14 october 2015

14 October 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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Plett on the up and up!

Photo: Sharyn Hodges

Bitou mayor Memory Booysen, at centre, jumps highest for joy during the launch of last weekend’s fun-filled Wine & Bubbly Festival along with a jubilant crew from sponsors Sasfin, whose support for this annual event is a much-needed shot in the arm for local enterprise in general - see more pics on page 9

Airport Road upgrade - p3

Happy trails for Bitou - p5

Otter attack imminent - p12

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CXPRESS

News & Views

14 October 2015

Jeeves’ Travels - Part II

Rocking up in medieval Lovran - and picking up a Jeeves job two days into my stay JEEVES shares his latest travel adventures, which interfered ever so slightly with his moonlighting as Garden Route chauffeur extraordinaire. Last week he explained why Croatia became his preferred destination - turn to page 2 of the October 7 edition at www.cxpress.co.za if you’ve missed it.

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HERE was a four-hour layover between the flight from George and the connection to Zürich. The long walk from the aircraft to baggage claim was made easier with the use of the rolling pavement, for want of a better description - ‘horizontal escalator’ doesn’t quite do it.

Then followed a three-mile walk to Terminal A to check in for the international connection. Now for a pub for a pint, and wi-fi. I’d noticed one spot that ticked the box upon disembarking, so another three-mile walk back to get there!

Jetting across the African skies at 36,000ft in a seat as hard as a church pew and as cramped as a secretary’s swivel-chair; chin on my knees, half-empty plastic plate with leftover mass-produced nosh in front of me, I looked out of the window at nothing below.

The kid next to me dug his elbow into my ribs as he struggled with the movie remote buried inside our joint arm rest. Oh the woes of trav-

THEY’RE EVERYWHERE! I was unpleasantly surprised when getting back to the little rental to find that I’d scored a ticket for parking here

MELLOW YELLOW: The Lovran town square sports a yellow clock tower and many eateries in little side streets

elling ‘cattle class’ - but only a gezillionaire can afford the 90-odd thousand Rands to fly first class.

My eyes rested on the plastic plate again, and pondered the steel knife and fork. What a joke on airport security!

On checking in, I had to place everything that might trigger off the metal-detecting alarm into a tray - cellphone, loose change. My mini Swiss army knife was confiscated as well as the bottle of juice in my backpack, and my razor.

Had to remove the jersey slung round my neck, my trouser belt and my cap.

Now, thoroughly de-robed and feeling naked, the alarm still went off. Body search!

Arms outstretched as he padded around my torso, I deliberately wiggled my bum a little, and without a belt on my trousers naturally defied gravity, ending up around my ankles and revealing my black and yellow Batman boxer shorts - to the laughter and horror of all around.

As mentioned last week, I had decided to escape the

Knysna winter blues by spending some time in Croatia, and possibly flying over to England to watch a few rugby matches.

What struck me in particular about the flight was the

incredible stability of the Airbus 340. At a cruising speed of 900km/h and 10km above earth, a feeling of motionlessness prevailed; not a shudder or vibration, just the gentle hum of the engines. We might as well still have been stationary on the ground.

A short hop over the Dolomites and Slovenia to the country’s main commercial airport in Zagreb preceded a three-hour bus ride to the Aegean coast via the town of Rijeka with its ship-building yards, and where the world’s first torpedo was made.

Zagreb has a quant old city, which we never saw…

Instead, we were treated to miles and miles of fivestorey apartment blocks, dilapidated relics from the communist era and covered in graffiti.

Communication was an issue. My German was useful, as this was the second language at school for the older Croatian generations.

The young possessed but a smattering of English, aided by hand signs.

Believe it or not, a Jeeves job cropped up within two days of arrival! The yellow house pictured on this page is where I was staying in the old city of Lovran - a fishing village dating back to the 15th century - and an Austrian couple were neighbours in the red one.

She was playing in a weeklong bridge tournament. Her husband took ill and needed to get back to see his own doctor in their hometown of Klagenfurt (Austria).

It was a two-and-a-half hour drive away, and would

MULTI-COLOURED ABODES: I stayed in the yellow house during my sojourn in the old city of Lovran - a fishing village dating back to the 15th century - and an Austrian couple were neighbours in the red house

I take him? Sure...why not?

Doing them this service afforded me the opportunity to see the countryside, I discovered as I was driving over hills, through old villages and natural forests with lakes and rivers.

Interestingly, there were no large-scale farming operations until we got to Austria.

The farms instead were of a communal nature where 10 hectares would be tended by 15 different families, each with their own lot, growing anything from grapes to mealies, olives, and tomatoes.

Also, the state would clear small forest areas, plough up the fertile soil and leave it thus for local villagers to plant as they wished.

(As I write, I am back home in Knysna. Brrring...Brrring.

“Hello. Yes, this is he. What?

Now? Immediately? Ok. What’s your address? Fine.

I’ll be there in 20 minutes.”

Poor lady. She’s slipped a disk and needs to get to the physiotherapist pronto.)

Until next time back in Croatia, when I do a road trip to drop someone off at the airport in Pula - an old Roman seaside town dating back to 45BC - buckle up!

