the hermanus news 26 january 2016

4 MIMOSA ROAD, INDUSTRIAL AREA, HERMANUSTEL: 028-312 2280 • 028 312 1380EMAIL: [email protected]

26 YEARS 26 YEARS

There are huge challenges awaiting the Hermanus CBD with the ground breaking for the new Whale Coast Village Mall due to start in the next few months.

According to Jannie Kruger of Dorpstraat PKEF, the developers of the mall, work on the 30 000 m² mall will commence during April or May, depending on the economic outlook at that stage.

“We still have a few town planning aspects to finalise with the municipality as well as a few more pre-lease agreements that have to be signed. But our aim is to complete the project before the end of 2017,” he says.

A preliminary floorplan of the mall with its proposed tenant mix has elicited a mixed response from residents. Some are eagerly

anticipating the opening of the mall while others have raised serious concern about the potential impact on the CBD.

The proposed tenant list includes Checkers and Woolworths on either sides as the anchor tenants, Dischem, Old Khaki, Sterns, @Home, Cape Union Mart, Total Sports, Markhams, Due South, Sport Scene, Exact, Queens Park, Foschini, Truworths, Mr Price, Identity, Wimpy, Spur, Shoe City, House & Home, PEP, Fashion Express, PNA, Ackermans and cinemas.

Local business owner and long-time champion of the CBD, Petrus Hendriksz, estimates that between 12 and 14 retailers will move from the CBD to the mall. “This will create an overabundance of retail space that can lead to the

total decay of the CBD unless we urgently as a community do something to prevent this,” says Petrus.

According to Jannie they in turn foresee the possibility of only one tenant leaving the CBD. “Both Checkers and Woolworths will remain in the CBD. For the rest of the tenant mix, it will be complementary to the offering in town.”

But, says Petrus, economic factors will play a role in who stays and who goes. “As shopping activity will center in the mall it will decrease in the CBD and that will force many tenants to move. Unless we find a unique offering to keep on drawing shoppers to the CBD we will find ourselves in much the same position as many other towns where the CBD has decayed completely.”

Continues on page 6

Will mallnegatively

affect CBD?

A record number of fires have wreaked havoc in the Overberg, Boland and the Peninsula over the past few weeks. Volunteer Wildfire Services reported that they dispatched 30 crews, resulting in 256 shifts with 2 281 operational hours in the past week alone. In Elgin, Botrivier, Hermanus and Pearly Beach close to 6 000 ha of veld has been destroyed with not only devastating consequences to nature but also serious financial consequences for local authorities. Reinhard Geldenhuys, chief fire officer for the Overberg, says the operating costs for the two helicopters that assisted in the Overberg and Elgin amount to close on R750 000 for the week. “We have, however, been awestruck by the support we have received from the community. So many people donated food and water that it filled a large cooling truck. The other thing that assisted us greatly in combatting the fires has been the amazing cooperation between landowners. They all helped each other throughout and that saved thousands of hectares from destruction,” says Reinhard. More on page 5

The cost of fire

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Issue 11 26 JANUARY 2016

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The press exists to serve society. Its freedom provides for independent scrutiny of the forces that shape society, and is essential to realising the promise of democracy. It enables citizens to make informed judgments on the issues of the day, a role whose centrality is recognised in the South African Constitution. The News of Hermanus subscribes to the South African Press Code and subsequently to the South African Press Council and the South African Press Ombudsman. Should you feel that our reporting was not free, fair or unbiased or that serious errors were made, you are welcome to lay a complaint with the Ombudsman, Joe Thloloe. He can be reached on 011 484 3612/8, or via e-mail at [email protected] or visit www.presscouncil.org.za

Ombudsman

Dave Smith

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Betty Blue Bistro126 Main RoadHermanusTel: 028 125 0037Fax: 086 461 [email protected]

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Content ManagerMegan Smith082 411 1343

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The coming of the new mall between CTM and the Sandbaai intersection is eagerly anticipated but with the announcement of a potential new “community” mall at that very junction some interested parties are raising concerns about the siting of such shopping meccas in relation to the various centres of population.

Helen “Queenie” Bee, spokesperson for Ramzil Projects (Caymans) Pty., maintains that developers must not lay themselves open

to potential accusations of discrimination or even racism. “Is it really fair that the poor residents of Botrivier, Fisherhaven, Hawston and the like should be forced to drive for kilometres just to do a bit of half-decent shopping while those from the Hemel & Aarde Estate just have to pop across the road?”

The company has a vision to solve this perennial problem by constructing a string of malls all along the R43. “Our chairman Cyril, in

conjunction with our financial gurus who have ensured that we will be entitled to the appropriate ‘grants’ and so will be guaranteed to make a modest profit, plans to site malls at the station stops which will be built for the new Hertrain,” says Queenie. “Initial studies show that these could be located at Botrivier itself and then Benguela Cove, Fisherhaven, Hawston, Vermont and Onrus.” The company feels that the Sandbaai / Mount Pleasant conurbation will probably already be adequately malled but is investigating areas east of the CBD towards Stanford.

For now, very few of the major outlets have expressed an interest in becoming anchor tenants but there are a number of subsidiaries within the Ramzil Group which, subject to the same “grant” availability, would participate in this venture. These include Zilrama Cinemas, Ramaposer Photography and Randland, the chain which imports the best China has to offer and sells everything for just one Rand (except where otherwise stated in the small print).

Assistant deputy sub-manager of Hermanus Tourism, Nolonga Smalltown, is very excited by the

proposal. “Until now,” she commented, “visitors to Hermanus have been deprived of that true mall experience which they are so used to at home. They have had to make do with watching whales (and that for only a limited number of months) or traipsing around from one wine farm to another. After a few tastings they all begin to look the same. But now they will be able to mingle with the locals as they share their shopping experiences. Locals, wearing their bright yellow badges, will advise strangers on which malls have the best parking facilities and visitors can tell us how they do it better in Frankfurt, Shanghai and

Halifax.”

With this in mind, one local company is looking to convert some of its safari-style vehicles so that they resemble giant shopping trolleys. They plan to introduce a “hop-on-hop-off” service whereby tourists and locals alike will be able visit any number of the new malls in a day and not have to worry about driving after over-indulging in retail therapy. The trips will start and end in the CBD or what will then be left of it.

Goodwill van der Merwe, spokesperson for the Munici-pality, was unable to make an official comment as he was over the mountain.

Serious mall deprivation

Temperature:Highest Temperature 35.0 °C 01:35 PM on 17 JanuaryLowest Temperature 12.3 °C 02:36 AM on 03 JanuaryHighest Minimum 23.6 °C 23 JanuaryLowest Maximum 22.6 °C 07 JanuaryHighest Humidity 88 % 05:32 AM on 12 JanuaryLowest Humidity 10 % 03:42 PM on 20 January

Rainfall:Highest Hourly Rainfall 19.2 mm 11:48 PM on 20 JanuaryWind: Highest Wind Gust 64 km/h

12:04 AM on 16 January

Source: www.whalecoastconservation.org.za

Weather for January 2016

Hermanus is fortunate to have a buoyant economy and has shown significant growth over the past few years. This can be seen in the active real estate market as well as the construction of the new mall which is due to start soon.

What the impact of the mall will be on Hermanus and its CBD remains to be seen. The question is no longer one of whether a mall is necessary; it is rather one of how do we make the mall work alongside our CBD?

This is a real and pertinent question and all role-players need to embark on finding solutions that will work. We cannot sit back and expect that it will be business as usual. Let us show our community spirit and work together as we have done so often in the past.

That is the Good News – ED

More than 9000 plant species occur in the Cape Floral Kingdom of which 6 192 species, 160 genera and six families are found nowhere else on the planet.

Unfortunately, of these plant species more than 1 850 are threatened with extinction, while more than 45 species are already known to be extinct.

But the Cape Floral Kingdom is not just about plants... indigenous freshwater fish are a priority group for conservation within the region, with 16 of the 19 species being endemic – alarmingly nine of these species are endangered, four are vulnerable and two others are near-threatened.

These alarming figures make conservation work that much more critical. By working together to protect and conserve we can ensure that this rich and unique area of biodiversity is preserved for generations to come.

Let’s findsolutions

Soon residents and visitors to the Overstrand will have an extra set of eyes watching them in the form of the newly implemented CCTV security cameras that are currently being installed.

“There are 14 cameras that are due to be in operation soon. They will be strategically placed in the CBD, Fernkloof, on the Kleinrivier Mountain, at Swallow Park, Sandbaai, near De Mond and at the New Harbour,” according to Hennie Niemand, general manager of Hermanus Public Protection (HPP).

The poles were erected in the week of 22 December 2015 and crews began installing the cameras as of 4 January 2016.

According to Hennie the cameras form part of a joint operations centre that will be located at the Fire Station and operate 24 hours a day.

“HPP has guards that patrol during the day from Westcliff to the CBD and on to Grotto beach. The cameras will assist us to curb crime by providing continuous live time footage of activities that the HPP guards cannot always see.”

Did you know?

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“The pipelines and sewerage system are in check,” says Stephen Müller, director of Infrastructure and Planning for the Overstrand Municipality, amid the public’s growing concern regarding the health hazard posed by swimming in the Onrus Lagoon.

Pollution levels in the lagoon were independently tested by local resident Anton Kruger a few weeks ago, revealing dangerous levels of E.Coli.

However, Stephen says that R2.9 million was allocated in 2014 to see to the repair and upgrade of crucial parts to the Kidbrooke and Onrus bulk sewerage outfall which was responsible for prior spills and pollution issues. “The immediate dangers were then removed,” he says.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention states: “Escherichia coli commonly known as E. coli are bacteria found in the environment, foods, and intestines of people and animals. E. coli are a big and varied collection of bacteria.

Although most strains of E. coli

are harmless, others can make you ill. Some strains of E. coli can result in diarrhoea, while others cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) and respiratory illness.” There are roughly 17 species of enterococci, and it is another commensal member occurring in the gut of both mammals and birds. It is known to cause infections in both humans and animals due to exposure to polluted water.

