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
Photo: Vinthi Neufeld
12 September 2018
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Boy escapes abductors - p3
Have my kidney, brother - p5
Peking gifts? Just duck! - p7
Camera-shy Elizabeth Moodie, born on September 10, 1910 in Bechuanaland, moved to Plettenberg Bay in 1940. She is pictured here with daughter Linda Patterson, who celebrated her auspicious milestone in Kranshoek with family and friends on Monday. Find out about Ouma Moodie’s secrets for longevity on page 9.
Happy 108th 108th, Ouma Moodie!
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CXPRESS
NEWS & VIEWS
12 September 2018
Sabrina Love team bolstered by students from Ghent and ‘Bos in their quest for excellence
Words & photos: Timothy Twidle
IE Sterreweg Day Care Centre in New Horizons, which operates under the aegis of Plett’s Sabrina Love Foundation (SLF), has embarked upon a three-year project in pursuit of excellence. The centre provides therapeutic learning for those with physical and cognitive disabilities and presently cares for 45 minors between four and 15 years old, and 10 young people aged 16 to 20. A project team of 19 students - 15 from Artevelde University College in Ghent, Belgium, and five from the University of Stellenbosch - is currently working on the initial phase of the project for a period of 10 days, which kicked off last Tuesday and will conclude tomorrow. Says SLF founder Tony Lubner: “The students will be doing research for an international programme entitled ‘Centre of Excellence - Aim for Die Sterreweg’, to help our day care centre become an internationally-recognised reference for care of children with special needs throughout South Africa. “Key to the success of the
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project is to involve the community, and instil an intent to ultimately create a ‘Town of Excellence’. Thus one of the assignments of the team is to look for potential partners in the project and to map all key players in the area surrounding Die Sterreweg.” The launch of the project coincided with the opening at the day care centre of an upgraded and refurbished sensory room, used to assess the most appropriate form of tuition to be given to youngsters in need of specialised teaching. The enhancement of the sensory room was generously funded by First National Bank by way of a donation of R20,000 received from its Volunteers Programme, to which all employees of the company throughout the country contribute on a regular basis. Members of staff of FNB Plett visited Die Sterreweg on September 5 - the very day on which the new sensory room came into use. Sabrina Love Foundation was founded in 2003 and Die Sterreweg opened in 2005.
ARTEVELDERS IN THE FIELD: Last week, Tony and Suzy Lubner of Plett’s Sabrina Love Foundation met with some of the Belgian members of a team investigating ways in which excellence can be achieved on an international scale; at back from left are Leenert Coutigny, Dries Rombouts, Wout de Taeye, Ellen Bytebier and Elien Dumon, with Marjan Meganck and Jessica Meyfroot flanking Suzy in front
BANK ON IT: Management and staff of FNB Plett visited Die Sterreweg on September 5 - from left at back are manager Mark Radford-Hayden, Sabrina Love Foundation’s Tony Lubner, and Lizelle Engelbrecht (FNB); in front are Nicole McDonald and Suzy Lubner (SLF), Madelien Massyn and Samantha Scott (FNB), and Tamarin Windvogel of Die Sterreweg
Notice Board • Book now for the Plett Skiboat Club’s next Trivia Quiz on Thursday September 13 at 6:30pm by calling 044 533 4147 to reserve a table of six at R100 per person. This is a fundraiser for Muddy Pooches, so please bring along a bag or tin of dog food. There are many great raffle and lucky draw prizes to be won. Email barryricketts48@ hotmail.com for additional information. • The annual spring show hosted by the Orchid Society of the Southern Cape will be held in George from tomorrow onwards. A wonderful display of blooming orchids will welcome you to the Presbyterian Church hall in Caledon Street, just be-
hind the George Library, from September 13-15. Orchid Society members will do nine individual displays using the theme ‘Wonderful World of Orchids’, while focussing on educating the public on these plants. Admission is R10 (under 12s enter free) and this year’s raffle prize is a blooming standardsized Cymbidium with at least two spikes on it. Opening times are 9am to 5pm on Thursday and Friday, and 9am to 2pm on Saturday. Society members will have a stand selling plants and Outeniqua Orchids will have a selection of blooming Cymbidiums and a wide variety of other genera for sale. Phone Brian on 082 855 9176 or Sue
on 076 457 6540 with queries. • PAWS holds its AGM on Wednesday September 19 at 10:30am in Plett’s Methodist Church Hall. This is when chairman Di Butlin and her committee report on achievements and challenges of the past year. The PAWS team extends an invitation to all members of the local community to attend the AGM, as you will be able to ask questions about policies, programmes and finances. Many aspects of the animal carers’ work are quite complex and they welcome this annual opportunity to share their experiences with the people who support them in so many ways, as well as with those who ben-
efit from their services. Please join the PAWS team for tea and cake after the meeting everyone is welcome. • Cornuti Stella e Luna restaurant and cocktail bar is planning a Rocky Horror Party for Friday September 28. Apart from being a whole lot of sexy fun with prizes and awesome tunes on the turntables, the night will serve as fundraiser for Plett Watch. Dress up according to the Rocky Horror theme and get in for free, else cover will cost you a mere R60. The fun starts at 7pm and will last ‘till very late, so book now by popping in at Cornuti. Call 044 533 1277 or email cornutial mare@telkomsa.net for details.
