11 April 2018

11 April 2018

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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Fighting for

FREE LAND! Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema exits his roadshow bus, with deputy Floyd Shivambu in hot pursuit, to be greeted by a sea of red in George on Friday, when he led a rally organised by the EFF. Thousands of supporters gathered at Thembalethu Stadium to hear Malema explain why land expropriation was a key factor in “restoring the dignity of Africans”. Find out more on page 3.

Sign Plett Tourism’s urgent petition p2

Disabled Tanner’s daring sea dip p4

SA in need of humble leaders p7 Photo: Yolandé Stander

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

11 April 2018

Petition to prevent further side-lining or total loss of Plett Tourism now in circulation Yolandé Stander

LETTENBERG Bay residents have launched a campaign to save Plett Tourism from what they believe was an attempt by local authorities to bring an end to the tourism body.

“We just cannot let this happen. Tourism is the lifeblood of our town. We want Plett Tourism, an independent body with skills in tourism and marketing and a proven track record of results, to continue its work.

“Losing Plett Tourism will affect us all very seriously,” resident Joanne Barrett said.

Barrett is leading the campaign and is in the process of distributing a petition across the town to garner support for Plett Tourism.

Barrett said although nothing was official yet in terms of terminating the tourism body’s role, there had been whispers of making tourism in “in-house” initiative within the municipality.

She added that these fears were being backed up by sev-

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eral aspects, including Plett Tourism’s decreasing funding from Bitou Municipality, and the body being side-lined in major decisions impacting tourism in the town.

Barrett said a prime example of this was the decision to sever ties with CemAir last month. A week later, Bitou backtracked on its decision after massive public outcry.

nancials - which formed part of its annual general meeting - showed that there was a massive drop of just shy of R1-million in funding from the municipality in 2018 compared to 2017.

She said when rumours started to surface that Bitou Municipality was likely planning to take tourism in-house or create a municipal-appointed

‘There was a massive drop of just shy of R1-million in funding from Bitou Municipality in 2018’ “CemAir has brought with it a massive boost for tourism, giving tourists better access to the town. This in turn has created more jobs in the tourism industry and severing ties with CemAir would have meant those jobs could have been lost.

“Tourists also obviously spend money here, it is our biggest economic driver, so without those tourists our economy suffers.”

With regards to the decrease in funding, Plett Tourism fi-

organisation to run it, she felt obligated to take a stand.

“Many others feel the same and have indicated that they would support such a campaign.”

She further said that Plett Tourism had done “amazing work” despite operating “under increasingly difficult circumstances”.

Although Plett Tourism chairman Peter Wallington could not be reached for comment before going to print, he did discuss the challenges

faced during last year’s AGM. One of the issues he raised was “legitimacy” as Plett Tourism was being “bypassed by elements within the municipality, which undermines work”.

Another issue was “tenure” - one-year agreements which impacted negatively on staff, industry and partnership relationships. Wallington also touched on the declining budgets and payment uncertainty.

Although Bitou Municipality did not respond before going to print, municipal spokesman Manfred van Rooyen said that he would request information from the executive management team to enable him to draft a response on the relationship between Plett Tourism and Bitou.

The petition is available at various points including Frendz, CrossFit Plett, Kitten, PNA, Rogers Jewellers, Specsavers, Robberg Fine Foods, Pick n Pay Liquor, The Biltong Boutique, The Insurance and Investment Shop, Metallic Mermaid, Wimpy at Engen, The Garden Spa, and Vista Lodge.

Rest in peace, our mother and hero HE death of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela on April 2 got people talking, some cursing death for taking away their hero.

Said Banana Damane from KwaNokuthula: “I feel the tremendous pain of huge loss. Mrs Mandela was a sting during the apartheid era. She fought many battles at the forefront. Without her, we wouldn’t have been where we are today.

“She threw stones at the

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apartheid enemy when necessary. She was a founding member of the UDF - I was there and deeply involved at the time. It was not the ANC of today, which is weak and the subject of debate around corruption-related matters,” said Damane.

Vuyo Hoho said: “I am deeply hurt by her passing, which means that we have lost the original ANC and the way things used to be in the party.

We are a fake ANC now. Winnie was side-lined by Jacob Zuma because of her strength.”

Patricia Petersen from Knysna agreed: “It is a big loss for South Africa. She helped us to get freedom. Today we can do things that were not allowed in the past.”

Kwano resident Monica Myakala said: “I am very sad.

I thought she would be with us for a long time. We thank her for everything she has done for

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us. She was a fighter and our hero. She must rest in peace.”

Noma India Kota of KwaNokuthula said: “She was marginalised as a woman, but her power was too strong. I wish she could rest next to her husband.”

Finally, Nora Nocawe Faku said: “We cry for our lost mother. She has finished her race. She opened many doors for women. I say sleep well mama, you finished you role in life.”

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NEWS & VIEWS

11 April 2018

CXPRESS

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Malema: unemployment caused by landlessness For many of the EFF supporters who gathered in George on Friday for a land expropriation rally led by party leader Julius Malema, property ownership was a ‘step towards a better life’ - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports

BLAME IT ON JAN: Malema proposed that April 6 became known as ‘land day’, saying ‘all our troubles started when Van Riebeeck first set foot in the country’ - Photos: Yolandé Stander

HOUSANDS of supporters, including residents from Mossel Bay to Plett, congregated at Thembalethu Stadium to listen to Julius Malema’s ideals around land expropriation without compensation.

