14 january

14 January 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

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Go on... smile!

This delightful comic interlude was captured by William Ashurst during the very grand opening last week of Plett’s revamped police station, with top brass in the house and important messages to the people of Bitou by national and provincial ministers - read all about it on page 3

Rare whale dies in the Bay p5

p7

Your holiday photos p8 - 10

Photo: William Ashurst

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CXPRESS

SHORT TRIPS: MOSSEL BAY

News & Views

14 January 2015

Exotic coffees, model ships and gypsies all ers and builders of the muchto be found in that other Bay acclaimed Stephens & Kenau

Plett property expert RITA HARDAKER (formerly Van Rensburg), shares another travel tale and this time starts off with the discovery of Baruch’s, which won the prize for Best Coffee Emporium in the CXPRESS Garden Route Culinary Awards 2014

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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.

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place to tie up your horse and reminisce - that just about sums up Baruch’s Coffee Shop & Roastery, suppliers of Arabica coffees from Colombia, Guatemala, Brazil and Kenya, to name a few.

Aharon Baruch has mastered the art of Israeli cuisine, serving only the best coffees and light meals in a quaint, most interesting setting to delight both the eye and palate. Prices are very reasonable, with a tall cappuccino costing only R12. Each cup is individually prepared.

Aharon as a young man had great aspirations of making Africa, lions and all, his home. Having just tied the knot, and to earn some income, he and his wife sold special sandwiches on the streets of Mossel Bay. From 1995 onwards, he started roasting his own coffees from small premises where he and his friends used to sit on the floor at times to reminisce, sharing a coffee and sandwich.

From there, he and his wife upgraded to a small coffee shop in the Pick n Pay Centre which they ran for about 10 years. He also spent time at San Francisco Coffee Roastery here in Plett.

In 2009, when the economy was at its worst, Aharon decided the time had come to either “grow or die” and taking the plunge, he acquired his current shop near Langeberg Mall.

So easy to find, once you have turned left onto the R102 off the N2, on the next corner is the Caltex Garage, turn right and right again, you will be in a small industrial area but you cannot miss Baruch’s - just look out for the yellow bicycle *ugg"rke+.

To take a peek in the meantime, Google YouTube Baruch’s Coffees Mossel Bay, where you will see the fascinating interiors and also the ambience of the section

where he teaches the magical art of learning how to smell, touch and truly appreciate coffee - you may want to start your own coffee

shop one day, who knows?

They also sell coffee machines.

--The Model Shipyard - design-

HARBOUR DELIGHTS: Dining on the harbour wall was the perfectly romantic ending to an interesting day, which started off at Baruch’s Coffee Roastery

BEST CUP-A-JOE: Aharon Baruch is flanked by CXPRESS Culinary Awards convenors Anne Hadley and Francois Ferreira at last month’s prize-winners function at Katarina’s

authentic range of museumquality sailing ship models proved to be a truly unforgettable experience.

All the ships are meticulously handcrafted from original plans, often for movie moguls, taking anything up to 900 man-hours to complete and at least five months for research and development.

Asked how they get the ships out of the shop, the studio being upstairs, we were informed that they used scaffolding and a crane. The road is closed to all traffic for the duration.

Once the crate has arrived at its destination, in this case for a customer in New Zealand, the design specialists would be sent over to do the final assembling. Delivery is worldwide.

They also sell nautical gifts and model kits. Find them at 16 Ocean View Mall, cnr Bland and Crook Streets near the Tourism Info Office which, by the way, we found to be exceptionally helpful.

They also have good maps of Mossel Bay which make it easy to find your way around.

--If you like the feel of an oldfashioned harbour restaurant and a really casual, good helping of seafood, do try The Sea Gypsy Café, which is located near the harbour wall and docks.

We had a very good meal while enjoying the last rays of the sun over the ocean, very romantic. To make it even more memorable there was a large ship in the dock to feast our eyes upon, all in all, a really good end to a most interesting day.

I would suggest you book Table 4 well ahead of time, especially for the evening.

Call Mossel Bay Tourism on 044 691 2202 - they are so on the ball and will certainly be able to recommend some places to stay.

There is so much more to see and do in Mossel Bay than we ever imagined, so give yourselves a treat and take a mid-week break, it certainly is worth it.

News & Views

14 January 2015

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CXPRESS

New police station to serve as safe haven for Bitou community The who’s who of South Africa’s police gathered in Plett last week for the much anticipated opening of the town’s upgraded police station - YOLANDÉ STANDER was there

KEYS TO COMMUNITY SAFETY: Police Minister Nathi Nhleko, right, hands over the keys to Plett’s new police station to station commander Colonel Nolan Michaels, with Western Cape commissioner Lieutenant-General Arno Lamoer smiling on, at centre - Photo: William Ashurst

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OLICE minister Nathi Nhleko, his deputy Maggie Sotyu, national police commissioner Riah Phiyega, and head of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate Robert McBride were among the guests who finally declared Plett’s new station officially open.

Provincial and local top brass also joined in celebrating the opening, including Western Cape police commissioner Lieutenant-General Arno Lamoer and George cluster commander MajorGeneral Thembikile Patekile.

The opening was scheduled to have taken place more than

a month ago, but was cancelled at the eleventh hour because some of the prominent guests could not make it. The event then served as the launch of Plett’s 16 Days of Activism campaign.

The renovation project, which was completed over about 18 months, not only includes a new building with upgraded facilities, but is also home to a victim support centre - an addition Nhleko said was necessary especially with domestic violence still being a major problem in South Africa.

“Police stations have become beacons of hope for

THE MAN: Head of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate Robert McBride, in front, is a picture of concentration during speeches on the day - Photo: Yolandé Stander

communities. They are seen as community centres and because domestic violence is still a problem in this country, it is necessary that police stations fulfil this function,” Nhleko said.

“A police station should be a second place of safety after a home and cannot be a second place of torture and death after a home,” he said, referring to the turbulent past of police in South Africa.

Nhleko said the country had a “painful history” and that the opening of a police station served as a reminder not to repeat the injustices of the past.

“We cannot go back to a time

of oppression where police stations represented all that was wrong in the country.”

He added that in the past, police stations had been “fearsome places for political activists and communities who knew exactly what was going on inside” and heard the “piercing screams from the dungeons of police stations”.

Nhleko said that since the dawn of the democracy, however, they had become symbols of hope, safety and community involvement. " He added that every citizen had a responsibility to ensure South Africa became safer.

“Although police officers and police stations represent hope, there are things we just can’t predict. There can never be a police officer in every household. We all have to come to a turning point and say enough is enough.”

