News from Friends of Harfield Parks

A busy summer for the Friends thank YOU HARFIELDERS for the awesome ongoing support that is helping to shape our parks into the green jewels we want them to be.  

Our stall at the Carnival was a huge success and we all but sold out the wonderful collection of succulents, lilies, herbs and veg and a collection of garden flowers grown by kind people for us. We raised a huge R9000 from the raffles, donations and plant sales and this will go a long way to cover the costs of the stunning new entrance arch at Hampstead, the new gum pole fencing and the new flowerbeds to come.  


The fencing has been lined up opposite the entrances onto Hampstead road so that from the bottom section of the park there is not an open line of sight to the road.   The idea is to slow kids and dogs down so they do not dash into the street.

Upcoming Events that you need to diarise.
  • This Sunday 24 April – Hampstead Park Gardening Party–  come along with a spade or broom to help garden and clean or a bucket to collect the huge qty of glass that came to the surface after the heavy rain a few weeks back.  We start at 9 and go till lunch.  
  • Sunday 15 May – Annual Railway line clean up – bring your bags, hats and a black bag and come along for a walk and litter collection along the railway line.  The more the merrier,  bring the kids and the neighbours (no dogs).   Start at Kenilworth Station at 8.30 am and end at Harfield station at 11.   Saturday 28 May Hampstead Park Gardening Party Part 2
  • November – Garden Competition Voting – start the work now to prevent pre-entry jitters
Projects on the go – please volunteer to help if you like the projects.  Help can be time, money or goods or even fund raising
  • Entrance beds in Hampstead
  • The Veg garden in Hampstead (looking good and starting to produce)
  • Surrey Park Herb Spiral
  • The Nursery in Purley
  • The Secret Garden in Hampstead
  • A wall mural in Purley (need to get official permission)
  • The bird and butterfly bed in Princess
  • The clean- up and painting of the South West wall of Hampstead
  • Growing indigenous plants for the railway line garden and for next year’s plant sale
  • The creation of a mini urban forest in a corner of Hampstead.
Special mention of thanks to beyond the call of duty by Harfield businesses
Norgarb Properties for sponsoring of the Garden Competition and Newsletter
Oggi for regular seedlings and weekly labour in the Vegetable patch
Eco Fencing for the recent donation of labour to install the entry arch
Urban Village Properties for sponsoring of labour for work parties and providing overalls and T-Shirts for the work team.

Harfield Village

THE BIG QUESTION...CHOOSING A TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTION

Now is the time of year that matric learners and their parents are frantically scouring websites and attending institutional open days in order to fine the best; the most suitable; the most affordable tertiary learning institution.

For many, the decision has already been made and they are starting to make application to UCT, Stellenbosch, UWW, Rhodes, or CPUT.
However, for numerous others for whom these are not an option because their interests or skills lie elsewhere, there is the dilemma regarding how to choose from the numerous private institutions all clamouring to ensure their share of the market.  In response to the numerous phonecalls that I receive at my office regarding the reputation or legitimacy of an institution, I am listing some of the ways that one checks out an institution BEFORE signing the contract and committing oneself to the full annual fee.
  1. Go onto the website.  When last was it updated?  How long has the institution  been in existence? Are there any contactable referees or endorsements.
  2. Now go onto the SAQA website http://goo.gl/4lVQ6g of Private Higher Education Institutions to ensure that the actual course that you want to do at the specific institution is accredited.  Accredited private  FET Colleges can be found on www.saqa.org.za
  3. One can waste a great deal of money on a course that has not been accredited and therefore is not well recognized and doesn’t provide articulation into a higher level.
  4. Visit the institution outside of an open day.  Make an appointment to see the student advisor and ask questions regarding their accreditation and particularly about past students eg what percentage of them obtained work in their area of training (vs going back to waitoring) within a year of graduating.
  5. Don’t be dazzled by fancy premises or fancy promises.  Do your homework.  You will be glad that you did. 

Annette Miller

Patchwork | What to Grow in April

As we head into Autumn, there is still quite a lot of heat and not enough rain!

For those looking to plant this month, here's the April plant list:
Broad beans, Beetroot, Broccoli, Cabbage, Calendula, Carrot, Chard/Spinach, Celery, Chinese Cabbage, Chives, Chilli, Kale, Kohlrabi, Garlic, Globe Artichoke, Leek, Leaf Mustard, Lettuce, Onion, Parsnip, Parsley, Peas, Potato, Radish, Turnip.

