There’s a reason the Karoo fills up in winter. It isn’t the obvious kind of beautiful. But once you’ve spent a night under its stars, or driven into a late afternoon that turns the plains copper and amber, you understand the pull.

In this issue, the Stellenbosch Visio team found ourselves drawn there too, and not by accident. Winter is when the Karoo makes the most sense: the air is sharp and clear, the roads are quiet, the fires are lit early.

What we found was a region far richer and stranger than its reputation for emptiness suggests. Ancient fossils that rewrite the story of life on Earth. A bioreserve being patiently restored from drought-stricken farmland.

We met warm-hearted people who invited us into their homes and their lives as intrepid farmers, entrepreneurs and visionaries. And we are proud to share that with you in a special section on the heartland of our country (p. 97). Wat is die Karoo vir my? ’n Wolklose hemel met eindelose sterre. ’n Stilte wat alles stiller maak, maar jou nooit eensaam laat voel nie.

’n Lamsboud in ’n ou Aga-oond. ’n Voordeur sonder sleutel. Bure wat onverwags die agterdeur oopstoot vir warm moerkoffie en ’n kuier om die kombuistafel. Skielik is jy lus vir vakansie daar waar tyd stilstaan.

Kom saam Karoo toe!

The rest of this issue – the wine, the food, the design, the fashion – all carry something of that same spirit: the value of slow things, made well, rooted in place.

The post Our Winter 2026 Issue appeared first on Stellenbosch Visio.

PROJEKT. OPENS DESIGN STUDIO IN STELLENBOSCH

Projekt., a new interior design studio and showroom, has opened at 5 Ryneveld Street in Stellenbosch. Offering an integrated approach to residential and commercial interiors, the studio guides projects from concept and planning through to sourcing, installation and final styling, all within one collaborative space.

Designed to streamline the creative process, Projekt. allows clients to explore materials and finishes, develop mood boards and work directly with designers under one roof. With a focus on thoughtful layouts, layered interiors and timeless materials, the studio is a fresh addition to Stellenbosch’s evolving design landscape. 

LA PETITE FERME WELCOMES CHEF RICHARD CARSTENS

La Petite Ferme has appointed acclaimed chef Richard Carstens as its new head chef. Richard brings a wealth of fine dining experience and a signature modern French style that is rooted in seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. He joins from Arkeste, where he earned three stars at the 2023 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards, following an award-winning tenure at Tokara Restaurant.

Set above the Franschhoek Valley, La Petite Ferme is one of the Winelands’ most established destinations, known for its blend of hospitality, wine and country cuisine. Carstens’ arrival signals an exciting new chapter, with his first menu set to showcase a refined, ingredient-driven approach, paired with the estate’s wines.

A LANDMARK BOTANICAL ART COLLECTION LAUNCHES

The Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden launched its first permanent art collection, the James & Shirley Sherwood Botanical Art Collection, in May 2026. Housed in the garden’s historic office building, the collection brings together works by leading and emerging South African botanical artists, with a particular focus on rare and threatened species.

Blending art, science and conservation, the initiative aims to deepen public appreciation for the Cape’s rich botanical heritage while raising awareness of the urgent need for preservation.

Developed from the garden’s annual botanical art exhibitions, the collection is closely tied to its conservation work, which includes more than 200 plant species at risk of extinction. Many of these are seldom seen in the wild or lie dormant for parts of the year, making the artworks a lasting record of their form and seasonal beauty. The project also supports the next generation of botanical artists through mentorship and access to rare plant collections.

FJÄLLRÄVEN OPENS IN THE WINELANDS

Swedish outdoor brand Fjällräven has opened its doors in the Winelands, bringing its signature blend of Scandinavian design, durability and sustainability to the region. Best known for its Kånken backpacks and hard-wearing G-1000 jackets, the brand offers a curated range of apparel and gear designed for both outdoor adventure and everyday living.

Rooted in functionality and timeless design, Fjällräven’s collections are made with longevity in mind and are equally suited to tough mountain trails and simple weekend escapes. The new store, located at the Winelands Square shopping centre in Paarl, introduces the brand’s understated aesthetic and practical approach to outdoor living to the Winelands.

The post Winter News & Reviews: Part 1 appeared first on Stellenbosch Visio.

