The Newspaper - March Edition 2016

THE NEWSPAPER

stories that are life changing

March 2016

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World's First Low-kilojoule Wine Launched in Western Cape

In a landmark innovation for the international wine industry, a Western Cape wine label has launched a red wine wooded with honeybush.

On 23 February 2016 Audacia, a Stellenbosch winery, launched the new product at the offices of Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities.

INNOVATION Page 5

Audacia Natural Red is a low-kilojoule, low alcohol wine, wooded with Honeybush chips.

Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities, said the method was uniquely South African.

“We have a reputation as one of the world’s highest quality wine producers.

Since 1994, South African wine exports have grown from 50 million litres to 500 million litres.”

Photo L-R: Trevor Strydom, (Managing Director & Partner Audacia) and Alan Winde, (Minister of Economic Opportunities)

“South Africa is constantly breaking new ground in wine innovation. We are the only country to produce the Pinotage cultivar and we are one of a few countries to have launched a traceability seal which guarantees the ethical production of our wine. Pioneering new products, such as Audacia’s Honeybush and Rooibos-wooded wines, are more examples of how we are setting ourselves apart on the global market,” said Minister Winde.

Continue Reading Page 2

New Approach to Inclusive, Affordable Urban Living

TRAVEL & TOURISM Page 6 - 7

ENERGY Page 9

The Better Living Model Game Changer project will see the Western Cape Government, together with the City of Cape Town and private sector partners, plan, design, fund, and develop the former Conradie Hospital 22 hectare site into a sustainable, and affordable mixed-use, mixed-income and mixed-tenure neighbourhood.

The proposed construction will include more than 3000 residential units, as well as business premises, schools, and safe, green public spaces on this site. Breaking ground on this exciting new development is scheduled for early 2018.

“This project will change the game when it comes to how we optimize our assets, and unlock the economic potential of state-owned property in the future.” Currently, there is a shortage of well-located affordable houses close to employment and economic opportunities in the City of Cape Town. The Better Living Model Game Changer will assist in alleviating this problem by creating affordable, integrated housing opportunities close to the Cape Town CBD.

Continue Reading Page 2

WELLNESS Page 11

PAGE 2

THE NEWSPAPER

NEWS

World's First Low-kilojoule Wine

OUR INFORMATION

Launched in Western Cape (Continue from page 1) Minister Winde added that the wine industry was an important job creator, employing over 289 000 people in the country and 167 000 residents in the Western Cape.

Trevor Strydom, the managing director and partner at Audacia, said the wine was in line with global trends, where consumers have become more health conscious.

In addition to the use of Honeybush chips, the wine also has a detailed nutritional label, which provides a break-down of total energy (kilojoules), sugar content, carbohydrates, fats, dietary fibre and sodium per 100 ml.

The wine contains 200 kilojoules per 100 ml and 7.5% alcohol.

Strydom said: “Having been made with our own indigenous Honeybush wood chips (which have been lightly toasted to enhance the wine’s flavour), it’s also a uniquely South African product with a unique value proposition. There is no denying this wine is a healthier option for kilojoule conscious wine drinkers. For all these reasons, we believe it’s going to perform exceptionally well on the global wine stage.”

“Usually, when winemakers produce low alcohol wines, the wines tend to lose structure as alcohol makes up the backbone of the wine and wine makers end up adding grape concentrate to improve flavour,” explains Strydom. “This results in wines that may be lower in alcohol, but might still contain a lot of residual sugar.

In contrast, our indigenous Honeybush wood contains a natural compound called Hesperetin, which enhances the sweetness and flavour of wine without adding to its kilojoule content – Hence the low residual sugars in Audacia Natural Red.” Strydom said he was in the process of sharing the technology used in the process with other local winemakers. Further, he provided an update on the move to create a geographical indicator for South African wines produced using this method.

“From a local wine industry perspective, the most important factor is the urgent need for government to create a new class of wine to differentiate this unique product range in the global marketplace. We are currently working with government and various regulatory bodies to determine the most appropriate term for the wines. The term ‘RSA Indigenous Wooded Wine’ has been brought to the table, but we are still in discussion around final official terminology. It is imperative that the new class be created as soon as possible so as to differentiate South African indigenously ‘wooded’ wines from other wines produced globally using imported oak wood derivatives (oak staves, chips, powders and extracts).

Strydom said this process would still take a few months to complete, adding: “My belief is that the new wine class also needs to be strictly controlled by government to ensure that only quality, certified indigenous wooded wines get packaged in South Africa and exported from South Africa, thereby ensuring we do what is in the best interest of the South African wine industry, creating jobs locally and growing our economy.”

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New Approach to Inclusive, Affordable Urban Living (Continue from page 1) In doing so, we will also be able to showcase how partnerships between government and the private sector can be leveraged to deliver well located housing opportunities across the province.

This game changing development will result in a high-density, high-rise, residentially led development; commercial and retail business opportunities; a safe and secure environment; active streets, low car dependencies and walkable living spaces; parks and other well-designed recreational spaces; new schools; the integration of different communities and income groups; and Government and public services being brought closer to citizens.

“This multi-billion rand investment will also stimulate economic growth and jobs – we estimate that during the construction phase, an estimated 2 000 jobs will be created as a direct result of the construction activities. It is estimated that, for every R1.1 million rand investment, 1 job is created within the construction phase.”

This development will offer some 10 000 m² of retail space and some 14 500 m² of commercial space, which will stimulate small business growth in the area.

The Department of Human Settlements has indicated that, out of the more than 3000 residential units built, 49% of the residential development must be allocated to grant-funded housing, which will consist of social housing, FLISP (Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme) housing and rent-to-buy housing units. The remaining 51% of the residential units will be made available to the open market.

Trevor Strydom, (Managing Director & Partner Audacia)

Audacia Natural Red (low kilojoule) wine will be available for sale at Audacia’s cellar door and Audacia’s Root44 weekend market from 1 March 2016.

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The development will include schools and a number of parks and green spaces to address the educational and recreational needs of households moving into the area.

The project will also see the implementation of Green technology for energy, water, and waste management, adding further to its efficiency and sustainability.

The Western Cape Government has dedicated resources to the Better Living Model Game Changer, and is committed to finding new and innovative ways to better leverage government properties for the most economic gains.

THE NEWSPAPER

NEWS

PAGE 3

Local Colt Fetches R1.5 Million

Zeitz MOCAA

At Regional Yearling Sale

A Museum Centred on Access For All

A dream came true for two assistant farm managers at Varsfontein stud farm, Jaco Erasmus and his wife Carolyn, when they sold a thoroughbred colt for R1.5 million at the Bloodstock South Africa (BSA) Cape regional sale held at Val de Vie Estate in the Paarl/Franschhoek Valley on 14 February 2016.

On 20 February the 2016 Zeitz MOCAA Gala presented by Standard Bank Wealth and Investment attracted a prestigious line-up of VIP and celebrity guests onto its red carpet.

Their fortunes changed after their prize chestnut colt, named Varlocity, was shown to prospective bidders in the sales ring. Varlocity joined 118 other yearlings on offer at the auction catching the attention of several prospective buyers in the lead up to the sale, and there was spirited bidding before the hammer fell the way of Gauteng trainer, Michael Azzie, bidding on behalf of Adriaan van Vuuren’s Misty Meadows operation. The yearling has set a new record for the BSA sale.

Now in its second year, the gala is fundamental in raising funds to ensure Access for All, and programming for exhibitions and programming at the museum including at the museum’s Costume Institute. It was a night that honoured patrons for their generous support and contribution to the creation of what will be Africa’s most significant museum in over one hundred years. The 2016 Zeitz MOCAA Gala was presented by Standard Bank Wealth and Investment with major supporters being Gucci, Elle, and Perrier-Jouët.

“We were hoping for R800K, so we are really overjoyed about this,” comments Jaco Erasmus. “A lot of people were sceptical about us taking him to the sale, but we were confident that a good horse will do well anywhere,” Carolyn explains.

It seems that thoroughbred winners are a Varsfontein trademark and top sellers.

In 2008 when Jaco was offered retired race horse, Star Deputy, he jumped at the opportunity.

In 2009, he sent the thoroughbred mare to visit internationally acclaimed stallion Victory Moon, producing the Grade 1 winning War Horse who fetched R275K at the 2011 BSA Cape Premier Yearling Sale. Star Deputy’s next foal, also a colt, but this time by Black Minnaloushe, sold for R225K at the BSA’s 2012 National Yearling Sale and went on to become a 5-time winner.

Photo: Jaco Erasmus

In 2011, Star Deputy was matched to Judpot, producing the mighty Deputy Jud who sold at the 2013 BSA National Yearling Sale, going on to win the 2015 Supreme Cup for owner Adriaan van Vuuren and his trainer Michael Azzie.

While stud management jobs may not be the most glamorous, perks like working outdoors and the opportunity to supplement your income by breeding your own horses have served Jaco and Carolyn well. With the money saved up from the sales of their yearlings, Jaco and Carolyn booked Star Deputy to Var, one of South Africa’s top sprint stallions and 11 months later, Varlocity was born.

“Varlocity is a great, big bull of a horse. He weighed 62 kilograms at birth and from the moment he got up, there was just something about him. With some horses you just know,” comments Jaco.

