THE NEWSPAPER
stories that are life changing
July 2016
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LARGEST FLOATING BOOK FAIR VISITS CAPE TOWN
WINEMAKER OF THE MONTH Page 5
RETIREMENT Page 7
Logos Hope, the world’s largest floating book fair made her first ever visit to Cape Town, the last stop in South Africa, after visiting the ports of Durban, Richard's Bay, East London, and Port Elizabeth - bringing along her 400 crew and staff members from 60 different countries around the globe who serve as volunteers. Logos Hope offers an expanded selection of over 5,000 titles at affordable prices. They cover a range of subjects including science, sports, hobbies, and family life. With children’s titles, academic texts, dictionaries, atlases and more, the book fair is something the whole family can enjoy.
Continue Reading Page 2
EU TRADE AGREEMENT TO BOOST WC WINE EXPORTS A landmark trade agreement with the European Union will deliver a massive boost to the Western Cape’s wine exports.
HEALTH Page 9
Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities, welcomed the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) signed between the European Union and six countries of the Southern African Development Community which was signed in Botswana during June 2016. Last month, Minister Winde met with a delegation from EU in the Western Cape. The EPA was one of the matters discussed during the engagement. “Under this agreement, the Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) of South African wine to be imported duty-free into the EU is set to more than double from the current 50 million litres to 110 million litres in the first year of implementation for bulk and bottled wine. This is also the first time the EU has signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in which the EU gives up the right to use agricultural export subsidies. This is a significant step towards equalling the playing field for our farmers,” said Minister Winde. In a press statement, Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmström, who signed the agreement on behalf of the EU, said while South Africa and the EU had an existing agreement in place, the EPA would enhance market access for South Africa.
Continue Reading Page 2
ENERGY Page 11
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THE NEWSPAPER
NEWS
Largest Floating Book Fair Visits Cape Town (Continue from page 1) Additionally, the rest of the Visitor Experience deck is also open for the public to explore. From the Welcome Area, which introduces the new vessel through a short movie and interactive displays, to the International Café, which has ice cream, drinks and snacks for sale, there is sure to be something for everyone. The unique vessel offers exclusive on-board events for people of all ages, in addition to its array of quality, affordable books. Logos Hope presents her first live theatrical performance of the CS Lewis classic The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe adapted for the stage by Jimmy Hendricks - watch the all-time favourite novel come to life. For more information visit logoshope.org/capetown Many may still remember Doulos, former sister ship and predecessor. Logos Hope is double the size of the Doulos, which was the last book fair ship to visit SA in 2002 and has since been decommissioned. Logos Hope is a much larger vessel which allows for a wider book selection and more comfortable browsing. Logos Hope is operated by GBA Ships, a German registered non-profit organisation. Since 1970 these ships have visited over 500 different ports in more than 160 different countries and territories around the world and welcomed over 45 million visitors on board. Their goal is to bring knowledge, help and hope to the people of the world. Logos Hope will be open to the public at V&A Waterfront until 11 July 2016. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to meet with international crew in the book fair and the events before the ship sails to West Africa.
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EU Trade Agreement To Boost
No Wet Weather Woes
WC Wine Exports (Continue from page 1)
For Kids at V&A Waterfront
“For South Africa the situation is different - given we've had a trade agreement for some time. But the deal is still a big improvement, because it extends the existing market access to new products, like wine, fruit, ethanol, sugar and dairy products. And South African geographical indications such as wines, Karoo meat and Rooibos tea will be protected,” said Commissioner Malmström in a statement.
The V&A Waterfront in Cape Town is determined not to let rain end play this winter, with a full line-up of activities to keep children busy come rain or shine during the school holidays.
Minister Winde said the development protects the geographical indicators of the province’s high-quality products from several regions, including wines from Paarl and Stellenbosch. Dairy exports will also be impacted by the new agreement and Minister Winde said the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s new residue testing facility would also improve market access.
Reptile Garden - Some of South Africa’s most fascinating reptiles will occupy Jubilee Hall in the V&A Waterfront’s Watershed running until 18 July. From Rock Monsters to Monty the Giant Python and the twin Boa Constrictors on display, visitors will gaze on reptiles of all shapes and sizes, watch live snake shows, learn a little more about the scaly friends via educational short films on show, read fascinating facts and stats about reptiles at the pop-up Reptile Lab, and meet some of the experienced snake handlers.
“Our plan to establish a R9 million residue testing facility at our Helderfontein Veterinary Laboratory is on track and should be operationalised later this year. Once live, this facility will serve as a base for the testing requirements of key destinations to which we can export our products, hopefully improving the value and volume of goods we move overseas.” Minister Winde said increasing the volume of exports would create more jobs in the province. “The Western Cape produces over 50 percent of South Africa’s agricultural exports. We are supporting agri-business to strengthen their export position by growing exports from their current value added of R16.3 billion.” “Research has found only a five percent increase in the value of deciduous fruit and table grapes exports will create 4 261 and 2 073 new jobs respectively. The same research showed that a five percent increase in wine exports will lead to 986 new jobs, and two thirds of these jobs will be off farm.”
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Overseen by four engaging facilitators, this year’s workshop theme is ‘recycling’ and seeks to instil a positive, environmental appreciation message in young children’s minds. The daily workshops will focus on the processes of designing, making, prototyping and playing with recyclable materials.
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Skill-building Pumptrack - Fifty metres of fun is what children of all ages will encounter at the new temporary pumptrack, (until 17 July) where the rider uses an up and down ‘pumping’ motion to propel the bicycle/scooter forward instead of pedalling, providing the perfect tool to improve balance, learn skills and improve confidence on a bike. Helmets, bikes and scooters will be provided free of charge. Innovation Station - High-energy creativity and playful fun will be the order of the day at the Innovation Station at the Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre Court, (until 10 July) for workshops that focus on encouraging exploration and stimulating children’s imaginations and problem-solving skills as they tumble around in a safe and stimulating environment.
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Access to the Reptile Garden also includes sand art, LEGO tables and a PlayStation terminal to keep young ones occupied for a while, and parents are welcome to visit the on-site cafeteria while their kids keep busy.
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Rugbytots for little ones - Encourage your future Springbok with sporting sessions designed to fill a gap in the childhood development sector, by using rugby specific skills. Rugbytots will develop your child’s physical, psychological, and social attributes, as well as gently encouraging rugby specific skills such as running with the ball, finding space, kicking, catching, scoring a try, and much more. Two Holiday Clubs will run this winter, with the first scheduled for 4-8 July and the second from 11-15 July. Pre-booking is essential. Visit www.rugbytots.co.za For more information contact 021 408 7600
THE NEWSPAPER
NEWS
PAGE 3
Sculpture on the Cliff - A FynArts Flagship The new Sculptures on the Cliffs exhibition, a flagship event for Hermanus FynArts, was opened on 11 June. The exhibition, featuring the work of eight artists, will remain in place at Gearing's Point in Hermanus until shortly before the next FynArts, scheduled for 9-18 June 2017. This year four sculptors who have previously exhibited their work here, Guy du Toit, Gordon Froud, Jaco Sieberhagen and Strijdom van der Merwe, have been invited to each nominate a sculptor who they would like to take part in the exhibit with them. The four “new” sculptors are Wilma Cruise, George Holloway, Lionel Smit and Gavin Younge. Jaco Sieberhagen, whose piece Traveller overlooks the bay, and who has once again assisted with technical advice, is very excited about this year's exhibition. “The diversity of the artworks created by Wilma Cruise (Watching the Hours), Guy du Toit (Five stools 1,2,3,4, and 5), Gordon Froud (Tetrahexahedron), George Holloway (Love Alone), Lionel Smit (Assemble), Strijdom van der Merwe (Stairway to Heaven) and Gavin Young (Lagoon on the Cliffs) helps to encourage discussion and interaction by passers-by.” The sculptures, installed at Gearing's Point, certainly attract attention with tourists and locals taking photographs. A favourite is Love Alone by George Holloway, with people posing in the same position as the 5 meter high sculpture, representing a man ready to dive from the cliff's edge. Strijdom van der Merwe's Stairway to Heaven, towering 4,5 m above the cliffs, also has viewers in awe. “Hermanus is one step closer to becoming a sortafter art destination due to the support of these and other top SA sculptors,” said Hermanus FynArts
SAWi Awards Annandale Wines
Annandale Wine Estate is proud to announce that the Annandale Cabernet Sauvignon, Annandale Merlot and Annandale Shiraz were awarded platinum status at this year’s SAWi awards, held recently at the Grootbos Nature Reserve.
The Annandale Merlot also scooped a top category award, and is now officially part of the Grand Wines Collection. Furthermore, the SAWi Legends Award for personalities still actively involved in wine making went to Hempies du Toit, whose larger than life personality has always been part of the Annandale charm. The Annandale team is humbled and honoured by this recognition of their wines. The South African Wine Index (SAWi) was established in 2009 with the aim of independently identifying South Africa’s best wines. The Index collates and compares results from a variety of competitions and ratings, expressing all the data as a single number out of 100. Wines scoring above 93 points are considered part of the “Grand Wines Collection”.
