Franschhoek Tatler - September 2014

Franschhoek karatekas shine at World Champs

The 17th Kimura Shukokai International World Karate Championships took place at Sun City from 22 - 24 July. Franschhoek was not only well represented at the event, our karatekas also made a serious impression on the medals table. With their help South Africa finished top of the medals table – a feat SA also managed at the previous world championships in 2012.

SA national coach, Chris Ensil, who has been teaching karate in Franschhoek for four years, set the tone for his pupils by winning a gold medal – a feat he also accomplished in 2004.

The rest of the Franschhoek contingent consisted of Caleb Howard (Ensil’s assistant coach in Franschhoek), Annelize Morkel, Carl Strumpfer, James Alderslade, Corné Johnson, Simon Moses and Joshua Daniels. Between them they accounted for a further seven medals; one silver and six bronze.

Ensil expressed his gratitude towards a number

of sponsors and donors: financial services firm Oasis for the national team sponsorship; KSI World Chief Instructor, Chris Thompson of Herbalife for a generous contribution to the expenses of the students and Medicare EMR who raised funds for Joshua Daniels. He also thanked all the others who supported the team, whether financially or in kind.

Ensil also had nothing but praise for Franschhoek Health Club for allowing him to train there free of charge. Although it is a small gym Ensil says it is among the best equipped anywhere. So much so that he would drive from his home in Bellville to Franschhoek for extra training sessions, because the larger facilities nearer his home couldn’t offer him everything he needed. What a nice feather in the cap for Franschhoek Health Club!

Should anyone be interested in taking up karate, Ensil and Howard teach in Franschhoek on Tuesdays and Thursdays. They start in Groendal with primary school learners at 16h00, then move on to adults and high school learners at 17h00 and conclude in Groendal with a free fitness and self-defence class from 18h00 – 18h45. At 19h00 they teach at the Franschhoek Health Club.

Chris Ensil | [email protected] | 083 505 0808

SEPTEMBER 2014The future of

Cape Pine PlantationsPage 3

Redford ravesabout Chenin Blanc

Page 6

Fun run in aidof social workers

Page 13

Q&A with Shofar pastor Theuns Pauw

Page 14

Franschhoek Health Club manager, Johan Viljoen, congratulates resident karate instructor Sensei Chris

Ensil on achieving World Champion Status again.

Front row flrt: Annelize Morkel, Joshua Daniels, Simon Moses and Corné JohnsonBack row fltr: Chris Ensil, Carel Strumpher, James Alderslade and Caleb Howard

2 THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLER September 2014

Nuwe intrekkers?Die Tatler ontvang die laaste tyd gereeld fotos van

interessante diere wat in die vallei opgemerk is. Bruce Macalister van Auberge Chanteclaire het hierdie ene van ‘n blou aap einde Julie vir ons gestuur.

Is dit die eerste keer dat ‘n blou aap in die vallei gesien is? Blou ape is gewoonlik sosiale diere, waar’s díe ene se trop? Skryf vir ons by [email protected] as jy dink jy kan lig werp op hierdie aapstreek.

Onslaught of winter rains mitigated

Pearl Valley Golf & Country Estate will realise many benefits in the near future, not just for itself, but also for the surrounding communities through a partnership with the Berg River Improvement Plan.

These benefits include mitigation of the impact of climate change and urbanisation, protection of aquatic environments from excessive sedimentation, an improvement in water quality, increased biodiversity, increases in leisure space for water sports, and increases in neighbouring property values.

In partnership with the Western Cape Government’s Berg River Improvement Plan, which ‘aims to change the lives of people through the implementation of simple interventions in the Berg River Catchment’, Pearl Valley Golf & Country Estate is investing more than a quarter of a million rand to clear large swathes of alien vegetation from along its 800m river front. This includes the invasive Port Jackson (Acacia saligna) and Blue Gum (Eucalyptus). These will be replaced with indigenous species, ultimately improving water quality in the Berg River.

‘Unlike many other estates where the demand for water is high, Pearl Valley, which is home to many species of endangered flora, has indigenous vegetation coverage of 80% in the residential and public gardens. The water-wise landscaped vegetation includes many succulents and grass species. To complement this Pearl Valley will oversee the planting and nurturing of indigenous seeds and cuttings along its Berg River frontage,’ says Gawie Marx, General Manager for the estate.

As recently as early July this year, the Western Cape witnessed record rainfall and flooding across the province.

Disaster Management Teams were deployed to manage the fallout amongst people living in low-lying areas. Berg River Task Manager, Jason Mingo, from the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning’s Directorate for Pollution Management, believes that rapid urbanisation not only impacts on the adequate provision of services to communities affected by high rainfall, but also decreases the ability to mitigate the effects of climate change.

‘Landowners can help to alleviate the challenge by planting indigenous vegetation on riparian land in their areas. As the Western Cape Government, it’s not only our constitutional obligation to protect our environment, but also to empower those who can assist. We can do this by providing assistance with planting on riparian land, implementing alien vegetation control measures in rehabilitated areas, preventing livestock from grazing on indigenous plants on riparian land, preventing vehicle access to rehabilitated areas, and watering rehabilitated areas when needed and where possible,’ says Mingo.

The rehabilitation programme at Pearl Valley will, over a 12-month period, see provincial government supply, plant and grow indigenous seeds and cuttings harvested from the Berg River area and grown at the Kluitjieskraal Nursery. Pearl Valley nursery will also act as a satellite nursery ensuring sustainable rehabilitation along the Berg River.

This follows last year’s planting of Water Oaks (Quercus nigra), Agapanthus and fynbos along the estate’s entrance, after veld fires had destroyed the main irrigation pipeline and much of the plantings along the entrance road.

New ticket kiosk and new product for wine tram

Walking down Huguenot Street you could be forgiven if, only for a moment, you think that the Franschhoek Wine Tram has left its rails and ended up in Huguenot Square. Fortunately that isn’t the case and what you briefly mistook for the tram is in fact the Franschhoek Wine Tram’s new ticket kiosk.

Owner, Dave Blyth, explains that the new location right in the heart of town is much more convenient for them as their offices are in Huguenot Square and their vehicles can depart safely and conveniently from the large parking area behind the square.

Along with the new ticket kiosk the Franschhoek Wine Tram has also launched a new offering that combines a transfer to Franschhoek and the Franschhoek Wine Tram experience. Visitors can

now be picked up in Cape Town (or surrounds, including the airport), transferred to their guest house in Franschhoek, enjoy the wine tram experience and be transferred back to Cape Town at the end of their stay – all as part of a single package.

The transfer service is exclusive, flexible and direct with visitors transported door-to-door at a time of their choosing in an exclusive vehicle without any delays.

Dave says that their aim with the new offering is to make Franschhoek more accessible and encourage longer stays in the valley.

The charming kiosk was constructed by Corné Verster of The Worxshop and is proof of the wide array of skills that is available locally.

www.winetram.co.za | 021 300 0338

Weseind nou splinternuut en trotsNa byna twee jaar is die einde van die konstruksiewerk

uiteindelik in sig vir Weseind Primêre Skool in Dirkie Uys Straat.

‘n Mens kan nie sê dat sake terugkeer na normaal nie, want die Weseind van 2014 is fundamenteel anders as die Weseind van 2012. In 2012 het die skool uit twaalf klaskamers bestaan, waarvan vyf in verrottende opslaangeboue was, badkamers was haglik en daar was geen skoolsaal nie. Vandag is daar 14 moderne klaskamers (waarvan 6 in ‘n historiese gebou wat van 1930 dateer), ‘n moderne skooolsaal, biblioteek en kombuis vir die voedingskema. Vyf tydelike klaskamers wat gedurende die konstruksie gebruik is bly ook agter om vir ekstra-kurrikulêre aktiwiteite gebruik te word.

Dis nie net die geboue wat nuut is nie. Daar heers ‘n nuwe atmosfeer by die skool. Onderwysers werk nou in professionele omstandighede en elke skoolweek begin nou met ‘n saalbyeenkoms waar sterretjies (en lekkergoed!) uitgedeel word aan leerders wat gepaste gedrag openbaar, of dit nou is om juffrou se sak te dra of goed te presteer in ‘n toets. “Dis alles deel van ons opvoedingstaak”, sê waarnemende prinsipaal, Mnr. Charlton Williams.

Die Franschhoek Tatler wens die skool, sy onderwysers, leerders, ouers en personeel voorspoed toe vir die nuwe era in sy bestaan.

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Pearl Valley Golf & Country Estate has extensive Berg River frontage

The Franschhoek Wine Tram’s new look-alike ticket kiosk

THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLERSeptember 2014

Cellar Restaurant & Terrace

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wandering through the kitchen garden, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are never far from my mind. The wines of Haute Cabrière are my muses. They define every culinary decision; they inspire every new idea. The quest is deceptively simple: to make sure that every bite of food you take is made magical by a sip of matching wine.” – Ryan Shell, Head Chef.

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Cape pine plantations: Quo vadis?Sawmills might close permanently

Twenty years ago forestry was a big industry in the Western Cape. Today very little remains in the Cape and if nothing is done the industry could disappear entirely, leading to an estimated 12 000 job losses, loss of local and export income, drains on foreign reserves to pay for imported timber and the possible demise of highly-regarded academic institutions in the field. The Tatler spoke to timber consultant Lewis Silberbauer to find out more.

Exit strategy“At the heart of the threat

to the Western Cape’s forestry industry is Government’s so-called ‘Exit Strategy’ of 2002”, says Silberbauer. This strategy was adopted after a largely false assumption was made that the Pine and Eucalypt forests were a threat to the environment. The policy restricted the replanting of alien pine plantations and Eucalyptus firebelts after clear felling. In particular it applied to two pine species: Pinus pinaster and Pinus radiata – the latter a highly sought after wood for both its strength and beauty. In the interim the remaining plantations which had been originally managed by a parastatal organisation – SAFCOL, were taken over by Mountain to Ocean (MTO) / Cape Sawmills and later Global MTO / Cape Pine.

After lengthy negotiations between the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) – later known as Department of Agriculture Forestry & Fisheries (DAFF) – on the one hand and Cape Pine / MTO on the other, it was agreed with Cabinet and gazetted in 2008 that replanting would be allowed in certain appropriate areas. “However, nobody in DAFF appeared to be willing to sign the cancellation of the exit policy contract between DAFF and MTO / Cape Pine.”

Sawmill closuresThis unwillingness to sign the cancellation contract will

have significant socio-economic impacts in the Boland. Cape Pine will be forced to shut and sell its Stellenbosch Sawmill before the end of 2015, and the alternative plan of moving the sawmilling operation to the ideally located Wemmershoek Sawmill will also have to be shelved. Forestry operations in the Western Cape will then be limited to the area east of George.

EucalyptsIn addition to pines, much-maligned Eucalypts were

also grown in Western Cape plantations. These were once believed to use extraordinary amounts of water, but according to Silberbauer recent research shows that they adapt and use much less water when planted in dryer conditions.

Eucalypts provide high strength and high quality timber to various industries – some Eucalypts are even used for

furniture production, eg. Eucalyptus saligna (grandis). Certain Eucalyptus species are also seen as essential for

the sustainability of the Cape Honeybee population on which the entire deciduous fruit industry depends. This is because they flower at different times to the natural Fynbos on which the bees otherwise depend.

Economic consequencesThere is already a shortage of high quality timber

in SA. Unless Government takes urgent action, says Silberbauer, “…we can forget about reliably obtaining high strength sustainably-produced timber at affordable prices in future. Builders and architects will be forced to change to unsustainably produced steel and concrete, or have to timber at great expense.”

In addition to direct job losses in forestry and sawmilling much knowledge of the industry also stands to be lost. SA became a world leader in forestry and related research over the years as its natural forests were already mostly depleted by the late 18th century.

Even tourism can be affected as both hikers and bikers enjoy the shade offered by pine plantations – as is evident in the nearby Jonkershoek area.

What needs to be done?Silberbauer believes that a decision to allow replanting

and/or managing of regrowth of existing Pinus radiata in specified areas has to be taken now as it’s almost too late to save the industry.