Art isn’t only about finished masterpieces. It’s also about the creative process. The inspiration. The hard work. With this in mind, we are proud to bring our readers a privileged glimpse into the creative work of world-renowned artist Marlene Dumas, written by the equally accomplished author Marlene van Niekerk, both alumni of the Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof.

Dumas was known for her tradition of giving illustrated birthday cards to her fellow students at Bloemhof, a gesture that reflected a generous spirit and early artistic promise. These miniature artworks are still treasured by many today, indicating that even then her peers believed that she would rise to prominence.

In her article, ‘(Un)Canny Facework in the Louvre’ (p. 42), Marlene van Niekerk sheds light on Liaisons, the work Dumas created for permanent installation in the French museum – the first contemporary female artist to receive this rare and coveted invitation.

The creative processes behind artistic achievements, ranging from design and photography to fine arts, are the focus in this issue of Stellenbosch Visio. As art and culture chronicler Adam Moss showed in his book The Work of Art (2020), great work frequently takes place thanks to an arduous process of abandoned drafts, crumpled-up sketches, revisions and – quite often – collaborations.

The Spier Arts Trust (p. 74) knows the value of collaborations and makes it possible for South African artists to thrive by offering them vital support and resources.

This kind of support is also what up-and-coming young talents spoke to Karla de Bod about in her article ‘Local Creatives that Inspire’ (p. 80). In our fashion feature ‘The Artists’ Way’ (p. 50), we combine fashion with art, turning artists into models and inviting them to talk about the individuality that shaped their own work. During the shoot, architect Rochelle Derksen told us about a letter of encouragement from the esteemed architect Hannes Meiring that she received as a student. This became a significant source of motivation and inspiration for her throughout her career.

Living in the Western Cape, we cannot help but take inspiration from the magnificent nature surrounding us. Staying in De Hoop Villa in the eponymous nature reserve allowed Magriet Kruger to step into nature and out of the ordinary (‘Nourished by Nature’, p. 102).

It was an unforgettable mountain-bike race in Costa Rica 23 years ago that led to Kevin Vermaak launching the gruelling Cape Epic. In ‘Wild. Untamed. Winelands’ (p. 106), Jacques Marais tells you where you can catch the best Epic action this year.

Inspirasie is waar jy dit vind. Emile Joubert put vir hierdie uitgawe besieling uit meer as een glas wyn om oor veranderende wynmodes te filosofeer in ‘The Wine Wheel Turns’ (p. 92).

Kirby van der Merwe se agterblad oor ‘Die Sagte Verslawing van Blokkiesraaisels’ (bl. 120) het weer sy sobere oorsprong by ’n slinkse verslaafde wat hy op die lughawe sit en dophou het.

Al hierdie kreatiewe bydraes het my van nuuts af aangespoor. Ek tel Marlene Dumas se Intimate Relations van my koffietafel op, en raak weer vasgevang tussen die blaaie. Daarna haal ek Marlene van Niekerk se Agaat uit die boekrak. En ek sê dankie vir die vreugde wat harde werk deur talentvolle mense vir ons bring. Ook hier in Stellenbosch Visio.

Share your thoughts with Nelia and send an email to editor@stellenboschvisio.co.za.

The post Our Autumn 2026 Issue appeared first on Stellenbosch Visio.

The festive season is a time for joy and gratitude, though often tinged with longing and loneliness – all of which invite us to reflect more deeply on the sense of purpose our emotions inspire.

Reading the articles in this issue, you will, I’m sure, also be struck by the strong emotional undercurrents, even in features on subjects as diverse as architecture, fashion and gardening. I could relate to many of the words of wisdom shared by the people featured.

One of them is Prof. Pierre Volschenk, all of 99 years young. I had the privilege of spending time with him and was bowled over by the pure joy he radiates. “Joy is found in continuing to create, to learn, and to love what you can do.” He recently created the sculpture of a young girl expressing joie de vivre for the Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof, a work he aptly titled Dankbaarheidsvreugde, the joy of gratitude (p. 134).

Botanist extraordinaire Ernst van Jaarsveld also spoke often of “joy” when talking to publisher Igna Schneider about his latest book, Waterwise Gardening. “Sometimes I find a tiny leaf on my windowsill and feel sorry for it. I put it in water, and when I see it start to swell and grow, it’s pure joy.” (p. 126).

