Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Arabella life is the Homeowners' Magazine for the Arabella Golf Estate, near Kleinmond in the Western Cape, South Africa.
Citation preview
ENRICHING OUR ENVIRONMENTEstate receives new fledgling forest, courtesy of SANSOR (the South African National Seed Organisation)
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURESanlam assesses the pros and cons of using inter vivos trusts in estate planning
ALL THAT GLITTERSArabella residents launch new jewellery shop in the Arabella Hotel & Spa
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF ARABELLA COUNTRY ESTATE
Win
ter
20
11
Is
sue
28
...
Dear Home Owners
It gives me great pleasure to confirm that
the sale of the South African businesses of
Arabella South Africa Holding (including
Arabella Western Cape Hotel & Spa (AWCHS),
Arabella Golf and the Phase 2 land) to
Hospitality Property Fund (HPF) was finally
implemented on 13 May 2011. I would
therefore like to take this opportunity to
introduce HPF to all our Home Owners
on the Arabella Country Estate.
HPF is a property loan stock company,
which invests in properties in the hotel and
leisure industries. The Fund is a publicly
traded company and is listed on the JSE
under the Financials – Real Estate sector.
Its portfolio consists of investments in 26
hotel and resort properties and it has
assets of approximately R4bn. Amongst its
most prominent assets, are Champagne
Sports Resort, Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront,
Crowne Plaza Rosebank, Holiday Inn
Sandton, Mount Grace Country House & Spa
and the Protea Victoria Junction. We regard
the newly acquired AWCHS as a very impor-
tant part of our portfolio.
I attended the last Home Owners
Association Board meeting. The question
was raised as to what impact the sale will
have on our Home Owners on the Arabella
Country Estate. In answering this question,
I wish to note that during our due diligence
investigation we were pleased to find that
the business of the Home Owners
Association (HOA) is financially successful
and the model sustainable. We’re committed
to contributing to the future successes of
both the HOA and the Estate. In this regard,
we have already implemented our first
important strategic decision by appointing
the Protea Hotel Group to manage the
AWCHS under an agreement of lease. The
hotel will continue to be operated as a five-
star deluxe property under Protea’s African
Pride brand. We’re confident that Protea has
the operational know-how, requisite support
systems and sales and marketing infra-
structure to not only improve the product
but also to ensure financial success.
We have also confirmed our commit-
ment to the Phase 2 approval process. We
are hopeful that all the necessary approvals
will soon be in place, where after we will
make an informed decision on the future
of this exciting opportunity.
HPF is excited to be part of this very
prestigious Residential and Golf Estate.
Yours sincerely
Andrew Rogers
Winter 11Arabella Life 3
............................................................................................................................................................................................
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
...
COMMENTfrom HPF
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
..
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
...
...
Welcoming the futureArabella Country Estate is well established as
one of the country’s premier residential estates.
With its natural splendour and first-class golf
course, it represents both a valuable investment
for property buyers and the perfect place of
leisure for hotel guests and visitors alike.
Arabella Life has always sought to reflect this.
It has aimed to show readers why the Estate
is the kind of place where they will very much
enjoy spending their time. And, it has endeav-
oured to give a taste of what it is actually like
to live here.
As the Estate enters a fresh and exciting
phase under new ownership, the magazine will
continue to portray the unique features of life
here. Hospitality Property Fund
have inherited a venue that
manifests high standards.
They are committed to main-
taining, and where possible,
improving, those standards.
Arabella Life welcomes the
new owners and looks for-
ward to depicting all the best
aspects of the lifestyle that
emerges during their stewardship.
It will also provide information on other
properties in the HPF portfolio as part of its
long-term remit to inform its readers of won-
ders beyond the borders of the Estate. And,
as the positive approach of the new owners
becomes clearer, the magazine will adjust
accordingly, improving its own standards in
order to offer a true picture of the wonderful
life that can be experienced here.
Lesley Malachowski, Editor, Arabella Life
Winter 11Arabella Life 5
Arabella Life is published for ArabellaCountry Estate Home Owners Association by Lesley Malachowski. The views expressed in the magazine are notnecessarily those of the Estate’sBoard of Directors.
Editor: Lesley MalachowskiAssistant editor: Annalisa Prakemail: [email protected]: 084 653 9600
Contributors: Golf Digest, Alan Malachowski, Alison Sheard, Tanya Cohen, Mike Mclaren
Printed by: Hansa Print (Pty) Ltd.
For advertising enquiries please phone 084 653 9600
Local DVD rental shop widens scope of choice for film lovers
..........................................................................................................................................................................................
EDITORIAL
....
....
....
....
....
....
.
26
Private education in theOverberg becomes a reality
17
Mandela Day on 18 July is a time when we can all carry out acts of kindness
15
...
7Winter 11Arabella Life
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
FROM THEESTATE
....
....
....
....
...
