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Cobus Germishuys: ’n Passievolle Reis deur Wyn, Wysheid en Lewenservaring

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In die wynbedryf is daar min mense wat so ’n diep en blywende impak maak soos Cobus Germishuys. Hy is nie net ’n wynkenner nie, maar ook iemand wat elke persoon wat sy pad kruis, inspireer met sy lewenslus en energie. Sy lewe is ’n voorbeeld van hoe passie en oorgawe jou tot nuwe hoogtes kan neem.

Gebore op die plaas Remhoogte buite Baardskeerdersbos in die Overberg, het Cobus van kleins af besluit om anders te wees en ’n verskil te maak. Geïnspireer deur sy moeder se wysheid, het Cobus al vroeg geleer om enige uitdaging met selfvertroue aan te pak.

Hy het ’n liefde vir literatuur ontwikkel en sy kennis verbreed deur onderhoude met regeringsamptenare te voer en betrokke te raak by vrywillige werk. Sy skryfwerk het hom later na die toerismebedryf gelei, waar hy artikels vir groot publikasies geskryf het.

Maar dit was in die wynbedryf waar hy sy ware roeping gevind het. By Kanu het hy die voorreg gehad om bekende figure soos Margaret Thatcher, Pres. Arab Moy, en Oprah Winfrey te ontmoet.
Elke ontmoeting het ’n onuitwisbare indruk op sy lewe gelaat, maar ten spyte van hierdie ontmoetings met wêreldbekende persone, bly Cobus nederig en behandel elke persoon met dieselfde respek en deernis.

In sy rol as Proelokaalbestuurder by Kanu, is Cobus meer as net ’n wynkenner. Hy pak elke dag met passie en verbeelding aan en het oor die jare ’n blywende impak in die wynbedryf gemaak. Sy warmte, empatie en positiviteit maak hom ’n baken van lig, veral in ’n tyd waar dit nodig is.
Heleen Niere, een van sy bewonderaars, beskryf hom as volg: “In die wynproe-lokaal is Cobus nie net ’n wynkenner nie, maar ook ’n kunstenaar wat die lug rondom hom met sy verhale verf. Sy kennis van wyn is ensiklopedies, en sy vermoë om feit en fiksie te verweef, laat jou wonder oor wat werklik is. Met ’n speelse twinkeling in sy oog en ’n stem glad soos ’n verouderde Cabernet, betower Cobus elkeen wat hy ontmoet.

Cobus se lewensverhaal is nie net een van sukses in die wynbedryf nie, maar ook ’n inspirasie vir almal wat hul drome wil volg en ander wil aanmoedig om dieselfde te doen.”
Met sy onblusbare energie en passie vir mense en die lewe neem Cobus mense op ’n reis na ander wêrelde deur sy meesterlike vertelkuns.

Sy verhale gee luisteraars ’n dieper waardering vir die lewe self. In elke glas wyn en in elke storie wat hy deel, laat Cobus ’n blywende indruk – een wat ons herinner aan die krag van verbeelding, deernis, en die onblusbare gees om te inspireer.

Record Canola Harvest: South Africa’s Production Soars in 2024-25 Season

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South Africa’s canola production has steadily grown into one of the country’s major agricultural success stories. According to Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), the 2024-25 canola season is shaping up to be the most successful on record, with forecasts estimating a bumper crop of 294,000 tonnes. This projection marks a significant 25% increase year-on-year, and the largest canola harvest in the country’s history.

Since the late 1990s, when canola was first commercially planted on 17,000 hectares, the crop has seen a dramatic expansion. For the current season, it is estimated that 165,000 hectares have been dedicated to canola, reflecting a consistent shift in South Africa’s agricultural landscape. Much of this growth is attributed to its price competitiveness, leading many farmers to switch from traditional winter crops like wheat and barley to canola.

