Village News 31 January 2017

Village

NEWS NEWS The

Cape Whale Coast

31 January 2017

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DESMOND TUTU

Meet Adam Spires

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INTERSCHOOLS

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All the action

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THE BLUE BEAUTY OF THE BEAST What the sea lacks in beauty in the daytime during the red tide, it makes up for at night with spectacular displays of phosphorescence in Walker Bay. According to resident Ronnie Hazell there have been beautiful displays in the breaking waves and spray along the Hermanus coastline.

PHOTO: Ronnie Hazell

Monsterous red tide is the largest ever

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bloom stretches at times well over 3 km into the ocean from the shoreline and can be viewed on satellite imagery from the West Coast past Cape Point up to Cape Agulhas – an area spanning some 500 km.

According to Tim, the algae

Residents and visitors were alerted to the red tide last week and urged to refrain from harvesting any shellfish, especially mussels, as this could lead to illness if eaten.

De Waal Steyn his red tide is huge – this is definately mother nature at her most powerful and the sheer size of the algae bloom is astounding.

A red tide of this magnitude has never been recorded in Hermanus before,” says Tim Hedges, Managing Director of Abagold.

“We are lucky that the current red tide is not toxic and ingesting shellfish or sea water will probably only cause a mild upset stomach. The impact on marine life however, especially abalone, is unfortunately much more severe. Prolonged exposure to these conditions causes high levels of stress for these animals.

The dinoflagellate organisms clog the gills of abalone and they suffer stress from a lack of

oxygen. This may lead to significant losses for abalone farms,” adds Tim. But, according to him, Abagold’s employees have united in their efforts to manage this event and are currently working around the clock to ensure the well-being of their stock. “I cannot describe how proud I am of our Abagold team. We became aware of a build-up of nutrients in the water in early January, which is normal each

year, but when the excessive volume of the bloom started on 16 January we were ready to put all our energy into combating the effects of the red tide.

“For the past two weeks our employees have been split up into groups that cover the farm 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. Our employees ensure that the animals receive enough water (leading to more dissolved and available oxygen) and they clean and

flush out the tanks at least once a day. By reducing the number of animals in each tank and by diluting the infected water with as much clean water as possible (when we get natural breaks in the tide) we have been able to keep losses to a minimum.

Abagold pumps close to 12 million litres of sea water per hour into our tanks. To date we have sustained losses of 3,5% of our stock equating to some 26 tons.”

Continued on P 3

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Welcome to our shores Arch, we are a community who cares All the individuals and businesses involved in making the Pebbles Project in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley a reality must be praised. The positive impact this project will have on the lives of many children cannot be overestimated. A quality education is the first step in breaking the cycle of poverty that still prevails in many areas.

The Pebbles Project is a shining example of the level of commitment of our communities to better the lives of those less fortunate.

Thank you to each and every one who made a contribution.

Editorial Comment

By De Waal Steyn There are few people who have made as large a contribution in establishing a democratic South Africa as Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu – affectionately known as the Arch.

As a new resident in our lovely region, we as a community would like to welcome Archbishop Tutu and his wife

Leah to the Overstrand. It is a privilege to have a world icon living in our midst. The time he made and effort he took to sign copies of his book The Book of Joy and to return the next day rather than disappoint his admirers who waited in line, shows his sense of belonging to his new home town.

Many residents have been talking about the red tide and the associated stench and spectacular nightly displays of phosphorescence in Walker Bay. Although the red tide along our coast is not lifethreateningly toxic and has a

Letters and opinions

limited effect on sea life, one would still expect government to inform residents and visitors. Should anyone ingest shellfish taken out of the ocean during the red tide they will become ill. The same would happen should you swallow seawater during your swim. Since the algal bloom started in middle January no official notice has been received from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF).

As the official custodian of our oceans the DAFF needs to take responsibility in informing the public of

events such as these, especially with many of our communities dependent on the ocean for their income and the Blue Economy playing an ever increasing role in our lives.

The reason for the formation of an algal bloom of this magnitude will need scientific research and the possible effects thereof on our marine industries need to be monitored. Those working to minimise the effect of the red tide on our marine life need to be lauded for their actions.

This is the GOOD NEWS – Ed.

Send your letter to news@thehermanusnews.co.za Follow us on

Setting the record straight As announced in the letter Complete the Cliff Path (The Village NEWS, 17 January) a campaign has been established by a body called the Cliff Path Action Group to solicit public support for the development of a path above the high water mark along the coast between Sea Road and Mollergren Park in Eastcliff.

Since it was first developed in the early to mid-20th century, the Cliff Path has reverted to the Main Road for about 800 metres along this section of the coastline as the property rights of the home owners here extend to the high water mark.

Numerous comments received by the Cliff Path Management Group (CPMG) from members of the public indicate that this action group’s announcement has resulted in much confusion and a belief that this is a CPMG

initiative. This is not so.

The CPMG is mandated in terms of a co-management agreement with the Overstrand Municipality to advise and manage the upgrading and maintenance of the Cliff Path within the Fernkloof Nature Reserve sections of the Walker Bay coastline and occasionally in other areas when specifically authorised by the Municipality, such as the Biodiversity Walk, Roman Rock and the Fick’s Pool areas.

The section of coastline in question is outside the CPMG’s area of operation.

Furthermore the CPMG cannot be party to any legal actions that may result from this private initiative.

David Beattie - Chairman The Hermanus Cliff Path Management Group Read more on the Cliff Path on P 19.

Give oldies a helping hand This photo of me, sitting on the top of Hoy’s Koppie, was taken about 60 years ago.

I am 87 years old now and after all these years I attempted the climb again on 2 January.

Unfortunately the very last couple of steep steps defeated me, but I am very pleased to have

managed to get so high up the koppie.

The views are spectacular and I urge any visitors not to miss the opportunity, although the elderly, like me, should have the hand of a strong younger person to hang onto on the way back down. I was very thankful for the aid of my grandson Carl and my walking

stick.

It would be very helpful if our Municipality could erect two posts with a strong nylon rope stretched between them, on that last flight of very steep steps.

Then we oldies could make it to the top.

Dorothy van Zyl

Don’t complain – do something I saw a letter in your last edition from someone complaining about dog fouling on the Cliff Path.

I also saw many complaints about smokers.

Whale Coast Conservation has cigarette butt disposer bins and doggie doo bag dispensers for sale. It would be very beneficial to the town if people who are concerned about these issues contact Whale Coast Conservation (WCC)

(Tel: 028 316 2527) to sponsor either a butt dispenser bin or the bag dispenser unit. WCC will service the unit as well.

It’s such a great cause and the more we have, the cleaner our town will be.

The Hermanus Ratepayers’ Association has sponsored a few of the doggie bag dispensers along the Cliff Path. We are currently having signs made that will hopefully attract dog owners’

attention to picking up after their dogs.

We need to ‘educate’ our residents into caring for the environment and ‘putting their money where their mouth is’.

Thank you for a great newspaper. Everyone I know looks forward to each issue.

Pam Herd Hermanus Ratepayers’ Association

More letters on P 4

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No end in sight for red tide

From P 1 “Currently we do not know when the red tide will come to an end, so we have extended our special operation procedures for another ten days at this time, but review the situation every six hours. Even though this means a lot of extra work for our 500 employees, we have not received one complaint or groan. We have the most dedicated and engaged teams and through great teamwork we are certain to win this war. All of us here realise the importance of keeping the animals happy and healthy for the benefit of all involved,” says Tim. According to Wilfred Chivel of Dyer Island Conservation Trust he has also never seen such a large bloom.

“It is spread over a massive area and the water is very murky. This makes it difficult for shark cage divers to see clearly, but the effect on our business has been minimal.”

According to local conservationist Sue Matthews the current bloom consists predominantly of the dinoflagellate species Gonyaulax spinifera, although Lingulodinium polyedra, responsible for the extensive blooms along the South Coast in 2014, is also thought to be present.

“Both of these dinoflagellate species produce yessotoxins, which are accumulated by filter-feeding shellfish such as mussels, oysters and clams. However, studies conducted to date have not revealed any toxic effects to humans resulting from consumption of yessotoxin-contaminated shellfish, and worldwide there have been no reported cases of human shellfish poisoning attributed to yessotoxins,” she says.

The red tide is clearly visible at Onrus beach.

Hazell they have been gobsmacked by the beautiful displays in the breaking waves and spray along the Hermanus coastline.

“To stand in the dark and see this wonderful sight is a truly awesome experience and one we will never forget. What the sea lacks in beauty during the

daytime, it makes up for at night.

“For some days now, the water has been very brown due to high micro-plankton volumes and levels of die-off of the algae, which, in turn, gives rise to phosphorescence at night, when disturbed. It can be seen in the choppy waters and in the

waves, as well as on the beach, if one kicks up the wet sand,” says Ronnie.

This beauty though causes much distress to a very important abalone cultivation industry here in our beautiful Hermanus, says LouAnne Lubbe, HR director at Abagold.

Red tides – What, why and how?

According to Tim all export of live edible perlemoen, from Abagold, has been halted until the red tide clears up.

WHAT? Red tides, also called Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), are caused most often by dinoflagellates.

Dinoflagellates are microscopic algae that naturally form part of the phytoplankton communities of the ocean. Under normal environmental conditions, dinoflagellates are important components of the food web and ecosystem as zooplankton (microscopic animals and larvae) rely on them as a food source. Zooplankton in turn is food for bigger fish that people can again eat. As the ‘plants’ of the ocean, they are also responsible for taking up carbon dioxide from the water and converting it to oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. However, when environmental conditions change during upwelling events – the bringing up of cold bottom water high in nutrients (food) – extra nutrients and high light conditions result in these little microalgae growing and reproducing frequently, resulting in an increase in the number of cells per litre. Generally, dinoflagellates occur at 10 to 100 cells per litre, but during red tides this goes up to over 1 000 000 cells per litre. Some dinoflagellate species may also be toxic and can cause other organisms such as bivalves, abalone, larvae and fish to die.

The spectacular nightly displays of phosphorescence in Walker Bay can be attributed to the red tide.

According to local resident Ronnie

WHY? When wind conditions cause strong frontal systems along our coastline, it can cause upwelling.

During upwelling the bottom colder water, which is rich in nutrients, is pulled up to the surface. Here the

Rock lobster and other seafood are not affected by the red tide, unless the high algal densities cause secondary effects such as suffocation due to oxygen depletion of the water column, or gill irritation and clogging.

PHOTO: Abagold

sunlight is good for photosynthesis and the slightly warmer water ensures that the dinoflagellates reproduce very fast. Once all the nutrients have been used up by the dinoflagellates, they will start to die.

As they die, bacteria move in to help decompose all the dead cells. This process uses lots of oxygen in the water and can result in anoxia – a condition where the oxygen levels in the water become too low for animals and they die.

HOW? Because environmental conditions have remained good for the dinoflagellates, we have seen this red tide being much bigger and staying much longer than normal red tides. As the red tide prolongs, there are changes in the dominant dinoflagellates species responsible for the red tide.

All these species produce toxins that are harmful to abalone. Routine test of for toxins indicate that levels are well below the levels that are considered harmful to people. Mussels and oysters, however, are filterfeeders and may have higher levels of toxins as they filter and feed on most of the dinoflagellates in the water. Consequently, people are advised not to take out these species, including crayfish, or eat these. – Dr Nuette Gordon Credit: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute/NOAAfrom: www.e-education.psu.edu/earth103/node/690

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A day off is sometimes a fête worse than death The Romans started the ball rolling, when their Empire ruled the ‘known’ world. They introduced the six-days-on and one-day-off working week. On days off, the rural folk would congregate around the Roman forts to hear any new laws and also to peddle their produce or services. Others just came for social intercourse, lewd or refined, but soon it became necessary to create entertainment for the shuffling scum. This was the birth of our fêtes, fairs and festivals.

Wit’s End

Initially the focus was on controlling the kids to prevent them running riot through the stalls. Blind-man’s-bluff, balls through hoops and threelegged races kept them out of the pubs, but the men, bulging with mead-muscles soon became competitive, and various contests were inevitable.

brutes wearing plaid miniskirts initiated the concept of ‘going commando’, and began throwing telephone poles and boulders around. This didn’t catch on anywhere else, but throughout the Empire polevaulting over canals was an instant hit wherever there was a canal and a pole.

Understandably, skirts were discouraged to protect children from recurring nightmares.

In Scotland, thrilled that the Romans were too terrified to cross Hadrian’s Wall, ginger

Murray Stewart

Livestock and produce also featured as entertainment/ gambling attractions. Who had the biggest pig, who could guess the weight of that bull’s testicles, or which end of the long-haired Highland sheep was which? Onions bigger than your head and mule-sized pumpkins were weighed and prizes awarded to rapturous applause. But chicanery was rife, so the mafia’s bookies stepped in, and organised skullduggery was established and still flourishes today.

Inter-village sports like football, rugby and cricket were subsequently invented thanks to the Romans, but try telling the Poms that.

In Germany, men in thighlength leather dungarees had beer and hamburger guzzling competitions to the encouragement of accordions and tubas, while in France grape-stomping and garliceating contests attracted

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fanatical crowds wearing berets and shouting ‘encore’.

The Spanish and Portuguese tormented bulls by shouting ‘olé’ at them, and the Swiss – yodelling uncontrollably rolled huge cakes of cheese down hillsides for entertainment. Holland had the cheese but no hills, so they just ate it and turned instead to windmill-spotting and dykeplugging contests.

