13 may

13 May 2015

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

Gutted

The Boatshed on Thesen Islands sustained serious damage in a fire last Wednesday; by Monday, Knysna fire chief Clinton Manuel said that his team had finalised their investigation into the cause of the fire and handed the matter over to police - read more on page 4

FREE

Jeeves dons his ‘pinking’ cap p2

Power thieves to pay dearly p3

Two star Plett performers

Photo: Jannah Ruthven - 084 951 0415 / jannah. ruthven92@gmail.com

p6

Sole mandate

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CXPRESS

News & Views

13 May 2015

Driving Miss Crazy

In the pink with Baritone, Squeaky and the Queen of Diamonds JEEVES shares memories of his adventures as Garden Route chauffeur extraordinaire...

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UNCH ‘Special of the Day’ at a favourite eatery of mine was the most delicious tomato bredie. I quizzed the chef/owner to the secret to its success.

“Oh, various factors,” she replied. “But chiefly, you need to get a thick, rich, fullbodied gravy in any bredie.

Use meat with a fair amount of bone and fat, dunk it in flour and brown it before

adding the vegetables.

“I use neck or shank of mutton for this one, as the long simmering tenderises it and brings out the full flavour.

Best also to cook it a day or two before, which will enhance the taste considerably, then refrigerate it and before re-heating, remove the fat on top with a spoon.”

“That’s it?”

“Yip,” she smiled, “and

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

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

stewing the meat and veg together inter-mingles the flavours, making it hard to separate the one from the other.”

“Sounds yummy,” came a sonorous voice from across the tables.

“Ooh! Yith! Can we have two thervingth, pleeth?” added the baritone’s companion in a choir-girl squeak.

The word was soon out, thanks to modern networking methods. Within an hour the place had filled with other participants of the Pink Loerie carnival, all clamouring for the day’s ‘special’ as they sipped champers and gin and tonics, or drank imported beer from green bottles.

The festive group quickly adopted me, having learnt that it was I who had introduced them to the “secret bredie treasure”.

The beer flowed - where the hell it was coming from I didn’t know, until I caught a glimpse of my smiling cheffriend behind the bar, who mouthed me a kiss.

--I was surrounded by a kaleidoscope of fairy-princess colour-clad people - pink and blue hot pants, high-heeled purple shoes, red and mauve hairstyles, orange and green sunglasses, multi-coloured ostrich feather shawls, yellow bras, polka dot socks, and hairy legs and armpits.

There was much giggling, shouting, screeching and laughter, with words like slut, bitch and tart flying around the room. But my ears pricked up when I overheard Baritone asking whether anyone was going through to Plett the next day and could drop them off at the airport.

Someone suggested a taxi: “Stand on the side of the road with your pink backpack, and flash a leg and a R50 note, Darl!” proffered another to a thousand outbursts of laughter.

Turned out they had a hire car that had to be dropped off in Knysna, and so arrange-

FUN INC...

The recent Pink Loerie fest provided clientele of a multicoloured kind when a rental car begged returning to Knysna as fairy folk took flight from Plett Airport

ments were made whereby I would meet them in the morning, go with them to the airport and bring the car back to base.

Baritone flung his arms around me and gave me a crushing bear-hug, expelling all the air in my lungs into his face - which probably saved

my life, because he dropped me like a ragdoll when he absorbed the full blast of my previous night’s ‘40 garlicclove chicken’ dinner...

“Good god!” he bellowed.

“Did you make love to a garlic bush last night?”

Squeaky drove, green-faced Baritone had a mother-of-ahangover, and I was flipping through a “Hullo” magazine on the backseat.

Conversation was almost non-existent. I did learn, though, that they were from Kimberley, and that Baritone was a jeweller. Squeak was the pilot.

We pulled up alongside a pink twin-engined aircraft covered in red kisses. The call sign was QOD. “Quito Oscar Delta,” I said.

“Negative,” replied Squeak in falsetto. “Queen of Diamonds!”

Along the fuselage under the cockpit was the plane’s name: Diamond Queen.

“Thank you,” whispered Baritone as he meekly shook my hand. I made as if to blow in his face. He took a step back and said: “Don’t be a bitch now!”

Squeaky gave me a pat on my bottom, climbed up the stairs, turned, waved, and blew me a kiss, next to be seen settling into the captain’s seat donning earphones.

Five minutes later he looked at me and gave me the thumbs-up. The engines spluttered into life, blue smoke bellowing from the exhausts, and off they trundled along the apron - Baritone waving at me through a port hole - swung onto the tarmac and roared off into the clear skies over Robberg.

Such fun, such different people. I shall miss them.

‘Till next time... fasten your seat belts! /"Lggxgu

ADOPTIONS...ADOPTIONS...ADOPTIONS ADOPTIONS...ADOPTIONS...ADOPTIONS

Knysna Animal Welfare Society (KAWS) has a cattery full of gorgeous cats and kittens, and a wonderful selection of dogs of all shapes and sizes, all ready to move into your home and into your heart. You can see the full selection on www.knysnaaws.com or visit the kennels at 1 Marlin Street, Hunters Home, Knysna to select

your new furry friend. Phone 044 384 1603 for further details.

Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

Our PAWS kennels are situated on the N2, near the Ebenezer Estate on the left, approaching Plett.

We have several wonderful dogs who have been with us longer than is ideal and we would really like to find happy homes for them. You can see the full selection of cats and dogs at www.facebook.com/PlettAnimalWelfare or visit the kennels at N2, Hill View, Plett

to select your new furry friend. Phone 083 287 9917 for further details.

News & Views

13 May 2015

CXPRESS

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Bitou power thieves will feel full brunt of municipality’s fury Disciplinary action against more than 40 municipal officials busted in January for allegedly bypassing electricity meters and contributing to over R9-million in electricity losses started this month - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports

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ITOU municipal manager Allen Paulse said this week that two disciplinary officials or “prosecutors” had been appointed and a third was being selected to assist the municipality with the disciplinary process against the employees.