This followed a march by party supporters through the streets of George on Thursday to demand, among others, better healthcare for the poor. Malema used the platform to explain why land expropriation was a key factor in “restoring the dignity of Africans”.

“We need change so that our children can have a better future. We need jobs and better education and we believe that having land would be a step towards obtaining this,” one supporter, Johnson Dyan from Sedgefield, said during the rally.

Malema shared Dyan’s sentiments and added that with land ownership came respect. “No one respects a

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hobo on the street, whether he is black or white, and the reason for that is because he does not own land,” he said.

Another supporter, Thomas Lebenya from Plettenberg Bay, said that along the Garden Route language still played a major role in having access to opportunities.

“If you don’t speak Afrikaans, you won’t get a job.

We want equal opportunities for all - it doesn’t matter what language you speak.

If we all work together as a team, we can be an incredible country,” Lebenya said.

“We have heard here in George that if you can’t speak Afrikaans, the municipality doesn’t want you.

We don’t have a problem with Afrikaans, but we want equality,” Malema added during a feverish hour-long address.

He also used the opportunity to state that the EFF was not calling for “the killing of whites”.

“That is a lie. People are mistaken, there is no white genocide, there is a demand for land,” Malema said.

He further said that Friday had marked an important date in South African history - especially around land ownership, as on April 6, 1652, Jan van Riebeeck first set foot in the country.

“This is where all our troubles started.”

He said that the Europeans deemed title deeds - a piece of paper - more important than people. “They saw that the indigenous people did not have title deeds to the land they occupied and therefore believed that they had no rights to the land.”

He added that it was also the “colonisers” who divided Africa. “They created artificial borders - not with the best interest of Africa at heart, but with their own colonial ideas. These are artificial borders colonisers decided on at some conference to divide the country among themselves.”

He said he wanted April 6 to be known as “land day” and believed it should be celebrated by all so that “our children may know the history of South Africa”.

He added that the EFF was leading the charge for land expropriation without compensation because many were unemployed not because they were uneducated, but because they did not have land.

“If the land was in the SEEING RED: Droves of EFF supporters from all corners of the Southern Cape arrived to hear Julius Malema speak

hands of Africans, they would be pouring their blood, sweat, and tears into feeding this nation.”

He said that he believed land ownership should reflect the demographics of South Africa, and that 72%

of land was owned by the white minority, while only 4% was in the hands of the “African majority”.

Malema also commented on occupying land by force, using Soweto as an example.

“Soweto was not given to

the people. It was taken by force. They occupied, what today is the biggest township in South Africa, by force and it has since produced some of the biggest icons in the country.”

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

11 April 2018

Ford’s amphibian 4x4 opens the ocean for Plett’s differently-abled OMMODORE Chas Fraser was the first to alert CXPRESS to the fact that a state of the art amphibian wheelchair, donated to Plett by Ford Motor Company, had in fact seen its first test drive when two of his lifeguards accompanied Tanner Wilschut, 22, into the surf off Robberg 5 Beach last Thursday.

Apart from enabling differently-abled people to enter the ocean, the chair with its three 4x4-type tyres can also be used to push its occupant around on the beach - a feat that no normal wheelchair can pull off in soft, loose sand.

Tanner’s mother, Yvette Wilschut, says that Bitou Beach Control’s John Prins arrived at the HQ of John Wilschut Signs shortly after Ford’s amphibian gift arrived.

“As a long-time friend of the family, Johnny asked, ‘can we use Tanner as first-timer, and for our lifeguards to see how it works?’ The date was set for April 5.”

Yvette said they had no idea how Tanner would react, as anxieties of all kinds could bring about a seizure or other stressful reactions.

“When they went in, his face looked very unsure even though our staff and the lifeguards were right there with him. Next thing a wave went right over his head… but he just started laughing, and didn’t stop throughout his ‘swim’!”

That evening, says Yvette, Tanner kept on saying: “I go… I go!” The next morning at 4am they were woken up by their son’s voice: “I go, I go, I go.”

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LAUGHING AND LOVING IT: Head lifeguard at Plett’s Robberg 5 Blue Flag Beach Nexus Lurie accompanies Tanner Wilschut on his maiden voyage into the surf

UNDER HIS WING: Sergeant Byron de Vos was instrumental in ensuring that Crags residents Luzaan, Frendoline (in chair), and Eric were next to enjoy their first-ever ocean dip around lunch time on Monday - Photos: Yvette Wilschut

PARENTAL DUTIES: Tanner loved his first surf expedition on April 5 so much that he insisted carers Annie and Ben Kamfer took him back the next day, not at all perturbed by Friday’s rainy weather - visit the gallery at www.cxpress. co.za for more images.

“It was raining but he didn’t stop so by the time Annie and Ben - his caregivers for over 20 years and basically his second parents - arrived for work, I said ‘just GO, he’s gonna get wet anyway’.”

The experience was such a hit that Yvette, with the help of SAPS Sector 3 manager sergeant Byron de Vos, arranged for three of Tanner’s former classmates at Sterreweg Centre in New Horizons to also have a go on Monday.

“When they turn 18, kids have to take their leave of Sterreweg’s wonderful caring environment. Luzaan, Eric and Frendoline are all members of The Group of Hope - a disability group in Byron’s Crags sector,” explains Yvette.

