10 september

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

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Rita remembers...

Where are our girls?

Plett wines to feast on

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Oh, the drama...

OLD ACTORS NEVER DIE - THEY JUST LOSE THE PLOT... And don’t you dare miss out! - p5

Photo: Timothy Twidle

10 September 2014

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CXPRESS

News & Views

10 September 2014

An estate agent’s memories of the 1980s RITA HARDAKER (née Van Rensburg) has been bugged with requests for a rerun of her recollections on selling property in Plett more than three decades ago, so here goes...

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HERE may be some of you out there who remember the old Telex (circa 1981) - it looked like a typewriter and went clackityclack at a tremendous rate and out came the message.

You could hear it from the other end of the passage!

And that was not the only machine or modus operandi that differed vastly from today’s modern instruments, customs and systems...

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No electric typewriters at this stage, they only came later, so copies were made with carbon paper and photo-stat machines were unheard of.

Typed wax sheets and Gestetner copiers were the order of the day for multiple copying.

Hknkpi Our filing clerk at the time had an incomparable memory and knew exactly where to find the files for different clients. Those days the filing

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.

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cabinets were wall-to-wall - not to mention the many “closed” files in the fire-proof strong room.

The only time she had a little difficulty was when one of the clients had a sex-change op and the names changed.

They don’t make filing clerks like that anymore - Valerie was exceptional.

Hkfgnkv{"Egtvkhkecvgu These had to be lined up against the walls for random inspection… and beware the agency who did not have theirs up!

Uykvejdqctfu The pull-back, plug-in type, our first switchboard must have had about 10 lines, horror of horrors - quite unnerving to try and sort out which cable went where.

Then came the switchboard with the little flat, elegant tabs that you just lifted up and dropped at the end of a call, much less noise and no more slurping noises when it pulled back.

Rjqvqitcrju So you took photos, traipsed off to Pierre Koep who had the best photographic studio at the time, and waited while they were being developed.

Depending on how busy Pierre was, you usually got them in about two days.

Off the photos would go to the client by post, which took an average of five days or more to get there, while you waited with bated breath for the client’s call.

Then, wonder of wonders, we got the Instamatic cameras that could spit out the photo.

The quality was never as good as Pierre’s efforts but it was quicker. Trouble was, when they were displayed in the agency windows they turned a sepia colour, and faded over a long period when filed.

Cvvktg Coming from the Free State, the only accepted dress code for business was a two-piece suit, or blouse and skirt, preferably with stockings and most definitely the high heels, never slacks.

I still remember how dif-

ficult it was to walk on an undeveloped stand with high heels but somehow learnt to do this like a mountain goat.

Went through quite a few pairs of shoes, though.

Then came the day when I climbed up a dune (found that I could dig my heels into the sand) - no problem... until my heel hooked on a root under the sand and I went tumbling down the dune, landing at the bottom in complete disarray which the clients found quite hilarious, of course.

I had all my high heels cut down after that, but then the toes lifted in the front and I looked like an elf. Finally, the slacks were accepted.

Rtqrgtvkgu When I first studied a map of Plett, I remarked to the boss that I thought Plett Municipality was very well organised - all those “public places”, thought they were toilets for holiday makers, oh dear.

I remember taking out a client one day with my map marked with all the stands that I was going to show, this after about eight months on the job, but there was one road that I just couldn’t find.

The client eventually queried my experience but I was quite sure the road (Stableford) was where I had stopped. But it just wasn’t there!

On going back with the boss the next day, we found that there was no road. Apparent-

INSTAMATIC MIRACLE: The advent of the ‘spit out’ camera changed estate agents’ lives - here Rita features in one of these prints in Tim Hutchinson’s office at Pick of Plett

ly the whole of this area had been marketed to embassies overseas by means of aerial photos. The owners had duly paid rates and taxes for quite a while but of course never physically saw what they had bought (that agent did not last long).

After a meeting with the authorities, Stableford was opened up and remained a plain dirt road for many years.

Vgngitcou Oh yes, offers were made and accepted by telegram after the contract was sent off (by post). The telegram was accepted as legal tender and was binding in the eyes of the law.

Original signatures were very important, however. Our poor messenger had many trips up and down the hill to and from the Post Office.

Ucngu In the early 80s there was such a boom that prospective buyers were queuing up in the

DURBAN JULY AT THE BI: Rita, her late husband Jannie, and Chris & Jenny van Aswegen enjoy one of the most lavish July celebrations the Beacon Island had ever hosted in the mid80s, with bubbles, crayfish and all kinds of spoils for guests dressed to the nines - Rita and Jannie won the prize for the Best Dressed couple that day

passage, believe it or not. We had many an irate buyer who wanted a particular stand but by the time he wanted to put in the offer, it was sold. What a great time that was!

So many new areas had just opened up, mostly owned by Gencor, including Ext. 11 near the water tower. Those with views were literally snapped up and speculation was the order of the day. Tripartite agreements were common at the time.

Stands in Poortjies were selling for about R2,500 and stands without views in the area of the old golf course for slightly more.

My first sale was a stand near the beach, which I sold a few times over. It went for the princely sum of R10,750.

My first commission after about five months of hard work came to about R375 what a thrill that was!

Enkgpvu I have learnt never to judge a client by his appearance - this can be very deceptive, as I found out when discussing various properties with a barefooted, scruffy individual one day who I was convinced was just passing time, a looker.

This same scruffy individual bought three properties as an investment from me the next day and, what’s more, I sold them again too!

Many clients have left me with wonderful memories for various reasons, but if we have to go that route it will have to be in book form. I remember the buyer with the Spanish mistress… So the saga may well continue.

News & Views

10 September 2014

Search on for missing Knysna and Plett girls It has been a dark week for a several Knysna and Plettenberg Bay communities as four young children went missing from around their homes - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports

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NYSNA police are still searching for Liyema Baleni who went missing while walking home from her grandfather’s house in Bongani at about 3pm on August 28.

The nine-year-old, who is 1.2m tall and was dressed in a pink jacket, grey shirt, white pants and brown boots, was reported missing by her mother the next day.

Police spokesman Sergeant Chris Spies said following the incident a large-scale search was launched for the girl involving local police, the NSRI, the municipality and fire department, municipal law enforcement, the local neighbourhood watch and members of the community.

“The Outeniqua K9 unit is also assisting in the search in Bongani, Concordia, Akkerkloof Dam and surrounding forest,” Spies said.

By yesterday, the girl was still missing despite these search efforts.

On Thursday, another child, 13 year old Sesethu Zuke, went missing from Fisanthoek outside Plett around 8:20am.

Police spokesman Captain

Bernadine Steyn said at the time of her disappearance Zuke was dressed in a yellow tracksuit top, light blue skirt and black tekkies.

“Police contacted Zuke on her cellphone and she informed the member that she was near Kareedouw hiking to Grahamstown,” Steyn said.

She has not been seen or heard from since. “She is still missing and the search continues.”

