16 October 2019

16 October 2019

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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A queen and a spade

TV’s famous Suzelle DIY, pictured here striking a budding pose with trusted side-kick Marianne, at right, urges young and old to do something special on October 20, aka Garden Day. Turn to page 7 for many good reasons to celebrate this auspicious occasion, and also to find a few good examples of great garden service providers in our ‘hood.

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

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

16 October 2019

Unique exhibition to take viewers through 100 years of South African transformation RTISTS will always make visible the unseen in our society. They transform the vagaries of political machinations and corruptions into images and experiences that make us more sensitive to these, while also allowing for other interpretations - this according to Stefan Hundt, curator of Centennial: A Century of South African Art from the Sanlam Art Collection 1918 - 2018.

This once-in-a-lifetime, oneof-a-kind exhibition opened at George Museum on October 3 and is now open to the Garden Route public until November 8.

It features some of the country’s foremost celebrated and emerging talent - the likes of Richard Mudariki, Tracey Rose, and Ndikumbule Ngqinambe - and takes viewers on a 100-year journey of South Africa’s history through the prestigious works that comprise the Sanlam Art Collection. Established in 1965, it is among the most respected in SA and consists of more than 2,000 items.

“Usually, corporate collections are inaccessible to the public and hidden in an office environment. From the get-go, Sanlam has consciously prioritised doing the opposite.

“Art is something for us to share; it challenges us; we take delight in it and educate ourselves. It’s a critical part of our history and something we all deserve the opportunity to explore,” commented Hundt.

South African art is distinctive and unique. It is reflective of South Africa’s multicultural and multi-ethnic society, and it engages deeply with onthe-ground issues, Hundt further said.

He believes our artists have a fascinating way of borrowing

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EMOTIVE ART ON SHOW IN GEORGE: This Richard Mudariki painting is entitled ‘Shona sculptor’ (2016) - and the Zimbabwean artist is but one of a diverse range of art luminaries that form part of the Sanlam ‘Centennial’ exhibition at George Museum

from outside our bounds and making these styles our own.

“Pictorial languages which incorporate western and African iconographies are reinterpreted and reworked to new images.

Many people speak about South African artists presenting a fresher vision than their European counterparts.

“Somehow European and American artists need to place themselves into some category within the art world. Our artists don’t seem to have that problem and easily move between types of art making,” Hundt adds.

Wandering through the exhibition is a way to be immersed visually in this journey, from challenging works from past legends like William Kentridge, Elza Botha, Maggie Laubser, Gerard Sekoto, Sydney Kumalo, Ezrom Legae, Gladys Mgudlandlu, Cecil Skotnes, and Irma Stern to fresh perspectives from Johannes Maswangani, Adam Letch, and Jan van der Merwe.

Today’s audience might gravitate towards relevant works from Tracey Rose, whose work incorporates aspects of performance art, focussing on identity politics, gender, racial, and

sexual-based themes.

Richard Mudariki’s painting ‘The Model’ takes a historical colonialist icon, Cecil John Rhodes, to explore the theme of decolonisation and the role of visual artists targeted by the ‘#RhodesMustFall’ movement. ‘Centennial’ captures the spirit of a nation moving forwards, whilst being realistic about the challenges of today.

Hundt concludes: “This exhibition is a way to immerse people in some of the biggest shifts our nation has seen, told by the artists who have advocated for change. Art has played a crucial role in the realisation of a democratic and free South Africa and it’s as much a way to negotiate our differences as to create a shared vision for our future.”

Sanlam Brand head Mariska Oosthuizen adds: “Our centenary has been a way to look back whilst also turning our gaze to the future. As Wealthsmiths, we’re focused on building a better world for generations to come and a big part of this is sharing cultural riches to enable our nation to reflect on our heritage and the tomorrow we want to create together.

“Sanlam’s art collection comprises over 2,000 works that we’ve always made available to the public. It’s been our privilege to champion some of SA’s - and Africa’s - foremost artists, who bring an important dialogue to our collective consciousness.”

• Centennial: A Century of South African Art from the Sanlam Art Collection 1918 2018 is on display at George Museum in Courtenay Street until November 8.

Viewing times are Monday to Friday from 9am to 4:30pm, and from 9am to 12:30 on Saturdays (closed on Sundays).

NEWS & VIEWS

16 October 2019

High court willing, Mark Willemse should know first-citizen status today Clarity over Knysna’s mayoral woes is expected to be revealed this week after a series of events that has left the town mayorless for several days - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports

NEVER SAY DIE: On-and-off Knysna mayor Mark Willemse was in the process of fighting for an interdict to place his suspension on hold in the Western Cape High Court when this edition went to print yesterday - Photo: Mail & Guardian / Twitter

HE Democratic Alliance on September 30 terminated then mayor Mark Willemse’s party membership following months of internal turmoil.

