The Village News 06 June 2017

Village

NEWS NEWS The

Cape Whale Coast

5 June 2017

DOGS

FREE COPY

BABOONS

Keep them on a leash

FYNARTS

Virtual fence tested

Local exhibitions

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PAGE 03

PAGE 12

THE WHALE CALLER by local sculptor Jaco Sieberhagen forms part of the Sculpture on the Cliffs exhibition, which has become one of the corner stones of the Hermanus FynArts Festival, remaining in place for a full year until the following year’s sculptures are installed. The 2017 exhibition, curated by Lien Botha, is entitled EchoLocation and comprises 11 sculptures placed along the cliffs at Gearing’s Point and, for the first time, at the heritage site of the Old Harbour.

PHOTO: Jaco Sieberhagen

Reality of Hermanus bypass a step closer De Waal Steyn

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he reality of a CBD bypass road in Hermanus is one step closer with the publication last week of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report.

The proposed bypass, estimated in 2015 to cost R350 million, has elicited strong reaction over the last few years from especially conservation groups and business owners at the Country Market and in the CBD. The Final Scoping Report

that was released in 2015 prompted 295 comments, from amongst others the Hermanus Botanical Society, Hermanus Ratepayer’s Association and Whale Coast Conservation.

According to the report by SRK Consulting, the bypass would be approximately 3 km long. Starting in the vicinity of the intersection of Main Road, Mountain Drive and Mimosa Street in the west, it will run in a northeasterly direction along and to the north of Mountain Drive.

From this point two alternative routes were investigated. The northern alignment runs along the slope of the mountain (above the existing Mountain Drive), passing above the cemetery and sport complex, turning towards town between the cricket oval and the Generations School, where it joins Fairways Avenue. The southern alignment passes below the cemetery and then follows the existing José Burman Drive between Hermanus High School and the cricket oval.

From there it continues

southwards across the eastern portion of Hermanus High’s sports fields and along a section of Fairways Avenue between Eastcliff and Hermanus Golf Course, and joins Main Road next to the Eastcliff Spar at a new traffic circle approximately 110 m to the north-east of the existing intersection.

The report states that SRK is of the opinion that “on purely ‘environmental’ grounds (i.e. the project’s potential socio-economic and biophysical implications) the northern alternative as

it is should be approved”.

According to the report future local traffic growth of 1,5% and external (visitor) growth of 2,5% is predicted and this justifies the bypass that supports the CBD Regeneration Framework of the Municipality. The bypass will be proclaimed as the new provincial trunk road and Main Road will become a municipal road.

The regeneration framework makes provision for partially pedestrianising Main Road by extending the sidewalks to

create a better shopping and walking experience in the area.

The aims of the bypass would be to provide a route between the eastern and western parts of town, improve accessibility, traffic flow and safety in the CBD, to enable business development in the CBD by optimising accessibility, parking and non-motorised access, to provide improved access to schools and sports fields and reduce traffic on local roads currently serving as a de facto bypass.

Read more on P5.

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6 June 2017

Tough choices lie ahead over building of a bypass This week has seen social media abuzz with comments regarding the proposed bypass for the Hermanus CBD. This project has been in the pipeline for many years. There was even a proposal in the 1960s to build a road on the mountain side abutting the whole town, from Mt Pleasant through to where the R43 exits town at De Mond.

With the Overstrand still showing signs of economic growth and especially Hermanus being one of the fastest growing towns in the country, a long term view needs to be taken when

Editorial Comment

By De Waal Steyn considering the need for a bypass.

We all know the Hermanus CBD becomes a traffic nightmare during season and the current relief road (Royal Street) is struggling to cope with the volume of traffic even out of season. That something must be done to relieve the congestion is without question.

None of the alternatives, such as the upgrading of Main Road through the CBD, the further upgrading of Royal Street, or not upgrading any roads and not building a bypass, offers a workable solution.

The proposal that are on the table now offers two alternatives and both have their pros and cons. Both will have an impact on our fynbos and both will in some way affect either Hermanus High School or the Generations School. The popular Hermanus Country Market is also under threat of being closed down.

Letters and opinions

Both options, however, offer a long-term solution, not only to our traffic problems but also for the survival of the CBD. After the construction of a bypass, Main Road will become the property of the Municipality affording them the opportunity to transform our CBD into a pedestrian friendly shopping hub.

Something that will be critically important once the Whale Coast Mall is completed and operational.

Taking a side either for or against the bypass is like being caught between the rocks and the deep blue ocean (almost literally in the

case of Hermanus). But for the sake of our town and its survival, an informed decision needs to be taken.

The bypass will not become a reality in the next three to five years and the whole process can easily take up to a decade to complete. But we now need to act in the long-term interest of our town. It seems that the decision at this stage is not between building or not building a bypass, but rather between which of the two planned routes is more favourable. A decision between the lesser of two perceived evils in the name of progress.

– This is the GOOD News – Ed

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More letters on P 4

Learner drivers disrupt traffic in town Today I want to rant about all the driving schools and their learner drivers taking up driving space, and time and patience, which I do not have a huge supply of!

I know we have all been a learner driver at some time or another, and many of us have children who will also have to learn to drive. I realise it is a necessary evil, and that it creates work opportunities, and for the people learning it creates more independence,

and proper training makes our roads safer, and and and…. I can carry on with the positive outcomes, of which there are many.

However, that does not make it any easier when I am on a quick trip in a time challenged day, and I get caught in traffic behind a learner driver some where in Eastcliff or the CBD or Westcliff. It feels that there are long-wheel based delivery vehicles with the logo of a driving school around every

second corner on some days.

A question pops up whether it is really necessary to have a learner driver moving the vehicle at less than 20 km/h, when the said learner is clearly not confident enough yet to be driving on public roads. Or when that same learner driver stands at a stop street well beyond the required time and the instructor has to indicate to the other traffic to move past them, in order for the learner driver to cross the

intersection once all the traffic has “disappeared” from there.

there enough time in a day for all the leaner drivers to get adequate practise time?

In my humble opinion, that learner driver needs more time in a safe zone without any other traffic to increase his / her confidence and control of the vehicle. Now, where is that safe zone where students can practise? Does each driving school have its own space, or do they all have to share the space behind the Traffic Department? If so, is

On a final positive note I do realise that we have fairly courteous taxi drivers and problem-free roads, and that most of our drivers have probably been trained by these same driving schools, so maybe I should just keep my mouth shut, practise my patience and bear with it!

‘Hurry up and wait’

Speeding on Westcliff Drive is ruining the area Picking up on the letter Denis Fryer wrote in the 25 April edition of your fine paper where he lamented the speed of cars on Onrus Main Road (No more peace and quiet in Onrus), I can simply agree and add that the speed and road user behaviour on Westcliff Road is equally lamentable.

There seems to be a general disregard for speed limits in a number of spots around Hermanus with no

clear integrated strategy for traffic calming.

and tourists that use this road for leisure.

Back to Westcliff Road: What is designed as a suburban connector road has become the quickest way into town where cars can routinely travel at 90km/h plus without any repercussions – no stop streets, no traffic calming, no speed cameras – just a straight stretch of road to see how quick you can go. There are no road shoulders or cycling provisions for the many locals

The speed of cars and taxis, along with dangerous overtaking and drag races in the middle of night is ruining this lovely part of the coastal route.

Boundary walls along this stretch of road are getting higher and higher to keep out traffic noise - detrimental to the feel of old Hermanus. The stretch of houses between

Arundel Road and the New Harbour feels like Joburg with the height of boundary walls.

The road user behaviour on Church Street is not much better.

The near fatal accident on 7 April when a car collided with the guest house at 1 Marine Drive is a result of this lawlessness.

The driver chose Westcliff Road because he knew he could go as fast as he wanted

– not this time, luckily with no loss of life!

I know our excellent law enforcers and councillors are paying heed – and I believe there are a number of studies underway to look at road and traffic management in Hermanus.

So much of this town is well managed. Westcliff Road and Church Street are simply not.

Eduard van Zyl

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The never-ending saga of dogs and leashes De Waal Steyn

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onfusion seems to be the order of the day with pet owners unsure of the when and where they can walk their dogs on beaches and off their leashes.

This comes after proposed amendments to the by-law were widely reported on in February last year and a recent incident that angered dog owners at Onrus beach when a ‘no dogs on the beach’ sign was erected. According to the Municipality they received numerous complaints from the public and have decided to remove the sign. It is uncertain if the sign will be replaced with one depicting that dogs are allowed on the beach if they are on a leash.

Since the announcement by the Municipality that it intends to change the by-law there has been wide reaction on social media with a clear split between those for and those against the changes. Simply put the changes propose that instead of it being compulsory for dogs in public places to be on a leash at all times, they be allowed off their leash, but under the control of their owners, in all public places after 18:00 in the evening and before 08:00 in the morning – except on specified swimming beaches, where they will never be allowed at any time whether on or off a leash.

But after almost 16 months the amendment has not yet served before Council. At first it was claimed that such a flood of comments was received from the public on the proposals that it would take the administration several months to make all the necessary changes before it can serve before Council. In November and December last year the amendments were to serve before Council but it was not included in the agenda. In February this year Roderick Williams, Director: Community Services said the amendments will serve before Council at the March meeting, but once again it was left off the agenda.

According to the Municipality the amendments have in the meantime been referred to the Municipal Manager to take a decision on whether it will serve before Council at all.

The Municipality says the current by-law relating to the keeping of dogs and cats stays in effect and will be enforced. “In the interim the status quo remains. The current by-law clearly stipulates that no dog is allowed to be in a public place unless it is kept on a lease. A public place is any beach, road, street, thoroughfare, bridge, overhead bridge, subway, foot pavement, footpath, sidewalk, lane, square, open space, garden, park, park, bus or taxi rank, servitude or enclosed space

The sign at Onrus beach that caused an out roar amongst dog owners. The sign has since been removed. vested in the Council and includes any road, place or thoroughfare which is in the undisturbed use of the public or which the public have the right to use.

The by-law further states that any person who contravenes or fails to comply with any provision of this by-law is guilty of an offense.

According to Municipal statistics 18 fines for not keeping a dog on a leash have been issued in the Overstrand between January and March this year, compared to 2 fines in the same period last year.

It is also uncertain whether dogs

off leashes are allowed on Grotto East beach. For the last couple of years dog owners have used this part of the beach to allow their dogs off their leashes, with the bylaw not being enforced there.

Pet owners are requested not to bury dog poop in the sand or throw it out to sea. They are required to clean up after their dogs and to dispose of poop bags in the correct bins.

Any contravention of the by-law can be reported to Law Enforcement on 028 313 8980 or the Overstrand control room on 028 313 8000/8111.

Members of the Hermanus Classic Car Club took their beauties out for a spin on Friday 26 May before enjoying lunch at the clubhouse of the Hemel-en-Aarde Estate. The cars in the parking lot quickly drew the attention of many a bystander, with both old and new cars glimmering in the sunlight. Among the Triumphs and MGs there were two brand new Mercedes SLS (one the gull wing model), a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow, a 1950s Peugeot 203 and, at 5,7 meters long, a mind-numbing large 1960s Cadillac Eldorado Convertible. Members of the club refer to themselves as the Romeo’s: Really Old Men Eating Out. PHOTO: De Waal Steyn

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Remembering the heyday of radio

ome of us who grew up in the hippie sixties and seventies often have difficulty remembering things from back then. We all have different reasons for this amnesia, but in mitigation, it was a while ago.

Enrolled at the SABC as a trainee sound engineer I was often ‘hands on’, but there are some inexplicably empty files in my memory bank, so any input from readers who weren’t into Hendrix or Zappa is most welcome. Followers of Pat Boone, Cliff or The Swingle Singers will no doubt remember.

On arrival for a regular red-eye shift at five am, the English and Afrikaans Services’ studios were in darkness. They stopped transmitting around midnight, and switched over to Highveld where Robin Alexander prattled on through the wee hours. We’d

Wit’s End

Murray Stewart fire up the studios, check with Main Control to plug us through, and kick off the day with a rousing chorus of doves (bokmakieries?) on a scratched 78rpm record, followed by an equally rousing though less scratched

rendition of Die Stem.

I think the weather report for shipping was next (Port Alfred to Port St John’s etc), and perhaps a ‘Thought for the Day’, but I could never understand why they broadcast ‘Calling All Farmers’ at sunrise. This is when farmers start their day, opening sheds, fetching workers or checking dam levels, and certainly don’t have time to take notes.

Sunset seems more logical.

Back then, the SABC was much smaller. Auckland Park was under construction, and the radio studios were still in Joburg’s Commissioner Street, where they had been since Paul Kruger’s beard was only stubble.

In those days there were four kinds of radio stations.

National Radio incorporated

Letters and opinions

the English, Afrikaans and Springbok Services. Regional Radio like Highveld, Good Hope and Port Natal catered to the locals, while Radio RSA broadcast externally in about eight languages up Africa and into Europe. The fourth, collectively known as Radio Bantu, was by far the biggest, and broadcast both nationally and regionally in the nine indigenous languages, reaching ten times the listeners of the traditionally white or beige stations.

On Saturdays I’d often sit behind the controls for Esmé Euvrard or Pat Kerr, who’d read out messages and play songs for lovesick troepies on the border before the afternoon Sports Parade kicked off. There was no TV yet, so you had Gerhard Viviers, Thinus de Villiers, Kim Shippey or Charles Fortune sketching audio landscapes so vivid, you felt

you were there.

“Hy’t spoed, hy’t spoed, hy’t spoed… hier kom ‘n drieeeee!!!” and Gerhard Viviers would literally leap out of the radio and join the chaos erupting round the braais and sitting rooms of middle-class South Africa.

