WHALE TALK MAGAZINE
Editor
Leigh Bouwer
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Copy Editing Pieter Schoombee noag@hermanus.co.za
Regular Contributors Beth Hunt, Albert Peter, Leigh Bouwer, Percy Heywood, Sally Carter Wicus Leeuwner, Pieter Schoombee, Beulah Liebenberg, Michelle Williams & Anthony Pote.
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Whale Talk Magazine is a high quality, full colour, glossy bi-monthly magazine and is hugely popular with the local residents of and visitors to Hermanus. It is an exciting, captivating and unique local magazine filled with relevant lifestyle articles, showcasing the best of Hermanus and the Cape Whale Coast. THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!
Editor’s Note
The 2024 leap year catapulted itself from the starting blocks like a runaway freight train, with a massive earthquake in Japan; an air collision between a Coastguard aircraft and a Japan Airlines passenger jet; the escape of the drug cartel leader José Adolfo Macías Villamar from a prison in Ecuador, leading to massive conflict and a state of emergency (he still hasn't been found); uncontrolled rioting throughout Papua New Guinea due to an alleged rounding error in the salaries of soldiers and police officers; the Queen of Denmark, Margrethe II, abdicating her throne after 52 years; the Israel-Hamas war raging on unabated; Japan achieving a soft landing on the moon with its SLIM mission; and out-of-control fires in the Overstrand leading to the evacuation of Pringle Bay. And all of this was just in the first few weeks of January!
Yet somehow, things just managed to get crazier. This was, after all, the year that brought us the in-Seine (see what I did there) opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, complete with a heavy metal band and severed heads. However, it wasn't the headless, singing women paying bloody tribute to Marie Antoinette who stole the show – that accolade undoubtedly goes to Rachel “Raygun” Gunn from “Down Under”, whose abysmal breakdancing routine saw her hopping like a kangaroo and slithering like a snake, leading to an onslaught of ridicule and a flood of parodies. I do feel rather sorry for her, but her new-found fame has led to lucrative deals, highprofile interviews and magazine covers, so I think she will be okay and hop on. A huge thank you to her for giving us all a chance to chuckle during this ludicrous year. And speaking of the Olympics, hearty congratulations to our very own Tatjana Smith for winning a gold medal and making South Africans burst with collective pride!
On the political front, 2024 was an election year extraordinaire – with 80 countries representing 4 billion people holding national elections, it goes without saying that things got pretty heated. From assassination attempts to subterfuge, political parties around the world engaged in epic and heavily contested battles for leadership. In South Africa, a seismic moment came as the ruling African National Congress lost its absolute majority for the first time, leading to the formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU) – a momentous development in South Africa's democracy and a very exciting one that fills many of us with new hope for the future
It is truly a wonderful time of year in the Overstrand. Summer has shimmied into our midst with all her dazzling splendor; local shops are fully stocked and dandied up in their Christmas best; lights are twinkling throughout Hermanus, thanks to the Hermanus Festive Lights Project; our worldclass restaurants and wine farms are poised to serve up delicious wines and dishes; our pristine beaches are beckoning; our fynbos-covered mountains and cliff paths are waiting to be explored and our friendly locals are ready to greet visitors to our town with welcoming smiles
We hope you all enjoy this edition of Whale Talk Magazine and we wish all our very special writers, advertisers and readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy 2025!
Contents
MESSAGE FROM OUR
6-7 10 4 8 38 18
written by Pieter Schoombee
written by Wicus Leeuwner
written by Dr Jeannine McManus
written by Dr Annelie Rabie
written by Albert Peter
written by Beth Hunt
MAYOR Leigh
COVER PHOTO: This beautiful and festive photograph (www.pngtree.com) of two young boys on the beach, perfectly encapsulates the festive season in Hermanus and the Cape Whale Coast
ONRUS - GLAMPING IN THE SIXTIES
HABITAT CONNECTIVITY
A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE
ROLLING WITH RUDOLPH
Mayoral Message
Text by Executive Mayor, Dr Annelie Rabie
Photo by Martin Etsebeth
DR ANNELIE RABIE FESTIVE MESSAGE FROM OUR MAYOR
Whale Talk Magazine is very proud to bring you this festive message from our Executive Mayor, Dr Annelie Rabie.
We are again at the end of the year, looking back at all our experiences, joys and sorrows of the past 12 months
I would like to take this time, in my own reflection of this year, to note the work and effort that were put in by the Overstrand Administration, the Overstrand Council and my Mayoral Committee in trying to uplift support and grow our Municipal area to be the place we all love
This was also an extraordinary year in public/private co-operation, and my gratitude goes to all residents, business owners, workers, and civil society for their contribution to collaborating with us on our goal of creating an Overstrand4all
The year was not without its challenges, with climate change bringing with it more destructive weather and a new Government of National Unity forcing us all to re-assess our way of approaching and dealing with opposing ideas
Despite the many detractors and naysayers, we still managed to get through some major power-related challenges, fires, floods, and tough economic conditions It might not have left us unscathed, and I truly hope that 2025 will afford us so much more opportunity to uplift empower build and contribute to society overall
It was not all hardships and battles, and I am proud to again confirm that Overstrand Municipality managed to reach its 11th straight Clean Audit in the 2022/2023 financial year
Overstrand Municipality was also listed under the top three municipalities in category B2 – larger municipalities in South Africa – according to Good Governance Africa
Our Waste Management team also managed to be placed second in the Waste Management recognition program
Overstrand youngsters have been making
us proud and using this year to shine abroad, with two teams competing in international competitions.