Sowing the seeds ofpositive changeMore than 100 leaders in the seed industry and its associated members recentlycame together at the Arabella Hotel & Spa for the SANSOR (South AfricanNational Seed Organisation) Annual Congress
During the event, SANSOR initiated aprocess to leave a footprint in thecommunity where its congresses areheld. “We are committed to leaving apositive impact on the social andnatural environment where we haveour Annual Congresses,” explains
Gerrie Reitsma,General Managerof SANSOR.
To that end,two projects wereidentified. The firstwas Siyabulelapre-primary schoolin Kleinmond,which caters for 96children betweenthe ages of threeand six.
Until recently,the school was
preparing hot meals for the childrenusing a two-plate electric stove. SAN-
SOR arranged for a gas stove to beinstalled to industry certified stan-dards. In the spirit of the initiative,the gas fitter – Guy Roberts – fromThe Gas Guy gave his time free ofcharge.
The school has since receivedfurther donations that, combinedwith SANSOR’s contribution, meanthat they can now give the learnerstwo full meals a day.
The second project they under-took was to plant trees on ArabellaCountry Estate, the value of whichsurpassed the cost of the returnflights of the delegates. “We not onlypaid for the footprint created by thisCongress, but have in some smallway contributed to future activitiesby SANSOR and its membership,”says Gerrie.
Following input by SANBI atKirstenbosch, Alf Scullard, theEstate’s Chief Landscaper, selected
fifty seven trees. These were plantedin an area that in future will beknown as The SANSOR Forest.
Estate Manager Terry Keller saysthat such actions tie in with theEstate’s SHE policy and the manage-ment team’s commitment to pro-tecting and, where possible, improvingthe natural features, systems andwildlife on the Estate.
As part of its water control policy,
the Estate’s management closely
monitors the area’s rainfall levels.
A recent dry spell is now being
compensated for by some fairly
heavy showers. But, a close watch
needs to be kept on the weather
because water policy needs to be
continually adjusted to cater for
the short and long- term effects of
prolonged periods of drought.
During a cold night or a heavy
downpour of rain, it is easy to for-
get that the climate of the
Western Cape is predominantly
mediterranean. We experience
warm dry summers and moist
and relatively temperate winters.
In summer the coastal tem-
perature rises from a low of 15C
to 27C, while inland the figures
are 3-5C higher. And in winter,
those of us near the beaches, see
the mercury level drop to 7C at
night rising to a comfortable 15
during the day. Away from the sea,
there are midday peaks of 22C.
Cosy Capeclimate
...
9Winter 11Arabella Life
..........................................................................................................................................................................................
FROM THEESTATE
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
..
Preparing for changeArabella Country Estate has set up a six member project team to consider the best way of changing or modifying its system of levy allocation and payment
To facilitate the process of reachinga fair and feasible conclusion, theboard of directors has appointed JeffGilmour, President of the Associationof Residential Communities (ARC).
The association is proactive inhelping Home Owners Associationsand Bodies Corporate achieve theirmain goals of enhancing propertyvalues and fostering optimum life-styles for residents and visitors alike.
ARC offers a wide platform ofservices ranging from coaching andtraining for trustees and directors
to lobbying on major issues that concern residential communities ingeneral.
Mr Gilmour points out that withsome 1500 residential communitieshandling over R6bn of revenue inSouth Africa. “It is vitally importantthat key resources are deployed in a professional manner and that longterm, commercially and environmen-tally sustainable policies are devel-oped accordingly.”
Contact: [email protected] of the Association ofResidential CommunitiesJeff Gilmour
As reported in previous issues of themagazine, Arabella Country Estatehas been undertaking a majorupgrade of its security system
The improvements will make the estate significantly safer and the measures taken should have a strong preventative effect over the coming years.
No one should doubt that SouthAfrica has an unacceptably high rateof crime. At the same time, the prob-lems the country faces in this con-nection ought not to be exaggerat-ed. Nor should it be forgotten, thatmany other countries a plagued bysimilar, and in some cases worse, dif-ficulties. The murder rate in certainAmerican cities such as WashingtonD.C. and New Orleans is higher thanin any South African city. The inci-dence of violent gang-related crimein Brazil by far outstrips that whichoccurs here. And, surprisingly, theUnited Kingdom has many morecases of robberies targetting vehiclesdesignated for carrying cash andvaluables.
The causes of criminal activityare too complex to be just put downto poverty and unemployment –though these are very important factors. A self-reinforcing culture ofcrime has emerged one that encour-ages violence and desensitises
youths in particular to the conse-quences of breaking the law. Thisculture enjoys a degree of immunitybecause detection rates are low, asare those of conviction (eg. five percent for robbery). To turn thingsaround, will take concerted govern-ment action and the co-operation ofboth business and local communi-ties. This will inevitably take a longtime.
Meanwhile, it is important not to encourage the culture of crime by manifesting weaknesses and inefficiencies regarding matters ofsecurity. The displacement of crimi-nal activity that is underway, movingfrom urban areas to softer, less pro-tected venues also needs to stoppedin its tracks by firm security measures.Arabella Country Estate continues to send out a very strong message in this regard: every precaution hasbeen, and will be, taken to ensurethat its people and property are kept safe.