On Saturday, Knysna police launched another large-scale search in Concordia when two girls aged nine and 11 went missing after playing in Simmer Street near their homes at about 5pm on Friday.

“The two girls were found unharmed at a family member’s house in Concordia around 1pm on Saturday.”

According to Missing Children SA, statistics show that a child goes missing every six hours in South Africa, which means more than 1,400 children disappear every year. At least 13% are never found.

This sudden spate in missing children in Knysna and Bitou has prompted an appeal

by police and child safety organisations for parents to implement various measures to ensure their children’s safety.

Missing Children SA spokesman Nicky Rheeder said parents should firstly not wait 24 hours before reporting a child missing, and must always keep a recent photo available in case tragedy struck.

She added that it was a good idea to accompany your child to the nearest police station, hospital or clinic to show them how to find it easily.

“Create a family-exclusive password and teach your kids that when you send a person to pick them up, the person should know the password, otherwise your child should not accompany that person.

“Teach your child to take the same route to and from places. If your child goes missing, you can start looking on the discussed routes.

And teach them to make loud noises to attract attention.”

Finally, Rheeder said it was important to monitor your child’s social media habits including Facebook and Mxit.

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Dog-dragger dodges media after latest October 29 for a decision to court postponement be made by the DPP. This

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HE case involving a prominent Knysna businessman, who allegedly dragged his dog behind his sports car earlier this year, was postponed yet again.

Petrus Meyer, 65, briefly appeared in the Knysna Magistrate’s Court on Friday on charges of animal cruelty.

The matter was however referred to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for a decision whether the case should be heard in a regional or district court.

Meyer faces the charges after tying a rope around the

neck of his young female ridgeback, called Gina, and dragging the dog behind his vehicle in Galjoen Street in Brenton-on-Lake on June 11.

Residents who saw the helpless animal being dragged intervened and ensured the dog received the necessary veterinary care.

Meyer’s other dog, a bullmastiff named Benji, was also taken out of his care shortly after the incident after negotiations with Knysna Animal Welfare Society (KAWS).

Magistrate Clifford Maseti postponed the matter until

he said would take at least a month.

Meyer, who came to court dressed in a black leather jacket, a straw hat and dark sunglasses, hurriedly left the court after the postponement in an attempt to avoid journalists gathering outside.

In the meantime, Benji had found a new home. KAWS chairman Maarten van Leeuwen said this week Gina remained in foster care and was in the process of being adopted. [qncpfê"Uvcpfgt"/" Ictfgp"Tqwvg"Ogfkc

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News & Views

10 September 2014

Child rape victims get police support

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OLICE in the George Cluster of stations from Plett to George used August, as Women’s Month, intensifying their activities to reduce the incidences of rape and child abuse in particular.

At a briefing on September 1, representatives of their FCS (Family Violence, Child pro-

tection and Sexual offences) unit explained how they reacted after a rape was reported.

Major Willie Oktober, head of the FCS unit, said that, while sexual violence was decreasing year over year, there were still concerning levels of abuse of children, teenage pregnancy and underage rela-

tionships between adults and kids often involving alcohol.

“Bored kids tend to hang around bars and shebeens, where patrons buy alcohol for them expecting sexual favours in return. If the youngster resists, it often results in a rape situation,” he said.

The FCS unit tries, as a pre-

ventative measure, to educate children on the risks of this behaviour and every police station in the cluster undertook awareness programmes during Women’s Month to inform its neighbourhood of risks involved.

In the unfortunate event of a rape taking place, the unit

has two trained forensic social workers to counsel and question the victim.

In the case of abused children they use specific techniques to question the child in a sympathetic manner so as to not exacerbate the emotional state of the victim yet to obtain vital information concerning the actions and identity of the rapist.

Captain Thandi Bokoyi, a social worker, said that victims were usually traumatised and too embarrassed to explain the intimate details of what had occurred.

“We use facial expression decals to determine the emotional state of the child and then use anatomical dolls and drawings to help the victim explain what occurred during the crime.

Words & photo: Bob Hopkin

“In this way, it saves victims from describing what happened using their own bodies, which is important in the healing process,” she explained.

“While we both enjoy the challenge of our work, our task as police officers is primarily to obtain information to assist in securing an arrest.

“When our interviews with the children are complete, they become the responsibility of professional social workers and it is always sad for us to hand over the children to others after we have established a bonding relationship with them.

“Exposure to this kind of work does affect our attitude to people, making us distrustful of others and very protective of our own children.”

MEANS TO AN END: Captain Thandi Bokoyi shows how an anatomical doll can be used to obtain intimate details of a rape

Jury still out on Bitou’s legal costs

Yolandé Stander

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ITOU Municipality is attempting to minimise the impact on taxpayers’ pockets after its recent half a million rand court battle to prevent a special council meeting.

Bitou speaker Annelise Olivier asked the Western Cape High court for an urgent application to stop the meeting from taking place. This was followed by a counter application by six ANC councillors and deputy mayor Adam van Rhymer.

On August 26, Judge Dennis Davis found that Olivier’s application had become moot and therefore did not order costs, while the counter application by Van Rhymer and

the ANC councillors failed and Davis ordered the applicants to pay the costs.

Booysen said this week that the initial application cost about R500,000 but that the entire amount would not be coming out of taxpayers’ pockets.

He explained that, because Davis had ordered the applicants in the counter application to pay costs, Bitou’s legal expenses for the initial application would be offset against the costs paid by them.

“At this stage we don’t know if this will cover the entire amount, but whatever the balance we (the municipality) will then have to pay.”

News & Views

CXPRESS

Behind the scenes with BATS What does it take for Bitou Amateur Dramatic Society to stage a play? Much gnashing of teeth, Do-It-Yourself, improvisation, actors’ nightmares, anxiety and... loads of fun and friendship

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N opening night (Tuesday September 9) of Qnf" Cevqtu" Pgxgt" Fkg, the first audience enjoys the theatrical experience in its entirety - the decorated set, the costumes, the props, and the actors playing their parts - hopefully word-perfect.

But this final product has been five months in the making with an enormous amount of detailed planning required behind the scenes.

Says director and producer David Hall-Green: “First of all, it takes a lot of googling to find an appropriate play for amateurs that is not too complicated or expensive to stage. And then the search for actors begins and it is quite a job to persuade the mostly reluctant prospective actors that ‘they can do it’.”

Many start off nervously but as their confidence grows, the acting bug bites and then there is no stopping them. David has to use a combination of patience, encouragement and threats to get them to learn their lines and rehearsals can become quite tense.

All published plays are subject to performing rights and, according to David, this means that they cannot be performed without paying royalties to the relevant body - in this case, Playstage of London.

Qnf" Cevqtu" Pgxgt" Fkg runs for five performances, each one costing in the region of R1,000 in royalties that have to be paid upfront before any tickets are sold.

Apart from the actors, the most important aspect of a successful play is the appearance of the set. After spending weeks constructing the framework of the set, including real windows and doors, the “flats” have to be painted.