Charles Fortune, on the other hand, painted a totally different picture, often about everything except the cricket.

Clouds, bees, flocks of birds, the trees on the golf course behind the stands, a new blend of tea, all became the canvas for his sports commentaries, which often played second fiddle.

“Oh dear! Seems somebody’s out. Hmm. Now who could that be?”

Sunday shifts were the worst.

They started at around 7am

with us loading a trusty Peugeot 404 station wagon with equipment and trundling off to enticing hot-spots like Benoni, Boksburg or Brakpan. Apart from being comfortably numb and slightly dazed due to the overindulgence of just a few hours ago, we had to wear a suit and tie. We were, after all, entering a house of God, where we’d set up mics for the resident Dominee and congregation to broadcast the service, live at ten.

These were desperate times, so I must confess we often resorted to desperate measures - Oros with gin, for two reasons. One, it looked harmless to the Dominee, and two, it improved the sermons and singing immensely. Oh, and three, it tasted great after a few.

Management at SABC, who were once trainees themselves, had wisely prerecorded services on standby – just in case.

Oops, out of air-time.

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Best wishes to The NEWS I just have to tell you how impressed we all are with the excellent layout, content and quality of The Village News. It's a real breath of fresh air in town and, in my opinion, everything

works so well.

I know just how hard you all work and the results show, time after time. The Friends of Hermanus Library (FOHL) are

particularly grateful for your interest and support. Best wishes and may you continue to go from strength to strength.

FOHL

A big thank you to Overberg Computers Earlier this year a group of friends who walk together, The Hurriers, decided to support a deserving young Hermanus High School 2016 matriculant in his studies at CPUT. The decision was made to purchase a computer suited to the marketing course he had chosen.

We looked at possible purchases from Takealot and

the like but without success.

We then approached Overberg Computers for assistance and advice as to the best route to follow. While they were unable to assist financially, being involved with funding two large projects, they readily agreed to assist and guide us with our purchase.

Their advice, always readily

given, was invaluable to us and we have now handed a brandnew computer to a most appreciative and delighted young man. A big thank you to Overberg Computers.

We hope to continue our support for this young man throughout his studies.

The Hurriers

Hermanus Golf Club should join the Butt Bin Community Hermanus Golf Club (HGC) boasts a beautiful, tranquil course set in an amphitheatre of mountains with springbok peacefully grazing, herons fishing like statues and bokmakieries calling.

I am one of the privileged few who plays on the course, but I felt saddened and disgusted when I last played to see so many cigarette butts lying on the tee-boxes and the fairways. Whale Coast Conservation is currently involved in a big drive to beat cigarette-butt litter in

Hermanus by installing specially designed butt-bins.

People who are privileged to play golf must surely be aware that cigarette filters do not biodegrade. They are in fact toxic waste and pose an environmental health risk to humans. In addition the toxic chemicals trapped in the filters can leak out and threaten the springbok who eat the grass on the course.

Apart from this they look unsightly. Do smokers litter their own homes with butts?

Would it not be a worthy cause if HGC could be a trend-setter and become part of the ‘Butt Bin Community’?

Kathie Buley Sharon Sleigh, general manager of HGC, responded for and on behalf of the committee: Thank you for your suggestion, which was tabled at our most recent committee meeting. We have instructed our greenkeeper and his team to remove cigarette butts on the course and destroy them.

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6 June 2017

NORTHERN ALIGNMENT

SOUTHERN ALIGNMENT

The pros and cons of the Hermanus bypass De Waal Steyn

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here has been much debate in town on the desirability of a bypass road. In 2012 the then Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works, Robin Carlisle, said it would not be built by the current administration.

However in 2014 the current Minister, Donald Grant, said that he was in favour of the investigation into the bypass.

Addressing residents in 2016, Grant said a decision would most likely not be made before 2020. “It’s not just going to be some gung-ho minister in Cape Town making a decision on this, but will be based on all the studies and facts,” he said.

According to an online survey conducted at the end of last year by the Hermanus Ratepayers’ Association (HRA), the most concerning issue among residents was the proposed bypass road.

Altogether 75% of respondents indicated that they are opposed to the construction of a road alongside the mountain. But should efforts to stop the construction of a bypass be fruitless, the alternative preference for the route of the road was 64% in favour of

upgrading the existing relief road in Royal Street to Checkers, while 22% were in favour of the bypass being routed north (mountain side) of the sports complex, and 5% were in favour of the bypass being routed between Hermanus High School and the sports complex.

According to HRA the studies that were done do not show a real need for a bypass. “Only about 7% of traffic coming into Hermanus leaves again towards Stanford. The traffic congestion that we have is because of the volume of traffic coming into the CBD, rather than through-traffic.”

Whale Coast Conservation (WCC) commented that the proposed bypass is inconsistent with stated provincial spatial development policy and strategies to reduce private motorcar traffic. “The framework strongly advocates policy and strategies to move away from individual motorised transport, especially in urban areas, and to transform urban areas so that public and nonmotorised modes of transport become the norm.”

WCC also says the land that is proposed to be expropriated from the Fernkloof Nature Reserve is invaluable.

“Fernkloof Nature Reserve (FNR) has enormous real value and the Provincial Government has a duty to protect every natural asset. Yet it sees fit to view a proclaimed nature reserve as free land to be sacrificed for infrastructure development. This is unacceptable and sets a very dangerous precedent for the future conservation of protected areas.”

According to Di Marais of the Botanical Society, Fernkloof is a jewel of the Cape Floral Kingdom (CFK).

“Although FNR comprises only 0,002% of the CFK it has approximately 18% of its plants in an area of only 18 km². There are 1 200 plants in the FNR mountainous area and 400 different plants are found in the coastal zone of the reserve. This equates to 80 - 90 species per square kilometre and nowhere in South Africa or the world can this density be equaled,” she says.

According to her the FNR area above Northcliff where the bypass is proposed has always been known as the richest and most diverse botanical area in the reserve. To date more than 380 species of plant are listed for this area alone. Hermanus

Botanical Society’s regular surveys have shown that a small area at the westernmost end of Mountain Drive is particularly rich floristically and contains species which occur nowhere else in Fernkloof.

“The area of the proposed bypass is a merging of veld types, namely the critically endangered, mountainous, Overstrand Sandstone Fynbos and Hangklip Sand Fynbos, an endangered Lowland Fynbos type, largely lost to housing in Hermanus. We cannot allow any loss of the biodiversity of our precious nature reserve to a road,” says Di. According to the EIA the impact on the air quality around the bypass is low and the impact of the predicted noise, especially at the schools in the area, is rated as medium. The impact on the wetland, especially the loss of 0,3 ha at the Hermanus Golf Course is rated as very low.

“The predicted botanical impacts associated with the bypass, notably the loss of up to 3.7 ha of vegetation located on a portion of the southern boundary of the FNR, and fragmentation of small degraded portions of terrestrial habitat, are rated as

low to very low. Aligning the bypass to reduce its footprint in intact vegetation and the size of remnants, coupled with the fact that vegetation in some of the affected area is degraded from previous activities, reduces the overall impact. The functioning of the FNR is not jeopardised.

“The predicted impacts on fauna are generally rated as low due to the barrier function of the road to faunal migration. However, the bypass is located alongside existing roads / developments and does not fragment new habitats, reducing the overall impact,” according to the report.

With regards to the reduction in livelihoods from the Country Market that will need to close down, the report states that the market organiser and municipality must be encouraged to secure a suitable alternative site.

SRK says in the report the main advantage of the northern alternative is that it avoids the visual impact and physical barrier effect of an elevated roadway between the high school and the sports complex and retains the connectivity between these two facilities. It also results in a

possible decrease in noise level at the high school.

A disadvantage of the northern alternative is that it requires expropriation of land at Generations School.

How can you participate?

The Draft EIA Report is now available for public comment.

Focus group meetings will be held to present and discuss the findings of the EIA with key stakeholders/representatives.

Stakeholders’ comments on the EIA Report will be submitted to DEA & DP with the final report.

Register or send written comment to: Jessica du Toit SRK Consulting Postnet Suite #206, Private Bag X18, Rondebosch, 7701 Tel: 021 659 3060 Fax: 021 685 7105 Email: jedutoit@srk.co.za For comments to be included in the Final EIA Report, they must reach the above contact person no later than 3 July 2017.

Copies of the complete report are available at: • Hermanus Library; • Mount Pleasant Library; • SRK’s Cape Town office; and • SRK’s website: www.srk.co.za – via the ‘Library’ and ‘Public

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PnP brings convenient online shopping to Hermanus De Waal Steyn

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ick n Pay Hermanus has become the first grocery retailer in town to offer a fully-fledged online shopping and home delivery system.

“By simply logging on and registering on the Pick n Pay Online system, customers in Hermanus can now shop for any of the more than 13 000 products in the comfort of their own home or at the office. We will deliver your shopping to you at the time of your choosing,” says store manager Wayne Castle.

“We have been planning for quite some time to bring this service, which is available in many of the larger areas, to our town as I believe that it will not only add to our service offering but also make a huge difference for our customers.”

According to Wayne electronic ordering and home delivery is not new to the Hermanus store. “We have been doing it for years in an informal manner, with people emailing us their grocery list and me delivering it with my car. One of the main reasons for that was that many of our elderly clients are not always able to come to town to do their shopping, so we decided to offer that service. There were also instances where children living in other parts of the country or world would email a grocery list asking if we could deliver to their parents.

“Living in a small and closeknit community it is not always about selling a can of baked beans, it is about giving customer service that goes that extra mile. With online shopping this service takes a huge leap forward, allowing customers to browse through our virtual store, see what specials are available, and have access to all the products that we have on our shelves.

You can also choose at what time your shopping must be delivered. If for instance, you choose your delivery time between 10:00 and 11:00, I guarantee that it will be delivered in that timeslot,” says Wayne.

The online shopping service is easily accessible from any computer and there is an app available for shopping on your smartphone. Payment is done through a secure payment system and customers can use either a credit or debit card, and Smart Shopper loyalty cards can be linked to your online account. The cost for deliveries is R80 and the service is available for everyone living within a 9 km radius (including Vermont and Voëlklip) from the store.

Robin Salie (left), delivery man, with Natasha Benjamin, who will look after the logistics, and Wayne Castle, manager of Pick n Pay. Wayne has become a familiar face on the shop floor since he took over as manager three years ago. “I love my job and interacting with our customers and assisting them with any problems. To me customer satisfaction is the highest priority.”

He has worked his way through the corporate system at Pick n Pay since he started as a petrol attendant at a PnP Hyper in Ottery 17 years ago.

“A manager saw my potential and I have worked my way up from there through the ranks to assistant manager at various stores in Cape Town and now as manager of the Hermanus store.

“I must admit that I have worked at many of our stores but I have never experienced such a welcoming feeling of community anywhere else. In Hermanus everyone knows your name and we know our customers. There are so many longstanding customers that have become our friends.

There is for instance one lady who does her shopping first thing every Sunday morning at exactly the same time – like clockwork. For the last three years she has used the same parking spot and it is a delight to welcome her every time she comes in.

“But working in a community we also love giving back.

Apart from the regular

donations we make to charitable organisations, we also offer that little personal touch. A few weeks back one of our regular clients who has lost most of her eyesight lamented the fact that her children were unable to come and visit on Mother’s Day. By asking a few questions I could figure out where she lived and I was happy to deliver a cake and flowers to her house on Mother’s Day, much to the surprise of her and her husband. It is these small gestures that make our community more than businesses and customers, it makes us a family.”

Wayne says it is not possible to own a business in Hermanus and not want to give back to the community. “Our people are so warm and caring that giving back becomes one of the biggest pleasures.

“Online shopping will now afford us the opportunity to offer a new level of service and convenience. Especially in a town that is growing fast and becomes really busy in season,” he says.

Behind the scenes Natasha Benjamin and Robin Salies will take care of all the online shopping, ensuring that the products are neatly packed and promptly delivered in a sealed container that will keep frozen products cold.

Visit www.picknpay.co.za

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6 June 2017

Baboon virtual fence gets off to a shaky start

By Sarah Taylor

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esidents will need to be patient with marauding baboons for now, as there is no quick-and-easy solution to preventing them from entering residential areas of Hermanus and coming into conflict with humans.

This is clear after the first field test last month of the virtual fence equipment intended to keep the baboons in the mountains. The endeavour highlighted a number of issues that must be resolved first before the project can be implemented properly.

Ward 3 Councillor Kari Brice says these issues include sourcing additional once-off funding from the community of at least R100 000 to fit GPS collars on two members of the Vogelgat troop (so far only two baboons have been collared from the Fernkloof troop) and to pay for the erection of at least three more relay stations along the mountain ridge, three more sound boxes and remote controls, and a week of training.

The field test, while successful in chasing off the Fernkloof troop temporarily, also highlighted the need for ongoing funding to pay at least one permanent, energetic person to deploy the system, which involves “rockrabbitting into the mountain”, says Kari, while more volunteers from the community are also needed.

“We have decided to put the activation of the virtual fence on hold for now,” says Kari. “We have realised we need to collar two baboons from the Vogelgat troop, which is entering Voëlklip from the eastern edge of town. If we don’t collar the alpha baboons from the Vogelgat troop, they will just take over from the Fernkloof troop, which currently dominates most of Voëlklip, Hermanus Heights, Eastcliff and Fernkloof.