Vq"dg"eqpvkpwgf”

ANGLERS’ MOORINGS: Lovran’s fishing boat harbour and restaurants in the background

News & Views

14 October 2015

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CXPRESS

Multi-million rand Airport Road upgrade will affect Plettenberg Bay motorists until 2017 An October 13 statement from the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works announced the long-awaited upgrade of a gravel road west of Plettenberg Bay that has been the scene of numerous serious accidents over the past months

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R76-million contract for the upgrading of the gravel section of Plettenberg Bay’s Airport Road to a surfaced road was recently awarded to Entsha Henra - a construction and engineering company based in Hartenbos and operational in the civil engineering and infrastructure sector since its foundation in 2000.

The existing gravel road - District Road 1770 - between the N2 and Kranshoek turnoff will be realigned and the new surface will improve the ride quality. In addition, 1.2m wide shoulders will be provided specifically for cyclists.

Work is scheduled to start presently [“mid-October” according to the statement] and the project is expected to have been completed early in 2017, “subject to weather delays and unforeseen hindrances”.

The Plett Airport Road up-

grade will mainly consists of the following works: • Vertical and horizontal realignment in select areas to improve road safety and driveability; • Provision of bus stop facilities at Harkerville Primary School; • Drainage improvements in the form of subsurface and surface drains; • Construction of a new major culvert at Piesang River to reduce the risk of flooding; • Removal of alien vegetation from the road reserve and beautification with indigenous plants; and • Protection and preservation of identified tree species.

A comprehensive environmental management plan has been compiled and the contractor will regularly be audited for compliance. The plan includes search and rescue operations for indig-

enous plant species and the preservation of protected tree species.

Indigenous flora will be safely stored in a dedicated nursery during construction and replanted as the project nears completion.

The road will be closed to through-traffic from the N2, so drivers are advised to use alternative routes during construction.

Residents and local businesses will be accommodated during this period.

Construction will take place in lengths of approximately 2km at a time, and access will be restricted to residents living along affected stretches of road. Other local residents are strongly discouraged from driving through sections under construction. The entire road will be open to public traffic during builders’ holidays.

The statement urges motorists to drive cautiously while

George FCS seeks information about attempted Parkdene rape

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ARRANT officer Vernon Sparks of the George Family violence, Child protection and Sexual offences (FCS) unit is urgently seeking assistance from the public to resolve an attempted rape that occurred on a footpath near Paradise Street in Parkdene on September 13 at about 00:50.

Preliminary investigation reveals that the 43-year-old victim was on her way home from a tavern in Snake Street when the suspect stopped her on the footpath.

He confronted and threatened her before throwing her on the ground and attempting to rape her.

FAMILIAR FACE? This ID-kit was compiled after the victim described her alleged attacker as a darkcomplexioned coloured man of slender build in his mid20s, and of approximately 1.6-1.7 metres tall

The victim screamed for help and called the name of her boyfriend, who resides close by. A resident who heard her cry for help woke up the boyfriend, who came to her rescue.

The suspect then fled the scene on foot.

An identity-kit was compiled after the victim described her attacker as a slender-built coloured man with a dark complexion in his mid-20s, and approximately 1.6-1.7 metres tall.

Anyone with information is requested to call warrant officer Sparks at the George FCS on 044 803 4635 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

the road is being upgraded and to comply with all the temporary traffic accommodation measures, including revised speed restrictions.

“We appeal for public patience and cooperation.

Waiting times will be minimised to avoid unnecessary delays and frustration.”

A total of 16,000 person-

days of work will be created for labourers living in the Bitou municipal area, and 7% of the contract value will be dedicated to the development of targeted enterprises in the Western Cape.

Residents and businesses along the affected section of Airport Road will be kept informed about road condi-

tions and roadworks.

Rwdnke"oggvkpi"vqoqttqy All interested and affected parties and members of the public are welcome to attend a public information session at 5:30pm on Thursday October 15 at Bay View Hotel in Main Street, Plettenberg Bay.

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CXPRESS

News & Views

14 October 2015

WC government to the rescue during eNaTIS transition period

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ESTERN Cape motorists are advised that renewal notices for motor vehicle licences will not be sent via the SA Post Office while the National Department of Transport (NDOT) is in the process of transferring the Electronic National Traffic Information System (eNaTIS) to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC).

The eNaTIS system is currently managed centrally at the NDOT, which includes

the issuing of Motor Vehicle Licence (MVL2) renewal notices. This transition period will directly affect thousands of motorists in the province who were due to renew their licence discs by end-September.

Motorists are urged to be proactive in checking their licence disc expiry dates, and ensuring that they renew before the end of October to avoid penalties.

Affected motorists residing on the Garden Route

can contact the Provincial Service Centre on 0860 212 414, SMS 31022, send a ‘Please Call Me’ to 079 769 1207, fax 021 483 7216, or email service@westerncape. gov.za for assistance.

Alternatively, local vehicle owners can visit Knysna Municipality’s registration section in Main Street with their SA identity document or valid driving licence card, and complete a green ALV form for licence renewal at the counter.

