Florilegium (n). From the Latin ‘flor’ (flower) and ‘legere’ (to gather). A gathering or collection of flower and plant illustrations from a specific region. It is the exact Latin equivalent of the Greek ‘anthology’ derived from ‘anthos’ (a flower) and ‘logia’ (a collection). It originally did not refer literally to flowers, but to little flowers of composition, or a collection of fine extracts from a larger body of work. 

Hidden away among the beautiful fynbos and indigenous plants at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve lies The Hannarie Wenhold Botanical Art Gallery, home to the Grootbos Florilegium, a stunning collection of 124 plant illustrations by 44 botanical artists featuring some of the over 900 documented fynbos species found at the reserve.

Grootbos is located in the Cape Floral Kingdom, one of the most biodiverse biomes on the planet. Although small, the biome is home to approximately 10 000 plant species. Many of these plants are found only in South Africa, with some restricted to a very small range, such as the Gansbaai Heath, Erica irregularis, which only occurs from Stanford to Grootbos. 

The florilegium is the vision of Grootbos owner Michael Lutzeyer, who wanted to find a way to make fynbos appeal to a larger audience. A friend of Michael’s suggested that botanical art would be the perfect medium for this purpose. Unlike scientific data, artworks have the ability to convey information in a manner that resonates easily with people, capturing their attention and engaging them. 

Michael was put in touch with respected local botanical artist Vicki Thomas, who has painted for many years and is one of the founding members of the Botanical Artists Association of Southern Africa. She immediately suggested a florilegium, and said that she would be happy to coordinate the project which began shortly after in 2018. 

Involved in the project were also Ruth Crichton, who made sure that things ran smoothly on the Grootbos side, and Grootbos Conservation Director Sean Privett, who, with his 20 years of extensive knowledge of the reserve, selected the plants to be illustrated. Some are a conservation concern, endemic to the region, or play an important role in the ecology, while others are edible, medicinal, or just particularly beautiful. Later, botanical artist Chris Lochner was employed as resident artist and assistant to the project.

The team dreamed of publishing the florilegium and Vicki visualised that each illustration in the book be next to a page of text (written by Sean Privett), interspersed with small studies including dissections, seeds, insects and creatures associated with the plants, which showed how the plants are connected in the broader ecological network. 

Unfortunately, in 2020, the project had to be delayed due to the pandemic and ensuing hard lockdown and restrictions. During that time Hannarie Wenhold, a patron who supports the conservation work at Grootbos, decided that all the original botanical artworks for the florilegium needed a permanent home, and donated funds to build a gallery where everyone could go and see the illustrations and learn about the fynbos. In 2022, the gallery officially opened its doors to the public and a coffee table book – Grootbos Florilegium – was published.  

The artworks displayed in the gallery and in the book are the result of months and months of hard work. Some pieces were completed in a matter of weeks while some artists followed the life cycle of the plant that they were illustrating to see it through all its seasons. 

Each artwork has been carefully scanned and colour matched to keep a digital record and high-quality prints are available for sale at the gallery. All the profits from the prints go back into supporting the projects at Grootbos, with half going towards conservation and the other half contributing to the teaching of the arts for local youth.

The gallery is open for guided tours (by appointment only) on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 10:00 to 12:00, and 14:00 to 16:00. Enjoy a walkabout through the gallery while learning more about the botanical art process and the fascinating narratives of the plants and their pollinators. 

For a more immersive experience, book a half day tour and enjoy an educational 4x4 botanical tour through Grootbos Private Nature Reserve with breathtaking views, followed by a tour of the gallery and a delicious botanical inspired lunch at Bellavista Country Place. This tour is available on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 09:30 to 15:00. Both tours can be booked on www.grootbos.com/en/florilegium/tours. Follow Grootbos Private Nature Reserve on Facebook and Instagram for more information and for updates on their projects.

The Grootbos Florilegium is available in both hardcover and softcover at the gallery, on Takealot, Readers Warehouse, and other major bookstores. 

Rest peacefully, Tannie Ria  

Hermie learners, their families, the school’s present and past principals and staff, members of the school governing body and PTA, and just about anyone who has ever been involved with Hermanus High School (HHS) since 1993 were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of ‘Tannie Ria’ Acker on 7 January 2024. 

HHS made the announcement of Tannie Ria’s passing on their Facebook page that afternoon where hundreds of people commented to give their condolences to her family and share their thoughts on this incredible woman who touched so many lives.

