TriSport celebrates December with fun beach runs for the whole family

Two days before Christmas runners from all across the Garden Route gathered in Glentana to take part in TriSport’s Sunset Beach Run.

The Garden Route is known for its exquisite beaches, and looking at the 30km non-stop stretch of beach between Glentana and Mossel Bay, it’s easy to see why.

The event offered two distances – 6km and 16km – with the longer run from Glentana main beach all the way to Great Brak river mouth and back, and the shorter run 3km to the river mouth and back.

Although the weather was quite unseasonable the entrants pushed through and the first runner finished in 01:09:43 – an outstanding time for a beach run. The majority of the 16km runners finished after sunset and one athlete commented what an amazing experience it was running in the dark on the beach with only the soothing sound of the waves next to you.

TriSport also hosted its Wreck Challenge on 27 December 2016 on the same beach. Entrants had the option of choosing between a 1,5km and a 4,5km beach run which made it ideal for the whole family. More than 150 runners gathered for an easy flat run all the way to the famous Glentana wreck and back.  Slightly overcast weather made for ideal running conditions and mom, dad and even the little ones all had a great time; there was even a 4-year-old who did the full 4,5km! The complete race results can be found on the TriSport website.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for these two fun runs, we really enjoyed spending time with you, and we hope to see you again in 2017. Also a big thank you to the vehicle sponsor of TriSport’s December events, Mosselbaai Nissan, we couldn’t have done it without you.

TriSport celebrates December with fun beach runs for the whole family

Cartoon – Dawn of a New Year

Cartoon – Dawn of a New Year

Ford five-year plan puts the focus on electric vehicles including the Mustang

Ford has named seven of the 13 new global electrified vehicles it plans to introduce in the next five years, including hybrid versions of the iconic F-150 pickup and Mustang in America, a plug-in hybrid Transit Custom van in Europe and a fully electric SUV with an expected range of at least 300 miles for customers globally.

Brian Joss – The automaker also announced plans to invest $700 million to expand its Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan into a factory that will build high-tech autonomous and electric vehicles along with the Mustang and Lincoln Continental. The expansion will create 700 direct new jobs.

The moves are part of a $4.5 billion investment in electrified vehicles by 2020, offering customers greater fuel efficiency, capability and power across Ford’s global vehicle lineup. The plans are part of the company’s expansion to be an auto and a mobility company, including leading in electrified and autonomous vehicles and providing new mobility solutions.

The Ford Transit: hybrid taxi being tested in the world’s most demanding traffic conditions. Picture: Quickpic

“As more and more consumers around the world become interested in electrified vehicles, Ford is committed to being a leader in providing consumers with a broad range of electrified vehicles, services and solutions that make people’s lives better,” said Mark Fields, Ford president and chief executive officer. “Our investments and expanding lineup reflect our view that global offerings of electrified vehicles will exceed gasoline-powered vehicles within the next 15 years.”

Ford is focusing its EV plan on its areas of strength – electrifying its most popular, high-volume commercial vehicles, trucks, SUVs and performance vehicles to make them even more capable, productive and fun to drive.

The seven global electrified vehicles include:  an all-new fully electric small SUV, coming by 2020, engineered to deliver an estimated range of at least 482 kilometres, to be built at the Flat Rock plant and sold in North America, Europe and Asia; a high-volume autonomous vehicle designed for commercial ride hailing or ride sharing, starting in North America. The hybrid vehicle will debut in 2021 and will be built at the Flat Rock plant; a hybrid version of the best-selling F-150 pickup available by 2020 and sold in North

America and the Middle East. The F-150 Hybrid, built at Ford’s Dearborn Truck Plant, will offer powerful towing and payload capacity and operate as a mobile generator; a hybrid version of the iconic Mustang that will deliver V8 power and even more low-end torque. The Mustang Hybrid, built at the Flat Rock Plant, debuts in 2020 and will be available in the North America to start; aTransit Custom plug-in hybrid available in 2019 in Europe engineered to help reduce operating costs in even the most congested streets; two new, pursuit-rated hybrid police vehicles. One of the two new hybrid police vehicles will be built in Chicago, and both will be equipped with their police gear at Ford’s dedicated police vehicle modification centre in Chicago.

In addition, Ford announced that its global utility line-up will be the company’s first hybrids powered by EcoBoost® rather than naturally aspirated engines, furthering improving performance and fuel economy.

