11 may

11 May 2016

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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Master class Joburg Ballet stars Claudia Monja and Juan Carlos Osma as they appeared in ‘Walpurgisnacht’ - turn to page 9 to find out what these dancers are doing in Knysna

Knysna CBD shooting p3

Blood Lions awarded p5

The Expedition is on! p12 Photo: Lauge Sorensen

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

11 May 2016

He’s no average Joe, so please support this Plett homie’s Mr PE quest Now in his final year of studies at NMMU in Port Elizabeth, Mr PE 2016 finalist MICHAEL-JOHN GROBLER was born and bred in Plettenberg Bay - and CXPRESS tracked him down for a chat to find out what drives him XPRESS: Why would a busy young man like yourself enter the Burger Boardwalk Mr PE contest?

MICHAEL-JOHN GROBLER: The event decides who becomes the next ambassador for Port Elizabeth. When I first saw the campaign back in 2014, I was supporting a friend who had entered. I really liked the idea of being PE’s ambassador - someone who could represent the city and all of the good it has to offer.

When this year I was approached by organisers of the campaign to sign up, I was a bit frightened by the idea. But as they say: You grow most when you step out of your comfort zone and take on new challenges.

So I decided to enter and now I’m one of 12 finalists!

My competition is tough

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and they have a lot of support behind them due to having lived in PE for far longer, so it would be great if I could gather some support from my hometown.

CX: Do you still regard Plett as ‘home’?

MJG: I was born and raised in Plett - my parents, Hanlie Grobler and Kenny Dry, still live there and I visit them quite often. I attended Plettenberg Bay Primary from 2001-7 and Wittedrift High from 2008-12.

In high school, I participated in as many things as my body would allow (haha) and I was also elected as deputy head boy. I was captain of the Eagles athletics team - we even took the cup that year - played rugby for the first team, and matriculated with three distinctions.

CX: Good going! And

NOT JUST A PRETTY FACE: Michael-John Grobler, who scored a trio of As in matric and is now in his third year of a BSc degree at NMMU in PE, would like to use the Mr PE finalist experience as springboard to back worthy causes

how has PE academia been treating you?

MJG: I moved to Port Elizabeth to study mechatronic engineering, but later changed to do a BSc in Construction Economics.

I’m currently in my third year and will receive my degree at our graduation ceremony next year… if all goes according to plan!

Other than that I’ve always been a fan of science and a firm believer in quality education in a stimulating environment.

A certificate with your name on it won’t solve all our problems, but it’s a hell of a place to start.

CX: Tell us about your Mr

PE campaign so far - has it been fun or just hard work?

MJG: We’ve been doing a lot of physical activities - CrossFit, paintball, unarmed combat training, and scuba diving - as well as visiting Quest School for Autistic Children, and attending marketing and lifeplanning seminars. And there’s lots more to come!

The journey up to now has been a breath-taking and humbling experience and I’m enjoying every bit of it. The other finalists are great guys, too, each of them unique in his own way and everybody boasting special backgrounds and achievements. Sometimes

TALKING THE TALK: The Plett native looks confident during his first public appearance at the Boardwalk amphitheatre on Monday May 2 - Photos: Craig Anderson Photography

it’s all still a bit frightening.

I didn’t join with the objective or idea of winning. I saw this as an opportunity to learn, experience new things, make new friends and grow as a person. And should I win, I’ll have a great platform from which to promote and support worthy causes to a much greater degree than I would have had as an average Joe. • To follow and support Michael-John, please send him a Facebook friend request to see the photo uploads and updates he posts about the campaign. You can also follow him on Twitter (@its michael_j) or Instagram (@its_michael_j).

There is no public voting system and judges rate the finalists during the various events with scores on attitude, perseverance, ethic, teamwork abilities, and various other categories.

But Michael-John invites CXPRESS readers to ‘like’ his posts, share it, leave a kind or encouraging comment, or send him a Facebook message, adding: “Any form of support or encouragement makes a difference, and having my hometown’s backing means the world to me!”

The Mr PE final gala event takes place on June 17 - visit mrpe.co.za for more information.

Always there to help Knysna’s animals and their owners ELPUS Ndlebe has just celebrated 20 years with Knysna Animal Welfare Services (KAWS).

