13 February 2019 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

Sole survivor?

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The latest SANParks survey, using camera-trap technology, found that this T cow is the only surviving Knysna elephant still roaming the forest. This claim c iis however refuted by, among others, local wildlife expert Gareth Patterson - turn to page 5 to find out more. And here’s hoping that each and every CXPRESS reader has a special someone to share a laugh with tomorrow. C Check inside for several Valentine’s Day specials. C

Photo: SANParks

13 February 2019

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NEWS & VIEWS

13 February 2019

OBITUARY

One of the ‘three musketeers’ departs for the great beyond DEREK FRIELINGHAUS pays tribute to his pal, David Mould, who was laid to rest last Friday afternoon AVE Mould’s passing on Sunday February 3, after a short illness, sadly brings about the end of an era. Dave, together with his wife, Marianne, owned and ran the popular Med Seafood Bistro since the 1980s, and was well known as one of Plett’s longest-standing restaurateurs. The Moulds started life in Plett at the Beacon Island Hotel, Dave as chef and Marianne as housekeeper. From there, Eli Sopas “stole” the couple - according to them! - to run his Le Rendezvous Restaurant, where Dave was chef and Marianne manned front of house. Who’s Who - an eatery run by the Islander team at The Village Square - came into the picture in 1985 when Peter Dodds, then owner of The Islander, changed the name to The Med Seafood Bistro. After Eli sold Le Rendezvous, Dave and Marianne decided that they had to control their own destiny. So when Peter approached them to take over The Med, they agreed - and, as the

MACGYVER MONIKER EARNED: David Mould (25.2.1949 - 3.2.2019) loved the great outdoors and had an incredible collection of knives and various gadgets

saying goes, the rest is history, with Dave and Marianne having been a team ever since. Many of us have celebrated special occasions with them, and Dave always appeared out of the kitchen once all the main orders were served, to chat to us locals. We came to know him as a humble and self-effacing man with a lovely sense of humour, and always with a twinkle in

his eye - no matter how tired he may have been. He never missed an opportunity to pull someone’s leg, and if you took yourself too seriously, Dave quickly cottoned on. He loved the bush, and had a knife collection of note. But more than that, Dave’s life was his family - Marianne, son Justin, and daughter Toni. Johan Basson from JC Electrical remembers back in the day when Dave and Marianne stayed in the Beacon Island staff quarters in Piesang Valley Road. “Dave came home under the weather one night, to find all his clothes being flung out of the top window!” On a personal note: I once asked Dave for Rennies tablets with the bill; thereafter, every time my wife, Trish, and I dined at The Med, we were presented with two Rennies along with the bill… Robberg Fisheries founder Malcolm Craig remembers back in the 1980s, when he was working around the clock for days on end during the height of the

calamari season, Dave would on many occasions arrive at the factory with a meal from The Med. He would send Malcolm home for a few hours’ sleep, and supervise the packing staff until he returned. Says Malcolm: “Those were special actions that I will never forget.” Bertha Ollemans has happy memories of “the three musketeers” - Dave, Dale Smith of The Islander-fame and John Dreyer, who is also no longer with us spending evenings at her Boardwalk restaurant. “They were a laugh a minute,” Bertha recalls. One of Dave’s idiosyncrasies was, when going into the bush for their annual break, he would start packing three months before departure, spending hours choosing which of his gadgets to take… hence the nickname MacGyver! Dave will be sorely missed by the many people who knew him, but particularly by those who shared with him and Marianne the ups and downs of trading in Plettenberg Bay during those growing years of the 80s and 90s.

