15 july by CXpress

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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Reward for hanged dog info

Jef blesses BIA kids with bikes

Plett & Knysna fests - it’s a wrap!

p6 & 9

Mad swimmers!

About 30 swimmers participated in the Madswimmer charity event in Knysna on Saturday July 11. Madswimmer is a registered NGO that raises money for children’s charities through extreme swimming around the world. The group swam 14.3km from the Knysna Red Bridge to the Knysna Heads in icy water and strong winds.

Photo: Ewald Stander

15 July 2015

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News & Views

15 July 2015

Driving Miss Crazy

Looking back at a multi-faceted career in the driver’s seat JEEVES shares his adventures as Garden Route chauffeur extraordinaire...

OST of the road-tripping I do taking people around in their own vehicles, for whatever reasons, are fairly repetitious and not really worthy of writing about - airport fetches and drop-offs, to doctors and hospitals, to the hairdresser or shopping, etc. However, there have been some ‘classics’ as you may recall, like the four-day Karoo meander with two girls from the UK, the Mossel Bay Casino visit, and the various sojourns in Cape Town. I’ve shared the adventures of Jeeves Bond with the KGB in Dar-es-salaam, and reminisced about many of the interesting characters I meet in the line of duty - authors, sportsmen, ‘Diamond Queens’ at the Pink Loerie Festival, et al.

--Visitors from the UK gave me a ring recently. A lady’s voice: “We want to do a trip through the Knysna forests and up to Prince Alfred, and the Pass. We have a Mitsubishi AWD car, but feel a little uncomfortable on the dirt roads so were wondering if you could take us. Please?” They wanted to do thereand-back on the same day and her husband wasn’t too goodly. A quick mental calculation, with stops, photos of the Big Tree, pulling off at the highest point view site where the most fantastic panorama faces you, from the Outeniqua Mountain range in George through Knysna Heads and the lagoon some 20km away, and eastward to Robberg Peninsular in Plettenberg Bay and beyond.

“The trip could take anything from seven to nine hours,” I told her, remembering a similar journey where a stop at the viewpoint 16km from Knysna and back took three hours. “Oh no!” she exclaimed. “Tell you what. I’ll throw a trip together. I’ll fetch you from your Leisure Island guest house and we’ll be back by 1pm.” Good thing I had some knowledge of the area, having been associated with Garden Route Tours back in the 70s. “And, I suggest a little picnic at a spot I know along the way.” We entered towards the forests from the Noetzie side and did a round tour exiting at Simola... Jeeves, the tour guide! --Then there’s a lady on crutches who needs to go shopping twice a week and gets taken to George for specialist medical attention. She tells me I’ve saved her life. On the phone to her daughter in Namibia, she said: “I’ve been saved! I’ve found Jeeevesss!” Her daughter misunderstood, and now refers to me as ‘Jeeesus’! Another has had a shoulder op and was unable to drive for a few months. If you run your own home and are single and immobile, you’re in a fix. One always has to pop out for something, from the pool shop to an electrical business, stuff from Agri for the garden, the post box and, of course, the bottle store. You can’t continually ask

NOT ALL THAT RIVETING: Trips to an array of specialist doctors’ appointments make up a large part of the assignments of this Garden Route chauffeur

GIANT TOURIST ATTRACTION: Included in the English couple’s tour was a turn at the famous Big Tree, before stopping at the area’s highest view site that allows sights from George to Robberg Peninsular

your neighbour or friends to run your errands, so I get the call. A fellow from Plettenberg Bay and a lady in Belvidere needed escorting to eye specialists for cataract operations. And then there’s the lady who has difficulty

walking and needs assistance on long trips in her ‘hand-adapted’ brake and accelerator operated car. --Another such a person-inneed required to be taken to see a specialist in George. Once buckled in, she told me

she had an appointment to see a psychologist, and she might be put on medication and be unable to drive back. “Why, what is wrong?” I enquired. She then opened up like sluice-gates, pouring her heart and soul out. I managed to get in the odd “Oh?”, “Oh!”, “I see...”, “No!”, and “Really?!” As we approached the medical centre an hour later, she hauled out her phone and made a call cancelling or postponing some arrangement. I was about to pull off the road into the clinic when she blurted: “No! No! Don’t stop, just keep driving.” For a moment I thought she really was deranged. “I don’t need to see the psychologist anymore - and it’s much cheaper talking to you than seeing an analyst!” Jeeves, the driver therapist? --On a day trip with tourists in their hire-kombi to Plett and The Crags - roped in because I could also converse with them in their mothertongue, German - a lady in the back asked whether I enjoyed “this job”. I looked at her in the mirror and smiled, thinking: Sight-seeing trips as driver, tour guide and therapist. What other ‘job’ comes with all that? Wpvkn" pgzv" vkog." yjgp" K‚nn" vgnn" {qw" cdqwv" c" vtkr" vq" vjg" Mtwigt"/"Lggxgu0