It takes a special person to persevere and to dedicate himself to a job where he is confronted daily with the negativity of sick or injured animals, cruelty and aggressive animals and, sometimes, even more aggressive owners.

But Helpus turns all these negatives into positives. He started working for KAWS as a cleaner and assistant inspector in 1996, and soon realised that he had found his calling - to educate people about their pets, and be prepared to help at any time.

Helpus reminisces: “Back in 1996, we used to start at 8am cleaning and feeding

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CALLING FOUND: Inspector Helpus Ndlebe with one of the thousands of pets he has cared for over the past two decades

from cattery to doggery, and then after 10am we attended to callouts. KAWS ran a dipping programme

from Plett and Knysna to Rheenendal.

“We also used to collect dogs and cats for spon-

sored sterilisation, keep them overnight at KAWS, and early the next day take them to a private veterinary clinic for the operation. We collected them again at 3pm and took them back to the kennels to recover, before returning them to their owners. We had just one van to do all this work.

“Now so much has changed. We’ve got our own clinic with our own veterinarian where we sterilise as many dogs and cats as we can.

We also have three inspectors and three vans to make things easier.

“It was a long journey and it wasn’t easy, especially as an inspector. I thank the KAWS committee, staff and volunteers for their good work.”

NEWS & VIEWS

11 May 2016

CXPRESS

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Policeman survives vicious screwdriver attack but aggressor succumbs after ‘shot went off’ There was high drama in Knysna’s busy main road on Monday morning when a police officer was stabbed and his attacker shot during the ensuing scuffle - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports OLICE spokesman Captain Malcolm Pojie said the officer - a member of the local dog unit - had responded to reports of a brawl between two men near a pharmacy in the town’s centre at about 7:40am, when one of the men allegedly attacked the officer.

“The 41-year-old sergeant was busy trying to break up the fight between the two when one of them started stabbing the officer with a screwdriver. The at-

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tack was so vicious that the officer fell to the ground where the man continued to attack him,” Pojie said.

He added that during the attack, a “shot went off ”, hitting the unknown suspect in the stomach.

At that stage more police, security guards and paramedics arrived.

“The officer sustained injuries, the most significant being a stab wound to the head. Both the officer and the suspect were taken to

local hospitals.”

Pojie said while the police officer was in a stable condition, the suspect succumbed to his injuries at about 10am.

He added that a murder docket had been opened and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate had been notified.

Police have also opened an attempted murder docket following the attack on the police officer.

Garden Route Media

EARLY-MORNING AGGRESSION: The crime scene close to a pharmacy in Knysna Main Street, where his attempt at breaking up a fight nearly cost a local dog-unit officer his life Photo courtesy Garden Route Traffic forum

Dana will be remembered in Harkerville on Saturday Friends of Dana Lawless - the 52-year-old Plett resident who died after losing her footing and falling under an art-car trailer at the recently concluded AfrikaBurn festival in the Tankwa Karoo last weekend - will gather at her house in Harkerville on Saturday morning May 14 from 11am to celebrate her life.

According to a post published on the Seeds for Change Facebook page, Lawless had gone from being married with children and working in the corporate world to ‘living in a forest, working full-time as a tarot reader, and taking up hula-hooping’. Friend Martin Glinister described her as a ‘mother hen, always looking after everyone’s well-being’ and said she was in a jubilant but peaceful frame of mind at the time of the freak accident. - Photo: Facebook

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

11 May 2016

Knysna mayor and friends remember May 4, 1916

Knysna Municipality and members of the town’s Historical Society commemorated the 100-year anniversary of the destruction by floods of Westford Bridge, also known as the Concrete Bridge, over the Knysna River on Wednesday May 4, placing heritage plaques on the surviving two concrete abutments. Says Knysna Historical Society (KHS) chair Philip Caveney: ‘The event was very successful and we thank mayor Georlene Wolmarans for attending, as well as Knysna municipal manager Grant Easton, Chris Bezuidenhoudt and Melanie Groenewald of the municipality, Society members and representatives of Westford Bridge Estate Homeowners Association. Committee member Murray Douglas gave a short talk which was well received, before the mayor unveiled the heritage plaque to everyone’s delight.’ In the pic at left with historian Margaret Parkes at left are mayor Wolmarans and Messrs Caveney and Douglas, with the abutment in the near background. At right, Erick Fourie of Westford Bridge Estate - who instigated the event and is also a member of KHS - chats to the mayor about the bridge’s brief history.

