Franschhoek Tatler - April 2017

April 2017

FRANSCHHOEK Scan the QR code to read the Tatler online

Tennis club honours

Cabernet Franc wenners

Q&A: Gerrit van der Walt

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Page 19

Master plan for Franschhoek 2038 350th Anniversary of Huguenot arrival

Discussions are well underway between Stellenbosch Municipality and Forward Franschhoek (FF) regarding a new development master plan for the village. FF is an association of local business leaders promoting the longterm economic prosperity of the region. The key feature of Franschhoek 2038, the master plan proposed by FF, is an underground road that will be constructed beneath Huguenot Street and Main Road in order to separate local traffic from through traffic.

Traffic circulating within the village will continue to use the road above ground, while Conceptual drawing for town centre by Manold, Laurent & Partners trucks and through traffic will a French architect and urban designer whose use the underground road. In addition to eliminating vision for La Ville Radieuse later served as the traffic congestion, it is claimed that the proposed basis for the multi-level traffic interchanges and double-deck scheme will improve the ambience of low-cost housing blocks that came to dominate the village centre. According to a spokesperson for the urban landscape of many cities in the US. FF, "the proposal will reduce noise and air pollution "It’s a great opportunity to bring to a village like and improve pedestrian safety."

Franschhoek the kind of big-city thinking that has Apart from the obvious benefits related to proven to be so successful in world-class cities transport, the master plan contains other important like Los Angeles, Bangkok, Moscow, and Beijing," enhancements for the village: the architect continued.

• a virtually unlimited supply of underground The detailed plans are currently with Stellenbosch parking spaces, Municipality for approval. According to the Director • new possibilities for conveniently located of Planning and Economic Development “there underground shopping and services, and should be no approval delays as the proposals • the capability of closing Huguenot Street and conform with the directorate’s vision of Franschhoek using it as a pedestrian promenade during as a tourist and business friendly town.” festivals, without directing traffic through Ground-breaking could occur as soon as early residential areas. as mid-2018. Completion of the final stage The centrepiece of the scheme is the new urban of work should be in time for the celebration plaza that will replace the rose garden in front of of the 350th anniversary of the arrival of the the Franschhoek Town Hall. First-time visitors French Huguenots at the Cape in July 2038. This emerging from the new underground car park celebration is planned to coincide with the annual will be greeted by a gleaming white marble space Bastille Festival. surrounded by a shopping arcade. The plan also Asked to comment on what life in the village will contains provision for a future high-rise hotel that be like during construction, the FF spokesperson will "mark the plaza as the town centre, much as said, "It would be dishonest to say that life as the bell towers do in so many Italian hill towns", we know it will go on. Some people will be according to the design architect. inconvenienced, especially those who live, work, Asked to comment on what impact the scheme and shop in the village centre, but it's important might have on the historic character of the village, to keep our eyes on the prize. No pain, no gain." the architect said, "The past was wonderful, but It has been estimated that the implementation there's no future in the past. It's time to move on; of Franschhoek 2038 will create 2,000 new jobs forward Franschhoek!" during construction and up to 1,000 permanent The Franschhoek 2038 brochure claims that the jobs after its completion. scheme was inspired by the ideas of Le Corbusier, 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 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)

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 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 one of our monthly Classical Music Concerts.

Visit www.la-motte.com for more information.

www.la-motte.com

Franschhoek Tatler

2

April 2017

Drought affects Open Gardens Festival From Bridge House to Turi

The Tatler received sad news about the 2017 Open Gardens Festival. Here is what the organisers said: It is with great regret, and after much thought, and discussion with local gardeners, that we, as the organising committee, have taken the big decision not to run the Open Gardens Festival in October this year.

We have always been aware of the big commitment which having a garden on show is to the garden owners, and we have relied on their generosity. This year, following such a severe period of drought, it does not seem realistic to ask owners to make this commitment.

As water restrictions will of necessity be on-going, we must all continue to save water in our valley. It does not seem appropriate to hold an Open Gardens

Festival under these circumstances, and this is key to our decision to cancel this year’s festival.

On a more positive note, we already have several completely new gardens whose owners are keen to show them in 2018 when, weather permitting, we will revert to the annual pattern of the festival. Our main regret in taking the decision to cancel is that we will not be able to add to the building fund of Fleur de Lis this year. The first phase of additional accommodation, which is nearing completion, has largely been paid for by the proceeds of the Open Gardens Festival.

Many thanks to all our garden owners, supporters, and sponsors – we will still need you all next year.

Africa Regional Round Square Conf.: 12 - 16 February

Kunstenaar se beeld na Kunstekaap

Johannes du Plessis, plaaslike skilder en beeldhouer, se borsbeeld van die ontslape Afrikaanse skrywer en digter Adam Small word eersdaags in die Kunstekaap teaterkompleks onthul.

Du Plessis het die brons beeldhouwerk op kommissie van die Stigting vir Bemagtiging deur Afrikaans (SBA) geskep. Die SBA het die beeld aan die Kunstekaapteater geskenk.

Volgens Dr. Niel le Roux, hoof van die SBA, is die beeld “ ’n tasbare taalerfenis-nalatenskap. Die skenking is ’n simboliese gebaar deurdat die teater in die apartheidsjare net vir wit mense toeganklik was en dat selfs van Adam Small se werke met ’n wit rolverdeling daar opgevoer is”.

“Artscape is gekies, omdat dit juis sentraal staan binne die ontwikkeling van taal en woordkuns in die SuidAfrikaanse meertalige konteks. As Kaapse boorling en Afrikaanse woordkunstenaar by uitstek, verwoord Small vir ons hierdie versoende Afrikaanse visie.”

Dit is nie die eerste borsbeeld wat du Plessis op kommissie geskep het nie. Hy het in 2006 ook ‘n beeld van die eerste Springbok rugbykaptein (1906) Paul Roos geskep. Dit was terviering van die honderdste bestaansjaar van die Springbok embleem.

Du Plessis sê dat die skeppingsproses van sy borsbeelde met ‘n noukeurige studie van ou fotos af begin. Dan gebruik hy sy jarelange ondervinding om fotos wat geprojekteer word in ‘n drie dimensionele weergawe te omskep. “Baie kere” sê hy “is daar geen inligting omtrent die sy - of agterkant van persone nie, wat die proses baie moeilik

Bridge House learners Katja van Dyk, Tanya Brits, Tim Vermeulen, Lucio Viljoen and Willian van Niekerk with members of the Masai tribe during their visit to Kenya

Johannes du Plessis se borsbeeld van Adam Small

maak.” Die gebruik van fotos uit verskeie tydsperiodes laat hom toe om karaktereienskappe vas te lê asook herkenbare gelaatstrekke waarmee die publiek hulself kan vereenselwig.

Een van die belangrikste aspekte van die Adam Small beeld was die dik, swart brilraam wat Small gedra het.

Volgens du Plessis was dit vir hom as beeldhouer en skilder ‘n groot eer om Small se menslikheid eers in klei en dan in brons vas te lê. www.johannesduplessis.co.za | 082 579 6403

Make over for Little Rainbow Crèche

On Friday, 4 March, we had the privilege of attending the unveiling of the newly revamped Little Rainbow Crèche in Wemmershoek. Little Rainbow had originally been operated from home by the very caring Helene Fischer, but quickly reached capacity as the local community came to rely on her safe haven facility.

The revamp was coordinated between local charity Bhabhathane and international foundation JAM. Representatives of JAM, headed by David Brown, travel all over the world implementing their message of nourishment first. “Our primary commitment is the fight against hunger and malnutrition in Africa. Each year we provide millions of nutritious meals to thousands of hungry children through our Nutritional Feeding Programme at schools.”

JAM believes that children who are well nourished physically will be able to perform better mentally.

JAM also places a large emphasis on proper teacher training in order to give children a solid foundation in their early learning development.

Volunteers from Germany headed by Sabine Wenz flew to South Africa offering their time and skills to implement the Little Rainbow project. The members of the German team came from all walks of life: young and old, professionals and novices, some even on their second or third visits to South Africa as part of the JAM delegation. During the week the team rebuilt, restructured and revamped the little crèche. As a result of all the hard work, Little Rainbow can now officially register as an Early Childhood Development centre.

The opening day was attended by parents, representatives

The children were eager to explore their revamped crèche

of Stellenbosch Municipality, Wemmershoek ward councillor Mr Charles Manuel and headmaster of Wemmershoek Primary Mr Chris Boonzaaier . The kids were delighted to see their new premises and were especially thrilled with their little vegetable garden!

JAM has already identified their next project which will be another crèche revamp in Klapmuts.

Local angels Elmarie and Carel Goosen have committed to being patrons of the crèche for the next year. Any contributions to ensure the sustainability of the crèche are welcome. Helene Fisher can be contacted at 079 454 3670.

Martine Bauer

Round Square is an absolutely awful experience!

That is if you don't like making friends, partying, shooting a bow and arrow, connecting and interacting with those who are less fortunate than we are, or trying to help save the environment.

Actually, there was only one awful thing about this conference and that was the wake-up times. We had to wake up at 03h00 to drive to the airport! We also had to wake up at 06h00 every morning of the conference!

We flew to Johannesburg and there we caught a connecting flight to Nairobi. After being dropped off at a hotel, we were given a chance to rest before being taken to the "Carnivore" restaurant, which surprisingly had no vegetables! I though the menu was a joke, until they served us crocodile.

Our next stop was the Masai Mara. On the way there we stopped at a variety of curio stores at which our haggling skills were tested. By the time our six-hour drive, in a relatively small car, ended, we were all very hot and tired. All we wanted to do was curl up in front of the nearest fan and fall asleep. Luckily, there was something better at our lodge – a pool. We spent a lot of time in there. Later that afternoon, we had a game drive, where we saw lions, zebra, buffalo and a few giraffe. The next day we had a full-day game-drive where we had some amazing sightings. A cheetah came within two metres of our vehicle! We were also lucky enough to see a lioness and her cubs. The following morning was our final outing in the Masai Mara. We visited a Masai village where we experienced their culture. They live in a circle within a wall of sticks. They bring the cows in at night, so there is quite a bit of manure on the ground. There were about eight families in the village, each consisting of around 4-8 people.

Their houses are small but surprisingly not cramped and are built of mud, manure and wooden branches.

Then we had a six hour drive to our conference at St Andrew's School in Turi. We only arrived at 18h00 and for the rest of the conference we were referred to as "the late school". We were split into girls and boys dorms with two to a room. It was organised that our roommate was a complete stranger, so that we had to make new friends. After that we were split into groups with the name of a river and the flag of the country.

On the first morning of the conference, a journalist came to speak to us about different stories he had investigated or is investigating.

Our next activity was service. We went to an underresourced pre-primary school and read the children a

book about a clever tortoise. We gave them crayons and a printed tortoise that they could colour in. Once they finished, we helped them write their names on their pages.

We drove back to St Andrew's to make small Valentine’s Day packages for another school's children. Each group of about 10 made 84 packages and then handed them out. That night we had teambuilding activities where we played soccer dodgeball, netball and even soda pong. These activities ensured that our groups came together and really made friends with one another.

On our second last conference day, our activity was adventure. We started off with a mountain bike ride, then archery, obstacle courses (including a dark tunnel 60cm high, with water and rocks, which you had to crawl through) and raft building. At the end of the day, we were filthy, utterly exhausted and badly in need of some water, but it was lots of fun. We also had an activity that night where you had to build your empire.

We had to buy things like healthcare and humanitarian aid to protect our empire from diseases and disasters and we created a national anthem and had to decorate our allotted classroom. But that wasn't all: there was also a goodbye party where we had great food and danced with our new friends until late that night.

Our final day was environmental day. My group went to Unilever where we learnt about the company, the tea they produce and how they produce it. We listened to a speech, went out into the tea fields and picked tea. We went to the factory to see how the tea was made. Once everyone had finished, we planted four trees. We drove back to the same hotel we had stayed in on the first night.

The next day was one of the most amazing experiences when we visited the giraffe and elephant sanctuary. At the giraffe sanctuary, we stood on a platform which the giraffes could stick their heads over. We held out pellets for the giraffe and it would wrap its very long tongue around the pellet and your hand! You could also experience the giraffe kiss where you put a pellet in your mouth. At the elephant orphanage, you were allowed to stroke the baby elephant as it walked past. It was a unique experience and something I will never forget, especially when it snorted mud up its trunk and shot it at me. Our flight home gave me the chance to absorb this whirlwind of excitement and reflect on this unique experience.

Tim Vermeulen (Grade 9)

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Die panele kan gesluit word, en die gepatenteerde mega nisme maak dit vir ’n inbreker uiters moeilik om sonder kraggereedskap die hortjies te breek, selfs met die hortjies in die oop posisie.

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April 2017

Franschhoek Tatler

3

From the Winelands to the World winner

American Express and Cape Wine Auction recently announced the winner of their From the Winelands to the World campaign aimed at inspiring school children from the local wine farm region.

After inviting local school children to draw what they want to be when they grow up, 11-year old Whaleed Bezuidenhout from Wemmershoek Primary School was selected as the lucky winner.

The competition was tough, with many emerging artistic styles on show and some excellent pictures of a wide range of occupations, such as vets, school teachers, police and doctors entered, but it was Whaleed’s detailed drawing of a firefighter that clinched first prize.

As the lucky winner, Whaleed won a brand new bicycle, which he selected with his parents at the end of February. His winning entry was unveiled earlier in February at the American Express Friday Barrel Auction, part of the Cape Wine Auction. It will go on to be featured alongside American Express point-of-sale branding at affiliated wine farms in the local wine growing region. As a gesture of thanks

Whaleed Bezuidenhout’s drawing won him a new bicycle and books for his school.

for participating, each of the participating schools are also receiving books for their libraries.

Tennis club recognises retiring committee members

The Franschhoek Tennis Club recognised the services of two longstanding committee members at its AGM that was held on 8 March 2017. Joost Beumer (Chairman) and Nicky Gordon (Secretary) have stepped down from the committee after both serving on it for 10 years.

Treasurer-elect, Stuart Downie, thanked them both for their service to the club before presenting Nicky with a bottle of her favourite French Champagne. For Joost’s gift the members present had to step outside the clubhouse, though.

Once outside, the mystery blue towel that was hanging over the fence of court no. 1 was removed to reveal a sign naming the court Joost Beumer and Nicky Gordon look forward to more court time now that ‘The Joost Beumer’ court. they have retired from the tennis club committee Unfortunately for Joost the newlybestowed honour does not come with special onhis frequent ‘I saw it out!’ calls will still be disregarded court privileges. The implication being that most of by the other players on court!

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Franschhoek Tatler

4

April 2017

Haut Espoir

Foliage

Chardonnay 2016

Oak roasted beef bone marrow, crispy sweetbreads, raspberry pickled tongue, hazelnut vinaigrette and wild leaf salad.

Citrus and lime accompanied by a rich textured mouth feel, due to barrel ageing.

Cellar Price: R160 per bottle

This recipe is too long to publish. If you would like to have it please send an email to info@franschhoektatler.co.za

Haut Espoir 021 876 4000 wine@hautespoir.com

Foliage 021 876 2328 chef@foliage.co.za

Lynx Wines

Allora

Blanc de Noir 2017

Salmon alla Toscana

No doubt the first 2017 wine you will have come across. Picked only 10 weeks ago, this wine is fresh and zesty with strawberry and peach blossom on the nose and pallet. A perfect wine with light dishes or on its own.

Cellar Price: R70 per bottle

Lynx 021 867 0406 info@lynxwines.co.za

Ingredients Tower - 1 ripe avocado, roughly cut up; 2 tbsp mayonnaise; salt & pepper to taste; 2 peppadews, cut into strips; 5g smoked salmon, cut into smaller pieces. keep 1 strip for the salmon rose on top For Plating - 3 pieces green lettuce; 2 peppadews cut in half; 3 capers; 3 Calamata olives, depitted; 2 small lemon wedges; dill; peppadew sauce (in a blender blend together a few peppadews with the liquid); Black caviar Method You will need a ring mould about 5cm high (if you do not have one take a tin and cut both edges off). Mix very lightly together the avo, mayonnaise, peppadew and season with salt and pepper. Put the lettuce in the middle of the plate. Place the mould on top of the

lettuce. Make the tower by layering the avo mix and the salmon pieces Till the mould is full, ending with an avo layer. Before removing the mould you can place all the garnish in place. In 3 places on the plate group together ½ peppadew, 1 caper and 1 olive with a pinch of black caviar on top. On top of the tower you place the salmon rose. Put ½ peppadew inside the rose and top with black caviar. Finish with the 2 lemon wedges and a piece of dill. Remove the mould very carefully.

To finish your dish sprinkle peppadew sauce over and around the tower. Put a few very small pieces of dill around the tower The Kitchen @ Maison 021 876 2116 alice@maisonestate.co.za

How to enter

Name the artist whose bust is going to Artscape?

Send your answer to: tatlercompetition@gmail.com. The winner will be informed by return mail before 15 April 2017 Prizes have to be collected from the Franschhoek Info Office before end April 2017 or be forfeited.

MONNEAUX RESTAURANT Tel: +27 (0)21 876 3386 email: info@fch.co.za www.monneaux.co.za

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April 2017

Franschhoek Tatler

5

Leeu Passant Wines: Honouring the Cape’s fine wine heritage

Winemaking duo Chris and Andrea Mullineux together with partner Analjit Singh are announcing the release of a new flagship portfolio of wines called Leeu Passant – fine wines inspired by the distinct culture, terroir, history and tastes of the Cape. The name Leeu Passant is derived from heraldry, where a “Lion Passant” is a walking lion.

These multi-regional wines made mainly from old vineyards, are carefully crafted at the Leeu Passant cellar of Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines, based on Leeu Estates.

"For many years, our viticulturist Rosa Kruger had been enthusing about special parcels of vines outside the Swartland," say Chris and Andrea. "But we couldn’t use these as our Mullineux and Kloof Street wines are exclusively from Swartland vineyards. Leeu Passant was a fantastic opportunity to harness these exciting vineyards to create a new top class winery in a different region.”

The Leeu Passant wines celebrate the rich history of South African wine. Using the Cape’s wine heritage dating back to the 17th century as inspiration, they decided to deconstruct the venerable Cape wines of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, retain their best component parts, and then reconstruct them in a modern, minimalist way, while at the same time respecting tradition.

According to Analjit Singh, the Leeu Passant wines are a meeting of minds. “They are a culmination of a shared vision, attention to detail, passion, and uncompromisingly high standards. They embody the no-compromise approach to quality that I share with Chris and Andrea.”

Three wines will be launched on 3 April, 2017. The 2015 Leeu Passant Dry Red Wine is a Cape Heritage inspired blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Cinsault. There are also two Chardonnays, the 2015 Leeu Passant Stellenbosch Chardonnay and 2015 Leeu Passant Elandskloof Chardonnay.

The 2015 Leeu Passant Dry Red Wine is beautifully refined with notes of bergamot and a dark violet fragrance. The palate is structured, with fine chalky

tannins, hints of spices and herbs, and fresh dark fruits.

The classy 2015 Leeu Passant Stellenbosch Chardonnay has flint, citrus blossom and salinity on the nose. The palate is packed with lime zest and crushed shells and has a textured, vibrant and long finish.

The 2015 Leeu Passant Elandskloof Chardonnay has a nose of stone fruit and lemon biscuits. The palate has a creamy, limey, citrus character with exotic spice notes and is full but balanced by a fresh, tight finish.