Bitou invites you to 67 minutes of community service An initiative of the Nelson for Mandela Day Mandela Foundation and

ITOU Municipality is celebrating Mandela Day one day early on Friday July 17, in the small community of Covie just inland of Nature’s Valley. The United Nations urges individuals and organisations around the world to dedicate 67 minutes of their time on Nelson Mandela Day to a community upliftment action – in honour of the 67 years that the revered leader and public servant dedicated to fighting social injustice in South Africa. Bitou councillors and officials will be personally devoting their 67 minutes to the

people of Covie, and are inviting members of the public to join them in participating in a number of activities undertaken from 10am on Friday, including the painting of the Covie Church. The decision to focus on Covie has been taken in light of the need for upliftment in this tiny, and sometimes termed ‘hidden’, community at the very eastern boundary of the Bitou municipal area. The municipality is undertaking a number of projects in Covie, including the creation of a food garden and the equipping of a library for the community’s 18 scholars.

BE THE BEST TOGETHER: Make July 17 your Mandela Day in Bitou. See more at www.mandeladay.com

launched by the UN General Assembly in 2009, Nelson Mandela International Day is celebrated around the world on July 18 – Nelson Mandela’s birthdate. This initiative was created in response to a plea an aging Mandela made in 2008, for the “next generation to take on the burden of leadership in addressing the world’s social injustices”. ›Yjcv" eqwpvu" kp" nkhg" ku" pqv" vjg" ogtg" hcev" vjcv" yg" jcxg" nkxgf0" Kv" ku" yjcv" fkhhgtgpeg" yg" jcxg" ocfg" vq" vjg" nkxgu" qh"qvjgtu"vjcv"yknn"fgvgtokpg" vjg"ukipkhkecpeg"qh"vjg"nkhg"yg" ngcf0fi"- Nelson Mandela

News & Views

15 July 2015

CXPRESS

2005 Knysna murder conviction under question, but victims’ mothers convinced Yolande Stander

HE mothers of both young women killed by former Knysna DJ Heinrich van Rooyen are convinced the right person is behind bars despite yet another campaign to free him. This after police confirmed that Cape Town detectives had been sent to the holiday town to follow up “so-called new information” relating to the 10-year-old case. Van Rooyen is serving a double life sentence in the St

Albans Prison in Port Elizabeth for the 2005 murders of 19-year-old Jessica Wheeler and 20-year-old Victoria Stadler after several attempts to escape life behind bars. These attempts include unsuccessfully petitioning the Constitutional Court in 2009 despite Circuit Court Judge Nathan Erasmus’ refusal to grant him leave to appeal, and similar rejection by the Supreme Court of Appeal. Police spokesman Captain

Plettenberg Bay runner survives N2 stabbing ATTACKED: Andrew Bezuidenhout has finished seven times in the Comrades Marathon since 2005, and plans to continue training and competing

HE Plettenberg Bay Athletics Club has released a statement regarding the stabbing of 49-year-old runner Andrew Bezuidenhout from New Horizons. The Club member and seven-times finisher in the Comrades Marathon is recovering at home, after he was attacked while jogging home from his workplace last Tuesday evening. According to the statement, he was accosted by two males, who “blocked his path and then began to attack him with a hunting knife, slashing his wrist and legs. “Bezuidenhout managed to escape, shielding the blows with his backpack, the hard cover library books inside possibly saving his life.” They also wished him a speedy recovery and hope to see him running again soon,

and have advised runners to stick to daylight hours. Bezuidenhout also described the attack, saying that the attackers were young, of very dark complexion, and that he believes his wounds would have been much worse had he not had his backpack and been able to block their blows with it. “I just want to say thanks to the quick response of the police, my boss from Smhart Alarms, my manager Riana Venter, and the emergency services, who took me to the clinic in Plett. “I am going to start running again soon. I plan on running the Voet van Afrika marathon in Bredarsdorp in October to qualify for the next Two Oceans. I also plan on running the 2016 Comrades.” The Plett SAPS have not yet been reached for comment.

