16 december by CXpress

16 December 2015

Published every Wednesday by CXpress 2006 (Pty) Ltd - PO Box 1449, Plettenberg Bay 6600 - 6 Park Lane, Plettenberg Bay - Tel: 044 533 1004 - Fax: 044 533 0852 Email: editor@cxpress.co.za / advertising@cxpress.co.za Web page: www.cxpress.co.za Printed by Group Editors

FREE

An orca - named Lazarus by some who thought the animal had died during a beaching on Friday night, before it was later seen swimming in the bay again - washed up on Lookout Beach on Monday. First spotted in Plett on December 9, it stayed in the area until it died on December 14. Read more on page 3â&#x20AC;Ś

A battle lost Claims of rape against Plett teacher p3

Pilot fishing in Tsitsikamma p4

Five blue flags for Plett p5

Holiday activities p20 - 23

Photo: Ewald Stander

10 000 FREE COPIES OF CXPRESS DISTRIBUTED ALONG THE GARDEN ROUTE EVERY WEDNESDAY

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

16 December 2015

Legal Alien: Recollections of the Bolhuis family’s immigration to SA - Part V

From Kempton Park to Koedoespoort and tying the knot - not foolishly Plett resident and part-time CXPRESS columnist HENK BOLHUIS continues the account of how his clan came to settle in South Africa - turn to page 2 of the past four editions at www.cxpress.co.za for the story so far N April 17, 1959, we disembarked and set foot on African soil, leaving behind our MS Randfontein ‘home’ of the past fortnight. With our suitcases in hand we walked the short distance from the harbour to Cape Town’s Central Station, taking in all the new sights and sounds when, all of a sudden, I heard my uncle be-

hind me cry out in pain and saw that he had received a glancing blow from a passing bus. The fact was that we had simply forgotten that traffic in South Africa moved on the left side of the road and not on the right as in the Netherlands, and my uncle had accidentally stepped right into the path of an oncoming bus.

Fortunately he was not seriously hurt - apart from his pride - and we were able to continue our walk to the train station without further mishap. The Dutch Emigration Association had arranged for us to travel by train to Kempton Park and had supplied us with train tickets and an amount of £20 each. After spending most of the day at the station, too scared to venture into town after what had happened to my uncle, we finally boarded our train for the Transvaal towards evening. The three-day trip was a wonderful new experience for all of us and impressed upon us the size of this enormous country, particularly when compared to tiny Holland. Upon our arrival in Kempton Park on the morning of April 20, some members of the Dutch Emigration Association met us at the station and took us to a furnished flat in town, our new home. They also provided us with some groceries, coffee and tea, etc., but then informed us that unfortunately the work that had been promised and planned for us – for my father, myself, my fiancée and my uncle –

was no longer available. That announcement came as a great disappointment and for the next few weeks we had to survive on the money that had been given

to us and on our meagre savings. We were unable to find any work in Kempton Park and in conjunction with the Dutch Emigration Association decided to move to Pretoria. Fortunately, things there turned out rather well once we had settled down in a rented house and within two weeks my uncle had found work and soon thereafter my dad and I both

MOTHER OF MY CHILDREN: I married my childhood sweetheart Jacoba Marigje Bolhuis de L’Espee aka ‘Coby’, on April 1, 1960

started to work in a factory that produced tools. Although I was grateful to be employed and to earn some money, it was not the kind of work that I particularly liked or had been trained for, and I kept looking for better work. Through some members of the church we had started to attend, I was later introduced to someone at the Bosal Africa Company in Koedoespoort, Pretoria, and was subsequently given employment as a researcher into the development of exhaust silencers - something I had never trained for and had absolutely no knowledge of. However, as time went on I developed a testing laboratory and was able, with two African assistants, to test all new silencers for noise and backpressure before they went into mass production. Although grateful for the work I had and that it provided an income, I was still not happy and always on the lookout for something better, especially after having married my childhood sweetheart on April 1, 1960 - and no, that was no April Fool’s event. To be continued…

Don’t miss out on this year’s last edition of CXPRESS! Issue date: December 23 Deadline for bookings and material: December 18

NEWS & VIEWS

16 December 2015

CXPRESS

Teacher arrested again after teenager claims that he was raped at school The re-arrest of one of Plettenberg Bay’s star teachers has sent shockwaves through the community after claims surfaced that he allegedly raped a 15-year-old boy at his school earlier this year - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports HE teacher, who cannot be named until he has pleaded, also faces sexual assault charges in another matter involving a 10-year-old boy in his class. The 42-year-old man was arrested by the George Family violence, Child protection and Sexual offences (FCS) unit on Sunday in connection with the latest

accusations and appeared in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Police spokesman Captain Malcolm Pojie said it was alleged that the accused raped the teenager twice in one day on the school premises. “It is alleged that the teacher closed the door behind the boy and raped him,” Pojie said.

He added that later that day the teacher allegedly cornered the teenager in the school’s bathroom where he raped him a second time. After Magistrate Len Goosen informed the accused during Monday’s court appearance that the State would be opposing bail, the teacher responded by saying that he had spo-

ken to the investigating officer in the matter, and that he would not oppose his release. Goosen, however, said opposing bail was up to the State and not the investigating officer and postponed the matter until tomorrow (Thursday) for the accused to consult with his lawyer -

who is currently on holiday in Cape Town - about how to proceed with a bail application. The accused was first arrested by the FCS unit on June 22 after the guardian of a 10-year-old boy in his class reported the alleged sexual assault to police. Police said the Grade 2 boy’s guardian suspected something was wrong when he suddenly started wetting his bed. After play therapy the boy revealed to her that the teacher had allegedly sexually assaulted him on

two occasions during May this year. The incidents allegedly happened once at a swimming pool and on another occasion at the accused’s home. After a lengthy bail application earlier this year the teacher was released on bail under strict conditions including that he may not access the school premises. This matter is scheduled to continue in the Knysna Regional Court on January 22 next year. Garden Route Media

Orca chooses Lookout Beach to die Control to report that the ocrca had beached there successfully - to the great chagrin of everyone in town who had hoped it would grace the bay in good health for weeks to come. By going to press, results of an autopsy performed by local expert Dr Gwenith Penry had not been released, so while the cause of death was not yet known, various tissue and other samples had been sent for toxicology tests at the Bayworld Museum in Port Elizabeth. FIRST TRY: Plett NSRI volunteers and other helpers managed to refloat the orca on Friday night - Photo: Bradley Richards

EVER in recent years has a single animal taken a town by storm like the female orca whale that beached and died at Lookout Rocks on Monday. Having reached celebrity status soon after it was first spotted in the bay early last week, it soon became apparent that the loner hung a little too close to the coast, too often, seemingly seeking out the company of bathers. Many a local had stories to tell about such special close encounters, so when the orca was witnessed beaching on Friday night, Plett NSRI and other volunteers were fast on the scene to keep the 6m animal wet and refloat it, in

spite of the spring low tide. Said Craig Lambinon in an official NSRI report: “The rescue crew were able to get the whale into deeper water and swum alongside, holding onto it to coax it into deeper water. The crew formed a line in the water to discourage re-beaching, as the whale continued trying to head back to the beach.” That night’s efforts proved successful and the whale was monitored on Friday night and Saturday morning, by which time it was named ‘Lazarus’ on social media, after the biblical figure returned from the dead. But by mid-morning Monday, a couple hiking around Lookout point called Beach

Well I’m ready. What are you waiting for?

The agents you’d recommend to a friend...

+27 (0)44 533 5250 WWW.EVERITT-PLETT.CO.ZA

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

16 December 2015

Pilot fishing in sacred Tsitsikamma gets go-ahead but ORCA and Dr Robinson say ‘Stop!’ Nikki Ridley

OUTH African National Parks (SANParks) has announced the goahead on pilot fishing from December 15 in certain areas of the Tsitsikamma National Park Marine Protected Area (TNP MPA) for the first time since the Park’s declaration in 1964. The announcement follows closely on the heels of the publication of draft regulations by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) for the rezoning of the TNP MPA. Published on November 19, the draft regulations are a move to withdraw the existing MPA status and replace it with one that permits restricted angling quotas along four stretches of the coast near Witelsbos, one stretch in the Sandrift section, and a further two between Storms River and Coldstream - about 20% of the MPA. Tony Lubner of Plett ma-

rine research and conservation group ORCA is appealing to the Minister of Environmental Affairs to stop this move. Lubner has presented the DEA and SANParks with a detailed document drawing attention to procedural and constitutional transgressions in instituting the pilot phase prior to the deadline for public comment on February 1, and an appeal to stop it from going ahead in light of the damage he claims it will do to large breeding fish numbers in the MPA and consequently fish stocks in the Bay and up and down the coast. Lubner says he has no plans to take on the DEA in court, but is rather appealing on the Minister to reconsider the impact of pilot and rezoning for the benefit of all South Africans as it pertains to MPAs and National Parks. “The success of the MPA

is a shining light in a world where our marine food supplies are rapidly diminishing. There is sufficient evidence to support the crisis and collapse of South African fish resources but also the science has shown that we are able to restore resources through protected areas such as Tsitsikamma. “The survival of tourism and the economy of Plett are dependent on a healthy Bay by seeding of fish stocks from the MPA. Once threatened, the long-term impact on our economy and subsequent job losses will follow, including the loss to recreational, commercial and subsistence fisherman living along the coastal areas adjacent to the MPA. “It is unfair and unconstitutional for a small elite group of fishermen to be given rights to fish at the expense of the greater South African population.” He adds that “the minister’s decision to override regulations and procedure of our National Parks (marine or terrestrial) will set a precedent that could be catastrophic for the entire country”. “Will we see the minister allowing local people to hunt for recreational purposes in Kruger National Park? This move by the minster will discredit our highly-valued South African Constitution.” He explained that the 80km TNP MPA coastline area is a unique nursery for certain reef fish species and states in his letter that “the pilot/trial will prove nothing other than having the potential to remove the biggest and oldest breeders”. “Research reflects that within 33 days, most big breeders will have been removed, and once removed they cannot be replaced for decades to come.” SANParks has responded to CXPRESS, saying that “this comment does not take

