Grapevine Magazine | Sept Issue 2015

GRAPEVINEmagazineTh e Val de Vie

A publication of the Val de Vie Homeowners’ AssociationGRAPEVINEmagazineTh e Val de Vie

A publication of the Val de Vie Homeowners’ Association

Th e Val de Vie Grapevine M

agazine

September 2015

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1GRAPEVINE MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2015VAL DE VIE

Contents

September 2015HOA Communication 02

Property & Development 06

Paarl History 10

Sightseeing 14

Events & Media 20

Wine & Dine 26

On Show 28

Building & Development 33

Solar Power for your Home 38

Sports & Leisure 41

Social & Community 46

Stable Talk 52

Landscape & Facilities 56

Safety & Security 60

HOA Pages 62

DISCLAIMER: The publisher and editor of this magazine give no warranties, guarantees or assurances and make no representations regarding any goods or services advertised within this edition. Copyright Val de Vie Estate.All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent from Val de Vie. The publishers are not responsible for any unsolicited material.

Designed and produced for Val de Vie by MPDPS (PTY) Ltde: [email protected]

Grapevine Magazine is published for Val de Vie Estate Elements Management (PTY) Ltd.Val de Vie Estate, R301/Jan Van Riebeeck Drive, Paarl 7647, South Africa

Contact: Tel +27 (0)21 863 6103 / Fax +27 (0)21 863 2741Email [email protected] / Web www.valdevie.co.za

Printed by

e: [email protected]

Editorial Carlé Geldenhuys Sub editor Brenda van Rensburg Val de Vie marketing director Ryk Neethling Contributors Front Cover - John Wilkinson ([email protected]), Morne Bosch, Liz Smithers, Retha Venter, Suzan Venter, Franschhoek Motor Museum, Val de Vie Events, Monte Christo Miqlat, Dish Food & Social, Mark Pettipher, Stefan Le Roux, Johan Stander, Barry Cooke, Mieke Le Roux, Paul Emslie, Karin Van Niekerk, Madri Steyn, Kelly Mathias, Naas Engelbrecht, Brett Ashington, Carle Geldenhuys, Janette Griesel, Heidi Cloete, Magda Henning Advertising sales Carle Geldenhuys ([email protected]), Janette Griesel ([email protected]) Managing, design and production Mark Pettipher, MPDPS (PTY) Ltd ([email protected]) Production manager Dalene van Niekerk Designers Wade Hunkin, Dirk Knoesen

14

52

22

10

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2 GRAPEVINE MAGAZINE - JUNE 2015 VAL DE VIE

HOA CommunicationHOA Communication


1. SecuritySecurity remains the number one reason why buyers invest in the estate. We complete another year without incidents – a record we treasure and for which we are extremely grateful. The estate also won the Safe Home Award category of the International Property Award in December 2014.The focus areas on the security front included:1. Maintaining vigilance through a variety

of regular stress tests.2. Improving the experience at the entrance

gates – electronic visitors system / image and soft skills of the guards.

3. Improving compliance to general estate rules such as pets and speeding.

4. Safeguarding the technology against electrical interruptions.

5. Conducting research to ensure we are acquainted with the new technology.

Same system basically entails that:• We verify and photograph each person who

enters Val de Vie;• We have 24/7 thermal camera surveillance of

every inch of the electrified perimeter;• A total of 140 cameras are monitored by

a dedicated surveillance team in our control room;

• Guards patrol at night and their movements are tracked and monitored;

• A response vehicle equipped with a dog and roaming thermal camera patrols the area around the estate at night;

• The guards at the gate are monitored by the guards in the control room;

• The security committee receive daily reports of every incident - from speeding tickets to house alarm activations, stress test results, impounded dogs etc;

• We also receive daily reports from security forums of security threats in the area, including warnings of suspicious vehicles and people;

• We do back-ground checks on tenants before they move in; and

• We conduct random criminal background checks on the contractors’ work force.

2. Building activityAt the previous AGM we reported record high levels of building sites. As expected it came down from 101 peak sites in that year to a current 50 sites. It brings welcome relief to the amount of traffic as well as the activity at the L’Hugeunot gatehouse. We now have 400 homes completed and we expect the majority of the remaining homes to be completed within three years from now.

Each year seems to bring some new development onto the estate. The previous year saw the cellar being restored and expanded to its new form. The Polo Village project finally commenced

during this year and stands to be completed by June 2016. Only ten of the sixty units remain unsold. At R26 000 p/m2, these sales set a new benchmark for property prices on the estate.

3. Landscaping and water managementThe three year contract of the current landscape maintenance contractor came up for renewal during this year. In line with the detail recommendation of the landscaping committee, the Trustees decided not to put the contract out to tender, as we believed we stood to lose more through the costs of the mere process itself and the risks associated with a change in contractor. In other words, we believed it to be very unlikely, for good reasons that we will procure a better service at a better price than what we can negotiate with the current contractor. We could therefore negotiate better terms and in line with expectations the overall cost increased with a factor lower than inflation. The polo maintenance contract was also awarded to Servest and they took over at the beginning of August. This further enabled the HOA to achieve cost savings through economies of scale.

We are well aware that the landscape cost is our single biggest expense and a lot of attention is awarded to ensure that the contractor is managed strictly in accordance with the terms of the contract and that we achieve savings where

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Chairman’s report

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HOA CommunicationHOA Communication

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possible. A lot of savings are achieved on the consumable side. The scope of the landscape maintenance contract has matured to a level, which can now be maintained for the long term.

The new wireless irrigation management system, enables us to apply water more accurately and we therefore achieve significant savings in overall water usage. We only have 1 000 000kl per year to use and we used it all during the previous financial year. We constantly investigate and pursue viable water saving techniques. We constantly urge homeowners to do the same in their private gardens.

4. FinancesThe HOA is in a healthy financial position. During the 2015 financial year we billed levy income of R21.55m and operated at a net monthly surplusof R381 000, which is almost double than budgeted for. We ended the year with a cash balance of R17.9m and this balance has increased to a current figure of R18.1m (before provision for creditors and short term liabilities). The total budgeted surplus in the current financial year is R1.2m. The debtors balance decreased from R1.45m at 2015 financial year end to a current figure of R1m. Our maintenance reserve fund balance (forming part of the above-mentioned cash balances) is in excess of R5m and is sufficient to pay for scheduled maintenance on our assets, as well as unforeseen expenses or replacement of capital items. There is no reason to deviate from our current “levy policy” of inflationary increases. We also cannot foresee that any special levy would be needed for unforeseen expenses in the foreseeable future.

When the HOA’s five year cash flow forecast was presented two or three AGM’s ago, one of the concerns raised was the HOA’s dependency on extraordinary levy income – an income stream that will one day come to an end. One of the questions addressed, was how long the HOA will enjoy this extraordinary levy income, and what the effect will be on the normal levy should this income stream fall away. Other factors that were considered:1. Not all of the developer erven have been

transferred – normal levy income will increase as the number of normal levy payers’ increase;

2. Additional levy income streams will be realised from the incorporation of further development phases like The Vines – this will also have a huge positive impact on our levy income streams.

By increasing the normal levy by not more than inflation year-on-year, the HOA should, over a period of five years, be in a position where it is no longer dependent on extraordinary levy income. Over the longer term, the additional levy income should result in a “lower than inflationary” year-on-year increase in normal levies.

In a nutshell – inflationary normal levy increases are to be expected for at least the next three to five years, the levy will decrease year-on-year in real terms (i.e. lower than inflationary increases) as additional income streams are being realised.

5. InfrastructureWe continued to implement much required capital upgrades, totalling R2.7m. These included

R340 000 landscape improvements – all of a capital nature. The irrigation system was extended to R550 000 to improve large low intensive areas, mostly verges and green fingers. R630 000 was spent in the final phase of the refurbishment of the irrigation control system, to a wireless control system, and another R500 000 on increasing our bore-hole extraction capabilities. R230 000 went towards the improvement of storm water channels and R338 000 on the replacement of inner lane booms.

There were items of a capital nature, however, we evaluated and classified it as “cost saving items”, in other words, improvements which cause immediate cost savings and for which we could calculate a pay-back period or IRR. Those totalled R765 000 and included the photo voltaic solar system and energy efficient pool equipment.

The fibre to the home project is completed up to phase 3 out of 4. We were not impressed with the supplier’s implementation speed to say the least, but decided to stick it out with them, as the quality of the physical infrastructure installation is good and it seems as if the 70+ live customers are generally satisfied.

We have to mention a few things regarding the reliability of our electricity supply, which has become particularly relevant lately. There is obviously not much we can do about the national load shedding, other than to communicate the time schedule as best we can, and to encourage as many homeowners as possible to install personal solar voltaic and battery systems. For obvious reasons we prefer the solar solution over generators.

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4 grapeVine magazine - september 2015 Val de Vie

HOA Communication

Our Estate’s security system is on

back-up generators and our safety

is not compromised when we

experience electricity outages.

More concerning though, are the unplanned outages that occur from time to time. We are always in direct telephonic contact with the engineers whenever we experience an outage. In some instances, these occur for legitimate reasons and they are always quick to go out and repair these. We can confirm that it has certainly nothing to do with the new developments.

As far as they might be, with the effect of an aging municipal infrastructure, it is good to know that this risk will be eliminated in the medium term. The Development Company, as part of its bulk service level agreements with the municipality, has concluded a deal with Drakenstein where the Devco will finance the construction of a R70m electrical substation. This new substation has been planned to tie us into the brand new electrical overhead lines to the South of Val de Vie, but was never constructed by the municipality due to lack of funding. This new substation has been an obligation of the municipality for many years, but the new developments now made it feasible for Drakenstein to obtain funding with the assistance of the Development Company. It will be constructed next to the waste treatment plant and should be completed during the first half of 2017. The tender processes have already been actioned.

Our Estate’s security system is on back-up generators and our safety is not compromised when we experience electricity outages.

6. MarketingThe estate is currently gleaning huge benefit from the marketing drive of the Development Company, which it conducts to market the new developments. They literally employ millions of rands towards general brand building of the estate in various media channels. The Polo Village won the best marketing prize and the Polo House won the Safe Home Award at the International Property Awards. The Val de Vie magazine has a distribution of 15 000 copies and is in high demand at top hotel groups and airport lounges.

7. Social ResponsibilityThe Val de Vie Foundation Trust, which we explained previously, will be funded by 1% of the Development Company’s sales and 5% of all new HOA’s monthly levies are now engaging with other stakeholders in the valley like the Valcare Foundation and the Hanneli Rupert Trust – all in an effort to coordinate efforts and prepare for the first funding, which will flow in early 2016.

8. AppreciationThe homeowner Trustees for the past year were, Leon Cronje, Anton Gildenhuys, Riaan Terblanche and Clifford van der Venter. We owe them gratitude

for their time and the effort that they put into the affairs of the estate.

9. New DevelopmentsThe communication and process regarding the incorporation of the new phases spanned almost twelve months, from the first invitation to the open day in June 2014 to the General Meeting in May 2015, during which the homeowner overwhelmingly voted in favour of incorporation of the new phases. The Trustees established the development subcommittee with a mandate to assist in the broad based consultation process and to advise the Trustees on the best structure of incorporation. They conducted numerous debates and investigations, which included sessions with the HOA’s lawyers and interactions with individual homeowners. We believe that the process enabled us to put a structure in place, which ensured that the current Val de Vie homeowners derive maximum benefits from the incorporation whilst safe guarding itself from development risk, and thereby securing the approval of the overwhelming majority of homeowners. The development subcommittee will continue its job in acting as a watchdog to check whether the terms of incorporation is implemented to the letter, and also to facilitate feedback on the developments to the homeowners. They plan to call for an information evening soon. I will not endeavour to share all the detail of the new developments at this forum, it is just too much information and will be conveyed at the information evening. We know that many of you are interested in detail how or if you will be affected by traffic, moving of the security perimeter etc. But I will leave that all for a dedicated opportunity.