News Briefs Ijcpckcp"dcem"kp"eqwtv" Anti-child abuse groups in Plett are optimistic that their efforts to keep alleged sex offenders behind bars will pay off as a Ghanaian man accused of sexual crimes against young girls continues his bail bid tomorrow.

The 38-year-old suspect from KwaNokuthula started his bail application on October 2 in the Plett Magistrate’s Court following his arrest on September 8.

The man was arrested by members of the George FCS unit at his home after allegedly committing several sexual offences involving girls between the ages of seven and 11.

More than 3,700 Plett residents signed a petition opposing his bail and several members from various groups showed up when he appeared in court to take a stand against child abuse.

Green Hearts of Plett spokesman Yvette Wilschut added that communities, including Plett residents, had had enough of child abuse.

“We trust the court sees this.” /"Ictfgp"Tqwvg"Ogfkc Rtqxkpekcn"vtchhke"uvcvu On October 9 and 10, Provincial Traffic Services stopped 1,750 vehicles in 24 alcohol blitz roadblocks, and 12 road users died on the province’s roads over the weekend.

A total of 1,083 drivers were screened for being under the influence of alcohol and 29 arrests were made; 3,099 vehicles were screened for speeding and 440 speeding offences were recorded; 199 fines of R237,600 were issued for traffic violations.

The highest speeds included two in Eden (114km/h in an 80km zone in Mossel Bay and 81km/h in a 60km zone in Knysna.)

Eight other arrests included an impoundment in George and a drunken pedestrian in Knysna. Of the 12 road fatalities reported, none occurred in Eden. /"BYEIqxUchgn{Jqog" jcuj/vci"%UcxgMkfuNkxgu

News & Views

14 October 2015

Rotary calendars to hit Bitou streets tomorrow

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FTER the success of their inaugural effort, the Rotary Club of Plettenberg Bay has again produced a calendar for 2016 with the same objective of raising money for education and other deserving causes.

Working with Plett Tourism, this year’s theme of ‘Action Plett’ highlights the exciting activities available in beautiful Bitou.

The exquisite photos adorning the new calendar were all donated by local amateur and professional photographers and should appeal especially to visitors, enabling them to return home with useful information to share and fond Plett memories to boot.

An Events Page has been added listing activities planned throughout the year, along with related websites

ing calendar stalls at various local markets and selected locations. As well as raising money for worthy projects, the objective is to raise the profile of Rotary and recruit new members.

Says Plett Rotary president Ate Bos: “This project has highlighted just how thin on the ground we are, with but 14 members plus our Swallows, who reside here from October to March each year.

“Anyone who feels that they would like to make a contribution, whether in terms of time or effort, should come along to one of our meetings. Please join us in our ‘Service before Self’ efforts aimed specifically at making a difference to the welfare of the less fortunate in our community.

“Our focus is, and always has been, education - where

PRETTY PACKED: The new calendar’s theme is ‘Action Plett’ and apart from comprising 15 months’ worth of exhilarating images, it also lists year-round activities to lure visitors support this great Rotary cause by buying your own copy at various local outlets from October 15

for further information. This should encourage a younger, active set of tourists to return and participate in the many challenging events listed.

The calendar is original in that it runs for 15 months from December 2015 to February 2017, thus affording December visitors immediate use while giving a marketing window of at least four months.

The layout remains as before: A3 folded, full colour, glossy photo on the top page with the month, charities and sponsors on the page below.

The selling price of R100 is highly competitive when compared to the market.

The calendar is officially launched at the BI tomorrow and widely distributed from October 15 onwards, so be sure to grab a copy from Village Bookshop, PNA, Ruby’s Kiss’s, Siya Phambili (The Crags), Goose Valley Golf Club or Plett Country Club.

In addition, Interactors from Wittedrift High and Plett Secondary will be manag-

we manage bursary funds of substantial value - and the children who are the hope and the future of our society.”

Call Philip Murton on 072 340 6238/044 533 5494, Pam Rodwell on 044 533 0591/082 822 8422 or Ate Bos on 044 534 8677/082 353 9198 for further details.

Tqvct{"ecngpfct"urqpuqtu • Plett Property Management • Lemon Grass Restaurant • The Fat Fish • Herbalife • Chas Everitt • Robberg Fine Foods • Kurland Hotel • Harkerville Market • Hog Hollow Lodge • Personal Trust International • Plett Tourism • Sabrina Love Foundation • Mazars • The Market Square • LM in Plett.

Ejctkvkgu"vq"dgpghkv • NSRI • CansaCare • Bitou 10 Foundation • Born in Africa • Building the Walls • Masizame • Kids of Kurland • Kranshoek Kleuterskool • FAMSA • Sabrina Love Foundation • Die Sterreweg • Hospice Plett.

CXPRESS

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Happy days for slackpackers as Plett Trail is launched

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FTER a year of plotting and planning, The Plett Trail was officially launched at Emily Moon on Thursday October 8, when a receptive audience was informed of this unique new drawcard for visitors to the Garden Route.