Tannie Ria retired from her post as HHS school secretary shortly after celebrating her 75th birthday in 2021. In honour of her years of service, the school hosted a retirement party for Ria which was attended by her family, HHS staff and three school principals who all served during Ria’s time at the school. 

During that ceremony, Werner Ladewig, the principal who hired Tannie Ria in 1993, said: “The title ‘secretary’ does not even begin to describe everything that Ria did for the school and the enormous role she played in the lives of its pupils and staff. Ria is a Hermie legend, a mother figure, a role model, a pillar of strength, a comforter, a bundle of love and patience. Day in and day out she was unchanging, always friendly and smiling, always ready to help, making every pupil feel special and cared for.”

“She was my right hand for 21 years,” he continued, “She looked after all of us. When anyone had a problem, the answer was always: ‘Go to Tannie Ria, she’ll help you.’ She always knew what to do. No wonder her office was always a beehive of activity – it’s where everyone went when they needed help with anything.”

Former principal Greg Hassenkamp echoed Werner’s words at the ceremony in 2021: “Whatever success the school enjoyed during my tenure as headmaster was only achieved because of the support I received from my staff and especially from Ria. While we can’t all be wealthy, we can hopefully be rich – and no one is richer than Ria. You have to give in order to receive and grow, and Ria has given more than anyone I know.

“Tannie Ria had a special ability of recognising those children who were having a hard time fitting in, or who were struggling with family problems, or who did not have enough to eat. She always made sure these children had sandwiches to eat at school and quietly, behind the scenes, she collected food parcels for needy children to take home to their families.

“The headmaster’s office is a place where headmasters come and go, but the secretary’s office was always different; it was a place that remained constant. Not many people in life are irreplaceable, but you are one of them,” Greg told Tannie Ria. This sentiment is echoed by all who knew her. 

Rest peacefully, Tannia Ria. You will be sorely missed by the entire Hermanus community. 

Exciting developments for OLH

On Tuesday 16 January, FinGlobal hosted an exciting function at The Marine Hotel’s new conference room to celebrate their collaboration with the Overstrand Learning Hub (OLH). In attendance were special guests from across the globe including Jack Cockwell (owner of the Old Synagogue – the home of OLH), Chris Vorster (CEO of STADIO Holdings), Dr Sindiwe Magona (award-winning author and motivational speaker), Johan Visser (seed funder of OLH for the last 4 years) and Dr Nici Rousseau (Executive Director, Overstrand Learning Hub). 

The event was emceed by Sparklekids founder Theo Krynauw, who began proceedings with a brief history of OLH. Active since 2018, the Hermanus Varsity Trust recognised the desperate need to empower students to become self-sufficient, and to also enable them to make a positive difference in the community where they work and live. OLH was established by the Hermanus Varsity Trust in 2021 to support distance-learning students from the Overstrand in the challenging journey of online learning through STADIO Higher Education. With the crisis of education in focus, the first courses they are supporting are all in the field of education. What started with nine students four years ago, could grow to be 100 by the end of this year.

First to speak at the function was FinGlobal CEO Ryno Viljoen, who first met Theo six years ago when Theo approached Ryno about sponsoring two Sparklekids. One of those young women went on to get her degree and is now in Ryno’s employ at FinGlobal in Hermanus. “The entire process with Sparklekids all those years ago opened my eyes. We need to be ready to help others to make a difference in our community,” said Ryno, who is a staunch supporter of OLH. 

CEO of STADIO Holdings, Chris Vorster, spoke next: “We at STADIO are so excited to be working with OLH. You are putting our vision into practice – widening access to quality education, providing support to learners, and aligning them with the world of work.” Chris, who is unquestionably passionate about education, also announced that STADIO would be sponsoring two bursaries for deserving OLH students.

Next, Dr Sindiwe Magona took to the podium and spoke of her struggles as a young woman. “I am a product of something similar to OLH,” she said, “When I was young, I was angry. I knew I had to make a change happen. I studied through the South African Committee for Higher Education which opened my world and gave a peek into a different life. Almost 20 million people live below the poverty line in South Africa…you cannot dream of something you have never seen. OLH takes people out of poverty and shows them kindness, guidance, and nurturing. My wish is for OLH to multiply throughout the country.”

Finally, Dr Nici Rousseau rose to speak, first giving attendees a shocking statistic from the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Education Research Report (2023) which revealed that only 55% of South African teachers performed at the same level as Grade 4 internationally.