PuttingsafetyfirstAs reported in previousissues of the magazine,Arabella Country Estatehas been undertaking amajor upgrade of itssecurity system
...
11Winter 11Arabella Life
..........................................................................................................................................................................................
GOLFFOCUS
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
..
The ties thatbind usWhen taking office nearly four years ago, I
made it one of my goals to foster closer ties
with our provincial body. After some 30 years
in hockey I realised the need for such good
relations as one derives many benefits. We
have since entered a mens’ team into the
Boland league, and have had lots of fun at the
many different courses we’ve played. What’s
more important is that we’ve played host to
other clubs from within our province, the team
members of whom had never played at Arabella
and they’ve been blown away by the beauty and
splendour of our course. A good many have
since returned with friends to play again, fur-
ther spreading our reach.
In May we hosted the Boland Open, with a
full field of 120 low handicap golfers. I would
like to thank our members for willingly giving
up the right to the course for the days on which
it was held. I hope you took the chance to watch
our very best amateur golfers – and realise even
they struggle at times as we do! Many parents
were present and from com-
ments I received I think they
too might become good
ambassadors for our club.
Going forward, we will be
hosting combined Boland/
Western Province mid-
Amateur day on Sunday 14
August. Hopefully, this event
will further cement our ties with our parent
body (and allow me to say ‘mission accom-
plished’).
Finally, on the subject of provincial bodies, I
would like to congratulate one of our members
Erica Lefson, on her term as President of Women’s
Golf SA. Erica competed her three-year term at
the end of April, and in conversation with vari-
ous folk at the Boland Open I was made aware
that she has done a sterling job in growing the
game among ladies. I have personally experi-
enced Erica’s work ethic when, despite her
national commitments, she’s found time to
serve on our committee – and carry out her
responsibilities both efficiently and effectively.
Here’s hoping that her well deserved relaxation
time will result in her and Johan getting to
spend more time at Arabella.
Kevin Sutcliffe, Club Captain
Ian Hamilton, a newcomer tothe Estate, is an ex-cricketer.
Due to his background heswings more aggressively to hitthe ball with a strong focus onthe right hand side of his body.We are adjusting this with cer-tain new movements for him to work on.
In the first image, Ian isstruggling to get his hips throughthe ball; we are working on the
total release from the hips andlegs, and looking to releasethe muscles in the lower halfto avoid lower back pain.
The second image showsa much improved follow throughas there’s no tension. The leftfoot must stay more solid for a better balance.
Contact Alison on 082 299
2152 for winter lesson deals
Switching from the bat or racket to a golf club can cause problems. Alison Sheard shows how she is helping one ex-cricketer to deal with some of these
Newcomer gets into swing of things
.......................................................................................................................
Arabella hosted the Vodacom Origins ofGolf tournament in June, which sawChris Swanepoel take his secondSunshine Tour victory with a convincing11 under par for the 54 hole tournament
Competition was stiff, with Christian Basson in second placecarding 69 for the final round; he was only narrowly beaten bySwanepoel with 68. Third place was taken by Andrew Curlewiswith a five-under–par 67 in the final round, but after playingthe first nine of the second round in an incredible 29 strokes,Chris was solidly in the running for a win; a seven-under-parround at Arabella is not to be sneezed at, as many of ourmembers will attest.
“I don’t normally like the Cape much, but I quiet like it now– especially after the weather held for all three days,” saysChris. The golf course itself stood up well despite the rainbefore and a little during the event, thanks to greenkeeperCorne Van Zyl and his team of staff.
Chris took his first Sunshine Tour title in 2007 when hewon the Eskom Power Cup, and this win has lifted him to 28th on the Sunshine Tour Order of Merit.
Sun shines forChris Swanepoel
Chris Swanepoel receiving his Vodacom Origins of Golf Trophy
13Winter 11Arabella Life
I have mixed feelings about this driveand where to aim for. Without question,the average golfer should fire the teeshot at the Pot bunker straight ahead.Better players can ease the ball aroundthe corner slightly by aiming at thecentre of the green. However, theycan still find themselves in a spot ofbother if the shot is cut slightly to theright hand side.
Out of bounds is close by so this is not the side of this hole to end up.
.....................................................................................................................................................................................................
GOLF FOCUS
....
....
....
....
.
Walking the course
The Tee box for the 6th hole awaits the player after a delightful little stroll from the 5th green, past apond of croaking frogs and twittering birds in thesurrounding trees
HOLE 6
Since a new bed of plants and fyn-bos has been planted up the rightside, you have to play the ball as it lies.
Higher handicap players should justplay for a 5 on this hole, as both the leftand right approaches present difficul-ties. Even the green can be difficultdepending on where the flag is.
Do attack the flag here, as a pro-tective approach shot ends up in thefront bunker. Take more club andswing easy.
There is a spectacular view to theleft half way up this fairway. Throughthe gum trees the Bot River tricklestowards the Lagoon, and the bridgeand huge mountains in the distancemake this view one of the best on ourgolf course.
For golf coaching, you can contact
Alison Sheard on 082 299 2152.
...