Photo L-R: Bertus & Rosita Oosthuizen, Marlene Van Der Westhuizen, Africa Melane, Terry & Brett Volkwyn - Photo Credit: Trevor Samson

Chief Executive of Standard Bank Wealth and Investment, Margaret Nienaber, commented on their support: “We are passionate about Africa and her growth story and potential.”

“Throughout our more than 150 year history and our involvement in the Arts we have been fortunate to share in the stories of some extraordinary individuals, some of whom will also contribute to the success of Zeitz MOCAA.” “Our clients have always shown an interest in, and a passion for, the Arts and we believe that Zeitz MOCAA is a celebration of Africa's rich cultural heritage and a wonderful platform for shaping the next generation leaders.”

The exquisite fusion of fashion on the red carpet, combined with the distinctly African atmosphere and flair, left no doubt that this event is the preeminent art and design social event in Africa.

The museum will have its home in the ambitiously reimagined historic Grain Silo complex at the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town. The process to setting up museum structures is underway, running parallel to the physical construction. As a not-for-profit institution, fundraising is critical to building the necessary endowments that will fund not only operations but also museum advancement.

Jochen Zeitz - Photo Credit: Trevor Samson

Ticket sales for the gala raised R2.5 million for the Access for All Campaign. This will ensure that no one is ever turned away from Zeitz MOCAA due to the inability to afford admission. Thanks to Access for All, the museum will have some free days every week. Two big announcements were made on the night. The much-anticipated official opening date, 23 and 24 September 2017, and the Museum’s Board of Trustees: Suzanne Ackerman-Berman, David Green, Isaac Julien, Wengechi Mutu, Gassant Orrie, Albie Sachs, and Jochen Zeitz.

Jaco and Carolyn had the choice between offering the colt at the Cape Thoroughbred Sales Book 1 or the Val de Vie sale and chose to stick with the TBA. It seems their loyalty has been richly rewarded.

“Although the market was tough, there was strong competition for good horses, and overall we are satisfied with the prices they realised,” comments TBA/BSA Chairperson Susan Rowett.

Executive Director and Chief Curator of the museum, Mark Coetzee said: “This museum is a symbol, an icon, of the confidence we feel about being African, the confidence that we feel about our place in the world. And that’s what makes this so extraordinary. We have been given an opportunity to create a museum for all, and we must guarantee Access for All.”

The couple studied equine sciences at the Pretoria University of Technology together and spent a year working at the prestigious Cheveley Park Stud Farm in Newmarket in the UK. On their return to South Africa, they spent several years working at the award-winning Lammerskraal Stud in Ceres, before joining Varsfontein, where they have been for nine years.

“Varlocity was a very special horse to us, he just had a one-of-a-kind character.

We only want what’s best for him and believe that he will go on to be a success like his brothers. Star Deputy currently has a Duke of Marmalade filly foal at foot, and at this stage we intend on keeping her so that we can retain this special bloodline.

Star Deputy is in foal to resident stallion, Gimmethegreenlight. The old girl is getting on, so in our mind every foal we get is a bonus! Whichever way, we consider ourselves ‘heavily’ blessed,” comments Carolyn.

The couple plan to reinvest their money in horses, while Varlocity currently shares his new home with half-brother Deputy Jud, at Misty Meadows’ trainer Michael Azzie’s training yard.

Photo L-R: James Curtis, Talia Rogers, Emily Curtis & Migo Manz Photo Credit: Trevor Samson

PAGE 4

NEWS

StreetSmart Swellendam

GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™

Raises R40 000 for Study Bursaries

Confirms Cape Town’s New Kitesurfing World Record

StreetSmart SA, an organisation dedicated to helping street children rebuild their lives through donations from restaurants in the Western Cape and Gauteng, has handed R40 000 to the Swellendam Bursary Fund, their Swellendam beneficiary for 2016.

Guinness World Records™ have confirmed that the record set by 415 kitesurfers in Cape Town on 30 January 2016 has been approved as an official Guinness World Record.

The Swellendam Bursary Fund provides bursaries to promising local young people wishing to study at university or college, but who do not have the means to pay for their studies. Having raised R6,965 in aid of StreetSmart, La Sosta restaurant was the leading contributing restaurant in Swellendam over the past year. “I am honoured to co-ordinate the Swellendam area for StreetSmart. I see great potential and look forward to making a difference with all the restaurateurs in Swellendam and surrounding areas.”

“I am particularly touched by the dreams that have already been realised with StreetSmart funding and am convinced that with the support of those who can, we are able to at least triple that amount in the year ahead," said Sem Kallen, the newly elected co-ordinator of StreetSmart Swellendam. StreetSmart Restaurateurs and their diners are joining hands to make a difference in their communities supporting organisations that run social development, skills training and family re-unification programmes for street children. Funds are raised by adding a R5 donation to each table's bill at the participating restaurants.

THE NEWSPAPER

The day was greeted with perfect conditions for a world record attempt, with just a light breeze in the morning as hundreds of kitesurfers registered at the Dolphin Beach Hotel and continued onto the beach to set up for the start. The wind picked up in the afternoon and there was already a buzz as news broke that the total number of entries surpassed Spain’s record, giving early confidence the record could indeed be broken.

Photo Credit: Steven Smuts - Snapsport Media

The record is judged on a one mile course that was marked out between Dolphin Beach and Doodles along the Tableview stretch of coastline.

The wind strengthened at the perfect moment for the forecasted start time of 1pm, professional kitesurfer and Ambassador for the Kitesurfing Armada Lewis Crathern (UK) sounded the airhorn for the official start of the attempt. The sky was quickly filled with colour as kites were launched into the air and riders made their way onto the course.

431 kitesurfers registered for the event and after a three hour period, 415 kitesurfers had successfully completed the course and had been counted in by witnesses at the finish line – enough to make an announcement that Cape Town had broken the record, subject to verification by Guinness.

Photo L-R: Basil May (Chairman Swellendam Beursfonds) and Melanie Burke (Chairman StreetSmart SA)

This donation is voluntary and diners are able to contribute more if they wish to.

StreetSmart SA is registered as a Public Benefit Organisation as well as a Non- Profit Organisation and ensures that every cent donated by diners goes towards social and educational upliftment projects for street children. StreetSmart's goal is to be part of the process of social normalisation and to encourage the public not to give money into the hands of a child as this keeps them on the streets. In essence, eating and donating at a StreetSmart restaurant is the responsible way to help a street child.

Sir Richard Branson, a keen kitesurfer and supporter of the event, was one of the first to congratulate everyone involved, saying: “Huge congratulations to everyone who took part in the Virgin Kitesurfing Armada and achieved the Guinness World Record. I have participated in the event in previous years and experienced firsthand the thrill of getting out there in the thick of the action, and riding together with a wonderful group of people. It’s a fantastic result and thousands have been raised for charity.

There’s nothing better than doing good and having fun at the same time!”

Minister for Economic Opportunity for the Western Cape, Minister Winde said that setting this record was hugely exciting for the region. “We took the record with 415 kitesurfers and I’d like to thank the Kitesurfing Armada for their support of our province. Cape Town is fast becoming a leading destination for the sport, attracting kiters from across the world.”

Photo Credit: Steven Smuts - Snapsport Media RESTAURANT & WINE BAR

“I am confident this event will raise our profile even further. Successes like this one are excellent for our economy, in particular for our tourism sector.” As always, the Kitesurfing Armada’s aim is also to support local charities through the event, with all entry fees being donated to good causes and a range of other fundraising initiatives such as SAVE Foundation.

Dan Charlish, Director of the Kitesurfing Armada added, “The stunning images of the Cape Town Armada have now been beamed around the World and we have already had contact from organisations in Italy, Australia, USA, China and the Netherlands to discuss running events in their countries.

It’s an exciting time for the event and we look forward to seeing where it all leads.”

The next Virgin Kitesurfing Armada takes place between 17-19 June on Hayling Island in the UK.

Walking into Henri’s, you’ll be greeted by the owners and the staff who will treat you like guests in their own home.

You can also enjoy a drink on our patio or at our stylish wine bar.

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THE NEWSPAPER

INNOVATION

PAGE 5

Audacia’s Revolutionary New Honeybush-wooded Low-kilojoule Wine Health-conscious drinkers to “See the Lite”

Stellenbosch-based boutique winery Audacia Wines has done it again: Following the release in 2013 of the world’s first-ever Rooibos-wooded "No Sulphites or Preservatives Added" wine cellarmaster Michael van Niekerk has now created a revolutionary low-kilojoule/low alcohol wine made with patented technology that involves the use of indigenous Honeybush wood chips, lightly toasted to enhance flavour.

“Honeybush wood chips are our magic ingredient,” explains Audacia’s Managing Director and partner, Trevor Strydom - the man behind this landmark innovation.

“It contains a natural compound called Hesperetin which enhances the sweetness and flavour of wine without adding to its kilojoule content - Hence the very low residual sugars in Audacia Natural Red,” he clarifies. “The toasting process also enhances the wine’s flavour.”

“Usually, when winemakers produce low-alcohol wines, the wines tend to lose structure because it is the alcohol that makes up a wine’s backbone. To compensate, producers often end up adding grape concentrate (sugar) to improve flavour.

This results in wines that while being lower in alcohol, still contain high amounts of residual sugar,” he explains.

