+27656862204
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© Jacques Louw (2020). Alle regte voorbehou. Jaargang 1 Uitgawe 43
for no violence against women & children Vrydag 27 November 2020
3 November - 3 December Disability Rights Awareness Month
Die Pelgrimstog van Hoop 3
Skolenuus 6&7
Divers mourn their crocodile 12
Lees binne...
Bredasdorp groet vir Yzelle Rabie “What a find. Adrian and Jill have created something really special here. The attention to detail is exceptional…” - TripAdvisor
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Email: blueskyarniston@gmail.com www.blueskyguesthousearniston.co.za Phone: +27 28 4459010 Cell: +27 71 4186209 See our Nightsbridge listing for availability and bookings.
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Vrydag 27 November 2020
Redaksioneel Vrydag 27 November 2020
Goeiedag en welkom by nog ‘n baie mooi uitgawe van OVERdeBERG, dit dan ons 43ste uitgawe. Die blad groei vinnig en is besig om van krag tot krag te gaan. Daar is soveel om voor dankbaar te wees en vir die toekoms is daar nog heelwat moontlikhede vir hiérdie uitsonderlike gemeenskapsblad. Al hiérdie dinge is net moontlik met julle ondersteuning en daarvoor sê ek persoonlik vir julle dankie.
No.10, 5th Avenue, Arniston Dinner can be arranged at the guest house with prior notice.
Hiérdie 43ste uitgawe is weer vol positiewe en opbouende beriggewing en ons medewerkers was weer oral doenig om vir julle die inligting in te win. Ons berig oor die ‘Pelgrimstog van Hoop’ wat groot aftrek begin kry by stappers en wat ook hiér in ons omgewing plaasvind. Die kombuis is weer oop met twee lekker nageregresepte en daar is weer heelwat interessante skolenuus uit ons streek. Twee berigte wat hiérdie week aandag trek is Letty-Ann Möller wat deel was van die afskeidsgeleentheid vir oud-apteker Yzelle Rabie en Lunette Coetzee wat gaan kuier het by die familie van Elim se rugbylegende Dawid Barendse. Beide berigte is pragtig geskryf en heelwat pragtige foto’s vergesel dit.
Email: blueskyarniston@gmail.com www.blueskyguesthousearniston.co.za Phone: +27 28 445 9010 Cell: +27 71 418 6209 See our Nightsbridge listing for availability and bookings.
Jimmy Herbert skryf ook weer oor baie interessante maritieme geskiedenis uit die Overberg en bring vir ons ‘n 2de berig hiérdie week ook waar hy hulde bring aan ‘n duikkollega van hom wat onlangs oorlede is en wat gereëld hier in die Overberg se seewater kom duik het. Werklikwaar baie interessante skryfwerk deur ‘n kenner op die gebied. Geniet die uitgawe en kyk mooi na julself. Bly veilig, gesond en dra julle maskers. Saam kan ons dié onsigbare vyand oorwin en kan ons COVID-19 oorwin. Groete,
“Doing what needs to be done may not make you happy, but it will make you great.” - George Bernard Shaw
Special offer
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per room per night for two people
Breakfast included.
(valid from 1 May 2020 - 31 October 2020)
Direct bookings only. Jy kan gerus gaan inloer daar op ons splinternuwe webblad. Kliek op die die skakel of skandeer die QR-kode hiéronder... Stuur vir ons jou nuus en foto’s: overdeberg2020@gmail.com Kontak ons ook op WhatsApp: 0656862204 2
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Vrydag 27 November 2020
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Die Pelgrimstog van Hoop Jacques Louw
Die Pelgrimstog van Hoop is ook geinspireer deur die wêreldwye groei en die belangstelling in pelgrimstogte. In 2014 het die eerste stappers vanaf Robertson tot by Agulhas gestap om die roete te karteer. Sedert die eeste groep het talle groepe die roete gestap en gehelp om dit te verbeter. Die roete is in drie fases ontwikkel en kan nou vanaf Kaappunt tot by die Suidpunt (Kaap Agulhas) gestap word. Vervolg op bladsy 5
Foto: Die Pelgrimstog van Hoop/Facebook
Roger Chennells en Amanda de Klerk het op die 6de November by die Rynse Kerk by Die Braak op Stellenbosch begin stap en 21 stapdae en ongeveer 320 km later die eindpunt by Kaap Agulhas bereik. Foto: Die Pelgrimstog van Hoop/Facebook Foto: Die Pelgrimstog van Hoop/Facebook
Stanley Gudza het vir Roger bedien toe hy “Fraser's Folly” se bier geproe het by Black Oystercatcher. Stanley is ook 'n puik barista. Foto: Die Pelgrimstog van Hoop/Facebook overdeberg2020@gmail.com
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Vrydag 27 November 2020
Kombuiskuier Jacques Louw
Suurlemoensmeer-Pavlova Bestandele:
Banoffee Trifles
Bestandele:
30 ml rum 250 ml tropiese vrugtesap 2 piesangs 6 boudoir koekies 1 houer mascarponekaas 125 ml ‘caramel treat’ 250 ml gekoopte vla 2 klein maringues Gekoopte sjokoladesous vir bo-oor drup
Metode: Meng die rum en vrugtesap. Druk al die boudoir koekies in die mengsel en pak onder in die glas. Laat die piesangs nou in die rummengsel lê. Plaas die piesangs op die koekies. Skep nou ‘n lagie karamel op die piesangs. Klits die vla en macarponekaas saam. Sit nou ‘n dik laag van die vlamengsel op die karamel. Krummel die meringue bo-oor en drup sjokoladesous oor alles.