When emotion is present – be it care, passion, joy, or curiosity – it often fuels collaboration. Architect Ann Erasmus and owners Nell and Kevin Harris shared abundant care and passion when they undertook the restoration of Libertas, a farm linked indelibly to Stellenbosch history, and now receiving a new lease on life (p. 78).

A shared vision also inspired the collaboration between the fashion studio Viviers and the textile house Romo, transforming upholstery fabric into avant-garde fashion garments (p. 98). Somewhat more daring is the alliance between Range Rover and high-end fashion for the London Collection (p. 76), while the collaboration between Porsche and Smeg resulted in kitchen appliances now sporting race-car livery (p. 40).

On another level, with a line-up of excellent restaurants featured in this issue of Stellenbosch Visio, as well as articles on Sauvignon Blanc and Cap Classique, there’s more than enough to whet your appetite for meaningful moments.

Nostalgie is een van die emosies wat die meeste van ons hierdie tyd van die jaar ervaar. Die sjefs van ’n aantal van Stellenbosch se voorste restaurante is nie daarvan vy te spreek nie. Kyk wat gaan hulle hierdie Desember vir hul huisgenise op die kole sit: seekospotjie in ’n potjie, geletter en garnale, kreef met knoffelbotter, tjoppies en braaibroodjies. En vir die Italiaanse sjef – ’n eenvoudige seekospasta. Só smaak herinneringe mos (p. 32).

In haar essay, “’n Bruid uit die rantjies”, haal Dominique Botha herinneringe aan feeste op die plaas uit die sneespaar vier van vergetelheid en besef weer hoe die jare reeds galop het oor die rant (p. 144).

Ek kan natuurlik nie nalaat om te sê hoe trots dit my gemaak het om vanjaar die geleentheid van die Universiteit Stellenbosch se Sentrum vir Sosiale Geregtigheid by te woon waar eerbewys vir hul bydraes aan ’n viertal buitengewone vroue oorhandig is nie. Net so betekenisvol was Stellenbosch Visio se Vrouedag waartydens GraySwan ook inligting oor hul veldtog “Walk with a purpose” met gaste gedeel het (p. 124).

Dis die gees! Nie net in die feestyd nie, maar dwarsdeur die jaar. Mag ons deurentyd met vreugde en dankbaarheid leef.

 

 

The post Our Summer 2025/26 Issue appeared first on Stellenbosch Visio.

This spring issue of Stellenbosch Visio has ‘growth’ written in bold all over it. And no, I don’t mean budding vines, the translucent green of new oak leaves and wildflowers. I’m talking about a technological revolution where fresh shoots are being nurtured into international game-changers. In a quiet corner of the university campus, LaunchLab is leading the charge in fields like diagnostics, agri-biotech and health- tech (p.77). Thanks to this incubator, a company like CubeSpace is already transforming the global satellite industry and is on track to becoming Africa’s first university spinout unicorn, a startup valued at more than a billion dollars.

Stellenbosch people seem to have this uncanny ability to stay grounded while reaching for the stars. Perhaps it’s thanks to the natural beauty that surrounds us. Something we often take for granted. But count on Garden Town in October (p. 111) to reawaken our senses, and on Flowers in the Foyer (p.120) to bring the enchantment of flowers inside our homes with their spontaneous bunches and bouquets.

In the rich tapestry of Stellenbosch our wine estates play a vital role, often weaving together nature, wine and art. At Tokara (p. 86), where Marco Cianfanelli’s grapevine-inspired sculpture eloquently tells the tale of winemaking, Tokara’s fynbos garden and olive groves form the perfect background to our fashion and cover shoot (p.38) – our heartfelt thanks for hosting us.

Spring is also the perfect season for enjoying wine in the open air. “In an al fresco setting, wine sings back at you, its subtle colours flirting, its flavours showing off the finest nuances,” writes Emile Joubert in a special feature on the coolest wines and scenic spots where to raise your glass (p. 88).

As much as our town is about wine, it is also about food, with Stellenbosch restaurants topping the charts in annual restaurant awards. Marana Brand savoured culinary greatness in four award-winning local restaurants, and after reading her story (p. 30) you will follow suit.

Life in Stellenbosch comes with a built-in sense of adventure for hiking our mountainsides. But why not venture further afield? Richard Holmes did just that and followed the annual migration of millions of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles over the plains of Africa (p. 72). As he wrote about a herd of wildebeest crossing the Mara River, straight into the jaws of crocodiles: “It was nature, red in tooth and claw, and it lived up to every expectation I had.”