NEWS & VIEWS
12 September 2018
CXPRESS
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Sharp eight-year-old thwarts abduction attempt by scaling neighbourhood wall There were several successes and close calls on the crime front in Plettenberg Bay over the past week - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports NE of the incidents that set Plettenberg Bay abuzz over the past week was a perceived attempt to abduct a child in Kranshoek on Friday this after a spate of child abductions and attempted kidnappings in the Western Cape over the past month. Plettenberg Bay police spokesman captain Marlene Pieterse confirmed a suspected abduction attempt on the corner of Long and Voortrekker Streets in Kranshoek, off Plett Airport Road, on Friday September 7. She said an eight-year-old local boy left Kranshoek Primary School at about 1:45pm to make his way home. “He noticed a red as well as a white bakkie in the area. There were two boys, a girl, a man, and a woman - both with dark complexions - in the vehicles,” Pieterse said. “One of the boys told him that his mother said they must pick him up from school. The young boy however told them that they were lying and started
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to run away.” She added it was believed that the two bakkies followed the boy, but that he managed to escape by jumping over a wall and running home. He told his mother about the incident. “She contacted the police and a detective enquiry was opened for investigation.” At least 13 cases of child abductions and attempted kidnappings had been reported across the province since early August. The modus operandi in each case proved similar, involving the abduction of children walking to or from school. It is uncertain if the incidents are linked, but the Western Cape Education Department, along with police, has vowed to deal with the matter urgently. Local security stakeholders commended the Plettenberg Bay boy’s action in the situation. Crime fighters were able to foil a burglary about a week ago. Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) operations head Otto Olivier said
perpetrators gained access through Coastal Hire’s roof and managed to flee with tools and machinery worth more than a million rand. On September 4, the PBCPA received information of suspicious activity near the Wittedrift turn-off. “While responding, I requested assistance on PBCPA React and dispatched Plett Rapid Response member Willem Jansen, who lives nearby to the scene. Willem kept close observation of the activities and reported that there were four suspects loading items onto a white bakkie,” Olivier said. He added that on arrival he pulled up to the bakkie and on inspection found several valuable tools, covered with chopped wood, on the vehicle. “The nearby bush area was swept by Plett K9, where various other highvalue machinery and tools were found. Smhart Security, Fidelity ADT, various members of the Wittedrift and PlettWatch neighbourhood watch groups, Plett
WHAT A TOOL: High-value equipment ostensibly stolen from Coastal Hire was discovered covered with chopped wood on the back of a suspect bakkie on September 4 - Photo: PBCPA
Rapid Response, Plett Security, and police arrived in quick succession. “Members of Coastal Tool Hire arrived shortly thereafter where they identified the goods as their property,” said Olivier. The four suspects were apprehended and the stolen goods and bakkie were seized by police. On Monday, crime fight-
ers managed to apprehend a suspect who allegedly assaulted and robbed a woman near the Lookout Beach parking area. “It was reported that the suspect fled in the direction of Lemon Grass restaurant,” Olivier said. “Plett K9 Blackie picked up the suspect’s scent and flushed the hiding suspect out of fynbos near the
lagoon. The suspect was quickly apprehended.” Olivier said the victim was brought to the scene to identify the suspect, but suddenly collapsed. “A medic alert was sent out while Wesley Andrew rushed to her aid. ER24 arrived swiftly and stabilised the victim, who had suffered a severe panic attack.” Garden Route Media
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CXPRESS
NEWS & VIEWS
12 September 2018
Calm after the storm as Route recovers from extreme weather weekend
The province was lashed with extreme weather in the form of wind, record-breaking rainfall, and snow in many a mountain pass and other high-lying area - as was experienced first-hand by Carolyn Foster from Wilderness and former Plett local Carl Joubert during a visit from Australia, in Swartberg Pass last Friday - Photo: Lezanne Watson
Kitty Viljoen, whose family has a long-standing connection with Plett, gained international fame this week when her photos of African animals in a snowy winter wonderland were featured in the UK’s Guardian newspaper after gaining rave reviews on social media platforms; the giraffe and eles pictured above are inhabitants of Asante Sana Game Reserve in the Sneeuberg Mountains near Graaff-Reinet, where Kitty, Richard, and their crew live and work. - Photos: Kitty Viljoen
Focus on health issues of employees during DenRon info session next week LL employers in Plett are invited to an information session presented by LifeLine and titled the Future of Health within Bitou. The range of health services offered in Bitou is comprehensive with its focus on wellness rather than on illness. This includes promotion of health, prevention of disease, treatment of acute cases, and chronic health care. The aim is to create healthy, safe communities and to empower individuals to take ownership and responsibility for their own health and des-
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La Luna
Peter Benn
Motors
tiny. A healthy workforce in a safe and productive environment is achieved as follows: • By informing employers about the clinic protocols and guidelines for the numerous diseases/ illnesses dealt with on a daily basis. • By informing all employers about the present overall, not individual, health situation in Bitou. • By constantly assessing the services offered at the clinics and ensuring that they are performed with dignity, respect, confidentiality and empathy, i.e. professionally. • By giving talks to
81 DURBAN STREET UITENHAGE TEL: 041 992 4331
groups of employees about all aspects of health, including TB and HIV, hypertension, and diabetes. Says sister Yvonne Samuel of the Plett Town Clinic: “We know employers have many questions, frustrations, and anger at times when their staff attend the clinics and are away from work for many hours. This we do understand. “There are numerous employees/patients, who stop taking their chronic medication in order to not lose their jobs due to frequent clinic visits. “We as the health Bitou
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team from LifeLine and other departments and organisations would like to hear from you about these issues. We will try and give you answers and together we can come up with solutions and in doing so, improve the health of Bitou.” The talk takes place on Wednesday September 19 at 3pm at the DenRon Training Centre on Dieprivier Farm. Call sr Samuel on 076 162 7118 with queries and please RSVP for catering purposes to safety@denron. co.za or by calling LeighAnn on 082 767 7708 or on 044 533 0884.
