13 january 2016

13 January 2016

Published every Wednesday by CXpress 2006 (Pty) Ltd - PO Box 1449, Plettenberg Bay 6600 - 6 Park Lane, Plettenberg Bay - Tel: 044 533 1004 - Fax: 044 533 0852 Email: editor@cxpress.co.za / advertising@cxpress.co.za Web page: www.cxpress.co.za Printed by Group Editors

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Photos: Emily Valentine

Surfers from near and far had a ball at Plett’s Robberg 5 to ensure the year kicked off with a chuckle - read all about the Kooks Surf Competition on page 10

Racism in Knysna p3

Tsitsikamma fishing halted p4

Readers on the soapbox... p14 & 15

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

13 January 2016

Legal Alien: Recollections of the Bolhuis family’s immigration to SA - Final

Looking back at a glorious career as top traffic cop Plett resident and part-time CXPRESS columnist HENK BOLHUIS concludes the account of how his clan came to settle in South Africa - to read Part I to VI, turn to page 2 of the past six editions at www.cxpress.co.za BOUT 18 months after our arrival in the Union of South Africa, the Bolhuis family started to really settle down and with all of us having found employment, we slowly began to prosper.

I, personally, enjoyed my work as a Municipal Traffic Officer and gave it my all, having to prove that this “Dutchman”, this “Legal Alien” - could indeed compete with his South African colleagues.

In the next few years, after obtaining a number of qualifications - some over and above the required ones - I quickly started rising through the ranks, first as Senior Traffic Officer, next as Assistant Superin-

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tendent, thereafter as Superintendent and as Senior Superintendent.

Finally, during the later years of my career, I was Assistant Chief Traffic Officer and then Deputy Chief Traffic Officer - the rank I had when in 1993, after 33 years of service, I finally retired.

I have often been asked the question: “What, in your opinion, were the highlights of your career and what did you enjoy most?”

To be honest, all of my work over those years was a wonderful and extremely satisfying experience, but some parts of it have indeed stood out and brought me extra pleasure.

The first of these that

CARS FOR THE NATION: Henk, centre, and assistants with a few of the Volkswagen City Golfs donated for the South African School Driver Education Board (SDEP) in 1988

come to mind was when, in 1982, I was asked to author a paper for the University of South Africa on the carnage on our roads, called ‘Violence on the road - A new approach’.

The paper was subsequently included in Unisa’s Crimes of violence in South Africa, edited by Prof J van der Westhuizen.

Then, in 1984, I was awarded the National Award of the Road Federation of South Africa and four years later, in 1988, the National Award of the South African National Road Safety Council.

Another highlight was when, in 1992, I received a Merit Award from the South African Institute of Traffic Officers for my work of more than 20 years actively promoting road traffic safety.

During these years I became involved with Radio Highveld 94.7FM and later with Jacaranda FM where I was used as the first traffic broadcaster in South Africa.

The early broadcasts were done either from my office or direct from the broadcast studio. However, during October 1986 we started broadcasting live, first from a Bell 47 helicopter and later from a Jet Ranger (Bell 206-B3) every morning and afternoon, and this I kept up for the next seven years.

Over those years, as time went by and “Henk” became somewhat like a household name in Pretoria and the surrounding areas, there were a number of occasions where complete strangers would recognise

LEARN FROM THE BEST: Henk and an SDEP student (1988)

THIS BUBBLE WON’T BURST: Handing over of the Traffic Copter at Radio Jacaranda, pilot Wynand Malan and Henk in preparation of yet another flight - Photo: Pretoria News, Oct 1986

MR COOL AND THE CREW: Henk surrounded by a few beautiful student nurses in 1990

me by my voice and slight Dutch accent.

One such an occasion was when one day the Traffic Chief and I found ourselves lost among the mielie fields near the town of Brits, looking for a certain conference centre.

Noticing a farmer and his bakkie along the side of the road, we stopped and

I got out of the car asking for directions.

After having given me the necessary instructions, the man said: “Jy’s mos Henk, nê? Ek herken jou stem van die radio!” [“You are Henk, aren’t you? I recognise your voice from the radio!”]

The same happened when, one December on our way to Plettenberg Bay, we decided to sleep over at Norvalspont Hotel in the Northern Cape and the owner, while booking us in, remarked: “Jy klink bekend - is jy nie Henk van Radio Jakaranda nie?” [“You sound familiar - aren’t you Henk of Radio Jacaranda?”]

Apart from the little bit of broadcasting during the evening peak hour I was also kept busy with other radio programmes, such as ‘Op Eie Werf’ and by lecturing at the South African Nurses College in Pretoria, among other institutions.

The one highlight that tops them all, however, was when, during 1985, I was selected by the National Road Safety Council, Volkswagen South Africa and Caltex Africa to serve on the South African School Driver Education Board [SDEP] to jointly run a highly successful national driver education and training programme for high school students, based on what I had seen and studied in the USA. Volkswagen South Africa donated 26 brand new blue City Golfs to the programme, while Caltex Africa paid for the fuel costs; several traffic departments from all over the country joined in this unique venture and supplied personnel for the training of a number of school teachers, who in turn trained selected matriculants.

Unfortunately, soon after my retirement in 1993, the programme was terminated.

I have good memories of my years as a “traffic cop” and today I am still grateful to Ms Lazar - that tiny lady I saw sitting behind that large desk at #2 Church Street, Pretoria in 1960 - who believed in me and who gave me this wonderful chance in life.

And so, after leaving the Pretoria Traffic Department 33 years later, I moved to Keurboomstrand in that same year and have been living happily here for over 22 years now.

To God be the glory.

Henk - a legal alien.

NEWS & VIEWS

13 January 2016

CXPRESS

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Good Knysna season marred by hate speech and gun-toting incident Knysna authorities have condemned a New Year’s Eve incident where two men allegedly hurled racial slurs at a group of Cape Town holidaymakers and threatened some of them with a firearm - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports NYSNA mayor Georlene Wolmarans “strongly condemned” all forms of discrimination or racism in a statement released on Monday.

“There is no place for such acts in our beautiful town as they not only undermine the progress we have been working towards building a town where people from all backgrounds and from all races prosper in a democratic society, but also the Constitution,” Wolmarans said.