Malcolm Pojie confirmed that detectives from the Western Cape provincial office in Cape Town had been sent to follow up information they received from a source. “At this stage we cannot reveal the source,” Pojie said. “As a result we [the police] met with the Knysna detective commander and also scrutinised the filed docket pertaining to the murder. Bear in mind that the investigation is finalised following the conviction and sentencing of Van Rooyen. “However, we have an obligation to investigate the allegations or so-called new information irrespective of the outcome. The authenticity as well as the origin of the information need to be investigated. Thus far these devel-

opments have had no impact on the case,” Pojie added. Stadler’s mother, Hannetjie, said that despite the latest developments she was “100% convinced” that the right person was behind bars. Wheeler’s mother, Dusty, said: “He [Van Rooyen] was found guilty after a lenghty trial by a competent judge and forensic evidence linking him to the murders. In my book the case is closed.” Van Rooyen was convicted in 2008 following damning evidence including the discovery of his DNA in sperm inside Wheeler’s rectum and on Stadler’s trousers. The two women were murdered a month apart in October and November 2005. The court rejected Van Rooyen’s claim that he had

consensual sex with both young women and that it was coincidence that they both ended up dead shortly after having sex with him. Wheeler died from suffocation when her face was forced into the turf of a Knysna church yard, evidently while being raped. Stadler’s partially burned body and burnt out vehicle were found near the Noetzie forest after she gave Van Rooyen a lift home following a late night out. However, this is not the first time alleged new evidence has surfaced. In 2010, a car guard who had worked outside a club in Knysna where Van Rooyen was a DJ claimed that he had witnessed the murder of Stadler five years earlier. He claimed that Van Rooyen had not

CONVICTED IN 2008: This photo of Van Rooyen appears on the ‘Justice for Heinrich van Rooyen’ Facebook page

been involved and fingered two other men serving sentences for another murder which took place during the same period. He later admitted that this was a lie. In the meantime, the Facebook page “Justice for Heinrich van Rooyen” was established on July 6 and has since garnered 700 members.

CXPRESS

News & Views

15 July 2015

George dentist investigation concluded – case goes to regional court Yolande Stander

HE investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a 12-year-old boy at the hands of a well-known George dentist has been completed. This was revealed when the

43-year-old father of three, who was sentenced to four years’ under house arrest in December last year following his conviction on several charges, including sex with a

minor boy, appeared briefly in the George Magistrate’s Court on Friday. The State indicated that the investigation into the claims had been completed, and that

PAWS offers R2,000 reward for information on hanged dog

OLLOWING the horrific discovery of a young dog hanging from a tree in Ladywood [see the report on page 4 of the July 1 edition at www. cxpress.co.za], concerned Plett residents have donated R2,000 to PAWS as a reward for anyone who can provide information leading to the

arrest of the perpetrator(s). PAWS kennel manager Tracy van der Bijl is determined to pursue this act of barbarism until justice has been done. “PAWS is confronted with unspeakable and gratuitous acts of cruelty to animals on a daily basis. We would like to appeal to all members of

our community to help us combat the scourge of violence against animals, and we will continue to fight for the basic rights of animals,” says PAWS spokesperson Marsja Hall-Green. If you have info on this crime or other acts of animal cruelty, contact Tracy van der Bijl on 083 287 9917.

the matter would be transferred to the regional court. The dentist, who showed up at court without legal representation, indicated in a letter that Plettenberg Bay lawyer John Gillespie would come on record for him when he takes his place in the dock again later this month. During his first two court appearances lawyer Braam Swart, who also represented the dentist in the previous matter, came on record for him. The matter has been postponed to Friday July 24 when it will be transferred to the regional court. The accused, who cannot be

named until he has pleaded, was arrested by members of the George family violence and sexual offenses unit following the latest incident which allegedly happened on April 11 during a sleepover at his Herold’s Bay home, and just four months after his previous conviction and sentencing. According to police, the accused allegedly went into the guest room, where the 12-year-old victim was sleeping, and between 8pm and 9.30pm pulled the child’s pants down and touched his private parts. He was subsequently released on R5,000 bail, which caused a massive outcry from child protection organisa-

tions, including Women and Men Against Child Abuse (WMACA) and the Green Hearts of Plett. This week WMACA Garden Route spokesman Yvette Wilschut said they were relieved to hear that the investigation had been completed so speedily and that the matter would be heard in a higher court. “We do hope however that should he be found guilty, that he receives a much harsher sentence. “House arrest is a mere slap on the wrist for a sexual crime against a child and is not a deterrent. We need sentences which will deter offenders from committing these crimes,” Wilschut said.

News Briefs Ocp"hcegu"owtfgt"ejctigu" chvgt"Nqpi"Uvtgcv"fgcvj A 23-year-old man has appeared in the Knysna Magistrate’s Court on July 14 after allegedly causing a man to fall under the wheels of his car in the early hours of Sunday in Long Street, Knysna. The incident took place at 1:50am on July 12, when it is alleged that the accused, who was sitting in the driver’s seat of his bakkie, grabbed hold of 22-year-old Jarred Lamos by his collar, and then drove off, still holding on to the victim. Lamos fell and landed under the wheels of the car. He was taken to hospital, but was declared dead on arrival. The suspect, who cannot yet be named, was arrested later that morning at his home in Knysna, and is facing a charge of murder.

