Franschhoek Tatler - June 2026

The Stor m of ‘26

Local weather watchers are used to seeing the predicted amount of precipitation decline the closer the day comes. On 10 & 11 May that didn’t happen. In fact, by the time the storm had passed more than 300mm had been recorded in the village. (Near the mountains, at Three Streams, more than 500mm was recorded.) What made matters worse is that the rain was accompanied by gale-force winds.

Dozens of trees were uprooted and most of those that remained standing lost limbs, blocking roads, ditches and culverts and worsening the chaos caused by the flooding. Whenever conditions improved a bit – and for days afterwards, chainsaws could be heard across the valley as residents and emergency responders worked to clear roads and access to properties. WhatsApp groups buzzed with requests for pumps to clear flooded properties.

In the village, most of the damage was once again centred around the La Cotte Stream. From Akademie Street it was clear that the stream once again left its channel and reverted back to its original course, flattening any obstruction in its way. On the positive side, the road surface of Akademie St – which had only relatively recently been finally repaired after the 2025 floods – didn’t seem to suffer any damage, nor did the new culverts under Akademie and Dirkie Uys Streets that were constructed at the same time.

become experts at flood recuperation. Across the road at The Last Word Franschhoek Guest House –which suffered extensive damage during the 2023 and 2025 floods – the picture was also relatively positive. The flood defences they constructed after the 2025 flood worked and prevented flooding. Business however suffered as they relocated guests as a precautionary measure and had some cancellations in the week after the storm.

A long-term resident, who declined to be named, observed that the engineers and hydrologists appointed by Stellenbosch Municipality after the 2023 and 2025 floods to investigate remediation measures may wish to reconsider their approach of mostly focusing on the current stream channel rather than the original river course. “I think several properties are going to be uninsurable henceforth,” he added.

A little further downstream, where the channel and original river course meet at Terbodore Café, the main road was flooded and closed to traffic, which was diverted via Kruger and Cabrière Streets. Downstream from the main road the river fortunately stayed within its channel and the culvert at Cabrière Street also survived intact.

Terbodore Café, which was once again flooded, managed to reopen within a day - seemingly having

In Groendal, the Stiebeuel River also burst its banks again, bringing with it tonnes of boulders and household refuse that was dumped in the river by residents of the informal settlement on the slopes of DuToitskop For days afterward, a broad swathe of litter and debris could be seen on the R45 where the culvert was unable to handle the volume of material hurtled at it A number of structures in Groendal and Langrug also suffered damage either from having their roofs blown off or through uprooted trees and fallen branches falling on them.

The indoor spor t centre sustained heavy damage; loosing pa rt of its roof to the gales.

With the roof gone there was nothing to stop the driving rain from causing fur ther havoc in the building.

Continuedonp2...

Music & Art School Opened

On 29 April 2026, the Tomorrowland Foundation officially opened its Music & Arts School in the Langrug community, marking its first such initiative on the African continent. The project is the result of a collaboration with the Langrug Community Centre (LCC) and creates a dedicated space where children and young people can learn, create and express themselves through music, dance and the arts. It builds on similar schools established by the Foundation in Nepal, India and Brazil, and reinforces its commitment to empowering vulnerable youth through creative education.

Langrug is home to thousands of residents facing challenges such as poverty, unemployment and limited access to basic services. Despite this, the community is characterised by resilience, creativity and untapped potential. The Langrug Community Centre has been at the heart of this progress. What began in 2012 as a simple soup kitchen has grown into a multifaceted, communitydriven hub offering food support, education, skills development and employment-focused initiatives. While the centre serves the broader community, it places a strong emphasis on supporting children and young people, equipping them with opportunities to build better futures.

The new Music & Arts School represents a significant step forward for the LCC. Built in the centre of the community, the facility spans more than 400 square metres across two floors, with an additional open terrace. Constructed using modular units, it includes fully equipped spaces for music, dance, visual arts, reading and other creative activities. The school will host a structured after-school programme for children aged 6 to 16, providing a safe and inspiring environment where creativity can flourish, confidence can grow and talent can be nurtured.

Looking ahead, the LCC plans to expand

the programme to accommodate up to 600 children and young people daily. Teaching will be supported by a team of educators, artists and facilitators, with a strong focus on involving and training individuals from within the Langrug community itself. This approach not only creates opportunities for learners but also fosters a sense of local ownership and sustainability.

Until now, the centre’s primary focus has been on early childhood development for children aged 1 to 5, alongside youth choir and dance initiatives. The addition of the Music & Arts School allows the organisation to extend its support across a broader age range, creating a continuous

developmental pathway for young people as they grow. This reflects a long-term vision to nurture confident, creative and resilient individuals through all stages of childhood and adolescence.

The success of the project is underpinned by a dedicated team. Founder and Coordinator Janet Johnson leads the centre’s initiatives, partnerships and fundraising efforts, ensuring strong community alignment. Nasiphi Notoza manages administration and daily operations, while Bhura Balangile oversees the feeding scheme that supports vulnerable residents. International supporters Kathleen Aerts and Steven van Hoof

The Storm of ‘26

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The storm winds and floods also severed electricity and communications networks. Franschhoek village was without power for three days, while some farms were without power for five days. Flood response efforts were also significantly hampered by cellphone networks being down for several days, leaving the farmers’ association’s 2-way radio system as the only reliable means of communication.

Several roads suffered major damage; mostly as a result of culverts that were either blocked or insufficient to handle the amount of water coming at them. Robertsvlei Rd, Green Valley Rd, Elandskloof Rd and the northern-most section of Dirkie Uys St were the worst affected.

Reports about the state of the Franschhoek Pass reveal that much of the not-yetcompleted repair work after the 2025 floods has been undone and, more seriously, that the bridge over the DuToitsriver suffered structural damage, thus forcing the indefinite and complete closure of the pass.

As with previous disasters, the valley once again pulled together to deal with the storm’s aftereffects. Whether it was teams from Stellenbosch Municipality - who in one observer’s words “Reassembled the village in

Franschhoek Interest Group calls out draft dam access regulations

The Franschhoek Interest Group (FIG) has objected to draft regulations published by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) that will significantly restrict public access to dams across South Africa — including the Berg River Dam.

In a detailed submission dated 16 April 2026, FIG argued that the draft regulations, go far beyond managing dams for recreational use to create an “unchecked system of control” over public land, access, and economic activity and fundamentally change dams from public amenities to tightly controlled zones where access is conditional on approval. No one would be allowed to enter a dam area without permission from a “Competent Authority” — which may well be a private lessee.

FIG argues that this would effectively privatise control over public resources. In the case of the Berg River Dam, this has already happened. Access is subject to payment. Established events require approval from a private lessee, and it is

effectively operated as a commercial facility.

FIG’s objections raise important constitutional issues. It argues that the regulations: exceed the powers granted under the National Water Act; infringe rights including freedom of trade, property rights, privacy, and access to food; give private companies coercive powers such as searches and access control; create criminal offences based on unclear or changeable rules.

All current and future commercial activities — including tourism and organised recreation — will require a formal lease with DWS within six months. This could force small operators out of business

also play key roles in raising awareness, securing resources and safeguarding the centre’s future. Together, these efforts have created not just a school, but a space of possibility—where young people are encouraged to dream beyond their circumstances and realise their potential through the transformative power of the arts.

Text: Editorial Desk

Image: Tomorrowland Foundation

two days,” farmers, community and service organisations and volunteers they did it all: Cleared roads and waterways, cleaned up flooded premises and provided food and shelter to the needy.

Despite the devastation and hardship, it was a good time to be a Franschhoek resident.

Text: Editorial Desk

Images: Terbedore

and concentrate control in a few large entities.

FIG argues that the regulations as drafted will mirror and legitimise the procedural flaws in the grant of the Berg River Dam lease. These include: the leasing of state land to a private operator without public participation; restricted access to what was previously open public space; requirements that event organisers obtain approval linked to the lessee; uncertainty over the legal status of the land itself, described as unregistered state land. These regulations will entrench this model nationwide across more than 300 dams.

FIG is particularly critical of the inadequate public consultation and the absence of a socioeconomic impact assessment. It highlights some of the potential economic and social consequences locally and nationally such as: disrupting local tourism economies;

undermining small and informal businesses; restricting subsistence and recreational fishing; disregarding cultural and customary rights of indigenous and local communities.

