 Groendal Primary School 021 876 2211 Groendal Secondary School 021 876 2360 Wes-Eind Primary School

2 9 1 4 3 7 6 8 5

5 8 4 6 2 9 7 3 1

1 3 6 9 5 8 4 7 2

8 5 2 7 1 4 3 9 6

4 7 9 3 6 2 5 1 8

6 1 8 2 7 3 9 5 4

3 4 5 1 9 6 8 2 7

9 2 7 8 4 5 1 6 3

STORAGE 021 876 2174 Franschhoek Storage STEELWORKS 021 876 2675 / 084 514 4838 Franschhoek Steel TOURIST INFORMATION & SERVICES 021 876 3603 Info Office 021 876 4042 Winelands Experience TRANSPORT GOODS 021 876 2440 / 082 821 5234 Gerald Fourie VETERINARY 021 876 2504 Surgery (pm only) 021 876 4278 Huguenot Animal Clinic 082 577 9900 Emergency WINES 021 876 3775 La Cotte Wine Sales 021 876 2861 Vignerons de Franschhoek EMERGENCY NUMBERS 021 808 8888 Fire Rescue 10111 / 021 876 8061 Police 086 003 7566 Eskom 082 374 2949 Neighbourhood Watch 021 808 8890 Municipality (afternoon only) 021 808 8700 Municipality 24hr Service 021 852 3318 Omnipage Farm Watch 021 876 2346 Plaaswag DENTISTS 021 876 3070 Dr Schalk du Plessis 021 876 2634 Dr Rob Hammer 021 876 4320 Dr Servaas de Kock DOCTORS 021 876 4622 Dr Tracey Garner 021 871 1063 Dr Shelley Hellig 021 876 2474 Dr Alexander Heywood 021 876 2304 Dr Hannes Van der Merwe EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONSE 074 363 7744 / 021 876 4316 Medicare EMR

February 2014

15

Smalls R30. 30 words max. Smalls to be left with cashier at Franschhoek Pharmacy along with payment ANTIQUE DOOR: Mid-18th century Burmese teak farm house door for sale. From old Franschhoek farm. Made with square nails. Some original hardware. Offers from R15,000. Phone 082 391 5327. BOOK BINDING AND BOOK REPAIRS. Contact John Hicks on 082 361 0900 or email john@thearmchair explorer.co.za WHY NOT DELEGATE the maintenance of your garden into our RELIABLE hands. Tel: 072 3475355 NICE GARDENS deserve our expert pruning.

Valley Garden Services: 0723475355 KARATE CLASSES fom age 5 - 13 at the Franschhoek Health Club, Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 2 - 3 pm, Contact Sensei Chris on 083 505 0808 EXCESS BOOKS? Shelves creaking, moving house or just thinning out your collection? Contact John Hicks. 021 876 4129 RETIRED FRANSCHHOEK GUEST HOUSE MANAGEMENT COUPLE. We have extensive house sitting experience as well. Gardens and pets taken good care of. References available. If you are an

owner/manager of a small to medium guest house and you need a break (and as former managers ourselves, we know how necessary this is) we can look after your place, see to the needs of your guests and do anything that is needed. We are available anywhere in the Western Cape. Call Clive or Marlene on 021-851-6697 or 082-429-4456 ALLOW US TO bring the SPARKLE back into your pool. RiaPools 0723475355 KITTENS & DOGS looking for homes. Call Annette 021 876 3155 TRUCK DRIVER with Code 10 license and Valid PDP needed by forklift company based in Franschhoek. Please contact susanbailey@ avisforklift.co.za and 021 876 2174 SAFE, CLEAN, SPARKLING POOLS are our business. RiaPools 0723475355 FRENCH TUTOR WANTED: I am looking for someone who can give me French lessons. I have done an audio-based course, but now want something more formal. Jan 083 273 9415

HAS YOUR GARDEN BECOME A BURDEN? Call Valley Garden Services: 0723475355 ABSOLUTELY WATER: Under-counter and whole-house water purification, dispensers and shower filters. Repairs, sales, rentals and service of units. No-chlorine showers, feel the difference.

Johann 072 622 7751 FRANSCHHOEK LOCAL ACCREDITED SATELLITE TV AND AUDIO INSTALLATIONS. Satellite call-outs, repairs and set-ups. We supply and custom install according to your requirements.