“We need to support our student teachers in their learning. Many of our students are single, working parents who have to study when they get home. These are poor learning conditions with a lot of noise, low light and sometimes nothing to eat. At OLH, we see them twice a week in small groups where the qualified and experienced volunteer tutors and mentors can assist, and learners can support each other. We help with academic literacy; navigating technology and deconstructing the academic content,” says Nici, “We also try to assist financially, and money is carefully allocated to deserving students.

“A successful teacher needs to understand who the people are sitting in front of them in the classroom. This is why, in addition to academic and financial support, OLH offers all their students a personal and professional guidance module which includes small group mentoring by a professional team providing their services pro bono. This is to help students become stronger and more confident. As the saying goes, ‘You teach who you are’. Children can easily pick up on body language. If the teacher doesn’t care, why should they?” 

The function at The Marine clearly spoke to the hearts of those present. At a meeting two days later, it was confirmed by Jack Cockwell that the lease period of the building has been extended by another 20 years, and that he would be establishing a substantial bursary fund which has the potential of assisting several deserving students over the next five years. This will be known as the Invictus Scholarship and will be strictly administered by OLH according to their financial policy.

Four new classrooms will also be constructed at OLH behind the current building and in keeping with local and Western Cape Heritage guidelines. This will allow them to assist even more eager students and it is thanks to the Elvia Bury Estate as well as funding from Jack Cockwell. 

These developments are aimed at supporting students to become excellent teachers, thereby strengthening education in the whole of the Overberg region. OLH teachers need to become change agents, positive role models and leaders in the community.

For queries, please contact Dr Nici Rousseau at nicoline@overstrandhub.org or Wendy Colyn at wmcolyn@gmail.com.

Mentoring youth through fitness 

Fitness is a powerful tool for instilling both physical well-being and essential life skills. A coach or trainer becomes a guiding force in a young person's journey towards a healthier lifestyle. By setting fitness goals and working together to achieve them, trainers help to empower youth to overcome challenges and to develop a positive mindset. 

The mentoring extends beyond the gym or training space, and creates a supportive environment where open communication develops. This holistic approach cultivates a love for physical activity and equips youth with the tools needed to navigate life's obstacles with confidence and determination. Hanru Sauls from Hawston believes strongly in this approach. So much so that in 2021 he opened his own business, ‘Innovative Fitness’, based around the concept.

“I really wanted to do sport in school, but we never had the opportunity, so I had to do my own thing to keep fit,” says Hanru, “Through training myself I developed an interest in fitness and that’s when I got the idea for my business. I wanted to be the coach that I never had.”

In the years after school, Hanru took a Maxwell leadership and mentorship course and went on to get his personal training certification before spending some time learning from local trainers. To fund his business, Hanru became a personal trainer at ProActive Gym, and saves the money he gets from his private clients to buy quality equipment and to cover other expenses at Innovate Fitness.

Hanru then surveyed the local youth and found a need to create a safe space away from conventional gyms where steroid use is becoming a serious problem among teenagers, and at a time when they are highly susceptible to peer pressure. “Children are easily influenced. They need to be given proper information when they have questions,” says Hanru. 

Throughout the year, Hanru hosts a variety of bootcamps for interested teens with some youth coming from as far as Somerset West and Caledon to join his programmes. He offers functional training bootcamps (UltraFit), sports conditioning (RuggaFit), mobility and core (WaveFit), and heavy weight training which teaches proper form (HammerFit). He is also the first person in Africa to become a ChopFit instructor, a type of functional fitness which makes use of weighted plastic axes which Hanru incorporates into his fitness programmes.

The most recent bootcamp, UltraFit, was held from 9 December to 9 January at various outdoor locations in Hermanus. Participants spent two to three days a week either training outside with weights (which included kettlebells, ChopFit axes, battle ropes and sandbags), or hiking or running. The older youth in the group helped to look after the younger teens, cheering them on and assisting them when they needed help. The bootcamp also focused on teambuilding and leadership skills.

Although it was a physically demanding programme, the participants were sad when it was over and had nothing but good things to say. “We met new people and made new friends. It was fun,” says one teen, while another says, “Hanru is not just a coach anymore. He is family.” The teens cannot wait to come back again for the next programme.

Hanru is busy planning the next step for Innovate Fitness which will include a youth academy – a space where teens can do their homework, grab a bite to eat, train in a safe space, and have access to one-on-one time with life coaches. He was recently gifted a trailer which he plans to turn into a mobile gym. This will allow him to take fitness to the youth in areas where there are no sports facilities or gyms.