All South African producers can now also gain full access to produce similar indigenous wooded wine ranges.”

“Our end goal is to have fellow South Africans share and benefit from the technology, in order to uplift and improve the lives of all South Africans. We believe this is a global scale game changer for the South African wine industry as a whole.”

NEW INDIGENOUS WOOD ADDED WINE CLASS Strydom goes on to say, “From a local wine industry perspective the biggest and most important single factor is the vital and urgent need for government to create a new class of wine to differentiate this unique product range in the global marketplace.

Photo L-R: Michael van Niekerk, (Audacia Cellarmaster) and Trevor Strydom, (Managing Director & Partner Audacia)

“Because toasted Honeybush wood imparts such fantastic flavour to wine, we don’t have to go this route,” Strydom clarifies.“The result is an easy drinking and accessible red wine containing only 200 kilojoules per 100 ml and only 7.5% alcohol.

It’s the perfect option for weight conscious drinkers, as well as those watching their alcohol intake.”

UNIQUE NUTRITIONAL LABEL Another unique feature of Audacia Natural Red is that it is the first wine in the world to bear detailed nutritional labeling.

This is to ensure that consumers can clearly see what they are putting into their bodies.

“Wine drinkers and consumers the world over have become far more health conscious in the past decade,” observes Strydom.“The worldwide increase in lifestyle-related illnesses has resulted in a higher demand for more specific information about what you’re putting into your body, especially if one claims ‘lower kilojoules.’”

“Audacia Natural Red is the first wine in the world to bear a nutritional label providing a complete breakdown of total energy (kilojoules), sugar content, carbohydrates, fats, dietary fibre and sodium per 100 ml.”

Strydom is hopeful that Audacia has kick-started a trend that will help consumers make more informed decisions going forward.

GLOBAL GAME CHANGER FOR LOCAL WINE INDUSTRY “It’s an absolute win for brand South Africa and the local economy. We are in the process of sharing our breakthrough technology with all other South African wine producers, through a licensing process managed by Red Dawn IP Holdings.

We are currently working with government and various regulatory bodies to determine the most appropriate term for the wines. The term, ‘RSA Indigenous Wood Added Wine’ has been brought to the table, but we are still in discussion around final official terminology. It is imperative that the new class be created as soon as possible so as to separate and differentiate South African indigenously ‘wooded’ wines from other wines produced globally using imported oak wood derivatives (oak staves, chips, powders and tannin extracts).”

“The creation of our own indigenous wood added wine class is also critical to establish a distinctive category of South Africa’s own “Healthier Option” wines.

This will help avoid confusion in the minds of both wine producers and the global wine drinking public,” he emphasizes.

“We are currently engaged in a consultative process with government and industry stake holders in a process of determining how best to create and position the new wine class. The process will still take a few months to complete. The new wine class also needs to be strictly controlled by government (The Wine and Spirit Board/SAWIS) to ensure that only quality, certified indigenous wood added wines get packaged in South Africa and exported from South Africa, thereby ensuring we do what is in the best interest of the South African wine industry, create jobs locally and grow our economy,” states Strydom.

Audacia Natural Red joins Audacia’s growing portfolio of ‘healthier option’ wines that already boasts with both red and white “No Added Sulphites” wines made with toasted Rooibos and Honeybush wood chips (most of which are available at Pick n Pay stores nationwide), as well as a premium white wine currently available at cellar door and at the Root44 Market on weekends. Additional new products are also in the pipeline.

Audacia Natural Red (low-kilojoule) wine is available for sale at Audacia cellar door and Audacia’s Root44 weekend market from 1st March 2016 for R65.

South African wine producers seeking access and support in producing the range of ‘healthier lifestyle’ RSA indigenous wood added wines such as the Audacia “No Sulphites or Preservatives Added” Rooibos wooded wines or low alcohol/low- kilojoules Honeybush wooded wines can contact Red Dawn IP Holdings (www.reddawnip.co.za) for further information.

PAGE 6

THE NEWSPAPER

TRAVEL & TOURISM

Cableway Announces Carbon Launch of Cape Town Air Access Neutral Status

Table Mountain Cableway has reached carbon neutral status by investing in the Kuyasa Housing Project, a low-carbon initiative in Khayelitsha who, since 2014, has installed 110 litre solar water heaters, ceilings and compact fluorescent energy efficient light bulbs in 2 100 houses.

By investing in Kuyasa, Cableway is enabling each household to save an estimated R1 000 per year in energy costs, while delivering a more liveable, safer and healthier dwelling.

“As custodians of Table Mountain, a New 7 Wonder of Nature, the Cableway has always prided itself on its responsible tourism initiatives. Committing ourselves to being carbon neutral was the logical next step in this journey. Seeing that commitment pay off in such a visual format and the positive outcome it has had for the Kuyasa Project makes us extremely proud,” said Sabine Lehmann, MD of the Cableway.

Wesgro is proud to announce the official launch of Cape Town Air Access. The launch will establish Cape Town Air Access as the focal point for international air route development in the Western Cape and signifies an impressive collaboration between the Western Cape Provincial Government, the City of Cape Town, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), Cape Town Tourism, Wesgro and the private sector.

The primary mandate of the air access team is to promote, develop and maintain air routes in and out of Cape Town International Airport. In this way their role includes, but is not limited to: route retention, route expansion, and new route establishment.

Photo L-R: Deon Cloete, Alan Winde, Patricia De Lille, Tim Harris and Enver Mally - Photo Credit: Roger Sedres/ImageSA

The signing of an MOU between the public stakeholders and the presence of Minister of economic opportunities Alan Winde and Mayor Patricia De Lille as well as Deon Cloete, General Manager of the Cape Town International Airport are indicative of the level of support and shows the important role which air access plays to the growth of investment in our province.

The Western Cape’s official Tourism, Trade, and Investment Promotion Agency, Wesgro is perfectly positioned to drive this collaboration. Wesgro CEO Tim Harris believes that air access is a key lever to unlocking greater economic growth in the Western Cape as it stimulates international trade, foreign direct investment and tourism.

Cable Car Table Mountain - Photo Credit: Cape Town Tourism

At 1.66kg per visitor, Cableway’s carbon emissions are made up of electricity, gas, fuel consumption, waste and water. Cableway staff are committed to their responsible tourism journey and took measures to reduce electricity consumption to 39MW/h, reduce water consumption by more than 5% per visitor and divert 52% of waste to landfill in the past year.

World Travel Market Africa World Travel Market® Africa 2016, the leading global event for the travel industry, is a dynamic three day event, with a proven track record of real business success for visitors and exhibitors. WTM® Africa will take place from 6-8 April 2016, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) and will create private and commercial opportunities by providing customers with quality contacts, content and communities.

Over the past two years WTM® Africa has seen visitor numbers grow by 18%, resulting in a 39% increase in travel professionals. Part of Africa Travel Week, WTM® Africa will again provide exhibitors with opportunities to engage with even more quality industry professionals and to conclude quality business deals. The total attendance numbers for WTM® Africa 2015 totalled 7731, with the event generating a massive $333 million in industry business deals. It is anticipated that WTM® Africa 2016 will see even more on to the exhibition floor further and an increase in networking opportunities between exhibitors, buyers, visitors and media. Exhibitor space for the 2016 event has filled up quickly, with only a few spaces remaining open. WTM Africa ®, is attended by senior travel and tourism industry executives whose sole aim is to conduct business deals and gain knowledge from the very latest research, insights and opinions.

Since its inception in 2015, the team has already experienced several successes: Ethiopian Airlines started a six times a week direct return flight from Addis Ababa, Turkish Airlines connects Cape Town to Istanbul on a non-stop daily connection, and KLM announced to increase its frequencies to a year-round daily flight from Amsterdam which increased international routes connecting Cape Town to major global hubs with strong onward connectivity to Europe, North America, Asia and India.

Confirmed for 2016 are two additional direct flights by Ethiopian Airlines from 1 February, the new SA Airlink flight to Maun Botswana which starts on 11 March and additional capacity on the London connection as Thomas Cook will operate 3 direct flights from Gatwick to Cape Town in the next summer season. The team is focused on developing the business cases and negotiating with airlines for non-stop routes to the USA, Asia and a number of strategic destinations in the rest of Africa.

In 2015, WTM® Africa created 7600 pre-scheduled appointments with hosted buyers who had true executive power.

Only at WTM® Africa can you simultaneously generate sales leads, launch new products, enter new markets, raise brand awareness, size up your competition, conduct market research, command press attention and develop and maintain relationships.

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TRAVEL & TOURISM

PAGE 7

Equestrian Events Boost

Century City Conference Centre

Equestrian sports have played a critical role in the growth and development of Cape Town’s tourism sector. The equestrian activities in the city consist of many different events such as polo, horse racing and horse jumping, to name a few.

Cape Town Tourism is on a massive drive to market the Western Cape as a global destination for business travel and as a result there has been a great demand for a conference facility with a capacity to host up to 1200 delegates in one venue (1900pax in total) across 19 venues.

the Cape’s Economy

These sports also have a substantial impact on jobs and income. Like any other business, the equestrian industry makes a variety of input purchases that translate into flow of funds throughout the local economy. The indirect and induced effects of the equestrian industry work through numerous other sectors within the local economy and contribute to the Cape’s economic growth and development.

and Hotel Open for Business

Popular amongst tourists is one of the Cape’s premier equestrian events - the annual Veuve Clicquot Masters Polo. Val de Vie Estate, a polo and wine estate tucked in the mountainous Paarl/Franschhoek valley, is home to this champagne and polo event that is celebrating its 6th year.