She adds that the caring sergeant is intricately involved in his community. He conceptualised and runs The Crags Drill Squad, and the disabled and elderly occupy a vast part of his heart.

“Being a policeman is not just about fighting crime. It’s also about building communities to create a safer environment together. The elderly and disabled are often neglected members of our society, and should be included in everything,” says sergeant De Vos. Affording three more of our differently-abled youngsters their first-ever dip in the sea surely fits in perfectly with this vision.

“And,” concludes Yvette, “Tanner, Luzaan, and Eric didn’t want to go home they just wanted another turn. Thank you so much to everyone involved!”

Turning beach dreams into reality ORD Motor Company Fund partnered with environmental organisation WESSA and SA’s National Council for Persons with Disabilities to facilitate easier beach access for those with physical disabilities.

The Ford Fund has provided a grant of $10,000 (about R135,000) to assist WESSA’s innovative Blue Flag Amphibious Wheel-

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chair Project. The funds were used to purchase four specially-designed wheelchairs capable of traversing soft beach sand and which can be used in the water.

WESSA is the national operator of the revered international Blue Flag ecolabel for beaches, boats and marinas - a trusted symbol of quality that is awarded annually, and is

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recognised by the World Tourism Organisation.

In addition to meeting stringent criteria for water quality, environmental management and education, Blue Flag status includes a requirement for universal access to these pristine beaches for both able-bodied and differently-abled persons.

“Although some beaches across South Africa

allow for persons with disabilities to access the beach, they are often met with the struggle of getting onto the beach itself,” explains Robert Slater of WESSA. • Watch this space for news on an exciting campaign championed by the inimitable Rita Hardaker and aimed at making Plett the most differently-abledfriendly town in the land!

NEWS & VIEWS

11 April 2018

CXPRESS

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Save Signal Hill to preserve our bay’s scenic views Paul Scheepers

IGNAL Hill is a very important tourist viewpoint where locals and visitors go to drink in the beautiful bay. Tourists often come in busses to see Plett at its best, and this site will grow in use as the town develops over years to come.

When Plett was designed, Erf 156 adjoining Signal Hill was zoned ‘single residential’ to protect the beautiful views for now and for the future.

In 2005, Bitou Council commissioned a company called Conceptworks to do the Urban Renewal Strategy of the CBD and upgrade the Main Street.

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Part of the strategy was to secure and protect the heritage of Plett for generations to come, to show tourists its history, and to ensure that ad hoc decisions should comply with the overall approach.

The guiding vision of the Signal Hill nature area was to redefine it as a scenic destination for tourists and locals alike. The hilltop site is used to give a “scenic introduction” to tourists visiting the area, while “...recovering a sense of the hill’s maritime history and associations, for example by preserving the Signal Mast”.

In What’s New in Plett of March 22 a notice appearerd for a proposal for permanent departure from our Town Planning Scheme regulations at Signal Hill: • The application is to rezone Erf 156 from sin-

gle to general residential; • To build a small Boutique Hotel of 18 bedroom suites; • To change the minimum size of a general residential erf; • To relax all the building lines and permit extra coverage; • To permit this hotel to be built without providing any onsite parking (parking for the hotels guests, a minimum of 20 cars, will be at Signal Hill and will have a huge negative impact on the parking for the busses and cars of locals, and visitors to this beautiful site); • To relax the height from 8.5m to 11.7m (i.e.

3.2m over the height line).

This is totally unacceptable. If Bitou Municipality approves this proposal it will set a precedent that will have a hugely negative effect on Signal Hill

and on Plett.

If you care about Signal Hill and the future of Plett, please lodge your objection before May 3 either at the municipal offices in Sewell Street or by posting it to the Municipal Manager, Bitou Municipality, Private Bag X 1002, Plett 6600.

You can also email it to pzantsi@plett.gov.za and copy it to gonedown@telkomsa.net, CSchliemann @plett.gov.za and jdouglas@plett.gov.za - your name and postal address must be included.

All objections must be addressed to JB Douglas, Acting Municipal Manager, Bitou Municipality, municipal notice no 87/2018 - Objection to proposed permanent departures, rezoning and subdivision of Erf 156 and relaxations of the Town Planning Scheme regulations.

Photo: John Larter

DON’T KILL THIS VIEW: This moonrise over the Beacon Island from Signal Hill, at left, was captured by Van Plettenberg Historical Society member Mike Kantey, who points out the old semaphore on the right, used to raise flags for signalling ships - “I found another one in Arniston, so I guess the Khakis must have put them up all along the coast back in the 19th Century!” - Photo: Mike Kantey

Plett in the running again as votes now cast for the continent’s leading beach destination LETTENBERG Bay has once again received a nomination in the 25th annual World Travel Awards as Africa’s Leading Beach Destination.

This is the ninth time Plett has been nominated for this prestigious honour.

World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward, and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of

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quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.

Each year, World Travel Awards agents cover the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to celebrate the achievements and strengths of the travel industry, within each key geographical region.

Votes are cast by travel professionals and consumers, ensuring that only the most deserving businesses walk away with one

of these prestigious accolades - and it’s no surprise Plett has been nominated for nine years running.

The town has gained Blue Flag status for six beaches during the 2017/18 season, including Robberg 5 (eighth year), Keurboomstrand (sixth year), Nature’s Valley (fifth year), Lookout (third year), and The Dunes (second year).