His deputy Sotyu said par-

WE SALUTE YOU: National police commissioner Riah Phiyega and George cluster commander Major-General Thembikile Patekile salute in unison during the opening ceremony Photo: Yolandé Stander

ents had a major role to play in the fight against crime. “I’ve seen a trend emerge where parents are shifting their responsibility from themselves onto police,” Sotyu said.

She added that this was particularly apparent when it came to drug abuse. “They

pretend that all is well despite the signs of drug abuse being there and only when it is too late do they turn to the police and ask for help.”

Sotyu appealed to parents to act when they first notice the “warning signs”.

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News & Views

14 January 2015

Reports of dangerous criminals in fake police car the ‘recirculating of rumours’ Social media platforms have been abuzz with nationwide sightings of a vehicle with fake police signage, the latest spotting along the Garden Route - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports

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HILE local police warned residents to err on the side of caution when dealing with claims of this nature, there was a possibility that reports could be the recirculating of old rumours.

The crux of the message on social media sites including Facebook and Twitter is that the public should be on the lookout for a black Audi

A3 with the registration JNC 721 GP and call sign RR1743 with four armed occupants.

The suspects are said to be dangerous and that at least one is dressed in full police uniform.

On January 7, the vehicle was allegedly spotted in Malibongwe Drive in Randburg and several Plettenberg Bay residents claim to have seen

a car fitting the description in town two days later.

Southern Cape police spokesman Captain Malcolm Pojie said the registration number matched that of a Toyota Conquest which had been stolen in Hillbrow two years ago, but could not confirm if the call sign was real.

“The registration number

definitely does not belong to a police vehicle,” Pojie said.

He added that police were aware of reports on social media, but said they had not located the vehicle.

“If such a vehicle is spotted we ask the public not to approach the occupants, but rather contact the police immediately.”

Pojie said there was also a possibility that the information “was old reports being recirculated” as initial messages dated back about two years ago. “We also appeal to the public to check the facts before circulating information, as in many cases it creates unnecessary panic.”

Pojie added if anyone had doubts about the legitimacy of a police officer or his or her vehicle that there were several ways to check.

“Most vehicles will have the South African Police Ser-

vice star on it as well as some form of identification, including where the vehicle is from or which unit it belongs to there. Many also have a call sign on it.

“If you are still unsure, you can always ask the officer for identification. Every police member has to carry with them their appointment certificate. This looks like a credit card, has the officer’s name and rank on it and is signed by the national Police Commissioner.”

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Help to track down drug dealer and fraudster Detective Warrant Officer Arleen Stokes of Da Gamaskop is urgently seeking information that may lead to the tracing and re-arrest of 41-yearold Pierre van Zyl for whom two warrants of arrests were issued in the Mossel Bay magistrates court on January 9. Van Zyl - who stands accused of theft and fraud committed between September 2012 and March 2014 - failed to reappear in court to account for these crimes. He allegedly urged clients to deposit money into his personal account instead of that of the company he worked for, but never delivered the goods (vehicles) or the services that had been paid for. He also did not pay back the amounts he received, which he was not entitled to. Anyone who knows Van Zyl’s whereabouts is requested to call W/O Stokes at the Da Gamaskop detectives on 044 606 2213 or 072 461 9329.

Detective Warrant Officer Hankie Rhoda of the Hawks Organised Crime Unit based in George is urgently looking for information that could lead to the tracing of wanted suspect Gcina Kelly Mazibuko, 35 - a Swaziland resident who failed to appear in the Mossel Bay magistrates court during 2009 after he was released on bail for dealing in illegal drugs. Subsequently, the court issued a warrant for his arrest for failing to re-appear on the charges against him (he was originally busted for Mandrax during October 2007 and arrested). However, attempts to trace him were in vain. His last known address is Lilly Avenue, Berea, Johannesburg. Anyone who might know his whereabouts is requested to call W/O Rhode on 044 802 1600 or 083 459 3932.

News & Views

14 January 2015

CXPRESS

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Rare pygmy sperm whale washes up on Robberg Beach Local marine expert DR GWEN PENRY penned this first-hand account of a close encounter with an interesting, if dearly departed, visitor to the Bay

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N Saturday January 10 around 12:30pm, I received a call reporting a live stranded dolphin at Solar Beach close to Robberg. On arrival, I spoke to two of the lifeguards on duty who were standing by while others had pushed the animal back into deeper water and were accompanying it from aboard their kayaks.

After about 20 minutes, Daniel Pretorius, a holidaymaker from Cape Town, came back to shore and said he was sure the animal was dead because it had not taken a breath, or made any attempt to swim or dive.

From the description provided to me by the lifeguards, it was about 1.5-2m long, had a small hooked dorsal fin and a blunt nose (rostrum). My initial thoughts were that this was not a dolphin at all, but a rare pygmy sperm whale.

For logistical reasons, it was decided to tow the animal to Central Beach where it would be easier to transport it to freezer storage until a post mortem dissection could be arranged.

Fortunately, Offshore Adventures were at sea at the time and kindly agreed to tow the animal back to Central. I

directed the boat onto the animal from where Monica Taylor entered the water to tie a rope around its tail.

They then slowly towed it back to where several willing helpers had gathered to bring the animal up onto the beach.

After attempting to deal with a large crowd of interested onlookers, we could winch the whale onto a boat trailer and move it to the shaded area behind Plett Skiboat Club.

It was much larger than previously thought, between 2.5m and 3m in length and weighing about 400kg.

From here, we packed as much ice onto the body as possible (thank you to the Club) until we could arrange a large enough freezer to store it. Thankfully, Robberg Fisheries agreed to help and the heavy animal was lifted onto the back of a bakkie using shear brute force, and taken up to the industrial area.

It was relocated on Monday to a cold room and Dr Vic Cockcroft and I will most likely conduct a dissection later in the week. Due to the rare nature and paucity of information on this species, it is vital to collect as much data from the dissection as possible.

OUT OF THE DEEP: The pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps) stopped breathing by the time reports of its appearance spread to Plett’s beach control

HOOKED: Dr Gwen Penry unhooks the whale’s tale on Central Beach after it was towed from Robberg’s Wreck Beach

CROWD STOPPER: Most swimmers and sunbathers on Central Beach ran over to the launch area in front of Plett Ski-boat Club where the whale was offloaded - Photos: Gerhard van Huyssteen

There are, in fact, two species of Kogia: the dwarf and pygmy sperm whales. They are almost impossible to tell apart when sighted at sea.

Live, at-sea sightings are extremely rare because the species are relatively small, occur in small groups of one to six (if usually only one or two), and are distributed in water depths deeper than 200m.

