11 January 2017 by CXpress

11 January 2017

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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Remember these flyers of yore?

No booze on our beaches, please

Old cars converge in George

p16

Here’s to a bright future!

Photo: Ewald Stander

Wittedrift High School in Plett has much reason to celebrate after its Class of 2016 - many of whom are pictured here in full flight on January 5 - notched up yet another 100% pass rate, thus making it six years in a row. Find out more about CX Country matric results on page 7. We wish all our readers the very best for a sterling, sparkling, profitable, and safe 2017 - with a special thought spared to those bright young things braving their first day of ‘big school’ as this edition hits the streets.

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

11 January 2017

Jogging Down Memory Lane

Derek Frielinghaus

Colourful aviation history of Plett Airport revisited OME of the planes that have graced Plett’s runway over the years have left indelible memories in the minds of those who had the privilege of being passengers, or even just witnessed them taking off

or landing at the little airport which received a new lease on life when CemAir started its regular commercial flights twixt Plett, Joburg and Cape Town nearly three years ago. As is often the case, the past

festive season saw a vast array of craft on display at the quaint local aviation facility, ranging from military and private jets to vintage planes and helicopters. Please send any photos you

may have of planes using Plett Airport in the past with any available details to haus@mweb. co.za (with or without your name), or drop it off in hard copy at the CXPRESS offices at 6 Park Lane in Plett CBD.

CLASSIC CRAFT: Passenger planes that used to fly into Plett Airport over the years included the Hawker Sidley, at left, and the Dakota, above

SAA OUTTA HERE: The last South African Airways flight departs Plettenberg Bay in March 1969 PREVIOUS PLANE STATION: The original terminal across the runway from the present one, which allowed for access from the Kranshoek Road, as pictured in 1982

WINGED SAFARI: Junkers were apparently flown by SAA pilots in the mid-1980s, treating enthusiasts of flight to air safaris around the country - this bird was photographed in Plett in 1988

BACK TO THE FUTURE: This beautifully-preserved vintage plane belonged to a participant in the Crete2Cape air rally that spent one night in Bitou on December 15 - read the full story on page 36 of the December 21 edition at www.cxpress.co.za - Photo: Brendon Morris

Airport bosses to cut tariffs by 35.5% from April this year CSA (Airports Company South Africa) announced on January 5 that a new permission to levy charges at its airports was promulgated on December 23, and the resultant impact on airport charges was published in the Government Gazette of December 29. The new permission - which takes effect on Saturday April 1 and was determined by the in-

BOOKING ESSENTIAL

dependent industry Regulating Committee - sets out aircraft landing and parking fees, and the passenger service charges that ACSA is allowed to levy. The new tariff decision will see a reduction in airport charges of 35.5% for the 2017/8 financial year. These charges will then rise by 5.8% in 2018/9, and 7.4% in the 2019/20 financial year.

The new passenger service charges (with prior year passenger service fees) are as follows and include VAT: • Passenger service charge per departing domestic passenger: R82 (R127); • Passenger service charge per departing passenger for an airport within Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia or Swaziland: R169 (R263); and

• Passenger service charge per departing international passenger: R223 (R346). Aircraft landing and parking fees vary according to the maximum take-off weight of an aircraft and length of stay. Both sets of charges vary further according to whether the flight originated within SA, Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana or Swaziland, or outside of SA.

NEWS & VIEWS

11 January 2017

No seasonal respite in rate of Bitou sex crimes The year got off to a dark start in terms of sexual offences against children when a 62-year-old man appeared in court this week for the alleged rape of a five-year-old girl - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports N elderly man, who cannot be named until he has pleaded, made a brief appearance in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrates Court on Monday, but the matter was postponed to January 30 for the matter to be transferred to a regional court. The accused was remanded in custody. According to police spokesman Captain Malcolm Pojie, the man was arrested in Kranshoek on November 8 last year after a social worker in KwaNokuthula was informed that a five-year-old girl had been sexually assaulted and most likely raped. During a medical examination of the child, she allegedly reported that someone had ‘fiddled’ with her private parts.

Pojie said following the reports and the examination, the suspect was arrested and appeared in the Plett Magistrates Court the next day. The matter was subsequently postponed several times. This was just one in a series of sex crimes against young children over the past two months. On the same day, a 32-year-old KwaNokuthula man was arrested after a six-year-old child had been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease and possibly raped. Pojie said the mother of the little girl initially thought that her child was suffering from an infection caused by a dirty toilet. The mother took the child to a local clinic, which referred her to a pharmacy

at first. When the condition became worse, however, the mother took her daughter to the Knysna Hospital where doctors diagnosed her with a sexually transmitted disease and established that she could have been raped. The matter was brought before the Plett Magistrates Court, but the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) made a decision not to place the matter on the court roll before further investigation was completed. On November 20, a 33-year-old man was arrested in The Crags after he allegedly sexually assaulted a seven-year-old girl while she was playing with her friends at Ramkamp in The Crags. The matter is currently under investigation. Garden Route Media