This started when Willemse voted “with his conscience” in favour of a mo-

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tion of no confidence in former DA mayor Eleanore Bouw-Spies last year.

Following the successful ousting of Bouw-Spies, DA members left the council chambers without voting for a new mayor. Willemse was then nominated for the

position of mayor and was voted in by the majority of remaining councillors, mainly ANC members.

Willemse has since been in the party’s sights and have faced two votes of no confidence. These motions were brought by his own caucus members. Both failed and Willemse remained at the helm until now.

Following his membership termination, Knysna municipal manager Sitembele Vatala disbanded the mayoral committee and declared the mayoral seat vacant.

Willemse has since turned to the Western Cape High Court for an interdict to place his suspension on hold.

The matter was expected to be heard last Friday, but was postponed to Tuesday October 15. The outcome was not finalised before going to print.

Garden Route Media

CXPRESS

Ratepayers call for barring of Bitou MM Neville Petersen

ITOU municipal manager Lonwabo Ngoqo was reappointed in March, but the appointment was challenged in court based on his previous dismissal from Bitou for serious financial misconduct in 2012, and a judgment was given on September 19 that his reappointment was found unlawful.

Bitou Municipality applied for leave to appeal this judgment and on October 9, the Labour Court granted leave to appeal (in part) in favour of Bitou Municipality in the matter.

When leave to appeal is granted in this manner, the

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operation of the original judgment is suspended unless the court decides otherwise. The application to enforce the decision comes to court on October 25 and Plett Ratepayers Association (PRA), seeking to intervene, will be represented at the hearing by senior counsel.

Ngoqo seemingly plans to return to work as soon as possible. PRA does not want him back, and is urging Bitou Council to suspend the implementation of his employment until the litigation is finalised.

Since the municipality has been told by the Labour Court that Ngoqo’s contract is unlawful, this

seems the sensible course of action. To do otherwise would be a contravention of the Systems Act, which prohibits a council from acting illegally.

We have instructed through the municipality’s attorney that Bitou should grant Ngoqo no rights as an official until his status is finally resolved, and insisted that he be denied access to the position until the hearing of the enforcement application is heard on October 25.

PRA has yet to receive a reply, but will keep readers posted on developments.

• Neville Petersen is chairman of Plett Ratepayers Association.

Devastation in the wake of attacks claiming lives of two Hillcrest pupils Ludumo Tede

ILLCREST Secondary scholars and staff are in a state of perturbation following a vicious attack on the Mossel Bay school’s premises that culminated in the death of a 16-yearold male student, Khuselo Ndanda, on October 7.

Ndanda was stabbed by three fellow pupils and died en route to the nearest hospital. The perpetrators fled the scene, but were later recovered and are still in custody.

This tragedy occurred while the school was reeling in shock after the brutal murder of 17-year-old Michaela Booysen on the previous Sunday in Asla Park.

Hillcrest Secondary has now become a significant national statistic, being one of the schools across the country afflicted by pu-

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pils murdering their peers, which raises questions about school safety along the Garden Route as a whole.

A school spokesperson strongly condemned these incidents in a place of learning, and expressed his gratitude to principal Ivan Kroneberg for the professional manner in which he handled the situation.

He also requested that the wider Garden Route community carried the school in its prayers.

Chairperson of the Hillcrest school governing body reverend Russell Claassen said in a statement last week: “Hillcrest, like any other school, was erected with the primary aim to teach, learn, and enhance research.

“It is a place where the minds of children are developed for a greater world after school years.

“We reject and condemn violence in our schools and places of instruction.

Please pray for Mr Kroneberg and the personnel, as well as the learners and affected families.”

According to a statement issued by Southern Cape SAPS media centre, the three pupils aged between 17 and 18 who are accused of stabbing Ndanda are in custody and will appear in Mossel Bay Magistrate’s Court for a formal bail application on October 17.

Meanwhile, two of the three suspects accused of Booysen’s murder have been released, as there was insufficient evidence to link them to the crime.

However, the 24-year-old suspect remains in custody and will be charged with murder and robbery. Both cases are being investigated.

Bitou mayor ‘sets the record straight’ N a statement released on Friday, under the heading ‘Actions by the Western Cape Human Settlements minister threaten to delay housing development in Bitou’, mayor Peter Lobese says he is “very disturbed by the utter arrogance and lack of respect” showed by Western Cape Human Settlements minister Tertuis Simmers.

“How a minister of one sphere of government can

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enter a town to meet with its constituency and present plans to the people without the council’s input and approval is a sign of disrespect.

“The minister is going around presenting plans to communities without even having the decency to table it to council. These plans do not conform to those that were approved by his predecessor, Mr Madikizela.

“We may not have always

agreed with the approach of Mr Madikizela, but he was five times better than the current incumbent,” says Lobese, adding that “Simmers is hardly four months in the position and has without consultation unilaterally changed all the housing plans that was approved by his predecessor”.

Fighting talk? Visit www. cxpress.co.za to read the full statement.

