15 February 2017 by CXpress

15 February 2017

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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Photo: www.evita.co.za

Tannie Evita states the nation… In the wake of our recent State of the Nation address, Plett residents are about to be treated to an alternative take on life in SA when Evita Bezuidenhout, aka Pieter Dirk Uys, regales the White House crowd with her unique version of what’s potting in pretty Mzansi. Find out more on page 2.

Porn cases in court - p3

Thoughts on democracy - p4

French victory in George - p12

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NEWS & VIEWS

15 February 2017

Catch Tannie Evita at Plett’s White House tonight ILARIOUS Afrikaans socialite and self-proclaimed political activist Evita Bezuidenhout is heading straight from Luthuli House to The White House in Plett, to enlighten, entertain and inspire fans in a once-off show on February 15. For over 30 years Evita known as the most famous ‘white woman’ in the country - has been a part of the lives of all South Africans, often addressing sensitive and always topical issues with humour and grace. She has posed as everything from the ‘Ambassadress’ of the fictitious Bapetikosweti to a kugel who addressed apart-

heid in a rather controversial manner. The White House now presents Evita as honourable ANC member in her all new State of the Nation Address. Fans can expect to see Evita focus on women and the state of family values in this realistically hysterical show, encouraging audiences to remember their roots in order to embrace and celebrate where they are headed. True to form, Evita never uses bad language or any tasteless references. Instead, with absolute respect, she instils hope in the future of the country and brings across her point ever so clearly: the people must lead and the government will follow.

Pieter Dirk Uys, who is Evita, was inspired to create this character by the Australian comedian Barry Humphries’s character Dame Edna Everage. Evita was created and named in honour of the late Eva Perón, stage radio and film actress, former first lady of Argentina and women’s rights activist. After introducing Evita in 1982, Uys was able to use her as a medium to address the ridiculous racial policies of the apartheid government in his unique way. Much of Uys’s work was not censored back then, indicating a possibly concealed approval of what he was doing by leaders of the government.

Jogging Down Memory Lane

Many words describe Tannie Evita - inspirational, transformational, funny, glamorous, topical, typically South African, optimistic, hopeful - so don’t miss the chance to come face to face with our matriarchal figure closest to England’s Queen Mother. Enjoy An Evening with Evita Bezuidenhout at The White House in Plett CBD. The show starts at 7:30pm and tickets at R200 can be bought online (www.evita.co.za). Tannie Evita then heads to PE’s Boardwalk’s Amphitheatre for shows from February 1618 before moving further east to the Hexagon Theatre in Pietermaritzburg (February 20-25). Derek Frielinghaus

Badges on old sweatshirts provide blast from Plett’s past IGGING up an old sweatshirt recently, seeing the emblems of local eateries, shops and other concerns - some of these long gone, other still mer-

rily plying their trade - reminded me of the business scene in town some decades ago. These logos may also shake loose some memories of those

who have lived, dined, danced or holidayed in Plett in the latter part of the previous millennium. Be sure to share any stories in this regard.

Email your reminiscences to haus@mweb.co.za, or drop it off in hard copy at the CXPRESS office at 6 Park Lane in Plett CBD.

THE NAIL ON THE HEAD: Attracting a motley crew of daytime clientele, The Rusty Nail operated in Main Street’s Noel Centre when CXPRESS was founded nearly two decades ago, and this space has certainly seen a record number of permutations - from jorling joints Escargot and Absolute Vinyl, through to Kitchen Café and today’s Lederle’s TRADING PLACES: Plett personality and designer par excellence Tania Reddering used to run The Trading Post in Lookout Centre, where for some years now French Kisses has been selling exquisite frocks and other exotic clothes and accessories

HANG-OUTS NOW AND THEN: Logos on a ‘lekker Plett local’ sweater include The Cave and Formosa Inn - today still very much alive in the memories of generations of party people - Cranzgot’s (where The Table now stands), The Lookout and The Med (both still operating at full tilt!) and Spinnakers ‘The Action Bar’ that used to be at the BI’s bottom level close to where Jiwu’s stylists and therapists now pamper their clients

UNDER THE BOARDWALK: Bertha and crew serviced diners at The Boardwalk for as long as anyone can remember in the restaurant for years now firmly established as LM in Plett

NEWS & VIEWS

15 February 2017

CXPRESS

Multiple life sentences of Gauteng paedophile sets ‘useful precedent’ The lengthy sentence of an East Rand paedophile has given Plett anti-child abuse activists hope that a like fate would befall a local child porn accused - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports

ARREN Knoop was handed 32 life sentences for rape in the Johannesburg High Court on Monday. His victims included three young girls. Over and above these, Knoop was also sentenced to 170 years behind bars on 870 charges of rape and possession of child porn. Local anti-child abuse group The Green Hearts applauded the sentence by Judge Cassim Moosa. “These sentences send a clear message that SA will no longer tolerate crimes of this nature, and will severely punish the offenders,” said chairman Janet Harding.