Western Cape: The Canola Epicenter

Canola is primarily a winter crop, and as such, its production is concentrated in the Western Cape, where the winter rainfall patterns are ideal. Wandile Sihlobo and the Agbiz team recently visited the province and reported that the canola plantings across most regions were in excellent condition. These promising observations back up the projections of the record-breaking 2024-25 harvest.

The Western Cape is not only central to the volume of canola production but also to the crop’s quality. The favourable weather conditions during the planting and growing phases have led to better-than-expected yields. This is crucial for both domestic consumption and the export market, where South Africa has already made strides, shipping canola to countries like Germany and Belgium.

A Growing Demand for Oils and Oilcake

One of the key drivers behind the canola boom has been the rise in domestic demand for oils and oilcake, both of which are derived from canola. These products are essential in various industries, including food processing and animal feed, and have seen steady growth in South Africa. The country’s position as a net canola exporter is strengthening, thanks to this increased demand and the expansion of canola-growing areas.

The rising popularity of canola among South African farmers also aligns with global trends, where oilseeds continue to play an important role in the agricultural commodity market. The increased planting area, alongside expected higher yields, is a promising sign for South Africa’s agricultural economy as it navigates broader market challenges.

Record Harvest Amid Broader Agricultural Recovery

The Agbiz report released at the end of September 2024 underscores the significance of this record-breaking canola harvest within the broader context of the winter crop season. While other crops, such as wheat and sweet lupines, have also seen upward revisions, canola stands out for its remarkable growth trajectory. According to Wandile Sihlobo, this season’s canola crop is emblematic of how resilient and dynamic South Africa’s agricultural sector can be, even in the face of unpredictable climatic conditions and economic pressures.

The 294,000 tonnes expected from the 2024-25 canola harvest will not only satisfy domestic requirements but will also position South Africa to expand its presence in the global export market. As farmers gear up for the summer cropping period, the success of the winter canola crop provides much-needed optimism.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Canola

Wandile Sihlobo’s insights highlight canola’s transformation from a niche crop in 1998-99 into a major agricultural success. As the 2024-25 season progresses, canola production in South Africa is set to reach unprecedented levels, supported by an expansion in planted area and improved yields. This record harvest is expected to benefit both domestic consumers and international markets, affirming canola’s role as a vital crop in South Africa’s agricultural landscape. The strong performance of canola amid broader agricultural challenges sets a hopeful tone for the remainder of the season.

Source: AGBIZ Report

New Holland T6.180 Methane Tractor: Advancing Sustainable Farming

The New Holland T6.180 Methane Power Tractor made its highly anticipated debut at NAMPO Cape 2024 in Bredasdorp, marking a significant step forward for sustainable farming practices in South Africa. Designed to reduce environmental impact, while maintaining the same level of power and torque as its diesel counterparts, the T6.180 is the world’s first 100% methane-powered production tractor.

Farmers can grow crops and use farm waste to generate biomethane, which powers the tractor, and in turn, helps cultivate the very same crops.

For South African farmers, sustainability is more than a buzzword – it’s about securing the future of their farms for generations to come. The T6.180, with its biomethane capability, allows farmers to convert farm waste into fuel, creating a closed-loop system that not only reduces emissions, but also lowers operational costs by up to 30%.

The benefits of this innovative tractor go beyond fuel savings. Producing 98% less particulate matter, the T6.180’s use of biomethane drastically cuts down CO2 emissions by 11% and reduces overall emissions by up to 80%. When using biomethane, near-zero CO2 emissions are achievable, making it one of the cleanest options available.

These reductions align with the agricultural industry’s growing focus on greener, more efficient farming practices that contribute to global food security.

Farmers attending NAMPO Cape were particularly impressed by the tractor’s performance. Offering the same power and torque as traditional diesel models, the T6.180 supports heavy-duty farming tasks, while boasting an eco-friendlier footprint.

Its Horizon™ cab also delivers exceptional comfort and visibility, enhancing productivity in both day and night operations.

As farmers face increasing pressure to adopt more sustainable practices, the New Holland T6.180 represents a practical, forward-thinking solution. It not only helps safeguard the environment, but also ensures farms remain profitable and productive, providing the tools needed to thrive in a rapidly changing agricultural landscape.