4 eiergele 150 g strooisuiker 100 ml vars suurlemoensap Skil van een suurlemoen fyn gerasper 90 g botter Knippie sout 250 ml room bessies van jou keuse mintblare ‘n Pavlova-dop gekoop by jou deli
Metode: Sit ‘n pot met die kookwater op die stoof. Sit ‘n glasbak bo-op die pot. Die bak moet nie aan die water raak nie. Die water moet liggies kook. Smelt die botter in jou glasbak en haal van die stoof af. Klits die res van die bestanddele by die botter en sit weer jou glasbak op jou pot. Nou klits jy vir omtrent 12 minute totdat dit begin dik raak. Gebruik n ballonklitser. As jy ‘n lepel indruk en met jou vinger ‘n strepie trek en dit gaan nie toe nie, dan is jou smeer reg. Gooi in ‘n botteltjie of flessie. Sit in die yskas. Klits 250 ml room tot sagtepunte. Roer jou ‘lemon curd’ in die geklitste room. Smeer dit onder in die basis van die Pavlova. Pak bessies van jou keuse en mintblare bo-op die suurlemoenvulsel.
“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.” - Charles M. Schulz
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Vrydag 27 November 2020
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Die Pelgrimstog van Hoop Vervolg van bladsy 3
Amanda by Madeleine van die ‘Maakit Mooi’ koffiewinkel op Elim. Madeleine kan aandete en ontbyt bedien vir pelgrims wat bespreek by die Elim Guest House. Foto: Die Pelgrimstog van Hoop/Facebook Voornemende pelgrims kan ons kontak by pelgrim@sun.ac.za of bel 0218083381/2 gedurende kantoorure. Ons verskaf ‘n handleiding vir die roete wat die roete beskryf met kaarte en inligting oor waar oornag kan word en inligting oor hoe om die herberge te bespreek. Daar is ook die kenmerkende rooi sonhoede en kentekens vir rugsakke wat aangeskaf kan word.
Kliek of skandeer die QR-kode en besoek die webtuiste van ‘Die Pelgrimstog van Hoop’.
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Vrydag 27 November 2020
Skolenuus uit ons streek
Stuur jou skolenuus aan ons vir gratis publikasie en blootstelling aanlyn. Send your school news to us for free publication and exposure online. 065 686 2204 (WhatsApp) overdeberg2020@gmail.com Foto: Laerskool Bredasdorp/Facebook
Mnr. Sakkie Vermeulen is met ingang 1 Januarie 2021, aangestel as bemarker by die Hoërskool Bredasdorp. Sy hooffokus sal dan wees op die stigting van ‘n aktiewe bond vir die oudskoliere, asook die generering van fondse vir die skool. Hyself is ‘n oud-skolier van HSB en het in 1995 hier gematrikuleer.
Swellenduimpie het verlede week kom kyk hoe lyk die "Groot Skool". Groot was hulle opgewondenheid toe Swellie hulle by die deur kom ontvang. Hulle het op 'n staptoer deur die skool gegaan en ook prentjies getetken. Foto: Laerskool Swellendam/Facebook
Luke Valentine het op Saterdag 21 November 2020 aan die ‘Overberg Rated Roadshow’ skaaktoernooi te Caledon deelgeneem. Alle protokol ten opsigte van COVID-19 is toegepas. Dit was die eerste toernooi vir die jaar na die grendeltydperk. Luke het die BD's verteenwoordig en 'n skitterende 1ste plek (goud) behaal. Welgedaan, Luke!
