Drakenstein Municipality’s official e-newsletter Drakenstein Munisipaliteit se amptelike e-nuusbrief Incwadi yendaba yombane yoMasipala wase Drakenstein
NOVEMBER 2023
MUNICIPAL NEWS
6 R1.4bn Upgrade Project Kicks Off at Paarl Wastewater Treatment Works Drakenstein Municipality’s new R1.4bn BFI project will help the Municipality to ensure the suitable treatment of wastewater and assist in preserving the Berg River, a vital source of life in the area. 10 Drakenstein: A Thriving Investment Hub The spurt of growth and development in Drakenstein has been made possible through the Municipality’s earlier bold step to take up substantial external loans to invest in bulk infrastructure. 24 Iziqhushumbisi Zisavaliwe eDrakenstein
REGULARS 4 Editor's Letter “Drakenstein, let us all stand together and soldier on in the fight against GBV. Let us not be silent when we have the power to stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves," says Executive Mayor Conrad Poole. 32 Amalungu eKomiti YeWadi 9 Anenkathalo, Anemfesane Kwaye Asendleleni! Table of Contents
ALL ABOUT SERVICE DELIVERY
14 ‘Keeping Women and Children Safe Should Come Naturally’ – Executive Mayor Collaborating with various stakeholders, the Municipality continues to organise awareness- raising campaigns, programmes, and motivational talks to empower victims of abuse to speak up.
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SPORT
26 Wellness in the Winelands: Trail Running with Run The Vines Run The Vines is a Western Cape-based trail running club that presents numerous running events in Drakenstein. What a brilliant idea to blend the benefits of trail running with the natural splendour of our valley. 27 Sports Calendar See what’s happening this month!
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EXPLORE DRAKENSTEIN 18 Chris van Niekerk: Geliefd en Verlief op die Boland Wanneer ‘n mens by Chris se Winkel instap, ontplof die wêreld rondom jou onmiddellik in kleur, interessante oudhede, en mooigoed. 30 Meet the Boland’s Own Boerewors King Wellington-born Tyron Adams was recently crowned the winner of the 2023 Shoprite and Checkers Boerewors Competition, proving to the world that the Boland is the place to be and to braai. BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT 22 SPAAS Meubels: Funksioneel en Flambojant Volhoubaar, funksioneel én sag op die oog. Dit is die eerste woorde wat by ‘n mens opkom as jy met die meubels van die plaaslike houtmeubelbesigheid met die unieke naam, SPAAS, te doene kry. 28 Soul Barrel Brewing: Sielstevrede in Drakenstein Tussen die mure van die ou Drakenstein Wynkoöperasie in Simondium buite die Paarl het ‘n trotse Suid-Afrikaanse bierbrouery gestalte gekry wat glo dat bier met die siel gemaak word. 16 Fearless Team Drakenstein Sizzles in Toughest Firefighter Alive SA Competition The fearless Drakenstein Fire and Rescue Services team rose to the occasion, showcasing their strength, resolve, and teamwork at the 8th Toughest Firefighter Alive Competition SA.
COMMUNITY VOICES
20 Sunfield Home: Be Blessed with Unconditional Love Elmarie van Schalkwyk has been managing Sunfield for the past 12 years, steering the team in building a home away from home for their residents. 34 Keeping a Close Eye Here is what the community has to say about service delivery. OPPORTUNITIES 35 Notices and Tenders Take a look at our notices and tenders.
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Every year in November, the world shines a spotlight on violence against women and children. We remember those who have paid with their lives because of gender-based violence (GBV). We empathise with those who feel trapped. We get angry with those who suffer. We speak up and stand up for those who can’t. During this year’s 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign (held from 25 November to 10 December), Drakenstein Municipality will intensify our own 365 Days of Activism against GBV campaign through targeted awareness drives – rallying individuals to break the silence and actively combat this cycle of abuse. Read more about this in this edition of Vars . We also focus on social development, environmental stewardship, and local business success. Recently, a groundbreaking ceremony at the Paarl Wastewater Treatment Works marked the start of the Municipality’s R1.4bn Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI) project . This initiative will ensure the responsible treatment of wastewater and help safeguard the lifeblood of our region—the Berg River. It will also pave the way for green energy through biogas energy generation. Get all the details inside. The Drakenstein Fire and Rescue Services team stood tall at the 8th Toughest Firefighter Alive Competition SA, hosted in Mossel Bay recently, where over 250 professionals tested their mettle. Vars interviewed team captain Jaco Stander. With the festive season almost on our doorstep, Drakenstein Municipality reiterates the ban on fireworks in our municipal area. Beyond being illegal, fireworks displays pose risks to humans, animals, and the environment. Local artistry and business savvy are alive and well in Drakenstein! SPAAS Furniture crafts sustainable, functional pieces that also catch the eye – an idea born out of Mari Kriel's passion and creativity. This business receives great praise from the community – read on for the whole story. Simondium’s Soul Barrel Brewing Co. does us proud, creating award-winning beers with soul. Their Wild African Soul brew earned accolades at the 2023 African Beer Cup. The local brewery also shone in categories such as Alternative Fermentables Beer and American Wild Ale. Soul Barrel not only aspires to create jobs but also to build lasting careers. We Stand Up for Those Who Can’t
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Drakenstein, let us all stand together and soldier on in the fight against GBV. Let us not be silent when we have the power to stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves. Let us be the voice of those who feel trapped and forced to keep quiet.