The Leeu Passant range will be available to taste at The Wine Studio at Leeu Estates and for sale while stocks last. The 2015 Leeu Passant Dry Red cellar price is R975 per bottle, while both the 2015 Leeu Passant Stellenbosch Chardonnay and the 2015 Leeu Passant Elandskloof Chardonnay are R625 per bottle.

A few magnums of these wines have been produced, presented in a branded wood box, at R2075 for the Dry Red and R1 375 for the Chardonnays. www.mlfwines.com

Join us at Ryan’s kitchen for daily food & wine collaborations.

RYANS@BEVINTNERS.CO.ZA 1 Place Vendome, Huguenot Rd, Franschhoek 021 876 4598 (Lana)

FRAN SCHHOEK

Two Eléphants of Franschhoek

The Franschhoek Feeling

Franschhoek Tatler

6

Cellar Chat

Mark Tanner You may have noticed that wine labels do not offer an 'Expiry' or 'Best Before' date. Thus little guidance is offered on the often-asked question, "Will this wine mature well?"

I know someone who opened a bottle of 1996 Cabernet/Merlot blend the other day.

He was in two minds. Should he share it with a ham sandwich or a hearty oxtail stew? He was pleasantly surprised when he found the wine mellow and silky soft. With no oxtail immediately available he re-corked the wine and began planning the next day's dinner. Just goes to show that our reds can grow old gracefully.

So, how long can a wine last and still be drinkable? Times vary of course and surprisingly it is the whites that win in the end. Chateau Lafite showcase red wines from their 1796 and 1797 vintages in their museum, with not a corkscrew in sight. It is not only age and careful cellaring though that keeps wines going on and on. Sugar is also a great preserver.

The iconic dessert wines from Sauternes can often outlive the person who made it. Thanks to an unusual micro-climate, the area is prone to attracting 'botritis cinerea' – a fungus that causes the grapes to shrivel and 'rot' on the vine. This gives the grapes a raisin -like sweetness. Such wines are highly prized (and priced) indeed, but they are more of the sipping variety than for drinking.

Can a wine boast immortality? Well, yes, just about. We need to acquaint ourselves with the famous Tokaij wines from Hungary. These are perhaps the most sought after sweet wines on the planet. The wine is made in two stages. A base wine is made from local Furmint and Harslevelu white grapes. Then individually picked Aszu grapes are vinified into a sweet 'paste' called Ezzencia. Measured amounts of Ezzencia, called Puttonyos, are added to the base wine. This blend varies from one Puttonyos to six Puttonyos, as a rule. A bit like adding sugar to your tea – one lump or two, etc. Tokaij Aszu 4 Puttonyos is generally felt as having just the right balance and finesse. Over 4 is really for nobility and the Hungarian Kings of history. I tried some at an international wine fair and could

April 2017

only find one word to describe it... 'more'. Such wines are rare indeed and I do not recall having seen any in this part of the world. They may be around, but you would have to travel further that Simondium to find any.

In a different league, we are not so hard done by with excellent choices of Hanepoot and Muscadel wines, not to mention our Special and Noble Late Harvest wines. These can make a first class aperitif or digestif. In summer I normally have a bottle in the fridge, next to the MCC – just in case a lady of quality should feel faint. But Tokaij has my heart and if by chance you find any please give me a call, I am in the A to Z.

24 dirkie uys street · tel 021 876 4304

www.davidwalters.co.za

HANDMADE IN FRANSCHHOEK Tokaij Aszu grapes affected by Botritis cinerea

designer craftsman · ceramic studio · gallery

April 2017

Franschhoek Tatler

7

Cabernet Franc Uitdaging – wenners bewys geloof in die variëteit

Die tweede Suid-Afrikaanse Cabernet Franc Uitdaging het einde Februarie plaasgevind en die wenners is op 1 Maart tydens ‘n eksklusiewe geleentheid aangekondig by die Avontuur Wynlandgoed in Stellenbosch.

Die aantal inskrywings het van 32 in 2016 vermeerder tot 50 in 2017, ingesluit 11 wyne wat in die Museumklas was om te wys hoe goed hierdie wynsoort oor tyd kan verouder.

Franschhoek se Jacoline Haasbroek van My Wyn was onder die Top 6 met haar My Wyn Cabernet Franc 2014.

Kaapse Wynmeester en hoof van die proepaneel, Christine Rudman, was baie beïndruk met die toename in inskrywings: “Hierdie kompetisie wys dat wynmakers die variëteit ernstig opneem en daardeur hul talente tentoon wil stel. Ek dink dat byna elke produsent van Cabernet Franc in Suid-Afrika nou hier verteenwoordig word, wat uitstekende nuus is,” het sy gesê.

Die paneel het ‘n baie moeilike taak gehad met die Top 6 omdat die style baie uiteenlopend en die kwaliteit deur die bank uitstekend was. Slegs een Museumklas wyn was gekies aangesien hierdie wyn as die duidelike wenner uitgestaan het.

Christine Rudman se kommentaar hieroor is, “Die verskil tussen laasjaar se kompetisie en vanjaar s’n is die verskillende style wat vanjaar na vore gekom

het. Alhoewel die paneel dol was oor die wyne wat mineraliteit tentoon gestel het, het ons ook ‘n paar voorbeelde geproe wat baie uitbundig en koketterig was met tonne rooi vrug asook die tipiese variëteitgetroue wyne met klassieke geur-ondertone soos viooltjies, fynbos en rooi bessies.

Die Top 6 in alfabetiese volgorde is: Doolhof Wine Estate Single Vineyard Collection Cabernet Franc 2015, Kaapzicht Cabernet Franc 2014, My Wyn Cabernet Franc 2014, Nelson Wine Estate Lisha Nelson Cabernet Franc 2014, Rainbow’s End Wine Estate Limited Release 2015 and Warwick Estate Cabernet Franc 2013.

Die Museumklas wenner vir 2017 is nog ‘n Franschhoek wyn – die Holden Manz Wine Estate Cabernet Franc Reserve 2012 – ‘n wyn wat in 2016 een van die Top 6 was.

Wyne wat vir die Uitdaag ingeskryf was, is blind geproe deur ‘n paneel beoordelaars en uitslae is onafhanklik geoudit deur die firma Moore Stevens. Die beoordelaars was Christine Rudman, Samarie Smith, Tinashe Nyanduku, Mike Bampfield- Duggan en Izele van Blerk.

Die Cabernet Franc 2017 Top 6 is nou eksklusief beskikbaar by die Wine-of-the-Month-Club teen R1 890. Besoek www.wineofthemonth.co.za om jou

Die 2017 Top 6 Cabernet Franc produsente spog met hul medaljes by die prysuitdeling. VLNR is: Anton Malan (Rainbow’s End), Lisha Nelson (Nelson Vineyards), Franschhoek se Jacoline Haasbroek (My Wyn), Arlene Mains (Kaapzicht), Gielie Beukes (Doolhof) en Nic van Aarde (Warwick).

bestelling te plaas en kry hierdie indrukwekkende versameling by jou voordeur afgelewer. Voorraad

FRANSCHHOEK

C A P C L A S S I Q U E C E L L A R · O R A N G E R I E R E S TA U R A N T · L I LY P O N D V I L L A

Please make your reservation at Orangerie Restaurant for Lunch, High Tea or join us for a delicious slice of one of our speciality cakes.

The Tasting Room is open for Cap Classique tastings, canapés and sales.

TASTINGS · LUNCH · HIGH TEA Mon-Sun 10:00-17:00 Le Lude Cellar 021 100 3465 · Orangerie Restaurant 021 100 3464 Lambrechts Road Franschhoek info@lelude.co.za · www.lelude.co.za

is beperk en heelwat van hierdie wyne word in klein hoeveelhede geproduseer, dus bestel liewer gou!

Franschhoek Tatler

8

Cape of Good Hope Serruria Chardonnay

Staying ahead of the game in a highly competitive wine market takes more than passion and commitment; it also requires patience and innovation. All these elements combine in the latest offering from Anthonij Rupert Wyne’s portfolio – the Cape of Good Hope Serruria Chardonnay 2015.

Produced from vineyards planted on the farm Altima in the Elandskloof, this terroir-specific wine forms part of Cape of Good Hope range created in recognition of South Africa’s 350-yearold vinous heritage, aptly known as the Old Vines Initiative.

The Altima vineyard is situated in a pristine valley north of Villiersdorp, also known as the Kaaimanskloof area, and is surrounded by a steep mountain range that rises 1km from the valley floor. During the winter months these mountains are typically covered with snow and, coupled with the elevation of 600 to 700m, equates to a very cool climate. This unique terroir produces

wines with a high natural acidity and upfront aromas.

According to winemaker, Mark van Buuren, this wine has a shy orange blossom bouquet with hints of spice.

On the palate the wine is fresh with lively orange and citrus flavours, cloaked with a creamy vanilla oak.

Compared to a peacock fantail, the flavours start off quite reserved eventually revealing more depth and richness. The harmonious integration of oak and fruit results in an most elegant Chardonnay.

Available directly from the Anthonij Rupert Wyne Tasting Room at R155 per bottle, the Cape of Good Hope Serruria Chardonnay 2015 is the ideal wine partner to a light Prawn and Coconut Thai Curry, succulent roast Chicken, and seafood dishes such as Paella, Bouillabaisse or cold poached Salmon served with a Lemon and Fennel sauce. www.rupertwines.com

Grande Provence releases big, new Zinfandel

Savour a mouthful of succulent ripe strawberries with whiffs of mulled spice in the Grande Provence Zinfandel 2015.

The 2015 Zinfandel is one of the first Grande Provence wines to step out in a fresh new look with muted colour tones that reflect the wine’s heritage and quality.

Known as Primitivo in the “heel” of Italy but made fashionable as Zinfandel in California, this blackskinned grape variety thrives in warmer climates.

The grapes for the Grande Provence Zinfandel, the second vintage crafted in the Franschhoek cellar, come from the slopes of Groenberg in Wellington.

“The warmer Wellington conditions allow a bright fruit-forward wine with a great balance of colour and soft tannins from gentle winemaking techniques in the cellar,” says Grande Provence Cellarmaster, Matthew van Heerden.

Barrel matured for one year in French and American oak, the palate is fresh with great acidity supported by deliciously supple tannins.

This big wine stands up well to hearty casseroles

and game dishes. It also goes down beautifully with liquor filled dark chocolate truffles.

The maiden 2013 vintage, made in a small batch from just four barrels, was available exclusively at the estate. Now the new 2015 Zinfandel can be purchased from the tasting room and selected boutique wine shops.

The wine is available at a cellar door, or online, at R150 per bottle.

Purchases of 12 bottles or more qualify for free delivery anywhere in South Africa. www.grandeprovence. co.za | 021 876 8600

MADE IN FRANSCHHOEK 62 HUGUENOT STREET, FRANSCHHOEK +27 21 876 3094 info@penchantdesign.com www.penchantdesign.com

April 2017

April 2017

Franschhoek Tatler

9

Regarded as one of South Africa’s celebrated chefs, Neil Jewell of Bread & Wine, showcased his world-class talents at Montréal en Lumière in Montreal, Canada – the largest winter festival of its kind in North America. Chef Jewell was invited along with 11 other chefs from across the globe.

This was made possible through Chef Jewell’s association with Délice: a global network of cities whose culinary heritage and gastronomic offerings define them as great food destinations. The Cape Winelands is a part of this illustrious conglomerate, with Franschhoek spearheading the involvement. Montréal en Lumière also coincided with the annual meeting of the Délice Network of Good Food Cities of the World Conference in the city.

There’s something different about Chef Neil Jewell. The modest chef who claims, ‘he’s just a cook with a charcuterie hobby’ is anything but. Chef Jewell has been the head chef at Bread & Wine for 17 years. In his time at the helm he’s seen his restaurant twice in Eat Out’s Top Ten (South Africa’s Foodie Oscars) and is regular on the Eat Out Top 20 nominee list. His charcuterie is renowned across South Africa—also garnering many awards—and his presence and product are hotly demanded at the very best of food and wine festivals around the world. Chef Jewell has an unflinching resolve to only use the best, most honest products, and it shows in his inimitable culinary style.

The festival—which also coincided with the city’s 375th birthday celebration—took place over a three-week period between February and March and played host to food, art and culture enthusiasts from across the continent as well as the world. The event attracted approximately 1,4 million festivalgoers to the city and visitors experienced the Montréal lifestyle through a programme that combined performing arts, gastronomy, outdoor activities and more.

Chef Jewell was invited into the kitchen of celebrated local restaurant, Ikanos; where he went head-to-head with Chef

Photo: Benoit Rousseau

Franschhoek in Montreal

Chef Neil Jewell with Chef Constant Mentzas in Ikanos’s kitchen in the heart of Montreal

Constant Mentzas. For two nights at this chic restaurant (which specialises in Greek and Mediterranean style food) the chefs presented a five-course meal of two dishes each per course (which makes for a total of ten dishes). This was served feast-style with platters in the middle of the table for guests to share, all paired with South African wines.

Chef Jewell crafted a menu inspired by his offering at Bread & Wine, and wowed diners with his dishes: buffalo mozzarella blancmange followed by confit of arctic char (at Bread & Wine Chef Jewell uses Franschhoek trout for this dish); the third course was pan-seared duck breast. Then came the cheese course, which Chef Jewell interpreted as a dish of shaved aged Cheddar with salted grapes, and for dessert he pulled out all the stops with a South African inspired Malva soufflé with crème mousseline, caramelized pineapple and almond crumbs.

“My food philosophy is very simple yet extremely effective. Be true to yourself, let the ingredients speak for themselves and only the best will do,” said Chef Jewell. ‘This experience gave me greater insight into the current food trends. I look forward to sharing what I have learnt in Montreal with my fellow chefs in Franschhoek, allowing us to take the valley’s status as Culinary Capital up a notch.” Malu Lambert www.breadandwine.co.za | 021 876 4004

Nederburg Charity Auction assists local organisation

The annual Nederburg Charity Auction cheque handover took place on Friday, 10 March at Nederburg Wine Estate, where two deserving Boland-based organisations were the recipients of funds raised at last year’s annual charity auction.

The charity auctions forms part of the annual Nederburg Auction. 2016 charity auctioneer Roland Peens says that 15 rare wines were knocked down at last year’s charity sale, raising over R527 000 for various outreach programmes run by the organisations, which aim to invest in the future of the local young people.

Hope Through Action, a non-profit organisation established to bring about life-changing initiatives for young children in Franschhoek and Paarl, as well as The Breytenbach Centre, a multidisciplinary cultural centre in Wellington, were each presented with cheques of over R263 000 by the Nederburg charity auction.

The proceeds raised for the two organisations were generated from ticket sales for the pre-auction tasting held in 2016 as well as the annual charity auction event.

The funding that the two organisations have received will be used to support their development programmes.

“Along with the bids, attendees contributed generously in the form of donations,” says Peens.

Presenting the cheques on behalf of Nederburg were Inger Truter, Auction Office Coordinator, 2016 charity auctioneer, Roland Peens and Gerhard Claassens, the CSI Controller at Nederburg. The Nederburg Charity Auction has been investing in local charity organisations in the areas of health, youth development and education since 1993.

Hope Through Action continue to focus on developing

Fltr: Nkosana Mguni (Hope Through Action), Inger Truter (Nederburg) and Roland Peens (auctioneer)

life and personal skills for the youth and assists in creating an opportunity for these young people to meet and interact with peers and gain knowledge in a safe environment.

Nkosana Mguni, a representative from Hope Through Action says that the organisation focuses on social issues that impact on lives. “Through our efforts we hope to provide children and youths with valuable skills that they need to succeed in life and contribute to their communities.”

Gerhard Claassens, CSI Controller at Nederburg, says that he hopes to see this initiative grow from strength to strength in the future. “For the 2017 Nederburg Charity Auction on 16 September we hope to raise more funds so that we can continue to make contributions to the local community. The charity auction items for 2017 promise to be an interesting selection and will be announced in due course,” concludes Claassens.

Ticket sales to the Tutored Pre-Auction Tastings on 01 August (CPT) and 03 August (JHB) will be available from June/July 2017. Book well in advance in order to avoid disappointment.

New signage makes StreetSmart restaurants easier to find

Making a difference to the lives of vulnerable children R5 at a time just got easier with new prominent StreetSmart signage allowing participating restaurants to promote their support more visibly and helping diners to eat out more responsibly.

The new signage identifies participating restaurants as members of the StreetSmart SA restaurant community, where a voluntary donation of R5 is added to each table’s bill to raise funds for organisations working with street children within the area where the restaurant is located.

StreetSmart SA is a conduit fundraising organisation that partners with restaurants to receive donations from diners to support their own locally based beneficiary organisations. In this way locally run programmes that prevent the vulnerable from becoming street children, and help children already on the streets through reintegration back into schools or families can be funded.

Last year, StreetSmart restaurants and their diners raised over R1 million nationally. The Top 5 Contributing restaurants were: La Mouette (Cape Town), who raised R89 219, Savoy Cabbage (Cape Town), raising R62 409, Nonna Lina (Cape Town), who raised R44 500, Le Quartier Français (Franschhoek), raising R44 126, and Nguni Restaurant (Plettenberg Bay), who raised R31 060.

StreetSmart SA is registered as a Public Benefit Organisation as well as a Non-Profit Organisation and every cent of the donations received in StreetSmart restaurants, go to organisations that support vulnerable children through education, skills training and family

Streetsmart Le Quartier Français team with Chef Margot Janse showing off the new StreetSmart signage.

reunification, in order to give them a chance to normalise their lives and to be re-integrated into society.

"We thank every one of our restaurant partners; they go out of their way to support us to raise funds for our beneficiaries. So dine out and donate in a StreetSmart restaurant. Giving money to a child on the street, simply keeps them on the street," says Melanie Burke, StreetSmart Chairman.

StreetSmart SA was set up in 2005 by a group of concerned Capetonians under the patronage of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and comprises resourceful board members representing business and the hospitality and tourism industries. www.streetsmartsa.org.za | 021 447 3227

CHILLED VIBES, SUMMER SKIES Soak up the last of our summer rays, sip on local wines and sink into the vibes of live music. Take in the beauty of the Franschhoek valley while you enjoy local wines and share in delicious antipasti, crisp fresh salads and all that Col’Cacchio pizzeria has to offer. While you relax and enjoy the summer days remember we have a safe and exciting kiddies area, so you can rest assured that your little ones are in good hands.

LIVE MUSIC Fridays: 5pm-8pm, Contemporary Sundays: 5pm-8pm, Jazz

COL’CACCHIO PIZZERIA FRANSCHHOEK 021 876 4222, 66 HUGUENOT STREET, FRANSCHHOEK, 7690

Franschhoek Tatler

10

April 2017

‘Super allergies’ could hit hot SA

Last year was the hottest year on earth since recordtaking began, and the same could be the case for 2017.

According to experts this heat could trigger so-called ‘super allergies’.

Mariska van Aswegen, spokesperson for Pharma Dynamics – a leading provider of antihistamine medication – says the weather and atmospheric temperature make a huge difference to the levels of pollen and other irritants such as dust and diesel particulates in the air.

“The downside of a long, hot summer is that these irritants stay suspended in the air for longer, entering the mouth or nose and landing on the delicate mucosal layer of the upper airways. Once these particles land on the membranes that line the airways, the allergen diffuses into it, setting off an allergic reaction. Not only could symptoms worsen, but hot and dry conditions could result in an extended pollen season. The hayfever season typically starts with trees pollinating from August until October. However, grass pollen then takes over with its greatest peak from November to March.