WUSA Advances Sustainable Agriculture with Green Solutions

WinField United South Africa (WUSA), a leading provider of agricultural solutions and part of Land O’Lakes Inc., is making significant strides toward sustainability. With an overview on crop protection, plant nutrition, digital farming solutions, and advanced research, the recently released WUSA 2023 Sustainability Report highlights a comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship, safeguarding crops, protecting beneficial insects, and driving product innovation.

“Our vision is to enable sustainable practices that balance environmental responsibility with economic growth, creating value across our operations”, writes Tim Leviny, Senior Vice President, International & Global Dairy Ingredients, Land O’Lakes, Inc., in the foreword.

Tackling Carbon Footprint: Waste, Water, and Energy

WUSA’s carbon footprint initiatives cover waste management, water conservation, and energy efficiency. Understanding and managing carbon footprint is a critical component of any sustainability strategy.

Waste management saw over 653 tonnes of waste recycled in 2023, including 1,039 tonnes of plastic product packaging, via partnerships with industry bodies such as CropLife SA. By implementing renewable energy solutions and monitoring energy consumption, the aim is to reduce environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future. Water conservation was enhanced through drip irrigation, soil moisture sensors, and rainwater harvesting, improving overall water efficiency.

Climate-Smart Agriculture

WUSA’s involvement in climate-smart agriculture provides growers with vital tools to tackle climate change. The installation of a network of weather stations and soil probes help growers optimise irrigation and improve crop yields with real-time data. Additionally, WUSA offers dedicated climate-smart agriculture training, with a focus on improving resilience to drought and extreme weather.

Safeguarding Crops and Beneficial Insects

WUSA views crop scouting of utmost importance for early pest detection, allowing growers to respond with precision strategies. Protecting beneficial insects like pollinators is another key aspect of WUSA’s strategy, and by offering programmes and products to underline integrated pest management (IPM) and biological solutions, WUSA helps maintain biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Biological Solutions and Product Innovation

The biological strategy is designed to enhance profitability by ensuring market access, optimal yield and quality. This approach integrates key inputs such as cultivar selection, farming practices, soil conditioning, crop physiology, crop manipulation, nutrition, irrigation and crop protection. By focusing on these critical areas, it supports a sustainable and diverse agricultural ecosystem.

The company is proactively phasing out carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic (CMR) products and replacing them with sustainable alternatives. Product innovation is exemplified by MasterLock®, an adjuvant that improves the effectiveness of crop protection products by enhancing spray coverage and reducing chemical drift, aligning with both regulatory standards and eco-friendly practices.

Research and Innovation

WUSA leads agricultural research and Curativo’s research and innovation trial farms are essential in developing and testing new agricultural solutions. They focus on enhancing crop protection, sustainability and providing scientifically backed best practices for the agricultural industry. By offering proven solutions for pest and disease management, Curativo ensures sustainable and safe food production, benefiting the entire agricultural community.

Social Responsibility and Community Impact

Beyond agricultural initiatives, WUSA supports educational programs and community projects, partnering with organisations like the Click and Startwell Foundations. The annual Back-to-School campaign and cancer research fundraising showcase WUSA’s strong commitment to community welfare.

Looking forward, WUSA continues to set ambitious sustainability targets, focusing on innovation, education, and community engagement to build a resilient agricultural sector in South Africa. But the journey is far from over. WUSA is committed to pushing boundaries, innovating, and working with stakeholders to make real change happen.

MasterLock® (WARNING; Active ingredient: Modified vegetable oil & other ingredients 889g/ℓ; Reg. No. L 10496 Act No. 36 of 1947); Registration Holder: WinField Solutions Registration Holdings (Pty) Ltd. Co.)

