 |
Site sponsored by: |
 |
|
 |
|
|||||
| Home |
Please note that the views expressed by the contributors This issue of the Reporter will remain on this web site (www.riebeek.co.za) until the next issue Don’t forget that you can advertise in the Reporter. Ordinary line ads up to about 5 |
|||
| Animal Rescue | ||||
| Contact Us | ||||
| Events | ||||
| Fruitfly News | ||||
| Handbook Updates | ||||
| How to get to the Valley | ||||
| Jean's Poetry | ||||
| Kaap Agri | ||||
| Municipal Notices | ||||
| News from Goedgedacht | ||||
| Pestiside Issue | ||||
| PPC Issue | ||||
| Property Info | ||||
| Publications | ||||
| Subscribe / Unsubscribe |
NUMBER 56 September 2010 PYLON HORROR LOOMS! You may well see pylons like those shown above snaking across the Valley in the not too distant future. The proposed line goes through Nuekloof pass before passing to the South of Gouda and Riebeek Kasteel and eventually ends up in Melkbosstrand. It is difficult to deny that electricity supplies to the Cape need to be strengthened to satisfy increasing demand and economic expansion. However if the supply of extra electricity involves degrading swathes of countryside that is renowned all over the world, tourism, which forms an increasingly large portion of the lifeblood of areas such as the Riebeek Valley, is likely to decrease alarmingly. We have heard that various large leisure projects have been put on hold pending the outcome of decisions on this transmission line. So the outcome could be that one part of the community benefits at the expense of another part – hardly an ideal scenario. A Heritage Impact Report has now been published which recommends that the project should go ahead subject to adjustments which are not likely to affect the part of the line which traverses the Riebeek Valley. But the pylons will be visually intrusive for miles and will disturb views of the mountains across the Valley. The report says that the line will pass Riebeek Kasteel at a reasonable distance. But exactly what is reasonable in a case such as this? Visitors travel for miles to revel in the spectacular landscape - not mountains that can be glimpsed between icons of the industrial age which they are almost certainly trying to escape (for a week or two at least!). The report is available for inspection at the libraries in both Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West. You can download it from www.natureconservation.co.za/kappaomega. The report is open for public comment until October 20th 2010. It is important that you register you views. Comments should be sent to Penny-Jane Cooke of the Nature Conservation Corporation, PO box 30223, Tokai 7966. Fax: 0217015302. Email: kappaomega@natureconservation.co.za PPC Following PPC’s dramatic announcement at the beginning of August that they were withdrawing their application to massively expand cement production in the Riebeek Valley (see last issue of the Riebeek Valley Reporter) a meeting of the environmental forum was held. This forum is an information sharing body between PPC and the community. It comprises representatives from PPC, the Valley, the municipality and other local and provincial bodies. Leon du Plessis and Urishanie Govender (PPC employees) flew in from Gauteng to address the meeting. Leon du Plessis stated that demand for cement had decreased by 40% in the Western Province and this together with new regulations that had recently been enacted meant that it was not financially viable to go ahead with their original proposals. Now PPC plan to build a new factory on the site of the one that exists at the moment. This would be visually much less obtrusive than a new plant on the Delectus site. The new pre-heater would only be 10 -12 metres higher than the existing chimneys. Capacity might increase by up to 20% over current levels. Quarrying would be extended to the north of the existing site on Delectus. The withdrawn plan stated that the plant at De Hoek near Piketberg was to be closed within the next few years. This will no longer happen. PPC now says that De Hoek will be expanded to the point where combined production with the Riebeek plant will equal that in the original proposals. The scoping procedure for the new EIA will begin within the next two months. Riebeek Cellars wines at the All Africa Games
He told us that the Cellars had won the contract to be sole supplier of wines to the All Africa Games which are being held in Maputo during 2011. One container had already been shipped and more will follow.
Weather Don’t forget – you can check out the local weather at : http://www.yr.no/place/South_Africa/Western_Cape/Riebeek-Kasteel/ It’s odd. We have heard a number of people complaining about the lack of rain. Yet, in Riebeek Kasteel at least, the ground is saturated and there is water standing in puddles all over the place. Statistics show that 87mm fell in August which is only just below average for the month. Once again thanks to Chris Haugh who provides the figures each month. Quest Riding School is now operating from premises owned by Joan Calquhoun in Riebeek West. The instructor is Megan Malan who owns one of two horses used by the school – Induna. The other horse, Madonna, is owned by Joan. The school The picture on the left shows the Quest Riding School team at Piketberg and the picture on the right shows Julia Christen on Madonna.
