Franschhoek Tatler April 2014

Muni to assess economic advantagesStellenbosch Municipality, as part of its Local

Economic Development (LED) function, has embarked on a process to assess its competitive advantages. The process ties in with its strategic goal of establishing Stellenbosch Municipality as a preferred investment destination.

The assessment tool being used for the purpose is a Participatory Appraisal of Competitive Advantage (PACA). A PACA aims to formulate and implement economic development strategies at community level and focuses on quick and tangible results while providing a rapid appraisal of the local economy and its competitive and comparative advantages. The PACA exercise commenced on 19 March 2014.

The aim of the PACA is to review the Municipality’s LED strategy. This approach is participatory and is based on the active involvement of those key stakeholders in the economy who have relevant resources at their disposal (know-how, money, time, delivery capacity, etc.). Successful local economic development involves a constructive relationship between the public and the private sector.

PACA will be rolled out through a series of mini-workshops and interviews with local stakeholders. The main point, however, is not to overwhelm local stakeholders with a multitude of proposals but rather to limit the number of proposals. When suggestions are made, the following should be asked, can it be done with local resources? Can it be implemented quickly? And, is it achievable?

Although PACA identifies the challenges for growing the local economy, it also looks at the opportunities which improve the local business environment within a short period of time. The initial PACA exercise will indicate a variety of market failures and obvious opportunities for businesses and business promotion. With the completion of the first diagnostic, various local actors will start to implement, sometimes jointly, practical activities to address market failures and to exploit opportunities.

Contact Widmark Moses on 021 808 8179 or [email protected] should you wish to partake in the PACA or want more information about the PACA.

APRIL 2014Bundesliga

in FranschhoekPage 2

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New home for NhlanguleneOn Friday 07 March 2014 motorists were treated

to the sight of a life-size bronze elephant sculpture making its way from the V&A Waterfront to Grande Provence estate.

The sculpture by Jean Doyle is of Nhlangulene – one of the first elephant bulls introduced into the Kruger Park. Nhlangulene became famous for his immense size. Standing 340 cm at shoulder height, his tusk lengths were 317 cm (left) and 305 cm (right). The bull died of natural causes in 1987, aged approximately 55 years.

As was to be expected moving the behemoth was a challenge. Loading it on a truck in the Waterfront was only the first hurdle. Special arrangements had to be made with the provincial traffic department for the 3 hour journey to Franschhoek, could only start after 10h00 due to traffic. Once here the sculpture had to be loaded on a smaller truck for the final part of the journey along the narrow farm road through the estate to its final destination in the sculpture garden.

The sculpture is for sale with proceeds going to the Out of Africa Children’s Foundation, that endeavours to improve the quality of life of children suffering from terminal diseases in South Africa.

Kim Highfield, founder of the Out of Africa Children’s Foundation said “Getting to know one of South Africa’s top artists, Jean Doyle, has been amazing. Jean is such a lady and so humble – as for her talent ... well just look at her majestic elephant! Out of the kindness of her heart she has let Out of Africa Children’s Foundation use her elephant as a huge mascot to create awareness for our organization and our children in South Africa. This

journey with the elephant may be at an end for us but our friendship will go on...”

Highfield also had high praise for Tandem Cranes, who on Doyle’s recommendation, have now moved the elephant three times. “We found them to be so very generous in their sponsorship, not to mention professional – nothing was ever too difficult or impossible. And they always did it with a smile on their faces, even at 5 o’clock in the morning.”

www.outofafricacf.org

Preparing for the last bit of the journey

Email: [email protected] • Fax: 021 886 8516

2 THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLER April 2014

5162 Tatler Franschhoek April-repro.indd 1 2014/03/13 9:50 PM

Franschhoek Karateka na wêreld kampioenskappe

Drie jong karateka van Groendal is in die Suid-Afrikaanse nasionale span opgeneem wat later hierdie jaar gaan deelneem aan die Kimura Shukokai Karate Wêreldkampioenskappe by Sun City. Simon Moses, Corné Johnson en Joshua Daniels ding in die onder dertien ouderdomsgroep mee.

Die drie sportsterre het in 2010 by Chris Enslin (Sensei Chris) begin oefen toe hy met gratis karate klasse in Groendal begin het. Hy is later genoop om ‘n klein fooi te vra om onkostes te dek en alhoewel heelwat van die studente weggeval het, het al drie aangebly. Hulle word steeds deur Sensei Chris afgerig en woon twee maal per week klasse in die Groendal Congregational Kerksaal by. As senior studente oefen hulle ook Saterdae.

Moses, Corné en Joshua is kranige sportmanne en moes ander sportsoorte tydelik opgee terwyl hulle vir die nasionale kampioenskappe voorberei. Hulle het slegs op karate gefokus want dit was ook die proewe vir die span wat wêreldkampioenskappe toe sou gaan.

Sensei Chris glo dat deelname aan karate verskeie voordele vir studente inhou. Hulle is gemotiveerd, het selfvertroue en respek. Hy sê, “‘n Mens stry of baklei nie met ander as jy respek vir mense het nie,” en las by “Ons druk ons studente sodat hulle ‘n goeie sport CV het wat vir ‘n sportbeurs kan kwalifiseer.

Menige karateka skoolkind word ‘n suksesvolle tesiêre student en volwassene. Dis dikwels bewys.” Die leierskap program wat bruingordel karate studente volg bleik ook ‘n aanwins te wees by die kies van klasleiers en prefekte.

Wat kan van die drie jong Franschhoekers verwag word? Sensei Chris is vol vertroue, “Ons kinders vaar goed internasionaal want hulle werk harder as ander en skrik vir niks. Hulle is taai.”

Simon Moses, Corné.Johnson en Joshua Daniels

Frack off or cash in?A German exploration company, Fraktur GmbH,

has acquired the mineral rights for most of the Franschhoek Valley. According to filings with the Department of Mineral Resources exploratory drilling with a view to locating natural gas could start as early as late-2015 – if successful, fracking operations could start in 2017.

The Cape Winelands have long been thought to contain no natural gas, but studies relating to the extraction of water from the Table Mountain Group Aquifer for use by the City of Cape Town have yielded surprising results. While most of the Western Cape’s mountains consist of various types of sandstone and some granite the earth-shattering discovery has been made that the main shale band occurring in the Franschhoek region – the late-Ordovician Cedarberg Shale - is potentially even richer in shale gas than the shale in the Karoo, which is currently the subject of most debate.

Geologists that the Tatler spoke to say that the shale band associated with the Dennegeur geological fault would be of particular interest to exploration companies. As drilling against the mountain slopes is difficult most attention will focus on the low lying

parts of the shale belt, which extends from Dennegeur in a south westerly direction.

A spokesperson for Fraktur GmbH, Ms Grunhilde Erde, said that they aren’t ready to comment in detail. She did however say that local investors will be invited to participate in the project and that up to 5000 jobs could be created over a 10-year period. She would neither confirm, nor deny, that the ANC’s investment arm – Chancellor House Holdings – was involved in the project.

The environmental impact assessment process is set to commence in May and is expected to last 11 months. In line with government’s new regulations concerning fracking no public participation process is planned as, according to Ms Erde, “it leads to irrational outcomes.” Nevertheless the Brazilian environmental consultants, A. Bril & Associates, will accept written comments from “properly constituted NGOs”. Much of their assessment is expected to focus on a cost-benefit analysis of the “declining agri-tourism industry vs the emerging hydrocarbons industry.”

Landowners in proximity to the Dennegeur fault refused to comment when approached by the Tatler.

Bundesliga in Franschhoek?

When Westlife FC takes to the field in the local football league fans may be forgiven for thinking that the Bundesliga has come to Franschhoek! This is because Westlife FC sports the kit of Bundesliga team ‘Mainz 05’.

Mainz (and part-time Franschhoek) resident Ludwig Weingaertner wanted to do something for the local football team after learning about them from Innocent Mpahleni – who works at Boekenhoutskloof and is the team’s volunteer trainer. Weingaertner contacted his home city’s team with a request for some used kit. (Unbelievably in the Bundesliga football kit is used only once before being discarded!) After an anxious wait Weingaertner received a call from Mainz 05 management that he could collect some kit from them.

He was pleasantly surprised to find that they had not one, but two complete sets of kit waiting for him – one red, the other white. It was all there: shirts, shorts, socks, goalie’s outfits, balls and even rain jackets! All that was missing were soccer shoes – these he collected with the help of friends in Germany. When he returned to Franschhoek in January 2014 his luggage included more than 60kg of soccer kit.

Westlife FC maintains strict discipline and the kit helps to keep the players motivated. Weingaertner is happy that he could assist in expanding the benefits of sport participation among the young people of Groendal and Langrug. “We have to give them alternatives to idleness and criminality,” he says.

Ludwig Weingaertner (far right), and Innocent Mpahleni (far left) with the Westlife FC team

Local luminaries at FLF 201416-18 May 2014

An abundance of good books has been published since the 2013 Franschhoek Literary Festival and festival-goers this year can look forward to meeting many of these authors. The biggest and best festival yet, the 2014 FLF will present 170 authors, journalists and subject specialists in more than 100 events over the three-day period.

We are looking forward to welcoming back many of our best writers, all with new books, including Damon Galgut (Arctic Summer), James Whyle (Walk), Justin Fox (Whoever Fears the Sea), Kgebetli Moele (Untitled: A Novel), Mark Gevisser (Lost and Found in Johannesburg), Richard de Nooy (The Unsaid), and Sarah Lotz (The Three).

Testifying to the vibrancy of the South African publishing landscape across genres, there is a lot of excitement at the number of new voices and faces that will appear this year, among them Charlie Human (Apocalypse Now Now), Constance Ngcaba (May I Have this Dance?), Dominique Botha (False River), Helen Walne (The Diving), Meg Vandermerwe (Zebra Crossing), Nadia Davids (An Imperfect Blessing), Penny Lorimer (Finders Weepers), Prince Mashele (The Fall of the ANC), Shelagh Foster (Your First Year of Work), and Sonwabiso Ngcowa (In Search of Happiness).

Coordinated by Finuala Dowling, poetry will be well represented. Adam Small, Adrian Different, Akwe Omusu, Arja Salafranca, Breyten Breytenbach, Douglas Reid Skinner, Gus Ferguson, Joan Hambidge, Khadija Heeger, Nathan Trantraal, Phyllis Muthoni (Nairobi), and Pieter Odendaal will all feature in discussions and performances, including a poetry slam on the evening of Friday 16th.

Adding considerably to the depth and breadth of the events are authors and subject experts such as Adam Habib, Andre Brink, Antony Altbeker, Arthur Attwell, Breyten Breytenbach, Darrel Bristow-Bovey,

Finuala Dowling, Francis Wilson, Harry Garuba, Imraan Coovadia, Ivan Vladislavic, Marianne Thamm, Mark Heywood, Max du Preez, Mike Wills, Njabulo Ndebele, Rhoda Kadalie, Richard Calland, and Tim Noakes (the latter debating the high fat diet with Prof. Lionel Opie, chaired by Dennis Davis, in what is sure to be a sell-out event).

The FLF will have the privilege this year of hosting Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his daughter, Rev. Mpho Tutu, as well as other prominent public figures, including Alex Boraine, Lindiwe Mazibuko, and PJ Powers, and business people such as Michael Jordaan, Herman Mashaba, and Peter Vundla.

Finally, the organising committee is absolutely delighted that radio queen Redi Tlhabi will be joining us at the festival this year. Redi had to withdraw from last year’s festival, but will participate in a number of events at FLF 2014.

The programme for FLF 2014 is available at www.flf.co.za. Tickets can be booked on webtickets.co.za.

This year’s FLF once again promises many interesting discussions

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Leopard’s Leap offers best matchesLeopard’s Leap Family Vineyards has been

acknowledged as the Best Food and Wine Matching experience by the 2014 Drinks International Wine Tourism Awards.

“We are so excited that our passionate efforts with food and wine have received this international recognition. Not only do we want to encourage the enjoyment of everyday quality living in the 40 countries where Leopard’s Leap wine is available, but we would also like to invite visitors to our Franschhoek home to participate in a series of food and wine experiences that will both entertain and educate”, says Leopard’s Leap CEO, Hein Koegelenberg.

