Franschhoek Tatler - April 2016

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016 FRANSCHHOEK

Residential property transactions climbing

Page 24

Q&A: Ashley Bauer

Page 19

Red fruit, spices and … pizza?

Page 6

Charity funding for sports centreHope Through Action (HTA), the originators of the

Franschhoek Valley Community Sports Centre, was one of the two beneficiaries of the annual Nederburg charity auction. Along with the other beneficiary, the Breytenbach Centre in Wellington, HTA received R136 802 at the recent annual handover event at Nederburg in Paarl.

Charity auctioneer Roland Peens knocked down 15 rare wine items at last year’s annual charity sale, raising close to R274 000 that will now be invested in various outreach programmes run by the two organisations, which aim to invest in the future of the local young people.

Beneficiary representatives Theo Kemp, executive manager for the Breytenbach Centre and Nkosana Mguni, manager of the HTA centre in Franschhoek, were each presented with a cheque for the proceeds by Nederburg Auction representative Inger Truter.

The Breytenbach Centre is a multidisciplinary cultural centre that provides a platform for the youth to gain access to the arts and Life skills, helping them to make responsible choices, while the Hope Through Action project reaches out to young people through the medium of sport.

“The funding we’ve received will be used to support our programmes for young women and men from the Mbekweni and Franschhoek Valley communities where our sports centres are based,” said Sandra Randall, project co-ordinator for Hope Through Action.

“We run separate life skills and personal development programmes for boys (Brothers in Action) and girls

(WGILS – Women and Girls in Leadership through Sport) at each centre. The programmes provide vulnerable young people with the opportunity to meet in a safe environment to interact with their peers, and gain knowledge about social issues that impact their lives, together with the necessary skills to address these issues.”

Charity auction beneficiaries, back row from left: Nkosana Mguni (Hope Through Action) and Theo

Kemp (Breytenbach Centre), with Sonja Morkel (Distell Foundation) on the left and Inger Truter (Nederburg

Auction) on the right.

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Ward changes for local government electionsWith local government elections due later this year

the weekend of 5&6 March was a voter registration weekend. Not only did new voters have the chance to register for the first time, existing voters could also verify their particulars and voters who had moved since the last elections could re-register in their new home towns and/or wards. The next voter registration weekend is on 9&10 April.

Ward boundary changesIn Franschhoek things are a bit more complex

this time around than during the 2014 national and provincial government elections as the boundaries of wards 1 (previously Franschhoek South, Groendal and farms to the south) and ward 2 (previously informal settlements and Mooiwater) have changed. The most important changes are that La Ferme Chantelle, Domaine des Anges and La Petite Provence are now part of ward 2. This means that residents of these estates now have to cast their votes at the Groendal Community Hall and no longer at the Franschhoek Town Hall. Part of Mooiwater has also been included in ward 1.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) should automatically transfer affected voters’ particulars

to the roll for their new voting station, however past experience has shown that it’s best to verify this before voting day. If voters do not verify where they are registered they may arrive at one voting station, only to be told that they have to go another one.

Likely impactThe impact of the boundary changes in ward 1 will

probably not be great. Ward 1, a DA-held ward, loses strongly DA areas and gains an area with substantial ANC support. Based on previous election results, the nett effect will however probably not be anywhere near enough to swing the ward to the ANC.

In ANC-held ward 2 the situation is more interesting. The number of votes that separated the victorious ANC from the DA in this ward during the 2014 national government elections wasn’t very much. The subtraction of part of ANC-leaning Mooiwater and the addition of significantly sized DA-leaning areas means that a high turnout by DA voters could swing this ward from ANC to DA control. Additionally the ANC must also be worried about losing votes to the EFF, while the impact of the new kid on the block, United Franschhoek Valley, also remains to be seen.

2 Franschhoek Tatler April 2016

Police station sold – moves to GroendalLuxury boutique and urban cellar planned

Rumours that the Franschhoek Police Station has been sold have been circulating for some time. There has now been confirmation that the property has been sold to the French luxury goods group Chanel S. A.

The deal between Chanel and the Department of Public Works was concluded on the side lines of President Jacob Zuma’s November 2015 visit to Germany. In terms of the deal Chanel will construct a larger and more functional police station and magistrate’s court with 3 court rooms on erf 412 in Groendal before taking possession of the current police station and magistrate’s court complex.

A spokesperson for Chanel, Ms Natalie Porte-Parole, said that their plans for the site include a Chanel boutique in the historic part of the building complex. The newer parts will be demolished to make way for a hyper-modern urban winery and restaurant with underground parking beside the barrel maturation cellar. French super chef Alain Ducasse, whose Beige restaurant in Tokyo pays tribute to the style of Coco Chanel, is in discussions with the group to operate the restaurant.

Wine isn’t new to the Chanel group as it has owned

the legendary Bordeaux Grand Cru Classé Château Rauzan-Ségla since 1994. Chanel’s creative director, Karl Lagerfeld, recently designed the chateau’s 350th anniversary wine label. It isn’t yet clear from where the winery will source its grapes or what style of wine will be made. Ms Porte-Parole confirmed that the group has appointed the current enfant terrible of French winemaking, Jamais Vrai, as the winemaker.

Help Jenna to get Josh to Germany!R40 000 needs to be raised

In last month’s Tatler it was reported that three young Franschhoekers (Corné Johnson, Kyra Kummer and Joshua Daniels) and their coaches (Caleb Howard and SA National Coach Chris Ensil) have all qualified to take part in the 18th KSISAS Karate World Championships in Germany in July 2016.

Financial constraints may unfortunately keep one of the group, Joshua Daniels, from attending the event and attempting to improve on the bronze medal he won at the previous World Championships at Sun City in 2014.

Joshua has now found an ally in Bridge House grade 7 learner Jenna Downie who is helping him to raise the necessary funds. As Jenna says “I am a provincial tennis player and I am very lucky that I have parents to pay for my tennis lessons and for me to go to tournaments. So as part of my learning for life project at school, I am trying to help raise funds for Joshua to go to Germany.”

Joshua and Jemma have already staged a number of karate demonstrations in the entrance to Pick n Pay to raise funds. Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate has also kindly agreed to distribute a pamphlet

amongst their visitors allowing them to make a donation towards the fundraising target.

Joshua’s annual karate tuition fees are kindly paid by Pick n Pay Family Supermarket and Mark and Jo Dendy-Young. The following individuals have already made donations: Matthew Gordon, Marion Lees, Mrs Newton, Mr & Mrs Smith, Michele Lupini and Keith Battersbury.

Tatler readers can now also contribute by making a direct donation to Joshua. His bank details are: Nedbank – Franschhoek, Branch code – 198765, Account Holder – J.J Daniels, Account No –1123769605.

Josh Daniels (centre) with Jenna Downie (right) and his sister Roné (left) during one of his karate demonstrations at the Franschhoek Pick n Pay.

Record price at yearling saleColt fetches R1.5 million at Val de Vie sale

Their fortunes changed after their prize chestnut colt, named Varlocity, was shown to prospective bidders in the sales ring. Varlocity joined 118 other yearlings on offer at the auction catching the attention of several prospective buyers in the lead up to the sale. There was spirited bidding before the hammer fell the way of Gauteng trainer, Michael Azzie, bidding on behalf of Adriaan van Vuuren’s Misty Meadows operation.

According to Jaco Erasmus they were hoping for R800K and really overjoyed at almost doubling this. Carolyn explains: “A lot of people were sceptical about us taking him to the sale, but we were confident that a good horse will do well anywhere.”

TBA/BSA Chairperson Susan Rowett said, “Although the market was tough, there was strong competition for good horses, and overall we are satisfied with the prices they realised.”

Comments Carolyn: “Varlocity was a very special horse to us; he just had a one-of-a-kind character. We only want what’s best for him and believe that he will go on to be a success like his brothers. His dam, Star Deputy, currently has a Duke of Marmalade filly foal at foot, and at this stage we intend on keeping her so that we can retain this special bloodline. Star Deputy is in foal to resident stallion, Gimmethegreenlight. The old girl is getting on, so in our mind every foal we get is a bonus! Whichever way, we consider ourselves blessed!”

The couple plan to reinvest their money in horses, while Varlocity currently shares his new home with half-brother Deputy Jud, at Misty Meadows’ trainer Michael Azzie’s training yard. Carolyn and Jaco Erasmus with Varlocity Fire destroys

42 shacksA shack fire on 15 March destroyed 42 shacks.

Local public benefit organisation FRANCO (Franschhoek Resource And Network Coordinating Organisation) was one of the first support organisations on scene.

FRANCO focussed on getting food and blankets ready for distribution in keeping with their "keep them warm, dry and fed" policy.

According to FRANCO Chairman, Ron Whytock, they have a good working relationship with the municipal Disaster Management Department according to which FRANCO will be on scene very quickly, attend to immediate needs, and then stand back to support the municipal team when they arrive.

One of FRANCO’s many activities is to have two

stockpiles of non-perishable essential goods for use on occasions such as this.

Anybody wishing to support FRANCO can contact Ron Whytock at: [email protected].

On the same day another blaze in Stellenbosch, rumoured to have been started with political motives, destroyed 200 shacks.

The aftermath of the shack fire

Speaker nou Raadsheer Jooste

Raadslid Cyril Jooste, die speaker van Stellenbosch munisipaliteit, is tydens ‘n raadsitting op 24 Februarie met die titel raadsheer vereer.

Jooste, van Jamestown, was oor baie jare by etlike plaaslike owerhede betrokke. Hy het in 2006 by die DA aangesluit en in 2009 burgemeester geword. Na die 2011 munisipale verkiesings is hy as speaker aangestel.

Eikestadnuus het Jooste as volg aangehaal oor die eer wat hom te beurt geval het: “Dit is ’n besonderse eer. Dis vir my altyd ’n plesier om my gemeenskap te dien. Ek het vir jare vrywillige werk gedoen. Ek het ’n groot liefde vir wat ek doen en om my kundigheid te deel. Ek wil nog verder vir Stellenbosch in enige kapasiteit dien. Dit is vir my ’n passie.”

Die titel raadsheer word in terme van ‘n munisipale regulasie toegeken.

Verskeie raadslede, ook van opposisie partye, het Jooste geluk gewens. Drie raadslede het egter buite stemming gebly.

Tik sukses virFranschhoek SAPS

Die Franschhoek SAPS het op 10 Maart inligting van die publiek ontvang aangaande ‘n persoon in die Groendal/Mooiwater area wat ‘n groot hoeveelheid dwelms in sy besit het. Toe ondersoek ingestel is, is die persoon in Nektarienstraat opgespoor met 32.8g tik in sy besit. Hy is gearresteer vir die besit van tik.

Die waarnemende Stasiekommisaris, Adjudant Offisier Leon Boonzaaier, het sy waardering uitgespreek vir sy beamptes se goeie werk en die gemeenskap bedank vir die inligting wat hulle aan die polisie verskaf.

VLNR: Sersant Alwin Arendse, Sersant Jaco Stadler en Sersant Wayne Davids met die tik

waarop beslag gelê is.

Cyril Jooste

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29 April 2016: ChardonnayGrande Provence, De Morgenzon, Newton Johnson Vineyard and Iona Vineyards

27 May 2016 : Pinot NoirGrande Provence, Catherine Marshall Wines, Shannon Vineyards and Snow Mountain

24 June 2016 : Cabernet SauvignonGrande Provence, Le Riche Wines, Teddy Hall Wines and Thelema Mountain Vineyards

29 July 2016 : ShirazGrande Provence, Oldenburg Vineyards, Lismore Estate Vineyards and De Trafford Wines

26 August 2016 : Red BlendsGrande Provence, Beaumont Wines, Joostenburg Wines and Morgenster Estate

23 September 2016 : White BlendsGrande Provence, David and Nadia Sadie, Constantia Uitsig and Oak Valley Wines

28 October 2016 : Sauvignon BlancGrande Provence, Lismore Estate Vineyards, Fryers Cove Vineyards and Shannon Vineyards

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Outdoor gyms also used for researchWhen Conrad Sidego, executive mayor of

Stellenbosch pushed for the installation of outdoor gyms in Stellenbosch, the aim was to help residents get physical and promoting a healthy lifestyle.

There are currently five outdoor gyms in the municipal area. They are located in Cloetesville, Groendal, Devon Valley, Raithby, Lanquedoc and the Jan Marais Park (central Stellenbosch).

The outdoor gyms have had unexpected results: researchers and students at Stellenbosch University (SU) are using the gyms for research purposes and even a Cape Town school for autistic children has found the gyms to be of benefit to the children.

“We bring the learners to biokineticists in Stellenbosch once a week where after we have lunch before we go to the gym in the Jan Marais Park,” explains Elana Hall, a teacher of the Beacon School for learners with special educational needs in Mitchell’s Plain. “The equipment benefits the children because the exercise helps to develop their motor skills. They love being in the open in this beautiful setting.”

The gyms have also led to SU biokineticist and researcher Kasha Dickie drafting a research proposal for project funding to look at the way residents use the

outdoor gyms and what the impact on their health is.“The research will help us to make informed

decisions about a sustainable health and wellness intervention. The ultimate goal is for the communities in which the gyms are situated to guide the way in which the programme is carried out.”

Dickie is currently working with the community of Cloetesville and hopes to establish a 5-km walk/run route through the streets of the area.

Lack of physical exercise is a major contributing factor to non-communicable diseases like heart disease, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. It is estimated that six out of ten deaths can be attributed to a lack of exercise.

“The World Health Organisation suggests at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical exercise per week or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity exercise per week. There is no doubt that the outdoor gyms in the municipal area can help residents stay healthy,” says Dickie.

Alderman Conrad Sidego, executive mayor of Stellenbosch says: “When we first built the gyms, the goal was to bring communities together in a communal space where they have an opportunity to exercise and to socialise.

“I did not expect these gyms to become part of research projects. It is wonderful that the gyms are aiding researchers in their endeavours to help people become healthier and more active.

“Many of our residents cannot afford private gym memberships. The outdoor gyms offer an opportunity for all our residents – regardless of what they earn – to engage in healthy activities.”

The outdoor gym in Blossom Street, Groendal


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Rovos Rail purchases the Shongololo Express

Without doubt the best golf trip Peggy and I have enjoyed was travelling on the legendary Rovos Rail to experience what they called ‘The Golfing Safari’. Luxurious accommodation, complemented by superb food and a remarkable choice of wines punctuated by excellent and friendly service are the on-train memories.

The logistics of arranging the golf agendas certainly impressed. We never saw our golf clubs until we arrived at the chosen course. There we were greeted by a row of caddies with our individual names on Caddy Bibs (just as though we were professionals) – tee times already allocated on the train were followed to perfection and transport to and from the courses perfect in comfort and timing and we still never saw our clubs return to the train, which they did every time.

It must be mentioned that travelling on ‘the world’s most luxurious train’ is not inexpensive and I recall Peggy and I saying, “Train and golf, on a moving hotel, certainly would be a regular choice for us. If only we could afford it regularly on our budget.

So how pleasing it is to note that Rovos Rail has purchased the Shongololo Express, the three-star train.

“Operating a three-star train had always been at the back of my mind. When I learned that the Shongololo Express was on offer the timing seemed serendipitous and so an opportunity not to be missed”, says Rohan Vos, owner and CEO of the Rovos Rail Group, of

the purchase.Already the train has been repainted in green and

cream and an additional dining car plus an observation car have been added to the existing 19 coaches with the accommodation of six Emerald Suites and 30 Gold Cabins remaining as is.