The company also plans to be as aggressive in developing global electrified vehicles services and solutions. These include EV fleet management, route planning and telematics solutions.

To support the new era of vehicles, Ford is adding 700 direct new U.S. jobs and investing $700 million during the next four years, creating the new Manufacturing Innovation Center at its Flat Rock Assembly Plant. Employees there will build the all-new small utility vehicle with extended battery range as well as the fully autonomous vehicle for ride-hailing or ride-sharing – along with

the iconic Mustang and Lincoln Continental.

Building on two decades of experience, Ford is applying lessons learned to deliver patented technology, software and services to appeal to truck customers, SUV owners, performance enthusiasts, high-volume commercial fleets and everyone in between.

“Ford’s global EV strategy is to build on our strengths,” said Raj Nair, executive vice president, Product Development, and chief technical officer. “While some others seem to be focused on marketing claims and numbers, we’re focused on providing customers even more of what they love about their Ford vehicles. This means more capability for trucks, more productivity for commercial vehicles and more performance for sports cars – plus improved fuel economy.”

This year, Ford begins testing its new generation of EV technology. In Europe, Ford will put the Transit Custom plug-in hybrid on the road later this year, along with a new set of mobility services, telematics and connectivity solutions.

In addition, in New York and several major U.S. cities, Ford is testing a fleet of 20 Transit Connect hybrid taxi and van prototypes in some of the world’s most demanding traffic conditions.

These Transit Connects build on the success of the world’s first hybrid taxi – the Ford Escape Hybrid – which also was the world’s first hybrid SUV and the first North American-built hybrid.

Ford already has a  memorandum of understanding with several other automakers in Europe to create an ultra-fast charging network projected to be significantly faster than the most powerful charging system deployed today. An initial target of about 400 sites in Europe is planned.

Ford also is piloting wireless technology on company EVs in the U.S. and Europe that make recharging as easy as pulling into a parking spot so drivers never forget to recharge. Wireless recharging extends electric-only range for short distance commuters, even during quick stops. FordPass® also can help consumers reserve charging times.

Ford five-year plan puts the focus on electric vehicles including the Mustang

Honda uses artificial intelligence, robotics to “transform the mobility experience”

Honda has unveiled its Cooperative Mobility Ecosystem concept at CES 2017 in Las Vegas, connecting the power of artificial intelligence, robotics and big data to transform the mobility experience of the future and improve customers’ quality of life.

Brian Joss – Featuring a number of prototype and concept technology demonstrations at CES, the Honda concept envisions a future where vehicles will communicate with each other and infrastructure to mitigate traffic congestion and eliminate traffic fatalities, while increasing the productivity of road users and delivering new types of in-vehicle entertainment experiences. Vehicles will create new value by providing services autonomously when not in use by their owners.

The Honda NeuV: an electric automated concept car. Picture: Quickpic

Honda has also announced technology collaborations with Visa, DreamWorks Animation and innovative start-ups through the Honda Developer Studio and Honda Xcelerator open innovation programs based out of Honda Silicon Valley Lab.

Supporting its ‘Cooperative Mobility Ecosystem’ theme, Honda unveiled the Honda NeuV, an electric automated concept car equipped with an artificial intelligence (AI) ‘emotion engine’” and automated personal assistant, creating new possibilities for human interaction and new value for customers.

The global mobility company also revealed the Honda Moto Riding Assist, a concept motorcycle that applies Honda’s robotics technology to maintain balance. Visitors to Honda’s exhibit (LVCC, North Hall – 7312) can experience Honda robotics technology firsthand by ‘“test driving’” the UNI-CUB, the company’s self-balancing personal mobility device.

“Since our founding, Honda has focused on creating technologies that help people,” said Yoshiyuki Matsumoto, President and CEO of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. “Our goal is to showcase a future technology path that results in a redefined mobility experience.”

The following is a summary of the product and technology concepts shown on the Honda exhibit at CES 2017:

Honda Riding Assist motorcycle

In a global debut at CES, Honda has unveiled its Moto Riding Assist technology, which leverages Honda’s robotics technology to create a self-balancing motorcycle that greatly reduces the possibility of falling over while the motorcycle is at rest. Rather than relying on gyroscopes, which add a great deal of weight and alter the riding experience as announced by other companies, the Honda Moto Riding Assist incorporates technology originally developed for the company’s UNI-CUB personal mobility device.