We are proud of our gymnastic girls' team who represented us in Hungary and our kick-boxing youngsters holding the Overstrand name high when they travelled to compete in the WAKO Kickboxing Junior World Championship for Children and Cadets, also held in Hungary.
Olympian Victor Hogan truly took Overstrand to new heights when he competed and did us proud in the Discus event at the 2024 Paris Olympics
A truly spectacular year in all
My wish for you is that you experience a peaceful festive season in the company of loved ones and that the simple joy of giving of yourself will herald the start of another even more successful and joyous year to come!
A Unique & Memorable 2Hr Walker Bay Sea Safari Experience
Season Dec - May
T Ato ofZ
Throughout the world, numerous civilisations have looked at leap years with a mix of wonder and a sense of whatthe-heck-is-going-on. When we think about all the chaos, calm and cheer 2024 has blasted us with, it is easy to give some credit to this age-old notion
his year certainly has been one leap year that will not soon be forgotten. With new adventures awaiting us daily, we proceeded with a die-hard optimism laced with a healthy sense of caution – kind of like playing leapfrog with a unicorn
Once again our Hermanus community had to brace itself as diabolical storms ravaged through the Western Cape, causing considerable damage to our infrastructure and requiring a herculean effort by our municipality to restore our power and sense of calm Of course we are no strangers to the occasional storm However, one doesn't have to be Greta Thunberg to notice the frightening escalation in the frequency and intensity of these storms And as if gale force winds and buckets of rain weren't enough, the weather gods had even more tricks up their cloudy sleeves in other parts of our fair nation I don't care what anyone says, but seeing large parts of Kwazulu-Natal being transformed into a winter wonderland and travellers stranded in their cars due to road
closures, was certainly not on anybody's Bingo card for 2024.
Mother Nature was also a harsh mistress to communities beyond our borders From a shattering earthquake to start off the year for our Japanese friends, to apocalyptic floods in Dubai, the weather could only be described as extreme all around the globe The poor souls of the eastern coastline of America had a real fight with nature with the latter landing some harsh one-two punches People in North Carolina, Georgia and Florida were still trying to recover from the devastating destruction caused by Hurricane Helene, when Hurricane Milton made landfall in the south.
Through all of this, the world's most prolific billionaire, Elon Musk, did his fair share in helping with the relief efforts by providing the effected communities with access to his Starlink communications network Thanks to the contribution of Starlink's South African icon, rescue workers were able to locate and communicate with victims who had been cut off from the world
Love him or hate him, it was easier to braai
a pig with a magnifying glass than to ignore the real-life Iron Man From developing coin-sized computer chips for the brain to catching rockets out of the sky the prodigy from Pretoria seems determined to put civilisation on the fast lane to a space-age future His latest product – an all-round helper robot named Optimus – has me feeling both excited and a little anxious; kind of like Springbok fans feel when Manie Libbok lines up a crucial penalty kick Although it would be super cool to have a robotic helper to do tedious chores, it feels like the beginning of too many dystopian disaster movies So let us hope this innovation will not lead us into a technological apocalypse – or technopalypse, if I may coin a term.
The leap year would not be bizarre enough without the earth-bound humans meddling in the affairs of time In 2024 citizens from around the world cast their ballots to determine the next four to five years of their respective nations. Our country was no different and after all things considered, I would argue that Mzansi has made some bold leaps into a brighter future Of course we cannot deny that our elections yielded
more surprises than the inside of P Diddy's closet – a shout-out to Uncle Jacob He really knows how to throw a party. With pieces of the political pie being shared in our newly formed 'Government of National Unity', it will require a delicate balance of compromise and convictions to avoid the process of governance turning into a proverbial food fight Nevertheless, if slightly lower petrol prices and the impressive work by Leon Schreiber, our recently appointed Minister of Home Affairs, are anything to go by, we may have found a working formula
Across the pond, the ever-dramatic cowboys in red, white and blue had their own elections that resembled an episode of a reality TV show rather than a democratic process – if that reality show was a post-apocalyptic version of Survivor From failed assassination attempts to other forms of mudslinging, the 'Land of the Free' seemed to be less stable than nitroglycerine in a cocktail shaker Let us hope that the new leadership will take its citizens forward and put the 'united' back into the United States of America
With the war in Ukraine not showing any sign of ending and the Middle East escalating to frightening levels, it is not just the earth's temperature that needs some cooling down After Iran lost its former president in an aptly described 'hard landing' of his helicopter, the fearless leaders of the oil-rich nation decided to up their game and join their proxies in the ongoing fight against Israel The entire region remains chillingly unstable and we can only hope that the dogs of war will cease their snarls and allow peace to return
A solemn moment should also be given to the bright stars that flickered out this year James Earl Jones completed his circle of life after a long career of memorable performances. The world lost a little bit of magic with the passing of Maggie Smith, better known as Hogwarts's Professor Minerva McGonagall, and closer to home, everyone's favourite mathematics guru, William Smith, left behind the rational for the
immeasurable While the world may seem a little darker without their light, their contributions will be remembered for generations to come
Of course 2024 also had moments that will be remembered for the right reasons Rassie and his lads kept our flag flying high and our dops flowing freely by lifting the Rugby Championship trophy for the first time since 2019. And who will forget the Olympic Games in Paris? With an explosive, heavy-metal infused opening ceremony, spectators around the world anticipated high-flying performances and recordbreaking feats Many of us were glued to our screens cheering for our men's relay team, the marvellous performance of JoAné van Dyk and of course our golden girl, Tatjana Smith
However, in a bizarre plot twist, the performance that overshadowed all those athletic achievements was the somewhat unique routine of Australian break-dancing sensation, Rachel Gunn, better known as Raygun. I am certainly no expert when it comes to that specific discipline, but I had to applaud her unapologetic confidence Although Miss Gunn's performance may have misfired more spectacularly than a wet firework, one could argue that she won the Olympics The bizarre display may not have been the prime example of break dancing, but she did manage to break the internet by creating more memes than all medals combined
So as this crazy year draws to a close, it may be a good idea to focus on the laughs, the beauty and the wonder we could witness Among all the tumult and the chaos we also witnessed acts of human kindness and wonderful acts of nature like the aurora australis, or southern lights, which decorated our horizons with a veil of crimson.
