10 April 2019

10 April 2019

Published every Wednesday by CXpress 2006 (Pty) Ltd - PO Box 1449, Plettenberg Bay 6600 - 6 Park Lane, Plettenberg Bay - Tel: 044 533 1004 - Fax: 044 533 0852 Email: editor@cxpress.co.za / advertising@cxpress.co.za Web page: www.cxpress.co.za ress. ss.co co.za Printed by Group Editors

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Team Monarch won the Ladies African Open played at Kurland Estate’s pretty polo fields recently - pictured in mid-celebration from left are team mates Jossie Spilsbury, Alicia Woods, Kelly Mathias, and Sally Jellis. Read the report on page 12.

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CXPRESS

10 April 2019

NEWS & VIEWS

Magical forests of Knysna inspire coffee-table book PAUL BRUINS is a professional landscape photographer currently working on a coffee-table photo-book entitled ‘The Magic of the Knysna Forests’ - here’s why…

NYONE who has ever walked along any of the many trails through Knysna’s forests will agree that the experience is somehow quite magical. Could it be the cool, damp, oxygen-rich air that has this mysterious effect on us?

Or perhaps it’s the fact that these forests are home to many hundreds of species of plants and animals, with some trees older than our great, great, great, great grandparents.

Maybe, since our own primitive ancestors once emerged from the forests on their way up the evolutionary food-chain, this somehow awakens a long-lost instinctive reaction within us when we walk in these forests.

While there are several excellent books of a botanical nature (describing the trees and plants in the Knysna forests) available, and also a number of well-researched historical books (both fictional and non-fiction) recounting the life of the early residents of Knysna, unfortunately I wasn’t able to find a single book describing the Knysna forests pictorially.

‘How is this possible?’ I wondered.

These forests are all filled to the brim with visually interesting plants, trees, mushrooms and mosses, so why had nobody yet produced a large-format coffee-table book full of stunning photos of all these interesting things?

For the past months I have gone out walking with my camera every morning, mostly concentrating on trying to capture beautiful images in the Jubilee Creek section of the forest.

Only when I have walked and photographed all the trails in this section of the forest, will I move on to explore the Diepwalle hiking trails, and others.

Not many people are aware that the dry

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Advanced Hearing

Valley of Ferns Misty Sunrise Photos: Paul Bruins

WHO IS PAUL BRUINS? My interest in photography was sparked at an early age while completing a school project of building a pin-hole camera and developing and printing the results in a homemade darkroom. From then on, photography has remained an integral part of my life. Despite qualifying as a civil engineer, my passion for this creative art has meant I am seldom without my camera, and my love for nature and the outdoors has cumulated in my extensive skills as an architectural and fine-art landscape photographer. (www.paulbruins.co.za)

summer of 2017 killed off most of the treeferns (Cyathea capensis) in the forests. The mortality rate was 100% in some sections, including the Garden of Eden, and even wetter parts like the Valley of Ferns are now full of the stumps of dead tree-ferns.

How utterly sad.

When we see something beautiful and delicate, our first instincts are usually to try and protect and preserve that thing of beauty. I am hoping that my photos will inspire and encourage other people to appreciate the forests as much as I do and, in doing so, help to conserve these Knysna gems.

Knysna Forest Sunrise Sparkle

Jubilee Creek Misty Morning

Mossy Ironwoods

NEWS & VIEWS

10 April 2019

CXPRESS

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Attempt at absolution earns hospice nurse’s killer double life terms The man who raped and murdered Plettenberg Bay hospice nurse Penny Cumming was handed two life sentences and more for these heinous crimes when he was convicted and sentenced in the Knysna Circuit Court last week - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports COBANI Lokwe, who initially pleaded not guilty to the rape and murder of the 63-year-old Schoongezicht Country Estate resident in January last year, was convicted and sentenced last Thursday - more than a year after the crimes were committed.

Judge Patric Gamble sentenced Lokwe to life in prison for the rape and handed him a second life term for Cumming’s murder.

He was sentenced to a further 15 years behind bars for robbery with aggravating circumstance and 10 years

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for housebreaking with the intent to rob. The sentences will run concurrently.

During sentencing Gamble said Lokwe did not make a full and frank disclosure to the court and described him as a “shocking” witness.

In a startling twist, before proceedings, Lokwe requested to take the stand to “come clean” about what had happened that day.

