18 December 2019

18 December 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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Into the sea, you and me…

The fun starts here, so whether you’re a Garden Route resident or a visitor to our happy shores, please have a complete jorl on our beaches and in our towns, shopping and sporting and chilling and making merry with your besties and favourite family members. Turn to page 21 to find out about the #plettsummer photo competition run by Plett Tourism. We hope you’ll enjoy this final bumper edition of the year - you’re sure to find news and infotainment in every corner. Here’s wishing you a fab and safe Festive Season 2019/20! The CXPRESS office will be closed from December 19 until January 3.

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NEWS & VIEWS

18 December 2019

Local innovation enlivens dull environmental forum Correspondent BOB HOPKIN endured a day-long talkshop on matters of enviro-importance last week HATEVER general attributes politicians and local environmentalists may have in common, keeping things short and to the point does not seem to be one of them.

Last week’s Garden Route Environmental Forum near George was, sadly - and perhaps only to this writer - an example of presentations expanding to fill the time allocated to them and maximising the use of a veritable Alphabet Soup of acronyms unintelligible to anyone but the presenter.

I say ‘sadly’ because preservation of the environment is an important and complex issue that needs to be addressed in a focussed and efficient manner.

Unfortunately the 15 presentations, from 11 different spheres of local and provincial government and environmental organisations, gave the impression that each had their own agenda and were operating in ‘silo’, to use a contemporary term, while using their individual resources in a ‘shotgun’ rather than a targeted manner.

Common between the talks was the need to reduce or eradicate alien vegetation, protect water sources and storage, and to be prepared for extreme climate events such as droughts and floods.

Fortunately, George-based businessmen and engineers Sammy Haddad and son Sidney enlivened the event by bringing along an example of a practical and, literally, down to earth piece of machinery.

Earlier, presenter Paul Bu-

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LEAN, MEAN TREE-SHREDDING MACHINE: The impressive alien tree remover - Photos: Bob Hopkin

cholz had advised that the clearing of alien vegetation along the Garden Route - primarily water-hungry eucalyptus and black wattle trees - could cost up to R2.3-billion, which could otherwise be used for arguably more worthwhile causes like education and healthcare.

Removing alien trees and disposing of the resultant biomass manually, as is currently done, is a costly and laborious process.

Mr Haddad’s invention addresses the removal of small to moderate-sized trees by using, frankly, brute force in a digging, crushing, chopping, and

BLADE RUNNER: Sidney Haddad with the vital chopping rollers

seeding process. The machine, which currently has no name, uses a powerful 4X4 tractor unit to pull a purpose-built trailer.

The tractor sports a bulldozer-like front blade to uproot and tip over trees up to about 6m tall. These flattened trees pass under the unit to the trailer that contains two rollers with arrays of blades that shred the tree biomass into the ground.

Finally, a spreader at the rear sprays grass seeds into the apertures made in the ground to counteract re-growth of the original alien plants.

The unit has an operating cost of R850 per hectare, taking about two to three hours by clearing overlapping 2.2m strips at each pass.

Garden Route District Municipality community services executive manager Clive Africa was present and expressed considerable interest in hosting a trial of the machine.

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NEWS & VIEWS

18 December 2019

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Life sentence for Molosi’s killers welcomed by Knysna ANC Ludumo Tede

NC supporters in Knysna are finally at ease, knowing that the killers of Victor Molosi - its slain ward councillor and popular local leader - will spend the rest of their days behind bars, after each of the trio was sentenced to life in prison on December 12.

On Wednesday the 11th, former independent ward councillor Velile Waxa and his two co-accused, Mawande Makhala and Vela Patrick Dumile, made their final appearance in the Knysna Magistrate’s Court, where they were found culpable of colluding to murder Molosi.

When the guilty verdict was announced, Knysna residents and ANC supporters jumped for joy as their wish materialised for justice to be served. The murder trial of their beloved leader had been dragging on for nearly 18 months.

Fondly known as ‘Freeze’, Molosi was an ANC stalwart who was profoundly

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SLAIN STALWART: Late Knysna leader Victor Molosi

connected to his community. He was gunned down in front of his house, upon his return from a school governing body meeting, on July 23 last year.

Last Thursday afternoon, judge RCA Henney of the Cape High Court gave each of the three a life sentence for Molosi’s murder and added five years for the possession of an illegal firearm.

Molosi was murdered at a time when political killings were rife across the country.

The arrest of an independent leader and ward councillor in connection with his murder proved that Molosi was also assassinated for political reasons.

The local ANC branch believes that the sentence will emphasise the serious light in which the country’s justice system sees political killings.

ANC sub-region secretary Moyisi Magalela said: “The life in prison sentence of former councillor Velile Waxa should send a strong message that political assassinations can’t be tolerated in South Africa.

“We believe this sentence will be a deterrent for those who want to undermine the democratic processes of our country and resort to criminality to protect corruption.

“We hope that the successful conviction and sentencing will bring closure to the family of Victor Molosi and the community of Knysna, who were traumatised by the senseless killing of our comrade.”

In a press statement last week, the ANC applauded the South African Police Services and the National Prosecution Authority for a job well done when successfully dealing with Molosi’s killers.

Kleinkrantz woman murdered in midst of Talia Day 16 Days of Activism campaign

LOST IN THE WILDERNESS: Police cordoned off the crime scene at Kleinkrantz after a passer-by discovered the body Photo: George Herald

HE body of a 19-yearold woman was found in the bushes adjacent to the informal settlement at Kleinkrantz on Monday morning December 9. She had been stabbed three times in the neck. A passer-by made the grisly discovery around 6am and alerted the police.

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According to George police communications officer captain Nolonwabo Tshengu, the victim was allegedly last seen at a local house party on the Sunday night. She left the house around 11pm and was not seen alive again.

The deceased, whose name had not been released by go-

ing to print, worked at a restaurant in Wilderness. News of her demise sent shockwaves through the quiet community of Kleinkrantz, and condolences for the family have been pouring in from all sides.

The tragedy occurred towards the conclusion of this year’s 16 Days of Activism for Violence against Women and Children, which takes place annually from November 25 (International Day of No Violence against Women) to December 10 (International Human Rights Day).

A murder docket has been opened and all leads are being investigated. Anyone with information can contact detective sergeant John Boesak on 044 803 4713.