In Owtfgtgf" vq" Fgcvj, David created expanses of “wallpaper” with one stencil.

He explains: “Marina Niven, South Africa’s foremost exponent of trompe l’oeil, helped us to create wood panelling for the previous play

that was very effective.”

Attention to detail and authenticity is essential. For David there is no such thing as “making do” and he goes to great lengths to ensure that the sets are convincing. If this means making a seemingly heavy cabin trunk out of feather light polystyrene that looks just like the real thing, he will spend hours making sure it is perfect, even for a brief appearance.

“I had great fun concocting a marvellous sci-fi helmet out of plastic masks and an old cycling helmet,” he laughs.

The set features part of an old fireplace which also had to be painted and disguised to make it look real. In one of the previous plays, bookshelves had to be invented and the trick was to photo-

copy the spines of David’s books and do some trompe l’oeil (optical illusions) to make it look as if real books were in real shelves.

Furniture has to be begged, borrowed or “stolen” from kind second-hand dealers such as Old & New, or from family or friends. Pictures and ornaments are also borrowed, all in the name of “getting it right”.

The search for appropriate costumes can be a challenge and the various items of period clothing have to be sourced from far and wide. The Port Elizabeth Gilbert and Sullivan Society and the George Arts Theatre wardrobes are great sources for period costume.

Sometimes, costumes have to be made from scratch nurses and military uniforms

PROP PLEASURE: David Hall-Green, above, got some kicks out of creating a mask to be worn in the play by Roger Davis, top right; below, retired engineer Rob Starkey is working on the set’s fireplace - but to find out more, you’ll have to go watch ‘Old Actors Never Die’ which is staged in Plett’s St Peter’s Church hall at 7:30pm every evening until Saturday the 13th

and headgear of all kinds. “It takes quite a lot of ingenuity to adapt stuff.”

David’s moustache for the current play was made by his hairdresser, using his own hair, as his wife would not let him grow a moustache again!

All this effort would be a total waste of time and money if there was not an audience to appreciate the magic of live theatre. Organising and executing an effective publicity plan to spread the word is time-consuming, but crucial, if one wants to attract large numbers of bums in seats.

This also entails design and print of posters and tickets, not to mention email campaigns and other forms of communication. The process of conceptualising and finally, realising the plans is an enormously rewarding and creative one. It all comes together on opening night when the actors experience the elation and fear of performing to a live audience.

David concludes: “It is a great thrill for me to see how these amateur actors rise to the occasion and quickly learn how to read the audience. I am so lucky to be able to work with these wonderful people.”

When the curtain comes down at the end of the play, all the actors are understandably on a high. Adrenaline pumping, they feel relief and exhilaration in equal measures - and can’t wait to get back on stage for the next performance.

At the end of the run they all experience a feeling of loss, and are quite bereft for weeks afterwards as they adjust to their normal lives without the pressures of rehearsals and the anticipation of performing.

They do, however, enjoy a lasting feeling of satisfaction with their achievements and the knowledge that they have made an important contribution to the Plett Animal Welfare Service.

If you don’t have tickets yet for one of the four remaining shows on September 10-13 at St Peter’s Church Hall at 7:30pm, swing past Barney’s Kiosk at The Market Square or phone 044 533 3219 or 082 744 1884.

Photo: Timothy Twidle

10 September 2014

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News & Views

10 September 2014

Scholar, sportsman and expert educator now at Greenwood’s helm

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HE board of Greenwood Independent School in Plett is proud to announce the appointment of John Wegerhoff as acting principal.

“Mr Wegerhoff brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the position and we are very excited to have him,” said chairman Harry Brouwers.

Some of the schools he has taught at are Kingswood, Grey High School in Port Elizabeth (Head of Science, Vice Principal), Union (Vice Principal), Milnerton High School (Vice Principal), Wynberg Boys, SACS (Head of Science), Gardens Commercial College (Principal), and Hout Bay International School (Principal), to name a few.

Academically, Mr Wegerhoff is extremely accomplished.

He read for a BSc Hons at

WELCOME! Greenwood School staff, parents and students look forward to making their new principal feel at home

Rhodes University and has a Masters in Education, cum laude, from the University of Cape Town... to name a few!

As a keen sportsman and coach, Mr Wegerhoff has coached first team rugby, cricket, squash and swimming, was a Craven Week selector, and represented and chaired the Western Province Squash Masters.

Recently Mr Wegerhoff has been writing a new series of text books for learners and teachers of Grades 7-9, while developing skills courses with the Western Cape Department of Education.

Mr Wegerhoff lives on The Island at Great Brak River, but has relocated to Plett for his tenure at Greenwood School. He has three children and four grandchildren.

“We wish him well during his time at our school and know that our staff, parents and children will make him feel very welcome,” concluded chairman Brouwers.

Arbour Day celebrated in Kurland Village

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ATURE’S Valley Trust (NVT) coordinated an excellent Arbour Day celebration in Kurland Village on September 4.

Building on 10 years of tree planting in the Kurland Greening Programme, stakeholders got together with community members to plant 30+ trees, and replacing some trees from previous plantings that hadn’t survived.

Trees were provided by Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries (DAFF) representative Nokukhanya Mwandla and Richard Bolus of Redford Nursery, while Richmond Gewers of SANParks funded light snacks.

Members of Bitou Municipality, The Crags Primary eco-club, CapeNature, DAFF, SANParks, Working on Fire and Working for Water joined hands with community members to maintain existing trees and plant the new ones.

All in all, over 200 people were involved, and the day was a big success. It kicked off with an introduction by NVT programme director Dr Mark Brown on the importance of the long-term tree planting programme run in Kurland.

LIGHT LABOUR ON ARBOUR DAY: Members of The Crags Primary eco-club, CapeNature, DAFF, SANParks, Bitou Municipality, Working for Water and Working on Fire joined hands to secure a greener Kurland Village last Thursday Photo: Dr Mark Brown

Next up was a word from Collin Koopman, Bitou Municipality’s Community Liaison Officer for Kurland, on the success of the longterm greening programme, followed by an informative talk by Eben Lourens from CapeNature on the importance of taking care of the trees planted.

Mark finished off chatting about the great stand of Madiba Trees planted in Plett to commemorate Madiba’s 90th birthday many years ago, how it served as excellent remind-

er of the great man himself, and how the trees planted on the day would in a small way continue his legacy.

“Out on the streets, it was wonderful to see community members interacting with stakeholders while digging holes, maintaining previously planted trees, placing compost and carefully planting the trees,” says Mark.

“The Working on Fire crew then came round and provided ample water for the new trees. What a great community - with a fantastic spirit!”

Groot opgewondenheid oor Van Rooyen saamtrek

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ITEINDELIK het die lente aangebreek en kan die nageslag van Cornelis van Rooyen uitsien daarna om hul families, van Plet en van ver, bekend en onbekend, te verwelkom, en te ontmoet.