„ - Executive Mayor, Alderman Conrad Poole
Meet Tyron Adams , our very own Boerewors King. The Wellington-born chef and businessman was recently crowned Shoprite and Checkers Boerewors Champion 2023. We caught up with him in the kitchen to find out where his passion for cooking comes from. No less than five of the Top 10 Boerewors Champion finalists were from Wellington! This month, we step into beloved actor Chris van Niekerk 's antique store. Chris, perhaps best known as Oom Francois from 7de Laan, curates a space in Wellington that harmonises the past with the present – so eclectic it could be a cross between your granny’s voorkamer and the Titanic’s swanky foyer! In this month's community spotlight, we tell the heartwarming story of Sunfield Home , a haven for adults with intellectual disabilities nestled at the foot of Wellington’s Bainskloof Pass. Join us inside as we explore how this Drakenstein gem, born from a family's dream for their daughter with Down syndrome, has grown into a community of 104 residents. Run among the vineyards this summer. The Run The Vines trail running club invites all, regardless of your fitness level, to join in the joy of running amid Drakenstein’s lush landscapes. This community recently celebrated its 9 000th Facebook member. In our regular ward committee feature, Ward 9 , led by Councillor Luvuyo Bolani , takes centre stage. Their commitment to the community, from soup kitchens to elderly care, embodies the spirit of genuine compassion and care. We hope you find this edition informative and entertaining. Please tell your friends and family to subscribe here so that we can grow the Vars family and share our news wider.
From the Vars editorial team
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From the left: Cllr Theuns Bester (MMC: Engineering Services, Drakenstein Municipality); Nombhedesho Penin Sihlali (Department of Water and Sanitation); Gary Petersen (Head: EPWP, Projects and Funding, Drakenstein Municipality); Simphiwe Mashicila (Department of Water and Sanitation); Ntombizanele Bila-Mupariwa (Provincial Head, Department of Water and Sanitation); Louis Pienaar (Executive Director: Engineering Services, Drakenstein Municipality) and André Kowalewski (Manager: Water and Wastewater Services, Drakenstein Municipality)
R1.4bn Upgrade Project Kicks Off at Paarl Wastewater Treatment Works
Drakenstein Municipality’s new R1.4bn Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI) project will help the Municipality to ensure the suitable treatment of wastewater, which will assist in preserving the Berg River, a vital source of life in the area. It will also enable the Municipality to, at a later stage, promote green energy through biogas energy generation at its Paarl Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW). “The BFI project aims to address the refurbishment of ageing and dilapidated infrastructure, as well as capacity upgrades
to treatment streams to meet current and future demands,” said André Kowalewski, Manager: Water and Wastewater Services at Drakenstein Municipality. He was speaking at the official groundbreaking ceremony of the Paarl WWTW’s upgrade and refurbishment, held last month at the plant in Drommedaris Street, Paarl. National Treasury awarded Drakenstein Municipality the BFI grant of R1.4 billion late last year for wastewater and sanitation upgrades and rehabilitation in the Paarl/ Wellington area. The upgrade and
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refurbishment of the Paarl WWTW form part of the first phase of the project which will span three financial years. At the ceremony, André emphasised the need for sustainable water and sanitation infrastructure development to meet the growing demand in the area.
In September 2023 alone, Drakenstein Municipality granted 136 building plan approvals to the value of approximately R121.5 million. Of these approved building plans, 87.5% consist of new residential buildings, as well as additions and alterations to existing buildings.
The scope of work during the BFI project’s first phase includes:
• Demolishing unused infrastructure; • Constructing a new raw sewage lifting station and inlet works; • Establishing a new primary sludge screening and pumpstation; • Adding three primary settling tanks; • Refurbishing existing primary settling tanks; • Erecting a new administrative building; • Upgrading the disinfection area, electrical network, and control and instrumentation; • Enhancing general civil works such as roads, stormwater, and fencing; and • Cleaning maturation ponds.
Unlocking future developments André said the entire project was a direct enabler for future development, which would trigger economic and socio-economic benefits for the Municipality’s most vulnerable communities. The other phase, where construction work has already commenced, includes the construction of the Southern Paarl Bulk Sewer, which ensures sustainability and resilience. Treasury awards these grants to selected municipalities to fund large and strategic interventions.
Projects should have a minimum total cost of R1 billion and should have substantial long-term impacts on economic growth, social equity, and employment creation. (See Treasury’s Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement for more information.) “Today is the day we have been waiting for. Our Minister and Deputy Minister are very excited about the work that will be done by Drakenstein Municipality. When this project is completed, it is going to have so many benefits. The water security will be improved in this Municipality, and the water quality will be excellent,” Ntombizanele Bila-Mupariwa, Provincial Head of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), said at the groundbreaking event.
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Today is the day we have been waiting for. Our Minister and Deputy Minister are very excited about the work that will be done by Drakenstein Municipality. When this project is completed, it is going to have so many benefits. The water security will be improved in this Municipality, and the water quality will be excellent. “ „
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Residents across Drakenstein will benefit from this R1.4bn grant as it will ensure increased bulk sewer capacity to unlock future developments, which include social and private residential housing, commercial hubs, and industrial opportunities. The benefits are: Improved quality of effluent released into the Berg River – vital for the livelihood of surrounding communities (domestic and agricultural, and especially growers of export fruit and produce); Improved sewage treatment processes, as well as reduced energy demand, and operation and maintenance costs at the Paarl WWTW;
Ensured compliance with prescribed effluent quality standards;
Significant economic and socio-economic benefits (i.e. job opportunities, as well as attracting public and private sector investment, ensuring the growth of the local economy);
An increased tax base and revenue generation; and
Sustainable opportunities such as green energy (i.e. transforming sludge into biogas) which will reduce the high electricity demand at the Paarl WWTW.
The BFI project is necessary, considering that several integrated residential and commercial developments with noticeable economic and socio-economic benefits are planned, specifically to the south of Paarl, which would put added pressure on existing systems. With the BFI project, the wastewater and sludge treatment capacity for Paarl, Wellington, and surrounds will increase and help to accommodate the current demands and to cater for future demands and developments. One of only 22 SA municipalities to receive Green Drop status Drakenstein Municipality recently became one of only 22 wastewater systems out of 850 in South Africa and one of only three Western Cape municipalities to receive Green Drop status from the DWS.