“The disciplinary process is underway and the hearings started this month,” he said.

The action follows a sting operation in January after a forensic investigation headed by independent auditors revealed that more than 40 municipal employees had not purchased electricity for extended periods - some for as long as five years.

The investigation was sparked after Auditor-General Kimi Makwetu’s report revealed last year that the municipality had suffered R9million in electricity losses during the past financial year.

In an effort to establish why no electricity purchases had been made, the municipality put together a team including members of the police, auditors as well as independent electricians and carried out the sting operation.

Independent electricians were brought in as there were suspicions that municipal electricians could also have been involved.

The team visited the properties of the employees and found that 41 of the identified homes had bypassed electricity meters.

“A further 10 households could not be inspected due to various problems we experienced during the inspection process.”

Since the bust, three staff members - one senior employee and two electricians, who were allegedly directly involved in the tampering were suspended.

“We blocked electricity supply to 41 households [with tampered meters] leaving them unable to purchase electricity. In order for the affected employees to use electricity or purchase electricity, they first had to enter into an agreement with the municipality to pay a certain percentage of the money that they owed the municipality pertaining to the electricity illegally used.”

The municipal workers are

also further required to pay the balance in monthly instalments until October this year.

“In the event where there is still an outstanding amount, the balance will then be deducted from their bonus in November 2015.”

Paulse added that this arrangement did not exonerate the employees from any disciplinary processes.

Auditors PricewaterhouseCoopers has in the meantime completed its investigation and submitted a report to the municipality on March 10.

Paulse said once the hearings had been completed, those who were found guilty of electricity theft would be dismissed. The theft would also be reported to the police and the employees could then face criminal charges.

A decision was taken to only suspend the senior official and the electricians in order to minimise the impact on service delivery.

Paulse vowed that the next step would be to establish if any residents were also involved in tampering with electricity meters.

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Plettenberg Bay baby pornography case postponed to June Yolandé Stander

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HE 37-year-old Plettenberg Bay computer engineer allegedly linked to a shocking international baby pornography network - involving the distribution of footage of the rape, torture and murder of newborns and babies in nappies - appeared in the local magistrate’s court again yesterday.

This was his third appearance since his arrest on January 13 when international police swooped on his home after following a cyber-trail

from Belgium to Plett.

While using a Belgian child pornography suspect’s profile, members of the Antwerp police child sexual exploitation unit found the Plett man’s internet address after coming across a cyber meeting space for alleged paedophiles with fetishes including the sexual assault of babies.

The local man was released on R10,000 bail shortly after his arrest.

The case was, however,

postponed yesterday to Wednesday June 17 in Knysna Regional Court.

The case has made national headlines and sparked action by children’s rights activists including marches, protests and petitions in an attempt to force lawmakers to relook the approach taken by courts when it comes to child pornography cases.

One of their demands is to ensure that bail is denied to alleged paedophiles.

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ILLEGAL AND DANGEROUS: Electricity meters like this one at left would be amateurishly bypassed by some of the perpetrators, as shown at right, which could spark fires and cause the loss of homes, belongings, and lives

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CXPRESS

News & Views

13 May 2015

Knysna firefighters battle to save the Boatshed Nikki Ridley

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UNTERS in Knysna and Plett were left bereft after the much-loved Tapas restaurant on the jetty overlooking Knysna Lagoon burnt to the ground in September 1999. And when a fire broke out in the historical Boatshed building on Thesen Islands last Wednesday night (May 6), it seemed like a repeat of history.

Word quickly spread that the popular île de païn eatery had gone up in flames; dramatic photos spread on social media as fast as the fire itself seemed to be engulfing the building - home not only to the restaurant, but also to offices, primarily those of CMAI Architects.

However, as the embers

cooled it became evident that despite the ferocity of the fire, the Boatshed had likely not lost its structural integrity thanks to the fast response and concerted efforts of the Knysna Fire department, including many off-duty firefighters who battled the blaze for several hours.

The CMAI offices were gutted, but other business premises and île de païn are reported to have suffered mostly smoke and water damage.

The incident is reminiscent not only of the Tapas inferno; it is in fact the second time the Boatshed has burned. The original shed, built in the 1940s, was razed by fire in 1966, after which it was rebuilt.

The cause of the fire is still being investigated.

CMAI head in the hot spot

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ISLAND STYLE: Last week’s fire on Thesen Islands reminded many locals of the blaze that razed Tapas, on the jetty that now houses the SANParks premises, 16 years ago - quickly dubbed ‘the île de païn fire’, the restaurant actually remained intact, if having suffered smoke and water damage

TRUST IN US: Newly elected members of the Kranshoek Communal Property Association are, from left, Elaine Majavie, Quinton Hoffman (secretary), Maria Johnson, Shahied Cassel (treasurer), Rachel Manuel, Maxwell le Fleur (chairperson), Elizabeth le Fleur, Samuel Jansen, Wayne Abroue (deputy chairperson and CEO), Piet van Wyk and Mary Henry Photo: Nikki Ridley

fire. Residents also assisted in removing valuables from the building before the fire spread. The, firm, however, lost everything.

“The Boatshed has a rich maritime history as it was built in the 1940s for boat construction including vessels for World War II,” said Marais.

• A police forensic fire investigation team was on the scene on Friday to gather evidence to determine the cause of the fire but, according to police spokesman Captain Bernadine Steyn, no criminal case has been opened at this stage.

Photo: Jannah Ruthven - jannah.ruthven92@gmail.com

Griqua land finally back in Bitou clan’s hands The Griqua community is one final crucial historical step closer to title deed ownership of their land in Kranshoek after a ‘16-year battle’ to bring the long process of land restitution to its conclusion NIKKI RIDLEY reports

HE offices of CMAI Architects suffered the most damage, being completely gutted by last Wednesday’s fire.