The Irish would find any reason to create a fête. Mrs Tralee’s roses were in full bloom so they’d have a rose festival, or Dermot’s donkey gave birth so how about an ass fair? Leprechaun and dwarf-throwing contests were far-flung across most Celtic regions. In pious protest to all these frivolities, the Belgians abstained altogether and annexed the Congo instead.

Bog snorkelling and its genesis are equally murky. According to The Duck ’n Fiddler’s Explanation of Everything, they

originally used pig intestines for snorkels, but the pigs hated it so they stopped. Across the globe, the Chinese started wallbuilding festivals, which became wildly competitive, especially along the northern border.

Over the years though, as things became more sophisticated, traders and entertainers with outlandish exhibits travelled from town to town. These nomadic Gypsies, peddling miracle snake oils, dancing bears, dog racing and naked mud wrestling became regular money-spinning attractions across Europe.

Over time, as these various cultures spread around the world, they took their fairground entertainment with them. In South Africa – back then – the explorers tried unsuccessfully to generate enthusiasm among the local tribes, who had their own snakes, and frankly didn’t give a

fig if you wrestled in mud or not.

So the settlers created other quaint contests among themselves like jukskei, kennetjie, or the much-cherished and highly competitive bokdrol-spoegkompetisies (goat dropping spitting competitions).

The objective was to place four dried goat droppings under the tongue followed by a mouthful of witblits – no swallowing!

After ten seconds the competitor must then spit the bokdrolle as far as possible. The owner of the furthest drol won, and the prize was usually a goat or sheep – perhaps even the one that supplied the ammunition.

Perddrol-spoegkompetisies (horse dropping spitting competitions) were deemed unhealthy. Nowadays however, the Duck ’n Fiddle occasionally hosts secret bokdrolspoegkompetisies for enthusiasts. Contact editor for details.

Send your letter to news@thehermanusnews.co.za Follow us on

Vermonters do their Reference numbers needed Thank you for a good bit to save for follow-up calls read our environment Cycling down Malmok Street during the festive season, I noticed a neighbour, PS, picking up glass, plastic bottles and other refuse that had most likely been thrown out from passing vehicles.

Then, some three weeks later I saw another gentleman, TM, who assists with the servicing of our vehicles, doing the same good deed just before the small Malmok circle on the west side of the Salt Pan in Vermont.

This inspired me to such an extent that we now periodically

do likewise along a section of Lynx Avenue, removing the litter that is strewn along the road mainly by building contractors’ assistants and holiday makers.

We appreciate what the Overstrand Municipality are doing to keep our road verges clean but realise that they cannot be everywhere all of the time.

It is hoped that this initiative will be noticed and that these irresponsible people will stop throwing their rubbish in our streets.

PP

Lifesaving club needed in Hermanus I, as a very concerned senior resident in Onrus River, would like to put forward this question to all who live, play and swim in our waters: Why has a Lifesaving Club not been instigated?

We’ve had four drownings in our region of Walker Bay, and although they do magnificent work, the National Sea Rescue Institute simply can’t be everywhere at all times.

Over the Mountain, as we all seem to refer to Cape Town, they have lifesaving teams,

competing with all regions in South Africa - why not Hermanus?

The response of the fire brigade to the Voëlklip fire on 14 January was praiseworthy.

And it was commendable that the Mayor and various ward councillors were at the scene so quickly.

However, it was a fire that should never have occurred.

On the Thursday morning before the fire we were walking on the cycle track behind the Conservation Offices near the lagoon when we noticed loud sparking from an electricity pylon. I returned home immediately as we had no phones with us and tried to phone Eskom. The operator and I had difficulty understanding each other, she did not know where Hermanus was and kept

At 8:00 I phoned the Hermanus main board and asked for Electricity, just to check that some action had been taken but there was no reply. I called again and explained to the switchboard operator that this was a potential fire hazard and she transferred me to the same man I had spoken to at 07:15.

He assured me that he had sent an electrician out. When I saw the smoke on Saturday I realised immediately where it had started. I am so sorry that I didn’t go back onto the mountain to check that this problem had been sorted as it could have avoided all the expense of fire engines, spotter plane and helicopter.

But perhaps it had been seen to and the problem reoccurred?

Would it not be possible for the Municipality to implement a system of issuing reference numbers when problems are reported telephonically – so that there is some accountability and a quick method of checking on progress?

Fran Hanekom

I’ve just read the latest edition of your Village NEWS and wish to compliment you on producing a really good read.

The coverage is wide and very interesting, from bookshops and the library stocks (we’re so privileged) to articles on education and upliftment (Sparklekids and what they stand for), and I loved Murray Stewart’s Don’t kraai for me Concertina!

You are an asset to the town of Hermanus and her surrounding villages!

Mignonne Farquharson, Stanford

Chess players need your support

Thank you for an amazing newspaper. You all need to pat yourselves on the back.

I refer you to the article Chess kids victorious at SA championships (The Village NEWS, 17 Jan 2017) on page 26. Some U10 Girls who participated in the recent SAJCC tournament in Boksburg, namely Milani Hlanzela, Asiphe Mbovane and Ayola Dondolo, have been selected for a tournament expected to take place in April 2017 against other African countries in Gauteng.

Gillian Spring

They are the products of Inga Mfundisi, the U16 chess player

What a challenge this could be for our scholars – from nippers to lifeguards. It would keep the teenagers off the streets and encourage a healthy lifestyle away from booze and drugs.

asking for my account number. I hung up when she told me the line was bad. So at 07:15 I called the Hermanus emergency line 028 313 8111 and was told to call back at 07:45 as the Electricity Department was closed. After some explaining that this was a potential problem he finally agreed to let them know about the problem when they came in to work.

also mentioned in the article, who has coached these young learners tirelessly for the last 12 months. We have a total number of 22 young learners participating in this chess group. They are affiliated to the Overberg Chess Federation (OCF).

Many thanks go to the following Hermanus businesses, NGOs and individuals who generously donated towards Inga Mfundisi: Chess for Change (Lenté Mare), Office National

Hermanus, Hermanus Country Market and Pennypinchers.

(20l x2); and a nylon chess board mat costing R700 from House of Chess.

We humbly appeal to the kind citizens of Hermanus to make a monetary donation to Inga for the upcoming Gauteng event as well as the following items for the Zwelihle Chess group:

Any gesture of support will encourage the informal Zwelihle Chess Club which, by the way, existed before the launch of the OCF, to get the exposure it deserves.

A large gazebo; a foldable table and chairs; wooden chess pieces handmade at a cost of R3 000 (Wonder can be contacted on 063 882 3875); black and white wood paint

Call coordinator Zolile Baleni for further information on 063 366 2511 or send an email to zwelihlechess@gmail.com and cc to rdp@whalemail.co.za

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The world according to Adam Spires Frieda Lloyd

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dam Spires might be relatively new in town but he is definitely getting noticed thanks to his engaging online activity promoting the Cape Whale Coast and its colourful characters.

Adam is a new breed of marketer. He is a vlogger. For those unfamiliar with the term, vlogging is a visual blog or video log shortened to vlog. It is journaling with the benefit of a video. What started out as a way of keeping track of his family’s shenanigans developed into stories about his neighbourhood, his travels and other topics of public interest which he projects in an exciting fast-paced manner.

The world is watching. “People are approaching me in the street and quoting my vlogs to me,” remarks the energetic Adam. “It’s awesome meeting all these people and knowing that they are sharing in my adventures.”

Adam is visible in his vlogs and manages this with a sturdy flexible tripod and pointing the camera towards himself. He only started sharing vlogs in

July 2016 and has grown his reach to close to a million. His recordings covered the 60th Anniversary of Fisherhaven, Jesse Clegg’s concert at Sumaridge, the Summer Colour Run Hermanus and the Hermanus First Fridays Artwalk.

Most recently he caught comedian Barry Hilton on camera to the amusement of many and also reported on the McLaren Circus’s visit to Hermanus. Of the circus he says: “I love the circus and there was a lot of heated discussion about the animals so I thought I would investigate what all the hub-bub was about. Other than that, it was very much in the public interest to do the vlog and show people what the debate is all about.”

Adam is a director at an American technology company and is fortunate enough to work from his home in Fisherhaven, where he settled in 2012 with his wife Jessica and three children. He originally chose Fisherhaven for its peace and quiet and because his father lives there. The slow Internet speed challenges him when he needs to upload a vlog and this can take all night, he says.

Frieda Lloyd with Adam Spires at Onrus Beach.

When he is not working as a director or doing duty as family man he steps out with his Canon camera and powerful drone to capture the environment from every angle possible. These captures are always interesting and entertaining to watch – Adam does not do boring. He admits that the secret to good vlogs lies in the editing. Viewers appreciate a polished, short show.

Adam delivers on these requirements due to computer skills and experience gained from years of practice.

Mayor Rudolph Smith in the training kitchen at the Mtimkhulu Village in Kleinmond where volunteers prepared food for those displaced by the flash floods. OK and Spar in Kleinmond provided ingredients to help feed those affected.

He is keeping up with marketing trends where the use of video is regarded as the new way of reaching your market. In our fast-paced world our audiences want to be shown rather than told.

Video is easier to consume than text. By looking at Adam’s vlogs you will learn about the person and his journeys – local travels as well as international trips. He has been to many interesting destinations and shared his travels to Cuba, Mexico and Iceland with those curious to explore.

You can join Adam on his adventures by following him on Facebook: adamspiresvlogger

FLOOD DAMAGE The heavy rains on Thursday night and during Friday 27 February caused havoc in some areas of the Overstrand with houses, roads and businesses that were flooded. Serious damage was done to more than 120 shacks and houses in the Overhills area in Kleinmond. According to Councillor Fanie Krige several houses were severely damaged after a small stream became a raging river during the floods. “The Municipal Department of Infrastructure and Development will visit the area during the week and make proposals for a long-term solution to the problem. Apart from Overhills, houses in Proteadorp, Mountainview and Palmiet as well as the Gerimed Care Facility were also flooded,” he said. Reports of flooding were also received from Zwelihle in Hermanus and Gansbaai’s Blompark, Masekhane, Franskraal and Uilkraalmond. No fatalities or causalities have been reported.

PHOTOS: Fanie Krige

31 January 2017

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The wheels on the bus go round and round Hedda Mittner

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t’s been said that if you want to get anything done in the Hemel-en-Aarde wine region, all you have to do is get Carolyn Martin of Creation Wines in your corner. Once again, this dynamic woman who simply refuses to back down, has managed to turn her “pie in the sky” vision of establishing adequate facilities and services for the children and families of farm workers into a reality.

When the Pebbles Hemel-enAarde Education Project was implemented in September 2016, their goals included the establishment of transport services, an Early Childhood Development (ECD) education facility, the provision of AfterSchool Care (ACS) facilities, a community centre/training facility and the hosting of cultural and sporting events for the community. One of their biggest expenses would be the acquisition of a 22-seater bus to transport the children to and from school.

The Village NEWS first reported on this project in the 1 November edition’s Helping Hand column sponsored by Talisman Hire, when the funds raised for the new bus stood at just over R200 000. With the clock ticking and the start of new school year fast approaching, it was

uncertain how the balance needed for the R570 000 bus would be raised.

under the supervision of qualified teachers. They also run an academic support programme for grades 1 to 6.

Balanced meals and snacks are provided daily while a computer centre and library are in the pipeline.

But thanks to the generous donations of big-hearted individuals and local businesses who pulled together to get the wheels of the Pebbles project rolling, the bus became a reality just after Christmas and was ready to transport the children on the first day of the 2017 school year.

“Seeing young children along the road walking many kilometres to school in all weather conditions, sometimes without proper shoes or warm clothes just broke my heart,” says Carolyn, who invited guests to the official launch of the Pebbles bus last week.

Another challenge was the huge need for nursery school and day-care facilities for younger children who are left at home all day while their parents work on the farms. Here the local environmentalist and philanthropist Antony van Hoogstraten came to the rescue, offering facilities on his farm Bergplaas for the establishment of the Pebbles Hemel-en- Aarde Education Project Centre.

There are presently two ECD classes as well as three ASC classes where children can do their homework

Guests at the official launch of the Pebbles Hemel-en-Aarde Education Project gathered at Creation Wines on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge before being transported in the brand-new Pebbles bus to Bergplaas for a tour of the facilities. From left are André du Plessis, Richard Beardsall (Hermanus Rotary), Marileze Buys (Pebbles Project), Andries Schreuder (Agrimark), and Wikus and Adré Niemand (Ford Hermanus).

Pebbles project manager Elizabeth, teacher Nashley (children 3-5 years) and Pebbles general manager Marileze with some of the children who have found a safe haven at the Pebbles Hemel-en-Aarde Education Project Centre.

“A huge thank you to all who have supported our project thus far,” said manager Elizabeth Naudé. “It is impossible to mention them all by name, but a special word of appreciation goes to Creation Wines, the Julian Beare Foundation, Joe Eberhard, Agrimark and André and Elsabé du Plessis who so generously contributed towards this worthy cause. In addition we need to mention volunteer Peter Hodgskin for his assistance in the renovation of the farm buildings, and Wikus Niemand of Ford Hermanus who went out of his way to ensure we have the bus on time and gave us a significant discount too.”

The next phase of the Pebbles Hemel-en-Aarde Education Project will be fund-raising for the ASC feeding scheme.