Enterococci typically cause UTI and wound infections.Municipal Manager Coenie Groenewald stated in the last edition of The Hermanus News, 12 January, that natural bacterial growth is common during the summer months due to high temperatures and increased water temperatures.

Children could also urinate or defecate in the water; these factors could lead to bacterial growth that can be harmful.

Stephen adds that the monitoring of the Onrus River from the bridge right up into

the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley is hard to manage and control. “We have large rural areas that run along the river, with cattle and chicken farms and large plantations.”

Water resources are managed by Breede-Overberg-Gouritz Catchment Management Agency (BOCMA) based in Worcester which operates in partnership with the municipality. Pollution levels are monitored and samples are taken every two weeks.

These results can then be viewed on the Overstrand Municipality’s website. “The Overberg District Municipality (ODM) is responsible for taking action if bacteriological readings are high and pose a health risk. It is their mandate and they have the expertise to deal with the danger level of pollution. The official results of the recent testing of the Onrus lagoon should be available during the course of the month,” says Coenie.According to Stephen public health used to be a function of the local municipality but in 2004 the South African

constitution assigned these roles to district municipalities.

“I was against this move as they are also responsible for seeing to the health and safety standards of restaurants, butchers and supermarkets. We are well equipped to handle and see to these services within our own municipality.”

In June 2018, R1.8 million will be allocated to upgrade the Kidbrooke and Onrus bulk sewerage outfall. According to Hanré Blignaut, deputy director of infrastructure and planning for the Overstrand Municipality, they aim to re-route two main sections of the Kidbrooke and Onrus line away from the Onrus River in 2018. In addition to carrying out general maintenance and repairs, they also plan to install two new pump stations.

During the course of 2013 and 2014, 49 properties along the river were investigated to ensure that their sewerage systems were water tight and without fault. “Out of the 49 properties, 46 were found to be compliant

with the regulations, while the remaining 3 will be issued with a final notice this month stating that they are required to upgrade their systems,” says Stephen. “Failure to do so will lead to legal action.” There are many old properties along the Onrus River, and according to Stephen some still have septic tanks that partially drain into the ground through French drains, a drainage system that redirects surface and ground water away from an area. New regulations require home and landowners to convert these systems into conservancy tanks. This covered tank does not have an overflow system and is used for the temporary retention of sewerage that then requires routine emptying.

“There have been marked improvements to the health of the rivers with new systems we have set in place,” says Stephen. “These include cutting back alien vegetation and taking most of our water from boreholes so that we can create

overflow in our dams such as the De Bos dam. In a good year, we have one month of overflow but since implementing these steps, the dam has been full in the months of August, September, October and November. This in turn keeps the rivers in good health.”

Before the start of the 2015/2016 festive season, Anton had created a petition which he began circulating amongst residents and visitors to the area. “I grew up here, I love the water, I fish and surf and now that I have twin boys it is important to me that an immediate plan of action be made.”

According to Anton the petition calls for the community to voice their concerns about the health risks and that action be taken – and soon. “I would like to call for permanent signage on Onrus beach that regularly updates beach goers to the levels of bacteria found in the lagoon.”

The petition can be signed at Surf Zone in Main Road, Hermanus.

No immediate lagoon relief

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“A total of 3 049 tons of waste was collected and disposed of at the Karywderskraal dumpsite over the holiday season,” says Johan van Taak, solid waste manager: Planning at Overstrand Municipality.

“Most of the waste was household refuse generated over the festive season as the large industrial businesses were closed over this period. That is 344 tons more than previously in November. Generally we collect 2 705 tons in the months prior to the summer holiday period, and this waste is made up of an even mix of both industrial and household waste.”

According to Francois Pretorius, superintendent of solid waste in Hermanus, there was a noticeable increase in waste, especially in areas such as Vermont, Onrus and Voëlklip where most holiday properties are located. There

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The Hermanus community showed its sterling community spirit when they opened both their hearts and wallets to come to the aid of Japie Spandiel who has been faithfully delivering mail in Hermanus for the past 30 years.

The Hermanus News reported in its previous edition of 12 January that Japie was left without wheels last year when his trusty red steed after many years of service finally gave up the ghost and he had to resort to loaning bicycle from a family member to be able to do his job. Japie, who has become somewhat of a mail legend in town for his friendliness and his dedication to his work, cycles every day from his home in Mount Pleasant to the Post Office where he collects the mail before starting his delivery route. The Post Office does not have the funds to buy him a new one.

Upon learning of Japie’s plight, The Hermanus News, Whale Coast FM and the

Japie to do deliveries on a new steedFacebook page I Love Hermanus decided to raise funds to buy him a new bicycle.

Only a few short hours after The Hermanus News hit the streets and both I Love Hermanus and Whale Coast FM posted Japie’s story on social media, not only did funds start streaming in, but the friendly owners of Hermanus Gas, Stoffel and Charl Frick, called and offered to buy Japie a brand-new bicycle.

“We did this not to gain publicity but to show our commitment to the community we serve. We believe wholeheartedly in supporting our community and as with so many local businesses it is an honour for us to assist those in need,” says Stoffel.

Euodia Cycles in the Village Centre immediately committed to sourcing and delivering a brand-new bike at cost and readers and listeners deposited close on

R2 000 into the Buy Japie a New Bike Fund. With this money a mail carrier basket is being designed for Japie’s new bike. This, together with the gear system and soft suspension of this high-end mountain bike, Japie will be able to do his job almost effortlessly.

Tanya Tiefenthaler of I Love Hermanus says she is overwhelmed by the huge amount of support the com-munity has shown. “We, as the residents of Hermanus, share in both the ups and downs as a community. What makes Hermanus special is that in this commu-nity we look after our own.”

Dayne Nel, station manager of Whale Coast FM, says it is heartwarming to be part of a caring community. “We live in a society where it is so easy to overlook the plight of those in need. But we have found through the years that Hermanus is the one place where you can count on the residents to help make dreams come true – whether

it is donating food or clothing to the needy, distributing water and food to the brave firefighters, or helping a true icon such as Japie to continue not only doing his job but to deliver an essential service. There are many people in our community who are depen-dent on their mail being delivered promptly. Japie delivers this service and has, through the years, become not only a postman but a friend to those whom he delivers to.”

De Waal Steyn, publisher of The Hermanus News, says people such as Japie need to be honoured by the people he serves and he deserves to be assisted in his hour of need. “Japie is a beacon of light in Hermanus. He, like the countless others that selflessly serve their community must be seen as examples of the uniqueness of Hermanus. While there is great concern over service delivery and social decay in other parts of the country, we here in Hermanus are

fortunate enough to have people who walk the extra mile. This is what makes Hermanus a truly unique community.”

Seen as examples of the uniqueness of Hermanus. While there is great concern over service delivery and

social decay in other parts of the country, we here in Hermanus are fortunate enough to have people who walk the extra mile. This is what makes Hermanus a truly unique community.”

Japie will soon take delivery of his new bicycle.

Stoffel and Charl Frick with the new bicycle for Japie

seemed to be a major influx of visitors to Hermanus, the busiest I have ever seen it before.”

Peter Burger, operational manager for the Hermanus administration, adds: “We make sure that plans are put into place so that our municipal services can function optimally during this busy time. We did not run into any big problems, no vehicles broke down and there was no delay in refuse collection.”

Patrick Robertson from Preekstoel Water Treatment Works agrees that they too experienced no problems due to the high numbers of visitors. Water usage went up from 350mg/l to 480gm/l over the holidays and the De Bos Dam is currently at 83% capacity.

The municipal services ran from 5am until 10pm right through the holiday period and on public holidays. These services include street sweeping, refuse removal and the cleaning of public bins. 70 staff, some temporary and some permanent, worked every day to ensure that the town remained as clean as possible.

“We handed out pamphlets throughout town indicating how recycling is done here in Hermanus and when the refuse collection takes place. A total of 14 000 recycling bags were handed out in November and 24 000 during December. We are pleased to say that most visitors recycled, more than what was expected,” says Francois.

“A few guesthouses in the

area worked in conjunction with the municipality to keep guests updated with regards to recycling prac-tises. “It is truly an excellent idea and we have received good feedback regarding this. We would like for people who rent out their homes or those responsible for holiday house rentals to inform their guests of our practises to further benefit our town and environment.”

According to Johan businesses in town such as restaurants could ask for two removals a day and they were encouraged to apply for extra bins to control smell, provide extra storage for their waste and to ensure that no garbage was blowing around town.

“The Overstrand Municipality has been awarded one of

the greenest municipalities in the Western Cape both in the environmental and solid waste management categories. That is something we all can be very proud of as a community,” says Johan.

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“When we arrived on site we were met with baby baboons trapped in trees and snakes of every kind eagerly slithering away from the smoke and flames,” says Tracey Cohen, committee member of the Kleinmond Animal Welfare (KAWS), after she and her team battled to save the wildlife affected by the recent veld fires. Tracey and her team members had offered their assistance during the raging fire in Elgin over the weekend of 16/17 January as the area does not have an animal welfare society.

On Tuesday, 19 January, the team was granted access to the burn zone. “It was extremely depressing as there was nothing; we were there the whole day and saw no signs of life. No animals were at key watering areas and there were no birds in sight. Sadly, it is also time for many porcupines to give birth and all we found were burnt quills on the ground. We are working in collaboration with landowners to locate any signs of life and to spot the troops of baboons. There are apparently three troops that call that area home but only one troop has been accounted for.”

“There is no particular animal that is affected more than others,” says Vanya Jones, chairperson of KAWS. Along with Wildlife SPCA, KAWS has treated the few animals they have come across since then for dehydration, minor burns and injuries.

Hermanus Animal Welfare (HAWS) also went out on the Sunday to assist with rescuing pigs that were threatened at an animal sanctuary. “It was hot and smoky, our trailer got stuck and the fire was spreading… it was a challenging operation,” says

Fire takes tollon animals

Ilze Smith, chairperson of HAWS.