 

Nanobubble Technology Revolutionises Aquaponics at De Grendel School

In a significant development for sustainable agriculture, De Grendel School of Skills in Cape Town has unveiled a pioneering nanobubble aquaponics pilot plant. This innovative system, developed through a collaboration between the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and Fine Bubble Technologies, introduces advanced water treatment technology to enhance aquaponics – a method that integrates fish farming (aquaculture) with plant cultivation (hydroponics).

Enhancing Aquaponics for Sustainable Agriculture

Nanobubble technology plays a pivotal role in this project. It introduces micro-sized bubbles into water, improving oxygen levels and aiding in the natural cleaning process. These bubbles, with up to 222 million per millilitre of water, significantly boost water aeration, which enhances both fish and plant growth. The system is expected to increase agricultural yield by up to 50%, presenting a groundbreaking solution for sustainable food production.

The nanobubble technology addresses several challenges faced by traditional aquaculture and hydroponic methods, such as the high cost of oxygenation and the presence of pathogens in water. Traditional systems often require expensive equipment to introduce oxygen, which can limit the viability of small-scale and subsistence farming. Fine Bubble Technologies’ innovation offers a cost-effective solution, making it accessible to a wider range of farmers, thus promoting food security and rural development.

Empowering Students with Hands-On Agricultural Skills

This pilot plant represents an essential educational opportunity for students at De Grendel. Through hands-on experience, learners engage with cutting-edge agricultural technology, while gaining practical skills in aquaponics and environmental management. The project also fosters environmental stewardship, aligning with global trends toward sustainable farming practices.
In addition to serving as an educational tool, the pilot plant provides fresh produce for school meals, with surplus food being sold to the local community. This not only enhances food security within the school, but also contributes to economic sustainability in the surrounding area. The partnership between TIA and Fine Bubble Technologies exemplifies the potential of bio-innovation in addressing critical agricultural challenges. By implementing this eco-friendly technology at De Grendel School, they are laying the groundwork for future expansions into other schools and communities, creating a scalable, sustainable farming model.

 

Roodebloem Boeredag 2024 fokus op innovasie, inligting en die toekoms van landbou

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Op 26 September 2024 het Overberg Agri se 28ste Roodebloem Boeredag plaasgevind op die Roodebloem Navorsingsplaas, net buite Caledon langs die N2. Boere en belanghebbendes van regoor die streek het saamgekom vir ‘n dag vol praktiese demonstrasies en insiggewende aanbiedings. Die boeredag is gereël deur Ruben Badenhorst, landboukundige by Overberg Agri, en Francois du Toit, plaasbestuurder van Roodebloem, wat verseker het dat die geleentheid glad verloop en boere met waardevolle kennis en praktiese oplossings toegerus is.

Met ongeveer 275 gaste het die dag ‘n uitstekende platform gebied vir boere om eerstehandse inligting te bekom oor die nuutste tegnologie en praktyke in die landbousektor. Die dag is gekenmerk deur die eerste vertoning van die CLAAS AXION 960 TERRA TRAC (’n kragtige trekker met ‘n unieke onderstel wat grondbeskadiging minimaliseer en uitstekende traksie bied), ‘n indrukwekkende masjien wat as die eerste van sy soort in Suid-Afrika bekendgestel is.

Saam met hierdie innoverende trekker het Rovic van hul mees gevorderde landbou-implimente gedemonstreer, wat boere eerstehandse blootstelling gegee het aan hoe hierdie masjiene hul plase se produktiwiteit kan verbeter. Onder die masjiene wat vertoon is, sluit die volgende in: Kuhn OPTIMER Stoppelbewerker (sny gewasreste en verbeter grondbewerking), DLB12 Kombinasie Tillage (breek grondkompaktheid en berei plantbeddings voor), en die SUPER19 Ripper (ontwerp vir grootskaalse grondbewerking en verminder brandstofverbruik).

Verskeie bekende handelsmerke in die landboubedryf, soos Sensakot/Syngena, Barenburg, Limagrain Zaad, Agricol, Advanta, Pioneer, Sabbi en LNR, was ook teenwoordig by die boeredag. Hierdie vooraanstaande handelsmerke het hul nuutste produkte en innovasies ten toon gestel, wat boere waardevolle insigte gebied het oor produkte en dienste wat direk van toepassing is op hul bedrywighede.