Phases which are currently on sale are: The Polo Village, with ten units unsold, The Vines with fifty units sold, the Gentleman’s Estates of which more than half of the seventeen small holdings are already sold, and two new areas called Le Domaine and Le Vue in which erven achieve R2100 m2 prices.

This huge demand for property is evidence that Val de Vie is attracting the right attention and is accepted as a safe and well run estate which is first on many property seekers lists. It is extraordinary that the development company has sold R400 000m worth of new properties in twelve months at prices which are setting constantly higher benchmarks. The trend and momentum in property prices are positively steep.

The Development Company has recently compiled a document outlining all the benefits of Val de Vie for potential buyers. It makes for an encouraging read. It is called the Buyers Guide and can be downloaded from the property pages of the website. The website has been populated with heaps of information and we encourage you to take a look at it.

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Property & Development


Since my last report, winter has come and gone and is now virtually behind us. However,

the winter rainfall has been scarce and needless to say, we need a whole lot more rain before the hot summer days begin.

On a positive note, there is no shortfall of people looking for rental properties and buyers seeking their dream home at Val de Vie.

We are also seeing higher levels of migration to the Paarl and Franschhoek areas and those who are drawn to Val de Vie for its spectacular mountain views, open spaces with world-class living in a safe environment, where they can raise their children.

Since the launch of the Polo Village, we are pleased to report that it is now well under construction. The completion date is set towards the middle of next year. Only 8 of the 60 suites remain.

Sales in the Vines Development remain vibrant, attracting foreign investors as well as local buyers, who are looking for an attractive investment opportunity.

VAL DE VIE

Property sales spring to an all time high

FROM LEFT Johanel Burger, Liz Smithers,

Lance Smithers

6 GRAPEVINE MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2015

Val de Vie Phase 2, has recently been launchedLe Dormaine, which opened up in the market in early June, with the launch of 36 vacant stands, sizes ranging between 600m2 and 800m2. The demand for vacant stands is indicated by the amount of sales, which have transpired since their induction into the market. We are proud to report, that the first 36 stands have already virtually been sold out, as these sought after stands are priced well within the reach of the younger professionals, who aspire to become Val de Vie homeowners and have the opportunity to build their dream home on the Val de Vie Estate.

The bigger Le Vue stands are sized between - 1200m2, 1500m2 and 2000m2. The first 16 stands are beautifully located north facing stands, onto a protected fynbos area, and buyers are eagerly snapping these up as 5 were sold within the first day.

Property Sales this year are without a doubt reaching all time highs, with the launch of these new exciting developments. There has certainly been no shortfall of interest in this diverse range of properties from the investor sector, to those wishing to scale down, as well as young families who aim to settle within this magnificent lifestyle that Val de Vie has to offer.

The Gentleman’s Estate has attracted phenomenal interest among the Cash-Flush buyers, who are seeking a unique opportunity to own a smallholding and a piece of paradise within this security estate.

We are also receiving a huge amount of interest in the existing Phase 1 development for established homes, and as a result of low stock levels, prices are escalating rapidly to higher levels, with the same applying to the increase in demand for rentals.

In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to point out that if you are seriously considering marketing your home, it is important to know the benefits associated with listing your property directly through the official Val de Vie website.

Val de Vie has become an international known Estate and we are experiencing more and more potential buyers, who search directly through the Val de Vie Website, resulting in our receiving enquiries on a daily basis.

Should you consider selling or renting your property, we would love the opportunity to do an exclusive feature listing of your home on the Val de Vie website, as well as to show your home on the interactive map, which is a perfect navigational tool for buyers seeking a home on Val de Vie.

For an exclusive listing please do not hesitate to contact our sales office and one of our agents will gladly assist you.

After all your property is special not only to you but to us as well.

YoursLiz Smithers

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61grapeVine magazine - june 2015Val de Vie

Safety & Security

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POLO VILLAGE apartments from R 2.850mTHE VINES homes from R 2.9m

LA VUE & LE DOMAINE plots from R 1.425mGENTLEMAN’S ESTATES plots from R 8.75m

C

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CY

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New north-facing plots on Val de Vie Phase 2, “La Vue” now available. Unique 1200m2 - 2000m2 plots

overlooking the 35ha protected fynbos reserve with spectacular views of Paarl Rock, Simonsberg

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All on Africa’s most secure estate.

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10 Val de ViegrapeVine magazine - september 2015

Paarl History

Paarl boasts beautiful examples of Cape Dutch architecture, cozy coffee shops and

restaurants, as well as delightful wine farms and dramatic surrounding mountain landscapes, but also some unique added offerings.

One and only monument to a languageThink of Paarl and one thing stands out. Literally it is visible from the N1 highway, so that even those who have never visited the town, know about the dramatic, soaring monument that rises up from the Southern slopes of Paarl Mountain. This is not a monument to fallen heroes or commemoration of a war. This is the only monument in the world, dedicated to the struggle for recognition and independence of a language, namely the Afrikaans language and is appropriately located in Paarl, the birthplace of the language. Afrikaans is derived mainly from Dutch, although other European, as well as indigenous languages influenced it greatly. The monument is designed in a way, which reflects its diverse origins. The monument, set in a well-maintained garden was completed in 1975 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Afrikaans as an official language of the Republic of South Africa and opened by the then Prime Minister, John Vorster. It is well worth a visit for the beautiful vistas and drama of the monument itself. The garden around the monument is the

perfect setting for full moon picnics and open-air music performances in summer months. A guided tour of the monument can be followed by a tour of the Afrikaans Language Museum in town, behind the Toringkerk, where the evolution of the language is explained in an interesting, interactive way.

Diamonds and pearlsThe origin of the town’s unusual name is an interesting story drenched in the romantic history of expeditions into the unknown of the country’s hinterland in search of treasure and trade possibilities, although no real gems were ever discovered here. On one such expedition in 1657, explorer Abraham Gabbema saw how the giant granite outcrops glistened in the sun after a thunderstorm and he promptly named it: ‘de Diamondt en de Peerlberg’ (old Dutch for Diamond and Pearl Mountain). The Diamond was dropped and the Peerl became Paarl, but in Afrikaans it is pronounced ‘Pêrel’ and a definite article is added, so in spoken language it is ‘die Pêrel’. Indigenous people called it the Tortoise Mountain and there are actually three outcrops that make up Paarl Mountain, namely: Gordon Rock, Bretagne Rock and Paarl Rock. These plutons or granite outcrops are amongst the largest in the world, so it’s no wonder they remain a popular rock climbing and abseiling destination.

Even though Paarl is the

country’s third oldest town (after

Cape Town and Stellenbosch)

and just as picturesque, it is often

overlooked, where it lies next

to the N1 roughly 80km

north of Cape Town. As with

most treasures, it is greatly

appreciated when stumbled upon

and is passionately loved by

those fortunate enough to live

or spend time here.

Words by Retha Venter Photographs by Suzan Venter

Paarl - Our Hidden Gem

Paarl History

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Paarl History

A river runs through itPaarl has the longest main road of any town in the country, measuring around 13km. The lay out of the town and development of this road was greatly influenced by two geographical factors, namely the Berg River and the Paarl Mountain range, which run parallel to each other. The consequence was of course that there is no traditional town centre that can easily be explored on foot. The Main Street is one of the best preserved historic streets in the country, but one where visitors will need to move from A to Z and back again to discover all the fine historical buildings, both modest and monumental, representing styles of the last 250 years. The newer suburbs are interspersed with greenery, big oaks, agricultural land and beautiful historical farmsteads, such as Laborie and Grande Roche in the heart of town, which gives it a charming rural atmosphere. For the enthusiast eager to see more examples of Cape Dutch architecture, there are many farmsteads in the immediate vicinity with well preserved buildings of historical significance, such as Vendôme, Nederburg, Rhebokskloof and the popular Spice Route. Architectural gemsHans Fransen, an expert on South African architectural history, described the typical Paarl style in his book, Old Towns and Villages of the Cape, as: “iron roof veranda’d loft window houses, many of them late 19th century conversions of earlier Dutch homes”. These adaptations were necessary to survive the scorching summer months Paarl is known for. Pontac Manor house, set in its tranquil garden in the middle of Paarl, is a good example of this

architectural layering. There are many well-preserved examples of architecture from most eras along the Main Road and there are walking tours on offer for those interested with a booklet called A Walking Tour of the Historic Heart of Paarl. A few highlights include the unmistakable Strooidakkerk, arguably the town’s most famous building. This is the oldest thatched roof church still in use in the country and it is a good example of the early vernacular Cape Dutch style with its cross design and triumphant convex, concave white-limed gables. Zeederberg Square, further down the road, has a well-preserved row of town houses with Victorian cast ironwork and wooden verandahs. No. 1, Zeederberg Square dates from 1848 and is a good example of a Cape Georgian style townhouse with its clean, straight lines and symmetry. Even Art Deco-lovers will be pleased to find perfect examples along the very same road like the old Protea Bioscope and some motor dealership buildings.

Stepping into FreedomOne of the most unlikely places for a prison is the beautiful Drakenstein Valley between Paarl and Franschhoek. Here, along the winding R301, between historical wine farms and spectacular mountains is exactly where you’ll find the Drakenstein Correctional Centre (formerly known as Victor Verster Prison) from where Nelson Mandela took his first steps into freedom on 11th February 1990 after being imprisoned for twenty seven years.

Since 18th July 2008, this prison has been home to a beautiful bronze statue of Madiba by internationally recognized sculptor, Jean Doyle. The statue was erected to mark the occasion of Madiba’s 80th birthday with him attending the unveiling. Unlike the statues of Mandela in Sandton and at the V&A Waterfront, this one is quite off the beaten track and has not yet come into its own as a historic destination, although increasingly tour groups do stop there en route to their next wine tasting.

The surrounding scenery provides a backdrop that few other statues can ever have and although it is larger than life, the size and scale of this statue is completely realistic. These two factors also make for excellent photo opportunities.

Although we knew and loved Madiba, as he is affectionately known, for his shuffle, this pose, a representation of what he looked like when he walked out towards freedom, is not just awe inspiring, it has immense historical significance. It is a snapshot of what happened on that day, a story cast in bronze. He has a triumphant right fist in the air; legs moving as he takes brisk steps away from captivity, wearing a suit and tie, with a broad smile playing on his face.

It stirs emotions. It conjures up that proud feeling we as South Africans get whenever Nelson Mandela is mentioned, that 1995 Rugby World Cup feeling. It is imposing and inspiring because it is so real and so accurate.

You can almost imagine this tall bronze man coming to life and you can hear that well-known voice saying: “I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended”.

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Paarl History

Trees to treasureThe town’s Arboretum (botanical garden specializing in trees) situated on the eastern bank of the Berg River, is a leafy gem that can easily be missed even though it is 2.8km long and occupies a full 31 hectares of land. Some 2600 trees and shrubs representing 650 different species can be seen here and they are grouped according to the continents from which they originated. So you will be able to cycle or stroll past magnificent trees from North America, Australasia, Asia, Europe, Africa and South America on a glorious autumn afternoon.

The great outdoorsThose who have explored Paarl will tell you that one of its best-kept secrets are the many options for outdoor enthusiasts. There is a dedicated trail running series consisting of twelve events taking place on different wine farms in and around Paarl with a mountain bike series for those who prefer to ride, aptly named Run the Vines and Ride the Vines. There are quad bike trails, romantic horse trails, hiking and even hot air ballooning. The Berg River also offers great opportunity for kayaking.

KWVLastly, but importantly, synonymous with Paarl for most South Africans, is the KWV (Koöperatieve Wijnbouwers Vereniging), one of the best-known wine and spirits producers in the country. Established in 1918 as a wine making co-operative, it played an important role in supporting and promoting the then struggling wine industry under the guidance of amongst others, Professor Abraham Perold, the father of Pinotage (a proudly South African cultivar) and Dr. Charles Niehaus. The KWV’s sprawling twenty-two hectares cellar complex, with the five biggest wooden vats under one roof and the impressive Cathedral Cellar with its stained glass windows, is the largest of its kind in the world.

