Franschhoek Tatler - April 2015

Bus tragedy claims four livesFresh concerns regarding traffic safety on pass

The tragic bus accident in the Franschhoek Pass on Saturday, 7 March 2015, in which 3 people died and many were injured has again raised concerns about traffic safety on this route. An Italian cyclist who was also involved in the accident died in hospital a week later.

Die bus met 27 ondersteuners en spanlede van Franschhoek Rugbyklub aan boord was onderweg na ‘n vriendskaplike wedstryd in Grabouw toe die ongeluk plaasgevind het. Die bus het vir twee fietsryers uitgeswenk en toe gerol. Gerugte dat die bus se remme gebreek het kon nie bevestig word nie en bewerings dat die bus nie padwaardig was nie is deur die buseienaar ontken.

Drie buspassasiers het in die ongeluk gesterf. Hulle was Russel Riffel (25), Denzil Boonzaaier (20) en Abraham Leibrandt (61). ‘n Gedenkdiens vir die oorledenes is op Dinsdag, 10 Maart, by die Groendal Sportgronde gehou terwyl die begrafnisse op Saterdag 14 Maart plaasgevind het.

Die twee Italiaanse fietsryers, Linda Scattolin (40) – wat in Groote Schuur Hospitaal oorlede is – en Edith Niederfriniger (42), het reeds in November 2014 in Suid-Afrika aangekom om vir die Ystermankompetisie in Port Elizabeth te oefen.

Die Westelike Provinsie Rugby-unie (WPRU)

het die koste van die begrafnisse gedra en R30 000 tot ‘n bystandsfonds bygedra. ‘n Kollekte vir die fonds is ook by die Superrugby-wedstryd tussen die Stormers en Chiefs op 14 Maart by Nuweland gehou. Kommersiële vennote van die WPRU het ook bydraes tot die fonds gemaak.

‘n Tweede fatale ongeluk het op Sondag, 8 Maart, in die pas gebeur waarin nog twee mense oorlede is.

In the wake of the second fatal accident in one weekend on the pass Western Cape Transport and Public Works MEC Donald Grant indicated to the media that he is familiar with the Franschhoek Pass and that the provincial roads engineer was busy with a traffic survey on the pass that will inform future management of the road. At the time of going to press the survey had not yet been completed.

In what seems an eerily prescient action Franschhoek Wine Valley asked the MEC in January 2015 to investigate restricting the size of vehicles allowed to use the pass, both for safety reasons and because of the nuisance they present to visitors to the valley.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the Franschhoek Rugby Disaster Relief Fund can do so by making a deposit into the following bank account: Franschhoek Rugby Disaster Relief Fund, Standard Bank, Account number: 071411097, Branch code: 025009.

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Irna van Wyk: 082 572 2740 SOMERSET WEST, STRAND, GORDON’S BAY: 021 851 0176 STELLENBOSCH, FRANSCHHOEK: 021 883 3783 E-mail: [email protected] • Fax: 021 886 8516

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A memorial to Russel Riffel now marks the scene of the tragic accident. Inset: The mangled bicycles of the two Italian cyclists shortly after the accident.

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Fire proof shacksPage 2

Good vs Bad calories

Page 9

Q&A: Ryk Neethling

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Fire proof shacks – page 2Good vs Bad calories – page 9

Q&A: Ryk Neethling – page 17

2 Franschhoek Tatler April 2015

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New hi-tech medical facilityThe construction of an isolation unit for infectious

diseases in Franschhoek is close to reality. A spokesperson for the National Health Department announced at a media briefing that all provincial health departments were asked to identify possible sites for such a centre in August 2011. The current Ebola outbreak in West Africa emphasised the importance of secure professional isolation units.

Only the Western Cape presented a feasible plan to the minister. The site that has been identified is that of the former Robertsvlei village, near the upper reaches of the Berg River Dam. It is understood that Tulbagh was also considered.

According to the provincial health department this site was selected because it is close enough to Cape Town for easy access to medical equipment, supplies and specialist staff, but remote enough for effective isolation control. In the highly unlikely event that a regional quarantine becomes necessary, it is easier to place a rural area like Franschhoek under quarantine than a suburb in the city. Health authorities were quick to point out that even in a worst-case scenario quarantine periods would never be longer than seven weeks at a time and that relevant information will be broadcast on Franschhoek FM.

Although all local citizens will have to be tested for infections in the event of possible isolation breaches the facility should not cause any inconvenience to the village in the run of ordinary events. Dog walkers and

outdoor enthusiasts will however have to find new ways of accessing the Berg River catchment area as the entire level land area beyond the turnoff to the gravel section of Robertsvlei Road will be within the grounds of the facility.

Most employees will be volunteers who will undergo specialist training in infectious disease management by the World Health Organisation.

It is expected that approval of plans for the erection of the facility will be fast-tracked by the municipality so that building can be completed by the end of the year.

Debt approval highlights water problemsIn January this year the Tatler reported on three

Franschhoek area projects that form part of the Provincial Government’s Berg River Improvement Plan. In the article we stated “The Berg River, with its origin outside Franschhoek, is Cape Town’s most important river system. Although it doesn’t flow through the city it not only provides a large portion of the city’s water, but a lot of the food that is produced along its length is also consumed in the city. Farming along the Berg River provided 14 100 permanent and 16 500 temporary jobs in 2005 and had a farm gate value of nearly R1 billion in the same year. Furthermore 75% of the crop produced in the system’s catchment is exported to the EU earning valuable foreign exchange.”

A reminder of how big the scope of the water

quality and supply problems are recently came from an unexpected source – a Stellenbosch Municipality Mayco approval for the municipality to incur another R100m in long-term debt.

The approval is contained in minutes of a Mayco meeting of 21 February 2015 and includes seven infrastructure projects. Five of the projects relate to water supply and quality, including R6 250 000 for ‘Bulk water supply pipeline and pump stations: Franschhoek’ and R8 400 000 for a new reservoir in Groendal. Fully half of the amount approved though is additional funding towards the extension of the Stellenbosch Waste Water Treatment Works – a project with a multi-year budget of R363 million.

Keeping clean water in our taps and rivers is certainly not cheap!

Dignatories inspect fire proof shacks

The executive Mayor of Stellenbosch, Conrad Sidego, visited Lanquedoc on 20 February 2015 to attend a demonstration of the Fire Proof Shack. The event was hosted by Working for Fire, Stellenbosch Municipality and the National Minister of Environmental Affairs, Mrs Edna Molewa.

The Mayor highlighted the fact that Stellenbosch is the Innovation Capital of South Africa and that demonstrations such as this one encourage the community and other stakeholders to seek innovative ways to help address the challenges in local communities. Rampant fires in informal settlements are a challenge that not only costs lives and possessions but also has significant financial implications for local government and the individuals involved.

The Fire Proof Shack is lined with fire-retardant sheeting made from the chipped wood of alien invasive plants sourced in collaboration

with Working for Water. The innovative material is highly effective in limiting the spread of fire. Its use is to be increased by including it in the starter kit that is provided by local government in communities where a fire has destroyed informal settlement areas or homes.

The Fire Proof Shack was designed and developed by Touching the Earth Lightly (TEL), led by Stephen Lamb who sees the organisation as combining people, design and the environment. Lamb’s organisation explores ways in which design can combine the needs of people and nature in simple ways and provide innovative solutions to the needs of South African communities.

The impressive demonstration saw fire being set to five shacks in a makeshift demonstration area. While the fire gutted the three ‘standard’ shacks the Fire Proof Shacks successfully withstood the flames.

www.touchingtheearthlightly.com

Vooruitgang by Faire DonneMediumkoste behuising; Reservoirstraat

Franschhoekers vra reeds jare uit oor wanneer daar eendag iets gaan gebeur agter die mure van die middelkoste behuisingsprojek langs die Agrimark in Reservoirstraat. Die antwoord is dat heelwat oor die jare agter die skerms gebeur het, voordat bouwerk aan die eerste huis einde verlede jaar begin het.

‘n Besoek aan die munisipale behuisings-departement het aan die lig gebring dat die eerste 6 van die 56 erwe aan voorheenbenadeelde kopers verkoop is. Dit is juis een van hulle wie se huisbouery nou so fluks vorder.

Alle huise in die ontwikkelling moet aan ‘n streng stel estetiese standaarde voldoen. Hierdie standaarde, wat deur Dennis Moss Vennootskap ontwikkel is, skryf nie net die ontwerp nie, maar ook afwerkings – soos verfkleure – in. Nabygeleë huiseienaars hoef hulle dus nie bekommer dat iets onoogliks op hulle drumpels gaan verrys nie!

Die Bestuurder: Nuwe Behuising van Stellenbosch Munisipaliteit, Mnr Lester van Stavel, het verduidelik dat die kopers kontrakte met die munisipaliteit aangegaan het. Hierdie kontrakte sluit een van drie goedgekeurde bouplanne in. Die waarde van die kontrakte weerspieël die minimum ontwikkelingskoste van die drie ‘plot en plan’ opsies, wat wissel tussen R522 000 tot R702 000.

Om spekulasie te voorkom het die Raad ’n voorkoopsreg van 8 jaar in die koopkontrak ingesluit. Dit het die onbedoelde nagevolg gehad dat dit banke sku gemaak het om huisverbande aan kwalifiserende kopers aan te bied.

Hierdie struikelblok is gelukkig nou bygelê. Samesprekings is met finansiële instansies gevoer om die rede te verduidelik waarom daar ‘n voorkoopsreg bepaling is. Hierna het die banke geringe wysigings aan die kontrakte voorgestel, wat toe ook aangebring is.

Die munisipaliteit nooi nou belangstellendes om

aansoek te doen om die oorblywende erwe te koop. Ten einde te kwalifiseer moet ‘n potensiële begunstigde:• Vir ten minste 3 jaar in die Franschhoek Vallei

woonagtig wees, of vir ten minste 3 jaar in die diens van Stellenbosch Munisipaliteit wees

• Verkieslik ‘n eerste huiskoper wees (Voorkeur word gegee aan eerste huiskopers.)

• Verkieslik ‘n voorheen benadeelde individu wees (Voorkeur word aan voorheen benadeelde individue gegee tydens die toekenningsproses.)

Indien dit sou gebeur dat die vraag na die erwe egter groter as die aanbod is, sal die kriteria in ‘n puntestelsel omgeskakel word ten einde die finale lys van begunstigdes vas te stel.

Van Stavel het benadruk dat dit nie gesubsidieerde behuising is nie – aansoekers moet self, of met behulp van ‘n kommersiële huisverband, die volle kosprys kan finansier.

‘n Vergadering word beplan om voornemende kopers in te lig oor die fyner besonderhede van díe ontwikkelling.

Diegene wat graag meer inligting aangaande die projek wil bekom kan met Mev. Myra Francis by Stellenbosch Munisipaliteit skakel by 021 808 8760.

A dramatic conclusion to the simulated shack fire

The site of the new medical isolation facility

Napa legend visits Franschhoek

Analjit Singh recently hosted a lunch in Franschhoek to welcome Bill and Deborah Harlan to the region and give them a sneak peek at the Leeu Collection development that includes two luxury boutique hotels, a spa, winery and wine tasting facility that will open in the second half of 2015. After a tour of the properties the Harlans and their friends were treated to a tasting of Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines and lunch.

For the past 30 years Bill Harlan has endeavoured to raise the global profile of the Napa Valley and is regarded as one of the new world’s most successful vintners. His Harlan Estate wines are almost as iconic as those of the nearby Screaming Eagle Winery.

www.leeucollection.com FLTR: Bill and Deborah Harlan with Analjit Singh

Bouwerk aan die eerste huis in Faire Donne is reeds ver gevorder

3Franschhoek TatlerApril 2015

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.

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Nolan Hoffman defends Cape Town Cycle Tour title in Solidarity Ride

Nolan Hoffman (Team Abantu) defended his Cape Town Cycle Tour title in superb fashion on Sunday, 08 March, as he raced over the finish line in a sensational time of 01:01:49 in this year’s 47km ‘Show You Care Solidarity Ride.’

Thousands of riders dressed in red to support those affected by the tragic fires burning on the mountains around Cape Town over the past week. The shortened circular route was a celebration of Cape Town’s fighting spirit and a salute to the Volunteer Wildfire Services, Sanparks Fire Fighting initiatives and other volunteers for their heroic efforts.

Crossing the line in an intense sprint, Hoffman held off stiff competition from silver medallist, Tyler Day (Team Westvaal) and third placed, Brenton Jones (Team Drapac). International professional cyclists, Team Etixx-Quick Step’s Mark Cavendish and main lead-out man, Mark Renshaw, competing

in their first South African race, could not outsprint Hoffman.

“It was only 47km, but it was the hardest 47km. There was no place to recover, and before I knew it, there was another hill. The downhills were fast, and I was really concerned about Hospital Bend because I knew it was going to make for a really fast finish. I’m proud of the way the guys rode today – they stuck to the tactic and executed it to perfection. My teammates were fantastic.”

The elite ladies raced in their own start group for the first time this year, and Lynette Burger (Team Activate Demacon), who gave birth nine months ago, took top honours in a time of 01:17:52.