Ejknf"owtfgt"ecug" rquvrqpgf The 51-year-old accused in the murder of 11-year-old Abongile Zama Mhani from Hornlee, remains remanded in custody following an appearance in the Knysna Magistrate’s Court on July 6. The case has been postponed until August 12, when it is hoped that a date will be set for transfer to the High Court. Well known to both victim and mother, the accused showed police where to find the victim’s body after the child’s mother reported him missing on February 13 this year. The accused has not applied for bail. Mp{upc"ctogf"tqddgt{" uwurgevu"cv"nctig" Two male suspects are still sought by the Knysna SAPS

after an armed robbery on the evening of July 2. Two men, one armed, entered an apartment in central Knysna at 7:30pm, and held up two women. No shots were fired and no-one was injured. Anyone with info can contact the investigating officer Reginus Quine at 044 302 6608 or 044 302 6652. Dqf{"qh"wpmpqyp"yqocp" hqwpf"pgct"Eqpfqtfkc The body of an unknown woman was found on July 8 in Bokkoppie forest near Concordia. The woman’s fully clothed body was discovered before mid-day by a passer-by who was collecting wood. An autopsy was scheduled for July 14 to determine the cause of death. Anyone with information can contact Constable Fergus Paulsen on 044 302 6652.

News & Views

15 July 2015

Jef blesses Born in Africa children with bikes and cycling skills

CXPRESS

Proposed new Plett to Cape MTB Cycle Route

TURNING LEFT: This picture bears witness to the joy brought about by Jef Michielsen’s project

HEN Jef Michielsen first visited Plettenberg Bay, he was introduced to local NGO Born in Africa (BIA), which gives educational and social support to children from all over Bitou. He left feeling inspired to make a difference and, as a teacher and cycling instructor, Jef decided to focus his attention in his area of expertise. Soon after, Jef’s Bicycle Project saw the light. His desire grew into a dream that became a carefully structured plan. He did some intensive fundraising at schools, gave presentations to potential sponsors, ran his own Facebook page and wrote a monthly newsletter to sponsors. The result was the successful completion of a project where four grade R classes

at local schools where BIA is involved and the Elsen class at Formosa Primary received 50 bicycles in all (with training wheels) and took part in a cycling workshop presented by Jef himself. What a great initiative, resulting in the opportunity to practice new skills and have fun while doing it. In addition, 35 children received brand new bicycles bought especially for them through the Dream in Africa programme. Part of BIA’s good work, the programme entails the making true of two dreams every month. Says BIA’s Isabelle Brink: “All of this was done with the help of Dion Coetzer of Plett Sports, who always handles our affairs with great professionalism. “Extremely well organised,

JOINING FORCES TO REALISE DREAMS: Dion Coetzer from Plett Sports, right, and Jef check out the two-wheelers bound to assist in teaching local kids the art of cycling

Dion also gave BIA great discounts on the bicycles as well as the helmets, locks and puncture kits that were ordered along with the bikes - thanks!”

new Cape Town to Plett MTB Cycle Route has been proposed as an initiative of the Western Cape Government’s Project Khulisa – an economic growth strategy for job creation through high-potential projects in sectors such as tourism. The proposal was outlined in a media statement published by the Western Cape Government on July 3. MEC of Economic Opportunities for the Western Cape Alan Winde, said that the development of the route falls within their goal to establish the Western Cape as “the trail capital of Africa”, and that it would bring significant economic benefits to all stops along the route – potentially attracting up

to 100,000 cycling tourists annually and encouraging private sector investment in a ‘cycling economy’. “This project opens up the possibility of growing the cycling economy – including in accommodation, bike servicing and restaurants along the full length of the route. “Premier cycling races, such as the Cape Town Cycle Tour, the Absa Cape Epic and the Cape Rouleur generate in excess of R700 million for our economy each year. “Visitors travel from across the world to participate in these flagship events. We envisage that this route will have the same global appeal, launching it to the top of travellers’ bucket-lists.” The route will include a

number of terrains, including mountain trails, forest and scenic routes as well as existing tracks and trails, and will accommodate both beginner and experienced riders. The full implementation of the proposal, from initial audits to completion, is part of “a five-year plan”, with the first phase of the route between Plettenberg Bay and Mossel Bay set for completion within the next two years. Participants in the development of the new route will include the Western Cape Government, Wesgro (the destination marketing, investment and trade promotion agency for the Western Cape), local municipalities, and various private sector stakeholders.

