STANDING OUT.
Monthly Magazine
NOVEMBER 2022
Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
CONTENTS
CONTENTS
04
Foreword: Nick Gaertner
06
Featured Property: Immaculate home in Trovato Estate
08
Art: Crafting wearable art from found objects
SOUTHERN SUBURBS 14
Area Overview
16
Decor: The unlikely journey of an interior art supplier
20
Properties for Sale
25
Properties for Rent
26
Gardening: Five tips to be more water wise
ATLANTIC SEABOARD 30
Area Vverview
32
Renewable Energy: What do those turbines do?
34
Properties for Sale
39
Properties for Rent
CITY BOWL 42
Area Overview
44
Food: Where to source sustainable food
46
Properties for Sale
SOUTH PENINSULA 54
Area Overview
56
Lifestyle: Nurturing the ocean custodians of the future
60
Properties for Sale
NATIONAL AREAS 64
Properties for Sale
68
Home Improvement: Bamboo or bust?
72
Travel: More than a game of tag
76
Financial Times: What you should know about environmental, social and governance considerations when investing
78
Legal: Why you may need to register certain off-grid installations
Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
The past month has been exciting for us at Knight Frank. It has been great working with new director, Dane Abramowitz, who has taken over the residential business’s marketing portfolio and breathed new life and energy into the team. We have some exciting new ideas and initiatives already taking effect, as well as innovative ways to further strengthen both our client and agent offering within the business going forward. Our mission is to set ourselves apart by building a select team that excels in every aspect of your property journey, and I believe we are well on our way to achieving something very special. In terms of market activity, October continued with an upward trend in both inquiries and sales from September, after a subdued winter period from April through to mid-August. Overall stock is still significantly lower compared to the beginning of the year, with new stock that is accurately priced being snapped up quickly. While rising interest rates continue to increase pressure on borrowing, they are still less than pre-Covid, and buyers are encouraged to calculate affordability with the view of the upward trend continuing over the short term. In light of the general cost of living going up globally, this edition of “Standing Out” casts a specific focus on sustainability, the environment and more economical home and property solutions.
04
NICK GAERTNER
FOREWORD
Director & Chief Operations Officer Knight Frank South Africa
05
Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
FEATURED PROPERTY
Immaculate home in Trovato Estate This immaculate, modern home is ideal for the trendy Cape Town family. It lies tucked away in a quiet, centrally-located pocket and its superior safety features will ensure true peace-of-mind. The double-storey home has three bedrooms, the main which has an en-suite bedroom and built-in-cupboards. It also has a studio loft that could be used as a home office or additional bedroom. The downstairs area was cleverly-designed for entertaining and relaxing. The lounge opens up to covered patio, garden and pool, while the dining room also allows you to step directly into the lush established garden with its salt-chlorinated pool. In addition there is a family room with study/office which opens up to a secluded second covered patio. The kitchen is well appointed with double eye level oven, gas hob, plumbed and opens to courtyard. The property features en-suite staff accommodation and a tool shed. Security features include a burglar alarm as well as a designated 24 hour guard at the entrance to the road. There are no through roads to the pocket.
R9,950,000 5
2.5
2
VIEW MORE
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4
FEATURED PROPERTY
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Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
ART
Crafting wearable art from found objects With a decade-and-a-half worth of experience in the design and art industry Stefni Muller has turned her back on conventional design and manufacturing processes and focusses on the inspiration that an array of different mediums bring. She challenges the value systems built on gold and diamonds by replacing them with temporary elements, found objects, alternative metals and each client’s story. These are her words:
We sat down with Stefni Muller, founder of Handmade, an intimate jewellery design and manufacturing brand.
ON HER EVOLUTION AS A JEWELER AND ARTIST Art has always been a part of my life. I think from a very early age I used it as a nervous system regulator. Since I was very little right through to 38, which I am now. It’s held my hand for the majority of my life and it’s been an incredible support system in a way. I used to bring my artworks back from kindergarten and tell my mom that she should keep them because they’re gonna be worth a lot one day. ‘After all, I’m gonna be a famous artist,’ I told her. After school I went to Stellenbosch University to study jewelry design and manufacturing at. Initially wanted to study graphic design but –– to be truthfully honest –– I didn’t know what to study. I definitely wasn’t ready for the world. I wasn’t ready to face the world after school, but I knew I didn’t want to get a job after school right
08
ART
away. I was too scared by the thought of going out into the world and traveling and practicing my independence and the responsibility of independence, so the other option was to go study and I applied for graphic design and completed my degree. However, after university, I decided I was never going to pick up a jewelry design tool again and gave up on art altogether. I felt that it wasn’t for me and took to the road and went to England. I worked in Tesco’s of all places and just wanted to do something completely mundane. For three years I followed the summer between SA and England and had many fantastic surf trips and saw amazing beautiful places. When I came home in the summer of that third year art found me again. I bumped into a friend randomly and there happened to be a studio available. My tickets to go back to England were already booked and I kind of took the leap and said yes to the studio and put the deposit down. Being in England I just knew I had to go back to South Africa and make this happen. So, for three years I didn’t paint, I didn’t draw, I didn’t write a single thing. A friend’s birthday came along, and I decided to make an artwork for him and basically, that’s how the ball started rolling again. I was very excited to go back to Knysna to start my own studio and on my return from England, I had packed all my jewelry tools away, I didn’t even know where they were. I was having a celebratory coffee with my mom when a lady from a next-door shop came over to the coffee shop owner and said she had a problem as her opening was in 10 days and her jewelry designer had dropped her. She was asking the owner of the coffee shop to just make a post or a pamphlet or spread the word that she was looking, and there I was sitting.
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Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
My mom then blurted out: ‘Stefni makes jewelry’ and she asked me to get a few ranges together as samples. I went on to supply her for the next three seasons in Plettenberg Bay and that’s how the jewelry side of things got started up again. With this push, I decided to get back into it fulltime. Then came the Design Indaba, Kamers Vol Geskenke and I supplied a few shops in Cape Town. Eventually, I moved to the Mother City and now work out of a small studio close to Cape Point.
ON THE CONCEPT OF ‘WEARABLE ART’ I’ve never really resonated with the term ‘jewelry.’ In my mind I’ve never been a jeweler, I’m more of an idea creator or an imagination picker: I take what is in the imagination and work from there. Jewelry seems a term, too conventional to fit into what I do. It could be a rebellious act against anything conventional but ‘wearable art’ is a beautiful way of describing something that is created from a place and with mixed medium that can be put into a box or have a label, so it’s something that’s more art than jewelry. It happens to be wearable. I see my jewelry pieces as little artworks and whenever I can, I try to put fabric or text or colour in some form or shape in and like to includes some temporary element in there. I’m not so drawn to precious metals
I think I resonate more with picking up a pencil and putting it down
or semi-precious or precious gemstones. I love the
on paper, it took me a very long time to understand what metal does,
idea of finding objects, alternative mixed metals or
I just didn’t resonate all that much with metal at university. But when
mediums, things that are often seen as the strangest
I stepped into my studio and started to approach metal from a different
things you can ever think about, and putting them in
perspective I realised that, although it’s this hard solid material that can
jewelry and I sometimes wish that I could just draw
be moody at times, it can also be soft – it is this beautiful malleable thing
something and pick it off the paper and put it on. But
and what you can do with it is limitless.
metal works a little bit differently.