FIG calls for the complete withdrawal of the draft regulations and a restart of the process with proper public participation and impact analysis. Given the potential implications for public access to natural resources there have been numerous other objections by concerned citizens and organisations nationwide. DWS must review them before deciding whether to withdraw, revise or promulgate the regulations.

For Franschhoek, the outcome may determine whether the Berg River Dam can again become and remain a shared public asset or be a privately owned commercial asset after the current lease has been set aside.

Text: Barry Phillips

Waar het jy grootgeword en vertel ons meer van jou familie?

Ek is gebore in Stellenbosch, maar het grootgeword op ons familie-plaas La Combé/ Bordeaux in die Bo-Hoek van Franschhoek. Ek is derde generasie Hendrik François Conradie (beter bekend as Franna), seun van François (Boelie) Conradie. Ek het twee jonger broers Stefan en Paul. My oupa het destyds die grond gekoop. My oom, wyle Dough Conradie, het op Bordeaux geboer. Waar het jy skoolgegaan en wat het jy studeer?

Ek was in Graad Een by Somerset House en toe na Bridge House tot in Graad Sewe. My hoërskooljare was ek by Paarl Gym waar ek gematrikuleer het. Ek het studeer op Elsenburg in pomologie en wingerdkunde

Jy is bekend vir jou liefde en toewyding van jou organiese varkboerdery wat gesog is onder top plaaslike restaurante in Franschhoek wat net jou varkvleis bedien.

Ja, ek was van kleintyd lief vir diere. Ons het baie gekuier op my ma se familieplaas in die Karoo waar ek baie met diere te doen gekry het. Die varkboerdery is eintlik ‘n stokperdjie. Ek het van kleins af ‘n voorliefde vir varke gehad, en as laerskoolseun vir my pa gevra om vir my twee speenvarkies as ‘n verjaarsdaggeskenk te gee.

Vandaar af het ek begin om die varke groot te maak, te slag en in die dorp te verkoop. Ek het later die groter Landras varke aangeskaf en die besigheid het oor die jare net gegroei. Ek verkies om net aan ons dorp se restaurante te verskaf. Deesdae geniet ek ook om byprodukte soos vark-kaaswors cabanossi en salami-wiele te maak, wat in groot aanvraag is. Ons beoog om ‘n klein slaghuis op die plaas oop te maak in die nabye toekoms.

Jy gee baie aandag aan die varke. Word hulle spesiale produkte gevoer?

Ek kyk baie goed na my varke, op warm dae kan hul swem in die plaasdamme en ek maak seker dat hul goed beskut is in tye van storms en koue. Ek kyk daagliks na hulle toestand en voer hul die uitval van die steenvrugte, spesifiek pruimedante en perkes, asook akkers, mielies, lusern en hawermout. Ek voer hulle ook neut-ekstrak wat ‘n mengsel van neutmelk is, daarmee saam vars groente en slaai, en ‘n bron van vars skoon bergwater om te drink.

Jy is jou lewe lank al in die dorp, lief vir die plaaslewe en ‘n paar jaar getroud?

Ja ek sien myself nêrens anders as hier in Franschhoek nie. Ek is getroud met Romay, oorspronklik van Namibië. Sy was ook op Paarl Gym en in die kosbuis. Ons deel ‘n liefde vir diere en die natuur. Alhoewel sy ‘n gekwalifiseerde grimeerkunstenares is, is sy ook baie besorg oor diere en het ‘n verstote kalfie tydens Covid gered en alleen grootgemaak, wat vandag ‘n sewehonderd kilogram koei is wat reeds ‘n paar kalfies gegee het.

Wat maak jou trots op Franschhoek, gegewe al die veranderinge wat al plaasgevind het?

Ons bly in die mooiste deel van Suid-Afrika en ek is trots om te sien dat daar soveel groei plaasgevind het, in terme van mense wat nie net in die wingerde hoef te werk nie, maar nou soveel meer werksgeleenthede en opleiding kry om in die gasvryheidsbedryf soos hotelle en restaurante te kan werk.

As jy nie besig is met die uitvoermaatskappye, jou varkboerdery of te soek vir sampioene nie, wat geniet jy nog om te doen?

Ek speel graag golf, hou daarvan om gereeld te stap en ’n jaarlikse doelwit te stel om ‘n lang staproete te stap - soos die Visrivier wat ek onlangs gestap het. Andersins is ek ‘n sosiale ou wat daarvan hou om saam met vriende te braai.

hearing and auditory processing solutions (hearing) assessments, the supply and repair of all types of mainstream hearing aids, auditory processing assessment and therapy, and tinnitus management.

Offering all regular audiological

BEEN

An Open Letter to Avocados

Dear Avocados, I have defended you for years—your price tag, your temperament, and your wildly unpredictable ripening schedule. But we’ve reached a point where we need to have an honest chat.

To be perfectly blunt: you’re exhausting. No other ingredient in my kitchen demands this much emotional energy. Bananas are predictable. Apples sit tight for weeks. Citrus comes in its own sturdy packaging. But you?

You arrive on my counter full of promise. Glossy, firm, and brimming with potential. But for the first few days, you might as well be decorative rocks. You sit in the fruit bowl while I check on you obsessively, morning and night.

And then, inevitably—usually when there isn’t a

single slice of good sourdough left in my house— you decide to hit absolute, buttery perfection. It’s a window of opportunity that lasts for approximately eleven minutes before you begin your rapid descent into decay.

Then there is the deception of your outer appearance. There is zero correlation between a flawless skin and the potential horrors waiting inside. Cutting into you is less like preparing a meal and more like high-stakes gambling. Will it be a vibrant, creamy dream or an alarming brown patch?

Buying you doesn’t even feel like grocery shopping anymore; it feels like speculative investing. We hand over a small fortune just for the privilege of seeing whether nature decides to be kind to us today.

And yet, despite the heartbreak, I keep coming

back. Because when an avocado is good, it’s really good. Nothing else quite compares.

So thank you, avocados. For keeping me humble, entirely alert, and permanently anxious in the veggie aisle.

Warm regards,

Your ever-hopeful cook

Despite all their unpredictability my love for avos is unwavering. They’re a true nutritional powerhouse, packed with heart-healthy fats, fibre and essential vitamins that make you feel genuinely good from the inside out. Beyond their health benefits, it’s their sheer versatility in the kitchen that makes them indispensable. They’re the ultimate culinary chameleon – beautifully smashed onto morning toast, tossed through salad, blended into a silky dressing, or even

whizzed into a healthy chocolate mousse.

To put them to good use, here’s a delicious recipe for garlicky grilled mushrooms with the ultimate guacamole, from my book All Sorts of One Dish Wonders.

Garlicky Grilled Mushrooms with Guacamole

Ingredients - Mushrooms

4 – 6 large mushrooms, stalks removed

3 tsp butter

2 tsp minced garlic

Salt and pepper to taste

2 Tbsp roasted slivered almonds

Fresh parsley or other herbs for garnishing

Ingredients - Guacamole

3 avocados

2 Tbsp pomegranate arils

2 Tbsp finely chopped onion

2 Tbsp lemon juice

Method

Place the mushrooms on a greased baking sheet, add approximately half a teaspoon of the butter along with a quarter teaspoon of garlic in th centre of each mushroom and season with salt and pepper. Place under the grill for 3 – 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

To prepare the guacamole, mash the avocados in a bowl. Add the pomegranates, onion and lemon juice and stir together. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Fill the cavities of each mushroom with the guacamole, scatter over the almonds and garnish with a touch of parsley.

A Sensory Experience on the Horizon

Inspired by its current art exhibition, entitled Van Horison tot Horison, La Motte presents a sensory experience of note - an exclusive evening showcasing the beauty of art in all its facets.

Guests are invited to visit the La Motte Ateljee to enjoy the latest exhibition that explores the South African landscape by placing contemporary artists in dialogue with historical precedents. The show celebrates the influence of place and legacy, blending tradition with reinterpretation.

The landscape conversation continues with a horizontal tasting In the Art of Chardonnay presented by Cellarmaster Edmund Terblanche. He will compare Chardonnay wines from estates visible on the horizon from a view point in the mountains on La Motte.

The culmination of all this artistry takes place in L’Ami Family Brasserie with a beautiful 5-course dinner, inspired by the landscape, the works of art in the La Motte Ateljee and of course La Motte wines with a special selection from the estate’s Reserve Collection and Rupert Vinoteque on the estate.

Event Details

Date & Time: Friday, 5 June

Programme: 17:30 Welcome in the La Motte Ateljee with an

introduction and guided walkabout of the Van Horison tot Horison exhibition, presented by Curator, Nina Kruger.