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NEWS & VIEWS

18 December 2019

Bitou councillors may now be personally liable for losses incurred to keep MM in office Yolandé Stander LETTENBERG Bay Ratepayers Association has warned of the implications of Bitou municipal manager Lonwabo Ngoqo’s employment - this after a recent failed court application to have him expelled from office.

On August 13, the labour court found that Ngoqo’s appointment in February this year was unlawful. He had been dismissed from his Bitou post in 2012 over financial misconduct. The municipality has since appealed the decision.

Association vice chair-

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man Peter Gaylard wrote in a letter this week that the contract of employment under which Ngoqo had been appointed was unlawful and therefore void.

“This fact has been recognised by the judgment on August 13. The fact that the labour court declined to enforce the judgment has no effect on the status of the employment contract - it was void at commencement and remains so,” Gaylard wrote.

He added that, as a result, Ngoqo held office illegally and whatever he did in this capacity was unauthorised

and open to attack.

“In addition, payments made to him by way of remuneration or fringe benefits constitute irregular expenditure in breach of prevailing statute law.”

Gaylard said the Bitou council, knowing this fact, had not taken any action to remove Ngoqo from office.

“In remaining supine, councillors expose themselves to liability for losses by the municipality suffered as a result of the illegal tenure. They have a duty to act conscientiously in the best interests of

Bitou residents.

“By permitting Ngoqo to remain in office and recompensing him accordingly, they breach the duty in question.”

He said the object of the letter was to place these matters on record. “The PBRRA believes that the council should take the requisite action forthwith and, to the extent that it has failed to do so, records that councillors will be held personally liable for the loss so caused.”

Bitou Municipality did not respond to the letter by going to print.

Controlled burn in Tsitsikamma to limit wild fire risk ONTROLLED burns are an essential component to a healthy ecology of an area, and SANParks in partnership with forestry company Mountain to Ocean (MTO) recently conducted successful controlled burns west of the Tsitsikamma.

Other stakeholders in the project included the Working on Fire teams, Bitou Municipality’s Traffic and Fire departments, and the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association.

The area burnt first was about 23.3ha in size and located 5.1km west of the Tsitsikamma tollgate and about 8km east of Kur-

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land Village in The Crags.

“This area is made up of mainly Cape mountain fynbos,” says senior Tsitsikamma ranger Eugenia Mkhatshwa, adding that this particular area has not burnt in the last 19 years.

“Coastal fynbos comprises a mix of fynbos and thicket vegetation which needs to burn every 10 to 20 years in order to prevent the thicket from replacing too much fynbos. When fynbos gets converted to thicket, it becomes fireresistant and impossible to burn under all but very extreme weather conditions.”

Furthermore, the risks and extent of a wild fire are

decreased through controlled burns, the greatest advantage being that all resources are on site and weather conditions are selected to be favourable.

“Before lighting such a fire, all fire breaks are in place and sufficient resources are at hand, including aerial support, ground staff including fire fighters and their relevant equipment, hence it took the Tsitsikamma team one day to burn the area,” says Mkhatshwa.

“In the case of a wildfire, more teams and more resources are required to extinguish it than a controlled burn.”

Although SANParks spends millions in clearing invasive alien plant species through its biodiversity programmes, another purpose of an ecological or controlled burn is to reduce as many invasive alien plant species as possible in the Tsitsikamma mountain catchment area.

Types of invasive alien plants found in the area are Eucalyptus, Acacia, and Hakea.

The significance of last month’s burn was to limit the risk of wildfire north of the mountain catchment, which is difficult and dangerous to access during wildfire conditions.

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18 December 2019

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WC province welcomes first female police commissioner ESTERN Cape premier Alan Winde last week welcomed the appointment of a new permanent police commissioner for the province, when the SAPS announced this to be lieutenant general Yolisa Matakata on December 12.

“The appointment will bring steadfast leadership and stability to policing in the Western Cape. We look forward to working with lieutenant general Matakata on improving safety, and on our provincial safety plan, and trust that national government will give her the support required to effectively lead the police in

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EAGLE EYE: Western Cape police commissioner Yolisa Matakata joined the SAPS in 1985 and served as acting head of the Hawks in 2017

our province,” Winde said.

“The Western Cape Cabinet was consulted as part of the appointment process, and we agreed to and welcome the outcome.”

Said Community Safety minister Albert Fritz: “I look

forward to working with the newly appointed provincial commissioner in a productive and amicable manner.

“It is my hope that we will work closely together to improve safety in the province, particularly through departmental initiatives such as the community policing forums and neighbourhood watches. We also look forward to a new era in terms of cooperation in this space, and hope finally to see the regular delivery of crime statistics as is legislated for in our Community Safety Act, as well as improvements in police service delivery and response times,” Fritz concluded.

Sand artists and crime fighters join forces

NEVER GETS OLD: Famous local sand artists Philemon and David are creating spectacular artworks, above, to commemorate our Rugby World Cup win - view them at Lookout Beach and buy a memento medal to support the PBCPA’s important work of keeping Plett safe; at left, infamous (that’s MORE than famous...) locals Oli, Pete, and Grant show off their newly-acquired medals at Plett Ski-boat Club

OURISM is the lifeblood of Plett’s economy and thanks to a combined force of local crime-fighters, the picturesque seaside town is one of the safest tourism destinations in the province.

Explains Ina Olivier of the Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA): “Our pristine Blue Flag beaches, extraordinary array of tourist activities and excellent eateries provide an unsurpassable holiday package.

“While visiting one of her favourite restaurants a couple of weeks ago, Jan Webb came up with the idea to commemorate our Rugby

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World Cup champions with a magnificent sand art display on Lookout Beach.”

A PBCPA fundraiser was suggested and with the permission of SA Rugby, a limited edition of medals to commemorate the occasion is now being sold at the give-away price of R50 each to bolster the crimefighting cause.

Call Jan on 082 568 6154 to order you Springbok sand art promotion memento, or collect your medal from her at Lookout Deck (check the Plett in Stereo Facebook page for details).

In support of the cause, Grand Africa Lookout

Beach last week graciously hosted an evening to celebrate the sand art promotion and fundraiser. In attendance were Plett Tourism and PBCPA representatives who used the occasion to recap the year that was and launch the season ahead.