Maak Radio Overberg fm deel van jou besigheid se bemarkingstrategie! Kontak ons vir ‘n pasgemaakte lugtydpakket! 028 424 2877 (T) admin@radiooverberg.co.za (E) 6
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Vrydag 27 November 2020
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Skolenuus uit ons streek Foto: Verskaf
Foto: Verskaf Cindy Coetzee het by die prysuitdeling van Hoërskool Hermanus, erkenning ontvang vir prestasies van gehalte: Spesiale pryse vir Leierskap, Rolmodel en Goeie Maniere, asook spesiale pryse vir Toewyding en Goeie Werksgesindheid teenoor Skoolwerk. Die Vakprys vir Wiskunde 83%, Rekeningkunde 84%, English First Additional Language 86% en ook Lewensoriëntering 88%. Sy deel ook die Erna Vroom-trofee vir Toppresteerder in Verbruikerstudies 80% en die Lambrechtstrofee vir die Toppresteerder in Rekenaartoepassingtegnologie 81%. Sy ontvang ook dan vol akademiese erekleure – 83%. Foto: Hoërskool Hermanus/Facebook
Junior BD’s flying high in off-road motorcycle club races A Western Cape Off Road Club race was held in the Koue Bokke Veld (KB400) on Saturday 14 November and Sunday 15 November. Both Luca and his brother Mynhard Rademeyer competed.
On Saturday, Mynard finished 2nd for the day in the 85cc senior class and did 3 laps (75 km in the 2-hour window) on his 85cc Yamaha. Luca was excluded for the day as he got lost on the second lap. He did about 35 km for the day on his 62cc Yamaha. On Sunday, Mynard finished 2nd for the day in the 85cc senior class and did 4 laps (108 km in the 2-hour window) on his 85cc Yamaha. Luca finished 5th for the day in the 65cc-class and did 3 laps (81 km in the 2-hour window) on his 65cc Yamaha. Mynard ended 2nd for the year in the 85cc senior class for the Western Cape Off Road Club. Luca ended 5th for the year in the 65cc class for the Western Cape Off Road Club. Well done!
National hotline: 0800 029 999 Provincial hotline: 021 928 4102 Toll-free hotline: 080 928 4102 WhatsApp "Hi" to 0600 123 456 Email: doh.dismed@westerncape.gov.za
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Vrydag 27 November 2020
Radio Overberg Programskedule Maandag 05:00 – 06:00 06:00 – 08:00 08:00 – 08:05 08:05 – 09:00 09:00 – 09:10 09:10 – 10:00 10:00 – 11:00 11:00 – 11:15 12:00 – 12:10 12:10 – 14:00 14:00 – 14:10 14:10 – 16:00 16:00 – 17:00 17:00 – 17:15 17:15 – 18:00 18:00 – 19:00 19:00 – 21:00 21:00 – 22:00 22:00 – 05:00
Landbouradio Ontplof met Pof Toekomsvenster Breakfast met Bobby Rohlandt Nuus Breakfast met Bobby Ommie Tafel met Anne-Marie Burger Radiodrama Nuus Musiek Nuus Kaviaar vir ‘n Springbok met Johan Mulder Drive Time met Marquin Nefdt Radiodrama (H) Drive Time met Marquin Nefdt Fabulous 50’s met Florence Kruger Pof Gesels Van Toeka tot Nou (H) Musiek
Dinsdag 05:00 – 06:00 06:00 – 08:00 08:00 – 08:05 08:05 – 09:00 09:00 – 09:10 09:10 – 09:20 09:20 – 09:30 09:30 – 10:30 10:30 – 11:00 11:00 – 11:15 11:15 – 12:00 12:00 – 12:10 12:10 – 14:00 14:00 – 14:10 16:00 – 18:00 17:00 – 17:15 17:15 – 18:00 18:00 – 19:00 19:00 – 20:00 20:00 – 21:00 21:00 – 22:00 22:00 – 05:00
Donderdag 05:00 – 06:00 06:00 – 08:00 08:00 – 08:05 08:05 – 09:00 09:00 – 09:15 09:15 – 09:30 09:30 – 10:00 10:00 – 10:30 10:30 – 11:00 11:00 – 11:15 11:15 – 12:00 12:00 – 12:10 12:10 – 14:00 14:00 – 14:10 14:10 – 14:30 14:30 – 15:00 15:00 – 16:00 16:00 – 17:00 17:00 – 17:15 17:15 – 18:00 18:00 – 19:00 19:00 – 20:00 20:00 – 22:00 22:00 – 05:00