Look who came back to check on his old haunts! Derek Frielinghaus shared these pics and wrote: “I had a surprise visit from arguably Plett’s best-known restaurant owner, Eli Sopas, far right, this month. His nutshell culinary background reads like a chef’s adventure series. Eli started out in 1982 with Le Rendezvous in Lookout Centre. The pic at right - from left are Toy Black, Eli, Nigel Tipping, and Trish Frielinghaus - was taken during an NSRI affair in 1986 and was one of the functions held at Le Rendezvous while Eli was a member of Sea Rescue. He sold it in 1985 to Steve Simpson and opened Eli’s Restaurant (where the Why Not used to be) around 1987. In 1988, he started Whalers where today’s Moby Dick’s is located at Central Beach; at the same time, Eli opened Plett’s first coffee shop in Main Street called Tivoli’s (now housing Seeff). In 1993, he went to Florida, USA, to run a steakhouse chain called Austins, but returned in 1997 when Southern Sun invited him to open Eli’s Cabin (ex-Captain’s Cabin) and Tropical Breeze café in the foyer of the BI Hotel. He sold these and opened a Greek restaurant called Limani Blue at Knysna Waterfront; when selling that, he opened Linga Longa restaurant at Goose Valley clubhouse. Eli then moved to Australia, where he has won many culinary awards during the past decade. His current restaurant is Piato in Cairns, but bottom line is Eli misses Plett terribly and looks forward to the final week of his stay, which concludes on February 15.”

NEWS & VIEWS

13 February 2019

CXPRESS

No corks popped this year as Bitou pulls the rug from under Wine & Bubbly Fest Arguably the most popular event on Plett’s culinary entertainment calendar will not take place this year after municipal sponsorship fell through - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports LETT Tourism announced last week that the Wine & Bubbly Festival, which was scheduled to take place next month, had been postponed to next year following the late withdrawal of Bitou Municipality’s financial support. Bitou became involved in sponsoring the event after the Plett Wine & Bubbly Festival’s main private sponsor withdrew its support in 2017. The municipality initially stepped in to ensure that the show went on, and was set to contribute to the festival again this year. Plett Tourism was, however, recently informed that it would no longer do so. Despite efforts to obtain comment from the municipality, this was not forthcoming before going to print.

Cindy Wilson-Trollip of Plett Tourism said they were committed to the festival as it embodied the quality that people had come to associate with the Plett wine region. “Therefore we have decided to postpone the event, rather than produce a scaled down version,” Wilson-Trollip said. “We are developing a new business model that will include sourcing private sponsorship and other revenuegeneration mechanisms.” She added that Plett Tourism and Plett Winelands apologised to all concerned. Those who had bought early-bird tickets have already received their refunds and will be comped to the festival next year. The festival, which showcases not only the coastal holiday town’s growing

wine industry, but also its locally-sourced and prepared food as well as resident performing arts talent, was initially held during the September/October period. Last year, however, Plett Tourism decided to move the

date to the Easter holidays. The decision was part of the organisation’s strategy to increase awareness of Plett out of season, and to increase exposure to an international audience. March also coincides with

an existing outdoor and sporting events platform, with a leisure festival as well as the wine industry’s harvest season. The fifth annual Plett Wine & Bubbly Festival was set to be more than just sipping on the area’s wine and bubbly, but a celebration of the coastal holiday town’s culinary and agricultural accomplishments. This resulted from the

fact that, over the past few years, there had been an influx of farm-to-table products in the area. Due to these products revered as being ‘boutique’ or small, organisers realised a festival of this nature was needed. This year would have seen the inclusion of the Honeybush tea industry, one of Plett’s emerging agricultural products. Garden Route Media

Murder update: Lokwe claims ‘brutality’ but bail denied again HE trial against the man accused of brutally raping and murdering Plettenberg Bay hospice nurse Penny Cumming is drawing to a close in the Knysna Circuit High Court. Gcobani Lokwe, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, is accused of raping and killing the 63-yearold Schoongezicht Country Estate resident in January last year, appeared in court again last week.

The matter was postponed to March 18 for the continuation of the trial and is expected to move into arguments by the prosecution and the defence. Lokwe was arrested in KwaNokuthula on January 30 last year after Cumming’s bruised and naked body was found on the floor of her home by a friend the previous day. Her home had been found ransacked and her Volvo

was missing. The car, which was partially destroyed, was found near Nekkies in Knysna later that day. It was later established that Cumming had also been raped and that the cause of death was strangulation. During his recent court appearance a forensic pathology report confirmed that DNA evidence, collected during the police investigation into the rape and murder, placed Lokwe

at the scene of the crime. Lokwe denied his rights had been read to him during his arrest and that he was the victim of police brutality. Cumming’s death left the Plett community reeling. This led to several protests against Lokwe’s release on bail. A massive petition also formed part of the action and saw 5,000 people support the campaign. Lokwe was denied bail. -Yolandé Stander