Photo Credit: Hanno Calitz, Absolute Ablutions
Director Mary Faure. On 31 March, in accordance with an agreement with the Overstrand Municipality, the sculptures of the FynArts 2015 exhibition had to be removed. However, this year, most artists have agreed that their sculptures may be replaced at other sites in the town. These include Sea Change by Anton Smit, around the street signage pole on the island outside the Burgundy Restaurant. Others were placed at Lemm’s Corner, outside the Space gallery as well as in the Courtyard at Abalone Art Gallery. The careful placement of sculptures is an integral part of the upgrading and revitalisation of the town, in particular of drawing much-needed attention to Harbour Road and the old part of Hermanus.
CTICC - A Destination of Choice For Events The Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) was delighted with its participation in the inaugural Global Exhibitions Day (GED) which took place during June, bringing together the global exhibitions and trade fair industries to raise awareness around the valuable contribution the industry makes to the economy, as well as the positive contribution it has on job creation. The CTICC showcased an exciting and interactive custom-designed stand on GED and welcomed industry, stakeholders and the public in highlighting successfully hosted 32 exhibitions and trade fairs and welthe importance of exhibitions and trade fairs, and comed 466 355 visitors to Cape Town and South Africa,” how the industry contributes to Cape Town being says Ellingson, Chief Executive Officer, CTICC. The CTICC’s recognised as a destination of choice for events. participation in Global Exhibitions Day illustrates the centre’s “We are excited and honoured to be a part of the vision of becoming one of the world’s top ten leading longinaugural Global Exhibitions Day. We are using haul international convention centres by 2020. this day to acknowledge the importance of the “We hope to achieve this by increasing our offering through exhibitions and trade fair industries in growing our our CTICC East expansion which will effectively double the economy. Trade fairs and exhibitions provide a critcentre’s existing capacity by adding 10 000m² multi-purpose ical platform to showcase progress and investment conference and exhibitions space and 3 000m² of formal opportunities within key catalytic sectors.” and informal meeting space. This will allow us to meet the “The CTICC has proudly hosted almost 330 exhi- growing demand to stage more events, offer more flexibility bitions and trade fairs since opening its doors in and host concurrent events and exhibitions of various sizes,” 2003. In the past financial year alone, the CTICC adds Ellingson.
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THE NEWSPAPER
NEWS
City Health Administers More than 20 000 Flu Vaccines
The City of Cape Town’s clinics are rounding off their flu vaccination drive as part of the Health Directorate’s winter health efforts. City Health acquired 21 200 flu vaccinations at a cost of just over R1,2 million earlier this year. The vaccinations have been distributed in terms of the National Influenza Policy and Strategic Plan, 2015. In terms of the plan, all provinces are required to budget for annual influenza vaccinations and jointly vaccinate a specific number of people in high-risk groups. This includes people who are HIV positive, pregnant women, children and the elderly. While it is not possible to vaccinate all clients who visit public health facilities against influenza, vaccinations are done to ensure community immunity, i.e. immunising a critical portion of a community against a contagious disease which minimises the opportunity for an outbreak, thus protecting those who are not vaccinated. The principle of community immunity applies to control of a variety of contagious diseases, including influenza, measles, mumps, rotavirus, and pneumococcal disease.
R50 Million Donation to SU A modern Centre for Teaching and Learning at Stellenbosch University (SU) will soon become a reality. This is thanks to a donation to the value of R50 million from Mr Jannie Mouton, SU alumnus and founder of the investment management company, the PSG Group. The University, as well as the Department of Higher Education, have also made contributions to this project, which is likely to start in 2017. The new Centre will be located between the Neelsie Student Centre and Polymer Science Building on the Stellenbosch campus. The goal is to revitalise education at SU by creating an interactive, future-oriented and student-centred learning environment. “To date, this donation is truly the highlight of my tenure as rector. Not only is it the largest contribution by any individual donor, but this support, in the midst of a very difficult period for Higher Education, is a great compliment to Stellenbosch University,” Prof Wim de Villiers, SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor, said. “It is our vision to be a University that is responsive to the learning experience of a technologicallyequipped student body as well as the changing needs of the society in which they operate. In its design, tools and technology, the Centre will be a contemporary space with a low carbon footprint more accessible to a growing student body that has varied goals and requirements,” De Villiers added. Mouton, a loyal supporter of the University, has since 2007 been managing the PSG/Jannie Mouton Bursary Loan Programme at the institution. Mouton (in his personal capacity) and the PSG Group each donated 100 000 PSG shares to the University in 2007 to be used as education assistance to reward merit in the form of loans or bursaries to disadvantaged and/or gifted students. Dividends and further contributions from Mouton and PSG have made it possible to award 95 bursaries and loans.
City Health also has a range of symptomatic treatments available for colds and flu including antihistamines, decongestant sprays, pain and fever medicines, and antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. In addition to treatment, City Health also continues its education and awareness campaigns around hygiene to minimise the spread of germs and resultant infections. This includes visits to schools, edu-care facilities and informal settlements.
“My heart is still with my alma mater and I will always be loyal. I believe in making a positive difference in society to the benefit of our future generations and this is how I do it.” “For me this donation is more than an investment in a contemporary learning space that will enrich the learning experiences of our students. This is an investment in the future and the continued excellence of Stellenbosch University as a world-class institution of higher learning," Mouton said.
Private Partner Wanted to Unlock Potential of Iconic Unfinished Highways “In terms of our proposal as to what to do with the unfinished freeways, it is vital that we find a long-term solution to alleviate congestion. The way the City imagines this is that we will leverage the City-owned land beneath the unfinished bridges for development and part of the conditions for the development will be that it include the funds to complete the unfinished bridges, alleviate congestion and provide affordable housing,” De Lille said.
During winter, the Directorate’s environmental health practitioners play an active role monitoring the City’s winter preparedness programme. They monitor and report on or refer any servicerelated risk, in particular to mitigate the effects of flooding, and also provide relief where needed. They conduct awareness programmes around flooding-related health risks and monitor mass care centres housing displaced people.
RESTAURANT & WINE BAR
Photo: Mayor Patricia De Lille, and Councillor Brett Herron
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.
WINTER SPECIAL NOW AVAILABLE
On 21 June the Cape Town Executive Mayor, Patricia de Lille delivered a speech at the Foreshore Freeway regarding the unfinished highways on the western, central and eastern side of the Foreshore Freeway Precinct that have been part of the Cape Town city landscape for nearly five decades with stories of how they came about, why they were built - seemingly leading to nowhere. In the 1970s when engineers designed the freeways the traffic flowing into and out of the city was not nearly at the level it is experiencing today. The project was subsequently abandoned, due to a lack of funds and the fact that the volume of traffic was too low to warrant any further investment. Now, about 50 years later, these skeleton-like structures still stand unfinished and unused, in the midst of horrific traffic congestion. De Lille said that these unfinished structures are useless, other than for film shoots, and that they are also preventing the development of prime City-owned land – known as the Foreshore Freeway Precinct – that is locked in under and between the existing highways and the harbour.
On 8 July 2016 the City will issue a document calling on prospective investors and developers to provide them with a solution which will address the congestion currently facing in this precinct. This document will provide interested parties with all of the necessary information about the City-owned land that we will make available to the private sector in return for the provision of road infrastructure and a development that will drive sustainable economic growth. A pivotal requirement for those wanting to bid is that their development proposal must provide housing opportunities for a diverse cross-section of income groups. The prospectus will provide clarity on the size and exact location of the land; the requirements for the development proposals coming from the private sector; the timelines; and the processes to be followed in appointing the successful bidder. Most importantly, the residents of Cape Town will get the opportunity to be involved with this exciting project and Councillor Brett Herron, the Mayoral Committee Member: Transport for Cape Town, will provide more details about this process. Whether the unfinished highways stay or go, are completed, or redesigned altogether, is for the proposed bidders to put forward. Any proposal should foremost resolve the traffic congestion and access to and from the city centre and provide the City of Cape Town with an affordable housing component.
THE NEWSPAPER
WINEMAKER OF THE MONTH
PAGE 5
Gielie Beukes - Living His Passion As Winemaker One on one with Gielie Beukes, Winemaker at Doolhof Wine Estate, nestled in the beautiful, remote and historic Bovlei valley, north-east of Wellington. Doolhof is surrounded by the Groenberg, Limietberge and Hawekwa mountains. Due to Doolhof being surrounded on three sides by mountains and having no main route into the hinterland of South Africa, Andrew Geddes Bain built Bainskloof Pass in the 1840s, a famous pass which allowed access and expansion. For part of the project, Bain lived on Doolhof and today the wine estate traverses Bainskloof. Today, Doolhof is also home to the award winning 5-star Grand Dédale Country House, offering sweeping views of the valley as well as the Groenberg, Limietberge and Hawekwa mountains. What is your winemaking philosophy?
Creating a wine that is structured, balanced and truly expressive of its origins, takes a deep understanding of the vineyard and how the surroundings and conditions influence the wine people get to enjoy. My philosophy is simply to give attention to all the little details in the vineyard. Great wines most often start with the best grapes. Which wines, stylistically, do you produce at Doolhof?