According to Anina Lee, communications manager of Whale Coast Conservation, fynbos needs 12 years to regenerate and germinate after a large and aggressive fire. “If there hasn’t been enough time between burns for the plants to fully recover a loss of species can occur.”

Anina says fynbos fires are less destructive and burn at a lower heat. However, when a fire burns through alien vegetation such as pine trees and eucalyptus the effects are devastating as these fires burn at an intense heat, fuelled on by the gum found in these species of tree.

“One may find vegetation slowly returning after the first rains during spring. We noticed that fire lilies began sprouting less than 2 weeks after the recent fire in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve. We live among such natural beauty and many properties lie on the borders of open land and reserves so it will not be uncommon to find snakes and other small animals seeking refuge on your property if there is a fire nearby,” says Anina.

According to Tracey, a definitive plan of action needs to be implemented when handling cases like these where wildlife needs to be rescued, treated and managed. “We also need more volunteers who are willing to assist in these efforts. We will keep on going, treating animals as we find them until we cannot anymore. We hope that all the creatures who managed to escape will return.”

It’s hard to describe how the thought of fire consumes you.

How you balance your other responsibilities with the desire to be part of the action. How you struggle to stay awake at work when you’ve been out on the fire line all night. How hard it is to say no to a call-out even when your body is screaming for rest. How proud you feel of a job well done. How humbled you feel when faced by the gratitude and generosity of the communities affected by fire.

Being a volunteer firefighter is not something you can feel lukewarm about.

“My whole life revolves around fire. Fighting it, waiting to fight it and planning in case we have to fight it,” says Ian Smit (47).

He is an accountant by profession and the financial partner at a mattress and bedding manufacturer. He is a husband and father of two teenage daughters. When he fights fires, he does it in his free time. Ian is a member of the Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) and in the past week he has spent time on the fire line at both the Elgin (Overberg) and Simonsberg (Stellenbosch) fires.

“I joined VWS as a way to

give back to the community and because I love the outdoors and adventure, and this combines both,” says Ian.

On paper VWS members don’t have much in common. They vary in age from students to people who are retired, they all have different day jobs and they live in towns and suburbs all over the Peninsula and Boland.

But what binds them together is quite significant – a desire to protect and preserve the environment, to give something back to the community and to be part of a passionate group of volunteers.

Carin de Villiers (58) from Paarl, former parliamentary affairs manager for Eskom, is no stranger to the VWS. Her two sons, both in their twenties, have been members of the organisation for a number of years. She and her eldest son Jacques both responded to call-outs to the Elgin fire as well as the Stellenbosch fire a few days later.

The VWS sent seven crews to Elgin over the course of three days, and by Friday night they had sent at least 11 crews to assist with the Simonsberg fire.

“The incredible amount of

time and effort people, particularly young people, are putting into this organisation to help our environment has been a real eye-opener. They are dedicated and truly volunteers of the highest order,” says Carin.

It was also Carin who mentioned during a conversation about donations that “The generosity of South Africans is mind boggling. It is at times like this that I think the true spirit of this country is displayed”.

Businesses, schools, community groups and individuals become part of the story. Food, water, sweets and even personalised snack packs with pictures drawn on brown paper bags – people give freely. But as one volunteer said to a friend who had asked what was needed: “Why don’t you join and give your time?”

Theo van Rensburg (42), pack house manager on a farm near Villiersdorp, believes everyone can make a difference in fighting the “crazy fires roaring in the Western Cape”.

Jen Fill (28), an American post-doctoral fellow at Stellenbosch University, is no stranger to fires.

“In the USA, I was involved with prescribed fires. Although you can never truly control fire, you tend to have more control over prescribed fires: The art of completing such a ‘controlled’ fire lies in your ability to light it and work with the weather conditions and terrain that you have selected. You have picked the characters for this story and direct them as best you can.

“With a wildfire, you must take the story you are given with all the characters and conditions at the time, and try to make the story end in a goodway.”

The VWS has become this native from Boston’s home, and the members her “yellow family”.

“What has impressed me most about the VWS is the dedication, selfless commitment and unconditional friendship of the team. Over the course of training, and especially on the fire line, I’ve realised that the irresistible call to participate is really because of the profound friendships and camaraderie that accompany a mentally and physically demanding experience. “We laugh, we struggle, but we hold on as a team and try to give the story a happy ending.”

‘Why we fight fires’

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The owners of The Craft Hub, Neville and Estelle Matodes, migrated their business to its new

From left are Elena Gelderblom, Marí Geyer, Reinet de Jager and Ina Wessels.

premises across the road at The Village just before the start of the holiday season last year. Now housed in the spacious building previously occupied by Time for Living, this specialty crafts supply shop also houses a workshop on the ground floor and an art gallery in the loft section called Art Bouquet. The four exhibiting artists of Art Bouquet are local artists Ina Wessels, Reinet de Jager, Marí Geyer and Elena Gelderblom. The name of the gallery reflects the different mediums used by this group of artists, which ranges from oils and acrylic to sculptures. “We appreciate all the support we’ve received from Neville,” says Ina, “and also from Pieter van Aswegen, who has been like a father figure to us.” Pieter is a paint specialist at Prominent Paints who is also well-known for his popular music programme on Whale Coast 96FM, Honey and Dark Chocolate. He met Ina last year during a consultation to discuss the painting of the Wessels’ house in Sandbaai when he noticed all Ina’s canvasses and promptly arranged a successful group exhibition at their house in December. The four artists are delighted to now have their own permanent exhibition space and will rotate shifts so that one of them is always present at the gallery. Find them at Shop No.6, The Village.

From page 1

Seth Anderson of the Hermanus Business Chamber says together with the Hermanus Ratepayers’ Association they have actively been promoting the municipality’s proposed revitalization of the CBD.

“We believe that the conversion of High Street into a pedestrian shopping area and the development of the Mitchell Square precinct will act as a counter to the impact of the mall on the CBD. Our only concern is that these proposed developments will only be

Will mall disrupt business in the CBD?completed after the mall is operational. The revitalization project needs to be fast-tracked by the municipality,” says Seth.

According to him the CBD will go through an adjustment period but the negative impact thereof will not be as noticeable as in other towns such as Mossel Bay or Worcester. “One of the saving graces of our town is our spectacular coastline. Together with its beautiful historic buildings the Hermanus CBD will always have a lot to offer to both shoppers

and tourists.”

Petrus asserts that the creation of more retail and parking areas will not be enough to alleviate the impact on the CBD. “By adding more retail space the problem will be exacerbated and the need for more parking space will lessen as many of the shoppers will move to the mall.

“There is rather a need for us as a community to assess the problem and come up with more concrete ways in which we can add to the allure of the CBD and

lessen the negative impact on the area,” says Petrus.

According to Jannie they do not anticipate that the mall will negatively impact on the CBD. “The mall will add to the mix of shops that are available to residents. The mix in the mall will be both national and local and will afford shoppers a wide range of choice.”

Jannie says that no final decisions have been made as to who will operate the cinemas nor the two drive-through establishments.

“More concrete plans and updates will be available in April.”

Join the conversation on The Hermanus News Facebook Group

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For as long as she can remember, Dr Sandy Waddingham has had a love of animals. A childhood visit with her mother to take their dog to the vet, piqued her interest sufficiently to inspire a lifetime of devotion to the welfare of animals.

Twenty eight years ago, she and her husband co-bought their original farm behind Tesselaarsdal and since then, she has played an integral role at the Hermanus Animal Hospital.

The hospital itself is not only the oldest veterinary practice in the Overberg, having been in operation for forty years, but also the largest. Its original premises were in the old Industrial Area, across the road from the present Hermanus Animal Welfare. In 1991, the hospital moved to its current premises in Dirkie Uys Street and countless Overstrand residents and their pets have entered through the doors of this thatched home of caring over the years.

“At Hermanus Animal Hospital, we welcome you and your pets to the clinic as part of our family,” says Sandy. The hospital team offers services to amongst others, dogs, cats, cattle, penguins, fish, whales, snakes, horses, birds, wild life, exotic animals and even a small number of sheep. “It’s literally an A to Z!”

When questioned on the essence and ethos of her vocation, Sandy responds enthusiastically, “I have always desired to be of service to the community as a whole. I love and serve it with passion. Now in my twilight years of veterinary practice, I want to give more to those

members of the community who cannot afford all the state-of-the-art veterinary services. Adopting a holistic approach, we are involved in hands-on animal care education for all ages and I am now starting to join forces with others offering community service, for instance with child welfare and role players in drug addiction education. I believe that the more we approach the community as a whole, both in tandem and separately, the more effective we will be at uplifting and really helping people and animals in need. It is in effect, forging community work through enlightenment.”

Through the auspices of the South African Veterinary Association, private veterinarians established the first Community Veterinary Clinics in 1998, their goal to provide subsidised veterinary services to disadvantaged communities. By utilizing their existing infrastructure and facilities and by donating their professional time, veterinarians like Sandy are able to offer key health care to animals from these

areas.

The Hermanus Animal Hospital holds a registered, non-profit CVC number, one of only thirteen issued. This local team now services the Hawston area and it is notable that the private income from Sandy and her partners covers the basic overheads. Travelling expenses and the acquisition of medical consumables depends entirely on public and corporate financial contribution.

“We are actively involved in spayathons, neutering up to 15 animals weekly. Considerable pro bono work is undertaken for strays and in assisting welfare clients whose animals require specialised treatments or surgery. Dr Marc Walton has just returned from the Seychelles, where we ran a spayathon and vaccine program, the medications funded entirely from within the practice.” Marlene de Neeghere, a HAWS committee member, together with her husband, most generously funded the airfares, organised free accommodation, the food

Sandy is an animal hero

and more, all entirely from their own pocket.

