Welcome to the January/February issue of The Greyton Post.
THE GREYTON POST ISSUE 17 FREE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
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THE GREYTON POST
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
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Dear Readers As we step into 2026, I want to wish all our readers a happy and healthy New Year. May it bring new opportunities, moments of joy, and time to enjoy our wonderful Greyton community. A new year is always a chance for fresh intentions and resolutions – whether it’s supporting local businesses, spending more time outdoors, or simply slowing down to appreciate the little things that make our valley so special. Let’s also hope for a safer year, with fewer fires and happier animals and humans alike. The Greyton Post is proud to continue sharing stories, updates, and insights about the people and events that make our village extraordinary. To help us keep the paper free for those who may
not have the means but enjoy a read, we warmly invite readers to consider subscribing. For just R300 a year (or R50 per issue), you can support our work and ensure everyone can enjoy the paper. Simply use this SnapScan to subscribe – every contribution helps keep our valley’s stories alive. Here’s to a year of connection, kindness, and community spirit. May 2026 be full of joy, growth, and moments to treasure. With best wishes, PAULA ANSLEY The Editor
a poem by shani (follow me on Instagram: @poetryxstrangers)
For the rest of my days: We took a walk | little me and | Old You –
the sea glitters and the twinkle blue has remained in mine and your eyes all these years, the wind whirls in my mind, but Oh, the heat hits, Older Me | and | memory you – We still walk across the sands,
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across the patch grass, past beach-goer cars and the sea still steadfast – Strangely, I do not meet you in dreams, but in thought of better days – For the rest of my days.
EARS 082 660 6714 Marriage Officer
Paula@greytonpost.co.za
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Please note: The opinions and views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not reflect the opinions or views of The Greyton Post. Front page photo: Paula Ansley
SLEEP SMILE SOULFUL STRENGTH STRONG
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THE GREYTON POST
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
WHAT TO DO IF: Bitten by a Snake?
If someone is bitten by a snake, the most important rule is don’t panic, don’t panic – and get medical help fast.The African Snakebite Institute (ASI), the leading authority on snakebite in southern Africa, is very clear: calm, quick, correct action saves lives. READ MORE ON PAGES 14 - 15
WHAT NOT TO DO (ASI is very firm on these)
In short: keep still, keep calm, don’t meddle with the bite, and get to professional care quickly – locally, via Oude Pastorie Clinic for urgent assessment and referral. • Do not cut the wound or try to suck out venom – it doesn’t work and causes more harm. • Do not use a tourniquet – it can cause serious tissue damage and doesn’t stop venom spread. • Do not apply ice, heat, petrol, herbal remedies, or ‘snake stones.’ • Do not give alcohol. • Do not inject antivenom yourself – antivenom is for doctors in a hospital setting only. In short: keep still, keep calm, don’t meddle with the bite, and get to professional care quickly – locally, via Oude Pastorie clinic for urgent assessment and referral.
WHAT TO DO – STEP BY STEP 1. Get them to medical care urgently Treat every snakebite as serious until a doctor says otherwise. Call for transport and head straight to the nearest medical facility with a trauma or emergency unit. In Greyton, you can go to Oude Pastorie Clinic on Main Road so that the team can stabilise the patient and arrange referral to an appropriate hospital if needed. 2. Keep the person calm and still Panic and movement spread venom more quickly through the lymphatic system. Help the victim to lie down or sit comfort- ably. Reassure them, keep them warm, and discourage walking. If possible,
gently immobilise the bitten limb and keep it just slightly elevated. 3. Remove tight items early If the bite is on an arm or leg, remove rings, bangles, watches, tight socks or shoes before swelling starts. This can prevent serious problems later. 4. Clean – but don’t tamper If practical, rinse the bite lightly with clean, cool water and cover with a sterile dressing or clean cloth. Do not scrub, cut, or squeeze the area. 5. Identify the snake safely (only if you can) Do not try to catch or kill the snake – this is when many people get bitten again. If it’s safe, take a photo from a distance to help with identification, then leave the snake alone.
PASTORIE CLINIC SERVICES
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THE GREYTON POST
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
Greyton Book Review
This is a speculative work but also a profound study of what it means to be human.
UNDER THE EYE OF THE BIG BIRD by Hiromi Kawakami (Longlisted for the International Booker 2025) F ourteen interconnected stories are set far into the future, when humans are verging on extinction. Each new chapter spans vast geographical epochs.
instruction, in an attempt to save the human race. A Watcher may even encounter different clones of themselves in their lifetime. Each story portrays a distinct community while contributing to an overarching narrative. There's a peaceful, almost dreamlike quality to Kawakami's world, which is difficult to fully imagine, yet beneath the fantasy lies the famil- iar fallibility of being human - the repetition of our own traits. "Did the humans keep loving and hating one another, even up to the end?" "That's right.
They were constant; almost admirably so, all the way until the end." "Even as they went extinct, they were still loving and hating?" "Yes, just like they used to before they ever started their decline - each one loving and hating right up to their last breath." Under the Eye of the Big Bird - a quiet meditation on the inevitability of extinction and the beauty of endurance.