Her comments follow an ongoing police investigation after an incident at 9:20am on December 31 at Knysna’s McClelland Circle.

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It is alleged that a group of about 16 friends on holiday from Cape Town were confronted by the elderly driver of a Volkswagen Golf, who had issues over where the friends had parked their vehicle.

Despite agreeing to move the car, the man allegedly started making references to apartheid. Police spokesman Captain Malcolm Pojie said another man then allegedly arrived on the scene with a drawn firearm, believed to have been loaded, and pointed it at two of the visitors.

It is alleged that he too made derogatory statements

Bitou mayor looks back officials has and ahead byleft municipal a bitter taste, although N a brief statement on Tuesday January 12, Bitou mayor Memory Booysen said he was happy that the past festive season, bar a few incidents, had been mostly “uneventful” and said two other events of which participation “honoured and humbled” him included the unveiling of the late Sesona Bayibhile memorial bench at Poortjies on December 7, and the handing over of a house to Mam uNombuyisele Damane (see story on p5).

“The absolute highlight of 2015 was the retention of a clean audit outcome from the Auditor General of SA. This above everything else affirms our commitment to good governance.

“A downside was the callous rape and murder of the 57-year-old Lenie Booysen of Qolweni, who was killed after attending the mayoral Sports Day for the Elderly in October.

“Equally, electricity fraud

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it shows our systems are working. We have acted decisively with firm disciplinary steps and are continuing to do so.

“We have also dismissed two housing officials after due processes for fraudulent sale of RDP houses. Everyone needs to know that this council will not tolerate fraud and corruption, wherever it may occur.”

Booysen expressed his excitement to announce housing development projects for both New Horizons and Green Valley - a first in 20 years and vowed to pursue the province to secure more housing units for these two communities.

“As the executive mayor I wish everyone a very happy and prosperous New Year.

I congratulate the class of 2015 for excellent matric results with a 100% pass rate at Wittedrift High and marked improvements at both Plettenberg Bay Secondary and Murray High.”

about the group’s race.

Pojie said the investigation into the incident was still in its early stages. “No arrests have been made yet,” he said.

pointing of a firearm.”

Wolmarans said any acts of discrimination or racism reported or perceived were not a reflection on Knysna as a town and had no place

‘Any acts of discrimination or racism were not a reflection on Knysna as a town’ He, however, confirmed that the matter had been reported at Lansdowne police station on January 5 and transferred to Knysna police to investigate.

“The Knysna detective branch is investigating a case of defamation of character (crimen injuria) and

in its society.

“We trust the law will take its course,” she said.

Tourism body Knysna & Partners chief executive Greg Vogt also condemned the incident and added that he, on behalf of the Knysna community, had apologised to the visitors.

“This is not representative of who we are as a community, the opposite is actually true. Knysna is a tolerant town and attracts people from all walks of life, backgrounds, races or sexual preferences. An example of this is our annual lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) celebrations [Pink Loerie Festival],” Vogt said.

He said the large majority of the town was “deeply hurt” that such an incident had been associated with the town and its communities.

The incident happened in the wake of several racismrelated incidents sweeping the country since the start of the year.

This includes controversial remarks made by KwaZulu-Natal realtor Penny Sparrow, who on Facebook referred to black New

Year’s Day beachgoers as “monkeys” who littered and caused “discomfort” to other revellers.

Police are investigating a case of crimen injuria against her and the matter has been reported to the Human Rights Commission.

This was followed by Gauteng sports, arts, culture and recreation department employee Velaphi Khumalo calling for black South Africans to do to white people what “Hitler did to the Jews”, also on Facebook. He was charged with crimen injuria, too.

Then, Standard Bank economist Chris Hart was suspended this week after he tweeted: “More than 25 years after apartheid ended, the victims are increasing along with a sense of entitlement and hatred towards minorities.”

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CXPRESS

Tsitsikamma fishing nipped in bud but draft regulations remain Yolandé Stander

OT quite a month into the Tsitsikamma pilot fishing project, the Pretoria High Court has halted it.

The Friends of Tsitsikamma Association - a group of concerned citizens and conservation experts - celebrated a “small victory” on Friday after their second attempt to prevent fishing in the marine protected area (MPA) was successful.

The court ordered that the project, introduced on December 15, be terminated with immediate effect and ordered the respondents, including SANParks, to pay costs of the application.

The group instituted legal action after an agreement between SANParks and the Tsitsikamma fishing community that saw them allow angling in 20% of the MPA. SANParks claims the pilot project was to “test the implementation” of draft regulations published by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA).

In November the DEA published draft regulations for the rezoning of the MPA, following more than two decades of discussions with local anglers.

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NEWS & VIEWS

13 January 2016

The fishermen have been lobbying for the rezoning as they felt stripped of their fishing rights and without input when the MPA was declared 50+ years ago.

Spokesman for the Association Judy Mann said the respondents acknowledged that authorities had been in breach of among others, procedural and administrative fairness while contravening the Marine Protected Areas and National Environmental Management Acts when the pilot phase was introduced.

“The DEA, SANParks and Tsitsikamma Angling Forum have reached a settlement agreement with a group to stop the pilot project,” said Garden Route National Park spokesman Nandi Mgwadlamba on behalf of the respondents.

She added that the agreement and court order did not impact on the draft regulations process.

The decision to allow fishing before the public comment period expired saw massive outcry from the marine science and conservation communities.

This not only sparked the court action, but also several letters to the DEA over

concerns and a petition signed by more than 6,000 objectors.

“We are very happy with this outcome which represents a victory for Section 24 of the Constitution, the rule of law and the environment. More importantly those administering environmental law now know that they will be held accountable by civil society groups who act for this generation and future generations,” Mann said.

“The draft regulations, which propose to open 20% of the park to recreational angling, are still open for comment until February 1.”

Mgwadlamba said moves towards the rezoning of the MPA were “in line with modern thinking on the design of MPAs” to allow a mix of “no take” and “limited use” zones.

This would balance the requirement for sustainable resource use by poor communities and the conservation of biodiversity.

“SANParks has agreed to stop the pilot project but remains committed to ensuring conservation objectives and social equity goes hand in hand.”

Garden Route Media

Law and disorder in KwaNokuthula Mike Kantey

UST when I thought it was safe to abandon my career as a social activist, comes a case which deserves greater public attention.