18:30 Horizontal Chardonnay Tasting in the La Motte Tasting room presented by Cellarmaster Edmund Terblanche.

19:30 5-Course Dinner with Wine Pairings presented by Chef Stephan Moolman in L’Ami Family Brasserie.

Price: R1350 per person, all inclusive. Book now at la-motte.com

What Makes This Entry Merc Feel Like a Maybach

Slick Mercedes C200 benefits a huge Western advantage

It’s been a while since we last tested a MercedesBenz, but even if it’s a pretty standard base model, this slick, smart C200 AMG Line more than adequately demonstrated the difference between the real thing and the pretenders. See we’ve been inundated with new world cars out of China and India, among others of late. So we have kinda become used to their standard.

Not that there’s very much wrong with that, but the way the world is singing their praises, you’d swear that those cars have the market by the balls. In price, perhaps. But it only took this bottom end Mercedes to shatter any crazy preconceptions that seem to have smoked and mirrored their way into the modern South African car market.

Clearly a chip off the old S-Class block, this C200 gives entry Benz buyers more than their fair share to ponder. With sharp E looks, S tech, comfort and style it backs it up impressive mild-hybrid efficiency and performance.

Clearly a chip off the S-Class block

Minimalist design makes no mistake that this is a Benz face. The sharp, if a touch Korean tail and bold shoulder bring a subtly aggressive tone to the adequate 4,751 mm long, 1,820 mm wide sled

riding on a 25 mm longer 2,865 mm wheelbase. The stretch over the previous car benefits rear passenger room most.

You should however first step aboard, if you want to discover why C200 makes a mockery of any Oriental wannabe trying to pose as something similar. Plush materials cobbled together in a business class finish deliver a truly premium class cabin. Splendid finishes, fine leather and real stitching around seemingly floating screens take C’s Mercedes style next level.

The large high-resolution LCD infotainment screen hovers off the clean carbon wing style dash. It splits opinion. Some enjoy big screen. Others question if it’s all necessary. More senior drivers may even be overawed. The screen sits low in the car and the system logic can baffle even the most computer literate of drivers. But of most concern, these horrid touch things that replace them here, just cannot do what buttons do.

Step aboard to relish greatest C200 gains

One can also control it by ‘Hey Mercedes’ MBUX voice, via the touchscreen, or use the left stalk of the steering wheel. It’s disappointing touch sensitive surfaces are just as big a step backward versus the brilliant old buttons we once so raved about. All that said, most of the even more faux Chinese ‘rival’ cabin systems are beyond baffling. Discreet, Sporty and Classic display styles and three Navigation, Assistance and Service modes help make the C-Class your own. Driver and passenger space is good front and rear. Four adults can travel at ease. A fifth man in the middle will survive a shorter drive. The adequate 455 litre boot is practical enough for most needs.

Speaking of spec, there remain a few aspects common to too many far more base-model (read Chinese) cars that are conspicuous by their absence in this million buck sled. Manual fore and aft adjustment on the otherwise power front seats, for instance. And then there’s access, being a sedan its more challenging that say getting in or out of a SUV.

150 kW turbo defies 1500 capacity

C200’s 150 kW 350 Nm turbopetrol burbles to life courtesy of its 15 kW 200 Nm mild hybrid electric

motor mounted in the nose of its 9G-Tronic ‘box that turns the rear axle. The sophisticated transmission swaps cogs invisibly as you drive. Never mind, the power unit defies its fifteen-hundred capacity. Snick it to drive, pull away and you’re rewarded with a splendid smooth drive. Torquey and effortless, quiet and composed even under hard acceleration, it is magic carpet like. Our test beat Merc’s 7.3 to 100 km/h claims by half a second and we readily drove within the promised 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres.

Five Comfort, Eco, Sport, Sport+ and Individual modes bring more choice. We fiddled a bit, but preferred softer Comfort for everyday driving. It’s a tad taut and a bit noisy on these low profile tyres, but that’s a trade-off for the ego. But it’s an awesome car to just cruise in.

C200 stars on quietness, comfort

Sport and Sport+ modes sharpen steering and throttle response and bring firmer suspension settings to noticeably improve dynamic performance. Not that it will trouble a 3 Series. The brakes lack a little feel and seem when you first tramp on them. That made us pump them for confidence. The steering could also be more communicative.

That said, the C200 stars on quietness and comfort and it’s still more than amply agile and fun to drive. A continuously adjustably damping sport suspension is an option if a more flamboyant driving is that important to you. Benz’ latest Driving Assistance Package can become a little overbearing, but you can override the lot easily enough.

FATHER’S DAY PROGRAMME

As is tradition, Father’s Day at FMM offers fun and entertainment for the whole family and the programme for this year follows the custom. Sunday 21 June is the date and the vehicles on view in the four display halls will have ‘bonnets up’.

Hall A features vintage and veteran vehicles

A SAD CHAMPION

Studebaker is one those American car companies that tried hard to stay independent but, through circumstances often beyond their control, fell by the wayside in an attempt to stay with the Big Three – Chrysler, Ford and General Motors. With origins dating back to 1852, Studebaker had a proud history and was not short on innovation but simply could not sustain itself. For the most part, however, the company operated under financial difficulties and weak sales in 1938 looked ominous. To turn matters around, the following year the first-generation Champion was launched and hopes rested on its success. The Champion was a success thanks to its low price, robust engine and good looks. Powered by a compact side-valve, four-bearing straight-six engine, it also proved to be economical. After the war Studebaker built a limited number

including carriages, motor-tricycles, cars and bikes, including the oldest car in the collection, a 1903 Ford Model A. Hall B shows machines celebrating an anniversary in 2026 while Hall C is devoted to British vehicles starting with a 1926 Austin 7 Chummy Tourer to a 2021 Ineos Grenadier. And in Hall D, visitors will see a

of Champions based on the first-generation body shell while the next-generation model was readied for production in 1947. The thirdgeneration Champion was one of America’s first post-war models and body-wise was all-new. Again, it was a success and accounted for 65% of the total sales for the automaker in 1947.

But after years of financial problems, in 1954 the company merged with luxury carmaker Packard to form the Studebaker-Packard Corporation and hopes for the company’s future were revived. In 1955 the Champion’s engine was enlarged to 3 028 cc and in 1956 the cars were facelifted with different front and rear bodywork, the front fenders boasting eyebrows over the headlights and rear fenders now sporting fins. FMM’s example is a four-door sedan that was first purchased in 1956 and is in an original, well worn condition. This car has a three-speed manual transmission with optional overdrive.

variety of cars representing power and speed along with some rarities, including a unique Chevrolet Brute pick-up.

Throughout the day other vehicles – cars and motorcycles – from the museum’s world-class collection will be driven around the quadrangle. And to help make visitors’ attendance memorable, a vintage car will be available for visitors to climb in and take photos of themselves. And as is the norm, FMM’s Merryweather fire engine will be running throughout the day offering passengers a ride around the L’Ormarins Estate with its ‘deedah, dee-dah’ warning on full song.

Other attractions are currently being finalised. FMM’s Deli will be in full swing along with other food and beverage stands, and wine sales will also be available.

There will be two time slots for the event: 10h00-12h00 and 13h00-15h00, with a maximum of 500 attendees per slot. Booking is essential –no walk-ins. Logon to www.fmm.co.za or phone 021 874 9000 or e-mail fmm@fmm.co.za.

Sadly, Studebaker’s financial problems were worse than the Packard executives thought and once again the company’s fortunes started to nosedive. Despite a last-ditch effort to rejuvenate the company the South Bend plant ceased production on 20 December 1963. Studebaker deserved to be around longer than it did but, sadly, it simply could not survive in the shadow of the Big Three. FMM’s Champion is on display in Hall B.

right here in East London, this ‘Baby S’ Mercedes-Benz C200 punches well beyond its pay grade to deliver a massive South African success

Images & data: Giordano Lupini *Catch all Michele & Giordano Lupini’s motoring adventuresonhttps://theauto.page

JUNE NEWS

VISITING FMM

is

and any other information as well as signing on for a free monthly newsletter, logon to www.fmm.co.za or phone 021 874 9000 or e-mail fmm@fmm.co.za

It is hard to believe that this article only brings us to the first month of winter. The Western Cape, and large parts of the rest of country, are currently trying to get to grips with the devastation left by a series of severe flooding events. We saw some rare and extreme combinations of weather phenomena, with many areas reporting record rainfalls. In many areas, no one alive has seen flooding to such an extent. Farmers and rural communities were hit hard, with many towns still cut off by washed out roads and broken bridges. Unfortunately, at least 11 people did not survive the storms, with a number still missing. Let us pray for comfort for those that experienced loss, and a rapid rebuild towards prosperity.