While fitness is not a quick fix, it is an important tool that creates a social connection, improves focus and concentration, reduces stress, and improves mental health and discipline. 

To find out more about Innovate Fitness call Hanru on 064 775 9039, or follow Innovative Fitness on Instagram (@innovate_fitnesss).

Humpback whale super-groups 

By Elisa Seyboth

MRI Whale Unit, University of Pretoria

Whales are a common topic in Hermanus, and we are lucky to have their presence as part of the scenery in Walker Bay. We talk mainly about the southern right whales, especially during the winter and spring months, but other whale species are observed in the bay and along the coast of South Africa, including humpback whales. The University of Pretoria’s Mammal Research Institute (MRI) Whale Unit, based in Hermanus, has been conducting scientific studies on this species. 

The intensification of this research started in 2021 when the Whale Unit joined the Whales and Climate Research Program, a collaboration among institutions from South Africa, Australia, Brazil, Chile, and Ecuador. 

Contributing to the understanding of aspects such as abundance, distribution, diet, and birth rate of humpback whales is the focus of my work as a postdoctoral researcher at the Whale Unit. As part of the activities performed, we have been collecting data on the so-called humpback whale super-groups. This breathtaking phenomenon has captured the global attention of marine enthusiasts and scientists alike. 

A super-group is defined as 20+ individuals, tightly aggregated and performing feeding activities. Up to 150 were already recorded. This remarkable behaviour has been observed every year on the west coast of South Africa since 2011, mainly throughout summer. 

While the exact reasons behind the formation of these super-groups remain a subject of ongoing research, it is believed that a prevailing reason is the abundance of prey, such as krill (a crustacean that looks like a small shrimp), in the region plays a crucial role. 

A study by the research group indicates that relatively high primary productivity the month before the observation of the whales, in association with oceanographic conditions that favour the retention of this productivity on the west coast, seems to support prey availability in the area, and composes a scenario favourable to the formation of the super-groups. 

This means that the humpback whales might be gathering in larger numbers to take advantage of the food availability in the area. Where the whales are coming from and where they go after having a big snack in the area also remains an open question. 

The research being developed on the super-groups is being used to gain valuable insights into their diet, population dynamics, and overall health. Non-invasive techniques, such as photo-identification (the identification of a specific individual based on unique patterns of their flukes), are employed to track individual whales and to  document their activities. This information contributes to a broader understanding of the humpback whale population and aids conservation efforts to protect these magnificent creatures and their habitats.

Encounter life with Robert Milne

Originally from Cape Town, local author Robert Milne spent a significant part of his upbringing holidaying in Kleinmond and the surrounding areas. In those days, the quaint, coastal village of Pringle Bay where they frequently stayed had no access to electricity. To fill the evenings, Robert and his family and their friends engaged in games or gathered around the fire, sharing stories with one another. 

As he got older, Robert found a group of friends who had a love for travelling, and each month someone would organise a trip to a hidden self-catering gem in South Africa. There the tradition of storytelling continued, and Robert would have his friends in stitches with the tales he told – some from his own experiences and some stories which had been passed on to him. Robert, who had a career in law at the time, was encouraged by his friends to write his stories down and to publish a book. 

After moving away from law and then onto marketing, followed by insurance and investment, Robert decided to listen to his friends and in 2016 published his first book of short stories called Encounters with Animals, which features some very relatable experiences, such as his problems with the squirrels in suburbia, and his hassles with the hadeda’s in his neighbour’s pine tree, which overhung his property in Cape Town near his bedroom window. 

Robert published just 200 copies of his first book, until friends of friends and then complete strangers, were looking for a copy, so he continued to publish more. He began writing his second book, Country Encounters, while still working for the insurance company. In 2018, Robert moved permanently to Pringle Bay with his wife to retire. Due to Covid, the book could only be published in 2021, along with his third book titled Encounters with Life – a read that is sure to make you both laugh and shed a tear! The book features Robert’s personal life experiences as well as his take on life. 

Robert and his wife travel frequently and hear many stories on their camping trips around the country. He currently has two more books planned. All of his books are written in English and the amusing stories are short and easy to read – perfect for those wanting to take a small break from the pressures of life and unwind with some humour.

His books are available at Coffee on Clarence in Betty’s Bay, the Book Cottage in Hermanus, and on Takealot and Amazon.  