Toekomstige Uitdagings en Oplossings

Een van die hoogtepunte van die dag was die aanbieding deur Dr Wallace Vosloo, ‘n vooraanstaande spesialis in hoogspanningingenieurswese. Dr Vosloo het gepraat oor “Lewe met beheerde beurtkrag – die verlede, hede en toekoms,” en boere waardevolle raad gegee oor hoe hulle die uitdagings van elektrisiteitsonderbrekings kan bestuur. Sy insigte het duidelik gemaak dat die toekoms van landbou nie net afhanklik is van meganisasie en tegnologie nie, maar ook van slim energie-oplossings. Sy 40 jaar ervaring by Eskom het aan sy aanbieding ‘n diepte van kundigheid gegee wat boere se strategieë vir die toekoms kan vorm.

Roodebloem Navorsingsplaas: ‘n Hub vir Landbounavorsing

Roodebloem Navorsingsplaas, wat sedert sy stigting in 1991 ‘n sleutelrol in landbounavorsing speel, het oor die jare ‘n spilpunt geword vir navorsing wat boere help om volhoubare, wetenskapgebaseerde oplossings vir landbou-uitdagings te vind. Die plaas fokus op navorsing rondom kultivar-evaluering, bemesting, en veevoer, alles met die doel om boere te help om hul opbrengste te verhoog en volhoubare praktyke te implementeer.

Sulke boeredae soos die Roodebloem Boeredag is van onskatbare waarde in die landbousektor. Dit bied boere die geleentheid om op hoogte te bly met die nuutste innovasies en tegnologieë, en om eerstehandse inligting te bekom wat hulle direk in hul daaglikse bedrywighede kan toepas. Deur die bywoning van boeredae soos dié op Roodebloem, kry boere die kans om vrae te vra, nuwe produkte in aksie te sien en te leer hoe om hul boerderypraktyke te verbeter. Hierdie inligting help hulle om beter besluite te neem wat uiteindelik tot verhoogde produktiwiteit en volhoubaarheid lei.

Die Roodebloem Boeredag het onderstreep hoe noodsaaklik dit is vir boere om op hoogte te bly met die nuutste ontwikkelings. Deur sulke boeredae by te woon, verseker boere dat hulle toegerus is met die beste inligting om hul pligte uit te voer, hul bedrywighede te verbeter en volhoubaar te boer.

World Rabies Day and Veterinary Week Unite to Combat Rabies and Promote One Health

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This year, 28 September marked the 18th World Rabies Day. This year’s “Breaking Rabies Boundaries” highlights that One Health is not for a selected few but for everyone. The 28 September also marked the commencement of the second Annual Provincial Veterinary Week (running until 5 October), which includes multiple veterinary-focused events and initiatives.

Rabies Day aims to raise awareness and advocate for rabies elimination globally. It is an event designed to be inclusive, uniting people, organisations, and stakeholders across all sectors against rabies.

According to Dr Ilse Trautman, Deputy Director General of Agricultural Research and Regulatory Services (including Veterinary Services), this year’s World Rabies Day theme focuses on the word ‘Breaking,’ highlighting the need for progress and moving beyond the status quo.

Dr Trautmann: “Rabies control programmes offer a great example of operationalising One Health—building the structures and trust crucial to establishing systems for other zoonotic diseases.”

Dr Trautmann continues: “The theme calls for innovative strategies and collaboration across various sectors and regions, highlighting the importance of integrating human, animal, and environmental health efforts.”

“We can overcome geographic, socio-economic, and educational barriers by breaking boundaries and ensuring widespread vaccination, awareness, and access to medical care. This unified approach is crucial in the fight against rabies, fostering a world where the disease is no longer a threat to humans and animals.”