“We also realise that this cannot be a volunteer-run project only, as the initial stages of implementing the virtual fence are time-consuming and physically demanding and we need to find money from the community to sustain it. Only then can we start with the proper training of a proposed staff member and the volunteers. We would ideally like to get at least two volunteers in each of the troops’

zones (eastern and western Voëlklip). In the meantime, we are monitoring the movements of the Fernkloof troop to see where they go but we won’t initiate training or activate the virtual fence again until everything is in place or we will create a ‘cry wolf’ situation. So the baboons will run riot for now and it is frustrating, I know, as we all want to see this system working, but we just have to be patient.”

The system is a result of Ward 3 residents voting in March last year for the virtual fence concept after the Overstrand Municipality disbanded the Hermanus baboon management team in 2015 as this was an unbudgeted-for cost. Kari, spurred on by the concerns of her constituents, subsequently set about procuring the R100 000 funding for the system from individual sponsors, organisations and businesses in Hermanus, including the Hermanus Ratepayers’ Association and Hermanus Public Protection. This was to cover the costs of erecting relay stations on the mountain, fitting GPS collars on two baboons from the Fernkloof troop and for three sound-and-pyrotechnic boxes, which will be used to establish the line of a mobile virtual fence.

However, after last month’s first field test conducted by staff members of Human Wildlife Solutions (HWS) – the Cape Town company which has developed the system that is operating in Gordon’s Bay – it was clear that the volunteers had not realised the extent of physical effort and time initially involved in the task at hand.

Byron Loubser and Abel Takalani from HWS spent two days in Hermanus testing the system and providing training on setting up the virtual fence to the three volunteers. It was also an opportunity for the volunteers to learn more about the baboons’ movements and patterns of behaviour and to see how they reacted to the activation of the fence.

The HWS system kicks off when the collared baboons come within range of the relay stations set up along the ridge of the mountain behind town.

Electronic alerts with the baboons’ GPS co-ordinates are sent to those tasked with monitoring the baboons via

computer or cellphone, so that they can head to the area and strategically set up three boxes with bear bangers (loud pyrotechnic crackers) and speakers emitting frightening animal sounds (such as lion roars and buffalo in distress) to create a “landscape of fear” – the virtual fence – for the baboons and chase them into the mountains.

Abel Takalani (far left) and Byron Loubser (far right) from Human Wildlife Solutions with volunteers Angus McFadzean, Dirk Oosthuizen and Adam Barnard during the first field test of the virtual fence in Fernkloof Nature Reserve. In front are two of the sound-andpyrotechnic boxes which will be used to create a ‘landscape of fear’ in the minds of the baboons and keep them out of urban areas.

PHOTOS: Sarah Taylor

ABOVE: Abel Takalani from Human Wildlife Solutions on Kanonkop in Fernkloof Nature Reserve on a field test to determine the correct position from which to deploy one of the soundand-pyrotechnic boxes to chase the Fernkloof baboon troop deeper into the mountains, away from Hermanus.

The volunteers had initially understood they could drive the sound-and-pyrotechnic boxes to the edges of suburbia, close to where the baboons were headed, and set them off from there. After deploying the boxes a few times, they understood that the baboons would learn that it was not safe to cross this virtual boundary into urban areas and would stay in the mountains and forage for food there.

What is required, however, says Byron, is “to create more of a buffer between the baboons and the urban areas and the only way to do this is to get into the mountains and set off the three boxes there, in a line, with about 100m distance between each”. If there is no such buffer, it is easier for the baboons to get around the virtual fence and enter suburbia and its rich pickings of food. This would need to be done consistently a few times for the baboons to become fearful of entering suburbia. The steep, rocky terrain behind Hermanus makes this exercise difficult, especially off the footpaths in Fernkloof Nature Reserve, with the baboons definitely having the physical advantage.

LEFT: Some of the members of the Fernkloof baboon troop entering the urban edge above Voëlklip, where it’s easy pickings to find food from houses and gardens.

The Gordon’s Bay baboons have been simpler to control, says Abel, as there is one main route that they follow from the mountains into town, while the two main troops that enter Hermanus have many entry points across a more extended geographic area. The Gordon’s Bay virtual fence, funded by the City of Cape Town and run by paid staff, has been hailed as a success, with HWS Project Manager Dr Phil Richardson saying “it has been 100% effective in keeping the troop out of town”.

- Donations for the virtual fence project can be made into the following bank account: Baboon Op Standard Bank Acc: 242748619 Ref: A04394 For more information, contact Kari Brice on 083 650 4206.

It is hoped that once in operation, the virtual fence system will protect residential properties from raiding baboons, while also making the baboons’ lives safer by keeping them away from humans and the associated dangers of being run over by cars, poisoned or shot at, as has happened in the not-so-recent past.

T

NEWS NEWS

GOOD

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6 June 2017

Cape Whale Coast’s flag is flying high

here is always something new in the world of tourism. Recently South Africa hosted Africa’s biggest travel and trade show in Durban - Indaba - and celebrated the magic of fynbos in London, while locally the Cape Whale Coast took the podium as the best Absa Cape Epic stage location.

Indaba launched a new initiative - #WeDoTourism - that is not totally foreign to those involved in tourism in Hermanus. It speaks to every citizen’s involvement and role in tourism, from helping a visitor with directions or sharing information about what to do while in the area, in the same way that “Ask Me I’m A Local” does in Hermanus. As per usual the Cape Whale Coast is eager to align with national tourism marketing ideas and will revive the “Ask Me” incentive, rolling it out to the other towns in the region. Tourism is everyone’s business and the Cape Whale Coast is privileged to have so many local ambassadors that promote the region on a regular basis.

As per usual fynbos was in the

prestigious President’s Award.

The exhibit was designed to celebrate the diversity of South African plant life, using flowers and plants from 10 different botanical gardens. It showed the diversity of the nine biomes of South Africa and displayed it to over 150 000 people who visited the Chelsea Flower show.

Frieda’s Footprints

Tourism News

by Frieda Lloyd

President of the RHS, Sir Nicholas Bacon, hands over the President’s Award to Dr Tanya Abrahamse, the CEO of the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), and designers David Davidson and Raymond Hudson.

spotlight at the annual RHS Chelsea Flower Show and the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) team once again scooped a gold medal.

This was South Africa’s 35th gold medal in 42 years of exhibiting and in addition to the gold, the display entitled ‘Windows on Biodiversity’ by the multi award-winning team of designers David Davidson and Ray Hudson also won the

The SANBI team putting the finishing touches to their winning exhibition, ‘Windows on Biodiversity’.

Showcasing our unique flora is one more way of marketing our region to nature lovers from all over the world.

Though the Chelsea Flower Show attendees are given a taste of what to expect when visiting South Africa, this preview may be just enough to encourage tourists to make the trip.

The Absa Cape Epic is another biggie. The world’s biggest adventure mountain bike race provided much promotion and international screening and therefore it is with great pride that the Overstrand received the award for the top stage location, Hermanus High School as the best race village and the best display for the fly-over competition.

Creation Wines showed their

usual enthusiasm and their efforts were rewarded with the award for the best water point.

The organisers applauded the support received with the various logistical arrangements and promised that we won’t have to wait another eight years before the Epic returns to the Cape Whale Coast. Once again the locals illustrated how members of our community DO TOURISM naturally!

Lastly, a new website gathers all South Africa’s wine information on one website for ease of reference – www.winelands.co.za. The website was only launched last week and integrates the various social media platforms. Those involved in wine tourism are encouraged to engage and share their wine experiences by using #winelands.

Wine also has a special place on the Hermanus FynArts programme which starts later this week. It is with great excitement that we look forward to the festival from 9 – 18 June and its positive contribution to local businesses, tourism, arts and the community.

GOOD

NEWS NEWS

9

6 June 2017

Budget and IDP approved by council

De Waal Steyn

I

n a rare occurrence, the Overstrand Council unanimously approved the Executive Mayor’s budget of R1,135 billion for the 2017/18 financial year on Wednesday, 31 May. ANC Chief Whip, Cllr Simphiwe Tebele, said that good work is being done under the stewardship of the Municipal Manager, Coenie Groenewald, and he congratulated Mayor Rudolph Smith and all officials involved on a well-presented document.

“The budget concentrates on three previous disadvantaged areas, with a particular focus on a certain area. We challenge the Mayor to take this focus further in the next financial year(s), dealing with at least one township per year. We want to see that movement in all our previously disadvantaged communities.”

Speaker Anton Coetsee added: “It is a rare occurrence for a budget to be adopted unanimously and when it does happen, a strong message on a vote of confidence is sent out that we believe in what this Council is doing for our communities. Addressing discrepancies of the past is the way in which we follow our vision. It is indeed a great moment.”

In his budget speech, Mayor Rudolph Smith mentioned that 50% of the Municipality’s

revenue budget had been allocated towards basic services. No less than 19% had been allocated to economic development and social upliftment; 10% towards the maintenance of a safe and healthy environment and 21% will be spent on the promotion of good, clean and transparent governance.

“I am proud to report that our Municipality will continue as a strong community focused and service delivery orientated organisation,” said Smith.

The total 2017/18 budget is comprised of a capital budget of R97,6 million and an operational budget of R1,038 billion. The total operational revenue amounts to R993,2 million, with a budget deficit of R44,6 million.

The deficit is mainly due to non-cash items such as depreciation, provision for post-retirement benefits and debt impairment for traffic fines amounting to R160 802 798. “This means that, despite the deficit, our budget is fully cash-backed, as confirmed by Provincial Treasury in their assessment of the new budget”, Smith said.

Funding for the 2017/18 operating budget will be obtained from various sources. These include service charges such as electricity, water, sanitation and refuse collection. Other major funding sources include property rates as well as

grants and subsidies received from national and provincial government.

Top of mind is: How will the budget affect my pocket?

On average, proposed tariff increases were limited to 6%.

Notable exceptions are property rates that increased by 7,4 % (the rebate on property rates offered to persons over the age of 60 remains unchanged); the charge for the first 6kℓ of water that increased by 11,5%; HPP services that increased by 7,4% and prepaid three-phase commercial electricity that increased by 7,4%.

“This budget was prepared against a projected decline in inflation from 6,6% in January 2016 to 5,9% by December 2017. The downgrading of the SA economy to junk status and the effects thereof will not lead to an increase in the proposed tariffs. Any shortfall created by this will be absorbed by curtailing expenditure and revenue surpluses,” said Finance Portfolio Committee Chairman and Deputy Mayor Dudley Coetzee.

And other electricity?

With the approval of the current budget, Overstrand Municipality has started to increase the basic charge for electricity so as to shift the cost of providing the service out of the consumption tariff to the basic charge. National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has approved a 1,88% increase for electricity

tariffs charged by Municipalities. This draft budget increases the basic charge for electricity by 5% and offsets this by decreasing the tariff for the first 350 units by 0,15%. From 351 to 600 units the tariff increases by 1,75% and above 600 units the increase is 1,88%.

Other increases The tariffs for refuse removal, sewerage, and water all increased by 6%. The exception is the tariff for 0 – 6kℓ of water which increased by 11,5% or 46c per 1 000 litres of water. This is in line with a National Treasury directive that the level and structure of water tariffs are to be fully cost reflective. At present the cost of providing water is around R21 per kℓ.

Sundry tariffs for items such as building plan fees, photocopy fees and rental of community halls have been increased by 6%.

Prudent spending For the third consecutive year there will be a zero percent increase on all expense items that the Municipality has control over, such as fuel, gravel for roads, maintenance of vehicles, stationery costs and chemicals for water treatment.

Favourable financial position “We will start to benefit from the improved income and curtailment of expenditure.

Capital funds from our surplus will increase from R2,4 million in the current year to R10,2

million next year,” Coetzee said.

The draft budget reflects a proposed capital budget of R115,1 million for 2017/18.

Funding sources for the capital budget will be generated from grant funding (R67,3 million), external loans to the amount of R30 million, and R17,88 million will come from surplus funds.

Coetzee said that no budget allowances were made for the revitalisation of the Hermanus CBD. “We are aware of the fact that the CBD might come under pressure once the Whale Coast Mall opens its doors in November. Income generated from the sale of land in the CBD may be used for revitalisation projects.”

Parking tariffs in the Hermanus CDB will stay the same.

Capital budget The Capital budget for 2017/18 totals R97,6 million, which is 13% more than the 2016/17 adjustments budget.

This now includes an amount of R1 632 000, which was identified as roll-over projects from 2016/17, as well as a reduction in the Housing allocation that was brought forward to the 2016/17 financial year and reprioritisation of the 2017/18 allocation.

A total of R7,8 million of the capital budget will be used to purchase new vehicles from own funds.

Other highlights on the capital budget include: • R9,4M for Hawston housing project: Integrated Residential Development Plan - IRDP (Ward 08) • R8,2M for WWTW upgrade in Stanford (Ward 11) • R5M towards upgrading of pump stations Overstrand • R4,65M to Hermanus: Medium Voltage (MV) & Low Voltage (LV) Electricity upgrade/replacement (Ward 03) • R4,5M to Hawston: bulk water upgrade for housing project (Ward 08) • R4,1M towards installation of civil services for Beverly Hills housing project (Ward 02) • R4M to Hawston housing project – Access and Main Collector Roads (Ward 08) • R4M towards electrification of low-cost housing areas (Wards 04,05,06) • R3,9M to Hawston housing project bulk storm water (Ward 08) • R3,8M towards new reservoir for Pringle Bay (Ward 10) The new Municipal budget and revised Integrated Development Plan (IDP) will be implemented from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018.

Residents can peruse copies of the final IDP and Budget documents at the offices of all area managers, all public libraries within the Municipality and on the Municipality’s website: www.overstrand.gov.za Click on strategic documents, click on budget or IDP.