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

13 February 2019

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

OPINION PIECE

On freedom of expression and why Plett needs a new dawn Wandisile Sebezo

T amuses me that when I criticise the Democratic Alliance (DA), nonDA members or supporters cheer me on, but when I do the same to the African National Congress (ANC) or Active United Front (AUF), people are quick to call me names “a party hack”, “sell-out” or “captured”. The idea that we shouldn’t criticise the ANC and other political parties considered “black” simply because we are black is beyond ridiculous. Black people don’t owe anything to the ANC or the AUF. What we expect from our public reps is better service delivery and clean governance, regardless of which political party they represent. If they fail to do that, they deserve the mightiest of our wrath. The current tendency in this country is to shut down or threaten all those we do not agree with. We should be embarrassed that this is happening in the political sector, where freedom of expression should be sacred. I consider myself a

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black consciousness adherent and a socialist (well, last I checked); I am for black people through and through. But let’s be honest, not every black person is progressive. Steve Biko talked about blacks and non-whites. In African-American lexicon there is a saying: “Not every skin folk is kinfolk” - in other words, just because we have a black government in this town doesn’t mean all is well.

in indecision and absence of visionary leadership. Ideally, coalition governments should be the best thing for any democracy, especially one as young as ours, for they should provide a proper platform for cheques and balances to be done correctly. But in the South African setting we seem to be missing something, almost all the municipalities that are formed through coalitions are

‘Black people don’t owe anything to the ANC or the AUF - we expect better service delivery’ It certainly doesn’t mean the powers that be are progressive, not by a long shot. The record of Bitou Municipality since the 2016 local government elections speaks for itself. We’ve been limping from one crisis to another. Senior management positions remain vacant, creating instability and policy misdirection. The political council has been shifting to the left, and to the right, and back again to the left countless times. Our town is mired

unstable; apart from Plettenberg Bay, Nelson Mandela Bay, City of Johannesburg and Tshwane are but some examples. Many commentators have signalled warnings that a possible coalition between the ANC and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) after this year’s May elections would be a disaster for the country. Just like in Plett, such a situation would mean the centre won’t hold. In fact, we need the ANC to fare above 60% in order

to quell a possible coalition with the red berets. The latest Ipsos study, done late last year, revealed that six in 10 South Africans will vote for the ANC in May, putting it at a 61% lead, while the DA underperformed compared to its 2014 earnings at just 13%, losing a whopping 9%. EFF support is predicted at 9% - growth from its 6% in 2014. Ipso projected the 2016 local government elections correctly, so let’s wait and see if they got it right this time around. How South Africans vote in 2019 will signal how they will vote in 2021. Here’s hoping that in Plett we will vote with our heads, not our hearts, having learnt from the mistakes of the 2016 ANC/AUF pact. This coastal town needs a new dawn - an environment of clean governance where dissenting voices are allowed the space to breathe. I read somewhere: “In a society where everybody agrees, it simply means only one person is thinking.”

NEWS & VIEWS

13 February 2019

Is lone cow the very last of Knysna’s iconic elephants? Findings announced by SANParks scientists during a press conference on February 6, that a female elephant lives alone in the Knysna forest, has resulted in strong opinions from the public and scientists alike - FRAN KIRSTEN reports

BIG REVEAL: During a SANParks conference last Wednesday, scientist Lizette Moolman announced that a lone female cow was the only surviving Knysna elephant; Garden Route National Park spokesperson Nandi Mgwadlamba, right, listens intensely

ANPARKS scientist Lizette Moolman explained that the findings of a team of scientists [recently published in a scientific article titled And Then There Was One, following a rigorous camera trap survey using 72 passive infrared-triggered cameras, 24/7 from July 2016 to October 2017 in the 185km2 Knysna elephant range] confirmed that only one elephant exists. “Because elephants move along defined pathways, we placed our cameras on these paths and covered the elephant range evenly, with spaces between camera traps no larger than the smallest range recorded for elephants. “An elephant would not reside in a gap area, between camera trap locations, for the duration of the survey. The cameras were all active for 15 months, and during this time the same female elephant was identified in 140 captures, always by herself. No other elephants were photographically captured.” Moolman emphasised that SANParks had decided upon releasing the information out of concern for this lonely cow. “The many hours of footage shows her roaming by herself - extremely abnormal behaviour. We carried out this survey to gather reliable and consistent information on elephant behaviour and numbers, to enable well-