He concludes by saying: “While everybody overseas is frantically planting plantations, we are destroying existing assets, which are not only sustainable but also have huge potential for job creation. Our forefathers experienced the same timber shortage problem and solved it by creating an industry that is respected worldwide, with sound research and development policies and excellent training and academic facilities that are being used by many local and foreign students.”

A handful of keys for a busload of Franschhoekers

On the last evening of July Franschhoek Culture Vultures went to the Theatre on the Bay to see A Handful of Keys. For some it was a repeat visit to the theatre to see two of their favourite performers, Ian von Memerty and Jonathan Roxmouth; for others it was a first experience of this popular show which was celebrating its twentieth season.

Glasses of Graham Beck Cap Classique and wine were raised to toast an evening of good company

and wonderful entertainment. The comfortable safe bus ride from Franschhoek and back, with Leaton Arendse at the wheel, meant everyone could relax and focus on the snacks served on board.

The evening was declared a great success and created anticipation for future trips to the theatre and opera house. If you would like information on upcoming outings from Franschhoek, please send your name, email address and cell phone number to [email protected]

Pine plantations like these near the Wemmershoek dam may soon be a thing of the past in the Cape

3


presented in association with “Les Vignerons de Franschhoek”

Grande ProvenceSauvignon Blanc 2013

Boekenhoutskloof The Chocolate Block2013

The Restaurant at Grande Provence Butter poached lobster in a garlic cream bisque

Reubens Restaurant’sBraised lamb knuckles with green beans, sesame seeds and salted chilies

This medium bodied wine shows lots of fruit on the nose, combined with greener aromas that are typical for cooler climate Sauvignon Blanc. Flavours of ripe fig and fruit are prominent on the palate and are well balanced by a zesty acidity. The wines finish with a lingering aftertaste. Enjoy this wine with vegetarian dishes, salads and lightly prepared seafood or chicken dishes. This is a lovely food wine, but can also be enjoyed on its own. Cellar Price: R99Grande ProvenceTel: 021 876 8600Email: [email protected]

This wine is a blend of Syrah (71%); Cabernet Sauvignon (12%); Grenache Noir (11%); Cinsault (5%) and Viognier (1%). An exotic and vibrant vintage with an iron edge running alongside the inky core of prunes, mulberries, cloves and boasting floral notes. Firm ripe tannins on the palate covered by plums, blackberries and olive tapenade. Textured, composed and seamless in style. Cellar Price: R175

BoekenhoutskloofTel: 021 876 3320 Email: [email protected]

Send your answer to: [email protected]. The winner will be informed by return mail before 15 September 2014. Prizes have to be collected from the Franschhoek Info Office before end

September 2014 or be forfeited.Who raves about South African Chenin Blanc?

Ingredients2 medium lobsters - cleaned and meat removed. Keep the shell and head aside; 8 cloves garlic - cleaned and kept whole; 1 large onion - roughly sliced; Zest of half a lemon; 1 table spoon tomato paste; 600ml fresh cream; 30ml sunflower oil; 500g butter; 50ml white wine; Fresh coriander to garnish; 800ml waterMethodHeat a medium sized (2 litre) heavy based pot on a medium heat. Then add the oil, tomato paste, onions and garlic. Once the onions are soft add the zest, lobster shells and heads and cook this while stirring. Cook the shells until they turn bright red; break them up a heavy spatula to increase flavour. Deglaze the pot with the white wine until it has almost all evaporated and then add the water. Simmer on a low heat for 15mins then let the liquid reduce by half. Next, drain the shells and other ingredients and

keep the liquid in a fresh pot. Add the cream to the bisque and reduce by half until it is a rich and creamy consistency. Season to taste and set aside. For the lobster: Melt the butter in a small pot, then clarify by skimming the milk solids off the surface on a low-medium heat until the butter is clear. Reduce the heat to very low temperature (around 70 degrees, just below a simmer), then add the 4 halves of the lobster tails. Cook on the same heat for around 8-10 mins or until they start to curl and turn opaque and firm. To serve pour the bisque in a bowl. Then drain the extra butter off the crayfish and place the crayfish in the bisque. Garnish with fresh coriander to finish. Serves 4 as starter portions

The Restaturant @ Grande ProvenceTel: 021 876 8600 Email: [email protected]

Ingredients - Lamb: 200ml rice wine; 100g palm sugar; 80ml light soy sauce; 1 litre chicken stock; 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger; 2 garlic cloves, crushed; 1 tablespoon sesame oil, plus a little extra; 600g lamb knuckles; 150g fine green beans, trimmed; 2 tablespoons sesame seeds. Ingredients - Fresh salted chillies: 2 red chillies; 2 green chillies; 2 tablespoons sea saltMethod - Lamb: Put the rice wine, palm sugar, soy sauce, chicken stock, ginger, garlic and sesame oil into a pan and bring to the boil. Add the lamb knuckles, reduce the heat and cook slowly for about 1½ hours until the lamb is soft and almost falling off the bone. Cook the green beans in boiling salted water for 3 minutes, drain and refresh in iced water. Toast the sesame

seeds in a dry pan, add the fine beans with a little sesame oil and warm through. To serve, arrange the beans on a plate and top with the lamb knuckles and braising juice. Sprinkle the salted chillies over the lamb.Method - Fresh salted chillies: Slice the chillies and wash in clean cold water until most seeds are removed. Remove from the water and sprinkle over the salt. Mix well and leave to marinate for 30 minutes. Serves 2

Reuben's Restaurant Tel: 021 876 3772 Email: [email protected]

Golf Hospitality in the Area (with some serious concerns)This month the winelands enjoyed two golf days

hosting major players from the hospitality industry. As part of the SATSA conference held at Spier, the golfing participants were treated to a sunny afternoon on the Stellenbosch Golf course, which despite the previous two days rain had drained to present its wonderful tree-lined layout at its best.

Sunny Stellenbosch – SATSA Golf Day

The Southern African Tourism Services Association (SATSA) is a member-driven association offering inbound tourism services companies the highest level of quality in the tourism industry. Nationally, members cover all aspects of tourism products; accommodation, tour operators, adventure tourism, transport, business tourism, tourism services and brokers. The support to members includes key services and benefits on a local and regional level, as well as at international trade shows. SATSA also lobbies government with issues affecting the inbound tourism industry.

At the conference, and on the golf course, the main concern was the intended amendment to the rules for tourists from abroad as well as outbound travellers. Remarkably the Immigration Advisory Board (IAB) has approved the Department of Home Affairs’ (DHA) new regulations that parents travelling with children are required to produce an unabridged birth certificate for children under the age of 18, this in addition to the child’s passport. This requirement, the Department of Home Affairs states is to create an additional verification to deter child trafficking and while well meaning, the unintended consequences are

significant. SATSA CEO, David Frost,

(not the professional golfer) has warned that the new regulations could severely impact tourism, especially from emerging markets like China and India where there are only two centres per country that can process biometric visa applications. Frost, who organized the SATSA golf day, explained that while SATSA respected the need to ensure the safety of children, the new regulations placed unnecessarily onerous conditions on travellers to and from South Africa.

The topic continued to rage on at the prize giving of the Travel Industry Golf Club Western Cape (TIGCWC) golf day held at Pearl Valley. Probably the solemn mood was not assisted by the inclement weather on the course, but so many of these travel experts were to comment on the requiring of travellers needing a visa to apply in person and many highlighted that South Africa would be the only country requiring these unabridged birth certificates, making the choice of other destinations far more attractive.

Solemn thoughts at the TIGWC prize giving – Pearl ValleyA sobering thought is that June Crawford, CEO of

the Board of Airline Representatives SA (BARSA), has warned that the new regulations will cost SA R6.8 billion in lost tourism. Based on 2013 numbers, 536 000 foreign visitors could be denied travel.

David Frost states, “SATSA will continue to oppose draconian legislation that impedes the tourism potential to South Africa. As an organization we support the need for proper regulations with respect to incoming tourism, but the heavy-handed and non-consultative approach exhibited by the Department of Home Affairs is to be strongly countered.”

I wish SATSA success!

5THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLERSeptember 2014

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While flying from London to Frankfurt or Zurich I noticed that, very often, that flat blanket of cloud down there had an occasional ‘trough’ or depression that weaved its way to the horizon. Where it was thin enough one could make out a river or lake below.

This is the reason why ‘cold’ wine producing countries site their vineyards on river banks and lake shores such as the Rhine, Mosel and Lake Geneva (Lac Leman). They get more sun.

Consider the coldest of these, Switzerland. This is an intensely wine conscious country, it is also a very small producer with only 14 000 ha of vines compared to its neighbour Germany with 102 000 ha. Like other European lands the Swiss have excellent food and wine matches. Their omnipresent Chasselas white wine pairs easily with their dairy orientated country cuisine.

They are incredibly loyal to their wines while they acknowledge that, for some reason, other countries are capable of producing better. They make the best out of a terroir that our vintners would probably sneeze at. By judicious use of fertilizers and irrigation they just about double their yield per hectare compared to their neighbours.

At Dezalay, on the banks of Lac Leman, vines are grown on terraces producing ‘lively, limpid and gentle’

wines. Concrete loading areas are dotted amongst the plantings as here the harvest is transported to the cellar by helicopter – sometimes a distance of only a few hundred metres. No wonder some of their wines are not cheap!

Most of their wines are understandably white. There have recently been large plantings of Pinot Noir and Gamay in the Vaud, Valais and near Geneva and Merlot is produced in Ticino, the Italian speaking part in the south. Chasselas is the most widely grown variety and, typically Swiss, the name rarely appears on the label. I have enjoyed many a bottle of this pale, white, wine – it’s ideal with ‘raclette’, the famous Swiss hot cheese dish. Other varieties, quite foreign to us, include Amigne, Rize and Arvigne, most of which are absorbed into their respective drinking communities.

Vineyard workers are informed of the end of the working day by the continuous ringing of church bells for about five minutes. These bells, with religious chronology, ring on the hour, quarter, half and three quarters every single day. I sometimes wonder why the Swiss bother to make those quality watches! I suppose they are obsessed with accuracy in all things. Let’s face it, where else would one take a crossbow and shoot an apple off one’s son’s head?!

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Redford raves about SA Chenin blancHollywood legend Robert Redford is a devout fan

of South African Chenin blanc. Speaking at a lunch in Franschhoek on 3 August, Redford revealed his delight with local Chenin blanc wines. “I’ve experienced white wine in the Napa Valley in California, but never something like this,” he declared.

“Chenin blanc came into my life via my experience in South Africa,” said Redford, a wine enthusiast who owns vineyards California. “When I came here, I was willing to explore all kinds of new things. When I heard about Chenin blanc I thought I’d never had that and when I had it, I knew I’d found something fresh and exciting – so much so that I’ve now become a fan of Chenin blanc. If I can help promote it, I’d be happy!”

Redford was on holiday in South Africa with his wife, Sibylle, and made the comments during a small function hosted by Delhi-based industrialist Analjit Singh. Singh recently took a stake in the South African wine industry that included the acquisition and amalgamation of three prominent farms in Franschhoek and the development of a new luxury boutique hotel, spa and wine tasting facility.


New Jen Kahn store in FranschhoekElegance in Franschhoek has extended to Heritage

Square, 9 Huguenot Road, where the newest Jen Kahn branch opened recently. It is the only Jen Kahn shop in the Western Cape and is managed by Tanya Frodsham who managed the stores in Johannesburg.

The rails in the shop are filled with haute couture outfits described as “timeless effortless style.” Jen Kahn designs every garment in her studio in Johannesburg and if time allows, will make garments to order. She imports the finest quality Irish linens, pure silks, georgettes, and wonderful knits. Handmade jewellery designed to complement the clothes has been added to the collection. These elegant pieces, reflecting tones of Africa, are available in the new Franschhoek shop.

Tanya is Jen’s daughter and has always loved the timeless quality of the clothes that take you from the school run to the office, from a conference to evening cocktails and from an international flight to dinner anywhere in the world. She wears them every day and looks decidedly chic. It is clear that she enjoys assisting clients and says, “It’s very rewarding to see a client step into a garment that makes them feel good, they leave the store looking and feeling like a

million dollars,” and adds, “The unstructured flowing garments enhance the beauty of all women regardless of their shape, size or age.”