So there you have it, an open invitation. Next time when traveling along the N1, take the turn off and spend some time in Paarl. It might turn out to be the crowning jewel of your Western Cape experience.

Retha Venter is a freelance writer who lives in Paarl.

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Sightseeing

Despite its location at the southern tip of the African continent, when it comes to the

evolution of the horseless carriage South Africa has been a notable player in motoring history. Ever since the first car arrived on these shores – a Benz Velo – and was displayed at Berea Park in Pretoria on 4 January 1897 to a curious and enthusiastic audience eager to see ‘the invention of the age’, the country has grown and developed apace with the advancement of the automobile. When the Benz reached SA, apart from being the first car to reach the southern hemisphere, it was reported that only 720 vehicles were privately owned and operated in the civilised world.

Since that time, the motoring revolution has grown apace with the country’s cultural and economic development, and in global terms South Africa now stands as a relatively important market in terms of automobile sales and manufacture both in its own right and as a distribution point to sub-Saharan Africa. Its motoring heritage is rich in content, innovation and achievements and despite some years of isolation, the country

has been graced with many of the world’s great automobiles. Unfortunately, some noteworthy models have been exported to other countries but many valuable and historically significant examples have been kept within its borders – and none better than those under the care and supervision of the Franschhoek Motor Museum.

The world class facility is situated on the L’Ormarins Estate in the majestic Franschhoek Valley, which is one of South Africa’s earliest and most historical settlements established in 1688 by some French Huguenots given land by the Dutch government. L’Ormarins was established in 1694 and has been owned by the Rupert family since 1969. The museum’s Cape Dutch architecture reflects the area’s origins and exhibition space covers 2 700m2. Set amongst some expansive lawns, four spacious display halls are de-humidified to preserve the ageing machinery and each holds around 20 vehicles at any one time, all mounted on individual plinths that allow clear viewing and photography. Collectively, the halls offer visitors a special opportunity to take a luxury ride down

Driving Through TimeThe Franschhoek Motor Museum

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Sightseeing

memory lane looking at almost 120 years of motoring history through regularly changing – and often themed – displays of vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and motoring memorabilia.

The birth of the museum’s collection took place in 1974 with the establishment of a transport museum at the Heidelberg railway station in Gauteng. It was an extension of one of numerous restoration and preservation projects initiated and backed by Dr Anton Rupert, a billionaire Afrikaner entrepreneur, businessman and conservationist. Having contributed to the arts and culture in the Cape, he decided to do something in the then Transvaal and when the old Heidelberg railway station (situated close to one of his company’s factories) became available, it was purchased as the site for a transport museum. The entire Chapmans Transport Museum collection was purchased and shipped over from Middlesex, England, to form the basis of the Heidelberg Museum, which opened in 1975.

Dr Rupert’s enthusiasm and appreciation of the automobile led to an ongoing acquisition of a large number of vehicles both individually and from other collections, which ultimately led to a decision in 2004 to relocate the museum’s contents to the family’s estate in Franschhoek. Sadly, Dr Rupert passed away in 2006, shortly before the new museum was opened on 7 May 2007, but his equally auto-enthusiast son Johann has continued to develop the museum’s eminence.

From the rare to the exotic, from the innovative to the commercial, this superlative collection of vehicles has been brought together not only from within South Africa but from around the world. The museum’s collection currently numbers in excess of 300 vehicles, of which some 200 are in show condition, with the oldest being a 1898 Beeston motor tricycle. The oldest four-wheeler is a 1903 Ford Model A, which is known to be the first Ford to be imported into the country, an accolade authenticated by Henry Ford Jnr when he visited Heidelberg and sat in the car in 1978. Other classic Americans include examples of Auburn, Cord and Cadillac. A 2010 Ferrari 559 GTO is the most modern car in the collection.

Among the unique models are examples of South Africa’s only two totally home-grown marques, the GSM Dart/Flamingo and the Protea, and two other cars developed purely for the South African market – a 1971 Ford Capri Perana V8 and a 1984 Alfa



Sightseeing

Where, what times and how muchThe Franschhoek Motor Museum is situated on the L’Ormarins Estate along the R45 in the Franschhoek Valley in the Western Cape, which is approximately a one hour/75 km drive from central Cape Town. The opening hours are Monday to Friday 10h00 to 17h00 (last admittance 16h00), Saturday and Sunday 10h00 to 16h00 (last admittance 15h00), and the museum is open on most public holidays. Admission prices are R60 adults, R50 pensioners, R30 children. There is ample secure parking on site. Guided tours are available upon request, and multi-media exhibits provide additional information. Modern ‘charabanc’ rides through L’Ormarins to adjoining wine farms are also available. An on-site delicatessen serves food and refreshments, while tasting and purchasing of the estate’s wines is also offered. For video and photo galleries of the collection, monthly newsletters and any other information about the museum, logon to www.fmm.co.za.

Romeo GTV6 3,0-litre. Other more universally recognised rarities include a 1929 Mercedes-Benz S-Type Tourenwagen (only 146 were produced), a Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet that was the star attraction of the 1936 Berlin Motor Show, a Touring-bodied 1957 Aston Martin Spider that appeared at that year’s Paris Salon and one of only three ever built, and a 1959 Ferrari Nembo Coupé, the only one of its kind. There is even some Madiba Magic in the form of a BMW 760Li Security Edition that was former president Nelson Mandela’s official transport during his HIV/Aids campaign undertaken between 2004 and 2009.

Among the rare racing cars in the collection are a Brescia Bugatti 23 similar to the cars that took a 1-2-3-4 finish at the 1921 Italian Grand Prix, a locally-built hillclimb special built on a 1939 Peugeot 402 chassis, the LDS-Repco F1 car designed and manufactured by South African Doug Serrurier and driven by Sam Tingle in the



Sightseeing

1960s, and the Tyrrell 007-1 raced by SA’s future Formula 1 champion Jody Scheckter in 1974. There is also a display dedicated to Rhodesian racer John Love who raced so successfully throughout southern Africa between 1962 and 1972.

On special days such as Father’s Day, a number of cars are brought out and displayed with ‘bonnets up’ around the museum’s centre quadrant, engine fire-ups and demonstration runs are performed, and occasionally rides are made

available to the visiting public. The museum also hosts national motor/one-make car club gatherings and picnics throughout the year, which adds to the venue’s appeal. The Franschhoek Motor Museum’s ever-expanding inventory rivals that of most similar private collections around the world. The collection represents not only a living tribute to one family’s passion for the automobile, but is a three-dimensional picture history of the development of the motor car from both a global and national perspective.

Proudly creating Cape Town’s finest gardens for over a decade;

our landscapes convey a passion for style, plant materials and first class workmanship.

www.hsgardens.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 021 702 3616

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Events & Media

Who we are Monte Christo Miqlat (MCM), is a Christian Non-Profit Organization situated in Paarl, South Africa. Since 2000, we have operated as a community development organization, with a strong vision of driving transformation and change through building and maintaining peaceful and sustainable families across all our programs and focus areas. With a strong administrative team and governed by an independent board of Directors, MCM follows a holistic development approach based on a multi-disciplinary focus with three Strategic Focus Areas, namely: 1. MCM Sports, Education

& Nutrition, 2. MCM Full Circle Homeless

Care and 3. MCM Community Health

at BOWY.

Why we do what we do (Our Guiding Principles) MCM’s principle of work is based on holistic development and sustainability in order to facilitate and manage change

on an individual, social and organizational level. For our organization to be sustainable, we understand that our core assets are our people and so we invest in our employees and encourage a people-oriented, participatory approach to management. One of our strengths lies in coordinating multi-disciplinary approaches across all our programs, in order to implement change holistically and in our partnerships. To achieve ripple effects of transformation, we understand that delivering quality community services of social value and practical benefit is an indispensable tool for growth and sustainability and with this in mind, we would love to partner with YOU in whichever one of our Focus areas (below) best suits your own personal CSI philosophy.

MCM – Your Partner in transforming lives

Our Mission Empowering impoverished families through holistic sustainable development programs to experience

healthy fulfilling lives (God’s hands and feet in the community).

MCM Mini-Bus Tours – take a tour with MCM! Because we are so passionate about our various programs and our beneficiaries, we would love you to experience them and see what we’re about first hand. With this in mind, we’ve made mini-bus tours available upon request wherein you can visit our three focus areas; meet our program managers and their individual program beneficiaries. We believe that each individual has the power to change a life and we here at MCM know that there is hope and that hope is YOU. We want to encourage you to take our hand and help us keep this vision of living a life of compassion and empowering other lives. We look forward to hearing from YOU.

Contact us:Tel: 021 872 5580 Email: [email protected] Website: www.mcmsa.org.za Facebook: www.facebook.com/montechristomiqlat

Community Development through MCM

MCM’s Sports, Education & Nutrition Program is one of our fastest growing programs with a Community Care Centre and Sports Park situated in the heart of the impoverished Paarl-East Community. Through the application of the various programs, MCM provides a safe haven for children and adults alike to enrich their lives.

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Events & Media

MCM Community Health at BOWY Program offers psychosocial support and ECD training for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and malnourished children between the ages of 2-5 years. Through this program, parents and caregivers are coping better with the illness and their circumstances. Physical hygiene and care of children has improved and we can see significant progress in their developmental milestones.

MCM’s Sponsor-a-child Program has identified beneficiaries who live in the direst of circumstances in Paarl-East with little to no household income and unemployed parents, of which most have some form of an addiction, mainly alcoholism. With this in mind, we designed our Sponsor-a-child@MCM program in order to assist these little ones with their basic needs and enhance community involvement in the lives of these precious children.

MCM’s Full Circle Homeless Care Program aims to provide holistic care for the homeless of the Drakenstein region in order to establish a foundation for reintegration back into society. Our Full Circle Program offers up to 80 job opportunities per week and beneficiaries receive daily encouragement, food and an opportunity to re-enter the job market with dignity.

Dr Etienne Pitout BChD, MDS, MDent (Ortho)

Skool Straat 3B, PaarlTel: 021 871 1242www.pitoutorthodontics.co.za

PAINT / VERFNo paint job to extravagant or to plain for us.We are ready for any and every Paint Project! Geen verf werk is te klein vir ons nie. Ons verfhande staan reg vir ou en nuwe huise!

Reputable Paint Contractor

Contact / Kontak:“The PAINT Factory”Neels Ackerman.(Val de Vie Resident)on 081 744 5729 / 083 281 [email protected]

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22 Val de Vie

Wine & Dine

grapeVine magazine - september 2015

Saturday, 24 January 2015 marked a truly memorable and unforgettable day for

Greek couple, Anita and Dimitri, who got married at Val de Vie Estate. It was without doubt a wedding of note that saw friends and family from all around the world gather together to share this very special day with the couple.

Days prior to the wedding day saw the beginning of the transformations that were made to the main venue hall. Lights were hung, structures were put into place, ceilings were draped and floors were been laid.

The venue at Val De Vie Estate, where the couple’s reception was being held, boasted an absolutely beautiful end product. The overall look and feel was that of sheer Greek elegance. Gold sequence fabric combined with dusty pink table cloths were brought together by crystal candelabras and harmonized with an exquisite array of pastel coloured flower arrangements. Copper light pendants were hung above the dinning tables for that extra character and ambient feel.

It was a remarkable summers day that brought upon the arrival of two hundred and fifty guests to the estate. Anita and Dimitri’s special day began with the Greek ceremony, which also took place on the estate overlooking the polo field as well as the picturesque scenery of both vineyards and mountains. One could not ask for more!

Once the couple had tied the knot, the afternoon was kicked off with a live polo match whilst the guests enticed their taste buds with the canapés that were being served. The evening continued with the

reception and later guests made their way to the restaurant/polo bar for the surprise after party.

The restaurant/polo bar was converted into an all black and gold themed cigar lounge, however, also having the feel of an extremely classy yet elegant nightclub. An all black dance floor centered the after party area with giant gold helium balloons surrounding the dance area. Naked bulbs covered the ceiling above the dance floor adding the final details.

