12 november by CXpress

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

Sanral feeds back

Dutch doctor saved

Athletics SWD tops!

p12

Hands off our homes!

FREE

Photo: Ewald Stander

12 November 2014

See report on page 3.

10 000 FREE COPIES OF CXPRESS DISTRIBUTED ALONG THE GARDEN ROUTE EVERY WEDNESDAY

CXPRESS

News & Views

12 November 2014

ROTARY CALENDAR

Fifteen months of images to ensure that ‘Plett feeling’ lingers long after the holidays CXPRESS chatted to ATE BOS, president of the Rotary Club of Plettenberg Bay, about their latest and biggest project to date

Our 10 000 free copies are distributed every Wednesday to a multitude of outlets along the Garden Route, with emphasis on Knysna and Plett and drop-offs at *Sedgefield Tourism *Caltex StarMart in Wilderness *Lynn Schroeder, Build It and other select outlets in George *Storms River Village and Bridge in Tsitsikamma - phone 044 533 1004 (o/h) with distribution queries.

If you’ve missed out on a hard copy, read the electronic version online at www.cxpress.co.za

ZRTGUU< Uq."yj{"c"ecn/ gpfctA Ate Bos: The Rotary Club of Plettenberg Bay was inspired by the local Calendar Girls who raised nearly R200,000 for cancer victims, and by a proposal from Plett’s best amateur photographers to produce a calendar for 2015 with the same objective of raising money for CansaCare, Plett NSRI, and other deserving causes. (See the list below.) We are working along with Tourism’s theme of ‘Plett - it’s a feeling’ and each month depicts a well-known landmark from our beautiful area. The photos were all provided by our own talented amateur photographers and Plett Tourism collaborators Daron Chatz Photography & Film, free of charge. The photographs are stunning and will appeal to everyone, especially our visitors, sending them home with fond memories of Plett. EZ<" Yjcv" gnug" ocmgu" vjku" ecngpfct"wpkswgA AB: The fact that it runs for 15 months, from December 2014 to February 2016, makes it truly original. It allows our December visitors to use the calendar immediately, and gives us a marketing window of at least four months. EZ<"Ngv‚u"vcnm"uk|g"cpf"rtkeg0 AB: The format and size is A3 folded with a full-colour glossy photo topping each page, and the month and sponsors listed below. Based on visitor numbers alone, we

are ordering an initial quantity of 10,000 and we fully expect to add to this amount. The selling price of R80 should be seen as extremely competitive when compared to what is available in Plett. Due to the generosity of our sponsors, a large part of the cost of producing the calendar has already been met. EZ<"Yjgtg"ecp"yg"dw{"vjg" ecngpfctuA AB: They will be widely available throughout Plett from November 14, and principal outlets include Beacon Island Hotel, The Village Bookshop, PNA, the Plett Tourism office in Mellville’s Corner, Ruby Kiss’s (the flower shop at The Market Square), Siya Phambili in The Crags, Goose Valley and Plett Country Club. In addition, we will mobilise our Interactors - young Rotarians from Wittedrift High and Plett Secondary schools who, along with Plett Rotary members, will manage stalls at our various markets and selected locations. EZ<" Yjcv" gnug" ku" qp" vjg" cigpfc"hqt"Rngvv"Tqvct{"EnwdA AB: As well as raising money for our worthy projects, the objective is to raise the profile of Rotary and recruit new members. This project has highlighted how thin on the ground we are with just 12 members plus our ‘Swallows’, in Plett from October to March each year. Anyone who feels that they would like to make a contribution, in terms of time and effort should come along to one of our meetings. Please join us in our fundraising ef-

forts and make a difference to the welfare of the less fortunate in our community. Our focus is and always has been education and children, the hope and the future of our society. Call Philip Murton on 072 340 6238 / 044 533 5494, Pam Rodwell on 044 533 0591 / 082 822 8422 or Ate Bos on 044 534 8677 / 082 353 9198 for more info. Urqpuqtu • Beacon Isle Hotel • Herbalife Independent Distributor • Fat Fish • Ruby Kiss’s •

Lemongrass • Hunters Hotel • Kurland Hotel • Harkerville Market • Hog Hollow Lodge • Personal Trust • Plett Tourism • Chas Everitt • Goose Valley Golf Club • The Market Square • LM in Plett. Dgpghkekctkgu" • Plett NSRI • CansaCare • Bitou 10 Foundation • Born in Africa • Building the Walls • Masizame • Kids of Kurland • Kranshoek Kleuterskool • FAMSA • Sabrina Love Foundation • Die Sterreweg • Hospice Plett • Plett Rotary Bursary Fund.

