Give snakes a wide berth and they won’t attack
features are humility, integrity, compassion and humanity. A leadership that demonstrates competence, tenacity and a sense of efficacy. A leadership that practices introspection, and self-renewal, and does not shy away from unpopular decisions. A leadership that generates trust, goodwill, and confidence. A leadership that understands the success of others does not diminish their own success. A leadership that invests in generations of leaders to come. As business, we care about the development and education of our people, because we rely on our people to make our businesses work. We care about the demand and supply of the skills required to remain sustainable and competitive. We care about the state of our economy because it directly impacts on our businesses. We care about the social issues, especially inequality that impact on our people. Mahatma Gandhi said there are seven things that will destroy us: wealth without work; pleasure without conscience; knowledge without character; religion without sacrifice; politics without principle; science without humanity and business without ethics. We ignore these principles at our peril.
IHAD AN interesting letter from Shaun Macleod, the province’s snake rescue co-ordinator. Frankly I didn’t know such a position existed, but I am pleased to have his address in case I ever need help with a snake. Shaun’s message was basically that in the warmer weather we all need to be aware of snakes and treat them kindly. This is the time when they come out of hibernation and also the time humans start going for mountain hikes.
He points out that there are 27 species of snake in the Cape and only three of these are harmful to humans. Snakes will not attack people and will only harm you if they feel threatened, then it’s in self defence. If you do encounter a snake while hiking or walking, just give it space and it will take avoiding action.
Too many humans have a built-in hatred of snakes and many harmless snakes are killed for no reason at all.
Snakes are our allies in the battle against rats, so we mustn’t kill them and then complain about the rat invasion.
There’s no way of making your property snakeproof, so if you don’t want them to visit your garden make it as unfriendly to them as possible. Keep grass short and clear up any rubble or heaps of garden refuse that might provide shelter.
I find snakes incredibly beautiful and graceful, so I am always delighted and enchanted when I see one.
If, however, you have a different view of snakes and you find one on your property, I suggest you call Shaun and ask him to come and take it to safety.
You can reach him on 082 532 5033.
IWAS saddened to learn of the passing of Spätz Sperling of Delheim Wine Estate, one of the pioneers of the Stellenbosch Wine Route. Spätz, whose real name I learnt was Michael Hans, (I never knew that) came to South Africa from Germany in 1951 and over the next 60 years has left deep footprints in the vineyards of the Cape. Delheim was the first Cape wine farm to serve cheese and to have a restaurant.
Apart from being a founder member of the wine route Spätz was also the first Cape vintner to produce a regular newsletter for his clients. In fact he was largely responsible for the Cape’s wine industry being the major tourist attraction it is today.
He was also passionate about trees and was chairman of the South African Timber Growers’ Association.
His big bear hugs and shout of “Prost!” will be greatly missed in the world of wine. He leaves a larger than life gap.
My sincere condolences go to all at Delheim.
Last Laugh
Two little Grade 4 pupils went to their teacher and said: “Our sister has a birthday next week and we are trying to decide what to buy for her. What do you suggest?” The teacher replied:”Why not buy her a book?” “Nah,” said the one boy, “she already has a book.”