Peoples Post False Bay Edition 08-03-2011 by People's Post

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Tuesday 8 March 2011

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Fish Hoek woman found guilty of hiring a hitman to kill wife of bridge instructor

De Villiers hired hitman Booth says the court previously found her unfit to stand trail due her suffering from AlzTHE Wynberg Magistrate’s Court has found that heimer’s. an elderly woman did hire a hitman to murder “The court found that she could not appreciate Fish Hoek resident Irene Wilson. the wrongfulness of her actions at the time the However, it ruled earlier that crime was committed,” says Booth. Sophia de Villiers (75), who suffers He says the court now has to rule from Alzheimer’s, could not appreon whether De Villiers will go to a ciate the wrongfulness of her acState psychiatric facility or to a pritions at the time of the crime. vate institution. De Villiers was accused of hiring Booth says he must still meet a hitman to murder Wilson in an atShe could not with the family to decide whether tempt to form a romantic relationthey will apply to the High Court for ship with Wilson’s husband, Tony, a review of the ruling because the appreciate the from whom she was taking bridge family would like De Villiers to go lessons. to a private institution. wrongfulness of her The hitman stabbed Wilson seve“We are arguing that she should ral times in the forearm, hands, upnot go to a state institution, because per left thigh, chest and neck during actions at the time of of bad conditions and staff shortathe attack in March 2006. ges,” says Booth. The hitman was never arrested, But State prosecutor Nico Breyl the crime but De Villiers was taken into cusreferred De Villiers to Lentegeur tody some hours after the incident. Hospital. On Friday 4 March, the court conThe case was postponed to Thursfirmed that she had orchestrated the day 10 March. attempted murder. A weekend paper reported that Her defence attorney, William Booth, said the Tony Wilson described his wife’s attacker as a court found, in terms of the Criminal Procedures “dangerous woman” and that “(they) still feel in Act, that she had “committed the act”. danger from her”. DALEEN FOUCHÉ

“

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SHE DID IT: Sophia de Villiers at the Wynberg Magistrate on Friday 4 March. Photo: Nasief Manie

Bin pickers come under paintball fire DALEEN FOUCHÉ

GROUP of young people has been seen driving around in convoy in Sun Valley on Tuesdays, shooting at bin pickers with paintball guns. A woman who did not want to be named says she picks up a friend in the area and saw a group of young people driving a blue bakkie, a black bakkie and a VW Golf, shooting at bin pickers on Tuesday mornings at about 07:15. She says she has seen this happening “a few times”. She says the perpetrators are “definitely” not members of the neighbourhood watch.

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“People who live in the area are shocked at this behaviour,” she says. She says the bin pickers run away as soon as they see the young people approaching with the paintball guns. Andre Blom, chairperson of the Fish Hoek CPF, confirms that the Sun Valley neighbourhood watch had seen the young people shooting at bin pickers on Tuesday 22 February. Blom says the neighbourhood watch “promptly” chased the young people away. He says the neighbourhood watches are very active on Tuesdays during bin days, when they try to keep bin pickers out of the

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He says it is “fairly painful to be shot with a paintball gun”. “This is unacceptable on all levels,” says Lovick. He says no one wants to scratch in bins for food, but circumstances force them to do so. Lovick, however, says there are issues of crime and drugs related to bin picking, but adds that “making friends” with bin pickers is better than shooting them. Lovick says if people were shooting baboons or dogs, animal activists would have been “up in arms”. Neighbourhood watches, with the help of sector policing and the CPF, patrol their ar-

eas on bin days to discourage bin pickers from rummaging through the black bins. (“Bin picker project puts lid on crime”, People’s Post, 25 January 2011). The idea is to clear the area of opportunistic criminals who hide behind the pretence of vagrancy to see which houses can be robbed. The first operation of its kind was held in September last year and the operations are now held once a month.

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area. He, however, says it is “completely wrong” to act “violently” against the bin pickers, and adds that bin picking is a problem that needs a long-term solution and cannot be addressed by being aggressive. Peter Lovick, general manager of Living Grace, which forms part of Living Hope and deals with homelessness and substance abuse, says this behaviour is “despicable”. Lovick, who works with the homeless daily, says shooting people with paintball guns is a violation of their human rights. “They are already humiliated by having to scratch in bins to survive. This only increases this humiliation.”

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NEWS

Page 2 People’s Post False Bay

Tuesday 8 March 2011

Safety measures for Far South Roads DALEEN FOUCHÉ

SPEED limits for roads in the Far South were discussed at the South Peninsula Subcouncil meeting of 18 February and amendments made to speed limits that were initially applied to stretches such as Ou Kaapse Weg. People’s Post reported (“New speed limit for Ou Kaapse Weg, People’s Post, 15 February 2011) that a new speed limit would be implemented on Ou Kaapse Weg, reducing the speed from 90km/h to 70km/h. Traffic calming measures were also proposed for the intersection of Ou Kaapse Weg and Silvermine Road. The change was met with some scepticism from road users after the announcement was made. But South Peninsula subcouncil chairperson Demetri Qually said in the recent subcouncil meeting that new speed limits will indeed be enforced along Ou Kaapse Weg and other main roads through South Peninsula down to Cape Point. Qually says that the “general speed lim-

it” for the main road networks in the Far South, including Ou Kaapse Weg, will be 80km/h, with certain areas being lowered to 70km/h. He says additional cat’s eyes will be installed along Ou Kaapse Weg and other main roads to improve safety conditions on the roads. The intersection at Silvermine Road and Ou Kaapse Weg will be reduced to 70km/h. The intersection at Silvermine and Ou Kaapse Weg is “under design” and there have already been some improvements by removing the vegetation on the approach to the intersection, says Qually. He says there is still some deliberation on whether a traffic circle would be introduced at the intersection. “There is still uncertainty on whether or not a traffic circle will improve or worsen the situation,” he told People’s Post. An additional right turn lane is to be installed at the Ou Kaapse Weg and Steenberg intersection. Qually, however, points out that a speed limit serves as the maximum allowed speed. “It is still the responsibility of drivers to drive responsibly in dangerous conditions.”

Tuck into Breakfast on Main and cheer for cyclists AS is tradition when the Pick n Pay Cape Argus Cycle Tour rolls into town, Fish Hoek locals will be making the most out of their entrapment in the valley by enjoying breakfast on Main Road on Sunday 13 March – and if you’ve never joined in before, be there, because it’s an experience to remember! Locals line the Main Road to cheer on the participants – and if you think their cheering is loud, you should see their outfits!

The road is filled with the beguiling scent of breakfasts being fried up and unless you buy the really expensive kind, you’ll probably have your best cup of coffee on Main Road on Sunday morning. Those who want to see the leaders of the cycling field in action must be up early. Adrian Lawson, chairperson of the Fish Hoek Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will be heading up the festivities. Phone him on 082 497 7366 if you have any queries.

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GREAT STUFF: The first captain of the sub marine, Rear Admiral Theo Honiball (JG), was the guest of honour at the opening.

ALL ABOARD: A proud Theo Honiball next to the sub he once commanded.

Photo: Nasief Manie

Old sub brought back to life AFRICA’S first submarine museum, SAS Assegaai, officially opened in Simon’s Town on Tuesday 1 March. The SAS Assegaai is one of the three Daphne Class boats built in France and acquired by the SA Navy in the early 1970s. Although they operated successfully until the late 1990s, the Daphnes had to be withdrawn from service and scrapped when maintenance becoming a problem due to their age. The Assegaai was the last sub withdrawn from service, on 23 November 2003. But thanks to a few officers who formed a committee and started raising funds and planning for the preservation of the

submarine as a museum, the Assegaai was never cut into pieces. Project manager, Arné Söderlund, retired Rear-Admiral (JG) in the navy, says the main purpose of the project is to preserve the submarine as a museum and to promote technology and science among the youth. “The sub has been lying dead in the water for seven years, but now she’s been brought back to life,” he says. The official opening marked the first step in the Assegaai’s eventual placement ashore at the museum. The short, colourful ceremony concluded with a walk through the submarine and a champagne reception.

Big Walk indeed! OVER 20 000 people participated in Cape Town’s annual 10 km Big Walk on Sunday. The 1UP Cash and Carry Big Walk, presented by Spice Mecca, was in aid of the Red Cross Children’s Hospital and Islamic Library. A cheque of R125 000 was handed to the Red Cross Children’s Hospital on Sunday.Cape Town Mayor Dan Plato pulled the starting gun trigger just before 08:00. Dr Ivan

Meyer, MEC for Cultural Affairs and Sport, was spotted among the Big Walk participants walking along the beachfront to the Green Point track. Seen here are just some of the thousands of people who enjoyed the glorious weather and healthy outdoors on Sunday. . People’s Post is the print media sponsor of the Big Walk.

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VEGGIE DE LIGHT: Paul Greyling Prima ry School’s land service group has been culti vating a vegeta ble garden for two years, and donated their home grown pro duce, including onions, toma toes, butternut and pumpkin, to Ukhanyo Prima ry’s feeding scheme. Seen here from the back left are Nomzekelo Qa mane (school secretary), Mikhail Waites, Heinrich Wheeler (chairperson of land service), Stefan Uys, Michael Tyhali (principal of Ukhanyo Primary) and Linda Nyengane (deputy principal of Ukhanyo Primary). In the front row are Stefan Kellerman, Nicola van Niekerk, Kara Beukes and Mia du Toit. Photo: Supplied

NEWS

Tuesday 8 March 2011

‘Wild’ chase leads to arrests DALEEN FOUCHÉ

OUR suspects were arrested in the early morning on Friday 4 March when their car rolled in the Kalk Bay Main Road during a “wild” high speed chase after they allegedly burgled Silvana Jewellery Studio. This is the second break-in at Silvana situated in Longbeach Mall this year. In January, five men made off with more than R200 000 worth of jewellery from the store (“Thieves escape with R200 000 in jewels”, People’s Post, 11 January 2011). Warrant Officer Chris Cloete, spokesperson for the Fish Hoek police, says three men broke into Silvana Jewellery Studio at 02:46 by breaking the window with bricks. They took jewellery and watches. He says the three suspects got into a car with a fourth suspect and chased down the street when police started pursuing them. Captain Frederick Van Wyk, spokesperson for provincial police, says an eyewitness, an on-duty security guard, notified the local police immediately. Andre Blom, chairperson of the Fish Hoek CPF, says the Sun Valley and Valyand West neighbourhood watch helped in the chase. Cloete says the Silver Nissan Hardbody the suspects were driving flipped

Correction SOME facts published in People’s Post last week were incorrect (“Woman (85) attacked in Sun Valley”, People’s Post, 1 March 2011). The article states that Shirley Lucas, the woman who was attacked, was returning home. But Lucas explains that she was at her car and about to leave at the time of the incident. The article further states that the perpetrator took her handbag and walked away, but Lucas says he demanded money, which she did not have, took her cellphone and then walked away. In the article it states that the man turned around towards the woman when he “saw her get up”, but ac-

Cancer group meets THE Prostate Cancer Support Action Group (PSA group) will meet at 17:45 for 18:00 on Tuesday 15 March in the auditorium of the Constantiaberg Medi-Clinic, Burnham Road, Plumstead. Newly diagnosed patients and their partners or carers are welcome. Dr Steve Eppel will discuss treatment using ultrasound. Phone 073 560 3067 for more information.

