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 Printed by Group Editors
Photo: Sharyn Hodges - ShowMe Plett
10 December 2014
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Route ready for a safe season p4
Buy a book and feed a child p5
Property & business news p7 - 10
It’s all about the HOPE! Dr Sylvia Earle signs Bitou mayor Memory Booysen’s copy of the book ‘South African Coasts - A celebration of our seas and shores’ during Monday night’s Hope Spot launch at Lookout turn to page 3 for more news about Dr Earle’s visit
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CXPRESS
News & Views
10 December 2014
Driving Miss Crazy
Riding with Ray - Final JEEVES shares his adventures as Garden Route chauffeur extraordinaire...
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AST week, I returned the ex-Ernie Els BMW to its current owner, Plett resident Ray van der Poll, who enlightened me on our return trip to Knysna on some of his achievements in sport for the Orange Free State - cricket, boxing and soccer - before inviting me for coffee to reminisce some more! ---
Next up, Ray and his professional dancing partner won the OFS Ballroom Championships! (Something rings a bell here... “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” So, perhaps Cassius/Ali had also been a class act on the dance floor?) Over another espresso, I prodded him further. “I also played hockey for
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the Free State, and first league hockey, squash and rugger for the Ramblers Club in Bloemfontein. In soccer, I played centre, inner and wing for the province.” And then he told me about attaining Springbok Colours in pigeon racing. In one particular race, Ray’s company sponsored a car as prize for the owner of the fastest bird home. He won it! His bird covered the 1,000km distance from Bulawayo back home in 12 hours - that’s an average of 80km/h - and was the only bird to cover the distance in one day. Ray became Chairman, President and Life Member of the Bloemfontein Racing Pigeon Association, providing them during his tenure with a transport truck for the pigeons for long distance haulage, and financing and building a clubhouse which is named after him. Quite fascinated at his amazing achievements so far, I wondered whether he had more to add. “Oh! I was transferred briefly to Kimberley, where I played cricket and soccer for Griquas.” In all, he was chosen for Free State in one or other sport covering a period of 30 consecutive years! That reminded me of other
great provincial and Springbok sportsmen like Buster Farrer, who had represented the ‘Boks and Border at cricket, hockey and squash. In addition, he played tennis and golf for the District, as well as being chosen for the Bowls Senior side at the age of 68! Another great was ‘Tuppy’ Owen-Smith, who represented Western Province and South Africa in cricket, and captained England at rugby. He also boxed for Oxford University. And what about Tony Harris? He was the only double Springbok to play for his country in both rugby and
cricket, and first played cricket for Griquas as a schoolboy, scoring a maiden century. He played provincial tennis, too, while being a great shot, fencer and ballroom dancer. I was a great friend of his son, Johnny, and remember often playing snooker with him against his dad, who had regular breaks of 60-plus! A gentleman and humble person, he died in Plettenberg Bay in 1993. Clive van Ryneveld comes to mind, having represented England in rugby and playing cricket for South Africa. I wonder what other sports these greats played at provin-
MULTI-SPORTS GREAT: Ray van der Poll, who represented the Free State in five different disciplines, here displays his Plettenberg Bay Bowling Club trophies
cial or national level... Australian sporting scribes printed the following of our one-day cricket captain, AB de Villiers, during the recent tour Down Under: “... short-listed for national hockey and football squads, captain of SA Junior rugby, holder of six SA School swimming records (?), fastest 100m time in SA Juniors (Paul Nash?), SA Junior Davis Cup Squad, U/19 National Badminton champ, and scratch golfer as a teen!” Back to the Jeeves trip with Ray: To cap his many other accomplishments, he belongs to the hole-in-one club. Four years ago, he took up lawn bowls - and has won his Club Singles twice in that period (see picture). One can only marvel at this great Free State son who now lives in Plett, and laud him with: “For he’s a jolly good fellow - and so say all of us!” Have a lekker festive season, everyone - and please don’t drink and drive... you might just spill it! /"Lggxgu
La Luna
News & Views
10 December 2014
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Brazen robbers open fire, flee with trunks of cash Two Plettenberg Bay residents managed to escape a late-night business robbery unscathed after armed suspects opened fire at Build It on Monday - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports
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OLICE spokesman captain Malcolm Pojie said at about 11pm two men overpowered the security officer on duty at the business in the industrial area after which they tied his hands behind his back with wire. “The suspects went to the back of the building where they broke a window to gain access to the business,” Pojie said. Otto Olivier of the Pletten-
berg Bay Crime Prevention Association said the men managed to open the safe on the premises using a grinder. “They took three trunks with an undisclosed amount of cash inside them,” Pojie said. Olivier said the suspects knew exactly where to enter the property not to be detected by the alarm sensors. While this was happening a supervisor arrived at the entrance and stumbled upon the
Knysna, Plettenberg Bay touched by ‘Dr Hope’
The SA Hope Spot tour with world-renowned oceanographer Dr Sylvia Earle, centre, started in the Cape on December 4 and ends in Durban on the 13th. Above, the inspirational septuagenarian poses with officials and members of the public on Monday after unveiling the Knysna Hope Spot plaque during a cocktail party on Sunday night. Her Plett visit started with a talk at Piesang Valley Hall on Monday afternoon before the town’s official declaration as one of only six Hope Spots in the country that night during a gala event at Lookout Deck. She spent time diving in Knysna estuary and at Robberg - read all about it in CXPRESS of December 17. Visit www.sst.org.za/ hope-spots/coastal-tour for more information.