The Doolhof estate terroir has an incredibly diverse and special ability to produce grapes that lends itself to the production of wines with young vibrancy, fresh yet ripe fruit with good structure and classic elegance. So where did it all start for you?
I was born and raised in the Overberg on a farm close to Greyton. I studied oenology and viticulture at Elsenburg after school and gained experience on some leading estates in South Africa including Hartenberg, La Motte and Glen Carlou. I also completed a few stints abroad, mainly in the Napa valley, California and Bordeaux, France. I thoroughly enjoy living my passion and have a great appreciation for the people in our industry and everybody’s commitment to making it even better.
You produce different wine ranges, please elaborate
We are currently streamlining our portfolio after a 10 year experimental phase in which we determined which cultivars suited our terroir the best and what our strengths are. We have three different tiers of quality and price points thus offering everybody an experience. We are currently focussing strongly on growing our single vineyard collection; watch this space. What does your target market look like?
We don’t target a specific market as we don’t make wines to a specific preference. We do however adapt stylistically to our conditions and what nature lends us to work with. The wines always need to be true to its terroir and the varietal, so we aim to interfere as little as possible. Have you had any recent successes?
The 2016 South African Wine Index (http://sawineindex.com/) results were recently published. We are extremely pleased to have achieved platinum status for our Single Vineyard Pinotage and Single Vineyard Malbec, both of which were admitted to the South African Grand Wines Collection. The Single Vineyard Malbec was also awarded best Malbec, and thus rated among the Top Wines of 2016 as determined by the South African Wine Index. What makes the achievement remarkable is that the award system takes into consideration a track record of minimum 10 years, and thus includes wines that have consistently achieved the highest acknowledgement from various wine judging panels and respected wine commentators, all over the world. Doolhof is known for its Malbec, please tell us more?
Malbec is not known to many people, mainly due to its limited and historic use as a blending component in South Africa. Doolhof has been consistently producing Malbec as a single varietal since 2006 and this year marks our 10th consecutive vintage of this special cultivar. We have seen interest in Malbec as a single varietal grow in South Africa and it is going from strength to strength. The Malbec vineyard on Doolhof produces low yields. It compares to Mendoza region in Argentina, which is known to produce excellent Malbec, on many fronts. The Malbec we produce here boasts exceptional purity and punch and is unmistakably Malbec.
What does the future hold for Doolhof?
Doolhof’s production will always be limited due to the 36 ha under vine. We consider this a strength in more than one way. Our focus will remain strongly on producing site specific single vineyard wines in our signatures range and the best flagship blends these components can offer, thereby staying true to the expression of our unique terroir. We are also exploring some interesting avenues with Malbec, but more about that next year! WINTER OFFER:
For any purchase of R1 500 or more, you will be entered into the draw to win a night in the award winning 5-star Grand Dédale Country House. Please quote “The Newspaper” upon purchase to enter the draw. Offer valid for purchases up until 31 August 2016. For more information on all wines and offers available visit www.doolhof.com
PAGE 6
THE NEWSPAPER
INSPIRATIONAL
SA’s First Blind Barista Causes a Stir Joseph Matheatau has defeated endless challenges and faced adversity head on to become SA’s first blind barista, working at Kaleidoscope’s museum in the Blindiana Barista Coffee Shop in Worcester, where he has become a major attraction. Blindiana Blend, a Kaleidoscope & Beans for Africa initiative, is coffee that is blended, tasted, packed and distributed by the blind. Kaleidoscope, (previously known as the Institute for the Blind), is a non-profit organisation that has been catering for the all-inclusive needs of the blind since 1881. Visually impaired persons of all ages are empowered through the provision of education, training, care, employment, development and accommodation towards a fulfilled life and complete citizenship. Joseph trained at the centre, which continues to offer training to visually impaired baristas on an annual basis. Espressos, macchiatos, Americanos, and lattes - Joseph has mastered them all. “Visitors cannot believe that their coffee was made by a blind person,” he says. “It was not an easy process though. In the very beginning I had a few incidents where I burned myself. It was a nightmare learning to froth the milk. But today I can successfully prepare a cup of coffee and I get the smell of success.” Matheatau was not born blind, but lost his sight in his left eye at the age of three. Through the years his sight in his right eye also deteriorated to such an extent that he was unable to attend school. Joseph finally lost his vision in his late twenties and was then faced with a long period of suffering and enormous challenges. He joined Kaleidoscope training centre in Worcester in January 2014 to study Marketing and Entrepreneurship and then trained as a barista. Matheatau’s dream is to open his own coffee shop in Bloemfontein within the next 5 years. At this stage he had successfully completed his mobility training, he is progressing well in Braille, used the services of the counsellor to make peace with all his losses, mastered the computer. He says that the Blindiana custom roast blend was created from Central and South American coffees blended with African beans and has a great aroma and lingering finish. Hein Wagner, Kaleidoscope’s brand ambassador, motivational speaker and global adventurer, says that Joseph is a shining example who is living proof that with determination and the appropriate training, support and guidance, anything is possible.
Photo: Joseph Matheatau
Wheelchair Training Package
South Africa’s First Deaf-run
The publication of wheelchair guidelines and a series of Wheelchair Service Training Packages (WSTP) by the World Health Organisation (WHO) has been a turning point in raising awareness and improving access to appropriate wheelchairs globally. There is however, a lack of trainers equipped to deliver the WSTP and so, a WHO Wheelchair Service Training of Trainers Package is now being developed in order to increase their impact.
I Love Coffee, South Africa’s first Deaf-run coffee shop officially opened its doors in Claremont, Cape Town in June. In partnership with Tribe Coffee, the entirely Deaf-run coffee shop launched with the aim of breaking communication barriers between the hearing and the Deaf.
Piloted in Western Cape
Coffee Shop to Launch
The shop offers an experience unlike any other, where customers are encouraged to engage verbally as well as visually with the Deaf staff, patrons are given the opportunity to be taught rudimentary sign language to place their orders and engage with the staff. The idea is the brainchild of social entrepreneur, Gary Hopkins who explains: “It’s more than just coffee shop space, it’s about a mind-shift and correcting the perception that Deaf people are disabled, Deafness isn’t a disease and should be recognized as a culture, much like American, Italian, South African etc.” Of the estimated 2-million disabled people in South Africa, 500,000 are classified as ‘Deaf’ and almost 1.5-million South Africans are considered to be ‘hearingimpaired’ which means that 4.5% of South Africa’s total population is Deaf. While South Africa recognises 11 official verbal and written languages, it has yet to recognise South African Sign Language (SASL) - the visual language that is common across all South African Deaf people. This in turn has deeper social implications as it limits opportunities for tertiary education and results in high unemployment amongst the Deaf.
The Leadership, Management, and Governance (LMG) Project are coordinating the development of the package, with funding from United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The second pilot took place during June 2016 at the Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre in Cape Town with the aim to further empower individuals who have undergone the WSTP training and who possess significant experience in wheelchair services, to become trainers of the WSTP modules in their respective regions and communities. 22 individuals attended the training, representing 16 different countries around the world.
Employment is one of the biggest challenges the Deaf face in South Africa - this is evident in light of the fact that currently 70% of persons who are hearing impaired are unemployed. “The I love coffee brand aims to be a cool, fun and engaging and is not out to garner a sympathy vote,” he says. “We specifically chose a fun name and incorporated Deaf language into the brand by replacing the heart symbol with the SASL sign for ‘I Love You’.”
Jenny Hendry, CEO of the Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre, says that there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to providing a wheelchair and that incorrect prescription of a wheelchair has a detrimental impact on the wellbeing of the wheelchair user. “Incorrect allocation of a wheelchair causes great discomfort, inhibited mobility, pressure sores and poor posture. It is essential that health professionals prescribing mobility devices, such as wheelchairs, are knowledgeable and trained in order to ensure that the wheelchair user has long-term health and functional independence,” says Hendry. There are more than 1 billion people living with disability globally, equating to about 15% of the world’s population or one in seven people. An estimated 1% of the world's population, or just over 65 million people, need a wheelchair. “Each individual has his/her own unique needs for wheelchair and seat specifications. These specifications are dependent on the level of injury, range of mobility, and skin durability of the individual. Providing wheelchairs that are appropriate, well-designed and fitted not only enhances mobility, but also grants the user access to opportunities for education and employment, without experiencing major discomforts,” says Margaret Lamiell, Project Specialist with the LMG Project. The WCRC, now in operation for 11 years, provides specialised, multi-disciplinary rehabilitation programmes for persons with physical disabilities. The focus is outcome-based and promotes functional independence to ultimately achieve the goal of community-reintegration. The final WSTP pilot will take place in Bangkok in September 2016.
“We have had incredible support from Western Cape Premier, Helen Zille, who most don’t know has a Deaf sister as well as The National Institute for the Deaf who has assisted us with the recruitment of staff and are receiving barista training from Tribe Coffee,” Hopkins says. “It is our goal to create more opportunities for job placement of visually impaired persons in the open labour market,” he adds. I Love Coffee is based at X-Body Fitness, The Mews, Draper Street, Claremont.