The Green Drop certification is an incentive- based regulation programme of the DWS. Municipalities receive Green Drop status when they achieve scores of 90% or higher against stringent Green Drop assessment requirements. The Municipality’s Hermon Wastewater Treatment System scored an impressive 93%. At the event, Councillor Theuns Bester, Mayoral Committee Member for Engineering Services at the Municipality, thanked the DWS for playing such an instrumental role in providing the funding for these upgrades. “We are not only thankful for the funding and the upgrades, but we are excited about the future developments and revenue this project brings,” he said.
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This spurt of growth and development has been made possible through the Municipality’s earlier bold step to take up substantial external loans to invest in bulk infrastructure and ensure that development opportunities are unlocked in the area. „ “ Drakenstein: A Thriving Investment Hub
The recent rise in the number of building plans being processed and approved by Drakenstein Municipality is just one indicator of the area’s steady development climb and consistent progress as an investment hub. As the Western Cape’s largest municipality outside Cape Town, Drakenstein Municipality boasts the Cape Winelands’ most robust economy. In the last financial year, the area’s top economic sectors have seen significant growth: its finance, real estate, insurance, and business services sector is currently worth R6.8 billion; with wholesale, retail trade, catering, and accommodation sitting at R3.9 billion; and manufacturing at R3.6 billion. Vars cannot help but share our Executive Mayor, Alderman Conrad Poole’s excitement about the rewards the Municipality is reaping from its efforts to continually position Drakenstein as a prime investment destination. “These growth statistics indeed indicate that we are doing something right. Our renewed focus on promoting #InvestDrakenstein has been one of the Municipality’s key revenue enhancement initiatives,” said Alderman Poole.
“We are already seeing the fruits of our efforts in the investment promotion space, such as launching our Development and Investment Prospectus ; establishing our Investment Desk and associated steering committees to facilitate the ease of doing business with the Municipality; forming the Drakenstein Property Development Forum; and implementing a focused Investment Area Management function to ensure business retention and boost business confidence.” During the 2022/23 financial year, 384 new residential opportunities, 1 536 m² of new commercial development, and 10 998 m² of new industrial developments were granted land use development rights in Drakenstein. Over and above these accomplishments, land use rights applications for 2 801 new residential opportunities and 48 249 m² of new commercial land were processed with a total of 1 949 building plan approvals granted from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023. The total value of these approved building plans is approximately R3.28 billion.
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This year alone the Municipality welcomed a range of new developments and businesses to Drakenstein, such as the brand-new Paarl Village Convenience Centre near Groenheuwel in Paarl East. Further down the road a new filling station is now serving customers in Mbekweni, while a new Medicentre and a filling station opened its doors in the N1 corridor. “This shows that we are committed to making life as convenient as possible for our residents by bringing a variety of services to them, as well as to those visiting or driving through our beautiful area. “It also, once again, confirms investors’ confidence in the #InvestDrakenstein brand,” said Alderman Poole.
More and more new businesses opening their doors. Growth in the business and commercial sectors, as well as in manufacturing, continues to stimulate the local economy, with 11 new businesses opening their doors in Drakenstein during this period. These businesses created 836 new job opportunities. In September this year, 136 building plan approvals to the value of approximately R121.5 million were granted. These are anticipated to yield over 850 temporary employment opportunities. Of the approved building plans, 87.5% consist of new residential buildings, as well as additions and alterations to existing buildings. Commercial and industrial building plans approved constitutes the second highest type of building plan approvals, amounting to 5.9% of the total building plans approved.
September 2023 Building Plan Approvals
A total of 136 building plan approvals, to the value of R121.5 million
were granted in September 2023.
850 projected job opportunities
85.5%
5.9%
New residential building plans approved
(Including alterations to existing buildings)
New commercial and industrial building plans approved
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Over the past 12 months, this bold step has unlocked unimaginable returns, where an additional annual amount of R243 million is currently being billed and received for rates and services at new residential and commercial developments. This just about equals our bank loan repayments.
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Bold step pays off This spurt of growth and development has been made possible through the Municipality’s earlier bold step to take up substantial external loans to invest in bulk infrastructure and ensure that development opportunities are unlocked in the area.
Between 2016 and 2021, the Municipality invested almost R1.6 billion in infrastructure. This included R454 523 290 spent on roads and electricity infrastructure; R408 727 779 on water networks, water treatment works, and reservoirs; and R689 938 125 on wastewater treatment works, sewer network upgrades, and solid waste infrastructure.
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Their output has also earned them accolades from the Drakenstein Business Chamber. “These are all efforts to ensure that current business owners are being valued and looked after and that new investors enjoy a soft landing and quick assistance when starting to do business in Drakenstein. Going forward, we will continue to work on improving and speeding up decision-making, as well as review policies and bylaws to further enhance the ease of doing business in Drakenstein,” concluded Alderman Poole.
“While this decision has many times come under scrutiny, we did not take it lightly. It was based on our long-term vision to create an area where people can live, work, and play, knowing its growing demands are being met. They can also be assured that the area’s overall development is being properly planned and is taking place in a structured, systematic way. “Over the past 12 months, this bold step has unlocked unimaginable returns, where an additional annual amount of R243 million is currently being billed and received for rates and services at new residential and commercial developments. This just about equals our bank loan repayments,” said Alderman Poole. To retain business confidence in the area, the Municipality has established a new Investment Area Management section. This team has already made great strides in improving business protection and enhancing business retention and business expansion.
For more information, visit www.drakenstein.gov.za and follow the Municipality on social media. Facebook: @DrakensteinMunicipality Instagram: @drakensteinmunicipality LinkedIn: Drakenstein Municipality YouTube: @DrakensteinMunicipality1
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‘Keeping Women and Children Safe Should Come Naturally’ – Executive Mayor
Annually, from 25 November to 10 December, the world shines a light on the international fight against gender-based violence (GBV) as part of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign. This year’s theme is UNITE! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls .
Three years ago, the Executive Mayor and City Manager, on behalf of Drakenstein Municipality, pledged our commitment to not only fight GBV during the month of November but the entire 365 days of each year. Collaborating with various stakeholders, the Municipality continues to organise awareness-raising campaigns, programmes, and motivational talks to empower victims of abuse to speak up.
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“On the one hand, I am proud that we actively speak out against abuse; that we want victims to know that they don’t have to keep silent but seek help; and that we stand together as a community against this horrific crime and not turn a blind eye. On the other hand, it is sad that we must have a campaign to create awareness to keep our women and children safe. Keeping them safe should come naturally. “It is my prayer that our women and children will be seen and respected for the treasures that they are – in our homes and in our communities. “Drakenstein, let us all stand together and fight the fight against GBV. Let us not be silent when we have the power to stand up for those in need. Let us be the voice of those who feel trapped and forced to keep quiet,” says Alderman Poole. If you or someone you know needs help, reach out to your nearest police station or contact:
In May this year, the National Government invited municipalities to participate in the 100 Days’ Challenge against GBV, and once again, Drakenstein Municipality showed our support by joining the initiative.
This programme’s objectives are to:
• Increase the services available to GBV survivors; • Raise community awareness around the issue; • Reduce youth involvement in gangsterism; • Conduct GBV awareness sessions for 1 000 inmates; and • Educate 100 community members on how to complete an interdict form. “As we start this year’s international campaign of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, I cannot help but have mixed emotions,” says Alderman Conrad Poole, the Executive Mayor of the Municipality.
• Badisa Wellington: 021 873 4274 • Badisa Paarl: 021 870 1697
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Let us not be silent when we have the power to stand up for those in need. Let us be the voice of those who feel trapped and forced to keep quiet. „
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Fearless Team Drakenstein Sizzles in Toughest Firefighter Alive SA Competition
The fearless Drakenstein Fire and Rescue Services team of eight rose to the occasion, showcasing their strength, resolve, and teamwork. Vars spoke to team captain Jaco Stander about what drives them to be this dedicated, hardworking, and competitive. “Our team already started preparing for this contest early in the year. I’m so proud of the team, who used every available opportunity to train – both during their shifts and after hours,” he says.
Almost 250 professional firefighters, hailing from all corners of South Africa, gathered in Mossel Bay last month to put their skills to the ultimate test in the 8th Toughest Firefighter Alive Competition SA (TFA) . Uniting the firefighting community through a spirit of friendly competition, this is by far the largest firefighter competition in Africa and rivals the attendance of similar competitions worldwide.
Back from left to right: Ernest Horn, Doniel Fortuin, Eugene Williams, Niel Adriaanse Front from left to right: Cyprian Ayslie, Jaco Stander, Mandolene Andrews
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The third stage is a true test of strength, demanding contenders to carry equipment up a three-storey tower, followed by a 20kg weight hoist to the top — a feat that showcases the raw power and endurance that firefighters possess. Finally, the fourth test beckons, a gruelling 800m run over sand and rough terrain to end off the challenge. Team Drakenstein did not disappoint and delivered a fiery performance – a testament to their unwavering commitment and passion for their calling. • Mandolene Andrews: Distinguished herself with an extraordinary 2nd place in the 45-49 age category; • Aden Coert: Showed resilience by achieving the 11th position in the 45-49 age category; • Jaco Stander: Secured an impressive 6th place in the 40-44 age category; • Doniel Fortuin: Impressed all with a stellar 9th place finish in the 35-39 age category; • Eugene Williams: Demonstrated determination, gaining the 12th position in the 35-39 age category; • Ernest Horn: Exhibited perseverance, securing the 21st position in the 30-34 age category; • Niel Adriaanse: Stood tall and strong, seizing 7th place in the 18-29 age category; and • Cyprian Ayslie: Showcased prowess, securing the 17th place in the 18-29 age category. Looking ahead, preparations for next year’s competition are already in full swing. In the 2024 calendar, Drakenstein Municipality’s Fire and Rescue Services will participate in several challenges, among others, the International Firefighters Day , Dräger SA Fire Combat & Rescue Challenge , and of course, the 2024 Toughest Firefighter Alive Challenge.
From left to right: Mandolene Andrews and Aden Coert.
The team spirit of all the contestants was extraordinary, and Team Drakenstein conducted themselves with the utmost professionalism, despite less-than-ideal weather conditions over the weekend of 5 to 7 October 2023. “A special thanks go to Drakenstein Municipality’s management for their support and also to the firefighters who covered our shifts while we participated in the contest.” Jaco says the TFA contest is a race against the clock, pushing firefighters to conquer four demanding tasks in the shortest time possible while wearing full structural fire gear and a 16kg breathing apparatus. Stage 1 sets the tone, requiring competitors to swiftly drag two 90m firehoses and make up two 30m lengths of firehoses — a task critical in the world of firefighting. Stage 2 presents a challenging obstacle course, testing the firefighters’ agility and speed and simulating the unpredictability they might face in the line of duty, ending with a 3m-high wall climb.
It’s all in a day’s work for Team Drakenstein!
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Chris van Niekerk: Geliefd en Verlief op die Boland
Wanneer ‘n mens by Chris se Winkel instap, ontplof die wêreld rondom jou onmiddellik in kleur, interessante oudhede, en mooigoed. Dit laat jou dink aan ‘n mengsel tussen jou ouma se voorkamer en die Titanic se ingangsportaal, of die Het Loo Paleis in Nederland – ‘n klompie fênsie silwerware hier, ‘n ou klavesimbel daar, maar tog kry jy die gevoel van tuiswees.