“According to SA’s foremost authorities on aerobiology, climate change will significantly increase the amount of pollen in the air with average world temperatures forecast to rise 3°C to 4ºC by as early as 2060. Warmer temperatures allow trees to pollinate earlier and longer than usual. Pollenproducing plants, such as flowers, trees, grasses and weeds have a much longer pollen-producing season than in the past. Should the predicted combination of prolonged periods of warm, dry weather with intervals of some wet weather occur, we’ll experience high grass pollen counts for some time,” she remarks.

Not only is this depressing news for the estimated 30% of South Africans that suffer from hayfever, but the extended hot and dry conditions could also trigger nasal allergies in those who haven’t previously suffered from hayfever.

To make matters worse, people who live in towns and cities where there are higher levels of traffic pollution are at greater risk. Van Aswegen points out that the tiny particulates released by diesel fuel irritate the lining of the nasal passages and lungs making them more sensitive. “When an allergen such as pollen is also present, the airways are already primed to react, which could lead to a more severe allergic response – a ‘super allergy’.

To ensure that super allergies don’t get in the way of your summer holiday plans, van Aswegen gives the following advice: Get pollen-wise: check the pollen forecast in your

area or holiday spot (online or in the local newspaper) to plan your outdoor activities and avoid being outside when the pollen count is highest, which is usually early in the morning and evening. Also find out which pollen you’re allergic to via a skin-prick test or blood test to detect specific IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies. Remember to keep doors and windows closed during peak pollen times.

When the outdoors beckon: apply balm or petroleum jelly around the rim of your nose which can act as a pollen-trap. Alternatively, block pollen and other irritants by wearing a mask or bandanna over your nose and mouth. If the pollen count is very high, opt for less intense exercises. The faster you breathe the more allergens and irritants you inhale.

Traveling by plane: make sure your epinephrine injection (used to treat a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis) is within date and always carry a spare. Pack these in your hand luggage along with a supply of antihistamines. If you are prone to anaphylaxis, obtain a written letter from your doctor explaining why the medicine you carry is essential, to ensure you don’t get delayed at customs. If you’re traveling alone, let the pilot or air hostess know of your condition. Do the same if you’re traveling with friends and make sure they know how to administer the emergency medication. Also have the names of those who should be contacted in an emergency handy. Using a saline nasal spray every hour could also help keep your nasal membranes moist.

Planning a road trip: turn your car’s air conditioner on 10 minutes before you get in the car, preferably with the windows open, which will help remove dust and mould from the air-conditioning (AC) system. Keep car windows closed when driving to prevent pollen and other irritants from entering the car. If you’re hiring a car, ask for a model that comes with a high efficiency particulate filter as part of the AC system.

Staying at a hotel: bring your own hypoallergenic pillow and mattress cover or ask for an allergy-proof room where no smoking or pets are allowed.

Avoid red and swollen eyes: protect your eyes during the day by wearing sunglasses and rinsing contact lenses to get rid of dust and pollen particles. If your allergies have left you with itchy, red eyes, then take eye-drops to reduce the symptoms.

“When it comes to essential hayfever treatments, such as antihistamines, these should be taken early on in the season to be most effective. If you haven’t started, start taking them now to reduce symptoms,” concludes Van Aswegen.

Dr Glynn Till

Aesthetic Clinic Paarl

DC (USA), FCCS (Can) Practice Number: 040 1110 Registration Number: A07609

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April 2017

Franschhoek Tatler

Salt – a forgotten killer

Excess salt intake directly increases blood pressure in most people, and exacerbates high blood pressure in people who already have this condition. “High blood pressure is not only caused by high salt intake, and factors such as genetics, obesity, fruit and vegetable intake, stress, smoking and a lack of exercise all contribute.

However, reducing salt intake is a safe, affordable and effective strategy to reduce high blood pressure or avoid developing high blood pressure” says Prof Naidoo, CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa (HSFSA).

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that its African region has the highest prevalence of high blood pressure globally. People of African origin are more prone to salt sensitivity and excess salt is consumed through both liberal addition of salt to meals and as salt hidden in many processed foods. In South Africa, the prevalence of high blood pressure ranges from 30% to as high as 80% in adults over the age of 50 years.

A world-leader in salt reduction South Africa is ahead of the pack with groundbreaking legislation to limit the salt content of certain foods. June 2016 marked the implementation of these regulations that have reduced salt in commonly consumed foods such as breads, breakfast cereals, and processed meats.

So far legislation has been hugely successful with most manufacturers complying, and some products have reduced salt content by 30 to 40%.

What can the food industry do?

During World Salt Awareness Week, World Action On Salt and Health (WASH) and the HSFSA are calling on manufacturers to put less salt in our food, and challenge everyone to read food labels and choose the lower salt options – it’s as easy as that! Salt legislation will reduce salt intake by approximately 0.85 grams per person per day, depending on the individual’s food choices. One study estimated that this level of salt reduction will result in 7 400 fewer cardiovascular

deaths and 4 300 fewer non-fatal strokes every year in South Africa.

The WHO recommends that total salt intake should not exceed one teaspoon a day, an amount equal to 5 grams. The average South African eats roughly 8.5 grams of salt per day (range of 6 – 11 grams), with some people eating significantly more than this. Salt legislation is a good start, but it is inadequate to curb excess salt intake?

How do we eat so much salt?

“Salt intake is not easy to measure and is hidden in almost everything we eat, even sweet foods. When adding extra salt in cooking or at the table, all the pinches, shakes and grinds of salt add more salt than we actually need. One take-out meal can be triple our salt limit for one day. Even something as simple as a cheese and ham sandwich can provide 2.5 grams of salt, which is already half the daily limit” says Gabriel Eksteen, Dietitian and Exercise Physiologist at the Foundation.

Do YOU eat too much salt?

The Heart and Stroke Foundation SA launched an online salt calculator in 2015 in partnership with Unilever South Africa. This is the easiest way to see how much salt you eat, and what are the main salty culprits in your diet. The calculator has been carefully updated to improve accuracy and to reflect changes after salt legislation.

Test your salt intake at www. saltcalculator.co.za. You may be surprised where your salt comes from!

How to reduce salt intake Total salt intake includes what is already in the food, and what people add to food while preparing or eating the food. Choose foods wisely, keeping an eye out for food products with the Heart Mark logo and eat salty foods less often. How much salt is added at home is completely in the individual’s hands. When using salty ingredients like stock cubes, soy sauce or chicken spice as part of cooking, don’t add any further salt. Taste food while cooking and at the table, and think twice before adding more salt!

11

Get tested One in every two South Africans with high blood pressure remains unaware of their condition.

This prevents effective care and increases the risk of heart diseases and strokes. The HSFSA recommends that all adults test their blood pressure at least once every year.

The next step forward South African salt legislation will further reduce the salt levels of certain foods by 2019. Yet many foods are excluded from legislation, including fast foods.

The HSFSA call on the fast food industry to clearly display the salt content of their meals and to start reducing the salt content of their offerings. Graham MacGregor, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at The Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine and Chairman of WASH comments: “Salt damages our health. Salt reduction is the simplest and most costeffective measure to prevent thousands of unnecessary deaths from stroke and heart attacks every year. It is not just down to the individuals; manufactures must stop adding salt to our foods. Do something great for your health by eating less salt!” www.heartfoundation.co.za

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12

Franschhoek Tatler

April 2017

10 simple tips to extend the life of your car

“There is hardly a truer saying than, ‘Take care of your car and it will take care of you’,” says Vishal Premlall, Director of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA).

With the cost of living on the rise, taking care of your vehicle should be at the top of your priority list.

“You don’t have to be a mechanical expert to take care of your car. You just need to be aware of what you should be keeping an eye on and keep a regular maintenance schedule,” he says.

Premlall provides 10 basic car care tips to ensure your car stays on the road longer and that you pick up smaller repairs before they become big ticket items.

Read the car's manual and schedule maintenance accordingly. Don’t let your manual sit neglected in your glove compartment. Keeping up with your car's recommended maintenance schedule can help avoid costly problems with your cooling system, drivetrain, suspension and other components. Following the recommended schedule religiously and only use quality oil, fluids and parts.

Battery Check. Like other car parts that have been made to last longer, most car batteries are maintenance-free and can last more than three years.

The first sign that may indicate you need a new battery is if you have trouble starting the engine.

Good Visibility. One of the most neglected basic car care tips is taking care of your windshield wipers. You should change your wipers every 12 months or if the rubber becomes worn. You will also want to check the wiper fluid reservoir and keep it full.

Use online forums. You want to learn about potential problems before they happen so that you can prevent them -- or fix them immediately. Find an owners’ forum online and get on the wavelength of what the potential problems could be as your car gets older.

Check the fluids. You should check the level of your antifreeze, oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid, very regularly. We advise you check these every time you put in petrol. Even if your car doesn't leak fluids, it can develop a leak and quickly have a dangerously low level of fluids. It’s also important to change the oil regularly. This will improve your mileage and protect your engine. The recommended mileage between oil changes is 5000 - 8000 kilometres or every 3 to 6 months. It is also important to change the oil filter as well - there is no sense in putting clean oil through a dirty filter, and filters are cheap and available at any parts store. Please check your service manual, or contact your dealer for

your car's specific needs.

Brake Pads. Monitor your brake pad thickness and don't let the pads wear down to metal. This will cause damage to your brake rotors (discs) at least and possibly your callipers as well. Rotors and callipers are much more expensive to replace than pads.

Rotate the tyres. Changing tyre position is very important and reduces uneven wear and tear on the tread, thus extending the life of the tyres. Generally they should be rotated diagonally - front right to rear left and front left to rear right. You also need to check your tyre pressure regularly. Proper tyre inflation will help the tyres handle better and last longer, and it will help you get the most out of a tank of petrol. It’s also a good idea to have your tyres checked for wear regularly.

Use your hand brake. Even if you are driving a car with an automatic transmission, use your hand brake regularly, especially if you're parked on an incline. It helps keep the brakes adjusted in the rear of the car and makes them last longer.

Don’t ignore small problems. Pay close attention to your vehicle’s noises and also to its warning lights and even cosmetic things, like a piece of rubber trim that’s loose. Ignoring a problem only allows it to get worse and parts for aging vehicles only get harder to find.

Give your car some love. Wash it, wax it and vacuum it and treat all leather surfaces. You will protect both the paint and the interior from aging prematurely.

Premlall says these tips are all valid irrespective of whether you own a new or used vehicle and stresses again the importance of regular maintenance which is the key to extending the life of your car.

“Giving your car a little love and attention could save you in the long run. Visit your local service centre for additional advice and tips on how to best maintain your car,” he says.

April 2017

Franschhoek Tatler

Tatler Motoring Michele Lupini

Long live the king!

The king is dead. Michele Lupini looks into a most significant shift in automotive power. Long live the new king.

Il re è morto, lunga vita al re! That’s Italian for ‘the king is dead - long live the king.’

Many have tried, but none have ever really toppled the mighty BMW M3 from its lofty throne, but now enter Alfa Romeo Giulia QV powered by a 375kW 600Nm 2.9-litre Ferrari Biturbo V6 turning the rear axle via an eight-speed automatic to deliver a staggering 3.98-second 0-100km/h dash and a top end limited to 307km/h.

BMW says M3 makes 317kW from its biturbo 3-litre straight-six but the Alfa returns close to identical performance data on the same strip in the same conditions and on 10% better power-to-weight ratio.

We’ve always questioned M3’s meagre power claims Isaac Newton would too.

The Alfa comes good in the twist department with 600Nm all the way from 2500 to 3500 rpm – almost 10% more than the BMW albeit over a slightly narrower band and it also gets torque vectoring and of course, rear-wheel drive – all of which BMW M

has shown to be the way for so many years. Both also share optimal weight distribution, performance suspension, while the Alfa adds active aero – a Ferrarilike front splitter that extends at speed.

On the road, you can throw that proverbial blanket over them at just about any point up until about 120km/h when the Alfa Romeo pulls away and keeps on going. They deliver remarkably similar numbers, but they differ in how they get on with it.

The BMW is finicky and woe betides if you get it wrong with that ESP off – it becomes unmanageable, while the Alfa never quite made me feel as if it was trying to assassinate me every time I floored it – it somehow seemed more manageable, kinder to the driver.

Take them by the scruff of the neck and both make a mockery of distance and dynamics – their ability is towering, their hunger to dispatch the miles deep; but be very aware – these are not toys; but driven flat out bareback, both are supremely rewarding to drive.

So, which is best? The M3 is not a new car, but then it should not be a simple matter to deliver a car so good that it just steals the throne away and the Alfa does just that and yes, Giulia Quadrifoglio Verde is that good. It’s the best entry-exec super saloon on the market and it has deposed the Mighty M3 too.

It’s quicker, faster, more driveable and dare I say, more exciting, than the old king. But it is the new king for sure and what really makes this a magnificent story is that Alfa Romeo not only quite literally came out of the blue to do so, but it achieves that in one fell swoop. Bravo Alfa Romeo, Bravo!

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13

Franschhoek Tatler

14

Fleur de Lis Nuus

April 2017

Fantastic rhino fundraiser

Marelize de Villiers

Fleur de Lis se jaarlikse uitstappie om aan die Outeniqua Rolstoeluitdaging deel te neem was weereens 'n reuse sukses.

Ons het Vrydag, 17 Februarie, vertrek met ons eerste stop in Riviersonderend waar ons heerlik ontbyt genuttig het by Jeanette Adshade wat voorheen

by Fleur de Lis die haarsalon gehad het. By Albertinia het ons gestop om roosterkoek te koop vir die aand se heerlike braai.

Saterdagoggend het ons aangetree vir ons stappie met ons ouer persone. ‘n Paar reën druppeltjies kon ons nie stop nie en ons kom elkeen met 'n medalje terug. Ons het weereens die oudste deelnemer, Tannie Anna Ferreira, in ons groep gehad!

Ons bedank graag die wonderlike akkommodasieverskaffer waar ons nou al vir die derde jaar teen dieselfde prys kon bly. Dit word voorwaar waardeer.

Fleur de Lis se rolstoeluitdagingspan

Uit Justine se pen: “Wat 'n ongelooflike naweek was dit nie. As jy om jou kyk is dit groot mense, klein kindertjies wat nie gaan lê nie, maar hul gebrek aanvaar het. Dan moet jy maar net op jou kniëe gaan en sê dankie Here, dat ons gesond is en nog ons ledemate kan gebruik. By hulle bestaan nie die woorde ‘Ek kan nie’. Hulle het deursettingsvermoë om nie te te gaan lê nie, maar om die beste van elke geleentheid te maak.”

Dankie aan al die donateurs wat Fleur de Lis ondersteun het met hierdie pragtige geleentheid.

Hospice News

Probus Club

Colleen Douglas

Our annual Bridge Drive luncheon was held at the beautiful clubhouse on Domaine des Anges on a glorious sunny day, surrounded by magnificent gardens.

We thank all the sponsors who made this day possible.

The residents of Domaine des Anges for their donation of the clubhouse. The NG Kerk for the loan of their chairs and tables and the Franschhoek High School for the additional chairs. Trevor Jafthas for transporting the tables and chairs.

For the early morning coffees and delicious lunch ingredients: Joey and Em from Good Food & Co, Mrs Mostert, Terbodore, Kathy and Liz M. The raffle prize sponsors: Tallulahs, Le Bon Vivant, French Connection, GlenWood, The Franschhoek Cellars, Franschhoek Skin Care Clinic, Allora, Franschhoek Boutique Hotel, Rose Cottage, Petit Jourdan, Haute Cabriere, Franschhoek Pass Winery, Franschhoek Villas, Leopards Leap, Marie Louise, Ruan, Indian Summer, Reubens, Diamond Works, Boschendal, Lynx, Fromages de France, S & B Group, Paddy, Lyn, Sarah, Kathy, Myles Agar and Colleen.

Helen, Ann and Sarah, who sold raffle tickets and raised R10 000.

Our braai masters, Adam and Sam, the ladies who plated, Carol, Hilary, Kathy, Liz A, Ingrid, Paddy, Marelize,

Julie Mitchell

Colleen Douglas and Marelize Joseph with Marc Lottering

the gentlemen at the bar, John A, John M and Larry.

The ladies clearing and cleaning in the kitchen Evelyn, Rachel, Letitia and Annelise.

Rina, you are always such a star helping us out with coffee machines.

Thank you to everyone for making this event an amazing one – well done.

Marc Lottering’s HASHTAG show was a great way to start the month of March. It was an hour of side-splitting entertainment. Our thanks go to The Franschhoek Cellars for their staff and venue and to James Stewart for always donating his sound system.

Now that we have a Woolworths here in Franschhoek have you changed your beneficiary to Franschhoek Hospice, it’s never too late? Our reference no is 11775.

A tribute to Winnie Rachel Valentine

Rachel, our shop manager, passed away suddenly on 14 March at Hospice – a place she loved.

Rachel was part of the Hospice team from 2006 to 2017. She was an amazing, enthusiastic person. She knew almost everyone who came into the Hospice shop by name and their family members, especially the children and the odd pooch. She held Hospice close to her heart and was a true ambassador.

We are so very proud to have known her. Rachel participated in all our fundraising events. She was always so willing and even roped in her family to help with Hospice chores.

Rachel, you were such an asset to Hospice. You will be missed by all!

May you rest in peace.

Our next meeting is on Monday 3 April 2017. The speaker is Bill Sargeant – a short story writer.

On Monday, 1 May 2017, Eugene Du Toit will talk on ‘Development of the St Helena Airport and Port – making one of the most remote islands in the world accessible!

What is probus all about?

• In South Africa there is a rapidly growing number of Probus Clubs, which offer retirees the facility to manage successfully the transition from high pressure executive, professional and other vocational activity to a calmer way of life.

• This is achieved through these features of membership:

also provided the opportunity to donate much needed funds to the Voluntary WildFire Services and R7 000 was awarded to the organization to enable them to continue the fight against the all-too-frequent fires that have plagued the area this summer.

Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, Poached Rhino will also be able to continue its fight for the survival of the rhino, empowering it to continue to fund existing and new conservation projects, which remain crucial to the rhino in South Africa.

• Opportunities to extend compatible social contacts and maintain an interest in the topical issues of the day.

• Nurturing positive attitudes to ageing through group recreation and the sharing of information on issues of concern to Senior Citizens.

• Support in grief and illness.

• Speakers at monthly luncheons who provide a fresh mental challenge and stimulation.

• We are a-political and non-sectarian • We are mindful of the fact that costs are an important consideration. Membership fees, therefore, are kept to a minimum; while monthly luncheon costs vary.

• Probus is not a Service/Fund Raising organization.

If you are interested in joining or just wish to come along to any meeting please contact me on 083 303 3335.

Rotary News Mark Tanner

Have you ever experienced the look on the face if a child that has just received an unexpected gift, like eyesight or some token of hope for their future?

It can cause a lump in the throat and a feeling of considerable satisfaction.

People don't join organisations; people join people and then work towards a mutual purpose that ties them to the organisation. Why not attend one of our meetings to see how we assist the community?

For further information please contact Mark Tanner on 082 773 9217.

Jeremy Davids

From Hospice Staff, Board Members and Volunteers.

Groendenne se TV teetafel

Riaan Badenhorst, TV vervaardiger en regisseur wat plaaslik woon, is tans besig met die vervaardiging van ‘n TV reeks oor Kook en Geniet vir KykNet. Hy het juis daarna verwys in die Tatler se Februarie Vraag en Antwoord artikel.

