13 March 2019
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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Deliver us from ineptitude Kranshoek residents blocked Plett’s Airport Road in an attempt for Bitou Municipality to make work of their gripes over a lack of basic services - find out more on pages 3 & 4
Meningitis goes viral on Route p3
Annual Bitou report a shocker p4
Thumbs down to quota system p12
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CXPRESS
NEWS & VIEWS
13 March 2019
Meet Professor Marean: master of digging up the origins of modern man TRACKING ANCIENT TREADS: At Pinnacle Point in Mossel Bay, paleoanthropologist Curtis Marean has uncovered compelling evidence for early human adaptation to coastal environments
The Van Plettenberg Historical Society is proud to host world-acclaimed American archaeologist professor Curtis Marean on March 17 OSSIL records suggest that our ancient ancestors appeared throughout Africa about 200,000 years ago, when the climate was fairly mild and conditions were favourable for population growth. This was followed by about 80,000 years of extremely cold conditions, known among scientists as Marine Isotope Stage 6, or ‘MIS6’. In a 2010 article in Scientific American, professor Curtis Marean explained how anatomically modern humans survived the MIS6 glacial stage 195,000 to 123,000 years ago - a period during which the human population was limited to only a few hundred breeding individuals. During this period, sea levels dropped more than a 100 meters and the sloping South African Agulhas Bank was transformed into a plain on which humans could survive on shellfish and wash-ups from the sea. According to the Scientific American article, “...the population size of Homo sapiens
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plummeted thanks to cold, dry climate conditions that left much of our ancestors’ African homeland uninhabitable. Everyone alive today is descended from a group of people from a single region who survived this catastrophe. “The southern coast of Africa would have been one of the few spots where humans could survive during this climate crisis, because it harbours an abundance of shellfish and edible plants. “Excavations of a series of sites in this region have recovered items left behind by what may have been that progenitor population. “The discoveries confirm the idea that advanced cognitive abilities evolved earlier than previously thought - and may have played a key role in the survival of the species during tough times.” Writing in the same journal, professor Marean said he started his career as a professional archaeologist in East Africa, studying the origins of anatom-
Photo: Ilja Herb
ically modern human beings. When he learnt of the population crash over 100,000 years ago, he wondered where evidence of the survivors might be found and decided in 1991 to conduct a search on the Southern Cape coast. Professor Marean reasoned that the ideal shelter would have been close to the ancient coastline, but high enough to have avoided flooding during the later period of global warming. The site he chose with the help of South African Peter Nilssen was at Pinnacle Point, outside Mossel Bay. The evidence showed that the inhabitants were able to survive and, most significantly, that their behaviour demonstrated a cognitive understanding much older than we have been led to believe.
Not only did the inhabitants find an abundance of food in the carbohydrate-rich bulbs and tubers of fynbos in the Southern Cape bio-region, but offshore currents also provided ideal conditions to harvest shellfish, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Find out more about this fascinating study straight from the horse’s mouth this Sunday. Join Van Plettenberg Historical Society members in welcoming professor Marean at 10:30 for 11am on March 17 at The Veranda in the Goose Valley clubhouse. Entrance is R30, while lunch may be ordered separately from the restaurant at R120 a head - phone 044 533 0889 by 5pm today (March 13) to book and email info@pletthistory.org or call Mike Kantey on 072 628 5131 for additional information.
Western literature gets shot in the arm as Library Week looms OUIS L’Amour - the renowned American author of Westerns that kept South African readers of all walks of life mesmerized over generations - remains a popular read to this day, according to Knysna’s librarians. “So much so,” says Johann Vosloo of Friends of the Knysna Libraries, “that almost a hundred new titles of his books are being added to our existing collection, thanks to a donation by
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WILD WEST: Preparations are in full swing in Knysna for National Library Week from March 18 to 23 - imagine walking into your local library to be met by cowboys!
researcher and library patron, Dennis Woolard.” The Louis L’Amour cowboy theme will be the backdrop for a fun-filled week of activities at Knysna Library during National Library Week from March 18 to 23. To join or renew membership, submit your ID and proof of residence to the librarians and your Louis L’Amour adventure or any other books selected can be collected the very next day.