Complementing the hospital team is Dr Dirk Greyling, a specialist surgeon. “Having a surgical specialist now means that we can engage in far more advanced procedures, like spinal and thoracic surgery and intricate eye surgery. We now also undertake very fine abdominal surgery, such as corrective liver shunts, removal of ureteral and kidney stones, individual liver lobes and prostate glands. Medical workups requiring special instruments like endoscopes, state-of-the-art blood monitoring machines, in-house blood tests for instant results, ECG machines and ones for lazer physiotherapy and shock wave therapy, dental scaling, polishing and drilling machines, equine anaesthetic machines… there really is now less and less need for clients to ‘go over the mountain’.”

Hosting surgeons and other specialists from abroad and continually attending overseas courses to allow the practice of more

complicated procedures, reflects positively on the calibre of services offered.

“I have always been interested in alternative therapies, although I am essentially a regular vet. Qualified in vet homeopathy and with a certificate in veterinary acupuncture, other therapies are on offer like physiotherapy, food supplements and homeopathy. Where at all possible, I try to give a holistic service.”

Talking on pet nutrition, Sandy believes that disease has its roots in bad nutrition and poor mental health, which has led her to learn as much as possible on these two aspects of life.

Puppy socialization classes have been offered since 1992, to excellent result. Free of charge, these classes welcome both adults and children.

Sandy indicates that the demographic of pet owners in the Overberg is fairly evenly spread between families, individuals and across all age groups. As more and more visitors and holiday home owners have chosen to live and work in Greater Hermanus, so the number of pet owners has grown exponentially. Asked if she had comment on aspirant pet owners favouring providing loving homes to homeless animals as opposed to bred ones, she responded, “There are horses for courses. Some people prefer thoroughbred dogs and others prefer shelter dogs and cats. There are pros and cons to both. It is true that pure breeds carry the reputation of being susceptible to medical

ailments, because they invariably become inbred as the gene pool becomes smaller and smaller.”

Not a person who likes seeing creatures in cages, Sandy stresses that caring for any exotic animal requires an in-depth knowledge of the unique care requirements for each specific case. For example, as some lizards require moist surroundings, while others favour dry conditions, it is essential to be educated on one’s pet’s needs.

It is inevitable that after so many dedicated years of service, a seasoned vet such as Sandy would have a wealth of interesting and amusing anecdotes, be they on pets or their owners. “I have many! I think it’s time I wrote a book along the lines of those by James Herriot.”

Apart from her role as a senior partner in the Hermanus Animal Hospital, she partners her husband David Hepburn-Brown on their ‘Hemel ‘n Aarde Stud’ farm as successful racehorse owners. A lifelong involvement with horses and known for her exemplary standards, Sandy’s hands-on approach ensures that the stud’s vet duties are executed optimally.

A wife, mother of two adult equestrian daughters, veterinary doctor, homeopathic practitioner and studying towards her doctorate in this field, active pro-bono community promoter and supporter, Dr Sandy Waddingham is surely someone who epitomises true dedication to our local community.

Kathy Mulock-Bentley

Send us your pictures:[email protected]

or share them to our Facebook Group#myhermanus

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Mathew Browne, Sonia, Hartmuth and Cassia Mildner will assist people with living a healthy lifestyle

• You owe it to yourself to lose weight!• We have the winning formula!• Gain self-confidence!• Meet fantastic new friends!• Win many super-duper prizes!• Guarantee that getting fit & losing weight needn’t be a ‘ghostly’

nightmare anymore, so before you can say BOO, we will make all your fitness dreams come TRUE!@ Proactive Fitness on 12th Feb ‘16 @ 5:30 pm.

Please RSVP Mathew 084 358 9827 or 028 313 2074

At the enthusiastic invitation of Mathew Browne, owner of Pro Active Fitness in Hermanus, introduction was given to the dynamic Mildner family. Hartmuth, Sonia and daughter Cassia, are proponents of a plant-based nutrition and movement lifestyle that they credit as the primary vehicle to their ongoing excellent health.

EX-FAT Support Group is a vibrant new concept motivating you to eat well, move well and live well. Its official launch evening is on 12 February 2016 at Pro Active Fitness, at 17h30. Sonia affords us insight into their lives and discusses the core principles behind their offering.

How long have you and your family lived in this area? Three years in Hermanus and for the last two, in KIeinbaai. Our dream is to occupy a large house, where people from all walks of life can come to learn how to eat better, move better and live better.

When did you first seriously explore the lifestyle decision to find nourishment entirely across a plant base and when did you adopt it for yourself?Initially learning of the concept in my mid-teens, it was two years later that I made the decision to take it seriously. It was a progressive journey and through gained knowledge, I began applying it fully at age twenty one.

You have twenty five years’ experience as a fitness and nutritional professional. Where have you worked and what qualifications have you attained during this time?On training and qualifying as an instructor in Johannesburg, I relocated to Amanzimtoti to work and run the Fifth Factor gym with the owner. During this time, I qualified as a Nutrition and Fitness Professional, daily teaching a variety of classes, such as callanetics, pilates and hip hop and presenting weekly talks on a plant-based lifestyle. Motivation of clients was our foremost task, which we did to great success. On moving to Walvis Bay, we built our own exercise and nutrition centre, offering classes to children, teenagers and adults. During this time, we qualified as colon therapists through Lead the Field Africa in Johannesburg

and were affiliated to Reebok Instructors Alliance, from whom we received training. Thereafter, applying this lifestyle ourselves, we spent a number of years undertaking personal research, offering exercise classes and teaching right across the economic spectrum – this time was our training ground. Finally the doors opened for us to move to this area. I have been working alongside Pro Active for three years now and am loving it!

When did Hartmuth become involved in this lifestyle and what are his qualifications?As an active sportsman, who played hockey and soccer

at both amateur and professional levels, Hartmuth’s performance on the field was always directly linked to optimal nutrition. He undertook more research, studied Natural Health and Nutrition through UNISA and found this plant-based lifestyle to be highly effective and sustainable. So much so, that he left his profession as a hydraulic engineer, to work with me as a team. He is a colon therapist and Reebok Slide Master Instructor.

You have raised Cassia on an entirely plant-based diet. How has this impacted her health over the years?A concert pianist and recently qualified sea crew member for the National Sea

Eat, move, live well

Rescue Institute, Cassia hasn’t visited a doctor since she was born. As a pianist at this level and as a sea crew member, mental and physical training are a prerequisite.

What research has been undertaken on the safety and effectiveness of the service that you offer? Dr Bernard Jensen, Dr Norman Walker, Kathy Stevens from Reebok Slide and many other professionals in their respective fields, have undertaken significant research on nutrition and colon hydrotherapy and exercise. If the body’s digestive system is working efficiently, it has the right building block exercise plan.

Specific disciplines have been scrutinized from various angles to establish their attributes and effectiveness.

Where does one’s protein intake come from when undertaking this plant-based eating lifestyle?Protein is present in all plants in different quantities, so as long as one nourishes the body with sufficient amino acids through a varied diet, the body has the ability to form its own protein.

Cognisant of individual medical conditions, how accessible is this way of life to all ages?Nutrition is necessary throughout our lives. Cassia’s excellent health is

living proof that billions of people from India and China can’t be wrong! There is an enormous movement worldwide to plant-based nutrition. The ‘Forks over Knives’ website offers insight into this. Hartmuth and I prove too that changes towards this lifestyle can be made at any age to feel better than ever. When correctly applied, this is extremely effective in bringing the body to a healthy balance.

What is the unique and winning formula of the EX-FAT Support Group?In a practical hands-on manner, EX-FAT is out to prove that food is not your enemy. It offers a multi-faceted approach to optimal health with long lasting benefit. Every client is afforded a tailor-made package adaptable to their individual needs. The full concept will be presented at our upcoming launch evening.

What is the WOW class that you offer at Pro Active Fitness?This stands for ‘Women only Workout’ and is especially tailored to suit women physically and mentally, making them feel better about themselves.

Sonia enthuses that at aged 48, she greets every day with love, enthusiasm and with no pain. “I still fit into my wedding dress, dating back to 1993. I feel 28 and others comment that I don’t look even close to 50!”

Much has been said on creating one’s own opportunities. Could this be one of yours?

Kathy Mulock-Bentley

• Market in the garden, 09:00-14:00, St Peters Church. A wonderful market set amongst the trees in the heart of town. Sit down in the tea garden and enjoy the surrounds.

• Stanford Saturday Morning Market, 09:30-12:00, The Stanford Hotel. Farmers, crafters and hobbyists bring to you homemade and home-baked goodies.

• RestFest 2016, 10:00, Restless River Wines. R200 per adult, R50 per child. Come and spend a day on the banks of the dam, soak up some live music and good times. Tickets via www.quicket.co.za

• The Lighthouse 2 Lighthouse Family Fun Walk for Charity. 09:30 at Piets-se-Bos, Grotto Beach. 11 km fun walk to Sopiesklip and back. Adults R50, children R25. All proceeds will be donated to support orphans, vulnerable children and disadvantaged families. Buy your ticket at The Beanery, The Eatery, cashkows.com or Hermanus Rainbow Trust in Sandbaai. Call Dave on 082 896 4345 for more information.

• Lighthouse 2 Lighthouse Practice Walk. Everyone may join the L2L ladies on the walk. Meet at 07:00 at Grotto Beach to be transported to De Kelders, from where the women will make their way back to Grotto Beach on foot. The distance is 18 km. A permit is required to enter the reserve. R100 per adult, R50 per child. Call Dave on 082 896 4345 for more information.

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3 Tons of Fun, 20:00, The Caledon Casino, Hotel and Spa. The incomparable 3 Tons of Fun all-girls cabaret group returns. The vivacious and voluptuous trio will be performing renditions of ageless songs from the disco era, traditional African music and pop. R100 per ticket through www.computicket.com

U3A, Louis Raubenheimer presents TV and Radio news services. He was the former manager of SABC TV News. 10:00, Catholic Church. Call 028 316 1251.