Die Geregte vir die Teetafel hoofstuk het hy verlede maand hier in Franschhoek se NG Kerk saal geskiet.

Die ACVV Franschhoek se Groendenne gemeenskapsprojek is ‘n tweekeer per maand bymekaarkom vir Groendal se senior burgers. Hulle kuier graag om ‘n tafel en op die oggend van 9 Maart het Riaan en sy span by hulle aangesluit. Die twaalf dames en een heer het om ‘n groot tafel in die kerksaal gesit en brei – die heer word nie toegelaat om te brei nie, maar mag wolbolle rol! In die kombuis is Kook en Geniet by die Teetafel hoofstuk oopgeslaan en resepte is gevolg. Ellij Greeff het pannekoek gebak, Mara du Toit het kolwyntjies gemaak, Sandra Cupido het ‘n souttert gemaak en Lise Swart die programaanbieder het, met hulp, die maaskaastert gemaak. Sy sê dit was een van die lekkerste programme wat sy nog gemaak het.

Die voormalige ACVV Maatskaplike Hulpwerker, Penny Arendse het die groepie vir ‘n wyle op hulle voete gehad om prettig deel te neem aan ‘n paar oefeninge.

Lyfspiere en lagspiere het ewe veel oefening gekry. Die nuwe Maatskaplike Hulpwerker van die ACVV, Jean-Marié McNeill, het oral vriendelik hand bygesit en saamgesels.

Riana Pretorius, bemarker van ACVV Franschhoek, het seker gemaak dat alles vlot verloop. Sy verduidelik dat die doel van die projek is om die senior burgers vir ‘n oggend uit hulle omgewing te neem. Almal het nie vervoer nie en die groep sien baie uit na hierdie

The well-attended Poached Rhino fundraiser was highly successful

Dancing, dining and donations were the order of the day at the annual Poached Rhino ball in February.

Guests were treated to a tantalizing dining experience; while dancing to the ever popular, home-grown ‘Uncorked’ band certainly aided the digestion and encouraged the crowd to dig deep.

A spectacular total of R350 000 was raised during the evening, thanks in part, to some rather special auction prizes provided by the charity’s generous sponsors. In addition to helping South Africa’s wildlife, the evening

Aanbieder Lise Swart spog met haar maaskaastert

uitstappies waar hulle gesellig kan verkeer. Daar word gebrei en gesels; lief en leed word gedeel; daar word saam gelag en soms ‘n traan gestort. Die gevolglike geestesgesondheid is die beloning wat die ACVV nastreef. Die speelgoed wat gebrei word, word individueel in pakkies gesit en vir kinders uitgedeel.

Die Kook en Geniet TV reeks word van 5 Julie op KykNet gebeeldsend. Riaan geniet dit om die programme te skiet en blyk aangenaam verras te wees oor die ontdekking dat die Kook en Geniet kultuur steeds ‘n staatmaker in menige kombuise is.

Franschhoek Youth Forum presents Trifena Jefthas “We cannot become what we want to be by remaining what we are.”

Trifena Jefthas represents the Lord’s Acre Christian Community Centre on the Franschhoek Youth Forum. The many years of experience that she gained in youth development and community building programmes makes her a vital member on the team.

Trifena matriculated in 2010 from Groendal Secondary School and decided to join the Fox Fire youth group to do youth development work in Pietermaritzburg. They focussed on life skills training for Grade 8 and 9 learners. Beginning 2012 Trifena enrolled for a Certificate in Community Development at Huguenot College in Wellington and decided to work at the Lord’s Acre Centre in October 2013.

Here she is responsible for youth programmes, running the holiday programme and soup kitchen and leads the church youth group on a Friday evening.

Trifena was always concerned about the wellbeing of young people and noticed that so many of them fell into drug and alcohol abuse. She couldn’t stand only looking at things and decided to get involved.

Teenage pregnancy is a huge issue in her community and Trifena, who became a young mother herself, wants to use her experience to inspire and motivate other young mothers that they can indeed still build up their lives despite the setback they had.

Trifena joined the Youth Forum because she has a passion for young people. She wants to make a difference. She is not the type that only complains,

who only looks on hoping to receive only. For her young development and leadership is important and the Youth Forum offers her the space to learn from other youth leaders. Her dream for the Youth Forum is that it becomes a space where young leaders grow and learn so that they become role models. The Youth Forum must become an example that proves young people can also contribute towards building society.

Developing Supporting Youth Leaders in the Valley Contact Jeremy Davids (Director) 082 472 5156 jdavids@thecharter.org.za

April 2017

Letters

info@franschhoektatler.co.za Courage Dear Friends of Franschhoek Tatler, I would like to thank all the people who keep us informed about Franschhoek by writing to the Tatler.

I would just like to know whether people, who are not prepared to put their names to their letters, perhaps do not have the courage of their convictions.

It would be much more helpful if the persons concerned would identify themselves and do something about the problem.

It is no use complaining and nobody knows where or who the complaint is coming from.

Regards, Alta Malherbe

Roaring motorcycles Dear Sir, A recent tourist blurb states: “Franschhoek Valley is one of the most beautiful wine valleys in the whole world with its sense of intimacy and mystery which make every tourist feel very welcomed.”

Well, every Sunday morning, a little before 8am, that “intimacy and mystery” is shattered by the cacophony of dozens of motorcycles, the riders of which seem determined to compete in the “mine is bigger than yours” competition as to whom can achieve the highest decibel reading.

A speed camera on the approach roads to Franschhoek, particularly the R45 would show the majority of riders flaunting the already too high 80km/h speed limit - but it’s the noise, more than anything that is so invasive.

Could pressure be brought to bear on the Municipality to both reduce the speed limit to 60 km/h on the R45 from the Groendal turnoff and install speed bumps, in line with many other small towns and villages in the region? There is nothing wrong with the purr of a motorcycle, but not a roar, please.

Then residents can then return to that “intimacy and mystery” of this beautiful place.

Sincerely, Don Hunter La Petite Provence

Another planning problem Dear Madam Mayor Following from the article in the Franschhoek Tatler of March 2017, I have to bring to your attention that the exact same situation is busy playing off at 8 De Wet Street, Franschhoek. The new owner, to believe a Mr. J. Fischer has started about a month ago to convert two buildings on the property, zoned for Industrial purposes, into 8 loft apartments (general residential), without any land use rights (rezoning) in place, or ant building plans being approved, or even submitted to the local authority for consideration.

I have lodged complaints with the Chief Building Inspector some time ago. Although I was informed that the required notices were served on the property owner to cease works, absolutely nothing has happened. The owner is working, even on Sundays, and the conversions will be completed within weeks.

The question is raised why an interdict was not obtained, as is believed to be the correct procedure?

All of a sudden I have a quite large window in a loft apartment overlooking the whole of the back- yard of my property (see attached photo), my swimming pool and the like. Here, I’m talking of a window that is approximately 2 meters away from my swimming pool. Furthermore, I’m convinced that part of the asbestos roofing (on the sides of the shed- building) has been removed without any of the required regulations been followed.

Now, the question to you is, why law- abiding citizens, like myself, still need to apply for building plan approval?

Not even to talk about zoning rights (in terms of the approved Planning By- law of the local authority). It took me almost 6 months to obtain building pan approval for ‘minor building works’, where such application needed to be considered by the local heritage committee, etc.

This whilst others can just go ahead, change the use of buildings and a property, and nothing gets done to rectify the situation. I’m convinced that, should the local authority eventually take the property owner to court,

Franschhoek Tatler nothing will really matter anymore. If there was any heritage value to the building facing De Wet Street…. it is gone! Eventually, there will be nothing left of the ambience this village portrayed for years, all thanks to lack of action by the local authority.

This is just another example of ‘do as you wish’, and the inability of the local authority to take the required actions, is questioned. Is it an issue of favors for some?

Furthermore, as a DA-led municipality, it is questioned why the said political party is at all times eager to question other political parties why they do not enforce the legislation under their jurisdiction….but at the home turf?

I, as property owner, can just hope that the Franschhoek Trust and Ratepayers Association will eventually be successful in pressurizing the local authority to take some form of responsibility, as is required by law.

Kind regards J J Cronje Editor’s Note: Since this letter was received Stellenbosch Municipality has referred the matter for legal action.

Re: Cabriere St planning blues Dear Siegfried, Re: “Cabriere Street planning blues” (March 2017 Tatler) I value heritage in the form of buildings extremely highly and made significant sacrifices in my own life to ensure that Cape heritage buildings and artefacts are preserved appropriately and shared with the public.

However, I have been deeply troubled by the article titled “Cabriere Street planning blues”. I feel it is a gross misrepresentation of the actual situation and manipulation of the facts by neighbours to try and stop a young family from doing something which is perfectly legal and acceptable to all relevant boards including Heritage Western Cape.

Links are made between this development and the ‘Lavender Farm saga’. However the latter situation is very different. Residents in Franschhoek have rightly been outraged over Lavender Farm’s lack of response to HWC’s directives and even directives from the courts (as I understand it). In this situation, this family has made all the appropriate applications and followed all the processes and matters raised are being successfully resolved (none of which is accurately reported in the article.) This article gives one the impression that this family is behaving in an equally immoral way to the owner of Lavender Farm. This galvanizes a lot of unjustified illfeeling against them. If I had not known the family and made it my business to establish the facts in the situation and re-read the article a number of times very carefully, I wouldn’t have realised this. Instead I realized how the impression the article created is completely false.

All necessary building approvals were obtained for erf 173 from HWC (and Franschhoek Trust, PAC and Council) in December 2015/January 2016 to renovate the house. They did not start knocking down a house without approval as implicitly suggested in the article.

The article states that “The construction is a flagrant and wilful violation of the planning bylaw 2015....” The family are our neighbours and I know that they have never wilfully gone about trying to violate any laws. I am convinced that where they have made legal errors, which is a lot less than the letter suggests, it has been due to poor advice from the professionals they have hired.

The article states that the BELcom committee has given the owner the “opportunity to make representations as to why the permit should not be revoked and why criminal charges should not be bright against him by Heritage Western Cape.” This is very strong language lifted from minutes of the previous to last BELcom meeting (October 2016) and portrayed to the public in this article in a very misleading way. In this sort of processes with HWC, one has the opportunity to respond, explain or rectify first before any serious consideration of criminal charges being brought is made. This is just what happened.

The CEO of Heritage Western Cape attended a meeting where the owner presented 1977 and 2001 plans of the house. The CEO was able to conclude that the majority of original heritage significance of the original house had been lost in the 2001 changes. The house bought in 2015 by the family was in fact a pastiche Cape Long house, not an original heritage building. The CEO concluded from the meeting and his case officer’s inspection of the site that the building had no heritage status. However since the existing building is positioned in a heritage area, HWC would need to give approval to amended plans. Thus all thoughts of criminal charges over changes were dropped straight away and amended plans where submitted as agreed. The author knew all this information at the time of writing her article, yet chose to conveniently leave it

Editor’s Letter

Siegfried Schäfer

Dear Readers As you probably know by now I’m a bit of a treehugger. It’s for this reason that a section of a report that forms part of the process of developing a full heritage inventory for Stellenbosch Municipality caught my eye.

The report is by Antonia Malan and the specific section deals with: Timber, tree plantings, avenues, ornamental gardens. As our local flora doesn’t contain many large tree species several species were introduced from various parts of the world and have become familiar parts of our Cape Winelands landscapes. I’ve reproduced the section in the next paragraphs.

“Oaks were planted in their thousands by the VOC as the few indigenous forests [such as at Hout Bay and the southern slopes of Table Mountain] were felled. Although the timber from Cape oaks proved to be poor, they were planted by the free burghers to provide shade and for their generous crop of acorns, which were fed to pigs. An oak was often planted to mark a corner boundary. Besides being planted out in big groups, they were used to form avenues and geometrical planting patterns around the farmsteads. They were often planted symmetrically around the central feature of the complex, the entrance to the manor house. Oaks were planted as close as 1m apart on either side of water furrows and streams to provide shade for the precious water that was used in flood irrigation systems.

“The grey poplar is found all over Europe. It was also introduced by the VOC and settlers planted it along the rivers and streams and wherever there was a damp patch of ground. It was a valuable source of timber for roof construction. Rafters and beams in many historic buildings are of poplar because of its lightness. The Spanish reed is also still used in thatch roof construction and was introduced by the VOC. “The stone pine was also introduced by the VOC in the first years at the Cape and was widely planted to provide firewood from windfalls and for nuts, used in Cape cuisine. They were used extensively in

avenue and roadside plantings and to provide a shade canopy for farmsteads. Lombardy poplars were used as windbreaks after WWII, and London planes, black alder and beefwood trees were planted extensively from the 1970s as windbreaks and avenues.

“The camphor tree is a magnificent evergreen shade and ornamental tree from Southeast Asia.

It therefore has a strong association with the VOC and with the descendants of people brought to the Cape from areas where it grows.

“The flowering gum and Jacaranda are ornamental trees for gardens and avenues.

“The cluster pine originates from France and the Iberian Peninsula and was seen by the VOC as a potentially valuable source of timber for ship’s masts. Its dominance of the Cape landscape only began at the end of the 19th century as a source of wood for the production of fruit boxes and wood wool. The black wattle was introduced for the tanning industry. The tall Monterey pine was extensively used for commercial plantations but is being replaced by beefwood and poplars.

Governor Sir Lowry Cole introduced the Tasmanian blue gum to Cape as early as 1836. Because of their size a number of them have become landmarks.

The trees at the Groot Drakenstein station are a good example. From the 1890s when fruit farming supplanted viticulture, apiarists planted blocks of sugar gums. They were also used for avenue planting and as a windbreak tree.”

Understanding why these trees were planted assists us greatly in understanding our landscape and could give landscapers a few pointers as to the appropriate use of these trees in the context of our cultural landscape.

Some of these trees can become invasive in ideal conditions, but I beg to differ with those folk who believe that just because a tree isn’t indigenous it should be removed. I bet most who believe this would be quite upset if I were to uproot their rose gardens because they aren’t indigenous! A middle ground has to be found. I, for example, don’t have a problem with getting alien water guzzlers out of our water courses and catchments, but uprooting magnificent specimens just because they’re not indigenous smacks of botanical xenophobia!

Until next time Deadlines - April 2017 Issue: Ad Bookings: 15 March 2017 Artwork: 15 March 2017 Editorial: 15 March 2017

out, allowing readers to think all sorts of very negative things about the family.

Subsequently there was the issue of height (2% of the building was problematic, while 98% was acceptable, this sort of balance is completely left out of the article). There were reasons why this occurred, none of them damming towards the family, but perhaps to those that advised them.

BELcom met again in February and asked them to rectify the situation with the roof height. This is exactly what they have done and I expect them to hear soon that their rectification will be fully accepted and permissions granted.

There are many allegations based on opinions or possibilities and not facts. Yet there are some blatant ‘alternative facts’ as President Trump’s team would say.

For example, the article makes an argument about the deceptiveness of the owner due to there being no kitchen or lounge in the new building. This is just incorrect.

Plans with a kitchen and a lounge were submitted and approved; the lounge and kitchen areas had been built.

The author misleads us into thinking there might be some factual basis to doubt the subdivision’s legality without providing any evidence. This again is out of line. The family obtained two title deeds from the Deed’s Office after they lawfully and with the consent of the Surveyor General, Municipality and Deed’s Office, registered a previously approved subdivision. Neither the Municipality nor HWC have ever questioned the fact that there are two erfs, only the “objectors” have without producing any evidence.

Although Penny Gordon states that she is one of the objectors, she did not disclose that she is part of the family that owns the only house directly adjoining the development. This would have provided the reader with a broader context. It may shed light on why she as felt motivated to write this article. It could be a case of a ‘not in our back yard’ objection, with her fearing that a guest house next door might cause noise etc. These fears are unsubstantiated and at the end of the day one cannot (and in my view should not) stop appropriate development in

ACVV Nuus

Riana Pretorius

IS Art recently concluded an exhibition of sculptures by Guy du Toit and paintings by Liekie Fouche.

Pictured, above, at the opening are FLTR Ilse Schermers, Guy du Toit, Analjit Singh and Alisha Erasmus.

15

Op 21 Maart 2017, het ACVV Franschhoek “Wêreld Maatskaplikewerkers Dag” gevier. Mientie, Anelisa en Jean-Marié is elkeen bederf met ‘n pragtige bossie blomme.

Franschhoek Hair & Beauty and a sponsor spoilt them at the FHB Day Spa with a relaxing treatment on Friday, 24 March.

Franschhoek on this basis.

The article was appallingly one sided. The ‘What others say’ block is all effectively negative stuff. The owners not commenting of course looks bad, but I know that they were not aware of the Tatler’s e-mail for their comment until after the deadline since it was sent to an inactive email account on the owner’s website. This website, that readers were led to believe was already ‘adverting’ a guest house that had not been approved, is merely an initial site. No bookings are being taken through the website, nor is the hoped for guest house even being advertised to potential guests.

One of the objecting neighbours has offered to buy the new building from the family. Not to use it as a house, but to flatten it and to raise trees at the same position. At the same time the neighbours indicated that if the family does pursue their guest house plans, they might get all the necessary permissions in the end, but objectors intend to use their impressive financial resources to make the process as long, difficult and costly as possible for the family.

I am ashamed of the way our community of Franschhoek has dealt with this couple, who have arrived from the Netherlands with a small child and second one on the way, in good faith to be make a positive contribution to the village and be part of our community. Worst of all, people are reacting in fear and ignorance to mount an objectors campaign that climaxed in a totally one sided, misleading and extremely damming article for everyone to read. I am already aware of some very negative and hurtful opinions about the family formed as a direct result of people reading it and knowing none of the other facts. I know in part how devastating and hurtful this article has been to the family. This is a small town and they plan to raise their children in it. I hope this letter goes some way to repair the damage caused by this regrettable article.

Your sincerely, Simon Pickstone-Taylor

We salute you for: • speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves • for bringing hope • for listening • for fighting • for more than often being the lone voice against maltreatment • for being the last defense • for healing and • for not giving up.

To learn more about the wonderful work that our Social Workers do watch the video at this URL: www. youtube.com/watch?v=TODy_j1e7R0 Give love and take care!

Franschhoek Tatler

16

Financial Matters Celia McGuinness

Budget 2017: Tax increases are now the order of the day

The 2017 budget is one of the most anticipated for many years with many questions still needing answers.

How will the expected tax increases pan out? Will the Minister of Finance and his deputy keep their jobs? Will the budget incorporate “radical economic transformation” which has become the President’s mantra in the past few months? How will the ratings agencies view the budget and do we now face a ratings downgrade?

The tax increases The Minister needed to raise R28 billion in additional revenue which will come from: • Increasing the marginal income tax rate from 41% to 45%. The maximum threshold will be reached when your taxable income exceeds R1.5 million.

This will affect just over 100,000 taxpayers and is expected to add R4.4 billion to tax collections • Bracket creep will add R12.1 billion to tax revenue.

“Bracket creep” means increasing marginal tax bands by less than inflation, thus giving the Treasury additional revenue and costing taxpayers more • Increasing dividend tax from 15% to 20% – adding R6.8 billion tax revenue • Increase in “sin” taxes and fuel levies – another R5.1 billion • “Sugar tax” will be introduced sometime in 2017 depending on when the legislation is passed by Parliament. The proposed rate of tax has been reduced from 20% to approximately 11% • Carbon tax has been on the cards for a while, but looks unlikely to become effective until 2018.