So let us stay hopeful for the year to come After all, it will not be a leap year so maybe, just maybe things will be a little bit more normal than this crazy 2024.
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Text by Beth Hunt
Someday you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again. All the world is made of faith, and trust, and pixie dust.
C
S Lewis
ROLLING WITH RUDOLPH ROLLING WITH RUDOLPH
Picture this: a dismal, grey winter's day in the States, it's 1939. A young man looks out from his office window. Through a blanket of hazy fog, he wonders how the sleigh-riding Santa manages to navigate his way – with a sack full of goodies – from chimney to chimney. Suddenly – a lightbulb moment and a red nose!
Let's backtrack for a moment In Chicago, the retail and catalogue store Montgomery Ward decides against its annual gift of a colouring booklet as a commercial gimmick. Instead, the company, wanting to save money, assigns a copywriter in their advertising department to create a cheery Christmas story
The thing is, the 34-year-old Robert L May is not looking forward to the jolly season at all His wife is extremely ill; he has a little daughter; and on top of that, he is heavily in debt As well as disillusioned – plugging away at clothing catalogues – what happened to his dream to write the great American novel?
However, it's here in this dark wood of depression, that he has an a-ha moment! Mojo bestowed by the muse lights up inside him – appearing as a little reindeer with an oversized flashy red nose. Ridiculed by the rest of the clan with their stereotyped snouts and bad attitude, the bullies turn up their reindeer noses at this oddball They do not realise that sometimes it's our differences that make us shine! For it's that luminescent red appendage that ultimately makes the little Rudolph a hero Santa, seeing the reindeer's navigating potential, decides to make him the star of the show. From once
being ostracized, Rudolph is promoted to the status of team leader No longer shunned, it is he who will light the path through the North Pole's dark icy nights Robert May, himself, slightly built and shy, knew what it was like to be marginalised as a child. Not surprisingly, his favourite fairy tale was The Ugly Duckling
As his wife's condition worsens, May's employer offers to pass the assignment down the line, but the copywriter holds on to the creative consolation of his reindeer, instead of having to write about men's plain white shirts!
It is after his wife's death, that May's brotherin-law, a songwriter, puts Rudolph into lyrics In 1949, the singing cowboy, Gene Autry, took it to the top of the hit parade Like so many fairy tales, this enchanting fable captivated people with its moral message Revealing how tolerance and perseverance can overcome adversity, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer with the launch of 2,4 million copies, was to become legendary in America
The enchantment of magic comes alive through the power of story One of my earliest childhood recollections was looking through a viewer, up at the branch of a tree where a larger-than-life marmalade cat sat with an ear-to-ear grin on its face Recently, I purchased the complete illustrated works of
Lewis Carroll As I go back in time, reading each chapter of Alice in Wonderland, the super-imaginative and inventive prose framed by quirky illustrations are savoured with delight
In a podcast, literary professor, Joseph Luzzi, tells us that literature has the potential to change our lives The reader can go anywhere in alternate worlds It is through the imagination that we are led to the truth – no fake news here – adding that we are led to ask the right questions Something happens to us when we read – no matter how ancient a book is, it speaks to us.
Now, who wouldn't fall down a rabbit hole just to enjoy the romance of Wonderland?
In a world of instant gratification, we can choose to slow down to rediscover the lost art of literature The power of prose can heal us through its artistic expression embodied in timeless stories More than that, research tells us reading is excellent for improving cognitive abilities, a cure for loneliness too Books are true friends!
This festive season, pull up a chair with a good book and treat yourself to a dose of bibliotherapy – whether it be easy reads, contemporary or classic or better still – turn the page of a fairy tale – and enjoy the magic of a blessed Christmas!
PP S S S S S O C
Onrus
GLAMPING IN THE SIXTIES GLAMPING IN THE SIXTIES
"When you entered through the gate of the enclosure, you stepped onto a floor of brilliant white stone chips. The contrast of the floor with the dark stems and green foliage of the milkwood trees created a fairyland atmosphere."
The next best thing to the enjoyment of a good time is the recollection of it Marna has been doing this every time since the early sixties when the December holidays approached Her parents used to camp in the Onrus River Caravan Park with their friends, Uncle Gert and his wonderful wife, Georgie Uncle Gert worked for Rutherfords and was a very meticulous and neat person He booked the same two stands early in the New Year always choosing the second and third stands from the gap where you exit to Davies Pool It was close to the ablutions and had a tap between the plots
Fourteen days before D-day, the Rutherford's truck arrived with a team and all the equipment. A 1.8m Hessian fence was tied to planted poles around the two plots with a gap next to the tap After spreading white stone chips over the whole area, four tents were erected; a fully equipped kitchen tent, a sleeping tent for the adults with two full-size double beds, and a sleeping tent with six single beds for
Uncle Gert's three daughters and Marna and her two sisters – a big gathering tent provided covered space for meals, very popular music evenings and concerts In the center lay two big carpets with garden chairs for long “kuiers”.
