INTRAMUROS - Silver Lakes Golf Estate · Nienke Moolman Elize Malan Hilary Green Madeleine De Wet...

March | 2019

INTRAMUROSE S T A T E N E W S | E N V I R O N M E N T | S P O R T | T R A V E L | F A M I L Y L I F E

SOUTH AFRICAS BIRD OF THE YEAR

PAYING IT FORWARD

AFRICAN TURF ACADEMY SUCCESS STORY

Photo Credit: Francois Booyens

HELLO NEIGHBOUR.

MENLYN AUTO.

Menlyn AutoCnr Lois Ave & Garstfontein RoadTel. 012 426 2763www.bmw-menlynauto.co.za

We’ve been living close to each other for some time now, and we thought it was high time we got to know you better. Please come over for a coffee and let us tell you all about the many unique benefits MINI offers to residents of Silver Lakes, some of which include:

• Preferential pricing on all new MINIs.*• Preferential service bookings• While-you-wait servicing and loan MINIs (on request)• Competitive pricing on MINI Lifestyle items and accessories• A sales executive dedicated to you• Invitations to product launches and exclusive MINI events.• Ride and drives where you get to drive the latest and greatest MINIs to a special location

For more info on Menlyn Auto or our exclusive offers to Silver Lakes residents, call us on the details below:

*Excluding newly launched vehicles or vehicles in limited supply, (which can be negotiated on merit)

2 INTRA MUROS MARCH 2019

EIA PUBLISHING OFFICE Tel: 011 327 4062 - www.eiapublishing.co.za PUBLISHER Nico Maritz - [email protected] Debbie Walton - 082 928 1689 - [email protected] DESIGNER Christo van Eeden - [email protected] MANAGER Martin Fourie - 072 835 8405 - [email protected] ADVERTISING SALES Lyndene Marilli - 073 997 1274 - [email protected] PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR & ASSISTANT EDITOR Nicole Hermanson - [email protected]

CONTRIBUTORSSilver Lakes HOA Silver Lakes DirectorsHenk BooysenSid PretoriusCorlia MathewsNienke MoolmanElize Malan

Hilary GreenMadeleine De Wet Nicoleen Davies Brendon van NieuwenhuizenMichael WestmanAudrey BekkerAdva Beeri-Eldar

SILVER LAKES27 Muirfield Boulevard, Silver Lakes, 0081PO Box 11106Silver Lakes 0054Tel: +27 12 809 0142Fax: +27 12 809 1119

DISCLAIMERIntra Muros is a monthly magazine of the Silver Lakes Homeowners’ Association (NPC). It is intended for the residents of Silver Lakes. It is published on behalf of the SL HOA by Estates in Africa (Pty) Ltd. Articles printed in the Intra Muros, do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the SL HOA or the Estate, the publisher, nor of the companies themselves. Neither the SL HOA, nor the publishers can be held responsible for the quality of the goods and services advertised in the Intra Muros. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission of the publisher.

CONTENTSMarch 2019

ESTATE NEWSFrom the CEO 4Upcoming Events in Silver Lakes 8 Mature Golfers 10From the Country Club 11African Turf Academy 12News from the Operations Team 15Gardening: Healthy Palms 16Birding 17Get to know the Staff 18Environmental Matters 20

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

There appears to be a global trend towards adopting an attitude of gratitude and being hashtag blessed all over social media. Sure, it’s easy to post the rosy picture online

and to put forward a persona of zen, kindness and gratitude. But are you like that in your real lives? Are you grateful for what you have? Do you count your blessings often? Are you truly kind enough to pay it forward every day? I’m not. I’m always rushing around and don’t take time to smell the roses. I am constantly annoyed by the inconsiderate parents in the parking lot at school in the mornings and my days therefore start off irritated. My daughter is being bullied at school and I find myself hateful towards the girl-bully’s parents – and said girl-bully. How can a parent allow their child to be so mean?

Now let me just say, I’m writing this as I lie on a deck chair in the Magaliesburg at a five-star hotel while my healthy, wonderful

children are away at their school camp… My husband is with me as we celebrate 12 years of marriage… Talk about the need for an attitude adjustment.

So, I’ve decided to be grateful today. And less irritated. I think South Africans are generally a bit of an entitled and spoilt nationality. Perhaps we all need to go down a gear, think of our fellow community members and treat people the way we’d like them to treat us. Is life here in the sunniest country on earth, in our beautiful gated communities that bad? Not really…

Be #blessed everyone!

Best,

Debbie

LIFESTYLE Book Reviews 38Décor: Jungle Fever 42

HEALTH & WELLNESS Mountain Biking: South Africa’s Fastest Growing Sport 30Food Labels: How can I read these? 31

COMPETITION Restaurant Competition 27

FOOD & DRINK 32

TODAY’S CHILD In Hil’s Head 34Disempowering Bullying 36

CLASSIFIEDS 44

James Clarke’s Back Page Humour 48

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A lovely 2 bedroom house with a large lounge as well as a full bathroom ( bath, shower basin & toilet.) Age restriction is a minimum of 50 years. Silver Lakes lifestyle is part of owner package. Lovely to live in with people that are all healthy but have their own community living. You will have access to the restaurant, game area and golf course.Phone me to view this property.

Single storey home for an elderly couple or a young couple that would like to live in SILVER LAKES. This house is in a mint condition and you can just move in and enjoy this prestige Estate. 3 Bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and an extra outside bedroom with en-suite bathroom. 3 Large living areas. Open-plan kitchen with double oven and breakfast nook with scullery. Enclosed patio with a braai and a lovely private garden and a double garage.This is a must to view. Contact me for an appointment.

Single story house with a lovely flow open-plan living room. Light and bright. Large patio with a sparkling pool in a big garden. 3 Large bedrooms with 2 full bathrooms. Main bedroom with a en-suite bathroom. A lovely house for the not so young couple or for a young couple that want to buy their first investment in this prestige Golf Estate.

This warm loving home offers beautiful open spaces! You’ll feel right at home with the sense of openness and ample living areas all flowing towards the loveable patio and gorgeous garden. The neat kitchen includes space for all appliances and a fridge freezer with an electric stove and oven. The ground floor includes 3 spacious living areas with a cheerful entrance hall leading towards the living room. Extras include a guest toilet downstairs with a separate study also leading towards the spacious garden with well-established trees creating lots of privacy and tranquillity! The top level boasts 2 spacious and sunny north facing bedrooms each with its own bathroom. The double automated garage leads towards the kitchen back door making it practical carrying groceries into your place, you’ll always look forward coming home to and from shopping.

This house has 3 living areas, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a guest toilet, a play room, outside toilet, double garage, a study and a sparkling pool. This property is in a very quiet street in the Silver Lakes Golf Estate. Well priced property and value for money!

Single storey house for A young or older couple. Lovely flow to the patio. Large patio flow through one side of the house to the other side. 3 Lovely bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. The kitchen has been renovated and has a double oven. Double garage and servants quarters. This property is on a large corner stand in a quiet street.

We would like to share the following important points

with our members.Golf ChampionshipsWe wish to congratulate all the golfers that participated in the annual Club Championship! It is unfortunate that we cannot give the names of the winners in this issue as it was printed before the Championship! Well done to our Golf Division, the Golf Committee and all volunteers for all their hard work.

Upgrade of the Clubhouse Reception and loungeThe Clubhouse area will be refurbished at the end of March and beginning of April. The Reception area and lounge will get a new look and feel and the doors at Lakeview will be replaced. We really look forward to raising the standard and making this an even more impressive and awesome experience on arrival.

Upgrade at the entrance gates The two entrance gates are being upgraded. Work started on the inside of the offices, creating a work space to a standard we can be proud of. Work will also commence this month with spikes to be introduced at both gates, while the existing booms will be replaced with new and faster booms. The Board has also approved the Morphowave compact biometric system, which will replace the existing biometric system which reads your fingerprint for access. This process is much faster than the existing system and will eliminate the use of cards at the gates. More information will be shared in a communique that will address the new access control system.

One of our missions is to be rated in the top three safest and most secure estates in the country. We believe that by pro-actively and continually improving our systems, that we will be rated in the top three.

Upgrade of the enrollment officeThank you to all our members who patiently had to use an alternative office when they came to enroll a worker or came to enroll as a new member. We have upgraded the enrollment office at the management centre and the office is now of a standard we can be proud of.

The upgrade of the areas make me think of the words of Dr Seuss “Why fit in if you were made to stand out”! We don’t want to just be another estate, we want to stand out and be used as a benchmark in the industry. Something our members can be proud of.

Rules and complianceWe wish to thank our members for the positive response after the February article about rules. The article was also shared in the Community News after the responses. If you have not yet read it, please have a look at it to understand what happens behind the scenes. Another of the five missions is that we want to promote a culture of interdependence and good neighbourliness. The article focuses on what we do to enhance the good neighbourliness through applying our rules.

WebsiteOur website was redone and a more user-friendly and modern style website is almost ready to be revealed. All aspects are being tested as we look forward launching the website.

Use of golf courseWe have said it before and will say it again. We urge our members for their own safety to please stay on the paths during golfing hours and be aware of golfers and flying balls. You can use the course after golfing hours to walk, jog or even walk your dog, but please ensure that the dog is on a leash and that any poo is picked up.

