Cape Town - Interesting Articles

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Road closures for 2020 Tweede Nuwe Jaar
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/road-closures-for-2020-tweede-nuwe-jaar
27 Dec. 2019

"The Cape Town Street Parade or Tweede Nuwe Jaar, will see thousands of minstrels marching through the Mother City’s streets on January 4, 2020. [Note date change! Not the 2nd Jan. as it usually is].

Minstrel troupes from areas across Cape Town will perform in the streets of the city centre as part of the free parade. They will march from Hanover street in District Six to City Hall and then the Grand Parade and back onto Darling Street. Following this, they will continue on up Darling Street into Adderley Street, and then up Wale Street to Rose Street in the Bo-Kaap.

From 12pm, entertainment will be provided on the Grande Parade stage as eager fans await the klopse. The opening ceremony begins at 1pm, and will continue on until 10pm.

There will be a number of road closures throughout the day from 6am to midnight, and locals are urged to make travel provisions ahead of time. These are the expected road closures for January 4:"

 

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Nederburg’s Harvest at Dusk Festival
https://www.capetownetc.com/events/nederburgs-harvest-at-dusk-festival

February 8, 2020 @ 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm
R200 - R650

"Experience the annual wine grape harvest first-hand during the Nederburg’s Harvest at Dusk Festival at the farm in Paarl on Saturday, 8 February 2020. What’s more, for the very first time, KFM presenter Carl Wastie will be there as MC!

Learn from their winemakers how the harvest is progressing, and taste newly harvested grapes and fresh grape must before it becomes wine. Then get yourself dirty by participating in the fun of picking and stomping fully ripened grapes.
fter freshening up, be treated to a bountiful harvest feast by Johnny Hamman and Marius Uys of Slippery Spoon Kitchen, with upbeat music entertainment provided by popular South African music group, Kaleidoskoop.

A wide selection of Nederburg wines, soft drinks, mineral waters, coffees and teas will be available to purchase.

Guests are advised to wear hats, sunscreen, comfortable clothing and shoes.

R650 per person; R200 per child aged 12 to 18; free for those aged 11 and under.

Bookings: www.webtickets.co.za.

Nederburg contact details:

Sonstraal Road, Dal Josafat, Paarl

Tel: +27 21 862 3104

E-mail: info@nederburg.com

 

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CYCLISTS BEWARE!!

SA cyclist hospitalised after assault by Table Mountain rangers

https://www.capetownetc.com/news/sa-cyclist-hospitalised-after-assault-by-table-mountain-ranger
27 Dec. 2019

"Locals are horrified at the behaviour of Table Mountain National Park rangers after a video emerged showing them manhandling top South African cyclist Nicholas Dlamini, who suffered a broken arm because of the assault.

In a video posted to social media today, Dlamini can be seen in a scuffle with Table Mountain rangers. Dlamini is forcefully shoved against an official bakkie during the altercation."

 

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Camps Bay after weekend of 28 - 29 Dec.

 

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Pic is from Cape Town etc. on FB

"Happy New Year Cape Town. Together let's make this decade epic!"

 

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Tulbagh welcomes unique Geodome
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/tulbagh-welcomes-unique-geodome/
21 Nov. 2019

"... a brand new option in Tulbagh is offering guests the chance to stay in a unique Geodome that embraces nature in every way.

Complete with a riverside hot tub, outdoor shower, fully functional kitchen, shaded deck area for relaxing and trendy decor inside a unique dome structure, the Geodome is nothing short of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Built on a multi-leveled wooden deck that overlooks a peaceful river against the Witzenburg mountain range, this unusual stay offers guests the chance to connect with their roots and take part in a number of activities that brings visitors closer to nature.

Created by the owners of the historic La Bruyere guest farm in Tulbagh, this modern creation is quite the contrast to the existing Dutch-style cottages on the farm.

“The structure is galvanised steel covered by PVC material. The idea was birthed by myself after travelling the world for seven months and realising the most memorable moments were always the unique and unusual. My new found appreciation for our family farm, mixed with the growing demand for experiential stays eventually led to a search down into a glamping rabbit hole and eventually finding something similar on a Patagonian Pintrest board,” says Thor Normann from La Bruyere guest farm."