Assistance in establishing a vegetable garden is also required while the scheme is in urgent need of an oven. In order to expand the ASC facilities, an existing garage needs to be converted into another classroom. Please contact elizabeth@pebblesproject.co.za should you wish to help.

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31 January 2017

Archie embodies the spirit of Ubuntu course, and after four years of hard work he graduated at the end of 2003.

Hedda Mittner

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Back in Hermanus, he founded the Zwelihle Community Development Trust and started his own company, Imvusa Business Consultants.

Among his aspirations was enabling youngsters with academic potential to further their education at university – assisting them to access funding, monitoring their progress, helping them to find work and ensuring that they give back to the community.

oters are ordinary people and so are councillors,” says Archie Klaas, Executive Deputy Mayor of the Overberg District Municipality and one of the Overstrand Municipality’s DA Proportional Representatives.

“I am quite happy to clean drains and paint walls – we are not celebrities.”

Archie jokes that his two most short-lived career moves were back in 1996 when he briefly stood in as our town’s whale crier, and twenty years later when he was elected as Mayoral Committee Member for Protection Services in August 2016 – a position he held for just over a week before being put to better use as the Executive Deputy Mayor of the Overberg.

“I was very emotional and humbled when the announcement was made,” says Archie. “It happened on my 41st birthday and we had a big party at my house, with the whole street joining in the celebrations.”

Archie might not think of himself as a celebrity, but in Zwelihle, where he grew up with his six siblings, people clearly look up to him. Openminded and big-hearted, this down-to-earth community leader has also won the hearts and respect of the broader Overberg community and is equally at ease with unskilled workers as he is with senior government officials.

His father Paulus came from Bonnievale and met Archie’s mother Elizabeth while visiting an uncle in Zwelihle. After their marriage, Paulus worked at the old Eastcliff Garage while Elizabeth, who had been born in the township and lived there all her life, worked as a domestic cleaner before dedicating herself to the establishment and development of childcare facilities in Zwelihle.

AT YOUR SERVICE Deputy Mayor of the Overberg Archie Klaas relaxing at home with his youngest child, seven-month-old Archie jnr, his wife Ntombekhaya and father Paulus.

Archie also has two older children, Aphiwe (12) and Thato (4).

Archie went to St Patrick’s Primary School in Zwelihle (now Lukhanyo) before starting his high school career at Hawston Secondary School.

His matric class was the first to graduate from the school in 1995, but Archie was not sure what he wanted to do after school.

“I was quiet and reserved, with low self-confidence,” he says.

“None of us dared to dream big – the most anyone aspired to was becoming a policeman, teacher or fireman.” Archie had other ideas though – he became a DJ instead, started his own dance company and managed a number of gospel singers. No longer quite as timid, Archie soon became known as “The Big A”.

Through his love of music, Archie became involved in several community projects, including the inaugural Whale Festival. In 1997 he was among several young community leaders recruited by the government to enrol for an AET (Adult Education Training) course in journalism offered by Media Works, in partnership with Stellenbosch University. “I discovered that I love writing,” says Archie, who went on to write

freelance articles and columns for local and national publications, including the Sunday Times and the Mail & Guardian.

In one of his regular columns for a local newspaper, Xhosa for non-Xhosas, Archie poked good-humoured fun at cultural differences and misunderstandings, which went a long way towards bridging the racial and cultural divide among communities in the Overstrand. He even attracted the attention of the mayor at the time, Brig Theo Beyleveldt, who became a firm follower.

Determined to further his studies, Archie enrolled at the Cape Technicon (now CPUT) for a diploma in marketing in 2000 with the help of the Rainbow Trust. “It was quite a challenge,” Archie reminisces.

“In the mornings I had classes and in the afternoons and on weekends I worked to stay afloat. I was so hungry at times that my hands shook.” Back in Hermanus over the holidays, Archie worked at The Marine as “everything from the kitchen help to barman to night auditor”.

A turning point in Archie’s life was when he was elected as

chairperson of the Black Management Forum’s Student Chapter in his second year.

“Membership of the BMF is targeted primarily at black students in higher learning institutions of South Africa, and young black managers in the business environment,” explains Archie. “They identify and groom people for leadership positions and provide a support structure for their members through mentoring and developmental programmes. As a ‘nobody’ from Hermanus, it really boosted my confidence.”

Archie performed so well in his studies that he upgraded from a diploma to a degree

“There is nothing I am more passionate about than education,” says Archie. “I was very grateful for the chance to study and I made use of all the opportunities that came my way. If I hadn’t done that, I would not have been where I am today.”

According to Archie, he “never wanted to have anything to do with politics”, preferring to focus on community development and job creation, especially for unskilled people who turn to crime in the belief that they are unemployable.

In 2011, however, he was persuaded to join the Democratic Alliance by former Mayor Theo Beyleveldt, and in 2012 he became the chairperson of the DA in Zwelihle.

His secretary, Ntombekhaya, became so indispensable to him that he married her shortly before the death of his

mother in 2013.

A self-professed “mama’s boy”, Archie was profoundly influenced by his mother’s tireless dedication to community work. Back in the early nineties, Elizabeth Klaas had identified a dire need for childcare facilities in the township. “She was concerned about the little ones playing in the streets unsupervised all day,” says Archie. Determined to start a crèche, she embarked on a quest to find grounds and was finally granted a municipal plot where she started the Khanya Crèche in a container. With Archie’s help, various sponsorships were secured which enabled the crèche to grow and finally to be registered as an Educare Centre.

“That is how Ubuntu works,” Archie says with a big smile.

“When I was living in Cape Town, people opened their homes to me, fed me and helped me to survive. When I returned to Zwelihle, everyone looked up to me as an ‘educated person’ and I was able to give back to my community. I helped people with setting up and formalising their businesses, with fundraising and sponsorships, and drawing up documents and applications.

“And it’s still like that today – if someone needs a lift, they call me; if their water gets cut off, they call me. The only difference is that now I’m getting paid to do it!” he laughs.

31 January 2017

Wednesday 1 February ■ OAK Movie Night: Sherlock Holmes – Game of Shadows, starring Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law, and directed Guy Ritchie, will be screened at the Municipal Auditorium, at 18:00. Tickets are R45 (R30 for OAK members), available at the door. For enquiries, contact John Taylor on 079 392 7282 or René du Plooy on 082 940 4238.

■ Lemm’s Corner Market: This popular Sunday market also trades on the first Friday evening of the month, from 17:00 – 20:30, to coincide with the Artwalk. You’ll find exclusive fine arts and crafts, locally manufactured clothing, accessories and home décor, as well as delicious specialty foods, craft beers and a wine bar. On the corner of Main and Harbour Road, Hermanus.

Sunday 5 February

Thursday 2 February

Saturday 4 February

■ 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.

■ 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.

■ Lemm’s Corner Market: Fabulous fine arts and crafts, gourmet eats, craft beers and wine bar.

On the corner of Main and Harbour Roads, every Sunday from 10:00 – 15:00.

Friday 3 February ■ 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.

■ 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.

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

■ U3A Overberg: The second part of the DVD series on the History of Ancient Egypt: 3. Ancient Egyptian Thought and 4. Napoleon and the Beginnings of Egyptology. At the Catholic Church hall, at 10:00.

■ The Hermanus Country Market: Next to the cricket field, Fairways Avenue, from 09:00 -13:00.

Fresh local produce, wholesome goodies, and home-made crafts.

Monday 6 February ■ U3A Overberg: The third part of the course on Water Issues in the 21st Century. The DVD series Flow: for the love of water Part 2 will be screened.

At the Catholic Church hall, at 10:00.

■ Marine Molluscs Eco-Adventure: Join Whale Coast Conservation on an adventure to look more closely at molluscs such as mussels, plough snails and that genius of marine Mollusca, the octopus, while giving thought to how our litter affects marine creatures. At Grotto Beach, from 17:30 – 19:00. Adults R100, children R50, families of four R250. Proceeds will go to environmental education. Booking essential (max 20 people).

Contact 083 242 3295 or anina.wcc@gmail.com.

■ 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.

■ Hermanus First Fridays: Join the 18 art galleries in the centre of Hermanus as they remain open until 8pm. The theme of this month’s HFF Artwalk is For the Love of Art. Follow the orange as you stroll from gallery to gallery. (Find the HFF map on P 12.)

■ Outdoor Summer Movie Nights: Enjoy Despicable Me at the Old Harbour, under the starry sky next to the ocean. Perfect for some quality movie time with friends and family, or a romantic movie date. The movie starts at 20:15. Book online: www.milkywayproductions.co.za/harbour and get your tickets at Early Bird prices – R65 per adult (14 years +) and R45 for children (0 – 13 years).

■ 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.

Friday 10 February ■ Hermanus Hacking Group: Meet at the bottom of Roraty 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. New volunteers are welcome and will be much appreciated. At Hermanus Library, every Friday from 09:00 - 11.30.

■ U3A Overberg: The third part of the DVD series on the History of Ancient Egypt: 5. The Rosetta Stone and 6. The First Nation in History. At the Catholic Church hall, at 10:00.

■ Swallow Park Market: Browse the market at Swallow Park between 09:00 and 13:00.

■ RestFest: Spend a leisurely day on the banks of the dam on Restless River wine farm in Hemelen-Aarde Valley. Braais and wood will be provided, as well as white wine straight from the barrel and lager on tap – it’s up to you to bring whatever else you need such as food, water, soft drinks and ice.

Also remember blankets, chairs, umbrellas, swimming kit, inflatables and life vests for children under 10. Gates open at 10:00, with music acts from 12 noon until dark. For guests who would like to stay overnight, a camping area is provided for free. Entrance is R220 per adult and R50 per child under 12. Tickets are limited to 500 and available online from www.quicket.co.za

■ U3A Annual General Meeting: The guest speaker at U3A Overberg’s AGM is Rev Dr Peter Storey, Bishop of the Methodist Church of South Africa. He was chaplain to Nelson Mandela and others on Robben Island and served as a member of the panel that selected the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. At the Onrus Dutch Reformed Church, at 17:30. For more info, call Gert Claassen on 083 602 5254.

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

■ Stanford Saturday Morning Market: The Stanford Hotel, 09:30 - 12:00. Farmers, crafters and hobbyists bring to you home-made and homebaked goodies.

■ Family Twilight Run: Enjoy a 5 km Fun Run with the whole family along the fairways of Hermanus Golf Club, starting at 17:00. The event is organised

by Hermanus High School and there will be food stalls and live music by Richard Stirton, the winner of The Voice South Africa. Picnics are also available on pre-order or bring your own. No beverages allowed – cash bar only. Tickets available from www.webticket.co.za at R150 per adult and R50 per child, while children of 5 years and under enter free.

Test your sense of taste and smell instead of your sight by trying to determine a wine’s colour without seeing it. At Dutchies, from 18:00 on the Wednesday; and from 12:00 – 15:00 on the Thursday. R50 pp. For more information and to make a booking, contact 028 314 1392 or dutchiesrestaurant1@gmail.com

Thursday 9 February

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

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

■ Bhuki Café: The Hermanus Library will be closed for stocktaking.

NEWS NEWS

GOOD

8

■ Dinner in the Dark: As part of their Disability Awareness Week programme hosted by Dutchies, the Overstrand Association for Persons with Disabilities (OAPD) presents a special dinner in partnership with Hermanuspietersfontein and blind motivational speaker Hein Wagner. Guests will be blindfolded during the five course dining experience to raise awareness for the visually impaired and raise funds for the OAPD. R650 pp.

At Dutchies on Grotto Beach, at 19:00. For more information and to book your seat, contact 028 314 1392 or dutchiesrestaurant1@gmail.com

■ Camphill Carwash Fundraiser: As part of the OAPD’s Disability Awareness Week, Camphill School will be raising funds for their school with a car wash at Piet-se-Bos behind Dutchies, from 10:00 – 14:30.

The Camphill Marinda Band will also be playing.

Support this worthy course at only R50 pp. For more information, contact 028 314 1392 or dutchiesrestaurant1@gmail.com

Saturday 11 February

Tuesday 7 February ■ U3A Overberg: The third talk in the series on diamonds and the second part of the topic: Synthetic Diamonds - The South African connection

by Pieter de Jager. He’ll talk about diamond discoveries in other parts of the world, about diamond mining and the applications of synthetic diamonds. At the Catholic Church hall, at 10:00.

Wednesday 8 & Thursday 9 February

■ 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.

■ Black Wine Tasting: In collaboration with Hermanuspietersfontein, Dutchies will be hosting a wine tasting unlike any other to raise funds for the OAPD and awareness of visual impairment.

■ 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.

GOOD

NEWS NEWS

■ The Hermanus Country Market: Next to the cricket field, Fairways Avenue, from 09:00-13:00.

Fresh local produce, wholesome goodies, and home-made crafts.

■ 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.

■ Stanford Saturday Morning Market: The Stanford Hotel, 09:30-12:00. Farmers, crafters and hobbyists bring to you home-made and homebaked goodies.

■ Swallow Park Market: Browse the market at Swallow Park between 09:00 and 13:00.

9

31 January 2017 for eg. being blindfolded or having their legs tied together. Great prizes to be won. Depart from Dutchies at 09:30. R100 for adults and R50 for children. For more information and bookings, contact 028 314 1392 or dutchiesrestaurant1@gmail.com ■ Three of a Kind: Catch international saxophonist Andrew Young, who is back in Hermanus with Alfredo Garcia-Navas on guitar and vocals, and Rene Piet on piano / keyboard.