Kind regards

Henk BooysenCEO: Silver Lakes Homeowners Association

IMPORTANT CONTACT NUMBERS

HOA OFFICE Office hours: Monday to Friday 08:00 until 16:30012 809 [email protected]

WhatsApp Number 081 848 2787

Security access office:Hours as aboveIncluding first Saturday of every month from 08:00 until 11:00

SECURITY

Security Control Room (24 hours) 012 809 0424/5

Bidvest Protea Coin Security From 18:00 to 06:00, weekdays24 hours Sat, Sun and public holidays072 615 5862

CLUB HOUSE

Clubhouse012 809 0282

Café 41012 8091571

Takeaways012 809 0431 / 012 809 1484

GOLF

Pro Shop012 809 0430

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Security Control Room (24 hours) 012 809 0424/5

Boschkop Police 012 802 1087/4

Netcare 911082 911

Willows Hospital 012 807 8100

Life Medical Centre (near Hans Strijdom Entrance)012 809 1004

Intercare Medical and Dental Centre (Hazeldean Centre)012 809 6000

Fire Brigade10111

Power Failure012 339 9111

City of Tshwane Call Centre012 358 9999Water leaks: [email protected] lights: [email protected]

Smart Meter Call Centre012 943 [email protected]

NEWS FROM THE CEO

ESTATE NEWS


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ESTATE NEWS

UPCOMING EVENTS: APRIL 2019

2 AprilQuiz Night

Executive Bar

2 April – 15 AprilWinter Donation Collection

3 AprilPhotography Club, Meet and Greet

Clubhouse, Chapel

14 AprilMusic in the Park

Clubhouse, Park Area

22 AprilEaster Egg Hunt

Clubhouse, Park Area

For more information contact [email protected] or 012 809 0282


February results

MATURE GOLFERSMATURE GOLFERS - 07 FEBRUARY 2019

NAME PLACE AMOUNT 2-CLUBTienie Wessels / Eugene Visagie (47) 1st R125 / R125 Johan MyburghNiek Hollander / Dawie Jacobs (46) 2nd R75 / R75 Rick NewsomeDawie Jacobs NTP # 9 R 50 (Cash) Kobus CoetzeeJohann Myburgh NTP # 13 R 50 (Cash) Doep du PlessisJannie v d Watt NTP # 16 R 50 (Cash) Paul LaeseckePhillip Molapo NTP # 18 R 50 (Cash) Jannie v d WattDoep Du Plessis NTP # 3 Wine Dawie Jacobs

Jas Wasserman x 2

MATURE GOLFERS - 21 FEBRUARY 2019 NAME PLACE AMOUNT 2-CLUB

Fernando Vieira (43) 1st R 200 Wayne HendriksPhillip Molapo (39) 2nd R 125 Doep du PlessisVuzi Ngwenya (37) 3rd R 75Rolf Hauter NTP # 9 R 50 (Cash)Rolf Hauter NTP # 13 R 50 (Cash)Nico Kriek NTP # 16 R 50 (Cash)Fernando Vieira NTP # 18 R 50 (Cash)Rolf Hauter NTP # 3 Wine

MATURE GOLFERS - 28 FEBRUARY 2019NAME PLACE AMOUNT 2-CLUB

Rolf Huter / Theo O'Neil / FX Roome / 1st R60/R60 Rolf HauterPieter Grey (85) R60/R60Danie Joubert / Johann Myburgh 2nd R40/R40Manie de Clercq / Ernst Roestoff (84 c/o) R40/R40

Colin Heath NTP # 9 R 50 (Cash)Doep du Plessis NTP # 13 R 50 (Cash)Frans van Jaarsveld NTP # 16 R 50 (Cash) Colin Heath NTP # 18 R 50 (Cash)Gawie v d Merwe NTP # 3 Wine

ESTATE NEWS

INTRA MUROS MARCH 2019 11

The amount of rain we received over the past month really helped the golf course with growth and

presentation.

The rainfall has been sporadic but has brought the course on, making the rough punishing.

A big thanks must be extended to our maintenance team for the ongoing work done on the course. Much gratitude goes to all staff and members who assisted in the early morning to clear all the trees that were struck by lightning and powerful winds causing roads to close.

There was great excitement and a wonderful vibe during the month of March when the Club Championships were played.

Members, remember our fabulous annual Easter tournament. We have a three day event where the format is different on each day. One tournament not to be missed.

Golf Cart stickersPlease register you golf cart if not done yet. Golf cart stickers are available from Bobby at the Clubhouse reception. This year the stickers are reflective and tamper proof. The registration fee for golf carts is R180.

General RulesRule 10.10. Golf practicing is limited to the designated range and practice facilities during the designated times only. No practicing is allowed anywhere on the golf course at any time.10.11. Playing golfers enjoy priority on the golf course at all times.

Golfing hours (6:15 to end of official play)

Happy golfing

Brendon van NieuwenhuizenGolf Manager

FROM THE COUNTRY CLUB

ESTATE NEWS


I read an article released on February 6th in a British publication written by Ella Boyden about our own James Walker. He

was one of the Silver Lakes Turf Academy students a few years ago. Homeowners will remember when we saved a Cape otter which was stuck under a rock in one of the irrigation dams. The otter was in shock and freezing. It was taken to Onderstepoort where the otter’s health was restored and we released it back onto the Estate at the riverine bush on the 11th green. James was one of the greenkeepers who found Rory, the otter! Yes, he was obviously named after Rory McIlroy!

James graduated from the African Turf Academy, which is supported by Jacobsen and the R&A, in 2015. James enjoyed success at the Academy based at the Silver Lakes Golf and Wildlife Estate and won the Student of the Year award in 2015.

Three years on, and James is now the assistant greenkeeper at JCB Golf & Country Club, the brand new 18-hole golf course based at the construction equipment manufacturer’s headquarters in Staffordshire. The golf course is supplied by Textron Golf, which includes equipment and vehicles from Jacobsen, E-Z-GO, Cushman and Textron Fleet Management.

“It’s amazing that Jacobsen supported me throughout my education in South Africa, and now I am here at JCB which uses the equipment,” James said. “The African Turf Academy was the only one to offer an international qualification, which was run by Elmwood College, and Jacobsen was the only company willing to invest in education in the turf industry across South Africa. I must thank Jacobsen, the R&A and The African Turf Academy for all they have done for me in my career so far.”

The African Turf Academy offers an International Greenkeeping Qualification, a two-year full-time programme of study running in conjunction with the Tour Player Development Programme. On completion of the course, students receive an internationally recognised National Certificate in Greenkeeping from Elmwood College in St. Andrews, Scotland.

“I was introduced to Euan Grant at the Golf Industry Show in San Antonio this year,” James continued. “As the general manager at JCB Golf & Country Club, he was looking

for greenkeepers to come and work at the new course. I was excited at the prospect; it sounded like an exciting project and something I was keen to be involved in.”

“James and I met at GIS in February 2018,” Euan Grant explained. “As soon as we started to talk, I knew he was exactly the kind of person I wanted at the JCB course. He’s passionate about greenkeeping, extremely hardworking and down-to-earth and committed to his own professional development.

“I’m looking forward to my future here,” James concluded. “It’s a spectacular course with the best equipment and resources available, and whilst the climate is very

different to South Africa, I’m adjusting well!”

As you can see from James’ testimony our Golf Academy run by Andrew McKenna and Derek Daly makes it possible for a handful of South Africans to fulfill their dreams in golfing, sponsored by Jacobsen and supported by St. Andrews in Scotland. Making a career of something the rest of us see as a hobby! If you want to contact the Academy email Derek on: [email protected] or call him on: 076 763 6279.

Good luck to all our young greenkeepers who are on their way later this year to visit St. Andrews.

AFRICAN TURF ACADEMY STUDENT LAUNCHES WONDERFUL CAREER

ESTATE NEWS

Jawitz Silverlakes 012 809 0019

[email protected]

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REAL LIFE

Real Estate.

Anton Scheepers083 227 [email protected]

Elizma de Jager083 652 [email protected]

Amandie Scheepers082 412 [email protected]

Aneshca Kuhn082 452 [email protected]


Patrick, a caddy who has been with the Silver Lakes golf team for many years has difficulty walking because of a

stroke that he suffered a couple of years ago. Despite this devastating challenge, he is always at work with a positive attitude and a smile! One of our members at Silver Lakes kindly donated a battery operated three-wheeler to Patrick and he can now continue to do his work without struggling to walk the long distances on the course. Patrick is now able to move around more freely on the course with his client’s bag on the front of his scooter.

The Operations Team has been busy with a number of projects during the past month or so ranging from

cutting up and clearing away trees that were blown over in the recent storms, to removing tree roots that had lifted and damaged the tar and speed hump in Pebble Beach Drive.

Another project that the Team has started, and will soon be completed, is cutting open the walking trail in the Game Reserve whereby new walkways have been cleared. The idea is to erect information boards informing hikers what birds they can expect to see as well as information regarding trees in the immediate

surrounds. We also intend placing benches along the trails for hikers to take ‘’time out’’.

Reminder: PLEASE DO NOT LITTER.

Kind regards,

Michael WestmanOperations Manager

NEWS FROM THE OPERATIONS TEAMRemedial work throughout the Estate

PAYING IT FORWARD IN SILVER LAKES

ESTATE NEWS


Silver Lakes Wildlife and Golf Estate has a picturesque silhouette created by tall Washingtonia and Cocos palms

at both entrances. These mature palms and others in homeowner’s gardens will become stressed without proper care. Stressed palms are susceptible to pests and diseases.

Basic care of palms:• Do not over trim any palm: Palm trees

take nutrients from the lower fronds and utilise it in new growth. By removing the green lower fronds (leaves) the palm will take nutrients from the few remaining leaves, weakening the plant and causing poor growth. Cut ONLY dead leaves and do not try to pull these from the main trunk. Open wounds from indifferent pruning can allow access for weevils and the palm will die.

• Sterilise pruning equipment: Fungal diseases are transmitted from one palm

to another when using dirty pruning equipment.

• Correct watering: Sprinkler heads directly facing palm trunks can cause trunk rot. No irrigation nozzle should be close to a palm root zone as this can cause root rot. Both fatal to a palm tree.

• Careful selection of groundcovers in the palm tree root zone: Plants should have the same fertiliser and water requirements as the palm tree. Trimming lawn edges growing under a palm tree should be done with great care, without damage to the trunk.