For further details about this riding school contact Megan at eitelmax@mweb.co.za Riebeek Valley Handbook 2011 There is still time to book your ad in the 2011 Riebeek Valley Handbook – but don’t delay! Over the years the Handbook has proved to be a powerful medium for promoting businesses of all kinds.
Listings are free - so if you have opened a business during the year make sure that you are included! And the good news is that advertising rates are the same as last year! Contact us at wright@wcaccess.co.za to book space and for an updated order form and rate card. Artwork is required by the middle of September. Performing Arts at the Shiraz & Art Festival Leán Coetzer has been busy putting together a performing arts programme for the Shiraz & Art festival which takes place on October 2nd and 3rd. “I am so excited about this, that it has me shaking,” she told us. “Keeping with the off-beat creative energy of the Riebeek Valley, we’re featuring only local artists. Homegrown – all artists live in the Valley. On
Fire dancer Martin Scott and Oom Piet the menu are 20 different shows featuring song, dance, music, poetry, drama and storytelling. We have tailored five routes. Each takes the audience on an easy stroll to see three shows at three different venues. R120 buys you stoepside seats for three half hour shows plus a glass of Shiraz wine from a local wine cellar.” The performers include the steel band, John Harris, Eric Venter, Martin Scott – a spectacular fire dancer, the amazing Oom Piet who sings harmonious melodies while plucking away on his three string guitar made from a discarded piece of wood and an old shoe polish tin, slick dance troupe the MJ Kings and folk rock group the Tone Rogues. You can get details of these and all the other acts by contacting Leán at lean@headlight.co.za. In your garden Tip of the month - Spray your roses!
Rosecare 3 RTU (Ready to use) requires no dilution and is ready to be sprayed directly onto your roses. For other news from Agrimark click here
Property News Daniel Christen writes:
Properties for rent in the Valley are difficult to find. Many houses are only offered for rent on short term leases due to their being up for sale. There is a huge demand for smaller units for singles or couples without children who want to "taste" the Valley first. This also creates a wonderful platform for buy to let; invest for retirement and let someone pay off a large part of your bond. In a way it is a seller's market for rentals with demand outstripping supply. If I can help you with a tenant I will, just let me know what you have to rent out and if I have a client to match, I will put you in touch at no cost.
To read the rest of his article click here
Straw Houses
News from Goedgedacht Anne Templeton writes: Building work has started on the new centre which will house the POP youth programme activities and also a Gym and room for the Valley Empowerment Project in Riebeek West. Click here to read the rest of her article. Snippets The Riebeek Valley Mountain Bike Race will be held on September 4th over a 35km route. There will be a 15km route for the not so adventurous. For details contact Jacobus Bruwer on 0825239804 or kbruwer@intekom.co.za. It has come to our attention that the Swartland Revolution will take place on 12-13th November at the Royal Hotel and Short Street Riebeek Kasteel. Those taking part will get a welcome hamper, wine tastings and presentations, an evening braai at the Royal Hotel plus lunch the following day at Bar Bar Black Sheep Tickets are R1750 each excluding accommodation. Contact info@dnaevents.co.za for further details. These are two of a number of events taking place in the next few months. Click here to find out more. We were talking to a couple of guys who had just climbed the Kasteelberg during the month. The day had been arduous and the route they took was certainly not suited to the average couch potato. They said that the effort had been worthwhile. They clambered round the pulpit rock which gave its name to the wine cellar of the same name, they saw dassies, rock art, the remains of a (old) camp fire in a cave, precariously balanced rocks and breath taking views. “it is such a pity that people cannot have more access to the mountain,” one said. “Imagine what effect there would be on the Valley economy if a cable car was built to the top.” The tourism committee are always looking for ways of boosting business – so how about this one? It would not be cheap but an investor might be attracted by the potentially large traffic that might be generated.