NEWS & VIEWS
12 September 2018
CXPRESS
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Stephen honours Organ Donor Week by giving his boet new life AST Tuesday, CXPRESS learnt that two close-to-home brothers embarked on a remarkable journey when their mom, Lisa Ritchie, told of her son Stephen’s generous gift to his younger brother, David. “Today, Stephen donated his kidney to David at the Christian Barnard Memorial Hospital in Cape Town,” said Lisa, adding that the boys’ op happen to fall slap-bang in the middle of Organ Donor Week from September 3-9. David - a photographer with ANA (www.africannewsagency.com), who freelanced for CXPRESS as young school leaver many moons ago - was born with a kidney disease and, explains Lisa, his kidney function was down to 9% by the time of the transplant. “As his energy levels declined rapidly, David generally didn’t feel well at all and during the last few weeks, he was confined to his desk rather than being sent out to photograph in the field. His employers have been incredibly understanding and supportive. “He was blessed that his brother Stephen, after nu-
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TRUE LOVE: Lisa took this photo of her sons after Stephen had his kidney removed and before nursing staff fetched David to go to theatre for his op - “both boys are saying ‘love you’ and off he went!” David turned 28 in ICU on September 8, and Stephen turns 39 on September 26.
ORGANS OK: Stephen having tests to ensure normal blood, heart, and lung function
merous tests, turned out to be a good match and was keen and excited to give David this amazing and selfless gift of life,” beamed Lisa, who said
the past week was, not surprisingly, an “emotional rollercoaster”. Both stalwarts at Remax Plett, Lisa and Stephen will soon play side by
side in the property game again. Said Lisa: “Stephen is recovering amazingly well, if experiencing the expected post-op pain.” By September 5, the day after the ‘swap’, David’s kidney function had already improved from 9% to 19% with a creatininelevel decrease from 666 to 364, indicating that the kidney is functioning really well in its new body. By Monday (September 10) Lisa updated: “David’s progress is incredible - his blood results show that he has perfect kidney function! We’re extremely proud of our boys, of their strength of character and values. It’s overwhelming. “Thanks everyone for the incredible love, support, and prayers from all over the world.” • South Africa relies primarily on deceased kidney donations. Of the 4,000+ people on the waiting list for life-saving organs, the majority awaits a kidney with scant hope of receiving one before it’s too late. Just 0.2% of SA’s population are registered as organ donors. Please consider becoming an organ donor today - one person can save up to eight lives. Visit www.odf.org.za to register and for more information.
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The Village Eco-preschool empowers kids to make positive changes for the planet
a t s i n o i h s a F a L WASTE-FREE AND HEALTHY: Kids at The Village Eco-preschool are particularly environmentally switched on, while parents are encouraged to make informed decisions in the best interest of their children’s health and well-being
HROUGH their ecoendeavours, teachers of The Village Ecopreschool, situated at Plett’s Old Nick Village, are continuously striving to encourage children to develop a deeper understanding of conservation, and to heighten environmental awareness among their learners. It is currently the only pre-school in Plett running on electricity powered by the sun. They now know that the sun does not only burn their noses, but that it also provides energy to turn on their lights and CD player. The learning programme includes hikes into the neighbouring hills to collect seasonal edible fruit such as Cape gooseber-
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ries, cherry tomatoes, and black berries. These are washed, packaged, and sold to raise funds for the pre-school. Monthly, a group of children participate in clearing the young wattle trees to give way to the growth of indigenous shrubs and trees on the hillside behind the Village. Each term, outings to local forests, beaches, wetlands and nature reserves coincide with national environmental days and children participate in activities that encourage a sense of conservation. In keeping with their eco-school ethos, The Village Eco-preschool is proud to be one of the first school Ambassadors of the Renew Able Plett
campaign. As such, they have introduced two new policies - a Waste Free and a Healthy Food policy - to the school. The two main objectives are to encourage conscious parenting (i.e. parents who are able to make informed conscious decisions in the best interest of their children’s health and wellbeing), and to eliminate waste. No plastic is permitted in lunch boxes and all snacks have to be packed in reusable containers. No sweets, chocolates, cakes, chips or cool drinks are permitted and children drink water rather than sweet juices. Not only have these policies helped parents to keep monthly grocery bills down, but it has also
helped children to follow a healthier diet, free of preservatives and other harmful additives. Teachers have also noticed a marked improvement in the behaviour of children and there is no waste to discard at the end of the day, so Mother Earth benefits, too! It truly is a win-win situation for everyone. Applications for 2019 are now open and the school will be hosting their Open Day on September 26 (see the advert on page 4). Places are limited so if you would like your little one to become part of this special school be sure to get down to Old Nick Village and pay them a visit.
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CXPRESS
NEWS & VIEWS
12 September 2018
Joy of giving epitomised by Sarah’s contribution to Bossiesgif crèche Words & photos: Monique Dokter
T’S always humbling to visit schools in our townships and to see first-hand the lack of facilities and resources. At the same time, it warms the heart when witnessing incredible people who make something out of nothing. This was our experience when visiting Sakhingomso Crèche in Bossiesgif recently. Nomonde Mathimba and her staff look after 20 kids, with very little resources to assist in their work. Saddened by this situation, Sarah Horsfield - a regular visitor to Plettenberg Bay and daughter of wellknown local resident Jeanine - sought to make a difference. Sarah is a Grade 1 teacher at Eaton House at The Manor in the UK, who feels empathy, compassion and generosity to disadvantaged schools in Plett. In the past she has donated
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BUBBLES AND BOOKS: The kids at Sakhingomso Crèche loved their new toys and books, as did owner Nomonde, pictured above with Sarah at left
teaching aids to Harkerville Primary, but this year wanted to help a school that had an even greater need for assistance. Noticing only four toys and a box of teddies on her first visit, Sarah and Nomonde discussed the needs of the crèche. Returning with provisions such as nappies, toys, books, puzzles, musical instruments, crayons and posters, Sarah set about packing the shelves and making the classroom look a whole lot brighter. As she went about un-
packing assisted by the Sakhingomso children, the classroom turned into a stimulating, inspirational and play-friendly environment. The kids’ excitement was tangible as they explored their new supplies. We had to tear ourselves away from the happy scene after playing, blowing bubbles and building puzzles with the kids, whose parents had started arriving to collect them. Seeing the difference Sarah’s contribution had made in such a short afternoon left us all overwhelmed with joy.