NEWS & VIEWS
13 March 2019
CXPRESS
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Poor conditions, workmanship, and youth unemployment integral to Kranshoek plight and other objects which required the intervention of police. Several businesses were looted. In Qolweni, residents gathered the previous evening on the N2 over housing shortages. A plan has been put in
The peaceful march by Kranshoek residents last week was staged in an effort to create a better life for the community, especially its youngsters - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports large group of Kranshoek residents participated in an approved march from Trekker Street - the entrance to Kranshoek - to the local multi-purpose centre, where they handed over a petition to Bitou mayor Peter Lobese on March 6. No roads were closed during the march, but motorists were warned to avoid Airport Road during the course of the demonstration. Municipal spokesman Manfred van Rooyen said their demands included more housing and addressing the poor conditions and
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poor workmanship of previously built houses. Concerned residents also asked the municipality to address youth unemployment and create more job opportunities in Kranshoek. “They also demanded a playground or park for children, a road or bridge between Kranshoek and KwaNokuthula, and a walkway or pavement for children to walk safely to school,” Van Rooyen said. Lobese received the residents’ petition and agreed to report back to them during this week.
The protest followed a wave of riots over the past three weeks including two that became violent between February 19 and 20. One was staged by KwaNokuthula residents over electricity issues, and another by Qolweni locals over lingering housing concerns. While the protests started off peacefully, residents blocked access roads to KwaNokuthula leaving learners and local workers unable to go to school or their place of employment. Later that day, residents also started burning tyres
place to address the housing shortage but, after a housing committee meeting that evening, residents started protest action to show their unhappiness with the process so far. The crowds were however dispersed after au-
thorities intervened. The action sporadically continued during most parts of the next day. This resulted in traffic in and out of Plett being diverted via Airport Road, and to property damage and looting.
Meningitis on the increase along the Route INCE February 1, 182 suspected cases of enteroviral meningitis have been reported in the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) area, distributed as follows: • George - 71 (11 confirmed cases + 60 suspected cases) • Mossel Bay - 44 confirmed cases • Knysna - 66 suspected cases • Hessequa - one confirmed case. Over the past decade, small outbreaks of enteroviral meningitis have been reported in South Africa. With the outbreak in the GR municipal area, the relationship with climate change will be investigated. Said Clive Africa of GRDM Community Services: “Good hygiene practises like thorough handwashing is essential to combating the disease.” Prevention and control To prevent the further
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spread of the disease, the GRDM Health department is implementing awareness campaigns in the affected areas. These comprise mainly of health and hygiene education, currently in the process of being translated into the province’s three official languages. Symptoms The most common symptoms in children include: • Fever • Poor eating • Irritability • Lethargy (lack of energy) • Sleepiness. Symptoms present in adults may include; • Fever • Stiff neck • Headache • Dislike of bright lights (photophobia) • Lethargy • Sleepiness • Lack of appetite • Nausea and vomiting. Alternative symptoms are diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Muscle pain, joint aches, sore throat and rashes have also been reported.
Acute flaccid paralysis has very rarely been associated with enteroviral meningitis. Causes and vulnerable individuals The most common causes are non-polio enteroviruses, but other viruses can also cause meningitis, namely mumps, herpes, measles, influenza, and arbovirus (also called West Nile virus). People of all ages are at risk, but children younger than five and those with weakened immune systems have a higher risk of getting the disease. There is no specific treatment, however, most cases completely recover within seven to 10 days. Antibiotics have no effect. For more information contact the GRDM offices in George on 044 803 1522, Knysna on 044 382 7214, or Plett on 044 5011600.
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CXPRESS
NEWS & VIEWS
13 March 2019
Evil prevails when good men do nothing
OPINION PIECE
WANDISILE SEBEZO salutes the people of Plett for uniting against injustice WO months or so before the storming of the Bastille in Paris, marking the start of the French Revolution, political philosopher and orator Edmund Burke spoke in the House of Commons in London. Beginning his speech, he said: “An event has happened, upon which it is difficult to speak, and impossible to be silent.” The date was 5 May 1789. His speech had nothing to do with the French Revolution; rather the occasion was the impeachment of Warren Hastings, then commanding the British East India Company, which was setting up British rule in India. A common denominator between the content of Burke’s speech to the French citizens standing up against France’s absolute monarchy and the feudal system, was
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that both Burke and the French citizens were calling out injustice. Thinking about Plett and the mess we find ourselves in, I was reminded about the speech Burke made in that British Parliament many, many moons ago. For indeed an event has happened upon which it is difficult to speak, but impossible to be silent. Interestingly, the adage resulting in the title and central message of this opinion piece - “the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing” - is attributed to Burke. With the exception of violence, one must commend the people of Qolweni, New Horizons, and Kwano for standing up to injustice whenever it tries to rear its ugly head. Viva to them for refusing to be silent.