informed decision making and not to try proving previous investigators wrong.” However, Gareth Patterson - award-winning wildlife expert and author of Secret Elephants, which details his eight-year odyssey to uncover truths about Knysna’s pachyderms took to social media to voice his disagreement with the survey’s outcome. “My long years of fieldwork on these special elephants has proved that they brought themselves back from the brink [of extinction]. Additionally I undertook two DNA censuses. The results of the first in 2007 indicated the presence of five relatively young adult females. “Results of the second (2009) came up with the same five females, plus a sixth that we missed the first time round. Field work additionally indicated the presence of three bulls and of calves,” he wrote. Patterson’s conclusions were reached by performing DNA tests on dung collected and measurements of hind foot diameters. Asked how Patterson’s DNA tests could now be incorrect, Moolman responded: “Various scientific study findings have been published since the Knysna DNA genotyping survey was undertaken, showing that dung must be a few hours to 24

The tales that skeletons tell

This mounted skeleton of a male elephant discovered near the Garden of Eden in 1983 can be seen at Diepwalle’s Legends of the Forest Museum. It is speculated that the animal died 10 years prior to discovery of its remains. SANParks scientist Lizette Moolman explained the difficulty in ascertaining if this elephant was related to the existing lone cow roaming the forest. “Blood and tissue always provide the highest quality DNA for reliable testing, which could be problematic depending on the type of remains. If, for example, bone marrow could be extracted, family links may be assessed.” - Photos: Fran Kirsten

hours old in order for genotyping to work. “Therefore to ‘estimate’ a population size in this manner, you must use very fresh dung and you need quite a number of samples. So one will have to physically track an elephant, disturbing it in the process, to get enough reliable samples. “Dung samples used in the DNA study were collected from piles that were more than four days old, as reported in the 2007 publication. Since this study result was published, several researchers who did studies elsewhere, reported that dung needed to be much fresher (less than 20-24 hours old) to get a reliable DNA reading. DNA studies conducted on dung older than a day lead to overestimations of populations.” Moolman explained and showed video clips of the female cow walking backwards over her own footprints - a habit that could explain how Patterson’s team may have been led to believe that there was more than one elephant moving in that area. Although Patterson disagrees with the number of elephants still roaming the forest, he expressed his concern for the Knysna elephants saying that they are a tiny endangered population. “But if I believed that only one of these elephants exists, I would be the very first person to say. ‘How could we have allowed this to happen?’ and I am not saying this. “What I would strongly recommend scientists do, though, is undertake a comparison DNA census to determine the current numbers of the Knysna elephants.” Moolman said since the elephant moves across four different landowners’ properties, it is not a SANParks decision alone on whether to bring in more elephants. “SANParks has conducted numerous meetings and workshops with stakeholders groups. Some of these workshops specifically dealt with identifying, discussing and risk-analysing possible management options for the Knysna elephant. “Whether there are one or two or three elephants, we can safely say that there is a problem, and that is that the Knysna elephant is under threat,” said Moolman. “If various parties on different sides of the number debate can agree to disagree about the number and reach common ground that there is a problem, then the conversation can progress to a next, more constructive level,” she concluded.

CXPRESS

13 February 2019

SCHOOL NEWS

BUSINESS

13 February 2019

CXPRESS

Seeff bolstered as SONA brings hope for South Africa’s economy, property market Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

RESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa’s state of the nation address (SONA) 2019 was one of hope, taking the next steps towards his “new dawn” and economic renewal, according to Seeff Property Group chairman Samuel Seeff. He added that, ahead of the address, the group noted with encouragement that business confidence had stabilised. Seeff said he was particularly encouraged by the president’s investment successes, along with his firm stance and proposed action to deal with corruption and maladministration - including prosecution and the recovery of funds and assets. The progress around governmental cost-cutting, the state structure and administration, management of SOEs and, in particular, the proposal around dealing with the Eskom crisis should be a shot in the arm for SA’s economy, he said. “The focus on economic growth sectors - including the ocean economy, tour-