On Monday next week the Plett man, 38, is expected to plead in the Knysna Regional Court on charges relating to more than 170,000 images depicting child pornography and sexual abuse. The plea negotiations process started again in recent weeks after the man’s plea bargain was rejected last September, this after the charge sheet in the matter was completed. Among the reasons was the number of images in question. Initially there were 179,000, but his lawyer argued that there were duplications and that there

were subsequently just over 50,000. The charge sheet however now includes all original images. The matter was postponed to February 20 for a plea bargain to be put in writing. The Plett resident was the first South African to have been arrested as part of Cloud 9 - an operation by SA and Belgian police responsible for cracking down on a child porn ring linked to a cyber meeting space for paedophiles whose fetishes seem to be the sexual abuse of babies. “Section 28 of our Constitution entrenches chil-

Sensei guilty of child porn charges Candice Ludick

ILDERNESS resident and karate sensei Wessel Wilms was found guilty on charges of creation and possession of child porn and crimen injuria when he appeared before the George Regional Court on February 8. Wilms declined the opportunity to comment and instead referred the matter to his attorney, Nico Smit - who was in court and as such not available for comment at the time of going to print. Wilms was first arrested in August 2014 in connection with these charges. At the time, his laptop and a desktop computer were confiscated for analysis; a video clip that constitutes child pornography was among the confiscations. Despite evidence of sex-

ual grooming and harassment of three teenage girls admitted at the onset of the trial, Wilms was released on bail and permitted to continue teaching karate in George and Knysna. The parents of one of the teenagers, now a young woman, who allegedly fell victim to Wilms’s unwelcome sexual advances, expressed a sense of vindication that he was finally being brought to justice. In spite of the serious nature of complaints against the karate teacher, many parents of his students chose not to believe the complainants and continued to allow their children to be instructed by him. He was expelled from the SA Goju Ryu Karate Do and Karate Do International Renmei on August 6, 2014. Wilms denied the accu-

sations against him and vowed to clear his name. In a letter to his students and their parents on August 15, he said: "The allegations against me have nothing to do with karate nor little children as the media and rumours have tried to colour it. More than that I cannot say and I am sure that in time all information will be made available to everyone." SAPS spokesman captain Malcolm Pojie confirmed that Wilms had been found guilty of the child porn and crimen injuria charges last week, some 36 months after the wheels of justice were set in motion. Pojie said to the best of his knowledge, Wilms was not in custody, and that his fate would be determined when sentencing was handed down in George Regional Court on March 22.

No foul play suspected after grisly find... LETT has been abuzz after human remains were discovered on a construction site in the town last week. Local police confirmed that the remains had been uncovered during the excavation phase of the Beacon

Way development. Police spokesman captain Marlene Pieterse said the grisly find was made on February 6, and that it was sent to a forensic laboratory in Cape Town for analysis. She added that very little

was known about the remains, but that police did not suspect foul play. “At this stage we cannot say how old the bones are or how they got there. We will have to wait until the results are back from the lab.” - Yolandé Stander

dren’s rights and following on our submission to the Constitutional Court in 2016, we were invited to submit a proposal to the SA Law Reform Commission which this year will consider further and more appropriate legislation to curb and stamp out the creation and distribution of child pornography. “The Green Hearts have thus been following this local case with interest

and have been taking such measures as are available to ensure that justice is done and that, should the accused person be convicted, appropriate sentences are imposed,” Harding said. She added that the group had faith in the prosecuting team and believed the case would be effectively and accurately presented. “State prosecutor Gerda Marx has invested many hours over the past two

years in revealing the horrifying truth of the international links and extent of these crimes. We trust that, in the event of a conviction, the court will bring the full might of the law to bear in this case. “The Knoop case has now set a useful precedent as to appropriate sentencing, so that the future protection of our children is ensured,” Harding said. Garden Route Media