Whatever you do, don’t drown that turtle - it’s cold and very, very far from home Yolandé Stander

VER the past month, more than 10 loggerhead turtle hatchlings have been saved by residents and visitors after washing up on Plettenberg Bay beaches.

By yesterday [Tuesday] local animal rehabilitation centre Tenikwa had received 12 tiny turtles found more than 1,000km from their nesting area in KwaZulu-Natal.

The centre on the outskirts of the coastal holiday town takes the turtles - that often only weigh a few grams when they end up on the beach - and stabilise and rehydrate them, before they are sent to Cape Town, where there are better equipped facilities, for further rehabilitation.

To minimise the trauma that transporting them causes, commuter and regional carrier CemAir, which regularly contributes to conservation efforts in South Africa, then fly the turtles to Cape Town where they are taken in by Two Oceans Aquarium.

Last year this time the aquarium, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI)

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Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

LITTLE TURTLE LOST: Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town takes in some of the turtles found on the South Cape coast, once they are strong enough to catch a CemAir flight to the Mother City - Photo courtesy Two Oceans Aquarium

and conservation agencies across the country had their hands full with more than a 100 of these turtles washing up on beaches in the Western and Eastern Cape.

The hatchlings most likely hail from the iSimangaliso Wetland Park on the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal near St Lucia, and are thought to get caught in currents during rough sea conditions. They are stunned by the colder water and then wash up on beaches.

Every year about 10 to 20 are found around the country, but last year’s vast number was due to extreme weather conditions.

This year numbers are also increasing rapidly after a

stormy weekend with 12 in Plettenberg Bay alone and several other reports across the Garden Route, including in the Mossel Bay area.

Once the turtles arrive at the aquarium each one is assessed, rehydrated and their body temperatures slowly raised by increasing the water temperature they are in.

Staff also ensure that they are strong and able to lift their heads above the water in order for them to breathe and if this is difficult, the turtles are given special floating jackets to help the process.

A veterinarian then does a full assessment and decides on appropriate medical treatment if necessary.

When the turtles are healthy and strong enough they are taken to uShaka Marine World in Durban for release on the KwaZuluNatal coast.

Spokesman for Tenikwa Steven Hendriks appealed to the public once again, asking for turtles found to be placed in dry containers.

“Throwing it back in the ocean would mean certain death as they are often too weak to come up for air and will drown,” Hendriks said.

“Try and keep the turtle at room temperature to warm up slowly. These turtles are most likely suffering from hypothermia, which makes them weak. In severe cases they look dead, but you can softly pull on one of the flippers to check if there is any movement. Don’t just presume it is dead.”

Hendriks also warned not to feed or give the turtles water. “Also don’t submerge them in water as they may be too weak to come up for air.”

For assistance, the nearest CapeNature, SANParks or animal rehabilitation centre can be contacted.

NEWS & VIEWS

11 May 2016

CXPRESS

Blood Lions wins prestigious international award and acknowledgement

CORE CONSERVATIONISTS: ‘Blood Lions’ was screened at The Core Club in New York during April - with Ian Michler at left are, from left, Brent Stapelkamp of Cecil the Lion-fame, Brian Gaisford from the Hemingway Gallery, and Born Free International CEO Adam Roberts

HE Blood Lions campaign continues to go from strength to strength both locally and abroad.

And in recognition of this, the film and campaign have been honoured twice in the last few months.

In April, Plett resident Ian Michler travelled with producer Pippa Hankinson and executive producer Dr Andrew Venter to New York to attend a gala fundraising event that lauded them for Blood Lions, alongside Dr Craig Packer - one of Africa’s most experienced lion scientists.

This was followed by the film winning a Genesis Award from the Humane Society, USA, of which films such as The Cove, Blackfish and Virunga have been past winners.

Ian also spent a week in Washington DC in March to attend the National Geographic sponsored Environmental Film Festival where Blood Lions was being screened.

On both these trips, Ian

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PARTNERS IN PROTECTION: The Blood Lions team has partnered with Woolworths branches across South Africa, so get your bag with a free copy of the film at any Woolies store

and his fellow campaign leaders were involved in presentations and discussions lobbying government officials and the wider conservation community, as well as members of the travel industry.