Three itineraries have been introduced. Southern Cross - Pretoria to Victoria Falls. Dune Express – Pretoria to Swakopmund and Good Hope Golf - Pretoria to Cape Town. This far more affordable option certainly does not skimp on the golfing choices. Courses such as the Arabella Golf Estate, Ernie Els Oubaai, Fancourt, Champagne Sports Resort, Durban Country Club, Zimbali, Royal Swazi and Leopard Creek being available to guests.

With 28 years of experience Rohan Vos and his team know how to make this another exceptional experience!

My Peggy and I can’t wait!

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6


The world of wine offers a host of anecdotes, though the veracity of some may be in doubt. Do you believe the following?

The Greeks kept wine in amphorae that were nonporous and the wine matured well. The Romans were not so clever until they developed a means of coating the interior of their vessels to prevent evaporation and the resultant decidedly questionable wines. Romans also distinguished between one vintage and another and they knew that wine improved with age. They marked their amphorae with the name and date of the Consul in office at the time of 'bottling'. According to wine author Alec Waugh, "Wine was served at a function with a label stating, 'Opimium muscadine of one hundred years old’". Rome's great vintages were drunk for longer than seems possible. Apparently some Opimium was drunk at 125 years of age!

An example of German wine humour concerns peeling a ripe peach, pricking it 99 times with a fork and placing it in a vessel of cold champagne. It will revolve slowly. I kid you not if I tell you that this summer drink is called Stachelwein (porcupine wine) and is very popular in the Rhineland.

Look carefully at a bunch of grapes, either on the vine or the supermarket shelf. You will notice a fine coating of what looks like white dust that may be brushed off with a fingertip. The coating is made of natural yeast cells. Squeeze a grape (when the farmer or floor manager is not looking) and the yeast will mix with the juice and its sugars. You have just started a fermentation process; and that, in a

nutshell ( or grape skin), is the basis of how wine is made.

The first fortified wine to be made was sherry. The Arabs knew the secrets of distillation but their religion forbade them to produce a potable commodity. Instead they focused on flowers, distilling perfumes. It is widely felt that the Spanish of Andalusia learned these techniques from the Muslims as Jerez was the boundary between the Moors and the Christians. And is why it is called Jerez de la Frontera.

How did the world famous Germany Mosel wine, Bernkasteler Doktor, get its name? In the 1300s the Archbishop of nearby Trier was struck by fever while visiting Bernkastel. He was treated with every known remedy but to no avail. The end seemed near. Then a friend of one if his aides remembered a cure that he had used himself and he gave the Archbishop a glass of the best Bernkastel wine available. The Archbishop fell asleep and awoke to find that the fever had left him. Ever since then the wine has been known as 'Bernkasteler Doctor'.

I have mentioned this before but it fits in here. In 1497 English wine measures included a 'hogshead' (63 gallons), a 'pipe' (two hogsheads), and a 'tonne' (two pipes). This is why the size of a ship was measured by the number of 'tonnes' it could carry. Thousands of ships owe their measurements to the world of wine.

The world famous Sauterne wines, just south of Bordeaux, have a strange legacy. The sugar content is sufficient to act as a preservative. This means that it is possible for the one who made the wine to die of old age before the wine is released, without tasting the final product. Morbidity at its worst.

Always remember that one glass is not enough. Two glasses are too much and three glasses are just right.

Cellar ChatMark Tanner

Red fruit, spices and…pizza?New wine pairing option at La Couronne Wine Estate

Sitting on a winery’s veranda taking in the view of vineyards sweeping up the mountain slopes to the soundtrack of harvest activity in the cellar isn’t that unusual an experience when in Franschhoek. Unless, that is, you happen to find yourself at La Couronne Wine Estate. Here they’ve come up with an offering that brings a decidedly new twist to the wine tasting experience. Anyone for a wine and pizza pairing?

The wine and pizza pairing isn’t all that’s new at La Couronne. Since the Tatler’s last visit a ship-shaped tasting counter has been added to reflect the La Couronne battleship that features on the labels of the estate’s top ‘Admiral’s Choice’ range. Also new is a small restaurant, the Scuttlebutt Eatery, serving – you guessed it – pizzas, salads and sweet treats for those hungry visitors who’d like to linger a little longer. Back to the wine and pizza pairing though!

Three wines are paired with three pizzas; the first two of which have a decidedly South African character. First up is the flagship La Couronne wooded Chardonnay. This wine features a rich and creamy mouthfeel with almonds and vanilla and a lingering aftertaste of smoky peach and citrus. It’s paired with a bobotie and banana pizza – and it works, beautifully. Next up is the second flagship wine, the La Couronne Malbec. A vibrant wine showing plum, dark chocolate and berry flavours it’s matched with a biltong, peppadew and caramelized onion pizza. The final wine in the pairing is the La Couronne Cabernet

Sauvignon from the Commander’s Selection range. This wine offers lots of crushed red fruit and a wonderful spiciness. This is paired with a ham, sweet pepper and mushroom pizza.

Parents who may have had the occasional winelands trip bedevilled by trying to keep the little ones busy will be happy to know that there’s a kiddies menu and safe play area with a climbing frame to keep the youngsters entertained while the grown-ups do grown-up stuff. The grown-ups may indeed wish to join the youngsters in La Couronne’s riverside garden for a winelands family experience that ticks all the boxes: lush garden, happy kids, great wine and pizza. All that’s left to do is to sit back, relax and enjoy another day well-spent in the Winelands.

www.lacouronnewines.co.za | 021 876 3939

La Couronne’s pizza and wine pairing

New at Sacred Ground

One couldn’t miss the advertisements that said Sacred Ground had new owners. Curiosity called for an investigation which proved it to be true. When the previous owners said they wanted to sell the business, Charlene Jowel thought she’d like the challenge and stepped up to the plate. She has been joined by well-known Franschhoeker, Pat Ross, as co-owner. It means that this popular spot on the square in the centre of the village is very much locally owned and run and has some new offerings.

Charlene and Pat were confident that they knew the village well and could identify what changes needed to be made at their newly acquired business. They started by re-organising the shelves and streamlining the flow between the bakery, the deli and the bistro. Bread-baking has been brought back to the premises and the wine list, comprising only valley wines, has been upgraded. The focus is on local products and they are pleased to include seasonal offerings from small producers. Imported products for which there is demand have not been taken off the shelves though. Recipes have been improved and replaced where necessary.

Talking of local products – Sacred Ground serves as the deli outlet for Three Streams, the trout farm at the foot of the Franschhoek Mountains. Due to

their strict farming and processing standards, the farm is not open to the general public and they work closely with the deli as local retailer. Their range includes fresh, whole salmon and trout, or fillets and portions, which can also be cold smoked and hot smoked. The other products are patés, roulades, canapés and terrines.

The deli shelves are filled with wonderful breads, pies, quiches and cakes created by them and there’s usually an order in the making in the kitchen. The items on the order list change daily from whole raw salmon to pies, platters and cupcakes. The new platters, or “boards”, are apparently a hit and bring customers back time and again.

Charlene and Pat are “absolutely thrilled” with their staff. Two of the old staff have stayed on and the others are the excellent people from Salmon Bar that closed down. The staff members are all prepared to learn new skills and procedures and are proving good at everything they do.

There’s a winter treat in store for Franschhoekers at Sacred Ground; on Sundays a Harvest Table filled with freshly made produce will be put out for all to pick and choose from. That’s another story that bears investigation!

Sacred Ground’s friendly staff


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PROMOTIONAL ARTICLE:Good Food & Co.

Some places are magnetic. They draw you in and make you spend much more time there than you anticipated. Good Food & Co is one of these.

You may have only wanted some Darling or Joostenberg cold meats, but may well find yourself leaving with not only the meats, but also passion fruit cordial, freshly-baked beef pies, and low carb crackers!

From its courtyard location at Place Vendome off Franschhoek’s busy main road Good Food & Co is both a world away and a perfect perch for observing the hustle and bustle of village life. Here sisters Joey Stiglingh and Emmarentia Klaasen have created an inviting and friendly foodie place with things to enjoy on the spot – perhaps while your toddler enjoys the play area – or take home for later.

There are loads of banting-friendly eats available. The display fridge holds assorted meats and handmade cheeses, while the freezer contains gluten-free lasagne and chicken a-la king – amongst others. Elsewhere you’ll find from wheat-free muesli bites to banting quiches, biltong and dried sausage. Joey will also bake banting-friendly gluten-free bread for you. Just give her a call and it’ll be ready to collect in a few hours.

Too busy to cook? No problem. The freezer is filled with ready-made Heat-and-Eat meals. Take your pick from beef, chicken or vegetarian lasagne; bobotie and beef, chicken or vegetarian curry and more. Don’t forget about the gluten-free options!

Need to feed a small crowd? Order platters. They’re great value for money, convenient and feed up to a dozen hungry souls. Find details on the website.

The shelves hold too many delights to name, but how about this sampling? Pinotage relish, olive pesto, pickled veggies, Italian pastas, gnocchi, mustard and various oils, vinegars and dressings. Joey and Emmarentia also stock salmon and trout products from Three Streams

Smokehouse and will soon add a range of Mediterranean delicacies like hummus, Greek yoghurt and tzatziki. A variety of home-made pies, muffins and quiches, baked daily, vie to make their way home with you.

The restaurant offering is simple, tasty and – importantly – pocket-friendly. From breakfasts and salads (do try the GFC signature salad) to chicken schnitzel and hake & chips (R55!!). The take-away menu also features a variety of toasted sandwiches, tramezzinis and paninis, which all come highly recommended. Fully licenced, the restaurant offers a selection of wines, beers and ciders.

With winter around the corner Joey and Emmarentia are already planning ahead. They’ve already got loads of lovely soup and stew recipes at the ready and are planning more inside seating for those rainy days.

Ever creative, the sisters are considering creating a ‘Doorstep Menu’. Here’s what they’re thinking: Choose your meals for the week from an extensive Heat-and-Eat range and they’ll deliver to your doorstep. Alternatively, they’ll prepare different meals every day that they’ll also deliver – from only R70pp. What do you think of this idea? Let them know and you could help make it happen! Also, if there’s something you’d like them to stock, they’d love to hear from you.

Good news for regulars is that they’ll soon be introducing a card-based loyalty programme.

From apple crumble to Zang caffeinated milk chocolate, Good Food & Co has something that’s just right for you.

Monday – Saturday 08h00 – 18h00, Sunday 08h00 – 16h00, Open on public holidays. Like Good Food & Co on Facebook to stay up to date with their latest offerings.

021 876 3556 | www.goodfoodfranschhoek.com www.facebook.com/goodfoodandco

The shelves at Good Food & Co hold many surprises Mixed platter


DISCLAIMER: THIS SHOW IS 100% VEGAN AND GREEN FRIENDLY. MADE UP OF 10% RECYLCED MATERIAL, AND 15% UPCYCLED JOKES. NO PUNCHLINES

WERE TESTED ON ANIMALS. BRING YOUR OWN CANVAS BAG.

complimentary glass of wine from Haut Espoir

Nik Rabinowitz Live

In aid of Franschhoek HospiceTickets available at Hospice House Monday to Friday 08:30 -14:30

Date: 01 MAy 2016

Time: 19.00pm

Venue: NGK Hall

Tickets: R 200pp

FRANSCHHOEK:50 Huguenot Str, FranschhoekTel: +27 (0)21 876 [email protected]

NEWLANDS:2 Kildare Centre, Corner of Kildare Road & Main Street, Newlands VillageTel: +27 (0)21 683 [email protected]

www.indiansummer.co.za indiansummerfranschhoek

Cauliflower – not just your average veg!Cauliflower has practically become the new ‘carb’

as people move away from eating carbohydrate-rich foods such as pasta, bread and rice. As a result, indications are that cauliflower prices are increasing. Whether this has to do with the craving for the humble veg or the drought now is the time to enjoy a different take on the cauliflower. The carbohydrate-controlled Diet Everyone Talks About has a wonderful recipe for Cauliflower Dumplings – a great substitute for flour dumplings in soup or stews this coming autumn.

Cauliflower Dumplings RecipePortions: 12 dumplingsPrep time: 40 minutes

CHD: 0.25g carbs per dumplingIngredients:1 small Cauliflower3 Eggs, beatenTo taste: Salt, seasoning, black pepper5ml Parsley5ml Nutmeg200ml Grated cheese (e.g. Parmesan)For baking: Butter/Olive oilMethod:1. Cook cauliflower till soft. Mash thoroughly.2. Add all the ingredients, except the butter/olive

oil. Mix well.3. Shape into walnut-sized balls.

4. Bring a large pot of water to the boil. Add 30ml salt.5. Drop balls into the boiling water. Once the balls

rise to the top, remove them with a slotted spoon.6. Heat butter in a heavy pan. Fry each ball till

brown on all sides.7. Delicious with soup, as a side dish or as a starter with

fried mushrooms and small tomatoes on a bed of lettuce!Alternatively: Break the cauliflower into small flowers.

Cook until just off hard. Mix the rest of the ingredients (except the oil). Dip each flower into the mixture and bake in deep hot oil until brown.

To get your recipe book or to find out more visit SA’s most successful lifestyle programme visit www.the-diet.co.za or call them on 016 362 4890.


Make-up

/FranschhoekSkincare

SINCE 1994

1 Main Road · T. 021 876 3543 · SMS/WhatsApp 071 504 [email protected] · www.clarinsinfranschhoek.co.za

TREATMENTS AND GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

Dr Glynn Till

ChiropracticSpecialist Clinician

Low back, Mid-back and Neck PainsMyofascial Pain Syndromes (“trigger points”)

Sciatica & Brachial NeuralgiaTMJ ProblemsSports Injuries

HeadachesArthritis

57 Cabriere Street, Franschhoek, 7690Cell: 073 227 1851

DC (USA), FCCS (Can)Practice Number: 040 1110

Registration Number: A07609

Room sprays, candles, soaps,

lotions, oils, solid perfumes, purse

sprays, and stationery

all made in the village.

Visit us for the perfect gift.

BIJOUX SQUARE MAIN ROAD

082 779 2943

UNIQUE NATURAL FRAGRANCES

Sunny SA may not be enough One in five SA children is vitamin D deficient

despite sufficient exposure to sunlight, a study shows.The study by a group of African and Middle Eastern

academics, published in the South African Medical Journal, proposes new ways to address deficiency, including supplementing with vitamin D.

“Despite significant daily sunlight…persons living in (Africa)…are frequently vitamin D insufficient or deficient. Risk factors include traditional dress and avoidance of sunlight exposure, and multiple dietary factors… Should such factors not be correctable, new strategies for supplementation or food fortification will have to be devised.”

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to a host of health conditions including autoimmune and bone disorders, depression, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, obesity, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Sufficient levels may also fight infections like colds and flu. Researchers estimate that at least 50% of the general population is at risk of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency.

SA nutritional consultant, Vanessa Ascencao, suggests the following in addition to direct sunlight on exposed skin for at least 20 minutes a day and increasing intake of foods rich in vitamin D:

• Increase intake of fruits and vegetables rich in anti-oxidants – at least seven to nine servings a day.

• Eat food good for the liver such as garlic, onions, broccoli, cabbage, kale and turmeric.

• Eat immune boosting foods like reishi, shiitake and maitake mushrooms.

• Try Salvestrols – a compound found in plants that targets diseased cells.

• Lower inflammation by reducing intake of saturated fats and increasing the intake of omega 3 fats such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, nuts and seeds.

• Invest in organic foods to minimize exposure to pesticides and avoid processed meats and burned or browned food.

• Increase intake of fish and reduce intake of dairy and meat.