Fungal diseasesFusarium wilt: Visible signs start by one leaf (frond) with discoloured leaflets, only on one side. The opposite side of the leaf will be a healthy green colour. This will spread quickly to the second side and other leaves and cause the palm to die within a few months.

Ganoderma butt rot: Visible signs will be conks (shelf fungus) growing at the base of the palm. When damage becomes visible the palm is already dying. When cutting down palms that die of unknown causes the trunks should not be used for chipping.

Do not plant a palm in the same spot again.

PestsSucking insects: Mealy bugs, white fly or palm aphids can be the problem when ants are noticed running up and down the trunk. The ants feed on the sticky “honeydew” produced by sucking insects and with heavy infestation a dark sooty mould can develop on the palm leaves. These infestations are treated with suitable insecticides and are seldom fatal.

Palm weevil: The large beetle has a snout which the female uses to penetrate the palm tissue to create access wounds in which eggs are deposited. The larvae can eventually kill the palm by feeding on growing tissue in the crown or trunk. Early treatment with insecticides is effective but symptoms become visible at a late stage. Signs are eaten leaves, holes anywhere on the trunk, detritus produced by the larvae and an unpleasant odour of rotting vegetation.

Palms are hardy disease resistant plants and a Washingtonia palm can grow for more than a hundred years. Diligent maintenance and care are what they deserve.

HEALTHY PALMSby Elize Malan

ESTATE NEWS


The ‘BirdLife South Africa’s Bird of the Year’ title dates back to 2007 and birds that have enjoyed the

designation include the African penguin (2007), barn swallow (2011), blue crane (2015) and the lappet-faced vulture (2017). In 2018, the African black oystercatcher was used to promote a #ShareTheShores mentality among beachgoers in the Western and Eastern Cape.

This magnificent bird is breathtakingly beautiful, and I remember the first time I saw a Secretary bird near Hoedspruit in Mpumalanga! She stood about mid-thigh height with a surety that she was the most beautiful bird for miles around! As I read more about the bird I realised just what a special bird it is. Southern Africa’s regions are the only place in the world where this bird is found.

As Bird of the Year 2019, the Secretary bird will be used to highlight the dramatic deterioration of Africa’s raptor populations, while also raising awareness about several of the threats responsible for this decline. A recent study of Secretary birds shows a 78% population decline across Botswana over the past 20 years, and a 70% decline in reporting rates across South Africa.

The Secretary bird is a very large bird of prey. They are terrestrial birds, usually found in the open grasslands and savannah of the sub-Saharan region and often congregate in areas that have been recently burnt, where mammals are deprived of cover and often injured. It’s scientific name of Sagittarius serpentarius and is the ONLY occupant of this specie.

The Secretary bird is a bird of prey, but unlike other raptors, it has long legs, wings and a tail. The single species of its family,

the bird gets its name from its crest of long feathers that look like the quill pens 19th century office workers used to tuck behind their ears.

As mentioned, these birds are quite terrestrial and spend a great deal of time on the ground walking around and searching for prey and only take to flight when really under stress where they rely on the speed of running with its extremely long legs, spreading their wings to aid the running and fast get-away.

The basic social structure in Secretary birds is a life-long pair. The members of a pair are usually not together, but instead stay a small distance apart. Usually one only sees single birds at a time, but if you have patience you will find other members of the pair some distance away. The Secretary bird walks well on their extremely long legs and may cover distances of more than 32 km in a day.

Though they are not social birds, they often hunt in small groups or pairs, and keep in contact by hooting. They find most of their food on the ground. When hunting, it not only spreads its crest feathers like a fan and seeks food with its short-hooked beak, it also will stamp on grass clumps with its feet to scare up lizards, grasshoppers, and small mammals or birds. When it seizes its prey it usually hurls it into the air several times to stun it.

We have all seen photos of them catching snakes which are also part of their diet. When catching a snake, it grabs it with its strong toes and beats it to death on the ground, while protecting itself from bites with its large wings. Their legs are well-protected from bites by a layer of thick scales.

The biggest threat facing Secretary birds and other large terrestrial birds is habitat loss.

Development and transformation of natural environments into agricultural fields, plantations, mines and buildings make the areas unsuitable for open-habitat species, like the Secretary bird. Secretary birds are able to coexist with landowners who farm domestic livestock and wild game if landowners manage their land in a way that provides space for biodiversity. Correctly managing bush encroachment (an increase in the density of woody plants) will assist Secretary birds as well as other threatened large terrestrial birds since this will ensure large open grasslands for them to roam.

BirdLife South Africa keeps a database of secretary bird nest locations, so if you find one please email [email protected] or contact Melissa Whitecross, threatened species project manager at BirdLife South Africa.

Corlia MathewsEnvironmental Director

BIRD TALK

ESTATE NEWS

Did you know that the Secretary Bird is BirdLife South Africa’s bird of the

year for 2019?


ESTATE NEWS

What is your current position? Can you give us a brief overview of what it is you do in your work? I am the locker room attendant. I take care of the locker rooms, swimming pool and do general Clubhouse cleaning.

Describe yourself in three words.Friendly, people’s person and hardwork-ing.

Are you married? Any children?I am married and I have three children, two girls and one boy.

What are your hobbies or interests? Soccer and gardening.

What do you enjoy most about your job at Silver Lakes? I like working with people and I especially enjoy the golf days.

Where did you grow up? Garankuwa in Pretoria.

Did you have any key mentors or people who influenced who you are or what you

believe in, in your work and life? Tell us about them. My mother and my wife. My mother told me not to fight with people and to be a peacemaker and she also takes good care of her grandchildren. My wife supports me in what I do and helps me with everything. We are a strong team.

What are your future plans or something exciting that you would still like to do? I would like to build a guesthouse one day, support my family and buy a motor car. I would like to travel to Cape Town or Durban with my family.

If you could change one thing in the world to make it better, what would it be? If we could have a different President, South Africa will be better.

What is your motto in life? To never hold grudges and live in peace with other people.

What’s your current position? Can you give us a brief overview of what it is you do in your work? Golf Outside Operations / Pro Shop. I’m in charge of all golf cart maintenance, I do on-course maintenance, course set-up and hazard stake maintenance. I work in the Pro Shop when needed. I work

with the caddies, range staff and the cart and welcoming staff. I do on-range management to make sure the balls are clean; I ensure there are always buckets for the customers and that the ball dispenser never runs empty. On golf days I manage sponsors and assist with their on-course set-ups.

Contact details Tel: 076 684 2188E-mail: [email protected]

Describe yourself in three words Ambitious, hardworking, committed.

Are you married? Any children? I’m not married and I don’t have children but I’m in a relationship.

What are your hobbies or interests? Golfing, fishing, cycling, squash and hunting.

What do you enjoy most about your job at Silver Lakes? That we are just one big family here and the working environment is brilliant! It’s great to see all the improvements and upgrades happening on the course and to be part of the growth is phenomenal.

Where did you grow up? I grew up on a farm outside Pretoria, Lim-popo/Mpumalanga area, Pienaarsrivier, Rust de winter.

Did you have any key mentors or people who influenced who you are or what you believe in, in your work and life? Tell us about them.My father Piet Pretorius taught me values, honesty, to be hardworking and not to take shortcuts, always give your best at what you do and live every day to the fullest. My boss Brendan van Niewenhuizen, his operational skills and forward thinking are brilliant. He is the best at what he does and has a constant hunger for improvement. He always finds a solution to a problem and pushes us to be better, and to improve. He is a great mentor and example of how to be great in this industry.

What are your future plans or something exciting that you would still like to do? I want to become a golf director at a premium golf course such as Silver Lakes.Still something I would like to do is maybe to try my luck as a playing professional golf on tour.

If you could change one thing in the world to make it better, what would it be? I want to make people realise that they are equal in value and different in function

What is your motto in life? Accept the past, manage the present and work hard towards the future.

GET TO KNOW THE STAFF

Get to know: Chris Mashilo

Get to know: Michael Pretorius


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ESTATE NEWS

A fter the very eventful AGM I have decided to mention one item specifically in more detail for the

sake of those who are still concerned about the details. This is the Proposed Outfall Sewer through Silver Lakes.

Other issues such as the beautifying of the Estate itself, as well as the gates and the roads leading to the Estate, I will discuss in a later issue of Intra Muros. If you have questions or input or have ideas of what you think needs to be done, join us on the Environmental and/or Aesthetic and Architectural Committees on the second Monday or Tuesday morning at 8h00 of most months (excluding school holidays). Or email me. [email protected].

The proposed Outfall Sewer

A bit of background:As you all know we found out about the Outfall Sewer City of Tshwane (CoT) a few years ago. This is a large (+- 6-800 mm) sewage pipeline going through the Estate (the average lines through the Estate at the moment is between 160 and 250

mm), collecting ALL the sewage from the surrounding developments.

The view of CoT is to eliminate pump stations and use only gravitational lines to move sewage from one area to another so that there is less maintenance work afterwards. This means the sewage discarded from homes into main lines will ‘flow’ due to the gradient it is built on and will therefore flow from the highest point to the lowest point. Pump stations need maintenance. This does not mean that the pipeline doesn’t need maintenance; it has release valves, manholes pipelines etc and needs to be cleared of roots from trees and other blocking agents. Obviously this all needs checking regularly, too.

Currently there is only a two-metre servitude as shown on the image; on the boundaries of stands for the internal sewage system established exclusively for Silver Lakes more than 27 years ago, when there was NOTHING around us but farms and veld. So, our sewage system is a closed system and only used for the stands part of the original Silver Lakes property. The

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS


proposed system needs a servitude of +- 10 metres and will mostly be for sewage from other developments, not Silver Lakes.