10
CRAFTING WEARABLE ART FROM FOUND OBJECTS
I have partnered up with quite a few conservation organisations over the years, my favorite being The Beach Co-Op, they are a local conservation community, that started with beach cleanups all along the coast and I join them forever New Moon clean up in Muizenberg and we have an arrangement that all the stuff I collect, I bring back to the studio, make jewelry out of that and then we launch the little range and whenever the next little even it of theirs and it’s from the beach debris, it’s a beautiful way of closing the circle and upcycling. It’s amazing to see what we collected change into something that is adored and makes women feel beautiful.
ON TELLING STORIES THROUGH HER PIECES If I can be brutally (and beautifully) honest, the truth is that through storytelling (or telling other people’s stories) through my work is so deeply linked with my own journey in life. The creative journey has been a deeply personal one. I want my jewellery to reflect it and I desire to share this experience with my clients. We all have a story within us, one worth sharing with the world and I want to be the one that tells it, visually through onceoff bespoke jewellery pieces.
ON THE SUSTAINABLE LIVING Sustainability, for me, is thinking outside the box. In my personal opinion, we already have everything we need. It’s just the lack of imagination in a way that’s keeping us from ultimate success. Conservation is something I’m extremely passionate about, my parents instilled in me a great sense of adventure. I would have loved to have gone into conservation, but I became a jeweler and I didn’t know what it would give me later on in life. But you know, I realise I am exactly where I am meant to be: Even having become a creative – a jeweler – my passion for conservation never left, and I realised this could give me a powerful voice in conservation too. Art and conservation, somehow ‘marry’ very well. I think it’s the visuals, if you visually present someone with beautiful things and there’s a cause behind it, somehow they are more receptive to what you have to say. So even though I never became a conservationist, or am physically saving whales or rhinos, through my
Website: www.stefni.co.za
art, I can also contribute. 11
SOUTHERN SUBURBS Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
SOUTHERN SUBURBS
Tokai Bergvliet Newlands Claremont Constantia Rondebosch Bishopscourt Wynberg Upper Harfield Village Meadowridge Observatory Kenilworth Plumstead Rosebank Pinelands Mowbray
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Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
Southern Suburbs The leafy Southern Suburbs of Cape Town are something of a green lung to the Mother City. Comprising the verdant neighbourhoods of Bergvliet, Bishopscourt, Claremont, Harfield Village, Constantia, Kenilworth, Mowbray, Newlands, Observatory, Rondebosch, Rosebank, Salt River, Tokai and Wynberg it offers a range of lifestyle options to suit the needs of all types of homeowners. Properties range from stylish apartments and charming semi-detached houses to large homes and grand estates with stunning gardens, many with unique views of Table Mountain. The area is well-known for its prestigious schools as well as the beautiful University of Cape Town.
Top Attractions & Activities Golf Hiking Shopping Top Schools Wine Tasting Tours Coffee Shops and Eateries Award-winning Restaurants Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
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SOUTHERN SUBURBS
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Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
DECOR
We talk to Gavin Goodman, founder of the Semblance Agency 16
DECOR
The unlikely journey of an interior art supplier So, from commercial photographer to interior art supplier, is that correct? Can you briefly sketch that unlikely path for us? Correct, I started an agency called Semblance, which specialises in supplying custom art to the hospitality and residential markets. I noticed this really interesting gap in the market a couple of years ago when a property developer was looking for last-minute art to fill some rooms. I ended up going to the site and doing a walk-through with the interior designer and without too much back-n-forth they bought two or three pieces per room. It was a quick, last-minute process and I was like, ‘wow, these Earlier this year, South African photographer Gavin Goodman was named one of the winners of the Hasselblad Masters, widely acclaimed as one of the world’s most prestigious professional photography competitions. Goodman won in the fine art category, something which, along with commercial photography work is what he has been specialising in for the better part of two decades. Until recently when a chance commission changed his career trajectory and he couldn’t be happier.
guys just snapped up 15 prints - this could be an interesting market to play in.’ So I started asking around and chatting to a bunch of people and it quickly became abundantly clear that these developments and certain private residential clients are looking for original art on a certain budget, but they have very limited avenues they can explore because they are looking for art in large quantity but they don’t have the budget for one-off pieces. The agency was born out of that need.
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Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
It was very photographic-heavy, to begin with, but has since evolved, right? Indeed, it started out as purely a photographic offering and over the course of the past year or so I have developed it into a whole fine-art section. All our work is very African-inspired and I’ve got two in-house artists who can pretty much create any style of art to brief. I am responsible for conceptualising and art-directing and then they bring it to life as in oil-on-canvas artworks. All the
We’ve recently created art for The Station House
pieces are essentially sold as prints — as in, there
in Sea Point, as well as providing all of the art for
are no artist’s name or anything like that it, all falls
The Rockefeller a 395-unit apartment-hotel on
under the Semblance Agency umbrella.
the Foreshore at Harbour Place. I worked closely with Source IBA the interior design firm on that
You’ve had an exciting past few months, with
project. They were a pleasure to work with and I
some big projects, can you tell us a bit more?
have already begun the conceptualising phase for another big project they are working on. Now it
It has been a very cool and interesting process
is all about networking with other interior design
for sure. Connecting with interior design firms
firms and developers as I continue to expand my
has been a major aspect of business development.
catalogue of art.
All of them say the same thing: ‘We are always looking for original and interesting art and struggle to find solutions within budget…’ No-one that I’m aware of is doing what I’m doing so, there is almost this kind of education phase with the interior design firms too. Explaining to them that we can create anything to a brief has been quite a process and some are quite hesitant because they haven’t necessarily worked this way in the past
What is next for you? Growing the business! I still shoot commercially, though, but do far fewer shoots now, especially since the production landscape has changed post-Covid. I am also working on a commissioned book as part of the prize for winning in the Hasselblad Masters and that has been a really cool process.
Website: www.gavingoodman.com
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THE UNLIKELY JOURNEY OF AN INTERIOR ART SUPPLIER
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Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
Wynberg Upper One Malton is just a stone’s throw away from some of Cape Town’s top schools, convenient public transport and popular shopping centres.
R1,560,000 2
1
1
NO TRANSFER DUTY
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VIEW NOW
SOUTHERN SUBURBS
Constantia An exquisite, designer home with tastefully curated interiors offering luxury, extensive views and privacy.
R27,000,000 4
4
4
6
1 VIEW NOW
Claremont Upper “Spacious home perfect for the modern family. High ceilings, chandelier and generous sized rooms create an easy to live in relaxed feel. Situated close to the International School.
R8,500,000 4
3.5
2
2 VIEW NOW
Newlands The epitome of style in the heart of the village. This classic beautiful five bedroomed old meets new large home is perfect for living and entertaining with its seamless inside outside flow.
R11,000,000 5
3
2
3 VIEW NOW
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Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
Newlands Experience the ambience of this home nestled in an extensive 1,221sqm landscaped garden on the slopes of Table Mountain.
R6,895,000 3
2
2
4 VIEW NOW
Pinelands Well positioned on a large plot, this home has much to offer, all within easy walking distance of the High School and Cannons Creek.
R4,650,000 3
2
5
1 SOLE MANDATE
VIEW NOW
Claremont Upper If you are looking to build your dream home or you are a developer seeking a new project, this north-facing vacant land with mountain views is ideal for you.
R4,000,000 VACANT LAND 921M² VIEW NOW
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SOUTHERN SUBURBS
Observatory Stunning secure corner Apartment with far reaching views in trendy and cool Observatory. This Apartment is in the most perfect north facing location, with lots of light and space.
R3,595,000 2
2
2 VIEW NOW
Kenilworth Situated in a much sought-after area of Kenilworth, this property is conveniently located to shops, schools and freeways.
R2,980,000 3 SOLE MANDATE
2
1
2 VIEW NOW
Rondebosch Immaculate north-facing apartment in a well-managed and maintained complex above the Main Road.