THE NEWSPAPER
RETIREMENT
PAGE 7
Retire the right way with CPOA - The Retirement Specialist
It’s only when you experience our passion for the retiree that you realize why Cape Peninsula Organisation for the Aged (CPOA) is known as the Retirement Specialist! For us it’s about knowing you can retire in comfort and dignity and not only do we strive to do so, but we succeed beyond expectations!
CPOA understands how scary and confusing it is to take the next step with regard to a life-walk adjustment, and that was the reason why CPOA started over 60 years ago by a group of volunteers that realized the huge gap in the discipline of caring for the aged. Over the years we have grown from 1 Retirement facility looking after approximately 100 retirees to over 20 Retirement facilities presently caring for almost 2 000 retirees. At CPOA we cater for a wide variety of senior requirements spread over a wide spectrum, which include sub economic facilities that is partly sponsored by government and the balance sponsored by CPOA. We also have upmarket facilities which cater for various different lifestyle Disciplines such as living independently, or in a community, not to mention frail care, which is well covered. We also cater for individuals who prefer to take up the rental option, or the individual who desires to purchase a life right. Present statistics indicate that most residents prefer the life right option - as this option is most beneficial in the long run.
It is a beautiful and well designed and developed estate, set in the sought after Somerset West. The Somerset offers the prospective buyer a range of free standing cottages and include facilities such as a fully licensed restaurant and bar, as well as 24-hour manned security. For your peace of mind, The Somerset also provides a call-4-you facility which enables the resident to press one button and obtain all the relevant emergency services that may be required - from an ambulance to the fire brigade.
Residents are supplied with an access card which they use to obtain access to the gates, pay for Estate-services such as laundry, restaurant, bar, cleaners and many more. Not only is the Westacre development group known for their quality of construction, design and layout of the entire estate, but also for their meticulous care which they have taken in providing upmarket finishes. The Somerset is set to become one of the top retirement villages in the Western Cape. To the prospective buyer or investor, if you are looking for a country lock up and go lifestyle when retiring - this is an opportunity not to be missed. The Eventide is set in the heart of the historical Muizenberg. The design and layout of Eventide with its modern finishes, comfortability and affordability is built to accommodate the independent buyer.
The prime focus on Eventide is not so much the facility, the mountain and sea views as a lifestyle, but rather, the Muizenberg beaches within in 2-minute walk, Checkers, which is within a 100 meters walking distance, and public transport just about on Eventide’s doorstep. Other attractions in and around Eventide are various restaurants, shops, a flee market within walking distance, and a swimming pool close-by, not to mention all the fun activities and social clubs in and around the False Bay area. Most of our facilities are filled to capacity and some have an extended waiting list. This is all due to CPOA’s professional appearance and conduct over the years. Our highly qualified managers and nursing staff have been commended time and time again by individuals and their families for the care and comfort we provide - not to mention our passion toward the residents in taking care of their daily need. As the demand for more facilities increase every year - we expand and meet the demand. Some of our latest facilities are The Somerset, located in Somerset West, and Eventide located in Muizenberg. The Somerset is set to become CPOA’s Flagship Retirement Village.
CPOA however do not only extend their services and expertize to residents and owners within their profile, but also provide seminars and roadshows to enlighten the general public. We also engage in workshops providing participants the opportunity to express their well-deserved need, and even provide experts in this field to present relevant information and advice on what to expect when someone retires. This includes information on what the futuristic retiree should engage in – will it be to purchase a life right or rather engage in a rental agreement. CPOA believes in providing the best facility that will suite the need of any prospective client. For more information Contact 021 686 7830, email: info@cpoa.org.za or visit: www.cpoa.co.za
PAGE 8
THE NEWSPAPER
COMMUNITY PROJECTS
Help Healing The Scars We Have Made On Our Earth
Miss Earth is a leadership program to empower young women and give them a platform to be able to get involved in all kinds of conservation, raising awareness about the reality and causes of climate change and through this uplifting communities and inspiring change. As a regional Semi-finalist for Miss Earth SA, Shelani van Niekerk from Gordon’s Bay had many different projects to accomplish, one of them was to organize a beach cleanup in Gordon’s Bay at the main Beach during May.
Somerset West Village Garden Community Vegetable Garden
Somerset West Village Garden (SWVG) NPC is a community vegetable garden that has been established on a derelict park in Somerset West. Through this initiative the homeless are being educated in sustainable vegetable gardening and being supplied with opportunities for self-sufficiency, thereby uplifting them and restoring their dignity. Volunteers from Helderberg Street Peoples Centre work in the garden in exchange for tokens. One token is earned for each hour that is worked. The token can be exchanged at the Helderberg Street People’s centre for clothing, a hot shower, food and an ID. Through this initiative SWVG are giving the street people a hand up, not a hand out and would like to encourage residents of the Helderberg to donate to Helderberg Street People's Centre, The Night Shelter and Somerset West Village Garden instead of giving money to the homeless on the street.
“I am happy to say that it was an absolute wonderful experience. The response from the local community was incredible, many expressed gratitude to what we were doing and so many children joined in on the fun of picking up waste while they were playing on the beach. I want to inspire people to get involved, inspiring new conversations and new ideas to be born around these issues and how we can accomplish more together,” says Shelani. From learning about medicinal Herbs to grow your own food and permaculture, Shelani took the grade 11 students from the Stellenbosch Waldorf School on an outing to Kirstenbosch Gardens where they were hosted by the ‘Botanical Society of South-Africa’. On the first of June she planted ten indigenous fruit trees,with the grade three’s of Zenzeleni and Stellenbosch Waldorf School on the grounds of Zenzeleni in Khayalitsia.
SWVG is harnessing the skills of the NGO's in the community to create a successful urban food garden with the co-operation of the City of Cape Town. This initiative is having a far reaching positive impact on the community, illustrating what can be achieved through co-operation between community and government. With the help of various organizations including the Helderberg Street People’s Centre and Helderberg Night Shelter, two of our volunteers have found employment. One is working as a waiter at the Spur and another has been reintegrated into his family and will be working in the construction industry with his uncle. The organic vegetables that SWVG grow are sold each Tuesday from 09:00-11:00 at the garden. They also supply these produce to the Helderberg Street People’s centre to use in their feeding scheme. SWVG have received wonderful support from the community since they started. Pam Golding have offered their ongoing support to this project and the Department of Agriculture have helped us with the infrastructure of the garden.
Place In The Sun Shines On Women
They were joined by ‘Soil for Life’ from Constantia who helped them plant these trees and donated rich compost to the school. “This was a rich cultural experience as well as an investment into the community and uplifting the lives of these students. I cannot express the gratitude I have for everyone who has been involved and willing to help me with these projects.” “I believe the world needs inspiration and activated interest in creating change. When you are given a platform like Miss Earth, it is a privilege and an honour to use it. I want to use my own creative expression on this platform to be an activator and aspire to be the change I want to see,” Shelani concludes.
Changing The Lives of Others porter of CANSA, the official Mrs SA charity and their goal to lead the fight against cancer in South Africa, enabling research, educating the public and providing support to all people affected by Cancer.
Christy Haefele, Top 25 Schwartzkopf Professional Mrs South Africa Finalist, and Founder and Director of Beating Heart SA, is changing the lives of others.
“It is such an honour to have been chosen as a Top 25 finalist and I am looking forward to being stretched and challenged through this process, learning more about myself and being inspired by the incredible women around me. This programme reminds us that we are stronger than we seem, braver than we believe and twice as beautiful as we ever imagined,”’ says Christy.
The Schwartzkopf Professional Mrs South Africa Pageant is a women’s empowerment programme offering married women a truly life changing journey and an opportunity to impact and change the lives of others. Christy believes that life is precious and the sanctity of human life, a non-negotiable. Her ‘heart’ is for the most vulnerable in our communities … our children, and she aligns herself with projects that support this. She is also an avid sup-
To date Beating Heart SA has dispatched 390 bags with new mom essentials to Elsies Rivier and 371 to Kraaifontein Day and Community Hospitals respectively. Their goal is to narrow the equality gap and for every new mom in South Africa's government hospitals to receive a Beating Heart SA Carebag with practical and essential gifts to show love and encouragement to them, in the first few emotional and hormonal moments after childbirth.
Place in the Sun has a lot to celebrate this coming Women’s Day, August 9. The brand has played a major role in the graduation of two young women, who now are starting out in their careers to become role models for their community. They are Alvercia Juries (26), who holds a B Nursing degree from the University of the Western Cape, and her sister Chandré (20), who has just earned a diploma in office management from Boland College. The two are the daughters of Devon Valley farm employees, Arend Juries and his wife, Charmaine, who are part of the team growing, tending and harvesting the vines for the Place in the Sun range that is a Fairtrade-accredited brand. Their studies were paid primarily from the premiums that Place in the Sun pays for its grapes. The funds go towards several farm worker social projects, including education. “I come from a close-knit farming community where everyone looks out for each other so nursing was a natural fit for me”, says Alvercia.
Photo: Protea Odorata
Photo: Alvercia Juries
“I am happy when people call me a role model to the women in my community if it means that they see the value of our women investing in them through education. I hope to see more women using education to further themselves. I am proud to see my sister receive the diploma she has worked so hard for, because I know it will bring her opportunities.”