In addition, the Voluntary Disclosure Programme runs to 31 August. So far almost R4 billion in offshore assets has been disclosed and this will bring R600 million to the fiscus.

These increases should bring in more than R28 billion, but Treasury is now nervous about the ability of SARS to continue to deliver increased revenue as it has done for years.

In 2016/17 revenue collections are estimated to fall R27 billion short of the target. Some ascribe this to the ructions in SARS which have seen the bulk of senior management departing, but it is not possible to indefinitely increase revenue targets, particularly when the news is filled with stories about corruption. At some stage reality kicks in and that is happening now.

Treasury will now carefully need to rethink tax policy and that increase in taxes like VAT cannot be deferred much longer. Already consideration is being given to adding VAT to the fuel price (it is currently zero-rated).

The good news • Transfer duty will now only apply to property sales of R900 001 or more (previously R750 001).

This will give R400 000 back to taxpayers and will hopefully stimulate property sales to first-time and buy-to-let buyers.

• R20 billion will be cut from government expenditure.

No specifics were given but expenditure targets have generally been met.

• R3.9 billion will be allocated to small business.

• The tax-free savings allowance has been raised from R30 000 to R33 000.

• Treasury and business sector cooperation has worked well so far and helped to avert a ratings downgrade. Business plans to offer one million apprenticeships to the youth over the next three years. In addition, R1.5 billion has been paid into a fund to assist small businesses.

• This cooperation with business (add to this labour with the agreement on the minimum wage) does add a new dynamic into the economy. Minister Gordhan often spoke of a new social cohesion to help economic growth and this is evidence that this is beginning to show positive results.

• Inflation will fall from 6.6% now to a forecast 5.7%.

• GDP will grow 1.3% this year versus 0.4% last year.

• The budget deficit will come in at 3.1% of GDP versus 3.2% this year.

• An additional R5 billion has been set aside for student fees.

There are still perils out there The sovereign debt of the country has risen over the past 8 years and now stands at 50.7% of GDP. If you add in the state entities (Eskom, SAA, Transnet etc.) this rises to more than 60%. This translates to R169 billion in interest being paid by the state – interest is the fastest growing expense in the budget.

Perhaps more significantly, economic growth has stagnated. As can be seen from the above it is becoming more difficult to increase taxes and thus the way out of a growing budget stalemate is economic growth. Structural reforms are needed to kick start the economy but there seems to be little political will to do this.

The downgrade potential Ratings agencies want to see financial discipline (which Minister Gordhan has again delivered), less political instability and a path to revive economic growth.

Time will tell how the country will tackle the latter two problems.

The Budget is redistributive 62% of income tax will be paid by those with taxable incomes greater than R500 000.

No one doubts the fairness of the wealthy paying more tax but the wealthy are being hammered – consider also dividend and capital gains taxes also rising. Tax revenues are starting to fall and there is every chance the wealthy will start looking at legitimate ways to reduce future tax liabilities.

“Radical economic transformation” The Minister spoke of transformation more than fifty times. “Radical economic transformation” is the new mantra the president has adopted. For this to reflect in the 2017/2018 numbers, it requires a complete shift in the way Treasury compiles the budget. As it came late in the year, Treasury did not have the time to respond to this paradigm shift. Thus, while the Minister spoke of “radical economic transformation” in reality the budget was a continuation of previous budgets.

Nevertheless he did deliver one or two home truths such as “We need to transform in order to grow; we need to grow in order to transform. Without transformation, growth will reinforce inequality; without growth, transformation will be distorted by patronage”.

Minister Gordhan has again delivered a credible budget. Clearly, the time has also come to take the necessary steps to grow the economy.

Susan Charlesworth ATTORNEY • NOTARY • CONVEYANCER

Areas of practice: Estate and succession planning | Commercial Law Administration of estates, trusts & curatorships Engineering & Construction Law Antenuptial contracts | Conveyancing Unit 4 / 79 Artisan Village, Cabrière Street, Franschhoek, 7690 Tel: +27 (0)21 876 2592 Fax: +27 (0)21 876 2591 Email: susancharlesworth.law@telkomsa.net Also at 342 Val De Vie, Paarl www.susancharlesworth.co.za

April 2017

SA women’s full entrepreneurial potential not yet unleashed

While South Africa has made significant progress in creating equal access for women to financial services and tertiary education, the number of women business owners is constrained due to the lack of perceived business opportunities, funding, and motivation, according to findings from the inaugural Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs (MIWE).

South Africa ranks 21st (64.4) on the index, which tracks female entrepreneurs’ ability to capitalise on opportunities presented through various supporting conditions within their local environments. The index uses three components made up of 12 indicators and 25 sub-indicators to look at how 54 economies, representing 78.6 percent of the world’s female labour force, differ in terms of the level of Women’s Advancement Outcomes, Knowledge Assets & Financial Access, and Supporting Entrepreneurial Factors.

Despite a healthy MIWE score, women account for only 19.1 percent of business owners in South Africa (rank 44), indicating that women’s progress in entrepreneurship has been disappointingly low compared to its global counterparts. Uganda (34.8 percent) and Botswana (34.6 percent) rank first and second in the world for Women Business Owners, with other developing countries such as Russia, Bangladesh, China and Vietnam also in the top 10. New Zealand (third) and Australia (fifth) are the developed countries with highest rates of female business owners.

“South Africa’s resourceful women are one of its biggest assets, yet it is evident that South African women’s full potential and value as entrepreneurs and business owners are yet to be unleashed,” says Mark Elliott, Division President, Mastercard South Africa. “We must accelerate our efforts to dismantle the structural obstacles and biases that impede female entrepreneurship so that women can play an enlarged role in South Africa’s economic growth story.”

Looking at the indices’ three components, South Africa has an average Women’s Advancement Outcome score of 52.7 (rank 27), indicating that women’s progress and degree of marginalization economically and professionally as business leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs and labour force participants is on par with its global counterparts.

Gender inequality towards women remains in the workplace, particularly in the areas of leadership, with three women business leaders for every 10 business leaders. This is mirrored by a low labour force participation rate, with only 46.3 percent of women

compared to 60.6 percent for men in South Africa’s workforce, and a low rate of women’s entrepreneurial activity, with only seven percent of working age women in the labour force engaged in early-stage entrepreneurial activities compared to 11.6 percent for men.

Mastercard’s research shows that women in South Africa excel in the Knowledge Assets & Financial Access Component (81.9, rank 3), which gauges women’s progress and degree of marginalisation as financial customers and academically in terms of tertiary education enrolment. Not only are they as well-educated as their male counterparts in tertiary education, they have good access to financial services, and Small Medium Enterprise (SME) support.

Despite this, women’s progress and growth in the business world has been severely undermined by a low perception of business opportunities, and poor selfconfidence, which are further compounded by a high level of business discontinuance, effectively feeding the already high fear of failure.

“We observe that indicators such as SME support and financial inclusion are important in supporting women’s entrepreneurship in South Africa, but are not necessarily the drivers of women’s advancement as business owners. An accelerated and concerted focus on improving business skills, funding and business opportunities while reducing deterrents such as crime will be key in pushing South African women’s progress in the business world,” says Elliott.

The Supporting Entrepreneurial Conditions Component benchmarks how supportive entrepreneurial conditions are as enablers or constraints of women business ownership. Here, South Africa ranks 31st with a score of 62.7. While South Africa performs well for quality of governance and moderately for ease of doing business, it scores slightly lower for cultural perceptions of women entrepreneurs.

“While South Africa has made some solid progress in creating supportive conditions for women entrepreneurs, more must be done to ensure women fully harness these opportunities. It’s vital that the public and private sector work together with development organizations to support South African women in fulfilling their potential as business owners and innovators. When that happens, the whole of society will benefit,” says Elliott.

The full report is available to download at: http:// mstr.cd/2mgm2Rm.

Positive interaction at Mayor Meets Business initiative

experience in the greater Stellenbosch Following the first meeting of the area. “As the forum progresses, Mayor Meets Business Initiative at we hope to establish a climate of the end of 2016, a series of followadministrative certainty and strategic up meetings are taking place with engagement with participants who various sectors and stakeholders to may impact our towns economically help this initiative move forward, and socially.” says Mayor Gesie van Deventer.

Further meetings with various According to the mayor the main sectors are scheduled. purpose of this initiative is to create According to the mayor, “The a space for open dialogue between feedback I have received from the various business sector stakeholders in meetings thus far, is positive and the greater Stellenbosch area and the very optimistic. As we progress, I municipality. “We want to engage with will continuously work to balance local business stakeholders to discuss the interests of our residents, strategies to stimulate and support the interest groups and businesses local and regional economy. It also so that we can grow a positive serves to sensitise the administration economy aimed at creating to business decision-making, enabling sustainable jobs as well as provide it to become proactive and help to Mayor Gesie van Deventer solutions to the many challenges we reduce investment risks,” she continues. face. I am excited about the willingness of big and The mayor, members of the mayoral committee small businesses that want to work with us as a local and the directors of the municipality recently met with government to make sure we provide our residents representatives from the property development sector for with the best opportunities for the future.” an informal discussion on expectations and challenges they

April 2017

Business Leadership Tony Frost

Autumn is the season for cleaning out the cupboard

Like the waning and waxing of the moon there is a time to grow and burn bright and there is a time to slow down and take things a little more quietly. These are to be found in all parts of our cosmos. It is the way of nature; the natural rhythm of life.

Is it not strange that we resist this?

Is it not somewhat bizarre that our lives are oriented towards acquiring things often with no more of an incentive than the need to own them?

Why is it that we feel the need to be continuously on full charge going forward, except for whatever leave period we allow ourselves, instead of running in rhythm with the natural world?

How come organisations are so good at starting new things but not very good at getting rid of old things?

Perhaps it is the fear of losing out, or just plain old habits that die hard? We get so used to the way things are that we don’t even consider getting rid of stuff, or changing direction. Who knows?

I’d like to look at the possibilities of cleaning out our cupboards literally and figuratively in a way that contributes to a more positive future, and in manner which fits with the natural rhythms of the world.

There are probably only two ways of tackling this: Just start somewhere with anything and then keep going until you either feel exhausted or until you have exhausted all the immediately available options.

Or consider what the end result would look like and

Franschhoek Tatler feel like in a perfect world.

You can make up your own mind which will be the most effective in the long run although both will probably work for in the short term.

It will be much more effective however and you will enjoy better long term benefits if you take the long view from the beginning and spend some time thinking about what end result you would most like to achieve.

When you build a home it is unlikely that you will start with the roof! You would usually conceptualise the whole structure within the environment and context in which it is to be located. In the process we would decide on what sort of roof we want; what design; and what it should be made of.

The best way to tackle your organisation, your own life and indeed the cupboards and garage and storage facility is to follow the same path to the end result.

What is it that you want at the end? Or put alternatively: Why do you need to clean out the cupboard?

There can be a host of answers to this question!

Many, maybe even most, organisations undertake a regular strategic review of their business and products.

This is good and well. Seldom is there a conscious cleaning out. Usually it is aimed at what we can do better, more efficiently, more productively... what can we do more of at lower cost.

What would you do if you were to start the company now knowing what you know about it and the market place it serves? What would you do differently? What would you not do at all? How would the company be configured? These are the questions that are very difficult to confront but are all very necessary for the long-term viability, vigour and sustainability of the organisation.

If get into the habit of making these clean-outs part of the natural rhythm of the business, of your life, you will create space to grow and be innovative instead of being burdened by the baggage of the past!

17

YOUR FAVOURITE SPOT IN FRANSCHHOEK!

ROT I S S E R I E L U N C H E S

COOKING CLASSES

F O O D & W I N E PA I R I N G

Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom recently paid a visit to the Dwars River Escape Route to visit a European Union-funded Sustainable Enterprise Development Programme. He joined the Head of the EU Delegation to South Africa, Ambassador Marcus Cornaro, to find out more about the community tourism project that is being implemented in the picturesque Dwars River Valley between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.

The Dwars River Escape Route is one of eight tourism routes supported through a European Union Grant with co-funding by Barclays Africa and the Finnish Embassy’s Local Corporation Fund. The objective of the project is to assist local tourism routes to become more sustainable and help communities unlock the tourism opportunities in their vicinity.

The enterprise development component of the project is also implemented by Open Africa with support from Fetola, a local enterprise development specialist. The project is developing skills and creating jobs in the rural tourism sector through capacity building, youth development and market access for emerging tourism entrepreneurs.

The group conducted a site visit of Pniel, Lanquedoc and Kylemore to learn more about the route’s 2020 vision that includes an exciting Street Art project. The street art project will be funded through an innovative challenge fund facility that encourages routes to come up with business ideas that can contribute to their financial sustainability while enhancing the appeal of the destination. Local guides will also be trained to take visitors on a heritage tour of these towns, using street art to visualise the rich culture and heritage of the towns and its people. The site visit ended with a traditional meal and wine pairing at Sienna Charles’s Beker en Bord Tea Garden in Kylemore, where local wines from the valley were paired with local delicacies such as green bean stew.

Minister Hanekom said, “Routes like this are

Photo: Open Africa

Tourism Minister visits EU-funded community tourism programme W I N E C O C K TA I L S

W I N E TA S T I N G

SHOPPING

www.leopardsleap.co.za Facebook: Leopard’s Leap Wine | Twitter: @LeopardLeapWine Tel: 021 876 8002 | Address: R45 Main Road, Franschhoek

Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom enjoys some local music with business owner and community member Sienna Charles on the Dwars River Escape Route.

fantastic for local communities because it provides them with a wide range of avenues to become involved in tourism and to gain the economic benefits of it. We thank the EU for the funding that made this development possible and the valuable contribution it is making to tourism both in the region as well as throughout South Africa.”

EU Ambassador Marcus Cornaro said, "I am very pleased to interact with Minister Hanekom around the challenge to link sustainable tourism with sustainable local job creation. The Open Africa project has clearly identified a range of promising avenues, bringing together a good blend of business initiatives. Coupled with the beautiful landscape and the hospitality of the local community, all elements for success are there. The EU is proud to partner with Open Africa and the entrepreneurs of the Dwars River Route in this initiative.” www.openafrica.org

Franschhoek Tatler

18

April 2017

Book Review

Charlotte van Zyl

The Vegetarian

Q & A with Franschhoek Pharmacy’s pharmacist Gerrit van der Walt There is controversy about vaccinations; the possible connection to autism and the inclusion of mercury in some vaccinations. What do you think about the situation?

The study linking one particular vaccine to the onset of autism was debunked and retracted in 2010, but the damage was done. In South Africa we are fortunate to receive vaccines free of charge at clinics to protect children against potentially fatal diseases such as measles and polio. We forget how devastating these vaccine-preventable diseases are. We had an outbreak of measles in the Boland a month ago and suddenly everyone wanted to be vaccinated. While it`s true that some vaccines contain low doses of mercury, most are mercuryfree. Even in those containing the preservative thiomersal, it differs from the type of mercury that causes poisoning.

One regularly comes across information about the over-use of antibiotics. Do we have reason for concern, should we avoid antibiotics at all cost?

The main problem is antibiotic resistance.

Antibiotic resistance is the ability of a microorganism to withstand the effects of an antibiotic.

If a bacterium carries several resistance genes, it is called multi-resistant or, informally, a superbug.

Overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as second- and third-generation antibiotics, greatly hastens the development of resistance. Doctors are very aware of the dangers of over prescribing and are returning to the older more narrow spectrum antibiotics, but it`s up to us to use antibiotics correctly.

Do you think nutritional supplements should be registered with the Medicines Control Council? Why? What about natural or homeopathic remedies?

Yes, definitely. The Medicines Control Council gave it a new status: Traditional complementary medicine. It`s a fitting name, because it`s exactly what it does, working in a complementary role to modern medicine. It`s got an important role to play in replacing what the body lost and aiding where the body is not getting enough. But the MCC role changed to ensure public safety is always protected.

Making sure the standards of the medicine are kept and ensuring that clinical tests are done on medicines that will play a role in illnesses that can cause harm e.g. hypertension, diabetes and HIV. No longer can fly-by night manufactures make false claims that their product can cure Aids and at the same time help your ingrown toe nail!

What changes do you notice in the dispensing of medicines between tourist season and winter?

With a bumper tourist influx and a lot of Swallows, we`re kept busy for 8 months of the year.

Winter is normally a busy time for a pharmacy with colds and flu, but we do use the quieter time to catch up on admin.

You serve a relatively small community; how do you manage to keep stock of a variety of medicines and related products?

There are so many new products coming on to the market, but because we have limited shelf space we

CHIPS 24 March 2017

made a conscious decision to keep only stock that we know is of good quality and will sell. Keeping stock levels correct is an extensive process, but I`m blessed with a wonderful team, who make it all possible.

How is the inclusion of pharmacies in chain stores affecting independent pharmacies?

It had an enormous effect on independent pharmacies, but mostly it`s been for the better.

Suddenly the independent pharmacy needed to think out of the box; adapt or close down, new ideas, negotiate terms with the medical aids and, importantly, return to good old-fashioned service.

Treat the client with respect, not only as a script number.

Which disease or medical condition is the most difficult to treat at the moment?

Motor neuron disease. It’s a rare and incurable degenerative condition that progressively damages parts of the nervous system. Joost van der Westhuizen helped a lot to promote awareness for the illness but there is no cure and the medical field is struggling to find answers to fight the symptoms.

What do you think the next big development in pharmaceuticals will be?

Pharmaceutical companies are all moving to multifunctional tablets. Take one tablet to cure two or more illnesses. It’s widely available already, but in 5 years’ time a diabetic, hypertensive patient with arthritis will be able to take one instead of a handful of tablets.

How many people do you employ at Franschhoek Pharmacy and what training do they need?

I`ve got 6 irreplaceable ladies working here. Most of them have been working close to ten years, with Cathel celebrating 29 years in February. Marcha and Charmallyn studied to become Pharmacistassistants at Comficor and Medunsa. Elaine and Cathel run the front shop. Alishia helps out on Sundays, while Veronica keeps the pharmacy sparkling.

Why did you become a pharmacist and what is the best part of your job?

It combines the medical field and working with people perfectly. When we moved to Franschhoek 10 years ago, it was to live and bring up our children in a small town. The best part of my job is knowing that one makes a huge difference in the lives of everyone in a small community.

SMURFS 31 March 2017

GHOST IN THE SHELL 31 March 2017

By Han Kang Publ. Portobello Books. 178 pages.

Han Kang is a young Korean writer. Her second novel “The Vegetarian” won the 2016 Man Booker International Prize and had gone on to collect a huge number of favourable reviews.

It is not a book for the faint of heart or adherents of the Banting diet. The first innocuous sentence uttered by the husband, “Before my wife turned vegetarian, I thought of her as unremarkable in every way” does not prepare the reader for what follows. The narrative is both roughly erotic and physically violent and some of the scenes are more graphic than anything I have seen recently in prize-winning books. But even more disturbing is the psychological violence in thought and intimidating relationships between men and women.

The short book is divided into three even shorter novellas, each told from the point of the view of the dull and unimaginative Husband, the Brother-in-law who obsessively paints flowers and vegetation, and the troubled Sister-in-law who is caught up in the adulterous relationship between the other two. There is also the inner voice of the Vegetarian that explains her actions.

Whatever happens, happens quickly. There is little space for too much character development or introspection. In this way, the book resembles another short tale, Julian Barnes “Mothering Sunday” with its juxtapositioning of sex and death. Kafka also comes to mind with his stories of the metamorphosis of one being into another.