By Barbara Lindop

Intethe Art Gallery

We all wonder what it is that enables a successful restaurant enterprise – is it just good food, enthusiastic service, and décor, or is there that little something else that wins hearts and minds to wish return again and again? The Wine Glass, which is the brainchild of three intrepid Hermanus residents – Brennan Davis, Mark Kahts and Jacques le Roux, was imagined and finally opened in 2018. Nestled between Harbour Road and a hidden courtyard, this stylish restaurant has created menus to please any palate, whilst also educating and inspiring its customers to explore the ever-developing wonders of the Overberg Wine District.

Initially partners in the financial industry, Brennan, Mark and Jacques, all devoted ‘Hermanus-philes’, decided they wished to settle here permanently. With the freedom to choose their next career step, filled with energy and optimism, they plotted their ensuing move. They concluded the future lay in the golden egg of tourism and with the infinite beauty of the environment coupled with the rapidly developing wine industry, their decisions were quickly made. 

The opening of the new shopping mall outside the village enabled the selection of the perfect venue: accessible parking and centrally based; a wide, airy room with openings on both sides; space for a fireplace for cosy wintery days; and high ceilings for a row of Swazi designer light fittings. The shade-filled courtyard leading from the back of the restaurant offered the perfect setting for the consideration of wine tasting. 

Winemakers from as far as Elim, traversing all the way to Bot River, were delighted with this opportunity to have their wines showcased in an accessible and central destination, and so the journey of The Wine Glass commenced. All the employees are locally-based residents and were handpicked and trained from scratch to proudly present the restaurant and its offerings to the public. 

Wine is a magnet that appeals, and many people are happy to fly great distances to discover and taste the results created by our local winemakers (assisted by the unique climate, environmental conditions, soils, granite rock and shale combinations, with the effects of elevation, cool ocean breezes and wind directions). The Overberg offers a combination of all the above with each area producing its own unique language, making all outcomes available for discovery, and The Wine Glass facilitates that journey.

Chef Carlo has carefully devised a menu to appease all-sized appetites. For those desiring hearty portions to satiate their long runs, mountain climbs and icy swims, a wide-ranging menu is offered. Alternatively, smaller dishes accompanied by a glass of delicious wine enable all the senses to be appeased. The appreciation and pairing of the numerous different wines available in the venue is nevertheless the main focus. The wine offering comprises 100 wines which are also available by the glass.

A wine pairing menu has been devised where six selected wines are offered, each matching a tasting dish to accompany the wine. It includes the tasting of a Sauvignon Blanc, a Rosé, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah. Waiters are fully versed in offering a background explanation of the wine’s origins, making the pairing an educational experience for the customer. A second offering of wine tasting flights is available. Here a single varietal is provided with a sampling of six wines of similar quality, allowing customers to discern which appeals to their personal palate. 

The Wine Glass provides an easily-accessible and notable entrée into the host of local wine offerings and Brennan and Jacques plan to open branches of The Wine Glass throughout the country. Their second branch opened last year in Stellenbosch and wines from that area are showcased offering a different perspective of the range and flavour differences from the cooler climates of the southern tip of Africa. The expansion includes the opening of branches at the Victoria Waterfront, and franchise offerings in Franschhoek, Constantia and other locations. 

For more information about The Wine Glass visit www.thewineglass.guru, or visit them at 2 Harbour Road, Hermanus.

Precision pairing at Creation Wines 

Creation Wines’ Experience Creation Energy Pairing Menu harmonises the flavours of their award-winning wines with a skillfully-created selection of dishes, enhancing flavours and textures and making for a multi-sensory dining experience.

This six-course summer menu celebrates the balance between wellness and wine and is designed for flexitarians. While predominantly plant-based, the menu also incorporates locally-sourced fish, lamb and beef, all from sustainable sources. Each course of the fully-immersive pairing engages the senses, and highlights the complexities of the diverse accompanying wines. A superb entirely plant-based menu is also available.

Guests are welcomed with a tomato gazpacho which incorporates nasturtium and buchu. This course establishes the menu’s focus on energy, health and wellness. It is paired perfectly with the summery Creation Rosé.

Chapter 1 of the pairing menu features edamame, cos lettuce, cucumber and lime salad which is paired with the Creation Sauvignon Blanc and highlights the freshness of the wine. The course is followed by protein-packed hummus which boasts layers of depth and pairs impeccably with the accompanying Creation Sauvignon Blanc-Sémillon blend.

What follows is an example of the culinary presentation for which Creation Wines were awarded a star at the esteemed 2023 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards. The entirely plant-based course comprises oyster mushroom taco, gochujang, black sesame, red onion, black beans, smoked corn purée and coriander. It is paired with Creation Wines’ Viognier.