cognisance of the fact that 80% of the MPA coastline and 100% of the offshore environment will still be a no-take zone. Thus as reef fish are highly resident, most of those in the 80% coastline of the MPA where no fishing is allowed, should still be able to grow and breed. We do not see a negative impact on reef fish stocks at all.” SANParks spokesperson Nandi Mgwadlamba added: “The Robberg MPA in Plettenberg Bay allows line fishing from the shore, currently around its whole coastline. In addition, anglers can fish to the east and to the west of Robberg. “Tsitsikamma residents, who are hardly an elite group, have been asking for similar reasonable access for decades so they are not being disadvantaged relative to persons residing between Nature’s Valley and Robberg to the west of Tsitsikamma, or Eerste River to the east, where simple physical access also remains problematic.” However, the apparent negation of Lubner’s concerns regarding fish stocks by SANParks does not address the concerns of Dr Robbie Robinson, designer of the Otter Trail and former CEO of the SA Parks Board, from the founding phases of the TNP. Dr Robinson has also sent a letter to the minister, in which he appeals for the DEA to withdraw the pilot and rezoning plans and leave the TNP in its pristine state - a complete no-go area for fishermen. “South African fish stocks (as all fish stocks) are decreasing at an alarming rate. In the RSA we have this one ‘no-take’ zone which has reseeded the areas around it,” said Robinson. “Why after 50 years of protecting these vulnerable marine stocks do we want to start with RECREATIONAL angling where a few South Africans get

some enjoyment while the status of the national asset is diminished?” • Visit http://orcafoundation.com/tsitsikammamarine-protected-area-

petition/ to find out more. If you wish to submit representations or comments in connection with the proposed declaration, do so before 4pm on February 1. Email MPARegs@environment.gov.za or call Xola Mkefe on 021 819 2466.

News Briefs • Two Blue Bay Security officers were robbed of a substantial amount of money on Monday at 11am, in The Market Square parking area between Nedbank and Pep Stores in Plett. On arrival at the centre, the guards in their bakkie were approached by a man who knocked on the window, asking them to open the door. The security officers refused but when the suspect took out a firearm from under his reflective jacket, they opened the door. The officers were told to drive or he would shoot them. Near the traffic light at the centre’s entrance, the suspect made a phone call to report that they were exiting the centre grounds. They drove to Hill Estate, where the security officers were forced out of the vehicle. A second suspect was picked up before the robbers drove away. The bakkie was later found at Qolweni informal settlement. No shots were fired and no one sustained any injuries. No arrests have been made and the Plett police are investigating a robbery case. Anyone with information can call D/Cst Tertius Wolmarans on 044 501 1941. • Twenty-one road users died over the weekend on Western Cape roads, including six people in a col-

lision between Plett and Knysna, which claimed the lives of one driver and five passengers. Although no official report was released, the vehicles involved were reported by eyewitnesses as a Hyundai bakkie and an Isuzu bakkie, but no news was available on the victims’ town of origin. Traffic on the N2 was hampered for a couple of hours as emergency services personnel attempted to clear the scene. • Plett SAPS issued a statement regarding an accident on Sunday evening December 13 at 18:45 on the N2 at the Keurbooms hill. A white Porsche travelling toward Port Elizabeth was hit by a silver Toyota Verso allegedly travelling on the wrong side of the road into oncoming traffic. The driver of the Porsche managed to avoid a full head-on collision with the Verso, but the two cars connected and the Verso then hit a Mercedes Benz travelling behind the Porsche. According to the statement, no one was seriously injured although “passengers” were taken to hospital, and the driver of the Toyota Verso, who was reported to have initially run away, came back to the scene of the accident. Police are investigating a case of reckless and negligent driving.

NEWS & VIEWS

16 December 2015

Dunes Beach makes it a Big Five for Bitou!

CXPRESS

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

Trying to sell without an estate agent?

The agents you’d recommend to a friend... THAT’S STATUS: From left, Bitou mayor Memory Booysen, local resident Trinette Gendall, Dr Mark Brown of Nature’s Valley Trust, Tim Carr of the Keurbooms Property Owners Association, and Dunes Resort manager Pieter Engelbrecht with the five certificates recognising the status of Robberg 5, Nature’s Valley, Waves Beach, Lookout, and now Dunes Beach

Words & photos: Claire & Lawrence Parkman

N Tuesday December 8 Mayor Booysen officially awarded Dunes Beach in Keurbooms its Pilot Blue Flag status at a ceremony at The Dunes Resort viewing deck. This achievement is further recognition of the beaches of Bitou, which are already rated among the world’s top tourism attractions. Blue Flag status is internationally recognised with criteria set by the coordinating body in Europe (Foundation for Environmental

Education) and is managed locally by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA). Requirements for Blue Flag status fall into four categories: sound environmental management, environmental education initiatives, safety and security of users, and excellent water quality. Host Jock Worthing of the Keurbooms Property Owners Association thanked Mayor Booysen for taking time out of his busy schedule to officially open the Dunes Blue Flag beach. He further commented: “Keurbooms is proud to now have two Blue Flag

UP! Mayor Memory Booysen hoists the WESSA Flag

recognised beaches, with the Waves Beach this year achieving bronze status in its fifth year of operation. “As there are only 69 Blue Flag beaches countrywide, to have five such beaches in Bitou is further recognition of the outstanding stretch of coastline we are privileged to share.” He concluded by thanking the municipal officials concerned: Mark Fourie and John Prins, who have been proactive in facilitating the process for recognition of Dunes Beach, and Dunes Resort estate manager Pieter Engelbrecht, who acted as local liaison.

+27 (0)44 533 5250 WWW.EVERITT-PLETT.CO.ZA

CXPRESS

PROMOTION

16 December 2015

Reed Stone e

t a

t e

Whale Rock Drive Sectional Title 24/7 Security Stroll to Solar Beach Wetland Conservancy Club | Pool Garden Maintenance Phone Mike 082 562 9806 Email reedstonesales@mweb.co.za Website www.reedstone.co.za Visit us daily from 10am to 6pm

NEWS & VIEWS

16 December 2015

CXPRESS

Public Works department builds two new schools in Bitou RIMARY school students in Kranshoek and KwaNokuthula will enjoy their education all the more because of two brand new and planet-friendly schools built by the Western Cape Department of Public Works and Transport.

Coming in at a cost of R35-million (Kranshoek) and R40-million (Kwano) respectively, most of both school buildings comprise framed concrete structures and a mixture of face brick and painted infill walls. In Kranshoek, the senior

phase classrooms have been built one storey up because of space constraints on the site. It will accommodate up to 1,250 learners, including 120 Grade Rs. The Kwano facility, which reaches completion this week, will also accommo-

Contemporary new hub bodes well for residents off Longships and beyond ARLY in the new year, Plettenberg Bay residents will begin to notice activity on the vacant property at the beginning of Whale Rock Drive. Plett Property Developments have recently acquired this prime property and will be developing contemporary townhouses and a convenience shopping centre. Reed Stone Estate will comprise of 45 sectional title townhouses and for those who want that secure lock up and go, maintenance free, walk to the beach lifestyle, this new residential development will tick all the boxes. Estate living is a growing trend in South Africa and security is one of the determining factors for many

purchasers. Reed Stone Estate will offer a biometric access-controlled entrance, perimeter electrified fencing, 24/7 security guards and CCV cameras. Situated in White Caps Way overlooking the tranquil dam of the CapeNature Reserve Sanctuary, homeowners will be able to meander along the boardwalk to Solar Beach. A small monthly levy will cover the costs of the garden, road and exterior building maintenance and the pavilion-style clubhouse and swimming pool that will be provided for the use of residents. The developer will be opening a temporary sales office on the site over the festive season to introduce prospective buyers to this

innovative lifestyle development. Look out for the signage along Whale Rock Drive. With The Reeds retail development on its boundary, those who use this as a holiday home may never need to take their vehicles out of their garages. An upmarket supermarket, buzzy café, licenced restaurant, postal and secretarial services and plenty of parking will all be part and parcel of this exciting new neighbourhood shopping centre. Residents in the surrounding area now won’t have far to drive to carry out day to day errands and meet up with friends for coffee or a meal in the relaxing contemporary setting. • See ad on p6 for details.

date up to 1,250 learners, including 60 Grade Rs. Apart from two Grade R classrooms, there will be 10 foundation phase, 10 intermediate phase and eight senior phase classrooms. The complex has four specialist classrooms, a multimedia room, a hall with toilet facilities, an administrative building, a kitchen, a garden store and caretaker’s facilities. In both cases, project leaders applied best practice green standards throughout the building to mitigate environmental impact and

save money in the long term. Green features include electricity-saving motion sensor

switches and rainwater harvesting facilities for irrigating fields and gardens.

CLEVER CONSTRUCTION: Both the Kranshoek and KwaNokuthula schools have capacity to harvest rainwater

House hunting got you feeling exhausted?

The agents you’d recommend to a friend...

+27 (0)44 533 5250 WWW.EVERITT-PLETT.CO.ZA

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

16 December 2015

No crutch required: Steve tops the Panters pops with close on 400km covered HE Plett Panters hiking group - 85 members and their spouses, to be exact - attended their annual prize-giving braai at Plett Angling Club on November 26. It was also the occasion for group leader Robyn Eidelman to present certificates of achievement to the top 17 hikers, who had each covered a distance of more than 200km for the year. The top four hikers, all

THREE OF THE BEST: From left, Bill Uren, Steve Crutchley, and Pano Nicolopulos collectively covered 1121km on hikes traversing the beautiful Route this year - Photos: Keith Berning

Picking the right realtor makes it so much easier!