NEWS

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6 June 2017 Wednesday 7 June

Every Saturday

■ Hermanus Photographic Society: Everyone with an interest in photography and who would like to improve their photographic skills, are welcome to attend these meetings on the first Wednesday of the month. At the Hermann Swart Hall of the Dutch Reformed Church, Hermanus, at 19:00. Contact info@hermanusphoto.co.za

Thursday 8 June ■ Stanford Full Moon Stroll: Join Stanford Tourism for their monthly Full Moon Stroll for charity. The proceeds from this month’s walk will go to the Butterfly Centre to help them build their own school. The cost of R30 for adults and R10 for kids includes refreshments. Dogs welcome. Meet at the Stanford Tourism Courtyard at 17:30. Weather dependent so please contact 028 341 0340 to confirm.

Friday 9 June

Sunday 11 June ■ Fernkloof Holistic Faire: You are invited to spend a lovely day at the Fernkloof Botanical Gardens. Meet an array of holistic therapists and artists while enjoying a variety of crafts and different foods. At Fernkloof Nature Reserve, from 10:00 – 15:00. For more info, contact Lucia on 028 316 5312.

Monday 12 June ■ Book launch: Join bookmark for the Overberg launch of butcher extraordinaire Andy Fenner’s new book, Meat Manifesto. You’ll be treated to a hot dog (courtesy of Andy) and a glass of bubbly (courtesy of Hermanuspietersfontein Wines). Cash bar available. RSVP: books@hermanus.co.za or 028 312 2000. At Soul Café, at 17:30 for 18:00.

■ Ryno Velvet at Hermanuspietersfontein Cellar: Bring your girlfriend, bring your friends and rock with Ryno in the HPF barrel cellar. Come at 18:00 and enjoy a cup of soup and a glass of wine before the show starts at 18:30. Tickets from R185 R220 pp (incl. soup and wine). Book at kelder@hpf1855.co.za

■ Rugby & Spitbraai: Enjoy a spitbraai while watching the rugby test between SA and France.

This event is hosted by the Hermanus Round Table and is for men only. R250 includes the spitbraai and an engraved pocket knife. Cash bar available. At Habonim, at 15:00. Contact Wiaan on 072 616 7338 or Dennis on 083 760 5410.

■ VOSS Art Stroll: Join the Vermont Onrus Second Saturdays (VOSS) Art Stroll at Daniël Kok Galery in The Village from 15:00 – 16:00, followed by a special exhibition of works by Hennie Niemann Snr and a group of his students at 5 Malmok Crescent, Vermont from 16:00 – 18:00. For more info, contact Teressa Jones on 072 796 2018.

Monday 19 June

■ Hermanus parkrun: Meet at Hermanus Forest in Camphill Road, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley at 08:00. Free timed 5 km walk or run, come rain or shine. The route is dog friendly and children are most welcome.

■ Hermanuspietersfontein Food & Wine Market: In the courtyard at HPF cellar, The Village, from 09:00-14:00. Where wine and food lovers both local and international meet.

■ The Hermanus Country Market: A favourite among the locals, young and old. Fresh local produce, wholesome goodies, and home-made crafts. Next to the cricket field, Fairways Avenue, from 09:00-13:00.

■ Market in the Garden: Set among the trees in the heart of town, at St Peter’s Church in Main Road, from 09:00-13:00.

Every Sunday

Friday 16 – Sunday 18 June ■ U3A Talk: U3A Overberg will host Prof Albert Grundlingh, professor of history at the University of Stellenbosch, as part of their new course presented in Afrikaans. The topic of Prof Grundlingh’s talk is Hendsoppers en Joiners in die Anglo-Boere Oorlog. At the Catholic Church hall, at 10:00. For more information, contact Therina du Pisani on 082 335 8797.

best of South African arts, with a bumper programme of performances, art exhibitions, talks, films, demonstrations, workshops, and food and wine events. Get your programme booklet from the FynArts Office next to Hermanus Tourism or visit www.hermanusfynarts.co.za

new release Chenin Blanc to ease you into a long relaxed lunch. Guests will also join winemaker Sebastian Beaumont for a short pruning demonstration in the vineyards before settling in the barrel cellar for lunch. With a seasonal menu designed to accompany Beaumont’s delicious wines, this is a food and wine experience not to be missed. R400 per head. At Beaumont Wines in Bot River, from 12:00. To book, send an email to info@beaumont.co.za

■ Mushroom Forage: Head out to Stanford and surrounds to hunt down some interesting and edible wild mushrooms with The Mushroom Forager, Justin Williams. R700 pp includes a light breakfast, coffee and lunch at Graze Slow Food Café, a guided mushroom finding tour and knowledge which will last a lifetime. Call Tabby to book on 076 243 1930.

Astronomy Centre for a meeting on Astrophotography at member Deon Krige’s house, at 19:00. Contact deonk@telkomsa.net

■ Hermanus FynArts: A 10-day celebration of the

■ Beaumont Barrel Lunch: Start with a glass of

life to a special Jack Daniels Tasting & BBQ Lunch at Mosaic Lagoon Café alongside the Klein River lagoon, from 12:00. Call 076 313 2814 to book.

■ Astrophotography: Join the Hermanus

Friday 9 – Sunday 18 June

Saturday 10 June

■ Father’s Day Special: Treat the father in your

■ The Greyt Escape: Escape to the magical town of Greyton and enjoy an adventure weekend filled with activities. The main event is the Greyt Escape, a 3 day Stage MTB race that offers a seriously scenic and challenging route. The starting time is 08:00 daily – Day 1 is 59 km with 1 150 m elevation; Day 2 is 60 km with 1 145 m; and Day 3 is 41 km with 850 m elevation. Solo entries: R2 900 pp / Team entries R5 400. On the Saturday there is also the Greyt Ride, a 40 km non-technical easy ride, targeted at the family members or supporters of the MTB stage riders to keep them busy while their friends or spouses are riding the Stage race (entry: R500 pp) and the Greyt Run, which offers three routes – 5 km (suitable for moms with prams or little ones), 12 km and 21 km (entry R50, R130 & R230). For all the details, visit www.thegreytescape.co.za or contact Greyton Tourism on 028 254 9564 / info@greytontourism.com

■ Hermanus History Society meeting: The speaker is Anthony Hamilton Russell, owner of Hamilton Russell Vineyards in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, who will talk about the history of winemaking in the Overstrand since his pioneering father first planted vineyards in an area regarded then as quite unsuitable for vines. If you’d like to attend this talk and get a taste of this famed estate’s wines but are not a member, you can join the HHS at the door for a fee of R50 for membership for the rest of 2017, valid immediately. At the Catholic Church hall, at 16.00.

Contact Dr Robin Lee on 028 312 4072.

■ HAC Monthly Meeting: Hermanus Astronomy Centre will get together at the Scout Hall, at 19:00.

The topic of discussion will be Asteroids, Comets and Dwarf Planets presented by Johan Retief.

Contact hermanus.astronomy@gmail.com

Wednesday 21 June

Saturday 17 June something perfect for the dad in your life for this Father's Day? Bring a basket to load up the treasure you may find by browsing through the Junktique Market in the Stanford Tourism Courtyard. If you are a junker, don’t miss this market. From 09:00 – 12:00. For more information, contact 028 341 0340 or ask@stanfordinfo.co.za

■ Classic Monday Bridge Club: Duplicate Bridge, every Monday at 13:00, at Fernkloof Hall.

To join the club, contact Riekie on 072 230 9179.

Every Thursday ■ Rotary Club of Hermanus: Weekly meetings every Thursday at Mollergren Park, at 19:00.

Visitors welcome. Contact Ian Wallace on 082 895 8738 or Metcalf Fick on 082 568 2193.

Every Friday ■ Hermanus Hacking Group: Meet at the bottom of Rotary Way at 06:15 for 06:30 every Friday. All volunteers welcome. Contact Charlyn Vosloo on 082 558 8731 for more details.

■ Bhuki Café: Enjoy tea, coffee and eats for only R20 (2 eats) or R30 (3 eats) to support the Friends of Hermanus Library, every Friday from 09:00 - 11.30.

Sunday 18 June special celebration of Father’s Day, the Benguela Cove Manor Restaurant on the Bot River lagoon will be hosting a captivating three course lunch, from 12:00 – 15:00. R550 pp. For more information and bookings, contact 087 357 0637 or manor@benguelacove.co.za

Every Monday

■ ‘Kolwyntjie-Teetuin’: Everyone in the area is invited to enjoy a sweet treat and tea or coffee at the Onrus Care Centre (‘Dienssentrum’) of the Dutch Reformed Church, Onrus for only R30, every Friday between 09:30 and 11:30.

■ Junktique Market: Have you found

■ Benguela Cove Father’s Day Lunch: In a

■ Lemm’s Corner Sunday Market: This popular market has closed for the winter and will re-open in August.

■ Birds and Biodiversity: The Hermanus Bird Club’s special guest, Keir Lynch, will give a presentation titled Birds and Biodiversity – Threatened Species in a Threatened Landscape. At the Fernkloof Hall, at 17:30. Visitors welcome. For enquiries, contact John Saunders on 028 316 2302 or Mariette Pitlo on 028 312 1369.

Village

EXPLORER EXPLORER The

FOOD • WINE • ART

Hermanus rolls out the red carpet for FynArts Hedda Mittner

T

he fifth Hermanys FynArts Festival will kick off on Friday 9 June with a glorious Opening Concert, followed by another nine days jam-packed with cultural events that include music, art, film, food, wine, talks, demonstrations and workshops.

According to Festival Director Mary Faure, tickets have been selling at a brisk pace and several events are already sold out, so hurry along and book your seats as soon as possible.

This can be done at the FynArts office at the Station Building (next to Hermanus Tourism) in Mitchell Street, or online at www.webtickets.co.za or via www.hermanusfynarts.co.za. You will also find the full programme on the website.

By the end of this week our town will be buzzing with festivalgoers from all over the Western Cape and further afield, but it’s not only ticket holders who can look forward to the bumper line-up of events – everyone is invited to take part in the festivities.

Free events that are open to the public include the Sculpture on the Cliffs exhibition at Gearing’s Point and the Old Harbour entitled EchoLocation, which is there for everyone to marvel at while walking along the Cliff Path; several special FynArts art exhibitions at our local galleries, where many of the artists will be in attendance and conducting walkabouts; while FynArts authors will be available for a meetand-greet and book-signing at three bookshops and one gallery.

Free performances by the Betjies from Betjiesfontein, winners of the 2016 ATKV Rieldans Competition, will also liven up the atmosphere in town when they kick up dust with this unique dance on the lawn in front of the Whale House Museum.

Hermanus is honoured to host, for the first time, the highly acclaimed South African photographer David Goldblatt, who is the recipient of the FynArts 2017 Legacy Award. Make sure you don’t miss this momentous occasion when David talks about his life and work with Michael Godby, UCT Emeritus Professor of History of Art, at the Municipal Auditorium on Saturday 10 June at 09:30. A collection of David’s work will also be exhibited at Abalone Art Gallery for the duration of the festival, with the opening on Saturday 10 June at 15:00.

Another opening not to be missed is that of this year’s FynArts Festival Artist Willie Bester, whose exhibition entitled Transformation, will be hosted at Rossouw Modern’s SPACE Gallery at Warrington Place off Harbour Road. This exhibition will also be opened by Prof Godby, on Saturday 10 June at 14:00. Find all the details about the dates and times when you can listen to Willie discuss his work with curator Sandra Klopper at SPACE on P 12, along with further information about all the FynArts exhibitions and opportunities to meet the artists.

The Stephan Welz Series of Talks and Presentations pays tribute to Mary’s original vision for FynArts as a fusion of arts festival and winter school. The series will cover more than 20 topics ranging from music and history to nature and politics and the tickets cost only R85. An additional talk that was added after the programme booklet had been published is Dawid’s Return, which will be presented at the Municipal Auditorium on Saturday 17 June at 14:00. Patricia Glynn will be talking about her journey to the Kalahari to find traces of a long-dead bushman, Makai Kruiper, a legendary mystic, hunter and healer who roamed ‘The Thirst Land’ a century ago. In 1999, Dawid and his Khomani clan won a land claim against the former

apartheid government and turned their ancestral home into what is now the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

One of the more unusual FynArts performances that deserves a mention is Toccata, featuring the marimba magic of Magdalena de Vries, who was a popular soloist at FynArts 2016’s Last Night of the Proms concert. This year Magdalena returns with Frank Mallows on vibraphone, with whom she has been performing as Duo FourIVTwo since 2005. Both soloists in their own right, the pair have been commissioning and performing workshops by South African composers since 2009. The Toccata programme will have a strong focus on their SA repertoire, with a special commemorative performance of works by two of our South African composers, Clare Loveday, in celebration of her 50th birthday, and Hendrik Hofmeyr, who is celebrating his 60th birthday.

Hendrik will be at the performance to introduce his work. Also on the programme is a medley of music by Scott Joplin on the centenary of his death in 1917.

These events are just a smattering of what is on offer at this year’s FynArts Festival. There is something for everyone and each event is a highlight.

“It is almost inconceivable to me that this is year five for a festival that was intended as a ‘once off’ when the seed was sown in 2012,” says Festival Director Mary Faure. “I’d like to thank our wonderful community for its enthusiastic and generous support, and for the wise advice, time freely offered and truckloads of encouragement over the years. It is you who have nurtured FynArts to become a quality event that is attracting visitors well beyond the Western Cape. Enjoy this year’s bumper line-up of excellent speakers, great musicians and skilled presenters.”