Chapter 3 is a luxurious trout, caviar and avocado course complemented by the Creation Reserve Chardonnay.

Succulent lamb from the Overberg and locally foraged dune spinach from the Overstrand are featured in Chapter 4. They are served with brussel sprouts, radish and chimichurri. The velvety texture, aromas and signature umami taste of the Creation Reserve Pinot Noir make for a perfect pairing.

The light, refreshing course for Chapter 5 is well thought-out and provides an ideal transition between the main courses and the next chapter. The dish consists of pecorino, walnuts and basil, and enhances the Creation Syrah Grenache with which it is paired.

Creation Wines’ ‘Sweet Temptation’ is the final course and is a unique and expertly constructed dessert of rose geranium cheesecake, blueberry and turmeric. Paired with the Creation Fine Cape Vintage which showcases honeyed fruit and a hint of black cherry, it is an exquisite conclusion to a distinctive and memorable dining experience.

The serene setting at Creation Wines provides the perfect backdrop for this exceptional culinary exploration, and it is easy to see why they placed fourth on the World’s Best Vineyards list.

Creations Wines Creation Wines is open Monday to Sunday from 08:00 to 17:00. They are located on the R320, Hemel-en-Aarde Road on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. To make a reservation phone 028 212 1107 or email reservations@creationwines.com. For more information visit their website www.creationwines.com.

“Finding the perfect gift for new parents can be quite challenging. You want to give something meaningful, unique, and enduring,” says Carl Krim of Kairos-Moulds in Hermanus, “Our mission is to provide a means of encapsulating the deep connections we share with our loved ones, whether they are babies, partners, family members, or dear friends.”

Carl’s journey into moulding began with the birth of his first daughter in 2001. Wanting to capture a sculpture of her little hands, he experimented by putting her hands into different mixtures, such as flour and clay, while trying to find the right material to mould with. 

At that time, creating casts like these was considered impossible in South Africa, but Carl was determined. He spent much time researching, and through trial and error successfully cast his second child’s hands three years later. Carl says few things hold a greater place in his heart than the casts of his daughters’ hands.

This passion for recreating memories and the feelings that they evoke, inspired Carl to start his own moulding business called Kairos-Moulds in 2005. He works from home and before long his art had spread throughout the small apartment that he and his partner were living in. Needing more space, they moved to a larger home in Voëlklip but soon realised that even his current house isn't big enough. Working in the garage has now also extended to working in the entrance hall, and his art can be seen laying everywhere on shelves and tables.

The moulds are incredibly detailed and show even the smallest elements including fingerprints, hair follicles and wrinkles. The casting materials are non-toxic and skin-safe making it ideal for casting babies hands and feet. The process is simple and the moulding compound takes only three minutes to set and an additional hour to cast, after which Carl touches up the final product. He also offers painting, mounting and framing of these special moulds.

Taking his business venture one step further, Carl has made it easy for customers to make the casts in the comfort of their own home by offering various DIY casting kits which can be purchased on his online store (www.kairos-moulds.co.za), with shipping throughout South Africa. The kits are available in different sizes and include kits for casting a couple's hands, baby’s feet and hands, and even for pregnancy bumps. Carl is always available to help guide new customers through the process and is keen to share tips and advice to make it as easy as possible.

In addition to the moulding, Carl has also begun to create his own products, working with resin, plaster and cement to make a variety of unique designs which can be seen at www.simplyawesome.co.za. Among his creations are plates, platters, bowls, and fridge magnets. Carl also dabbles in the world of sculptures and some of his most recent pieces, including an octopus and a whale, include the use of driftwood which he collected after the floods in Hermanus. Some of these pieces are currently on display at CanD’s Kitchen in High Street, Hermanus and at Stanford Art Gallery & Studio in Queen Victoria Street, Stanford.

For more information contact Carl on 073 587 6870 or email sales@kairos-moulds.co.za. To see more of his work visit his Instagram profile (@carlkrim).

The battle for African penguin survival  

African penguins are beautiful, charismatic, noisy, and curious creatures which are endemic to southern Africa. Initially labelled as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species (also known as the IUCN Red List) in 2010, the African penguin population continues to dwindle and is now one of three species requiring urgent conservation efforts.