The Western Cape Head of Veterinary Services, Dr Gininda Msiza, explains that rabies affects the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord).

Dr Msiza: “Without appropriate medical care, rabies causes brain disease and death. Once symptoms of rabies appear, the disease is nearly always fatal. For this reason, preventing animal bites and receiving prompt medical care is especially important.”

“The Rabies virus is transmitted through direct contact (such as broken skin or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, or mouth) with saliva or brain/nervous system tissue from an infected animal. People usually get rabies from the bite of a rabid animal,” adds Dr Msiza.

Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, highlights the value of awareness programmes such as Rabies Day.

Minister Meyer: “Awareness of rabies disease engages communities and empowers people to save themselves by seeking the care they need. This includes understanding how to prevent rabies in animals, when to suspect rabies, and what to do in case of a bite.”

Over the last three years, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture has vaccinated over 400,000 cats and dogs in its outreach engagements with communities.

Minister Meyer: “Companion pets such as cats and dogs play an important role in the lives of many of our citizens as they comfort their owners by their mere presence and are known to provide therapeutic and health benefits to those suffering from illnesses such as anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, phobias, and even substance use issues.”

“We must foster a world where this disease no longer threatens humans and animals. We must improve human, animal, and environmental health as the three are inextricably linked,” concluded Meyer.

Discover Coastal Luxury and Serenity at Langebaan Manor Retirement & Lifestyle Estate

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Nestled in the heart of the West Coast, Langebaan Manor Retirement & Lifestyle Estate offers a serene retreat for those seeking a vibrant yet peaceful lifestyle. Just a stone’s throw from the picturesque Langebaan Lagoon, this estate blends convenience with natural beauty, providing an ideal setting for your golden years.

Imagine waking up to sweeping lagoon views from your stylish, north-facing home, and stepping outside to explore the sandy beaches and fynbos trails. With a host of outdoor activities at your doorstep – from sailing and sea kayaking to golfing and bird watching – Langebaan Manor truly embraces the spirit of coastal living.

The estate offers a variety of homes and luxury apartments designed with your comfort and security in mind. Beautifully crafted houses start from R3,950,000, offering spacious living areas and elegant finishes that reflect the unique charm of the West Coast. For those seeking a morelock-up-and-go lifestyle, luxury apartments are available from R1,599,000, featuring 1 or 2 bedrooms, a full bathroom, and an open-plan kitchenette, dining, and lounge area. Ground floor units are particularly popular for their private enclosed gardens.

Safety is paramount at Langebaan Manor, with state-of-the-art security including perimeter fencing, motion detectors, CCTV, and 24-hour manned security. Healthcare services are also available on-site, ensuring you have access to professional care within the comfort of your own home.

Experience the perfect blend of luxury, leisure, and peace of mind at Langebaan Manor – where every day feels like a seaside holiday.

Book your appointment today: 
Walter Hart
P| 072 795 5371
E| [email protected]
W| www.langebaanmanor.co.za

K3 Zipline Launch Set to Boost Overberg’s Adventure Tourism and Economy

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In celebration of Tourism Month this September, K3 SA Forest Adventures proudly hosted Dr. Ivan Meyer, the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development, and Tourism, during the launch of the world’s longest zipline on September 23, 2024. The K3 zipline, stretching an impressive three kilometres, descends from the breathtaking Caledon Mountains to lush farmland below, offering unparalleled panoramic views of the Overberg’s vibrant green and yellow hills, as well as the distant mountain ranges.

This milestone event aligns with Wesgro’s recent report highlighting the Western Cape’s potential to emerge as a global hub for adventure tourism – a niche sector projected to reach a staggering value of $4.6 trillion by 2032. Adventure tourism encompasses a variety of thrilling activities, including ziplining, water sports, caving, climbing, and skydiving, all designed to provide physical challenges while showcasing natural beauty and cultural experiences.