Anita and Dimitri opened the dance floor with their first dance and the DJ continued to entertain the guests until the early hours of the morning. The black and white candy station was set up just along side the dance floor, which enabled guests to enjoy something sweet throughout the course of the night.

Anita and Dimitri’s wedding day was a truly magical and indeed an absolute fairy tale. This been said none of the above would have been possible if it weren’t for all the hard work and endless hours that were put in by all service providers involved. To mention but a few we would like to thank Val de Vie Estate for such a wonderful team of staff who were always ready to assist wherever possible and always with a smile.

Fleur le Cordeur, Scape Events, Something Different, Presentation Staging, Top Table, To-Netts, Cakes by Wade, DJ Sox, John Armstrong Photography and FJS Productions. It is always such a pleasure working with each and every one of you. Your commitment and work ethic allows for couples’ dreams to become a reality and for that we are truly grateful!!

A Greek CelebrationWords by Wedding coordinator, Johnny Hamman

Events & Media

Val de Vie

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23Val de Vie

Wine & Dine


Events & Media


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60 VAL DE VIEGRAPEVINE MAGAZINE - JUNE 2015

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FOOD WINE KIDS CARNIVAL LIVE MUSICPOLO

25 October 2015FREE ENTRANCE DRESS CASUAL 10 AM - 3 PM

In support of Love & education can make the difference

www.valdevie.co.za 021 863 6191For any enquiries please contact

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In support of Love & education can make the difference

REGISTRATION STARTS AT 8 AM9h00 - 10 km start | Adults R100 | U/12 R509h15 am - 5 km start | Adults R50 | U/12 R25

9h30 am - Kiddies run start | Free

CROSS COUNTRY & FAMILY FUN RUN

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14 Sept 2015 Grapevine Ad.pdf 2 14/09/2015 15:42:03

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26 GRAPEVINE MAGAZINE - MARCH 2015 VAL DE VIE

Cape Wine Auction

StartersAsian style salmon fishcakes, coriander salad, lime aioli R75Warm Caprese: grilled tomato and buffalo mozzarella stack, rocket, basil pesto, balsamic reduction, garlic crostini R70Lamb koftas, home-made garlic tzatziki, wild rocket, herb oil B R75Soup of the day served with fresh bread see specials board

SaladsSoft poached egg, aged Parmesan, dressed greens, crispy bacon, tomato, avocado (when available) B R70Add chicken: R85Polo Club salad: baby leaf, Rosa tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, mange tout, red onion, calamata olives, Danish feta B R50Add chicken: R70Add calamari: R80

Between BunsGourmet Burger: Chicken or beef burger, mustard mayonnaise, grilled tomato, crispy bacon, emmentaler cheese, rocket, homemade sesame seed bun, crispy onion rings, skinny fries R100Banting Burger: Chicken or beef burger, red pesto, grilled tomato, crispy bacon, emmentaler cheese, rocket, homemade cauliflower bun, sweet potato crisps B R100Bacon, Brie and fig preserve sourdough toasty, salad and skinny fries R90

MainsChicken schnitzel, caramelized garlic mash potato, seasonal vegetables, cheese sauce R95Line fish: Sweet potato crisps, greens, fresh tomato, caper and parsley salsa B R125Sun-dried tomato risotto, seasonal vegetables, lemon butter R125Slow cooked pork belly, crispy polenta, sweet corn, chilli and red onion salsa, fresh coriander R130Rump Steak: Whole baked tomato, poached egg, greens B R160Fondant potatoes, greens, red wine jus R160Spinach and ricotta pie, wild rocket, toasted almond and avocado salad B R95Butter chicken curry, basmati rice, flaky roti, fresh coriander R110Beer battered fish, skinny fries, pea purée, lemon aioli R80Tempura prawn and crispy calamari board, skinny fries, homemade tartar sauce R170

PizzaMargarita R60Caprese: Buffalo mozzarella, Rosa tomato, basil R75Crispy bacon, feta, mushroom, avocado (when available) R90Calamata olive, artichoke, chorizo, rocket R100Focaccia: crispy pizza base, olive oil, garlic, herbs R45Add feta: R55

DessertDark chocolate and almond torte, chocolate ganache, fresh berries, vanilla bean ice cream R70Lemon meringue pie, fresh berries R50Local Artisanal Cheese-board R70Banting coconut and lemon panacotta B R45

Kids (only available for children 14 years and under)Crumbed chicken strips and chips R45Fish and chips R45Spaghetti bolognaise R45Kiddies Hawaiian pizza – ham and pineapple R45Vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce R25

B: Banting friendly

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W I N E S

O R D E R

www.valdevie.co.za

Price / Bottle

Price / Bottle

Polo Club Craftsman 2012

Polo Club Filly Rosé 2014

POLO CLUB

Val de Vie GVC 2011

Val de Vie Ryk Neethling 2010

Val de Vie Shiraz 2008

Val de Vie 1783 - 2009

Cuvée de Vie MCC

VAL DE VIE

R 70.00

R 45.00

R 65.00

R 135.00

R 155.00

R 150.00

R 125.00

Price/6 Bottles

Price/6 Bottles

R 420.00

R 270.00

R 390.00

R 810.00

R 930.00

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R 750.00

39% Grenache Blanc, 36% Viognier, 25% Clairette Blanche

100% Shiraz

Methodé Cap Classique

65% Shiraz, 32% Mourvedre, 3% Viognier

Rosé

56% Shiraz, 20% Mourvedre, 13% Carignan, 7% Grenache, 4% Cinsaut

40 % Mourvèdre, 30% Shiraz, 12% Carignan, 12% Cinsaut, 6% Grenache

@ v a l d e v i e e s t a t eAlso available at the Polo Club Restaurant

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01 Sept 2015 Wines Ad.pdf 1 01/09/2015 16:07:34



On Show


On Show

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On Show

There’s nothing quiet like home

In this Grape Vine’s first on show, we talk to Stefan Le Roux,

Val de Vie’s Interior Designer ‘in residence’

Words by Phil Ruimte and Photographs by Mark Pettipher

29VAL DE VIE GRAPEVINE MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2015

On Show

THIS IMAGE Living Room



On Show

Some two years ago, Stefan accompanied his parents to view a potential erf for their

new family home, originally they looked at a plot near the lakes, however, on viewing their current stand, they preferred the tranquility of a vista that overlooks a farm paddock with an uninterrupted view of the mountains as well as having a green belt.

Stefan le Roux has been artistically inclined for as long as he can remember a trait that has been passed down to him through his former art teacher mother, Annamie, and has always enjoyed sculpting, fine art and graphics.

Initially, Stefan had planned to study at UCT, but the timing was wrong, eventually Stefan enrolled in 2009 at Inscape, where he obtained a solid grounding in interior design, later in 2012/13 he went on to further his studies at his university of choice, UCT. Now Stefan is working on his MSC in the German city of Wismar, a thesis based course, which sees Stefan travelling to Germany every three months or so.

“I took a camp chair and sat for a whole day, just soaking in the vista, the atmosphere and the tranquility,” says Stefan with a smile. “I needed to encompass those values, as well as ensure that the interiors would reflect a natural feel, and have an understated feeling of luxury, there would have to be areas where my folks could display their memorabilia, collected from their many travels,” he added.

Given a ball park budget of around R1,5 million, Stefan set about looking at colour palettes and being influenced by the German Bauhaus movement as well as the Nordic style, started to explore opportunities to keep things simple, with clean lines, functionality and elements of uniqueness.

“One of my favourite challenges was to design the staircase, many of the issues were overcame by casting the wall as a solid concrete entity and incorporating and setting in the treads to give us a floating feel,” he said. “Five bedrooms all main en-suite, a living cum dinning room and kitchen, a sunken TV area all gives you a great canvas to work on,” Stefan continues.

Many of the furniture pieces are bespoke, “I’m particularly proud of the dinning table, which I had ‘constructed’ from imported French oak, had it pinned and sanded then coated with Danish oil. The base legs I had made in Langa by a local artisan, and to enhance the old look patina of a well used and loved family piece of furniture, finished off by electroplating them silver,” Stefan enthused. “For the front of the kitchen counter I was inspired by my time, working with Tonic Interiors when working on

Val de Vie



On Show

the Cape Town slow lounge, there I discovered Onyx. A solid piece is extremely brittle not to mention very expensive, so I went around all the marble galleries that I could find, collecting offcuts at a fraction of the price.”

“Building a huge puzzle and combining the Onyx pieces together was fun, the final result is as you can see a flawless fascia.” He says “I could never have got a single piece that big at the price I paid,” he said proudly.

Given a free rein, Stefan was able to fulfill his families brief, which is evident from the upstairs master bedroom; here you get that beautiful uninterrupted vista and river, as well as the paddock. The view is enhanced by Annamie’s passion of a Kirstenbosch style garden, allowing your eye to meander down a natural looking path, to see varieties of fynbos, an experimental garden and splashes of colourful daisies.

The room is spacious and carries an almost ‘camping’ feel and the panoramic windows allow you the ‘one with nature’ relaxation, which is also apparent from the views from the downstairs bedrooms.

Stefan is in the process of sourcing suitable office accommodation in either Paarl or Franschhoek, for his company Avez. His work can be seen on his website, www.avez.co.za and should you be inspired by his creativity Stefan can be contacted on his cell, 079 522 1678.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Lounge; garden path; understair wine cellar; floating stairs; guest bedroom; main bedroom; entrance




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HOA Communication

Building your dream home

With proper planning and a structured approach, building your dream home

can be one of the most exciting and rewarding projects you can undertake. One of the most important decisions of the entire building process is to select the correct building contractor.

The purpose of this article is to guide you through a few basic principles, which can assist you in being prepared for the home construction quotation and decision process. The objective is to accurately evaluate pricing details and to compare apples with apples before deciding on what is a fair quotation for the homeowner and the building contractor. The least expensive quotation might not be the most cost effective one, since it might be associated with a cheaper finish, inferior quality material and/or construction and there are a number of factors to be taken into account before accepting any quotation.

This article should be read in conjunction with the Building Your Dream Home Part 1 article in the June 2015 Edition of the Grapevine, which dealt with the home design and professional team appointments.

The information published in this article deals specifically with building contractors and is done in good faith and in an attempt to assist homeowners, who have elected to build their dream home.

Shortlist your potential building contractorsIn terms of the Val de Vie HOA Building Rules and Regulations (www.valdevie.co.za/hoa/hoa-documentation.html) you may select your building contractor from the list of approved contractors. These building contractors are up to date with the Val de Vie Rules and Regulations and will therefore assist with HOA compliance and site management matters.

Selecting your personal shortlisted building contractor will be based on references you obtained and existing building sites and homes which appeal to you. Your best reference will be from a homeowner who recently took occupation, by asking a simple question: “If you had to build your home again, will you appoint this building contractor again?” and ask for possible details on strengths and weaknesses.

Before you compile your shortlist of building contractors for quotation purposes, it is recommended that you meet with the potential candidate builders beforehand.

Some considerations when choosing your shortlisted building contractors:• Reputation regarding quality of workmanship• References from earlier building sites• Experience / years in construction• Financial stability• Number of residential projects in progress (and

in Val de Vie)• Management involvement on building site• Building foreman committed on site• Business integrity / after sale service• Contractual pricing fairness• Contractual pricing detail• Communication report

Your personal rapport and comfortable communication with the building contractor is also a consideration, since you will be in a relationship for the better part of a calendar year during your building process.

Preparing for building contractor quotationA smartly designed and well planned home, with sufficient detailed drawings of features will go a long way in obtaining an accurate and fair quotation. A well designed home will address features such as your possible alternative electricity backup system, home theatre system, fireplace and braai detail, bulkhead drawings, hidden curtain rails, staircase finish detail etc. With proper planning you will be successful in minimizing your variance orders (V/O’s). The cost for V/O’s are extremely high and can seriously blow the budget and/or cause possible construction delays.