Although the burning issue behind the protest was about unfair electricity tariffs, it signals a great deal of leadership deficit on the part of those who call themselves ‘leaders’ of this town. A break of trust between the people and the ‘leaders’; in no uncertain terms, that protest was a vote of no confidence. Never in the history of this town has there ever been unity among the people of Qolweni, Kwano, and New Horizon on any issues. There has always been a rift between these areas, a beef of some sort, but injustice has forced our people to be united against it. That alone, to me, is victory well deserved. Like the French Revolution before them, people standing up for their rights through service delivery protests, serves as a
sharp reminder the power inherent in the will of the people, and that at all material times it should be respected. Let the powers that be remember this: hubris has been the downfall of many leaders before. Dr Mamphela Ramphele has been calling for Civic Education to be introduced in our school system for years, in a bid to educate the electorate about the importance of holding our public reps accountable, and for them to know which avenues to follow when doing so. While I think she has a point, South Africans are politically mature now more than ever. We’re not called “protest capital of the world” for no reason. But is that enough? It is often said that people deserve the leaders they have. Maybe, but do we? You decide.
What the auditor forgot to ask... The founding provisions of our constitution guarantees citizens a government that is accountable, responsive and open; thereby it obliges all government institutions to comply with these principles in everything they do - PLETTENBERG BAY RESIDENTS AND RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION provided this alarming feedback on Bitou’s annual report RGUABLY the most important legislation giving effect to the right to openness and accountability at municipal level is the annual report/oversight process contained in the Municipal Finance Management Act. It requires a municipality to publish an annual report and, most importantly, that the public is allowed to be part of an oversight process where the report and its content are scrutinised and analysed. The executive arm of the municipality, comprising the executive mayor and his deputy, other members of the mayco, senior officials, the MM, CFO and directors are all held to account for their performance by the citizens. The process is not much different from a listed company’s AGM where, based on its annual report, shareholders get to hold the directorship and management accountable for the performance of the company. Bitou Municipality annual report The draft 2017/18 Bitou Annual Report has been published for public comment. Below are some of the questions and concerns that arose: • Performance bonuses doubled from R348,738 to R630,539 - this despite the
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annual report reflecting a near collapse of credit control and a decline in the delivery of basic municipal services. Performance bonuses in an underperforming entity? • Expenditure of almost R1-million on catering services, R346,000 on entertainment, and a whopping R1.796-million on events and festivals. In terms of applicable National Treasury guidelines, municipalities must avoid this type of expenditure. • Bursaries at R437,218. This is not a municipal function, but apart from that there is no accounting as to the application of the funds and the benefits accruing to the municipality therefrom. There is no account of how many people received bursaries, in what amounts and, most importantly, what the study fields were, i.e. what benefit to the municipality is envisaged. • Congress/seminars attended by councillors and municipal employees quadrupled from R450,000 to R1,736,000. Again, National Treasury guidelines warns against this type of expenditure. • Fuel costs increased from R1.2-million in 2015/16 to R4.2-million in 2016/17, and then to R7.3million in 2017/18, adding up to a massive 508% over
three financial years! The average diesel price increased from R10.30 in 2015/16 to R10.96 in 2016/17 and to R12.06 in 2017/18 - a total increase of 17% over the threeyear span. This is not just a cause for concern, it is a call to action and every councillor and senior official should be jumping up and down trying to get to the bottom of this. Yet, there is no explanation whatsoever in the report to account for this. • Legal expenses are not listed in this annual report. In the two former years they increased by 189% from R1.9-million to R5.5-million. That enormous increase was not accounted for at the time and one cannot help but wonder why it has been concealed this year. The latest adjustment budget shows that legal fees are expected to amount to R8.2-million in 2018/19. That foreshadows an increase of 330% in just four years against an inflation rate of just 6% per annum. • Hire of vehicles increased from R767,000 (less than R1m) in 2016/17 to R8.5-million in 2017/18 - an increase of 1008% (one thousand and eight percent) yearon-year! Once again, this
is not explained or accounted for in any way in the annual report. • The cost of learnerships and internships stands at R8.8-million. If an intern is paid an estimated R100,000 pa, which would be generous, that means we funded 880 learners and interns last year! Considering we have 560 municipal employees, that means that on average, each and every employee is teaching 1.6 others. It is reported that the entire Western Cape spent a total of R31-million for this purpose. • Postage increased by 525% from R51,000 to R815,000. Irregular expenditure amounted to R16.7-million. Over the same period, the Western Cape Government’s total irregular expenditure was R44-million on a budget that makes Bitou Municipality’s pale into insignificance. These and other issues have been raised and we are ever hopeful that they will be dealt with satisfactorily in this process. The draft annual report is on the Bitou website and at the library. Email the oversight committee chairman, councillor Jessica Kamkam, at jkamkam@plett.gov.za if you would like to comment.