Join Jodi-Ann JOIN Jodi-Ann Matthee, Marais Matthee and Ria Matthee, at 21:30 at King of Kings Baptist Centre, corner of Ou Kaapse Weg and Buller Louw Street, Sun Valley on Tuesday 15 March. JodiAnn, who was born blind, performs on various instruments and writes her own music. For information contact Mary Murgatroyd on (021) 782-1309.

over, but they fled on foot. Fish Hoek police arrested three suspects, while the Muizenberg police arrested the fourth suspect in Kalk Bay. Jewellery to the value of R283 000 was recovered in and around the car. Seven suspects are still at large. One suspect was treated for a minor head injury under police guard at the False Bay Hospital. He was released immediately and taken into custody. Frank Tucker, who owns Silvana Jewellery Studio with his wife, says they are still taking stock of what was stolen. “They (perpetrators) left a big mess.” Tucker did not want to comment further on the matter. Cloete says the Nissan Hardbody was involved in similar break-ins, including the previous break in at Silvana. “The suspects had the same modus operandi as the burglars in the previous break-in had.” The suspects will appear in the Simon’s Town court on Monday on charges of robbery. Cloete says they will also be charged with the previous break-in at Silvana’s, and a similar break-in in Claremont. Cloete says the State will oppose bail because all four suspects have criminal records, or are currently on bail for similar offences. Anyone with informationis asked to contact the investigating Officer Detective Sergeant James Smith, on 078 414 0518 or Fish Hoek police at (021) 784-2700. cording to Nina Flack, a neighbour who witnessed the event, the perpetrator turned around “for no apparent reason” and not because Lucas stood up. According to the article, the perpetrator demanded the woman’s keys, but Lucas says the keys merely fell on the ground, while he was looking and demanding money. The article states that Flack arrived at the scene and helped the woman, when in fact the woman went over to Flack’s house for assistance. People’s Post received all information from Fish Hoek police. Warrant Officer Chris Cloete, spokesperson for Fish Hoek police, says all information provided and published in People’s Post is in accordance with statements in the case docket, as provided by Shirley Lucas.

People’s Post False Bay Page 3

Knit a teddy or beanie for the children THE Rotary Club Cape of Good Hope wishes to thank everyone who knitted teddy bears and beanies for them last year. In all, nearly 2 000 teddies and beanies were knitted and were given mainly to the physically challenged at the One to One Day and the balance to children in hospitals around the Cape. One to One Day is held in August, when all the service organisations in the peninsula get together at the Good Hope Centre and host about 3 000 physically challenged people of all ages for a day of fun. Each organisation has a different stall and tries to give these people a day they will never forget. Donations of wool, stuffing and needles will be gratefully received. For more information contact Ursula McCabe on (021) 782-1803, 083 685 5157 or Jean Smythe on (021) 782-1469 or 084 646 0095.

New broom ANDRE BLOM has stepped down as senior coordinator for the Silverglade Neighbourhood Watch in Fish Hoek and has been replaced by Russell Wright. Contact Russell on email russell@kingsley.co.za or on his cell 083 461 8427.

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Page 4 People’s Post False Bay

BEACH DAY: A heat wave in Cape Town last week attracted many Capetonians to the beaches, with temperatures rising up to 37°C. Steve Searle and his dog Sparky enjoyed a game of frisbee at Glencairn Beach last Tuesday. Photo: Nasief Manie

Tuesday 8 March 2011

WHAT A CATCH: The Fish Hoek treknet fishermen brought in a net full of yellowtail on Thursday 3 March. Photo: Gwen Rea

SRA trouble brewing in Capri DALEEN FOUCHÉ

ONTROVERSY is clouding the proposed limited Special Rating Area for Capri. The proposed limited SRA would include Capri, with the boundaries being Kommetjie Road, Old Kommetjie Road, Solole Game Reserve, the Glencairn Express Way and Corfu Avenue. The limited SRA, however, will exclude three gated communities within its boundaries. Residents opposing the SRA claim the formal application does not adhere to the City of Cape Town’s Special Rating Area Bylaw. They claim the city should not have accepted the application for the Capri SRA due to several matters of non-compliance. The application was submitted on 15 November 2010 and is currently under consideration.

These residents have organised themselves into an action group, consolidating their opposition to pose a stronger case to council. A minimum requirement to establish an SRA within the city is to have consent from 50% plus one of all home owners within the proposed SRA boundaries, but objecting residents claim that the steering committee has not achieved this requirement. The City informed People’s Post that the application for the limited SRA for Capri included 316 consent forms, representing 50.5% of the homes included within the borders of the proposed limited SRA. But the action group, objecting to the SRA, claim that the 316 consent forms do not translate into 50.5%. A resident opposing the application, who asked not to be named for fear of victimisation, says according to their calculations, 319 consent forms were needed to gain the

WESTERN CAPE GAMBLING AND RACING BOARD

OFFICIAL NOTICE RECEIPT OF AN APPLICATION FOR A SITE LICENCE In terms of the provisions of Section 32(2) of the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Act, 1996 (Act 4 of 1996), as amended, the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (“the Board”) hereby gives notice that an application for a site licence, as listed below, has been received.A site licence will authorise the licence holder to place a maximum of five limited payout machines in approved sites outside of casinos for play by the public. DETAILS OF APPLICANT Name of business: At the following site: Erf number: Persons having a financial interest of 5% or more in the business:

André Van der Merwe Sole Proprietor t/a Rumours Unit 1F, Fish Eagle Park, Kommetjie 7975 4785, Kommetjie André Van der Merwe (100%)

WRITTEN COMMENTS AND OBJECTIONS Residents of this province who wish to lodge objections or to furnish comment on any application, may do so in writing. In the case of written objections to an application, the grounds on which such objections are founded, must be furnished. Where comment in respect of an application is furnished, full particulars and facts to substantiate such comment must be provided.The name, address and telephone number of the person submitting the objection or offering the comment must also be provided. Comments or objections must reach the Board by no later than 16:00 on Friday 5 April 2011. Notice is hereby given that, in terms of Regulation 24(2) of the National Gambling Regulations, the Board will schedule a public hearing in respect of an application only if, on or before 16:00 on Friday 5 April 2011, a written objection to such application relating to: (a) the probity or suitability for licensing of any of the persons to be involved in the operation of the relevant business, or (b) the suitability of the proposed site for the conduct of gambling operations has been received. If a public hearing is scheduled, the date of such hearing will be advertised in this publication approximately 14 days prior to the date thereof. Objections or comments must be forwarded to the Chief Executive Officer,Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, P.O. Box 8175, Roggebaai 8012 or handed to the Chief Executive Officer,Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, Seafare House, 68 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town or faxed to the Chief Executive Officer at one of the aforementioned addresses on fax number +27 (0)21 422 2603.

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majority vote. The resident added that on the application for the SRA, they found one consent form was signed after the application had been submitted, while another home owner retracted their consent. “It is evident that the proposed limited SRA does not meet the requirements of the City of Cape Town Special Rating Area Bylaw. The City should not have accepted the application on these grounds.” But Eddie Scott, council’s manager for Inter-Services Liaison, insists that none of the consent forms are considered invalid. “All that is needed is for the owners to state that they are familiar with the contents of the business plan, support it and provide their erf number, which is matched to the property database.” He says that after the limited SRA application was submitted, some concerned residents from Capri inspected the consent forms at their office and pointed out “incomplete forms”. “These were referred back to the applicant, who went back to the residents to complete the forms.” Scott says that when all residents willingly completed their forms, council could regard the original consent forms “as being submitted in good faith”. But the action group objecting to the SRA has further grievances, explaining that the bylaw requires a second public meeting if the application of the proposed SRA is amended. The action group says the application was amended after the first mandatory public meeting. The amendment proposed the exclusion of three gated communities. The gated communities were ex-

cluded from the SRA in December last year, because they already pay extra levies for similar services as what the SRA will offer. They say the steering committee never held a second public meeting to inform residents of the decision to exclude the three gated communities. Tony Fernandez, from the Capri SRA steering committee, says a second public meeting was not held because the business plan of the proposed SRA was not amended. “The same services are being offered at the same cost.” But the action group adds that one public meeting, held in the King of Kings Baptist Church, contravened the bylaw, because the bylaw states that the public meeting needs to be held within the boundaries of the proposed SRA. Fernandez, however, says the CFO gave permission for the meeting to be held outside the location of the proposed SRA. According to the City of Cape Town’s Special Rating Area Policy, the SRA establishment process must be completed by the end of October of the financial year preceding the establishment of the SRA. But the action group, objecting to the SRA, say the application was submitted to the city on 15 November 2010, with evidence that the application changed after this date. “In accordance with the policy, the application should only be entertained for the 2012/2013 financial year.” Fernandez explains that the application was delayed, due to him being “incapacitated due to an operation”. He adds that all the questions raised by the action group were addressed when the application for the Capri SRA was submit-

ted. The action group says their biggest concern is the ongoing cost that the SRA will bring. A resident says 88% of objectors cite financial reasons for not consenting to the proposed SRA. The city received 134 letters of objection against the Capri SRA, 19 of which are considered invalid. Scott says three homeowners objecting to the SRA qualify for “full relief” and 16 objections are from owners whose properties fall outside the proposed limited SRA boundary. The application for the limited Capri SRA is currently in the public participation process. This process includes a report, to be drafted by the steering committee, addressing all objections against the proposed limited SRA. The participation has been extended by the city to 15 March. The application is to be considered in full council on 11 May. If the SRA is approved, additional rates will be implemented on 1 July. The additional rate, which will be calculated on the value of each property, is budgeted at R159.71 per R1 million in property value. There are currently 22 SRAs in the City of Cape Town, four of which are in commercial areas, seven in industrial areas, nine in mixed used areas (commercial and residential) and two in residential areas. Scott says that to the best of his knowledge, no application for an SRA has failed. “This, however, does not mean that it may not occur in future.” People’s Post, however, reported on the failure of the proposed Constantiaberg SRA which failed to gain 50% plus one votes in support of the SRA (“CID bid fails”, People’s Post, 2 November 2010).

