15 June 2016 by CXpress

Photo: Anne Hrabar

15 June 2016

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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Making the best of a mess On the eve of Youth Day, we pay tribute to young movers and shakers in our community like Trevor Mapitiza, left - pictured here during a recent photo shoot on Plett’s Central Beach with KwaNokuthula-born and bred rapper King Melisizwe, who’s been making mega musical waves countrywide. Read more on page 6.

Equestrian action at Kurland p12

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NEWS & VIEWS

15 June 2016

Self-improvement made easy: Lower your standards - Final

Self-improvement is self-explanatory... you have to do it yourself - and never accept ‘slapgat’ as a standard Plett reader JOHN NEWTON remembers that another one of his passions - right up there with dishing out selfhelp advice and shooting breath-taking photographs - is racing fast cars ET’S pick it up where we left off last week: some lightyears ago when I was young and good looking and racing some special cars. The team was run by my dad. Pop was a stirrer of Olympic standards. I have no doubt that, faced with the political situation as it is today, and he would have bribed me to do something about it, then denied any connection.

He was not only a father, but a friend and a mentor of extreme note. We spent more time crying with laughter than seriously racing cars - it was magical, and I miss him still 40 years down the line. Dad explained to a wideeyed official at Killarney Raceway: “You know, it looks like my son is really trying to put in some really fast laps - and he is. But keep an eye open. His eye-

WILL OF HER OWN: ‘This was a 3.4 litre V6 Capri built to Formula One standards. Brakes came off a Formula 5000 McLaren, suspension was a work of art devised and refined by an engineering genius (my father, along with developmental supremo, his son - opinions vary as to the supreme abilities of the son, from stratospheric to stratospheric, depending on which idiot you approached). The Capri was one of the most wilful cars I have ever driven, basically ignoring most input and doing exactly as she wanted. Loved her to bits.’

STRIKING THE LOTUS POSITION: ‘The Lotus 69F Formula Ford basically offered entry-level single-seater racing and the track was populated by an eclectic bunch of Kamikaze pilots in cars - brilliant racing and no finer place to hone your skills. Most of the old school Formula One greats of the 70s and 80s cut their teeth in this madhouse of racing. I even did a short trip racing overseas, and that was beyond belief. This Lotus, the Capri and the APM - a locally built Lotus sports racing car - were my favourites.’

sight is so bad, he misses the braking markers and his reactions are so slow, he is still braking near the apex of the corner. “Then he gets confused and puts the power on big time. He proceeds to tell one and all it’s his late braking and early on the power

that gets the times. If you believe that, then next time you see Father Christmas, ask him for some glasses.” Or: “My son, hmmm yes, bright enough boy, but if you ask me, a little odd, unstable, you know? I told his mother often enough to have him evaluated - by

a vet or something. Sent him to university and all he wanted to do was race cars, forced me to help under threat of burning down our home. He needs help!” This is the very same man who noticed that sponsorship signwriting on one of my good friend’s car could be manipulated. The logo consisted of a large P and three additions, making up ‘Peninsula Panel Beaters’, the P also forming part of ‘Beaters’. So what did he do? He blanked out the P, so the ‘Eninsula Anal Eaters’ paraded around for two heats before it was discovered… The late Paul Hawkins an Australian race driver of massive note - was notorious for his colourful and vividly descriptive turn of phrase. My mother, on the other hand, was a social climber sans equal and apart from the reflected so-called glory of “my son races cars, you know?” did not really totally approve of the grubby blue-collar people (the most wonderful people in the world!) whom I considered my friends. Anyway, she was at the race track to oversee the operation and ensure my father and I did as little damage as possible to the family name. Enter stage left the said Mr Hawkins… Dad nudged me and drew my attention to the approaching disaster. Mr Hawkins cornered some unfortunate who had committed a misdemeanour of sorts, less than a metre away from us. Dad and I chose discretion and dived into my race car to feign urgent preparation. The air turned blue, alternating with violet and bright puce insertions. Colloquial descriptive expletive deletives, some of which were familiar and some of which were stored for future use, rained down. Mr Hawkins paused, not

John Newton is a serious photographer but when it comes to life, he keeps his standards relatively low to obviate disappointment - email him at dream. merchantphotos@gmail.com for self-help advice...

once, even to draw breath. My father and I emerged from our car, emitting those odd little grunts and releases of air when trying not to laugh, both of us tear-streaked and bright red from mirth-stifling. My mother packed her odds and sods, never to grace that low-class sport peopled by such common miscreants ever again. But she was the one who kept ‘My son, hmmm yes, bright enough boy, but if you ask me, a little odd, unstable, you know? I told his mother often enough to have him evaluated... ’ the silverware and press cuttings. I was forever indebted to that wonderful man, Paul Hawkins. What has this got to do with self-improvement? Not a clue really, but selfimprovement is self-explanatory - you have to do it yourself. One lesson I did learn from Pop was this: do what you have to do, now and well, get on with it, and do the very best you can. Everything he made was a work of art, he had pride in what he did. That is why slapdash and zero effort freak me out to this day. I see people every day who have so little selfrespect that they accept slapgat as a standard of excellence. Braindead, no ambition, zero effort. The new pass mark. But back to Pop, to end this two-part self-help series, with probably his most important advice: He made sure we understood that life was too short to be taken seriously.