Photo: Chandré Juries
Since graduating earlier this year, Alvercia has begun her year-long community service at Stellenbosch Provincial Hospital. “Graduating was a dream come true. To earn a living doing what you love is a privilege”.
THE NEWSPAPER
HEALTH
PAGE 9
Dr Laura Redman - Treating Veins to Improve Quality of Life (MBChB, FCS (SA), Certificate of Vascular Surgery, MMed) The Vascular Centre was founded by Dr Laura Redman, a specialist General and Vascular Surgeon. The Centre now celebrates its 2-year Anniversary in Cape Town. Dr Laura qualified as a medical doctor at UCT. She then extended her studies to specialise as a General Surgeon and thereafter did a subspecialty in Vascular Surgery. Dr Laura completed her Masters in Medicine in Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Dr Laura has a special academic interest in vascular surgery and the less commonly treated vascular problems. She has travelled abroad visiting various specialized vascular units such as the Yale University, New-haven, USA Stony Brook University, Long Island, New York, USA; Leceister, and London, United Kingdom; Nuremberg, Germany; Bern, Switzerland in 2012, and Manchester, United Kingdom in 2013. She wanted to bring first world protocols back to South Africa and she thus founded the Vascular Centre.
The treatment involves a minimally invasive procedure in theatre, to insert coils or similar substances into the problematic veins that cause them to seal off. This is done through a needle insertion in the groin – the same as that done for a coronary angiogram. It is important that vein disease is managed properly and entirely.
Vein Clinic The Vein Clinic has been established based on the time Dr Laura Redman spent at the Vein Clinic in New York under the world renown Professor Nicos Labropoulos and today she uses these protocols to run the clinic. Professor Labropoulos still works closely with Dr Redman and continuously visits her clinic. Vein diseases have been poorly understood and managed and unfairly attributed to ageing. People with symptomatic veins, swollen legs, aching & tired legs, discoloured legs and, very importantly, wounds that do not heal may have underlying vein disease – a problem that is very readily treatable. People with vein disease often have chronic discomfort and treating the veins has been shown to improve quality of life. Dr Redman uses the latest surgical and non-surgical techniques to treat vein disease including minimally invasive techniques that are safe and enable patients to return to normal activities within 1-2 days. These are catheters that can be inserted into the veins, under ultrasound guidance, in a sterile fashion and have been designed to do what surgery traditionally did, but do not require hospital admission, do not need a general anaesthetic, need no incisions or sutures and patients can go home the same day.
The Vascular Centre has a vein protocol, which has been developed using international guidelines and research evaluations in order to completely manage each individual patient. It is very important to map and measure the veins in the leg and pelvis and a trained vascular technologist ensures this is done accurately. Treatment is then individualised to each patient, as many options are now available. Most importantly, Dr Redman is dedicated to giving each patient the care they need in order to feel better, look better and function better. Artery Disease: Focus on Prevention Optimise Health The other big element in vascular disease is arterial disease – this means blockages of arteries that can cause heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and amputations. 130 heart attacks and 240 strokes happen in South Africa each day. Operations for arterial disease are necessary, surgery is done at a late stage and is high risk and prevention is what is really needed to make a difference for people’s lives. Optimise health is a holistic, individualised cardiovascular health assessment using a scientific background and up to date technology to ensure each individual can ascertain peak performance in health, body and mind to prevent or halt the development of cardiovascular disease. The Vascular Centre offers a Healthy Heart Assessment which is a programme designed to assess one’s current and future risk for cardiovascular disease.
Vein diseases also include pelvic congestion syndrome Approximately 30% of women will see a gynecologist for chronic pelvic pain. Of this group, 1/3 will have pelvic congestion syndrome, meaning the pain is due to ovarian veins that are not working properly and causing congestion in the pelvis. They are often associated perineal or high thigh veins. Symptoms include painful menses, painful urination or painful intercourse. Pelvic congestion syndrome can lead to increased levels of anxiety and depression. The problematic veins may also be found in men, when the testicular veins are affected resulting in varicocoeles.It is also very under-recognised and under-treated in South Africa. More frequent causes of pelvic pain in women should be ruled out by a gynaecologist such as fibroids and endometriosis. The diagnosis can usually be made by a non-invasive investigation - pelvic ultrasound. Sometimes, a CT scan is necessary.
Part of the assessment includes scanning the blood vessels, and using specialised software to measure the thickness of vessels. Many other parameters and cardiovascular risk assessments and measurements are included. There is currently no other assessment with this combination of measurements, and results can be taken back to one’s GP for further optimising medical parameters. The patient is also advised on where lifestyle changes are necessary. The programme scientifically marries medicine and lifestyle in order to prevent disease and optimise health. See more at: www.optimisehealth.co.za Limb4Life – Dr Laura has formulated a virtual multidisciplinary team to holistically manage limb problems specifically related to lymphedema, lipidemia, wounds related to arterial and venous disease and the Diabetic foot. The group includes Lymphoedmea specialists, wound care nurses, podiatrists and orthotists. The aim of the group is to work together to optimally and efficiently manage limb problems and prevent recurrence.
vascular centre
For more information, contact Dr Laura Redman at: 021 201 1119 G02 Oxford House, 17 Park Lane Century City email: admin@vascularcentre.co.za or visit www.vascularcentre.co.za
PAGE 10
ENVIRONMENT
THE NEWSPAPER
New I&J Ocean Exhibit
Chelsea Gold Means a Lot
On 13 June 2016 the Two Oceans Aquarium introduced the first fish into its new large-scale exhibit, the I&J Ocean Exhibit. The exhibit has been under construction since January 2014 and opened to the public on 16 June 2016.
The Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve Company (KBRC) is extremely proud to be part of the team that won gold for South Africa at the Chelsea Flower Show at the end of May. This event can truly be regarded as the Olympics for flowers.
at Two Oceans Aquarium now Open
to The Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve
Johan West, chairperson of the KBRC, not only played a role in the planning of the exhibition, but also were on sight in Chelsea to lend a hand with the erection of the stand. “It was hard work from the beginning to the end and no stone was left unturned in the effort to make a success of the exposition.” The theme of the exhibition was the Harold Porter Botanical Garden as the gateway to the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. With its rich biodiversity the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve can be regarded as one of the world’s environmental hotspots. More than 1600 species of fynbos can be found here, while the marine component is home to endangered species like the African penguin, abalone and crayfish. “We believe we have caught the eye of the world, not only in terms of tourism, but that this expo will attract the interest of institutions doing research and funding conservation projects."
The introduction of yellowfin tuna and striped bonito was the first step in the stocking of the exhibit with various fish species. The I&J Ocean Exhibit is set to house giant guitarfish, rays, bonito, yellowfin tuna, Yoshi the Aquarium’s resident loggerhead turtle and much more.
“Biosphere reserves are designated by UNESCO to perform the challenging task of bringing conservation and sustainable development together. We must convince the residents of such areas that it is possible to follow a sustainable lifestyle and livelihood in such areas. It is not easy to find funding for the numerous projects we are running in our area, like community vegetable gardens, manufacturing products from recyclables and training gardeners and tourist guides."
“The opening of this exhibit to the public brings to an end two and a half years of construction and anticipation. This magnificent exhibit aims to capture the public’s attention and presents us with an opportunity to inspire action for the future wellbeing of our oceans whether through sustainable seafood; reducing, reusing and recycling; or making an Ocean Promise,” said Michael Farquhar, CEO of the Two Oceans Aquarium. The exhibit is named the I&J Ocean Exhibit in recognition of I&J’s long-standing commitment to the Two Oceans Aquarium. As a founder partner, I&J has a long history with the Aquarium. The new I&J Ocean Exhibit is the first major construction for the Aquarium in nearly 21 years. The exhibit holds 1.7 million litres of seawater at a temperature of between 20 and 24 degrees Celsius. The depth of the exhibit stands at 6 metres. It is the first exhibit of its kind in South Africa to boast a full 10-metre long tunnel. The exhibit’s main viewing window is a continuous 9 metre wide panel which is 4 metres high and weighs 22 tonnes. At the same time as the opening of the new I&J Ocean Exhibit, a new Jelly Gallery will also open. This gallery forms the entrance to the Ocean Exhibit and will house various jelly species in a novel and mesmerising way. As the Aquarium opened the new I&J Ocean exhibit, it is also preparing to close down the old I&J Predator Exhibit for renovations. This exhibit, along with the Ocean Basket Kelp Forest Exhibit, will reopen in 2017. The predator exhibit will open as a completely new exhibit, housing large sharks and other species to be confirmed.
“So that is why we want to thank the South African National Biodiversity Institute and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens for giving us this wonderful opportunity. Congratulations on a well deserved gold medal. We are proud of you,” says Johan West.
Protect Cape Town’s Own Threatened Species The City and its conservation partners are working together to protect Cape Town’s critically endangered and unique floral gems from extinction. Among the city’s 400 plant species that are of concern is the world’s smallest protea, the Swartland sugarbush, of which only eight plants remain.