Once you have shortlisted your potential building contractors, you should provide them with a complete set of plans, including feature detail, electrical, plumbing and engineering specifications. Bear in mind, the building contractors will base their quote and construction on the information and detail provided. The more comprehensive your detail and specifications, the more accurate your contract value. In order to effectively compare quotations, it is recommended that you pre-determine the list of provisional costs


Building & Development

Building your dream home part 2

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HOA Communication

Building your dream home(P/C) with specific budget amounts and request all building contractors to incorporate these P/C values in their cost calculations. An example for P/C items on a typical Val de Vie home of 380m2 will be:• Floor coverings, tiles and carpets (material only)

R120 000 inclusive of VAT• Underfloor heating R16 000• Sanitary ware and sanitary décor R100 000• Frameless shower glass R33 000• Heated towel rails R14 000• Geyser solar 300l and standard 150l R50 000• Light fittings R60 000• Kitchen appliances R60 000• Air-conditioning R68 000• Fireplace and braai R50 000• Doors and windows R350 000• Landscaping R130 000• Alternative energy supply (backup only)

R30 000• Light and electrical switchgear Le Grant• Door handles and hinges QS quality• Wooden decking Grappa wood

The majority of the P/C items above, are items which the homeowner will be choosing during the building process in order to achieve the desired finishing look and feel of their dream home. The P/C item values will furthermore assist the homeowner with the quotation comparisons since the focus will be on the construction costs, without clouding the standard of finishing specifications. Kindly note that the example P/C amounts indicated above are merely a guideline (you decide on your finishing standards), in order to better compare the various building quotes. This method will assist your objective comparisons and if you choose a more expensive floor covering or any luxury P/C item, it will have a similar pricing effect on all your quotations.

In order for the building contractor to prepare an accurate quotation, you should allow approximately 4 weeks. The building contractor will utilize the information that you supplied to accumulate information from various sub-contractors such as roof supply, electrical, plumbing, etcetera, before they can compile your quotation. Agree on a deadline date for your quotation.

Negotiating and closure of building contractOnce you have received the various quotations from your shortlisted building contractors, you need to properly compare the information. One can easily be misled by only focusing on the total contract value, whereas a proper analysis might disclose some items left out or being overcharged in some of the quotations. My advice in this regard, is to involve your Principal Agent with

this process and utilise his/her specialisation and experience to assist you with an effective comparison of the quotations. The tested method is to compare the quotations on a line by line item, utilising a spread sheet with common narratives as per the most detailed quotation you received. Wherever you note some serious deviation from the average cost per line items, you must record these as an agenda item for the specific building contractor.

Once you have accurately compared the quotations, you should be in a reasonably confident position to select the front runners from your shortlisted building contractors. At this stage, you can arrange for the 2nd meeting to discuss your concerns and/or changes you wish to make. The most detailed and accurate quotation will assist in managing your budget and your project cash flow. Based on the financial structure of your home building project, you have numerous cost saving strategies, which can be utilised to manage the cost of the building project.

When you engage in a building contract the standard Contractor and Employer Building Agreement JBCC Edition 6.1 of March 2014 is recommended. The contract detail is fair to both parties and outlines contractual deadlines and penalty clauses. The average construction period is nine months, which excludes the December school holiday period or long rain disruptions. It is furthermore recommended that the homeowner requests that the retention clause be applicable, since it provides a better leverage for the homeowner in the unlikely event of a dispute.

When building your dream home you are investing significant sums of money and time in the process. When we purchase our primary car, we make our decision based on quality, sound engineering, reliability, professional after sale service and warranty. However, we easily overlook some of these criteria when we build our home worth 10 to 20 times the value and lifespan of our car. We trust the information provided in these articles will assist you when you embark on the home building joyride.

Please feel free to engage with the author of the article for any assistance you may require, irrespective of where you are in the home building process. I am a resident on our lovely estate, and as Principal Agent would like to add value to quality homes, which will enhance the reputation and resale value of our property at Val de Vie.

Author: Johan StanderEmail: [email protected]: 082 456 2655


Building & Development

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www.pamgolding.co.za/pgpexpo

Sandton City | Checkers Court 13 - 18 October 2015

SHOWCASING PROPERTIES FROM: SOUTHERN AFRICA | SEYCHELLES | MAURITIUS | LONDON | PORTUGAL

Pam Golding Properties invites you to this

illustrious event. Space is limited, so contact us

now to secure the space your home deserves.

Your exclusive invitation to showcase your home.

Ronel Pienaar 082 556 2433 | [email protected] van der Merwe 082 926 8587 | [email protected]

Igna de Villiers 082 884 8492 | [email protected] Greenhalgh 083 298 1481 | [email protected]

www.pamgolding.co.za/valdevie

A gorgeous 3 bedroom house overlooking a lake on this fantastic wine and polo estate. Entrance hall with staircase. Open-plan dining room, open-plan family/TV room with a wood burning fireplace. Screeded floors and high quality finishes throughout. Open-plan kitchen with scullery, dining and living area. The property also offers a lovely undercover patio with braai, 2 garages and a separate 4th bedroom en suite. Bedrooms 3 I Bathrooms 2 I Garages 2 Web Access TK1224102

459 TINTA OVAL, VAL DE VIE / R5.5 million



Property & Development

1. Planning• Choose any Registered Architect of your choice• Download the Aesthetic guidelines

and checklists from:www.valdevie.co.za/hoa/hoa-documentation.html

• Download Building Rules & Regulations and fees from: www.valdevie.co.za/hoa/hoa-documentation.html

2. HOA Aesthetics Committee• Submit the building and landscaping plans,

hard copy and pdf ’s as required to the Controlling Architects office

• Pay the plan scrutiny fees directly to the Controlling Architect and Controlling Landscape Architect before plans are tabled

• Plans are tabled at the HOA Aesthetics Committee every second Thursday

• Committee comments sent back via Controlling Architect

• Collect stamped plans from Controlling Architect’s office after approved

• POS (public open space) landscaping is referred to the Landscaping Committee for comments and approval

3. Drakenstein Submission• Plans submitted to Drakenstein Wellington

branch where fees are calculated and the invoice prepared

• 3 sets of plans with Controlling Architect’s Val de Vie stamp on and Client Signature

• Documents needed with submission: - Building plan application forms as

required by Drakenstein - Architectural compliance certificate

SANS 10400 - Engineer’s appointment - Power of attorney document needed when

Architect submit plans on behalf of the client

- Proof of ownership, e.g. title deed

4. Drakenstein Plan Circulation• Plans are entered into the database once all

documents as required are submitted and the invoice paid

• Circulation are as follows; - Health Department Wellington - Building Inspector Wellington - Town Planning Paarl - Engineer Department Paarl - Fire Department Paarl - Building Control Paarl

After the plans have circulated to all

departments, comments will be sent to the Architect and after all the amendments are received the plans only circulate back to the departments that requested the amendments.


Contact Information

Department Contact Person Telephone E-mail Address

Controlling Architect Office Janine Cronje 021 930 9210 [email protected]

Controlling Landscaping Architect Kobus Meiring 082 453 3654 [email protected]

Drakenstein Plan Submissions Wilfred Vyfer 021 807 6331 N/A

Drakenstein Building Inspector Emulle Hofmeester 021 807 6416 N/A

HOA Building Control Kobus Rossouw 021 863 6127 [email protected]

HOA General Carle Geldenhuys 021 863 6103 [email protected]


Building Plan Cycle

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Safety & Security


ESTATE PLANNINGLIFE INSURANCEBUSINESS INSURANCERETIREMENT MEDICAL AIDCAR & HOUSEHOLD INSURANCEWILLS & TRUSTS

Email: [email protected] | Web: www.qubecapital.com | Office: (SA) 086 111 QUBE (7823) 30 Main Road, Paarl 7646 | PO Box 5277, Tygervalley, 7530 | Cape Town, South Africa.

IN CASE YOU CAN’T BE THERE TO CATCH THEM, MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE A SAFETY NET.

QUBE CAPITAL_aug.indd 5 2015/08/20 2:10 PM

HOME RENOVATIONS,REMODELLING:

Email : [email protected]

CALL 021 863 2904

www.thefinaltouch.co.za

PaintingCarpentryPlumbing

TilingElectrical

PavingLandscaping

Contact us for all your

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25 May Grapevine final touch ad.pdf 2 25/05/2015 16:53:38



HOA Communication


38 VAL DE VIEGRAPEVINE MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 201538 GRAPEVINE MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2015 VAL DE VIE383838 GRAPEVINE MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2015GRAPEVINE MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2015GRAPEVINE MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2015GRAPEVINE MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2015 VAL DE VIEVAL DE VIEVAL DE VIE

Here comes the sun Solar Power for your Home

Many of us have legitimate concerns about Eskom’s ability to deliver reliable

electricity to our homes over the short term and even more so for the future. Their ability to supply this basic necessity is questionable and along with the regular steep price increases have pushed us to look for viable alternatives.

The good news is that solar electricity is that viable alternative, along with securing an electricity supply for your home, reducing your electricity cost over time and doing your bit for the planet, it’s an absolute win-win scenario.

The price of solar has significantly decreased over the last few years and it is now within reasonable grasp of many of us, the only thing is, generating electricity in your own home is actually a little bit tricky when you start looking at the details. This article is going to have a look at some of those details, explain some solar terms and hopefully give you some answers and a few insights.

Deciding what you ultimately want from your solar solution is generally the first step, since this will ultimately guide you to what your final solar solution looks like and what it can do. Having said this, you should ensure that your home uses electricity as efficiently as possible before you install a solar system, since this will potentially reduce the size of your solar system.

There are four solar system configurations to choose from and below we will have a brief overview of these configurations:

Solar with Eskom:With this option you use solar power during the day. If you exceed the supply or when the sun sets, you draw electricity from Eskom, providing that Eskom is working.

Generally during the day, if you have an excess solar supply, you can sell the electricity back to Eskom. We will look at the Drakenstein Municipality Buy Back Agreement further down in this article and whether or not it is worth going that route at the moment.

It is important to note that you will be load shedded along with the grid, even if there is enough solar power, unless your inverter makes provision for your solar system to be protected from load shedding.

Another important fact to remember, is that not all inverters are capable of selling electricity back to Eskom and some are not properly certified. Therefore you will need to make sure that the inverter is NRS certified.

Semi-independent, with battery backup:This option is similar to the option above, with the addition of battery backup.

Electricity is generated by your panels during the day for your own use, but the system now also needs to generate enough electricity to recharge your battery bank while the sun is shining. You will be able to sell excess electricity back to Eskom and you will be able to draw electricity from Eskom should you need to.

The battery system will provide electricity in the evening or during load shedding. The size of your battery system and the amount of energy you draw from the batteries, will determine how long your batteries will last before they run out of electricity. If you run out of battery power you will be able to draw electricity from the grid, but you will be load shedded should Eskom go down.

Important to note here, in addition to the points mentioned, your solar system should be able to provide enough electricity during the day for your own use and enough electricity to charge your batteries.

Independent with battery backupWith this option, you will be completely independent from Eskom and all your electricity will be generated by your solar system and stored by your battery backup.

This is similar to the above options, with the exception that you will not be able to draw power from Eskom should you require more electricity than you can generate yourself.

Battery backup without solar panelsThis is technically not a solar system, since it does not have solar panels, but it is a basic option for protection against load shedding.

With this option, you will have a battery bank that kicks in when there is load shedding. The battery bank will then be recharged from the grid when load shedding is suspended and the electricity comes back on.

What does a solar system look like and what questions should you ask about your products?Residential solar power is an established product in many parts of the world, for instance Germany and the United States, which are two of the largest markets, with a new solar system being installed every 2,5 minutes in the United States.

The larger solar manufacturers are therefore listed companies, reviewed by industry experts and tracked by analysts and consequently there is

38 VAL DE VIEGRAPEVINE MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2015

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HOA Communication


39VAL DE VIE GRAPEVINE MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2015 39GRAPEVINE MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2015VAL DE VIE 393939GRAPEVINE MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2015GRAPEVINE MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2015GRAPEVINE MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2015VAL DE VIEVAL DE VIEVAL DE VIE

Solar Power for your Home

a wealth of information available that can assist you in ensuring that your solar system is of a certain standard and quality.