For a great deal please call 073 238 1875 THANKS TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS for their continuing support! RiaPools 0723475355 HONEST HOUSESITTER / Responsible Caretaker / Caring Pet-sitter / Reliable Staff Supervisor / Home Manager. Short-term / Long-term. References available. Sue Reader 083 270 9555 LOOKING FOR THAT SPECIAL BOOK and can’t find it? Call John at the Armchair Explorer , we will source it for you. Cell: 082 361 0090

FRANSCHHOEK

REDUCE • RE-USE • RECYCLE

Cell: 083 252 1054 Fax: 021 876 3501 E-mail: wwt@iafrica.com

Want To Make Contact February 2014

16

February 2014

Hennie Nel 082 356 0226 | franschhoekit@vodamail.co.za

FEBRUARY 2014

THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLER

Estate planning (Part II) In my January 2014 article on Estate Planning I listed the tools used in the estate planning process. In this article we will look at some of these tools in more detail.

The Antenuptial Contract A marriage in South Africa between persons domiciled in South Africa is, in terms of the common law, a marriage in community of property. The restrictions placed on the parties in a marriage in community of property, particularly the wife’s ability to transact freely, have largely fallen away. It should be noted however that the estates of persons married in community of property are regarded as one joint estate. The major disadvantage of this is that on the insolvency of one of the spouses, the joint estate (except for certain assets such as insurance policies and pension monies) is available for the benefit of the insolvent spouse’s creditors. It is for this reason that persons contemplating marriage should seek the advice of a lawyer and preferably a notary on the most suitable Antenuptial Contract (ANC) for them. An ANC must be signed before a notary before marriage.

It is possible to change one’s matrimonial property regime after marriage but it does involve an application to the High Court.

Briefly, an ANC can be with or without accrual.

An ANC without accrual – each party to the marriage retains control over the estate which they bring into the marriage as well as any estate accumulated during the marriage. There is, in other words, complete separation of their respective estates both during and on dissolution of the marriage. It follows that a solvent spouse’s estate is not affected by the insolvency of the other spouse.

A simple description of an ANC with accrual is that it has the advantage of complete separation of assets during the marriage (not affected by insolvency of one of the spouses) and the benefits of being married in community of property because on dissolution of the marriage by death or divorce the individual estates are valued and the spouse with the smaller estate has a claim against the spouse or his executor with the larger estate.

The ANC with accrual can be quite complicated because of the parties’ ability, in terms of the Matrimonial Property Act, to exclude commencement values and specified assets in the contract.

The ANC is therefore a useful estate planning tool.

Advice should be sought from a professional regarding the provisions to be included in the contract. An example of an asset which should be excluded is an interest in a family business. Failure to exclude this asset from the accrual could lead to complications for the family business on dissolution of the marriage.

The Intestate Succession Act (ISA) The Intestate Succession Act is applicable to the estate of a person who dies without leaving a valid Will. If

the deceased is married in community of property at the time of his death then it is only his half share of the joint estate which is distributed in terms of the laws of intestacy. The survivor’s half share does not form part of the deceased’s estate.

In terms of the ISA, where the deceased dies leaving only a spouse, the spouse inherits the entire estate; where he dies leaving no spouse but children then the children inherit the entire estate; where he dies leaving a spouse and children the spouse inherits R125 000 or a child’s share whichever is the greater. The devolution of an estate becomes more complicated where there is no spouse or children. Simply put, where there is no surviving spouse, the intestate estate descends and if there are no descendents then it ascends to be split between parents or failing them their descendants, for example, the deceased’s brothers and sisters. In these circumstances professional advice must be sought. The Master of the High Court’s website is a good source of information.

Will I have given an overview of the ISA in order to demonstrate the importance of having a Will no matter how simple to avoid any unwanted consequences described above. The provisions which you need to consider for incorporation in your Will are: • who is to be appointed executor and in the event that you create a testamentary trust, the trustee of that trust • the appointment of legatees, that is, individuals or charities to whom you want to leave specified amounts of cash or movables. Note that a legacy is distributed before the residue of the estate and if there is insufficient residue to fund the cash legacies then they abate in proportion to the amount available.

• your residuary beneficiaries • whether there are minor or disabled beneficiaries for whom a testamentary trust needs to be created There are standard clauses which should be incorporated in all Wills, the most important being the revocation of all prior Wills and Codicils and a clause dealing with the exclusion of a beneficiary’s inheritance from a community estate or similar marital regime.

The signature clause at the end of the Will must be worded in a specific way and the signing procedure executed in terms of the Wills Act. It is advisable to sign your Will before totally independent witnesses because if your signature is witnessed by anyone named in your Will (this includes executors and trustees) or their spouses then these persons cannot benefit from your Will.

In next month’s article we will look at Trusts, both inter vivos (created during your lifetime) and testamentary (created in your Will) and the other estate planning tools mentioned in my January article.