Chris Murphy writes to tell us that he is no longer part of Swartland Heritage Foundation. No one has taken over from him so the organization is not operating at the moment. Advertisement CHRISTMAS MARKET: TENTS FULL OF PRESENTS
The DR Church “Vrouediens” of Riebeek-Kasteel together with Riebeek Cellars is holding a XMAS MARKET!
WHEN? During the SHIRAZ FESTIVAL on 2 and 3 October.
WHERE? At RIEBEEK CELLARS WINERY
INVITATION: We would like to invite you to exhibit and sell your home made products.
The cost of exhibiting for two days is ONLY R200. Tables will be provided! So book your table IN TIME to avoid disappointment.
You are, at your own risk, in charge of your table. In this way you can earn a handy income!
We would like to invite everyone to buy your Xmas presents IN TIME in the tent full of presents!
ENTRY FORMS: To obtain entry forms for your table please contact Marianne Grobbelaar . email: evertgrobbelaar@absamail.co.za Telephone: 0224481867 or 0731764323
Letters CAPE HUNT Thank you so much for sending the RVR, I really enjoyed reading about the things ‘going on’ in that area, and nice to read such an accurate account of the Hunt - great – well done and thanks again. Jan Wells, Cape Town PPC I am so glad to read that the PPC project has been scrapped and they will upgrade existing facilities. Thanks to the PPC Management for this decision. It was a huge problem with all of us as it would have been such an eyesore. We already have so many trucks coming through Malmesbury and something should be done about access for these big trucks. Lindy du Toit, Malmesbury ANIMALS IN THE VALLEY I have just read the latest Riebeek Valley Reporter and note with distress that someone has objected to the two charming pygmy pigs owned by John. I have only a nodding acquaintance with both John and his pigs, having just moved into one of “those controversial houses” in Maree Street. Words cannot describe the incredulous delight I felt when, on arriving one Monday to unpack yet more boxes at the house, I saw someone meandering up the street with two delightful creatures by his side. We had a chat and I made friends with the pigs in question. My overriding thought was – how wonderful, we are now truly living in the country, which as Sue points out is the reason many people move to this area. I would, therefore, like to add my voice to Sue’s in this regard. The pigs are charming, they are clean, and let’s face it they do no harm to anyone. How wonderful for children to grow up in the country surrounded by geese, sheep, horses and yes, even pigs. Julie Hattingh, Riebeek Kasteel. ROAD SAFETY IN SOUTH AFRICA - A LOCAL INTERPRETATION
'South Africa, on one hand, experienced a boom in both motorisation and population while on the other hand road fatalities, since peaking in 1991, appear to have stabilised at approximately 10 000 fatalities per year.' www.factbook.net and www.wikipedia.org
My train (excuse the pun) of thought began last week, by the highlighting on both BBC and Sky international news of the incident near Blackheath on the Cape Peninsula, where a minibus taxi appears to have tried to circumnavigate a road barrier at an intersection with a rail line, with disastrous consequences. Ten children dead! Virtually a morning does not pass when my radio alarm does not notify me of the latest road incident. There is a particular stretch of tarmac that seems to bay for the privilege of being the host to the most fatalities - it is deep in the Karoo on the main N1 link from Cape Town to Johannesburg, and the scenario is often described thus: a minibus taxi (bus, whatever) has been in an accident with a truck travelling in the opposite direction; a head-on collision. Many are dead and injured. Try to visualise the carnage, the impact on the still living, physically and psychologically, the trauma of witnessing and surviving such a crash.
Now, to the total deaths caused by and in the war in Afghanistan of invasion forces: since 2001: American: 1214 (916 in hostile action, and 298 non-hostile), and British, 292 killed as a result of hostile action and 40 are deceased because of non-combat injuries. 1546 since 2001.
On South African roads: 10000 PER YEAR!
Let's localise this. Most every week the Swartland Monitor has a photograph or two of a 'gruwelike ongeluk' and a lurid description of the circumstances: bodies strewn across the road, decimated. Vehicles beyond recognition. I hardly ever enter or leave Malmesbury on that section from the Paarl side without someone passing me in the 60km zone over a solid white line; recently a Tomi's Abbatoir vehicle and a Malmesbury registered police van spectacularly flew by.