Tanya and her husband Stuart looked forward to leaving Johannesburg and are very happy to be living in Franschhoek. Stuart is an IT consultant and couldn’t ask for a better work environment.

Franschhoekers and Jen Kahn’s Cape Peninsular clients have a rewarding fashion experience to look forward to at the newly opened store on the main street.

Allée Bleue is tickled pink

Allée Bleue Wine Estate’s Starlette Shiraz Rosé 2014 walked off with a National Trophy at this year’s Novare SA Terroir Wine Awards.

The Novare SA Terroir Wine Awards honour wines that reflect the different wine regions of South Africa, and wines entered for the Awards must be certified Wine of Origin from a specific vineyard, estate or ward.

Produced from 89% Shiraz and 11% Sauvignon Blanc, Starlette Shiraz Rosé has a lovely cherry blossom colour. It has a fruit driven style with abundant sweet strawberry and rose petal aromas, with a hint of spiciness derived from the Shiraz grapes. The palate is reminiscent of candyfloss with hints of raspberry.

“Rosé must get the attention it deserves in the vineyard and cellar. If you do it as a little sideshow, the end product will reflect your efforts. Our Rosé is normally the first wine that we bottle and release every year and for me it is the barometer of what’s to come, so it’s best to make it count!”, says winemaker Van Zyl du Toit.

It is available nationally at selected outlets and restaurants, as well as online. The cellar door price is R42 per bottle.

www.alleebleue.com | 021 874 1201

La Chaumiére Pinot Noir tops

The La Chaumiére Pinot Noir 2012 was crowned as the top Pinot Noir at the Novare SA Terroir Wine Awards on 31 July 2014. These awards honour wines that truly portray South Africa’s distinctive wine growing areas and terroir. La Chaumiére Wine Farm owner, Michael Pawlowski, said that he was delighted with the award received from the prestigious competition, which is judged by respected wine experts, both local and international.

In the photo La Chaumiére winemaker Wynand Pienaar receives the award from Elize Botha.

Analjit Singh and Robert Redford during his visit to Franschhoek


How to grow a loving childThe world is completely obsessed with the exterior. The most important things

in life seem to be skin deep. You need to have the ‘right’ hair colour and style, the ‘right’ clothes, and top of the list is to have the ‘right body shape and weight. It’s pretty ironic that a world that prides itself on being so liberal is still so prescriptive when it comes to how one should look.

It should therefore be no surprise that so many people are suffer from eating disorders as they struggle to fit into the world’s idea of ‘pretty’ or ‘good-looking’. In most of our minds eating disorders are associated with adolescents and young adults, what we don’t realise is that children as young as five have been diagnosed.

Kerry Nibberd, a body image specialist, says we should keep the following points in mind when trying to develop our child’s self-image.

1. Never talk about diets – instead follow a healthy balanced diet and don’t criticise what they are eating, rather lead by example.

2. Stop being so critical of yourself – little ears hear these words and will learn to mimic these critical ways when it comes to their own self- image.

3. Never talk about other people’s bodies – it teaches children that the only thing that matters is the exterior. Rather describe others in positive ways, highlighting non-physical attributes.

4. Accept compliments about how you look – your child will learn that it is acceptable to love parts of their body.

5. Stop asking for people’s opinion on what you wear – as this teaches your child that other people’s opinions matter more than your own.

6. Never compare your child’s body to that of another child!7. Greet your child; the person, not the image. We often pick our children up

from school and say, “You look so pretty!” The intention of this comment is good but should not be the first thing your child hears. They need to know that you love them for who they are and not what they are wearing or look like. Greet your child with a big hug and an “I love you!” before you say anything else.

As parents it is the easiest thing in the world to love our children, the difficult task is teaching them to love themselves! It seems the only way to achieve that is to love yourself for who you are!

Jenny Karsen | The Bumble Bee Play School


Tatler Motoring

For the full lowdown on these stories and all the latest car news don’t miss Michele Lupini’s AutoWeek newspaper on sale now at most Franschhoek news stands

No illusionThe all-new Mitsubishi Mirage range is

now available in three derivatives in South Africa. They’re all powered by Mitsubishi’s 57kW 100Nm 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder DOHC petrol engine – the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid petrol-engine in the USA. Featuring Mitsubishi’s Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control it’s good for just 4.9l/100km with tax free 115g/km CO2 emissions. Backed by a comprehensive 3-year / 100 000km warranty and a 2-year / 30 000km service plan, the good looking Mirage packs an attractive and roomy cabin and is sure to spice up the entry hatchback market.

Elantra enhancedHyundai has enhanced its

Elantra with a fresh ‘fluidic sculpture’ front, rear and interior styling upgrades and enhancements to noise, vibration and harshness levels. Thicker new absorption material and higher density carpets reduce cabin noise, while the 1.6 litre Gamma D-CVVT engine and standard six-speed manual gearbox are good for a 11,6 sec 0-100km/h run. Elantra now comes with a standard 5 year/150 000 km warranty and roadside assistance and a 5-year / 90 000 km service plan.

Mercedes MagicDriving the ultra powerful Mercedes S65

AMG L V12 biturbo around the Gerotek oval was most memorable when it almost magically followed the car ahead at over 160km/h, foot off the accelerator with the car doing the rest. Magic Body Control is another boon – recognising road surface undulations ahead and preparing the suspension for what’s coming in Comfort or Sport modes, while the splendid Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic box also impressed. But not quite as impressive as the behemoth’s amazing 4.3-second 0-100km/h ability and limited 250km/h top end. S 600 L sells for R2 170 000 and the S 65 AMG is yours for R2 842 700…


Natie FerreiraGardening in September

Frankie BrooksPlant of the Month

Total Storage 101.5%

This Time Last Year

97.4 % - 107.3%

JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember

Rainfall Figures

mm/year mm/month Dam Levels

Measured at La Cotte/Nerina Street for periods indicated

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

1100

824

709

916

884

1153

1217

978

740

830

1079

1471

695

7650

120260135

6974

150200320580715

2014

1136208388

24613940913161

2425

114767

150238484623

10321163122414661471

2013AccumulativeMonthAccumulativeMonth

As at 14 July 2014

Steenbras UpperSteenbras LowerWemmershoekVoëlvleiTheewaterskloofBerg River Dam

101.5%100.1%

99.9%99.9%

102.2%101.3%

Popular PetuniasThe petunias that were first discovered in the mid-

1700 to early-1800s in South America actually looked nothing like the stunners that grace our gardens today. Petunia axillaris and Petunia violacea originally had small white and purple flowers, respectively. The large colourful blooms that we can buy from our garden centres today is known as Petunia x hybrida.

Petunia grandiflora has large flowers requiring regular deadheading to keep the blooms coming and spreads vigorously so would be more suitable for garden beds. Petunia multiflora has blooms about half the size but double the quantity of grandiflora and it grows more into a mound like structure which makes it perfect for filling in dips or as borders for a garden bed. Petunia milliflora has very small flowers but it is prolific in nature. It is a neat, compact plant which makes it a winner for container planting.

When it comes to planting make sure that your soil drains well and your Petunias get to bask in the sun for most of the day. Petunias are not particularly thirsty, so without making them think they’ve been

relegated to the Saharan desert, let the soil dry out a bit between watering.

There is a Petunia for every season and region so there is no reason not to get down to your local accredited garden centre and pick some up. With a colour palette from blue, purple, burgundy and lavender to pink, red, yellow and white, there is no colour scheme that cannot be accommodated.

www.lifeisagarden.co.za

It’s here. The month every gardener waits for. September is planting time. Sowing time. Getting your hands dirty time. This winter seemed long, wet and extra cold, so I for one am looking forward to the warmer days of spring. With all the hard work that lies ahead it is easy to become too bogged down to appreciate the beauty around us, but do make time to get your inspiration form nature. We live in an amazing part of the world and I can think of no season more beautiful than now.

Most of my energy will be poured into the vegetable patch. My fruit trees have all been pruned and I have made cuttings of figs and berries. The strawberries are looking promising, but I must still put down some mulch under the ripening fruit. It is not only the gardener that has a sweet tooth and I lose a lot of fruit to millipedes and other soil borne critters. Hopefully the mulch will help. I did some very early sowings of tomato, chilli, eggplant and pumpkins under cover – not sure how many days I will score in the end. But in September almost all summer crops can be sown or transplanted. I am often tempted to stock up on nursery seedlings this time of the year – simply because they are so well advanced already. I have already indulged in some tomato seedlings; if only to make sure I have some salad tomatoes by Christmas! Beans, pumpkins, cucumbers, squashes, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, brown onions, beetroot, carrots, chard and sweetcorn – you name them and they can be planted now. I am even going to attempt some spring sowing of sweet peas and even broad beans after mine were destroyed by some hungry ducks. The first asparagus spears are showing – one of the most joyous moments in the gardeners life. I cut them as soon as they are of an edible size and eat the first ones raw or slightly steamed. Remember to be conservative in cutting them – plants up to 3 years old should only be harvested for a few weeks. Older plants can be cut right up to Christmas. If you are one of the lucky ones who have too much ground consider planting some green manure summer crops. I am going to make some space for Lucerne and sorghum; even if only to be used as composting material.

Unfortunately the rest of the garden also needs your attention now. It might be a good idea to get some outside help in just to get all the time consuming routine tasks that are due now out of the way. Lawns must be fertilised with a higher nitrogen fertiliser – you cannot go wrong with Bounce Back or the other chicken manure based fertilisers. In fact, the entire

garden can do with some fertiliser now. Weed all beds and apply mulch immediately afterwards. Lawns can also be top dressed with some fine compost mixed with sand for an instant greening effect and also to level out bumps and holes. Winter flowering perennials like red hot pokers and aloes can be deadheaded now – or let them go to seed and cut the dead stalks later. Prune away up to a third of the spent flowers on Proteas and pincushions. Keep a close eye for pests and diseases. We don’t want to start spraying so early in the season. Rather works towards healthy plants this year. Pests starve on healthy plants.

There is not much to store or preserve from my garden at the moment – probably just due to bad planning, but I am enjoying the break and focus on slow foods, soups and rendering lard and tallow -a great job for a cold and rainy Sunday. Soon the first plums, strawberries and other fruit will be ready to be turned into jams and sauces. I have recently installed a Welcome Dover wood burning stove in my kitchen and enjoy the freedom that comes from always having a hot oven and stove top without relying on costly Eskom power for it. More about this next month.

Reuben & Friends Golf TournamentA first for Franschhoek Hospice: A Reuben &

Friends Golf Tournament on 12 September at Pearl Valley Golf & Country Estate. There are a number of ways in which you can participate: Purchasing a 4 ball; choosing a sponsorship level such as sponsoring and branding a hole; and/or supporting this initiative through monetary or prize donations.

The following have already sponsored or donated: Terbodore Coffee Roasters, Blaauwklippen, Middelvlei, Ngwenya Glass, Leopard’s Leap, Cape Legends, Le Creuset, Riedel and Boekenhoutskloof – with many more to come.

We will also be auctioning a beautiful painting, kindly donated by Rosita and Derek Manser.

Thank you to Reuben, Maryke and Ryan for organising this event.

Should you wish to find out more of how you can participate in this wonderful fundraiser please contact Ryan on 021 876 3772 or [email protected]

World Hospice and Palliative Care Day

Show that you care by putting on your walking shoes and becoming a Social Butterfly. Join us in a 5km walk to celebrate World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, 11 October at 08h00 at Hospice House. Purchase your butterfly tattoo for R30, which includes your entry fee. The tattoo is easy to apply. Wear your butterfly tattoo in support of someone giving or receiving palliative care, or in memory of a loved one. Support us in promoting awareness of Franschhoek Hospice and Palliative Care. The butterfly tattoos will be available from mid-September at Hospice.

Christmas Goody BagsYes, it’s that time when we start thinking about our

children and adult patients and what to place in their Christmas goody bags.