Guests to Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards have a choice between an informal introduction to their choice of five wines form the Leopard’s Leap portfolio or a tasting of the six wines in the Culinaria Collection. Specifically designed to celebrate the age-old partnership between food and wine, the tasting of the Culinaria Collection also comprises a pairing with a specific food taster explained by knowledgeable wine ambassadors.

Those with a real interest in how food and wine can complement each other should consider booking for the Culinaria Food & Wine Pairing on Friday mornings at 10h00. During these tastings, six wines from the Culinaria Collection are paired with six food tasters guiding guests through the fundamentals of food and wine pairing. Prior booking is essential.

In tune with the versatility and accessibility of Leopard’s Leap wines, visitors can enjoy a buffet-style rotisserie-based lunch offering. Choosing from a selection of free-range meats on the rotisserie and a complementing harvest table filled with seasonal salads and organic vegetables, freshly-baked breads and confectionery, guests are encouraged to linger and try various food and wine combinations as well as a selection of innovative

wine cocktails. Relaxed and family-friendly, visitors can choose between being seated indoors or on the stoep opening onto a stretched lawn, children’s play park and beautiful vineyard views.

Food lovers and passionate home cooks can also partake in a series of hands-on cooking glasses, guided by the experienced hand of in-house chef, Pieter de Jager and a line-up of acclaimed chefs. Classes are concluded with students enjoying their cooking paired with Leopard’s Leap wines, as selected by Cellarmaster, Eugene van Zyl.

The Leopard’s Leap shop offers a selection of internationally renowned kitchen equipment and utensils, a comprehensive collection of food literature as well as trendy wine accessories, tableware, linen and practical lifestyle gifts.

For more information, our cooking class programme and online wine purchases, please visit www.leopardsleap.co.za

For more information or reservations, please contact us at +27(0)21 876 8002 or [email protected]

Cape Rouleur rolls through townThe Cape Rouleur cycling race, with its base in

Franschhoek, took place from 2 – 6 March 2014. Things got off to a wet and blustery start with

the 7,6km prologue on the Sunday evening taking place in Monsoon-like conditions.

The second stage (147km with a 2000m climb), involved tackling the Franschhoek Pass from both sides. Stephen Roche, Tour de France winner and legend, described it as “an amazing stage.”

Franschhoek rider, Geddan Ruddock, also stamped his mark on the race by placing in every climb and a sprint section. The other Franschhoekers in the race were Michael Guard, Riaan van Niekerk and Natie Ferreira.

The final stage was an epic 208 km long. Together with a stomach bug that was doing the rounds it thinned out the field from the more than 150 that started to only 95.

When it was all over Nicholas Dlamini riding for UBS/EJAF won the coveted 36ONE yellow jersey, with Karl Platt of Team Bulls taking the Pro Category jersey. The ladies jersey went to Jo Merritt, with the climbers jersey to Josh Hodge and Bradwin Daniels – the talented development rider from Cape Town Giants – winning the sprinters jersey. The best team award went to Team Oryx.

Comments on the race by leading cycling personalities were glowing:

Karl Platt said, “Once again I had a great time riding the Cape Rouleur. My highlight was taking the Franschhoek Pass Strava segment by almost 1.5 minutes in the Climbers Jersey Competition.”

Matt Prior, England Cricket Vice Captain commented “This is the first event I’ve done like this. I am keen to look at the calendar and see when I am available for the next one. The organisation has been fantastic and we have been looked after brilliantly.

Everyone has been so friendly and I’ve made some genuinely good friends this week.”

Well known cycling industry business man Humphrey Cobbold from London said, “I have ridden bike rides all over the world and there is no question in mind that this is one of the very best if not the greatest.”

The winner’s jersey handover was done at a braai hosted by National Braai Day founder Jan Braai and Stellenbosch Mayor, Conrad Sidego, at the race village next to the Huguenot Monument after the final stage.

The next day the riders undertook a 112km Festival Ride from Franschhoek to the V&A Waterfront where they rested for a couple of days before testing their legs again at the Argus Pick n Pay Momentum Cycle Tour.

3THE FRANSCHHOEK TATLERApril 2014

The peloton tackles the Franschhoek Pass

Pairing food and wine at Leopard’s Leap

Cellar Restaurant & Terrace

Experience the true marriage of food and wine.

“I’m newly inspired every day. By the view from the restaurant of the valley beyond. By the restaurant itself, with its vaulted ceilings and crystal chandeliers. By the window in the restaurant that gives you a glimpse of the underground cellar and that reminds me of what I’m here to do: To pair amazing food with spectacular wines. So, when I’m

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.

AddressPass Road (R45), FranschhoekCape Winelands

GPS Co-ordinates33°54'51.63"S : 19° 8'7.90"E

Reservations & Enquiries+27 (0)21 876 3688

[email protected]

For more information visitwww.cabriere.co.za


presented in association with “Les Vignerons de Franschhoek”

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

2014 or be forfeited.

La Bourgogne Progeny Semillon 2008

La MotteChardonnay 2011

Reuben’s Restaurant’sSmoked kabeljou with fennel-dill, prickly pear and rooibos dressing, cream cheese

Pierneef à la Motte’sSeafood Soup

Progeny, our Flagship, is pale gold in colour, has flavours of ripe honeydew and citrus with a subtle oak backdrop which soften the refreshingly crisp acidity. There are aromas of citrus and tangerine with a suggestion of caramel.Cellar Price: R69

Tel: 021 876 3245 Email: [email protected]

Two thirds of this wine was barrel fermented in French oak, the remainder in stainless steel tanks. Eleven months maturation in 30% new oak barrels. After blending another 12 months bottle maturation. Tropical with citrus fruit flavours and hints of cashew. Firm acid with low alcohol and traces of wood. Balanced, crisp and refreshing.Cellar Price: R110


Which cycling event returns to Franschhoek this month?

Cure - Ingredients: 4 x 100g portions of cleaned kabeljou, 200g brown sugar, 40g salt, 1 lemon zest, 1 sprig of rosemary, finely chop the zest and rosemary Method: Mix all ingredients together, rub on portioned fish and cover. Leave for 30 minutes. Then rinse.To smoke: Place some hay and smoking chips in the bottom of a deep oven dish. Light the charcoal on an open flame (gas burner) and place the briquette on the hay. Quickly place cooling rack over it and put fish on top of rack. Cover. Leave covered to smoke for 15-20 minutes until fish is fully cooked, remove skin then keep for serving. (The briquette might have to be replaced if needed.)Dressing - Ingredients: 100ml strong rooibos tea, 50ml fynbos vinegar, 60 ml olive oil, 2 prickly pearsMethod: Peel and roughly chop 1½ of the prickly pears, place

in a small pot with rooibos and vinegar and bring to a boil, strain through a fine sieve and add olive oil. Finely chop the other half and add to dressing. Dill and fennel - Ingredients: 50g fresh fennel, 5g fresh chopped dill, 15ml naartjie juice, 10ml olive oilMethod: Finely slice the fresh fennel mixed with chopped dill. Add oil and juice and leave till needed.

Serve the kabeljou and fennel dill with a spoon of whipped cream cheese on a plate with a few naartjie segments. Serves four.


Ingredients1 Tbsp (15ml) olive oil, 1 Tbsp (15ml) butter, 1 onion chopped, 1 leek, finely diced, 1 stalk celery finely sliced, 1 clove garlic pounded to a paste, 1 tsp (5ml) fresh root ginger pounded to a paste, ½ tsp (2.5ml) turmeric, 1 fresh red chilli finely sliced, Bouquet garni (thyme, bay leaf, parsley, fennel, chives, 2 crushed cardamom pods, 2 star anise), Zest and juice of 1 orange and 1 lemon, plus additional lemon juice, 200g Yellow tail cubed, 200g white fish (such as hake or Dorado), 200g red fish (snapper or roman) cubed, 2 ½ cups (600ml) fish stock, 1 Tbsp (15ml) ground dried seaweed (optional), ¾ cup (190ml) dry white wine, ½ (125ml) fresh cream, 2 egg yolks, Salt and freshly ground black pepper, 300g fresh black mussels, steamed or frozen mussels, Chopped fresh parsley and dill, for garnishing

MethodHeat the oil and butter in a large sauce pan. Add the onion, leek, celery, garlic, ginger, tureric, chilli and bouquet garni and sweat until soft. Add the citrus zest and juice and cook for 5 minutes. Add all the fish, the fish stock, ground seaweed and wine and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the cream and simmer for 5 minutes more. Remove and discard the bouquet garni. Beat the egg yolks with a dash of lemon juice. Pour in 2 Tbsp of the hot soup and beat well. Pour the egg mixture into the saucepan and cook over very gentle heat until thick – do no let it boil. Season to taste. Finally, just before serving, add the mussels (if using frozen, allow a minute or two to heat through) and garnish with chopped parsley and dill. Serves 8Tel: 021 876 8800 Email: [email protected]

In memory of a Tour de ForceMy Mother,

Genevieve Elise Antoinette (Née Leroy) Gould passed away on 28 February at the enthusiastic age of 91 years. I use the word enthusiastic because it describes her time on this earth very accurately.

By the time my brother and I arrived she was already known only as Ginette and she had married my Father in France. Arthur Frederick Gould, known as Ted, had been with the advance on D-Day in WWII and the regimental officers of the Westminster Dragoons were invited to meet Henry Leroy at his country house in Normandy.

It is folklore that Ted met Ginette, a gorgeous, curvaceous, green-eyed fiery blonde at 16h00 and by 22h00 he was to tell her he would like to marry her. My Mother was at the time engaged to one of France’s wealthy jewellers, but the result of my parents first meeting is described by my Father’s best friend that the Westminster Dragoons came and conquered within 24 hours!

My parents lived in France for several years prior to moving to England (hence my quite good English) and, following several positions as Hotel Managers, they created a pub and restaurant, called the Yew Tree, bordering the Wiltshire town of Salisbury. This became famous due to my mother’s legendary cooking ability and my father’s polite and sometimes volatile manner if clients misbehaved. He was however able to be diplomatic when the temper of the green-eyed blonde appeared, especially if anyone criticised her food. Mum would always refuse to serve steaks well done and could show she had a great command of the English language, despite the French accent she never lost. I recall a couple ordering their fillet steaks well done and, when

refused, insisting they were paying and had a right to have their meal exactly how they wanted. Mum, hands on hips, replied, “You certainly do have that right and I suggest you immediately find another place that caters to your standards.” Of course this could ruin the restaurant’s reputation, but it was usually diffused by my diplomatic father with the comment, “You have to understand she’s French - and they are different!”

Her cooking became that of legend and subsequent French chef personalities, such as the Roux Brothers and Raymond Blanc who moved to England, were often quoted as saying Ginette Gould was the pioneer of French cooking in England. She was awarded the recognition as a Dame de Chaine des Rotisseurs.

Her forceful personality was complemented by amazing stamina, a generous nature, and a love of entertaining and a love of Champagne.

Always opinionated and very proudly French, I remember on her first trip to South Africa we visited Franschhoek. Noting all the French names and the history she advised me, “This has to be the best town in South Africa because the French obviously brought not only the wine here, but obviously a love of good food and charm and finesse.” How right she was.


Shop No 3 | Franschhoek Square | Huguenot Street | Franschhoekt: 021 876 3426 f: 0866 143 869 e: [email protected] www.sofa-studio.co.za

SALE

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U A TEG AR N Eamon fr e

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We specialise in Residential & Farm Sales, Commercial, Rentals, Developments & Financing.

To discuss your needs with a Sales Partner please contact Janice or Kate Hicks:

C: Janice: 072 991 6272 E: [email protected]: Kate: 079 068 2130 E: [email protected]

Office phone: 021 876 4570

Shop 7, 62 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek(Next to Huguenot Fine Chocolates)

“What’s in a name?” they ask.The natives of Papua New Guinea communicate in a

‘patois’; they make words by association, so their word for helicopter is “Magimix belong Jesus Christ”. Full marks for ingenuity.