The spillages we get from neighbouring estates is mainly due to bad maintenance and design problems of pump stations. If there are spillages from the two pump stations they overflow into our water system. We are closer and downstream from both the pump stations at Silver Stream and Six Fountains than its actual beneficiaries – these two estates! It is with these spillages that we have to make a plan. Regarding the Silver Stream pump station, our management team decided to approve a pipeline and sump into which the spillages would drain and then flow straight into the Silver Lakes sewage system. Not ideal since we do NOT necessarily have capacity for extra sewage from other systems into our own closed system. But as you would have noticed, we have not had any spillages into the big dam at the shallow retainer dam just off the 14th Tee boxes from the pump station at Silver Stream for this reason.

The Six Fountains spillages are a bit more complex since our sewage system sits at higher contours and spillages obviously do not flow upwards! We are investigating temporary holding dams inside Six Fountains and a CoT upgraded maintenance and machinery plan.

Perhaps you think it is a good idea to gravitate all sewage and remove the use of pump stations. However, try and remember the ‘pop-ups’ we have through the Estate during the rainy season when storm water gets dumped into the sewage system.

The proposed Silver Lakes Outfall Sewer is a more intrusive and even more serious matter that has been receiving our attention for the past two to three years. We have had meetings with CoT officials, just to grasp the extent of the project along with time lines etc. From immediate

ESTATE NEWS

SOLE MANDATESilver Lakes Golf Estate

Built on the fairway, and walking distance from the clubhouse, this unique property has the absolute best location. Apart from the intelligent use of space, this property offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, an open plan kitchen with scullery, 3 living rooms, a study/loft, wine cellar, and 2 garages. Building size: 385, Erf size: 968

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budget information it seems it may take a while, but as the first phase of the project north of the N4 is imminent, we as a Board have concluded that it is appropriate that we investigate the alternatives to the proposed gravitational outfall sewer.

As mentioned, the existing sewage system does not necessarily, and for the most part cannot be, incorporated into the proposed outfall sewer that is envisaged through Silver lakes as they have very little or NO BENEFITS for the Estate.

We therefore, instead of diving head first and with no scientific proof and investigation behind the process, appointed Dr Janine Bothma as the leader of our team investigating the influence of the outfall sewer on the Estate.

Investigations have been done and four different reports produced:• Socio-economic • Environmental• Engineering• Combined into an Impact Assessment

with proposals.

Brief summaries of the reports can be seen below: (Anybody who wants to read the full reports and the summaries we made for Board meetings are welcome to contact the HOA office).• From the socio-economic report the

most significant issues pointed out are the immediate influence on income for the Golf Course and Clubhouse and that this period may, from a similar situation at Dainfern, stretch to as long as five years.

• Added to this loss, the cost of reclaiming a golf course is immense; including damage to the electrical and brand new irrigation systems of the golf course, and that will be charged to the homeowners of Silver Lakes if the Dainfern example is anything to go by. As you will see on the map, the route also goes straight through the parking area at the Clubhouse, our tennis courts and newly constructed children’s play area!

• On the environmental side it may seem finnicky to mention pollution through erosion and possible damage to the protected combretum trees of the waterways since the golf course is an already artificially-altered environment. But the golf course protects the environment of these waterways and natural endemic plants of the Estate 100 % against just that – erosion, and thus pollution of the waterways and the water that leaves the Estate.

However, we are still able to implement plans to lessen erosion and pollution and the impact of construction on the Estate, golf course and Clubhouse. But in the engineering report the investigating engineers used CoT planning and design programmes to investigate several alternatives. While some alternatives were not investigated further, five alternatives were investigated in depth and compared, not only immediate installation costs, but over a lifespan of 50 years.

This means we will go and discuss the alternative proposals with the CoT to make

sure that Silver Lakes is also considered when these plans are implemented, since our reports prove explicitly that the alternative of gravitating sewage through Silver Lakes is to the benefit of NO ONE and that maintaining the status quo and upgrading will be to the benefit of all parties.

Next month I will elaborate a bit more on the rest of the environmental and maintenance plans and on our budget items for 2019/20. Have a wonderful month!

Corlia MathewsEnvironmental Director

ESTATE NEWS

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Here’s what’s

easter specials instore{EASTER WEEKEND 19-21 APRIL 2019}

COMPETITION

“Your diet is a bank account! Good food choices are a good investment!”

Enter our monthly restaurant competition to win a meal voucher for you and your loved ones. Remember, the answer to the question is

always in the Intra Muros! Question: Name one upcoming event that is taking place at Silver Lakes.

Please send your answer, along with your name and contact details to [email protected] . Don’t forget to include SILVER LAKES in the subject line.

Congratulations to Johan van Eyk – last month’s winner. Your vouchers are on their way to you.


At Olympic® Professional, they are deeply committed to the health, quality of life and longevity of pets and they are proud to announce the launch of their full dog food and treat range.

Olympic® Professional is an exclusive Veterinary Range and is veterinary and nutritionally formulated. Along with this, the range has a 100% money back guarantee.

Olympic® Professional SMART NUTRITION™ ingredients are strictly and exclusively sourced from local and European producers, with full traceability of each ingredient back to its original source. The range has no artificial flavours, colourants or preservatives and contains no wheat, soya, pork, beef or fish meal.

Their SMART NUTRITION™ range’s animal protein is exclusively poultry - chicken, duck and turkey - to promote an optimal amino acid profile, to maintain lean muscle.

The DHA used is a SUSTAINABLE microalga grown by closed fermentation, avoiding environmental contaminants. There’s no need for Olympic® Professional to use fish oil and contribute to over fishing of our oceans. SMART NUTRITION™ is the smart choice for the environment and is 100% natural.

Over and above that, they have added in joint support, antioxidants to scavenge free radicals; Inulin and Beet pulp as prebiotics to modulate intestinal irregularities; and Zeolite to absorb toxins and increase digestive safety.

NOW you understand why the Olympic® Professional SMART NUTRITION™ range really is the SMART Veterinary PREMIUM option.

Please visit their website at www.olympicpets.co.za and try out their Smart Food Finder or visit them on Facebook @olympicpets and Instagram @olympicpets. You can also join and follow them on their SMART NUTRITION™ movement.

SMART NUTRITION™It’s Official! Olympic® Professional has been

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LIFESTYLE

It’s the new golf and South Africa’s fastest growing sport. Enjoy the great outdoors while burning some serious calories.

South Africa has rapidly become a mecca for all things mountain biking, and currently plays host to some of the best mountain bike races the world has to offer. The Cape Epic, Joburg to Sea, Sani to Sea, Wine to Whales and Berg and Bush are just some of the world-class races on offer. Throw in our near perfect climate and it’s easy to see why the number of riders has rapidly increased in recent years.

Spur has done a fantastic job getting the schools involved and the Spur Inter School series is booming. With our very own Alan Hatherly, the reigning U23 World Champion, there is no doubt that South Africa has a very bright future indeed when it comes to mountain biking.

Those of you looking to get into the sport need not look very far as there are a host of bike shops on your doorstep ready to cater to all your needs. Cycle Lab, Epic Sports and Cajees Cycle Corner are all a short pedal away and have got you covered from bikes to helmets as well as clothing and bike set ups! Did you know you can ride your bike

around the Game Reserve along the ring road? It would be an incredible way to spot the game, together as a family.

Once you are all geared up and ready to hit the trails, look no further than Big Red Barn, Wolwespruit, Rosemary Hill and Big Red Barn or join your local bike shop on the Saturday morning group ride and finish it off with a cappuccino. Practice makes perfect, so be sure get your miles up in Silver Lakes before hitting the tougher trails out there. Remember safety

in numbers and when riding your local bike parks, always do the right thing and pay the fee. Huge amounts of time and effort go into these trails so enjoy them safely and responsibly.

A host of clinics from beginner to advanced are easy to find, helping you brush up on your skills leaving you ready to tackle whatever the trails can throw at you.

Happy trails!

SOUTH AFRICA’S FASTEST GROWING SPORTBy Grant Walton


You want to buy something tasty to eat, and if possible, not be filled with preservatives and other strange

additives. But the fine print on the food label is so hard to read and understand. How do I not be fooled? Allow me to translate those food ingredients and nutritional labels into English.

You went to the supermarket, even prepared a list of basic products and healthy foods to make proper meals with and thought that you would easily find the product that was good for you.

Sorry to disappoint, but not only snacks come with strange ingredients and additives in their food label. Basic food can also be filled with unhealthy and unfamiliar additives. Sadly, most of us cannot grow our vegetables in our gardens, make our own cheese or bake bread every day.

We buy ready-made food. Mass production and consumer culture lead to foods that seem basic to us but are modified to give them a longer shelf life or give them a more attractive color.

As if that's not enough, a lot of the products are highlighted with components that are supposed to make you think they are much healthier than they are.

You probably saw a bottle of canola or olive oil with the magic words: no cholesterol. You will also find them on a completely herbal product like soy schnitzel. It is true, they don't contain cholesterol, only that oil and soybeans never had or will have cholesterol naturally. It's like printing “sugarless” on a packet of table salt.

So why is it written? To make you think it's healthier. What don't they tell you? If you fry most of the food in oil, no matter what its quality, your cholesterol levels will increase. A minor detail.

How do you know if a food is healthy?Check the back of the package. Go through the food label and the list of ingredients,

and not just the very specific pieces of information that the manufacturer has bothered to emphasise. Even if the nutritional markup is written in tiny letters (and for a reason), it's worth reading – it will be much clearer to you what you’re really buying.

The fine print: Understand the food labelThe food label contains factual information and will indicate the expiration date, quantity, allergenic content (peanuts, gluten, etc.), nutritional labeling and of course the list of ingredients.

Nutritional elements: The first-the mostNutrients appear in descending order of contents. In other words, the component found in the largest quantity appears first, and the component that follows is the second in quantity and so on.