12

6 June 2017 Village Explorer Local galleries host FynArts exhibitons Hedda Mittner

A

rt lovers will find themselves in paradise at this year’s FynArts Festival from 9 – 18 June, with a strong focus on the visual arts.

Apart from the music performances, talks, films, demonstrations and workshops, the festival offers a wide variety of visual arts, ranging from the outdoor group exhibition, Sculptures on the Cliff, at Gearing’s Point and the Old Harbour; to the indoor exhibition of sculpture, Art in the Auditorium; a group exhibition of invited ceramic artists, Forms of Expression 3, at the Windsor Hotel; exhibits by Yvette Weyers and Gordon Froud at The Marine; a solo exhibition by Dylan Lewis at the Birkenhead Hotel; and an exhibit of fabric art at the Old Synagogue.

Several wineries on the Hermanus Wine Route will also host exhibitions, including the Tollman Bouchard Finlayson Art Award finalists, whose tondi (circular artworks) will be hung on the barrel heads in the Bouchard Finlayson wine cellar; the Life Drawing Award Finalists’ Exhibition at Benguela Cove; an exhibit of the finalists in the Violet & Anne Bellingham Memorial Trophy at Sumaridge; sculptor Willie Botha’s exhibit Missing the Fulcrum at Creation; and Niel Jonker’s exhibition at Newton Johnson entitled Thoth.

The 2017 FynArts Festival Artist is Willie Bester, whose exhibition Transformation will be hosted at Rossouw Modern’s SPACE Gallery at Warrington Place off Harbour Road.

The exhibition will be opened by Michael Godby, Professor Emeritus of History of Art at UCT, on Saturday 10 June at 14:00. Festivalgoers are also invited to listen to Willie as he discusses his work with curator Sandra Klopper at SPACE on Sunday 11 June at 11:00 and 14:00; or on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (13, 14 & 15 June) at 11:00.

Special FynArts exhibitions will be on display at several participating art galleries in Hermanus for the duration of the festival.

■ Abalone Gallery Abalone Art Gallery in The Courtyard (off Harbour Road) will be hosting three exhibitions during this year’s

FynArts Festival. At the Abalone Gallery Annex I, a collection of works by the highly acclaimed South African photographer David Goldblatt will be on display. David is the recipient of the FynArts 2017 Legacy Award, in recognition of his longstanding and unique contribution to the visual arts. As an internationally celebrated professional photographer since the 1960s, he is noted for his portrayal of South Africa during the apartheid years, and more recently, the country’s landscapes. Widely recognised as one of South Africa’s greatest photographers, David has exhibited world-wide and been honoured with many international awards.

The exhibition will be opened on Saturday 10 June at 15:00.

Annex II will feature a solo exhibition by Louis van Heerden entitled Atmosferas, inspired by a composition of the same name by Chilean composer, Roberto Escobar, which was dedicated to the artist.

Louis was National Vice President and thereafter President of the South African Arts Association and spent several years working in Switzerland and France. He has exhibited internationally as well as locally and currently resides in Betty’s Bay, where he has become immersed in the juxtapositions of natural beauty and its frailty when subjected to the harsh impositions of mankind on the environment.

The opening of Atmosferas is on Saturday 10 June at 11:00.

The Abalone Sculpture Garden will host a group show entitled For Art’s Sake, featuring works by Alta Botha, Lien Botha, Elzaby Laubscher, Pat Mautloa, André Naudé, Shepherd Ndudzo, Kristin Hua-Yang, Carl Roberts, Susanna Swart, Lynette ten Krooden, Jeanette Unite and Johan van Heerden.

■ Rossouw Modern In honour of its 22nd birthday this month, the Rossouw Modern Gallery in Harbour Road is sticking with the twos by presenting two different group shows. THE Exhibition will feature a selection of works by the gallery’s current stable of artists, with a special focus on sculptors Jaco Sieberhagen and Gordon Froud, and artist Christiaan Diedericks.

Acclaimed local sculptor Jaco

Sieberhagen, whose work can also be seen at Sculpture on the Cliffs, has created four new works especially for FynArts which are satirical 3-dimensional reflections on current local and international issues. Christiaan Diedericks is wellknown for his provocative images and will present a collection of new works for FynArts.

Other participating artists include Bastiaan van Stenis, Hugo Maritz, Adriaan S. de Lange, Stuart Dods, Obert Jongwe, Frans Mulder and sculptor Paul Stein. Jaco Sieberhagen will present a Brain Tease at the gallery on Saturday 10 June from 12:00 – 16:00; while Christiaan Diedericks will conduct a Walkabout on Sunday 11 June from 12:00 – 16:00.

The group show The Universe Next Door will feature works by Cape Town artist Vanessa Berlein, whose work gallery owner Jozua Rossouw has admired since he met her at the opening of his Waterfront gallery in Portswood Road, where she had a studio in 2004. Vanessa’s large-scale works can be discussed with the artist, who will be in attendance during both weekends. Other invited artists include emerging and established artists Corné Eksteen, Claude Chandler, Floris van Zyl, JP Meyer and sculptors Anton Smit and Adriaan Diedericks.

Rossouw Modern will be open every day for the duration of FynArts from 09:00 until at least 18:30. Follow them on Facebook to see the updated time schedule, contact the gallery on 028 313 2222 or email info@rossouwmodern.com ■ Originals Gallery Gallery owner Terry Kobus and fellow artist Danny Myburgh will present a joint exhibition entitled Contained, which means to accommodate or hold – and this containment can be comfortable or uncomfortable. Both artists explore this tension inherent in the title in their own unique way. In Terry’s series of figurative drawings, watercolours and paintings, ‘contained’ refers to emotions that are bottled up and can either explode in an unhealthy and detrimental manner or lead to a deep sense of hopelessness and loneliness. Terry uses images of birds and butterflies to represent glimmers of hope that the dark

unbearable cloud can be lifted and replaced with light and joy.

In this exhibition Danny continues to explore how we are ‘contained’ in our past and how our personal family history not only forms us but continues to determine how we navigate our present. We unconsciously and consciously follow the patterns of our past because it feels safe and comfortable. Change requires a conscious effort to question why we do things the way we do, and in what way we could do things differently.

Reluctance to change because it feels uncomfortable has serious implications when society needs to evolve to make it a better place for all people.

Meet Terry and Danny at the gallery.

■ Forty X 40 Gallery Dream Space is the title of an exhibition at Forty X 40 Gallery featuring artists Elise MacDonald and Catherine Brennon. Elise MacDonald has a Fine Arts degree from Wits University and started her career in Johannesburg in the eighties before relocating with her family to Knysna. Now living in Hermanus, her magical realism oil paintings reflect her own inner dreamscapes; a merging of realistic images with pure fantasy. Catherine Brennon has worked full time as a potter since 1998. After running a unique ceramics and photography gallery in KwaZulu-Natal for 10 years with her photographer husband, Lawrance Brennon, the couple relocated to Hermanus, where they have established The Overberg Studio. Catherine is best known for her ceramic ‘dream boxes’ (a place to keep items of importance) which hold the promise of hidden places and secret joys, creating an aura of mystery and significance.

■ Kunskantoor This contemporary art gallery in The Courtyard off Harbour Road will host a collaborative exhibition by Karlien de Villiers and David Kuijers entitled Bitter/Soet (Bitter/Sweet).

These two artists both started their careers in graphic design and continue to use graphic elements in their paintings, drawings and sculptures. Bitter/Soet explores the different ways they employ humour and irony. While Karlien uses personal, bittersweet life experiences as the underlying inspiration for her work, David uses everyday, often seemingly arbitrary, subject matter such a cat’s thoughts on dogs.

Village Explorer

6 June 2017 ■ Geta Finlayson Studio Well-known as a jeweller and painter, Geta Finlayson’s exhibition, Motion, explores the interaction between the two arts. Inspired by nature and the seasons, Geta’s work illustrates this inherent synergy in terms of colour contrasts and the juxtaposition of different shapes and forms to create a feeling of energy. The focus of her current work is the way in which life and living are about energy and movement. Meet Geta at the gallery.

■ Walkerbay Art Gallery Artist Johann Koch and sculptor Jaco Kruger will host a joint exhibition, Karoo Skies. Johann is well-known for his paintings of the South African landscape, ranging from scenes of the Western Cape to the wildlife of the bushveld and the Karoo. Jaco Kruger say ‘Sculptures need to have beautiful lines and forms, they must be beautiful in their imperfection.’

■ Malcolm Bowling Gallery A Tryptich of Natural Forms is the collaboration of three artists – Boniface Chikwenhere (sculptor), Malcolm Bowling (painter) and Richard Pullen (ceramicist) showing their progression through form, texture and colour. Boniface creates sculptures using driftwood, found wood and fossilized/petrified wood revealing nature’s own handiwork.

Richard, a Corobrik award-winner, is inspired by his rural surroundings in Bathurst, Eastern Cape and the unpredictable nature of ceramic processes as he explores surface, texture, materials and form. Malcolm, owner of the gallery, has focused on painting birds and wildlife with a commitment to portraying true form - encompassing texture and realism and capturing the moment. Meet Malcolm at the gallery.

SPECIAL ART TOURS

■ Bellini Gallery Ina Millman’s exhibition, The way light falls, contains a portfolio of works which range from portraits and flowers to African landscapes, seascapes and wildlife. Ina is inspired by nature and loves to capture the way light falls on her subjects. With her experience and versatility she gives defined colour and shape, light and shadow to her paintings. Ina paints her diverse subject matter in a variety of media including watercolour, oil, acrylics, pastels and mixed media.

■ Pure South Carpe Diem (Seize the Day) is the title of a collection of works in oils by Sue Whitmore. In this showing, she seeks to capture youthful innocence, that seizing of the moment and living it with the abandonment of unfettered enthusiasm. Aided by plentiful reference material provided by her son and his friends, she depicts the joie de vivre of squeezing every last drop out of a day. Painting for this exhibition has not only been an artistic journey for her, she says, it has also been a journey of awareness of those moments in life that make your soul sing and your heart peaceful.

■ The Art Gallery Fish and Chips is the theme of a group exhibition by the four coowners of The Art Gallery – Erna Dry, Christine Henderson, Jeandré Marinier and Lize van Der Walt. The challenge is ‘to feel like a fish out of water’, taking these four artists on a journey of exploration as each one takes a fish and a seldom used medium and ventures into unfamiliar territory.

Art & Wine Tour Take a drive up the valley in a safari vehicle and enjoy a complimentary glass of wine as you view the art on exhibit at three wine farms – Bouchard Finlayson, Sumaridge, Newton Johnson and Creation.

Quest Art Tour Join a tour on the yacht, Ocean Quest, and view a number of the cliff top sculptures from the ocean. A crew member will relate evocative tales about each of the eleven sculptures.

Private Collections Tour Visit two private collections housed in Hermanus homes with lunch at The Marine Hotel between the morning and afternoon visits. This is a rare opportunity to enjoy a walkabout and view artworks not on public display.

Meet the Artist at Home You’ll be driven to the homes of four well-known artists at work in their studios in Hermanus and Onrus. None of the artists own a gallery in the town.

Next door at Walkerbay Modern, Vive la Difference will feature a selection of works by Claire Denarie Soffietti, whose message is one of absolute joy, with colour and love bursting forth even in sad situations.

■ Charmaine De Jongh

The unifying element (other than the fish) is the size of the canvas.

Their challenge is to push themselves as artists while having a lot of fun. The exhibition will be opened by Ashleigh Temple-Camp on Friday 9 June at 14:00.

Resident artist Charmaine de Jongh Gelderblom will host an exhibition of her work, The Magic of Colour, at her gallery. Charmaine is best known for her magnificent florals, landscapes and figure studies. This exhibition reflects her love of raw colour and the creative energy of flowers are reflected in these bold works.

■ Jubilee Gallery Nemesia du Plessis, an occupational therapist and artist, celebrates the emotion expressed in a face or seen in the loving interaction between people in her exhibition, Gloriously in love.

Nemesia tends to work mainly in oils in an impressionistic and expressive manner. Meet Nemesia at the gallery.

■ Canvas of Life To be or not to be is a collection of works by resident artist Reinet de Jager that illustrate the soft and hard of life, yin and yang, man and women. Soft colours and hard bold colours. Reinet’s work buzzes with vibrancy, colour and growth in nature. She works with texture on texture, mixed media work with oil and acrylic. Meet Reinet at her gallery.

■ Hermanus Art Circle The Whale House Theatre is the venue for Hermanus Art Circle’s pop-up gallery, with a group exhibition of selected works by their members reflecting the theme Light and Dark. The exhibition will be opened by Willie Jacobs on Friday 9 June at 16:00.

For the duration of FynArts, the exhibition can be viewed daily from 10:00 – 16:00.

Gelderblom

■ Hermanus Photographic Society

A selection of prints by members of the Hermanus Photographic Society entitled Moments will be exhibited at the Herman Swart Hall at the Dutch Reformed Church, Hermanus.

The art of photography can be described as the ability of a photographer to capture a special moment – be it a moment of action in sport, a bird in flight, the expression on a face that tells a story, or a moment when the light and composition of a landscape combine to form a striking picture. The exhibition will also be open during the interval of concerts held in the church.

■ Daniël Kok Galery There will be two jewellery exhibitions at The Hemel-en-Aarde Village.

My Africa Design at Daniël Kok Galery is a group exhibition that will include some of South Africa’s most artistic jewellery designers. The selection of jewellery was based on style, craftsmanship, originality, and technical ability.