• Get sufficient sleep and increase vitamin D levels by using an oral spray. Research by Cardiff University, on vitamin D supplementation, found that absorption from vitamin sprays was far superior via the rich system of veins in the inner cheek and under the tongue than tablets or capsules.

“A body with optimum vitamin D will be stronger, more flexible and better able to resist disease and infection,” said Ascencao.


Are you registered? The second and final registration weekend for

the local government elections later this year,

will be on 9 & 10 April.

This weekend affords eligible voters the

opportunity to register, or update their

registration details, at all official voting stations.

If voters do not make use of this weekend to

register or update their details they will have to go

their nearest Independent Electoral Commission

(IEC) offices to do so. (In Franschhoek’s case this

means going to Stellenbosch!)

How and where to register

Voters have to apply to register in person during

an official registration weekend and at the voting

station where they’ll vote. For voters in ward 1

this means either the Franschhoek Town Hall or

Dalubuhle Primary School. Voters in ward 2 can

register at Groendal Sports Ground, Groendal

Secondary School or La Motte Community Hall.

Ward 3’s voters can register at Wemmershoek

Primary School, Groot Drakenstein Games Club

or St George’s Church (Lanquedoc residents).

No proof of address is required, but voters

have to present a green, bar-coded ID book, a

smartcard ID, or a temporary identity certificate

(TIC). Passports, driving licences or any other

form of identification are not accepted.

Should voters wish to check whether and

where they are currently registered, they can

SMS their ID numbers to 32810 – SMS costs R1.

www.elections.org.za

Do you know where to vote?

Consult the maps to see where you should vote.

WARD 2

WARD 1 WARD 3

WARD 2


WARD 3

WARD 1

WARD 2

WARD 3


FRANSCHHOEK’S SPECIALIST PAINT SHOPWe stock a full range of Midas, environmentally friendly paints (water and oil based) and Earthcote specialised,

textured trowel-on and brush-on products for wall surfaces (300 colours to choose from) as well as cement floor finishes which are on display in our showroom with many colours to choose from.

We also stock waterproofing products, Plascon water and oil based paints. Hamilton’s paint brushes, rollers, crack fillers, sand paper, masking and buff tapes, turpentine, lacquer thinners and putty.

For DIY enthusiasts, we stock ladders, overalls, dropsheets and paint trays.

All textures and colours are on show in our showroom. Pop in and have a coffee with us, whilst leisurely selecting your paints and colours.

For FREE technical advice, specifications and painting quotations contact Paul 082 567 6162

021 876 [email protected]

SHOWROOM:Unit 80C Village ArtisanCabriére Street Franschhoek


Go get it!A year down the line, Michele Lupini is increasingly

smitten by the BMW i3’s mobility, innovation and class

Can you believe that the BMW i3 has been around for a year already? So how has this chic, clean and revolutionary vehicle impacted on our society?

Electric cars were never going to be an easy sell, especially down here at the bottom end of Africa, but this little critter is fast changing perceptions. I’m

seeing more i3s on the road more often – it’s selling and more people are driving it. Make no bones about it – an i3 in the school parking lot, at the country club or outside the shopping centre is even becoming a status symbol in South Africa. And why not?

I’ve seldom driven a car that attracts more attention. We’ve even had people follow us home to gawk and ask questions. First world motorists in London, Los Angeles and Beijing have long grasped that i3 offers mobility and image advantages a cut above the rest. Now it’s catching on here too as electric cars slowly but surely infiltrate our society.

Powered by a 125kW electric motor energised by an 18.8kWh lithium-ion battery, i3 is quick too – 7.7

seconds to 100km/h is squarely in hot hatch territory, even if it peters out beyond 150km/h.

If you live a little further out of town though, you will have to tick that range extender box. Then you can still drive in full electric mode, the only difference being that you won’t get stuck without charge when that range extender engine kicks in to charge the battery to get you home – a solution that makes i3 far more suitable for South Africa and our long distances.

We found i3 cheap to run too – half as much as say a Mini Cooper S – in fact i3 is now the most efficient car on the market.

Sure there are downsides – like the R200k premium over the similar spec Mini; the battery car’s limited overall range and recharge limitations like the hassle of finding a wall socket and plugging it in. And what happens to that battery once the car is done?

That said, i3 offers distinct advantages over a conventional internal combustion vehicle. It will only emit 6.5 tons of CO2 versus that Mini’s 19.2 tons over 100 000km, if that helps the penny drop.

The i3 is über cool too and having driven it as an everyday car, pushed it, taken it to its limits and gauged public reaction to it over its first year, I far better appreciate the car and its advantages in innovation and sustainability.

Yes, this technology is brand new, but it works a treat and if you are into making a statement through your choice of mobility, I really don’t think there is much at all to match what this car says about its drivers. It is the future – go get it!

Tatler MotoringMichele Lupini


Potjiekos 2016Die Franschhoek Klub se jaarlikse

potjiekoskompetisie het op Saterdag, 12 Maart, oudergewoonte op die NG Kerkgronde plaasgevind.

Deelnemers kon in een van die volgende kategorieë deelneem: Rooivleis, Seekos, Wild of Pluimvee. Daar was ook ‘n jeug kategorie. Altesaam 55 spanne het deelgeneem.

Die harde werk van beoordeling is deur Leon Beukes, Werner “zippo” Fensham, Joany Sauermann en Elmien Pepler gedoen. Hulle moes fyn proe om op ‘n wenner te besluit, maar na ‘n bietjie kopkrap is Botha Warnich en sy span as die algehele wenner aangewys met 90 punte uit 100 vir hulle Mauritiaanse Bees Kerrie pot.

Die Franschhoek Klub bedank graag die volgende borge:

Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards, Black Elephant Vintners, Waltons Paarl, Swartland Spuitppompe, Aque Bella, Johan Durr, Pick n Pay Franschhoek, Saverite Paarl, Pepler Alarms, Three Streams Smokehouse, La Couronne, French Connection Bistro, Allora Restaurant, Elephant & Barrel, ABT, Station Pub & Grill, Taki’s Place- Cigar Bar & Restaurant, Le Lude, Haute Cabrière Cellar Restaurant, Terbodore, Chamonix, Franschhoek Tyres, Glenwood,

Franschhoek Apteek, Rickety Bridge, La Motte, Franschhoek Motors, Landau du Val, La Bri, Niel Joubert, Pieter Hugo, Franschhoek BP, Bernard Maree, Franschhoek Kaap Agri, Sep se Plek, Van Loveren, Essence, Foliage, Toyota en Mont Rochelle.

Our next meeting is on Monday, 4 April 2016, at Franschhoek Cellars at 12h30 for 13h00. Our speaker will be Rob Sproul, Secretary for The Probus Association of the Western Cape.

WHAT IS PROBUS ALL ABOUT?In South Africa there is a rapidly growing number

of Probus Clubs, which offer retirees the facility to manage successfully the transition from high pressure executive, professional and other vocational activity to a calmer way of life.

This is done through these features of membership:

• Opportunities to extend compatible social contacts and maintain an interest in the topical issues of the day.

• Positive attitudes to ageing nurtured by group recreation and the sharing of information on issues of concern to Senior Citizens.

• Support in grief and illness.• Speakers at monthly luncheons who provide a fresh

mental challenge and stimulation.Probus is not a service/fund raising organization

and is a-political and non-sectarian. We are mindful of the fact that costs are an important

consideration. Membership fees, therefore, are kept to a minimum; while monthly luncheon costs vary.

If you are interested in joining or just wish to come along to any meeting please contact me on 083 303 333 5

Fleur de Lis het weer hul naam hoog gehou by die 2016 OCC rolstoel byeenkoms in George, deur

die enigste Tehuis vir Ouer Persone te wees wat deelgeneem het aan die 5km pretloop in rolstoelle. Mev. Anna Howarth (83) was die oudste deelnemer en het ‘n Lancewood Kaas pakkie ontvang wat sy aan Fleur de Lis geskenk het om te geniet saam met die ander inwoners. Fleur de Lis sê dankie aan al die donateurs wat dit moontlik gemaak het om op hierdie spesiale uitstappie te kon gaan. Dit was ‘n prettige, ontspannende naweek.

Wild in Africa Rhino Ball an outstanding success

For the second year running, Poached Rhino’s Wild in Africa Rhino Ball proved to be an outstanding success. This year’s event, which took place in February at ROCA Restaurant, doubled last year’s profit by raising a staggering R300 000 during an exceptional evening.

The glamorous, sunset soirée, which sold out within five days of tickets being released, was generously supported by a number of individuals and local businesses. A plethora of raffle and auction prizes were generously donated, which significantly contributed to this year’s fantastic total by encouraging guests to dig deep and bid for lots as diverse as a shark cage diving trip, fly fishing in Scotland, a flight in a Spitfire and the piece de resistance – a 0.72 carat pear shaped diamond.

This fun-filled evening also had a serious side as Dr Jana Pretorius shared her thoughts and experiences working as a vet and avid campaigner against rhino poaching, giving guests an insight into how funds can be effectively employed in South Africa. The trustees of Poached Rhino will be convening in the near future to select a number of projects that can be assisted through the funds raised, which is sure to make a significant difference to our rapidly dwindling rhino population.

This sparkling evening, which included champagne and canapés, dinner and dancing has once again raised

the bar for Poached Rhino, so watch this space for the next event taking place on World Rhino Day, 22 September 2016.

Graeme Oliver (Chairman: Poached Rhino) would personally like to thank all guests, sponsors and helpers (who are far too many to mention individually) who helped to make the evening such a successful one!

Guests enjoy the spectacular sunset

Rotary celebrated its birthday on 23 February and the Rotary flag was once again hoisted on the Franschhoek municipal flagpole. Rotary is now 115 years old and is the largest service organisation in the world. Watch out for flyers advertising our 'Dutch Lunch' at 13h00 on 23 April. This will be held at Freedom Hill Wine Estate and offers authentic Dutch fare prepared by club members. Proceeds go to Hope Through Action’s minibus campaign for the Franschhoek Valley Community Sports Centre. R275 p.p. Auction includes scenic flights, wine, art etc. Book through www.rotary-franschhoek.com.

Rotary NewsMark Tanner

Fleur de Lis NuusWilna van der Westhuizen

Another successful Bridge Drive Luncheon was held on 26 February at the clubhouse on Domaine des Anges.

The success of this event was made possible by the generosity of the following supporters: Domaine des Anges for the venue, raffle prizes from Vendange, Fromages de France, Sheenagh Tyler, Helen Siebert, Lyn de Villiers, Gwen Rickard, Diamond Works, Cooksensuals, Tallulah’s, Allora, Jade, Franschhoek Skin Care Clinic, Franschhoek Boutique Hotel, Cape Vue, Huguenot Fine Chocolates, Les Fleurs, Good Food & Company, Ruan du Plessis, Fleur de Soleil, Terbodore, Le Bon Vivant, Petit Jourdan, French Connection, Rose Cottage, Boschendal, Vital, Lynx, Glenwood and Engel & Volkers.

Our kitchen and other volunteers did a splendid job, for which we thank them. They were: Carol Yammin, Kathy Molenaar, Liz Atkins, Paddy Minnaar, Hilary Forbes, Ann Moore, Yvonne van der Westhuizen and Joan Archibald. Our wonderful barmen were: John Moore, Pieter van der Westhuizen and Larry Mills, while the braai master was Craig Maartens. Thank you also to the Hospice staff and to all the bridge players, with your continued support we raisded R30 000 on the day.

The book sale held in March raised R4775. Thank

you to the community for your support; also to volunteers, staff and Ross Gauntlett from Bridge House for helping with the sales.

We thank the members of the community and businesses who continue to donate items for the Hospice Shop.

All books in the Hospice Shop are now selling for R5.00 each.

Remember Nik Rabinowitz, 1 May. R200pp, tickets selling fast, please book now to avoid disappointment.

Literary Festival, 13 & 14 May. We will be selling books and chicken burgers and water. Come and support your local hospice.

La Dolce Vita, 25 June. Café Bon Bon, R250pp, book your table now. 18h30, complimentary glass of sparkling wine and live entertainment.

Hospice Winter Hop, end July. Not to be missed.Join the My School My Village My Planet

programme and nominate Franschhoek Hospice as your beneficiary, our Ref 11775. We have the application forms and cards to make it easy for you. Swipe your card at any of these places and we will benefit. Waltons, Tafelberg, Engen, ToysRUS and our Franschhoek Pharmacy. Help raise funds for a cause that is close to your heart.

Hospice NewsColleen Douglas

YOUR FAVOURITESPOT IN FRANSCHHOEK!

www.leopardsleap.co.zaFacebook: Leopard’s Leap Wine | Twitter: @LeopardLeapWine | Tel: 021 876 8002 | Address: R45 Main Road, Franschhoek

ROTISSERIE LUNCHES

COOKING CLASSES WINE TASTING

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WINE COCKTAILS FOOD & WINE PAIRING

Probus ClubJulie Mitchell

Volgende jaar maak ons weer so!


Dear ReadersThe truth is out there. It’s just that these days it’s

becoming harder and harder to figure out what exactly the truth is given the sheer amount of vacuous fluff that obscures it. Not to mention the oversize personalities with reality-distorting egos!

When looking for oversize personalities one doesn’t have to look much further than the US presidential primary campaigns. I should probably at this point admit that I’m always attracted to the policy wonk candidate. Bluster can get candidates elected, but it’s the policy wonks that craft the actual solutions to the issues others only bluster about. Hillary Clinton is the ultimate policy wonk; unfortunately for her she’s not a particularly inspiring politician and is perceived as having an honesty deficit. Nevertheless, if it were up to me, she’d be my choice for US president.

On the other side of the isle it would be hard to beat Donald Trump when it comes to a very distant relationship with the truth. Whether that is because he is supremely uninformed or simply a liar is arguably immaterial. Trump is a prime example of a broader phenomenon these days, namely that if you repeat something often enough people will believe it. Increase the bluster and the number of believers also increases. It is no wonder that there are several organisations in the US whose sole purpose it is to check the verity of things politicians say.

Here at home Trump’s distant relationship with the truth is matched by that of Jacob Zuma. When our

‘dear leader’ sticks to his party-prepared script most informed commentators can tell you beforehand what he is likely to say. It gets interesting though when he ad libs. That’s when the real JZ shows and he says things like “All continents together would fit into Africa.” A lesser-known blunder from the same speech is that he claimed the apostle Paul was from the Sudan, when the overwhelming evidence supports the biblical account of him being a native of Tarsus – in modern day Turkey. Still in the same speech he actually said that French colonialists tried to make Africans more like the British! I’m sure that’s not what he meant, but that is what his actual words mean… Here’s another one: Prices are not determined by supply and demand. (To really appreciate the mind of our President I strongly recommend that you read his full speech. You’ll find it at: bit.ly/24Zu5RL.)

Back with the US primaries, Marco Rubio, who would have been my pick on the Republican side, made an interesting remark in response to something Trump said. Rubio responded by saying that he’d rather be correct than politically correct. I certainly identify with that statement, but unfortunately nowadays it seems that, irrespective of whether you’re a conservative or a liberal, being correct is increasingly seen as politically incorrect! This reminds me of something author Harlan Ellison said: “You are not entitled to your opinion. You are entitled to your informed opinion. No one is entitled to be ignorant.” If only we could convince the ignorant of that!

Let me leave you with this thought about facts and ignorance: CNN has 23.9 million Twitter followers, BBC World News has 13.6 million and Kim Kardashian has 41.7 million. Is it any wonder that truth and fact are losing the battle?

Until next month

Franschhoek Mystery Weekends – it’s all about relaxation, indulgence and intrigue

Surprise, relaxation and pure indulgence. This is what the sell-out Franschhoek Mystery Weekends are all about, and this year is no exception. If you haven’t booked one of these you’re missing out.