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

15 February 2017

OPINION PIECE

On the exploitation of democracy... ‘I was shocked by Brexit and the election of Trump, but I always admired Obama,’ wrote JOHN STEGMANN when contributing this piece. ‘Democracy gives every adult citizen an equal vote to choose who should govern. The wealthy minority should realise it’s in their best interests that every child - every new voter - receives the best possible education.’ N his farewell speeches, Barack Obama issued several cautionaries to preserve America’s prized democracy. “Our democracy is threatened whenever we take it for granted.” “I spent a lot of time in my farewell address talking about the state of our democracy. It goes without saying that essential to that is a free press.” “That (a free press) is part of how this place, this country, this grand experiment in self-government has to work. It doesn’t work if we don’t have a well-informed citizenry. And you (the Press) are the conduit through which they receive the information about what’s taking place in the halls of power. “So America needs you and our democracy needs you.” The incoming president Donald Trump’s America First slogan and his appointment of Steve Bannon would appear to promote nationalism. Was Obama warning

Americans about extreme nationalism? If so, where’s the danger? Nationalism is not inconsistent with democracy, but can morph into extreme nationalism that foreshadows pronounced feelings of superiority, chauvinism, jingoism, xenophobia and racism, and distorts morality. Extreme nationalism therefore approaches dictatorship, the antonym of democracy, characterised by authoritarian rule, despotism, fascism and oppression. Obama hints at how this happens: “When the public take their democracy for granted…” and when “we don’t have a well-informed citizenry.” Power-seeking political leaders do exploit democracy to impose despotic rule. Think of Adolph Hitler, DF Malan, PW Botha, Robert Mugabe and now Jacob Zuma. South Africans take note because we are vulnerable. Politicians need votes: Power-seeking politicians will target voters who are

complacent, not well informed, unable to assess the information available, and are easily swayed by suspect logic that exploits imaginary fears (‘us’ and ‘them’) or that makes irrational promises. Jacob Zuma is no paragon of morality or ethics as he obscures information, avoids taking responsibility for his actions, obstructs justice, shifts blame, and enriches himself. If he were serious about eradicating racism he’d pursue the successful Rainbow Nation theme and revoke BEE and BBBEE that 21 years ago were intended to last for but 12 years. Instead, he wants the ANC to ‘Win Big’ in elections so ‘we can do what we want to’. His black voter base is stoked by perpetuating their fears of racism, ‘us and them’. He undertakes to defeat racism by eliminating ‘white monopolistic capitalism’ and replacing it with an ‘African system’. ‘White monopolistic

capitalism’ is blatantly racist (‘black’ capitalism is fortunately firmly established here) and it conceals his intention to undermine democracy. Capitalism places the economy in the hands of the citizens. Zuma’s goal is socialism (which is equally colonialist) that gives the State control of the economy. Beware! Our history shows that both Afrikaner nationalism and African nationalism are vulnerable to extreme nationalism where democracy is perverted to establish despotic rule. Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama demonstrated that high moral leadership and steadfastly upholding their democratic constitutions is what creates social harmony and prosperity for all. Both leaders made early education a priority because that is how children are enabled to compete for work and become informed voters that will not tolerate extreme nationalism, socialism or dictatorship.

NEWS & VIEWS

15 February 2017

CXPRESS

Cat Simoni shows at award-winning Bosky Dell will enable continued holistic care Read CXPRESS online at www.cxpress.co.za

OARD members of the PlettAid Foundation/Hospice Plett are most grateful to Rae and Greg Gilbert for hosting and facilitating two fundraising performances by vocalist supreme Cat Simoni this weekend. Says the Foundation’s Lady Annabelle Conyngham: “The Gilberts’ award-winning rose garden at Bosky Dell Farm is a magical and atmospheric place, lending itself perfectly to musical entertainments of this quality.” The World Federation of Rose Societies honoured Rae Gilbert by bestowing its prestigious Garden of Excellence Award on Bosky Dell Rose Farm in October 2015; the award was presented at the 17th World Convention of the Society in Lyon, France. It was only the second time that these accolades were bestowed on a South African Garden and, having fulfilled the most stringent criteria, Bosky Dell is only the third private garden to be acknowledged, worldwide. Cat Simoni is a superb

COMPASSIONATE CHANTEUSE: The inimitable Cat Simoni will enthral audiences while raising funds for some of Bitou’s most vulnerable residents

entertainer with an absolutely magnificent voice and dazzling piano virtuosity. No stranger to fans on the Garden Route, she has also received rave reviews from audiences across the country. “The PlettAid Foundation became a member of Hospice Palliative Care in 2009, having been accredited with providing highquality home-based care within the Bitou area,” explains Lady Conyngham. “Last year our nurses and care-givers looked after 164 new patients, with a total of 247 pa-

tients receiving their loving care. Funds are vital to enable Hospice Plett to continue humanitarian and holistic care, so please support this extremely worthwhile fundraising initiative.” This Friday night’s concert is entitled Cat’s Night of a Thousand Stars and will be a formal affair with drinks served in the Pavilion, followed by a seated, candlelit dinner in the Conservatory. “The mystery caterer is pulling out all the stops, and we are delighted to announce that this event