Director Eugene Marais was in the Boatshed building when the fire broke out and said he tried to extinguish the flames, but had to evacuate after a few minutes as the fire spread quickly and posed a danger to his safety. He called the local fire department who responded immediately.

Marais said not only did authorities assist, but residents also came out in droves to help control and subsequently extinguish the

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LEVEN members of the Kranshoek Griqua community were elected on May 7 to form the management board of the Kranshoek Communal Property Association (CPA). This association is required by government for the Griqua to legally take full ownership of the communal areas of land comprising the Kranshoek coastal belt, farmland and other communal turf.

Deputy chairman Wayne Abroue explained the significance of what he termed “the final step” in the process of getting their land back. “We have been in this process since the promulgation of TRANCRAA, the Transformation of Certain Rural Areas Act (No. 94 of

1998) - an Act applied to 23 ‘coloured rural areas’ in South Africa.”

He clarified that these areas, including Kranshoek, had been held in trust on behalf of their residents by the Dept of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR), while the administration heavy process of transference moved through the various necessary steps.

“It has been a long and arduous fight,” said Wayne, before adding that due process (as defined by the DRDLR) was required and overseen at every step. He went on to explain that it had taken longer than they had hoped due to a “lack of commitment” by national and local government in moving

along what was in any case a protracted process.

CXPRESS published a report stating that the Griqua would finally get their land back in October 2012, which related to the previous step in the process, i.e. the promise of local government to allow the transfer of the land.

But this could not happen until the DRDLR-overseen election of the CPA - the “next step up” from the creation of the Kranshoek Transformation Committee, formed in 2003.

“The fact that the pledge to transfer the land happened in 2012, but it is now only in 2015 that we have been able to formalise the CPA, shows how frustratingly long this whole process has been,” said Abroue.

The very last step is for Bitou Municipality to formally

underwrite the transference of ownership by the Minister of the DRDLR. “Everyone is excited and can hardly wait until Bitou agrees to transfer the lands back to the Kranshoek community, under the directorship of the CPA,” he said.

“When that happens, hopefully not after another 16 years, we can start being productive with the land towards a goal of self-sustainability,” he added, citing The Bridge Project - to establish a “world-class Eco Cultural Centre in Kranshoek” - as a case in point.

• The Griqua Nation has been centred in Kranshoek since the late 1930s. The land was bought by the State for the Griqua in 1970, and has been held in trust for their eventual full ownership since 1998.

News & Views

13 May 2015

CXPRESS

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Knysna eatery’s second-in-command sets her sights on being a sports pro The sous-chef at Île de païn, now fresh in the news due to a fire at Thesen Harbour Town, has decided to change her career at the age of 27 to become a professional sportswoman - TIMOTHY TWIDLE chatted to her about her past and future

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ENTHIA Petersen has worked at ĂŽle de paĂŻn for the past decade and, for much of that time, as deputy chef.

But she has also been an avid participant in athletic pursuits since attending primary school in the Hornlee suburb of Knysna, and in future intends to devote much of her time to teaching physical education to school children at primary level. “I was introduced to sport and its many benefits at Fraaisig Primary and exercise, sports and staying healthy have been a part of my life ever since,� says Zenthia. “When I entered secondary school I was shocked to find an almost total absence of sport from the curriculum.

At present, many schools do not appear to offer any sport to learners and that means the youth of our country are not being given the chance to appreciate the value of this essential activity in their lives,� she adds.

Zenthia sets a fine example, however. For the duration of her employ on Thesen Islands, she has run the 7km from her home in Hornlee to her place of work and, when signing off for the day, works out at a gymnasium in Knysna, lifting weights and cycling on an exercise bike.

She has enrolled at the Exercise Teachers Academy in George, which she attends once a week so at the end of this year, she will become qualified as a professional

personal trainer.

Zenthia is also being coached in rugby as she intends playing the game professionally and, eventually, becoming a rugby coach for women.

But back to the kitchen, where she has been providing leadership and direction to the Île de païn personnel for years: Liezie Mulder - chef and co-owner - and Markus Färbinger lament Zenthia leaving their employ, but appreciate that it will provide opportunities to a loyal and hardworking employee.

Says Färbinger: “Zenthia has been Liezie’s right hand for nearly 10 years. That in itself is an accomplishment, considering the intensity and focus that is required of our team here at ĂŽle de paĂŻn. She has grown from a young inexperienced person to a rich human being.â€?

The staff of ĂŽle de paĂŻn gave Zenthia Petersen a warm farewell party on Sunday April 19, and she has departed with much affection from everyone. “During my time at ĂŽle de paĂŻn I have accumulated much knowledge and many friends,â€? notes Petersen. “I have loved every minute of it, but now I’m following my passion and calling for a career in sport.â€?

CXPRESS wishes Zenthia Petersen every success for the future and this new chapter in her life.

FROM WORK TO WORKOUT: Zenthia hits the gym at the end of her daily shift in the restaurant

FIRST-CLASS DEPUTY CHEF: In the kitchen at ĂŽle de paĂŻn, Zenthia has been Liezie Mulder’s ‘right hand for nearly 10 years’ - Photos: Timothy Twidle

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Lifesavers hold AGM Plett Surf Lifesaving Club will be holding its AGM on May 21 at 5:30pm at the clubhouse on Central Beach. If you want to nominate anyone apart from those already on the committee, indicate the name on the nomination form on the board at the club before the AGM. If you wish to join, call Shameera on 083 304 5087.

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CXPRESS

News & Views

13 May 2015

Consistency got Chef Laurent to it would be weathertop TripAdvisor spot cause proof. He loves doing what Words & photo: Nikki Ridley

A HUGE THANK YOU to Pennypinchers Plettenberg Bay... for their continued support and generosity. Last year, Pennypinchers sponsored a hockey kit and tour for both our U/13 Boys and Girls teams. This year they have sponsored both our U/11 and U/13 rugby teams with brand new and extremely smart branded jerseys. The boys were ecstatic on Monday when receiving their new kit - the photos say it all, these players are bursting with pride.