R2,850,000 2
1.5
1 VIEW NOW
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Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
Kenilworth This semi-detached home is perfect if you are scaling down and need an easy to maintain, lock up and go that is centrally located to shops, medical facilities and restaurants.
R2,050,000 2
1
1 VIEW NOW
SOLE MANDATE
Rondebosch Grosvenor Square, an exceptionally well-managed sectional title complex for residents 50+ years of age, is conveniently located to the hub of Rondebosch and surrounding suburbs.
R1,950,000 2
1
1 SOLE MANDATE
VIEW NOW
Diep River This light and bright 3rd floor apartment offers spacious open plan living. Easy access to local transport as well as walking distance to the new Three Arts Village shopping centre.
R1,350,000 2
2
1 VIEW NOW
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SOUTHERN SUBURBS
Kenilworth Upper This attractive Tuscan-style townhouse is located within walking distance of Greenfields Junior School, Kenilworth station and the popular shops and restaurants.
R19,500 pm 3
2
1 VIEW NOW
Newlands Spacious, 120 sqm one bedroom loft apartment perfectly positioned for the ultimate convenience - walking distance to amenities and fabulous restaurants.
R11,600 pm 1
1
1 VIEW NOW
Observatory Spacious semi-detached home with character and charm. Centrally located close to the Groote Schuur Hospital, the University of Cape Town, shopping and public transportation.
R8,000 pm 1
1
1 VIEW NOW
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Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
GARDENING
FIVE TIPS TO BE MORE WATER WISE Chris Maddams from Red Daffodil Landscaping and Garden Design fills us in on how to garden more efficiently and sustainably when it comes to water use. A year or two without water restrictions and the
and tanks or groundwater? Once you have this
memories of water shortages have faded, but even in
carefully worked out, you can get down to better water
times of full dams and bountiful rainfall, water-wise
management. We can assist with this type of assessment
gardening is essential, that is the word from Chris
and advise on landscaping and plant choice accordingly.
Maddams. Below are a handful of his tips on being more efficient when it comes to water usage in your garden. 1. ASSESS YOUR WATER USAGE
2. WATER STORAGE AND USE Closely followed by ‘how much water will my garden need?’ Is, ‘how will I store it?’ If properly planned,
Assess your water supply when planning your garden or
water storage can be very useful through the long, dry
when considering a re-landscape. Look very carefully
Cape summer. Often, however, capacity is limited
at what you want to achieve — with the look as well as
meaning stores get depleted. With the installation of
water needs. Are you creating a zero-addition garden,
a professional system, you can ensure 100% coverage,
which must survive on rainfall patterns alone? Or,
and programming technology means you can fine-tune
do you have access to extra sources such as rainwater
the schedule so only the required amount of water is
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GARDENING
27
delivered. (See the October 2022 issue for more info on water systems). In addition, the use of grey water is still highly underrated and surprisingly underutilised. Reusing water from washing machines and showers on your lawn and flower beds is a big step toward gardening more sustainably.
4. MINIMISE MOISTURE LOSS In broad sweeps, the more wind your garden is exposed to, the more you will need to water it. Planting the correct species of tree in the right position in your garden will create a windbreak, which will aid in the reduction of water loss (through leaf transpiration). Not only that, but trees also provide shade from the
3. LESS LAWN
hot afternoon sun, further helping to reduce your
It’s no secret that I am not a big fan of expansive lawns.
garden’s water demands. In addition, increasing the
At least not when it comes to water efficiency. Lawns are the least water-wise aspect of a garden. While grass may be the cheapest to install, in the long run, it
organic material in your soil will help it absorbs and hold more moisture.
requires more water, more fertiliser and more labour
5. PLANT THE CORRECT SPECIES
than local fynbos plants which are conditioned to our
Being water-wise does not necessarily mean crafting
climate or even similar Mediterranean species. By not
a desert aesthetic of dusty gravel interspersed with the
covering ‘dead areas’ (usually down the sides or around
odd lonely succulent, either. My suggestion is to choose
the corners of your house) that will very rarely get used,
endemic plants that are slow and steady growers, these
with grass you can rationalise the size of your lawn to
are best adapted to the Western Cape climate and
still give your kids and pets a space to play but at the
its rainfall patterns. That being said, don’t turn your
most water-effective size for your property. Then, look
nose up at those succulents. (As mentioned in the
instead to turn those ‘dead spaces’ into water-wise
October issue), there is great value (for you and your
planting, or look to cover them in low-maintenance
garden) in building hedges and filling pots with things
gravel for example.
such as spekbooms. Website: www.reddaffodil.co.za
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ATLANTIC SEABOARD Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
ATLANTIC SEABOARD
Bakoven Fresnaye Sea Point Llandudno Bantry Bay Camps Bay Green Point Three Anchor Bay
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Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
Atlantic Seaboard As the name suggests, the mighty Atlantic Ocean (and its beautiful beaches) is the mainstay of the area from the V&A Waterfront to Hout Bay, with Green Point, Three Anchor Bay, Mouille Point, Sea Point, Fresnaye, Bantry Bay, Clifton, Camps Bay, Bakoven and Llandudno spread out in between. The area offers a range of outdoor and adventure activities as well as an abundance of restaurants, niché eateries and bistros, coffee and retail shops.
Top Attractions & Activities Beaches Scenic Drives Robben Island Theatre on the Bay Sea Point Promenade Bars, Cafés and Eateries Green Point Urban Park Camps Bay African Crafts Market Beach Sports, Water Sports and Paragliding
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ATLANTIC SEABOARD
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Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
RENEWABLE ENERGY
What do those turbines do? We got some insights from Globeleq, the leading independent power company in Africa.
Ever driven out of Cape Town up the coast on the N2 and
impressive 132m. Both wind farms have a 20-year Power
stared in awe at those massive turbines in the farmlands outside
Purchase Agreement with Eskom and an Implementation
Caledon? Or gotten as far as the Eastern Cape for your summer
Agreement with the Government of South Africa.
holiday and wondered why they seem to be taking over the landscape in the St Francis Bay area? Read on.
COMMUNITY UPLIFTMENT As with all of Globeleq’s other similar projects, a percentage
Spanning some 3 700 hectares with 60 wind turbines, the
of revenues is spent on socio-economic and enterprise
Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm (just outside Humansdorp and
development programmes. Enterprise Development
visible from St Francis Bay) is one of the largest wind farms
includes initiatives to assist and accelerate the sustainability
in South Africa. It is connected to a 132-kilo Volt (kV) Eskom
of local enterprises, while socio-economic development
distribution line. It generates approximately 450 600 megawatt
initiatives promote access to the economy for all people.
hours (MWh) per year, supplying enough clean renewable
In addition to various development projects, the
electrical energy to power more than 100 000 average South
communities also have equity. For example, six percent
African households. Just outside Caledon, the Klipheuwel
of the Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm is owned by the Amandla
Wind Farm generates approximately 86 gigawatt hours per
Omoya Trust. This ownership level is significantly higher
year, supplying enough energy to power more than 19 000
than the government’s minimum threshold of 2.5% local
average homes.
ownership. The loan will be repaid through the shareholder
CLEAN ENERGY Electricity produced from wind is clean and renewable. Wind generation reduces the country’s reliance on coal-fired generation, which emits CO2 and other damaging gases into the environment. Wind energy does not consume water during the generation process it also helps preserve scarce water resources.
dividends generated by the project and thereafter the Trust will use its share of the dividends to benefit the local community within the Jeffreys Bay, Humansdorp, Hankey and Patensie areas.