Landbouradio Ontplof met Pof Toekomsvenster Musiek Nuus Boekvoorlesing met Jaco Barnard-Naudé Onderwys Vandag met Jacques Louw Musiek Wat saak maak met Jo-Anne Lourens Radiodrama Vyfster Nuus Musiek Nuus Musiek Municipal Matters Musiek Drive Time met Ben Burger Radiodrama Drive Time met Ben Burger 20th Century Pop 80’s met Marquin Nefdt Van Toeka tot Nou met Piet Makwas Rock Rebellie met Andries Roux Musiek
Landbouradio Ontplof met Pof Toekomsvenster Musiek Nuus Musiek Inspirasiestasie met Leanda Botes Musiek Wat Saak Maak met Jo-Ann Lourens Radiodrama Musiek Nuus Musiek Nuus Musiek Radiodrama (H) Musiek 20th Century Pop 60’s met Marquin Nefdt Met ‘n ander Oor Vers & Lied met Jaco Barnard-Naudé Make a Difference (H) Musiek
Woensdag 05:00 – 06:00 06:00 – 08:00 08:00 – 08:05 08:05 – 09:00 09:00 – 09:10 09:10 – 10:00 10:00 – 11:00 11:00 – 11:15 11:15 – 12:00 12:00 – 12:10 12:10 – 14:00 14:00 – 14:10 14:10 – 14:30 14:30 – 15:00 16:00 – 17:00 17:00 – 17:15 17:15 – 18:00 18:00 – 19:00 19:00 – 19:30 19:30 – 20:30 20:00 – 22:00 22:00 – 05:00
Vrydag 05:00 – 06:00 06:00 – 08:00 08:00 – 08:05 08:05 – 09:00 09:00 – 09:10 09:10 – 10:00 10:00 – 11:00 11:00 – 11:15 11:15 – 12:00 12:00 – 12:10 12:10 – 13:00 13:00 – 14:00 14:00 – 14:10 14:10 – 15:00 15:00 – 15:50 15:50 – 16:00 16:00 – 17:00 17:00 – 17:15 17:15 – 18:00 18:00 – 19:00 19:00 – 20:00 20:00 – 23:00 23:00 – 05:00
Landbouradio Ontplof met Pof Toekomsvenster Musiek Nuus Musiek Ommie Tafel met Anne-Marie Burger Radiodrama Musiek Nuus Musiek By die Plaashek met Pierre Vlok Nuus Toerismeprogram Musiek Suidernuus Drive Time met Jacques Louw Radiodrama (H) Drive Time met Jacques Louw 20th Century Pop 90’s met Marquin Nefdt Musiek Breyani met Deon Ahrends Musiek
Luister nou
Landbouradio Ontplof met Pof Toekomsvenster Musiek Nuus Musiek Ommie Tafel met Anne-Marie Burger Radiodrama Ommie Tafel met Anne-Marie Burger Nuus Musiek Nuus Musiek Uit die Museum Argiewe Drive Time met Rudi de Waal Radiodrama (H) Drive Time met Rudi de Waal 20th Century Pop 70’s met Marquin Nefdt Musiek Kragtoer met Jacques Louw Musiek Musiek
Saterdag 02:00 – 03:00 03:00 – 05:00 05:00 – 06:00 06:00 – 08:05 08:05 – 10:00 10:00 – 11:00 11:00 – 12:00 12:00 – 13:00 13:00 – 14:00 14:00 – 15:00 15:00 – 16:30 16:30 – 17:00 17:00 – 18:00 18:00 – 20:00 20:00 – 21:00 21:00 – 22:00 22:00 – 00:00
Boeretroos in die Overberg (H) Kaviaar vir ‘n Springbok (H) By die Plaashek (H) Pof gesels (H) Breakfast met Bobby (H) Fabulous 50’s met Florence Kruger (H) 20th Century Pop 60’s met Marquin Nefdt (H) 20th Century Pop 70’s met Marquin Nefdt (H) 20th Century Pop 80’s met Marquin Nefdt (H) 20th Century Pop 90’s met Marquin Nefdt (H) Musiek Uit ons Tyd met Johan Mulder Musiek Boeretroos in die Overberg met Piet Makwas Pof speel Country Countrymusiek Musiek
Sondag 00:00 – 02:00 02:00 – 04:00 03:00 – 07:50 07:50 – 08:00 08:05 – 09:30 09:30 – 10:00 10:00 – 11:00 11:00 – 12:00 12:00 – 13:00 13:00 – 14:00 14:00 – 15:00 15:00 – 16:00 16:00 – 17:00 17:00 – 18:00 18:00 – 19:00 19:00 – 21:10 21:10 – 22:10 22:10 – 23:00 23:00 – 05:00