Be sure to ask your solar installer about each major component and ensure that the manufacturer is established and reviewed, but most importantly ensure that the manufacturer has local offices. This will help ensure the quality of your solar components and also that the manufacturer will be around if you ever need to claim a warranty.

Below are the main components of a solar system and some questions you should ask your installer.

Solar panelsSolar panels or PV for short captures the energy from the sun and converts it to electricity. A typical panel produces between 250 and 320 watts. Many panels have a warranty of up to 20 years or longer.

Make sure to ask your installer what the efficiency of the panels are over time and how you would replace a panel if one was faulty or damaged. If you have to ship the panels abroad for a replacement or a repair, then you might want to consider another manufacturer.

InvertersDepending on the main use of your solar system, you would require one or possibly several inverters. If you have panels without a battery backup you will only require a solar inverter. If you add batteries to your system you will also require a battery inverter. You can choose to use a hybrid inverter, which is a combination of the solar and battery inverter. The options are explained below.

Solar inverterSolar inverters convert the electricity from the panels to usable electricity for your home. Along with the battery inverter this is the work horse of the system and where quality should come first. It

is important to note that if you are connecting to the grid you will require a SSEG certification from a certified electrical engineer (a good solar installer should be able to provide this), your insurance will also require a SSEG certification for an insurance claim. All battery or hybrid inverters should have a NRS certification to be legally connected to Eskom.

Battery inverterBattery inverters are needed if you have a battery backup, but they are also responsible for keeping your solar system on if there is load shedding and when managing the electricity between your batteries, your solar panels and Eskom.

It is important to note that not all battery inverters allow you to do all of the above, be sure to ask if the battery inverter is capable of the function you require and if it has the necessary local certification.

Another important question to ask is whether your battery inverter will allow you to add or swap individual batteries in your battery bank. If this is not an option, you might have to replace your entire bank for a single faulty battery.

Hybrid inverterHybrid inverter is a combination of the battery and the solar inverter. Hybrid inverters are significantly more affordable than separate battery and solar inverters, but very few of them allow you to expand your solar system should you want to add additional panels or batteries at a later stage.

They are far less future proof than single purpose inverters and if you do want to expand at a later stage you may have to buy an entire new set of single purpose inverters.

Battery bankBatteries will enable you to store electricity for use in the evening or during load

shedding. They are probably the most complicated part of your solar system in terms of sizing it to your needs.

There are two main options currently, lead acid batteries (the present) and lithium ion batteries (the future).

A lead acid bank should last you three to five years depending on how often they are used and recharged. This is currently perfect due to the fact that they should expire right about when a lithium ion battery bank becomes feasible.

With either technology you should confirm the following with your installer:

● What is the effective available electricity from your battery bank, in other words how long can I run on it before it runs out of electricity?

● What is the peak output of the bank, how much electricity can it output at a given time? For example if the battery bank’s peak output is 1kW and you switch on your kettle and microwave, then the battery bank will trip because your requirement at that moment is 2kW.

● If you require 10kWh of stored electricity then your battery bank will have to have a total capacity of 20kWh, due to the fact that you should not draw down a battery bank past 50% of its total capacity for lead acid batteries,(up to 80% for lithium ion). You should make sure that this is set up correctly since your battery bank will not last long if you exceed the maximum recommended draw down.

● It is always a good idea to check that your installers are certified electricians and, if available, past projects they have worked on.


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HOA Communication


40 VAL DE VIEGRAPEVINE MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2015

Solar Power for your HomeSolar Power for your Home

Can you sell electricity back to Eskom, and is it worth it at the moment?Drakenstein municipality currently allows you to sell solar generated electricity back to the grid and draw electricity when required, this is called co-generation. The system is in fact more a trading of electricity credits where you can “deposit” solar generated electricity credits, which you can draw against when required. All credits are set back to zero on a financial year basis. Your credits will not affect your monthly set fee, but is credited against the units you consume.

The rates for both solar electricity and Eskom electricity vary depending on the electricity phase and amperage of your house, both options are calculated on a fixed monthly fee and a per kWh use fee. A single phase 60 amp home using 1500kWh per month with the solar system generating 35kWh per day and selling 10kWh per day to the grid will compare as follow to a home without solar.

Co-generation rate (A house with a solar system)*

● Monthly rate: R495,84 ● kWh use rate: R1,1269 ● Own use: 750kWh p/m ● Solar electricity sold: 300kWh p/m

● Calculation: R495,84 + (450kWh x R1,1269)

● Total cost: R1002.95

Grid generated rate (A house without a solar system)*

● Monthly rate: R345 ● kWh use rate: R1,3297 ● Total cost: R2339.55

You can therefore possibly save R1336,6 per month on your electricity cost or roughly 57%. A larger solar system could offset your electricity cost further by increasing your own consumption and balancing your grid credits with your consumption requirements.

*The assumptions are variable based on season and your actual electricity consumption

Will solar reduce my carbon foot print?Solar energy will help reduce your carbon footprint. The calculation is generally based on the amount of energy you are displacing with solar, which would have been produced by a coal power plant.

If you have a 5kW solar system you will produce roughly 8700kWh per year. A typical coal power station produces about 445g CO2 for every kWh

generated, which means you will save 3,8 tonnes (8700kwh x 445g) of CO2 per year ,which is roughly equivalent to two return flights from London to New York. This is a considerable saving and one more good reason to move to solar power.

ConclusionWith the certainty of steep future Eskom price hikes, load shedding being here to stay and doing your bit to help the environment, having a closer look at the benefits of generating electricity using Solar power is a smart move.

With solar panels having a 30 year plus life span and battery technology improving rapidly, you are well on your way to free electricity once your system is paid off. If we follow international trends a quality solar system will also increase your home’s value.

Please feel free to give us a call to talk about solar electricity for your home. Solar panels are to be clearly shown on drawings and submitted to the HOA for approval.

Brian PerksContact: [email protected]: 084 295 8844Website: www.solarestate.co.za

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Sport & Leisure

Let’s start with the basics: What is Pilates? Pilates is an exercise concept designed to strengthen you from your deep underlying (and sometimes dormant) core muscles. It can be practiced in a slow or fast pace, in various body positions, with your own body weight or with props. Pilates is suitable for the young or elderly, for the mommies to be and even for the toughest of tough guys. But one thing remains the same, when practicing Pilates it is executed with the utmost Precision and Control. The latter explains why this exercise method is so effective with proper muscle memory and stops injuries in their tracks.

At Performance Pilates we believe in a holistic approach towards a healthy lifestyle and in this article we will provide you with an overview of the different needs we cater for.

What happens during a Pilates class? Qualified instructors from Performance Pilates will guide you through a selection of exercise and stretches to help you achieve your goal. We will take the time to correct your exercise form ensuring proper execution. A group class

will typically focus on core work with posture corrections. You can expect around 4-8 people in the group class with you.

An individual session will be tailored to focus on the individual’s problem areas. When attending a private class, you can expect to experience the wonders of the Pilates machine called The Universal Reformer. The Reformer pays attention to strength and flexibility through fusion of body weight with resistance springs.

“Getting Down with the lingo”• Lean Machine

The Universal Reformer: The reformer is a piece of resistance exercise equipment designed by Joseph Pilates. It consists of a platform that moves back and forth along a carriage. Resistance is provided by the exerciser’s body weight and by springs attached to the carriage and platform. Experience a full body integration workout.

Performance PilatesWe have all experienced the pain and utter discomfort from a muscular injury or strain in some part

of your life, right? If you answered yes to my question above, you are likely to benefit from Pilates and

wipe the pain and frustration permanently away from your seizing neck and shoulder for good.

Sport & Leisure

41grapeVine magazine - september 2015

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Sport & Leisure

• Get on your high horse Equestrian Pilates: Horse riding requires muscular endurance, spinal stability and mobility dependant on the phase of gait of the horse, control and co-ordination of muscular activation and ultimately awareness of the rider’s body and the rider’s influence on the movement of the horse. Equestrian Pilates address these requirements in full. Join in on Pilates classes to assist you in becoming a better rider.

• Fit Mamma Pre and Post Natal Pilates: Maintaining a regular Pilates routine throughout your pregnancy can help you stay healthy and feel your best. It can also improve your posture and decrease some common discomforts like backaches and fatigue. There is evidence that it may prevent gestational diabetes (diabetes that develops during pregnancy), relieves stress, and builds more stamina needed for labour and delivery. If you are uncertain on which gym exercises are safe for you and your baby, rather join in on a pre-natal Pilates class.

• Fab Fit Kids Kiddies Pilates: Children need motoric development in their daily activities. At Performance Pilates we focus on a kiddies friendly way of teaching Pilates to enhance the child’s motoric and cognitive development.

• Golden oldies Pilates for the Elderly: Within each year of aging our bodies’ muscle mass decreases tremendously. By practising Pilates you can slow down this process and work on your flexibility and balance. The downside of aging is the loss of confidence in our bodies’ abilities. At Performance Pilates we use exercises and balance techniques to keep the body functional and so build confidence in your muscle strength.

• Sport Specific Pilates Pilates can help athletes to strengthen and stretch from a sport specific point. For example cyclists that over use certain muscle groups, needs more specific stretching in that area. Balance between muscle strength and flexibility is at its utmost importance for most sports like ballet, horse-riding, swimming, running and the list goes on.

• Recovery Rehab As mentioned in the beginning of this article, Pilates is a tool to help your body function at its peak. By strengthen your core, stretching weak and over active muscles and regrouping muscle patterns you can help eliminate sport injuries and help improve overall wellbeing.

Whether you are a performance athlete or want to stay toned and fit, you will benefit from Pilates.

For more information contact Mieke le Roux on [email protected]

Sport & LeisureSport & Leisure

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Sport & LeisureSport & Leisure

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VAL DE VIE - PEARL VALLEY - WINELANDSRECENT DOGON GROUP SALES

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SELLERS: LET DO THE SAME FOR YOU

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45grapeVine magazine - september 2015Val de Vie

Sport & Leisure

Our small team walked away with 27 medals and achieved 122 personal best times at

the WP Championships in December 2014. We advanced on to our national age group meets in March 2015. At the Senior Level Three National Gala in Port Elizabeth, three senior swimmers from Players achieved 15 personal best times. The Junior Level Two National Gala in East London followed, where our very small team walked away with 50 medals, 150 personal best times and finished second overall out of the 30 teams that competed. Two of our swimmers were awarded with Junior National Colours.

The final gala for the 2014/2015 season ended at the SA Senior Nationals in April, at the Durban Kings Park Swimming Pool, where six of our swimmers qualified to compete. This is where the best senior swimmers in the country compete to qualify for international events, including Cameron van den Burgh and Chad Le Clos. Our boys returned with 20 personal bests, 1 gold medal and 3 bronze medals.

The 2015/2016 season started with three Short Course League Galas building up to SA Senior Nationals Short Course Championships in Pietermaritzburg where three of our swimmers competed, returning with 22 personal bests and 1 gold medal in the 800 freestyle.

The Players Swimming squad walked away with 84 personal best times, 8 gold medals, 12 silver medals and 4 bronze medals at The WP Short Course Championships at the Long Street Swimming Pool.

Our summer training is now in full swing and the squad is looking forward to an even better season ahead.

Thank you to all for your support. Paul and Tasmin Emslie

The Players Swim TeamWe would like to introduce the

Players Swim Team that trains

at Val de Vie and tell you a

bit more about this dedicated

swimming squad.

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Social & Community

A group of Val de Vie residents departed early Saturday morning by chartered bus on the

90km journey and arrived at the historic Tulbagh Hotel for a tasty country breakfast. After breakfast, we did our own wine route tour to beautiful Krone, Saronsberg and Montpellier wine estates. The live music and entertainment associated with good wine and good company were enjoyed by all. As the wine tasting progressed, we learnt that the uncorking of wine also brought alive some singing talent and entertaining personalities.

After the celebrations at the wine estates, a sing along bus drive took us back to Tulbagh by mid-afternoon. We partook in visits to the galleries, craft markets and live music festivities, where we then settled at a restaurant with log fires, gluwein and a hearty warm meal.