The Vegetarian unleashes violent reaction from her family when she decides, after a dream, to become a vegetarian. At a family dinner her father tries to force a piece of meat into her mouth, she fight back and slashes her wrist. In truth, she stops eating entirely and starts losing weight, loses her libido and stops

sleeping. This incident is the beginning of the theme of violation of the female body, sexually, tactilely, visually, even in an odd way, digestively.

The second part takes the theme of vegetation a step further, as her Brother-in-law inveigles her into agreeing that he may decorate her entire naked body with images of flowers and plants. This leads to some pretty imaginative sexual encounters. This is far from the silly stuff of “Fifty Shades of Gray.” It is a universe of violation and devastation. Pleasure is entirely absent except in the most perverse way.

In final part the Sister-in-Law visits the Vegetarian in the clinic into which she has been committed and the meagre dialogue between them focuses on the reasons for a person wanting to live or wanting to die.

The last pages of the book bring together the themes of personal choice and agency on the one hand, and submission and refusal to obey any social rules on the other. One is almost persuaded by the dying Vegetarian when she asks, “Why is it such a bad thing to die?’

Once you have read the book, you have to confront the surreal events you have encountered and try to determine whether this is an insight into an essentially unknowable Korean society, or whether the parable of a dissenting human being, who happens to be a vegetarian, has universal validity. This is not a novel that you forget easily.

Easter at Boschendal

Easter is a time for creating warm memories with your family and loved ones. This year, Boschendal has created an array of experiences, including a kiddies Easter egg hunt at the Werf Picnics, a 3-course menu at the Werf Restaurant and a traditional Easter Buffet at Rhône Homestead.

On Friday, 14 April, and Sunday, 16 April 2017, children can enjoy an afternoon filled with fun and games in the natural surrounds of the Werf picnic lawn. Parents can relax under the trees with a picnic for two, while the kids enjoy an Easter egg hunt, pony rides and egg painting. Picnics will begin from 12h00, with the ‘hunt’ commencing at 12h30. The cost is R395 for a basket for two adults to share, R210 for a basket for one and R150 per child, between 3 – 12 years. We also encourage our guests to bring their own fold up chairs, tables and blankets.

On Friday, 14 April and Sunday, 16 April 2017 Executive Chef Christiaan Campbell, will be offering a three-course menu at the Werf Restaurant, including starter, main course, dessert, coffee and welcome drink on arrival. Enjoy exceptional food, freshly produced

BOSS BABY 7 April 2017

THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS 14 April 2017

Enjoy an Easter picnic at the Boschendal Werf

from the farm. The seating on Friday is at 19h00 and Sunday at 12h00, the cost is R495 per person.

Throughout the long weekend 14 – 17 April 2017, Rhône Homestead will serve an Easter-themed traditional buffet from 12h00, priced at R295 per person, or why not take home some freshly baked hot cross buns and Easter gifts from the Farm Shop & Deli and Gift Shop.

Make this special time one to be remembered at Boschendal. Bookings and pre-payments are essential. reservations@boschendal.co.za | 021 870 4274

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 14 April 2017

GOING IN STYLE 26 April 2017

April 2017

Franschhoek Tatler

Music Alchemy James Stewart

My Police records and how it came to this

Beethoven sonatas drifting up the staircase to my bedroom on school nights. Little Richard wailing at whoever was on the other side of the door. Elvis soulfully sobbing 'Love me tender’.

For me these seminal aural interventions were trails of crumbs leading to doors behind which secrets and mysteries lay. To enter was to submerge myself in the discovery of how this magic worked, becoming a musician.

I'm far from an obsessively curious music adventurer and as a professional musician I am often inwardly shamed by this. A good few of my friends would quite literally suffocate if access to their music library was in any way curtailed.

When I get bitten though, I'm all in. Synapses fire wildly, etching in high definition every aspect of my consciousness as these spells are cast. A foundry of emotion I suppose, reshaping thoughts from then on.

I was bored out of my mind lying on that greenish blue-grey living room carpet while the winter weather rattled the windows in their frames one school holiday. In hindsight I sensed the vacuum on the radio waves; a simple lyrical bassline counterpointed by a chiming chord – creamy and bright, underpinned

by a thumping and staccato rhythm which seemed somehow back to front. And then an alto voice soaring above it all: “Giant steps are what you take, walking on the moon.”

The DJ back announced the song at number two on the charts by The Police. I learned that this spacious and potent sound, like an aircraft hanger, was produced by only three guys. Less is more perfected.

This was my first hit of my new addiction and I was hooked. Their debut single ‘Roxanne’ had been banned by the SABC because it was about a French prostitute resulting in the album (Outlandos D’Amor) never making it into our record stores.

I begged and borrowed scratchily dubbed tape-totape recordings and by the same time the following year I had a bass guitar, a black and white striped T-shirt and a holiday job minding a yellow wood furniture shop on the Hout Bay main road. ‘Just browsing’ types were few and far between. Actual customers were almost non-existent. My only company was a boombox and a cassette tape with The Police on loop all day every day teaching me everything I wanted to know about being in a band. The ‘why’ eluded me, though.

Cut to the end credits of a pirated video cassette of what I later learned was the Police’s last live concert.

Almost like coming a full circle, the final chord of the final song chimed over and over while the credits rolled and I thought: If I could make just one person feel the way I feel at this moment…

And that settled it. That’s why I started a band and began writing songs.

Paying the rent? We’ll cover that another time.

'Save Water' @ ODA | objekt.design.art Until 28 April 2017

19

La Motte’s Pierneef Experience – a special way of enjoying the finer things in life!

Always innovative when it comes to ways in which to share its passions, La Motte Wine Estate announced a new addition to its offering, the Pierneef Experience.

A wonderful and personal introduction to the La Motte Museum’s special new exhibition, A Tribute to the life and work of Jacob Hendrik Pierneef (1886-1957), the Pierneef Experience will offer guests a personal guided tour by the curator of the exhibition while also introducing them to the estate’s further Pierneef associations – its acclaimed Pierneef wines and the renowned Pierneef à La Motte Restaurant.

Those who appreciate fine art, wine and cuisine are invited to make a reservation for this exceptional weekly event that takes place on Tuesday mornings at 10h30.

The Pierneef Experience includes: A guided tour of the Tribute to Pierneef exhibition in the La Motte Museum presented by curator, Eliz-Marié Schoonbee. Explaining the various eras, themes, subjects and styles of Pierneef at the hand of the more than 100 original Pierneef works featured, she also shares some personal stories and interests of Pierneef along the way.

A tasting of the acclaimed Pierneef Collection of wines with reference to La Motte’s collection of Pierneef linocuts and how they find interpretation in the wines.

The tasting is presented by one of the estate’s Wine Tasting Ambassadors in a private tasting area.

Chef Michelle Theron’s interpretation of Pierneef ’s Premier Mine painting as a cheese course, paired with

a glass of Pierneef wine. No average cheese board, this dish of Gorgonzola parfait, blue cheese candyfloss, black pepper honey cake, boerenkaas choux, straw wine jelly, homemade preserves and pickles concludes the educational and entertaining morning.

Those a little more peckish can choose more options from the Pierneef à La Motte a la carte menu at an additional cost. The a la carte menu also includes three other Pierneef-inspired dishes: a tomato and goat’s cheese mille-feuille starter, mains of venison with traditional stewed peaches and wild rosemary or the dessert, white chocolate blanc mange, strawberryand-elderberry jelly and red velvet opera.

The Pierneef Experience takes place on Tuesday mornings at 10h30 and costs R250 per person.

Reservations are essential and close at 17h00 on the previous Saturday. Reservations can be made online or at the La Motte Museum. museum@la-motte.co.za | 021 876 8850

National Alpaca Day 2017

Paper collage by Olatunji Sanusi

ODA’s April exhibition, ‘Save Water’, features works

by Nigerian-born fine artist Olatunji Sanusi who now resides in Gauteng. In this exhibition he explores water as the source of life.

According to Yoruba legends, the world was created in Ile-Ife – an ancient city in southwestern Nigeria – and was originally covered with water. According to one version, the first man was created from clay and water. Water seems to have a special role in all these creation legends.

This is also the foundation for the Yoruba beliefs that consider water to be a vital and sacred origin of life.

Olatunji explores his joy and origins as an artist, as well as traditional legends around water being the source of life. He connects his inner artistic world where ‘art is life’ as well his Yoruba heritage to a topic of global relevance.

South Africa and many other countries in the world are currently experiencing one of the worst drought situations in history with tight water restrictions in place; the collages created from recycled paper confront us not only with this worldwide crisis but transport us via Sanusi's hauntingly beautiful visual

language to the origins of joy and life.

Olatunji says, “I was inspired by kids who love playing with water; children will be the ones to suffer the water scarcity most whether in their games or in their future life as adults. Therefor kids appear throughout this series. I also feel a strong connection to my own childhood as we loved playing with water.

I keep memories close to my heart, about us running outside into the rain, making little boats from paper together with my friends and let them float in the puddles. Now, the paper boats have become paper collages…. Another inspiration came from the iconic Nigerian musician Fela Anikulapo Kuti who sang the song “Water has no enemy and no one can live without water”, meaning water is life.

Olatunji studied fine art at the Yaba College of Technology in Nigeria. After obtaining his diploma in 2006, he worked as a full-time studio artist in his home country.

He immigrated to South Africa in 2009 and set up his studio in Johannesburg. He works in different mediums, but since 2015 his focus has been paper collages.

South Africa's National Alpaca Day was inaugurated in 2015. National Alpaca Day doesn't happen in one place, it takes place all over the country. Alpacas are bred in six provinces around the country and many of these studs and farms will be opening their gates to the public on Sunday, 30 April.

What is there to see? Plenty! There will be baby alpacas as well as young and older alpacas on parade.

There will be interesting talks about how the alpaca came to be in South Africa, alpaca husbandry, and its fascinating history going back nearly ten thousand years to the Inca people in the High Andes of South America.

There will be alpaca products for sale and for those of you who don't know, alpaca is considered one of the finest animal fibres on the planet. It is very, very fine and soft, non-allergenic and comes in a myriad of natural colours and shades - 22 to be precise, which makes the alpaca the most colour-diversified fibrebearing animal in the world. Alpacas communicate by humming. They will also shriek if they spot an unwelcome dog, jackal or rooikat in their presence.

Their constant alertness makes the alpaca popular with sheep farmers since they will guard and protect sheep, and in particular new-born lambs, against these predators. Pitting animal against animal alleviates the need for shooting or trapping wild animals. The alpaca simply identifies his territory and sends out the message - Keep Away!

The alpaca industry is making strides into South Africa. The uniqueness of its fibre is being recognised by different sectors of the textile industries. It has also been the source of job creation around the country where young people have been taught skills

Alpacas at Helderstroom, Villiersdorp

such as spinning, weaving, fibre sorting, alpaca husbandry and a host of associated work. Shearing alpacas requires skill and patience. You cannot just sit an alpaca on its bottom as one would a sheep! Several fibre processing options have opened up in the last year as more people in the country seek to breed these extraordinary animals.

Alpacas are as inquisitive and comic as they look!

They have gorgeous characters, do silly things, play silly games, jump for joy ... and give us the most fabulous fibre off their backs once a year ... which is processed into yarn or felt, then turned into a wide range of luxury items - mostly in the clothing line but also jewellery, household items and a new line of alpaca fibre-filled duvets.

Come and visit Helderstroom Alpacas on National Alpaca Day or go to www.alpacasociety.co.za and follow the indicators and "click to find a farm near you".

ARTIFICIAL BEASTS

A SOLO EXHIBITION BY CHRIS DENOVAN 18th MARCH - 11th APRIL 2017

38 Huguenot Street, Franschhoek | 021 876 4280 art@artintheyard.co.za | www.artintheyard.co.za

Franschhoek Tatler

20

April 2017

Plant of the Month

Gardening in April Natie Ferreira

Frankie Brookes

The first quarter of 2017 has come and gone. I always try to make some time in April to take my foot of the throttle and find time for reflection, contemplation and planning. The Easter weekend and Freedom Day weekend at the end of the month are excellent times to rejuvenate body and soul. What better way to spend it than in the garden and around the home.

April can indeed be a fascinating and rewarding gardening month. Some boldly coloured shrubs are flowering at the moment and most of these bring an abundance of bird life. The deciduous trees are clothed in the most amazing colours. Evenings are simply spectacular with mind-blowing sunsets. Easter week-end is also traditionally the beginning of the rainy season in the Western Cape and this brings with it a host of new opportunities in the garden.

As the ground softens and the temperatures drop we are moving into the main planting season. Fynbos and Mediterranean gardens do best if established in autumn. It is also the best season to plant trees and large shrubs; even transplanting existing trees can be done now. April is also a month of increase – not only is it the best month for dividing summer flowering perennials it is also the month for taking and rooting cuttings of summer flowering shrubs.

All spring flowering bulbs can be planted as soon as the soil cools down. Make a point of planting more indigenous bulbs this year. We have such a wide variety of spring bulbs in the Western Cape that it is hard to choose between them all. Try some Babiana, Ixia, Lachenalia, Moraea, Sparaxis, Watsonia, Freesia or Nerine – you won’t be disappointed.

These bulbs also don’t need to be lifted every year and can be left in the ground through summer.

Sow seeds of winter flowering annuals like Arctotis, Felicia, Lobelia, Nemesia, Scabiosa, Anchusa and Osteospermum. All garden beds will be grateful for a good mulch of compost or manure. Fertilise all with a fertiliser low in Nitrogen, but high in Phosphate and Potassium. Organic fertilisers normally have a decent micronutrient profile as well and are also slower releasing than chemical alternatives.

Following our very dry summer and subsequent

Oriental Veggies

strict water restrictions your lawn will probably be in a bad way now. The first autumn rains will be a welcome relief and should bring it back to life. Wait for those rains, put on your rain coat and wellies and get some fertiliser down on the grass. This will ensure that the grass will make the most of what’s left of the growing season to build up reserves for next season. Use a balanced fertiliser that is not too high in Nitrogen – 2:3:2 is a good choice. Finely sifted chicken or cow manure is also a good and will supply the necessary macro and micro nutrients.

The vegetable garden will require some planning this month. Most seeds and seedlings going into the ground now will occupy the bed space for a long time– I am thinking of all the brassicas, broad beans, onions and leeks. So succession and where you want to do your spring and summer plantings are important points to consider now. Plant a cover crop on those beds you reserve for spring planting. Good choices are lupins, fava beans, oats, rye and white mustard.

Even weeds or spring flowering annuals are better than leaving the soil bare. Other seeds that can be sown now include most root crops and lettuces.

This year was an exciting one in the kitchen. Not only are we making our usual batch of pickles and preserves, but we’ve also been experimenting with different ways to prepare and cook the produce from our garden. Whether you agree with the philosophy or not some inspiring recipes can be found in vegan and vegetarian cookbooks. Substituting some of the rarer and more expensive ingredients with what you have available is an art that you learn through experimentation and practice.

Heading into winter the fresh flavour of oriental vegetables balances the richness of winter food and are also good sources of sources of vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamins B2 and B6, folic acid, iron, magnesium and calcium.

Varieties Mizuna (Brassica rapa var. japonica) grows to about 30cm in height and is an attractive leaf mustard with a pleasant taste, being milder than most mustards and somewhat reminiscent of rocket, but sweeter.

The leaves are dark green, narrow and fringed at the edges. Mizuna needs more moisture than the other oriental vegetables so it should be grown separately. It can also be grown in containers.

With its red-tinged leaves, Red Giant mustard (Brassica juncea) is very attractive. The leaves have a distinct hot mustard flavour and the flowers are edible. The leaves can be added to stir fries as well as stews and casseroles and the harvested seeds can be sprouted for salads.

White stem Pak Choi (Brassica rapa var. rosularis, Brassica rapa var. chinensis) is also known as bok choy or Chinese white cabbage. It produces loose heads of glossy green leaves and very white soup spoon-shaped leaf stalks. The leaves have a crisp and juicy texture and a neutral mild mustard flavour. The individual leaves can be harvested or the plant can be left grow into a mature cabbage.

Green-in-snow Chinese mustard (Brassica juncea) has deep green foliage that can be used in salads and stir fries. The edible flowers can be used in drinks and as a garnish.

Tatsoi (Brassica campestris chinensis, Brassica rapa var. rosularis) is a standard ingredient in many Chinese dishes. In cold weather it is very low growing, forming a compact, flat rosette close to the ground (in warm weather it grows erect). The whole plant may be harvested at once or the leaves can be picked continuously over several weeks. The deep green spoon-shaped leaves are thick and tender with a hint of mustard flavour while the stalks are white, crisp and very tender. The leaves are best used raw in salads

or stirred into a stir fry. It has a long harvest period and is slow to bolt.

General growing tips Oriental veggies should be planted in a position that gets full sun and in soil that has been generously enriched with compost and bone meal as well as an organic fertiliser. They are heavy feeders and should be fed monthly, especially if leaves are harvested daily. To harvest, simply pick individual leaves from the outer edges of each plant. New leaves will soon sprout in the place of those that have been removed. www.lifeisagarden.co.za

Organic vegetable production grows at Boschendal

In a relatively short space of time the production of vegetables at Boschendal has become a large scale, high-profile activity, one which has attracted public attention and approval.

This is partly because the Boschendal vegetable team managers have embarked on an ongoing educational effort, organising regular tours of their gardens and holding one-day workshops to explain the methods and benefits of organic vegetable cultivation.

The vegetable team is headed up by Megan McCarthy, who was recruited by Boschendal in February 2015; she was joined some six months ago by Rayner Joubert. Megan is an internationallyexperienced qualified horticulturalist, while Rayner is studying towards his M.Sc. degree in Agriculture.

When Megan arrived at Boschendal two years ago, despite the farm being one of the few in the Boland to have ample water supplies, even in drought conditions, and despite the soils in some areas here being organically rich, historically little thought had been given to vegetable production – even though the estate’s restaurant needed vegetables daily. The only restaurant-related agricultural production was a small herb garden, a lemon orchard and a quince hedge.

As a result of the initiatives by Megan and Rayner vegetable production has taken off. The original 2,5 ha allocated to Megan, which now has many vegetable beds in raised wooden boxes and ornate direct soil plantings, has been extended by a further 6 ha of

vegetable growing area where many of the crops – such as potatoes, cauliflowers, maize, cabbages, broccoli, onions, beets, carrots and beans – require fairly long growing periods. This new section is managed by Rayner. Together the vegetable farm managers have 18 staff and every day they supply Boschendal’s restaurant, deli, farm shop, picnics as well as several Winelands’ restaurants and organic vegetable retailers in Cape Town, Strand and elsewhere.

What is more, says Megan, Boschendal’s prices are competitive with those of major retailers at the Cape even though labour costs on such an intensive operation are high.

As with all Boschendal agricultural activities the new MD, Rob Lundie, has insisted that the emphasis must be on sustainable farming, i.e. the creation of plant beds that are free of chemical fertilizers and reliant on natural nutrients so that they will be sustainable and able to support healthy crops year after year.