Hospitality on display at Plett trade fair Saskia Bronkhorst
N August 29, the Plett Accommodation Association (PAA) hosted a Hospitality Trade Fair at Piesang Valley Hall, where various business owners gathered to showcase their products and services. A variety of stalls showed off tourism products of a wide range - self-produced hospitality shampoos, food, coffee, décor, appliances, and linen were some of the products on offer. The main aim of the expo was for business owners to share what they had to offer to players in the hospitality industry. Many of the businesses
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were Plett and Knysna based, but some came from a little further down the Route, e.g. Pilipili from Sedgefield and a few others from George, whereas some outsourced to Joburg. Many businesses also had a focus on sustainability, providing eco-friendly services. Roost displayed organic, sustainable coffee while also working towards being plastic-free. Greg's Cookin ensures that all food is self-made in their ‘92 caravan, bread included. They also pursue sustainability and fitted the caravan with solar panels. Vijver Jonck of Monkeyland told of a sister sanctuary soon to open in KZN,
with the intent of saving many more animals. Knysna tourism operators Ocean Odyssey told of a litter clean-up planned for September 15. Emzini Township Tours, also from Knysna, give back to their community through Lukhanyiso safe house for abused children. Plett stalwart Ocean Blue is also firmly focused on conservation, and is a Fair Trade tourism company. The Plett Hospitality Trade Fair was an excellent way to showcase local businesses Their products and services are special and most attempt not harming the planet along the way. See photos on page 9.
Sandcastles ensure beach fun for everyone HE Bitou 10 Foundation (B10F) hosted a Sandcastle Competition on Central Beach on September 1. Families, friends and children enjoyed a fun-filled Spring Day morning on the beach building and decorating their sandcastles. The Plett Field Band provided wonderful sounds, as everyone worked tirelessly to finish their masterpieces in time. “The aim of this event was to bring families and friends together to enjoy a morning of beachy fun. We will definitely host another sandcastle event next year,” says B10F manager Sooneela Naina. There were three categories - Junior; Senior or Group - and prizes were awarded for the most original and creative sandcastles. A big thank you goes out to all sponsors and those
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FUN IN THE SAND AND SUN: Perfect Spring Day weather gave a lovely backdrop for those tasked with making castles and other artworks in the sand - Photo: Lynette Mullins ShowMe Plett
who assisted with the event: Wimpy, Bargain Books, Knysna Elephant Park, Offshore Adventures, Ocean Safaris, Radical Raptors, Ice Palazzo, PNA, Plett Lifesaving Club, Lousanne from Bargain Books for assisting with the judging, Plett Tourism, and Plett Field Band for th lovely live entertainment. “We also thank members of the public for showing their support, and say very
well done to all who participated,” she concludes. Currently, the Bitou 10 Education and Development Foundation reaches out to the 11 WCED schools and over 30 ECD sites in the region, serving more than 8,000 children. If you would like to find out more or fund one of their many projects, visit www.bitou10foundation. co.za or call Sooneela Naina on 044 533 6466.
BUSINESS
12 September 2018
CXPRESS
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Turning to benevolent Peking could eventually become the chinks in president Ramaphosa’s armour…
Stuart Murray
Y mother, a canny Highland lady, used to caution my brother and I to “neither a borrower nor a lender be”. For many of my early years we considered this to be cautious Scottish wisdom - until I learned that the advice came from Polonius, to his son, in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Anyway, if you analyse the advice, it still makes practical sense, but somehow doesn’t seem to fit into this modern world where most of us dither between savings and overdraft. Nevertheless, I would caution president Ramaphosa and his cabinet colleagues, whose lending capabilities are somewhat hamstrung at present, to tread softly where outstretched hands are gesturing. At the recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, Chi-
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nese president Xi Jinpeng pledged $60-billion in funding for “projects” over the next three years. This is on top of a $60-billion pledge at the 2015 summit. The new financing includes $15-billion in grants, interest-free loans, concessional loans, $20-billion in credit lines, and so on. These will all become part of China’s Belt and Road initiative, which includes hundreds of international projects, most of them built by Chinese contractors and financed by Chinese banks. Internationally, fears of these collateral-linked loans becoming a “debt trap” are growing. President Xi, as one would expect, has denied any such intention and president Cyril has rejected charges against China of “neo-colonialism”. Aware of growing unease among China’s debtor na-
tions, the country’s special envoy for Africa, Xu Jinghu, promised to conduct feasibility studies before handing out any cash. President Xi pitched in with a friendly warning against “vanity projects”. The critical problem facing cash-strapped - mainly emerging market - countries is their capacity to meet immediate foreign currency obligations. Take the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) countries: excluding Russia, SA has foreign reserves coverage of less than 1; India has less than 2; Brazil and China sit at 2.5 and 3.1 respectively. (To provide some perspective, China is South Africa’s biggest trading partner and we are China’s biggest trading partner in Africa.) When do alarm bells start ringing? Basically, when