Jy kan natuurlik ook in die voetspore van bekroonde skrywer Kirby van der Merwe volg vir ’n onvergeetlike ervaring in Indonesië – of saam met hom in nostalgie oor ou motors versink (p. 128).

Die verlede stap eintlik oral saam in Stellenbosch, of dit nou is om in te loer by die dorp se eie “lighuis” (p. 118) of om met trots kennis te neem van die Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof se imponerende verlede en hede en die prestasies van Bloemhoffers (p.104) – dink hier aan onder meer die wêreldbekende kunstenaar Marlene Dumas wie se skildery Miss January pas teen ’n rekordbedrag verkoop is.

Die Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees (p. 116) is reeds ook ’n instelling op Stellenbosch. Die feestema vanjaar is “Deel”, en in die woorde van feesdirekteur Saartjie Botha: “Ons is nie besig met wiskunde nie, om te deel en te verklein nie. Die Woordfees se deel maak meer, maak heel, vermenigvuldig.”

Inderdaad. Ons almal wat deel, vermenigvuldig en maak heel. Mag Stellenbosch se strate en harte hierdie lente gevul wees met die beloftes van groei, potensiaal en hoop.

 

 

The post Our Spring 2025 Issue appeared first on Stellenbosch Visio.

We are elated that, for the third year in a row, Stellenbosch Visio has been named Consumer Publication of the Year at the South African Publication Forum Awards! This incredible honour reflects our passion for storytelling, our commitment to excellence, and most importantly, the love and support of our readers.

“Stellenbosch Visio has proudly served its niche target market for over a decade,
setting itself apart among South Africa’s upscale publications focused on a C-suite
audience,” said the SAPF judges. “Stellenbosch Visio continues to be a relevant and professional publication for its discerning audience.”

This summer we were elated to be putting to bed the 40th issue of the magazine and celebrating a decade of highlights.

It took a leap of faith to launch a new magazine at a time when others were closing down, but Petro du Toit and I shared a vision and we would not be deterred.

Petro’s creativity and experience as the creative director made all the difference and under her leadership Tip Africa Publishing’s formidable team (pictured above) took Stellenbosch Visio to the pinnacle. To all of them: Thank you for your dedication, hard work, energy and enthusiasm, and for making work feel like fun. The social pictures taken at the festive events on Delaire Graff Estate (p. 41) and Quoin Rock Estate (p. 70) leave no doubt about that.

Right from the outset our dream has been to create a publication to highlight the inspiring people, stories, organisations, and places that make Stellenbosch and its region so extraordinary. We wanted to shine a light on those who strive to make a difference and leave the world a better place.

This issue is once again dedicated to showing our valley in all its glory, from exhilarating experiences in the Winelands to inspiring people who make the town come alive with their entrepreneurial zeal (p. 42).

Richard Holmes and Emile Joubert take us on a wine routes road trip and share their insiders’ knowledge of some of the best destinations and wines (p. 103). This is bucket-list stuff! To crown it all, Jacques Marais jumped into a helicopter to do some wine-tasting with a difference (p. 87). Not to be outdone, Peter Frost put a BMW R 1300 GS through its paces on the passes to Knysna (p. 84). All too fast-paced for you? Then grab your hiking shoes and accompany Karla de Bod on the Eerste River Trail (p. 124). Or head out to some picturesque spots for an unforgettable meal (p. 74).

It’s the season for joyous occasions, and your chance to dress up and shine in the most awe-inspiring jewellery from Picot and Moss (p. 60). Not to forget the pages of ideas and inspiration for gifts that will wow your nearest and dearest (p. 28).

No gift, though, can equal the relationships we have formed with you, our readers.

Thank you for making Stellenbosch Visio a part of your lives. You are the reason we do what we do, on paper and online. We also owe a debt of gratitude to our advertisers for their loyal support. Without them, as you know, it would not have been possible.

Although the past is never past, the future is already with us. There is much to look forward to: among other things to the Stellenbosch Triennale 2025, with Dr Mike Mavura opening the conversation on p. 72.

Ek lig graag ’n glasie op die toekoms, en op nog baie meer suksesvolle jare vir Stellenbosch Visio en die tallose goeie verhale wat vertel kan word. Tot lof van hierdie skeppende verhouding tussen publikasie, plek en mense het Tom Dreyer op versoek van Hettie Scholtz, ons literatuurredakteur, ’n baie spesiale gedig vir Stellenbosch Visio geskryf. Lees dit (p. 136) en verbly jou in ons lieflike uithoek binne hierdie onstuimige wêreld.