Sunday blitz results in drug arrests FROM STREET TO STATION: At back from left are Captain Wayne Kidd and Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Gogwana, with Constables Charlin Cassel and Warren Ackerman, seated, and some of the confiscated items including Mandrax tablets and bankies of Tik

OLICE in the Eden Cluster arrested five suspects for drug related activities during a crime prevention operation in Knysna on Sunday January 8. The 12-hour operation that ended on Monday morning at 3am was aimed at illegal

activities in and around drug outlets. It was conducted in conjunction with members from the Knysna police, Tsitsikamma K9 dog unit, and the Southern Cape public order police unit. Four suspects were arrested for dealing drugs and one

for selling liquor without a licence. The police confiscated drugs with an estimated street value of R5,000 that included 99 Mandrax tablets, 21 bankies of Tik, and four dagga plants. A total of 35 litres of liquor were also confiscated at the unlicensed premises. Cluster commander Major General Oswald Reddy commended the members involved with the arrest of these perpetrators. “Substance abuse remains one of the major contributors to violent crimes in our communities. The focus on drug and alcohol outlets, in particular suppliers, will continue, and similar operations will be conducted in the near future,” said Reddy. The four suspects, aged between 24 and 49, were still in custody by going to press. They were due to appear in the Knysna Magistrates Court on January 10.

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

11 January 2017

Too early for public outcry on Plett harbour BASIL VAN ROOYEN of the Save Plett Alliance contributed this update on the proposed harbour development, which was tabled again late last year and has set social media platforms abuzz once more, to inform readers of the process and procedures currently in motion

OST people in Plettenberg Bay were relieved when the Scoping Report for the Plett Harbour Development was rejected in April 2014 by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Planning of the Western Cape. However, things are stirring again. The developer lodged an appeal with provincial minister Anton Bredell against the Department’s rejection and won, and has now been asked to submit an amended Scoping Report by February 1. In a letter from Bredell, he announced his decision to grant the appeal, setting out tough conditions for any future possible Environmental Assessment Reports (EIA). It might be worth stopping at this point and just

consider the terms “Scoping Report” and “EIA”, which make most people go glassy-eyed. Anyone planning a major development must first submit a Scoping Report (rough plan) and then an EIA (a more detailed explanation of how the development will affect the environment). Both must be approved before development may go ahead. Social media in Plettenberg Bay have been going into a frenzy about this latest development. Questions like “Why is the minister allowing this?” and “To whom can I complain and list my own objections?” are common. It is indeed a bit confusing why the minister has effectively given the developer an opportunity to

continue the process despite many failures on his part to date. Once more information is available on this aspect, it will be shared with the public. At this stage of the process public participation is NOT called for. The developer must amend his Scoping Report to the satisfaction of the Department by February 1. If he can, and if the amended Scoping Report is approved, then and only then does the EIA process start. The minister emphasised that ample scope must be given for public participation in the EIA stage; that is when you will be asked to comment again. He also set very strict requirements to be met in the EIA, which the developer will be hard pressed to meet.

News Briefs • Passengers travelling in a Translux bus in the early hours of Saturday had a narrow escape when the bus caught fire and burnt out completely on the N2 at Swartvlei. According to an SABC news report on January 7, W-Cape traffic spokesperson Kenny Africa said they were alerted at 7:52am of a bus engulfed in flames. By the time the call was received, the bus was parked on the side of the road, all passengers having disembarked before the fire intensified. It was not clear what caused the fire, and Translux could not be reached for comment at the time of the report. • Sivuyile Koyo, 33, appeared in Knysna Magistrates Court last Thursday in connection with a robbery at a Concordia spaza shop on January 3 just before 10pm. It is alleged that the suspect and his accomplice, both armed, assaulted the complainant and demanded cash and goods. They fled with cellphones, an

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ASHES: The charred remains of a Translux bus that caught alight outside Sedgefield last Saturday morning while en route to Cape Town

HAVE YOU SEEN KHULANI? Still missing by going to press, Khulani Lusinga was last seen at his Concordia home on December 22

airtime vending machine, cigarettes, and an undisclosed amount of cash. Members on patrol later saw a suspicious-looking vehicle in the vicinity and it was pulled over. One of the suspects fled into a yard. A bag containing items linked to the robbery as well as a gas handgun were found inside the yard. A further search resulted in the discovery of a 9mm Walther handgun, stolen in Thembalethu in 2015. The case was postponed to January 9 for a formal bail application. The second suspect is still at large and anyone with information should call Sergeant

Chris Spies of Knysna SAPS on 071 604 8376. • On January 4, Knysna police requested the public to come forward with info that may assist with the search for Concordia resident Khulani Lusinga. He allegedly left his residence on December 22 and never returned. Reported missing by his uncle, Lusinga is aged between 15 and 20, ±1.7m tall and weighs ±60kg. He was dressed in khaki denim shorts at the time of his disappearance. Anyone with information about his whereabouts may contact Warrant Officer Johannes Pietersen on 044 302 6687 or 044 302 6608.