U3A, History of New York – The City and the World (part 1) 10:00, Catholic Church. Call 028 316 1251.

School Social Dance Groups:Gr4 -7 Mondays 14:30Gr8 - 12 Tuesdays 14:30Call Lani on 072 316 5787 to book.

Monday, 8 February

Tuesday, 9 February

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Wednesday , 27 January

Saturday, 30 January

• Graze Farmers Market, 09:00-12:00, Graze Restaurant, Stanford. Reduce your carbon footprint and get your fresh veggies at Graze.

50 Shades of the Mind, 19:00, The Book Cottage. Do you have the skills to seduce your mind to give you what you want? R250 per ticket, includes cheese and wine. Contact Suzette on 0861 102 318 to book.

Friday, 29 JanuaryU3A, Caution: Comedy ahead compiled by Bob Hill, 10am, Catholic Church. Call 028 312 4072

Traditional Burns Dinner, Hermanus Golf Club. To book call 028 314 1390 or email [email protected] for more information.

The Hermanus Music Society presents their 100th concert at the Bouchard Finlayson Boutique Winery at 18h00. Joanna Frankel (Violin) and Christopher Duigan (Piano) will perform works by Mozart, Beethoven, Liszt, Genastera, Saint-Saëns and Bazinni.

Hermanus parkrun, 08:00, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Free timed 5km walk or run come rain or shine. The route is dog friendly and children are most welcome.

Lemm’s Corner Market, 08:30, Main Road, Hermanus. Crafts, clothes, jewellery, bags, toys and art.

Hermanuspietersfontein Food & Wine Market, 09:00-13:00, The Village. Where wine and food lovers both local and international meet.

The Hermanus Country Market, 09:00-13:00, Fairways Avenue. Stunning food, fresh and wholesome goodies.

Market in the garden, 09:00-14:00, St Peters Church. A wonderful market set amongst the trees in the heart of town. Sit down in the tea garden and enjoy the surrounds.

Stanford Saturday Morning Market, 09:30-12:00, The Stanford Hotel. Farmers, crafters and hobbyists bring to you homemade and home-baked goodies.

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Bubbles and Giggles - celebrate 2016 and Refine’s 6th Birthday. 10am at the Classroom. R150 per ticket, profits go towards the Lighthouse2Lighthouse charity. Fresh ideas and tips from the beauty industry and innovative products and gifts. To book email [email protected]

U3A, History of New York – City of Tomorrow (part 2) 10:00, Catholic Church. Call 028 316 1251

Wednesday, 3 FebruaryGraze Farmers Market, 09:00-12:00, Graze Restaurant, Stanford. Reduce your carbon footprint and get your fresh veggies at Graze.

U3A AGM, 17:30, Sandbaai Hall. Prof. Theuns Eloff who was the vice chancellor of the North West University will be the guest speaker. He played a vital role in the transformation of our country into a democratic state.

U3A, Caution: Comedy ahead compiled by Bob Hill, 10am, Catholic Church. Call 028 312 4072.

Family Twilight Fun Run - friends and families get together on the Hermanus Golf course and partake in a 4 km fun run/walk after which they can grab a bite to eat from one of the food stalls, as well as sip on a glass of wine. Registration starts at 17:30, run starts at 19:00. R50 per person, children under 10 free, tickets via www.quicket.co.za or Hermanus High School.

First Fridays Artwalk - 15 art galleries in the heart of town stay open until 20:00. Stroll through the village, enjoy a glass of wine from one the local vineyards and enjoy the astounding collection of art and fine craft.

Saturday, 6 FebruaryHermanus parkrun, 08:00, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Free timed 5km walk or run come rain or shine. The route is dog friendly and children are most welcome.

Tuesday, 2 February

Friday, 5 February

Thursday, 4 February

• Lemm’s Corner Market, 08:30, Main Road, Hermanus. Crafts, clothes, jewellery, bags, toys and art.

• Hermanuspietersfontein Food & Wine Market, 09:00-13:00, The Village. Where wine and food lovers both local and international meet.

• The Hermanus Country Market, 09:00-13:00, Fairways Avenue. Stunning food, fresh and wholesome goodies.

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Hom

eHermanus has experienced unprecedented development and its population has expanded exponentially to almost double in the last decade. Everyone, it seems, wants to live in Hermanus. So what is happening in the local property market, and what are the current trends among home buyers?

Cornel Janse van Vuuren, principal of RealNet Hermanus, which includes the areas of Sandbaai and Onrus, says that many of their buyers are newcomers from metropolitan areas who are attracted to the lifestyle of Hermanus.

Cornel also says the past holiday season was unique in the fact that most of the people that contacted them were serious buyers. “Unlike previous years where there is a lull in business between Christmas and New Year, this year we were very busy. Most of the clients we saw were on a mission to buy a house, where oftentimes you deal with potential clients who at first just want to look

Property demand higharound and gauge the properties that are on the market.

“The average age of our buyers is now much younger – between 30 and 55 years,” she says. “Many of them have school-going children and the establishment of Curro Private School in Sandbaai is a great advantage. These buyers represent some 60% of our clients.

“The other 40% consists of people who are either looking to come and retire in Hermanus or who want buy a vacation home.”

According to Cornel many potential buyers make use of their holiday to travel from town to town on the coast to compare them with one another and to gauge which of the towns offer the best infrastructure and value for money.

“In this regard the Mediclinic, the quality of our schools, the natural beauty of our region, the high levels of service delivery and the

proximity to Cape Town and the airport was a huge advantage for Hermanus.”

This past season also saw a significant increase in the demand for plots. “There are very few properties available in the bracket below R1,5 million. For many buyers in this bracket it becomes a better option to buy a plot between R350 000 and R400 000 and then build a house.”

Cornel is cautious about the interest rate, though, and

believes that it will put extra pressure especially on first-time buyers who have mortgage bonds of between 90% and 100%.

“However, the excellence of local government and service delivery in the Overstrand means that it will always be a sought-after place to live. We are no longer only dealing with people who want to retire in Hermanus. Many of our clients are semigrating from up north, even if it means having to commute

for work. While many other small towns are deteriorating, the growth and stability of our region is a great attraction,” she says.

“Coastal property has consistently remained a good investment and we foresee that it will stay that way.”

“Currently the average price of properties in Hermanus is R2 731 507. There are currently 3 516 properties on the market in Hermanus.”

– Source: Property24.com

Regulations about gas installations home-owners should know

The rapidly increasing cost of electricity has resulted in a growth in popularity among many South African home-owners to utilise gas installa-tions in their homes. However, most home-owners are unaware that there are specific regulations that they must comply with when installing gas equipment in their homes to ensure their insurance policy remains valid.

According to the regulations that were introduced in 2009, all gas installations must have a Certificate of Conformity according to the Pressure Equipment Regulations that have been promulgated under the Occupation Health and Safety Act (No 85 of 1993).

While this may sound like a complex, legal document – essentially it is a certificate that states that the installation

Regulations about gas installationshome-owners should know

has been properly inspected and is determined to be safe and leak free. It is critical that this certificate is also issued by an authorised person who is registered with the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety Association of Southern Africa (LPGAS).

According to the regulation, any home-owner who has a liquid gas installation installed in their home must have this certificate, which is usually obtained during the installation phase. However, all home-owners considering gas installations need to know that the onus is on them, the home-owner, to ensure that they have this certificate in their possession, not the installer.

If your home is damaged or destroyed as a result of a defective gas appliance – and you do not have a valid certificate issued by someone registered with LPGAS – the insurance implications could be

significant. An insurance company would be well within their rights to repudiate a claim, which could have severe financial repercussions for the home-owner.

Having the installation inspected and approved is a quick and easy process – provided the installation has been done correctly – much in line with similar requirements for electrical installations, which also require a certificate of compliance under the Machinery and Occupa-tional Safety Act of 1983.

The types of gas installations that require this certificate include gas fires or braais, gas stoves and ovens, as well as hot water systems. It is vital for all home-owners to realise that such an inspection is not just essential for their insurance policy to remain valid, but even more importantly, that it is conducted to ensure that the installation is safe and

their family is not put at risk.

If a gas appliance has been incorrectly installed and results in a gas leak this could have major health implications for a family, not to mention the huge danger involved of an explosion.

It is also important for home-owners to know that if they wish to sell their home and they have a gas appliance installed, they are required to obtain the certificate and deliver a copy thereof to the new purchaser.

Regulations for gas installationsGas bottles may not be installed:• Less than 1 metre

sideways from doors and windows

• Less than 2 metres from drains and air vents

• Less than 3 metres below windows (unless a non-combustible roof is installed)

• Less than 1 metre from

the property boundary wall (unless it is a fire wall)

• Less than 5 metres sideways away from a switchable electric point or plug switch

• Light bulbs cannot be less than 1.5 metres above a gas bottle

Other installation rules:• Only class 1 or 2 copper

pipes, or other approved gas piping, may be used (Note: This is not the same copper piping as used by plumbers)

• Copper pipes going through a wall must be sleeved

• Approved flexible gas hose may not be more than two meters long and may not go through any partition (including wood, dry wall, cupboard wall etc.)

If you suspect your gas appliance is unsafe it is best to turn the appliance off immediately and do not touch it until it has been checked by a registered gas

engineer. Open all the doors and windows to air out the room and ensure you have shut off the gas supply at the meter control valve.

To ensure your gas installations are always in top working order ask a registered gas installer to perform an annual maintenance and service check.

For all home-owners with gas installations already installed on their property or for those planning to do so in the future it is vital to ensure compliance with all the above regulations not only to ensure you adhere to stipulations within your home-owner’s insurance policy but to also make sure you and your precious family are safe from any gas related disasters.

Source: privateproperty.co.za.

For more information, contact Hermanus Gas on 028 313 1400 or visit them at 20 Mimosa Road.

Cornel Janse van Vuuren 083 704 8636

[email protected]

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Visit us at the Checkers Mall

Negester is a luxury lifestyle estate that focuses specifically on the property and lifestyle needs of the fifty-plus age group.