While South Africa's visa rules were initially seen as a barrier to entry, affecting visitor numbers to South Africa overall, changes announced by the government to amend certain requirements for tourists from certain countries has been welcome news and is impacting tourism positively, according to the Western Cape Government.

According to SA government, the inflow of tourists to South Africa is the result of the success of policies aimed at entrenching South Africa’s status as a major international tourism and business events destination. As the ‘king of sports’, as it is dubbed worldwide, polo is unique in terms of the platform it provides and its blend of upper middle class and high net worth attendees and polo aficionados.

These world-class events drive direct and indirect employment spanning across industries like hospitality, training, administration, eventing, marketing, security and catering.

The highly anticipated Century City Conference Centre (CCCC) and Hotel is officially open for business with a significant number of confirmed bookings for 2016 already in place.

Designed with both hospitality and operations in mind, a further advantage is that the adjacent hotel, which offers 125 rooms, now increases the number of rooms in the area to six hundred in total; all within walking distance from the Conference Centre. In addition to this, there has been a substantial private equity investment of R1billion into this mixed-use development in the Bridgeways precinct, exposing Century City to a global audience giving local businesses the advantages of the spillover effect.

The CCCC has had vast industry support from organisations such as the South African National Convention Bureau and WESGRO in addition to the Minister of Tourism himself, Mr Derek Hanekom; all in agreement that this new development is key to promoting business travel to the Western Cape.

Joint CEOs Glyn Taylor and Gary Koetser have travelled the globe extensively, not only in an effort to draw in inspiration from the best conference centres in the world, but most recently to further promote this world-class facility.

They have been received with huge interest and excitement at annual trade shows such as IMEX in Frankfurt and Las Vegas, Incentive Business Travel (IBTM), Meetings Expo Africa, the World Travel Market Expo (WTM) and Tourism Indaba.

“Polo events such as the Veuve Clicquot Masters is also the perfect platform to showcase the best that South Africa has to offer – proving that it can produce a world-class event that can compete on the international stage,” adds Vividluxury’s CEO Anina Malherbe-Lan, one of the event co-founders.

The equestrian industry is bringing more and more people in for riding and polo lessons, to shop, to buy horses, and to attend polo and other equestrian events.

According to Brand South Africa more than 10% of foreign tourists come to South Africa to watch or participate in sport events, with spectators accounting for 60% to 80% of these arrivals.

“Polo events is the latest trend when it comes to business networking platforms for South Africa’s corporate elite and also attracts international investment,” adds event co-owner and Val de Vie Events MD, Simone de Wet.

Their recent experience has only echoed their sentiment regarding Cape Town as one of the leading conference destinations in the world.

Key insights were shared by Koetser, who comments, “It is encouraging to see that the Western Cape is clearly seen not only as one of the World’s leading leisure destinations, but as a forerunner for business travel globally.”

Taylor says, “We believe that the CCCC is a great new asset to the hospitality industry and a perfect opportunity to increase the number of business travellers to South Africa and Cape Town.”

The Century City Conference Centre and Hotel is more than what meets the eye, offering functional efficiency, urban integration, spirit of place and sustainability – encouraging delegates and visitors to experience all that the Mother City has to offer.

Ross O’Connell Jennings Bagpipe World Record Tour Comes to Cape Town Ross O’Connell Jennings is on a mission to be the first man to bagpipe in every country on earth – and his trip to South Africa wouldn’t be complete without visiting Cape Town and the Western Cape.

From 11-21 February Ross and his bagpipes travelled all over the province to experience many of the tourist attractions first-hand that have made Cape Town and the Western Cape the country’s most popular tourist destination.

Ross started playing bagpipes in high school and was surprised by how interested people were in the music and the instrument wherever he went. “After graduating from Uni in Edinburgh in 2013, I started travelling more with the pipes and decided to go for a record,” he explained from Cape Town. “But then I realised that the journey was a lot more important than the goal and I wanted to give something back.”

Ross and John Philip travelled to regions of the Western Cape to experience activities such as wine-tasting, horse-riding and even cage diving with Great White sharks. They also visited heritage sites in Cape Town such as the District Six Museum, Robben Island, and Signal Hill where they went paragliding – although Ross says he doubt’s he’ll be able to pipe and fly at the same time! “I now see my journey as a brilliant way of sharing a bit of my culture, and a great way to break down cultural barriers while at the same time allowing my own followers to experience some of the culture of the places I visit,” says Jennings.

Ross O’Connell Jennings - Photo Credit: John Philp

“We hope that Ross’s visit will awaken potential tourists to the many attractions and activities that the Western Cape has to offer and have a knock-on effect, attracting travellers from abroad during our winter months,” says Judy Lain, Wesgro Chief Marketing Officer.

PAGE 8

THE NEWSPAPER

CONSTRUCTION

Agri-Homes - Solution to Farm Housing Agri-Homes SA®, with its subsidiary Farm-Homes®, brings to light the most significant, yet, affordable change in housing for Farm Labourers ever to be made available to the Agricultural industry within South Africa.

Farm-Homes is an ever green product, and can provide a 100% green turnkey product.

Its designs are architecturally attractive, cost effective, energy efficient, durable, and fire resistant.

Farm-Homes are made in steel frame panels each to fit specific designed modules, and are historically less expensive than competing forms of construction.

SERVICES Plumbing and Electrical wiring are installed in wall cavities without chasing of walls. External services such as Photovoltaic Panels, and Solar Hot Water Panels, and sewerage systems are available on request.

DURABILITY Agri-Homes finishes are secured with its high strength and protective coatings. The Steel Frame Modules used in Agri-Homes are impressively durable and these environmentally controlled buildings will perform well in excess of one hundred years.

ARCHITECTURALLY FLEXIBILITY With Agri-Homes Steel Frame Modules, the designer has extensive choices of finishes to achieve the desired architectural vernacular.

Some of the exterior wall finishes commonly combined with Steel Frame are, Single skin brick veneer; Fibre Cement Sheets; Vermont Plank (Ship Lapped); Brick, stone, ceramic tile and concrete veneers; Prefinished plywood; Exterior insulation and finish (EFIS) systems, and Cement plaster (stucco) on metal lath.

STRUCTURAL FLEXIBILITY

THE PRODUCT Steel in the manufacturing of houses, granny flats, warehouses, shopping complexes, office blocks, and now even Farm houses for labourers have become an eminently sustainable material, through the modernization of production processes.

The mass of a wall in a Steel Frame Building is less than 10% of a double skin plastered brick wall. Significant energy savings are achieved merely in the transport of the materials to the building site. Furthermore, wastage of materials on site is minimized, eliminating the need to remove truck loads of building rubble.

The most significant energy saving is building with the Agri-Homes Steel Frame Modules which are optimally insulated suitable to every geographic region within Southern Africa, resulting in energy savings for heating and cooling.

CONSTRUCTION

These Agri-Homes are designed to accommodate horizontal and vertical additions which can be effected easily in stages – giving it that Almost Limitless Design Freedom.

The Agri-Homes Steel Frame Modules can be used for almost any building construction – in ground floor exterior axial load bearing walls or even unsupported spans of up to 24 meters.

HEALTH AND RELIABILITY The Agri-Homes Steel Frame Modules are reliable products that will not shrink, warp, swell, creep or otherwise move, which enhances and maintains construction quality. Its Steel Frame Modules are non-organic and cannot rot or support unhealthy infestations of mold and fungus growth. These Steel Frame Modules are not hospitable to, nor will vermin such as termites and rodents damage it.

Time saving in the construction of these Agri-Homes is estimated to be more than 40%, compared with conventional building.

All frames are manufactured and assembled under stringent factory conditions, maximizing quality and efficiency. Therefore, cold or wet weather is not an issue when constructing Agri-Homes.

The Agri-Homes Steel Frame Modules have a higher strength to weight ratio and are lighter than wood or masonry of comparable size. This has a positive impact on the building's seismic resistance, as it may allow economical spread footing foundations and it may also allow upward expansion in a building originally not designed for an extra floor.

A great deal of time, money and effort is spent on the Thermal insulation of all Agri-Homes.

Thermal insulation can be specified to be up to 5 times more superior to conventional brick and mortar buildings.

The Agri-Homes Steel Frame Modular building method lends itself to column foundations and suspended floors, reducing the cost of building on uneven sites.

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER CERTIFICATE The use of sophisticated software has greatly benefited the design and engineering of the Agri-Homes Steel Frame Modules. Therefore, all Agri-Homes plans are approve by a registered consulting Structural Engineer controlled by the South African Steel Frame Association - SASFA. FINANCE, COSTS, DELIVERY, AND OCCUPATION Various Financial Institutions have acknowledged their support in writing, and are willing to provide finance on projects designed and constructed by Agri-Homes.

Entry level Farm-Homes can be supplied for as little as R65,000.00. Delivery of Agri- Homes Steel Frame Modules is approximately two weeks and occupation of a Farm-Home for Labourers is possible within 3 - 4 weeks from date of order.