ism, and so on - are all very positive, and we note with encouragement the news of a significant gas find off the coast of Mossel Bay. “On the issue of land, the proposal to use state-owned land for redistribution and other proposals including a Human Settlements Bank are all favourably noted,” Seeff said, adding that the group was bolstered by the stability that seemed to be returning to the economy and currency. “Our message is indeed, Mr President, we are watching this space and looking forward to a renewed growth path,” he said further. For the time being there is no “magic bullet” and economic recovery is “likely to be gradual” - simply because there is so much to be done. On the back of this, the property market will continue to trade fairly flat with mostly sideways activity during the early part of this year, according to Seeff. The “must buy and must sell” market, generally below R1.5-million (and up

to R3-million depending on the area), will remain active and well-priced properties will sell within a reasonable timeframe. The second market, i.e. those with discretionary money who do not have to buy or sell, are likely to continue waiting and watching how things unfold in the lead-up to the national election, which has now been confirmed for Wednesday May 8. That said, Seeff’s advice to sellers is that there is no reason to wait if you need to, or want to, sell right now. “Price growth has remained fairly subdued, and the lending landscape remains positive. While it may be riskier now, you could ultimately see greater returns. Sellers though, will need to keep their price expectations in check if they want to transact right now. “There are no guarantees,” Seeff concluded, while reminding sellers to consider all serious offers. See the advert on p3 for listings and contact details.

Global property giant sets its sights on the Garden Route Knight Frank’s Southern Cape expansion is starting in Plettenberg Bay OT many real estate agencies can trace their history back 123 years and still remain relevant, while also being one of the world’s most respected brands today. Founded in 1896, Knight Frank’s current global network includes 540 offices in 60 countries, a staff compliment of more than 18,170 and a turnover in excess of US$817-billion worth of commercial, agricultural, and residential real estate annually. Gail Gavrill, who started her 30-year stellar international real estate career in Plettenberg Bay, has been tasked with the establishment of the brand along the Garden Route. Gail will be concentrating

STELLAR REAL ESTATE CAREER: Gail Gavrill has all the experience in the world, and will establish the Knight Frank brand along the Garden Route by adding her unique and knowledgeable personal touch

on the more expensive end of the market where her considerable international experience lies, and will be dealing directly and personally with all clients. Gail holds the MPRE (Master Practitioner in Real Estate) qualification and looks forward with much excitement to assisting local clients, as she has done successfully for over 30 years along the Cape’s ‘Platinum Mile’ of Clifton, Fresnaye, Bantry Bay, Camps Bay and the V&A Waterfront. She will be making use of her vast personal database and that of Knight Frank’s international network to promote local properties. Call Gail on 082 777 6000, and see the advert on this page for more information.

CXPRESS

INTERVAL

13 February 2019

Talia on Toast

Losing my keys... again Garden Route local TALIA DAY is a mom with two kids, a Viking, and four jobs (online teacher, secretary, transcriptionist, and novelist). Her dream is to make someone’s day brighter and make people aware of the fact that their tribulations are not singular, since we all share in the craziness that is life and parenthood.

ATURDAY (my first spawn’s birthday) at 10:23am: I lose my keys. My mind went a long time ago; my house/car keys were the next obvious thing, apart from my children. They refuse to be lost, as the oldest shouts: “Mommy! Mom! Mother!” every 3.16 seconds, and the second spawn clings to me like a dead crab. I promised first spawn that we would bake a cake (oh dear deity, help!), Granny offered to take second spawn (six months old, and crawling) to the market so that I could save our house from being burnt down by the budding baker. The Viking is inept in bed with some super virus. I know he is alive due to the last dying breaths of grunting emanating from our bedroom. Granny arrives amidst screaming chaos (it is mostly me screaming), with two excitedly sick children running and crawling with snot running into their toes, eating the couch, my shoe and brushing my hair (what hair? I have pulled it out, or it was willfully brushed out by my hairdresser). Second spawn’s bag is packed with nappies, bottles, clothes, wet wipes, the kitchen sink, toys, formula, my mind, and her snotsucker - her car seat is in Goldilocks (the golden tank that spurts oil, petrol, and curses at innocent bystanders in Sedgefield). I grab The Keys, the car seat and the baby (aka the worm) in one arm, open the gate, the car door, and wrangle first spawn off the road with the other hand. Amidst this array of or-