NEWS & VIEWS

11 January 2017

CXPRESS

Booze ban successfully enforced on Wilderness beaches Words & photo: Bob Hopkin

practical if risky initiative by the Wilderness Ratepayers and Residents Association (WRRA) has resulted in a marked reduction in incidents of alcoholrelated disruption and violence on their beaches and lagoon shores over the holiday period from December 9 until January 6. In collaboration with the Wilderness branch of

SAPS, SANParks and the local ward councillor, it was decided to firmly enforce the ban on the already illegal consumption of alcohol in leisure areas. In previous years, the ban has largely been unenforceable due to lack of staff, but late last year, the WRRA decided to take a stand on the issue to limit occurrences of inconsiderate and anti-social behaviour due to drunkenness.

NO BOOZE SHALL PASS: Determined beach monitors were, at back from left, Jaclien Lombaard, Thommaika Mias and Trevor Ruor, with Gerty Jacobs in front

As SAPS officers were already over-stretched tending to more serious crimes and traffic accidents, it was decided to employ and train dedicated ‘monitors’ to enforce the law and prevent the carrying of liquor onto beaches. WRRA chairman Neville Ewing explained that local residents and businesses contributed R20,000 for additional security staffing during the holiday period. This was used to reimburse the beach monitors, as well as three additional staff in the village. All were trained in security procedures by the local SAPS station chief, Warrant Officer Bennie Boshoff. Although unarmed and clearly not members of the police or SANParks, the monitors said they were mostly successful in persuading beach users to leave their booze behind. One monitor, from an access point on popular Sands Road, said the policy was to ask visitors if they had any alcohol with them, and then make sure by carrying out a polite but thorough search of their bags. “If we found any alcoholic drinks, we would give the visitors a choice: either take it home or back to their cars

right away, or leave it with us for them to retrieve as they left the beach,” explained one of the monitors. She added that they had to endure verbal abuse but

used their strength of mind to overcome objections. “We had some swearing and threats, but managed to prevail without undue intimidation,” she said.

Ewing concluded: “The number of drownings and near drownings this year made the strict control of alcohol even more necessary for the future.”

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

11 January 2017

Beautiful images of Bitou bolster Rotary cause this season AVID Pickering of Plett Rotary reports excellent sales during the festive season of this year’s beautiful Rotary Calendar, and says many compliments were received for the breath-taking photographs, as well as the value for money offered by this prize memento. “When visitors show these images to others after returning home, this will hopefully persuade more folk to visit our town. Supplies are fast running out so hasten to Ruby’s Flowers or PNA at The Market Square, or Village Book Shop on Main Street to obtain your copy,” says David.

The Rotary Club of Plett wishes to thank all those who have helped making this project such a success for yet another year, as well as everyone who again purchased a calendar and thus supported the organisation’s good work. David concludes: “Great credit is due to the Plettenberg Bay Sea Scouts for assisting with calendar sales. They did a fantastic job and, together with colleagues, sold 98 calendars to help Rotary bolster its charitable funds - and in the process earned their movement a goodly commission. A win-win situation for all!”

CALENDAR DEALERS: Pictured from left in front are Justine Kieswetter, Josh and Murray Oosthuizen, and James Sinclair, with Rotarian David Pickering, Scout mom Alyson Kieswetter, Michael Crone, and Danica Sinclair at back

Knysna Rotarians make biggest splash… ever!

December 27 and 28 saw the most successful SPLASH Festival to date, so Knysna Rotary president cum head organiser Mick Furman has much to smile about indeed. Furman says funds raised by this fun annual event is used by Rotary to promote safe swimming to local children. “In the past 12 months, funds from last year’s SPLASH were used to train five youngsters now part of the newly-formed Knysna Life Savers Club, while also funding swimming instruction to children from our underprivileged communities. All four events - the Mud Run, Lagoon Mile Swim, Canoe Races and Quack Attack duck race - were very well supported, with a good mix of locals and visitors participating, so making a significant contribution to the holiday atmosphere in Knysna.” Above at left, Knysna locals Norman Frost, left, and Greg Chauncey celebrate after finishing the 15km canoe race. Credit is due to veteran Rotarian Andrew Finn, left, who coordinated a most successful Lagoon Mile Swim. - Photos: Elle Photography