Late in May, Ian heads back to the USA to attend Telluride Mountainfilm (www.mountainfilm. org/festival) - one of the world’s most acclaimed environmental festivals.

And then later in the year, the campaign swings back to Europe where there will be parliamentary screenings in a number of countries including Spain, Italy and Finland.

The European campaign was given a massive boost recently when The Netherlands became the third country after Australia and France to ban the importation of lion trophies.

Locally, after the Conservation Lab held at Spier in Stellenbosch recently, almost every major safari and ecotourism operator committed to supporting a pledge against all predator breeding and the range of exploitative tourism activities using lions and other predators.

The film was screened at Indaba in Durban last weekend, and will also be represented at WTM in London during November.

• Visit www.bloodlions.org and turn to page 2 of the July 29 edition at www.cx press.co.za for background on Eden to Addo director and anti-trophy hunting trooper Ian Michler’s role in mobilising the campaign through his Blood Lions documentary film.

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CXPRESS

BUSINESS

11 May 2016

Market Square owners expand retail footprint MIRA Property Fund, owners of The Market Square in Plettenberg Bay, continues to grow value in its retail property portfolio, having invested over R250-million in acquiring new centres and upgrading existing ones.

The leading JSE-listed REIT (real estate investment trust) is already reaping the rewards of its investment in retail properties across the country.

Emira is a diversified midcap REIT invested in a quality balanced portfolio of office, retail and industrial properties. Its assets comprise 146 properties valued at R13-billion. It is also internationally diversified through its 4.9% direct holding in ASX-listed GOZ, valued at R942.7million. Combined, its total assets come to R14-billion.

Boosting its retail portfolio, Emira recently acquired a 50% undivided share in Shoprite Mall in Mitchell’s

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Plain in the Western Cape for R75.3-million.

COO Ulana van Biljon explains: “We believe that through attentive asset management, we can unlock new potential from the centre that will have a positive impact on the surrounding community, and create a more secure shopping environment.

Emira also recently completed a R12,1-million upgrade to accommodate new and bigger stores at The Market Square, which is located in a growing retail node just outside Plettenberg Bay CBD. With retail space of 14,924sqm, it is now home to over 50 stores, restaurants and service outlets.

Boasting Woolworths and Pick n Pay as anchor food tenants, the centre has welcomed the addition of Standard Bank and Nedbank branches to boost banking services beyond its previous ATM offering.

Emira’s upgrade of The Market Square also saw its Woolworths store expand and upgrade. Its investment at The Market Square was made on the back of its strong trading record and retailer demand. It is the second expansion of the centre in five years.

Van Biljon reports: “In 2010 we spent R28-million to extend the centre by 1,091sqm to accommodate both Clicks and Edgars.

Since then, it has continued to trade well, positioning itself as the dominant shopping centre in the area. The improvement in turnovers and trading densities across the centre since this project was completed was added motivation to go ahead with the latest expansion.”

Other centres recently acquired by Emira include Ben Fleur Boulevard in Emalahleni, Springfield Retail Centre in Durban, and Granada Square in Umhlanga Rocks.

MARKET SQUARE UPGRADED: Emira’s first upgrade in 2010 saw the addition of Edgars and Clicks, while the most recent work included the expansion of Woolworths and the addition of Standard Bank and Nedbank

Investor Focus

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

The road ahead...

NVESTORS face a rocky road in the medium term.

Locally, we have the August 3 municipal elections, and then there is the so-called Brexit referendum in the UK. The American election circus continues, and the Junk-status threat is an overhang that will last ‘till early next year.

All of these uncertainties create a high level of investor resistance.

Economic growth both globally and locally is sluggish. Euro land and China show signs of economic slowdown; both are our main trading partners.

With all of these uncertainties, we ask the question: Why are shares globally so expensive?

In SA, retail shares are on really high P/E ratios, some well over 20. Dividend yields are low, with many quality companies offering a yield of only 3% or 4%.

International equities are equally expensive, and many of the multinationals offer dividend yields under

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3% with PE ratios in excess of 18.

One would think, amid all the uncertainty and low economic growth, that shares would be cheap!

Low and even negative interest rates are the primary reason for the current pricing. In Switzerland, you are charged for having money in the bank. There is a municipal area in Denmark that has asked residents to stop paying their rates as the cost of holding cash in the bank has become prohibitive.