Simultaneously, excitement rose to a frenzied pitch between the six girls When Dday arrived, they had to decorate the huge milkwood trees for Christmas and all the fun of a seaside holiday for 9-to-14-year-olds started One favourite was to do fish hunting at night Fish come quite close to the shore at night During the New Moon spring tide, low tide happens in the early evening Armed with a low-powered torch and old tennis shoes, they moved cautiously into knee-deep pools To see haarders and blacktails slowly moving within one meter was a life-changing experience At that time of night the pools become alive with all the shells, crabs, and crayfish appearing from their hiding places If the torch is not too strong and you move slowly, you can share in this wonderful marine concert
Marna's exposure to nature during camping cultivated an immense love and respect for
all living things in her As she grew older she could immerse in the lessons that nature teaches us Sitting in her favourite chair in the camp, she could see out through the gap in the fence left as a gate The trees formed a tunnel with a bright opening at the end Around her, the sunlight filtered through the milkwood leaves, creating an interesting interplay of light and shadow on the white floor She realized that most of the time, we chase that light at the end of the tunnel, but miss those thin shafts of light inbetween while passing through the dark tunnel Those little shafts of light are the bright spots that make grim situations more tolerable They remind us to look for positivity in little things that can help dispel the shadows of doubt or anxiety
Today she can take her grandchildren to the same tree that opened a new way of looking at life for her and teach them that life is too short to be lived in the shadows It's the little things that give life its magic –the smell of the earth with the first rain, the early morning song of a Cape Robin, the sound of waves breaking on the beach, or the beam of sunlight cutting through the leaves
Feature Text by Wicus Leeuwner
Photo by Ziya Fana Images
IT’S CHRISTMAS! IT’S CHRISTMAS!
Christmas is high on our family list of favourite times; we have two suitcases propvol with decorations. Tinsel, holly, streamers and other random decorations for Christmas. Collected during our travels. Many memories for us. And when we buy our tree, there is a scramble to decorate it. Excitement bubbles exponentially.
Wrapped gifts are placed underneath the tree. And when some people are not watching, other people might randomly choose one or more of the parcels, just to check them In case! And if they become aware that other nearby people are not aware, give it a little shake Or a perfumery sniff Turn it upside down And when this person who is not watching, might unexpectedly move, or asks a random something, the parcel is hastily returned With a butter-doesn't-melt expression.
Christmas is also a time of seemingly aimless questioning. Just checking if random ideas from earlier times might recur
Areas of our home become “shouldn't go to” places! “But I'm just looking for my fly rod” “I'll get it for you!” “Ahhhh! Jen it's my fly rod … fragile … pointy tip, difficult to handle precious ahhh, ok but please be careful.” “How do you know it's in that room?” “I know things!”
Jen and our children are excitable Any prospect of fun, perhaps a birthday, an unexpected gift, all are handled with pentup, ever-rising excitement. A bit, no-no not just a bit – it's like an inherited awareness of subterfuge Like a spy movie Suddenly you get bounced by a sparkly-eyed, frecklefaced questioning professional, just sort of surreptitiously probing – really professionally questioning about maybe things
My life has been honed by Jen, three daughters and our son Professional gift enquirers This honing is an inherited character trait Grandchildren display these traits whilst in nappies. It has been impressed on me that there are, quite simply, no coincidences I've been professionally shown over years of Christmases, birthdays, sudden surprises.
My Dear sparkly-eyed freckle-faced bouncy wife has professionally coached our children to an intuitively instinctive “eye knoww” professional standard They've absorbed all this instinctive “I know” to an extreme level far too advanced for any mere male to conceive James Bond or even Q would be challenged It's in our children's genes to be instinctively aware, to
just know the contents of a securely wrapped parcel even if not yet purchased
Family Christmases at Kleinemonde with so many relatives and long-standing friends all gathered around the tree for Christmas carols – a special type of family and community togetherness
Every year on 25 December, Christmas is celebrated by the world Christian community to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ It is an important and most awaited festival for the Christian people.
The popularity of Christmas could well be ascertained from the fact that each year in December, gifts and other items worth billions are sold across the world, mostly in western countries
Christmas is a time to remember Jesus and to spend some time in worship – to value his teachings to humanity.
And so Christmas is celebrated with a spirit of togetherness, and also compassion and generosity for those less fortunate people, supporting them where possible
Anthony Pote (owner)
Community Feature Text by Beulah
Liebenberg
Donation
HOW CAN I HELP?