CXPRESS

News & Views

15 July 2015

This year’s Knysna Oyster Festival wrapped in cash, flavoured with success Yolande Stander

ARLY indications point to the 32nd Pick ‘n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival being one of the most successful yet. This is good news for Knysna as the event makes a significant economic contribution to the area over the annual 10-day programme. Festival manager Nicci Rousseau-Schmidt said that last year’s 53,000 ‘made a R91.4-million economic im-

pact on the town, with event spend alone at more than R5million, and it looks like it could be even more this year. Knysna Tourism chief executive Greg Vogt said a survey his team did a week ahead of the festival showed that 68% of accommodation establishments had experienced an increase in bookings over the festival period compared to last year.

GOURMET WINNERS: Winning team PiliPili from the PiliPili Sports Bar and Pizzeria in Sedgefield took first prize for both ‘best dressed oyster’ and ‘best stand’ in this year’s Flavours of Knysna gourmet evening and oyster competition - turn to page 9 for more images - Photo: Gigi Lewis

Some of the 100 events on this year’s programme, including the Momentum Cape Times Knysna Forest Marathon and Half Marathon, were also sold out ahead of the festival, showing an increase in visitor interest. The festival has also grown into an important charity fundraising event over the years and last year managed to raise more than R2-million for local charities. Over the past seven years more than R11-million has

been donated – with key contributors being the Forest Marathon and Cycle Tour events and the Knysna Classic Golf Day. Contributions were very significant in 2014, and this year’s calculations are still being done – with high expectations. Greg Vogt thanked the sponsors and organisers: “I’d like to thank the Knysna Municipality, Worldsport and all the sponsors involved, as well as each event owner for delivering to our visitors.”

Plett Food Film Fest a sold out success!

HE second Plett Food Film Festival, held at The White House from July 9 - 11 proved a runaway success, and sold out for all three nights. The Festival offered an irresistible combination of fine food, great cinema and celebrity guests - chef Reza Mahammad, star of the UK’s Food Network, legendary Capetonian chef Karen Dudley, and actress Lika Berning. The opening night featured a screening of the tragicomedy Dki" Pkijv. This was followed by a magnificent four-course Italian meal, accompanied by lively singing from The Spaghetti Quartet. The White House courtyard was set up with stalls on night

La Luna

PRINCESSES: Local lasses, each with their own specialised culinary talents, having the time of their lives helping The Spice Prince of India put on a feast second-to-none on the final night of the festival. From left are Vuyiseka Sikh, Natalie Eray, Nadeane Warring, Reza Mahammad, Maggie Ubsdell, Noncebo Olly, and Sarah Murray - turn to page 9 for more images.

Timothy Twidle

two, pairing the fare of seven eateries and three cheesemaking establishments with local wines. The winemaking documentary C" [gct" kp" Dwt/ iwpf{ was then shown. On the final evening, Reza Mahammad gave a cooking demonstration, and the viewing was a delightful Indian movie called Vjg"Nwpejdqz. Thank you to Reza, Karen and Lika. The Plett Tourism team is also to be commended for their efforts, The White House for their splendid venue, The Spaghetti Quartet, violinist Minx and guitarists Ben Badenhorst for their music, and Pam Golding for their sponsorship. Don’t miss next year’s fest!

Prestigious awards for Insurance & Investment Shop

ELL-KNOWN Plett insurance broker Lincoln Myburgh of The Insurance & Investment Shop was awarded the Platinum Award for Regional Broker of the Year at the prestigious Liberty Life Award ceremony held recently at the Fan Court Golf Estate. He has now won this award three years running. Myburgh accepted his award to a standing ovation, and it was also mentioned that he is one of very few brokers to have achieved a 45-year exceptional service record with Liberty Life this being one of the highest accolades one can receive

from an insurance provider of such magnitude. To top it off, just one week later The Insurance & Investment Shop was awarded the SANTAM Bronze Award for exceptional service to Santam for 2014. This award was handed over to Lincoln Myburgh and Shannon Barnard at a ceremony held in George. The Insurance & Investment Shop has been placed in the top three for the last three consecutive years for the SANTAM Award. Hqt"oqtg"kphq."eqpvcev"Vjg" Kpuwtcpeg"("Kpxguvogpv"vgco" qp" 266" 755" 3467" qt" gockn" kpuwtcpegBinqdcn0eq0|c0

EXCEPTIONAL INSURANCE SERVICE: From left are Lincoln Myburgh, Heather Thomas (Santam), Shannon Barnard, and Mike Glasby (Santam) TAKING LIBERTY: From left are Chris Spark (Liberty Life George), Lincoln Myburgh, and Johan Minnie (MD, Sales & Distribution, Liberty Life)

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15 July 2015

CXPRESS

Interval

15 July 2015

My mother wanted me to be a priest. Can you imagine giving up your sex life and then once a week people come in to tell you the details and highlights of theirs?