Last year’s winner, Cherise Stander (Team RECM) raced ahead of third place, Maroesjka Matthee (Team Bestmed ASG) to claim the silver medal in her 16th Cape Town Cycle Tour. Nolan Hoffman celebrates after crossing the finish line


Tel: +27 (0)21 876 3386 • email: [email protected]

presented in association with “Les Vignerons de Franschhoek”

Allée Bleue Shiraz2012

La Bri La Bri Affinity 2012

Bistro at Allée Bleue Venison and “skaap stertjie” Burger with Sautéed king oyster mushroom, sweet chilli mayonnaise and sweet potato chips

Dutch East’sDry Aged Beef Fillet With Curried Lamb And Pork Brawn

Powerful bouquet of violets, cinnamon and chocolate followed by ripe cherries. The palate is smooth and silky, packed with berry fruit and spicy nuances .The wine was matured in barrel for 14 months. 10% American oak barrel and the rest French oak – 60% of the barrels were new.Cellar Price: R103

Allée Bleue Tel: 021 874 1021 Email: [email protected]

A beautiful ink black, dark plum colour. An exceptionally complex wine with cherries, plums and cassis and mixed spice on the nose. Rich palate, succulent and broad. A full rich entry with firm but elegantly integrated tannins with lingering spiciness. Cellar Price: R110

La Bri Tel: 021 876 2593 Email: [email protected]

Burger PattyIngredients:1 kg Kudu mince0.6 kg skaap stertjie2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauceSalt and pepper to taste2 tablespoons rosemary

Method: Boil skaap stertjie and rosemary in water until cooked. Take the meat of the bone and cool. When lamb is cooled, add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. Shape your patties and let it rest for 10 minutes. Fry in a warm pan on both sides and cook till desired temperature.

Ingredients - Beef fillet: 1 x 150g beef fillet portions; 2 x cloves garlic fresh, crushed; 2 x bay leaves; 4 leaves sage; 4 knobs of butterIngredients - Brawn: 6 pig’s trotters; 1 whole lamb neck; 1 yellow onion, quartered; 2 carrots, diced; 4 whole cloves; 6 black pepper corns; 12 allspice berries; 4 tbsp fresh coriander, finely chopped; salt & pepper for seasoning; 1 cup sweet mild curry pasteMethod - Brawn: Clean trotters thoroughly. Put all the meat, vegetables and spices into a large pressure cooker. Cover with 2.5 litres of cold water. Bring the pressure cooker to full pressure and

cook for 60 minutes. Allow the pressure cooker to depressurize and the meat to cool. Strain the stock. Remove the skin and all the bones from trotters; also remove all the meat from the lamb neck. Chop the meat coarsely. Add the strained stock to a large pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the liquid by half. Add the meat and stir in the curry paste. Season with salt & pepper. Continue to boil the for another 15 minutes then add the chopped coriander. Pour the brawn into a large terrine mould, set and slice before servingMethod - Fillet: Heat a cast iron pan till almost smoking hot. Brush fillet

with herb infused olive oil and season. Sear in the pan till brown on both sides, about 60 seconds on each side. Now add the herbs and butter to the pan and finish in very warm oven for 5 minutes spooning the butter over the fillet every minute or so.To plate: Garnish with truffled potato croquettes, confit pearl onions, sautéed wild mushrooms, pickled carrot coulis and red wine jus.

Dutch East Tel: 021 8746 3547 Email: [email protected]

How to enterSend your answer to: [email protected].

The winner will be informed by return mail before 15 April 2015. Prizes have to be collected from the Franschhoek Info

Office before end April 2015 or be forfeited.The owner of which iconic Napa estate recently visited Franschhoek?

Answer this easy question!

Bistro at Allée Bleue Tel: 021 874 1021 Email: [email protected]

24 dirkie uys street · tel 021 876 4304 www.davidwalters.co.za

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Tracey’s Diamonds are a Lady Golfer’s best friend.The Ladies Open Day golf event at Pearl Valley, held

on 4 March was a remarkable success. Main sponsor Tracey’s Diamonds certainly created the piece de resistance for the evening by offering a diamond as the raffle prize. Also worth a special mention is the quality of their gift of golfing towels to all the players, which set a benchmark for others to follow.

Added to the remarkable field of 144 ladies participating, was the transformation of the clubhouse by the Pearl Valley lady members, under the guidance

of the dynamic Lady Captain Laurie Chaffe, who transformed the clubhouse setting with sensational décor, colourful flowers, a sophisticated black and white theme for the tables and a prize giving table that any golfing event would be envious of.

This was also a charitable event and apart from the title sponsor, the sponsorship committee for the day must be complimented for the vast array of support they received. Most support was from local businesses, though it must be mentioned that golf courses and hotels from further afield were also enthusiastic supporters.

As a punctuation mark to the success of the Pearl Valley Ladies Day R28 050 was raised, which will be forwarded to the Drakenstein Hospice.

Without doubt ladies golf is on the rise and to accentuate this the Pam Golding Arabella Ladies Open on 19 March was fully subscribed within days of its announcement.

I have a few oddities about wine that I hope you will find of interest.

Does wine have a place in maritime history? Indeed it does. In the late 1400s the English measured wine in barrels known as ‘hogsheads’ (63 gallons = 286 litres). Two hogsheads made a ‘pipe’ and two pipes made a ‘tonne’. Hence the size of ships was measured by the number of tonnes they could carry. Now you know.

We are all aware that a well-made and well-cellared wine will improve with age. This is not by any means a modern phenomenon dependent on technical laboratory skills or an exceptional choice of maturation barrels. I was surprised to learn that the Romans had wines with serious ‘legs’ – i.e. wines that had extremely long lives. A wine they called ‘Opimian’ in 121BC was being drunk, and enjoyed, 125 years later! This was in some respects due to their use of wooden barrels as opposed to the Greek competition at that time who used earthenware amphorae. Incidentally the Romans used to cultivate their vines on trees instead of the usual trellis – a practice that continues to this day in parts of southern Italy and northern Portugal. The Romans actually used to heat and even smoke

their wines resulting in a ‘Madeira’ style drink thereby acquiring a lengthened life span. The Greeks used to flavour theirs with herbs and honey and on occasion would add sea water – but not to extend its life.

During the middle ages the Church represented civilization and was responsible for establishing vineyards and spreading viticulture with the Gospels. Religion was also identified, not only as the blood of Christ, but as a luxury in a somewhat comfortless world. Both wine and the Church are older than recorded history. I mentioned in a past issue that the earliest ever indication of winemaking, in what is now Georgia, dates back as far as the Bronze Age.

It is presumed that this culture spread from Caucasia south to Mesopotamia from where it moved to Egypt around 6000BC. It then spread around the Mediterranean before going northwards to France, Germany and eventually England, thanks to the Romans. Today there are over 400 wineries in the UK and plantings continue. Surprised? You shouldn’t really be as most of the would-be vignerons make their wine between their kitchen and bathrooms. Amateurs or hobbyists they may be but they have to register with the authorities, hence the large total.

In a lighter vein, I very much doubt if a certain young lady will ever read this. However, should she do so she might remember her recent visit to a local winery for a tasting. May I offer a word of advice? You should have asked for a ‘wooded chardonnay’. Asking for a ‘charded woodenay’ never brings a satisfactory result.

Danielle SmithClinical Psychologist

[email protected] Cabriere Street, Franschhoek, 7690

• Individual Psychotherapy (adults)• Couple Psychotherapy• Play Therapy (children)• Parent Counselling• Parent-Infant Psychotherapy (for sleeping, feeding, crying or other behavioural problems)

Franschhoek Wines at cellar door prices.Open 7 days a week • 23 Huguenot Road, Tel: 021 876 3185

FRANSCHHOEK

Wines Franschhoek proudly presents

WINE OF THE WEEK - FREE TASTING

RICKETY BRIDGE 18/4 - 24 /4Come and taste some great Foundation Stone

with great wines, price and performance from Rickety Bridge.

LA CHATAIGNE 4/4 - 10/4Come and taste La Chatiagne’s super Rosé, one of our favourites,

and their great Sauvignon Blanc.

SOLMS DELTA 25/4 - 1/5Amalie - what a beautiful wine - a Rohne style blend, base is Grenache!

Hiervandaan - a Shiraz Classic Rohne style blend - a great wine come and try!

LA COURONNE 11/4 - 17/4Taste their Malbec, a variety thats quite unique for the valley - it’s yummy!

If you are a lover of unwooded Chardonnay - this one is fab!

Cellar Chat

On and Off Course

Mark TannerLawrence Gould

Diamond winner Aliki Brunt (in pink) with, FLTR, Maria Wilkins, Laurie Jaffe and Vicky and Evan Tracey of Tracey’s Diamonds.

The clubhouse was decorated in black and white – down to the Tracey’s golf towels under the plates.


THINGS THAT REALLY MATTERIN THE WINELANDS

MAKING

HAPPEN

Nedbank Limited Reg No 1951/000009/06. Authorised financial services and registered credit provider (NCRCP16).nedbank.co.za

12502

From left to right: Philip Wessels – Group Managing Executive, Nedbank Retail and Business Banking; Joyce Tshanda, schoolteacher, who is part of Bhabhathane, the Franschhoek Schools Transformation Project; and Malcolm Adendorff, Nedbank Branch Manager in Paarl.

As a bank for all, including small, medium and large enterprises,Nedbank understands that its role as a banking institution goes beyond just banking. As such, the bank’s culture promotes the ethos of sustainability, community development, economic growth, transformation and building a vibrant society – all of which are vital pillars to social cohesion.

This means working with various stakeholders to make the things that really matter happen for local business andcommunities, ensuring that the bank continues to play a meaningful role in society; one that would impact all provinces including the Winelands.

‘Community development is a catalyst for the empowerment of communities and industries to create an enabling environment for all stakeholders to collaborate for the greater good of everyone, both socially and economically. This forms part of the bank’s Deep Green aspirations, to be highly involved in the communities we serve and doing our fair share as a responsible corporate citizen,’ notes Philip Wessels: Group ManagingExecutive of Retail and Business Banking at Nedbank.

It is against this backdrop that Nedbank continues to channel its resources in the support issues of national importance such as: education; health; sports; job creation; skills development; arts and culture; children’s welfare and the environment.

Notably, the bank’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Teacher Training Programmes are aimed at assisting under-resourced ECD centres to better equip children across the nation for school-readiness. This saw 25 practitioners and 500 pre-schoolers at Bhabhathane in Franschhoek, receiving a fully equipped Edutainer (repurposed container) training centre,toy library and aftercare facility.

In addition, Nedbank sponsors the SciMathUS intensive year-long programme at Stellenbosch University, which seeks to bridge the gap for talented Grade 12 students from disadvantaged backgrounds to enable them to obtain their university exemption.

To empower young people in the Boland district who wish to pursue their careers in winemaking, tourism and hospitality, the bank offers skills training in partnership with the Pinotage Youth Development Academy (PYDA) and Department of Viticulture and Oenology (DVO) in Stellenbosch. This is an extension of the Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Trust, which launched the 3-year Protégé Programme in 2006, with the aim of empowering talented young winemakers to reach master status. As it stands, the bursary programme works to the benefit of three (3) Western Cape and one (1) Gauteng Elsenburg Agricultural College students.

In keeping with its continued support for business, Nedbank hosts various initiatives and its flagship seminars that offer mentorship, practical advice, networking opportunities and financial advisory services free of charge across the Western Cape and nationally. These include the Chamber of Commerce Seminars which offer businesses an opportunity to present their product and service offerings to potential clients from within and outside the district.

This is evidenced by the successes realised by DiPAR Systems, a local fruit producer that clinched a 3-year export deal and subsequently managed to purchase its own business premises financed by Nedbank.

While ensuring a successful education system for all and a vibrant, inclusive marketplace may at times seem difficult to make happen, Nedbank’s motto of delivering personal service that meets client needs, makes the journey and the things that really matter happen.

#ThingsThatReallyMatter


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La Motte’s food & wine pairing bestDrinks International Wine Tourism Awards 2015

La Motte Wine Estate has again been acknowledged by the Drinks International Wine Tourism Awards for Best Food and Wine Matching Experience. This is the second time La Motte has won this prestigious award after being the champion in 2013 as well.

La Motte and its Pierneef à La Motte restaurant offers a comprehensive Food and Wine Experience introduced to guests in an array of experiences – from dedicated food and wine pairings to thoroughly researched Cape Winelands Cuisine to an innovative introduction of food and wine via the extended tourism offering on the estate.

“We are passionate about sharing food and wine culture in a manner that both entertains and educates”, says La Motte CEO, Hein Koegelenberg,

“and we are honoured to be acknowledged in the company of wineries from Argentina, Chile, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, the UK and US.”

The Drinks International Wine Tourism Awards aim at recognising the estates that successfully implement wine tourism to support their main focus of wine making. The international judging panel’s comments on La Motte’s Food & Wine Matching Experience included: “Very focused with a lot of thought and detail. There is a cookbook and good use of social media”. La Motte was also Highly Commended as Visitor Centre for being “Classy and very professional”.

www.la-motte.com | 021 876 8000

Boschendal for first class on SWISSOne of only four SA wines

SWISS International Airlines has selected the Boschendal Chardonnay Reserve Collection 2012 as one of the premium wines for their summer 2015 offering. The wine will be served to their First Class passengers.

A pre-determined list was selected by SWISS where after approximately 150 wines from around the world were tasted by a panel of experts comprising sommeliers and journalists as well as seasoned wine buyers from Switzerland’s biggest retailer, The COOP. Boschendal Chardonnay Reserve Collection 2012 was one of only four South African wines selected. The feedback from the selection panel was very positive and tasters were impressed by the overall quality of the wines submitted.

