10 June 2015
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
FREE
Mind the birds The birdlife on our beaches is under threat and a serious public awareness campaign is underway - turn to page 5 for the full story
Chocolate ends our Hunger Winter p2
Two sides to Plett’s market tale p3
Kids gain from Knysna race p12
Photo: Sharyn Hodges
SCATTER CUSHION
SALE! SAVE 25%
ON ALL SCATTERS IN STORE! ơ ͔͗ęč ͖͔͕͙
10 000 FREE COPIES OF CXPRESS DISTRIBUTED ALONG THE GARDEN ROUTE EVERY WEDNESDAY
2
CXPRESS
News & Views
10 June 2015
Memories of WWII
Belated birthday chocolate hails end of our ‘hunger winter’ war HENK BOLHUIS concludes his series of stories on growing up in war-torn Netherlands during the late 1940s
B
Y early September 1944 Belgium and, soon thereafter, most of the south of the Netherlands had been liberated by the Allied forces and again hope flared up for a swift end to the occupation by Nazi-Germany of the rest of Holland and an end to the war. However, once more, this was not to be and although, in theory, the Germans had already lost the war, it would still be several months before the whole of the country would be free. The Allies encountered fierce resistance and at one point in time (I only understood this later) the Germans actually launched a major counter offensive in the Ardennes in Belgium, at The Battle of the Bulge from 16/12/44 to 25/01/45. Subsequently, they were also able to stop the advancing Americans, British, and Canadians at Arnhem. As a result the provinces north of the great rivers, the Rhine and the Maas, remained under German occupation. Whereas food had been scarce for quite some time, conditions rapidly deteriorated further due to, among other things, a national strike by railway personnel in order to disrupt the transport of war
materials of the German Occupation Forces. They, in turn, retaliated by putting an embargo on all food transports and also cut off all fuel supplies as well as gas and electricity to the provinces of North and South Holland. Soon, especially in the densely populated cities, the meagre food supplies and stocks that were left ran out and an estimated 4.5-million people began to experience a great famine that lasted well into January 1945. Over and above these terrible conditions, this also turned out to be one of the coldest winters in recorded history. In spite of some soup kitchens still operating, more than 20,000 people succumbed to the lack of food and the extreme temperatures during this “hunger winter”, most of them elderly people and young children. In the previous article I related how the Gestapo’s savage beating of my father after his arrest had left him completely incapacitated and without work for a long period of time; it was now up to my mother to find food in order for us to survive. By this time we, too, were without normal food and had
Our 10 000 free copies are distributed every Wednesday to a multitude of outlets along the Garden Route, with emphasis on Knysna and Plett and drop-offs at *Sedgefield Tourism *Caltex StarMart in Wilderness *Lynn Schroeder, Build It and other select outlets in George *Storms River Village and Bridge in Tsitsikamma - phone 044 533 1004 (o/h) with distribution queries.
If you’ve missed out on a hard copy, read the electronic version online at www.cxpress.co.za
WORTHY WAR HEROES: ‘Biking Girl in Hunger Winter’ is a monument to women who set out in the freezing winter of 1945 in search of food for their families - I remember how scared I was seeing my mother riding away and slowly disappearing in the distance Photo: Kunst langs de weg - www.flickriver.co.nl
resorted to eating cooked flower bulbs and acorns and, if we could get them, sugar beets. We kept ourselves warm by putting discarded newspapers and pieces of cardboard underneath our clothing. In desperation my mother, like thousands of others, took to the road in order to try and trade personal family heirlooms for food. And so, one winter’s morning with fresh snow on the ground and in freezing cold, dressed in her warmest clothes, she embarked by bicycle on a ±400km round trip to the farming communities in Drendte and Groningen. I can still see her old bicycle with wicker baskets over the front and back wheel and the large canvas bags tied to the side at the back. I remember how scared I was seeing my mother riding away and slowly disappearing in the distance - would I ever see her again? Without any communication and as the days turned into weeks, my father and I had no way of knowing whether she was alive or dead. Then, one afternoon after nearly three weeks, suddenly
she was back. The baskets and the bags, however, held only a little bit of food. She told us that she had been very fortunate and had received a full bag of potatoes, onions, carrots and even butter, cheese and eggs in exchange for her jewellery. But then she was stopped by the Germans at a road block about 10km from home. In spite of her protesting and begging, the soldiers had taken from her whatever they wanted, especially all the dairy products. As she was telling us this, my mother burst into tears and my father and I were both holding and comforting
her and saying that it did not matter - we were just glad that she was safely home, and we still had the potatoes and vegetables. And so we survived, and as the months went by eventually things improved when the Allies, after an agreement with the German forces, were allowed mercy flights over western Holland. I clearly recall how, one morning in late April 1945, just after my birthday, a number of planes came over the fields east of our village and, instead of dropping bombs, they dropped parachutes with huge canisters full of food. All those who were able to
SHAVEN-HEAD SHAME: Moffenmeiden who aided and abetted the enemy were publicly humiliated by having their heads sheared in public - Photo: Hans Voorhoeve
FACES OF FREEDOM: US soldiers with Dutch girls at the liberation of Eindhoven Photo: Daily Mail Online
go went to the dropping site with carts and wheelbarrows and bags, and under police supervision collected bread and tins of corned beef, flour and oil and even chocolate something I had never seen or eaten in my young life. What a birthday present! This time we knew for sure that our liberation was just around the corner and, indeed, about two weeks later, on Saturday May 5, the German Occupation Force in the Netherlands surrendered to the Canadian and British armies. Finally, after five years of Nazi occupation, we were free at last. What an occasion it was when, a few days later, I saw the first Allied battle tanks drive through our village streets. I stood there in awe together with my parents and our neighbours as we cheered our liberators and proudly waved our national flags. Although I did not see this personally, my father told me that immediately after the liberation, the Binnelandse Strijdkrachten (former members of the Underground) had rounded up and arrested all NSB Dutch (National Socialist Movement) members who had supported the Germans, as well as hundreds of socalled ‘moffenmeiden’. The latter were hated Dutch women who had befriended and aided and abetted enemy soldiers during our occupation, and who were now taken out of their homes into the streets, where they were publicly denounced as traitors and had their hair roughly cut off, while many of them were shaven completely bald. At the time of our liberation I had no real idea of what life without the Germans all over the place would actually be like, as I had been living virtually all of my young life under German occupation. Freedom was a completely foreign concept to me. Three days later, on May 8 of 1945, Nazi Germany capitulated and surrendered unconditionally to the Allied forces and this marked the official end of the Second World War - a day remembered as VE Day. Slowly, as the months went by, our lives returned back to normal and as time passed and my father recovered further from his injuries, he started to do little outside jobs as a house painter. My mother returned to her work as a house maid, and I simply enjoyed being a young boy, happy for all the good things in life - having enough food and being able to go to sleep at night without fear. ß" EZRTGUU" ku" kpfgdvgf" vq" Jgpm" Dqnjwku" hqt" ujctkpi" vjgug" oqxkpi" tgeqnngevkqpu" ykvj"qwt"tgcfgtu0"C"hwvwtg"gfk/ vkqp" yknn" hgcvwtg" jku" ceeqwpv" qh"c"xkukv"vq"Fcejcw0"/"Gfu0