With wine labels however one needs to be a little more accurate as I found out a few years ago when a shipment of wine was sent to Germany. All the wine was impounded in a bonded warehouse because the label indicated that the wine was ‘Excellent with casseroles and pasta dishes’. A huge Teutonic finger pointed at me and explained that, “One may not presume excellence - that being the prerogative of the consumer”.

Duly chastened I found myself dealing with the ‘Gesundheitslicher Verbraucherschutz’, a sort of consumer’s watchdog. I was told that the wine would only be released once the labels were changed. A torrent of faxes ensued as I explained that the wine came from a small producer that could not afford the cost of removing the labels and having replacements printed and applied in Germany. Eventually common sense prevailed and the finger was lifted. I promised that we were eternally grateful for their invaluable advice and that this would not be repeated. The wine was released

but only after three month’s storage was paid - a costly lesson.

Today wine labels have moved far from the more formal etched chateaux or manor house. I see labels with African animals leaping from one side of the label to the other, artworks that would have Picasso spinning in his grave and other examples of viticultural whimsy. These offer scant information of the contents but are highly attractive on the shelves and they catch the eye of those who represent the majority of shoppers - the housewife. “I bought the wine because I liked the label”, she told me, but was the label read or just looked at? Was it actually enjoyed?

A wine label will tell us about the wine’s cultivar, vintage, origin, ageing potential (sometimes) and the alcohol content, together with a warning seemingly aimed at pregnant bulldozer operators, but applying to us all. Some purveyors grade or code their wines from dry to sweet but they cannot tell you which is better than the other, unless you use cost as a guide – and that is not always reliable.

The answer? Join a wine club, read wine magazines and books. Last resort – talk to your wine merchant and learn, learn, learn. It can be great fun.

26-29 April 2014This is the title of a conference to be held at the Dutch

Reformed Church at the end of April. The reason for offering it is that there cannot be a more necessary thing in our country than for this to happen.

Frank and Catherine Fabiano, both qualified Child Psychologists, found that, when they combined the emerging new insights being discovered about human development with biblical principles, amazing changes happened in the lives of the individuals who came to them. For over 20 years they have used this course in many countries with great effect.

Catherine, (Frank died a couple of years ago,) will be teaching this course, and as many as can fit into the church are welcome.

The conference will be free for those who cannot pay, and there is also some free accommodation. (If anyone is able to help with accommodation please do contact Jane on 083 654 8870)

Grace, Jane and Helen, who have attended this conference in Hong Kong, and seen the great and lasting help it has been to so many there are part of the group organising the conference.

Details can be obtained from the church or from Helen at [email protected] Tel 021 876 2557 or 083 654 8870

Healing your past, releasing your futureAnother master course by Ginette Gould

Dutch Reformed Church Hall


Experience Anthonij Rupert Wines and L’Ormarins by tram

Trams aren’t a regular sight in South Africa. Where they did operate they’ve long been replaced by other modes of transport. Visitors to L’Ormarins Estate and Anthonij Rupert Estate, however, now have the opportunity to experience this charming mode of transport.

Owner Johann Rupert’s vision of providing visitors with a unique and scenic way to travel between the two

visitor facilities has been realised with the introduction of two specially built trams. The two facilities are the Franschhoek Motor Museum on L’Ormarins Estate and the two tasting rooms (Terra del Capo and Anthonij Rupert) situated on the adjacent Anthonij Rupert Estate.

Based on the historic San Francisco trams, the newly-introduced trams look like their genuine counterparts, except that they do not travel on tracks but rather on the road. The trams will travel in tandem between the two estates, with each journey lasting approximately 30 minutes. Operating on a hop-on hop-off basis ensures visitors a relaxed and truly memorable experience as they ride through the scenic Winelands landscape.

Make a day of it. Start at the Franschhoek Motor Museum and then move on to tasting fine wines at the Anthonij Rupert and Terra del Capo tasting rooms before ending off your visit with a delicious lunch either under the olive trees or in the antipasto bar at the Terra del Capo tasting room. If you prefer, you could of course also do it in reverse order! Either way, you’re bound to have a great day.

The two trams will operate from March 2014. For more information contact 021 874 9004.

The L’Ormarins tram

Bridal Showcase31 May & 1 June 2014

Planning a wedding? Don’t know where to start or who to contact? The inaugural Franschhoek Bridal Showcase will answer all your questions and more.

Over the weekend of 31 May and 1 June you’ll have the opportunity to discuss ideas with a host of wedding suppliers who will be pulling out all the stops to impress you. In addition to venues, expect exhibitors to showcase dresses, cakes, stationery, registries, etc. Service providers such as musicians, DJs and photographers will also be present.

An online Franschhoek Wedding Registry will also be launched at the event. This will allow the bride and groom to select wedding gifts from Franschhoek specialist shops, wineries and more.

Franschhoek is the perfect venue to celebrate the most romantic day of your life. Breath-taking views, world class venues, fine dining and award-winning wines complete the package for this special day.

A central venue at Franschhoek Cellars as well as other showcase venues in and around the village, will

allow you the perfect opportunity to experience how wonderful a Franschhoek wedding can be.

The showcase will be open daily between 10h00 and 17h00 and costs R100 per person, which includes a complimentary tasting glass to sip, sample, savour and hopefully select your wedding wine.

Tickets are available from www.webtickets.co.za or on the day at the various showcase venues.

For more information contact the Franschhoek Wine Valley on 021 876 2861 or [email protected].

Learn loads at the only fruit-, wine- and vegetable expo in Africa

In 2013 the world’s fruit and vegetable production increased by 1.74 billion ton. That is 9.4% more than in 2012 according to the Bonn Agricultural Information Service.

The latest information regarding these key industries as well as wine research, production technology, packaging and marketing situations will be available from Wednesday 9 until Saturday 12 April at the 2014 Bien Donne Agri Cape Week (BDACW).

BDACW is the only combined, wine, vegetable and fruit expo in Africa and takes place at the Bien Donne Research Farm, Simondium.

The expo is being presented in partnership with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC). Farmers as well as the public will be spoiled with demonstrations, exhibits and competitions from agricultural inputs, processing and packaging needs to fresh farm produce all forming part of the expo theme: Champions in Agriculture.

This year pavilions set up for each industry will house the champions and those who regard themselves as champion suppliers and role players in each of these industries.

Panel discussionsPlanning includes a panel discussion regarding

the fruit industry with the theme: “Retaining and sustaining the competitive edge in farming” with previous winners of the production and processing awards as participants. Anyone interested in the future of the industry can be part of an interactive audience to support or disagree from the viewpoints of panel members.

The same theme has been suggested for a panel discussion in the Wine industry pavilion in partnership with the champions in the wine industry. A wine tasting area will also be open for the duration of the expo.

Industry Champions, Wine Makers of the Year, Young Wine Makers of the Year, Cellar Workers of the Year, winners of the annual wine awards, the Cape Winemakers guild as well as many other award winners are expected to participate.

Champions in the vegetable industry who are expected at the expo include the Potato Farmer of the Year, Seed Potato Farmer of the Year and the Researcher of the Year as well as the industry Farmworker of the Year.

www.biendonne.com

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24 May 2014“It’s like TV’s ‘Amazing Race’, but in winelands style,”

says Lions Ladies President, Lodine Maske, about their popular annual fundraising event, which this year takes place on 24 May.

All funds raised from the event go towards the purchasing of medical equipment for use by para-medics in the Franschhoek Community. The Lions are all volunteers and 100% of the funds raised go the specified causes.

The event features teams of four who participate in one car (no cheating!) as they set about finding treasures and performing tasks all over the valley. This year, if you prefer, you don’t even have to drive yourself. For only R100 your team can hire a designated driver for the day.

Participating teams will meet at Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards at 08h45 on Saturday, 24 May. Here teams will be issued with an information/clue pack before being sent off to go perform a series of tasks at different wine estates in the valley. Each clue will direct the team to a farm where they will do a tasting,

perform a task (where teams can win five cases of wine) and also a treasure hunt.

The entire hunt will be timed from the moment it starts until completed in a satisfactory manner and within the allocated time. Each team will visit a total of four wine estates and a venue of interest where they’ll enjoy wine tastings and snacks before ending the day with a late lunch. (Venue still to be confirmed when the Tatler went to press.) Sufficient time has been allocated to each task, so there’s no need to rush. Naturally, drivers are encouraged to sip and spit. Better still, get a designated driver.

The overall winning team will receive 20 cases of wine, while there are also prizes for the route winners and the best dressed team.

The event is a great opportunity for some good-natured fun with friends or family. Alternatively, why not get your colleagues involved and use it for some corporate team building? Remember, it’s all for a good cause.

Franschhoek Lions Treasure Hunt

CONTACT MARIANKA071 671 8918

MEDI HEALTH & SKIN CLINIC

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Facial (Mini peel, Oxygen therapy, Galvanic)

R350Shellac Gel Polish manicure

R150Back Massage & Spa Pedicure

R250Treatments at your house extra

R50

Bal lroom & Latin Dance Classes

Venues: Paarl & Wellington

Contact us atTel: 083 708 2649

Email: [email protected]: www.phoxdanceacademy.com

• Learn to dance socially or competitively

• Beginners welcome

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individuals or couples

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021 876 3310

Holiday HelplineSo… moms and dads, you’ve made it through the

first term of the school year. You’ve battled through ten weeks of dragging everyone out of bed in time for school. You’ve managed the occasional spat over what to wear to school (why you bought the Hello Kitty bag and not the Barbie bag is now a moot point) and the daily wrestle into the car seat. There is no denying that you’re just as much deserving of the upcoming holiday as your child is.

Wouldn’t it be nice if this holiday the kids only wake up at 09h00, or spend a day sitting quietly on the couch, reading books or even the whole day snuggling with you and bringing in a cup of tea every hour or so?

Then, of course, there are sure to be those all-too-familiar words: “What can I do? I’m bored!”

Here’s a list of what I hope will provide a week of ‘boredom–free’ children:

Mini marshmallow and toothpick creations. This will keep your child busy for ages building 3D structures.

Have a spy training day and create a giant laser beam maze using wool or string.

Have a rainbow toy hunt. Send your child on a mission to find all the blue toys, then the green etc.

and build a giant rainbow with the toys they collect.

Make a game of putting pasta pieces into a narrow-necked bottle, using tweezers. Add some rules, such as: ‘If the pasta drops you need to empty your bottle again’ and watch you kids have a ball.

Balloons and pool noodles. Keeping those balloons off the floor using the pool noodle as a bat is great for eye-hand co-ordination and should tire them out a bit.

Let them paint pictures on your windows with water colours.

Create a giant ice-cube excavation. Freeze a few small toys in a container and then provide your little one with a toy hammer or a stick to ‘free’ the trapped toys.

Jenny Karsen – Bumble Bee Playschool


Tatler Motoring by Michele Lupini

Tatler Motoring is prepared by Michele Lupini – find much more of Michele’s work in his AutoWeek newspaper on sale countrywide, and at PnP and BP in Franschhoek.

Boxting Clever

Fresh from testing in the Western Cape (and captured by the Tatler as they trundled through Franschhoek), Porsche has now made the enhanced Cayman and Boxster GTS models official. Upgraded power comes from a 246kW (Boxster) or 253kW (Cayman) tuned 3.4-litre flat-six good for sub-5-second 0-100km/h and 280km/h top speed with Active Suspension Management, 10mm lower ride height, 20-inch wheels standard and optional Carbon Ceramic Brakes. Expect them at Porsche Centre soon at around the R1-million mark.

Monster Magic

Meet the monster S63 AMG version of Mercedes’ chic new S-Class Coupe that moves the game beyond just natural beauty in a bigger and more lavishly equipped, but still 65kg lighter, version that ensures better fuel consumption and far more vivid performance. That thanks to 435kW and 900Nm for a velvet-gloved 4.3 sec 0-100km/h and a limited 250km/h top end. Packing Magic Body Control and ‘curve tilting’, the big Benz uses cameras to scan the road ahead and to prepare suspension dampening for an exemplary ride quality. Expect it in SA soon.