Produced from 100% Chardonnay grapes, Boschendal’s white wine maker, Lizelle Gerber, describes the wine “as showing classic cool climate

characteristics with opulent white fruit flavours and hints of fig and lime”. The palate displays richness and complexity with unique lime and citrus undertones ending with lingering mineral elegance. This is typical of the grapes growing high on the Simonsberg Mountain slopes. Boschendal Chardonnay Reserve Collection 2012 is the perfect partner for rich fish dishes such as gravadlax or grilled salmon, as well as veal chops with wild mushrooms. For vegetarians this Chardonnay is a match made in culinary heaven when served with delicious butternut and sage ravioli.

Boschendal is part of the DGB group and a member of the Vignerons de Franschhoek Wine Valley, which over the years has established itself as one of South Africa’s leading wine producing regions.

www.boschendalwines.com | 021 870 4210/11 (wine tasting)


Nail Salon

Shop 13, Place Vendome,Huguenot Street, Franschhoek, 7690

T: 083 560 9997www.beauty-bar.co.za

Opening 1st APRIL 2015


Good calories vs bad calories – what’s the difference?Calorie counting, raw veggie diets, no carb diets,

high protein diets and the smoothie diet. The list of diet fads goes on and on – and so does the list of failed dieters who pursue that all important, perfect ‘weight loss secret’.

“The concern with these fast fix diets, is that there is no fast fix! They just aren’t sustainable. People need to understand that the correct calorie intake can actually work to their advantage,” says Gareth Powell, National Marketing Coordinator at Ultimate Sports Nutrition (USN). “And this means embracing the correct type of calories too”, he adds.

Give a calorie a hug today!Calories can be embraced? That’s fantastic news for

us food lovers out there, but USN stresses that it must be the right calories.

Powell explains, “Since calories are simply a measurement of energy availability, and all calories serve as fuel, in essence, they are neither good nor bad. There is however a good or bad source of those calories, and this needs to be incorporated into a healthy eating plan.

“Good calories are foods and food stuffs that promote high levels of nutrient intake, while limiting calorie intake. Consequently, foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains provide high levels of

nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and fibre when correlated to the volume of calories they supply.

Bad calories include processed, high sugar foods and alcohol that offer few nutrients, but an overload of calories. You should try to eliminate or minimise the intake of such food stuffs.”

The obsession with calorie burningThe on-going calorie awareness in society is met

with desires to ‘burn calories’. Powell cautions against such an approach. “The best way to naturally burn calories is to be cautious about the food, snack and beverage choices that you make. If you are taking fewer calories in, you limit the risk of gaining extra body fat, further limiting your risk of diseases of lifestyle later on.”

“Furthermore, simply taking part in 15-30 minutes of activity at least every second day will increase your level of energy expenditure, improving your body weight and fitness level. As you adapt to the exercise, you can increase the frequency, duration and intensity of the activity to further increase your potential energy loss.”

What about supplementation?The role of supplementation also needs to be further

clarified. Powell notes, “Since supplementation never replaces foods, it should be used strategically to meet

a need that often cannot be supplied through a food option. This is mainly out of convenience and the demands of our busy lifestyles creating shortfalls. Grabbing protein bars, protein shakes or meal replacement shakes is a lot more beneficial to your health than stopping at your local takeout for a quick fix. The convenience is appealing too.”

Powell believes that there is no doubt that scientifically developed supplementation can help individuals fill their dietary shortfalls, playing a small, but very important role in the completion of a healthy eating plan. It simply comes down to the selection of the correct supplementation for your specific needs.

So how many calories can I hug (eh, consume)?

Everyone needs a different amount of calories, depending on factors such as age, weight, and activity level. For example, a small child needs a great deal less than a full grown adult. Likewise, an individual with a demanding, active job needs more than someone working a desk job.

Powell suggests, “Simply focus on well balanced, healthy food sources and you may not need to ever consider your calorie intake as a medium of measuring dietary success. Eat smaller snack sized meals every three hours (totalling 5-6 meals daily), from both food and supplement sources that have a protein, carbohydrate and fat balance. You will then be well on your way to a successful healthy eating plan!”

62 HUGUENOT STREET, FRANSCHHOEK+27 21 876 3094

[email protected]

MADE IN FRANSCHHOEK

Franschhoek Divas loop vallei storm

Die Franschhoek Divas, soos ‘n groep Gautengse en Vrystaatse vriendinne hulself gedoop het, het vanaf 13 tot 16 Maart 2015 die Franschhoekvallei storm geloop.

Volgens die groep se nie-amptelike leier, Cora Nel, organiseer hulle die afgelope klompie jare ‘n jaarlikse staptog iewers in Suid-Afrika. Hierdie jaar het die keuse op Franschhoek geval. Die reëlings vir die besoek is deur Andries Liebenberg en Piet Krynauw van walkingholidays.co.za getref.

Gedurende hulle verblyf het die divas ‘n verskeidenheid staproetes in die area aangepak en ook tyd gehad om ‘n aantal ander toeriste dinge te doen. Die besoek het in die Mont Rochelle Natuurreservaat begin waar Prof. Izak Rust hulle verwelkom het en meer van die area vertel het. Hierna het hy hulle op die Vista staproete in die reservaat begelei voordat hulle self met Cats se Pad terug dorp toe gestap het. Ander staproetes het die divas deur ‘n aantal wynplase geneem en al langs die voetheuwels van die Wemmershoekberge op La Motte.

Natuurlik moes daar ook wyn geproe (en aangekoop)

word, wat die divas met oorgawe gedoen het, o.a. by Rickety Bridge, La Motte en Leopard’s Leap. Hulle het natuurlik ook etlike plaaslike restaurante beproef en bietjie inkopies gedoen. ‘n Ervaring wat hulle egter byna almal as uitsonderlik beskryf het was die geleentheid om hul eie wyn te versny by Rickety Bridge. Daar was egter geen laagtepunte aan hulle besoek nie en die konsensus beskrywing van die besoek was “moerse lekker.”

Volgens Liebenberg en Krynauw is stapvakansies ‘n snelgroeiende segment in die plaaslike toerisme industrie. Hulle beklemtoon ook dat stappers, in teenstelling met dagbesoekers, meer bydra tot die skep van ekonomiese welvaart in die areas wat hulle besoek. Nie net bly hulle langer nie, wat meer inkomste vir bv. restaurante en gastehuise beteken, hulle skep ook ander welvaart deur van plaaslike vervoer gebruik te maak, by plaaslike winkels en produsente te koop en plaaslike gidse te gebruik, om maar ‘n paar maniere te noem.

www.walkingholidays.co.za

Professor Izak Rust het die Franschhoek Divas in die Mont Rochelle Natuurreservaat verwelkom


FVTCT launches new Student Leaders Forum

The Franschhoek Valley Transformation Charter Trust, in partnership with the Franschhoek Principals Network, has launched a Student Leaders Forum. The concept of this new initiative was presented to the Bhabhathane Steering Committee on 3 March.

The Student Leaders Forum will supplement other excellent programmes currently offered in Franschhoek schools with one that seeks to provide leadership development to the students themselves. It will bring together, for leadership training, the Head Boys and Head Girls of all three High Schools in the Franschhoek Valley. The forum will create an environment in which these young leaders can share their successes, challenges and fears and gain confidence in their leadership abilities as well as initiate ideas for positive developments, cohesiveness and transformation within the schools and the wider community.

All six Student Heads attended the first Forum held on 12 March at the offices of The Charter Trust. With the expertise and professional guidance of Ross Hutchison-Taylor, these fine student leaders were gently encouraged to confront their own doubts or fears and shown how to more fully recognise and understand their leadership potential and capabilities. They engaged easily, quickly gaining trust in each other and the process, and went away very excited. The Student Leaders Forum will meet monthly until November 2015.

For more information concerning this innovative programme contact Jeremy Davids on 082 472 5156.

A day to rememberFebruary 23rd signalled the 110th anniversary of

the charter of the original Rotary Club in Chicago in 1905. Back then Paul Harris, a young lawyer, gathered together in a spirit of friendship and understanding a group of men, each of whom were engaged in a different form of service to the public.

At first the members of this new club met in rotation at their various places of business, suggesting the name 'Rotary'. Today there are 32 000 Rotary clubs worldwide with a membership of over 1 200 000, making Rotary the largest service organisation in the world.

For more information on Rotary please call Mark Tanner on 082 773 9217.

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

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

On 13 April 2015 (first Monday is Easter Weekend) we will have a meeting at 12h30 for 13h00 as usual and our speaker will be Judge Neville Zietsman – “Time on the bar and bench”.

Should there be anyone locally, who would like to make themselves available to do a talk for Probus during 2015 it will be welcomed and appreciated. We enjoy any topic. Please contact Julie Mitchell on 021 876 3526 / 083 303 3335 to give her your details.

Lunch is usually at 12h30 for 13h00 at La Petit Dauphine in Café BonBon or the Studio. If there is anyone who would like to join us, on a trial basis, for lunch, please contact: Marj Dale our new Secretary on 028 840 0955 / 071 987 8080. We would love to hear from you.

Probus ClubAlta Malherbe

Rotary NewsMark Tanner

Transformation Charter

Jeremy Davids

CODA_ADVERT_01.indd 2 13/03/2015 07:40

Oostenryker kom per fiets

Vroeër hierdie jaar het ‘n interessante jong Oostenryker, Jakob Lampbrecht, die leerlinge by Hoërskool Franschhoek besoek. Hy het hulle van sy wedervaringe op sy 16 maande lange fietstoer deur Afrika vertel. ‘n Demonstrasie van hoe ‘n mens tent opslaan en kos maak wanneer jy alles op jou fiets saamry was ook aan die orde van die dag.

Jakob het vir meer as ‘n week by een van die onderwyseresse, Marina van Heerden, en haar man gebly, na ‘n toevallige fietsry ontmoeting.

Hy vertel dat hy na skool vir ‘n jaar by die weermag aangesluit voor hy universiteit toe is om argitektuur te studeer. Na hy sy graad verwerf het, het hy besluit om die geld wat hy ywerig gespaar het aan te wend vir ‘n uitgebreide toer. So het hy en sy fiets in Uganda beland sonder dat hy mooi geweet het wat om te verwag. Daarvandaan ry hy toe Suid Soedan toe waar hy, voor die oorlog die lewe te gevaarlik gemaak het, as vrywilliger help bou het aan ‘n

hospitaal. Dit was tyd om aan te beweeg en hy stel sy visier op Kaapstad en trap sy fiets deur nege lande om hier uit te kom.

Jakob sê hy beskou sy toer as tyd in ‘Die Skool van die Lewe’. Die innemende jong man kan nie uitgepraat raak oor die vriendelikheid van almal wat hy teëkom nie. Volgens hom is almal hulpvaardig. Hy sê die mense wat vir hom sê hy is dapper en hy inspireer hulle, besef nie dat hy eintlik by hulle leer en dat hulle ondersteuning hom veilig laat voel nie. Dis vir hom interessant om ander kulture en tale te ervaar en dis vir hom opvallend hoe min sommige mense het in vergelyking met waaraan hy as Europeër gewoond is.

Jakob is weer per vliegtuig vort en mik na Senegal van waar hy woestyn- en kuslangs sy fietstoer gaan voortsit. Hy beplan om later in Italië by sy familie aan te sluit voor hy terugkeer Oostenryk toe. ‘n Mens kan net wonder wat hy nog alles gaan leer in ‘Die Skool van die Lewe’.

Jakob Lampbrecht demonstreer sy kookvernuf aan FHS leerders

Colour Run fun for Franschhoek High School

Franschhoek High School staged a Colour Run as a fundraising initiative on 6 March 2015. After the run learners had the opportunity to pelt teachers with paint – which, no doubt, played no small part in the learners’ motivation to take part in the run. The teachers weren’t entirely helpless though; they returned fire in self-defence!

TRINITY ANGLICAN MISSION

Palm Sunday 29 MarchHoly Communion 10h00 - L’ermitage Chapel

Wednesday 1 AprilPrayer Service 19h00 - L’ermitage Chapel

Maundy Thursday 2 AprilService 19h00 L’ermitage Chapel

Good Friday 3 April12 Noon Service - L’ermitage Chapel

Easter Sunday 5 AprilHoly Communion 10h00 - L’ermitage Chapel

For information and directions please call 083 799 0726

www.samission.org.za • [email protected]

Pastors: Fr Gavin Mitchell, Fr Michael Pedder & Fr Gabriel Smith

Fleur de Lis NewsMarelise de Villiers

Op 27 Februarie het Fleur de Lis inwoners uit hul nate gebars met Fleur de Lis se eerste Melktertdag. 22 Melkterte is ingeskryf uit die gemeenskap en beoordeel deur Hetta Terblanche (Kokkedoor), ons eie Kinnie Human (SA Koekversierder) en Marlicia Meyer. Die wenner was Anna Boonzaaier van Groendal. Hierdie was 'n prettige dag en volgende jaar maak ons weer so. Dankie aan almal wat die dag spesiaal gemaak het.


Rubbish dump on Robertsvlei Road

Dear EditorIt seems that some members of the Franschhoek

community are using an area of the Robertsvlei Valley for a dumping site.

We have contacted the police but they have not done anything and Pepler Alarms have moved their camera around to face the “dumpsite” but it seems no-one has been caught yet.

This is incredibly concerning for a number of reasons:• It is illegal • Tourists drive down this road every day to go to

the Robertsvlei Valley which is becoming more and more of a tourist attraction and to have to drive past an illegal dumpsite to get there is not pleasant.