News & Views
10 June 2015
Licencing issues nip Mengelmoes in the bud Plett’s much-anticipated Mengelmoes indoor farmers market opened on Sunday May 31 with great fanfare, but has since been closed down, much to the dismay of venture proprietors Ben and Charmaine le Roux and their daughter Carmie, their sentiments echoed by many Plett residents - NIKKI RIDLEY reports
DISILLUSIONED: Ben and Carmie le Roux regret that their dream market cannot continue - read the property owners’ reason for this move at right - Photo: Nikki Ridley
A
first of its kind for Plett, Mengelmoes comprises food stalls specifically for local food sellers, a coffee shop, a small restaurant, an arts and crafts section, activities for children and a party venue planned for operation on Sundays and Friday evenings, with an independent venue hire for any day of the week. “The opening day was hugely successful,” said Ben le Roux. “It was full. The stalls all sold out by 2pm, and the response was excellent, people loved it, they came in the morning and they just stayed. People even came from as far away as George.” Reluctant to go into sensitive details regarding the closure, but both devastated, Ben and Carmie said they had put everything they had into Mengelmoes, investing well over R500,000 in the venture. He added that he is now facing sequestration. “I am a builder, or I was, and now I’m back in it again; I’m quoting like mad now. We put everything into this. We sold Charmaine’s cleaning business
and put that money in.” He explained that they had rented the property with the barn for the specific purpose of running this business there, and had done structural upgrades in addition to fitting out the barn and venue, among other work on the property. Regarding the reasons for the closure he said: “It’s a long story, and we don’t put ourselves in jeopardy…” but went on to say that it had to do with their inability to get permission from the property owners to apply for their business licence at this time. As to why they had not already done this, he responded: “We have been working on this since October. You have to prepare everything before you apply for the licences, because once you apply the health inspector will come and look at your kitchen, etc. “Everything has to be ready beforehand. We still need to get the licence, but the owners of the property won’t give us permission to apply. We
have been in constant communication with our landlord - we have shown him our plans, and we have had a good relationship with him. “But now we have been given a letter with demands that we must meet before the property owners give us permission to apply.” Le Roux went on to describe some of these demands regarding further structural upgrades to the property, but said they were financially untenable if they could not operate, and that as a result it was unquestionably the end of the road for Mengelmoes. “We have to leave. I have nothing left, and we are at this point unable to pay rent if we cannot operate, and we cannot fulfil our landlord’s requirements for further structural upgrades to the property for him to sign the papers we need to get our licences to continue operating.” An equally dismayed Carmie added: “The market is something we have dreamt about doing for years, but we can’t carry on now.” The man whom Le Roux referred to as “landlord” has explained that this was not the case (although Le Roux regarded him as such and claimed that he was the lessor on the lease agreement), because he is not in fact the property owner but also a lessee, and that the property belongs to a trust. He said he was a “liaison” between the property owners (whose details he declined to pass on) and as such, he did not wish to make a statement, saying he was not the right person to be doing so. With regard to the “letter of demand” and the failure of the property owners to give permission for the Family le Roux to apply for their business licences, he said “there are legal requirements that have not been met”.
CXPRESS
3
The landlords and owners have their say
F
OR the record: while we would like to see Mengelmoes succeed, here are the facts. It is important and a legal requirement that approvals and consents are obtained in writing from the relevant authorities, landlords, and property owners. We cannot accept liability as the owners of the property for accidents or if anything untoward was to happen, as a result of tenants’ actions, particularly as their intentions at the start of the lease agreement have changed significantly and have not been approval by landlords
and authorities in writing. With the significant increase in scale and change of the business concept, comes associated impacts, risks and liabilities, both on the property owners, the landlords, and the surrounding environment. The responsibility and liabilities of the property owners have not been taken into consideration. Should the tenants continue to operate a business without the correct approvals and consents from the property owners and the relevant authorities, the owners would be liable to face heavy pen-
alties, as has been stated by the local municipality. For this reason and the ones stated above, the landlords and property owners have been compelled to stop the tenants operating this business until requirements and breaches are rectified within the legal time frame, and move forward. It is regretted that the correct processes have not been followed, in obtaining all required consents and approvals, prior to commencing business. This is, however, not the fault or the negligence of the landlords or the property owners.
4
CXPRESS
News & Views
10 June 2015
Recent rape reports list six-year-old child victim
T
HE Family violence, Child protection and Sexual offences unit (FCS) based in George is requesting the assistance of the public in three cases as reported to CXPRESS on Monday June 8. The first is a rape that occurred in Knysna on May 26 around 19:30pm when the 30-year-old-victim was on
her way to her aunt’s house along Mfuleni Street. She was approached by three unknown men, one of whom threatened her with a knife and demanded money. “The three suspects took her into the bushes where she was allegedly robbed and raped,” said SAPS spokesman Captain Bernadine Steyn.
Anyone with information must contact the investigating officer Sergeant Mandisa Sonqwiqi on 044 803 4618. The second incidents occurred at a house in Skosana Street, KwaNokuthula, on New Year’s Day of this year at about 9pm. The 19-yearold female victim was at a club and the suspect offered
to walk her home. While they were walking the suspect threatened her with a knife after which he allegedly raped her in a deserted building. “We believe a man known as Zithulele could possibly help with the investigation,” said Steyn, asking that anyone with information is requested to contact Constable
Ann Janse on 044 803 4618. Finally, the FCS unit is investigating the rape of a young girl at her school on May 7. “The six-year-old victim was at a primary school where she fell while playing. “The next day, her mother noticed blood on the child’s panties and took her to the clinic. After examination the
mother was informed by the doctor that penetration had seemingly occurred,” said Steyn, adding that the circumstances surrounding the incident was not clear. Anyone with information in this regard is requested to contact the investigating officer Sergeant Mandisa Sonqwiqi on 044 803 4618.