Volvo Concept EstateVolvo Concept Estate shows the brand’s future

intent through a clean, simple and very Swedish

new cabin with a single short row of controls below a large tablet-style touchscreen; riding on Volvo’s new modular SPA platform and powered by one of the company’s modular, new and efficient Drive-E engines.

Renault Sandero

Renault reckons its new Sandero revolutionizes entry-level motoring with fresh new styling, a new 66kW 5.2l/100km turbo three-pot and best in class safety alongside smart new infotainment and connectivity amidst new levels of spec. For the segment it delivers big features in a superb little package from just R131 900...

Lexus CT 200h

It’s been a busy time for motoring’s plastic surgeons with the launch of the re-worked more rigid Lexus CT 200h with improved suspension, the enhanced Hyundai iX35 with fresh LED head and taillights, subtle tech and styling tweaks throughout; and the 2014 Chevy Trailblazer with a fresh cabin, more powerful diesels and MyLink info tech.


THERE IS NO PL ACE LIKE RIA’S

Three busy teams now operate from my office: RIAPOOLS, VALLEY GARDEN SERVICES & RIAHOMESIf you are unhappy with your current services, I suggest you give me a call. We only need one key!YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!

5 STAR HOME SERVICES • POOL MAINTENANCE • GARDEN SERVICE • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT • PROFESSIONAL STAFF • WE ONLY NEED ONE KEY

RIA: 072 347 5355 OR ROY: 071 591 0342 • EMAIL: [email protected]

Natie FerreiraGardening in April

Frankie BrooksPlant of the Month

Total Storage 77.1%

This Time Last Year

53.2% - 72.2%

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

6974

2014

1136208388

24613940913161

2425

114767

150238484623

10321163122414661471

2013AccumulativeMonthAccumulativeMonth

As at 17 March 2014

Steenbras UpperSteenbras LowerWemmershoekVoëlvleiTheewaterskloofBerg River Dam

94.3%59.5%71.0%67.8%78.0%88.8%

Mimulus – Monkey MimeIf you’ve never heard of Mimulus before, it’s a great

time to become acquainted with this gorgeous little bloom. Mimulus, translated from Latin, means “mime” which refers to the funny clown-face the fat petals of the flower make when viewed head on. Its more well-known name, Monkey Flower, is also a reference to the flower shape.

We are blessed with a veritable treasure trove of hybrid seedlings, Mimulus x hybridus, to choose from when popping into our garden centres. These annuals come in a vast array of colours, from blotched or spotted to flamed and bi-coloured and even the good old standard solid colours. Remember to check the variety heights before you plant out your seedlings because they range anywhere from 10-30cm tall.

Mimulus thrive in warmer regions but will also perform in areas with light or little frost, especially if planted or placed in a protected position. Speaking of planting, these bright little faces prefer to be shaded from our harsh sun, at least partially, so pick a shady or semi-shade position and ensure the soil drains well because they like

very moist, but not waterlogged soil to rest in.Monkey Flowers make fabulous colourful borders to

beds when using the shorter varieties, in deep pockets in rockeries and they will look gorgeous planted up in some pots en masse. Mimulus requires little care, apart from the watering aspect, to look and stay looking good.

Information supplied by the Bedding Plant Growers Association. For more go to www.lifeisagarden.co.za

For those of us already feeling run-down by the rush of the first quarter of a new year April brings some welcoming relief. Not only the Easter week-end but another long week-end at the end of the month will help to rejuvenate body and soul. This year I will avoid the madness on the roads and focus on some long overdue garden and DIY tasks. Hopefully the sense of accomplishment that comes with ticking items off the to-do list on the fridge door will have the same therapeutic effect as a few days on the beach.

April can indeed be a fascinating and rewarding gardening month. Some boldly coloured shrubs are flowering at the moment and most of these bring an abundance of bird life. The deciduous trees are clothed in the most amazing colours. Evenings are simply spectacular with mind-blowing sunsets. Easter week-end is also traditionally the beginning of the rainy season in the Western Cape and this brings with it a host of new opportunities in the garden. As the ground softens and the temperatures drop we are moving into the main planting season. Fynbos and Mediterranean gardens do best if established in autumn. It is also the best season to plant trees and large shrubs; even transplanting existing trees can be done now. April is also a month of increase – not only is it the best month for dividing summer flowering perennials it is also the month for taking and rooting cuttings of especially summer shrubs.

All spring flowering bulbs can be planted as soon as the soil cools down. Make a point of planting more indigenous bulbs this year. We have such a wide variety of spring bulbs in the Western Cape that it is hard to choose between them all. Try some Babiana, Ixia, Lachenalia, Moraea, Sparaxis, Watsonia, Freesia or Nerine; you won’t be disappointed. These bulbs also don’t need to be lifted every year and can be left in the ground through summer. Sow seeds of winter flowering annuals like Arctotis, Felicia, Lobelia, Nemesia, Scabiosa, Anchusa and Osteospernum. All garden beds will be grateful for a good mulch of compost or manure. Fertilise all with a fertiliser low in nitrogen, but high in Phosphate and Potassium. Organic fertilisers normally have a decent micro nutrient profile as well and are also slower releasing than chemical alternatives.

The vegetable garden will require some planning this month. Most seeds and seedlings going into the ground now will occupy the bed space for a long time– I am thinking all the brassicas, broad beans, onions and leeks. So succession and where you want to do your spring and summer plantings are important points to consider now. Plant a cover crop on those beds you reserve for spring planting. Good choices are lupins, fava beans, oats, rye and white mustard. Even weeds or spring flowering annuals are better than leaving the soil bare. Other seeds that can be sown now include most root crops and lettuces.

In the kitchen:I have been busy as always trying to make the

most of the summer abundance. I have recently started to experiment with lactic fermentation (starting with sauerkraut) and am very excited for all the possibilities that this may hold. Any readers that have some practical experience of fermenting vegetables can contact me to share some ideas and tips.

We are pleased with our new SPCA sign that was kindly painted on our Groendal Clinic walls by Dawn Darlington. Thank you to Dawn and PaperChefs for your support.

With the recent hot weather we’ve had another busy month making sure animal owners kept fresh water available all day for their animals.

Unfortunately many owners are not monitoring the general health of their animals. Mange is a real problem with far too many animals having to be put to sleep as the sickness has progressed too far for successful treatment.

Weather permitting we do dipping on Monday and Wednesday evenings at our Groendal clinic. The cost is only R1 a dip and the dogs get a small treat bag. For those who prefer to dip their animals at home we sell small bottles of dip. Our team also does outside clinics where dipping and general health checks are done. If you see them in your area please bring your animals along.

Another wild horse rescue was done in Pniel after we received a report about a horse with barbed wire wrapped around his leg. It was clear that the injury was old, serious and painful. With the help of Karen and Freddie, a professional hunter, the horse was put down.

Checks were done in Franschhoek and Pniel where

dogs were running on chains. Where dogs are kept on running chains several regulations have to be complied with.

The running chain must be secured at ground level; The chain must be at least 5 meters long to allow the dog to freely run forwards and backwards; The second chain, that secures the dog to the running chain, must be at least 2 to 3 meters long so the dog doesn’t have strain against it; The dog must be able to move easily with no strain on his/her neck; The dog must be able to easily access fresh clean water at all times; The dog must have comfortable access to dry, covered shelter from sun and rain.

Winter is fast approaching, so we will now be checking on the animals that live outside to ensure they have dry and warm shelter.

We will be holding a sterilization day in April, for which our list is nearly full!

We welcomed two new youth volunteers. Matriculants Charlin and Carlton come along to the Groendal clinic and help with gate control and dipping.

Michelle, from Bridge House, is doing her community volunteer work towards her Presidents Award. We are grateful for her involvement in the work we do.

14 March 2014 dawned as another glorious day for our Bridge Drive Luncheon that was held at the Domaine des Anges Clubhouse. This year we raised over R18 000 thanks to the help and generosity of so many businesses and individuals in Franschhoek.

The morning began with a cup of freshly ground coffee, donated by Terbodore.

Thank you to our efficient barmen, Larry Mills, Peter van der Westhuizen and Mervin Minnaar, who served the mid-morning Pimms and then the wines during lunch.

The lunch boards were prepared by Carol Yammin and her team of Liz Mills, Fay Bentley, Grace Buchanan Clarke, Paddy Minnaar and Sarah Morton. The menu included mini chicken kebabs, quiches, salmon cakes with lime mayonnaise and fresh green salad, drizzled with balsamic vinegar and olive oil – all ingredients kindly donated by Mrs Mostert.

Thank you also to the volunteers who kindly made quiches for the lunch; Kathy Molenaar, Lindi Heyman, Liz Atkins, Gundi Caulkin, Linda Codling, Liz Mountain, Carol Dendy Young and Bronnie Orpen.

We would like to thank the following donors: Reuben’s, JADE, Leopard’s Leap, Les Secrets, Rosita and Derek Manser, Salon Excelsior, Cape Vue Guest House, Grande Province, Pat Ross, Rose Cottage, La Cotte Inn Wine Sales and Fromages de France, D’Cor Africa, Cooksensuals, Ruan du Plessis, Mary de Villiers, Boschendal, La Petite Ferme, Franschhoek Skin Care Clinic, Huguenot Fine Chocolates, MCC Franschhoek, Sue Everson, Who’s Murray?, Paddy Minnaar, TIGI, Indian Summer, VITAL, Tallulah’s, Auberge La Dauphine Guest House, Lyn de Villiers, Helen Siebert and David Walters.

Thank you also to the staff, volunteers and community members who made this possible. Lastly,

also thank you to the residents of Domaine des Anges for making their clubhouse available.

Apology: There has unfortunately been a mix-up with regard to the donation received for securing our parking area. A generous Franschhoek donor nominated Hospice as the beneficiary in a transaction and Greeff Properties should not have been acknowledged again in last month’s Hospice News. We regret the mistake and any offence that may have been caused.

Please diarise the following dates: Bumper Book Sale: 12 -17 May, 10h00 to 14h00 at Hospice House Nik Rabinowitz: 26 May (Please note that this is a new date.) 10h00 at the NGK Hall. Tickets R150 p.p. from Hospice House. Seats are limited! 3 Countries, 3 Courses Evening: 28 June at Café BonBon. Save the date!

Appeal for Help: We have a 17-year-old single mom, living in Langrug who has given birth to triplets, two girls and a boy. We are in desperate need of the following please:

Feeding bottles, disposable nappies for 2 – 3kg babies, baby clothing, toiletries, blankets, cot and a twin pram.


Probus Club

Bhabhathane NewsColleen DouglasHospice News

Alta Malherbe

Fire Away!Five of Franschhoek’s currently unregistered Early

Childhood Development centres (ECDs) received a massive helping hand towards becoming registered recently, when a number of local entities collaborated under the Bhabhathane banner to supply each of them with much needed fire extinguishers.

The process of registration is a taxing administrative exercise and the schools have benefited from Bhabhathane’s direct involvement through the efforts of Nichola de Havilland and the Department of Social Development. What has made Bhabhathane’s work easier is the tireless support of local organisations who recognise the mandate given to the organisation by the ECDs themselves and the government and the exponential positive effects of collaborative effort.

Bhabhathane is particularly grateful for the considered sponsorship of the ten requisite fire extinguishers by the local funding organisation, FRANCO, and the personnel of the NGO, Prochorus, to make clearing this particular hurdle in the registration process so much easier.

The five ECDs that received fire extinguishers care for in excess of 200 of the most impoverished and vulnerable pre-schoolers in the valley. These pre-schoolers constitute the tip of the ECD iceberg that presently sees about 700 children follow a formal pre-school programme. Bhabhathane believes that the registration of these schools will motivate the establishment of new registered schools, and informal (but monitored) playgroups, which will ultimately see all the approximately 1500 pre-school children in the valley benefit from a sound education foundation.

The objectives of the Bhabhathane ECD project include full enrolment, increased capacity and

upgrading of existing ECD centres, the development of a compliant common curriculum, support of the ECD Forum, assisting ECD centres to become registered and funded by the Department of Social Development, assisting teachers to become qualified and to provide food to all learners in need.