Franschhoek and Paarl were spared the brunt of the storms, but the extensive fires of the past summer exacerbated the impact of the rain, and we once again saw significant damage to infrastructure, with one of only 2 access roads to the town closed for an indefinite period. The quest for water has been funding decades of alien vegetation clearing in our mountains, based on the increase in run-off into our dams. Unfortunately, this same strategy has now led to the repeated loss of infrastructure. Our mountains are sponges, supposed to be sucking up rainfall to be slowly released during the drier months. We have now seen the devastating effects of the indiscriminate removal of vegetation without the active rehabilitation of the areas. We should look at our gardens the same way.

Growing adequate soil cover is as essential in winter as it is in summer. Whilst I always advocate for the spreading of a thick layer of mulch, nothing beats a living blanket of mixes of groundcovers and perennials.

Carefully select shrubbery and trees around the drainage conditions in your garden, planting bogloving plants in lower areas and line run-off ditches and streams with ferns and riverine trees like Cape beech and wild olive. If every gardener, farmer and landowner can take responsibility for slowing down and managing the storm water through their properties, we will go a long way in building resilience. The weather did clear though, and the gardener had a chance to do the most urgent repairs and remove

fallen trees and branches. Hopefully those branches have been chopped and stacked for their biggest composting effort ever. If your soil has dried out enough to work – you don’t want to damage your soil structure by walking or working waterlogged clayey soils – there is enough to keep you busy until the next cold front.

Your summer and autumn flowering shrubbery will require pruning now. It is the best month to prune hydrangeas. Thin out all dead, diseased and small branches, and cut your selected stalks back to 6 or 7 nodes. Take cuttings as you go along –a great way to expand your garden and bless others. The cold, damp weather often creates the perfect environment for a variety of diseases.

Garden hygiene is as important as ever. Sterilise your equipment regularly and take care when disposing of diseased plant material.

In the food garden your citrus trees will need some post-harvest feeding – well composted chicken manure is always a good choice. Mulch all fruit trees with a thick layer of manure or compost. Carrots, beetroot, lettuce, peas, broad beans, radish, leeks and chard can still be sown, but don’t wait too long with this. June is a good month to start pruning your deciduous fruit trees, but you can delay pruning of grape vines until July. It is getting late to establish a cover crop before spring, but if you can get your hands on some mustard seed, it will still give you an adequate amount of biomass; with the added benefit of a soil fumigating effect. The olive harvest should be in and the last of the guavas preserved. As we move into the heart of winter, fresh produce to cook and preserve dwindles, and it is time for the pantry to shine. Now is when you start opening those jars of preserved beans and beetroot and reach to the freezer for the blanched vegetables and soup packs you so diligently prepared for exactly this time. Be creative this season and find new ways to prepare and serve preserved foods.

Happy gardening.

‘Discover the story of South Africa’s French Huguenots in the context of the global refugee phenomenon. Explore how issues of power, religion, freedom and legend-making contributed to shaping the story of South Africa.’

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ANSCHE LÖTTER

Grant du Toit

Life has a way of taking us through seasons we never expect. And often, it is only when we pause and look back that we realise how each chapter shaped us and opened doors we never thought possible. Listening to Grant du Toit share his story, one quickly realizes that his journey has been exactly that. Born in Simondium and raised in Paarl, Grant grew up with strong roots in the Drakenstein area. His parents both worked at Redhill Superplant Nursery in Simondium, and some of his fondest memories take him back to farm life. Dirt roads became race tracks for homemade toy cars, and childhood days were spent outdoors, exploring and creating adventures with his cousins. He still remembers walking through the farm early in the mornings and past the graveyard to catch the school bus.

As the oldest of four siblings, Grant says he never imagined that he would one day be managing a business. His journey into the working world followed a different route. Before joining Agrimark, he spent years in sales, first working for Media24. His work often had him travelling throughout the Boland, building relationships and promoting products. While he enjoyed connecting with people the constant travelling eventually became demanding and Grant started considering a new direction. After leaving his position and spending a few months at home, he came across an opportunity at Tiger Wheel and Tyre as a sales representative. Although he knew more about cars than tyres at the time, he was willing to learn. The years that followed taught him valuable lessons about business, client relationships, and understanding people.

During this time, Grant developed a strong working relationship with the former Franschhoek Agrimark manager, Adriaan. One day, he approached Grant about managing the tyre division in Franschhoek. At first, Grant was uncertain. It would be a new challenge and a step outside his comfort zone. But he also felt that if someone saw potential in him, perhaps it was worth exploring.

In December 2021, Grant officially joined Agrimark Tyres as manager.

Since then, he has learned that customer service

Fleur de Lis News

ANITA GOUWS

Fleur de Lis is proud to announce that Maryna Oosthuizen (Catering Manager at Fleur de Lis) is the reserve winner of the Feedem Western Cape Catering Manager of the Year 2026: Retirement (Government subsided contract).

Maryna has been working at Fleur de Lis since March 2013. It is remarkable what she has done in the 13 years that she has been part of the Feedem team. Nadine Theron, District Manager at Feedem, explained: “The points are calculated according to an all-inclusive system. The contract’s total picture is looked at – management of finances, personnel, customer satisfaction, participation in theme days, management of the administrative systems and tasks, ‘Quality Rating’ points – literally everything that is part of the service. This is truly a great achievement, and Maryna is definitely a worthy winner. The prize is also for someone who embodies our company’s values: “Integrity, Accountability, Entrepreneurship and Commitment”. Maryna is a true ambassador not only for Feedem, but also for Fleur de Lis – someone who always goes the extra mile!

is often less about tyres and more about people. He believes in listening first and reacting later. Not everyone walks through the doors having had a good day, and Grant says part of his role is creating a space where people feel heard and helped.

Although he still drives from Paarl every day, Franschhoek has become a second home. Through regular clients, colleagues, and years of working in the valley, he feels connected to the community and enjoys being part of people’s everyday lives.

Helping others is something Grant believes he inherited from his mother. She later worked at the residence of the school for the blind in Athlone and often went beyond her responsibilities to care for children in need. Some holidays, she would even bring children home so they could experience time with a family. Watching her give so selflessly left a lasting impression on him.

Today, Grant says the same values shape the way he works. At Agrimark, he describes his team as a family. Like any family, there are moments of laughter and moments where challenges need to be worked through, but at the end of the day, they support one another and share a common purpose: helping people.

Outside of work, Grant has another passionmusic. During his school years, he was deeply involved in music and earned his UNISA Grade 6 in Clarinet. He can also play the recorder and trumpet, and still enjoys making music at church on Sundays.

For Grant, life is about having vision and goals, while remembering to appreciate the present.

“Live like today is your last day,” he says, “and do your best for the day.”

For more information or assistance with tyres, you can contact Agrimark Tyre and Fitment Franschhoek on 021 876 3057.

Maryna also won an award for best performance in Quality Rating 2026: The Quality Rating is done by an independent auditor. The person spends a day in the unit and literally looks at everything: from the general hygiene of the kitchen, laundry and cleaning services to the correct handling of daily food samples. A very, very intense audit!”

The Management at Fleur de Lis wants to congratulate Maryna on this amazing achievement. We see the difference she makes in the residents’ lives every day.

Ons wil graag die eienaars van Eikehof Wyne, François en Elize Malherbe, bedank vir ‘n uiters genotvolle byeenkoms op die plaas. Johnathan Amid het ‘n onderhoud gevoer met die bekroonde Afrikaanse skrywer, Gerda Taljaard. Ons het meer insig en kennis oor haar nuutste boek, Die Grafdigter, bekom. Elsa Silke wie die boek in Engels vertaal, het ook interessante insette gelewer. Op die foto vlnr: Johnathan Amid, Elsa Silke en Gerda Taljaard.

Ons boek vir Junie is ‘Ooggetuie’ van Wilna Roux. Wilna is ‘n prokureur in Worcester en sal haar debuut roman bespreek.

Vir navrae oor ‘n besoek of lidmaatskap, kontak my gerus by 084 900 9060.

We’re focusing this month on our hardworking, efficient Manager, Tzilka Watson.