This three of a kind group will perform a programme jam-packed with everything from classic soul and smooth jazz to funk, rock and blues. At the Municipal Auditorium, at 19:30.

Tickets are R180 pp, available from Computicket.

For more information, contact 081 872 5341 or ruth.ayoffice@me.com

Sunday 12 February ■ Lemm’s Corner Market: Fabulous fine arts and crafts, gourmet eats, craft beers and wine bar.

On the corner of Main and Harbour Roads, every Sunday from 10:00 – 15:00.

■ Mini Paralympics Sports Day: The Overstrand Association for Persons with Disabilities (OAPD) presents an afternoon of fun and games for the young ones to raise awareness of disability among children. Participants will be placed in age appropriate categories and take part in different races. R50 per child with all funds going to the OAPD. At Piet-se-Bos behind Dutchies, at 15:00. For more information, contact 028 314 1392 or dutchiesrestaurant1@gmail.com

Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 February

– Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. At the Catholic Church hall, at 10:00.

■ Classic Monday Bridge Club: Duplicate Bridge, every Monday at 13:00, at Fernkloof Hall. To join the club, contact Riekie on 072 230 9179.

■ Hermanus History Society: Everyone is welcome at this meeting of the HHS, where Professor John de Gruchy will give a talk about the history of Volmoed in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. At the Catholic Church hall, at 16:00.

Tuesday 14 February ■ L2L Practice Walk: The route of the final Practice Walk hosted by L2L will be from Walker Bay Nature Reserve at De Kelders to Grotto Beach in Hermanus (18 km / 5 ½ hrs). It also serves as a fundraiser for the Overstrand Association for Persons with Disabilities (OAPD), the runner-up charity as voted for by the 2017 L2L participants.

The walk is open to everyone! Entry is R100 per adult and R50 per child for the long walk.

Registration takes place from 06:30 in front of Dutchies on Grotto Beach and transport is provided for walkers to De Kelders. There will be family fun activities on Grotto beach and a family fun walk will also take place.

■ OAPD Awareness Walk: In collaboration with L2L Practice Walk, the OAPD will host a fundraising Awareness Walk in the form of a team relay race between Dutchies and the lagoon. Families and businesses are invited to register teams of 4 – 6 people who are willing to walk with less one ability,

■ Lighthouse to Lighthouse MTB: Cyclists will be riding from the Danger Point Lighthouse to the Agulhas Lighthouse and back again over two days, with an overnight stop at L’Agulhas Caravan Park. The Gansbaai Lions raise funds by hosting this annual event which follows the historical route used by wagons carrying paraffin for the lighthouses a hundred years ago. Registration at Danger Point Lighthouse from 16:00 until late on the Friday and from 06:00 – 07:00 on the Saturday.

The total distance is 200 km. Departure on Sat & Sun at 07:00. Entries limited to 250 riders. One day entries: R700 and two day entries: R900. Online entries on www.roag.co.za close on 3 Feb. For enquiries contact Boates van Staden on 072 789 3627 or visit www.gansbaailions.com

■ OAK Concert: Mezzo-soprano Jolene McCleland, accompanied on piano by Ilse Schumann, will perform songs of Schubert, Van Wyk, Obradors, Bernstein, Lloyd Webber, Marais, Stoltz, Lehar and Rossini. At the Municipal Auditorium at 15:30.

Tickets are R130 pp (R60 for students). Book with Bellini Gallery on 028 312 4988. For enquiries ring Secretary René du Plooy on 082 940 4238.

■ U3A: In the fourth part of the series on diamonds, Dr Petre Prins will talk about Diamonds in the Jewellery Manufacturing Business. At the Catholic Church hall, at 10:00.

Monday 13 February ■ U3A Overberg: The first part of the Literary Anniversaries series on Jane Austen to commemorate the 200th anniversary of her death, entitled Celebrating Jane Austen – a beloved author and a national hero. The series is structured around two superb DVDs of the two novels that were published posthumously in 1817

■ Outdoor Summer Movie Nights: Enjoy Grease at Beloftebos near Stanford under the tall Oak trees and starry skies. Perfect for some quality movie time with friends and family, or a romantic movie date. The movie starts at 20:10. Book online: www.milkywayproductions.co.za/beloftebos and get your tickets at Early Bird prices – R65 per adult (14 years +) and R45 for children (0 – 13 years).

NEWS NEWS

GOOD

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31 January 2017

Have your say about OM’s draft annual report

T

he Overstrand Municipality’s draft annual report for the 2015/16 financial year was tabled at the first Council meeting of 2017 on 23 January and is now open for comment by the public.

demand management report.

In terms of infrastructure, a total of 220 Breaking New Ground (BNG) housing units were built, completed and handed over and 132 sites were serviced.

The annual report reflects the Municipality’s performance between 1 July 2015 and 30 June 2016 and aims to promote accountability to the local community for decisions taken throughout the year.

In addition, the Municipality provided electricity to 823 informal households. With regards to its reseal/rehabilitation programme, the Overstrand Municipality exceeded its target of 100 000m² and resealed 171 881m² of roads in the year.

Executive Mayor Rudolph Smith was proud to report that Overstrand ranks seventh amongst SA’s top-ten municipalities according to the Government Performance Index and that the Municipality received a clean audit status for the fourth consecutive year.

“My sincere appreciation and congratulations to all, especially the Municipal Manager and all officials with our clean audit,” he said.

Highlights During this time, Overstrand Municipality became the second municipality in the country to establish an additional court, achieved a ‘Blue Drop’ water score of 90,79% that puts it in 3rd position in the Western Cape and scored 100% in the ‘No Drop’ water conservation and

The Mt Pleasant Public Library was recognised as the Western Cape Government’s Best Library in terms of its children services while the Overstrand’s Fire Department received an award for service excellence for weight and speed of response as well as community awareness programmes.

Cape Whale Coast received an Award of Excellence for ‘Best Local Destination 2015' while Gansbaai received an award from The Fair Trade Tourism Organisation as the ‘Best Destination for Responsible Tourism’.

In the Western Cape Provincial Greenest Municipality Competition 2015, the Overstrand Municipality received awards in the

following categories: Waste Management (winner for three years in a row) and Biodiversity and Coastal Management.

together with the impact of tough economic times. The ability of our consumers to pay for services remains a concern.”

Financial health dependent on sound management Municipal Manager Coenie Groenewald reported that the Municipality spent 92% of its capital budget.

Overall, the Municipality met 359 (87%) of a total number of 413 key performance indicators (KPIs) for the period 1 July 2015 – 30 June 2016.

A total of 44 (10,7%) of KPIs were almost met and 10 (2,4%) of the indicators were not met.

Challenges Going forward, some of the main challenges identified were: ■ The ongoing difficulties in the national and local economy and the subsequent risk of an increase in outstanding debtors; ■ Ever aging water, roads, sewage and electricity infrastructure; ■ Above-inflation increases in salaries and wages and other core expenditure such as bulk electricity purchases, chemicals and fuel vs inflation-related tariff increases.

“A clean audit outcome should demonstrate to our ratepayers and residents our endeavours in terms of good management, control and also compliance with audit requirements. However, a clean audit does not imply financial wealth,” said Coenie.

“While the financial health position of the Municipality has improved and can even be assessed as good, sound financial management will remain, as in the past, a priority in the future, as we foresee pressure on our financial resources due to escalating service delivery needs from our community,

The public is encouraged to comment on the draft report.

Comments received during this process will be considered when the new Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and budget is drafted in future years.

The Annual Report will be available for perusal during office hours at the offices of the Area Managers in Gansbaai, Stanford, Hermanus and Kleinmond, in all the public libraries in the Overstrand, the head

LED strategy to be redrafted The Overstrand Municipality’s 15-year Local Economic Development (LED) strategy has come to its end and will be redrafted in line with the new incoming Council and the new IDP. Overstrand experienced an increase in labour demand in the categories of highly skilled, skilled and informal employment; the semi-skilled and unskilled sector on the other hand registered a decrease in demand.

The Overstrand demonstrated a strong economic growth with diverse economic activities and accounts for about 33% of the employment rate in the region. Boosted by a relatively larger and rapidly expanding commercial services sector, where tourism activities also feature strongly, Overstrand has been able to post strong real GDPR growth, averaging 5.4% per annum from 2005-2013.

Finance, insurance, real estate and business services sector is the largest and fastest growing sector in the Municipality and due to its broadness it contributed to growth during the economic recovery.

Tourism continues to be the key economic driver within the Overstrand. The Municipality has identified three niche markets in its marketing strategy namely: Cycling, Food & Wine, and Culture & Heritage.

Some of the challenges with regard to the implementation of the LED strategy have been identified as: high levels of unemployment and poverty; seasonality; low skill base, brain drain and inequality; widening gap between rich and poor; the changing nature of how tourists travel; and lack of transformation in tourism business ownership / opportunities.

office of the municipality in Hermanus and on the Mnicipality’s website at

www.overstrand.gov.za; go to popular links and click on Annual Reports.

Village

EXPLORER EXPLORER The

FOOD • WINE • ART

Wine valley shows off its Pinot Noir Hedda Mittner

B

ona Dea Private Estate again provided the spectacular setting for the fourth Pinot Noir Celebration presented by the Hemel-enAarde Winegrowers Association from 27 – 28 January. This year’s event showcased Pinot Noir wines from 11 Hemel-en-Aarde wineries as well as a selection of Kiwi Pinots that were presented by the guest speaker, James Dicey from Ontago, New Zealand.

The formal tasting on Friday was hosted by wine impresario Michael Fridjhon and presented in flights per appellation.

What started as a sunny morning soon turned overcast as the heavens opened, prompting Michael to comment that “last year Hemel-en-Aarde was anything but ‘cool climate’, but today it is certainly living up to its reputation”.

He also jokingly referred to Pinot Noir winegrowers as “masochists” who are trying to beat the odds with this notoriously fickle varietal known as “the heartbreak grape”. Forty years ago, he said, this event would have seemed rather unlikely as there was very little Pinot Noir planted outside of Burgundy, France. That picture has changed considerably, with Hemel-en-Aarde an early player in the Pinot Noir Renaissance which now sees “fine and monumental” wines being produced in many parts of the New World.

Pinot Noir is known as a site-specific wine and this celebration provides the opportunity to explore the different styles of Pinot from the three Hemel-enAarde appellations. The interesting question was whether it is site-specific factors or the winemaker’s intent that finds expression in the unique wine style of each winery. Hamilton Russell Vineyards and Bouchard Finlayson were

used as an example – the two estates are right next door to each other and yet they produce completely different styles of Pinot Noir.

Lively discussion during the tutored tasting was followed by a discourse from James Dicey and a tasting of five wines from Ontago, a culinary break where guests could mingle and chat to the winemakers, and a silent auction in aid of the Ella Gordon Creche, Hemel-enAarde Valley Pre-School and Black Birds Sports and Community Centre. Dinner consisted of a Harvest Table prepared by famed chef Bertus Basson.

The celebration continued on Saturday with different wine experiences offered by the individual wineries. Guests were able to select two events which entailed a visit to the wineries of their choice for a personalised wine experience. Among the options were an intriguing tasting of a series of European Pinot Noirs alongside Creation Pinot Noirs, followed by a scrumptious brunch pairing; a select tasting of international and national Pinot Noirs whilst enjoying an interactive musical quiz at Bouchard Finlayson, followed by lunch in the cellar; and a tasting at La Vierge where winemaker Gerhard Smith, who spent 8 years in New Zealand, presented the Kiwi wines that inspired him. Anthony and Olive Hamilton Russell hosted a lamb spit braai and vertical tasting of 11 vintages of Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot Noir.

With guests coming from all over the world to enjoy this celebration, the reputation of our Hemel-en-Aarde wines is spreading ever wider and drawing more wine enthusiasts to our region. As Peter Clarke, chair of the Hemel-enAarde Winegrowers’ Association said: “Our thanks goes to the winemakers, because without them we would have no wine – let alone the exceptional quality wines that we are so proud of.”

Winemakers Craig Wessels (Restless River), JC Martin (Creation), Reino Thiart (Whalehaven) and Walter Pretorius (Sumaridge).

La Vierge winemaker Gerhard Smith (right) with James Dicey.

Pinot enthusiasts Hannes Storm (Storm Wines) and Emul Ross (Hamilton Russell Vineyards).

Olive and Anthony Hamilton Russell of Hamilton Russell Vineyards with Holly Bellingham-Turner of Sumaridge.

Carolyn Martin of Creation Wines with the organiser of the Pinot Noir Celebration, Dieter Odendaal and Talita Engelbrecht of Hamilton Russell Vineyards.

Winemaker Gordon Newton Johnson of Newton Johnson Vineyards with Megan Parnell of Domaine des Dieux.

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Village Explorer

31 January 2017

Voyage to the East

W

hen your visitors have had their fill of whales, wine and art in Hermanus, they (and you) might venture eastwards in the direction of L’Agulhas, the southernmost tip of the African continent. On the way, the first stop has to be Stanford. Thirty minutes from Hermanus, this historic village is watched over by the local Conservation Trust and boasts a number of interesting art spots.

Call in at the tourism office in the main street, named for Queen Victoria and bordered with verandahed houses and shops. They will give you a list of shops of interest and a map of the local food, wine and activity route.