Met my beste wense vir die feestyd!

The post Editors Letter: On a High! appeared first on Stellenbosch Visio.

Headed for the future

In Stellenbosch it often happens completely out of the blue – the past taps you on the shoulder and off goes your mind to an enchanting corner of history. Only to be lured back by glimpses of a thrilling future.

Stellenbosch offers a mesmerising warp of time and tide, the transient and the enduring, the here-and-now and the infinite. And this issue of Stellenbosch Visio testifies to that.

We visit venerated wine estates harking back hundreds of years, and step into a house that encapsulates eco-awareness and futuristic thinking in design (p. 72). On the ancient plains of the Camdeboo, at Samara, visionaries Mark and Sarah Tompkins have brought a dream alive: to create a game sanctuary and a model of sustainable eco-tourism while offering contemporary Karoo-style hospitality to guests (p. 92).

Closer to home, Emile Joubert takes us to vineyards where farmers, as WWF’s Conservation champions, are conserving the sensitive ecology of the Winelands with a spirit of innovation, making South Africa’s wine industry one of the most conservation-conscious in the world (p. 86).

The stunning success story of South Africa’s exhibition at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, told with such verve by Leon Kluge in his first contribution to Stellenbosch Visio, highlights the value of sustained stewardship of our natural heritage. We hope to feature many more contributions by Leon in upcoming issues (p. 112).

Nothing happens without people who are willing to transcend boundaries – also that of gender and race – and we are blessed with an abundance of them in Stellenbosch. On Weltevreden 1692 Imke Bezuidenhout hosts events that bring together inspirational women to share their stories (p. 76), and on Compagniesdrift Ilse Ruthford is a shining example of what empowerment means, as are Denise Stubbs at Thokozani Wines and Frank Bongoza at Wijnhuis Restaurant (pp. 100–103).

Creative thinking is at the core of life in Stellenbosch and it’s time again for the annual public art exhibition of the Stellenbosch Outdoor Sculpture Trust (SOST). Locals and visitors all enjoy these striking outdoor artworks placed in the historic town centre. The theme of the current exhibition is (Un)Earthed – Exploring contemporary ceramic art in South Africa and the selected pieces will be exhibited in the Voorgelegen Museum in Dorp Street, while photographic images of them will be shown on eight large-format frames strategically placed around central Stellenbosch. Read more about this magnificent initiative on p. 28.

Die jaar sal ook nie dieselfde wees sonder die Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees nie, waarvoor ons nou reeds ons vere begin regskud om hierdie lente te bruis en te blom. Kry sommer vroegtydig ’n voorsmakie van die fees (p. 104).

Terwyl ons die lente-uitgawe van Stellenbosch Visio gereed gemaak, het my 93-jarige moeder ’n naweek by ons deurgebring. Teen die agtergrond van tyd en getye, ook in ons menselewens, het ek opnuut besef watter voorreg ons het om tyd saam met ons bejaarde ouers te kan deurbring, en terselfdertyd ons kleinkinders te sien grootword.

Ons moet mekaar daaraan bly herinner hoe belangrik dit is om verder as die horison te kyk en seker te maak ons omgewing bly geskik vir ons kleinkinders en húl kleinkinders.

Met al die optimisme en nuwe energie wat ek aan die begin van hierdie lente beleef, hoop ek dat ons die wêreld ’n beter plek sal kan laat vir ons nageslagte.

The post Stellenbosch Visio Spring 2024 Issue appeared first on Stellenbosch Visio.

As we were putting the final touches to this winter issue of Stellenbosch Visio, the Western Cape was struck by the most severe windstorm in decades. I battle to find the right words to describe the force of howling gale-force winds tearing through our region in early April – unseasonal winds that left devastation in their wake.

It was heart-wrenching to see so many of our beloved giant oak trees blown over or snapped in two like matchsticks. Homes and even big buildings had their roofs blown off or were severely damaged, and fires swept through formal and informal areas, leaving thousands without shelter.

Historic landmarks like the Jonkershuis and the beautiful Manor House on Blaauwklippen, our second oldest wine farm dating back to 1682, were razed. Our deepest condolences go out to everyone who suffered loss and damage.