The newest to join these world-famous spots in scoring Blue Flag status was Singing Kettle Beach

near Enrico’s restaurant in Keurbooms village.

Plett boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in South Africa, the town’s 20km of picturesque Indian Ocean coastline featuring pristine, unspoilt sandy stretches. Throughout the year, you’ll find beachgoers of all ages soaking up the sun and enjoying the many outdoor activities you’ll find in Plett.

Visit www.worldtravel awards.com/vote to cast your vote for Plett today.

Read CXPRESS online at www.cxpress.co.za

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

11 April 2018

Community-minded councillor now has New Horizons work hub Words & photos: Khaya Mbesi

ITOU councillor Anne Windvogel has turned a vandalised office into a centre of assistance to the people of New Horizons. The office, nearly demolished by criminals after being vacated by a former municipal official, has now found a new and positive purpose, thanks to the great-hearted DA councillor.

“In the beginning I used my house to consult with people, but the influx of residents in our personal space made it unbearable for my family. I decided to ask the municipality to revamp this office, as it was not being used,” explains cllr Windvogel.

“It was refreshed and the municipality supplied working tools like a telephone, internet, and administration equipment like a desk and filing cabinet. It was then fit for use and is now the office that I’m using for my community work.”

She has a particular interest in youth organisations.

“Unemployment among the youth is always a huge problem. I am getting them to fill out employment forms so that they appear on my own database. From there we can tackle the problem.”

Cllr Windvogel has also helped about 10 residents in the area with regard to water collection and home food gardens, all the while keeping an eye out to identify more social projects that would uplift her community.

“It is better to keep people busy than for them to loiter in the streets. I am liaising with the Department of Agriculture in Cape Town, where we have applied for support for our gardens,” she says.

“I also want to help my New Horizons ward because

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Hylene brings home the bling

Congratulation to Plett Karate Kyousei star student Hylene Cedras, who brought home a silver medal after participating at the Karate South African Championships in Durban.

It is a proud moment for the Plett dojo, and everyone in Bitou congratulates Hylene - pictured here with sensei Jonathan Jansen - for this achievement. We wish her the very best for the road ahead.

HOW GREEN IS MARIA’S GARDEN! The home food garden created by 60-year-old Maria Titus, at right, was kept watered during the dry months with the assistance of local ward councillor Anne Windvogel, left

of the many residents here who are prepared to work hard. We are starting with the social challenges of drug addiction and alcohol abuse.

“Our young people have no direction, and we aim to change that. I will also support crèches here and organise food parcels for community projects that qualify.”

Maria Titus, 60, resides in New Horizons and greatly appreciates the help received in establishing her home food garden.

“Yes, I have been planting vegetables successfully because of this project. The councillor has helped me to collect water when it was dry, so I was able to water my garden - which became very productive.

“I want to help supplying vegetables to our local crèches. I appreciate Anne Windvogel as she is more open to us than any previous councillors. We want to work with her and assist where we can.”

Willie se swemmers kook

by SA’s

Lede van Fish Eagles Aquatics het van 21-25 Maart die SA Nasionale Juniors swemgala in Durban bygewoon - hierbo van links is Matthew van Coller, Izaan Hough, Arianne Bouer, AC Kleynhans, Gustav Schlechter en Luard Elstadt.

Bitou inwoners Mat, Arianne, AC en Gustav word almal deur die legendariese Willie Wislon afgerig, terwyl die ander twee in George en elders op die Tuinroete hul sport beoefen. Geluk aan Arianne, Gus en Izaan wat die finale rondtes gemaak het, en aan Luard wat sy plek podium toe geswem het! Dis ‘n besondere prestasie dat vier van die ses swemmers uit Willie Wilson se poel kom, siende dat Fish Eagles klubs strek vanaf Bitou tot Mosselbaai. Hy’s miskien nie meer vandag se kind nie, maar Willie het van Plet af Durban toe en terug gery, waarna hy Kaap toe is vir die volgende gala, en hy’s tans sy swemmers aan’t ondersteun in Oudtshoorn... ‘n merkwaardige man, inderdaad!

Hierbo sien ons weer vir Matthew en Gustav, dié keer saam met sus Lara Schlechter wie ook by Willie swem. En nie net is hierdie trio blitsig in die water nie: Matt en Gus het albei goud verwerf met eerste plekke tydens die Tweekamp SAs op 31 Maart in Pretoria, terwyl Lara derde in haar ouderdomsgroep geëindig het en dus met ‘n brons medalje spog. Interessantheidshalwe het die jonge heer Van Coller net die volgende dag by sy Nippers maats in PE aangesluit, waar hy ondermeer ‘n goud en brons elk in die ‘beach run’ en ‘run swim run’ losgeslaan het. Lees meer op bladsy 9.

BUSINESS

11 April 2018

CXPRESS

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Rebuilding trust: SA in dire need of humble leaders HE recent behaviour of leaders in the private and public sectors greatly harmed the already unsteady foundation of trust that South African citizens have in those who claim to have their best interests at heart.

Suddenly it is not only government that can be blamed for the state of affairs.

In fact, several corporate entities have also gained first-hand experience of the devastating impact of what American business magnate, investor, and philanthropist Warren Buffet positioned as: “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.”

