16 july

16 July 2014

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

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Photo: Christy Strever - showmeknysna.co.za

Festival Month on the Route is now a thing of the past, and fun events like the Protea Hotel Knysna Quays Waitron Race enjoyed by all - see more Oyster Fest and Plett MAD Fest news inside

Knysna dealer to jail p3

Friday is Madiba Day! p7

Fab food & wine tales p12

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CXPRESS

News & Views

16 July 2014

Not for sissies - remembering the trials

and tribulations of retail in the 1970s

DEREK FRIELINGHAUS, who opened Melvilles Spar in Plett and owned it from 1976 to 1999, shared these humorous reminiscences of a time long gone by - and dug up the poem alongside, penned by Helen Mudge who had a need for a tea and told him so

D

URING the 1970s, supermarket management was no job for sissies. Our dry goods, for instance, took three weeks to arrive.

The order went by train to Port Elizabeth and a sortof-bus, sort-of-truck then brought the goods in via Assegai Bos, negotiating three passes along the way.

The order was taken to the railway depot and the old guy in charge there would ring us through the pqoogt" cuug/ dnkgh manual exchange - our phone number was 6!

The depot manager clearly had a stressful job, because the degree of hysteria when

he called was directly proportionate to the number of cases we had ordered. A small order elicited a panicky “Come NOW”; more than 100 cases left us with the impression that a heart attack was imminent.

We would race to the depot, manually load sundry bakkies with our order and then return to offload again into our store rooms. The size of our December orders was enough to send the depot manager’s sanity over the edge.

There wasn’t enough room to store the seasonal stock at the shop, so we hired garages and storage space all over

Plettenberg Bay: a double garage in Langdown Road stored our toilet paper; another garage in Gibb Street housed our Coke.

Our breakfast cereals were taken to an abandoned farm near town and carefully stored in a shed which could not be locked. We operated on the premise that Kellogg’s cereals were simply too cumbersome to steal... ß" Fgtgm" Htkgnkpijcwu" ku" c" nqpi/vgto" tgpvcn" urgekcnkuv" cpf" rtkpekrcn" qh" Jcwu" Tgpv/ cnu" kp" Rngvv" /" eqpvcev" jko" cv" jcwuBoygd0eq0|c"qt"qp"2:4" 689"8;6;"ykvj"swgtkgu"qt"uvq/ tkgu"vq"ujctg0

IS IT A BUS? The passenger bus pictured here would also carry goods - the bus which brought our orders looked very much the same, but had no windows and did not carry passengers

Shops R Us - a nutshell history

A note from a customer Hi! Derek Frielinghaus!

It’s me!

Who, being British, love my tea.

The trouble is, it’s hard to find I don’t drink just the normal kind…

Lapsang Sushong, Bos, Earl Grey, Keep them all! But if I may Suggest you buy a type t’attract The discerning c’stmer – ‘tis a fact!

For years and years I’ve shopped at Spar, Right outside, I park my car, And in I go to spend my money – Camembert, ripe grapes and honey, Vino, and an honest ham, Potatoes and a leg of lamb.

You have it all it seems, and yet…

There’s something else you’ll have to get!

You see, my life’s made sweeter far If I can buy my tea at Spar.

It’s called Five Roses, easy enough!

But Orange Flavoured is the stuff!

You’ll know the agents, that I know, And so… and so… and so… AND SO I’ll wait with great expectancy At your Spar shop, to buy my tea!

I bought Monks Supermarket with my dad in 1970 (it was sold around 1987). Those were the days when we sent out chaps on bicycles to collect grocery orders and delivered the order later the same day. We opened Melvilles Spar - pictured at left in its original location on the corner of Main Street - in 1976 and sold it to present owner Nic Gallic in 1999, and the Village Bookshop in about 1990, selling it to John Sanderson-Smith in 1997. We also had a grocery wholesaler in the industrial area for about 10 years, on the site where Erasmus Panelbeaters is now. Below left, Marco Lamberti - who today owns the super-successful Nolans Flooring - was the manager at the time of closing the old Spar store and took this opportunity of inspecting the isles on his motorbike on the last day! While the present shop was being built, the old shop was demolished but there were a few pieces of equipment from the old shop that we could still use. The problem was how to do this over all the builders’ rubble - so they came to the rescue and offered the use of their enormous crane, which lifted the bakery oven, inset, from the old store and swung it over to the new one!

News & Views

16 July 2014

Unpaid radio service leaves Bitou vulnerable Yolandé Stander

T

HE radio repeater service allowing local fire and rescue, traffic and law enforcement officers to efficiently communicate with each other and their control room was suspended on Friday because of non-payment

by Bitou Municipality.

Henry Eybers of Garden Route Communications - the company providing the service - said they had only received three payments from the municipality over the past 18 months and by late last week, the amount outstanding was more than R22,000.

After threatening to suspend the service, the company received a further R8,000 payment last week, but Bitou

failed to pay the outstanding R14,000 by Friday after which the service was suspended.

“We have tried on numerous occasions to get the outstanding account settled. I have had a meeting with municipal manager Alan Paulse, who promised to look into the matter, but two months later we still had not had any feedback,” Eybers said.

He added he also personally requested mayor Memory Booysen’s assistance to resolve the issue, but nothing had come of it and therefore he was forced to suspend the service. Eybers said after a discussion with the municipal manager on Friday, Paulse gave the go-ahead to suspend the service.

What’s up, seamen?!

Eybers said this meant that if there was an emergency outside Plettenberg Bay, for example Harkerville or The Crags, officers would be unable to communicate with each other or the control room, which placed not only residents’ lives and properties at risk, but could also lead to a dangerous situation for the officers themselves.

He said that Garden Route Communications partly sponsored the service and that the municipality only had minimal costs.

“We supply similar services to other municipalities, but have never had any hassles.”

The municipality did not respond to questions regarding the issue, before going to print. - Ictfgp"Tqwvg"Ogfkc Commander Brian Short and his team look on at SAS Umhloti’s first attempt at mooring on Thesen’s Wharf in Knysna.

It took another attempt to safely secure the ship. Turn to pages 5 and 10 for more images.

Photo: Gigi Lewis

Knysna drug dealer sentenced to eight ceived from the community. years behind bars Subsequent to these actions,

G

EORGE Cluster Commander major general Thembikile Patekile has expressed his satisfaction with the harsh sentence imposed on well-known Knysna drug dealer Allistar Galant in the Knysna magistrate’s court last week.

He thanked those involved in the arrest and warned potential dealers to refrain from selling drugs, adding that this

sentence should act as deterrent for them to engage in illicit drug dealings.

The Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation (PCI’s Organised Crime Unit based in George) conducted several sting operations at the suspect’s residence in Ysterhout Street in Hornlee, Knysna, on December 12, 13 and 23, 2013, after various complaints and information re-

police members confiscated 20 units of cocaine rocks and four straws of tik. Galant was arrested on the same day of these confiscations, December 29, and was charged for illegally dealing in drugs.