Thanks to gracious hosts Jeanine Kruger and Jaco Austin - Life & Brand’s Garden Route area manager and Lookout Deck general manager respectively - everyone was treated to scrumptious samples of this iconic eatery’s seasonal menu. Check it out when collecting your medal and prepare to be blown away…

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NEWS & VIEWS

18 December 2019

Outdoor cinema to celebrate Knysna’s Blue Flag beach Read CXPRESS online at www.cxpress.co.za

La Luna

NYSNA Municipality will be screening an episode of David Attenborough’s documentary series Blue Planet II on December 20 in celebration of Brenton-onSea Beach once again being awarded the coveted Blue Flag status.

Blue Planet II is a 2017 British nature documentary series on marine life produced by the BBC Natural History Unit that runs for approximately 50 minutes. It is narrated and presented by well-known naturalist Sir David Attenborough, while the main music score was composed by Hans Zimmer.

The documentary is a follow-up to the 2001 award-winning show The Blue Planet - a breathtaking exploration of the world’s vast oceans, capturing animals and other living organisms in their natural habitat.

Besides Brenton-on-Sea Beach receiving its Blue Flag, two Knysna marinas - Thesen Harbour Town and Thesen Island - also scored the coveted Blue Flag status, while Ocean Odyssey was certified as a Sustainable Tourism Boat Operator with its whale-

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UNDER THE STARS: In celebration of Brenton-on-Sea Beach once again receiving Blue Flag status, Knysna Municipality invites all to join them for an open-air screening of an episode of David Attenborough’s Blue Planet II on Friday December 20

watching vessels.

South Africa was the first country outside Europe to be granted Blue Flag accreditation for its beaches. The programme has been locally managed by the Wildlife Environmental Society of South Africa (WESSA) since 2001 in partnership with participating coastal municipalities.

This programme accredits beaches that meet high standards in water quality, environmental management, environmental education and

information as well as safety and services.

The Blue Flag programme offers the benefits of encouraging tourists through better facilities and management of coastal ecosystems, with increased awareness of the coast’s delicate environment and is implemented countrywide by WESSA. Entrance to Friday’s event is free and it will take place at the Brenton-on-Sea Park in CR Swart Road. The film will start shortly after sunset, around 8:15pm, and

movie goers are requested to make their way to the park by 7:30pm.

No alcohol will be allowed and no camping chairs permitted to ensure uninterrupted viewing for all.

There is ample parking within walking distance of the movie venue. All are welcome to join in the fun celebrations and are reminded to bring blanket and cushions; snacks and drinks. Contact Lauren on 044 302 6375 or at ljosias@knysna.gov.za for further details.

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NEWS & VIEWS

18 December 2019

Driving Miss Crazy

Spain’s Davis Cup victory brings back memories of ‘Lew and Ron’ Garden Route chauffeur extraordinaire JEEVES shares long-ago adventures alongside a tennis hero from Down Under…

HEN Spain won the Davis Cup a few weeks ago, it took my thoughts back to 1970 when I was working in Dusseldorf, Germany.

I was standing at the notice board in the clubhouse of the elitist Rochus Tennis Club, where Germany were hosting Spain in a Davis Cup tie. An arm brushed my shoulder and removed an envelope pinned to the board, nestled among a host of other mail awaiting collection.

The addressee was ‘Mr Lew Hoad - Manager: Spanish Davis Cup Team’.

I turned and faced a goodlooking blond, stocky man in his mid-30s.

“Please may I have your autograph, Sir?” In a broad Australian accent, he responded: “Gee mate, you don’t sound like a Gerry to me.”

“No Sir, I am not.”

“Sound more like a blerry Sath Africkin!” He stuck out his hand and gripped mine.

“Lew... good to meet you mate - and someone who can talk proper English, too!” I introduced myself.

“I’ll see you after the

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team’s practice session, in the bar around four for a beer and a chat - and my signature! I’ve been to your country plenty times.”

There was something akin between us, and from then on we were Lewis and Ronald. I saw a lot of him over the next few days, and spent much off-time with him. He couldn’t wait to escape the formalities of the clubhouse and having to rub shoulders with guests and dignitaries.

My boss, the president of the club, had invited me as a guest, and noticed that Lew preferred to be with me rather than standing around at length engaging in idle chatter with the VIPs. He gave me leave from work to spend as much time with him as required; and slipped me a fistful of Deutschmark to spend on entertainment.

At the end of each day after Lew’s wrap-up with his players (which included the great Manuel Santana and Orantes - and the Germans were no slouches, with Bungert and Kuhnke in their team), I’d collect

him at the hotel and we’d hit the local hot-spots in the Dusseldorf Alt Stadt (Old City).

In one particular ‘Brauhaus’, Napoleon had even sat in the corner and slurpt an ‘Alt bier’. We’d always end up at the ‘Pferdestall’ (Stable) - an upmarket night club - usually in a group, embracing well-known TV presenters, an Oz journo, Spanish team members, a pretty young physio and a couple of her friends, and the party was on!

The DJ would play a lot

of Bee Gees songs for their famous patron, in particular their latest hit I.O.I.O. which was the signal for us to dance on the tables!

I tried to spend my boss’s money, but Lew wouldn’t let me pay for anything when we were together.

In a group, when it came to settling, he gave me a wink and whispered: “Bugger that... these TV presenters got huge expense accounts, that’s how they get their inside info!”

I learnt a lot about Lewis.

A few years earlier he had

MAJOR CHAMP, MAGNIFICENT GUY: A youthful Lew Hoad in action on the court

played at the Rondebosch Club in Cape Town with Rod ‘Rocket’ Laver, Ken ‘Muscles’ Rosewall, and a few Wimbledon, Oz Open, and French Open champs.

“Ronald, it was crazy!

Only 3,000 spectators, no TV, inadequate facilities, press interviews in the tiny clubhouse and mingling with guests in totally cramped conditions.”

One journalist told me that Pancho Gonzales claimed Hoady was the greatest player of all time in his day.

“In this form, he smashed Ashley Cooper into the ground in 58 minutes on the Wimbledon Centre Court in 1957.”

Apparently it was one of the most incredible matches in the final of the history of this great tournament.

Although he never talked about himself, the charismatic Lewis mentioned he nearly won the Grand Slam in 1956 - after winning the Australian, French, and Wimbledon titles, he lost to “Rosey” at the US Open.