15Winter 11Arabella Life
..........................................................................................................................................................................................
IN THE COMMUNITY
....
....
....
....
....
....
.
These shoes weremade for walkingMany South African learners cannot afford to buy shoesfor school. According to the Department of Education,there are currently 7.5 million children who don’t haveschool shoes
For many families, the cost of
school shoes is the same as the
weekly food bill, so inevitably
their children go barefoot.
The Bobs for Good Foundation
is a not-for-profit organisation that
was founded by former Springbok
captain Bob Skinstad and his life-
long friend Ron Rutland. Its aim
is to ensure that all South African
school children have their own
pair of quality leather shoes. It
does this through a programme of
‘donate drops’ or shoe donations,
the most recent of which was at
the Bot River Primary School.
“Wherever there is a child in need
of hope, pride and dignity in the
form of a brand new pair of
school shoes, Bobs for Good will
be there to help,” says Claire
Alexander, Beneficiary Manager
of the Bobs for Good Foundation.
The shoes have a luminous
strip on the back, which makes the
wearer more visible at night. “This
is an important feature consider-
ing the high level of road accidents
that involve pedestrians,” says
Edwin, chairman of Arabella
Community Trust. The Trust
approached the foundation on
behalf of the school and also
donated socks to go with the
learner’s new shoes. As a result,
more than 100 learners received
a new pair of socks and shoes at
the end of March 2011.
As well as supplying children
with one of life’s essentials, the
foundation supports job creation
projects around the country.
“The shoes for this event
were produced by a co-operative
of women in the Pietermaritzburg
area,” explains Edwin Arrison, of
the Trust. “So not only does the
initiative help to better equip, it is
sustaining employment initiatives
across the country.”
Following the shoe drop, Trust
members and the foundation’s
team and sponsors played a unique
round of golf at Arabella Golf Club.
All participants played barefoot,
to acknowledge what it’s like to
be without shoes for a whole day.
In November 2009, the UN releasedthe following declaration: “MandelaDay is an annual international day ofhumanitarian action in celebration ofMr Mandela’s life and legacy. It servesas a catalyst for each and every per-son to realise that they have the abilityto change the world through action.”
All it takes, according to thosebehind the initiative, is to spend 67minutes on July 18 doing somethinggood for someone else, someone inneed. But more than that, we are allencouraged to also see to whatextent we can make every day aMandela Day.
In the areas surrounding Arabella, theArabella Community Trust trusteeswill be encouraging people to engagein small actions in their communities.
Anyone wanting to participate
can contact Rev Edwin Arrison
A better life for all, one step at a timeNelson Mandela’s birthday, on July 18, is not just a public holiday. It is a day forall of us to opt into humanity and help create a better life for all
Arabella Life
............................................................................................................................................................................................. ...
16 Winter 11
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
LIVING..
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
home owners’ profile
Steve & Lin Argyle have youbeen at Arabella for just overa year
Favourite activities on theEstate: Golf, golf and golf!
Most memorable Arabellamoment: The first time we sat on the stoop of our newhome, glass of wine in handlooking up at the 15th Fairway.
Favourite restaurants: For somewhere really specialwe’d go to Waterkloof inSomerset West. For the bestlunchtime fish & chips it has tobe The Burgundy in Hermanusand the best in Cape Town sofar is Vanilla in the Cape Quarter.
Currently reading: Steve: AGame of Thrones by GeorgeRR Martin. Lin: DefiningMoments by Marius Barnard
Favourite quotation:Steve: No one is in charge ofyour happiness but you. Lin:Wine is constant proof thatGod loves us and wants us to be happy.
Damp problems in a house can oftenbe solved via a combination of goodhome maintenance team and theright paint coatings for the right job.
Problem areas include roofs andflashings against parapets or gablewalls. Damp proof courses in cavitywalls and around window and doorframes should also be checked toensure they are working properly.
Leaky plumbing should be takencare of before water damage occurs.
Where damage has alreadyoccurred, hairline cracks can be fixedby a good quality paint coating. Forlarger cracks where moisture pene-tration is a problem, it is best to applya textured or fibre filled coating.
however, structural cracks mustbe inspected by a qualified structuralengineer for recommendationsbefore any repairs are carried out.
For more information, contact:
Midas Earthcote Hermanus on
028 312 3034
Protecting against water woesWith winter on its way,leaks and problems withpaint coatings on build-ings become evident
Bokashi is wheat-bran inoculated
with mico-organisms that break
down organic waste by a process
of fermentation.
The process is simple; place
food scraps into the airtight bin,
push them down tight and sprin-
kle a handful of Bokashi bran
over the top. Instead of rotting,
the food is broken down so that
when you open the bin again to
put the next lot of scraps in, no
foul smell is experienced.
Each week, an amber liquid
can be tapped off the bottom of
the bin and used diluted as plant
food or organic pesticide, or
undiluted as drain cleaner.
When the bin is full, you
simply put it aside for a couple
of weeks and start another one.
Soon, you’ll have a bucket full of
high quality compost to sprinkle
straight onto your garden.