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My Fairest Lady

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CXPRESS

16 October 2019

PROMOTION

NEWS & VIEWS

16 October 2019

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Tsitsikamma youngster gets ‘call-back’ to compete

on New York stage

ALL THE RIGHT MOVES: In-between dancing and schoolwork, Luvolwethu Koli loves watching football - Juventus and Christiano Ronaldo being his favourites - and is also a member of his local church youth group

UVOLWETHU Koli is a 17 year old Storms River Village resident who, on the first day of this month, received the kind of news that many a talented youngster can but dream of - let alone when living in a small village where international recognition for your art seems nigh impossible.

The story starts long before Luvolwethu auditioned for an international talent showcase in Cape Town in July, held at Hyde Hotel in Sea Point.

Says mom Patricia Koli: “The boy loves dancing.

He has been dancing from a young age and would perform at events at his primary school, Tsitsikamma Laerskool, in Sandrift.”

Now a learner at Paul Sauer High School in Kareedouw, Luvolwethu is much loved and respected by his peers, both at school and in his hometown. In fact, he also learnt recently that he had been chosen as prefect for 2020.

And apart from styling at school and at home, the boy’s dancing talent resulted in him being selected for the next set of national auditions held at Silverstar

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Casino in Gauteng and hosted by the International ARTS Talent Showcase on September 27 and 28.

“In Joburg, he performed in front of international talent scouts and on Tuesday October 1, we received a letter from the organisers to say that Luvolwethu had been chosen to attend the IMTA (International Modeling and Talent Association) showcase in New York City during July 2020.”

In the letter, South African agent for the New York Film Academy and Musical Theatre Program Elsubie Verlinden personally congratulated Luvolwethu on “receiving an international call-back to represent South Africa and Namibia” at IMTA next year.

“It’s an honour for me to be part of your international journey, educating and equipping you with the necessary skills and wisdom to make your international dream a reality,” wrote Verlinden.

Also attached was an official invitation from IMTA talent scout Joey Hunter, for Luvolwethu to attend “the largest model and talent convention in the world”, thus confirming

that the opportunity to display his home-grown talent on an international stage is no pipe dream.

But of course, trips to the States don’t come for mahala, and the challenge of raising the necessary funds during the next few months is now a regular discussion in the Koli home.

Explains Patricia: “He will only be able to compete in the USA if I am able to finance the trip. So far, as a single parent of two children, I have been carrying all the costs to get Luvolwethu this far in the competition. It will be very difficult for me to cover the combined cost of flights, participation fees, accommodation and refreshments on my own.”

The entire trip is estimated to cost nearly R76,000 so Patricia and her children are now hatching plans to raise funds, while inviting contributions from anyone with an interest in seeing this Storms River teen representing his town and country at one of the globe’s biggest talent search competitions.

“I know what it feels like to have a dream, but never getting the opportunity to showcase that talent,” says Patricia, adding that her vocal skills had since childhood been shared with family and friends only, since there was simply no access to a wider audience.

“Luvolwethu’s preferred genres are breakdance and hip hop, but he often choreographs his own styles and moves inspired by international artist such as Fik Shun and Chris Brown.

With a bit of luck and lots of support, he may be able to share those moves with the wide world out there.”

Call Patricia Koli on 084 020 9995 to contribute, and Google the Expresso TV crew covering the IMTA auditions in Joburg for background information.

Roode boys rule the roost

Plett parents Clare and Philip Roode have much to be proud of, and not for the first time (viz: years of academic and sporting achievements have been gaining fame for their two sets of twins - Oliver and Emma, aged 17, and 18-year-old Luke and Ben). After concluding their junior school careers at Plett Primary, the foursome headed to Port Elizabeth where they have been attending Collegiate and Grey High respectively. During last week’s prize-giving and valedictory, Ben Roode - pictured at left above with Philip, Luke, and Oliver - was declared Dux student of 2019, while it was also announced that Oliver had been selected as deputy head boy for 2020. At right, he is pictured with head boy Liyema Matyolweni - in the white jacket at centre - who hails from Knysna and school prefect Daniel Reenen, far right, also from Knysna with a few of next year’s prefects.

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NEWS & VIEWS

16 October 2019

Selfless animal lovers volunteer their services to Kranshoek pets Words & photos: Michelle Moyes

N Saturday October 5, social responsibility in our Bitou community was at its very finest.

Welfare organisations with the best interests of our fourlegged friends at heart joined forces in assisting Kranshoek dog and cat owners in protecting their animals against virulent diseases.

Muddy Pooches volunteers sponsored dip and dewormers and lovingly dipped animals in order to prevent the consequences of tick and flea infestations.

Animal Rescue Plett, through generous sponsorship by MSD Health and Greenwood Bay College, supplied vaccinations and other medications to prevent fatal parvo and distemper.

Vet Jannie, assisted by Limbani, gently administered these vaccines and tended to other ailments.