Pygmy sperm whales reach a maximum length of 3.3m, with females slightly larger (average 3.06m) than males (average 2.8m). They have a diverse diet with up to 50 different prey types recorded for the species. The most important type of prey is cephalopods, but they have also been recorded to consume hake and light fish.

Many of the onlookers at Central Beach will have noticed a reddish-brown fluid coming from the animals’ anus. These whales use this fluid as a distracting tactic when they are threatened by

predators and there can be up to 12 litres of it stored in the lower intestine.

They pygmy sperm whale is listed as ‘Lower Risk: Least concern’ by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is included on Appendix II of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species).

Incidents like these always depend on the voluntary help of a large number of people.

A huge thank you to Offshore Adventures, Rudi Visser, Myles Murray, Dr Vic Cockcroft, Sue van der Gaast, Nino Stuurman, Dave Rissik, Robberg Fisheries, Enrico’s tractor services, the Plett Surf Lifesavers, Beach Control and members of the public who assisted with crowd control and monitoring the animal in the water until it was towed.

Keep an eye open for a report on the dissection. The skeletal remains will be deposited in the PE Museum.

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News & Views

14 January 2015

This technology can save your life

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O you know someone who always knows where the closest hospital, doctor, dentist, pharmacy or vet is? When you have an emergency, is this someone always available to take you there without getting lost, or be able to give directions to emergency services on where to find you?

And does your friend have the contact details of every emergency service? And to top it all off, is this someone able to check on you the

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yjqng time while you are travelling by car, bicycle, motorcycle or on foot?

It might well sound like a fairy tale friend, but with the mySOS app this, and a whole lot more, is possible. And best of all, you can download it for free! (Available for iOS and Android smartphones.)

For those who are regularly on South African roads or just love travelling, mySOS will be extremely handy. In the FindNearMe button, for instance, there are more than

20,000 service providers listed as provided by Medpages.

This provides the user with contact details, addresses and the ability to navigate to the nearest hospital, doctor, pharmacy, dentist, vet, and police station.

According to Albert van Urk from mySOS, they have an agreement with TomTom to enable the user to be navigated to the emergency destination, without leaving the app.

“The distance from the emergency service to where

No more unexpected toll fees for South African road users

AST month, Drive South Africa launched the country’s first interactive Toll Road Cost Calculator (TRCC) using the Google Maps interface. The calculator is a useful tool in helping you to better budget for a road trip by calculating a journey’s total toll costs.

Road users may have saved travel costs with the recent decrease in the petrol price, but unexpected toll road fees do holidaymakers no favours. With the TRCC, compulsory toll road fees no longer have to come as a surprise, eating into your pre-

cious rcfmqu fund.

“Toll roads are as much a part of South African road trips as rcfmqu and games of ‘eye spy’ with kids in the back seat. Knowing exactly how much you’re going to be contributing at toll gates before you arrive has never been easy,” says Drive South Africa cofounder and marketing director Andre van Kets.

Websites like SANRAL and AA publish toll fees on an annual basis, but none of these sites provide a way of calculating the total cost for a particular trip.

So whether you’re head-

ing from Jozi to Durbs (R194 through five tolls), Cape Town to Kruger (R256 through six tolls), or Pofadder to Pretoria (no tolls), Drive South Africa’s interactive TRCC will help you budget just a little bit better before you head off on your next trip on our national roads.

When using the tool, select a vehicle type, enter a departure and arrival location using the Google Maps interface, and click ‘Calculate toll fees’.

Costs are generated as the TRCC pulls current rates from a list of SA’s 32 GPSplotted toll gate plazas, which run along the N1, N2, N3, N4, N17, and M6 (Chapman’s Peak Drive).

The fees used in the calculations are fed from a database updated with SANRAL rates.

The database only includes rates from physical toll gate plazas, and not from e-tolls.

As an interactive tool, users have the ability to zoom in and out of the Google Map, giving them the opportunity to view toll gate locations in as much detail as needed.

For an even quicker search, the TRCC displays SA’s most popular road travel routes below the interactive tool.

A simple click on any of the popular journeys will highlight the route on the map, as well as applicable toll plazas and fees payable.

Visit www.drivesouthafrica. co.za/tollroads to check it out.

you are is shown to enable easy decision making. It’s all about speed of help and support.”

When registering on mySOS, you can add the numbers of up to five emergency contacts whom will receive alerts the moment the emergency signal is activated.

Information of your medical aid, security service, as well as where your vehicle is insured can also be inserted, which makes for handy information in case of any emergency.

Storms bridge maintained

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AINTENANCE work on the main suspension bridge in the Storms River Mouth Rest Camp started on January 12 and is expected to last approximately six weeks.

According to Lesley Ann Meyer, Park Manager of Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park, visitors to the Storms River Rest Camp will not be inconvenienced as the Mouth Trail remains open and the two connected bridges remain accessible.

“All other hiking trails starting from the Rest Camp will be unaffected,” she said, and thanked the public for their cooperation and understanding.

The suspension bridge is popular among visitors for its shaky yet concrete structure over the Indian Ocean. It leads to the lookout point showcasing the breath-taking variety of indigenous forests, the Marine Protected Area (now 50 years old) and rivers in the area.

It has become standard operating procedure to maintain the bridge, which is about 77 metres long, every five years since its construction in 1969. The two additional bridges were constructed in 2006.

Call 078 702 9663 for additional information.

Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

Want a career in the SAPS?

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ERGEANT Chris Spies of Corporate Communication recently advised that there were eight vacancies for entry level trainees at the Knysna SAPS. “There is no closing date for these applications at this stage, and all members of the community that fit the requirements may apply. Matriculants who receive their results during the first week in January may also apply,” he said.

A career in the South African Police Service offers members the opportunity to serve their community in an exceptional manner with pride, integrity, passion and commitment.

Applications are now invited from young, energetic, intelligent, physically and mentally fit individuals for enlistment in the Basic Police Development Learning Programme for vacancies at various stations in the Western Cape Province.

You must be a South African citizen aged between 18 and 30 and in possession of a Grade 12 school certificate or National Certificate (Vocational) Safety in Society.

You will have to undergo a psychological assessment and be found to comply with the profile of a police official; be proficient in at least two of the official languages of which one must be English; have no visible tattoo marks; have no criminal convictions and/or pending criminal, civil, or disciplinary cases; and not have been declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Applicants should be within the mass and height restrictions (males not shorter than 1.6m, females not shorter than 1.55m) with a Body Mass Index of less than 30 and waist circumference smaller than 102cm and 88cm for males and females respectively.