Here is the start to our wish list: Pencil crayons, wax crayons, rulers, rubbers, colouring books, girls panties 3- 5 years, boys underpants 3-5 years, face cloths, soaps, deodorant, sanitary towels and should there be other items that you feel you would like to add please do so. We would like to have these items by mid-October please.

Important Dates22 Nov - Safari Lunch, details in October Tatler.

Potjiekos: lamb, duck, beef, vegetarian and more. R200 pp.26 Nov – Volunteers Tea at Hospice House. Live

entertainment3 Dec - Patients Christmas Party (anyone wishing

to help with the catering please contact me on 021 876 3085).

Another request please: We are in need of a desk for the Sister’s office, please if you have a spare one and would like to donate it to Hospice, we would appreciate it.

Once again, thank you to all who continue to support Hospice.


Riana PretoriusACVV Nuus

Franschhoek Lions Club

Lodine Maske

Hospice NewsColleen Douglas

Franschhoek Probus ClubAlta Malherbe

Luncheon Meeting – 1 September 201412h30 for 13h00, La Petit Dauphine – Studio/

Café BonbonA Probus Club is a local association of retired or

semi-retired professional or business people, (or others who have had a measure of responsibility in any field of worthy endeavour), who are of good character and are respected in their communities. The Club meets regularly for fellowship and an extension of its members’ interests.

We would like to invite new members to join our club. The joining fee is only R50 and membership R100 per year. For this you will be informed of our meeting every month where we usually have a speaker.

For the September meeting our talk should be very interesting. Mr Wolf Langa will talk about Somali Pirates.

For October we have David Davidson from Kirstenbosch who will be talking about the Chelsea Flower Show. In November Joe Bloemarts will talk about Development Aid.

Those who have not yet paid, please bring along your membership fees for 2014.

As usual, our meeting will be on the first Monday of the month which will be Spring Day, 1 September.

Should anyone, who is not a member, want to join us for lunch, please contact Alta Malherbe on 021 876 3179 / 082 338 5873 to reserve a seat. Lunch at 12h30 for 13h00 will be at La Petit Dauphine in Café BonBon or the Studio. We order from a limited menu and each pays their own account. Please bring cash. Members will receive an invite to reply to.

See you there!

* * * Middagete Vergadering – 1 September 201412h30 vir 13h00La Petit Dauphine – Studio/Café Bonbon’n Probus Klub is ’n plaaslike assosiasie van afgetrede

of semi-afgetrede besigheidspersone, (of anders persone wat gedurende hulle lewe agtenswaardige verantwoordelikhede gehad het), wat van goeie karakter is en met respek in die gemeenskap behandel word. Die Klub vergader gereeld vir vriendskap en uitbreiding van die lede se belange.

Ons wil graag nuwe lede nooi om by ons klub aan te sluit. Die aansluitingsfooi is net R50 en dan ledegeld van R100 per jaar. Hiervoor sal u op hoogte van vergaderings gehou word – waar daar gewoonlik ’n speker is.

Ons praatjies vir die volgende paar maande is soos volg: September – Wolf Langa (Somali Pirates), Oktober – David Davidson van Kirstenbosch (Chelsea Blommeskou), November – Joe Bloemarts (Ontwikkelingshulp).

Die van julle wat nog nie betaal het nie bring asseblief julle ledegelde vir 2014 saam.

Enigiemand wat nie ’n lid is nie en die ete wil bywoon, kontak asseblief vir Alta Malherbe by 021 876 3179 / 082 338 5873. Die middagete is op 1 September 2014 om 12h30 vir 13h00 by La Petit Dauphine in Café BonBon of die Studio. Lede sal voor die tyd ’n uitnodiging ontvang waarop hulle moet antwoord. Ons bestel van die spyskaart en elkeen betaal sy eie rekening. Bring asseblief kontant saam.

Sien julle daar!

Farm Dialogue strengthens social and health development networks

On 18 July, the Farm Dialogue, together with the Western Cape Department of Health staged a very successful health information event in Groendal. About 300 people, including farm workers, gathered at the community centre to listen to Dr James Kruger and Lynette Rademeyer-Bosman, Executive Manager of @Heart. Both stressed the importance of regular testing for HIV/AIDS and TB and the importance of everyone having access to reliable information about HIV/AIDS prevention and counselling. Various information booths provided information on a variety of health-related subjects. Jan de Necker, chair of the Landbou-vereeniging, assisted by fellow members of the Farm Dialogue, provided large quantities of braaivleis for the hungry attendees.

The Department of Social Development in Paarl, led by Brian Goliath, is now officially part of the Farm Dialogue. It has added two social workers to address social problems in the Franschhoek Valley. Thailia van Rooyen and Pieter Daniels reported at the last Farm Dialogue meeting on the huge need to provide

social development information and assistance to farm workers and others in Franschhoek. Information was needed for at-risk parents on the difference between fostering and adoption. Families in general had to understand the dangers of substance abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect of children. Thailia is in the process of meeting members of the Landbou-vereeniging and visiting farms to gather information. Pieter Daniels stressed the need for after-school facilities for school children and the need to give them information on life skills. A process is being initiated to draw up a list of local businesses that offer apprenticeships to unemployed youth. In addition, the Landbou-vereeniging will start to draw up a database of unemployed farm youth with skills potential to present to businesses.

Lions Lady of the year

Willemien Roux recently received the Lions Lady of the Year award (2013/2014) from the Franschhoek Lions Club.

Mandela Day at Batho’s PlaceDavid Molorane, Manager of Batho’s Place, sent the Tatler

a report on their Mandela Day activities. Here’s a shortened version.

Our Mandela Day was a great success. We invited people living with HIV/AIDS to our event and they came in numbers.

I thought HIV was a scary illness but yesterday I learnt that it’s not and when you hear that you are HIV you need to just accept it and move on. I want to thank the volunteer who disclosed her status in public and for telling everyone that “you can live with HIV for many years if only you look after yourself.”

Mrs Khungeka encouraged people to be honest to their partners about their status. “It doesn’t matter how you got HIV but try to protect other people.”

It was disappointing that no men attended the event. Brothers, let’s get tested before it’s too late!

I wish that the State and NGOs could give more support to people living with HIV/Aids. It is not easy for them to use ARVs if they are not eating properly and that’s why some of them do not use their medications.

My special thanks to the UKUZINGCA Foundation and Mama Afrika, Giselle Vluggen, for sponsoring the

food hampers and soup kitchen for this day. Thank you Dr Louise Wilson (Medical Knowledge Institute) for coming from Cape Town to raise our HIV/AIDS awareness. To our daily volunteers, Franschhoek United Girls – Siwe, Mxo and Zimasa, thank you my friends. Finally, to my lovely wife, Lebo, thanks for all your support towards my projects. God bless you!

Nelson Mandela said, “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”

Thanks everyone for being significant.

SAPO teams up with Delaire Graff Estate for Mandela Day

The South African Post Office (SAPO) teamed up with Delaire Graff Estate for a Mandela Day initiative that saw them making much-needed improvements to Liwalethu Crèche.

Laurence Graff OBE, owner of Delaire Graff Estate, is a passionate humanitarian with his own charitable organisation: F.A.C.E.T. (For Africa’s Children Every Time). In addition to the work done through F.A.C.E.T, each year Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa reaches out to additional independent non-profit organisations that are in need of support. This year they chose Liwalethu Crèche in Mooiwater.

Liwalethu has been operating since 2009 and provides a vital service to parents living in impoverished areas. It provides a safe and nurturing place for parents to leave their children while they are at work. It is attended by 30 underprivileged children between the ages of two and six years old, all from nearby Mooiwater and Langrug townships. The crèche is operated by the owner, Nonsanele Noboza.

Staff at Delaire Graff Estate collected 30 blankets, children’s clothing and educational toys for the crèche and through the partnership with SAPO, Liwalethu will now form part of the ‘Stop Hunger Now’ feeding scheme. On Wednesday, 16 July, twenty Delaire Graff Estate staff members re-plastered the walls, waterproofed the windows, renewed the paving, installed a new fence around the property, cleaned out

the gutters, planted a tree and created a small garden. The work continued on Monday, 21 July, when Delaire Graff Estate staff members and SAPO staff repainted the school, installed the first sign proudly displaying the crèche’s name, handed out donations, provided lunch and engaged with the children over the course of the day.

Representatives of Delaire Graff Estate and SAPO extended their thanks to Carry On Hardware, Habitat Mature Tree Nursery, Paint & Place Franschhoek and High Signs for their generosity and donated materials that allowed them to undertake the improvements to the crèche.

The SA Post Office and Delaire Graff Estate teamed up to improve the facilities at

Liwalethu Crèche for Mandela Day.

Is die lewe nie wonderlik nie! Die son skyn – soms – en ons eet elke dag drie vullende maaltye. Tussen die drie etes vul ons ons mae met heerlike koek saam met ‘n vriendin. Die manne gesels oor ‘n lekker burger en skyfies na ‘n dag op die golfbaan.

In Groendal there are no such luxuries. That is why we have a pantry at the ACVV office in Groendal. At the discretion of the social worker, we hand out food parcels to the families that cannot even afford one healthy meal per day. So many children in foster care and children’s homes come home for a weekend or a holiday to an empty pantry. They are also given a food parcel to take home.

Checkers is helping the ACVV to keep the pantry full. Thank you Checkers for the R2000 gift voucher that we receive every month. It is such a wonderful feeling spending the money at Checkers in Stellenbosch and sharing the story. The NG Kerk in Franschhoek is also doing their bit to help.

Alhoewel dit ‘n groot bedrag is waarmee Checkers

ons help, is die nood steeds groot en is die koskas teen die middel van die maand maar baie leeg. Help ons asseblief om dit vol te hou.

Hier is die lys van produkte waaruit ‘n kospakkie bestaan: Geblikte Sardyne, Rys, Mieliemeel, Suiker, Tee,

Macaroni, Sopmengsel, Konfyt, Geblikte Groente, 2 min Noodles, Suikerbone (Sugar Beans), Samp & Beans, Soja maalvleis (Soya Mince), Grondboontjiebotter, en Gebakte Bone(Baked Beans).

Wees dankbaar….ander het minder.

Die ACVV spens is nie altyd vol nie

Retirement ReformGovernment’s aim is to encourage employees to save more and provide adequately for retirement. From 1 March 2015 the tax deductible contribution to retirement funds will be increased to 27.5% of remuneration with an annual limit of R 350 000. This is good news! Start saving and reduce your tax liability.

083 447 0797 • [email protected]

For financial security and peace of mind

DavidKramer

This Month’s Financial Tip

Daddy, what’s a rhino?World Rhino Day 22 September 2014

At the rate rhinos are being slaughtered for their horns the next generation of children will most likely never get to see a live rhino.

The Poached Rhino charity is working to prevent this fate from befalling humanity. On 22 September, World Rhino Day, they will be hosting an invitation-only event in Franschhoek to support their cause.

At the time of going to press the charity was still looking for a restaurant/venue that would be willing to host their event at a discounted rate.

According to chairman, Graeme Oliver, they will also be asking other local restaurants and shops for their support in displaying posters, leaflets and collection tins.

Anybody who would like to assist in any way can email Graeme Oliver at [email protected]


LettersSiegfried Schäfer

Editor’s Letter

FRANSCHHOEK WINE VALLEY NEWS

[email protected]

Franschhoek Tatler Tel 021 876 3460 Email [email protected] Website www.franschhoektatler.co.zaDeadlines - September 2014 Issue - Ad Bookings: 14 August 2014 Artwork: 15 August 2014 Editorial: 14 August 2014

Franschhoek Uncorked, 27 & 28 SeptSuperb wines, great food, live entertainment and

picture perfect views all combine for the annual Franschhoek Uncorked Festival, which takes place over the weekend of 27 and 28 September. Say goodbye to the grey of winter and celebrate the start of spring as wine farms in and around Franschhoek welcome the warmer weather by showcasing their new vintages and releases.