Man in court for murder of 68-year-old woman
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30-year-old man from Karatara near Knysna appeared in Knysna Magistrates Court on December 9 after his arrest in connection with the murder of an elderly woman who was found deceased in her house Friday evening at about 7:40pm. The gruesome discovery was made by police after they were informed by her neighbours that the victim was missing, as they had not seen her for more than a day. Police investigation led to her residence in Akker Av-
enue, where they discovered her body on the floor with an open wound to the head. She had already passed on. Members had to use a boltcutter to gain entrance into the house and preliminary investigation indicated that she was attacked and hit against her head with a blunt object. On Saturday morning, detectives arrested a 30-yearold suspect in connection with the murder. Police also confiscated blood-stained evidence that could positively link him to the crime.
robbery. “As he came around a corner, the robbers saw him and opened fire, before fleeing the scene on foot,” Olivier said.
No one was injured during the shooting. The supervisor attempted to give chase, but the men managed to disappear into the
Qolweni township. “Plettenberg Bay police are investigating a business robbery case and appeal to anyone with information to
call them on 044 501 1930 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. All information will be dealt with in a confidential manner,” Pojie said.
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News & Views
10 December 2014
CX Country prepared for influx with additional security forces signed up With thousands of visitors heading to the Garden Route for the festive season, local authorities are implementing extensive programmes to ensure safety during the holidays - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports
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OUTHERN Cape police spokesman captain Malcolm Pojie said they were implementing the final stage of this year’s festive season operations as holidaymakers make their way to the region from today. “We started with our season preparations in October already, implementing it in various stages. These operations comprise good cooperation with other role-players like municipal law enforcement, the traffic department and private security companies. “The priority is to keep both visitors and residents safe over this period and to prevent crime,” Pojie said. He added that part of the festive season operations was high visibility in key areas including beaches, shopping centres and on the region’s roads. “We are going to do regular roadblocks, not only to check roadworthiness of vehicles, valid drivers and vehicle licenses, but also to welcome
GREAT VALUE WINES
visitors to the area and distribute pamphlets about safety. “We will also be conducting crime prevention operations at these roadblocks including searching for illegal firearms, drugs and stolen goods.” Pojie said after the season police usually dealt with a massive increase in reports of theft for insurance purposes. “We want people to know that they should not leave valuable items, including laptops, cameras and cellphones in the open. This leads to a lot of opportunistic theft.” He added visible policing was also a key measure of this year’s safety operations. “There are going to be more feet on the ground. Many of our admin staff will be assisting with patrols. Our Bambanani volunteers as well as reservists will also be assisting.” In Plett, an integrated approach to festive season safety will be adopted. Otto Olivier of the Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention
Association said they too had obtained the assistance of additional security staff and volunteers over this period. “We will be working closely with other authorities including the police, fire station, Bitou Law Enforcement and the business chamber,” Olivier said. He added while authorities were doing their best to keep visitors and residents safe, holidaymakers and locals also needed to take responsibility for their own safety. “If the community works together by reporting suspicious behaviour and locking their doors and implementing other preventative measures, half the battle is won.” In Knysna, authorities are also prepared for the season. Acting municipal manager Grant Easton said that additional firefighters would be on standby throughout the season, life guards would be on duty at the area’s beaches, and extra temporary point duty and law enforcement officers would be employed. Authorities in the popular holiday destination will be taking a zero-tolerance stance against alcohol abuse and unruly behaviour in public areas. “Our municipal law enforcement officers will be working closely with police, neighbourhood watch organisations and private security firms to ensure a comprehensive approach regarding all aspects of public safety,” Easton said.
News & Views
10 December 2014
CXPRESS
They don’t choose to be born - and you can help them live a better life Y
OUNG children playing in a rubbish dump... What next? No, they’re not playing, they are looking for food. There is no food at home. ‘Home’ is a wooden box with no toilet.
They were born in a desolate place - Kurland Village (“The Village”). It is in The Crags, a part of Plett. Their parents may or may not be married; they are almost certainly unemployed
KIDS NEED CARING: ‘I too am a flower in God’s garden’ - all the proceeds of Louisa Treger’s book ‘The Lodger’, available at Village Bookshop, will go towards feeding the needy children of Kurland Village in The Crags - Photo: Supplied by Born in Africa
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- perhaps unemployable? Alcohol and drug abuse is rife, while HIV/Aids and TB are common afflictions. Unemployment in The Village is hard to gauge (estimated 75%) as people arrive there daily from the Eastern Cape, seeking Utopia. But there is no Utopia, and there is no hope. There is only sickness and eventual death. The children need help - desperately. Louisa Treger, recently acclaimed author of Vjg"Nqfi/ gt and supporter of charitable work for the Village children in The Crags, has generously offered a feel-good way you can contribute to Kurland’s Children’s Feeding Scheme. The Feeding Scheme is managed by Masizakhe (‘For the People of Kurland’) - a registered charity and Non Profit Company based in The Village. What is this feel-good way to contribute? Simple: go to Village Bookshop (VBS) in Plett’s Main Street (opposite FNB) and buy a copy of Vjg" Nqfigt for R230. Look at the
Tsitsikamma park rangers tops!