We at FRANCO asked her various questions about her work and dedication to help others in the community:

Where were you born and went to school and your qualifications?

I grew up in Wellington, and attended Huguenot Primary and High schools. I have a diploma in Bookkeeping and Accounting.

When did you join FRANCO and why?

I joined in 2020 after COVID, having worked in the hospitality sector. I did not know much about working in a non-profit organization, but I have always been compassionate and driven by the desire to help others. It was a good opportunity, and I was willing to learn more – I later realised this is exactly where my passion lies, and my time at work literally flies by.

What does your average day at the office consist of?

No day is the same at FRANCO. I look after all administration, accounting, and day-to-day management. Due to the burgeoning needs in our community, I enjoy being stretched in many different directions and in the challenges presented to me: from river cleaning projects, to first response emergency relief, to working with young people, and in organising skills courses … you name it – so I have perforce become very versatile.

What is your favourite programme you lead at FRANCO?

Operations generally - including disaster management, and the school shoes provision project I initiated. Most precious to me is the youth centre we opened two years ago. It has been an incredibly difficult but rewarding programme, which still today never stops surprising with the seemingly insurmountable challenges we are faced with when it comes to youth at risk.

What is your most cherished experience helping people at FRANCO?

I cannot really name one in particular, although of course some affected me more than others – in particular seeing how effectively we can change someone’s life with support, love, and guidance is certainly high on the list.

What oversight do you and the board have over donor funds?

I meet monthly with the board, who have always been supportive in giving me direction and advice. We work only within our designated expenditure budgets for the year, as we want to be sustainable and long-lasting. Our board members review monthly funding applications and monitor our spending compared to budgets in the different

categories of community upliftment, education, and administrative expenses. I pride myself on always being able to meet my targets and remain within budget. We have consistently had a clean bill of health from our auditors in respect of our annual accounts. Donor funds are rigorously accounted for.

What is the most inspiring story of someone FRANCO has helped?

There are so many and every situation is different, I can’t choose a particular one. Every person we help is inspiring, but our boys are definitely the top ones – having cared for children who were growing up on their own in the streets, and seeing how two years into the programme they have changed and how the language of love and respect can impact an individual, is priceless. I also love seeing our bursary students succeed. We lately had many proud moments with one of our sponsored students being admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa, another one being selected to open the recent Montreux Jazz Festival in Franschhoek with his band, and one of our vulnerable youngsters being chosen as the best Under 16 rugby player, only one year into playing at the local club. We love discovering and nurturing talent wherever it lies and has been previously unnoticed.

What is your prime goal for FRANCO as an organization?

I would love to see all our young people thrive, have more opportunities to grow and learn, be less vulnerable to crime and substance abuse.

Thank you, Tzilka for giving Tatler readers an insight into your role at FRANCO.

For those interested in helping FRANCO, please contact Tzilka on 060 374 0353 or info@francosa. co.za For more information visit our website: www. francosa.co.za and on social media: Instagram #npofranco and Facebook: Franco Franschhoek. All donations to FRANCO by local taxpayers are offsettable against taxable income, up to a maximum of 10% of their annual taxable income. FRANCO propvides the required tax certificates for this to local donors.

Franschhoek Open Gardens Show Update

This is the time of year when the Franschhoek Open Gardens Show Committee reflects on the past year and plans for the future.

Following a long, dry summer that has been punishing to our gardens, and after much discussion, we have decided to give our garden owners a welldeserved rest. We will not be holding an Open Garden event this year.

We are very aware of the great strain it puts on owners to open their gardens, some of whom have done so for several years and we are sure they will appreciate this short break.

At this point, we would like to once again extend our heartfelt thanks to all who have made this such a popular event over the years: our sponsors, the many garden sitters, and everyone who works in the gardens. Thank you all.

Last year, we held a very successful and popular plant sale at Fleur de Lis, home for the aged. This coming October, we hope to build on that success with an event featuring a large selection of plants

and

A Privilege on Earth: How

Franschhoek

United After the Storm

From May 10th to 13th, we had the privilege of experiencing the true heart of Franschhoek as guests. What began as a severe storm transformed into a deeply moving testament to human warmth and solidarity. When the rain started on Sunday afternoon and quickly intensified into a powerful storm, no one could have anticipated how severely the weather would test the town. By Monday morning, the tempest unleashed its full force. Even the brief walk from our car to the supermarket entrance was enough to leave us completely drenched by the driving wind and torrential rain. Upon arrival, we faced the next hurdle: due to a power outage, the supermarket doors remained closed. In many parts of the world, such a situation would have led to frustration and chaos—but not in Franschhoek. A remarkable calm filled the air outside the shop. Those waiting remained patient, greeted one another with smiles, and immediately offered a helping hand. This first, touching impression would only grow stronger

over the coming days.

The extraordinary care and warmth shown to us by our hosts moved us deeply. Yet, this special spirit was evident not just in our personal experience, but across the entire community. The moment the storm finally subsided on Tuesday, no one hesitated. The residents rolled up their sleeves and got to work together. Neighbors supported neighbors, debris was cleared away, and the streets were cleaned hand in hand.

When we set out on Tuesday to visit the Boschendal wine estate, we could hardly believe our eyes: many roads and pathways had already been cleared so thoroughly that it felt as if the storm had never happened. This sheer energy and speed were absolutely overwhelming.

We left Franschhoek on Wednesday filled with deep admiration. The unwavering determination to clear the damage as quickly as possible, combined with a heartfelt sense of community, showed us what makes this town so uniquely special. Anyone living in such a place can count themselves truly fortunate. It is a privilege on Earth.

ArnaundJochenWeise,Hamburg

HOSPICE MOVIE NIGHT

Editor’s Letter

Siegfried Schäfer

Dear Readers, January brought fires and May brought floods – even before the official start of winter! Despite all the damage done, I think, we need to recognise that it could have been worse had we not at least started to learn some of the lessons of previous similar events. With that said though, it is also true that in both cases – fires and floods – there could have been less damage if we had done more in preparation. Not a few days before the cold front hits, or when the fire has already started, but every day as part of our daily activities.

Humans have a remarkable ability to stick their heads in the sand and ignore the obvious. In psychology it’s referred to as ‘wilful ignorance’ or ‘wilful blindness’, i.e. “the act of consciously choosing not to know or ignoring information that is readily available.” It explains why I have still not done anything about my gutter that keeps blocking in the same spot – even though I know the cause; why we still haven’t gotten to grips with alien plant eradication in our mountains and water catchments and haven’t reported any number of issues to the municipality even though we’ll be quick to criticise them once the issue becomes a crisis.

Margaret Heffernan explored the idea in her book “Wilful Blindness: Why We Ignore the Obvious.” She identifies several factors that contribute to wilful blindness, including:

• Cognitive Dissonance. I.e. the mental discomfort that arises when there is conflict between deeply held beliefs and information or actions that challenge them.

• Social Conformity. Group pressure often stifles critical voices even when it is quite obvious to an outsider that the group is wrong.

• Inattentional Blindness. Humans prefer to focus on one thing at a time, to the point where critical information can be overlooked.

• Emotional Avoidance. Dealing with contrary information is often emotionally taxing, so people rather choose to ignore such information.

Heffernan suggests some strategies to manage wilful blindness. In doing so, she recognises that it cannot be eliminated; only managed, as it’s so ingrained in our being and society.

• Re-examine Your Life. “When we are younger we do it more frequently. But at some point, we stop doing it. ‘Is it that it gets too draining to keep questioning your life?’”

• Travel between Perspectives. “It is in the intersection between disciplines, (that) real insight can be gleaned.”

• Recognize the Homogeneity of Your Life. “Diversity, in this context, isn’t a form of political correctness but an insurance against the internally generated blindness that leaves (individuals and organisations) exposed and out of touch.”

• Know the Limits of Your Cognitive Capacity. “Go home. Working long hours taxes our cognitive capacity. Exercise. The only exercise that seems to nurture, or at least protect, our brains is aerobic exercise.”

• Seek Disconfirmation. “The ability to endure or even welcome debate and conflict requires practice and protection….You need to create a state in which [employees] have the courage to do something. You want to build organizations where everyone sees provocation as one of their essential roles.” Too many leaders are saying, “Why are they questioning me?” or “That’s none of their business.” Get a thinking partner for that third opinion.