All your food scraps (even
cooked) can be put into your
Bokashi bin; the
only prerequisite
is that the food
placed in there
is not yet rotting.
For more details,contact GooziCucina on 028 312 4979
An easy way to recyclekitchen wasteThe Bokashi bin is a simple,innovative way of producingcompost from everydayfood scraps without theunpleasant odours or un-hygienic vermin associatedwith a compost heap
Curro Hermanus currently providesquality education to children from 3years up to Grade 8 in Afrikaans andEnglish, with plans to take the childrenup to Grade 12 as they graduatefrom the lower classes.
The new school is fully equippedwith information technology and
sports facilities,including a tenniscourt and swimmingpool.
Music, art,drama and othercultural activitieswill be introducedas the school grows.
The school’sofficial open day willbe held on 30 July2011 from 11.00am to 2.00pm, witha tour every hour on the hour.
Also in the pipeline is the possi-bility of bus routes from Gansbaai aswell as from Arabella via Kleinmond.
The building of hostels is anotherpossibility for the future.
For more details, contact Rector
Hennie Mentz: 028 316 1998
As every person’s family and
financial circumstances differ, a
one-size fits-all approach is inad-
equate. Tanya Cohen of Glacier
Fiduciary Services, Sanlam,
explains how to find out whether
a trust will suit your own needs.
First, you need to ensure that
your adviser is well versed in trust
law and the taxation of trusts to
assess whether a trust will be
advantageous in your particular
circumstances. Ensure you
understand all the advantages
and disadvantages before decid-
ing whether a trust is for you.
Arabella Life
...
17Winter 11
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
LIVING
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
..
...
Private education in the Overberg
Pros and cons of trusts
Curro Hermanus’ newschool building isalmost completed withplans to move learnersinto the school on 23July 2011
For some years now, commentators have contributed to the debateregarding the continueduse of inter vivos trusts in estate planning
AdvantagesDiscretionary trusts are flex-
ible in that they can be adminis-
tered so as to take into account
changes over time in family,
financial and legislative circum-
stances.
If created and operated
properly, trusts can be adminis-
tered so as to mitigate your
family’s total tax liability.
Trusts provide for the
creation of flexible succession
arrangements.
A trust, set up and adminis-
tered properly, can protect assets
from potential creditors, as long as
assets have not been transferred
to the prejudice of creditors.
Wisely chosen trustees can
ensure professional asset and
investment management and
that your assets are taken care
of when you are not around or
able to look after them yourself.
DisadvantagesThe settlor loses control
of the underlying assets to the
trustees.
Higher tax rates apply
to income and gains retained
by the trust.
Taxes and costs incurred
in setting up the trust and trans-
ferring the assets to it.
Trusts add administrative
complexity to ones affairs.
Trusts are not suitable for
everyone. However, if set up and
administered properly, they still
provide substantive advantages
that may be of great benefit to
you and your family. But, make
sure you obtain bespoke and
independent advice before
making a final decision.
For more details, speak to a financialintermediary or phone us on 021 9179002 or email [email protected]
....
..........................................................................................................................................................................................
PROFESSIONALADVICE
....
....
....
....
....
....
.
Typically, such projects are financed through
a combination of debt and equity, with the
debt portion being project financed. Given
the ever-increasing commitment of finan-
ciers to ensure that such projects comply
with environmental laws (and mitigate
their adverse effects on the environment),
project leaders need to ensure that their
finance lawyer understands the implica-
tions of the Equator Principles.
The Principles are a framework of guide-
lines based on international best practice
that provide an international financial
industry benchmark. They can assist
borrowers and financiers (whether acting
as financiers to the project or merely in
an advisory capacity), in ensuring that
the projects they develop – and/or finance
– are done so in a manner that is socially
responsible and that reflects sound
environmental management practices.
The ten individual principles apply
worldwide to all project finance transac-
tions with total project capital costs in
excess of $10m per project, and across all
industry sectors.
Each financial institution that adopts
the Principles (Equator Principles Financial
Institution or EPFI) commits itself by
implementing its own internal policies
and processes so as to comply with the
Principles.
However, an EPFI’s commitment
extends even further in that they must
undertake not to finance projects in which
the borrower is unwilling or unable to
comply with the EPFI’s policies and
processes.
The Principles were originally adopted
in June 2003 by ten of the world’s leading
banks as a means of developing a common
and coherent set of environmental and
social policies. In 2006 they were amended
to take into account some criticism levelled
against them. The revised set has now
been adopted and endorsed by no less than
72 leading banks and financial institutions
worldwide. This accounts for no less than
85 per cent of the world’s project and
infrastructure financing capacity.
Initially, the only EPFI in South Africa
was Nedbank. However, in the last two
years Standard Bank, FirstRand Bank and
Absa have all become adoptees.
Today, most South Africa’s major banks
are EPFIs, as are the majority of interna-
tional banks with a presence in the South
African market. This means that almost all
potential financiers of such projects will
now require adherence with the Principles.