23RD – 26TH FEBRUARY 2017 Thursday 23 February | 20h00. Mia Swart and Partners Friday 24 February | 20h00. The Ubuntu Bass Baritones Saturday 25 February | 20h00. Plett All Stars Sunday 26 February | 20h00. Rosanthorn Cello Trio

VENUE The White House Theatre Tickets R200 PROGRAMME & TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM The Old House Shop, Plett or contact Ann Fermor, Tel: 082 452 8764

is now sold out!” says Lady Conyngham. The Saturday Sundowner Picnic Concert, La Vie en Rose, will take place on the lawn in the rose garden. Tables, chairs, rugs and benches will be provided, as will a simple, mezze-style picnic lovingly prepared by Cindy and David Lederle. During the interval Jane Twine will supply home-made ice cream and Beatty-Anne Starkey her ‘swoon’ chocolate cake - both utterly scrumpdelicious. Doors open at 4:30pm on February 18 and the concert starts at 5pm. Tickets cost R350 each and there will be a cash bar for both evenings. By going to press, a few tickets were still available for the Saturday. Please contact Lady Conyngham at aconyngham@ telkomsa.net or on 044 533 5178. • The turn-off to Bosky Dell is situated on the N2 between Knysna and Plett, almost opposite The Heath (coordinates: 34.0357 S 23.2982 E).

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

15 February 2017

Knysna folk dared to take on the ‘bio-wise brick’ challenge

EARTH-FRIENDLY BUILDING BLOCKS: Bio-wise bricks, as pictured up close at left, can be compacted by using a black wattle stick - in Guatemala where the concept originated, entire classrooms have been constructed from bio-wise bricks, as shown at right

IVERWOOD Primary is once again at the forefront of all things environmentally beautiful, as it was the Knysna school chosen by BioWise to launch its ‘bio-wise brick’ community challenge this month. The entire school assembled on February 6 to be introduced to the concept of these eco-friendly bricks, which will serve as the school’s new dustbins. Crammed with non-recyclables such as foil packets, chocolate wrappers, thin and crinkly plastic bags, and even toothpaste tubes, cigarette butts and pencil shavings, 2-litre, 1-litre and 500ml cooldrink bottles are turned into brick alternatives that can be used to build benches, pathways, retaining walls and, potentially, even classroom

extensions. First initiated in Guatemala, these bottle bricks are a means of making use of all non-recyclables that litter Knysna’s streets or are dumped at PetroSA near Mossel Bay, costing the municipality more than R7million per annum. “Our non-profit company BioWise promotes the practice of biomimicry, which is learning from nature to live wisely and well here on earth. In nature, all waste is food for something else and the idea behind the bio-wise brick initiative is for us to start turning all the rubbish we produce in Knysna into a resource right here,” said Sue Swain, director of BioWise and initiator of the challenge. “In a forest, nothing is wasted and all waste is upcy-

cled on site. The number of small business opportunities that could arise if we started to view waste differently is enormous,” she continued. All schools, businesses, industries and households are urged to follow Riverwood Primary’s example and take up the bio-wise brick challenge. For now, everyone is encouraged to start filling plastic bottles with non-recyclables, and all designers and engineers are invited to submit ideas and designs for using these bio-wise bricks to make useful structures in our communities. Contact Sue on 084 7736 084 or at sue@biowise.org. za for more info or to arrange for demonstrations at schools, businesses and tourism establishments, or if you have design ideas for a bio-wise brick structure.