Chris van Niekerk, aan die meeste Suid- Afrikaners bekend as die geliefde Oom Francois van 7de Laan, bedryf reeds 30 jaar hierdie oudhedewinkel – eers in Kalkbaai, en die afgelope paar jaar in Wellington. Sy behoefte om items ‘n tweede lewe te gee, saam met die feit dat akteurs dikwels sonder pensioen uit die bedryf tree, het hom geïnspireer om sy liefde vir oudhede en “dinge met ‘n storie” met mense te deel. “Ons is ‘n bietjie soos ‘n shopping mall ! Hier is iets van alles: porselein, ou gereedskap, skilderye, juweliersware, plate, HiFi’s,
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die mooiste glasware – enigiets wat mooi is, met ‘n geskiedenis of ‘n storie daaraan,” vertel Chris. Baie van die oudhede het hy van sy ouers geërf, van wie hy ook die onvermoë om enigiets weg te gooi gekry het. “Soms kom laai mense bokse vol mooi goed hier af wat hulle nie meer wil hê nie.” Hy noem dat hy in sy versameling oor twee bloese wat uit die Anglo-Boereoorlog (1899–1902) dateer, beskik – albei met een mou kort. Hy verduidelik: “Dis blykbaar ‘n teken van rou as ‘n vrou haar man of pa verloor het in die oorlog. Ek soek meer inligting as iemand dalk weet!” Die afgelope paar jaar het Chris en sy winkel hul plek in Wellington gevind, wat volgens hom ‘n lieflike deurmekaarspul van mense is. “Hier is iets van elke mens, nie net van Suid-Afrika nie, maar van oraloor die wêreld! Dis wat die dorp sy eiesoortige karakter gee.” Hy voeg by dat die dorp geweldige kumulatiewe potensiaal in die kunswêreld het, maar maan egter dat mense mekaar moet leer ondersteun en deel word van mekaar se “kunsdinge”.
“Die gemeenskap moet almal tog deel in hierdie kunsdorp se doen en late en dit mildelik ondersteun; anders het dit geen sin dat ons die dorp só wil bemark nie.” Hy noem uitstekende plaaslike kuns-inisiatiewe soos die Breytenbachsentrum, kunsuitstallings en markies wat soms te min aftrek van die gemeenskap kry. “Hier is uitstaande talent in Drakenstein, en hoe meer kunstenaars hulle hier kom vestig en hoe meer die inwoners van die omgewing betrokke raak by die uitvoering daarvan, hoe meer kan ons van die wonderlike, helende, skeppende krag van alle vorms van die kunste verwag en indrink.” Chris sê hy is líéf vir die Boland; dis hoekom hy hier is. Chris se Winkel kan gevind word in die hartjie van Wellington by Stokeryweg 16, langs Mariaan se Koswinkel, waar jy na hartelus deur stukkies van die geskiedenis kan snuffel.
Beloved actor Chris van Niekerk explains why he loves living in Drakenstein, the arts, antiques, and the “lovely hodgepodge called Wellington”. Press play to hear what he has to say.
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Sunfield Home: Be Blessed with Unconditional Love
Since Sunfield Home opened its doors at the foot of Wellington’s Bainskloof Pass in 1991, many strangers have become friends. Small wonder, as over the past three decades, Sunfield has developed a well- earned reputation as a safe haven for adults with intellectual disabilities, helping them to thrive through holistic care. It all started as the dream of the family of a young girl with Down syndrome. Since then, this Drakenstein treasure has grown to provide a nurturing environment to 104 residents and six daycare individuals between the ages of 18 and 70 or more. Through Sunfield’s noble efforts, residents are well looked after, giving their family members peace of mind. Elmarie van Schalkwyk says she is privileged to have been managing Sunfield over the past 12 years, steering the team in building a home away from home for their residents. “Our residents are part of the larger community, and we gladly invite and welcome them,”says Elmarie.
“Here, you will be blessed with unconditional love from our residents, which is the most fulfilling part of each day at Sunfield.” She is especially proud of their protective workshop, where residents participate in activities and do contract work that keeps them busy and enables them to earn money. “Each person has skills, regardless of their intellectual limitations, and these skills must be developed and used at all times to support the person's human dignity,” explains Elmarie. “Through their work, our residents play an important role in promoting the positive contributions of adults with intellectual disabilities to society and business.”
Our residents are part of the larger community, and we gladly invite and welcome them.
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How can Drakenstein residents and Sunfield help each other? Sunfield depends heavily on fundraising and donations; without this assistance ,they cannot continue to exist. Please see details below on how you can help.
Here are also some innovative ways you can get involved:
• Lunch and home-baked goodies: Order a takeaway Sunday lunch, a steal at R70 per plate. Orders must be placed by the Friday prior via kombuis@sunfieldhome.co.za . You can also order rusks, quiches, and pies. • Sponsor an outing: Some residents no longer have homes and stay at Sunfield. They enjoy going on trips over the holidays but don't always have the funds to do so. • Play golf and more: Participate in the home’s annual golf day, donate items for the auction or the wish list, and help to get the word out about fundraising projects. • Give your time: There are many ways to help without spending a cent. Pop in and meet the residents, help write a letter to their family, do arts and crafts, accompany them on a musical instrument, or share any talent. • Create work: Sunfield’s workshop does valuable contract work for businesses and organisations, including having filled more than 185 000 envelopes to date! • Sponsor a resident: Sunfield can provide a formal proposal, a B-BBEE certificate, and a 18A receipt for tax purposes. For more information, visit their website and Facebook for their weekly menu. To set up a meeting or visit, contact Elmarie at 021 873 5038 , 021 007 0034 , or elmarie@ sunfieldhome.co.za .
Since Sunfield Home opened its doors at the foot of Wellington’s Bainskloof Pass, many strangers have become friends.