So investors faced with negative returns on their cash holdings are forced into equities. A dividend yield as low as 3% is better than having to pay your bank 3 or even 7 Euros every month.

So the dilemma is frightening and the route you follow depends on your personal circumstances.

The next threat is to consider what will happen when we eventually return to positive interest rates and the measly dividend of

3% gets overtaken.

At present, American long bonds yield less than 2%!

In our own market, the banking sector looks attractive. They have been downgraded as the country was downgraded. No domestic company can be rated higher than any Government bonds.

I am confident that our local big banks are financially very sound, their bad debts are under control and their capital adequacy levels are very healthy.

In South Africa, we have positive interest rates so the ‘free money’ syndrome is not in operation.

These banks currently offer attractive dividends, and are on PE ratios under 10. This does not happen very often, so a good look at the banking shares could well prove to be rewarding over the long term.

• Malcolm has been in the investment industry for over 40 years. He has written this column in CXPRESS for the last 17 years and is a specialist in managing retired wealth.

PROMOTION

11 May 2016

CXPRESS

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CXPRESS

11 May 2016

INTERVAL

“Daddy, did you know that girls are smarter than boys?”

“No, I did not.”

“See, there you go.”

Interesting historic trivia of phrases – Part II N the late 1700s, many houses consisted of a large room with only one chair. Commonly, a long wide board folded down from the wall, and was used for dining.

The ‘head of the household’ always sat in the chair while everyone else ate sitting on the floor. Occasionally a guest, who was usually a man, would be invited to sit in this chair during a meal.

Sitting in the chair meant that you were important and in charge. They called the one sitting in the chair the ‘chairman’.

Today in business, we use the expression or title ‘Chairman’ or ‘Chairman of the Board’.

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Common entertainment included playing cards. However, there was a tax levied when purchasing playing cards, but only applicable to the ‘Ace of Spades’.

To avoid paying the tax, people would purchase 51 cards instead.

Yet, since most games require 52 cards, these people were thought to be stupid or dumb because they were not ‘playing with a full deck’.

Early politicians required feedback from the public to determine what the people considered important.

Since there were no telephones, TVs or radios, the politicians sent their assistants to local taverns, pubs, and bars.

They were told to go sip some ale and listen to people’s conversations and political concerns. Many assistants were dispatched at different times.

‘You go sip here’ and ‘You go sip there’. The two words ‘go sip’ were eventually combined when referring to the local opinion and, thus, we have the term ‘gossip’.

I hate it when I’m singing along with a song and the artist gets the words wrong.

How is Norma doing? grandmother phoned St Joseph’s Hospital.

She timidly asked: “Is it possible to speak to someone who can tell me how a patient is doing?”

The operator said: “I’ll be glad to help, dear. What’s the name and room number of the patient?”

The grandmother in her weak, tremulous voice said: “Norma Findlay, Room 302.”

The operator replied: “Let me put you on hold while I check with the nurse’s station for that room.”

After a few minutes, the operator returned to the

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phone and said: “I have good news. Her nurse just told me that Norma is doing well. Her blood pressure is fine; her blood test just came back normal and her physician, Dr Cohen, has scheduled her to be discharged tomorrow.”

“Thanks, that’s wonderful.

I was so worried. God bless you for the good news,” the grandmother said.

The operator replied: “You’re more than welcome.

Is Norma your daughter?”

The grandmother said: “No, I’m Norma Findlay in Room 302. The staff tells me bugger all.”

Classic Gordon Ramsey...

SOCIAL SCENE

11 May 2016

CXPRESS

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People, places & events

Photos: Timothy Twidle

CATCH THESE STARS IN ACTION: Oakhill School’s Dance Team participated at the South African Championship of Performing Arts in Johannesburg last month. Representing Western Province, these dancers competed in various styles and age groups for the Dance and Drama events of the competition, winning multiple awards and medals. Two students were even selected for Team South Africa to compete at the World Championships taking place in Los Angeles later this year. The team will be performing their dances in a fundraising Showcase at 6pm on Thursday May 19 at Oakhill School, and on Friday the 20th at Plett Primary School. Tickets are R50 and can be booked through Oakhill on 044 382 6506 or purchased at the door - but whatever you do, don’t miss out on these fabulous performances! In the pic from left are Oakhill drama teacher Cemone Hewetson, Hannah Micklewood, Lauren Boni, Kayleigh Packwood, Eri Young, dance teacher Robyn Humphreys, Nick Thomson, Kalcey Polson, Kristina Steward and Gemma Kilian.

