15 april

15 April 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

Hobie heroes

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Celebrating victory at the 2015 Hobie 16 Nationals in Durban are, from left, Pippi Edwards, Roxanne Dodds, Blaine Dodds, William Edwards, Lucinda Edwards, Douglas Edwards, and Tadj Orzechowski - congrats to William and Lucinda for bringing the National Trophy home once again (read the full story on page 12)

Old crime rears its head again

Braai the beloved country...

Readers have their say

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CXPRESS

News & Views

15 April 2015

SPEED IS OF THE ESSENCE

Stroke of luck and experts on standby result in remarkable recovery Specialist physician Dr GIOVANNI COCI was called when a Plett patient suffered a major stroke last month, and here explains the importance of speedy intervention in this type of situation, which can make the difference between recovery and debilitation

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N acute stroke may respond well if treatment is given within three hours of the onset of the symptoms, and I was personally involved in one such case recently.

On Sunday March 15 around 5pm, I was asked to see a 74-year-old gentleman who had just arrived at the Emergency Room of the

Plettenberg Bay Medi Clinic. He had a long history of hypertension but apart from this, no other major medical problems.

Less than an hour before, at about 4:15pm, he felt dizzy and then lost consciousness.

When he came round he could not speak and the right side of his body was paralysed. His family rushed him

to the ER. He was seen immediately by the doctor on duty who diagnosed a stroke and called me. Fortunately, I was nearby and reached the hospital within a few minutes.

I confirmed the diagnosis of a stroke and noted that the patient had an irregular heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation), which had probably resulted in a cerebral embolus.

At this stage, we had under two hours left to attempt a thrombolysis (see the box below for an explanation of this process). Because we do not have a CAT scanner in Plett, the patient had to be moved to Knysna.

I contacted the radiolo-

gist on call for the Scribante practice who was very cooperative and asked the radiographer on duty to meet me at the X-Ray department of Knysna Hospital.

The next problem was arranging an ambulance. When we tried to book one we were told that, even in emergencies, authorisation had to be obtained from the medical aid. This could be a lengthy process.

At this point, I suggested to the patient’s family that the best option would be for us to take the patient to Knysna Hospital ourselves.

By breaking a few road rules, we got there in less than 30 minutes.

The radiographer was waiting for us, the scanner had already been switched on and the examination was started without any delay.

Within 45 minutes we had the answer: stroke due to cerebral embolus. No haemorrhage.

The patient was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit where thrombolytic therapy was commenced at two and a half hours from the onset of the symptoms. Within 20 minutes, our man was talking and moving the right side of his body.

Two weeks later, the paralysis had cleared up completely. He still has a very slight speech impairment, which is responding well to speech therapy.

The reason to report this remarkable case is to create

awareness among readers that strokes, if attended to within three hours, may recover remarkably. Speed is of the essence and medical help must be sought immediately.

In several European countries there are emergency number hotlines to deal with this type of situation. Unfortunately this is not, as yet, the case in South Africa, but the facilities are there and with public awareness, good coordination and an element of luck, it is possible to achieve very rewarding results.

Incidentally, thrombolysis can also be used successfully in the treatment of acute myocardial infarcts and other vascular occlusions.

• Dr Giovanni Coci is a Specialist Physician practising in Plettenberg Bay.

Stroke and ‘clod busting’ explained

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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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cerebrovascular accident (CVA), commonly known as a ‘stroke’ is a devastating illness that can cause brain damage as a result of the blood supply to the brain being cut off. There are three common situations in which this may happen: Vjtqodquku One of the blood vessels (arteries) taking blood to the brain may become occluded as a result of a thrombosis, i.e. a clot forming inside the vessel and obstructing the blood flow.

Thrombosis is not an uncommon complication of several diseases including diabetes and hyperlipidemias (high blood cholesterol). Prolonged use of certain drugs such as oestrogen may also predispose to thrombosis.

Godqnkuo" A piece of blood clot (embolus) may lodge itself in one of the blood vessels of the brain, thereby cutting off the blood supply to the part of the brain supplied by that vessel.

The embolus usually originates either from the heart, particularly if the heart rhythm is irregular, in conditions such as atrial fibrillation, or from one of the blood vessels taking blood from the heart to the brain, e.g. the carotid artery.

Diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia can all cause cholesterol to deposit inside the blood vessel.

These deposits are known as ‘plaques’ and may cause narrowing or even complete blockage of the vessel.

If a piece of plaque breaks off it may embolise to the brain, lodging itself in one of the cerebral arteries Jcgoqttjcig" This may occur for a number of reasons such as hypertension, a burst anomalous blood vessel (aneurysm), vascular malformations, trauma, and many others.

The symptoms of a stroke depend on the part of the brain that has been deprived of the blood supply. Common presentations are weakness or paralysis of one side

Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

of the body, loss of speech, visual disturbances, dizziness and loss of balance.

The consequences of a stroke can be devastating and in some cases, once the brain tissue has been damaged, there is little or no recovery.

However, in selected cases it may be possible to intervene by administering a potent drug which can dissolve the clot blocking the blood supply to the brain. If successful this restores adequate circulation and may reverse brain damage.

This procedure is known as thrombolysis, i.e. breakdown (lysis) of blood clots (thrombi) by pharmacological means, commonly called ‘clot busting’.

In order for thrombolysis to be successful in an acute stroke, the intervention has to be performed within three hours of the onset of the symptoms. This poses huge logistical problems and the entire process is essentially a race against the clock.

Firstly, the patient has to

be assessed by the clinician.