In achieving this, the vegetable team has been greatly assisted by: • The availability of water year-round. Water supplies have been increased by some 30% through the clearing of aliens from the 60 ha conservation area and by the cleaning of dams and furrows; • An ample supply of rich organic soil material made available by landscapers, kitchens and others on the estate; • The fact that some 6 ha of the vegetable farm

Rainfall Figures Measured at La Cotte/Nerina Street for periods indicated mm/year 2005

916

2006

884

2007

1153

2008

1217

mm/month

Dam Levels

2016

2017

Month

Accumulative

Month

Accumulative

January

27

27

28

28

February

9

36

1

29

March

57

93

55

As at 13 March 2017 Steenbras Upper

56.2%

Steenbras Lower

34.6%

148

Wemmershoek

36.1%

2009

978

April

2010

740

May

28

176

Voëlvlei

29.1%

June

198

374

Theewaterskloof

25.1%

July

209

583

August

73

656

Berg River Dam

39.1%

2011

830

2012

1079

2013

1471

September

56

712

2014

1033

October

14

726

30%

2015

661

November

6

732

754

December

22

754

Total Storage Time Last Year

2016

Total Storage

35.9%

had been a cattle pasture and had therefore been regularly manured over many years, making it suitable for vegetable growing; and • Regular supplies of rich, organic compost made on the farm by Andre Lambrechts, compost manager.

At any one time this team is processing some 1000 cubic metres of compost.

“Andre’s contribution to many of Boschendal’s agricultural activities has been almost revolutionary,” says Megan.

These and other factors have enabled the vegetable team to significantly improve the biology, humus and nutritional levels of all their soils while at the same time making use of, and working in harmony with, natural predatory insects, birds and animals.

Converting semi-sterile, relatively unproductive soil into a rich organic plant bed can, says Megan, take five years, but at Boschendal the process has moved far faster, although, she adds, there is still room for improvement.

“The ‘inoculation’ of soil with microbes is all important in this operation,” she says. “It is noteworthy that on certain soils that we tested originally the analyses were wholly positive but they did not produce good crops until further enrichment

Boschendal’s organic vegetable garden

had been carried out over a long period through the re-introduction of beneficial soil microbes.”

The more discerning public, says Megan, are likely to become steadily more insistent that their vegetables, meat or fruit are organically cultivated. Boschendal, therefore, has the potential to extend most of its operations, but particularly its vegetable production facilities, almost exponentially. In the process, she adds, she hopes – and plans – that they will educate consumers and other producers in the methods Boschendal has now adopted.

“We are,” she says, “at the start of a new era and what we are doing is being enthusiastically welcomed and imitated.” www.boschendal.com | 021 874 4200

April 2017

Franschhoek Tatler

April Calendar 1 April

Time: 15h00. Cost: R165 excl lunch & drinks. Booking: www.webtickets.co.za

Galileo Open Air Cinema Life of Pi Venue: Anthonij Rupert Wyne.

Time: Gates open 17h00 movie starts 19h45. Cost: R79 to R159 pp. Booking: thegalileo.co.za

27 April

2 April

Tuesdays

Manouche Live at the Sunday Music Picnics Venue: Boschendal. Time: 12h00 music 13h00. Cost: R495 picnic basket for 2, R260 p basket for 1, R980 p basket for 4. Booking: reservations@boschendal.co.za or 021 870 4274.

Alcoholics Anonymous Contact 021 433 2709 or 073 125 0188 (Jeffrey)

4 April then Tuesdays Pierneef experience

Hard Venue: La Motte Museum. Time: 10h30 to 12h30. Cost: R250 pp Booking: 021 876 8850 or museum@la-motte.co.za

7

14 April

8

Good Friday

6

5

Lollos 9 Mallemeule!

Venue: Franschhoek Cellar.

Time: Morning. Tickets: www. webtickets.co.za. Booking: Lunch 021 876 2086

8

6

Easter Sunday

6

5

173April

4 7

Family Day

8

Monark Live

Cellar.

5 9

Food and Wine Tastings Venue: La Motte Tasting Room.

Time: 10h00 to 11h00. Cost: R130 pp. Bookings: tasting@lamotte.co.za or 021 876 8820

Saturdays Franschhoek Village Market Breads, olives, ginger beer, pastries, plants, seedlings, breakfasts, coffee, crafts and more. Venue: Dutch Reformed Church Grounds.

Time: 09h00 – 14h00 Parkrun Venue: Rickety Bridge, Time: 08h00, Cost: Free, Register: www.parkrun.co.za

1

2

3

7

2

4

9

Sundays

4

Yoga Class with Danielle Rittel Venue: The Artemis Barn. Time: 08h00 to 09h00. Cost: R80 pp

9

Church Services

5

8

1 2

9

NG Kerk Franschhoek: Sondagdienste 09h30. Geen aanddiens meer nie. Ds Peet Bester. 021 876 2431.

Uniting Reformed Church: Sunday service: 09h30. Minister: Dr Shaun Burrows, 021 876 2632. All visitors most welcome Shofar Christian Church: Sunday Services: 09h00 English at

6

7

6

1

9 5 8 6 1 2 4 7 3

6 7 1 4 5 3 8 2 9

7

2 4 3 8 9 7 6 1 5

3 8 5 7 4 1 9 6 2

7 2 9 5 8 6 3 4 1

4 1 6 3 2 9 5 8 7

Easy

5 9 3 4

3

Sport Fhk Cycling Club Outrides Regular road rides on Saturday mornings from BP garage to Stellenbosch/Jonkers and back (75 kms) followed by coffees.

Meet at 08h00 winter months, 07h00 in summer. To check timings during shoulder seasons contact Paul Barkley 083 302 9096 Franschhoek Tennis Club Social tennis is played at the Franschhoek Tennis Club on Fridays from 08h30 and on Sundays and Public Holidays from 09h00. During June, July and August starting times are 30 mins later. For more information contact 021 876 4184.

Jyotish Vedic Astrology Robert Rittel

Aries, 21 March – 19 April: The Sun has moved into its exalted sign of Aries and gives rise to forceful actions and dedication. Be firm through life’s tests and challenges and observe constancy in love. Break not your word of honor whatever may befall. Be no more to anyone than you are expected to be.

Taurus, 20 April – 20 May: Mars has moved into the constellation of the Bull and likes to engage in indulgence and apply itself with creativity. Do not spare yourself in the work which you must do.

Remember that the smallest work in the inner plane is worth more than all you can do in the outer world.

Gemini, 21 May – 20 June: The messenger of the Gods is Mercury, who feels at ease in Taurus. There is nothing too good or too bad for you, since you are conscious of that reality which is hidden and yet covers all. Only while you are silent, you can reach something. Things are only as ‘you’ look at them.

Cancer, 21 June – 22 July: If you can handle the emotions that are aroused, you will be able to relate to others with great feelings and empathy. You can communicate not only with your rational mind but with your subliminal senses. The pursuit after the truth is more interesting than its attainment.

Leo, 23 July – 22 August: As the Sun is in its exaltation sign and signifies the seeds of creation, Leos will feel very confident in their behavior and attitude. If you can make your doctrine fuel for higher intelligence, you can rise above the things of this world. As long you don’t attain the ego, things will rise above you.

Virgo, 23 August – 22 September: It is not the heart of the earth in which to confide, for it brings forth all that is given to it in simple trust. It is the soul of the divine order which is trustworthy, for it assimilates all in its own being. It is the optimist who takes the initiative, the pessimist just follows him.

6 1 2 3 4 7 9 5 8

7 3 9 5 8 1 4 2 6

2

8 4 5 6 2 9 1 7 3

3 5 1 8 7 4 2 6 9

4 2 6 9 5 3 7 8 1

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9 7 8 1 6 2 5 3 4

8 6 2 1 3 5 7 9 4

4 61 8 4 7 3 5 6 9 2

8

5 9 7 2 6 4 1 3 8

2 6 7 4 9 8 3 1 5

15 3 4 9 7 8 2 5 6

7

5 9 3 2 1 6 8 4 7

1 9

Hard

9 2 7 8 5 6 3 4 1

1 4 6 3 2 9 5 7 8

5 8 3 4 7 1 6 9 2

6 3 4 7 9 8 2 1 5

2 1 9 5 6 3 7 8 4

8 7 5 2 1 4 9 3 6

4 6 2 1 3 7 8 5 9

3 9 1 6 8 5 4 2 7

7 5 8 9 4 2 1 6 3

1 8 3 6 7 4 5 2 9

6 5 7 9 8 2 1 3 4

Useful Numbers ACCOUNTANTS

Tax Shop

ATTORNEYS

Susan Charlesworth Snipelisky & Killian BURGLAR ALARMS

8 5 1 4 3 2 6 9 7

1

6 3 7 5 1 9 8 4 2

4 7 3 9 2 6 1 8 5

5 6 9 1 8 3 2 7 4

2 1 8 7 4 5 9 6 3

3 9 6 2 5 4 7 1 8

1 8 5 3 9 7 4 2 6

7 2 4 8 6 1 3 5 9

c ⃝2005-2017 http://www.PrintSudoku.com

6

4

9

1 5 7 3 8 2 9 6 4

3 4 9 5 7 6 2 1 8

021 876 3308

4 2 9 3 1 5 6 7 8

8 7 6 2 3 1 4 9 5

9 3 1 4 5 8 7 6 2

2 4 5 7 9 6 3 8 1

7 6 4 5 2 9 8 1 3

5 1 2 8 6 3 9 4 7

3 9 8 1 4 7 2 5 6

Boland Bridge Club Franschhoek Tennis Club Franschhoek Trust & RPA Grt. Drak Games Club Lions Stellenbosch Masonic Lodge (Chris) Franschhoek Rotary Club Franschhoek Probus Club

021 876 3031 082 557 0278 021 876 3460 021 874 1906 021 876 3775 072 211 9991 082 773 9217 021 876 3179

Franschhoek IT Services Solid IT Solutions

082 356 0226 084 015 8808

COMPUTER SERVICES

6 8 2 4 1 9 5 3 7

2 1 5 8 4 3 7 9 6

4 9 3 1 6 7 8 5 2

8 7 6 9 2 5 1 4 3

5 6 8 7 9 4 3 2 1

9 2 1 6 3 8 4 7 5

7 3 4 2 5 1 6 8 9

Solution of Sudoku #4224

Franschhoek Electric Rensburg Electrical

082 823 7119/021 876 3640 021 876 2120/083 309 2923

Andrew Schmidt Burger Excavations

021 876 4431/082 972 5755 072 3408518

EXCAVATIONS

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Franschhoek Pharmacy Franschhoek Health Club HOUSE & GARDEN

Clock Repairs Lighting & Accessories Paarl Pool Services Ria Pools (Franschhoek) INTERNET ACCESS

Marelise Rester

021 872 3530

Franschhoek Photolab PHYSIOTHERAPY

Claire Horn PLUMBERS

5 8

028 840 1716 021 876 3640 021 872 0747/083 658 4944 021 876 2612/072 347 5355 021 876 3921 021 876 3025

PHOTOGRAPHIC

2

021 876 2261 021 876 3310

Franschhoek Photolab PostNet OPTOMETRIST

7

021 876 2592/072 402 9469 083 250 0943/021 876 2084

Pepler Alarms

ELECTRICAL

9 4 2 6 7 8 5 3 1

021 876 2676

CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS

Very hard

Magic Sudoku

Medium

Magic Sudoku

Libra, 23 September – 22 October: Jupiter in this constellation enriches all relationships, especially those of assistance like a lawyer or a personal counselor. Since Jupiter refers to foreign places and persons, this transit indicates a partnership with a foreigner. Any intimate relationship will certainly have a consciousnessexpanding effect on you.

Scorpio, 23 October – 21 November: In the depth of the analytical mind of the scorpion, the right attitude is the fine balance between justice and kindness. To analyze love is to question that subtle life force. What is rooted out in the quest of truth is simple ignorance. Then what is vanity to one, is creating shame to another.

Sagittarius, 22 November – 21 December: The influence of Saturn - the slow moving planet in this constellation - has its toll with slow moving enterprises and creating difficulties with new endeavors. Do not be too focused on external affairs and its privileges, concern yourself with the attitude of your private life, then the result of this transit is based on careful planning.

Capricorn, 22 December – 19 January: Life teaches one more than all the teaching in the world.

And an experience gained as late as the last hour of one’s life, is still a gain. Outward things matter little; it is inward realization which is necessary. Critical tendency only comes from the agitation of the mind.

Aquarius, 20 January – 18 February: It is very important that you keep your eyes open to the subtler aspect of life. While you are young, you are more in touch with your imagination and feelings than you ever will be again. Do not sacrifice these to some ideal of adult reasonableness. A life of superficiality is lived as not lived.

Pisces, 19 February - 20 March: Pisceans follow the path of least resistance and keep the onward march of the soul in its necessary path to have sensitivity and intuitive flashes of the divine purpose.

In this asterism all polarities have ceased and the ego has to follow the stream of the cosmic water.

For a consultation contact Robert at 073 312 1265 or robert.vedicastrology@gmail.com

2

Very easy

8 2

7

23 April

Very Venue: hard Franschhoek

Fridays

5

15, 16 April

16 April

Freedom Day

7 Lambrechts St 18h00 Afrikaans at Franschhoek Rugby Klub, Groendal. Ps Theuns Pauw 021 876 3348. All welcome!

Roman Catholic Church: Mass every 2nd Saturday of the month at the Methodist Church, Bagatelle Rd, Fhk. 073 488 6816 Trinity Church: Anglican Communion Service Sundays 10h00. Weekday Communion with Prayers Wednesdays 10h00.

All services at L’Ermitage Chapel.

Fr Gavin Mitchell (083 799 0726) St George’s Anglican Church Groot Drakenstein.

Sunday Services: Holy Communion and Sunday School 10h00. Rector Fr Joe Humbles – 073 560 3566 Franschhoek Methodist Church: Sunday service 09h00 Easter services: Thursday 13 April: Tenebrae Service also known as A service of Shadows 7.00pm. Friday 14 April: Good Friday Service 9.30 am. Sunday 16 April: Easter Sunday 9.00am. All welcome. Rev Nuno Vergueiro 021 872 3580 or 082 662 4509. Contact person: 021 876 2510 or 083 287 5756.

New Apostolic Church: Le Roux Weg, Franschhoek.Sundays 09h00, Wednesdays 19h30.

Rector: Charles Leibrandt

21

021 876 4741 021 876 4234/082 582 1029

Franschhoek Plumbing

021 876 3759

Hospice Library

021 876 3085 021 808 8406

PUBLIC SERVICES

Huguenot Memorial Museum Post Office Welfare (ACVV) SPCA

021 876 2532 021 876 2342 021 876 2670 021 876 4808

Bridge House School Franschhoek High School Groendal Primary School Groendal Secondary School Wes-Eind Primary School Dalubuhle Primary School

021 874 8100 021 876 2079 021 876 2448 021 876 2211 021 876 2360 021 876 3957

Franschhoek Storage

021 876 2174

Info Office Winelands Experience

021 876 3603 021 876 4042

SCHOOLS

STORAGE

TOURIST INFORMATION & SERVICES

TRANSPORT GOODS

Gerald Fourie VETERINARY

021 876 2940/082 821 5234

Huguenot Animal Clinic Surgery (pm only) Emergency

021 876 4278 021 876 2504 082 577 9900

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Stellenbosch Fire Dept. (Buildings on fire) 021 808 8888 Cape Winelands Distr.Muni. (Bush & veld fires) 021 887 4446

021 886 9244 Police 10111/021 876 8061 Eskom 086 003 7566 Neighbourhood Watch 083 493 7778 Omnipage Farm Watch 021 852 3318 Plaaswag 021 876 2346 N1, N2 & R300 Emergency number: 021 946 1646 DENTISTS

Dr Schalk du Plessis Dr Rob Hammer

021 876 3070 021 876 2634

Dr Karin Eksteen Dr Shelley Hellig Dr Alexander Heywood Dr Hannes Van der Merwe

021 876 4622 021 871 1063 021 876 2474 021 876 2304

DOCTORS

EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONSE

Medicare EMR MUNICIPALITY

074 363 7744/021 876 4316

(Ward 1) Councillor Frazenburg (DA) (Ward 2) Councillor Petersen (DA) (Ward 3) Councillor Manuel (DA) (Ward 4) Councillor Johnson (DA) Municipality (Office Hours) Municipality (afternoon only) Municipality 24hr Service

021 808 8490 082 404 5055 074 686 2364 021 808 8019 021 808 8700 021 808 8890 021 808 8700

Franschhoek Tatler

22

Smalls Smalls R30. Text only, maximum of 30 words Leave, with payment, at Franschhoek Pharmacy before 15th of preceding month

BOOK BINDING AND BOOK REPAIRS. Contact John 021 876 4129 or john@thearmchair explorer.co.za WANTED – LONG TERM RENTAL: Mature woman is looking for accommodation, 1 or preferably 2 bedrooms, lounge, bathroom and cooking facility. She does not have pets. Garage would be ideal, but not essential. Rental R7000. Phone: 082 789 2955 any time PROFESSIONAL POOL SERVICE REQUIRED? Keep it local! Get a quote. Call RiaPools: 072 347 5355

or office. I can run errands or drive you around. Available afternoons, evenings or weekends. 083 270 9555.

EXCESS BOOKS? Shelves creaking, moving house or just thinning out your collection? Contact John Hicks 021 876 4129 PET-SITTER/HOUSE-SITTER/ CARETAKER: I am a responsible, mature woman who adores animals. I can also supervise domestic staff, pool/garden maintenance, car care, etc. You can trust me with your precious pets & belongings. Franschhoek only. Contact Sue at 083 270 9555 CHANGING TO A SALT WATER SYSTEM? Let us advise & quote for you!

Call RiaPools: 072 347 5355

PRIVATE WINE TOURS: Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek. Full Day 10am - 5pm, 4 farms @ R500 per person. Lunch and tastings for your own account. Half Day @ R250 per person.

Call 073 125 0188 for bookings.

PRIVATE TUTORING: Scholastic help Grades 1 – 9. I completed NILD, American qualification for assessment / addressing of learning difficulties, in SA known as Brain Dynamics. Did home schooling for 11 years. Prior experience. Contact Wilma 078 475 2710 wilmabotha1962@gmail.com

ASSISTANCE OFFERED: I am a caring, friendly, older woman who can assist you in your house, guest house, shop

LOOKING FOR THAT SPECIAL BOOK and can’t find it? Call John at the Armchair Explorer, we will source it for you.

Contact John Hicks 021 876 4129 DOMESTIC WORK: Seeking position. I have 11 years of Domestic work experience as an attendant at Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa, where I am currently employed. I am reliable, a hard worker and willing to learn, adaptable, teamworker. Contact Noloyiso Hobe: 063 302 8213/072 819 1813 POOL PUMP PROBLEMS? Noise?

We quote and help you out! Call RiaPools: 072 347 5355 HOME SITTING /CHILD CARE / PET SITTING / GENERAL ASSISTANCE: Responsible, trustworthy, mature lady. Contact Wilma: 078 475 210 wilmabotha1962@gmail.com DO YOU STILL HAVE THAT POOL LEAK? Loosing water all the time? Let us quote and take care of the problem! Call RiaPools: 072 347 5355

Cost R25 995 (Fire & Gas) Contact Russel Hamilton: 071 633 1721 APPLE TECH SUPPORT: For iPhone, iPad or Mac setup, training or support HOUSE SITTER: Janneman van der Linde. Versorg u troetels in u afwesigheid, asof u daar is. Hy stap die woewe, speel en borsel die katjies en voer almal by Trommel se dik verby. SMS of Whats App vir Janneman: 072 630 0253 Of bel hom op 082 694 5001 HOUSEKEEPER/WAITRESS: Seeking position. I am a single, 32 year old Malawian lady, Philles Chibambo. I have 3 years’ experience as a waitress at Nando’s and 10 month’s house keeping experience.