NEWS & VIEWS

15 June 2016

CXPRESS

Charmaine’s last wish: for the people of Plett to celebrate life on the beach While Plettenberg Bay lost a pillar of the community this week, Charmaine Wild’s legacy will live on forevermore - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports

Death is nothing at all - Henry Scott Holland Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away to the next room. I am I and you are you. Whatever we were to each other, That, we still are. Call me by my old familiar name. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference into your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me.

Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without effect. Without the trace of a shadow on it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same that it ever was. There is absolute unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you. For an interval. Somewhere. Very near. Just around the corner. All is well.

The CXPRESS team sends heartfelt condolences to Charmaine’s family, and we feel the gap of her passing as poignantly as most. We have been working alongside the What’s New team, happily exchanging Plett news and photos and ‘skinner’, for almost two decades, and we’ll continue that sunny relationship in Charmaine’s memory. Please visit www.cxpress.co.za for more tributes.

Charmaine leaves behind four children and nine grandchildren. Cindy-Lee wanted the poem below to be shared with those who were impacted by Charmaine.

FAMILY TIES: Charmaine with daughter Cindy-Lee on the beach

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PICTURE OF INNER PEACE: The Charmaine known by so many

She added her family arrived in Plett in 1983 and took over what became known as The Print Shop. “Back then it was a small shop open only a few days a week and only did printing. My mom’s dream was to grow the business and have her own publication.” She realised this dream very quickly and in that same year started What’s New in Plett. Just before Charmaine was diagnosed with cancer in October 2013, Cindy-Lee took over her mother’s role at The Print Shop. “We will continue with my mother’s legacy.” Cindy-Lee said Charmaine was also intricately involved in family upliftment, while the preservation of the town’s history was a matter close to her heart. She was until recently involved in organising gatherings in the various areas of Bitou where historical stories, told by community members themselves, were recorded. “This area is so rich in history and she and others did not want it to be lost.” Cindy-Lee said her mother passed away peacefully on Monday, but not before all four her children - Cindy-Lee, Clinton, Shaun, and Devon - were able to spend time with her. “She was ready to go and told us that she was waiting for Jesus to take her home.” She added that her family was thankful for all the support they had received from the community during this difficult time.

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be held on Saturday, but details will be posted on the Hello Plett Facebook page. “One of her biggest passions was uplifting those around her and she was very involved in the Plett community over the years. She absolutely adored the people of Plett,” CindyLee said.

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ESSAGES of love, support and fond memories have flooded CXPRESS and various social media platforms since Charmaine Wild lost an almost two-year long battle against cancer on Monday. This is testament to what she meant to those who have come to know her over the past 33 years in Plett. And in her final hours, Charmaine continued with her positive outlook, asking for a celebration of life ceremony instead of a memorial service once she was gone. Her youngest daughter, Cindy-Lee Wild, said her mother wanted the community to come together on the beach, have a picnic and celebrate life. The ceremony will likely

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NEWS & VIEWS

15 June 2016

Circumcision race heats up - and referrals can land you free airtime S the busy circumcision season officially kicks off, new campaigns are being launched to accelerate the uptake of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) to meet the National Department of Health’s (NDoH) target of 4.3-million circumcisions by year-end. The effect could slash the

number of new infections in the country by as much as half and could avert more than 1-million new HIV infections by 2025. The circumcision target may sound ambitious, but Rachael Rawlinson - Prevention Programmes manager at HIV management organisation CareWorks says South Africa still has a

fighting chance. “Over the past five years, 2.3-million men have already taken up the challenge and in recent months, we have seen a spike in demand in many at-risk communities as communication around VMMC intensifies. “More and more South Africans are becoming aware of the risks that can

SATURDAY, 25 JUNE, 7PM

WHALE NATION & OOM SCHALK VERTEL… Welcome back to David Muller with a wonderful double bill. Whale Nation is about the beloved marine icon, and David presents an elegant, mesmerising and realistic show about this gentle giant. Arts and Entertainment described his performance: he is able to take his listeners to places of joy, delight and, conversely, pain… Whale season is on us, and this is the time to learn more about these creatures with the “largest brain ever created and a fifty-million-year smile”. Oom Schalk will select favoured Herman Charles Bosman’s stories, so prepare yourself to be transported by In the Withaak’s Shade and Willem Prinsloo’s Peach Brandy, narrated by the inimitable Oom Schalk. David is a master and beloved proponent of the ancient art of story-telling. Sometimes humorous, sometimes sad, always wise, these stories can be told over and over, and David makes them seem fresh and new every time.