The agents you’d recommend to a friend...

+27 (0)44 533 5250 WWW.EVERITT-PLETT.CO.ZA

of whom covered more than 300km during 2015, were in fourth place Neil Hossack (332km), in third place Bill Uren (344km), and Pano Nicolopulos (380km) the runner up. Overall winner Steve Crutchley hiked an impressive 397km this past year.

Cape Union Mart of Plett kindly donated prizes to the top two hikers, so Pano and Steve received gift vouchers to the value of R350 and R500 respectively. In addition, Hi-Tec South Africa generously donated prizes, giving the top 10 hikers vouchers for their E-store with a 20% discount. What’s more, Hi-Tec also

kindly donated vouchers for the top three winners - R600 for third place, R1,100 for second spot and, for the winner, a gift voucher of R1,300. Wow, it pays to walk these days! Robyn and her Panters thank Hi-Tec and Cape Union Mart for these generous donations. Call her on 082 851 7593 to find out more about their outings.

KEEP ON WALKING: From left are happy hikers Annabelle Conyngham, Cheryl Main, Trish Coninx, Eugene Rietmann, Colleen Milligan, Lorraine Taylor, and Robyn Eidelman

Wilderness birding experience takes flight today, powered by Sasol HE SANParks Honorary Rangers of Wilderness with the assistance of Lakes Bird Club are hosting their annual Sasol birding event at the Wilderness section of National Park from today (Wednesday December 16) onwards, including Thursday the 17th and Friday the 18th. Local birding experts and professional guides will accompany attendants on morning outings to the Brown-hooded trail, Malachite and Rondevlei bird

hides, a visit to the Reflections Eco-reserve Farm (owner Tim Carr), and an early morning visit to see Island Lake birds. Every morning Peter Ginn, a bird photographer and author of 10 books, will give a talk and guide you to discover more about the birds around us, while offering handy tips on how to identify birds. A children’s programme, themed Birds for Kids, will entail walking around the park and asking questions,

followed by a fun event with birds at the centre of the action. Says Honorary Ranger Christine Thomson: “The event is at a minimum cost, and our aim is to educate and instil a love of our feathered friends and the environment.” Entry cost is the SANParks daily conservation fee - rush on over if you’ve just found out! Email thomsonc@telkomsa.net or call Christine on 082 606 0062 for more information.

PROMOTION

16 December 2015

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

16 December 2015

Eco Bricks the way to go, and knowing there’s no ‘away’ Words & photo: Carol Levin

AST month Kranshoek Primary won the Mini Eco Brick Challenge by collecting 165 Eco Bricks - well done to all the students! This helped to mop up the streets of plastic wrappers and chip packets. A big thank you goes to PNA who donated pencils to the participants, and a huge thanks to the dedication of the teachers who gave it energy and time; ditto for the municipal waste department, who is to provide Kranshoek with

an eco-friendly sign for their new school. We intend to build a bench for the school, once enough bricks have been collected. The competition was held among a few schools in the Plett area as pilot project, but the Eco Brick Competition will be rolled out to all the schools in Bitou early next year. Eco Bricks are transparent plastic cool drink or water bottles that are stuffed full of plastic wrappers and soft plastics that would otherwise go to the landfill. Once they are

tamped down with a stick, and packed solid they can be used as ‘bricks’. Many of the schools this year have watched a slide show addressing the issue of litter and showing them that there is no “away” when it comes to rubbish. They watch what happens to a piece of litter when it gets thrown out of the school bus window… First it gets swept by the wind into the gutter, then the rain takes it into the storm water drain, which lands up dumping it onto the beach. The tide rises

Are you in the moooood for mooooving?

The agents you’d recommend to a friend...

+27 (0)44 533 5250

BUILDING BLOCKS TO A CLEANER KRANSHOEK: These students from Kranshoek contributed to a tidier neighbourhood and know everything about the importance of a litter-free environment

and sweeps the litter out to sea and it joins huge islands of global rubbish, known as the gyres. There are numerous of these islands of garbage causing havoc in the oceans killing fish, whales, sharks, seals, turtles and birds, affecting every part of the food chain and the microclimate of the ocean floor. This can be avoided if we dispose of our rubbish in a responsible way - hang onto your wrappers and fast food packaging until you get home and then throw them in the rubbish bin; recycle what you can, separating paper, plastic, tins and glass. This year we have seen a massive roll-out of recycling bins, and the Plett

Clean Campaign - a small group of concerned citizens - have kept Plett pristine through hard work and persistence. The only way we can sustain a clean town

is if we all work together. • Check out www.eco bricks.org, and follow ‘The Plight of Plastic’ on Facebook for additional information in this regard.

Don’t eat shellfish or dead fish washed up on red tide shores

WWW.EVERITT-PLETT.CO.ZA

The only pharmacy in Main Street

Leon Pitallo of Plettenberg Bay shared this photo on Friday and mentioned how there were ‘a number of red waves coming in - it is not mud, as it stretches right across the Bay’. He followed up with an update in the form of a warning received from Dr Tommy Bornman of the SA Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) in Port Elizabeth, which warned of a ‘high risk of harmful algal blooms along the Eastern Cape coastline’. According to Bornman, SAEON along with the Institute for Coastal and Marine Research at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) sampled several red tide blooms in Algoa Bay and St Francis Bay on December 10. The research confirmed that the harmful dinoflagellate, Lingulodinium polyedrum has returned to our shores. ‘Sea conditions are currently optimal for bloom formation with high surface temperatures (>22 degrees C) and cold (<12 degrees C) nutrient-rich bottom water. There is a high likelihood of extensive bloom formations over the 2015/16 summer period. All users of the coastal environment are advised not to eat shellfish or any dead fish that wash up on the shore.’ Thanks for spreading the word, Leon.

Tel 044 501 3800 Fax 044 501 3850

PROMOTION

16 December 2015

CXPRESS

BUSINESS

16 December 2015

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

Will Paris attacks impact French property market? N the closing month of 2015, we look back on a year bracketed, one might say, between Charlie Hebdo in January and the Paris attacks on November 13. But, what does this all mean for those interested in property in France, traditionally one of the most stable locations to invest in the world? “What do we know for sure?” asks Guy WatsonSmith, managing director and founder of Fine & Country France. “The French will go back to living their lives after a period of mourning, just the way they always did. It will take a little time, but life will go back to normal.” He adds: “What we also know is that 2015 has shown a marked turn around in the property market - Charlie Hebdo may have stalled interest for a few days, or even weeks, and the same may apply after the Paris attacks only a few weeks ago but, on the ground, what we can tell you is that sales are up, confidence is returning

Splish Splash

AY W T S E B CTS PRODUBEST AT THECES PRI

and the property market is turning that corner, perhaps faster than we all realise.” There is no doubt that the attacks in Paris will contribute to short-term investor nervousness, but it is clear that the market is already bouncing back. According to WatsonSmith: • Fine & Country France has in the past two months sold four properties that had all been on the market for upwards of three years. • As 2015 draws to a close, their sales are up 340% on 2014. • In the past month, they have witnessed two “bidding wars” - a phenomenon well known in cities like London, New York and Paris, but a long forgotten phenomenon on the Cote d’Azur. The last time they saw this kind of activity in the market was in 2007. • Exchange rates have continued to be irresistible to those buying with GBP or USD. “Recently, the GBP/EUR rate hit 1.43!”

With its close proximity to the UK and easy accessibility to the rest of Europe, France is a popular country to invest in. It holds a strong attraction because it is one of the most advanced nations in the world, with top class education and health care systems. It is also a distinctly clean and attractive country with world renowned cuisine, quality wine and gorgeous landscapes. As the fifth largest economy in the world, France’s citizens enjoy some of the highest living standards found anywhere. A growing interest in sustainable lifestyles, cheaper land and a less crowded countryside are increasingly given as reasons for setting up home, a second home or buying holiday homes in France. For foreign investors, the most popular regions to buy property in France are Paris and the French Riviera. Apartments close to the sea with To page 13

& Relax... JUST ED K UNPARC 100 OVE INES NEW L

SAY ‘OUI’ TO FRANCE: This four-bedroom villa in Saint Cezaire sur Siagne is on sale for 1,470,000 Euro

Invest your annual bonus in your home F you are a homeowner, there is a good chance you have heard that it is wise to pay extra money into your bond payment. By putting in extra cash, you achieve three things: you pay less interest, you will pay your bond off sooner, and you will build an emergency buffer should life throw some curveballs your way. “While it is ideal to pay more than your instalment into your bond, it may not always be possible due to other demands on your money,” says Steven Barker, Head of Home Loans at Standard Bank. “However, if you receive an annual bonus, use it to make a significant dent in your bond. “Let’s assume you earn R30,000 per month and

Wide range of summer I loving products at the best price

HEAD OFFICE: 021 911 5555. WESTERN CAPE: RETREAT: 021 701 0566, GREEN POINT: 021 418 7805, SOMERSET WEST: 021 852 1605, KENILWORTH: 021 671 3114, BELLVILLE: 021 948 3767, GEORGE: 044 887 0476 EASTERN CAPE: PORT ELIZABETH: 041-368 6551, BAYWEST: 041 492 0372 EAST LONDON: 043 726 3679 MTHATHA: 047 531 1069 FREE STATE: BLOEMFONTEIN: 051 421 0029, LANGENHOVEN PARK: 051 446 0023 GAUTENG VAAL TRIANGLE: VANDERBIJLPARK: 016 985 2822 ERROS & OMISSIONS AND T’S & C’S APPLY - VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT: WWW.MAMBOSPLASTICS.CO.ZA

you get a double cheque less tax. You may be able to invest about R20,000. By adding this to your bond of R800,000 you would save R104,677 in interest charges and cut 17 months off your repayment period.” The other smart way to spend your bonus is to renovate your home if it is looking tired. By keeping your home in mint condition, you will not only get the money back if you sell it, but it will also be much easier to sell. You may also want to consider using your bonus to acquire energy efficient improvements, which will add to the resale value and decrease your bills while you live there. Consider installing energy saving lights and geysers, or solar panels. While

solar is pricey and you may have to add to your bonus money, you will give yourself a buffer against increasing electric prices. “Basic maintenance type improvements will always yield better results than personalised fixtures and fittings,” says Barker. “It’s no good having a new bathroom when you have a leaky roof and damp damaged walls. A well-maintained house helps to preserve and grow your investment. “Whatever you decide to do with your end-of-year bonus, make sure it works for you. While it may be tempting to spend it on gifts and entertainment over the festive season, investing in your home to build your wealth will maximise the impact of the extra cash,” concludes Barker.