Welcomed by the bittersweet tones of local outfit Sounds of Joy on arrival, guests learnt from Plett Tourism project consultant and veteran wilderness trailblazer Grahame Thomson about the vast array of facets incorporated in this extensive slackpacking excursion, including archaeological sites, cultural stops and overnight accommodation at many of the Plett Wine Route estates.

An important addition to the luxury trail offerings will be The Plett Bird Hide Project - a venture in the

WILDERNESS TRAILBLAZER: Grahame Thomson informed a keen audience of Plett Tourism’s latest offering, The Plett Trail - mainly a winter product, it includes a 10-day and other shorter slackpacking tours through Bitou, exposing guests to the area’s rich archaeological history, cultural diversity, abundant birding, burgeoning wine industry and luxury accommodation - Photo: Ewald Stander

making that involves some of the most accomplished local and national land artists and artisans - was introduced by environmentalist Julie Carlisle as part of The

Plett Birding Route.

According to www.dirty boots.co.za, “slackpacking has become a trendy term with a popular following, enabling more people to en-

joy the beauty of hiking in nature without the hassle of carrying a heavy backpack along the trail”.

The Plett Trail will allow travellers the luxury of hiking through some of the country’s most ecologically diverse terrain, while enjoying displays of local culture, heritage, food and wine along the way.

“Each trail has been carefully crafted to immerse travellers in the breath-taking beauty of the area... No matter which trail you pick, you will always enjoy a variety of terrain and experiences that include marine, bird and indigenous wildlife and even a few cultural and paleontological wonders along the way.”

Visit www.dirtyboots.co. za/operators/plett-winelandtrails to find out more about this novel Plett offering.

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CXPRESS

News & Views

14 October 2015

Forever Group effects vast strategic moves

SPOILT FOR CHOICE: The Plettenberg, a Forever Resort, boasts a cool blue pool where guests can laze about after playing on the spectacular Keurbooms River or having a picnic on its banks

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OREVER Resorts, Lodges, Hotels and Retreats last week announced major positional shifts of senior resort and hotel management.

The company also appointed a group manager to oversee its vast and expanding game farming operations.

According to group spokesperson and marketing executive Christo Wagenaar, the strategic move forms part of the company’s five-year plan of redefining its operations and expanding its management core.

André Steyn, general manager at Swadini, A Forever Resort, for the past eight years will relocate and take over as GM at Plettenberg, A Forever Resort.

Current General Manager at Plettenberg, Monica van der Linde, has been appointed as GM of Loskopdam, A Forever Resort, as well as Waterfall, A Forever Lodge.

Monica was awarded Forever Resorts GM of the Year in 2013.

Johan Bezuidenhout has been appointed the new GM of the company’s flagship Resort, Badplaas, and GM of Mount Sheba Allan Hoffman has been redeployed to take over at Blyde Canyon.

Allan will still oversee the operations at Mount Sheba and Fanie Fick, previous Food and Beverage manager at Gariep, A Forever Resort, has been appointed as resi-

dent manager at Mount Sheba, A Forever Lodge.

Nols van den Berg, Deputy GM at Badplaas, A Forever Resort, has been promoted to take up the General Manager position at Swadini, A Forever Resort.

Deputy GM of the company’s other flagship Warmbaths, Caroline Jackson, has been appointed the new general manager of the Forever Hotel @ Centurion.

Colin White, Eco and Farm manager at Warmbaths, A Forever Resort, has been appointed as group game manager to oversee game farming and conservation areas at Warmbaths, Badplaas, Tshipise and the Loskop Country.

The vast portfolio at Loskop Country, A Forever Collection, will be redefined

with the appointment of a separate manager to oversee operations of the group’s lodges and retreats, including the five-star Lodge Matombu Wild, Amanzi Mountain Reserve, Isiyala Game Lodge, Ruby Cliff Horse Ranch, Silver Falls and Leopard’s Trail.

These transfers are taking place until January 5, depending on operational needs of the different properties.

“We as a company are very excited about the mix of experience and innovative youth among our general managers.

“We trust that this will not only bode well for the company but also contribute to create memories that will last Forever for our guests,” said Group Managing Director Kobus Tait.

TRADING PLACES: André Steyn, left, will be the new GM of Plettenberg, A Forever Resort, replacing Monica van der Linde, right, who will now head operations as GM of Loskopdam, A Forever Resort, and Waterfall, A Forever Lodge

Notice Board Join Bitou mayor Memory Booysen for his annual mayoral golf day on Qevqdgt"38 from 11:30 at Plett Country Club. The cost per four-ball is R1,400 and that includes green fees, halfway house and prizegiving dinner. Email pbcc@global.co.za or call 044 533 2132 for details.

Bitou Municipality and the KwaNokuthula police invite you to join a Walk Against Human Trafficking on Qe/ vqdgt" 39 at 11am from the N2 Bridge, to raise awareness about the realities of this scourge. Phone Howard Swartz on 044 501 3193 to find out more.

Plett Nippers meet on Friday Qevqdgt"38 at 3pm on Central Beach. All Nipper families are reminded to sign up, and new Nipper parents are invited to come and check out the action. Get registration forms from Shameera on 083 304 5087 or email plettsurfclub@gmail.com for additional information.