NHBRC APPROVED All Agri-Homes complies with the rational design requirements of the National Building Regulation, approved by National Home Builders Registration Council NHBRC.

agri HOMEs YOUR SOLUTION TO FARM HOUSING For more information contact Louis on 072 050 1655 or email: info@agrihomes.co.za visit www.agrihomes.co.za

THE NEWSPAPER

ENERGY

PAGE 9

xRg Solutions - Managing Your Energy!

Since 2008, energy prices have been steadily increasing at an average rate of just under 19% per year across all sectors. With alternative energy sources becoming more affordable and accessible, more and more people are opting to invest in these as a means of curbing energy inflation.

To become more energy efficient, however, one needs to know where the energy is going. If you know where your energy is going, you know where to start your energy savings initiative. This also helps in the design and sizing of any alternative energy solution.

The typical IRR (investment rate of return) is between 24 and 30% over 25 years”. xRg is not a “one-size-fit-all” type of company. Each of their clients are unique, with unique problems, requiring unique solutions. This is why consulting and measuring is so important to xRg. Following a consultation, energy will be measured for a set time period, followed by an initial energy audit. This enables xRg to determine what is really happening and how best to approach the problem.

If, for example, the clients require a photovoltaic system, xRg will then commence with a site survey taking into consideration the location and its surroundings.

Photo: L-R: Dieter Voges (xRg co-founder) David Marais (Higeco Africa founder) (xRg co-founder) Dr Jonathan Olivier

Measuring and managing energy consumption is often one of the most neglected aspects in industry and at home. Although people are becoming more aware of their energy management predicament, they generally do not know where to find help.

The survey determines whether there are any site-specific considerations, such as objects that might generate shadows, which may influence the performance of the system. All project designs are then run through simulations with the results being used to refine and optimize the design and determine the financial feasibility.

Although xRg’s main focus area is on commercial/agricultural-sized systems, it does offer its services to the residential market.

xRg Solutions (Pty) Ltd was formed for this sole purpose, to assist individuals and industry in realising and managing their energy needs. The key part in any energy initiative is the information available. This is why a joint venture was formed with Higeco Africa (Pty) Ltd (founded by David Marais).

Higeco Africa is the sole supplier of the Higeco energy management system and QEED energy hardware in Africa.

The system not only measures energy at various locations, it also has the capability to manage the energy. This is especially attractive for customers who exceed their agreed-upon maximum power. The penalties for exceeding this limit are quite severe and industry will try and avoid this at all costs.

With the Higeco system, limits can be implemented, which starts disabling low-priority equipment once these limits have been reached.

The system is also used widely in photovoltaic installations, with more than 320MW at over 540 sites around the globe being monitored.

The beauty of the system is, no matter where your installation sites are, all the data can be seen from your mobile device or web page. “Its all about information” says co-founder Dr Jonathan Olivier, a Mechanical Engineer and Certified Energy Manager.” Information will power your decisions.” xRg also offers the design and implementation of renewable energy installations.

In this area their main focus is largely photovoltaics as it is currently still the cheapest per installed Watt of all other renewables. Photovoltaics, however, is not the only renewable xRg specialise in, with wind and hydropower also being part of their salvo.

“The great thing about photovoltaics is their affordability”, says co-founder Dieter Voges. “Currently, when designed for self-consumption (all energy generated is utilised, with no feeding or selling back of energy to the utility), the current payback is between 4.5 and 7 years, depending on the electricity tariff plan you are currently on.”

For a photovoltaic system, for example, this market segment would normally require the use of a battery system. This is because the energy is mostly consumed at times when there is no sun, i.e. early mornings and evenings. Any excess energy produced by such a system needs to be stored for later use. What makes a system like this quite attractive is that the governing power utility becomes the back-up provider, not the main provider. xRg also provide off-grid solutions, especially when it is large enough to make use of the micro-grid concept.

Micro-grids are, in general terms, an off-grid system making use of a variety of energy sources at the same time, ie photovoltaics, wind, hydro and diesel generators. Each sub-system is optimally sized so that initial investment and operating costs are minimised, while still maintaining a high uptime probability. This is a very exciting field, with endless possibilities.

“Finding an economically viable, sustainable solution to a client’s problem brings us great satisfaction.” says Dr Olivier. xRg has surrounded itself with a quality group of local and international suppliers and with it’s venture with Higeco Africa especially, the team is confident that it will give prospective clients a holistic solution, which will continue to offer reliable and informed energy management over the long term.

With renewables being at their current price-point, many are seeking this market sector as an investment opportunity.

For more information contact +27 79 216 0860 or email: info@xrg.co.za visit www.xrg.co.za

PAGE 10

THE NEWSPAPER

HEALTH

WPBTS TAKING STEPS TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF ZIKA VIRUS The Zika virus infection is spread through mosquito bites and is mild in most cases, with its most common symptoms being a fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (pink eye).

However, the Blood Services are particularly concerned regarding the association between Zika infection during pregnancy and microcephaly (with delayed neurological development), as well as an association between Zika infection and Guillain-Barre Syndrome, which is a temporary but serious disorder causing paralysis. Up to 80% of people infected with the Zika virus may have no symptoms at all.

“As Zika virus infection can be transmitted via blood transfusion, the Service asks that blood donors who travelled to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central or South America do not donate blood within 28 days of returning to the Western Cape”, says Marlize van der Merwe, WPBTS Spokesperson. “The safety of our blood donors and recipients are of utmost importance to the Service and the deferral has been put in place for that exact reason.” In general, travelling to tropical areas puts people at risk of getting infections not usually found in South Africa.

The WP Blood Transfusion Service (WPBTS) has adjusted its donor acceptance criteria in an effort to ensure that no blood transfusion recipients will be exposed to the Zika virus.

If donors visited the aforementioned affected areas and experience symptoms within the next 14 days after donation, they are requested to notify WPBTS immediately.

THERMAVEIN TREATMENTS ThermaVein SA was founded 2 years ago after a lengthy search for an effective, non laser or IPL treatment for unsightly facial and leg veins.

The symptoms are as follow: fever of more than 37.8°C, muscle and/or joint aches or weakness, eye pain, including conjunctivitis (pink eye) and a rash.

As this restriction is expected to reduce the number of eligible blood donors, those who are healthy and are not affected by this post-travel waiting period, are encouraged to donate blood.

The basic donor acceptance criteria are that one is at least 16 years of age, weighs more than 50 kg’s, is in good general health, and lives a safe lifestyle. It is also important for donors to eat a meal three to four hours before donating blood and increase their fluid intake on the day of donation.

For more information contact 021 507 6300 or visit www.wpblood.org.za

HOPE FOR A POSITIVE OUTCOME OF CANCER

ThermaVein was developed in the UK and is a minimally invasive treatment with no known side effects. It can’t burn, scar or cause pigmentation.

SoundWaves Health Clinic stepped into 2016 with a bang!

And unlike other treatments currently available, the technology behind ThermaVein, called thermo-coagulation, assures that facial veins are gone immediately after the treatment.

We’ve grown so much that we relocated to sparkling new consulting rooms in Gordon’s Bay. We are filled with excitement to provide an even more excellent service to our many existing patients, as well as all of you whom we have not met yet.

Male Right Side Before

Male Right Side After Only 4 Treatments

Mostly only 1 to 2 treatments are required to treat facial veins. Practitioners use a needle as thin as a human hair and, in conjunction with a polarised headlamp, makes for a very accurate and precise treatment.

Leg veins are notoriously more difficult to get rid of and requires 3 to 4 treatments for optimum results.

ThermaVein works from up market salons and doctor’s rooms country wide.

The cause of facial and leg veins are very often hereditary and/or, hormonal, but more often it is a side effect of our modern lifestyle. These veins also become a lot more visible with age.

Outside factors like weather, diet, smoking, drinking and exercise play a major role in the formation of visible veins. These thread or spider veins lie directly under the skin and, particularly in the case of facial veins, makes ThermaVein the perfect treatment choice to get rid of these veins instantly.

Suffering from unsightly facial or leg veins?

• Safe, effective and suitable for all skin types • Facial veins gone in 1 to 2 treatments • Leg veins treated in 3 to 4 treatments • Minimally painful with no known side effects • Featured on BBC & KykNet (Doctors, Embarrassing Bodies) Male Face Before

Male Face After

Available at selected salons and doctor’s rooms Erika 082 413 6525 www.ThermaVeinSA.co.za info@ThermaVeinSA.co.za

This article is a follow up on the article in the December 2015 issue of The Newspaper.

After an initial visit to the SoundWaves Health Clinic, our volunteer had cleansed her liver, followed by one Bio-resonance (Frequency) Therapy session to kill harmful bacteria and viruses (i.e. detox).

The 3D NLS Body Scanner and Bodysonic Scanner had detected Lymphoma. Normally this diagnosis would cause shock and dismay – the dreaded Big C...

However, thanks to this amazing therapy and technology, there is hope for a positive outcome – in a natural, noninvasive way! Bio-resonance Therapy has been successfully used all over the world in the fight against cancer – bringing hope in place of despair and fear.

Given the choice to visit an oncologist, the volunteer decided to accept treatment at the SoundWaves Health Clinic.

This is not an overnight quick-fix: numerous treatment protocols over many hours need to be applied, according to the type and severity of cancer. The body must be prepared for treatment – hence the liver cleanse and detox. This preparation is especially crucial when a person has already received any of the conventional cancer treatments.