INCREASED BIODIVERSITY The Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm’s Biodiversity Advisory Committee – which includes bird specialists,
In the Jeffreys Bay Farm, the wind turbines are 80m tall to
environmentalists and wind farm employees – works hard
allow for optimum energy production, however, when one
to ensure that the surrounding area’s biodiversity is not
of the blades stands vertically, the turbine’s tip height is an
critically impacted by its operations, but rather improved.
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RENEWABLE ENERGY
“The committee is well established, having been set up almost two
significantly reduce pest levels, especially those that
years ago, with the goal of checking progress on the committed
negatively impact agriculture,” said Schoeman.
action plan (biodiversity management plan), ensuring sufficient resources are available for implementation, checking the
Insectivorous bats send out sound waves through
effectiveness of measures being implemented and advising
their mouths or noses and listen to the echoes to
on measures to be pursued,” explained Marli Schoeman,
work out where objects are and what they are.
Environmental Specialist at Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm.
Their senses are so fine-tuned they are able to find and identify objects as tiny as the insects they eat.
The wind farm recently announced the commencement of its second bird conservation trial following a successful pilot study
Discussions with the Civil Aviation Authorities
last year. Known as an Observer Led Shut Down on Demand
are also underway to explore blade painting as
(OLSDOD) programme, it is aimed at mitigating the loss of priority
mitigation, and exploratory discussions about
bird species on the wind farm. Through the installation of acoustic
Black Harrier protection are also in progress with
deterrent devices on selected turbines, the wind farm is seeing
local landowners.
significantly reduced bat fatalities. For some turbines, this reduction can be as much as 80% and 100%.
In addition to Black Harriers, there are two other endangered bird species (Martial Eagle and African
Pilot studies began in 2018, with Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm installing
Marsh-Harrier) on the priority list, as well as five
acoustic deterrent devices on a number of wind turbine generators.
other lesser-threatened species, namely: Lanner
These devices emit ultrasound frequencies that deter echolocating
Falcon; Secretary Bird; Blue Crane; White Bellied
bats so that they are repelled away from turbines, thereby preventing
Korhaan; Lanner Falcon; and the Denham’s Bustard.
collision with the blades. “This type of mitigation measure is a win-win, as wind turbines do
THE FUTURE With the demand for electricity continuing to grow
not need to be shut down, as used in shut-down-on-demand or
in South Africa, the growth of this clean energy sector
curtailment measures, and bat conservation improves significantly,
will have ever larger and far-reaching benefits for the
specifically amongst insect-eating bats that navigate by using
country’s power sector, economy and people.
echolocation. These bats are of particular importance as they
Website: www.jeffreysbaywindfarm.co.za 33
Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
Selected by
NICK GAERTNER
DIRECTORS CHOICE 34
DIRECTORS CHOICE | ATLANTIC SEABOARD
Green Point
2
1
1
R4,099,000
VIEW MORE
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Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
Sea Point For a perfect lock-up-and-go holiday apartment, starter home or retirement retreat, look no further - the setting of this spacious 95sqm apartment is simply ideal.
R3,450,000 2
1.5
1 VIEW NOW
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ATLANTIC SEABOARD
Green Point Located on the slopes of Signal Hill in exclusive Springbok Road, this modern north facing family home offers magnificent sea views and glorious sunsets across the bay.
R17,599,000 5
4.5
2 VIEW NOW
SOLE MANDATE
De Waterkant This 3 Bedroom house is one of two identical townhouses on the same property in trendy De Waterkant Street with stunning views over the Waterfront and Cape Town Harbour.
R8,400,000 3
3
2 VIEW NOW
Green Point A gorgeous designer apartment with superb finishes throughout. Well-located in walking distance from trendy restaurants and coffee bars.
R7,750,000 2
2
2 VIEW NOW
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Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
Fresnaye Spacious and stylishly renovated apartment in Art Deco block. Fabulous location a short stroll to the beachfront and a wide variety of shops and restaurants.
R4,495,000 2
2
2 VIEW NOW
Sea Point Enjoy the privacy of your own apartment along with first class facilities and services. Palm Gardens is a tranquil oasis offering a luxurious, independent retirement lifestyle.
R3,975,000 2
2 VIEW NOW
Mouille Point Enjoy a safe, secure and comfortable retirement lifestyle with the Promenade and Green Point Urban Park on your doorstep. 24-hour manned security and 24-hr medical staff on premises.
R750,000 0
1 VIEW NOW
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ATLANTIC SEABOARD
Mouille Point This two-bedroom, light and sunny apartment is partially furnished and enjoys excellent ocean views over the Atlantic Seaboard.
R23,000 pm 2
2
1 VIEW NOW
Rent your property with us List in this Digital Magazine today. CLICK HERE
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CITY BOWL Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
CITY BOWL
Bo-Kaap Gardens Higgovale City Centre Vredehoek Woodstock Oranjezicht Zonnebloem De Waterkant Tamboerskloof
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Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
City Bowl The City Bowl is a veritable melting pot of interests, cultures and property types with residences catering to everyone from students to young execs and families. The likes of Vredehoek, Oranjezicht, Higgovale, Gardens, Tamboerskloof, Bo-Kaap, De Waterkant, Foreshore, Woodstock, the City Bowl District (CBD), Zonnebloem, District Six, Devil’s Peak Estate, University Estate and Walmer Estate each have their own unique character. The area is also an entertainment hub, featuring coffee shops, eateries, bars, nightclubs, retail and boutique stores as well as galleries to keep the senses engaged.
Top Attractions & Activities Hiking Bo-Kaap Markets City tours Helicopter flips V&A Waterfront Outdoor adventures Bars, cafés and clubs Galleries & museums Award-winning restaurants
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CITY BOWL
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Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
FOOD
Where to source sustainable food Ethical eating is easier than you think People are becoming ever more discerning about knowing exactly where their food comes from. Here are a handful of suppliers where you can trace the entire supply chain and know that you’re eating ethically sourced (and healthier) products.
MEAT Frankie Fenner Meat Merchants has become a Cape Town institution, and with good reason. As butchers, they are unashamed that meat comes from an animal and believe that having a relationship with your food matters. By working with passionate suppliers (the type who rear healthy, happy animals) they can be the only step between the farm and your plate to ensure that what you buy is not just something in a vacuum-sealed plastic bag. This means you have full knowledge of where your steak or leg-of-lamb comes from
SEAFOOD For the finest, melt-in-your-mouth cold smoked tuna and yellowtail Lalunga Seafoods is your go-to. Enjoyed as sashimi, in ceviche, salad or seared it will change how you look at fish. And all the fish are ethically, hand-caught in Western Cape waters. Lalunga is a family-owned business with a rich history in the fishing industry, marine research and conservation. The three partners –– Matt Doran and brothers JD and Nick Filmalter –– have a first-hand understanding of the challenges faced by both the oceans and those who rely on them. They focus on crafting the finest quality delicacies using only local, traceable and sustainable fish species. Their goal is to maximise the value of wild resources through proper handling and care throughout their sea-to-table approach. This ensures that everyone with a hand in the process receives their fair share of this value and in addition, they have a zero-waste production process.
Website: www.lalunga.com 44
and can enjoy it with a clear conscience. The team at all four stores are also super knowledgeable about cooking methods and food pairings and is always up for a chat.
Website: www.ffmm.co.za
FOOD
SEAWEED Want to learn how to cook with edible seaweeds, wild plants and organic produce? RE Wild Food is based out of Scarborough and offers various workshops, including guided seaweed foraging beach walks, snorkelling adventures and organic gardening. They strive to show how nutritious seaweed –– which is organic and sustainable if harvested ethically –– can be.