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Kaviaar vir ‘n Springbok (H) Boeretroos in die Overberg (H) Musiek Bybelstorie Afrikaanse Gospel met Piet Makwas Erediens Kruispad met Lunette Coetzee Metronoom Journey met Gurswin Prins Koortjies wat Kook met Sammy & Noelene Banda Wat Saak Maak met Jo-Anne Lourens (H) Essential Sounds with LadyK Overberg Sundowners met Marquin Nefdt Klankbaan met Rudi de Waal Make A Difference met Dennis Bogenhagen Breyani Gospel met Deon Ahrends Kruispad met Lunette Coetzee (H) Radiodrama Omnibus Musiek
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Vrydag 27 November 2020
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Vrydag 27 November 2020
Bredasdorp groet vir Yzelle Rabie Letty-Ann Möller
weggaan, gaan jy nog steeds in die toekoms die Leeskring kom bywoon wanneer jy op Bredasdorp is!” Joey Giliomee het ook dan namens die Leeskring ‘n geskenk aan Yzelle oorhandig. Yzelle Rabie sluit dan af met: ”Ek voel soos 'n bruid, heeltemal 'flustered'!” Die idee vir almal wat gekom het (50 gaste), is om ons vriendskap vir die volgende 30 jaar te versterk al gaan ons mekaar nie baie sien nie.” Dit het Yzelle 3 weke gevat om die trek se bokse deur te werk. “In die bokse was daar notas, daar was kaartjies, daar was briewe, daar was foto's en julle sal dit nie glo nie, daar was iets van elkeen van julle wat vandag hier sit en dis gegraveer in my hart.” Yzelle Rabie gaan haarself op Gansbaai vestig.
Die afskeidsfunksie die oggend van 24 November 2020 wat Bredasdorpers, ou-Bredasdorpers, oud-kollegas en vriende vir Yzelle Rabie, oud-apteker by Antoinette’s aangebied het, het al die elemente van ‘n goeie funksie gehad.
Heerlike vingerhappies is deur Antoinette’s voorgesit vir die funksie. Foto: Letty-Ann Möller
Op die foto vlnr is dit Letty-Ann Möller, Marina du Toit, Joey Giliomee en voor is dit Yzelle Rabie. Foto: Verskaf Soos Gina Joubert met haar verwelkoming dit gestel het:
Foto: Letty-Ann Möller
”Marina het al haar prag en praal uitgepak hier in Antoinette’s vir Yzelle se funksie. Dit is so baie spesiaal. Almal wat van vêr gekom het, Joyle, Japie en Magriet Marais-hulle… dit maak ’n mens hartseer. Yzelle, jou plek is leeg.” Joyle Neethling het vertel pragtig van haar apteekdae saam met Yzelle, wat sy alles geleer (en aangevang) het en hoe hard die slim Yzelle gewerk het, soveel so, dat die personeel saam hard gewerk het. In Joyle se woorde: "Ons ou mense het mos net Disprin en Koemakranka gedrink. Ons het daarem bitter lekker tye gehad en ‘moeder Theresa’ het maar net verdra wat ons alles aangevang het.” Joyle sluit af met: “Many friends will walk in and out your life but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.” Letty-Ann Möller sê ook: “Namens die Leeskring… baie dankie vir jou bydrae. Ek dink nou spesifiek aan 'n lekker ontspanne Oktoberoggend in Bondstraat 31 met Wilbur Smith se avontuurlike outobiografie ‘ON LEOPARD'S ROCK’ met biltong en vrugte en die wyn en die wonderlike nuus is dat, alhoewel jy 10
Foto: Letty-Ann Möller overdeberg2020@gmail.com
Vrydag 27 November 2020
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Elim se rugbytrots Lunette Coetzee Uit Elim se geledere het daar 'n groot gees in die sport Rugby voortgespruit. Dawid Barendse, boorling van Elim, kom uit 'n familie van 10 kinders. Sy broers en suster is nog woonagtig op Elim. Onlangs is sy storie op sosiale media en in koerante versprei. Ek het by sy broer Albert Barends en sy vrou Emmie gaan inloer. Dawid is in noue kontak vanuit Engeland met sy familie. Hy het laas in 2018 Elim besoek.
