Township entrepreneurism takes off
The early days in Franschhoek
The Jabu interview - PAGE 22
We interview Achim von Arnim - PAGE 16
THE
DECEMBER 2008
FRANSCHHOEK
MONTH
A business-to-market hub in print and web media
Local girl stars in motion picture By The Editor
info@theMONTH.co.za www.theMONTH.co.za
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
(which is Stellenbosch Laerskool). “For sure!” she says her face beaming. So is Franschhoek about to produce the next world famous actress alongside its wines and food? “I’m planning to study to become a Doctor or a vet but keep acting as a sideline” she says and fixes me with that ‘sensible’ look. She has other interests however; dancing, singing, tennis, netball and playing with her dogs. If she can sing, dance and act, I ask, can I be her agent? It turns out she already has one, however. The future looks bright for Anneki Wilken who was chosen above all others in her agegroup to play this role. She’s thankful to the people that have given her this opportunity and we’re thankful to her for giving us a further opportunity to be proud of this valley. For more details about the movie go to www.antjiesomers-themovie.co.za
Restaurant and wine tasting open daily, throughout the year. T: 021 875 5141 info@backsberg.co.za www.backsberg.co.za
Anneki Wilken, who plays the lead role in Antjie Somers Anneki Wilken from Franschhoek, who is just ten years old, was chosen for the lead role in the motion picture Antjie Somers, a project by the Bachelor of Arts students at the South African Film School, AFDA. She plays the role of Klara, a twelve year-old orphan girl who lives with her aunt and has psychic abilities (known in the Afrikaans culture as “die helm”), which enables her to envision horrible and frightening things about people when they touch her. The story begins when a small surreal Cape community is threatened by brutal child murders for whom they believe Antjie Somers, a strange and ominous character, should be held accountable. The highly Christian community reject Klara as they perceive her as extraordinary with a “gift” that is supernatural and not from God. Because Klara wants to be accepted by her society, she suppresses her affliction until she meets Antjie Somers. DECEMBER 2008
Anneki is a student at the Helen O’Grady Academy School in Stellenbosch. We asked her whether it was scary playing a little orphan girl. “I was nervous at first but it’s fun. The director tells you what he wants you to do and I try to get it right first time. If not he’ll re-take five or more times until he’s happy” says Anneki. And make-up took a long time each day because her character had false nails and ‘weaved in’ hair. The story is about a young boy that grows up wild after he burns his parents’ house down and it premiered at Cavendish on the 29th November. So what does Anneki learn at drama school? “They teach you how to avoid stage fright and how to be confident on stage, improvise and have fun with your acting, mainly” she says, and it sounds like more fun than real school www.themonth.co.za
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from the editor The Month
DECEMBER 2008
From the editor
The third edition of the Franschhoek Month has come around in (as promised) its expanded form (twenty-four pages) and it continues to receive very positive support from readers, contributors and advertisers alike. We appealed to the youth last month to submit poems and stories and the result is a number of poems dotted around the publication and a new reporter who interviews a township entrepreneur. It’s really a people issue this month with stories of many interesting people doing many innovative and interesting things and this seems to define us here in the valley – we seem to attract people who like to innovate. Interviewing and collecting stories has been an eye opener for me and I’ve touched base with people I would never normally have contact with at all. The downside is that the hard questions about the future of the valley that we must all answer will get asked only in the New Year. So enjoy your Christmas and ready yourself for then. Environmentally, it is critical that the formation of the Franschhoek Conservation Front (as reported in the last issue) goes ahead and must be all-inclusive and representative. And
by all-inclusive we mean the developers themselves who have shown a keen interest. The idea that an independent body could sit and sift new development applications as a way of assisting government is beneficial not only to the conservation of the valley but to the developers themselves who need to bring down approval time. Socially, you want us to ask tough questions and that’s want you want to read. So our focus will become more investigative in the New Year as we challenge ourselves to ‘nation build’ within the valley. Finding ever increasing things we can enjoy, relate to and find interesting together (as the Solms-Delta Oesfees did earlier this year with music) is crucial to breaking the deep divisions in our society; the result of a lack of knowledge and understanding which this media project will strive to improve. Our festivals have to become more inclusive so that the whole community takes ownership of the future of the valley. Things at the Month have progressed well but there’s a way to go before we achieve our aims with this media project. Creating ever more interesting content to ensure it stays in the hand for longer and getting it out to more people in the valley are work in progress. The interactive website www.themonth.co.za once again
this month looks great and now has a facebook group for improved interactivity to share views, photos and videos and we encourage you to use it as a communication platform so we can print the best exchanges in hard copy at the end of the month. We’ll also develop our ‘What’s On’ guide to be a more accessible ‘news bite’ and the first stage of a process from the second page to the social page. If you have anything going on, let us know and we’ll cover it, take pictures and publicise it. Cut off date for information, advertising and contributions for the January edition of the paper will be Thursday 18th December but remember you can contribute to the website, online, anytime.
No politicians need apply. Watch this space for the development of the Month Breakfast Club in due course. And finally, who’d be a pirate these days? You have to feel for these guys. When the Somali pirates were eyeing the Saudi oil tanker with two million barrels on board the oil price was $150 a barrel and their haul was worth $300 million. They must be ruing these markets! How it’s down at $45 a barrel they can hardly give it away – I’m not even sure the Saudis want it back! Until next month, enjoy the festive season David
On another note, I attended a breakfast seminar midweek organised by ROTOP, given by a prominent financial journalist and hosted by the Mont Michele Function Venue. It was attended by at least a hundred people which got me thinking: there is a tremendous demand for education in this valley across the whole of society and across all subjects. Yet, within this valley, we have a large number of interesting, intellectual, passionate potential orators who we’d all love to listen to over breakfast and have our chance to interact with. Property developers? Financial gurus? Charities? Wine makers?
MORE AT: WWW.THEMONTH.CO.ZA/WHATSON
10 DEC 28 DEC
HOSPICE CHRISTMAS CAROLS sERVICE Details: Carols service at the NG Kerk, 19h00, followed by a tree lighting ceremony and Father Christmas.
BACKsbERg JAZZ FOOD & WINE EVENT Details: Jazz, Food and Wine Event at Backsberg on Friday 28th November from 18h30. Booking essential. Call Lee-Ann on 082 495 2006
GUY FELDmAN AT BACKsbERg SUN- Details: Guy Feldman plays guitar every Sunday at the Backsberg Restaurant. He plays 50s/60s style music whilst DAYs guests enjoy 3 courses consisting of a starter, lamb on the spit, a buffet of salads and a dessert. Booking essential. Call 021 875 5952.
JAZZ AT LA BRAssERIE FRI- Details: Friday until Easter, join ‘The Cape Dutch Connection’ at Franschhoek’s La Brasserie for an evening of DAYS Jazz. BookEvery by calling 021 876 3420. R100 per couple gets you a bottle of wine and free jazz from 17:30 to 20:30. THE SA OPEN 18-21 Details: Join us at Pearl Valley Golf Estates for great South African Golf. Free tickets online at DEC www.southafricanopen.com
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DECEMBER 2008
The Month
DECEMBER 2008
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The Ivy nearing completion
Ivan and Ruth rich and famous. “We chose the finishes carefully to offer something to either primary residences or weekend getaways” says Ivan. “We have made provision for a full time security guard in a custom built unit linked to all the apartments and ensured well-lit buildings and garden courtyards to put minds at ease”.
The Ivy building on the corner of Huguenot and Kruger The new Ivy development, whose retail phase is complete and whose first phase of apartments will be ready by the end of the year, already commands a presence at the corner of Huguenot and Kruger streets in downtown Franschhoek.
drew inspiration from the surrounding buildings opting to blend in rather than make a statement, they maximized the use of the site to give it an urban loft type feel without losing the rural sensibility, and building began in earnest during March earlier this year.
What began as dinner party conversation evolved very quickly into the purchase of a block of four buildings at the bottom of the main street of Franschhoek for Capetonians Ruth and Ivan Goodman. “We’ve always felt a connection with the Franschhoek Valley and it’s been a dream of ours for some time to de-
Now nearing completion, The Ivy comprises seven lofts and 2 apartments. It has nine electronically operated and nine under-cover garages with six off street parking bays for tenants and their clients. The apartments all have double volume ceilings, Jetmaster wood-burning fireplaces, bamboo flooring, under floor heat-
spatial drama of the interiors of the apartments. As Ivan notes “Jean’s lofty ceilings and oversized windows and doors not only create an impact, but invite 360 degree views of the valley right into the living and bedrooms of the
The view of the mountains
Interior design & furniture upgrades provided by Edge Interiors (083 276 7978)
Interior design & furniture upgrades provided by Edge Interiors (083 276 7978) velop property here” says Ruth. What they envisaged was an up-market boutique mix of retail and commercial with a loft living lifestyle in the heart of the village.
ing in the bathrooms and top of the range appliances by Siemens. Courtyards of gardens and trees have been incorporated wherever possible.
With the help of architect Jean de Beer, who
The unassuming exterior belies the surprising
DECEMBER 2008
apartments” Ambling up the granite cobble stone steps past the garden courtyard with its stone water feature and benches, the building takes on a village feel of its own. Within the Ivy you’ll find Masquerade (a unique homeware store), Beluga Bear (a designer kids clothes shop), Physiotherapist Claire Horn and Associates, Dietician Karen Protheroe, Psychiatrist Sue Levitt and the upmarket gallery Meyer Grobbelaar. Also General Practitioner Tracey Garner, who has a special interest in wellness and family health, will be taking up residence on the ground floor offering Botox and dermal fillers to Franschhoek’s
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Picturing my weekend at The Ivy, lying in the bath with a glass of Chardonnay overlooking the vineyards through the four metre arched windows, stepping out onto the warm heated tiles and wrapping myself in a lavender scented gown by my fireplace, I thought I was either in an advert or in heaven and as I reached over and pressed the button that said ‘Col’Cacchio deliveries’ I knew this was too good to be true… Or was it? To find out call Ivan on 083 300 2010 for more information.
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The Month BRIDgE hOUsE sUPPORTs LOCAL ChARITY, KUSASA
NORM RETURNs!
At the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA) Head’s Conference in September, Anne van Zyl and Melvin King of Bridge House School were lucky enough to have their names drawn out of a hat for R10 000, donated by First National Bank, to be given to a charity of their choice. The Bridge House Exco decided that the money should be given to KUSASA which runs community service projects in a number of schools in the Franschhoek Valley. KUSASA has a close relationship with Bridge House students and parents, who have become involved in their wonderful work. Some of KUSASA’s projects include a feeding scheme and sports, reading and enrichment programmes for children from the local schools. Doug Gurr (above left) brought some children from Wes Eind and Dalabuhle Primary Schools to a special assembly at Bridge House to accept the cheque on KUSASA’s behalf from Mr Johan van Wyk of FNB. They are seen here with Anne van Zyl (Head) and Melvin King (Head of Prep) of Bridge House.
Col’Cacchio is pleased to announce the imminent return of NORM to the upstairs bar and the summer re-opening from early December. New partner and operator Elizabeth Rossouw says “Norm’s Bar has become a part of Franschhoek folklore with his ‘Tossthe-Boss Tuesdays,’ Poker evenings and ‘Kinder Egg Challenges’. We are also introducing the concept of discounts for industry players; those that work in hospitality in Franschhoek. They will be given a loyalty card and get benefits in the bar that will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 9pm until 2.30am.” For further details call 021 876 4222.
CABRIERE SPARKLES AT FRANSCHHOEK’S CHAMPAGNE FESTIVAL Cabriere’s stall at the 2008 Investec Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival is bound to be 3-deep in fans as usual, as the crowd queues to get a taste of the famous Pierre Jourdan Brut and Belle Rose from father and son team, Achim and Takuan von Arnim. Make sure you get a shot of the Belle Rose to savour with the Haute Cabriere restaurant’s offering of tempura prawns with pickled fennel salad and harissa mayonnaise – a sublime combination according to chef patron Matthew Gordon. After wandering around the stalls, you’re welcome to drive on up the Pass and visit Haute Cabriere Cellar to buy wine. The cellar is now open every Saturday from 10:00-16:00 and on Sundays from 11:00-16:00 for the duration of the summer. If you’re out of town that weekend you can always catch up with Achim on his blog www.sunsoilvineman.co.za where he extols the virtues of bubbly and much more with his customary sense of humour and inimitable style. For more information contact Cabriere on tel: (021) 876 8500
Dear Great Purveyor of Pizza (aka The David), Words (believe it or not) fail me in describing the mayhem in the world economy, so I won’t even attempt to be funny about that sore subject. Instead I’ll share a few examples of why I think South Africa has got a wonderful opportunity to steal a march on the rest of the world. My story today involves spilt coffee, a text mes-
sage, the undaunted courage of an 11-year-old orphan and the enthusiasm of an actor who has turned his back on fame. It is concluded with an indication of just how small the world is (including a cameo appearance by the uber-babe Saskia Blaisse.) We begin, as always, on a train to London to start another exciting day staring at red numbers on the computer screen. These are the same red numbers which caused The David to seek refuge from creditors in the UK oh those PAGE 4
DECEMBER 2008
many years ago, its just there are lots more of them. Sitting on the train I notice a well dressed MOU (Master of the Universe) sit down and put his coffee cup on the floor. Train proceeds to lurch - coffee spills (full cup mind you) and java juice spreads across the floor. MOU moves his bag. When the train arrives in London town, the refined gent drops his paper to the floor and leaves paper and empty cup on the floor, far too refined is he to pick up his trash. My Philly Boy inclinations (any questions about that analogy just stop by Essence and ask Tim Adams what I mean) rise up but are quelled by my newly released kinder/gentler side. And so..... The text message. Last July, Doug, Pablo and the crew from The Kusasa Project ran a football tournament for local kids and a group from Stellenbosch. Before the event, a number of teens who had been part of our Dream Team program at Dalubuhle called us up to ask if we needed help. Of course we did, so they duly pitched up ready to coach, ref, hand out lunch, run scores and clean up the field of rubbish at the end - all of their own accord and all generously provided gratis. The next morning I received a message from Khanyile; “Mr David. Thanx 4 letting us show our humanity. We appreciate what The Kusasa Project does 4 us and all children in South Africa. Anything u need and we are there 4 u.” Thanking US?! Is he kidding? It is we who should be thanking him and the kids of the Valley for showing us what real humanity is. And so to our 11-year-old Man of Steel. This boy is one of the children we have sponsored, through the Chello Foundation into Franschhoek High. He is a small boy, very smart, with a smile so genuine it makes your heart hurt. Over the last 6 months he has had more
to deal with than any 11-year-old should and far more than most of us could stand: he has: started a new school where he didn’t speak the primary language, had his shack burn down, watched his father (who adored his son and who saved only the boy’s uniform and bookbag from the fire) die a painful death and was left with no parents, no older siblings and few if any possessions in the world. Oh yes....and he never missed a day of school! He has been embraced by and embraced the family of Franschhoek High (thank you Mr and Mrs Van der Spuy and your teachers too!) And he keeps smiling. Now for the actor. It is a little known fact that the actor who played Jean Luc Piccard in “Star Trek the Next Generation” has, until now been living a life of quiet anonymity in our midst, posing as a part time singer (very badly) and a full-time motivator of young minds. Patrick Stewart, aka Rob McKay is one of the most enthusiastic and positive human beings on the planet. His energy and insight into teenagers and youngsters alike has made him a very popular and influential figure at Bridge House and among those of us who have worked with him. He is a reflection of the attitude of what is possible rather than what is wrong. He is one of my kids’ heroes for making the best rubberband gun I’ve ever seen out of a clothes pin and a stick. Now, thankfully, to Saskia (aka the Wife of The Cheese King of Franschhoek).