Old Rectory site resurrection revisited

BACK IN THE DAY: A view of the Old Rectory with Beacon Isle and Robberg as backdrop

XECUTIVE committee members of the Van Plettenberg History Society under the chairmanship of Peter Tullis recently met with Nico Opperman and his son, Pierre, to survey building plans on the site of the Old Rectory. First built in 1778 to accommodate soldiers next to the Old Timber Shed, the building complex was later converted to an Anglican rectory and chapel for British authorities. It is this complex the Oppermans wish to restore and incorporate a 22-room boutique hotel in the same style. Famous husband-and-wife team Gwen and Gawie Fagan have been employed to draw up the plans. A globally respected architect, Gawie is best known for his work in the restoration of Tulbagh af-

ter the 1969 earthquake and as an experienced building conservation expert. On-site environmental management will be handled by equally esteemed local consultant Jonathan Kingwill of Bluepebble. The Old Rectory and Timber Shed form part of a planned historical precinct, including a trail up to the replica Van Plettenberg Beacon, while a short stroll leads to St Peter’s Anglican Church and relics of the Sao Gonzales inside Bitou’s municipal offices. Visit www.pletthistory.org if you want to know more of the history of this extraordinary town. You can also join the Society’s AGM at 10:30 on Sunday November 16 at Plett Angling Club (if you travel on the N2 towards PE, the turn-off is just before the second bridge on your right).

News & Views

12 November 2014

CXPRESS

Housing ire boils over in Bitou while Samwu strike waits it out until month-end Angry KwaNokuthula residents took to the streets of Plettenberg Bay this week calling for an independent investigation into the alleged housing fraud which surfaced recently - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports UNPROTECTED PROTEST: Bitou Municipality did not condone the November 10 march, but residents were too disgruntled over the continuing housing saga to wait for its protection after a series of postponements to set a date when officials would be on hand to accept their memorandum Photo: Ewald Stander

PPROVED government housing beneficiaries, who have been waiting since 2007 for their homes, claim municipal officials sold houses earmarked for them to residents not on the official housing list. They claim the price tags set by the officials for these houses ranged between R5,000 and R1,500 and that by October, legitimate beneficiaries were also forking out to get their hands on their keys out of fear of losing their homes. After a series of complaints and a meeting with Bitou mayor Memory Booysen, residents said they had lost confidence that the matter would be dealt with swiftly and transparently and therefore decided to stage a march from KwaNokuthula to the municipal offices on Monday to hand over a memorandum of grievances to municipal manager Alan Paulse. Waving protest posters reading ‘Hands off our RDP houses’, ‘God will punish you’ and ‘Mayor you also need to be investigated’, they demanded that specialised police unit the Hawks, the Special Investigations Unit, and national government take over the investigation and report back to the community within seven days. “We don’t want Booysen investigating his own people, we want an independent investigation,” local ANC branch leader Loyiso Notshokovu said. He added that the party had

established that high-ranking officials were involved in the corruption and fraud. Bitou ANC chief whip Phakie Mbali in a statement recently said that after the recent by-election he started receiving complaints from residents about people not on the municipal housing list moving into government homes. One of these residents was Xolelwa Nqotho, who also participated in the march on Monday. “In July this year I saw someone move into the home earmarked for me,” Nqotho said. She added that every municipal official she approached about the incident passed the buck. “I still have no answers.” Nqotho said after looking into the matter she found that the homes had allegedly been sold to residents who were not on the official housing list. “Some paid R5,000, others R2,500 and recently as little as R1,500 for the keys to a house. One resident paid R1,000 and didn’t even get the keys. In the end real beneficiaries were starting to gather money to pay the officials as they feared their houses would also be sold.” Zola Thokoane, who has been waiting since 2007 for a home, said while all of this was going on a mere stamp was standing between her and her house. “I went to the municipality to find out what was taking so long with the handing over of my home and they told me

there was a stamp missing on my husband’s payslip. They can give people who haven’t been approved houses, but just because of a missing stamp, I have to wait.” Magi Sgonyela, 60, also braved the cold on Monday to participate in the march. “I went through another winter without a house. My temporary structure is leaking and everything is wet. My children want me to move away, but I tell them I’m positive I’m finally getting my house. But now I wonder if I shouldn’t have listened to them.” Municipal spokesman Kholiswa Masiza confirmed that the municipality had received the memorandum and would respond “in due course”. The municipality urged residents who illegally obtained government houses to come forward. Masiza recently confirmed that two officials had been suspended and were facing disciplinary action after allegedly illegally selling government houses to local residents. • In the meantime, Bitou is also bracing for a South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) strike over among other issues the municipality’s withdrawal of its transport programme offered to certain officials. Samwu issued a notice to strike last week indicating two main grounds for the action, which was set to start on Monday. Municipal workers are unhappy after Bitou announced

that from December 1, it would do away with its municipal transport programme in an effort to cut costs. “The municipality has since 1997 provided transport for certain municipal workers at no cost to them. The cost of transporting workers on this basis until now was carried by the ratepayers.

“Council has apart from a cost perspective also considered the safety and insurance issue and on October 16 this year, decided to withdraw the programme,” Masiza said. The Samwu notice also indicated that municipal workers were unhappy about the “dismissal of community development workers”.

Masiza explained that last year the municipality underwent a restructuring process to eliminate non-key posts. “The posts of the 14 community development workers were taken off the organogram. Council went further and through a placement process offered the affected officials alternative positions. The positions offered to the affected officials were refused by them. These officials exited from the municipality last month.” The strike was, however, postponed until November 28.