Set off on a journey from farm to farm sampling new release wines along the way. Be sure not to miss some of the live entertainment at some farms. This year promises to be even more exciting with some new themes and offerings in store for visitors. Some of the themed offerings include Italian (Terra del Capo at Anthonij Rupert Wines), Spanish (Lynx Wines) and Latin (Noble Hill). Wine enthusiasts can look forward to bespoke tastings at some farms, which must be booked beforehand as seating is limited. Visit the

festival website for further details.A popular fun festival, now in its 7th year,

Franschhoek Uncorked promises something for everyone, including cellar and vineyard tours, barrel tastings, food and wine pairings, art exhibitions as well as a fresh food market, to name but a few. As an added extra each farm will have one wine available for purchase at a discounted price, for the weekend only.

To assure you of an unforgettable experience, visitors to the festival will be issued with an Uncorked Weekend Pass. Available from www.webtickets.co.za the cost of the pass includes a tasting glass and free wine tastings of select wines at participating wineries for the duration of the weekend.

For more information contact the Franschhoek Wine Valley office on 021 876 2861 or visit www.franschhoekuncorked.co.za. Follow the conversation on Twitter via #fhkuncorked for regular updates.

Dear ReadersI was recently doing research in the Dutch Reformed

Church’s office when I came across documentation about a project that was shelved a few years ago. I was convinced that it was a good idea then and still believe that it is.

The project was the expansion of the Fleur de Lis home for the aged on to the two old tennis courts behind the town hall.

The project ground to a halt for a variety of reasons; some bureaucratic, some political and some just plain silly.

The French writer and poet Victor Hugo said that “Nothing is stronger than an idea whose time has come.” I think this project is one of those ideas.

There is no disputing that there is a great need to provide for more of the valley’s elderly people. Indeed the church council is already in the process of having plans passed for an expansion of House Fredagh – the small cottage next to Fleur de Lis in Akademie Street. The dilemma is that if this expansion goes ahead it could jeopardise the opportunity to make the most efficient use of the old tennis courts.

Also beyond dispute is that the tennis court site is vastly underutilised. In fact, now that the Bastille marquee has moved to the Huguenot Monument

grounds the old courts really serve no purpose, except as occasional illegal parking for tour buses and in one consultant’s mind as a possible site for a taxi rank!

The last time this project was proposed Stellenbosch Municipality – the owner of the land – was experiencing severe political instability. Nobody, politicians and officials alike, wanted to make any decisions that could be seen as favouring one group, however that group be defined.

The council is now firmly in DA control (although calling it stable would be charitable) and I see no reason why this project could not now get the go-ahead from council. I’m sure there will be those who will try to find reasons why the land can’t or shouldn’t be sold or transferred to the church. This is however not an unsolvable problem – especially if those in power are willing to use a bit of political capital to get things moving.

I do not believe that there are any legitimate reasons for all parties in the council not to support the expansion of Fleur de Lis. So here’s a challenge for the council: Show the people of Franschhoek that you care about our valley’s elderly and transfer the old tennis courts to the church. It’s the moral thing to do.

Until next month

Open GardensDear FranschhoekersOpen Gardens is coming up – Fri 31 Oct, Sat 1 Nov

& Sun 2 Nov 2014. As always we need volunteers to sit the gardens.

We would be most grateful if any volunteers would contact Elaine Dendy Young to be added to the database. Please email Elaine on dendyyoung@mweb.

co.za if you are interested and include all your contact details and which days you are available.

Other than getting to feel good about yourself you’ll also be rewarded with an armband which will give you access to all the open gardens on that day.

Thank you!Open Gardens Committee

Bright Leaders of Tomorrow

Twenty-six very excited young people celebrated the end of an extremely successful work readiness project on 7 August. Their very supportive mentors and host employers shared in the joyful occasion.

The objective of the project, which had its origin in a Rupert Onderwysstigting sponsored school support initiative at six Franschhoek schools, was to deliver training and work-based learning opportunities to a selected group of unemployed matriculants and school leavers in the Franschhoek area. During the project the young adults had the opportunity to improve their leadership skills and gain experience in a work environment.

The project started in April 2014 as a joint initiative between the Rupert Onderwysstigting and George-based Africa Skills FET College. The learners were interviewed and tested on their interests and aptitude to try and ensure the right ‘fit’ when host employers were selected for their three month experiential learning phase. The learners were trained in personal leadership (BrightStar course) and personal money management (Debtsavvy course), as well as interview and CV writing techniques.

Willing host employers from the Franschhoek area, and even as far as Paarl, opened their hearts and businesses to allow the learners the opportunity to experience real-life working conditions. The learners worked purely for experience and some did so well that at least eight seem assured of more permanent employment after the completion of the project. A minimum of a further three learners, so far, are in the process of applying for further studies and bursaries.

Everybody involved in the project agreed that it was amazing to see the transformation of the participants from where they first started in April to where they are now confident and comfortable in their own being and amongst others. This new-found confidence was reflected in their work performance leading the host employers to be very complimentary about their learners’ approach and work-ethic.

Rupert Onderwysstigting and Africa Skills wish to congratulate the learners on their successful completion of the programme, and thank the host employers who shared their work place and time with the learners. Together all role players contributed to a great selection of Bright Leaders of Tomorrow.

The Bright Leaders of Tomorrow at the completion of their programme with their facilitators, mentors and host employers.

FLAC to Umnyama and still going strongThe Franschhoek Legal Advice Centre (FLAC) held

its 15th Annual Meeting on 9 August 2014. “The what?” you may think. Between 1999 and 2005, FLAC rendered free legal aid to Franschhoek’s indigent, and mediated in a great number of legal and community disputes in the Franschhoek Valley. A lot has changed since then.

“FLAC” has changed its name to “Umnyama”. The organisation, now operating throughout the Western Cape, no longer has a direct link with Franschhoek, and legal advice is no longer at the centre of its activities. Umnyama means “rainbow” in isiXhosa.

Today, Umnyama assists the Provincial Department of Social Development, Western Cape, in educating and assisting seniors all over the province. Progressive new legislation that protects older people was promulgated in 2006 - the Older Persons Act No. 13. To implement the

Act’s objectives, the Department contracted Umnyama to organise and execute capacity audits of all senior clubs in the province and assist with workshops on the rights of older people.

This means that Umnyama travels the province - including Franschhoek - with puppet theatre, a workshops and brochures. The puppet theatre highlights sensitive issues as HIV/Aids, financial scams and testaments in a light-hearted manner. The workshop discusses the issues in a more academic manner, and give seniors the opportunity to get answers to their personal questions. Most recently, Umnyama was asked to help with informing and educating seniors about the recently re-opened land claims procedures.

For information about Umnyama, or to invite the puppet theatre or workshop to your senior club or old age home, please visit our website at www.umnyama.org

8 November

It is the soft stuff that makes the real difference!Last month I wrote about the importance

of building institutional knowledge; that is the collective knowledge and wisdom in the organisation that is not really visible and noticed until it doesn’t work.

It is a little like the excellent service you generally get from your favourite service provider that you are not aware of because it works so well until something unexpected happens. However, if that institutional wisdom is strong this is when it kicks in.

This happened to me some time ago at Avis Car Rental. I have dealt with them for over 30 years. I have had only two glitches in all that time. Apart from these I have had only superb service. When the one glitch happened it was quite a big one, but what I now remember is not so much the glitch itself, but how they fixed it; with no arguments, great charm and a reversal of all the charges. This doesn’t just come from good training. It comes from being totally immersed in the culture and values of the organisation so that one just knows instinctively what to do in any situation.

Another example: I was talking with a senior corporate executive recently. A new chairman had just been appointed. My client was in a mild state of shock. Up to that point in his career in that business the only thing that had counted was the numbers. The new chairman was being very specific about the fact that the best numbers would be the result of everyone in the business being motivated, empowered and encouraged to be the very best that they could be. He had made it clear that he is going to be very interested in how the senior executives get the very best out of the people in the business and how they focus on the so-called ‘soft’ issues.

He is a man after my own heart. Unless you get this aspect of the business right the weight and burden of everything that happens, rests with those at the very top while those down the organisation become more and more disillusioned by the experience as they see their opportunity to grow and to make a contribution whittled away by constant and increasingly mechanistic controls.

Many terms have been used to define these concepts – corporate culture, corporate philosophy, corporate values, and so on. They

all mean roughly the same thing. It is about the way the organisation behaves, the way groups in the organisation behave and how individuals behave towards others inside and outside the organisation. In essence this is how the very best businesses develop their brands and brand identity. A brand is not a picture, or series of pictures. A brand is what people experience in their real interactions with a product and/ or company. This is built by creating the right patterns of behaviours which in turn follow what the organisation believes to be the most productive and positively sustainable value systems in relation to its chosen markets.

What should one look out for when interacting with an organisation to get a feel for the quality of institutional knowledge and the culture of the brand you are dealing with?

The first and most obvious is to be found in the way the people in the organisation deal with you; how they show you respect and particularly how they listen. It will also be found quite easily in the way they deal with difficult things. I had this experience recently when it was made quite clear that my business was just too much trouble to deal with and I should just go somewhere else. I have done just that and, of course, I tell everyone what I think of that organisation.

The second, and almost as important identifier, is how the company deals generally with all its stakeholders. Do they actively try to build relationships or is everyone seen as an adversary to be conquered?

Thirdly, how do they contribute to the community of which they are part? Do they do anything, if so what? Do they encourage and support their employees to be active citizens or is every obstacle thrown in the way of this being a way of life in the organisation? If it is, it is a very short-sighted approach because all organisations have a deeply vested interest in operating in a stable, vibrant and healthy social and economic environment.

In short building the organisation means developing all the people individually and collectively to be the very best that they can be and to contribute as much as they can to the world of which they are a part!

[email protected]

Business LeadershipSeven habitual tax mistakes

I suppose in my profession I am nearly always bringing bad news, but for a change I would like to share some good news - the birth of my little girl Eliana on 6 August. I am so excited for the gift of life!!

Now back to the other exciting stuff! While reviewing the processes dealing with clients, my peers and I have come up with seven habitual tax mistakes.

1. Taxpayers tend to be reactive to tax problems and tax risks

This translates into additional tax exposure through the imposition of tax penalties and interest and lead to poor relationships with SARS. Proactive tax risk management will eliminate the additional tax exposure, improve SARS relationships, and place control of the tax risk management process back in the hands of the business, and not SARS. Develop an on-going, proactive tax planning process, to keep tax exposures under control.

2. Attempting tax compliance without outside professional assistance

This contributes to reactive tax risk management. By making use of a professional tax practitioner that participates proactively in the tax risk management process, the taxpayer is able to expand its tax risk cover from 40% to 100%.

3. Taxpayers do not have a strategy for their tax risk management, other than blindly ensuring that they are “fully tax compliant”

Without a properly formulated tax risk management strategy in place, the goals and objectives, and the manner of executing a tax risk management process so as to minimize tax risk, cannot be achieved properly. An extensive and fully maintained tax risk management strategy is what is required, with all potential tax risks summarized to be dealt with.

4. Insular tax compliance from an ivory towerFinding out where the real tax risks are means ‘getting

into the trenches’ of your organisation. All stakeholders must be involved. Taxpayers are expected to manage tax compliance, law and regulatory changes, and the

management of a complex series of relationships in order to get to the “tax truth” in many situations. Their ability to be transparent, so as to limit ongoing exposure to SARS’s deficiency assessments, is stifled by their lack of authority to access all areas of the business and outside advice in areas that go beyond technical tax issues. Allowing transparency and connectivity turns the insular tax compliance problem around.

5. Lack of facts and more facts often leads to bad tax compliance and avoidable mistakes

Establishing the facts takes time and effort and is the starting point in any tax risk management strategy implementation. Thereafter the technical tax expertise can be applied properly. Various business transactions illustrate this point, as businesses continuously fail to check the facts, check the advice, and then check the facts again.

6. Financial accounting supplies the numbers on which tax compliance is based

Relying on accounting numbers, as is usually the case with most business owners and accountants, is not enough. Internal audit procedures must be expanded to self-audit and checking the higher tax risk areas in a business, in order to self-expose any mistakes and non-compliance before SARS does. This plays back into proactive tax risk management and the avoidance of unexpected and additional tax charges that may be crippling, if driven by SARS.