Over a certain period of time the cancer cells (including their stem cells) will be bombarded with a varying range of frequencies (sound waves).

(Interestingly enough: an article in

Early detection through sensitive sensors

the 31 October 2015 issue of “The Guardian” has announced a “medical breakthrough” – the use of sound waves to “blast cancer cells”! Our “alternative” 3D NLS system has been used worldwide in this fight against cancer and other illnesses, for decades.)

The great benefit of this alternative treatment is that it stimulates the body to heal itself. Our bodies were after all created to keep regenerating; to restore itself. Any wound will “repair” itself – tissue and skin knitting together; forming a scab, etc. – evidence of a body healing itself.

Have the courage to make your own informed choice; do your own research about your illness. Take control of your body – it’s the only one you’ve got!

Above all, remember: there is a better, alternative pathway to sound health!

Article by Annemarie de Villiers For more information contact 083 267 9745 or admin@soundwaves.capetown www.soundwaves.gettimely.com Shop 6, Old Cape Mall, Beach Rd, Gordon’s Bay

THE NEWSPAPER

WELLNESS

How to unclutter your Home and Office

PAGE 11

Get Fit & Have Fun for Free Couch potatoes, connect with your inner skinny fry this summer. The V&A Waterfront has partnered with Virgin Active, Adventure Boot Camp and Kranking Studios to bring visitors a variety of free fitness classes with some of the best views around.

From the fitness guru to casual participant, all are welcome as the V&A Waterfront’s Outdoor Active classes range from beginners to experienced. The free programme includes Pilates, yoga, boot camp, spinning and even Zumba, and will also offer workshops, health screenings and demonstrations for those looking to revitalise their bodies.

Outdoor Active Kranking - Early birds can rise with the sun and make their way down to the Croquet Lawn, outside the Springbok Experience Rugby Museum, for early-morning Outdoor Active Kranking classes that will krank Tuesdays up a notch. Exercises will vary between steps, weights and spinning each week.

Depression and anxiety currently affects one in every five South Africans. It’s a debilitating state of mind which can seriously affect an individual’s quality of life.

One way to support a healthier mental state is by being in an organised and welcoming office and home environment.

Outdoor Active with Virgin Active - Shake off the stress of a busy day on Wednesdays at 6pm at the Pierhead. Participants can expect a mixture of Zumba and Virgin Active’s ‘Grid Active’ classes each week, raising the temperature with some fiery Latin dancing and full-body workout sessions.

Wilmi Hudsonberg, spokesperson for Pharma Dynamics – a leading generics firm specialising in treatments for depression and anxiety, among others – says clutter can play a significant role in how we feel about ourselves. Messy homes and office desks leave us feeling anxious, helpless and overwhelmed.

“By creating a soothing home and organised work environment your body automatically releases dopamine, serotonin, melatonin and oxytocin – all the feel-good hormones that heals depression,” says Hudsonberg.

Here are her interior suggestions to help create a more balanced and relaxing environment at home: Get rid of all the clutter - It’s often not about how clean your house is, but rather about what you face when you walk in the door every day. Unpaid bills lying around, dishes in the sink, toys all over the house and piles of washing are all constant reminders of everything that still needs to be done. Involve your children by getting them to unclutter every time they walk into their room.

Open blinds and curtains to let in more natural light. Light stimulates a flow of hormones and chemicals in your body that will improve your mood and energy levels.

Brighten your home with lights or change the colour palette of your living space or introduce colourful and vibrant scatter cushions, rugs, throws and other accessories such as lamps, vases or decorative photo frames, mirrors and paintings.

Outdoor Active Boot Camp - Partnering with Adventure Boot Camp, visitors can put their bodies to the test at the crack of dawn on Thursdays at 6am at the Croquet Lawn. Boot camp will include short distance running, skipping, ab exercises, Pilates, circuit training and core strength exercises.

Outdoor Active Nova and Yoga - Sculpt your body with the V&A Waterfront’s Outdoor Active yoga and nova classes this summer, taking place once a week on Fridays at 6am at the Croquet Lawn. Combining yoga and Pilates moves, the classes focus on flexibility, balance, back strengthening and more, all with a beautiful view of the dock.

Outdoor Active with Virgin Active - Virgin Active presents a combination of its ‘Just Dance’, ‘Grid Active’ and ‘Twenty Four’ classes on Saturdays at 6pm at the Pierhead. From high intensity interval training to dance mixes, participants can step up their fitness game this season.

Outdoor Active with Virgin Active - Let fitness become a family event at the V&A Waterfront’s Outdoor Active classes on Sundays at 6pm at the Pierhead. Classes will alternate weekly between ‘Twisty Tales / Active Play’, a fun, confidence-building yoga programme for children between 4 and 13 years, and the more adult-orientated ‘Just Dance’, which adds some dancing fun to calorie burning.

The Outdoor Active programme will run until 30 April. Class spaces are limited an all participants must register on www.waterfront.co.za

South Africa’s First Guilt-Free Surround yourself with whatever it is that makes you feel good. The way your home smells can also induce positive feelings and a sense of relaxation. If you spend most of your time in the kitchen and it’s making you miserable, renovating the area so you don’t feel left out of the rest of the family’s activities.

Whether it’s painting a wall or refurbishing a chair, once you’ve accomplished a home project you will derive so much satisfaction from it, which in turn will boost your mood. Bring plants into your home. This has been proven to be therapeutic for many individuals.

Tips for organising your work station are - Determine the underlying cause of your cluttered work desk and work out a system that’s going to work for you.

The next step is to wheel in three containers – one for stuff that is going straight into the bin, the other is for stuff that you want to keep, but doesn’t really belong in the office and the third container is for stuff you are going to donate. Look at every object in terms of its usefulness. The general rule for uncluttering and reclaiming your space is, “when in doubt, throw it out”.

We live in a modern world where so many things can be stored digitally, so try filing documents in the cloud, rather than in a physical file.

To manage paperwork after the big clean up, create a two-tray system – one for new documents and another for documents you’ve still need to deal with. Set yourself a goal to deal with your paperwork within 48 hours.

Hudsonberg cautions that although your office or home can cause a certain level of depression and despite the fact that there are things you can do inside your home or at work to help the blues go away, that it doesn’t mean there could be other contributing factors. Make sure to see a doctor if your depressed mood persists.

For more information contact Pharma Dynamics on 0800 205 026

Protein Ice Cream This summer, Skinny Scoop has launched a first of its kind sugar-free protein ice cream. The heavenly creation unlocks a new way of living by combining the perfect combination of decadency and innocent indulgence.

The dark and desirable design along with the quirky flavour characters, Vanilla Camilla and Afterdark Cacao AKA Donatella, embodies their flare of not following the norm. The tempting treat contains only the highest quality natural ingredients, making the sexy and seductive tub design the only ‘naughty’ thing about this ice cream.

Skinny Scoop was born when Coowners and Directors Jarred Plu’g and Gabriella Esposito discovered their common health and fitness interests.

“We wanted to combine my expertise from personal training and Gabriella’s baking knowledge of the delectable world of dessert, to create a product that satisfies those late night and everyday cravings, but at the same time keeps you healthy and fit,” says Jarred.

For more information visit www.skinnyscoop.co.za

PAGE 12

EVENTS

THE NEWSPAPER

Entries Open for Safari Half Marathon Entries are now open for the Safari half marathon,10km run/walk as well as the ever popular 5km family fun run.

All roads lead to Wellington on Monday 2 May 2016 where the Safari half marathon will take place.

The event will start next to the Hugenote High School and the finishing line will be on the fields of the school where stalls will be selling fresh produce, lots of tasty treats will be available, as well as music and other entertainment for supporters and spectators.

It is anticipated that in excess of 10 000 participants will once again take to the roads on Monday, 2 May and enjoy the beautiful scenery in and around the picturesque town of Wellington.

There will also be lucky draw prizes up for grabs during the event. An added bonus this year will be the lucky draw prizes from NutriBullet appliances as pre event on race day and post event to participants as well as supporters and spectators. Medals will be provided to finishers in all three distances on race day.

Get your entry on www.topevents.co.za and also consider purchasing a quality moisture management BLK T shirt.

This years official benefitting charity of the Safari half marathon is the Alta du Toit Home.

For more information contact 021 5117130 or visit www.safarihalfmarathon.co.za or email: info@topevents.co.za

Numerous Debut Works to Be Unveiled at The 22nd KKNK

LivingIt Ubuntu Film Festival

Over the course of its 21-year history, the KKNK has been a springboard for artists looking to showcase their craft. This year is no exception, and the 22nd edition of the festival will play host to more than 30 debut productions from 24-30 March in Oudtshoorn.

HemelBesem, who is being honoured with the Kunste Onbeperk Kruispunt-prize, can be seen in three debut productions at the festival.

In the stand-up comedy piece, Op ’n ernstige noot, he and Yoma (South African stand-up queen) will provide laughs aplenty.

In Die Afrikaansvatter, a mixture of graffiti, music, animation and stand-up comedy will be on show, while Rymklets van Oos tot Wes will bring the sharpest rhymes and best beats to the Klein Karoo with the talents of Bliksemstraal, Linkris, Early B and a special guest star from Belgium in the lineup.