Sunday morning Main Street crash causes serious injuries Nikki Ridley
A
female pedestrian and a female car guard were severely injured on Sunday June 7 just before mid-day in Plettenberg Bay’s Main Street when they were hit by a car travelling down the street past Lookout Centre. The police report alleges that the car veered into the two victims and a stationary car, also damaging a further two parked cars. According to attendant emergency services, the car guard was hit first. The second woman, who was about to
get into a car, suffered serious injuries from the impact that pushed her up into the back of a neighbouring bakkie. She suffered two broken lower legs, broken ribs and a concussion and was taken by ambulance to the Plett Medicare Centre in a “serious but stable” condition and conscious throughout. The car guard was taken to Knysna Provincial Hospital. A case of reckless and negligent driving has been opened and the cause of the accident is being investigated.
Discrepancies exist regarding injuries and other details in information supplied by the SAPS and emergency services on the scene, and that being reported by witnesses and those who assisted on the scene, on a local online hub. Note that a relative of one of the victims has requested discretion and sensitivity for family at this time, not wishing for identifying details to be released publicly. CXPRESS will therefore only be following up on the incident in a near future edition.
R1,000 reward for stolen jewellery
Over R100,000 worth of rings, pendants, earrings and other jewellery were stolen from 36 The Prongs in Plett on Sunday June 7 between 9:30am and noon. Alan Reekie is offering a R1,000 reward upon recovery of the items, some of which are pictured above. Phone him on 082 903 1154 if you know whereabouts of the jewellery, or the perpetrators who relieved the Reekies of their valued property.
Celebrate your courage on Youth Day, urges the mayor of Knysna
S
OUTH Africa celebrates Youth Day on June 16 and Knysna mayor Georlene Wolmarans urged residents to remember the meaning behind this public holiday, and to make its lessons a part of their daily lives. “We commemorate and celebrate the courage of our youth, and of ourselves as South Africans on Youth Day,” said Wolmarans. “Our country has a rich history filled with accounts of how South Africans gathered their strength and faced their challenges, bringing about change for the better. And we must never forget the courageous protests launched by the students in 1976. “We all know what happened and how it came about. A group of students decided to stand up to oppression within the education system of the day,” she explained. “They protested against the Bantu Education Act and the government edict in 1974 that Afrikaans be used
as medium of instruction for certain subjects in black schools. This protest resulted in a wave of protests across the country, known as the Soweto Uprising. “Their demonstrations and the reaction it evoked on a national and global scale - was one of the great strides our country took towards freedom and equality for all. And it is proof of our inherent courageous nature as South Africans.” Wolmarans wished residents a joyful public holiday, but asked them to remember those courageous young people who sacrificed their freedom and their lives so that we may enjoy and appreciate ours. “And keep in mind that, having been oppressed before, we must never allow the oppression of one group by another again - not in the greater Knysna area, and not in South Africa,” she concluded. “By allowing, appreciating and celebrating each
other’s differences, we will create a town where people and nature prosper.” Youth Social Project Programmes in the Greater Knysna commenced on June 2 and continues until the 25th, with special events scheduled for Tuesday the 16th. Diarise the Rheenendal Sports Field Market Day (10am - 4pm), ‘Art Against Crime’ at Hornlee Community Hall (10am 2pm), ‘Education is the Key to Success’ at Khayalethu Community Hall (10am 4pm), and cultural activities, art and drama at Masifunde Love Life Youth Centre (10am - 2pm). Call your nearest Youth Centre with queries: Hornlee (Housing Office, Sunridge Street) 044 302 6528, Rheenendal (Main Street, next to crèche) 044 302 6354, Khayalethu (Housing Office, Chungwa Street) 044 302 6591, and Smutsville (Community Centre, Rooikrans Lane) 044 302 6565.
News & Views
10 June 2015
CXPRESS
5
Birds battle for survival on our beaches - are we the enemy? White-fronted plovers, African black oystercatchers, sacred ibis and spoonbill, little egret, Egyptian geese, Caspian tern... we share our beaches with these and many more bird species and yet they are becoming increasingly scarce - LAURENCE PARKMAN reports
KNOW YOUR BIRDS: Henk Nieuwoudt, right, and his CapeNature crew install information signs on Keurbooms Beach - Photos: Laurence Parkman
results in the eggs overheating and dying, or in opportunistic predation. Keep your dogs under control and do not let them chase birds on the beaches. The question is not whether your dog catches birds, but whether it is keeping birds away from their nests. Read the signs on Keurbooms and Lookout beaches and make yourself part of the solution rather than part of the problem. If we all work together, we can win the war and ensure that our beaches flourish and remain a natural paradise for years to come.
HATCHLING IN HAND: Seeing this white-fronted plover chick up close makes one realise the wonder of nature that something so fragile can survive on our beaches
D
R Mark Brown of Nature’s Valley Trust (NVT) explains: “We have a unique opportunity on our beaches to protect and maintain birdlife long since eradicated from other major tourist areas, the beaches of California and much closer to home - even some Western Cape beaches - being typical examples. “In Bitou, our birdlife is under threat from intrusion by human activities, particularly in sand dunes where the birds nest. Disturbance from people and their dogs is turning out to be one of the biggest factors.” Mike Bridgeford of Birdlife Plettenberg Bay and chairman of Keurbooms Property Owners Association adds: “We are embarking on a public awareness campaign and with the support of the local community, CapeNature, NVT, and private sponsor Lancewood, we have installed signs along Keurbooms Beach highlighting the need for reduction of
negative human activity on the beach and in the dunes.” This initiative follows the success of signs sponsored by Birdlife South Africa, which NVT and CapeNature installed on Lookout Beach. It is clear that losing one species from our beaches impacts on the whole ecostructure of the area. Studies in America have shown that once the natural balance has been altered, a deterioration occurs that can be difficult, if not impossible, to redress. The signage, therefore, is viewed as a tool to increase awareness and garner the necessary public support to reduce the present intrusive behaviour and allow birdlife to flourish for the enjoyment of generations to come. So what can you do? Keep off the dune areas most nests fail not because eggs are crushed or taken, but due to the birds being chased away from the nests by human/dog activity. This often
6
CXPRESS
Business
10 June 2015
Win bucks and business in this competition
W
Thank you
to all the Grade 4-7 teachers for putting together a beautiful speech evening. Our pupils simply love the opportunity to perform, well done everyone. Another thank you goes to all the parents who attended and showed their support.