Diarise Saturday Qevqdgt"46 for the 4 x PAWS Trail from Longstone Park at 8am.

Entry costs R40 per dog or R100 for three+ dogs, and trail distances are 4.5km and 1.3km for puppies or oldies, with great prizes to be won.

Call Michelle on 072 346 5103 or 044 533 6052 for further details.

Business

14 October 2015

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CXPRESS

Tips on workplace arbitration There seems to be a misconception about practising labour law in comparison to civil or criminal law, so Plett attorney LEONIE BAYNES provided this enlightenment that employers and employees both should take note of

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ABOUR law is practised under the jurisdiction of the High Court and not the Magistrates Court, and is a specialised field of law.

I often find that employers do not take a notification from the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) seriously, and perhaps that is due to the fact that it is not served on them by a Sheriff of the Court.

In the same breath, employees often abuse the CCMA and refer matters simply because they can, and not because there is any merit to the case.

The purpose of the CCMA is to resolve disputes between employer and employee. For cases of misconduct and poor work performance, no legal representation is permitted unless either party has applied formally for representation due to, inter alia, the complexity of the case.

This is seldom granted to the employer unless the employee is represented by a union, and even then it

could be declined as there is a presumption that employers know the law and how to present their own case.

It is therefore crucial for employers to familiarise themselves with the procedures of the CCMA on how to represent their case.

The first step is the conciliation phase, in which a CCMA Commissioner will try to mediate the dispute to establish whether it can be resolved without having to proceed to the arbitration phase. This initial process is not recorded.

If the case proceeds to arbitration, the employer must be prepared and have all evidence and witnesses available. Employers must produce a bundle of documentary evidence to state their case.

There must be three copies of this bundle, as one copy is required for the employee (applicant), one for the commissioner, and one for the employer (respondent). These bundles must be numbered, as reference to the

Investor Focus

various documents will be made by citing page numbers in the bundle.

The arbitration phase is recorded and all parties thereto are sworn in.

Except for a case of constructive dismissal, the onus is on the employer to prove that the dismissal was substantively and procedurally fair.

Substantive fairness is the reason for the dismissal. This is normally substantiated by the content of an employment contract, disciplinary codes and consistent application thereof.

Procedural fairness is the process followed when terminating an employee’s service. This hinges strongly on the concept of cwfk" cnvgtgo" rctvgo which, in lay terms, means stating your case.

So it is vital to have a meeting or a disciplinary hearing in the presence of an impartial party as chairperson to allow employees to state their version and thereby defend themselves, instead of summarily dismissing employees

without this opportunity.

This meeting/disciplinary hearing should be documented and the reasons for the dismissal stated. The employee must be provided with a copy of said document.

Practice has taught me that in 90% of referrals to the CCMA, employees claim that they had been both procedurally and substantively unfairly dismissed.

If the employer has indeed followed the proper procedure, then that document will form part of the bundle and will assist the employer to prove that the dismissal was procedurally fair. Thus half the battle is already won.

The substantive fairness will be authenticated by proof that there are rules in place or standards that have to be met; that these are reasonable and that the employer is consistent in the application thereof.

Many a good case has been lost due to inconsistency in the workplace.

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

A look at the great Chinese bear market

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HERE are two basic requirements for a bear market, the first being that it’s seriously overpriced. In this case, the Chinese market traded at an average PE ratio of ±22. Take note, however, that this was the average, and many of the ‘hot’ shares traded at PEs in excess of 100.

The second requirement that must accompany a drop in shares is the perception that a serious slowdown in the economy is anticipated, and thus the companies whose shares are being sold down will experience a sharp decline in profits, accompanied by reduced dividends and even bankruptcies.

In March this year, the MSCI Chinese Index traded at ±10,457; by the end of April (of the same year!) it sat at 13,338 - a rise of over 27% in just under two months.

This was one of the unintended consequences of serious quantitative easing (i.e. the creation of ‘free’ and easy credit) that was originally designed to prevent a Chinese recession.

This wild market attracted many punters who had never

invested in equities before.

There are stories of people losing their houses and all of their worldly assets after pledging them against share purchases.

Foreigners poured money into Chinese Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), only to desert them when the tide turned.

Eventually the bubble burst and punters became forced sellers as their loans were called in. Their margins had been wiped out, and they either had to pay in additional monies or their shares were callously dumped into a falling market.

More forced selling came from Chinese unit trusts and ETFs as investors panicked out of their units.

The authorities who had no experience of a savage bear market also panicked. They enforced rules that prohibited bear sales (this is where you sell shares that you do not own, hoping to buy them back at a lower price).

They also prohibited the sale of certain categories of corporate-held shares and then forced the stockbrokers

and their sovereign fund to start buying shares so as to stop the rout.

These actions only served to attract more selling and so the bear market continued.

The MSCI Chinese Index dropped from a peak of 13,338 in April to a low of 8,959 in September this year, equating a drop of ±33% in only five months!

The current P/E ratio of this index is now back to a more reasonable 14.7.

It is impossible to see where this bear market will eventually run out of steam. One simply can’t surmise at what point this historical market will find a level.