Packaged to perfection your weekend holds the promise of revealing Franschhoek’s finest wines, delectable food, fun experiences and much more. And the best part is you don’t have to book anything. It’s all done for you.

The team at the Franschhoek Wine Valley randomly selects a range of amazing Franschhoek experiences to create your ultimate Franschhoek Mystery Weekend. Your adventure commences when you check in to open your surprise box – as you sip on a glass of the finest MCC – to reveal where you’ll be staying, dining and the other fun filled surprises, which await your arrival.

For just R1 950 per person sharing for the weekend you’ll no doubt want to come back for another Franschhoek experience. The dates for this year’s series of Franschhoek Mystery Weekends have been confirmed for the weekends of 3 and 4 June; 29 and 30 July, ending with the final one on 19 and 20 August. Book early to avoid disappointment.

For bookings or queries please contact Carmen

Arendse on [email protected] AND CONDITIONSRates are for two persons sharing per weekend; Full

payment confirms your booking; Not transferable and non-refundable; No children or infants allowed; Excludes transport and flights; Accommodation, meals and activities are not transferable. Franschhoek a top wine destination

The Franschhoek Wine Valley has secured the number seven spot on Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s 10 Best Wine Travel Destinations, as listed on their digital platform – www.winemag.com.

Franschhoek, the only South African wine destination to be mentioned, shares the spotlight with other internationally recognized tourist destinations in countries such as Spain, USA, France, Australia and Italy.

The listing goes into great detail about Franschhoek and what visitors to the valley can experience. From the history to the award-winning wine producers the listing has encapsulated the essence of Franschhoek perfectly.

Wine Enthusiast Magazine, one of the industry’s most sought after publications, and WineMag.com is conceived and executed by a team of experienced editors based in New York, California, Washington, France, England and Italy. While each offers a unique set of expertise, personality and perspective to the Wine Enthusiast team, they are all united by one mission: to taste, enjoy and communicate their love of the best wines, spirits and food in the world to readers in a fresh and accessible way.

The full listing can be viewed at http://www.winemag.com/gallery/10-best-wine-travel-destinations-2016/#gallery-carousel-8.

Amy Kleinhans-Curd ‘icing on the cake’ at the Inaugural ACVV ‘High-Tea’ fundraiser

100 women from across the Valley gathered on Saturday 20th February at the Franschhoek Cellars in support of the Afrikaanse Christelike Vrouevereniging (Afrikaner Christian Women’s Movement) charity drive. The ACVV, the oldest NGO in the country, works with ‘at risk’ families across the Valley and self-funds to pay for additional expenses not covered by their subsidy from the government.

The women represented all communities within the valley, and mirrored the charity’s modern image of being cross cultural, multi-denominational and multi-lingual. Amy Kleinhans-Curd epitomised the new image, and enthralled the entire audience with her engaging personality and stories of the miracles experienced in her life.

The women enjoyed the opportunity to share sumptuous eats, sparkling grape juice, tea and coffee, with women outside of their normal social circles. Additional entertainment in the form of a children’s fashion show, musical renditions, singing and poetry narratives, all

performed by the children, were the order of the day. The valley’s generosity was not missed on any of the

attendees. Absolutely everything on the day was sponsored, from the berries in the sparkling grape juice, to the venue, to the more than 25 spot prizes, allowing the income received from ticket sales to go directly to the charity.

“We are blown away by the generosity of the people of Franschhoek and Paarl,” states Riana Pretorius, Marketing Manager/Fundraiser for the ACVV. “This event really spoke to our organisation’s motto of: Together in the Service of the Community’”.

Vrywilligers word dringend benodig om te help met die voorbereiding en uitdeel by die sopkombuis by Lord's Acre in Groendal. Ook vrywilligers wat op bystand kan wees om kosse af te haal by Pick n Pay en Lord's Acre toe te neem. Skakel Ronelle by 021 876 2670 as u ‘n bydrae wil maak deur die gemeenskap by te staan. Dit sal opreg waardeer word! Dankie aan die vrywilligers wat reeds help.

Opwaarts en voorwaarts tot volgende maand!

Rouleur RidiculousMay I be so bold as to vent my ire at the chaos,

interference and general bullying experienced by many a Franschhoek resident during the week of the Cape Rouleur cycle event?

While we all welcome the event, the visitors, the bed nights and the extra business it brings, should any of us condone the flipside of an affair that is now seriously testing Franschhoek’s patience and hospitality? This village is more than just a Toyland for people to run riot in.

The Rouleur’s weeklong interference to traffic in the village and around the valley was unacceptable — what about the many who use the roads to run their businesses, whose productivity was compromised by significant delays every day of a most sensitive harvest time week?

Surely our local economy is more important than to

play second fiddle to such a trivial pursuit?Furthermore, the bullying nature of the event’s

convoys and its pelotons was completely unacceptable — if they want to race through town they should do so in a more controlled and safer manner than they do speeding through while traffic is still flowing as normal.

The cyclists’ and their motorcycle minders’ behaviour was likewise wholly unacceptable — forcing vehicles off the road, banging on car roofs and basically terrorising motorists and pedestrians simply cannot be condoned.

Quite honestly, if an event like this comes to town, it should also conduct itself in a manner acceptable to the community hosting it — if this Cape Rouleur cannot consider our community’s needs alongside its own selfish wants, then perhaps it should find another venue.

I for one consider that like certain other local events, the problems this Cape Rouleur brings now significantly outweigh its advantages.

Sincerely,Michele Lupini

Editor’s LetterSiegfried Schäfer

Deadlines - May 2016 Issue: Ad Bookings: 14 April 2016

Artwork: 15 April 2016 Editorial: 15 April 2016

[email protected]

FWV NewsJenny Prinsloo

The President’s Award Franschhoek motivational youth event

The Franschhoek Valley Sports Centre hosted an event to raise awareness of The President’s Award for Youth Empowerment (TPA) on Saturday, 27 February. Youth groups from Franschhoek and Paarl attended the event.

Cllr Minnie Petersen of Franschhoek’s Youth Empowerment Action (YEA), along with Bridge House School, implements TPA locally (Bridge House School does too), welcomed all those present and encouraged them to learn to share, care and have compassion. Dale Dunbar, TPA Learning for Life Programme Manager, then gave a presentation on what TPA is all about. The President’s Award is the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in South Africa. In addition to a residential section there are four other sections to the programme: Service (Aim – To learn how to give useful service to others), Skill (Aim – To encourage the development of personal interests and practical skills), Physical Recreation (Aim – To encourage participation in physical recreation and improvement of performance) and Adventurous Journey (Aim – To encourage a spirit of adventure and discovery while undertaking a journey in a group).

TPA Phakama Programme Manager, Gold Award Holder and event organiser, Emma Heistein, welcomed two fellow Gold Award holders, Jason Coldicott and Siba Quma, to tell the assembled youth how doing the TPA programme had changed their lives. Having received his Gold Award while in prison, Jason’s particular story touched and illustrated the transformational potential the TPA programme has within Correctional Centres. (SA is one of a number of countries where the programme is offered within Correctional Centres.)

Jason shared with the young audience that he is currently out on parole after having been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for armed robbery. He readily confessed that initially it was sheer boredom that got him interested in doing the Award Programme. Boredom, however, was soon replaced with drive as he learnt that if he applied himself he could achieve meaningful things. Once released on parole, Jason started studying to become a paramedic. Applying what TPA taught him, he ended top of his class with final marks in the nineties as well as getting 100% for both his practical exams. Jason is now part of an ambulance crew. Jason is truly a transformed young man, but insists: “My future is only beginning.”

Nkosana Mnguni, the manager of The Franschhoek Valley Sports Centre, encouraged the youths to take responsibility for their lives (“Either you run your day, or your day runs you”). He also reminded them that only 10% of life happens to you, the other 90% is determined by how you react to the 10%.

In keeping with the service ethos of the TPA Programme, the youths took some time to make birthday cards for children in children’s homes. The event also included a mini career expo where the youths were given the opportunity to learn more about a number of career paths.

The event was concluded with a word of thanks by Emma Heistein, who gave a special thanks to all the youth groups that attended, to The Franschhoek Valley Sports Centre for hosting the event and to La Vie De Luc water for donating 240 still waters as refreshments at the event.

www.presidentsaward.co.za | 021 850 0728

Nkosana Mnguni shares some life lessons with the assembled youths

Choir leaders attend masterclass at Stellenbosch University

One of the most successful projects of the Franschhoek Transformation Charter is The Choir Leaders Programme – a partnership with Stellenbosch University's Choral Academy spearheaded by Prof Martin Berger. As part of this programme, the participants attended a masterclass in choral conducting at the university’s Music Department.

The class was conducted by world renowned choral conductor Dr Brady Allred from the Salt Lake Choral Artists in the United States. Dr Allred visited the Music Department for a week and conducted a series of classes and rehearsals with the university choir. Areas covered during the masterclass were conducting, sight reading and techniques to improve breathing capacity to reach higher and lower notes.

The Charter participants all benefited greatly from this exposure and will continue to develop these techniques

during their classes that take place twice a month for two hours in Franschhoek and Stellenbosch.

FLTR: Prof Martin Berger (US), Brady Allred (Salt Lake Choral Artists), Lena Paulse, Shari Jacobs, Courtney Paulse, Cornel Paulse, William Koerkop and Jeremy

Davids (Director: Franschhoek Transformation Charter).

ACVV NuusRonelle Pinard


International diversification and global investment

The retired person with a long-term view is in a conundrum at the moment, as interest rates globally are extremely low – even negative in places – and perceptions are that equities are not suitable if you are sixty plus. This is only partly true as the current life expectancy for people in developed economies is in the order of 78 years. To keep investments in perpetuity on the money market is also not a solution.

An investor that is 60 and older should thus consider investing a material part of his/her global assets in equities. The consensus view amongst large investment houses is that equity is the preferred asset class. Safe, low-risk government bonds (from Germany, the UK, Switzerland, etc.) yield next to nothing and call investments yield a negative return in many cases. The two additional asset classes which, in my analysis, offer value and should be considered in conjunction with equities are certain globally listed property stocks and certain corporate bonds (company bonds).

These assets yield positive dividends/income and a good example is Intu Properties. Intu owns 9 of

the 20 top shopping centres in the UK, including Old Trafford, Lakeside and others. The shopping complexes attract more than 400 million shoppers on an annual basis and have made an operating profit of GBP180 million for the 12 months ending December 2015. Intu was formed in the 1980s by the late Donny Gordon, founder of Liberty Life. The dividend yield or income yield on Intu is 4.4%, which compares very favourably to the measly money market/call rates. The net asset value per share is GBP4.0 per share and the current share price is GBP3. The company is well capitalised and trades on the London Stock Exchange. Purchases can be facilitated in South Africa. In Intu, one invests in a portfolio of extremely high-quality retail shopping complexes at a discount to the replacement value of these shopping complexes.

An investor that needs income can use corporate bonds. A corporate bond is in essence a loan to a company, which is safe for as long as the company stays in business. Corporate bonds offer a yield (capital and income) that ranges from 10% for riskier bonds to 2% for low-risk bonds. Risky companies or countries, like Zambia, will yield 10%, whereas bonds from low-risk companies like Microsoft and McDonalds will yield 2% in US terms. The higher the risk, the higher the return.

There are more than 3000 bonds available in all the major currencies and the correct mix, yield, rating and composition are critical. Suffice to say, global investors need not accept a zero or negative return on GBP /euro deposits as other alternatives are available.!

2016 Budget ProposalsThe following is a summary of the tax-related

budget proposals announced by the Minister of Finance on 24 February 2016.

Budget Summary - 2016 Budget Highlights The main tax proposals for 2016 include the following:

• A two year postponement of the annuitisation requirement for provident funds and tax-free transfers from pension to provident funds.

• An enhanced SARS and SARB Voluntary Disclosure Programme in respect of offshore assets and income, applicable for the period 1 October 2016 to 31 March 2017.

• The capital gains tax inclusion rate for individuals, special trusts and insurers’ individual policyholder funds increases from 33.3% to 40%. For other taxpayers, the inclusion rate increases from 66.6% to 80%.

• Measures to prevent tax avoidance through trusts – assets transferred via loans to a trust to be included in the estate of the founder (assumed to mean donor/lender) on death and interest free loans to be categorised as donations.

• Increase in transfer duty rate from 11% to 13% in respect of property sales greater than R10 million.

• The general fuel levy will increase by 30 cents per litre on 6 April 2016.

• A 6% to 8.5%increase in excise duties on alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.

• A tyre levy at R2.30 per kilogram is to be introduced on 1 October 2016 and a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages on 1 April 2017.

Personal Income Tax ReliefTo reduce the impact of inflation on lower- and

middle-income earners, the primary rebate and the bottom three income brackets will be adjusted by 1.8% and 3.4% respectively. The tax-free threshold for individual taxpayers below 65 years will increase from R73 650 to R75 000.

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

younger than 65 years (R23 800) for individuals 65 years and older (R34 500) remains the same.

Medical Tax CreditsMonthly medical scheme fee tax credit will from,

1 March 2016 be increased from R270 to R286 per month for the first two beneficiaries. For each additional beneficiary, the increase will be from R181 to R192.

Retirement ReformsAllowable deduction for fringe benefit of employer

contributions to defined pension funds: Section 11(k)(iii) of the Income Tax Act (the Act) inadvertently limited the allowable deduction for the fringe benefit of employer contributions to retirement funds to the actual value of the employer contribution. However, the fringe benefit value for defined benefit pension funds is determined by a formula per the Seventh Schedule to the Act and may exceed the actual employer contribution.

In this case, the available deduction would not be aligned with the employer contribution’s fringe benefit value and any excess amount would become taxable. This was not the original intention and with effect from 1 March 2016, an amendment will be made to allow a deduction up to the full value of the employer contribution fringe benefit, if valued according to paragraph 12D of the Seventh Schedule to the Act.

Passive income deduction: Before 1 March 2016, taxpayers were able to deduct retirement annuity contributions against their passive or non- trading income up to a certain limit. The current wording of section 11(k) of the Act does not allow this set off. It is proposed that section 11(k) of the Act be amended to allow for retirement contributions to be deducted against passive income, subject to the available limits.

Rollover of excess contributions prior to 1 March 2016: It is proposed that section 11(k) of the Act

be amended to allow for the rollover of excess contributions to retirement annuity funds and pension funds accumulated up to 29 February 2016.

Order of allowable deductions: To correct the ordering rule for calculating allowable deductions in the determination of taxable income, it is proposed that the allowable section 11(k) deduction of the Act be determined before the allowable section 18A deduction.

Removal of the requirement for a tax directive to effect tax-free transfers from pension funds to provident funds: The 2015 retirement reforms made provision for tax-free transfers from pension funds to provident funds. Before this amendment, tax-free transfers from pension funds to provident funds required a tax directive from SARS. It is proposed that this requirement for a tax directive be removed because it is no longer applicable to these transfers.

Valuation of contributions made to defined benefit pension funds: Paragraph 12D of the Seventh Schedule only makes provision for contributions actually made by the employer or employee to certain retirement funds, and excludes contributions made on behalf of the employer or employee (for example, by the retirement fund).

Vested rights for provident fund members - divorce order settlements: To allocate vested rights (i.e. contributions made pre-1 March 2016 fairly in the case of a divorce, it is proposed that the withdrawal of retirement benefits arising from divorce order settlements be proportionally attributed as a reduction against both the vested right and non-vested right portions of the retirement fund savings.