Sê organiseerder Andrie van Rooyen: “Als is in plek vir ‘n heerlike saamtrek op Erfenisdag (24 September). Ons het pas weer die opgewondenheid beleef van ‘n familielid wie, na baie navorsing, sy familie aan Cornelis se stamboom kon koppel.

“Ons deel dieselfde stamboom tot by Hendrik Petrus van Rooyen (getroud te George op 7 Oktober 1821 met

Johanna Christina Peo) al verskil ons vanne tans.

“Dit blyk een van die grootste voordele van so ‘n saamtrek te wees: dit bring mense nader aan mekaar op menige vlakke. Ons hoop om

volgende week verder te berig oor Plet families wat ons ook graag by die saamtrek wil betrek, omdat hulle en ons ‘n stamboom deel.”

E-pos vanrooyen1@telkom sa.net vir verdere inligting.

News & Views

10 September 2014

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CXPRESS

A celebration of new winelands, superb coastal wines and incredible bubbly SIP more than 50 local wines and bubbles, SAVOUR the delicacies of artisanal foods and eateries, SEA the Big Blue and ENJOY the festivities along the Plett Winelands...

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INE, food, music, sun and sea. This firstfor-Plett festival launches one of Plett’s best kept secrets - award winning wines and Méthode Cap Classique sparkling wines, accomplished wine makers and their farms, wine tastings and wine farm adventures.

“The scene is almost set, the last bubbly is being riddled, and town is abuzz. We’ve had bookings from as far away as Vancouver and anticipate a great crowd,” says Plett Tourism events coordinator Cindy Wilson-Trollip.

Within one of South Africa’s newest Wine of Origin regions, you will find farms that are producing a variety of cultivars including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Rosé, and the expanding MCC varieties are growing fast and flavoursome to turn this area into the country’s premier bubbly region.

These are the nine Plett wine estates that will delight you at this year’s festival.

Cpfgtuqp" Xkpg{ctfu< The first bottling was in 2011, and most recently the 2013 wine was bottled at the end of July.

Plett Wine & Bubbly details

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HIS year’s event takes place at the Beacon Island Resort on October 4 and 5, from 1-8pm on the Saturday and from 12 noon to 8pm on the Sunday, with the dress theme ‘blue and white, ocean and bubbles and wear a hat’.

Tickets cost R250 per person and include a signature Plett Wine & Bubbly champagne flute and one complimentary glass of wine from a pre-selected wine farm.

Food is available á la carte

at artisan stations and Plett Tourism will tantalise the taste buds with their Oyster & Bubbly Bar. The entertainment line-up includes leading South African acoustic rock group Ycvgtujgf on both days, with supporting acts Sujo & Storm and local favourite Tigger.

Don’t miss the first official celebration of wine and bubbles in Plett! Visit www. plettwinelands.com for more info and to book online.

This flavoursome Sauvignon Blanc has nuances of grapefruit and lime fruit with tones of green melon and passion fruit on the nose.

Dtcoqp"Ykpg"Guvcvg< Family-owned and run, Bramon - the first wine estate this far east of the Western Cape - has broken new ground by pioneering vineyards in the Plett area. The success of their award-winning Méthode Cap Classique sparkling wines and still wines has brought a plethora of new vineyards to the area, paving the way for the new Plett Winelands.

Nqfguvqpg" Ykpg" (" Qnkxgu< The small vineyard includes three varieties of grapes - Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. A new vineyard is currently being established that will include more Sauvignon Blanc as well as Semillon and a Rhone-style Pinot Noir suitable for still wine rather than bubbly.

NwMc"Ykpgu< This boutique wine farm is planted under 1.5 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc. Their 2013 Sauvignon Blanc won Double Gold, the first harvest ‘2011’ won a Veritas Bronze, and the second harvest ‘2012’ won a Michelangelo International Silver Award.

Pgyuvgcf" Nwpf" Hcokn{"

Xkpg{ctfu<"Their first harvest in 2012 yielded some of the most unblemished grapes any farmer is ever likely to see.

The Lunds produce Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, as well as white and pink MCC bubblies.

Rcemyqqf" Eqwpvt{" Guvcvg< The Gents introduced their boutique vineyard to the farm estate in 2006. Nestled amongst thousands of acres of green pastures, indigenous forests and magical mountains, cool climate cultivars can be found at Packwood Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay all growing in harmony and cared for with passion.

Rngvvgpxcng" Dqwvkswg" Ykpg" Guvcvg< Plettenvale boutique wines are handcrafted with careful attention to detail, producing wines of excellent quality. Their main wines include a beautiful Brut Rosé MCC, the balance spread between Dry Rosé, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah.

Tctg" Gctvj" Ykpgu< This magnificent vineyard, originally a protea farm, was purchased in 2004 and incorporated into neighbouring farm Rondebosch. The vineyards currently produce three varietals namely Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Tgfhqtf" Ncpg" Hcto< Redford Lane is a small, boutique producer with one hectare currently under young Sauvignon Blanc vines.

Their philosophy is a simple and passionate one: creating

a particularly easy drinking, refreshing white wine soft on the palate, light in colour and carrying notes of ripe melon, a hint of pineapple, floral tones, and with a light lime finish.

La Luna

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Business

10 September 2014

Still a great time to snap up a slice of Garden Route paradise

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MID severe stock shortages reported in the metro areas almost countrywide, Seeff’s branches say that as far as the Garden Route is concerned, it is still very much a buyers’ market.

While the residential sector of the market here is making good strides towards recovery, holiday, retirement and investment buyers are still spoilt for choice.

Citing the sustained low house price inflation, wealth of stock still on the market and sellers more willing to negotiate, agents believe that it is still a great time to snap up a slice of paradise here.

Regarded as the most beautiful coastal strip in the country and one of the most remarkable in the world, the 200-kilometre Garden Route is an especially popular area for Capetonians and upcountry buyers alike, many of whom already own holiday homes here, according to Suzi Bilyard of Seeff Knysna.

For others, it remains one of the most desired locations to own a property in, she adds.

“Stretching from Mossel Bay (nearest to Cape Town), past George and Wilderness, Sedgefield and Knysna on to Plettenberg Bay and just past to the Storms River, you have the ocean on your doorstep and nature’s paradise as your back garden,” she says.

Lush green landscapes interplay with sandy beaches (many with Blue Flag-status), a rocky coastline, dramatic mountains, gorges, waterfalls, lakes and lagoons, a wealth of fauna and flora and indigenous forests such as the Tsitsikamma.

Hot summers and mild winters make it the perfect yearround destination. Add to this the pristine air, laid-back lifestyle largely devoid of stress, scenic golf courses, polo at Plett, indulgent spas, a wealth of water-sport activities and world-renowned nature hikes such as the Otter Trail.

Market and festival junkies

HEADS AHEAD: This R6.5-million home located on the rocks at the Knysna Heads - with ocean and mountain views as far as the eye can see - has two lounges, a dining room, spacious kitchen with a wine cellar, study and office, equipped sauna, four bedrooms, wooden terraces, rim-flow swimming pool and double garage

have much to choose from from the Saturday Sedgefield country market to the annual Knysna Oyster Festival.