ITH just days to go until entries close for the 2015 Sanlam Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year competition on June 16, local entrepreneurs are encouraged to enter and be rewarded for their hard work and passion, as well as the vital role they play in the country’s economy. The competition provides entrepreneurs with the chance to win prizes up to the value of R2-million, including cash prizes of R350,000 and valuable mentorship support, networking opportunities and associated marketing, and national media exposure. Now in its 27th year, the free-to-enter competition has become SA’s pre-eminent entrepreneurial platform, embracing local entrepreneurship by providing an opportunity to showcase business achievements and elevate the
profile of entrepreneurs as well as their profits. Spokesperson Christo Botes says that the competition serves as a promotional tool to not only create awareness for entrepreneurship, but also for local entrepreneurs to generate a credible reputation among competitors. “Smaller businesses often can’t compete with larger players’ marketing spend and national advertising campaigns. A competition platform is cost-effective, and if entrants are successful as finalists or winners, the awareness thereafter can have a significant effect on their business’ brand and bottom line,” says Botes. An example is the 2014 Sanlam Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year winners of the Judges Prize. Joint owners of Legaci Dry Cleaners and Laundry Services
Dudu and Leema Mofokeng have, through the exposure gained from the competition, raised the profile of their company and thus witnessed an increase in business enquires and requests from prospective franchisees. The competition is open to entrepreneurs from all industries and for businesses of any sizes. Categories include Emerging Entrepreneur, Small Business Entrepreneur, Medium Business Entrepreneur, Innovator of the Year, Job Creator of the Year, and overall Entrepreneur of the Year 2015. Download entry at www. eoy.co.za and interact with fellow entrepreneurs on the Sanlam Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year competition social media platforms at Twitter: @EOY_SA and www.facebook.com/EOY.SA - closing date is June 16.
It’s never too young to trade These young business folk in the making participated at Greenwood Independent School’s Entrepreneurs Day on Friday May 29 - at left, Noah Chatz ensures his homemade popcorn’s packaging is irresistible, while Shannon Amoils had the bright idea of making chocolate cake in a mug, which sold like hotcakes...
Parent reminder: Due to several requests we are now selling wide-brim sports hats, as modelled here by Charlie Proctor and Matthew Coetzer. These are available at school reception and priced at R120 each, with various sizes available.
A huge thank you goes to Peter Reid and Tanja Sprachen for sewing up our cushions. Showing their pretty creations are learners in Mrs Visser’s Grade 2 class.
Investor Focus
Malcolm Stewart – Investment manager at Michaelides Parker Wealth Knysna & Plett
Beware the greed…
I
Thank you to everyone who supported Tekkie Tax Day last Friday - some fun pics were caught on camera and all the funds raised were donated to CANSA.
If you would like to get involved with our fundraising initiatives, please feel free to contact Taryn Antunes on 044 533 2126. PLETT PRIMARY PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY:
recently read the following Warren Buffett quote as featured in a Coronation publication: “The line separating investment and speculation, which is never bright and clear, becomes blurred still further when most market participants have recently enjoyed triumphs. “Nothing sedates rationality like large doses of effortless money. After a heady experience of that kind, normally sensible people drift into behaviour akin to that of Cinderella at the ball. “They know that overstaying the festivities - that is continuing to speculate in companies that have gigantic valuations relative to the cash they are likely to generate in the future - will eventually bring on pumpkins and mice. “But they nevertheless hate to miss a single minute of what is one helluva party. Therefore the giddy participants plan to leave just sec-
onds before midnight. There is a problem though; they are dancing in a room in which the clocks have no hands.” With these words, Mr Buffett is simply warning that we can be seduced by success in the equity market. If the market is expensive, then one should consider reducing your exposure. There is, however, another psychological trap that awaits the investor. Having either reduced your exposure to equities or, in fact, sold out of the market, you are probably sitting on a large allocation of cash. You will be watching the market as it continues to boom, and your buddies at golf/bridge continue to boast of their recent profits. You then succumb to the temptation to re-enter the market. You ‘miss-rationalise’ that you got out too soon and are losing out on a market that is still soaring, and that there is still time left in the bull run.
It is then that many normally rational investors rush back into the market. This gives it its final run - and it should be a really strong run - only to find that it is midnight… So don’t get caught in the final ‘bull trap’. Resist the peer pressure and emotional fear of losing out. Look at valuations, i.e. P/E ratios, or poor dividend yields. Talk to your advisor. It may help to simply reduce your exposure over time, thus still leaving you with some exposure to the party. As Warren Buffett says, it is impossible to get out at the top so rather fall back on the fundamentals. If markets are expensive, reduce your exposure. There is always another bus to get on, even if you have to wait for longer than anticipated. Ocneqno"jcu"dggp"kp"vjg" kpxguvogpv"kpfwuvt{"hqt"qxgt" 62"{gctu0"Jg"jcu"ytkvvgp" vjku"eqnwop"kp"EZRTGUU" hqt"vjg"ncuv"39"{gctu"cpf"ku" c"urgekcnkuv"kp"ocpcikpi" tgvktgf"ygcnvj0
News & Views
10 June 2015
CXPRESS
7
Goddess of The Kitchen to enthral all on opening night Fans of the silver screen and culinary arts should diarise a date with Karen Dudley of The Kitchen at the opening event of this year’s Plett Food Film Festival next month
K
AREN will entertain Plett with her witty sense of humour and everpopular Love Sandwiches for a cocktail of fun on July 9 during the festival’s opening night, which also features the film premier of Dki"Pkijv. Delighted fans will also have an opportunity to meet Karen on the 10th and 11th as she mingles with guests during the other films premiered at the Plett Food Film Festival.