Selected applicants shall participate in a Basic Police Development Learning Programme, which involves 10 months of training at a designated SAPS Academy during which the SAPS will provide free training gear, meals, and accommodation, This is followed by 12

months of training at a designated Field Police Development police station. During this time, trainees are responsible for their own meals and accommodation.

Finally, two months of Integrated Assessment at a designated SAPS Academy (free meals and accommodation) must be concluded. Upon successful completion of the programme trainees will be considered for permanent appointment as members of the SAPS. Trainees will receive a stipend during the academy and field police development period respectively as well as medical aid benefits for the duration of the 24-month programme. Remuneration on completion of the programme will be on the first notch of Band A (currently R123 687 per annum).

In addition, permanent appointees will receive the applicable service benefits like allowances, 22 days leave per year, 36 days sick leave in a three-year cycle, study leave, a contribution to the Government Pension Fund and medical aid benefits.

Application forms can be obtained from the Human Resource official at your local police station or the Provincial Recruitment Centre in Lower Heerengracht Street, Cape Town. Applicants will be subjected to the relevant screening and selection as determined by the National Commissioner once the completed application form is handed back.

Call 021 467 8383/8 for enquiries or contact Knysna SAPS on 071 604 8376 / 074 362 1363, or 044 302 6678, or email knysnasaps@saps. gov.za for more information.

• Applicants must take note that the application forms and employment are not for sale and any payment offered by an applicant or promises provided in this regard will be investigated and may lead to criminal prosecution.

Such incidents may be reported to the National AntiCorruption Line at 0800 701 701. The SA Police Service is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer.

Business

14 January 2015

CXPRESS

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Borrow wisely and avoid the dreaded debt trap

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ONSUMERS are advised to borrow money responsibly and only for what is strictly necessary during 2015.

“Plan in advance how you will repay the loan and ascertain whether you can afford it,” says Mpho Ramapala, acting manager of Education & Communication at the National Credit Regulator (NCR).

She says it is typical that consumers spend more during the festive season. “Some consumers don’t usually plan for expenses that they will face in January, such as education and other household expenses. It is at this time that they seek loans to cover these expenses.”

Sometimes the only solution for people who were unable to save for the new year is to take out credit to fund new year expenses.

January can be a difficult month to get through as many people are paid earlier in December and then have to wait longer until their next pay cheque, resulting in many consumers being financially strained over this period.

“We hope that consumers have avoided the trap of borrowing money to pay for their festive season celebrations, but if you did borrow money it is important to manage your repayments carefully,” said Ramapala.

The NCR also encourages consumers to understand their credit agreements. Before signing a credit agreement, you need to understand the cost of credit and the terms and conditions of the agreement to ensure you will be able to make the repayments.

The Credit Bureau Monitor (CBM) reports that, for the quarter ending September 2014, of the 22.5-million credit active consumers, 10.05-million (44.7%) have impaired records and are struggling to service their debt.

Ramapala urges consumers to consider all their existing debt, including store and credit cards as well as personal loans, before they take out a new loan.

“Plan to pay off as much debt as possible before taking on more credit. Most importantly, honour your credit agreement repayments.”

These tips should help you manage your debts more responsibly into the year: • Borrow as little money as possible. Borrowing to fund your children’s education or a home loan can be a good thing, but borrowing for consumables, to pay off other debts or to fund luxuries like holidays or designer clothing, can condemn you to a lifetime of debt. Only borrow for what you really need.

• Plan the repayments before you apply for a credit card,

store card, overdraft, personal loan or any form of credit.

Take into consideration the interest and other charges, and how this will affect your ability to save. Avoid paying over too many months as it will cost you more in the end.

• If there is credit insurance, familiarise yourself with its terms to avoid surprises when you most need the insurance.

• Be honest - make sure that you honestly disclose all the information required by the

Investor Focus

credit provider. Dishonesty may cause you to lose the protection offered by the National Credit Act (NCA).

• Create a monthly budget and stick to it - work out how much income your family earns and what your total expenses are each month. Will you be able to pay for your new debt once you have covered all your expenses? You should also plan for unexpected costs, e.g. if one of your family members is re-

trenched.

• Always keep receipts of your payments, as you might need these in the future.

• Save some of your income every month.

• Pay your debts on time.

Paying late will adversely affect your credit rating and possibly your ability to take out credit in future. If you think you cannot meet your monthly instalments, call your credit provider immediately and try to re-arrange

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

Oil price wars good news for consumers

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HE spectacular fall in the oil price has brought both woes and wows to many of the different players.

In particular the OPEC cartel, which must be the world’s most successful monopolies, has been rattled by the shale boom in the US. This development has brought the States closest to energy self-sufficiency at any time since 2008.

The massive surge in production was brought about by huge leaps in technology and the ability to finance its development with loans at exceptionally low rates.

With the States being very close to being a net exporter

payments. Do not wait until you skip payments.

• Prioritise your home loan.

• Check your credit report regularly. This way you will be able to identify any errors and correct them. Under the NCA, you are entitled to one free copy of your credit report each year from each of the NCR credit bureaus.

Visit www.ncr.org.za for additional information, and phone 082 492 4417 to speak to a local debt councillor.

of oil, the OPEC cartel reacted in what is a classic manoeuvre to impair US production.

They force the oil price down to below the cost of production, thus compelling well closures - or at least reducing both production and exploration. They then allow the price to rise, by which time they will have secured their market share and their pricing power!

(Remember when South Africa could make cheap tshirts, and then the Chinese flooded the market with even cheaper shirts? When we were forced to close our factories, we found that Chinese t-shirts gradually began

to rise in price. Brazil is currently trying to do the same with chickens...)

The two questions to ask now, is for how long OPEC will maintain its assault on the US shale producers, or will the OPEC cartel eventually be broken? Both questions are impossible to answer.

In classic resource pricing models, the cost of production plays a major part. We have seen several announcements that $70 per barrel is the average cost, but who knows?

That it will become volatile in the short term is a given, and a gradual rising price is very possible. But it may be a long time before we see it

rising above $100.

The other side of the coin is seriously good news for consumers in all countries. Oil at $60 per barrel in the US translates into a saving of $160-billion per year on gasoline!

In South Africa, as in many other countries, it is almost like a drop in income tax as the money saved remains in our own pockets, and does not disappear into a black hole.

So as consumers, we can enjoy these price wars for a change.

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Social Scene

14 January 2015

ELECTRIC SUMMER FUN: Beacon Island played host to Cape Town-based electronic outfit Goodluck and local favourites The Kiffness on a couple of occasions during the past holiday season, and Greenwood teacher Robyn Luyt sent these photos of friends enjoying the tunes. Pictured at top right, youngsters Lila & Inca meet the obliging members of Goodluck.