Website: www.rewildfood.co.za
FRUIT AND VEGETABLES
DAIRY
Order your fruit and veggies online
Cream of the Crop Butter is a micro-
through Think Organic and have
dairy that sells cultured cheese, butter,
them delivered the following week
double-thick yoghurt, and ghee made
Wednesday or Thursday. Think Organic
from grass-fed jersey cream by Maria
is a natural grocer with a wide range
van Zyl. Maria has a background in
of organically grown fruit, veggies and
baking and Slow Food and applies all
free-range products. They began their
her experience to her products, which
journey in 2013 after someone close
means that every ingredient is carefully
to the team fell ill, and their thoughts
considered and sourced and the process
shifted towards a more conscious
is unrushed. To make cultured butter
eating approach. They wanted to eat
(her flagship product), fresh cream is
better, and know where our food came
cultured/inoculated with live lactic
from and how it was grown. All of their
culture and fermented. (This can take up
products are sourced from ethical and
to four days). The milk sugars, known as
local farmers.
lactose, are fermented and converted to
Website: www.thinkorganic.co.za
lactic acid, creating a thick cream from which the butter is beaten, making for a tangy, crisp and fresh butter.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ creamofthecropbutter 45
Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
Selected by
NICK GAERTNER
DIRECTORS CHOICE 46
DIRECTORS CHOICE | CITY BOWL
Gardens
2
2
1
R3,600,000
VIEW MORE
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Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
SOLE MANDATE
City Centre Located on popular Long Street, this penthouse apartment is located in a historic and secure block in the hub of the CBD.
R9,995,000 3
2.5
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CITY BOWL
Oranjezicht This home features spectacular uninterrupted views over the city and ocean on one side and Table Mountain on the other side.
R15,000,000 3
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SOLE MANDATE
City Centre Designed by Robert Silke, this exceptional penthouse pays homage to the glamorous Art Deco heritage of Mutual Heights. It is the only apartment on the top floor of the building.
R12,000,000 4
4.5
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Walmer Estate An exceptional home custom designed and fully renovated with meticulous attention to details, proportions and scale on three levels with triple volume spaces.
R7,995,000 4
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Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
City Centre Experience luxurious and secure city living at a premier Cape Town address. A sound investment, the apartment is sold VAT inclusive with no transfer duties payable.
R3,795,000 2 SOLE MANDATE
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Woodstock Experience trendy Woodstock living with this impressive four bedroom release! Situated within walking distance to the Woodstock CBD.
R2,995,000 4
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Oranjezicht Enjoying scenic views from its big enclosed balcony, this bright and sunny top floor apartment is the ideal starter home for young professionals.
R2,700,000 2 SOLE MANDATE
50
1
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CITY BOWL
Looking to rent your property? We’ve got clients waiting. Knight Frank currently has a host of clients looking to rent homes in the Southern Suburbs, Atlantic Seaboard, City Bowl and surrounds. If you have a property that you are interested in renting out, please get in touch with us. We would love to assist!
CLICK HERE
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SOUTH PENINSULA Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
SOUTH PENINSULA
Hout Bay Noordhoek Sunnydale Fish Hoek Kalk Bay Muizenburg Glencairn Simons Town Cape Point Scarborough Misty Cliffs Kommetjie
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Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
South Peninsula The South Peninsula has a unique country feel about it, as though it is made up of small seaside villages rather than suburbs. From Hout Bay via the iconic Chapman’s Peak to Noordhoek, Kommetjie, Scarborough, Simon’s Town, Fish Hoek, Clovelly, Glencairn, St James, Kalk Bay, and Muizenberg each has its own unique character and feel. While many of the local residents work in the CBD or other business districts, their lives in their ‘home towns’ often revolve around outdoor activities in the abundant mountains and ocean.
Top Attractions & Activities Hiking Sailing Fishing Markets Clay Café Wine Tasting Art Galleries Bars, Cafés and Eateries Kayaking, Paddling and Rowing
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SOUTH PENINSULA
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Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
LIFESTYLE
Nurturing the ocean custodians of the future
56
LIFESTYLE
World-renowned Big Wave surfer Frank Solomon founded Sentinel Ocean Alliance in Hout Bay in 2017 to create ocean-based opportunities and environmental education for the previouslydisadvantaged youth of his hometown. Since then the project has grown way beyond his expectations.
“We started with the Waves for Change program here in Hout Bay,” Solomon says, explaining how it started with a few kids, and now has multiple permanent employees, and a couple of hundred kids a week kids doing the program. The program has also evolved greatly and now includes the Parley Ocean School in partnership with the international organisation, Parley for the Oceans.
EARLY DAYS
“It was kind of around when ‘Let’s be Frank’ (a comedic biopic of his surfing career) came out and I wasn’t sure what the next step would be,” Solomon says. “I wanted to help somehow, I didn’t have a plan, I just had this idea that I needed to give back in some way and help get these kids the same opportunities I had – I had access to the ocean and I was able to learn become a lifesaver and learn how to surf. Through all these things I was able to make some kind of career out of it, out of the ocean and surfing, so I reached out to Waves for Change to set something up in Hout Bay.” Solomon identified an overgrown location on the edge of Hout Bay beach that had a rusted old container frequented by loiterers. “I would go down every day and pick up the rubbish left behind. I would plant plants and people were looking at me thinking: ‘What is wrong with this guy, what are you doing?’ I went there just about every single day for about four years, doing that because I felt that if the place looked nice, people would respect it and then people would not go there to drink and just loiter. I wanted to change the scope of the place and make it cool - that’s pretty much how it started.” During these years, Solomon learned that it would take a lot more than just physical work to get a project of sorts off the ground. With Waves For Change he recruited a surf coach from Hangberg and Imizamo Yethu and got a small group of kids that came every Saturday to learn ocean safety. The interest from the communities and the public grew exponentially through these Saturday morning sessions.
SAVING LIVES
There was more to do, though. “Before long we embarked on establishing the Hout Bay Life Saving Club,” said Solomon, chatting about the early development of the Sentinel Ocean Alliance. With the help of a few additional stakeholders Solomon got a 12m container that we put next to our small container (he had renovated the original rusted unit), which became the
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Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
Waves For Change office), the other become surfboard storage and then they had space to start the Hout Bay Surf Lifesaving Club. “At the time the City of Cape Town was employing lifeguards out on Hout Bay beach throughout the year and you could earn an income of about R12 000 a month –– which is pretty good if you don’t have tertiary education! But there were no qualified lifeguards in Hout Bay, so they were bringing guys in from Durban and I thought, ‘that’s crazy, let’s start a lifesaving club and train some of the local guys so that they can earn a proper living.” Aside from creating 10 sustainable job opportunities and growing the ocean awareness agenda, the club went on to win an award as the Best Development Club in the Western Cape. Fast forward three years and the Parley Ocean School would then be the third step in educating the youth on ocean-based opportunities and environmental education.
FULL NEW CURRICULUM
During this period Solomon set up the NGO called Sentinel Ocean Alliance because he still wasn’t quite sure how to get a proper formal lease from the government for the property he was using for the program. “We had the lifesaving club and Waves For Change, but I also wanted to have my own thing. I don’t want to go to The City of Cape town and say, “hey, I’m from Waves For Change, because that is its own entity based elsewhere in Cape Town and then I would just be another
Not long after this Solomon met Marguerite Hofmeyr through
Waves For Change, you know, I would just be working for
a mutual friend. Hofmeyr is a lawyer who had moved back to
them, so I wanted to start my own non-profit.”