Jules, Mandy and Olivia - long-standing animal welfare advocates based in Kranshoek - had spread the word, sponsored Fiprotec spray and dewormers, and determined which animals would need sterilisa-

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DIP, DEWORM AND THEN SOME! Animal owners arrived en masse to receive treatments for their beloved animals last Saturday in Kranshoek

tion or ongoing veterinary care.

Noeline and friends organised the use of the community hall and pitched in.

Tina van Reenen offered assistance wherever needed.

Plett Animal Welfare Service (PAWS) continues its mission in commitment to the cause and especially in funding the majority of welfare sterilisations in Bitou. More than 67 animals were vaccinated and, since this was the first initiative of its kind in Kranshoek, the turnout exceeded all

expectations.

These passionate volunteers - in dedication to the welfare of those unable to speak for themselves - intend to do follow-up welfare drives in the near future in all the Bitou communities.

The medication required for sterilisations and vaccinations are very costly since most are imported.

These are the corner stones of animal welfare and each organisation exists only as a result of selfless volunteers and the kindness of donations and sponsorships.

‘I dream of having a bicycle…’

HE dream of having a bike of their own is experienced by many children from Bitou communities across the board. And thanks to the annual Dream in Africa project initiated by Born in Africa (BIA), many kids’ bike dreams have now become a reality.

Thanks to multiple German sponsors, Born in Africa recently received a container with no less than 194 bicycles, which enabled them to bring joy to many kids who have been dreaming about owning a bike.

Says BIA educational coordinator Veronique Claes: “The smiles on their faces when receiving the bikes is worth more than a thousand thank yous. Happy and safe cycling, boys and girls!”

Born in Africa is all about empowering the youth by equipping them with knowledge and life skills.

Students who are performing well, both in primary and high school, therefore also received bicycles, demonstrating that hard work inevitably pays off.

“Born in Africa extends

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BORN TO RIDE: Born in Africa’s Veronique Claes, above, and Isabelle Brink, at right, helped unloading the bicycles before handing them over to a great many grateful local youngsters

heartfelt thanks to Rotary Club Stuttgart and Klaus Schuler, BenBikes, International School Stuttgart, Kuhne & Nagel, EurWayTours, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Pensacola Alumnae Chapter, the Consulate of Gambia, Akribia, Reiner Beutel, Steven Oji, Annette Wendling-Willeke

and Amadou Sienou for collecting an incredible amount of bicycles for our kids,” says Veronique.

She also thanks these generous sponsors for arranging transport to get the bikes to SA, and finally gives a loud shout out to Sivuyile Tapu for getting all the bikes in tip top shape in record time.

GARDENING

16 October 2019

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Attention all plant people: let’s celebrate Garden Day on October 20!

ARDENS, no matter how big or small, have the potential to bring South Africans together, which is why on Sunday all plant people are encouraged to wear a flower crown and celebrate Garden Day with neighbours, family and friends.

Garden Day is for everyone: beginner gardeners, indoor-plant mums and dads, patio potters, rose growers, and wild weeders.

It doesn’t matter if you’re part of a group growing and harvesting home crops, or a Gardashian whose perfectly pristine, rolling lawn is making everyone else turn green.

You’ve worked hard all year, and now it’s time to hang up your gloves and allow yourself the time to appreciate your garden.

Even plant parents need a break.

Enthusiasts are encouraged to show their support by making and wearing flower crowns, and hosting a celebratory event. It could be tea and cake, a cup of umqombothi, a plant swap or lunch on the lawn - as long as you’re surrounded by greenery and toasting the goodness our gardens give us all year round.

Power plants Spending regular time in the garden has undisputed health advantages, and there is an abundance of scientific evidence to back up such claims.

“Next time you’re feeling under the weather, down in the dumps or stressed out, don’t reach for a packet of pills - grab your garden fork instead,” says professor Nox Makunga, a plant scientist at the Botany and Zoology department of Stellenbosch University.

“There are dozens of studies globally that have looked into how gardening affects your health and there’s only one conclusion: gardening is in-

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credibly good for you.”

In fact, gardening is considered so beneficial in the UK that it’s estimated one in five doctors practise ‘green prescribing’, where patients partake in regular gentle activities such as community gardening to prevent diseases like diabetes and dementia, and tackle issues like isolation.

And if you are under the impression that gardening is the preserve of retired folk with lots of time on their well-worn hands, think again. Millennials in the UK, disturbed by

an increasingly turbulent world, are finding peace amid plants, eschewing relaxation trends like yoga and meditation.

This well-spent time can be extremely beneficial in a number of ways: • Replace screens with greens for lifelong genes.

Every hour spent in front of a TV screen shortens your life by 21 minutes, whereas every hour spent gardening lengthens it.

• Budding brains. School gardening clubs teach children fine motor skills through tasks such as transplanting seedlings and tying in tomatoes.