We do not know if the Chinese economy is still slowing down, or how GDP growth below 7 (it could even be as low as 5) will seriously affect company profits.

The other negative consequence of the Chinese slowdown was obviously the drop in commodity prices. This was followed by a drop in imports, which affected those countries that exported goods to China (fancy cars, expensive jewellery and even more

expensive liquor).

Then the devalued currency had the effect of exporting deflation to the rest of the world, which in turn slowed economic growth on a global basis.

So I don’t think we have seen the final chapter in this sad story. Global markets are still volatile. The fragile economic recovery that was developing globally may now stall and commodity exporting countries are still battling from the social fallout brought on by vastly reduced commodity prices, while their trade balances go out of kilter.

Globally, shares have seen a correction, value is starting to re-appear, and so gradual re-entry into the market may be wise.

But for the retired investor, it may be best to wait for all of the dust to settle. Rather pay 10% more and be certain that the trend has changed.

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DEBT MANAGEMENT Agency

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CXPRESS

Interval

14 October 2015

Someone asked an old man: “Even after 70 years, you still call your wife ‘Darling, Honey, Love’.

What’s the secret?”

Old man: “I forgot her name a long time ago and I’m too scared to ask her.”

How to tame a lion...

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circus owner runs an advert for a lion tamer and two young people show up.

One is a good looking guy in his mid-20s and the other is a gorgeous blonde about the same age.

The circus owner tells them: “I’m not going to sugar coat it. This is one ferocious lion. He ate my last tamer so you both better be good or you’re history. Here’s your equipment - a chair, a whip, and a gun. Who wants to try out first?”

The girl says: “I’ll go first.”

She walks past the chair, the whip, and the gun and steps right into the lion’s cage.

The lion starts to snarl and pant and begins to charge her, so she throws open her coat revealing her beautiful naked body.

The lion stops dead in his tracks, sheepishly crawls up to her and starts licking her ankles. He continues to lick her calves, and then rests his head at her feet.

The circus owner’s jaw is on the floor. He remarks: “I’ve never seen a display like that in my life!”

He then turns to the man and asks: “Can you top that?”

“No problem,” replies the young man, “just get that darn lion out of the way.”

Know your two-by-fours

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couple of Irish lads in a pickup truck drove into a lumberyard.

One of them walked in the office and said: “We need some four-by-twos.”

The clerk said: “You mean two-by-fours, don’t you?”

“I’ll go check,” the lad said, and went back to the truck.

He returned a minute later and said: “Yeah, I meant two-by-fours.”

“All right. How long do you need them?” the clerk asked.

The lad paused and said: “I’d better go check.”

After a while, he returned to the office and said: “A long time. We’re gonna build a house.”

The struggles of old Mrs Brown

O

LD Mrs Brown goes to see the doctor.

“I think I’ve broken my ankle,” she says, so the doctor examines her ankle.

“It’s not broken,” he says, “just severely sprained. Do not climb any stairs for four weeks.”

One week later, old Mrs Brown, looking worn out, goes back to see the doctor.

“There’s not much improvement,” she says.

“Be patient,” says the doc-

tor, “and remember: no stairs for another three weeks.”

Another week later, old Mrs Brown goes to see the doctor once again. She’s so exhausted she only just manages to walk in from the waiting room before flopping onto a chair.

“Listen, Doctor,” she says, “I couldn’t care less about my sprained ankle now, because there’s no way I’m climbing that damn drainpipe again.”

When nothing goes right... go left.

If I am ever on life support, unplug me.

Then plug me back in...

See if that works.

Social Scene

14 October 2015

CXPRESS

People, places & events

SUE GETS HER ‘OSCAR’: The 2014 PAWS raffle for an animal portrait

by David Hall-Green was won by Plett resident Sue Wale, and the two are pictured here as David recently presented her with the painting of her beloved deceased retriever, Oscar. The raffle has become one of the highlights of the annual Plett Open Garden Day in aid of PAWS, with this year’s much-awaited event taking place on October 31.

BIGGER AND BETTER: Knysna Animal Welfare Society (KAWS) was delighted to have deputy mayor Esmé Edge officially opening the extension to their Market Street shop last Saturday. The event was held to toast the revamped shop and the dedicated volunteers who keep it running.

At the end of March, KAWS decided to appoint a full-time manager and was elated when vivacious and creative Knysna resident Mikey Price filled the position. The shop has done so well ever since that an adjoining room could be incorporated to create more space. At the opening, KAWS chairman Marten van Leeuwen thanked all concerned, saying that ‘no charity shop can operate without volunteers as its backbone’. He also thanked those who generously donated goods, the customers who returned in search of something unique, and the bargain hunters who were never disappointed.

Pop in Monday to Thursday from 10am to 2pm, on Fridays from 10am to 4pm and Saturdays from 9am to 12. KAWS is appealing for shop volunteers to help out for a few hours weekly or even fortnightly - email elainelevitte@gmail.com if you can help.

Pictured above are, from left, councillor Esmé, chairman Marten, and manager Mikey.

