THE VILLAGE

NEWS HERMANUS & OVERSTRAND

31 MARCH 2023 YOUR FREE COPY NEXT ISSUE OF THE VILLAGE NEWS: 7 APRIL 2023

#THISISTHEGOODNEWS #LOVEALITTLELOCAL

Artists unite against GBV Writer & Photographer Taylum Meyer

F

emicide is defined by Merriam Webster as "the gender-based murder of a woman or girl by a man". Based on figures from the police and population estimates from Stats SA, 15.2 women out of 100 000 in South Africa are victims of femicide. This means that on average one woman is killed every three hours in our country. This excludes the thousands of cases of gender-based violence (GBV). Jozua Rossouw, curator and founder of Rossouw Modern, SPACE Modern and SPACE Curated galleries, has used visual arts in the form of a cabaret performance by Elzabé Zietsman and a group art exhibition by 17 artists called 'Beaten, Not Broken' to create conversation about this rising problem in South Africa. In June last year (during FynArts), Jozua decided to reactivate his Twitter account. Within minutes he came across several disturbing posts and was extremely taken aback by one in particular: a man beating his wife for almost an hour. He went to bed feeling sick and, in the morning, decided that he had to do something about it. An artist at the FynArts Festival put Jozua in touch with South African celebrity Elzabé Zietsman, who had recently come out with a brand-new one-woman cabaret, 'Femme is Fatale' (text by Bruce Little, directed by Eloise Clasen, and with Tony Bentel on piano), which uses song and storytelling to bring to light gender-based violence and femicide. Jozua contacted Elzabé and told her that he had long been wanting to create a performance space at one of his galleries, SPACE Modern, and that he thought 'Femme is Fatale' would be the perfect inaugural show. On Friday 24 March, after months of planning, Elzabé took to the stage at SPACE Modern to perform the cabaret. The performance began

with Elzabé slowly entering the gallery. Her intense entrance immediately captured the attention of the audience, who had no idea that they were about to be taken through a whirlwind of emotions. Her powerful and passionate performance made the audience laugh, cheer, and even cry at the end – as Elzabé herself shed some tears for those who had lost their lives to femicide. Those who had attended 'Femme is Fatale' still felt the effects of the performance the next morning when they attended the opening of the 'Ibethiwe Aphuke / Beaten, Not Broken' group exhibition at SPACE Modern. Thought-provoking artworks – each telling a story and made from a range of different media – covered the walls of the gallery. One of the artists, Lorraine van Wyk, did not have a conventional sculpture or painting, but rather used her own face as a canvas at the group exhibition opening. She first applied blue and purple paints to her face before covering it up with pink and flesh-coloured paint, and then repeated the process several times before ending with her head in her hands. After her performance she said: "The story I am telling with my art is that the more we try to cover up the abuse, the more we become the perpetrator of ourselves. In the process I did not find the light at the end of the tunnel, since the reality of the extent of this issue is so vast; hence I finally ended with my head in my hands." Funds raised from the artworks that are sold will be donated to local organisations that work to prevent GBV in their communities. 'Ibethiwe Aphuke / Beaten, Not Broken' will run until 2 April 2023. One of the few ways to reduce femicide and GBV is to stop treating it as a stigma and to start talking about it. Jozua, Elzabé and the artists of the group exhibition are doing just that by using their art to start a conversation. Let's aim to #STOPGBV.

ABOVE: Artist Lorraine van Wyk gave a brief performance at the opening of the Beaten Not Broken exhibition, using paint to tell a story of abuse. Her right-hand woman Paula Zapata documented the process and more photos from the performance will be posted to Lorraine's Facebook page (Lorraine van Wyk Art) in the near future. BELOW LEFT: Elzabé Zietsman left the audience with mixed emotions after an unforgettable performance at SPACE Modern last Friday evening. BELOW RIGHT: Jozua Rossouw (right) and his amazing team: (from left) Caroline Coates, Mario Louskitt and Liz Coates.

2

31 March 2023

THE VILLAGE NEWS

EDITORIAL COMMENT MY COMMUNITY

A little reshuffle Artist Sylvia reaches a century You may have noticed that the team at The Village NEWS has become significantly smaller. Yes, we may be smaller now and have big shoes to fill, but each member’s responsibilities have been relooked and rejigged to ensure our lean, yet experienced team will continue to go all out to provide you with the local news affecting you, our treasured Overstrand community. Mental Floss moves to a new spot this week, as does the leader and community page. The staff reshuffle will see Nickey Jackson take over all administrative tasks, in addition to her sales and marketing responsibilities. Ilana van der Merwe, our talented graphic designer, will continue to design all the newspaper’s advertisements as well as our online motoring pages.

THE VILLAGE

NEWS ANNETTE YELL Acting Editor & Journalist

Taylum Meyer, our award-winning photojourmalist, has been promoted to production manager. Just look at our recent front pages – testimony to Taylum’s good eye. Barbara Hayn, responsible for layout design and social media, will now also pursue her passion for writing and photography. I’m sure you’ve enjoyed her recent contributions. And you wouldn’t be reading our latest edition if our often unsung distribution heroes, Dirk Nel and Gerty Duncan, didn’t collect and deliver it weekly. For my part, I look forward to maintaining the past high standards of journalism, meeting our community’s needs for information and introducing myself to more of our readers and advertisers. Charé van der Walt, our go-getter advertising manager, is certain to ensure I do! – This is the good NEWS

DISTRIBUTED WEEKLY FROM ROOI-ELS TO GANSBAAI

#thisisthegoodnews CHARÉ VAN DER WALT Sales & Marketing Manager

[email protected] 082 828 5676

[email protected] 082 430 1974

TAYLUM MEYER

NICKEY JACKSON

Production Manager & Photographer

Sales, Marketing & Admin

[email protected] 084 564 0779

[email protected] 079 408 7722

BARBARA HAYN

ILANA VAN DER MERWE

Layout Design & Social Media

Advertising Design & Motoring Design

For queries please email [email protected]

To read The Village NEWS online scan the code using your QR scanner Or visit: www.thevillagenewsmedia.co.za

Sylvia Smith, well-known watercolour artist, finally put her paintbrushes away three years ago at the age of 97. On 22 March she celebrated her 100th birthday. Longevity seems to run in her family, with most of her relatives living well into their 90s and 100s. Although she is bedridden, she is still the brave soul she has always been but finds conversing difficult at this stage. Sylvia married Bob, an electrician who was quite a character. They owned a five-acre smallholding, Ysendyk, in Onrus on which they farmed until they sold the property and built a house in Westcliff. In 1990 they were one of the first couples to move into Kidbrooke Place. Sylvia still lives here with one of her daughters, ably assisted by wonderful home carers. As daughter of the renowned Professor of Law, George Wille, pursuing an academic career was a natural progression for Sylvia. In 1946 she was one of the first of five women to qualify as architect at the University of Cape Town. She had been encouraged by her former matric art teacher, Zerffi Caldecott, herself a well-known name in local art circles of the day, to take up architecture instead of fine arts. The petite, enduring and endearing watercolour artist has lived in Hermanus since 1958. Here she was a practicing architect for 20 years before retiring and taking up painting. She started out with oils and completed the Hayward Veals Course in 1979. Sylvia opened her first art studio in 1986 in Hermanus and sold her first painting for all of R10! She opened another gallery in Onrus and before

retiring, ran the Sylvia Smith Gallery at Hemel-en-Aarde Village.

Sylvia finally closed her gallery at the age of 90, but continued painting from home.

Self-taught, apart from attending several painting workshops and holidays with Marge Bowen, Sylvia progressed from oils to watercolour. She determinedly continued to try and master this medium over a period of 23 years to express meaningful abstraction and recreate natural beauty in an impressionistic way. All who know her work will agree that she succeeded in her attempts.

The mother of three, grandmother of 10 and great-grandmother of 17, wife extraordinaire and role model, was also a very keen bridge player and passionate about reading. The book club she was part of started unintentionally. Sylvia and her golfing friends often discussed the books they were reading and as a result started their own book club.

Sylvia painted landscapes, seascapes, still lifes and abstracts. Flowers became a favourite subject, some decorative, some more realistic, some so fragile and so beautiful that one can almost smell the fragrance. She would take a flower in her hand to get a feel for it before she painted it. She sold almost 10 000 paintings, held many solo exhibitions and shared exhibitions with other well-known artists including potters, sculptors and crafters. She also supported artists, potters, craftsmen and -women by exhibiting their works as well as her own in her galleries. Sylvia’s paintings were popular with tourists visiting Hermanus and couriered around the world. Many patrons, both locally and abroad, returned annually to add more of her work to their collections. Her daughter-in-law, Carole Wainwright, was her assistant in managing the gallery.

From those who know and remember her, friends of all ages and from her family – we love you. We wish you well in this 100th year of your long, hugely productive and creative life. You have brought joy and pleasure to so many people with your amazing positivity, energy and creativity. The family have lost count of all the works Sylvia produced but have discovered, in her cabinet, at least 100 more works of art of varying sizes which will be sold to continue funding her care and honour her contribution to South African art. A collection of Sylvia Smith’s watercolours are currently available at the Yvette Beneke Art Gallery at Shop 4, High Street Close, 3 High Street, Hermanus. Limited prints will be available at a later date. Gallery Manager, Clinton Meyer, can be contacted on 065 336 7475 or [email protected]. - Carole Wainwright

Tackling food insecurity Writer Tweet Gainsborough-Waring

influenced by events like loadshedding, riots and natural disasters.