Dante Ruben’s gallery is the first one you will see. Ruben Art has in the past couple of years established itself as a showcase for Dante’s works and a variety of modern and contemporary South African art. The inter-leading rooms are filled with as good a selection as you could hope to find in a country gallery.

Among other artists whose studios are open by appointment are Sara Abbott and Sanette Upton. Both are longtime practitioners of art, they have paid their dues and now made their homes in Stanford.

If you are there on a Friday or Saturday, even a Sunday morning, you should find the Stanford Trading Store open.

This is not an art gallery but an intriguing magpie’s nest of antiques and collectables which owner Cobus van Niekerk has assembled with love to make an irresistible

Art

By Patrick Chapman display. It helps to be slim as you manoeuvre between bygones and deco-rative objects, chic wrought-iron furniture and china.

Down Queen Victoria Street is Through the Looking Glass Gallery, an airy showcase of local art curated by artist owner Linda Castle. She also has some intriguing works by sculptor Jan Vingerhoets and other artists of Baardskeerdersbos, a village on the Elim road where all manner of arty people live.

Just outside Stanford on the Hermanus road are the handpainted signs to Stanford Harvest, a rustic restaurant and gallery exhibiting, with others, the work of artist Vivienne McOnie who is also in command of the kitchen. A helpful lad showed me around and introduced me to a friendly golden Labrador and to their equally golden mead – home-made honey wine in an elegant bottle.

Their Sunday buffet lunches are special, he tells me.

Next stop after Stanford could be Baardskeerdersbos. B’Bos, as it is known to the residents, hosts an Art Route twice a year – the next ones are on 25/26 March and 23/24 September – and a visit then would be especially rewarding. Take in the studios of Niel Jonker (sculptor, painter and bread maker), Joshua Miles (master of the reduction woodblock print), Jan Vingerhoets (mentioned earlier) and at least half a dozen more creative people of talent who open up their homes and studios to interact with the artloving public. It’s easy to fall in love with a piece in the buzzing vibe of the creative village when you have downed a glass or two and nibbled a savoury in the artist’s home.

Napier and Bredasdorp are two more possible stops where you can seek out the art – both have something to offer, whether it’s fine art, well-designed furniture made from oak wine casks (The Joshua Tree) or colourful handpainted candles and ceramics (Kapula).

And if you have explored the Overberg, may I remind you that the Cape Town Art Fair is on from 17 – 19 February (11:00 to19:00 daily) at the Cape Town International Conference Centre. This is an international event, be prepared to pay your R140 (a bit cheaper before 14 Feb) or R100 for pensioners.

Check out the website www.capetownartfair.co.za and pre-book with Computicket.

Stroll through the many stalls aiming to show “work that represents the forefront of contemporary art from Africa to the world and the world to Cape Town.

31 January 2017

Village Explorer

A jewel joins the Hermanus Artwalk Hedda Mittner

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he latest addition to the Hermanus First Fridays (HFF) Artwalk is Geta Finlayson Studio, which joins the Kunskantoor and Abalone Art Gallery in The Courtyard off Harbour Road. As effortlessly stylish as her bespoke jewellery, Geta adds her own touch of class to the diverse offering of HFF. Geta was born and bred in the Free State, but has been living in Hermanus for 37 years with her winemaker husband Peter Finlayson. The couple met at Stellenbosch University, where Geta was studying art, majoring in jewellery design. After graduating in 1974, they spent a year in Düsseldorf, where Geta continued her postgraduate studies in jewellery design.

Back home, the Finlaysons settled in the Winelands where Peter spent three years as winemaker at Boschendal before joining pioneer wine producer, Tim Hamilton Russell, in establishing the first winery in the Hemel-enAarde Valley. While raising their two boys, Andrew and Peter-Allen, Geta pursued her art, working from her home studio and holding regular exhibitions both locally and overseas.

Travelling is one of her greatest pleasures, says Geta, and she often attends jewellery fairs in the East to source unusual stones. “I love working with gemstones and pearls, and incorporating them with handmade silver and gold links and settings. My designs are very personal and each individual piece is as unique as the person who will be wearing it – the design has to suit the individual’s character and compliment physical aspects such as skin tone, and hair and eye colour. It also has to have contrasts of colour and texture.”

Geta says the challenge of jewellery design is that each item has to be able to stand alone as an artwork while also being wearable. Her inspiration comes from the environment in which she finds herself – the colours, smells and natural objects. Having lived so closed to the sea for most of her adult life, Geta is drawn to the

colours of the ocean and often uses pieces of iridescent abalone in her jewellery, bringing a local flavour to her creations.

Harbour Road is familiar territory for Geta – shortly after moving to Hermanus in 1980 she opened a small studio next to Hemingways Bookshop. “I still remember that the rent was R200 a month,” she laughs. Years later, when Peter had left Hamilton Russell Vineyards and established himself at Bouchard Finlayson, Geta opened the Harbour Gold Gallery next to Auberge Burgundy, which she sold five years ago to African Jewels.

“It’s lovely to be back in Harbour Road,” she says. Now ensconced in her new studio in The Courtyard, Geta is also looking forward to pursuing her renew interest in painting. “When I was still in school I used to paint all the time,” she says, “and a few years ago I decided to take up my brushes again. I enrolled for art classes with Pieter Vermaak and found that I really enjoyed it.”

Geta works in oils and makes predominant use of greens and blues. Once again, the influence of the ocean is evident in her art. “Our whole family loves the sea,” she says. “I swim almost every day, Peter dives and our sons surf.” Other influences come from Geta’s interest in philosophy and psychology, which is reflected in her haunting portraits.

“I’m fascinated by people and the inner workings of the psyche,” she says. “Painting to me is like a form of meditation – I work intuitively and somehow it just ‘happens’. Other times, when I’m not in the right mood, I have to go back and redo my work – I think it’s important to never stop practicing and learning.”

This exceptional artist will be celebrating her 42nd wedding anniversary with Peter this year.

Neither of them shows any sign of winding down their careers – Peter is one of the most highly respected winemakers in the country and I have the feeling that Geta will continue to ply her trade and explore her artistic talent for many years to come. “My imagination is too big for my boots,” she laughs.

Get lucky this First Friday Every month, one of the participating HFF galleries donates an artwork which Artwalkers stand a chance to win in a lucky draw. This month it is the turn of Reinet de Jager (right) of Canvas Life, and she has gone a step further by donating not one but three paintings as well as seven smaller surprises.

Artwalkers who visit her gallery during HFF on Friday 3 February can enter the lucky draw by purchasing a ‘lucky packet’ for R20. Each one will contain a hand-made badge in celebration of the Month of Love – and you might just find one of the 10 special heart-shaped badges that will earn you a new artwork. You’ll find Canvas of Life in High Street just behind Wine & Co. next to the parking area.

Geta Finlayson (right) with Sarah Oktober, who has worked with Geta for 27 years.

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Village Explorer

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31 January 2017

Fresh new faces at Hermanus eateries

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ocal restaurants had their work cut out for them over the holiday period, when the influx of visitors ensured a constant stream of hungry and thirsty customers.

The feedback was generally good regarding the quality of the food, but as usual there were some complaints about the quality of service, with customers often having to wait longer than usual to be seated, to have their orders taken and eventually be served.

One of our restaurants that felt the pressure is The Daily Bread in Voëlklip, where new owners Ernst and Kimberley du Toit took over at the beginning of December. “We were insanely busy but fortunately our manager Bonnie Barnard and her team did a fabulous job,” says Ernst.

Originally from Cape Town, Ernst matriculated from Paarl Gymnasium and studied hospitality management at the IHT Hotel School. He worked at various hotels and restaurants before leaving South Africa with his girlfriend Kimberley, who later became his wife, to join his in-laws’ farming business in Nigeria. “We had five wonderful years running a poultry farm in a rural area,” says Ernst. But with their two-year-old son Daniel growing up, they had to start thinking about his schooling and decided to return to South Africa.

Prior to his stint in Nigeria, Ernst had lived in Hermanus for two years while working at the Wine Village, and in October last year the family spent their annual leave here while looking around for a new business.

When they heard that The Daily Bread was for sale, they investigated and liked what they saw.

Two months later the Du Toits were back as the new owners, having taken over most of the staff. They were joined by manager Bonnie Barnard, who grew up in Stellenbosch but had spent the last five years in the hospitality and wine industry in Johannesburg. “I really missed the Cape and I’m very happy to be back,” she says.

As the mom of three young children, Bonnie says she enjoys the village feel of Hermanus and the fact that the region is so rich in food, wine and art.

Wine is also one of Ernst’s interests – his dad is a retired winemaker who worked at cellars all over the Western Cape, from Stellenbosch to the Swartland and Breedekloof. The Daily Bread also incorporates a wine boutique and a deli, and Ernst looks forward to offering more wine tastings and events with live music, and expanding their bakery’s offering of freshly baked artisanal breads and pastries.

“December was so busy and it’s only now that I have time to

between Lembu Art Gallery and Hemingways Bookshop. New owners Luca Visser and her brother-in-law Jaco Vosloo took over on 2 January and already customers are commenting on the “new energy” they have brought to this quirky eatery.

What’s cooking

Luca, who is also the mom of a two-year-old daughter, Kira, is a fashion designer by trade who swopped the wedding industry for the restaurant industry.

Having grown up on a farm near Springbok, Luca attended Stellenbosch High School as a boarder and later worked in several wineries and restaurants, including as manager at the popular 5 Ryneveld in Stellenbosch.

Restaurant News

By Hedda Mittner plan the way forward. Our customers have given us valuable input over the season and we’ll be implementing some changes over the next few weeks. We’ll continue offering a variety of breakfasts, and a few interesting dishes will be added to the lunch menu. We’ve also introduced snack platters and new cocktails.”

FOOD AND WINE New owners of The Daily Bread, Kimberley and Ernst du Toit, with manager Bonnie Barnard, are looking forward to hosting more wine events at the restaurant.

Ernst, who clearly enjoys being back in Hermanus, says they’ll also be giving the premises a bit of a facelift. “It’s all very exciting and we plan to have everything in place before Easter.”

Find The Daily Bread at 121 10th Street, Voëlklip. Open 7 days a week for breakfast, coffee and light meals, as well as deli and wine sales.

Tel: 028 314 1637

SOUL SISTERS The Eatery’s Julia Baillie will hand over her ‘baby’ to Madré Malan on 1 February. The two women share the same food philosophy and it promises to be a seamless transition.

Another establishment that is changing hands is the everpopular Eatery in Long Street Arcade. New owner Madré Malan, who will take over on 1 February, hardly needs introduction – she had a loyal following at Madré’s Kitchen on the Sir Robert Stanford Estate for many years, before moving on to the Manor House Restaurant on Stanford Valley Guest Farm. As the mother of eighteen-monthold Cara, Madré says she is looking forward to working in town, which is closer to home, and having the evenings and Sundays off.

Passing the baton to Madré is Julia Baillie, who has nurtured her business over the last three years and says she is happy to hand over her ‘baby’ to someone as caring as Madré. The Eatery is a perfect fit for Madré and it seems the transition will be a seamless affair – Julia says “she can only make it better!” Loyal customers have no need to feel anxious as everything will stay the same, both in the restaurant and the deli, so all their old favourites will still be there.

Madré confirms that she is keeping the menus the same, while the daily blackboard

YOUTHFUL CHARM There is a new energy at Old Harbour Café since the arrival of new owner Luca Visser. The name of this establishment is due to change soon to Café 4 Twenty. specials will feature some new dishes. She will also be introducing a kiddies’ menu and will continue to cater for functions, big and small.

belonging here and there is good synergy among the staff members – I’m looking forward to working with them.”

venture will be. “I’ll be taking a bit of a break first, and regardless of what comes next, I’ll be a regular guest at the Eatery!”

“I enjoy wholesome, unpretentious cuisine,” she says. “My cooking is always inspired by fresh seasonal produce and I keep my ‘food miles’ low by using local suppliers. The Eatery is a beautiful, honest product.

Locals have a sense of

Madré and Julia clearly share the same philosophy. “This business is all about relationships. It has been a pleasure getting to know all our regular local customers, and our staff members feel like family,” says Julia. She has no idea yet what her next

Shop 3, Victoria Square, Long Street, Hermanus. Open Mon Sat for coffee, cakes, breakfast and lunch. Tel: 028 313 2970.

Old Harbour Café enjoys a great location on bustling Harbour Road, fitting snugly in an old fisherman’s cottage

Three years ago Luca moved with her husband Konrad to her parents’ farm near Tesselaarsdal, where they grow micro greens that are supplied to farm stalls and restaurants all over the Western Cape. “That’s how I met Sanmarie Swanepoel years ago at the Hermanuspietersfontein market – and here I am today in the very restaurant she started as Oskars Deli,” says Luca.

“I simply love the restaurant business. I was thinking of opening an eatery on the farm before deciding that it would be better to have an establishment in town. I came to have a look at the Old Harbour Café on 5 December – and a month later it was mine. Jaco is a co-owner but he’s only here over weekends as he works in Cape Town as a quantity surveyor.”

Luca says for the first few weeks they were “terribly busy” but she is enjoying the challenge and has received a lot of support from her Harbour Road neighbours. “It’s such a privilege being here in these lovely premises and everyone has been so friendly and welcoming.”

Although her business is close to the tourism centre of town, Luca says she wants to first and foremost cater for the locals.

“I don’t want to offer the same as everyone else and compete with the restaurants around me.