Honda NeuV

Designed to create new possibilities for customers, the NeuV (pronounced ‘“new-v’”), which stands for New Electric Urban Vehicle, is a concept vehicle whose genesis is based on the fact that privately-owned vehicles sit idle 96 percent of the time. The NeuV explores the idea of how to create new value for its owner by functioning as an automated ride sharing vehicle, picking up and dropping off customers at local destinations when the owner is not using the car. The NeuV also can sell energy back to the electric grid during times of high demand when it’s not in use. These activities have the potential to create a new business model for enterprising customers.

 “We designed NeuV to become more valuable to the owner by optimising and monetising the vehicle’s down time,” said Mike Tsay, Principal Designer, Honda R&D Americas.

NeuV also functions as a thoughtful and helpful AI assistant utilising an ‘“emotion engine’”, an emerging technology developed by Honda and SoftBank (cocoro SB Corp.). Called HANA (Honda Automated Network Assistant), in its application in the NeuV, the ‘“emotion engine’” will learn from the driver by detecting the emotions behind the driver’s judgments and then, based on the driver’s past decisions, make new choices and recommendations. HANA can check on the driver’s emotional well-being, make music recommendations based on mood, and support the owner’s daily driving routine.

The NeuV features a full touch-panel interface enabling both the driver and passenger to access a simple and convenient user experience. The vehicle has two seats, a storage area in back, and an electric skateboard for ‘“last mile’” transit. The NeuV also features outstanding outward visibility via a wrap-around panoramic windscreen and a dramatically sloping belt line that make manoeuvring easy.

Safe Swarm

At CES, Honda launched its ‘“Safe Swarm’” concept, which uses bio-mimicry – replicating the behavior of a school of fish – to create a safer, more efficient and enjoyable driving experience. The Honda Safe Swarm demonstration immerses visitors in a world where vehicles sharing the road communicate with one another using dedicated short range communication (DSRC) to support the driver in negotiating complex driving situations. The Safe Swarm concept enables vehicles to operate cooperatively, enabling more efficient, low-stress and, ultimately, collision-free mobility.

“The autonomous age has dawned, and Honda, like all automakers, is working to refine and advance this technology to achieve our goal for a collision-free society in the 2040 timeframe,” said Frank Paluch, President, Honda R&D Americas. “Using vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications and drawing upon big data and artificial intelligence, Honda will work with others to create an environment in which road conditions are predicted and managed, and collisions are avoided.”

Honda uses artificial intelligence, robotics to “transform the mobility experience”

Honda uses artificial intelligence, robotics to “transform the mobility experience”

Honda has unveiled its Cooperative Mobility Ecosystem concept at CES 2017 in Las Vegas, connecting the power of artificial intelligence, robotics and big data to transform the mobility experience of the future and improve customers’ quality of life.

Brian Joss – Featuring a number of prototype and concept technology demonstrations at CES, the Honda concept envisions a future where vehicles will communicate with each other and infrastructure to mitigate traffic congestion and eliminate traffic fatalities, while increasing the productivity of road users and delivering new types of in-vehicle entertainment experiences. Vehicles will create new value by providing services autonomously when not in use by their owners.

The Honda NeuV: an electric automated concept car. Picture: Quickpic

Honda has also announced technology collaborations with Visa, DreamWorks Animation and innovative start-ups through the Honda Developer Studio and Honda Xcelerator open innovation programs based out of Honda Silicon Valley Lab.

Supporting its ‘Cooperative Mobility Ecosystem’ theme, Honda unveiled the Honda NeuV, an electric automated concept car equipped with an artificial intelligence (AI) ‘emotion engine’” and automated personal assistant, creating new possibilities for human interaction and new value for customers.

The global mobility company also revealed the Honda Moto Riding Assist, a concept motorcycle that applies Honda’s robotics technology to maintain balance. Visitors to Honda’s exhibit (LVCC, North Hall – 7312) can experience Honda robotics technology firsthand by ‘“test driving’” the UNI-CUB, the company’s self-balancing personal mobility device.

“Since our founding, Honda has focused on creating technologies that help people,” said Yoshiyuki Matsumoto, President and CEO of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. “Our goal is to showcase a future technology path that results in a redefined mobility experience.”