He made his final court appearance on July 11, when he was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment, of which four years have been suspended for five years.

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CXPRESS

News & Views

16 July 2014

Van Rhyner to cope with party coal-haul session from today Bitou Municipality’s take-over saga continues, with the deputy mayor’s internal COPE disciplinary action starting, and another Western Cape High Court application to be heard by month’s end - YOLANDE STANDER reports

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ITOU deputy Adam van Rhyner faces party disciplinary action after aligning with six local ANC councillors - Mpakamisi Mbali, Hilda Plaatjies, Thelma Besana, Sandiso Gcabayi, Nolan Stuurman and Monica Seyisi - in a call on June 20 for a special council meeting to serve a motion of no confidence in mayor Memory Booysen, speaker Annelise Olivier, and himself.

The disciplinary action

comes after Van Rhyner allegedly breached COPE’s agreement with the DA where there is a coalition arrangement in hung councils.

His disciplinary hearing was set to start last Wednesday evening, but the matter was postponed until July 16.

On that same Friday, Van Rhyner also brought an urgent interdictory application attempting to stop the Independent Electoral Commission from filling the vacancy

declared by Bitou municipal manager Alan Paulse.

But the matter was dismissed with costs as the relief sought was similar to that of another matter already before court.

The parties turned to the Western Cape High Court after the request for the special council meeting on July 1 was turned down by Olivier, as she claimed it did not comply with the municipality’s rules of order.

She brought a court application to stop the meeting from taking place and in court documents indicated that the application was an urgent matter, but Judge Owen Rogers postponed the matter indefinitely.

Olivier did not convene the meeting on July 1, despite an undertaking by the councillors not to take over the municipality illegally or forcefully.

This was followed by a counter application by Van Rhyner and the six councillors, who are seeking an order to force Olivier to convene the meeting, claiming

DOG BOX: Adam van Rhyner’s COPE disciplinary hearing is set to start today Photo: Hardy Mills

that it is in line with the rules of order, as well as to set aside the municipality’s decision to declare Van Rhyner’s seat vacant.

They also intend to stop the replacement of Van Rhyner and labelled his suspension, pending the disciplinary hearings, as “unlawful” after

a series of conflicting instructions regarding his membership status.

The matter was postponed until July 29, as the court is currently in recess.

In the meantime, Van Rhyner issued a statement explaining his decision to support the ANC in their efforts to replace the executive councillors.

“My actions were motivated by various questionable deeds and various instances of maladministration, tender irregularities and illegal tax increases committed by the municipality since 2011.

“My pleas to address these issues, a lot of which was also raised by the AuditorGeneral, fell on deaf ears and I got tired of always hearing that the DA’s brand name is more important than this,” Van Rhyner said.

He added COPE had also been in turmoil and had its “own problems to deal with”.

“My decisions are in line with the direction COPE is heading in... that we will not be bound by either the DA or the ANC. “I will not be bound by decisions made in Cape Town’s Waterfront by a few people in blue, sipping champagne and eating caviar, overlooking the yachts in the harbour.

I will be taking instructions henceforth from the people of Bitou.”

Ictfgp"Tqwvg"Ogfkc

News & Views

16 July 2014

CXPRESS

Navy, history and lookalikes combine for moving Bondi commemoration O

DEAD RINGER FOR BONDI: Lookalike competition winner Bella and owner Faz Mall pay tribute to the fallen ship’s mascot at Bondi’s newly spruced-up grave

SHINING FOR SHIP’S MASCOT: Leading Seaman Galela of the South African Navy upholds a grand old tradition by polishing the plaque on Bondi’s grave

NE of the highlights of last week’s Knysna Oyster Festival was a ceremony to commemorate the life of Bondi, a bulldog who served as ship’s mascot on the HMS Verbena, and who died during a visit to Knysna in 1930.

The ceremony was held on Thursday July 10 in front of the dog’s grave outside the SANParks offices on Thesen Islands. Organised by Knysna Historical Society and local naval personnel, the event attracted a crowd of interested spectators and supporters.

The ceremony was also attended by representatives of the SAS Umhloti, which arrived in Knysna the previous day. The South African Navy upheld the tradition of cleaning and polishing Bondi’s grave - a task ably undertaken

by Leading Seaman Galela.

The Society’s Carol Kennedy shared the story of Bondi’s life and death in Knysna with the gathering.

Then well-known resident and respected local historian Margaret Parkes gave some background on the ship itself and its arrival in Knysna.

Says Cathie Garner of Knysna Historical Society: “We were also very privileged to have in attendance a descendant of one of the sailors on HMS Verbena on its visit to Knysna in 1930, Val Roulston of Sedgefield.

“Val, together with her daughter Alison Applegren and Alison’s three children, all came along to participate MOMENTOUS: A descendant of one of the sailors on HMS Verbena, Sedgefield resident Val Roulston, right, is pictured here with her daughter Alison Applegren, left, and three grandkids, with SAS Umhloti commander Brian Short showing off his miniature statue of a bulldog

and Val also brought a beautiful old photo album of her father’s, which contains several photos of HMS Verbena and, of course, Bondi.

“The culmination of the ceremony was a Bondi lookalike competition won by a bulldog named Bella, owned

by Faz Mall and well known for being the resident ‘mascot’ of Persia Carpets in Knysna.

“Runner-up was a 10-weekold bulldog puppy named Leroy, who wasn’t totally sure what all the fuss was about!”

The competition was judged by representatives of Knysna Animal Welfare Society (KAWS), chairman Marten van Leeuwen and fundraiser Veronica Carter.

Marten also spoke about the work that KAWS undertakes in Knysna and the need for funds to support this work.

The statue of Bondi at Knysna Waterfront is a collection point for donations to KAWS and the Society benefits from the many generous contributions made in this way.

Finally, MC Theo Honiball from the organising committee presented Commander Brian Short of the SAS Umhloti with a statue of a bulldog, to commemorate their participation in this ceremony.

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CXPRESS

News & Views

16 July 2014

DIY Depot serves Plett with skill and vast stock There’s a luminous lime-green store in Piesang Valley Road that you just cannot (afford to) miss!

T

HE need to establish a hardware store in Plettenberg Bay was the direct result of many visits to the town, and of hours spent by Vernon Moolman in the DIY Depot building, hardware and paint store in Krugersdorp.

The service and product ranges that were part of the store inspired him to create a similar shopping experience in Plettenberg Bay. Introducing and establishing the DIY Depot in Plettenberg Bay was planned over an extended period to ensure that it would grow exponentially.

This foundation and building blocks of the concept were achieved by ascertaining and meeting clients’ needs, to ensure a true customer-oriented service, with maximum quality and value for money.

In addition, DIY Depot is conveniently located on the upgraded Piesang Valley Road and easily accessible.

The DIY Depot Group consists of about 150 stores countrywide, with a major focus on growing the brand in the Western Cape.