CXPRESS

News & Views

12 November 2014

Abusive traffic controllers’ behaviour addressed

Yolandé Stander

HE South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) will be taking steps to prevent future frustration after tempers flared at a stop/ go on the N2 near KwaNokuthula recently. (See ‘Drivers told to F-off when enquiring about roadwork delays around Plett’ on page 3 of the November 5 edition at www. cxpress.co.za.) Several motorists travelling between Knysna and Plett claimed they had fallen victim to abuse by workers around a traffic control point after enquiring about waiting periods of up to an hour and unusually long queues. The workers allegedly chased them away and swore at them. Sanral communications manager Vusi Mona said on October 24, a Sanral-appointed contractor undertook asphalt surfacing work at the Sishuba Street N2 intersection. “Since the contractor is aware that traffic volumes on the N2 are high in this area, he kept the closure length as short as possible. However, working in an intersection meant that he had to accommodate traffic on the N2 and the side road. “Under normal circumstances, without a side road, a closure operates by closing the road in one direction and allowing the opposite direction to pass through. Once the

queue has dissipated the road is closed to that direction of traffic and the queue that has built up in the opposite direction allowed to pass through,” Mona said. “Adding a third leg means that three queues now build up and need to be dealt with in the same fashion. If traffic volumes on the three legs are similar, it leads to longer delays than would have been the case with just two directions of traffic. “Unfortunately on the day, traffic volume from Sishuba Street was significantly more than anticipated and hence meant long waiting times on the remaining two legs, with long queues building up while the queue on the side road was allowed to clear.” Mona said site personnel had tried to resolve the situation by allowing 80 vehicles at a time to pass on each leg, but that this caused frustration among motorists. “They ignored instructions to stop and give priority to the next leg. Some motorists verbally abused the traffic control personnel and although trained not to react, temperatures escalated such that they retaliated.” Mona said after several failed attempts to control the traffic flow in “platoons of 80 vehicles”, personnel had no option but to allow the queues

to dissipate. “During this time, queue lengths of about 200 vehicles and waiting times of ±45 minutes were observed. The unfortunate events on October 24 are the exception and not the rule. “Based on the aforementioned events, the contractor reorganised his work to weekends in critical areas where unacceptably long delays could result during road closures.” Sanral will be taking steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in future, one of these being to more regularly call on assistance from Bitou Traffic. “We apologise to the travelling public for the inconvenience caused on the day and inappropriate behaviour of our contractor’s traffic control personnel, which will be addressed.” Roadworks, including the improvement of three intersections, construction of five public transport embayments, road repairs and resurfacing, are expected to be completed end April. The work is carried out on the N2 between Sasol at Harkerville through Plett and up to the Nature’s Valley turnoff, covering about 34km. Mona said the contractor would operate road closures up to close of business on December 9 and resume on January 5, 2015.

Suspect sought for theft, assault Theo Kamfer, who could assist in the investigation of cases involving housebreaking and theft, possession of stolen property and common assault, is being sought by Plettenberg Bay police. Residing in New Horizons, Kamfer could currently be staying in KwaNokuthula. Plett SAPS urges members of the public with information about his whereabouts to call the Community Service Centre on 044 501 1900 or 044 501 1908/9.

Dutch surgeon injured in Knysna forest

NYSNA NSRI Station 12 was involved in the dramatic evacuation on November 10, after its duty crew received a report at 3:15pm of a Dutch tourist injured in a remote part of the Drupkelders hiking trail, near Rheenendal in the SANParks forest. Said station commander Jerome Simonis: “The SAPS, WC Government Health EMS and an NSRI Knysna rescue team responded and, while Drupkelders is a relatively short hiking trail of only 3.6km, it involves vertical cliff traversing, making it barely accessible.” A river guide was supervising a 31-year-old Dutch man and his 26-year-old female partner through Drupkelders hiking trail when the man reportedly jumped into a rock pool and sustained a suspected compound fracture to the lumbar spine.

“The injured man is an orthopaedic surgeon and his partner a general surgeon, from Amsterdam, and they remained where they were, fearing complicating the injury while the guide hiked a vertical cliff trail to reach an area where he had a cellphone signal to raise the alarm,” explained Simonis. “On arrival at the parking area, rescuers were met by the guide and hiked a kilometre down steep vertical cliffs to reach Goukamma River and from there six NSRI Knysna rescue swimmers and the guide swam upstream searching for the hikers.” The swim involved fording waterfalls, but about 1km upstream the two tourists were found, the injured man in a serious condition. “Full C-Spine immobilisation was applied and the man was loaded into a floating sea

rescue stretcher and gently swum downstream to reach the waiting police and EMS members.” Paramedics then treated the man and intravenous therapy and pain medications were administered and with the injured man in a stable but serious condition, a rope and pulley system was rigged to haul the stretcher a kilometre up a steep cliff to reach the parking area. “A Medlife ambulance transported the man to hospital in a serious but stable condition, accompanied by his partner,” said Simonis. The name of the man has not been released pending family abroad being informed of his wellbeing, and of the care he is receiving. The Dutch Consulate has been alerted. • Dial 112 from a cellular phone to report a sea rescue emergency.