Going forward, participants will be
required to understand the full implications
of the Principles as they relate to their
specific project and to ensure that all rele-
vant project documents procure both the
project’s and the borrower’s compliance
with the relevant financier’s policies and
procedures that give effect to the Principles.
By Mike Mclaren, Senior Associate, Cliffe DekkerHofmeyr business law firm
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
..
Critical benchmarks for project financetransactions
The development, construction, operation and maintenance of any large project, such as hospitals, prisons, mines, or power plants, invariably has an adverse effect on the surrounding environment
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
..
19Winter 11Arabella Life
...
21Winter 11Arabella Life
..........................................................................................................................................................................................
HOTELCHECK-IN
....
....
....
....
...
Arabella Spa launches DermalogicaFor the past 25 years, Dermalogica has built its brand up to become the numberone choice of skin care for professionals and consumers worldwide
This has been achieved as a result
of its dedication to delivering
skin health results through edu-
cation, innovation and profes-
sional recommendation.
The company was founded in
1986 by Jane Wurwand, three
years after she began the
International Dermal Institute
(IDI) with her South African-born
husband Ray. She founded IDI
having recognised that the US
was sorely lacking in quality skin
therapy education.
A few years later Dermalogica
was born and the vision was
clear: to create a product line
free of common irritants and
ingredients that could cause
breakouts (including lanolin, SD
alcohol, mineral oil, artificial col-
ors and fragrances), which would
improve skin health, and which
was only available from qualified
skin therapy professionals
trained at The International
Dermal Institute. In short, the
product line embraced Jane’s
commitment to ‘skin health’ as
opposed to ‘beauty’.
All Dermalogica products are
made in the USA and none has
ever been tested on animals. In
addition, the products are sold
only where professional consul-
tation and professional treat-
ments are performed by profes-
sional skin therapists.
To celebrate its 25th birthday
this year, Dermalogica created
the philanthropic FITE initiative
(joinFITE.org). This provides micro
-loans to women entrepreneurs
that are generated through the
sale of top-selling Dermalogica
products. So, consumers can now
feel as good on the inside as they
do on the outside!
Up until 31 October, a visitor to thegolf course will pay R350 for 18 holesand R550 on a Saturday; hotel guestspay R350 every day of the week.
Scholars, students and seniorspay R250, and there’s also a special‘twilight rate’; after 12pm, the greenfees are R250 for everyone. At thistime of the year, the tee times run
from 8am to 1pm, to accommodatethe short winter days, but the club-house itself is open from 8am to 6pm.
Clubs, wheeled club carriers,electric carts and caddies are avail-able for hire, and all other accessoriesare available at the Pro Shop.
Contact: 028 284 0000
Winter Green fee specialThis winter, you can play a round of golf at Arabella’spristine course for a fraction of the peak season prices
...
Once again, the Arabella Hotel &
Spa will be supplying Christmas
boxes to the underprivileged
children of the area during the
Holiday season.
It couldn’t be more straight-
forward for anyone who would
like to get involved,” says
Ragheemah Carelse, the hotel’s
Revenue Manager, and co-ordina-
tor of the initiative.
“Simply take a shoebox-sized
box and fill it with the sorts of
things these kids all need, in the
age group you are given by us.”
Suitable items include toys,
educational supplies, hygiene
items, treats, and clothing. “All
go a long way in making these
kids have a lovely Christmas and
nice memories!” says Ragheemah.
Check out more details about thisproject in the Spring issue of themagazine.
Since it manages very valuableassets and is answerable to share-holders, HPF has to pursue a policy ofdiversification that enables it to bothcapture a wide range of clientele and
smooth out some of the fluctuationsthat are now typical of the hospitalitymarket. Its acquisition of the ArabellaHotel and Spa makes good on thepromise made in HPF’s last annual
report (2010) to “sustainably grow itsproperty base through acquisitionsthat enhance long-term unit holders’returns”.
The hotel provides an excellentmatch to the criteria upon which HPFseeks to build a robustly diversifiedportfolio: “geographical location,patronage, and star rating”. The com-pany has repeatedly shown that it isprepared to spend substantial sumsto upgrade or maintain the standardsof its venues. And, it is now wellplaced to benefit from the sterlingreputation that Arabella has built up over recent years.
23Winter 11Arabella Life
..........................................................................................................................................................................................
HOTELCHECK-IN
....
....
....
....
.
Christmas initiative comes earlyFollowing the resoundingsuccess of December2010’a Christmas shoeboxinitiative, hotel staff areencouraging people tostart thinking now aboutthis year’s donations
A bold acquisitionThe thinking behind Hospitality Property Fund’sacquisition of what is now called the Arabella Hoteland Spa demonstrates that the company is notafraid to make some bold moves in a somewhatstagnant market
...
Thea is unequivocal about the
reason for the company’s success.
“It is a matter of trust. This is
fundamental to our business.
Our customers know that we lis-
ten to them, we produce what
they want and as a result, they
trust us a second time, and so on,”
she says. Customers are also
assured of exceptional craftman-
ship as the company’s two
Hermanus shops – African Jewels
and Harbour Gold – are the only
two in the Overberg to belong to
Jewellery Council of South Africa;
membership of this organisation
is coveted, as it is only open to
jewellers that have been in busi-
ness more than 10 years and that
have a flawless record.