ICTOR Cunningham, a ranger in the Tsitsikamma section of Garden Route National Park (GRNP), won a National Kudu Award on Thursday November 27. During the gala ceremony held in Johannesburg, Victor was honoured for developing a strategy on managing hiking trails in the Tsitsikamma section of the Park. Furthermore, the Hiking Organisation of Southern Africa (HOSA) commended Victor for his enthusiasm and active involvement in maintaining the standards of trails in Tsitsikamma. Since his promotion last year to take charge of trails in the Park, 12 trails have been awarded Green Flag status. So Vic’s award for excellent performance in the workplace is most deserved, as he’s truly taken Tsitsikamma’s trails to new heights. The Tsitsikamma Honorary Rangers won the ‘Community contribution to conservation’ award nationally – this after winning ‘Best Business Partner Award’ in the local GRNP Awards held in August. This award was won for displaying a high level of commitment and passion to conservation, and making the region proud at an Honorary Ranger Indaba held in Skukuza earlier this year. The 12 new Green Flag hiking trails in the Tsitsikamma section of the Park now pushes the number of Green Flagstatus trails to 14, to include last year’s accreditation of the Otter and Dolphin trails. Stringent criteria for this process include health and safety aspects, cleanliness, maintenance and sustainable
management. • The Waterfall hike: It starts at the Oceanettes (Storms River Rest Camp) and is 3km long. It follows a path in a westerly direction towards the waterfall and forms part of Day 1 of the renowned Otter Trail. • The Loerie: This 1km long trail starts on the left hand side of the road, ±300m before restaurant. The trail leads up to the Agulhas lookout point on the plateau. • Blue duiker: The trail starts on the same spot as the Loerie trail but splits off into the deeper forest. It follows a circular route across the road and ends at the Oceanettes. • Plaatbos Nature Walks: Consists of three walks, the yellow route is 8.09km, the red route is 7.78km, and the green route is 5.09km. All three routes start at the Forestry office in Storms River
KUDU KUDOS: Victor Cunningham with his accolades at the recently held awards ceremony in Johannesburg
Village. On the yellow route you can have a picnic and a swim in the Storms River at the old bridge picnic site. The walks are relatively easy. • Goesa Nature Walk: Starts and ends at the Storms River Forestry office in Storms River. It is a 2km circular walk through indigenous forests. • Rugbos trail: This trail traverses through the forest and has three escape routes which are colour coded. The yellow code is 1.4km, the green code is 1.3km and the blue code is 3.1km. The green and blue coded routes start from the Tsitsikamma Khoisan Village and the yellow starts and ends at the Rugbos picnic site on the Bloukrans Pass. • Stinkhoutkloof Nature Walk: The walk starts and ends at Bloukrans Forest station. It is 8km and traverses through the natural forest and the plantation. • Grootriver trail: The trail starts at the entrance of the De Vasselot Camp site to the Grootriver Bridge. It is 6km long. • Salt River: The trail starts opposite to the De Vasselot Camp site and follows the Kalanderkloof trail onto the plateau. It crosses the road and winds down to the Salt River via a jeep track. You can follow the coastal path back to the Nature’s Valley beach. It is 15.1km long. • Varinghoek trail: This trail is about 13km long and starts in Nature’s Valley. • Kalanderkloof: This is a 7km-long nature walk up to the plateau, which starts in Nature’s Valley (opposite the De Vasselot camp). Hqt"oqtg"kphqtocvkqp." rngcug"ecnn"264"4:3"38290
advert on this page for more details, and read one of the many excellent overseas reviews received by Louisa for Vjg"Nqfigt. Jane Schulz, the owner of VBS, has generously offered to display the book for sale, and donate the entire proceeds to the charity Masizakhe. So, you buy a great book and simultaneously help a child in need. Feel good?
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News & Views
10 December 2014
Born in Africa youngsters now ‘know-it-all’ about enterprise
THEY LOOK GOOD DOING IT: From left, Nasiphi Mbukulu, Rosline Blouw, and Lelethu Hoto shine during the ‘cherry on top’ judging occasion at Wittedrift High School
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HEN things come together in perfect harmony, our hearts smile! These were the words of Born in Africa (BIA) academic coordinator Belinda Lee Coram after this year’s Young Enterprise competition was rounded off. The six-month project was headed up by Belinda and Sarija Bewee, who presented it to their Grade 10 and 11 pupils - a total of 65 learners. The Enterprise programme was written by Penny and Nick Brooks, BIA godparents from the UK who are both embroiled in teaching and life skills professions and clearly share a passion for business. The students spent their afternoons gaining knowledge on all aspects of business. They were enlightened in various positions such as the duties of a CEO, operations manager, Human Resources, the sales floor, admin department and much more. They gained an understanding of the financial side of an independently run business and drafting of a budget, business plan, meeting agendas and taking minutes. They learnt about the importance of market research, knowing your customers, and customer service. Once confidently knowledgeable, they established small businesses with a starting loan capital of R200 each. These enterprises included Brace-Temporary Tattoos, Dash Waves Cleaning Services, Little Miss Cupcake, ABC Entertainment, Rapid
Carwash Services, and Plett Entertainment Zone. Says Belinda: “Once the businesses started trading, loans were paid back. But the cherry on the cake was when the groups had to present their work at Wittedrift High to an audience of teachers, guests and our esteemed judges.” Flying in all the way from Johannesburg for the auspicious occasion were Arnold Selokane, Prelen Moodley and Pulaki Tshabalala from business giants PepsiCo and Simba. Each judge questioned the respective teams, and once this fairly nerve-racking experience was completed and deliberation done, winners in the following categories
were announced: • Most Innovative Product or Service • Best Marketing Ideas • Best Customer Service • Best Financial Planning and Recording • Best Community Focus • Best Display Stand • Best Business Report • Best Presentation • Company the judges would most likely invest in. Concludes Belinda: “A celebration of note followed, when ideas for future ventures were shared by all while feasting on goodies sponsored by PepsiCo/Simba. Huge thanks go out to everyone who contributed to making this experience a valuable one in so many ways.”