Humans have evolved; biological engineering and cloning have produced small, varied settlements of people. Some are made from animal cells, some are cloned, and others possess abilities previously unknown to our species - such as photosynthesis, extra eyes, or gills. These communities are mostly cared for and overseen by AI Mothers, and occasionally by a Great Mother. Watchers are genetically engineered clones who monitor reproduction and guide the evolution of communities under the Mothers'
BLUEBELLE COTTAGE Relax with the whole family at this peaceful place to stay and enjoy the endless view over the garden and paddock to the mountains. Bookings can be made through the Greyton Tourism office, Airbnb or Booking.com.
• Project Management • Project Management - Alterations & Minor Building Work • All Home Maintenance • Painting • Dams & Pools • Fencing HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES Richard 082 422 4568 | hessrichard66@gmail.com - Alterations & New Builds Home Improvement Services
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Country Stays | Intimate Celebrations | Retreat Space Country Stays | Intimate Celebrations | Retreat Space
Info & Bookings: Jo 083 327 6502 | josedgwick@twk.co.za @overstorygreyton Info & Bookings: Jo 083 327 6502 | josedgwick@twk.co.za @overstorygreyton
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THE GREYTON POST
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
!"##$$
GREEFF
Property Sales | Rentals | Valuations W here it counts WELL DONE GREYTON RESIDENTS . . . for sustaining our charming and delightful village, and making it a wonderful destination for both weekend visitors and long-term buyers.
A nother prosperous year for Greyton. We at GREEFF Greyton , wish all our residents permanent and part- time, all the best for the New Year and hope that you had a peaceful and relaxing holiday season. 2025 was a busy year for our Greyton property sales and due to our hard work and commitment to our Sellers & Buyers, we are happy to confirm we concluded 33 sales up to end Nov 2025, and at the time of going to print Dec month started with a sale for the full asking price, sold within 48 hours of commencement of the mandate At GREEFF Greyton we have a constant stream of enquiries from potential buy- ers and at this point we have very little available to offer them. With so little on the market and more buyers than Sellers, Greyton has become a Seller’s market! With that said, we are urgently requiring new Listings. If you have thoughts of selling, we ask that you please entrust us with a Mandate to market and sell your property.
WHY WOULD YOU ENTRUST US TO MARKET YOUR PROPERTY? • FULL PRESENTATION • ACCURATE VALUATION Highly qualified. 30 years of living and working in the village has afforded us a wealth of experience. • IMPECCABLE REPUTATION Combining honesty and integrity with professional and ethical service.
• HIGHLY SKILLED IN NEGOTIATING and matching the buyer to the property. • ADVICE & SUPPORT We strive to provide a high level of handholding from start to finish, every step of the sales process. • STAYING IN TOUCH We provide consistent feedback. • REFERRALS & NETWORKING We have a pool of existing clients. • WIDESPREAD MARKETING Both foreign and domestic. • HIGHLY VISIBLE OFFICE We are open seven days a week and have 24/7 availability.
OUR SALES FROM AUGUST - NOVEMBER 2025
OUR GRATEFUL THANKS TO ALL OUR SELLERS for your loyalty - and for and making our success possible. Bev: 082 390 6072 beverley@greeff.co.za | Monique: 082 424 5035 monique@greeff.co.za www.greeff.co.za
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THE GREYTON POST
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
ENCORE! BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Classics for All Greyton Genadendal
A fter 21 wildly successful years, Coenie Visser and the volunteers that had staged this festival that has become a cornerstone of South Africa's classic music scene, felt it was time to move on. When it appeared that no experienced, credible producer/s were prepared to take over the monumental task of auditioning, compiling, and staging such a complex festival with 10 events over three days – with the unending tasks of curating applications, contracting, transporting, housing, and feeding the artists, not to mention organising sound equipment, stages, programmes, as well as selling enough tickets to cover the costs – the founding organisers reluc- tantly said: "It's been a blast! Thanks Greyton and Genadendal classic music lovers and sponsors for your support over these many happy years, but it's time to exit stage left!" The outcry and immediate sense of loss in the community was such that people
petitioned Coenie and Leoné Rouillard: "Come on! Just one more!" So, their response was: Well, what are you guys prepared to do to make it happen? Winning team put together Leoné has structured 15 defined portfoli - os, with a specific mission and charge of responsibility, and the long list of actions and tasks that need to be done to make the Festival a success. After headhunting a team with total commitment to take on each portfolio, Leoné announced: "For the sustainability of the Classics for All Festival, I am happy to report that our team for 2026 is complete. Thanks to all of you who have taken up a portfolio, ensuring that our wonderful festival will continue. See you 8-10 May 2026! "
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Drilling and developing boreholes in Greyton since 2019. AQUACORE BOREHOLES
Contact Tammy Rutherford on +27 (0)83 226 9880 or tammy@aquacore.co.za for an obligation-free cost estimate.