News & Views

12 November 2014

CXPRESS

Barbara’s miniatures are bound to steal hearts this summer... In addition to the wonderful stocking-filler gifts at this year’s edition of ‘The Christmas Collection for PAWS’ on Saturday December 6, there will also be an exciting first for Plettenberg Bay when Barbara Rolfe’s A MILLION MINIATURE BRUSHSTROKES - the first miniature art exhibition by a single artist - debuts alongside

HAT is a miniature painting? “Well,” says artist Barbara Rolfe, who divides her time between Plett and Italy each year, “it’s small! Some are so small, you can hold them in the palm of your hand.” Materials used vary, but the brushes used are most commonly sable with extremely

fine points. Tiny canvasses or boards for the oils, “satinfinished” watercolour paper or smooth pastel paper make these artworks unique. And the painting of such small gems takes many hours of dedicated work - it could take a whole day to paint one tiny rose. Sizes vary from small to

ALWAYS WHISPER, NEVER FLAUNT: Barbara Rolfe shows off one of her magnificent miniatures

very small, so there will definitely be a tiny space in every home for one of these intriguing artworks - “like the words of the song ‘There’s a place for us, somewhere a place for us...’,” smiles Barbara. “When you have a miniature on display in your own home, or acquire it as gift for someone else, it will always whisper for attention and never flaunt.” Barbara is a member of the World Federation of Miniaturists, the Hilliard Society of Great Britain, and our own South African Miniature Society. Framing has to be to the standards of these revered institutions and, locally, Adri of Milkwood Framers has been exemplary in this regard, so Barbara’s paintings are beautifully framed. Her miniatures are executed in all mediums and embrace all subjects, so there is sure to be something for everyone. The exhibition will also see the addition of a new dimension: some of the works in oils on board have been textured to give a variation of brushstrokes, even in such tiny paintings. Barbara’s miniature art per-

meates a range of styles and media, whether you like realistic, impressionistic, watercolours, oils, charcoal, pastel - you name it, it will be there! There will be only a limited number of these miniatures for sale at The Christmas Collection, as some have already been sold to overseas buyers in America, Britain, and Italy.

The December 6 event by no means hails the end of Barbara’s painting “in the small”, as she has been commissioned by Mark Anderson (known as ‘The Bees-Knees’ in Texas) to paint three miniatures of bees as gifts for President Obama. “Mark is a prolific beekeeper who liaises with the White House on bee preservation

and pollination issues in America,” explains Barbara. So, come to The Christmas Collection for PAWS on Saturday December 6 and see for yourself. You will have a great evening with complimentary snacks, drinks, lots of seating, music, and LOTS of stocking-filler gifts. Ugg"vjg"cfxgtv"qp"vjku"rcig" hqt"cffkvkqpcn"kphqtocvkqp0"

CXPRESS

News & Views

12 November 2014

Tshisa stage now ready for talent

BROTHERS BIG IN BITOU: Since joining Tshisa Talent Agency via a Tshisa Talent Competition, the Bitou Brothers have become popular as ‘Plett’s own Black Mambazo’

SHISA Talent is currently inviting up and coming performing artists to audition for a Tshisa Talent Stage Concert to be held in February 2015. Showcasing some of Plett’s finest performances, it will also be an opportunity for these artists to earn the money from ticket sales. All artists from New Horizons, Green Valley, The Crags,

Kwano, Bossiesgif/Qolweni and Kranshoek are invited to perform on the Tshisa Talent Stages scheduled throughout the rest of this month and during December (see the advert on page 4) to stand a chance of winning a place to perform at the February concert. Audition pieces should be a maximum of five minutes long and be accompanied by

backing tracks. Successful entrants stand the chance of joining Tshisa Talent Agency, which brings together entertainers and those wanting to be entertained. This project is made possible through the support of the Department of Cultural Affairs & Sport. Please contact Mncedisi Ncedani on 078 935 6831 for more information.

Fraaisig vier hul blink nuwe biblioteek

OG ‘n heuglike gebeurtenis in die geskiedenis van Fraaisig Primêr - dit is hoe die amptelike opening van die skool se nuwe biblioteek deur pas-aangestelde prinsipaal Constance Stuurman op 29 Oktober, alom beskryf word. Die geleentheid is bygewoon deur eregaste onder wie kringbestuurders Michael Spies en Grace Sethoza, skoolhoofde Mnre Weber en Titus, oud-hoof Mnr Bredenkamp, Me’s Benn en Beukes van Hornlee Biblioteek, voormalige bibliotekaresse Me Hartnick, en ‘n groepie entoesiastiese ouers. Groot waardering het uitgegaan aan instansies soos Old Mutual, Knysna Rotary, Jean & Bob van Breadline Africa, en Biblionef vir hul ruim skenking aan die skool. Die nuwe biblioteek stel ten doel om ‘n boek in die hand van elke leerder te plaas en om sodoende die skool se geletterdheidsuitslae te verbeter. Enigeiemand wat boeke aan die skool wil skenk is welkom om die prinsipaal te skakel by 044 385 0395.