Leroy! Get yourselves over here right now!

woman walks into the downtown welfare office, trailed by 15 children. “Wow!” the social worker exclaims. “Are they ALL YOURS?” “Yep, they are all mine,” the flustered momma sighs, having heard that question a thousand times before. She says: “Sit down Leroy.” All the children rush to find seats. “Well,” says the social worker, “then you must be here to sign up. I’ll need all your children’s names.” “This one’s my oldest - he is Leroy.” “Okay, and who’s next?” “This one, he is Leroy also.” The social worker raises an eyebrow but continues. One by one, through the oldest four, all boys, all named Leroy. Then she is introduced to the eldest girl,

named Leroy! “All right,” says the caseworker. “I’m seeing a pattern here. Are they ALL named Leroy?” Their momma replies: “Well, yes it makes it easier. When it is time to get them out of bed and ready for school, I yell: ‘Leroy!’, an’ when it’s time for dinner, I just yell: ‘Leroy!’, an’ they all comes arunnin’. “An’ if I need to stop the kid who’s running into the street, I just yell: ‘Leroy’, and all of them stop. It’s the smartest idea I ever had, namin’ them all Leroy.” The social worker thinks this over for a bit, then wrinkles her forehead and says tentatively: “But what if you just want ONE kid to come, and not the whole bunch?” “Well, then I call them by their last names.”

Check your insurance policy

IRE swept the plains and burned down the farmer’s barn. While he surveyed the wreckage, his wife called their insurance company and asked them to send a cheque for R400,000 - the amount of insurance on

the barn. “We don’t give you the money,” a company official explained. “We replace the barn and all the equipment in it.” “In that case,” replied the wife, “cancel the policy I have on my husband.”

Explaining job lingo... • MUST BE DEADLINE ORIENTED: You’ll be six months behind schedule on your first day. • JOIN OUR FAST-PACED COMPANY: We have no time to train you. • CASUAL WORK ATMOSPHERE: We don’t pay enough to expect you’ll dress up; well, a couple of the real

daring guys wear earrings. • SOME OVERTIME REQUIRED: Some time each night and some time each weekend. • DUTIES WILL VARY: Anyone in the office can boss you around. • MUST HAVE AN EYE FOR DETAIL: We have no quality control.

Parking woes

young man was trying to park his car between two others. He put it in reverse, and bang - right into the car behind him. He then put it in first gear,

and bang - right into the car in front. A young woman watching the manoeuvre couldn’t contain herself: “Do you always park by ear?” she asked.

Sometimes you have to burn a few bridges to keep the crazies from following you.

People’s apparent eagerness to stay connected at all times means we’re seeing more and more folk walking the streets lost in their phones... therefore, a Belgian city recently launched ‘text walking lanes’ for smartphone addicts. Duh!

Social Scene

15 July 2015 FLAVOURS OF KNYSNA: Never mind the oysters – what would they be undressed, without a bit of glamour and glitz, not to mention the all-important ‘tabasco’? All of the aforementioned were in plentiful supply at the Flavours of Knysna event held on July 8, where competitors vied for ‘best-dressed’ oyster and ‘best stand’, and which is, for gourmands at least, the key event at the P&P Knysna Oyster Festival. In the pics, from the top, are ‘Cruise Café’ Chef Masinga chatting to Steve Ericsson; Anita Strydom, Veronique Klein and Eleanore Bouw-Spies adding glamour to The Flavours of Knysna evening; and Springbok supporter John Harris of ‘Tapas and Oysters’. See the report on page 6.

Words & photos: Gigi Lewis

People, places & events

A GASTRONIC AND CINEMATOGRAPHIC SUCCESS: The 2nd Plett Food Film Festival has locals and visitors alike eagerly looking forward to the next one in 2016; attendees enjoyed a delicious combination of fine food along with quality cinematography - delighting both palate and mind. The event was ‘spiced up’ by the presence of three celebrities: Karen Dudley of The Kitchen, Cape Town, and hosts SA actress Lika Berning and Reza Mahammad, the flamboyant star chef of the UK Food Network and owner of the Star of India restaurant in Kensington, London. In the pics, from the top, are Sophia and Candice Windvogel, clinking glasses with Cindy Wilson-Trollip, Plett Tourism’s events coordinator; Lika Berning and ‘The Spice Prince of India’ Reza Mahammad; The Spaghetti Quartet entertaining the 130 diners enjoying a four-course Italian meal on the opening night, singing vignettes ranging from opera to Miriam Makeba - from left, Sifiso Lupuzi, Owen Metsileng, Siyasanga Mbuyazwe and in front, Zolina Ngejane; and the opening night of the Plett Food Film Festival on July 9. Diners tucking into a 4-course Italian meal. See the report on page 6. Words & photos: Timothy Twidle