“We called him ‘Muscles’ ‘cause ‘e ‘ad none. My fault

I lost, because I’d partied, drank, and watched boxing films all night before the match - for which I was severely criticized.”

He loved partying all night, whether before a match, or broadcasting for BBC 2.

A German presenter told me that Lew’s off-the-wall comments on air gathered a huge following of viewers.

His best was when Jimmy Connors - who wasn’t a threatening server - was trying to hold serve.

Hoady said: “Look at that - a bloody great swing, an outrageous grunt… and out pops a mouse!”

I last saw Lewis two years later when I accidentally bumped into him and his wife in a Sydney street. We chatted a while, he turned and waved. “Bye Ronald”.

I never saw him again.

He died at his tennis ranch in Malaga, Spain in 1994, aged 59.

Buckle up! - Jeeves

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18 December 2019

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NEWS & VIEWS

18 December 2019

The little Church on the Hill may be your huckleberry this Christmas Words and photos: Gigi Lewis

UCH is known of the historic Anglican churches in our area such as St Peter’s in Plett CBD and St Andrew’s Chapel in Piesang Valley, St George’s Church in Knysna, and the Holy Trinity Church in Belvidere - icons of worship for countless believers.

But there stands a proud little church on the plateau in Rondevleihoogte, the EvangelicLutheran St Michael’s Church, which is not easily recognised unless perhaps you happen to be a member of its congregation.

Its humble beginnings start back in 1986, when a purchase from the Reformed Church facilitated their own church centre for its congregation - including a manse building - on a 1.8-hectare property.

On November 6, 2011, a thanks-giving celebration was held under the title “25 Jahre Kirchliche Heimat” (25 Years Ecclesiastical Home) for the period 1986 to 2010.

For this milestone occasion, a

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90-page commemorative document was scripted, in which the history of the EvangelicLutheran St Michael’s Church has been carefully documented and brought up to date, with an addendum in 2016.

With strategic planning being high on the church committee’s agenda, some of their concerns are the need to attract younger people to the congregation and to widen their membership base.

They also plan to continue support and the strengthening of their allied branches such as George, the Lakes area, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Oudtshoorn, and Mossel Bay. Nowadays, services are often held in German, English and Afrikaans on alternate Sundays in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The coffee and cakes afterwards are legendary.

Christmas is a very festive time at the church, displaying a tall Christmas tree decorated with lovely old trimmings. A beautiful crib that a church member

donates every year for the occasion comes alive with carvings brought back from the famous wood carvers of Oberammergau in Bavaria, Germany.

Why not give the Little Church on the Hill a try this Christmas Eve? Call Martin Detering on 082 491 5975 for

further information.

• The legendary Passion Play, performed since 1634 as a tradition by the inhabitants of the village of Oberammergau, will be enacted in 2020. This only happens every 10 years - visit www. passionsspiele-oberammergau. de/en/home to find out more.

WORSHIP HEIGHTS: St Michaels Church - with its model alongside - is located on the plateau in Rondevleihoogte

BRIGHT-LIGHT INTERIOR: The church inside is warm and welcoming

TALES FROM THE CRIB: A church member annually donates the crib with its beautiful carvings, which had been brought back from the famous wood carvers of Oberammergau in Bavaria

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18 December 2019

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BUSINESS

18 December 2019

An overview of Plettenberg Bay’s property market ESIDENTIAL property selling prices are currently under pressure because the number of sales has steadily declined over the past three years: from 2016 to 2017 by -11% (528 to 470 sales), then a further -13% in 2018 (411 sales).

From January 1 this year to date of writing (December 10), 248 sales have registered; this number will increase as more 2019 sales register over the coming months, but all indications are that it will be a further substantial decline in the number of units sold - probably the biggest decrease since 2016.

Although one would expect a large decline in prices as a result, average residential property prices have taken long to start adjusting and have, to date, only seen a relatively small decline.

Average prices increased from 2016 to 2017 by about 16% (from R1.97-million to ±R2.33-million), levelled out in 2018, and then declined by ±4% in 2019.

Full title prices remained relatively unchanged. Sectional title prices led the 2019 decrease with a decline of ±13%, due largely to proportionally higher activity at the lower end of the market and a few sales

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of cheaper industrial units.

Estate agents report around a 40% decline in business comparing the same period this year to that of 2018, though most achieved record years in 2018. Even though coming off a high base, this is a considerable decline.

Local builders are also reporting that building activity, which was high over the past few years, will be slower for 2020 (builders normally have work lined up for the coming year, but many have little lined up as I write).

Semigration (South Africans moving to Plett from elsewhere in the country) has seen demand remain high relative to the rest of the country, which has kept prices somewhat stable.

Luckily Plett did not see the dramatic increase and subsequent large decline that occurred in areas like Cape Town, but indicators are that the property market will be tough in the near future.

On the positive side, semigration is likely to continue and correctly-priced properties should sell.

Plett broke the R1-billion mark in 2016 and 2017; 2018 fell just short of this, and it looks like 2019 will be substantially lower, as we are currently in a downturn.

Entry-level asking prices for houses and stands remained stable over the past year, but sectional title unit prices have increased slightly to an entry level of R800,000.

The entry level for houses is around R1.75-million, though there are cheaper options in areas surrounding Plett. Vacant land starts at about R250,000 in gated estates and R425,000 in open areas.

Top asking prices for properties currently on the

Road respectively).

Over the past few years there has been a number of sales of R30-million on Beachy Head Drive, where houses were demolished to make way for new homes.

The highest was R36-million in 2017. However, a similar site is currently on the market at an asking price of R32-million.

For apartments, the highest price in 2019 so far is R7million in The Sanctuary One (in 2018 it was R9.9-

‘It’s a good time to buy as there are a number of well-priced properties available, like Duin-en-See in a new gated eco-estate on Robberg Beach’ market are as follows: R35million for vacant residential land (non-development), R9.5-million for apartments, R50-million for houses, and R75-million for coastal estates. Top prices obviously fluctuate considerably depending on what is on the market at the time.

Sotheby’s International Realty Plettenberg Bay broker principal Hein Pretorius sold the highest price residential properties in both 2018 and 2019 (vacant land in Robberg Beach End for R35-million and R30-million for an upmarket beachfront home in Alguada Reef

million in De Meermin).