• Green finger gains. Gar-

LONG TABLE FEAST: Garden Day is annually celebrated in Oudtshoorn, as demonstrated by these happy diners

TOBY’S FLORAL CROWN: The owners of sheep Toby from Bedford in the Eastern Cape made sure that his flower crown is ready for Garden Day

GARDEN DELIGHTS: Karen Dudley, who has made appearances at previous years’ Plett Food and Film Festivals, has a range of recipes where fresh garden products take precedence visit www.cxpress.co.za to find out more

OVER THE FENCE: Garden Day is all about connecting with fellow South Africans - and watch this space for news on Plett Open Gardens 2019, scheduled for November 9

dening gets us off our couches and increases physical health by an average of 33%, also contributing to a decreased rate of heart disease and diabetes. Half an hour pushing a lawnmower burns 150 calories, equivalent to a moderate session in the gym - and you’ll never have to worry about renewing your membership.

• Couples who garden together, stay together. Yes, planting partners report that they’re far more patient with each other.

• Dig in. The secret of happiness for gardeners may well lie in the soil: mice show increased levels of serotonin - the ‘happiness hormone’ - when exposed to soil bacteria.

• Planting for productivity.

Office workers who have houseplants on their desks are 15% more productive than those who don’t.

• Taking thyme out. A study undertaken in The Netherlands asked two groups of people to perform a highly stressful task. During their downtime, they asked one group to read a book and the other to perform 30 minutes of gardening.

Even though both tasks lowered levels of the stress-inducing hormone cortisol in the brain, gardening had a higher effect. So, go and get those hands dirty and relax.

Ready… steady… grow!

Taking part in Garden Day couldn’t be easier: visit www.gardenday.co.za to download a toolkit with hints, tips and how-to videos, all aimed at helping you create the perfect celebration. Join the movement by following @Gar denDaySA on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

• Garden Day was created by gardening app Candide, which connects gardeners with fellow plant lovers, public gardens and nurseries, with the aim of kick-starting a movement to unite South Africans.

Indigenous & Exotic Plants

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INTERVAL

16 October 2019

Adoption objections couple who workS at the circus go to an adoption agency. Social workers there raise doubts about their suitability.

The couple produces photos of their 50-foot motorhome, equipped with a beautiful nursery.

The social workers then are doubtful about the education that the child would get.

“We’ve arranged for a full-time tutor who will teach the child all the

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usual subjects along with French, Mandarin, and computer skills.”

Then there are doubts about raising a child in a circus environment.

“Our nanny is an expert in paediatric welfare and diet,” the couple responds.

The social workers are finally satisfied. They ask: “What age child are you hoping to adopt?”

“It doesn’t really matter, as long as he or she fits in the cannon.”

Banking in Switzerland N American enters a Swiss bank with a giant, heavy sack in each of his hands.

He goes to the teller, brings his face close to the glass and whispers: “I have two million dollars with me. I urgently

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need to open a secret Swiss bank account!”

The Swiss bank teller replies in a normal tone of voice: “Sir, there’s really no need for you to whisper. Poverty is nothing to be ashamed of in Switzerland.”

The taxi driver’s riddle man goes on a business trip to Liverpool during the course of which he has to make a long journey by taxi.

During the journey, the taxi driver decides to break the monotony and says to the man: “Do you like riddles?”

“Oh yes,” says the man, “I think so.”

“OK,” says the driver.

“Try this one: ‘Brothers and sisters have I none, but this man’s father is my father’s son.’ Who is it?”

The man tries to work out the puzzle but in the end says: “It’s no good. I can’t do it. Who is it?”

“It’s me!” says the taxi driver. “Think about it!”

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“Oh yes!” says the man.

“Very good!”

The rest of the journey passes in silence, and a few days later the man is back home again where he decides to try the riddle out on a friend.

“Do you like riddles?” he asks his friend.

“Oh yes!” says the friend.

“Right!” says the man.

“Try this one: ‘Brothers and sisters have I none, but this man’s father is my father’s son.’ Who is it?”

The friend thinks and thinks, and in the end says: “No. It’s no good. I can’t get it.”

“Ha! It’s easy!” says the man. “It’s a taxi driver from Liverpool!”

Don’t be too hard on yourself • I look like a laid-back guy, but it’s like a circus in my head. - Steven Wright • My best birth control now is just to leave the lights on. - Joan Rivers • I wrote a few children’s books… not on purpose.

- Steven Wright

• I went to a meeting for premature ejaculators. I left early. - Jack Benny • I was just viciously body shamed by my mirror. - Danny Zuker • I was trying to daydream, but my mind kept wandering. - Steven Wright

The Stress Diet

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REAKFAST: • 1/2 Grapefruit • 1 slice whole wheat toast • 1 glass milk Lunch: • 1 lean broiled chicken breast • 1 cup steamed zucchini • Oreo cookie • Herb tea Mid-afternoon snack: • Rest of pack of Oreos

• 1 cup ice cream • 1 jar hot fudge Dinner: • 2 loaves garlic bread • 1 large pepperoni and mushroom pizza • 1 large glass of Coke/ beer/wine.