Living the dream, that's what you often hear from residents of our beautiful Overberg towns. Great weather, pristine beaches, fynbos-covered mountains, good schools, restaurants, a great place to bring up children or retire to. Hermanus has lots to offer residents, but not all are living the dream
Our town is growing with an influx of retirees, young families and new businesses With so many people making Hermanus their home, a wealth of knowledge, wisdom, expertise and loving hearts arrive Some have skills, others have funds and still others have time to offer
Our hearts have a natural yearning to help, but 'where to start' and 'what to do' are often questions that take up more mental space than the answers and the actions
Firstly, think about your own skills Are you good at getting people together? Then perhaps have a tea party and put your heads and your hearts together to raise funds or goods It can be simply contributing a small amount to give to a children's safe house, or an underfunded crèche
Collect food or sanitary products to donate. I often hear people say they have so much stuff to give away but they don't have the time or transport to take it somewhere On the various WhatsApp groups, offer to collect unused items in your neighbourhood during a specific time slot and make the delivery Once a week, once a month or
even once a year Help each other to help the community
If you are a seamstress, perhaps take a youth under your wing for sewing lessons, offer knitting classes at one of the learning centres, be a mentor for a struggling business or simply offer your time to read to the elderly
Already donated ten boxes to charity? Cleared out your extra clothes? I also thought so, then I looked again and lo and behold, there it was – another box filled with clothing and kitchen gadgets I promised myself I would use next year, but know now that I won't. So I challenge you to stretch your giving, simplify life and love your neighbours, wherever they might live
The answer is not only in grand charity events and fundraisers, it is also in the small acts of kindness that add up and make it personal. When you think you really have given all you can, go the extra mile, give someone living on the street a smile, ask them their name and if you dare, offer a hug
If buying Christmas presents has become a stressful exercise for your family why not replace it with writing a poem or a letter to
each other or even buy a second-hand book and collectively put all the money you would have spent in an envelope and give it to someone in need, whether it is for medical bills, a child whose dream it is to compete abroad or towards bedding for an underfunded old-age home. Let's change our town with acts of kindness
Financial support is the quickest and easiest way to give There are many reputable NGO's and churches that use financial support wisely Challenge yourself to make a difference every month, every week or every day So next time your heart is yearning to help, follow through! After all, it’s love that makes the world go round
HERE ARE SOME OF THE LOCAL CHARITIES WORTHY OF YOUR DONATION:
Tree of Hope: 072 878 2041
Hermanus Child and Family Services: 028 313 0830
Hermanus Night Shelter: 072 305 4348
Mount Pleasant Saints Soup Kitchen: 073 465 8961
Mama Sorya’s Soup Kitchen: 084 209 7839
Hermanus Staan Saam: 082 737 1226
Overstrand Association of Persons with Disabilities: 072 778 5038
Text by Dr Jeannine McManus
Text by Dr Jeannine McManus
HABiTAT CONNECTIVITY
The Kleinrivierberg in the Overberg region is a vital refuge for several mammal species, but it faces growing threats from habitat loss, fragmentation, and human encroachment. Leopards, a keystone species in the area, reflect the broader challenges wildlife face in this increasingly isolated landscape.
Shrinking habitat leaves patches that struggle to function as healthy ecosystems For leopards, which require vast territories of around 12,000 hectares per male, these shrinking spaces severely limit their survival Fragmentation also creates "edge effects," where the borders of habitats are less suitable due to human activity, reducing the remaining habitat's usefulness
A major consequence of this isolation is the loss of genetic exchange between populations, leading to inbreeding and reduced genetic vitality, increasing the risk of extinction. In the Overberg, leopards already show signs of genetic bottlenecks compared to populations in the Cape Fold Mountains Without habitat corridors, these populations remain vulnerable to inbreeding, disease, and environmental changes
The Overberg is estimated to host between 16 and 28 leopards, an insufficient number for a sustainable population Camera traps between Stanford and Hermanus recorded eight leopards – four males, two females, and two unsexed individuals This small population is a stark reminder of how restricted their movements have become due to shrinking habitat and human activities
Compounding things, leopards, caracals, and jackals are often perceived as threats to livestock, leading to retaliatory killings
While the days of government-subsidized 'vermin' hunting clubs are over, conflicts persist in some areas As top predators, leopards play a crucial role in regulating prey species and maintaining ecosystem balance; however, their extensive ranges increase their interaction with conflict areas, making them particularly vulnerable to human pressures. Important research conducted by the Landmark Foundation has shed light on these dynamics, including density estimates, genetic diversity, and habitat corridor identifications and testing, all of which are essential for understanding and mitigating these challenges
To ensure wildlife can thrive in fragmented landscapes like Kleinrivierberg, habitat connectivity is essential While leopards in the region seem to connect east to west through to De Hoop, the transformed landscape near Bredasdorp creates a critical pinch point A lack of suitable corridors linking these areas to the Cape Fold Mountains in the north further isolates wildlife, heightening the risk of local extinction Although rivers like the Breede could serve as potential corridors, they are often too narrow or fragmented to facilitate movement
The Piketberg mountain offers a valuable comparison: leopards had been locally extinct there for over a century before returning in recent decades This was made possible by the cessation of governmentsubsidized carnivore control and improved
land-use practices. Crucially, narrow land bridges connected Piketberg to larger natural habitats, enabling wildlife to recolonize In contrast, the Kleinrivierberg-De Hoop region lacks these vital connections, creating severe challenges for wildlife
Large-scale agriculture, particularly wheat and canola production, has played a significant role in habitat transformation across the Overberg However, the agricultural sector has the potential to contribute to conservation by using natural vegetation as hedges between croplands, and along rivers These corridors would allow wildlife to move between fragmented habitats, benefiting not only leopards but a range of species, from birds to small mammals Looking at satellite images of the Overberg, it's clear how much of the landscape has been transformed into a largely homogeneous expanse, with pockets of biodiversity remaining isolated
The Kleinrivierberg remains home to several free-roaming species, including baboons, Cape grysbok, klipspringer, honey badgers, and grey rhebok, making it a critical conservation area To ensure their long-term survival, we must adopt a landscape-level approach that promotes connectivity, fosters sustainable land-use practices and reduce human-wildlife conflict. This will secure a future where wildlife, including apex predators like leopards, can thrive in the Overberg
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Motivational Feature
Text by Annale Krogh
Happiness Happiness THE ART OF
The festive season is often a time for reflection, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed or lonely amidst all the celebrations. We also have some free time to reflect internally on the year that has passed and how it impacted us; the good moments as well as the more challenging times
Personal growth occurs when we process events of the past year This is an important part of emotional intelligence and self management
In the search for happiness, our focus should be on meaningful relationships and the relationship with self This sacred relationship is actually the only lasting one throughout your life. People will come and go, but the only permanent relationship is the one with self, which should be kind, respectful and filled with gratitude for the wonderful journey to be alive. We should be able to forgive ourselves for mistakes made, but be willing to learn from them An awareness of our own areas needed for growth should also be fostered Examples might include the need to be more patient, kind or tolerant
The focus then is not to look externally for someone to make you happy, or to external factors like gifts or material indulgence The greatest gift you can give yourself is to nurture the relationship with self, in a deeper more enduring state of wellbeing that arises from a healthy insightful relationship with self This brings fulfilment and a sense of purpose and meaning.