Just before New Year’s Eve, when all of us were turned off the social networks and tuned in to family goodwill, a man called Ntsikelelo Kienkie, 37, was shot dead in front of his family in KwaNokuthula, outside Plett.

I say “outside”, because when Sonja Barnard and I went to pay tribute to the family in the KwaNokuthula Community Hall, we were the sole representatives of the white side of town.

According to the eulogies read out by community leaders at the meeting last Wednesday evening, Ntsikelelo Kienkie was not only bright with a promising career ahead of him, but he was also branch secretary of the Economic Freedom Front in KwaNokuthula’s Ward 5 and thus the meeting provided an opportunity for the equally young party to strut their stuff.

According to community leaders and his widow, as well as three eye-witnesses, Kienkie had been under considerable strain in recent weeks and had arrived

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at a point where he might well have been incarcerated under the Mental Health Act of 1982, which requires consent of the family, a medical doctor, a psychiatrist, and a magistrate in order for a victim of stress to be “sectioned”.

Instead, the police were called and, when they arrived Kienkie, angered at this “intrusion” in a domestic matter, apparently threatened them with a garden scythe.

A warning shot was fired and - a critical factor in the future determination of the case - he allegedly put up his hands before being killed.

It is further alleged by the community, that spent cartridges were removed and pepper spray applied to his face in an effort to cover up the blunder.

Whether these allegations will be verified or disputed by the Independent Complaints Directorate in George remains to be seen.

The incident has dredged up certain problems, foremost being a perceived lack of coordination in Command-and-Control between the Plett and KwaNokuthula stations. This is disconcerting when considering the clear linkages in the pursuit of certain offences, especially those relating to

drug-dealing and theft.

Secondly, the community reports being uncomfortable with the approach of KwaNokuthula SAPS, and it is alleged that its new commander receives little support from his own staff.

Whether these allegations are true will need to be resolved but if indeed the case, we can expect an escalation in conflict and the potential disruption of public order.

So Kienkie’s death is not only about the alleged miscarriage of justice or the loss of a family member; it also necessitates a long hard look at the continued separation of Plett from KwaNokuthula in terms of Command-and-Control.

SAPS Plett has a sparkling record of efficiency and courtesy, but to what extent is the stark contrast with the situation in KwaNokuthula likely to promote the longterm safety and security of Bitou Municipality?

Surely, this is a reminder of the old adage: an injury to one is an injury to all - or to put it more eloquently, according to 16th Century poet John Donne: “Never send to know for whom the bell tolls: it tolls for thee.”

• Visit www.algoafm.co.za/ article.aspx?id=14650 for a release on SAPS training.

NEWS & VIEWS

13 January 2016

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CXPRESS

Patient ‘gogo’ gets her house - and the mayor as chauffeur for a day This brief version of the life story of Ms Nombuyisele Damane has a very happy ending, which is also a new beginning for one indefatigable Bitou grandma

OWN IT! Mam uDamane receives the keys to her KwaNokuthula brick and mortar abode from Bitou mayor Memory Booysen

dren. Her husband died some time ago, which left her to raise all their children on her own. Mam uDamane’s children will continue to live in the shack she called home until that mid-December morning.

Unlike the day’s other beneficiaries, Mam uDamane was collected personally from her shack in Bossiesgif by Bitou mayor Memory Booysen, who drove her to the band new ‘brick and mortar’ home in

Plett animals’ welfare ameliorated by fireworks bust Tracy van der Bijl, Plett Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) kennel manager, was instrumental in a fireworks bust on December 21 in Plett, where the sale or use of this product is illegal. Said Heather Pieterse, who shared this picture: ‘We need the public to know how serious PAWS and Bitou Municipal Law Enforcement (MLE) are about the ban on fireworks. Tracy was returning a spayed cat to New Horizons where she found some children letting off crackers in the street. She asked them where they got these and they showed her the house where a man was selling fireworks out of a box. Tracy learnt from this man where he had bought them and informed her MLE contact. She then proceeded to assist the Law Enforcement officers to arrange a successful bust at the shop concerned.’ Well done, Tracy. If you have related incidents to report, or would like to adopt a pet, call Tracy on 083 287 9917.

AM uDamane can’t remember when she came to settle in Plett; but she remembers that, when she left Cradock in the Eastern Cape many years ago, all her kids were very young.

She, with her husband and children, has been living in a shack since settling in Plett, but on December 17, she became the proud owner of her own home at the age of 82 years.

All her children are now adults, with their own chil-

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KwaNokuthula.

Says mayoral spokesman Manfred van Rooyen: “Mam uDamane was elated and quite emotional with what she considered an early and enormous Christmas gift. We at Bitou Municipality wish her all of the best for many happy years in her new home.�

On the morning as officials visited her shack dwelling, the CLO (community liaison officer) for Qolweni remarked: “This Mama walked to our offices every so often to check on the progress of her application without complaining, rather than people far younger who whinge all the time for having to come and check on their status. This is a huge compliment to the elderly mother and grandmother.�

The mayor said he was extremely humbled that during his term of office, he could be part of such a heart-warming human interest story.

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CXPRESS

BUSINESS

13 January 2016

Investor Focus

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

Will 2016 be the year of the ‘perfect storm’? friend recently described the current global and domestic investment scene as the onset of “the perfect storm”.

We have the end of an era of free money and zero interest rates in the US. Rising interest rates imply a ‘head wind’ that restrains equity markets - and these headwinds should continue until ‘normalisation’ is reached.

A 2% Fed Rate is the current guess of what this means. Also, US equities are neither cheap nor expensive; they have seen a five-year bull market and probably need a rest.

We see the end of a oncein-history event in China.

Never before has a country as huge as China rebuilt or reshaped itself into the 21st Century in such a short period.

The current direction change from an infrastructure-led boom to a consumer-led economy is creating major global upheavals. The growth rate has tanked from a heady 10/11% to an anticipated

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5/6%, i.e. a 50% drop!

Their market with its 80% retail client base is in absolute panic mode, while their regulator is being forced to confront a world in which he has no experience! On January 7, the Chinese market remained open for only 29 minutes and every single investor wanted out.