‘She was called home’ DALEEN FOUCHÉ

A BELOVED and well-known face in Muizenberg, Lynette Manasse, passed away on Saturday 26 February after suffering a heart attack. The Strandfontein resident worked as the “friendly” front end controller at Checkers in Muizenberg for the past 19 years, and died at the age of 42. To the regular customers at Checkers, Manasse became “a part of the family”, says Natalie Petersen, administration manager for Checkers in Muizenberg. “She was a real people’s person,” says Petersen. She says since passed, many customers had come into the store to inquire about funeral arrangements. Petersen described the mother

Lynette Manasse died at the age of 42. Photo: Supplied of three as “caring”. “Our regular customers knew Lynette on a first name basis. She would always pray for people and

genuinely ask how they were doing.” But Petersen says Manasse always put other people’s needs before her own. “She would go out of her way to help you find a solution to your problem.” Petersen says it was a “tremendous shock” to find out Manasse had died. “I was on leave and Lynette sent me an SMS on Friday to ask when I was returning and to tell me that she missed me.” Petersen says she will always be grateful to Manasse for introducing her to Christianity. “Lynette was called home.” Manasse leaves behind three children, a daughter and two sons. She was laid to rest on Saturday 5 March, after a service in the Metropolitan Church in Lavender Hill.

NEWS

Tuesday 8 March 2011

Little progress for Le Diamante DALEEN FOUCHÉ

HANDFUL of labourers continues to work at the Le Diamante development site in Muizenberg Main Road, after the project ground to a halt in July 2010. The team of men were working on minor repairs on the building towards the end of February. When asked what they were doing, they refused to comment. People’s Post reported last year that a contractor who worked on redeveloping Le Diamante was allegedly not paid for his services by developers Demindex Properties. Formerly known as South Sands and locally dubbed the “Peppermint Slum” because of its colour, the building was notorious as a drug den populated by illegal tenants. They were evicted on 1 July 2008. Rika Lourens, director of Demindex Properties, bought the property at an auction in 2009 for R12.8 million and almost immediately painted it white. Le Diamante will consist of 39 units costing under R1 million each, according to its website. Danie Rossouw, from West and Rossouw attorneys, who represents the allegedly unpaid contractor, says Demindex Properties promised to pay the contractor in November last year (“Contractor claims non-payment for work on Le Diamante”, People’s Post, 16 November 2010). This payment, however, has yet to materialise, he says. In November last year, the City of Cape Town confirmed that the initial work on the building was started in the absence of building plans from Demindex. Jaco van der Westhuizen, the city’s acting director of Planning and Building Development Management, said previously: “The work reached the stage where the Department of Planning and Building Develop-

ment Management insisted on the submission of building plans. “The work stopped and a sketch plan was submitted for the conversion of the building into flats.” According to Cheryl Walters, director for the city’s Department of Planning and Building Development Management, the sketch plans have not yet been seen by all appropriate city departments. Work on the existing part of the building could continue, but sketch plans need to be submitted for changes being made to another part of the building. She says various departures and a consent application for Le Diamante have not yet been approved. Walters explains that Demindex Properties has responded to objections, but is still negotiating with objectors. Walters says the nature of objections cannot be disclosed until the process has been finalised. “In the meantime, the Planning and Building Development Management Department is waiting for comment from the Provincial Road Authority,” says Walters. Full building plans for the development cannot be submitted until the departures and consent have been approved. People’s Post asked Lourens about the progress at Le Diamante. Questions included: . Are the building plans for Le Diamante closer to being approved by the City of Cape Town? . How many units in Le Diamante are still up for sale? . Are buyers showing interest in buying units in Le Diamante? . If a buyer were to tour the completed unit in Le Diamante what would he/she find? . When is the estimated date of completion for Le Diamante? Lourens, however, declined to comment.

People’s Post False Bay Page 5

STILL GOT IT: Sil vermine Village res ident Japie Malan, aged 91, is compet ing in his seventh Pick and Pay Cape Argus Cycle tour on 13 March. He will be the oldest par ticipant this year, and is also the old est participant in the history of the cycle event. His best time was achieved in 2007 when he finished the 109km race in 5 hours 48 min utes. Photo: Leanne Stander

GENERAL

Page 6 People’s Post False Bay

OWN WORLD: A golden labrador enjoys the undivided attention of its owner just after dawn on Longbeach, Simon’s Town. Photo: Mike Berger

Tuesday 8 March 2011

OUR WORLD: Fishermen from Ocean View try their luck at a catch while the sea is fresh. Jamiela, the teenaged daughter of the skipper, Moegseen Jenkins, is seen in front. Photo: Mike Berger

Dawn breaks on Longbeach PROFESSOR MIKE BERGER

F you Google “the beaches of Cape Town”, the numbers come up between 22 and 34; clearly an underestimate to anyone who knows our rocky, cove-strewn coastline. Longbeach, Simon’s Town didn’t even figure in the two lists I consulted. So even before the sun had peeped above the eastern mountain rim of False Bay, I set off for non-existent Longbeach with camera in hand. Lo and behold, on arrival a couple of cars were already parked at this mythical spot. The first sight to greet me was a man wearing a Special Ops tee-shirt with his two dogs in a state of unbridled joy. The cause of their happiness was a much used piece of wood being thrown for them over and over again into the sea. One was a golden labrador, back-lit by the rising sun and splattering spray in all directions, while around him danced a smaller, black spaniel-variety in a frenzy of excitement and frustration. These are Longbeach regulars

– revealed by the vibrant health of the two dogs. With the light still low, a fishing boat pushed off into the sea from near the parking area. The Navy frigates, riding at anchor against the red glow of the breaking dawn, served as backdrop to the rowboat, which re-beached again a couple of hundred metres further down at the northern end. By then I had strolled over and watched the morning ritual, as the men prepared the boat for the day’s net fishing. Their spotter, located three quarters of the way up the mountain behind them, watched for the telltale signs of birds and troubled water signifying a possible shoal. The group were the working edge of an Ocean View-based fishing concession which extended from roughly Simon’s Town to Smitswinkel Bay. Accompanying them on this occasion, a Saturday, was Jamiela, the teenaged daughter of the skipper, Moegseen Jenkins. Totally at home amongst the men, she spent the time playing, immersed in her daydreams “…Under the new made clouds and happy as the heart was

long/ In the sun born over and over/ (she) ran (her) heedless ways…”.* The men kept the area spotlessly clean and we promised that this encounter would not be the last. As I trudged back towards the parking area, I encountered increasing numbers of people of all ages, usually accompanied by canine companions for whom the beach was the social highlight of the day. One lady tripped elegantly along the beach, delicately sipping from a tiny cup of coffee while surrounded by an assortment of exuberant dogs. Back towards the parking lot, black suited divers had appeared, the Special Ops man and his dogs were gone, and a few sun worshippers were heading towards their allotted spots. It was still early and this unsung beach was already a place of refuge, pleasure and even economic opportunity for many in the surrounding community. It is something to treasure and protect in our troubled world. * With acknowledgements to Dylan Thomas for the lines from “Fern Hill”.

ARTIST’S EYE: A canvas rich in colour, texture and feeling is created by this creative application of a camera lens to a sunset in Kommetjie. The photo was taken on Wednesday 2 March, with photographer Juan Wernecke using a Canon EOS 50D + 18200mm lens set to ISO 100, focal length of 18 mm, and F11. Photo: Juan Wernecke

ALL IS QUIET... But for a fisherman preparing to enter the water. Photo: Mike Berger

DAWN COMES SOFTLY: Golden rays escape from the horizon and trip over the waves as dawn breaks over Fish Hoek beach, Sunday 6 March at 06:40. Photo: Gwen Rea

GENERAL

Tuesday 8 March 2011

People’s Post False Bay Page 7

Local author writes tellall biography of Olive Schreiner SOUTH AFRICA’S first major novelist, humanist, liberal thinker and feminist, Olive Schreiner, died in poor circumstances in a boarding house at the age of 65 in Oak Hall, Wynberg.

of the writer that enables her to place herself, chameleon-like, into the very midst of her subject’s society – be this on the South African veld, or in England or Europe; and its imaginative projection of Olive into the 21st century and even into In an era when no respectable womthe milieu of the 2010 Fifa World an went without stockings, she was Cup. considered outrageous for shunning “By the end of the book one feels corsets and stays. that one has somehow known Olive Schreiner liked to skinny-dip and Schreiner personally, known this sunbathe in the nude. remarkable South African seeker She lived very simply and in later of the truth as one might have come years, she was so poor that she to ‘know’ the other side of the packed the inside of her coat with moon. newspaper to keep out the cold. “The style is direct and conversaSchreiner’s biography, titled “The tional but the content is, at the other side of the moon”, is written by TELLALL TALE: The biography same time, impressively authoritaHeather Parker Lewis and is current- of Olive Schreiner – The other tive, drawing upon hitherto unpubly available for R135 at Exclusive side of the moon – is now avail lished archival material melded Books in Claremont, Wordsworth able at book stores. with first-hand accounts of people Books, Dean Street Bookstore, who knew or who were associated Clarke’s Books, Protea Books in Stellenbosch and with Olive. The author treats the immensely commajor bookstores country wide. plex personage of Olive Schreiner with empathy but Professor Rosemary Gray, of the English Academy without sentimentality or judgement.” of South Africa says: “What distinguishes this biogThe other side of the moon can also be ordered raphy is its readerly format; the narratorical skill from Kalahari.net.

Sweet local fellowship in Kommetjie THE Calvary Chapel in Kommetjie will be meeting as usual on the Sunday of the Pick n Pay Cape Argus Cycle Tour, on 13 March at 09:30. The chapel will be hosting talented local guests Richard and Bernice Anderson to lead in wor-

Holistic healing in Ocean View THE Art Vibrations and Work4Love group presents wellness, massage and holistic healing weekly, on Wednesdays, at the Roman Catholic Church in Ocean View from 09:00 and

on Mondays at the Ocean View Civic Centre at 19:30. For more information please contact Alvin on 084 293 5692 or Rowayda on 082 933 8385.