“Everyone knows me, but no-one knows my soul. I am invisible.” The words of Vinette Ebrahim’s protagonist in the debut drama, Invisible, will ensure introspection for every person that watches the show. A story of adapting to one’s environment, the play takes place in District Six, a location that brings life to Vinette Ebrahim’s character. Christo Davids is the director of this one-woman show.

The work of young amateur South African filmmakers will be publicly celebrated at the fifth annual LivingIt Ubuntu Youth Film Festival, taking place at the US Woordfees at Oude Libertas Arts and Culture Centre in Stellenbosch on 13 March 2016.

The festival, which was made possible by a grant from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC), will screen a series of short five-minute films produced by amateur youth. Besides its mission of ‘ubuntu’ – bringing people together – the festival has a legacy of fostering talent, with works on YouTube, and seen on local television and screens as far afield as Boston, Toronto, Edinburgh and London. Some of its winners, such as Kobus Potgieter, have gone on to become filmmakers.

LivingIt is a non-profit organisation with an impressive track record of success in giving voice to the hopes and dreams of young people in South Africa. Programme activities challenge, inspire, support and train young South Africans to produce short films of under five minutes.

This year’s Festival theme is Ubuntu (stay/happy/bly/hlala/onwabile). With the assistance of skilled professionals, these films are generated entirely by the young people, from script writing, acting and shooting the film, to final editing. In this way the participants are provided with a wide range of skills and opportunities while using film as a vehicle to voice the hopes and dreams of youngsters, for a united world.

The top five competition entries will be announced at the Festival and each of these will receive R6 000, part sponsored by the Afrikaanse Taal en Kultuurvereniging. Further prizes will be awarded at an Artscape screening in August.

Teens who take part in LivingIt’s programme and who show a talent in the various aspects of filmmaking (from pre-production to script-writing to acting) are linked to national and international educational institutions where they can further their education to become employable within South Africa’s film industry.

Die Man Jesus, with André Lombard as protagonist and Charles J. Fourie as director, tells the story of Jesus on a personal level, investigating his humanity and how others saw him. This piece analyzes the character of Jesus and investigates his influential life. The audience becomes part of an emotional journey with Jesus and his disciples that stretches from Galilee to Calvary.

“This year is the first year that I will introduce Ouma Dolla (Grandma Dolla) to the world,” says Margit Meyer-Rödenbeck. Ouma Dolla makes an appearance in #DowweDolla where Dolla, as usual, isn’t afraid to give her opinion on everything from social media to rabies.

Naledi berge nog so blou is the follow-up to Schalk Joubert’s Al lê die berge nog so blou, the latter a recipient of the Kanna for best musical production in 2015 at the KKNK. This new production features Koos Kombuis, Katlego Maboe and local singer Shinobia Saptouw (nominated for the Kanna for best up-and-coming artist of 2015) amongst others. This show is a cultural journey through the history of musical elements that South Africans hold dear. It promises to be as breathtaking as it is insightful.

“The debut works at this year’s KKNK were selected to supply festivalgoers with a wide range of choices, to ensure unbelievable experiences,” says Hugo Theart, creative head of Kunste Onbeperk, organisers of the event.

“Audiences will be able to see exciting theatre, with the best craftsmanship and types of content that they’ll be able to relate to on different levels.

The wide range of musical genres offers diverse musical entertainment for everyone’s tastes.

The new musical productions on the festival program will stay in the audience’s consciousness for a long time to come,” Theart adds.

For more information visit www.kknk.co.za

Photo L-R: Liam de Blique, Ronel Geldenhuys, Angus Innes, Karmelita, & Nicole

Two one-day introductory workshops were held in Cape Town in December 2015 to guide and assist aspirant young film makers in getting started. In addition, a one-day workshop at City Varsity film school was made available in January to the first five individuals or groups who appealed for final tweaking and assistance of their entries at City Varsity film school.

A pre-screening of the film entries along with short films from other organisations that work with young people and children making their own movies, will be shown on 9 March 2016 at 15h30 in the Neelsie, Stellenbosch University. A permanent interactive art installation, Afrigamibirds, inspired by the Japanese tradition of seeking to make a wish come true by folding 1000 paper cranes, will also be on display at the Oude Libertas Art Gallery. This installation reflects the wishes of diverse communities for a peaceful and compassionate society that lives in harmony with the earth.

Entry to both the Film Festival, pre-screening and art installation is free.

For more information visit www.livingit.org.za

THE NEWSPAPER

EVENTS

Hands-on Harvest Festival

PAGE 13

Earth Hour, Shine a Light on climate action Earth Hour is the world’s biggest grassroots movement for the environment. This year the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is shining a light on one of the most challenging issue of our times – climate change.

“We know that awareness leads to action and action leads to change which is why we are throwing down the gauntlet to all South Africans to take individual or group actions that collectively translate into meaningful impact.”

The Robertson Wine Valley is proud to host its 8th Hands-on Harvest festival where visitors can explore award-winning wineries during 50 days of harvest in the Robertson Wine Valley. This down-to-earth Autumn celebration takes place until 27 March and offers families a chance to experience the magic of harvest.

This fruity fiesta is bigger and better than ever and is poised to shake up Route 62 during the 2016 harvest season. It boasts a lengthy programme of events that includes the towns of Ashton, Bonnievale, McGregor and Robertson. With more than 20 wineries, estates and other establishments taking part, this food and wine affair spoils visitors for choice with a wide variety of tailor-made activities.

Experience the grape’s journey from vine to barrel to glass by grape picking & stomping, vineyard safaris and blending & tasting experiences. Enjoy riverside lunches, vineyard picnics and food & wine pairings. Adrenaline junkies can get their fix of excitement with a host of adventure activities including skydiving, 4x4 routes, golfing, rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking and river cruises.

For more information visit www.handsonharvest.com

Where the World Meets for Good The Community Chest Carnival is back, with a refreshed and revitalised feel for 2016!

Getting involved is easy. Just visit the Earth Hour platform on the WWF website and state how you intend to play your part in addressing climate change.

To make it even simpler, the pledge platform allows for commitments to be made under one of four categories: food, energy, water and waste.

Food, energy and water are the three essentials we need to survive and thrive.

However, each of these is under pressure in the face of a changing climate.

This pressure is exacerbated by our waste management, including the more than 9 million tonnes of food that is thrown away each year.

As individuals, it is easy to get discouraged by the scale of the problem, but the fact is that if thousands of individuals make everyday changes, the positive effect will be felt. This is the power of Earth Hour.

“Collective action is effective and inspiring. The switch off of lights, which this year happens from 8:30-9:30pm on Saturday, 19 March 2016, is a simple act which symbolises unity and a common desire for change. We call on all South Africans to take part,” says Morné du Plessis, CEO of WWF South Africa.

Across the world, Earth Hour has inspired hundreds of millions of individuals and organisations in more than 7 000 cities and towns in more than 170 countries and territories. Join the movement today by shining a light on climate action.

For more information visit www.earthhour.org.za

The Carnival features tastes from around the globe including traditional flavours as well as bringing back the all-time favourite classics from the most popular stalls of Carnivals gone by – Holland, India, China, Italy, and many more.

The four day family event has also been revamped with gourmet food trucks, craft beers and wine tasting to satisfy the taste buds of the Mother City’s ever-growing community of foodies.

THIS EARTH HOUR, SHINE A LIGHT ON CLIMATE ACTION.

The fun festival, attracting in excess of 80 000 people, will take place a little later than usual this year from 30 March to 2 April at the traditional venue of Maynardville Park in Wynberg, Cape Town. And it’s all to raise funds for an excellent cause – the Community Chest of the Western Cape, which provides support to more than 200 community organisations throughout the province.

The entire family will be entertained with local live music, fashion shows, a battle of the school bands, and crafts, books, local fashion stores and a pop-up cinema revealing some of the classics is a brand new addition.

“This year we’ve taken heed of all the feedback from previous events and we are bringing back the nostalgia people so fondly remember from the golden years of Carnival,” says Jo Pereira, Head of Strategy and Sustainability for the Community Chest of the Western Cape. “But we also want to celebrate the future of Carnival, with all the new elements. We believe our regular event goers will grow to love for many more years to come.”

The Community Chest Carnival is one of the Mother City’s longest running and most successful family events. It began in 1951 as a theatrical garden party, and has evolved into a festival of international food, local entertainment and family fun.

For more information visit www.comchest.org.za

#EarthHourZA EARTHHOUR.ORG.ZA 19 MAR 2016 | 8:30 PM

PAGE 14

THE NEWSPAPER

BUSINESS

ROCKHOPPER ADVENTURES

STEPS TO HELP

THE BIKE SHOP WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH

BLUNT IMPACT OF INTEREST RATE INCREASE

Rockhopper Adventures is situated at the Somerset Mall next to Standard Bank, with premium bicycle brands such as Cannondale & KTM. They stock high end quality apparel which includes Assos & Giro, just to name a few.

The interest rate increase by 50 basis points will cause many South Africans, already stretched by cost-of-living increases, to stretch their monthly budget even further.

Rockhopper Adventures well-equipped workshop and bike technicians provide service, repairs and back up support to all makes and models of bicycles. Their attention to detail is of a high standard.