is of course just after he sent a message saying he was having a glass of wine with Tina Jewell (another lovely and wonderful Franschhoek lady). So many people are captivated by this Valley and this country. The lessons learned from our children – of all races - rival anything I can learn from the pre-occupied adults on my train each day. The friendliness of resident and visitor alike is unparalleled. In a time of fear in the world economy and markets, there is hope in this part of the world. The opportunity to embrace it is there for us all. Stay well. By the way, David, I saw your interview with Melvin. Great stuff mate! Where are the Foster kids going to school now? Dave (the Good Looking Dave) -Dave Riordan, the Kusasa Project, London
As I sat watching one of the Northern Hemisphere teams getting its literal butt kicked by a member of rugby’s Gang of 3, my blackberry buzzes with a message from my UK client Philip Green – “I’m sitting at Bouillabaisse having dinner next with your friend Saskia” . Philip had never met Saskia before (nor the Cheese King for that matter) but within minutes he had struck up a conversation and somehow connected all this to me so many miles away. This
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DECEMBER 2008
The Month
DECEMBER 2008
5
The Lemon Twist
By Clive Alexander
Most of us have the urge, now and again, to let the world know just how we feel about things. In particular, or just in general. With The Editor’s kind permission, I am going to do just that.
feel good about himself. They are still starving in Ethiopia. Those of us who operate on a more “intellectual” level find this type of behaviour very difficult to live with. In the meantime this blighter has been knighted, nogal.
I have long been known as a cynic. Maybe even more than a little bolshie. So be it. The fact is that some of the things about the world we live in make me mad. Or amused, or surprised, or something, but never, I hope, unmoved or complacent. This surely must be the greatest sin, to be uninvolved and uncaring about the world around you. This can be overdone, of course, but more of that later.
I spent the majority of my working career as a technical chappie in Telkom, or the Post Office as it was until 1991. We built and maintained telephone exchanges and did research into better ways of communicating with one another and all in all it was a very satisfying thing to do. But then along came the dreaded cell-phone. With a land line phone, if you did not want to be bothered, you left the office, and the phone, and went for a walk. But now, the damned phone travels with you! You become the target for muggers, who just want your cell phone. In the days of Dick Turpin it was “Stand and deliver. Your money or your life”. Now it’s “Gimme your cellphone, (and your bank card and your pin number of course).
I hope to bring a little controversy into your dull, drab lives. Maybe even to exhort a response via these pages. Our Editor has battled valiantly against all odds (at enormous expense of personal time) to bring us this monthly mess of pottage. He deserves a little help by way of contributions from us, and that includes YOU! Maybe you open THE MONTH and read this piece with the thought “Let’s see what that selfopinionated twit has to say this month”. If you disagree with me, let’s hear from you, not just in the street on your way to buy your packet of fags, but by way of these pages. Doesn’t it just bug you the way the English language is mauled on our broadcast services; Radio and Television. (I can hear them now, thinking “Look who’s talking!”) In interviews on some talk shows the interviewers are obviously reading their questions from a prepared script. It is done in either a flat monotone or a singsong voice. It is made worse when English is obviously not their mother tongue. The interviewees, on the other hand, give their answers in a natural, conversational tone. The pronunciation of South African place names and/or surnames takes a beating by non-English speaking TV presenters. “Gerrie” is pronounced “Herrie” and so on. Of course the worst are some of the news readers, not to speak of the politicians. Bad pronunciation of common English words drives me straight up the wall. I don’t care what Barry Ronge or other apologists of his ilk say, “peace” should not be pronounced as “peas” or “agreement” as “AGRE ment”. Another one that drives me wild is kilometer. It should be pronounced kil-o-meter and NOT kil-LOM-eter. After all, how many mil-LIM-eters are there in a kil-LOM-eter?. If you can say milli-metre properly why can’t you say kilo-meter? The biggest sinners are the advertising crowd. Apart from Estate Agents and Insurance Brokers, I think the people I despise the most are advertising copy writers. How our children are ever going to learn to spell properly I do not know. When they are bombarded with advertising using such abominations as “Sokka” for soccer and “bru” for brother, and “sista” for sister. Even Ford Motor Company has joined the crowd with a car called a Ka! As I wrote in my opening blurb, caring can be taken too far. Or seem to be. There is a section of Humanity that thrives on a feeling of doing good. They should be called “The Feelgoods”. They will do things purely because it makes them feel good, even if the victims of their generosity come out on the short side, eventually. The biggest “Feelgood” of them all, the sleazy pop-singer Bob Geldof is a case in point. He will be remembered for arranging concerts that brought in millions to aid the starving in Ethiopia, and AIDS sufferers and other such unfortunates. No one ever found out what happened to all that money. All just to make him DECEMBER 2008
In my youth we played with toy soldiers and “klei-latte” (ouch! they stung). Today’s youth have extra strong thumbs from pounding that cell phone keyboard sending SMS’s and MXITing and downloading porn onto their cellphones. Ordinary phones you talk through with perfect clarity. (All that research we did, you see). Today’s cellphones are so complicated they are virtually hand held computers, with GPS and all sorts. Oh yes, you can also use them to make a phone call, but the quality is lousy. The worst part of course is trying to follow a play at the theatre or a movie with all the cellphone conversations going on all around you. It’s not unusual to sit in a movie house and have some twit in the next row describing the action to his pal on his phone! I Live to Live It’s Winter in the wine and food valley Next to the burning fire I’m sittin’ With an empty belly Clothes dirty and stinking, fire smoking I’m jobless Livin’ beyond poverty lines deep At the bottomless pit I spit away the belief of feeling hopeless Worse, an ex-convict Constantly strivin’ to stay mentally fit The daily face and feed the empty space Rejection from the human race
Recent Property Sales in Franschhoek The following table shows details of the last three months sales of property in Franschhoek drawn from Deeds Office records.
May June July
Number of transferred sales 4 3 3
Price R10,500,000 R10,500,000 R1,800,000
Total Value of Transferred Sales R8,620,000 R10,950,000 R22,800,000
Location Cabriere St Cabriere St Victoria Village
Average Highest Lowest Price Price Price R2,155,000 R2,650,000 R1,400,000 R3,650,000 R5,700,000 R2,450,000 R7,600,000 R10,500,000 R1,800,000
Plot Size 1692 601 368
July is the last month we have shown because, typically there is a three month delay in registration. Clearly, there may be other transactions on delayed registration that are still to be logged by the Deeds Office. As indeed has been the case with June’s figures where another transaction has been registered since last month. We have excluded any transactions on sectional title. Year on year sales of residential property in Franschhoek (excluding sectional titles) are more or less flat; R412million in the year to July this year against R422million last year. However, the number of transactions has fallen by some 20% from 133 last year to 104 currently.
Lesson learned on the road Is the food helping me to grow to know De-motivation rises defensive emotions Activation of the intellectualities Of the criminal mind activities Leavin’ one livin’ blind Lookin’ back regrets Greater fears for future crime It be hard to handle the present moment When one no longer can take the next minute
For more information contact Paul Eccles at Engel & Voelkers on 021 876 4485 or e-mail paul.eccles@engelvoelkers.co.za
Feeling drained inside daily Ma soul a zone of painful spiritual wars Nobody knows - would they care really? No material to gain in me Ma only hope is God But it’s hard to hold on When one knows you haven’t served your Lord sincerely I hear whispers from the cold whimpering winds The future is me, the reason I carry on Miracles men cannot achieve Wake up and live to seek for what you need
-Siyabulela Jabu Mpayipeli
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The Month
DECEMBER 2008
Battling the markets By The Financial Editor
What’s the difference between a hedge fund manager and a large pizza? This is the joke doing the rounds in the market at the moment and the answer is, of course, that a large pizza can feed a family of four. Is it so bad? As part of a continuing education for its readers, The Month gave Shawn Stockigt, CEO of Achelon Investments, an opportunity to explain his investment methodology: SS: The markets are in panic phase at the moment, like a deer in the headlights. First everyone froze in disbelief and now everyone is panicking. Neither move is rational and everyone’s getting it wrong. Even Warren Buffet, who bought Goldman Sachs at $125 a share, thinking it showed value. Of course it did - it had come down from $250 a share. Except now it’s trading at $50.
The Month: So explain the philosophy of value, and why small to mid caps? SS: I have to ask myself what value can my research of a large company add? Top 40 companies are researched by everyone. You can buy that research. I look for a return from MY research and the small to mid caps suit this approach. I basically ask two questions. Firstly, is the company in a declining or growing sector? If it’s in a declining sector what is its ‘fire sale’
The Month: So where are people taking their money? SS: Back into the US Dollar. We’ve seen around R52 billion flow out of the equity market in the last couple of months by foreign investors which has weakened the Rand. But how long can investors sit in dollars earning very low real returns. At some point they’ll realise that property hasn’t quite bottomed, there’s no money in bonds, and that emerging markets (which have not been as badly affected as international) offer some value. And a lot of South African companies are cash flush and not stressed as they were in 2002 with rates at 22%. They’re still paying out dividends, and getting an untaxed 5-6% yield is not bad when you have the potential of capital gains.
The Month: And your clients? SS: As long as I can show my clients WHY I buy and WHY I sell, there’s nothing I can do about the share price. If they redeem, they redeem. I’ve made no irrational decisions. I simply put a price on the company if it has to compete and a
Be greedy when other people are fearful and be fearful when other people are greedy
The Month: So what’s the plan? SS: Look, the share price is a function of earnings and they don’t change that much over time. What the market is discounting at the moment is in some cases a move back to 1998 levels. In 2006/2007 you couldn’t go wrong – anything you bought went up. But they were ‘super profits’ years which were reflected in the earnings of companies. The reality now is a move back to 2005 levels, growth will slow but we’re not expecting a recession (negative growth quarter on quarter) although we are expecting a slow down in GDP growth next year. Forced redemptions are driving the markets beyond that – you can buy companies now at a discount to net asset value and in some cases for less than the cash they hold.
SS: Exactly. If it’s valued at less than what my research shows it to be worth then there could be an opportunity. Currently it’s not difficult to get to those valuations. I don’t even try to forecast earnings too far into the future – that’s crystal ball stuff.
price if it has to clear assets, and I stick to those valuations. You have to try to understand your client base; to understand their philosophy and them yours The Month: Sounds like you see some value at these levels?
Shawn Stockigt - CEO, Achelon Investments
value?. The assets may be worth less than what the balance sheet says. In a growing sector, someone’s going to come in and compete with that business so what would it cost to replace the business in the current environment ie how much cash would you need to compete? There is often a difference between accounting value and economic value of a business which may lead to the company being valued completely differently. The second, and more important question, is whether I trust management? Do they have the shareholders’ interests at heart? Can they extract value from the balance sheet? These question materially impact valuations. The Month: Then you go to the market and see how the stock price values the company?
SS: Forced selling is a huge opportunity. Six months ago the market would have jumped at these prices and the actual valuation of a business do not change as often as its share price may move. People are panicking. Warren Buffet summed it up beautifully the other day, “Be greedy when other people are fearful and be fearful when other people are greedy.” The Month: Thanks once again for your informative thoughts, Shawn. Shawn can be reached on 021 670 4982 or 083 448 2518 Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this article, the information is not advice and Achelon and/or its associates do not give any warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the information provided herein and disclaim all liability for any loss or expense, however caused, arising from any reliance upon this information.