We wish to thank all the participants for their festive spirit and look forward to the next Val de Vie social tour.

Johan StanderVal de Vie Resident

Every year during mid-winter

Tulbagh celebrates “Christmas

in Winter”, with true

country hospitality.

“Christmas in Winter” enjoyed by Val de Vie residents

Val de Vie

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60 VAL DE VIEGRAPEVINE MAGAZINE - JUNE 2015

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We are PASSIONATE about People and their Property

The most important decision when selling or buying your home is APPOINTING your Agent.

Our goal is clear and uncomplicated:

And in doing so – establishing a life-long partnership in real estate.

www.rawson.co.za

• To sell your home at the BEST PRICE,

• In the shortest TIME,

• With the best REPRESENTATION across the marketing spectrum,• With the LEAST inconvenience to you and your family.

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Social & Community

In the book “Branded by Grace”, Chippy Brand tells his story of success through the

Grace of God while he was developing a golf course and building hotels.

This is our story of being “Branded by Grace”. In 2009, a dynamic local preacher, took his chances and asked us to start a preschool at his church. Very uncertain about the outcome, I perused the opportunity only because God made me a promise through Deuteronomy 11:14. The verse says: “I will give you rain in your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that you mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil.” This was the initial verse, only later I learnt that the beginning of the verse says: “If you obey me, and if you love me.” And of course I do, but now I realise that at the time, God showed me pure Grace, with no restrictions.

When it came to picking a name for the preschool, many were brainstormed, but we decided on Kinder Ark, because our goal was to ask protection over our children as much as Noah asked for protection over his family.

Protection is what we have received for the past six years. What follows, is an incredible testimony. On a sunny day in April, we had a freak accident at the preschool. It happened at about 13h10. Normally, by that time of the day, we would gather all the children to play in the sandbox, because the larger playground

equipment was stowed away. On that day, a huge tree branch broke off and fell right across the sandbox area, crushing two stainless steel umbrellas and covering the entire sandbox. God had his hand over our children, because on that day, there was not a single child in the sandbox, and not a single child had as much as a bruise!

God is merciful, and He pours His Grace onto us without asking for payback.

God kept his promise and in 2012, we opened a new branch of Kinder Ark on Val De Vie Estate. Again, we experienced uncertainty.

Will this new venture work? In January, we opened our doors to 19 children. By June we had 49 enrolments and by January 2014 we reached full capacity. Since then, we have tried to use every bit of space available to accommodate new enrolments. Today, we take care of 90 children, and we still have new enrolments asking for space every day.

The need for a bigger premises became eminent. Because it was such a big undertaking, a few large companies were approached. For a while, we thought that the existence of Kinder Ark on Val De Vie was

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Kinder Ark @ Val De Vie

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Val de Vie

terminated. However, God had other plans. He blessed us with hope for an even better and bigger premises.

We are delighted to be able stay on Val De Vie Estate for a while longer. We pray for the school and we believe, that we are staying here because we have a purpose to fulfil. In such a manner, we trust that every child who crosses our threshold, has a purpose as well. Therefore, we try to concentrate as much as we can on individualism and the uniqueness of Creation, so that we can armour students with tools to reach full potential, not for self gain, but to serve others.

In addition, we put emphasis on the importance of family attachments, so that children are able to grow up securely and with a positive self-esteem. At school, we try to create an event where parents and children spend time together. Such an event was “Bring Daddy to School-Day”. Boys, girls, dads and teachers had so much fun with our vintage racing theme. Bringing dad to school, surely was one of the highlights of the year!!

Kinder Ark blessings

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Safety & Security


QUALITY BUILD YOU CAN AFFORD.

[email protected] | 083 265 2251 | www.dormehl.co.za


52 Val de Vie

Stable Talk


It is that time of year again when we dust off the polo helmets and

polish the boots and look forward to summer.

Our polo ponies have gradually come back into their training routines and we will be pushing full steam ahead, playing polo by the beginning of October, continuing with the season until May 2016.

We have a jam packed polo season up ahead, with what promises to be very exciting polo and I am confident that we will be hosting some of the best played polo in the country again. Be sure to keep an eye on the Val de Vie website for any updates on the events and fixtures.

If anyone is interested in learning how to play polo then look no further than our very own Polo Professional, Kevin Rixon. Kevin is an outstanding player who coaches riders to improve and perfect their techniques as well as teaching beginners the rules of the game and how to hold a mallet. Kevin’s knowledge and passion for the horses and the sport is evident in his coaching and he is always willing to go the extra mile.

It has not been a dreary winter at all for our horse lovers and riders here at Val de Vie, as we have one of the most exquisite arena’s SA has to offer, which has allowed us to continue throughout the winter with our very demanding training schedules for showjumping and dressage. We would like to say thank you to everyone who helped with the painting of the show jumping poles. The new colourful poles have really added a nice touch to our fabulous arena.

Recently, the South African Pony Rider Champs were held in Shongweni in Natal, and our very own Erin Pape and her pony Leeukloof Bevel also known as Leo were chosen to represent the Western Province Open Team. Erin and Leo exceeded expectations and returned with phenomenal results in all of their classes. They competed in the 1.10m classes and finished overall 5th, 7th and 9th out of 36 of

Spring is in the air

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53Val de Vie

Stable Talk


the top pony riders in the country. We are so proud of them for flying our Val de Vie flag high.

We look forward to a prosperous season of polo, showjumping, dressage and endurance ahead and we wish our riders and their trusty steeds all the best in their disciplines respectively.

Please remember to be respectful and mindful of our Rules and Regulations when visiting the stables to ensure we continue to interact harmoniously with the horses. Please adhere to the visiting times between 08:00 and 17:00. Don’t forget to visit

the Polo Shop in the Pavilion, which is filled with gorgeous attire for not only players and riders but also for the very ambitious gentlemen who dream of being polo players, as well as the divas who just love to shop.

How to ride a horse:1. Mount the horse2. Stay mounted

“A polo handicap is a persons ticket to the world” ~ Sir Winston Churchill

Kelly

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54 Val de Vie

Stable Talk


George started his equestrian career as a groom on the 24th January 1987 in

Zimbabwe at the Montgomery Stud, which was home to almost 400 horses. This is where George learnt his wonderful horseman skills in working with mares, stallions and yearlings. He was part of a team of 25 grooms and he worked for the stud until 1991.

From 1991 until 1995 George worked at a polo yard for Rory Hensman who introduced George to polo for the first time. Rory was a professional polo player and he taught George how to ride and school polo ponies. George and his fellow groom trained and looked after 20 polo ponies.

In 1995 George moved on to work in Harare at the Craighall Stud with Mike Mouat. George and one fellow groom looked after his 7 polo ponies and learnt a tremendous amount about polo and gained invaluable knowledge. In 2000 Mike, his family, George and his horses all moved to South Africa and took up residence in Plettenbergbay. Mike established his own polo club called Redford Polo Club where he and George continued their partnership. Unfortunately, in 2010 Mike had a riding accident and stopped riding. So George followed his dreams and moved to Cape Town.

On the 1st June 2010, George started his journey at Val de Vie as the Stable Master. George has a team of 15 grooms, whom he trains and teaches to ride polo ponies and how to work with the horses correctly in a harmonious way.

George is an extremely talented rider and polo player and he was granted a “0” handicap 2005 at the Redford Polo Club in Plettenbergbay, which he has been able to keep up to date, which is a wonderful achievement.

George’s best horse throughout his career was a horse called Fairlight, who he trained up off the racing track to play polo and who continued to play successfully.

Val de Vie Estate is so grateful to have George on their Equestrian and Polo team and his knowledge and compassion for horses goes beyond the ordinary. His hard work and dedication is appreciated greatly and I look forward to a long and rewarding journey with him.

What you didn’t know about George Mumba

Stable Master at Val de Vie

Val de Vie

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Mercedes LabuschagneProperty Consultant

082 555 [email protected]

Cedric le BonProperty Consultant

076 440 [email protected]

113 Main Road, Paarl, 7646 | 021 870 1011 | www.sothebysrealty.co.za

Each office independantly owned and operated

Speak to our professional team about our extensive marketing plan.



Landscape & Nature

Our small but efficient facilities team, managed by Naas Engelbrecht, are kept busy with

the various tasks required of them in maintaining a prestigious estate like Val de Vie. We caught up with Naas to hear from him first hand what they have been working on over the last few months. Here is what Naas had to say.

1. Irrigation upgradesBetter control of water usage on irrigated areas is of utmost importance. Installing computer controlled irrigation in areas previously hand watered means significant savings on water put down. This saving can then be utilised to irrigate areas previously seen as low maintenance areas and thus improve the overall aesthetics of the estate. Focusing on main road axis’s has also become important, as the estate is being built up. Berg River Way, Palomino (previously only

partially installed) and Main Circle areas have now all been installed with permanent irrigation. Irrigation has also been installed in most of the green fingers between houses where building has been completed.

2. Irrigation control upgrades The whole of Val de Vie’s irrigation system was controlled by a Hunter control system. The system had reached its end of life and had to be replaced, as no upgrades were available. It was decided to install a Mottech replacement system. The first phase of the installation was done last year and the balance this year. Val de Vie is now completely running on a Mottech system, which has proven to be superior to the previous system in many ways. The most important aspect of this system, is that it can never be phased out as with the Hunter system, but merely updated or

Maintenance Report


Landscape & Facilities

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Landscape & Nature

added onto. Furthermore, this system has two way communication, in that the system will flag any valve failure or communication problems.

3. Speed calmingSpeed bumps are being installed in strategic places on roads in Village I. A new speed camera has also been purchased to monitor speed on the estate.

4. Storm water channelsSeveral storm water channels have been upgraded to be aesthetically pleasing. Some 500 meters of channelling has been installed or upgraded by lining them with pebbles. This enables Val de Vie to establish more permanent landscaping around them, improving the aesthetics.

5. WalkwaysWe have installed new walkways enabling residents to access facilities more easily, and we intend on laying out another walkway from the Sport and Leisure Centre leading to the Pavilion. The installation of the walkways also results in areas being upgraded on the landscape side, as they are now more accessible.

6. DrainageAs houses are being built, surface water flow is being affected and action must be taken to remedy ponding in residential erven. Areas affecting some 20 erven have been actioned this year, but this is an ongoing process. Water ponding on pathways has also been addressed.

57GRAPEVINE MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2015


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Landscape & Nature

7. Landscape upgradesWe have been trying to move less intensive landscaping areas, to semi intensive areas and semi intensive to intensive areas. Just to give one an indication of costs involved: • R59 000 has been spent on filler and

replacement to upgrade plants. • R78 000 on fertilising estate parks and

flower beds and;• R130 000 on replacement to upgrade trees.We are presently compiling a list of trees, which will be replaced and planted during spring.

8. Foul sewer pump stationsDue to load shedding (sewerage accumulation), end of life being approached and life style changes (more solids such as nappies being carried by installation) an improvement in the materials handling pumps had to be looked at. Several options were investigated and a solution was found. The design is being finalised and upgrade to the most important pump station (station 2) will be done this year.

9. Olive treesWe have had our first significant olive harvest. Our previous harvest yielded 250 litres olive oil and this year it increased to 760 litres. Depending on the crop, the volume is going to increase exponentially every year. Homeowners will be notified regarding the decision made with regards to the oil we have received. Fertilisation and mulching has taken place to improve growth, and trees are maturing well.

10. Fish in damsCatching out bottom feeding fish, such as Carp and Barbel, is being carried out on a regular basis. Two species are being re-introduced namely Bass and Kurper. Some 10 000 Kurper are being re-stocked into the dams. The introduction of the Kurper, which are filter feeders will ensure a more balanced ecosystem and clearer water. The bass, being a predator, is introduced to control the fish numbers such as babel.

Term

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Con

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pply.

47 Jan van Riebeeck Drive, Paarl 021 862 0475

#[email protected]

Wessel 071 325 8195 • Gerda 076 611 1054 • Nicola 082 974 2960 • Lizelle 082 974 2947 • Jeandre 084 739 4366

2014 FORD RANGER 2.2T DCi XL SUP CAB

R2 928 p.m.