SUNDAY, 26 JUNE, 7PM

CAMP CARRAWAK. LUCY AND ALEX TOPS Howdy folks! Come and join us for comedy round the camp fire. It will be a whipcrackin’ hee-hawin’ knee slappin’ toe-tapping time that will leave you in stitches. Butch and Cassidy Carrawak take you on a ride with hilarious characters and all your favourite country music. A warm welcome to the pair who entertained us so wonderfully in 2015. We are exceptionally proud that this show, heading for the NAF, will premiere in Plettenberg Bay. Lucy’s flawless vocals and Alex’s quirky humour guarantee an evening of high-energy fun, laughter and music. You will leave smiling.

go along with sex and the difference that VMMC can make in reducing a man’s chances of getting HIV. More men are considering circumcision while women are encouraging their partners to undergo VMMC,” she says. According to Rawlinson, campaigns that have been extremely effective are those that encourage men who have already undergone circumcision to ‘mobilise’ their peers for VMMC. “These ‘peer mobilisers’ help to get the word out to their friends, family and others they associate with on a daily basis, and are able to relate their experience on a more personal level. “Men generally don’t like to talk about sexual health issues, however, knowing that a friend or family member has himself undergone VMMC with little discomfort encourages them to follow suit,” says Rawlinson.

With this in mind, Care Works last week launched its massive countrywide Peer-to-Peer campaign alongside the NDoH and clinical partners, with the aim of assisting as many men as possible to access medical circumcision. The campaign relies heavily on those already circumcised to refer peers for VMMC. As an additional incentive, they could earn themselves free airtime for every three referrals. “This will not only increase the number of men undergoing VMMC, but will also reward those who have shown commitment to the cause and gone the extra mile in fighting the scourge of HIV in our country,” remarks Rawlinson. A spate of studies and recommendations point to the health benefits of circumcision. CareWorks Peer-to-Peer campaign

Those aged 18 an older who have undergone VMMC can refer three friends interested in the procedure and earn R30 free airtime. Referral candidates must be aged between 15 and 49, must not be circumcised and must be interested in undergoing the procedure. The referral candidates must also be contactable by CareWorks’ call centre who will provide more information, assist in scheduling an appointment, as well as provide post-operative follow-up support. If men who have already undergone VMMC want to refer friends or family members, they should send a free ‘please call me’ to 0606 855 555 and they will be contacted to get the details of their referrals. A ‘please call me’ can also be sent to this number if anyone wants to schedule an appointment for themselves or their male partners or children.

Get circumcised in Knysna and Plett, for free LL men above 15 years of age are invited to have their free and safe medical male circumcision done at Knysna Hospital

and Plettenberg Bay Town Clinic every second Friday. Please remember to make an appointment in advance by either visiting the clinic

in person or by calling Knysna Hospital on 044 302 8400 and the Plettenberg Bay Town Clinic on 044 501 3700.

News Briefs

MONDAY, 27 JUNE, 7PM

A MAN AND A DOG. NHLANHLA MKHWANAZI The multi-talented Nhlanhla – his achievements too many to mention here – presents this beautiful play for which he was nominated for a Fleur du Cap award in 2006. The play has been extensively rewritten as he now sees the issues through the lens of life-experience and growing maturity. The revised version has been nominated for a Broadway World South Africa Theatre Award for the best lead actor in a play. In 2015 he was awarded the 2015 Silver Ovation Winner for A Man and a Dog at the NAF. The play was described as a tour de force, and uses the oral tradition, music and physical theatre to tell a poignant story which touches all South Africans. This chance to see an acclaimed artist perform in a play which has received wide recognition and praise should not be missed.

TUESDAY, 28 JUNE, 7PM

A GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK. ROLAND PEROLD

“A Great American Songbook”, the final production for the 2016 . Plett Fringe Festival, is embarking on a national tour after sell-out houses at the NAF in 2015. Roland Perold, himself a composer of musicals, takes you on a musical journey to the golden age of American popular song. His cabaret includes works by composers such as Irving Berlin, Duke Ellington and Cole Porter. Roland blends his informal style with anecdotes about the era and its many wonderful characters. After Roland’s success at the NAF, the press was warm in its praise. “He reminds the youth of the great inspiration of some of the most talented musicians to ever live and rekindles memories for the older generation. His outstanding vocal skills left the audience in awe.” This music genre is always a runaway success, so book early to see a great artist present great music.

THE COURTYARD OPENS AT 6PM EACH EVENING WITH LIVE MUSIC, LIGHT SNACKS FOR SALE AND A CASH BAR. PERFORMANCES COMMENCE PROMPTLY AT 7PM.

LETTENBERG Bay police are looking for a Wagner airless sprayer to the value of R40,000 that was stolen during a business robbery in the Plett Industrial Area on May 15, between 9pm and 10pm. The following items were also stolen during a housebreaking and theft incident at Red Jacket Place, sometime between April 6 and May 11: two Persian

carpets, two Rally racing bicycles (white and blue), one mountain bike, cutlery and curtains. Anyone who may be able to assist in tracing the items is requested to contact D/Const Edwin Smith on 083 538 0886. The Western Cape Department of Health reports that four road users died on the province’s roads

last weekend, one of these fatalities taking place in Sedgefield when a driver died on Saturday June 11. Shorter, darker days and the fog and rain prevalent during W-Cape winters hamper visibility and can increase the risk of accidents. Road users are urged to travel more slowly when visibility is poor and roads are wet, and to wear visible clothing when on foot.