All the DIY Depot stores are owner-managed and independently owned, with the formidable buying power en-

SKILL ON HAND AT DIY PLETT: June winner in the DIY Depot competition Erwin Leibnitz - flanked in the photo above by team members Dewald Moolman, left, and Herman van den Heever - shows off his snazzy Skill Grinder prize; at right, May winner Marietjie Scholtz receives her prize from DIY Depot CEO Mark Reeves

hanced by the group’s strong market presence.

Plett’s DIY Depot opened its doors in February and has created a new, friendly service-orientated hardware store for the convenience of residents and visitors alike.

Says Vernon: “The ranges in the store are growing virtually on a daily basis, with new products being sourced, based on the needs of our rising customer base.”

Vernon is joined by Her-

man, Beverley, Dewald and Nadine - all of whom strive to give customers the best advice, based on technical experience and product knowledge sure to enhance your shopping experience.

The Green Team at DIY Depot Plettenberg Bay welcomes you to their store!

Swing past at 988 Piesang Valley Road or contact them on 044 533 0328, and visit www.diydepot.co.za for more information.

News & Views

16 July 2014

CXPRESS

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Rotary sends Knysna training team packing... to Switzerland!

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dream come true. This is how Jemima Lutywantsi and Xoliswa Mabukane describe their recent vocational training trip to Switzerland.

Funded by Rotary International, their month-long sojourn in a variety of small towns afforded them the opportunity to gain invaluable experience from Swiss ECD (Early Childhood Development) educators.

Knysna Education Trust (KET) trustee and Rotarian Lesley Satchel accompanied

THANK YOU, ROTARY: Jemima Lutywantsi, left, and Xoliswa Mabukane impressed during a recent trip to compare notes with Swiss colleagues in education

Spend 67 minutes giving back to Plett on Friday

F

RIDAY July 18 is Madiba Day, when people across the globe celebrate Nelson Mandela’s birthday and heed his call to change our world for the better.

Says Alison Bryant of the Plett Clean Campaign: “Our mission to keep Plettenberg Bay clean is ongoing and progressing, being well-supported and received by residents and visitors.

“Along with the municipality’s heads of department we are managing to do the best we can despite constant frustrations, one of these being an urgent need for more control.

“We appeal to people to stop throwing rubbish in the streets from their cars, or just dropping it everywhere around Plett. Please hold on to it until you find a dustbin.

“There may be too few dustbins in town but, be that as it may, dumping your garbage elsewhere means someone else has to pick it up, and there are not many ‘someone elses’ doing this thankless job.”

She adds that Madiba Day provides the perfect opportunity for those locals unable to assist the Clean Plett team during their weekly sessions from 5-6pm (in winter) every

Tuesday.

“Now you have a chance to join the campaign while doing your 67 minutes for Madiba, as we are teaming up with the Plett Police to tackle many problem spots around Bitou on Friday.”

Places targeted on Friday include the area around Madiba’s 90 Trees in New Horizons, the Airport Road, and Robberg Road (i.e. past the dump), and the full length of Piesang Valley Road down to The River Club.

“Everyone is invited to meet in Main Street at 3pm, to give back 67 minutes to our community. And apart from Friday’s clean-up sessions, we encourage locals to celebrate Mandela Month by keeping their own suburbs tidy.

Whereas Alison is in charge of Plett CBD, and project leaders have stepped forward in Kranshoek and Wittedrift, representatives are desperately needed in Kurland Village, New Horizons, KwaNokuthula and Green Valley.

Contact Alison on 082 572 1027 or at bryants@wispernet.co.za or call Stephanie on 082 261 0542 for more info, and to find out how you can make a difference in Plett.

the ladies as team leader and was full of praise for their punctuality, enthusiasm and active participation.

Their Swiss hosts were also enthralled with the local duo’s vocal skills when they gave renditions of African praise songs - especially the Enkem"Uqpi, made famous by Miriam Makeba.

Jemima detailed the beautiful settings, extensive equipment and facilities of the Swiss preschools as a definite highlight. She was surprised

to see very young children being taught how to cook eggs.

Most notable, too, was the interactive relationship between teachers, who used computers extensively to aid their preparation work.

Xoliswa described how children were taught independence and responsibility with very little reliance upon the teacher, who merely acts as guide.

Small gestures, such as pushing chairs back in and replacing materials used, evi-

denced the discipline instilled from a young age.

As KET edu-assistants, Jemima and Xoliswa look forward to implementing what they have seen and learned at the local preschools currently under their supervision. ß Visit http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=2Mwh9z5 8iAU for a classic, if rather blurry, video clip of Miriam Makeba performing The Click Song in Dutch TV studios during Sept 1979.)

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CXPRESS

Interval

16 July 2014

If your father is a poor man, it’s your fate, but if your father-in-law is a poor man, it’s your stupidity.

The moral of the story

O

NE day, little Johnny’s teacher asks the class to go home and think of a story to be concluded with the moral of that story.

The following day the teacher asks the first volunteer to tell their story.

Little Suzy raises her hand: “My dad owns a farm and every Sunday we load the chicken eggs on the truck and drive into town to sell them at the market.

“Well, one Sunday we hit a big bump and all the eggs flew out of the basket and onto the road.”

When the teacher asks for the moral of the story, Suzy replies: “Don’t keep all your eggs in one basket.”

Little Lucy is next: “My dad owns a farm too. Every weekend we take the eggs and put them in the incubator. Last weekend only eight of the 12 eggs hatched.”

Again, the teacher asks for

the moral of the story, and Lucy replies: “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”

Next up is little Johnny: “My uncle Ted fought in the Vietnam War, and his plane was shot down over enemy territory. He jumped out before it crashed, but could only take a case of beer, a machine gun, and a machete.

“On the way down, he drank the case of beer. Then he landed right in the middle of 100 Vietnamese soldiers. He shot 70 with his machine gun, but then he ran out of bullets!

“So he pulled out his machete and killed 20 more.

Then the blade on his machete broke, so he killed the last ten with his bare hands.”

The teacher looks shocked.

After clearing her throat, she asks what possible moral there could be to this story.

“Well,” Johnny replies, “don’t mess with Uncle Ted when he’s been drinking.”

What is politics?

• Politics is the gentle art of getting votes from the poor and campaign funds from the rich, by promising to protect each from the other. /"Quect" Cogtkpigt."flVjg"Octm"Vyckp" qh"Cogtkecp"Uqekcnkuo‚ • I offered my opponents a deal: If they will stop telling lies about me, I will stop telling the truth about them. /"Cfnck"Uvgxgpuqp."ecorckip" urggej"3;74 • A politician is a fellow who will lay down your life for his country. /"Vgzcu"Iwkpcp."3;vj" egpvwt{"WU"dwukpguuocp • I have come to the conclusion that politics is too serious a matter to be left to the politicians. /" Ejctngu" fg" Icwnng."