THE GOOD LIFE WITH MONSIEUR ROETS: Book now for a night of delectable cuisine, exquisite wines and the distinctively melodious voice of Mathys Roets, above.

This evening of unadulterated bliss is in the pipeline at Monet’s in George with its spectacular views of Fancourt and the Outeniqua Mountains, when the fourth Carpe Diem fundraiser ‘Bon Vivant’ is hosted on May 21. Only a limited number of guests will be in the privileged position to appreciate pairing scrumptious gastronomy with award-winning wines.

No less than four courses will be served while guests enjoy Mathys’s velvety voice. Best known for his interpretations of Koos du Plessis and Leonard Cohen, his ‘Masters of Song’ also enjoyed great audience acclaim featuring the ever popular tunes of Cat Stevens, Neil Diamond and Roger Whittaker. An evening spent in his company is invariably uplifting and memorable, so contact headmaster Karools Hauptfleisch on 082 776 3721 or at carpekarools@telkomsa.net for more information or to book your seat.

GREATER KNYSNITES DESCEND ON DRC: At the fourth KnysnaPlett Concert of the year on May 4, Alexander Ramm and Pieter Jacobs gave a superlative performance of sonatas for cello and piano by Edvard Grieg, Samuel Barber, Claude Debussy and Dimitri Shostakovich. Enjoying the après-sonata tea at the Dutch Reformed Church hall were, above from left, Marina Smuts, Dawn van Heerden, Viv Leach, Marie Kok and Judi Steele, all of Knysna. At left are Max Kirchman and Brian Wright of Rheenendal and, below, Jean and Bob Allan of Knysna are flanked by Sedgefielders Gail and Rod Fehresen.

BRINGING MASTERFUL BALLET TO KNYSNA: One of the most unique cultural traditions in Knysna is the annual visit by the country’s most accomplished ballet dancers, who enchant local audiences in aid of the worthy Hospice cause. This morning (May 11) from 10am-11:30am will see the presentation of a Master Class at Knysna Dutch Reformed Church in Fichat Street at R50 a seat, with a School Outreach Rehearsal (by invitation only) on Thursday the 12th. Then it’s time for the serious business of ballet, when dancers of the prestigious Joburg Ballet present three shows over the next two days: a matinee at 3pm on Friday May 13 and shows at 11am and 3pm on Saturday the 14th. Tickets range in price depending on position and can be booked by phoning 073 950 5542 (during booking hours only) or popping in at the DRC booking office between 9am and 2pm. Pictured above is Joburg Ballet’s principal dancer Shannon Glover in a scene from ‘Les Sylphides’. - Photo: Bill Zurich

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CXPRESS

11 May 2016

CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

11 May 2016

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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

Tackle the traffic problem where it exists...

The letter on Knysna’s bypass in CXPRESS of April 27 refers [read it on page 15 of that edition at www. cxpress.co.za].

‘Disadvantaged Garden Route Motorist’ is quite correct in urging the immediate construction of the Knysna bypass. Has

anyone from Sanral monitored the traffic jams and chaos in Knysna during peak holiday periods?

I have never had to wait for hours on the road from Knysna to George - but when you reach Knysna, you are in a deadlocked and bottlenecked traffic jam.

No bypass in our time, but there ARE ways to ease traffic I would like to reply to the following letters in the May 4 edition of CXPRESS [read them at www.cxpress.co.za]: 1. Roger Davis is 100% correct regarding the traffic lights in Knysna, as well as his suggestion to make Main Road and Waterfront Drive one ways.

2. Christopher Durrant - no bypass, not in our time… And yes, Main

Road’s northern side between Waterfront Drive and the Old Toll Road CAN be widened. This would ease traffic flow to the east.

Why is the Knysna DAcontrolled council, for now, so short-sighted?

Not one of them has any engineering or traffic control experience, and they will not accept advice.

Leon Naudé, Knysna

I have actually turned around several times and just cancelled my appointments in Knysna.

Tackle the problem where it exists - and that is the congestion in Knysna, NOT whether there is a higher volume of traffic between Knysna and George, where

at least the traffic moves.