The Hermanus Red Cross is spearheading a project to address food insecurity in Hermanus by looking for focused solutions to help the most vulnerable. It follows on the startling results of a mini survey carried out in Zwelihle and Mount Pleasant by Hermanus Child and family services and Just Care in February this year. The results showed that nine out of ten respondents said they knew people who were hungry every day.

Simon said he was surprised that the survey, albeit small, showed such a high percentage of hungry people – a clear indication that more clarity is needed on the situation in order to put support structures in place.

On Wednesday 22 March, at a public participation meeting at the Whale Coast Theatre, the Red Cross reached out to local individuals and organisations for support, ideas and feedback on their plans. Consultant Simon Croxton (a natural resource specialist) gave a brief presentation on food insecurity. The four pillars that contribute to food insecurity start with availability i.e. is there food available from local shops? For instance, food may not be on the shelves after a disaster. Secondly, is there access to food, can you go and buy your food or are you stopped because the shop is too far? Thirdly you have food, but do you have the equipment (pots, fuel) to prepare it, and do you understand how to prepare what you have healthily to maintain the nutritional value? And lastly, stability which refers to a person’s circumstances, which are

The role of the Red Cross is that of a facilitator in that it can bring funding to the table and put strategies in place, but to operate efficiently there has to be a clearly defined target based on research. This will define not only the level of hunger but who it is affecting (young children, the elderly), where they live, and what they are currently eating. To this end, the Red Cross would like to see the establishment of a Food Forum which would provide a vehicle for networking and as such become a hub of information where people could get not only nutritional training, but also information on the optimum methods and produce to grow in their area. Simon concluded his presentation by encouraging the Red Cross to get started with the research as soon as possible as once the information was at hand, focused solutions could be found. The meeting was then opened to the public for comment which brought up some interesting points. A naturopath suggested growing nut and avocado trees in open

spaces so that people had access to a free source of food. Humans, she said, are the only living creatures on the planet that have to buy their food, and as primates our digestive systems were adapted to the digestion of fruit and nuts. Soraya Pieterse from Mount Pleasant, who runs a soup kitchen providing food to children and the unemployed, said she would like to see those receiving food from her involved in projects which would give them dignity and at the same time see them ‘paying’ for their meals. Her suggestion was for them to be mentored in the growing of vegetables which could be contributed to her kitchen. She said mentoring was important as in the past she had given out seeds without success, “but had the recipients had a little guidance, the project may have succeeded”. Another comment from the floor was to get people in affected communities to come forward with ideas as they were at the coalface, and very much aware of what does and doesn’t work. Chairperson of Hermanus Red Cross, Angela Heslop reiterated the need to make a start on the research aspect of the project and appealed to people to come forward and form a team to undertake the task. If you would like to be involved or find out more please contact Angela Heslop on 072 609 8655 or aheslop@hermanus. co.za, or Cath Croxton on 072 254 5693.

31 March 2023

3

THE VILLAGE NEWS

Cape Epic a boon to Hermanus Writer & Photographer Barbara Hayn

T

he Overstrand welcomed the Absa Cape Epic when Stage 1 kicked off in Hermanus on 20 March after the initial Prologue held at Meerendal Wine Estate in Durbanville. This annual race, known as the ‘Tour de France’ of mountain biking, sees people from all over the world compete for the winning title, and with roughly 700 km of racing on rugged terrain, cyclists are pushed to their endurance limits. The familiar red, one-man tents were erected at the Race Village located on the Hermanus High School grounds and this served as the starting and end point for the first stage of the race. Spectators could watch the race from several vantage points along the Hemelen-Aarde Valley before cyclists made their way back through Fernkloof and into Hermanus. Amy Wakefield from the leading women’s team had a harrowing injury during the first stage when a branch pierced her arm. After considering withdrawing from the race, Amy wrapped her arm in duct tape and continued to the finish line, securing first place with her partner, Candice Lill. With wind speeds reaching up to 90 km per hour over the mountains and a 98 km route, it was a gruelling first day for the cyclists. The Wilier Pirelli Factory team of Fabian Rabensteiner and Wout Alleman secured first place in the men’s category. The following morning, riders set off from the Hermanus High School grounds for the second and longest stage of the race – a daunting 116 km through a tough, mostly single-track route that took riders on trails around Stanford and Paardenberg, and along the Klein River Lagoon. This stage featured a total

Petrolheads head to Hermanus

climb of 1 850 m and despite surgery to her arm the night before, Amy and her partner finished in third place. The winning women’s team for the second stage were Kim le Court and Vera Looser, while Toyota-Specialized-NinetyOne’s Matthew Beers and Christopher Blevins were the first men’s team to cross the finish line in Hermanus. Riders set off from Hermanus for the third and final time on 23 March following a route that ran through Wildekrans and on to Bot River and Tierkop. This 100 km stage challenged riders with its tight trails and concluded in a high speed chase to the finish line at Oak Valley Estate in Grabouw. The end of Stage 3 saw Amy and Candice back on top in the women’s category and the men’s team from Toyota-Specialized-NinetyOne making it a two-day winning streak. After an arduous and exhausting seven-day race, covering 658 km of unforgiving and mountainous terrain with a total climb of 15 775 m, Matthew Beers and Christopher Blevins took the men’s title with just under a four minute lead from second place finishers Georg Egger and Lukas Baum. Efficient Infiniti Insure’s Kim le Court and Vera Looser were crowned winners in the women’s category, with the unwavering Amy Wakefield and Candice Lill securing a close second. Businesses in the Overstrand reported that the Absa Cape Epic was once again very well organised and that they received lots of foot traffic over the two days. They all agree that the race is overwhelmingly positive for the Overstrand, and that every effort should be made to retain the inclusion of Hermanus, Stanford, and the surrounding areas as stages of the race.

LEFT: Children from the Pebbles Hemel-en-Aarde Education Project cheer on Cape Epic cyclists as they pass through the spectator point at Creation Wines. ABOVE: Stages 1 and 2 of the Absa Cape Epic were held in Hermanus. This annual race, known as the ‘Tour de France’ of mountain biking covers 658 km over seven days, pushing riders to their absolute limits.

The 60 cars that roared into Hermanus on Tuesday last week drew a lot of attention. Now in its second year, the Cape 1000 is a four-day, fivenight grand touring rally. Competitors took on the scenic roads of the Western Cape between 19 and 24 March. They left from the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town to Hermanus and then to George and Franschhoek, before returning to Cape Town. As the name of the event suggests, it runs over 1 000 miles (1 600 km) with 60% of the route consisting of ‘grand touring’ and the remaining

40% being challenging regularity stages, where navigators and drivers have to follow the stages’ timing and speed instructions to score some points. So it’s not a race, but a challenge to test the skills of the driver and navigator. This year some special cars were entered, with the oldest dating back to 1933. The cars competed in five different classes: 1927 – 1957 (Tribute), Pre-1976 (Classic), 1977 – 1996 (Modern Classic), 1997 – current (Sports) and Restomod/recreation. - Annette Yell

The Hermanus parkrun last Saturday morning was a festive affair. A total of 176 runners, joggers and walkers completed the 300th parkrun. The Hawston Brass Band added further cheer to the celebrations. Amongst the international visitors were parkrunners from Germany and Australia. The first finishers of the day were Max Hagen, a parkrun visitor from Germany with a time of 21:49 and Jill Hendry, the first female with a time of 29:10. Pictured above are Deborah Mills with her son Enoch, and Rutendo Faith and Tadiwa Teddy Njanji. PHOTO: Annette Yell

WHAT’S ON

OVERBERG EVERY FRIDAY Hermanus Hacking Group Volunteers are welcome to join the HHG and help clear alien vegetation, every Friday morning. All tools are provided. For more info contact Charlyn on 082 558 8731 or [email protected]. Meet at the Green Reservoir above Total Garage off Mountain Drive | 06:45 for 07:00 – 09:00 Bhuki Café The Friends of Hermanus Library are back in action! Come and enjoy tea or coffee with two sweet/ savoury treats for only R35, every Friday morning. All proceeds go towards purchasing new books for the library. Hermanus Library | 09:00 – 11:00

The Gansbaai Market Specialising in fresh produce, home-baked foods, and crafts. Come and enjoy entertainment and refreshments at this popular kuierplek. For enquiries, contact 028 384 8325 or email Glenda [email protected]. Kapokblom St, opposite Gansbaai Tourism | 09:00 – 13:00 Die Markie, Hermanuspietersfontein Saturdays… no better time and place to relax and catch up with family and friends than the smallest little market in Hermanus. Share a platter and a bottle or help yourself to a brekkie, brunch, or lunch. Hermanuspietersfontein | 09:00 – 13:00

Friday Morning Market Hosted by Gansbaai NG Kerk, this fun-filled market offers lovely fresh, home-baked goodies, from jams to cookies and much more, every Friday morning. Pretorius Hall, Gansbaai Main Rd | 09:00 –11:30

Junktique Market One man’s junk is another man’s treasure. Pop in and give new life to a previously loved item. Treats and nibbles will also be available. R50 per stall. To book contact 028 341 8516 or email [email protected]. Stanford Tourism Office Courtyard | 09:00 – 12:00

Lemm’s Corner Antique Market Surrounded by art galleries and sublime eateries in Hermanus Old Town, this friendly market offers antiques, bric-a-brac, collectibles, vintage clothing, and second-hand books. Lemm’s Corner | 09:00 – 14:00