■ Ralph Walton The second jewellery exhibition, at Ralph Walton Design, is titled A walk on the beach. The collection, expressed in precious metals, is inspired by life experiences and the natural beauty of the surrounding environment. These pieces can be viewed at the studio where they are created.

■ Gillian Hahn Art Gallery Light Catcher is the theme of Gillian Hahn’s exhibition. She believes that the process of creating is more important than the end result, and the emphasis is on the feelings and emotions experienced while painting for the viewer to feel, rather than see.

Gillian loves to paint landscapes en plein air, expressing nature’s vast energy and light. Meet Gillian at her gallery in Hemel-en-Aarde Valley on the Southern Right wine estate.

■ Mission’s House Gallery This historic landmark in Onrus will be the venue for a group exhibition, The Fine Art of Beadwork, which will display a sampling of beads worked into today’s fashion context, juxtaposed with traditional Xhosa examples. The exhibition will feature beaded items and textile pieces by Penny Cornell, a founder member and past chairperson of the Cape Embroiderers’ Guild, and Gillian Fuller, who combined her love of design with the local skill of beading to produce a colourful and unique jewellery range.

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Village Explorer What is my artwork worth?

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hat is the value of art?

There are as many answers as there are pictures in the National Gallery.

But on one level it can be gratifying to get an idea of how much your treasured picture, perhaps inherited, may actually be worth in rands and cents.

Any good gallery which deals in the sort of pictures or objets d’art that you have, should be able to give you a figure, but this will often be half of what a similar work on their own walls is marked at. The reason for this is, of course, that the gallery is in the business of selling art.

They may have to clean the work, research it, reframe it and certainly hold it for some time until a buyer comes along.

Then there’s the question of VAT as well as the possible expectation of a discount by a buyer. A local dealer once told me: “There are three prices for any work – the price in cash that I will give you for it now; the price at which I will sell it for you on consignment; and the price I think it may fetch if sold at auction.” Do remember that the latter two prices will be reduced by the seller’s commission which needs to be agreed before parting with the work.

The auction can of course be a gamble. Two keen bidders – and it always needs at least two – may drive the price up well over the estimate, to your advantage. To protect yourself against the opposite, a lack of interest, you may determine a reserve price, below which the

Art

By Patrick Chapman item may not be sold. This reserve, though, may not be more than the lesser of the high and low estimates given by the auction house.

A quick and painless way of deciding whether you want to go the auction route is to bring your work along to the valuation days held from time to time by auction houses.

Strauss & Co are holding such a Valuation Day at The Marine here in Hermanus on 12 June, from 10:00 – 16:00.

The late Stephan Welz was an imposing and authoritative figure at previous occasions but staff trained by him, Ian Hunter, Jean le Clus-Theron and Kirsty Rich will be on hand. For a paltry R20 per item (proceeds will go to the FynArts Development Fund) they will give you the range that they believe your work might achieve. There is no hard sell, and no obligation to leave your work with them.

Auctions are perhaps the best way of finding out what the

6 June 2017

resale value of your art piece is. They are a useful part of the art world; as owners of art move on (downsizing - or something more permanent) the works that come up for sale may revive interest in a long-gone artist’s works and provide a new generation an opportunity to acquire examples.

Art is easy to buy – a plausible gallerist, an artist who has a story that appeals to you, an exhibition opening where the wine flows and your friends are impressed by your asking for a red sticker on a desirable work; even, Heaven forbid, a sale in a town hall of dubious works by doubtful characters.

To sell well requires a bankable artist’s name and is influenced by fashion as well as quality and condition. Not all works offered for valuation are what the auction house wants. Do a bit of research on the internet beforehand if you fear rejection; decide, also, whether you are comfortable with an online auction as an alternative to a live sale.

There may be a hint of Antiques Roadshow on valuation day but there is no audience and the Strauss people are quiet, professional and discreet. They are not going to mock you if your work turns out on inspection to be a reproduction, not the original which you assumed.

You get their best estimate of artist and value… and who knows, you could indeed have a masterpiece.

Quirk & Leopard: strange, interesting, beautiful Quirk & Leopard started quietly – so small that for two years many people had no idea it existed. Now over four years old and grown to about 100m², the shop's clean look, well-organised shelves and tranquil atmosphere make for a pleasing browsing experience. Its growth from strength to strength stems from the devoted input of the local businessman whose energy, foresight and welltimed investment allowed the shop to expand twice in as many years.

A wide range of reading taste is catered for at this quality second-hand book shop in The Carriages Centre (opposite Col’Cacchios). The Leopard (human name: Dee Anderson) has a peculiar fondness for quirky books, so the shop specialises as far as possible in unusual fiction; it also stocks many strange or exceptionally beautiful illustrated books and comics for adults and children.

The Usual Suspects are represented in the crime shelves; there are delicious cookbooks, inspiring art books, interesting autobiographies, wideranging travel books and numerous other categories.

There is, naturally, an entire shelf dedicated to those of a feline persuasion, but dogs and horses have their day too.

If perhaps you need a cure for death by lightning, pop in.

Anything may be possible with a positive attitude.

The shop is maintained daily by a team of happy and enthusiastic staff, who are guided, kept busy and sometimes uproariously entertained by The Leopard, whose eccentricity has expanded with the business and whose elusivity is merely increased by the hectic schedule needed to keep the shop smoothly-run and beautifully-kept.

Quirk & Leopard is a loyal supporter of Panthera Africa

Cat Sanctuary near Stanford and right from the start, has worked to benefit this organisation by running the Generous Pawtions project through the shop. The project works by selling donated books under a special code - PAW or PANTHA - and giving a (generous) portion of the retail price to the sanctuary. In some cases, all proceeds are donated: any books about hunting, and Kipling’s Jungle Book series, which sadly continues to vilify tigers among each new generation of readers.

Please remember this project if you love animals – particularly cats – and have books you would like to donate. Any books we are given that we cannot use for some reason are given to the Hermanus Animal Welfare Society and to Rescued Animal Drive, both of which benefit local animals that need assistance from the myriad abuses they suffer as a result of human cruelty or ignorance.

Village Explorer

6 June 2017

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Meet FynArts authors on The Book Trail Hedda Mittner

B

ibliophiles will be happy to learn that this year’s Hermanus FynArts Festival will for the first time include a literary component in the form of a Book Trail.

Three of the bookshops and one gallery in town will be hosting FynArts authors, whom festivalgoers will be able to meet and greet, purchase copies of their books and have them signed, on two days – Friday 16 June will be dedicated to writers of children’s books in honour of Youth Day, and Saturday 17 June to writers of books for adults.

The authors will be at the venues during two time slots on both days – from 11:00 – 12:00 and from 14:00 – 15:00. The bookshops will also add another dimension to FynArts by staging literary exhibitions throughout the duration of the festival.

The Book Cottage This iconic Hermanus bookshop has a dedicated music room with a fine selection of opera and ballet on DVD, as well as a wide variety of classical music on CD – hence the title of their exhibition: Listen, Watch and

Read. An extensive range of books on different music genres will be exhibited, including a number of specialised titles you won’t find elsewhere. The Book Cottage will also host three authors during FynArts: Friday 16 June: Niki Daly, the multi award-winning authorillustrator of children’s books, and Elizabeth Wasserman a professor of Medical Microbiology at the University of Stellenbosch whose writing takes children on action-filled adventures of the imagination.

Saturday 17 June: Dikgang Moseneke, the author of My own Liberator, which charts the rise of the retired Deputy Chief Justice as one of the country’s top legal minds.

bookmark The theme of bookmark’s exhibition is The Architect, the Cook and Good Taste.

Experience some of the dayto-day interplay in literature, covering many genres including food, travel and design through the displays at bookmark. Visitors can also take part in a fun competition that requires you to match cat pictures with the Masters who painted them.

John Morris, the owner of The Book Cottage, in the music room of this iconic book shop in Long Street.

Saturday 17 June: Meet Christopher Hope, the prolific journalist, novelist, playwright and poet who has authored 21 books and won a number of prestigious writing awards, including the Whitbread Novel Award, Thomas Pringle Prize and Booker Prize for Fiction.

Hemingways Ernest Hemingway’s Paris sojourn in the 1920s features at Hemingways of Hermanus,

where festivalgoers can reflect on this iconic writer’s life against the background of Paris, its marvellous landscape and culture. Their exhibition is titled A Moveable Feast and they will host two FynArts authors: Friday 16 June: Mike Bruton, one of the leading fish biologists in Africa and author of When I was a Fish - Tales of an Ichthyologist. Mike has made a major contribution to

our understanding of the ways in which fish are adapted to their watery environments and how they made that epic evolutionary transition from water onto land.

Saturday 17 June: Craig Bartholomew Strydom is a free-lance writer and director known for the Oscar-winning documentary film Searching for Sugar Man. He is also the co-author of Sugar Man – The Life, Death and Resurrection of

Sixto Rodriguez, the non-fiction book detailing the story behind the film.

Lembu Gallery

Saturday 17 June: Kobus Moolman, a senior lecturer in creative writing at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and an award-winning poet and playwright. His eighth collection of poetry, A Book of Rooms, won the African Poetry Book Fund’s 2015 Glenna Luschei Prize for African Poetry.

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6 June 2017

Atmosferas exhibition unites art and music Hedda Mittner

T

he title of Louis van Heerden’s solo FynArts exhibition at Abalone Art Gallery – Atmosferas – comes from a trio for cello, violin and piano by Roberto Escobar, a Chilean composer.

Although Louis and the composer only met once many years ago, the encounter had a mutual far-reaching impact on their work.

containing the composition Atmosferas. Every movement was dedicated to an aspect of that evening, such as Into the Camellias, Wine and Conversation and so on. It was his interpretation of an evening spent in an unfamiliar environment with strangers who instantly became friends.”

Their paths crossed more than two decades ago, when Roberto was invited to be a judge at Unisa’s International Choir Festival. During his stay as a guest of the Chilean ambassador, it was arranged that Roberto visit with Louis, then the National President of the South African Arts Association, and his wife, the geneticist Professor Nancy van Schaik, at their home in Johannesburg.

The word ‘atmospheric’ is an apt description of the collection of Louis’ artworks that will be on display at Abalone Gallery from 10 June.

Those who associate this artist with his earlier works depicting serene landscapes and still lives of fruit and flowers basking in light and vibrant colours, will notice a clear change of direction in his work – a darker palette, brooding undertones and a palpable depth of raw emotion. Many of the works feature stormy clouds with only the slightest hint of light that seems to be struggling to burst through the darkness.

It turned out to be a magical evening, the memory of which Roberto later committed to music. “I remember that we strolled through our beautiful garden, which had over 500 camellias, at dusk before eating, drinking and talking until the early hours,” says Louis. “About six months later, the embassy delivered an envelope addressed to me from Roberto,

Louis admits that the death three years ago of Nancy, his life partner of over 40 years, devastated him to the point where he was unable to work.

He only managed to take up his paint brushes again last year. “These works illustrate the ‘atmosphere’ of my life since Nancy became ill,” says Louis. “Whereas before I would study the landscape or objects

directors, academics and emerging artists, who were often entertained at their home.

“People such as the sculptor Edoardo Villa, gallery owner Linda Goodman, artist and curator Nel Erasmus, curator Pat Senior, and Marilyn Martin, the vice president of the SAAA, impacted on my work as they taught me the worth of individualism in art,” says Louis. “I learned too from Nancy, who was a geneticist, that no individual feels, senses or observes in the same way and that our perceptions in art are unique to each and every one of us.

Artist Louis van Heerden’s solo FynArts exhibition, Atmosferas, opens at Abalone Art Gallery on Saturday 10 June.

I wanted to paint, these works reflect the images in my head – I never looked out; they came from within.”

Louis credits Ortrud Mulder, curator and owner of Abalone Art Gallery, for his return to the canvas. “Every artist has fears,” he says, “and there are times when you doubt if you can go any further. That is why I am grateful to Ortrud for her support and encouragement to push through my fears. This exhibition represents yet another change of direction in my journey

through the art world.”

Born in Pietersburg (now Polokwane) in 1941, Louis studied at the University of Pretoria and graduated with BA Fine Arts and BA Honours degrees. After postgraduate work at the Akademie in Antwerp, Belgium, he joined the staff of Pretoria Boys’ High.

Louis credits the influence of several muses during his development as an artist, including fellow members of the South African Art

Association (SAAA) such as the painters Bettie CilliersBarnard and Gunther van der Reis; the curator of the Pretoria Art Gallery, Albert Werth; and the art historian Muller Ballot.

After 12 years of teaching art, Louis made the decision to devote himself full-time to his art career. He and Nancy relocated from Pretoria to Johannesburg, where he was elected as President of the SAAA and formed long-time friendships with prominent art historians, curators, gallery

Inspired by the open spaces of Betty’s Bay, Louis and Nancy settled there permanently only a few years after moving from Johannesburg to Somerset West in 1987. Now widowed, he continues to live and work in their home surrounded by the natural splendour of the ocean and mountains of this peaceful hamlet.

“My work is the product not only of my training but of my mind and senses which must be different from yours. No two people are identical genetically nor do they share the same experiences. It is this that gives meaning to any art, be it graphic, literary or musical. I hope that some of what gives meaning to me might resonate with what gives meaning to you.”

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NEWS NEWS

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6 June 2017

A Jozua of all trades celebrates 22 years hand clothing and household goods in the township.

Hedda Mittner

T

he collection of artworks on display at Rossouw Modern Art Gallery in Harbour Road are renowned for their contemporary, cuttingedge quality, but the building that houses them dates back more than a century to a time when Hermanus was nothing more than a sleepy village dotted with fisherman’s cottages.