Nuclear power and the environment THE Fish Hoek Valley Historical Association’s monthly meeting will be held in the Fish Hoek Library Hall on Thursday 10 March at 18:00. Dr Paul Giess will speak on “Envi-

ronmental issues around nuclear power”. All are welcome. For more information contact Mieke Gordon on (021) 782-5864.

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LETTERS

Page 8 People’s Post False Bay

Tuesday 8 March 2011

Caught ‘red-handed’ I TOOK this photo of a guy dumping his rubbish on Longbeach Mall property, right at the end of Longbeach Village. I caught him red-handed on camera, but I could not get his registration number. Maybe someone would recognise this person. When I shouted at him that I got him on camera, he packed up and swore at me. STEVE VAN VUUREN Sun Valley

Respect car guards

BUST: This man was photo graphed while dumping garden refuse on Longbeach Mall proper ty. Poto: Steve van Vuuren

Formalising bin picking ridiculous I REFER to Barbara Harris’s letter (“Let’s formalise bin picking”, People’s Post, 1 March 2011). You have got to be joking. Hilarious, if not from the sublime to the ridiculous. First the Community Police Forum (CPF) and neighbourhood watch team up with the City Council bylaw department to warn and threaten a conviction and fine of R250 for putting rubbish into a wheelie bin less than 12 hours before collection by otherwise lawabiding citizens. This is because putting the bin out early increases the likelihood of it being stolen (the property of the council), and I guess generally disturbing the peace of the Law Enforcement department. Thieves and bin pickers are, after all, currently law breakers. Then along comes Barbara. “Let’s legalise the bin pickers”, she says, because the poor people are trying to make a living, and us “fat cats” eat too much anyway. Ludicrous. Next thing, we will have to pay the bin pickers, and starve ourselves. Why not upgrade the wheelie bins to super (market) wheelie bins with shelves on them, so that the good citizens can arrange the “pickings” on shelves for the poor people to select, and to facilitate the picking thereof. Not really a problem, as we already sort the stuff for recycling, put it into clear bags and “dump” it on the pavement (not in the bin). So, just another chore for us gullible citizens, not a problem. Legal bin pickers could also contribute to Zuma’s job creation efforts as, if formalised,

they could be counted as some of the new 500 000 jobs for the now “legalised” workers (bin pickers). They could also strike if the citizens misbehave by not arranging the discarded goods satisfactorily, or not putting it out on time. Will the bin pickers have to report for duty to be counted, or will they be allowed to roam at random around the suburbs? Can you imagine troops of bin pickers marching up and down your street, upending the bins and hunting through the rubbish? Then you could also have another lot of workers, street sweepers, behind them cleaning it all up again. More jobs for Zuma. Have you not seen the striking municipal workers on TV, emptying bins and kicking the rubbish around the streets of Johannesburg? This would also create a much better screen for the masquerading thieves, which Law Enforcement apparently cannot distinguish from the pickers. Of course my tongue is firmly in my cheek, but Barbara, do you really think that by legalising the bin pickers, the thieves will just go away? No, security and the Law Enforcement department must do their job of dissuading and preventing bin picking, and the thieves that are associated with it. Let’s rather try to stay civilised and not descend into anarchy, please. That is why we have a Law Enforcement department – not to harass and fine law abiding citizens on trumped-up charges. CHARLES HELLYER Fish Hoek

We were show house victims I have just read your article on theft from show houses and I thought you might be interested in getting the details of our loss, which seems to correlating with the modus operandi you outlined. On Sunday 9 January my wife and I were holding a show house at 59 Shearwater Drive, Marina Da Gama. We opened the door at 14:20 to the first couple to visit. The woman signed the visitor book as Jenna Styles, giving cell number 083 712 7549 and email address Jen111@gmail.com. They said they were looking at all the show houses in the area and had a few show pamphlets in hand. She went to look at the bedrooms while he asked to shown the garage. My wife stayed in the lounge. They then thanked us and left at 14:30. They were affable and polite but showed no wish to stay and chat. They had a small light-coloured sedan, but I did not pay attention to it and

could not identify the make or registration number. They appeared to be in their midthirties. He was about 175 cm tall, lean build, dark short hair. She was slightly shorter and more heavily built. Both spoke with standard South African English accents. They did not sound like Afrikaans speakers. There was no response to the cell or email details given. After they had gone, we noticed that the jewellery box from my wife’s dressing table was missing. I drove around Marina Da Gama looking at the show houses for their car but could not find them. I reported the theft at the Muizenberg police station the next day. The case number given was 125/1/2011. You are welcome to call me at (021) 701-6669 or on cell 076 700 7648 should you wish to ask any questions. MICHAEL TAYLOR Marina da Gama

Workers needed for housing project THE Ocean View housing project is in its second phase. A few years ago the first phase of the Ocean View Housing Project was completed by Prima Klipbrekers. This entailed the levelling of the site next to Mountain View. After years of obtaining the necessary development permits, the work in Phase Two was finally awarded to Martin and East. This work entails the construction of roads and stormwater development. It started a week ago, with duration of 44 weeks. I (Wallied Izaks) was appointed as community liaison officer from the Mountain View

community. I am currently compiling a list of unemployed people in the Ocean View community for possible employment. We are looking for labourers, bricklayers, pipe layers etc. Those persons who are interested must have copy of a valid South African Identity Document and the relevant papers to support their trade. For further information please contact me on 083 743 0605 or report personally at the site office in Mountain View and ask for Wallied. WALLIED IZAKS Ocean View

LAST Friday afternoon at 15:10, I got the shock of my life when I got to the car park near the Fish Hoek Arcade after doing shopping for work. I was in the shop for 15 minutes and when I got to the car park, my navy blue Nissan was stolen. I was in shock and while standing there, a Fish Hoek police van pulled up next to me. They asked me: “Ma’am, is it your car that was stolen?” I just nodded my head, and asked them how they had known so quickly if I just found out and hadn’t even phoned them yet. Aggrey Sky, one of the car guards, saw me in Pick n Pay and as he came out he saw my car pulling out. He knew it was not me as he has just seen me in the shop, and ran towards the car and tried to stop the thief. He nearly got knocked over in the process. Aggrey then alerted a guy in a 4x4,

shouting at him to follow the car as it had been stolen, but the person ignored him. My message to that person is what goes around comes around, you could’ve made a difference. I am not saying you had to put your life in danger, but you could’ve at least followed and contacted the police. I hope that something like this never happens to you. Aggrey then ran to the shop, couldn’t find me and alerted the security, who alerted the police. Thanks to Aggrey, the security and the Fish Hoek police for at least trying to find my car and for all the help you have given me. My car is still missing, but at least I know many tried to find it or stop the thief. To all out there: be aware of your car, and also treat the car guards with respect, as you could be next. Respect goes along way. MARGARET CONSTANT Ocean View

The valley moans and groans SO, again I open the paper to find the moans and groans of the Valley. Often I just skip past it all and end up just putting it in the trash. Today was different. I actually read all the crap. One: Baboons. You people really don’t get how lucky you are to have nature on your doorstep. I used to live in Glencairn, and, as a kid, I loved to watch the baboons playing in my garden. I was always warned they could be dangerous, and so I kept my distance. I was also told never to feed them, and so I did not. We had burglar bars which prevented them accessing our home, and our bins were kept in a small locked enclosure. Never had a problem! Sadly we had to move, and I wish every day I could be back in the area where nature is always on my doorstep! Two: Cyclists. I was a cyclist when I was younger. And unfortunately had a bad experience with a motorist who hit me from behind. Funny enough, I wasn’t in the wrong, but it scarred me for life. I work in the emergency services and have treated many cyclists who have been hit by cars. It’s extremely unfortunate and often serious. But, I agree that cyclists are a major problem here in the south. We have too many mountain passes and they are dangerous enough without the cy-

clists on the road, with blind corners at just about every turn. Honestly, I’m surprised I haven’t hit one while responding to a call! And this nonsense about 90% of cyclists obeying the law and 10% don’t, it’s the other way round! I always see cyclists riding abreast, and they are the rudest people out there. I’ve often seen the finger after I’ve responded past these people. I’m so sorry that my siren is an inconvenience to you, but the person waiting for me is more important! Third: Dogs off beaches. Clarke family. No! We have a designated area to walk our dogs on Fish Hoek beach. And I always take more than two packets with me. Yes, there are those that don’t pick up their dogs poo, but don’t make those that do suffer for it. Law Enforcement must be more present and do what they’re meant to do. Fine the people who are disobeying the law. My dogs absolutely love the sea! They swim the entire time they are at the beach. And your poor dogs are not happy! Being cooped up is the worst thing you could do to those poor animals! Dogs like to run and play! Shame on you if you believe otherwise! MORGAN WILL Fish Hoek

Concert cancellation ridiculous THE cancellation of the Kalk Bay Concert is a perfect example of the stupid consequences of the new Events Bylaw. Another sad example is the cancellation of the Just Nuisance annual parade in Simon’s Town. It is unrealistic to expect part-time community organisers to remotely comply with these legal requirements, and the re-

sult is we are all impoverished. Entirely harmless cultural activities are forbidden by some desk jockey who is “just doing his job”. The bylaw achieves nothing for the common good at the community level. It destroys. Get it changed to reflect the real world. CHRIS TAYLOR Muizenberg

City let us down I AM glad that this sad story has caught the attention of the Post. For years those of us who try our best to make life interesting on the peninsula and plan events meticulously in order to satisfy the City of Cape Town are so badly let down.