An important part of the assessment consists of making sure that there are no contraindications to thrombolytic therapy, such as recent surgery, head injury, internal bleeding, etc.

Thrombolysis can only be attempted in strokes due to thrombosis or embolism.

It is absolutely contraindicated in a stroke due to a haemorrhage.

In order to ascertain whether the stroke is due to thrombosis, embolism or haemorrhage it is essential to perform a brain scan (MRI scan or CAT scan) prior to commencing thrombolysis.

The problem is that not all hospitals have this kind of equipment. Plett, for instance, does not have a scanner, and the nearest one is in Knysna. So, if a patient suffers a stroke in Plettenberg Bay it can be a formidable challenge to have him assessed, moved to Knysna, scanned and thrombolysed within three hours of the onset of the symptoms.

News & Views

15 April 2015

CXPRESS

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Load-shedding leads to crime hike it Plett The old crime trend of criminals switching off the electricity of homes in an attempt to deplete alarm system backup batteries is rearing its head in Plett again - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports

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HE Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) has received several reports from homeowners who have found their electricity had been switched off and, on further investigation, found that it had been done at the homes’ municipal electricity boxes.

PBCPA chairman Bruce Richardson said this was done by suspects who count on homeowners being “slack” with regards to replacing their alarm system batteries regularly.

“They then wait until the battery is depleted and the alarm is inoperative before they strike,” Richardson said.

When there is a power outage, the alarm system operates on a backup battery system. If the power is not restored for an extended period, the batteries drain and the alarm system becomes inactive.

This modus operandi proved successful last year when criminals targeted several firms in the industrial area.

Hi-Q in Hutchinson Street was one of the companies hit and suffered massive losses including vehicle batteries, the company bakkie and the tills. Criminals opened the

electricity box outside the building using bolt cutters before switching the electricity off.

Henny Interiors also reported a break-in attempt last year.

The alarm was triggered and when staff arrived, they found a bolt cutter on the lock of the main door. The electricity had also been turned off.

A few weeks earlier JP Spares, also in Hutchinson Street, was the target of a similar crime and their electricity box had also been cut open.

Richardson said although there had been several reports of electricity being switched off around Plett recently, none of these incidents resulted in break-ins. But he warned that residents should be vigilant.

Last week Poortjies resident Paul Pretorius reported that the power had been switched off at a house on the corner of Susan and Charles Streets.

Fellow Plett resident Eric Reurts reported similar incidents, with four homes in Lansdowne Street having been turned off, and a further two in Julia Street.

“The problem is that these electricity boxes are not locked or secured in any way,” Richardson said, adding that

he had secured his home’s box with a padlock and a partition to secure the circuit breaker. “I will be taking the matter up with Bitou Municipality, too.”

Not only is the switching off of electricity a concern, but authorities are also warning of activity during load-shedding and other power cuts.

“We have noticed a lot of criminal activity in Plett during power outages over the past few months,” said Otto Olivier of the PBCPA. He warned that residents should ensure their alarm batteries were in good working order. Olivier explained that home alarm batteries last only between two and three years and, if not in good working order, could fail during a power outage, leaving homes vulnerable.

“Since noticing the increase in activity, we have warned residents to have their batteries tested and alarm companies to send messages to owners notifying them when their batteries reach low levels.

“The biggest problem is homeowners who don’t permanently live in Plett. Often the batteries are left untested.”

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Yet another postponement of alleged turn by 6pm her mother went child killer’s case looking for her. Local street

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IGHT-year-old Sesona Bhayibhile’s alleged killer is scheduled to take his place in the dock in the Plett Magistrate’s Court again tomorrow after he failed to show up on Monday.

The 18-year-old murder suspect, Lulama Candani, was set to appear in court on April 13 but due to issues with transport from the Mossel Bay Correctional Centre where he is being held, did not show up.

The matter was therefore postponed until tomorrow after a string of postponements

since his December arrest.

During a court appearance last month Candani’s legal representatives asked that he be admitted to Valkenberg Hospital in Cape Town for a psychiatric evaluation.

The Bossiesgif resident is accused of murdering the child last year. He allegedly slit her throat and hid her body in dense bushes just a few metres from her home.

Sesona went missing on December 7 after playing with friends near Candani’s home. When she did not re-

committees and police also joined in the search, but efforts were unsuccessful.

The following day Candani was also reported missing, but later handed himself over to Knysna police and pointed out where the body was hidden.

Bereft mother Binnie Bhayibhile, said in court on Monday the postponements were demoralising and prolonged their suffering.

Sesona would have turned nine yesterday (Tuesday). "[qncpfê"Uvcpfgt

The second march against the release on bail of suspected paedophiles, preceding the next court appearance of a local man accused of being involved in a baby porn internet group, takes place on Saturday April 18 from Phakamisani Primary in KwaNokuthula at 10am from where it will follow the N2 towards town, and readers are encouraged to join along the way at Plett Secondary School, Pika, Weldon Kaya and Plett Shell Ultra (by 10:30), before marching to the SAPS office in Plett CBD - call Yvette on 082 413 8077 or Phindiwe on 073 784 5144 for more information

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CXPRESS

Malawian man’s death on Plett N2 investigated

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OLICE are investigating a culpable homicide case after a deadly crash on the N2 recently.

Spokesman Lieutenant Marlene Pieterse said that, on Friday April 3 at about 8pm, a navy blue Nissan bakkie collided with a white Opel Corsa on the N2 near New Horizons in Plett.