NEWS & VIEWS

15 June 2016

CXPRESS

When a mess becomes a message... How do you react when something terrible happens to you? SUNYATA CHOYCE of Project Colors - a small non-profit aid organisation committed to uplifting children, families, animals and communities around the globe - relates how one brave Knysna lady turned a dire situation around… few months ago, a lovely young woman named Zetty was walking with a friend along a township street in Knysna. Suddenly, a truck backed into her, running over both her legs. Zetty was one of our ‘Agents of Change’ men-

torship youth who volunteered at Annie’s children’s home. She took care of animals and helped many people in her community, and even came back to volunteer a few times after graduating from our programme. Now hospitalised with

BEFORE THE PAIN: Legs intact, Zetty plays with her niece, above, a month before being run over by a drunken driver; below, after the accident and re-united with her family

BLING R US: Zetty, right, and her daughter show off her newlymade recycled jewellery

both her legs in casts, Zetty was sad and had an overwhelming feeling of helplessness. We went to see her to give some encouragement and crafting supplies from Colors to help her feel productive. Zetty was unable to move from her bed, but she sat daily working with her small handy craft supplies and made old, broken jewellery into new beautiful treasures. She took great pride in what she had created. But when she was finally sent home, a major problem arose. Her tiny house shared with many other people was not accessible by wheelchair. Fortunately, Colors was able to avail extra donor and emergency funds from the Whalen and Choyce families to buy the materials needed to create a deck and wheelchair ramp (costing under $200). Her family and community helped with the construction. When visiting Zetty, who was adorned with the recycled jewellery she had created, she said: “You know, I was sitting looking at my legs that are such a mess, and I realised this is not just a mess - it’s a message. I now look at my life so differently. I appreciate each time something good happens to me. “When I was depressed, sad and hurt, a miracle happened and I was given craft supplies to make me feel useful, and I made beautiful things. I made a crafting workshop around my hospital bed, and I taught the sick people around me how to also create the jewellery. “Then, when I thought I could not go back to my house because of accessibility, everyone came together to make sure I had a wheelchair ramp so I could be back with my family. “I heard a ‘message’ loud

and clear. A message that I must do good things with my life, no matter how small, to help make life better for others. “These gifts all made a big difference to me and I will always look for small ways to pass this on to others. So this mess is really a message.”

Zetty is currently healing at home in Knysna. We hope she will one day walk again, but one thing is for sure, she will continue to spread her message. Visit www.projectcolors. com for more information or if you consider making a donation to Project Colors International.

LET’S ROLL: Zetty’s nephew gives the thumbs up after the wheelchair ramp and deck were completed - Photos: Sunyata and Terry Choyce

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

15 June 2016

Now you can wear as well as hear the King’s art.. Young and hip Plett mover and shaker TREVOR MAPITIZA shared this tale of a famous Bitou native who’s now also making his mark in the world of cool threads

LETT-born rapper King Melisizwe is not just a rapper but a businessman, and has recently spread his wings to not only produce great music but also groovy clothing. The famous rapper from KwaNokuthula who proceeded to conquer the country with his catchy tunes returned to Plettenberg Bay recently for a photo shoot around town to promote his self-titled clothing range. The shoot, which took place in various venues from Central Beach to Mellvilles Corner, will promote the fact that he is now expanding his career to include fashionable Ts and other items as, in his words, “even rappers need to look stylish and cool”. He says his brand is all about connecting and uniting people from all walks of life, as music is a universal language that talks to everyone. He laughs and adds: “You can see by the people in the

RAINBOW CREW: Pictured from left are Steve, Trevor, Daniel, King and Amber - Photo: Anne Hrabar

photos that our Rainbow Nation is represented, and I am sure Nelson Mandela is smiling wherever he is, as we are continuing to build his long-term dream. “There will be an official launch for my clothing line here in Plett, as we have to raise the bar for our small town and let the world know how talented and powerful we are.” The last location of the photo shoot was at the friendly restaurant Amici Miei. Following in King’s

footsteps, we want to make it a norm for all people to take time out and chill at our Plettenberg Bay hangout spots and restaurants. It’s high time we support local and we thank owner Daniel Poggie for allowing us to use his restaurant as one of our locations. Stay humble and support local! I thank my team for all their hard work, and a special shout out goes to Anne Hrabar for taking the lovely photos.

Hip hopsters, take note of these brand new Plett awards Pushy, pictured at right, is a man of many monikers and even more talents. Patrons of Clare’s Cakes in Plett’s main road may never know that the friendly waitron delivering their scrumpdelicious eats also boasts a vast fan club in Bitou and beyond, where he plies his other trade as hip hop and Afrosoul master at local hangouts like Club Afrocentric in KwaNokuthula. Says the soulful 25-year-old, popularly known as ‘3P’ and named Phumlani Lose if you consult his birth certificate: ‘Plett might be a small town but it has many great artists. The likes of Buntu Thembani and King Melisizwe are evidence of that talent as they lift Plett’s flag high nationwide. There are many more artists here who are working hard to make it big. This inspired me to launch our very own Plett Hip Hop Awards, to recognise and encourage my fellow artists. Diarise the pre-launch party for the awards on Saturday June 25 at Club Afrocentric, when we will officially announce nominees in each category, and explain the mechanics of our voting system.’ The fun starts at 8pm and cover charge is R20. Resident rappers who need more information should call Auth ‘Ase on 073 801 9343. A date for the award ceremony and additional details will hit the press and social media shortly.