What a shame that the Concert in The Park and all its willing organisers have had such heartache over this well-planned and wholesome day, which brings joy to so many. ANGELA TAYLOR Fish Hoek

LETTERS

Tuesday 8 March 2011

Oh, what a lovely war OH dear, here we go again with the annual motorists versus cyclists road show. I have given up getting cross and just laugh at the letters in the media. Some are quite pathetic. Yes, some cyclists flaunt some of the rules of the road. Yes, slow-moving cyclists do hold up traffic and yes, they can be a nuisance. Regrettably with our narrow roads in the south peninsula, together with some steep climbs, delays are inevitable. Some letters have good arguments for either of the “combatants” in the road show, but there is an underlying tone in virtually all the letters from the motorists which is both typical and frightening. The tone goes like this: “I am a typical South African motorist; I pay to use the road

so get the hell out of my way! I have no time to slow down, not even a second, and if I could get my hands on you I’d kill you”. Your correspondent Konrad pays his R650 a year (big vehicle, maybe a 4x4) and demands a clear road so he can belt it up the hill. K Frost demands that cyclists don’t ride in the “middle of the road” at the bottom of Ou Kaapse Weg at 60-70 km/h because he wants to get past and go much faster despite the 60km/h limit! It is all so typical and it is the root cause of the carnage on our roads. Anyone cycling our roads is VERY brave. RD WINFIELD Lakeside

Road rage just not worth it I HAVE, with a dose of “sitting on the fence” attitude, read a number of articles relating to the negligent, dangerous and often abusive use of our roads by those damned two-wheel fanatics. They think they are all Lance Armstrongs and have absolute right of way on our roads. There was the comment by Daniel Nugent, from Lakeside, raising his finger and claiming blood of an injured cyclist by a motorist will be on the doorstep of the newspaper. Then we have Pam Herr complaining about cyclists not having registration plates to identify those naughty, no-gooddoers who dare to use a metre-and-a-half of the road. And finally our “Who has the right?” Konrad. And in response we get some irate cyclists raising their opinions, yet are ignored because they do not have a registration plate on the back of their R6 000 Mavic wheels nor have they paid an annual fee to use the road. Well, as a keen cyclist who cycles for fitness, fun rides and works in a cycling environment – oh yes, and also who does use his car – I too would like to be heard in this small, comical debate. Let’s get some things out of the way. Firstly, as a motorist we have almost a ton of steel surrounding us for protection, yet we manage to kill ourselves through stupid, reckless and impatient driving. As a cyclist we have a round, almost eggshaped dome of polystyrene over our fragile heads that is made colourful by some cheaply moulded plastic. Now let’s compare safety features. Let’s see! No contest. Secondly, and I speak under correction,

Speaking of respect ... FOR attention Gavin Fish, principal of Fish Hoek High School and author of Taming the Teenager columns: Having just finished André Agassi’s biography, I thought the following words were so applicable to this and every other country in this modern age:

those fees that as motorists we pay are not for the right to use the roads. They are to ensure that there are certified and legal drivers and vehicles on our roads for the purpose of safety. As motorists and cyclists and runners we were not responsible for the roads that were built, nor were we responsible for the size and width of our roads, so for future sakes can we not use the roads together responsibly, maturely and with patience? Yes, fun rides create havoc with motorists on dangerous parts of our roads, but do we race every day? Is the Cape Argus held every second weekend, causing hundreds of cyclists to swamp our roads every day and weekend throughout the year? NO!! We, as cyclists ask that you, the motorists, understand all the variables and exercise a little patience for those few weeks leading up to the Argus. To my fellow cyclists, during a race or a training ride, let’s exercise some level of intelligence and stick to the side of the road and not ride two-by-two or three-by -three. There are sections where we can and others where we should not. I for one would like to go ride on a Sunday morning and come home to my wife and children in one piece. There is no contest between cyclists and motorists. Avoiding a piece of glass is not worth losing one’s life, and losing one’s patience in a car can lead to far greater consequences than you think. Remember, you have registration plates – we can take down your number! CHRIS SCOTT Sun valley

“The source of good discipline is respect Respect for authority, and respect for others Respect for self and respect for rules It is an attitude that begins at home is reinforced at school And is applied throughout life.” I think these are words well spoken by a former rebel! PADDY MCPHERSON

People’s Post False Bay Page 9

All road users have rights SOME critics say that cyclists should go and ride somewhere else, just not in my backyard! Another says he pays R650 a year to ride on the road and cyclists pay nothing! However, 95% of cyclists are motorists too and they too have their right to use public roads. As for who pays? We all pay, whether it is through VAT, municipal rates and levies, or national taxes. Road networks in municipal areas are funded by both local authorities and provincial government. The Pedal Power Association and the fun ride organisers do a fantastic job of controlling the handful of fun rides that occur in the Western Cape between November and March of every year just prior to the Cape Argus Cycle Tour. There is at least one ride every single Sunday morning in the Western Cape, and they are deliberately spread out far and wide to lessen the impact on local communities. Only a handful of rides are approved for implementation in the Far South. Unfortunately, these few races invariably have to utilise Ou Kaapse Weg and Boyes Drive because they are the only road links between the starting point in Constantia and the Far South. There are flagmen, marshals and traffic officers controlling all of the critical intersections and the leading groups of cyclists are also preceded by patrol cars with flashing lights.

First Aid and ambulance authorities are also in place. All of these people deserve our gratitude for giving up their leisure time for a worthwhile and healthy sporting activity. I have been cycling since 1985 and I have noticed how the demographics have changed from an all-white activity to one that is now fully representative of all race groups and cultures. Cyclists range in age from 10 to 90. It is also well known that the fun rides and the Cycle Tour generate millions of rand in income for charities and the local business community. Yes, there is a small percentage of cyclists who do not obey the rules of the road. However, there are also a small percentage of drivers who are impatient and reckless. The presence of so many marshals and traffic officers helps to keep unsafe behaviour to an absolute minimum. It should also be remembered that this occurs on a Sunday morning when 10 minutes lost is neither here nor there. Arriving 10 minutes late for church, or your fishing trip, or your round of golf is not worth the gnashing of teeth and the pulling out of fistfuls of hair. The delay is short and the inconvenience is infrequent. It would be appreciated if we all, cyclists and motorists alike, try to show patience and respect for the needs of other road users. DOUG CALVEREY Lakeside

Our motorists need to get real CYCLISTS, motorists. The ongoing saga. Firstly and probably lastly, motorists need to take a really good look at themselves and their driving skills before they wave their unjust fingers at cyclists who basically also have the right to use the roads that they “drive” on. I use Boyes Drive between three to five times per day and 90% of the time will sit behind a motorist fiddling around at speeds of between 30-40km/h. Why? Because they’re either hard at work yapping on their phones, or they are hard at work yapping to their passenger friends, or they are desperately scrambling for the next button on their phones to get their SMS sent off in good time.

Motorists are the ones that cannot keep their line, cannot stay focused on “driving”, cannot send their fellow motorists much consideration. Granted, there are a couple of cyclists that abuse the space provided, but come on, even on race day, motorists are fully aware of the situation, but are without tolerance because they adopt the ridiculously petty attitude of “I’m in a hurry, I have right of way, I drive the larger vehicle, and therefore I have zero tolerance”. Please, fellow motorists, get a slower life and complain about something else worth complaining about. SIMON S-COTTON Clovelly

We do pick up the doo-doo THIS is a response to the idiotic statements from the Clarke family dated Tuesday 1 March. Being an avid dog lover and owner of four Labradors I can confidently say that these allegations are exaggerated at the least. The majority of people walking their dogs on the beaches of the Deep South are extremely diligent in ensuring that waste is picked up. Those that don’t, so what! It’s bio-degradable, unlike the rubbish that gets dumped into the sea and our estuaries. I don’t hear the Clarke family complaining about the fact that you cannot have your chil-

dren walk through and estuary because of the high infection potential due to human pollution. So why blame dogs, which only bring us joy, offer us protection and an abundance of affection. The Clarke family try to temper their entire motivation by saying that they are dog lovers. I question that, as real dog lovers would take their dogs for walks on the beach! One only hopes there are not any more idiots like this family out there! It would be a crying shame. CHLOE, TESSA, BELLA, OSCAR AND BRAD Longbeach

ENTERTAINMENT

Page 10 People’s Post False Bay

Meet and greet as art goes south ARTISTS OF THE SOUTH is holding its monthly exhibition in the Simon’s Town Library Hall from Thursday 10 March to Sunday 13 March from 9:00 to 17:00 daily. There will be an exception made on the morning of Sunday 13 March, when it will be closed due to the Cape Argus Cycle Tour. This month the exhibition features excellent woodcarvings by Zimbabwean Godfrey Chimwanzi, as well as original paintings by regular artists Peter Jander, Annemarie Renaud, Estelle Byrne, Pauline Fine, Loretta Carter and

Ann Buckby. Guest artists this month are Ann Nosworthy, Barbie Vandewalle, Shirley Bowes, Val Parry and Karen Chislett. Meet the artists at 12:00 on Saturday 12 March. Refreshments will be provided. The organisation also supports the Sinethemba Special Care Centre in Masiphumelele. Contact Pauline Fine on 082 831 1578.

Tuesday 8 March 2011

Top class lineup THE Fish Hoek Friends of Music will present the brilliant 2010 bursary winners – pianist Francois Botha and tenor Daniel Fisher – as well as a previous winner, the highly esteemed violinist Anouk Espi, at a concert in the Fish Hoek Civic Centre on Friday 18 March at 19:30. The programme will include

EXPRESSIVE: A wood carving by Zimbabwean Godfrey Chimwanzi. Photo: Supplied

favourite violin sonatas by Beethoven and Vivaldi followed by well-loved classical items in lighter mood. Tickets cost R50 (children R10) and are available at Valley Boutique in Valyland, or Biltong Bars in Main Road or Longbeach, or at the door. For more information, phone Carole on (021) 782-2282 or George on (021) 788-5542.

A night to remember

An old friend sings the blues

SOUTH African music icon Jeremy Taylor kept the audience captivated last week with his songs, poetry and stories at the opening of his show at Kalk Bay Theatre. Taylor, who now lives with his wife in France, has a special place in South Africa’s heart and is famous for his hit song “Ag Pleez Deddy”. The acclaimed singer, songwriter, poet and humorist has recorded extensively – on 78s, EPs, LPs and CDs – and has entertained audiences on four continents and 15 countries with his unique brand of mu-

AWARD-winning songwriter Robin Auld is touring South Africa, promoting his latest album, “Fingers in my pocket”. He will be performing at the Cape Farmhouse Restaurant in Red Hill on Saturday 12 March from 15:30. Recorded in London last year, the album features a mix of blues and roots songs, and also the talents of long time collaborator and world beat drummer, Barry van Zyl. Auld describes the new album as “yer basic got them walkin’, credit card, institutional failure, mean women and a sore-head-again blues” type of album. While the lyrical themes are bluesbased, the African influences are never far away. There is a reggae tune and even a Cape ghoema song to pepper the mix. Along with songs from “Fingers in my pocket,” Auld will be playing acoustic versions of his SA hits in a show that will enthuse and uplift.

sic and stories. He is just back from a fifth tour of America, where he was described as “a teller of truths, stranger – and funnier – than fiction”. Taylor will perform from Wednesday to Sundays until 19 March at 20:30 (except Sundays when the show starts at 19:30). There will be a matinee performance on Saturdays at 14:30. Tickets cost R125. Doors open at 18:00 for the evening shows and theatre-goers can enjoy a meal and drinks before show. For bookings contact 073 220 5430 or visit www.kbt.co.za

SOCIAL CREATURES: Jeremy Taylor with Angela Muspratt Williams.Pho to: Supplied

REACHING ACCORD: Catch Robin Auld will perform his latest hits at the Cape Farmhouse Restaurant on Saturday 12 March at 15:30. Photo: Supplied

Thursday 10 March Sunnydale: An AGM for all Sunydale residents will be held at the King of Kings Baptist Church at 19:30. For more information contact Konrad Eriksen on 072 434 3142.