This place will always be familyfriendly with a relaxed, laidback vibe. We’ll continue to offer great coffee, healthy breakfasts, fresh breads and cakes. There will be some new lunch dishes added to the menu and I’d also like to introduce Sunday roasts and invite musicians to play in the courtyard.”

The name of Old Harbour Café will soon be changed to Café 4 Twenty, with their new logo depicting a plate with knife and fork resting in the position that indicates you have finished your meal. If your plate were a clock, the knife and fork would be at 4:20, Luca explains.

Now how clever is that?

8 Harbour Road, Hermanus.

Open 7 days a week.

Tel: 028 313 0629.

31 January 2017

Village Explorer

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Village Explorer

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31 January 2017

Fabulous five for FynArts

H

ermanus FynArts is about to reach a new milestone – year 5!

This festival was initiated to celebrate the diversity and depth of South African arts, set against the spectacular backdrop of Hermanus.

Thanks to the generosity of both artists and festival goers, it has not only survived, but has grown onward and up, well beyond expectations.

FynArts 2017 will again showcase a bumper programme which will include the full series of events that audiences have come to expect, as well as a number of exciting new events that are in the final planning stages.

There will be a long line-up of exhibitions, performances, talks, workshops, demonstrations, films as well as food and wine events. And trails and tours and ambles. In celebration of Youth Day on 16 June there will also be a programme for children with many special events. Do remember that the second festival weekend is once again a long one.

FynArts opening and closing weekends will be packed with exhibitions, entertainment and winter school events

(talks, workshops, demos and more).This year the ‘big’ concerts range from the music of Mozart to Miriam Makeba, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone and Dolly Rathebe; from Broadway to Big Band. Each performance will be a highlight. The concerts on the opening weekend will be conducted and presented by the inimitable Richard Cock, an invaluable supporter of FynArts.

Following on the success of last year’s opening concert, the festival will open this year on Friday 9 June with an allMozart concert. The not-tobe-missed programme will include, amongst others, the famous Concerto for Flute and Harp with soloists Gaylen Rose Sales (harp) and Bridget Rennie Salonen (flute).

On Saturday night, the fabulous singers, Zolana Mahola and Adelia Douw, from Freshly Ground and the Delft Big Band respectively, will captivate audiences in an evening to remember.

On Sunday, Palesa Malieloa, a recent prizewinner of the 2016 ATKV Muziq Awards and George Stevens, Acting Director of UCT Opera School,

will join a massed choir for this celebration of some of the greatest musicals of all time, ranging from Oklahoma to Mamma Mia, with Lloyd Weber highlights and many more.

The closing concert on Sunday 18 June combines vibrant, youthful energy from Delft with seasoned experience. The legendary trumpeter/singer/music educator, Ian Smith, is already well known to FynArts audiences for bringing the Delft Big Band to the festival.

He will return with the Ian Smith Big Band, an all-star 18-piece band made up of top professional studio and recording musicians, combined with the best players from the Delft Big Band. Adelia Douw will feature as soloist.

Tickets for all events will be on sale from early in March at the FynArts Office and the Hermanus Tourism Bureau in the Station Building in Mitchell Street and online, via Webtickets.

Vouchers for the ‘big’ opening weekend and closing concerts are now on sale at the above venues.

9 - 18 June 2017

Village Explorer

31 January 2017

T

Tutu shares the joy with rare appearance

here was great excitement at the Gateway Centre on 19 January, when a long queue started forming outside Bargain Books.

Hundreds of local residents were seen clutching their copies of Desmond Tutu’s The Book of Joy, which the Archbishop himself had agreed to sign for them between 17:00 and 18:00.

“It was indeed a joyful event,” says Ronel Tutt, the manager of Bargain Books Hermanus.

“People were visibly moved to meet this South African icon.”

Ronel says this remarkable event was the result of a chance meeting in the shop with Tutu’s son Trevor, who put her in

touch with the Desmond and Leah Legacy Trust.

was greatly appreciated by the public.”

Much to her surprise, they informed her that Tutu had agreed to a book signing because “he now considers himself a part of the community”. Tutu and his wife Leah retired to Hermanus late last year and live in Kidbrooke Place in Onrus.

The Book of Joy, which featured on Oprah’s Favourite Things list for 2016 and was an instant New York Times bestseller, is based on the conversations Tutu had with His Holiness the Dalai Lama during a week-long visit to his home in India.

“Tutu signed countless copies but by 18:15 there were still more than 30 people in the queue,” says Ronel.

The book has been among the Top 10 books sold in South Africa since October last year and currently lies at no. 6.

Ronel says their copies are literally flying off the shelves and there is a long waiting list of customers eagerly awaiting their copies.

“Although he had only agreed to the hour-long book signing, he then instructed his PA to inform the people that he would return the next day. It was a very touching gesture which

– Hedda Mittner

The queue in front of Bargain Books stretched for over 100 m when people arrived to have their copies of The Book of Joy signed by Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Onrus residents Alan and Elfriede Ainslie (right) said it was a privilege to meet Tutu.

“It was a very special moment,” said Elfriede.

“He has such a warm sense of humour.”

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Village Explorer

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31 January 2017

Holiday rentals explained Ensure your business is on the right track

H

oliday rental in Hermanus is a sought-after product due to the variety of accommodation options our town offers and the activities in and around Hermanus that attract different kinds of holiday people to our region.

Hermanus is especially busy over the December / January festive season, Easter and also during the Kalfiefees and Whale Festival. The norm over the December / January festive season varies from 7 to 10 nights and if you are lucky and the price is right, 14 to 21 nights.

The prices are dictated by a specific season and the type of home you are looking for. The standard holiday home can price from R1 600 up to R4 500 per night and for some very luxurious homes the prices can be above R6 000 per night.

In many instances owners prefer the high-season/short-term holiday rental versus a 6-month short-term or 12 to 24 month long-term rental period purely because of the good income they receive. This also means that the house is only occupied for short periods throughout the year, placing them in the position to use their own homes from time to time. As agents we work with our client’s investment and the main objective is to make money for them on this investment.

In a region filled with small to medium sized businesses, many of whom are locally owned and operated, it is important for owners to stay up to date with employee policies and procedures.

“With business owners focusing on the core of their businesses, it is easy to forget about staff matters such as policies, contracts and procedures,” says business consultant Arina Fyfer.

There is unfortunately no guarantee that any home will be fully booked throughout the year, therefore we use different angles to promote and advertise the homes in our portfolio.

In some instances, owners also list their homes with Bookings.com and Airbnb to ensure increased exposure and secure a higher return on their investment. The house needs to earn its keep.

There are some negatives – these disadvantages are relatively small, but they could add up to a significant cost. Some tenants may cause more property wear than others. The risks include, renters breaking appliances, not using the security system and leaving the house unarmed which can lead to break-ins, over-populating the house without any notice, not adhering to

the house rules and leaving outside taps running.

There’s also the risk of not having a tenant at all, which means that you’ll have periods where the property generates no rental income.

Regardless of whether you have people in the house or not, you’ll still be facing the cost of property taxes, the cost of insurance on the property and the cost of any homeowners association fees associated with the property. Those bills will be payable regardless of whether there is a tenant in the property or not.

Short-term / holiday rental in Hermanus is a lucrative business if it’s well managed and looked after by a trustworthy agent.

– Jacqui Jackson Whale Rentals Hermanus

According to her it is important for business owners and managers to know the importance of policies and procedures, especially when problems arise.

“A set of policies are principles, rules, and guidelines formulated or adopted by a business to reach its long-term goals. Typically, it outlines what the company expects as far as dress code, behaviours, time off and holidays are concerned,” says Arina.

Induction is a good way of making policies known to new employees and volunteers, but they also need to be systematically reinforced. “Reinforce policies through training sessions/group discussions, with reminders that all employees are expected and required to adhere to policies and procedures.

“It is a good tool to have on hand to reference when questions arise about what the company allows and does not allow. Policies should be clear, simple statements of how your organisation intends to conduct its services, actions or business. They help employees know what is expected of them with respect to standards of behaviour and performance,” she says.

Policies don't need to be long or complicated – a couple of sentences may be all you need for each. An organisation should have the policies in place to explain how they will deal with issues when they arise and to show that they operate in a fair and consistent way towards all employees.

“Procedures might just be a few bullet points or instructions. Sometimes they work well as forms, checklists, instructions or flowcharts. It might be as simple as how to answer the phone or how to store the forklift. Procedures should be so good that basically anyone can walk in and know exactly what to do. This is to help you if someone suddenly can’t come to work, then there is a manual of what to do.”

As a consultant to local businesses Arina is available to assist companies with their human resources, labour and general administration needs.

Call Arina on 082 745 6779.

GOOD

19 NEWS NEWS Cliff Path Management Group – celebrating 15 years 31 January 2017

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he Cliff Path, one of Hermanus’s most important assets and unique attractions, is celebrating 15 years of coastal walking pleasure.

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The walk along the wellmaintained, 12 km-long Cliff Path stretches from the New Harbour along the coastline to Grotto Beach.

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A year-long celebration kicked off on Tuesday 24 January at the Fernkloof Nature Reserve hall. Cliff Path Management Group (CPMG) chairperson David Beattie and his management team received vast acknowledgement and gratitude from those who attended the ceremony marking 15 years of rebuilding the Cliff Path.

The CPMG has spent over R3,1 million on the maintenance and upgrade of the Cliff Path, thanks to a valued public/private partnership with Overstrand Municipality (OM). Private contributions made up 62% of the total amount while the Municipality contributed 36% of the funds for the Cliff Path programme. Interest on the bank account amounted to 2%.

Municipal Manager Coenie Groenewald thanked the CPMG for their hard work in fulfilling their role as the custodians of

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WILD LIFE Reader Tania Fourie spotted this Genet while enjoying the view from one of the benches along the Cliff Path at the amphitheatre in town. According to the CPMG’s website, some coastal mammals that occur along the Cliff Path are the Cape Clawless Otter (early morning), Caracal (very rare), Chacma Baboon, Grysbok (primarily nocturnal), large and small Spotted Genet (nocturnal), Porcupine (nocturnal), Rock Dassie, Small Grey Mongoose and Striped Mouse. this coastal feature.

The CPMG is mandated in terms of a co-management agreement with the OM to advise on and manage the upgrading and maintenance of the Cliff Path.

What the CPMG has accomplished over 15 years: • 11 997 m (12 km) of Cliff Path have been rebuilt, mostly in exposed aggregate concrete, and widened from 60 cm to 1,2 m;

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Areas that are wheelchair/pushchairfriendly: New harbour to Protea Road; Mollergren to Kwaaiwater; Voëlklip to Grotto; and Hoy’s Koppie contour paths – over 9 km in all;

Coastal vegetation is now largely alien free; Five boardwalk bridges were constructed to enable wheelchair usage and increase safety; Piet-se-Bos paths were upgraded and four sections of boardwalk and signage added; 25 information signs were made environmentally compatible; 800 x The Cliff Path Experience DVDs sold; 30 000 Cliff Path information brochures have been distributed; CPMG website was established (www.hermanuscliffpath.co.za); Hermanus Biodiversity Walk was established as an added feature of Hermanus. This selfguided, educational Biodiversity Walk meanders along the beautiful but previously degraded, litter and alien vegetation infested coastline between Hermanuspietersfontein and Gearing’s Point in front of the Windsor Hotel.

The Walk, consisting of a series of 20 signs that provide information on various aspects of natural biodiversity, five stoneclad seating nodes and upgraded pathways, was

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completed in May 2015.

The Champagne Mile Voice Map was created.

The CPMG initiated and worked with the Hermanus History Society in developing a selfguided VoiceMap walk along what is known as the “Champagne Mile” section of our coastline between the Old Harbour and Hermanuspietersfontein, including Swallow Park.

VoiceMap enables visitors to learn about points of interest and the history and geology of the area simply by downloading an app on their smart phone and following instructions along the route.

The Hermanus Cliff Path has been acclaimed in numerous local and international newspapers, magazines, travel brochures as well as on radio and television and has been recognised through its committee members with a number of environmental awards; Co-Management agreement between OM and CPMG was concluded in 2016.

If you'd like to offer your support, contact CPMG chairperson David Beattie on 028 312 1358 or davidbeattie@telkomsa.net

NEWS NEWS

GOOD

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31 January 2017

Medical Village readies itself for patients

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ermanus Medical Village, the longawaited new multidisciplinary, state-of-the art medical centre situated in De Goede Street in Westcliff, will be opening its doors for business this week.

Developed by the Annenberg Property Group, the medical facility will cater for communities in the greater Overberg area including Hermanus, Onrus, Caledon, Barrydale and Swellendam through to Heidelberg and Bredasdorp.

Equipped with modern and superior facilities, and situated in close proximity to the provincial hospital and Mediclinic, Hermanus Medical Village will focus on providing specialised, high quality and affordable medical care in a safe and welcoming environment.

Four distinctive medical centres will be housed under one roof at the Hermanus Medical Village: the threetheatre, 22-bed Hermanus Day Hospital; Hermanus Oncology Centre; the 20-bed sub-acute Spescare Hermanus; and the frail care facility, Hermanus Elderly Care Place (frail care facility).

“Hermanus Medical Village brings a comprehensive range of cutting edge medical facilities to this rapidly expanding node,” said MD of Annenberg Property Group, Dudley Annenberg, at the opening celebration in December.