 

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Cape Town accomplishments of 2019
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/cape-town-accomplishments-of-2019
11 Dec. 2019

MY SUMMARY, followed by details of each category
1. Best ice cream in the world
2. Best pizza in Africa
3. Best fine-dining restaurant in South Africa
4. Best restaurant in the world
5. Best airport in Africa
6. Best City in Africa and the Middle East
7. One of the best party cities in the world
8. One of the world’s sexiest cities
9. Cape dog caretaker wins international award
10. One of the best beer cities in the world
11. Best municipality in South Africa
12. Best quality of life in South Africa

DETAILS OF EACH CATEGORY:

1. Best ice cream in the world
Cape Town’s very own Unframed Ice Cream parlour ranked in at the number one spot out of 50 ice cream cafés worldwide. The unique artisan ice cream store ranked in first place for its ability to make healthy ice cream options from scratch in small, sustainable batches. Locals love Unframed Ice Cream for their one-of-a-kind flavours, including their vegan options which are no less delectable than the rest.

2. Best pizza in Africa
Local favourite Massimo’s was named the best pizzeria in Africa in July by ’50 Top Pizza’, one of the most reliable pizza guides in Italy and the world. After years of dedicated service and love for pizza, this little gem in Hout Bay finally saw its efforts acknowledged. The pizzeria took home top honours as the best place to get pizza in Africa.

3. Best fine-dining restaurant in South Africa
In November, one of South Africa’s most iconic and internationally acclaimed fine dining establishments, La Colombe, was named the country’s top restaurant at the 2019 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards. The stellar dining spot is nothing short of a Capetonain gem and makes locals beam with pride as it continues to achieve top honours year in and out.

4. Best restaurant in the world
A tiny charming restaurant in the fishing village of Paternoster was named the Best Restaurant in the World for 2019 in the internationally-acclaimed World Restaurant Awards in February. Headed and managed by talented Chef Kobus van der Merwe, Wolfgat is committed to using indigenous ingredients, many of which are foraged from the nearby Atlantic Ocean and surroundings, and has created a unique menu. Wolfgat is in a 130-year-old fisherman cottage and though unassuming, it offers a fine-dining experience for foodies that is unparalleled.

5. Best airport in Africa
Cape Town International Airport was named Africa’s Leading Airport at the World Travel Awards Africa and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony held in Durban this October.

6. Best City in Africa and the Middle East
Cape Town proved its place among the best cities in Africa and the Middle East following a Travel + Leisure 2019 survey in July, where readers were asked to choose their favourite cities they most enjoyed visiting.

Some of the most important criteria for survey participants included strong historical and cultural identity, beautiful scenery, a thriving food and shopping scene and lastly, world-class hotels. Cape Town was listed by most readers as having all of the above and the Mother City was voted the number one city in Africa and the Middle East for the 18th time in a row.

7. One of the best party cities in the world
Cape Town has been recognised as one of the world’s most popular tourism destinations for quite some time now, and as we have this accolade it is only natural that there be a dedicated nightlife scene to keep tourists entertained. A report by CNN Travel in September named Cape Town as one of the world’s top party cities, which also took into account how unique a city’s nightlife is.

8. One of the world’s sexiest cities
If you are looking for a city that is known for romance, passion and seductive accents, Cape Town may be one of the cities you’d want to visit. A list compiled by Big 7 Travel in October ranked the world’s sexiest cities, with Cape Town coming in at 5th place. Considered statistics include cities having the most sex, most sexually-related searches online, the best activities for singles, number of romantic restaurants and date spots. The list described Cape Town as a sensual place and we couldn’t agree more.

9. Cape dog caretaker wins international award
Cape Town resident Shaygam Newman won the renowned international Brian Davies Award, hosted annually by Network for Animals (NFA) in November. The award, given to heroes who take care of animals in difficult situations or dangerous environments, honours people who often risk their own safety and selflessly give their own resources, but get no recognition otherwise.

After growing up in an abusive home, Newman’s only friendship and comfort was from street dogs. He decided to do something in return, and so started his informal caretaking station in the impoverished community of Hangberg near Hout Bay.

10. One of the best beer cities in the world
The Cape Town beer scene is well known throughout the world. So much so that CNN Travel has placed the Mother City on the list of best beer cities around the world. Thanks to the craft beer revolution, Cape Town has seen a host of microbreweries all offering their unique take on the versatile alcoholic beverage. There are a multitude of popular spots to get your beer on in Cape Town.