He admitted that, while under the influence of drugs, he had gained access to Cumming’s home, strangled her and then raped her before making off with sev-

eral valuable items from her home and her Volvo SUV. Cumming’s naked and bruised body was found on the floor of her home by a friend on January 29 last year. The vehicle, which was partially destroyed, was found near Nekkies in Knysna later that day.

Lokwe was arrested in KwaNokuthula the following day where he was hiding near a school.

Gamble said that Lokwe’s sudden confession confirmed his dishonesty and manipulation and left him an unreliable witness.

Dangerous escapees recaptured thanks to alert Thornham resident ESIDENTS from Tsitsikamma to George last week learnt that two dangerous convicts had escaped from police custody on Tuesday April 2, when jumping from a moving vehicle while being transported back to prison.

The escape occurred on the R62 and N2 onramp near the Kareedouw and Humansdorp turn-off. Ironically, this is but a stone’s throw from where they were spotted by SANParks contractor Clyde Nelson, 24, when he was travelling from Kareedouw to Knysna on Saturday morning.

Mbongosi Mgoqi and Jason Witbooi were believed to be hiding out in the vicinity of Kareedouw, but no leads had been received by police in the days following their escape.

Witbooi was arrested for

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the murder of retired Joubertina farmer Norman Ludwig, 69, in October last year, while Mgoqi was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment on a charge of culpable homicide that occurred in August 2007, also in the Louterwater-Joubertina district.

Explained Clyde Nelson to CXPRESS: “There had been reports and photos of the escaped convicts on our local WhatsApp group, so everyone was on the lookout.

“While driving on the road between Kareedouw en Woodlands on Saturday morning, I spotted these two guys hitchhiking. They were quite calm, but took a good look at my bakkie, especially in the front, before getting on the back.

“I immediately recognised them and tried to

call a friend of mine to alert the police, but there was no answer at first. I then sent a voice note to the WhatsApp group, but didn’t know if anyone had acted on it.

“After about 25 kilometres of driving west, in the vicinity of Tsitsikamma Lodge, I saw a police car and flashed my lights, not knowing if they were expecting me. It turned out to be two officers from Sanddrif SAPS, who proceeded to arrest the guys on the back of my bakkie.”

Mgoqi and Witbooi appeared in the Humansdorp magistrate’s court on Monday on a charge of escaping custody. And thanks to the actions of a Tsitsikamma resident, Garden Route residents can now tick off one less chance to become a victim of crime.

Gamble added that his attempt at absolution had nothing to do with remorse or apology, but rather to save himself and receive a lesser sentence.

During his trial, Lokwe was adamant about his innocence and even suggested that he had been

framed. He also testified that he had had consensual sex with the victim to explain the DNA that was found on the crime scene.

Local activist Joanne Barrett, who attended proceedings and championed a petition signed by more than 5,000 people in an attempt to

see bail denied, commended Gamble and said the sentences befitted the crimes.

She also praised the investigating officer W/O Wynand Westraadt who worked around the clock to bring Cumming’s murderer to book.

Garden Route Media

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CXPRESS

No ‘politics of patronage’ for Western Cape premier

Knysna Municipality strives to maintain its position as a premier tourist destination in South Africa – a place where peace, prosperity and harmony prevail, ensuring an exceptional lifestyle for residents and visitors alike.

FORMAL SCHEDULED WARD COMMITTEE MEETINGS The Municipality hereby gives notice of Ward Committee meetings which will be held in all municipal wards as per the schedule below: WARD

COUNCILLOR

DATE

VENUE Smutsville Community Hall

TIME

1

Leveal Davids

11 June 2019

2

Cathy Weideman

30 April 2019

Protea Hall-Karatara

18:00

3

David Skosana

16 April 2019

Chris Hani Hall

18:00

4 5 6

Sithembele Ngqezu Eleanore BouwSpies Elrick Van Aswegen

4 June 2019 19 June 2019 24 April 2019

Chris Nissen Primary School Rheenendal Community Hall Hornlee Committee Room

18:00

18:00 18:00 18:00

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Mandla Matiwane

16 May 2019

Khayalethu Hall

18:00

8

Thando Matika

14 May 2019

Masifunde Library

18:00

9

Mark Willemse

28 May 2019

Cearn Hall, Leisure Island

18:00

10

Peter Myers

21 May 2019

Council Chambers

17:00

11

Donovan Pofadder

30 May 2019

Sunridge Primary School

18:30

Enquiries can be directed to Mr Brian Cornelius, Coordinator: Public Participation at bcornelius@knysna.gov.za or alternatively to Ms Noxolo Mcothama at nmcothama@knysna.gov.za or tell 044 302 6586.