The historical record price for residential property remains unchanged and has been held since 2006 by Hein Pretorius at R50-million for a luxury coastal estate.

Pretorius says: “After a good run, the market has turned. We have done well and for that I am grateful.

Even in a depressed market, there are always sales.

“We are lucky to live in such a beautiful place in the Western Cape. It truly is a special place to visit or to reside in which, in property terms, translates into one of the best performing markets

in the country.

“In 2012 we had over 1,000 properties listed for sale.

This declined to the 600s in 2017 and is now climbing again. We currently have around 770 properties listed.

“It is a good time to buy as there are a number of well-priced properties available. For example, Duin-enSee offers great value in a brand new gated eco-estate on Robberg Beach.

“Plot prices on the beachfront range from R11.5million to R27.6-million.

Where else can you buy beachfront land in Plett at these prices? On the back, prices are at R4.485-million,” says Pretorius.

Hamlets surrounding Plett fared similarly; with very few sales in these areas, statistics need to be seen in context and treated with some circumspection.

In Wittedrift 13 properties transferred in 2018 for an average of R772,000 (a record number of sales, but averages down from 2015/16); in 2019 seven properties have registered so far for an average of R863,000.

In Keurbooms Proper (main village) four properties transferred in 2018 for an average of R7.86-million, the highest being R9.75-million for an older beachfront

Steven Neufeld

home; in 2019, 10 properties transferred for an average of R4.4-million.

Nature’s Valley saw averages of R3.8-million in 2018 with 12 registered properties and 2019 saw three properties register for an average of R3.5-million.

The figures above were taken from deeds information on December 10. Sales for Plett are listed by date of sale, not transfer date, to provide a more accurate depiction of the market Rural property, sales below R200,000, known nonarm’s length transactions and duplications (e.g. when a developer buys numerous properties for a single price and each is listed at the full price, only the single figure is taken) are not included in the figures.

A number of sales are still in the registration process, so the statistics and graphs for the last year in particular will change substantially in future.

• Steven Neufeld is manager principal of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty Plett and a professional valuer and court-appointed appraiser for SA Property Valuations. Contact him at steve.sir@plettenbergbay. com and see the adverts on the cover and on this page.

PROMOTION

18 December 2019

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Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

AppPROP - disrupting the property management industry head on HANGE is on the horizon for management companies - this according to local business entrepreneur Hein Pretorius, who recently entered the property management market after spending 18 months collaborating with Celeste van Niekerk in developing and testing a property management system called AppPROP, which will change the way bodies corporate are managed.

Pretorius is well known as the owner of the local Sotheby’s International Realty office in Plettenberg Bay and has been in real estate since 1996 when he started working in his family business Robberg Estates - which today still services the holiday rental and home management market.

He and his family are entrenched in the property industry and have many years of experience dealing with property owners.

Pretorius says: “When I met Celeste and she shared her vision with me I had an epiphany - a true ‘eureka’ moment! I have always been conservative

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in my approach to business, but it hit me like a ton of bricks that the property management industry was ready for an ‘über change’.

“We developed a mobile app to facilitate the operation and management of bodies corporate and homeowners’ associations that is an industry first.”

Hein has served on many bodies corporate and HOAs over the years and always wanted to get involved in the management of these entities.

When the opportunity arose, he grabbed it with both hands.

AppPROP has been operational for just over 12 months and currently manages three complexes in Plett, the first being Bowtie Village.

“Within three months of being appointed we were requested to become executive managing agents - testimony to the faith owners had in our ability to manage the complex both financially and physically, and the benefits of our technology to both owners and contractors,”

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Properties

BUSINESS

18 December 2019

Plettenberg Bay

says Pretorius.

“Gone are the days that a managing agent operates only during business hours. Our app puts all the information at your fingertips. We developed a levy collection process which is automated.

Statements are available on the app, as are rules and regulations.”

Other benefits include logging of service requests, emergency numbers (including preferred contractors), bulk broadcasting to owners, booking of facilities within the complex, and record keeping of all activities undertaken by estate managers, contractors and staff.

“We set different levels of access for owners, trustees and estate managers,” explains Pretorius.

“We offer everything conventional managing agents usually do such as accounting services, minute keeping, drafting budgets, paying staff and managing appointed contractors with one difference - the app is a great tool that offers complete

transparency.”

Estate managers, trustees and members can access the app 24/7/365.

Problems can be logged immediately, either from a cell phone or online.

Contractors can be sourced and appointed, and the process monitored from start to finish - all by means of the app.

“Our philosophy is to automate as many of the administrative functions as possible so that we can spend time at the estates or complexes and deal with any maintenance or problems while we are on site.

“We can offer a different cost structure as we are using technology to manage most administrative tasks, which makes us more cost effective and efficient. We are registered with NEMA and the EAAB.” Call 083 701 3159 or email hein@ajar.co.za and call 079 982 2591 or email celeste@ajar.co.za the effective management of your complex might be just a call away.

See the advert on page 15 for further details.

BUSINESS

18 December 2019

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Twenty reasons why you should make 2020 the year to buy property HILE you only need one reason to buy your own home - to provide future security - Seeff Property Group chairman Samuel Seeff says that we will enter 2020 with one of the best property buyer’s markets in years, and the reasons to buy are compelling.

Here’s 20 reasons to make 2020 the year to buy property: • Most areas are still overstocked, so there’s plenty of excellent buys in the market.

• Sellers who have been holding out will now be ready to sell.

• Interest rates are at the lowest level in many years.

• The banks are keen to lend, and first-time buyers can find bonds of up to 105%.

• Price growth has barely kept track with inflation and will remain

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BEST REASON: Property creates security for your future and a foundation to build a life and raise a family

flat into next year, which means you can buy at last year’s prices.

• You can finance your property purchase.

• You can buy property with friends or as part of a syndicate.

• Unlike other asset classes, property generally retains its capital value.

• Property generally appreciates in value, but

know the rules about buying well.

• Property is not a volatile investment and you’re unlikely to wake up in the morning and find your property value has suddenly plummeted as can happen with shares.

• It’s forced savings and wealth creation.

• If you hold onto it for long enough, you can

achieve excellent capital growth or profit when you sell it.