A big thanks to everyone who supported the Friends of Harfield Village Parks by buying from the plant stall at the Harfield Village Carnival at the beginning of the month, as well as to the FOHP committee who do such amazing work.

Happy planting!


HVCID - How can we help you?


Dear Residents

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

Please remember that our Manager, Jenni Coleman, is here to help you. Whether you have information about crime or concerns about suspicious behaviour, or are experiencing technical issues with your alarm or billing queries with ADT etc., please let Jenni know. She has direct contacts at ADT and relationships with other security role players in the area. Her contact details are 081 412 6109 or
admin@hvcid.co.za.

SECURITY TOOLS

Pepper spray can be very useful in a time of emergency. Through HVCID, ADT customers can now obtain a 100ml bottle, delivery included, for R136.80. It come with a cover as well.

Another useful tool is the ADT find u app, which is a smartphone app that can be tracked in the event of an emergency, and ADT or appropriate agency can respond (example mountain and fire rescue).  A small fee applies.

Please email jhanning.za@adt.co.za for any further information

8 WALKING OR JOGGING TIPS
  1. Always try to be aware of your surroundings, and always stride confidently.
  2. Avoid displaying your valuables PARTICULARLY YOUR CELLPHONE, cash, expensive jewelry and clothing – possessing valuables makes you an inviting target.
  3. Avoid walking or jogging anywhere very early in the morning or late at night when the streets are empty.  If you must walk at night, take a friend with you, or opt for a well-lit path.
  4. If you suspect that you are being followed, change directions or cross the street.  If you are still being followed, quickly head towards an open store, a restaurant or a house with the lights on.  Yell for help if you have to.
  5. Always have your keys ready in your hand as you approach your door.
  6. Avoid carrying more money than what you need each day.
  7. Never try to resist someone who is trying to rob you – you don’t want them to become violent.
  8. If someone robs or assaults you, report it to the police.  Try to give the police an accurate, detailed description of the attacker.


JENNI COLEMAN
admin@hvcid.co.za            +27 (0)81 412 6109



EASY DELICIOUS CHICKEN - DOUBLE UP FOR A PARTY DISH

INGREDIENTS:

8 Chicken Thighs on bone
1 Pkt Royco Brown Onion Soup
½  Cup Tangy Mayonnaise
½ Cup Chutney or Sweet Chilli sauce or half and half of each
1 Cup Milk
30mls Soy Sauce

METHOD:

Place chicken pieces in casserole dish and sprinkle with mixed herbs or chicken spice.
Mix all of the above sauce ingredients.
Pour over chicken.
Bake at 165 for 1 to 1¼ hours (open – no lid)
Sprinkle with herbs and serve. 

*I like using fresh coriander.

Lyn Staples
Tel +27 21 674 1120 / +27 82 846 0739
lyn@norgarb.co.za
www.norgarb.co.za

Crime statistics VS unreported crime

2016 is proving to be a very challenging year in terms of the crime trends, and the increase of movement in our Claremont Streets.

Whatsapp groups, Facebook pages, and community communications are all raising awareness, and keeping us vigilant; however our residents are becoming proportionally desensitized to the very frequent reporting of crime in and around their homes.

In many cases, crimes like, wall hopping, trespassing, attempted break-in etc. are not reported to SAPS. This gives a warped indication of crime statistics in Claremont, and in turn, our SAPS resources are judged by the amount of crime reported in our precinct.
Crime stats SA released the following crime statistics for the Claremont precinct in 2015:

Common assault: 98 cases
Common Robbery: 116 cases
Robbery with aggravating circumstances: 191 cases
Malicious Injury to Property: 367 cases
Burglary at non-residential property: 91 cases
Residential burglaries: 754 cases
Theft of motor vehicle: 250 cases
Theft out of motor vehicle: 1084 cases
All theft not mentioned elsewhere: 1690 cases
Car-jacking: 14 cases
Robbery at residential premises: 48 cases
Robbery at non-residential premises: 25 cases

These are just a few crime brackets; for the full report, please visit www.crimestatssa.com.
The average per month for reported crime in Claremont (for above figures only), is 394.17. In last month alone, Princeton is aware of 5 crimes that were not reported to SAPS, as nothing was stolen from the property, and therefore a CAS number was not needed for insurance.

In a bigger picture, if ALL crime is reported, SAPS will have a better knowledge of the movement in our streets and more concentration will be given to areas with a higher crime rate. Claremont SAPS might be under resourced in terms of sending a vehicle to your premises, but that shouldn’t stop anyone from going to the station and opening up a case there. 

If an Officer is reluctant to take your case, it is your right to insist on opening one.