During the event, Clinton Lerm, owner of K3 SA Forest Adventures, remarked, “As SA Forest Adventures, we are very happy with our new product – it is an extension of our list of 20 adventure activities that we host in the Western Cape. We hope it will pull more international tourists – tourists will build their entire vacation around visiting and experiencing K3, the longest zipline in the world.” This highlights the significance of this attraction for both the local community and adventure tourism as a whole.

Dr. Meyer highlighted the importance of the adventure tourism boom as a significant opportunity for economic growth and job creation in the region. “A farmer makes a plan; a tourist executes it,” he remarked, underscoring the interconnectedness of local agriculture and tourism.

Ald Sakkie Franken, Executive Mayor of the Overberg District Municipality, expressed his admiration for the work being done by Lerm and the SA Forest Adventures team. “I have the utmost respect for what you are doing for the area and adventure tourism,” he stated. He also welcomed Dirk Kotze, the Executive Mayor of Mossel Bay, who joined in the excitement by experiencing the zipline firsthand.

Ricardo Mackenzie, the Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, echoed the enthusiasm, stating, “It was beautiful going down the zipline – it was fantastic! Please come and do this activity; it is exciting and fun!”

K3 SA Forest Adventures not only highlights the natural beauty of the Overberg region but also serves as a catalyst for sustainable tourism development. By promoting adventure tourism, K3 is set to attract thrill-seekers from around the globe while contributing to the local economy.

For more information about K3 SA Forest Adventures and to plan your visit to the world’s longest zipline, please visit www.saforestadventures.co.za. Be sure to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/K3SaForestAdventures/ for updates and future information!

Ontdek Spanje en Portugal in 2025 met TE Toere se Eksklusiewe Reisavontuur

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Flamenco, fado, port of sangria… dalk tapas… onvergeetlike Spanje en Portugal – kom saam op ’n klein groep toer in Maart 2025. Beleef die ryke kultuur- en historiese erfenis van die Iberiese Skiereiland, ervaar nuwe belewenisse, blywende herinneringe… Ons begin in vooruitstrewende Barcelona, Spanje se kroonjuweel, maar ook grootste kopseer oor die Katalane se ewige smagting na groter onafhanklikheid. In hierdie netjiese stad is dit veral Gaudí se unieke argitektuur wat opval en die hoogtepunt, die Sagrada Familia, betower en verwonder almal.

Vervolgens die Spaanse hoofstad, Madrid en weer eens Spaans by uitstek. Veral die wêreldbefaamde Prado-museum se indrukwekkende versameling van groot meesters waarin jy jou kan verlustig – ’n uitsonderlik genotvolle ervaring, selfs vir diegene wat gewoonlik sogenaamde ‘hogere kuns’ probeer systap.

Ons reis verder deur Andalusië, met besoeke aan Sevilla, Cordoba, en Granada – ’n streek met ’n mengsel van Moorse en Spaanse kultuur wat nêrens anders ter wêreld te vinde is nie. Veral die grootse Alhambra in Granada, ‘n meesterstuk van Moorse argitektuur, maak ’n blywende indruk.

In Portugal se ikoniese hoofstad, Lissabon, stap ons deur kronkelende strate en geniet die alombekende pasteis de nata, ’n genotvolle gedagte aan ons eie melktert. Portugal se seevaarders word oraloor gedenk en dis wat gewoonlik besoekers uit Suid-Afrika se harte vinniger laat klop – ons gedeelde erfenis van so ver terug as Dias en Da Gama.

Dan na die hartland van port, Porto: Prentjiemooi op die Douro-rivier, styl woonbuurte en prag brûe, vanwaar ons die verruklike Douro-vallei met sy wingerdterrasse ingaan.

Of jy nou ‘n liefhebber van kos, kultuur of geskiedenis is, hierdie reis bied vir almal iets besonders. Van die klanke van flamenko en fado tot die smaak van tapas en port, sal hierdie reis jou sintuie prikkel en jou laat hunker na meer.

Skakel TE Toere by Club Travel Tygervallei, tel. 021 914 2265, of
e-pos na [email protected], www.smallgrouptours.co.za