YOU BE THE JUDGE: From left are judges Prelen Moodley and Pulaki Tshabalala with Born in Africa’s Belinda Lee Coram and Isabelle de Smul-Brink - below, they are joined by third judge Arnold Selokane, centre, and the Plett Entertainment Zone team
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10 December 2014
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Business
10 December 2014
New Knysna properties released to meet strong demand for secure estate living
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S the popularity of secure, estate living continues to attract home buyers in regions around South Africa, the scenic Garden Route town of Knysna - with its lagoon playground, clean beaches, magical forests, renowned Oyster Festival and host of leisure activities - is gearing up to cater for this growing demand. Ling Dobson, Pam Golding Properties area principal for Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, says while both these towns offer a broad variety of lifestyle accommodation, with a range of existing beach, marina or golf estates to choose from, new stock in secure estates is now being brought to market. Pam Golding Properties (PGP) has just been awarded an exclusive mandate to market 72 vacant stands in Fernwood Country Estate - situated on The Heads, adjacent to the famous, awardwinning Pezula Estate - as well as seven houses in the second phase of Simola Golf & Country Estate, set high in the hills above the town. “Severely impacted by the economic recession and subsequent property market
downturn in 2008, which saw a number of developments put on hold, Fernwood was sold to a local Knysna developer who is re-launching the development at prices some 50-60% lower than the original launch prices of 2007,” says Dobson. “Now all services are installed, roads paved, landscaping completed and the entire estate securely fenced with access security gate, together with the security system linking all the properties already installed in the gatehouse. “The developer is an established Knysna businessman who supports local contractors by involving them on the project. “We believe the timing is right for this development as we see the market showing definite indicators for improvement. The municipality is reflecting a huge increase in demand for approvals for architectural plans, and locals are demonstrating an appetite for investment once more. “Encouragingly, there is also a strong demand for vacant land, while international buyers are back and showing considerable interest in acquiring property here.
SEEING THE WOOD FOR THE TREES: This scenic view from Fernwood Country Estate in Knysna should convince buyers serious about lifestyle quality
IMAGINE LIVING HERE: An artist’s impression of one of the homes in Woodlands in phase two of Simola Golf & Country Estate in Knysna
“As at the end of October 2014, PGP sales at our Knysna and Plett offices are up over 30% on last year and we anticipate a good season ahead,” Dobson says. PGP sales include top-end properties such as a guesthouse on The Heads that sold for R9-million; homes sold for R6-million on Leisure Isle, R5.9-million and R4.5million on Pezula Golf Estate, and R6-million on Thesen Islands; and entry level homes priced in the R1.3-million range in the suburbs. Fernwood Country Estate comprises a total of 46.5ha, of which 25% will be devel-
oped, with a recreational area around a large, natural pond and large open spaces contributing to the exclusivity of the development. Stand sizes range from 4001,600sqm, at prices starting from R375,000 up to R1.95million. Architectural guidelines are in place and buyers have four years to build their new homes. Dobson says over and above the 15 stands sold via the developer or when the estate was originally launched, local buyers have already committed to investing on the estate. “Besides Pezula Golf Estate, Fernwood is the only secure
estate in Knysna that offers such exceptional views and at such accessible prices. Being situated right on The Heads, residents will enjoy expansive vistas across the lagoon to the Outeniqua Mountains, as well as some ocean views. “The estate is home to a butterfly sanctuary and a host of natural, indigenous fynbos, providing a unique and highly desirable setting. “We believe the new development caters for both permanent residents and leisure buyers seeking a getaway property or home for partial use during the year. It is within easy reach of Knysna CBD and close to medical facilities, making it ideal for retirees.” In the 325ha Simola Golf & Country Estate - which includes a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course - the seven new three-bedroom homes in Woodlands comprise a small portion of the second phase of the development. Says Dobson: “The first phase on Simola is well developed with many exquisite houses, a number of which are permanently occupied. Phase two is large, with properties scattered to the front - some with spectacular lagoon views on the northern side adjacent to the indigenous forest. “Priced from R2.95-million and 275sqm in size, the seven new homes will be situated at the entrance of the second phase gate en route to the hotel and close to the banks of the dam, below the forested area and fairways.