Thanking the project’s architect, engineer, and building contractor, he added: “The building itself makes a statement and is not just another boring medical facility; instead we have chosen to break with tradition and add colour, funk and spunk.”

The day hospital is intended to be a cost-effective facility were operations that don’t require the patient to stay overnight can be performed.

Such operations include general surgery; orthopaedic; maxillofacial; ear, nose and throat; dental; and plastic surgery, as well as ophthalmology, gynaecology and urology.

“Hermanus has a large population who require medical facilities and many patients have had to travel distances for certain procedures,” said CEO of Hermanus Day Hospital, Brian Evans.

“Our day hospital will be a doctor-driven facility and by inviting all the local doctors to participate in this venture, we will ensure that we acquire the latest technology to enable us to provide medical care of the highest quality.”

The new Hermanus Oncology Centre at Hermanus Medical Village will also play an important role in providing treatment to those in the Overstrand Municipality.

“People residing in these areas would need to travel to Cape

Town or Somerset West for oncology treatment, with the only other oncology facility in the region being even further afield in George on the Garden Route.

“In fact, our research has shown that a third of the patients at Somerset West’s oncology centre are from this region,” said Dr John Duminy, who will be heading the new centre.

According to Annenberg, the Hermanus Medical Village will also include a 20-bed sub-acute facility offering a comprehensive range of specialist rehabilitation services that will be provided by doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, dieticians, social workers and case managers.

All these medical disciplines will occupy an entire wing of the Village while the other wing will be occupied by Hermanus Elderly Care Place, which will offer a frail care facility with 20 private en-suite rooms and 17 double en-suite rooms on a rental basis.

Also at the opening, Deputy Mayor Dudley Coetzee concluded the speeches by saying that the value of the new centre cannot be underestimated.

“Hermanus Medical Village will make an undeniably positive contribution to the local economy by bringing medical expertise to the region and drawing patients to Hermanus from outside of town,” he said.

GOOD

NEWS NEWS

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31 January 2017

Emigrating or travelling with your pets

M

ore than 100 000 South Africans moved to other countries in the last decade, 26% to Australia. Many of them took their pets and many more will do so this year. However, emigrating with pets is not to be taken lightly. There are lengthy legal procedures that must be followed so plan ahead.

My Pet Dr Hilldidge Beer

Legal requirements Up-to-date rabies vaccinations are essential and must be done by an authorised veterinarian.

You will need to carry a pet passport or travel permit containing information about your pet’s health status, vaccination information, and health tests completed.

Microchipping needs to be done prior to any vaccinations/tests for the vaccinations/tests to be valid.

Test requirements vary from country to country but your veterinarian should be able to assist you with these and with creating the required ‘passport or permit’.

The cost of a passport will depend on your veterinarian’s fees, microchipping, tests, and the fees for completing and endorsing the necessary forms.

Many countries also require an Import Permit which they’ll charge for.

The United States has specific requirements for dogs imported from countries where

foot and mouth disease and screwworm occur.

It takes 6-8 months to prepare a pet for export to Australia or New Zealand and both countries have quarantine requirements. Your dog or cat will need to be booked into a registered quarantine facility for a minimum of 10 days.

It currently takes at least four months to prepare a pet for export to the EU. The recent Brexit vote is expected to affect pet travel to the UK as it will no longer be bound by EU

legislation and may strengthen its requirements for pet import.

When it comes to legal issues, your best bet is to check directly with the embassy or consulate of the country to which you are emigrating before you start the process. It can take many months to complete all legal requirements.

Airlines Each airline dictates its own travel policy but all demand

airline compliant pet carriers.

These must have waterproof bottoms, secure fasteners, food and water troughs and ventilation on at least three sides. Your pet must be able to stand up and turn around comfortably in the carrier. All inside edges must be smooth or rounded. EberVet Vetshops can order airline approved crates and carriers for you, depending on the size and needs of your pets. Please ask our trained assistants for help.

Get your pet used to the carrier by putting his/her favourite blanket and food in

it several weeks before departure.

Sedation Sedation, except under certain conditions and carried out under veterinary direction, is usually not recommended as most tranquillising drugs have the effect of lowering blood pressure. This also occurs naturally at high altitudes.

The combination of altitude

and drugs is potentially fatal in old, chronically sick or stressed animals. Calming the animal by darkening the container and putting it in a cool, quiet place when not in the aircraft, will help most pets.

For more useful info on emigrating with pets, go to http://www.iata.org/whatwedo /cargo/live-animals/pets. *Veterinarian Dr Hilldidge Beer is CEO of the EberVet Pet Care Group and of EberVet Vetshops

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A safe haven for our children

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he Lighthouse 2 Lighthouse Ladies Walk raised R222 000 in 2012 for their charity of choice, Child Welfare Hermanus, who set the funds aside for their project to purchase a foster home for neglected and abused children in Mount Pleasant.

The driving force behind this project was Rina Louw, the head of the Hermanus office.

However, Child Welfare faced numerous challenges in procuring a viable, affordable piece of land or a home to purchase within the designated community.

Since 2015, Geraldine Skots, a social worker at the Hermanus office actively searched for a suitable house and Child Welfare finally managed to purchase a two-bedroom home in Freesia Street, Mount Pleasant to serve as a foster home for six children, aged 6 years and older. This foster home is to be called The Lighthouse Foster Home.

The newly appointed house mother, Neziwe Noble, who has worked part-time for Child Welfare at their foster home, Jubilee in Hawston for the last three years, will manage this new home. The plan is to renovate and secure the home to accommodate the five

Judith Petim, L2L Ladies Walk Chairperson and Lesley Clark, L2L Ladies Walk committee member, with Child Welfare Hermanus social worker Geraldine Skots in front of the newly purchased foster home in Mount Pleasant. children already awaiting placement, and to turn it into a welcoming environment for young children who have experienced severe trauma.

bedding, random pieces of furniture, towels and kitchen utensils. Donations of top soil, grass, water-wise plants, a swing or climbing frame, would also make a big difference in these children’s experience of their new home.

The management of this foster home does face ongoing challenges, as Social Welfare will not provide funding for day-to-day running costs of the home, such as electricity, water, monthly groceries or the salary of the house mother.

Should any individual or business wish to support this cause, the social worker managing the home is Zibosiso Dube, who can be contacted on 028 313 0830.

An initiative by Sue Holmes from Hillside Village community over the December holidays did however manage to collect generous donations of

“We are very proud to have made a contribution towards the safekeeping of the children within the Overberg community,” says Janine Boshoff of L2L.

A head start for Grade 1s With the high cost of kitting out a child for Grade 1, the learners and undoubtedly their families, were more than grateful for the donation. The children weare beaming as Nicolette handed over each backpack and strapped it to the learners’ backs.

Former Executive Mayor of the Overstrand, Nicolette BothaGuthrie may no longer be holding office, but she remains on the Council as a Proportional Representative and is still actively involved in community service.

Last week she was at Mount Pleasant Primary to hand out new backpacks filled with stationery to a group of 30 Grade 1 learners. Funds committed to Early Childhood Development in the Overstrand during Nicolette’s term, to which former rugby player Bobby Skinstad also contributed, were used to purchase the backpacks and stationery for the little ones as well as toiletries for the school.

Ald Nicolette Botha-Guthrie with one of the Mt Pleasant Primary Grade 1 learners who received new backpacks and stationery. On the right is Ann Wright of the Sustainable Futures Trust.

Nicolette has taken over the Backpack Project from former Councillor Lianda BeyersCronjé, and was assisted by Ann Wright of the Sustainable Futures Trust. Also in attendance at the handover were OM Speaker Anton Coetsee, Cllr Christine May, MP Dr Michael Cardo, Principal Mattie Hull and Gr 1 teachers Deborah Weir, Helen Steneveld and Edith Appolis.

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Assist the elderly with the luck of the Irish multi-faith,” says Gayle Smith, manager of SOFCA.“ We need to seek funding continually to eliminate the financial losses incurred by caring for 15 or more state subsidised residents who are unable to pay the full cost of their care.

Donations, bequests and memberships form an integral part in helping us to provide our current and future residents with a ‘caring home’ that they so well deserve.”

green wave will invade Hermanus Golf Club on 17 March to turn one of the best courses in the Western Cape into a hype of Irish festivity during this year’s Benevolent Golf Day. The luck of the Irish will be with all the players as they take to the course for this fundraiser on what is known as St Patrick’s Day. The Benevolent Golf Day celebrates its 16th year of raising funds for Huis Lettie Theron, Hermanus Senior Centre, SOFCA, and the Hermanus Hospital. All these institutions are focused on looking after and caring for the elderly in Hermanus and surrounding areas.

Your contribution either as a player, donor or sponsor will help the following four institutions: Huis Lettie Theron Ninety-two residents are accommodated, including 17 Alzheimer sufferers and 88 residents in flats and rooms, as well as 2 emergency rooms.

Currently about 50 residents, with or without support systems, cannot afford the home’s unit cost and have to be subsidised from the home’s funds. The home is therefore dependent on fundraising,

THE HARDWORKING LEPRECHAUNS Annarie Nel, Lizel Kuchar, Ilse Lourens, Ilze PetersCloete, Barbara Palmer, Jennie Vorster, Simon Jansen van Vuuren and Ray Hartmann. donations and bequests to help subsidise these residents on a sustainable basis.

“The Benevolent Golf Day is one of the home’s main fundraising events,” says Simon Janse van Vuuren, Huis Lettie Theron’s manager. “The success of the Benevolent Golf Day is of the utmost importance in helping us face our financial challenges and stay sustainable for years to come.”

Hermanus Hospital The Hermanus Hospital not only looks after their ‘in-house patients’, but also services

areas of the Overstrand where members of the community visit the satellite clinics, town clinics and the CDC for Primary Health Care. They also participate in many outreach projects.

our budget has been reduced and the economy has further put a strain on our resources with the astronomical rise in prices. We thank all who are willing to contribute to the Benevolent Golf Day.”

“It is a great privilege for Hermanus Hospital to be part of this yearly event, which brings in much needed funds to assist us in a variety of needs that Government does not fund,” says Norman Adams: People & Facility Manager, Hermanus Hospital.

SOFCA SOFCA offers their residents a safe, caring home which includes comfortable accommodation, 3 meals a day, laundry service and 24 hours a day professional care.

“For the past couple of years

“Today, we have residents from all areas of South Africa who are of multi-race and

Hermanus Senior Centre By providing home care services, the Hermanus Senior Centre empowers and employs many women. The services rendered are the following: Day and night care, char services, bed washes and personal care, employment of home-carers, Support group for Alzheimer’s and other senile dimensions, health clinics, lunches at the centre, meals on wheels, senior gymnastics, excursions, socialising and assessments by a social worker. These services cover the areas from Fisherhaven to Voëlklip.

The centre has 460 members and receives subsidy for 150 members. The balance of the funds to deliver this much needed service is raised by

fundraising events, donations, membership fees, bequests and the ongoing support of local churches and business.

“Our main aim is to keep the older folk as long as possible in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. Hermanus Senior Centre plays an integral part in the older Hermanus community members’ lives. The fundraising done with the Benevolent Golf Day is essential to our financial health, and such a ‘hupstoot’ to our coffers!” says Ilze Peters-Cloete, fundraiser for the Hermanus Senior Centre.

There are a few options to put money into the coffers of these institutions. You can enter for: • Morning field is R330 per player, including a prize giving lunch or; • Corporate afternoon field – R2 600 per team – including supper, halfway house and entertainment for the evening.

You can also sponsor a hole, give a donation or be so kind as to donate a prize. The cherry (or shamrock in this case) on top is that the rest of Hermanus can also take part in this day by buying a ticket for R100. This puts you in line to win either R10 000, R5 000 or R2 500.

Sláinte!

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CPF helps to keep Stanford safe

As a catalyst of social cohesion, sport has an immense role to play in society and thanks to an amazing forging of wills and a commonly-held goal, the Kleinmond-based Overstrand Titans Softball Club was officially established on 1 December 2016.

Nelly Roodt

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tanford Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson Willem Maclean is a humble man with a sense of purpose. His ambition is to keep Stanford the safe place it has always been – despite a few problems.

“Stanford has always boasted a low crime rate, although there have been spikes in crime here and there. And residents can rest assured that our latest station commander, Captain Winston Coetzee, is leaving no stone unturned in his efforts to change the negative to a positive.”

The CPF executive is right behind Capt Coetzee. They are partners in a valiant battle, promoting co-operation between the community and the local police.

Maclean (53), father of four – the youngest is an adopted son who attends a private school – has been steering the CPF since 2011. His parents could not afford to send him to high school and after finishing primary school he went to work with his father, who was a builder. From then on he toiled hard, physically and mentally, to become a man of standing in the community. Today he is a foreman on a wine farm in the area, has his own part-time fencing business and spends

Softball for Kleinmond

CPF Chairperson Willem Maclean inspecting the SAPS Stanford Community Service Centre.

With him is Sgt Anele Sigwili.

PHOTO: Nellie Roodt

In little over a month, the club has grown its membership base substantially – from an initial seven to close on 50 members at present. In addition, two softball events have also been hosted as part of its launch activities: a Slow-Pitch tournament on 16 December, followed by a Step-up-to-the-Plate function on 7 January.

many hours at the drawing board strategising for a safer Stanford.

On both occasions, Overstrand businesses have stepped up to the plate in remarkable fashion.