Through Sunfield’s noble efforts, residents are well looked after, giving their family members peace of mind.
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VARS | November
SPAAS Meubels: Funksioneel en Flambojant
Volhoubaar, funksioneel én sag op die oog. Dit is die eerste woorde wat by ‘n mens opkom as jy met die meubels van die plaaslike houtmeubelbesigheid met die unieke naam, SPAAS, te doene kry. SPAAS is volgens Mari Kriel gebore uit passie en kreatiwiteit, waar interessante ontwerp en goeie vakmanskap bymekaar gebring word. Wat begin het as ‘n na-ure-projek het vinnig na ‘n volwaardige besigheid uitgebrei, wat met lof uit die gemeenskap oorval word.
Mari sê dit is hul toewyding tot voortdurende verbetering wat dié handelsmerk van ander onderskei. Eiesoortige, estetiese ontwerp en eenvoudige, verbruikersvriendelike samestelling is van hul kernwaardes, tesame met aandag aan detail, veelsydigheid en ‘n kliëntgesentreerde benadering tot hul produkte. Die betekenis van die naam SPAAS is veelvoudig: dit word dieselfde uitgespreek as die Engelse “sparse”, ‘n sinoniem vir minimalisties. Die naam spreek ook tot hul filosofie: Simple, Practical, Affordable, Aesthetic.
Volhoubaar, funksioneel én sag op die oog.
Die naam spreek tot hul filosofie: Simple, Practical, Affordable, Aesthetic.
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VARS | November
SPAAS streef daarna om hul omgewingsvoetspoor so klein as moontlik te hou.
Dit is ‘n woord wat spaarsaming in elke taal gebruik word en dus die handelsmerk In enige plek laat uitstaan. Volhoubaarheid staan ook sentraal in die handelsmerk se etos, en SPAAS streef daarna om hul omgewingsvoetspoor so klein as moontlik te hou. Hulle gebruik onder andere hout wat verantwoordelik verkry is en bevorder só die behoud van biodiversiteit. SPAAS gebruik ook sonkrag om hul produksiefasiliteite aan die gang te hou. Mari beklemtoon dat hul produkte se lang leeftyd daartoe bydra dat hulle op die lang termyn minder verkwistend is. “Ons glo dat, indien ons vandag bewuste keuses maak, ons ‘n positiewe impak op die omgewing kan maak en ander kan inspireer om by ons aan te sluit op reis na ‘n meer volhoubare toekoms.” Sy sê hul werknemers vorm die hart van die besigheid, en beklemtoon SPAAS se fokus op gemeenskapsontwikkeling. “Ons wil graag vakmanne kweek wat nie net passievol is oor hul werk nie, maar ook sterk verbind is tot hul gemeenskap.” Die besigheid se afvalmateriaal word aan die gemeenskap geskenk om
kreatiwiteit te bevorder, of selfs vir mense om as vuurhout te gebruik tydens koue winters. Volgens Mari dra Drakenstein Munispaliteit ruim daartoe by dat kleiner besighede in die omgewing kan floreer.
“Deur te belê in moderne fasiliteite, streng veiligheidsmaatreëls, gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid en
omgewingsvolhoubaarheid, verseker die Paarl dat sy industriële gebied nie net 'n sentrale punt vir handel is nie, maar ook 'n model van effektiewe stedelike beplanning en verantwoordelike ontwikkeling. Hierdie benadering versterk die plaaslike ekonomie, bevorder besigheidsgroei, en verbeter die algehele lewenskwaliteit vir almal wat betrokke is.”
Besoek gerus SPAAS se webwerf vir meer inligting. Follow us
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VARS | November
Iziqhushumbisi Zisavaliwe eDrakenstein
Icandelo loNyanzeliso loMthetho kuMasipala waseDrakenstein lohluthe inani elikhulu leziqhushumbisi ezingekho mthethweni kwivenkile yaseWellington kwinyanga ephelileyo.
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VARS | November
Phambi kwexesha leziyunguma, uMasipala waseDrakenstein uthanda ukukhumbuza abahlali ukuba akukho semthethweni nje ukuqhumisa iziqhushumbisi kwindawo kaMasipala wethu, koko kuyingozi ebantwini nakwizilwanyana. Ngo-2020, iBhunga likaMasipala waseDrakenstein lavuma ukuvalwa kokukhutshwa kweziqhushumbisi kwindawo kamasipala, ngaphandle kwemisitho evunywe kwangaphambili. Oku kulandela iminxeba yabahlali, imibutho yentlalontle yezilwanyana, kunye necandelo loshishino lokuba uMasipala ahlole imeko yakhe malunga nokuvalwa kokusetyenziswa kweziqhushumbisi. UMasipala wathathela ingqalelo umngcipheko wokwenzakala emzimbeni, ukwenzakala okumandundu okanye unxunguphalo ebantwaneni, abantu abadala kunye nezilwanyana, kunye nemingcipheko yokusingqongileyo nakwicandelo lezoshishino. Iifireworks ezigwenxa azinakwenza kuphela ukonzakala okubi kakhulu okanye okubi ngakumbi, kodwa zinokuchaphazela umonakalo wendalo okanye weziseko ezingundoqo ngemililo. Izilwanyana zonzakele ngenxa yesandi esikhulu soqhushumbo esenziwa ngumlilo. Kwiminyaka engaphambili bekukho iziganeko apho izilwanyana zatsiba ngeefestile zeglasi zibaleka ezo ngxolo zitsho zaza zonzakala. NgokweCandelo 30 loMthetho weziqhushumbisi ka-1956, ukusetyenziswa okanye ukudutyulwa kwaso nasiphi na isiqhushumbisi kuso nasiphi na isakhiwo kunye nendlela ecanda phakathi koluntu luxanduva lokugwetyelwa isohlwayo. Ukuthengisa iziqhushumbisi kumntwana ongaphantsi kweminyaka eli-16 nokuvumela
umntwana ongaphantsi kweminyaka eli-16 ukuba enze iziqhushumbisi ngaphandle kweliso lomntu omdala uya kuhlawuliswa isohlwayo. Nawuphi na umntu owaphula imiqathango yalo mthetho kamasipala uyakuba noxanduva lokugwetywa ifayini engadlulanga kwi-R1 000 okanye entolongweni engadlulanga kwiinyanga ezintandathu. Icandelo lethu loNyanzeliso loMthetho, likunye neNkonzo yesiPolisa yaseMzantsi Afrika (i-SAPS), liza kuqhubeka liqhuba uhlolo kunye nokuthimba iziqhushumbisi ezingekho mthethweni ngeli xesha leeholide ezizayo. Kwinyanga ephelileyo, kuthathwe inani elikhulu leziqhushumbisi ezingekho mthethweni kwivenkile yaseWellington. Abahlali banokuxela ukuthengiswa okungekho mthethweni kunye nokudutyulwa kweziqhushumbisi kwabezoMthetho kule nombolo 021 807 8508 (iiyure zonke) .