Vested rights for provident fund members – mandatory transfer: From 1 March 2016, provident fund members over 55 years may continue contributing to that provident fund without being required to purchase an annuity on retirement. However, if they transfer to another retirement fund, any future contributions to that fund would not be exempt from annuitisation. It is proposed that forced transfers (through the closure of a retirement fund) will not affect the member’s ability to make further contributions, which can be taken as a lump sum. Further technical corrections are required to effect this.

Foreign pension contributions, annuities and pay-outs: Treatment of contributions to foreign funds and the taxation of payments from foreign funds, will be reviewed, taking into account the tax policy for South African retirement funds. This is a positive move, given the submissions SAICA has made to National Treasury in the past regarding this issue.

Sugar Tax Obesity stemming from overconsumption of sugar

is a global concern and South Africa is no exception. Following global trends, government proposes to introduce a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, with effect from 1 April 2017 to help reduce excessive sugar intake.

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

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Financial MattersCelia McGuinness

Jargon buster – credit ratingCredit rating or credit score is one of those financial

terms that is often bandied about but not necessarily understood. So what is it and why is it important?

At its most basic level a credit rating is an estimate of a person or organisation’s ability to repay money they have borrowed, based on their previous payment history.

Credit bureaus calculate credit scores. They gather the information about your credit habits directly from your creditors as well as from public records such as court judgements. The scales they use can differ between bureaus, but usually include a descriptor indicating if you are very high, high, medium, low or minimum risk.

Marlies Kappers, head of marketing at DirectAxis, explains that although the terms are often used interchangeably, strictly speaking credit ratings apply to businesses and governments, while credit scores apply to individuals.

A high credit score indicates that the person wanting

to borrow money has a good track record and will pay it back within the agreed time. A low score suggests that the borrower has had trouble with making payments in the past and might have similar problems in future.

Kappers explains that the reason credit scores are important is that these help credit providers to decide whether they should lend someone money. Your score can also affect the interest rate charged on a loan.

A person with a low credit score will be considered high risk and as a result may not be given a loan as their score indicates that they may not be able to afford to pay the loan back.

By law South African consumers are entitled to one free credit report a year. Most credit bureaus offer a service that allows you to receive more regular reports for a small fee.

For more information about credit scores and how to find out what yours is, visit: https://www.directaxis.co.za/topics-tips-tools/credit-score


A questioning approach to leadership

So much is written and spoken about leadership.The key result of good leadership is changed

behaviour by those who choose to follow the leader.Of course there are many ways to achieve this

change and the behaviour and actions of the leader vary from the gross and ghastly behaviour of the likes of Hitler and Attila the Hun, to the gentle, challenging and coaxing leadership of Gandhi and Mother Theresa. There are many other examples that could be used, but these few examples suffice to exemplify the range of leadership styles employed by those who lead.

The style of leadership can be debated ad nauseam‚ but the more important debate should be what are the most sustainable styles of leadership, or what are the styles of leadership that are not aimed at the cornering of power by the leader, nor at his/her own personal self-aggrandisement.

It is this debate that I wish to explore on this occasion.The big problem with the bullying, dictatorial style

of management is that everything, every decision is dependent on the leader. The more power is concentrated the more this applies. Think about it: If members of the organisation are too scared to make a decision, or too fearful of challenging the leader then the entire organisation is disempowered and denied the benefit of a much broader and deeper contribution to the well-being and development of the organisation.

The additional disadvantage of this approach to leadership is that the future and health of the organisation is entirely dependent on the health and creativity of one person, no matter how much of a genius he or she may be. This is patently unsustainable.

The final negative of this approach is that it tends to encourage and support a bullying, dictatorial culture in the organisation as people tend to begin to believe that the only way ahead is to compliment the leader by behaving like he or she does.

Sadly this bullying style is all too prevalent in our country and denies the country the benefit of ensuring the development of all our people.

Let us contrast this with a more productive and developmental long term approach to leadership; a style that will encourage everyone in the organisation

to be the very best that they can be.The genius of the questioning approach to

leadership is that it makes sure that everyone begins to question their own behaviour and every aspect of the business, which leads to a culture of questioning and to the creativity that flows from finding solutions to these questions.

It is this approach that has been so effectively used by Gandhi, Mandela, and many others in all areas of society.

In my own experience I have watched as new leaders using this approach make people feel pride and take ownership of what they are doing in a way that had been denied them by their bullying previous leaders. By contrast, I have watched people wither and begin to behave like automatons and long for the day when they can leave. The sadness is that these are the same people. Under the one regime they only follow orders while under the other they look for opportunities to make a contribution outside of the envelope and find ways of growing their own domain. The latter approach creates a culture of creativity, while the former shuts down creativity which becomes the domain of only the selected leaders.

A questioning leadership style is actually simple to implement and to maintain.

Dictatorial leadership is complex and relies entirely on the genius of the person at the top who is expected to know everything about everything. This is not humanly possible and as the organisation grows becomes less and less feasible, and is certainly unsustainable.

A few of the most important questions routinely used by the Questioning Leader are: “How do you do this?”, “Why are you doing things this way?”, “Is there any other way of approaching this issue?”, “Are there any other options?”, “What are all the options open to us?” and most importantly: “What can I do to help and support you?”.

Of course this approach takes more time, but the long term results are more certain; the result is a much more deeply engaged workforce and a culture that is inherently more sustainable.

When one considers that the leaders of the biggest businesses in the world claim that the issue with which they are wrestling most at the moment is the creation of a Conscious Culture then the issue of how to lead becomes infinitely more important because leadership drives culture.

This can only happen if the Leadership is fully engaged and communicating with those that they lead!

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Areas of practice:Estate and succession planning | Commercial Law

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Business LeadershipTony Frost

Teaching your kids about creditAssuming that children don’t need to know about

finances until they are actually earning money is a big mistake. Finances are such a big part of everyday life and good financial habits will benefit your children for the rest of their lives. An essential aspect of this is the importance of credit and how it can work for or against them.

“Most people will need credit at some stage in their lives and it is important for parents to teach their kids to understand the basics behind how credit works to equip them with good money making decisions,” says Chris Labuschagne, CEO of FNB Credit Card.

Credit is a tricky concept, especially when it comes to compound interest. But this shouldn’t be a deterrent as there are ways of demonstrating the power of credit and interest through practical examples.

Demonstrating what credit is“The very first port of call is to explain what credit

is,” says Labuschagne. “The easiest way to start the conversation is to show them a credit card, as this is the most visible form of credit, and they have probably seen you take it out your wallet.”

Explain to them that the money in this card doesn’t actually belong to you, but it is a loan. You borrow it from the bank.

“To make credit more real, walk around your house and make your children guess which items where bought on credit,” says Labuschagne. “At the same time you can explain which ones you still owe money on, or those that you paid off. Make them understand that credit is very important because without it you wouldn’t be living in your house and driving your car every day.”

The next step is to teach them the difference between good credit, which is credit to build your wealth and bad credit.

“Demonstrate that good credit is funding assets that improve your life, such as your home or studies to get work, while bad credit is funding luxuries or cool stuff because you can’t afford them,” says Labuschagne.

Understanding interest“The main concept to explain and make your kids

understand is that of interest,” says Labuschagne. “It is quite complicated, so you will need to break it down simply but, basically, show that they will be paying more for something that isn’t always necessary.”

Make real life examples to teach your kids. Find an item that they really want, such as a new phone and research how much it costs. If it costs for example R2000, with a pen and paper add up the months it would take them to save for this item out of their pocket money.

If they don’t earn pocket money, and you would usually buy items for them, for this exercise allocate a set amount of money for them each month, say R200.

Then explain that you will lend them the money. Very broadly add on 20% to the item and ask if they would be willing to pay R2400 for the exact same phone. Work out how many more months it will take them to pay for it.

“You don’t need to go into detail of how interest works, just show simply that they will be paying more for the same item,” says Labuschagne.

This would be a good time to show how interest can work in their favour as well. If they put their money into a savings account, they will have not only R2000 to pay for their phone, but also a bit more to spend on something else that they like.

The importance of budgeting“Budgeting is a big part of all finances and now is the

perfect time to show why a budget is so important,” says Labuschagne.

If they get a set amount of pocket money they need to know that they won’t get any more money, even if they are paying off their phone.

“Ask them how much money they need for say, airtime, a month and what about other things they use their pocket money for. It will soon become apparent that spending all their money on the new item isn’t not going to get them very far if they can’t afford money for other items,” says Labuschagne.

Being responsible“Part of teaching your kid about being financially

smart, is to teach them about their responsibilities when it comes to repayments,” says Labuschagne.

Again you can explain fairly simply with an example. If they have borrowed money from you to pay for the phone and don’t pay it back, it doesn’t mean that they stop owing you money.

Explain that it is the same when you borrow money from a bank to pay for items, you need to pay it back responsibly and that is why it is always important to not borrow more than you can afford.

“The most important tool in managing credit is learning discipline and being able to delay gratification. Parents are also responsible for setting a good example as this is an important part of learning,” concludes Labuschagne.


Easter came early this year and hopefully by the time you are reading this we would have had at least some rain. The relentless dry summer has taken its toll – I can certainly do with some refreshing rain to calm, nourish and invigorate body, mind and soul.

April is a good month for reflection and contemplation. Not only is the Easter season a time of religious significance for many Christians, it is also the beginning of autumn in the southern hemisphere and we are blessed with some public holidays around this time that certainly help us to catch up on those things we’ve neglected – even if it just means spending extra time with family.

For the purpose of this month’s article I am going long on rain and will assume that we will have some rain from Easter onwards – so no more loafing around using the lack of rain as an excuse for procrastination. Now is the time to get stuff done. You will have a lot of cutting and clearing to do – please compost all the resulting material if you are not doing so already. It is a disgrace to see the amount of carbon and nitrogen

gardeners are removing from their properties on the back of garden service vehicles. A compost heap is easy to build and if done correctly should not smell bad or attract flies. If you are not sure how to go about it, it might help to get a professional in to give you some pointers or attend a course at a local nursery or garden club.

All summer flowering shrubs must be pruned now. Leave azaleas, magnolias and camellias alone though – they will flower in spring and pruning them now will take away too many of those flower buds. Hydrangeas can be pruned now – strike cuttings of your favourites by sticking them in some coarse river sand. Perennials like agapanthus, dietes, aristea, kanna and daylilies can all be lifted, divided and replanted now. Share and swop your excess; or replace some more of your lawn. Plant spring flowering bulbs and sow winter annuals – we have such an amazing indigenous variety of these that there should be no excuse to plant pansies this year – think Babiana, Ixia, Lachenalia, Moraea, Sparaxis, Watsonia, Freesia, Nerine, Arctotis, Felicia, Lobelia, Nemesia, Scabiosa, Anchusa and Osteospernum and go for the meadow look – you won’t be disappointed. The entire garden can do with some feeding – use a fertiliser with high potassium levels to ensure good root development through winter.

Winter veggies can still be sown – think brassicas, peas, broad beans, garlic and onions; most root crops and year rounds obviously too. There should be plenty of clearing to do – beans, tomatoes, pumpkins and sweet corn should all be at their end now. Compost the removed material and prepare beds with plenty of manure and last year’s compost. Decide now what you want to plant where and sow a cover crop on fallow beds. I prefer a nitrogen fixer, but have also recently read some good reviews about using radish and turnips as cover crops – especially in compacted soil. I will definitely try some this year and let you know how it worked. Fava beans are a good choice in waterlogged conditions. Feed citrus trees with a balanced fertiliser and treat against psylla and aphids if required. Liming low pH soil is another essential autumn task. Buffering the lime by mixing with compost is good sustainable practice.

April is table olive month – calamata, manzanillo and mission are all ripening fast. I use the traditional slow process. Olives get a once-off wash in clean water and are then packed into large plastic drums with a 10% brine solution. These are then forgotten for at least a year. I then give them a good wash and bottle them in jars in a 5% brine solution with a little bit of olive oil floated on top – ready for the table.

Capsicum annum 'Black Pearl'This ornamental pepper is an award winner with its

glossy, dark foliage and black fruit. Capsicum annum ‘Black Pearl’ peppers should be planted in moist, rich, well drained soil. To achieve this, add well decomposed compost and fertilizer to your soil when planting. These vigorous, upright plants can reach a height of 45cm and can grow just as wide.

To encourage bushiness, pinch out the growing tips while the plant is still young. The Capsicum annum ‘Black pearl’ pepper has leaves that start off as green and then turn into dramatic deep purple-black as they get older. To encourage even darker leaves grow your Black Pearl in the sun; semi-shade conditions will not hamper their growth but will encourage slightly greener leaves. Black Pearl can even be grown indoors in a warm spot with bright light.

Although Black Pearl peppers are heat and high humidity tolerant they still require regular watering especially when it is dry and hot in the summer

months. Small bright purple flowers appear from early summer and black pearl-like peppers will appear after theses flowers have dropped. As these small, round peppers mature the plant truly starts to show off its ornamental value as the fruit changes from black to contrasting cherry red. This fruit, although highly ornamental, is edible but not for the faint hearted. The fruit is said to be extremely hot so caution should be taken when handling the plants and the fruit. .

With its contrasting foliage and fruit Capsicum ‘Black Pearl’ is a sizzling contender for use in gardens. It will provide a stunning contrast to silver and white foliage plants in beds, is very well suited to containers and of course for those that dare, provide a serious zing to food dishes.

Total Storage 50.8%

Total Storage This Time Last Year63.2%

JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember

Rainfall Figures

mm/year mm/month Dam Levels

Measured at La Cotte/Nerina Street for periods indicated

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

709

916

884

1153

1217

978

740

830

1079

1471

1033

661

20

11

6

11

58

166

190

89

41

11

41

17

20

31

37

48

106

272

462

551

592

603

644

661

2015

27

9

27

36

2016AccumulativeMonthAccumulativeMonth

As at 14 March 2016

Steenbras Upper

Steenbras Lower

Wemmershoek

Voëlvlei

Theewaterskloof

Berg River Dam

58.8%

47.7%

51.0%

21.3%

37.8%

29.7%

Gardening in AprilNatie Ferreira

Plant of the MonthFrankie Brookes

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You are Franschhoek ward leader for the Winelands Fire Protection Association. What does that entail?

I am a facilitator between land owners, members of the WFPA, and the fire services. This includes notification of fire-related information, initial fire attack management, prescribed burning management and encouraging membership of the WFPA. The Franschhoek ward is the biggest in the Stellenbosch fire management unit.

You have a company Hemisphere Emergency Preparation Consulting. What do you do?

Hemisphere is a fire safety consultancy. Our products include:• Occupational health and safety management

programmes and certification (OHS)• Fire safety management programmes• Risk assessments• Structural fire plans• Event safetyWe are currently implementing a fire management

organisation in Franschhoek to address various short comings. This project will address many factors including:• Project management • Alien clearing• Strategic fire breaks• Identification of high risk areas and implementation

of risk reduction strategies• Community awarenessWe have the support of Cape Nature, Winelands

Fire Protection Association, and a few community members who have offered financial support to launch this project.

A number of different organisations seem to be involved when a fire needs to be combatted. Who does what and who is in charge of such an operation?

In any fire incident the control and command structure is based on the internationally accepted Incident Command Structure (ICS). Specific people take on responsibilities for the management of fire scenes.

Control and command:• Incident commander - Over all command of the

scene • Planning - Person responsible for drafting and

formulating the fire action plan• Operations - Person who communicates the fire

action plan to the fire services and fire teams• Logistics - Person responsible for all logistical

control, supplies, medical, water, etc.• WFPA - Liaison between land owners and incident

command • Areal ops - Areal resource co-ordinationFire Operations:

• Winelands Fire Services – Services from the district municipality

• Contracted fire teams - Services contracted by Winelands for the fire season .e.g. Vulcan Fire and Stem In die Bos.