Then, even as the skies were still clouding over and we were bracing ourselves for the second wave of this storm (which mercifully didn’t happen), we experienced instead the enormous resilience, compassion and unity of our community in the face of adversity.

The municipality took swift action, and teams could be seen everywhere, hard at work clearing the roads, removing fallen trees and lending a hand wherever needed.

Community Services sent out appeals and within hours loads of food, clothing and blankets were donated, sorted and distributed. Moments like these truly highlight the power of a community coming together to support one another in times of need.

This storm again made us aware of our homes as a shelter against the raw power of the elements. But homes are far more than that. They are where our dreams are stitched into the fabric of a place.

Acclaimed author Marlene van Niekerk gives a delightful glimpse into how the artist and previous head of the Visual Arts Department at Stellenbosch University, Keith Dietrich, made his dreams tangible in an unpromising Victorian house (p. 84).

In our town, we quite rightly treasure the gifts the past has left for us, but what drives us forward is the spirit of innovation. Elmari Rautenbach met Marco Botha and was bowled over by how he had harnessed a love for sports to a school community’s pressing needs. Who could ever imagine that a school’s soccer field in Kayamandi linked to a hyper-sophisticated water filtration system could deliver clean drinking water. Read the story (p. 96) and marvel!

We would like to believe that it is Stellenbosch Visio’s community spirit that persuades so many top-notch journalists to write for us – as you will see in this issue again with Richard Holmes writing about glorious Gåte restaurant (p. 26), Emile Joubert sharing wine (p. 106) and brandy wisdom (p. 72) and Jacques Marais indulging in the snow at Mont Rochelle (p. 90). And that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

Ons is ’n land met wonderlike natuurskoon en mense met warm harte. Geen wonder dat ’n gevierde skrywer en akademikus soos Ena Jansen ná ’n uiters suksesvolle loopbaan in die buiteland weer teruggehunker het na die Kaap nie. Haar woorde op die agterblad sal steeds by my weerklank vind. Welkom tuis, Ena!

The post Stellenbosch Visio Winter 2024 Issue appeared first on Stellenbosch Visio.

The country-wide euphoria that exploded after the Rugby World Cup final in the Stade de France at the end of October is a case in point. As the Webb Ellis Cup was lifted high, our glasses of bubbly were raised in jubilation, awe and solidarity with our national team.

There are other moments that are more intimate, but no less joyful – special occasions that fill us with the desire to drink stars.

As the festive season unfurls before us, it’s probably prudent to always have a bottle of South Africa’s own excellent bubblies chilling in the fridge, in case a reason to celebrate presents itself. Or if not, in case a decent thirst comes your way.

It is only fitting for Stellenbosch Visio to crown this festive season issue with an ode to Cap Classique. It’s just over 50 years since the first Cap Classiques, made in the traditional Méthode Champenoise style, started lending their sparkle to our celebrations. In its own inimitable way Cap Classique blends heritage with trendiness, profound quality with glitz and glamour. A drink that gladdens the heart and lifts the spirit.

Emile Joubert has been on hand, cheering Cap Classique on as it soared. He shares his recommendations of old favourites and exciting new sparkling wines and talks to innovators from leading estates who are adding even more élan to this stylish drink (p. 52).

Stellenbosch Visio introduces the new generation of winemakers – young and sophisticated men and women, who are poised to take the industry to new spheres. But talented people are not only found in vineyards and cellars. Artists as well as scientists and entrepreneurs, they are everywhere, in restaurants and in laboratories, designing new buildings and creating works of art, making music and making memories. As you page through this issue, you will be inspired by the drive and enthusiasm powering the City of Oaks forward.

In stark contrast to these life-affirming activities, we are confronted, day and night on newscasts, with mankind’s destructive urge. In great sadness we watch missiles raining on cities, destroying homes and innocence.

Closer to home, it was a long and cold winter with two dreadful storms that battered our coastline and flooded the riverbeds, washed away precious topsoil, vineyards, infrastructure and homes. But the sun has returned and around us grapevines remind us of the cycles of dormancy and growth.

As Pablo Neruda put it in “Keeping quiet”:

Alles rondom ons spreek van lewe soos die landerye in helderheid en vrugbaarheid uitbars. Strijdom van der Merwe begelei die kinders van die Pebbles-projek op Delaire Graff om landskap en kuns één te maak (p. 119). Melvyn Minnaar lei ons op ’n feesroete deur kunsmuseums en -galerye (p. 46). Jackie Burger wys fabelagtige feestyduitrustings en kroon dit met juwele (p. 34).