BUSINESS

Investor Focus

16 December 2015 Malcolm Stewart – Investment manager at Michaelides Parker Wealth Knysna & Plett

2015…Who would have guessed? F the total earnings of all of the shares listed on the JSE, ±56% are earned offshore. Thus the happenings of global economies, as well as the Rand, have a serious impact on our listed companies. So in looking back 12 months, I will start with what occurred in worlds markets. Major developed markets rallied by 20%, then dropped by 20%, and then rallied again by 20%. In this gut-wrenching, year we virtually ended up where we started. No wonder many global fund managers underperformed and many were caught in the whiplash, while resources destroyed value at an alarming rate. We saw the US Fed warning of coming interest rate hikes (remember that ‘tightening tantrum’?); we saw the European Central Bank pumping money into their economy and introducing negative interest rates; we saw a hysterical boom, and then a terrifying collapse of Chinese markets. Prices of iron ore, oil, thermal coal collapsed; Greece nearly left the Euro zone; China abruptly moved to

allow the Yuan float (it fell sharply lower) and Emerging markets went through a torrid sell-off. In South Africa, we experienced a 25% drop in the Rand and were downgraded to ‘almost junk’ status. The property sector almost held onto its value, resources disappeared into a black hole, and shares in SA Inc. drifted lower throughout the year. The Rand hedges saved the day, with global listings of the likes of Naspers, SA Breweries and Bat rising in inverse proportion to the Rand. Local ‘general equity’ unit trusts changed their mandates to include 25% of direct offshore exposure, while still holding the locally listed Rand hedges. This allowed them to keep

‘In this gut-wrenching, year we virtually ended up where we started. Many fund managers underperformed and many were caught in the whiplash, while resources destroyed value at an alarming rate.’

their collective heads above water… but only just. Some local fund managers totally misread the macro changes and lost serious monies. But 2015 is not yet finished and the Black Swans keep coming. We now have a new Finance minister who most of us have never heard of. We see the Rand drop almost 5% overnight, and while some shares look to be seriously over-sold, others are still expensive. So 2015 is a year we would not like to have over. However, if you had structured your retirement nest egg so as to live off of the interest and dividends and not rely on capital growth, then you were able to weather the turbulence. If your portfolio/Living Annuity is virtually unchanged on last year’s value, and you have lived off of the proceeds, then the storm of 2015 will not have caused irreparable damage. Malcolm has been in the investment industry for over 40 years. He has written this column in CXPRESS for the last 17 years and is a specialist in managing retired wealth.

CXPRESS

Paris attacks and the French market (cont.) From page 12 nice views, a terrace and a private parking lot, sell for very good prices. Watson-Smith, a South African with Zimbabwean roots, adds: “Timing is crucial in terms of getting a good return on investment. Prices remain low after six or seven years of recession or near-recession in Europe, but they are picking up again, so to wait would be to miss this historic ‘low’ in the market cycle, which we may not see again for another seven to 10 years. “And then there’s the weak Euro. Admittedly the Rand

is weak too, but is there a risk it will get weaker? With the Rand weakening, wealthy private investors and real estate professionals would agree that investing in property abroad is an excellent way for South Africans to earn capital growth in a foreign currency. Rental income from wellplaced international properties will assist in generating a good cash flow in a foreign currency, which is always useful. “Property buying trends indicate that just under 45% of respondents were looking to base themselves

in France for the majority of the year. Over 40% are searching for a second home or holiday property. Foreign buyers can expect to pay in the region of €400,000 (approx. R6-million) for a two-bedroom townhouse or apartment in Cannes, for example, but a little less elsewhere on the coast, and still a little less inland. “A detached, rural, three bedroom house in a desirable area might cost anything from €600,000 (approx. R9-million) depending on where it is and what it has to offer.”

Baa-ing or selling?

The agents you’d recommend to a friend...

+27 (0)44 533 5250 WWW.EVERITT-PLETT.CO.ZA

CXPRESS

BUSINESS

16 December 2015

Property overview of value-retentive Keurboomstrand Steven Neufeld

IVE properties registered in the village of Keurboomstrand in 2014 for an average price of R4.18-million. Only one property registered in 2015 for R8.5-million, for a house in the second row in Keursands. The figures quoted here are for full-title single resi-

dential properties in the village of Keurbooms only, and does not include the outlying areas, except for The Waves to the west. Keurview, which is a share block scheme overlooking the village, is not included. The sales prices ranged from R1.78-million to R10-million. The R1.78million house was on the dirt road in the forest on

the left before you enter the centre of Keurbooms. The R10-million sale was for the unfinished house on the cliff near the entrance to the village on the right, where the public parking above the cliff used to be. This R10-million property takes over from a house in Main Street that sold for R8.8-million in 2007 as the highest value single

residential property sold in Keurbooms to date. The 24% increase in average prices needs to be seen in context, but it does indicate an improvement. There are also not enough sales in Keurbooms to make the figures statistically significant, but they give an indication of rough trends. In the village itself, I’m aware of five vacant plots

from R1.95-million to R3.6-million, and four houses for sale from R2.5million to R19.5-million. The growth rate in Keurbooms over the past 20 years has been well above the national average. Unlike the national property market, Keurbooms appears to have retained most of its value. There is limited stock and therefore the

number of sales is limited. • Steven Neufeld is manager, professional associated valuer and appraiser of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty Plettenberg Bay, and partner in SA Property Valuations. Contact him at steve.sir@ plettenbergbay.com or on 072 417 7731 and see the ads on pages 1 and 9 for current listings.

This professional team will fulfil your every need in functional, elegant glass with the reliable workmanship of Bradley van Willing, formerly of PG Glass. “We pride ourselves in our commitment to produce innovative products that are both eco-friendly and beneficial to preserving the sustainability of our green environment. Our vision is to be your preferred aluminium and glass solution, with consistency and good quality products and service all part of the deal, along with reliability and timeous delivery. “Everything we do is meticulously customised and

SAY ‘MERRY’: The Glazeit guys and girls are at your service for every week of the year except over Christmas - from left are Bradley (ex PG Glass), Attie (ex Glazeit & Alfies), Aron, Deborah, Bernadine, Shane (ex Glazeit & Alfies), ‘Tamatie’ (ex Glazeit & Alfies), and ‘Zulu’

efficiently made to meet your needs. Our Glazeit team is integral in ensuring quick and efficient implementation where innovation is turned into quality products.” She adds that the services and products offered by Glazeit are tailored to meet world class standards in quality and sustainability. “Our intention is to maintain professionalism in assuring that our clients’ functional elegance needs are met. Each member of the Glazeit team works towards ensuring peace of

mind while we manufacture your products with well-structured installations. We look forward to meeting and being of service to you.” Regular clients and visitors are invited to meet the team at their Plett Industria premises, but please take note that Glazeit will be closed from December 22 ‘till January 4. Alternatively, call them on 044 533 6965 or on 082 447 8104, email deborah@ glazeit.co.za or aron@gla zeit.co.za and check out www.glazeit.co.za.

TRUST US TO GET YOU THERE

Photo’s for illustrative purposes only. Terms and Conditions apply.

LETT’S Glazeit team is led by director Aron Rauch, who is instrumental in securing the company’s professionalism on and off site so as to offer a quick response, reliability and on-time delivery. Says owner Deborah Bramwell: “We have a wide range of glass and aluminium products for both commercial and domestic applications, from float to laminated and toughened safety glass to energy efficient, reflective, mirrored and sound proof. Our auto glass products are offered

NISSAN NV200 1.5 DCi PANEL VAN Wherever you’re driving, and whatever you’re transporting, the Nissan NV200 responds to every task reliably. With an exceptionally low cost of ownership, the Nissan NV200 has been perfectly designed with you in mind. )XHO HI¿FLHQF\ ℓ/100 km