People, places & events SHAKE IT: Plett Nippers had their biggest fundraiser of the year, the Summer Can Collection, on Old Year’s Day so coaches, Nippers and their parents were found in full regalia on street corners and other prominent spots all over town to collect coins for their cause: attending the Nationals in Strand in April. Phone Plett Surf Club secretary Shameera Paruk on 083 304 5087 if your child would like to join the Nippers.

GRABADOO JUST GETS BIGGER AND BETTER: One thing that can definitely be said about the Great Brak Grabadoo is that every year hordes of mountain bikers arrive with hearts pounding in anticipation - and they never leave disappointed. The 12th annual Great Brak Grabadoo took place on December 31 and 1077 participants registered, left, before courageously taking on the scenic but not-so-easy routes. For more information, call Mimi Finestone on 084 583 3144 or email mimi@gojipr. net and visit www.facebook.com/ Grabadoo for all the photos.

SAND ‘OFFICE’ SURPRISE: People on Plett’s Central Beach encountered an unexpected scene on January 5 - a rather ordinary looking office, complete with a water dispenser, laptop, and a wilted pot plant. While this mundane visual is certainly not astonishing for the majority of those who are desk-bound throughout the year, what did make the scene an unusual one was that this everyday office appeared on the beach, in the middle of the holidays, and it was constructed entirely out of sand.

Created by Reon Zeff, one of the world’s best sand sculptors, the installation was an awareness initiative from Careers24. Visit www.careers24.com for more information.

Social Scene

14 January 2015

CXPRESS VINTAGE MARKET A ROARING SUCCESS: At the Boere Brocante held at Ouland Royale in Plettenberg Bay on December 16, to raise funds for deserving local charities, were the representatives of some of these organisations namely, from left, Marsja Hall-Green for Plett Animal Welfare Services (PAWS), chair of the Bitou 10 Education Foundation board Marietta van Rooyen, and Annabelle Conyngham, representing Hospice Plett and the Plettenberg Bay Community Environmental Forum. At left from left, Marne de Klerk, Marlene Eckersdorff and Kathryn van Deventer enjoy the unique occasion.

Watch this space to read the full report on the day’s success.

Photos: Timothy Twidle

JUMPING FOR JOY: This young family from Joburg revelled in the beauty of the beach in front of rocks at Kettle Beach near Enrico’s during their hard-earned holiday. Dad Stefan and mum Nina Axt with their daughter Bianca, left, and son Sascha flying high in the air, enjoyed every precious moment alongside the stunning Indian Ocean surf.

Photo: Brough Coubrough

- Gigi Lewis

LOTS OF LOVING CHRISTMAS CARE: St Peter’s Anglican Church held a vastly successful fundraiser for needy members by organising a gorgeous Christmas table in the church hall on Sunday December 7. In the photo, taken by fellow organising team member Brough Coubrough, are co-organisers Pat Douglas, left and Pauline Coubrough.

People, places & events

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14 January 2015

Social Scene

Photos: Grace Harrison 076 655 4112

RAINBOWS OF FUN: Over 3,000 locals and visitors had the time of their lives at the original powder race, The Color Run, on December 21 as Plett was transformed into a myriad of colour and happiness. In each colour zone, Color Runners were showered by volunteers with clouds of brightly coloured powder. The race ended with a colour-throwing festival, where Color Runners and spectators enjoyed vibrant colour blasts, music, local food and entertainment. Visit www. thecolorrun.co.za for more information.

IN THE PINK WITH SABRINA: Road runners, open-water swimmers and surfski paddlers were but some of the hundreds of athletes who competed in the 2014 Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge, presented by Discovery and Stonehage and organised by Magnetic South, and held on Plett’s beaches and at Kurland Estate at the end of last month. In the pics clockwise from left are the BOS Sport Team of Tyrone van Rooyen, Tanya Meyers and Mark Menendez; legendary golfer Gary Player addressing the crowd with Tigger Reunert in the background; George runner Chantel Nienaber looking dashing as ever; Riana, Jordan & Steve Klopper making it a family day; and young Leonard Collins joining in the sporting fun.

People, places & events

TRANS AGULHAS SETS PLETT ABUZZ: December 28 saw the start, as is annually the case, of the five-stage Trans Agulhas race from Central Beach. Dubbed the ‘toughest inflatable boat challenge in the world’, competitors proceeded to cover 700km over the next five days, finishing their longest stage (188.5km) in Mossel Bay that evening, with the next overnight stops in Stilbaai (86km), Struisbaai (161km), and Gansbaai (111km), before fishing at Strand. This year marked the 27th Trans Agulhas, the first event having kicked off at Nature’s Valley on Boxing Day 1988, when 33 boats raced to the finish at the Old Harbour in Hermanus.

At the time, the organising committee consisted of five members. Between them they had two vehicles, of which one broke down at Vleesbaai... Visit www.transagulhaschallenge.co.za for more information.

Photos: Gordon Smith

News & Views

14 January 2015

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Raising funds slowly on a glorified lawnmower road trip Seven enterprising matriculants of the class of 2014 stopped over in Plett last week while on a 16-day fundraising trip in aid of St Francis Care Centre for HIV/Aids Orphans in Gauteng. But theirs was no ordinary cruise: they opted to travel the 3,500km from Gauteng to the Cape in three Tuk Tuks (one of these glorified lawnmowers is pictured at left), allowing for an average speed of but 50km per hour.

The graduates hail from St John’s College, Bishop Bavin School, Beaulieu and St Benedict’s College, and during their stay, they were treated to a tasty home-cooked supper by ladies from St Christopher’s Catholic Church. A scrumptious breakfast at Beacon Isle Resort fortified them before hitting the slow road down to Cape Town, where their mission concluded on January 11. Says Sylvia Christian, who shared these pics: ‘What pleasant young men, full of enthusiasm and excitement for their undertaking!

They fell in love with Plett and promised to return for a longer stay - but will travel more comfortably next time. They plan to do this as an annual event, inviting post-matrics to join in the venture and sponsor deserving charities of their choice.’ Through this initiative, called Project Colour SA, the enterprising youngsters have already managed to raise R60,000 and they are hoping to reach the R200,000 mark through SMS and web donations. SMS ‘donate’ to 40770 to contribute R20 to their cause, which will also put you in line to win your own Tuk Tuk. Visit www. facebook.com/ProjectColour for the full story.