The following is a summary of the product and technology concepts shown on the Honda exhibit at CES 2017:

Honda Riding Assist motorcycle

In a global debut at CES, Honda has unveiled its Moto Riding Assist technology, which leverages Honda’s robotics technology to create a self-balancing motorcycle that greatly reduces the possibility of falling over while the motorcycle is at rest. Rather than relying on gyroscopes, which add a great deal of weight and alter the riding experience as announced by other companies, the Honda Moto Riding Assist incorporates technology originally developed for the company’s UNI-CUB personal mobility device.

Honda NeuV

Designed to create new possibilities for customers, the NeuV (pronounced ‘“new-v’”), which stands for New Electric Urban Vehicle, is a concept vehicle whose genesis is based on the fact that privately-owned vehicles sit idle 96 percent of the time. The NeuV explores the idea of how to create new value for its owner by functioning as an automated ride sharing vehicle, picking up and dropping off customers at local destinations when the owner is not using the car. The NeuV also can sell energy back to the electric grid during times of high demand when it’s not in use. These activities have the potential to create a new business model for enterprising customers.

 “We designed NeuV to become more valuable to the owner by optimising and monetising the vehicle’s down time,” said Mike Tsay, Principal Designer, Honda R&D Americas.

NeuV also functions as a thoughtful and helpful AI assistant utilising an ‘“emotion engine’”, an emerging technology developed by Honda and SoftBank (cocoro SB Corp.). Called HANA (Honda Automated Network Assistant), in its application in the NeuV, the ‘“emotion engine’” will learn from the driver by detecting the emotions behind the driver’s judgments and then, based on the driver’s past decisions, make new choices and recommendations. HANA can check on the driver’s emotional well-being, make music recommendations based on mood, and support the owner’s daily driving routine.

The NeuV features a full touch-panel interface enabling both the driver and passenger to access a simple and convenient user experience. The vehicle has two seats, a storage area in back, and an electric skateboard for ‘“last mile’” transit. The NeuV also features outstanding outward visibility via a wrap-around panoramic windscreen and a dramatically sloping belt line that make manoeuvring easy.

Safe Swarm

At CES, Honda launched its ‘“Safe Swarm’” concept, which uses bio-mimicry – replicating the behavior of a school of fish – to create a safer, more efficient and enjoyable driving experience. The Honda Safe Swarm demonstration immerses visitors in a world where vehicles sharing the road communicate with one another using dedicated short range communication (DSRC) to support the driver in negotiating complex driving situations. The Safe Swarm concept enables vehicles to operate cooperatively, enabling more efficient, low-stress and, ultimately, collision-free mobility.

“The autonomous age has dawned, and Honda, like all automakers, is working to refine and advance this technology to achieve our goal for a collision-free society in the 2040 timeframe,” said Frank Paluch, President, Honda R&D Americas. “Using vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications and drawing upon big data and artificial intelligence, Honda will work with others to create an environment in which road conditions are predicted and managed, and collisions are avoided.”

Honda uses artificial intelligence, robotics to “transform the mobility experience”

Franschhoek Summer Wines | 4 February 2017

Get ready for a high summer celebration at this year’s Franschhoek Summer Wines, Saturday, 4 February at Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards.

Come and taste the Franschhoek Vigneron’s choice for summer. White, rosé, Méthode Cap Classique and light reds – all will be revealed on the day!

The wines have been handpicked by the winemakers to complement the hot summer days. Pair your favourites with delicious food from the rotisserie kitchen, as you relax on the veranda or the sprawling lawn with panoramic views of the valley. Live entertainment completes what promises to be a perfect day out in the winelands.

Keeping things cool, dress elegantly in white.

Tickets are available from www.webtickets.co.za at R180 per person.  This includes a wine glass and a tasting of all the wines on show between 12pm and 5pm.  

For more info contact the Franschhoek Wine Valley offices on 021 876 2861 or email info@franschhoek.org.za.    

Franschhoek Summer Wines | 4 February 2017

Higgo hammers home first win in Durban

DURBAN, 9 January 2017 – Boland junior Garrick Higgo underlined his rising star status when he captured the Golf RSA Nomads National Order of Merit Coastal on Monday.