Notice Board • Famsa Knysna presents Family Foundation Training, the first being an Addictions Workshop on June 15 (today from 8:30am to 3:30pm at R160pp), and secondly during a workshop on Anger and Conflict Management & Assertiveness on June 22 & 23 from 8:30 to 1:30pm (R320pp) at The Rock Church c/o Main and Queen Streets. Please phone 044 382 5129 to book. • Marie Hoadley on behalf of the Kids of Kurland

School Project Committee reminds readers to book now for any or all of the shows that form part of the Plett Fringe Festival’s stunning line-up, to be staged at The White House Theatre in Plettenberg Bay from June 25-28. “We look forward to seeing you there and enjoying your usual generous support for this very worthwhile project. This support has, in the past, enabled us to contribute significantly to much-needed teaching resources at Kurland

Primary School and with this year’s festival, we hope to be able to continue this contribution - and even to increase it,” says Marie. Turn to page 4 for programme information and booking details. • Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Bitou Training AGM was postponed to June 21 at 5pm in the vestry of the DR Church in Marine Drive, Plettenberg Bay. Phone Sanet on 044 533 3923 or 082 856 4150 for details.

NEWS & VIEWS

15 June 2016

CXPRESS

June is Men’s Health Month - and that includes hearing clearly Did you know that men are more likely than women to report hearing loss? Audiologist MICHELLE ASH provides five good reasons for taking your hearing health seriously… Cognitive Decline A recent study from the University of Colorado investigated the link between hearing loss and cognitive decline, specifically dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers found that in individuals with hearing loss, the brain’s ability to process sound is significantly compromised. That decline in ability to process sound then results in a reduced ability to understand speech. Even with mild hearing loss, the hearing areas of the brain atrophy, or become weaker. What happens next is that the stronger areas of the brain, already necessary for higher level thinking, step in to compensate for the weaker areas. When these stronger areas of the brain are otherwise occupied, they are unavailable to do their primary job. Hearing loss must be taken seriously - especially when it comes to dementia because the brain begins to re-organise itself for the earliest stages of hearing loss. Getting ahead of the decline through early intervention with hearing aids could prevent long-term cognitive issues down the road. Mental Health Many individuals with untreated hearing loss experience feelings of embarrassment and frustration. A person who can’t hear well might stop socialising

PREVENTION IS BEST: Audiologist Michelle Ash advises that early intervention could prevent long-term health issues from prevailing

with friends or participating in activities that they used to enjoy. That social isolation often leads to feeling of loneliness and depression. Irritability, and anger are common feelings too, resulting from the inability to hear what others are saying. Fatigue is rife, too - it can be exhausting trying to keep up with conversation if you can’t hear well. The bottom line is that the numerous emotional and psychological issues associated with untreated hearing loss can lead to compromised emotional health. Heart Conditions The hearing system and the cardiovascular system are inexorably linked. As

such, hearing loss has been linked to an increased risk of conditions related to heart disease. The ear can actually be regarded as a window to the heart. A healthy cardiovascular system means that there is adequate blood flow to the vessels of the inner ears; conversely, a poorly functioning cardiovascular system reduces blood flow to the inner ear, causing trauma to the blood vessels and leading to hearing loss. Personal Safety It is difficult enough to hear approaching cars, the beeps of a truck in reverse, or shouts of pedestrians and cyclists among the sounds of urban life. Loss

of hearing increases your risk of injury should you not hear warning signals around you. Unfortunately, at home the high pitch of many altering sounds, including telephones, makes them inaudible to those with hearing loss. In addition, someone with untreated hearing loss might inadvertently compromise the safety of someone else if they are unable to hear a cry for help. Maintaining Balance Even mild hearing loss triples the risk of an accidental fall for the elderly! The hearing system is necessary to deliver the cues needed to walk safely. Whether falls result from too much brain capacity being used for hearing, leaving inadequate energy for balance and walking safely, or whether hearing loss and a compromised vestibular system interferes with spatial awareness, the result is the same: a potentially dangerous fall. Take action - make June your healthy hearing month. • Michelle Ash is a registered Audiologist and owner of Advanced Hearing. Her practice has consulting rooms is Plettenberg Bay and Knysna - see the advert on this page for contact details and take advantage of the free hearing screenings offered at Advanced Hearing.

CXPRESS

INTERVAL

15 June 2016

Money talks... but all mine ever says is good-bye

The basic rules of good sportsmanship HE coach called one of his nine-year-old baseball players aside and asked: “Boy, do you understand what co-operation is? What a team is?” “Yes, coach,” said the boy. “Do you understand that what matters is we win or lose as a team?” The boy nodded in eager

The dog and the violin ITTLE Hope was practising the violin in the living room while her father was trying to read in the dining room. The family dog was lying in the dining room, and as the screeching sounds of little Hope’s violin reached his ears, he began to howl loudly. The father listened to the dog and the violin as long as he could. Then he jumped up and yelled above the noise: “Can’t you play something the dog doesn’t know?!”