Sienna Widd’s soulful songs to wow local audience Sienna Widd, a 13-year-old about to sign up at St Cyprians in the Cape, has a gift she wants to share with the world. Three years ago, at the tender age of 10, she discovered her instrument: a pitch-perfect voice fuelled by a passion for expression. Sienna has subsequently performed at several private functions and participated in a number of talent shows, with a range of songs that cover jazz, pop and musicals. The one common comment heard at many a performance is: ‘She sang so beautifully and with so much soul, it made me cry.’ Her favourite divas are Adele, Rihanna, Christina Aguilera and Emile Sande. Sienna will wow locals during next month’s Plett Music Fest, featuring legends like Andrew Young and Derek Gripper, when performing in The White House courtyard along with local jazz ace Martin Wolfaardt on the evening of Saturday February 7 prior to the Rhodes Choir’s concert. Programmes and tickets are available at The Old House Shop in Plett CBD, or call Ann Fermor on 082 452 8764 to find out more.

La Luna

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Interval

14 January 2015

All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to ciriticism.

Winnie the WHAT?!

I

T is the first day after the Christmas holidays in a Grade 3 class. The teacher tells the class that each student can tell the class one thing they got for Christmas.

So, the teacher calls on a girl to come up to the front of the class.

“My daddy got me a bowwow,” she says.

The teacher tells the class that they are old enough to know the correct words for things without using nicknames. She tells the girl to try again.

The girl thinks real hard, and says: “My dad got me a

dog.”

She sits down and a boy gets up and says: “I got a choo-choo!”

The teacher scolds him and asks him to try again.

The boy thinks hard and says: “I got an electric train!”

He sits down and a really shy kid gets up and sadly says: “I got a book.”

The teacher feels bad for the kid and asks: “What is the title of the book?”

The boy thinks very hard.

The class waits as the boy is thinking. Finally, the boy’s face brightens and he says: “Ykppkg"vjg"Ujkv!”

10 Facts about you 1. You’re reading this now.

2. You’re realising that this is a stupid fact.

4. You didn’t notice I skipped number 3.

5. You’re checking now.

6. You’re smiling.

7. You’re still reading this even though it is stupid.

9. You didn’t realise I skipped number 8.

10. You’re checking again and smiling because you fell for it again.

11. You’re enjoying this.

12. You didn’t realise I said 10 facts not 12.

Sneezing gone… right?

A

man and a woman were sitting beside each other in the first class section of an aeroplane.

The woman sneezed, took out a tissue, gently wiped her nose, and then visibly shuddered for 10 to 15 seconds.

The man went back to his reading.

A few minutes later, the woman sneezed again, took a tissue, wiped her nose, and then shuddered violently once more.

Assuming that the woman might have a cold, the man was still curious about the shuddering.

A few more minutes passed when the woman sneezed yet again. As before, she took a

tissue, wiped her nose, her body shaking even more than before.

Unable to restrain his curiosity, the man turned to the woman and said: “I couldn’t help but notice that you’ve sneezed three times, wiped your nose and then shuddered violently. Are you okay?”

“I am sorry if I disturbed you, I have a very rare medical condition; whenever I sneeze, I have an orgasm.”

The man, more than a bit embarrassed, was still curious. “I have never heard of that condition before,” he said. “Are you taking anything for it?”

The woman nodded, and said: “Pepper.”

EXERCISING WOULD BE SO MUCH MORE REWARDING IF CALORIES SCREAMED WHILE YOU BURNED THEM

Only in Africa

Home & Health

14 January 2015

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Top 10 ways to make housework your workout Not all of us have hours to invest in a gym or participate in intense sporting activities. But most of us have normal day-to-day activities that, with a little imagination, can be part of a healthy, active lifestyle.

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EW research indicates that normal daily activities count towards being a part of a regular exercise regimen. These activities contribute to weight management and burning off kilojoules, and there is even an official term for it: non-exercise activity thermogenesis (or NEAT).

Transform your mundane chores and tasks into a part of your exercise routine by a little creative manoeuvring: 1. Mopping, dusting, vacuuming and scrubbing are all vigorous cardio exercises that are good for burning up to 150 calories an hour. Polish that floor and tone your body by pausing for a 35-second floor plank in between getting those tiles sparkling.

2. Tighten your tummy and core by squeezing in your

stomach and oblique muscles as you sweep. Keep your back straight, bring the broom bristles as far away as possible and pull in. Do this for five minutes in each room up to three times per day.

3. Pick items up off the floor using forward lunges.

4. Squeeze in some squats in between grabbing fresh laundry from the basket and putting it up on the line.

5. Fold your laundry while balancing on a stability ball or while doing wall sits, i.e. sit for 30 seconds with your back pressed up against the wall, making sure that your legs are at a 90-degree angle.

6. Grow your garden and shrink your bum while pulling weeds and doing squatsteps along your flower beds and lawn.

7. Raking or digging is a

good form of weight training. You are pulling against resistance or lifting, which leads to burning up to 200 calories in 30 minutes.

8. Give your car a good wash and your legs and arms a great workout. Do a few sets of calf raises to clean the roof, coupled with squats to clean the tyres. Using a cloth or sponge, wash the rest of the car using circular motions and alternating arms.

You can save money on having it washed and burn up to 135 calories in 30 minutes.

9. Forget pre-cut produce and that blender - chop your ingredients by hand and whisk up those egg whites the old school way. Use bags of flour and sugar or tins of food as kitchen dumbbells.

10. Opt for the basket when grocery shopping and park

BEDDING PLANT OF THE MONTH

Portulaca - a timely treasure and It’s quite simple: just repunctual treat member to avoid areas with

C

OMPANIES the world over can only dream of having staff arrive at work as punctually as a portulaca blooms in the morning time. Colourful, waterwise and easy-going, it will fill a patch in your garden where not much else will thrive.

What more could a gardener ask for?

What these gorgeous treasures need is sun. Lots of it in fact, the whole day long, if possible. Luckily most gardens have those patches where not much grows because it gets too much sun, and the soil is not terribly fertile because of the hammering it gets from the unre-

BLOOMIN’ BEAUTIFUL: Available in scarlet, orange and yellow for the bold, or white and pastel shades for a more understated feel, these colourful flowers are waterwise, too

lenting rays.

This is the perfect place for your portulaca, and the once desert-looking patch will turn into a fiery colour palette before you know it.

shade or waterlogged soil and don’t worry if the soil is not rich with nutrients, because they’ll even grow in sandy soils with practically no attention.

Being water-wise little plants, you’ll do best to keep the water in the tap until it’s needed. And try not to pummel their soft leaves with hard overhead watering.