Unless we are talking about dessert, avoid products that have sugar in their first three ingredients (watch out for tomato sauce and salad dressing).

Sugar has more than 50 names, most common synonyms are: cane sugar, brown sugar, sucrose, dextrose, fructose, lactose, maltose, date syrup, rice syrup, molasses, maple, honey, agave, caramel, maltodextrin and the most evil one – corn syrup. Avoid products that contain that sweetener which is very addictive and unhealthy.

For example: fruit juice with more added sugar than fruit (which also contains sugar) and whole-wheat bread made mainly with white flour and gets its color from molasses (decorated with seeds and oats on top).

Food colours and additives: Don’t recognise? Don’t buy!Preservatives and other nutritional supplements are labeled E followed by a number. The food additives can be endless – from natural food from turmeric and beet to various salts such as the E-504

(magnesium carbonate) supplement used to prevent the formation of lumps in food.

There are several supplements that are recognised by the Department of Health as harmful and the number must be clearly indicated, such as the food colorant "Sunset Yellow" E-110. But most of the supplements appear simply with the letter E and a number, and the mysterious meaning remains mostly clear to chemists.

My method is to select the product with the shortest list of components. This rule of thumb is usually true – the longer the list of components, the more processed the product and the lower the nutritional value.

Another rule is to avoid products that contain ingredients that you cannot buy at a supermarket.

For example: sulfur dioxide (E220) which is a chemical compound produced as a byproduct of burning fuels and used as a preservative in dried fruits and in wine making.

And what about supplements that are actually vitamins? If folic acid was added to flour from which bread is made, it actually increases the nutritional value of a base product. But if vitamins were added to sweetened water/juice or energy bars and on the basis of it they label them as an option for added vitamins to children/athletes – that is misleading.

Take care of yourself and your family simply by eating healthily. It starts with choosing to eat as fresh and close to nature as possible and when buying food take the time to read through the ingredients.

More on what to look for and nutritional marking in the next issue.

For appointments please call 076 6064345 or email [email protected]

Food Labels: How Can I

Read These? Part I

Adva Beeri-Eldar, Clinical Dietitian


FOOD & DRINK

IT’S STILL GIN…

If you thought the craze of gin cocktails would slow down, think again. Not only can you still buy a myriad of different

flavoured craft gins, but you can add to that craft tonics too. We’ve found the tastiest and best looking bottle of the bunch – Symmetry’s range of botanical tonics!

Symmetry Concentrated Floral Tonic, 500mlSymmetry Tonics are made from whole botanicals, with quinine extracted from cinchona bark. They are bottled in true concentrated form, contain minimal sugar and no preservatives.

This floral tonic is brewed from lavender, chamomile and leaves from the pungently fragrant, rose scented Pelargonium plant.Serving suggestion: 50ml of floral tonic and 50ml of gin over ice, topped with sparkling water/soda water to taste!

Contains: 500mlIngredients: Water, cane sugar, lemon, rose scented pelargonium, lavender, chamomile, cinchona, ginger, citric acid, salt and flavourings

Plays nicely with:

Geometric Gin! Geometric gin is made from fresh juniper berries and nine classic and indigenous botanicals. Juniper-driven with Cape Floral flair, it carries aromas with a silk-like texture underpinned by citrus and cardamom, followed by heathery fynbos.

• Made from juniper berries and nine botanicals

• Aromas of citrus and cardamom, followed by fynbos

• Botanicals are cold-macerated in neutral spirit for 14 days

• More fragile plants are then filtered out, only the hardier remain under heat for the final distillation

• Treated in single botanical distillations and blended

• Grape spirit (brandy) is used as its delicate esters help carry the complex flavours around the palate.


Here’s a meal you’d never have thought would pair well with gin… we’ve tried this and it does!

Vibrant, smoky and packed full of spicy flavours, chorizo must leave regular sausages with a bit of an image complex.

Ingredients2 ripe avocados

1 lime, juiced

A couple pinches salt

1/4 cup sour cream, 3 rounded tablespoonfuls

2 chipotle peppers

500g chorizo sausage, sliced thin on an angle

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus some for drizzling

1 clove garlic, cracked away from skin and crushed

12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

4 (12 inch) flour tortillas

2 cups, shredded cheddar cheese

Method 1. Cut avocados all the way around with a sharp knife. Scoop out

the pit, then spoon avocado flesh away from skin into a food processor. Add the juice of 1 lime, a couple of pinches salt, sour cream and chipotles. Pulse guacamole until smooth. Transfer to a serving bowl.

2. Heat a non- stick skillet over medium high heat. Brown chorizo 2 to 3 minutes, then remove from pan. Add oil, garlic, then shrimp. Season shrimp with salt and pepper and cook shrimp until pink, 2 or 3 minutes. Transfer shrimp to a cutting board and coarsely chop.

3. Add a drizzle of oil to the pan and a large tortilla. Cook tortilla 30 seconds, then turn. Cover 1/2 of the tortilla with a couple of handfuls of cheese. Arrange a layer of chorizo and shrimp over the cheese and fold tortilla over. Press down gently with a spatula and cook tortilla a minute or so on each side to melt cheese and crisp. Remove quesadilla to large cutting board and repeat with remaining ingredients. Cut each quesadilla into 5 wedges and transfer to plates with your spatula. Top wedges of quesadillas with liberal amounts of smoky guacamole.

Chorizo and Shrimp Quesadillas with Smoky Guacamole


Silver LakesSSTODAY’S CH LD

HASHTAG ADULTINGI work with a couple of millennials and

sometimes I hear them refer to doing mundane grown-up things as “adulting”.

For example, submitting a tax return is hashtag adulting.

I get it! For the longest time, even after I owned my own home, was married and had children, I would feel this. It was like an out of body experience where I would notice myself in the middle of a boring adult activity, like grocery shopping and think “Really, is this my life now? This is far too grownup a chore for me to have to do!” It felt distinctly like I was playing a game of Adult Adult.

I haven’t had that out of body experience for a while now. I wonder when that feeling stopped? Maybe it was when I started buying hair colour to disguise my greys, not because I felt like changing up my hair colour because I was bored.

Perhaps it was when went out on a rare “night on the town” and only started to feel human again days later. Come to think of it, even “night on the town“ is such a grown-up phrase. Going out on Thursday, Friday and/or Saturdays nights used to just be what we did. Nowadays being out after 10pm is a rarity and it takes days of planning and psyching myself up to do it. Back in the day, we would only leave home at 10pm.

At some point, grown-up started feeling like a natural state of being. I started to page through ‘Woman and Home’ instead of ‘Cosmo’. I became less embarrassed to say I listened to talk radio or podcasts. The thing is, I’ve always liked talk radio, but it used to seem like such a fuddy-duddy thing to admit to. Now I actually don’t care what people think of my listening choices. It’s become easier to be in my skin in the last few years. Maybe that is because my skin is a little more stretched out now?

Eventually, we all have to embrace adulthood and stop playing pretend. I’ll admit, I do have mixed feelings about

getting older. I love quiet nights on the couch with my husband while the kids are out and about. I love dinners with friends and good conversation. I love hosting lazy, long Sunday lunches for our extended family. On the other hand, I don’t love wrinkles, the gravitational pull of my breasts to my belly button and waking up with creaky joints.

While I’m quite accepting of my grown-up status now, after a rough day sometimes I really don’t want to adult anymore! But for that, there’s wine. And nowadays, I can afford to drink good wine.

In Hil’s Head I'm a mom to two amazing kids – a 13-year-old daughter and a 15-year-old son. I've been married to my best friend for 17 years and we all live in a big, old house in the 'burbs with our two cats and two dogs. I work full-time in the insurance industry and when I'm not working, wife'ing or mothering, I'm studying towards a degree in marketing. And in the very few spare moments I have left, I blog, take horse riding lessons, run (slowly) and sleep! Please come hang out with me at www.inhilshead.co.za I'd love to have you visit!


Bullying rears its head often - physical assaults of other students or of teachers, young people taking their

own lives because of cyberbullying - bullying is a very real reality.

Bullying is intentionally hurting someone, through words or actions, using repetitive and intentional behaviour resulting in a real or perceived imbalance of power. It could be a physical assault, threats, rumours, abuse, intimidation, teasing – in the real world or online as cyberbullying.

The statistics are daunting: • 35% of school-going children are bullied• 64% don’t report it • Bullied students are more than twice as

likely to think about suicide

Empowering your child can make a difference.The effects of bullying are significant. It could affect academic performance; result in sleeping or eating issues; anxiety, mental and physical health issues; low self-esteem; depression and even suicide. Students engaging in bullying behaviour, also have an increased risk of academic problems, substance abuse as teens and even violent behaviour as they become adults. Ironically, the bully and the victim are in fact mirroring each other – both are traumatized in some way, both feel

powerless in their lives. They are just reacting differently to it, the bully being the aggressor and the victim withdrawing passively.

Parents can empower their children, helping them to learn to be assertive by building their self-esteem and confidence, and encouraging them to stand up for others or even to a bully.

Why is Bullying so prevalent?Some underlying factors resulting in bullying include the highly competitive environment our children grow up in, resulting in relentless performance pressure. The constant influence of technology (which has changed accessibility and the way people bully) and, the fast pace of life. It could be personal issues at home - financial issues, divorce, alcohol abuse, absent parents – and bullying may be a way to vent, to rid themselves of pent-up emotions they may be feeling, or to try to regain a measure of control they feel they have lost.

Signs of bullyingOften children won’t tell they are being bullied. They may be afraid to speak up, feel helpless, maybe they are embarrassed, or they may not trust anyone and fear further rejection. These signs may point to bullying in younger children:

• Complaining that they are feeling sick – a headache, a tummy ache – especially when it may be time to go to school

• Unexplained injuries - bruises, bumps and cuts

• Changes in sleeping and eating patterns• A sudden onset of nightmares• Lost clothing or damaged personal

belongings• A decline in their school marks

In older children, you may observe that they have low self-esteem, are withdrawing and generally have a loss of interest in things around them. They may possibly even exhibit self-destructive behaviour like cutting.