7. Lack of communication between the accountant, or the responsible tax practitioner and the taxpayer.

Merely processing numbers to compile tax returns is the reason why tax compliance in most businesses covers only 40% of the total tax risk in those businesses. The other 60% tax risk is hidden and can be exposed only through a systematic process of people-to-people communication, and not just through processing numbers. The one must verify the other. This calls for new communication systems to be implemented in the business to put an end to the bad habit of limited communication.

Until next month


Celia McGuinnessFinancial Matters

TAXINDIVIDUAL &CORPOR ATE

Email: [email protected] Phone: 021 876 2676 • Cell: 082 804 0764Shop 3, La Rue des Roses, 2 Main Road, Franschhoek

Accounting and B ookkeeping • T ax • P ayroll • Company Formation and Services • BEE Certification and Verification • Insurance & Investments • DTI Incentives • Foreign Exchange

Labour LawEarnings threshold increased

A new earnings threshold of R205 433.30 was implemented by the labour department on 1 July 2014.

With this increased earning threshold, employees earning less than R17119.45 per month (or R205 433.30 annually) will now be protected under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA).

This increase will have various implications for both employees and employers. While the increased earnings threshold will benefit thousands of current employees, offering more protection from exploitative employers, it carries with it many cost implications for employers.

How the new earnings threshold affects employeesThe jump in the new earnings threshold has been seen

by many as a dramatic increase. But what does this mean for current employees?

Previously, employees could be divided into two groups, those who earned less than the old threshold of R205 433.30 per annum and those whose earnings were above the threshold. Any employee whose earnings were below this threshold would be covered by the BCEA. This means that the employee would enjoy protection from unfair employers as their hours are regulated by the BCEA.

The BCEA was generally associated with protection of blue collar workers, however, with this new increase the range of cover has definitely shifted to include many white collar workers. Anyone who is earning between R100 and R205 433.30 annually now enjoys regulated hours through the BCEA.

This BCEA offers many advantages to employees:

Compensation for overtime, work on public holidays and Sundays; Ordinary working hours are limited to 45 hours per week and 9 hours per day; Entitlement to meal intervals of 1 solid hour for every 5 hours worked; Double pay on Sundays

Any employee who earns above this new threshold can be expected and required to work overtime, on public holidays and Sundays without receiving any additional compensation.

Implications for employersWhile many employees will be enjoying protection

from the BCEA, employers are faced with the cost implications. These implications are seen by critics as just another way that employment is being stifled by government at a time when it is least needed, especially given the current unemployment crisis.

It would be advisable for employers to review their current employment contracts and remuneration packages with employers. If an employee is earning more than R205 433.30 per annum, then they fall outside the scope of the BCEA and any conditions of employment must be agreed between employer and employee. For many employers with employees that are earning close to R205 433.30 annually, it may be more cost effective to increase their annual remuneration to over the earnings threshold rather than having to incur additional expense by complying with the BCEA.

If an employee earns an annual remuneration that falls between R100 and R205 433.30, this may affect their terms and conditions of employment and it is recommended that employers check their legal obligations to that employee under the BCEA.


Enduroman for FranschhoekSporting events are becoming a more and more regular

feature on the Franschhoek events calendar. This month the valley will host its inaugural Enduroman event on 27 September 2014. “Franschhoek is home to many diverse trails and roads, all of which will make up the various routes for this year’s Enduroman event. Although participants will need to be proficient on a mountain bike and there are a few single track sections, the focus has been on ensuring a true endurance challenge rather than making the route overly technical” says Geddan Ruddock, Enduroman Route Director.

This is definitely an endurance triathlon with a 2.5km swim, 92km mountain bike ride and a 21km trail run. “We are very excited about bringing Enduroman to Franschhoek, being the first ultra-distance off road triathlon for the region” says Glyn Broomberg, Enduroman Race Director. “We have found a home in Franschhoek and we firmly believe that the region has the natural beauty to attract true endurance athletes as well as the community enthusiasm and spirit that goes with our philosophy of “You know you can.”

Athletes will experience the beauty of the Berg River Dam, surrounding mountains and adjacent wine farms. Spectator points will make the event

easily accessible to supporters, with the athletes passing through the finish venue a number of times before crossing the actual finish line.

Race organisers decided to limit the entries for the inaugural event to make sure that athletes are safe and have easy access to the routes. The race entry fee includes full event support, goodie bags, medals, finisher shirts and access to the official prize giving function. Entries can be made online at www.enduroman.co.za at a cost of R1 500 per athlete.

Female athletes will be happy to know that Enduroman has announced equal prize money of R10 000 for the winning male and female in the 2014 Enduroman.

South African triathlete, Robyn Williams, says “The fact that Enduroman is offering equal prize money for men and women is a big draw card and an absolute must to up the game in women’s sport. Enduroman is going to be a huge test for me and I have the most admiration for each and every woman who decides to take up the challenge!”

Keep up to date with information and exciting news on celebrities joining the field by visiting the Enduroman social media pages: Facebook www.facebook.com/Enduromansouthafrica Twitter www.twitter.com/Enduromancape Web www.enduroman.co.za

Fun Run in aid of social workersOn 8 November 2014 the first ‘French Corner Run in

aid of ACVV’ will take place. The run is as much a fundraiser as it is a marketing

tool for a charity that does stellar work in the valley, but probably receives less exposure than it deserves. In short the ACVV are the valley’s social workers – a duty they perform on behalf of the state – and also manage Franschhoek’s highly regarded Fleur de Lis home for the aged.

The ACVV (Afrikaans Christian Women’s Association) called in the help of former Springbok runners, Danie and Bev Malan of Sotheby’s Realty Franschhoek, to help organise the event. They, in turn, have roped in a number of other businesses and individuals to do their share to make the run a success.

Over a mid-morning coffee Bev told the Tatler that both a 5km and a 10km event will be held. Both events will start at the Huguenot Monument grounds. The 5km event will follow the main road / R45 to the La Provence Road and then return to the monument via the Dassenberg Road. The 10km event will pass through Grande Provence and Mont Rochelle wine estates and return to the start via the Robertsvlei Road.

Franschhoek Wine Valley has given the event its blessing. “We are actively trying to position the Franschhoek Valley as a venue for all manner of sporting events”, says FWV CEO Jenny Prinsloo. “This year the valley has already hosted the Cape Rouleur cycle race, Bastille MTB Challenge and Trail Run, the Trail du Mont Rochelle Trail Run and Enduroman SA takes place in late September.”

The French Corner Run will also provide a boost to the Franschhoek Athletics Club, which doesn’t currently have any event on the official athletics calendar.

The following individuals, organisations and businesses have already made contributions towards the ACVV Fun Run: Franschhoek BP Garage • Dykes van Heerden Attorneys • Photo Lab • Michael Pickstone (Old Cape Wood) • Mont Rochelle Wine Estate • Grande Provence Wine Estate • Chamonix Wine Estate • Kymric Hall • Avondrood Guest House • Courchevel

To find out how you can become involved, contact Janita Eigelaar on 072 337 6789 or Bev Malan 082 901 6966

Entries cost R50 for 10km and R20 for 5km. Enter at the NG Kerk office or on Saturdays at Sotheby’s or Photo Lab. Enquiries 021 876 2431 or 021 876 3921.

Local golfer makes national final of Amateur World Golfers Championship

Franschhoek amateur golfer, Evan Tracey, secured a national final spot by finishing third in the 21-25 flight at the Western Cape regional elimination in the 20th World Golfers Championship.

Evan is now preparing for the National Final later this month, where he will compete against regional winners from KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng and must finish in the top 2 of his flight to secure his place in Team South Africa. Team South Africa will compete against amateur golfers from all over the world at the World Final in KwaZulu-Natal.

“This is my second time qualifying in the regional elimination and I was very surprised, being two years older and less fit, but this win has given me the hope that I’d be able to do it again. The World Golfers Championship is a great opportunity for amateur golfers to represent their country without having to be a scratch handicap,” commented Evan.

The World Golfers Championship celebrates its 20th commemorative World Final this year. It was founded by the late Sven Tumba and received the support of the late Severiano Ballesteros. Today the dream lives on through the

patronage of world-class golfers Arnold Palmer and Annika Sorenstam and thousands of amateur golfers worldwide who each year participate in this world-acclaimed and largest amateur golfing event.

www.wgesa.com

Ladies Cricket on a great wicketLadies cricket has been active in the Drakenstein Valley

for the past ten years, but both the growth in numbers and its subsequent successes over the past five years has been marked. This past 2013/14 season was no exception, and congratulations to the whole squad and its coaches for their achievements

The Coronations Ladies Cricket squad consists of 25 players varying from juniors at under-13 level, under-19 players and those defined as Senior Ladies. They practice weekly at the Groot Drakenstein Games Club, but use both the Coronations Cricket Ground in Pniel and the Boland Park facilities in Paarl when available. Games are played on a home and away basis with their home games often being played at the historic Groot Drakenstein Pickstone Oval.

This past season saw the ladies go undefeated in retaining the Boland 50-over competition. Although the 20-over competition was not able to be played (our ladies are the holders of this trophy) seven of our squad were in the Boland team that won the Inter-Provincial T20 tournament held in Natal at the beginning of the season. In total 15 ladies represented Boland in the various age categories; the largest group being in the under-19 age group – an indication of the strength of the squad. Two of the under-19 ladies were also included in the SA under-19 squad!

One of the challenges set by sponsors is to bring new

players from its geographical area into the squad annually to keep the game alive and make it even more accessible. This challenge has been grabbed with both hands, as can be seen in the growth of the club and the popularity of ladies cricket over the past five years. Proactive communication with the local schools is ongoing.

Delta Trust, Groot Drakenstein Games Club and La Fontaine Guest House have been the sponsors for the past seven years. The ladies squad are most appreciative of their contributions and are well aware of how these have contributed towards their growth and success over the past years.

Anybody wishing to take up the game should contact Angus Simmers on 083 622 8155 or email him at [email protected]

Richard von Hoesslin

Franschhoek United FC needs a coachFranschhoek United FC was founded in 1994

by Joseph Sidanga and his friends in the Langrug community. Back then it was known as Arcadia Football Club, because most of the players came from the same village in the Eastern Cape. When more players started joining the team the name was changed to Franschhoek United FC.

The team grew tremendously over the years and started winning amateur tournaments. Their achievements include: Nedbank Cup semi-finalists, TCTA Cup winners, Mayoral Cup winners (2008), SAB Knockout winners, Easter Tournament Cup winners (2011), Carling Black Label Provincial Cup winners, Carling Black Label national semi-finalists (2013), Dalubuhle PS Easter Tournament winners and Nedbank Mandela Day Cup winners (2014).

The team now is registered with the South African Football Association (SAFA) and plays in the third division of the national league, known as the SAB Regional or Castle League. The team has been playing in the SAB league since 2007 and has finished in top 8 for the last three seasons.

Franschhoek United is now looking for a new coach to help them earn promotion to the second division – the Vodacom League. The new season starts during

the second week of October 2014. In addition to the senior team the club also fields under-17

and under-19 teams in the Stellenbosch local league.If there’s anybody out there who’s willing to help

the club they can be contacted at: Cell: 060 416 9490 or 078 574 1955 and Email [email protected]. Sponsorship and/or donations will also be highly appreciated.

Azola Tafeni

Franschhoek United FC’s senior team

Charlene Mina of World Golf Events South Africa congratulates Evan Tracey on his performance

at the Western Cape regional elimination of the 20th amateur World Golfers Championship

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The ladies cricketers with their silverware

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DOLPHIN TALE 23 OCTOBER 2014

Charlotte van ZylBook Review


We Are All Completely Beside OurselvesBy Karen Joy Fowler. Publ: Serpents Tail.

314 pagesKaren Joy Fowler is probably one of the least-

known of the popular, award-winning American novelists. She is the author of “The Jane Austen Book Club” (made into a movie in 2007) and the winner of a Nebula Award for Science Fiction. Her latest novel, with the exuberant title “We are all Completely Beside Ourselves,” has already won the 2013 Pen Faulkner Award and is up for a Nebula Award. So, it’s obvious that her interests are both in mainstream and in science fiction.