• 2 Milky Way candy bars • An entire frozen cheesecake eaten directly from the freezer.

Someone keeps dumping soil all over my garden bed, and I don’t know who’s doing it!

The plot thickens...

SOCIAL SCENE

16 October 2019

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SPRING ART AND TALKS ENCHANT: The Spring Art Exhibition held at Plett’s Quartet Hotel from September 27-29 was a resounding success. Explains co-organiser Veronica Olding: “Over the two days of the exhibition and talks by three experts on a variety of interesting subjects, Shirley Jacobson sold three paintings and Denese Leathwhite sold one. They have been attending classes with David Kantey at his art studio and this was their first exhibition. At first shy to show their work, I talked them into exhibiting because they are so good!” Pictured at left and right above are two of Shirley’s paintings that were grabbed by grateful buyers. Above from left are Shirley and Denese with fellow exhibiting artist Jenny Coxon. - Photo: Timothy Twidle

People, places & events

SHOOTING BIRDS: Plett PhotoFUNatics convenor Derek Rushton says their October meeting boasted virtually the full complement of members “except for some who are travelling the world taking lots of interesting photographs”. Themes this month were ‘Birds’ and ‘Streets of Plett’.

Says Derek: “We hoped to bring in the Bird Club but they were busy so our members really rallied around to produce some very good captures.

We did a walk-around in Plett when we all tried to follow Gil Walker and pick his brain on doing abstracts, but I’m still in the dark how he does it… Deidre attended her first meeting - we always welcome new young blood to the group, as participation and novel ideas are the life blood for our growth. We were sad to bid Brod Harty adieu for seven or so months. Happy trails in OZ and Tazzie, Brod, bring back lots of pics for us to share!” Well done to Brod for picking up the ‘Junior Best of the Best’ pic, at left, while Derek’s Darter, above right, claimed the Senior top position. Says Brod: “Our little Lesser Striped swallows come back each year to the farm and they have a pair of youngsters. They use the same nest made of mud pellets and just do minimal repairs where necessary. We got to witness the babies being fed and taught to fly.

But come winter, they will all leave again!” Derek says he shot the Darter from the bird hide at Swartvlei in Sedgefield. “We sat and waited for almost four hours and as the sun started setting. When the Darter spread his wings, the colour and detail caught my eye - I couldn’t resist. The wait was worth every minute.” Email derek_rushton@hotmail.com to find out more about this prolific group of Plett shooters.

VOTE FOR OUR VERY OWN FUNNY GUY: Zendon Minnaar is a matriculant at Plett Secondary School and also a popular comedian in his home ‘hood of New Horizons. He recently entered a national Mr and Miss Matric Farewell competition (turn to page 9 of the October 9 edition at www.cxpress.co.za to see pics of Plett Sec’s farewell party at The Grand on Lookout Beach), in which big prizes are on offer. Locals are asked to visit the Mr and Miss Matric Facebook page and vote for Zendon today! - Photo: Vinthi Neufeld

COLLINS-SIS CONFUSE… In the previous edition, we erroneously claimed that Carla Collins was pictured with her fellow 10km ladies podium scalers (read it - and weep - on page 12 of the October 9 edition at www.cxpress.co.za).

Actually, it was Carla’s younger sis Andrea pictured along with 5km runners up Monica and Claudine, and race convenor Byron Momsen of Plett Athletics Club. So let’s try again: Pictured at centre after blitzing the 10km ladies race in Sunday September 28’s Robberg Xpress is winner Carla Collins with Byron and runners up Tania Nieuwoudt (third) and Kerry Scott (second), at right. Now that’s right, right? - Photo: Twenty Twelve Photography

GORGEOUS LAUNCH AT GLORIOUS GOOSE: On October 1, Goose Valley golf estate hosted a well-attended beauty product launch organised by the resident La-Vita-e-Bella aesthetic centre. The morning was filled with lots to eat and drink, lots of lucky draws and give-aways, and lots of fun and laughter. Plett residents in attendance thoroughly enjoyed the morning of beauty amid the Goose’s beautiful scenery. Pictured from left above are Anita Schnell, Suzie Schoof, Alet Ollemans, Susan Koen, and Nix Wales. - Photo: LM Dunn

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CLASSIFIEDS

16 October 2019

005-417 NPO

Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

ON THE SOAPBOX

16 October 2019

Letters to the Editor

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

What would Frik or Mannetjies make of how could shed some light on rugby is played today? this rather puzzling issue.

Watching the rugby game between South Africa and Italy with its uncontested scrums, one realises that an entire element of the game of rugby - viz: the power and weight and struggle of the forwards - is missing. So much for South Africa choosing a potent set of forwards for this match.