“The driver of the Nissan was traveling in the direction of Plett. He swerved into oncoming traffic, lost control of his vehicle and collided with the Corsa,” Pieterse said.

The driver of the Nissan, 38-year-old Duwe Stockert from Malawi, died on the scene but the passengers and driver of the Corsa did not sustain any injuries.

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News & Views

15 April 2015

What! Our Tail painted red?

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HEN local Facebook aficionados signed in for their daily fix on Saturday April 11, many of them learnt the appalling news that, in line with the vandalising of monuments and statues that’s been going on around the country,

their beloved Whale Tail at Plett’s Lookout Viewpoint had been horribly defaced.

An image depicting the pretty white tale splattered with blood-red paint carried the caption: ‘Whale Tail got hit today. On arrival, three

SIGN UP FOR A PHOTOSHOP COURSE, PLEASE... This picture of Plett’s ‘painted’ Whale Tail managed to get many locals hot under the collar

Range Rovers were seen speeding away.’

Ja well no fine, that’s enough to make any marine-mammal loving Plett native’s blood boil. And to add insult to injury, it was now rumoured that the bronze atop the Dolphin Circle at the Main Street and Odlands/Marine Way intersection had been defaced in a similar manner!

Of course a single glance by even a semi-trained eye at the picture alongside would reveal ‘the world’s worst Photoshop job’ as it’s now commonly referred to, and one had to but check the bronze dolphins from afar to ascertain that no one had laid a paint-sallied finger on it.

Never too late for April Fools, hey? The letter at right comments on the countrywide trend in a more serious tone, however, and readers are invited to share their sentiments in this regard.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

History won’t be wiped under the carpet Does the recent destructive outbreak of monumental phobia not have its roots in a lack of moral leadership?

President Obama reacted immediately to restore calm after a white policeman shot and killed a black youth.

President Mandela commanded the moral highground and did a miraculous job of uniting all South Africans.

President Zuma has allowed that gift of unity to slip back into factionalism by procrastination - sending a spokesperson to assure us that the presidency had been informed of the latest unrest. He allowed the ANCYL to steer the argument, helping to place the blame elsewhere.

Will the country not continue this destructive freefor-all if our president is not able to restore calm?

The opportunistic EFF grasped the opportunity to incite social unrest and wanton destruction for political gain. In so doing, they have let us know that they are not particularly interested in uniting the people of SA. Great wisdom came from an untiring 92-year-old retired nursing tutor interviewed on SAFM last week. Dismayed by the vandalising of statues by immature and excitable youth, she simply pointed out that we need to know our history, and that history cannot be destroyed.

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News & Views

15 April 2015

CXPRESS

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Local lass and long-time buddy make the Ultimate Braai Master grade Season 4 of Ultimate Braai Master will be broadcast on eTV during September.

CHAVING FUN AT THE COALFACE: Claudia, left, and Sacha show off the tasty spread prepared over the coals for judges at the Cape Town auditions - the pics below show team Swagger Muffins in excellent cheer, and rejoicing with the rest of that occasion’s finalists

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ILDERNESS mother of two Sacha Buchanan received excellent news recently, when a March 23 call from the producers of eTV’s Wnvkocvg"Dtcck"Ocuvgt series informed that she and best buddy Claudia D’Ambrosio Grobler of Somerset West in the Cape were selected as one of only 13 teams countrywide to compete in Season 4 of the popular programme.

Says Sacha: “We entered Wnvkocvg" Dtcck" Ocuvgt in December just for fun after we cooked up a seafood extravaganza - needless to say that we felt like super chefs at that moment!

“About two weeks later, we received an email to say that we were chosen out of thousands of entrants around South Africa to take part in the Cape Town auditions on February 28.”

Suddenly it was all a reality and the duo, who have known each other since high school days in Camps Bay, started working on a menu to impress judges in the Cape.

Their menu - as team Swagger Muffins, with Claudia as Braai Master and Sacha as Braai Buddy - comprised ostrich canapés, carpaccio, Asian duck, Thai slaw, choc potjie pots and baked cam-

embert, all prepared over the coals.

This combo must have impressed, as they were then chosen to be one of 15 teams for the South Africa auditions to go into the next round. And the rest, as they say, is history.

The ladies are both aged 41 so their team motto ‘Life begins at 40!’ rings true for this successful local businesswoman and her Cape-based friend, whose love for cooking may well be credited to her Italian decent.

Sacha has been director of Eco-Tunnels for four years and says her able team will keep the show on the road during her two-month absence when the filmed road trip kicks off in the Karoo next month, and her pre-teen daughters looked after by supporting family members.

“Camping and going on a road trip across South Africa has always been a big dream of mine, and now we have the chance to turn it into a reality. I’m daunted by the 24-hour challenges, but being a mom has given me enough practice with sleepless nights,” smiles Sacha.

Winners of Season 4 of Wnvkocvg" Dtcck" Ocuvgt will not only walk away with the R500,000 in cash and a brand

new car, but will join the famous Braai Boy to form the South African National Braai Team and compete in the World Food Championships in Florida, USA courtesy of Robertson’s Herbs & Spices.

The World Food Championships is on invitation only and regarded as one of the biggest cooking competitions in the world, with over 500 competitors and a $100,000 cheque up for grabs. So, here’s wishing team Swagger Muffins the very best of luck.

Visit www.facebook.com/ swaggermuffinsubm?fref=ts and www.ultimatebraaimas ter.com to keep abreast of their progress. The wprogram-me will be broadcast on eTV during September.