11. Best municipality in South Africa
A barometer in October that focuses on the citizen satisfaction in the country’s major municipalities found that Capetonians are the most satisfied with their municipality. The barometer, conducted by Consulta and SA-csi, focused on the main metros of Cape Town, Buffalo City, Ekurhuleni, eThekwini, Johannesburg, Tshwane, Mangaung and Nelson Mandela Bay.

Although Cape Town’s satisfaction levels have dropped by 3.3 index points since last year’s barometer was conducted, it still remains the top municipality in the country. All other municipalities listed, however, all dropped in points, but Ekurhuleni, eThekwini, Nelson Mandela Bay and Tshwane remain on par with the industry despite this.

12. Best quality of life in South Africa
A city’s quality of life is determined by its safety, purchasing power, quality of healthcare, property price to income ratio, traffic commute time, climate and pollution.

In May, Cape Town outranked cities such as Rome, London and Paris for offering a better quality of life, according to data released by Deutsche Bank. The beautiful coasts, Table Mountain and interesting nightlife are enough to capture the heart of any international visitor.

The Deutsche Bank survey has placed Cape Town in mid-list, as it struggles to compete with the quality of life in certain cities in countries such as Australia and Europe. Zurich is best in the world for its high quality of life, with its beautiful landscapes and strong economy. Wellington in New Zealand came in second, followed by the Danish city of Copenhagen. Edinburgh in Scotland and the Austrian city of Vienna round out the top five in the world.

 

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Eclipses to look out for in 2020
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/eclipses-to-look-out-for-in-2020
29 Dec. 2019

"Get ready, Cape Town: 2020 will bring stunning lunar and solar eclipses you won’t want to miss.

There are four penumbral lunar eclipses and two solar eclipses predicted for 2020. A penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and the Moon are imperfectly aligned, and a solar eclipse takes place when the moon is between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow over the Earth.

• The Wolf Moon Eclipse will be the first full moon of the decade, visible in Africa on January 10 and is expected to be the deepest and most impressive penumbral lunar eclipse of 2020. While generally hard to see, this eclipse will be visible in Cape Town for just over 3 hours, between 8pm-11pm. The maximum view will be at 9.10pm.

• You’ll be able to witness the Strawberry Moon Eclipse on June 5 for three hours between 7.45pm and 11pm with the maximum sight at 9.24pm.

• Take in the Thunder Moon Eclipse on July 5 from 5am to 7.52am, with the maximum at 6.30am.

• The Frosty Moon Eclipse will take place on November 29-30, but unfortunately will not be visible in Africa.

An exciting and rare annular solar eclipse will take place this year. On June 21, a bright ring will encircle the moon. Called the ‘Solstice Ring Of Fire Eclipse’, it will be mostly visible on land instead of over the sea like most solar eclipses and will have a narrow “path of annularity” over Africa. Unfortunately it will not be visible in Cape Town.

However, the second lunar eclipse of the year on December 14 will be visible in Cape Town for about an hour only from 6:52pm to 7.53pm, with a maximum sighting at 7.43pm.

There will also be three supermoons this year: on March 9, April 8, and May 7.

Also read: 9 looney lunar eclipse superstitions

 

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Pre-paid electricity meters offline in Cape Town
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/pre-paid-electricity-meters-offline-in-cape-town
8 Jan. 2020

"Cape Town’s residents have been advised to ensure they have enough pre-paid electricity to tide them over between January 20-21, as the City’s Energy and Climate Change Directorate has warned maintenance work will affect the loading of electricity.

According to a statement, the prepaid electricity vending system will be offline between Monday, January 20 at 10pm and 4am on Tuesday, January 21. “City of Cape Town customers will not be able to purchase electricity during this time,” it said. “Please ensure that you have enough units in your meter to tide you through this period.”

 

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Spekboom labyrinth ready for planting
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/spekboom-labyrinth-ready-for-planting
8 Jan. 2020

"South Africa’s first labyrinth made entirely of the wonder plant spekboom needs your help. The Great Labyrinth of Africa, which plans to be the biggest of its kind on the continent, will be comprised of 13 circuits.

According to the Great Labyrinth’s Director Peter Shrimpton, the spekboom plants which were being grown for the circuits are now ready to be planted and anyone who wants to be involved in planting the labyrinth is encouraged to volunteer. The labyrinth will be planted in Stellenbosch.

“We have relocated 164 000 trees onsite and it is half levelled. Construction begins again on January 15. The site will be levelled by 20 January,” Shrimpton said. ” Layout will begin in February, and we should start planting trees towards end February, once the layout is complete.”