BOWED HEADS BRING BETTER SIGHT The road ahead is deep and wide The gate to follow is lost in the tide What give hope are arms that hold And grace that grows With heads bowed to follow the line A quick side glance to view A long side look to lose the way A prayer and a bow adjusts the course What way am I that leads How can this be that I can see Why do I deserve this hand That leads me straight to you
-Julius Mashini
Behind the mike at Franschhoek FM By Helen Naudé The joy of broadcasting provided us with a rewarding November at 87.6FM. Spring at last and a great view from the studio window added to my working day pleasures. Visiting celebrity chef Mike Norman visited the studio between cook-ups and commented on the superb quality of fruit and veg available at Turkish markets. That’s where he has 3 restaurants these days. He had us drooling for tomatoes which are tree-ripened. In my Conservation Conversation slot Tony Frost continued to bring statistics and news of global warming and how the Maldives and many insect species will gradually disappear. He insists there is good news, because people do care and are taking action. He’s passionate about cleaning up the Stiebeuel River and restoring it to its former pristine quality. He paints pleasing word pictures of riverside recPAGE 6
reation and activities. Johan Bouwer came one Monday and explained his vision of a United Conservation Front for our valley. There was that concept again, we ALL live in the valley, we are ALL Franschhoekers, we are ALL responsible, can we do it together? There’s also always the question, “What’s in it for me?” In my medical slot on Wednesdays Dr Shelley Hellig assured us that asthma is not a bad attitude, it’s a disease which kills if not managed correctly. She reassured us that prescribed scary cortisone treatment is all good and no bad. Dr Sue Levett, our resident psychiatrist talked about memory, in which parts of the brain it happens and why it sometimes gets lost. Once again healthy living seems to be the best preventative measure. She also said that amnesia is more common in TV stories than in real life.
Our dietician,Karen Protheroe, told us that there is no scientific basis for the current hype about glyconutrients. Lanky French-accented Cap Classique maker Jean-Phillipe Colmant spent a bit of time in the studio and suggested Cap Classique and Champagne (nogal) for lunch every day. He was pleasant lunchtime company and gave the impression that he could handle a curve ball at any time. Talking of which, Pieter Ferreira, who says that he is not unfamiliar with 18 hour days, strolled over from Graham Beck when I called and told about the Obamas drinking Graham Beck Brut in Chicago on victory night. DP Burger also fitted studio time into his busy schedule to talk about Glenwood wines and the high rainfall on the farm. Môreson winemaker Clayton Rebo spoke about his rather delightful bubbly made from Pinotage (nogal). And what a good radio voice the man has! Clayton says
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when he blends wine, he rounds up everyone on the staff to pitch in for the tasting. My colleague BJ interviewd Leslie from Find Me, an organisation dedicated to finding lost children and preventing their getting lost in the first place. We ended up adopting a child, the details of which are obscure at this stage. Garth still comes to the show weekly to teach us how to save live. His stories are about the real emergencies of Franschhoek. We are sure there are a number of people in Franschhoek who have wonderful things to say but have not thought of contacting us at the radio station. We’d love them to try broadcasting . Being on radio is great! Contact FHFM on 021 876 3530
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Wedding bells ring for Franschhoek By Chris von Ulmenstein of Whale Cottage
The value of wedding tourism has never been calculated for Franschhoek, but could easily be in the region of R25 million in direct venue and catering income, and double that when expenditure on accommodation, wine, restaurant meals and shopping in Franschhoek before, during and after the wedding is added.
and enjoy their honeymoon in South Africa. Local weddings are attractive as the weather is guaranteed to be better than in the UK, they cost less, and offer a variety of appealing venues in the Winelands and at top restaurants. While Stellenbosch used to be the premier wedding destination just a few years ago, local tourism players have seen an increasing number of weddings taking place in Franschhoek. The large wine estates surrounding Franschhoek are well placed to cater for large weddings, and Allee Bleue claims to be the largest wedding venue, being able to host more than 200 wedding guests.
Wedding Tourism has become a vastly important source of revenue for the Western Cape, and for Franschhoek particularly, and the valley will soon be called the Wedding Capital of South Africa, in addition to being the Gourmet Capital already. Between 50 – 100 weddings take place in Franschhoek per month in summer, it is estimated.
Jenny Prinsloo, CEO of the Franschhoek Wine Valley Tourism Association (FWVTA), says Franschhoek is well placed to be the perfect wedding venue for large and smaller weddings, offering an exclusive and personalised service to wedding guests wishing to make the most of their most memorable day. “It is an exotic destination” she added, and well set to provide
The Franschhoek Wine Valley may soon change its name to the Franschhoek Wedding Valley, if the trend to an increasing number of weddings taking place in and around Franschhoek continues!
Franschhoek Hotel, Boschendal, and Vrede & Lust. Allee Bleue’s Ashleigh Whaley, co-GM, says that weddings earn more revenue, and are more profitable at this stage than the estate’s wines. Wedding bookings have increased year on year, and she sees an increasing number of international brides and grooms. The estate prides itself on being the largest wedding venue in the Valley, in that up to 220 wedding guests can be accommodated. The average wedding size is 150 guests. Up to three weddings are hosted per weekend in summer, making it about 10 – 12 per month. The wedding ceremony is conducted in the Conference Room, which is dressed as a chapel, and the reception takes place outside, with a free-form tent catering for less favourable weather conditions. Allee Bleue’s weddings have the benefit that there is no noise control, and that they can carry on late, being located outside Franschhoek. social pages. Wiena Riedel, Hospitality Manager of Vrede & Lust, sees a definite reduction in the size of their weddings this season, down from around 120 guests to about 60 – 70, and attributes this to the global credit crunch. It is one of the most active wedding estates, with an average of six weddings per month, which can increase to 12 in March. The estate is seeing an increase in weddings held on weekdays, due to the 15 % discount it offers for mid-week weddings.
More than 32 900 Google entries come up for a search of “Weddings in Franschhoek”, reflecting the interest in the topic. Some wine estates have indicated that their revenue or profitability is greater from weddings than it is from their wine production! How did this all come about? For the past few years an increasing stream of young South African school leavers have left to do a gap year in London, while university graduates have also sought greener pastures there. Many have opted to stay in London, due to their earning ability. The young South African ladies get engaged to their British beaus, and get to choose the wedding venue back home. Nostalgically, they think of the Cape Winelands, and the Cape Dutch gable buildings on them in particular, even if they did not grow up in the area. Wedding tourism benefits tourism generally in that 50 - 100 British friends and family will come to South Africa to attend a wedding, and this introduces the country to many first-time visitors, who would not necessarily have chosen this country as a tourism destination. The value of the Wedding Tourism industry
Smaller weddings are held at Grande Provence, Mont Rochelle, Haute Cabriere, Dieu Donne, La Petite Ferme, Rickety Bridge, Le Manoir de Brendel , Franschhoek Country House, and La Petite Dauphine.
A wedding setting at Allee Bleue top quality catering, wines, professional staff and beautiful settings. Has the credit crunch affected the wedding industry in Franschhoek? Most wedding venues state that the number of weddings they have hosted this season, and bookings ahead, show that the number of weddings will remain roughly the same. However, what has changed is a shift in the period in which they are being held, the days of the week on which they are held, and the number of persons attending a wedding. Karen Minnaar of the N G Church says that the number of bookings for the church for weddings will be down slightly, to 40 this year, from 44 last year, the best year for the church as far as weddings go. She predicts that the number of weddings will not increase next year. Up to 90 % of the weddings taking place at the church are held on Saturdays. Most weddings are with “mixed” couples, a term a number of wedding venues used to describe the South African/UK partnership between bride and groom.
Grande Provence in the Western Cape has been estimated at R 120 million, according to The South African. The United Kingdom is the major source of wedding business, with the bride usually being South African and the groom from the UK. For the price of a wedding and reception in the UK the couple is able to hold a lavish wedding DECEMBER 2008
What does a wedding cost? It can range from R 150 000 for a wedding of around 150 guests, up to R 500 000 at the exclusive La Residence, and this includes the wedding venue, food and wine only. All other weddings services such as décor, music, special wedding cars, flowers, etc are contracted out and paid for separately. The largest wedding venues are Allee Bleue, Le
The Le Franschhoek Hotel is a popular wedding venue, especially as it can accommodate a large number of the wedding guests in its 79 rooms as well, being the largest hotel in the Valley. Sunette Pringle, Head of Banqueting, says the hotel’s wedding business is growing year on year, and the hotel hosts one wedding per weekend. She is not seeing a reduction in wedding business for the season ahead, but does see “international” weddings becoming smaller, with about 30 – 80 guests, while South African wedding groups are around 100 in size. The Hotel has a number of Americans marrying at the venue, in addition to South African and British residents. Boschendal fits the Cape Dutch gabled building requirements of wedding couples most perfectly, and is steeped in tradition and history. The ceremony is usually held at the nearby St George’s Anglican Church, drinks are served outside under the oak trees, and the reception is held in the restaurant. The wine estate sees itself as a restaurant first and foremost, and does not actively encourage weddings. Its catering offering offers bridal couples less flexibility in that the buffet must be utilised. The estate only hosts one wedding per month with up to 120 guests on average, says Boschendal’s Neil Els. Vrede & Lust is one of the most sought after venues, and is trendy since Johannesburg socialite and TV personality Gerry Rantseli married her second husband on the estate last year. The wedding was featured in the Sunday Times’
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Haute Cabriere is one of the few Franschhoek restaurants focusing on weddings. Nicky Gordon says Franschhoek is a popular wedding venue because of its natural beauty and setting, which makes for good wedding photographs, and it offers a good spread of accommodation, from 5 star indulgence to 3 and 4 star value for money accommodation. The restaurant has 2 – 3 weddings per month from November to mid-year, and is a popular venue for winter weddings, given that it can host the service in the wine cellar, and the reception in the restaurant. An increasing number of foreigners are getting married at Haute Cabriere, with one of the couple being from South Africa originally. Gordon does not see a decline in the wedding business due to the credit crunch, whilst the restaurant is seeing the downturn for meal bookings. Wedding tourism is a huge contributor to the tourism industry, and Franschhoek benefits from it in the summer months. It is not only the wine and wedding estates that benefit from weddings, but also many other tourist sectors. In “mixed” international weddings, the South African bride recommends the accommodation, car rental, restaurants, and trips to take before and after the wedding to her wedding guests, thereby making the planning of the trip to South Africa easy. The bridal couple offers more than just a reception, to “compensate” for the far distance the friends and family have travelled, and the money they have spent on the ticket and the trip - often a wedding in Franschhoek will be followed by a picnic at Boschendal the day after, and a sailing trip may precede a wedding whilst the group of guests is in Cape Town prior to the wedding. Weddings convert tourists to regular visitors, given their surprise and delight at the beauty, value for money, safety and quality they experience in the Winelands.
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The Wilfred Moses Column - On Labour Issues our client approached her (on numerous occasions) for the outstanding amounts, she kept on making promises of later payments, which never materialised. Our client wanted to know from us what the law says about her situation, what her rights are and if she would have any remedies at her disposal. In response to our letter, the employer claimed that her attorney advised her that she is well within her rights and that there is no procedure to follow, and therefore we can take her to the CCMA and that she is not going to pay any amounts as per our written request. This is the advice we gave our client:
Wilfred Moses DISMISSAL DUE TO OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS (RETRENCHMENT) The following case was reported to our office during November. Here is the story. One Monday morning (on or around the first week of November) the employer walked into the shop telling her employee that she was going to close the shop as she could no longer afford to keep it open. She also told our client that her last working day would be the end of November 2008 and that she would get one month’s salary. Our client had been working for her boss for nearly two years, she was never registered by her employer at the department of labour for unemployment benefits, let alone for injuries whilst on duty (COIDA). She refused to pay our client sick leave during her period of employment and paid her only half the annual bonus she was entitled to. When
If the employer cannot afford to keep the business going due to financial restraints, then she can terminate the services of her employee in terms of section 189 of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995, as amended. Though the Act does not refer to “retrenchment”, an employer can dismiss an employee due to operational requirements as described by section 213 of the LRA. In terms of section 189, the employer must follow a set procedure. There must be a process of consultation with a registered trade union, workplace forum or any other person in terms of a collective agreement. This is not just consultation for the sake of consultation, but is meant to be a meaningful process, not merely the transfer of information that a decision regarding retrenchment has already been taken. An attempt should be made to reach consensus on a number of issues, such as appropriate measures to avoid dismissals, to minimise the number of dismissals, to change the timing of dismissals as well as to mitigate the adverse effects of the dismiss-
als. Consensus must also be reached on the method for selecting the employees to be dismissed and the severance pay for the dismissed employees. The employer issues a written notice to the other party and consults with that party about a number of matters such as: Reasons for the proposed dismissals Alternatives considered before the proposed dismissals as well as the reasons for rejecting those alternatives The number of employees likely to be affected and the job categories What is the proposed method of selecting which employees to dismiss The time when, or the period during which, the dismissals are likely to take place The severance pay proposed Any assistance that the employer proposes to offer to the employees likely to be dismissed Possibility of future re-employment Number of employees employed by employer Also the number of employees that the employer has dismissed for reasons based on its operational requirements in the preceding 12 months. Furthermore, the employer must make as much as possible information available to the consulting party so that they are in a position to make an informed decision. The consulting party is entitled to make representations about any matter dealt with during consultation as well as any other matter relating to the proposed dismissals. Should the employer be in disagreement with any of the matters tabled by the consulting party, then he/she should give reasons why. Also note that any representation made in writing, must be responded to in writing.