• WFPA members - Send assistance to other properties

• Volunteer wild fire services - Provide ground crews • Working on Fire - Contracted ground crews under

the supervision of Cape Nature• Cape Nature - Fire teams • Aerial support services - These services are

contracted by Cape Pine and the Fire Protection Association for the duration of the fire season.

Fire fighters’ working clothes look heavy; what do they wear when fighting a fire?

The accepted standard for wild fire fighting equipment includes helmets, goggles, flash hoods,

cotton or flame retardant clothing, boots.When volunteers want to help, what should

they wear?Safety is the number one concern. We will only

deploy volunteers or members’ employees if they have the correct PPE9 Personal Protection Equipment as mentioned above. This is a requirement and compliance called for by the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

You say land owners are not well prepared for protection against fires. What do you mean?

We found over the past few fire seasons that the preparation among landowners is inconsistent. Guidelines have been circulated to our members pertaining to PPE and fire equipment. This however is not all that is required. Necessary information on access routes, water points etc. is not always available. Not all employees have the correct PPE. This puts the scene commander in a precarious position having to remove land-owner employees from a fire scene, an already emotionally charged environment.

What should one do when a fire gets close to one’s house?

The key is preparation. Ensure a 6m clear area between the vegetation and the house. Keep the gutters clear of combustible material. Ensure you have all you need should evacuation be necessary. Prepare a bag with important documents, clothing for two days, water and non-perishable food. Evacuation instructions are given well in advance by the fire service. However, being prepared is critical. When leaving the house leave all doors unlocked.

From where are helicopters allowed to scoop water?

The Fire Brigade Act permits a fire service to make use of resources and access to premises in order to suppress or prevent a fire from spreading. Helicopters may take water from any local dam. Each sortie has the capacity to scoop 3000l of water.

Where do they drop their water load?A common misconception is that the water from

the aerial resources will suppress and extinguish fires. The aerial support works in conjunction with the fire ground crews. Ground crews make use of hand tools, rake hoes and beaters to suppress the flames. The aerial support will drop water on the fire line and so make the flames safer for the ground crew by lowering the flame height to under 4 meters.

Another tactical application of water is to create a “wet line”, this is effectively a wet fire break which is used to suppress a fire and prevent spread. This is effective in hard to reach terrain.

What do fire fighters do in the off season?The wild fire teams prepare for the next season.

This includes making and maintaining fire breaks, alien clearing and area risk assessment. Winter is the time for land owners to burn vegetation accumulated during the fire season. Fire crews assist the landowners in planning and are on stand-by during burns. Fire management is an annual process that when correctly done is effective for 20 - 30 years.

What are the injuries that fire fighters mostly encounter in the course of their duties?

Sadly we see burns and smoke inhalation. Heat exhaustion and stress can result in dehydration and cardiac incidents.

What is the scariest thing about a fire?Its unpredictability. The biggest tragedy in a fire is the

loss of life or property. The effect on the regional flora and fauna is extensive which in turn affects business; wine making, tourism, farming and eco-tourism. Seeing the look on a person’s face when walking through the remains of a house is gut wrenching.

The Buried GiantBy Kazuo Ishiguro. Publ: Faber and Faber. 345 pages.You might remember the two books by Kazuo

Ishiguro that were made into excellent, prize-winning films. The first was the wartime drama “The Remains of the Day” with Antony Hopkins as the dedicated butler and Emma Thompson as the housekeeper who has feelings for him. The other was the science fiction “Never let Me Go” with Keira Knightley and Carey Mulligan, in which young people were kept at a school with the purpose of harvesting their organs to try and ensure the longevity of others. The ordinariness of the school made the horror even worse.

Ishiguro’s latest book “The Buried Giant” is set in a universe made familiar by J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings.” The story takes place in post-Arthurian England where dragons and ogres terrify the population, Saxons wage war against the Britons and a strange mist envelops the whole country. This is a society in decay where a solitary, aged knight, Sir Gawain, is on a weary quest, trying to track down the most destructive evil spirit of all, the she-dragon Querig. All of this happens while the population huddles in fortified villages at night, terrified of the creatures that lurk outside. As in “Never Let me Go” this is a dystopian world in which the unthinkable has become normal.

Unexpectedly, the two main characters in the novel are a nice, middle-aged couple called Beatrice and Axl, two sympathetic souls that have to encounter this terrifying world every day. Their purpose in life is simple. They are on a journey, a quest to find their son who lives in a village that mysteriously always seems to be just over the next hill. All of this is explained by an unseen narrator, who draws comparisons between the landscape the couple traverses, and the way it looks today. This voice makes their actions seem explicable and natural. In addition, their dialogue is matter-of-fact and strangely contemporary. However, the narration changes continuously as each of the characters gets a chance to tell their story.

What is noticeable, however, is that as the characters struggle to remember events, even the immediate past comes and goes in flashes of recognition that are quickly lost. The ever-present mist seems to affect their ability to remember. Their quest is complicated when they are joined by a young warrior called Wistan. He too is on a quest to kill the dragon Querig. Gradually the three quests merge as they begin to approach the dragon’s lair.

At this point the Tolkien-like fantasy begins to make sense. This story about three quests is actually an allegory. The mysterious mist created by Querig destroys all memory, personal, social and historical. Only by killing the dragon will memory be restored. The genius of Ishiguro’s story now becomes apparent. The philosophical question is “How important is memory?” Without memory we can never learn. With memory we can never forget. If we cannot learn we will never become better people, more faithful spouses, more patriotic citizens. However, if we cannot forget we will always nourish age-old resentments and hatreds and animosities. Perhaps it will be better not to remember the evils of the past? Or should one hold onto the wisdom of the ages?

This exceptional novel reads like a mystical thriller, so I won’t unveil the ending. However, if one starts reading the novel with an understanding of the significance of the mist; it enhances one’s appreciation of the events as they unfold. This a deceptively clever book, in spite of the occasional Hobbit bits.

Book ReviewCharlotte van Zyl

with Ashley Bauer from HemisphereEmergency Preparation Consulting

They wanted to, so they went

The Franschhoek Culture Vultures couldn’t wait to see David Kramer’s new show Kanala at the Fugard Theatre. The production had opened to rave reviews and the group had tickets for the performance of 3 March.

As befits residents of the Winelands, they celebrated the occasion with bubbly and wine from the valley. The Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards Culinaria range Cap Classique and wines fitted the bill perfectly and paired well with the snacks Olivia had prepared.

Patrick brought the JDJ Davids bus to the pick-up point and off the group went to Cape Town.

He dropped them at the theatre door, where he picked everyone up again a few hours later. The show was a joyful affair, the sad memories notwithstanding. A cast of talented actors sang and danced their way through the history of District Six accompanied by a superb band. Humour filled out many of the stories and had those with a funny bone rolling in the aisles. It was a wonderful evening of entertainment and an important reminder of history.

If you would like to receive information on future outings, please send your name, email address and cell phone number to [email protected].

ACVV maak die Kaap weer... Holms?Elke mens wil elke dag hê dat sy lewe lekker moet

wees, maar as ons moet wag vir ‘n maer lyf, baie geld en eerlike politici om ons Kaap weer Hollands te maak, dan gaan ons lank wag. Holm se voorstel is om vir niks te wag nie, maar self jou eie lewe gelukkig te maak: maak jou Kaap weer Holms. Chris Vorster is soos altyd Holm se mede-skrywer en regisseur. Holm vertel hoe troues en 21ste verjaardae gevier is in die 70’s, van ‘n tv opname saam met die aktrise Tant San de Lange, kinders se vreemde name deesdae, die Afrikaner se pyn, FICA reëls, haar studentedae en die liefde. In haar kenmerkende styl van storievertel, maak Holm die gehoor se Kaap weer Holms deur

haarself meestal die onderwerp van die grap te maak – openlik en eerlik oor al haar skete, fobies en koddighede. Een vrou, baie stories, bietjie dink, baie lag – dit is Die Kaap is weer Holms.

Die kaartjie sluit ‘n ligte ete in en daar sal ‘n kontantkroeg beskikbaar wees. Bespreek ‘n tafel en nooi al jou vriende vir ‘n heerlike ontspanne kuier.

Wanneer: 20 Mei 2016Waar: Franschhoek KeldersTyd: 18h30 Kaartjies: R200pp – Ete ingesluitBesprekings: Riana Pretorius Tel: 021 876 2670

/ 078 803 6751 / [email protected]

David Kramer with the cast of District Six: Kanala


MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 2

1 April 2016

THE HUNTSMANWINTER’S WAR

22 April 2016

CAPTAIN AMERICACIVIL WAR

29 April 2016

EDDIE THE EAGLE8 April 2016

HAIL CAESAR15 April 2016

THE JUNGLE BOOK15 April 2016

THE BIG SHORT1 April 2016

TRUMBO8 April 2016

RISEN22 April 2016

Experience Introvertigo with Dan PatlanskyFriday, 8 April 2016, Franschhoek Cellar

May 2016 sees blues rocker Dan Patlansky release his eighth studio album Introvertigo. Right now though he’s halfway through a pre-release tour that also sees him visiting Franschhoek.

The Urban Dictionary defines introvertigo as “The dizziness and disorientation felt by an introvert after spending more than 5 minutes with an extrovert.”

Patlansky wrote the album over the course of two years – starting short after the success of 2014’s critically acclaimed Dear Silence Thieves (voted Best Blues Rock Album in 2014 by Blues Rock Review, USA). Introvertigo, similar to Dear Silence Thieves, was produced by Theo Crous and recorded at Bellville Studios, Cape Town.

Patlansky used his personal life experiences as inspiration for the album to ultimately marry good songs with guitar playing. Working with Theo Crous for the second time, he describes the process as more streamlined this time around, which allowed space for a more creative environment.

“Introvertigo describes a feeling I very often experience being an introvert. The concept behind the album is very much about my own insecurities. It’s about being an introvert in the music industry, my experiences in the industry and life in general. Even though the songs on the album have different topics and are not directly about being an introvert, they come from an introvert’s point of view.”

Patlansky is fresh off his November 2015 UK and European tour with Joe Satriani and was recently nominated as one of Classic Rock magazine’s hotly

tipped new artists of 2015. Patlansky was also voted Male Artist of the Year 2015 by Blues & Soul magazine, #4 of 10 Best Rock Guitarists In The World by Total Guitar magazine in December 2015, as well as one of the Top 20 Blues Rock Artists by Blues magazine. In February 2016, he received a nomination for Best International Solo Artist for the Planet Rock Radio ‘Rocks’ Awards.

Date: Friday, 8 April 2016. Venue: Franschoek Cellar (Full Band Acoustic Show). Entrance: R350 (Includes Dinner). Time: 20h00. Bookings: [email protected] or 021 876 2086 - Webtickets

Full moon walkFriday, 22 April 2016, Haut Espoir

See the full moon rise over the beautiful Franschhoek mountains.

Choose from two easy walking routes, children welcome and under 18s free. Cost is R100 per person and includes a tasting of all Haut Espoir wines, which will be available for purchase at the viewing point. Bring your own picnic!

Wear walking shoes and remember a flashlight for the walk down.

Booking is essential. Please book your spot by Thursday, 21 April 2016.

[email protected] | 021 876 4000 Waiting for sunset

National Alpaca DaySaturday, 30 April 2016

Alpacas can now be found in several provinces in South Africa. Herds range from as few as three or four up to two hundred.

Alpacas’ unique and exquisite fibre is harvested annually and made into a range of beautiful and exotic garments and accessories that are in high demand.

National Alpaca Day is an awareness day – a day when alpaca breeders around South Africa open their gates to the public and invite them to come and learn about alpacas and experience them first hand. These docile and beautiful creatures that were semi-domesticated by the Inca people of South America ten thousand years ago are now being bred all over the world. Why? For their unique fibre. One of the joys of keeping alpacas is that they are not killed in order to harvest the ‘crop’. In fact, they thank us for taking their big coats off just as the weather hots up for summer.

Alpacas have one of the finest quality fleeces in the

world and are the most colour-diverse fibre-bearing animal, giving 22 natural colours and shades. National Alpaca Day will give you the opportunity to purchase beautifully handmade, pure alpaca products; products that include items of ladies’ fashionwear, gentlemen’s jumpers, babywear and toddler clothing, cushions, bed throws and blankets. You name it; there is hardly anything in the fabric line that cannot be made with pure, soft and wonderfully warm alpaca fleece.

Many breeders plan their birthing season for March and April. Indeed some alpaca mums actually gave birth on National Alpaca Day last year! So you could experience the wonder of seeing a new alpaca’s life beginning. A baby alpaca is called a cria – Spanish for young one.

You’ll have to wait another year for an experience like this so ... find a farm near you by visiting www.alpacasociety.co.za

Subject to change without notice • We regret no complimentary tickets and vouchers are allowed during first week of any new release • TEL 021 872 0714/5 • New Street, Paarl

6


Aries, 21 March – 19 April: Mars and Saturn are moving together in the fire sign of Sagittarius and the Sun has entered Aries, who wants to initiate opportunities. Saturn’s presence creates unexpected circumstances and can delay results. He also likes to establish a taste of contentment and serenity.

Taurus, 20 April – 20 May: An exalted Venus in Pisces always creates some spoils, and those pleasures usually cost more than they are worth. Outwards things matter little; it is inward realization that is necessary. The right use of every bad thing is good. It is the one who lacks keen observation who becomes critical.

Gemini, 21 May – 20 June: The winged messenger of the Gods, Mercury is also traveling through the asterism of Aries and can awaken some fire or impulsive actions and words. Reason is a great factor and contains all possibilities of every curse and every blessing. Who else but a noble soul would bear all and say nothing.

Cancer, 21 June – 22 July: A great person will stretch the mind to his own heart, and the unsure person will narrow it to the size of his own outlook. All the absence that you find in life is the lack of your will, and all the blessing that comes to you, comes from the power of the divine will.

Leo, 23 July – 22 August: The exalted Sun in Aries arouses the King to conquer. The one, who returns better for less good, is a good person; one who returns less good for more good, is selfish; the one who tries to be even in the exchange, is a practical person; but the one who returns good for evil is a saint.

Virgo, 23 August – 22 September: The person who appeals to the human intellect will knock at the gate of the human brain and becomes a speaker. The one who appeals to the human emotions will enter into the hearts of people and becomes a preacher.

But the one who penetrates the spirit of the listener is a prophet and leaves an echo in the internal soul.

Libra, 23 September – 22 October: Self-will is the strength of the Spirit, but when the false ego expresses self-will, the soul struggles to recognize those faculties and instead of rising, it falls. The spirit becomes a part of the will, when the soul is evolved. In the light of truth all things become clear and their true nature manifests to view.

Scorpio, 23 October – 21 November: There is a limit to the precautions one takes in the affairs of one’s life; and the horizon of the limit is one’s trust in the heavens. Spiritual attainment is attuning oneself to a higher pitch. For every enfoldment there is a certain time and reason, so that the soul can enfold with the vehicle of transformation.

Sagittarius, 22 November – 21 December: Saturn, the planet of introverted energies, and Mars, the planet of actions, are in dispute for a while in this asterism. All things have their opposite, except for the divine order; it is for this reason that its magic cannot be made comprehensible.

Capricorn, 22 December – 19 January: The seeking of every soul in this world is different, distinct and peculiar. It is necessary for the spirit to pass through an evolution on earth in order that the soul may arrive at its culmination. Only through matter and the refinement of the desires in the mind, can the soul attain its highest realization.