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CXPRESS

News & Views

15 April 2015

Learn how to get off the grid at next week’s green meet

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ESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) Eden invites readers to its AGM and talk on ‘Getting off the Grid’ on Tuesday April 21.

Says Eden secretary Christine Ridge-Schnaufer: “This year’s annual general meeting will be brisk, with a summary of our Eden branch activities during the past 12 months.”

The spectrum ranges from guided self-drive geology tours, lectures, coastal cleanups and teaming up with other organisations to grow healthy veggies, to enlightenment and entertainment on Eden FM in the weekly Enviro slot each Thursday from 7:40 to 8am.

“Other activities include stalls and demonstrations at Outeniqua Farmers Market, learning about succulents

in Gamkaberg, wine growing and production at Herold Winery, no-dig gardening as part of George Open Gardens Day, the current status of leopard research, and visiting the frogs in Garden Route Botanical Garden,” she says.

Guest speaker on the occasion is electrical engineer Deon van Zyl, who will discuss how one can get off the grid with the help of renewable energy.

“Deon kindly welcomed two groups of WESSA visitors to his farm in the Langkloof to demonstrate what can be done,” she explains.

These included: • Using grey water and its effects on your wallet.

• The cost-effectiveness of renewable energy.

• Steps to be done before renewable energy is contem-

plated to avoid any chance of misunderstanding.

• Live simulation of a design.

All readers are invited to the WESSA Eden AGM at 5:30pm on Tuesday April 21 at the Moriarty Centre in Caledon Street, George. Members and supporters are urged to ensure that their subscriptions are up to date.

Christine concludes: “Since three members of the committee have resigned for personal reasons, new candidates are now being sought.

Please bring along your energies and expertise and share them with WESSA Eden.”

Membership fees may be paid before the meeting (cash only) - email wessageorge@ isat.co.za or call 044 873 4203 to sign up and visit www.wessa.org.za for additional information.

Notice Board Mp{upc"Rngvv"Eqpegtv"Ugtkgu Next in the offing is the Charl du Plessis Trio on April 20, who will perform in the Knysna DRC hall in Fitchat Street from 7:30pm.

A versatile and respected crossover ensemble, the Charl du Plessis Trio was founded in 2006 and brings to audiences a mixture of Baroque, Latin, Swing and Classical music.

Charl is a highly respected Steinway artist, Werner Spies a multi-talented bass player and teacher, and Hugo Raydn a jazz drummer much in demand for his most specialised musicianship.

They have toured extensively in SA and in 2009 went on their first international tour to China, Switzerland and the Netherlands, where they had sell-out concerts.

Their Knysna concert Dc/ tqswg" Uykpi will feature works by composers like Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Pachelbel and Gluck. Buy tickets (R120 or R30 for scholars) at the doors from 6:45pm.

Fkctkug"pgy"RCYU"fcvg" The PAWS street collection

ing primary health services to the neglected dogs and cats of Bitou are escalating and the PAWS team relies on the generous Plett community to continue this valuable work.

Volunteers are sought to help collect for an hour on the day. Apart from performing an important function, this is also a fun way to meet friends old and new. Please call Di Butlin on 082 569 2571 if you can help.

BAROQUE SWINGERS: Catch the versatile Charl du Plessis Trio, with pianist Charl at centre flanked by bassist Werner Spies and drummer Hugo Raydn, in Knysna on Monday night

on March 27 was cancelled due to rain. Explains Marsja Hall-Green from the PAWS committee: “We have now been given permission to reschedule to April 24. As in the past, our kind volunteers will be collecting all over Plett from 9am to 1pm. Please support PAWS, as this is always an important source of income for us.”

Costs associated with ongo-

C"hgcuv"qh"hnqtcn"dgcwv{ The annual Autumn Rose Show organised by Knysna Rose Society at Knysna Mall is scheduled for April 24 & 25.

A veritable festival of beauty and friendship, entries are free and open to all, with special classes for Juniors (under 16), Novices, Retirement Villages, and more. Register from 7am ‘till 10am on the Friday - lots of prizes are up for grabs.

Visit www.knysnarose.co.za for full show details or phone Knysna Rose Society chairman Hugh Collier on 082 931 2657 and follow www. facebook.com/pages/KnysnaRose-Society.

Business

15 April 2015

CXPRESS

De-clutter to save and make money

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HE last thought that comes to mind when making purchases or accepting a free giveaway is how full our lives already are with items that we rarely use or do not truly need - in other words, clutter.

“Clutter is the by-product of not making good decisions about what we buy and bring into our homes. As a result, we often own more than one of the same item, or items, we never use that end up filling the cupboards and shelves of our homes.

“The reality is that whilst clutter fills up our lives it often empties our pockets,” says FNB Consumer Education head Eunice Sibiya.

There is an upside to clutter. Taking on the challenge of de-cluttering could result in financial gain in both the long and short run. Since one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, your clutter can provide an income in the short term.

In the long term, a dedication to not buying what you do not need will save you money and time as there will be less organising and decluttering to do.

According to Sibiya, the process consists of three steps: Igv"tkf"qh"vjcv"yjkej"{qw"fq" pqv"pggf

Investor Focus

There is no need to wait for spring to spring clean, start de-cluttering today. To make the project easier, work room by room and throw out all duplicates that you do not need and items that you don’t use, into a black bag or box.

Don’t be sentimental, especially with clothes. If you didn’t wear it this season, you are unlikely to wear it the next.

‘If you add up the costs of all the unnecessary items you’ve bought, you’ll be shocked’ “In order to identify the items that you no longer use, hang your clothes, hangers all facing to the same side on your cupboard. Once you start wearing the items turn the hangers around. You will quickly see which clothing you did not wear - throw it out,” suggests Sibiya.