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VARS | November
Wellness in the Winelands: Trail Running with Run The Vines
What a brilliant idea to blend the benefits of trail running with the natural splendour of our valley, covering lush locations such as Wellington’s Ayama Slent Farms and Doolhof Wine Estate, up to Paarl’s Landskroon Wines and its Vrede en Lust Wine Estate. Run The Vines is a Western Cape-based trail running club that presents numerous running events in Drakenstein. Speaking to trail run organiser Lans Pepler of Onsite Events, Vars learnt that even the unfit are welcome to join in the fun. No “wander” Run The Vines recently welcomed its 9 000th Facebook member! Living in Paarl, with its majestic, centuries-old wine farms and natural beauty, is precisely what inspired Lans to start Run The Vines eight years ago. Having a passion for events and the outdoors, he approached the Paarl Wine Route
in 2015 to host a trail run in conjunction with the OmmiBerg Festival. This was the birth of Run The Vines! The fact that outdoor lovers of all fitness levels, from the novice to the more serious runner, can run with family and friends on a different wine farm every month while enjoying good food, wine, hospitality, and music afterwards surely contributes to the success of this series. The benefits of trail running are twofold. Firstly, it takes you to places in nature that you would never have seen if you did not run. You can experience beautiful farms that are normally not so accessible because they are private property. Secondly, trail running promotes a healthy, fit lifestyle. “If you cannot run, then walk,” Lans says. “Finish at your own pace and enjoy it.”
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Need to know: - Anyone can participate. - There are no cut-off times. - There are short and long distances – 5km, 10km, and 17km. - You can walk the 5km and 10km. - There is a 3km kids’ run for under eight- year-olds (to be accompanied by an adult). - Kids under 12 years run for free. - All events can be entered individually. - The series entries are limited to 60 entries. The final Run The Vines of 2023 will take place on 2 December at Rickety Bridge. We look forward to even more Run The Vines events in 2024! For entry details and costs, as well as the 2024 Run The Vines dates and venues, visit the Onsite Events website .
Anyone can participate!
Remember to join the Run The Vines Facebook group.
Finish at your own pace and enjoy it.
Drakenstein Sport Calendar
Date: 30 November – 3 December 2023 Location: Boland Park Stadium, Paarl CSA 4-Day Series Division 1
Date: 27 – 30 December 2023 Location: Boland Park Stadium, Paarl CSA 4-Day Series Division 1 One-day international: South Africa vs India Date: 21 December 2023 Location: Boland Park Stadium, Paarl Taalmonument Night Race 2023 Date: 13 December 2023 Location: Afrikaanse Taalmonument, Paarl
Scorpion 7s Development (7s Rugby)
Date: 2 December 2023 Location: Newton Rugby Fields, Wellington
Netwerk24 Paarl Cycle Tour
Date: 3 December 2023 Location: Faure Street Stadium, Paarl
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Sevens in the sun (7s Rugby)
Date: 9 December 2023 Location: Evergreens Paarl Sports Field, Paarl
@drakensteinmunicipality @DrakensteinMunicipality
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VARS | November
Soul Barrel Brewing: Sielstevrede in Drakenstein
Tussen die mure van die ou Drakenstein Wynkoöperasie in Simondium buite die Paarl het ‘n trotse Suid-Afrikaanse bierbrouery gestalte gekry wat glo dat bier met die siel gemaak word. Dié siel het hierdie jaar omtrent geskitter toe Soul Barrel Brewing Co. se Wild African Soul-bier die BASA African Celebration- toekenning by die 2023 African Beer Cup losgeslaan het. Hul Wild African Soul het ook vir hulle goud in die Alternative Fermentables Beer-kategorie verower, terwyl hul Live Culture Cuvee vir hulle ‘n silwer toekenning in die American Wild Ale-kategorie ingepalm het. Volgens die mede-eienaar, Nick Smith, is hul Wild African Soul-bier trots Suid-Afrikaans, en hou hy daarvan om daaraan te dink as ‘n moderne weergawe van umqombothi, ‘n tradisionele bier van Afrika-herkoms.
“Ons het umqombothi met kulture van ‘farmhouse ale’ gemeng, en vir twee jaar in eikevate herfermenteer.” Hy voeg by dat baie mense verbaas is dat bier in vaatjies gefermenteer kan word en net so kompleks en interessant soos wyn kan wees. As ‘n klein brouery is hul fokus op kwaliteit in plaas van kwantiteit, en is plaaslike ontwikkeling en volhoubare praktyke vir hulle ‘n prioriteit. Plaaslike rou bestanddele word sover as moontlik gebruik, en hy glo dat dit daartoe bydra
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Volgens mede-eienaar Nick Smith, onder links, is hul Wild African Soul-bier trots Suid-Afrikaans.