• 5-speed manual gearbox

• 66KW/200NM

• Air-conditioning

NJ SD\ORDG

'RRU SRFNHW DUPUHVW IRU GULYHU

Pñ FDUJR YROXPH

6HDWEHOW ZDUQLQJ ODPS

'XDO VOLGLQJ GRRUV

(QJLQH FKHFN ZDUQLQJ

Knysna Nissan

56 Main Street, Knysna Tel (044) 382 6057

MPC

BUSINESS

16 December 2015

News from Seeff’s chairman Samuel Seeff

HILE this has been a challenging year economically speaking and the latest interest rate hike no doubt the first of more to come, it has been a good year for the residential property market. In contrast to many sectors that have seen a notable decline, property has proven to be one of the few positive and even upbeat sectors of the economy. The economic challenges notwithstanding, we are still seeing a well-balanced market with the scales on a fairly even keel for both buyers and sellers, perhaps still somewhat tilted in favour of sellers. While volumes and price growth has, understandably so, decreased in view of the further slowdown in the economy this year, we have nonetheless seen average price growth of about 7% against a GDP (gross domestic product) growth of about 1.5%-2%. On the whole, it has been a year of good demand, tight stock levels and relatively quick turnover times for sellers. Well-priced property continues to find eager buyers and good prices, and this

is something that we anticipate to continue into at least the first half of next year. While the lower and midmarket sectors continue to pick up excellent activity, top-end buyers too have shown their confidence, especially in the Cape property market. Consequently, we have seen a number of excellent sales coming through ranging in price to R111-million for luxury villa in Clifton, sold by Seeff. This year, we have seen the national average house price breach the R1-million mark. Meanwhile, the country’s top 10 suburbs now boast an average sales price of around R10-million. Seven of these are located in the Cape and include the top five suburbs of the Atlantic Seaboard along with Sandhurst in Sandton and Westcliff and Dunkeld, also in Johannesburg. All of this is indicative of a rather resilient market. While by no means immune, property has remained somewhat ‘cocooned’ within a rather volatile economic landscape. We talk of a cocoon rather than a bubble and do not see any bubble that may burst right now in the market. Stock levels are still too tight, there is still plenty of

buyer demand, and average price growth has settled down. Buyers are still seeing the market as offering good value and the weakening of the rand further supports the view that South African property offers excellent value by international standards. The tight stock levels further sets the tone for this still being a good time for sellers to list their properties. Save for any serious economic disasters, we are expecting it to be business as usual for the market next year and those who need to or want to buy will continue to do so in the ordinary course of business. We anticipate a good few months ahead for the housing market. Seeff closed the month of October on an all-time record high with R1.4-billion in sales and certainly see this as setting the tone to a good summer sales season. Be sure to also visit www. seeff.com to view Seeff’s excellent selection of real estate buys or to find your nearest branch if you are looking to sell or obtain a valuation for your property. • Call 044 533 0311 or email plett@seeff.com and see the adverts on page 1 and 11 for current listings.

CXPRESS

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

Dream home! alpaca my things!

The agents you’d recommend to a friend...

+27 (0)44 533 5250 WWW.EVERITT-PLETT.CO.ZA

CXPRESS

16 December 2015

SOCIAL SCENE

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

It doesn’t have to be pandamonium!

The agents you’d recommend to a friend...

+27 (0)44 533 5250 WWW.EVERITT-PLETT.CO.ZA

LOTS OF FEELING IN THIS VISUAL FEAST: Invited guests crowded into Knysna Fine Arts gallery for the launch of a new coffee table book ‘Postcards from Knysna’ on Thursday December 10. Fatti Vuarnier-Blake, left, conceptualised the idea of locals showcasing in images their feelings about this beautiful town. Her friend Penny Foyn submitted some of the high quality photos and helped with the organising as well as many other enthusiasts. At top left Michael Smith - director of Sinethemba Youth Development Centre, that will benefit from proceed of the books sales - thanked the organisers and photographers and gave a moving account of the work being done at his centre. Visit www.facebook.com/groups/ postcardsfromknysna for additional information. - Photos: Gigi Lewis

People, places & events A PAWS RESCUE: Members of Plett’s Fire & Rescue Services have donated much-needed food to Plett Animal Welfare Services to help keep pups and kitties fed, happy and healthy this Christmas season while they wait for ‘forever families’ to adopt them (watch this space for more news on that front in CXPRESS of December 23). The food was purchased by shift members themselves and Chief Fire Officer Hedley Venter says he hopes their efforts will inspire other services to rise to the challenge. Pictured with Hedley at left are Adriaan Swanepoel, Theo Xabendlini, Elvis Modi, Dazelle Marais, Amos Mgolozelwa, Sean Ganga, SPAWS Inspector Robert Ruiters and Gerry Swiegers. Remember that fireworks are illegal in Plett! - Photo: Nikki Ridley

PROMOTION

16 December 2015

CXPRESS

SOCIAL SCENE

16 December 2015

People, places & events LAST DAY IN PPS KIT: These Plett Primary School Grade 7 buddies from left are Emma Roode, Emily Hume, Inca Schneor, Katarina Behr, Erin Rupert, Tilly Sullivan and Chloe de Villiers - celebrated their final junior school day at Central Beach last Wednesday. Sharp young ladies one an all with Erin being the school’s Dux student of 2015, their teachers and principal Schnell are sure to miss the girls’ vibrant presence at PPS, and wish them all the best for their high school careers. On their part, the staff say a HUGE thank you to Luiz and his team of fantastic waiters at LM in Plett for the delicious spread he cooked up for their year-end function. Happy holidays, one and all! - Photo: Dolly Rupert NO DAMP SQUIB! Bucketing rain over the weekend did nothing to dampen the spirits and golfing talent of 11 PGA pro golfers on Saturday as they battled it out for the title of 2015 SA PGA Par 3 Champ. The weekend kicked off with invited professionals playing a round of golf on Sedge Links Golf Course in a friendly Pro-Am with members and celebrities on December 11. The day’s play was won by a four-ball - and that without their professional, Cliff Barnard. Unfortunately Barnard’s golf shop had been burgled and he was unable to leave in time to make tee-off. But this did not deter Blik and Sandra Van’t Slot and Helen Wang from winning the nine-hole four-ball alliance with two scored to count competition on a whopping 48 points. The official PGA Par 3 Invitational started at 11am the next morning, with Cliff and SP Nienaber first off. They were followed by Altus Kapp, Adam McKinlay, Peter Berman, Neil Kruger, Nic Grundtvig, Derick Peterson, Heinrich Bruiners, and 2014 title holder John Bland. No sooner had the players set off on their second 18 when the heavens opened, necessitating a shortening of play from 36 to 27 holes. A jubilant Graeme van der Nest was declared winner of the 2015 Sedge Links PGA Par 3 on a very respectable -3. This year’s runner up was Knysna PGA teaching professional Peter Berman on -1, leaving John Bland in third place on even par. In the pic top left, Graeme is flanked by Sedge Links director of golf PJ Gronum, left, and Tournament Director Jeff Claus.

Moving is so much more bearable!

The agents you’d recommend to a friend...

+27 (0)44 533 5250 WWW.EVERITT-PLETT.CO.ZA

- Photo: Fran Kirsten

RAPPED UP AT COSMOPOLITAN HARKERVILLE MARKET: At the Harkerville Saturday Morning Market on December 12 were, from the top from left, Gauteng residents Hans & Manu Schnaubelt and Anneliese & Hubert Plettenbacher enjoying quality time in the Plett countryside; Saurav, Kedar, Kersh and Vinnie Odayan of Kyalami, north of Johannesburg, after a morning browsing the market stalls while on holiday; and Jeanette Meyer of Pretoria, seated, having a hair wrap done by Elton Zuze, while her friend Sasha-Vered Matusowsky from Moscow, Russia, looks on. - Photos: Timothy Twidle

PROMOTION

16 December 2015

CXPRESS

sugarskreatief.co.za

R35mil IN SALES SINCE SEPTEMBER 2015

When you choose to make The Plettenberg Manor your new home, you choose peace of mind, quality of life and a luxurious lifestyle. Luxury homes, exclusive cottages & assisted living suites. Healthcare centre with frail care facility. Clubhouse with restaurant, ladies bar, coffee shop, convenience store, hair & beauty salon, library, gym & swimming pool. Walking trails, bowling green, access to beach & bird hides. High-tech security system with perimeter fencing, motion detectors, CCTV cameras and 24-hour manned security. www.theplettmanor.co.za

HELEN WARD t 044 533 1589 | c 083 309 9759 helen@helenmelonproperties.co.za

DAWN SCHMOOR t 044 382 2001 | c 083 740 8298 dawn.schmoor@engelvoelkers.com

The Sales & Show House are open 15 Dec 2015 - 15 Jan 2016: Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday from 11h00 - 17h00. (Closed 25 Dec & 01 Jan)

26 Years of Property Development Success www.devmark.co.za

CXPRESS

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

16 December 2015

New exposure for Garden Route artists Words & photo: Bob Hopkin

ISITORS to the recent Wilderness Art Show were surprised by the breadth of talent from local artists, sculptors and potters who presented their works in the village hotel. Hosted by Carole Durrant, herself an artist and owner of Cabesa Gallery, this first event proved so popular that it is intended to hold three similar exhibitions every year from now on. Works from 27 Southern Cape artists filled the lobby, stairwells and main lounge from December 3-5, including paintings, driftwood figures, pottery and other ceramics all on sale with 10% of the proceeds going to a local Christian charity. According to Carole, 70% of the artists whose works were on display had never exhibited before. “I have been amazed by the quality, skill and imagination of our local art-

You're selling without a mandate?

The agents you’d recommend to a friend...

+27 (0)44 533 5250 WWW.EVERITT-PLETT.CO.ZA

NATURE CAPTURED: Art show event organiser Carole Durrant with George artist Peter Savo and some of his wildlife paintings

ists. It seems that we have a concentration of talented people here who, perhaps inspired by the beauty of the surroundings, have the ability to materialise their imagination into beautiful

two and three dimensional creations,” she said. She praised the generosity of Wilderness Hotel who donated space for the three-day event. “They were so enthusias-

tic,” said Carole, “that they agreed immediately during the first telephone call.” In addition to the contribution to charity, one oil painting was the subject of a ‘silent auction’ where interested parties could bid for the piece by writing their bid below the display and the total of the highest bid would be donated to the Seven Passes Initiative. This charity seeks to assist and educate underprivileged groups in the farming areas near Hoekwil and Touwsranten. Carole said the works on display were selling well and that artists were encouraged to hold items in reserve so the display would continue to look coherent throughout the three-day event. “It is so encouraging to find we have such a groundswell of talent and cooperation in the region that it all came together so easily. I am really looking forward to hosting this event more frequently in the years to come,” she said.