Protea odorata belongs to the shale sugarbush group consisting of only two species, both of which are on the verge of extinction. Protea Odorata itself is a short shrub up to 1,2 m tall with narrow linear leaves bent straight upwards and between 3 cm and 6 cm long and only 2 mm wide. The flowers are cup-shaped, less than 3 cm wide and 2 cm long. The outer bracts of the flower are ivory in colour, turning to a faint pink towards the centre. Sadly, at least 13 plant species unique to the Cape Town area are now listed in the IUCN Red List as ‘Globally Extinct’, while the world’s smallest protea is among another 400 plant species in Cape Town that are nearing extinction.
Photo: Kraaifontein Spiderhead (Serruria furcellata)
The City of Cape Town is calling on members of the public to make every effort to protect and conserve plant species that are critically endangered to prevent their extinction. In setting the example, the City and the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) are looking into how best to protect the world’s smallest protea, now only found on a single farm in the Fisantekraal area. At present, there are only eight remaining Swartland sugarbush (Protea odorata) plants left in the wild. The species is in desperate need of conservation management if we are to prevent its imminent extinction.
Species now extinct in the wild include: hairy bigstyle buchu, several ericas, Cape Flats gorse and grass mountain pea, Table Mountain window reed and the Peninsula snapdragon. Plant species may become increasingly threatened as a result of various factors, such as fires occurring too frequently, urbanisation, poaching and flower-picking. The City, with its partners, is making every effort to protect plant species that are critically endangered such as The Kraaifontein spiderhead, the strawberry spiderhead, Blouteebossie, Kraaifontein heath, and Senecio cadiscus.
Photo: Protea Odorata
“Cape Town is situated in a global biodiversity hotspot and is home to some of the most threatened plant species in the world. For this reason, it is not only the responsibility of the City and its partners to protect and conserve our environment – every single one of us has a role to play in looking after our natural heritage and to preventing it from being destroyed.”
THE NEWSPAPER
ENERGY
PAGE 11
xRg Solutions - Managing Your Renewable Energy! 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. 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.
Photo: L-R: Dieter Voges (xRg co-founder) David Marais (Higeco Africa founder) (xRg co-founder) Dr Jonathan Olivier
Although xRg’s main focus area is on commercial/agricultural-sized systems, it does offer its services to the residential market. For a photovoltaic system, for example, this market segment would normally require the use of a battery system.
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. 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. 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.
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.
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 selfconsumption (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.” 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.
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 12
THE NEWSPAPER
EVENTS
Acclaimed Body Worlds
HERMANUS WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL
Vital Exhibition Heads to Cape Town
CELEBRATES 18 YEARS
More than 40 million people in over 100 cities across the globe have seen the trailblazing BODY WORLDS exhibition series. Soon the internationally-acclaimed BODY WORLDS Vital exhibition travels to Cape Town, opening at the V&A Waterfront on Women’s Day, 9 August, and running until 23 October. Proudly presented by Discovery, this unique exhibition celebrates the wonder, resilience and fragility of the human body. BODY WORLDS returns with a new, more advanced presentation, a new theme, and much more to learn and experience.
Become inspired this year by taking your inner wine guru on a journey to one of South Africa’s most prestigious wine and food festivals. The 19th Hermanus Wine and Food Festival from 6-8 August at Curro Hermanus will showcase one of the strongest line-ups of premium wines from the Elgin to Elim region bringing together more than 50 premium wines producers. This year's line-up brags with more than 250 wines, enabling visitors to discover some of the world’s most renowned wines. There is no better way to experience the soul of a region than through its passionate people and the wines they make. Producers joining this year are Hamilton Russell Vineyards, Beaumont Family Wines, Bouchard Finlayson, Creation, Lomond, Newton Johnson Family Vineyard, Sumaridge, The Giant Periwinkle, Raka, Boschendal Elgin, Strandveld, Hornbill House, Paul Cluver, Springfontein and Domaine Des Deux wineries to name but a few.
Most of the Vital exhibits – including ALL of the thirteen full body plastinates – are New. The theme of this exhibition is different, this time focusing on health, vitality, the body’s athletic potential, and the effects of certain major chronic diseases. By contrast, the last BODY WORLDS exhibition centered on the ageing process. “As an organisation that continually looks for new ways to help people live healthier lives, we believe Dr Gunther von Hagens’ groundbreaking preservation process offers people a real-life opportunity to experience the wonder of the human body,” says Discovery Health CEO, Dr Jonathan Broomberg.
The festival will showcase one of the most sought-after gourmet Food Marquees with a lip-smacking range of delicious food and deli products. With local gourmet restaurants and snackaroos, the food stalls will be serving a vast variety of yummy delights with savoury eats to eclectic foods. A visit to the Festival Lounge will include: performances by local musicians, 10 Brew masters that will present more than 30 handcrafted beer and ciders, the first ever Gin-avaria saloon for gin lovers, meet the micro-distillers, experience the passion with which gin is produced and enjoy the flashy cocktails they make. Photo Credits: Catherine Kotze - Great World Exhibitions
Visitors to the exhibition are invited to explore human anatomy, physiology and health through around 180 authentic whole-body plastinates, individual organs and transparent body slices. Healthy and diseased organs are shown alongside each other, while displays of the nervous and cardiovascular systems show the intricacies of the highly complex human body. Specimens are permanently preserved through the process of Plastination, invented by famed anatomist, Dr. Gunther von Hagens.
Wine Village Hermanus will have an on-site shop where you can either order to take home, or order to have delivered, any of your favourite wines tasted at the festival. For more information visit www.winevillage.co.za
Canal Walk to stage Robin Hood during winter school holiday
Brought to South Africa by Cape Town-based Great World Exhibitions, the bodies on display have been willed by donors for Plastination to increase public awareness of the human body. To date, more than 15,000 donors around the world have bequeathed their bodies to Dr. von Hagens’ Institute for Plastination after death. For more information visit www.bodyworldsvital.co.za
Franschhoek Bastille Festival Berets in hand. Check. Red; white and blue outfit planned to perfection. Check. French flare. Check. Now you’re ready to celebrate this year’s Franschhoek Bastille Festival, 16th and 17th July, in style! The Food & Wine Marquee, set against the backdrop of the historic Huguenot Monument, is the place to be. As winter sets in the marquee is guaranteed to keep out the cold yet still offering exquisite views of the mountain. Sample the superb Franschhoek wines on offer or tickle your taste buds with the selection of delicious gourmet fare available to purchase from some of Franschhoek’s well-known eateries. The quirky caricature artist who captures your Bastille experience, the popular Porcupine Ridge Barrel Rolling Competition and a dedicated children’s area - all the ingredients for a fun filled festival. Adding that extra pizzazz the village, a hive of festival activities, will be kitted out in its finest French flare, as you take in the sights and sounds of all that’s on offer. Boules, markets, fine food and so much more. Tickets available from Webtickets
Family fun and entertainment is set for the winter holidays until 16 July at Canal Walk Shopping Centre with the much-anticipated annual theatre production. The age-old tale of ‘giving and equality for all’ comes to life with the telling of Robin Hood, as Centre Court is transformed into Sherwood Forest and Nottingham Castle. Produced by Fred Abrahamse & Marcel Meyer, Robin Hood is a musical feast that will warm the hearts of all, and leave everyone thinking about the good they can do in their own ‘hood’. A five metre talking tree, speaking falcon, Maid Marian and a host of other loveable and admirable characters, will help Robin on his quest to give to others, defeat the Sheriff of Nottingham and find love. Like our hero who is on a mission to make
life better for others, Canal Walk Shopping Centre and the Hyprop Foundation have this year partnered with the LEAP Science & Maths schools. All proceeds from the theatre programmes, as well as a percentage of the ticket sales from the staging of the performances will be donated to these no-fee schools. This is also a chance for everyone to do their bit for community, as throughout the theatre run, CWSC is also asking patrons and theatre goers to bring a can of food to help them and the LEAP schools to feed the minds and bodies of those less fortunate. The tins gathered during this time – 17 000 (6 700 kilos) are required – will be constructed into a mosaic representing former President Nelson Mandela. The mosaic will be built on Mandela Day 18th July at Canal Walk, and will be a visible reminder of what Madiba envisioned for South Africa. It is a sight not to be missed and all are encouraged to get involved or view it, if only for 67 seconds. Once completed, the tins will be donated to the LEAP social development initiatives in Langa, Philippi, Gugulethu, Crossroads and Delft. To meet Robin, Marian, The Sherriff of Nottingham and the Merry Men, including the legendary Friar Tuck. Tickets available at Computicket
THE NEWSPAPER
EVENTS
PAGE 13
RONAN KEATING - TIME OF MY LIFE TOUR COMING TO SOUTH AFRICA Ronan Keating will be bringing his TIME OF MY LIFE TOUR to Cape Town on 17 August 2016 at the Grand Arena at GrandWest, presented by Bok Radio, Jacaranda FM and Channel24 - Another Big Concerts Experience. Ronan Keating has achieved 40 million album sales with Boyzone, 22 million sales of his nine studio albums and 14 Solo Number One singles including: ‘When You Say Nothing at All’, ‘If Tomorrow Never Comes’ and ‘Life Is a Rollercoaster’. He has performed in 50 countries and has won an Ivor Novello for writing ‘Pictures of You’. Ronan has had great success from his acclaimed leading-man run in London’s West End musical ‘Once’ and 5 years as judge on X Factor Australia. It was recently announced that he will be joining the coaching panel on The Voice Australia and has also started artist managing after discovering and developing arena-filling Kodaline. On his latest album ‘Time Of My Life’ Ronan commented ‘making this album has been very rewarding. It was like therapy’. The songs are instantly affecting of celebration and emotion, of love and loss, but more importantly, unblinking honesty’. For the album he worked with seasoned producers Steve Lipson (Hans Zummer, Pharrell Williams) and Peter Vettese (Annie Lennox, Simple Minds). Ronan Keating will be performing a range of hits including his 14 solo number one singles as well as his new material from ‘Time of My Life’. Fans will get to experience the performance in an intimate configuration.