“Given the past five-year slump in the market, the launch of these new homes in Woodlands offers a sound buying opportunity with good value for money.” Prices in the first phase in Simola start at R3.75-million, being the top 10 townhouses with scenic river views, while golf villas are priced at R4.5million. Probably the closest residences comparable to the seven new homes are currently priced in the R5-million to R7-million range, while homes on the estate range up to the mid-R20-million. A recent top end transaction concluded by PGP on Simola was for the sale of a four-bedroom home with study and cinema room, which fetched R12.9-million. Adds Dobson: “Generally this year there has been a notable increase in the number of residential buyers from Cape Town, but also a good basket from all over South Africa as well as international purchasers. “Quite a few young families with school-going children are relocating to Knysna, and the second home or leisure market is seeing an increase in activity. “Many people are semigrating to live and commute so their families can enjoy a healthy, hearty lifestyle as crime is minimal compared to large cities, allowing children to still be themselves and unencumbered in the outdoors. “Many entrepreneurs and professionals who do not need to be in an office on a daily basis find their way here, while numerous internationals retire here for the great weather and favourable cost of living.” Ugg"vjg"cfxgtv"qp"rcig";"hqt" eqpvcev"fgvcknu"cpf"nkuvkpiu0
Two houses in one day - well sold, Seeff Plett! These Seeff Plett agents - from left are Piet Maree, Paul Lewry, Alet Ollemans, and Connie & Monty Peet - together sold their dual mandates at 12 Jack Case and 24 Twin Rivers last month in a single day, dubbed by the Seeff team as ‘Fantabulous Friday’ November 28. Now that’s impressive marketing... See the Seeff ad on page 7 for listings and more info.
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Investor Focus
Malcolm Stewart – Investment manager at Michaelides Parker Wealth Knysna & Plett
Selecting a Unit Trust - Part II
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N the 20th century, the United States endured two world wars and other traumatic and expensive military conflicts; the Great Depression, a dozen or so recessions and financial panics; oil shocks, a flu epidemic, and the resignation of a disgraced president. Yet, the Dow Jones Industrial index rose from 66 to 11,497... These are the sentiments of Warren Buffett, the world’s greatest investor.
Business
10 December 2014
This extraordinary quote really shows the merit of longterm equity investing. Warren Buffett is a seriously good value investor, able to consistently invest in undervalued companies that always seem to end up being sound longterm growth investments once their value has been realised. In the Value funds category, both the Foord and Allan Gray investment companies immediately come to mind.
Both claim to maintain a “value tilt” and neither holds glamour shares like Naspers, etc. although several of their current holdings certainly look like growth shares. They both benchmark to the JSE All share Index, but neither can be accused of being so-called “benchmark huggers” (this implies that they are willing to buy companies they deem to be undervalued and face the risk of underper-
forming their benchmark over the short term). Over a seven-year period, both funds outperformed the benchmark. The All Share grew by ±10%, Allan Gray by 11.57 and Foord by 14%. Two additional funds that attract attention in this category are the Prudential Dividend Maximiser Fund and the SIM Value Fund (managed by Sanlam). The Prudential fund, while having a value tilt, also focuses on stocks with higher and
growing dividend policy. It does tend to hold a few glamour stocks (it holds Naspers), and its mandate allows it to invest offshore, so one sees shares like Microsoft on the top holdings. Its benchmark is different, being the average performance of the General Equity sector of SA unit trusts. The SIM Value Fund is also a sound performer that tends to feature a few of the glamour stocks. It also holds several offshore companies, giving it support from the weaker Rand. The Prudential fund showed a performance
of 12.2% and the SIM fund 10.3%, both over seven years. All four of these funds are managed by sound, well established investment companies; they have a track record of sticking to their stated mandate. They look for investments that are at a discount to their net asset value, or whose price does not fully discount their future earnings potential. They are consistent in their performance and will provide a sound value core to any long-term investment portfolio of unit trusts. Ocneqno"ku"c"urgekcnkuv"kp" ocpcikpi"tgvktgf"ygcnvj0
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10 December 2014
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10 December 2014
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A friend in need...
WO young fellows were fishing at their special pond off the beaten track when out of the bushes jumped the Game Warden. Immediately, one of the boys threw his rod down and started running through the woods, and hot on his heels came the Game Warden. After about a half mile the fellow stopped and stooped over with his hands on his thighs to catch his breath. The Game Warden finally caught up to him. “Let’s see
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your fishing licence, Boy!” he gasped. With that, the boy pulled out his wallet and gave the Game Warden a valid fishing licence. “Well, Son,” said the Game Warden, “you must be about as dumb as a box of rocks. You don’t have to run from me if you’ve got a valid fishing licence.” “Yes, Sir,” replied the young fellow, “but my friend back there, well, he doesn’t have one… ”
Brainless
brain walks into a bar and says: “I’ll have a pint of beer, please.” The barman looks at him and says: “Sorry, I
can’t serve you.” “Why not?” asks the brain. “You’re already out of your head.”
The proud new father
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Texan bought a round of drinks for everyone in the bar and said that his wife had just produced “a typical Texas baby” weighing in at 20 pounds. Two weeks later he returned to the bar. The bartender recognised him and asked: “Aren’t you the dad of the typical Texas baby that
weighed 20 pounds at birth?” “Yup, shore am!” “How much does he weigh now?” The proud father answered: “Ten pounds.” The bartender said: “Why, what happened? He weighed 20 when he was born.” The proud father replied: “Jest had him circumcised!”
Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday - Don Marquis
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Holiday Activities
10 December 2014
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10 December 2014
Holiday Activities
Social Scene
10 December 2014
Photos: Timothy Twidle
ENCORES FROM NEAR AND FAR: The last Knysna-Plett Concert of the year held at Knysna DRC hall featured a scintillating performance of a selection of works by Mozart, Beethoven, Robert Schumann and Frédéric Chopin, by Russian pianist Andrei Pisarev. He received two standing ovations and was required to play two encores. One of Pisarev’s fellow countrymen who lives in Knysna, Michael Alekshin, left, enjoyed the evening with his mother Ella Alekshin, who scheduled her flight from the Krasnodar region of Russia to South Africa in order to be able to attend the concert with her son. Below from left, Noelle Bell, Leone Campbell, John Morris and Gudrun Boehmer of Knysna thoroughly enjoyed the show.