Friday 11 March Fish Hoek: The 19th Managed Aging Seminar will be held from 10:00 to 11:15 in St Margaret’s Church Hall. The Cancer Screening team will discuss the topic

“Safe Screening Pays: The Big Five Cancers”. The cost is R5 and tea will be served at 09:45. Contact Coral on (021) 782-2024 or email kilbaigie@afrihost.co.za. Fish Hoek: A support group for families coping with Alzheimers and other dementias will be held at Nerina Gardens at 10:30. The group meets every second Friday of the month. Contact Bridget on (021) 786-3279.

Wednesday 16 March Fish Hoek: The AGM of the Fish Hoek Garden Club will take place in the Civic Centre at 19:00. The guest speaker will be Alan Sonnenberg and he will talk on his experiences as a flower show judge. All members are urged to attend this important meeting with a reminder that the annual subscriptions are now due.

Saturday 12 March

Tuesdays and Fridays

Muizenberg: Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible”, directed by Barbara Basel, will run at the Masque Theatre until Saturday 12 March. Week nights are at 20:00 and Saturdays at 14:30 and

Fish Hoek: Dancercise for over 55s will be held at the Fish Hoek Civic Centre from 10:00 to 11:00. Get fit, have fun and feel alive. Contact Dee on (021) 786-4148 or 082 734 8345.

Blue Bird over Muizenberg THE Blue Bird Garage Food and Goods Market in Muizenberg is held every Friday from 16:00 to 22:00. Enjoy a lovely glass of wine or an organic slow brewed beer from

19:00. Tickets are R60 for evening performances and matinees are R50. To book call (021) 788-1898 (o/ h).

Darling. A wide range of goods are on sale, including clothing, jewellery, ceramics and photography. There is an enclosed area for kids. For more information call Dylan on 082 493 9055.

Although a cow has no upper front teeth, it grazes up to eight hours a day, taking in about 45kg of feed and the equivalent of a bath tub full of water. A healthy cow gives about 200 000 glasses of milk in her lifetime. – www.didyouknow.org

Art expo in Simon’s Town THE Simon’s Town Art Group (STAG) invites the public to its annual art exhibition at the Simon’s Town Library in Main Road from Saturday 19 to Sunday 27 March. David Biggs will open the exhibition and live music and refreshments will be available. The grand opening will be held on Saturday 19 March at noon. For more information, call Janet Spurr on (021) 782-0339.

THE STAR: Enjoying the opening were Kalk Bay Theatre owners Helen and Simon Cooper with Jeremy Taylor and his wife Sonja. Photo: Supplied

AVID FANS: David and Enid Whitehe ad. Photo: Sup plied

Experience an art attack THE MM Gallery is hosting an exhibition of works by “The Studio and Friends”. It will open on Friday 18 March and run until Sunday 3 April. The art on show includes paintings by The Studio students, ceramics by Clayworks, sculptures by Chinanzi Art and

drawings by Dagfinn. Refreshments will be provided. The gallery is at shop 3, 31 Palmer Road, Muizenberg. The gallery’s hours are 10:00 to 17:00 and it is closed on Mondays. For further information call (021) 788-8370 or email info@mmgalleries.co.za or visit www.mmgalleries.co.za

GENERAL

Tuesday 8 March 2011

People’s Post False Bay Page 11

Taming the Teenager the compromising photos that some take of themselves and others, and then circulate, is appalling. The comment that “Everyone is doing it, it’s the new culture”, or something to that effect, worries me. No, not everyone is doing it, and even if they were, since when is that the measure for moral choices? Pornographic images and videos with foul language and scenes of violence may not be brought onto school property. The South African Schools Act is clear in this regard. Regular, random searches seem inevitable and unavoidable. Should the same not apply in our homes? I accept with reluctance this new responsibility. Someone once said that the price of freedom is eternal vigilance. It certainly seems to be the case. Can we share this vigilance, as parents, as a community? We must not, as adults, adopt a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy with teens. If we hide behind a “don’t scratch where it doesn’t itch” way of thinking, we will become irrelevant. I know technology is wonderful and opening new horizons. It is also incredibly dangerous. . Gavin Fish is principal of Fish Hoek High School and writes Taming the Teenager columns to help parents and teenagers navigate through the interesting and often challenging teenage years.

GAVIN FISH

DO you know the images and content on some teenagers’ cellphones? I received a rude awakening recently. It was a death of innocence – both mine and theirs. Movie age-restrictions are there for a reason: they pace teenage exposure, particularly to the seedy side of life. They keep them young, and appropriately so. Exposure to sex (93% of which in the media is extra-marital) and to violence (often mindless and revengebased) must be managed in an age appropriate manner. Back to cellphones! No such age restriction exists. Pretty much everything is on tap! The majority of teen-clutched phones have internet access, the capacity to send photos, and are enabled for MXit. Facebook is a real eye-opener. The days of the titillation offered being limited to a bikini-clad centrespread of Scope magazine are long gone. What is out there, freely available and “without detection”, is shocking. The death of innocence is no exaggeration. There is a further disturbing element to it all. It is not just the junk that they are exposed to – it is what some of them are creating. The viciousness of some teenage slander, via MXit, and

WORKING AWAY: A bee sucks up pollen from a daisy in its neverending service to nature. The photo was taken by Daniel Grebe in his garden on Monday 28 February. Photo: Daniel Grebe

NOTICE OF MEETINGS OF THE SUBCOUNCILS MARCH 2011 Notice is hereby given that the meeting of the 23 (twenty three) subcouncils for the City of Cape Town will take place at the time and at the different venues as indicated in the schedule below: Subcouncil

Venue

1 Blaauwberg

Council Chambers, Royal Ascot, Milnerton

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2 Bergdal

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09:00

10:00

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Council Chambers, Voortrekker Road, Goodwood Parow Council Chambers, Tallent Road, Parow Council Chambers, cnr Jakkalsvlei Avenue and Kiaat Road Bonteheuwel Bellville Council Chambers Bellville Civic Centre Mamre Community Hall, Mamre

Strand Council Chambers Strand Lingelethu Training Centre, 9 Nxele Makana Khayelitsha 10 Charlotte Lingelethu Training Centre Maxeke Khayelitsha 11 Looksmart Gugulethu Council Chambers Ngudle Fezeka Building, Gugulethu 12 Mitchells Portlands Community Centre Plain Mitchells Plain 13 David Northwood Community Hall, Mthetho Mitchells Plain Ntlanganiso 14 Miranda Endlovini Community Hall, New Ngculu Crossroads Plover Room, Pinelands Training 15 Pinelands Centre, Pinelands Council Chambers, 44 Wale Street, 16 Good Hope Cape Town 17 Athlone and Athlone Minor Hall, District Rondevlei subcouncil Chambers, 18 Rondevlei Lotus River 19 South Council Chambers Fish Hoek Peninsula Council Chambers, Alphen Centre 20 Protea Constantia Oostenberg Council Chambers 21 Oostenberg Kuils River Oostenberg Council Chambers 22 Lizo Nkonki Kuils River 23 Adelaide Belhar Council Chambers, Belhar Tambo 8 Helderberg

Date Time

Manager Peter Deacon 021 550 1001 Fred Monk 021 980 6053 Johannes Brand 021 590 1676 Ardela van Niekerk 021 938 8050 Martin Julie 021 695 8171 Pat Jansen 021 918 2024 Elmaleen du Plessis 021 970 3002 Izak du Toit 021 850 4149 Fezekile Cotani 021 360 1267 Thando Siwisa 021 360 1351 Kayise Nombakuse 021 630 1600 David Cedras 021 371 4550 Lunga Bobo 021 630 1600 Christopher Jako 021 6301600 Mariette Griessel 021 531 3437 Marius Coetsee 021 487 2055 Edgar Carolissen 021 637 9757 Okkie Manuels 021 710 8394 Desiree Mentor 021 784 2011 Brian Ford 021 794 2493 Pieter Grobler 021 900 1502 Richard Moi 021 900 1508 Thando Siwisa 021 956 8000

In addition to items of relevance to speciﬁc sub-councils, the following items will appear on the agendas for all Sub-councils in March: • • •

Draft District Plans 2011/12 Budget Consultation with Subcouncils Input into the IDP Process

Copies are available for scrutiny at subcouncils, municipal libraries and www.capetown.gov.za. Organisations are requested to submit comment to their subcouncil. The Rules of Order for subcouncils permit any member of the public to address the subcouncil on these or any other matters by prior arrangement with the relevant subcouncil manager. ACHMAT EBRAHIM CITY MANAGER

LEADER

Page 12 People’s Post False Bay

Tuesday 8 March 2011

Bumpy ride WESTERN CAPE MEC for Transport and Public Works, Robin Carlisle, boarded a train from Khayelitsha to Cape Town last week to experience for himself the troubles that frustrate regular commuters. Fortunately for Metrorail, which is thought to have been unaware of the MEC’s trip, everything ran smoothly, aside from the fairly empty peak-hour train arriving at its destination seven minutes late. In reports, Carlisle dubbed the journey “excellent” when compared to conditions on the same line a year ago. But while Carlisle’s efforts should be commended, his single novelty rail trip cannot compare to the everyday horrors that mostly poor commuters are forced to endure. For them there are no alternatives, and the recent 41c per litre increase in fuel costs may see their numbers swell in future. The flood of complaints from frustrated rail commuters seems never-ending. Last year, when Metrorail increased ticket prices and cited Eskom’s increase in electricity tariffs, imported materials used on the railway, labour, and the absence of automated ticket sales as reasons for the price hike, they also promised to raise service standards with the introduction of better facilities at stations just in time for the World Cup. But all too often commuters still find themselves stuck in overcrowded trains during peak-hour, targeted by criminals, and at times are even forced to disembark and walk to nearby stations alongside railway tracks because trains suddenly grind to a halt without any explanation. To the average commuter it would appear that Metrorail shows no respect to its customer. Carslisle has promised to meet with Metrorail to gain answers on faulty doors, security problems and generally poor conditions, demanding of Metrorail consistent service delivery. National Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndbele has promised 8 000 new coaches for the rail transport network, 1 000 of which should be sent to the Western Cape by 2015. One can only hope there is light at the end of the tunnel. Until then, commuters face a long road ahead.