2017 Golf RSA Nomads National Order of Merit Coast champion Garrick Higgo with Mark Burmester from NOMADS Furtherance of Golf, KZN; credit SAGA

Picking up where he left off last year, the 17-year-old reigning Central Gauteng Open champion started his 2017 season on a winning note when he closed out a three shot victory on 14-under-par 205 on a windy final day at Royal Durban Golf Club.

A trio of birdies at his home course sent local favourite Sebastian Terblanche soaring to sole second, while Southern Cape junior Christo Lamprecht cemented his number one ranking with a third place finish at eight under.

Higgo posted rounds of 69 and 68 in the wet weather on Sunday to finish two off the pace from fellow Boland golfer Tyron Davidowitz.

The De Zalze golfer started with a bogey, but birdied the fifth to stay in touch with Davidowitz. He suffered another setback with a double bogey at the short sixth, but rallied with an eagle at the par five seventh to take the lead.

“I struggled to find the pace of the greens over the first few holes on the front nine,” Higgo said.

“They were slow into the wind – running at around eight or nine – but very fast and slippery with the wind behind us, rolling at least 13. I was too tentative and three-putted the first hole and I got too aggressive with the par-putt at the sixth and ended making a double.

“I hit a great drive down the seventh and had 92 metres left to the pin. I went with a soft gap-wedge and hit it to 10 feet and boxed the putt. That eagle set me up for the back nine.”

Higgo’s lead went unchallenged as he notched a trio of birdies around the turn and bagged a pair of gains at 13 and 14. He reversed a bogey at 15 with birdie number seven.

Successive pars at 17 and 18 ensured that he finished ahead of a charging Terblanche, who eagled three of the four par fives (seven, 13 and 18).

“That was hugely impressive by Sebastian,” Higgo said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen three eagles in a single round and he deserves huge kudos for such an amazing feat. Luckily we ran out of holes.”

During the December holidays, Higgo competed in two prestigious events in the United States where he tied for second in the Greg Norman Junior Invitational and tied for 11th finish in the A-Rated South Beach.

“Playing in those two top ranked events in the United States was incredible because you compete against the top ranked amateurs in the world and you experience playing on different grasses and conditions,” Higgo said.

“It was really a huge privilege, because it also showed up shortcomings in my game and the areas I need to improve on. I hope to contest in a some of the top events this year, like the SA Stroke Play and the Sanlam SA Amateur, so starting the season on a high note is great, because it gives you that little boost of confidence early in the season.”

Final Result (top 20)

205 Garrick Higgo 69 68 68

208 Sebastian Terblanche 71 67 70

211 Christo (Jnr) Lamprecht 69 70 72

212 NJ Botha 71 71 70

213 Christiaan Burke 71 71 71; Tyron Davidowitz 70 65 78

214 Dino Capazario 72 72 70; Deon Germishuys 71 72 71

215 Jakub Hrinda 74 68 73

216 Jonothan Broomhead 70 71 75

217 Luke Mayo 74 71 72; Liam Cloete 72 72 73; Werner Deyzel 68 75 74

218 Riaan Rooi 74 74 70; Yurav Premlall 72 71 75; Bradley Fox 70 71 77

219 Hilmi Mallick 76 70 73; Reece Haikney 76 70 73; Marco Massiceti 69 76 74; Ruan Groenewald 69 74 76

Higgo hammers home first win in Durban

Higgo hammers home first win in Durban

DURBAN, 9 January 2017 – Boland junior Garrick Higgo underlined his rising star status when he captured the Golf RSA Nomads National Order of Merit Coastal on Monday.

2017 Golf RSA Nomads National Order of Merit Coast champion Garrick Higgo with Mark Burmester from NOMADS Furtherance of Golf, KZN; credit SAGA

Picking up where he left off last year, the 17-year-old reigning Central Gauteng Open champion started his 2017 season on a winning note when he closed out a three shot victory on 14-under-par 205 on a windy final day at Royal Durban Golf Club.

A trio of birdies at his home course sent local favourite Sebastian Terblanche soaring to sole second, while Southern Cape junior Christo Lamprecht cemented his number one ranking with a third place finish at eight under.

Higgo posted rounds of 69 and 68 in the wet weather on Sunday to finish two off the pace from fellow Boland golfer Tyron Davidowitz.

The De Zalze golfer started with a bogey, but birdied the fifth to stay in touch with Davidowitz. He suffered another setback with a double bogey at the short sixth, but rallied with an eagle at the par five seventh to take the lead.