Owned by Jozua Rossouw, who hardly needs introduction, Rossouw Modern has become a landmark in Hermanus since this energetic entrepreneur took over the premises in 1995.

The gallery celebrates its 22nd birthday this month and Jozua is marking the occasion with two special group exhibitions during the FynArts Festival (find all the details on P 12).

“The one half of the building was occupied by Sylvia Smith’s art studio and I took it over when she moved to the newly built Hemel-en-Aarde Village,” reminisces Jozua. “Two years after I’d opened my doors, the florist next door also moved out and I took over the other half of the building to create one big space for my gallery.”

At that time Rossouw Modern was the only art gallery in town.

Jozua Rossouw in front of his gallery, Rossouw Modern in Harbour Road which celebrates its 22nd birthday this month.

“I have seen the CBD change and develop over the years – now there are 22 galleries in the CBD,” says Jozua, who has also expanded by acquiring additional premises just across the road down Warrington Place. The SPACE gallery affords him the extra space he needs for special exhibitions and will again be utilised by FynArts this year for the Festival Artist’s exhibition.

Jozua grew up in the northern suburbs of Cape Town and spent most of his high school years as a resident learner at Dirkie Uys High School in Moorreesburg. While this

sounds like a most unlikely place for a sophisticated teen with artistic leanings, Jozua says he was very happy in Moorreesburg where “they fully embraced this weird kid from the Cape”!

conscripted into the army for military training, which in those days was still compulsory. Once again Jozua’s positive attitude carried him through this challenging time.

After matriculating he had his heart set on swotting drama but ended up doing law at Stellenbosch University, where he soon realised that his talents were more of a creative than academic nature. He dropped out and started working in a restaurant in Sea Point while selling his own artworks at various markets, before being

“The army was a good experience,” he says. “I was thrown together with guys from all walks of life and that generates a sense of camaraderie. It also showed me just how strong I am.” After training as a medic, Jozua was stationed in Nyanga, where his entrepreneurial instinct soon recognised a business opportunity – selling second-

After the army, Jozua settled in his family’s holiday home in Betty’s Bay. During this time he expanded his business to include artworks, which he sold at more than a dozen markets all over the Western Cape.

Among them was Lemm’s Corner in Hermanus, where he sold his own multi-media artworks and those he’d purchased from his artist friends. “I struck up a friendship with several artists,” says Jozua.

“One of them was local artist Hugo Maritz, who remains one of my oldest clients. After taking a few of his paintings I sold five in one week!”

Once Jozua had found his niche as an art dealer, curator and gallery owner, there was no looking back. He has been instrumental in advancing the careers of dozens of artists, and says he finds it specifically rewarding to give young artists a chance. “I started with nothing and many of my current established artists were unknown back then,” he says, adding that he also enjoys working with artists who’ve had no formal training; whose work is original and dramatic.

“To me an artwork is not just a picture – while technical aspects such as composition

are important, it has to have a storyline and elicit a diversity of emotional responses. The clients I work with were born to be artists – they could never be anything else. Even if they are penniless, it is something they simply have to continue doing.”

With a stable of both established and up-and-coming artists and an impressive list of local and international clients, one would have thought that Jozua’s market days are a thing of the past. That is until last year, when he took it upon himself to revive the historic Lemm’s Corner Market, which now trades on a Sunday. (It recently closed for the winter season and will reopen on the Women’s Day long weekend in August.)

With an impressive range of stall holders that trade everything from exclusive fine art and crafts, sculpture and ceramics to locally manufactured clothing, accessories, home décor, specialty foods, craft beers, a wine bar and live music, this market has brought a vibrant atmosphere to the town centre on a Sunday when most of the shops are closed.

“I suppose one could say I’ve come full circle,” says Jozua with a chuckle. What a boykie he is – and how lucky Hermanus is to have him in its midst. Happy birthday, Rossouw Modern!

6 June 2017

NEWS NEWS

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Litter Ladies are keeping Onrus clean and green

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t is not only Whale Coast Conservation and local businesses in the CBD of Hermanus who have declared war on cigarette butt litter. In Onrus a group of four intrepid women known as the Litter Ladies were so horrified at the amount of cigarette butt and other litter along the beautiful Onrus/Vermont coastal path, that they have joined hands to make a difference.

“We get together at least once a week, usually on a Wednesday morning,” says Colleen Ratz, who has been a regular walker since relocating to Onrus from Paarl three years ago. “I couldn’t resist picking up the litter I noticed along my way and the only difference now is that I have three partners, which means that we can do a lot more. We are kitted out and can approach the problem in a more organised and coordinated way.”

Colleen’s partners in fighting litter crime are fellow Onrus residents Jackie Cornelius, Jenny Densham and Leonie Swartz, who are joined by other ecoconscious walkers from time to time.

Apart from collecting several bags of litter every week, these ladies have also installed their own home-made butt bins made from 2L cooldrink bottles filled with sand and fastened

Helping Hand Sponsored by Talisman Hire

with cable ties to 30 benches and poles between the Jan Rabie Tidal Pool and the Milkwood Restaurant at Onrus beach.

“This problem is particularly bad around the parking area at the Rabie pool,” says Colleen. “We collect a massive amount of cigarette butts at this location every week and even now that the bins are there, people still seem to be flicking their butts out of their car windows.

“Single use plastics such as straws, shopping bags and water bottles are another source of litter, along with nylon fishing tackle, polystyrene packaging, cable ties and items of discarded clothing. We have even

found plastic bags containing dog poo among the bushes,” says Colleen.

If anyone would like to join the Litter Ladies on their clean-up walks, please call Colleen on 028 316 3408 or 082 372 1000.

Individuals, businesses or organisations are also most welcome to sponsor a cigarette butt bin and/or a doggy doo dispenser manufactured by Whale Coast Conservation (WCC) at a cost of R450 per unit, excluding the material and labour for installation.

WCC can be contacted on 028 316 2527 or send an email to anina.wcc@gmail.com.

THE LITTER LADIES Jackie Cornelius, Jenny Densham, Leonie Swartz and Colleen Ratz. Above left are the cigarette butts collected at one location and on the right is one of the 30 butt bins they have installed in Onrus.

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Seeking local singers for music production

s an accomplished organist well known for her public recitals, Louna Stofberg’s name features regularly on the FynArts programme and this year will be no different – she’ll be back on Saturday 17 June with a lunchtime performance in the Dutch Reformed Church. Organ Ensemble will feature an out-ofordinary programme for organ, combined with the cello and violin, played respectively by Louna’s elder son Pieter-Adriaan Stofberg and his fiancée Jenna O’Neill.

But Louna has also recently turned her hand to something lighter – an evening of dinner theatre in October featuring the music of Noël Coward, that talented English playwright, composer, director, actor and singer, known for his personal style, wit and flamboyance. For this production she has teamed up as musical director with Johann van der Merwe, with whom Louna has been friends for longer than either of them care to admit. “Suffice it to say that Johann attended both my sons' christenings – and they are now 26 and 22 respectively!” she laughs.

With Johann as director and narrator of the production, the two friends have selected 14 vintage Noël Coward songs

from the 1920s, ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s and embarked on a scout for talented local singers. “We only want to use locals and have already held several auditions,” says Louna. So if any amateur singers out there are harbouring the secret ambition of taking to the stage, here’s your chance – the next audition takes place at the Stofberg residence in Fernkloof on 24 June.

“Theatre is my forté, not music,” says Johann. “That’s why I was so delighted when Louna decided to come on board with this project.”

Johann says he was contemplating a production of the Noël Coward play, Private Lives, when he happened to come across a Noël Coward Songbook at the second-hand bookstore in Hermanus, The Book Collector.

“It was the most wonderful find,” he says. “It has everything – from the music scores and lyrics to the background stories of the songs.”

While the idea of staging a musical production of Noël Coward songs was brewing in his mind, Johann happened to visit his hairdresser, Gordon Byrne, one day when he was introduced to Grant McLachlan. Inspired by Johann’s vision, Grant

Performance from the University of Stellenbosch and an additional Performance Licentiate for Organ (with honours) from Unisa. She was a music teacher at Paarl Girls’ High for many years and is an experienced choir leader and chorister. Earlier this year, Louna also received her MMus degree cum laude from the US, and shared the stage – and the degree – with Pieter-Adriaan.

Louna Stofberg (musical directore) and Johann van der Merwe (director) are conducting an audition on 24 June for their Noël Coward dinner theatre. promptly came on board as the producer and suggested Soul Café as the dinner theatre venue.

“There is already a piano, a restaurant kitchen and the intimate atmosphere we were looking for,” says Johann. “The production is scheduled for October and we might even have more than one performance. The singers will be accompanied on piano

by Louna and we might add cello and violin – courtesy of Louna’s son Pieter-Adriaan

and his fiancée Jenna – and even a saxophone.”

Johann is a retired professor, who settled in Hermanus with his partner Peter just over a year ago. Although his academic disciplines changed from Law to Communication over a long career, his passion has always been theatre. He directed many plays over the years, and received numerous awards and recognition in that capacity. He has also appeared on stage, his last role having been that as Zoltan Karpathy,

"that dreadful Hungarian", in the musical My Fair Lady staged at the Artscape Opera House during July and August 2016.

Louna and her husband, Pieter, moved to Hermanus permanently six years ago, after having spent their holidays here for many years.

Their home in Fernkloof is well known as a venue for musical soirées, as well as for FynArts house concerts. Louna holds a BMus Honours degree, and a Higher Licentiate in Piano

The two friends are clearly excited about their new venture. “What could be more delightful than the laid-back songs of the evergreen Noël Coward?” says Louna. Among the songs they’ve selected are Parisian Pierrot, Poor Little Rich Girl, Room with a View, I'll See You Again, Some Day I'll Find You, Mrs. Worthington, Mad Dogs and Englishmen, Mad About the Boy, I Went to a Marvellous Party, This Is a Changing World, Sail Away and Three Juvenile Delinquents.

“The idea is to ‘serve up’ the songs together with a full three course dinner, which will be included in the ticket price,” says Johann. “We want everyone to dress up in the style of Noël Coward’s era and simply have fun.”

For more info, Johann can be contacted on 083 680 6160 or Louna on 082 295 8452.

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6 June 2017

My Health From left are Natasha Dyanti (left) from the office of the assistant area manager: Hermanus Administration who helped with the logistics of the day, horticulturist Lauren Rainbird, home owner Joyce Ndzule, and Marvin Samuels from the operational team, with one of the yellowwood trees that was donated. “I am so happy. These trees will really help us to make this area our home, and an area to be proud of. The children especially will benefit the most from these amazing green trees,” said an emotional Joyce.

Ward 6 committee member Mix Damesi (middle with green track suit), who enjoys rolling up his sleeves to dig holes and plant trees, with new homeowner Nomalinde Dodo (right) and Sabelo Njqumkile (left).

100 trees planted to help beautify affordable housing

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lmost a year ago, excouncillor Lianda Beyers-Cronjé and Ward 4 committee member Trevor Titus embarked on a program to educate and empower people of the MooiUitsig affordable housing development in Mount Pleasant, to green and beautify their newly-built community.

This project entailed planting 80 trees that were donated by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF). With assistance from the Directorate of Community Services, the residents were informed on the best methods to ensure tree survival.

However, many come from a farming background and assisted with training fellow dwellers, digging the holes and preparing the soil before planting the trees.

As a result of the runaway success of the project, and the

need to green and beautify all new settlements, Overstrand Municipality is committed to keep planting trees in these areas.

preparation, planting techniques and aftercare. This will ensure that the trees will flourish and will be enjoyed by generations to come.

In line with the commitment to change the dust-bowl landscape of townships and to create sustainable and liveable human settlements, the Municipality’s horticulturist, Lauren Rainbird, requested another donation of trees from DAFF. DAFF rose to the occasion and donated 100 trees that were delivered earlier this month.

In addition to absorbing carbon dioxide, one of the most important greenhouse gases, these trees provide many other environmental and social benefits such as preventing water runoff and erosion, settling the dust, providing shade and shelter, and beautifying the neighbourhood. It will also create a ‘spirit of place’ where people feel proud of how they have changed their own circumstances.

The trees have been planted in Mshenxiswa Village, one of the latest affordable housing developments in Zwelihle, as "this is a very appreciative and grateful community to invest in”, Rainbird added.

Before the trees were planted, the residents who took responsibility to look after the trees were educated on the importance of proper ground

■ As space on most sidewalks in the informal settlements is usually insufficient, trees donated to the Municipality are planted inside private property – on condition that owners or occupiers accept responsibility to water the trees until they are fully established; and as agreed upon.

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Book you space for an abalone farm walk and tasting

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e sure to join the Hermanus Business Chamber for an informative tour of the Abagold Farm, conducted by Heart of Abalone, and experience a tasting of three abalone dishes afterwards.

This abalone adventure will take place on Thursday 22 June from 15:00 – 16:30 at Abagold in the New Harbour. Manager of Heart of Abalone, Johan Hugo, who will also be the guide, has offered Hermanus Business Chamber members a significant discount – R150 per person (normally R300) for the Guided Farm Tour and Tasting. The price will be R100 for members who do not want to taste or may be allergic to seafood. The guided tour lasts for approximately 75 minutes. Non-members pay the normal fee of R300.

“This is an excellent opportunity to join up,” says chamber chairman, Seth Anderson. “We have reduced membership for individuals or companies with five or less employees to only R450 per year, which amounts to a mere R37 per month. Larger companies still pay only R900 per annum or R75 per month. If you join now, you will get R150 discount on the Abalone Adventure.”