In 2019, a population assessment was undertaken, revealing a global population decline of nearly 65% since 1989. Two years later, another assessment was done with the results showing that over the past three decades (three generations), the number of African penguins breeding in South Africa has dropped by 73% from around 42 500 breeding pairs in 1991, to approximately 10 400 pairs in 2021. The global population at that time was estimated at 14 700 pairs. 

Since 2005, five South African colonies have become extinct (according to a census from 2022), indicating a loss of roughly one colony every three years. In 2004, three South African colonies boasted over 5 000 breeding pairs each, with Dassen Island leading with around 25 000 pairs, St Croix Island hosting approximately 10 000 pairs, and Robben Island supporting nearly 8 000 pairs. However, all the large colonies have witnessed significant declines, with none of the remaining colonies having more than 5 000 pairs. 

At Dyer Island in Gansbaai, there are roughly 1 200 breeding pairs of African penguins left.

Projections based on the rates of population decline indicate that the West Coast population in South Africa could be functionally extinct by 2035 if no action is taken. This means that the population will be so small, it will no longer be able to breed enough to increase numbers again.

African penguins face many threats such as dwindling food, habitat loss, oil pollution, egg harvesting, and guano (the excrement of seabirds and bats) collection (African penguins nest by burrowing into layers of guano formed over hundreds of years, which protected them from severe heat and cold).

African penguins also undergo an annual moult where they need to replace their feathers in order to maintain their waterproofing. During this time, they are land-bound for about three weeks and do not eat, with some parent penguins moulting before their offspring have reached the fledgling stage. These chicks either starve to death or venture into the ocean without the required amount of fat reserves. 

The African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS) in Gansbaai, which is a project that falls under the Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT), is doing everything they can to save these chicks and the African penguin population from extinction: “We remove the chicks at the end of the breeding season, when the adults go through their annual moult, to treat and rehabilitate them at APSS. During the moulting process, the penguins are not ‘waterproof’, preventing them from swimming and caring for their young. If we do not intervene the chicks will starve, and the population will continue to decline.” 

DICT relies on donations from the public to ensure the continued success of their sanctuary. Shane and Janet Sauvage, owners of La Pentola Hermanus, have been staunch supporters of the project since they opened their restaurant 12 years ago. “Every year we choose certain wines and give a percentage of the sales to the Trust. It is easy to share the information with the guests, who then choose to support the penguins by ordering that wine.”

At the end of each year, Shane and Janet add up the figures and give the money to DICT. This year they managed to donate a whopping R20 000 which was raised from sales in 2023. “It is just a drop in the ocean, but if we all do a little bit together, we can make a big difference,” says Shane.

To make a donation towards APSS visit www.givengain.com/campaign/project-sisonke-sikhula--together-we-grow. APSS is located on the corner of Van Dyk and Dyer Street in Van Dyk’s Bay, just 4 km from Gansbaai. For more information on the sanctuary visit www.dict.org.za. 

Sources: https://dict.org.za/dict-projects/african-penguin-seabird-sanctuary/ and https://sanccob.co.za/news/save-the-african-penguin/.

Tradition, quality, and community at Onrus Butchery 

Established in 1998, Onrus Butchery (OB) still operates from its original premises at the Onrus Trading Post. This popular, family-owned butchery supports local business by offering sustainable, quality, locally-sourced meat as far as possible.

Owners Natasha and Johan Southey took over the butchery in July 2023 and revamped the store with new branding and some minor renovations, breathing fresh energy into the space. Nastasha is a former clothing designer and boutique owner and Johan heads the local ActionCOACH office in Hermanus.

Natasha enjoys the challenge of running a business, and her hands-on approach as a manager also sees her working alongside her dedicated staff in the kitchen, ensuring that each cut of meat reflects the commitment to sustainability and quality that OB strives to achieve. 

When she is called away, either Johan, her son Sean or her dad step in to fill any jobs that need to be attended to. Johan manages the marketing side of OB, using his expertise from ActionCOACH to bring in new customers.

Natasha and Johan say that they could not run their business successfully without the help of their staff who have over 30 years of experience in the meat industry between them: Erlmine Mushfield assists everywhere in the kitchen, and Sazi Mehlo is the resident sausage maker with 10 years under his belt. Valerie de Jager is the blokvrou or ‘meat tech’ and has 20 years of experience, mostly with OB. All staff are recognised, heard and included, and Natasha actively seeks their input.

OB sells quality meats including pork, steak, chicken and beef, and cleanliness and quality is a priority for them. The team is strongly focused on providing excellent customer service and accommodating their customers needs, and they maintain the personal touch of a community-centred, family-run business. Even the temporary staff who helped over the festive season were relatives or close friends of the permanent staff.