Elimmers is rugbyliefhebbers en rugby word hoog aangeskryf in die gemeenskap. Op 24 Augustus 1970 het Barends sy buiging vir die Suid-Afrikaanse Rugbyspan gemaak. Sy debuuttoets het ooreengestem met die All Blacks toer. Dit was ook die eerste keer dat Maori’s in die All Blacks span toegelaat was. Dawid was die ook die eerste speler van nie-Britse afkoms wat vir die Leeus gespeel het. In 1977 is hy deur Bradford gekontrakteur. In 1979 het Dawid Groot Brittaje teen Australië verteenwoordig. Daar is nog heelwat Elimmers wat hom met groot trots en bewondering onthou. Dawid Barends het oor die jare Elim en Suid-Afrika baie trots gemaak. Dawid is ook die afrigter van een van die gewildste rugbyspanne in Groot Brittanje. Mense onthou sy spoed en sy vinnige en doelgerigte benadering tot die spel. Hy word as 'n aangename mens beskryf en het ook uitgestyg saam met ander groot geeste by Emil Weder soos Norman Johnson, Thomas Fluks, Tinie Serfontein, Walter Adonis en Eddie Williams.
Wonderlik was die artikels en foto’s wat uitgestal is en die pet waardmee hy deur die Leeus gecap was, is vertoon deur sy trotse broer, asook artikels en foto’s van Dawid se familie in Engeland. Ek het ook besoek aan sy ouers se grafte in die plaaslike begraafplaas van Elim gebring. Hulle was nederige mense en dit moes moeilik vir sy ouers gewees het toe hy so ver van hulle moes gaan woon. Dit was 'n wonderlike prestasie wat Dawid moes aangryp tydens die destydse apartheidsjare in Suid-Afrika. Sy rugbyvaardighede is ontwikkel en opgeskerp by Elim Morawiese Primêre Skool en ook by Emil Weder Hoërskool in Genadendal. overdeberg2020@gmail.com
Die lof wat aan Dawid Barends deur toeskouers in Engeland toegeswaai word, asook sy medespelers, is dat hy van die gaafste en lieflikste mense is wat hulle ken. Hy het 'n pragtige vrou, kinders en kleinkinders in Engeland. Dawid is wonderlik vereer en hoog aangeskryf. Om vir die Leeus te speel en om opgang op internasionale vlak te maak en so pragtig uit te blink, was 'n voorreg wat hom nie in Suid-Afrika in daardie jare gegun sou gewees het nie. In 2024 sal Elim hul 200ste bestaansjaar vier en wie weet dalk kan Dawid een van die Eregaste wees? “The mark of a great man is one who knows when to set aside the important things in order to accomplish the vital ones.” - Brandon Sanderson 11
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Vrydag 27 November 2020
Divers mourn their crocodile Jimmy Herbert The South African diving community sadly lost their cherished 'Crocodile' on 16 November 2020. At the age of 75, Kobus du Toit (alias Kobus Krokodil) passed on to a better place after a brave fight against cancer and other ailments.
facing crocodiles in Lake Kariba, rather than sharks in their coastal waters. At that time, not one South African spearfisherman had ever come mask-to-eyeball with a crocodile. Spearo's that dive in Great White infested waters have something special in their make-up, even more-so those that dive in the Kariba croc-infested waters. It is doubtful whether there are any divers elsewhere in the world that would be prepared to swim in the same water as crocodiles or alligators. Sharks and crocodiles hunt differently. If a diver encounters a shark, the latter is not always there to attack. It might circle a diver a few times and then move on – or give the diver enough grace to scramble out onto a boat. When approaching too closely, a hard spear-gun poke to the shark's nose can often encourage the predator to move on. A crocodile, on the other hand, when confronting a diver, the beast is no doubt there to attack with motivational dinner bells ringing in its head. June of that year, it was Kobus' first-ever visit to Rhodesia and the Kariba gorge. On that fateful day, Kobus was already experiencing diving down into the murky Kariba waters in-between submerged dead trees. Once at the desired depth, the protocol was to look up towards the surface. In this manner, backlighting was provided to aid the fish hunting spearo. Fish appeared to be 'sitting in the trees' visible against the sunlight from above. It was literally like shooting fish out of the branches of a tree – similar to a hunter, during dusk, shooting Guinea fowl silhouettes at the same time that the latter was perched in the branches readying themselves for a good night's sleep.