“I struggled to find the pace of the greens over the first few holes on the front nine,” Higgo said.

“They were slow into the wind – running at around eight or nine – but very fast and slippery with the wind behind us, rolling at least 13. I was too tentative and three-putted the first hole and I got too aggressive with the par-putt at the sixth and ended making a double.

“I hit a great drive down the seventh and had 92 metres left to the pin. I went with a soft gap-wedge and hit it to 10 feet and boxed the putt. That eagle set me up for the back nine.”

Higgo’s lead went unchallenged as he notched a trio of birdies around the turn and bagged a pair of gains at 13 and 14. He reversed a bogey at 15 with birdie number seven.

Successive pars at 17 and 18 ensured that he finished ahead of a charging Terblanche, who eagled three of the four par fives (seven, 13 and 18).

“That was hugely impressive by Sebastian,” Higgo said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen three eagles in a single round and he deserves huge kudos for such an amazing feat. Luckily we ran out of holes.”

During the December holidays, Higgo competed in two prestigious events in the United States where he tied for second in the Greg Norman Junior Invitational and tied for 11th finish in the A-Rated South Beach.

“Playing in those two top ranked events in the United States was incredible because you compete against the top ranked amateurs in the world and you experience playing on different grasses and conditions,” Higgo said.

“It was really a huge privilege, because it also showed up shortcomings in my game and the areas I need to improve on. I hope to contest in a some of the top events this year, like the SA Stroke Play and the Sanlam SA Amateur, so starting the season on a high note is great, because it gives you that little boost of confidence early in the season.”

Final Result (top 20)

205 Garrick Higgo 69 68 68

208 Sebastian Terblanche 71 67 70

211 Christo (Jnr) Lamprecht 69 70 72

212 NJ Botha 71 71 70

213 Christiaan Burke 71 71 71; Tyron Davidowitz 70 65 78

214 Dino Capazario 72 72 70; Deon Germishuys 71 72 71

215 Jakub Hrinda 74 68 73

216 Jonothan Broomhead 70 71 75

217 Luke Mayo 74 71 72; Liam Cloete 72 72 73; Werner Deyzel 68 75 74

218 Riaan Rooi 74 74 70; Yurav Premlall 72 71 75; Bradley Fox 70 71 77

219 Hilmi Mallick 76 70 73; Reece Haikney 76 70 73; Marco Massiceti 69 76 74; Ruan Groenewald 69 74 76

Higgo hammers home first win in Durban

Schools prepared for start of 2017 academic year

On Wednesday, more than one million learners are expected to arrive at schools across the Western Cape to begin the 2017 school year.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has been working hard to ensure that its schools are prepared, so as to ensure a smooth start to the academic year.

I am advised that our schools and officials are as prepared as possible for the 2017 academic year. Most of the preparations were completed well before the end of last year.

Furniture and equipment, as well as textbook orders, were made well in advance so as to ensure early delivery at schools before the end of last year. 

Suppliers delivered textbooks by 30 October 2016, except in cases where schools opted not to store books during the end-of-year holiday. Schools received workbooks by 30 November 2016, and most furniture orders by the end of October. Top-up orders for furniture were scheduled for the end of the year.

The WCED issued staff establishments to schools in September last year to enable them finalise their timetables for 2017.

Every year the WCED receives a number of late enrolments. This is either because parents have relocated to the Province during the festive season, or parents of learners have neglected their responsibility to enrol their children on time.

In addition, owing to the annual increases in learner numbers in the province, we do still have learners who have not yet been placed.  The WCED has officials who are working around the clock with schools and parents to place all learners. The WCED introduced the new School Admission Management Information System in 2014. This system has assisted us in providing clear data and indicating which schools are full or still have space.

We have completed three new schools and six replacement schools for the new year, along with 179 additional classrooms.

The WCED will deploy 119 mobile classrooms, as required, to meet growth and shifting demand.

The province plans to replace 15 schools over a three-year period, in terms of the current Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).

To parents who are having difficulties enrolling their child, or who have failed to enrol their child, they are advised to approach their nearest school as there could be some enrollment cancellations after the school holidays.

Alternatively, they may approach the local district office for assistance with finding a place at a school.