• Property creates security for your future and a foundation to build a life and raise a family.

• It creates stability and you don’t have to move unless you sell your property.

• You can start small and grow with your needs.

• You can renovate and customise your home to suit your lifestyle.

• You can earn an income from your property by house sharing or renting out a room, flat or cottage.

• You can rent out your entire property, yet retain the asset and benefit from the potential capital growth.

• It is the best nest-egg and if you have invested well, you can end up with a good retirement.

See the Seeff ad on page 9 for current listings.

Read CXPRESS online at www.cxpress.co.za

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ADVERTORIAL

BUSINESS

18 December 2019

Plett’s Lynnwood Estate: exclusive, desirable, secure!

Read CXPRESS online at www.cxpress.co.za

CENTRE COURSE: The architectural theme at Lynnwood embraces the latest modern designs and building techniques, and only 22 exclusive homes will be constructed - the first nine of which have been completed and can be seen in the aerial photo at left

HEN mining pioneer brothers Harry and Fred Struben managed the first mining operation on the Witwatersrand, they would never have realised that their influence would one day extend as far afield as Plettenberg Bay. Harry, who became the first president of the Chamber of Mines, acquired the farm called The Willows on the outskirts of Pretoria.

Today, numerous streets and suburbs bear the Struben name in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Springs, including the vast Lynnwood suburbs to the East of Pretoria, which include major housing developments and shopping centres, as well as the headquarters of the CSIR. Lynnwood Private Estate in Plett, which is linked to the Struben family, is a stunning new development in the middle of the Goose Valley golf course. The architectural theme at Lynnwood embraces the latest modern designs and building techniques, and only 22 exclusive homes will be constructed.

Nine of these have been completed thus far, with more in the pipeline in the new year.

Lynnwood was marketed and sold out

by Chas Everitt, and now several exclusive stands have come back onto the market for resale. These vary in size from 1,353m2

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to 1500m2, with prices ranging from R1.1million to R1.5-million.

Plot and Plan or alternative building packages can be arranged. The size of completed homes varies between 250m2 and 600m2 and double or single-storey properties can be constructed.

The benefits of investing at Lynnwood are substantial and include: • Building on the last available portion of development land in what is already a world-famous and astoundingly successful Gary Player Signature Golf Course and Eco Lifestyle Estate.

• Living on the only residential golf estate in Plett while enjoying exceptional unsurpassed security with manned guardhouse, 24-hour foot and motorised patrols, infrared and thermal imaging cameras every 80 metres, and underground steel grids beneath the entire electrified perimeter fence.

• One of the warmest and most wind-free locations in Plett, Lynnwood is situated in very close proximity to all major shopping centres, schools, and the medi-clinic. There’s also a high demand for golf course shortterm rentals, resulting in strong rental income for owners wishing to let their properties.

• There’s a professional Chas Everitt

Home Management and Rental Service onsite, along with superb Homeowners Association (HOA) management and low HOA levies, as the development piggybacks on the existing established infrastructure of the greater Goose Valley Golf Estate.

• The 22,000m2 green belt between homes incorporates a wonderful variety of indigenous fauna and flora. Lynnwood adopts a responsible ownership pet friendly policy.

Owners also enjoy access to and use of all the general features offered on the greater Goose Valley Estate, including golf, pro shop, full practice facilities, squash and tennis courts, restaurant, large communal swimming pool overlooking the ocean, direct access to Keurbooms River lagoon, a level estate terrain for walking, jogging or cycling, kiddies’ play parks, a stunning wetland, the best variety of fynbos gardens on the Garden Route, and exceptional bird life.

For further information regarding this outstand estate please contact John Fuller - principal broker of Chas Everitt International Property in Plett; resident agent, original development agent, and Honorary Member of Goose Valley Golf Club - on 082 905 1516 and see the advert on page 3 for listings and additional information.

Cap Marina, a unique water village Along the pristine seaside shores of the northern coastline of Mauritius, at Cap Malheureux, and against the backdrop of the islet of Coin de Mire, lays Cap T: +230 269 1800 Marina, an upscale water village. Cap Malheureux and its tourist landmark, the www.evaco-capmarina.com church with its emblematic red roof, offer the ideal spot for a prestigious development. Within an area of more than 22 hectares, Cap Marina will be steeped in nature. With its exquisite, ultra-modern architecture, the project will offer a variety of properties for Mauritians and foreigners.

Villas and apartments as from 2 920 000 ZAR Only 50 meters from the beach Jan Minnie

Erika Minnie

0824443433

0829237107

jbminnie@mweb.co.za

erikaminnie@mweb.co.za

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18 December 2019

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Very few bright spots in the foreseeable future of an ever-growing, vastly unemployed South African people Stuart Murray

HE current upthrust in xenophobia is yet another worrying factor among the many serious issues this country is facing. Antagonism towards foreigners, those of another colour, social or racial group, is a global problem as people seek a better life.

Here in South Africa, it’s an added burden to growing social unrest.

Alas, there is not always comfortable, or even peaceful, integration between the Haves and the Have-nots.

Recent attacks on foreigners and foreignowned businesses by local mobs gave rise to a panicstricken repatriation flood which fortunately has settled down - but not before retaliatory threats came from the home countries of the harassed migrants.

South Africa has a foreign-born population from 22 countries. But accurate numbers are hard to come by due to the swell of illegal immigrants, most of them seeking work, which in turn alienates local jobseekers.

Population growth has added to the discontent.

This year’s Stats SA midyear population estimate noted 58.78-million people living in South Africa today, some 51.2% of which are women.

Notably, one in four South Africans (28.8%) is aged 15 years or younger.

At the other end of the scale, one in 10 South Af-

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ricans is aged 60 or more.

Of concern is the unbalanced birth rate. Since 2005 the numbers of Black youth have increased by 11% while those of Coloureds, Asians and Whites have decreased. In particular, the White birth rate is declining steadily.

Social commentator Clem Sunter has estimated that by 2030 - based on current growth - for the age group 0-24 there

According to a report using data from the General Household Survey (2017), only 33.8% of young people were attending educational institutions.

There are some bright spots. The same report shows that the number of graduates from public higher universities more than doubled from 2000 to 2016 to 203,076. However, the higher education system continues to have challenges in terms of poor completion and success rates.