NEWS & VIEWS

11 January 2017

Sixth consecutive 100% pass rate for Wittedrift High Highs and lows alike marked the 2016 matric results for Plettenberg Bay and Knysna schools - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports

NIECE MAKES PROUD: Wittedrift High’s Nellie Madokwe receives a big hug from her aunt, Sympathy Madokwe, after receiving her matric results

NYSNA and Plett collectively managed to secure a 79.8% pass rate and, while it was down from last year’s 84.7%, the area’s matriculants exceeded the national rate of 72.5%. Eden and Central Karoo District, in which both towns fall, managed to obtain an 84.78% pass rate this year - just short of the Western Cape rate of 87.7%. On a national scale, the Free State was the bestperforming province with a pass rate of 93.2%; the Western Cape was in second place, and Gauteng third with 87%. Of the 46 schools currently in the region, eight

obtained a 100% pass rate - two of which are located in Plett and Knysna. The two local schools in question are Knysna High School and Plett’s Wittedrift High, but biggest star in CX Country was Wittedrift, for managing a 100% pass rate for the sixth consecutive year. Knysna High School made it two in a row this year after just missing out in 2014, when they achieved a 97.7% pass rate. Wittedrift High principal Jeremy Marallich said he was extremely proud of the accomplishment, especially about the marks scored in 2016. “This is the result of a lot of hard work by a lot

GRADE MADE: From left, Louise Terblanche, Tenielle Truter, Nellie Madokwe, and Palesa Monkhe celebrate their results - Photos: Ewald Stander

of people, including the learners and our teachers,” Marallich said. He added that two of the school’s 64 matriculants managed to obtain seven As, and one learner received six distinctions. One of the school’s top performers Anjo Duarte said she was very pleased with her seven distinctions, but that it required lots of hard work throughout her entire school career. “Looking at the results, it somehow feels right,” she said. The school leaver is planning on studying medicine at Stellenbosch University this year. Thirteen of the Garden Route’s schools also man-

aged to improve on last year’s results, including Murray High in KwaNokuthula, which showed a massive improvement by achieving 76.9% compared to last year’s 66%. Knysna Secondary School also managed to increase its pass rate from 79.5% to 86.6%. Other schools in Plettenberg Bay and Knysna obtained the following results: Concordia High with 55.1% - down from last year’s 68.2%; Percy Mdala High School with 78.1% - down from last year’s 86.8%; and Plettenberg Bay Secondary School with 66% - down from last year’s 73.8%. Garden Route Media

CXPRESS

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CXPRESS

BUSINESS

11 January 2017

Plett property market reaches magic R1-billion turnover mark B Y late December, the Plett property market surpassed the magic R1-billion turnover mark for the year. Seeff licensee Kevin Engelsman says that this is indeed a milestone in view of the prevailing economic climate. “The hard work and perseverance of estate agents over the past few years have paid off. Seeff has, for example, increased our unit sales by 62% from last year, and the rand value of our sales by 96%. And the popularity of Plett just continues to rise,” says Engelsman. “Aside from an influx of new residents as part of the migration to the Western Cape, we have seen a notable increase in demand for holiday and retirement accommodation in the town. Buyers and holidaymakers from Gauteng are especially keen right now,” he adds. Plett now has a busy commercial centre, good infrastructure and schools. Main Street is lined with malls, boutiques, restaurants and other services. For everything else, there is the Market Square centre down Beacon Way. There is water aplenty. In addition to the long coast-

VERY FORMOSA: Fabulous views of the mountains, nature reserve, and ocean are afforded from this luxury fourbedroomed home priced at R18-million on the exclusive Beachy Head Drive

line, there is also the Keurbooms River that runs through the town, providing further properties with fabulous water views. The town is close to Knysna and an excellent base for those working in the area. George, the main commercial centre for the Garden Route, is also only about an hour and a half away. Engelsman says the Garden Route property market in general remains upbeat. “We are even finding Capetonians looking to move here now.” More than half of all property in the area have been in the same hands

for eight to 10 years or longer. Buyers are a wide mix, from local residential to holiday and secondhome buyers from across the country. There is also a good mix of ages, although the more expensive homes tend to be bought by older buyers. “In the last few years, we have seen an uptick in sales above the R5 to R10million price band. That said, part of the attraction for the town is that it offers something for every buyer and budget,” he says. About 65% of all property is full title, predominantly houses that range from modest and well-

priced in the R1.2 to R2.2-million range. Upmarket areas and larger houses though tend to range to about R6-million on average. Several security complexes and estates offer a mix of property, priced from around R600,000 at the lower end. Luxury estate houses though range upwards of R4-million to around R8-million on average. Luxury beach houses - especially those around Beachy Head, Whale Rock Ridge, and Lookout Beach - can range to as much as R20 to R40-million. “There is still plenty of vacant land for sale, often at very reasonable prices starting from as low as R200,000 to R400,000,” says Engelsman. Getting to the town is now a whole lot easier with weekly flights from Joburg and Cape Town and, of course, it is under six hours’ drive from the Cape and about 12 hours from Gauteng by car. Contact Seeff Plettenberg Bay on 044 533 0311 or Kevin Engelsman on 082 229 8069, or visit www.seeff.com, and see the advert on the cover for current listings.