South Africans feel betrayed, deceived, and manipulated like never before by those walking in front.

When one analyses this more closely, it is clear that some of these leaders displayed narcissistic characteristics by being self-promoting, having a sense of entitlement and not owning up to and taking responsibility for their role in authorising poor or unethical decisions.

The Tarzan leaders Renate Scherrer‚ managing director of JvR Consulting Psychologists, says many narcissists are charming and seem visionary, but they also have a false sense of importance and are selfserving and entitled.

It does not take long before the trust people have in a leader, who is overly preoccupied with him- or herself and their own interests, disappears.

“They never own up to mistakes, never apologise, and are quick to blame others and to praise themselves. In fact, such a person does not shy away from taking the credit even though it is not due.”

When things are running smoothly their language is

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lavishly sprinkled with “Me” and “I”, but when problems arise the conversation becomes a finger-pointing exercise of “You” and “Them”.

This Tarzan-like behaviour (declaring himself the king of the jungle) is however often a mask or persona to compensate for a deep sense of insecurity.

The Humble leaders Scherrer says mature leaders have a large dose of humility.

They do not put themselves above what needs to be done.

President Cyril Ramaphosa eloquently demonstrated some of this when he referred to the words of the Hugh Masekela song Thuma Mina (Send Me).

“A humble leader takes responsibility for his actions, admits when he has made a mistake, and does not only focus on his own interests,” says Scherrer.

In fact, a humble leader looks to himself first when trying to understand when things go wrong, but reflects on the actions of others when credit is due.

Humble leaders do not abuse authority and are willing to serve others first.

Their language has phrases such as “We” and “Us” and they insist on honest and direct conversations with clear commitments to a shared vision.

Former president Nelson Mandela remains an impeccable example of a humble leader. He is quoted as saying that “there is nothing to popularize a person. Only humility, which is the ability to remain in the background and to put others in the front light”.

The Complex leaders South Africa requires ‘complex’ leaders who are Competent; innOvative; Mature; emPathetic; ethicaL; connEcted, and fleXible.

True complex leaders have an acute awareness

of their limitations and do not try to disguise it for the benefit of the audience.

They realise that ignoring their own weaknesses will lead to inevitable failure.

In the VUCA [Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous] world we live in, the complex leader will ensure organisations and state entities answer volatility with vision; uncertainty with understanding; complexity with clarity; and ambiguity with agility.

Getting it right According to Scherrer it is difficult to rebuild trust in an organisation or state entity if the leader displays narcissistic tendencies.

Trust is based on integrity and strengthened when leaders admit and take ownership of mistakes, something narcissists do not even contemplate doing. Therefore, it is necessary to get it right from the start.

“When appointing people, make sure the charisma is not narcissism in disguise. It is essential to implement a scientific selection process and validate references,” says Scherrer.

Listen for clues in the examples used in interviews, and to what extent organisational achievements and success are attributed to the self.

She adds that when people are promoted from within the ranks it is critical to continuously evaluate performance in an objective manner and not fall into the trap of ignoring the ‘red flags’ that are inevitably already visible, even if perhaps well managed.

Having more power will expose true character, so if someone is already entitled, self-centred, and arrogant when they are supposed to follow, don’t be fooled to think it will become less when they lead.

Debit card misconceptions demystified AKING time to get familiar with the use and added benefits of a debit card can help consumers realise that it is more than just a tool for withdrawing cash and swiping for purchases.

Ryan Prozesky, FNB Consumer Core Banking CEO, demystifies some of the common misconceptions: • A debit card won’t impact my credit profile - this is generally true. However, if you are using an overdraft facility which is linked to your transactional card it can either help improve or lower your overall credit score.

If you do have an overdraft facility, lenders are able to track how you honour your repayments when deciding whether or not to grant you a loan. Make sure you deposit sufficient funds into your account on a monthly basis to settle your overdraft.

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• You don’t get bank rewards from debit cards although it is advisable for you to swipe your credit card to get maximum rewards, you can still qualify to get rewards when using your debit card.

For example, FNB customers can join the eBucks Rewards Programme for free and get rewarded when using their qualifying debit cards for certain transactions, such as swiping or shopping internationally.

• Debit cards can’t be used for online shopping - over the past few years a number of online merchants started accepting debit cards, enabling consumers to conveniently shop online, while still enjoying the same convenience and security measures offered when using a credit card online.

Furthermore, VISA or

Mastercard credit and debit cards are accepted by all online retailers who display the logos on their websites.

• Using a debit card is expensive - always opt for swiping or using your card for purchases as this service is offered for free by banks, instead of withdrawing cash which can be expensive. If you really need cash, rather use your debit card to withdraw at selected retailer till points, as this is more cost effective.

Lastly, some consumers who have unfortunately been victims of crime still hold the view that debit cards are susceptible to fraud.

“Debit cards use the latest security measures and technology in the market. Most of the cards are chip and pin enabled, offering an added layer of security to consumers,” concludes Prozesky.

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CXPRESS

INTERVAL

11 April 2018

Take a guess...

N 1923, who was: 1. President of the largest steel company?

2. President of the largest gas company?

3. President of the New York Stock Exchange?

4. The greatest wheat speculator?

5. President of the Bank of International Settlement?

6. The Great Bear of Wall Street?

These men were considered some of the world’s most successful. Now, 95 years later, do you know what ultimately became of them?