Happiness also comes from meaningful relationships, far or near So often we experience loss when our loved ones are far or even on a different continent. The festive time accentuates that loss so much more intensely However, it is now easy to stay in contact and to reach out to others In this digital age, managing relationships through technology is simple and even crucial for us, to feel connected and to stay in contact in real time
A strong support system is crucial for navigating life's ups and downs This includes family friends and even professional networks. Building and maintaining these relationships requires effort and intent We can regularly reach out, offer help and be open to receive support. This strengthens these bonds and brings a sense of purpose A strong support system provides emotional security, practical assistance and a sense of stability
All these things, in combination with the healthy relationship with self, is an excellent foundation to optimal functioning, in the relentless pursuit of happiness
Balance makes a big contribution to happiness and that is the body and soul
balance Physical health is a fundamental pillar of happiness and perhaps one of the best gifts of all It is not simply avoiding illness, but living in optimum health by choosing a healthy lifestyle
Physical activities can be enjoyed with friends or even alone, enjoying the outdoor life while getting sun for the optimum creation of serotonin Good examples would be swimming, yoga, dancing or an easy walk, where you breathe deliberately and always with gratitude
Regular exercise boosts your mood, enhances energy levels and supports cognitive function Our physical health serves as a foundation for a vibrant healthy life Focus on a healthy diet, on foods that will nourish your body and mind Sleep is a vital foundation of optimal functioning, so strive to get enough sleep as that improves mental clarity, emotional regulation, better mood and overall wellbeing Should sleep be difficult because of something that worries you, see a therapist or talk to a friend.
Find the underlying stressors that might limit your happiness.
THE WHALES TALE THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT
How can parents or grandparents of young children resist an illustrated storybook written about the whales of Hermanus?
The Whales Tale, written by Mark de Wet and illustrated by Lencel Celliers, tells the story of two young whales saving people whose ship is sinking – so bonding humans and whales forever
The book is brilliantly illustrated by Lencel, who says he 'fell in love with the story so the illustrations just came naturally'. Mark de Wet 'semigrated' from KwaZulu-Natal to Vermont a year ago and also fell in love – with the people and places of Hermanus
Digging out the draft of a story he wrote many years ago, Mark was motivated to complete it – bringing the legendary Hermanus whales and the Whale Crier into the picture When the writing was done, he advertised for an illustrator and found Lencel, living a few kilometers away in Sandbaai! They immediately clicked and six months later, after many revisions and a wealth of illustrations, they had what looks like a future classic tale based in South Africa.
To produce a children's book, the author says, is a huge responsibility as the stories children read, influence their mindset, potentially forever That is why he loves to write stories with strong morals interwoven in the narrative Mark who has published five
books so far, to much acclaim, considers himself to be a 'serial writer' who just cannot resist picking up a pen and writing his stories by hand 'It's better to write by hand,' Mark says, as one uses the whole brain that way He has five novels ready for publication but says he is having such fun writing stories that he cannot find the time to publish them He gets up every night at midnight and writes until early morning He loves the peace and quiet of the early hours.
Lencel is very similar to Mark as he is a 'serial cartoonist' who loves his craft. He says he enjoys the synergy generated between them and is looking forward to illustrating future books Mark has written specifically for young children. The intention is to collaborate on at least 20 stories in the series, all with morals subliminally interwoven Lencel has included Walker Bay into his illustrations in The Whales Tale. Lencel's son Clint suggested that The Whales Tale should be linked to a YouTube narration of the story, so that a QR code (or barcode) leads the reader directly to it Parents and children can enjoy the illustrations and the story together This adds a whole new dimension to children's
storybooks says Lencel It is an amazing feeling, knowing that hundreds if not thousands of parents, grandparents or uncles and aunts would be reading something of value created out of 'fresh air'.
Mark says feedback so far has been inspiring and humbling The first edition sold out almost overnight, so a second edition had to be quickly printed to satisfy the demand The Whales Tale promises to be a bestseller and a must-buy for tourists to take back home to their families. The high-quality print with jump-off-the-pages illustrations should ensure its success
Mark and Lencel are proud of their creation and hope The Whales Tale lives up to and exceeds expectations The Whales Tale is available from all the bookstores in Hermanus as well as selected hotels like The Marine
Bed-and-breakfasts would also be ideal, selling the book to their customers,' Mark says
Contact Mark de Wet, the author of The Whales Tale at: 082 804 4415 or e-mail: dewet.mark@gmail.com
Inspirational Feature
Text by Michelle Williams
NewDay,NewYou
"So what is this I hear, you deserve a break? Take time to think it out. Don't make a new mistake, I am here, your help at hand. It's gonna be a new day for you, a new day for you. The stars have played their part, the past is gone and done, have more faith in love, the best is yet to come." – Basia (singer-songwriter)
The end of the year usually feels like the “almost” end of an epic marathon. You can see the finish line somewhere in the distance, but still have a few steps to go And although those few steps are nothing in comparison to what you have already run, they might feel out of reach as exhaustion and physical pain join in the fun
Most people are very stretched as the festive season approaches Some are waiting for the finish line to begin their holidays, whilst others are in the starting block of a very busy time at work Either way, everyone is wishing for more time to relax and refresh But unfortunately the pace of the world picks up around this time of year, which adds new challenges to achieve these states of bliss
And let's not forget the ever looming “new year's resolutions” which are also standing in line to grab a piece of the pie Have no fear! Take a deep breath through your nose (which was designed for breathing, whilst your mouth was designed for eating and speaking) hold that breath, on release of
that breath think to yourself, "out with the old." Now another deep breath with, "in with the new." Repeat
After a few breaths, hum Yes hum (you can burst into song a bit later, let's first get you humming). Research has shown that humming takes us out of “fight-or-flight” stress mode and into a state of relaxation as it induces parasympathetic dominance
You are feeling overwhelmed because you have given your power away to the external influences in your life Stop the Ferris wheel now! "Take time to think it out, don't make a new mistake." – Basia. Many small steps will eventually get you to where you need to go The chaos of our modern world constantly rushes us along to get more, be more, do more. Stop. Breathe. Hum.