BUSINESS

15 February 2017

CXPRESS

Buyers, follow these golden guidelines before spending your heard-earned cash Seeff advises on what to look out for to make a good investment HOOSING the right location when buying property is a complex decision and one that is almost entirely driven by your needs, especially if it is your home, says Seeff property group chairman Samuel Seeff. Regardless of the area you choose or how much you are able to buy for, Seeff says that especially first-time buyers should always follow the ‘golden guidelines’ by doing their homework, looking out for key factors, and ensuring they pay fair market value. If it is a second or investment property you want to buy, then it becomes even more vital that you make a good buy. The most important driver of demand and value growth is location and this, says Seeff, is the golden rule world-wide across all property types. Location also does not mean that it has to be on the coast or overlooking a golf course. A middle-income home in a suburb with good transport, schools and facilities can be just as good an investment. The second important factor will be affordability, and this is where buyers must look beyond the simple maths of the purchase price as there are transaction and acquisition costs that do not add value to the property. It is all fine and well to say that you should buy close to work, but can you in fact afford to do so? This then

makes transport an important consideration. You could, for example, live in a more affordable area provided that it has a good transport infrastructure so that you are able to work anywhere in and around the city. The advice is to always buy in the best possible area that you can afford, but Seeff says that the choices are endless, even when it comes to affordability. The choice of area will depend entirely on your needs, but it is always a good idea to keep your eye on some key attributes when it comes to choosing a location. Good transport You cannot go wrong if you invest in an area that offers a good transport infrastructure such as train, taxi and bus services and of course good access to main arterials if you travel by car. Good schools While you may not need to be close to a school if you are a first-time buyer, you should preferably buy with a long-term view. Being close to or having relatively easy access to good schools are going to become ever more important over the next few years, says Seeff. Good lifestyle The desire for a good lifestyle has become a key driver for property buyers. Security is a major issue and it has become very difficult for people to walk, cycle or jog in their neighbourhoods during certain times - even parks are being targeted.

This has led to the rise in security estates and complexes where people can still enjoy the wonderful outdoor life that is such a defining characteristic for South Africa. Lifestyle is often an added key selling point when the time comes to sell. Good security Security has become a vital consideration for buyers. Good areas to buy in are obviously those with low crime rates and where the local community is involved in aspects such as neighbourhood watches and other initiatives. This not only contributes to a safer lifestyle, but also adds to the demand and value of property in the area. Good capital value growth You will also want to ensure that you are investing your hard-earned money in an area where your asset will not only hold its value, but will grow in value as time goes by. Property values appreciate at different levels and you often find that the more affordable areas grow much faster in value, simply as the demand for homes there is much higher. The advice is always to do your homework and to deal with a credible estate agent. Finally, Seeff advises that you should never pay more than fair market value for your property. • Visit www.seeff.com for additional information and see the advert on page 3 for current listings and contact details.

Celebrating

50 years of the Woodridge College Experience Join us at our Information Evening 28th February at 6:30-7:00 pm Pezula Championship Golf Course, Knysna Snacks and a cash bar will be available

t Woodridge College we have been providing an excellent education on our very beautiful GEQTYW JSV ½JX] ]IEVW 3YV GIRXVEP JSGYW encompasses academic success at its heart,with our Grade 12’s writing the Independent Examinations &SEVH QEXVMG ½REP I\EQMREXMSRW *YVXLIV XS XLMW we enhance our pupils’ experience and growth

through our sound sporting programme and FVSEH GYPXYVEP IRKEKIQIRX ;I FEPERGI EPP SJ XLMW with a dynamic outdoor educational component that ensures we draw the very best out of each ERH IZIV] TYTMP EX SYV WGLSSP )ZIV]XLMRK MW VSSXIH in our Christian principles and we have been TVSZMHMRK EPP XLMW WMRGI

IEB MATRIC | CO-ED | GRADE 000 – 12 | DAY SCHOLARS & BOARDERS

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CXPRESS

INTERVAL

15 February 2017

Oh, for a round of golf on Christmas morning OUR old-timers were playing their weekly game of golf. One of them remarked how nice it would be to wake up on Christmas morning, roll out of bed

and without an argument go directly to the golf course, meet his buddies and play a round. His buddies all chimed in, saying: “Let’s do it! We’ll make it a priority -

The Polish immigrant Polish immigrant went to the Department of Motor Vehicles to apply for a new driver’s licence. First, of course, he had to take an eye test. The optician showed

him a card with the letters ‘C Z W I X N O S T A C Z’. “Can you read this?” the optician asked. “Read it?” the Polish guy replied, “I know the guy.”

The universal logic of Zen teachings • Always remember that you are unique. Just like everyone else. • Never test the depth of the water with both feet. • If you think nobody cares whether you’re alive or dead, try missing a couple of mortgage payments. • If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything. • Some days you are the dog, some days you are the tree.

• Don’t worry; it only seems kinky the first time. • A closed mouth gathers no foot. • Generally speaking, you aren’t learning very much while your lips are moving. • We are born naked, wet and hungry, and get slapped on our butt; then things just keep getting worse. • Sex is like air. It’s not that important unless you aren’t getting any.