South Africa after a long stint in Australia and like Solomon
Again Solomon had to learn all about the admin side of things
wanted to ‘do something to help but wasn’t sure what.’ “She
(and frustrating red tape) aside from putting in the physical
was actually looking to take kids diving and surfing, but I
work, to make it all happen.
already had this school and she volunteered at the time.” From that small beginning, Hofmeyr helped turned what Solomon
Through his connections in the surfing world, he got
had started into something bigger and better. “She took it to
introduced to Parley. Parley Ocean School takes an immersive
the next level. I didn’t have the law background as she does in
approach to environmental education to inspire marine
terms of paperwork and organisation.”
conservation and empower its next generation of leaders, the ‘Ocean Guardians.’ Globally, Parley Ocean School youth
Not only did she bring structure, but she also crafted a whole
programs simplify complex marine threats through engaging
new eight-week curriculum for the school. Hofmeyr is now the
materials developed with a global network of educators. One
Director of Operations and runs the day-to-day on the ground
thing led to another and the school was opened in Hout Bay in
with a permanent staff of some 11 members.
December 2020. “So now the kids come for eight weeks and they have an “Initially Parley didn’t have a curriculum,” Solomon says.
in-depth ocean curriculum taught by Kholofelo Sethebe ––
“Parley provided us with a once-off conservation-based talk,
she is this amazing marine biologist –– and she goes through
but we soon realised that to truly create behaviour change,
modules on marine plastic pollution, the ocean mammals, we
we would have to provide a more substantive and long-term
do meditation, include mental health skills and life skills in our
programme curriculum.”
programme… It’s super well balanced,” Solomon says.
Website: www.sentineloceanalliance.org 58
NURTURING THE OCEAN CUSTODIANS OF THE FUTURE
ONWARDS AND UPWARDS
“The school was going really well by then we realised that we are teaching the kids all this stuff but they don’t really know anything about the ‘water’ - they have no real connection with the ocean because they don’t go in the ocean. We just tell them about it and they have a great time and a meal (through our partner IY Community Cookup) and then they go home,” Solomon says, explaining how they realised the need for another arm of the project and the Turn the Tide Programme was born. “As soon as we taught them how to swim, they grew this love for the ocean out of sheer joy – ‘we now understand why we need to protect it’.” With the inclusion of the Turn the Tide Programme, the full program is now 16 weeks long and Solomon and his team have their eyes set further than just those people graduating from his Ocean School and Turn The Tide Programmes. “There are a lot of opportunities in the ocean economy,” Solomon says. “If you’re not from an ocean environment, maybe from Hangberg or from a different township, you might not know how to access the ocean economy. The biggest hurdle we have found thus far is actually swimming. So the school is firstly teaching every kid to swim, to give them a possible entry into the ocean economy.” In Solomon’s world, an ideal situation pans out something like this. A young kid, from a township, joins the Sentinel Ocean Alliance as a nipper, around five to seven years old. He or she learns to swim, develops a love for the ocean with the Sentinel Ocean Alliance, enters the Waves For Change program, learns to surf, and gains confidence in the ocean. They could then become lifeguards, and get a job as a lifeguard anywhere in the world. At Waves For Change, they can become a surf instructor. This person could then go on to get classes at the Parley Ocean School to learn more about the ocean and the environment.
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Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
Hout Bay | Longkloof This immaculate piece of paradise is located in an indigenous forest and the life that comes with it including transient owls, porcupines, and dassies.
R5,900,000 3
3
3 VIEW NOW
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SOUTH PENINSULA
SOLE MANDATE
Hout Bay Heights Set high on the Karbonkelberg Mountain in Hout Bay Heights, features gorgeous panoramic sea and mountain views.
R3,199,000 3
3
2
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SOLE MANDATE
Hout Bay Heights Great opportunity to buy one of the last plots with a spectacular view of the bay and Chapman’s Peak. The building plans have already been approved by Council and building works commenced on the 626sqm stand.
R1,995,000 VACANT LAND 626M² VIEW NOW
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NATIONAL AREAS Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
NATIONAL AREAS
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Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
Val De Vie | Evergreen Situated in the Val de Vie Evergreen Retirement Lifestyle village, this lovely home offers an open-plan kitchen/lounge area.
R4,500,000 2
2
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NO TRANSFER DUTY
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Val De Vie | Evergreen This well constructed, contemporary home sits in the luxurious Val de Vie Evergreen Lifestyle Village.
R4,500,000 2 NO TRANSFER DUTY
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2
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NATIONAL AREAS
Val De Vie | Evergreen This south entrance, north facing home has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms both with walkin showers. The space is well designed and light.
R4,450,000 2
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Val De Vie | Evergreen As you drive into your street a charming front garden greets you from the outside and welcomes you into your home. The high ceilings and open plan living give this home it’s spacious feel.
R4,400,000 2 NO TRANSFER DUTY
2
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Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
SOLE MANDATE
Bloubergrant Ideally set in a desirable complex a few blocks away from the beachfront, this immaculate apartment features two spacious bedrooms and one full bathroom.
R1,400,000 2
1
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NATIONAL AREAS
Plett | Whalerock Ridge If you are looking for your dream home in this highly prestigious estate, then this spectacularly stylish home is not to be missed.
R19,000,000 5
4
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SOLE MANDATE
Plett | Whalerock Sun Brimming with north facing light, this three bedroomed home, with open plan living area, is a must see. Located in an intimate gated estate in Whale Rock this home is a rare find.
R4,450,000 3
3.5
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Plett | Goose Valley Enjoy premium upmarket retirement living in this north facing modern cottage which is filled with natural light and designed with spacious open-plan living spaces.
R3,250,000 2
2
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Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
HOME IMPROVEMENT
BAMBOO OR BUST?
Bamboo is far more sustainable for decking and flooring than hardwoods, here is why and how to make smarter choices.
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HOME IMPROVEMENT
Current rates of deforestation, even from legal logging, are unsustainable and will see two of the Earth’s most carbon storage zones lose their effectiveness within decades. The adoption of alternative construction materials to reduce demand for natural timber has become an environmental imperative. On a far more positive note, 2021 was a watershed year in the fight against climate change. The commitments and pledges at the COP26 summit in Glasgow in November surprised many with their far-reaching implications for the global economy and robust climate mitigation measures. More than 30 of the world’s largest asset managers, such as Schroders and Axa, will no longer back investments linked to fossil fuels and deforestation, which marks a significant acceleration in global climate change mitigation policy. Key to the global building materials market was the announcement of a pledge by 110 global leaders – including Brazil – to end and reverse deforestation by 2030. Governments of 28 countries also committed to eliminating deforestation from the value chain of food and agricultural products such as palm oil, soya, cocoa and animal grazing. Hardwood timber products are typically harvested from naturally growing forests which have been cut down due to the expansion of agricultural and grazing land to produce commodities. With COP26’s pledges signalling a tougher stance on deforestation, it is unlikely that the supply of hardwood timber alternatives will ever keep pace with the growing global demand for building supplies. Hardwood trees that are planted today as part of the reversal of deforestation will take around 50 years to grow to maturity, which is too long to form part of a sustainable growing cycle for a manufacturer.
A CASE FOR COMPOSITES Fortunately, bamboo-plastic composite products such as those from building materials group Eva-Last are reducing environmental impact while recreating the beauty and elegance of natural wood.
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Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
“Eva-Last substitutes 180 m3 of hardwoods
Eva-Last’s manufacturing facility runs on solar
for composite materials every year through the
energy, using bamboo fibres and recycled high-
production of its decking and cladding products,”
density polythene plastics. Backed by Forestry
says Eva-Last CEO and Co-founder, Marc Minne.