‘N BOEK IN ELKE HAND: Fraaisig Primêr in Knysna beoog om geletterdheidsuitslae te verbeter met hul nuwe biblioteek - op die foto hieronder verskyn Jean & Bob Allen van Breadline Africa saam met skoolhoof Constance Stuurman, links, en heel onder is adjunkhoof Clarence Bouw saam met ‘n groep Graad 6 leerders die biblioteek aan’t benut

Business

12 November 2014

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

A closer look at those market headwinds

E have seen a serious market correction and the financial media continues to spread a message of doom and gloom. But how serious are these negative influences, and are they not already discounted? The starting point in this discussion should focus on market values before the correction. A close look shows that many of the global markets were starting to look expensive. PE ratios (a PE of 10 implies that, if you buy the shares at the current price, then it will take 10 years for the earnings generated by the company to equal that price) were above their long-term averages in the broader markets in a bull market that has already run for about six years. This implies that the market was due for a correction but needed a trigger to set it off. One is rarely able to pinpoint the trigger, as there were a number of negative influences floating around at the time. As we stand now from a South African perspective, the following headwinds are apparent: Rising interest rates are a clear headwind as investors will receive a rising reward for their risk-free investments (assuming they have no investments at African Bank). However, in SA we have already had two small rate rises, and we expect more over the next two years. They will not be a surprise, so current market prices are clearly discounting this headwind. US interest rates are now set to begin their upward trend. The Fed has already warned the market of this change in trend so, again, it will not be a surprise - unless the rate hikes are substantial, which at this stage appears to be unlikely. History tells us that the initial 2% hike in these rates has little effect on markets; it is the final leg of this trend that does the damage. The lower commodity prices in both iron ore and thermal coal will clearly be negative for our balance of payments, and therefore for our overall financial stability (in the eyes of the IMF). However, the weaker Rand is the shock-absorber for this headwind as the increased

Rands received will to a certain extent compensate for the reduced US dollar prices. The overall impact of the “unsecured lending binge” is extremely widely reported in the national press. This is generally blamed for the slow economic growth rate. We do not really know the full extent of this unfortunate disaster, or how much was really due to the terrible miners’ strike. The credit retailers, like Foschini, Truworths and Lewis stores are still showing signs of growth although at a slower rate. Banks are easily absorbing these bad debts. African Bank is still collecting debt repayments at the rate of R.6-billion per month and is still issuing new loans. It has made it easier for borrowers to repay loans by using better technology and also allowing repayments to be made at some supermarkets. Local strikes could however prove to be damaging. The Post Office strike is now in its third month. While private enterprise is able to step into the breach (at a price), using couriers and email, normal post has ground to a halt. This has had very little impact on markets. The real strike to fear could be the civil servant wage negotiations. Currently the spread of negotiations is an offer of 6% and a demand of 15%. In his mini-budget speech, the Finance Minister implied that austerity measures will prevail so it is most possible that we could see an ugly situation developing. The political “wars” in the Ukraine, Middle East, etc. are not new and appear to have little influence. So the final question is: Is it now safe to put your investment toe back into the water? At all costs, you should not be panicking out of markets. We all have a value level that attracts investments. If the shares you are watching are at that level, then a gradual re-entry into the market should be the right thing to do. Ocneqno"jcu"dggp"kp"vjg" kpxguvogpv"kpfwuvt{"hqt"qxgt" 62"{gctu0"Jg"jcu"ytkvvgp" vjku"eqnwop"kp"EZRTGUU" hqt"vjg"ncuv"38"{gctu"cpf"ku" c"urgekcnkuv"kp"ocpcikpi" tgvktgf"ygcnvj0

CXPRESS

Louis means business with a brand new spray booth

HE team at Louis Auto Body Repairs is proud to announce that the one and only water-borne spray booth on the Garden Route has just been installed at their Plett Industria premises, making them local pioneers in this field. Not only is this novel

ENVIRO-FRIENDLY FIRST: Louis, right in the photo at right, and his team invite you to sample the one and only interior water-borne spray booth, above, on the Garden Route, as well as a new Express Bay for vehicles with only minor dents and scratches

equipment convenient and service-orientated, but the fact that it facilitates spraying inside means that Louis & co are also doing their bit for the environment. Furthermore, an Express Bay to assist clients with minor dents and scratches has recently been installed. Says Louis: “We are also now proud members of RMI (Retail Motor Industry) and SAMBRA (South African Motor Body Repairers Association), and registered with all insurance companies. And when in trouble on the road, we offer a 24-hour tow-in service and a free courtesy car to authorised repairs.” Contact Louis Auto Body Repairs on 082 563 2423 or 082 779 2446 or 044 533 2994 (+fax) and at louisauto body@telkomsa.net or pop in at their Truter Street premises in Plett Industria to check out the spray booth and all other services on offer.

ADVERTORIAL

CXPRESS

Interval

12 November 2014

Why didn’t the lifeguard save the hippie? Because he was too far out, man!