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Precipitation: 0% Thunderstorm: 0% Sunrise: 7:29AM Sunset: 5:37PM Wind: NNW 15km/h Gusts: 44km/h NNW

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Precipitation: 6% Thunderstorm: 0% Sunrise: 7:28AM Sunset: 5:38 PM Wind: NNE 6km/h Gusts: 20m/h NNE

Precipitation: 60% Thunderstorm: 20% Sunrise: 7:27AM Sunset: 5:39PM Wind: SSW 9km/h Gusts: 24km/h SSW

Precipitation: 0% Thunderstorm: 0% Sunrise: 7:30AM Sunset: 5:36 PM Wind: NNE 11km/h Gusts: 30 km/h NNE

A little afternoon rain

MOON PHASES: July 2015

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

Thu 16 July New Moon Fri 24 July First quarter

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On the Soapbox

15 July 2015

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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

No sympathy for ‘horrified at parking constraints’ Referring to the letter ‘Horrified at tourist-unfriendly parking constraints’ [see page 15 in the July 8 edition at www.cxpress.co.za]. I read with interest the letter from Abby Spangenberg and wasn’t quite sure what to make of it as there are two quite separate issues here. On the one hand, I have very little sympathy for the motorist who thinks that they can pick and choose which rules and regulations should apply to them. Those one-hour parking restriction signs all along Main Street aren’t just put there for decoration, they serve to inform motorists that Main Street is a restricted parking zone and that penalties will apply for over-staying your allotted time.

The second issue raised by Abby’s letter, ‘is one hour long enough?’ is a very valid challenge and one that I’m sure is likely to trigger some debate in this noble publication. Time-restricted parking zones are generally implemented in busy areas in order to stop inconsiderate motorists hogging all the most convenient parking spaces and to maintain a steady turnaround of short-term parking requirements. Those wishing to take more time over their business, shopping - or in this case, coffee - should make use of the various longer stay parking options available and not clog up the parking for those with busier schedules who need just 10 or 20 minutes

Where there’s smoke...

Plett resident Engela Botha sent this pic on June 30 with the following note: ‘This morning I noticed two smoke columns basically on top of each other spiralling like mushrooms, as there was hardly any wind.’ She took the photo from the Cutty Sark area towards Keurbooms. If readers could enlighten us as to the cause of the smoke columns, we’d be delighted. - Eds.

Eden congregation thanks Vleisfees supporters On behalf of all the members of the congregation of the ‘Gereformeerde Kerk Eden’, we wish to extend our heartiest thanks to all the people of Plett and surrounds for their support in helping us making a huge success of our annual ‘Vleisfees’. Without this support we

would not have been able to raise the funds we needed to enhance the finances of our church. We wish you all the best for the year that lies ahead and trust that we can again rely on your support next year. Hggumqokvgg<" Igtghqtoggtfg"Mgtm"Gfgp

to pop into the bank or the pharmacy, etc. One final observation: In truth I am stunned that there seems to be someone who is enforcing these regulations (i.e. actually doing

their jobs), now all we need to do is stop the police and municipality vehicles from parking wherever they like; then we’ll really be making some progress . . . Vko"Uvqpg."Rngvv

Armless and no leg to stand on It is high time that the traffic department clamps down on offenders who exceed the parking time-limit. You will find that a lot of the offenders are the shopkeepers and especially the estate agents. I see Abby has been in Plett since birth and as she must have a driver’s licence; she must be at least 18 years old. I cannot imagine that she has not once seen the traffic signs stating the time limit for parking in all these years.

I also don’t understand why she expects the ‘car guards’ to advise her of parking time restraints. I don’t believe any one of them has a driver’s licence, like she should have. Abby feels she has been left arm/legless for parking for over an hour and is going to fight the fine tooth and nail. Unfortunately she has no leg to stand on in this instance. N"Ogktkpi."d{"gockn

Help nuwe Wittedrift buurtwag Na ‘n paar kriminele voorvalle van inbraak, aanranding en selfs moord in Wittedrift en Uplands, het inwoners besluit om ‘n buurtwag te begin. Die belangstelling was uitstekend en met die eerste volwaardige vergadering was daar 31 mense teenwoordig wat entoesiasties deelgeneem het aan die bespreking en beplanning. Tydens die vergadering is ‘n interim komitee aangewys wat die beplanning en die organisasie gaan hanteer. Die skrywer is as voorsitter verkies en Gerhard Pepler as sekretaris. Die doelwitte van ons buurtwag is as volg: • Die verwydering en/of vermindering van kriminele elemente in die gemeenskap. • Om die gemeenskap veiliger te laat voel deur konstante patrollering, hetsy per motor of te voet. • Die beskerming van eiendom en lewens. • Om baie nou saam te werk met die Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Assosiation (PBCPA) en plaaslike polisie. • ‘n Doeltreffende kommunikasiestelsel te skep.