Behind the scenes trust, has
also played a critical role in secur-
ing strong relationships with
suppliers and industry partners.
This has allowed the business to
grow steadily and securely.
Alongside a
strong founda-
tion, Thea and
Johannes have
continually
found ways to
keep in tune
with their
customers
requirements.
“You have to be
sensitive to your market and
respond accordingly and that
often means diversification,”
says Thea. Since opening their
first shop in Gauteng in 1995, the
Albertyns have seen that people
are less inclined to go for very
expensive jewellery. “One reason
is that it’s a security risk and
another is that there just aren’t
the elaborate functions anymore
for which they would have worn
them. Today’s customer is more
inclined to want jewellery that is
stylish, elegant, but also practical
for everyday wear. Three
years ago when the
beaded charm bracelet
phenomenon hit
South Africa, African
Jewels secured the
exclusive rights to
sell Trollbeads in the
Overberg area and
today is the only online
retailer in South Africa.
“When the economy is
tough, it makes you
become more clever
and creative to bring
in the business.
The final ingredient for suc-
cess according to Thea is having
a great team. At present she has
three staff – Yolande, Benita and
Zelda – who she says are critical
to keeping the business running
smoothly.
In July, the
Albertyns will
open their third
outlet at the
Arabella Hotel
& Spa. The new
outlet will blend
the ‘personalities’
of the other
shops. “Harbour
Gold focuses on
artistic pieces,
while African Jewels
in Village Square, Hermanus, is
more traditional,” says Thea.
The other key selling point
of African Jewels Arabella will
be that the team can produce
commissioned pieces within
an unusually short time scale.
“Since we design and manufac-
ture inhouse, we will be able to
make a customer’s piece during
their stay at the hotel,” says Thea
(typical duration 48-72 hours).
The shop will stock a wide range
of internationally certified dia-
monds as well as other precious
and semi-precious gems on site.
Contact Thea: 028 312 4114/072 5395650 or go to www.africajewels.net
Arabella Life 25Winter 11
BUSINESSSUCCESS
....
....
....
....
...
..............................................................................................................................................................................................
The Midas TouchArabella home owners Thea and Johannes Albertyn havebuilt up a loyal and growing clientele for their jewellerybusiness over the last 10 years
....
....
....
....
..
26 Winter 11Arabella Life
............................................................................................................................................................................................. ...
BEYOND THEBORDERS
DVD Gourmet, based atHemel & Aarde Village,offers discerning moviebuffs films for rent from a wide variety of genres
These include art house, foreign
language, classics, independent
film, documentaries, musicals,
stand-up comedy, cult classics
and off beat movies. “We try to
provide thought provoking, titil-
lating and inspiring DVDs in
a friendly environment,” says
owner Marc Steyn. See here for
the first of his regular reviews.
Contracts available.
Contact: DVD Gourmet 028 316 3845
Filmicfeast
Movie reviewThe secret in their eyes
Excellent cinematography andgreat acting by the leads andsupporting cast alike, lend credi-bility and fluidity to the flash-back narrative of this complexand layered thriller. The filmblends tragedy, love, violenceand humour into a cinematicmasterpiece hailed by critics and the public alike.
Set against the backdrop ofa turbulent time in Argentina'shistory, the film touches on insti-tutionalised corruption, theflawed humanity of thoseresponsible for administratingjustice and the essence of justice itself, underscoring a plot that twists and turnsthrough present and past in a gripping fashion.
Hermanus writer pensa winner
Winners were announced by JMCoetzee at a special launch at CapeTown’s Book Lounge on 19 March.
The anthology, African Pens2011, contains the 21 shortlistedstories for the award, with the firstthree stories penned by the winners.
“The story is based around my
own life experiences in South Africa,pulled together with a dollop of poeticlicence,” says Beth.
The book is available at both the
Book Cottage and at Bookmark
Local author Beth Hunthas won second prizein the Pen/Studzinskiliterary competition for her short storyHeatwave
This year’s annual Feesvan die Ganse will betaking place between 8-10 July in Gansbaai’ssports grounds
The festival will showcase Gansbaaiand to raise funds for the GansbaaiTourism Bureau.
There will be stalls, a beer tent, atea garden and children’s entertain-ment all weekend. The weekend’sevents will include the Winter FynbosShow – the only one in the area.
Festivities begin on the Friday nightwith a fish braai, fashion show andentertainment by local musiciansDillon Lerm and Rooies.
Saturday’s activities include amountain bike fun ride in the fynbos,a two-ball American Scramble golftournament, a 4x4 obstacle chal-lenge and a special festival hike. Onthe sports field, festival goers will betreated to a sheep dog display, asoap-box competition and a modelairplane show and more. Local artistswill be performing during the day, andin the evening there’s a live perform-ance by Die Broers.
Contact 028 384 1439/072 2915564
or go online to www.gansbaaiinfo
@telkomsa.net
Showcasing Gansbaai
...