BUSINESS

11 January 2017

Assess your personal finances before changing your job HE New Year heralds a fresh start and for some that means finding a better or more rewarding job. But before you start polishing your CV, it’s a good idea to get your financial affairs in order - this according to DirectAxis marketing head Marlies Kappers. “There are a number of reasons, one of these being that prospective employers may look at your financial profile before offering a job,” she explains. “A proper understanding of your financial affairs will also better enable you to evaluate the remuneration package, and you will be able to identify any gaps in your financial situation when you change jobs.” Depending on the job, your ability to manage your own financial affairs could have considerable bearing on whether your

application is accepted. A bad credit rating will not reflect well on someone applying for a financial or senior management position. A low credit rating indicates that someone has a poor track record of making loan repayments, paying credit cards, store cards or even a phone bill, and it’s easy for employers to check. “South African law entitles you to a free credit report annually and it’s worth getting, particularly before applying for a new job. Errors can creep in and it’s best to sort these out before you get a nasty surprise at the job interview,” says Kappers. Once you’ve made it through the application and interview process, assessing an offer isn’t always a like-for-like comparison of how much you’ll take home at the

end of the month. A clear understanding of your existing package, including all the benefits, will make it easier to decide whether the move is a good financial decision. Although the new job may put more cash on the table at the end of each month, you could be worse off in terms of your overall financial standing. For example, if your current package includes a company car, you may need to consider the costs of buying and insuring your own car. The same would apply to housing benefits. It is also important to check on life policies, medical aid, or insurance that your employer may pay for fully or in part. If these are not part of the new package, you will need to take over such payments or get quotes for replacement policies.

“Changing jobs, particularly in a sluggish economy, is a big decision. You need to give yourself the best possible chance of getting the position you apply for as well as ensuring that you really will be better off if you decide to make the move,” cautions Kappers. In summary: • Make sure your credit rating is an accurate reflection of your ability to manage your own financial affairs; • Compare your existing package with what’s being offered, taking all the perks and benefits into account; • When you make the move check that there are no gaps in your financial security because your new package does not include something your previous employer covered. • Visit www.directaxis. co.za for more finance tips.

CXPRESS

SOCIAL SCENE

11 January 2017

MUFFIN AND NICKY’S ART NIGHT A JORL: Plett artists Myfanwy Bekker, second from right, launched an exhibition of her art at her Lookout Centre studio on the evening of December 20, which was attended by some 50 people including, from left, Anja Wiehl, Annabelle Conyngham and Natalie Buttress. On display too were sculptures by Nick Frootko, pictured at left below while sharing a moment with Sandy Bekker and East London local, Ashleigh Bekker, right. - Timothy Twidle

KOOKS SURFERS ROOT FOR WATER-WISE CAUSE: Plett’s annual Kooks surfing contest - where the focus is shifted slightly from surfing prowess to include categories like terrible surfing style, poor wave selection, kooky dressup style, and epic wipe-outs - took place at Sanctuary Beach on January 3. This time round, organisers chose Adopt A Swimmer as beneficiary and pictured at centre with some of the kooky surfers is founder of this deserving organisation Louise Auersperg. Visit www.adoptaswimmer.co.za to find out more.

People, places & events

RAIN PLAY FOR PAWS: On December 9, a full field of golfers played through one of the few rainy days of the festive season in support of Plett Animal Welfare Services. Pictured at right above are Linda Victor and Pippa Stroebel, right, doing fabulous feline impersonations; and at left, CXPRESS investment guru Malcolm Stewart with better half Margie. The team at PAWS thanks everyone involved for their excellent support of this important cause. Call Michelle Moyes on 072 346 5103 to find out how you can help Bitou’s pets in need. HALF-CENTURY CELEBRATED: St Christopher’s Catholic Church in Plettenberg Bay celebrated its Golden Jubilee on Sunday December 18, when a special service was attended by Bishop Frank de Gouveia and followed by a combined 50th birthday and year-end Christmas luncheon at Beacon Island Hotel. Here, everyone was entertained by professional singer Christine Mansour from Joburg, while local parishioners sang a speciallycomposed birthday song, and performed a dance to the popular ditty ‘Feliz Navidad’. Says Parish Council Secretary Leela Verity: “All performances were a hit! We thank everyone who made this wonderful occasion happen and pray God’s blessing on our church for the next 50 years.” Performing parishioners pictured from left with Leela at centre are Michelle Gubic, Zarefa Peters, Evangeline Koeberg, and Sian van den Handel. SEDGEFIELD CARES: A couple of months ago, the Sedgefield branch of Knysna & Partners, in association with local NGO Masithandane, sent out an appeal to locals to open their hearts and pledge a Christmas packages for several vulnerable children in the community who have experienced particularly difficult times during 2016. The community responded in typical fashion and amazing care packages poured in from many generous members of the public for distribution on December 7. Knysna mayor Eleanore Bouw-Spies and ward councillor Levael Davis took time out of their busy schedules to visit the kids involved. Sedgefield manager of Knysna & Partners Belinda Hobson said a heartfelt thank you to all those who so generously donated, and a loud shout-out to the mayor and councillor for their kind support.