At first glance a 0.50% increase in the repo rate, the interest rate at which the central bank lends money to the country’s commercial banks, may not seem like a lot, but it indicates that the Reserve Bank is worried about inflation as prices of goods and services rise, fuelled in part by escalating energy costs and a depreciating currency.

“Simply put, inflation means that the money in your wallet is worth less. By increasing interest rates the Reserve Bank is trying to reduce spending and limit inflation to between 3% and 6%.”

“The problem is that this also makes it more expensive to borrow money, which can limit economic growth,” explains Marlies Kappers, head of marketing at Direct Axis.This may seem that it has little to do with ordinary South Africans, but it does have a very real effect on householders trying to make ends meet.

After the interest rate announcement the major banks announced they would increase their prime rates by the same margin. This means that if you’ve borrowed money at prime rates you’ll be paying 50 cents more a month on every R100 you owe. If this was the only factor affecting household budgets, many would cope.

Bear in mind, however, that if you have a bond, not only has the cost of owning your house increased, but so has the cost of living in it as electricity costs have also risen.

“Rockhopper Adventures is excited to be a valuable contributor to the growing sport of Mountain Biking, especially in the beautiful Helderberg.”

“Trail and singletrack development is of a high priority to the company and we have completed various tracks in Greyton and now expanding in Somerset West.”

For more information contact 083 235 9612 / 071 609 5574 or visit www.rockhopperadventures.co.za

FRANMAR PROPERTY RENTALS “Franmar Property Rentals, with more than 10 years’ experience in property rentals is new to the area and believe we can provide a well needed service to landlords and property owners. Immaterial if you have a second property, garden flat, holiday apartment or a substantial property portfolio Franmar Property Rentals will provide a sufficient and reliable tenant management service.”

Once you have signed a mandate to lease and for some or other reason no longer wants to use the services of Franmar Property Rentals you give 90-days’ notice without any penalties. Franmar Property Rentals only charges a monthly 10% commission on rent collected. Other services included in the commission are free listing, advertising, screening of tenant, signing of lease agreements, 6-monthly inspections and inspection reports to landlords, no bank charges, letter of demand and or letter to vacate to defaulting tenants.

Monthly rent will be paid into the nominated bank account of the owner on or before the 7th of each month. Deposits will be kept in an interest bearing trust account.

Let FRANMAR PROPERTY RENTALS take over the full tenant management responsibility on your behalf.

Request a one-on-one interview at a time and place that is convenient to you, to establish how our services differ from your normal rental agencies and details about other value added services on offer.

Call Mariana on 081 596 0506 or e-mail franmarproperties@gmail.com

FRANMAR PROPERTY RENTALS

Although there’s not a lot ordinary South Africans can do about macro-economic issues there are some steps they can take to limit the effects of rising interest rates and other costs.

These include: Ruthlessly cut out non-essential spending and use the savings to pay off short-term debts, starting with those that attract the highest interest rates. Keep track of monthly expenses to see where you may be able to save. For example you may discover you have duplicate insurance cover or by shopping around are able to get better premiums. Consider consolidating your debts.

This involves lumping all your debt together and getting a single loan to repay all of it. Doing this makes managing your income and expenditure simpler and because the interest rate is fixed, it’s easier to budget. Spreading repayments over a longer term also usually reduces the monthly instalments.

Set a monthly budget. First cover essential fixed expenses such as a home loan, rent or car repayments, then provide for variable expenses such as electricity, food and ‘phone costs.

Try to save a little each month. Keep this in an accessible account to cover unexpected expenses such as car repairs.

“It’s worth remembering that increasing interest rates is a double-edged sword.

You pay more on any money you owe, but you also earn more on any money you save,” says Marlies.

GET IN TOUCH CALL: 081 596 0506 Email: franmarproperties@gmail.com

Do you have a house, Flat, Holiday apartment or even a garden flat you want to rent out for an additional income?

WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU! | Free Listing & Advertising | Conveniently Arranged Viewings | Free Screening Of Potential Tenant | Personal Interview With Potential Tenant | Bi-Annually Inspections | Constant E-Mail Feedback To Landlord | Rental Pay-Outs Within 7 Days From Due Date | Bi-Annually Inspections | Tenant Deposit In Interest Bearing Trust Account | Free Signing Of Lease Agreements | Arrange Quotations For Repairs & Maintenance | 10% Commission | 90-Day Notice To Terminate Our Service

If you rent, it’s likely that your landlord will raise the rental when you renew your lease to cover the new mortgage costs. The same applies to your car. If it’s financed you’ll be paying more on the monthly instalments.

HOENDERMIS / KOMPOS / KALK / SAND / KLIP VERVOER VAN ALLE

| Rental Guarantee Insurance Available | No Bank Charges| Letter Of Demand If Tenant Has Not Paid By The 3rd | Letter To Vacate If No Reaction On Letter Of Demand

Call to arrange an interview to establish how we differ from your normal rental agencies!

KORING / GARS / HAWER / MIELIES EN KOROGSAAD Durbanville 021 971 1404 | Moorreesburg 022 4331 440 Email: info@tiptranscape.co.za | Web: www.tiptranscape.co.za

THE NEWSPAPER

SPORT EVENT

PAGE 15

SPORTS NEWS For the dedicated fans

March 2016

Tel: 021 852 6500

www.thenewspaper.co.za

Free Copy

Cape Town Sixes Brings Cricket & Culture to the Mother City Endorsed by the Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA), Cape Town Tourism and the City of Cape Town, The Cape Town Sixes Cricket and Cultural Festival takes place on 19-20 March at the Green Point Cricket Club. Cape Town 6’s invites local and international semi-pro and amateur teams to take part in two action-packed days of cricket and culture in the Mother City.

The tournament includes seven cricket leagues that range from the highly competitive premier teams to the more laid-back lager and social leagues. There is a league for corporates wanting an ideal team-building experience at a high profile event, as well as a mixed league and the Old Boys Cup. Seventy percent of the league has already been sold and the money raised from the corporate league has gone towards three development teams’ participation in the premier league and a cricket clinic at the Khayelitsha Cricket Club.

The development team inclusion is about giving those teams that might not have an opportunity the chance to play on the big stage! This is part of the ‘#HitPovertyforaSix’ campaign run by Bigger Than Me - Social Change Agency, All the leagues can accommodate eight teams with eight players per team and two reserves.

Competitors will play six overs per side. Each team is guaranteed four matches in their league, with semi-finals and the finals to follow.

Ex-Protea legends, Meyrick Pringle, Brett Schultz and Dave Callaghan, have been confirmed as ambassadors for the Cape Town Sixes Cricket and Cultural Festival. Dalin Oliver, radio sports presenter, comedian and part-time cricket coach, is joining the line-up as well as filling the Master of Ceremonies role for the festival.

"I am honoured to have been asked to become a sports Ambassador for this magnificent initiative and look forward to being part of an event that promotes this wonderful game we enjoy so much,” says former fast bowler Meyrick Pringle.

Brett Schultz, who was part of the Proteas from 1992 to 1996 agrees: “This sports programme is set to deliver one of the most exciting amateur sixes cricket events in the world.”

“The CSR initiative ‘HitPovertyforaSix’ will also serve to enhance awareness and accessibility to the sport for those less fortunate. I'm looking forward to being involved.”

The Cape Town Sixes Festival will showcase the City’s famous flair for fun, entertainment and community spirit with a Food of Nations Village featuring cuisine from the world’s great cricketing countries, a ‘Bigger Than Me’ change precinct that highlights social development projects that are improving quality of life in Cape Town and a safe, friendly kids and family zone.

Visitors can take full advantage of the last days of the Cape Town summer season, watching cricket, participating in a host of activities happening at the festival, sampling food from every stall in the food village and then enjoying some great live music including South African legends, Mango Groove, Jimmy Nevis, the Kiffness, Rory Elliot and many more.

Absa Cape Epic Prologue moves to Meerendal The Absa Cape Epic Prologue will be moving from its planned venue at the University of Cape Town to Meerendal Wine Estate in Durbanville.

The decision follows consultation between the race management and the police over recent protests at UCT and the potential for further instability. The Prologue takes place on 13 March and was scheduled to start and finish on the UCT campus.

“It is unfortunate to make the move at this late stage, but we have to prioritise the safety of all of our stakeholders and heed the advice that we have received,” said Absa Cape Epic Chief Executive Officer, Lynn Naudé. The event on the day would be attended by riders, spectators, sponsor representatives, media, staff and crew.

Meerendal previously hosted the Absa Cape Epic Prologue in 2013 and 2014 and contains a network of mountain bike trails and other suitable facilities. “We are very grateful to Meerendal owner Herman Coertze for agreeing to host us,” said Naudé.

“All preparations were already in place to host the Grand Finale at Meerendal on the 20th March and our team is currently adjusting our plans to also stage a world class Prologue on the wine estate on 13 March.”

Meerendal Wine Estate - Photo Credit: Karin Schermbrucker/Cape Epic/SPORTZPICS

Other than the Prologue change, the rest of the Absa Cape Epic route will stay the same and takes the race to Tulbagh, Wellington and Stellenbosch.

The Cycle Shop Telephone 083 235 9612 or 071 609 5574

E-mail info@rockhopperadventures.co.za

Address Triangle House Value Ring Road, Somerset Mall, Somerset West Next to Standard Bank

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