Go out into nature, take your shoes off and walk barefoot. This practice is called “earthing” and has been scientifically proven to rebalance our energy And while you're at it, stretch every part of your body, and wiggle your joints till you break out into a dance! Which is also incredibly healthy for you
Find a tree and hug it, no this is not just for Hippies Research and ancient wisdom shows that hugging a tree can release stress and enhance emotional and mental health The same can be said for being in water – find an ocean, river, dam, bath, shower or friend with a pool and be cool You are mostly made of water, so you should feel right at home Silence and relaxation enhance your body's natural repair systems, which are usually hampered by stress. If you're not able to meditate, or find a quiet spot at home, then find silence in the “noise” of nature
New year resolutions can happen any day, don't wait till the end of the year to take back the power in your life Do you really need that extra slap chippie or bottle of wine? Will it really make you feel better? We are surrounded by nature's bounty in the Overberg, perfect for barefoot dancing, tree hugging, humming water babies
A new you and a new day is waiting for you Breathe Repeat
Michelle Williams is a Holistic Organiser Contact her @ FLOW 082 689 0355
Perched above the New Harbour and flanked by dramatic ocean vistas, their beautifully decorated Breakfast Room is the epitome of elegant tranquility. It is the perfect place to enjoy a scrumptious breakfast or brunch while watching marine wild-life frolic in the bay. To complete the offering, they also boast a retail section filled with carefully selected local goods. A visit to Hermanus would not be complete without dining at The Rock restaurant. This iconic culinary jewel has been serving delectable dishes for over 27 years and their sushi is arguably the tastiest around. Relax and enjoy a delightful meal while watching the harbour activities and the bay beyond – creating memories to last a lifetime.
The Gecko next-door is one of the best-loved venues in Hermanus and is the ultimate sundowner spot, offering a fabulous selection of locally crafted beer on tap and an array of wines exclusively from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. They serve mouthwatering wood-fired pizzas, sushi and other specialities, with weekly live music.
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MUSiCAL YOUTHS
written by Dan Bloch
Fresh from two successful performances during 2024, the Whale Coast Symphony Orchestra (WCSO) is keeping up the tempo and busily preparing for its next concert.
The community-based ensemble, which made its public debut at the Hermanus FynArts festival finale on 17 June, delivered a rousing encore at Hermanus High School's Classical Rendezvous concert on 12 September.
The WCSO has since restarted rehearsals under the watchful eye of musical director Harry Attwood The group includes children from Hermanus Primary and the High School, Curro School Hermanus, Qhayiya Secondary School, students from the Handevat Music Project in Kleinmond, as well as players from the home-schooling community, supported by volunteer adult members
The focus over the coming months will be to fine-tune the orchestra's performance, as well as introducing new material into its repertoire It received rave reviews from audiences at FynArts in the Dutch Reformed Church at Onrus and the High School
Excerpts from Antonin Dvorak's New World Symphony, Engines Of Resistance by Larry Clark and Kwela Kwela, by the Soweto String Quartet went down particularly well at FynArts
Meanwhile, highlights from the Classical Rendezvous included adding a rendition of Solomon Linda's The Lion Sleeps Tonight, sung by the High School Choir Kwela Kwela and a dramatic choral and orchestral finale
in the form of O Fortuna by Carl Orff
“I literally had goosebumps whilst hearing the WCSO perform It really makes me want to join,” said McKayla Slabbert, a singer and cellist who matriculated from Hermanus High in 2022 and is one of several adults in the school choir “I was moved when the orchestra played the Coldplay song (Viva La Vida). It has been an absolute pleasure and I would do it again any time.”
“The Classical Rendezvous was great I haven't heard classical music live like that for a long time WCSO must keep it up,” added Hanré Zeelie, who was in the audience
Also on the agenda is adding further dates – the seven-member organising committee is weighing up options for the next concert likely to be in the new year – and expanding the orchestra Harry has already had some success on that front, with seven new players joining from the Handevat Music Project since June. Two of these: tuba player D'mitri Linnerd and violinist Jakobie de Wet, are music teachers at the Kleinmond-based non-profit organisation (NPO).
The ensemble is still looking for an oboe, bassoon and another French horn, as well as extra violins to produce a more fullbodied sound, however, and is preparing for another round of auditions after Christmas to fill these places.
The WCSO was established in December 2023 by a core group of musicians who first met a year earlier when performing at the Rotary Club of Hermanus Carols By Candlelight concert
Its aims include: offering local amateur and professional musicians, plus young talent from schools and the home-schooling community, the opportunity to play in two to three concerts a year; promoting a passion for music in the community; supporting local initiatives and furthering members' musical education by developing the orchestra's repertoire
Another key objective is fundraising, to help with the costs of hiring venues to rehearse and perform in, transport and sheet music.