PROMOTION

11 January 2017

CXPRESS

INTERVAL

11 January 2017

Avoid the rat race... S a boat docked in a tiny Mexican village, an American tourist complimented the local fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them. “Not very long,” came the answer. “But then, why did you not stay out longer and catch more?” asked the tourist. The Mexican explained that his catch was sufficient to meet his needs. “But what do you do with the rest of your time?” asked the tourist. “I sleep late, fish a little, play with the children, take a siesta, and in the evenings I go to visit my friends in the village where I have a few drinks, play the guitar and sing some songs…” The American interrupted with: “I have an MBA from Harvard and I can help you. You should start by fishing for longer each day. You then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra revenue you can buy a bigger boat. “With the extra money the larger boat will bring,

you can buy a second one and then a third and so on until you have a whole fleet of boats. “Instead of selling to a middle man you can negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe open your own plant. You could then leave this village and move to the city or abroad and from there easily direct your huge enterprise.” “How long will this take?” asked the Mexican. “Twenty years or a bit longer,” replied the tourist. “And after that?” “Afterwards? That is when it gets really interesting,” laughed the tourist. “When your business gets really big, you can start selling stocks and make millions!” “Millions? Really? And what happens after that?” asked the Mexican. “After that you will be able to retire, live in a tiny village near the coast, sleep late, play with the children, catch a few fish, take a siesta, and spend your evenings drinking, singing and having fun with your friends!”

CAMPING: Spending a small fortune to live like a homeless person.

The subject at hand bank robber pulls out a gun, points it at the teller, and says: “Give me all the money or you’re geography!”

The puzzled teller replies: “Did you mean to say ‘or you’re history’?” The robber says: “Don’t change the subject!”

HOME & HEALTH

11 January 2017

Turn your tyre waste into worth F the junk in your yard is piling up, use this New Year to turn your waste into something worthwhile. One of the biggest recycling frustrations is old and unused tyres. Disposing of tyres - regardless of the method - may result in a host of health and safety risks.

Stay on the safe side by giving your old tyres new life. With these easy repurposing projects from Redisa (Recycling & Economic Development Initiative of SA), the whole family can get involved. Tyre Table With a simple glass top, you could create a great

tyre table. Simply adding and removing tyres can adjust the height, and the durable materials ensure a long lasting creation. Tyre Plant Holder A fresh coat of paint can transform your tyres and turn them into the perfect plant holder. You could choose to stack your plant

Tyre Table

Tyre Plant Holder

Tyre Pet Bed

Tyre Stool

holders on your patio, or embed them in your garden. If you’d like to add some flare, you could even hang your new plant holder along your garden wall. Remember to refrain from planting edible plants in tyres, since leaching of harmful chemical may occur. Tyre Pet Bed Your furry friends will love this. By simply adding a cushioned base and soft inner lining, your pets can snuggle up in their tyre beds. Traditional Tyre Swing Get the kids outdoors this summer with a new tyre swing. A strong rope or chain can be attached to the tyre and hung from any sturdy tree in your garden. If you have more than one tyre, you could create a swing set and arrange them throughout your yard. Tyre Stool Why stop with a tyre table? You could also use your old tyres to create great outdoor stools. Stack the tyres according to your desired height, add a soft cushion, sit back and enjoy. • To learn more, follow @wasteintoworth on Twitter or Facebook.