As far as retrenchment package is concerned, the employee is entitled to the following: One week’s wages for each completed year of continuous service (Section 41 of Basic Conditions of Employment Act) Any pro-rata leave money due to the employee Any bonuses due that the employee would have received normally during his period of employment Any other payments in terms of a collective agreement or as per negotiations during the consultative process Once an agreement has been reached, then it must be reduced to writing, signed by the consulting party and the employer. If no agreement could be reached, then implementation of retrenchment can commencement by giving written in terms of section 37(4)(a) of the BCEA. In the case of a dispute (if only one person), the matter can be referred to the CCMA for arbitration after conciliation has failed (section 191(12) of the LRA). If the dispute is about an alleged unfair retrenchment, it must be referred to the Labour Court in terms of section 191(5)(b)(ii) of the LRA. If the dispute is about a severance pay, then it must be referred for arbitration by the CCMA. In conclusion, let’s prevent retrenchment as far as humanly possible. Until next month, Wilfred Moses For any queries or consultation, please contact Wilfred at 083 3175 335 or wilmo@webmail.co.za
Diamonds forever in Franschhoek? - The Tracey story By The Editor
We interview Evan Tracey of Tracey’s Diamonds and ask him to fill us in on the history of this diamond family. ET: My Grandfather came to the Cape in the 1890’s at the age of thirteen to fight in the Matebele wars up in what was then Rhodesia. Then he joined the British South Africa Police Corps and thereafter went mining. He became ill from the mines and in 1926 went diamond mining in Bakersville in the diamond rush and staked his claim – this started the Traceys in diamonds. He and his wife left my father with the next door neighbour whose boy also went to Parktown Boys High and they both left school at sixteen to become diamond cutting apprentices in 1928. They worked until 1933 and then (when the government thought the diamond cutting business must start blossoming) my Dad, the neighbour and four others started the Transvaal Diamond Cutting Works – a licence that still exists today. In 1966 there were just two partners left and my Dad owned a third of the shares. Anyhow, the partnership broke up and each went their own way. So my brother and I ended up in my Dad’s business and continued with the De Beers allocation until 1981 (his Dad had retired in 1975) when the diamond business hit the skids and fell terribly; of forty factories with allocations from De Beers only fifteen survived – the bubble had burst in the diamond business. I cut and polished diamonds, my brother went into industrial diamonds. In 1984 I acquired the licence to buy rough diamonds for the Cape and what was then the Transvaal, and moved down here. The Month: So when did you arrive in Franschhoek? PAGE 8
ET: In 1997. We polished our diamonds at the Oude Stallon Centre and bought the Tracey’s building in the main street in 1999. We renovated it to start the family clothing and décor business until our robbery in 2006. The Month: Do you want to tell us about
could. This was typical of the kind of support we got from everyone, my creditors included. So, once I had calmed down and thought it through, we started over and we have grown nicely since then. In fact, from there being only one jewellery store in Franschhoek, now there are six and every time a new one opens we seem to do better The Month: So going retail has worked for you in the long run. ET: Yes. We used to buy rough and sell to a Jo’burg cartel but we weren’t getting our prices so retail seemed the logical option. Also, with De Beers losing control of the market (they now only control 55% of the diamond market) in 1997 the writing was on the wall. And it has worked nicely for us. 95% of our customers come from the UK and Ireland so our marketing is mostly word-of-mouth. The perception was always that Franschhoek was an expensive place to buy anything but an article in the Sunday Telegraph in UK showed that wasn’t the case and that infact we were very competitive. That article was great for us and the village.
The Tracey’s - Matthew, Evan and Vicki that? ET: Sure. It was a big hit to us, emotionally and financially (we were only covered for 2/5 of what we lost) but we are a strong family unit and we pulled through it together. At the time I just wanted to leave but we had booked a holiday on Rovos Rail just before the robbery and they were very kind; Rovos said we must go on the holiday and just pay them whenever we
The Month: So what now for you? ET: Golf! I’d like to retire in a couple of years and relax a bit. We’re working on a website for the business and this will be the first year we close on a Sunday (serious buyers come back on Monday!) Franschhoek has been good to us and we look forward to being of service for the foreseeable future; we’ll still be involved with YEA, the Hospice and the SPCA, but I’d like to spend more time with my family going forward. The Month: Good luck from the Month and all the best for the future.
The Month: So what is your niche do you think? ET: We’re diamonds rather than semi-precious stone jewellery and we have an on-site goldsmith. We’re a family business (Matthew is the fourth generation Tracey) and that’s the brand. We’re faring well in the credit crunch and although we expect next year to be tough, we’re hopeful that diamonds remain a safe haven for some.
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Stony Brook - a passion followed By The Editor
The Month interviews ex-Doctor, and now respected Wine maker, Nigel McNaught and asks him “Is less more?”
Nigel McNaught from Stony Brook NMcN: Yes, it certainly has benefited us to remain a small operation here at Stony Brook because our mantra, our brand if you like, is personalised service and a one-on-one tasting experience The Month: So you’ve made an active decision to limit volumes? NMcN: Over the last six or seven years we’ve
held volumes at about five to six thousand cases per year while we’ve grown our market and increased our range. If we wanted to go bigger we’d have to bring in extra staff to do marketing and it wasn’t really what we were about – we’re a family based business want to keep it that way.
25% - everything I made went to pay down the bond! In 1995 we scaled down from sixty hectares to twenty two at Stony Brook of which only fourteen hectares is under vine.
The Month: That sounds like a recipe for success though; increase the demand but limit the supply – in that scenario prices can only go one way
NMcN: We experimented a great deal with what Franschhoek had to offer in terms of its terrior and have continued to experiment over the years, pulling and replanting depending on how well we think the cultivar’s done. We now have fourteen wines and are still experimenting. We buy in some sauvignon from further down the valley but soon will have our own from six hectares we’ve recently planted in Elgin.
NMcN: Well, that’s been our strategy and it’s worked for us although there isn’t always an appetite for higher priced wines in all markets. The UK for example has become very competitive although Sweden and Germany are still very receptive. We’ve developed quite a diverse export market; we’re now in the United States, UK, Germany, Holland, Sweden, Denmark, Hong Kong and Singapore and have a warehouse in Germany so that buyers on this side can get their wine within a couple of days - we distribute from there and they save on the shipping costs. The Month: How long have you been on the farm? NMcN: I started at Rickety Bridge twenty years ago, put down what cash I could and borrowed the balance whilst working as a Doctor in Grahamstown. So I was up and down a bit and things got really hairy when rates when to
The Month: And how many wines do you now make?
The Month: Why Elgin? NMcN: Because that area provides me with exactly what I need to supplement what I grow here. Cabernet and Syrah grow well here, Cabernet Franc, Viognier Mourvedré and Malbec although the yields are very low at about a ton a hectare compared with six to ten tonnes a hectare normally. I know I have a big range for a small farm but I think I’d be bored with only two or three wines - we even started bubbles in 2005!
is personally handled by Joy (Mrs McNaught) so it’s mainly cellar door sales. Other bigger wineries are in the wine business but are not necessarily passionate about wine. If you’re not the one making the wine, marketing it, delivering it, you have to employ people to do all this and, to support this kind of spend, you need to do big volumes. The Month: What else environmentally or socially? NMcN: We were part of the establishment of the Vignerons Eco Association which led to us becoming ISO9001 compliant – a standard we maintain today although we are no longer audited. On the staff side, two of our male staff have been here for twenty five years and we’re busy buying houses for our long term staff. I can understand the pressure farmers feel here to develop since the high price of land now makes it impossible to farm. The worry is when small farms (10-15h) begin subdividing but unless the government repeals the Subdivision of Agricultural Land Act I can’t see big development happening in the near term The Month: And the question I ask everyone – what advice can you give young people? NMcN: Follow your passion!
The Month: And your marketing?
The Month: Thanks Nigel
NMcN: We don’t advertise (except the Month – Ed) or enter competitions at all. Everything
Nigel McNaught can be reached on 021 876 2182
Franschhoek Hospice - a labour of love By The Editor
The Month chats to new CEO of Hospice, Colleen Douglas, and asks her to explain what it is that the Franschhoek Hospice actually does.
all about people who are going to die and as a community we will look after you.” Because they don’t charge, Hospice needs about R800,000 per year to survive. Each year the Hospice auction raises about half of this and the rest is made up through the efforts of Colleen and her committee who organise berets at Bastille, Murder Mystery evenings, Bridge dives and Ladies days. “The Franschhoek community is incredibly generous in its support for Hospice” says Colleen who notes that most Franschhoek institutions give whatever is asked of them. I wonder how she copes in the ‘business’ but she reassures me immediately. “It’s highly emotional but you learn to cope in a different way” she says but adds that it helps to have a sense of humour. “My job is to raise R800,000 a yearthe real heroes are out there administering the medicine”. And that’s three full time registered nursing sisters, Pam Lewis, Nadia Booinzaaier and Val Rens.
Colleen Douglas “The Franschhoek Hospice looks after terminally ill patients in their homes and allows them to die with dignity surrounded by their families” says Colleen. They have about fifty to sixty home based patients cared for by Hospice staff who attend to them, medicate them, dress wounds and do whatever is necessary. “Although there are strict requirements for patients, the message we want to send out is that we are a caring organisation that helps patients through services and care” Although some patients can’t get grants, Colleen wants people to realise is that “Hospice is DECEMBER 2008
around tomorrow because we protect ourselves from loss, with palliative carers it’s completely the other way round: building bonds is what they do to make the remaining days of a patient full of joy and companionship. Some Hospice patients are looked after for years, others just days or even hours. One patient, who died recently, had been a Hospice patient for ten years. “Twenty seven patients have died since May this year” says Tiana, “and we must be strong as family members struggle to accept the reality of what is happening to their loved ones.” Colleen and her team can be contacted on 021 876 3085
I ask Nadia how she deals with what is clearly an emotional challenge. “What you need to understand” she says, “is that we are Palliative carers. (Palliative means soothing, pain control and TLC). That our patients know this and we acknowledge this helps us to do our job with an upbeat attitude” And it certainly shows through – there’s a lot of joy at Hospice; it’s not morbid at all. Tiana Leonard handles all ‘the social stuff’ as she calls it: making sure patients get their bereavement care, old age pension, child support grants and disability grants. “Palliative care is all about dealing with people who may not be there tomorrow. It’s what we do.” Whereas to us it may seem inappropriate to build a bond with someone who may not be www.themonth.co.za
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food & wine
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food & wine
White Chocolate Cheesecake with fresh berry coulis Recipe by Judy Sendzul of the SalmonBar This recipe makes makes 12 individual cakes or one 23 cm cheesecake for the perfect Summer/Christmas dessert. If you don’t want to make it yourself, you can order it from the SalmonBar, open daily - 021 876 4591.
1. Place the biscuits into a food processor and process until fine. Add the melted butter. Remove from processor and compact at the bottom of the greased moulds or spring form tin. 2. Melt the chocolate and the cream , mixing well. Allow to cool. 3. Whisk the eggs and caster sugar until thick and fluffy. Add the flour and blend well. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest and vanilla essence and mix in well. 4. Add cream cheese and mix well 5. Lastly add the melted chocolate and cream. 6. Pour into the moulds or tin and bake @ 150 degrees C for 25 minutes. 7. Remove from the oven and refrigerate until cold and set.
For the base: 1 packet tennis biscuits 100g melted butter For the cheesecake filling: 4 eggs 1 cup caster sugar ½ cup flour 80ml fresh lemon juice zest of 1 lemon 10ml vanilla extract 750g cream cheese 250ml cream 200g white chocolate, broken into pieces Method:
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Berry Coulis: 250g strawberries, hulled 250g sugar 10ml fresh lemon juice Place the strawberries and sugar into a deep pot over a low heat until the sugar has melted. Increase the heat and cook until thich (about 5 minutes). Allpow to cool, add lemon juice and blend until smooth. Serve the cheesecake with strawberry coulis and fresh strawberries
Win(e)d Down this month with Rustenberg’s John X Merriman By Our Thirsty Reporters
It’s not often one stumbles accross such an outstanding Bordeaux-style blend as the Rustenberg John X Merriman. After their huge success with the 2005 vintage (2008 International Wine Challenge - Silver Medal, 2008 Old Mutual Trophy Awards - Silver Medal (84/100), 2008 Decanter Awards - Silver Medal, Voted Champion Bordeaux Blend at SA’s Calyon Bordeaux Blend Challenge 2007), Rustenberg have certainly not let us down with the 2006 John X Merriman. For around R125 a bottle, it must rank as one of the best value-for-money Bordeaux-style blends that South Africa has to offer. With hints of blackberry on the nose and coffee and moccha on the palate, this full-bodied red has great ageing potential and could be laid down for another ten to fifteen years (although, don’t expect your local bottle store to still have stock - get your hands on a few bottles now). The clever use of oak in this wine is one of its most appealing features; the perfectly-integrated wood gives this wine a very refined and wellbalanced mouth-feel. Views expressed are those of ‘our thirsty reporters’ alone and not necessarily shared by ‘The Month’
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food & wine
Reuben makes Christmas matter
SixTEEN-88 ready to roll in December By The Editor
By The Editor
GreaterGood South Africa is urging South Africans to make this Christmas different by choosing gifts that will change lives. Make Christmas Matter is an annual call-to-action campaign offering a range of alternative Christmas gifts to help people make a difference at this special time of year. Franschhoek’s own Reuben Riffel has created a special cookie recipe in support of GreaterGood SA’s ‘Make Christmas Matter’ campaign in 2008. Reuben’s delicious Make Christmas Matter Coconut Cookie recipe will help encourage South Africans to make this Christmas
different by choosing gifts that will change lives. “GreaterGood SA is trying to get people to think differently about Christmas,” says Riffel from his Franschhoek restaurant, Reuben’s. “And how much more special would Christmas be if we could help those less fortunate than ourselves?”