Stewardship Council certification, the use of bamboo not only preserves natural hardwood forests
That equates to approximately 120 000 trees that are saved annually. To provide a more practical picture, a
but entails a number of environmental benefits.
to be cut down for planed logs. Hardwood decks
BAMBOO – STABLE AND SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY
typically need to be replaced every ten years through
Research has shown that bamboo is a highly
exposure to the elements and weathering.”
effective absorber of CO2 – especially when
200 m2 hardwood deck would require nearly 13 trees
products manufactured from bamboo replace The potential impact of decking on the environment
carbon-intensive, non-renewable products. Bamboo
is immense. However, Eva-Last’s composite building
can be planted on unproductive agricultural land,
materials make use of bamboo as a raw material,
degraded grassland and eroded slopes, and requires
which grows up to 50 times faster than hardwood
almost no additional inputs such as fertiliser or
timber and releases 35% more oxygen into the air.
irrigation to grow rapidly.
“Planed logs for decking produce a massive amount of
70
wastage – sometimes up to 80% of the tree – but with
Bamboo is classified as a grass and takes just four
bamboo fibres we can bring wastage down to as little
years to reach full maturity. Harvesting takes
as 2%. Bamboo resources are widely available, easily
place above the roots, so the same plant produces
replenished and naturally antibacterial,” says Minne.
successive generations of the resource.
BAMBOO OR BUST?
In China, we have witnessed rapid economic growth
Recycled plastics in conjunction with bamboo
and education transforming the country’s middle-
fibres can be processed to create products that are
class workforce, resulting in a shortage of labour. The
not only holistically sustainable but immensely
typical use cases for bamboo as a raw material, such
durable and strong. “To do this, we have powered
as scaffolding and handheld fans, are in decline.
what is an energy-intensive process through solar energy, installing nearly 90 000 m2 of solar panels
This has had the unintended consequence of creating
at our manufacturing facility since 2017. This means
a natural hazard. Failure to harvest naturally occurring
we are saving 2 000 tons of CO2 from entering the
bamboo in its dormant winter months has raised
atmosphere every single day,” says Minne.
a fire risk for communities originally built around these resources. This means there is still a significant
“We believe that as people around the world
supply in China that can be redirected toward the
become increasingly concerned with environmental
manufacture of composite products, maintaining
sustainability, they will make their choices not only
input cost levels for at least the next decade.
on the technical engineering that goes into creating
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE Seen in a positive light, used plastic is a sustainable,
beautiful, durable, high-performance products but also a building supply company’s eco-friendly credentials,” he adds.
low-cost raw material. “Every year Eva-Last recycles more than 26 000 tons of plastic that would have
Website: www.eva-last.co.za
gone to landfills or ended up in the oceans. Recycling just one ton of plastic results in CO2 savings of 0.73 tons, which is the same as preventing 4 000 km of travel in a car,” Minne adds. 71
Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
TRAVEL
More than a game of tag
Jonathan Boulton knows that the earth is experiencing massive changes. “Reading about it on your news App, or sitting with your children through David Attenborough’s A Life on Our Planet is one thing but, experiencing it worsening every year in the context of many different global settings is a
We sat down with an internationally renowned adventure fly-fishing guide to talk about the future of tourism
very different situation,” he says. Boulton founded Mavungana Flyfishing in Dullstroom in 1997 and has since run premium guided trips to target exotic fish species on fly-fishing tackle – from Atlantic salmon in Russia to peacock bass in the Amazon and giant trevally in the remote atolls of the Indian Ocean, among others. As he’s fished some of the finest waters of the world people often ask him what is my favourite fish or destination is. “While I maintain picking a favourite fishing destination is impossible, if I were given just one more week to fish in my life, it would be for African tigerfish,” he says, waxing on about how special it is to drift past shores rich in bird life and wild animals;
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TRAVEL
watching sun-bathing crocodiles, grunting hippos,
For Boulton and many other high-end adventure-tour operators
close (but not too close) elephants bathing and with the
and outfitters like him, the answer lies in engaging with local
ubiquitous blood orange African sunset as the backdrop.
communities and empowering them to look after the fisheries
“I have fished the Zambezi and Okavango River systems
which provide so much sustainable employment through sport
for many years; unfortunately, both systems are under
fishing and the lodge industry. “Hopefully, it’s not too late for the
continued pressure. Communities alongside the river
mighty Zambezi,” he says, explaining that while that system is
have changed from subsistence fishermen to increasingly
unfortunately in rapid decline the Pongola Dam (also called Lake
commercial operators, as expanding populations require
Jozini) in northern KwaZulu-Natal, is improving due to combined
affordable and accessible protein. Cheap nylon gill nets
efforts from many stakeholders.
from China can be easily purchased in any village, greatly increasing catch rates and sales of fish, fresh or dried.
“It is a large man-made body of water up against the picturesque
It means that someone who was once a subsistence
Lebombo mountains in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This is
fisherman can upgrade from a dugout canoe to a fibreglass
the southernmost extent of tigerfish on the African continent.
boat and later possibly to an engine and even a gas
Historically the fish have been small, but counter-intuitively, global
refrigerator allowing you to stockpile and supply even
warming suits this fishery. Warmer water and better clarity (due to
further afield once you have a vehicle.”
reduced rainfall) fit tigerfish and each year the average size of fish we catch increases,” he says. 73
Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
“I love the way we fish for them, using trolling motors to stealthily sneak into shallow water and present light brush flies on floating and intermediate lines. A lot of the shore is National Park land, some tribal and the balance privately owned. It is all well-managed and policed, so the game is safe and prolific. Floating plastic is a rarity and gill nets infrequent rather than the norm.” Boulton and his team, in association with the University of Mpumalanga, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and Pongola Game Reserve have now taken it one step further and launched a groundbreaking tigerfish tagging project earlier this year. “To our knowledge, very few tigerfish have ever been tagged within the borders of South Africa,” said Jonathan Boulton, founder of Mavungana Flyfishing. “Most of those that have been tagged, were in the rivers of the Kruger National Park, so we’re excited to learn more about the movements of these special fish.” For Boulton and his team, who invested heavily in the research and tagging equipment, the results will prove very interesting, but for the likes of Adam Wyness, a Post Doctoral Researcher on the ‘Rivers of Life’ programme associated with the University of Mpumalanga it will prove invaluable to assist with future conservation efforts.
74
MORE THAN A GAME OF TAG
“Lake Jozini is a unique place, in that it has a very large and healthy population of tigerfish, on the surface at least,” Wyness said, explaining that in many places where they are historically distributed, they’ve been displaced by alien species. “We’re using Jozini for this project as it’s got a good amount of recreational catch-and-release angling so it’s perfect for these kinds of studies,” he added. According to Wyness, tagging the fish will help them to better understand the population numbers, the movement of the population, the growth of individuals and to see the age of individuals. “Their migration is a big issue. The dam was built about 60 years ago, so we want to see with the tags how much the fish move in and out of the dam itself if they’re going up the river and also how much they move within the dam,” he said. “The tigerfish is very important for recreational angling, but its also a very important predator in the food chain, which is under threat from a lot of stresses – our waterways are under threat from reduced flows, reduced amounts of water, alien species, contaminants, pollutants amongst other stressors, so we want to see how they are doing.” To find out more about the study, follow Mavungana Flyfishing’s social channels.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mavunganaflyfishing
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Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
FINANCIAL TIMES
What you should know about environmental, social and governance considerations when investing “Given the pace and volume of change, it
ESG is front of mind for many investors these days. Silvertree Risk & Wealth Management invest in a range of products for their clients with this philosophy and Rayne Naude at Allan Gray recently shared her views on the proliferation of new product offerings, initiatives, and rating systems when it comes to ESGs.
can be difficult for investors to separate the fundamentals from the fads,” explains Adams from Allan Gray. According to Adams, asset managers may use multiple responsible investing strategies that span the spectrum between traditional investing and philanthropy. At Allan Gray they favour the responsible investment strategies of ESG integration and
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FINANCIAL TIMES
engagement across all their clients’ funds. “We spend
According to Adams, ESG initiatives, including investor
significant time qualitatively assessing a company’s ESG
climate initiatives and engagements, are often carried out
risks and opportunities, trying to distil which of these
in pockets, applying pressure on companies and sectors
factors are most material.”
unevenly. “Again, this uneven pressure may have the unintended consequence of simply creating distortions instead of achieving solutions. The focus on listed oil majors such as BP, Shell, Total and Exxon is a good case in point:
People are becoming more conscious of their environmental impact and the environmental and social impact of the products and services they use.