The end of the resources boom has seen massive ructions in resource-based economies. Emerging market economies that relied on selling metals and minerals to China, or wildly spent the ‘free’ money that was available from the developed world, have had the taps turned off and are now facing the consequences of a credit binge.

The end of the OPEC cartel saw the total collapse of the oil price, pushing producers over the edge. Russia is in dire straits (including economic sanctions), and countries like Nigeria have zero foreign exchange in their coffers.

Then there is El Nino, combined with global

warming, so we have floods and droughts worldwide.

In the Middle East we have bombs dropping. In Euroland we see a massive influx of refugees, and now we have North Korea making hydrogen bombs!

In South Africa we had the ‘Black Swan’ event of multiple Finance Ministers; we see the threatened junk status of our bonds, and a savage drought that threatens our national food supplies.

We are in an election year with politicians using every tool imaginable to secure their constituencies. Elections are always divisive and can become really frightening, especially in a new democracy.

‘What a wonderful world’ It is in these circumstances that the advantage of income-based investing becomes of paramount importance for the retiree.

If you have focused your retirement nest egg on sustainable income producing assets such as dividends

from defensive companies or from the income paid by property trusts, then the capital value can and will fluctuate but your income will continue to flow.

For those investors who followed the holy grail of growth, it is probably far too late to jump out of the market, so you will have to ride out the storm. If you have ‘new’ money, then you should wait for the storm to abate. The current news flow is extremely negative.

Fear is in the air.

However, real value is starting to appear in our market. Wait for the dust to settle and there will certainly be attractive buying opportunities.

Dividend yields over 6% and quality property trusts offering almost 10% are attractive, but they might just become even more so.

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

New development a win-win for pet lovers and small Residents in the surroundA small monthly levy will business owners alike cover the costs of garden ing area now won’t have far EED Stone Estate Plettenberg Bay’s latest residential development situated just off Whale Rock Drive - offers views over the tranquil dam of the Cape Nature sanctuary and the boardwalk to Solar Beach.

On completion, it will comprise 45 Sectional Title Townhouses, aimed at those who want a secure lock up and go, maintenance free, stroll to the beach lifestyle.

Estate living is a growing

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trend in South Africa and security is one of the determining factors for most purchasers. At Reed Stone your safety is assured with biometric access-controlled entrance, perimeter electrified fencing, 24/7 security guards and CCTV cameras.

With contemporary architectural styling sympathetic to the environment, a choice of 2-bed 2½-bath and 3-bed 2½-bath in a variety of combinations is on offer, either simplex or duplex.

upkeep, road and exterior building maintenance and the pavilion-style clubhouse and swimming pool that will be provided for residents. The development will also allow pets, which is a win for animal lovers.

The developer of Reed Stone, Plett Property Developments, has also purchased the adjacent property, which will become home to an exclusive convenience shopping centre, The Reeds.

to drive for errands and to meet up with friends for coffee or a meal in a relaxed contemporary setting.

Comprising an upmarket supermarket, buzzy café, licenced restaurant, postal and secretarial services and ample parking, there will also be modern first-floor offices available for small business folk who want to relocate to this neighbourhood hub.

• See the advert on page 7 for contact details.

PROMOTION

13 January 2016

CXPRESS

Reed Stone e

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Whale Rock Drive Sectional Title 24/7 Security Stroll to Solar Beach Wetland Conservancy Club | Pool Garden Maintenance Phone Mike 082 562 9806 Email reedstonesales@mweb.co.za Website www.reedstone.co.za Visit us daily from 10am to 6pm

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CXPRESS

SOCIAL SCENE

13 January 2016

Photos: Martin Hurwitz

People, places & events

RAINBOW RUNNING: When the annual Colour Run swings past Plett during the height of season, it invariably provides participants with hours of entertainment and multi-coloured giggles as food powder flies through the air, turning runners into individual and unique human rainbows. Pictured at centre above are Freestaters Johan, Corné, Janco and René, with Plett local, mom Anita Swanepoel at top right. The other pics were kindly shared with CXPRESS by Martin Hurwitz - visit the gallery at www. cxpress.co.za for many more of his pretty images.

WILD WISHES: Great was our joy when receiving seasonal greetings from old friend and long-time contributor Jack Mudd here pictured with wife Lucy and ‘kids’ at beautiful Buffalo Hills - who with this happy phodie wished CXPRESS as prosperous a 2016 as we wish our many loyal readers.

DUCKS OF A DIFFERENT FEATHER: Onlookers enjoyed Knysna Rotary’s charity event, Knysna Splash, at the Waterfront on Saturday December 19, as a gaggle of exhausted and wind-swept plastic ducks fought for first place at the finishing pole. The winning duck bounced off the pole and earned his owner a first prize of R2,500. At left, the catch of a different kind meets some smiles, before the Knysna Rotary ducks were taken away to be stored for another year. Photos: Gigi Lewis

SOCIAL SCENE

13 January 2016

CXPRESS

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R40K FOR NIPPERS COFFERS: The annual Plett Surf can collection took place on December 31 and raised over R40,000 - an all-time record for the club. Nippers, their parents and coaches met at the clubhouse on Central Beach before manning stations all across town, including hot spots like Main Street, the beaches, traffic circles and The Market Square. After a hot morning’s can shaking, all reconvened back at the club and, lo and behold, once all takings were tallied that record shattered with a loud KERCHING! Club vice chair Mike Polson thanks Bitou Municipality for authorising the collection, Yellow Wood Spur for the burgers and Plett Surf Beach Bar for the slush puppies. Enormous thanks are also due to the locals and visitors who contributed so generously, and proceeds from the day will go a long way to enable the club’s participation at Nippers Nationals in Durban during April. In the pic with some brave Micro Nippers are, from left, Hilton ‘Mr Spur’ Nagel and his wife Michelle, with Delina Kleinsmidt and Louné Polson. Take note that Nipper season will be in full swing again from Friday onwards, and the year’s first friendly carnival takes place at Central on January 30 & 31. Call Shameera Paruk on 083 304 5087 for details or to join the club.