This is important to bear in mind as you read the first 77 pages of what appears to be the story of an American family, an ordinary Midwest Bildungsroman. A young college student, Rosemary Cooke, reviews her life thus far. Her narrative is enlivened by her sardonic comments about herself, her parents and society at large. She is very funny and very smart.

Rosemary tells us early on that she is following her father’s advice about story-telling, “Always start in the middle.” So, from the perspective of a young woman she gives us an account of her life in a rather eccentric family, where the various members equally love and damage each other. Her parents seem so bound up in their scientific research that they neglect her emotionally.

She develops into an over-articulate child with an imaginary friend as compensation. Her playmates are graduate students, instead of children her age. But, underlying all the events in her childhood is the fact that she keenly mourns the loss of a sibling called Fern, possibly her twin sister. She evokes the life that that they had together, describing the physical presence of the other as they shared all sorts of extraordinary experiences. Years later, her mother confesses, “I wanted you to have an extraordinary life.” Just how extraordinary this life was becomes clear to us gradually, bit by tantalizing bit.

I, as a reviewer, have been as reticent as Rosemary, but now I have to share with you the fact that Fern was a chimpanzee and that Rosemary and Fern had been the subject of a study, like the famous Washoe Experiment in the sixties and seventies when Washoe became the first non-human to learn to communicate using American Sign Language.

This, of course, makes us go back to the beginning of the story, to look for clues about the nature of the relationship with her alter ego, her simian twin sister.

This provides a fascinating insight into the confusion of identities of both the human and non-human child. For instance, Fern, when sorting out photos of animals or humans, puts her pictures with the humans. Rosemary believes that she and Fern will continue to be equals in every way.

When Rosemary and Fern are five, major trauma strikes. Rosemary, upon returning home from a visit to her grandparents, finds Fern gone. No explanations are given, except that Fern had gone to stay at a farm, and that it was better for her. The result of this is devastating. The fabric of the family is torn. Lowell, the brother, runs away - presumably to look for Fern. Rosemary, the original “Motor Mouth” becomes

a silent, withdrawn child. Her mother goes into a catatonic state, her father starts drinking and there are no more graduate students.

How the family tries to resolves this trauma, and who succeeds and who fails, makes up the rest of the novel. Another revelation (which I won’t divulge) animates the end of the narrative. But, however traumatic the events and however dysfunctional and stormy the relationships, Rosemary’s ironic voice keeps the mood light, and at times, the story is hilariously funny. The moving tale of the relationship between a child and a chimpanzee is utterly believable, and that makes this the surprise novel of the year.

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Where did you serve before coming to Franschhoek?

At Shofar Table View, which we planted in Jan 2010.What does the training of a Shofar pastor entail?A call from God to ministry, a heart for the church,

faithfulness, Bible School, our Ministry Training Programme, and ongoing on-the-job training…thankfully it doesn’t end What did you study after school?B.Comm (Management Accounting) at StellenboschWhat brought you to Franschhoek?We were identified by leadership as potential

replacements for Yanni and Kat (the previous pastors), as they were moving to Johannesburg, and then God confirmed it, and so we moved.What is the best thing about being a

Christian?Having a relationship with my Creator!You were a very active sportsman, do you still

do much sport?Not as much these days, except frequenting the

Franschhoek Health Club a few times a week. I am keen though to play some social rugby next year (Lord

willing), and to explore some of the single tracks around here by bicycle.Is your motorbike an indulgence?Well, it is firstly for commuting, but I do enjoy the

ride, and have been spotted at Killarney a few times.What are your plans for your Franschhoek

congregation?The congregation comprises beautiful faithful

children of God who have, together with the various leaders over the last 32 years, built a wonderful multi-generational, multi-cultural church family with the Lord. It is my desire to simply see it continuing to grow, along with the other congregations in the valley, as we all follow Jesus and love our neighbours. What is the biggest challenge?Churchianity...because Christianity is not meant to

be a religion, it’s a relationship with God.What is holiness?To live like Jesus… which all believers are called to

grow in, with God’s help.What do you, your wife Charlene, and your

children do on holiday?Rest and play and rest some more!

with Pastor Theuns Pauw – newly appointed at Franschhoek Shofar Christian Church

Theuns Pauw with his wife, Charlene, and their children Christiaan (5 years), Esther (3 years) and Reinhart (1 year).

SEPTEMBER 2014 THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLER 15

Aries, 21 March – 19 April: Courage and impatience are part of the urge to protect both yourself and your loved ones. The world sees you with those commitments; have the courage to forgive and you will extend that sacred space without judgment or conditions.

Taurus, 20 April – 20 May: Venus is moving into Virgo, a debilitation that can present itself through middling issues that have no consequence on the bigger picture. Remember to honour the earthly vehicles of each soul, which is a constant source of precious mysteries.

Gemini, 21 May – 20 June: Mercury the lord of this asterism travels through Libra and reminds you that the celestial messenger wants to speak the truth. It is an eternal test of compassionate fire to give the flame of love the air it needs. Nothing is ever static, everything always evolves.

Cancer, 21 June – 22 July: The water elements of the zodiac are the cleansers of the cosmos who maintain purity. Don’t mask your insecurity with self-importance, addictions or stubbornness. You cannot see a potential solution if your actions are driven by confusion, anger or pain.

Leo, 23 July – 22 August: Jupiter the planet of expansion and remover of all obstacles is the seeker, who has been blessed with the honour of perfect hindsight. Ignorance and denial is the greatest enemy. Your deepest longing is to be all that you can be – for all.

Virgo, 23 August – 22 September: The Sun in Virgo is about refinement and the polishing of the crystal, which exemplifies your soul. Creating a sacred space and emotional comfort will embrace the implicit trust of feelings for the heart to open wide. Through loyalty and acceptance you become the wisdom keeper.

Libra, 23 September – 22 October: There are seasons in the year, seasons through your life, and there is a season for your soul. The seeds that you have sown show the changes that come and bring unseen rewards to the heart. The abundance that you know is the sacred wisdom of sharing.

Scorpio, 23 October – 21 November: The Self has the desire to develop hidden talents and unused skills. Replace confusion and laziness with passionate desire and the discovery turns to excitement. Those awakened feelings become the delight.

Sagittarius, 22 November – 21 December: Imagination is the scout of your trail; spread your wings for the journey. You can only earn freedom and its responsibility by learning to walk your path alone. Shifting those responsibilities to others will put you on the steepest path.

Capricorn, 22 December – 19 January: It is time to adopt the attitude of a happy heart when you accomplish your daily tasks. If you choose to, the happy heart brings honour to every act you perform. Those hearts will be courageous and shine with respectful light.

Aquarius, 20 January – 18 February: Review your intellect and how it may have controlled your feelings, creating self-doubt rather than certainty. When you are critical and hold others in contempt you are actually demonstrating your own personal fears. Love is the holiest of holy in the universe.

Pisces, 19 February - 20 March: Intuitive integrity needs an absolute base of ethics. Only this authentic choice will set you free of the personal creed you choose to live by. A grand illusion for your self is separation.

September Calendar

Guess Where?

Jyotish Vedic AstrologyRobert Rittel

SURVIVORS WALK OF HOPEArchbishop Tutu will greet all

participants at finish, thereafter all

SURVIVORS will place their hand print

alongside that of the Arch on a giant

canvas of himself.

Venue: Start - Huguenot Monument, End – Grande Provence. Time: 10h30 for 10km start 11h00 for 5km start. Cost: R50 adults, R30 children. Enquiries: [email protected] / [email protected] or 082 336 7037 (Sherrol)

LA MOTTE CLASSICAL CONCERTSpring Concert with Hanneli Rupert

(Mezzo-soprano) and Albie van

Schalkwyk (Piano).

Venue: La Motte Historic Cellar. Time: 18h30 for 19h00. Cost: R170 p.p. Reservations: 021 876 8000 or [email protected] (Angela

WORLD RHINO DAY

NATIONAL HERITAGE DAY

BRAAI DAY WITH LEOPARD’S LEAP & WEBERFive meats Weber-style & side dishes

from the Harvest Table.

Venue: Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards. Time: 12h00. Cost: R300 p.p. (excludes drinks). Reservations: [email protected] or 021 876 8002 (Lené)

ENDUROMAN2.5km swim, 92km mountain bike ride &

21km trail run.

Venue: Start – Berg River Dam, End – La Roche Estate. Time: 08h00 for men, 08h15 for women. Entries & more information: www.enduroman.co.za

FRANSCHHOEK UNCORKEDF’hoek wineries release their latest

vintages. Venue: Participating farms. Time: 12h00 - 17h00. Cost: R120 p.p. for a weekend pass. Enquiries: 021 876 2861. Tickets: www.webtickets.co.za

IYENGAR-STYLE YOGA CLASSES at

Artemis barn, 18h00-19h00.

Contact Danielle on 073 388 1404.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUSTime 19h00. Venue: NG Church

Consistory.

Contact 021 867 0983 or 073 125 0188 (Jeffrey)Franschhoek

BACKGAMMON CLUB MEETSAll welcome. Own board not required.

Venue: Taki’s Place . Time: 19h00

Info: Graeme Oliver - graeme@ poachedrhino.org or 072 815 8209

FRANSCHHOEK VILLAGE MARKETBreads, olives, ginger beer, pastries,

plants, seedlings, breakfasts, coffee,

crafts and more. Venue: Dutch Reformed

Church Grounds. Time: 09h00 – 14h00

FRANSCHHOEK METHODISTCHURCH Sunday service 09h00 – all welcome. Rev

Nuno Vergueiro 021 872 3580 or 082

662 4509. Contact person: 021 876 2510

or 083 287 5756

NG KERK FRANSCHHOEKSondagdienste 09h30. Geen aanddiens

meer nie. Ds Peet Bester. 021 876 2431.

SHOFAR CHRISTIAN CHURCHSunday service 09h00. Pastor Yannis

Acavalos 021 876 3348

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHMass every 2nd Saturday of the month

at the Methodist Church, Bagatelle Rd,

Fhk. 073 488 6816

TRINITY CHURCH FRANCHHOEK Sunday 10h00. Fr Gavin Mitchell

083˜799 0726. All Services are held at

L’Ermitage Hotel Chapel in Franschhoek.

Anglican ChurchSt George’s Church,

Groot Drakenstein. Sunday Services:

Holy Communion and Sunday School

10h00. Rector Fr Joe Humbles – 021˜874

1120

NEW APOSTOLIC CHURCHLe Roux Weg, Franschhoek.Sundays

09h00, Wednesdays 19h30. Rector:

Charles Leibrandt

FHK CYCLING CLUB OUTRIDES Regular road ride on Saturdays to

Stellenbosch and back followed by

coffee. (MTBs also welcome). Venue:

Meet at BP garage. Time: 08h00.

Contact: Paul Barkley 083 302 9096

FRANSCHHOEK TENNIS CLUBSocial 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.

06

06

22

24

24

27

27 & 28

Mondays & Thursdays

Tuesdays

Saturdays

Church Services

Sport

New cycle shop for FranschhoekA new bicycle sales and rental outlet open on the 1st

September in the village. Wineland Cycles, located at Shop 5 in the Station Master’s Centre, 2 Main Road, offers a bike rental service including tours, picnic rides and route guidance. They also stock new bikes, spares and accessories.

The owner, Richard Dellar, says that research has shown that many tourists visiting Franschhoek, particularly from Europe, are keen bicycle riders and will welcome the opportunity to tour more of the valley and sample its great food and wine.

Cycling is a growing activity in South Africa and, in particular, the Western Cape. New attitudes to healthier living have led to increased interest in

recreational bike riding. There is now a wide range of cycles to suit every need, whether it is on or off road. The Franschhoek Valley offers outstanding routes and great vistas that will suit any rider’s capability.

Richard will be partnered by son Mike and brother Keir and all are new to Franschhoek. Originally from Zimbabwe, Richard fell in love with the valley whilst working for the old Stellenbosch Farmers Wineries in the 1970s. He bought a small townhouse here three years ago and then planned his family’s permanent move to the town from Johannesburg.

Richard believes there are many excellent opportunities to expand the range of experiences available to tourists visiting Franschhoek.