Many students drop out without a qualification and some take up to six years to complete a threeyear qualification, pointing a damning finger at secondary education levels.

The pressing issue of the present, however, remains the country’s unemployment crisis. It drives unrest; it creates division, and it appears that the government has lost its way in the remedial abyss.

I quote Terence Corrigan, project manager of the Institute of Race Relations: “Employment is not merely about earning an income, as important as that is. It’s about giving people pride and purpose, the sense that their efforts and their role in society mean something...”

• Stuart Murray (stuartmurray758@gmail.com) is a former senior assistant editor of Financial Mail and co-founder, editor, and CEO of Finance Week. He is retired and lives in Plettenberg Bay.

Grants and subsidies, already a major burden on the faltering fiscus, are not going to solve the forthcoming crisis this situation will bring about. The economy is already straining under the cost of social grants and subsidies.

Around 18-million social grants are paid monthly, the system encouraging women to have children for this reason alone. What this highlights is the fact

‘Around 18-million social grants are paid monthly, encouraging women to have children’ will be 91 Blacks, seven Coloureds, one Asian, and one White in every group of 100 youngsters.

He comments: “Those who keep harping on about driving the Whites into the sea should not bother anymore as we are disappearing fast anyway and by 2030 are liable to count for less than 2% of the population.”

At present there are 4.9-million Black children aged 5-9, another 4.3-million aged 10-14, and another 4.3-million aged 15-19 - an enormous challenge in terms of education, housing, and overall youth employment.

For instance, Stats SA has calculated that total unemployment for this group of 10.4-million, 5-million are unemployed and at least 4.2-million of these are Black.

Consider that the entire White population is around 4.5-million...

that the country has failed to generate employment.

In June this year, the ANC’s lekgotla resolved to reduce unemployment from 27% to 14% within the next five years. This will be achieved, says the ANC, by focusing on skilling and reskilling between 3-million and 4-million South Africans and by following China’s example by running a three-shift economy.

We haven’t heard much of this plan since then.

Meanwhile, according to the South African Institute of Race Relations, as much as 55.5% of South Africa’s population lives in poverty, as defined by income. Some 25% cannot afford to buy food to supply minimum daily energy requirements.

More than half of young people aged 18-24 claimed that they did not have the financial means to pay for their education.

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INTERVAL

18 December 2019

An irreligious slant on Christmas ONTINUING the current trend of large-scale mergers and acquisitions, during a recent press conference it was announced that Christmas and Hanukkah will merge. An industry source said the deal had taken approximately 1,300 years to agree.

While further details are not available at this time, it is believed that the overhead cost of having 12 days of Christmas and eight days of Hanukkah was becoming prohibitive for both sides.

By combining forces, we’re told, the world will be able to enjoy consistently high-quality service during the ‘Fifteen Days of Chrismukkah’, as the new holiday will be called.

Massive layoffs are expected, with lords a-leaping and maids a-milking being the hardest hit.

As part of the conditions of the agreement, the letters on the dreydl [a Jewish game using a four sided top], currently in Hebrew, will be replaced

by Latin, thus becoming unintelligible to a much wider audience.

Also, instead of translating to “A great miracle happened there”, the message on the dreydl will be the more generic “Miraculous stuff happens”.

In exchange, Jewish people will be allowed to use Santa Claus and his vast merchandising

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resources for buying and delivering their gifts.

One of the sticking points holding up the agreement for at least three hundred years was the question of whether Jewish children could leave milk and biscuits or cookies for Santa even after having eaten meat for dinner.

A breakthrough came last year, when Oreos were finally declared to be Kosher. All sides appeared happy about this.

A spokesman for Christmas Ltd declined to say whether a takeover of *Kwanzaa might not be in the works as well.

He merely pointed out that, were it not for the independent existence of Kwanzaa, the merger between Christmas and Chanukah [Hanukkah] might indeed be seen as an unfair cornering of the holiday market.

Fortunately for all concerned, the spokesman said, Kwanzaa will help to maintain the competitive balance.

He then closed the press conference by leading all present in a rousing rendition of “Oy Vey, All Ye Faithful”. *Kwanzaa, celebrated from December 26 to January 1, is an AfricanAmerican celebration of cultural reaffirmation, and is one of the fastestgrowing holidays in the history of the world.

Merry Christmas to you, Mary Christmas HAT’S what the former Mary Young will be hearing this holiday season, after she married Brian Christmas recently.

“It was meant to be,” Mary Christmas told her local newspaper.

“God has a sense of humour. What are the chances that it would ever happen?”

She has found, howev-

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er, that she is not alone.

Mary Christmas has been working at Ancestry.com for three years and discovered there are as many as 100 other Mary Christmases in the United States.

“The last name of Christmas has its origins in Wales,” she said. “It was given to people that were born on Christmas Day.”

Service, please T was a cold and misty Christmas morning in the very depth of winter after a heavy fall of snow and only Farmer Evans and the Reverend Joseph Lancaster managed to arrive at the church for the morning service.

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“Well,” said the vicar laconically, “I guess there’s no point in having a service today.”

“Well, that’s not how I see it,” said Farmer Evans smartly. “If only one cow turns up at feeding time, I still feed it.”

ENTERTAINMENT

18 December 2019

One-stop gift shopping - and extended market hours today! - at Old Nick Village Just in time for the festive season, the crew at Old Nick Village invited a selection of local brands to be part of a month-long pop-up shop. Open daily from 9am to 6pm until January 12, a curated gathering of designers and makers will come together as The Old Nick Collective, under one roof in the Old Museum. Offering a selection of homeware, jewellery, accessories and swimwear - as so beautifully displayed by these lasses in their Elizabeth Summer cozzies - this pop-up is your perfect one-stop gift shop. And don’t miss out on today’s festivities at Old Nick Village from noon to 6pm. There will be extended Wednesday Market trading hours, live music, kids’ entertainment, and a glass of wine with your purchases from any of the shops. Call the Village on 044 533 1395 and see the ads on pages 20, 22, and 32 for additional information.