DR S VATALA MUNICIPAL MANAGER www.ayandambanga.co.za

NEWS & VIEWS

10 April 2019

136343 CX PRESS

www.thecandocompany.co.za

Words & photos: Timothy Twidle

ESTERN Cape premier Helen Zille led an election rally of the Democratic Alliance (DA) at Piesang Valley Community Hall in Plettenberg Bay on the evening of April 5.

Also present were Western Cape Transport and Public Works minister Donald Grant, Garden Route District mayor Memory Booysen, and Bitou councillors Dave Swart, Bill Nel, Sumeia Ndayi, Anne Windvogel, Jessica Kamkam, and Annelise Olivier.

The hall was packed with a representative cross-section of some 500 people from all of Bitou’s wards.

Booysen opened proceedings by saying that the forthcoming election on May 8, for members of the country’s provincial and national legislatures, “is of critical importance”.

“Our country is in danger and we have to save South Africa for our grandchildren and for the children of our grandchildren,” said Booysen.

A minute’s silence was held to contemplate and pray for the future of South Africa. Then Zille delivered

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an address of integrity and substance, in which not a word was wasted.

“In the Western Cape, the DA has to its credit 10 years of sound governance, brought about by teamwork, stability, and discipline.

“We uphold the principles of independent, capable government, a culture of accountability and the rule of law, the combination of which has proven successful in countries like Denmark, and the absence of which has resulted in the tragedies of present day Venezuela and Syria,” she said.

“The DA has no truck with the politics of patronage.

South Africa has a wonderful constitution and we must fight to preserve it. The DA is not perfect; we are human, but we do our level best and we try our utmost. We prac-

tise transparent government and we do not operate a system of patronage.”

Zille also spoke about the forensic audit of Bitou Municipality, initiated by Anton Bredell - Western Cape minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning that has been completed recently, and the compilation of the audit report.

On the agenda, too, was the DA’s plan to “keep the lights on” by allowing operators of Independent Power Production to feed into the national grid.

In closing, Zille said: “The DA is the only party that represents all South Africans, irrespective of their race, colour, creed, and background. Vote DA and vote for a South Africa that we can all be proud of.”

WAMKELEKILE: Helen Zille received a rousing welcome, the dancing and chanting led by district mayor Memory Booysen, holding the mic at right

YOU TALKIN’ TO ME? At the DA election rally held on Friday, Western Cape premier Helen Zille - here listening intently to a question from Happiness Magwebu of KwaNokuthula - told those in attendance why they should support the party in the upcoming May 8 election

Who has freedom of speech in this age of Wandisile Sebezo dis-and-misinformation?

HE recent Jessie Duarte versus Samkele Maseko spat presents us with an opportunity to reflect and have a serious conversation about the meaning and significance of crucial concepts, such as freedom of speech and, I dare say, what it means to be an intellectual in an age of know-all pundits.

For those of you who don’t know, Jessie is the ANC deputy secretary general, and Samkelo Maseko is a senior reporter with eNCA. Last week, the two had a fallout when Jessie lashed out at Maseko, saying he’s “just a journalist”, and not the “lord of the media”.

She went even further, saying Maseko complained about freedom of speech which he never fought for.

Apparently this happened after Maseko insisted on asking questions not scripted for that particular press briefing.

This episode is interesting as it affords us an opportu-

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nity to really reflect on the state of the South African media which, to me, is at an all-time low.

Reactions on social media missed the point that I think Duarte was trying to get across: politicians (and everyone else), too, have the right to be heard.

There is a growing tendency by media professionals, especially, to think they alone are the custodians of free speech, and that no one else has the right.

Free speech means allowing even those we disagree with, or just don’t like, the right to air their views.

But when a politician like Jessie disagrees with a journo, then media freedom is under attack, and that can’t be correct. It’s like being labelled anti-Semite for calling out apartheid Israel.

When digging deeper, we realise that the SA media gets away with murder. We have journalists, radio talkshow hosts, marketing gurus

et al posing as intellectuals, simply because they have a large following on Twitter.

Some can’t even substantiate their views in public, but if you dare challenge them, you’re in the shitter.

So much agenda is set in the newsroom, and anyone who questions the editorial line is sent packing.

The level of censoring has forced many credible journalists and columnists to resort to public relations to make a living.

This is not to say that the media doesn’t get the stick, however. I was recently berated for writing about the dysfunctionality of Bitou’s LED department with regards to its treatment of the local tourism agency.