Having said that, what has happened to scrums these days?

In my rugby-playing days, it was required that the scrumhalf put the ball

into the scrum tunnel in a straight line, giving the hooker of the non-putin-team a fighting chance of hooking the ball and achieving what was called a “heel against the head” - much to the delight of that team’s fans.

In those days, a penalty was awarded against the team who didn’t put a ball in straight.

Watching rugby today, it is very obvious that this rule is no longer in force, as the ball is put into a scrum right under

the feet of the front row, if not the locks, leaving the opposing hooker with no chance or very little chance of actually hooking the ball.

With this in mind, what is the point of a scrum in today’s rugby? Does it serve a purpose anymore? Why not just hand the ball to the team that would have been awarded the scrum, to do whatever they want to do with it?

If there is a rugby fundi reading here, I would very much appreciate it if you

I wonder what yesterday’s great rugby players - Frik du Preez, Danie Gerber, Mannetjies Roux, Dawie de Villiers, Tommy Bedford, to name but a few - would think of the current state of the game.

Kevin Meineke, Plett (Judging from the incredible range of mind-bogglingly knowledgeable commentary that emanates from most every Rugby World Cup-watching crowd, we’re convinced your ‘fundi’ will respond post haste, Kevin.

Watch this space… Eds.)

Robberg supposedly Plett’s pride, but what’s happening now?

It seems Plettenberg Bay has no ‘low’ season any more. Top of the list for visitors from overseas is a stopover at our beautiful Robberg Peninsula.

But the singular CapeNature attendant at the entrance gate cannot han-

dle the 20-plus cars that arrive continuously, and on a daily basis.

Is Robberg’s upkeep sufficient? Pics taken recently of the moving sand dunes and broken entrance bricks provide the answer to that question.

ONLY MOVERS ARE THE DUNES: Long waiting periods for visitors to be processed, cracked paving, and sand-swept signage combine to give Robberg Nature Reserve a rather neglected feel

Can this pristine area handle all these people?

The queue of cars lining up all the way down the road to the entrance gate is a familiar and disconcerting sight.

As a loyal Plett local and lover of Robberg Nature Reserve, I find it embarrassing to see that paying visitors have to wait forever and a day to enter.

It takes about 5min per

vehicle to be processed - multiply that by 20 or more cars…

Is this slow process due to an outdated gate system? Understaffing? Ineffective management?

By October, surely the maintenance for ‘season’ must be completed and there should be someone on call for emergency situations.

Friend of Robberg, Plett

Shocking electricity charges: let’s plan for no meter-reading months I received Bitou Municipality’s statement dated August 20 with no meter readings recorded, either for water or electricity.

My municipal statement dated September 20 was therefore exceptionally high in regard to the electricity charges.

I would like to know if anyone else in the Plett area has had similar

statements from Bitou Municipality and if so, if you could please contact me as I suspect this is surely going to happen again.

I think we should get together and try and work out a strategy to try and prevent this.

My contact number is 083 454 0265.

‘Marilyn’, Plett

Bitou financial chief: out on a limb, out of his depth, ficient budgets to main- and remove him. or out on bail?! tain the vehicles; ‘Rodney’, Plett As members of the Bitou community, we should reflect on realities and stop deceiving ourselves.

This beautiful town will never prosper and economically grow under the financial leadership of the current CFO. When the former MEC for Finance in the Western Cape wrote a letter to Bitou Council - pleading with them to fire the CFO due to his incompetence the council did not react nor respond. The truth of the matter is: The CFO is totally incompetent!

He was appointed in 2017, and what did he do to improve and sustain the work and standard of his predecessor?

• Irregular expenditure increased year after year;

• Revenue collection continued to decline, forcing ratepayers to pay more for services; • Tariffs continued to escalate, forcing investors and potential consumers to migrate to neighbouring towns; • The rate of indigents grew due to non-affordability of services; • Bitou Municipality failed to obtain clean audits - in fact, the CFO failed to sustain the clean audit reports obtained by his predecessors; • Consumption meters are not read and customers’ queries are not attended to, • Refuse is not regularly collected due to trucks breaking down and the municipality having insuf-

• The municipality has been under-budgeting, thus forcing funds’ depletion before the third or last quarter of the financial year; • Under-budgeting has affected the municipality’s long-term financial plan.

The staff morale within the Finance department is very low, and its head doesn’t respond to any emails or calls.

Please Mr Mayor and MEC for Finance, for how long must the community suffer due to the incompetency of your CFO? It is clear that Bitou Municipality is too big for this man. He can’t cope. He can’t manage this town. He is messing up big time. Please do the right thing for our town

This letter was sent to Bitou Municipality’s Communications department for a response, but none had been received by going to print. Plett Ratepayers Association, however, commented as follows: Thank you for passing this on for comment. We are aware of and share many of the writer’s concerns.

There are wide implications of appointing incompetence and it has a pervasive effect on our town.