The labyrinth will have the same dimensions as the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt – so will measure 230m by 230m – and offer those who wish to leave their mark the opportunity to purchase naming rights for several metres of hedging as well.

The idea of creating a labyrinth came along when Shrimpton made the connection between spekboom trees and the reduction of carbon dioxide. “If we don’t regress carbon emissions by 2025, we’ll go past the tipping point and all of humanity will face extinction,” he said.

The spekboom is a native succulent tree found in South Africa, and can grow as tall as five metres high. The lifespan of a spekboom can reach up to 200 years, and are known for their hardiness and resilience – these trees have been known to survive drought, frost and fire. They are a popular choice because they are also very easy to grow, and can be propagated from a simple clipping.

It has been proven that a spekboom thicket is ten times more effective than the Amazon rainforest at removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. One hectare of spekboom is able to sequester between four and ten tonnes of carbon per year.

For more information, click here.

 

[mallik]

Thanks for sharing..

 

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Thanks for sharing..

My pleasure @mallik

 

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STOMPIE HOTLINE!
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/smoke-later-save-the-mountains
9 Jan. 2020

"Cape Town is still in the peak of fire season, and a post in the Hiking Cape Town Facebook group has warned smokers to be vigilant when visiting Table Mountain or any other national park or reserve.

“Please refrain from lighting up in nature, anywhere in nature,” wrote Miriam Mannak to the group. “Besides the fact that not everyone likes your smoke, that one badly extinguished stompie/cigarette butt, it may set off a fire.”

She made reference to when large parts of Table Mountain were devastated after a cigarette butt ignited raging fires in 2006. One person died as a result of these blazes.

After the 2006 mountain fires, the City of Cape Town set up a “stompie hotline” for witnesses to report any cases where they see someone tossing a lit cigarette butt out of a car or smoking in nature. The number is 021-424-7715.

“Basically, when you see somebody driving and they flick out a cigarette butt out the window you call the Stompie Hotline. We will then take the information you give us and check who the vehicle belongs to, give the information to the fire and life safety department who will follow up on it,” Jaco Groenewald from the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre said in a CapeTalk interview. “They will send a letter to that person warning them not to do it again and if it is in the outline area where there is a risk of fire, they will actually fine the person.”

Groenewald added that when a stompie incident is reported, the vehicle registration, colour and make of the car is required. The time and location are also required.

Those found guilty via the stompie hotline are fined R1 500, while those who are found smoking outside of designated areas within Cape town are fined R1 000."

 

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Tulbagh to prepare for heatwave
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/weather/tulbagh-to-prepare-for-heatwave
9 Jan. 2020

"...According to Weather.com, temperatures will reach as high as 41°C by Thursday, January 16. Temperatures will remain high even as more cloud cover is predicted between Sunday, January 12 and Monday, January 13..."

[Follow the link if you want to read tips on staying cool]

 

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World’s longest ocean zipline opens in the Cape
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/worlds-longest-ocean-zipline-opens-in-the-cape

"Locals can now visit the world’s longest ocean zipline right here in the Cape as Mossel Bay has just opened their latest 1.1km long attraction that runs above the sea for added awesomeness.

The zipline was approved for construction by the Mossel Bay Municipality in 2017 and will finally be open to the public in January 2020 but the official date has not yet been announced.

According to the Facebook page, visitors will be treated to amazing views of the cliffs and ocean in Mossel Bay while using the zipline at speeds of up to 80km per hour. Along with spectacular views, guests may even spot marine life too.

The new addition is located directly over the ocean and will run from the cliffs just below Point High School to the deck of the Shark Lab aquarium at the Point.

Only children over the age of six will be allowed to ride the zipline and pregnant women or people who weigh more than 120kg will not be able to use the zipline.

Tickets for the amazing experience will set you back R450 per person."

[Who lives in/near Mossel Bay? Let's see the first zipline vape!!]

 

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Spot Whales, Dolphins, Penguins, Seals On Ocean Safari
https://www.capetownmagazine.com/boat-trips
25 Nov. 2019

"An ocean safari? Is that a thing? It is now thanks to Ocean Experiences, the scuba and freediving experts known for their cool ocean adventures, from scuba-diving to snorkeling with seals. With their new Ocean Safari, the team helps ocean lovers get up close and personal with the Marine Big Five in their natural habitat.