It’s a question of who must set the agenda between the media and political parties. This is where we need to tread carefully, especially in an election buildup where objectivity is rarer than hens’ teeth…

NEWS & VIEWS

10 April 2019

CXPRESS

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BUCO Adventure Weekend funds to further #SoundstheCall cause “So this year there will be something for everyone, even if they don’t take part in any of the trail running or mountain bike races,” says event coordinator James Stewart of Muddyfoot Adventures.

FMU members will all be on hand to produce worldclass burgers, wors rolls, pancakes and cold drinks, while many other refreshments will be on offer to fill the stomachs of athletes and spectators alike.

Kids can look forward to a hive of entertainment activities, as well as a proper KEEP ON FIRE TRUCKIN’: It’s always a blast to get up close and personal with the machines, men and women who protect us when fire threatens, and your next opportunity will be on Easter Saturday at beautiful Cairnbrogie - don’t miss it! - Photo: Martin Hurwitz

O one should ever forget the fires of June 2017, or those which devastated the Garden Route again during October and November last year.

To this end, the #SoundstheCall NPO has continued working tirelessly to ensure that the five Fire Management Units (FMUs) and Fire Protection Agencies (FPAs) in Bitou are ready for the next time when nature goes wild.

Funds have been raised

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through various channels and Bitou Associated FMUs chair Steve Ritky says that, as a result, we’re now way better prepared than this time two years ago.

“And with ongoing support from #SoundstheCall, we continue to improve the resources available to the volunteer fire fighters in Bitou,” Ritky adds.

With this in mind, the BUCO Easter Adventure team has made #SoundstheCall one of the major

beneficiaries of the weekend’s events. To assist with this effort, Cairnbrogie Barn and the farm’s beautiful courtyard will be hosting numerous stalls and fun activities for young and old on Saturday April 20.

“With our sports events, we try and cater for the whole family, but we realise that there are still those who would love to come out to Cairnbrogie and enjoy the atmosphere of the events and the countryside.

Calling all Plett eateries: Oceans Day Challenge now in full swing!

HE Fat Fish in partnership with Nature’s Valley Trust (NVT), Renew Able Plett, Keep Plett Clean and Plett Tourism, is aiming to put Plett on the map as the top South African tourist destination actively demonstrating leadership in the prevention of plastic pollution.

The challenge is for every Plett restaurant, café, and take-away eatery to strive to achieve the following three objectives by June 8’s World Oceans Day: • The elimination of plastic straws • The elimination of individually wrapped afterdinner sweets • The elimination of polystyrene take-away containers Business owners will be

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equipped with the tools and resources required to make the necessary changes within their establishments, as the days of insignificant gestures to show your support for the environment are now over.

Enthuses Nicola Ash of Challenge-initiators The Fat Fish: “This is the year we make it happen for the environment, for Plett, and for the South African tourism industry as a whole.”

To ensure that it is a truly community-driven event, Nicola and crew called on over 80 local businesses to participate in their Oceans Day Challenge workshop today, when NVT and Renew Able Plett will equip all in attendance with the tools and contacts to achieve the

above-mentioned objectives.

“Guidance will be given on everything from suppliers and pricing to alternative products sure to make a tangible difference in local establishments, and thus the way in which Plettenberg Bay is perceived as a whole.

“If successful, the Challenge has the potential to add an entirely new dimension to our town’s profile that of SA’s top eco-friendly destination. We hope this will not simply be a once-off campaign, but followed up each year and focussing on different sectors of our local economy while expanding the objectives of those that have already participated.”

For more information, email nicola@thefatfish.co. za or call 044 533 4740.

treasure hunt on the 1.5km Adventure Trail. Plus, the pump track will be open for the more adventurous among them.

There will be various arts and crafts on display, and clothing stalls for browsers with a keen sense of fashion, while #SoundstheCall will be raffling prizes and selling its coffee table book, containing some amazing pictures from the June 2017 fires.

BUCO Adventure Weekend entry fees and all stallholders will be making significant contributions to the

#SoundstheCall campaign.

This year’s BUCO Adventure Weekend kicks off at Cairnbrogie on Saturday morning April 20: • Trail Runs from 8:30am (1.5km up to 16km) • Kids Bike Race at 12:30 (cross-country style laps) • MTB Rally Ride at 2:30pm (25km) Bring the family for a great day out and support an excellent cause in the process.