So when am I going to tackle that gutter? I’m not sure, probably not today… Until next month

DEADLINES - July 2026 Issue

Bookings - 16 June 2026 | Editorial - 17 June 2026 | Artwork - 17 June 2026

SHARF News

JUANI BEUKES

RICHARD GERE JULIA ROBERTS

Monday, 22 June 2026, 18h00 for 18h30 Franschhoek Theatre, 15 Akademie St R300 p.p. includes snacks & a glass of wine

She walked off the street, into his life and stole his hear t.

The Pink Team with Safe Hands and Passionate Hearts

Safe Hands Animal Rescue Franschhoek (SHARF) was founded in 2019 and has ever since made a huge difference and major impact in the lives of many animals in and around Franschhoek. We are committed to 24/7 service to the communities in and around Franschhoek in assisting them with any animal related needs.

Being a registered NPO 235-331 and as a registered PBO 930076522 we are able to give a little back to anyone who chooses to support us in the form of a Section 18A Tax Certificate for all financial donations given. All salaries are sponsored and not paid for from financial donations towards the care of animals.

SHARF’s monthly running costs are a staggering R100 000 a month.

• R50 000 Vetcare

• R25 000 traveling costs (increasing with every petrol price raise)

• R25 000 meds and other expenses (including kennel costs as we do not have our own property)

SHARF is fully dependant on the financial support of the public – it’s our sole backbone. What We Do

• We sterilise dogs and cats. 16 dogs a week and 5-10 cats @ R900 a dog and R500 a cat.

• Veterinary care. Mainly trauma cases, where bills runs between R1000 to R4000 per case. We are at the vets almost daily.

• Emergency assistance during any natural disasters or house fires. We are there as animal first responders to assist in getting animals to safety.

• With a fully registered Animal Welfare Assistant on our team, we are able to assist the public with a little bit more in the form of medical care and advice until a veterinarian can be consulted, if needed.

• Rescue. SHARF steps in to take unwanted and surrendered animals to safety and new beginnings.

• Feeding. Too many animals suffer from hunger. Every sterilised animal goes home with a bag of food. In the field, we try to help those suffering hunger due to neglect or financial strain – depending on donations.

• Education. Our main focus is teaching people to understand the responsibility of owning a pet and to realise the importance of budgeting to see if you can afford to give proper care to a pet. SHARF therefore encourages pet owners to make sure they can afford the proper care of a pet. For every animal sterilised the owner receive a blue drum kennel, as shelter for the animal.

SHARF’s aim is to see a visible change in the care and treatment of animals. To let people realize they are sentient beings who feel pain, fear, agony, loss, joy, happiness and love just like humans and that to have one is a huge financial, emotional and mental commitment. To have one means you have their interest at heart at all times, just as you have your own interest of safety, care and comfort at heart. It’s not just a case of “I want one,” it’s a case of “Can I responsibly afford one?” In light of what we do, we are always in need of the goodwill and financial support of people. If you want to become a monthly or annual SHARF supporter, kindly email us at info@ safehandsanimalrescue.org.za, or call 076 327 4939 or 073 389 4355

Our banking details:

”The big print giveth and the fine print taketh away.” (Tom Waits)

You have almost certainly signed a disclaimer at some point. A waiver before a trail run, an indemnity form before a bungee jump, a clause buried in a brochure. Businesses rely on these documents to limit their exposure when things go wrong. A 2026 Supreme Court of Appeal judgment is a sharp reminder that a disclaimer is only as good as the process behind it, and that courts will not lightly allow a company to escape liability on the strength of fine print that was never properly agreed to. A birthday surprise that ended in serious injury

An Australian tourist was travelling in a converted safari truck in Botswana as part of a Southern African tour arranged by a safari business. The trip had been booked by her life partner as a birthday surprise, without her knowledge. While the truck

Financial Matters

CELIA MCGUINNESS

Selling Your Business to Retire? Get This Tax Relief!

Small business owners looking to sell their business or interest in a business as part of their retirement planning will be glad to know that meaningful tax relief has been provided for them in the 2026 National Budget.

Among other measures to support businesses, National Treasury raised the capital gains tax exemption for the sale of a small business for older persons (55+) from R1.8 million to R2.7 million, a long-overdue adjustment for inflation and rising asset values.

The higher exemption also applies to more businesses than it did before. Where small businesses used to be defined as those valued at R10 million or less, the limit has been increased to R15 million.

Do I qualify?

First check if you meet the bare minimum requirements:

• The exemption applies to individuals aged 55 or older.

• The exemption applies when disposing of a small business with a market value not exceeding R15 million.

• The market value of all assets, regardless of their nature, must be considered in determining whether the R15 million threshold is exceeded or not.

• Liabilities of the business are ignored for this determination.

• For partnerships or companies, the R15 million threshold applies to the total assets of the business, not each partner or shareholder’s fractional interest. This means a twopartner business with R20

was moving, she stood up to access her locker, which the tour operator actively promoted as accessible while the vehicle was in motion. She lost her balance and lurched against a window which fell out of its frame. She fell through the opening onto the tar road and sustained serious injuries. When she sued for damages, the company relied on two disclaimers. The courts were not persuaded. When does a disclaimer actually bind you?

The party relying on a disclaimer bears the onus of proving that a binding agreement was concluded. That requires more than paperwork. Our law requires the following:

Personal consent. A disclaimer binds a person only if they have personally agreed to it, or if someone signing on their behalf had proper authority to do so. A life partner, family member, or friend cannot sign away your legal rights without your knowledge and express authorisation.

million in assets will not qualify, even if each partner’s share is only R10 million.

• The lifetime CGT exemption is capped at R2.7 million in total across all disposals.

• Each asset must have been held continuously for at least 5 years prior to disposal and the individual that qualifies for the relief had been substantially involved in the operations of the business of that small business during this period.

• The relief must be determined on an asset-byasset basis.

Given the complexity of this determination and SARS’ requirement that relief must be determined on an asset-by-asset basis, professional tax assistance is highly recommended. How could it benefit you?

Many small business owners rely on the eventual sale of their business as their primary retirement asset. This tax relief can support succession planning, inter-generational transfers, and smart business exits, particularly for family-owned businesses. It encourages the sale of businesses, effectively unlocking capital and allowing for business continuity or reinvestment into the economy.

Of course, the additional tax-free capital gain will also meaningfully boost your retirement security after years of building a business.

If you’re considering retiring or selling soon, it’s worth reviewing your timing with a tax advisor. We can assist you in reviewing your business valuation, assessing your CGT exposure and structure and timing your exit correctly to make the most of this meaningful tax exemption.

Adequate notice. The disclaimer must be displayed with sufficient prominence to reasonably come to the attention of the person against whom it is enforced. Burying a liability exclusion under an “Insurance” heading does not meet that standard. Specific and unambiguous wording. Disclaimers are interpreted restrictively. General wording will not exclude liability for negligence unless it does so clearly and unequivocally. Ambiguity counts against the party that drafted the clause. Consumer Protection Act compliance. Where serious injury or death is a risk, sections 49 and 58 of the CPA require that the risk be specifically drawn to the consumer’s attention in plain language and in a conspicuous manner before the activity commences.

Two disclaimers, two failures

Both disclaimers relied on by the business failed these requirements. The first, buried in a brochure under an insurance heading, was too general to clearly exclude liability for the negligence alleged and had not been adequately brought to the victim’s attention. The second was an indemnity form signed by her partner without her knowledge. The SCA found no credible evidence that she was even aware

of its existence. The business had only itself to blame. It had failed to ensure that each participant had personally concluded a binding indemnity. The Court further indicated that having actively promoted the conduct that caused the injury, any disclaimer purporting to exclude liability for it would likely have been contrary to public policy and thus unenforceable.

What this means for businesses and consumers

Businesses operating in high-risk environments cannot afford to treat indemnity documentation as a formality. A disclaimer is not a substitute for safe practices and proper risk management. Consent cannot be assumed, and general wording will not suffice. For consumers, your right to bodily safety is not easily signed away, especially by someone else on your behalf.

The lesson is straightforward. A disclaimer must be clearly communicated, properly understood and formally agreed to. It will not protect a business where consent is absent, notice is inadequate, or the wording does not clearly cover the risk. If your indemnity documentation needs reviewing, or you are unsure of your rights as a consumer, ask us.