• Opsigtelike borde wat aandui dat die gebeid deur ‘n buurtwag beskerm word by albei ingange van die dorp te plaas. • Om die hele gemeenskap aan te moedig om ons oë en ore te wees sodat aktiewe optrede kan volg. Op hierdie stadium is daar ‘n hele klompie lede in Wittedrift wat gewillig is om die patrollies te hanteer. Daar is groot belangstelling van Uplands, maar omdat dit ‘n plaasgemeenskap is en ‘n groot area dek, sal meer mense nodig wees om voldoende beveiliging te bewerkstellig. Ons wil ook graag inwoners van die Stofpad-area betrek. Om die doelwitte van ‘n effektiewe buurtwag te bereik, kos geld en die lede is aktief besig om fondse te bekom. Indien daar mense is wat graag betrokke wil wees, skakel 078 078 7123 of 082 759 5962. Daar is mense nodig vir patrollies (aktiewe beskerming), administratiewe hulp en ook om te help om fondse in te samel. Wittedrift Buurtwag vir ‘n veilige gemeenskap! Rjknkr"Pcwfê."Rngv

CXPRESS

Sport & Adventure

15 July 2015

Hoffman and Schoeman win Knysna Cycle Tour

HE Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival kicked off with a hugely successful Momentum Weekend Argus Knysna Cycle Tour, with over 5,800 entries in the MTB and road race events held over the weekend of July 4 - 5. 80km MTB winner Matthys Beukes set a new record in a time of 2hrs 52.12sec. He was followed by Johannes Rabi and Gert Heyns. Robyn de Groot was the first lady home in 3hrs 11.19sec, with Fienie Barnard 2nd and

Janine Rawlinson 3rd. Team Abantu claimed victory in the 109km road race on Sunday July 5. The race was over in just 2hrs 43.57sec for winner Nolan Hoffman, with teammate Reynard Butler a hair’s breadth behind him in 2nd. Third was Stefan Ihlenfeldt, a milliseconds behind the two leaders. Defending ladies champion Anriette Schoeman beat Lise Olivier and Carmen Buchacher with a time of 2hrs 58.30sec.

SMILING WINNERS: Nolan Hoffman and Anriette Schoeman – respective winners in the Knysna Cycle Tour road race event

Nightcat dash

Marathon winners The biggest sporting event of the Oyster Fest, the 31st Forest Marathon was held on July 11 and drew over 8,500 entries this year. An unusual feature of the results was that twin brothers Tsepang and Tshepo Ramonene took the top spots in the 42km full and 21km half-marathon respectively, Tsepang in 2hrs 25:28sec and Tshepo in 1hr 6:6sec. First lady home in the 42km was Candice-Lee Davison in 3hrs 23:5sec. Rene Kalmer, at right, was first over the line in the 21km halfmarathon in 1hr 19:9sec.

Plett entrant wins Oakley X-Over 2015 in JBay Words & photo: Kody McGregor

Ettiene Plaatjies successfully defended his title at the PUMA Nightcat Dash at the Conrad Pezula Field Of Dreams on July 8, with a time of 4min 46, with Bianca La Grange claiming the top spot in the women’s race with a time of 5min 53.

HE wind was light onshore and the waves were fairly tricky as the athletes in the Oakley X-Over headed out for the final leg in this 3-discipline ‘cross-over’ challenge, involving surfing, golf and mountain-biking at Lower Point, Jeffreys Bay. Plett goofyfooter Wihann Kotze used his knowledge of Lookout to get the best waves. “It was very similar to onshore Lookout out there,”

he said. His performance was good enough for him to secure the win overall, ahead of Greg Minnaar and Kevin Evans in the surf event. Oakley X-Over defending champion Butch James didn’t finish in the top three in the surfing contest, but had a good event either way. “It was hard work out there,” said Butch after the event. “It was good fun and good banter with the boys, but I didn’t think I did enough to win the event again.”

Photo: Volume Photography

Duathlon duo

GOOD BANTER: From left are Butch James, winner Wihann Kotze, and Kevin Evans

PUMA ambassador Bradley Weiss took the men’s crown in the Totalsports Xterra Pezula, a gruelling offroad event with MTB and trail running components. He came first in a time of 1hr23, and Andrea Steyn was triumphant in the women’s event in 1hr56. - Photo: Volume Photography