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VARS | November
om hul bier anders te maak as enige ander bier in die wêreld. "Ons missie is om 'n wêreldklas- biermaatskappy te skep wat 'n positiewe verandering in die samelewing bewerkstellig en Afrika-bier aan die wêreld tentoonstel.” Soul Barrel Brewing Co. wil aan bierliefhebbers ‘n omvattende ervaring bied deur nuwe idees te ondersoek en hul verbeelding die voortou te laat neem. Dit is vir hulle belangrik om ‘n besigheidsrolmodel te wees en alles beter agter te laat as wat hulle dit gekry het – of dit nou die planeet en natuurlike hulpbronne is, of die mense en gemeenskap wat in hulle belê. Nick en sy span glo daarin om hul mense op die beste en mees professionele manier moontlik op te lei. Hy sê hul grootste bydrae is om die toekomstige leiers in die bedryf op te lei en só by te dra tot werkskepping en groter belastinginkomste. En hulle wil nie net werk skep nie, maar ook loopbane bou. “Almal van ons by Soul Barrel Brewing Co. is Paarliete wat ontwikkel en leer van wêreldklas bierbrouery en hoe om professionele bierbrouers wees. Dit stel werknemers in staat om saam met die maatskappy te groei, of hul loopbane elders te gaan voortsit.” Hy sê ook dat die wen van hierdie toekennings die kollig op die meer as 200 klein brouerye in die land plaas, en mense inspireer om plaaslike brouerye en só die plaaslike ekonomie te ondersteun, pleks van net groter multinasionale maatskappye. Drakenstein Munisipaliteit ondersteun en moedig die sukses van plaaslike ondernemings aan deur te beklemtoon dat ekonomiese ontwikkeling van kleiner besighede berus op geleenthede vir finansiële en besigheidsondersteuning en -opleiding. Die Munisipaliteit het reeds verskeie sulke geleenthede geskep, onder andere ‘n toegewyde toonbank vir beleggings, ‘n werksoekers-databasis, intern- en leerlingskappe, en bekostigbare informele handelsruimtes. Kyk hier vir meer.
Die Munisipaliteit moedig ook Drakenstein-inwoners aan om hul
entrepreneurskapsvaardighede ten toon te stel, om sodoende werk te skep in ‘n oorversadigde arbeidsmark. Om die ekonomie só te bevorder, sal bemarking van die omgewing vergemaklik en die aantrekkingskrag vir beleggers en besoekers nog sterker maak. Vir meer inligting oor die Soul Barrel Brewing Co., besoek hul webtuiste by Soul Barrel .
As ‘n klein brouery is hul fokus op kwaliteit in plaas van kwantiteit.
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VARS | November
Meet the Boland’s Own Boerewors King
Wellington-born Tyron Adams was recently crowned the winner of the 2023 Shoprite and Checkers Boerewors Competition, proving to the world that the Boland is the place to be and to braai. This month, Vars gets to know the man behind the title, discovering where his passion for cooking comes from. In Granny’s kitchen grandmother’s kitchen cupboards to find ingredients for his next culinary masterpiece. He was known among his cousins for being the one who loves to eat as much as he loves to cook. Tyron was often scolded by his gran for using up all the ingredients she had bought for supper. Little did she know that the creativity he had shown then would sustain him for years to come. Since he was a little boy, Tyron loved rummaging through his Tyron matriculated at Huguenot High School in his hometown of Wellington. His favourite subject was Consumer Science, and he recalls being the only boy in a class of 30 girls! After school, he continued his studies in the culinary arts at Boland College, gaining the skills and expertise that would later earn him the Boerewors King crown.
Vars gets to know the man behind the 2023 Shoprite and Checkers Boerewors Competition!
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Doing the small things well Although Tyron’s culinary journey had its roots in his childhood, his boerewors journey only began about two years ago when he entered the Shoprite and Checkers Boerewors Competition on a whim. “I didn’t really read the rules and regulations,” he chuckles, stating that he had entered right on the closing date. Needless to say, he didn’t get far in that year’s competition. This year, however, he did his homework properly, entering the competition with purpose. His research showed that boerewors is a regulated product with little room for creative flare when it comes to ingredients. “You can’t just add any ingredient and still call it boerewors,” Tyron explains. Because boerewors is so integral to South African culture, he knew he had to give an original recipe a try. So, he used the knowledge and expertise he gained as a professional chef to bring out the best in the boerewors. For example, Tyron dries his own thyme on top of a roof, consistently monitoring the herbs to get the best flavours out of them. He owes this to a simple principle upon which he founded his business: doing the small things well.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tyron was sadly retrenched and wanted to give up on the hospitality industry. However, the passion for food literally burned inside of him, keeping him grounded and spurring him on to start his own business. His company, Kumin & Khords, is a food solutions business that combines Tyron’s two passions: cooking and music. It offers holistic food services, from private cheffing to catering for large functions – combined with a music offering that provides an end-to-end experience. Local stays lekker! When asked why five of this year’s Shoprite and Checkers Boerewors Competition finalists come from the Drakenstein area, Tyron is confident: “We have everything we need right here! From the freshest local fruit and veg to the highest quality meats, Drakenstein is a chef’s dream.” Our very own Boerewors King is a passionate man who believes in doing the small things well. This captures the essence of the Drakenstein spirit: dedicated individuals who work together to build a better community.
To follow Tyron on Facebook, check out his Facebook page, or follow him on Instagram .
Meet our very own Shoprite and Checkers Boerewors Champion, Tyron Adams from Wellington. In this video, he shares where his love for food comes from (he was often scolded by his gran for using up all her ingredients!) and how this passion earned him this grand title. No less than five of the top 10 finalists were from Wellington. Press play for more.
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VARS | November
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