• All the cyclists and mountain bikers have to ride past this eyesore.

• This could damage tourism for the Robertsvlei Valley, not to mention the damage to the environment.

I am hoping that bringing this problem to light will:• Prevent more people from dumping there and;• Force the municipality to do something to remove it.The location is just past Paradise Cottages on the left

hand side, almost at the end of the Robertsvlei road. David Jenkins

Re: “Franschhoek FM Radio”Dear Editor,In the February edition of the “Franschhoek Tatler,

I came across a somewhat cryptic letter from an unknown person in connection with “Franschhoek FM Radio”.

I feel it needs a response, as I happened to be the “Acting Station Manager” at the radio, before we at the beginning of January 2015 decided to close down the station. This due to our problems with lack of funds and technical expertise, among other things.

However, as I agree that the station and its equipment are close to collapse, I know that there is much more to the story of the station than just “the good old days”. Until the closing of the station, we actually managed to arrange for many good programmes done by good, enthusiastic voluntary presenters. We tried also to cater more for the young population of Franschhoek, which certainly was something new for the radio and from various reactions was popular.

We had a mix of programmes such as “Morning Glory”, “Detox”, “Afternoon Drive”, “Children’s Programme”, “Al Shaddai”, “Cape Essence Flavour”, “Youth Empowerment”, “Let The Good Times Roll”, “Take Note”, “Hotel Evergreen” and others.

We were at various occasions visited by members of a ‘board’, whose credibility to ICASA was never made clear to us.

What was clear though was that board members were not really interested in the wellbeing of the station. There certainly had been time enough for them to come to our rescue.

During the last weeks before the closing, we had several talks with Councillor Frazenburg, where the future of the station was discussed. It was made clear to us that the “board” would only step in with its solutions and apparent funds, when certain conditions in connection with some of the personnel at the station were resolved. We managed to fulfil these requests and on 4 January 2015 we consequently handed over a letter to Councillor Frazenburg and the manager of the premises of the station, Mr Jacques Fortuin, regarding the closure of the station. By the handing over of the letter, we were promised a written response due the next day. Until this day, no letter or update about the situation of the station has been forthcoming.

The state of the station could have been so much better, had any dedicated and honest people shown interest for the station.

Until such time, “Franschhoek FM Radio” might be better off closing down.

However, it shall be a sad day for me to see the station close down for good, especially after the effort that the whole of our team showed during the time the station was still broadcasting.

RegardsPortia Boesen

“Franschhoek Charm” is waningDear Editor,I feel so sad writing this letter.Has the “Franschhoek Charm” eventually

disappeared and now all we have left is $$$$$$?Is this what we wanted for this beautiful town?

Unfortunately, this is the view of some of my visitors: “The town has become too expensive, busy and noisy and has lost some of its charm”.

From a personal point of view, the Sunday music in town has turned the town into something that sounds like a “RAVE” and that, while some of our visitors are trying to take a nap on a “quiet” Sunday afternoon.

I want to appeal to our restaurants, etc. to play the music they organise for the people who pay to listen to it. The rest of us do not want to hear it, otherwise we would have been there. Just remember, there are also guest houses in town, not only restaurants.

Kind regards,Alta Malherbe

Thank you, Roca

Dear Roca RestaurantFranschhoek United FC would like to thank you

for your generous donation to our SAB League team. Your sponsorship helps with the team’s transport expenses as they travel all around the Western Cape for their matches and also represent our beautiful Franschhoek valley.

It is a very exciting soccer season for the team and we are very proud to inform you that both parents and the community are very supportive of our club (supporters at home matches). The league itself is extremely tough, but players and coaches are working incredibly hard at training every day in preparation for promotion to the Vodacom league next year. The hard work and dedication is paying off.

Roca, your generosity helps the team to succeed and we truly appreciate your interest in and support of our team as we participate in the 2nd national division.

Thank you again for assisting us during this exciting season.

Yours in sport,Azola Tafeni

FranschhoekpasGeagte redakteurDie onlangse tragiese noodlottige ongelukke in

die Franschhoekpas het ons gemeenskap diep geruk en vrae is gevra oor die padveiligheid van die pas. Franschhoekpas bevat enkele uiters misleidende snelheid-kennisgewingborde, o. a. aanduidings vir 100kpu en 80kpu, maksimum snelhede wat in die pas vir feitlik enige soort voertuig beslis onveilig is. Waarskynlik die grootste padgevaar is egter swaarvoertuie, sommige met sleepwaens, wat die pas deesdae in groot getalle gebruik. Franschhoekpas, in die 1930s ontwerp en gebou, bevat haarnaalddraaie waar dit vir lang voertuie heeltemal onmoontlik is om nie in die baan van aankomende verkeer te beweeg nie. Stadig-bewegende swaarvoertuie veroorsaak frustrerende verkeersopeenhopings in die pas. Die pas is deesdae klaarblyklik ‘n bedenklike roete vir beide swaar en lang voertuie. Die pas is toenemend gewild onder fietsryers, maar die pad is betreklik nou, en voertuie en fietse op dieselfde pad is nie ‘n veilige kombinasie nie. Daar is egter geen waarskuwings om voertuig-bestuurders teen fietsryers te waarsku nie, en omgekeerd. Wat kan dus gedoen word om Franschhoekpas veiliger te maak? Padtekens moet verbeter word. Voertuie langer as ‘n sekere lengte moet beslis toegang verbied word, en altemit moet ‘n massa-perk op swaarvoertuie oorweeg word. Toesig deur verkeerspolisie moet aansienlik verskerp word. Aangesien die Provinsiale Padingenieur vir padveiligheid-maatreëls in Franschhoekpas aanspreeklik en verantwoordelik is, word hy hiermee vriendelik uitgenooi om ‘n paar dae in die pas deur te bring om hom van die toedrag van sake te vergewis.

IC Rust, Franschhoek

Be warnedSirI wish to warn fellow Franschhoek businesses

about two locals and advise them to contact me before any attempt to appoint these two VERY smooth-talking persons:

Hedwig Blaauw, who was involved in acts of dishonesty which matters were referred to the police for further investigation.

Lorenzo Joshua, last employed as Restaurant Manager at Rickety Bridge but whose services were dispensed with.

Both these persons will be desperately seeking employment. I am happy to offer information to anyone wishing to do reference checks, at cell 082 55 11 323.

Chris von UlmensteinWhale Cottage Franschhoek

Beste LesersMaart was ‘n maand wat ons daaraan herinner het

dat die lewe uit baie opeenvolgende beginne en eindes bestaan. Soms verwag ons die beginne, soos weke en maande, en soms verras hulle ons effe – soos die vroeë druiwe-oes vanjaar. Dieselfde geld vir eindes. Weke en maande is voorspelbaar en al is ons voorspellings nie altyd akkuraat nie weet ons dat nadat die oes begin het kom die einde ‘n klompie weke later.

Dis die onverwagte einde – en die onverwagte begin wat daarop volg – wat dikwels moeilik is om sin uit te maak. Die tragiese heengaan van Russel Riffel, Denzil Boonzaaier, Abraham Leibrandt en Linda Scattolin is van daardie onverwagte eindes. Nes die hele Franschhoek gemeenskap betuig ek ook my meegevoel aan die vriende en familie van díe wat hulle eindes bereik het.

British author Jeanette Winterson suggested “There are only three possible endings —aren't there? — to any story: revenge, tragedy or forgiveness. That’s it. All stories end like that.” There can be no doubt that the life stories of the people who died in and after the bus accident on the Franschhoek Pass ended in tragedy.

The tragedy cannot be erased. For the family and friends of the deceased making sense of events may

lie in recognising, in time, that “When someone you love says goodbye you can stare long and hard at the door they closed and forget to see all the doors God has open in front of you.” (Shannon L. Alder) For the wider Franschhoek community making sense of the tragedy should start with a recommitment to finding practical solutions to the traffic challenges facing our valley.

In 2006 seven people died in two separate accidents, both involving out of control heavy goods vehicles, at the Huguenot Monument. Very little came of the recommendations of the traffic action group that was convened after these accidents and what little was done (2 raised intersections in Huguenot Street and a 3-way stop at the Huguenot Monument) is now, arguably, no longer fit for purpose.

In January this year Franschhoek Wine Valley expressed its concern about heavy goods vehicles using the Franschhoek Pass in a prescient email to Transport and Public Works MEC, Donald Grant. Grant, in the wake of the accident, has indicated that a traffic survey of the pass will be undertaken by the provincial roads engineer to investigate the safety of the pass for all road users.

I hope that more action follows than did in 2006. Let’s also recognise though that hope is not enough – we need to keep up the pressure until change happens. If we don’t we’ll really only have ourselves to blame next time more innocent lives are claimed in preventable traffic accidents on the pass and elsewhere in our valley.

Until next month

Franschhoek now officially a ‘Good Food City’

Joins the prestigious Délice NetworkFranschhoek, widely regarded as South Africa’s

Culinary Capital, has become the newest member of The Délice Network of Good Food Cities of the World.

Délice is an international network of likeminded cities engaged in promoting the benefits of culinary excellence and good food. According to Jean-Michel Daclin, President of the Délice Network, “Gastronomy is an integral part of the heritage of our cities. It expresses a way of living, and is a key tool for our cities in terms of taste education, quality of life and promotion of tourism. Our goal is to join together forces, talents and ideas on the theme of gastronomy and good food.”

Franschhoek partnered with the Cape Winelands District Municipality in joining the Délice Network and aims to make a significant contribution to setting global food trends and breaking new ground in food tourism.

“To be associated with other leading international culinary capitals is a great honour.” says Franschhoek Wine Valley CEO, Jenny Prinsloo. “Being home to some the most celebrated chefs in our country, Franschhoek has earned its title as Culinary Capital over an extended period.”

Founded in Lyon in 2007, the Délice Network

currently has 21 members including Barcelona, Madrid, Montreal, Lausanne, Milan, Copenhagen, Chicago, Gothenburg, Birmingham, Helsinki and Brussels, to name a few. Franschhoek is the only member of the Délice Network in the Southern Hemisphere.

Criteria for membership include an outstanding gastronomic culture, actions for citizens’ taste education and good food consciousness, the use of gastronomy as a tool for tourism and promotion of the local area’s food diversity. All these elements are what Franschhoek has become famous for, especially through its festivals such as the Franschhoek Bastille Festival, The Franschhoek Cap Classique & Champagne Festival and Cook Franschhoek, as well as the Franschhoek Artisan Food Route, and Franschhoek Rond en Bont, which expose the visitor to diverse culinary experiences. The Franschhoek Artisan Food Route, in particular, exposes the visitor to a range of the finest olives, cheeses, salmon trout, charcuterie and artisanal breads South Africa has to offer. Internationally acclaimed chefs who include Le Quartier Français’ Executive Chef, Margot Janse, Reuben Riffel as well Neil Jewel – the Charcuterie Guru – are based in Franschhoek, adding further acclaim to the area. Margot Janse is also serving on the judging panel of the San Pellegrino Young Chef 2015 Awards.

The working sessions and international events of the Délice Network will aid in the promotion of the Franschhoek Wine Valley in terms of food tourism by focusing on the 5 main topics of: Destination Marketing, Education and Transmission of Knowledge, Local Products, Health and Nutrition and Excellence of Chefs.

www.delice-network.org

[email protected]

FWV NewsJenny Prinsloo

Editor’s LetterSiegfried Schäfer

Deadlines - May 2015 Issue Ad Bookings: 15 April 2015 Artwork: 16 April 2015Editorial: 15 April 2015

Service Excellence Award for FWVIn an awards ceremony held on 18 March at the

Golden Valley Casino in Worcester, the Franschhoek Wine Valley was presented the Service Excellence Award at the Cape Winelands District Municipality Mayoral Tourism Awards.

The prestigious Service Excellence Award is bestowed upon a tourism business that best promotes the tourism industry of the specific town in its respective geographical area, providing visitors with the best local experience possible. Criteria also include a proven track record, as well as projects and campaigns that increase tourism visitation and revenue. Nominees are expected to demonstrate a comprehensive approach in delivering a world-class product and service.

The Best Tourism-Related Event Award was presented to the ATKV-Oesfees at Solms-Delta, which stood out amongst the rest as a business entity hosting a special event, festival or other activity that attracts large crowds of visitors into the Cape Winelands.

In addition La Motte was presented with the Wine Tourism Destination of the Year Award. This award is bestowed upon a wine estate or distillery which offers a unique tourism experience.

“We are humbled and honoured to receive the Service Excellence Award. Our team works hard at delivering on the criteria and to keep Franschhoek and its offerings top of mind”, commented Franschhoek Wine Valley CEO Jenny Prinsloo. “We value the Cape Winelands Mayoral Award Programme, and would like to thank the Executive Mayor and the Cape Winelands District Municipality team for their continued support.”

www.franschhoek.org.za | 021 876 3603 FWV CEO Jenny Prinsloo shows off the service excellence award


What do you think of Chinese cars?

Foton Tunland 2.8 4x2 Lux debunks Oriental mythsSo what do you think of Chinese vehicles? I

sense those cogs turning deeply inside your mind – preparing to spit out stereotypes of cheap, crappy copy cars...

Well, after spending a year with a Foton Tunland bakkie, I can tell you most of those preconceptions are wrong. And the one that may be right is actually quite a significant advantage.

So what is a Foton Tunland? Well Foton has been in SA for eight or nine years now where its old Thunda bakkies earned themselves a pretty good rep over the years as the company got to know the tough local pickup market. Then, late in 2013 Foton delivered this surprising machine.