31 FRIDAY Stanford Sunset Market Stanford's favourite, family-friendly, dog-friendly takes place every last Friday of the month. Bringing local food, coffee, deli products, gifts, plants, fresh produce, and live tunes. Pop in, meet new people, hook up with old friends, support local vendors, and take delicious food home for the whole weekend. Follow them on Facebook for updates based on the weather. Stanford Village Green | 18:00 – 20:00

Secret Worlds of Birds of Prey Join Birdlife Overberg for a workshop on the ‘Secret Worlds of Birds of Prey’ by Dr Anton Odendal. Explore identification features, facts about our raptors, and several serious conservation threats to their survival. For those who cannot attend, individual talks can be forwarded via WeTransfer. The cost is R700 pp and includes tea, coffee, and the course notes. To register contact Anton on [email protected] or WhatsApp at 082 550 3347. Community Hall, Mollergren Park | 1 & 2 April

Hermanus Duplicate Bridge Club Bring a partner for an enjoyable afternoon of duplicate bridge. For further information call Elsabè on 084 482 9233 or visit their website at www. bridgewebs.com/Hermanus. De Wet Hall, Onrus | 12:50 (also on Mon & Wed at the Botanical Hall in Fernkloof)

Hermanus parkrun For all the ‘fast and furious’ as well as the ‘slow and steady’ – experience the joy of exercising outdoors in a safe environment as you walk, run, or jog this beautiful 5 km course. Forest Adventures, Camphill Rd, Hemel-enAarde Valley | 08:00

Send your events to [email protected]

01 SATURDAY

Kolwyntjie Teetuin Enjoy a sweet or savoury treat with tea or coffee for only R40 and make new friends at the Onrus Care Centre (Dienssentrum), every Friday morning. Onrus Dutch Reformed Church | 10:00 – 12:00

EVERY SATURDAY

31 MAR – 08 APR 2023

Easter Brunch at SOFCA SOFCA is having an Easter Brunch! There will be Bucks Fizz on arrival, a scrumptious buffet with a great variety of food, live music, and great fun with wonderful people. The cost is R160 pp and tables of eight are available if you would like to book for family and friends. To make your reservation contact 028 312 3236 or [email protected]. SOFCA, 1 Hospital Rd, Hermanus | 10:30 C’est Ça Hands on Cookery Classes Due to popular demand, C’est Ça Cooking is repeating their Asian Weber class. Bring your friends along for a social cooking experience, learn many great tips for entertaining inspiration, and then sit down on their all-weather veranda and enjoy your own meal. The cost is R595 pp and numbers are limited. Bring your own drinks. To secure your place or for more info call Renée on 082 892 2557 or visit their website on www.cestca.co.za. 38 de Villiers Street, Onrus | 11:00 – 15:00

02 SUNDAY

Onrus Markie Explore arts, crafts, antiques, plants, cakes, meat, and veggies. Treat yourself to a cooked breakfast, pancakes, vetkoek and more. De Wet Hall, Roos St, Onrus | 09:00 – 12:00 Hermanus Country Market A favourite among the locals: young, old, twolegged, and four-legged family members are all welcome. You’ll find an array of fresh organic produce, wholesome foods, home-made delicacies, arts & crafts, plants and flowers, beers and wine, coffee, and live music – everything that’s good for your health and happiness! Next to Hermanus Cricket Field | 09:00 – 14:00 Stanford Square Market Come and experience country life at this down-toearth, family-friendly market, every Saturday. Meet the makers, creators and entrepreneurs offering a range of local foods and crafts. Stanford Village Square | 09:00 – 14:00

Natural Perfume Workshop Learn how to compose a balanced fragrance and create your own perfume. Rediscover your love of scent at this workshop by Arkoi Natural Perfumes. There are only 8 spots available at R850 pp (materials incl.). To book contact Sasha on 079 815 9020. Hermanus Artistry on 9th, Voëlklip | 10:00 – 12:00 Easter Egg Hunt Embark on an egg-citing adventure and explore Benguela’s beautiful grounds. Crack the secret code and collect your prize from Benguela Adventure. The cost is R75 per child and includes an Easter Egg Hunt Trail Map and prize. For more info visit www.benguelacove.co.za. Benguela Cove | 10:00 - 17:00 (1 - 10 April)

The Gugulethu Tenors at Stanford Hills The Gugulethu Tenors will be performing with the local ‘Die Kop’ youth group, to help raise funds for the Stanford Anglican Church restoration project. Food and drinks will be sold at the event, or you can bring your own. Make sure to bring a blanket to sit on. Tickets are R200 pp and can be bought on Webtickets. Stanford Hills Wine Estate | 13:00

31 March 2023

5

THE VILLAGE NEWS

Fire & Drum Inviting all drummers, musicians, and fire dancers! Don’t miss out on a night drumming and fire in aid of HAWS. Entry is free but please consider bringing a donation of pet food if you are able to. The event will proceed if there is no rain and minimal wind. Grotto Beach | 19:00

03 MONDAY Walker Bay Stamp Club Anyone interested in buying, selling, or learning more about stamp collecting is welcome to join the club for a stamp discussion, auction, tea and cookies. Contact Pierre on 082 374 1473. St Peter's Church Hall, Hermanus | 17:30 – 19:00

04 TUESDAY Easter Music This is the annual U3A session featuring appropriate and beautiful music especially selected for Easter. This year’s selection consists of a combination of both classical and traditional works compiled by Gert Claassen. Catholic Church Hall | 10:00

05 WEDNESDAY L2L Wednesday Walks The L2L Wednesday Walks are a beautiful way to explore our town and make new friends while raising funds for charity. Everyone in the family is invited to join including well-behaved dogs. Choose between 5 km or 10 km and bring a donation of R20 (or more if you wish) to participate in the walk. Manzi Water, 1 Argon St | Hermanus Hermanus Photographic Society Meeting The Hermanus Photographic Society meets every first Wednesday of the month. Meetings are open to club members and anyone who is interested in photography. More info on the club and its activities can be found at www.hermanusphoto.co.za. For enquiries email [email protected]. Dutch Reformed Church, Hermanus | 19:00

07 FRIDAY Lemm’s Corner Antique Market Surrounded by art galleries and sublime eateries in Hermanus Old Town, this friendly market offers antiques, bric-a-brac, collectibles, vintage clothing,

and second-hand books. Before you head over to the First Fridays Artwalk at 5pm, be sure to pop in and have a look! Please note that this event is weather dependent. Lemm’s Corner | 14:00 – 18:30 Hermanus First Fridays Art walk our town by visiting the 25 galleries in the CBD as they stay open until 8pm, every first Friday of the month. Marvel at the outstanding range of art, fine craft, photography, and jewellery on display and meet the local artists and gallery owners. Hermanus CBD | 17:00 – 20:00

08 SATURDAY CANSA Easter Egg Hunt Hermanus Join in the fun with a CANSA Easter Egg Hunt on the Hermanus Cliff Path. Spend the day with the family hunting for rocks painted to look like easter eggs, which will be hidden on the route. The three who collect the most eggs will win a prize. The cost is R50 pp and tickets can be bought on Quicket. Proceeds from the event go to the CANSA Overberg region. Contact Yvonne Hamman on 083 684 7222 or email [email protected]. More details on their unique services to the community

Kleinmond welcomes Carstens The arrival of a new reverend can be an exciting time for any church community. It's a time of change, growth, and new beginnings. Heinrich Carstens will serve as the lead reverend for the Dutch Reformed Church in Kleinmond/ Hangklip from 1 April. Heinrich has served in various congregations during his time as reverend. He started his pastoral journey in 1995 in the ‘Ou Kalahari’ at the DRC Askam-Noenieput,

In 2006 Heinrich and his family moved to Pretoria, doing service as the reverend at the DRC Overkruin. During this period, he thoroughly enjoyed his calling to develop a community-driven church with families and the youth as his canvas.

many to get more involved in the church and take a more active role in serving their community. His warmth, kindness, and dedication to his faith became an inspiration to all who knew him.During this time Heinrich remained true to his rugby roots by supporting the Western Province / Stormers in spite of being in the centre of the Blue Bulls rugby fraternity.

As time went on Heinrichs' influence in the community began to grow. He inspired

Heinrich very quickly built a reputation as a great organiser of communi-

looking after a community scattered over 25 000 square kilometres for a period of 10 years.

can be found here: https://cansa.org.za/cansas-care-support/. Cliff Path, New Harbour, Hermanus | 10:00 – 14:00 (hunt begins a 10:30)

WHAT’S ON IN

KLEINMOND 3 APRIL Join in the weekly Kleinmond Social 5km Run. Walkers start at 17:40 and runners start at 18:00 from the Kleinmond Jukskei Club. There will be free boerie rolls for members after the run – only R25 for non-members.

Reverend Heinrich Carstens with his wife Jeanne Marié and their children. Marié -Louise and Alexander.

ty-based social events and is a popular speaker at school and community events. He is married to Jeanne Marié and they have two adult

children, Marié -Louise and Alexander. His first sermon will be on Sunday 2 April at 09:30 in the Dutch Reformed Church in Kleinmond.