Plant up your portulacas in rockeries, hanging baskets, pots, between stepping stones or even as a ground cover, if that is what you need. Their eye-catching colours will make any of these areas impossible to miss.

They are available in scarlet, orange and yellow for the bolder gardener, or white and pastel shades for a more understated feel.

• Information supplied by the Bedding Plant Growers Association - visit www.life isagarden.co.za.

further away from the store entrance. You will limit the unnecessary purchases and tone your arms at the same time. Avoid the trolley and carry your shopping bags to the car, ensuring the bags are evenly-weighted, or swap the bags around halfway.

To get the full benefit of

your daily household workout routine, ensure that you do some stretching beforehand and be mindful of your posture. People are prone to slouching or bending over incorrectly when participating in cleaning or gardening activities, which leads to back strain and injury.

Strengthen your core and your back by ensuring it is straight, especially when lifting or involved in sweeping movements. Avoid bending, especially from the waistdown, and opt to squat instead, as it’s best for your back and your bum.

• Visit www.weighless. co.za for more information, or contact local agent Cynthia Wooding on 044 532 7835.

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14 January 2015

Classifieds

On the Soapbox

14 January 2015

Letters to the Editor

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

A sincere ‘sorry’ to Bitou visitors Every year I hear stories of how the businesses in Plettenberg Bay rip off tourists from upcountry and Cape Town. Being a regular traveller to the Cape and Joburg, I previously thought most of the complaints were a little unwarranted as the prices paid in Plett certainly are not higher than those paid in those cities.

The queues and service are worse, but that is because of the seasonal four-week madness that we encounter in December. (Okay, admittedly the service in Plett is atrocious but we make up for it by giv-

ing you guys bigger smiles than you are used to in Jozi and twice the size you are used to in Cape Town.)

But last week, I had my first taste of what many tourists to our town evidently experience: Plett greed. Greed, rudeness and arrogant bad management reared its head when I went to visit friends camping at Forever Resort on the Keurbooms River.

I arrived at 5:20pm (too late to launch a boat or swim or make use of their facilities) and was asked to pay R70 to visit my friend. My wife and daughter were in their own

Flamingo flying high, thanks to collective effort

GUARDIAN ANGELS: Sponsors and benefactors like Nancy & Peter Stratton and Moyra Marais (wife of the Revd Dr Mark Marais, Rector of the Parish of Formosa, Anglican Church of the Province of South Africa), at right, and Pam Reid, left, ensured that the kids and staff at Green Valley’s Flamingo Crèche can look forward to another year of good learning - with them are staffers, from left at back, Grade R teacher Beunette Aweries and Jesserie Kamfer, who teaches toddlers aged 2-3 and, in front from left, LeeAnda Booysen (teacher for kids aged 3-4) and headmaster Jolandie Kamfer, who teaches kids aged 4-5

Our beloved crèche in Green Valley, Flamingo, would like to thank everyone who contributed in its success last year.

We thank our sponsors, Peter & Nancy Stratton and friends, for everything they have done for Flamingo Crèche, especially for the year-end party and the building of our new Grade R classroom.

I wish the parents could’ve been there to see all the happy faces.

We also want to thank Henry Eybers and his wife for sponsoring prizes for our year-end modelling show - it was a huge success, all because of your kindness.

To all other sponsors whose names I did not mention, for prizes big or small, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

To our teachers and our

CXPRESS

parents, thank you for your support at the modelling show. To the event organisers, sound providers and everyone involved, we send big hugs from all of us here at Flamingo.

To our management team, you did a splendid job during the past year. To all the kitchen staff and cleaners, please keep up the good work. To all Saints - our guardian angels at Flamingo Crèche, remember that nothing you do from your heart, big or small, goes unnoticed by God. To the children now going to school and those who were promoted to Grade R, well done and have a lovely learning experience.

The Flamingo team wishes all of you a happy and blessed 2015.

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car and arrived 10 minutes after I did and were asked to pay an additional R110 a total of R180 for a quick family visit.

When I questioned the amount and asked how they could justify such an exorbitant fee for a two-hour visit I was told it was to use the toilets. Their ridiculous justification was “your guests should have told you the price”.

Forever Resorts? No. ‘Never Again’ Resort. Shame on you.

Ingpp"Owttc{"/" flRtqwfn{"Rngvv‚ Oqpkec"xcp"fgt"Nkpfg."

tguqtv"ocpcigt"cv"Hqtgxgt" Rngvvgpdgti."rtqxkfgf" vjku"tgurqpug<" Forever Resort Plettenberg sells four different products: • Self-catering accommodation (chalets) • Self-catering accommodation (camping) • Day visiting hours • Entertainment and recreation facilities (renting out of motorboats and canoes) Between the hours of 8am and 5pm, the Resort is open for people to visit at a charge.

Use of facilities like the swimming pool, etc. is up to the guests themselves. Some people like to have a picnic on the Resort, without using any other facilities.

My passion is education I take this opportunity to say thank you to the Lord Jesus Christ that carried me through forty and a half years as an educator.

I started teaching on January 1, 1973 at Wittedrift Primary until June 30, 1992. My principal was late Mr Rose until his death in 1980 and then I continued under late Mr Charles Botha. Here I also had the opportunity to act as principal for six months.

I want to thank all the parents from Wittedrift and the learners of those years for the respect and support they gave me. Today some of you are parents and I want to motivate you by reminding you of the respect that you as learners gave to me. Please support your children and educators to the best of your ability and they will reach their destination.

On July 1, 1992, I continued educating at Formosa Primary - my home for the last 22.5 years, where I also acted as deputy principal for two and a half years. My final days as an educator ended on December 31, 2014.

Here I want to take the opportunity to thank Mr A van Wieling, acting principal, and Mr L Koeberg for the years that he was my principal.

My thanks also go to Mr D Lombard and Mrs G Baron for your respective periods of time as acting principals.

It was a great honour for me to be a departmental head at this school for 21.5 years, with great teachers. Colleagues, I thank each of you from the bottom of my heart, because without you I could not have been successful.

We know for a fact that we did not get all the support from the parents and there-

fore I want to inspire you: don’t give up - there is always a tomorrow, as long as God let His light shine upon you. Give support to one another and become one.

Today I am very proud because on my staff were Mr Aweries and Mr Fourie, who were learners in my class.

My husband always advised me to become a chain hooked on my shackles, otherwise you are not a chain, meaning you are not strong and will never become the best you can be together.

To the parents of Formosa, many thanks for your support over the years. Many of you believed in me and thanks for all the smiles and ways of communications by SMS and phone calls. Never stop doing it for my colleagues, otherwise you break the chain.