WE gladly publish your social photos! Email photos of weddings, parties, social events – or any happy times – to post@peoplespost.co.za.

The funny side of art SWISS pantomime troupe Mummenschanz have been performing in a surreal mask and proporiented style at the Baxter Theatre from March 2. The interactive show has audiences on the edge of their seats. Mummenschanz will be performing at the Baxter until Saturday 19 March. Tickets cost between R149 and R299. Book at Computicket.

GOOD TIMES: From left, Grant van Ster, Shaun Oelf, Lana Paries, Megan Nortje and Ryno de Jag er have a ball.

RELAXED: At the opening of the show were, from left, Abigail BenYehuda, David Mowat, Lizar van Reenen and Melanie Bendix.

SHOW TIME: Enjoying the show were Stefan Lombard, Oscar van der Spuy and Allison Foat.

GIRLS NIGHT OUT: From left, Emma Stevenson, Melissa Reynolds, Amy Barty, Lauren Murray and Paige Botta.

SMILE! From left, Caroline Peterson, Flora Burt, Tay la Barr, Nicola Wills and Stephanie Meet. Photos: Supplied

Tuesday 8 March 2011

This number has a ring to it FIVE Ombuds offices and two regulatory bodies (all in the financial services sector) have joined forces and initiated one share call number, 0860 OMBUDS (0860 662 837), for consumers to contact: . The Credit Ombud . The Banking Ombud . The Long term Insurance Ombud . The Short Term Insurance Ombud . The Financial Services Board . The FAIS Ombud (Ombud for Financial Services Providers); and . The National Credit Regulator. “This is a wonderful resource for consumer who often do not know which authority their complaint falls under, with all the ensuing difficulties,” says Lisa Griffiths of En Avant Financial Services. “We have all joked endlessly about the wheels of bureaucracy moving slowly, and one department not communicating with another. This is a surprisingly pleasant development,” noted Griffiths.

Galaxy talk THE South African Astronomical Observatory in Cape Town will have a public lecture, “Unravelling the Mystery of Galaxy Formation and Evolution”, on Saturday 12 March at 20:00. The talk will be presented by Dr Bonita de Swardt, a post-doctoral research fellow at the SA Astronomical Observatory. De Swardt’s research interests are in characterising the faintest galaxies in the universe. After the talk there will be stargazing, weather permitting, as well as tours of the library and the McClean museum. Public lectures are free and there is no need to book. For more details, call the SA Astronomical Observatory on (021) 460-9319 or visit www.saao.ac.za.

Le French connection THE Alliance Française du Cap is commemmorating International Francophone Day on Sunday 20 March. A whole month of cultural activities is to be hosted under the theme “Encounters of Peoples and Mixing Cultures”. The organisation says the celebrations are an opportunity for francophones and francophiles of the world to better understand the concept of francophonie, while sharing moments of conviviality around the French language and Francophone cultures. A literary encounter with French writer, Marie Darrieussecq, will be held on Thursday 10 March at 18:30 for 19:00 at the Alliance Française at 155 Loop Street, Cape Town. RSVP to culture.cpt@alliance.org.za. For more information phone (021) 423-5699.

Cancer group meet THE Prostate Cancer Support Action Group (PSA group) will meet at 17:45 for 18:00 on Tuesday 15 March in the auditorium of the Constantiaberg Medi-Clinic in Burnham Road, Plumstead. Newly-diagnosed patients and their partners or carers from all over the Cape Metro are welcome to attend, meet prostate cancer survivors and share details of their experience. Dr Steve Eppel will discuss treatment using ultrasound. Phone 073 560 3067 for more information.

Celebration of art PROFESSIONAL artists are having a 16th anniversary art exhibition at Kirstenbosch in the Sanlam Hall. A variety of styles and subjects, all reflecting the South African people, landscapes, fauna and flaura, will be on display. The exhibition is currently on, until Wednesday 23 March, and the Sanlam Hall is open from 10:00 to 17:30.

GENERAL

People’s Post False Bay Page 13

GENERAL

Page 14 People’s Post False Bay

Your SMSes General . Why are some neighbourhood watch ladies so vulgar and why are shock sticks necessary when on patrol? A terrible shortage of employment creates hunger and deprivation. White people don’t need to scream their revolting words to all who appear to be loitering. Brutality indicates a deep hatred for the underprivileged, who are innocent until proven guilty by a court of law. . Mr Castro is worried about the low-cost houses that may affect the value of his house, but the six blocks of council flats opposite his house aren’t? The OVCA is only thinking about themselves while others are living in poor living conditions. So for what are they really holding up the process? . Most children in Europe wear civvies to school. When will South African schools follow suit? Gill . The Muizenberg cemetery at the back fence area, along the Soralia Village, along the road to Pick n Pay is a common grave for rubbish. There you’ll find anything from graveyard refuse, to old clothes to a dead kitten! Any plans to clean up there soon? . Leave our coloured people alone, they are wonderful people. They have a fantastic sense of humour, are friendly, and always smiling. They have suffered, as have most people in South Africa. Keep your head up high. It’s not much fun being white, I know.

Love you guys. Maureen, Fish Hoek Motorists and cyclists . Cyclists should be paying a road licence, and the money gained from this can be used to fund cycle tracks as in other countries such as Holland. Cyclists and cars are not compatible. Robin Beck, Clovelly . All this moaning regarding cyclists! Why did they have the race when they know the north-bound route included Boyes Drive, which happens to be a two-way. This should have been north only. Jerry . With reference to K Frost (“Why not close the roads?”, letters, 1 March) regarding road closures, how many roads do you selfishly want to close so you can enjoy your sports whilst denying me the right to return tourists to the airport, and then pick up some more? Will you pay my salary, sort out the problems of missed plains, trains and ships? Tour guide . Let those who want to cycle pay for a learner’s and then a full cycle licence. Let them pay for a yearly licence disc and include a points system. Impose a road levy. Baboons and bins . Can Lorna Thomas please explain to me how you baboon-proof a schoolchild under attack by baboons, your gutters and tiles on your roof and your satellite dish? Jack Crous . There is a solution to baboons and bin raiding. One can use a thick round bar and locking pins and it costs under R80 to make – problem solved. Bumpy ride . Can someone please publish

the procedure one must follow for getting speed bumps installed on Corsair Road through Sun Valley? People are driving down here at high speed. . To André Esterhuysen: you know what you can do with your petition? I can almost bet you that there are more law abiding residents of the area who welcome the humps, than the likes of you who would like to race down Glen Road. Maybe that’s why they appeared there in the first place. I must say the humps could have been smoother. Pat, Welcome Glen Hip hip hooray . It’s good to have trains run to Simon’s Town again, but it is just sad that you can’t see the view through the plastic windows and that 1st class is filthy. Ric, Simon’s Town . I am glad to hear the drug duo will be behind bars for 20 years. Will their assets also be seized and used in rehab centres for poor communities? Jerry Not in Muizenberg! . Regarding the proposed night shelter in Muizenberg: I suggest that the unused naval accommodation be used for this purpose. We do not want the shelter in Muizenberg! Dave Why the music died . Regarding the cancelled concert, councillor Demetri Qually says it’s a great pity. He’s right, he is. It’s job creation: now event companies will need to hire bureaucracy-stroking council organisers to fast track their event. Too much money from foreign films to worry about local stuff. Pity. Lo-

Tuesday 8 March 2011

Beware of the sharks cal, Muizenberg Dogs on beaches . Muizenberg/Sunrise is a long beach. Half is a dog-free zone and the other half is for walkers. Don’t be so stingy, Clarke family, learn to share. Lynne . People take their dogs to the beach for companionship, safety and exercise. We have the right to take our dogs to the beach. Fine those who don’t pick up the dog mess. Don’t punish us all. Kim, Fish Hoek Gavin Fish . I asked a teenager the other day how she felt about her principal, Gavin Fish. “Great motivator,” she replied. And reading Gavin’s article in People’s Post on 1 March, I can see why. It motivates teens to go for their dreams. Clinton . I am an inexperienced mom of a teen, and I find Gavin Fish’s columns most informative. He may just help me survive these trying times! If he does public talks, please publish the details. Dee, Lakeside Thank you . Thanks to the manager at Absa Longbeach Mall for going out of your way to help with a cheque problem. Think about it . To the irresponsible parents in the silver Chevy Cruze, towing a hire trailer in Sunnydale on Sunday 27 February with a small girl child in the trailer. What if the hitch breaks? Dumb!

WE hear about the physical abuse of women and children taking place. How many of you realise that there is also mental abuse, particularly of the elderly taking place? And it takes place here in our own peaceful Valley of Fish Hoek. I’m talking about mental abuse of the elderly by unscrupulous business people. Our elderly, sickly friend has been taken for a ride by such a greedy, unscrupulous estate agent. She targeted the lady, who has no relatives in this country. She “befriended” her and pretended to be a “caring friend” by taking her out, etc – all obviously with gaining her property in mind. The elderly lady was brainwashed to believe only the estate agent could be trusted to sell the property and also the contents of the flat. Afterwards there was no proof of what was sold to whom and for what amount. No monies were paid in either. Valuable items just disappeared, and no explanation was given. She even took money out of the account for herself. To family members of elderly parents, we wish to warn you: be aware of who enters your parents’ homes. They are vulnerable and there are plenty of wolves parading in lamb skins. To the unscrupulous, greedy agent, we wish to remind her that there is a very true saying that “what goes around, comes around”. ONCE BITTEN Fish Hoek

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GENERAL

Tuesday 8 March 2011

Meet the brainy bunch TERESA FISCHER

People’s Post False Bay Page 15

RARING TO GO: Mukhtar Lee will be riding a hand cycle in this year’s Pick n Pay Cape Argus cy cle tour. He is part of a 75 strong group participating in the tour for the benefit of The Chaeli Cam paign.