The Kleinmond lagoon breached at 10:40 on Sunday morning, 26 March, supposedly after heavy rainfall. Water is now flowing freely into the ocean. Bernardus Groenewald, from Overberg Wildfire Volunteers, says it’s not a natural breach. “Someone dug a trench and it’s illegal.” The last time the lagoon breached was on 9 September 2022. PHOTO: Trisa Hugo

5 APRIL Weekly painting classes for beginners at Kiess & Tell, Harbour Road, Kleinmond from 09:30 – 12:30. Contact Betzy on 071 561 1117 for more information. 6 APRIL Weekly painting classes for advanced students at Kiess & Tell, 4 Harbour Road, Kleinmond from 09:30 – 12:30. Contact Betzy on 071 561 1117 for more information. 6 APRIL For just R45 pp, enjoy designer tea from Ground Central Kleinmond’s new tea range, a scone with cream and cheese, and two ginger biscuits from 10:00 – 12:00. 8 APRIL This is the first trail run on Escape Wines’ beautiful farm. There will be wine tasting available, prizes for category winners, lucky draws and medals. The 5 km and 10 km runs will be separate trails, thus no loops! Enter at www.raceday.co.za.

6

THE VILLAGE NEWS

31 March 2023

WINE AND DINE

Hats off to ‘Master Winemakers’ By JP Rossouw

A

big international trade magazine, Drinks Business, recently published a list called ‘The Master Winemaker 100’ and South Africa saw four winemakers make the cut for inclusion to this elite group. The list features winemakers that have done very well in the magazine’s own competitions. Since it perennially seems that the overall quality of South African wine remains a ‘best-kept secret’ in the eyes of the world, all recognition is certainly to be celebrated. The four Cape winemakers make up an interesting cross-section. First off, Nederburg’s Samuel Viljoen is in charge of this iconic brand’s diverse and big wine range that totals a production of over two million cases. What I love about this inclusion is that Nederburg – as a brand – dates back to 1940, a

reminder that building wine companies is a long-term game. It’s also no mean achievement that the wines of Nederburg remain consistently good for the price. The Private Bin R163 Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 was the award winner, and this is a true cabernet classic. But I also urge you to seek out the Heritage Heroes range, wines that celebrate some of the legendary persons that built the brand through wines that are rich in personality themselves. Samuel’s inclusion also has a lovely local connection – his older brother Kobie makes Villion and Seerowers wines here outside Bot River. Graham Weerts is the winemaker for

Capensis, a more recently established brand that specialises in chardonnay and has vineyards high on the Helshoogte Pass above Stellenbosch. They make three expressions of chardonnay in the Capensis, Fijnbosch and Silene wines – and if you consider yourself a true fan of this variety and have not yet tried these… Well, say no more. These are not ‘run of the mill’ wines, and not cheap, but they illustrate how complex and sublime the best can be. Saronsberg’s maiden vintage was in 2004, and Dewalt Heyns was there to make it, and still makes the rich and expressive syrah-led wines the Saronsberg is best known for. It was the Full Circle 2019 that shot the lights

out in the Global Syrah Masters competition. This is a sumptuous blend of mainly syrah but also with grenache, mourvèdre, viognier and roussanne in it. So a serious display of the art of the blend, and a consistent award winner. Indeed, the 2020 vintage on our shelves has stickers from six different competitions! The fourth name on this list is likely well known to many of you – Bruce Jack. He leaped into the Cape wine scene with his exciting Flagstone wines in the late 1990s, and now makes Bruce Jack Wines, based in the Agulhas Wine Triangle. His Ghost in the Machine Shiraz 2019 is the wine that impressed the judges,

and indeed the whole Ghost range is wonderful – another favourite of mine is the Cabernet Franc. In the magazine he is quoted as saying: “As a fine wine-focused winemaker you have to think in terms of family and in generational time frames, otherwise you never make the right decisions.” After South Africa opened to the world again, our wine industry expanded for a few decades, with new vineyards, wineries and labels proliferating. We are now contracting – the result of many factors but also including those wine brands or growers that have ‘moved on’ – who were excited by the adventure and glamour of wine but did not appreciate the natural and unhurried pace of fine wine, the hard work and the long-term belief it requires. So here’s to these four, long may they pick and press and pull corks!

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Samuel Viljoen, Nederburg Wines. PHOTO: wineindustryadvisor.com. Graham Weerts, Capensis Wines. PHOTO: pleasethepalate.com. Dewalt Heyns, Saronsberg Cellar. PHOTO: Saronsberg Cellar. Bruce Jack, Bruce Jack Wines. PHOTO: brucejack.com.

31 March 2023

7

THE VILLAGE NEWS

A walk down memory lane Writer & Photographer Tweet Gainsborough-Waring

R

omantiques has opened a new teaser stall among the ‘red sheds’ on Market Square at the Hermanus Waterfront. Step inside for a trip down memory lane. There will be many things you recognise, and others you don’t. What you see here, is just a drop in the ocean compared to the treasures and nostalgia displayed in the Romantiques shop in Aberdeen Street which is more of a mini-museum, with 18 rooms of collectibles on display. Romantiques is owned and managed by James Ludick, entrepreneur, raconteur, and specialist in militaria and rugby memorabilia. Aberdeen Street is a mere 290m walk away from the Waterfront. Once through the portals of this shop, you will find yourself transported to another world. It is indeed a step back in time and as James will attest, visitors to the shop are in awe of the amount and variety of items on display. From a needle to the village stocks, or a WWI field ambulance – you will find it all here. More often than not clients have a story to tell. Like the man who had an old chicken spit roast, but was missing a part to get

it working again. He recalled how he had gone into Romantiques with this obscure request and was given a box of oddments to look through. Lo and behold, he found exactly what he needed. This was very much in keeping with the shop’s motto ‘Nostalgia is priceless, but at Romantiques it is free’. With hundreds of objects on display and a constant stream of new stock, it is inevitable that some of the items received will be unknown, which is where the treasure hunt to find out what it is, and whether it is of value, begins. At the Waterfront stall, James had visitors guessing when he produced a hollow china penguin with its mouth open. Very obviously a penguin, but what was it for? Several women gathered around and, despite being given ‘cooking’ as a clue, could not work out that this was a highly collectible pie funnel. Pie funnels were used to prevent the pie filling from boiling up and leaking through the crust. Moisture from the bubbling filling goes up through the hollow pie funnel and escapes as steam. A visit to the main shop is more than a shopping trip; it is one which evokes memories of a bygone era. “My gran/granddad had one of those” is a phrase often heard as

visitors browse through the shelves. The Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) room is a sight with its gleaming silver tea sets, cruets and candle holders. It is fondly known as the Eiffel tower room because James says that when the Eiffel tower was painted, by the time you reached the top, you had to start again from the bottom – and so it is with the silver, the polishing never ends. His specialty is the militaria section, which is crammed full of badges, regimental insignia, helmets, bayonets and knives, to mention a few. It is a window into war history. He has a special interest in all things military as a result of being an ops medic, which means that he spent a lot of time with operational units patrolling the border in the bush. Then there is the automobilia section where petrolheads can enjoy paging through vintage magazines and be amazed by the prices of cars back in the day in comparison to current prices. Romantiques will be open over the Easter weekend. Its Little Labia movie theatre will be showing a free classic movie on the Saturday. And should you work up an appetite there are some great coffee shops and eateries in the vicinity like Dal-Italia, Baked and Mikro.

TOP LEFT: The very collectible penguin pie funnel which had everyone guessing. TOP RIGHT: The Tintin collection is just one of the hundreds of objects on display at Romantiques. ABOVE: A stroll through the Romantiques garden, which is well signposted, is a treat.

8

THE VILLAGE NEWS

Junior Golf Clinic is swinging it T he Junior Golf Clinic, held for the 100th time at Hermanus Golf Club on Saturday 18 March, has come a long way. “What started as a pro shop invective and opportunity to grow the game, has been a remarkable journey,” says PGA Pro Golfer, Bertie Louw Hoffmann.

They started small. At the first clinic on 12 September 2020, two juniors attended and they’ve since grown to an average of 15 juniors per weekend. Bertie didn’t realise at the time what an impact these youngsters and clinics would have on him. “Grateful and excited are just a couple of words I can use to try and express my feelings about these clinics,” he says. To see the juniors grow and develop is a reward

in itself. Bertie says they’ve had great input from Hawston Primary and there are many talented players being developed. “We focus on the reachone, teach-one mentality,” Bertie explains. The clinic goes beyond golf training and also keeps the children active, while teaching them basic life skills such as discipline and treating each other with respect. In celebration of their 100th golf clinic, the 21 juniors attending, were treated to a goodie bag from the Pro Shop Express and cupcakes from Hermanus Golf Club. “To see the juniors’ faces was truly special. Having fun and working together, as well as growing the game is one of our goals,” Bertie says. He thanked everyone for their ongoing support of the golf clinic. - Annette Yell

A group of 21 aspiring young golf players attended the 100th clinic at the Hermanus Golf Club on Saturday 18 March. PGA Pro Golfer Bertie Hoffmann, initiated the weekend clinics in 2020. Pro Shop Express general manager Jacques Beukes is on the left. With the juniors are Graham Benjamin from Hawston Primary, Desmond Sauls, in charge of junior development and Bertie Hoffmann. PHOTO: Rachel Sinclair

31 March 2023

Andreas Groenewald, a naturalist and professional guide, was the guest speaker of the Hermanus Botanical Society (HBS) at Fernkloof Hall on Thursday 23 March. His talk focused on the many ways plants defend themselves in nature. Andreas is knowledgeable about all aspects of the ecology of the Western Cape and is passionate about taking people on guided educational hikes into the mountains of our region. He shared video clips that showcased some of the deadliest plants in the world. One of these is the gympie-gympie (Dendrocnide moroides) in Australia. The plant has stinging hairs which, when touched, deliver a potent neurotoxin that causes extreme pain lasting several months and can even lead to death. With Andreas is Mary Ann Verster, chairperson of the HBS. PHOTO: Annette Yell

Kyle Saville made Generation Schools Hermanus history on 25 March when he became their first student to graduate from Cornerstone University at the top of his B.Com class. He also received a special award for the Top Undergraduate Student. He is currently employed as a Junior Risk Analyst at Sanne Management Company. Well done, Kyle and good luck for your future! Pictured with him here are Kyle’s mom Harriet and his brother Cole. PHOTO: Supplied

31 March 2023

9

THE VILLAGE NEWS

Three Sisters offers breathtaking views On the trail with Tweet

FAR LEFT: A view of the Bot River Estuary and beyond.