Supporting your child If your child is being bullied:• Talk to them, check in regularly and that

way you will be able to pick up when something is wrong. What they aren’t telling you may be more important than what they are saying, so pay attention.

• Never tell them to ignore the bully. Ignoring the problem is not the answer and this may cause your child to withdraw further, rather than to be more assertive.

• Don’t blame them - no one ever deserves to be bullied.

• Don’t encourage them to fight back. This can only make things worse and,

Disempowering Bullying by Nicoleen Davies, Director Life Talk Forum

TODAY'S CHILD


if it should happen at school, they could be suspended or even expelled. Physical violence is never a resolution to a problem.

• Teach self-esteem. It truly is the most important life skill you can give your child.

• Be positive and encourage a positive attitude in life.

Empowering your childBullies are everywhere – on the playground, in the classroom, on the sports field and even in the workplace. It is inevitable that a bully will cross paths with your child so, the best thing we can do for our children, is to teach them how to be resilient, to help them build a solid self-esteem and to think positively about life.

To build up their self-esteem, encourage them to be accepting of and confident in themselves, and to not compare

themselves to others. Remind them that other people’s negative opinions don’t count. Maybe, those people are breaking down others in an attempt to make them feel better and stronger, because they have their own issues. A bully must never have the power to define, in your child’s mind, who they are or become as a person.

Empower your child by encouraging a positive attitude – it can help them overcome many of the challenges they will face in life. A positive attitude can become a habit. Positivity and general optimism will also be a more natural, instinctive response for children, if it is a theme within the home. So remember to try to adopt a positive attitude yourself, especially when you are around your children. Spend time together, have fun, do things your child loves to do and which makes them feel good about themselves, watch funny movies and laugh, often.

Try to not make decisions for them, rather guide and direct them and let them be part of the decision-making process. This will help them be more confident in their choices and decisions, and will build up their assertiveness. Bullies prey on people they believe to be timid, easy targets. A little assertiveness from the intended victim can go a long way in making a bully think twice.

Finally, if your child is being bullied, don’t judge them – it will simply make them withdraw further and be less likely to confide in you. Support, love and guide them. If necessary, do intervene and either contact the school to assist, or the parents if it is outside of the school environment.

About Life Talk® Forum Our mission is to create happy, successful and fulfilled youth, guided by sound values. Life Talk is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness, stimulating discussions and seeking solutions to the challenges faced by parents and their children. For more important parenting tips & information visit www.lifetalk.co.za email [email protected] LIFE TALK® FORUM NPC REG: 2010/017980/08 PBO # 930 036317


LIFESTYLE

Youth RevolutionBy Kiara Nirghin

Youth Revolution is the inspirational story of how a sixteen-year-old high-school student from Johannesburg, Kiara Nirghin, overcame huge health obstacles to win the grand prize at the 2016 International Google Science Fair for her unique and innovative solution to worldwide drought. Having experienced bacterial meningitis, undiagnosed bilharzia and severe weight loss, Kiara was forced to postpone her school career for hospitalisation, with a real chance of losing her hearing, her sight and the use of her limbs. Youth Revolution not only covers her journey from the hospital bed to the stage as the winner of the science award, but also looks at issues surrounding stagnant

Still MeBy Jojo Moyes

Lou Clark is back in the brand-new follow-up to the Number One international bestseller Me Before You and After You.Lou Clark knows too many things . . .

She knows how many miles lie between her new home in New York and her new boyfriend Sam in London.

She knows her employer is a good man and she knows his wife is keeping a secret from him.

The DistanceBy Ivan Vladislavić

In the spring of 1970, a Pretoria schoolboy falls in love with Muhammad Ali. He begins to collect cuttings about his hero from the newspapers, an obsession that grows into a ragged archive of scrapbooks.

Forty years later, when Joe has become a writer, these scrapbooks both insist on and obscure a book about his boyhood. He turns to his brother Branko, a sound editor, for help with recovering their shared past. But can a story ever belong equally to two people? Is this a brotherly collaboration or a battle for supremacy?

youth innovation, while considering the dangers of lacking diversity in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths). It also includes contributions from prominent women in science and education, among them Malala Yousafzai, VP of Education and University Programs for Google and the recipient of the L’Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science. Youth Revolution is a deeply human and truly inspirational real-life story that will enthral teenagers and adults alike, and proves that even ‘ordinary’ teenagers can do extraordinary things.

Price: R 210.00

What Lou doesn't know is she's about to meet someone who's going to turn her whole life upside down.

Because Josh will remind her so much of a man she used to know that it'll hurt.

Lou won't know what to do next, but she knows that whatever she chooses is going to change everything.

Price: R 270.00

This is an intricate puzzle of a book by a writer of lyrical power and formal inventiveness. Against a spectacular backdrop, the heyday of the greatest showman of them all, Vladislavić unfolds a small, fragmentary story of family life and the limits of language. Meaning comes into view in the spaces between then and now, growing up and growing old, speaking out and keeping silent.

Price: R 270.00


Revolution Fit studio is the place to be if you want to become a Stronger, Faster, Fitter, Leaner version of yourself by applying the ultimate in training technology and methodology.

At Revolution Fit we utilise the most optimal nutritional and training technologies to guarantee you serious results that will maximise your performance. We utilise cutting edge EMS training technology from Germany that will give you a super effective and intense workout, ideal for endurance athletes and people with injuries and limited movement, your muscles will get a guaranteed activation that is very safe on the ligaments and joints.

With our customised power bike sessions on smart trainers on your own bike set-up, you can focus on technique and specific training goals without having to worry about external factors such as weather, light and traffic. The training is based on a measure, apply, maximise concept, where

we determine what aspect of performance you want to focus on in your training plan – and get you the results!

Our Functional Conditioning training is focused on core training specifically and getting your core stronger.

Regardless of your fitness level, whether an everyday person or endurance athlete, our very small training groups give you the necessary attention that allows you to focus on form and technique.

We offer personalised and customised cycling coaching programmes. It doesn’t matter where you are in the country; whether you want to perform better in your local Spur schools’ race or want to achieve the ultimate goal of riding the Cape Epic, we can take you to the next level!

083 245 4412Email: [email protected] www.revolutionfit.co.za

Bruce Reyneke Cycles has been open for 30 years. We pride ourselves on good service.

It is vitally important that you keep your bike well maintained. Protecting your investment will ensure it performs as it should, is always a pleasure to ride and will last for years to come. Bruce Reyneke Cycles has full workshop and servicing facilities with qualified mechanics ready to take care of your bike. Mechanics receive regular training and assessment to ensure consistency and great service.

We sell the latest products to help you upgrade your bike performance to a new level. We mainly stock Bianchi, Merida, Giant, Santa Cruz, Cannondale and Tommasini bicycles, as well as the following bicycle components: Campagnolo, Shimano, SRAM, Röhloff (sole distributor in SA). We also stock local and imported clothing (Assos), we stock Gaerne and Giro shoes, Giro, Bell and Uvex Helmets, Oakley and Uvex eyewear, and we are a registered fitment centre in Pretoria for Thule (bike racks).

012 941 9221Email: [email protected] www.bruces.co.za

Stronger; faster; fitter; leaner Keeping your balance on track


But if you, like many other cat owners, are concerned that your cat might not be getting the optimal goodness

and nutrition from their diet, you’ll be pleased to hear that there’s an easy way to give him or her everything they need. With PAMPER Wet in your pantry it’s even easier for your cat to maintain ideal health.

PAMPER Wet Cat Food pouches consist of bite-size cuts of meat in deliciously rich gravy or jelly, offering many mouth-watering flavours to suit the unique taste preferences of even the pickiest cat. For

those who enjoy a more minced texture, PAMPER Mince pouches are a good alternative. And for your convenience and your cat’s enjoyment, one pouch offers a delectable, complete meal portion.

Convenient PAMPER 6 pack options are available in single flavours for cats who tend to have their set preferences. For those that love variety, there’s PAMPER Variety Multipacks which feature different flavours in one handy multipack format.

There is also a range of delicious tasty meat meals in cans, from tasty rich gravy

to lip-smacking jelly or saucy mince and chunky mince to satisfy your cat’s need for variety in its diet. Each can is suitable for multiple feeds (TIP: remember to refrigerate after opening) or to feed more than one cat at a time.

As every ingredient in PAMPER Wet Cat Food varieties is specially chosen to help provide complete and balanced nutrition, you cannot go wrong by choosing PAMPER, the leading wet cat food brand in South Africa.

There’s nothing you wouldn’t do for the furry, sometimes temperamental companion who shares your life. Your love and care shows in everything you do – from the selection of kitty toys scattered

across your living room floor, to his or her grooming routine, and of course, the food you serve.

PAMPER Wet Cat Food has many benefits:

• Higher protein from fresh meat for tissue

maintenance

• Lower carbs than dry cat food for ideal

weight management

• Balanced minerals and extra moisture to

support urinary health

• Vitamin A for healthy vision

• Calcium for strong bones and teeth.

Why feeding PAMPER Wet is best for your kitty cat

For more information visit www.pamperpet.co.za Facebook @PamperSA


LIFESTYLE

Have you been contemplating introducing a tropical theme into your home? If so, you will be

following one of the decade’s hottest décor trends. Over the last few years we’ve seen the theme evolve from the more sedate Botanicals to steamy Jungle and Tropical Luxe. It’s hardly surprising that the style is so contagious. In this hard-edged world with its shiny tech, this warm, nature-centric décor style brings welcome respite.