It is located in an environment with stunning natural beauty with the Onrus beach, lagoon and green mountains in close proximity. With ATKV on board as a peace-of-mind development partner, Negester investors are assured that their properties will be well managed and have strong prospects of good rental income and capital growth. This development provides an ideal environment for peace-of-mind retirement.

The care centre, which is in full operation, offers access to services such as basic care, frail care and home care to residents in the development. The luxurious care centre comprises 50 sectional title flats of which there are rentals and resales available. Prices start from R660 000. Services here include medical care, 30 three-course meals per month, laundry and cleaning services. Elcare provides the medical services and Feedem

Secure lifestyle estate for fifty-plussersis the catering company.

Negester also offers freehold houses sold on a plot and plan basis. These vary in size from 128m² to 196m² with 8

A long-time resident of the Overstrand, Professor Roy du Pré, was recently awarded the Africa Leadership Award for Social Innovation in recognition of his great contribution towards South Africa’s post-recession economic development. As a high school teacher and college of education lecturer, university lecturer, professor, dean and vice-chancellor, Roy has been involved with education in South Africa for more than 35 years and played a prominent role in the development of policies after 1994 that now guide the country’s higher education landscape.

After serving at universities in the Transkei, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, Roy settled permanently in Hermanus in 2010. In the last decade he has dedicated himself in particular to the creation and development of a university of technology sector in South Africa. He visited universities of technology and applied sciences all over the world to establish benchmarks of good practice which culminated in the establishment of five universities of technology in 2004 as part of the reconfigu-ration of the South African higher education sector.

Universities of technology are of particular importance in a country like ours where we have high levels of unemployment, says Roy. “Education for education’s sake is no longer a viable option as it does not prepare our youth for the world of work,” he explains. “Only about 30% of students from

traditional universities are employed within the first year after graduation, whereas technology graduates are highly employable.”

In order to get universities and industry to work together, Roy developed the SA Technology and Training Platform which aims to bridge the gap between universities and the workplace. “What we need in this country is work-integrated learning, which sees students placed in the industry as interns during their studies to gain practical experience. This ensures that they are work-ready by the time they graduate and that many will already have jobs secured, so they can hit the ground running. The transition between finishing your studies and starting your career is much smoother and works to the advantage of both the graduates and industry.”

It is this concept of focusing on the vocational rather

than the educational that brought Roy into contact with Debbie Peiser, managing director of the Overstrand Training Institute (OTI). “The economy of Hermanus is driven by tourism and offers great potential for work-integrated learning,” says Debbie.

“Many youngsters cannot afford a university education and there is a high level of drop-outs in our community that are poorly skilled and unemployed. We have to look at ways to accommo-date the needs of those youths who want to improve themselves and their job prospects. That is why we are currently working with Roy to see how we can develop a system to address these problems in a professional, structured and outcomes-based way. By forming partnerships with local businesses and industries we can take action and create a more positive and caring environment that offers hope to those at risk.”

Originally from the West Indies, Debbie founded OTI on the SERVOL Caribbean model for youth development and training skills, especially in the fields of computer, business and hospitality. “There is no point in training individuals in skills that are not in demand,” she says. “That is why we liaise with several businesses in the Overstrand to gain an understanding of their employment needs and focus on skills training that will enable our students to fill employment gaps in the immediate area.”

While their offices are based at the Enlighten building in the Hermanus industrial area, OTI also operates from the Forest Adventure Centre near Camphill in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, which they rent from the municipality. The premises include workshop facilities, an outdoor amphitheatre, a campsite and the Bush Diner, which is used as a venue to train students in cooking, waitering and

events management. The Hermanus parkrun sets off every Saturday morning from the Bush Diner, which has become a popular spot for coffee and breakfast.

To find out more about OTI and the South African Technology and Training Platform, contact Debbie Peiser on 084 523 3798.

different plan options. Each home features an open plan interior with high ceilings, large windows and top quality finishes. These homes also share the services

offered by the care centre. Prices start from R2,1 million.

Sales in this exclusive estate have rocketed in the past six months which portrays the

Negester slogan “Shine bright”. All interested parties or prospective purchasers are advised to act sooner than later to avoid disappointment.

Contact Basie Oelofsen: Cell 083 259 7597 / Email: [email protected] Aida office: 028 – 316 3393 Email: [email protected]

Recognition for Overstrand professor

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26 JANUARY 2016

EASTCLIFF AUTO CC

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Joey Bekker “I support local as far as I can. I buy from local food producers and I did all my Christmas shopping locally. I only go over the mountain for clothing and I always compare prices with regards to larger items like cars and appliances.”

21A Mimosa Street, Hermanus Industria

Tel: (028) 312-3767Email: [email protected]

Website: www.premiershuttersandfires.co.za

Aluminium Security & Timber ShuttersJust how local are you when it comes to buying and supporting local businesses? The Hermanus News team took to social media to ask this important question. Here is what a few residents had to say.

Rae Holmes “I am all for supporting local. I buy all my food, garden supplies and raw materials from local businesses in town. I find I only go to Cape Town to purchase large home appliances but am always comparing prices.”

Susan Karalis “I only ever go over the mountain if I cannot find what I am looking for here in Hermanus but otherwise I will always buy local as it saves time and petrol!”

Cathy Brennon “I support local arts and crafts and bought all my Christmas gifts locally. I buy clay supplies in Somerset West and occasionally photographic supplies. Prices here are very similar to those in the Cape and the convenience factor is very important. You can buy 95% of everything you need here! After having lived in a two horse town for 12 years prior to moving to Hermanus it has been wonderful to have access to so many excellent shops and services. I also love the one off boutique style shops. Hermanus is a great place to live.”

Dieter Odendaal“I support local small businesses whenever I can, from local wines and flowers to eating at locally owned restaurants, and by supporting local produce such as free range eggs and local fish catches. I also support local collectable/antique shops, local design shops, artists and nurseries. Due to my work I also support local wedding venues and event suppliers. Local products create jobs for a larger number of people and teach people skills in the local area thereby uplifting the whole of society. So let us promote ‘Proudly Hermanus’.”

Tehilla Luttig

“I try very hard to support the

local businesses where I can. I

also do local referrals as far as

feasible and I enjoy the

Hermanus Country Market

and local restaurants. With

regards to furniture, vehicles

and appliances I venture to

Cape Town if I can’t find it

here at a cheaper price.”

Vera Schonberg

“I do all my shopping for food and clothes

here but for big items we need a shopping

centre, otherwise it is over the mountain.”

Sharon Crook Putensen

“I usually buy food

locally. Sometimes I buy

clothes locally, but I will

often go over the

mountain as the range

is bigger and the shoe

selection here is very

small. I also go to Cape

Town to buy

appliances, as there are

more shops to compare

prices with.”

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Hermanus Pharmacy/Clinic145 Main Road, HermanusTel: 028 312 4039

[email protected]: Mondays-Fridays 08:00 - 18:30

Saturdays: 08:00 - 13:00 & 18:30 - 19:30Sundays & Public Holidays 10:00 - 12:00 & 18:30 - 19:30

Alex Grant Pharmacy/ClinicGateway Centre, HermanusTel: 028 312 4847

[email protected]: Mondays-Fridays 08:00 - 17:30

Saturdays: 08:00 - 13:00

A. Stewart PharmacyPick n Pay Centre, HermanusTel: 028 312 [email protected]

Hours: Mondays-Fridays 08:00 - 18:00Saturdays: 08:00 - 14:00

Sundays & Public Holidays 10:00 - 12:00

Hermanus Pharmacies/ClinicsEmergency after hours tel: 028 312 4039

Eben Bezuidenhoud“Here at Grootbos we try and source all products as locally as possible. With some products it’s much easier, with others not so much. Our focus is definitely on the local Overberg/Walker Bay wine growing regions. It fluctuates, but as much as 80% of our wine list is sourced within this region (Elgin, Bot River, Hermanus, Stanford & Elim). The kitchen uses a range of products from local producers. This ranges from sustainably farmed rainbow trout to mushrooms, free range eggs and even micro herbs. We firmly believe that it is our duty to support our local producers as a) it is much more sustainable for us b) it is much better for the environment in terms of carbon foot printing and c) it directly stimulates the local economy and helps our local producers to build livelihoods for themselves and their employees. Our guests, as well, demand these products.”

Anika de Goede“We try to buy as local as possible and there is actually very little we need to buy in Cape Town. Most of our electronics are purchased online and this takes away the need to go to Cape Town. At the Hermanuspietersfotein Food and Wine Market we showcase the very best that the area produces in terms of meats, cheeses, fresh produce, wines, seafood and olive oil.”

Leoume Vos

“I support local as far as possible, with all

my laser work being done here, as well

as all the small supplies that I need like

ribbons, clamps and fabric. I have

suppliers in town that custom make

jewellery for my store, as well as

stationary. One of the main reasons for

buying over the mountain is the price

and the ability to get it delivered at my

premises quickly. Secondly I have not

found anyone local that sells or make

the goods that I buy elsewhere.”

Jamie Single “I believe that supporting local is very

important – that means buying from local

family-run businesses and not local

corporate companies. I love the Hermanus

Country Market and all the creative locals

who work hard to make a living. Also, I have

to admit that the wines from this area are

amazing. Support local where ever you can

unless you are getting ripped off.”

Richard Spence“We shop in Somerset West and Cape Town mostly for plants that we cannot source here in the Hermanus area. Local items that we purchase include wines from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley wineries. A small E.G and this might well apply to SA as much as local products???. There are many cheeses offered at the local markets but aged cheese is not a ubiquity – 24 months, if you can find it, is considered old. I am used to 4, 6 or 8 years as old, but unfortunately the cheeses available locally do not have the pungency or maturity that all the lovely wines would pair so well with.”

André Lambrechts“All our flower suppliers are local or from nearby areas. Our roses come from Elgin and all of our fynbos comes from the Stanford area and Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. The sunflowers are grown by residents of Hermanus.”