For more information about the ECD project, contact Brett Garner at [email protected], or Alastair Wood at [email protected] regarding Bhabhathane.

Brett Garner (of Prochorus), representing Bhabhathane and Yannis Acavalos (of Shofar Christian Church)

representing FRANCO hand over a fire extinguisher to the children and staff of the Mzamo ECD

Transformation Charter expands its interests

The theme of the 10 February meeting of the Farm Dialogue project of the Charter was the process through which good communication between farm workers and farm owners lead to good relationships and a good sense of responsibility. The desired outcome would be better leadership by all parties. One way to achieve this is to create farm committees on all the fruit and wine farms in the Franschhoek Valley.

The farm committee of Solms-Delta was invited to explain how such a committee operates. Quinton Adams, the chair, described the processes and responsibilities of their committee. Amongst other things, it explains rules and regulations to workers, it also schedules regular meetings with management, it deals not only with labour matters, but also social and educational issues, it arranges both meetings and functions (like music and picnics) to get workers to know each other, and also for children to get to know each other and find role models in adults.

The Farm Dialogue agreed that even a small farm with only a few workers should meet regularly as the benefits were so obvious. The members committed themselves to addressing the issue of farm committees seriously in 2014.

The convener of the Choir Project (and chair of the Charter) Dr Jeremy Davids reports that the choir leaders are still meeting regularly and plans are being discussed to stage a valley-wide choir competition later in the year. Not only is this project introducing its participants to new skills (like sight-reading music) but it is strengthening relations between outlying communities in the valley.

John van Zyl

Dr Jeremy Davids

The Franschhoek Backgammon Club’s inaugural league concluded on Tuesday, 18 March. In the photo above a few members celebrate with the league’s winner, D. Norris, and commiserate with the wooden spoon recipient, N. Palmer – with the spoon in front of his eye.

The next league is set to commence on 8 April at Taki’s Place. Everybody is welcome regardless of age, gender, ability etc. A R50 joining fee is payable.

Please contact Taki or Graeme for details, rules, etc. Taki’s Place: 021 876 4161 Graeme: 072 815 8209 or

[email protected]

Backgammon club final

Luncheon Meeting – 7 April 2014, 12h30 for 13h00, La Petite Dauphine – Studio/Café Bonbon

For this meeting we have one of our members from way back, Liz Richards, who is now back in South Africa after a while overseas and she is going to tell us all about their experience. She names her talk “Everything runs on time - three and a half special years in Switzerland.” This promises to be another very interesting talk.

Feel free to bring along your membership fees for 2014.

As usual, our meeting will be on the first Monday of the month which will be 7 April 2014.

Should anyone, who is not a member, want to join us for lunch, please contact Alta Malherbe on 021 876 3179 to reserve a seat. As usual we order lunch from a limited menu and each pays their own account. Please bring cash. Members will receive an invite to reply to.

See you there!!

SPCAMaggi Marjoram

Bridge Drive Luncheon


LettersSiegfried Schäfer

Editor’s Letter

FRANSCHHOEK WINE VALLEY NEWS

[email protected]

Lodine MaskeLions Club

Franschhoek Tatler Tel 021 876 3460 Email [email protected] Tatler Online www.franschhoektatler.co.zaDeadlines - May 2014 Issue - Ad Bookings: 13 April 2014 Artwork: 15 April 2014 Editorial: 13 April 2014

Goodbye FranschhoekDear EditorWe are a German couple who have avoided

the European winter for the past 5 years in the Franschhoek area. We always rent a house; this year we rented in the Village du Reservoir. We felt safe here but 2 weeks ago a burglar broke into my bedroom while we were watching TV. The burglar escaped with my wallet, credit cards and an mp3 player. I saw him disappear through the upper window.

We went to the Franschhoek Police Station the day after, but they were not interested to open up a case, because we were not the owners (of the house). That’s the easy way to avoid work.

We learned meanwhile that there are a lot of burglaries in Franschhoek these days. These people apparently watch houses and as soon as they have enough information they come and break in. Is Joburg already next to Franschhoek?? We moved out meanwhile and fly back home in 2 weeks.

We do not want to be surrounded by criminals so we will never ever come back to this area.

I do not mind if you publish this letter.Kind regardsR. Steinberger

Electricity woesDear EditorLast week I checked our “Conlog” to find out if I

had to refill the power.The meter was dead – no power.At the back of the meter is it mentioned: “This

electricity meter is the property of the supply authority and never sold. The use hereof is subject to the supply authority’s published conditions of supply. Only replace with 1 X AA 3.6V Lithium Thionyl Chloride Battery.”

For 3 days, I went around Franschhoek, but nobody had seen this type of battery. P&P, Build It, Agri Mark, Photo Shop, Clicks – you name it! I went all over without any success.

Nobody at the municipal office knew anything about the meter either and did not try to support me at all.

I did send an e-mail to the supplier of the meter and received a quick response – they will call back as soon as possible. After that I heard nothing.

I did buy more power at P&P on 26 Feb in the hope that I could get things sorted out. (No battery in Conlog- no power in the house.)

Sunday 2 March at 20h00 the power went off – no lights – no nothing.

We called the municipality in Stellenbosch and the person on duty promised to send a serviceman. We repeated the call an hour later and got the same response. Nobody arrived.

A new call followed on Monday morning. After a few minutes 2 engineers turned up at our gate in Franschhoek.

In less than half an hour they had changed the power in the Conlog, to 2 x 1.5V standard batteries, which can be sourced all over Franschhoek.

The engineers asked why we did not call when the problem occurred, since they were on duty for the weekend!!

The engineers arriving was a very pleasant experience, but the persons who were on duty Sunday evening should not be honoured at all.

Svein Fr. Tande

Still barking madFellow sufferers,There can’t be many people in the village who don’t

have this problem.Dog owners who allow their dogs to bark incessantly

have no compassion for their dogs or neighbours; they are inconsiderate and ill mannered.

Last Saturday week our neighbours went out for the day leaving their dogs in the garden. They barked from 16h00 and didn’t stop until 23h50 – nearly eight hours. Enough!

In reporting it to the Police station I was referred to the “Law Enforcement Officer” at the Municipal office. He took the complaint very seriously and has issued the owners with an official warning and if the nuisance persists they will receive a court order and a fine.

Please don’t have any sympathy for anyone who does not have any consideration for you.

We are privileged to live in, perhaps, the best village in the world. Its tranquillity should not be marred by a few thoughtless individuals. The Law is there to protect our peaceful environment. Use it.

A final message to those dog owners in your vicinity: I will not be buying your house!

John Quin

Good blokesDear Editor As I stopped my car in front of the Post Office two

friendly men came up to me and said: “Tannie het ‘n pap band.”

To my surprise (I had not noticed it) they were right and lo and behold they even offered to change my tyre for me.

Being a pensioner I gratefully accepted and in no time it was fixed. They didn’t want to accept any compensation, and I do not know their names, therefor via our Tatler I do want to thank them wholeheartedly again.

The real Franschhoek spirit! Elly Michel

Dear ReadersThe conclusion of the Cape Epic once again got me

thinking about the untapped outdoor and adventure tourism opportunities around Franschhoek.

It’s a pity that the Epic doesn’t visit Franschhoek anymore. I understand that the riders simply love the dam at the Elgin Country Club too much to give it up!

In 2008 the Epic had a sister event for trail runners – the Cape Odyssey, which did visit Franschhoek. Apparently it fell victim to the recession.

I think it would be great, and not impossibly difficult to organise, if Franschhoek hosted a multi-day annual trail running event of epic proportions. The Franschhoek Odyssey, if you like!

It could start at the Berg River Dam’s wall; follow the Wemmershoek road for a bit and then turn off right into the Wemmershoek Mountains. A circuit of the Wemmershoek Dam could even be possible. From Wemmershoek the route could hook up with the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve trail network towards the Franschhoek Pass (either via Uitkyk or Perdekop). After crossing the pass the route could go behind Middagkrans to ‘Die Plaat’ and then come back down into the valley approximately via the old elephant path before crossing over Keerwedersnek into Assegaaibosch and from there back towards the starting point via Matoppie.

Part of this route already exists in some form and it mostly crosses public land. In fact, I believe it could be possible to devise a route that doesn’t cross any private land at all, should landowners have concerns. A race village at the Huguenot Monument (like that of the Cape Rouleur that also ended last month) would provide a focus to the event.

The challenges and scenic beauty of such an event would, I’m pretty sure, in short order garner as much media exposure as the Epic does. It would also greatly contribute to establishing Franschhoek as a centre for outdoor activities. Best of all outdoor activities peak in tourism’s shoulder season, which means it would also counteract the extreme seasonality of the tourism industry in the valley.

On a completely different note I’ve finally gotten around to organising the Tatler’s archive, which is now near complete. It seems the only missing copies are those of March 1997 and October 2001. Should you have them and be willing to donate them, I’d love to hear from you.

Thank you to Ellie Greeff, Barry Phillips and Andrea Desmond-Smith for donating their Tatler collections to the archive. Between them they account for the entire archive!

Look out for repeats of articles from the back issues in future Tatlers!

Until next month

Franschhoek Family FunThe Easter holidays are upon us. Like many parents

you may already be running out of ideas on how to keep the family and kids entertained? Franschhoek is the perfect family and holiday destination offering something for everyone.

Kick start your experience in Franschhoek with a visit to the world renowned Huguenot Fine Chocolates – pure chocolate heaven! Indulge in a chocolate tour which includes the history of chocolate, a chocolate making demo, tasting and small gift. Should you visit them during the Easter holidays don’t miss out on taking a ‘dip with a marshmallow’ in their chocolate fountain, or stock up on delicious Easter inspired pastries.

What would a visit to Franschhoek be without enjoying a laid back picnic on a beautiful wine farm? A must on your to do list. Enjoy a summer picnic at Boschendal, Noble Hill, Grande Provence, Mont Rochelle Hotel and Mountain Vineyards, Alleè Bleue, Holden Manz or Solms-Delta.

Franschhoek is home to a vast selection of family friendly restaurants. While mom and dad enjoy a delicious meal in a relaxed setting, the kids can play in a secure environment. Restaurants include, amongst others, Bread & Wine at Môreson, Col’Cacchio Pizzeria, Dieu Donné, Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards, La Petite Ferme, Tables at Backsberg and Val de Vie. Not only do these restaurants cater for the family, but the kiddies’ play areas have been set up with their young customers in mind.

A hop-on hop-off tour on the Franschhoek Wine Tram is one of the best ways to discover the essence of the Franschhoek Valley – picturesque vineyards, breath-taking scenery, warm hospitality, world-class cuisine, fine wines and a 300-year history. Visitors to Anthonij Rupert Wine and L’Ormarins now also have the opportunity to experience both farms in one visit by means of their recently launched trams. Using the

traditional San Francisco trams as a guideline, these trams look like their genuine counterparts with the only difference being that these do not travel on tracks but rather on the road.

For the adventurous there are numerous cycling routes available in and around the area. Should you not own a bicycle contact Franschhoek Cycles for bicycle hires. Tayne Ruddock, a qualified guide, offers guided half-day bike tours tailor made to suit your needs. Alternatively a variety of horse riding tours is offered at Cape Winelands Riding and Paradise Stables. The Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve offers a number of trails through fynbos and into the mountains, ranging from short and easy to a strenuous day trail. All of them start at the main gate at the top of the Franschhoek Pass and the views are unsurpassed. You can also opt for a less strenuous walk and enjoy a garden tour at Babylonstoren. This garden was inspired by the Company Gardens of the Cape, and dates back to the mythical garden of Babylon. Every one of over 300 varieties of plants in the garden is edible and fruit and vegetables are harvested all year round for use in the restaurant.

The Franschhoek Motor Museum at L’Ormarins is heaven for anyone interested in cars, offering visitors the opportunity to look back at more than 100 years of motoring history with its unique and exciting collection of vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and memorabilia in the magnificent setting of L’Ormarins. Museum van de Caab is a small museum located on the Solms-Delta Wine Estate and highlights the Valley’s history from the Stone Age, the slave history of the farm, recordings of San people talking and singing.