NEWS & VIEWS
13 March 2019
Khanya programme goes a long way to upskill local learners
LIFE LESSONS LEARNT: Delnay Terblanche, right, with some of the Murray High students who benefit from the Khanya programme - Photo: Lynette Mullins - ShowMe Plett
HANYA mentorship programme coordinator Delnay Terblanche presents emotional and educational support sessions twice weekly at Murray High and Plett Secondary schools in a bid to alleviate unemployment by empowering and motivating local learners. “In the process, we hope to bridge the gap resulting from a lack of resources, life skills, and influential role models,” she says. The programme - funded by Mike Mouat of Honeybush Investments in Wittedrift and facilitated by the Bitou 10 Foundation
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- is held after school, when Terblanche offers mentorship and guidance to learners in small intimate groups, ensuring one-onone assistance. Support from the community allow students to visit non-profit organisations in the area, where they gain first-hand knowledge about compassion through understanding of others’ circumstances, ultimately preparing them to become mentors in their own right. Apart from emotional and academic support and skills development training, Ter-
blanche also assists students with entrance applications to tertiary institutions and preparing for employment interviews. She provides counselling when needed, giving them the chance to express themselves, and so creating opportunities for growth and development. “The students are thoroughly enjoying the programme because they are learning so much about their own personal power and paths,” she says. Contact the Bitou 10 Foundation at manager@ bitou10foundation.co.za or on 044 533 6466 for details.
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13 March 2019
NEWS & VIEWS
BUSINESS
13 March 2019
Plett Direct app - find everything you need with this free business directory ATRICK Chitovoro and Renée Bull had the initial idea of a Plettspecific business directory back in 2015 - and not just a directory, but a tool that would contain much, much more than a boring list of contact numbers. So they put their heads together, combined their years of experience in the IT and marketing industries, and Plett Direct was born: an all-in-one business directory, promotions, and classifieds app. Whether you are looking for a plumber or would like to jump off a bungy-bridge, Plett Direct is the ideal app for locals and holidaymakers alike. It helps you find, select and connect with a vast range of businesses in and around Plettenberg Bay.
Locate local businesses using their powerful search; save your favourite businesses to your favourites list; and share listings with friends via email, text, or social media. The app also features a classifieds section, so whether you’re looking for second-hand furniture, employment or lost keys, its real-time, categorised and searchable classifieds are the best way to find what you’re looking for - and fast! FREE classified adverts Download the featurefull app for free from Google Play or the Apple App Store. For those without smartphones, there is a fully responsive website which works equally well on any digital device including smart-
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phones, tablets, laptops and desktop computers. Digital advertising is part and parcel of the internet these days and, used effectively, is a vital component of any business’s marketing ecosystem. Great promotional ads can boost brand awareness and loyalty, promote your products and services, expand your customer base and, ultimately, sell more. Says Renée: “You don’t need to be a big-budget advertiser to get results from the Plett Direct Business Listings and Promotions. We’re able to feature your promotions on our app, website, Facebook and Instagram pages, at rates that are far more competitive than other providers. “Growing your customer base is all about reaching
out to the right people, and the same goes for the digital world. Plett Direct is the ideal platform to strut your stuff and get noticed by people that matter.” According to Patrick, combining your business knowledge with Plett Direct’s technical and marketing expertise will ensure you get the best results for your business and budget. He adds: “Plett Direct is dedicated to local business owners and advertisers.” See the advert on this page for contact details and get in touch to discuss with them the benefits of having your business listed on Plett Direct. Remember, it’s free to download, so what have you got to lose? Download the app today and let’s get Plett connected!