Interested in a stall? Call Denise on 082 222 6555 to book your space, and check out www.muddyfootadven tures.co.za for more info.

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

10 April 2019

Barnyard gig to raise bucks for Crags kids’ fun-food-music day P ROFESSIONAL musician Quintin Song is hosting a fundraiser concert at Plettenberg Bay’s Barnyard on April 12.

All proceeds from Friday night’s gig will go towards funding a day of food and music for pupils of The Crags Primary School in Kurland Village on Wednesday April 17.

The programme planned for this fun day include a braai to feed all 550 Crags Primary School children, musical performances by Quinton and guest artists, dance performances by local break-dancers and a fire-dancing team, as well as an Easter egg hunt and prize giving.

The kind-hearted muso has already secured a couple of sponsors to cover some of the costs of braai wors and side dishes, ice tea, wood, and toys for the prize giving. But your attendance at The Barnyard will ensure that all bases

PLETT PRIMARY

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MUSICAL LANDSCAPER: Quintin Song has travelled the world to learn how music can unite different cultures

can be covered for a most memorable event.

No local aficionados of World Music should miss the opportunity to see this

talented composer, singersongwriter, and multi-instrumentalist in the flesh.

Combining an array of instruments from across the globe, Quintin’s music aims to unite cultures by using techniques and styles from genres like folk, rock, classical, jazz, ethno, African and soul.

Uplifting and energetic, the music features inspiring lyrics. Quintin has done numerous tours all over South Africa, performing at festivals, music venues and theatres, and has done three music tours through Ireland.

He has also toured India and Turkey, where he studied different ways for music to be used as a tool to touch hearts. Quintin uses 14 different instruments to paint musical landscapes, ranging from guitar and didgeridoo to more ethnical instruments like kaval, fujara, lekolilo and kalimba.

Email quinsong@yahoo. com for more information.

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s& e m Ga usic M LIVE X -BO A K PIC alls t S Food

00 h 5 1 m o fr l 21h00 unti Plett at ar y Prim ool Sch

NEWS & VIEWS

10 April 2019

Good Samaritan Brian Bailey’s first-hand account was on a run and about to finish - that’s my exit from the beach, Robberg 5 - when I noticed a girl wading in the shallows in the rip (Leah Berman), and on her indication realised that there was a swimmer at the third wave set, but in the middle of the rip.

I stopped running and watched him. He was reasonably comfortable but swimming directly back to the beach, against the rip. I waved to him and motioned he should swim to the left, which he did. He then started tiring and losing ground to the rip.

I asked the kid (Zack Berman) to run and get the pink buoy for me and stripped down to enter the water. I also asked the bystanders to call NSRI. At this stage the swimmer was trying to swim backstroke and was clearly exhausted, so I knew I had to go in.

Armed with the pink buoy I waved to him to go right and

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ran in along the sand bank adjacent to the rip. He started moving towards the rendezvous point and I was about belly button deep when he popped onto the sandbank 15 metres to my left.

We waded back together and I asked him how he was; he was tired but happy. I commended him on moving sideways out the rip, ascertained that he was ok and hadn’t taken in too much water.

Saul Berman (Zack and Leah’s father) came down from the house and thanked me.

I took the buoy back to the sign board and reattached it in its place and then went to the water’s edge to clean up before I continued on my run.

That’s when I noticed our NSRI guys coming along the beach. Without the Pink buoy I admit I wouldn’t have had the courage to go in. It’s an amazing aid and NSRI should be proud for supplying them.

CXPRESS

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No joke when Joburg teen got caught in a rip on April 1 …but fast action by friends, a fit passer-by, and a pink rescue buoy kept tragedy at bay AUL Berman of Cape Town, who owns a holiday home close to Plett’s Blue Flag Robberg 5 Beach, has been an avid National Sea Rescue Institute supporter for many years and, more recently, enthusiastically backed the NSRI’s Pink Rescue Buoy programme.

In fact, Saul some time ago specifically asked the volunteer crew of NSRI Plett Station 14 to place one of these rescue buoys on the beach in front of his house, due to the frequency of incidents resulting from the prevalence of rip currents there.

As fate would have it, the presence of the rescue buoy most probably saved a teenaged boy from drowning on Monday April 1. And coincidentally, the youngster in question was 15-year-old Joburger Samora Tembe, who happens to be a family friend of the Bermans.