Each district office has identified officials who will assist parents who struggle to find a place when schools re-open. Their contact details can be found below.

While we will do our best to conduct this process as quickly as possible, the fact that a child has been enrolled late has not afforded us the opportunity to plan in advance, as we have done for other learners who enrolled early last year.

The WCED has an obligation to assist all parents with placement of their children. This however does not mean that we guarantee a place in a school of choice, even if these schools are the closest to their new home.

Planning for the school year is not an easy task. It requires a great deal of work and involves various structures within the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), including head office, the districts, principals, educators and school management teams.

I would like to thank our officials and staff for doing their best to ensure that learning and teaching can begin on day one of the school year.

Eden & Central Karoo

Mr. A Ellmann

044 803 8300 044 803 8309

Albie.Ellman@westerncape.gov.za

Schools prepared for start of 2017 academic year

Monday Morning Edition

Good morning all!

This Monday Morning Edition is sponsored by Views Boutique Hotel & Spa.

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Africa is poised for sustainable growth and development

Since the early 1990s many African countries have been on a trajectory of higher growth.(SABC). Tags: Africa · South Africa · China Economics · Economic Growth · Policy · Trends · The Conversation · Alan Hirsch, University of Cape Town.

Google just made a big move to bring down the cost of self-driving cars (GOOG)

Waymo. Google parent company Alphabet just made a big move to bring its self-driving car tech to market cheaper and faster. Alphabet-owned company Waymo has slashed the price of lidar, a key component of self-driving cars that helps them see the world, …

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Sports News

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Jones plays down new bonus-point system 

The introduction of bonus points in the Six Nations will make no impact on the way teams play, says England coach Eddie Jones.

Stalemate for Liverpool’s youngsters

Fourth-tier Plymouth Argyle shut up shop and kept the door firmly closed to earn a 0-0 draw away to Liverpool’s youngest ever starting XI in yesterday’s FA Cup third-round tie at Anfield while Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur both won.

Stemming Kolpak tide is SA’s biggest challenge in 2017

South African bowler Kyle Abbott (C) celebrates the dismissal of Sri Lanka batsman Dimuth Karunaratne (not in picture) during the second day of the first Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka on December 27, 2016 at the Port Elizabeth cricket ground …

Kevin Anderson out of Australian Open

Paris – South Africa’s Kevin Anderson withdrew from the Australian Open on Sunday after failing to recover from a hip injury, the 30-year-old announced on Twitter.

Rain-plagued Dakar sees stage slashed

Dakar Rally organisers have been forced to slash Monday’s seventh stage as the gruelling 9 000km race continues to be plagued by torrential rain in Bolivia.

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Press Releases

Off The Grid Music Festival at Camphill Village WestCoast 27 Feb 2017

OFF THE GRID MUSIC FESTIVAL SATURDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2017 CAMPHILL VILLAGE WESTCOAST – 40KM FROM THE CITY MAJOZI – FRESHLYGROUND – ALBERT FROST – JACKAL AND THE WIND – BOOTLEGGERS – AIKHONA 

Final chance to secure a 2017 Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon entry

(Cape Town, 6 January 2017) Runners still hoping to secure their place in the 2017 Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon have been thrown a final life line: Substitution entries will open on 9 January 2017, and runners who can no longer participate are encouraged to release their entry to another runner before 6 March 2017.

Inflatable-Zone: big inflatable product specialists

Established in 2008, Inflatable-Zone is the leading company and the share-issuing enterprise with both manufacture and marketing. 

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Regular Columns & Opinion Pieces

Volvo Cars report third consecutive year of record sales

Volvo Cars has reported a third consecutive year of record sales for 2016, increasing 6.2 per cent compared to 2015 to 534 332 cars – underlining the breadth and depth of the company’s ongoing global transformation.

Seamless autonomous mobility is the roadmap of the future, says Nissan boss

The world is facing serious challenges such as climate change, traffic congestion, road fatalities and increasing air pollution.

Book Review: Pharaoh

Pharaoh Wilbur Smith HarperCollins Review: Brian Joss Pharaoh is the sixth book in the Egyptian series. 

Book Review: Red Earth

Red Earth Tony Park Macmillan Review: Brian Joss This is the 13th thriller by Tony Park who was dubbed Australia’s Wilbur Smith when he published his first book, Far Horizon

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Until next time…

Bruce

Monday Morning Edition