Motherly advice NE week before her wedding, a mother pulls aside her daughter (and bride-to-be). She says: “I will now give you the advice that has been passed down from generation to generation, from woman to woman.” The daughter listens attentively, curious as to what the advice would be. The mother continues: “Cook a man a fish and you feed him for a day. But teach a man to fish, and you get rid of him for the whole weekend.”

Canadian riot

agreement. The coach continued: “I’m sure you know when an out is called, you shouldn’t argue, curse, attack the umpire, or call him insulting names. Do you understand all that?” Again, the boy nodded yes. The coach continued: “And when I take you out of the game so that another boy gets a chance to play, it’s not good sportsmanship to call your coach dumb, or stupid, or worse, is it?” “No, coach” “Good,” said the coach. “Now go over there and explain all that to your grandmother.”

So, I was at a local restaurant last night and the waitress screamed: “Anyone know CPR?” I said: “Hell, I know the entire alphabet.” Everyone laughed... well, everyone, except one guy.

At the driving school… S the new driving school student drove through the red light at an intersection, the instructor admonished him and asked: “Why did you not stop for the red light?” The student replied: “My brother doesn’t.” The instructor directed the student to return to the school for more instruction before any more driving could take place.

On the way back, the student approached the same intersection, this time with a green light. He immediately slammed on the brakes shocking the instructor as well as the other drivers on the road. “Why did you stop at a green light?!” the irrate instructor shouted. The student replied: “You never know when my brother’s coming.”

Win a copy of the 10th anniversary special collectors edition of Tales from Treknet by answering the following question: Which TV channel made Treknet into a TV show? To find the answer go to the ‘about’ section on the Facebook page THE OFFICIAL TREKNET FAN PAGE. Like it, and keep up to date with daily cartoons and news. Answers can be emailed to editor@cxpress.co.za or faxed to 044 533 0852 by latest June 20. Please include your full name, physical address and contact details. (The first correct answer received will be the winner.) The answer to last week’s question was TALES FROM TREKNET, and the winner is Lisa Coetsee of Plett.

SOCIAL SCENE

15 June 2016

CXPRESS

MR WOODFORD’S TEA DELIGHTS: Denese Leathwhite celebrated her 70th birthday at Plettenberg Park on Wednesday June 8 with five of her besties and the tremendous spoils of Tim Woodford’s catering. Says one of the lucky girlfriends, Robyn Eidelman: “We enjoyed high-tea in the true sense of the word - I simply had to take a photo of the magnificent spread Tim created for us!” Mmm… With Robyn, at left, are Dawn van der Walt, birthday girl Denese, Cynthia Kenmuir, June Milburn-Pyle, and Christine Duncker.

Photos: William Ashurst

IS IT A BIRD, IS IT A PLANE? No, it’s two flying cows! Sensei Elrie Bosman from Plett Martial Arts Academy and student Zoe Ashurst celebrated their combined birthdays with the friendly Skydive Plett crew. Both birthday gals wore cow-patterned onesies for the glorious occasion of Elrie turning 50 and Zoe hitting 14. And a group of Elrie’s students was on hand at Plett Airport to cheer on their favourite flying farm animals.

BEANIES FOR ALL: Voluntary special needs teacher at Harkerville Primary Barbara Estment shared this photo and wrote: “Six weeks ago I went into wool&more and told Joy Sachs that I needed 100 beanies for our children. Thank you to all the wonderful knitters of Plett who helped fulfil this request. Harkerville Primary is on the airport road and the school is 81 years old. Only two teachers are in charge of all the children - Miss J Jantjies for Grades 1-3 and Mrs CD Mahmood for Grades 4-7, with two assistants who are paid by for by sponsors.” WIN BUCKS WITH BONDI: Bondi was a pedigree bull dog, given by the people of Lourenco Marques to the crew of HMS Verbena in 1928, and he became the ship’s mascot. In January 1931 the Verbena visited Knysna, tying up at Thesen’s jetty. The ship’s crew planned a variety concert for the people of Knysna so that afternoon a group of sailors marched up to the Town Hall to decorate it for the evening’s entertainment. Bondi decided to accompany them, but sadly the long walk in the heat was too much for him and he collapsed and died at 4pm. He was buried on the edge of the jetty, and although this original grave has since disappeared, a stone marker with a name plaque has been erected near the SANParks offices. Every Oyster Festival, when the SA Navy ships arrive, a ceremony is held at this marker during which the Sea Cadets tidy up the garden around Bondi’s stone and polish his name plate. Knysna Historical Society invites all primary school learners to share in this bit of history by taking part in an art competition. Draw or paint a picture to illustrate any part of the Bondi story. Prizes of R200 and R100 for winners and runners up will be awarded in two categories (Grades 1-3 and 4-7). The full story and more pictures can be found on Google if you type in ‘Bondi - a bulldog’ and then click on waymarking.com - write your name, grade and school clearly on the back of your artwork and hand it in at Millwood Museum in Queen Street, Knysna. The competition closes on June 27 and results will be announced at the Bondi ceremony - watch this space for the date and call Lorraine Stainer on 044 382 5287 for further information.