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THE GREYTON POST
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 2025/05/28 13:01
Aquacore Greyton post.indd 1
THE GREYTON CLIFFHANGER Part 3 . . . S teady, downstream goes her heart, the past only mattered when she was reminded of the bits that hurt most intensely – in the meantime she
clouds or into the surreal icy stream she soaked her bottom half in… a large hand slightly curled over shoulder and she rather daydreamingly looked over at the warm face with dark eyes that urged her to follow him back to the house… “Another cup of tea?” His voice pleas- antly calm after the day in the sweeping sun. “Yes, with a teaspoon of the honey we bought,” she replied in a tone of utter acceptance – she was here to enjoy each daybreak as much as each noon – for when the sun went to sleep, her head was filled with recurring dreams. Dreams that held the depths of her day, secret feelings that loomed about. Those pangs of the old ways that she let go of in the mornings. The house, the walls, the space all bothered her in the evenings as if each coat of paint or corner with dust some- how hid her memories and only at dusk could these echoes of her past escape. Steady she breathes and slowly she awakes, the bright light already licking the windows. Realising evermore how
found it easy to forget, too easy – as long as she was sat in the cool summer air by a stream that travelled over the pebbles that carried her thoughts far away. This was a visit she couldn’t have avoided either way, even if he had made sure bits of her heart were long-withered – bits and pieces that never really fit quite back together, but had grown back all over the place like a half-left art project, making sure she felt more deeply than most. The coolness, by her feet, was almost too soothing for her. Summer’s light dancing around her held all too much truth - a spell in the air - one that made her for- give all too easily. A pure default, if there ever was one. Afterall, she came this way to make peace with the weeds in her past. She pretend- ed her old memories could float off to just about anywhere – into the phantom
sensitively her heart spoke and how her free-will always led her to the hills and to the trees - where she could lie un- derneath waves of shade and shadows - that understood her in their silent un- wavering and undemanding presence. A heartfelt thank you to Shani as this concludes the final Cliffhanger.
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THE GREYTON POST
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
AN OVERBERG ORIGINAL Cyril’s Dairy Farm Legacy
W hen you meet Cyril Walker, you quickly sense the quiet determination that built one of the Overberg’s most respected farming legacies. Now 86 and retired in Greyton, Cyril looks back on a lifetime of hard work, humble beginnings, and a deep love for the land - values that continue to shape his family’s thriving farms today. Cyril’s roots in the Cape stretch back to the 1860s, when his grandfather arrived from England as a young barrister and settled in Montagu. His father grew up in Darling, and Cyril spent his own early years in Som- erset West. “We were farmers, but when I was twelve my parents lost the farm,” he recalls. “I only went up to Grade 10 - after that, it was time to work.” His first job was at the Post Office switch - board in Somerset West. While waiting to turn sixteen so he could officially apply, Cyril worked on nearby farms, packing grapes at Vergelegen and Beswini. “I always loved the rhythm of farm life,” he says. “Even then, I knew I’d find my way back to it.” When the telephone exchanges became automated, Cyril was transferred to Caledon in 1957 - and it was there his true farming story began. To support his young family, he started growing veg- etables and onions in his spare time. A local farmer, Steven le Roux, offered him
Ou Plaas with a loan from the Land Bank - despite having no capital of his own. “It was a run-down place, spooky even,” he chuckles. “No running water, no proper house - just one big building with the garage, a bedroom and the dairy under the same roof. My wife never complained once.” To keep the farm afloat, Cyril started a small dairy. Friends donated ten cows, and local farmer Daan de Toit lent him five more for calving. From those humble beginnings grew a herd of 3,000 cattle, alongside successful crops of onions, apples and pears. “You just listen to advice,” Cyril says, “then use your own discretion.” Through floods, droughts and lean years, Cyril’s perseverance paid off. “The 1981 flood washed away half our land, but it gave us our best onion crop ever,” he smiles. In 2000, his family expanded, pur- chasing Nuwe Plaas and growing to over 1,600 hectares. Today, ten pairs of fathers and sons work on the farms - a testament to his lifelong commitment to fairness, trust and loyalty. Cyril’s son, John, now manages the farm and has worked there since 1990, alongside his son-in-law, Guy Emslie, who recently retired to Greyton. “I always believed in paying good wages and treating everyone with respect,” he says. “We never once needed the police at Ou Plaas - that’s how much trust there was.”
land and water to expand, and with help from friends and the local co-op, Cyril’s business began to flourish. His big break came when he purchased
Now enjoying a quieter life in Greyton, Cyril reflects with quiet pride. “The greatest reward,” he says, “was providing for my family and building something lasting.” “Farming’s never easy — but if you’re dedicated and prepared to work hard, it gives back more than you can ever imagine.”