Although always a straight shooter, Kobus Krokodil, was very popular and an absolute joy to spend time with. While Kobus was still living in Stellenbosch and working for the University, we regularly popped in to see his latest equipment designs. This neat gentle giant (towering over most) was without a doubt the most organised person I have ever met. Everything was neatly filed and packed away – including his thousands of photo negatives, all categorised, well-indexed and filed. He even went so far as to have his full set of Underwater Magazines bound in a hard-cover. I was mesmerised by all this – I have never seen this before or after in my life. By the time I first visited and was introduced to Kobus du Toit, he had already proudly been christened 'Kobus Krokodil ' by the South African divers. While travelling to the flat of Kobus with Tommy Botha – SA Spearfishing Champion at the time and for many years to come – the Krokodil story was narrated to me. As an ex-Northern Rhodesian that was born and bred near the Zambezi River, Kafue River and Kariba dam, I had seen and knew enough about crocodiles to appreciate this horrifying event. Kobus earned his prehistoric reptile name the hard way. It was during the South African National Spearfishing Championship of 1976 that it all happened. For the first time, this annual championship was to be held in Lake Kariba, Rhodesia, and Kobus was there representing the Western Province team. Most people would think that you have to be a little bit mad to go spearfishing with a spear gun in the crocodile infested waters of the Kariba. As it was, the Western Province spearo's had their work cut out in pre-mentally adjusting themselves to 12
Despite a heavy rainstorm and choppy waters on the lake, no less than 40 spearfisherman were participating that day. Typical Western Province diver, totally focused on fish hunting, with no cognitive thought of possibly becoming the hunted, Kobus had already unwisely moved about 300 m away from the other divers. In no time, he had a good bag of Tiger Fish and Breams to boast with. On returning to the surface, after a lengthy few minutes underwater, Kobus unexpectedly came mask-to-eyeball with a 4-metre crocodile. Imagine! How horrifying is that! Continued on page 14 overdeberg2020@gmail.com
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Jakkals & Wolf se kapperjolle ...daar doer in die Bosveld.
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Divers mourne their crocodile Continued from page 12 The beast was too close for Kobus to try and swim away. For what must have felt like ages of eyeballing each other, the crocodile moved in. As he would with a shark, Kobus tried to fend it off with his spear-gun. On thrusting his gun at the crocodile, it snapped the gun into its mouth and broke it into three pieces. Kobus was next on the menu. The prehistoric monster again went for him.
The flamingos are back
In what appeared to be a blur of foam, the semi-aquatic reptile hit the young diver like an express train. Fortunately, as Kobus was wearing long swimming fins with extra-long blades, they proved to be his saving grace. The crocodile had him firmly held by the fin. As is always the case, the crocodile started shaking its prey. Kobus fought like a man possessed and was able to extract his foot free from the fin. Whilst this horrifying animal still furiously thrashed the water with his fin in its mouth, the diver used the diversion to make it to the nearest tree branches sticking above the water. Frantically this much taller than average diver pulled himself up into the branches of this long-dead tree. From his flimsy perch, Kobus terrifyingly glanced down at the crocodile whilst hysterically thinking 'branch, please don't break'. As fate had it, under his weight, the rotten branch broke, and he fell like a rock, straight down into the smiling crocodile's mouth. Again the aggressive reptile was on him like a flash. This time it grabbed him by the knee and kept shaking him as the water turned into a frenzy of green foam. Being a powerful individual, Kobus put up a great fight that must have made the crocodile decide to get a better grip. In that split-second that it released its grip, Kobus kicked the beast in the head. For a few seconds, the creature appeared to be momentarily dazed. This hesitation was his cue. Kobus dashed off to another tree and although it turned out to be no more than a fork at water level, frantically climbed up into it. There he stood on his good leg with the damaged left leg spurting blood into the water. For some unknown reason, the crocodile waited and even circled the branches, but did not attack. All this while, Kobus was in range and no more than a 'sitting duck'. Maybe our Spearo brother's super painful 'Du-Toit -kick' had convinced him otherwise. After some severe screaming, at the top of his lungs, the rescue boat arrived to save the day. On arrival, the crocodile stealthily submerged and swam off, leaving a highly stressed, yet relieved, Kobus to tell the tale. Although Kobus Krokodil never went back to the Kariba, he continued diving and spearfishing in the ocean – until relatively recently. With the Overberg Cape Infanta being his favourite diving venue, Kobus boasted many large fish trophies over the years – with all the necessary wellcatalogued and filed photos as proof. Our dear Kobus Krokodil will be sadly missed – RIP Kobus!