Aquarius, 20 January – 18 February: The absence of generosity means that the doors of the heart are closed, nothing from within can come out, and nothing from without can enter within. No love offering can be more precious than a word or act of respect. The highest expression of love is respect.

Pisces, 19 February - 20 March: Joy and sorrow are each part of the other. If it were not for joy, sorrow would not exist, and if it were not for sorrow, joy would not be experienced. As water is the cleansing and purifying element in the physical world, so love performs the same service in the higher planes.

For a consultation contact Robert at 073 312 1265 or [email protected]

ACCOUNTANTSTax Shop 021 876 2676 ATTORNEYSSusan Charlesworth 021 876 2592/072 402 9469 Snipelisky & Killian 083 250 0943/021 876 2084BURGLAR ALARMS Pepler Alarms 021 876 3308 CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS Boland Bridge Club 021 876 3031 Franschhoek Tennis Club 082 557 0278 Franschhoek Trust & RPA 021 876 3460 Grt. Drak Games Club 021 874 1906 Lions 021 876 3775 Stellenbosch Masonic Lodge (Chris) 072 211 9991 Franschhoek Rotary Club 082 773 9217 Franschhoek Probus Club 021 876 3179 COMPUTER SERVICES Franschhoek IT Services 082 356 0226 Solid IT Solutions 084 015 8808ELECTRICAL Franschhoek Electric 082 823 7119/021 876 3640 Rensburg Electrical 021 876 2120/083 309 2923 EXCAVATIONS Andrew Schmidt 021 876 4431/082 972 5755 Burger Excavations 072 3408518HEALTH & BEAUTY Franschhoek Pharmacy 021 876 2261 Salon Excelsior 021 876 2218 Franschhoek Health Club 021 876 3310HOUSE & GARDEN Clock Repairs 028 840 1716 Lighting & Accessories 021 876 3640 Paarl Pool Services 021 872 0747/083 658 4944 Ria Pools (Franschhoek) 021 876 2612/072 347 5355INTERNET ACCESS Franschhoek Photolab 021 876 3921PostNet 021 876 3025OPTOMETRIST Marelise Rester 021 872 3530PHOTOGRAPHIC Franschhoek Photolab 021 876 4741PHYSIOTHERAPY Claire Horn 021 876 4234/082 582 1029 PLUMBERS Franschhoek Plumbing 021 876 3759 PUBLIC SERVICES Hospice 021 876 3085

Library 021 808 8406 Huguenot Memorial Museum 021 876 2532 Post Office 021 876 2342 Welfare (ACVV) 021 876 2670 SPCA 021 876 4808 SCHOOLSBridge House School 021 874 8100 Franschhoek High School 021 876 2079 Groendal Primary School 021 876 2448 Groendal Secondary School 021 876 2211 Wes-Eind Primary School 021 876 2360 Dalubuhle Primary School 021 876 3957 STORAGE Franschhoek Storage 021 876 2174TOURIST INFORMATION & SERVICES Info Office 021 876 3603 Winelands Experience 021 876 4042 TRANSPORT GOODS Gerald Fourie 021 876 2940/082 821 5234VETERINARY Huguenot Animal Clinic 021 876 4278 Surgery (pm only) 021 876 2504 Emergency 082 577 9900EMERGENCY NUMBERS Stellenbosch Fire Dept. (Buildings on fire) 021 808 8888 Cape Winelands Distr.Muni. (Bush & veld fires) 021 887 4446 021 886 9244Police 10111/021 876 8061 Eskom 086 003 7566 Neighbourhood Watch 083 493 7778Omnipage Farm Watch 021 852 3318 Plaaswag 021 876 2346N1, N2 & R300 Emergency number: 021 946 1646DENTISTS Dr Schalk du Plessis 021 876 3070 Dr Rob Hammer 021 876 2634 DOCTORS Dr Tracey Garner 021 876 4622 Dr Shelley Hellig 021 871 1063 Dr Alexander Heywood 021 876 2474 Dr Hannes Van der Merwe 021 876 2304 EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONSE Medicare EMR 074 363 7794/021 876 4316MUNICIPALITY (Ward 1) Councillor Frazenburg (DA) 021 808 8490 (Ward 2) Councillor Ntsunguri (ANC) 021 808 8754 (Ward 3) Councillor August (DA) 021 808 8186 (Ward 4) Councillor Johnson (DA) 021 808 8019Municipality (Office Hours) 021 808 8700 Municipality (afternoon only) 021 808 8890 Municipality 24hr Service 021 808 8700

Jyotish Vedic AstrologyRobert Rittel

Useful Numbers

Very easy

2 9 3 5

7 4 9 1

4 6 2 7

9 8 4 3

1 9 5 2

2 7 6 5

7 2 5 8

6 7 9 5

6 8 1 3

Easy

2 8 1 4 5

5 3 6 8 9

4 3

2 6 7 5

5 3 4 2

1 9 7 3

2 1

9 6 2 8 3

6 5 4 1 2

Medium

4 1 8 6

7 6 2 8 9 4

9 1

3 4

9 2 8

1 9

5 3

8 3 6 5 1 9

6 7 2 8

Hard

8 2 1

8 7 2

6 9 5

5 9 2

2 8 4 9

9 2 4

3 5 1

2 7 6

1 6 3

Very hard

6 3 4

4 6 9

8 3 5

7 1 6 9

9 8 1

4 7 9 5

5 3 8

4 1 2

2 9 4

Magic Sudoku

3 7

8

1

2 4

9 5 6

c⃝2005-2016 http://www.PrintSudoku.com Sudoku #3885

Very easy

4 1 9 5 8 7 3 6 2

3 5 6 1 2 4 7 8 9

8 2 7 6 9 3 1 4 5

1 7 8 4 6 9 5 2 3

9 6 3 8 5 2 4 1 7

5 4 2 7 3 1 8 9 6

6 8 4 9 7 5 2 3 1

2 9 5 3 1 8 6 7 4

7 3 1 2 4 6 9 5 8

Easy

4 8 9 7 2 5 1 6 3

2 3 1 4 6 8 7 5 9

7 5 6 3 9 1 8 2 4

1 4 3 2 5 9 6 7 8

8 6 5 1 3 7 4 9 2

9 2 7 8 4 6 5 3 1

6 1 8 9 7 2 3 4 5

3 7 2 5 1 4 9 8 6

5 9 4 6 8 3 2 1 7

Medium

2 7 6 1 4 9 8 5 3

8 1 9 3 5 2 7 6 4

5 4 3 7 6 8 9 2 1

3 8 4 5 2 6 1 7 9

9 2 7 4 8 1 6 3 5

6 5 1 9 3 7 2 4 8

7 3 8 2 9 5 4 1 6

1 9 5 6 7 4 3 8 2

4 6 2 8 1 3 5 9 7

Hard

2 1 3 6 9 8 5 7 4

8 4 5 3 2 7 1 9 6

7 9 6 1 4 5 2 8 3

1 6 8 7 5 3 9 4 2

4 3 9 8 1 2 6 5 7

5 7 2 4 6 9 3 1 8

3 5 1 2 8 4 7 6 9

6 2 4 9 7 1 8 3 5

9 8 7 5 3 6 4 2 1

Very hard

8 1 7 3 2 4 6 9 5

4 6 3 5 9 8 2 7 1

2 5 9 7 1 6 3 4 8

5 8 6 1 7 9 4 3 2

3 7 2 4 6 5 8 1 9

9 4 1 8 3 2 5 6 7

7 9 4 2 8 3 1 5 6

1 2 5 6 4 7 9 8 3

6 3 8 9 5 1 7 2 4

Magic Sudoku

3 1 2 4 5 9 6 8 7

4 7 6 1 8 2 3 9 5

9 8 5 3 7 6 2 4 1

2 4 8 9 3 1 7 5 6

1 5 9 2 6 7 4 3 8

7 6 3 5 4 8 9 1 2

6 2 4 8 9 5 1 7 3

5 3 7 6 1 4 8 2 9

8 9 1 7 2 3 5 6 4

c⃝2005-2016 http://www.PrintSudoku.com Solution of Sudoku #3851

16 April

Wedding ShowcaseVenue: Franschhoek CellarTime: 10h00 to 15h00Cost: R80 ppBooking: www.webtickets.co.za or at the door

21 April

Taste the Terroir: Sauvignon BlancVenue: La Motte Wine EstateTime: 11h00 to 12h00 or 18h30 to 20h00. Cost: R80 pp or R500 pp with paired meal in restaurantBooking: 021 876 8000 or [email protected]

22 April

Full Moon Walk, includingwine tasting. Bring picnic. Venue: Haute EspoirTime: From 18h00. Cost: R100 pp under 18’s free. Booking: 021 876 4000 or [email protected] by 21/04

29 April

Wine and Dine CollaborationChardonnay (De Morgenzon, Newton Johnson Vineyard and Iona Vineyards). Venue: The Restaurant at Grande Provence Time: 19h00. Cost: R695 ppBooking: 021 876 8600 or [email protected].

Mondays & Thursdays

Iyengar-Style Yoga Classes Venue: Sukha free spirit centre. Time: 18h00 to 19h00 (Friday morning 08h00 to 09h00)Ladies class (pre/post natal, menopausal,

recuperative) Enquiries: 073 388 1404 (Danielle)

Tuesdays

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

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

Saturdays

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

Church Services

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

Uniting Reformed ChurchSunday service: 09h30. Minister: Dr Shaun Burrows, 021 876 2632. All visitors most welcome.

Shofar Christian ChurchSunday Services: 09h00 English at 7 Lambrechts St 18h00 Afrikaans at Franschhoek Rugby Klub, Groendal. Ps Theuns Pauw 021 876 3348. All welcome!

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

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

St George’s Anglican Church Groot Drakenstein. Sunday Services: Holy Communion and Sunday School 10h00. Rector Fr Joe Humbles – 073 560 3566

Franschhoek Methodist Church Sunday service 09h00 – all welcome. Rev Nuno Vergueiro 021 872 3580 or 082 662 4509. Contact person: 021 876 2510 or 083 287 5756

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

Sport

Franschhoek Cycling Club Outrides Regular road rides on Saturday mornings from BP garage to Stellenbosch/Jonkers and back (75 kms) followed by coffees. Meet at 08h00 winter months, 07h00 in summer. To check timings during shoulder seasons contact Paul Barkley 083 302 9096

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

April Calendar


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

GARDENER: Employment wanted for competent Zimbabwean gardener. He is honest, reliable and has Zimbabwe O levels and a SA work permit. He is particularly good at vegetable gardening. Phone 021 876 2121.

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

BOOK KEEPING SERVICES: For small businesses. Income and expenses, cash book, petty cash on Pastel up to trial balance. Call Robyn Kadis 072 999 8581

TO LET: 2 x 2 bed, 1 bath flats R6400/R7000; 2 x 2 storage units R2500/R4500; 1 x commercial unit R5000, 1 x 1 bed apartment & garage R6200; 1 farm cottage R8500. Water & lights included. Contact John 082 374 4652

GARDENS: Pruning, tree removal, paving, landscape services and gardens. Call Myles Agar 083 279 7960 Email: [email protected]

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

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

HOUSEKEEPER: Ansillah Matemedanda. I’m a 31-year old Zimbabwean lady. I’m looking for a job as a housekeeper. I have 1 years’ experience and I’m a hard worker. My contact numbers are: 084 094 5592 / 062 037 1364.

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

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

PRIME QUEST: Independent agent in Franschhoek. Take a look at website (www.primequest.co.za) and email your order (all prime products) – or direct enquiries as follows: [email protected]. The only way to perfect health.

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

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

PLEASE CONSIDER ADOPTING a rescue dog/puppy, cat/kitten. There are so many that need homes. Phone or e mail Annette 021 876 3155 [email protected]

HOUSE SITTING SERVICE: Reliable non-smoker will take care of house and pets (dogs, cats, birds). References available. Contact Hannah. Cell: 082 773 8494 Email: [email protected]

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Residential property transactions climbing despite weakening economyEstates outperforming luxury segment

The total value of sales in the South African housing market has been steadily increasing, with an 8.3% increase in the value of residential-property transactions from 2014 to 2105. This is despite gross domestic product (GDP) growth remaining very low, plummeting new-vehicle sales and an increasingly aggressive upward interest-rate cycle.

Fifty percent of residential properties are located in the Western Cape and Gauteng, accounting for more than two-thirds of the total residential-market value. Sandton and Parkmore in Johannesburg, Green Point and Rondebosch in Cape Town, and Rua Vista and Monument Park in Tshwane – as well as La Lucia and Mount Edgecombe in eThekwini in KwaZulu-Natal – were among the high-value suburbs with strong capital growth last year.

“Although the money supply of asset-buying consumers is lessening, property investment remains a top priority for many South Africans, with the City of Cape Town witnessing spirited growth in the housing market over the last five years,” said Paul-Roux de Kock, Analytics Director for Lightstone, which provides information, valuations and market intelligence on all properties in South Africa. He was addressing this year’s annual Overview of the South African Property Industry conference that took place at Val de Vie Estate recently.

The Western Cape is the location of over 17.5% of the 6.2 million residential properties in South Africa, and lays claim to just over a quarter (25.4%) of the R4.3 trillion total value of the housing market. The City of Cape Town’s residential property market witnessed an increase of 12.3% in total value transacting from 2015 to 2016; 45.8% of 700 000 properties are mortgaged, which in rand value sits at just over R450 billion of the council’s total housing market.

Paarl property lawyer and speaker at the conference Stefan van Niekerk from Minitzers Attorneys said, “In 2004, in the larger suburbs of Paarl, 900 properties were sold at an average price of R750 000. Ten years later, in the same suburbs, 706 properties were sold at an average of R1,85 million.”

While housing markets in Johannesburg remain stable, Cape Town is showing much stronger growth than all other metros. This is supported partly by Gauteng homeowners increasingly

choosing the Western Cape (and KwaZulu-Natal, where the eThekwini market is similarly stable) when buying outside their province, with the intention to eventually relocate. “We’ve witnessed a steady increase in ‘semigration’ over the last five years,” De Kock observed.

Estate livingDe Kock added that estate living – much along

the lines of what is offered at Val de Vie Estate – is fast becoming a preference, largely because of the associated security and lifestyle-convenience aspects. In addition, “Although luxury-market buyers are under pressure, the estate-housing market in general doesn’t dip as low or peak as high as the rest of the luxury market. We therefore expect it to outperform the luxury market during the current downturn,” De Kock said.

Estates own a 5% slice of the overall housing-market supply, but carve out a staggering 15% share in total property-market value, with more than half of estate properties being bonded. “Total value locked up in estates is now close to the total value of all residential properties in the City of Johannesburg, for instance,” says De Kock.

Over 50% of estates – which include golf, equestrian and polo, coastal, lifestyle, country and

wildlife estates – are located in Gauteng, and a further 25% in the Western Cape. The average price of an estate home is R2 million, almost three times the national average of R700 000 for a home.

Van Niekerk added: “The total value of properties sold in Paarl over the last 15 years is roughly R10 billion. Half of that was through three lifestyle estates, two of which were Val de Vie and Pearl Valley Golf and Country Estate.”

Val de Vie Estate epitomises the increasing demand for secure estate living, having sold in excess of R700 million in developers’ properties over the past 18 months, and in excess of R330 million in resales. And its recent acquisition of neighbouring Pearl Valley Golf and Country Estate is a further example of the robust condition of the estate market.