Photo: Esther de Villiers
SUPPORTING PLETT’S PETS: On November 28, Bitou Traffic and Fire Department representatives Gerry Swiegers, left, and Hedley Venter Jr handed over a bakkie-load of food and blankies to Tracy Meintjies of Plett Animal Welfare Services. Says spokesperson Di Butlin: ‘Our huge thanks go to the Traffic, Fire Station and Law Enforcement teams for this wonderful donation.’ She also thanks Bitou Municipality for permission to do the PAWS street collection, allowing them to raise over R9,000 for the cause. Further gratitude was expressed to Mellville’s Corner and The Market Square for allowing collecting on their premises, all shop owners of businesses where they were stationed, with special thanks to Chris and his staff at The Table, who provided space for a central collections point and delicious coffee to boot. ‘Last but not least, we thank our wonderful Plett supporters who gave so generously.’ Take note of the PAWS Golf Day on December 12 - call Di on 082 569 2571 for information.
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People, places & events
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Entertainment
10 December - 2014
Fancourt to rock the Route with festive entertainment line-up F ANCOURT’S Festive Season schedule brings no less than six top headline acts to this leading Garden Route leisure resort. With a star-studded music line-up that includes Kahn Morbee, Gangs of Ballet and Prime Circle (Sunday December 21), The Parlotones (Saturday December 27), as well as Arno Carstens and Jesse Clegg (Saturday January 3), holidaymakers and locals are in for a blast. These acts all perform as part of the popular outdoor picnic concerts on the Fancourt lawns and are open to day visitors and hotel guests. Tickets cost R200 per person and R100 for children. Gates open from 2pm onwards and concertgoers are welcome to bring their own picnic blankets. Eats and beverages will be available for sale but please take note that no alcohol, soft drinks, water, umbrellas or gazebos may be brought onto the premises. But before these musos descend on George, there’s a comedic treat for fans of ‘The Cousin’, aka Barry Hilton. On December 16, this top SA stand-up comic is set to bring the house down with his show Vjg" Yc{" K" Ugg" Kv, presented in the ballroom venue. Barry’s shows are unscripted and bursting with an elec-
trifying mix-match of content. Lively recountings of recent observations and experiences, together with the finest selection of older fan favourites and brand new material, keep audiences on the edge of their seats. One of the funniest comics around, he is also one of the most professional, personable and punctual performers in the land. He adds comic class to corporate events as the headline act or the MC, with a repartee that’s intelligent, observational, impeccably timed and never crude,
sexist or racist. Enormously funny with a delightful knack of finding the ludicrous and the humorous in daily situations, Barry makes us laugh at life. That is why, more than three decades down the line, he is still everyone’s favourite ‘Cousin’. In 2013 his industry peers paid tribute to Barry by presenting him with a Lifetime Achiever Award in SA’s Annual Comics’ Choice Awards. Catch this legend live at Fancourt on Tuesday - tickets are R150 per person (front area) and R130 (back) and can be booked through Computicket. See the advert on page 13 for additional information.
THREE DECADES OF BEING FUNNY: Barry Hilton adds comic class to any event with a repartee that’s intelligent, observational, impeccably timed and never crude, sexist or racist - catch him at Fancourt on Reconciliation Day
Entertainment Diary Nkxg"owuke"cv"Vjg"Octmgv This week’s live music lineup at The Market in Plett’s Main Street kicks off tonight (December 10 at 6pm) with Pete The Greek, while John Craig will entertain diners tomorrow night and Davey Mac on Friday the 12th. Email plett101marketon main@gmail.com or contact Laurent on 076 463 5764 to find out more, or swing past The Market daily to see what’s on the extensive food/ goods slab. Dctpu"ikiu"tqem"Vjg"Etciu The next week’s line-up for The Barns Plettenberg Bay Summer Music Festival include Kahn on December 12, Jazz Cartel on the 13th, Chris Chameleon on the 15th, and Jannie du Toit’s tribute Fqgr" ku" pkg" Fqqf pkg on December 16. Visit www.thebarns. co.za/Plett for more information or to book. Egnn"E"Pgnuqp"Ocpfgnc" Dc{"9u The South African leg of the
IRB 7s Rugby World Series takes place in Port Elizabeth on December 13 and 14 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Special weekend passes include tickets to the 7s and other activities. Entertainment during the tournament includes top local DJs and bands. Together with the fever of the 20 rugby 7s teams, the vibe around the tournament promises to be a solid 48 hours of ‘rock the party’. Book your ticket online at Computicket and visit www. supersport.com/rugby/sevens to see the latest news on the Blitzbokke’s victory in Dubai last weekend. C"Htgpej"Dqgtg"octmgv"pqv" vq"dg"okuugf Boere-Brocante - a French type upmarket sale of collectables with a local flavour - will be held at Ouland Royale just outside Plett on the Airport Road on December 16 from 10am to 4pm. Apart from beautiful goods, there will be a cash bar and
F R E S H
French-style eats aplenty. The purpose of the event is to raise fund for four local NPSs that help make Plettenberg Bay a better place: Plett Hospice, Bitou 10 Foundation, PAWS, and the Plett Environmental Forum. It will be a great opportunity to buy interesting Christmas presents and pick up valuables for your home, and also have an interesting meal and a fun day. Phone Annabelle on 044 533 5178 or Marietta on 083 379 5339 for further info. Vjg"Ycvgtoctm"Ctvu"Echê" tguwthcegu First there was Shop 59 in Mellville’s Corner, then there was The Downstairs Shop in Noel Centre. Now the Watermark Arts Cafe has opened in Crescent Street (below Zanzibar, opposite Jinja Factory Shop). Thomas Jung will be painting, teaching, and running a permanent art and graphics exhibition until February 28. Mike Kantey will be researching, writing, editing, and selling collectible books and musical instruments. There will be drum sessions, poetry readings, stand-up and live, avant-garde theatre. Join in the fun and help build the arts and culture collective across boundaries, concepts, prejudice, jealousy and inertia. Call Mike Kantey on 072 628 5131 for more info.