Arabella Life Winter 11 27
BEYOND THEBORDERS
....
....
....
....
...
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
Their chefs, Andre and Anli VanVuuren – who also own SeasonRestaurant – source the finest sea-sonal ingredients from selected localsuppliers and at present, more than80 per cent come from their neigh-bours in the Overberg region.
These include the locally pro-duced raclette from the award-win-ning Klein Rivier Cheeses in Stanford,which Andre and Anli will be using for the Raclette Lunch and serving
together with all the traditionalSwiss accompaniments.
Children are most welcome, asCreation boasts a special children’smenu and play area, making this arelaxing and enjoyable destination for visitors of all ages.
To book your places for the Swiss
Day Celebration, contact Salome
on 028 212 1107 or go online to
On Sunday 31 July, Creation Wines will be hosting aSwiss Day celebration with South African flare
A traditional Raclette with a twist
This year, some of the routes have
been changed due to fire damage,
giving regular competitors a
chance to see the Palmiet Valley
from a different perspective.
In addition to the usual line-
up of events, such as the Spur
River Rumble, the Paddlezone
White-water Kayak race and the
Cadiz River Mile Swim, there will
be some new events this year,
notably the Stand Up
Paddleboarding event in which
paddlers are required to use
light, high flotation surf boards
and a single paddle to explore
varying bodies
of water, from
flatwater rivers
to surf.
After sunset
on Saturday
night, Castle
Lite will pres-
ent Cape Town
band, Hot
Water, to get
festival goers
into the party
mood. Sunday
will be a little
more laid back,
with kids’ events
taking place. Spur will set up a
Kiddies Corner to help keep
them entertained.
Camping facilities are available
for competitors and spectators in
the Palmiet Campsite.
There will be some great
lucky draw give-aways including
an ARK inflatable Boat worth
over R7000.00, an Orange River
Gorge trip with Gravity
Adventures worth over R6500.00
and a Fluid Buddy Kayak worth
over R4000.00.
To stand a chance to win these prizesor to enter into events, go to thefestival website: www.adventurefestival.co.za.
The 2011 Gravity AdventureFestival will take placefrom 12 to 14 August inthe Kogelberg BiosphereReserve, just outsideKleinmond
Gravity adventure goes large
...
The fair also represents a uniquechance for wine lovers to extend theircollection, as all the wines will beavailable for purchase at cellar doorprices.
Since 1998, the Walker Bay regionhas grown from six producers to 66,and is still growing. Today, the region
produces some of the most soughtafter wines in the country. Nearly60 producers – from Ataraxia toZoetendal – will be presenting theirwines for tasting.
Over the three-day event, notonly will there be a wide array ofworld-class premium wines on offer,but also an assortment of fresh, local culinary creations.
The Hermanus Wine & FoodFestival is a gateway for visitors intothe award-winning wines of theOverberg.
There will also be a supervisedactivity centre for children, enabling
the grown ups to sip and savour theirway around the offerings.
Entrance to the Food Marqueeis free, while the fee for the WineMarquee is R95 per person. Thisincludes a large crystal bowl glassand informative booklet on all theproducers.
For more details, visit www.
hermanuswineandfood.co.za. To
book go to www.computicket.co.za
Arabella Life Winter 11 29
BEYOND THEBORDERS
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
As a starting point, Ralph Walton
will be offering beginners’ courses
that will take students through
the basics of jewellery manufac-
turing for three hours per week
for six weeks.
They will also be running
more intensive courses lasting
five days.
The idea is to teach students
the basics of jewellery design and
manufacture while still allowing
them to make something beauti-
ful. And, while the courses offers
some challenges, Ralph believes
in keeping things fun.
Students will be encouraged
to work in silver and semi-pre-
cious stones to begin with.
And, the school offers single-
day workshop for couples to make
each other’s wedding bands. A
romantic environment is created,
complete with champagne and
flowers to maintain the loving
mood while couples make some-
thing with their own hands that
will last a lifetime.
For more details, or to book a course,contact: Ralph or Heidi Walton on028 313 1784
Releasing your inner artisanHermanus is about to launch the Overberg’s first jewellery school, giving people a chanceto explore their own creativity
World of wine on your doorstepHermanus’ Annual Wine and Food Fair, which takesplace from 6-8 August, promises to be a celebration of15 years of great wines from the Elgin to Elim area
30 Winter 11Arabella Life
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
REFLECTIONS..
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
Acquire what is beyondpoverty and wealth
Each day acquire something that will help you to face poverty,
or death, and other grave ills as well.
It is not the man that has too little that is poor, but rather the
one who, despite what he has, hankers after more. You ask
what is the proper limit to a person’s wealth? First, that of
having what is essential, and second, that of having what is
enough.
Recall Epicurus, who says ‘A cheerful poverty is an honorable
state’, but fails to observe that if it is cheerful, it is not poverty
at all.
Carry your wealth lightly, finding it an intolerable burden is
the mark of an unstable mind.
Letters from a Stoic, Seneca (trans. Alan Malachowski)