Turning your home into a tropical oasis will, however, require more than simply adding a pot plant. It’s about choosing the right furniture, colours and accessories. Here are six ideas to get you started:

1. Colours. Whilst green is generally included in a tropical scheme, recent trends have seen more muted versions or seen green combined with less traditionally tropical shades. Irrespective of how much green you include in the scheme try pairing it with black, grey, navy, teal or pink for extra interest.

Jungle Fever


2. Furniture. I’ve wanted an olive green couch for my ‘botanical room’ for the longest time! Whilst a green couch would be great, you can go without. After all, nothing says ‘tropical’ quite like cane, which is generally affordable and easy to come by. You don’t need a whole patio set, one accent chair with the right cushion will do the trick (you can pick up a quirky second hand one for next to nothing).

3. Soft furnishings. Tropical patterns can be incorporated through scatter cushions, curtains and rugs or even lampshades. Consider adding some animal print which ties in nicely with the theme – black and white zebra stripes form a great contrast to the more familiar foliage patterns. How about having that old occasional chair reupholstered with something leafy? For added warmth and to create that tropical luxe feel, throw in some velvet. For floors, a number of beautiful tropical area rugs are now available on the market. Alternatively, try zebra print (or hide) or opt for a simple jute rug – another style staple.

4. Wall coverings. Whether you’re after big bold leaves or something more subtle, you’ll find contemporary wallpaper to suit your needs. You don’t have to cover the entire room, create a feature wall instead. Not that committed to the look? Go for some leafy framed prints instead.

5. Plants. It may not be the only theme requirement, but the look simply wouldn’t be complete without a selection of bold green plants. Aim for big palms and banana plants. Check with your local nursery for good indoor options. If your environment simply won’t support living plants (maybe it receives too little sunlight or you’re not always around to water them), consider a faux palm. There are unbelievably realistic versions available now that really look the part.

6. Objet d’art. In line with the plant theme, vases and glassware in various sizes make for perfect ornaments. Try a series in similar shades – blues and greens look great. Feel free to actually use them as vases too! Add some large leaves cut from the garden (faux versions of these are also available). If you’re going for a pop art tropical theme, add ornamental pineapples, flamingos and parrots. If you’re leaning towards a ‘plantation’ feel – add ornamental monkeys, zebras or elephants. Go for gold or brass if you’re aiming for tropical luxe. You can even upcycle your existing accessories with a bit of metallic spray paint!

So now that you know the key ingredients, it’s up to you decide just how tropical you want to go – are you going to play it safe with a hanging fern or have I given you jungle fever?

LIFESTYLE

Audrey Maidwell is an interior decorator and second hand furniture and décor retailer, owner of Second Chance Furniture & Decor.

Tel 083 297 7671E-mail: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/Second-Chance-Furniture-Decor-2180373778860831/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secondchance.fd/


Gardeners Aliase Phiri is an energetic and hard worker who can do garden work, domestic work as well as general painting and small jobs around the house and garden. He is looking for working on Monday, Tuesday and Saturday. Please contact Aliase on 073 813 2328 and Raymond Owen can be contacted on 082 451 6380 for a reference.

Izak is a reliable and hardworking gardener and handyman currently working in Silver Lakes, and looking for more days. For a reference please contact Werner on 083 800 9719.

Gardener available on Mondays and Fridays. He is reliable and a hard worker. Please contact Joseph Mashaba on 079 775 0469 or for a reference contact Euwelma on 082 257 1713.

Domestics, Housekeepers & Childminders

Angelina Thobejane is looking for extra work on Wednesdays. She is an excellent house-keeper: trustworthy, punctual and hardworking. Please contact her on 078 160 7982 if you can assist. You are also welcome to contact Saralee directly for a reference on 082 229 4997.

Brenda is an English-speaking Zimbabwean national looking for domestic work (sleep-out) from Tuesdays to Fridays in Silver Lakes or surrounding areas. She is friendly, reliable, honest and trustworthy. Please contact Brenda on 065 218 2321. A reference can be obtained by email from [email protected].

Cleaning lady available for full-time or daily on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Sleep-in or out. Reliable and trustworthy. Good worker. Please contact Euwelma Groenewoud on 082 257 1713.

Esther is looking for domestic work on Fridays. She works for me Mondays to Thursdays. She is friendly, hardworking and trustworthy. Please contact Esther on 076 306 4923. For a reference please contact Susan van Jaarsveld on 082 508 4304.

Julia is seeking full-time, live-in work as a domestic worker in Silver Lakes. She is hardworking and patient with children, she can cook as well. For a reference please contact Nico Roots on 082 418 9164 or contact Julia directly on 078 952 5483.

Lindiwe Mnguni is looking for full-time domestic work in Silver Lakes. She is currently staying and working in Silver Lakes. She has been working as a cleaner for 15 years. She is looking for work on a Saturday doing Ironing and cleaning. She speaks English and Afrikaans fluently and other South African languages. She has good references if needed. She works and stays in no 15 Woburn street. Please contact Lindiwe on 082 3449 886. Minah is a responsible individual and a domestic worker. Her family happen to be long standing friends of mine. Minah needs a full-time job. Preferably in Silver Lakes. As an inhabitant of Silver Lakes, Minah requested my support to find her such a job. On her behalf in our beautiful Intra Muros, in an effort to help TWO ENTITIES IN NEED. A JOB SEEKER AND A FAMILY IN NEED OF A RELIABLE DOMESTIC WORKER!! Please contact Minah on 082 473 0995 or for a reference please contact Andrew Makkink on 082 820 3844.

Miriam Dom is seeking part time work for 2 days a week (Tuesday and Thursday). She is currently employed in Silver Lakes and has been with the same employer for a number of years. She is a hardworking and an excellent domestic worker. Please contact Miriam Drom on 071 532 5764.

Plaxcedes Gumbo is looking for domestic work on Tuesdays only. She is 37 years old and very responsible, neat and hard working. For a reference please contact Gillian Walters on 082 322 4597. She has been working for Gillian since 2015. If you need to contact Plaxedes for anything further please contact her on 071 087 1802.

Trustworthy domestic employer is looking for work Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please contact Elisa on 071 439 4676. For a reference contact 084556 0376.

Linha is looking for work on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Silver Lakes Golf Estate. Linha has been with us for past 13 years and lives in the Estate, so no transport issues. Very reliable, honest and a hard worker. Requires no supervision. She speaks English and Afrikaans. For a reference contact Sheldon on 084 200 1839 or Gerdien on 083 304 0155.

Johanna is a friendly and mature lady who is available for two days p/w. She can do general housework, ironing and administration. She also speaks Afrikaans and English. Please contact Johanna on 072 837 1136. References available. Pauline is a kind and mature lady who is available for two days p/w, every second week. On other days she takes care of an elderly lady. She can do general housework, ironing and she cooks well. She is fluent in English and understands Afrikaans well. Please contact Pauline on 079 054 8080. References available.

Johanna is a friendly and mature lady who is available for two days p/w. She can do general housework, ironing and administration. She also speaks Afrikaans and English. Please contact Johanna on 072 837 1136. References available

CLASSIFIEDS

Pauline is a kind and mature lady who is available for two days p/w, every second week. On other days she takes care of an elderly lady. She can do general housework, ironing and she cooks well. She is fluent in English and understands Afrikaans well. Please contact Pauline on 079 054 8080. References available.


Chartered Accountant Services - For accounting, tax and related advisory services please email: [email protected] or contact 084 714 1216.

Do you need help with Tree Felling, Garden refuse removal or painting?Please contact Reggie on 079 600 6525. For a reference contact 082 854 3074. Golf Cart Covers custom made from high quality Ripstop (Tent material). Variety of colours. 2 x Long Ykk zips at back for easy handling. Proper fit for each cart. Prices vary from R2500 - 3800. Please contact Marita on 083 2300 412

Handyman – Are you too busy or need a small job done in Silver Lakes, please call us. Anything from changing a light bulb or lock to painting, waterproofing, tiling, paving, ceilings, cornice, dry-walling, small brick work and plaster, almost anything. Call Johan on 082 4110451 or Protus on 061 029 1850.

Hassle-Free Pool Services – Weekly pool maintenance for R500.00, including chemicals. Contact Mark Venter on 082 601 6868 or send an email to [email protected].

Furniture Repairs – Lounge suits, seats, backs, arms, chairs, tables, riempies, cabinet doors and drawers. Contact Fien on 074 899 6600.

Alterations – I can Lengthen or shorten pants, skirts, dresses or curtains. Interested in sewing lessons. Contact Petra van Vuuren on 084 504 3464.

Learn to speak, read and write French! Group classes R150 per person and Individual classes R220 per person. Please contact Annelie on 083 413 1972 or Mandie on 083 387 3449.

Load Shedding Renewable Energy Adviser - Dino from Procos Energy Solutions lives in Silver Lakes and is available for consultations on any power, hot water and water pumping requirements using solar solutions. Please contact him on 072 199 1775 or [email protected] for advise or to set-up a consultation.

Maths tutor, Olivia Vryenhoek. I am a 2nd year Actuarial Science student at Tuks, so I will only be taking a few students. R150-R200 an hour depending on grade. Please contact Olivia on 076 542 8192.

Services OfferedVisit The Urban Dentist in Olympus for all your dental needs! Contact: 012 991 1391.

Bookkeeping - Personal or business bookkeeping – Contact Sonja Procos on 082 321 8150 or [email protected]

Dr JH Schreuder (Dr Jan Schreuder) Medical Practitioner will be consulting full-time at his consulting rooms at 46 Ballybunion Silver Lakes from 07h30 till 17:h30 Monday to Friday, and Saturdays from 8h00 till 11h00. Contact Numbers for appointments consulting rooms: 012 809 0891 and mobile 082 552 6226.