derliness, I place The Keys on top of Granny’s car. Ahem, this postdates a cellphone on top of her car which flew off on the highway, was driven over by a car, and still works! Months later, I again leave my wallet, cellphone, and The Keys on Granny’s car, while strapping a spawn into the car. We happily drive off, and during a high speed turn (because my mother thinks speed bumps mean exactly that - speed - and corners are supposed to be taken like an F1 race), my keys start sliding off the car’s roof, Sccrrrrccchhh... “Stop the car!” I scream, which sends panic through my children and almost gives Granny a second stroke. With head bowed in shame, I retrieve my items. To Granny’s credit she just sniggers, giving me a sideways “you idiot” glare. Yes, I am incapable of learning. Anything. Have you seen me in the kitchen? The Viking refuses to let me cook because he says I embarrass the knives. Off to the market, Granny U-turns (twice), parks at Wild Oats (bumpiest road ever), drives around Sedgefield, brings second spawn home (eating toes, I don’t know whose - anyone missing some toes?), comes back for the cake first spawn baked all on her own (two eggs on the floor, batter in her hair, the kitchen reminiscent of Chicago in a snow storm). The cake is delicious, despite the occasional crunch of an ant sacrifice. The family is happily tucked away inside while the heaviest rains of the year beset their disapprov-

al on mankind outside. Later the house calms down to a dull roar of squeaky balloons, and I feel a shop jaunt coming on (party in my car without the kids!), so I look for The Keys. They are not in any of the usual spots. I check second spawn’s mouth, first spawn’s black hole - aka her bedroom - and the fridge (because that’s where one looks for things lost). No keys. Now, I really want a glass of wine and the bottle store closes in seven minutes. The frantic searching ensues. I even check the toilet bowl. In the car (with the spare key) I call Granny, interrogating her to locate my keys. She checks inside the car, no keys. Serious swearing ensues while retracing her F1 drive through Sedgefield, stopping at the occasional puddle to “go fish”. I come home feeling empty and very un-secure, my house keys are on that bunch - bleeping bleep! That night I push the couch to block our front entrance; it’s a barn door, so what use is that really? Hoping that if some un-

savoury character found them and robs us of our meagre belongings, he stubs his toe on the way in. Three days pass, no keys. Dreams of being robbed ensue - every time the dog twitches, I shoot out of bed convinced our house is being invaded by robbers. Stress and panic abounds the lost keys. Back at the ranch, aka Granny’s car, she speeds all over the Garden Route, a quick jaunt to Barrington, along the bumpiest roads in existence (the reason jeeps were made), meanders at granny-speed around Sedgefield. She takes a windy excursion to Knysna to pick up four tweenagers (under five)... My phone twerps with a photo: The Keys rusted to the roof of Granny’s car. These keys have travelled 120km. Through wind, rain, thunderstorms, gravel roads, Granny’s high speed driving, U-turns, left turns, right turns, and speedy bumps - these keys have sat on the roof. These damn keys…. • Talia on Toast is a monthly column - watch this space for the next instalment in CXPRESS of March 13.

NEWS & VIEWS

13 February 2019

CXPRESS

An honest attempt at understanding people sets Metelerkamp’s art apart Knysna resident John-Michael Metelerkamp has been selected as one of 10 artists from around the world to show his work as part of the Tomorrows/Today section at the Investec Cape Town Art Fair - now officially the largest of its kind on the continent MADE IN KNYSNA: This is one of J-M’s works from his ‘Nekkies’ series, its background story involving a personal experience at Knysna Lagoon, and his relationship with the highway settlement of Nekkies

THE ARTIST AND HIS DOG: John-Michael Metelerkamp with his dog Tess aka ‘Little B’