Award winning Executive Chef Dane Newton, previously with Chamonix, is teaming up with old Franschhoeker, Izak van Rooyen and sous-chef Sean Stevenson (formerly with the Arniston Hotel) to open Franschhoek’s newest restaurant, Sixteen-88 at L’ermitage – Franschhoek Chateau & Villas, the development at the Fransche Hoek Estate on what was formerly known as the commonage just off the pass road.
There are wedding and conference facilities, a chapel, a Skin & Body Salon and a deli all within easy reach of the five-star Chateau du Pré and 36 charming private Villas. Dane, whose interest in food started early, did a three-year course at the famous Silwood Kitchen and his first Franschhoek job was at La Couronne under Peter Goffe-Wood. He has planted a herb garden and sources his ingredi-
Visit www.makechristmasmatter.co.za to get the recipe and make a difference!
Dane Newton and Izak van Rooyen
Rickety Bridge extends Summer hours to offer tapas at sunset By The Editor
Rickety Bridge Winery, whose name originates from the rickety bridge which once straddled the Franschhoek River at the entrance to the farm, is extending its hours this summer so guests can enjoy the magnificent setting and views until the sun goes down.
wines. The Restaurant has a sun drenched deck set in the vineyards where guests can enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch and sundowners from 5pm until 8pm through the summer. Too late to go home? Then stay over at the
The view from the deck Visitors are invited to sip internationally acclaimed wines on the sunny verandah at the wine tasting centre or enjoy a selection of tapas from master chef, Rob Hahn, and a glass of their favourite Rickety Bridge wine at the newly launched Restaurant in the Vines. Rickety Bridge has introduced ‘wine by the glass’ so each guest can enjoy their own personal favourite from the selection of award winning DECEMBER 2008
splendid Cape Dutch Manor House or at the neighboring Basse Provence Country House to ensure a comfortable night’s rest after a day in the winelands. For more information call Nicolene Hahn, Hospitality Manager, on 021 - 876 2994 or visit www.ricketybridge.com
Dane plans to continue his signature theme of combining French and Japanese cuisine. “I use Japanese flavours because they are clean and simplistic and combine extremely well with French food, which can be a bit rich at times” he says, “having simple ingredients makes a big difference and gives the food that X-Factor”. Izak van Rooyen, who is returning to Franschhoek after five years away, will be taking charge of the management of the restaurant. “The interior will be lush with heavy red curtaining and large chandeliers, and outside the view (over the valley) is stunning” he says. His staff, who he had trained with ‘Let’s sell Lobster’ – a South African company who specialise in training staff at Africa’s finest Hotels and Restaurants, will, he says, be top notch. “They have been trained to understand client needs and encouraged to take an holistic approach to service”. The ambience, with a piano playing every evening, will be different to anything offered in Franschhoek, “L’ermitage is a little French village in the heart of Franschhoek” says Izak.
ents from local producers. “We’d like to have fairly relaxed lunches with Gourmet beef burgers, sirloin with béarnaise and wonderful fresh salads” says Dane. And breakfasts? “No-one’s really doing gourmet breakfasts in Franschhoek so we’ll be offering omelettes with Parma ham, buffalo mozzarella, wild mushroom – it’ll be very different” he says. Dinner will be a ‘one to five course’ offering and the wine list has been prepared by Ludwig Maske of La Cotte wines and will have a very local feel and predominantly Franschhoek slant. Even kids will be catered for with their own ‘one to three course’ menu. The restaurant has seating for forty inside and twenty outside and will be open for business from December 18th. Make your reservation now by calling L’ermitage – Franschhoek Chateau & Villas on +27 (0)86 126 6626.
INTERACT wITh Us ONLINE at www.themonth.co.za where you can leave your comments, post pictures and videos or just read more about what’s happening in and around Franschhoek.
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A stigma dispelled - Chelsea Butik By The Editor Franschhoek Bowls Club By Philip Brown
I’ve often wondered if the people who call Lawn Bowls ‘Old Mans Marbles’ are the very ones who are afraid to gauge their skill levels. Can a golfer putt to within 100mm from 23 to 37 metres regularly or hole out (hit the jack) as often as a bowler? Can a ten pin bowler get a ‘strike’ as many times as a bowler can hit their
We chat to former graphic designer Nick Wright about how the business started and how he finds himself in Franschhoek
have total control, ie, speed of the green may vary daily, nap of the grass which affects bias Nick: My mother Denise and I got into this and speed of the bowl, wind speed. These fac- business through Gail Behr, the creator and detors can be determined within a couple of ends. signer of the Homework Clothing brand. Her
The Month: And Franschhoek? Was this your first choice? Nick: We first considered the Northern Suburbs but with our love for Franschhoek we jumped at the opportunity when the space became avaiable here. It’s been a fairly easy transi-
Keep the ‘marbles’ player sedated whilst I continue. Don’t let the above comments put off any prospective party. Franschhoek Bowls Club members are more than helpful to curious or interested people. Our club is not all ‘stick to the rules rigidly’. We have tried to instil an atmosphere based on enjoying ourselves on and off the green during socials. We are not professionals so we don’t pretend to be. The level of competency you wish to achieve is in your hands. There are many spare bowls at the club – all we ask is that you wear flat soled shoes (or bare feet). If the wife of the ‘marbles’ player is reading this article, be the brave one and show him your level of capability. Even if he does develop an inferiority complex. PlayingTimes:
target with a ‘drive’? Which, by the way, travels at frightening speed. Only a billiard player can equal a bowls player when using other balls (or bowls) to achieve a result. If the critics of ‘Old Mans Marbles’ are feeling uneasy or inadequate, I suggest they have a lie down. Lawn Bowls is the one game where you
Tuesday – start playing at 6pm Thursday – start playing at 6pm Saturday – start playing at 4pm
The Chelsea Butik shop in Franschhoek
NB: We do have floodlights for sunset bowls. Non-members green fees R15
creativity and style are very unique and we fell in love with it. In fact my mother had been a wearing the brand for many years prior. The Month: So you started selling the Homework designs? Nick: Yes, initially in Chelsea Village, Wynberg and now here in Franschhoek. The Homework brand had been running for a number of years and built up a large following, so we set up a Franchise agreement five years ago, and formed the mother and son team we are now. The Month: Does Chelsea Butik exclusively sell Homework? Nick: No, we also import from Europe and our staff are very knowledgable with the different labels we stock so they can make suggestions as to what would work best for the client. Most of the range has been designed to fit together for everyday and special occasion outfits. The different colour ranges and different fabrics create layered stories and a unique clothing experience
tion and business is off to a good start but we do feel we need to get used to the seasonality. The Month: For sure! Where are the designs produced? Nick: Currently Gail manufactures her range in Plettenburg Bay, where she has a factory as well as small retail outlet. The brand is exclusively and proudly South African The Month: So, for Denise and yourself, the future here looks bright? Nick: Very much so. We’re always looking to tap into new client bases and we feel there is a growing demand right here in the valley. We offer an everyday range with nothing too upmarket and so will appeal equally to locals and tourists. Word-of-mouth marketing helped us enormously in Wynberg and we hope to develop the same good reputation here. Thanks Nick. Good luck to you, your mother and to Chelsea Butik Nick can be reached on 021 876 3334.
WHOLE DAY The sun came up My heavy eyes lifted To begin a new day Under God’s graceful eye Noise slowly returned to Bridges of Hope South Africa what darkness subdued Morning gave hope Hearts devoted to God Singing through to God Sun shine outside Lovely day Peaceful day The birds fly through to the Sky Summer breeze lifts them to great heights Soaring over God’s creation His faithful servants below
-Julius Mashini
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Clark back and hungry for third South African Open title By The Editor
Tim Clark has confirmed his place in December’s South African Open Championship at Pearl Valley Golf Estates, and seeks a third victory in a tournament he describes as the next most significant to him after the Majors.
lion from 27 tournaments this year, including three top-tens and a second-place finish in the Crowne Plaza Invitational. While he is still searching for his first victory on the PGA Tour where he has finished second
about it is to go out and play golf, and if it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen.”
and swinging. That’s just how I seem to play my best golf.”
Clark’s game has moved to another level in 2008, and there was no clearer evidence of this than in the Deutsche Bank Championship to-
David Spencer, Leisurecorp CEO-Golf, owners of Pearl Valley Golf Estates, said:
Clark will join Ernie Els, Trevor Immelman, Retief Goosen, Lee Westwood, Darren Clarke, Justin Rose, Henrik Stenson and defending champion James Kingston in the field for the 18-21 December celebration of golf in the Cape Winelands. The South African star on the PGA Tour won the South African Open in 2002 and January 2005, and said those two victories remain among the highlights of his career. “They’re titles that I really cherish and this is certainly a tournament I look forward to every year. The chance to play in South Africa in front of your home fans is great because we spend so much time playing overseas,” Clark said. “I’d really like to add to my two wins. Ernie has won it four times, Retief has won it twice, Trevor has won it twice, and I’ve won it twice. I’d like to win a few more. I think after the Majors, any golfer wants to win his national Open and it’s the same for me. This championship has so much history and it’s always produced such great champions.” Clark has struggled with injury over the past few years, but in 2008 played the most tournaments on the PGA Tour that he has in the last four years. He earned just under $2-mil-
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“We’re delighted that Tim, a past doublechampion has confirmed his entry to this event, which has the one of the strongest fields of a tournament ever in South Africa. He’d like to pick up a hat-trick so we wish him all the best in his quest to be a three-time winner. “Leisurecorp is extremely proud to be hosting the world’s second oldest Open Championship at Pearl Valley Golf Estates this year. The Race to Dubai has already captured the imagination of the sporting world and the SA Open will play a pivotal role in determining the early front runners in their quest for a share of a staggering $10 million prize fund. The course is looking spectacular and with such a momentous season ahead of us, the tournament’s best ever field, and free entry, this year’s SA Open promises to the most exciting in its long history.”
six times, Clark has earned more than $11million in what has been a highly successful showing on the American circuit.
wards the end of August where he came close to becoming only the fourth player to shoot a 59.
Admission to the South African Open will be free for anyone who pre-registers for tickets at www.southafricanopen.com. Free tickets will also be available from the Franschhoek Month and the Pearl Valley Lifestyle Experience at V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.
“I’ve been chasing my first victory for quite a while, and it’s just one of those things that hasn’t happened,” said Clark.. “I can only hope once I do get over that hurdle there will be more to come. I feel like the best way to go
“I’ve been comfortable with my golf game. At the start of the year I was fighting a lot of things. I couldn’t really feel my swing very well, and I’ve just stopped thinking about my golf swing, just going out and looking at the target
For every visitor who obtains free tickets to the South African Open, R5 will be donated to the official charity, the Pebbles Project. For more information on the Pebbles Project visit| www.pebblesproject.co.za
Tim Clark - aiming high at the SA Open
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Achim von Arnim - back then, and now
By The Editor
We chat to Achim von Arnim, co-owner and cellar master at Pierre Jourdan, about the farm, the wine and his memories of how it all began.
Achim von Arnim In 1979 Michael Trull, Graham Brown and Achim (the cellar master at Boschendal at the time) got excited about the potential in Franschhoek to produce a Champagne equivalent. Achim, with the help of some partners, bought the farm on the basis that he had the knowledge and they had the willingness to back him. In those pioneering days, he and Arthur McWilliam-Smith from Le Quartier, “took this little village, gave it a big kiss and it woke up a princess” says Achim. Michael Trull bought La Bri, John Rudd bought Grand Provence and they attracted a huge amount of interest to the valley. The farm was called Cabrière because Pierre Jourdan (the French Huguenot, originally granted the property) fled from a village called Cabrières d’Aigues, near Avignon. When IN VINO VERITAS Lurking in every glass of wine is Bacchus and reality Measured expressed and analysed in time space and matter mingling the blood of the vine sun soil vine man with ours in a peculiar manner of unleashing our inhibitions to disclose the truth of who we are or want be on action or in our dreams. After tasting ten vintages of Pinot Noir accurately recorded we unanimously agreed “let’s do the Pinot Noir”
-Achim von Arnim PAGE 16
they approached Matthew Gordon to start the restaurant above the new gravity-fed cellar in 1994 exactly 300 yrs later, the opening of Haute Cabrière was attended by Pierre Jourdan’s closest living relative, Philip Drew Jourdan, who, for good measure, brought out his ninety-two year old sister, Emma. “She was a party animal” recalls Achim with a grin “300 years, 300 guests, 300 bottles of wine was the theme and she toasted every one of the guests”. Achim’s vision and enthusiasm was typical not only of the pioneers but of the enormously hard working Huguenots themselves and the cellar remains measurably respectful of that tradition. He did it because he believed in it. This defines Franschhoek – people have come here and done innovative things and in doing so have attracted others to follow suit.