A Far-Flung Life by

M. L. Stedman

Publ. Pengiun UK. 488 pages

I am always a little resistant to novels about Australia, especially the far outback, because it all feels so very familiar. We have sheep farms in the Karroo (although not a million acres I suppose), jackals instead of dingoes, springbuck, not kangaroos, but we do have recognizable drought, and the inevitable suffering. However, the scope and the imaginative power of this novel, “A FarFlung Life” by M.L. Stedman, creates an entirely new dimension in farming dramas. It succeeds in being an epic Australian family drama, spanning the years 1958 to 2000, depicting all the expected physical and emotional hardship. But it is also a tight, totally immersive psychological drama that could have been written by a master of that genre like Guy de Maupassant.

The story starts with a disaster that is already signaled on the dust jacket of the book. Phil McBride, the fifty-ish owner of Meredith Downs,

My mother was Irish, from County Waterford, and in some ways I feel (at least I hope!) that she passed along to me something of her love of language, her generosity of spirit and her willingness to contemplate the best in everyone – at least until they show themselves unworthy of it. At the risk of over-simplification, this seems to me a typically Irish trait, one which I recognise at once in this wonderful poem by fellow Irishman Kevin McManus.

The Weather of Other Lives

Some people carry rain with them.

Not the kind that falls from low Atlantic skies onto corrugated sheds and cattle-darkened fields, but another sort entirely — a private weather that settles quietly into kitchens and rooms, into pauses at gates, into letters unfolded twice before sleep.

You feel it off them sometimes.

A man standing alone outside the post office looking west toward roads that once led somewhere else.

A woman returned from England touching the wall of her old home as if memory itself might still be warm there.

The widower who leaves one cup untouched on the dresser for years, until one ordinary afternoon someone lifts it down and pours tea into it again. We live among these climates.

is driving home through the outback after the school graduation of his youngest son, Matt. With them is Warren, his oldest son and heir apparent to the farm. He swerves to miss a kangaroo on the sandy road, the utility truck overturns and only Matt survives the accident, although with horrible head injuries. This leaves his wife Lorna and only daughter, the adolescent Rosie, with the huge task of running the farm and slowly nursing Matt back to a semi-normal life.

Matt retains a partial amnesiac condition, and his memory comes and goes. However, he gradually regains his farming skills, and it seems as if the family tragedy might have played itself out. Lorna is a tower of strength and typically brings out the best in friends and neighbours. But nature remains unforgiving and hostile. The author obviously has deep knowledge of the terrain and of the complexities of running a sheep farm in the face of the harshest of circumstances.

Meanwhile, Rosie has turned into a moody, willful adolescent who mourns the loss of her father and brother, and engages in a half-resentful, halfpitying relationship with Matt. This relationship is a critical part of the story. Matt relies increasingly on her emotional support. This complicates her growing sexual awareness, and she finds it difficult to make a success of her school career. She draws

One neighbour carries November in the middle of June.

Another has the thin bright light of early April mornings after rain.

Some people arrive like hard frost.

Others like turf smoke drifting through an open half-door at evening. And often we do not notice how much of each other we are carrying.

The grief of a brother in Birmingham.

The silence between a father and son.

The loneliness hidden inside banter.

The hope folded carefully into fresh sheets laid upon a bed upstairs for someone coming home.

Even the lake changes according to who stands beside it.

Under one gaze it darkens.

Under another it gathers light enough to hold the whole evening.

Perhaps that is all love ever is — learning the weather of other lives, and making room for it without trying to change their sky.

Kevin McManus

“ We live among these climates,” McManus says. They may be of either gloom or sunshine, and we carry our own with us. Yet “perhaps that is all love ever is –/ learning the weather/ of other lives,/ and making room for it.”

KevinMcManusisapoetfromCountyLeitrimin Ireland. In 2021, his poetry collection, entitled The Hawthorn Tree, was published by Lapwing Publishers,Belfast.

further and further away from her mother. About a third of the way into the novel an event occurs that is truly tragic. Rosie falls pregnant. This is in some ways far more tragic than the initial road accident, which itself was heartbreaking and sad. But it did not involve secrecy and guilt. In this case, only one person knows the truth and that is Rosie (and the reader). She is suddenly pregnant, father unknown. The family rallies round and young Andrew grows up into a delightful youth. Matt becomes his protector and this helps heal his wounds.

However, we, as readers, know what really happened, and this makes reading the rest of the novel as scarily suspenseful as the culmination of any murder thriller. It becomes a story of loss, memory and of identity. Of possible happiness or possible disaster. The reader is put into a situation of great moral ambiguity. Innocence is threatened by the truth. Knowledge will be fatal. Rosie becomes the only character who has access to the truth, but the fate that stalks the farm prevents her from disclosing it. As a result, other, innocent, people become involved and the reader feels completely helpless.

I dare not even hint at how the novel ends, except to say that I have seldom been so involved in hoping for a happy outcome for an entirely

logged yacht being restored is a bit sugary, but I was grateful for it after everything I had been through…

Centre Stage: From Broadway to the West End

Thursday, 18 June 2025, 18h30, Franschhoek Theatre

Experience an unforgettable evening of musical theatre with Jannie Moolman and Riaan Hunter in Centre Stage – From Broadway to the West End — a celebration of some of the greatest musicals ever written.

The programme takes audiences on a musical journey through beloved works such as Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, The Student Prince, Chess musical, The Greatest Showman, The Sound of Music, and West Side Story.

Jannie Moolman, with his powerful tenor voice, has captivated audiences across South Africa and internationally, in both opera and lighter musical genres. Riaan Hunter, a versatile baritone, has likewise performed locally and abroad, moving effortlessly between opera and crossover music. This production offers a selection of solos and duets from some of the world’s most iconic musicals — passionate, dramatic, and timeless. Tickets available from Quicket.

Community Events

SPORT

FRANSCHHOEK TENNIS CLUB: Social tennis is played at the club on Fridays, Sunda, and Public Holidays from 08h30. For more information contact Nicky. 082 455 6411

CHURCH SERVICES

METHODIST CHURCH: Sunday service 10h00. Rev Russell Norman. 021 872 3580 or 082 662 4509.

NG KERK Sondagdienste 09h30. Geen aanddiens. Dr. Ryno Els 083 610 1641. Besoekers welkom.

NEW APOSTOLIC CHURCH: Le Roux Street, Groendal. Sunday, 09h00, Wednesdays 19h30. Rector: Charles Leibrandt.

ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Groot Drakenstein. Sunday Services: Holy Communion @ 10H00. Our Church is also a wedding venue. Contact Parish Warden Florence Phillips on 081 428 7064 or secretaryatstgeorge@gmail.com.

SHOFAR CHRISTIAN CHURCH: Services - 09h00 & 18h00 English services at 7 Lambrechts Street. Pastor Richard Wade. 083 225 8529. All welcome!

UNITING REFORMED CHURCH: Sunday service 09h30. Dr Shaun Burrows. 021 876 2632. Visitors welcome.

CATHOLIC CHURCH: Saturday Service, every second Saturday in the Methodist Church at 17h30.

GENERAL

Alcoholics Anonymous: WED evenings 19:00, Groendal Community Centre, Contact David +27 83 305 5159

Useful Numbers

ACCOUNTANTS

Tax Shop 021 876 2676

ATTORNEYS

Susan Charlesworth 021 876 2592/072 402 9469

AUDIOLOGISTS

Heidi Allan 021 876 4622

BURGLAR ALARMS

Pepler Alarms 021 876 3308

CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS

Boland Bridge Club 021 876 3031

Franschhoek Tennis Club 078 278 4843

FHK Heritage & Ratepayers Ass. 083 441 8280

Groot Drakenstein Games Club 021 874 1906

- Craig Mc Naught: Captain 080 845 1014

- Lejean Pieterse, Hiring 082 490 0405

Lions 021 876 3775

Stb Masonic Lodge (Chris) 072 211 9991

Franschhoek Rotary Club 082 891 4613

Franschhoek Probus Club 021 876 3179

Wemmershoek Community 074 367 6469

ELECTRICAL

Franschhoek Electric 074 313 7829/021 876 3640

Rensburg Electrical 021 876 2120/083 309 2923

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Franschhoek Pharmacy 021 876 2261

Franschhoek Health Club 021 876 3310

Karen Protheroe (Dietician) 082 925 0931

HOUSE & GARDEN

Clock Repairs 028 840 1716

Lighting & Accessories 021 876 3640

Ria Pools (Franschhoek)021 876 2612/072 347 5355

Sue’s Gardens 083 321 3442

Valley Garden Service 071 591 0342

OPTOMETRIST

Marelise Bester 021 872 3530

PHYSIOTHERAPY

Fhk Physiotherapy Assoc. 021 876 4234 (office) 074 325 5555 (Bronwen) 076 842 6052 (Maans)