The answers: 1. The president of the largest steel company, Charles Schwab, died a pauper.

2. The president of the largest gas company, Edward Hopson, went insane.

I

3. The president of the New York Stock Exchange, Richard Whitney, was released from prison to die at home.

4. The greatest wheat speculator, Arthur Cooger, died abroad, penniless.

5. The president of the Bank of International Settlement shot himself.

6. The Great Bear of Wall Street, Cosabee Livermore, also committed suicide.

However, in that very same year, 1923, PGA champion and the winner of the most important golf tournament, the US Open, was Gene Sarazen.

What became of him?

He played golf until he was 92, and died in 1999 at the age of 95. He was financially secure at the time of his death.

The Moral: Stuff work. Play golf.

I was drinking a beer when the bartender yelled: “Anyone know CPR?” I yelled: “I know the entire alphabet!”

And we all laughed and laughed.

Well, except for this one guy...

Easter - done and dusted UST before Easter, I remarked to my husband that with the children grown up and away from home, this was the first year that we hadn’t dyed eggs for an Easter-egg hunt.

“That’s all right, honey,” he said. “We can just hide each other’s vitamin pills.”

--My sister was busy get-

J

ting ready to host our entire family for Easter.

On her to-do list was a hair appointment for her daughter.

“So, Katie,” said the stylist as the little girl got up in the chair, “who’s coming to your house this weekend with big ears and floppy feet?”

Katie replied: “I think it’s my uncle, Brian.”

Blaas in die pypie IE blondine bel ‘n paneelklopper en vra hoe sy die duike uit haar voertuig kan kry.

Die paneelklopper grap en sê sy moet in die uitlaatpyp blaas, dan pop die duike uit.

Die middag toe haar vriendin by die huis kom

D

sien sy dat die blondine in die uitlaatpyp blaas en wil weet wat sy doen.

Die blondine vertel toe vir haar wat die paneelklopper gesê het en met dié lag haar vriendin en sê: “Die duike sal nie uitpop nie want die vensters is oop, stjoepit!”

A journalist asks the operations manager of a growing company: “So how many employees are working in your company?”

The manager quickly replies: “Approximately half of them...”

You know you have a drinking problem when the bartender knows your name - and you’ve never been to that bar before.

SOCIAL SCENE

11 April 2018

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MAKING WAVES ON KING’S BEACH: South African Lifesaving’s General Tire National Championships - held at King’s Beach in Port Elizabeth during the first week in April - incorporated Nippers, Juniors, Seniors and Masters categories, with Plett Surf Lifesaving Club this year represented by more than just the U9U14 set. An incredible combined effort from Plett’s Nippers saw them gaining a fourth place overall, only one point short of Umhlanga Rocks’ total tally, with super-clubs Durban Surf and Cape Town’s Fishhoek occupying the top podium positions. Standout performances were too many to mention, so we’ll let the photos tell the story. Pictured in the left-hand bottom corner are the five boys who represented Plett Surf in the Junior (U15, U17, U19) category for the first time ever: Alex Auersperg and Benjamin Brink; Cullen McMillan and James Taylor; and Lojza Pisonic, pictured at centre with the gold medal he scored in the U15 beach sprints. Well done to all the coaches and parents and kids involved in these incredible results, and for doing the Plett Surf Lifesaving Club so very proud.

People, places & events KUNS EN KANGO TYDENS PASE: Mnr Jeftha van Plet Sekondêre Skool het gereël dat sy Graad 12 Drama studente gedurende Paasnaweek die Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees besoek. Al die kinders moes hul eie borge soek vir verblyf en vervoer, en die groep is deur juffrouens Lekay, Grootboom en Moonie vergesel. Almal het dit vreeslik geniet om vertonings deur die KKNK geborg te beleef, en het sommer ook die geleentheid gebruik om die wêreldberoemde Cango Grotte te besoek.

DOUBLY AWARDED! Members of the steering committee of Harkerville Saturday Market, situated approximately midway between Plettenberg Bay and Knysna, proudly display the certificates recently awarded to the market, by TripAdvisor and Famsa (Families South Africa) - from left are Patrick Dicey, Jolene Durrheim-Raimondi, Cathy Seear, Cindy Jacobs, Wil Hiemstra and Hein Fransman. The TripAdvisor certificate was awarded for the market consistently receiving excellent reviews and comments on the TripAdvisor website, whereas Famsa’s accolades were bestowed as token of appreciation for the market’s charity book sale stall having raised R56,436.15 for Famsa during the 14-month period from January 2017 until February 2018. The friendly Harkerville Market is held on every Saturday throughout the year and has over 100 stalls, purveying a mix of food, cuisine, arts and crafts. - Timothy Twidle

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CLASSIFIEDS

11 April 2018

Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

ON THE SOAPBOX

11 April 2018

Letters to the Editor

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

Conversations at the doctor’s waiting room Picture the scene… I’m waiting to see the doctor - who is, as usual, later than the appointment.

The lady sitting opposite me is discussing her husband’s toe. She tells everyone in the waiting room that she is very practical; does not mess around, and knew that it was time for the toe to go after many other home remedies were tried.

Off they go… the doctor takes off a bit of the toe, leaving most of it intact.

The poor man next to the husband also has a toe problem, and he is getting more anxious by the minute, expecting the worst.