BIKERS OPEN HEARTS: Ulysses Garden Route (UGR) motorcycle club held a successful PAWS bike run in Plett on Sunday October 4. With the weather playing along, hundreds of bikers from the entire Route turned out to support this annual event. A mountain of pet food and resources were donated at the fun-filled event that also included lucky draws and a handover at co-sponsors Berlin restaurant. Pick n Pay kindly arranged specials on pet food and there were contributions in the form of prizes from LM in Plett, Surf Café and others. ‘It is gratifying in times where everyone is tightening their belts to see that folks out there still care for our four-legged friends,’ said UGR chairman Mig Vermaak. ’ In the pic above Mig, right, hands over the donation to PAWS inspector Robert Ruiters.

CANTERING FOR CANCER: Plett’s Seeff gang walked for cancer again on Friday October 5 and, as always, a great time was had by all. At back from left are Sarah & Susan Duncan, Pierre Brugman, and Piet Maree. In the middle are Chantele Kretschmann, Judie Brugman, Alet Ollemans and Jenny Glass, with Alex Teuscher, Sine Mhambi, Emma Brugman, Vicky Teucher, Ovayo Mzokoza and Matthew Brugman in front.

A TOAST TO PLETT TOURISM: The weekend’s Plett Wine & Bubbly Festival was a roaring success showcasing the area’s best and latest products of the vine with excellent food and good tunes to boot. Kudos go to sponsors Sasfin and the large team of organisers, including Plett Tourism and Nature Sport Company, who kept the show on the road despite a gusty gale that threatened to fray the festival marquee’s edges on Friday night.

Pictured below from left are the Sport Co trio of Andy, Daron and Louise. - Photos: Sharyn Hodges

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CXPRESS

14 October 2015

Classifieds

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On the Soapbox

14 October 2015

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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

Bitou local authority to tackle river chokers The road bridge over Bitou River on the way to the villages of Wittedrift and Green Valley flooded on the Wittedrift side on August 26, and the inhabitants of the two villages were unable to cross the bridge.

The pupils of Wittedrift School were also affected by the flooding.

But has anyone recently looked at all the alien growth going on underneath? The photograph only shows one side of the bridge.

There is a huge clump of alien prickly plants on the one side, as well as reeds to the left that affect the flow of water. I am unable to see what is on the right side, but that is also obstructing the

flow of water.

My concern is that we are all inconvenienced by this flooding again, and the traffic affected. In time, the bridge could be damaged by these continuous floods.

Could someone in the know or Bitou Municipality please look into this matter and advise who should be able to clear the aliens that are blocking the flow of Bitou River under the bridge?

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ALIEN TROUBLE: Reeds and invasive vegetation obstruct the Bitou River’s flow and when flooding, prevents access to Wittedrift and Green Valley

Get municipal workers out of the office and into the streets INTO THE GUTTER: Weeds are growing in the gutters, where the rubbish also ends up and flow from there under Waterfront Drive to the lagoon - Photos: Ian Stewart

Three cheers to many more laps!

The pool at Plett’s Health & Fitness Centre in the Piesang Valley was reopened on October 8 with drinks and speeches to celebrate the joyous occasion.

I’d like to thank complex manager Jeanne for all her hard work, patience, support, and the professional way in which she handled the crisis when we both decided to close the pool after seeking legal advice.

It was very stressful, as we had to cope with the public’s assumptions of what happened, but Jeanne handled it with integrity and great courage.

Our team at Plett Aquatics also thanks owner Christa Greyling, and Jo-

han Victor from Pelican Pools for revamping ‘our office’. New fences have gone up, trees have been manicured, and buildings have been painted.

To all our ‘water colleagues’- Willie, the water polo players, Chas and his lifesavers, Adopt a Swimmer, the Nippers, Plett Aquatics, the River Rats and of course our precious orchestrator Jeanne - we wish you all the best for the new season.

Last but not least, thanks to Bitou Fire Department for filling up the new pool.

Here’s to lots of laps!

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WATER COLLEAGUES: The crowd who celebrated the reopening of the pool, with manager Jeanne fourth from right, owner Christa second from right, and Johan of Pelican Pools behind the two ladies - Photo: Carmie le Roux

As a ratepayer I beg to ask the question: “Where are the workers that are supposed to keep Knysna clean and free of rubbish?”

The pictures here were taken last week in Tide Street.

As is clearly evident, the gutters have not been cleaned for ages - so much so that weeds are (over)growing in the gutters. The rubbish somehow ends up in the gutters in this street, and flow under Waterfront Drive to the lagoon, unless they pile up under Waterfront Drive.

I have addressed this issue to the authorities in the past on a number of occasions, and they seem to pass the issue from Community Services to Strategic Services with many people copied into the mail.

They all seem to read what

the problem is, but no-one attends to the problem. So we can only assume that there is no-one responsible for weekly (at least) cleaning of the streets and gutters.

Is it not time that the millions collected from residents is channelled into cleaning the town and fixing the horrendous state of our streets? The potholes in lower town, upper town, and Knysna Height, etc. etc. just get bigger.

Why are they not routinely repaired pending the major overhaul we are assured is coming?

Is it not time to have workers rather than dozens of admin people overseeing what the problems are, rather than no-one actually fixing the town?