HIS Rondebosch family can boast that both parents and children were placed in the top 20 of the province’s matric results list. Parents, Eleanor and Suresh Rajpaul, and son Vinesh (22), also ranked high on the country’s top achievers list. Eleanor graduated from Alexan- GREAT GENES: (left to right) The Rajpaul family of Rondebosch: der Sinton High Vinesh Rajpaul, Eleanor Rajpaul (née Steyn), Suresh Rajpaul and School in Athlone Sheryl Rajpaul, all made it into the top 20 in their provinces’ mat in 1977 and was ric results. They say they enjoy regular, vigorous and loud de placed third in bates, usually over the dinner table – a source of alarm for those South Africa. who don’t know them well. Photo: Supplied Suresh graduated from Raisethorpe High School (in mother a housewife, and neither of his KwaZulu-Natal) in 1977. He was placed parents had a high school education,” fourth in South Africa. says Vinesh. Vinesh graduated from SACS in 2006, Both his mother’s parents were teachand placed second in the Western Cape ers and she too came from a very poor and second in South Africa. family on the Cape Flats. Daughter Sheryl (19) graduated from Both Eleanor and Suresh were inWesterford in 2010 and was placed 13th volved in the underground anti-apartin the Western Cape. heid movement in the Eastern Cape and Vinesh is now completing a Master’s occasionally ended up on the wrong side degree in astrophysics at UCT and hopes of the infamous Security Branch, often to obtain a doctoral degree from Oxford while trying to protect hospitalised politor Cambridge. ical prisoners. His long-term ambition is to carry out Today, both Vinesh and Sheryl volunexo-planetary research (researching teer regularly at the Red Cross Children’s planets outside our solar system). Hospital, where Vinesh coordinates the Sheryl is also at UCT, studying medi- weekend volunteer programme. cine, and might eventually like to specialEleanor describes her daughter as an ise in neurophysiology or psychiatry. extremely compassionate person. For exBoth their parents studied medicine. ample, as a little girl playing with dolls, Suresh is a specialist physician and she insisted that her doll house have Eleanor works as a senior medical officer wheelchair access for the dolls with disaat a large life-assurance group. bilities. When asked if they ever felt pressured Sheryl serves on the committee of the to achieve just like their parents, Vinesh Animal Rights Advocates, an animal says: “I guess that with three of us with rights society founded by her best friend, top 20 matriculations against our names, Gaby Teale-James. Sheryl must’ve felt some pressure last Eleanor says Vinesh’s decision to year not to be the odd one out!” study astrophysics came as no surprise. But he says their parents never pres- As a four year old he’d “spend ages outsured them. Although they encouraged side, transfixed and staring quietly at the them to take their education seriously, night sky”. “In pre-primary his teacher they also wanted them to enjoy them- told us that he would not cope at primary selves. He adds the only pressure he ever school and tried to fail him.” felt was an obligation not to waste all the Recently Vinesh single-handedly instiwonderful opportunities that came his tuted an annually-awarded merit scholway. arship at a Cape Flats school. Vinesh says the situation was very difAsked what she thinks the secret is, ferent for his parents and describes their apart from brains, Eleanor replies: “I achievements as “remarkable”. think that the secret – if such a thing ex“Their education was their only weap- ists – is to develop, at a young age, a love on against oppression, and so they were of knowledge and a strong work ethic. necessarily under pressure to achieve Start young and never stop.” high marks. Just a few of the family’s interests in“My dad grew up in rural Natal, one of clude literature, travel, wine, cooking, eight children in an extremely poor fami- golf, animal rights, music and philosoly. His father was a truck-driver, his phy.

Discover how galaxies are formed THE South African Astronomical Observatory in Cape Town will have a public lecture, “Unravelling the Mystery of Galaxy Formation and Evolution”, on Saturday 12 March at 20:00. The talk will be presented by Dr Bonita de Swardt, a post-doctoral research fellow at the SA Astronomical Observatory. De Swardt’s research interests are in characterising the faintest galaxies in the universe. At first glance, astronomers characterise galaxies into different stages of evolution based on visual appearance or morphology. However, this visual characterisation

is not always clear cut, and can strongly depend on the wavelength at which the galaxy is observed or its immediate environment. With the development of larger, more sensitive telescopes, more clues can be obtained on how galaxies may have formed and evolved. After the talk there will be stargazing, weather permitting, as well as tours of the library and the McClean museum. Public lectures are free and there is no need to book. For more details, call the SA Astronomical Observatory on (021) 460-9319 or visit www.saao.ac.za.

What goes around ... THE Pick n Pay Argus Cycle Tour taking place on Sunday 13 March is much more than a cycling event. There are the ardent podium racers, the social cyclists and a significant number of entrants who cycle for charities. Within this diverse group of cyclists you will find the most fascinating people with the biggest hearts. This year there’s a team of 75 riders cycling for The Chaeli Campaign in Plumstead. Some are raising funds for specific individuals with disabilities and others for any number of current Chaeli Campaign programmes. Last year CEO Zelda Mycroft entered with a hand cycle due to a knee operation not allowing sufficient rotation to ride a conventional bicycle. This experience inspired Mycroft to approach Pedal Power for a donation to purchase two more hand cycles so that the experience could be shared by those who cannot ride conventional bicycles. This year, Mukhtar Lee and Tracy Cohen, who both have significant physical disabilities and cannot ride conventional bicycles, will be joining Mycroft and riding for The Chaeli Campaign. Lee is a second year marketing student at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in Bellville and an avid sportsman, playing tennis, basketball, table tennis and pool. He started ballroom and Latin American dancing at the age of nine. Lee has spastic diaplegia, a form of cerebral palsy that affects the muscles in the lower limbs, and us-

es crutches to help him walk. Last year Cohen raised sponsorship as a ghost rider for The Chaeli Campaign and assists with fundraising, social media updates and administrative duties at The Chaeli Campaign. She is cerebral palsied, walks with difficulty and yet has the passion and drive to make a difference in the lives of others. This year she set herself the challenge of raising R10 000 for 10km and has already hit her R10 000 goal. What now lies ahead is the physical challenge of completing 10km of the Cycle Tour route along the Blue Route. A mighty challenge for her and one she is determined to meet. The three intrepid hand cyclists will be raising funds in support of the newly founded Chaeli Sports and Recreation Club, which offers weekly practices in karate, ballroom and Latin dancing and boccia, a ball game for athletes in wheelchairs. Exercise is important to build strength for mobility and The Chaeli Campaign Sports and Recreation Club will be holding a 4km fun Walk for Wheels on Friday 25 March starting at 17:00 at the Bergvliet Sports Association in Bergvliet. This event is being held to raise awareness of the positive role that people with disabilities have to play in society. Individuals or teams of four or more people may enter. For more information on Walk For Wheels, Chaeli Sports and Recreation Club activities or to sponsor a Chaeli rider, contact Melanie or Lana at 0861 CHAELI (0861 242 354) or email info@chaelicampaign.co.za.

Book handover to Shine Centre PRESTWICH STREET PRIMARY SCHOOL in Green Point was the host and one of five beneficiaries at the book handover to The Shine Centre, an NGO in Observatory that provides literacy and language support to learners from Grade R to Grade 3 on Wednesday 23 February. The books were raised last year during MySchool and Kalahari.net’s Spirit of Giving campaign, where the public was challenged to donate books. They also re- FANTASY LAND: Marcia Orlin, a volunteer from Shine Centre, with learner ceived a cheque to Indiphile Maliwa. the value of R20 000 from MySchool, which they will use to buy drive were Zonnebloem Primary in ZonnebloXhosa books to support and cultivate one of the em Estate, St Agnes Primary School in Woodcountry’s richest heritages. stock, Observatory Junior School in ObservaThe other schools which benefited from the tory and Claremont Primary in Claremont.

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SAIL AWAY: This year the Cape Point Challenge is taking place on 19, 20 and 21 March at the Fish Hoek Beach Sailing Club. Now into its 16th year, this event raises funds for the NSRI through sponsorship and entry fees. The Cape Point Challenge is a high light on the catamaran sailing calendar. Klaas de Rooy is the de fending champion, and is aiming to be the first to win consecutive Cape Point Challenges. For more information on the challenge vis it www.fhbsc.co.za. Photo: Supplied

Stormers must break barriers TASMIN CUPIDO

GETTING his team psychologically ready for their Super Rugby clash against the Highlanders from New Zealand will be high on the priority list of DHL Stormers head coach, Allister Coetzee, this week.

TAKE THAT: DHL Stormers hooker, Deon Fourie, tries to handoff a tackle from Toyota Cheetahs prop, Coenie Oosthuizen, in his side’s 2115 victory at DHL Newlands on Saturday. Photo: Peter Heeger/Gallo Images

And with the style of play the Cape side displayed in the scrappy, tryless 21-15 victory over the Toyota Cheetahs last Saturday, he will also be looking at enforcing some kind of game plan. From the get-go the Stormers never looked anything like the finalcontesting side of last season, struggling to hold on to a slippery ball in the heat of a Cape Town summer afternoon. And the Cheetahs certainly did their homework, disrupting the Stormers ever-sure rolling maul and keeping game breakers such the centre pairing of Juan de Jongh and Jean de Villiers out of the match. On a positive note, flyhalf and man of the match Peter Grant was on song, succeeding in slotting eight penalties and scoring all 21

points for the Stormers. “There are no excuses for the way we played – it was an ugly game and while we can still fix things on the field, its great that we are winning,” Coetzee said. “We have a tough week ahead of us – there are a number of things we need to focus on and psychologically we need to get things right as well.” The Stormers have only managed to score one try in two matches, so raking in the points by visiting behind the chalk line will be a psychological factor in need of conquering. The possible comeback of speedster Gio Aplon from a knee injury which side-lined him for the first three weeks of the competition, as well as centre Jaque Fourie, may assist the Stormers in achieving this goal. And while many will remember the Stormers’ 33-0 victory against the Highlanders from the south island of New Zealand at Newlands last season, this Highlanders team has surprised all with their style of play and their ability to pace themselves for 80 minutes this season. The in-form New Zealand team cur-

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rently occupies the top spot on the country conference log and will be even more boosted after achieving the unthinkable by thumping the Vodacom Bulls 35-28 at Loftus Versveld on Saturday. They also kicked off their campaign with victories over countrymen the Hurricanes and the Chiefs, and are in joint first place on the combined log. The likes of flanker Adam Thomson and winger Kade Poki have been inspiring, dynamic and in top form for the team, always threatening and worrying their opponents. But the real battle on Saturday will probably be between feisty scrumhalfs Ricky Januarie and Jimmy Cowan, who have met at international level a number of times. The distribution, attacking, defensive and kicking games of both players will be a pointer to how the rest of the match will go. All in all, the Stormers need to ensure that the forwards generate good front-foot ball to their backs, do the basics correctly and that they dominate up front – something the men in navy blue have lacked in the past two matches.

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