The importance of reporting crime is invaluable to both the residents of Claremont and SAPS.







TAX AND THAT LITTLE EXTRA YOU EARN FROM RENTING OUT A GRANNY FLAT OR OTHER PREMISES




According to our tax laws, the rental income received by an individual who rents out a property, is subject to income tax.

Rental of residential accommodation includes:
. holiday homes;
. bed-and-breakfast establishments;
. guesthouses;
. sub-renting part of your house e.g. a room or garden flat; and
. residential dwellings.

1. HOW IS IT TAXED?

1.1 Rental income/lease premium
You are obliged to add the monthly rental income you receive to the sum of your annual (taxable) income declared to SARS.

Any lease premium (an amount paid in addition to, or in lieu of rent for the for granting of the use or occupation of a property) is also subject to income tax in the hands of the homeowner as landlord. These premiums are usually paid in the form of lump sums at the commencement of the lease, and the full amount is subject to tax in the year that it accrues, or is received. (This is unlike rental income, which is paid and receipted monthly.)

1.2 Tenant's deposit
Receipt of the tenant's refundable deposit is not taxed in the hands of the homeowner (as it is not money 'earned' by the owner), provided it is kept separately in a trust account and is not used by the owner. However, if the tenant breaches the lease agreement and the deposit is, in terms of the provisions of the lease agreement, forfeited to the owner, then it becomes 'income earned' and must be included in your taxable income, in the year that it accrues to you.

2. POSSIBLE REDUCTIONS IN AMOUNT OF RENTAL
The amount of the rental income to be included in your income tax may be reduced by subtracting certain expenses incurred during the lease period and if the expenses were incurred 'in the production of the rental income'. These include:
. rates and taxes;
. bond interest;
. advertisements;
. agency fees of estate agents;
. insurance (only homeowners not household contents);
. garden services;
. repairs/maintenance in respect of the area let; and
. security and property levies.

Beware the fine distinction between repairs and maintenance on the one hand, and improvement and reconstruction on the other. Whilst repairs and maintenance may be subtracted from the amount of the rental income, improvement/construction expenses are capital in nature and are not allowed as a reduction in respect of rental income. (Improvement/construction expenses may however be included in the calculation of the base cost of the property, to reduce the capital gain (or loss) on the disposal of the property for capital gains tax purposes.)

3. A PRACTICAL EXAMPLE OF HOW TO DEDUCT EXPENSES, PROVIDED BY SARS ON ITS WEBSITE, ILLUSTRATES THE CALCULATION AS FOLLOWS:
Expenses must be apportioned where less than 100% of the property is rented out. The area which is let must be divided by the total area of the dwelling which includes garages and outbuildings.

Let's look at the following example: Ms Jones lets two rooms within her main home on a bed-and-breakfast basis. Each bedroom has its own en-suite bathroom.  The total area of the house (including garages and outbuildings) is 420 square metres, while the area which is let, is 120 square metres. The area let expressed as a percentage of the total area of the house, is 28.57% (120/420 x 100). Ms Jones' total rental income for the 2012 tax year was R50 000:
Expenses
Rand
Expenses apportioned to the area rented (28.75%)
Rates and taxes
 R            9 600
 R            2 743
Garden services
 R          10 000
 R            2 857
Security
 R            2 000
 R               571
Interest on bond
 R          60 000
 R           17 142
Advertisements (Note1)
 R            1 000
 R            1 000
Insurance
 R            6 000
 R            1 714
Improvements to garage (Note2)
 R            5 000
 R                   - 
Repairs in respect of the area let - water damaged carpets (Note3)
 R          12 000
 R         12 000
Total Expenses
 R       105 600
 R         38 027


Notes:
. Advertisements incurred 100% in production of rental income.
. Improvements to garage are capital/private expenses (not incurred in production of rental income) therefore no expenses allowed as a deduction.
. Replacement of water damaged carpets is incurred in production of rental income (therefore allowed as a deduction).
. Nett expenses to be set off against rental income is, R50 000 less R38 027= R11 972.68 (rental profit).
. Source code for rental profit is 4210 and rental loss is 4211.
. Profit/loss to be split 50:50 when married in community of property. Note that the full amount after expenses must be reflected.  SARS will programmatically apportion 50:50.

For more information and assistance, contact Martin Sheard at MartinS@stbb.co.za or at 021 673 4700.
STBB - Claremont

The Sugar Story

Humans have evolved to digest and utilize carbohydrates (or foods that convert into sugar in the body) as a form of energy.  I believe that most people can eat carbohydrates, but the important point is which ones you eat as well as how much of them that you eat.  Added sugar (or sucrose) is the form that you should take in the least.  Although carbohydrates do convert into sugar, they bring a lot of other goodness to your diet such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytochemicals, and fiber, and this is not the case with added sugar.