People, places & events FLASHING NO-FEAR SMILES: Toasting an incredible experience when the CXPRESS camera caught them at Flashbacks in Plett’s Main Street last week, Kieron McCallum and Dominique Deacon, right, reported a lingering happy high after their AfriCanyon kloofing, canyoning and abseiling adventure. Shipped in from Joburg for the job as seasonal guide for this Crags crew that provides lasting memories with its unique great-outdoors offering, Kieron said this sentiment was characteristic to AfriCanyon clients, who often came back for a repeat of their adrenaline fix. Dominique insisted she beat her vertigo in a single, fab, 50m swoop while abseiling down one of the cliff faces that forms part of the breathtaking route. And making her smile even broader is the fact that this Mzansi lass who currently works her way around the world’s prettiest places as part of the boat crew fraternity, is engaged to be married to AfriCanyon head honcho Rogan’s son Matthew Hindmarch.

CXPRESS

People, places & events

SOCIAL SCENE

13 January 2016 KOOKS FOR A DAY WITH PAVO & CO: Capetonian Pavo Viotti, in red at right, told CXPRESS how last Monday’s Kook Surfing Competition at Robberg 5 came about, saying Plett is his family’s home away from home and that the idea started during summer 2014/5 already, hatched between him, brother Matteo and close buddy Liam van der Westhuizen. ‘We would surf together and joke about who was the worst among us, which resulted in us surfing as badly as possible towards the end of a long session and ultimately being awarded Kook of the Day. We had such a laugh doing this that we thought an annual kook competition would work perfectly in Plett, with its influx of non-surfers over the festive season. Anyone could participate: surfer or not, young and old, boys and girls, with the emphasis on dress up and surf theatrics, providing the beach crowd with plenty of laughs. Ultimately the goal was to have a fun day on the beach, spend time with the fam and friends doing what we love most, regardless of how good we are at surfing. For one day of the year, being cooks (people who can’t really surf but think they can) was cool and we are excited to see who will be named Plett’s Kook of the Year at the end of 2016!’ After inviting a few friends on Facebook on December 31, the brothers were elated at the turnout of 100+ people on the beach and over 40 participants. Next time round, they plan to actively involve the Plett community and raise bucks for a good cause in the area through their kooky ocean antics. Check the gallery at www.cxpress.co.za for more images.

Tel: 082 551 4638

Ride, run and hike through exciting new MTB trails at Plett’s Cairnbrogie MTB & Trail Park. Spend the day riding exceptional forest trails or pump it up on the DIRT Lab designed pump track.

Take a hike or trail run or just kick back and enjoy the view from the wholesome cafe.

A variety of levels in a secure environment mean fun for the whole family.

www.PlettMountainBikePark.co.za

GOODLUCK AND GREAT CHEER: Chart-topping live electronic band GoodLuck ended their Get Lucky Summer Residency on the lawn of Plett’s BI Resort last Sunday in perfect weather and with a good mix of Bitou, Knysna and off-theRoute partiers in the cheerful crowd. Pictured at left are girlfriends Janine, Jozy and Liesje, with DJ Butters and buddy Anke above.

REPUBLIC OF PLETT: Stanley Island in Keurbooms River was a hive of activity once again for weeks leading up to the Castle Lite Republic of Extra Cold event on December 28, as local craftsmen worked hand in hand with visiting contractors to turn the venue into an island of high-season entertainment. Bridges and stages and various other structures formed part of the assortment of party stops offered on the last Monday of 2015, the crowd being regaled on the main stage by host Tol A$$ Mo supported by a long list of national beat starts like Dino Moran, Craig de Sousa, Timo ODV, DJs PH and Capital, Poppy, Sau Bomb, Julian Gomes, Jeremy Loops, Beatenberg, Black Motion, Milkshake, Twinz on Decks and more. Thumbs up to all Plett locals involved in practically enabling an event of such national significance.

Photos: Emily Valentine

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HOME & HEALTH

13 January 2016

CXPRESS

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Meet the newest member of Plettenberg Bay’s growing team of specialists Specialist surgeon Dr ENZO SCHROEDER is opening his practice in Plett this month in association with Mediclinic Plettenberg Bay, and CXPRESS sat him down for a chat to find out how this Kwa-Zulu Natal native ended up on the Garden Route S the son of a farmer, Enzo Schroeder spent his early years on the family farm in Northern KwaZulu Natal, where he matriculated in 1998.

CX: Did your life after school immediately steer in the medical direction?

ES: Yes. I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Pretoria, where I obtained the degree of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB).

CX: What is your connection with the Garden Route?

ES: My internship was completed in Uitenhage, which is when I first fell in love with this area, having frequently visited family in Plett. I also married my wife, Clare, during this time and our daughter, Rachael, was born in PE in 2008.

CX: Where did your career take you after that momentous occasion in PE? ES: We moved away to southern KZN a few months after her birth so I could do my community service in Kokstad. Following this, I worked at Red Cross Children’s Hospital in the paediatric Intensive Care Unit, and at Worcester Provincial in the Surgery

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BACK TO HIS ROUTE: Dr Enzo Schroeder and his family are elated to have settled in Plettenberg Bay

Department before I started my specialist training at Tygerberg Hospital.

In 2012 our son Aiden, who will be turning four in February, joined our family.

CX: What was the highlights of last year for the Family Schroeder?

ES: I was admitted as a fellow of the College of Surgeons of South Africa and was awarded the degree of Master of Medicine (MMed) in Surgery by the University of Stellenbosch in 2015.

The four of us then relocated to Plett, where I will now offer my services as

Specialist Surgeon to the local community.

CX: What are your specific medical interests?

ES: I have been drawn to General Surgery since my final year in Pretoria. I did not want to be too restricted in my function as a medical doctor, but also wanted to deliver definitive care to my patients.

As surgeons, we deal with life-threatening surgically correctable diseases of the body which can be very rewarding, but also devastating as not everyone can be cured. A large portion of my work is dedicated to management and surgery of cancer of the breast, stomach, pancreas, colon, rectum, skin, and thyroid.

The field of oncology and surgical oncology is rapidly developing with newer chemotherapeutic agents, including the latest biologic and hormonal agents, and also oncological surgical techniques leading to continuously improving patient survival and cure rates - an extremely exciting time for cancer surgery.

Other than cancer, trauma is another epidemic plaguing our society and currently one of our na-

January plants - a shady love affair...