Seeff welcomes clarity on land reform HERE is great concern about land reform among ordinary South Africans, especially property owners and buyers. At the same time, the huge amount of media noise and public discourse around this issue often send mixed messages. In light of this, Seeff Property Group has welcomed confirmation by president Cyril Ramaphosa in various media reports and a recent parliamentary sitting that there will be no wide-scale land grabs of any kind. He made it clear there would be no nationalisation and that property rights would be protected, while illegal land grabs would not be tolerated. He reiterated that expropriation would be done in a planned manner in pursuance of economic growth. This was echoed in the important recent meeting between the president and UK prime minister Theresa May, and during his visit to China. Seeff Group CEO Stuart Manning says there is no need for owners to fear that their houses will be taken, or that it is pointless to invest in property. “The president has emphasised that SA has learnt from the experiences of countries like Zimbabwe in terms of what has worked and what not, and will not make the same mistakes,” says Manning. “He also pledged that the governing party did not intend eroding property rights, but would endeavour to strengthen these rights for all South Africans.” Manning says it should be noted that ratings agencies and other international commentators including the IMF have all urged clar-
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ity on land reform, which is seen as a vital step to future prosperity and stability. Following US president Donald Trump’s tweet on land expropriation, Manning urges investors to be wary of misrepresentation and misinformation. “This is causing unwarranted and unnecessary fears among consumers about whether they should be investing in property when, in fact, it is an excellent time to buy,” says Manning, adding that there has been no indication that expropriation will affect ordinary residential property. “Ramaphosa stated on record that the intention is to unlock economic potential by looking at unused land, derelict buildings, purely speculative land holdings, or circumstances where occupiers have strong historical rights and title holders do not occupy or use their land, such as labour tenancy, informal settlements and abandoned inner-city buildings,” he says. While agricultural land is a stated target for expropriation, Manning has welcomed the recent developments, pledges of cooperation and undertakings following high-level meetings with various agricultural stakeholders. Additionally, says Manning, South Africans and foreigners should rest assured that interested parties are keeping an eye on developments and making representations as needed, all in the interest of the country, its people and property. One of these is Banking Association of South Africa MD Cas Coovadia, who confirmed that banks continue granting property
loans, including the agricultural sector, and that the banking sector is also committed to land reform. While by no means downplaying the seriousness of the matter, Manning says South Africans need to be reminded that we are in a much stronger position than was Zimbabwe. “We have a strong constitution, Chapter Nine institutions and civil rights bodies. SA is also party to international treaties which require the protection of property rights and we should take encouragement from all these factors.” Manning says while economic and political challenges remain an obstacle for the market, it is important to remember there is still much activity. “Regardless of the state of the economy and market, there will always be people who need to buy and sell for various reasons. Deeds office data show thousands of sales transactions concluded each month, so filter out the negative noise. “The take-out is that, while there are challenges, opportunities abound. Timing the market is impossible, so it is best to work with what we know. There is very little to indicate any dramatic upward shift in the economy and property market this year, but for as long as people need a roof over their heads, there will be buyers and thus opportunities to sell. “We certainly urge buyers not to waste time waiting for a better day to buy,” Manning concludes. Call 044 533 0311 or email plett@seeff.com and see the advert on page 3 for additional information.
emerging markets borrow too much, and have inadequate forex reserves as well as substantial short-term foreign currency debt... In addition, if they have a reliance on commodity exports, struggle with corruption, and live with turbulent political and economic leadership. Sound familiar? A number of recipients of Chinese generosity have begun to see the writing on the wall. • Malaysia has cancelled $20-billion of Chinese financed projects, warning that they would create an unsustainable debt burden. • Already deeply indebted, Pakistan is now reconsidering some projects in the multi-million dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. • Sri Lanka has been forced to sell off its Hambantota Port. The $1.3-billion dollar asset, opened eight years ago using Chinese loans, has been handed over to Beijing on a 99-year lease, illustrating that China is not squeamish about requiring assets as collateral. • Djibouti, sitting on the
strategically vital Horn of Africa, has a public debt to GDP ratio fast approaching 100%. Now that’s a debt trap, if ever there was one... The situation in Djibouti is hugely worrying for the USA. There, the Americans have Camp Lemonnier - the formal operating base of the US Africa Command and, as such, a vital strategic centre for the USA and NATO, as well as the European Union. In essence, this means that America’s only naval base in Africa is hosted by a Chinese dependency! An analysis by the Centre for Global Development has listed eight Belt and Road countries as particularly vulnerable to similar situations. Unfortunately, South Africa’s economy is in bad shape and we need to borrow. Recent burdens include the Eskom wage agreement, the SABC shortfall, and the R575-million handout to ease the burden of another fuel price increase. Now, having slid into recession, costs and collateral demands will rise. It’s almost a given that
South Africa will take China’s helping hand. The Chinese government, after all, has been steadily funding developments in Africa since the $7.6-billion Tanzam Railway development (under construction from May 1968 to July 1976), which gave landlocked Zambia access to the sea. President Nyerere of Tanzania and president Kaunda of Zambia had sought help from the West before turning successfully to China. China happily supplied an interest-free loan. After successful completion of the 1,860km track (through 22 tunnels and over 320 bridges), China withdrew its technicians. In conclusion, I’m not suggesting that we should spurn China’s financial aid, but we need to be circumspect; to recall an apt cautionary phrase: Slowly, slowly catchee monkey. • Stuart Murray (stuart murray758@gmail.com) is a former senior assistant editor of Financial Mail and co-founder, editor and CEO of Finance Week. He is retired and enjoys his chow mein in Plettenberg Bay.