As a definition, sugar is a simple carbohydrate that comes in many different forms.  In its simplest form it is called a monosaccharide and includes:
·  Glucose (occurs naturally in fruits and plants)
·  Fructose (occurs naturally in fruits, some root vegetables, cane sugar and honey)
· Galactose (combines with glucose to form lactose, which is found in milk). 

Sucrose is a disaccharide (contains 2 monosaccharaides) made up of glucose and fructose.  All carbohydrates, once eaten, are converted into sugar during digestion.  It is the added sugar that gives no beneficial nutrients (just energy) and in excess can impact on weight and health.  The World Health Organization guideline is that ‘added sugar’ should make up no more than 5-10% of our daily intake.  However, with sugar being used in many of the processed foods these days it is easy to lose track of how much ‘added’ sugar you are eating in a day! 

Understanding the Difference between Natural Sugar and Added Sugar
Food labels only contain information on total sugars per serving (‘of which sugars’), not added sugar.  It therefore becomes almost impossible for us to work out how much added sugars are in the foods and drinks.  This is where the ingredient list becomes important.  The ingredients in a product are listed in order of weight.  This means that the biggest (by weight) ingredient comes first on the list and the smallest ingredient is last.  Therefore if sugar is listed in the top 3 ingredients then the ‘of which sugars’ is added sugar.  If however the ‘of which sugars’ is high and the first ingredient is milk or fruit, then it is natural sugar in the product.


Sugar Synonyms:

Beet sugar                                             Fructose                                                 Mannitol
Brown sugar                                           Galactose                                              Maple sugar
Cane sugar                                             Glucose                                                  Molasses
Corn sugar                                             Honey                                                     Sorbitol
Corn syrup                                             Invert sugar                                            Sucrose
Dextrin                                                   Lactose                                                   White sugar
Dextrose                                                 Maltose


Which and How Much Carbohydrate?
It is the ‘which’ carbohydrate and ‘how much’ carbohydrate that is the most important part of any eating plan.  It does not matter whether you choose to eat bread or fruit or yoghurt.  It matters however that you choose the seed loaf or rye bread over the white bread, and it matters that you eat 1-2 slices of bread rather than 4-6!


Carbohydrates include milk, yoghurt, fruit, legumes, starchy veg, and grains
A unit of carbohydrate is 175ml yoghurt, 1 cup milk, a tennis ball size of fruit, or ½ cup cooked legumes, starchy veg or grain


The Glycaemic Index (GI) is a great tool to use when making your carbohydrate choices.  This is a measure of how quickly (or slowly) the carbohydrates are digested and what impact they have on the blood sugar level.  The lower GI, (and by default the higher fibre) carbohydrates are the ones that digest more slowly and therefore release their sugar into the blood more slowly resulting in more constant blood sugar levels.  As a rule, I get clients to choose milk, yoghurt, fruit, legumes and whole grains mostly.  Also important in the pursuit of controlled blood sugars is to eat lean protein and/or healthy plant fat with the healthy carbohydrates. 

Blood sugar control is also dependent on how much carbohydrate you eat at each meal and snack.  Logically it makes sense that if you eat a lot of food that converts into sugar, a lot of sugar will move into the blood – even if it is a low GI carbohydrate!  Portion control therefore becomes a very important part of the equation.  Generally about 1-3 units of carbohydrate can be eaten at each meal and snack.  The number that you can eat depends on whether you are male or female, whether you are having snacks in between the meals and how active you are.  For example, a female doing limited exercise can eat between 1 and 2 units of carbohydrates at each meal and snack and should aim at having about 7-9 units of carbohydrates per day.  Within the carbohydrates you should of course be choosing about 2-3 servings of fruit and 1-2 servings of milk/yoghurt. To learn more about how to balance your carbohydrates (as well as proteins and fats) visit a dietician who can help you with this.

The bottom line is that you can utilize carbohydrates as an energy source.  Carbohydrates are the foods that give you immediate energy and you ideally need this energy regularly during the day to keep your blood sugar levels and thereby your energy levels and appetite constant.  Choose them wisely and enjoy them in small quantities.  You will reap the benefits. 

Dietician - Kim Hofmann
Office - (021) 674 4666
Cell - 084 206 2715
E-mail - kimh.rd@mweb.co.za