When it comes to Knysna, buyers are simply spoilt for choice, says Bilyard. Vacant plots start from as low as R350,000; apartments at about R650,000; and houses upwards of about R1.8-million.

Water-side property in sought-after areas such as at The Heads or Thesen Islands though cost upwards of R2million for an apartment and about R6.5-million to R20million for a luxury home.

The stunning Simola and Pezula developments also abound with good value vacant land and luxury homes.

George is of course a golfer’s paradise, says Pieter Jordaan. Aside from Fancourt, there is the popular Oubaai Golf Resort that offers a won-

Investor Focus

derful selection of homes.

Prices are by and large still down on their pre-2007/8 levels and there are great buys on offer in areas such as Glentana, George and Wilderness.

Vacant plots for example start at around R250,000; apartments and townhouses at around R900,000; and houses at about R1.2-million.

Luxury golf and lifestyle estate homes range upwards of about R2-million.

Mossel Bay is still cheaper compared to other towns on the Garden Route, according to Kaaiman Schutte. Apartments and townhouses range from about R700,000 to R1million, and houses start at about R1.2-million.

For luxury buyers, there are plenty of beach and golf estate homes, priced upwards of R2.5-million. There is also the option of heading to

one of the small villages just outside the town - such as Hartenbos, Dana Bay, Little and Great Brak, Reebok and Tergniet - for excellent buys between R950,000 and R1.5million and vacant plots upwards of R300,000.

While Plett has seen a strong pick-up in buying in the last year with more top-end buyers (from the Cape and Gauteng) prepared to pay in the upper millions for a luxury beach house, agent Alet Ollemans says there is still time to snap up a good bargain here.

Vacant plots are for example still selling for as low as R450,000 while apartments start at just under R1-million.

Houses sell for R2-million, but expect to pay upwards of R5-million for a home in a good location to around R20-million for a luxurious beach-front home.

Malcolm Stewart – Investment manager at Michaelides Parker Wealth Knysna & Plett

Africa - certainly not the basket case it is made out to be

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FRICA is starting to attract the attention of global and South African investors. Much has changed on our continent over the last 20 years and though still seen as speculative, it has been delivering sound and attractive returns.

Sub-Sahara Africa, excluding South Africa, contributes around 1% of global GDP, while it accounts for about 14% of the global population. On the one hand, it is a stereotype expression to automatically write Africa off as a basket case.

Indeed many years ago I was negotiating to sell a South African business to an American company and was asked: “Is that not the place where people are always killing each other?” I later found that he did not really know where Africa was!

The spread of wireless communication (i.e. cellphones) has probably been the greatest development that started the ‘Africa Story’. Communica-

tion together with the amazing array of apps gave the people of Africa a set of tools that had been denied them.

The transfer of money, access to information and specialised agricultural and weather tools began a new era. MTN was a major player in this industry and currently serves in over 80 countries in Africa and the Middle East.

Some of the pioneers were in fact South African listed companies. Over the past 17 years, Shoprite has expanded north of our borders. Currently, more than 250 corporate and 40 franchise stores serve in 14 African countries and employ and train over 16,000 people.

PEP stores currently operate ±246 stores in 32 African countries. Nampak has recently built a new factory in Nigeria, it soon found that it could not meet the demand and is expanding.

Reunert is currently laying a network of fibre-optic cables throughout East Africa.

This is a major infrastructural development that will greatly enhance all business and private communications.

One of South Africa’s giant companies, Remgro, appears to be focusing much of its huge resources on Africa. It has interests in food distribution, logistics, banking and insurance, all of which are currently expanding northwards.

The amazing investment within this giant conglomerate is its ±24% holding in the massive undersea optic cable that connects Europe to Africa and India, coming ashore at Mombasa.

Grinrod, now a subsidiary of Remgro, is responsible for the rehabilitation of Maputo Harbour. So, long-term investors beware - you ignore Africa at your peril.

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Promotion

10 September 2014

CXPRESS

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CXPRESS

Social Scene

10 September 2014

BE SAFE: Female members of the Plettenberg Bay Police station visited the elderly at Kranshoek on August 29 to chat about their safety and security - in the pic from left are constable Meche Alexander, sergeant Tersia Meiklejohn, constables Jozanne Esquire & Elizabeth Kema, and Major Sheila Palmer.

People, places & events

INTERACTING’S FUN! The Rotary Club of Knysna hosts an annual training seminar for members of Interact Clubs who take office in July/August and serve for one year.

Sponsored by Rotary Clubs, it gives students aged 12-18 the chance to make a real difference while having fun. Every Interact Club carries out two service projects a year: one that helps their school or community, and one that promotes international understanding. Each club is allocated a dedicated Rotarian for guidance. The training took place on Saturday August 30 at Belvidere Manor in Knysna and 39 students from nine Interact Clubs in Plett and Knysna took part. The Interactors were coached by Past District Governors Elwin Thompson & John Satchel, Past Presidents Lesley Satchel, Ina Thompson and Franc Bentley, and various other Rotarians. The pic above shows the group with their coaches in front of Belvidere Manor House.

DOUBLE CELEBRATION: Plett star athlete Victor Gugushe sent this pic and wrote: ‘Please include this photo of my wife Zizipho Gugushe and I during our modern wedding celebration on August 30 at the community hall in KwaNokuthula, after we got married one year ago in the traditional wedding manner. It’s so great to marry the same woman you love in two different ways!’ We congratulate the couple and wish Vic the best of luck for his Otter Run this year, when he will raise funds for Lunchbox Theatre – visit www. givengain.com/activist/118358/ projects/8175/ to find out more and show your support.

HEAVENLY VOICES: Teacher at Formosa Primary and member of Plett Musica Academy Leigh Dunn sent this photo and wrote: ‘The recent UCT Choir performance in town was well attended and well enjoyed indeed! The 50-member choir conducted by Kurt Haupt always stops over in Plett on their annual tour. Plett Music Academy would like to thank all the Plett locals for attending, and also those people who drove from Knysna and further afield to come and support the show. We also thank Born in Africa for bringing their students from Wittedrift, and give special thanks to St Thomas Methodist Church in Plett for hosting the event. The photo shows conductor par excellence Kurt Haupt with Plett Music Academy director Adele Potgieter.

KEEP IT CLEAN: Eden Municipality hosted a Waste Minimisation Roadshow at the Piesang Valley Community Hall on Monday September 1. All Bitou schools were involved and there were many exhibitor stands, which were open to the public for viewing. Guest speaker was Belinda Langenhoven from the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs, and Lunchbox Theatre performed its brilliant ‘Tree Show’. The aim of the event was to create a greater awareness of recycling and waste management in our beautiful area. In the pic, Luciano Aweries and Janeva Ambraal, right, of Formosa Primary’s Elsen Class show off the creative costumes which they made out of recycled materials for this event.