Our U/11 and U/13 Rugby boys are pictured here with Coach Fagan and Pennypinchers representative Kurt Lange. Thank you, Pennypinchers!

W

ELL known character in Plettenberg Bay, Laurent Battut of the ‘Chez Laurent’ stall at The Market in Main Street, has received surprise plaudits from the ultimate online critic and proponent of where people should spend their time and cash - TripAdvisor.

Chez Laurent is currently sitting at No 2 for ‘Plett Restaurants’ on TripAdvisor, thanks to five-star reviews of his legendary fillet with salad and chips.

It’s literally a case of David triumphing over Goliath, though not all that surprising considering that Laurent is a fully trained and qualified chef who has brought his extensive training in France and Switzerland and formative experience in a two-star Michelin restaurant in London, to li’l ol’ Plett.

So what if there isn’t a roof...

Laurent has been in Plett for quite a while, and has no plans on leaving. He was originally brought here from Cape Town to be the head chef at Enrico’s, but after a few years decided to do his own thing.

A slightly convoluted road followed, involving a side trip or two out of Plett, until Willie Gouws asked him to come back when he set up the Market on Main.

That was four years ago

(“eh... four or five” says Laurent, in his delightful French accent). He is utterly thrilled by the TripAdvisor accolade.

“I was over the moon, overwhelmed! A friend phoned me to tell me. I never expected it. But people are turning up and expecting to find a restaurant… some have left, not because it’s an open-air market - they still want to try my food - but because it has been cold and windy.

“Some have even asked Chris at The Table if they could bring my food there... (he said no, of course).”

He goes on to add that he’d love a small place of his own to ply his trade, but only be-

he does on a small scale.

So what has earned him his accolade? The short answer is ‘consistency’.

“You need to keep it simple.

It’s all about consistency, and dedication. When you have a good product, stick to it! People will come back.”

No doubt this ‘consistency’ is a vital ingredient that keeps his ‘competitors’ on TripAdvisor at the top of the polls - Zinzi, Fat Fish, Bramon, Nguni and others. But what a delight for the ‘little Frenchman’. He is happy indeed to be counted up there with the best restaurants in our increasingly popular little seaside town.

NEVER TRUST A SKINNY COOK: Laurent has no plans to leave Plett anytime soon - he loves the town for its scenery and because it’s ‘so laid back’

Young gospel singer aims for the stars

T Our U/13 netball teams competed in an all-weekend tournament from May 1-3, playing their hearts out against some of the toughest schools in SA. Well done, girls we are extremely proud of you for giving your best, winning many of the matches and having such passion for this sport.

Here they are photographed with Miss Nicole Muller and Miss Carmen Roos.

PLETT PRIMARY PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY:

Our Grade 4s learning about measurement in Maths and how to use different tools for measuring, e.g. trundle wheel, metre stick and measuring tape.

HANDILE April was born in 2000 in Plett to a single-parent mom, Fundiswa - a domestic worker who takes care of Thandile, her older sister Zikhona, and two of Thandile’s cousins, in a tiny two-room house.

But her circumstances didn’t prevent Thandile from dreaming. From a tender age she had a passion for singing.

In 2008, Fundiswa April and Thandile were walking from their home to a Zion church in a nearby township to worship God. A burning desire took hold of her.

As they took their places in church, Thandile tried her best to contain it, but the urge was too strong.

She opened her mouth and started to sing.

The congregation remained quiet as everyone, including her mother, were in awe to hear the eight-year-old singing so beautifully. Thandile became aware that people were not singing with her, and she stopped, embarrassed.

She ran out of the church crying, thinking she had done something wrong. Her mother helped her to calm down and together they went back into the church.

She has never looked back.

In 2013, the church youth, including Thandile, formed

a gospel group, and went on to record a full album.

Thandile was one of the youngsters chosen to lead a song on the album.

Last year, Tomvision Entertainment offered her a recording contract and earlier this year recorded Thandile’s first album as solo artist, entitled Gnq{k.

Spreading the word of God is what Thandile strives to achieve with her music. Noth-

ing makes her happier than seeing people connect with their creator and worshipping God because of her music.

The album, featuring 10 songs performed by Thandile, will be released on Friday May 15.

Follow this rising South African gospel star at thandile april@facebook.com or contact tomvision@webmail. co.za or 083 893 6599 for further information.

PRAISING THE LORD: Nothing makes 15-year-old Thandile April happier than seeing people connect with their creator because of her music - her debut album ‘Eloyi’ is being launched on Friday

Business

13 May 2015

CXPRESS

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Africa’s super-wealthy now eye high-end homes in South Africa

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F you’re the owner of a luxury property in SA and are hoping to sell to a foreign buyer, you must be sure to market it to wealthy individuals in Africa as well as in the UK or Europe.

That’s the advice of Berry Everitt, MD of the Chas Everitt International property group, who says that although it’s true that most foreigners buying property in SA are still from these traditional markets, African economies are growing much faster and creating more millionaires and billionaires than those in European countries, many of which are still suffering the after-effects of the 2008/9 recession.

“And thus the number of potential buyers for your upmarket property is increasing faster in Africa than in Europe and the UK. “What is more, superwealthy individuals in Africa seem to have more liking for luxury properties in SA than the millionaires of Europe, the Middle East or Asia, who currently favour London,

Investor Focus

New York, Hong Kong and Australia when it comes to second-home purchases.”

According to the World Wealth Report 2014 compiled by Capgemini and RBC Wealth Management, there are currently more than 13.7m multi-millionaires around the world, and the number is increasing faster in Africa than in most other areas, he notes.

‘Buyers from Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Angola, Mozambique and other African countries now account for some 24.5% of foreign buying in SA’ “And according to Knight Frank’s 2015 Wealth Report, the number of ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWIs) who own at least US$30m in assets are expected to increase by 59% in Africa over the next few years, compared with 34% globally.”