To join the chamber, or

participate in the abalone tour, contact Alta Pretorius on 028 315 1619, or e-mail her at ceo@hermanuschamber.co.za.

Heart of Abalone is the tourism partner of Abagold Ltd, one of the oldest and largest abalone farms in South Africa. This tourism initiative was founded by Johan Hugo in 2015 to showcase the abalone industry, and in particular Abagold, in the New Harbour of Hermanus.

Last year Abagold produced over 500 tons of abalone, employs nearly 500 workers and had a financial turnover of R188 million, making it one of the largest commercial operations in the Overstrand.

Abagold exports 99% of its farmed abalone (live, tinned or dried) to the Far East.

The history of Abagold dates back to 1984 when a veterinarian, Dr Pierre Hugo, started experimenting with breeding abalone in fish tanks at home. Its current farming capacity is more than 40 000 baskets housing millions of abalone. Other initiatives include large-scale development of specialised formulated feed to supplement the natural kelp on which abalone feeds in the ocean. A more recent initiative is the con-

struction of an environmentally friendly wave energy converter, to curb the rising electricity prices and reduce dependency on coal-power.

Abagold has partnered with Mean Sea Level in this project.

Construction of a pilot wave energy converter is currently underway.

The tour includes: • An introduction/audio visual session on the history of sustainable abalone farming; biology and life cycle of the sea snail; how our abalone compares on a world scale.

• Guests then boot-up for the guided farm walk. Boots are provided and clean socks are available. Highlights include seeing the hatchery, where the spats (baby abalone) are nurtured; the impressive sea water pumps and aeration system in place (the abalone is farmed on land); and an informative viewing of the construction of the first-ever wave energy converter in South Africa.

Book now Bank details: Hermanus Business Chamber, Standard Bank Hermanus, branch code: 050312, Account no: 082257833. Use your company’s name as reference and mail proof of payment to ceo@hermanuschamber.co.za

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6 June 2017

Just chill and keep calm Just chill, be it in the coolness inside when the sun is blazing outdoors, or in the cosiness under roof when there is a storm raging outside. Our mission is to establish a comfortable and healthy environment, be it in your home or office.

As accredited installers registered with SARACCA, (South African Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association) we have the expertise to deliver a top-notch service based on your specific requirements, be it a new installation in your home and workplace or a service contract. We are proud to have the Overstrand Municipality as one of our satisfied customers.

Having vast experience in the service industry we are committed to keeping you Just Chilling, so there is no need to ever be caught ‘hot

under the collar’. Whether it is an emergency call out or pressing installation, we have your back.

As a SAQCC (South African Qualification and Certification Committee) authorised practitioner, our competence extends to the maintenance and repair of your domestic and commercial appliances, including fridges, freezers, wine coolers and cooler rooms.

We are owner operated and run and as we service the whole of the Overberg region, we also have a seasoned technician who adds his proficiency to assisting with the chill factor for this area.

It is a well-known fact that productivity in the workplace will be optimised when the ambient temperature is comfortable. Cool in summer and warm in winter. Food stuffs both perishable and non-

perishable will last longer if kept in the correct environment. Likewise, machinery needs to be kept at an optimal temperature to prevent failure.

Heat or cool your home for the ultimate in comfort.

We advocate eco-friendly and energy-efficient brands that are cost effective and generate little to no noise pollution. We only work with reputable brands with proven track records such as Samsung and LG to Evo. We also have the great privilege of being the preferred service provider for Whirlpool and HiSense.

Our pledge to you is to create a pleasant and hassle-free environment, that is as easy as the flick of a switch.

So just chill, as the experts are here to help and your comfort is our mission.

- Jeanne Rae

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6 June 2017

Western Cape house prices still flying high

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n recent years, the Western Cape region has significantly outperformed the rest of South Africa when it comes to the strength of its housing market and average house price growth.

And it was still showing the fastest average house price growth in the first quarter of this year, according to the FNB Property Barometer, but it is becoming clear that mounting affordability challenges, especially among first-time buyers, are now putting the brakes on that growth.

My Home The year-on-year average house price growth for the Western Cape measured 6,2% in the first quarter, slower than the 7,7% rate of the previous quarter and significantly slower than the 10,6% multi-year high recorded in the first quarter of last year.

“The next fastest growth rate was 1,1% year-on-year in the FNB Smaller 5 Provinces (Mpumalanga, North West, Limpopo, Free State and Northern Cape Provinces), followed by KZN with 1%, Gauteng with 0,7%, and the Eastern Cape with -1%, so the Western Cape is clearly still doing very well relative to the rest of the country,” says FNB property strategist John Loos.

“However, the region’s success in recent years in being able to boost local demand and prices by attracting many middle to higher-income home buyers from other major regions could have been expected to lead to a mounting affordability challenge, especially for firsttime buyers who are generally heavily dependent on credit to make home purchases, and are finding that credit increasingly difficult to come by.”

Indeed, he says, the FNB Estate Agent Survey has for some time pointed to a very low rate of first-time home buying in the Cape Town Metro, especially. “First-time home buyers are believed to have made up a lowly 8% of total home buyers in Cape Town during the past two quarters, while in Johannesburg they are estimated to have accounted for 27% and in Tshwane 21%.”

Meanwhile, FNB has recently compiled a new set of house price indices to show which particular areas of the Cape Town Metro have done best over the past year and past five years.

The metro has of course been the main driver of the extraordinary growth in the province, having achieved 13,2% year-on-year average house price growth in the fourth quarter of 2016, and the best performing areas within

To advertise in The Village NEWS, contact Rina de Wet on

083 604 0808

the metro over the past five years have tended to be those closest to Table Mountain.

The average prices of property on the Atlantic Seaboard have more than doubled since 2012, and are up nearly sevenfold since 2001.

Prices in the Atlantic Seaboard area, which stretches from Green Point through Clifton and all the way to Hout Bay, grew by an average of 22,9% year-on-year in the fourth quarter of last year.

Not far behind was the City Bowl region, with 20,1%, while the ‘City Near Eastern Suburbs’ area, including Woodstock, Salt River and Pinelands, recorded 15,8% year-on-year growth. Then came the ‘Southern Peninsula’ including Fishhoek, Kommetjie and Simons Town at 14,7%, Blouberg-MilnertonMelkbosstrand at 12,5% and the Southern Suburbs with 11,6%.

Over the past five years to end2016, the cumulative house price growth rate was highest along the Atlantic Seaboard (104,4%), followed by City Bowl (89,9%), City Near Eastern Suburbs (72,7%), Southern Suburbs (63,6%), Southern Peninsula (61,7%) and Blouberg-MilnertonMelkbosstrand (53%).

A separate report from Loos (Inter-Provincial Repeat Home Buyer Migration Trends) found that 56,2% of outbound repeat home buyers from Gauteng headed to the Western Cape last year. There is a similar trend in outflow from the Eastern Cape.

The methodology is actually dead simple: Loos calculates what percentage of (and in what direction) repeat buying (i.e. the selling and then purchase by the same individual) is in a different province.

He says the “net inflow of repeat buyers to the Western Cape has been nothing short of spectacular, measuring a staggering 17,4% of the provinces total repeat buying, having accelerated steadily since 2009, and even more sharply from 2015’s 10,6% of repeat buying”.

He adds that “the further acceleration in net inflow repeat home buyers in 2016 explains much of the Western Cape’s far superior house price growth in 2016”. With this trend firmly in place, the rampant house price inflation in the five areas that have outperformed the broader metro is easily explained.

Sources: Moneyweb, RealNet

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6 June 2017 MEDAL WINNERS Karatekas from the Legacy Martial Arts Academy represented the Overberg at the National Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate Championships held in Stellenbosch, which drew more than 1 500 entrants. The locals won four medals and did very well considering only blue and black belt entrants from all over the country participated. From left are Sensei Ruehan van Romburgh, Devine Januarie (silver and bronze), Lerisha Montaque (gold) and Mealan Frans (silver).

Atlantic Rugby still aiming for play-off stages The Atlantic Rugby Club in Hermanus is occupying 5th position among the 9 teams contesting the Overberg division of the Boland Super League.

After lying second on the log, some narrow defeats during the first half of the season have resulted in their current mid-table position.

However, with 8 fixtures still to be played, assistant coach Thomas Charles believes a top two finish is achievable. The club has 3 teams entered in the Overberg leagues and both the second and third teams are in the upper half of

their respective divisions.

Two of the Atlantic under 20s, Tino Pretorius and Adrian Jackson, have been selected for the Boland squad. Hopefully, they will make the final ‘run on’ team and do the club proud.

Thomas Charles has been appointed head coach of Boland Women's Rugby and this position encompasses responsibility for all ladies and age group teams. He will still continue as assistant coach of Atlantic.

Good luck to Atlantic in their quest for a successful finish to the season.

Susan Esterhuyse and Glenda Theobald, who won bronze medals in the Ladies Pairs at the 2017 Warwick Bowls SA Women’s Nationals.

Hermanus Bowling Club results On 13 and 14 May the Hermanus Bowling Club held their VW Rola Hermanus Classic. Twenty teams were hosted over the two days of play and the final results were: A Division: 1st place – K Hugo and his team from Hermanus 2nd place – P Naylor and his team from Hermanus 3rd place – The team of VW Financial Services B Division: 1st place – G Tait and his visiting team

2nd place – G Rosedale and his visiting team 3rd place – S de Wet and his team from Hermanus The 2017 Warwick Bowls SA Women’s Nationals were held at Durbanville Bowling Club from 13 – 21 May. Eight of our Hermanus ladies took part. Two of them, namely Susan Esterhuyse and Glenda Theobald, won bronze medals in the Ladies Pairs.

Congratulations to our ladies for their fine bowling.

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Local business owner excels in SA ladies cricket

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nergy, talent and ambition are three things that 28-year-old Robyn Appels certainly has no lack of.

Not only is this Hawston resident the owner of her own business – Custom Den panel beaters in Hermanus – she also captains the Bellville ladies cricket team and is vice-captain of the Western Province ladies team.

Robyn has represented Western Province since 2009, after making her mark as captain of the Boland U 19 team. She is a leading spin bowler and middle order batsman.

After good performances for Western Province, Robyn gained selection for the South African ladies cricket A team.

She has played three Internationals for the South African A team and in 2016 was elected captain of the team to play against Zimbabwe.

Robyn is one of those gifted sports women who excels in multiple sporting disciplines.

My Sport

By Tony O’Hagan She has represented the Western Cape (combined Western Province and Boland) at ladies 7s rugby. At junior level, she was chosen for the Boland athletic team as a long jump exponent.

When she is not running her successful panel beating outlet and when time allows, Robyn pursues her passion for cricket.

Her achievements are to be commended and let's hope she reaches her ultimate goal of a ladies Protea cricket cap.

GOTCHA! Robyn Appels in action. This talented cricketer from Hawston is vice-captain of the WP ladies team and is pursuing her goal of a ladies Protea cricket cap.

Mixed martial arts training offered in Sandbaai Kleinmond resident Deon ‘Bonzai’ Bruning is a professional mixed martial arts fighter who competes under an organisation known as the Extreme Fighting Championship or EFC. The EFC is the largest of its kind in Africa, with many fighters plying their trade under its banner.

Bonzai Bruning spent 12 years in the United Kingdom where he earned a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. This is a rare achievement – it can take between 8 and 12 years to gain a black belt.

While living abroad, Bonzai held two British amateur mixed martial titles, fighting in the welterweight division. He was also the British Open champion in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Bonzai is now fighting in South Africa in the lightweight

division and won his recent fight at Grand West Casino in Cape Town. This type of fighting has a big following and the recent Cape Town event was a full house.

Mixed martial arts fighting is a no holds barred discipline where anything goes! It comprises boxing, wrestling, kick boxing and martial arts.

Fights are normally decided over three rounds of five minutes each, with title fights extended to five rounds.

Scoring the fight is done on the same basis as boxing, namely ten point rounds.

Fights are broadcast on Saturday nights on SABC 3.

Bonzai has ambitions to gain South African titles and works out daily to achieve this. He has opened the Bonzai Mixed Martial Arts Club in Sandbaai offering training in martial arts

and Brazilian jiu jitsu. The facility is open on Mondays and Wednesdays between 18:30 and 20:00 and on Fridays between 18:00 and 19:30.

Bonzai emphasises that his classes are both to learn mixed martial arts fighting and importantly, for self defence.

Bonzai can be contacted on 079 120 3551.

Deon ‘Bonzai’ Bruning weighing in before a match.

6 June 2017

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Schools

BOLAND HOCKEY TEAM The following hockey players were selected for Boland teams for 2017: Back from left Chanleigh Smith, Adam Lawson-Smith, Gordon Shaw and Misha Horn.

Front from left Kelsey Block (captain: Boland U14 Shiraz team) and Owen Wagenaar.

BOLAND SQUASH TEAM Four squash players from Hermanus High were selected for the 2017 Boland teams and will participate in the National Championships from 1 to 5 July. They are from left Dameon Stoddart (U19), Gareth Schoonraad and Rigardt van Wyk (U16) and in front Eduan NaudĂŠ (U14).

SPORT DAY Curro Century City and Gansbaai Academia played matches against Curro Hermanus on a rainy Saturday, 27 May. Curro Hermanus won the U16 7s rugby match against Century City. The combined Curro Hermanus and Sitari U17 rugby team lost their match against Gansbaai Academia. The U15 netball, U16 and U18 hockey boys won their matches against Century City and Gansbaai Academia. The U18 girls hockey team lost against Gansbaai Academia.