This is just a fraction of what you can expect to do. For further details visit http://franschhoek.org.za/tours-activities/franschhoek-for-families/

Spons-‘n-Onnie pret!

Dis nie aldag wat leerders toestemming het om hulle onderwysers met voorwerpe te gooi nie. Wanneer dit dus wel gebeur moet hulle ten beste gebruik maak van die geleentheid. En het hulle nie!

Die geleentheid was Hoërskool Franschhoek se jaarlikse Spons-’n-Onnie fondsinsamelingsprojek wat

op Vrydag, 7 Maart, plaasgevind het. Dit is een van die skool se belangrikste fondsinsamelingsprojekte. (Van die 23 onderwysers word slegs 12 deur die onderwysdepartement betaal.)

In die foto bo bestook die matriekklas hule onderwysers met mening. Dit lyk asof hulle dit geniet het, of hoe?

ACVV FranschhoekElke nuwe jaar het sy vreugdes en hartseer. ‘n

Vreugde vir die ACVV Franschhoek, is dat Shoprite Checkers hulle verbind het om vir die volgende jaar R2000 per maand in die vorm van geskenkbewyse aan ons te skenk. Die minderbevoorregte gesinne – veral die kinders – in Groendal en omgewing gaan baie baat vind by die skenking. Die sopkombuise en die koskas by die ACVV kantoor gaan vir die volgende jaar uit sy nate bars. Baie dankie aan Shoprite Checkers vir die skenking. Dit is goed om te weet dat julle ‘n hart het vir die wat min het.

Die ACVV neem met hartseer afskeid van een van ons maatskaplike werkers, Me Anthea de Villiers. Ons wil haar bedank vir haar onbaatsugtige werk. Baie sterkte met die nuwe fase van jou lewe en ons bid jou baie seën toe.

Dit gaan baie goed met ons projekte. Die potjiekos op 15 Maart was weereens ‘n fees van eet en samesyn. Dankie aan almal wat kaartjies gekoop het en ons so ondersteun het. Fleur de Lis het heerlik gesmul aan afvalpotjie wat geborg is deur die Franschhoek Klub en Roubaix Varsprodukte.

Hou die pers dop vir nog projekte deur die ACVV. Die ACVV is baie afhanklik van die die opbrengs

van die projekte. Die doel is om vir ons werkers ‘n mededingende salaris te bied. Kontak ons gerus by 021 876 2670.

Anthea de Villiers

Riana Pretorius

Two new members were inducted into the Franschhoek Lions Club on 10 March. In the photo above are FLTR: Gerald Fourie (Franschhoek Lions President), Emile Webber (Regional

Chairman), Chris Colston (new member) and Thys Geyser (new member).

Life is so meaningful...if you allow it to beIt is extraordinary how many books, articles, radio

and TV programmes have been generated in the recent past aimed at helping people to find meaning in their lives. It is really instructive to unpack this phenomenon and to try to understand its genesis.

I read in a recent Fortune magazine article that the amount of information generated in the last two and half years is more than in the rest of world history! That in itself is an extraordinary statistic and I believe goes some of the way to explaining why people are feeling detached and alienated from this amazing planet upon which we live.

In recent workshop of about 30 participants I asked who had more than one mobile phone (all of them!), who had both notebook/tablet and laptop (everyone), who had a desktop as well (half). Just imagine the overwhelming tidal wave of info that bombards all of us all the time and what amazing steps we take to make sure that it can actually happen with increasing velocity, 24/7. You begin to understand the control that “social” media have over the minds and thought processes in society when you see people on a Saturday evening out for a lovely relaxed dinner and evening of ‘social’ interaction and both people are busy almost the entire evening on their ‘smart’ phones!

How does one manage this effectively? How does one prevent it from controlling one’s life; rather than the other way around? Is this technology really ‘social’?

The inevitable conclusion that one must come to is that it is not all social. Indeed it is frankly anti-social, or at the very least a-social.

That is the first challenge.The second is similar, but different. The ‘social’

media do not deal with the substance of anything – it is all in sound bites or 140 characters, or the headlines. This level of superficiality cannot in any

way constitute an effective form of communication. It can only share information at the most superficial, spontaneous level along with the ever-present risk of misinterpretation, as some very high profile individuals have discovered.

There is another challenge that the users of this technology have to contend with and that is that we are sucked into becoming entirely responsive, reactive individuals. With the welter of information coming at us there is no time left for anything in-

depth, of substance; it is almost impossible to live mindfully, consciously and fully in the present. We are always bombarded with the distraction of information that comes at us in a growing plethora of shapes and forms. One of the latest toys to be launched is a PC connected to one’s eyes that one drives with the eye and content is constantly

being thrust at you. In short, there is no chance of escape.

This may well seem like a diatribe against technology and the constant advances it is making. It is not that. There is a great deal to recommend all the new toys and the software that drives them, but unless we learn to manage them they will drive us when it should and must be the other way around.

Living a mindful and fully conscious existence means being really present in the present and giving it your full consciousness. This means that there must be times when you switch off your mobile phone/s, your notebook, your tablet, your PC, your laptop. Unless you do this you will be distracted. You will miss a great deal, you will be the loser. And, almost as important as these may be, you will be showing disrespect to those you are with and who have a right to expect your full attention and your conscious, fully mindful presence!

[email protected]

Where are you with Temporary Employment Service TES?In the recent case of National Union of Metalworkers

of SA (NUMSA) v Abancedisi Labour Services the Supreme Court of Appeal took to task a temporary employment service (TES), or labour broker, that had left its employees’ employment in abeyance (similar to a lay-off or time-off until production increases) for over ten years.

During 2001, Kitsanker (Pty) Ltd concluded an agreement with a TES by the name of Abancedisi Labour Services (Abancedisi) to provide it with employees. The employees who were employed directly by Kitsanker entered into voluntary retrenchments and were immediately re-employed by Abancedisi on a limited duration contract for which their services would be at Kitsanker’s disposal, but the location and terms and conditions of employment remained precisely as before.

After a work stoppage during July 2001, Kitsanker required employees to sign a code of conduct to regulate industrial action. Kitsanker refused to allow any employee onto its premises who did not sign the code of conduct. Upon enquiry from NUMSA, Abancedisi confirmed Kitsanker’s position and stated that the employees would not be paid any wages since they were only paid for work performed.

An unfair dismissal dispute was referred to the Bargaining Council in which Abancedisi claimed that the employees had not been dismissed but in fact remained on their payroll. Thereafter, the dispute was referred to the Labour Court where the same point in limine was raised and upheld.

On appeal to the Labour Appeal Court (LAC) the LAC maintained the view that the employment relationship had continued and that the employees’ situation had merely amounted to an indefinite suspension.

The employees thereafter appealed to the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA). In reference to the employment contract the SCA found that it was specifically linked to the Kitsanker project. As Abancedisi had made no effort to secure alternative work for the employees after the expulsion of employees by Kitsanker, and Kitsanker

filled the employees’ posts, the contract of employment had been terminated.

The SCA further found that Abancedisi had not paid the employees any wages, and there was nothing “even slightly resembling the characteristics of an employment relationship remaining between the parties beyond the illusory retention of employees on Abancedisi’s payroll”. The effect of Abancedisi’s conduct was that there was material breach of the employment contract that entitled the employees to cancel it.

The LAC’s view that the employees were on an indefinite suspension was found to be unsupported by the evidence. The SCA ordered that the dismissal was unfair, and Abancedisi was ordered to pay the employees

twelve months’ compensation each and costs.

This judgment has come hot on the heels of the amendments to the Labour Relations Act, No 66 of 1995 (LRA). In terms of s198A(3)(a) and (b) of the Labour Relations Amendments Bill (LRAB), an employee who performs a temporary service and who is the employee of the TES in terms of s198 (2), or is not performing such temporary services for the client, is

deemed to be the employee of that client and the client is deemed to be the employer.

In terms of s198(4A) of the LRAB, the client of a TES is jointly and severally liable in terms of the current s198(4) of the LRA, or if they are deemed to be the employer in terms of s198A(3)(b).

The employee may then institute proceedings against either the TES or the client, or both. In addition, in terms of s198(4A)(c) any order or award that is made against a TES or client may be enforced against either.

Had this case been determined on the provisions of the LRAB, the employees could have cited both Abancedisi as well as Kitsanker. Even if they had not cited Kitsanker they could have chosen to enforce the order against either Abancedisi or Kitsanker. The LRAB accordingly requires both the TES as well as the client, to follow fair labour practices in all circumstances going forward, including the impact on employees at the end of a contract.


Business LeadershipLabour Law

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It seems that business in general in Franschhoek has been on the up with almost every industry showing positive signs and growth. One indicator of this is the availability or scarcity of retail shops and office space – the “vacancy factor” that economic researchers refer to.

Two years ago there was a myriad of vacant shops in the main road. Many a businessperson felt the doom and gloom of a retracting economy and, specifically in Franschhoek, the oversupply of retail space. Well that has changed!

A simple study of what is currently to let and available shows that there are only three vacant shops with direct main road access or visibility and a further seven shop/offices off the main road with limited visibility. Furthermore, the three are at the tail ends of the main street. We will be monitoring the availability carefully as an indicator of the future economic climate in the heart of the village.

On the property sales front there has also been great improvement. Some of the bigger deals that have occurred recently were the sale of multiple properties to a South African Company with international backing, (Klein Dassenberg, Dieu Donne guest farm

and surrounds). I estimate their investment to be in excess of R150m! It is believed that the property will be developed as a small but ultra-luxurious boutique hotel and winery. They have restored and improved the Von Ortloff winery and they envisage producing some of SA’s premier wines with the team they have put in place. Although a high value investment the focus is on low density and low-key operations. The sale of L’Ermitage Chateau and Villas to an existing villa owner residing in Durban, and the sale of the phase 2 undeveloped land of L’Ermitage to start with the development of an extension of that property indicates that Franschhoek is still seen as a highly desirable destination!

There has also been an increase in international residents investing in Franschhoek, with people from Norway, Switzerland, the UK and India wanting to own a part of the magic. An interesting statistic we found on the profile of people who own villas in L’ermitage was that 60% of the buyers reside in Cape Town and 40% in Johannesburg, a trend we think will change in the near future!

Thys Geyser

Big BrotherBy Lionel Shriver

Publ: The Borough Press, 404 pagesImagine you had an elder brother whom you

have not seen for a few years. You believe he is still a glamorous, talented jazz pianist in New York, surrounded by hordes of adoring women. Imagine that he suddenly appears on your doorstep, telling you that he is between gigs and needs a place to chill for a few weeks. The only problem is that he now weighs 386 lbs (175kg.) He is obese, in denial about his appearance and out of a job. What do you do? Listen to your husband and send him away? Or try and rescue him by helping him to slim down to manageable proportions?

This is the core of the latest novel by Lionel Shriver. She has never been afraid to tackle controversial subjects. For instance, school killings were the subject in “We Need to Talk about Kevin,” and terminal cancer was the theme of “So Much for That.” Obesity is a major concern world-wide these days, and on a social and cultural level the f-word has become controversial to say the least. However, Shriver uses the subject of obesity to elaborate on the larger themes of family, marriage, success and fulfillment in present-day America.

Pandora, the central figure, is a 40-year-old woman, stepmother to two children, and married to Fletcher, who is a fitness fanatic. He also makes individually handcrafted, but often unusable, pieces of furniture. She, on the other hand, is a highly successful business woman, creating a fortune by designing an ingenious talking doll that can be customized to mimic a person’s speech habits.

Pandora is an entirely believable character (much like the mother in “Kevin”) who is called upon to cope with difficult challenges from her family. Fortunately, she is intelligent, self-aware, ironic, the sort of person that can be relied upon to meet the demands of life sensibly.

Edison, the obese brother, is indeed a challenge and her response at first seems the opposite of sensible. She decides to set aside a year to help reduce his weight to a reasonable 170lbs. This is a measure of the sense of responsibility she feels towards her brother. But she has to pay a price for this. She becomes estranged from Fletcher and her stepson, she neglects her business and becomes anorexic herself. Driving her and providing a motive is her memory of the wonderful abilities and charisma of the gifted young Edison.