Everitt says there is of

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

Horses for courses

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UCH has been written about the newly introduced Tax-free Saving Accounts (TSA), which I also discussed several weeks ago. But little has featured on how these should fit into one’s long-term financial planning, or even questioned how suitable they are for retirement planning.

There are two fundamental steps in modern financial planning. Firstly, there is the pre-retirement planning and then the post-retirement planning.

In the pre-retirement planning stage, most young families have obligations that are either…

1. Immediate - this is to produce sufficient income to live on a month to month basis.

In real terms, many families are already hard pressed to simply survive in this phase.

They have little capacity to save and often have to resort to some form of credit.

This does not preclude them from having a mortgage bond that secures them a long-term inflation beating asset. To meet this need,

course no guarantee that these über-wealthy people will choose to invest in additional properties, or that if they did, those properties would be in SA. “But, as First National Bank recently noted, property is now much more popular as an asset class than it was a few years ago, especially among UHNWIs, and the level of foreign buying in SA has already risen as a result.

“In addition, FNB estimates that from a low point of 2% of total buying in 2010, foreign buyers now account for some 5.5% of all SA home purchases - and that buyers from Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Angola, Mozambique and other African countries now account for some 24.5% of foreign buying in SA, compared to 12.5% a year ago.”

Knight Frank Wealth Report editor Andrew Shirley also says UHNWIs are widely expected to allocate more of their capital to additional properties outside of their own countries over the next few years - and that luxury properties in Africa as a whole are currently at-

a simple bank account will often suffice. In a perfect world, one should link this to a simple money market account for those short-term emergencies.

2. Then there is the obligation to educate one’s family. The new TSA is an ideal vehicle for this planning need. One can arrange a small debit order, or use the ‘scheduled payments’ system available on most internet banking sites.

One can alter the monthly payments - while the R3,000 per month level is possibly onerous, one can make periodic deposits from bonuses, etc.

The choice of investments is almost unlimited. Conservative investments for funds that may be needed within a two to three-year time span are available, while those high school or university funds that may be needed in five to 10 years can use equity investments.

ETFSA offers exactly these options at very low cost and is well worth a visit. The banks are also offering a

wide variety of risk options.

3. For the much longer term retirement needs I believe that the ‘new generation’ Retirement Annuities provide a far better option.

Not only do they offer an immediate tax shelter, i.e. you get a tax deduction equal to your contribution (there is a limit), but you can also alter your monthly payments and still have a wide selection of investment options.

In an RA, you may not withdraw funds until maturity. This is a necessary discipline as most of us are often in a position where we use our retirement savings and will ultimately suffer from a poor retirement.

If you are already retired, then a little tax saving can go a long way. Look at your retirement plan - there should always be a place to save on your tax bill. You can also open one for each of your grandchildren.

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tractive from an investment point of view because they have shown an average value growth of 6.5% over the past year, compared with an average value growth of 2% globally.

Turning to SA specifically, he notes that Johannesburg and Cape Town are the only African cities among those currently rated by UHNWIs as their 40 top investment destinations worldwide.

Johannesburg, especially, is recognised as the wealth hub of Africa and can be expected to attract increasing interest from UHNWIs in other African countries over the next 10 years, he says.

8

CXPRESS

Interval

13 May 2015

Q: What did the blanket say when it fell off the bed?

A: “Oh sheet!”

Never ever burn your bridges, mate…

A very loud Texan engineer was visiting Australia, and talking big about all of the large civil works in the USA that he was involved in.

To be polite his Australian counterpart took him on a tour of some of Sydney’s larger constructions.

First he took the Texan to Gladesville Bridge.

The Texan exclaimed: “What’s that?”

A

The Australian replied: “That, Mate, is the Gladesville Bridge.”

“Hmmph,” said the Texan, “how long and how many men did it take to build?”

The Australian replied: “Oh, about five years with 1,000 men.”

The Texan said: “Well in Texas we would’ve done it in two years with 500 men.”

Next, they went to the Sydney Opera House.

“What’s that,” asked the Texan.

“That’s the Sydney Opera House,” came the reply.

“Hmmph,” said the Texan, “how long and how many men did it take to build?”

The Australian replied: “About 10 years with 200 men.”

The Texan said: “Well in Texas we would’ve done it in four years with 100 men.”

By this stage the Austral-

ian engineer was a little put out by the Texan’s attitude so he decided to get some revenge. They walked around the Sydney Opera House and as they did, the Sydney Harbour Bridge came into view.

Immediately the Texan exclaimed: “Wow! What’s that?”

The Australian Engineer replied: “I don’t know, it wasn’t there yesterday.”

Blackmail?

husband who just bought himself a new car, was somewhat reluctant to allow his wife to drive his prize possession... even to the supermarket, which was a few

blocks from their house.

After she insisted, he finally relented, cautioning her as she departed: “Remember, if you have an accident, the newspaper will print your age!”

The tactless brother

J

OE goes on a two-month business trip to Europe and leaves his cat with his brother, Tom. Three days before his return he calls Tom. Joe: “So, bro, how is my cat doing?”

Tom: “He’s dead.”

Joe: “He’s dead! What do you mean ‘he’s dead’? I loved that cat.

“Couldn’t you think of a nicer way to tell me? I’m leaving in three days. You could’ve broken the news to me easier. You could’ve told me today that the cat got out of the house or something.

Then when I called before

Good answers Q: What do you get when you cross Bambi with a ghost?

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C<"Dqq"dqqu0 Q: Why couldn’t Dracula’s wife get to sleep?

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I left, you could’ve told me: ‘Well, we found him, but he is up on the roof and we’re having trouble getting him down’.

“Then when I called from the airport you could’ve told me: ‘The Fire Department was there and scared him off the roof and the cat died when it hit the ground’.”

Tom: “I’m sorry, you’re right... that was insensitive.

I won’t let it happen again.”

Joe: “Alright, alright, forget about it. Anyway, how is Mom doing?”