wine must dance with the food!” says Achim. Achim is probably best known for his Saturday morning sabrages where he lops the head off a number of bottles of Cap Classique, reminisces about the past, entertains the crowd, enjoys a glass or two himself and kisses all the girls. “I did it first at a dinner party in the mid nineties and, I’m afraid to say, that if anyone else does it now they’d be copying me!” A couple of years ago he broke his femur in an accident and he had a back operation which kept him away from his beloved karate. But it also signalled a change and perhaps the beginning of a slow process of handing over to his eldest son Takuan who studied in Germany for
Under Achim the farm developed a wine growing philosophy: sun, soil, vine, man. He replanted the farm to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and specialised in the production of a Champagne equivalent; not allowed to call it Champagne, they registered the name Pierre Jourdan. “Champagne (the most northern wine growing region of France) was unknown for producing wine compared to Bordeaux, Côtes-du-Rhône and Burgundy because the grapes hardly ripen. But if they are fermented for the second time in the bottle and they get bubbles because yeast converts sugar into alcohol and C02, then… something very special comes out” says Achim. “Chardonnay contributes the elegance, Pinot Noir the intensity and richness”. The farm now produces a Brut (60% Ch 40% Pinot Noir), a Blanc de Blanc (100% Chardonnay) and a Cuvèe Belle Rose. The founders’ next big idea was to associate the wines with food. “Our wines are elegant, have wonderful length and lingering aftertaste – the flavour must linger for long enough for you to put down your glass, pick up your knife and fork and place that morsel onto that stimulated palate. The
published ‘Naked’ – a collection of his poems and paintings (see below). Achim is proud of the positive way Franschhoek has developed, encourages the evolution of wine and welcomes new Champagne producers to the valley. “We have an advantage over the other regions because Franschhoek is identifiable - there’s only one road in. Where do you drive into Stellenbosch? It’s like a European village – you drive in and drive out and the vineyards are all around you”. He believes the valley is suited to early ripening cultivars like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, not “funny” grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz. “We started without money, we did it because we wanted to grow wine not solve a tax problem”, he laughs, “in fact, the only thing we could afford to do was not make a mistake!” He also has huge respect for the Vignerons (the body that represents the Franschhoek valley wine farms) whose former chairman Graham de Villiers now chairs the Franschhoek Hospice. Both have given their time and effort to charity and sponsorship through the years and share the philosophy of giving back. So, in closing, what words of advice could Achim give our aspirant younger readers? “Start your own business and be there for the customer to relate to. They want to meet the owner - you can’t pay someone to have passion. And have fun! “
‘Joie du vin’, 2004 oil on canvas two and a half years and many years under his father. “He’s keen, has a good palate, ambition, and gets on well with the younger winemakers – he’ll be a fine successor”. So what now for the master? His energy hasn’t waned and in 2005
You’ll find Achim’s blog at www.sunsoilvineman.co.za and for further information call Hildegard von Arnim Public Relations & Sales Cabriere, Franschhoek, South Africa tel.no: 021 876 8500 email: hvonarnim@iafrica.com website: www.cabriere.co.za
Life Coaching - A way forward to creating change in your life The Month speaks to Pamela Hammond and asks her what Life Coaching is all about... PH: Life Coaching is a new and rapidly growing profession that is distinctly different to
tool to finding solutions. Although our thinking is also informed by our unconscious and emotional components, coaching provides us the opportunity to visualize ‘what outcome we want’, ‘how different we will be and feel when we get there’ and ‘what we need to do to get there’.
man beings, are naturally creative and resourceful and an expert of our own lives, and that we have the answers (albeit hidden or implicit within ourselves). The coach accompanies and guides you on your journey to surfacing these answers, using professional tools and techniques.
The Month: How could it help me?
The Month: And how often would I have to be ‘coached’?
PH: Coaching will help you discover what is really most important for you in your life, eliminate any blocks or obstacles that stand in your way, learn to make choices that create a balanced and fulfilling life and design a plan of action to achieve it all. The Month: So who is the coaching for?
Pamela Hammond counselling and therapy in that it is forward moving and future focused. It is a down to earth approach that targets our cognitive processes (our own thinking mind) as a primary
PH: It’s for anyone who wants to improve some aspect of their life. For example: you might be unhappy without knowing why; feeling ‘stuck’ in your life; needing to get rid of a destructive habit; professional development; desire more balance and fulfilment in life; achieve a specific goal; improve a relationship or your body image; reduce stress; or change your career. The Month: So how does it work? PH: it is based on the premise that we, as hu-
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PH: It is common practice to run private sessions on an hourly basis, usually once a week, and eventually reducing it down to once monthly, but this can vary according to the individual’s needs. Clients may have just one session or they may work with their life coach for many months. The sessions are fun, relaxed and a positive experience whereby the client leads the session and sets the boundaries. I believe that coaching will help you achieve clarity and confidence to focus on solutions that will create a shift in your way of thinking and change for the future. The Month: Thanks Pam, and good luck! Pamela Hammond BSc. (Hons.) Pysch., Post Grad. Cert. Coaching (SACAP), ACE Certified (USA) can be reached on 083.3584855 or pamhammond@mweb.co.za DECEMBER 2008
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An Open Letter from Medicare EMR This December, Medicare EMR celebrates the first birthday of its emergency response service coming alive here in Franschhoek. A year ago today, Garth Van Zyl, bought his dream of helping people to life. A dream that has been supported by many members of the community and for that, all those working at Medicare would like to say a big ‘thank you’. We know that this would not have been possible without you.
We would also like to relay enormous thanks to our current members without whom we would not have been able to reach as far as we have within the community. A big ‘thank you’ also goes out to Garth himself for dedicating his time so selflessly to all those in need. I have no doubt that many of you have at one point or another come across Garth’s flashing lights and ‘oh so loud’ sirens, or have personally used him at some time or another. He is always encour-
aging, uplifting and willing to lend a hand. In the last year, Medicare has been dispatched to a total of 277 calls and treated in excess of 356 patients. 94, 5% of the calls attended to were a free community service, and would not have been achieved without the support of our members. We have created positive and healthy working relationships with La Motte and Stellenbosch Fire Stations, ER24, Metro and the local SAPS. Special thanks go out to them as well, and it’s been a pleasure working with them. So here we are a year later, still standing strong and growing. We would like to encourage everyone, including businesses and farms who would like to support our community by becoming a member of this community upliftment and development project to please give us a call. You are always welcome with us. Medicare is also proud to offer First Aid courses to all who would like to learn, ranging from Emergency Management and CPR, First Aid Level 1 to 3, Pediatric First Aid and Industrial Fire Fighting. Should you wish to make any enquiries regarding First Aid Training or Membership Benefit Schedules, please do not hesitate to contact either Garth or Bianca on 021 876 4316 or 074 363 7744. Remember to always love the life you live and live the life you love.
All cisterns go for Tswelopele Plumbing By The Editor
We chat to Franschhoek’s newest plumber, Aron Ndzondza, about Tswelopele Plumbing and asked him how he plans to offer a different, or better, service than is already available in Franschhoek.
from my home base no there’s no business rent to pay and, as yet, no staff.
AN: Well firstly I expect I am a bit cheaper! Furthermore, I am available all the time and will answer my phone 24/7.
AN: It’s hard work but you have to follow your belief. Young people need to get educated and then get experience but they must finish their studies first – education is so important. I am fortunate to have support but it is available – young people mustn’t be shy to ask for help and advice.
The Month: What services do you offer? AN: I studied at college and worked for Franschhoek Plumbing for 6 years so I can do most
The Month: Would you encourage others to start a business?
The Month: And are you finding business out there? AN: Sure, it’s coming in slowly and I’m growing. The Municipality have given me some business and an opportunity to quote for more so I appreciate that. I drop business cards and do limited advertising so things are progressing - Tswelopele is Sotho for progressing! The Month: We wish you luck and every success Aron can be contacted on 084 608 7771
Aron Ndzondza plumbing jobs. I’m a one man show at the moment, confident of my ability and know I can do this. The Month: What motivated you to get started? AN: I always wanted to open my own business so the decision wasn’t difficult. The Month: How did you go about it? AN: I borrowed money to finance my vehicle and bought tools and organised signage. The bank helped me to do a business plan and when I worked through this I realised that by working at the right prices I could make a good business. Of course it is risky but it helps to start small: I do all my own accounts and work DECEMBER 2008
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So what’s all this high defnition stuff, anyway? By Russell Boyes of Home Technology HD Ready, HDMI, Component, Composite, SVGA, XGA, Optical, Digital, Distributed Audio and Video, Surround Sound, Dolby, Full HD, Pixels – these are the terms that are thrown at us by the suppliers and indicate that technology in the home is changing at a rapid rate. But what do they all actually mean to us? Where is it all going? In the USA where you see up-market homes advertised they are nearly all presented with a dedicated ‘home theatre room’ with even the popcorn machine, and a real cinema feel with the designer seating and décor to match. So the move now is to create a home theatre in our homes so that we can get our friends around to watch a movie after an enjoyable dinner or “braavleis” in our dedicated “braairoom”. How do we do that? The best way is by careful planning and design. So where do we start? Well there are a couple of “gadgets” that will go to make up our “Home Theatre”. Firstly you must have a Screen (this could be a Panel TV-plasma or LCD or even a projector and screen of various sizes - this will ultimately depend on your room size), a source from which to play our movie (a DVD player or even now a HD PVR and for the more affluent a BluRay DVD player), a Receiver that has the 5.1 format – five speakers - three at the front and two at the back for the “surround” effects. The last speaker, which is responsible for the deep bass and crashing explosions to make your guests cringe, is the sub-woofer. This can be one of two designs; an active sub-woofer, meaning a dedicated bass speaker with a built-in amplifier, or a passive sub-woofer. The former is the better option as it allows you to split the total signal in frequency, as most of your power (or wattage) from your amplifier is there to drive the low frequencies. This means that the active sub-woofer takes that need away from the amplifier allowing it to drive the other surround speakers more efficiently and with less distortion. The systems that have passive sub-woofers are
generally sold under the label of HTiB (Home Theatre in a Box) - these contain everything in one box from the Surround Receiver/DVD combination to all the speakers. There is of course, little option by way of upgrading your sound quality, as each component of these HTiB systems is designed to work only with the “package” you purchased in the box. Let us talk now about the screen. These can be one of 3 options. You could purchase a Plasma, LCD TV or panel in various sizes ranging from a 26 inch LCD to a 70 inch LCD-this measurement is the diagonal screen size from the top right corner to the bottom left corner (convert to centimeters by multiplying by 2.54). Plasma popular sizes are 42 and 50 inch but cherry for any home theatre would be a projector. These come in 2 types, a DLP (Digital Light Processing) and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) format and you are going to require some kind of screen to project your image onto. This can be a fixed frame screen in various sizes, a pull down screen or even a motorized screen if you really want to impress your friends by clicking your remote control for everything from lights and screen to the DVD – now that will really knock their socks off! Technology is moving at such a blinding rate with the move to higher and higher visual definitions and better quality sound for Home Theatre designers. The greatest move in current and future design is to automate the whole “home” process in what is termed “Home Automation” This means that Sound and Visual, Security, Climate control, irrigation and security are all interlinked to a central control via the internet and even your cell phone via SMS. These systems are controlled by pre-programmed events and sensors in the home and are responsible to trigger sequences like switching on your airconditioner, setting your security, switching on selected lights or recording your security cameras. That’s for the next edition! For more information call Russell Boyes, Home Technology Audio Visual on 073 238 1875 or hifi@cybersmart.co.za
Of Mice, Men and Exercise in a Pill By Marc Bernard of Total Revolution Fitness
Believe it or not, I’m not one to get freaked out when someone else doesn’t exercise. However, what does get me a little concerned is when people speak of exercise as an agonizing activity, akin to taking out the trash or cleaning out the gutters – “It’s painful, but somebody has to do it.” Or even worse, smiling smugly while turning the old catch phrase “no pain no gain” into “no pain… well… no pain”. What’s funny to me is that I assume everyone knows that exercise is vital to maintaining health, yet many people continue to avoid keeping fit and active, held back by the thought of a little burn and ache the next morning. The human body is designed to move. Our modern lifestyle, with all of its conveniences, has made many of us inactive and desk-bound, the result of which is not simply a lack of fitness, but an increase in illnesses. However, the modern man seems to spend more time and money thinking of ways to achieve the same results as you would get from working out, without actually doing it. I have seen people implement a whole range of exercise-avoidance strategies, from wrapping themselves in wires in an attempt to shock themselves fit, or using “miracle creams” that promise to make you lose two inches in one day. Even worse, researchers are reporting that an experimental drug, AICAR, can mimic the results of an exercise regime - with no exercise required. After four weeks of taking the drug, mice that hadn’t previously followed a strict workout routine, displayed a 44 percent increase in their running endurance. Basically, AICAR works by tricking the muscle into believing it has exercised. This is by no
Bits and PCs By Guy de WIT
I recently drove in to Franschhoek behind a brand new German sedan. It was adorned with the logo of a business that obviously deals with the needs of up-market clients. The personalised number plates, and the ‘optional extras’ that were evident, suggested that the company had some money to burn. The rear window encouraged me to send the business owner an email to see if she could satisfy my exceptional needs (her words – not mine). But I didn’t email her. I was put off by the email address. It’s not that it was rude or silly or hard to remember – it’s just that it was a generic Telkom address; something like satisfy@telkomsa.net.
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After all if you’re going to blow 300k on a car and you can’t afford the equivalent of an overpriced meal at a local pizzeria, your business is probably not going to understand my needs. In the past a personalised email address was quite novel and just having email was good enough. Not anymore. An address like joe@ soap.com is a heck of a lot easier to remember for friends, family and associates than soap.j@someotherbusiness.co.au. Get your local ISP (yes his details are on the smalls page) to register a domain for you.
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It’ll take at most a couple of days for it to pass all the checks and tallies performed by the ITtypes. Once registered the number of email addresses available to you is limited only by the amount of money you’d like to spend. You can generally expect to pay less than a few hundred rand per year for a domain, a couple of email addresses and a simple webpage. The mails will be accessible in your favourite email program or online – so you could stay in touch where ever you are.