info@caledonvet.co.za | www.caledonvet.co.za
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THE GREYTON POST
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
I f you’ve ever watched a fire rage across the mountains surrounding our valley, chances are you’ve spotted him first - a flash of yellow on the front of the Unimog fire truck, hose in hand, braced against the heat. That man is Andrew Andimosi, the valley’s “Unsung Hero” for the start of 2026. Andrew’s journey into firefighting began long before there were radios, PPE, or a Unimog for the team. From 2015 to 2022, he worked at the Oaks farm before meet- ing Gavin Jones, for whom he now works. His first call out was in 2022 when Maan - skyn had a fire at the back of the restau - rant - the fire that changed everything. “There was no fire truck, no PPE… just a hosepipe,” he recalls. “We had to jump in.” The fire was safely extinguished but the need for coordination, equipment, and a committed team became clear. It marked not only his first fire but the be - ginning of the Greyton Volunteer Firefight - ers and the journey towards what we have now to keep us from fire with the recondi - tioned Unimog, equipment and a com- mitted team. There are two main frontline teams consisting of Andrew and Gavin (Team A), Les and Simon (Team B), backed up by the invaluable auxiliary team. Today, Andrew and Gavin make an excep- tional partnership. While Gavin navigates
the firetruck, Andrew sits on the front platform - the most exposed position imaginable. “The heat is what I feel first,” he says. “If I see flames, I can hit them immediately with the hose and keep us safe. But if it gets too hot, Gavin knows he must stop, make a plan or reverse.” Their communication is constant, steady, and intuitive. “We’re a team. He’s my eyes, and I’m his. We trust each other.” That trust is essential especially when flames can change direction quickly, rise 15 metres high and move extremely fast. Andrew’s physical strength is matched only by his resilience. He trains at the gym five days a week, plays soccer for the Greyton Roses, and runs the mountain trails - fitness that becomes a lifeline when climbing ridges with heavy hoses in brutal heat. “Running up hills with a hosepipe… it’s not easy,” he says with a smile. Yet for all the danger, Andrew’s mind Brave, humble, and fiercely dedicated, Andrew continues to protect the mountains and the community he loves. And this year, we proudly celebrate him for what he truly is: an unsung hero of our valley!
remains focused before every call-out. His ritual is simple: his wife, Lucy, hands him a bottle of water, tells him to keep safe for his family and he climbs into the truck. “Once I’m inside, I’m ready for the fire. Safety first. Always.” Among the many fires he has fought, a few remain etched into his memory. The Boschmanskloof and Park Street fires stand out - 11 hours of firefighting. There was a moment when the truck was surrounded, and he and Gavin had to leap into the cab to escape the flames and drive at speed out. “It was scary,” he admits. “One small mistake… you don’t know what will happen.” Andrew’s involvement with the firefighting team has made a significant impact on his life in Greyton. “The feeling of com- munity means a lot… We're one family. People help - from beating back flames to delivery of refreshments which are much welcomed. The newly established auxiliary team has made a big difference. We’re never alone out there.” As 2026 begins, Andrew’s message to the valley is simple and heartfelt: “Help keep our community safe from fire. Help each other if you see a fire and report it swiftly. Stay aware, follow the Whatsapp group ‘Valley of 6 Fire Watch’, and call on us when you need help.”
This Unsung Hero Article is graciously sponsored by
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THE GREYTON POST
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
For most of human history, irrigation was a blunt instrument: divert a river, open a gate, and let gravity spread water across the land. It worked, but it was inherently wasteful. FROM FLOODWATERS TO ‘SMART’ DRIPS How Irrigation Evolved (and why efficiency now matters more than ever)
F looding a field (or a garden bed) drought-prone regions, that inefficiency becomes more than a nuisance; it be- comes a threat to livelihoods, landscapes, and water security. The big turning point arrived when irrigation moved from open systems to pressurised ones. Pipes, pumps, and sprinklers made it possible to deliver water to a specific place, at a specific rate, at a specific time. doesn’t just wet roots – it wets every- thing: pathways, weeds, and air. In The classic impact sprinkler – the one that “ticks” as it throws water – was a landmark because it offered an affordable, robust way to cover an area more evenly than hoses or channels. From there, pop-up sprays and geardriven rotors refined the idea: more uniform arcs, better seals, and easier adjustment. The aim shifted from simply “getting wa- ter onto the ground” to applying the right amount across the whole area. That’s where modern efficiency think - ing really takes hold. A well-designed residential system is now built around precipitation rate: how quickly each zone applies water.
Matched precipitation rate (MPR) nozzles and properly selected rotor nozzles mean the lawn isn’t drenched in one corner while another stays dry. The practical result is less run-off, fewer puddles, and
fewer “extra minutes” added to compen- sate for poor distribution. In dry climates, uniformity is water-saving: when coverage is even, you don’t need to overwater to rescue the weak spots.
Then came drip irrigation – arguably the most important efficiency leap for gardens, orchards, and beds.
Drip works by applying water slowly and directly to the root zone, cutting wind drift, evaporation, and overspray to almost nothing. On sloped gardens or sandy soils, it can be the difference between water soaking in versus water disappearing down a path or into the street. Modern dripperline is also designed to be consistent over a range of pressures, which helps keep plant growth even and reduces the temptation to “turn it up” and waste water.