Says NSRI Plettenberg

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LIFEBUOY: The April 1 incident on Robberg Beach marked the 32nd successful rescue since the NSRI’s Pink Rescue Buoy programme had been launched

Bay station commander Marc Rodgers: “At 6:21pm on Monday April 1, our duty crew received a call from Leah Berman, on holiday with her family at their house on Robberg Beach, reporting that their friend was

caught in a rip current at Board Number 27, between Robberg 5 and the Beacon Island hotel.”

The NSRI craft Rescue Free Runner and a Side

by Side were launched, as well as Station 14’s rescue vehicle. But by the time they arrived, the boy had been rescued by local Good Samaritan Brian Bailey, using the Pink Rescue Buoy.

“Our medics checked on Samora but he was fine and in good spirits, requiring no further assistance,” says Marc, adding that although he is a strong swimmer, Samora was unaware of the rip current and didn’t know that the only way to free himself was swimming across the beach.

Leah Berman explained to the NSRI crew that, while wading in shallow water, she saw a guy jogging on the beach and requested his assistance, pointing to Samora strug-

gling in the surf. The jogger was identified as local resident Brian Bailey.

“Leah’s brother, Zack, ran to fetch the pink buoy off the board while Brian stripped off his running gear and with the buoy in hand, launched into the surf,” explains Marc.

“While wading towards the teenager, Brian shouted at him to move sideways to free himself from the rip, but the boy made no progress. As luck would have it, he popped onto a sand bank and Brian was able to bring him safely to shore.

“We commend the efforts of these Good Samaritans - the Bermans and Brian Bailey - and we are delighted to note that this incident makes it the 32nd successful rescue facilitated by the Pink Rescue Buoy programme.”

As for Samora Tembe, he admitted to “a life lesson learnt” with a broad and grateful grin.

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CXPRESS

INTERVAL

10 April 2019

A HELPING HAND FROM SPAWN NUMBER ONE: Princess Tantrum and I, as she’s saying ‘Hi’ to her sister? or brother?, and holding my hand to help me walk

Talia on Toast

Pregnant and complaining - Part 1 Garden Route local TALIA DAY is a mom with two kids, a Viking, and four jobs (online teacher, secretary, transcriptionist, and novelist). Her dream is to make someone’s day brighter and make people aware of the fact that their tribulations are not singular, since we all share in the craziness that is life and parenthood.

AID my Viking one night: “Let’s have another baby.”

“Ok,” I replied, “but I want a ring first.”

The universe has a crazy sense of humour. Being pregnant a second time was the hardest thing I have ever done.

My body decided that this was not a state of being it enjoyed and it complained… constantly for nine months.

C.O.M.P.L.A.I.N.E.D. We asked spawn number one if she wanted a brother or a sister. We wanted her to be excited about her new sibling - unlike my lower back, which was Not. Excited. At. All. “Hey PT (Princess Tantrum), do you want a brother or a sister?”

“Um...” she said. The concentration on her three-year-old face was epic. A Mona Lisa portrait of deliberation.

A brother or a sister?

“Um...” she had all three of us (The Viking - also known as SHANNON!, Dad, Daddy, and Hello Father; Kayla - aka God Mother, barefoot happy person; and me - aka Woman, Mom) in absolute suspense.

A brother or a sister?

“Um...” the weight of this question was thick like the 100% humidity our lungs were wading through, and the swarm of vampiric teenage boy mosquitos - that are so big they ravage chickens and carry babies away for a midday snack - whom were determined to get more blood from us than SANBS. We were riveted to her [PT] as she mulled the

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question over.

A brother? Or a sister?

“Um...” the tension was palpable, strung out waiting for the answer, it was like an episode of Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, and the murderer is on trial, the jury is in! The whole courtroom holds its breath! We, the jury, find the defendant...

A boy?! Or a girl?!

“I want a milkshake.”

“Eh?” For six months I was kind of in bed. For the last three months, I was just in bed.

I would count the oasis days in between a desert of pain: I’m a mom to a superbly energetic little threeyear-old on Red Bull, with a puppy and a ball - this is her mood when she is sleeping - just take a moment of silence to think of us when she is awake.

Being pregnant was just crap, with a capital A. It sent my body to places unimaginable to any person who hasn’t had a hard one (please excuse the pun here).

The insomnia sent me to the edge of insanity, and in the darkest hours of the night when the Viking was snoring and PT was passed out, drooling on her pillow, I would think: Oh lord, my back, let’s attempt turning over for the 19,384th time. Ok, 376-point turn coming up. And… roll…

Being pregnant isn’t for nine months; it’s for years. Thousands of long sweaty, heavy, swollen, moody, crying, screaming, ice-cream-faced days.