The Pearl Valley acquisition will enable the newly formed Val de Vie super-estate to capture a greater slice of the Johannesburg dweller pie, by further developing Pearl Valley’s showpiece offering, its Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. The course was ranked Best Conditioned Golf Course in the Western Cape by Golf Digest magazine for five consecutive years, and awarded the Compleat

Golfer’s Five Star Experience Award for six. Pearl Valley itself has won a number of prestigious property awards, including Best Residential Estate in South Africa by New World Wealth last year.

“As figures suggest, investing in an estate home is definitely the safer bet during a downturn,” said Martin Venter, Founder/CEO of Val de Vie. “Gauteng homeowners are choosing an estate lifestyle largely because of the security aspect, and a stronger investment yield. They also want a lifestyle that caters to their pastimes and interests, such as golfing. The Pearl Valley acquisition will allow us to capitalise on this, and provide the ultimate in secure luxury living.”

The futureLightstone’s forecast for 2016 is that nominal

house-price inflation will top out at around 3.5%, resulting in real deflation of home values as the Reserve Bank battles to keep the consumer price index (CPI) within the 6% upper band.

If we see a positive turnaround in the economy, the best-case scenario is that the drop will be subdued and the year will end off at around 4.6%. If we have to weather any more major economic storms, however, house-price growth could drop to 2.5% or even lower.

Here’s why you may not want a 100% home loan

It’s not easy to achieve, but about 38% of homebuyers are currently still being granted no-deposit or 100% home loans – and in some instances loans that not only cover the whole purchase price of their new home but their transfer fees and bond registration costs as well.

These costs, including transfer duty where applicable, bond registration charges and legal fees, work out to between 4,5% and 5,5% of the purchase price, so the purchaser of a R500 000 home, for example, would need around R527 000 to cover the full price plus costs.

However, while such loans – which are mostly granted to buyers in the affordable homes sector – may come as a relief for those who are tight on cash, there is always a risk involved in borrowing more than a property is currently worth, says Shaun Rademeyer, CEO of BetterLife Home Loans, SA’s largest mortgage originator.

“The problem is that for almost five years, the loan capital will hardly diminish for the homeowner who is able to make only the minimum monthly payments. And what that means is that if the owner is for any

reason forced to sell within that period, he or she might actually have to pay in quite a lot of cash to clear the loan and any accumulated interest.”

This is especially a worry now, he says, when home prices are rising only slowly, and in the light of the fact that no-deposit loans usually come at monthly interest rates above prime, because these factors inhibit the ability of homeowners to grow their equity in the property.

“On the other hand, the buyer who puts down a good deposit and uses cash to pay the transfer costs will usually be able to negotiate a lower interest rate – and will immediately start building equity in his or her home.

“Such buyers will not have to wait for the value of their home to catch up to the value of their loan and will be well placed for an upgrade to a larger home or better area, when their turn comes to sell and move on.

“This shows why prospective buyers should thoroughly discuss all their home financing options with a professional home loan consultant before deciding to accept a no-deposit loan.”

Rate hike as expected; property market remarkably resilient

“The latest interest rate hike was exactly as expected. It was the third successive hike and, as we all know by now, interest rates are set to continue climbing this year as we are amidst one of the toughest economic cycles in the country’s history.”

That is the reaction from Samuel Seeff, chairman of the Seeff property group following the announcement by the Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to hike the repo rate by 25 basis points, taking it to 7% and the base home loan rate to 10.5%.

A tough economy with poor growth and rising costs and interest rates is the general theme for this year, says Seeff. The economic landscape is further dominated by a potential downgrade of the country’s sovereign credit rating to junk status, something that will have a profound impact on the economy and property market.

The rising rates and costs are impacting housing affordability, especially for the bulk of buyers who require mortgage bonds. That consumers and home buyers will find the going tough this year is unavoidable, but Seeff says that we should not get too drawn by the negativity.

The economic challenges and headwinds notwithstanding, we are still seeing a resilient market. It is slowing, that it inevitable, but says Seeff, there is no disaster in sight and no need for buyers and sellers to panic.

It does however mean that buyers need to budget carefully and buy well within their means and factor in additional rate and cost hikes. On the flip side, sellers need to be mindful that prices are under pressure and the time for high price expectations has come to an end.

On the whole, we are still seeing a property market that is holding up well. Seeff ’s turnover for February for example was just under R1.2bn, very similar to last year’s figures. Ooba too reported a record month in terms of bond applications and we remain confident about the market for this year.

Looking forward, Seeff says that he expects that the market will absorb the rate hike and, after the initial impact, adjust to the economic challenges. There is no doubt that the mini-boom is now over, but it will remain business as usual.

Seeff reminds everyone that SA is still sitting with an interest rate that is below the average of around 13%-14% of the 2000-2007/8 period. In the late 1980s to late 1990s, the rate was around the 18%-25.5% range and there was a still activity in the market.

That notwithstanding, he adds his voice to other business leaders and economists and calls for decisive action to get our economy back on track, at least insofar as what we can control is concerned.



CONTEMPORARY SPACIOUS BRAND NEW HOME ON SECURITY/WINE ESTATE FRANSCHHOEK

Situated in the popular La Petite Provence Estate which offers a communal pool, tennis court and clubhouse. Large double volume open plan living area/kitchen with exposed beams and feature walls. Designer kitchen with solid light oak cupboards. Lounge has a Morso wood burning fi re place. There are screeded fl oors throughout the house which are insulated as is the roof ensuring optimum temperature control. Fully fi tted scullery with broom cupboard and pantry cupboard together with spaces to house all appliances. Access to the extra wide single garage door is through the scullery. There are 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. With en suite bathroom and walk in dressing room. Double doors open from the main bedroom onto a spacious covered veranda. The other 2 bedrooms are a comfortable size and share a family bathroom and there is a separate guest toilet. Large sliding doors lead from the open plan living area to the undercover veranda/entertainment area where the views over the stream and mountains make for a perfect spot to watch the sun set.

ELEGANCE IN LA PETITE PROVENCE

This gracious family home is situated on the working wine estate of La Petite Provence. Offering 4 bedrooms all en-suite, (3 upstairs 1 downstairs) together with a formal lounge, family lounge with double volume ceilings and large feature fi replace leading onto stunning fi tted kitchen/ dining room. All these rooms lead out onto the pool and entertainment area with built in braai, and landscaped private rear garden. The upstairs study which is situated on the minstrel’s gallery opens onto both the front and rear verandas both of which have stunning mountain views. The main en suite is a beautiful larger than normal room with wooden fl oors and exposed beams, more than ample cupboards and temperature control. Additional features of this home include underfl oor heating, double volume and exposed beams which are special features adding to its elegance. The double garages (with automated doors) lead into the laundry/scullery. This exclusive home recently repainted and upgraded with upmarket fi nishes is priced to sell. 4 bedrooms , 4 bathrooms, double garages , erf size: 567, building size: 370.

L’Ermitage beckons to all those wishing to escape and take in the luxury in the French inspired Village of Franschhoek. This two bedroom Villa which is sold unfurnished. This stunning property can be added to the Hotel rental pool or used for owners exclusive use. Total luxury with breath taking views an opportunity not to be missed.

CONVENIENT AND CENTRAL

This central and convenient older home which is in need of some renovation is situated one row back from the main road in the center town and is within easy walking distance of shops and restaurants. Comprising of 3 large bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, (mes) large lounge with period Oregon fi replace surround, dining room and entrance hall. The kitchen area is light and bright with a back door leading out to a double braai area and outside sitting / entertainment area. The large 1160sq mt stand allows for a large garden both at the back and the front of the house. This home also offers a comfortable sized bachelor fl at with its own bathroom perfect to either rent out or be used for offi ce space. There are stunning views of the mountains from the front patio, for those lovely summer evenings. Could be renovated to run B&B or Guest House - opportunities are endless.

R 4 950 000

R 5 295 000


368 144

SUPERB LIFESTYLE OPPORTUNITY. At the entrance to the Franschhoek Valley directly opposite L’Ormarins lies these two exquisite lifestyle properties just waiting to be developed. With Berg River frontage and magnifi cent views of the surrounding nature and mountain ranges this is a true opportunity to create a way of life that would be envied by most.

R5 450 000PEARL VALLEY

369 185

TRANQUIL LIVING. Lovely family home says hello to warmth and space. Double volume reception rooms to patio and pool in landscaped garden, North facing, sheltered from wind secure easy living. Right wing comprises 2 bedroom en suite and left wing share a bathroom. Study and balcony on upper level with mountain views. Open plan kitchen, scullery to court yard. Corner plot. Buy your place in the sun.

FRANSCHHOEK R8 000 000 - R13 000 000 + VAT

377 618

EXCELLENT BUY. This 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom semi detached cottage in a gated village, offers a good fl ow from the open plan lounge, dining room and kitchen with a warm vibe. The reception room has wooden fl oors, appose to the bedrooms which have been carpeted recently. Ceiling fans are fi xed in the lounge as well as in both bedrooms. A quaint veranda leads into an easy maintainable garden with beautiful views of the Franschhoek mountains. A single garage which can easily be converted into a 3rd bedroom, with enough parking space to build another.

R5 800 000FRANSCHHOEK

371 641

IMMACULATE COUNTRY STYLE VILLAGE HOME. Beautiful Franschhoek home well situated and in close proximity to all village amenities . Spacious open plan lounge with high volumes, fi replace, dining and study area, The kitchen is well designed with granite tops and leads to a separate scullery area. The home has three bedrooms, main en suite and two bedrooms sharing a classically renovated second bathroom. The lounge area leads off onto a stunning patio with beautiful views. A quaint inner courtyard provides a lovely get away private space. In addition, there is a one bedroom cottage with income generating potential. Double garage. Basement storage area. Alarm. Aircon. Advertised price is VAT inclusive.

FRANSCHHOEK R2 600 000

WEB REF: 373 170THATCH HOME IN SOUGHT-AFTER LIFESTYLE ESTATE. Domaine Des Anges is one of the prime lifestyle estates in the area with a limited number of 38 homes. This lovely thatch home offers the discerning buyer a main house with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms and within, a separate adjoining 1 bedroom studio/apartment style dwelling. The large open plan living/dining room share a double sided feature fi replace and fl ows easily into a well-appointed kitchen with large scullery and laundry. Garage is accessed via an outside entrance. Solid Kiaat wooden cupboards in main dressing room, underfl oor heating in bathrooms, pool and stunning estate gardens, vineyards, citrus lanes, communal salt water lap pool, clubhouse and gym.

R5 295 000FRANSCHHOEK

3 2 Garages 1 4 4 Garages 1 364 771LA PETITE PROVENCE – BE THE FIRST OWNERS!Brand new spec home situated on one of Franschhoek’s most desired vineyard security estates. This family home with outstanding mountain views and top quality fi nishes offers a lovely open plan living space leading onto a large covered veranda, well fi tted kitchen with separate scullery, 3 bedrooms with main en-suite and walk-in dressing room and a single garage. The estate has a communal braai area, swimming pool, clubhouse and tennis court.


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Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 4 / Parking 2 Franschhoek country elegance. Set in the exclusive Deltacrest Equestrian Estate, is this elegant, bright and spacious home. Offering lovely finishes, mountain and paddock views and privacy. A pretty garden with pool and entertainment patio’s complete this property.

Doug Gurr 072 610 7208 / Jeanine Allen 082 410 6837

Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / Garages 2 This charming cottage offers spacious living areas, North-facing views and a mature private garden within easy walking distance to the village.

Doug 072 610 7208 / Jeanine 082 410 6837

An income generating property offering 4 storage units and 3 apartments in a good location in Franschhoek. 4 storage units with 2 apartments are currently occupied with 1 business unit and 1 apartment still vacant.

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Franschhoek / R8.5 million

Franschhoek / R4.75 million Franschhoek / R8.5 million + VAT

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F R A N S C H H O E KOffice: 021 876 2100 / [email protected]

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Melanie 082 658 0071 / Myrna 082 443 8417Sebastian 082 658 0071 / James 082 443 8417

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Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 3 / Garages 4This double storey executive home.

Bantry Bay R6.2 million

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Melanie 082 658 0071 / Myrna 082 443 8417Sebastian 082 658 0071 / James 082 443 8417

Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 3 / Garages 4This double storey executive home.

Bantry Bay R6.2 million

A R A B E L L A C O U N T R Y E S T A T EOffice: 028 284 9385 / [email protected]

Agents: Mike Bisset 082 889 5300 / Hugo Basson 083 386 6299

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TRUE VILLAGE HOME WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF HIGH STREET. Perfect in every way, with charm and character! Open plan living areas create a seamless fl ow through the interiors and out into the garden. A kitchen with scullery, lounge, TV room and dining area are ideal for family living. A wrap-around veranda ideal for entertaining overlooks garden and pool. 3 large bedrooms upstairs and en-suite guest room downstairs. 2 en-suite bathrooms (main & guest room) and shared family bathroom complete.

Tom Clode +27 (0)79 955 3114 | Terry-Lee George +27 (0)82 650 9194 WEB: 134653

THIS EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTY OFFERS TRUE PROVENCAL LIVING IN THE HEART OF THE FRANSCHHOEK VILLAGE. This grand “villa” is set within a private landscaped garden. Ideal family living spaces downstairs include a large open-plan lounge / dining room, well-equipped kitchen with contemporary appliances and a separate larder, a second private lounge with a full ground fl oor bathroom and separate laundry room. A large enclosed sunroom with multiple glass doors connects the living areas to the french country garden. A raised pool takes pride of place as part of the garden’s formal landscaping which includes a water fountain and small intimate seating area. A separate guest suite with en-suite bathroom is well positioned alongside the pool area. Upstairs there are two large bedrooms with a shared family bathroom. A generous main bedroom suite with a private lounge, dressing room and glamorous bathroom and private patio. Also includes a double garage and a private borehole.


LIFESTYLE/EQUESTRIAN ESTATE JUST OUTSIDE FRANSCHHOEK.This beautiful home is a rare combination of classic Cape Dutch style infused with contemporary and mediterranean themes. The lovely open plan double volume living/dining/kitchen area maximises light and space. Patio doors lead to a wonderful entertainment/relaxing outdoor area. A spacious en-suite master bedroom and large second en-suite bedroom are both on the ground fl oor. Upstairs is a 3rd bedroom/study with large en-suite shower room. The mature garden is a real feature of this property incorporating mature indigenous trees and shrubs. The property has expansive views of the vineyards and mountains surrounding the Solms Delta farm, well maintained communal areas, good estate security and equestrian facilities by private arrangement.

Tom Clode +27 (0)79 955 3114 | Terry-Lee George +27 (0)82 650 9194 WEB 141650

STYLISH, CONTEMPORARY HOME - DESIRABLE SECURE WINE ESTATE. This beautiful home includes a spacious double volume living/dining room, separate contemporary kitchen and scullery. The living area leads out to an undercover patio area overlooking a pool with stunning mountain views. This is inside/outside living at its best. The 3 spacious bedrooms each include a contemporary en-suite bathroom. The 2 upstairs bedrooms each have a patio with breathtaking views. Includes guest toilet, scullery/laundry and double garage, air-conditioned throughout.







GEORGIAN STYLE IN PRIME POSITION WITH STUNNING VIEWS. This property offers style and charm in a quiet avenue on Franschhoek’s urban edge. Double doors welcome you into an elegant open-plan space incorporating living, dining room and country kitchen. This leads to a covered verandah with glass stacking doors and views across the garden, pool, mountains and vineyards. Ground fl oor has 2 large bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, and guest room with patio/garden access. Master bedroom suite upstairs has a private lounge/study and 2nd covered patio with gorgeous views.


Documents

Franschhoek Tatler - April 2016