Htgpej"igpgtcn"cpf"rqnkvkekcp • Instead of giving a politician the keys to the city, it might be better to change the locks. /" Fqwi" Nctuqp." Gpi/ nkuj" okffng/fkuvcpeg" twppgt" yjq" yqp" iqnf" ogfcnu" cv" vjg"

3;46"Qn{orke"Icogu"kp"Rct/ ku."3;24/3;:3 • We hang petty thieves and appoint the bigger thieves to public office. /"Cguqr."Itggm" uncxg"cpf"hcdng"cwvjqt • Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber. /"Rnc/ vq."cpekgpv"Itggm"rjknquqrjgt • Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build a bridge even where there is no river. /"Pkmkvc"Mjtwujejgx."

Twuukcp"Uqxkgv"rqnkvkekcp • When I was a boy I was told that anybody could become Prime Minister; I’m beginning to believe it. /"Swqvgf" kp" flEnctgpeg" Fcttqy" hqt" vjg" Fghgpug‚"d{"Ktxkpi"Uvqpg • Politicians are people who, when they see light at the end of the tunnel, go out and buy some more tunnel. /" Lqjp"Swkpvqp."Cogtkecp"ce/ vqt1ytkvgt

WEAK PEOPLE AVENGE STRONG PEOPLE FORGIVE

INTELLIGENT PEOPLE IGNORE

Business

16 July 2014

CXPRESS

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Spotlight on stokvels during National Savings Month

T

HE annual July Savings Month, instigated by the SA Savings Institute (SASI), aims to foster a culture of

saving by promoting debate around key aspects of savings and raising awareness of the benefits of short, medium and

long-term planning.

The spotlight this year falls on informal saving mechanisms, and SASI held an

expo focused on stokvels - Stokvelex 2014 - at the Tshwane Conference Centre from July 3-6.

Demand escalates as construction starts at Eden Palms

E

DEN Palms is finally under construction. Says one of its developers, Nic Burke: “The walls and entrance are almost finished, and construction on Phase 1 will commence in the next few weeks.”

He adds that his team is confident about the fact that buyers in this first phase will be able to take occupation before the end of the year.

Eden Palms is a reasonablypriced development consisting of 344 units with upmarket finishes. The two-bedroom units sell at R439,950 with a monthly levy of only R195.

As a full security estate, there will be an estate manager on duty at all times.

Eden Palms was designed

by Steve Westraadt from Tvsqvets Diaz & Associates - one of the top architects in

Investor Focus

BRICK BY BRICK: The walls and entrance of Eden Palms are nearing completion, and construction on Phase 1 is due to start shortly

Plettenberg Bay - and no expense has been spared, with even an area to park trailers provided on the premises.

Drying yards are also situated on the roof of every block to prevent the unsightly look of clothes being dried on balconies.

The developers would like to take this opportunity to thank Bitou Council for its help and support.

“Our local councillors were instrumental in getting Eden Palms approved, enabling us to start construction timeously,” says Burke.

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

The US markets and interest rates

I

N order to fully understand the driving forces behind the US markets, one should consider a few fundamentals.

The P/E ratio (this is a measure of earnings versus price in basic terms, if you bought the Dow Jones now, it would take 16 years for the earnings or profits to equal the current price) of the Dow Jones Industrial Average is currently at 16 and the S&P500 at 18.2, while the Nasdaq has a startling PE of 35.7.

For the Dow, a PE of 16 is not regarded as expensive, while the PE of the Nasdaq at 35.7 is very high. This high PE reflects the extreme optimism that surrounds the current darlings of Wall Street, i.e. Facebook, Google, Apple, Twitter, etc.

The S&P500 at 18.2 is not overly expensive. It is probably correct to say that other

Units are selling fast and Nedbank have approved 100% bonds for buyers who qualify. All indications are that there will not be enough units for the demand as sales are moving fast.

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than the Nasdaq, the US markets are within a realistic band, so they are neither overly expensive nor particularly cheap. It is apt to say that they are fairly priced.

Since the Great Recession, US companies have become lean and mean. They have been forced to shed all excess baggage, reduce stock, and are now pushing to expand their top lines, i.e. to increase their sales, etc.

At the same time, the US economy is starting to show definite signs of traction.

Unemployment is hovering just above 6%, more houses are being built, and corporate profits are on the rise.

It is probably safe to say that the profits of leading US companies will show sound growth over the next two to three years. This growth will justify the current PE ratios

of the Dow and the S&P500, and should be reflected by continued upward movements of these indices.

On the other hand, one should also expect the gradual withdrawal of the economic steroids that were administered to save the country from a severe recession.

We have already seen the gradual withdrawal of the so called Quantitative Easing, which should conclude by year end.

The next big fear will be the turnaround in interest rates. A gradual return to ‘normality’ should be anticipated - this process could start sometime next year.

The current regime of almost zero rates will end with a target of ±2% to be reached over a two-year period.

The final normalisation will occur when US inflation and

long-term interest rates are each approximately 2%. The skill needed by the FED is to manage the rise in rates so as not to restrict economic growth.

Thus we will see corporate profits continuing to rise, but with rising interest rates resisting the aggressive increase in share prices. This is a healthy situation - it should prevent a ‘run-away’ market, and afford investors a healthy gradual bull market.

There will be many bumps along the way, but an investor with quality shares or a wellmanaged equity unit trust will see continued performance from current levels.

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Themed Stimulating Local Economies, the expo linked stokvels with the formal financial institutions that could service them, in order to gain an in-depth understanding of the various models and investigate the implications of stokvel activities on overall household savings.

“The exclusion of many South Africans from the mainstream financial sector during apartheid caused parallel informal financial mechanisms to emerge,” says Elizabeth Lwanga-Nanziri.

“Stokvels, mogodisan and lekgotla - these terms are now synonymous with township savings and investment clubs, and one cannot address issues around saving without including these mechanisms.

“After 20 years of democracy as well as financial sector reforms that encourage access to financial services, these informal mechanisms are still vibrant, with membership that spans across the entire income spectrum. This has clear implications for the formal financial sector.”

Lwanga-Nanziri references a study by Africa Response (2012), which put a value of R44-billion per year of savings accumulated through informal saving mechanisms.

She explains that these mechanisms continue to

evolve, with research findings pointing to forward-looking stokvel structures that now encourage members to save for education for their children or to purchase or expand homes, over and above saving for basic requirements such as food and medical care.

“The outcome of the SASI Savings Symposium of 2013 pointed to a financial regulatory framework that is inadvertently keeping many South Africans out of the operations of the formal financial system,” says Lwanga-Nanziri.

“As practitioners strive to observe the current regulations, ordinary South Africans either join the formal system, which can be perceived as expensive or inappropriate for their needs, or use their familiar informal system - although it could take advantage of their lack of alternative financial service and product options.

“The problem is exacerbated by the fragmentation of this market, which makes information sharing on financial risks and opportunities challenging.”