Think you know it all?

Grade 6 science teacher, Mrs Parks, asked her class: “Which human body part increases 10 times its size when stimulated?” No one answered the question, until Mary stood up and said: “You should not be asking sixth-graders a question like that! I’m going to tell my parents, and they will tell the principal, who will fire you!” Mrs Parks ignored her and asked the question again: “Which body part increases to 10 times its size when stimulated?” Mary’s mouth fell open: “Boy, she is going to get in

F R E S H

big trouble!” The teacher ignored her again and continued: “Does anybody know?” Finally, Billy stood up, looked around nervously, and said: “The body part that increases 10 times its size when stimulated is the pupil of the eye.” Mrs Parks kindly responded: “Very good, Billy.” She then turned to Mary and said: “As for you, young lady, I have three things to say. One, you have a dirty mind. Two, you didn’t read your homework. And three, one day you are going to be very, very disappointed.”

A really big bird

NCE upon a time there was a man who bought a hang-glider and took it out to the mountains to fly it. He was cruising along a few hundred feet above the treetops when he spotted two hunters down below. He hollered and waved at them, trying to be sociable. Suddenly, the hunters looked up and they both

fired their double-barrel shotguns at him. When the hang-glider was out of sight, one of the hunters turned to the other and said: “What kinda bird you reckon that was?” The other hunter replied: “I don’t rightly know, but I think we hit it. “How’s that?” “You saw how fast he dropped that man he was caring, didn’t ya?”

How NOT to make a sale…

ALKING up to a department store’s fabric counter, a pretty girl asked: “I want to buy this material for a new dress. How much does it cost?” “Only one kiss per yard,” replied the smirking male clerk. “That’s fine,” replied the girl. “I’ll take ten yards.”

With expectation and anticipation written all over his face, the clerk hurriedly measured out and wrapped the cloth, then held it out teasingly. The girl snapped up the package and pointed to a little old man standing beside her. “Grandpa, will you pay the bill?” she smiled.

People who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do.

Social Scene

12 November 2014

People, places & events GRANDEST PIANIST TO GRACE KNYSNA STAGE: The Knysna Plett Concert Series presents pianist Andrei Pisarev on Monday November 17. Starting his musical education at the age of seven, Andrei moved to Moscow in 1978 to study at its Music School, and then at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory. He has won numerous international prizes, including the International Mozart Competition in Salzburg in 1991 - the first time since 1956 that the Grand Prize had been awarded to a pianist. The concert, at the Dutch Reformed Church Hall in Fitchat Street at 7:30pm, will include works by Mozart, Beethoven and Chopin. Tickets cost R120 (scholars pay R30) and can be bought at the door from 6:45pm.

AGENTS & CO WALK FOR THE CAUSE: Plett’s Seeff team took part in the Big Walk for Cancer on Friday October 31. Pictured here are, at back from left, Alet Nabel, Piet Maree, Alet Ollemans, Chantele Kretschmann, Linda & Kevin Engelsman and Susan Duncan, with Alex Teuscher, Sine Mhambi, Vicky Teuscher and Ovayo Mzokoza in front. See the advert on page 3 to find out more about this prolific estate agency.

COPS 4 CANSA: The Women’s Network of George Cluster consisting of SAPS stations in Plett, George, Conville and KwaNokuthula supported a cancer drive on Wednesday October 29 by doing a fun walk and so raising R800 for Cansa. About 35 members took part in a beautiful stroll from Beachy Head to Plett’s Beacon Island parking lot, followed by an inspirational talk at the Plett precinct by Carol Majavie. Special thanks go to everyone who contributed, and sponsorships received to make the day a success.

À LA FRANÇAISE: At a splendid concert given by the South Cape Symphony Orchestra in Knysna on November 2 were, from left, Magriet, Anne & Johann Venter of George. Magriet plays the French horn in this widelyacclaimed orchestra. Photo: Timothy Twidle

GO ZO! Proud gran Rita Hardaker (née van Rensburg) shared this pic of her beautiful granddaughter Zoë, who invited friends to a dress-up party for her birthday on October 26 and wrote: ‘She is just so gorgeous Daddy’s only son!’ - this in reference to the fact that young Zoë is an outdoors gal supreme, who prefers munching on oysters just taken off the rocks with dad Ettiene, to pizza at the best of restaurants…