That means whales, dolphins, African penguins, Cape fur seals and mola mola. Ocean Experiences is a leading ocean adventure company because they spend every day out on the open water, leading adventures that leave people inspired and informed.

You can join their 1.5 hour Ocean Safari or the shorter Table Bay Safari. This mini Ocean Safari is suitable for kids from 5, shorter (45 minutes), and more affordable for its discounted price of R550 instead of R600.

IT’S ABOUT FUN, CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION
Ocean Experiences’ loves to create an enriching adventure, on so many levels. For instance, you’ll learn about the complex social structures that exist in one of the city’s lesser-known seal colonies, or the strange habits of the Cape Dolphin. The team will also teach you how to spot and identify different species of whales. It’s all part of the holistic Ocean Experiences’ adventure.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON AN OCEAN SAFARI
You meet at Quay 5 at the V&A for a briefing, put on life vests and board the rib boat. From here you get to enjoy incredible Table Mountain and harbour views (and photo opportunities) as you leave the harbour to begin your ocean adventure in search of the Marine Big Five.

STOP AT STRAWBERRY ROCKS
The waters around the Cape are rich with marine life, so the sightings begin as soon as you hit the open waters, if not before – there are often seals in the harbour itself. The boat makes a stop at Strawberry Rocks, a beautiful site close to Oudekraal beach, for hot chocolate and cookies. (Tip: ask your skipper about a special mola mola dance that’s said to attract sunfish).

From here it’s all pure adventure, as their expert guides help you spot, identify and learn more about the many mammals and species that inhabit the cold Cape waters.

BOOK AND GET A DISCOUNT
The Table Bay Safari, which costs R600pp is dicounted to 550 and CapeTownMagazine.com readers get the experience for R450. To book, phone +27 21 418 2870 and mention CapeTownMagazine.com or book online via our exclusive Ocean Experiences deals page.

 

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New online SAPS support for accidents
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/new-online-saps-support-for-accidents
10 Jan. 2020

"... One of the main issues associated with registering accidents is getting a case number that can be used to claim back for insurance companies. Minor accidents can now be reported online via a legally binding system that will automatically generate a Crash Report Number that can be used for insurance claims.


This new service completely resolves the need to visit a police station and cuts down the amount of time it takes to receive a case number.

Those making use of the online service need to adhere to two main rules for making use of the service.

Firstly, a crash must be reported within 24 hours or by the next working day. Secondly, if anyone was injured in the accident, the accident involves a hit-and-run or if the incident involved five vehicles or more then the service cannot be used.

Usually residents have to go through a painstaking process to have to claim back after a minor accident but this new service means locals finally have a convenient alternative.

You can report an accident online here.

 

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Motorists warned of M3 resurfacing
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/motorists-warned-of-m3-resurfacing
10 Jan. 2020

"The resurfacing of the M3 outbound between the N2 highway and Newlands Avenue will continue on Monday, January 13, 2020. Road users are advised to consider making use of alternative routes.

Apart from the resurfacing, isolated defects on the northbound lanes will also be repaired. Although the road will be open to traffic, the City wants to caution that traffic flow will be impeded and that motorists should expect longer travelling times up until January 31, 2020 when the maintenance project should be completed.

Work will be undertaken as follows:

– along the M3 between the N2 highway and Newlands Avenue (M63)

– from Monday, 13 January to Friday, 31 January 2020, if all goes as planned

– during weekdays and on Saturdays, from 8pm until 5am on the lanes; and

– from 9am until 3.30am on the shoulders of the road

Traffic will be affected in both directions, however, flag personnel will regulate traffic by means of temporary lanes or shoulder closures around the works.

“We anticipate that the residents and road users in the Mowbray, Rosebank, Rondebosch and Newlands areas will be affected the most. Best for those travelling along this section of the M3 is to find alternative routes while the work is ongoing. We regret the inconvenience, but the City is obliged to undertake regular maintenance of our road network. The M3 is one of Cape Town’s most important access routes and we must ensure that the road remains in a good condition,” said the City’s Mayco Member for Transport, Felicity Purchase.

Appropriate signage will be in place and road users are requested to adhere to these, as well as to flag personnel’s instructions."

[My comment: We must flag personnel's instructions? No problem. I'll happily wave a flag at anyone who gives me instructions.]