The expo was attended by representatives from government, regulators, financial service providers from the formal and informal sectors, various stokvel groups and civil society.

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Social Scene

16 July 2014

People, places & events JOYOUS RECEPTION: Knysna Speaker and DA councillor Eleanore Bouw-Spies, in bright blue at left, has a friendly ‘entente cordiale’ with ANC Chief Whip and councillor Stephen de Vries and friends during the mooring of the Navy’s SAS Umhloti at Knysna Quays. The ship’s arrival was cause for much hilarity, first from the side of Knysna Yacht Club members after a near-miss with a local boat, and then when a minor ding forced the Umhloti’s crew into a second, softer mooring, pictured at right.

Photos: Gigi Lewis

WELCOME BACK, MR SMITH! Renowned Plett artist Dallas Smith, along with his wife Linda and two teenaged sons, embarked on an excursion to get in touch with his ancestral roots last year. They spent time in beautiful South Devon, exploring the natural splendour of this southwestern region of England. Dallas exhibited his art in Exeter, Sidmouth, Dartmouth and Chelsea, London. ‘I have returned with a much broadened outlook, which will have a big influence on my work in the years to come,’ he says. Having been gone for the best part of a year, Dallas is thrilled to return to the Garden Route to re-open a studio on Thesen Islands in Knysna.

BILLY AWARDED FOR BRILLIANT SERVICE: Born in Africa mentor and academic coordinator Belinda Coram received a Community Service Award from the Rotary Club of Plettenberg Bay on Sunday July 13. The unmistakable value and impact of Belinda’s work was acknowledged, recognising her passionate commitment to upliftment and social development in the community. Billy joined BIA eight years ago and she is now both mentor and academic coordinator.

This means that she heads up the social development programme - the heart of the organisation - and also works as mentor with a group of learners. In addition, she is responsible for the study bursary programme which currently sees 20 students studying at tertiary level, while a further nine students are expected to join the programme next year. In the pic, Belinda receives her award from past Rotary president, Ruby Chetty, left.

RESERVING THE RIGHT TO SERVE: The images above of the Protea Hotel Knysna Quays Waitrons Race 2014 prove the event’s roaring success with perfect weather, eager competitors and some of the finest wines from the renowned Van Loveren family wine cellar. The 11th annual race was held at Knysna Waterfront during the Oyster Festival and saw the Pezula Hillbillies of Conrad Pezula represented by Yves Mabalong and Wellington Tlola took the title as the Garden Route’s ultimate waitrons, alongside the enthusiastic Drydock ‘007 Team’ who had the ‘right to serve’ the judges. Thabang Morutlo and Fiona McFarlen of the Drydock Food Co took the runner-up title of the race - congrats!

Photos: Christy Strever – ShowMe Knysna

Entertainment

16 July 2014

Inaugural Plett Food Film Festival hits the spot ...and TIMOTHY TWIDLE was there to savour every occasion

FAMED FILM FOODIES: ‘Liefling’ star Lika Berning holds ‘The Kitchen’ with its author, Karen Dudley, at right - Photo: Tim Twidle

T

HE first Plett Food Film Festival that took place from July 10-12 was launched to acclaim. Proving

UP IN SMOKE: TV chef Paul Deans perfects his Wheelbarrow Chicken before dishing it up on Friday afternoon - Photo: Maggie Ubsdell

popular with locals and visitors alike, the event seems destined to become a permanent fixture on the Garden

Route’s social calendar.

The festival was a combination of quality cinematography, informative dem-

Oyster Fest’s first teen triathlon a shot in the arm for tots’ education FIT TO RAISE FUNDS: Junior Boys winners Kyle Underwood, Jamie Riddle and Tristan Stubbs

T

HE first-ever Teens4 Tots Triathlon hosted

by Knysna Education Trust (KET) was held on July 11, when teens aged 12-18 years competed in a 400m swim, 10km cycle and 2.5km run.

The primary focus of the event was raising awareness for the work done by KET, which strives to improve standards of teaching and learning in our community preschools.

Director Nicky Goodall is thrilled with the smooth running of this event, sanctioned by Triathlon Western Cape: “We had such amazing support from Garden Route Events, Knysna Sports School and Squirt, as well as an outstanding team of volunteers who threw their weight

behind this fundraiser.

“It was truly heart-warming to see the community come forward to volunteer their assistance. Prizes and sponsorships from Travelex, Ultimate Cycling, RECM, Silent K, Inquba, MO’s on Rex, and Futurelife combined to ensure a fantastic event, which would have been impossible without participants - these youngsters are all absolute stars!”

“I really enjoyed the race!” raved Senior Boys winner Munro Ferreira, who impressed the crowd with his ease, determination and stamina.

His attitude reiterates the vision Nicky had for the event: “It is meant to be a fun and active way for kids to contribute towards the better-

ment of those less fortunate.”

And contribute they did: sufficient funds were raised towards including several additional children into the Adopt A Child’s Education programme. The emphasis of this programme is ensuring that young kids in the Knysna community are able to attend preschool.

KET has been in operation since 1993 and supports 2,000 children in 31 preschools by means of several projects including teacher education, feeding schemes, numeracy and literacy programmes, fee bursaries, upgrades and rebuilds.

Fundraising is crucial to ensure the implementation of these essential services.

“Our plan is to garner a main sponsor and ensure a successful and sustainable annual fundraising event during the Knysna Oyster Festival,” explains Nicky.

“Our heartfelt thanks to everybody who contributed towards making this such a great day.”

Contact Knysna Education Trust on 044 382 4638 for further info, and visit www. knysnaedutrust.co.za for full triathlon results.

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CXPRESS

onstrations, good music and fine food fare that was most enjoyable. The White House Theatre and Nguni restaurant, both in the historic heart of Plett, combined as perfect hosts for the event, which was ably organised by Cindy Wilson-Trollip assisted by Lika and Joan Berning.

On the evening of Thursday July 10, the gastronomic adventure began with an apt documentary entitled Eqqm/ kpi" Jkuvqt{. Delicious latenight blinis were served and live music was provided before and after the screening

by Zebra & Giraffe, presently one of the hottest bands on the SA music scene.

A further four films were shown on each of the subsequent two days, including Fcpekpi"ykvj"Jqtpgf"Ncfkgu - a fascinating documentary about organic dairy farming in The Netherlands.

The final evening featured an entertaining food demonstration on preparing a ‘Love Sandwich’ by Karen Dudley of The Kitchen in Cape Town. This was followed by screening of award-winning flick Dcdgvvg‚u"Hgcuv.

The festival concluded with a veritable feast when guests were treated to a buffet prepared by the Nguni chefs.

PGYUHNCUJ# Cindy told CXPRESS that, along with the able Nguni and Berning girls, she plans to take the Plett Food Film Festival concept to the Mother City in the near future, to spread this novel concept - a first for Africa, if having been staged in other centres in the first world - and in the process gain significant publicity for the annual Plett event. Watch this space...

W

Good luck, Plett Pioneers!