Enter 2019 JSE Investment Challenge now HE Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) Investment Challenge, which draws in school and university students with an interest in investment and stock markets, is now in its 46th year. Over the decades the initiative has come to be regarded as an instrument to introduce the country’s youth to investing in the stock exchange. Last year, it attracted more than 22,000 school learners and university students. Says JSE Corporate Social Investment officer Ralph Speirs: “This challenge is a great vehicle for financial literacy. There
are plenty of valuable lessons on investment that young bright minds take away from participating in a challenge of this nature.” Speirs says that the JSE Investment Challenge, which runs from March to September each year, impacts more than just the lives of the young people who participate. Through the learners’ and students’ participation, the message is spread throughout their communities. The challenge takes the form of a simulator where each team of four learners or students from the same school or institution are given an imaginary
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sum of R1-million. With this imaginary money the teams trade on the stock market and invest in actual JSE-listed shares over a six-month period. What they learn in this time has great potential to positively impact the South African economy in the future. Participation is open to school learners from Grade 8-12 as well and students from higher learning institutions. The various teams compete with other teams from schools and institutions countrywide. Plenty of prizes can be won monthly, with annual prizes for top-performing
teams, schools, teachers, and mentors. The team that wins the JSE Investment Challenge receives cash deposits into an investment account for each members and the top performing university team is awarded a trip to an international stock exchange. “We are calling on schools, teachers, and students to heed the call to register and acquire this knowledge and these skills this year. The long-term ramifications of what they learn will impact positively on their lives in the future,” says Speirs. Visit http://schools.jse. co.za for more details.
CXPRESS
7 GREAT MINDS: Renée of Tweak Design and Patrick of Insite Solutions put their clever heads together to create Plett’s ultimate business directory
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INTERVAL
13 March 2019
Talia on Toast
Driving Miss Goldilocks 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 to make people aware of the fact that their tribulations are not singular, since we all share in the craziness that is life and parenthood.
Y car, Goldilocks, is a leaky cauldron of fuel and exhaust fumes - she’s ancient, tired, and needs a retirement home. Yet every day I churn her awake and demand service. I love her. The licencing department doesn’t. After working job number three, I have enough Rs to pay for a roadworthy test and get her re-licenced (that thing one has to do every year - who knew?). The licence department sends me to the pits of hell. The dreaded mammogram of any old car (Goldilocks is grey locks at age 25), the gynaecologist of engines - the roadworthy testing centre. The sweet man at roadworthy gives her lots of Xs, a bunch of notes (he could have been a doctor with that handwriting) and the dreaded red mark of shame “re-test!” on the paper. She is denied a road test - my reliable old lady, the one that carts my daughter, the dogs, and the kitchen sink. A special permit is needed for him to drive her, that’s how expired my car’s licence is. I limp out of the gates of hell with my life intact, tears leaking out of my eyes. What a drippy geyser I am. Back to school, because Wednesday is Diploma Day - if only A++s were tradable, I would be rich! Meanwhile, I manage to secure an early payout of my December pay cheque. That nest egg I was saving to fix my fridge (dispensable in winter, but not in 32+ degrees), buy a Hoover (mine stopped sucking in July), and build a moat,