There were The Age days… I felt like I was in

my 60s (I was actually 31at the time), the 96-year-old days, and worst of all the 113-year-old days when I needed a walker to get to the bathroom.

The loo was a mythical place on the other end of the universe, and a trip there required snacks, water, and regular calls to my Viking to check that I hadn’t been kidnapped by mosquitos or died from dehydration.

My mind was so inebriated with hormones that often it would forget the reason for being vertical, and we (the watermelon and I) would venture to the kitchen or back to bed, only to realise my mistake and start the long journey back to the bathroom oasis again (and repeat).

Before D-Day we had the awful 70s-inspired carpets cleaned so that our new haven (yes, we moved three weeks before my due date - cue the audience) would be clean and new for the second spawn

(Murphy’s uncle had a good chuckle at us here).

D-day (Push Day) arrived. I had been pregnant for so long the dinosaurs went extinct waiting, and Mugabe actually resigned.

We had planned a beautiful, calm, water birth at our warm new home, with music, champagne, and soft lighting… It was going to be perfect (cue Murphy and his law here, please).

With our Princess Tantrum number one, the labour was 19 hours of pure hell at home, in water. So we were expecting a few hours shorter, but still a good go of it - with a doula holding my hand, coaching me to breathe, and our midwife doing regular checks to ensure all was running smoothly.

The Universe said: “Ahem, hold my beer.”

To be continued…

• Talia on Toast is a monthly column - watch this space for the next instalment in CXPRESS of May 8.

SOCIAL SCENE

10 April 2019

REALTORS ON THE TROT: The Estate Agents Cup hosted by Plett Polo on March 17 was a blast, with four local teams battling it out for glory. But finally it was Sotheby’s who claimed victory, followed by Remax, Choice, and Seeff in fourth place. Pictured above from left are Penny Mackenzie, Matthew Thake, Derek Harvey, Tonino Tafliaferri, Rafael Seco, Sue Harvey, Desré Reck, Paul Jordaan, Werner Harris, and Buster Mackenzie. Below from left are members of Team Remax, Team Seeff, Team Choice, and Team Sotheby’s.

CXPRESS FROM TELESALES TO TEAM CAPTAIN: Robberg Fine Foods stalwart Matuschka Sinclair - flanked here by company owners Malcolm Craig and Blaine Dodds, right recently received her 20-year service award and an awesome bunch of flowers to mark the milestone. Said this well-known, nononsense, fun-loving local to CXPRESS: “I started on April 1 in 1999 as a telesales operator and have worked my way up to the position of business manager. This means I’m looking after our very dynamic sales team, servicing the restaurant and catering industry from Port Elizabeth to Mossel Bay and the coastal belt in between.” Spoil yourself by popping in at this famous food emporium in Plett Industria. Not only do they sell a vast array of seafood, but also Karan beef, chicken in all shapes and sizes, sauces and oils and all things culinary. Visit www. robberg.co.za to find out more.

People, places & events

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Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

10 April 2019

CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

10 April 2019

Letters to the Editor

Email: editor@cxpress.co.za - Fax: 044 533 0852 - PO Box 1449, Plett 6600

The sad loss of the likes of Peter Tullis is inopportune and irreplaceable The expression “they did him proud” may have an old and hackneyed ring to it - but that is what the family of Peter Tullis did for him during his memorial at Plett Angling Club on Thursday.

As the eulogies were delivered, it was not surprising that this venue was chosen as Peter had a long association with the sea and the club - so

much that he did in his 92 years and 11 months!

So much that he gave to his local society and to his loved ones. This was evident in the high regard expressed by family and friends from all over the world.

Peter’s kindness and the love that he held for all he knew was a revelation in this increasingly hard and selfish society, empha-

sised by the losses in recent weeks of others who shared his type of character. It is a loss that is inopportunely irreplaceable.

To go into Peter’s list of achievements would be too long for one page - but what a man he was, witnessed by the large number of people who came to give thanks for his life and his great contribution to the lives of others.

We are unfortunately losing too many of those whose like we will never see again. Peter Tullis epitomised the great character and achievements of these dearly departed to the future wellbeing of SA. They did not seek their reward in another world, but in what they did in this one. Happy birthday, Mr Tullis.

Paul Deans, Plett

An ode to Andrew Varrie So our long travelled road Has come to an end Now you can go on the mend Fortunately you passed swiftly into The Elysian Fields Your pain is now over Thank you for everything Until we meet again.