Everyone has those shady areas in the garden where nothing grows - or at least they think that nothing can grow. Well, the good news is that of course there are things that can grow there and we’ve got two gorgeous annuals for you to use, not independently, but together. Begonia semperflorens or bedding begonias, at right, and its numerous cultivars, along with its wellsuited companion, coleus - more commonly known as ‘flame nettle’ or ‘painted leaf’, at left - are just the thing to brighten up those dull areas in the garden.

tion’s biggest killers. In fact, it is the leading cause of death in children aged three and under.

Another personal interest is the injured patient. Critical care and resuscitation form the basis of trauma surgical care, with surgery often used as an adjunct to the resuscitation rather than the definitive care in the unstable patient.

Lastly, another field rapidly gaining ground is that of minimally invasive surgery, also referred to as ‘keyhole surgery’. Various procedures have been developed, and many are still developing, for the ultimate aim of making surgery as painless and scarfree as possible.

This is done either by using special rigid scopes and instruments to perform operations inside the various cavities of the body (e.g. laparoscopy) without the need of large incisions, or by flexible endoscopes used to view as well as perform minor procedures from within the gastro-intestinal tract.

Mediclinic Plettenberg Bay already has the equipment available, so I will be able to offer these services as of this month and I’m excited to do so in conjunction with the other local specialists.

• Visit www.plettsurg. co.za or drop an email to surgeon@plettsurg.co.za for more information.

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CXPRESS

13 January 2016

CLASSIFIEDS

INTERVAL

13 January 2016

CXPRESS

13

My wife has a slight impediment in her speech. Every now and then she stops breathing.

- Jimmy Durante

You know it’s hot in South Africa when...

The meaning of life in 13 words: Inside every older person is a younger person wondering ‘What the hell happened?’

• The best parking spot is determined by shade, not distance.

• Hot water comes out of both taps.

• You learn that a seat belt buckle makes a pretty good branding iron.

• The temperature drops below 32 degrees and you feel chilly.

• You know that in January and February it only takes two fingers to steer a car.

• You discover you can get sunburnt through your windscreen.

• You develop a fear of metal door handles.

• You break into a sweat the instant you step outside at 7am.

• You realise that asphalt has a liquid state.

• Farmers are feeding their

chickens crushed ice to prevent them from laying hard boiled eggs.

• The trees are whistling for dogs.

• While walking back barefoot to your car from any event, you do a tightrope act on the white lines in the car park.

• You realise that shopping centres aren’t just shopping centres - they are the temples where we worship air conditioning.

• Sticking your head in the freezer and taking deep breaths is considered very normal.

• You keep everything in the fridge, including potatoes, bread and clothing.

• You worry your ceiling fan is spinning so fast it will fly off and kill you.

On politically-correctness PPARENTLY it is no longer politicallycorrect to direct a joke at any racial or ethnic minority, so: An Englishman, a Scotsman, an Irishman, a Welshman, a Ghurkha, a Latvian, a Turk, an Aussie, two Kiwis, a German, an American, a South African, a Cypriot, an Egyptian, a Japanese, a Mexican, a Spaniard, a

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Russian, a Pole, a Lithuanian, a Swede, a Finn, an Israeli, a Dane, a Romanian, a Bulgarian, a Serb, a Swiss, a Greek, a Singaporean, an Italian, a Norwegian, a Libyan, a Muslim, a Hindu, a Buddhist, and an Ethiopian went to a night club.

The bouncer said: “Sorry, I can’t let you in without a Thai.”

Uppy up! Time for school!

ARLY one morning, a mother tried to wake up her son.

“Wake up, Son. It’s time to go to school!”

“But why, Mom? I don’t want to go.”

“Give me two reasons why you don’t want to go.”

“Well, the kids hate me

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for one, and the teachers hate me also!”

“Oh, that’s no reason not to go to school. Come on now and get ready.”

“Give me two reasons why I should go to school.”

“Well, for one, you’re 52 years old. And for another, you’re the principal!”

Customer: “I have problems printing in red.”

Tech support: “Do you have a colour printer?”

Customer: “Aaaah… thank you.”

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CXPRESS

ON THE SOAPBOX

13 January 2016

Letters to the Editor

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

Dink voor jul babas en brakkies aan dié hitte blootstel Mammas en Pappas, asseblief, dink eers goed daaroor voordat julle jul klein babetjie na die beach neem in hierdie brandende hitte.

Dit is net so erg, inderdaad erger, as om ‘n hond in die motor wat in die brandende son staan op te sluit.

Daardie klein mensie moet beskerm word teen die wrede Afrika son. Geen baba kan die hitte hanteer wat ‘n volwassene kan en hulle dehydrate baie gou, al speel hulle in die water.

Dan is daar die risiko van velkanker wat eers baie jare later te voorskyn sal kom, en moenie vergeet van die

skade wat die son aan hulle ogies kan doen nie.

Ek sien so baie skreeuende babas op die strand en ek wil sommer die ouers aan die keel gryp en hulle harsings ‘n goeie skud gee.

Ek weet nie hoekom hulle nie hulle verstand kan gebruik nie.

En die mense wat hulle honde by die Harkerville Mark Saterdae rondsleep foeitog, die arme goed soek die skadu onder die tafels en hulle tonge hang behoorlik uit soos hulle smag na ‘n bietjie koelte. Los die arme diere by die huis!

Ouma Mags, Plett

Pine Trees had a very merry Christmas, thanks to you!

What a success! We thank everyone who helped sponsor our annual Christmas party for the children and families of Pine Trees.

On behalf of Pine Trees Community Outreach Project’s children, I extend a heartfelt thank you for your commitment to making this event so successful.

It was an amazing event for these underprivileged children and for us to entertain them and provide something to smile about.

Everyone who contributed towards this event made a child happy.

Your generous contribution helped make our vision a reality and as we continue to grow, please know that partnerships with our sponsors are vital to the success of this chapter. You are truly appreciated.

We also managed to distribute some food parcels

for the poor in the community. The Pine Trees Community Outreach Project would like to mention the following people and places for the treats they provided: Hunters Hotel (for the big cake, fruit and some sweets), Plett Methodist Church (party packets), St Vincent (chips and cake), Skaftin fast foods (financial contribution), The Market Square management (Christmas wrapping fundraising), Knysna Elephant Park (voucher for two visitors), The Deli Factory (juice), and Jill M (financial contribution).