Add today’s controllers (often linked to weather data or soil moisture) and irrigation has become less about routine and more about response. In drought-prone regions, that’s the real evolution: irrigation is no longer just a tool for growth, but a discipline of efficiency - putting every litre where it does the most good, and nowhere else. FOR SMART IRRIGATION LES: 066 216 9667
Tree Service Full Garden Maintenance Lawn Care & Maintenance Clean ups & Rehabilitation of Gardens All other related Garden Services
Monique 082 424 5035 | Monique.hess@outlook.com
GARDEN IRRIGATION
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THE GREYTON POST
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
W ith a few thoughtful steps, you can craft an arrangement that feels both effortless and deeply connected to our valley’s natural charm. Start with What’s Thriving Walk through your garden early in the morning, secateurs in hand, and take note of what’s at its peak. January favour- ites often include roses, agapanthus, gaura, salvia, cosmos, herbs like lavender and rosemary, and structural greens such as wild grasses or pelargonium leaves. You’re not looking for perfection - slight bends, wild stems, and sun-kissed petals add character. Choose a mix of showy blooms, airy fillers, and strong greenery to anchor the display. Cut with Care Use clean, sharp secateurs and place stems straight into a bucket of water. Cut at an angle to maximise water uptake.
Add Blooms in Layers Place your focal flowers next - roses, agapanthus heads, large dahlias if you have them - spacing them out so each has room to shine. Then add your lighter, breezier elements like cosmos, gaura, or salvia to bring height and softness. Step back every now and then to check the balance. The charm lies in creating an arrangement that feels like it could have grown that way. Finishing Touches Top up the water, keep the display out of direct sun, and refresh any wilting stems. With Greyton’s generous summer gardens, you can update your display throughout the week, swapping in new blooms as others fade. A garden-sourced arrangement isn’t just decorative - it’s a celebration of place, season, and the quiet beauty right outside our doors.
Flowers like hydrangea, salvia, and rosemary benefit from a quick dip of the stem in boiling water to prevent wilting, while roses appreciate having their thorns removed and lower leaves stripped. Choose the Right Vessel For a casual Greyton look, skip the overly styled vases. Use what you have at home: enamel jugs, jam jars, ceramic bowls, or a wide-mouthed glass vase. January flow - ers can be generous and sprawling, so a vessel with a bit of weight will help keep everything steady. Build the Base Begin with greenery. Pelargonium leaves, herbs, and soft grasses make a lush, fragrant foundation. Let some pieces spill naturally over the sides to create shape and movement. If you need support, loosely crisscross stems to form a natural grid inside the vase.
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THE GREYTON POST
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
PONY RIDES AT THE SATURDAY MARKET: A Kind and Responsible Reminder
The pony rides at our Saturday market are a much-loved feature, especially for children, and we would like to ensure they remain safe, humane, and enjoyable for everyone involved — most importantly, the ponies themselves.
EARS Outreach
W e kindly ask that anyone wishing to ride a pony does so only with a handler wearing an official tabard. This tabard indicates that the pony has passed a basic inspection and has been approved for riding on the day. Approved ponies are checked to ensure they are sound and uninjured, free from saddle sores, in sufficient weight and condition, and safe to ride. They are also not stallions, as stallions can behave unpredictably, particularly if they pass a mare in season - a situation that can lead to serious accidents.
Some mares may have foals or be unsuitable for riding for other reasons. These horses are not approved and should not be ridden under any circumstances. Accidents can and do happen when riders mount unsafe or unsuitable horses, and while riding is always at the rider’s own risk, many of these risks can be avoided through simple care and compliance.
We also ask that all interactions remain courteous. Please be respectful to both the handlers, who work hard to care for their animals, and to the horses themselves - intelligent, sentient beings who depend entirely on human choices for their welfare. If you feel you may be too large to ride, we encourage you to step aside gracefully. Sometimes the kindest
Adequate water and shade must always be available to the horses during the market.
If you notice a horse without access to either, or observe any form of mistreatment, please speak directly to the market organisers. Concerns will be addressed with the handlers in a respectful and constructive manner.
Please also be mindful of size and weight. A general guideline is that 60 kg is the upper limit for riding these ponies. While they may appear sturdy, these horses often walk long distances to the market and then home again. Carrying excessive weight places strain on their backs, joints, and overall wellbeing. Kindness means recognising when it is not appropriate to ride.
option is simply to enjoy watching these beautiful animals graze from a distance. By choosing approved ponies only, showing consideration for size and condition, and speaking up when something doesn’t feel right, we can ensure that pony rides remain a safe and compassionate part of our Saturday market.
Please be kind. Please ride responsibly.
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THE GREYTON POST
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
O ur roaming ponies are part of the charm of the village and a much- loved sight for visitors. They may look friendly, calm, and eager for a treat, but hand feeding or offering food to roaming horses is strongly discouraged - not because they are unfriendly, but because it can put both people and horses at risk. While food is sometimes used as a training tool by experienced handlers, this is done in controlled environments with clear boundaries. On the street, however, feeding quickly becomes unsafe. Horses are large, powerful animals, and when they learn to associate people, pockets, or cars with food,
they can become pushy, demanding, or unpredictable. A moment of excitement over a treat can easily result in an accidental nip, knock, or kick - especially dangerous for children. There is also a serious safety risk to the horses themselves. Roaming ponies that expect food may approach vehicles, block roads, or crowd pedestrians, increasing the chance of traffic accidents or injury. Feeding disrupts their natural grazing patterns and can lead to aggression between herd members, particularly when food is scarce or unevenly distributed. Diet is another concern. Many foods offered by well-meaning visitors - bread, fruit, sweets, or high-sugar treats - are
unsuitable for horses. These can cause colic, laminitis, digestive upset, and long-term metabolic problems. Some ponies may already be managing health conditions that are not visible to the eye. The kindest thing you can do is admire them from a distance, allow them to graze peacefully, and never offer food by hand or leave food on the ground. Your restraint helps keep our ponies calm, safe, and healthy - and ensures that everyone can continue to enjoy seeing them roam freely for years to come. If you see a pony that appears unwell, injured, or distressed, please notify EARS:
Penny: 082 660 6714 or Michelle: 082 509 6870
Please look, enjoy, and photograph — but don’t feed.