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Outstanding service from Knysna’s E4 Electrical After searching high and low for some peculiar batteries for a car remote, I ended up at E4 Electrical in Knysna.

A bearded gentleman (afraid I did not get his name) found the batteries I needed but they needed to be fitted into a sleeve, which he proceeded to manufacture.

Unfortunately, once fitted in the remote, they refused to work. But he persisted and after cleaning the contacts and taping them together, he got it going after about 30 minutes.

I was very grateful and, upon asking the price for his trouble, was gobsmacked to be told it would cost the

princely sum of R6. I suggested he should add on for labour, but he refused.

It is not the first time I have used E4 and it will not be the last. Thanks for outstanding customer service - you are a credit to Knysna.

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Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

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CXPRESS

Sport & Adventure

14 October 2015

Otter fever grips the Garden Route as trail greats gun for superhuman sub-four

I

T’S Otter Week and come Saturday morning, all eyes will be on the Tsitsikamma section of Garden Route National Park to see if the mythical four-hour barrier might be challenged by a white-hot field of runners assembled for the internationally renowned Otter African Trail Run, presented by Salomon and GU. Making the pilgrimage to the event fondly dubbed ‘the Grail of Trail’ is Swiss mountain man Marc Lauenstein one of a handful of earthlings who pundits of the sport reckon may possibly be capable of achieving such a feat.

If indeed he does, Lauenstein is expected to arrive at the finish line in De Vasselot campsite in Nature’s Valley at around 10:15am on Saturday, and it would be worth being

there just to see the look on the race director’s face.

The current record set by the UK’s Ricky Lightfoot in 2013 stands at 4hr15min, and with R100K up for grabs for the first person to finish ‘sub4’, Otter organisers are sure to be sweating.

The winner of this year’s Mont Blanc Marathon, Lauenstein lines up against the blue-eyed boy of South African trail running Kane Riley, as well as SA champ Thabang Madiba. All three are Team Salomon runners and prominent names in this year’s highly competitive field.

Female runners have the same incentive, with the bar for their cash prize set at 4:30 (Ruby Muir from New Zeeland broke the tape in 4:54 in 2013). This year’s race looks to be a shootout between Buff-sponsored Emma Roca from Spain and South Africa’s Meg Makenzie, also from the Salomon stable.

Although these two shoulder the pressure of being the hot favourites for Otter 2015, no one should write off last year’s runner up Nicola Griffin (SA), nor the UK’s Jennifer Bradly. Bradly’s impressive resume includes being the second woman to run right across the USA. But Saturday’s elite race is only part of the four-day event that includes the slightly more generous 11-hour cut-off Otter Challenge on Wednesday and Thursday, the nine-hour cut-off Otter Run on Friday and Saturday,

CHASING THE GRAIL: These images from last year’s Otter African Trail Run provide some insight in terms of the perils endured by participants in this world-renowned challenge, albeit with many of the planet’s most spectacular views as backdrop - Photos: Jacques Marais

and then of course the 10km Dassie Run on Saturday.

This year’s Dassie course has jokingly been dubbed ‘The Dassie Sky Run’ because it includes the same amount of climbing per kilometre as the international Sky Running Series races.

The Dassie also has a 6km short-course option and as it finishes over the same float-

ing bridge as the Otter Run, concluding just before the Run winner comes in, it is a great way to experience that special Otter African Trail Run atmosphere.

A few Dassie spots were still available by going to press - visit www.theotter. co.za to enter online and see the advert on this page for additional information.

Midway Classic Regatta returns to Knysna

NECK AND NECK: The St Andrews College 2nd VIII, left, and the Grey 2nd VIII train ahead of this weekend’s regatta

K

NYSNA will once again host the annual Midway Classic Regatta and Heads Race, organised

by Western Cape Rowing and taking place on Saturday October 17 and Sunday the 18th at Belvidere Estate.

The race is fast becoming a flagship event for rowing in South Africa, the 2015 affair drawing top crews from the Western Cape (Bishops, SACS, Rondebosch, Somerset College and Peninsula Girls Rowing Club) and Eastern Cape (Grey College PE, Clarendon, DSG, St Andrews, Zwartkops Rowing Club and Selborne College).

More than 300 rowers and their supporters will descend on Knysna for two days of racing, showcasing some of the country’s top rowing talent.

The event, which offers a free entry marquee with food and beverage vendors from Knysna and surrounds, will be packed with activity. In classic rowing regatta style, tables, benches and umbrellas will line the Belvidere water’s edge

to accommodate spectators.

Says Sue Beaumont on behalf of the organisers: “Residents are invited to join us at this fabulous event. Rowing is an extremely exciting spectator sport and South Africa’s win at the 2012 Olympics has certainly put rowing back on the national map.”

The Midway Classic also provides Western Cape Rowing with an opportunity to raise funds for their development programmes, which aim to create and develop sustainable rowing clubs in previously disadvantaged communities.

Two development programmes are already in place in Cape Town and Grabouw, involving five local schools.

“Achievements in life are only limited by your drive to achieve them. This is a value that Western Cape Rowing would like to continue promoting through our programme,” says Western Cape Rowing president Greta Engelbrecht.

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