E wish the Plett Pioneers Field Band all the best for their participation in the regional champs in East London this week-

end – read all about it in the next edition, and see the advert below to find out how these talented youngsters can brighten up your next event.

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CXPRESS

Food & Wine

16 July - 2014

A fisherman’s notes on cooking... mainly fish

Ed Gibello, Jock Hunter and the cray-tails ALASTAIR GRANT revisits the places and people that left an indelible mark on his continuing personal culinary journey

E

D sat in the passenger seat of my Morris Minor with a large wooden box of tangled hand-lines, triple hooks, lures and reels on his lap.

We were students at UCT School of Architecture, heading to Plett for an Easter break and some fishing.

Graham Olsen was cramped

in the back seat with more of the stuff which didn’t fit in the boot. Ed apologised for the large box explaining that, because of his party the night before, he had no time to sort out his fishing tackle. He had to bring it all just as it was.

We were late leaving Cape Town because I had to re-

place a broken pane in Ed’s French doors so that he could lock up. I gather he’d had an argument with his girlfriend, who threw a flower pot at him - which was the cause of the broken glass.

It was a good party and he had cooked a bucket of spaghetti because his biggest pot was too small. He was very quiet on the journey.

When we arrived at Plett, the first stop was Jock Hunter’s shop. Ed had frozen baitquality crayfish tails which he wanted Jock to keep for us in his bait freezer.

While Mrs Hunter brought us tea and scones we chatted about the fishing prospects.

“Oh, the water’s far too cold,” said Jock. “There’s been nothing caught but blaasoppies since the threeday southeaster last week.”

Undaunted, we went down to Lombard’s Rondawels at Robberg where we spent the night.

As Jock predicted, we caught nothing next morning

so went across to the south of the peninsula, hoping the water would be warmer on that side.

Down on the rocks at low tide we collected crabs, siffies and alikreukel for bait. We were going for mussel-crackers at Santersbaai.

It was a long walk which again produced nothing - not a touch.

That evening we called in at Lombard’s little shop and bought baked beans to eat with alikreukel, which we boiled using the same pot to heat the baked beans.

We used mussel shells for spoons as we had no cutlery with us. Those giant periwinkles washed down with copious quantities of Tassies were good but very chewy.

We’d have preferred fish, but if they are not biting you sometimes fall back on eating your bait. This was our fare for two days as we caught nothing all weekend.

It often goes like that.

On the way back we remembered the cray-tails at Jock Hunter’s, so we called in

ED GIBELLO 1933-2006: I’m guessing at the year in which he departed dearly, but this pic of the late Edmondo Batista Gibello was taken in 1970 - Photo: Alastair Grant

to say goodbye. After shaking hands Ed went to the bait freezer, and on opening it found the cray-tails had dis-

PeeBee’s Wine Column

appeared.

Jock came over and said: “Oh Ed, that fare’s much too good for bait. I sold them!”

Peter Bishop

What’s not to like about this level of universal friendship?

W

HY would I start a wine article by stating that I am not a Mason?

Well, I am not, but over a decade ago I met, in succession, members of the Universal Friendship Masonic Lodge from Johannesburg: Greg Gilbert, Andy Brookstein, Bernie Krone, Charles Burn, Llewellyn Curlewis, Mike Edy and others.

I would be flown up to auction wines for charity at big luncheons for between 100 and 200 persons. Then tough times hit the city of granite oops, the City of Gold.

Armed with the donation of wines from Andy and Greg, the auction of 2014 was meant to be underplayed, where the organisers anticipated an average of R80 per bottle as decent, considering the state of the economy. Originally, 650 wines were lined up.

On 18 May, 135 people arrived at the Rand Club, in generous mood. Shannon Winterstein, the young and cheerful auctioneer, soon elicited bids of R400, then R1,000 per bottle, and the momentum did not drop.

Two 1967 Zonnebloem, a Cabernet and a Pinotage were bought by a fellow whose Porsche was numbered 67 which, too, was the year of his birth.

The Committee had bought in some of the great magnums of Jan Boland Coetzee and his nephew, Adi Badenhorst - leader of the Swartland Revolution. Jan had ‘performed’ at one such auction five years ago.

BIG ON BUDDIES: Wine heavyweights, from left, Peter Bishop, Andy Brookstein, organiser Sharon Curlewis, and Greg Gilbert at the recent Rand Club auction

The wines fetched 296% more than cost. Neville Gibson, current Master of Universal Friendship Lodge, who scored a try for Natal in his team’s 3-8 loss in the rain against Western Province in 1966, had swapped jerseys with a young Jan Boland and returned to donate Jan’s jersey for auction, fetching R2,500.

An anomaly was the 750ml Grenache 2012, fetching R1,200 each, while a run of Grenache in magnums from 2007-2012 went at R750 a bottle - a relative gift.

Only one wine went below farm price: at R750, the black label Kanonkop Limited Release Pinotage 2010, a worldclass wine, sold on the farm for R1,000.

Beyerskloof’s humble screwcap Pinotage 2009, of which well over a million are produced and that sells close to R50, fetched R700.

Wines were mostly sold in cases of three, and bid for

by the bottle. Meerlust obviously hit the high spot with R3,000 a bottle, and the three bottles of Klein Constantia Vin de Constance fetched R2,500 each.

A surprise was Stellenrust’s Barrel Selection at R1,250 per bottle and Reyneke’s famed bio-dynamic Reserve of 2004 fetching R1,500 to a round of applause, after the only story the garrulous audience permitted.

The gaffes were mine, unable to talk above the exuberant ongoing chatter, not realising that the noise was the very force that kept prices rising, and the error of all errors.

Before the meal, I was offering a tasting of some Vriesenhof magnums. One of them was an incredible WOW. Its label looked like some Limited Release Pinot Noir that Jan produced two years ago.

Everybody loved this Pinot Noir, until one guy asked

the vintage. Turning the bottle round, I saw the words ‘Grenache 2011’. Eek! But it was an incredible Pinot Noir, for the record.

Luckily the noise din was too high to even begin to offer apologies.

Twelve mystery boxes of a dozen wines went for R850 a case, with single bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon like Thelema 2009, Waterford 2008, Vergelegen 2008 and Rickety Bridge Paulina’s Reserve 2009 included in the dip.

Also included was an array of old Bertrams from 19781983, and a few old Roodebergs, with Hanepoot of the 1980s and the famed black label Kanonkop Pinotage of 2010.

A gent bought the Fat Bastard Chardonnay 2004 at R500 a bottle because his wife had the audacity to refer to him by that label.

Popular, too, was the Clos Malverne Auret Cape Blend 2008 at R1,000, that was offered at the meal.

Organiser Sharon Curlewis hardly had a chance to bid, but her table of friends bought big.

The message was not so much that there is gold in them mine dumps, but that the hearts of the Universal Friendship group were born to overflow.