Home & Health
10 December 2014
CXPRESS
Mex up your home this Christmas at Plett’s 29 on Main
T
HE dramatic frontage of the building at 29 Main Street doesn’t quite prepare one for what awaits when entering the new premises housing Mexican Imports SA, which for years was homed in a barn halfway down Plett’s Piesang Valley. Having served as premises for an art gallery, a Homework resort clothing store, and even a discotheque over the past two decades, the Dutch-owned building with its many floors, nooks and crannies has now been invaded by a handful of innovative brands and products, mostly Mexican-made. Michael Polson, aka ‘Mexican Mike’, is a veteran of that country’s treasures having imported home décor and clay chimeneas, chilli products and beverages produced at source for many years now. But the new business address has also allowed for the addition of brands like Chula and May Bru under the same roof as his unique Mexican imports, which now include pewter, glass and ceramic products that simply take your breath away. A first not only for Plett but the country is the Chula Sandal (www.chulasandals.com) outlet, just left of the central hub when entering the building at 29 Main. The numberone selling sandals in the Mexican Caribbean, Chula saw the light in 2006, with the first store located on the famous 5th Avenue of Playa del Carmen. The concept is casual, simple and innovative with modern designs that promote its use for different occasions, as each pair of sandals has interchangeable accessories that allow for an array of colours and designs with one sole. Mike has been involved with the May Bru brand from Cape Town since inception, and now boasts the smallest shop on the Garden Route with his mini outlet for this ‘seriously South African apparel and accessory’ brand - complete with canister packaging that’s perfect for overseas clients (www.maybru.co.za). But even if brand names
aren’t your thing, the array of gifts and original décor on display is bound to tickle your fancy. There’s also a Plett-produced range of cutting boards from local wood, heart-shaped placemats and
other quirky items for those with a wont for supporting ngmmgt local causes. Last but possibly most exciting for some is Mike’s stock of Minerva beers there’s even a cellar and
ADD SPICE TO YOUR LIFE AT THIS EMPORIUM: Mexican Imports has found a new home at the lower end of Plett’s Main Street and the range’s clay chimeneas and other old favourites has now been enhanced by objets of all kinds, including pewter and ceramic beauties, as well as SA’s first outlet for Chula Sandals Photos: Watty Watson
tasting room - and Imperial Tequila Ale on offer at this interesting emporium. Along with a counter filled with dry and saucy chilli products, these will lend a piquant twist to your holiday cooking
and toasting sessions. Mike plans get-togethers at the shop this season to taste and sample and check out all
17 ADVERTORIAL of the above, so watch this space for news, or give him a bell on 082 553 4625 to find out more.
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CXPRESS
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10 December 2014
Classifieds
On the Soapbox
10 December 2014
Letters to the Editor
CXPRESS
Email: editor@cxpress.co.za - Fax: 044 533 0852 - PO Box 1449, Plett 6600
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Community, law-keepers commended on the Provincial Traffic patrol consmooth-running Plett Rage duct visible policing, which The Plett Rage Festival brings some 8,000 matriculants to Bitou for 10 days of merrymaking and adds approximately R30-million to the local economy. On Saturday evening, I was afforded the opportunity to patrol Plett with municipal councillors Craig, Farrow and Paulse as well as Plett Community Police Forum (CPF) chairman Bruce Richardson. I witnessed an impressive security operation, run by the organisers of the Plett Rage Festival, the CPF and members of the community. In an effort to reduce harm driving under the influence
and vulnerable intoxicated youth from walking alone, the organisers have devised an innovative easy-access moneyless transport system. Matriculants are given transport tokens on arrival which they use to “pay” for transport. Importantly, the taxi industry has been fully integrated into the planning of the transport systems and participating taxis and cabs are clearly marked with orange “Plett Rage” taxi lights. Youth can flag down these vehicles and use the token system to get around. Even if they run out of money, they can use their tokens to ensure
safe passage to wherever they are going. The tokens are not redeemable for cash. In addition, there is a full operation room, which employs local youth to take SMSs coming through to the central Plett Rage hotline, to dispatch transport or help if needed. Youngsters SMS the number and are then phoned back. The local councillors and the mayor have volunteered - along with committed community members - to patrol in the evenings to make sure anyone that may be lost or walking alone is helped home. Bitou Traffic and law enforcement, Plett SAPS and