Tom: “She’s up on the roof and we’re having trouble getting her down.”

Every morning when I get up, I check out the list of the 100 richest people in the world.

If I am not on the list, I go to work.

Twenty years later and all of these things fit in your pocket!

Social Scene

13 May 2015

CXPRESS

CATCH AWESOME AWADAGIN AT THE KEYS: The Knysna Plett Concert Series presents pianist Awadagin Pratt on Monday May 18 at Knysna Dutch Reformed Church Hall in Fitchat Street. Born in Pittsburgh USA, Awadagin began his piano studies at the age of six but went on to study both violin and conducting when he relocated to Illinois. Among other awards won was the Distinguished Alumni Award from Johns Hopkins University. His recital and conducting performances have taken him across the States but also to Japan, Poland, Israel and Switzerland. One of four artists chosen to perform at the White House and hosted by first lady Michelle Obama, he has also performed by invitation for Bill and Hilary Clinton. Awadagin is currently Professor of Piano and Artist in Residence at College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. In Knysna, he will perform works

by Brahms, Bach and Liszt. The show starts at 7:30pm and tickets are available at the door from 6:45pm at R120 (scholars pay R30).

People, places & events

9

MAYCO RESHUFFLED: At a Special Council Meeting on May 7, Knysna mayor Georlene Wolmarans, centre, announced changes to her mayoral committee, COPE Cllr Elrick van Aswegen, at left, replacing Cllr Ray Barrell with immediate effect. ‘In the political arena the DA and COPE are strengthening their coalition, and I feel it is important that this reflects in our local structures. I thank Cllr Barrell for his contribution to date - always valuable and wise - and know that I will continue to get his guidance via our DA caucus,’ she said.

Born in Knysna, Van Aswegen is a well-liked and respected leader in the community and was part of the Transitional Council in 1993, so brings a wealth of more than 15 years’ experience to the mayco. He takes over as chair of the Finance Committee while deputy mayor Esme Edge, second from right, is the new chair of Governance and Economic Development. The rest of the mayoral committee are Cllrs Irene Grootboom (chair: Community Services) and Louisa Hart (chair: Planning, Development and Infrastructure) at right.

Photos: MM Entertainment

EARNING THEIR STRIPES: Plett Athletics Club held its third annual Zebra Trail Run at Mlangeni Farm in Wittedrift on Friday May 1. An awesome morning was had by all who attended this fun fundraising event and R1,300 was raised for the Pink Drive. A BIG thank you goes to Neil and Leigh of Sankofa for their stunning venue and Spike the tame zebra, and to Georgie and Tanya Minopetros for opening up their home, creating a well-marked scenic trail run and sharing their beautiful view for a bring and braai. The club is also indebted to The Table, Plett Game Reserve, Monkeyland, Birds of Eden and Jukani for sponsoring raffle prizes, and to Nick and Janet Woodhead for donating a collection of wine prizes. Congrats to 3km winners Chenoa Gips, Kian Minopetros and Zachary Meggersee; 7km winners Diane Embling, Nathan Meggersee and Greg Brady; and 12km winners Mike Atter, Robyn de Vries and Liza Mather. The next PAC fun trail run will be held in June - watch the press for details. Runners and walkers are welcome to join the club’s weekly time trial at 5:15pm from Central Beach every Thursday.

HELP BROADEN THESE SAINTS’ HORIZONS: Coach Claude Terblanche of the Plett Saints Football Club shared this pic with CXPRESS and asked us to please thank Ukhana Projects and Knysna Elephant Park for sponsoring the club’s brand new soccer jerseys. ‘Coming from a disadvantage community where our children are falling under the influence of drugs and alcohol, we strive to show them that with education and sports they have a bright future ahead of them.’ He appeals to local businesses for assistance, all donations going towards growing this up and coming New Horizons team, adding: ‘We are on course to clinch back to back league titles!’

Follow them on Facebook and email claudeterblanche88@gmail.com if you can help.

TOO COOL FOR (OLD) SCHOOL: VIP Superclub in Plett hosted supercool and internationally acclaimed DJ Black Coffee on Saturday May 2, attracting fans from as far as Oudtshoorn and Mossel Bay to party alongside their Knysna and Plett counterparts. Above, the famous DJ (real name: Nkosinathi Maphumulo) swaps cell numbers with Umhlobo Wenene FM great Sizwe Saliso, aka DJ Slyso, at right. At left, DJ Mjilo of MM Entertainment spins the tunes while Black Coffee concentrates on not smiling for the camera like his doting female admirers...

NO PHOTOS OF THIS BARISTA: Babette of Stir It Up fame at The Market in Plett’s Main Street didn’t like the CXPRESS lens in her face at all. And all we wanted to find out was how she managed to have 20 people lining up by 7am each day for a cup of her very best shot/s! Another newbie at The Market is Solly’s Curry n All stall.

He boasts Plett CBD’s only Halaal food outlet and apart from the beauties pictured above (which didn’t fight back when photographed), Solly also sells tasty Indian curries. Call him on 071 614 5834 or pop in at The Market for a plethora of things to eat and drink and like and buy.

ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS… That was one of the topics chosen by Wittedrift High School’s learners for its recent speaker’s competition organised by the English department. These words proved true indeed as all participants proceeded to captivate the attention of their audience.

Congratulations to the winners as well as all orators in both the junior and senior sections.

In his address at the prize giving, principal Jeremy Marallich said: ‘It does not matter how old you are or which language you speak best, if you participate in a speaker’s competition, doors will open for you.’ Pictured above are Juniors winners, from left, Frances Weiner (third - R75), Belle Duarte (first - R200) and Abigail Gouws (second - R125).