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INTERVAL
12 September 2018
Mammogram mayhem HILE conducting some business at the court house, I overheard a lady, who had been arrested for assaulting a mammogram technician, say: “Your Honour, I’m guilty, but there were extenuating circumstances.” The female judge said sarcastically: “I’d certainly like to hear those extenuating circumstances.” I did too, so I listened as the lady told her story. “Your Honour, I had a mammogram appointment, which I actually kept. I was met by this perky little clipboard carrier, smiling from ear to ear as she tilted her head to one side and crooned: ‘Hi! I’m Belinda! All I need you to do is step into this room right here, strip to the waist, then slip on this gown. Everything clear?’ “I’m thinking ‘Belinda, try decaf. This ain’t rocket science’. “Belinda then skipped away to prepare the chamber of horrors. “With the right side finished, Belinda flipped me (literally) to the left and said: ‘Hmmmm. Can you stand on your tippy toes and lean in a tad so we can get everything?’ “Fine,” I answered. “I was freezing, bruised, and out of air, so why not use the remaining circulation in my legs and neck to finish me off ? “My body was in a holding pattern that defied gravity - with my other breast wedged between those two four-inch pieces of square glass - when I heard and felt a zap! “Complete darkness, the power was off! “Belinda said: ‘Uh-oh,
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maintenance is working, bet they hit a snag.’ “Then she headed for the door. “Excuse me! You’re not leaving me in this vise alone are you?” I shouted. “Belinda kept going and said: ‘Oh, you fussy puppy… the door’s wide open so you’ll have the emergency hall lights. I’ll be right back.’ “Before I could shout NOOOO! she disappeared. “And that’s exactly how Joe and Tom, maintenance men extraordinaire, found me… half-naked with part of me dangling from the Jaws of Life and the other part smashed between glass. “After exchanging a polite ‘Hi how’s it going’ type greeting, Joe (or possibly Tom) asked, to my utter disbelief, if I knew the power was off. “Trying to disguise my hysteria, I replied with as much calmness as possible: ‘Uh, yes, I did but thanks anyway.’ “‘Okay, you take care now,’ Joe replied and waved good-bye as though I’d been standing in the line at the grocery store. “Two hours later, Belinda breezes in wearing a sheepish grin. “Making no attempt to suppress her amusement, she said: ‘Oh, I am sooo sorry! The power came back on and I totally forgot about you! And silly me, I went to lunch. Are we upset?’ “And that, Your Honour, is exactly how her head ended up between the clamps... ” The judge could hardly contain her laughter as she said: “Case dismissed!”
Dishing it out in the kitchen mother and son were washing dishes while the father and daughter were watching TV in the family room. Suddenly, there was a
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crash of breaking dishes, then complete silence. The girl looked at her dad and said: “It was Mom.” “How do you know?” “She didn’t say anything.”
Impressing the impresario man decides to join the circus. He shows up to demonstrate his skills to the impresario. “I have the most unusual act,” he announces. “I’m very sure it will amaze you.” He climbs up to the high wire and jumps off! He flaps his arms
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wildly, and finally his fall slows and the man begins to fly. He soars upward, turns, and swoops back again. Finally, the man stops in mid-air and gently lowers himself to the ground. The impresario says: “Is that all you’ve got? Bird impressions?”
A Spanish magician tells the audience he will disappear on the count of three. He says: “Uno, dos… ” POOF! He disappears without a tres.
12 September 2018
Photo: Celeste Breytenbach Photography
SOCIAL SCENE
HUNTERS MAKES THE PERFECT MATCH: Tina (née Loubser) and Edwin Willemse would like to say huge thanks to their family and friends for making their big day on August 25 so very special. Julie, Karin and the Hunters team were instrumental in the couple’s beautiful wedding, and Tina also thanks Celeste Breytenbach for the fabulous photos.
People, places & events
NO DOC A DAY FOR OUMA MOODIE: Our cover star Elizabeth Moodie of Kranshoek - above, and surrounded by loved ones Benjamin, David, Aneesha, Kyle, Shandre and Linda at left - said her secret to reaching 108 years of age is avoiding doctors and hospitals at all cost. She never smoked or drank alcohol, but she loves meat and has a very healthy appetite. Learn more about Ouma Moodie, who had 11 children of whom seven are still living, in a near-future edition. - Photos: Vinthi Neufeld
THAT’S A FAIR TRADE: The Plett Accommodation Association (PAA) Hospitality Trade Fair saw 31 exhibitors showcasing the products and services that they provide to the industry, along the length and breadth of The Garden Route. The fair hosted a representative cross-section of the inputs that local tourism ventures can source, ranging from access to management, training and reservation services, to the supply of foodstuffs, furniture, fixtures, fittings and equipment to hotels, guest lodges, eateries, restaurants and other outlets, as well as the wide range of leisure activities that the Route can offer. The fair was well attended and enthusiastically received. The PAA represents the interests of stake holders in the local tourism industry. Pictured at right are Mbulelo Vellem and Ella Mahlulo of Emzini Township Tours in Knysna. From left above are Alex Eloff, Elandri van der Walt, Karen du Plessis, Michelle Strade, and Matuschka Sinclair of Robberg Fine Foods, with Jonica Gubula, Gillian O’Shea and Janet Holding of Old Nick Village at top right. - Timothy Twidle
WALDORFING IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS: Class 7 students from Plett’s Raphaeli Waldorf School spent a day in Wittedrift exploring their creativity and conducting research for their geological projects. They studied indigenous fynbos and flora and interesting creatures found along the way. Above, some of the students are beautifully reflected in the dam at Giraffe View Safari Camp. At right, Isvory and Chloe, right, show off their lucky four-leafed clover.
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12 September 2018
Vacancy:Marketing Marketing Vacancy: Vacancy: Marketing Position available at the Knysna Elephant Park:
Duties will include: Marketing / Brochure management Internet & email communication / Newsletter Social Media / Sourcing new business & clients / Commissions / Compilation of reports and summaries. Perform and analyse market research. Prepare profiles to focus on client demographics and how to reach them. Develop/ Maintain Corporate Brand Image. Develop/Maintain corporate website (WordPress) and interpreting website data. Develop/Maintain Marketing Strategies and Budgets. Experience with Trade Shows. Knowledge of marketing trends and Social media Platforms. All CVs to be emailed to vacancy@knysnaelephantpark.co.za Closing date 25 September.