Denver or Salt Lake City? couldn’t decide whether to go to Salt Lake City or Denver for vacation, so I called the airlines to get prices. “Airfare to Denver is $300,” the cheery salesperson replied.

“And what about Salt Lake City?” I asked. “We have a really great rate to Salt Lake - $99,” she said “but there is a stopover.” “Where?” I asked. “In Denver,” she said.

figure out a way and meet here early on Christmas morning.” Months later, that special morning arrives, and there they are on the golf course. The first guy says: “Boy, this game cost me a fortune! I bought my wife a diamond ring that she can’t take her eyes off of.” The second guy says: “I spent a ton, too. My wife is at home planning the cruise I gave her. She was up to her eyeballs in holiday brochures.”

The third guy says: “Well, my wife is at home admiring her new car, reading the manual.” They all turn to the last guy in the group, who is staring at them like they have lost their minds. “I can’t believe you all went to such expense for this golf game. I slapped my wife on the bum and said: ‘Well babe, Merry Christmas! It’s a great morning - golf course or intercourse?’ “She said: ‘Don’t forget your hat’.”

Jon’s sky-diving lesson ON was taking skydiving lessons. The instructor explained that it was time for his first jump, and all he had to do was jump from the plane, count to six, and pull the rip cord. A truck would be waiting for him in the field where he would land. Jon jumped from the

plane when he was told to, and counted to six. When he pulled the rip cord, the parachute wouldn’t open. He tried the reserve chute, and that didn’t open… Frustrated, Jon muttered to himself as he fell: “I’ll bet the damn truck won’t be waiting for me either.”

SOCIAL SCENE

15 February 2017

People, places & events GETTING WISE AS BARN OWLS: At a lecture entitled ‘Survivors on the Edge of Land and Sea - Developing the Southern Cape Paleoscape of Early Modern Humans’ presented at Cairnbrogie Barn on Plett’s revamped Airport Road on February 4 were, above from left, Robberg Coastal Corridor Landowners Association (RCCLA) founder Chris von Christierson, CEO of the Kranshoek Community Property Association (KCPA) Wayne Abroue, RCCLA chair Andrew Hill of Cairnbrogie, KCPA chair Maxwell le Fleur, and the legendary ‘Oom’ Samuel Jansen, who is also a KCPA member. At right, co-director of the Mossel Bay Archaeology Project Betina Gennari rubs shoulders with Dr Curtis Marean of Arizona State University in the USA, who delivered the informative talk to a capacity audience. - Photos: Timothy Twidle MZ SWART AND CO TO KICK OFF PLETT MUSIC FEST: An extremely versatile singer, Mia Swart - pictured here with her familiar accompanist Olga Schoeman, right - started her illustrious career as performing artist at the age of 13, singing chansons and Dutch songs for radio. Soon after, she featured in a number of vocal groups that sang a variety of music, including light classical and swing. Mia also performed at several jazz festivals, in Breda among others, before immigrating to South Africa. In November 2010 she celebrated 50 years on stage with a show in George. Now this well-known and beloved Garden Route star is gearing up to open next week’s Plett Music Festival on February 23 alongside Olga on piano and harp, and introducing exciting young flautist Ruan van der Vyver. This annual event raises funds for the Kids of Kurland School Project and takes place at The White House Theatre. See the advert on page 5 to find out more about times and the rest of the line-up, including the Ubuntu Bass Baritones, Plett All Stars, and launch of the brand new Rosanthorn Cello Trio. Local readers can buy tickets at The Old House Shop in Plett CBD and if you reside elsewhere on the Route, book by calling Ann Fermor on 082 452 8764.

THE TOWERING INFERNO… Well, that’s the classic movie title that sprang to mind when CXPRESS ad agent Watty Watson started lashing lavishly with fiery chilli these skewered prawns he was treated to by the Shawarma Shoppe team at Plett’s Market on Main. Find out more about this emporium of great food from all corners of the world, the best coffee in the universe, and a plethora of other goods and services offered, by calling 044 533 2805 (mornings only). Alternatively, pop in any time from early morning ‘till late to explore this treasure chest of delights.