WITH LOVE FROM THE KITCHEN: Opening Night of the Plett Food Film Festival on July 11 will see Karen Dudley, above, of The Kitchen & The Dining Room pairing the delicious film ‘Les Emotifs Anonymes’ with a compelling presentation of her food inspired by love and life, alongside Plett’s own Chef Laurent, who will offer authentic French baguettes. Love triumphs over social ineptitude in this charming film, with the seductive qualities of chocolate smoothing the way. Indulge in the Chocolate Fair after the film, with handcrafted Belgian delights, chocolate fountains and glace au chocolate. Enjoy all with a large helping of live French accordion by acclaimed international musician Stanislav Angelov. Doors of The White House Theatre in Plett CBD open at 5:30 and the film starts at 7pm. Tickets at R280 can be bought from Plett Tourism or online from Quicket.com - follow the festival on Facebook & Twitter using #PlettMAD.

People, places & events

CLASSIFIEDS

15 June 2016

HOO ARY SC OND SEC

L PLETTENBER G BA Y

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CXPRESS

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ON THE SOAPBOX

15 June 2016

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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

Road services to be commended but enough of the wild gyrations of Bitou’s meter readings A recent letter pointed out that a road sign adjacent to Longships (designated a ‘road’, nogal) was a tad out of date relative to completion of the roadworks. Whatever else, it shows that Plett houses a number of retirees with time on their hands. However, it does underline that we must concentrate our attention on civic matters. Questioning whether the public/government debt of China is sustainable leaves few of us interested.

It is the management of local affairs that concerns us - for now, at least. The important thing is that Bitou Municipality is functioning efficiently. The remodelling of Longships was done extremely well. The departments involved need to be congratulated. Potholes are being fixed, books are balanced, and the fact that at peak periods our rubbish bags are often collected after hours, shows a commitment that few other municipalities

Make life a bit more comfortable for these recent amputees

can emulate. In recent years, we have also been spared the cost of paying for a mayor riding around in the most expensive car in the universe. The list goes on. But there is a lacuna, a veritable chasm in this positive picture. It has to do with meter reading. My water meter has not been read for years, except by me. What happens is that every few months, somebody guesses what they think the meter should read, whereupon this Einstein also assumes that six or seven months’ consumption occurs in one month. This puts the figure neatly in a punitive and very expensive category. A finger of suspicion also points to the figures for electricity usage. Our consumption is fairly consistent each month with an uptick over the winter months and another uptick when family visit, when we turn the other geyser on. The meter reader is not at

all happy with this consistency business. Wild gyrations are a feature of our account. Whereas the usage figure up to 600kWh is the same every month, it is with usage greater than this, that the wild variations take off. For example, one month recently showed 183kWh in that category and thus total consumption of 783kWh. Two months, later the figure was 809kWh, and therefore showing a total usage of 1,409kWh. There are many similar fluctuations. Frankly, these figures do not come near reflecting the true figure for any one month. Could we not ask for a spotlight to be focused on meter reading? Peter Erasmus, Plett (That seems like the very least we can do, Mr Erasmus. We will get our people to speak to Bitou’s meterreading - or not? - people and attempt to include feedback in this regard in the near future. - Eds.)

NO need to move all Bitou offices to land off N2 at great expense

WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS: Jack Nkomombini, left, and Johannes Kamfer in front of their new but empty RDP houses in New Horizons - please call Ruby Chetty on 044 533 5288 or 082 491 9333 if you have household goods or anything else to donate that could make their lives a little more comfortable

About a year and a few months ago, my husband and I started a small church group in our house - we meet twice a week, on Sundays and Wednesdays. Our focus is mainly on the poor and those who cannot help themselves. Two men who are part of this group recently lost their limbs (both a leg) due to illness. One of the gentlemen, Johannes Kamfer, was already sick and ministered by a member of our group. We began caring for him after he joined one year ago. Johannes recently moved into his RDP house in New Horizons and befriended his neighbour, Jack Nkomombini, who also had a leg amputated due to diabetes. The men previously lived in shacks in Bossiesgif and Qolweni respectively. We would now like to call upon readers of your newspaper to assist us in providing these two am-

putees, through donations of items such as furniture, bedding, cutlery and crockery. It would really mean a lot to these men. I am also part of an NPO called Building The Walls, situated in New Horizons. We operate a soup kitchen five days per week and hand out food parcels once a month to individuals and to our 12 satellites within Plett. Ruby Chetty of Ruby Kiss’s flower shop at The Market Square is also part of this NPO and will be in charge of all goods received for Jack and Johannes. She can be contacted at the numbers above for further information or to arrange for collection. We would be happy to keep in touch in order to place a follow-up article with pictures in CXPRESS, so people can see that their kind hearts have helped two people in distress. Leisle Paulsen, Plett