Garth - 4.4.2019 DAD AND I: Garth Varrie of Plettenberg Bay, pictured with his recently-departed father, Andrew Varrie

A lesson on circles for Plett Traffic and local drivers...

What is a traffic circle?

There are two different types, the traffic signs for both containing a circle of arrows indicating that a clockwise direction should be taken. But a proper traffic circle’s is supposed to be indicated by a red triangle pointing upwards, while the mini-circle should be indicated by a red triangle pointing downwards.

The major difference between these two circles is that the former, i.e. the traffic circle on the N2 at Plett Shell Garage, requires drivers to give way to the right. A minicircle, however, should be treated in the same as a four-way STOP, i.e. you do not have to give way to the right and first arrival has right of way.

Plett’s many circles - at the bottom of Piesang Valley Road, the Dolphin Circle, at The Grand hotel, halfway down Bea-

UP OR DOWN? A point in case is the circle halfway down Plett’s Beacon Way, which in the first instance is indicated by an upright triangle, above, and closer to the circle by an upside down triangle, below

www.grandafrica.com plett@grandafrica.com

Grand Africa Rooms & Rendezvous

Not for Sale to Persons Under the Age of 18. Drink Responsibly.

grandafricaplett

con Way to The Market Square centre - are all indicated by both signs!

The exception is the small circle nearest The Market Square, which only has a single signboard.

After much research I have found proof of legislation that you can indicate a circle ahead with a circle sign, but not a minicircle. As it’s not a traffic circle as such, different right-of-way rules apply.

This is where all the confusion comes in…

‘Rob’, Plett (We are in possession of said research carried out

by Rob, with many more photos and printouts of legislation pertaining to traffic circles. Interested parties are welcome to make an appointment to peruse said documentation.

By going to print, Rob had not indicated that any feedback had been forthcoming from Bitou Traffic. - Eds.)

CXPRESS

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SPORT & ADVENTURE

10 April 2019

Plett Polo hosts top-ranked ladies tournament on the continent ADIES polo is the fastest-growing sector in the polo world today and this fact was evident to all in attendance at the Ladies African Open at Kurland Estate from March 22-24, when four multi-national teams battled it out at the invitation of Plettenberg Bay Polo Club.

In a gripping final, overall winners Monarch defeated Swallowtail 6-5 to claim the Ladies African Open title. The team comprised English player Alicia Woods, and Zambian Sally Jellis, along with SA’s Kelly Mathias and Jossie Spilsbury.

Jellis walked away with both the MVP (most valuable player) and best string awards, while Spilsbury on Hot and Sharp - a mare owned by Gareth Evans - won best playing pony.

Not surprisingly, as she scored the winning goal in every game on this pony.

The tournament featured another six English players, with at least one on every team. Black Heart members were South Africans Camilla Harris and Tessa Moxon, with Neku Atawodi (Ni-

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FAMILY AFFAIR: Current Springbok polo player Christopher Lund is pictured above with, from left, his sis Emma of Team Swallowtail - who lost out by one goal in the dying minutes of the African Ladies final - and parents Sue and former Springbok Dougie Lund of Newstead Wines, on hand to support Emma during the recent polo tournament

geria) and Steph Haverhals (England).

Chestnut Tiger featured Marit Boettcher (Germany) and English players Robyn Evans, Lorna Broughton, and Heloise Wilson-Smith, while South Africans Emma Lund and Mary Robinson teamed up with English roses Holly Butler and Rosie Ross to make up Swallowtail.

“When Neku invited me

to play the Ladies African Open, I jumped at the chance. It was always part of the ‘polo dream’ to travel, and this tournament did not disappoint,” said Steph Haverhals.

“Not only is Plett Polo the most stunningly beautiful club I have been to, but the people were super friendly and welcoming.

The views from the polo fields never got tired!”

Haverhals added: “The Ladies African Open should now become part of the International Ladies calendar, as it will definitely attract many more players every year. Plett Polo Club boasts excellent facilities with great fields, toplevel horses, an amazing pavilion - they really have everything to become the tournament to travel for.

“The club’s location near the beach and inside a national park provides a perfect holiday for the whole family. I will definitely put it on the list and return next year.”

Stable Talk

The July at SKY is hotting up, Foxtrot some Texans coming so do behave and try not to nibble at the feathers in the groom’s hat…

The gin, whiskey, wine and Red Bull-tasting will make you fly!

Storms River

TIN HOUSE Self-catering accommodation