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THE GREYTON POST
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
Living with Snakes in an Antivenom Crisis
L iving in the countryside, we share our valley with a surprising number of snakes. They are often in our gardens, along irrigation canals, or crossing the path ahead of us on an early morning walk. Most of the time we give each other space and everyone goes on their way. But when a bite happens – to a dog, a horse, a farm worker or a hiker – we rely on one remarkable medical tool: snakebite antivenom. And right now, South Africa is facing a serious antivenom shortage. Our history with antivenom goes back more than a century. The first batches were produced in 1901 in Pietermaritzburg,
and for decades afterwards stocks were topped up by importing antivenom from the Pasteur Institute in France. In those early years you could even buy a 10 ml vial of cobra or mamba antivenom directly from Mr F.W. Fitzsimons, then Director of the Port Elizabeth Museum – life-saving medicine ordered almost like a postal catalogue item. Everything changed in 1928, when the South African Institute of Medical Research (SAIMR) in Johannesburg began producing antivenom on a larger scale. At first it neutralised only a couple of species, but more local snakes were added as scientists refined the
product. By the early 1970s SAIMR was manufacturing a polyvalent antivenom – “polyvalent” simply meaning that it can counter the venom of several different snakes with one product. The recipe reads like a roll-call of troublemakers: Cape Cobra, Green and Black Mambas, Jameson’s Mamba, several cobra species, Rinkhals, Puff Adder and Gaboon Adder. A separate monovalent antivenom, aimed only at Boomslang bites, was introduced in 1940 and is still relied on today. So how is antivenom actually made? The key workers are not only scientists in white coats but horses. Small amounts
HIGHLY VENOMOUS
HIGHLY VENOMOUS
HIGHLY VENOMOUS
VENOMOUS
CAPE COBRA Naja nivea
BOOMSLANG Dispholidus typus
PUFF ADDER Bitus arietans
BERG ADDER Bitis atropos
HERALD SNAKE Crotaphopeltis hotam
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If someone is bitten, treat it as a medical emergency and get them to De Oude Pastorie Clinic as quickly and calmly as possible (see page 3).
of snake venom are injected into the horses over many months. The doses are slowly increased as the horses’ immune systems learn to recognise and neutralise the toxins. After roughly nine months the horses are 'hyperimmune' – packed with antibodies. Blood is then drawn, the plasma is separated from the blood cells, and the antibodies are purified and bottled as antivenom. Today the work once done by SAIMR falls under the National Health
and, by this winter, many hospitals were very low or completely out. What does that mean for us? Quite simply, prevention matters more than ever. Most snakes want nothing to do with us; many bites happen when snakes are provoked, cornered or accidentally stepped on. Sensible shoes in long grass, a torch at night, teaching children to leave snakes alone and keeping dogs on leads near rivers and just being aware - all reduce the risk.
Laboratory Service, through its South African Vaccine Producers (SAVP) unit. For years SAVP supplied snake, scorpion and spider antivenom not only to South African hospitals but to other African countries as well. That makes the current crisis all the more worrying. A combination of ageing facilities, essential upgrades and power problems has meant that no fresh batches of snake antivenom have been produced for many months. Stocks have dwindled
And if you see a snake in your garden or near your home, don’t try to catch or kill it. Keep your distance, keep pets and children away, keep your eyes on the snake, try to remember its colouring and size – and be sure to call one of our trained snake catchers in the village. (See page 2).
MILDLY VENOMOUS
MILDLY VENOMOUS
MILDLY VENOMOUS
MILDLY VENOMOUS
MILDLY VENOMOUS
SPOTTED HARLEQUIN SNAKE Homoroselaps lacteus
SPOTTED SKAAPSTEKER Psammophylax rhombeatus
CROSS-MARKED GRASS SNAKE Psammophis crucifer
KAROO SAND SNAKE Psammophis notostictus
mboeia
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THE GREYTON POST
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A GREYTONITE’S JOURNEY From Texas to Robben Island
. . . and back again . . for many of us in Greyton, adventure comes in the form of mountain trails, weekend cycles, or a cold plunge in the Gobos. But for Sunnye Collins, who arrived in our village by way of Texas, adventure has always been tied to the sea — a place she’s both feared and adored since childhood.