A while AgoSeptember 2003

Did you get it right last month?How well do you know your

valley? See if you know where each month’s photo was taken. In the following month’s Tatler

we’ll give you the answer.

Concern about the increase in the number of poor Afrikaners started growing in the late nineteenth century – much of it based on a philosophy of maintaining racial superiority. Successive governments, especially after WWI and the Great Depression implemented efforts to address this issue. Once of the solutions was the development of state forestry schemes. This is also what happened in Franschhoek. Last month’s photo was of the feeding troughs in the stables near the Berg River Dam that were used by these foresters to house their draught animals. Apparently they used donkeys, not horses.

16 THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLER SEPTEMBER 2014

TOOL & EQUIPMENT HIREBrush Cutters, Lawn Mowers ,

Chain Saws, Concrete Mixers, Drills, Compressors, Pumps, Jackhammer s

SERVICING & RE PAIR Light Industrial Equipmen t

RUBBLE & REFUSE REMO VAL

DELIVERIES

LIGHT DOMESTIC MOVE S

PORTABLE LOOS

CLEANING of businesses and other premises

FRANSCHHOEK’ S

FOR BUILDING • GARDENING • RENOV ATINGSITUATED BEHIND BP GARAGE • WE SPECIALISE IN:

always at your service

072 378 1916 or 021 876 412 3Email: [email protected] m

• Installation, repairs & maintenance on all commercial, industrial & residential properties

• Air conditioning installation & maintenance

• Thermal imaging

Jacques 082 547 0535, Anton 071 303 [email protected]

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

Smalls R30. Text only, maximum 30 words. Leave, with payment, at Franschhoek Pharmacy before 18th of preceding month

KITTENS AND DOGS looking for homes. Call Annette 021 876 3155

LOOKING FOR THAT SPECIAL BOOK and can’t find it? Call John at the Armchair Explorer , we will source it for you. Cell: 082 361 0090

BOOK BINDING AND BOOK REPAIRS. John Hicks 082 361 0900 or john@thearmchair explorer.co.za

EXCESS BOOKS? Shelves creaking, moving house or just thinning out your collection? Contact John Hicks. 021 876 4129

BABYSITTER: Honest, reliable lady to look after your children after hours. Please contact Adrienne for a quote. 072 850 7287

GARDEN REFUSE REMOVAL: Please contact Adrienne for a quote. 072 850 7287

WORM FARM FOR SALE: Organic worm farm for sale. Lots of worms! Phone Jean 082 699 3574

PART-TIME BOOKKEEPING / ADMIN for winery in Franschhoek. Requirements: Pastel, e-Filing, Excel, Outlook. Contact [email protected]

FLEXI-TIME ACCOUNTANT required for a grape farm in Franschhoek. Up to balance sheet. Contact: [email protected]

TE KOOP: 20” Peerless seunsfietsie (7-9 jr) R430; Toyota 3400D omkapmasjien R780; Singer 6235 Serenade 30 naaimasjien R550; Celeste verslankingmasjien R120. 072 712 7784

ACCOMMODATION WANTED: Reliable mother and adult daughter seek a 2 bedroom cottage/flat/house to rent from 1 October for 1-year lease. Contact 083 270 9555

BAKKIES TO LET: Toyota Hilux 1.8L, per day or per month. Nissan NP200 1.6L, per day 7 days a week. Driver included and subject to availability. Contact: Nicholas Kerr 082 430 9383

LIVE GEESE for sale @ R150 ea - Contact [email protected]

FURNISHED GRANNY FLAT: Available 1 October 2014. Call 083 331 5577

MUSIC LESSONS: Guitar, Bass, Keyboard and Drums. Contact Nicholas Kerr, BMus 082 430 9383

Your ad here!CONTACT

021 876 3460

September 2014 THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLER 17

FRANSCHHOE K

Cell: 083 252 1054

Fax: 021 876 3501

E-mail: [email protected]


Franschhoek cleans up at Fine & Country Top 15 Achievers Awards

At the recent Fine & Country International Realty awards event held at the Erinvale Estate Hotel and Spa in Somerset West, CEO, Linda Erasmus, proudly announced that Tom Clode and Terry-Lee George from Fine & Country Franschhoek were the company’s top achievers for the past six month period in the Western Cape. In addition, the Fine & Country rental service team from Franschhoek received a certificate for their excellent service along with the Constantia rental agents.

Erasmus congratulated the Franschhoek team on their admirable performance and attributed it to their dedication to excellence in the upper quartile of the market.

At the event, Erasmus discussed the company’s strategy for success, which includes a dedicated design studio, with professional scriptwriters and photographers to ensure that properties are presented to their best advantage. This is in line with international trends for agents to concentrate on what they do best, i.e. to negotiate. She also highlighted the fact that estate agents should use technology to enhance their service. She said, “It’s better to have a happy client and a referral commission than an unhappy client and a full commission. It’s all about superior service and putting the client first.”

When asked why international connections are so important for estate agents operating in the Western Cape, Kelly-Leigh Reifarth, licensee of Fine & Country Helderberg, said that Cape Town receiving the title of the World Design Capital 2014 and being named the top holiday destination for 2014 by The Guardian in the UK and the US’s New York Times have focused the attention on the Western Cape.

She added, “Leading property professionals agree that more foreigners, mainly British and German, are buying South African properties and that their interest is mainly in the Western Cape. The weak rand has also played a part, with international buyers paying cash for their properties. With our international connections, we can assist foreigners in buying and selling properties here in the Western Cape or back in their home countries.

The Western Cape Top 15 includes Franschhoek in the first place, Fish Hoek (Lorraine Webb) second and Lily de Keller from Constantia in the third place.

Erasmus cautioned the winners that the road to success is never complete. She congratulated the winners and thanked them for the excellent service they provide to the clients for Fine & Country in South Africa.

www.fineandcountry.com | 021 876 3322

Growing demand for Pearl Valley Golf Estate

The Pearl Valley Golf Estate really does enjoy an enviable location and lifestyle, a combination that is increasingly drawing upper income buyers according to Seeff’s agent for the estate, Elza Oberholzer. Located about mid-way between Franschhoek and Paarl, the 212ha award-winning estate is framed by the Drakenstein and Simonsberg mountains and offers spectacular views, top class security and outstanding facilities including a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course.

The estate encompasses about 500 residential properties with a mix of freehold homes and sectional title apartments. About 200 vacant plots are also still on offer. The freehold properties around the golf course are on plots of 1 000-3 000 m2 while plot sizes around the lake area range from 450-650 m2. The apartments, known as Resort Lodges are also in the lake area and offer between two and four bedrooms.

The lifestyle on offer is enhanced by facilities that include a stunning clubhouse with a golf shop, restaurant and bar, lounge and conferencing facilities, says Oberholzer. There is also a spa and gymnasium, swimming pool, tennis courts, cricket nets, boule courts and equestrian facilities. Further facilities such as children’s play areas and hiking, running and cycling trails add to the superb lifestyle.

The location is convenient for buyers looking for a country environment. The city and airport is only about a 45-minute drive from the estate. Excellent schools nearby include Bridge House – the

renowned private school just outside Franschhoek – and Stellenbosch University and several colleges are also easily accessible. Top class medical, shopping and other amenities are within easy reach as are many top wine estates.

About 140 sales to the value of just under R500 million have been recorded here over the last five years, says Oberholzer. Activity has also strengthened year-on-year as buyers discover the estate. With an average price of around R5,6 million and a highest price achieved of just over R15 million, the estate ranks amongst the top golf estates in the country.

Aside from local residential buyers relocating retirement buyers from upcountry, have also been heading to the estate over the last year. There is also strong demand from investment buyers on the back of excellent demand for rental properties.

Prices for apartments start at around R2,5 million for two bedrooms and range to around R3,3 million for four bedrooms. Mid-sized houses sell for upwards of R4,2 million for three bedrooms to just under R7 million for a luxurious four bedroomed home with loads of extras. Top end homes can range up to R22,5 million, while vacant plots around the lake area sell for upwards of R950 000 with the larger plots around the golf course costing upwards of R1,9 million.

For more information, contact Seeff Franschhoek, Elza Oberholzer on 083 764 4733/021 876 4592 or visit www.seeff.com (web reference 320862).

Heidi Clode Tom Clode Terri-Lee George



The eLan Property Group has purchased L’ermit-age Hotel in Franschhoek. As a strategic move to add to its already growing hospitality division,

the group is looking to acquire hotels, resorts and other ancillary hospitality product in key locations that can be added to the groups offering.

Alan Vels, Director of eLan Hospitality said “We are very pleased with the purchase of the proper-ty and the exciting opportunities it has to offer. We will be making some minor structural changes at the hotel in order to increase our market share and will be introducing new services and leisure offerings for visitors to Franschhoek. With our unique approach to hotel management we look forward to working with the community of Franschhoek to assist in growing the amount of visitors to the town and the surrounding hospitality offerings.”

“Cynthia Barnard has been retained as General Manager of the property and with her knowledge of the area and our sales and marketing networks nationally and internationally, we look forward to exceeding our investment targets.” Offering luxurious villa styled leisure and busi-ness accommodation, state-of-the-art conferenc-ing facilities and wedding facilities, the property and accommodation is ideally situated amongst Fynbos layered mountains and vineyards.

The luxury accommodation offers Chateaus and villas that provide a strong sense of French tranquility amidst the beauty of this Western Cape area.

Offering a glamorous, warm, homely feeling, tourists from around the world, regardless of their purpose of their visit, will enjoy the peace and modern romance of L’ermitage. Cobbled streets amongst the villas resemble quaint traits of France and with all rooms and villas looking up towards the Franschhoek Mountains, one might just have you believe you are in the wine regions of France.

This lavish and luxurious accommodation is ideal for both winter and summer visits and is designed to offer the comfort that is looked for in a property of this quality. Ideal for engagements, weekend getaways, special events as well as business trips, the luxury that the accommodation offers makes it one of the very best experiences in the valley.

Weddings at L’ermitage are a romantic and intimate af-fair with various wedding facilities including a non-de-nominated chapel and two reception venues available. Custom made wedding packages are tailored, as is accommodation for overnight guests. Our honeymoon suite is a one of a kind villa that allows the happy couple to soak up views, savouring the luxury and relaxation.

Conferencing venues are geared towards half day, full day as well as overnight conferencing and are equipped with modern facilities.

The on-site restaurant offers breakfast and dinner with personalized menus. These menus are updated daily.

L’ermitage will soon be elevated to become one of the finest hotels in the valley. Residents of Franschhoek are invited to meet the management and new owners of this beautiful hotel. Guests are welcome to come and view our facilities be they in town for the day or wishing to stay over for leisure or business.

eLan Property Group purchasesL’ERMITAGE - Franschhoek

Liesel HarmerSales & Marketing ManagerL’ermitage HotelCell: 073 901 1888

Cynthia BarnardGeneral ManagerL’ermitage HotelCell: 082 927 7799

L’ERMITAGE HOTELTel: 021 876 9200 • Fax: 086 543 1555

Email: [email protected] Lambrechts Road • FranschhoekRead more: http://lermitage.co.za

New Ownership

ELANH O S P I T A L I T Y


PRICE REDUCED

NEW LISTING

PRICE REDUCED

21


21THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLERSeptember 2014 23


LARGE VILLAGE HOME SET WITHIN A BEAUTIFUL MATURE GARDEN ON A LEVEL DOUBLE PLOT WITH VIEWS. This property is located in a quiet village street on a 2320sqm plot. The main house offers 3 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms (1 en-suite) with ample opportunity to reconfigure the living areas to create a seamless flow between the interior and the exquisite garden. An upstairs mezzanine office provides a quiet space with lots of light and views of the living area below through double volume glass walls. A separate cottage provides 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a small kitchenette with its own private garden, separate access and parking. The large garden is a delight with the perfect balance of light and shade to suit all the seasons. A character pool is filled using lei water while a large magnolia tree frames the views over the village towards the vineyards and slopes of Mont Rochelle. This is a unique opportunity to own a very special property.

Franschhoek Tatler - September 2014

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