Photo: Nuwejaars Wetlands SMA/Facebook
Photo: Nuwejaars Wetlands SMA/Facebook The good rainfall received during spring, has prompted the return of Greater Flamingos to the Nuwejaars Wetlands SMA. A large group of juvenile Greater Flamingos have been spotted moving about the different vlei’s and stopping at a number of wet patches along the Bredasdorp and Elim road. Such a beautiful sight to behold. We are truly blessed to have these majestic pink birds still frequenting this beautiful part of the Overberg.
JIMMY HERBERT Retired lecturer: Stellenbosch University (1977-2013) Writer & Specialist in Maritime History and Archaeology
“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” - Thomas Campbell 14
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Bredasdorp Shipwreck Museum’s Porcelain Continued from page 16 The new reign, known as the Qing dynasty followed. The ceramic trade dwindled and ceased altogether for a few years. European traders turned to Japan where some Chinese ceramists had fled. The production of Japanese ceramic continued and became known as 'Imari' according to the name of the southern port from where it was exported.
Interestingly enough, also found in the same ship's cargo were two Japanese design porcelain saucers (#1: AN 73/3e; #2: AN 73/3f) of the CH'ENG period. The rim of the saucer is decorated with a geometric pattern interrupted by four lobes with three leaves each. The decoration in the centre of the saucer and inside the smaller cup depicts a lady seated on a rock with a jumping boy or woman watching a little boy playing. On the bottom they have CHENGHAU 1465-1487 (four characters: CHENGHAU HAU PERIOD MADE). Treat yourself and pay the Bredasdorp Shipwreck museum a visit to see and enjoy these art works of an advanced civilisation - made to last forever!
JIMMY HERBERT Retired lecturer: Stellenbosch University (1977-2013) Writer & Specialist in Maritime History and Archaeology
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History from the Overberg Jimmy Herbert Bredasdorp Shipwreck Museum’s Porcelain When a gold item is found on the ocean floor, it shines as if it had only been lying there for a day or two. On the other hand, and although also a precious metal, silver items are typically found to be pitch black and corroded.
Exploration lying at a depth of 68 m of water and 10 km directly south of Northumberland Point, near Struisbaai. With many tonnes of tin littering the site, and tens of thousands of porcelain items, still packed in wooden crates, it was still the bales of tea that were by far the most highly-priced.
Porcelain, like gold, even after centuries underwater, still looks like the day it was made. Naturally, the effect of the breaking up of the ship and the forces applied by wave action are far more destructive to porcelain than to gold. It is thus understandably rare to recover complete and undamaged porcelain items.
The third saucer (#8: AN73/3h) is also from the WAN-LI period (1573-1619). The rim of the saucer is decorated with chrysanthemums alternated by the symbol for flaming pearls. The centre decoration, in turn, consists of a stylised medallion flanked by four sceptre heads surrounded by four curls each. In 1973, Mrs. Luyt from Rondebosch was kind enough to donate no less than eight items of rare 17 th century porcelain to the Bredasdorp Shipwreck Museum. These artefacts consisted of a porcelain teapot (#5) with a lid, 2 porcelain cups (#3 & #6) and 5 porcelain saucers (#1, #2, #4, #7 & #8). According to the donor, all were reputed to be from the shipwreck of the Haarlem (1647). The teapot (#5: Acquisition number 73/3a & b) with its lid is a beautiful centuries-old artefact, referred to as YI-HSING ware. Since the style of these pots did not change much over centuries, they are not easily dated. This teapot was donated as an early 17th century item. Tea was introduced into Europe since 1610 when the Dutch imported tea from Sumatra and Java. Being first labelled as a medicinal drink by traders, tea drinking soon became a novelty in Europe. The two very delicate porcelain cups (#3: AN73/3c; #6: AN73/3d) as well as the two beautiful blue and white saucers (#4: AN73/3i; #7: AN73/3j) are all reported to be from the WAN-LI period (1573-1619). They all have a rim panel, inner panel and centre circle decorated with flowers and leaves. It is true that porcelain reached Europe long before tea. However, after the latter reached that continent, small cups, saucers and small single serving teapots were soon included in the cargo for the purpose of tea drinking. Tea leaves were sought after as an exotic product from lands far away, and tea, known as 'cha' by Europeans, was thus highly valued. As an example of this, one only has to look at the cargo of the Dutch East Indiaman Brederode (1785) found by Aqua and Agulhas 16
Porcelain tea services became an invaluable part of the cargo on the sea routes from China to Europe from the late Ming dynasty. Rebellion and civil wars led to the destruction of many of the main kilns in China and disrupted supplies, resulting finally in the fall of the Ming dynasty [1368-1644]. Continued on page 15 overdeberg2020@gmail.com