G rowing up along Houston’s Gulf Coast, she spent weekends on Galveston Island where the- water was “warm and brown - sounds delightful, I know,” she jokes. One day, surrounded by shimmering cannonball jellies, she picked one up and felt a spark of wonder. “That was the moment I real- ised the sea is always full of surprises.” It’s a sentiment that would follow her across continents. Decades later, after moving to Greyton with her partner Tom, the pull of the ocean only intensified. In 2023, they bought a small place in Kalk Bay, and Sunnye began swimming regularly in the tidal pools and chilly Atlantic waters. Somewhere between the tidal surges and the wild Cape winds, she set her sights on one of South Africa’s most iconic open-water feats: the 7.5 kilometre Robben Island to Blouberg crossing. Her motivation was part challenge, part curiosity. “Fewer than ten Americans - and no Texans - had ever completed it. I thought, ‘Hey! I could be the first!’” she says with a grin. Training became both a discipline and a sanctuary. From the Gobos River to Simon’s Town, from Swiss lakes to desert dams in the Kalahari, she built strength and resilience. Her swimming group, Divas Who Swim, provided laughter, encouragement,
and the kind of camaraderie that carries you through cold water and long days. “Swimming in the sea isn’t something you do alone,” she says. “These women are my emotional fuel.” When the crossing finally arrived, Sunnye surprised even herself with how calm she felt. Four months of training and 120 kilometres of logged swims had prepared her well. “The hard work was done. All I felt was joy.” After swimming 100 metres to the island’s shoreline to officially begin, she started stroking toward Blouberg - noting immediately, “It’s cold and I’ve only gone 200 metres.” The middle of the swim tested her. Her hands went numb. Her feet turned to ice. She broke the journey into tiny goals: “Just log the next 100 metres.” Then
came the sea’s two extraordinary gifts. First, a compass jellyfish swept across her lips, leaving them swollen. And then - in one of those moments that feels almost mythic - a humpback whale passed beneath her. Her skipper caught it on the drone. “I got vertical, looked over my shoulder, and there she was. I shouted, ‘What is happening?!’ They yelled back, ‘You’re swimming with a whale!’” Hours later, as she approached Blou- berg, two of her Diva friends swam out to escort her in. Numb, slurring, starving - and utterly elated - she stepped onto the sand in disbelief. “I was joyful. And so hungry.” Has the crossing changed her? Absolutely. “I’m a woman, a Texan, a Greytonian. I’m brave and flawed and communal. But now I guess I’m also a long-distance swimmer.” The expe- riencet aught her presence, humility, and a surprising comfort in feeling small in a vast, wild world. Her advice to anyone facing their own metaphorical ocean: “See your goal, then focus only on the next step. Trust yourself. Be scared and do it anyway.” As for what’s next? She laughs. “First, rest - a lesson learned the hard way. After that…maybe another body of water. I feel like my swimming journey has just begun.”
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CONQUERING KILI Julie Graham’s Climb for Conservation When Greyton local and Pure Café’s own Julie Graham isn’t whipping up smoothies and plant-based delights, she’s usually plotting her next big adventure. This time, that plan took her far from the Overberg valley — all the way to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. “
I t started, like all the best ideas do, over a glass of wine,” she laughs. “A few of us were talking about bucket lists and someone said, ‘We should climb Kiliman- jaro one day.’ The next thing we knew, we’d booked our flights.” Julie, along with her colleague and friend Sarah from Ker & Downey® Africa, joined the Climb for Conservation, a mission to raise funds for lion protection and community coexistence through the OKOA Fund and the African Bush Camps Foundation. Their goal? To raise $7,000 to build seven lion bomas in Zimbabwe - fortified livestock enclosures that prevent conflict between farmers and lions. “This wasn’t just about a mountain,” says Julie. “It was about purpose. Every step had meaning.” The team of six - Julie, Sarah, Simone, Shannon, Charles, and Iggy - met in Tan- zania ready to take on Africa’s tallest peak via the challenging Machame Route. “You think you’re prepared, but nothing really prepares you for Kili,” Julie smiles. “There’s gear, checklists, endless repack- ing - but mentally, that’s the real climb. You’ve got to picture yourself on that mountain before you even get there.”
From the first day trekking through Kilimanjaro’s lush rainforest to battling altitude on the steep slopes of Lava Tow- er, the climb was equal parts punishing and exhilarating. “There were moments I thought, ‘Why on earth am I doing this?’ - and then you’d look up and see this in- credible view, or hear the guides singing, and suddenly it all made sense again.” Julie speaks with awe about the Tanza- nian porters and guides who supported their journey. “They’re the true heroes of Kilimanjaro. They carry everything - tents, food, gear - and still find the breath to sing and laugh. Their spirit keeps you moving when your legs don’t want to.” Summit night was a blur of darkness, cold, and determination. “We left camp at 11 p.m. in - 14°C, head torches bob- bing in a line of light. For seven hours we climbed in silence. When the sun rose at Stella Point. It was brutal - but the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” Reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters - the Roof of Africa - was pure magic. “The air was thin, the view endless, and we just stood there laughing and feeling emotion- al. We’d done it. And knowing it was for conservation made it even more powerful.”