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Home & Health

16 July 2014

CXPRESS

Being green at home is good for your pocket and the planet

A

S SA’s energy crisis worsens, serious hikes in electricity rates are already a reality for South Africans, and further significant increases are guaranteed.

Added to this, there are growing concerns about the increasing instability of supply, load shedding, substation breakdowns and, of course, climate change and global warming. But the road to green can often seem complex and confusing, and with so many different technologies and suppliers, consumers are often at a loss as to the right path to take.

“Becoming more energy efficient is all about having a plan in place. But we have a practical list of things you can do to better manage your energy usage and take control of costs and supply, while at the same time making a real contribution to lowering your environmental impact,” says

Teresa Kok of One Energy.

Here are some top tips for reducing your energy usage at home: Ig{ugtu"/"vjg"dkiiguv" gngevtkekv{"iw||ngtu"d{"hct" Around 40-50% of your total electricity bill goes towards heating your water, so installing a heat pump or solar water geyser can dramatically reduce your energy consumption, save you thousands of Rands on your electricity bill and make a significant contribution to greening your home.

Both solar and heat pump technologies provide excellent returns and are far superior to electric geysers.

In a nutshell, solar water heaters use the direct radiation from the sun to generate heat. Some have flat plat glass panels and others have glass tubes and often they are linked up to a large tank.

The system must be properly sized for your needs, or you

won’t have enough hot water.

Since it needs sun to work, your system will most likely need to be supplemented with a normal electric geyser element on overcast or rainy days. Solar water heaters do rely on electrical elements to provide hot water at all times.

A high-efficiency, properlysized solar system will typically provide a 50-70% saving on the energy required for hot water. This will not result in a 50% saving on your total electrical bill, unless the geyser is the only electrical device in your house.

Tgfweg"ycvgt"wucig With your geysers sorted, it makes sense to reduce your water consumption, too. You can also achieve even better savings by installing watersaving, low-flow showerheads and taps.

These work by aerating the water, which means less water out your geyser, which

means less water to re-heat, which is great for your pocket and for water reserves.

Tgxkgy"vjg"nkijv"kp"{qwt"nkhg Typically, lighting constitutes about 10% of your electricity bill. LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) use much less power or watts per unit of light generated (lumens) than incandescents, and even less than CFLs. When compared to an old 60-watt incandescent bulb, which was the most common one used in households, on average an LED uses 6-8 watts per hour, versus an old incandescent’s use at 60 watts. Even CFLs use around 15 watts, so LED lighting is by far the superior choice.

Consulting with a reputable supplier offering a range of products will help you to weigh up all the alternatives.

Email teresak@oneenergy. co.za or visit www.oneenergy. co.za for more information.

Put a spring in your pet’s step this winter

H

AS your pet lost its bounce? It may be suffering from arthritis. This painful joint disease is the most common cause of chronic pain in dogs and affects two-thirds of cats aged 12 and older.

The symptoms - which include stiffness, limping or difficulty rising from rest are often more evident during colder weather.

Dr Guy Fyvie, veterinary advisor for Hill’s Pet Nutrition, says it’s important to first seek a professional diagnosis.

“The vet can prescribe pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication as necessary and also talk through nutrition and lifestyle changes that can help slow down the disease and improve quality of life.”

Being overweight is a big no-no, so maintaining optimum weight should be a priority for all arthritic pets.

Correct nutrition can also make a huge difference.

“Excess weight puts addi-

YOUR PET NEEDS THIS PILLOW: A soft, warm bed will help keep your arthritic pet comfortable, and you can win this giant lazy pillow worth R350 courtesy of Hill’s - see details below

tional strain on the joints and increases inflammation,” says Dr Fyvie, adding that moderate, low impact daily exercise like walking or swimming is important, too.

“Hydrotherapy is great as water supports the joints, minimising discomfort.”

Animal rehabilitator Sister Dawn Jones recommends physical rehabilitation: “Massage improves circulation, enhances muscle tone, releases muscle spasm, improves motion and stimulates endorphin

release. Ideally, an arthritic pet should be massaged at least once per week and after exercise.”

She suggests keeping joints warm, without making heat packs and water bottles too hot. “An elderly pet with a thin coat may benefit from a jacket in winter,” says Jones.

Playtime can be painful for arthritic pets. “Don’t allow boisterous play. And before getting another puppy, consider whether it will be too much for your pet to handle,”

she advises.

“Food and water bowls at ground level or within easy reach, a soft bed in a draughtfree area, a low-sided litter tray and anti-slip mats are all ways to make your home easier to navigate.”

Eight out of 10 people said their pets walked, ran, played and rose from rest more easily after being fed Hill’s Prescription Diet - clinically proven to reduce symptoms of arthritis in as little as 21 days.

Visit www.hopskipjump. co.za for tips on managing pet osteoarthritis, and www.hills pet.co.za for additional info.

Ykp"c"Jknn‚u"ikcpv"nc|{" rknnqy"yqtvj"T572#" Email your name, daytime delivery address, phone and email details to esther@cx press.co.za or fax 044 533 0852 by noon on Friday July 18. The winner will be notified by phone and announced in CXPRESS of July 23.

Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

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CXPRESS

16 July 2014

Classifieds

On the Soapbox

16 July 2014

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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

Project Plett 0731: snapping the sunrise at Keurbooms Beach every day for a month

Sharyn Hodges of ShowMe Plettenberg Bay sent these pics and wrote: ‘I am currently doing a photographic project called Plett 0731. What it entails is taking a photograph of the same spot on Keurbooms Beach each day at exactly 7:31am - the ‘0731’ originates from the fact that July is the seventh month, and has 31 days. So far the response received has been truly amazing. I have included the first six photos to show your readers how each day is really different.’ Visit http://showme.co.za/plett/interactive/ plett-0731-project/ to witness the ever-changing face of one of Plett’s most beautiful beaches as the month draws to a close.

A cautionary note to all seniors on racism and health I have had the help of a doctor at George Provincial Hospital who diagnosed me with a loss of vision that could only be treated at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town.

I watched him treating every African person with the same patience and dedication to help people see again.

When it was my turn, after nine hours from leaving my home to be there before 8am, he was able to have a cup of coffee and food after hours of precision work as eye specialist.

I waited patiently for him, impressed by what he did for all the people waiting to be treated. His dedication and selfless service made me follow his advice to be treated at Groote Schuur.

He made a standby transport booking for me which was confirmed before I left my home at 5pm to Knysna Provincial Hospital, where I had to wait for the ambulance bus to George.

The man at reception became agitated when I wanted to ask something, telling me he was too busy, although I could see no one else in or around his office.

I sat next to people who used the large entrance hall as a place of shelter and one person waiting for the same bus like me.

The driver of the bus turned up eventually two hours later

and immediately started to reject me as a passenger.

Deep frozen from the icy winter night constantly filling the entrance area from ineffective sliding doors, I was able to stand up for myself and he took me along reluctantly when I discovered my name spelled wrongly but on the list he showed me.