Die mense van Suid-Afrika wys keer op keer dat ons nog nie ophou droom het van ’n goeie toekoms vir almal nie. Ook dat ons nie ons geloof in vrede op aarde op die solder gebêre en daarvan vergeet het nie.

My groetwoorde vir die feestyd: Laat ons ság wees met mekaar. Dan maak ons reeds die wêreld ’n beter plek.

Die mense van Suid-Afrika wys keer op keer dat ons nog nie ophou droom het van ’n goeie toekoms vir almal nie. Ook dat ons nie ons geloof in vrede op aarde op die solder gebêre en daarvan vergeet het nie.

My groetwoorde vir die feestyd: Laat ons ság wees met mekaar. Dan maak ons reeds die wêreld ’n beter plek.

The post Our Summer Issue appeared first on Stellenbosch Visio.

As always, spring resonates with our deepest feelings of renewal and the awakening of life forces, especially after a bitterly wet winter. The Eerste and Berg rivers burst their banks in a way not seen in our lifetime. Meanwhile, across the northern hemisphere, heat waves sizzled and the highest temperatures ever were recorded on a steadily upward-trending graph that reaches back several years.

As always, spring resonates with our deepest feelings of renewal and the awakening of life forces, especially after a bitterly wet winter. The Eerste and Berg rivers burst their banks in a way not seen in our lifetime. Meanwhile, across the northern hemisphere, heat waves sizzled and the highest temperatures ever were recorded on a steadily upward-trending graph that reaches back several years.

Nature has turned intemperate and is now unleashing its forces against a plundering and ruthless humankind.

Fortunately, it’s not all devastating news. Like fresh shoots appearing after a veld fire, green initiatives are springing up all around us. And in this issue of Stellenbosch Visio we want to salute those entrepreneurs and companies who are coming forward with sustainable solutions and green technologies.

Nature often supplies the solutions to the problems we have created. From the little town of Gansbaai comes a breakthrough approach to protect bathing beaches by way of the SharkSafe Barrier. Taking a cue from kelp forests (which great white sharks hate), conservationist and filmmaker Michael Rutzen, together with researchers and engineers from Stellenbosch University, devised an artificial kelp forest to keep large predatory sharks at bay. It’s a bonus that it also acts as an artificial reef to support marine diversity (p. 70). More and more conservationists are joining forces to protect our planet – and Marlene Bouwer also gives a fascinating glimpse into the work of transplanting resilient corals to fast-disappearing coral reefs as part of the Rolex Perpetual Planet (p. 26).

Saving the planet can involve some very up-close-and-personal involvement. Elsa Kruger (p. 84) helps us understand the development of sustainability and environmental consciousness in beauty products. Let’s all hold our favourite brands accountable, read the labels and educate ourselves on what ingredients we need to avoid.

Going green is not just a worthy undertaking; it can also be delicious and good for you. Richard Holmes (p. 62) munched more than just greens in his round-up of delicious green and healthy eating. Emile Joubert (p. 46) raises a glass of sprightly rosé to that, and takes us to exciting estates producing this increasingly popular wine.

Met die Woordfees net om die draai (bl. 116) bars Stellenbosch saam met die nuwe seisoen uit sy nate. As jy enigsins nog twyfel, sal die meer-as-lewensgroot foto’s teen opvallende mure jou gou-gou onder die indruk van al die kreatiewe kragte bring. Melvyn Minnaar wys die indrukwekkende foto’s en gesels met kurator Anelisa Mangcu oor hierdie grootse openbare uitstalling. Stellenbosch Visio kry dit elke keer reg om die beste woordkunstenaars aan die woord te stel, mense soos Tom Dreyer (bl. 99) en Dominique Botha (bl. 128), beide onnabootsbaar briljant in hoe hulle hul belewenisse verwoord.

Die dorp gaan hierdie lente vol polsende lewe wees. Geniet die Woordfees. Die Tuinweek. Wine Town. Die opborreling van aktiwiteite oral om jou. Die malse groen eikebome. Die rosé in jou glas. Verlustig jou in wat die planeet ons bied – en bewaar dit vir dié wat ná ons kom.

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