10

CXPRESS

Classifieds

13 May 2015

Read CXPRESS online at www.cxpress.co.za

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of the Late: CHARLES ERIC WESTWOOD Identity No: 191202 5014 08 0 Date of death: 5TH MARCH 2015 of: PORTION 7 FARM 421 FISANTHOEK, PLETTENBERG BAY Estate No: 005304/2015 and his surviving spouse JACYNTH JACQUELINE WESTWOOD Identity No: 360216 0025 185 Creditors and Debtors in the above-mentioned Estate are hereby called upon to lodge their claims with and pay their debts to the undersigned within 30 (thirty) days of the 15TH MAY 2015.

Wednesday 13th May 2015

Increasing cloudiness

23° Lo 13° Precipitation: 1% Thunderstorm: 0% Sunrise: 7:10AM Sunset: 5:35PM Wind: W 20km/h Gusts: 35km/h W

Thursday

14th May 2015

in Cooler,r a shower h the a.m.

18° Lo 11°

Precipitation: 55% Thunderstorm: 20% Sunrise: 7:11AM Sunset: 5:34 PM Wind: WNW 18km/h Gusts: 30km/h WNW

Friday

15th May 2015

Mostly cloudy with shower

18° Lo 12°

Precipitation: 55% Thunderstorm: 20% Sunrise: 7:12 AM Sunset: 5:34 PM Wind: W 13km/h Gusts: 28km/h W

Saturday

16th Mayy 2015

Rainn tapering taperiing off

16°

Lo 4°

Precipitation: 75% Thunderstorm: 20% Sunrise: 7:12AM Sunset: 5:03PM Wind: SSE 13km/h Gusts: 32km/h E

Sunday

17th May 2015

Warmer with wit i h high clouds

24° Lo 14°

Precipitation: 0% Thunderstorm: 20% Sunrise: 7:13AM Sunset: 5:32PM Wind: NNE 13km/h Gusts: 43km/h NW

Monday

18th May 2015

clouds High clo l ud ds and very warm

28° Lo 12° Precipitation: 0% Thunderstorm: 0% Sunrise: 7:14AM Sunset: 5:32 PM Wind: NNW 9km/h Gusts: 32km/h N

Tuesday

19th May 2015

Mostly l sunny

23°

Lo 9°

Precipitation: 0% Thunderstorm: 0% Sunrise: 7:15AM Sunset: 5:31PM Wind: WNW 9km/h Gusts: 24km/h SSW

MOON PHASES: May 2015

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Full Moon Monday 18 May, 2015 First Quarter Monday 25 May, 2015

13Wed 14 Thu 15 Fri 16 Sat 17 Sun 18 Mon 19 Tue 20 Wed 21 Thu 22 Fri 23 Sat 24 Sun 25 Mon 26 Tue

TIDES: 13 May- 26 LOW

HIGH

LOW

HIGH

06h04 07h07 07h56 08h40 09h21 10h01 10h38 11h14 11h49 00h07 00h47 01h31 02h29 03h57

12h14 00h49 01h43 02h30 03h15 03h57 04h38 05h17 05h54 06h30 07h06 07h48 08h42 10h05

18h30 19h26 20h12 20h55 21h35 22h14 22h52 23h30 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;12h24 13h00 13h43 14h38 16h01

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On the Soapbox

13 May 2015

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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

Put a stop to child labour on Knysna streets Child labour is work by persons under 18 years, which is exploitative, inappropriate for their age or detrimental to their schooling or their social, physical or moral development.

Conditions of the Employment Act state that no person may employ a child who is under 15 years of age or has not reached Grade 9.

Child labour also involves children begging and working as car guards on the streets and on taxis during and/or after school hours. They also sell fruit and vegetables on the streets and on trade vehicles in the townships.

Giving money to children on the street encourages them to leave home and stay out of school. It promotes substance abuse and keeps them away from organisations such as Sinethemba, which provides them with clean clothing, two nutritional meals each day, and

SWOPPING STREETS FOR SCHOOL DESKS: Giving money to kids selling fruit and vegetables on the street encourages them to leave home and stay out of school, while promoting substance abuse and keeping them away from care organisations like Sinethemba

opportunities to get back into school.

According to our knowledge, the children roaming the streets of Knysna all have homes or a place of safety to go to.

If you really want to help, do not give money to chil-

Sign of upside down times

‘Plettie’ sent this pic and wrote: ‘Driving past the entrance to Castleton on a recent Sunday, I could not help noticing that the South African flag was flying upside down. This, internationally, is known as a distress signal. One can’t help wondering, in this particular case, who might be in distress - them, or the country?’

dren who beg, or don’t support them by buying fruit and vegetables on the streets, but rather make a donation to Sinethemba Youth Development Centre based in Khayalethu.

Sinethemba is a non-profit, section 18a company and

registered in terms of section 219 of the Children’s Act of 2005 as a Drop-In Centre.

Since its inception in 2003, Sinethemba has been advocating for all exploitation and abuse against children between the ages of seven and 18 years.

It brings hope to children who drop out of school and turn to the streets in a desperate attempt to survive.

To know more about Sinethemba or how you can support financially or otherwise, contact me on 082 827 0091.

Bank details are: Sinethemba, Nedbank current account 1089046111, Knysna branch 108914.

You can also visit www. sinethemba.net or the Sinethemba Facebook page (Sinethemba Youth Development Centre) for further information.

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Don’t use housing issues for personal gain The letter about Bitou housing officials refers [turn to page 15 of the April 29 edition at www.cxpress.co.za].

I am a community member of Qolweni/Bossiesgif and I was present during the meeting called by the mayor in November 2014 at the Bossiesgif community hall.

The statement made by Thembela Mhlana in his letter is false because the mayor said clearly that there would be no housing committees any longer, the reason being that they were using housing allocations for their personal interests.

Minister Madikizela was not at that meeting as claimed.

Mhlana has been distancing himself from an important community issue during his time as employee of Bitou Municipality.

He wants to confuse the community and is trying to be popular. But we feel that he is not interested in community issues, only himself.

At that Ward 3 meeting, the community was satisfied and happy with the allocation of 12 people who received houses. Call me on 073 784 5144 for more information.