These companies face a huge amount of ESG scrutiny, activism and litigation, but are only responsible for 13% of global oil production. On the other hand, national oil companies (NOCs) produce over half of the world’s oil supply,” she adds, explaining that not only are NOCs subject to less environmental scrutiny and litigation but they are also controlled by governments whose political and social regimes often raise real red flags. “The Russia-Ukraine conflict has
Investors need to be responsive to these changes; “for example, we should consider factors like company transparency
demonstrated that these red flags can quickly escalate into crises that have ramifications for the whole world and should
and traceability in supply chains,” Adams says.
thus not be ignored. It is therefore important to balance the
While the above is positive, there are some concerns about
management of growing geopolitical risks.”
potential unintended consequences when it comes to the
energy transition we support with energy security and the
ESG movement currently taking the investment industry
UNDERSTANDING THE DATA
by storm. “For example, initiatives encouraging fossil fuel
In addition, Allan Gray has also spent a lot of time looking
divestment have resulted in some companies unbundling
into ESG ratings and data providers. “Research from multiple
their ‘dirty’ assets or selling them to relieve themselves
institutions shows a low correlation between the ESG scores
of this ESG pressure, often to a private company that is
that these providers assign to companies, demonstrating the
subject to far fewer disclosure requirements than its listed
complexity and nuanced nature of ESG evaluations. While
counterpart. In these cases, production is of course not
this is not a problem in itself – asset managers also have
halted; in fact, in some cases, it has been substantially
differing views on the investment case for companies – the
increased post-sale, as the acquirer seeks to maximise their
issue is when clients view one provider’s ESG scores as a
profit,” Adams says.
perfect proxy for ESG performance when it is simply one organisation’s assessment of such. We believe it is impossible
“Similarly, in the United States, the number of oil rigs
to convey all the complexities of ESG in one final score. There
operated by private operators surpassed those of
are benefits to using external ESG data and rating providers
listed companies for the first time in 2021. While listed
for ESG data collation; however, we continue to favour an
companies have been subject to huge ESG pressure not to
in-house approach when it comes to integrating ESG into our
invest in further supply, the reality is that, while demand
investment research and decision-making.”
persists, there will always be someone willing to fill the gap. We, therefore, think that it is more constructive to engage
With this balanced approach Allan Gray is confident that,
with listed companies on responsibly managing their
even where clients may disagree with their conclusions (as is
fossil fuel assets. Glencore, for instance, has committed to
expected when tackling such complex topics), they are able to
keeping its coal assets but winding them down responsibly
find some reassurance in the breadth and depth of their ESG
over time, while using its substantial cash generation
research and assessments.
in the interim to invest in its future-facing commodity basket, including copper, cobalt, nickel and zinc. We are
For more info on making discerning choices between the fads
comfortable with this approach.”
and the fundamentals of ESGs, get in touch with the team at Silvertree Risk & Wealth Management.
Website: www.silvertreegroup.co.za
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Standing Out Magazine | NOVEMBER 2022
LEGAL
Why you may need to register certain off-grid installations Celine Bakker and Stefan le Roux from SL Law update us on specific certificates required when installing off-grid electrical and water systems.
Small-scale embedded generation (SSEG) systems, devices or machines designed to generate and supply electricity to a solar system installation, pose a safety risk when being connected to the City’s grid. It is therefore required under the Cape Town City Electrical Supply By-law of 2010 that they be registered and authorised. Registration ensures that all who make use of the electricity from the City’s grid pay for such accordingly. Consequently, it is illegal to run one’s meter backwards or to avoid paying one’s share of maintenance towards the grid. Should a system be unauthorised and tied to a grid, such will be considered tampering. Besides SSEG systems, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems must also be registered, be they on or off-grid systems, while other solar systems need not necessarily undergo the registration process. As can quickly be deciphered, it may be a little complicated to determine which systems to register and which not. To ensure that no confusion arises, the City has necessitated off-grid systems to also be registered to prevent them from being mistaken for grid-tied systems.
REGISTRATION LUCKILY DOES NOT APPLY TO EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN Solar water heaters which use thermal energy to heat water or emergency equipment like standby generators (unless they are connected to the City’s electrical distribution network) for example, need not be registered. However, solar PV panels directly connected to a hot water geyser element with a change-over switch are required to be registered. The question may arise as to why an off-grid system needs to be registered in the first place, particularly since it is not connected to the City’s electricity infrastructure or power grid. However, it appears that of the systems that have been registered thus far, only 2% have been confirmed as actually being off-grid systems. Nevertheless, in terms of the registration of off-grid systems, such need not comply with City standards. Importantly, off-grid equipment is still required to comply with national safety standards. In addition, a letter signed by a registered electrician will be necessary to verify the system as being an off-grid one.
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LEGAL
Unlike the usual compliance certificates associated with a property sale, the certificates in the case of a borehole only facilitate proof of registration. Although not a requirement in law, the parties may agree that the seller shall provide proof of registration of the borehole. It may also occur that a financial institution such as a bank financing a sale could condition a borehole certificate. Importantly, the owner of a property with a borehole must ensure that a weatherproof notice is affixed to any appliance which supplies or uses water. Such notice is acquired on registration of a new borehole. This notice explains to the public that such water is not suitable for domestic purposes. An official sign with the borehole registration number must be displayed outside the property which is recognisable to the public – no other signage will suffice to indicate that the property has a borehole. Further, an owner of a property with a borehole is required to ensure that the borehole is sufficiently covered to prevent any human or animal from
Small systems like solar-powered appliances or solar lights may keep their moment in the sun and need not be registered.
falling into it and getting injured. Should such an unfortunate event occur, the property owner will be held liable for the damages incurred to the injured person or animal. It further is the responsibility of the property owner to avoid contamination of the borehole water
BOREHOLES In addition, the municipality of Cape Town requires property owners to register a borehole or wellpoint on their property with the City to ensure that underground water resources are used safely and sustainably. Where a property does not yet have a borehole or wellpoint but where the property owner intends to sink one, the owner must apply at least 14 days before commencing with sinking the borehole or wellpoint to the City of Cape Town and may only do so once permission has been granted by the City. The City of Cape Town Bylaw of 2010 does not oblige a property owner to provide a certificate on the sale of a property to either the
due to this potentially leading to the subsequent contamination of groundwater. The City underlines that the reason for registration rests with trying to ensure compliance with safety and legality requirements. Registration allows the municipality to keep track of the various systems in the municipality. When it comes to electricity, by keeping a record of the PV systems, the City can apply this information to controlling demand, managing the quality of supply and planning future investment in electricity infrastructure.
purchaser or municipality.
Website: www.sllaw.co.za
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