Shriver’s skill as a novelist lies in her ability to make the psychological processes of weight loss suspenseful, but also engaging and at times, grimly funny. She persuades the reader to react sympathetically to the obsessive behavior of both Pandora and Edison by evoking all the details of buying and measuring foodstuffs that contribute to weight loss, and judging precisely how many calories one substance has, and how much is lost, or gained, in cooking. The sheer lists of fibre content, and protein, and carbohydrates in well-known brand names make one look anew at the content of your kitchen shelves.

Shriver’s writing skills in creating sentences that are precise and fluent and in using words that convey exactly the emotional punch that she needs to make the novel work, prevents the novel from ever being sensational or exploitative. This is finely-honed prose.

The end of the novel is so surprising, even shocking, that one feels compelled to go right back and read it all over again. It is no secret that Shriver herself had an obese brother that she unsuccessfully tried to help and who died after a sustained process of weight loss. Perhaps this event had an influence on the sobering end of the novel.


Charlotte van Zyl

That Property Guy

Book Review

On the Property Front

Baie geluk met die oorwinning. Dis baie opwindend dat ‘n gebore Franschhoeker die Argus gewen het. Hoe moeilik was dit?

Ek dink die jaar was moontlik die moelikste Argus waaraan ek nog deelgeneem het, die wind het ‘n groot impak gehad op hoe die wedren afgespeel het. Dit het dit moeilik gemaak vir ryers om weg te breek. My span moes hard werk om die wedren bymekaar te hou en alles het goed uitgewerk vir ons op die dag.Hoeveel keer het jy al die Argus gery en gaan jy

volgende jaar jou titel verdedig?Hierdie jaar was die tiende keer dat ek deelgeneem

het en die eerste keer wat ek kon ry sonder teëspoed, ongelukke, papwiele ens…Dis altyd moeilik om ‘n titel suksesvol te verdedig, maar ek is reg vir die uitdaging, vanjaar se wen het my baie selfvertroue gegee en ek sal graag weer wil wen.Hoeveel uur per week is jy op jou fiets en wat

anders behels jou oefenprogram?Ek oefen tussen 20 en 26 ure ‘n week met een rusdag.

Die meeste van my ‘training’ is op die fiets. Ek fokus op my spoed en doen geen ander tipe oefen bv. gym of draf nie, want dit is nie eintlik goed vir fietsryers nie.Hoe lank ry jy al professioneel en wanneer het jy

‘n spanlid van Abantu geword?Hierdie jaar is my 9de jaar as professionele ryer en ek ry

al 3 seisoene vir my huidige span.Wat is die moeilikste wedren wat jy al gery het? Ek sal sê die moeilikste wedren wat ek al gedoen het is

Tour of Quinghai Lake in Sjina. Dit is in ‘n afgeleë streek

in die noorde van Sjina en dit is op ‘n hoogte van tussen 2800 en 4000m bo seevlak met afstande van tussen 140 en 200km per dag vir 10 dae. Jou pa en jou oupa

het jou van kleintyd ondersteun. Was hulle jou inspirasie?

Defnitief! Hulle het altwee ‘n groot rol gespeel in my sukses, my pa was een van die mees hardwerkende mense wat ek nog geken het. Ek dink

ek het die eienskap van hom ge-erf en ek kon dit toepas in sport.Hoe was Mike Bosman betrokke by die begin

van jou fietsry?My pa het Mike gevra vir ‘n borgskap om my te help

met toerusting vir my sport, skoene, helm ens. Hy was my eerste borg. Mike het sonder huiwering gehelp en dit het my hoop gegee om harder te werk en groter borge te kry. Hoekom het jy toe jy in Groendal op skool was

fietsry bo rugby verkies?Ek het rugby gespeel vir ‘n ruk maar ek was nie goed

daarin nie, dit was maar ‘n manier om fiks te bly vir my deur die winter. Toe ek begin kompeteer in fietsry het ek onmiddelik goed gedoen en dit was dus maklik om fietsry bo rugby te kies.Jou ma sê sy is gewoond daaraan dat jy ver

is, maar verlang. Sal jy eendag terugkom Wes-Kaap toe?

Dis maar die aard van my sport om weg te wees van die huis af vir lang tydperke, so ek moes Johannesburg toe verhuis om my sport te beoefen. Meeste fietsrywedrenne gebeur in die provinsie, maar die Kaap bly my huis en na sport trek ek terug Franschhoek toe.

met Nolan Hoffman, wenner van die Cape Argus Pick n Pay Momentum fietsrywedren

L’Ermitage Chateau and Villas

14 April 2014

REDUCE RE-USE

RECYCLE

Cell: 083 252 1054

Fax: 021 876 3501

E-mail: [email protected]

Aansoeke word ingewag vir ‘n gekwalifiseerde MAATSKAPLIKE WERKER. Geskikte kandidate moet aan die volgende vereistes voldoen: • Registrasie by SA Raad vir Maatskaplike Diensberoepe. • Kandidaat moet bereid wees om al drie metodes van maatskaplike werk toe te pas. • Wettige kode 08 rybewys • Engels en Afrikaans magtig. • Xhosa magtig is ‘n sterk aanbeveling. Salaris volgens vasgestelde ACVV skaal. Sluitingsdatum: 15 Februarie 2014. Diensaanvaarding: So spoedig moontlik. Volledige CV/navrae kan gerig word aan: Die Voorsitter, ACVV Franschhoek, Posbus 216, Franschhoek, 7690. Tel.: 021 - 876 2670, Faks: 021 - 876 2688, E-pos : [email protected]

KITTENS AND DOGS looking for homes. Call Annette 021 876 3155BOOK BINDING AND BOOK REPAIRS. John Hicks 082 361 0900 or john@thearmchair explorer.co.zaFRENCH TUTOR: Do you want to speak French? Are you planning a holiday in France? Have you got French clients? An experienced French tutor is now available in Franschhoek to help you ‘parlez Français’. Call Jean Jacques on 078 757 2523. WHY NOT DELEGATE the maintenance of your garden into our RELIABLE hands. Tel: 072 3475355RENTAL PROPERTY WANTED: From 1 Dec 2014 to 28 Feb 2015 for 2 Adults. Small property within 5 to 10 minutes walk from centre of town with 1/2 bedrooms, 1/2 en-suites/bathrooms. Reception room with dining area, Kitchen with cooker, fridge/freezer and washing machine. Garden area and/or verandah with pool. Happy to negotiate rental period and charges. References supplied. Email: [email protected] GARDENS deserve our expert pruning. Valley Garden Services: 0723475355HONEST HOUSESITTER / Responsible Caretaker / Caring Pet-sitter / Reliable Staff Supervisor / Home Manager. Short-term / Long-term. References available. Sue Reader 083 270 9555EXCESS BOOKS? Shelves creaking, moving house or just thinning out your collection? Contact John Hicks. 021 876 4129GUITAR, DRUMS & BASS LESSONS: Guitar - Trinity Rock & Pop, Rock schools and

much more. Bass - Trinity Rock & Pop and Rock schools. Drums - Beginner drumming. (Own drum-set required). Nicholas Kerr 082 430 9383�ALLOW US TO bring the SPARKLE back into your pool. RiaPools 0723475355LOOKING FOR EXPERIENCED GARDENER with references who is available Mondays to Fridays. Please contact Pierre on 083 231 0557 for more information.SAFE, CLEAN, SPARKLING POOLS are our business. RiaPools 0723475355FRENCH TUTOR: Do you want to speak French? Are you planning a holiday in France? Have you got French clients? An experienced French Tutor is now available in Franschhoek to help you ‘parlez Français’. Call Jean-Jacques on 078 757 2523.HAS YOUR GARDEN BECOME A BURDEN? Call Valley Garden Services: 0723475355 FRANSCHHOEK LOCAL ACCREDITED SATELLITE TV AND AUDIO INSTALLATIONS. Satellite call-outs, repairs and set-ups. We supply and custom install according to your requirements. For a great deal please call 073 238 1875�THANKS TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS for their continuing support! RiaPools 0723475355FURNISHED GRANNY FLAT: Single person only. Available from 1 April. Contact 021 876 2664 or 083 331 55 77.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

Affordable smart accomodation for the discerning traveller.

Self-catering.

10 Calais Street out of Reservoir Street East

1,3km from the Post Office.

021 876 2659 or 072 712 7784

Hennie Nel 082 356 0226 | [email protected]

FRANSCHHOEK

15April 2014

4 AprilUB40 concertVenue: Val de Vie. Time: 15h30Cost: R395 p.p. – R1495 p.p.Tickets: www.webtickets.co.za

5 AprilLa Motte Classical Concert“Blute Nur” Easter Lamentations with Lynelle Kenned (soprano), Albert Combrink (piano), Sally Minter (�ute), Sarah Acres (cello)Venue: La Motte Historical CellarTime: 19h00. Cost: R170 p.p.Reservations: Angela at 021 876 8000 or [email protected]

8 & 23 AprilLeopard’s Leap Cooking ClassTheme: curing, salting, preserving, fermenting, pickling and ageingVenue: Leopard’s Leap. Time: 10h00 – 13h00 (8 April), 18h00 – 22h00 (23 April). Cost: R650 per person. Reservations: 021 876 8002 or [email protected]

25-28 AprilVintage Ideas MarketTheme “As time goes by”. Venue: Simondium Country Lodge. Time: 09h30 – 16h00. Cost: R30 p. p. More information: www.festiveideas.co.za or 021 874 1046

Mondays & ThursdaysIyengar-style yoga classes at Artemis barn, 18h00-19h00. Contact Danielle on 073 388 1404.

TuesdaysAlcoholics AnonymousTime 19h00. Venue: NG Church Consistory. Contact 021 867 0983 or 073 125 0188 (Je�rey)

ThursdaysHaute Cabrière Summer SoireesRelax with good food, wine and music. Venue: Haute Cabrière terrace. Time: 17h00 – 19h00Cost: Snacks & drinks for own account. Reservations: 021 876 3688 or [email protected]

SaturdaysFranschhoek Farmers’ MarketBreads, olives, ginger beer, pastries, plants, seedlings, breakfasts, co�ee, crafts and more. Venue: Dutch Reformed Church Grounds. Time: 09h00 – 14h00

FHK Cycling Club Outrides Regular road ride to Stellenbosch and back followed by co�ee. (MTBs also welcome). Venue: Meet at BP garage. Time: 06h30. Contact: Paul Barkley 083 302 9096

Church ServicesFranschhoek Methodist Church 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 Franschhoek Sondagdienste 09h30. Geen aanddiens meer nie. Ds Peet Bester. 021 876 2431. Shofar Christian Church Sunday service 09h00. Pastor Yannis Acavalos 021 876 3348Roman Catholic Church Mass every 2nd Saturday of the month at the Methodist Church, Bagatelle Rd, Fhk. 073 488 6816Trinity 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 1120New Apostolic ChurchLe Roux Weg, FranschhoekSundays 09h00, Wednesdays 19h30Rector: Charles Leibrandt

ARIES (21 March – 19 April) As the Sun has moved into the constellation of the Ram where it is exalted. Some extra physical and emotional strength provides great enthusiasm which needs the re�nement of the senses. TAURUS (20 April – 20 May) Venus is moving into Pisces this month, where the planet of creativity and relations has the ability to nourish intuitive tendencies. Indulging in material attachments could leave you broke. GEMINI (21 May – 20 June) Mercury, the planet of communication is moving into Aries – a temper and �ery words can get you into troubled water. We have two ears and only one mouth, so listen twice as much as you speak. CANCER (21 June – 22 July) Emotional manipulations are wicked and often psychologically poorly placed. Idealistic ideas about relationships should be analysed by the desires of the heart.LEO (23 July – 22 August) With the Sun in exaltation Leos are on the hunt for success and recognition and have to convert the ‘talking’ into the ‘walking’. Crown your success by being the king of love. VIRGO (23 August – 22 September) The constellation of the Virgin has to cope with more pressure than usual on the matter of how to deal with authorities and not letting them rule your mental equilibrium. LIBRA (23 September – 22 October) The scale of diplomatic relationship is under scrutiny and has

to be reviewed with wisdom. Have the con�dence of liberation created by devotion to others. SCORPIO (23 October – 21 November) Saturn the planet of slow compensation and rewards, has started to retrograde in this asterism and brings circumstances requiring delicate negotiation back on the table. The truth is the shortest solution. SAGITTARIUS (22 November – 21 December): Centurions and those mighty impressions they like to create, have to point their arrows of rightness towards the heavens with great con�dence and integrity, otherwise they will see those �ying objects coming back.CAPRICORN (22 December – 19 January) The earthy and light footed Goat in the thin air of the mountain knows that the echo mocks her original sound to prove she is the origin. Be careful of false accusations. AQUARIUS (20 January – 18 February) The rebel without a cause struggles to see the fruits of his actions; the mysteries of life are the unseen �ames in the dark whose sparks are the stars. All directions seem to be meaningless if you are not following your path. PISCES (19 February - 20 March) Expanding your intuitive mind with the inspiration of spiritual knowledge will bring you long lasting food for thought and motivation towards creating a peaceful mind.