PHOTOS: Tweet Gainsborough-Waring

By Tweet Gainsborough-Waring

LEFT: Tritoniopsis triticea is a winter-growing, deciduous, bulbous plant that grows 500 – 900 mm high. The scarlet flowers are in a dense spike and appear mainly in late summer to autumn (January – April).

I

f you are looking for a challenge to test both physical stamina and mental toughness, take on the Three Sisters Trail above Kleinmond in a clockwise direction. You will be richly rewarded by the views from the peaks of the Sisters and the amazing variety of fynbos in a kaleidoscope of colours. The start of the trail is at the popular Fairy Glen picnic and braai area on the Hermanus side of the Palmiet River bridge. Make your way up the slope, past the braai spots and look out for the entrance to the trail on your right. The path is well defined and well maintained, starting off deceptively easy as it meanders through some stunning fynbos – particularly the Ericas – to what is known as the ‘helicopter pad’ from which a number of trails radiate. The signage is good so all you need to do is follow the trail to the Three Sisters. From here it goes through a valley where you can still see signs of the devastating fire of January 2022. Sadly, 2 400 hectares were burnt, leaving a moonscape, but nature is resilient and with the recent good rains the slopes are coming to life with magnificent orange Watsonias

and red Tritoniopsis. The trail follows a clearly defined path with well-placed steps ultimately reaching a saddle. From here you can see the coast stretching from Kleinmond to Gansbaai in the far distance. Then the trail veers to the right and continues onwards and upwards. The trail is very clear with panoramic views to distract you from the ascent. Follow this path to the summit of the first Sister with an elevation of 635 m. Take time out to enjoy the surrounding panorama and the feeling of being on top of the world as you look out over the mountains rolling out before you. The descent is where the fun begins. You will need to focus on the path which, despite descending steeply in parts, is still fairly well defined, with

a short section that is narrow, with steep descents on either side. Once through the dip and atop the second Sister, you will be surprised by the moonscape in which you find yourself after the lushly vegetated summit of Sister number one. From now on it is pretty much downhill all the way. Take your time and enjoy the feeling of freedom from your lofty perch. The floral diversity offers a myriad of colours and textures. On your descent, while looking for good footing, note the smaller plants growing between the rocks – some hairy, some fleshy, and others spiky with symmetric leaf arrangements. As you approach the flatter section before turning right onto the contour

path, look back from whence you have come – the descent is impressive. The right turn takes you along the lower mountain slopes and through what had been vast forests of protea before the fire, now only charred stems but with definite signs of regeneration. The contour path leads you up to the helicopter pad, from where you have a 10 to 15 minute downhill walk back to Fairy Glen. Many who have completed this trail comment on the sections where there are stone steps that make for pleasant walking. The story behind this is that the trail was planned by Rupert de Kock, a member of the Kleinmond Nature Conservation Society (KNCS). A Zimbabwean gentleman named Diston was commissioned to lay out the trail, including placing stone steps, which he cut himself. The trail

was laid out with the permission of CapeNature and funded by the KNCS. In conclusion, despite this hike being graded as moderately challenging by a few trail guides, it is more than moderate and in parts demands the hiker to be focused on the path ahead. It is great fun because it offers a variety of terrain, from rock scrambles to steep descents and everything in between. It is a trail that ideally you need to start early because of the steep ascents and the fact that there is no water or shade. The total ascent is 838 m, over a distance of 11,3 km. Take water and wear a hat. Remember your sunscreen as the trail offers no shade and wear hiking shoes with good non-slip soles. The Three Sisters route map can be found on the All Trails App.

explore kick back

Experience

WINE PAIRING EXPERIENCES | VINEYARD TOURS | GOURMET FOOD PONTOON CRUISES | ADVENTURE GOLF AND SPLASH PARK AWARD-WINNING WINES | WORLD-CLASS ART GALLERY

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Visitors to Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate can expect to be met with roaring log fires and a warm welcome for a great day out this winter. There is a range of new experiences to enjoy amid the natural beauty of this protected environment. Enjoy pontoon cruises on the Lady Bonnie, experience private vineyard tours and gourmet food at the estate’s Moody Lagoon restaurant, or educational wine tasting sessions and wine pairing experiences. Or simply savour one of our awardwinning cool-climate wines while overlooking the lagoon. The Art of Living exhibition features a new range of works by established and emerging artists working in various modern styles and materials. Guests can enjoy a glass of wine while viewing the paintings and sculptures, which are all for sale. Our pirate-themed miniature golf adventure park, with its 18 holes and range of challenging obstacles, is a wonderful opportunity to spend quality family time.

@BenguelaCoveEstate

@Benguelacove

@BenguelaCove

R43, Walker Bay, Hermanus | +27 (0)87 357 0637 [email protected] | www.benguelacove.co.za

12 10

THE VILLAGE NEWS

Whale Coast Half Marathon a success

31 March 2023

Overberg kickboxers come out on top Under the expertise and guidance of Overberg Kickboxing head coach, Shian Ruehan von Romburgh, Overberg emerged as the medal tally winner at the 2023 Western Cape Provincial Kickboxing Championships. Hosted by Curro Hermanus on 24 and 25 March, the championship was attended by competitors from the Overberg, Cape Town, Eden, Cape Winelands, Cape Metro and West Coast districts.

PHOTO: Geliefde Aarden

A

thletes from all over the Western Cape made their way to Hermanus on a perfect Saturday morning to run in the first ever Whale Coast Half Marathon, which started at Dutchies in Hermanus and ended at Stanford Hills Estate. The 21 km race began at 07:00 and there were 200 participants, with a few international runners also taking part. The overall winner was Jimmy who finished with a time of 1 hr, 12 min and 15 sec. The event was organised by Bianca le Roux of Coastline Group, who received lots of positive feedback from participants after the race. “I hope that this race will become an annual event. My vision and dream are for it to be a training run for the Two Oceans and Comrades Marathons,” says

Bianca. “I also recently organized the Global Xterra Triathlon Series in Grabouw and it is really exciting to see that events are picking up and doing well again! It seems people are focused on getting and staying healthy.” Bianca is grateful for the support of the Overstrand Municipality and local and provincial traffic authorities for making the race safe and possible. Whale Coast Half Marathon would also like to thank their partners for making the event a success: Runner's World SA, Seeff Hermanus, Mountain Falls Water, Dutchies Hermanus, Stanford Hills Estate, Whalers Running Club, Coca-Cola, Whale Coast Hotel, Mobii Elite Timing and Folk & Goode Brewery.

D (Bredasdorp), Barrydale Fight Club, and MMA Dragons (Struisbaai). We will soon find out who will be invited to fight at the South African National Championships in Limpopo from 24 to 26 April. Good luck, Overberg Kickboxing! – Barbara Hayn

In accordance with the World Association of Kickboxing Organisations (WAKO), this exciting combat sport featured six disciplines. Three were Tatami, which took place on the mat, with competitors delivering blows with controlled power. The other three disciplines took place in the ring, where strikes were delivered with full power. Tatami was open to fighters from the age of 7 and was separated into male and female categories, classed according to age and weight. For the full power ring disciplines, competitors were classed accordingly but the minimum age class was 15 to 16 years. The Overberg team performed exceptionally well and eventually took home 19 gold medals, 13 silver and 24 bronze. Zius Brand (right) from the Overberg Kickboxng team takes on an opponent in Tatami. PHOTO: Barbara Hayn

The clubs that made up the Overberg team were Legacy Martial Arts Academy (Hermanus), Triple

OVERSTRAND MUNICIPALITY

OVERSTRAND MUNISIPALITEIT

UMASIPALA WASE-OVERSTRAND

PUBLIC WARD COMMITTEE MEETINGS

PUBLIEKE WYKSKOMITEE-VERGADERINGS

Notice is hereby given that the meetings for the wards mentioned below will take place on the dates and times as indicated. The draft 2023/2024 IDP/Budget review for ward local priorities will also be discussed.

Kennis geskied hiermee dat die vergaderings vir die ondergemelde wyke op die datums en tye soos aangetoon, sal plaasvind. Die konsep 2023/2024 IDP/Begroting hersiening vir plaaslike prioriteite in die wyke sal ook bespreek word.