Sanral should furthermore take note that when the nuclear plant gets built at Thyspunt, trucks carrying nuclear waste from Jeffrey’s Bay to Vaalputs will have to go right through the middle of Knysna!

M Matzener, Plett

Discovered: Earth’s most beauticious ‘Burrow’ Malcolm Dodd of Bunny’s Burrow - on undoubtedly the finest site in Plettenberg Bay, perched over Lookout Beach and the lagoon - is a difficult man.

He can be the most charming man in the world.

Cross him, and you’ve had it; Malcolm achieves what he wishes to achieve.

Well, the other day I was, by him, invited into his eccentric house.

I scarce know where to start: soaring ecclesiastical

ceilings, double-volume antique French doors, oversized Bonsai trees against vast glass expanses showing the breath-taking view, artwork of a loveliness that makes you feel as if you’ve been punched in your stomach... I could go on and on.

I think my extensive travels and my visual literacy entitle me to say: the ‘new’ Bunny’s Burrow is the single-most beautiful thing on this planet.

Martin Rattray, Plett

Save the bees!

Plett-based CXPRESS fan John Newton shared this stunner and wrote: ‘In line with your Save the Insects theme for the next edition, this one virtually sent itself... I know, I know, I shall rot in hell for taking chances. But nothing ventured, nothing gained. I’m sure my ex-wife married me just to shut me up and get some peace. Did it work? I think the “ex” bit handles that answer. But this is an honest plea to one and all to help save the bees, as without them we’re doomed - The World’s Third Worst Photographer.’

When we asked why it’s signed off like that or, rather, who the second-worst and downright worst photographers were, the answer came: ‘The second-worst photographer is also me using a non de plume, but the worst is a sightimpaired former Trappist monk, Ka Hantphu Kin Cé, who lives in Vietnam. Have a magic day.’

We promised we would… Google ‘Dream Merchant Photo Images’ for more of John’s pictures. - Eds.

Who maimed the Milkwood and hacked out its hive?

We received these pics from a Knysna reader, who wrote: ‘Maybe you can publish this to assist our investigation. Someone has cut into this ancient Milkwood tree near Knysna squash courts on the lagoon side using a power tool to remove a beehive. Two crimes, one old tree!’ Drop us a line at editor@cxpress.co.za if you read here and know more about the incident. An official word in this regard came from CapeNature’s Henk Nieuwoudt, who said he strongly suspected the hive was removed by someone in fear of being stung or with serious allergies in the family, for instance, rather than stealing the swarm for personal gain. ‘Plett alone has about seven or eight honey producers and I think the same goes for Knysna, so I doubt they were removed for their earning potential through honey sales. And if it was done to prevent the resident bees from being a nuisance or health risk, then the hole should have been resealed, or by next spring it will be filled by a new swarm as soon as they sense pollen or propolis from the previous inhabitants. As far as the tree’s injury goes: one should get permission from Forestry before messing with a Milkwood, but trees like that protect themselves and this one is sure to regenerate.’

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CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

11 May 2016

World-class adventure racers descend on the Garden Route for Expedition Africa ‘16 XCITEMENT was in the air when it was announced last year that the next Expedition Africa - arguably the continent’s most challenging adventure race, now in its sixth year - would take place on the Garden Route in 2016.

At the time, however, May felt lightyears away…

Time flies though and in

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two days flat, several brave local and a whole bunch of international adventure athletes will check in at the Pine Lake Marina race village outside Sedgefield, before setting off on Sunday on a 500km+ route sure to challenge their every fibre.

About 50 four-member teams and a handful of pairs will race from check-

point to checkpoint over a rugged course while navigating with maps and compasses only. Disciplines will include mountain biking, trekking, kayaking, canyoneering, orienteering, and rope work - all of these having massive international followings.

All teams will be fitted with live tracking GPS de-

vices, so you can follow your favourite team at www. kineticgear.org/gps-track ing as soon as the race gets underway. The live tracking page of last year’s race in Swaziland attracted 200,000 views from more than 10,000 viewers, who spent an average of 9min per view on the site.

Expedition Africa forms part of the Adventure Racing World Series (www. arworldseries.com), with events in Belize each Feb-

ruary, Ecuador in March, Chile in April, SA in May, the USA in June, and Ireland and France in August.

The world championships will take place in November at a venue to be announced.