Look at it closely and you’ll see that it takes quite a few pages from that Hilux book. But make no mistake; Tunland is very much its own bakkie.

For starters Foton took a very different route on Tunland, cherry-picking the best US and European tech there is; from that simple yet splendid Cummins 2.8 turbodiesel mill to a Getrag gearbox, a Dana axle and the rest. Then it wrapped it all up in a 21st century pickup so good that it won Bakkie & Truck

magazine’s coveted Best Bakkie gong for 2013 and, to be very honest, we’ve loved having it in our long-term test fleet.

So what’s it like to drive? Well, we test every new vehicle that hits the market and this Chinaman happens to be the quickest accelerating diesel double-cab we have ever had the pleasure of driving. Let alone among the most fuel-efficient too – how about 9.2l/100km overall over 24750km including three major fully laden trips towing a heavy go-kart trailer up and down the country?

There were a few niggles – a few plastic bits broke and it was towed once with an engine rattle. But despite a small dealer presence in the Cape, customer service proved exceptional and beyond the few niggles I have just mentioned, the Foton Tunland either matches that great Hilux, or betters it in performance and economy.

And the party trick? At two thirds the price of Hilux and the rest, it certainly is not two-thirds the bakkie – if anything its damn near equal in everything except price.

Catch Michele Lupini’s day job efforts in AutoWeek newspaper and Bakkie & Truck magazine on village bookshelves

Tatler MotoringMichele Lupini


Tel: 021 876 3171 | Fax: 021 876 3176

E-mail: [email protected] | Mobile: 082 493 9337

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The Environment: Critical for leaders; for everyone!

For urban dwellers it is very difficult to imagine nature as it was originally created.

For many, nature is represented by a beautiful garden, or distant mountains, or the beach, or even a golf course and its rolling green lawns. Unfortunately, none of these fully represent nature. Indeed some of them can arguably be the absolute antithesis of nature.

Nature is a much bigger, more mystical concept than any of these. The web of life upon which we are completely dependent is only properly energised when all its elements are in place and functioning as a unit as designed. The web is composed of everything we find naturally on the planet, not as distinct and separate pieces, but in the incredible and complex interconnectedness of all living organisms that ensure health and life for all of us on Mother Earth. It is this interconnectedness that scientists refer to as biodiversity. Nature requires this biodiversity to survive and we need nature for our survival. Every single item we have and need for survival is provided generously by Nature.

This natural web was destroyed in Europe centuries ago. It could be argued that one of the reasons for the great voyages of discovery was because Europe had become unsustainable and needed to look beyond its own shores for sustenance. China is doing the same today!

If one looks at our consumption of natural resources it is clear that we, about 8 billion of us, are consuming far more than the planet is able to regenerate. In fact we are dipping into our natural resource overdraft at a scary rate.

The reports that 2014 was the hottest year ever recorded should be enough to tell us that the only home we know is in awful trouble. We cannot just sit on our thumbs or play like an ostrich and pretend that all is well. It simply is not.

Let us return to the concept of nature: There are

very few, and increasingly more threatened, patches of true nature left for us to fully appreciate. It would be impossible to expose the entire world’s population to these remaining wilderness areas. There are just too many of us!

When one is confronted by nature in purest form it is a little like confronting the reality of one’s own humanity.

It is amazing how people change when given the chance to be in the wild and to be part of the wild not in the sense of game-viewing but rather being an immersed part of the wilderness.

It should be the mission of all parents to do all that they can to give their children the opportunity of walking in the wild. This experience will help the next generations to understand the fragility of our existence and how tenuous a hold we still have on the web that maintains our entire life-giving system.

Africa still has an abundance of wild places left for us but pretty much all are under threat. Just think of the Rhino, the Elephant, Juliana’s Golden Mole, Cycads and the Riverine rabbit. Fortunately however there are still many wild places left to explore by comparison with almost anywhere in the world! And it is only here that you will find the Big 5, or Big 6 if you will. We need to be thankful for this and strive to protect these areas for they are truly critical to our own continued existence.

Leaders everywhere and not least of all in our own government should have the cleaning up of our environmental act at the top of the agenda. We would, after all, like our progeny to enjoy the benefits given to us so generously by this planet forever. This will not happen without urgent action. Leaders everywhere can make a difference just by making sure that their organisations live within their environmental means.

One of the things they can do is to expose their people to nature. There are organisations that specialise in taking people into wild places and to experience the wild in all of us. Outward Bound, the Wilderness Leadership School and SanParks are just some that are making every effort to give those who want the opportunity to have these raw experiences. There are few better ways to fully understanding the complete interconnectedness of everything, ourselves included!

[email protected]

Of Hawks and DovesFinance Minister Nhlanhla Nene delivered his

2015 Budget Speech without too many surprises and ruffled feathers. South Africa’s economic growth forecast has been reduced to 2% from 2.5% which was projected during October 2014’s Mini Budget. The hike in the fuel levy proved to be too tantalising to avoid as the government scrambled for funding and the oil price plunge provided the necessary cushion to lessen the blow.

Market behaviour continues in the same vein as it has been over the previous several months. Equities march on globally with Japan’s index, the Nikkei, breaking a fresh 15-year high on improved earnings expectations. The Dax, Germany’s main index, recently touched a record peak and the Dow Jones Industrial Average in the US also re-wrote the record books at the end of February. The impetus for the surge of European markets is the European Central Bank’s (ECB) commencement of their version of Quantitative Easing. The intricacies of this uncommon monetary policy method are too long-winded to get into for this column, but for explanation’s sake: Quantitative Easing occurs when a Central Bank (such as the ECB) creates new money electronically to buy financial assets such as government bonds. The process aims to directly increase private sector spending in the economy and return inflation to target.

Europe has had to deal with a negative inflation rate and has lost the ability to cut interest rates, as rates are zero. The common term for this situation is ‘Zero Bound’ and one that Japan has been struggling with for 20 years. Can you cut your rates lower than zero? Well yes, the ECB decided to lower its deposit rate to minus 0.2 percent in September 2014. Although this policy

is unconventional in many ways, countries such as Sweden and Denmark have pushed their rates into negative territory as well. In theory, interest rates below zero should reduce borrowing costs for companies and households, driving demand for loans. This, coupled with Quantitative Easing, is what is being implemented to help kick-start the Euro Zone economy.

As a currency, the Euro has been feeling the effects and recently fell to a 12 year low against the dollar. As

South Africa’s biggest trading partner, the weakening of the Euro currency, realtive to the South African Rand, has provided a tailwind for importers but has had the opposite effect for exporters.

The US Dollar has continued its steep appreciation in expectation of the Federal Reserve raising interest rates sometime later this year. Historically, the rise of the dollar has served as a mixed indicator for equity markets with no real correlation to speak of. Therefore, we should look at the context of the rise in the strength of the dollar. If the dollar rises because investors are confident about the future of the economy, then stocks can rise, too, as was the case in the late 1990s. If the dollar is rising because investors are frightened and scrambling for safety, then it is no surprise that stocks and other assets perceived as risky tend to suffer, such as during the 2008 financial crisis. The present scenario may be a case of the latter and the trend should continue as investors flock towards seeking a relative yield while the majority of the first world eases aggressively.

[email protected]

2015 Budget proposals Following the budget presented by the Minister of

Finance, Mr. Nhlanhla Nene, on 25 February we have put together a summary of the tax related budget proposals.

BUDGET SUMMARY 2015 BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS

The main tax proposals for 2015 include the following: • The marginal personal income tax rates will be

increased by one percentage point for all taxpayers earning more than R181 900. Tax brackets and rebates to account for fiscal drag will be adjusted.

• The general fuel levy will increase by 30.5 cents per litre and the Road Accident Fund levy increases by 50 cents per litre on 1 April 2015. The total increase of 80.5 cents per litre.

• Provide a more generous turnover tax regime for small businesses.

• Change the transfer duty rates and brackets.• Increase excise duties on alcoholic beverages

by between 4.8 and 8.5 per cent and on tobacco products by between 5 and 7 per cent.

INDIVIDUALS Personal Income Tax The 2015 budget proposes to raise the marginal

personal income tax rates will be increased by one

percentage point for all income tax brackets except the lowest, which will remain at 18%. This also means a one percentage point increase in the tax rate for trusts. To provide relief for inflation-related earnings increases (fiscal drag), all income tax brackets and rebates will be increased by 4.2%. The tax-free threshold for individual taxpayers below 65 years will increase from R70 700 to R73 650.

Exemption for Interest & Dividend IncomeThe annual exemption on interest earned by

individuals younger than 65 years (R23 800) and for individuals 65 years and older (R34 500) remains the same. The tax free investments become effective 1 March 2015 and apply to approved investments of up to R30 000.

Medical Tax Credits Monthly medical scheme fee tax credit will from,

1 March 2015 be increased from R257 to R270 per month for the first two beneficiaries and, in respect of each additional beneficiary, from R172 to R181.

Employees Tax Employees over 65 are experiencing a decrease

in their take-home pay as a result of the move to medical tax credits, although they may claim back some of these amounts on assessment after the end of the tax year. To alleviate this burden, it is proposed that medical tax credits related to medical scheme contributions be taken into account for both PAYE and provisional tax purposes.

Employee Share SchemesThe interrelationships in the application of section

8C of the Income Tax Act, including the taxation of directors and employees on vesting of equity instruments; the attribution of capital gains to beneficiaries; the income tax exemption of dividends;

and the employees’ tax provision related to the return of capital, will be reviewed to remove anomalies.

Income and Disposals – Deceased Estates Section 25 of the Income Tax Act provides that

no income or disposal is triggered in the deceased’s hands upon death, but that income may be recognised in the hands of the deceased estate, heir or legatee. Paragraph 40 of the Eighth Schedule, however, recognises capital gains and losses upon death. To address the anomalies created when the two regimes interact, the provisions will be examined and amendments may be proposed.

Withdrawal from RA Funds by Non-residents Non-residents who move to South Africa for a fixed

term of employment often contribute to a retirement annuity fund to continue saving for retirement in a tax-efficient manner. The current definition of “retirement annuity fund” does not allow these individuals to withdraw the amounts they have saved over this fixed term if they return to their home countries. In contrast, if South Africans emigrate, they are allowed to withdraw their retirement annuity interest. The mismatch in treatment will be reviewed.

Harmonisation of the treatment of retirement funds

The taxation of contributions and the rules on compulsory annuitisation for pension funds, provident funds and retirement annuity funds will change from 1 March 2016. The level of deductible contributions will be limited to 27.5 per cent of the greater of taxable income or remuneration per year. An additional amendment will be investigated to correct an omission in 2013 that inadvertently excludes some retirement funds that enjoy the benefit of higher deductions without being subject to the

uniform annuitisation rules.A maximum age for the preservation of

retirement assets From 1 March 2015, a retirement fund member

may defer the drawing of their retirement income until after their retirement date (if the retirement fund allows). This will provide greater flexibility for retirement fund members and encourage the preservation of retirement assets. However, to limit tax planning opportunities, it is proposed that a maximum age at which withdrawals must be taken be introduced. This is in line with other countries that have similar retirement funding arrangements.

Estate Duty and Retirement Funds Amendments in 2008 removed the upper age limit

at which an individual was required to purchase an annuity if they had an interest in a retirement annuity fund, and excluded retirement fund benefits from the dutiable estate when a member passed away. These two amendments have made it possible for some individuals to avoid estate duty by transferring their assets into a retirement annuity fund before their death. In the deceased’s tax calculation, lump sums paid to the estate are subject to the lump sum retirement taxable. However, lump sums equal to amounts above the allowable deduction (non-deductible contributions) are not subject to the lump sum tax table or estate duty. To eliminate the potential to avoid estate duty, government proposes that an amount equal to the non-deductible contributions to retirement funds be included in the dutiable estate when a retirement fund member passes away.

Next month we will look at some of the other proposals, Celia.

TAXINDIVIDUAL &CORPOR ATE

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

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Market ChatterKeith Hodgekiss

Financial MattersCelia McGuinness

Euro vs Rand exchange rate for the past year

Financial MattersC1p1l2: insert comma after Nene

C1 Personal Income Tax section line 2: insert semicolon after income

Unit 4 / 79 Artisan Village, Cabrière Street, Franschhoek, 7690

Tel: +27 (0)21 876 2592 Fax: +27 (0)21 876 2591

Email: [email protected] Also at 342 Val De Vie, Paarl

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Susan CharlesworthATTORNEY • NOTARY • CONVEYANCER

Areas of practice:Estate and succession planning | Commercial Law

Administration of estates, trusts & curatorships

Engineering & Construction Law

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Business LeadershipTony Frost


April is a most fascinating month, especially in our winter rainfall climate. Not only does it traditionally brings us the Easter week-end, it also signals the beginning of the rainy season, the deciduous trees are clothed in the most amazing colours and the days are still warm but with crispy mornings. April also brings some well-deserved public holidays and a school holiday. All in all a great month for spending time with the family, relaxing in the garden, taking a short break or just pausing to reflect on the whirlwind year we have had until now.