only increases as the evening gets on. The SAPS has deployed additional police members to Plett to assist during the festival. These commendable combined efforts have directly contributed to a safe, fun festival which continues to grow from strength to strength. The community of Plett, the taxi associations and spheres of government involved must be applauded for their efforts and hard work, well done! Oktgknng"Ygpigt."ORR" /"ejcktrgtuqp<"Uvcpfkpi" Eqookvvgg"qp"Eqoowpkv{" Uchgv{"Yguvgtp"Ecrg" Rtqxkpekcn"Rctnkcogpv
Bikers unite to give needy children Christmas gifts What an amazing day Sunday November 30 turned out to be! Every year a Garden Route motor cycle club gets a chance to organise and host the Toy Run. This year it was the turn of The Syndicate MC - Garden Route. Biker Brothers from the area and even as far afield as Beaufort West got together for the children and everybody brought a toy or two along. These toys are being distributed to less fortunate children in local communities, so they have a present for Christmas. This year, 511 bikers met up at various points along the Garden Route and rode to the Caltex garage in Knysna. The traffic department assisted with our mass ride through the centre of town - bystanders stood in awe as they watched 500 bikers riding together. We thank motorists for their
TOYS BY THE TRUCKLOAD: Participants in the Garden Route Toy Run marvel at the mountain of toys collected
patience, as it took about 15 minutes for the procession to arrive at the Round Table Club House. This year’s main beneficiary is the Dorothy Broster Home, and 20 of its children were invited to join us for the day. They were treated to face
painting, a jumping castle sponsored by Garden Route Jumping Castle Hire, and ice creams and candyfloss sponsored by Stellarine’s. Garden Route Spa provided the lunch for the kids and Brenton Blue Tours sponsored their transportation,
getting them to the venue and delivering them home safe and sound. Completely reliant on sponsors, the Garden Route Toy Run received incredible support from businesses in Knysna. We thank Algoa FM for R60,000 worth of radio and internet advertising, Knysna Round Table for sponsoring the venue, and George Herald for R8,000 worth of colour advertising. Canon Knysna sponsored the printing, KwikSpar generously funded the food and BF Motorcycles provided prizes for the games. Finally, without the generous support of all Garden Route bikers, we would not have hundreds of toys to bring a little joy to the less privileged children in our communities. Dtgpfc"Dcvkpvk"/"ugetgvct{<" Vjg"U{pfkecvg"OE
Kranshoek tuiniers wen groot met flink spitwerk Ons ry redelik gereeld deur Kranshoek en sien dat sommige van die inwoners moeite doen om hulle tuine en erwe mooi netjies te hou. Heel-
wat mense het ook gesonde groentetuine en kruietuine vir medisinale doeleindes. Mary Henry en Sophia van Wyk is twee dames wat by die
TUINTROTS: Mary Henry, Johan & Sharon van Wyk en Sophia van Wyk tydens die prys oorhandiging
GO Sentrum in Kranshoek werksaam is. Hulle is baie betrokke by verskeie aspekte van die gemeenskap en hou elke September ‘n vakansie week program vir die jeug by die sentrum. Ek het hulle genader met die idee om ‘n Tuin Kompetisie in Kranshoek aan te bied met ‘n lekker kontant prys. Hulle was baie opgewonde en het inskrywings begin bymekaar maak - 50 tuine is ingeskryf. Die datum van die semi-finaal was 8 November en daar is 10 tuine uitgekies. Later die week na verdere beoordeling is die wentuin gekies. Sharon van Wyk van Elandsdrif het met die prysgeld weggestap. Sy het by die prysuitdeling gesê dat haar man eintlik
die spit- en plantwerk doen. Hulle blomtuin is pragtig, die grasperk is goed versorg, die sypaadjie voor die huis baie mooi netjies en hulle maak hul eie kompos. Al hierdie faktore het bygedra tot hul wenposisie. Daar is ook tydens die prysuitdeling ‘n Kranshoek Tuinklub gestig en Sharon is dadelik tot voorsitter verkies. Hierdie kompetiese gaan nou elke ses maande aangebied word en alle inwoners van Kranshoek word uitgedaag om deel te neem, en sodoende by te dra om dié Plettenbergbaai buurt ‘n plek te maak waarop almal trots kan wees. Nkpgvvg"Uyctv.""yyy0 oqwpvckpdkmkpiuqwvjchtkec0 eqo
Est. 1984
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CXPRESS
Sport & Adventure
10 December 2014
Lots of medals won on long courses at SWD swim champs Under the guidance of Plettenberg Bay swimming coach Willie Wilson, swimmers from Plett and Knysna belonging to Fish Eagle Club excelled at the longcourse South Western Districts swimming championships held in Oudtshoorn during the last weekend of November. The team swam home with heaps of medals! Making the biggest waves was Arianne Bauer, second from right in front of coach Willie, who brought home seven gold medals. The rest of the podium finishers, in no particular order, were Sebastian Brink (1 bronze), Benjamin Brink (1 gold, 1 silver), Berenice Chabanel (1 silver), Ryan Perry (2 silver, 1 bronze), Kade Dickens (1 gold, 1 bronze), Jamie Hattingh (2 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze), and Gustav Schlechter (1 gold, 2 bronze). Well done, too, to Niki Cruz for her extreme efforts and to Danny-May Nel, left, who is coached by Peter Auersperg.
Green court aces These tennis players from Greenwood Independent School in Plett did extremely well when making it through to recent inter-school finals in George, having won their matches against Plett Primary, Oakhill and Knysna Primary. Congrats to, from left, coach Luke Perkins with players Nicholas Hill, Owen Poluta, Ben Dugmore and Duncan McCall.