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castle walls, and fortress to contain my garden-eating, hole-digging, cheweverything (glass bottles included) demonic Labrador, SugarMan. I once watched my mom hold her head in frustration when she came home at 1am from job number three - because SugarMan had eaten the deck, the railing, and the dustbin - cradling her Doc Martens (from Camden Town) in her lap. So, with money in the bank I start sourcing for the holy grail of mechanics; phoning every oil beater on the Garden Route - even the dodgy third from the backyard’s backyard guys. The cheapest quote comes from Supa Quick. They’re super quick. Who knew an exhaust had three boxes? And bushes! A bush is a green, fluffy thing with branches and stuff that grows on the side of the road stopping you flashing cars on the highway, right? Nooooo, a bush is a thing on the wheel someplace there in the car (I am actually highly intelligent). Get new shocks (not the electrical kind) and replace your wheels - they don’t just keep on wheeling! And the back window must wind down! Why? I don’t want my toddler jumping out the widow (she’s the kind of person that if you can’t open a jar, just hand it to her). But no… for my car to be on the road, the window must open. The cash is sorted, the mechanic is sorted, but how in all holy named things am I going to get my car to the mechanic
(a whole town away) and wait for them to fix it and bring it back? I have job two and three on Friday and I am backto-back next week with jobbing... Time is running out. I only have 13 days to take my car back to the gynae to get inspected again, hoping she will pass. “Not to worry,” the advertising Verimark man’s voice says. “With this stain remover your problems are over!” “We’ll collect your car, service it and bring it back, at.... wait for it! No charge!” Madeleine from Supa Quick says. Sigh. It takes a lot to render me speechless - the birth of my daughter being one of them. Words fail me. One hour and 17 minutes before they are due to collect the leaky cauldron, Charlie’s Angels (aka the Supa Quick ladies) are at my house waiting. Goldilocks limps up the driveway, and I hand her over (house keys and all, remember last month’s saga of the
keys?) with the gynae’s prescription. The lady takes one look at it, winks at me, and says: “Not to worry, we’ll fix this.” I’m rushing around in the background taking out baby chairs, dog bones, the bodies of my enemies, squish packets (only a parent will know), blankets, jerseys, balls, bubbles, my files, old wet wipes, hey! That’s where the hamster was (it’s a joke), and trying to make some tidy semblance of my golden goose before she goes for surgery. And now, while working job three, I wait for my golden steed to be returned. They’re going to SMS me the final quote, which I will approve in between “Hi there! How do you want your coffee? Hot as hell, white as a virgin’s inner thighs, or black like the oil in my car?” • Talia on Toast is a monthly column - watch this space for the next instalment in CXPRESS of April 10.
SOCIAL SCENE
13 March 2019
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PEZULA CAPS PERFORMERS: A glittering Captain’s Dinner was held at the Pezula clubhouse in Knysna on March 6. In welcoming everyone present, club captain Dave Kidd said: “We are here to honour the winners of competitions held during the past year and to enjoy the camaraderie of spending an evening together.” A highlight of the evening was an illustrated talk by marine salvage engineer Nick Sloane, who led the operation to recover and refloat the Costa Concordia - a luxury ocean cruise liner that ran aground and foundered off the coast of Tuscany, Italy, in 2012. The evening received generous sponsorship from Lanzerac Wine Estate and Dynasty Private Wealth. Among those receiving awards at the Captain’s Dinner were, from left at left, former SA cricketer Barry Richards, Ronnie Spies, and Albert McLean. The awards were presented by lady captain Liz Keller, at right. Above, American visitors Mark and Nancy Kortright of North Carolina joined Knysna locals Amanda and Simon Eriksen, right. Pictured above right are Knysna Golf Club captain Kevin Horack and Jacqueline Kvalsvig, with Ashley and Ashley Weir - the Pezula golf operations manager and his spouse who happily share the same forename! - Timothy Twidle
People, places & events ‘BOSCH BOYS BACK IN TOWN: The 45-piece Rondebosch Boys Band performed in Plett’s Piesang Valley hall on March 10 for the 12th consecutive year since Sylvia Christian first invited them in 2007. After their superb concert in a hall so packed that extra chairs were called for - even though many people brought their own folding chairs - conductor Terence Scarr handed over a bouquet to Sylvia, while the audience and band applauded. Beneficiaries of the show include local Early Childhood Development organisations and PAWS. - Photo: LM Dunn