OB also has a pop-up stand outside the butchery where they sell boerewors rolls every day and hamburgers on Wednesdays. They use their own meat which provides customers with the opportunity to sample some of their products before buying.  

Along with a good selection of quality meats, OB stocks products such as Kalahari Spice and Plankie Steak Sauce. They also make their own biltong and even offer a range of dog-friendly options.

Onrus Butchery is open Monday to Friday from 09:00 – 18:00 and on Saturday from 09:00 – 16:00. They are open on public holidays and can be contacted on 028 316 4799. For more information and to learn about new specials follow them on Facebook (@onrusslaghuis).

Bright futures ahead for the matrics of 2023  

Excitement was in the air as matrics throughout the Overstrand gathered at their respective high schools last week to collect their final results. The class of 2023 exceeded expectations and, despite the challenges caused by loadshedding, managed to increase the National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Examinations Board (IEB) national pass rates. NSC increased from 80.1% to 82.9% (715 719 candidates wrote the 2023 NSC exams) and IEB increased by 0.04% to 98.46% (15 180 candidates wrote the 2023 IEB exams). The Western Cape NSC pass rate also went up by 0.14% to 81.54%.

Hawston Secondary School continues to improve on their results of 2021 with a pass rate of 76.2% and 25 bachelor’s passes. The school got 4 distinctions: one for English FAL, two for Business Studies and one for Tourism. With the exception of one subject, all the other subjects had a pass rate above 70%. The top three learners are Liron Kleinsmit with 72%, AJ Moos with 71% and Raynique Jasson with 68%.

Hermanus High School (HHS) achieved a pass rate of 96.1% with 77.3% of learners (140 out of 181) earning bachelor’s passes. A total of 19 candidates achieved an A-aggregate and 29 achieved a B-aggregate. Overall, the HHS matrics achieved 172 subject distinctions (80% or higher). The top learner is Mia Slabbert who achieved 7 subject distinctions with an average of 93.2% (97% for Life Sciences, 96% for Geography, 94% for Afrikaans FAL, 94% for Physical Sciences, 94% for LO, 93% for Mathematics, and 85% for English HL). She is followed closely by Marli Snyman with 92.7%, Hermanus Fourie with 90%, Helena Malan with 87.8% and Janiel Klotz with 87.3%.

For the tenth year running, Northcliff House College (NHC) in Onrus was ecstatic to achieve a 100% pass rate with seven bachelor’s passes. NHC is a WCED Independent School that focuses on academic development and tutoring. Their top learner, Abigail Williams, received six distinctions with an average of 86%. Overall distinctions at NHC were achieved in CAT, Design, Visual Arts, Drama and the languages. NHC is also recognised as one of the few schools in the Western Cape to have achieved a 100% pass rate for five consecutive years. 

Curro Hermanus High School, which follows the IEB curriculum, received a 100% pass rate of which 89.83% are bachelor's passes. They achieved 7 A-aggregates and 14 B-aggregates with an average of 1.8 distinctions per candidate. The top six learners are Chevonne Erasmus with 6 distinctions and an average of 87.43%, Daniel Cornell with 86.43%, Corné du Plessis with 82.71%, Hayden Oehl with 81.43%, Zarah de Witt with 80.71% and Emma Venter with 80.57%. Chevonne is part of the Top 1 % of IEB candidates in the country in Afrikaans HL (93%), Life Orientation (94%) and Tourism (91%). She also received a Commendable Achievement for being in the Top 5% of IEB candidates in five subjects. Emma is part of the Top 1% of IEB candidates in the country in Hospitality Studies (79%). 

The learners at Generation Schools Hermanus wrote the Cambridge International AS/A Level Examinations and achieved a 100% pass rate with a class average of 70%. Results in each subject are calculated against a grade threshold which means that to qualify for an A in a subject, one also needs to place in the top 20% of international private school students writing that same exam. These exams are the highest standard of secondary school assessments in the world and as such, only four AS (Advanced Subsidiary) subjects and one IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) subject are required in order to secure university acceptance. IGCSE exams are written in Grade 10 and the results allow qualifying students early acceptance into national and international tertiary institutions.

The top three learners at Generation Schools Hermanus are Jenna Lees with an average of 84% (three As at AS Level, one A at IGCSE level, and one B at AS Level), Abigail Dixon-Warren with 83% (four As at AS Level), and Ruben Nell with 76% (two As at AS Level, and two Bs at AS Level).