Julia Baillie“At The Eatery we source most of our ingredients from local suppliers. We found that people come to us with their fresh fruit and vegetables. Our ingredients are seasonal and the dishes are made to reflect the essence of local produce and what is readily available.”

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26 JANUARY 2016

OVERSTRAND MUNISIPALITEITHERMANUS: OORDRAG VAN ERF 640 (‘N GEDEELTE VAN ERF 560), ZWELIHLE VIR

KERKDOELEINDES Kennis geskied hiermee in terme van Artikel 14 van die Wet op Plaaslike Regering: Munisipale Finansiëlebestuur (Wet 56 van 2003) van die Raad se voorneme om Munisipale eiendom, synde Erf 640 (Gedeelte van Erf 560), Zwelihle, oor te dra aan:KOPER: CHURCH OF CHRIST MISSIONKOOPSOM: R47,000.00 (BTW UITGESLUIT)DOEL: KERKDOELEINDESNavrae rakende die transaksie kan gerig word aan Me D Taljaard, (028) 316-3724 / [email protected] beswaar teen die voorgestelde oordrag moet behoorlik gemotiveerd en skriftelik wees en die ondergetekende voor of op 27 Februarie 2016 bereik. Indien ’n persoon nie kan lees of skryf nie, kan so ersoon sy/haar beswaar/kommentaar mondelings by die Munisipale Kantore, Magnoliastraat, Hermanus aflê, waar ’n personeellid sal help om dit op skrif te stel.Kennisgewing Nr. 6/2016Munisipale KantoreHERMANUS7200Thembeka Properties t/a The Hermanus News CC GROENEWALD26 Januarie 2016 MUNISIPALE BESTUURDER

OVERSTRAND MUNICIPALITYHERMANUS: TRANSFER OF ERF 640 (A PORTION OF ERF 560), ZWELIHLE FOR CHURCH

PURPOSES Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 14 of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act (Act 56 of 2003) of Council’s intention to transfer Municipal property, being Erf 640 (a portion of Erf 560), Zwelihle, to:PURCHASER: CHURCH OF CHRIST MISSIONPURCHASE PRICE: R47,000.00 (VAT EXCLUDED)PURPOSE: CHURCH PURPOSESEnquiries regarding this transaction can be directed to Ms D Taljaard, (028) 316-3724 / [email protected] Any objections against the proposed transfer must be properly motivated in writing and be lodged at the undersigned by not later than 27 February 2016.Persons who are unable to read or write can submit their objection/comments verbally at the Municipal Offices, Magnolia Street, Hermanus, where they will be assisted by a staff member to put it in writing.Notice No. 6/2016Municipal OfficesHermanus7200Thembeka Properties t/a The Hermanus News CC GROENEWALD26 January 2016 MUNICIPAL MANAGER

UMASIPALA WASE-OVERSTRANDHERMANUS: UKUBUYISWA KWESIZA 640 (INXALENYE YESIZA U-560), E ZWELIHLE NGENJONGO

YOBANECAWA Isaziso sikhutshwa ngokwemiqathango yeCandelo lweShum’ elineSine (Section 14) phantsi koMthetho wezobuRhulumente bezeKhaya: Nolawulo lweziMali zoMaspala (Umthetho wamaShumi amaHlanu anesiThandathu wonyaka ka 2003 – Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act (Act 56 of 2003) ovakalis’ iinjongo zeBhunga zokubuyisela umhlaba kaMasipala, osiSiza 640 (esiyinxalenye yesisa u 560), e Zwelihle, ku:UMTHENGI: CHURCH OF CHRIST MISSIONIXABISO LOKUTHENGA: R47,000.00 (KUNGAQUKI I-VAT)INJONGO: NGENJONGO YOKUBANECAWAImibuzo malunga nolurhwebo ingajoliswa kuNkosazana -Me D Taljaard, (028) 316-3724 / [email protected] izichasi kwesisiphakamiso sokundululwa komhlaba kufuneka zizthuzelwe ngokufanelekileyo zibhalwe phantsi ephepheni kwaye zinikezelwe kulo utyikitywe ngezantsi phambi komhla we 27 Febhuwari 2016.Umntu ongakwaziyo ukufunda nobhala angasifaka isichasi okanye izimvo ngomlomo kwiiOfisi zika Maspalka, esikwiStalato i-Magnolia, eHermanusu, apho bayakincedwa lilungu eli liGosa ukubhala eso sichasi okany’uluvo. Inombolo yeSaziso 6/2016Ii-Ofisi zikaMaspalae-Hermanus 7200Thembeka Properties t/a The Hermanus News CC GROENEWALD26 uJanuwari 2016 UMLAWULI KAMASPALA

’n

Camphill Schoolsports challenge 2016Camphill School will present its first fund-raising event of the year on Saturday 13 February at the school grounds. Now celebrating its fifth anniversary, the Camphill School Sports Challenge is an event for the whole family.

“Everyone is welcome,” says Genevieve Linney, PR and fundraiser for Camphill School Hermanus. “The event promises to be a fun day out spent in the beautiful Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Bring your prams, dogs, kids and friends!”

Genevieve says the Camphill School Sports Challenge also serves to raise awareness about the unique services offered by this educational facility.

Camphill School Hermanus is one of only two special needs schools in the Overberg region. The school is home to roughly 70 day

and residential learners, aged between 5 and 19 years, all of whom receive daily care and high quality education.

The Camphill School Sports Challenge attracts between 200 and 300 visitors both local and from other areas in the Cape. There will be mountain bike rides, trail runs, a moms and tots fun walk and boerewors rolls galore.

Enthusiastic MTB cyclists and trail runners will be able to master the challenge of the tough courses laid out for them across the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, while scores of walkers and less energetic runners of all ages can stroll their way around the gentler routes along the Onrus River. The MTB distances are 45, 35 and 15 km. Trail runners can choose between a distance of 15 or 8 km and those wanting to partake in the fun run or walk can pick

between 5 and 2.5 km. Hermanus Adventures have designed all the routes, under the leadership of Paul du Toit of the Wine Village.

According to Genevieve, the Hermanus parkrun will not take place that day and they hope to encourage all park runners to join them at the school and partake in the many sporting events on offer.

Registration will commence at 06h00 or alternatively enter online www.enteronline.co.za . Entrants will receive a free cup of coffee to gear them up for the day. “I enjoy seeing the same faces returning each year to support us. The community has always opened their hearts and we hope to see even more folks participating this year,” says Genevieve.

For more information, contact Genevieve at Camphill School office on 028 312 4949.

Fusion an NSRI hero“The restaurant has donated roughly R650 to the NSRI during the October and November period and a further R740 for the November, December period,” says Estelle Hendriksz, owner of Fusion Restaurant in reference to the “Be a Hero, Help a Hero” campaign.

This campaign in support of Hermanus NSRI offers residents an opportunity to effortlessly help in raising much-needed funds for the brave volunteers of NSRI Station 17. Simply visit Fusion and order a meal off their menu that bares an NSRI

sticker alongside it, such as the apple and smoked salmon salad or the fresh line fish. For every specially marked meal sold, the restaurant donates R1 to Station 17 and diners can enjoy the knowledge that they have helped to keep the coastal waters of the Overstrand safe.

According to Estelle, one must remember that the NSRI is a voluntary service, and that the NSRI members make no money off saving lives and assisting in sea related emergencies.

“My husband, Petrus, and I have been part of the NSRI fundraising committee for many years. The reason we joined up with them was due to the fact that our boat almost sank in the New Harbour and they assisted in saving it.”

To date Station 17 has carried out 590 operations, rescued 1 411 people and assisted 268 vessels in distress.

“We have noticed that people are really encouraged to pick that

menu item because of the charity that it represents.”

Petri Hendriksz, owner of the new restaurant Pear Tree and son of Estelle and Petrus, will soon follow suit with the initiative by highlighting meals on his restaurant’s menu too.

The recent deluge of fires across the Overstrand has seen an increase in calls for assistance being placed by the public to the Overstrand Municipality’s Emergency Services. While the relevant personnel are readily on hand and suitably equipped to assist, they are, at times, being hampered in performing their duties and delivering a speedy and efficient service. This is due, in part, to the inability to find affected residential properties, sites or business premises where road signs have been damaged or removed or street numbers are not adequately displayed.

Executive Mayor, Nicolette Botha-Guthrie, has therefore made an appeal to residents and business owners in the region to please assist the Municipality by ensuring that the street

Display of street numberscan help save lives

numbers of their respective properties are clearly displayed. “Unless your house or property number is visibly displayed, calling an ambulance, fire brigade or the police in the event of an emergency will be of no use at all. If these emergency services cannot find you, then they can’t assist and valuable time, which could be used to save a life or your property, would have been wasted,” said the Mayor.

The point was further driven home by Municipal Manager, Coenie Groenewald, who stated, “In terms Section 18 of the Municipal By-Law relating to streets, public places and public nuisances, a premises – be it residential or commercial – must at all times display a number that is clearly visible and readable from a height of 1,5m above the centre line

of the adjacent road or carriageway. In terms of this by-law, property owners who fail to comply with this notice could be held accountable for any damages incurred as a result of not displaying the allotted number for the premises in the correct way.”

The Overstrand Municipality therefore urges the public to check whether street numbers may have become illegible, obliterated or defaced in any way. Should clarity be needed on what the exact street address may be, please refer to the monthly municipal account provided to rate payers where the name of the street and number of the property will appear directly below the account holder’s name. Please also note that in the case of corner properties, the main entrance to the property will generally be regarded as the access address.