CXPRESS

Classifieds

12 November 2014

Notice Board Nkxg"owuke"cv"Vjg"Octmgv The live music line-up at Plett’s favourite outdoors shopping centre cum eatery kicks off today (Nov 12 from 6pm) with Pete The Greek, while Davey Mac entertains tomorrow night and ‘Kaz’ on Friday the 14th. Email plett101marketonmain@ gmail.com or call 044 533 2805 to find out more, or visit The Market in Main Street to see what’s on the extensive food/goods slab. Pkrrgtu"rctv{"hqt"hwpfu On November 15, parents of Plett’s Nippers gather at The Table for a fundraiser,

proceeds of which will go towards the extensive costs required for participation in Nippers Nationals, held in The Strand next year. The fun starts at 18:30 for 7pm and tickets at R100pp include a glass of wine or a beer and yummy pizza. Come mingle and chillax and join in the festivities with DJ iMac and DJ Butters in the mix. Raffle tickets with fab prizes to be won will be sold on the night. Call Colleen on 072 914 6914 or Lorna on 078 425 4382 or email colleennel 187@gmail.com to book

your ticket, and email plett surfclub@gmail.com if your child wants to become one of Plett’s awesome Nippers. Finally, diarise March 14 and 15 next year, when Plett Surf Lifesaving will host the Nippers Regionals for WP for the first time... ever! PJ"Enkpke"qrgp"qp"Oqpfc{ The staff at New Horizons Clinic look forward to welcoming patients back on November 17. The renovated facility is 353m² in size and now has eight consultation rooms - that is six more than before the upgrade. The clinic also boasts a board

room, a medicine store and an observation room. The Plett public is thanked for their patience during the upgrade. Email nadia.ferrei ra@westerncape.gov.za or call 044 803 2725 for additional information. Ecnnkpi"cnn"Htkgpfu Plett’s Friends of the Library (FOLA) holds its AGM on November 25 at 10am at the Mellville’s Corner library and all members and interested residents are invited tea will be served and please remember that subs are now due. Email dbutlin@gbw. co.za with queries.

On the Soapbox

12 November 2014

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

Rudeness should have consequences... I write in reference to your article ‘Drivers told to F-off...’ [see page 3 of the November 5 edition at www.cxpress. co.za]. We have a criminal law in South Africa - etkogp"kplwtkc deals with “unlawfully, intentionally and seriously impairing the dignity of another”. The workers f-wording motorists can be charged under this law. So, simply drive to our great

revamped police station and lay a charge. As an example: One of my daughters, but two bricks and no tickies high, was “Foffed” by a well-healed ‘gentleman’ in his silver Jaguar. And before you think ‘woman driver!’, she happens to have a citation for excellent driving from a traffic officer. Anyway, there is no excuse for swearing at another. She was easily able to find

Ryan’s manoeuvre saved my life! On Thursday evening October 30, Plett Primary had our Grade 7 farewell party at The White House. As I took my first bite of food, a piece of meat got stuck in my throat. I couldn’t swallow but, worst of all, I couldn’t breathe. Panic-stricken, I jumped out of my chair and

began flapping my arms. Suddenly I felt a strong pair of arms grabbing me from behind and with one big ‘hug’, the meat was dislodged. Ryan Stemmett saved my life! Thank you, Ryan - thank you, thank you, thank you! Uwucp"Hqwtkg."Rngvv

Thank you, times two Dear Editors, on behalf of our members and all who are affected, many thanks for publishing the abridged minutes of the meeting at Council [visit www.cxpress.co.za and read ‘Vacant stand services issue tackled...’ on page 11 of the October 29 issue]. There has been a very positive response and I believe that we will see positive effect. Rgvgt"Dtqyp."Mgwtdqqou On behalf of Motion Cycling, I would like to extend

a big thank you for placing the article for us - we really appreciate it, and because of it, we have received an invitation to go on a training ride with Kevin Evans of The Bike Shop this coming Wednesday! Vjqocu"Upgnn."Rngvv *Kv‚u" cp" cduqnwvg" rngcuwtg#" Vwtp" vq" rcig" 34" qh" vjg" Qe/ vqdgt" 4;" gfkvkqp" cv" yyy0 ezrtguu0eq0|c" hqt" vjg" uvqt{." cpf"ecnn"Vjqocu"qp"293"642" 249;"vq"hkpf"qwv"oqtg"cdqwv" vjg"enwd0"/"Gfu0+

out the details of this arrogant man in order to lay a charge. He appealed to her to drop the charge, which she agreed to do only on condition that he made an abject and humble apology at the local police station. The incident gave the police a light moment and something to chuckle about. But the point that I am making is that her action was effective.

Unfortunately, people are much more concerned about their rights than about their responsibilities. We EARN our rights by giving equal action to our responsibilities towards others. ‘Do unto others as you would have done to you’ ring a bell? Take action! Ucnn{"Dwvvqp."Rngvv *Vwtp" vq" rcig" 6" hqt" Ucptcn‚u" tgurqpug" vq" vjg" cdqxg/ogp/ vkqpgf"ctvkeng0"/"Gfu0+

Brief FNB history corrected I refer to the article ‘A brief history of Knysna’s First National Bank building’ which appeared in CXPRESS of November 5. While I applaud Knysna Tourism and the Historical Society for submitting regular features on Knysna to CXPRESS, in this instance I was not the author of the article. Knysna Tourism and/or the Society no doubt based the article on my research works, but there are one or two inaccuracies reflected in the text. ‘It was one time qypgf as a private home by Sarah Ckvej/

kuqp (not Atkinson – and no connection to the Rex family). Thereafter the brothers Tqnh"("Jlcnoct"Vjgugp vtcf/ kpi"cu"Vjgugp"("Eq brought the property (not Charles Thesen). ‘However, Charles Thesen’s second wife, Nwekc"Vjgu/ gp, later owned the property and sold it to Barclays Bank in 1950.’ I hope many more articles on the history of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay are featured in CXPRESS for interest to new residents and visitors. Octictgv"Rctmgu."Mp{upc