Having run annually since 2011, Expedition Africa has developed a following around the world both among adventure racers and the general public.

This, and the video and social media coverage that the event generates, has made

it an ideal showcase for South Africa as an outdoor destination.

Apart from a large South African contingent, athletes from nearly 20 different countries will descend on the Garden Route from today onwards - these include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, France, Germany, Holland, India, Ireland, Italy, Kuwait, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK and USA - as well as international media members.

Welcome to the Route, let the adventure begin!

It’s a feeling - and then some…

CLOUD BREAK: Petrus Maree takes a breather to drink in the view on the road to De Vlugt during a training ride ahead of ‘EA16’ Photo: Drew Scott

SENSATIONAL SPECIALS SURVIVED THE NIGHT: Team Plett Adventure Racing - from left are Petrus Maree, Andrew Damp, Kate Southey aka ‘Meisie’, and Drew Scott - after a 24-hour training race organised by Graham Bird of Merrel Adventure Addicts that started and ended at Simola in Knysna recently

XPRESS asked Drew Scott of Running Wild SA fame - navigator of the Plett Tourism-backed Team Plett Adventure Racing, with members Petrus Maree, Andrew Damp and Kate Southey - what was going through his head mere days before hitting the 500km Expedition Africa.

Training “We’re in tapering mode, giving our muscles as much recovery time as possible but still balancing it out with light-duty exercise.”

Food “We eat with one goal in

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es a

SAFUYOCURE O E CHOIC

Sauce Burger PLUS 350ml Soda Available Mondays to Fridays, until 5pm

Hake & Chips

4990 5990

HALF PORTION

Eisbein

350g of our legendary T-Bone Steak.

Saturdays & Sundays

850g of tender, meaty aty pork rfection. knuckle, grilled to perfection.

Available all day, every very day

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Ts and Cs apply. VAT incl. Per person. Eat-in only. The visuals are for descriptive e purposes and meals served could vary. Portion weights are raw weights.

2nd Floor, Milkwood Centre, Hopwood Street, Plettenberg Bay. ay. y. www.spur.co.za 044 533 4695

F you’re planning to keep abreast of the race via live tracking, take note of these Garden Route teams, or single local members of other South African outfits: • Head Over Hills: Andrew Robinson (Knysna); Neill Ungerer, Yolande de Villiers, Marthinus Esmeyer (Garden Route) • Pennypinchers Adventure Racing: James Stewart, Woitec Orzechowski

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step. It’s scary, it’s nervewracking, it’s a logistical conundrum, it’s a test of human ability - the race will be physically and mentally challenging to the max.

“But it’s here now, it’s on the Garden Route - it’s Expedition Africa 2016! And ‘it’s a feeling’ will prevail with the backing of Plett Tourism and all our friends and family rooting for us.”

• Apart from the official tracking site at www.kineticgear.org fans can also follow the team’s adventure from May 15-21 at #plett adventure on Twitter.

Locals to look out for

Lightly dusted and grilled or flash-fried. Served with tartare sauce.

Monday to Friday, until 5pm

T-Bone

mind: getting fat to start storing energy supplies!”

Headspace and the race “We’re all quite nervous and focusing on not getting sick. Andrew broke a rib during last month’s Tsitsikamma Ultra but on Sunday, the doc said he’s fighting fit. If that weren’t the case, we had a replacement on standby. With less than a week left, the biggest challenge is getting four fit people to the start uninjured.

“Months of training and admin is now funnelling down to the toughest race you can do on our door-

(Plett); Jeannette Wylie, Jeff Willcocks (Knysna) • Merrell Adventure Addicts: Graham Bird (Knysna) • 3 Dutchmen and a Lady: Meyer van Rooyen, Johan Janse van Vuuren, Hanlie Sinclair (Plett), Mario Hildebrand (Storms River Village) • Lickety Split: Sanet Viljoen and Phillo Beukes (Knysna) • Plett Adventure Rac-

ing: Drew Scott, Petrus Maree, Andrew Damp (Plett) and Kate Southey (Knysna) • Psychosis: Johan Olivier, Martin Fraser-Smith, Albert Wasserman (Knysna) • Lunar Chicks: Nikki Smit (Knysna) • Featherbed: John Collins, Mark Collins, and Darren Berry (Knysna) • Merrell Mentors: Hanno Smit and Sarah Hearn (Knysna).