Are you ready to be gifted by Knysna? HE Gift of Knysna is a unique new collaborative shopping event created to support and showcase local artisanal small businesses during periods when visitor numbers to the region are at their highest. The first Gift of Knysna takes place from Saturday December 19 to Wednesday the 23rd and will promote the region’s most impressive artists, crafters, designers, producers and makers under one roof - in the alluring Woodmill Walk. Partnering with Woodmill Lane in providing visitors with a single destination for discovering the best of handmade, homemade and homegrown shopping, local eating and entertainment, The Gift of Knysna will open between 9am and 6pm on the five busiest shopping days of the year. Together, Woodmill Lane and Woodmill Walk will be collaborating on the full line up of activities and pro-

moting The Gift of Knysna across all media platforms. No other time of year presents as much opportunity to profile the Garden Route’s unique offerings, showcase its creative heritage, promote local businesses and provide resident communities with an economic boost. The Gift of Knysna intends to ensure that this opportunity is realised. A comprehensive marketing campaign across the Garden Route has been planned to attract shoppers from Mossel Bay to Storms River, as has a

number of supporting activities and events. With the support of Knysna & Partners, Knysna Municipality, KnysnaFM, CCDI (the Cape Craft and Design Institute), Woodmill Walk and Woodmill Lane, The Gift of Knysna is going to be one of the town’s most talked about festive season experiences. For more information, visit www.thegiftofknysna. co.za, facebook.com/thegift ofknysna or instagram.com /the giftofknysna. Alternatively, you can call 082 558 5430 and see the advert on page 21.

TRUE HEART OF KNYSNA: Woodmill Lane is arty and elegant

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

16 December 2015

OCEAN CHALLENGE

Enter Now! 21-23 December, 2015 Plettenberg Bay Paddle | Swim | Cycle | Run | Walk

All proceeds go to the Sabrina Love Foundation in support of children with special needs. For more information visit:

www.sabrinalove.co.za

CXPRESS

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

16 December 2015

Make memories as mayor ignites Plett’s lights tonight ITOU mayor Memory Booysen will switch on the Christmas lights in Plett’s Main Street as part of a full line-up of December 16 festivities. The

official programme starts at 7pm, but entertainment kicks off from 3pm with live performances by a variety of local artists, dancers, DJs and bands.

The mayor’s address will welcome visitors and cover issues pertaining to the Arrive Alive campaign, festive season highlights, and thoughts on reconciliation. Only local artists from Kurland, New Horizons, Kranshoek, KwaNokuthula and Green Valley will be featured as part of the

entertainment line-up - an acknowledgement, investment and exposure to local talent; with particular focus on young performers. Santa will join in the fun with free sweets on offer for all the kids attending as well as photo opportunities. A highlight of the entertainment for the day

Christmas cheer at Crags market EADERS will be glad to hear that Kurland Club’s annual Christmas Market is happening again on Sunday December 20, so swing past this unique market in The Crags between 9:30am and 2pm. A great range of stallholders will cater for everything from those last-minute gift purchases to filling hungry tummies. Pony rides, face painting and a visit from Father Christmas are all planned for the kids to enjoy, while parents are invited to grab a tennis racquet for a quick game on the club’s court. Locally-grown produce, preserves and jams, cake

BOOKING ESSENTIAL

slices and home baked goodies will be for sale to tempt all sorts of taste buds - it really is the best time of year to get into all the pre-Christmas cheer! An excellent variety of craft stalls, offering unique gift options and treasures to discover, is sure to keep all market shoppers intrigued, and the burger braai and cold beers and drinks will ensure that all are fed and hydrated. The Kurland Club is just off the N2 opposite the entrance to Kurland Hotel. Call 082 892 0469 or email kurlandclub@gmail.com and see the advert on this page for more information.

is a parade by a 45-strong field band, with members from Kranshoek and New Horizons. Various stalls will ensure that patrons have plenty of options for food and beverages, as well as other items, including crafts. The event coincides with celebrations of Reconcilia-

tion Day and mayor Booysen will be joined by councillors and senior managers at the celebrations. All residents, tourists and municipal staff are invited to attend what promises to be a fun-filled bash for the whole family. For the best seats, it is advisable to arrive early.

Rock and ride with this season’s best 60s fest

POETRY IN MOTION: Only 120 of the Vincent ‘Black Prince’ motorcycles were ever built, and a model will be on display at Saturday’s Rock and Ride Fest at Chocolate Café

HE recipe is simple: take a few classic and custom cars and bikes, add a dirt track oval, stir in a large dose of live rock and roll music, mix in a couple of food and fun stalls and top it all off with a beer garden. Place all these ingredients in a stunning grassed and shady setting and you have the ultimate 60s festival! It’s all happening in Plettenberg Bay on Saturday December 19 at Chocolate Café, just 5km from Plett on the N2 direction Knysna. The dirt track is open to anyone in any car or bakkie, or on a motorbike, who wants to test their skills on the oval. The vehicles will have five laps on the track, one at a time, and the only competition is between man and machine.

Music is provided by local musos and the 60s theme will ensure much foot stomping and memorable beats from the past. Among the display vehicles is a very rare 1953 Vincent ‘Black Prince’ motorcycle. Only 120 of these magnificent machines were manufactured and this one has been in the family who still owns in, since new. Any enthusiasts who would like to display their vehicles are welcome and it will get you a free gate pass for two, to boot. Gates open at 2pm and excellent tunes will rock the party ‘till late. To enter your car for display or if you would like to book a stall, contact Bobby Hack on 082 667 0427, and see the advert on this page for additional information.

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

16 December 2015

Do you want a realtor who’s otterly amazing?

The agents you’d recommend to a friend...

+27 (0)44 533 5250 WWW.EVERITT-PLETT.CO.ZA

Tel: 082 551 4638

Ride, run and hike through exciting new MTB trails at Plett’s Cairnbrogie MTB & Trail Park. Spend the day riding exceptional forest trails or pump it up on the DIRT Lab designed pump track. Take a hike or trail run or just kick back and enjoy the view from the wholesome cafe. A variety of levels in a secure environment mean fun for the whole family.

www.PlettMountainBikePark.co.za

CXPRESS

INTERVAL

16 December 2015

My 60-year kindergarten reunion is coming up soon and I’m worried about the 88kg I’ve gained.

The long way round… blonde goes for a job interview in an office. The interviewer starts with the basics. “So, Miss, can you tell us your age, please?” The blonde counts carefully on her fingers for half a minute before replying: “Ehhhh... 22.” The interviewer tries another straightforward one to break the ice: “And can

you tell us your height, please?” The young lady stands up and produces a measuring tape from her handbag. She then traps one end under her foot and extends the tape to the top of her head. She checks the measurement and announces: “Five foot two!” This isn’t looking good, so the interviewer goes for the

real basics, something the interviewee won’t have to count, measure, or look up. “Just to confirm for our records… your name, please?” The blonde bobs her head from side to side for about fifteen seconds, mouthing something silently to herself, before replying:

“Mandy!” The interviewer is completely baffled at this stage, so he asks: “What were you doing when I asked you your name?” “Ohhhh, THAT!” replies Mandy.” I was just running through that song ‘Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you…’”

Don’t shoot no deputy NE day a farmer’s son walks into a police station because he wants to become a deputy, which he’s wanted to be his whole life. So he goes over to the sheriff’s desk and says: “I’m here to be a deputy.” The sheriff laughs and says: “Well, let’s see if you’re qualified, son.” He asks the lad a question and waits to receive an answer. The sheriff says: “Close enough – now, which two days of the week begin with ‘T’?” “Today and tomorrow,”

says the farmer’s son. “Not what I was looking for, but I’ll give it to yes,” says the sheriff. “Who shot Abraham Lincoln?” he then asks. The farmer’s son just stands there with a blank look on his face. “Why don’t you go home, think about it and come back tomorrow,” the sheriff says. So the farmer’s son goes home and his wife asks: “So, Sweet Pea, did you get the job?” “I think so, they’ve already put me on a murder case.”

OH GIMME THE BEAT, BOYS and free my soul, I wanna get lost in your rock and roll

Making tea for daddy NE day little Abby’s mom was out and her dad was in charge of her. Abby was maybe twoand-a-half years old and had just recovered from an accident. Someone had given her a little tea set as a get-well gift and it was one of her favourite toys. Daddy was in the living room engrossed in the evening news when she brought Daddy a little cup of ‘tea’, which was just water. After several cups of tea and lots of praise for such

yummy tea, Abby’s mom came home. Her husband made her wait in the living room to watch Abby bring him a cup of tea, because it was “just the cutest thing!” Abby’s mom waited, and sure enough, there came her daughter down the hall with a cup of tea for Daddy, and she watched him drink it up. Then she says to her husband: “Did it ever occur to you that the only place she can reach to get water is the toilet?”

Sometimes I pretend to be normal, but it gets boring - so I go back to being me.

INTERVAL

16 December 2015

CXPRESS

On average, a South African man will make love two to three times a week, whereas a Japanese man will make love only once or twice a year. This is upsetting news to me... I had no idea I was Japanese!

It starts with an S... HE pastor asks if anyone in the congregation would like to express praise for answered prayers. Suzie Smith walks to the podium, and says: “I have a praise. Two months ago, my husband, Phil, had a terrible bicycle wreck and his scrotum was completely crushed. The pain was excruciating and the doctors didn’t know if they could help him.” You can hear a muffled gasp from the men in the congregation as they imagine the pain poor Phil must have experienced. “Phil was unable to hold me or our dear children,” Suzie continues, “and every move caused him terrible pain. “We prayed as the doctors performed a delicate operation, and it turned out they were able to piece

together the crushed remnants of Phil’s scrotum, and wrap wire around it to hold it in place.” Again, the men in the congregation squirm uncomfortably as they imagine the horrible surgery performed on Phil. “Now,” Suzie announces in a quivering voice, “thank the Lord, Phil is out of the hospital and the doctors say that, with time, his scrotum should recover completely.” All the men sigh with unified relief. The pastor rise and tentatively asks if anyone else has something to say. A man stands up and walks slowly to the podium. “I’m Phil,” he says. The entire congregation holds its breath. “I just want to tell my wife the word is ‘sternum’.”