Dr Marcel C Niemandt – We are an ophthalmology practice in Silver Lakes. The below conditions can be diagnosed and treated at the practice. Cataracts, Glaucoma, Age-related Macular degeneration, Diabetic retinal conditions, Oculoplastic surgery, Post-cataract laser treatment, Refractive laser. The practice offers various services including visual acuity testing and refraction, anterior segment evaluation and photography and much more. Open Monday - Friday: 07h30 – 16h30 Tel: 012 809 6027 After hours: 078 456 1943 [email protected]

Dr Steven Pretorius – (Previous HOA Chairman) available for convenient consultations for the whole family at 32 Ballybunion Avenue. All hours by appointment. Cell: 083 628 0600.

Accurate and professional typing. If you have anything that you don't have time for (be it once-off or maybe regular reports/minutes/theses, doctorates or whatever! -- including dictaphone typing), let me help out. Please contact Babsie on 082 870 7093 or [email protected]. I live in Silver Lakes.

Computer Services - Password recovery, data recovery, troubleshooting, hardware and software installation, driver installation. Windows and Linux installation. Small and Home Business Computer, Fax and Printer set-up. Support. Gaming Console Repairs (hardware and software) I have a Call Out Fee which depends on the distance of your location and you will be billed per hour. Contact Clinton on 083 286 9419.

NEW MATHS SCHOOL IN SILVER LAKES STARTING IN JANUARY 2019 for grades 4-9. 30 years’ experience teaching learners and training teachers. English and Afrikaans lessons. It is very important that learners don't fall behind with the curriculum. Book your spot for a free evaluation in Jan 2019. Contact Renate Ferreira on 082 577 7566.

NETJIES - Professional Declutter Service - I offer professional declutter service to bring back harmony and order to your home. I can help you if you are relocating, parents downsizing, need to sort through deceased estate or if you are struggling to sort and organise a home filled with memories. Please contact Collette on 083 306 9309.

Painter and general handyman. Please contact Aubrey Phago on 082 256 9886. He has been working for me since I built my house in Silver Lakes in 2002. Aubrey is an excellent painter; He is reliable, friendly and a hard worker. He is fully bilingual and has his own vehicle. He can do general repairs and any small job will be done with utmost care. For a reference please contact Andre on 082 529 6506.

Painting & Waterproofing - Frans is an excellent painter and waterproofing specialist. Contact Frans on 084 677 3186. For a reference contact Irma on 082 444 7368.

Renovations, Upgrades, and Maintenance – Izak du Plessis is a qualified builder with more than 40 years’ experience in the construction industry. For any renovations, upgrades, or maintenance projects- big or small. Please contact Izak on 082 927 0054 or email: [email protected].

Specialised Sewer

Drain Cleaning

Technology

– JET Machine

RESIDENTIAL PLUMBING

Special rates in Silver Lakes & surrounding areas.

Arno Vermaak 012 804 1186

INDULDGE IN OUR SIGNATURE HARVEST TABLE

R285.00pp – MINIMUM 10 PEOPLE

2 Starters Meat Platter with extras Salmon Platter with extras

Fruit Platter Vegetables 2 Desserts

Where a delicious meal starts and ends on the displayed table

QUOTES AND ENQUIRIES: MANDA MALAN

Cell: 071 1259 335 | Email: [email protected]

FOOD DELIVERED TO YOUR TABLE

ULDGE IN OUR SIGNATURE HARVEST TA

If you would like to advertise in the Silver Lakes Intra Muros Classifieds section, please email Nicole at [email protected] by the 15th of every month. The Classifieds section is only available to Silver Lakes residents and there is no charge for residents of Silver Lakes to advertise here. Please include your Silver Lakes stand number and contact details for references.

This Classifieds section is not for the use of businesses. If you would like to advertise your business in the Silver Lakes Intra Muros magazine, please email Martin Fourie at [email protected].

All Classified advertisements will be removed monthly. Please inform us by email before the 15th of every month if you would like to repeat your previous advert.

House & Pet Sitting

I am available to look after your beloved pets when you go on holiday. I am also a dog owner and I know how special our pets are to us. I stay in Silver Lakes. References are available upon request. Feel free to contact Helen on 082 552 3418.

Are you going away on holiday or just a weekend? Don't know what to do with your beloved pets and the garden? I am a responsible pet lover that lives in Silver Lakes and will go the extra mile to take care of your pets and property while you are away. In emergencies I can take them to the Vet and nurse them if applicable. I charge R100 a day which include all activities that your pets are used to doing. Please feel free to contact Amanda on 074 610 5473. References are available upon request.

We all have anxiety when we have to leave our pets behind when going on holiday and wish we could take them with, but that is not always possible. We are here to give you that peace of mind, we are trustworthy and we will make your pets wellbeing our top priority. Our services

include feeding, walking, administering medication, playing and grooming if needed. Top references from our clients within and around the Estate. Contact Clinton and Cai on 083 286 9419.

Domestic Accommodation AvailableDomestic outside room TO RENT! Do you need a room for your domestic worker in Silver Lakes? R2 200 (water & electricity incl) We are in phase 1. Please contact Grietjie on 083 379 3761.

CLASSIFIEDS

Resident estate agent for your buying needs.

Quality service you can trust!

Talladega Auto ClinicSix Fountains Adventure Centrecnr Etienne & Bendeman BlvdSix Fountains, Ext 6, Pretoria EastTel: 012 809 4472 / 4469Email: [email protected]

For everything your car needs.

specialists in the sale of luxury homes

[email protected]

082 903 9208 or 012 809 2341

We deliver to your door.

NOAGS E D I E R E K L I N I E K


BACK PAGE HUMOUR

The invitation, in green ink, was on recycled paper made from previously recycled paper which

had originally been made from elephant dung. Environmentally terribly friendly though it was, I instructed Threnody Higginbottom (she’s my secretary y’know. I call her Miss Smith) to decline it.

The invitation was to spend a week in the bush on one of those survival courses where one goes without cake forks.

I went on one once and survived. They give you your money back if you fail.

A dozen people paid good folding money to spend a week learning how to survive on food from the veld. This saves the organisers a great deal on catering.

On arrival in the bush we shuffled our feet like recruits on their first day in the French Foreign Legion. We were forced to dump our shaving kits and underarm deodorants, half-jacks, cell phones, jelly babies, worry beads, All Bran and bottles of Pinotage which all went into storage until the end of the course.

The proprietor said: "We have all just survived a plane crash in a remote part of Africa. That's our situation. All we have is what we stand in. For the next week, we will survive on what we get from the bush."

I realised he was using the “royal we" because he then disappeared - rushing off, I suspect, to the nearest French restaurant - to reappear, burping, only when the course ended.

We were left facing his subaltern - a lean man who looked us over sympathetically. Some participants, separated from their cigarette lighters for the first time since they were 12, stood with trembling lower lips. Nowadays a lot of people, including grown men, whimper when parting with their cell phones.

I recall it was growing dark and little night sounds were intruding, like the grunt of a (hungry) lion. Somebody, reasonably, asked about a fire. Somebody else observed, "You've taken all our lighters!" Somebody else said: "I think you should know I am a lawyer and so is my cousin."

Our guide was unmoved. He said fast food was available - fast food like impala. The trick was to catch them. As for fire... he scouted around for suitable sticks to rub together. It transpired he used to teach army commandos how to survive by eating each other.

He was to show us how to make fire as well as, by using twigs and grass, we could build a five star thatched safari lodge for the night; and how to prepare warthog liver garnished with dung beetle

larvae and a side plate of bladderwort and hoof scrapings.

The wilds, he said, were like a supermarket stacked with good things. You just help yourself. The lions, of course, feel the same way and also metaphorically push their trolleys along looking for the meat counter.

Our guide knew his stuff - like how to beat off mosquitoes and elephants. He knew how to find his way by the stars; and the sun and how to suck pebbles when one is dying of thirst. We learned to find water by observing the direction in which doves and sandgrouse flew in the late afternoon when they seek water. We made fishing lines out of bark and hooks from thorns. And caught fish that tasted like industrial sludge.

"Oh goody!" said somebody who claimed his cousin was Angela Day, "caterpillar soup again!"

Meals ended with coffee from the witgat. Witgat coffee is as different from Nescafé as wildebeest droppings are different from hot cross buns.

I declined the invitation to do the course again because I am no good at this survival thing. I can't even suck a pebble for long without chewing it.

Survival without a cake fork

By James Clarke

NEED TO MOVE?WE CAN HELP!

Contact us today for a quote:

• National & International

• Packing• Storage• Relocation Services• Insurance• Pet Relocation• Vehicle Transportation

Tel: 27 11 256 3000

Email: [email protected]: www.elliottmobility.com

012 809 3677Shop F27, Parkview Shopping Centre, Garsfontein, [email protected] www.woodenways.co.za

HELLO NEIGHBOUR.

MENLYN AUTO.

Menlyn AutoCnr Lois Ave & Garstfontein RoadTel. 012 426 2763www.bmw-menlynauto.co.za

We’ve been living close to each other for some time now, and we thought it was high time we got to know you better. Please come over for a coffee and let us tell you all about the many unique benefits MINI offers to residents of Silver Lakes, some of which include:

• Preferential pricing on all new MINIs.*• Preferential service bookings• While-you-wait servicing and loan MINIs (on request)• Competitive pricing on MINI Lifestyle items and accessories• A sales executive dedicated to you• Invitations to product launches and exclusive MINI events.• Ride and drives where you get to drive the latest and greatest MINIs to a special location

For more info on Menlyn Auto or our exclusive offers to Silver Lakes residents, call us on the details below:

*Excluding newly launched vehicles or vehicles in limited supply, (which can be negotiated on merit)

INTRAMUROS - Silver Lakes Golf Estate · Nienke Moolman Elize Malan Hilary Green Madeleine De Wet...

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