INTLANGANISO YEE WADI KOMITI KAWONKEWONKE

Datum en Tyd

Lokaal

1

Woensdag 12 April 2023 om 18:00

Gemeenskapsaal Stanford

2

Donderdag 13 April 2023 om18:00

Auditorium Hermanus

3

Tuesday 4 April 2023 at 18:00

Auditorium Hermanus

5

Wednesday 5 April 2023 at 18:00

6

Usuku Nexesha

Indawo

1

NgoLwesiThathu 12 April 2023 ngo 18:00

KwiHolo loluntu e-Staford

Gemeenskapsaal Masakhane

2

NgoLwesiNe 13 April 2023 ngo 18:00

KwiHolo loluntu e-Masakhane

Dinsdag 4 April 2023 om 18:00

Auditorium Hermanus

3

NgoLwesibini 4 April 2023 ngo 18:00

Auditorium Hermanus

4

Dinsdag 4 April 2023 om 18:00

Auditorium Hermanus

4

NgoLwesibini 4 April 2023 ngo 18:00

Auditorium Hermanus

Community Hall Zwelihle

5

Woensdag 5 April 2023 om 18:00

Gemeenskapsaal Zwelihle

5

NgoLwesiThathu 5 April 2023 ngo 18:00

KwiHolo loluntu e-Zwelihle

Wednesday 5 April 2023 at 18:00

Community Hall Zwelihle

6

Woensdag 5 April 2023 om 18:00

Gemeenskapsaal Zwelihle

6

NgoLwesiThathu 5 April 2023 ngo 18:00

KwiHolo loluntu e-Zwelihle

7

Monday 3 April 2023 at 18:00

Auditorium Hermanus

7

7

Auditorium Hermanus

Monday 3 April 2023 at 18:00

Auditorium Hermanus

Auditorium Hermanus

NgoMvulo 3 April 2023 ngo 18:00

8

Maandag 3 April 2023 om 18:00

8

8

Auditorium Hermanus

Tuesday 11 April 2023 at 18:00

Town Hall Kleinmond

Auditorium Hermanus

NgoMvulo 3 April 2023 ngo 18:00

9

Maandag 3 April 2023 om 18:00

9

9

Town Hall Kleinmond

Tuesday 11 April 2023 at 18:00

Town Hall Kleinmond

Stadsaal Kleinmond

NgoLwesibini 11 April 2023 ngo 18:00

10

Dinsdag 11 April 2023 om 18:00

10

10

Town Hall Kleinmond

Monday 17 April 2023 at 18:00

Council Chambers Gansbaai

Stadsaal Kleinmond

NgoLwesibini 11 April 2023 ngo 18:00

11

Dinsdag 11 April 2023 om 18:00

11

11

Wednesday 5 April 2023 at 18:00

Community Hall Zwelihle

Raadsaal Gansbaai

Kwigumbi leBhunga e-Gansbaai

12

Maandag 17 April 2023 om 18:00

NgoMvulo 17 April 2023 ngo 18:00

12

NgoLwesiThathu 5 April 2023 ngo 18:00

KwiHolo loluntu e-Zwelihle

12

13

Monday 3 April 2023 at 18:00

Auditorium Hermanus

Woensdag 5 April 2023 om 18:00

Gemeenskapsaal Zwelihle

13

NgoMvulo 3 April 2023 ngo 18:00

Auditorium Hermanus

13

14

Monday 17 April 2023 at 18:00

Council Chambers Gansbaai

Maandag 3 April 2023 om 18:00

Auditorium Hermanus

14

NgoMvulo 17 April 2023 ngo 18:00

Kwigumbi leBhunga e-Gansbaai

14

Maandag 17 April 2023 om 18:00

Raadsaal Gansbaai

Ward

Date and Time

Venue

1

Wednesday 12 April 2023 at 18:00

Community Hall Stanford

2

Thursday 13 April 2023 at 18:00

Community Hall Masakhane

3

Tuesday 4 April 2023 at 18:00

4

For any enquiries contact: Hermanus Administration: (Ward 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,12 & 13) @ 028 313 8141/028 313 8047 Gansbaai Aministration: (Ward 1, 2, 11 & 14) @ 028 384 8300 Kleinmond Administration: (Ward 9 & 10) @ 028 271 8400 Municipal Manager Overstrand Municipality PO Box 20, HERMANUS 7200 22 February 2023 Municipal Notice No. 60/2023

147719

Wyk

Isaziso siyanikezelwa ukuba iintlanganiso zeewadi ezikhankanywe ngezantsi ziya kubanjwa ngemihla kunye namaxesha njengoko kubonisiwe. Idrafti yophononongo lwe-IDP ka-2023/2024 kwizinto eziphambili kwiiwadi, ingxoxo iyakugxila/yakuba kuzo. Wadi

Vir enige navrae kontak: Hermanus Administrasie: (Wyk 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,12 & 13) @ 028 313 8141/028 313 8047 Gansbaai Aministrasie: (Wyk 1, 2, 11 & 14) @ 028 384 8300 Kleinmond Administrasie: (Wyk 9 & 10) @ 028 271 8400

Ngayo nayiphi na imibuzo qhakamshelana: Ulawulo lwaseHermanus: (Wadi 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12 & 13) @ 028 313 8141/028 313 8047 Ulawulo lwaseGansbaai: (Wadi 1, 2, 11 & 14) @ 028 384 8300 ULawulo lwaseKleinmond: (Wadi 9 & 10) @ 028 271 8400

Munisipale Bestuurder: Overstrand Munisipaliteit Posbus 20, HERMANUS 7200

UMphathi kaMasipala kuMasipala waseOverstrand PO Box 20, HERMANUS 7200

22 Februarie 2023 Munisipale Kennis No. 60/2023

22 February 2023 Inombolo yesaziso: 60/2023

P

13

THE VILLAGE NEWS

31 March 2023

ROAD IMPRESSION

FLOYD

ON CARS

Renault Koleos 2.5 Dynamique

By John Floyd The Koleos have been around for some years. The first release in SA was in 2008, since then new models and upgrades of the mid-sized SUV have changed both mechanically and very significantly in styling. Never a major contender in the segment, it nevertheless fills a very definite niche for those who enjoy a touch of French flair.

EXTERIOR The images tell the story. Built on the same platform as its sibling the Nissan X-Trail, the upgraded Koleos features new LED headlight clusters, with impressive C-shaped daytime running lights. At the rear, new LED rear lights extend towards the large central Renault logo of the tailgate, two tone alloy wheels carry 225/60 R10 rubber.

INTERIOR The long wheelbase provides an extremely spacious, airy interior with good all round visibility. The dashboard features an 8.7 inch portrait oriented touchscreen displays infotainment data, plus vehicle settings and supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A large digital instrument panel sits ahead of the multi-function steering wheel. Black leather upholstery andsurfaces are trimmed with satin alloy trim, and the fit and finish is extremely good. Rear passenger legroom is excellent and occupants are supplied with their own ventilation outlets and USB ports. Luggage space is a generous 464 litres.

SAFETY ABS, BAS/EBA, electro-mechanical parking brake, hill-start assist / hill holder, traction control, stability control, tyre pressure sensor/monitor / deflation detection system. 6 airbags, (driver and front passenger, front side and curtain.) ISOFIX child seat mountings at outer rear. Koleos achieved a 5-star EuroNCAP crash rating.

DRIVING riving around the Overstrand and Overberg, the Koleos provided a very smooth and comfortable ride, seating was supportive and controls intuitive. With a ground clearance of 210mm you could also traverse most unpaved roads in the area with ease. The steering is well weighted offering good feedback on all surfaces. The drive train with its big 2.5 litre petrol engine and CVT transmission contribute to the ride quality with just one issue. While the cabin NVH is generally very good, push the accelerator pedal to the floor to overtake or tackle an impressive gradient and you will find performance adequate, but not particularly responsive and as engine revs climb, the 2.5 soundtrack becomes somewhat intrusive. Fuel consumption was around 10.1 litres/100 km rather than the 8.1 litre figure claimed. Despite this and the engine noise, the Renault Koleos 2.5 Dynamique is still a very good and competent product, an excellent and very spacious cruiser, but it is in a market segment offering very serious competition.

PHOTOS: John Floyd

SPECIFICATIONS

STANDARD FEATURES

Vehicle Type:

5-door SUV

Engine:

2.5 litre inline 4-cylinder petrol, 126 kW @ 6 000 r/min, 233 Nm @ 4 000 r/min

Transmission:

CVT automatic X-Tronic – FWD

Max Speed:

185 km/h (claimed)

0-100km/h:

9.5 seconds (claimed)

Fuel Consumption Average:

8.1 litres/km (claimed)

Tank Capacity/Range:

60 litres/ 741 km (claimed)

CO2 Emission:

188 g/km

Load Capacity:

464-1 795 litres

Warranty:

5 years/150 000 km

Service/Maintenance Plan:

5 years/90 000 km

List Price:

R584 999

• Climate control / automatic air conditioning • Multi-function steering wheel controls • Lane change / blind spot assist • Controls interface screen • Cruise control • Bluetooth connectivity • Aux in + USB port • Central locking – keyless • Keyless access+start / hands-free key • Child-proof/safety lock • Electric windows • Heated rear screen / rear demister • Rear screen wiper • Rain sensor (auto wipers) • Autodim interior mirror • Electric-adjust mirrors

• Heated exterior mirrors • Electric-fold/retractable mirrors • Leather upholstery • Seats (quantity) – 5 • Lumbar support adjustment – driver • Electric seat adjustment – front • Front armrest/s • Split + folding rear seat • Daytime driving/running lights • Light sensor (auto on-off lights) • LED headlights • Ambient/mood interior lighting • Park distance control – front + rear • Camera for park distance control – rear • Electric tailgate/bootlid + hands free • Roof rails – satin chrome

All data courtesy of Duoporta - Vehicle Information Specialists

14

THE VILLAGE NEWS

31 March 2023

Toyota SA confirms GR Corolla for local market FLOYD

ON CARS Compiled by John Floyd

T

he powerful, stylish and agile hot hatch we have been waiting for is on its way. Toyota South Africa Motors’ (TSAM) GAZOO Racing stable will further expand in the second quarter of 2023 when the GR Corolla hot hatch arrives, bringing the number of GR models in South Africa to four – including the GR Supra, GR Yaris and GR86. "We can safely say Toyota’s philosophy of building fun-to-drive cars is clear to see. With the GR brand’s motorsport DNA, the new GR Corolla promises to deliver on just what driving enthusiasts’ really want – high performance turbocharged power, agile and dynamic handling, and of course the looks to match,” says Glenn Crompton, Vice President of Marketing at TSAM.