OMORROWS/TODAY places a spotlight on emerging and underrepresented artists from around the globe, so the fact that a Knysna native is among the select group invited to exhibit during the Cape Town Art Fair (February 15-17) is worth raving about. John-Michael Metelerkamp (“my family call me J-M”) was born in Knysna on October 1, 1982. From an early age he showed a talent for drawing, and it became a constant practice for him to express himself on paper. When the dark cloud of substance abuse cast a shadow on his life, he continued creating drawings through these difficulties, but would destroy most

of the work. In fact, J-M was battling emotionally, mentally and spiritually from his late teens until his early 30s. “Ultimately, I was sent to a neuro-clinic. The ensuing months saw me on the couch in front of the TV,” he explains. But J-M was cast from the couch when his brother gave an ultimatum: “Paint!” So he did. And the good news for art aficionados - especially the thousands from around the globe soon to descend upon the Cape Town Art Fair - is that, since late 2013, he hasn’t stopped painting. In January 2016, J-M attended That Art Fair, initiated by Art Africa magazine in the city sub-

urb of Woodstock, on his own steam. Here he was approached by Candice Berman and was signed to her gallery. Since then, he has had successful solo exhibitions and has been included in many group shows and auctions, from Knysna to Cape Town; from Joburg to Atlanta in the US of A. John-Michael says his work is autobiographical in the context of his recovery and journey to being a more “whole” person. “Painting has so many elements in it that I find effective at accessing a certain mood or energy. I don’t step back until I feel I have something to look at. I don’t edit my thoughts and have tried in the past

to find the most awkward colours that work in harmony. I’m concerned with mental states. “Human life is crude and the beings in my paintings are my way of displaying the world’s agenda, manifesting itself in a dichotomy of physical versus spirit.” There’s a clearly sympathetic tone in his work - one with an honest attempt at understanding people. Recently, J-M has developed a relationship with a rehabilitation centre in Plett, where he volunteers once a week as art teacher. If you’re in the Mother City this weekend, be sure to check out Tomorrows/ Today at Cape Town International Convention Centre until Sunday.

Come play at Plett Country Club on Sunday! A fundraiser for Hospice Plett, supported by Warwick Wealth, takes place at Plettenberg Bay Country Club (PBCC) on February 17, with golf, tennis and bowls games kicking off at 10:30 for 11am. R100 entry includes a braai lunch with loads of prizes to be won. Says John Swinley of the Bowls section: “Please dress casually with flat-soled shoes, or come barefoot. Bowls can be borrowed and visitors are welcome to join but numbers will be limited so please book your place promptly with Ivan on 083 390 1034.” Pictured from left are Natalie Melrose of Warwick, PBCC Bowls president Roger Wright, Plett Hospice head Cecily van Heerden and nursing manager Edward Muchenje, with Bowls section honorary secretary Nita Davis at right.

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13 February 2019

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ON THE SOAPBOX

13 February 2019

Letters to the Editor

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Birthday boys generate a whopper of a gift Bay. wonderful - especially for for Kids of Kurland day“SoinwePlettenberg asked Walter to the guests from abroad. As “swallows” from Germany we are back in Plettenberg Bay for another eight-week stay and have been enjoying our time here, especially when celebrating two birthday parties. Our friend, Walter Lindenmaier, turned 75 on January 23 and my husband, Rolf, 80 on Thursday the 24th. Guests at both parties were asked not to bring any presents but instead give a donation to the Kids of Kurland organisation. All the guests were very enthusiastic about this project and generously donated the amount of R14,000 that was handed

over to ‘Kids’ co-founder Ann Fermor on Wednesday February 6. The two “youngsters” agree wholeheartedly with one of Nelson Mandela’s strongest opinions: “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” Ursula Neuhaus, Plett (We were curious about the respective party venues, and upon our enquiry Ursula explained thus: “The whole story is that Walter and his charming wife, Angelika, invited us to Cape Town to celebrate his 75th - but we had already invited all our guests for Rolf’s 80th birthday on the following

YOUNG AT HEART: Walter Lindenmaier, left, and Rolf Neuhaus, who turned 75 and 80 respectively last month

come to our party instead, as we had more guests. “After a short time of deliberation, Walter agreed to come to Plett and bring all his friends along! So we celebrated first Walter’s party with 16 guests at Zinzi with a lovely dinner from their exquisite menu with the corresponding wines and bubbly, of course. “The next day they all came to Rolf’s 80th, which we celebrated with 35 guests at Kay & Monty wine estate in The Crags. It was also a wonderful day with all the excellent platters, tasty wines and, again, lots of bubbly! “Both birthday bashes, so different in style, were

But a special highlight was certainly the box with the picture of the Kids of Kurland that had been filled so generously, and it is with great gratitude that we say a big thank you to all our guests for this amazing contribution.” Plett has much to offer our visitors from near and far indeed, Ursula. Now it’s just a case of marketing our marvellous town through an able tourism body. Read the report on page 3 about the fact that Bitou Municipality has cancelled the successful Wine & Bubbly Festival, and watch this space for more bad news in this regard. - Eds.)