Autumn is however also an important gardening month, with loads of tasks to tick off your to do list. All summer flowering shrubs should be cut back now. Deciduous trees and shrubs can be pruned as soon as they have dropped their leaves, but wait until late winter before pruning fruit trees and roses. Hard wood cuttings can be taken from shrubs and climbers. Pot them in clean river sand and keep moist, but not too wet. Summer flowering perennials can be divided and replanted now. Water the plants well the day before dividing and plant the fresh new growth from the sides of the clumps. Spring flowering bulbs can be planted as soon as the soil cools down. Make a point of planting more indigenous bulbs this year. We have such a wide variety of spring bulbs in the Western Cape that it is hard to choose between them all. Try some Babiana, Ixia, Lachenalia, Moraea, Sparaxis, Watsonia, Freesia or Nerine; you won’t be disappointed. These bulbs also don’t need to be lifted every year and can be left in the ground through summer. Sow seeds of winter flowering annuals like Arctotis, Felicia, Lobelia, Nemesia, Scabiosa, Anchusa and Osteospermum.

Now is also the time to establish new plantings. Plant some indigenous trees around your garden or even on the pavement if you don’t have any more

space. All container grown plants will establish themselves well before the serious cold arrives. It is also the best month to plant Fynbos. Don’t be afraid to plant some Proteas or pincushions in your garden. There is a wide range of improved varieties available that are really easy to look after. Use lots of compost when planting, but remember that Fynbos does not like artificial fertilisers. Rather use organic products and foliar feeds. All plants benefit from a marine based foliar feed after planting to stimulate growth.

Vegetables that can be sown this month include broad beans, peas, cabbages, carrots, cauliflower, spinach, onions and turnips. Lettuces do a lot better during winter in the Cape. Also plant your cover crop on beds that will not be utilised over winter. Your compost heap should be growing rapidly with all the spent vegetable plants and prunings from the garden. Turn it often and use a compost activator if things are going a bit too slowly.

I am so looking forward to the cooler weather – standing in front of large pots on a gas stove is not my idea of fun when it is 35 degrees outside. But it needed to be done – the autumn glut is here. Tomato and chilli sauce, Makataan preserve, canned beans, pesto, tapenade and grape jelly are some of the ways to capture the sunshine of summer in a jar. At least the weather is great for sun drying tomatoes and figs!

Our Treasured Flowers – GazaniaAlthough South Africa has many indigenous

treasured flowers, only one actually goes by the common name ‘Treasure Flower’, and that is our beloved Gazania. Gazanias are still winners in our gardens, especially in areas where drought is prevalent because these beauties laugh in the face of droughts! They enjoy basking in full sun and being water wise don’t need a lot of water. If you want a sturdy and bushy plant then pinch the young seedlings and they’ll offer up more side branches in return. Deadheading is not essential but it will encourage more flowering.

Gazanias are available in an amazing array of colour combinations and are brightly coloured to attract a host of insects to aid with pollination. Amazingly enough, they are not plagued by pests and diseases though, and where there are insects, there is also birdlife, so go wild when making your selection. Don’t worry if your flowers close on cloudy days or at dusk, it’s perfectly normal. They open and close depending

on the intensity of the light which is why planting them in full sun is where they’ll be happiest!

Gazanias are excellent ground covers because of their waterwise nature and being able to grow practically anywhere, as long as there is sun of course, but their trailing nature also make them wonderful hanging basket subjects. So whether you’ve got a flower bed that needs some en masse planting or a sunny patio needing a bright container, Gazanias can certainly fill that gap.

www.lifeisagarden.co.za

Total Storage 62.9%

This Time Last Year59.8 - 93.0%

JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember

Rainfall Figures

mm/year mm/month Dam Levels

Measured at La Cotte/Nerina Street for periods indicated

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

824

709

916

884

1153

1217

978

740

830

1079

1471

1033

20

11

20

31

2015

69

5

76

50

120

260

135

162

64

13

72

7

69

74

150

200

320

580

715

877

941

954

1026

1033

2014AccumulativeMonthAccumulativeMonth

As at 16 March 2015

Steenbras Upper

Steenbras Lower

Wemmershoek

Voëlvlei

Theewaterskloof

Berg River Dam

82.5%

46.8%

61.9%

57.9%

64.0%

64.9%

Gardening in April

Plant of the Month

Natie Ferreira Frankie Brooks

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Bridge House Mile a resounding success

The Bridge House Mile Open Water Event celebrated its third year at the Berg River Dam on 27 and 28 February 2015. The event was presented by Glacier by Sanlam, Skybound Capital and Bao Capital Sárl and supported by the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation and WWF, in association with Speedo.

The weekend kicked off with the Princess Charlene Foundation Development Swimmers’ Clinic on Friday, 27 February. Ambassadors, Amy Kleinhans and Terence Parkin, together with a coach from Bridge House School, Mrs Colleen de Villiers, supported these young beginner swimmers while they experienced swimming in a dam for the first time. The clinic was aimed at preparing these children, who live in the Franschhoek Valley and who started swimming in October last year, to take part in the event the following day.

The Bridge House Mile event was in full swing by 08h00 on Saturday, 28 February. The weather was superb and the setting spectacular. The temperature of the pristine water in the Berg River Dam was 21 degrees. In total, 750 swimmers took to the water and were supported by over one thousand spectators.

After the 200m and the 400m races, Theodore Yach

(long distance swimmer), Amy Kleinhans (former Miss SA) and Terence Parkin (Olympic medallist), assisted the development swimmers during the celebrity splash.

Bridge House Mile Ambassador, Ryk Neethling, started the Elite Swimmers’ race. Michelle Weber and Caitlin Kat tied for 1st place in the women's division while Rudolf Visser won the Elite Men's race.

Everybody involved in the event is already looking forward to the next one in 2016!

Franschhoek Cellar: new, fresh and beautiful

On 23 February Franschhoek Cellar invited guests and media to experience their revamped premises.

After sipping on Cap Classique while mingling and chatting outside, guests were invited to the new Tasting Room. They first made their way through the young and fun Brampton Wine Studio before socialising over a glass of wine in the high-ceilinged Tasting Room. Large windows and the centrally located counter make for a spacious and inviting area featuring an impressive 6 metre x 2 metre canvas print of Franschhoek vineyards by Eddie Wilson on the south wall.

Everyone then gathered in the large adjoining venue for the formalities. Master of ceremonies, Jacques Roux, welcomed everybody and introduced the other speakers. The executive mayor of Stellenbosch, Alderman Conrad Sidego, fittingly used the analogy of a bunch of grapes for the co-operative way in which South Africans come together and the new Franschhoek Cellar came into being. Completing the line-up of speakers at the microphone were Carla Malherbe, Marketing Manager at The Franschhoek

Cellar, Tim Hutchinson, Chairman of DGB (Pty) Ltd and John Gnodde, Chairman of Brait. Guests were then invited to enjoy some of the best wines available at Franschhoek Cellar and eats prepared by the in-house chef, Jerry Kennedy.

Before leaving, guests paid a visit to the elegant Bernard Premium Lounge where formal tastings of the Bernard Series, a small selection of award-winning wines, are offered. It is named for the founder of Bellingham, Bernard Podlashuk.

A bonus for Franschhoek is that the Franschhoek Cellar welcomes visitors with children. There is a play area overseen by child minders and a special children’s menu. Lunch, light snacks and cakes are served from 10h00 in the mornings and can be enjoyed al fresco or indoors. Whether booking a special event or conference; popping in for a wine and cheese tasting; indulging in a wine and chocolate tasting; having lunch or simply tasting good wine, the newly unveiled Franschhoek Cellar makes for a beautiful destination.

www.franschhoek-cellar.co.za | 021 876 2086

Harvest celebration at Grande Provence

Wine enthusiasts, families and friends enjoyed a day of fun and laughter at the annual Harvest Festival at Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate in Franschhoek. The celebration included a tractor ride in the vineyards, grape picking, stomping, a cellar experience with winemaker Karl Lambour and a lavish harvest feast. In the photo above Alex, Tapiwa and Sekai Zinhanga get to grips with harvesting grapes.

Former Miss SA Amy Kleinhans assists a young swimmer

Guests mingle in the newly landscaped garden of the revamped Franschhoek Cellar


A History of LonelinessBy John BoynePubl: Doubleday 380 pages

John Boyne is the author of 9 novels for adults and 4 for younger readers. His work is translated in 48 languages. His best-known work “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas” was made into a feature film and sold 6 million copies worldwide. We are very lucky to have him at this year’s Franschhoek Literary Festival, where he will introduce his latest novel “A History of Loneliness” - a deceptively quiet but deeply passionate denunciation of child molestation by Catholic priests.

After spending many years avoiding the subject, Boyne found he could no longer keep his silence. In a lovely, lilting Irish voice, he opens the novel with: “I did not become ashamed of being Irish until I was well into the middle years of my life.” In recent interviews and articles he declares: “The Catholic priesthood blighted my youth and the youth of people like me”. “It is not easy to be a young, gay teenager and to be told you are sick, mentally retarded… especially when you hear it from someone who groped you on the way to school the day before.”

“A History of Loneliness” is narrated by the central character Odran Yates, who entered the priesthood when he was 17, full of idealism, hoping to serve humanity. The story unfolds in a series of jumps in time, shuttling between 2006 and 1964, and chronicles the gradual disillusionment of this humane, benevolent man as he begins to understand how his passivity has contributed to the destruction of the lives of exactly those he had vowed to protect.

Boyne has said of this book, “A novelist looks for stories that haven’t been told - a good priest who condemns himself for doing nothing.” The contrast between the conniving and duplicitous priesthood and the naïve belief in the innate goodness of Yates is given a further dimension by an unnecessary and rather unbelievable plot twist when Yates is assigned to Rome to be the Pope’s servant. This is a Dan Brown aspect that the book could have done without. Apart from that, this is a highly interesting, beautifully written novel.

Rumours of Rain By Andre P. BrinkPubl. W.H. Allen 446 pages The death of Andre P. Brink made me reread one of his earlier novels to refresh my memory about his quality as writer. I had been disappointed by his later novels like “The Rights of Desire” which seemed rather obsessed by ageing sexual fantasies. However, “Rumours of Rain” written in 1978 and shortlisted for the Booker Prize, reminded me of just how ahead of his time he was. It is a truly political novel because every aspect of the lives of the two protagonists, Martin and Bernard, exemplifies the tension between apartheid politics and liberation politics in 1976. Nationalist Martin’s life is based on a deep affection for the natural beauty of the country and the material benefits derived from the skills and knowledge of the Whites. However, he is willing to sell the ancestral farm in the Eastern Cape and dispossess his mother for material gain. Bernard, the white revolutionary, on the other hand, analyses and describes the evils of apartheid in defence of his revolutionary activities during his trial for treason. Brink absorbed the political novels of Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus during his Paris years, and this shows in the deft construction of this excellent, totally absorbing novel. It is a good start to rediscovering the greatness of Brink.

Book ReviewCharlotte van Zyl

Ryk Neethling Marketing Director at Val de Vie Estate

Val de Vie has acquired land through the Kliprug and Levendal deals. How far is the new development?

We’ve acquired Pearl Valley’s undeveloped land of about 320ha and another 100ha which was part of Levendal. We bought the land with rights in place and we are busy with the planning to make it more sustainable and ecologically friendly (no golf courses etc).

What type of housing will the new development offer?

A variety of products from a 60ha farm, Gentleman’s Estates of 2 to 5 hectares where someone can live their dream of owning a small farm in the Winelands, stands from 2000m2 to 700m2 and sectional title developments like our Polo Village (www.valdeviepolovillage.com)

How much of the new development will be dedicated to conservation and agriculture?

A lot! Apart from excellent security, creating lots of space for residents to enjoy has been one of the keys to Val de Vie’s success. Close to 40% of the extension will be farms, conservation areas, wildlife camps, lakes, parks, polo fields and paddocks.

A new bridge for use by the two estates is to be built over the Berg River; where will the road over the bridge link up with the R45 and how much shorter will the drive to Cape Town be?

We are still in the early planning phase of this project but it should cut at least 5 to 7 minutes from the drive to Cape Town and make Stellenbosch accessible in under 15 minutes.

Now that the cellar at Val de Vie is owned by Perfect China, how much of the wine is sold in China?

The L’Huguenot brand (who’s “home” is the cellar at Val de Vie) had a record year selling 2.7 million bottles of wine in China. That is an astonishing 56% of total SA wine sold in China.

You’re an ambassador for Hope Through Action and for the Bridge House Mile. What does it involve?

I am passionate about the work that Hope Through Action does in communities and a very proud ambassador. I try to raise funds and awareness and also enjoy spending time with the youth at the

various centres. For the Bridge House Mile I also try to create awareness and to grow the event. I really love this valley and its people and want to help make it a better place.

You’re a friend of Princess Charlene of Monaco; does that mean you stay at the palace when you visit?

I’ve known Princess Charlene for more than 20 years and we often travelled together while representing South Africa at various swimming competitions. I am very happy for her and Prince Albert with the birth of their twins. Hopefully I get to see them soon, be it in Monaco or South Africa.

How did you end up in the Cape after going to school in the Free State and studying in America?

My family on my father’s side is originally from Paarl and Franschhoek, so this is a homecoming of sorts. I was invited to Val de Vie in 2008 and just fell in love with it as soon as I drove through the gates the first time. I’ve travelled extensively and can honestly say that we live in a very special place!

Why did you give away your Olympic medal and where do you keep all your other medals?

I decided to give my Olympic Gold Medal to my old school, Grey College because it was just gathering dust in a safe. I wanted it to inspire young people and to show them that with big dreams and consistent hard work anything is possible.

How many swimming records have you held and do you still hold?