Susan Charlesworth

th th Annual Porcupine Ridge MTB Challenge 12 12 Annual Porcupine Ridge MTB Challenge

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PPA MEMBERS SHOULD PLEASE REMEMBER THEIR FRAME NUMBERS - IF THEY DO NOT HAVE IT WITH THEM PPA MEMBERS SHOULD PLEASE REMEMBER THEIR FRAME NUMBERS - IF THEY DO NOT HAVE IT WITH THEM (ON THE DAY) THEY CAN PURCHASE ONE FROM US FOR R5.00 (UNSEEDED) OR R30.00 (SEEDED @ PPA STAND) (ON THE DAY) THEY CAN PURCHASE ONE FROM US FOR R5.00 (UNSEEDED) OR R30.00 (SEEDED @ PPA STAND) PRE REGISTRATION: PRE REGISTRATION: WILL BE NOTIFIED CLOSER TO EVENT DATE WILL BE NOTIFIED CLOSER TO EVENT DATE

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Willemien Roux Willemien Roux 084 843 5389 084 843 5389 fhoeklionsmtb@gmail.com fhoeklionsmtb@gmail.com 11h30 11h30 11h45 11h45 www.pedalpower.org.za www.pedalpower.org.za 31 January 2014 31 January 2014

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Despite growing sellers’ market, it is still a great time to buy property, says Seeff “With more balance in the market and coming off one of the best years since the economic downturn, the residential real estate market appears to be on solid ground as we head into 2014,” says Seeff chairman, Samuel Seeff. Last year saw trading conditions in the primary urban sectors of the market at the best levels in more than five years with stock shortages and growing sellers’ markets in the high demand areas. While the favourable buying conditions are set to persist, there is now for the first time in years, encouraging signs for sellers as well, he adds.

“The tenuous macro-economic landscape however, is likely to keep the real estate market under pressure throughout the year and while optimistic, we remain cautious,” says Seeff. “This notwithstanding, it will be business as usual for buyers and sellers. Provided that the economy remains stable, we anticipate a good year for real estate with buyer sentiment and the willingness to buy continuing to strengthen although.”

FNB’s latest Property Barometer confirms the improved market conditions and notes that the demand and supply rating at 48.73 for December is edging closer to the more balanced 50-point benchmark. It also reports the average house price growth at 8.7% as at December and predicts 9% for the year, something that should encourage not only sellers, but also buyers who may still be uncertain as to whether it is the right time to buy.

For those still hesitant, now is indeed a great time to buy, but these favourable conditions are not likely to last too much longer, says Seeff. Buying now means that you can still pick up great value and take advantage of the historically low interest rate. The longer your wait, the more you will pay. Aside from a potential interest rate hike towards the end of this year, house prices in the urban, high demand areas continue to rise although still at modest levels. Using the ABSA house price index as a guide, a small home (80-140sqm) that would have cost R709,500 on average in 2009, now costs around R804,000; R94,500 or 13% more than in 2009.

Mortgage lending too is improving, advises Seeff.

While the high national household debt ratio will continue to influence the levels of mortgage granting, the latest National Credit Regular data points towards accelerated growth of 20% in mortgage granting over the last year. Prospective buyers that

are in good credit standing should take real encouragement from this.

One of the contributing factors to the improved market conditions has been that serious sellers are heeding the call to adjust their pricing expectations in line with market dynamics, says Seeff. This has facilitated the clearing of some of the oversupply of stock in the primary areas with shortages becoming prevalent. This in turn paves the way for those looking to sell to get their properties listed and now is indeed an opportune time for serious sellers, he adds.

The low home loan borrowing costs and flat house price growth will continue to boost home affordability and encourage buying. Pricing in line with prevailing market conditions will remain vital for sellers hoping to conclude a successful transaction, says Seeff. “Having said this, sellers in high demand areas are seeing good offers, sometimes even multiple offers and getting closer to their asking prices.”

Prospective buyers are encouraged to shop around and ensure they buy below their means and pay fair market value. Investing a deposit and careful budgeting for the costs of home ownership, especially in view of the rising basic living and travel costs will be more vital than ever, he concludes.

THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLER

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INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY GROUP

REMAX.CO.ZA

FEBRUARY 2014

The Real Estate Leaders NOBODY IN THE WORLD SELLS MORE REAL ESTATE THAN RE/MAX

FEBRUARY 2014

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Tel/Fax: +27 (0)21 876 3322

Fine & Country Franschhoek FRANSCHHOEK

R4 950 000

FRANSCHHOEK

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R9 800 000

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ONE OF THE FINEST HOMES ON THIS DESIRABLE WINE ESTATE. Architect designed with quality finishes this immaculate 3 bedroom home has been intelligently designed to maximise flow and space. A light and airy entrance hall leads into a bright and spacious open plan living room and dining room and designer kitchen. A shaded gazebo style stoep nestles in a landscaped garden with stunning views over the vineyards. Separate guest loo and ensuite guest bedroom downstairs. A wide staircase with picture window leads upstairs to a spacious landing area ideal as an office which leads onto a further 2 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. Throughout the upstairs there are elegant French shutters providing extra privacy. A double garage with direct access to the home, and off-street parking complete this beautiful home.The property includes air-conditioning, underfloor heating, automatic irrigation and a security alarm.