Did you read the proposal to build new municipal offices? At 76 pages long (available online and at Bitou libraries), maybe not. So I’ll summarise the consultant’s report for you: • All the municipal offices and workshops must be replaced and be built at Ladywood on the N2. • The reason? Fragmentation results in inefficiency while hampering accessibility for the community. • The cost? R240-million. Now ask yourself: • Will this, in fact, be more convenient for all residents? • Why does the Department of Public Works have to be next to the Treasury Department? (Does Cape Town have this? No.) This plan was proposed and rejected four years ago. Why is it being re-visited? Is there an alternative? Well, yes. • The main municipal office in Sewell Street is 1,900m2. On the south side an additional 1,400m2 could be built with undercover

parking below the building, making a total of 3,300m2. • Between Santini Village and the N2 next to Ultra City is a vacant 1.6ha of municipal land. Any extra buildings could be constructed there with space for parking and future additional offices. We do not need to move all the other municipal workshops and offices on municipal land to Ladywood on the N2 at great expense. (The consultants say Sanral will upgrade the N2… Dream on!) This will cost Plett dearly. If you, like me, wish to object by the June 27 deadline, do so by writing to the following email addresses: projects@plett. gov.za, apaulse@plett.gov. za, mbooysen@outlook. com, waynerobertcraig@ gmail.com, dfriedman@ plett.gov.za, cschliemann@ plett.gov.za. Paul Scheepers, Plett (We will endeavour to include more news in this regard in CXPRESS of June 22. - Eds.)

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

15 June 2016

Eden tennis champs

Kurland Pavilion plays host to equestrian event of international standards UNE 2015 saw the inaugural horse trials event at Kurland Hotel & Polo Estate in The Crags, and the Kurland Eventing Committee is looking forward with much anticipation to the next instalment of the highly successful and spectator-friendly Kurland Winter Classic from June 17 to Sunday the 19th. Explains organiser Lance Gibbons: “Eventing encapsulates the three elements of dressage, showjumping and cross country, and is one of the best ways to develop the infrastructure necessary for all disciplines of competitive equestrian sports. “South Africa has a shortage of eventing courses and traditionally eventers are the riders prepared to travel most. These riders also compete in all grades of showjumping.” He adds that the only way of qualifying for the Olympics or World Equestrian Games is by qualifying through one, two and threestar courses as overseen by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI). “Many venues in SA are limited in space and cannot host long-format Olympic qualification tracks. Kurland’s advantage is its stabling facilities, expansive grounds and existing infrastructure, as well as its established equestrian

A number of Plett boys and girls participated in the Eden tournament held in Plett, Knysna and Sedgefield during the last weekend in May. Players from all over Eden formerly known as South Western Districts - participated. Congratulations to Plettenberg Bay Tennis Academy winners in in the Girls U12 Gold section Sienna Mann (1st) and Calista Slack (3rd), and Girls U9 winner Megan Plumbridge, with runner up Riley Slack. Says coach Luke Olsen: “I am very pleased with the results that the Plett boys and girls are producing and look forward to even more improvement happening over the next couple of months.” Pictured with Luke at back from left are Calista and Sienna, with Riley and Megan, right, in front.

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brand,” he says. “In developing the venue we have worked with internationally-acclaimed course designer Eric Winter, who designed the base courses for one, two and three-star tracks. As in

golf, a signature course attracts the right brand status and calibre of riders, as well as media attention.” The dressage as well as the showjumping phases of this weekend’s event will take place in front of the club-

TOP SPOT: Spectators will have a bird’s eye view of all three disciplines over the three-day horse trials at picturesque Kurland Pavilion, so whether you’re a serious horse enthusiast or simply want to picnic in beautiful surrounds, don’t miss this weekend’s equestrian fun at Kurland Estate in The Crags

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house, while the main field will serve as eventing track. Proven track record Last year’s inaugural show attracted an incredibly high number of participants, while the Western Province Adult Eventing Champs hosted at Kurland in October was equally successful, with 140 entries and almost 300 spectators enjoying the weekend’s horsing action in excellent weather. Weeks before the event, the 2016 Kurland Winter Classic had already attracted over 100 entries. Attracting national participation After the success of the two shows in 2015, interest in Kurland events has grown substantially. “In order to attract riders from around the country we aim to attach ourselves to instructors with horse carriers and incentivise them to bring their pupils to attend,” says Gibbons, adding the aim is to create a truly international experience that will ensure the return of participants to future events. Kurland Horse Shows attract visitors from Gauteng, Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Western Cape, thus driving tourism in the area, and this weekend’s event will also see a number of locals attending as competitors and spectators. International standard “This will be the continent’s first Eric Wintersignature eventing course, Eric being one of the FEI’s top-ranked course designers, and responsible for the famous Badminton Horse Trials in the UK. “We have created a floorplan that situates each phase or discipline in front of the prestigious Kurland Pavilion, well known for hosting mega events like the Polo International Cup and many others,” concludes Gibbons. “Spectators will have a bird’s eye view of the entire show. This makes Kurland the ultimate eventing and horse sports venue.” • Take note that Kurland will also host the National Adult Individual Eventing Championships from September 16-18 this year. Both shows will run over a three-day period and this weekend’s event will run as follows: dressage on the Friday, cross country on the Saturday and showjumping on the Sunday. Contact Lance Gibbons on 082 822 8829 or lance@ filmeventmedia.co.za for additional information.