By now, we are in the wattles on the farm of the shortened-toe man and,

as his wife laboriously explains, she has to pull out a few wattles on her walk.

I can virtually see these wattles being gripped by the neck (as dearly beloved is not that agile anymore, he cannot do it) and tossed aside. How noble.

Anyway, by now the receptionist can see the discomfort of the other patient with the problem toe (and leg), but before she can whip him off to another waiting room to try and get him out of the company of the poor suffering lady - who goes through the story of how their children left them the farm and they were so grateful, but now there is nobody left to help (not forgetting the toe) and she has to

Manage Plett Airport like the very important asset it is The latest debacle of cancelling CemAir flights refers. Thanks are due to Plett Ratepayers Association and Neville Petersen in particular for getting Bitou Council and CemAir - the airport operator - to agree that regular flights will continue; this while CemAir and the council come to a better agreement on how to work together.

I write this letter to urge our councillors to do two things: Firstly, publish the (presumably revised) agreement with CemAir

for the public to understand how our airport is being managed.

Secondly, have regular monthly meetings with CemAir and then table a monthly report on the operations and management of the airport for councillors to consider. This should include flights in/out of all sorts, but CemAir separately with number of passengers arriving/ departing, operating matters, projects, maintenance done, etc.

Let’s make a fresh start!

Peter Stratten, Plett

Privileged to be part of this ‘earsome’ team

Michelle Ash of Plett, above, shared this lovely news last week: “I am privileged to be part of the team helping a young teenaged boy, who is unable to wear conventional hearing aids, hear again! A hearing test confirmed that he was significantly hearing impaired, but due to several factors could not wear any traditional aids. He was, however, a candidate for a Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA). ENT surgeon Dr Hamilton, supported by Nicolette van Zyl from Southern ENT, performed the surgery on April 5 at Geneva Clinic in George, implanting a small titanium ‘stud’ into his skull on the side of the impaired ear. This ‘stud’ will remain there permanently, invisible under his hair. Once the wound has healed and the bone regrown - approximately eight weeks - I will attach the ‘aid’ to the ‘stud’, programme it according to his level of loss, and set him off on his journey back into the hearing world. Sound will be transmitted via bone conduction, and the bone conductor aid can be clipped on and off, when necessary.

We expect a successful outcome and wish him a speedy recovery. HEAR your world!” See the advert on page 5 to find out more about Michelle’s good work.

cope on her own but, hey, she did game drives for many years and is very capable and practical.

At this stage, I am seeing how all and sundry, sick and healthy, are getting really anxious, so I ask very casually: “Well, why don’t you sell the farm to a nudist colony?”

Utter silence follows, the receptionist gets the patient next to the husband off to another waiting room and I then have to explain that it is the perfect answer, as I took the leader of a nudist colony to look at a piece of land about where their property is located during my years as a real estate agent, and they loved it.

Only problem was that they could not quite afford it. I remember that the only thing I could think of asking the nudists (who were dressed for the occasion), without making a complete twit of myself, was: “So, do you

all dress for dinner?”

The imagination can conjure up such strange images!

Well, by now the leg and toe man has come out of consultation with the doctor and it transpires (as he is trapped in the doorway) that they are going to Malawi next month.

So, having been to Malawi, all I could add was: “Do be careful of the crocodiles; I was nearly eaten up by one. Make sure if you do go and bathe in one of the lagoons that you get a dog to go with you. At least you will have some warning.”

I thought this definitely beat the story of the toe that had to go…

Needless to say, I was considered to be something from outer space, definitely not normal but, wow, did I have fun and get my money’s worth.

Any other strange stories out there to beat this lot?

Rita Hardaker, Plett

Huge shout out to all who enabled record Spay Day in KwaNokuthula The PAWS Community Spay Day, held two Sundays ago in KwaNokuthula, was a huge success - 82 dogs and cats were neutered and spayed, thereby preventing thousands of unwanted puppies and kittens in future.

This intervention is one of PAWS’s most important preventative measures to curb neglect and suffering. All animals were vaccinated, dewormed and Frontlined before going home. In addition, 50 puppies and kittens came in for vaccinations.

We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the following vets for giving up their time, free of charge: Brendan, Stefan and staff at Robberg Vet, who were the clinic in charge; Jacqui and The Crags Clinic staff; Claire Schroeder; Magdalena Braun; Tanya from Plett Vet, and Shannon Theobald who came all the way from PE. Bert van Reenen from Marine Way Vet donated Frontline and deworming tablets. We wish we could mention the scores of volunteers who arrived to help with a wide range of tasks, including registration, prepping for surgery, caring for recovering animals and general organisation. Some learners from Wittedrift High and from Knysna also came to help.

We were delighted to receive masses of donations of delicious snacks

to feed the hungry workers, including from Marelé of Dunlopzone, who donated fruit juice and chocolates. Many people donated towels and blankets, essential for the comfort of the animals during recovery.

We were very happy to welcome the Eden District mayor of (and former mayor of Bitou) Memory Booysen, and Bitou deputy mayor Jessica Kamkam, who attended to find out more about our work.

We thank Bitou Municipality for their cooperation in allowing us to use Kwano’s community hall for this important community activity. We also thank the people of Kwano for taking responsibility for their pets by bringing them in and, in so doing, helping to alleviate the scourge of unwanted animals.