I am not sure how many I still hold but I have broken 5 World Records in my career so far. Records get broken and medals are forgotten but you never forget the people you meet and lessons you learn along the way. That is what counts the most.

Do you swim daily? How do you stay fit?We’ve got an amazing 25m indoor pool at Val de

Vie, so I try to swim 4 times a week. I used to swim 20km a day, but I only swim about 800m now before I get bored. Amazing what you can do with the right goals and motivation! I play tennis with my girlfriend, do a bit of crossfit now and then and like to run twice a week to stay fit. I pushed myself to the edge physically for so many years. Now I try to enjoy it and focus on my career.

Klaagliedere vir fondse

‘n Heerlike aand van vermaak word deur die ACVV Franschhoek ter fondsinsameling aangebied. Dis ‘n eenman teaterstuk met Frank Opperman wat die rol van ‘n beswaarde predikant vertolk. Die vertoning is op Vrydagaand 3 April by De Hollandsche Molen.

Die Klaagliedere van ds. Tienie Benade word beskryf as ‘n storie van verdriet, maar ook ‘n storie van hoop wat nie beskaam nie. Ds Benade is ‘n Afrikaanse dominee wat sy gemeente en kerk in moeilike tye aan die gang probeer hou. Kerk bywoningsgetalle kwyn, die kerk dra swaar aan skuld, kerkraadslede is oud en onhulpvaardig en die orrelpype is gesteel.

Die stuk speel af rondom ‘n preek met ‘n teks uit Klaagliedere. Dis geskryf deur Dana Snyman en die regie is waargeneem deur Gerrit Schoonhoven.

Die vertoning begin om 20h00, maar voornemende lede van die gehoor word aangemoedig om reeds om 19h00 te kom en ‘n piekniekmandjie met eet- en drinkgoed saam te bring. (Daar mag nie tydens die vertoning geëet word nie.)

Kaartjies is R100 per person en kan by die ACVV O21 876 2670 of by Riana Pretorius 078 803 6751 bespreek word.


English readers neededIs your mother tongue English and do you love

books, reading and small children?The Franschhoek Literary Festival funds a really

valuable school library project. Through this they share the joy of books and reading with local school children by filling school libraries with beautiful books in both English and the children's mother tongue.

Reading aloud brings these books to life for the

children and makes them eager to read for themselves. Each library is staffed by a library assistant who can read aloud to the children in their mother tongue, but we are looking for volunteers to read aloud in English.

If you can spare an hour or two a week to help, please contact the FLF librarian Margie Cunnama to find out more.

[email protected] | 083 661 1620

FLF honours unforgettable Van Wyk and Brink

The 2015 FLF (Franschhoek Literary Festival) runs from Friday 15 to Sunday 17 May. Sad, but celebratory, events for festival goers this year will be the special tributes honouring two much-loved writers.

Chris van Wyk (1957-2014) will be remembered in a reading at two events celebrating his life and work. His introduction to the literary world as writer was his first book It Is Time to Go Home, which he published when he was 22. After this collection that featured both love poetry and political commentary he found himself in educational publishing from where he moved on to publishing his own literary magazine and editing Staffrider.

Chris enjoyed success in his writing of children’s books, but his biographical accounts of life in Riverlea Shirley, Goodness and Mercy and Eggs to Lay, Chickens to Hatch made him a star and a favourite at festivals.

Kurt Egelhof will read a selection of poems and passages from the memoirs, at 17h30 on Friday 15 May

(event 44), and at 19h00 on Saturday 16 May (event 94).The other celebratory event is the inaugural André

Brink Memorial Lecture at this year’s FLF.André Brink was a long-time friend of the festival

and the lecture will be an annual feature delivered by a guest lecturer.

On Sunday 17 May, André Brink's wife, Karina Magdalena Szczurek, will introduce the series. The first lecture will be presented by Associate Professor Harry Garuba, from UCT's Centre for African Studies and English Department. He will consider the ways in which the so-called 'minor' literatures get onto the world literary stage, and how they are read, appropriated, and canonised: in short, the ways they become world literature.

Bookings for these events, and others, can be made on webtickets.co.za. Tickets cost R70 each; proceeds go to the FLF Library Fund.

www.flf.co.za | www.webtickets.co.za


ACCOUNTANTSTax Shop 021 876 2676 ATTORNEYSSusan Charlesworth 021 876 2592/072 402 9469 Snipelisky & Killian 083 250 0943/021 876 2084BURGLAR ALARMS Pepler Alarms 021 876 3308 CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS Boland Bridge Club 021 876 3031 Franschhoek Tennis Club 082 557 0278 Franschhoek Trust & RPA 021 876 3460 Grt. Drak Games Club 021 874 1906 Lions 021 876 3775 Stellenbosch Masonic Lodge (Chris) 072 211 9991 Franschhoek Rotary Club 082 773 9217 Franschhoek Probus Club 021 876 3179 COMPUTER SERVICES Franschhoek IT Services 082 356 0226 Solid IT Solutions 084 015 8808ELECTRICAL Franschhoek Electric 082 823 7119/021 876 3640 Rensburg Electrical 021 876 2120/083 309 2923 EXCAVATIONS Andrew Schmidt 021 876 4431/082 972 5755 Burger Excavations 072 3408518HEALTH & BEAUTY Franschhoek Pharmacy 021 876 2261 Salon Excelsior 021 876 2218 Franschhoek Health Club 021 876 3310HOUSE & GARDEN Clock Repairs 028 840 1716 Lighting & Accessories 021 876 3640 Paarl Pool Services 021 872 0747/083 658 4944 Ria Pools (Franschhoek) 021 876 2612/072 347 5355INTERNET ACCESS Franschhoek Photolab 021 876 3921PostNet 021 876 3025OPTOMETRIST Marelise Rester 021 872 3530PHOTOGRAPHIC Franschhoek Photolab 021 876 4741PHYSIOTHERAPY Claire Horn 021 876 4234/082 582 1029 PLUMBERS Franschhoek Plumbing 021 876 3759 PUBLIC SERVICES

Hospice 021 876 3085 Library 021 808 8406 Huguenot Memorial Museum 021 876 2532 Post Office 021 876 2342 Welfare (ACVV) 021 876 2670 SPCA 021 876 4808 SCHOOLSBridge House School 021 874 8100 Franschhoek High School 021 876 2079 Groendal Primary School 021 876 2448 Groendal Secondary School 021 876 2211 Wes-Eind Primary School 021 876 2360 Dalubuhle Primary School 021 876 3957 STORAGE Franschhoek Storage 021 876 2174TOURIST INFORMATION & SERVICES Info Office 021 876 3603 Winelands Experience 021 876 4042 TRANSPORT GOODS Gerald Fourie 021 876 2940/082 821 5234VETERINARY Surgery (pm only) 021 876 2504 Huguenot Animal Clinic 021 876 4278 Emergency 082 577 9900EMERGENCY NUMBERS Fire Rescue 021 808 8123/021 808 8888 Police 10111/021 876 8061 Eskom 086 003 7566 Neighbourhood Watch 083 493 7778Omnipage Farm Watch 021 852 3318 Plaaswag 021 876 2346 DENTISTS Dr Schalk du Plessis 021 876 3070 Dr Rob Hammer 021 876 2634 DOCTORS Dr Tracey Garner 021 876 4622 Dr Shelley Hellig 021 871 1063 Dr Alexander Heywood 021 876 2474 Dr Hannes Van der Merwe 021 876 2304 EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONSE Medicare EMR 074 363 7794/021 876 4316MUNICIPALITY (Ward 1) Councillor Frazenburg (DA) 021 808 8490 (Ward 2) Councillor Ntsunguri (ANC) 021 808 8754 (Ward 3) Councillor August (DA) 021 808 8186 (Ward 4) Councillor Johnson (DA) 021 808 8019Municipality (Office Hours) 021 808 8700 Municipality (afternoon only) 021 808 8890 Municipality 24hr Service 021 808 8700

3 AprilDie Klaagliedere van Ds Tienie Benade

‘n Eenmanvertoning deur Frank Opperman. Plek: De Hollansche Molen. Tyd: 19h00. Kaartjies: R100 per person. Besprekings: Riana Pretorius 078 803 6751 of ACVV 021 876 2670

18 April Franschhoek Wedding Showcase

Venue: Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa. Time: 10h00. Cost: 80 per person. Tickets: www.webtickets.co.za or on the day at Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa.

18 April La Motte Classical ConcertJuliet String Quartet concertVenue: La Motte Historical Cellar Time: 19h00. Cost: R170 p.p.

Reservations: 021 876 8000 or [email protected] (Angela)

Mondays & ThursdaysIyengar-Style Yoga Classes at Artemis barn, 18h00-19h00. Friday morning 08h00 – 09h00. Ladies class (pre/post natal, menopausal, recuperative) Contact Danielle on 073 388 1404.

Tuesdays Alcoholics Anonymous Time 19h00. Venue: NG Church Consistory. Contact 021 867 0983 or 073 125 0188 (Jeffrey)

Backgammon Club MeetsAll welcome. Own board not required. Venue: Taki’s Place. Time: 19h00. Info: Graeme Oliver - graeme@ poachedrhino.org or 072 815 8209

Fridays Friday Night Live @ La Petite FermeA la carte dinner and live music al fresco style. Venue: La Petite Ferme. Time: 18h00 – 21h30. Cost: R50 cover charge Reservations: 021 876 3016

Saturdays Franschhoek Village MarketBreads, olives, ginger beer, pastries, plants, seedlings, breakfasts, coffee, crafts and more. Venue: Dutch Reformed Church Grounds. Time: 09h00 – 14h00

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

Uniting Reformed ChurchSunday service: 09h30. Minister: Dr Shaun Burrows, 021 876 2632All visitors most welcome. Shofar Christian Church08h30 English service. 10h00 Joint tea & coffee. 10h30 Afrikaans service. & 18h00 Evening service (last Sunday of every month)

Roman Catholic Church Mass every 2nd Saturday of the month at the Methodist Church, Bagatelle Rd, Fhk. 073 488 6816

Trinity Church Anglican Communion Service Sundays 10h00. Weekday Communion with Prayers Wednesdays 10h00. All services at L’Ermitage Chapel. Fr Gavin Mitchell (083 799 0726) or Fr Michael Pedder (082 460 7833).

ST George’s Anglican Church Groot Drakenstein. Sunday Services: Holy Communion and Sunday School 10h00. Rector Fr Joe Humbles – 021 874 1120

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

Sport FHK Cycling Club Outrides Regular road ride on Saturdays to Stellenbosch and back followed by coffee. (MTBs also welcome). Venue: Meet at BP garage. Time: 07h00. Contact: Paul Barkley 083 302 9096

Franschhoek Tennis ClubSocial tennis is played at the Franschhoek Tennis Club on Fridays from 08h30 and on Sundays and Public Holidays from 09h00. During June, July and August starting times are 30 mins later. For more information contact 021 876 4184.

Mountain FireAs fire came over our mountains from Villiersdorp

a couple of weeks ago, fire righters from all over the Boland fought tirelessly to contain them and prevent them reaching valuable orchards and vineyards.

They were finally aided by helicopters, already overworked with the Fish Hoek fire, making water drops. The damage seems mostly to mountain fynbos, although one of the Chamonix plantations has burned out. With the wind changing direction frequently the fire zig-zagged across the mountain

range from Chamonix to Mooiwater. One thing was clear from the tremendous amount

of support farmers were given; when Franschhoek always seems to bear the brunt of gutter journalism (Style Magazine) attacking us from every side and questioning the very essence of our village, one question is where were they during these terrible fires when our villagers stood shoulder to shoulder fighting the fire, making food and serving drinks to the many fire departments operating in and around the valley?

We are proud of our village and one thing we can do is unite, be it in grief for the recent loss of winemaker John Goschen, in festivity during our annual wine and Bastille festivals, or in support of others such as during this fire.

A While AgoApril 1999

Useful Numbers

Aries, 21 March – 19 April: Changes are a certainty in this month, especially for the restless and impatient Ram. The Sun and Mars are fire friends and force actions from destruction and new beginnings. Be impeccable with your words and speak with integrity. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the service of truth and love.

Taurus, 20 April – 20 May: Venus has moved into this sign and is at home here. Venus is the planet of relationships, creativity and improvement. She is also the seducer and promises false hope. Think about how hurtful it can be to deny one’s true self and live a life of lies just to appease others. The truth will always present itself with dignity.

Gemini, 21 May – 20 June: Mercury, the messenger of the Gods, is flying through the constellation of Aries and becomes fiery. If your messages are impulsive and ego orientated, it could create some false impressions and the saying of ‘do not kill the messenger’ could become a reality. What you are is God’s gift to you, what you become is your gift to God.

Cancer, 21 June – 22 July: The constellation of the home, the mother and vehicles: providing emotional comfort and trust. Those emotional frequencies should have pure qualities. Like a tune or a song, if it sounds wired or wrong, we recognize it. Our children will remember and take forward those frequencies from home.

Leo, 23 July – 22 August: I read in an esoteric book that God was in the wind and the water, and I wondered at how beautiful that is because it meant you could swim in Him or have Him brush your face during a breeze. The Sun sign Leo is the signification of the soul’s determination of independence and freedom; do not let the ego stand in the way.

Virgo, 23 August – 22 September: There are many in the world that are dying for a piece of bread,

but many more are dying bit by bit for a little love. The poverty in our modern society is a different kind of poverty – it is not only poverty of loneliness but also of spirituality. It’s a hunger for love and happiness, which you cannot buy. You have to create it.