Wherever I go, you will be in my mind. Good qualities, commitment and values bring success.

I also thank all the official stakeholders of Western Cape Education Department and the Bitou 10 Foundation for your support, and other educators in the country I met.

Lastly, Mr C Wildeman, principal of Formosa, who was also a Grade 1 learner at my previous school, I just want to thank you for the short period of time that we worked together.

I want to leave you with these words: To be a leader is never easy, but believe always in God and He will stay with you.

This verse helped me through my career (Phil. 413 - I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ give me).

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Rngvv

Should Mr Murray have visited his friends as a day visitor between the above-mentioned hours, he would have been responsible for paying the day visitor fee, which is R40 per adult, R15 per child aged between six and 12 years, and R30 for the car.

The company policy clearly states that after 5pm, no day visitors will be allowed and that the Resort will only be for resident guests that are staying over.

HOWEVER, as a nice gesture from the Resort Management, we do allow visitors to our guests even after the hours of 5pm, as we know it is season and that some people want to have a good time with friends/family residing at the Resort.

It has also been communicated to the resident guests that should you receive guests after hours (5pm onwards), you should first arrange that with the Front Office, i.e. that you will receive guests, at the normal terms that a day visit fee is applicable.

When paying the day visitors fee after hours, the visitors can spend time with their friends/family on the Resort until 10pm, which is a reasonable fair time, as that is

15 the cut off time for music and noise in the camping area.

If it was Mr Murray’s decision only to stay for two hours, the day visit fee would also have been applicable.

The Resort does not have different rates for different times of arrival for day visits.

From previous history, many Plett locals have abused the system when visiting their friends in peak season time during the evening, promising that it would be a very quick hello and goodbye, resulting in Management looking for them after 10pm and then having difficult to get them to leave the Resort.

It is also for safety reasons that we ask our guests to inform us in advance should they receive visitors, as the Resort is packed to capacity during the December/January season.

Forever Resort contributes largely to the economic welfare of Plettenberg Bay. We are a business, these are the products we sell, and should you need to use one of these products, it is only fair to pay for it.

Should Mr Murray like to discuss this further, he is more than welcome to contact me at the Resort.

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CXPRESS

Sport & Adventure

14 January 2015

Challenge racers get views all the way

O

N Saturday January 3, Nature Sport Company once again pulled off the popular Runners Challenge, from the Keurbooms Blue Flag Beach all the way to Central Beach. This beautiful 12km race is the first running event of the year, and perfect for walkers, too.

In aid of Plett NSRI Station 14, participants run or walk the full length of the magnificent Keurbooms Beach, safely crossing Keurbooms Lagoon at Poortjies with the help of local NSRI volunteers, and then traverse Lookout before ending on Central Beach.

The Challenge invariably takes place during spring low tide, which ensures a wide flat beach and stunning views all along the way. This race is open to runners of all ages and levels, while first walkers home are also awarded.

The weather was just perfect from the moment registration opened in the Keurbooms parking lot at 6am.

The walkers set off at 7:30am and the runners at 8am and, as is often the case these days

in runs all over the Route, first racing snake to cross the finish line was local boy Kei Heyns in a time of 42:37.

Hot on his heels were Joburger Shannon Blankfield from Wanderers Athletics Club (46:08), with Plett veteran multi-sports athlete Steph le Roux in third place.

Top two ladies were Belinda Noades (47.56) and Renee Moll (48:25), with first walker home Jennifer de Villiers (1:29:27) and local lass Annel Guccio walking ‘home’ in

1:33:07 - congrats!

A big thank you goes to Plett’s NSRI crew for seeing to it that all competitors crossed the river mouth safely, and to sponsors Plett Sports, Offthehook, Plett Surf Lifesaving Club, Bos Ice Tea, and Reebok.

To find out how many participants actually found a precious pansy shell along the way, email Louise at events@ naturesportco.com and visit www.naturesportco.com for info on upcoming events.

TOP THREE: Local racing snake and first man home Kei Heyns is flanked by runner up Shannon Blankfield from Wanderers Athletics Club and third-placed Plett sporto Steph le Roux, right

SUCH A PERFECT DAY: January 3 dawned in perfect summer glory and the heat was on by the time walkers and runners registered at Keurbooms, to set off in the direction of Central Beach

Knysna fundraiser a splashing success

L

AST month’s Knysna Slash (December 19-21) was a great success, according to organisers Knysna Rotary, ensuring lots of fun for both spectators and participants.

“The event provides ideal holiday activities,” says Rotary spokesman Andrew Finn, “and at the same time has the huge benefit of raising money for local charities.”

According to Finn, the Mud Run - a fun obstacle course which ends in a hose-down by the Knysna Fire Brigade - was supported by lots of local and visiting families and lived up to its muddy reputation.

“The Lagoon Mile swim in the Knysna Quays was also well attended and is growing in popularity. We have numerous good swimmers returning annually to compete.

“The Quack Attack, a race between numbered plastic yellow ducks at the Water-

front, saw twice the number of ducks being sold compared to the previous year. At R20 per duck, this is a great fundraiser,” says Finn.

“The Dragon Boat Races were well supported by local teams and had a good turnout of spectators, making for a great day out on the lagoon.”

A total of 16 teams competed in the Dragon Boat Races.

In this entertaining event, the winners were Knysna Toyota with a time of 37.41 while second place went to SPW Montessori (40.94).

The final race of the competitive event was fiercely contested by Knysna Canoe Club and Knysna Canoe Polo and, although the fastest time of the day was actually set by the latter team in the semi-finals (33.43), they were pipped at the post in the final heat and lost to Knysna Canoe Club (35.26) by 23

seconds (35.49).

Eight spot prizes were awarded during the event. The two team prizes were won by Knysna Pipe Band for best team cohesion, and best preparation and dress. The Pams won the team spirit prize.

Profits from events such as these are used to promote Knysna Rotary’s community projects. So save the dates for next year’s Knysna Splash from December 18-20.

For more info, visit www. knysnaSPLASH.co.za or follow it on Facebook (www. facebook.com/KnysnaSPL ASH) and Twitter (twitter. com/KnysnaSPLASH) for regular updates.

Nciqqp"Okng"Ykppgtu • 1600m - 1 Liam Fourie 18:48, 2 Trevor Austin 20:22, 3 Brandon Thysse 21:18 • 450m - 1 Pierre Botha 08:14, 2 Henri Pienaar 08:31, 3 Carla Collins 09:26.

WHO’S THE BOSS: Winner Kei Heyns receives his Bos Ice Tea prize from members of the Nature Sports Co organising team Andy Smit and Colleen Blaine, right