Disney Magic! Music from the Movies
Tickets available at Computicket
My Fair Lady My Fair Lady, often described as ‘the perfect musical’, is the standard by which all other musicals are measured. Based on George Bernard Shaw’s play and Gabrial Pascal’s motion picture “Pygmalion”, the book, music and lyrics by Lerner and Loewe, My Fair Lady is triumphant.
Photo: Paul van Zuilenburg
The Stellenbosch City Orchestra, conducted by Paul van Zuilenburg, presents its brand new musical spectacular Disney Magic: Music from the movies with vocal guest stars Jolene McCleland and Niel Rademan at the Lourensford Wine Cellar in Somerset West on 19 and 20 August. The rags-to-riches tale is of Eliza Doolittle, a poor Cockney flower seller who is transformed into a Duchess by an irascible professor of phonetics, Henry Higgins. It is a popular favourite that has delighted successive generations of theatre-goers since it first opened in 1959. Dicky Longhurst’s spectacular sets and costumes are complimented by well known show stoppers such as Wouldn’t it be Loverly, With a little bit of luck, The rain in Spain, I could have danced all night, On the street where you live, Get me to the church on Time and I’ve Grown accustomed to Her Face. It is no wonder everyone, not just Henry Higgens, falls in love with Eliza Doolittle. The My Fair Lady musical takes place from 16 July to 7 August at Artscape Opera House in Cape Town. Tickets available at Computicket
Klein Karoo Klassique 2016 Klein Karoo Klassique will take place from 12-14 August in Oudtshoorn. This year’s programme includes the South African flutist and Grammy winner Wouter Kellerman, and intimate performances by award-winning musicians. Klassique is being kicked off on the Friday night by the SAMA-nominated Cape Town Tango Ensemble with their show Piazzolla and beyond. Celebrated guitarist James Grace’s will take the stage on the Saturday morning with music from his SAMA-nominated albums and original interpretations of music from his show Guitar Hero.
In Vier vir Twee (Saturday afternoon), Mareli Stolp (piano) and Morné van Heerden (clarinet) will take the audience on a tour through the most beautiful music ever composed for these two instruments. Saturday afternoon’s Nagmusiek, with Grethe Nöthling (piano) and Matildie Thom Wium (mezzo soprano), is a compilation of short works by the South African composer Arnold van Wyk. These compositions are from the time when Van Wyk spent his childhood vacations in De Rust, and are connected through a story found in his diary as well as old letters. On Sunday morning, the Helderberg Baroque will be performing a baroque programme with music from Georg Friedrich Händel, Arcangelo Corelli and Johann Sebastian Bach. Klassique will end on a high note with the ATKV-Afsluitingskonsert, with soprano Noluvuyiso Mpofu, clarinettist Junnan Sun, pianist Elna van der Merwe and the award-winning Southern Cape Children’s Choir, under the leadership of Jan-Erik Swart.
Photo: James Grace
Tickets are available at Computicket
Sound tracks specifically arranged for the orchestra by Stephan Bezuidenhout and Heinrich Kruger include famous moments from Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid, Lion King, Aladdin, Frozen, Pirates of the Caribbean, Mulan, Tarzan, Hunchback of Notre Dame and the new Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Tickets are available from Computicket with special concessions for Groups, Pensioners, Students and Primary School Children
TRAVEL & TOURISM
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THE NEWSPAPER
10 Must-have Travel Apps Huge advances in mobile technology and the proliferation of smartphone apps have made travel easier than ever, but choosing the right app for your next trip can feel downright overwhelming. Edward Frost, British Airways’ commercial manager for South and East Africa says the key to convenience is simplicity when using technology to travel and suggests the following: Jetlag Genie helps you to adjust your sleep-patterns to your long-haul destination before you leave. Pocket Yoga guides you through postures and stretches. You choose your theme (ocean, mountain and so on), the duration of your session and level of expertise. WalkJogRun is useful for getting outdoors in foreign climes, whether you’re just out for a stroll or training for your next halfmarathon. It uses accurate GPS data to provide a variety of safe and interesting routes, new or familiar, as well as tracking your pace and distance covered. iStone Travel Translator has more than 300 phrases useful to travellers in 12 languages. If you’re in a particular region or country regularly or for a long time, try DuoLingo, which fast-tracks learning one of more than 20 languages. It tracks your progress and helps you bone up on your weaker areas. If that seems like too much effort, Google Translate is a dependable option.
One Card To Link Attractions
The Pass has been developed by three South African entrepreneurs - Marnus van Niekerk (Founder and CEO), Anton Groenewald (Director and Joint Founder) and Justin Sampson (Director and Joint Founder) - who identified an opportunity to provide a simpler, and more efficient solution for visitors to the Cape. “All these services are provided on an app-based, integrated IT platform using the latest smartphone technology, and with the option of printing tickets or credit card type passes as required by the visitor,” says Anton Groenewald. “We are offering a mobile based solution that meets the visitor’s demand for convenience and increasingly seamless travel,” Groenewald continues. Wesgro, the official tourism, trade and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and Western Cape, has identified the Cape Town Pass as a partner to help deliver its mandate of driving the geographic spread of tourists across the province. “The ability to use technology to open up the Western Cape to more visitors and help them to experience more of the five regions around Cape Town is what caught our interest,” say Tim Harris, CEO of Wesgro. “Cape Town Pass offers attractions and products from across the province in a streamlined sales and marketing channel.” “It will also provide great value to delegates attending international conferences who often only have a day or two to experience the destination and are looking for a simple mobile based solution. We are excited about working with Cape Town Pass,” ends Mr Harris.
Airbnb is a mighty database now extends to around 60m guests and accommodation in more than 3 400 cities in more than 190 countries. Uber, cab-hailing service provides affordable, cashless – and thus safer – transport in both familiar and more foreign climes. TripAdvisor gives blunt, often brutal, reviews of accommodation, restaurants and other facilities, without the travel sunny brochures’ perspective. Pocket First Aid and CPR provides instant, step-by-step advice on life-saving procedure and saves you and your loved ones’ medical information for retrieval. No roundup of travel apps is complete without British Airways’ own, which has been rated the top airline app. It now allows customers to save multiple boarding passes to their devices. It also gives customers in Heathrow’s Terminals 3 and 5 “push notifications”, alerting them when their departure gate is open and when boarding has started.
7th Table Mountain Frame
Across The Province
Cape Town Pass is a newly launched single card that gives visitors access to attractions across the province, and also provides added value such as discounted theatre tickets, concert tickets, events and restaurant specials.
Snapchat is a quick way to share images and videos with your social circle. If you’re out of network-coverage range, you can save your footage and upload it later. Snapchat also allows you to find out more about the area or event you’re visiting.
@ V&A Silo District
The V&A Waterfront’s Silo District is now home to a yellow Table Mountain New 7 Wonder (N7W) frame, the seventh in a series introduced across the city to celebrate Table Mountain being named a New 7 Wonder of Nature. Designed by local artist Porky Hefer, the 2.8m tall by 4m wide yellow frame provides Capetonians and tourists alike with a postcard-perfection vantage point to capture the mountain, as a backdrop with friends and family. “We are excited to see a seventh frame installed in the V&A Waterfront’s highly anticipated Silo District, celebrating a brand new eye-catching perspective of the mountain,” said Cableway Marketing Director Collette van Aswegen. “The popularity of the existing frames is testimony to the fact that enjoying Table Mountain’s iconic beauty is not isolated to the magnificent view from the top. It is also fantastic that the frames have become mini-attractions, encouraging people to explore areas of Cape Town that they may not have otherwise visited.” “The development of the Silo District, and specifically the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa within this district, will give visitors to the V&A Waterfront the opportunity to view Table Mountain from an entirely new angle, and we are confident that the frame will enhance the visitor experience in a fun and memorable way.’’ The other six frames have recently undergone refurbishment and are located at Signal Hill, the V&A Waterfront, Eden on the Bay (Blouberg), Cape Town Station, Harrington Square and Lookout Hill (Khayelitsha).