After travelling and cooking in the United States and Europe, Karen returned to South Africa and started her own catering business in the Cape Town ‘hood of Woodstock. Besides being the home base for Karen’s catering operation, her acclaimed restaurant The Kitchen has become a celebrated eatery serving the gorgeous and talented patrons of Woodstock and beyond. It is at the heart (and stom-
ach) of a boom of creative new businesses, boutique shops and industries in the area. And Karen is right there bringing sustenance to locals and visitors in this funky little neighbourhood, with legendary salads and her signature Love Sandwiches. Her new venture, The Dining Room, is sure to lure patrons with forks in hand as they celebrate the joy of dining in a nostalgically retro and inviting space. Charismatic Karen Dudley will share insight into her inspiration for the passion in her life, food and cooking, with an engaging presentation and introduction to the film Dki"Pkijv. Directed by Campbell Scott and Stanley Tucci, the film’s line-up of stars is first class. Actors include Marc Anthony, Minnie Driver, Ian Holm, Allison Janney, Isabella Rossellini and Tony Shalhoub, along with Scott and Tucci. Wonderfully conceived and enacted, Dki" Pkijv is a period piece set in 1950s America and focussing on two Italian immigrant brothers who operate a small, failing restaurant.
Who knew that 100% healthy could disappoint. On arrival, guests taste this good? were greeted by a roaring fire
BANTING DELIGHTS: The first Happy Banters gathering at Lederle’s last week proved just how utterly delicious unprocessed eats sans sugar or carbs can be, with starters of roasted cauliflower croquettes and Banting Betty’s famous chocolate brownies, below, and a table of treats for Banters to buy, above, but some of the night’s culinary highlights
H
APPY Banters is the brainchild of Cindy and David of Lederle’s and Sarah Murray, aka Banting Betty. The trio noticed a market in Plett for a support system of sorts for followers of the Banting diet - and judging by the turnout and feedback of the first gettogether, they were spot on.
The Happy Banters concept aims to create and maintain support through monthly dinners that showcase fabulous Banting meals while featuring informative talks to create a platform for locals to network while having fun. The inaugural dinner held at Lederle’s in Plett’s Noël Centre on June 2 did certainly not
(a welcome respite from the icy weather) and a packed out restaurant filled with laughter and wine. Sumptuous Banting starters of roasted cauliflower croquettes and gem squash with sage and blue cheese were gobbled up with glee while diners were being serenaded by Elton Chatz. Donald Ravenscroft of Plett Sports Clinic gave a basic rundown of benefits of the LCHF (Low Carb High Fat) way of eating before guests dived into main course choices of beef sirloin, caulimash and roasted broccoli or the much anticipated Rogan josh chicken curry. Plates were literally licked clean. As everyone settled in to the warm atmosphere of the evening, out came Banting Betty’s famous chocolate brownies with a smattering of chocolate sauce (sugar free, of course), freshly whipped cream and strawberries… simply heavenly! What surprised and thrilled those not in the know was that the entire meal was 100% Banting. Utterly delicious, the decadence of it all completely masked the fact that there was nothing processed, no sugar and no carbs. May these happy Banters perhaps be onto something? Memories of a wonderful night linger as next month’s dinner awaits. *Ugg"oqtg"rkeu"qp"rcig";0+
Primo is the chef. He’s a perfectionist, driven mad by the unsophisticated coarseness of his American clientele. Secondo, on the other hand, is caught up in the American dream, driven to succeed, and determined to Americanise the restaurant to make it a success. When faced with impending doom, Secondo arranges through Pascal, the owner of a big, flashy, popular restaurant down the street, to have one ‘big night’ - a special dinner for Louis Prima, the jazz great, which could result in the notoriety their establishment needs to survive. Primo begins to prepare the
most incredible feast of his career... but can he pull it off? • The Plett Food Film Festival is one-of-a-kind in Africa. Plett Tourism and iKasi Media bring you the experience of Delicious film | Compelling food at The White
House Theatre in Plett during three days of five classic food films and the food that is central to the film narrative. Visit www.pletttourism. com for the full MAD Festival listing and to book your tickets online.
8
CXPRESS
Interval
10 June 2015
A girl walks into a supermarket and asks the clerk: “Can I have a turkey for my grandma?” The clerk replies: “Sorry. We don’t do exchanges.”
The luckiest man on earth...
A
British man goes to his doctor and asks why he’s been feeling ill. The doctor examines him and replies: “I’m sorry to tell you, you’ve got the disease known as Yellow 24.” “What’s that?” the man asks. “It means your internal
organs have started turning yellow - you’ve got 24 hours to live,” his doctor replies. The man goes home and tells his wife the bad news. His wife says: “Well, will you come to bingo with me tonight then? Otherwise you’ll never be able to.”
The man agrees so he and his wife go to bingo. He finds that he’s won the one-line and £10. He begins to think this isn’t such a bad day after all. Twenty minutes later, he’s won the full house and £150. He enters the lucky draw, worth £500, and wins that too. The bingo caller calls him
up on stage. He says: “I don’t believe it, mate. You’ve won three competitions and a total of £660 in one night. You must be the luckiest man on the earth!” The man says: “Well, no, I’m not. I’ve got Yellow 24.” The bingo caller looks down at the piece of paper he’s holding and starts clapping: “I don’t believe it; he’s won the raffle as well!”
Drop the pilot “I’ve never flown before,” said the nervous old lady to the pilot. “You will bring me down safely, won’t you?” “All I can say ma’am,” said the pilot, “is that I’ve never left anyone up there yet!”
Look at the brain on Gerald!
A
very intelligent boy was fortunate enough to be receiving a far better education than his parents had enjoyed, and his vocabulary far outstripped theirs. One day he came home from school and said: “Mommy, may I relate to you a narrative?” “What’s a narrative, Gerald?” she asked. “A narrative, Mommy, is a tale.” “Oh, I see,” said his mother, nodding, and Gerald told her his story. At bedtime as he was
about to go upstairs he said: “Shall I extinguish the light, Mommy?” “What’s extinguish?” she asked. “Extinguish means to put out, Mommy,” said brainy Gerald “Oh, I see. Yes, certainly.” The next day the clergyman came to tea and the family dog began to make a nuisance of himself, as a dog will, by begging for goodies from the table. “Gerald,” said his mother, trying to impress, “take that dog by the narrative and extinguish him!”
Get your seat in heaven
F
ATHER Murphy walked into a pub in Donegal, and said to the first man he meets: “Do you want to go to heaven?” The man replied: “Yes, I do, Father.” The priest said: “Then leave this pub right now!” He approached a second man: “Do you want to go to heaven?” “Certainly, Father,” was the man’s reply. “Then leave this den of
Satan,” said the priest, as he walked up to O’Toole. “Do you want to go to heaven?” “No, I don’t, Father,” O’Toole replied. The priest looked him right in the eye and said: “You mean to tell me that when you die you don’t want to go to heaven?” O’Toole smiled: “Oh, when I die, yes, Father. I thought you were getting a group together to go right now.”