2015 AUDI A4 TDi 2.0 SE MULTITRONIC R4 427 p.m.

2015 NISSAN NAVARA 2.5DCi LE 4X4 AT D/CAB

R4 429 p.m.

2015 NISSAN QASHQAI 1.2T ACCENTA R4 540 p.m.

2008 NISSAN QASHQAI 2.0 ACCENTA R1 661 p.m.

2009 TOYOTA FORTUNER 4.0 V6 4X4 AT R2 013 p.m.

2011 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 4.2D

R4 799 p.m.

2012 TOYOTA HILUX 3.0 D4D RAIDER XCAB

R2 924 p.m.

2013 AUDI Q7 4.2 TDi QUATTRO TIP R6 964 p.m.

2013 NISSAN QASHQAI 2.0 ACCENTA R2 380 p.m.

2015 NISSAN X-TRAIL 2.0 XE R3 621 p.m. 2013 NISSAN X-TRAIL 2.0 XE R2 194 p.m.


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60 grapeVine magazine - september 2015 Val de Vie

Safety & Security

We can never become complacent with regards to

our safety and security. Although Val De Vie Estate has a secure perimeter, we will always be under threat of

‘internal’ criminal activity possibly occurring on the Estate. It is all of our responsibility on Val De Vie to ensure that we keep our Estate safe and secure for all to enjoy and have

peace of mind. Our biggest threat or vulnerability lies with ‘outsiders’ who are granted temporary access onto the Estate. Stringent security measures are in place to verify and confirm contractors or visitors who enter our Estate.

We request that all employee and contractor enrolments be done timeously and are confirmed correctly for those who intend working on the Estate for any length of time. This is the only way we can maintain a strict security process of identifying, vetting and confirming access to the Estate. The liability and responsibility of these said contractors, domestics or visitors is the responsibility of the respective homeowner, resident or department, who has authorised them to enrol and enter the Estate. The onus is to ensure that these persons are observed at all times and adhere to our rules and regulations whilst they are on the Estate.

However, it is imperative that when a contractor, domestic worker or any employee leaves your employment, that it is immediately reported to the HOA and security office. If these departments are not informed, the person(s) in question will still have access to the Estate, which will directly influence everyone’s

safety and security on the Estate.We want all our homeowners and residents guests to have a memorable experience when they visit our Estate. From a security point of view, we need to be able to link a guest or visitor with the respective homeowner or resident who is responsible for them. If we cannot directly link a guest or visitor to the respective homeowner or resident, it could create a potential security risk for the Estate.

Unfortunately, some of our homeowners and residents have not registered with the PT Guest system, or they do not use the system. This in retrospect has created longer delays for their guests at the main entrance and has sadly left some guests with an unpleasant experience when trying to enter the Estate. If a homeowner or resident is not registered on the PT Guest system, security access codes cannot be issued for the respective guest as they cannot be linked to the relevant homeowner or resident. Please take note that if you have moved to a different erf on the Estate, you will need to log onto the PT Guest Website again to enable the system to register you on your new erf. We therefore implore all homeowners and residents to register on the PT Guest system.

Brett AshingtonThorburn Security

Thorburn Security Report

WE CONDUCT SERVICES ON ALL GAS APPLIANCES AND CERTIFICATIONS FOR INSURANCE PURPOSES.

WOOD BOXES SINGLE GAS CAGES DOUBLE GAS CAGES

PROUD SUPPLIER FOR VAL DE VIE ESTATE

WE SUPPLY LP GAS & SELL PRE-PACKED BRAAI/FIRE WOOD - DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR.

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HOA Pages


FAQsWhat are the HOA office hours, and where are they situated?Val de Vie Sport and Leisure CentreOffice Hours:Monday to Thursday 07.30 – 16.30Fridays 07.30 – 16.00Closed on weekends and public holidays.

When are Levy payments due, and how does the extra levy affect me?1st of the month, in advance. When you buy a plot from 1 September 2012 in the extra levy phase, you have a 4-month grace period from date of transfer, to do your planning and to start building before the extra levy is applicable. When building starts, you then have an additional 11-month period to complete the project, in which the extra levy will again not be applicable.

How do I update my personal information with the HOA?Please update your personal information on the Val de Vie Community Portal. For more information, please contact the HOA at: [email protected].

How and when can I do my security gate enrolment?New HOA Members:Gate enrolment can only be done after the property has been registered in your name, during office hours at the HOA reception and proof of identification is required.

New Tenants:Enrolment can only be done after tenants obtain approval from the HOA. Copies of identification documents, and rental agreements, must accompany completed enrolment forms.

Workers:All domestics, gardeners, au pairs, butlers, etc., need to be enrolled, with necessary identification documents. Valid work permits are mandatory for foreign workers.

How many pets are allowed?No more than three animals may be kept per unit with a limit to two animals of a kind, for

example, two dogs and one cat. Only domestic animals posing no danger, noise, or odours may be kept. All domestic animals must at all times bear a tag which reflects the name, telephone number, and SG number of their owner.

How, and when can I obtain a remote for the inner lane booms/river frontage gates?Remotes are available to residents only, at a cost of R220 per remote. Landowners that are in the planning phase, may request the building control office to motivate an application for a remote. Remotes can be ordered, and paid for, at the HOA reception.

How and when do I obtain my post box key?A post box key can only be obtained after the property has been transferred into your name, during office hours at the HOA reception.

What is my Val de Vie postal address?Name and Surname ... (your SG number) Val de Vie Estate, Paarl, Kliprug Minor Road, 7646

How often is postage sorted?Postage is retrieved from town, and sorted daily. You will receive a notification slip in your box for parcels that are too big for the box. These letters/parcels need to be signed for, and collected, during office hours at the HOA reception.

How do I apply for a dustbin? It is the homeowners responsibility to apply for a dustbin, once Drakenstein occupation is issued. Use your SG number as reference, and phone Drakenstein Municipality at 021 807 4715.

When is refuse removal? Our refuse removal is done weekly, by Drakenstein Municipality. We form part of their ‘purple zone’. For collection days, please refer to their schedule at www.drakenstein.gov.za

Does Val de Vie provide for recycling? The Estate is part of the municipal door-to-door recycling service. Each week, on the same day as your refuse removal, your

recyclable material will be collected. All you need to do is put your ‘dry’ recyclable waste into the free clear bag you are provided with. Then place it next to or on top of your refuse bin, ready for collection. Homeowners can also make use of the paper and glass banks at the Maintenance Centre.

What fish have been established in the dams, and is fishing allowed?Grass Carp, Kurper, and Bass have been stocked in our dams. Fishing is only allowed on a catch-and-release basis. Please respect these resources.

How do I gain access to the Picnic Area?The HOA Picnic Area is located on the banks of the Berg River, on the Northern side of the Estate. Access to the River Frontage and Picnic Area is controlled, and only possible to residents via pre-programmed remote controls (with the same remote as for inner lane booms). Access is only possible via three gates - the Southern Gate, the Gate at the Picnic Area, and the Northern Gate. Access is limited to non-motorised transport, during daylight hours only.

Who can I contact for electrical or plumbing assistance?Electrician: Steven Jones, 021 872 8711 / 082 802 7219

Plumbing: Casa Plumbing, 021 855 3035 / 078 920 6491

Val de Vie Homeowners’ Association does not guarantee, or take any responsibility for the quality of services, products provided, or the conduct of any of the service providers mentioned in this publication.

How does the PT Guest System work?Please visit the Val de Vie Website on the HOA Internal Communication link, for step-by-step instructions on how this paperless visitor enrolment system works.


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Estate Rules Highlighted

Let’s talk generators

VAL DE VIE

With the warmer spring weather approaching, we want to encourage our

homeowners to start inspecting the exterior of their homes, as well as the state of their gardens and spring into action with proper maintenance.

We compiled a list of a few common exterior issues that you can look out for when inspecting your home:• Cracking and chipping of paint on the house as

well as boundary walls (Samples of approved paint colours available at the HOA Office);

• Water stained walls; • Missing, loose, or damaged tiles on roofs;• Weathered timber, eg shutters / pergolas /

fascia boards / aircon screens;• Faded / torn awnings;

• Skew aircon screens / shutters;• Weathered windows and doors;• Leaves and debris in gutters; • Dead plants or shrubs in the garden;• Weeds in flowerbeds and lawn.

Routine maintenance is important for every home’s upkeep and well-being. Continuing to check up on the abovementioned items will save money, and keep your home looking its best.

Remember to consult the HOA Office prior to making alterations to your home in order to ensure you have the necessary approval.

HOA Office: 021 863 6128

VAL DE VIE

Home and garden maintenance

High, Indoor & Outdoor Window CleaningCarpet Cleaning | Car Wash Services

Contact Pine Pienaar for a free quotationtel +27 (0)84 454 7700

WINDOW CLEANING SERVICE

082 774 8583 | [email protected]

Photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place. It has little to

do with the things you see and everything to do with how you see them.”

IRRIGATION

Installation, design/ supply & maintenance

t: +27 (0)21 9877698e: [email protected]

www.liquid-rain.co.za

Contact us

for a free quotation

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HOA Pages

64 GRAPEVINE MAGAZINE - MARCH 2015 VAL DE VIE64 GRAPEVINE MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2015 VAL DE VIE

HOA ENQUIRIES

021 863 6128

[email protected]

OTHER

SAPS – PAARL

021 807 4000

WATER / ELECTRICITY

021 807 2557

POLO

021 863 6169

[email protected]

SAP FLYING SQUAD

10111

TRAFFIC DEPARTMENT

021 872 4755

SALES OFFICE

021 863 6101

[email protected]

FIRE BRIGADE

021 872 2323

ANIMAL HOSPITAL - WELLINGTON

021 873 1196

WINES

021 863 6100

[email protected]

AMBULANCE - PAARL

10177

021 872 1970

VETERINARIAN

DR DEON VAN TONDER

083 631 4603

POLO CLUB RESTAURANT

021 863 6174

[email protected]

RESCUE EMERGENCY

10177

PAARL LIBRARY

021 807 4871 / 4742

BUILDING DEPARTMENT

021 863 6127

[email protected]

ER EMERGENCY RESPONSE

084 124

PAARL TOURISM

021 872 4842

RYK NEETHLING SWIM SCHOOL

082 747 8277

[email protected]

PAARL HOSPITAL

021 860 2500

FRANSCHHOEK TOURISM

021 876 3603

SECURITY

021 863 6110

072 900 3954

MEDI CLINIC - PAARL

021 807 8000

POISON / SNAKE BITE INFORMATION

021 689 5227

021 931 6129

HEALTH CLUB

021 863 6136

[email protected]

DRAKENSTEIN MUNICIPALITY / GENERAL

021 807 4500

POST OFFICE - 57 LADY GREY STR, PAARL

021 872 5337

EVENTS & MARKETING

021 863 6191 / 6131

[email protected]

DRAKENSTEIN WASTE REMOVAL QUERIES

021 807 4715

Val de Vie - Directory

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— Neville Owen







— Neville Owen





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[email protected]

021 872 6360 / 082 787 0775







Bergstreme Developments & Architectural Designs have over 16 years building

e perience on some o the most prestigious estates in the Western ape


ergstreme e e opments o er a u ser ice so ution to c ients, rom architectura esign inc u ing ren ering to comp ete bui , inc u ing a full showroom in Paarl

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on bui ing or the uture This e icate an e ib e team s approach remains on quality and detail.


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Bergstreme Developments & Architectural Designs have over 16 years building experience on some of the most prestigious estates in the Western Cape.


Bergstreme Developments offer a full service solution to clients, from architectural design (including 3D rendering) to completed build, including a full showroom in Paarl

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Bergstreme Ad - Grapevine_march 2015.indd 1 2015/03/11 9:42 PMtemplate.indd 61 2015/09/10 10:57 AM

Grapevine Magazine | Sept Issue 2015

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Transcript of Grapevine Magazine | Sept Issue 2015