A conversation between a captain and his co-pilot N Air Vanuatu plane leaves Pekoa Airport under the control of a Jewish captain; his co-pilot is Chinese. It’s the first time they’ve flown together and an awkward silence between the two seems to indicate a mutual dislike. Once they reach cruising altitude, the Jewish captain activates the auto-pilot, leans back, and mutters: “I don’t like Chinese.” “No rike Chinese?” asks the co-pilot. “Why not?” “You people bombed Pearl Harbour, that’s why!” “No, no,” the co-pilot protests, “Chinese not bomb Peahl Hahbah! That Japanese, not Chinese.” “Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese… doesn’t matter, you’re all alike!”

There are a few minutes of silence. “I no rike Jews!” the copilot suddenly announces. “Oh yeah, why not?” asks the captain. “Jews sink Titanic!” says the co-pilot. “What? You’re insane! Jews didn’t sink the Titanic!” exclaims the captain. “It was an iceberg!” “Iceberg, Rosenberg or Goldberg, Greenberg, … no mattah, all bloody same.”

If Plan A didn’t work, the alphabet has 25 more letters. Stay cool.

I can get more storage space!

Taking a bath just like Cleopatra blonde heard that baths in milk would make her young and beautiful again. So, the next morning she left a note for her milkman to leave 95 litres of milk. When the milkman read the note, he felt there must be a mistake. He

thought the woman probably meant 9.5 litres. So, he knocked on the door to clarify the point: “I found your note asking me to leave 95 litres of milk. Did you perhaps mean 9.5 litres?” The blonde said: “No, I want 95 litres. I’m going

to fill my bathtub with milk and take a bath so I can look young and beautiful again.” The milkman asked: “Do you want it pasteurised?” The blonde said: “No, just up to my chest. I can splash it on my eyes if I need to.”

The agents you’d recommend to a friend...

+27 (0)44 533 5250 WWW.EVERITT-PLETT.CO.ZA

I have a six pack, it’s just hiding under the fat... it’s shy.

CXPRESS

FOOD & WINE

16 December 2015

Periodontic excursion leads Jeeves to discover the perfect pot for Christmas Words & photos: Jeeves

ORANGE INSPIRED FESTIVE TURKEY: The recipe here is from Linda Hatting’s wonderful food book ‘Ode to Oranges’

AVING taken a few people before to see medical specialists in George, I knew that this next trip with a gent to visit a periodontist could turn into a time-consuming affair. He also advised me that he was booked for a two-hour session. So I took along a couple of cookbooks to browse through over coffee to help pass the time, while waiting for the receptionist’s call to fetch him. With Christmas looming, I was curious to check out whether there were a few new angles, perhaps, on preparing Christmas turkey or duck. Picked up a few good tips from Ina Paarman… a) thaw poultry slowly in the fridge, e.g. a 4kg turkey: 2-3 days; b) cut off wing tips; c) mix salt, pepper, chicken stock powder, and 1T flour and pat over bird; d) cover with un-waxed buttered greaseproof paper (covered

it will become a mouth-watering, golden brown colour, retaining all moisture and natural juices). No fowl dishes in Sannie Smit’s South African meat cookbook, but Jamie’s Naked Chef had a super dish of ‘steamed and roasted duck with honey and oyster sauce’. Not what I was looking for, though. But then, paging through Ode to Oranges by Linda Hatting [a friend of Maureen’s aka ‘Captain Mo’ - turn to page 2 of the November 11 edition at www.cxpress.co.za], the ‘all South African turkey recipe’ that I was searching for jumped right out at me… from a potjie pot, lekker! And here it is to share with you, with her blessing. A big thank you to Linda!

Potjie ingredients (the potjie can either be done over a charcoal fire or on a large catering gas ring on low to medium heat): • 1 large turkey (3-4kg) • 2 tbsp butter • Salt and pepper to season • 4 onions, chopped • 4-5 grated carrots • 1 packet of bacon, chopped • 1 packet bacon slices (optional) • 2 cups red wine • 1 cup fresh orange juice • 1 cup chicken stock • 15ml vegetable oil for frying.

Christmas Turkey Potjie (serves eight people) Stuffing ingredients: • 1 medium onion, chopped • 500g pork sausage, remove from casing • 3 tsp fresh sage, chopped (or 2 tsp freeze-dried) • 3 tsp parsley, chopped (or 2 tsp freeze-dried) • 1 tsp freshly ground nutmeg (or mace) • 1 cup of white bread crumbs, grated • 1 egg, beaten • 15ml butter for frying • Salt and white pepper to taste. Method: Melt the butter and fry the onion until golden and then add the sausage meat and fry together until cooked. Add the breadcrumbs and herbs. Bind with the egg mixture, mixing well.

KNACKERED CHEF AT WORK: Follow the recipe and method with care and you’re ensured of the most delicious Christmas bird

Method: Fry the onion, carrots and bacon in the potjie and then remove and set aside. Lather the turkey with butter and season well. Brown the turkey, turning continuously. Remove from the potjie and wrap the bacon around the bird, securing with toothpicks. Replace the turkey and add the onion and carrot mixture to the potjie. Then add the wine, chicken stock and orange juice - it should be half-filled with liquid. Cook slowly, for 30 minutes per 500g of turkey, turning every half hour. Accompany your Christmas turkey with a good Pinotage like Beyerskloof, Diemersfontein or Chateau Naude. Next up, my take on German red cabbage, with Linda’s roast potatoes, and brandied orange and cranberry sauce, to accompany her Christmas Potjie Turkey, yummy! Jeeves aka ‘The Knackered Chef!’

FOOD & WINE

16 December 2015

CXPRESS

The story of two famous Plett restaurants... five decades down the line HERE was much excitement and anticipation before the opening of the first pucker à la carte restaurant in Plettenberg Bay back in the day. The date was November 1 and the year 1968, when townsfolk attended the launch of The Golden Coach à la carte restaurant at The Formosa Inn. It was also the occasion of the first ladies cocktail bar, The Hitching Post, in Pletttenberg Bay. Remember, females were not allowed to enter bars; only the men were welcomed as patrons of what used to be called ‘public bars’. Barry and Janet Stroebel were extremely proud to innovate this novel going out option in Plettenberg Bay, offering a brand new experience for the sleepy coastal village. Now, almost half a century later, the town was more than ready for another Stroebel innovation - the opening of the fabulous Equinox flame and flavour restaurant below The Lookout Deck on the sands of Lookout Beach. Chris and Pippa Stroebel could hardly believe it when realising that it was 47 years to the exact day that Golden Coast opened its doors, when they celebrated the opening of Equinox on November 1 this year. Almost five decades down the line, the Stroebel family are still intricately involved in servicing all of Plett while boosting tourism in the town and surrounds. Let’s see what the next generation of this talented clan will come up with in the good old Stroebel showcase tradition… Roll on the next 50 years! • See the advert on this page for contact details.

LAVISH: The Golden Coach was Plett’s first à la carte eatery, complete with uniformed waiters, lush carpets and intimate lighting to complement its menu offerings

GIRLS NIGHT OUT: Revolutionary for the sleepy hollow of Plett as the 60s drew to a close, The Hitching Post ladies cocktail bar offered the fairer sex a brand new leisure option

CHIC BEACH SLEEK: The clean white lines and chrome finishes of Equinox, above and below, are enhanced by the spectacular view of its Lookout Beach setting

Est. 1984

LIKE BARRY LIKE CHRIS: Father and son Stroebel share a joke and a laugh back in the good old Formosa Inn days

CXPRESS

HOME & HEALTH

16 December 2015

PlettAid team changes lives, thanks to the generous people of Bitou es and organisations responsible for this are too numerous to mention here, but we would like to say a heartfelt thank you to every one of you.” Join the team and friends for holiday fun at their

HE PlettAid Foundation is celebrating being abundantly blessed by the local community during this past year. In 2015, they cared for 244 patients living with one or more life-limiting illnesses, and their families; 8,154 visits were done by the three professional nurses, one staff nurse and five carers. This small team cared for patients and their families on a physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and cultural level. The Wellness Team, on the other hand, screened and tested a total of 2,981 people for high blood pressure, diabetes,

TB and HIV, as well as prostate, breast and cervical cancers. Says head of the caring crew, Cecily van Heerden: “It is the generous people of Plett who have enabled the organisation to provide this free service to all levels of the Bitou society. “Donations of money, household goods like linen, clothing, curtains, kitchenware and beds, the time given by volunteers, as well as support of the myriad of events organised by Annabelle Conyngham for the benefit of the Foundation, have all contributed to this work. “The individuals, church-

Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

Bonanza Bazaar with the Plett Pioneers Field Band on Saturday December 19 at the PlettAid Foundation grounds, or make your contribution to their essential work during the street collection on the same day.

GOODWILL RECEIVED: Contributions from the local community to PlettAid include 60 food parcels from the Methodist Church, wheelchairs from the Rotary Club and R21,000 from the Plett Bridge Club, which bought two syringe drivers, three wheelchairs, five egg-box mattresses, two commodes and some gauze and bandages!

Help fill the stockings of Pine Trees children HE Christmas party held yearly by the Pine Trees Community Outreach Project, for underprivileged children or New Horizon in Plett has been postponed to December 24 and anyone who can assist with food and gift donations or cash contributions are invited to contact project director Shaun Terblanche. “We are asking your readers to please open their hearts and offer these kids any assistance they could by replying to

me no later than December 18. We would like to make it a special event for them all,” says Shaun. “All contributions are welcome, however small, and will be received with gratitude. The date for collection has changed to the 22nd in order for us to do the preparations for the December 24. Yours in the heart of a child.” Call 073 5135 119 or email shaunterblanche 26@gmail.com if you would like to further this worthy cause.