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means a new idea - human muscle enhancement has already manifested itself in the form of steroids, which easily facilitates the creation of bulky muscles. But that type of musclebuilding doesn’t necessarily mean you will be able to run around the block (amongst other things), and endurance-based exercise tends to yield more health benefits than strength training. So before you get excited about popping a pill rather than popping that bicep with some light weights, not all researchers are convinced that “exercise in a pill” is actually possible: Some claim that it is nearly impossible to create a pill that will mimic all the benefits that exercise has, while others warn about the potential harm that such a drug might cause. Where does that leave you? I’m afraid the only solution to health and vitality is good nutrition and going to back to basics with a good old bit of exercise. Physical activity is so important for maintaining the health of the human body in almost every human organ system. In an ad-campaign encouraging children to exercise, Mary Gavin simplified a few long and short term advantages of exercise which apply to everyone, no matter what your age: Above mere aesthetic benefits, exercise strengthens the muscles which supply fundamental support to the rest of your body, thereby improving posture. The right type of movement makes you more flexible, which means less tightness and pain. Exercise “makes your heart happy” and better equipped to do its job, increasing circulation, strengthening your lungs and improving respiration. A little workout balances your food intake and can help to achieve weight loss while at the same time keeping your bones strong and reducing the chances of developing diseases such as type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and high blood pressure. People who exercise regularly tend to sleep better, and use less sugar, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. Finally, exercise stimulates various brain chemicals and releases endorphins which improve your mood, leaving you feeling happier and more relaxed than you were before you worked out. There is also nothing like the sense of accomplishment of setting a goal and then achieving it. Having a goal, or more than one goal, can help you stay motivated, and make exercise, believe it or not… fun, or at the very least enjoyable. Basically, when you exercise, you’re helping to build a body that will be able to do all the stuff you need it to do. Don’t make exercise just another obligation, filed in your brain under tax returns and mowing the lawn. Statistics show that people who exercise regularly live on average five years longer than their couch potato counterparts. Given all the benefits that keeping fit has on the body and mind, when people ask me “Why exercise?” my immediate and instinctive response is “Why not?”
Marc Bernard of Total Revolution Fitness can be contacted on 083 500 8979 or via email at marc@totalrevolution.co.za
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DECEMBER 2008
The Month
Winelands steel band By Brett Garner I was recently invited to a function hosted by Robert and Denise Drew for their neighbours, at La Ferme Chantelle. Knowing that Robert has started a very exciting internet business, I was expecting something high-tech, with bells
The Winelands Steel Band and whistles (go to www.vuyou.com for the next big thing in internet-based communication). What I got was steelpans and the Winelands Steel Band. Robert had hired them as the
perfect accompaniment to a great get-together with no agenda other than having some fun. The band was formed in 2007 when the Portchester Community School donated 8 steelpans to the Groendal Secondary School. Portchester Music Director, Pete Beadell, visited the school a couple of times in that year and helped to set the band up. With no formal musical training, the Groendal students soon showed their mettle, winning a competition or two to boot! In partnership with the visiting Portchester School Steel Band, they recently performed in a number of venues in Franschhoek and various locations in and around Cape Town. The band has been invited to join the Portchester students, in the UK, in June 2009 – as part of the school’s annual music festival. In order to raise funds for the visit and to ensure their long-term viability, the band can be hired to perform their fun-filled repertoire for any number of functions. Their manager, Julyan Hendricks, may be contacted on 082 8985070 for more details. After just a few minutes and a particularly enjoyable version of “Every Breath You Take,” I for one, am prepared to beat a drum on their behalf.
Biodiversity awareness at La Motte
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Vrede en Lust joins the battle against Global Warming By The Editor
In another demonstration of the initiative shown by valley wine farmsx, Vrede en Lust’s new Mopani range of wines brings with its launch a green angle: for every ten cases sold the farm will sponsor the planting of a tree. Since trees consume carbon dioxide and give out oxygen, planting trees helps enormously to reduce greenhouse gasses and restore the carbon balance. “The average westerner needs to plant 4-5 trees per year to compensate for his Co2 emission” says Dana Buys, managing partner and owner of Vrede en Lust Farms. They have also linked up with the Col’Cacchio Restaurant brand and Mopani will become Col’Cacchio’s house wine in all fifteen restaurants, country-wide from December 1st. The exclusive deal means Mopani will only be sold through Col’Cacchio and by working closely with local municipalities (who are prepared to grant the use of some suitable land in previously disadvantaged areas), olive groves specifically can be developed. “Not only will this serve the purpose of planting water efficient trees but in time provide the local community with the opportunity to produce olive oil which Col’Cacchio would then use in their restaurants” says Dana. There will be four varietals - Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc and all will be available per glass and per bottle in the restaurants. “The product was originally conceived by my-
self at the start of last year and its main target market was going to be US and European retail stores in markets where there is significant awareness and concern for the environment and the threat of global warming. The downturn in the global economy has resulted in us putting that side of things on hold for now - it is not the time to try and introduce new brands when stores are cutting expenses and staff!” says Dana. Africa has suffered immense loss of hardwood trees over the past century due to the eight-fold population increase, forests making way for towns, roads and agriculture. Compounding the loss, poor communities continue to burn wood for heat and cooking purposes but do not replace the trees. Vrede en Lust has established the “Mopani – Trees for Life” project - a not-for-profit organisation staffed by experts in the education and tree fields – specifically for this purpose. Their focus will be to plant trees in the right places and educate people about why trees need to be planted and how to care for them. It’s likely that global warming will dramatically impact the world’s wine growing regions. As Dana notes “Australia experienced seven straight years of drought and the worst drought in a hundred years in 2007. Many regions will soon become too hot and dry for quality wine production”. For more info, call +27 21 874 8139
By The Editor
South Africa contributes 3.5% of the world’s global wine production; making it the 8th largest producer in the world. While this has a hugely beneficial impact on our economy and the wine estates producing and selling wines on the international market, there is also a major potential impact on our biodiversity and longterm environmental sustainability. As a result of this, a small amount of wine farms are pioneering the move toward organic farming and biodiversity awareness. While this may prove initially to be more costly than traditional wine farming the long-term benefits far outweigh the primary outlay, or at least that is what certain producers and winemakers believe. La Motte Wine Estate in Franschhoek is one of the first South African estates to have been awarded an ISO 14000 Environmental Management Certificate, an International Organic Production Standard that acknowledges good agricultural practice in organic production. The La Motte Estate is also a BWI Champion which is the highest honour the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative can bestow upon a wine farm. The Estate was also recently honoured with the 2008 Woolworths Eco Efficiency Supplier Award, an award given to Woolworths suppliers who have made a serious effort to reduce their impact on the environment. La Motte supplies Woolworths with potted Disa plants and three wines: the Woolworths La Motte Grand Rouge, the Woolworths La Motte Merlot, and the Woolworths La Motte Cabernet Sauvignon/ Shiraz Reserve blend. La Motte’s eco-efficiency programme was implemented in order to optimise the use of resources through elimination, reduction, re-use and recycling in order to reduce capital and DECEMBER 2008
operating costs as well as to reduce the cost to the environment. Hein Koegelenberg, CEO of La Motte, says that the focus on organic farming and winemaking fits in with the strong commitment made by the La Motte Estate to not only historic and cultural preservation, but also active socio-upliftment of its workers, their families, and their environment. Organic farming is a form of agriculture that avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, plant growth regulators and livestock feed additives. As far as possible, organic farms rely on crop rotation, crop residues, animal manures and mechanical cultivation to maintain soil productivity. Tilth is used to supply plant nutrients and to control weeds, insects and other pests. “We want to be leaders in organic production and share our knowledge with other wine producers,” says Hein. The 2007 La Motte Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc (Organically Grown) is a culmination of all the best practices put into play at these two estates and looks set to be as successful as its predecessors. The 2005 vintage won the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles Gold, the 2006 vintage was awarded four and half stars by John Platter and the 2007 vintage has so far been selected for Nederberg Auction, won a Gold Michelangelo International Wine Award, as well as the Organic Trophy. It also won a Gold from La Revue de Vin du France and has again been awarded four and half stars by John Platter. The 2008 vintage was bottled in September and has just won the Organic Trophy and a gold medal at the prestigious 2008 Michelangelo International Wine Awards. www.themonth.co.za
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DECEMBER 2008
Venning recruits former colleague at Boschendal By The Editor
Boschendal have recruited Peter Rademeyer, a former colleague of their CEO, Clive Venning, to be their sales and marketing director. He has over 25 years experience in the property and development market and previously worked with Venning at the 620 ha Pezula estate in Knysna. Rademeyer, who is now living on the Boschendal estate, says that he watched the lengthy conception and planning approval process at
tal picture into account and had conceived a project that would have great benefits for all participants: the local community, the Boschendal brand, the Boschendal lands, winery and homesteads, the Boschendal farm team and, not least, all buyers into the project who will be given the opportunity to recreate their lives. “You have to understand,” he says, “that although many people who would like to own an estate of this kind, very few, in fact, are qualified to manage vineyards and orchards. By keeping these fully under the control of the existing farm team, the quality and the beauty of the estate and the conservation areas will be maintained and the owners will be free from all the worry and financial problems associated with grape and fruit production but at the same time have the pleasure of living on and owning these estates.” Rademeyer reminded interested parties that the Venning consortium had been chosen by Anglo-American, the former owners, ahead of 141 other applicants, including big name international bankers and local industry leaders. The reason for this, he says, was that Venning’s plan was undoubtedly the most beneficial to all concerned.
Peter Rademeyer Boschendal with growing admiration - and the responsible and sensitive way in which Venning and his team went about it. Rademeyer says that in his view the 21 ha to 44 ha Founder’s Estates, six of which have already been reserved, are likely to triple in value within five years. “They present a once-in-alifestyle opportunity that simply cannot come round again.”
“Anglo-American”, he says, “has always been a step ahead of the pack with regard to social esponsibility. Here at Boschendal they were not prepared simply to dispose of their farms: they looked for a buyer keenly aware of the needs of the entire district.” Rademeyer welcomes the formation of a United Conservation Front, reported in the November issue of the Month, and is happy to engage local environmental concerns. Peter Rademeyer 083 447 1223
can
be
reached
on
Venning, says Rademeyer, had taken the to-
Come wind, Come weather By Brett Garner
When Trish Heywood phoned me to tell me that someone in her family had written a book, I had visions of Alexander’s memoirs coming out in hardcover just in time for Christmas. I said a silent prayer – “Please don’t ask me to review his work” I thought. After all, our very own Dr Heywood’s memoirs will no doubt span more than just a couple of volumes! But the family member turned out to be Brookes Heywood and his brave wife, Jeanne. And the book: Come Wind, Come Weather. Letters from Adamastor turned out to be a manageable length, even for me. It tells the true story their four year long journey across the Atlantic and back again, in a yacht they built themselves. Told by way of letters and extracts of letters each wrote to their friends and family at the time, the unusual story marries two very different styles and points of PAGE 20
view in an honest and often humorous manner. A notable extract recalls a conversation between Jeanne and a naïve local in Norfolk, Virginia: “You come from South Africa: how did you get here?” “We sailed here in our yacht.” “My Gard! But how did you get your yacht here? “We sailed it across the Atlantic.” “But what did you do at night – where did you tie up?” Having read the book, I’m tempted to forget that like horses, the sea scares me. It is an inspiring story of courage and determination that is wholly believable and quite inspiring. Come Wind, Come Weather is available from The Village Bookshop or from Trish Heywood (072 1561357). www.themonth.co.za
DECEMBER 2008
DECEMBER 2008
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African Skies By The Editor
The Month speaks to Barbara Kirby about her move down to the Cape and her business AFRICAN SKIES EVENT MANAGEMENT. We asked her to fill us in on her background. BK: I started my travel career after leaving school in Johannesburg and have enjoyed all aspects of this exciting, vibrant industry in my
The Month: And gave you some confidence? BK: Certainly. I’ve built up years of knowledge and first-hand experience. When I started African Skies, ten years ago, I chose to work on being great rather than big. My clients are discerning, well travelled and are predominantly from New York, London and Hong Kong The Month: And what brings you to the Cape? BK: We moved down from Joburg exactly a year ago to the Franschhoek Valley for a total lifestyle change and it’s an ideal place to combine my business and passion for travel. The Month: And how’s the business down here? BK: I still tailor trips for my discerning travelers (I don’t advertise or compile brochures) and rely mainly on word-of–mouth from satisfied clients. I make sure to visit all the properties personally prior to suggesting an itinerary and arrange all client needs while travelling. It’s basically 24/7 assistance while my clients are in Africa. The Month: So how do you differ; how do you separate yourself from others in your business?
Barbara Kirby career from working for airlines, retail travel, tour operators, incentive companies and finally starting my own company. The Month: Any memorable moments? BK: I arranged a Massai Mara wedding in traditional Massai dress for a prominent New York Stock broker once. The worst was booking an important corporate client to the incorrect destination on my first day in the job! The client sent me flowers afterwards so that made me feel better..
BK: I have total contact with my clients from the first call. I find out their needs, preferences and interests and they are not then dealing with all different people before arriving here. I have experienced personally all the hotels and restaurants I recommend and have the utmost confidence that what I am offering is not just another meal or stay but a real experience of South Africa.