CXPRESS

Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

15 February 2017

CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

15 February 2017

Letters to the Editor

plaque” as pointed out by the two abovementioned gentlemen, I have to ask myself whether the perceived spelling error could not have been put over in a more positive manner. Could the gentlemen not rather have begun by congratulating Bitou Municipality for a job well done by bringing an extremely important service closer to the residents of Plettenberg Bay and surrounds? Maybe as a second thought they could have made mention of the fact that, if not set specifically to South African English, all default American computer spell-check programmes will show that ‘licence’ should be spelt with a ‘s’ instead of a ‘c’. After Mr Scott’s letter, I had a chat to one of the Senior Managers within the Department Public Safety (Traffic / Law

Longing for Africa - and Plett - inspires poetry The team at Holiday Plett, now happily settled into their pretty new premises at 87 Longships Drive, shared the below note brought in last week by one of their returning clients from England, Ted Dawkes, who introduced his granddaughter’s poem thus: A young lady from Oxford called Olivia Dawkes, aged nine years old, who usually spends her holidays in Plett could not be here this year, has sent this poem to her grandparents to show how much she is missing them and South Africa. Africa by Olivia Dawkes I can hear the fierce roaring of the King Lions The waterfall splashing

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

Let’s try some applause, rather than slating letters, when our local authorities excel I respond to the letters placed in CXPRESS of January 25 and February 1 respectively [read ‘A licence to lash Americanisms’ and ‘Bitou Licen(s)e plaque needs replacing’ on page 11 of those editions at www.cxpress.co.za]. I am a Plett ratepayer and live here on a permanent basis, other than Mr C Scott, who seems to reside in Wilderness, and Mr G Nefdt, who may own a holiday house in Plettenberg Bay, but resides in Johannesburg. I could not help realising how negative we have become of late. It seems as though we wait for the first and earliest chance to lash out at our fellow humans and authorities, such as Governmental Departments. We hardly ever pay compliments anymore. While studying the alleged mistake made upon the “expensive brass

CXPRESS

in my face I can hear the zebras galloping away for survival I can hear Africa I can see the brightness and power of the sky The grass that tickles my feet I can see the day just about to end I can see Africa I can taste the crumbly, dry brown dirt in my mouth The sweet berries going down my throat I can taste the fresh and truly powerful waterfall I can taste Africa I can feel the wind hustling around The fresh water rushing down the river I can feel the sun burning fiercely through my skin I can feel Africa

Enforcement / Fire and Disaster Management). While chatting to this person about the CXPRESS article and front page photo that elicited the letters, I immediately understood that members of this department are extremely excited and proud of their achievement. It is wonderful indeed that we as Plettonians no longer have to travel to neighbouring towns to either renew our drivers licence cards, PRDPs, or to take the Learner Driving Licence Test. These services are now available on our doorstep, every day of the week. The excitement is so great that the gentleman assured me the negative remarks in the media would not dampen their spirits. Finally, I wish to mention that Mr Scott should have tried to get his facts straight prior to showing the whole wide world how ill-informed he was at the time of writing his letter: • The “expensive brass plaque” is only a temporary plaque, manufac-

tured out of plastic with a thin gold film covering the black plastic. • The “expensive” plaque cost a full R350. • It was claimed that Plett’s ratepayers paid for the plaque and would have to fund correction of the spelling mistake. But my chat to the department revealed that, due to several challenges such as time constraints and the fact that manufacturing agents of such items were still closed after the Christmas holidays, Plett’s Chief Traffic Officer took it upon himself to purchase the plaque from a local stationery business. The plaque did not cost us ratepayers a cent! So to all Plett residents, let’s give Bitou Municipality a round of applause for this milestone achieved, rather than being so negative. PS: English is my second language and I trust that your readers will excuse any spelling and grammar errors. ‘Excited, Grateful Ratepayer,’ Plett

No reason to fear for the safety of nesting egrets We have a timeshare at the Beacon Island Hotel from January 21 to 27 annually, and have always been fascinated by the egret birds that nest there in the trees that are at the entrance to the hotel. It was to our dismay that we learnt on this last visit that the hotel is cutting these trees down in order to build more parking places. We hope it would be possible for CXPRESS to follow this up, as we are very concerned about these wonderful birds that are part of a most delicate ecosystem. Margaret van der Berg, Somerset West Reinhard Visser, General Manager of the Beacon

Island Resort, provided the following response: Due to continuous inquiries regarding additional parking space, we are currently investigating the possibility of extra parking facilities, but nothing has been confirmed. There is no actual plans in place yet, and definitely nothing that would involve the removal of any trees in our grounds. Even if extra parking facilities are to be constructed in future, it does not necessarily imply that the trees referred to would have to be cut down - this will all depend on the plans, when and if it is realised. Of course, if parking should be built, we will advise the public accordingly.