Family Farmstall Hoofstraat 507, Noorder - Paarl | Tel 021 872 4854
Ons is Oop 7 Dae ‘n week
Kom loer gerus binne, u sal verras wees! * Biltong
* Droëwors
* Vetkoek
* Heuning
* Konfyt
* Geskenke
* Enamel
* Glasware
* Dekor
* Meubels
* Blomme
THE NEWSPAPER
SPORT
PAGE 15
Celebrate National Women’s Day with PinkDrive and the Totalsports Women’s Race
The streets of Johannesburg and Cape Town will be teaming with activity on National Women’s Day, Tuesday, 09 August 2016 when thousands of runners and walkers toe the line at the much anticipated Totalsports Women’s Race in support of PinkDrive. A Non-Profit Company (NPC), PinkDrive is committed to improving breast cancer awareness, education, and providing and offering free services to the medically uninsured across South Africa. PinkDrive will be present at the Totalsports Women’s Race both in Johannesburg and Cape Town offering FREE clinical breast examinations and educating on the importance of self-breast examinations. “The Totalsports Women’s race is the ideal opportunity and platform to celebrate women,” says Febe Meyer, Marketing Manager of PinkDrive. “With both the Johannesburg and Cape Town events taking place on National Women’s Day, the majority of the participants will be women. We are granted an amazing opportunity to salute mothers, grannies, aunties and sisters.” “The Totalsports Women’s Race is more than just an event, it brings people together,” continues Meyer. “Last year numerous individuals and cancer survivors shared their success stories with us. It was also amazing to see how eager the entrants were to get tested.” “Our nurses tested a total of 314 participants on the day, referring 7 patients for further testing. We are honoured to be the official beneficiary of the Totalsports Women’s Race in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town. The funds donated to PinkDrive assist us in keeping our current mobile unit fleet on the road.”
Photo Credit: Deon Haak
“Exercise is just as important as an appropriate and suitable diet. Movement is one of the essential elements to get the lymph system going, strengthening bones and muscles. It is a known fact that ‘feel good endorphins’ released through exercise, aid in a positive state of mind which is vital for every cancer Survivor’s individual plan to cope with her diagnosis and possibly the route to recovery. The Totalsports Women’s Race adds both a fun and social element to exercise, while supporting PinkDrive’s message that ‘early detection saves lives’. We are proud to be affiliated with this inspirational event and can’t wait to catch up with old friends and make new friends on National Women’s Day.”
Top Lineup for Berg River Canoe Marathon title This year a group of very brave men and women will set off once again on the four day challenge of the 240km Berg River Canoe Marathon from Paarl to Velddrif from 13 to 16 July. This will be the 55th consecutive year that this iconic event will be staged. Along the way the participants will face numerous obstacles as the Berg is not called the ultimate challenge in long-distance canoeing for nothing. But, as with every paddler who completed the race before them, the relief will be great when they finally arrive at the Carinus Bridge in Velddrif. A new development to the race is the elevation of the time trial to prologue status by incorporating the results of the time trial to count towards elapsed time starts for the top seeded paddlers. This adds a new dynamic to the race which will definitely have an influence on the tactical approach of the top paddlers. Perth based Australian marathon paddler, Josh Kippen will be returning to South Africa’s for the race. The 25 year-old Perth based speedster has raced several major South African races before, but this time for a maiden challenge at the Berg River Canoe Marathon title. Seasoned Czech Republic Marathon racer, Petr Mojžíšek has added his name to the entry list, becoming the second international star to commit to the Berg River Canoe Marathon. A Berg River Canoe Marathon debut awaits an excited and nervous Stu Maclaren, 25 year-old elite star eager to take the plunge for the first time. The Cape Town based Euro Steel athlete put in a strong showing at the 2016 South African Canoe Marathon Championships and hopes to use that to build further ahead off the four day clash in a month’s time.
Photo Credit: Anthony Grote/Gameplan Media
With a laidback attitude and a love for paddling, Western Cape canoeing ace Simon van Gysen with a good win at the recent Pink Lady Drakenstein Race has given him a vital boost going into the Berg River Canoe Marathon. After tasting Berg River Canoe Marathon success for the first time last year, Bianca Beavitt will return to the gruelling four-day event in 2016 looking to replicate her display in 2015.
Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka name squad for Tour de France Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka will return to the Tour de France 2016 after a successful premiere 12 months ago, setting another massive milestone for African cycling.
Once again the team will take to the start of the La Grand Boucle with clear objectives. Steve Cummings’ stage win on Mandela Day, Daniel Teklehaimanot’s days in the Polka Dot jersey and a fifth place in the overall team classification were the key results last year and are the signposts for our African Team’s goals for the 2016 edition of the race. Team Dimension Data officially announced the 13 rider list from which the final 9 riders will be decided: Natnael Berhane, Edvald Boasson Hagen, Mark Cavendish, Steve Cummings, Bernhard Eisel, Tyler Farrar, Jacques Janse van Rensburg, Reinardt Janse van Rensburg, Serge Pauwels, Youcef Reguigui, Mark Renshaw, Daniel Teklehaimanot and Jaco Venter. As an African team racing to raise awareness for the Qhubeka charity, Team Dimension Data head to the Tour de France with the goal of putting 5 000 African children on bicycles through their #BicyclesChangeLives campaign. Having won both the Points as well as the King of the Mountains classifications at the recent Criterium du Dauphiné,Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka has underlined its ambitions for the coming weeks and will send a well rounded team to the Tour de France. Six of the 13 riders on the squad come from Africa. Eritrean Daniel Teklehaimanot is certainly the most famous one. He’ll be accompanied by fellow countryman Natnael Berhane, reigning South African road race champion Jaco Venter, Reinhardt Janse van Rensburg and Jacques Janse van Rensburg, who both have been part of the team that competed in the 2015 Tour de France, as well as Algerian Youcef Reguigui.
Photo Credit: Stiehl Photography
The 6 African men will be complemented by Edvard Boasson Hagen, Mark Cavendish, Steve Cummings, Bernhard Eisel, Tyler Farrar, Serge Pauwels and Mark Renshaw who will help to champion the #BicyclesChangeLives campaign cause and the Qhubeka 5000 initiative at the Tour de France 2016.
SPORTS NEWS For the dedicated fans
July 2016
Tel: 021 852 6500
www.thenewspaper.co.za
Free Copy
Trans Baviaans - Trans Talk Info Sessions Team Ecobound embarked on a roadshow this year visiting the main centres with a Trans Baviaans Information session dubbed the Trans Talks. The tour started in Johannesburg at the Sportmans Warehouse in Fourways and then moved to The Bike and Brew in Port Elizabeth, Sportmans Warehouse Bloemfontein, Greg Minnaar Cycles in Pietermaritzburg, Knysna Cycle Works in Knysna and then the last evening was at Sportmans Warehouse Rondebosch, Cape Town. “All the evenings were well attended and enjoyed by everyone. We had expert advise on nutrition from PowerBar, Extreme Lights got technical with light information, Squirt gave away some goodies for everyone that attended, and Darling Brew did tastings in Cape Town. The stores that hosted the Trans Talk’s offered some great specials to everyone that joined. Special speakers included veteran Berend Maarching (who did every single race) with some of his tips, podium finishers like Nick Cape and more.” The first Trans Talk took place way back in 2004 right before the very first Trans Baviaans 24hr MTB marathon. The distance was unheard of, the riders didn’t know if it was possible to do, there was a buzz of excitement and nerves mixed together in the month leading up to the inaugural race. A couple of locals from Knysna asked Wikus van der Walt the founder of the race to come and tell them what to expect! The idea was borne and the race has grown from about 250 riders in the first year to now having 2 events on 2 consecutive weekends and both are sold out.
“We will make a downloadable version of the presentation available to all that did not attend the Trans Talks,” said Zane Schmahl, Event Organiser. “The Trans Talk Roadshow will be launched again for 2017 with hopefully more towns to be visited in our country after many requests confirming the demand for them,” said Wikus van der Walt Race Director. The team from Ecobound will now turn their full focus to the event itself that will take place on 13 & 20 August 2016, which is just around the corner.
OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME FOR YOUNG CYCLIST FROM WESTERN CAPE Louis Visser, junior cyclist from Oudtshoorn’s quest to become a professional cyclist has recently received a boost when he was selected to represent South Africa as part of the junior team that will tour Europe in July 2016. Not knowing at that stage that he would also be invited to race in Spain for Cileste Club Colindres from June to August. Louis is now one of a handful of South African cyclists conquering the roads of Europe! Louis departed for Spain on 17 June and after 33 hours of travelling he arrived in the village of Entrambasaguas in the North of Spain. Only a few hours after his arrival he had his first ride with his new team to prepare for the Vuelta al Besaya - a three day tour in the region of Cantabria, Spain. The Vuelta al Besaya is one of Spain’s premier junior cycling events, now celebrating its 30th year, with the current world junior road champion also taking part. Louis will join the Cycling South African junior squad from 5-21 July to compete in various races in Europe and will return to South Africa in August. Louis had an extraordinary year with excellent results in the Tour of Good Hope, CSA selection races and finishing first in the category for Juniors at the Cape Town Cycle Tour.
Photo: Louis Visser Warming-up for Vuelta al Besaya
Photo: Louis Visser (middle) with teammates of Disgara-Colindres at Vuelta al Besaya
Photo L-R: Victor Hurtado Cacho (Team Manager), Louis Visser and David Gomez Gutierrez, (Team Owner)