Cfqrv"c"pq/enwvvgt"okpfugv Make long-term changes by adopting a de-clutter mindset in order to avoid clutter from building up again.

Before you accept a free giveaway, a hand-me-down or before you buy that scented candle, ask yourself whether you really need it.

A good indication of wheth-

er you should go ahead and make the purchase is if you still want the item and have decided that you need it, a few days after having seen it.

“You might have to make a decision which seems insignificant at the time but if you were to add up the costs of all the little, unnecessary items that you’ve purchased over the years you will be shocked at what it amounts to.

“Should this money have been put away in a savings account, you would have started working towards a nest egg and have reaped the benefits of compound interest,” notes Sibiya.

Dg"qticpkugf" How often have you gone to the shops, bought an item and then discovered that exactly the same item is on the shelves at home?

“One of the main reasons we end up with two of the same spices, or another bottle of the same glue, is that we don’t take stock of what we have at home,” says Sibiya.

“The only way to solve this is to be strict about what you already have in the house.”

To do this, compile a list of what you need before you leave the house to go shopping. This will stop ‘lazy’ buying.

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

Market signals you shouldn’t ignore

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ARKETS are notoriously difficult to time.

Chartists tell us of buy or sell signals, based on historical price patterns.

Analysts measure the Price to Earnings multiples - a ratio that measures how many years it will take for a company’s earnings to equal the current share price, i.e. a P/E multiple of 20 indicates that it will take the company 20 years for its earnings to equal the current share price.

P/E ratios over 20 are normally regarded as expensive (Naspers being an exception, with a P/E of ±95, as its earnings grow by 25% to 50% every year). Inexpensive P/Es are normally found between 10 and 15.

Dividend yield is another measure that should be considered. In 2008/9 after the market crash, dividend yields were well over 6% and there were many bargains available. Today most of those same shares offer a dividend yield of but ±2.7%.

In my view, market bottoms are often characterised by high dividend yields. Shares are cheap, there are few buyers in the market, and fear is the prevailing emotion. P/E ratios at or below 10 confirm this observation.

Investment professionals will sell you products or portfolios using the high dividends as their strongest attraction.

As the market then begins to recover from these low levels, earnings become the focal point. Analysts will do their homework, finding those companies that will grow their profits/earnings faster than expected.

They will anticipate growth rates, and the market will rise in anticipation of better results. Dividend yields will decline as share prices rise in anticipation of better earnings and increased dividends.

This trend will continue, particularly as public confidence is restored, companies perform as expected and markets rise, showing good momentum. Investment professionals will now sell their products based on growth, with P/E ratios as their major focus.

What happens when those P/E ratios begin to look expensive? Today many of our blue chip shares are trading on P/Es over 20. Dividend yields are really very thin. It is in this climate that investment professionals begin to focus on the Asset Value of companies.

This is the value that would be realised should the company theoretically be closed and all the assets sold. This phase of the market is based on the hope/assumption that the hidden value will one day be released. It is the final selling point that the invest-

ment professionals can use.

Markets will also become more volatile during this expensive phase. We all know that interest rates, particularly in the USA, will rise in the not too distant future.

Rising rates will put a cap on expensive markets.

This is a very difficult phase. A conservative investment professional will sell some of your expensive shares only to find the market running away with them afterwards. This extreme volatility is also apparent in the current market.

It is impossible to anticipate how long this phase will last - there could be a correction, or markets could move sideways for long periods. The herd instinct becomes strong as all your buddies talk of their profits from Capitec or Naspers.

One should now begin to look at alternative markets.

Euroland shares are inexpensive and moving money offshore is now really easy.

So the grass could well be greener on the other side.

If you are afraid of offshore investments, then do as old Fred would say, just have the cash for a while!

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The concept of a yard sale is far from outdated and it is a great idea to make your clutter work for you financially.

Once you have all the items you will be throwing away together, sell them off on a Saturday yard sale and make a point of not using the money to buy other things but saving it instead.

Should you decide to sell your items online, make sure you take the necessary security measures, such as never releasing goods before you have received the money from the individual who is making the purchase.

“You might be surprised at what you can live without and what you don’t really need as soon as you start making conscious decisions about what you put in your shopping basket or accept from others.

“As soon as you get into the habit of asking yourself whether you need something every time you pick up an item, you’re sure to start reaping the savings benefits,” concludes Sibiya.

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Interval

15 April 2015

Question: What do you call a line of rabbits walking backwards?

Answer: A receding hairline!

Jewish comedian lines • A man called his mother in Florida: “Mom, how are you doing?”

“Not too good, son,” said the mother. “I’ve been very weak.”

The son said: “Why are you so weak?”

She said: “Because I haven’t eaten in 38 days.”

The son said: “That’s terrible. Why haven’t you eaten in 38 days?”

The mother answered: “Because, I didn’t want my mouth to be full in case you should call.”

• A car hit an elderly Jewish gentleman.

The paramedic asked: “Are you comfortable?”

The man replied: “I make a good living.”

• Someone stole all my credit cards, but I won’t be reporting it. The thief spends less than my wife did.

• We always hold hands. If I let go, she shops.

• My wife and I revisited the hotel where we spent our wedding night. This time I was the one who stayed in the bathroom and cried.

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• My wife was at the beauty shop for two hours. That was only for the estimate. She got a mudpack and looked great for two days. Then the mud fell off.