CXPRESS

Rescue pups rule at Veronica’s fun and games party

Sandara Shearer, 11, with her rescue pup Gemma won Best Puppy and various other categories at the end of last year during Veronica’s Puppy Training School’s Christmas Fun and Games Party. Judges on the day were Brett Clarke and Thomas Jung, and photographer Di Goosen also entered her rescue pup as one of the 10 participating puppies on the day. Veronica Olding trains puppies in Plett on Thursdays and Saturdays and her 2017 sessions kick off tomorrow (January 12). Call her on 082 378 8060 and see the advert below for more information. - Photo: Di Goosen

CXPRESS

11 January 2017

CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

11 January 2017

Letters to the Editor

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

Marked improvement in Plett’s litter scene In December 2015, I was really ashamed and disgusted by the huge amount of litter left along the Piesang River picnic area after that year’s New Year’s Day celebrations - so much so that I took photos of the rubbish littering the entire area to such an extent that one could not find a space to set down your feet while helping to clean up. I sent these photos to CXPRESS, which you kindly published, and I suspect that this action helped indeed to prevent

a repeat of this scenario during the 2016 ‘picnic’. I would like to think that the folk who caused this disgrace thought, ‘no wait a minute, what kind of message are we as the people of Plettenberg Bay giving to our overseas tourists - on which a lot of us depend upon for jobs?’ I say this because this year I again called at this site at 7am, when I found volunteers picking up a much-reduced mass of rubbish at the same location. In fact, the area was looking nothing like 2015,

No sleep for wakezone wardens

Strandmeer resident John Stegmann contributed this picture of one of the signboards along Keurbooms lagoon, with the heading ‘Sleepy lagoon?’ Funny guy - thanks for the chuckle, sir. On a more serious note, Bitou River Bylaw Forum chair Errol Finkelstein informed CXPRESS that the river below the N2 bridge was far quieter when Bitou Law Enforcement officers and River Wardens were visible on the water for the first time this season. Many power-boaters still broke the no-wake speed limit, usually going really fast and creating problems for other river users. Above the bridge in the CapeNature area, the ski-zone was reported to result in treacherous conditions. “Many have been saying, for years, that something has to be done to change how the ‘speed-zone’ is managed. A group of water users met informally on January 5 to review the initial enforcement process and complex issues surrounding the estuary,” explains Errol. “Discussions with the municipality and CapeNature will continue this year in the spirit of cooperation that has characterised progress to date, and the formation of a voluntary River Wardens Association is now being investigated.” Email errol@parsun.co.za if you want to volunteer or find out more.

Festive Plett decorations

Plett reader ‘KRB’ shared this uniquely Plett suggestion, saying: “I thought you may be interested in this idea. I know many people just keep their pansy shells in boxes, but this adds a nice local touch to Christmas.” And since his good plan arrived too late for publication before December 25, why not attach these pretty little Plettenberg Bay icons to other plants in and around the home for year-round decoration? - Eds.

it being much cleaner. However, I must add that I heard the volunteers had started the clean-up on the night before. Well done, guys! My conclusion is that people who have created this mess in the past are now thinking a little deeper as to the importance of presenting Plett as a beautiful, clean town. It’s in our collective interest, folks. Don’t just drop it, have some sense of re-

sponsibility and rather encourage EVERYONE to put their rubbish in the bins provided. Maybe we should post some ‘policemen’ among the revellers next year to encourage people to be responsible about the environment. Dropping rubbish out of cars and taxis is often claimed to be job creation, but it is not, people, as nobody wants to visit or invest in a dirty town. G Button, Plett

CXPRESS

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Make ‘back to school’ better for less fortunate learners By the time your next paper is published, most Bitou learners will be back at school, but I would like to invite all the business people who read here to come forward and help the needy children with school shoes, grey pants, and white socks. My aim is to help more than a hundred kids that will include leaners from KwaNokuthula, Qolweni, Bossiesgif, and New Horizons. Your help in making someone happy will be much appreciated, Please contact me at misilesongongo@gmail.com or on 073 359 3985 if you can assist with any school clothes or stationery. Misile Collins Songongo, Plett --As the start of a new school year is upon us, I would like to ask residents of Plett to dig deep and consider donating clothing, stationery and/ or backpacks to our less fortunate children. When you are out buying stationery, please consider putting an extra item of stationery in your basket. Many mothers have been knocking on our door asking for assistance in getting their children school-ready. Thank you so much in advance for helping these children feel part of their class as they enter this year - not only those starting ‘big’ school for the first time, but also those returning to school. The following items can be dropped off at New Horizon Library, where I will be sorting it out before distribution within Pine Trees community: HB pencils, sharpeners, pencil boxes, erasers, crayons, rulers, glue sticks, roundnosed scissors, 30-page flip files, A4 soft-cover books, backpacks or school bags. On behalf of the Pine Trees Community Outreach Project for Families and Children in Need, I thank you for paying it forward. Feel free to contact me at pinetrees

project@gmail.com or on 073 513 5119 for additional information. Shaun Terblanche PCOP project director, Plett --• Knysna mayor Eleanore Bouw-Spies also asked residents to consider paying it forward at the start of this new school year. “Being a mother myself, I know how quickly children outgrow their clothing and also know how these clothes will help another child fit into their new school environment as they step nervously through the gate of their schools on January 11.” She asked that parents look through their cupboards for any school clothing and/or shoes that their children may have outgrown and consider donating these for the use of those less fortunate. “During my years as a high school teacher, I watched children nervously step into classrooms unsure and bewildered. Not wearing school clothes always made the transition so much more difficult for many of these pupils,” she said. Bouw-Spies further appealed to residents to consider donating backpacks and stationery. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all our Ward Councillors could have backpacks filled with necessary stationery at the ready for those mothers who can’t afford the endless list provided to them by the schools? It always makes me burst with pride when our Greater Knysna community stand together to make another’s life a little easier, and once again I beseech our residents to consider donating something that will help our scholars.” All items can be dropped off at the Knysna Mayoral Office at 5 Clyde Street, or at the Sedgefield branch of Knysna & Partners. Call Kirsty Hofhuis on 044 302 6353 for further information.