PROMOTION

16 December 2015

CXPRESS

16 December 2015

CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

16 December 2015

Letters to the Editor

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

CXPRESS

Read CXPRESS online at www.cxpress.co.za

Remembering Rio - and those buzzing saws to anyone who want- that these delegates flying in the Amazon jungle them ed to chop up the Amazon in from all over the world, Your cover story in the December 9 issue reminded me of a similar conference decades ago [turn to page 5 of that edition at www. cxpress.co.za]. In 1992, I was filming 1,600km up the Rio Negro, so called because the colour of the water is dark topaz. This is due to the high pH of the water coming down from the flooded Amazon, which means no mosquitos - what a blessing! As I travelled up and down the side tributaries catching peacock bass, checking out the anacondas (not nice), all I could hear was the perpetual buzz of chain saws. While in Brazil, I had an interview with the secretary to the governor of Amazonia - an unbeliev-

Much appreciated I’m writing to say a big ‘thank you’ for including our football boot story in CXPRESS [read it on page 5 of the December 2 edition at www.cxpress.co.za]. I’ve sent a copy to all our friends in the UK who helped with this project so they know the boots arrived and how happy the boys were to receive them. Thank you for fitting it in so quickly as I’m sure with the Rage on, it was a busy week! Amanda Allum, Plett Thanks guys for a lovely article [turn to page 17 of the December 9 edition and read ‘This guide makes instant veggie growers, with love from the moon and Mrs Boshoff] - it made me feel super happy and blessed! Gaye Boshoff, Plett

ably vast area. Amazingly, this young man was from St Helena. Educated in Cape Town, he spoke Afrikaans fluently, which was a great help working with the local population who mainly spoke Portuguese. In the course of the interview, I asked him why I heard the continual buzz of chain saws in what was supposed to be a world preservation area of rain forests. He replied that the governor held the McKinnon chain saw agency and sold

for profit, along the way colleting another rakeful on the sale of timber. Meanwhile back at the ranch in Rio, the great and not so great were holding an earth conference to preserve the rain forests and environment of the world. There was dear prince Charles waffling on, telling the assembled mob from all over the planet how desperate was the problem of preservation of the world’s environment and future. He was ignoring the fact

including the sandal brigade, were creating more pollution just by attending the conference. So to all you dear people attending the Paris conference, do bear that carbon footprint in mind… The moral of the story: if there is a buck to be made, either out of timber, palm oil forests or opencast mining, you can kiss the environment goodbye. The world ain’t gonna turn back to using candles. Paul Deans, Plett

Rather than respected, our seniors are the flotsam and jetsam of society Once again we are holding the annual awareness campaign of the 16 Days of Activism to highlight the abuse of women and children. I was wondering whether this also includes exploitation of the elderly. Abuse of the elderly never seems to receive any attention except when the media picks up on some horrific event in an old age home. Unfortunately this scourge is much more insidious and widespread in our society than those isolated instances. Our old age residences and institutions are full to capacity, yet whenever someone reaches advanced years, the family sees the only solution to this worthless human is to shove them into an old age home. Heaven forbid that they should have to care for an elderly parent! The elderly are the discarded flotsam and jetsam of modern western societies, whereas in other cultures elderly people are respected and revered. Their wisdom is sought and their

advice appreciated. I won’t even elaborate on the exploitation of businesses who see the elderly as easy targets and quite happily provide shoddy services for which they overcharge. Then we come to that wonderful practice prevalent in this country - the usufruct. The marriage laws of South Africa provide for community of property marriages unless an ante nuptial contract is entered into. In the UK and some other countries, marriages are automatically out of community of property unless a prenuptial contract stipulates otherwise. So when the husband dies in the case of community of property, he can bequeath his half of the estate to whomsoever he wishes. But if it is tied up, as in the case of the family home, to his wife’s half of the estate it cannot be cut in half so it must be sold to liquidate his half of the property. We find cases where the husband may wish to leave his half of the joint estate

to his children from a previous marriage. From the moment the husband is in his grave, the heirs start to harass the widow for their share of the property. First they try to nullify the usufruct clause in the Will, and when this proves impossible they begin to work on the old lady. They nag and nag until she is a bundle of nerves and eventually agrees to relinquish her rights. So she is forced to move from her beautiful home into a tiny bedsitter in some retirement complex. If the widow is frail and needs full time nursing care, one can understand that. But when the widow is still healthy and active I can see no reason why she should be driven out of her home. It is time that some attention be paid to this practice of intimidating elderly people to relinquish their rights and be forced from their homes. As a society we should devote more time to the welfare of our senior citizens. M Matzener, Plett

More on that fog horn that plagues Poortjies... Has anybody suggested that a fairly common, but secretive and hardly ever seen, bird may be the source of the ‘noise’? This bird and it is surprisingly small at only 16cm in length and weighing in at ±45g - is the Buff-spotted flufftail. It has a unique lowpitched mournful call at night repeated over and over rather like a fog horn which can be heard at least

a few hundred metres away - and it really gets going in misty weather. This bird is surprisingly common in well wooded gardens on the Garden Route. Tony Cain, Plett --I just want to say a big thank you for sorting out my dilemma. In addition to all the birders responding that the sound some lodgers complained about was

the Buff-spotted flufftail, our son-in-law has a phone app for bird calls. He played the flufftail’s call for me and voilà! It was the sound we had heard. Now, however, I have to try and locate him… Al Scheffer, Plett (We thank everyone who responded to Al’s query. Turn to p11 of the Dec 2 edition at www.cxpress.co.za to read the original letter. -Eds.)

La Luna

CXPRESS

Tough day at the office…

SPORT & ADVENTURE

16 December 2015 Julie Orsmond shared this pic of one of her twin sons, Joshua, riding waves on a Full Circle surfboard and surrounded by dolphins off Robberg 5 Beach - aaaah, the life of a young Plett native is a harrowing affair indeed. The past weeks have seen spectacular marine mammal action in the bay, with sightings of vast numbers of dolphins chasing schools of bait fish, to the extent that the sea water seemed to bubble and boil as far as the eye could see. Trudge down to Robberg 5 if you want to learn to surf, too.

The longest day now kickoff date for Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge 2015 Now in its 12th year, the iconic charity-based event has exploded onto the Garden Route sports calendar with such popularity it has become an integral part of Plettenberg Bay’s festive season tradition - and you simply have to do it ITH close to 4,500 participants taking part last year in nine different activities, the Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge presented by Discovery has not only become a major fundraiser for a most worthy cause, but a regular meeting place for like-minded folk who want to give back over the festive season. Organisers of the annual event want every runner, trailie, walker, swimmer, mountain biker and ‘Kid of Steel’ to take note of the new dates for this year’s Sabrina. This feast of family fun and fitness that has for more than a decade been held in the year’s final days now takes place before Christmas, starting on summer solstice December 21, and continuing throughout Tuesday the 22nd and Wednesday the 23rd. “As one of the Route’s biggest sporting events, it is imperative that participants diarise these new dates to avoid missing out,” says event director Mark Collins. This year’s Challenge kicks off with the 10km Road and Beach run on the evening of Monday December 21, with low tide affording perfect beach running conditions. The next day starts with the 15km Surf Ski Challenge followed by the 6km Ocean Swim and 5km Beach Walk. The new and much-an-

ticipated One Mile Ocean Swim rounds off the second day’s beach-based activities before the Challenge heads off to the magnificent Kurland Estate for the third and final day of fit family fun. Day 3 opens with two Trail Runs at 6km and 10km respectively, followed by the 25km Mountain Bike Ride. Festivities draw to a close with the popular Kids of Steel event, which is open to children aged six to 12 years and involves traversing an off-road trail course that includes obstacles, a swim and a floating bridge. The organising team is particularly excited about the new routes for the trail runs and the Kids of Steel event. Said Collins: “I think the kids are going to have even more fun than ever before. We have tailored the swim distance for different age groups to cater for children with varying swimming abilities.” He cautioned that all entries are limited and encouraged those wanting guaranteed spots in any of the events to enter online at www.sabrinalove.co.za or at the Sabrina entry points located off Robberg 5 or in the Ocean Blue shop at Central Beach. Interest in the inaugural One Mile Swim is anticipated to be high and swimmers are encouraged to enter quickly as entries are limited.

Due to the generous provision of event sponsors Discovery, proceeds from the Ocean Challenge go to the Sabrina Love Foundation, which looks after children with special needs. Last year, participants contributed over R1-million to the Foundation, so making a real difference in the lives of these kids and their families who are challenged by circumstances beyond their control. Says Discovery group executive director Barry Swartzberg: “It’s been a privilege for us to be involved in the Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge for the past seven years. Discovery has a business priority to make a meaningful contribution across communities and through our involvement we are honoured to continue supporting children living with special needs. “For us, it also goes beyond charity to a larger social responsibility that Discovery is passionate about - getting people active and making them healthier. The Sabrina brings all these elements together and highlights the many benefits of getting physically active both for the community and for people’s health.” Call 072 030 9750 or email christine@magnetic south.net and see the advert on page 21 for further information.

WIN a horseback safari with Budget ONE lucky reader can win a weekend’s car rental with Budget and horseback safari for two at Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve. No other rental service offers such a wide reach of the Garden Route - arguably SA’s most beautiful travel destination. When you need to rent a quality car at an affordable price, Budget’s got you covered. Just answer this question: How many Budget car rental locations are there in the Western Cape? Email your answer to Grace Muvodzi at grace.muvodzi@ ogilvypr.co.za by December 18. Tip: visit http:// www.budget.co.za/RentaCar/car-hire-locations. aspx for the answer, and remember to include your name and contact details. The winner will be notified by the good folk at Budget (Ts & Cs apply).