Under the bonnet of the GR Corolla, the G16EGTS 1.6 litre three-cylinder turbo-charged engine has been further enhanced to suit the larger hatch, with a 12% increase in power to 221 kW. Mated exclusively to an intelligent six-speed manual transmission, the GR Corolla employs the GR-Four all-wheel-drive system developed through Toyota’s involvement in the World Rally Championship. The GR Corolla is built on Toyota’s GA-C platform with enhanced frame reinforcements developed specifically for the GR Corolla at the Motomachi plant in Japan. The Motomachi facility is the birthplace of legends such as the Lexus LFA and Supra A80 and is now home to the first GR production line, where GR Corolla and GR Yaris are assembled. Pricing, detailed specification and model lineup for the GR Corolla will be confirmed closer to launch timing. TSAM also confirms that this model will be offered in limited quantities and that distribution will only be via GR-focused dealerships.

PHOTOS: MotorPress

Can a rollover be prevented? Compiled by John Floyd A truck rollover can have major consequences: loss of life, injuries, loss or damages to the goods being transported, loss of the truck itself, damages to infrastructure and potential claims and lawsuits as a result of death and injuries. The loss of the vehicle alone can soar into the millions which raises the question: can rollovers be prevented? The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says the answer lies in understanding what causes a rollover. The laws of physics, particularly with liquid bulk transportation, play an important role in determining a positive outcome. “One of these is centrifugal forces which play a major role. This occurs when a moving vehicle changes direction. Thus, when a truck goes around a corner the centrifugal force leans away from the direction of the curve. Think of sliding across the seat, if not wearing a seatbelt, when turning. “As a truck has a higher centre of gravity, it is more vulnerable to the effects of centrifugal forces. When a truck changes direction, brakes violently or makes other forceful movements, it causes even greater movement of centrifugal forces away from the centre.”

With an understanding of the kinesiology behind a rollover, it’s logical to ask - can it be stopped? “In most instances, yes, it is possible to avoid a rollover. The first step is helping drivers understand what causes a rollover and then the changes they need to make to account for this. “It can be as simple as knowing when to adjust speeds to particular conditions, increasing the space around your vehicle to account for the actions of other drivers and various other adjustments that substantially reduce the potential for a rollover.” Common causes of a rollover • Lack of maintenance: tyre blowouts, brake failure and faulty steering all make escaping a rollover near impossible • Speed: something as simple as going 5 km/h too fast around a corner can have disastrous consequences. • Distracted driving: reduces the time drivers have to respond to unanticipated challenges and increases shock reactions to unexpected obstacles. • Cargo loading: incorrectly loaded cargo causes uneven weight distribution, cargo not secured correctly affects the force around corners and overloading all increases rollover potential.

PHOTO: Unsplash @stafra Specialised driver training is how most rollovers can be prevented. “MasterDrive designed a training rig with special outriggers that allow drivers to experience the effect of a rollover while stopping short of a complete rollover. They see how easily it occurs and that when you realise a mistake was made, it is too late to change that. A common response from participants is shock about the ease and speed that it happens. “Conventional training explains the forces at play. MasterDrive training goes a step further

and teaches drivers, among other vital lessons, where the point of no return is and how to avoid it. Other causes of rollovers such as lack of maintenance rest on the operator and a driver should never keep quiet if they see an issue.” The answer to this question is an unequivocal yes, depending on circumstances, rollovers can be prevented. “When one considers the fallout of a rollover, whether it is loss of life or the financial impact, the more important question is why are drivers not being trained to prevent rollovers?” asks Herbert.

31 March 2023

15

THE VILLAGE NEWS

Kia Niro and EV6 GT are top three finalists in World Car Awards FLOYD

ON CARS Compiled by John Floyd

T

wo Kia models have been selected as a top three finalist in two categories for the 2023 World Car Awards. The Kia Niro has earned a position among the top three finalists for the World Car of the Year category, while the Kia EV6 GT has been named as a finalist in the World Performance Car category.

The recognition comes from a jury of 100 distinguished international automotive journalists representing 32 countries, who evaluated a broad range of vehicles from around the world. The Niro, a contender for the prestigious title of the World Car of the Year award, brings a new level of sustainable mobility with its innovative features and user-friendly technology. The Kia Niro’s potential win this year would be another significant accomplishment for the Kia brand in the same category as the Kia Telluride’s victory in 2020.

Kia EV6 GT

The announcement follows the recent announcement on International Women’s Day, that the Kia Niro was named the ‘Supreme Winner’ in the 2023 Women’s World Car of the Year awards, with the 63-panel of women motoring journalists declaring the Niro the world’s best car for 2023. The second-generation Niro has already won several awards, including a Golden Steering Wheel award in the compact SUV category, and first place in the mass market category of the 2022 J.D. Power Electric Vehicle Experience Ownership Study. The Kia EV6 GT, a top three finalist in the World

Performance Car category, boasts impressive acceleration with 567 horsepower on tap, combined with long-range capability, and a spacious interior, all wrapped up in a sleek and sophisticated design. The Kia EV6, upon which the EV6 GT is based, has already made history by receiving two highly esteemed awards: the 2022 European Car of the Year and the 2023 North American Utility vehicle of the Year. The winners of the 2023 World Car Awards will be announced live at an awards ceremony at the 2023 New York International Auto Show on 5 April 2023.

Kia Niro

PHOTOS: MotorPress

The Debt Wise group deals with your debt before it deals with you

I

s debt counseling for me? Debt review is the process by which a debt counsellor negotiates on behalf of a client to restructure their outstanding debt for a reduced installment and interest rate and then implements the plan. The most important aspect of debt review is that clients are legally protected by the National Credit Act (NCA) and that creditors may no longer threaten or harass clients with calls. Debt Wise gives the reader the following example: "We take your house, car, credit card and other debts' monthly premium – for example, a total of R25 000 per month – and with the help of legislation we reduce your premium to R15 000." However, it is much more complicated than that, but that is the conclusion. How does debt review work? The debt counsellor will take over the transactions with your creditors and negotiate a repayment plan with them. When a settlement is reached between the parties, the original credit agreements are amended by a court order pointing out the reduced payments. This process is done by your debt counsellor, and you do not have to appear in court. Once all your debt has been paid off, your credit profile is updated at the credit bureau

and the client receives a certificate, Form 19, proving that his/her debt profile has been fully rehabilitated.

monthly payment process. • One reduced premium for all debts. • Reduced interest rate.

Advantages and disadvantages The benefit of debt review is that your assets and finances are handled by a professionally registered firm. The benefit that debt counselling offers you in terms of the interest rate reduction has a huge impact on the total capital loan total. Although your term is extended, the interest rate for your convenience has been reduced. The downside is that you cannot qualify for new credit while under the debt review programme, and the only way to end the review is to settle all outstanding debts or launch an exit application by submitting new financials to court, with costs to be declared no longer over-indebted. We offer you in-house advice and provide full service. Whether you want to go into counselling or get out, you will always receive the most professional service in full and stay up to date with all legal aspects at your disposal.

How to get started Start with a free assessment by Debt Wise Group, in which you will receive an assessment pointing out your current situation and the way forward. No upfront fees and no prepayments are required. Apply online at www.debtwisegroup.co. za or contact WhatsApp 064 507 4714 or [email protected].

Advantages: • Debt free in more or less five years (your repayment amount determines your period under debt review). • Assets are protected from repossession as long as you adhere to the

Who is Debt Wise Group Pty Ltd? Debt Wise Group is registered with the National Credit Regulator with registered practice no. NCRDC652. The firm has been recognised as a leading expert in the industry by being among the Top 5 debt counsellors of the country in the category of medium debt counsellors. With friendly and qualified debt counsellors, we offer professional and practical solutions for your unique financial situation. Debt Wise Group has successfully resolved the debts of 225 clients through the review process 2019–2020. Call 087 354 1277 today to prevent future loss of income by applying for a free assessment analysis from the Debt Wise Group. www.debtwisegroup.co.za An Registered Debt Counselling Practice (NCRDC652)

ADVERTORIAL

Leana van Wyk, Director of Debt Wise Group

Thank You!