• The doctor gave a man six months to live. The man couldn’t pay his bill, so the doctor gave him another six months.

• The doctor called Mrs Cohen saying: “Mrs Cohen, your cheque came back.”

Mrs Cohen replied: “So did my arthritis!”

• Doctor: “You will live to be 60!”

Patient: “I co 60!”

Doctor: “See! What did I tell you?”

• A Jewish man said that when he was growing up, they always had two choices for dinner - Take it or Leave it.

• A Jewish boy comes home from school and tells his mom he has a part in the play.

She asks: “What part is it?”

The boy says: “I play the part of the Jewish husband.”

The mother scowls and says: “Go back and tell the teacher you want a speaking part.”

Sounds like…

group of young children was sitting in a circle with their teacher.

She was going around in turn asking them all different questions.

“Davy, what noise does a cow make?”

“It goes moo.”

“Alice, what noise does a cat make?”

“It goes meow.”

“Jamie, what sound does a lamb make?”

“It goes baaah.”

“Jenny, what sound does a mouse make?”

“Err… it goes… click!”

Confidence is everything

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blonde city girl named Doris marries a farmer.

One morning, on his way out to check on the cows, the farmer says: “Doris, the insemination man is coming over to impregnate one of our cows, so I drove a nail into the frame just above the cow’s stall in the barn. Please show him which cow it is when he gets here, ok?”

The farmer kisses his wife goodbye and heads for the fields.

After a while, the artificial insemination man arrives and knocks on the front door.

“I came to inseminate one of your husband’s cows,” he says.

Doris takes him down to the barn. They walk along rows and rows of cows, and when she sees the nail, she tells him: “This is the one right here.”

The man, assuming he is dealing with an airhead, asks: “Tell me, lady, ‘cause I’m dying to know. How would {qw know that this is the right cow to be bred?”

“That’s simple. By the nail that’s over its stall,” Doris explains very confidently.

Laughing rudely, the man says: “And what, pray tell, is the nail for?”

Doris turns to walk away and says sweetly over her shoulder: “I guess it’s to hang your pants on.”

BODYBUILDING YOU’RE DOING IT WRONG

Making ends meet...

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N engineer has been unemployed for long time. He can’t find a job so he opens a medical clinic and puts a sign up outside: “Get your treatment for R500, if not treated get back R1,000.”

A doctor thinks this is a great opportunity to make R1,000 and goes to his clinic.

Doctor: “I have lost taste in my mouth.”

Engineer: “Nurse, please bring medicine from Box 22 and put three drops in the patient’s mouth.”

Doctor: “This is petrol!”

Engineer: “Congratulations!

You’ve got your taste back.

That will be R500.”

The doctor gets annoyed and goes back after a couple of days to recover his money.

Doctor: “I have lost my memory, I cannot remember anything.”

Engineer: “Nurse, please bring medicine from Box 22 and put three drops in the patient’s mouth.”

Doctor: “But that is petrol!”

Engineer: “Congratulations!

You’ve got your memory back. That will be R500.”

The doctor leaves angrily and comes back after several more days.

Doctor: “My eyesight has become weak.”

Engineer: “Well, I don’t have any medicine for this.

Take this R1,000.”

Doctor: “But this is R500... ” Engineer: “Congratulations!

You’ve got your vision back!

That will be R500.”

Social Scene

15 April 2015

CXPRESS

Photos: Anja Wiehl

People, places & events

Photo: Bev Alberts

OH WHAT A NIGHT! Those lucky enough to have been at the White House Theatre on Saturday April 11 shared the joy and triumph, the laughs and great talent of 21 Bitou performers at the 2015 Tshisa Talent Finals. Celebrity judges Ismail Mahomed, Nomboniso Paile, Wendy Oldfield and Marc Lottering had some tough decisions to make with everyone pulling out their best to impress both adjudicators and wonderfully diverse audience alike. This programme was kindly supported by the National Arts Council of South Africa and many local businesses. In the pic above at back are Tshisa Talent director Stuart Palmer with celebrity guest judges Ismail Mahomed, Nomboniso Paile, Wendy Oldfield and Marc Lottering. In front are Dance category winners Animation Crew, top Rapper Brian aka Zafie, and Song category winner Anusha. At right, Performance Artist of the Year 2015 Brian aka Zafie from KwaNokuthula holds aloft the coveted trophy.

VIKINGS SCORE THE FLOATING TROPHY: With weather predictions not in favour of a sunny Slow Festival for Sedgefield over Easter weekend, the organisers of Anything That Floats had no clue what to expect: rain could be a factor, and the event had to start and end earlier. Main sponsor CIPLA’s team was all fired up and ready to go as the day started at 6:30 on the green behind Placid Waters. Building material was offloaded and float construction began and when the floats had to be judged, people started arriving in droves.

By the time the floats took to the water, the shores of Swartvlei were covered by excited spectators ready to cheer and enjoy the fun. There were only two races on a shortened course, the tide and wind working against rowers after turning around making it so much harder to finish the race. The creativity of builders did not disappoint - inflatable mattresses, Pilates balls, bamboo and even a picnic table were incorporated in designs.

The Vikings and The Pirates were also dressed the part and had the crowd anxiously awaiting the outcome of the battle on the water. The Pirates won the battle and walked away not only with the coveted Floating Trophy for the fastest team on the water, but also with the title of overall winner of Anything That Floats 2015. At left, Mr Viking of Team Vikings, aka Johan Roos, looks every bit the part.