Interval

10 September 2014

CXPRESS

Sign in a restaurant window: “Eat now - Pay waiter”

Practise what you preach

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Texan walks into a pub in Ireland and clears his voice to the crowd of drinkers.

He says: “I hear you Irish are a bunch of hard drinkers.

I’ll give $500 to anybody in here who can drink 10 pints of Guinness back-to-back.”

The room is quiet and no one takes up the Texan’s offer. One man even leaves.

Thirty minutes later the same gentleman who left shows back up and taps the Texan on the shoulder.

“Is your bet still good?” asks the Irishman.

The Texan says yes and

asks the bartender to line up 10 pints of Guinness.

Immediately the Irishman tears into all 10 of the pint glasses, drinking them all back-to-back.

The other pub patrons cheer as the Texan sits in amazement.

He gives the Irishman the $500 and says: “If ya don’t mind me askin’, where did you go for those 30 minutes you were gone?”

The Irishman replies: “Oh, I had to go to the pub down the street to see if I could do it first.”

“I don’t mind coming to work... but that eight hour wait to go home is the KILLER!”

T

Cannibal food

WO cannibals meet one day.

The first cannibal says: “You know, I just can’t seem to get a tender missionary.

I’ve baked ‘em, I’ve roasted ‘em, I’ve stewed ‘em, I’ve barbecued ‘em, I’ve even tried every sort of marinade. I just cannot seem to get them tender.”

The second cannibal asks: “What kind of missionary

do you use?”

The other replies: “You know, the ones that hang out at that place at the bend of the river. They have those brown cloaks with a rope around the waist and they’re sort of bald on top with a funny ring of hair on their heads.”

“Ah-haaa!” his friend replies, “no wonder… those are friars!”

A few really bad puns…

• King Ozymandias of Assyria was running low on cash after years of war with the Hittites. His last great possession was the Star of the Euphrates, the most valuable diamond in the ancient world.

Desperate, he went to Croesus, the pawnbroker, to ask for a loan.

“I’ll give you 100,000 dinars for it,” Croesus said.

“But I paid a million dinars for it,” the king protested. “Don’t you know who I am? I am the king!”

Croesus replied: “When you wish to pawn a Star, makes no difference who you are.”

• Evidence has been found that William Tell and his family were avid bowlers.

Unfortunately, all the Swiss league records were destroyed in a fire… so we’ll never know for whom the Tells bowled.

• A man rushed into a doctor’s office and shouted: “Doctor! I think I’m shrinking!”

The doctor calmly responded: “Now, settle down.

You’ll just have to be a little patient.”

• A marine biologist developed a race of genetically engineered dolphins that could live forever if they were fed a steady diet of seagulls.

One day, his supply of the birds ran out so the marine biologist had to go out and trap some more. On the way back, he spied two lions asleep on the road. Afraid to wake them, he gingerly stepped over them.

Immediately, he was arrested and charged with transporting gulls across sedate lions for immortal porpoises.

• A thief broke into the local police station and stole all the toilets and urinals, leaving no clues.

A spokesperson was quoted as saying: “We have absolutely nothing to go on.”

• Leif, a famous Viking explorer, returned home from a voyage and found his name missing from the town register.

His wife insisted on complaining to the local civic official who apologised profusely saying: “I must have taken Leif off my census.”

• A skeptical anthropologist was cataloging South American folk remedies with the assistance of a tribal Brujo [witchdoctor] who indicated that the leaves of a particular fern were a sure cure for constipation.

When the anthropologist expressed his doubts, the Brujo said: “Let me tell you, with fronds like these, you don’t need enemas.”

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CXPRESS

Food & Wine

10 September - 2014

PeeBee’s Wine Column

Words & Photo: Peter Bishop

Winemakers Guild Auction to grace historic Spier next month

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HE 30th Annual Auction of the Cape (previously “Independent”) Winemakers Guild takes place in the beautiful historic grounds of Spier in Stellenbosch on Saturday October 4.

I recently went to Cape Town for what I thought was a tasting of older vintages, but turned out to be 42 members presenting their selected Auction wines in a tutored tasting. I would be the first to say that for each member of the prestigious Guild there is another brilliant non-member winemak-

er producing masterpieces.

This does not decry the cutting edge brilliance of a large number of the exclusive wines on offer. Whatever the product presented, the supply is very limited. Bidders are those members of the public who register timeously.

I am not a great listener, so it was only when I got home I realised that besides the 42 wines we tasted, there were 20 that will also be auctioned that could have been tasted, plus 19 others between 10 and 20 years of age that one could have peered into.

If only it had dawned on me, and that I could be a sponge for a day.

First wine offered was a stunning Graham Beck Non Plus Ultra 2008 MCC. Gee, this is great, the gentle lime, the tiny bubbles, the tightness and the dry cutting end.

A highpoint.

Fynbos herbaceousness breathed out of the oaked Bartho Eksteen Vloekskoot Sauvignon Blanc 2013. I was impressed too by Nicky Versfeld’s Lanner Hill Semillon 2013, with an almost crème brulée richness, and a significant depth.

Newcomer Andrea Mullineux (the American wife of the talented Chris) presented a Semillon Gris (‘grey’) off a 55-year-old Swartland vineyard. The blend of these two grapes represented the Cape Point CWG Reserve White 2013 of the ebullient Duncan Savage. A lovely cut, a strong finish, rich lanolin.

The studious Danie Steytler of Kaapzicht created quite the best modern era Cape Chenin Blanc that I have tasted. Fermented naturally in old oak, and a great grip. That lovely green yellow ting was showing on all the wines, a justification of their longevity.

Time stood still when Kevin Grant offered the Ataraxia Under the Gavel Chardonnay 2014. A truly wonderful wine. White peach rather than lime. Balance, structure and cleanness.

Kevin’s description had everybody gobsmacked - so cryptic that I forgot to record

DAD AND SON MAKE DIGNITY: Etienne le Riche - here seen at a tasting with George Parkes of Knysna in the background with his son Christo produced a 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon that has ‘a dignity all its own’

the historic words. It will be worth going to the October tasting at Spier, just to hear those words.

Of course when shy Gottfried Mocke described the Cape Chamonix Reserve Chardonnay 2013 as “nervous”, it said a lot for this more restrained subtle wine.

Gary Jordan’s Chardonnay 2013 had great structure and intensity, sure to be at home at the wonderful restaurant on their farm.

Peter Finlayson was proud of the Bouchard Finlayson Pinot Noir of 2012 that matches his 2007 and 2009.

Dark cherries and a solid structure. Earlier in the evening, I enjoyed the Vriesenhof Pinot Noir of 2003, and would hope that those trying

to make simple Pinot Noir gave up their efforts.

Another high scorer with me was Villiera Drip Barrel Merlot 2012. Bold, herbaceous, fine-tuned. As Jeff Grier said “the heart of the wine” is the drip.