ACCOUNTANTSTax ShopATTORNEYSSusan Charlesworth AttorneyBURGLAR ALARMSPepler AlarmsCLUBS & ASSOCIATIONSBoland Bridge ClubFranschhoek Tennis ClubFranschhoek Valley Conservation TrustGrt. Drak. Games ClubLionsRate Payers’ AssociationStellenbosch Masonic Lodge (Chris)Franschhoek Rotary ClubCOMPUTER SERVICESFranschhoek IT ServicesELECTRICALHome TechnologyFranschhoek ElectricRensburg ElectricalEXCAVATIONSAndrew SchmidtBurger ExcavationsHEALTH & BEAUTYFranschhoek PharmacyFranschhoek Health & SkincareHairdresserFranschhoek Health ClubHOUSE & GARDENClock RepairsLighting & AccessoriesPaarl PoolsRia Pools (Franschhoek)INTERNET ACCESSInternet CaféPostNetOPTOMETRISTMarelise BesterPHOTOGRAPHICFranschhoek PhotolabPHYSIOTHERAPISTClaire HornPLUMBERSFranschhoek PlumbingRudolf SmitPUBLIC SERVICESHospiceLibraryMunicipality (O�ce Hours)Municipality 24 hr ServiceMuseumPost O�ceWelfare (ACVV)SPCASCHOOLSBridge House SchoolFranschhoek High SchoolGroendal Primary SchoolGroendal Secondary SchoolWes-Eind Primary School

STORAGEFranschhoek StorageSTEELWORKSFranschhoek SteelTOURIST INFORMATION & SERVICESInfo O�ceWinelands ExperienceTRANSPORT GOODSGerald FourieVETERINARYSurgery (pm only)Huguenot Animal ClinicEmergencyWINESLa Cotte Wine SalesVignerons de FranschhoekEMERGENCY NUMBERSFire RescuePoliceEskomNeighbourhood WatchMunicipality (afternoon only)Municipality 24hr ServiceOmnipage Farm WatchPlaaswagDENTISTSDr Schalk du PlessisDr Rob HammerDr Servaas de KockDOCTORSDr Tracey GarnerDr Shelley HelligDr Alexander HeywoodDr Hannes Van der MerweEMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONSEMedicare EMR

021876 2676

021 876 2592 / 072 402 9469

021 876 3308

021 876 3031082 557 0278021 876 3460021 874 1906021 876 3775021 876 4178072 211 9991082 773 9217

082 356 0226

073 238 1875082 823 7119 / 021 876 3640021 876 2120 / 083 309 2923

021 876 4431 / 082 972 5755072 340 8518

021 876 2261021 876 3543

021 876 2218021 876 3310

028 840 1716021 876 3640

021 872 0747 / 083 658 4944021 876 2612 / 072 347 5355

021 876 4741021 876 3025

021 872 3530

021 876 4741

021 876 4234 / 082 582 1029

021 876 3759084 550 5229

021 876 3085021 808 8406021 808 8700

021 808 8890/1021 876 2532021 876 2342021 876 2670021 876 4808

021 874 8100021 876 2079021 876 2448021 876 2211021 876 2360

021 876 2174

021 876 2675 / 084 514 4838

021 876 3603021 876 4042

021 876 2440 / 082 821 5234

021 876 2504021 876 4278082 577 9900

021 876 3775021 876 2861

021 808 888810111 / 021 876 8061

086 003 7566082 374 2949021 808 8890021 808 8700021 852 3318021 876 2346

021 876 3070021 876 2634021 876 4320

021 876 4622021 871 1063021 876 2474021 876 2304

074 363 7744 / 021 876 4316

Useful Numbers

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April Calendar

For consultation please write to [email protected] or call 073 312 1265

Robert RittelJoytish Vedic Astrology

How well do you know your village? See if you know where each month’s photo was taken. In the following month’s Tatler

we’ll give you the answer.

Last month’s photo showed a part of the back wall of the Museum van de Caab at Solms-Delta wine estate. The wall features granite plaques representing all the slaves that worked on the property from its founding to the emancipation of the slaves. Where available, their names appear, but many are blank – movingly representing those who were only recorded in the most impersonal terms, often in wills and inventories.



Estate Planning (part IV)In this final article on estate planning we will look at

succession planning and very briefly at the provisions of the Administration of Estates and Estate Duty Acts and some everyday examples of Capital Gains Tax (CGT)

Succession PlanningThis broad subject but in the main affects a planner

who is a farmer, a shareholder in a private company, a member in a close corporation, a partner in a partnership or a sole proprietor who owns or runs a business.

A farmer may want to bequeath his farm to one particular child while making provision for his spouse and other children. Consideration must be given to how this can be done on an equitable basis without the heir to the farm being burdened with a high level of debt.

A sole proprietor, shareholder or member in a private company or close corporation which owns a family business must, similar to the farmer, give consideration to whether the business will be bequeathed to and carried on by some family members to the exclusion of others and an equitable arrangement made for the excluded members.

In the case of partners or co-shareholders in a business it should be noted that the planning by each partner or shareholder will affect the planning of the other partners or shareholders. It is therefore necessary to consult with fellow partners or shareholders and to agree in writing the measures to be taken on the death of a partner or shareholder. These provisions should be incorporated in written partnership and shareholder agreements.

Administration of Estates ActThis act governs the administration of deceased estates

in South Africa. The Masters of the High Courts in each province have jurisdiction over the estates of deceased persons leaving property or a Will in South Africa. It is worth noting that while a testator nominates the person whom he wishes to be the executor of his estate in his Will, this ‘executor nominate’ will have no authority to administer the estate until he has been issued with Letters of Executorship by the Master having jurisdiction over the estate. Once the executor has been issued with Letters of Executorship he can begin the process of administering the estate by realising investments to pay creditors. An executor must obtain the consent of the heirs to the realisation of assets not required to pay creditors such as a portfolio of shares and immovable property. When all the assets have been either realised or valued the Executor prepares a Liquidation and Distribution Account which shows the assets and liabilities of the estate and the distribution of the net estate to the beneficiaries named in the Will. This is submitted to the Master of the High Court and subsequently advertised as lying open for inspection. If no objections to the account are received then the Executor pays creditors and distributes the net estate to the beneficiaries. Currently an executor is entitled to remuneration of 3.5% of the gross assets of the estate. There is no transfer duty payable on transfer of

immovable property to a beneficiary in terms of a Will or Redistribution Agreement.

Where a person dies without a valid Will the Master appoints an Executor Dative who is usually someone nominated by the intestate heirs and the administration of the estate proceeds along the lines outlined above.

Capital Gains TaxAn executor must in the course of winding up a

deceased estate submit to the South African Revenue Services (SARS) all outstanding income tax returns to date of death. In terms of paragraph 40 of the Eighth Schedule to the Income Tax Act (the part which deals with Capital Gains Tax) when a person dies, he is deemed to have disposed of all his assets at the market value thereof on his date of death. The following assets are however not deemed to have been disposed of on the death of the deceased: Assets which accrue (either bequeathed or by virtue

of a marriage in community of property or the accrual regime) to a surviving spouse A long-term South African insurance policy of the

deceased, subject to certain requirements contained in the Eighth Schedule An interest in a pension, pension preservation,

provident, provident preservation or retirement annuity fund in South Africa or a fund outside South Africa which provides similar benefits, again subject to certain requirements contained in the Eighth Schedule

These exclusions provide scope for estate planning.Estate DutyEstate Duty is payable by the executor of the estate of: SA residents, on their worldwide assets; and Non-residents, on their South African assetsEstate duty is calculated on the net value of the estate

(assets less liabilities as at date of death). Included in the definition of “property” in the Estate Duty Act (EDA) are deemed assets which are, for example, domestic insurance policy proceeds arising on your death. So, while you may have nominated beneficiaries of a life policy thereby by-passing the winding up of your estate, the value of this policy will still be added to and form part of your dutiable estate.

Important deductions in terms of the EDA are: the total value of property left to a surviving spouse foreign assets held by the deceased which he acquired

before he became ordinarily resident in SA or which he acquired by donation or inheritance from a non-resident the primary abatement which is currently R3,5 million.

Note that in the case of spouses, the first-dying receives an abatement of R3.5 million and the second-dying spouse receives an abatement of R7 million reduced by the abatement claimed by the first-dying spouse’s estate.

Estate duty is currently levied at the rate of 20% of the dutiable estate.

Susan Charlesworth

Sentiment drives property salesThe commonly held view that interest rates are

a prime factor influencing the sale of residential property in South Africa is very far from true, says Wayne Albutt, Regional Sales Manager for the Rawson Property Group in the Western Cape.

“The more one studies the property market,” said Albutt, “the more it becomes clear that what drives the market is sentiment. It is this that leads people to decide whether to buy – and at the moment sentiment in the South African residential sector is very bullish indeed.”

This, he said, is evidenced by the fact that most estate agents in the Western Cape saw sales rise significantly in 2013 – with the bulk of the increases being in the second half of that year – which, said Albutt, augurs well for sales in 2014. The Rawson Property Group’s Western Cape franchises, for the record, saw sales rise by 43% in 2013 and, although this was undoubtedly a phenomenal achievement, many other estate agencies have reported sales increases of 20% plus.

Asked to explain what it is that is creating this very bullish sentiment, Albutt said that in his view it emanates from the banks, whose sophisticated media activity is designed to improve the amount of ‘safe’ money being loaned on bonds.

“By safe,” he said, “I mean bonds on which the deposits asked are large – often in the region of 20%.”

Those resisting the bullish trend and continuing

to rent, said Albutt, often do so on the grounds that they cannot afford to buy. While this may be true in view of the big deposits and the many expensive extra costs that accompany a purchase, in many cases an ego element comes into play here: the buyer prefers the status of a smarter rented property to that of a more humble home.

Bullish conditions, added Albutt, can be dangerous, especially if, as seems likely now, they continue for a good long time, i.e. at least until the end of 2014, because a new influx of enthusiastic buyers, he said, as in previous bullish eras, may find themselves unable to cope with interest rates if and when they arise.

“One has to recognise,” he said, “that bonds are repayable over a very long period of time (often 20 to 30 years) and during that period interest rates, it can be predicted with absolute confidence, will fluctuate as they have always done in the past. While we in the real estate sector welcome the fact that we are likely, this year, to see at least a further 33% increase on 2013 sales, we must also recognise that if buyers have not budgeted for significant interest rate increases down the line, some of the them could once again find themselves in trouble. This time around the banks have insisted on large deposits and will therefore be largely protected if they have to repossess, but the buyers could suffer.”


INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY GROUPThe Real Estate Leaders

REMAX.CO.ZA NOBODY IN THE WORLD SELLS MORE REAL ESTATE THAN RE/MAX

Franschhoek Tatler April 2014

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Transcript of Franschhoek Tatler April 2014