Paws
Plett Animal Welfare Service
CLASSIFIEDS
ON THE SOAPBOX
12 September 2018
Letters to the Editor
Email: editor@cxpress.co.za - Fax: 044 533 0852 - PO Box 1449, Plett 6600
Where did all that extra money go, Bitou? The decrease in Bitou Municipality’s capital spending is extremely worrisome for Plett’s future. The following figures are from the municipality’s year-end financial statement and multi-year 2018/19 budget. Capital spending budgeted for last year and coming years: • 2017/18: R129-million (R109million actually spent) • 2018/19: R81-million (a decrease of 37%) • 2019/20: R77-million • 2020/21: R74-million. Why is capital spending going down? One would expect that, with the growing population, effects of climate change on water supply, and old and poorly maintained infrastructure, lots of money should be going into building new infrastructure. Why is this not being done? Weirder yet is that Bitou’s operating budget was increased by R40million this year, mainly due to increasing employment. One would expect to see a decline in employment since if you aren’t
doing capital projects, you don’t need the people. As of March this year, only 34% of the capital budget had been spent. In an item submitted to council and approved unanimously on April 30, it stated “…that notice letters be issued to all Project Managers informing them that disciplinary action will be taken against them if the allocated capital budget within their sections are not fully spent within this current financial year”. Well, lo and behold, R41-million was spent in June alone. Did anyone see a flurry of construction going on? Shovels flying, trucks transporting, everybody busy? I sure didn’t. So where was all that money spent? The same council item also stated that the supply chain management section should be investigated “to determine the cause for delays in the tender processes, as it negatively impacts in terms of capital spending”. How is it possible that
Fire Fund makes dreams come true I’m the site foreman for a project in Kranshoek backed by Plett’s Fire Fund - an organisation that enables the building of new RDP housing for those who lost everything when last year’s fires left people homeless and devastated. As I write, foundations are being poured for one of these houses and I can’t help but be moved and inspired by what the Fire Fund is doing for our local community and fire victims. Please share my appreciation towards them with your readers. - Dominic Zampieri, Plett (Dominic’s Eden Developments project has teamed up with Marius Venter of the Fire Fund to realise the dreams of fire victims, including the owner of the home under construction pictured at right. Call him on 081 049 1177 or Marius on 083 408 1911 for additional information. - Eds.)
R41-million worth of projects went through the tender process, work completed, billed and paid in one month? Looking at the yearend budget statement for June 2018, compare the first figures (budgeted for) with the actual amounts spent (second). Capital expenditure on existing assets (R = thousand) • Roads 3,074 - 500 • Electrical infrastructure 9,893 - 945 • Water supply 3,400 - 0 • Sanitation 14,232 - 1,284 • Waste infrastruct. 0 - 0 • Investment properties 2,584 - 0 • Computers, office equipment, machinery, other 6,407 - 0 Subtotal: 40,081 - 2,729 Capital expenditure on new assets • Roads 15,954 - 3,823 • Electrical infrastructure 8,520 - 7,634 • Water supply 15,099 17,954 • Sanitation 8,266 - 2,727 • Waste infrastructure 1,000 - 191 • Community assets 1,100 - 144
• Municipal offices 60 2,276 • Computer equipment 975 - 1,660 Subtotal: 65,530 - 43 084 Total: 105,611 - 45,813 The Budget Statement ending June 2018 accounts for R45.8-million actually spent against the R105.6-million adjusted budget. So where was the rest of the R60-million capital expenditure spent? Where was the R41-million spent in June alone? Were dummy invoices produced to avoid disciplinary action? Has tender abuse been involved? We know R6-million spent on electrical prepaid meters didn’t meet spec and are not useable. How long will Plettenberg Bay be able to maintain an adequate level of service delivery with a decreasing amount being spent on new infrastructure and maintenance? And how long until it falls apart at the rate it’s going? We Are Watching, Plett (This letter was forwarded to Bitou but no response had been received by going to print. - Ed.)
Bungalow access now much friendlier for wheelchair users I have some exciting news: The Bungalow is now wheelchair-friendly! We have been building an entrance for the differently-abled the last few weeks and our new door entrance is finally ready to be used. We would love your readers to come and join us at The Bungalow to have a look at our new differentlyabled door. Pop in for a coffee, breakfast or lunch anytime that it suits you! Lucy Slabbert, Plett
(Lucy has been campaigning along with the diligent Differentlyabled Awareness team for easier access all over Plettenberg Bay. Remember to enter the competition for a night’s stay for two at Sky Villa, dinner and breakfast included. Just answer the question: ‘What does being differently-abled mean to you?’ then email your answer, name, and town of origin to winwithsky villa@gmail.com to enter. - Ed.)
Here’s what you need to know - and then some! about the workings of our Small Claims Court... The Small Claims Court (SCC) is an institution that enables citizens to obtain legal settlement for some claim they may have - be it unpaid rent, recovery of a loan, damages, etc. - which would not be worth the cost of a court case with its high legal expenses. It applies to cases where the sum involved is less than R15,000. To take a matter to the SCC, one obtains forms from the Magistrate’s Court, which one fills in. The first step is for you to send the respondent a registered letter of demand, stating your case and the amount claimed. As long
as this is sent to the correct address, no proof that the respondent has received it is required. If he contests your claim, he has 10 days to respond; if not, you apply to issue him with a summons. The summons states the date, time and venue for the hearing. The venue is usually the town where the incident took place or, alternatively, its nearest courthouse. Now you need to have proof that the respondent has received it. You may deliver it yourself and have him sign for it, or have it delivered by the sheriff of the area closest to his official address.