Top Bordeaux blends were offered by Waterford’s Kevin Arnold, Spier’s Frans Smit, the famed Kanonkop Paul Sauer

by Abrie Beeslaar and the serious De Trafford Perspective.

The various highly intellectual winemakers tease themselves, but the dead-pan Neil Ellis got revenge for all the teasing of the Old Guard by the arrogant youngsters when he said: “God only gave perfect head to very few. The rest were given hair.”

His Reserve 2011 and Rust

en Vrede 2011 were great exemplars of blends from Stellenbosch. But a highpoint was Jan Boland Coetzee who called out: “Stellenbosch is Cabernet Country and Cabernet is King!” His 2007 Magnum should be a highpoint.

Miles Mossop’s Tokara Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 is a most worthy wine and the Le Riche (with Etienne and his son Christo in combination) 2012 has a dignity all its own. I see 2014 as a year for the re-emergence of Cabernet, the King.

I did not want to like the Shiraz (my thighs!) on offer but had to concede to Saronsberg 2008 Hartenberg 2011, and glorious Cedarberg Teen Die Hoog 2013 - tremendous nose - and the majestic Syrah of Jacques Borman 2012 of Boschkloof.

Pierre Wahl’s Pinotage 2011 has almost Cabernet features, the cool area factor, matched by the mulberry character of Beyers Truter’s Beyerskloof Traildust 2012.

The pièce de résistance was Boplaas Ouma Cloete Straw Wine 2013. A dessert wine of depth, congratulations to our Calitzdorp friends!

The CWG Auction - open to the public - is from 9am on October 4, with the mammoth tasting on the 3rd. Call 021 852 0408 or mail info@ capewinemakersguild.com to secure registration, and entitlement to VIP status for the day. On October 1, bidders can join winemakers on the farms for a grand dinner contact PeeBee through these columns for info. (But if you don’t fancy the drive to The Bosch, do NOT miss Plett’s first Wine & Bubbly Festival on October 4 & 5. Turn to page 7 for the details. - Eds.) RggDgg" jcu" mgrv" jku" rcn/ cvg"cnkxg"ukpeg"3;97"yjgp"jg" ogv" Dgglc{" Ncpmyctfgp" kp" vjg" Yknfgtpguu0" Jg" gzrnqtgu" nqecn." pcvkqpcn" cpf" kpvgtpc/ vkqpcn"ykpgu."nqqmkpi"hqt"flvjg" ewvvkpi"gfig‚0

Home & Health

10 September 2014

CXPRESS

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Don’t miss this morning of fashion, Forrow and fantabulous confectionary Spring is here and it’s time to start thinking about a change of wardrobe - and what could be more inspirational than a lekker local fashion show?

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HE committee of Plett Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) is organising a special event guaranteed to delight with a combination of delectable eats and elegant fashions modelled by flesh and blood Plett ladies, rather than the stick insects that normally grace catwalks of the world.

Diarise September 18 when Ouland Royale, Wilja Reitz’s stylish baroque barn, will set the scene for a fashion show with a difference. The clothes will be shown by local ladies of all shapes and sizes, aged from 35 to 65.

Says PAWS committee member and organiser Linda Batt: “We want to have a

show for real women, so demonstrating that you do not have to be a teenage waif to wear clothes well.

“Our models will present the clothes in a rather informal manner, allowing guests to enjoy themselves in a relaxed atmosphere.”

Seven of Plett’s fashion retailers have embraced the idea with glee and have each made a number of outfits available, resulting in an interesting variety of new spring fashions for different occasions.

“We are thrilled that celebrated radio and TV personality and now Knysna resident Amanda Forrow has agreed to be our compere and auctioneer. In addition to being a

BAROQUE CHIC: Ouland Royale provides the perfect venue for a stylish fashion and confectionary affair

consummate professional, she is a most entertaining speaker sure to add huge value to our event,” enthuses Linda.

A number of Plett’s top professional bakers have been invited to participate in a Fantasy Cake Competition, the winner of which will walk off with a R1,000 cash prize.

Well-known Plett artist and art entrepreneur Myfanwy Bekker will be the judge.

“While we have provided some criteria for the competition, we want to give bakers free rein to allow their imagination and creativity to run free to create their own visual fantasy,” says co-organiser Marsja Hall-Green.

“Cakes will be judged purely on their outward appearance but they must, of course, also be delicious. We know that they’ll be so spectacular that Amanda will have no difficulty in auctioning them to our guests,” she adds.

Wilja has created a delicious Ouland menu for brunch, including some Banting specials, and guests will be welcomed with a complimentary glass of bubbly. There will also be a rail of Stunning Seconds - high quality, like-new clothing, donated for sale.

“We have all bought items of clothing on the spur of the moment, only to get home to find that they are the wrong colour, size and shape, and

Diarise September 27 for Plett’s IBC

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HE Ice Bucket Challenge (IBC) involves dumping a bucket of cold water on one’s head and donating funds to the Motor Neuron Disease (MND) Association of South Africa.

Part of the idea is to raise awareness for MND, while raising funds for sufferers.

Marcia and Malcolm Katz and Arthur and Monique Kay-

ster plan an IBC on Saturday September 27 at The Market Square, from 11:30am. It’s sure to be lots of fun while serving the purpose of widening awareness of this cruel and unforgiving disease.

You can challenge anyone who then has to pour the water over themselves and challenge others - R10 is paid to the MND Association for

every ‘pour’. If you don’t accept the challenge, a R100 donation is required.

“We challenge Bitou mayor Memory Booysen and principals and teachers of all local schools to participate on the day - see you there or be square!” says Marcia.

Call her on 082 575 1745 or Arthur on 079 954 0270 for more information.

are then hidden in the back of the cupboard, forgotten and never worn,” says Linda.

“We want to give these good items of clothing a new lease on life by recycling them to new appreciative owners.”

Fashion events along the Garden Route are rare events and ladies of the region are in for a most enjoyable and stylish experience, in a beautiful setting, while making an important contribution to PAWS. This is guaranteed to be an exceptional, unmissable event, so get your girlfriends together and book now at R200 a ticket for a morning of priceless entertainment. Ouland Royale is on the Airport Road and the morning starts at 10:30am on September 18.

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PRETTY PRINTS: Marion Baudinet provides a foretaste of the Spring Fashion Festival - she is one of the Plett ladies who will model at this stylish event

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CXPRESS

10 September 2014

Classifieds

On the Soapbox

10 September 2014

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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

Marvellous Murray girls celebrate ‘baby’ Molly’s 90th in style Michelle Moyes of Plettenberg Bay recently shared this photo with the following note: ‘My mom’s best friend, Molly McNally, recently celebrated her 90th birthday with her three sisters, all over the age of 90 - something unique and very special!’ Molly’s daughter, Margaret, proceeded to provide CXPRESS with this information: ‘Molly McNally, who has lived in Plettenberg Bay for more than 40 years, celebrated her 90th birthday on August 19 with her children and three sisters - the Murray girls - at a restaurant in Stellenbosch. Molly, second from left, who is the ‘baby’ nonagenarian of the four, is flanked by her 97-year-old sister Beatrice Murray, left, and Noeline Agnew, 93, with sis Charlotte Slater, 91, at right.’