“Loan-sharking, extortion, and racketeering are fine for now, but someday I’d like to get into soccer.”
Social Scene
PLATINUM BLONDES: Creative Music students Kathryn Brown (junior vocal conventional style), left, and Michelle Louw (senior vocal contemporary style) - pictured here flanking their vocal coach, well-loved local songbird Tessa Kay - received Platinum Status at the recent Knysna Arts Eisteddfod and were awarded trophies for their particularly melodious trouble. Congrats, y’all!
10 June 2015
CXPRESS
9
OBJECTIVE ATTAINED: MM Entertainment & Events hosted its first annual gospel concert at KwaNokuthula Stadium in Plett on Saturday 30 May, sponsored by Bitou Municipality, Plett Tourism and Island Diner. Among the artists in attendance was multiple award winner ‘King of Gospel’ S’fiso Ncwane, joined by the likes of Crown Gospel Music Awards winner Bethusile Mcinga. Also in the house were Thinah Zungu, Dumi Mkokstad, Veliswa Skeyi, Butho and Yolanda Vuthela, Lundi Joxo and Siphesihle Hlengwa. MCs at the awesome gospel gathering were Umhlobo Wenene Breakfast Show hosts Putco Mafani and Mafa Bavuma. MM E&E presented this well-attended concert as an opportunity for young and aspiring artists in the Southern Cape to showcase their talent. That objective was realised when Kwano’s Full Gospel Church Group was spotted by S’fiso Ncwane, who gave them R10,000 to use either towards shooting a DVD or releasing a new album. He also offered to feature on the album, and added that he would love to work with MM E&E when launching his own new disc on the Garden Route. Says a spokesperson from the local eventers: ‘We feel our purpose for this event has been fulfilled - that is exactly what we wanted to achieve - and we thank our sponsors and the people of the Southern Cape for their support. At top right are MM E&E directors Brian ‘Mshengu’ Shabalala, left, and Zuko ‘Mjilo’ Jonas. At right, the King of Gospel meets fans at Percy Mdala High School in Knysna on the Friday preceding the Plett event. Above, all of the artist who performed in KwaNokuthula show off their MM Entertainment & Events t-shirts.
People, places & events
PRETTY HEALTHY PEOPLE: Enjoying the first Happy Banters meet last week were Ella and Hannadi, right, with the colourful crew pictured above making up one of the tables set out along the toasty fireplace at Lederle’s for the occasion. Read more about the evening on page 7 and give Sarah Murray a bell on 083 631 1278 to find out more about Banting Betty products and when the next meeting is scheduled for. Photos: Tiffany Raine Barrett - ShowMe Plettenberg Bay
LOERIES SIEN WEER DIE SEE: Woensdag 20 Mei was weereens ‘n baie spesiale dag vir ‘n groepie van Loeriehof Ouetehuis se inwoners. Die eienaars van Nautical South restaurant op Brenton - AndrĂŠ Venter, liks, en Shaun Hansen - het soos verlede jaar ‘n paar gelukkige Loeriehoffers onthaal met ‘n heerlike driegang-ete. Gawe lede van die NG Kerk Knysna het die nodige reĂŤlings getref om te sorg dat die mense heen en terug vervoer word, na ete kon gaan kyk hoe lyk die nuwe hotel, en sommer ook ‘n slaggie weer die see kon sien. Vertel Santie den Boestert van die Brentonse Bybelstudiegroep: ‘Willem Langeveld van Loeriehof het die eienaars bedank vir die heerlike bederf, en AndrĂŠ het almal verseker dat dit vir Nautical South ‘n plesier was om die oumensies te kon onthaal en dat dit verseker weer sou gebeur.’
ls a i c e p S r tember Winte y - Sep Ma
E OF 1 E PRIC SDAYS FOR TH -2 WEDNE L IA ts SPEC ndimen CURRY with co only) lect from (dinner 3 curries to se of s Choice on r 2 pers R130 fo
DAY 0) , C EVERY 0 – 16:3 quiches GG QT VG EA (14:3n of cakes, mini NGVU ſNVGT EQHH T H IG TV o H UGPVKCN a selecti HTWKV VC U s U GU Include FYKEJGU UEQPG DQQMKPI CP PQVKEG ſPIGT U JQWT P Q TU GT RG 4 R :30) :00 - 16 TER (11 are T h A s L P to TAPAS of tapas I P election Chef’s s RGTUQPU UJCTK T 4 HQ
Tel: 044 533 2030 Fax: 044 533 2074 40 Church Street, Plettenberg Bay www.collectionmcgrath.com/plett/
CXPRESS
Wednesday 10 June 2015
A passing i shower h or two
21° Lo 13°
Precipitation: 55% Thunderstorm: 20% Sunrise: 7:28AM Sunset: 5:24PM Wind: W 9km/h Gusts: 15km/h W
Classifieds
10 June 2015
Thursday
11 June 2015
Clearing and cooler
17° Lo 10° Precipitation: 25% Thunderstorm: 20% Sunrise: 7:28AM Sunset: 5:24 PM Wind: W 22km/h Gusts: 32 km/h W
Friday
12 Junee 2015
SSunny
20° Lo 10° Precipitation: 3% Thunderstorm: 0% Sunrise: 7:29 AM Sunset: 5:24 PM Wind: WNW 13km/h Gusts: 20km/h WNW
Saturday
13 June 2015
Sunshi Sunshine, hine pleasan pleasant and warmer
26° Lo 11°
Precipitation: 0% Thunderstorm: 0% Sunrise: 7:29AM Sunset: 5:24PM Wind: W 9km/h Gusts: 22km/h W
Sunday
14 June 2015
Mostly sunny and warmer
28°
Lo 9°
Precipitation: 10% Thunderstorm: 0% Sunrise: 7:3AM Sunset: 5:24PM Wind: WNW 9km/h Gusts: 32km/h WNW
Monday
15 June 2015
Mostly cloudy, windy, cooler
17°
Lo 7°
Precipitation: 16% Thunderstorm: 0% Sunrise: 7:30AM Sunset: 5:24 PM Wind: W 33km/h Gusts: 56km/h W
Tuesday
16 June 2015
Plenty of clouds
16°
Lo 4°
Precipitation: 19% Thunderstorm: 0% Sunrise: 7:30AM Sunset: 5:24PM Wind: W 17km/h Gusts: 35km/h W
MOON PHASES: June 2015
10
Wed 10 June Last Quarter Wed 17 June New Moon
10 Wed 11 Thu 12 Fri 13 Sat 14 Sun 15 Mon 16 Tue 17 Wed 18 Thu 19 Fri 20 Sat 21Sun 22 Mon 23 Tue
TIDES: 10 June - 23 June LOW
HIGH
LOW
HIGH
03h55 05h26 06h40 07h36 08h24 09h06 09h46 10h22 10h57 11h30 12h02 00h25 01h02 01h46
04h13 04h51 05h30 06h12 06h57 07h47 08h48 10h06 11h37 00h17 01h17 02h10 02h57 03h41
16h11 17h49 18h59 19h53 20h40 21h22 22h02 22h39 23h15 23h50 12h35 13h10 13h52
23h04 12h53 13h52 14h42 15h27 16h08 16h46 17h21 17h55 18h28 19h02 19h39 20h26
On the Soapbox
10 June 2015
Letters to the Editor
CXPRESS
Email: editor@cxpress.co.za - Fax: 044 533 0852 - PO Box 1449, Plett 6600
Steyn seizes scallop on the sea shore...