Phone: 083 941 5619 / 073 878 3008 MALAWIAN LADY looking for position as domestic worker. Contact Catherine: 074 733 1603

RE-FIBRE GLASS YOUR POOL in any colour you like. Call RiaPools for a quote: 072 347 5355

HOUSE CLEANER: Seeking position. I am a 29 year old Malawian lady with an available reference. Call Tryness: 061 887 3983

FOR SALE: Godin (French) free standing cast iron woodburner/stove. Front and side opening doors. Model “Echo” 9Kw.

DOMESTIC WORKER: Seeking position. 35 year old, hardworking Malawian lady. Contact Fanny: 074 9062874

FRANSCHHOEK’S

FOR BUILDING • GARDENING • RENOVATING Copyright: All rights reserved, reproduction in whole or part prohibited. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the editor. Publication of editorial or advertising matter does not imply endorsement or warranty in respect of goods or services therin described.

April 2017

SITUATED BEHIND BP GARAGE • WE SPECIALISE IN: TOOL & EQUIPMENT HIRE Brush Cutters, Lawn Mowers, Chain Saws, Concrete Mixers, Drills, Compressors, Pumps, Jackhammers SERVICING & REPAIR Light Industrial Equipment RUBBLE & REFUSE REMOVAL DELIVERIES LIGHT DOMESTIC MOVES PORTABLE LOOS CLEANING of businesses and other premises

always at your service

072 378 1916 or 021 876 4123 Email: onhireo@gmail.com

April 2017

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Email: floormasterstell@gmail.com

FREE QUOTES ALL WORK GUARANTEED .Waterproofing .Torch On .Roof Clean & Coat .Gutters & facias

.Roofing .Painting .Carports & pergolas .Minor Renovations

“We make house calls”

083 252 1054 wwt@iafrica.com www.roofdoctors.co.za

+27 (0)21 876 3640 13 fabriek street herman@franschhoekelectric.co.za www.franschhoekelectric.co.za

074 313 7829

Franschhoek Tatler

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Protea Hotel to get a new look

The courtyard of the Protea Hotel by Marriott® Franschhoek

The Protea Hotel by Marriott® Franschhoek, is set to undergo expansion and major refurbishment during the winter season. The hotel is a sought-after spot for both domestic and international tourists, being the only traditional hotel located within the village and within walking distance of shop, restaurants and other attractions.

General Manager of the hotel, Jennifer Reichgelt says, “Owing to the nature of the work being done, we will close the hotel for three months from 25 May to 25 August 2017, although some work will commence prior to the closure.”

One element of the work involves the conversion

of the existing conference facilities into 10 additional bedrooms. Reichgelt reassures guests that, “We do not anticipate any negative impact on our guests during this period before the closure.

Work will take place from 09h00 to 16h00 from Monday to Friday.”

Other work being done at the property includes refurbishment of all public areas and bedrooms. The new dining offering at the hotel, the well-known New York-style steakhouse, Hussar Grill, is bound to prove popular both with visitors and local residents.

New Val de Vie “super estate” offers unsurpassed lifestyle opportunities

The revamped restaurant at Pearl Valley

Pearl Valley, between Paarl and Franschhoek, has recently undergone a number of significant changes that reflect its acquisition by neighbouring Val de Vie Estate and a consortium of partners. The beginning of February saw the achievement of an important milestone as residents were officially granted access to the full range of amenities offered by the amalgamation of the two properties signifying the formation of a new Val de Vie “super estate”.

Marketing Director at Val de Vie Estate, Ryk Neethling, comments: “Since merging with Pearl Valley, Val de Vie has an offering like no other estate in the country. Our residents and guests can now experience the finest that the Cape has to offer in terms of natural beauty, spaciousness and an array of sporting activities, cultural events and fine dining, all at one location.”

This includes shared access to the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, equestrian facilities, polo fields, vineyards, the L’Huguenot Venue & Vinoteque, fitness centres, swimming pools, tennis courts, running and cycling trails, and an outdoor boma area on the banks of the Berg River to name a few.

As part of this consolidation, a series of upgrades are currently underway at Pearl Valley to ensure it is seamlessly integrated with the rest of Val de Vie. A set of refurbishment works were recently completed at The Valley Restaurant and Bar which bring the establishment’s look and feel into alignment with Val de Vie’s signature of elegantly crafted, spacious interiors that incorporate natural light and air. Capable of comfortably seating 140 diners, the renovated restaurant boasts high ceilings and simple furnishings that create space and give the area an aura of simple elegance. Exposed white rafters and clean white walls brighten the room, while stonework pillars and raw timber finishes add texture and comfort. Large windows open out onto sprawling terraces where patrons can admire spectacular views of the golf course and the majestic Simonsberg Mountain.

Along with an impressive selection of awardwinning wines, the restaurant offers a carefully crafted new menu with sumptuous traditional fare made using the freshest regional and imported produce. The bar boasts an adventurous yet refined new cocktail menu that includes delicacies such as the “Agave with Wings” – a sumptuous combination of 100% agave tequila, fresh lime juice and pureed kiwi strained into a chilled coupe glass with a rosemary flaked sea salt rim.

While residents and guests enjoy the first set of upgrades, work will soon commence on Pearl Valley’s second phase of development which will see the creation of a conference venue with capacity for 250 delegates and an elegant new lounge for club members. Members will also benefit from the recent appointment of Golf Director, Damian Wrigley. With experience playing both provincial and premier league golf, as well as nine years of experience as the Director at Clovelly Country Club – where he was personally mentored by businessman Raymond Ackerman – Damian is a clear expert in his field. He is sure to be an asset to Pearl Valley Golf Club and its members.

The Pearl Valley Golf Course at Val de Vie will soon be further enhanced by the inclusion of The Pearl Valley Hotel, a luxury hotel developed and operated by the Mantis Collection. The hotel, which is scheduled to open in the second quarter of the year, will consist of 40 single or double suites, split into 10 freestanding double storey buildings to maximise picturesque views over the greens, water features and surrounding mountains.

Concludes Neethling: “These recent developments serve to align Pearl Valley with the Val de Vie brand, and add to its five-star offering. The incorporation of Pearl Valley into the wider Val de Vie Estate has enabled us to offer unsurpassed lifestyle opportunities in a secure area where families can live out their dreams.” www.pearlvalley.co.za| 021 867 8000

Val de Vie Estate leads through effective social investment

April 2017

The Val de Vie Estate (including Pearl Valley) announced the launch of a new structure to their foundation that models the estate’s generous approach to business, while encouraging homeowners to do the same by getting involved in the Paarl and Franschhoek communities.

The Val de Vie Estate founded the Val de Vie Foundation in 2015 with the desire to live out their vision statement: ‘a better life for all’. To achieve this big vision, Val de Vie realised that it was essential to set up a formal structure that focused on generating funds to support exceptional organisations that have a positive impact on surrounding communities.

The Val de Vie Foundation is a member of Nation Builder business community, and this partnership has helped to inform the CSI approach Nation Builder Executive Director Keri-Leigh Paschal that the super-estate is now taking. and Val de Vie Founder Martin Venter “The mandate of the Val de Vie influence and passion for using what they have for Foundation is to offer youth and leadership good. It is fantastic to see how they have been able to development, to enable access to education, to get other home owners and businesses excited about facilitate job creation and to carry out projects being part of building our nation,” said Paschal. of social and spiritual concern for the relief of “Nation Builder businesses, such as Val de Vie, communities in distress,” said Martin Venter, are businesses that are on a journey of constantly Founder of Val de Vie Estate and Foundation. improving their social investment approach, learning A percentage of the sales of the Val de Vie from others, sharing lessons learnt and often Estate stands are put into the foundation, as well pioneering and influencing others in their industry to as a percentage of all Phase Two levies and event do businesses with the motive of making a difference proceeds. They have also added a voluntary additional in the lives of many,” she added. levy to Phase One home-owners that will go towards “The Nation Builder community and resources were the fund. The Val de Vie Foundation is encouraging a guiding light on how to think strategically about all residents to sign-up and volunteer in different social development, an approach quite different to manners within the NPO partnerships that they have business norms,” said Lorraine Hadfield, homeowner with NPOs in the valley. and advisor to the Val de Vie Foundation.

At the launch of the new foundation structure, The new Nation Builder website provides free Nation Builder Executive Director Keri-Leigh resources for South Africans who want to learn more Paschal spoke about how the Val de Vie Foundation about how they can mobilise businesses to invest into has grown in their strategic approach, being on the communities, and become part of socio-economic CSI Good Giving Journey with Nation Builder. “It is advancement in South Africa. encouraging to see a business that is passionate about The Nation Builder team is based in Stellenbosch community investment grow and establish a formal and Pretoria. strategy and approach to effectively distribute these funds for greatest impact, as well as leverage their www.proudnationbuilder.co.za | 021 816 1111

April 2017

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Pearl Valley at Val de Vie Estate La Vue II at Val de Vie Estate Boschenmeer Golf & Country Estate

Pearl Valley at Val de Vie

Pearl Valley at Val de Vie

Web Ref: 2088360

R 4 950 000

An opportunity to own what has to be the most coveted Resort Lodge on Pearl Valley.

We are thrilled to have this beautiful 4 bedroomed lodge to market. This is truly one of the most ideally positioned lodges on Pearl Valley at Val De Vie with its incredible uninterrupted views over a large expanse of water directly towards the iconic Simonsberg mountain. Sitting on the patio or on the lawns is the ideal way to start or end your day taking in the changing colours and shades on the mountains and the incredible bird life.

Contact: Leigh Robertson 082 882 8243 or Annelize Reinmüller 076 788 9918

R 4 950 000

Modern 4 bedroomed lakeside home on the exclusive Pearl Valley at Val De Vie. Entering this immaculate waterfront home, the visitor is met with beautiful views across the canal from the spacious double volume foyer and living areas. The ground floor houses an open plan lounge, designer Poggenpoel kitchen with integrated Meile appliances, dining room, large enclosed patio / braai room and a pool area all inter-connected by stacker and corner sliding doors. There is also a guest suite with en-suite bathroom , a guest cloak room, a utility room and a double garage. The first floor offers three en-suite bedrooms with a large main suite.

Contact: Leigh Robertson 082 882 8243 or Annelize Reinmüller 076 788 9918

La Vue II at Val de Vie

Web Ref: 1907348

From R 1 750 000

Only a limited number of opportunities still available on La Vue II at Val de Vie. Situated adjacent to Pearl Valley nature stands with views over Simonsberg and Paarl Mountain.

This magnificent approximately 900 hectare estate incorporates both a tranquil and secure country residential estate and an award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. Ranked the Top Residential Estate in South Africa 2015 & 2016. Stand sizes range from 700m² to 1 570m² and Prices from R1 750 000 to R3 175 000.

Contact: Lindie Gaigher 082 718 7042 or Jacques Nortjè 082 084 0860

Pearl Valley at Val de Vie

From R 2 745 000

Web Ref: 1873662

Architect, designed and set beautifully over two levels, with four bedrooms and four bathrooms. The Open plan living, kitchen and dining area has glass sliding doors which open onto a full - width terrace. The modern gas kitchen and European appliances flows to dining ensuring entertaining is effortless. Three en-suite bedrooms are found upstairs maximising the spectacular Boschenmeer Golf Estate views. We are the HOA Preferred Agents for Boschenmeer Golf Estate! Our offices are at the main Clubhouse and we would love to show you around.

Contact: Marinda de Jongh 082 573 2204 or Marilize Brown 083 241 1580

Office at Pearl Valley Clubhouse +27 (0) 21 867 0161

Web Ref: 1172790

Make the Valley of Life your home. Very few remaining opportunities available in this unique position on the 12th Fairway. Pearl Valley now part of the Val de Vie Estate offers the ideal lifestyle with the best security and an abundance of leisure activities available.

Various Plot & Plan options available.

Contact our On Site agents today to view the last available stands on the number one ranked Residential Security Estate in South Africa.

Contact: Lindie Gaigher 082 718 7042 or Jacques Nortjè 082 084 0860

Boschenmeer Golf & Country Estate

R 6 890 000

Web Ref: 2080540

La Vue II at Val de Vie

From R 7 159 100

Web Ref: 1981143

The home of your dreams awaits your selection from a portfolio of four tastefully designed floor plans, collectively known as The Oaks. Rated the top residential estate in South Africa for 2015 and 2016. Your hopes can soon become a reality in the Valley of Life - and it all begins with a choice. This 378m² double storey home on 760m² offers 4 en-suite bedrooms, 2 garages and a golf cart garage. Contact your on-site agents in the Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty Office located in the reception area of the Pearl Valley Clubhouse.

Contact: Lindie Gaigher 082 718 7042 or Jacques Nortjè 082 084 0860

www.sothebysrealty.co.za Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

Office at Boschenmeer Golf Estate Clubhouse +27 (0) 21 863 0266

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Franschhoek Tatler

R 4 950 000

April 2017

R 7 950 000

Convenient and Central

Beautiful thatch home in upmarket wine estate

This central and convenient older home which is in need of some renovation is situated one row back from the main road in thecenter town and is within easy walking distance of shops and restaurants. Comprising of 3 large bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, (mes) large lounge with period Oregon fireplace surround, dining room and entrance hall. The kitchen area is light and bright with a back door leading out to a double braai area and outside sitting / entertainment area. The large 1160sqm stand allows for a large garden, both at the back and the front of the house. This home also offers a comfortable sized bachelor flat with its own bathroom - perfect to either rent out or be used for office space. There are stunning views of the mountains from the front patio, for those lovely summer evenings. Could be renovated to run B&B or Guest House - opportunities are endless.

This beautiful thatch home is being offered for sale in one of Franschhoek’ s most sought after Wine and Olive estate set amongst olive trees and vines, it is still totally private yet still has beautiful views from every aspect of the surrounding mountains.The home comprises: 4 bedrooms, 1 upstairs with own entrance, 3 bathrooms, 2 ensuite, entrance hall, fully fitted kitchen with upmarket finishes, separate scullery, open plan lounge / dining room, double volume over living areas, upstairs study, two covered verandas / entertainment areas, pool with large landscaped gardens, double garage. This property will be snapped up soon so don’t hesitate to appoint to view.

Levies R 5000.00p/m Rates: 2300 +-p/m

Janice Hicks 072 991 6272 • janice.hicks@rawson.co.za

Janice Hicks 072 991 6272 • janice.hicks@rawson.co.za

R 1 800 000

R 35 000 p/m

La Petit Provence

Beautiful thatch home in upmarket wine estate

This lock up and go apartment is situated in the secure La Petit Provence Estate. This apartment comprises of 2 bedrooms and a bathroom with open plan kitchen and lounge complete with a Juliette balcony. The apartment boast magnificent views of the Franschhoek mountains and vineyards from all windows. The Estate also offers a communal pool, tennis court and 24 hour security.

Rates : R 529 Levies R 1890

This beautiful that home is being offered for rent in one of Franschhoek’s most sought-after Wine and Olive estates. Set amongst olive trees and vines, it is totally private yet still has beautiful views from every aspect of the surrounding mountains. The home comprises: 4 bedrooms, 1 upstairs with own entrance; 3 bathrooms, 2 ensuite; Entrance hall; Fully fitted kitchen with upmarket finishes; Separate scullery; Open plan lounge/dining room; Double volume over living areas; Upstairs study; Two covered verandas/entertainment areas; Pool with large landscaped gardens; Double garage. Available from the 1st of April 2017 to the 31 January 2018, unfurnished.

Janice Hicks 072 991 6272 • janice.hicks@rawson.co.za

April 2017

Franschhoek Tatler

R 7 750 000

FRANSCHHOEK

3

2

Garages 2

405214

SUPERB HOME ON EXCLUSIVE ESTATE. An immaculate home on the exclusive Domaine des Anges Estate featuring three bedrooms, large reception room with vaulted ceiling, lovely eat in kitchen opening onto a kitchen garden and wonderful covered verandah overlooking the pool with the lavender, vines and mountains beyond! Domaine des Anges is situated close to the village and boasts excellent communal facilities including a glorious communal pool, clubhouse with gym and tennis courts.

R 17 500 000

FRANSCHHOEK

10

9

Garages 4

306313

COUNTRY MANOR HOUSE & GUEST HOUSE.Two excellent properties set on approximately 12 ha. Grand manor house has river frontage and offers 4 bedrooms, excellent entertaining space, extensive gardens and pool fronting onto river. The guesthouse property comprises 6 bedrooms en suite along with a large wrap around veranda. Both properties are currently tenanted. Price excludes VAT.

FRANSCHHOEK

R 20 000 000

415934

SOUGHT AFTER ADDRESS WITH 360 DEGREE VIEWS. Situated in Franschhoek’s upper valley and a mere stroll from the village lies this unique undeveloped 8.3 hectares of prime real estate. Having one of Franschhoek’s most sought after address’s the property commands 360-degree views of the surrounding mountain ranges. With planning permission to build an 11 bedroom Guest Lodge, the discerning purchaser has the option either to have a commercial venture or to build the home of his dreams. Ample water is available from both a winter stream that runs through the centre of the property or by way of a borehole. Municipal drinking water is available and power is provided by Eskom

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R 4 000 000

3

Garages 2

401638

OLD FASHIONED VILLAGE GEM. A lovely family home on a corner stand with old world charm and dazzling perspectives across the reservoir. This home offers its new family loads of potential. You can enjoy sundowners on the deck with glorious sunsets or spend time in the mature enclosed garden. This home consists of 3 bedrooms with main en suite, 2 bathrooms with separate shower and toilet. The lounge/dining room can be opened up to create an astonishing entertainment area.

FRANSCHHOEK

3

R 4 000 000

3

Parkings 2

421572

LIFESTYLE LODGE IN AWARD WINNING ESTATE . This lifestyle lodge is located in a sophisticated, upmarket award winning golf resort in the heart of the Cape Winelands. Find yourself immersed in birdsong whilst lounging on the patio overlooking the lake. Offering open plan lounge with gas fireplace, dining room, kitchen with breakfast bar and a patio with built in braai, this three level lodge has 3 spacious bedrooms with en-suites, air-conditioning and underfloor heating.The lodge is an ideal lock-up and go or investment opportunity.

PEARL VALLEY

4

R 7 350 000

4

Garages 2

WEB REF: 419315

PEARL VALLEY GOLF ESTATE - PLOT & PLAN. A rare Plot & Plan opportunity is offered by this Master Builder to have a dream home built on one of the last remaining plots on the water’s edge. Accommodation will include a spacious open plan lounge, dining room and kitchen, scullery, family room, four en-suite bedrooms, two and a half garages and an undercover entertainer’s patio. The home will be have quality finishes throughout including air-conditioning, underfloor heating, gas fireplace, underfloor vacuum cleaner system, caesar stone tops, SMEG stove, LG Solardom and heated swimming pool. The opportunity also allows the purchaser to choose his or her own design and finishes.

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SOLE MANDATE

SOLE MANDATE

Ref# FWI1285782

/PamGoldingProperties

pamgolding.co.za

@PamGoldingGroup

SOLE MANDATE

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April 2017

Local expertise, national presence and international audience

FRANSCHHOEK

23 Huguenot Street Franschhoek, 7690 +27 (0)21 876 3322

R 3 750 000

Regionally 119/121 Park Lane, London, W1 +44 (0)207 079 1515

Nationally Internationally

FRANSCHHOEK

R 3 750 000