In Riebeek Kasteel I constantly witness parents carrying their offspring, loose in the back of vehicles. If you have witnessed the scenario of a child propelled forward by braking at as little as 15kph you might share my concern. They become small missiles. Aimed at the windscreen. 'It can't happen to me, I'm only dropping them off at school.' Think about it.
Most 'accidents' happen a very short distance from home! I live beside the main street, which of late has become something of a race circuit. Cars often fly down mid afternoon, ignoring the stop sign at Hermon Road. Those in the know will appreciate that kids stroll across this intersection, after games at school or whatever, distracted by their friends. Sometimes on weekend nights it becomes a race track to the bottom of the village - cars scream down this main stretch. Without stopping. A simple speed hump would be a solution. A neighbour approached Swartland Municipality a while ago with this in mind and was told that this method of prevention is not considered a solution locally. Yet most of Yzerfontein has these deterrents. In the same municipality!
What are we waiting for? The first child to be knocked down and killed? And then? Oh, we did not do anything, and now it is too late. Like most things reaction needs to be at local, at the most accessible level. Driving in this country is up to shit! Sorry for being so blunt, but that's the way I see it. 10000 deaths a year! I don't need to explain myself. And I don't need to hear any reasoning or justification of who is performing so atrociously.
Chris Murphy, Riebeek Kasteel
(We agree with Chris. Speed bumps are the answer – cheap and effective. They should be placed on roads through the villages and on the R311 - ed)
Animal rescue
We not only have horses this month but also dogs from Darling. To see who you can give a home to this month click here.
Jean’s poetry piece A BREITLING JUJU-BOY. Oh what a joy to know that here the youth have someone to revere! Not a philosopher or saint, those things this kiddie simply ain’t. He’s a breitling Juju-Boy with microphone and fleet of cars Who enthrals for hours and hours. His message is so tantalising – that they love him is not surprising – ‘Look at me! I never needed to pass exams nor elders heeded! But like our famous Vuvuzella I played one tune and played it loud In front of any gathered crowd. It’s not your fault you don’t succeed, you’ve all skills you’ll ever need! Riot, make a fuss and yell, Authority can go to hell! Those above us should take care, ‘cause we the Youth are everywhere! With numbers such as ours and strength we will go to any length! Sieze money, land and power too, inform the people what to do! You’ll have fun and all you crave without the need to ever save! It is our right! We were done wrong! Power! Power! That’s the song Which we will sing as we toyi-toyi! Yea, trust your breitling Juju-Boy! |
We caught up with Zakkie Bester during the month. He had just returned from an export mission to China. He stressed the word export and said that there was no chance of Riebeek Cellars selling rice wine (in the near future anyway)! 
Quest Riding School
attended Piketberg Agricultural Show which was held at the beginning of August, where riders distinguished themselves by winning rosettes and cash prizes
Rosecare 3 is a unique formulation that protects roses from a broad spectrum of insects and diseases.
Those of you who remember the story of the three little piggies will not favour houses built of straw. You may remember that one of the piggies in the story built his house from straw. This was blown down by the wicked wolf and the pig came to a sticky end. The virtuous piggy, who survived, built his house from brick. Now Axel Ryder of Just Gorgeous is seeking to change this perception. He points out that straw gives good insulation and is relatively cheap. There is no danger of Axel’s house being blown down by the wicked wolf, or anyone else, since the straw is faced up with cement and reinforced with concrete blocks and timber beams. The house he is currently building in Riebeek West was designed by local architect Warrick Raubenhiemer. Axel reports that a great deal of interest has been shown in the project.
Kloovenburg have launched a new luxury range of olive based body products – shower gel, shower scrub and body lotion.
Sophie Carnegie plans to open a Montessori school in Riebeek Kasteel initially catering for grades R to 3 in January 2011. The school will be housed in the house opposite the post office. The grade range will be extended upwards over the next year or so as the school becomes established. The project will be launched at a party being held at 18 Fontein Street on September 15th at 17:00 for 17:30. (see adjacent ad). 
There was a rally of a different kind in Riebeek Kasteel one Sunday in August. The square was filled with around fifty Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Porsche. It was really breathtaking if only to think of the millions of rands that these vehicles represented