11
Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za
Beyond the call of duty Good service goes a long way in South Africa, where sometimes it seems that bad service is what people strive for. Louis Henn from Cape Union Mart in Plettenberg Bay must be commended for his customer service, which goes way beyond the call of duty. I asked him to send my Leatherman in for repairs, complaining that I would be lost without my third arm, so to speak, as I use it on a daily basis. He proceeded to offer me his personal multi-tool to
use until my unit came back from repairs (said to take up to three weeks). I could not get myself to take him up on this gracious offer, thinking I might well survive the three-week absence. However, after five days, I could not live without my Leatherman and made this clear to poor Louis. I think it was out of desperation to shut me up but whatever the reason, he gave me the store’s display model to use until mine was fixed. Thanks again, Louis! Ycvv{"Ycvuqp."Rngvv
Grant us a month or three to refuel and revamp, please? ‘I picked up this rather special specimen on Plett’s Robberg 5 Beach at low tide on Sunday May 17. Has anyone seen it here before? It appears to be the scallop pecten sulcicostatus [which, according to Wikipedia, is found around the South African coast from Cape Peninsula to Port Alfred]. Let’s all try to find its other half!’ - Eugene Steyn, by email
All to take ownership of Plett’s cleanliness The letter and photo in your edition of May 27 refer [turn to page 11 of that issue at www.cxpress.co.za] - the problem with this dump site is that it is illegal. Residents of the Plett Airport Road area have been asked continuously (and by means of a letter that was shown to us) to leave their rubbish outside their farms, and told that the bags would be collected on the designated day. But to no avail. If Bitou Municipality erected a fence or screen (which we have also requested in the past), it would just mean that they approved of the illegal dumping. The Plett Clean team is having the same problem at the recycle bins - people just
dump anything and everything there. We are waiting for signage, but this is a long process. We clean that Airport Road corner every Tuesday, but residents are urged to all take ownership of the situation and help us KEEP PLETT CLEAN. Cnkuqp"Dt{cpv"qdq"vjg"Rngvv" Engcp"Ecorckip *Kh"{qw"ctg"pqv"cdng"vq"rj{uk/ ecnn{" cuukuv" kp" engcpkpi" wr" Rngvv." rngcug" vcmg" pqvg" vjcv" Cnkuqp"cpf"etgy"tgn{"qp"fq/ pcvkqpu"vq"rc{"vyq"fgfkecvgf" engcpgtu" eqxgtkpi" tqwvgu" qh" 37mo" fckn{" kp" rwtuwkv" qh" c" engcpgt" vqyp0" Fgrqukv" vq" Pgfdcpm" *dtcpej" 3;:987+" flRngvv" Engcp‚" ceeqwpv" pwo/ dgt"32;8933;960"/"Gfu0+
As a result of national and international environmental concerns, Total SA Pty Ltd has taken preventative steps by replacing fuel tanks and pumps at fuel stations that are close to rivers and oceans. Obviously we are affected, which results in our business having to close from June 15 for a minimum of three months, providing the weather plays its part.
Of course, Jane and I are not particularly happy about this action but unfortunately it has to be done in order to avoid any contamination risk in future. Once completed, we will be up and running again to continue being of service to you as we have done for the past 17 years. Thank you! Tqddkg"("Lcpg"Ygffgnn"/" Vqvcn"Dgceqp"Kuncpf."Rngvv
Slegs reguit... o, en links!
‘Jonker Pronker’ van Plettenbergbaai het die kiekie digby die dolfyn verkeersirkel geneem en skryf: ‘Ek dink die manne het die verkeerde baan gekies vir die Net/Only tekens. Lyk dit net vir my snaaks - of miskien is hulle inderdaad reg? Ieder geval, dit kan nogal ‘n goeie toetslopie wees vir die nuwe wetgewing wat ingebring gaan word vir bestuuders se prakties en geskrewe toetse...’