Please take note of Plett Bridge Club’s new home

PAIRS OR SINGLES WELCOME: Wednesday afternoon is the time and the bowling clubhouse at Plettenberg Bay Country Club is the place to be for playing bridge

An offshoot of the original ‘No Fears’ Bridge Club - which for years flourished at Plett Angling Club on the Keurbooms River - has now found a new home in the bowling clubhouse of Plettenberg Bay Country Club in Piesang Valley. For the past 15 months we played at The View restaurant, which has sadly closed its doors. Now the Bowls Club has welcomed us into this

rather splendid venue where we can continue to play bridge in a quiet, friendly, relaxed and unthreatening environment. We play duplicate bridge every Wednesday afternoon at 1pm for 1:15. Pairs are welcome although we have limited capacity. Individuals seeking a partner are invited to contact Mike on 082 226 7280 and he will co-ordinate all such requests. John Swinley, Plett

CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

15 February 2017

Kingswood demons exorcised by new French Stroke Play champion UST two years after France celebrated its first champion in the South African Stroke Play Championship, the trophy returned to French hands when Edgar Catherine, 18, triumphed at Kingswood Golf Estate on Friday February 10. Hailing from the south of France, Catherine overcame his ‘Kingswood demons’ to march to a twostroke victory on 11 under 269, and also became the third successive international winner when following 2016 champ, Irishman Jack Hume, into the winner’s circle. In 2015, Ugo Coussaud showed real French flair to hold off South Africa’s Rupert Kaminski in the final round at Port Elizabeth Golf Club, and last week’s tournament was not much different. Catherine first travelled from Aix en Province to

Kingswood in 2013 as a member of the French team competing in the Ten Nations Cup. At the end of a tough week, the 14-yearold finished stone last in the field of 36 players. One certainly appreciate his apprehension at facing the links-style Garden Route layout in this year’s championship. However, he produced rounds of 66, 68 and 65 at the par70 course to start the final round just one shot shy of Robin Dawson, who was eyeing an Irish double. Catherine gained the upper hand early after Dawson surrendered four shots at the fourth, fifth and sixth holes, but he also stumbled with back-to-back bogeys at seven and eight. The Frenchman birdied the 10th to get his challenge back on track and opened up a two-shot lead on Dawson with another superb birdie at 14.

At the par five 16th, he missed the green left, but produced a magnificent chip shot out of the valley to leave himself a two-footer for birdie. Catherine had one hand on the trophy with a threeshot lead and two holes to play, but he pulled his tee shot left at 17 and had to play a blind second shot into the green. The pin was set right at the back and his approach finished on the front. He tried to close the distance, but left his first putt well short. Then his par putt sailed past the hole. The three-putt bogey gave Dawson a glimmer of hope, but Catherine drove the middle of the green at 18 and two-putted for that twoshot win. He closed with an even par 70, and Dawson had to settle for second at nine-under after a 73. Dan Brown from England closed with a 65 and Frenchman Frédéric La

Croix fired a 65 to tie for third on 272, with SA’s Brandon Cloete a further two strokes adrift in joint fifth after a final round 71. Cloete shared fifth with Scotland’s Liam Johnston, who signed for a 69. “I was a little nervous playing the last few holes. I know that it looks like I had control all day, but it was really tough. I hit 12 fairways, so the driver worked well and my iron play was good also, but the putter wasn’t working. “I missed a lot of chances, but at least I made the ones that counted. I really fought as hard as I could and left everything on the golf course. I played as well as I could have. “Lifting this trophy means a lot to me. I lost my fear of Kingswood in the first round and I played well this week. I’m just over the moon to win this championship,” said Catherine.

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The 2017 Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival is taking place from 7 - 16th July. We are looking for services within the Event Management Industry. Supplier forms are available at Knysna & Partners, or can be downloaded from www.pnpoysterfestival.co.za. Please email completed forms to Glendyrr Fick on headoyster@oysterfestival.co.za or drop it of for her attention at the oﬃces of Knysna & Partners in Main Street Knysna by latest 14 February 2016.

VIVE LE BLEU: Frenchman Edgar Catherine won the SA Stroke Play Championship in George on Friday - Photo: Pieter Els

His victory continues the foreign dominance of SA’s premier amateur events over the past few years. Craig Ross became the fourth Scot in six years to lift the Sanlam SA Amateur Championship title at George Golf Club last year, and Catherine believes a double French victory is not out of the question

when the flagship event tees off at Humewood Golf Club later this month. “Humewood is also a links course, so this week was really good preparation for Port Elizabeth and perhaps me or one of the other players on the national squad will make it a double celebration for France,” he said.