NOTCHING UP 10 YEARS OF LITERARY ENLIGHTENMENT: Knysna Literary Festival 2019 marked 10 years of growth and success. Founded by Ling Dobson of Pam Golding Properties in Plett and Knysna, the festival provides an opportunity for authors to showcase and discuss their latest books. It also brings together writers, analysts and journalists along with well-known figures from the worlds of politics and business to engage in panel discussions about burning issues of the day. As importantly, the festival runs creative writing workshops and competitions for scholars with the aim of inculcating a culture of reading and writing. Over the course of the past decade, more than 3,000 learners have participated in these workshops and competitions. Offering something for everyone, this year’s event was well organised and ran seamlessly. Ling and her team are to be congratulated for having built the festival into a signature event on the Garden Route’s cultural calendar. Those who attended the Knysna Literary Festival were able, between sessions, to enjoy music played by cellist Lani Groves. Pictured at top right are, from left, Innocent Xaba, Business Leadership South Africa CEO Bonang Mohale, radio talk show host and ‘Let’s Talk Frankly’ author JJ Tabane, and Susan Mohale. - Timothy Twidle
La Luna
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CXPRESS
13 March 2019
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CLASSIFIEDS
ON THE SOAPBOX
13 March 2019
Letters to the Editor
Email: editor@cxpress.co.za - Fax: 044 533 0852 - PO Box 1449, Plett 6600
Here’s proof that giving beats receiving During my last visit to my friends, Mr and Mrs Fischer in Plett, I decided to take a guided tour of the New Horizons township. Very fortunately for me, I was the only member of the party, hence it was a private tour just for me. I had the pleasure of viewing the kindergarten and was able to interact with the children. This experience was very humbling for me and being heavily involved in charity work back in Germany, I thought that perhaps I could do something to help deprived children in South Africa. I work in Germany as a tennis teacher, predominantly involved with children between the ages of five and 15. This gave me the idea of asking the parents whether they would be willing to donate shoes to needy children in Plett. The request was deliberately low-key, resulting in a donation of 11 pairs of surprisingly good shoes.
WHAT A SPORT: Tennis coach Nick Elkin came all the way from Pullach near München to hand the shoes to kids from Kurland Village
The next question for me was to whom I should donate these shoes. My friend Mrs Fischer put me
in contact with another local friend, who suggested we contact Ann Fermor of Kids of Kurland, hence
we decided to deliver the shoes to the kindergarten of this project. Ann was able to arrange a visit to the school and for us to meet the children and teacher. I must admit that this was a wonderful experience for me, getting to meet not only Ann, but also the headmaster, the teacher, and finally the beautiful and wellbehaved children. It was such a wonderful occasion that it is sure to remain with me for the rest of my life. I hope that this initial meeting is the start of many more donations to come. I will certainly make a big effort to contribute to this worthy project in the future. The remarkable efforts of people like Ann contribute to giving back, which we more fortunate ones often ignore. Maybe this small effort of mine will give other people the inspiration to also contribute; I sincerely hope so. Nick Elkin, Pullach
One swallow does not make a summer, so off to Clacton with you It’s enough already! In Plett there is never a shortage of people who complain about something, whether it’s about dogs on the beach, new developments popping up, this and that… Now we have swallows from Suffolk (hope I have spelt that correctly) moaning about horses on Keurbooms Beach - three horses on a sev-
en-kilometre stretch of beach, for heaven’s sake. Coming from a country facing Brexit, it is this type that has turned the UK into the gutless nanny state that it is today. Other resorts advertise beach riding as an attraction. And as for the riders grovelling in abject apology for the error of their ways: perhaps a public execution could
be arranged. My advice to these do-gooders is to spend their holidays on Clacton Beach, providing they have managed to ban donkey rides, to the disappointment of hundreds of kids. Thank the lord Harry only one swallow does not make a summer - or, in this instance, two swallows too many. Get a life.
Paul Deans, Plett (We apologise to our esteemed swallow community for the ravings of this rude reader. But since this page is supposed to cater for all opinions, no matter how insolent, and seeing that our cantankerous old friend did not hide behind a nom de plume, we could hardly deny him his five seconds on the soapbox… - Eds.)