Photos: Johann Adler

CANDYFLOSS FOR EARS: Knysna songbird Mia Swart, left, is enjoying a long and successful musical career. Originally from Holland, she combines natural musical gifts with a delightful European charm. She has sung professionally since her teens and is accompanied by the multi-talented Olga Schoeman from George - daughter of well-known pianist Anna Bender - on harp, guitar and keyboard. Together they recreate a Frenchstyle bistro with their choice of the most beautiful songs ever written in French, English, Afrikaans, Dutch and German, even taking you back to the sultry renditions of Marlene Dietrich. Catch their next gig at Spookasem (8.5km up Rheenendal Road) on Sunday April 19 at 4:30pm. Entrance is R100pp and snacks will be on sale. Call 072 820 0170 for info.

FOAMY SCRUFFY FOR A GREAT BEACH DAY: The family Adler from Cape Town (but Plett holidaymakers for the past many years) had a jorl and then some on Easter Sunday, when wild sea conditions in and around the Bay after spring tide produced foamy beaches for kids and dogs and the young at heart to enjoy. Above, Emma Adler shows off her slick boots while at left, Scruffy looks quite unsure of what hit him: ‘I’m covered in foam but no one’s trying to scrub me clean...?!’

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CXPRESS

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

15 April 2015

Classifieds

On the Soapbox

15 April 2015

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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

Misconception about fishing comp rules cleared I want to say something meaningful in respect to a beautiful duckbill ray (of 60kg) that was killed for sport at Struisbaai’s Two Oceans Marlin Tournament. Seemingly your life spent free in the ocean did not mean as much as your heavy weight.

Your value as something dead meant more than your gift of beauty and grace to our dear oceans. I do not understand how in a previous edition of CXPRESS, a pile of rubble dumped in the bush was given more outrage than your death.

You died in agony for the sake of humanity’s ego. But

just know, my dear duckbill ray, that all humans are not as uncompassionate as that person who brought you to your untimely death.

There are people who know that hunting sea animals is just as barbaric and unsustainable as hunting land animals. We do not distinguish between these two. We look at you as a blessing to our planet and want to protect you. We love you, and hope that this senseless killing of all your animal friends will end immediately.

I hope that part of that “competition” was to go and pick up all the yards of fish-

Rubbish on Lookout Beach My husband and I were having lunch at Lemon Grass on Thursday April 9 when, to our horror, we saw two municipal workers, one with a spade, casually stroll over to the refuse bin on the beach, empty the contents onto the beach and cover it with a few shovelfuls of sand before nonchalantly walking back.

Did we really see this?

Is this possible? The mind boggles and we await an explanation from Bitou Municipality for this dreadful behaviour from their cleaners.

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Prof Jansen’s talk much valued - and hats off to Bitou 10!

I would like to comment on Professor Jonathan Jansen’s talk given in Plettenberg Bay recently. There were three aspects that I particularly enjoyed.

The first was that “values lie at the centre of an education”. Knowledge without values will not contribute much to a society or take the individual concerned far.

I fear that there is little evidence in schools in South Africa today of values lying anywhere within the overall curriculum, but clearly there are exceptions.

The second topic concerned a student of the University of the Free State who had identified and responded to a need within her community. It concerned cats but that is not important. What is important was her recognition and response to a need.

She considered herself to be an active member of her community. I believe that there is almost nothing more important than this awareness.

Students/scholars/children, call them what you will, may

not be allowed to feel that they are merely passengers in their community, that they have no part to play or that they have no responsibility to their community.

To address this, I believe that every school should have community service as an integral part of its curriculum.

Further, students should be able to select the field in which their community service will be done. Taking ownership of who you are is vitally important.

These two aspects of education take the student inevitably towards “leadership”, the third important aspect of the professor’s talk.

I would like to add how impressed I am with the role the Bitou 10 Foundation is playing in early childhood development, as well as in extra mural activities in our schools. It is wonderful to see children actively engaged in music, art, dance and drama and clearly loving it. Well done, Bitou 10!

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ing wire that gets dumped on the beaches. Why is there no photograph of that, ever?

I don’t believe your paper’s pseudo environmentalism.

You complain about rubble or chopping down endangered trees, yet condone the murder of our animals. Wake up and don’t support hunting in any form, please.

E"xcp"Jw{uuvggp."Rngvv Mp{upc"Tqem"cpf"Uwth" ejcktocp"Xkpegpv"Hcicp" tgurqpfu"cu"hqnnqyu< I take great pleasure in answering the complaint by the concerned author of this letter relating to the duckbill ray caught at the SASAA tournament at Hartenbos, and not the Marlin competition as incorrectly stated.

The duckbill was safely released back into the ocean and DEFINITELY not “murdered”. As per all national tournaments, the rules are clear and simple: All nonedible fish must be returned

and in the case that an edible fish is not returned, it becomes the property of Southern Cape.

This rule was put in place to encourage fishermen to return all their catches.

I must also say that it’s exciting to see how anglers become more responsible when they enter the arena of competitive angling. It has become second nature to return catches, and the sport is doing well thanks to this sustainable approach by competitive anglers.

We also have a very strict set of rules pertaining to keeping our beaches clean and safe. Anglers are reminded at every league to adhere to these requirements, and any complaints are immediately dealt with within our various club structures.

If only more anglers can get involved in competitive angling... I hope that I have cleared any uncertainties or misconceptions.

Angie’s G Spot closedown will leave many fans ‘homeless’ Angie’s G-spot, also known as “Angie’s”, is a small but fairly well-known pub, restaurant and overnight stop in De Vlugt on the Prins Albert Pass, run by owners Angie and Harold Beaumont.