In addition to the concerns mentioned, we have read in the press that CFO Mkhefa is under criminal investigation in a former municipality where he worked and is in fact out on bail. We will continue to monitor the situation.

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Plett trail runner brings home the Cederberg Traverse 100 Mile crown RUGGED TERRAIN CONQUERED: Andrew Jansen van Rensburg musters a grin on his way to claiming victory in South Africa’s toughest 100mile trail run - Photo: Barbara Cole

OOKING for a running coach with a proven, erm, ‘track’ record?

Look no further, ‘coz recent Plett arrival Andrew Jansen van Rensburg, who practises as a physiotherapist and coaches running in his free time, just went and won the Cederberg Traverse 100 Mile trail run.

Held during the first weekend in October, the gruelling 169km route included 7,200m of vertical ascent

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on a particularly rugged trail, negotiated during the span of two sweltering days and one beautiful night.

Says Andrew: “The Cederberg night sky full of stars was spectacular as I pushed through an extremely tough bundu-bashing section.”

Bolstered by this natural display and drawing on his extensive running experience, Andrew won the race in a most commendable time of 37 hours and 7 minutes.

The Cederberg Traverse is thought to be the toughest 100-mile trail run in the country, so it was more a war of attrition than a requirement for pure speed.

“The major achievement for me was the fact that I got to adventure through this beautiful part of the country and enjoy most of the experience,” he says.

So what’s next for Andrew?

He has now conquered four of the five 100-mile trail runs

on offer in South Africa the Ultra Trail Drakensberg, Karkloof, Addo, and Cederberg - so the last race to complete the set will be the MacMac Ultra Trail scheduled for 2020.

“Until then, I will certainly continue traversing the many trails on the beautiful Garden Route, exploring and enjoying the area.”

Andrew moved to Plett in January with his wife and two children.

Lots of bling to show upon Plett fighters’ return from Destiny 2019

A particularly able team from SKA (Sport Kickboxing Association) Plett represented our province at the Destiny 2019 NMA/ISKA National Championships, held in Stellenbosch on September 28 and 29. Destiny is attended by teams from every corner of South Africa as well as international contenders, with an average annual attendance of about 1,100 fighters and several thousands of spectators over two days of competition. This year, SKA Plett proudly brought home 12 gold medals, six silver, and two bronze, as well as two Opens trophies won by Johandrie Peens and Lojza Pisonic - a truly magnificent achievement. Pictured above from left in front are Liam Julyan, Lojza Pisonic, Shona Gordon, Wian Venter and Eden Bleeker, with Robbie Styger, Stefan Venter, Aiden Trahms, sensei Gee Bleeker, and Johandrie Peens at back. Below, Ella van Huyssteen and David Styger strike a rather imposing pose.

Seeff Tour de Plett 2019: New routes, new venues, new winners, new beginnings HE Seeff Tour de Plett took place this past weekend with the start and finish at Keurbooms Lagoon Caravan Park. Riders and their families were treated to a perfect spring day for Tour 2019 to show off both new routes and new faces.

With riders being able to choose from three distances - 16km, 45km, and 70km - there was something for everyone. The lure of some unridden routes pulled contenders from as far as Cape Town and Port Elizabeth and the competition was fierce on all three of the longer tracks.

In the 16km race, it was Knysna Sports Academy that got ahead off their Kwano counterparts and did their team proud with first and second places. In the 70km ladies race, Cathryn Williamson made it onto the top step of the podium, ahead of Yvette Negrine and Fransonette Heydenreich.

The men’s race saw local Bike Shop man Kevin Evans get blown away on the second big climb of the day by eventual winner Johan

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Storms River

TIN HOUSE Self-catering accommodation

Labuschagne. Niel Clarke rounded off that podium.

In the 45km race, it was once again Knysna Sports Academy riders Brandon Williams and Damon Terblanche coming in first and second. The women’s race saw Mossel Bay rider Linel Engelbrecht - at a mere 15 years of age - as the first lady to cross the line in a time of 2:16:30.

This feat was pulled off despite Engelbrecht being entered in the U18 category, where she finished ahead of local Andrea van

Blommenstein, who was the first senior lady home.

An exceptional accomplishment, this youngster’s ride was for many the performance of the day.

With many positive comments flowing in from riders and spectators alike (e.g. praise for the fact that 19 different properties are traversed with special consent from landowners for use on the day), things look particularly positive for Tour de Plett 2020, so be sure to pencil that in on next year’s cycling calendar.

DOUBLE CATEGORY WINNER: Linel Engelbrecht was the first U18 lady but also the first female rider to cross the 45km finish line - pictured with her at left is Tour de Plett organiser James Stewart and Seeff Plett representative Greg Patrick

COME TO IT, THEN CROSS: Riders had to negotiate the BUCO floating bridges that created a unique link to hidden gems of mountain biking around Wittedrift - Photos: Glenn Murray