The committee has begun the process of registering as an NPO and is looking for donors and sponsors
With 2025 just around the corner and interest in the orchestra building, there is everything to play for in the new year
For more information on the Whale Coast Symphony Orchestra or to arrange an audition, please contact Danielle Stoop on 064 827 4671 or email: dstoop33@gmail.com
To make a donation or sponsor the orchestra, please email Annemarie Rautenbach: whalecoast.symphony@gmail.com
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LET US LiFT YOU UP!
Established in 2007, Lifta SA is the exclusive distributor of the Stiltz Home Lift in Southern Africa. Stiltz is an award-winning, UKbased lift company offering a wide variety of innovative and unique Home Lifts specifically for use in double-storey homes
Lifta SA offers two varieties of Home Lift – the Duo and Trio The Duo, capable of carrying two passengers, has the smallest footprint on the residential market – just 0.8 m² with a weight capacity of 170 kg. The Trio’s footprint is only 1.3 m² and its weight capacity is 250 kg. The Trio is wheelchair-friendly and the unit has a builtin ramp to allow for quick and easy wheelchair access. The lift’s control panel as well as the grab bar (which allows wheelchair users to pull themselves into the lift) can be mounted at varying heights to best accommodate the user
A wonderful feature of the Home Lift is that it can also be installed retrospectively – i.e after your house has been built and even after you have been living in it for a number of years. No need to move from the home of your dreams because the stairs have become a bit of a challenge
Lifta SA always holds a healthy supply of Home Lifts in stock at their warehouses meaning minimal waiting time before you take your first trip in your Home Lift. Their highly skilled team of technicians are able to install the lift within 2 days, with minimal
disruption to your daily lives. It is not uncommon that lifts are installed for clients just 7 days after the initial onsite assessment – a time frame with which no other lift company in South Africa can compete
The Home Lift does not require a shaft, motor room or pit room and therefore construction costs are substantially lower than for conventional lifts. Furthermore, no three-phase power is required as the lift operates by way of a normal residential 220V plug. Due to its minimal power usage, Home Lifts can also operate by way of a regular inverter and solar power in the case of loadshedding or power failure
Due to their smaller size and no need for a shaft, Home Lifts can be installed almost anywhere in a home – including braai rooms, bedrooms, entertainment areas and kitchens. These lifts are also incredibly diverse and can be used as a mobility solution for wheelchair users, to transport groceries or pets from one floor to another or just as an affordable, elegant alternative to a stairlift or commercial lift if the stairs at home are becoming a pain
The sales process is designed to be as simple and stress-free as possible for all
clients. A no-obligation, free onsite assessment can be booked at a client’s home at a time and date that suits their schedule. During the assessment, their Product Specialist will take the time to understand the client’s need for the lift, find the best possible location for it and fully explain all the various unique selling points of the Home Lift. Another great aspect of Lifta’s sales process is that the client can be quoted for the total cost of the entire lift project during the assessment itself and there are no unnecessary delays waiting for construction and building costs. This further speeds up the turnaround time for installation
With offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town as well as representation nationwide, Lifta SA’s sales and operations teams are available to assist anywhere in South Africa and they pride themselves on quick and efficient turnaround time and customer service. Join the hundreds of families in South Africa who have entrusted Lifta SA with their residential lift and mobility needs
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To set up a no-cost, no-obligation, onsite assessment, visit Lifta SA’s website at www.lifta.co.za or call 080 737 3737.
ACHRISTMASMIRACLE
Christmas is a time of celebration, happiness and, of course, happy memories. I am going to share today my own unique Christmas memory, about something that is to me a one-time experience featuring my little daughter, then just about school-going age
We were walking around in holiday-time Cape Town, my two young kids and I, when we happened to run into my good friend and colleague Conrad Sidego At the time I was based in Johannesburg as news editor of Rapport and he was editor of Rapport's Cape edition, so we spoke every day
Today, during the much different “fancy meeting you here” conversation, he asked, “What are you doing for Christmas?”
“Enjoying Cape Town,” I replied “Maybe we'll go to the beach, maybe I'll braai.”
He insisted to the contrary: “Come and have Christmas lunch with us.” After some to and fro about shortness of notice and other dismissables, it was settled
So, late morning on Christmas Day I arrived
with the kids in their Sunday best to knock on the front door of the Sidego patriarch (Conrad's father) and his good lady wife. Everyone was there, to the youngest Sidego generation The aunties had flown over from Canada to add their cooking expertise and the kitchen had the aroma of Cape Food heaven.
So a jolly good time was had by all and after dinner we settled down into the happy buzz of pleasant conversation I was talking, I think it was to one of the aunties, when I noticed Nina, my daughter, taking a special interest in Mr Sidego Sr.
She made her way to his easy chair and standing at his knee, she started talking to him – taking a girly delight in his responses
To me, well aware that we were still firmly living in the old South Africa, it was wonderful to watch Here I was sharing living
proof that people are not born with prejudices Without interference people are wonderful.
Then she started slowly climbing onto the chair next to him and into his lap And from there they continued their happy conversation
To me, this was the highlight of that Christmas, with all its meanings and implications But then I noticed something that made me realise that Grandpa Sidego was sharing my feelings There from the corner of one of his kind eyes, a wet drop was forming
P.S. Conrad was later, in succession, SA ambassador in Denmark, a member of the board at Naspers newspapers and executive mayor of Stellenbosch.
Nina is chief financial officer of Sasol Americas in Houston, Texas