PLUMBERS

Franschhoek Plumbing 021 876 3759

PSYCHOLOGIST

Danielle Smith 082 812 1476

PUBLIC SERVICES Hospice 021 876 3085

Library 021 808 8406

Post Office 021 876 2342

Welfare (ACVV) 021 876 2670

SPCA 083 745 5344

SHARF 076 327 4939

SCHOOLS

Bridge 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 2174

TOURIST INFORMATION & SERVICES

Info Office 066 224 6360 / 073 688 9894

Huguenot Memorial Museum 021 876 2532

VETERINARY

Fhk Animal Clinic (plus surgery) 021 876 2504

Emergencies / Weekends 021 863 3187 / 082 8089

100

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Stb Fire Dept. (Buildings) 021 808 8888

District Municipality(Bush & veld) 021 887 4446 021 886 9244

Police 10111/021 876 8061

Eskom 086 003 7566

Omnipage Farm Watch 021 852 3318

Plaaswag 021 876 2346

N1. N2 & R300 Emergency number: 021 946 1646

DENTISTS

Dr Schalk du Plessis 021 876 3070

DOCTORS

Dr Karin Eksteen 021 876 4622

Dr Alexander Heywood 021 876 2474

Dr Hannes Van der Merwe 066 100 6429

Dr Nicolas Els 021 876 2561

Dr Bernard Fisher 021 876 4622

AUDIOLOGIST

Audiologist Tracy-Ann Morris 084 264 0000

EMERCENCY MEDICAL RESPONSE

Medicare EMR 074 363 7744/021 876 4316

MUNICIPALITY

(Ward 1) Clr Pfeiffer (DA) 079 597 2765

(Ward 2) Clr Petersen (DA) 082 404 5055

(Ward 3) Clr Manuel (DA) 074 686 2364

(Ward 4) Clr Adams (DA) 073 446 5411

Municipality (Office Hours) 021 808 8700

Municipality (After Hours) 021 808 8890

Municipality 24hr Service 021 808 8700

Discover Franschhoek’s Pristine Mountainland

Hiking permits and maps available at:

Tourist

Day Hiking Permit: R70 p. p. | Year Permit: R350 p. p

Hiking Trail Map: R30

Keep

TO CHILDREN WHO BEG ON FRANSCHHOEK STREETS DO NOT GIVE MONEY OR DIRECT SUPPORT BUT PLEASE...

La Luc Retirement Estate - Franschhoek

A Vision Becoming Reality

After a long-awaited journey, construction has officially begun at La Luc Retirement Estate.

No matter how well-meaning, direct support keeps our children on the street: Giving money or support of any kind directly to children on the street might seem harmless, or helpful, to members of the public, tourists, and businesses. The truth is that it means keeping them out of school, on the streets, and locked in the hands of those exploiting them.

Unfortunately, once a child settles onto the street and allows the street to become their survival paradigm, they become locked into street life and resistant to change

The land registered in the developer’s name, the orchards have been cleared, and excavators are currently on site preparing the development for the commencement of civil works. The site has formally been handed over to ASLA Construction, and an exciting new chapter is unfolding with visible activity on the estate every day With 40 of the 91 full-title plots already sold, now is the ideal time to secur plot and begin planning your dream retirement home in the heart of the Cape Winelands. Plot & Building Packages From R7 546 000 to R9 556 000 Estate Highlights

The money they get from begging: No program, organization, centre, or school can compete for the child's attention when they can earn over R50 a day in our smaller provincial towns, never mind the odd foreign currency equivalent of R200. This money is not used for food or schooling needs but goes directly into substance abuse, or is handed over to support their guardians' substance abuse.

Spectacular 360° mountain views | Peaceful dam and landscaped g ownership with excellent Cape Winelands capital appr facility planned on site | Upmarket finishes and quality extras clubhouse featuring: Lap pool, Heated indoor pool, Gymnasium, Deli & social spaces

Food from restaurants and locals: Many restaurants, small businesses, and individuals feel sorry for the children, so give them food and even small jobs for money. This helps sustain the children on the street, validating their impression that life on the streets is better and

keeping them out of school and out of the programs set up to look after them.

Public support: Many well-meaning members of the public give the children shoes, clothes, and food items. Most of this is sold or traded and is used not only to sustain them on the street, and pay for drugs but also to encourage them to remain on the street. Many people want to help but often don’t know how to give responsibly. By donating to the FRANCO StreetKids Centre, you can make a significant impact on our children’s future. We offer daily hot meals, tutoring, mentoring, hygiene facilities, trauma counseling, sports, karate, yoga, and skills programs. Most importantly, we provide LOVE and RESPECT for their innocence.

ON SHOW DAILY

60 374 0353 info@francosa.co.za www.francosa.co.za

64 Dirkie Uys Street, Franschhoek Nelis Bezuidenhout 082 455 9766

Account: 167 000 6654 Branch: 198 765

5 BEDROOM HOME ON L’AVENUE LIFESTYLE ESTATE

Elevate your lifestyle with this exceptional 5-bedroom family residence within the sought-after L’Avenue de Franschhoek Estate. The ultimate blend of comfort, luxury, and breath-taking views with private vineyards. Expansive double volume openplan living areas with exposed timber beams and a single level floor plan that lends itself to social family living and a choice of comfortable formal and informal lounges with fireplaces, a feature bar area, large dining space, inspirational designer kitchen and wine cellar.

Four well-proportioned bedrooms each with en-suite bathrooms private from the common living areas with space to gather informally in a cosy, family pyjama lounge. The luxurious master bedroom suite

has gorgeous views and includes a walkin dressing room and elegant bathroom featuring slipper bath.

Also includes fully-contained loft studio above the double garage with separate entrance, large sparkling swimming pool set within a mature garden, private boules court and vineyards. Erf Size 5,246 sq m.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194

R34 000 000

LA FERME CHANTELLE

Set within the prestigious La Ferme Chantelle Estate this extraordinary home is surrounded by vineyards, olives and orchards with stunning mountain views as a backdrop. The open-plan kitchen connects e ortlessly with light-filled double volume living/dining spaces. A glass-enclosed terrace draws in uninterrupted views and a comfortable space to enjoy the seasons.

Accommodation comprises four spacious bedrooms and three bathrooms with access to outdoor living areas, the pool and garden. A second family sun lounge opens to a tranquil courtyard with built-in seating, fire pit and intimate outdoor dining.

A gorgeous self-contained one bedroom apartment is perfectly suited to guests, extended family living or independent accommodation.

Further features include: large home o ce, separate sta apartment, laundry room, three garages with loft gym, additional parking, back-up power system and a heated swimming pool.

This is a home that balances comfort with understated sophistication, o ering a secure estate lifestyle in a beautiful setting all within walking distance to the Franschhoek village high street.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194

R34 999 000

FRANSCHHOEK

La Demeure Wine Estate presents a unique opportunity to own one of 7 plots in this exclusive development. The site takes advantage of its elevation with breathtaking views and gorgeous mountains as a backdrop. The estate is nestled on the slopes of the Franschhoek Pass and offers the rare lifestyle of a wine farm, with the benefits of a gated estate, within walking distance of the Huguenot monument and High Street shopping. Plot 3 is 3,188m2, with a build footprint of 1,200m2. Asking price includes VAT. No transfer duties are payable.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194 R15 000 000

IDYLLIC 3.4 HECTARE SMALLHOLDING WITH

CONTEMPORARY

FOUR BEDROOM HOME

Sole Mandate. Single storey home nestled between mature oak trees and stunning views. Large semi-open plan north facing living area with excellent flow to a covered stoep overlooking the gardens. Included are 4 bedrooms en-suite, a second kitchen, solar system, double garage, domestic quarters, and borehole. Magnificent trees and 3ha of currently unproductive land, an ideal blank canvas. Scope to add a second dwelling.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194

R34 995 000

SPACIOUS 3 BEDROOM VILLAGE HOME WITH EXCEPTIONAL POTENTIAL

Perfectly positioned on a quiet, tree-lined street with mountain views, this double-storey home o ers exceptional potential to modernise in one of Franschhoek’s most sought-after areas. Spacious living areas flow to a private pool terrace. Features include three bedrooms, study, double garage with workshop, wood-burning stove, air-conditioning, solar power, inverter, batteries, borehole, and security system. Erf size : 962m2

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194

R13 995 000