Nicola Grayson is calling all restaurants, retail outlets, vineyards and accommodation establishments in Franschhoek for something of interest to add to the Franschhoek Restaurants Recipe Book that will come out in the New Year. The book will focus on Franschhoek’s gourmet excellence but also outline the village and its history in brief, the schools, the climate, the view points, the monuments, the picnic spots, the charity initiatives, the vineyards
and their harvesting, and spots for fishing, hiking and cycling. If you have anything to contribute, please let her know by emailing nicola@franschhoekrestaurants.co.za. It is also a marketing opportunity to be part of a book dedicated to exhibiting Franschhoek’s entertainment and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Village charities. For more info go to www.franschhoekrestaurants.co.za
The Month: That all sounds good Barbara, Good Luck! Barbara Kirby can be contacted on barbara@africanskies.co.za, 083263 3513 or through the website www.africanskies.co.za
Franschhoek bowlers not that green “Franschhoek Bowls Club were contacted by a representative of De Doorns club at 8pm on Thursday 6th November. They asked if we could raise a team at short notice for an event at De Doorns on Saturday 8th. We obliged and confirmed our entry at 8.30pm after a couple of hasty phone calls. The willing participants consisted of Bill Morris, Barbara Gessel, Philip Brown and Mark Heistein. An unlikely bunch of unsavoury characters as we could muster. Upon their arrival at 8.15am on Saturday morning after scanning the list of other entries, they realised that the big boys had also come out to play. It would indeed be a mountainous task for our band of social reprobates. The first game against a team from Worcester ended favourably for our lads and lass: 17-8. The second game, another salvo of Worcester’s finest, proved more arduous. Having been 3-8 down at one stage, the team rallied and overcame their opponents 17-10. The third game proved to be a decider for first place; Kleinmond vs. Franschhoek. With only four ends left to play, Kleinmond held a 10-5 lead over our brilliant, but desperately unlucky, troupe of performers. But all was not lost. God may favour the brave, but Franschhoek fa-
DECEMBER 2008
voured themselves. With only one end left to play, the calm comrades had levelled the score: 11-11. Enter Barbara Gessel. Her two bowls within 200mm of the jack – Phil and Mark protected her shots with their bowls. Final score Franschhoek 13, Kleinmond 11. Pretty tense Huh? I love this game.” - Phil Brown
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The Month gotten Highway) - especially those which led to the development of the diamond and goldfields” The principal aim is to create a unique, dynamic and interactive venue where tourists and locals can be informed, enlightened and entertained in a stimulating, wholesome environment and from which all communities may derive economic and social benefit. The project has been viewed as reconciliatory as it is intended to bring communities together and it will help in
The De Poort Heritage Village, situated Suider Paarl just off the main thoroughfare from the Franschhoek side, is to be an interactive, living, authentic, open air heritage village recreating the artisan crafts and lifestyles in Drakenstein during the boom period of 1875 to 1895. Costumed personnel, shopkeepers, informal traders and craftspeople will give life to the village and visitors will be able to interact with the costumed role players, crafters and artisans through events and on-site experiences. The valuable cart and wagon collection and the machinery and tools of the Transport industry before the combustion engine will form part of the village and be displayed as if in a “showroom” and workshop of yesteryear. “It is neither a ’Disney World’ nor a static museum” says Franschhoek based Mark Heistein, an initiator of the project. “The name “De Poort” captures the historical role played by the DrakensteinValley as a gateway linking the North and South transport routes (the For-
Old wagons at de Poort an area which does not enjoy the tourism footfall of its neighbours such as Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. There is high unemployment and many business premises to let.
DECEMBER 2008
It is expected to stimulate an economic multiplier effect for the entire region and provide sustainable employment opportunities and on-going skills training, bring together a multicultural community in a common enterprise celebrating a common industrial heritage for mutual benefit and capitalise on an international trend towards heritage tourism, handmade crafts and shopping. Further it may preserve the heritage of the crafters and manufacturers of the carts, wagons and coaches for which Paarl was famous both nationally and internationally and maximise the benefit to the local craftspeople, entrepreneurs, property owners, HDI’s, surrounding businesses and the community as a whole. The estimated benefit from De Poort to the region as a drawcard and creator of job and business opportunities could be R1 billion over a six year period with 105 entrepreneurial and many outsourcing opportunities. At least 200 jobs should be created by these opportunities and on-going construction will ensure continuing job opportunities for many years. The project is closely linked to the Drakenstein Development Forum and is totally inline with the national goals for sustainable and responsible tourism, employment equity and empowerment. For more information, email depoortproj@lando.co.za or visit www.depoortvillage.org.za
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Fast Food in Langrug By Jabu
The Month’s newest intrepid reporter Jabu goes out into the township to find stories of interest. His first assignment is an interview with township entrepreneur Xolisa David Mhlahlo, the founder and owner of the first and only ‘fast food’ store in Langrug. Jabu finds out what inspired him and asks why did he choose to leave his job to start his own business? XDM: Firstly, thank you for this God-given opportunity to speak to you. During the week I told myself I would go visit councillor James Morgan to ask him why the tourists are so scarce here in Langrug. Being in the squatter camp doesn’t mean we have lost the love and hospitality, or our traditional food customs and culture which we can share with them and learn from them. Would you allow me to give a short background of where I come from?
our area affected us all and no-one other than us can bring a solution to that. I felt that by starting a fast food business in my community where there is a lot of alcohol abuse (especially during weekends) may reduce the risk of people cooking under the influence of alcohol which results in shacks being burned, people’s shelter and possessions being destroyed, even lives being lost. I am proud to say that since I started the business there have been fewer fire outbreaks recorded. I also employ up to three
XDM: I have to say, people can be very difficult sometimes but the customer is always right and I must serve my people for the benefit of us all. The major problem at the beginning was (and still is) transport. I have to hire and hiring cost is very expensive. The other challenge is to grow the size of my business – it’s too small, but I’m trying to save money to expand. Jabu: Did you apply for funding in order to improve and expand your business?
Jabu: Yes, you are welcome XDM: I was born in a small dusty village, part of a main village called Ku-Gatyane (Willovalle) in the Eastern Cape. In 2004 I was fortunate to be among those who were selected by the Tourism Department to attend hospitality courses at Port Alfred where I acquired an Africa Global Skills Academy certificate as a professional cook. I was trained at Lafalapa Lodge and also worked there for some time. In 2005 I moved to this beautiful valley of Franschhoek where I worked at French Connection and Pick n Pay. In 2006 I started my own business. Jabu: What motivated you? XDM: I must be honest with you – I learned at Pick ‘n Pay the value of customer service and asked myself what was stopping me from doing it for myself because I’m really dedicated to my work. How much more will I be if I do it my way for my own business and all profits fill my own pockets? Also, the burning of shacks in PAGE 20
reach us, who knows why? Jabu: If you should get help what would you do? XDM: Firstly I’ve got big future plans for this business, not only to be a fast food ‘combo shop’ but to have the first restaurant in the squatter camp, ie, not so much a wendy house with outside tables and chairs but a big African hut so I am able to invite tourists to come and enjoy our traditional delicious African foods. The Tourist Department can help us and the reason I say ‘us’ is that there are also many other people here with great talents who can join hands together and entertain tourists with drama, dance, poetry and cultural activities. By ensuring tourists come to our area the department can help us to uplift and improve our businesses to meet with the noble standard required in our beloved valley. Jabu: What words of motivation can you give to young people?
people on busy days. Lastly, Franschhoek is the Wine and Food capital of SA, so why does that tradition not exist in my own area? The answer to that was with me, I had to change, and the evidence of that today is that I stand on my own with my own business. I have to be proud of myself! Jabu: What challenges do you face daily?
XDM: The young people are the future of any country. They must take pride in everything they learn and do, must be committed, hardworking at their place of work and education and must be competent. They must always want to know more and must not be afraid to ask questions. Those are the things that improve one’s knowledge and skills and become one’s advantage if they want to become entrepreneurs and start their own businesses. XDM: Yes, I tried. I went to Reddoor who later referred me to UmsoBomvu Youth Fund but my efforts were in vain. However, I have to say that Reddoor tried their best to motivate me and even helped to register my business Jabu: Do you get help from the Tourism Department in Franschhoek? XDM: No. Sometimes information does not
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The Month: Thank you very much XDM: I’m be thanking
the one who should you! Enjoy your day.
Month: Thanks again. Xolisa David Mhlahlo can be reached on 082 049 8255 DECEMBER 2008
The Month
DECEMBER 2008
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The waiter diaries In this column we encourage local waiters to share their restaurant experiences anonymously with us at www.themonth.co.za Was en-route to work. This being a Saturday, bands of feral children from the local primary school were roaming the streets. I kept my eyes down, as I’d learned on Discovery Channel that eye contact was a sign of aggression. All I needed was to be beaten up by a group of seven year-olds. Arrived at work unscathed. The boss told me my eyes looked terrible. “You should see what they look like from this side” I replied, and stormed off to the bathroom in what I hoped looked like an attitude of righteous indignation. Having recovered from my ordeal of traversing Franschhoek’s wild streets, I emerged from the toilets only to be confronted by the prospect of a table of thirty psychopaths that the government like to call ‘learners’. Immediately tried to bum Prozac from the other waiters. No luck. Pharmacist equally unsympathetic. I would soon be forced to resort to liquid relief – try
asking me why... One of my co-workers suggested I do the table of ankle-biters. I suggested that he bugger off. He then told me all waiters were equal – I told him to read George Orwell and get back to me later. Having deftly pawned off the band of kneehigh terrorists onto another waiter, I applied my efforts to acquiring illicit alcohol. No joy, so I feigned illness and escaped to the nearest bar. My fellow dronkies were less than sympathetic. And Al was crying in his cup about a woman. I tried to explain the joys of East European emigrants but he burst out crying and said that she was an East European emigrant and if he couldn’t keep one of those there was no hope. Unable to argue with this I decided to order another drink – life was getting better. Happy Christmas. The struggle continues…
Gee, I’ve Still Got Mail By Brett Garner Everyone who relies on their email will understand the moments of blind panic that grip Outlook users when “Error 0065xF^@&” (or equally useless description) pops up. It’s not just Microsoft products that are susceptible to email melt-down, Ubuntu users read on! Here are the 2 most useful steps you can take to keep your email safe and sound: 1 - Archive often. Keep your mailbox as small as possible and save anything important in the Archive folder. Read more about archiving at
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/239652. 2 – Create a Gmail account that will keep a copy of every mail you receive. Go to www. gmail.com and sign up for free. Once you have an account, log in, go to Settings and then Accounts and scroll down to “Get mail from other accounts:” Add the account, making sure to choose to “Leave a copy of retrieved message on the server.” Voila – even if Eskom shuts down for good – Google promises to keep all your mail safe and sound.
classifieds classifieds
To place an advertisement in The Month, please email advertising@themonth.co.za
Position in family re-unification work
Youth Empowerment Action (YEA) works with children and youth who sleep and beg on the streets of Franschhoek. As an expanding organization we require a full time, fully qualified and registered social worker for 1 year.
Reuben’s
RESTAURANT & BAR
19 Huguenot Street Oude Stallen Centre Franschhoek Tel: 021 876 3772 Fax: 021 876 4464
PHOTOGRAPHY
Haut Espoir Haut Espoir Winery Tel: 021 876 4000 Fax: 021 876 4038
angie@hautespoir.co.za
PO Box 681 . Franschhoek . 7690
DECEMBER 2008
Lightworks Photography offers a wide range of photographic solutions to suit the needs of any business or person. From studio and outdoor photography to retouching and post-processing we’ve got it covered. Call: 084 510 1496 or 073 648 7991 info@lightworks.za.net www.lightworks.za.net
Main purpose: To reintegrate children and youth who live on and visit the streets, back into their homes, schools and society. Also, to provide leadership in the coordination, management and development of Youth Empowerment Action. Key requirements: Relevant training. At least two years management experience in the NGO sector. Relevant experience working with children, youth at risk and family reconstruction. Team worker with good people skills and proficiency in Afrikaans, English and IsiXhosa. Own car. Benefits: •Competitive, negotiable NGO - related salary, tailored for tax reference. • Flexi-time. Starting date: 2nd January 2009, or soonest thereafter. What should you do? Send an electronic CV and covering letter explaining your relevant qualifications, to Lushel Stott at karensolms@mweb.co.za . Include a short motivation for why you would like to have this job. Closing date of application: 3rd December 2008
Office Manager
Stony Brook
Engel & Voelkers are looking for an experienced office manager/ administrator. Must have good interpersonal skills and be computer literate. Salary and Working Hours negotiable. For further details call Paul Eccles on 071 499 1218
Wine Tastings & Sales: Mon-Fri: 10:00-15:00 Sat: 10:00-13:00 Tel/Fax: 021 876 2182 info@stonybrook.co.za
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Place your own CLASSIFIED with The Month email:
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Pick n Pay Franschhoek
23 Huguenot Street 021 876 2075/6 Mon-Sat: 07:00-21:00 Sundays & Public Holidays: 07:00-20:00
Web Design Professional web design & development FUSION web design info@fusionwebdesign.za.net www.fusionwebdesign.za.net
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The Month
the social page
DECEMBER 2008
THE SOCIAL PAGE
Anti-clockwise from above: Clive Venning, FW De Klerk and Michael Pawlowski at Boschendal for the lunch celebrating the go-ahead for the Boschendal Founders’ Estates. Crowds enjoying the jazz at La Brasserie on Friday the 21st. Barbara Jones, Edna Fortescue, Johannes du Plessis, Michelle, Evan Jones and Gavin at the Jazz. Clive Venning and Gary Player at Boschendal. The victorious Under-11 side from Pniel at the Rhodes Cricket Tournament held at Groot Drakenstein Games Club on Friday the 21st.
The Franschhoek Month PO Box 191, Franschhoek, 7690
Editor: David Foster ¡ mobile: 084 827 3986 email: david@themonth.co.za Advertising: Craig McNaught advertising@themonth.co.za www.themonth.co.za
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DECEMBER 2008