Ta for Plett’s Pink Trees A huge thank you to each and every one who contributed to the success of this year’s Pink Trees for Pauline fundraising drive, making October 29 a very special day in Plettenberg Bay, and in particular to: Ds Chris of DRC Wittedrift, Plett Sports, Skydive Plett, Plettenberg Bay Rugby Club, Melvilles Spar, Pick n Pay, Just Water, Plett Security, The Print Shop, Yellowood

Pharmacy, Plett Round Table, CemAir, Mason’s Packaging, The Old House Shop, Auteq Solutions, Medlife, Periwinkle Lodge, Events & Tents, Music Box, Engen Garage, Ocean Blue, Ocean Safaris, La Caféteria, Sandy’s Surf Shop, CXPRESS, EP Herald, and Plett Meats. And to the volunteers and ladies who helped organise, you’re awesome one and all! Jcpnkg"Ukpenckt."Rngvv

Est. 1984

CXPRESS

Sport & Adventure

12 November 2014

Athletics SWD crowned top federation at regional sports awards ganised function. Phone 044 873 0023 for more info.

ONGRATULATIONS are in order to the management of Athletics South Western Districts after they claimed the coveted Federation of the Year title at Friday night’s annual Western Cape Regional Sports Awards. On top of this acknowledgement, ASWD’s Shireen Noble was selected as Administrator of the Year while javelin ace Jo-Ané van Dyk walked away with the Junior

Sportswoman title. Other nominees from the district who made it to the final round include Bradley Kiewitz (for the Secondary School Sportsman of the Year award), Marrida Leen (Secondary School Sportswoman), Moesha Owies (Senior Woman with Disability) and Mari & Jurgens Zwiegelaar, who were both nominated for a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Says ASWD General Manager Michélle Jacobsz: “One of our Executive Board members, David McKinnon, was also a finalist in the Volunteer category for Biathlon. We congratulate each and every one on these wonderful achievements and are extremely proud of you all.” She thanks the provincial department of Cultural Affairs & Sport and Eden Sport Confederation for a well-or-

PRETORIA, HERE WE COME! Western Cape Administrator of the Year winner Shireen Noble and ASWD president Moses Gericke flank 21.1km SAs contenders, from left, Rea Oosthuizen of Hartenbos Drawwers, Knysna Marathon Club’s Archie Boome, and Sanet Brits of Nedbank Running Club - Photo supplied by Atheletics SWD

Please support Pat’s boarders during girls rider: World Games in Chile • Iain Campbell (Open

ETERAN organiser and driving force behind Plett’s famous annual Wedge Classic Bodyboard Competition, Pat Harris chatted to CXPRESS about her excitement over the ISA’s (International Surfing Association) fourth Annual World Bodyboard Championships taking place in Chile, from December 6-14. “With less than a month to go until the South African team’s departure, they look to be well prepared to take on the rest of the world. The team is made up of an experienced group of riders who have all excelled nationally to impress and obtain top honours in their selective age groups,” said Pat.

Supporting Pat in her role as team manager is coach Clinton Millard from Port Alfred. Both have been working hard with the team to get them into top shape in the run-up to the games. “Clinton has devised a unique training structure and eating plans that have proven why these athletes have what it takes to tackle the games and achieve top positions in each age group.” Pat, on the other hand, has been getting all the “nittygritties” done for the team to ensure that everything is prepared for easy travelling. The team consists of three open riders, one ladies rider, one drop-knee rider, one U/18 boys rider and one U18

Mens & Drop-knee - Central Kwa Zulu Natal) • Tristan Roberts (Open Mens & U18 Boys - Boland) • Storm Prestwich (Open Mens - Southern KZN) • Pamela Bowren (Open Ladies - Eastern Province) • Georgi McKeone (U18 Girls - Southern KZN) “This is an experienced team with all the riders having gone to an international event at least once before,” said Pat, “so please follow them and show your support as they take on the rest of the world in Chile.” Visit www.riptidemag.com. au/news/2120-iquique-2014 for a short film about what it’s like to bodyboard in Iquique, Chile.

UYF‚u"dguv"qhh"vq"jcnh/ octcvjqp"UCu" vjku"yggmgpf ASWD recently selected three of its top athletes to participate at this year’s SA 21.1km Championships to be held in Pretoria on Saturday, the trio having qualified as per the ASWD Road Running Selection Criteria of 2014.

The athletes completed 50% of the nominated trial races and the ASWD 21.1km Championships, all within the set qualifying Athletics SA standards. Here’s wishing the best of luck to veteran runners Sanet Brits (Nedbank Running Club in a qualifying time of 1h32) and Rea Oosthuizen (Hartenbos Drawwers: 1h43), and Knysna Marathon Club’s Archie Boome (Junior qualifying time: 1h14).