Angie’s is especially wellknown to bikers - not just from around the area, but from all across the globe.

‘Hot Beer, Lousy Food, Bad Services, Kak Accommodation. Welcome to Angie’s G Spot’, reads the sign.

Angie and Harold have sadly failed to live up to this promise as they are welcoming and provide cold drinks with good food and plain and simple accommodation, seven days a week. What more do you need?

It is a place where you can go for a quick stop for food and/or drinks or even stay for the night, a place to escape the world of technology and leave the cellphone

signal behind.

Sadly, we recently found out that Angie’s G Spot is being forced to shut down within the next 30 days due to unreasonable yet fixable issues, which sadly they can’t fight without the necessary funds.

Is this fair? Will you be one to help them fight against the closing of this beloved destination?

If Angie’s is shut down, it will leave plenty of people heartbroken, good comments left unheard and unspoken, the lovely owners’ dreams shattered and the warmth of a place like home… homeless. This place will never be forgotten.

Angie’s G Spot, Been there. Found it! Email Angie and Harold on info@ angiesgspot.co.za for more information.

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CXPRESS

Sport & Adventure

15 April 2015 MOST MEDAL COLLECTORS: This is the first photo of an event sure to yield many more images - last week’s Nippers Nationals at Strand Beach in the Cape - that rolled in at the CXPRESS offices on Sunday and shows Plett’s highperformance U11/12 team with proud coaches Brian Brink, left, and Gerhard van Huyssteen at back - Photo: Isabelle Brink

Plett Nippers impress at Strand Nationals

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large contingent of Nipper families and coaches attached to Plett Surf Lifesaving Club trekked down to Strand Beach last week to compete in the long-awaited Nippers Nationals held from April 9-11.

Before their departure, PSLC chairman James Stewart wished them well on behalf of his committee, saying he knew they would do the club proud: “Every one of you will be flying the Plett flag, so whether you are leading the race or in the middle

of the field, don’t give up ‘till you have crossed that line.

“Be humble in victory and gracious in defeat, but happy for the fact that you gave it your all. Most importantly, look after each other and come back to Plett loaded with medals and memories.”

Well, that advice was heeded indeed and Plett finished in a most commendable seventh place, only bowing to the super clubs from Durban and Cape Town in top five spots, and beaten by a mere three points overall by old

frenemies East London.

The best performing team in the respective age groups, starting at U9/10 and with U13/14 the most senior category, was Plett’s U10/11s who raked in enough points to secure them an overall fourth position in SA. But each and every team and individual Nipper impressed during the three days of beach action and the team managers and coaches wish them a collective ‘CONGRATS!’ Watch the e-waves for more results and images.

Local sailing crew reigns at Hobie 16 Nationals in Durban

TEAM OF THE DECADE... AND THEN SOME: National Hobie 16 champs and Eden District’s 2014 Team of the Year William and Lucinda Edwards could not be stopped in their tracks when sailing their way to the trophy once again during the recent event in Durban

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OBIE Cat KZN and Point Yacht Club were the hosts of the 2015 Hobie 16 Nationals held off Vetches Pier in Durban. A total of 58 entries took part, 45 of these in the Hobie 16 class.

Plett locals sailing under the Knysna Yacht Club (KYC) burgee were Blaine and Roxanne Dodds, William and Lucinda Edwards, and Douglas and Pippy Edwards, with Tadj Orzechowski crewing for South Africa’s Youth Americas Cup skipper Mathew Whitehead.

Conditions in Durban were good, starting with moderate south-westerlies and building to fresh towards the end of the event. There was a concerted effort from around the country to attempt breaking the stronghold that Plett sailors have on the National Trophy.

Port Elizabeth locals Andrew and Angela Ward made a big effort running up to the event with a comprehensive training programme and boat speed clinics - which paid dividends, as they were in first position after day one.

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Yachtsman of the Year Blaine Dodds, sailing with his daughter Roxanne, showed good form on the first two days, taking advantage of William and Lucinda’s unsettled start to the event.

But Team Edwards settled down and posted some good races to put them one point ahead of the Dodds crew.

Going into the final day, it was Dodds and Edwards neck and neck. Douglas and Pippy Edwards had sailed consistently and were going for a possible bronze medal together with Andrew and Angela Ward, Mathew and Tadj, and Robert and Alexa Archibald - so it was game on, indeed!

Racing started in a 15-20 knot south-westerly with a building swell and the Dodds team were first around the weather mark, followed closely by the Edwards.

Young Matt and Tadj had a spectacular capsize, putting them out of the running.

Douglas and Pippy Edwards took a gamble and tacked out to sea, picking up a favourable wind shift which almost saw them round-

ing the second leg ahead of teams Edwards and Dodds.

William and Lucinda, recently awarded Eden District’s 2014 Team of the Year, got ahead of Blaine and Roxanne to win the last race putting them in first overall, with Douglas and Pippy finishing a credible fourth in the last race, just behind Andrew and Angela Ward who retained the bronze medal.

Matt and Tadj finished fourth overall with Robert and Alexa Archibald fifth, just beating Douglas and Pippy, who finished sixth overall.

The 2015 Nationals was a well organised event with a spectacular opening ceremony dinner in the Ushaka Aquarium.

Team combinations will be changing for the upcoming Hobie Tiger F18 Nationals and World Championships in Italy, with Blaine and Peter-Blaine Dodds and William and Douglas Edwards teaming up, while Lucinda and Pippy Edwards will join forces to sail the Women’s Nationals at the end of April.