This is most important. Without proof that the summons was delivered to him in person, your case will not be heard. Equally important is providing your evidence for the commissioner to study, before he hears the case. The commissioner is a lawyer who handles small claims as an extra job in his free time. He cannot afford to waste his time and that of his clients by going through evidence during court time, so the more precise and relevant the evidence is, the better he likes it. Hand it in at the small claims office well before
the trial date so that he can assess it at his leisure. At a recent SCC sitting which I attended, the commissioner was so anxious to go home that he urged his clients to meet outside the courtroom and settle their differences there, without wasting time on a trial! He also flourished a bottle of what appeared to be Coca-Cola, from which he sipped so often that I began to wonder if its contents were not polluted with some other substance… Now all that remains to be said is: Good luck with your case! Merv, Plett
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CXPRESS
SPORT & ADVENTURE
12 September 2018
Premier equestrian event now boasts trail run and Dr Evil mountain bike race Kurland Estate is the place to be for an exhilarating weekend of outdoor sport from Friday September 21 to Sunday the 23rd
NE of the Garden Route’s premier horse-riding events now includes a variety of exciting activities for the nonequestrian, making it a weekend of great-outdoors offerings for the whole family to enjoy. Trail running and cycling enthusiasts can now join in on the fun at Kurland Hotel and Polo Estate in The Crags just east of the town of Plettenberg Bay from September 21 to 23. “Last year we introduced the Trail Run to the weekend’s events. It was a great success with 130 runners and 250 spectators enjoying the morning at the wonderful estate,” said Lance Gibbons of the Kurland Eventing Committee. “This year we are very excited to add the Dr Evil Mountain Bike Race, which caters for 300 entries, as well as a marvel-
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lous local cuisine and produce market, thus making the 2018 Kurland event a perfect weekend of outdoor fun, with something for everyone to enjoy.” From an equestrian perspective, this year’s Kurland affair is a three-phase event, encapsulating the elements of dressage, showjumping and cross-country. “This is one of the best ways to develop the infrastructure necessary for all disciplines of competitive equestrian sports,” explained Gibbons. During the weekend, Kurland will host the SA Adult Eventing Championships as well as the Kurland Cup, which will include dressage on Friday and cross-country on Saturday, with the event ending off on a high note with show-jumping on Sunday. “Our Kurland Cup event has shown steady and sus-
COME PLAY ON OUR FABULOUR FIELDS! The magnificent Kurland Estate and Hotel are set on beautiful, rolling grounds and conveniently located just off the picturesque Crags N2
tainable growth since it was established in 2016,” Gibbons said. “Aside from our obvious equestrian focus, we are excited about building an event with a variety of outdoor attractions focused on healthy living and
wholesome lifestyles. “There will also be evening entertainment with cocktail functions, a braai on Saturday, and other events hosted by our various sponsors - a perfect way to top off the sporting weekend,” said Gibbons.
“We would like to welcome everyone to Kurland Hotel and Polo Estate to come and enjoy next weekend with us.” Kurland Estate is the ultimate host, set on beautiful, rolling grounds and conveniently located just off the
N2 about 20km away from Plettenberg Bay. To enter the trail run, visit www.entrytickets.net or email James Stewart at muddyfoot@roystonfarms. co.za or call him on 082 925 7885 for additional information.
TRIPLE EQUESTRIAN ACTION: The disciplines of dressage, show-jumping and cross-country make for a three-phase event, encapsulating the most exciting elements of competitive equestrian sports, and Kurland Pavilion providing the perfect vantage point for spectators
Extreme swimmer joins Torpedo triathletes RESH from his 79th Robben Island crossing, extreme open water swimmer Ryan Stramrood, who competed in last year’s Torpedo SwimRun Cape, said he and swimming partner Mark de Klerk will join triathletes and other multisport enthusiasts on the Garden Route for this weekend’s Torpedo SwimRun Wild. The September 14-15 race is the first freshwater event in the Torpedo SwimRun Series, after last year taking place in the icy Atlantic Seaboard waters and on the coastline of Cape Town. The Wild race distance is 26km, made up of four segments totalling 4km, and five run segments that total 17km. The other 5km are made up of “swamble - a combination of scrambling over rocks and swimming. This is a weekend getaway that family can join, camping at the beautiful Ebb & Flow Rest Camp on the river bank in the Wilderness Section of Garden Route National Park. On Friday evening there is a 6km prologue event followed by lamb-on-the-spit, with race
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day on Saturday. Stramrood, a businessman and inspirational speaker who shares his story of pushing past the impossible to swim the Ice Mile in Antarctica, says he and De Klerk look forward to the Wild event, after relishing the challenge of taking up running in order to tackle last year’s Torpedo SwimRun Cape event. “We both love adventure which promises a bit of pain and boundary pushing, and we both love being out in nature. And this challenge will certainly deliver it all,” he said. Although a relatively new sport, SwimRun has taken hold and grown, with 450 races now on the international calendar. It offers off-road and open-water adventure along coastal and inland waterways, with routes designed around the natural environment and with distances varying from race to race. The multiple swim and run segments see athletes swimming and running in the same gear, with no transitions as in triathlons.
Richard McMartin, Torpedo SwimRun co-founder, when asked about the choice of kit for the event, said: “With a wetsuit being optional rather than compulsory as it was at our Cape events, the choice could be an important one. “A wetsuit will help on the swimming legs, especially through the cold Kaaimans, but in the second half of the race the runs are long and you'll suffer on a hot day in a wetsuit. This is what SwimRun is all about. “It's a race of two halves. The Kaaimans will suit agile athletes who are quick over technical terrain. The second half is more open and will suit the speed of the triathletes. If a good trail runner has a solid lead coming out from the Kaaimans, they could be hard to catch,” he said. Also keep an eye on 21-yearold triathlete Keegan Cooke from Port Elizabeth, who won the Momentum Big5 Challenge in Knysna in July. He has entered Wild with his brother Jarryd. Visit www.torpedoswim run.com for more info.