March 2016
FRANSCHHOEK
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Franschhoek skitter weer
Wines fit for Presidents page
Q&A: Rian & Fiona Coetzee
Bladsy 2
Page 6
Page 19
FPA Fire Prevention Tips:
• No burning during the fire season • Burning is only authorised when the landowner is in possession of a valid burn permit issued by the Winelands District Fire Services • Ensure all firebreaks are in place and maintained around properties
Photo: Ashley Bauer
Fire destroys 700 hectares The La Montagne fire in February was the most dramatic one in the Franschhoek Valley this summer. The fire spread from the farm of origin, along DuToitskop toward the pass into Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve and the Olifantshoek Valley. Winelands Fire Services were activated as soon as the fire was reported at 14h35 on Wednesday, 10 February. Those that responded were Winelands Fire Services, Winelands Fire Protection Association members, Cape Nature, Vulcan Fire -- contracted fire team, Stem In Die Bos -- contracted fire team, Working on Fire and the Volunteer Wildfire Service. Three helicopters assisted the teams on the ground alongside a spotter plane and a fixed wing bomber. The helicopters were employed at a costly R24 000 per hour for 3 hours. The fire was finally brought under control on Sunday, 14 February. According to the Winelands Fire Protection Association (WFPA) more than 700 hectares were affected. It is suspected that prohibited burning started the fire. An investigation is on-going. Ashley Bauer of the WFPA Franschhoek (WFPAFHK) says they are constantly endeavouring to mitigate the incidence and damage resulting from these fires and finding ways to train and educate the wider community. There have been more than 50 fires in the Franschhoek Ward since November 2015, fortunately not all of these fires have impacted on the community due to the prompt responses by the volunteer members of the FPA (Fire Protection Association), fire services and fire contractor teams. However, the number of fires remains alarmingly high, as do the devastation and cost. Sadly 90% of these fires are started intentionally.
Fire sweeping up the slopes of DuToitskop
• Ensure all fire-fighting resources are in good working order throughout the fire season: spray carts, tractors, beaters and rakehoes. • Ensure your employees are suitably trained to suppress a wildfire on your property. • Ensure your property is accessible to large fire fighting vehicles: height restriction 4,5 metres minimum, width 4 metres and turn circle of at least 10 metres. This is essential for structure protection. • Also make sure gates are open and remain so if there is a fire on your property or on neighbouring property to allow rapid access by fire-fighting resources. Farms and other establishments are encouraged to become members of the Fire Protection Association; monthly fees are minimal and go a long way in supplying resources to assist. Financial support from the rest of the community is welcomed. For more information, Ashley Bauer of WFPA (Franschhoek ward) can be contacted at 083 4574 065 or firesafe2000@gmail.com
New acting municipal manager Richard Bosman, the City of Cape Town’s Executive Director: Safety and Security, has been seconded to Stellenbosch Municipality for three months as acting Municipal Manager. He took up this position on 1 February. Bosman’s appointment follows 4 months after the previous Municipal Manager, Christa Liebenberg, resigned in October 2015 amidst an investigation into several charges against her. Dupré Lombaard, the Director: Planning and Economic Development, has been acting Municipal Manager since Liebenberg’s departure. Bosman held the position of Director: Community Safety in Stellenbosch Municipality from March 2007 to mid-2008 when he left to join the City of Cape Town. At the time his departure from Stellenbosch Municipality
was widely regarded as the result of concerted efforts by the thenANC-controlled council to get rid of him. Stellenbosch Municipality has also in recent months made progress in filling a number of vacant Director’s posts. (At Richard Bosman the end of 2015, in addition to the vacant Municipal Manager’s post, only 3 of 6 Director’s posts were filled.) Gerald Esau has been appointed as Director: Community & Protection Services and Raymond Esau as Director: Strategic & Corporate Services. The post of Director: Engineering Services remains unfilled. La Motte Tasting Room Mondays to Saturdays: 09:00 – 17:00 Food and Wine Tastings on Fridays: 10:00 – 11:00 (reservations essential) Contact: 021 876 8820 | tasting@la-motte.co.za Pierneef à La Motte Restaurant For lunch: Tuesdays to Sundays For dinner: Thursdays to Saturdays Winelands Tea: Tuesdays to Sundays Chef’s Table: Thursdays to Saturdays (reservations essential) Contact: 021 876 8800 | pierneef@la-motte.co.za
La Motte invites you to experience its beautiful Franschhoek Valley setting, historical charm, stylish offering in the enjoyment of wine, cuisine and the arts, its environmental care and, above all, its people’s warm spirit of sharing. We look forward to welcoming you to La Motte!
La Motte Museum Tuesdays to Sundays: 09:00 – 17:00 Historic Walks on Wednesdays: 10:00 – 11:00 (reservations essential) Sculpture Walks on Thursdays, 10:00 – 11:00 (reservations essential) Talks on Aspects of History and Art Culture (visit www.la-motte.com for programme) Contact: 021 876 8850 | museum@la-motte.co.za La Motte Hiking Trail Mondays to Saturdays: 09:00 – 17:00 Contact: 021 876 8820 | tasting@la-motte.co.za
Visit our Farm Shop for a take-home reminder of La Motte, join us for a sustainable walk or enjoy classical music at our monthly Classical Music Concerts. Visit www.la-motte.com for more information.
www.la-motte.com