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Sport written & compiled

by: Tony O’Hagan

1. In the recent cricket test played at Newlands in Cape Town, which South African batsman scored his maiden test century?Answer: Temba Bavuma

2. Which South African Premier League soccer team have the nickname "The Urban Warriors"?Answer: Ajax, Cape Town

3. Who has recently been appointed as interim coach of the Stormers rugby team?Answer: Robbie Fleck

4. According to the latest ATP tennis rankings, who is the No. 2 ranked men’s tennis player? Answer: Andy Murray

5. Who is known for the saying, "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee"?Answer: Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay)

Answers to Sports Quiz No 7

Here is a taste of our sports quiz which will be a sponsored corner in the weeks ahead with prizes for our readers. In the meantime try your hand at the following questions. submit your name, telephone number and answers via email to [email protected]

1. Pr ior to the current Austral ian Open tennis championships, how many Australian Men’s Singles titles has Novak Djokovic won?

2. Which young South African golfer won the 2016 South African Open recently played at the Glendower Golf Club?

3. At which race course is the J & B Met. run? 4. Which South African cricketer made his test debut in the

recent cricket test against England, played at the Wanderers in Johannesburg ?

5. Who is captain of the England National soccer team? See answers in our next edition.

Sports Quiz No. 8

Stand the change to win a free car wash by simply entering the Hermanus News Sport Quiz.

Send your answers and contact details to [email protected] and if you have answered all the questions correctly your name

will go into a lucky draw to have your car washed at Eastcliff Auto.

The Australian Open is in full swing and with Novak Djokovic trying to emulate Roy Emerson's record of six Australian men’s singles titles, I thought a few words from good friend Gordon Forbes appropriate. Gordon played in the era of Emerson and knew him well, as a friend and adversary. Gordon Forbes was an ex-South African singles champion, a top player in world tennis, both singles and doubles with Abe Segal.

Gordon is also well known as a tennis author, having written two books, ‘A handful of summers’ and ‘Too soon to panic’, both best sellers with the Guardian in London describing ‘A handful of summers’ as the most raucous sporting memoir ever written. Via email this week, I asked Gordon for his thoughts on modern day tennis and a brief insight into Emerson as a person.

Here is Gordon Forbes' response via email.Modern era of tennis:"I do remember putting on the TV and coming upon a bright blue court, a green surround,

no dust, no imperfections, slick in every detail, orange coloured balls clearly visible against the blue court, players dressed in striking technicolor, Andy Murray in black playing an Australian in yellow shoes, with a brave Mohican haircut and tattoos all over his arms, and I asked myself the question "who would want simple, sun-tanned arms when they can easily be decorated with crocodiles and dragons?''"For me, tennis used to be a game played in white clothes, for the fun of it.

Nowadays the fun of the game seems to have been polluted. Money, purple shoes, clenched fists, yelping and grunting, injuries to order, time outs, too many statistics. Rallies can go on for fifty shots – very good, but they're all the same. What price my old wooden racket with cat-gut strings? If our rallies went for more than six shots we became claustrophobic...

On Emerson:"What struck me most about Emerson was that above all, he loved tennis. Playing it, I mean, feeling a ball on his racket, hitting up, for the fun of it. He was always trying

things out – experimenting with shots, enjoying it...

Nadal's shots, for example, are all the same, hundreds of them. There he is frowning away, sorting out his twitches like an accountant checking his figures, as if he's at work and knocking off for a tea-break every second game. In retrospect, I am now certain Emerson had the best temperament – a cheerful exuberance, leaking into grins, sly remarks, and a kind of energy all his own. His game – logical, effortless, quick. He was never where you last saw him, and always where you thought he wouldn’t be. His love of playing tennis over-ruled all else. His game was full of humour and he relished a challenge, never having the slightest fear of losing.”

On South African Tennis:"South African tennis is an enigma, the perfect catch 22 situation. Nothing to sell until you have money, and no money until you have something to sell. Gone, it seems, are the days when good players 'came out of the woodwork'. Now, to make champions, they say, you need money, coaches, sponsors, overseas play and

squads. You can't have those until you have money, and you can't earn money until you have those! One day, perhaps, a wealthy patron will come to the rescue. Straight sponsorship is very unlikely...”

These are some of Gordon Forbes' thoughts on the modern era of tennis and reflections on a time long gone in the game of tennis. The fun, laughter, banter in the locker room and enjoyment of the game has now moved into the professional arena where money, coaches, trainers, psychologists etc. are the order of the day.

Interestingly, many of the top tennis players do not participate for their country in the Davis Cup. The game has moved on and we have entered into the sphere of money, sponsorship and bonuses. However, one needs to acknowledge the abilities of the modern tennis player, their skill and the pace at which the game is played is phenomenal. These modern day athletes have changed the game, taken it to a new level and one can only reflect on the passing of a bygone era of tennis.

Tennis legend Gordon Forbes: on tennis in

the modern era

The Hermanus Bowling Club kicked off the festivities to celebrate their 80th birthday by hosting the 89th Ayala Tournament on 14 & 15 January. Ayala is the name of a prestigious Champagne House situated in the village of Äy in France, which has historic links with Hermanus dating back to the 1920s when Edmond de Ayala, founder member of the Champagne House, visited the Riviera Hotel. De Ayala was so impressed with the bowling green that had been laid down at the hotel in 1924 by its owners, the Luyts, that he sponsored the first Ayala Tournament in 1927. It is one of the oldest bowling tournaments in the country and continues to be played every year. At first the tournaments were held at the Riviera Club, which later became the Hermanus Bowling Club and moved to the current greens in 1938. The tournament was won by a Hermanus team under skip Paul Naylor together with Alick Bruce-Brand, Jan de Wet and Peter Gordon.

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Hermanus High School became an official high school in 1941 with its first matric class in 1942.

The high school moved to the current location in 1977. In commemoration of the 75th Anniversary, a cricket festival was held at the school during January with T20 matches held on Friday, 15 January

and Sunday, 17 January.

Saturday, 16 January was reserved for 50 over games between the competing schools.

Schools participating in the festival were Paul Roos, Wynberg, Oakdale, Outeniqua, Boland Landbou and Hermanus.

Former Protea player and coach, Eric Simons was the guest speaker at a dinner held on the Saturday evening.

Various sporting events are held at the school during the year but the major 75th sports celebration will take place on 19 -21 August, 2016 when the Inter-Schools sports

Curro Hermanus has become one of the first schools in the country to declare its premises a “junk food free zone”.

This means that apart from encouraging parents to pack healthy lunch boxes for their children the school’s tuck shop now only offers healthy and nutritional food with a focus on complex carbohydrates and greatly reduced refined flours or excess sugar.

“We want to create a learning environment where nutrition and a healthy lifestyle become a natural part of the children’s lives,” says Emilia Knight who from this year runs the tuck shop with the help of Charlotte Ferreira and parents and volunteers. “Therefore, we offer options like a hummus and veggie snack platter with flatbread, sushi or even salmon and cream cheese bagels. Even the grade 1s love it.”

According to Emilia the children love the food and sales have been surprisingly good considering that the

Healthy tuck shop goes down a treattuck shop has only been open for a week. “The options are limited, but the food is very affordable and the ingredients mostly locally sourced. There are no fizzy drinks or sweets available. But you can choose between water (R6) or milk (R8), herbal tea (R8) or freshly brewed coffee (R10) (for the seniors and teachers), a slice of watermelon (R4) or melon (R3) and even a cheesy toasty (R13) on brown bread only made with high quality white cheddar.”

According to Emilia the packaging also conforms to ethical eating with the bowls made from biodegradable material that is fully compostable.

The menu changes almost daily depending on fresh produce available and the season. The menu will have regular items available daily, with the additional tasty extras on certain days.

For more information, contact Emilia at

[email protected].

Tips for fussy eatersBy: Emilia KnightChildren are naturally fussy. One day they love something, the next day they will simply refuse to eat it. It's absolutely normal! It's all about the texture, or the colour or the taste.

How can we deal with these little fuss pots?! Here are a few ideas ...1. See fussy eating as part of

their development. Don't make a fuss and keep trying with subtle gestures.

2. Keep meal times stress free. It's easy for us as parents to harp on about the importance of nutrition but it falls on deaf ears. Best is to stay enthusiastic and retry.

3. Consider portion sizes. Sometimes it's easy to expect a child to eat a portion fit for a fighting knight. Be realistic... smaller portions are less daunting and can be made up with fruit and yoghurt as a desert afterwards.

4. Have a mealtime routine: Laying the table and making sure it's a family affair. Sharing a meal is not only about the food, but also about light-hearted chats of the day's events. Keep it stress free and don't fuss about things too much.

5. Don't surprise your child with an entire plate of new tastes. Instead, keep the ratio 2/3 familiar, 1/3 new.

6. Have fun with blind-folded food tastings. Play along and show enthusiasm for what your child is about to shove down your throat.

7. Be patient but encouraging without force or frustration. No child has ever suffered from eating jam sandwiches.

8. Engage your child in social eating with friends who you know have healthy palates. Kids copy one another.

9. If your child refuses to try anything new, it doesn't mean that it will stay that way forever. Stay

motivated and enthusiastic. It's the best approach.

10. Make it interesting. Put bits of fruit on a kebab stick and serve with plain yoghurt which is sweetened with maple syrup or a little honey. Cut shapes out of sandwiches. Involve the kids in the making of some things, i.e. making burgers, cutting

potatoes for wedges or preparing a salad. Food is fun and is so often lost in our desire to satisfy our children.

My advice - stay calm and keep on trying. Avoid filling the cupboard and fridge with non-nutritional treats which kids often fill up on. Keep your sense of humor and put the meal-time boundaries in place with a smile.

fixture is held.

This year will be the 24th edition of this fixture which includes a number of sporting disciplines between Hermanus High and their arch rivals from Caledon, H.S.Overberg. The two schools will test their prowess in rugby, hockey, netball, squash and golf.

The weekend has a full programme of events as past pupils and teachers gather to celebrate the reunions of the various classes.

Also on the agenda are the Founders' Day Assembly, a gala dinner, 75th Anniversary church service and a Christmas carol service.

A weekend to diarise and enjoy all the festivities.

Hermanus High celebrates 75 years of excellence

the hermanus news 26 january 2016

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