CANYON

CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

11 January 2017

Old car show celebrates coming of age with a feast of German automobiles

EORGE Old Car Show is celebrating its 21st year in February, and organisers plan to honour this milestone with an exhibition exceeding 1,000 vehicles at PW Botha College in York Street. “This is an annual event of the Southern Cape Old Car Club (SCOCC), and we expect that the 2016 record number of 12,000 visitors will be exceeded this year,” said organising committee chair Phillip Rosser. Visitors, traditionally hailing from all over South Africa, will not be disappointed by the rare vehicles on exhibition at the George event on February 11 and 12, generally regarded as one of the biggest shows of its kind in the country. This year’s focus is on vehicles manufactured in Germany, with a special exhibition comprising 35 unique and rare

cars - the most prized item on display being an 1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen. “This was the first vehicle manufactured with an internal combustion engine,” said SCOCC president Kobus Harris, who has been collecting vehicles of German manufacture since 1983. “It is one of only 10 replicas in the world and belongs to the Mercedes-Benz SA factory in East London.” At present, only the Mercedes-Benz C Class is manufactured at this awardwinning Eastern Cape plant. Mercedes-Benz has been manufacturing cars in South Africa since 1955. The W212 190 Sedan, which was completed in January 1958, was the first vehicle produced here. “Benz, who was on the forefront of manufacturing, soon developed more models and

other manufacturers followed their lead,” said Harris, who visited the factory in Germany. Two beauties of Harris’ own fleet will also form part of the exhibition, namely his prized red 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL convertible, and his maroon 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 S Sedan. Other special Merc models on exhibition will include a 1901 Benz Ideal, brought from Cape Town. Ardent collector from George Dr Waldo Scribante - who also serves as Mercedes-Benz Club South Africa president - will display three of his vehicles: a 1913 Benz, a 1935 Benz 130 H, and a 1938 Benz 320. Fellow German car manufacturer Volkswagen will also display vehicles at the show. “We approached Auto Pavilion Volkswagen Museum in Uitenhage to exhibit some of their vehicles, and they are bringing two Beetles dating from 1949 and 1979, the latter being the last manufactured in Uitenhage,” said Harris. BMW will be represented by two models dating from 1936 and 1938, while there will also be a 1938 DKW and a 1935 Opel Cabriolet. George Rotary will run a beer tent and provide cold drinks

OLD BUT NOT COLD: This 1886 Benz will form part of a special exhibition focusing on German-manufactured vehicles at next month’s George car show Photo: Phillip Rosser

in a shaded area on both show days, while a number of stalls will sell food and a selection of merchandise. Young children will be kept busy in a safe area at a minimal fee. Entry fees range from R50R20 for adults, R40-15 for pensioners, and R20-10 for kids, with special weekend package deals from R60-R25. Gates are open from 7am-6pm on the February 11 and 8am1pm on the 12th, with an official opening by mayor Naik at 10am on the Saturday. • Visit www.scocc.co.za for more information.

Can shake bolsters Nippers season 2017

Alex Selfe, centre - pictured here with fellow Nipper Jodie Cupido and coach Peter Auersperg at back - was one of a fair contingent of ocean-wise kids who braved the blazing heat to raise funds for the coming Nippers season at various Plett hotspots on December 31. The mid-season can collection yielded a whopping R46,000 that will go a long way towards supporting the youngsters’ participation in the Western Cape champs in Clifton and Nippers Nationals in PE during March. Plett Surf Lifesaving chair James Stewart thanks all coaches, parents and Nippers who took time out on a very hot Saturday to shake buckets in the PSLC Annual Can Collection. “A big shout-out also goes to everyone who donated, thus ensuring the continuation of our successful Nipper development programme.” Finally, he thanked Spur for the refreshments after a long morning in the sun. Parents, take note that Nippers season is in full swing from January 13 onwards in preparation for the first friendly carnival on January 21 and 22 - please ensure that your level tests are up to date. If you are interested in joining Plett’s amazing Nipper family, contact Shameera at plettsurfclub@ gmail.com or on 083 304 5087, or pop down to Central Beach on Friday afternoons.