When the neighbourhood watch was established in 2008 he joined because he had just bought his first bakkie and could actively take part in duties assigned.

At the 2016 closing meeting of the Stanford CPF, the Stanford Police Station’s crime statistics for the 2014/2015 period ending November 2015 and the corresponding 2015/2016 period ending November 2016 were made available.

What he saw while patrolling during the dark nights and wee hours of the morning made him more intent on helping the community.

Extremely proud of the decrease in crime in certain crime categories in 2016 compared with 2015, the crime-fighting co-ordinator does not deny that all is not hunky dory all the time.

“At 3 am I would see 5-yearolds roaming the street. I got to do with juvenile rapists and domestic violence too awful to talk about. And I knew that to live at peace with myself I would have to help where I could.”

First the good news: There was an overall decrease in contact crimes (murder, assault and robbery). Likewise there was a decrease in motor vehicle theft and theft from motor vehicles. General theft also decreased.

The bad news is that drugs remain a problem. “It is not an easy task to apprehend the high-flyers,” he explains.

“We also have parolees from the Department of Correctional Service in the village. Fortunately they all know that they are being monitored with an eagle eye day and night.”

There are 15 police stations in the SAPS Overberg cluster, of which Stanford is one.

According to Maclean, Stanford is rated as one of the best functioning stations in terms of the crime statistics.

“The thin blue line is evident on every street in the village.

That explains the station’s successes.”

Generous sponsorships and donations of goodwill were provided, as well as support from various sporting structures in the Cape and Overberg; all of which have allowed the club to showcase its efforts to best effect.

More astoundingly, where this venture was initially aimed at the youth, parents, guardians and other interested parties have also now come on board.

Primarily, the goal is to roll out the model and establish clubs of similar ilk in other towns across the Overstrand. A longer term view is to form an Overstrand softball league under whose auspices these clubs will function. Another goal is to secure a principal sponsor or funding to ensure the structures envisaged become viable and operate effectively.

Hermanus XI to face Lloyd’s Holly Bellingham-Turner and Simon Turner will be hosting both teams and members of NSRI Station 17 at a function on Sumaridge Wine Estate.

In February, Lloyd’s of London will be enjoying a 10-day cricket tour of South Africa, organised by Andrew Russell of Cape Africa Tours – now a resident of Hermanus. The Lloyd’s team will be enjoying 3 days in Hermanus and on Sunday 11 February starting at 11:00, will be playing a match against Hermanus Cricket Club.

This will serve as a fund-raising and thank-you event for the NSRI team in Hermanus for whom Holly and Simon have raised considerable funds over the years.

The public are welcome to come and support both teams at what promises to be an exciting international cricket match. On Saturday evening,

The evening will culminate in the naming of the new NSRI boat, Maritimus – named after the Sumaridge flagship white blend.

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31 January 2017

Throwback Open amazed tennis lovers all over the world

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here are sporting moments that capture the imagination, whether you’re a sports fan or not. And Roger Federer (35) winning his 18th Grand Slam title against his long-time rival Rafael Nadal (30) is one of these moments.

Federer fans were delirious when their hero, and arguably one of the most popular sport stars in the world, won his 100th Australian Open match – which also happened to be his fifth Australian Open title– on Sunday. The score line – 6-4; 3-6; 6-1; 3-6; 6-3 – couldn’t quite convey the quality of the match or the pleasure of seeing these to icons play each other. A match between the players seeded 9th and 17th in a tournament wouldn’t normally draw this much attention. But this was no ordinary situation.

The 2017 Australian Open dealt up scenarios that most tennis fans, players and officials never thought they would witness again. It was like looking back into a time machine from nine years ago when the players in the finals

The last time he won a grand slam title was Wimbledon 2012. Nadal played in and won the French Open final in 2014. And the last time these two players met in a Grand Slam final was at Roland Garrosin 2011.

were at the peak of their powers.

Dubbed the ‘Throwback Open’, the average age of participants in the respective finals was 32 – the youngest player in a final being Henri Kontinen from Finland (26) who won the men’s doubles competition with his Australian partner and second youngest player in a 2017 Australian Open final John Peers (28). They beat the 38-year-old Bryan brothers, who won their first of 16 Grand Slam doubles titles in 2003.

The women’s draw has provided an even bigger throwback for tennis fans, with Serena (35) and Venus (36) Williams meeting in a Grand Slam final for the first time since Wimbledon in 2009.

What makes it even more special is that this was Venus’ first venture to an Australian Open final since the two met in the 2003 decider. The first

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer time the Williams sisters actually met in a professional event was in the second round at the Australian Open in 1998, which Venus won 7-6, 6-1.

But Venus seemed OK with it.

“I really enjoy seeing the name 'Williams' on the trophy. This is a beautiful thing,” she said after the match.

Heading into the tournament that year, Martina Hingis was the world No 1, with Jana Novotna, Lindsay Davenport, Amanda Coetzer and Monica Seles rounding out the top five.

And then, the final that no one dared imagine became a reality when Federer took on Nadal in the Rod Laver Arena.

It was their 35th career meeting, and going into the match Nadal held a 23-11 lead in the head-to-head record between these two players.

This year delivered a different result, with Serena beating her sister 6-4, 6-4.

The last time Federer played in a grand slam final was in 2015.

On Sunday, Federer played in his 28th Grand Slam final, and after having a six-month injury layoff at the end of 2016 not many thought that he would ever be in this situation again. The last time he reached the final in Melbourne was in 2010, when he won Grand Slam title number 16. Much has changed since that time. For example, in 2010 Victor Matfield was the Springbok captain and Graeme Smith was still leading the Proteas.

Nadal had won only six of his 14 Grand Slam titles by then, and Djokovic only one of his twelve Grand Slam titles.

Federer was the oldest man to reach the final of a Grand Slam since Australian Ken Rosewall made the US Open final in 1974 at the age of 39, and his

performances has been reminiscent of the mid-2000s where he was the undisputed king.

The fact that it was a Federer vs Nadal final was a throwback in itself, with the pair not meeting in an Australian Open decider since 2009 when players such as Nick Kyrgios, Dominic Thiem, Belinda Bencic and 2016 Roland Garros champion Garbine Muguruza had not even turned pro yet. Nadal, who struggled with a wrist injury in 2016, won that meeting.

"I'm out of words," Federer said after receiving the trophy.

“I'd like to congratulate Rafa on an amazing comeback. I don't think either of us believed we'd be in the final of the Australian Open when we were at your academy four or five months ago. But here were stand.Tennis is a tough sport – there are no draws. But if there was one, I would have been happy to accept a draw with Rafa tonight, really."

Source – www.ausopen.com

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It’s time to tee-up for a hand-up

ermanus Golf Club, being one of the prettiest courses in the country, is no stranger to hosting golf tournaments and events. However, it will be the first time that an international professional women’s golf event will be staged at the club.

The Global Golf Challenge, which will take place from 24 – 26 February 2017, has some serious cachet that is attracting a lot of local and foreign interest, not only because of the unique match formula, but also because of its prime location in the magnificent Cape Whale Coast region.

However, perhaps the key reason why this unique event is catching on is its philosophy, which is firmly rooted in ‘giving’.

While there will be 20 professional women golfers who will compete in a Northern Hemisphere versus Southern Hemisphere derby, it is the donation campaign ‘Birdies2Earn’ that is the main star of the event.

You don’t have to play golf, like it, or even understand it to be able to donate to the Birdies2Earn campaign that will raise funds for Learn to Earn (LtE). Anyone can support this worthwhile social enterprise that endeavours to upskill local people, enhancing their ability of getting employment. Just go to www.learntoearn.org.za, find the donate button, click on The Global Challenge and predict how many birdies these professional players will make over the entire tournament. It’s that simple.

Someone who understands the importance of skilled staff is Angela Clifford, owner of the

back. It took several years, and many iterations, but we think we’ve got it right and we can’t wait to welcome the players, supporters and spectators to one of the prettiest golf courses in South Africa in February.”

Sport

Roché van Wyk, Learn to Earn Director, is in agreement, saying: “Golf is often considered a sport for the privileged of society, serviced by underprivileged individuals known as caddies. The Global Golf Challenge is a great way of turning this perception upside down and making the underprivileged the focus while the privileged use the opportunity to give back.”

Col’Cacchio restaurant in Hermanus. Angela regularly employs kitchen personnel who qualified through LtE’s catering skills course. She says that the course gives them a three-month lead on anyone else – this helps her to keep the restaurant running smoothly and gives the staff a better opportunity to move up through the ranks of the hospitality industry.

The Global Golf Challenge is also reaching out to the disabled community. Joining the Pro-Am line-up on Friday 24 February 2017 is Monique Kalkman-Van den Bosch.

Monique, who hails from the Netherlands, is a tennis star who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 14. Not allowing this to deter her from her dream of earning a Paralympic gold medal, Monique, in her wheelchair, soldiered forth to conquer the odds, earning world championship and Paralympic medals in both tennis and table tennis.

Switching to golf only seven years ago, Monique is once more leading the field and shining her star for all disabled women out there. She’s also an incredible motivational speaker and will be sharing her story on Thursday 23 February, says spokesperson for The Global Golf Challenge, Kaz Henderson, who would

THRILLED Cape Whale Coast Tourism Manager Frieda Lloyd is excited about the upcoming Global Golf Challenge. “It is the first of a host of sporting events during the year.” like to encourage all the women in Hermanus to come out and support Monique for the ‘talk’ and then ‘walk’ with her on Friday 24 February at the Hermanus Golf Club.

“We wanted to create a tournament that could at once be something different for the world of professional women’s team golf events, but at the same time do something meaningful to change the lives of unemployed people through our partnership with our beneficiary Learn to Earn,” comments Kaz.

INSPIRATIONAL Paralympic Gold Medal winner Monique Kalkman-Van den Bosch will share her story of beating the odds on 23 February at the Hermanus Golf Club.

“We firmly believe that what we have delivered is a unique and truly beneficial way in which to marry sport, sponsors and societal challenges. Collaboration is a worldwide trend, as is giving

The organisers are calling on everyone, golfing fans or not, to ‘Tee-up for a Hand-up’ by joining them for the Global Golf Challenge. Entrance is free for all spectators and because Hermanus Tourism is the host for this event, no doubt there will be lots of accommodation specials to encourage people to make a weekend of it.

“This is our first big event for the year and the front-runner in a season of many sporting events,” says Frieda Lloyd, Tourism Manager of the Cape Whale Coast. “This event links sport and the community in a way seldom seen. Not only is there a charitable advantage but the free entrance also serves as an encouragement for community participation.”

For more information or to book a spot in the North-South Corporate Golf Derby Challenge, please see www.theglobalchallenge.co.za for contact details or mail us at quentin.globalgolfchallenge@ gmail.com

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CROWD SUPPORT After the previous day’s rain, the Interschools got off to a fine start on a sunny day.

INTERSCHOOL ATHLETICS The winners in the age categories at the interschool event were B14: Joshua Cloete (Hermanus), G14: Caitlyn Otto (Hermanus), G15: Jemimah Daniels (BDS), B15: Adriaan Swart (Overberg), G17: Mari Carstens (Hermanus), B17 Duvan Jansen (BDS), G19: Martelize Jordaan (Overberg) and S19: Stanton Lewies (Overberg).

POWER RANGERS Proud Hermies supporters sang the school song with gusto after being declared the 2017 Interschool winners.

The winners in the G17 1 500 m event were Mikayla Martinengo (centre), Zoë Loots (right) PHOTOS: Taylum Meyer, Titanium Photography and Mariné Pretorius (left).

PROUD MOMENT The Curro Grade 8s had their annual Spud concert and blazer ceremony on Wednesday, 25 January. The learners were divided into groups and had to perform short comedy sketches written by themselves. The new teachers also got a turn to show off their acting talents in a modern version of Red Riding Hood. The parents had the honour of presenting the learners with their blazers in a formal ceremony.

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Schools Hermies come out on top Excitement ran high on Saturday 28 January during the annual interschool athletics meet between Hermanus, Bredasdorp and Overberg High Schools. The sound of learners singing and cheering for their teammates could be heard echoing through town.

Hermanus came out tops with 933 points, Overberg in second place with 897 points and Bredasdorp in third position with 750 points.

Bredasdorp won the trophies for team spirit and the parade.

The crowd’s excitement reached fever pitch as

the boys U19 3 000 m race ended in what can only be described as a photo finish.

A total of 11 records were broken – 4 by Hermanus, 5 by Overberg and 2 by Bredasdorp.

The overall winners were Mari Carstens and Adriaan Swart. The Hermies who broke records were: Joshua Cloete (discus 44,76m), Naveena Jantjies (javelin 30,69m), Mari Carstens (shotput 12,20m) and Jana Bergh (800m 2:33:00). Joushua Cloete (B14 discus 44,76m), Caitlyn Otto (G14 shotput 8,71m) and Mari Carstens (G17 shotput 12,20m) were the best athletes in their age category.

Thys van der Merwe (left) beat Tiaan van Niekerk of Bredasdrop by by a hair’s breadth in the B19 3 000 m.

Above: Hermies supporters jumping for joy as the final results are read.

Left: Hermanus High Principal Greg Hassenkamp with Head Boy Thys van der Merwe.

Below: J’Hanco Botha B17 shotput.

PHOTOS: Taylum Meyer, Titanium Photography

It’s ready, set, go! in the 100 m for B17 (above) and G19 (below) .