In George, I waited until 2am to board the bus. Again I was rejected, insulted and treated with a total lack of respect. I was allowed to board the bus eventually but forced to leave it again by the ambulance driver and a woman accompanying him.

I am a 70-year-old woman in need of treatment to save my eye-sight, and nobody has ever treated me with such disrespect. I was left in a transit hall on my own without any security.

Someone must have told a hospital sister what happened to me as I was helped to find a place of safety in a room inside the hospital where there was even a couch for me to lie down until the morning and recover from something that is sadly enough the reality of this country I chose to call home for the past 44 years.

My life has been dedicated to helping children and women in townships and support people living in disadvantaged communities.

Racism has affected my

life from the beginning as I was born in Germany where 60-million people died because a handful of people in power who wanted to prove their superiority over others by destroying human life, without feeling guilt or fear of what they were doing to themselves and their descendants and innocent people who just wanted to live in peace.

At 9am the next morning my night in hell came to an end when a taxi from Plett brought me back to my home.

I paid R650, which means I won’t be able to pay for food at the end of the month, but it was a blessing to be released from the worst racism I have ever experienced in my life.

I warn all elderly people of European descent to be cautious. Our health service is surely outstanding in comparison with other African countries, but sadly it is affected by racism to such an extent that it has become ineffective for elderly people with a lighter skin than the majority of our beautiful country.

The precious human values given to all South Africans by Nelson Mandela have been suppressed to such extremes that resignation and hopelessness affects all people equally.

Children and the elderly are the greatest victims of a country still stuck in the past with an abuse of power over people that destroys all hu-

man values given by Madiba.

I suggest a support group for elderly people to get the medical support they need, paid for by charity money used to support the youth exclusively.

A country unable to respect its elders has no chance to move forward into a better future. The support group is necessary for all people of all racial backgrounds.

I also suggest that all churches and all people believing in a God irrespective of the name used according to individual belief systems pray for the healing of our beautiful country from all racism.

Nothing ever has suppressed the human heart and soul and spirit more than identifying people by the colour of their skin instead of the power of love and compassion in their hearts and their willingness to help each other.

May the meaning of “simunye” be understood eventually by all South Africans equally to manifest Nelson Mandela’s vision of oneness and peace in this country.

May the power struggle be overcome by the unique heart qualities extended by so many African people deprived of the basic necessity for food, a home and a life in peace.

May God bless South Africa and all her children with love, compassion and respect for others.

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CXPRESS

Sport & Adventure

16 July 2014

Slow Town to host fast young sailors for world championships

S

EDGEFIELD will welcome a throng of international and local sailors later this month when playing host to the RS Tera World Sailing Championships from July 28 to August 1.

Co-organiser Roeléén Schofield, said more than 50 young sailors from Europe and Africa had already registered for the tournament, which will be held at Pine Lake Marina on Swartvlei. Over 60 entrants are expected in total.

RS Tera is an ISAF International Class sailing dinghy popular with young sailors

aged eight to 18, and currently one of the fastest growing classes of sailing dinghy in the world. Boats are split into two classes according to the size of the rig.

Knysna Tourism CEO Greg Vogt said that being selected to host the world event is a major coup for Sedgefield and the Garden Route.

“Kudos to main organiser Cathy Avierinos - secretary of the national body and vice president of the International RS Tera Class Association - for working so hard to get the championships to South

Africa and our region.”

Vogt said the event would achieve fantastic exposure for the Knysna area in participating countries, including Belgium, The Netherlands, Great Britain, Norway, Denmark and Zimbabwe.

The event is supported by Knysna, George Lakes and Mossel Bay yacht clubs and a number of local sailors will compete in the championships, including current RS Tera world champ Georgou Divaris of George Lakes, bronze medallist James Hellstrom (GL), and Megan Rob-

Xterra kids take Knysna by storm

BLACK LAKE RACING: About 60 junior sailors will compete for the RS Tera crown on Swartvlei later this month

ertson (GL & MB, who qualified for the Youth Olympics to be held in China next month.

Four young development sailors from Knysna Yacht Club - Sanele Magqaza, Apendule Maneli, Sakhu-muzi Funda and Mzukisi Mayaty - will also compete.

Schofield said Swartvlei is the ideal venue, having hosted many regional and national regattas with safe, clean water.

“Pine Lake Marina, on the shores of the lake, offers great accommodation, a restaurant and other facilities for families and spectators. It is also close to Sedgefield and

Knysna, and of course the beautiful lagoons, beaches and forests within Garden Route National Park.

“It should be a great event for participating sailors, their families and anyone who is interested in international competitive sailing.”

Racing starts on Monday July 28, following registration during the weekend and the opening ceremony on Sunday the 27th. There will be a total of 15 races during the week with the awards ceremony on Friday August 1.

Visit www.rstera.co.za for more information about the race programme.

Nightcat Dash makes for excellent adventure sports

D Pezula’s Field of Dreams was a hub of excitement on Wednesday July 9 when just under 250 junior Xterra Warriors toed the line to take on the Totalsports Xterra Pezula Kids Race.

‘We are truly delighted by today’s turn out,” said event manager Nicola Collins. ‘It is always a special occasion watching our juniors in action. It is also overwhelming witnessing the spectacular support that our young warriors receive from their moms, dads, siblings and extended family. We are really happy to be able to introduce the sport of Xterra to the younger generation and look forward to welcoming them to their very first Totalsports Xterra Lite and Full races in the near future.’

EBUTING at Pezula Field of Dreams in Knysna on Wednesday July 9, the exciting Puma Nightcat Dash saw adventure enthusiasts sprinting up and then back down one of the infamously steep hills at this private estate.

Puma Nightcat Dash participants needed to complete a 1.5km run (±750m up the hill and then back down again).

The race took place in heats, with the fastest runners advancing to the semi-finals.

Ettiene Plaatjies of Oudtshoorn was victorious in the men’s race, completing the 1.5km run in a mind-blowing time of 4min 17sec. “The race was very easy for me.

The first few heats were run at a steady pace, while the final heat was much faster.

KATJIE VAN’IE BAAN: Ettiene Plaatjies of Oudtshoorn crosses the finish line at the inaugural PUMA Nightcat Dash at Pezula Field of Dreams in Knysna last Wednesday - Photo: Cherie Vale Newsport Media

“I wasn’t worried though, as I knew I’d catch the guys on the hills. I enjoyed everything about the event and would definitely recommend it to others,” said Plaatjies.

Antoine van Heerden came in second, while Francois Maquassa finished third.

Durbanville lass Liandi van der Westhuizen claimed victory in the women’s race in a lightning fast time of 5min 34sec. She described the Nightcat as “unique”, adding that the fact it took place in the evening ensured a lot of fun. “It is very adventurous,” she said. Cameron Riddle and Michelle Haines finished second and third.

Visit www.stillwatersports. com for more information on the Puma Nightcat Dash or the Totalsports Xterra.