We were really blessed to have such a wonderful Christmas Party 2015.

Shaun Terblanche - Pine Trees Community Outreach Project Director (073 513 5119 / shaunterblanche26@ gmail.com), Plett

HAPPY N MERRY: The kids smile for the camera before tucking into their festive treats, and contributions from Plett businesses also enabled food parcels to needy families who were delighted with these unexpected prezzies

Restaurant waste dumped down the drain ‘Concerned holiday visitor’ sent these pics and wrote: ‘I witnessed this pouring of waste down a storm water drain from my apartment in Plett CBD. They dumped three full waste bins down this drain away from the main public view - totally unacceptable. I really think business should play their part in trying to keep our seas clean and clear from pollution. I reported it to Bitou Municipality, but wonder what has transpired. I feel the restaurant in question should be fined and the money given to those who are trying to protect the sea. The killer whale that died at Plett recently had all kinds of things in its belly. A closer look at the content of the bins seemed to indicate maggots. Isn’t this also a health hazard to the dining public?’

Thank you for putting a smile on the face of Kranshoek First we want to wish everyone all the best for the New Year and thank all who supported the fundraising held on December 4 in Kranshoek at the Multipurpose Centre. The money was spent on our Christmas celebration on December 23.

We thank H2O (spiritual dancing group from New Horizons), Kranshoek’s Young Missionaries, Hope for the Future (spiritual dancing group in Kranshoek) and everyone who supported the fundraising.

We held the Christmas party for underprivileged kids in the Kranshoek community and would like to thank Plett Tourism for their donation, which enabled us to buy the Christ-

mas lights and decorations.

We also give thanks to everyone who donated money for the 200 party packs.

Our thanks go to Plett Community Church for the food hampers that helped us to feed 50 families over the festive season. We also thank Melvilles Corner Super Spar for the chicken they sponsored. It meant a lot to our people in the community, as did the donation by Daybreak Eggs.

Many thanks to those who helped us to give love and hope for those who felt hopeless and put a smile on their faces. We could see people were really touched.

Greetings and prosperity for 2016!

Mark & Chrystal Williams, Kranshoek

Puffie invasion results in standout service by Plett police We would like to compliment and thank Captain Warnick and his staff for the outstanding and prompt service provided when a puff adder invaded our home late on Sunday night December 27.

With the two local snake catchers in the area being unable to assist, the duty officer undertook to make enquiries with the Fire Department, etc. and eventually sent out four men and Daniel, a police reservist, who kindly

boxed the snake, removed it to Uplands and thereafter returned the black box provided for transport of the ‘puffie’.

The duty officer made several phone calls to establish assistance, keeping us informed at all times and assuring us that help was on the way.

Thank you to our local police for showing just how wonderful it is to live in a town like Plett.

June Barclay and family, Plett

ON THE SOAPBOX

13 January 2016

Letters to the Editor

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

Roll up your sleeves and stop moaning if you’re Firstly, is the Concerned Did you know that Bitou really THAT ‘concerned’ Resident a member of the Municipality has a clean The letter of ‘Concerned Resident’ in your December 23 edition [turn to page 31 of that issue at www.cxpress.co.za and read ‘What’s happening in Plettenberg

Bay - aka Nkandla the second?’] is so full of bad innuendos and incorrect statements that one wonders where to start in replying to such ignorance.

Appalled at litter-strewn Plett On a walk to the beach for a swim on January 2, I was met with an appalling sight as a result of repulsive behaviour. Tourists were shaking their heads in utter disbelieve that the residents of Plettenberg Bay could stoop so low and behave in such a disgusting manner.

One may ask, what kind of message are the adults passing on to their children - that this is the way to behave?

We really cannot allow Mr Mandela’s dream of a positive nation with all hands to the wheel to making this country great, to become meaningless. With part of our population behaving like this, we can never build a decent, proud nation.

Obviously something positive has to be done in order to correct this dirty

behaviour. Could the answer be that, on New Year’s Day, it would be a good idea to make these litter-strewn areas shown in the pictures into pay areas, including Central Beach, for the day?

We certainly don’t want our much-needed tourists labelling Plettenberg Bay a “dirty hole”. If people can’t behave in a decent manner, then drastic measures need to be employed to make them into responsible humans. Ban alcohol from these areas!

‘Concerned Citizen’, Plett (Bitou Municipality must be commended for cleaning up the tremendous mess left behind by New Year’s revellers, and may want to consider the writer’s suggestion of an alcohol-free area to avoid this kind of blight in future. - Eds.)

Ratepayers Association? If he/she is, he/she would not write such nonsense. This association does sterling work in a wide range of fields concerning Bitou all unpaid.

Secondly, is this so called Concerned Resident aware of our locals and their Plett Clean Campaign, which assists the relevant department by both cleaning up themselves and reporting problem areas to the municipality? Read all about them in the same CXPRESS in which your letter was published.

Thirdly, has this Concerned Resident ever attended a meeting of the Environmental Forum where unpaid residents meet to discuss environmental issues and try to right any wrongs being perpetrated by residents or other bodies?

The reference to Nkandla is absolutely absurd and a total insult to our mayor, Memory Booysen, and his councillors, all of whom live in a modest manner. It took over a year to bring financial stability to this municipality, which had been left in a state of bankruptcy.

audit for the second year running?

If you are interested, please do your homework in terms of the really Concerned Residents’ bodies that work at making a difference - including the sterling work done by Plett Tourism, who successfully markets Plett as an exciting destination in order to attract more visitors.

Lastly, you must be aware that we have a large and growing non rate-paying population who have to be catered for in terms of housing and services, etc., which eats up a large portion of the budget.

If you would really like to make a difference roll up your sleeves and join one of the many bodies of Concerned Residents who do such splendid unpaid work in Plett. And if you want to continue living comfortably here, support the current leadership to keep them in power and prevent our beautiful Bitou to be trashed by the previous regime once more.

Moaning and complaining does not help Plett in any way.