EASY TO SWALLOW: Rolf hands over the birthday donation to Kids of Kurland co-founder Ann Fermor

Delightful floral event raises R20,000 for the next Hospice Plett concert Your promotion of the Hum Bee Flora Open Day two Sundays ago ensured the success of the event, and Hospice Plett would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the publicity engendered and the continued support of CXPRESS in publicising events for the benefit of local charities. The rain held off. Ulrike and Bruno Baldzuhn welcomed over 200 visitors to their lovely organic farm which produces cut flowers for the Harkerville Market among other outlets. It was a great privilege

to see where all the beautiful flowers are grown and so interesting to go “off track”. Plett is full of many hidden delights. The purpose of the Open Day was fully realised. It was Ulrike’s inspiration to raise funds to sponsor another musical event similar to Voices for Hospice organised by her piano teacher, professor Anneke Lamont, two years ago. Anneke was instrumental in bringing Richard Cock, Nicholas Nicolaides, and 18 professional musicians to Plett

Alternative energy at millionaires’ estate?

‘Plettie’ shared this pic, saying this “interesting appearance was photographed at Brackenridge Estate last week”. Perhaps the resident in question knows something about Eskom’s future that the rest of us can only guess at…?

and Knysna to perform for the two Hospices, to marvellous acclaim. The incredible sum of R20,000 raised by Ulrike will certainly greatly assist in paying transport costs and fees of the musicians coming to entertain us as a fundraiser for Hospice Plett later on this year. Yet again we shall rely on Lezanne and Esther and their team to ensure that all are made aware of this forthcoming event. With grateful thanks. Annabelle Conyngham vice-chair: Hospice Plett

EUREKA! Ulrike Baldzuhn’s brainwave - to open their cut-flower farm to the public for a day - paid off beautifully

CXPRESS

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CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

13 February 2019

Re/Max Coastal gears up for Knysna Heads Marathon ‘19 HE Knysna Heads Marathon, sponsored by Re/Max Coastal, will be held on March 17 with its start and finish hub at the perfect location of Thesen Island Harbour Town. As has been the case with previous years’ events, there will be a 5km fun run, a 10km route, a 26km run and a full marathon (i.e. 42.2km). The event kicks off with the first race starting at 6am that Sunday morning. For those serious runners needing to improve their running time over what is considered an easy and level course, the full marathon serves as qualifier for both

the Two Oceans and Comrades events. It is also one of the most scenic marathons on the Garden Route - and that’s a mouthful! The focus of this year’s sponsorship is on the younger set of runners. Consequently, all local schools have been invited to send a team to participate in the event. The winning school will receive R2,000 as well as cash prizes for the individual winning runners. Several other local companies have donated awesome spot prizes, some valued at over R1,000. Businesses located on

Thesen Islands have come to the party with fantastic food offerings and beverage specials on the day. This year’s Knysna Heads Marathon promises to be an entertaining event with a live DJ, great vibes, awesome prizes, and a whole lot of fun. If you haven’t yet started training, there is still time to do so. The organisers and sponsors urge you to enter immediately. Online entries can be booked at knysnamarathonclub.com and you can contact Re/Max Coastal on 044 382 5722 or at admin@ remaxcoastal.co.za for additional information.

‘Next-level Nexus’ kicks butt at Eden champs Nexus Lurie, centre, competed at the SAKA (SA Kickboxing Association) Eden Champs in George on January 26, and brought back a silver medal for Points Fighting as well as a glamorous gold, which he scored in the challenging Continuous Fighting category. In his characteristically lowkey manner, Nexus claimed that it wasn’t really a fair fight since the competition’s fitness level left room for improvement. Well, taking into account the training regime of this awesome local kickboxer who also happens to serve as Bitou Lifeguard and Plett Surf Lifesaving Club captain, any future opposition should up their daily burpee count… Nexus is flanked by proud representatives of SKA (Sport Kickboxing Association) Plett, sensei Gee Bleeker and sensei Reynard Westraad, right. Call Gee on 060 503 6842 to find out more about this awardwinning local dojo.

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