 

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Jo’burg outranks Cape Town for holiday expenses
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/joburg-outranks-cape-town-for-holiday-expenses
9 Jan. 2020

"According to Hoppa, Johannesburg prices have experienced a 20% increase in the past year, pushing the costs of visiting the bustling city passed that of Cape Town in the overall global ranking.

A recent ranking of most expensive holiday destinations in the world for 2020 reflected a clear switch in placement with Cape Town dropping in the ranks and Jo’burg moving up the list.

The “City of Gold” came in at 60th most expensive destination for travellers, meaning visitors would spend roughly R2 500 per day on food, accommodation and transport. Cape Town came in at 81 on the list, costing visitors roughly R2 059 per day.

This is the first time since the list was established in 2016 that Johannesburg has overtaken Cape Town in the rankings.

“Notably, the average price of a single night in a double-occupancy hotel room in Cape Town has decreased over the past year, which has caused the city to rank as less expensive than Johannesburg for 2020. This may be the result of reduced guest nights on account of the city’s water shortages,” said Hoppa in a statement.

Cape Town ranked higher in prices for things like beer and wine while the average price of taxi fares, hotel costs per night and a meal for two is higher in Johannesburg.

The cheapest destination for a holiday was Antalya, Turkey with the most expensive ranked in number one place was Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands."

 

[Hooked]

Forage for figs in the Cape
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/forage-for-figs-in-the-cape
11 Jan. 2020

"Get your fig on this month from January 19 as the annual picking season starts at the renowned Hoogwater Farmlife and Accommodation in the small town of Wolseley...

The farm will host a pop-up deli where visitors can grab either a light lunch or breakfast, with a choice of freshly baked croissants, a selection of cakes and savoury treats, including cheeses and cured meats. Juices and other snacks are also available.

Bring a picnic blanket and spend the day under the trees as you while away the long summer days.

If you plan on spending the night, the cottage at Hoogwater Farm offers guests a rustic experience of the outdoors, with a private plunge pool, indoor fireplace and fully equipped kitchen.

The farm house gives its guests a taste of real country living as it is situated on a working fruit farm, which is also home to a range of citrus orchards.

Fig picking details

A basic entrance fee is applicable, costing R45 per adult and R20 per child.

Fig picking is charged based on the number of punnets you fill, costing R5 for 12 figs which fit in a single punnet. Visitors, however, may eat as much as they like while exploring the orchards and picking their harvests to take home. Punnets are provided to visitors.

Visitors are advised to wear a sunhat and bring sunscreen with for the day of foraging.

Picking season for figs will end on February 3 2019.

There are no credit card facilities available at the farm and it is advise to bring cash with you to pay for the entrance, punnets and deli goods.

 

[Hooked]

The history of the Cape Town sextuplets
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/the-history-of-the-cape-town-sextuplets
13 Jan. 2020

"Did you know that Cape Town was once home to the first-ever surviving sextuplets who were born back in 1974 in Mowbray?

Today, the birth and survival rate of sextuplets is more common but back in the 1970s this was not the case. The Rosenkowitzes were the first couple to ever successfully conceive and birth six healthy babies right here in the Mother City’s Mowbray Maternity Hospital.

On January 11, 1974, the family made news across the globe with their miraculous story, but the couple didn’t plan on having such a big family.

After their first two children, the Rosenkowitzes wanted to add another one to the mix, but they didn’t want a big family as they were already happy with their small one.

Due to a contraceptive error by Susan’s doctors, the couple were unable to have more children for four years – until they decided to experiment with the fertility injection.

Luckily the injection worked and in no time Susan was pregnant, although it was with a few more babies than expected.

Susan and Colin found out that they were expecting two children and later the two turned to three. As the couple was not prepared for that number, they considered terminating the pregnancy.

Their doctor pleaded with the couple, eventually convincing them to stick it out and have the unexpected babies.

Nothing could prepare them for what happened next. A few weeks past the deadline for termination, Susan went for a check up only to discover she was actually carrying six babies.

The pair were stunned and during the time that Susan became pregnant, no sextuplets had ever survived the birthing process.

They were scared and unsure what the future would hold for them and their unborn children.

Luckily, all six were born healthy and without any complications, making history and allowing both Susan and Colin to feel at ease.

Raising eight children was not without its challenges, however, and in 1989 Susan and Colin divorced, with Colin taking sole custody of all eight children.