‘Involved Resident’, Plett

Let residents close to Reed Stone have their say

BAD TASTE: A relatively disaster-free season was marred by pandemonium around Central Beach and the picnic spots off Odlands on New Year’s Day - so raucous and aggressive were the behaviour of drunken revellers that it necessitated the closure of Total garage and several shops in the adjacent BI Spar centre by mid-afternoon

With reference to Reed Stone Estate, how is it possible that a project of this magnitude can be so far advanced in its planning, yet the residents of this area have been kept completely in the dark?

This is the second time that we are being slamdunked by a building project on this site without any consultation.

With the last project, local residents made it clear that they did not want a commercial shopping centre. Now the same architect is involved and again they want to bring a convenience centre to this area.

Most of the residents live here because we are away from the business hub of the town.

If we look at the housing market, there must be a few hundred units up for sale. On the commercial side, the town has shops and office space available in nearly every building.

Do we need more?

Our many restaurants are only busy during the holiday season and after that a lot have to close down.

Please understand, I am not against progress if it is going to be utilised.

But if it is only to make certain people rich by the

building thereof, then I am totally against it.

After completion, will the local residents have to sit with yet another vacant building project?

C Saunders, Plett Mike Mouat of Reed Stone Estate responded as follows: To date all the correct planning procedures have been followed and will continue to be.

Most of the residents in the area are supportive of a convenience shopping centre with ample parking being developed.

It will mean they do not have to travel to town or The Market Square.

There has been considerable interest in the townhouses, as prospective buyers want the security that a gated estate offers in addition to a lock up and go, maintenance-free, walk to the beach environment.

Development of residential and commercial properties, which are done in accordance to laws and are sensitive to the environment, should be encouraged. They add to the rates collection for the area, create employment, and provide accommodation and convenience to the existing residents.

CXPRESS

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Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

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CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

13 January 2016

Sabrina swims into choppy waters but ends no less of a sporting fest OUGH sea conditions failed to deter a record field of ocean swimmers in the annual Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge presented

by Discovery.

Big waves and rip currents on December 22, the event’s second day of three, forced the organisers of Plettenberg Bay’s biggest sporting affair to reroute the feature 5km ocean swim for only the second time in the event’s 11-year history.

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Traditionally starting in Robberg Corner and running parallel to the beach to finish around Beacon Island on Central Beach, this year’s ocean swim was rerouted to a five-lap course within the confinement and relative shelter of Central and the Lookout Rocks.

Any disappointment felt by swimmers at being prevented from participating in the much revered classic Sabrina Love Ocean course

BOOKING ESSENTIAL

was soon splashed aside as the enormous waves turned even the less exposed course into a spectacular and challenging epic event.

Each lap of the course, which involved exiting the surf and running around a flag on the beach, may have had one or two purists of ocean swimming muttering under their breath initially, but that was soon forgotten as thousands of beachbased onlookers were treated to nothing short of a spectator extravaganza.

Swimmers exiting and reentering the ocean through the breakers brought the action right to the event’s central hub, which was simply breath-taking.

The 1-mile swim followed on a similar course and was as exciting to watch, and incredibly for participants. Despite the rough conditions both events were concluded without incident and race director Mark Collins credits the support of Station 14’s NSRI volunteers, Bitou Municipal Beach Control, and Plett Surf Club’s Lifeguards for the safe management of the race.

Olympic long-distance swimmer and six-time winner of the event Chad Ho defended his title with a dominant display of ocean swimming, while the women’s race was won by Emma Wallis. Marc Hammond and Carina Bruwer won the inaugural 1-mile ocean swim.

Day three of the Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge is hosted at the magnificent

Kurland Estate. In addition to the ocean swims, the event includes a beach walk, a 10km beach & urban run, two trail runs, a mountain bike race and the

popular Kids of Steel.

It is the main fundraising event for the Sabrina Love Foundation, which is dedicated to the care of children with special needs.

Visit www.facebook.com/ magneticsouthevents/ for additional info and images.

FIRST LADY OF THE TARMAC: Sarah Wilson crosses the finish line of the 10km road event on December 21, stopping the clock at 40 minutes and 44 seconds sharp - Oliver Stewart won the men’s 10km race in 35min 53sec, with Knysna star Melikhaya Msizi hot on his heels in just over 36 minutes (www.wetime.it/ results/) - Photos: Jacques Marais

HO X SIX: Olympic long-distance swimmer Chad Ho, centre, won the ocean swim for the sixth time, with Terry Heller, left, second and Achmat Hassiem in third place

SPECTATOR HEAVEN: Ocean swim winner Emma Wallis is flanked by runner up Natalie Maritz, left, and Carina Bruwer in third place

Entries flood in for seventh Hillclimb XPRESSIONS of interest to enter the seventh running of the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb, which takes place from May 6-8 in Knysna, are flooding in from South African motorsport competitors.

The public entry process opened on December 1 and within a week organisers had received enough applications to fill all the available 84 slots in the King of the Hill section. Classic Car Friday applications were not far off the 60 maximum, with 45 submissions in quick succession.

A mere 17 days after the entry process opened and with another six weeks to go, the organisers had received close on 100 applications for King of the Hill and 50 for the Classic Car Friday categories.

“We have seen record demand for the event,” said organiser Ian Shrosbree.

“This is the earliest we have opened the entry process and having enough applications within a week to fill the grid is unheard of in South African motorsport, especially as the event is still months away.

“Competitors are notorious for delaying entries to the last minute, but they are bucking the trend in the forthcoming Hillclimb, which has grown in leaps and bounds since Jaguar has partnered with us three years ago.

“We had quite a few disappointed enthusiasts who wanted to enter the 2015 event but missed out due to leaving entries to the last minute. Many of these have been among the first to enter for this year.”

The 2016 entry procedure has seen a change in structure as it now features a two-stage entry process and effectively becomes an invitational contest, rather than following the normal, local motorsport entry format where every entry lodged is accepted.

The second stage, now open to the public, closes on February 5. Aspiring competitors are requested to lodge an expression of intent to enter online (click on www.jaguarsimolahillclimb.co.za).

Expressions of interest will be duly considered by the organisers, who will then issue an invitation to compete to successful applicants by no later than February 12.

Jaguar’s partnership over the past two years has lifted the event to a new level, with unprecedented interest across the board resulting in a record crowd of 12,242 attending last year’s event.

• Visit www.jaguarsimola hillclimb.co.za for additional information.

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