Back home in Greyton, Julie reflects on what the climb taught her:
“Kilimanjaro strips you down. It tests your patience, your ego, your resilience. But it also fills you with gratitude. You learn that the only way up — and through life — is pole pole, slowly, step by step.”
Pure is a Greyton favourite, serving up locally roasted coffee, delicious breakfasts & lunches, plus shelves packed with tasty goods. All made with quality ingredients & love. Come & enjoy the vibe! 082 393 5408 | 41 Main Road | @purecafedeli
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TWO RESCUE FAMILIES ARE NOW ONE GAWS & EARS join forces
Greyton Animal Welfare Society (GAWS) and the Equine and Rescue Sanctuary (EARS) are proud to announce that we have officially joined forces to form one united organisation dedicated to the wellbeing of every animal in our community!
B y merging our skills, volunteers responsive organisation. Consolidation means less duplication, more coordina- tion and a far greater ability to respond quickly when animals need help. Together we can pool resources, stream- line operations and deliver better care to more animals than ever before. From horses to dogs, cats and all the animals who share our valley, we are here for them. The new combined organisation will stand as the first responders and the voice of and experience, we have created a stronger, more efficient and more
the animals of our valley. This new chapter marks a powerful step forward in protect- ing, treating and supporting the animals who depend on us. The Donkey Sanctuary will continue as a separate entity. Thank you for standing with us as we grow, strengthen and continue our mis- sion. Together, we can do more for the animals who rely on our care. One com- munity, one voice, one home for ALL our animals. Please watch our GAWS social media platforms for more information. With heartfelt thanks The GAWS Team 071 105 0366
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 The new combined organisat valley. This new chapter mark animals who depend on us. T Thank you for standing with u do more for the animals who animals. Please watch our GA TWO RESCUE FAMILIES AR Greyton Animal Welfare S proud to announce that w dedicated to the wellbeing By merging our skills, volunte more responsive organisation greater ability to respond qui Together we can pool resour ever before. From horses to d them. The new combined organisation will stand a valley. This new chapter marks a powerful st animals who depend on us. The Donkey San Thank you for standing with us as we grow, do more for the animals who rely on our car animals. Please watch our GAWS social med TWO RESCUE FAMILIES ARE NOW ONE Greyton Animal Welfare Society (GAWS proud to announce that we have officia dedicated to the wellbeing of every anim By merging our skills, volunteers and experie more responsive organisation. Consolidation greater ability to respond quickly when anim Together we can pool resources, streamline ever before. From horses to dogs, cats and a them. With heartfelt thanks The GAWS Team 071 105 0366
GAWS kennels opening - what a triumph
W ith great excitement, our much awaited opening occurred which was celebrated with our Kennels’ volunteers, staff, sponsors and patrons. We were honoured to have our Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and his wife Tracy joining in with the festivities by planting a commemorative wild olive tree, which would become a lasting lega- cy for this exciting project.
Our new, and much awaited cattery will be renovated early next year and we will be running a special Open Day for every- one to come and see the kennels early in the New Year. Thank you to everyone who contributed towards making our Kennels Opening such a wonderful occasion, and special thanks again to our Premier and his spouse, for making it such a special event for Greyton.
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THE GREYTON POST
With heartfelt thanks
Christoff Coetzer 082 361 5490 Marinda van Jaarsveld 072 836 6615 Every Move Starts with a Real Connection
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TAKE NOTE
If you would like to have an event covered or share an announcement with the community, please get in touch with Paula at The Greyton Post.We’re always happy to hear about local happenings, initiatives, and stories worth sharing. Reach out to discuss coverage, timelines, and how we can help spread the word. The next deadline: Wednesday 4pm 18th February 2026. Paula@greytonpost.co.za
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CRAFTING SUCCESS Step Up in Style
M any Greyton residents will recognise Anita and Daniel Cupido, the friendly faces behind Cupido Leather Works, whose finely crafted shoes and accessories have become a favourite at the weekly market. What few may know is that Anita recently graduated from the Craft and Design Institute’s yearlong SCALE entrepreneurial programme, an achievement that marks another milestone in the couple’s inspiring business journey.
Founded in 2022 in nearby Genadendal, the family business has deep roots in local crafts- manship - both Anita and Daniel’s mothers were seamstresses. “It’s part of our heritage, and we’re carrying it forward,” says Anita with pride. Each shoe is handmade to order, with sketches and sizes finalised before production. Their bespoke service even accommodates custom- ers needing different sizes for each foot - a
The knowledge and mentorship from the CDI programme helped them expand their range from adult sandals to include kids’ shoes, school shoes, and veldskoene, while also training others to start their own small businesses. From humble beginnings to handmade excellence, the Cupidos continue to show how creativity, heritage, and hard work can turn local talent into lasting success. FIND OUT MORE: https://cupidoleatherwork.mystrikingly.com
thoughtful touch that sets their work apart. Word of mouth has carried their name far beyond Greyton, with both local and inter- national customers returning for repeat orders. Today, Cupido Leather Works employs two permanent and three part-time staff, producing up to 30 pairs of shoes a month at peak times. “You feel so proud of what you’ve done,” Anita reflects.
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