Libra, 23 September – 22 October: This asterism where the Sun is debilitated creates issues of constant approval or rightness. The unreal has no existence; the real never ceases to be. Knowers of truth have realized this. Act as if everything depended on you, but trust as if everything depended on the divine order.

Scorpio, 23 October – 21 November: The holiest of all the spots on earth is where ancient worries and fears become a present enlightenment. Quarrels and seeking emotional comfort can hold you back. Every successful person has a natural desire to step out of his comfort zone. And you are only as good as your next move.

Sagittarius, 22 November – 21 December: Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves. Those Centurions with their fiery abilities’ biggest problem is pointing those arrows of responsibilities in all directions for the convenience of ignorance. The laws of the universe are in you; do not lose your respect.

Capricorn, 22 December – 19 January: Pluto the planet of transformation is related to the mythological bird ‘Phoenix’, that rises out of the ashes. Its powerful aspect in this sign can bring dissolution and despair. The significant problems you have created cannot be solved at the same level of thinking at which you created them.

Aquarius, 20 January – 18 February: The water bearer and inventors of the zodiac sometimes run the risk of not seeing the truth, because they do not want to know about miracles. Almost anything that you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do believe in it. The truth is never afraid of questions.

Pisces, 19 February - 20 March: Compassion crowns the soul with its truest victory. Chiron, one of the many moons of Jupiter, plays a significant role at the moment in those watery elements. He is the wounded healer; he is the one who says that spiritual enlightenment is achieved through the denial of oneself. ■

[email protected]│073 312 1265

Jyotish Vedic AstrologyRobert Rittel

April Calendar


LOOKING FOR THAT SPECIAL BOOK and can’t find it? Call John at the Armchair Explorer, we will source it for you. Contact John Hicks 021 876 4129

Relax! Let RIAPOOLS bring the sparkle back to your pool. Call: 072 347 5355

SECURITY GUARDS: Reliable, hardworking ,English speaking and PSIRA registered security guards wanted. Contact: 082 511 2752, 072 119 0215.

BOOK BINDING AND BOOK REPAIRS. Contact John 021 876 4129 or john@thearmchair explorer.co.za

RIAPOOLS is this area’s premier pool maintenance company. For advice please call: 072 347 5355

PLASMA SCREEN ADVERTISING at BuildIt Franschhoek. High traffic area. From R250 per month. Contact Johan Viljoen on 084 205 7157.

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

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

MAILBOXES: Postnet Franschhoek. R495 per year. Limited number still available. No “junk mail”. Phone: 021 876 3025 / Email: [email protected]

NAME BADGES: PostNet Franschhoek. R75 each. Silver, gold or White plate. Magnet fastening. Made on site – professional express service! Phone: 021 876 3025 / Email: [email protected]

INTL NEWSPAPERS: PostNet Franschhoek. Available daily, place a monthly order pre-paid and receive 10% discount. All orders must be confirmed

in writing by email. Phone: 021 876 3025 or email: [email protected]

INTL TELEPHONE CARDS: PostNet Franschhoek. Reduced international call rates using our international call cards. R50 / R100 each. Phone: 021 876 3025 / Email: [email protected]

TONER CARTRIDGES: Laser toner cartridges remanufactured to industry standards – perfect quality for half the price. For a quote and sample please call Barbara on 084 400 4544 or email your cartridge details to [email protected]

PET-SITTER/HOUSE-SITTER/CARE-TAKER: I am a responsible, mature woman who adores animals. I can also supervise domestic staff, pool and garden maintenance, car care, etc. You can trust me with your precious pets and belongings. Contact Sue at 083 270 9555

FOR SALE: 6 dining room chairs (Coricraft) R650 each. Small Block & Chisel sideboard R850. 2 lovely Persian rugs 2005mm x 1026mm R1500 each. Call Aliki 021 876 4416 or 082 330 0707.

HOUSEKEEPER / DOMESTIC: Hi, my name is Precious. I’m looking for a job as a housekeeper or domestic. I have experience in both jobs. I’m diligent, polite and a hard worker. I can be contacted anytime on 078 087 5327 or 061 292 4007.

BARN WANTED: Looking for a barn / warehouse on farm in Franschhoek or Stellenbosch area. Please call Ilze 082 658 3529 or email [email protected]

TRUCK FOR SALE: 3 ton Mitsubishi Canter, 1981 model, drop sides, many brand new parts, roadworthied with license and papers. Nicholas 082 430 9383

TO LET: A furnished one-room garden cottage with bathroom to let. Suitable for one person only. R3000.00 per month. Telephone 021 876 3889 or 082 900 4471

TOOL & EQUIPMENT HIREBrush Cutters, Lawn Mowers,

Chain Saws, Concrete Mixers, Drills, Compressors, Pumps, Jackhammers

SERVICING & REPAIR Light Industrial Equipment

RUBBLE & REFUSE REMOVAL

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FRANSCHHOEK’S

FOR BUILDING • GARDENING • RENOVATINGSITUATED BEHIND BP GARAGE • WE SPECIALISE IN:

always at your service

072 378 1916 or 021 876 4123Email: [email protected]

Smalls

PO Box 92, Franschhoek, 7690Tel 021 876 3460

Email [email protected] Siegfried SchäferLayout Gail AbrahamsPrinting Signet Printers

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Copyright: All rights reserved, reproduction in whole or part prohibited. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the editor. Publication

of editorial or advertising matter does not imply endorsement or warranty in respect of goods or

services therin described.

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Smalls R30. Text Only, max 30 words. Leave, with payment, at Franschhoek Pharmacy

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YOU CAN

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22 April 2015


FRANSCHHOE K


Lifestyle buyers return to Franschhoek and the WinelandsYoung families replacing retired European buyers

Lifestyle buyers have slowly made their return to the Winelands over the last two years leading to a surge in sales volumes and prices in Franschhoek according to Seeff ’s managing director for the area, Pierre Germishuys.

“After sales volumes dipped to around 60 units in 2009 with very few lifestyle and wine farm sales, we have seen a good recovery since early 2013”, he says. “By 2013, activity had improved to 118 property transactions worth about R247 million and last year, to 141 sales to the value of R328 million, the highest activity levels since pre-2008.”

“The average freehold sales price is also up to R2.5 million (from R2.3 million) and to R1.6 million (from R1.1 million) for sectional title property. Top end houses, priced above the R6 - R8 million mark are also starting to sell again, mostly in the lifestyle and vineyard estates.”

Germishuys also says that there have been good sales of lifestyle and wine farms over the last two years with lifestyle estates selling for upwards of R9 million to well over R20 million in the La Motte area to just over R30 million in the Waterfall area in addition to a few wine farms sales around the R30 million mark. The last two years have also seen high profile purchases such as Indian billionaire, Analjit Singh, who spent about R200 million on several properties, and Sir Richard Branson who acquired Mont Rochelle.

Although buyers are still largely residential, foreign and second home buyers are returning to the village, says manager, Marinda Uys. Aside from UK and European buyers, the village is now attracting interest from across the globe including the UAE and USA. Interest from the Johannesburg and Pretoria area has also grown over the last two years.

Commuter buyers too are on the increase according to Uys. “We find that many people are now willing to commute for the sake of the lifestyle and better schooling, the renowned Bridge House just outside the village as well as a selection of top schools in nearby Paarl and Stellenbosch. Younger families especially are increasingly heading to the village and the demographics are shifting from the traditional wealthy retired Europeans.”

Apartments sell from around R1.2 million on average, townhouses from R2.9 million and houses from around

R3 million. Luxury lifestyle and vineyard estate properties though sell from around R6.2 million on average.

Smallholding and lifestyle farms are a particularly popular option, especially for luxury buyers given that the value on offer is often substantially more than what buyers would pay in Constantia, for example, according to Uys. Prices range from about R4 million to just over R20 million at the top end.

The mountains and vineyards combined with the wine and food

lifestyle that attracts visitors from across the globe has made Franschhoek one of the most sought-after areas in the Cape to live in and, concludes Uys, it is an easy commute of under an hour from the city and thus an ideal residential base.

www.seeff.com | 021 876 4592

SA property vs OzForeign ownership encouraged down under

Anyone from the South African property sector visiting Australia today, as he has just done, says Bill Rawson, Chairman of the Rawson Property Group, will be impressed by how ‘solid’ and fast growing their residential property market is – and will probably ask why they are doing rather better than South Africa in this sector.

“I was,” he said recently, “struck by the fact that across the board in all price categories, year-on-year price rises of around 10% and in the high demand metropolitan areas up to 20% are being achieved – as in the boom days of the South African property sector. This boom has resulted in a significant upgrading of their homes by the majority of Australians when they move and this, I discovered, is an almost universal trend, especially in the big cities.”

Asked what factors have led to this, Rawson said that the Australian government have shown remarkable determination to curb interest rate rises – and have, in fact, just decided to leave the rate at 2,25% (i.e. only 0,55% higher than recent inflation rates).

In South Africa, said Rawson, any rise in interest rates in his view would be misguided, not just because it makes home ownership more difficult when it should be encouraged but more importantly because it limits the country’s ability to create jobs and this has to be our top priority.

“The Australians to whom I talked regard their current 6% unemployment rate as a national crisis,” he said, “yet here we still sit with an official unemployment rate of 25% and an unofficial unemployment rate of 36%. This situation simply has to improve.”

The Australian government has also made it easier than in South Africa for the average man-in-the-street to borrow from the banks in order to buy a home. Their credit act, he said, although by no means lenient, is not quite as strict as in South Africa.

“What intrigued me here,” said Rawson, “is that ample recognition is given to the tough reality that in a rising sellers’ property market of the kind that Australians, like South Africans, are now experiencing, it will often be difficult for young couples and young families to buy a home. Wealthier parents are, therefore, encouraged by the

banks to lend their children sufficient cash to get onto the property ladder – and this is often done by subsidising and/or guaranteeing a bond that is larger than the young people would qualify for.”

In Sydney, said Rawson, the popularity of high rise sectional title CBD and CBD peripheral living is at an all-time high and this has led to a building boom to provide this type of accommodation. The less appealing aspects of living in a high density concrete jungle are mitigated in Sydney by many apartments having sea views and by the provision of excellent recreational facilities within the complexes, e.g. gyms, children’s playgrounds, restaurants, cafés and swimming pools. There is, said Rawson, also growing use of cleverly designed vertical gardens.

“If you think that South Africans have converted fast – which they certainly have – to green energy saving non-polluting concepts, let me assure you that Australia is still far ahead of us.”

Another factor boosting the Australian property market, said Rawson, is that overseas investors – and particularly the Chinese – are encouraged to buy into Australian property. South Africa’s property market may be slowed due to the flippant statements that foreign property ownership will be restricted.

“Reports on the staggering growth of the Chinese investor class these days tend to be almost mythical but I was told that they now have 95 million US$ millionaires and a fairly high percentage of these hedge their bets by investing offshore – especially in Australian property. This obviously boosts the market.”

With South Africa’s exchange controls about to be become more lenient, said Rawson, he is quite frequently asked if investment in Australian property is a good proposition.

“Rented residential property in Australia is achieving a return of 4 to 5%, i.e. ahead of the inflation rate, so obviously this is a sound if not spectacular market to be in. However, for South Africans the exchange rate makes it difficult to invest seriously on the same scale as the wealthy Australians are doing. One way round this problem, I believe, would be to invest in a property growth fund or a syndicate; the latter are proving very successful.”

www.rawson.co.za | 072 991 6272 (Janice Hicks)

Sydney skyline reflected in the waters of the harbour

Samuel Seeff, Seeff chairman


INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY GROUPThe Real Estate Leaders

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Centre du Franschhoek, 23 Huguenot St, Franschhoek, 7690Tom: +27 (0)79 955 3114, [email protected]: +27 (0)82 650 9194, [email protected]

Tel/Fax: +27 (0)21 876 3322Fine & Country Franschhoek

In a prime location, on the edge of Franschhoek Village, this property has it all, breathtaking views, 22 hectares of established award winning vineyards with excellent terroir, 4 bedroom Manor House (in need of some modernization), with swimming pool and mature gardens. The property also includes 2 cottages and a variety of out-buildings. The vineyards include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Petit Verdot. There is borehole water for irrigation and domestic use. Price excludes VAT.

34 HECTARE FARM IN THE HEART OF THE FRANSCHHOEK VALLEY R49.95 MILLION

Farm Size: 33.8 Hectares | Web Ref: 130198

Located just 2 kms from the Franschhoek village, on the upper mountain slopes, this 164 hectare farm offers 360 degree views of the Franschhoek Valley below. This unique property includes: The Safari Lodge with seven luxurious en-suite rooms, grand double-volume living areas, a deep-set veranda and a spacious patio with uninterrupted views. The Owner's House including a master bedroom suite, open-plan living room, kitchen/dining room and office complex. Additional guest accommodation in two 1-bedroom cottages and two forest suites overlooking the lake. A boma wedding/function venue also overlooks the lake and the stunning views beyond. Set over 50 hectares, the Game Farm has been developed as a wildlife reserve with a variety of game including ostrich, zebra, eland, bontebok and springbok. The 2.6 hectares of vines are pinot noir and cabernet franc and produce the award-winning Chamonix wines. Price excludes VAT.

ONE OF THE FINEST GENTLEMENS' ESTATES IN FRANSCHHOEK R75 MILLION

Farm Size: 164 Hectares | Web Ref: 130199

Documents

Franschhoek Tatler - April 2015