Minority of owners compromising ‘dog-friendly’ beaches Why is it so difficult for certain dog owners to understand the concept of dog-friendly beaches? On Sunday March 3 at 9am I was enjoying a walk on Keurbooms Beach when I noted four highlyexcited large dogs at the access point adjacent to the Plett Manor development. Due to the fact that all four dogs were large enough to cause physical harm while clearly not under any sort of human control, as no owners were in sight, I retreated back down the beach to watch the scene with a couple of local fishermen. The dogs scattered among the dunes and then came onto the beach itself, the Alsatian taking particular interest in the fishermen and myself despite the fact that we were at least 100 metres away. A lady and gentleman
responsible for the dogs finally came onto the beach and started walking towards the estuary with the dogs continuing to run all over the beach and through the dunes. Certain dog owners clearly do not understand the simple principle that dog-friendly beaches mean dogs can be let off leash but MUST be under the control of owners at all times cannot be allowed to endanger other beach users, wildlife or the natural environment. Dog-friendly does not mean dog-out-of-control… Please could the owners explain what right they have to cause other beach users the stress associated with trying to decide if an out-of-control animal is going to go into attack mode or, as one dog owner put it previously, go ‘dogzilla’ and
lick you to death! So once again a reminder of the rules if you can’t or don’t intend to control your dogs on the beach; they, and you, are not welcome. For the record, I neither dislike dogs or am unduly afraid of them, but never cease to be amazed at the selfish negligence of some dog owners who allow their animals to behave in such a fashion. I can only imagine the distress this can cause children, the frail and the elderly, and the damage it causes to the beach environment. They also force responsible dog owners to make detours from the beach over concerns for the safety of their own well-behaved animals. A R500 fine per dog is applicable for out-of-control dogs on a dog-friendly beach and there are also
some excellent legal entities who specialise in seeking compensation on behalf of dog-attack victims on a ‘no win no fee’ basis. This is a message to all those who believe it a good idea to cut their dogs loose on our beaches: if you don’t intend to do the right thing as a matter of conscience and courtesy, be prepared to suffer serious financial consequences. I have the registration number of the vehicle used to transport the four dogs on March 3 for future reference and if required by the authorities. I encourage beach walkers who note such anti-social behaviour to report it to the PBCPA hotline on 082 251 8134 so the Municipal Law Enforcement officers in attendance can issue fines. Keurbooms Dog Lover, Plett
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CXPRESS
13 March 2019
REPORTS OF STRANGE BEHAVIOUR... THE horsewhisperer is noticing some rather strange behaviour among those finding themselves in our upper equestrian echelons: hooves are being polished and painted, manes styled, glitzyglam saddles ordered… Must be that event at Sky in July?
SPORT & ADVENTURE
Province categorically disagrees with proposed athletics quota system ESTERN Cape Cultural Affairs and Sport minister Anroux Marais last week released a statement in reaction to a quota directive by South African Schools Athletics (SASA). “It is with grave concern that I publicly respond to the imposed quota system, which is based on the premise that ‘a minimum of 40% of athletes from previously disadvantaged communities is required for all SASA teams at all levels of competition’. “The Western Cape Government opposes quota systems, particularly in sport, as it threatens rather than promotes sustainable transformation,” said Marais. Signed by SASA general secretary Peppi Olevano, the directive prescribes the following for high school athletics: “A maximum of three athletes per event on merit must qualify; at least one athlete per event must be from the previous disadvantaged community, which can be the fourth athlete in the event (no qualifying standard needed for this athlete).” If no qualifying standard is required for athletes to participate at school level, it greatly demeans their position on the team. Many athletes have already personally attested to not wanting to be token entries, as inclusion is then not based on merit and performance - two key indicators in sporting acumen. “Instead of imposing quota systems in sport, we need to do the hard yards at grassroots level by providing as much funding, support and opportunities as possible. This is the only sustainable way to achieve transformation in sport,” said Marais. “We will not reach our mutual goals through quick fixes and imposed quota
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systems. The budget allocation, provision of equipment and facilities, and affiliation support to sport federations, schools, transformational projects and major events have and will continue to increase the pool of local talent and make sporting excellence accessible to all,” said Marais. • During the past weekend’s Western Cape High Schools Athletics regional champs at Dal Josafat Stadium in Paarl, it was reiterated that the province would not insult its athletes by adhering to the imposed quota directive. Track and field events were performed on time and participating athletes did their regions proud by displaying excellent sportsmanship. See the info below and Wittedrift advert on page 6 for additional information.
Nathan nails it again Grade 9 Wittedrift High student Nathan Roman continued his clean sweep of the high jump stakes during the weekend’s Western Cape High Schools Athletics Champs in Paarl, when he attained yet another first place for his Eden Team with a height of 1.88m. This excellent result will see him compete in Port Elizabeth for the national champs from March 21-23. Well done and good luck, Nathan!
Lojza lets it rip!
Junior lifesaver Lojza Pisonic recently competed in the Western Cape Champs in Strand, where he won a bronze medal in beach sprints - albeit dwarfed by his older adversaries. Well done, Mr P, and good luck to your team for the upcoming nationals in PE.