Tenikwa targeted by self-proclaimed wildlife warrior with a taste for vengeance A recent posting on the CXPRESS Facebook page caused concern because of the allegation that Tenikwa Wildlife Sanctuary in The Crags was responsible for the demise of vervet monkeys in its care - among these a female named Hope - and directing readers to a link where a petition in this regard could be signed. The note was posted by ‘Brad Anthony, founder: Global Animal Welfare Development Society’.

A thorough investigation of the matter’s history and past dealings between Anthony and Tenikwa revealed much proof as to the former’s vendetta against the local sanctuary. Below is a summarised response from Tenikwa owners Mandy and Lee Freeman - a full account of the matter’s background can be found at www.cxpress.co.za Hope was a vervet monkey that was rehabilitated by Darwin Primate Group (DPG).

At the time that the primates were removed from DPG by CapeNature Conservation authorities, Hope was assessed by our wildlife veterinarian and primatologist.

Because there was marginal improvement from complete paralysis to limited mobility, she was the only vervet allowed to remain at DPG on a temporary basis with the condition of regular reassessment by our vet and regular updates by DPG to CapeNature.

CapeNature subsequently instructed that Hope be handed over to Tenikwa. It was very clear that she would never function as a normal primate and could never be released.

Hope did not have normally developed social interaction skills with other vervets and would never have been able to function in a troop environment. She required specialised care that only a professional primate sanctuary could provide.

Tenikwa operates a wildlife rehabilitation centre and not a primate sanctuary.

Our mandate as a registered CapeNature Rehabilitation Centre is to treat and release

wild animals.

Life-time care should be found for non-releasable animals; otherwise the International Union for Conservation of Nature guidelines for nonreleasable animals should be followed. This is the condition of our permit and it is standard protocol for all professional, ethical rehabilitation centres world-wide.

Bambalela Primate Sanctuary were willing to accept Hope but were advised by their conservation authorities that they were not allowed to accept more primates.

Through our vet, we enlisted the help of Shesh Roberts of Tumbili Primate Sanctuary to assist with finding homes, through her sanctuary connections, for Hope and the other vervets, some of which also required specialised facilities.

Tumbili Primate Sanctuary offered to take Hope and some of the other vervets who required specialised care, but this application was also turned down by their nature authorities for reasons which effectively closed the whole of the KZN region to finding homes.

We believe that many sanctuaries would have wanted to help these vervets, but are

simply filled to the brim and cannot accept more vervets.

This is the unfortunate situation that we experience in SA with our primates.

With the onset of winter, Hope’s frail condition deteriorated. She was never able to climb and spent all her time on the ground in a concrete cage not adequately equipped to take care of her long-term needs.

Her already fragile condition deteriorated with a particularly cold early winter, to the point that on the basis of animal welfare and her quality of life, a decision had to be taken.

This decision was on recommendation by our vet who is also an experienced primatologist and had been in weekly contact with the vervets, as well as in consultation with CapeNature who have been kept up to date with all the primates that came from DPG. It is never an easy decision to euthanase an animal, but in the case of Hope, after many, many requests to organisations, associations and facilities around South Africa to find specialised care for her, keeping her alive through winter would have been cruel. *yyy0vgpkmyc0eq0|c"+

Thank you for making Maison magic Many heartfelt thanks for printing our article regarding the Hospice Maison Market in CXPRESS. This event relies heavily on the support and partici-

pation of the general public, so spreading the word is of utmost importance.

The Maison Market was, once again, a huge success enabling us to make a

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significant contribution to the ever-increasing costs of keeping our Hospice running effectively.

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CXPRESS

10 September 2014

R100,00 on offer for sub four-hour Otter

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RIDAY evening saw the launch of this year’s Otter Trail Run - the most prestigious one-day trail running event on the African continent - hosted at Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town.

Since its inception in 2009, the Otter has firmly established itself as flagship event on the international trail running calendar, and the calibre of athletes who descend on the Tsitsikamma from September 21 reflect that.

The event is once again headlined by trail running world champion and 2013 winner Ricky Lightfoot. In addition, SA trailing legends like Ryan Sandes, Kane Riley, Landie Greyling and AJ Calitz will be tackling the run.

In 2012, a unique concept was introduced, in that the race alternates in direction annually, creating at east-west (Classic) run and a west-east (Retto - ‘Otter’ spelled backward) run. This year sees the second edition of the Retto run.

Another exciting element introduced by race organisers is a bonus of R100,000 to

any athlete who finishes under the four-hour mark.

Race director Mark Collins elaborates: “Each year, the Otter records tumble. We are seeing athletes pushing themselves to the peak of human performance. We would love to see a sub four-hour Otter - something we previously thought unthinkable, but our athletes keep surprising us!”

Ex-Protea legend Mark Boucher will also be running the Otter in support of his Castle Lager Boucher Legacy Foundation, which raises funds for the prevention of rhino poaching.

Said Boucher: “I heard about the Otter Trail Run and the thought of running it excited me. I have always been a runner and have a very competitive edge. I’m looking forward to the challenge and at the same time raising awareness around something that is very important to South Africa at the moment.”

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I AM THE OTTER! In the run-up to this year’s Retto, we share this beauty photographed at Arch Rock by Plett reader Annette Drogi recently, who wrote: ‘Never saw a Cape clawless otter there - they are usually so-o-o shy...’

Dr Evil Classic ideal warm-up for Lions Karoo to Coast

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HERE’S been an evolution in the thinking on tapering over recent years, with a move away from complete respite. While you want to be as rested as possible for a big race, you also want your muscles to be reactive - you want to peak, not trough.

For this reason the Pennypinchers DR Evil Classic is the ideal tapering (and warm-up) opportunity ahead of the next day’s Lions Karoo to Coast.

The event is sold out with 280 riders competing over three days in a clover-leaf format starting at Wittedrift High School from September 17-20. The Lions Karoo to Coast takes place on Sunday the 21st and over 70% of the Dr Evil field are also doing the Karoo to Coast.

Not only will Pennypinchers Dr Evil Classic riders be in race-ready shape for the K2C, but they will also get preferential treatment:

• DEC riders get an automatic seeding into the second start group (out of seven).

• They receive their K2C race numbers at the DEC registration so do not have to register with the rest of the riders in Uniondale.

• K2C riders save R200 on their DEC entries.

The routes for the three stages are designed by Dr Evil himself, Leon Evans, but unlike the Absa Cape Epic (where he got this name), they are aimed at fun riders. Much of the route traverses private game and stud farms and offers a scenic and unique riding experience on trails not open to the everyday public.

“Nowhere in the country can you ride indigenous forests as you can here,” assures Evans. Plett Rotary Club, Plett Animal Welfare, Cansa, and Wittedrift High are beneficiaries of the event, now in its third year.

Sport & Adventure