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Thanks for giving - but please don’t give our tins away Plett Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) extends a huge thank you to everyone who helped at our street collection on April 24.

We also thank The Market Square and Mellville’s Corner shopping centres for allowing collectors onto their properties, all the collectors who gave up an hour of their precious time, all the businesses outside of which we collected, The Table for delicious cappuccino, Bitou Municipality for permission to collect, and the Traffic Department for availing a parking space for the coordinating point.

Last, but definitely not least, we thank everyone who put money into the collection boxes, allowing us to raise a record amount of R12,090!

Unfortunately, we have to report that some person or people have been stealing the collection tins placed at businesses in Plett.

This is really sad, as they are stealing from a charity that has to raise funds in or-

der to survive and to ensure that the work we do in the community continues.

Businesses, please be aware that only one person, Yvonne Raath, has collection tins as her portfolio and only

she is allowed to collect the tins from you. She always replaces them at the same time.

So please don’t ever give tins to anyone who says they will bring a replacement tin sometime in the future - they

have no permission to do this. If there is a problem with collections, please call me on 082 569 2571 to ensure that the tin goes to the correct person.

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11

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

12

CXPRESS

Sport & Adventure

13 May 2015

Exclusive guide to Jaguar Simola Hillclimb 2015 One of the most anticipated events on the SA motorsport calendar

T

GET TO THE ACTION! This map will ensure that nothing stops you from making the most out of the next three days’ motoring exhilaration

Protea status for ace Knysna bowler Arlene Arlene Bosse of Knysna Bowling Club was selected to play in the Ladies Senior Team for South Africa in the International Quadrangular to be held in Bulawayo during July. Arlene’s Protea status was celebrated at the club last week and she is pictured here with KBC president Paula Dhanani, right, during the happy event.

HIS year’s Jaguar Simola Hillclimb hits Knysna from Thursday (May 14) through the weekend to the thrilling climax late on Sunday afternoon with an action-packed programme that attracts motor sport fans from throughout the country - and a large number of overseas tourists as well.

Last year the event became SA’s single largest spectator attraction on the national Motorsport South Africa calendar, with more than 11,000 paid attendees. This year, it might reach 15,000 over the three-day period.

Considerable work has gone into expanding and improving the facilities for the event on the Simola Hill road, and CXPRESS has been given exclusive access to this up-to-the-moment map of the area, indicating those improvements.

Tickets to each day’s action are available at all entrance gates (marked on this map and open from 7:30 daily), which are close to the parking areas. Entrance is R80 for adults and R50 for children aged three to 12 years.

A limited number of tickets at R100 each are available to access the pits, but you have to get there early. You could also opt for VIP Le Mans tickets at R2,000pp per day, which will be on sale from the event’s Welcome Centre at Knysna Waterfront.

This year, for the first time, there is a park-and-ride shuttle service (at R10pp) running from the Featherbed entrance to Knysna Waterfront.

The event kicks off on Thursday with the documentation and vehicle scrutineering at Knysna Waterfront for the 52 vehicles competing in Classic Car Friday. This takes place from 9am to 1:30pm, and is followed by the popular town parade through Knysna’s town centre, scheduled to start at 2:15pm.

Friday sees the action

commencing for the first of the practice runs, with the first vehicle setting off up the 1.9km Simola Hill at 8:30am. The second practice starts at 9:25am, followed by the final practice at 10:20am.

Then the Classic Car Friday action gets really intense as the first two qualifying rounds proceed at 12:10 and 1pm respectively, followed by a lunch break and the final qualifyer at 1:30pm.

In Jaguar Simola Hillclimb tradition, the 1pm lunch break each day keeps the excitement levels charged, featuring stunt motorcycle riders, air displays and a whole lot more to ensure that spectators are thrilled and entertained throughout the weekend.

Results of the qualifying rounds will see the three top competitors in each category competing in the class final from 2:25pm to ultimately determine the top 10 qualifiers for the final shootout.

Starting at 2:55pm, the top 10 start in reverse order, and compete in a no-holdsbarred dash for the line in an effort to set the fastest time and earn the right to 2015 Classic Conqueror title.

Prize-giving follows at approximately 3:35pm.

King of the Hill fans can already start getting their adrenaline fix on Friday by visiting the documentation and scrutineering at Knysna Waterfront from 8am to 1:30pm. This is followed by the Main Street car exhibition where fans have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the cars and drivers.

However, the focal point for competitors and spectators alike is the two actionpacked days of King of the Hill, with the first of 80 contenders scorching off the line at 9am on Saturday for Practice 1. A further three practice sessions are lined up for the morning.

A South African first will be during the 1pm lunch break on Gasoline Alley, where the stunning new Jaguar XE sports saloon will be on display.

Plenty of additional attractions include a dedicated stand for Bloodhound SSC - the highly publicised project that will make a World Land Speed Record attempt later this year. The stand includes a Bloodhound virtual experience, along with a 1:1 scale cutaway model of the vehicle that will be used in the attempt to ultimately top 1,600km per hour.

After lunch, the final practice commences at 2pm, the day rounded off with the first two qualifying sessions, at 3pm and 4:10 respectively.

On Sunday the competitors resume their battle with a warm-up session at 9am, and then complete the four remaining qualifying runs with the final session taking place at 2pm after lunch.

Along with various forms of lunchtime entertainment, fans will also be able to see the Jaguar XE on-track for the first time as it is driven up Simola Hill.

At 3:15pm the excitement steps up a gear, when the Class Final sees the top three drivers in each class, based on all six qualifying runs, giving it their all in an exciting single run shootout to determine final podium positions.

Then it’s onto the grand finale as the action screams into the redline. The King of the Hill final, starting at 3:55pm, will see the overall top 10 fastest competitors from throughout the weekend’s qualifying head into the final single-run all-ornothing shoot-out.

The final is run in reverse sequence of slowest to fastest, and ultimately decides who will take home the prized 2015 King of the Hill crown... Be there!