3 Bedrooms en-suite | Wonderful flow | Stunning views | Erf size: 544sqm | Web: 114291

FRANSCHHOEK

R7 950 000

ARCHITECT DESIGNED 3 BEDROOM FAMILY HOME ON PRESTIGIOUS FRANSCHHOEK RESIDENTIAL ESTATE.This beautiful home on the La Ferme Chantelle estate has been built to take advantage of all the Franschhoek seasons. A grand yet intimate double-volume lounge and dining area offers the perfect space for both family living as well as fireside winter entertaining.The generous undercover veranda offers space enough for both an outside lounge and dining area with a large built-in gas braai and is the perfect setting for long summer soirees beside the pool. A separate country-style kitchen complete with Aga stove shares space with a relaxed family dining area leading out to a large back garden bordered by vineyards. Accommodation is in 3 large bedrooms with well-appointed en-suite bathrooms. A separate study/library is positioned in an upstairs mezzanine area overlooking the central living room with spiral staircase access. Underfloor heating and air conditioning throughout. Double Garage. Also includes a separate storeroom with staff facilities.

3 Bedrooms en-suite | Private gardens | Erf size 1200sqm | Web ref:114303

FRANSCHHOEK

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R2 950 000

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RESTORED HISTORIC HOME WITH A MAGNIFICENTGARDEN. This grand old lady has been sensitively restored preserving many original features. The front facade is a recognisable landmark on Dirkie Uys Street and conceals many hidden treasures. Original "voorkamer" lounge leads to a large dining room with fireplace and separate kitchen. A charming vine-covered verandah leads you into the huge garden filled with mature trees. The original main house has two bedrooms and 2 bathrooms plus a separate study and dressing room. A separate accommodation wing has been added to create 2 separate bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms looking out across the pool and the stunning garden.

A large loft, single garage, a storeroom and a separate wine cellar complete this wonderful home.

4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | Seperate accommodation wing | Swimming Pool | Erf size: 550sqm | Web: 11124

FRANSCHHOEK

R4 950 000

CHARACTER INCOME PRODUCING COTTAGE. Heidi Cottage is located in a quiet desirable tree lined street in the middle of Franschhoek village. Heidi Cottage presents 2 good size bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. There is a separate cottage kitchen. The living and dining room is open plan with underfloor heating and a feature fire-place. The living room patio doors open up onto a vine covered verandah overlooking a sparkling pool. The cottage has a separate walled lawned garden with mountain views. Perfect as a lock-up and go holiday home or as a permanent home. This property is currently run as a self catering house in Franschhoek and it generates +/-R250,000 gross holiday let income per year.

2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | Open plan living/dining area | Swimming Pool | Erf size: 550sqm | Web ref:76592

WELLINGTON

R9 700 000 EX VAT

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BEAUTIFUL GUESTHOUSE / FAMILY HOME IN FRANSCHHOEK VILLAGE. This property has 6 beautiful bedrooms all with en-suite bathrooms and includes a separate 1-bedroom Manager's apartment. Surrounded by a vast garden and secure parking. From the veranda you over look the swimming pool and can enjoy the dramatic sunsets. The guesthouse is well established in the village.The property can also easily be converted in to a large family home if required.

6 Bedrooms | 6 Bathrooms | Managers Accommodation | Erf Size: 1034sqm | Web Ref:83465

PO Box 315, Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa Tom: +27 (0)79 955 3114, tomc@fineandcountry.com Terry-Lee: +27 (0)82 650 9194, terryg@fineandcountry.com

VERY REALISTICALLY PRICED 34 HECTARE HISTORIC WINE FARM ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF WELLINGTON. Situated on the outskirts of Wellington at the foot of the Hawequa mountain range is this boutique 34 hectare wine farm once owned by Cecil John Rhodes.The early 19th century 2 en-suite bedroom manor house (approx 330 m) which retains many original features nestles in an established garden with a tennis court and heated swimming pool. Other buildings include a 3 bedroom managers house dated 1874 (144 m), 4 guest cottages run as a Bed and Breakfast, 3 vehicle garage, offices, labourers cottages (300 m in total) a 210 m shed and wine tasting room and wine cellar.The farm has been planted to about 12 ha vineyards and 0,5 ha olives. Water source includes 2 boreholes and a dam. Sold as a going concern.

9 Bedrooms | 7 Bathrooms | Erf size: 34ha | Web Ref 110865