EberVet Vetshops are so very grateful to our many customers who bought PAWS in our shops to fund our pitbull sterilisation project. Thanks to you we have been able to sterilise dozens of pitbulls in an informal settlement, thus helping to stop breeding for fighting. Together we CAN make a difference

Find us in Hermanus, Onrus, Bredasdorp & Caledon www.ebervet.com

31 March 2023

17 11

THE VILLAGE NEWS

Go ahead – make my day By Murray Stewart www.murraystewart.co.za

A

s the word implies, a duel is between two people who want to prove a point or defend a reputation by taking things further than a heated chat. Time for talking is over. Shut up and put up! If I can’t convince you, I’ll have to kill you – or at least seriously maim you. Charming. The earliest recorded duels go back to caveman days and since then the concept has caught on bigly. The first was Fred Flintstone. He challenged his neighbour to a public clubbing for lewdly inviting Mrs Flintstone around once too often for a game of tennis, when he didn’t even have a court. But the notion of settling a dispute by beating the snot out of someone, or ideally killing them, is not the preserve of blood-thirsty men only – but more about that later. When opponents get set to duel, the tools of the trade can vary from knuckles or knopkieries to bullets or blades. Even banjos. In movies, multiple weapons may pop up, but in a real life-or-death duel, there’s usually only one weapon used, and agreed to by both. You can hear the haunting whistle and Flamenco guitar in your mind’s ear as you visualise Clint Eastwood standing bow-legged in the middle of a deserted town. A stray tumbleweed scurries across the dusty street in panic. At the far end, either the Bad or the Ugly advances slowly towards him with clawed hands twitching over his holstered six-shooters as the music dangles you in suspense. Then, in the blink of an eye all hell breaks loose and a body hits the dirt. When the smoke and dust clear, we see Clint is still standing unscathed. Hardly surprising – he’s the lead actor. But successful duels between two

Ultimate INSULTS

cowboys wielding revolvers are the fantasy of film directors anyway. Gunfights were plenty, but usually involved multiple shooters on both sides with a lot of ducking and diving going on, so one-on-one duels were extremely rare. In real life though, a high-profile celebrity duel would seem an unlikely theme for a hit Broadway musical and movie, but the block-buster Hamilton is just that, and from 2015, is still running strong. It highlights the duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr in 1904 in New Jersey. Hamilton was a Caribbean immigrant who became a Founding Father and right-hand man to George Washington, as well as the Secretary of the Treasury – so he was quite a big cheese. Burr was perhaps an even bigger cheese. He was, after all, the ex-vice-president. The two had differing political leanings, and constantly endorsed opposing candidates which spawned a toxic rivalry between them for decades. The final straw in the coffin was when Hamilton made some rather disparaging remarks at a fancy dinner function which got Burr’s broeks in a bunch. He immediately challenged Hamilton to a duel which was gladly accepted. So, at dawn the next morning and presented with matching pistols, these two high-profile politicians dramatically faced off against each other once and for all. Well, the up-shot of the debacle was just that. Hamilton shot up too high, hitting the branch

I married beneath me. All women do. - Nancy Astor

above Burr’s head. In return he received a ball of lead in the guts and snuffed it, making him the highest office-bearer in American history to be assassinated in public – legally. That duel, like other formalised duels from the Middle Ages onwards, were potentially brutal affairs, so certain rules had to be followed if you wanted to kill someone. The weapons

PHOTO: Pinterest

used would be chosen by the challenged, and the challenger chose the location. The distance between duellers must be agreed to – sometimes it was just a line in the sand, sometimes from twenty paces. Authorised medics/lawyers/seconds and the constabulary must be present. No coaching from bystanders was allowed, and no bagpipes. Both parties must use similar weapons, like swords, pistols, cutlasses or rapiers etc. Hence the saying: Don’t take a knife to a gunfight. However, many ‘informal’ duels took place on the QT without any of the above regulations. When we think of a regular duel, we imagine two guys prancing back and forth in black pantaloons and white puffy blouses – slashing and parrying with the sword hand, while the other flaps around, as if summoning

A good politician is quite as unthinkable as an honest burglar. - H L Mencken

an invisible waiter. In many cases the fight was stopped if blood was drawn and the winner was declared before he had the pleasure of actually killing his opponent. However, being sliced open often led to a later death anyway, due to bacteria from the sliced-through, grubby garment turning the wounds septic. This is one reason why the duel in Lichtenstein between Countess Anastasia Kielmannsegg and Princess Pauline von Metternich in 1892 was highly unusual, as we’ll see. These ladies were among the Austrian aristocrats, and were invited to help organise the annual Vienna Music and Theatre Exposition, an elite event in the social calendar. Rivalry, jealousy and animosity were all these ladies had in common, and they’d despised each other passionately for years. The bubble finally burst when the squabbling over the flower arrangement for the main table escalated into a shouting competition which culminated in a challenge – to a duel. Rapiers were used, and all attendees were females – the doctor/constable/seconds/referee and nurses. This was to preserve the ladies’ dignity. On the advice of their doctors – who had treated septic wounds due to infection from slashed garments – the ladies complied with their suggestion, but to avoid upsetting any reader’s sensitivities, it’s best not to mention that they fought topless, so I won’t. After three rounds, and with no serious injuries, it was declared a draw, and as in a Mills & Boon ending, they kissed and made up, and agreed to arrange the main table’s bouquet together. However, due to their prominent positions in European royal circles, this makes it unique in the history of duels – male or female.

If a satirist can’t annoy at least somebody, there’s little point in writing. - Sir Kingsley Amis (CBE)

WEATHER PROUDLY SPONSORED BY TALISMAN HIRE HERMANUS

FRIDAY 31 MARCH 14°/22° TIDES HIGH 00:17 HIGH 12:32

LOW 06:40 LOW 18:52

SATURDAY 1 APRIL 15°/27° TIDES HIGH 01:03 HIGH 13:13

LOW 07:20 LOW 19:26

SUNDAY 2 APRIL 17°/24° TIDES HIGH 01:33 HIGH 13:44

LOW 07:49 LOW 19:53

MONDAY 3 APRIL 17°/21° TIDES HIGH 02:01 HIGH 14:13

LOW 08:16 LOW 20:20

TUESDAY 4 APRIL 16°/22° TIDES HIGH 02:27 HIGH 14:41

LOW 08:42 LOW 20:45

WEDNESDAY 5 APRIL 15°/29° TIDES HIGH 02:53 HIGH 15:09

LOW 09:08 LOW 21:12

THURSDAY 6 APRIL 17°/32° TIDES HIGH 03:20 HIGH 15:38

LOW 09:35 LOW 21:39

18 12

THE VILLAGE NEWS

31 March 2023

MY ENVIRONMENT

Earwig: Friend or foe? By Dr Anina Lee

E

arwigs have a downright creepy reputation. Their common name comes from a belief that they crawl into your ears at night when you are asleep and from there bore into your brain to lay their eggs. But fear not. Nothing can be further from the truth. Earwigs are perhaps one of the most misunderstood creatures in the animal kingdom. These tiny insects, with their distinctive large pincers on the end of their abdomens, are often unfairly maligned as being dangerous or even downright evil. Earwigs have characteristic cerci – the aforementioned forcep-like pincers on the abdomen. In the male the cerci are curved and pincer-like, while in the female they are straight. Earwigs also have membranous wings folded underneath short, rarely used forewings, hence the scientific order name Dermoptera, which comes from Greek and means ‘skin wings’. The forewings are short oblong, leathery plates used to cover the hindwings like the elytra of a beetle. Even though most earwigs have wings and are capable of flight, they rarely fly. The common term, earwig, is derived from the Old English ēare, which means ‘ear’, and wicga, which means ‘insect’. Entomologists suggest that the origin of the name may well be a reference to the appearance of the hindwings, which are unique and distinctive among insects, and resemble a human ear when unfolded. This sensible and plausible etymology is probably more hopeful than accurate, and the name is more

probably related to the old wives' tale that earwigs burrow into the brains of humans through the ear and lay their eggs there. While it's true that earwigs are nocturnal and will sometimes seek out dark, damp places to hide during the day, the idea that they have a particular affinity for human ears is simply untrue. However, there have been anecdotal reports of earwigs being found in the ear. So all in all, these little critters are harmless to humans, and don’t need horror stories to be quite fascinating in their own way. What is the function of those prominent pincers or cerci? Earwig courtship is reported to be a rather involved affair and includes use of the pincers by the males to compete over females and possibly also to hold the female during mating. Furthermore, male earwigs are reported to have super-sized genitalia, called virga. In some species, the rod-like virga is as long as the male’s body length, and twice as long as the females. It’s difficult to imagine the reason – or to picture it. Earwigs are very unusual amongst insects in that they provide some parental care of their young. Earwig nests are a short tunnel in the soil, usually next to a rock or other object. The female earwig lays her eggs and then spends all her time with them to prevent mould from killing them. She eats any mould that may form off her eggs to keep them clean and covers them with an anti-fungal substance. Once the eggs hatch, the earwig nymphs go through five moults before they become adults. They feed on food regurgitated by the mother. Female earwigs may watch over their offspring until their second moult. However, the young don’t always reciprocate this care. In one species of earwigs, the young get ready to leave the nest by turning mom into dinner. This practice of eating one’s mother (found in other insects as well) is called matriphagy. From an insect’s point of view, this

ABOVE: A female earwig tending her offspring. In one species of earwigs, the young get ready to leave the nest by eating the mother, a practice called matriphagy which is found in other insects as well. PHOTO: Wikemedia Commons. BELOW: A male earwig with its prominent pincers. PHOTO: Flickr.

strategy makes sense. The mother is a ready source of calories, and, even better, the young earwigs don’t have to leave the safety of the nest to dine. Earwigs live outdoors and hide during the day in damp areas such as under mulch, dead leaves, logs, or in rotted wood. They are active at night and wander around in search of food and moisture. They feed on a wide variety of materials including decaying organic matter, other insects and plants. Earwigs themselves are regularly preyed upon by birds, and like many other insect species they are also prey for insectivorous mammals, amphibians, lizards, centipedes,

assassin bugs, and spiders. Their primary insect predators are parasitic species of tachinid flies. There’s lots to admire about earwigs, but still, there's something undeniably creepy about these little insects, with their twitchy antennae and sharp-looking pincers. But despite their fearsome appearance, earwigs are actually some of the most beneficial insects you can have in your garden. They are natural predators of other garden pests, particularly aphids and mites. So, if you see an earwig crawling around your plants, don't panic – it's probably doing more good than harm. And it certainly won’t lay any eggs in your brain!