2013 Toyota Fortuner 3.0 D-4d, Auto, Silver, 47,243km, 4x4 !
R 379 900
2012 Nissan Patrol 3.0 Di GL, Manual, Silver, 45,900 km, Safari !
R 369 900
2013 VW Kombi 2.0 TDi SWB, Manual, Silver, 45,114km, Tow Bar !
R 324 900
2013 Nissan X-Trail 2.0 XE, Manual, Silver, 51,290km, Good Value !
R 214 900
2010 Hyundai iX35 2.0 GLS, Manual, Bronze, 72,326 km, Leather !
R 199 900
2010 Audi A4 1.8T Ambition, Auto, Silver, 59,500km, Awesome !
R 199 900
2013 Honda Jazz 1.3i Comfort CVT, Auto, Silver, Only 11,700 km !
R 159 900
2012 Chevrolet Utility 1.8 Sport, Manual, White, 60,106km, Canopy !
R 159 900
2014 VW new Polo 1.4i Trendline, Manual, Grey, 33,526km, Cool !
R 154 900
2013 Toyota Corolla 1.3 Prof, Manual, Silver, 54,172km, Cruiser !
R 149 900
2012 Hyundai i20 1.6i, Manual, Black, 7,832km, Awesome Mileage !
R 139 900
2014 VW Polo Vivo 1.4 Hatch, Manual, Silver, 12,276km, Bluetooth !
R 129 900
2013 VW Polo Vivo 1.4 Sedan, Auto, Silver, 36,422km, Automatic !
R 124 900
2014 VW Polo Vivo 1.4 Sedan, Manual, Silver, 43,559km, Trusted !
R 119 900
2006 Peugeot 2.0 CC ( 130 kw ), Manual, Black, 83,900km, Cabriolet !
R 129 900
2012 Nissan Tiida 1.6i Sedan, Auto, White, 53,000km, Comfortable !
R 119 900
2011 Peugeot 207 1.4 VVT Active, Manual, Grey, 23,075km only !
R 114 900
2014 Ford Figo 1.4i Ambiente, Manual, Silver, 46,114 km, Solid !
R 109 900
2012 Chevrolet Aveo 1.6i Sedan, Auto, Silver, 57,682km, Good Value !
R 109 900
2014 Chevrolet Spark 1.2 L, Manual, Blue, 18,535km, Electric Window !
R 104 900
2003 BMW 530d, Auto, Silver, 111,919km, One owner since new !
R 99 900
2004 Jeep Cherokee 2.4 Sport, Manual, Blue, 139,929km, 4x4 !
R 89 900
2010 Hyundai Atos 1.1 GLS, Manual, Blue, 23,000km, Air Con !
R 69 900
2005 Hyundai Sonata 2.4 GLS, Auto, White, 138,000km, Good Value !
R 69 900
12
CXPRESS
Sport & Adventure
10 June 2015
Knysna Sport School cycling ace going RECM solo Mountain bikers in this year’s RECM Knysna 200 stage race will have a chance to enrich themselves and the lives of underprivileged local children when they roll through the town from June 13
200% PREPARED: Knysna Sport School development programme product Ian Jantjies, left, will be participating in the RECM Knysna 200 stage race from June 13-15 - he is pictured here with KSS coach Paulus Sigonyela at centre and senior cyclist Nelson Sebali at the Garden Route 300 earlier this year - Photo: Supplied
O
RGANISERS of the three-day race are raffling off a R50,000 unit trust prize courtesy of title sponsor RECM, R20,000 of which will be donated directly to Knysna Sport School. One of the 350 riders will walk away with the balance of the investment and the knowledge that he or she has given disadvantaged children a chance at a better life through the school’s sports development programme. The programme, which introduces children from previously disadvantaged communities to a variety of sporting codes, has already paid dividends in the field of cycling. Alumnus and former cycling coach Vernon Moos is the race beneficiary’s biggest success story to date, after rising through the ranks and finishing second in the solo category at last year’s RECM Knysna 200. According to school director Jan van Wageningen, Moos’s passion for the sport has had a huge impact on many other youngsters, such as up-and-coming talent Ian Jantjies, who first joined the school’s safe cycling programme at the age of 11. Now 18, the Rheenendal resident has progressed from competing in shorter 1015km events to long-distance races under the guidance of Moos and local coach Willem Pompies. Pompies noticed the youngster’s determination to succeed when he showed up for training every day from the farm on which he lived,
regardless of the fact that he did not have cycling shoes and rode barefoot for the first three or four years. “That’s where I realised I wanted to be a cyclist,” said Jantjies. “I didn’t even have a bike then but when the school opened I saw it was offering cycling. I proved myself.” Jantjies took on his first stage race, the Garden Route 300, alongside current coach Paulus Sigonyela in February. He will be a solo entry for the Knysna 200. “Doing a 300km race wasn’t that bad for me because I often train hard,” he said. The Grade 12 learner, who attends Knysna Secondary School, puts in at least two hours of training every afternoon before hitting the books in the evening. “Discipline is something that cycling has taught me and I work to a programme,” said Jantjies, adding that it would be an honour to pursue sports coaching and management studies after school. “At the moment, he is taking mountain biking very seriously and, with his talent and hard training, he often finds himself on the podium in our local races,” said Van Wageningen. “We see him having a bright future at the Sport School, as he already assists with our junior cycling programme in Rheenendal, helping with outrides and mentorship of the younger riders.” RECM Knysna 200 race organiser Louise Wilson said the event was proud to have a long-standing relationship
with the school and share in its successes. “They do brilliant work in helping local kids to make healthy choices for their lives and it’s great that we can have a positive impact on our community by working together.” KSS staff, coaches and parents are actively involved in route marking, marshalling and manning water points for the race. This year, some exciting twists have been added to the route. The first stage starts at 9am at Knysna Elephant Park. On day two, spectators can enjoy an exciting race within a race as riders take on a 2.5km climb from Quinta da Montanha to Krisjan se Nek. Last year’s Ultimate Queen winner and multiple Cape Town Cycle Tour champion Anriette Schoeman will return to defend her title there. Spectators must be at the Krisjan se Nek viewing point by 8:45am. The final stage starts at 8:30am at the Harkerville forest station, home of the famous Red Route. Readers wanting to catch more mountain biking action are encouraged to be at Harkerville, opposite the Garden of Eden, from 9:30am. The event finishes at Thesen Harbour Town. For more info, visit www. recmknysna200.co.za, follow @recmknysna200 or find the Garden Route Events page on Facebook. E-mail admin@gardenrouteevents. co.za to enquire about entries becoming available through last-minute cancellations.
‘Toughest Comrades yet’ Six runners represented Plett Athletics Club at the 90th Comrades Ultra Marathon on May 31, slogging out the extended up-route in extremely hot conditions. Pictured at right is Dulux Paint Centre employee Eric Ngangu just after crossing the finishing line, the effort and pain of completing the race in 8:50 clearly showing on his face. But nothing beats the satisfaction of finishing the Comrades and Eric was also the first Plett runner home. Georgie Minopetros finished in a comfortable 9:31, even stopping along the way to launch his TV career! Patrick Sassin clocked in at 11:21 in his 16th Comrades, saying this one was the toughest yet. Jacky Scholtz has a holiday home here so runs in Plett colours and made the club proud by finishing in 11:28. Club chairperson Vicki Meggersee gave it her all, but missed the 81km cut off by a mere 1km at the top of Polly Shorts after scaling all of the hills en route, while Bitou Municipality’s Andrew Bezuidenhout had to throw in the towel at the 43km cut-off. Well done to all Plett’s runners - not just for your efforts on a particularly trying day, but for all the long, hard hours of training that preceded this monster race. Anyone tempted for 2016’s down-run?