Today, the sextuplets are in their late 40s and their father is retired. This unusual family has come a long way since their story first began in the sleepy suburbs of the Mother City, but their story will always be remembered."

 

[Hooked]

Le Grand Jardin brings magic around again with carousel
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/le-grand-jardin-brings-magic-around-again-with-carousel
14 Jan. 2020

"In a first for Africa, an original fairground Coulson Carousel has been restored and now lives on the grounds at Le Grand Jardin.

In a celebration of life’s joyful wonderment, Le Grand Jardin has imported an original fairground carousel from England to evoke even more family fun at its inspiring Stellenbosch winelands property, a signature villa of the Wonderland Escapes portfolio. The 1940s Coulson Carousel is believed to be the only one of its kind in Africa.

Named after its original craftsman, FW Coulson, the carousel has been carefully restored by George Hebborn, one of England’s most renowned fairground painters and part of the famous family of Hebborns who run funfairs across England. The carousel, which is more than 70 years old, travelled to amusement parks along the British south coast in its heyday – from Brighton to Eastbourne and Hastings – and still sports many of the original elements handcrafted onto it. The traction and fire engines, buses, train, motorbike, jeep and horses were all part of the 1940s design. A Jaguar E-Type, Triumph TR3 and rocket made their appearance in the early 1960s, during a renovation of the rotating structure, and the Triang is the same car as the one Prince Charles had as a child...

The Coulson Carousel at Le Grand Jardin is fully operational, with lightbulbs that add illuminated charm when night draws in,” says Sue Fontannaz [wife of Le Grand Jardin proprietor Bernard Fontannaz] ...

Website: www.wonderlandescapes.com
Contact: +27 (0) 76 198 0234.

 

[Rob Fisher]

Today, the sextuplets are in their late 40s and their father is retired. This unusual family has come a long way since their story first began in the sleepy suburbs of the Mother City, but their story will always be remembered."

One of the Sextuplets is married to a good friend of mines sister. We see him every other year when the family comes to SA to see her. He lives in Oz!

 

[Hooked]

One of the Sextuplets is married to a good friend of mines sister. We see him every other year when the family comes to SA to see her. He lives in Oz!

@Rob Fisher So they're also a split family now, with him (and others?) living overseas.

 

[Hooked]

The story behind the Republic of Hout Bay
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/the-story-begin-the-republic-of-hout-bay/
15 Jan. 2020

Have you ever wondered about the signs that read ‘Welcome to the Republic of Hout Bay’ as you enter the beautiful seaside town? While you would think the white sandy beaches and markets are enough to lure tourists in, this was not always the case. This is the history behind the Republic of Hout Bay.

The passport was a tourism stunt to create more of a personality for the town and raise funds. The initiative was started by the Lions and Rotary Club for charity drives. You can still purchase some to keep as souvenirs. Legend has it that someone actually used the passport to successfully travel overseas without being caught.

The passport was introduced in the 1980’s but the independence didn’t end there. Apparently the town had it’s very own anthem and flag too.

A brief history on Hout Bay

Between the 1980s and 1990s, this seaside town had its very own passport as evidence of “citizenship”. Capetonians were fascinated by the idea, and this drew visitors to Hout Bay in droves. Therein attractions include a large bird park which is now in danger of being shut down, along with several seafood restaurants and its beautiful wharf.

The town’s name is derived from Houtbaai (Dutch word meaning “Wood Bay”), and was named by Dutch settlers while they explored the bay behind Table Mountain. Its heavily wooded valley became the main source of timber for the building and repairs of ships as well as for buildings such as the Castle of Good Hope.

“Protective mountains and a good fishing area surround Hout Bay. The fishing village of Hout Bay was probably established in about 1867 when a German immigrant, Jacob Trautmann, began to farm and fish in the area. The name Hout Bay dates back to 1653, and relates to the quantity of excellent timber, from the existing Yellow wood trees, which early Dutch settlers found to be growing in its ravines,” says the Hout Bay International School.

“Kronendal was the first farm in Hout Bay established in the 1670s. The homestead is one of the oldest and only surviving example of the Cape Dutch typical H-plan architecture in the entire Cape Peninsula. The back section of the homestead was built in the early 1700s (which explains why the back gable carries the year 1713). The building was enlarged several decades later by Johannes Guilliam Van Helsdingen where 1800 appears on the front gable. The homestead changed ownership many times throughout the centuries and was declared a National Monument in 1961.”