Last but not least, we acknowledge Tracy, our wonderful kennel manager, and Robert, our hard-working and committed inspector, for making it all happen. A huge thanks to all concerned for making this important spay day such a resounding success!

Marsja Hall-Green obo Plett Animal Welfare Service, Plett (Should you wish to make a donation or adopt one of the many pets up for adoption, see the PAWS and KAWS adverts on page 10 for contact details. - Eds.)

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2018 Knysna Motor Show pays tribute to sport’s golden era HE seventh Knysna Motor Show, sponsored by Sanlam Private Wealth, will host some of the most collectable cars on the African continent on Sunday April 29, when it is held once again at the Knysna High School sports grounds on Waterfront Drive.

Corvette’s finest hour Back in 1963, Ford Motor Company was enjoying unprecedented success in motor racing, in Europe and in America, thanks to the indecent speed of the Shelby AC Cobra sports car, which ran a smallblock Ford V8 in what was essentially a re-engineered 1950s AC Bristol body and chassis.

But at the end of that year, Carroll Shelby’s party was spoiled by the emergence of the most famous Chevrolet Corvette racer of all time. At the annual Nassau Speed week in the Bahamas, always meant to be a Cobra-fest, a certain Zora Arkus-Duntov arrived with five examples of a car known as the Corvette Grand Sport.

Developed in secret by Duntov at General Motors, which had a corporate ban on racing at the time, the Corvette Grand Sports whipped the Cobras into submission at Nassau, being 10 seconds a lap quicker than the Shelby snakes!

GM management got to hear about this and came down heavily on Duntov and his team in their development department, and the five Grand Sports were sold off to privateer racers,

T

Powered

by

SUNDAY, 29 APRIL 2018 09h30–16h00 HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS FIELD, WATERFRONT DRIVE www.grmc.co.za or

SPORT & ADVENTURE

11 April 2018

/knysnamotorshow

pretty much hailing the end of the Grand Sport’s fairy-tale track record.

Hi-Tech’s Corvette Grand Sport Back in SA, Hi-Tech Automotive - which builds Cobra and Daytona Coupe continuation cars for the American market - has scored a global coup by being awarded the rights to build continuation series Corvette Grand Sport cars, and selling them in the US under its Superformance banner.

The cars are built in Port Elizabeth, i.e. just up the road from Knysna!

It took Hi-Tech’s CEO Jimmy Price eight years to get approval to build the Grand Sport continuation cars, and to have them wear a genuine Corvette badge. One of the 30 or so Grand Sports built to date (all of them destined for the left-handdrive American market), will be at the 2018 Knysna Motor Show on April 29.

40 Years of Peter Lindenberg Peter Lindenberg, multiple SA powerboat champion and veteran circuit racer, will celebrate 40 years in motorsport at the Knysna Motor Show.

Now based in the Malmesbury area, Lindenberg has raced everything from Group N sedans to Wesbank V8 racers to oval circuit V8s in a long career.

More recently, he has been a major player on South Africa’s burgeoning Historic Racing Car scene, backed up by his daughter Paige, who races a thundering 1968

Ford Fairlane.

On April 29, Lindenberg Racing will showcase Paige’s 1968 Fairlane, a 1965 Ford Mustang GT350, and one of Peter’s famous 1972 Ford Capri Perana race cars. Under the Shelby SA banner, the team will also be showing the latest 50th Anniversary Shelby Mustang Super Snake marketed here by Lindenberg.

An exciting Road to Race Savage Ford Ranger pick-up will also be on display and will be raced

by Peter Lindenberg at the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb a week later.

Great Britons Admirers of British sports cars will not be denied at the Knysna Motor Show, as some of the best collections of these cars in South Africa reside on the Garden Route.

A Jaguar Jamboree is being held at the show, with cars ranging from the 1930s masterpiece SS100 (this was before the Jaguar name was even coined), through the graceful 1950s era represented by the Jaguar XK150, to the car tagged as “sex on wheels” - the immortal Jaguar E Type. More modern examples of Jaguars will also be on display.

As usual, there will be plenty of Austin Healeys, MGs and Triumphs peppering the lawns in Knysna, as well as an impressive selection of classic, early era Porsches dating from the 356 versions from the 1950s through to the modern era of 911s.

An interesting Anglo-

German car will be the 1938 Frazer Nash BMW 328, a German-designed and built racer from the pre-war era, marketed by Frazer Nash in England.

The immaculate BMW has been owned by Western Cape car enthusiast Robert Middelmann for a number of decades and has just undergone a mechanical restoration.

“I’ve been overwhelmed by the support shown by enthusiasts far and wide for the 2018 Knysna Motor Show,” said Peter Pretorius on behalf of organisers the Garden Route Motor Club.

“We are blessed with some very special collectable cars from all the classic and vintage eras, and some 400 cars and motorcycles will be making the trip to Knysna High for this year’s event. Modern supercars and an extensive classic motorcycle display will feature, too.

“In conjunction with main sponsor Sanlam Private Wealth, I thank everyone who will make April 29 a day to remember.”

• The Knysna Motor Show is a one-day only event with food and drink stalls. It is extremely family orientated, with a beer garden and food court to cater to all culinary tastes in a relaxed atmosphere.

Entry is R50 for adults while children (12-18) pay R10, and kids under 12 enter free. Email peterp@ afrihost.co.za or call 082 321 4724, or visit www. grmc.co.za and see the advert on this page for additional information.