Zosia’s drawings of sassy Lila to benefit pets in need

Hours of hard work and artistic effort by author Melanie Hrabar and illustrator Zosia Covarr, at left above, paid off when their first book, ‘Lila - the sassy little dog who wants to fly’, hit the shelves recently. Says Zosia’s mom, Plett local Halszka Covarr: “It’s a wonderful story about dreaming big and staying true to yourself, and a great collaboration between aunt and niece. She is 10 now but, to be accurate, Zosia was still nine years old when she completed the illustrations. I am very proud of them both.” Melanie is a Swiss national who lives in Cape Town and the book was printed in the Cape on recycled paper while using a carbon-neutral printing process. The real Lila, above, is a rescue dog and belongs to Melanie. A percentage of profits will be donated to local animal welfare organisations. The book is on sale at The Village Bookshop and Delia’s, or visit kumpelpets.com/product/lila-childrens-book/ for your online copy.

Plan your return trip to Knysna now for new-look Timber Fest NYSNA - the destination you come to when you’re looking for rare, bespoke, hand-crafted furniture - will hold its annual showcase of timbercraft during the eighth Knysna Timber Festival, scheduled for March 2020.

The Festival programme will include the launch of a new brand identity for Knysna Timber - part of a campaign to help rebuild the local economy following the devastating fires that tore through the town

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in June 2017 - as well as product demonstrations and trade and industry exhibitions at the Festival precinct: Timber Village on Welbedacht Lane).

The Festival will also include a half-day timber and forest industry conference at Knysna Hollow, also on Welbedacht Lane.

But members of the public will especially look forward to the Festival’s exciting, familyoriented jorls - including a live music concert, and

DECEMBER 4th DECEMBER 11th DECEMBER 18th

TUESDAY 24th

(the kids’ll love this!) the newly relaunched Knysna Timber Sports Competition, when teams from local forestry companies will show off their chainsaw and axemanship skills, and their physical strength and endurance.

Masters & Makers Expo If you’re looking to invest in the art of fine furniture, though, you’ll want to diarise the Festival for its annual Masters & Makers Expo to take place at the stylish, creative, and luxu-

XFEOFTEBZ

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Last minute Christmas Shop

BRING THE KIDS FROM: 10AM - 2PM wednesdaymarketatoldnick@gmail.com

rious Entabeni Farm, a short distance from Timber Village.

This curated exhibition - which will include a VIP opening function - will celebrate genuine excellence in the art of woodworking and creative cabinetry, and will feature only top artists and crafters living and working on the Garden Route.

Diarise Knysna Timber Festival from March 12-15 and visit www.timberfesti val.co.za for details.

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HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

18 December 2019

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HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

18 December 2019

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Join the festivities at Old Nick Village on Wednesday 18 December from 12-6pm.

There'll be extended Wednesday Market trading hours, the official opening of our pop-up, live music, kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entertainment and a glass of wine with your purchases from any of our shops.

18 December 2019

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

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HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

18 December 2019

Tsitsikamma tourism icons receive infrastructure upgrades Infrastructure manager Curt Jones.

“The project has had to receive approval from National Treasury first.

We are now gearing internal process to prepare for the advertisement of the tender in early 2020,” says Jones.

The Park’s Oceanettes will also be upgraded and a tender process will be finalised towards end January 2020, according to Hospitality manager Grant Grootboom.

“Project commencement date is BIG-TREE TEA BREAK: Travellers on the Tsitsikamma N2 can now stop over for refreshments next to the biggest tree on the Garden Route

ISITORS to Garden Route National Park (GRNP) will be delighted to note the progress of the Park’s Storms River Rest Camp entrance gate, which was completed earlier in 2019 and now provides smooth entry and exit to visitors.

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The Park’s restaurant, which was gutted by a fire in 2016, was moved to a temporary facility.

Architectural designs for the restaurant were completed and finances sourced from the Infrastructure Grant, according to SANParks Special Projects and

estimated to be towards the end of February 2020, and completion should take about eight months.”

He says Park activities this year include the well-loved treetop canopy tours, segway outings, horse riding, canoeing in Nature’s Valley, and hiking on any of the 12 Green Flag trails, 10 of which are day trails.

The Parks’ water activities include river tubing, kayaking and lilo, snorkelling and boat cruises in the

Park’s Storms River Rest Camp.

Finally, visitors travelling between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth can now stop over for coffee or tea near the Garden Route’s biggest tree, thanks to a project funded by the National Department of Tourism. Dubbed the Eastern Gateway Project, the precinct is right next to the Tsitsikamma Big Tree.

See the advert on page 25 for additional information.

Meet Tsitsikamma’s new park manager ICTOR Mokoena was recently welcomed into the fold as park manager for the Tsitsikamma section of Garden Route National Park (GRNP).

Victor joined SANParks in 2005 as a duty manager at Golden Gate Highlands National Park (GGHNP). In 2009, he was appointed as front office manager for Golden Gate Hotel and as tourism manager in 2011.

By 2013, he was promoted to regional manager of tourism and marketing for the Northern Region (Golden Gate Highlands, Marakele, Mapungubwe National Parks), and then appointed as acting park manager for GGHNP between 2015 and 2017.

Victor holds a BA Honours in Public Management from the University of the Free State (UFS). His love for tourism started as early as age 10, when he worked as gardener at a guesthouse in Clarens.

He has never looked back, as he was able to finance his education at UFS by washing cars and from tips received working as a waiter during his Grade 11 and 12 years.

He also scored various academic achievements, including a Digital Marketing Certificate (University of Cape Town) and a Managers Leadership Development qualification (Wits Business School).

During his tenure as GGHNP acting park manager, Victor gained a Chief Executive Award for Leader-

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NEW BROOM: Victor is interviewed by the SABC on December 11 regarding the myriad of activities on offer in the Tsitsikamma these holidays

ship at the 2015/16 Kudu Awards for his efforts to turn the park around by building business confidence and sound stakeholder relations, while upholding conservation principles and good corporate governance.

He won Best Mentor at the Northern Regional Achievement Awards in the same year. Under his leadership, the Park won five provincial Lilizela Tourism Awards and Best Park of the Year at the Northern Regional Achievement Awards.

Victor serves in various conservation and tourism organisations. He was the first black chairperson of the Clarens Tourism Forum from 2013 to 2015, first black vice-chair of the N3 Gateway Tourism Association Board (2012 to date), and is a

member of the Maloti Drakensburg Transfrontier Conservation Area.

His firm belief in community and stakeholder inclusion in park management has also won him Best Constituency Builder of the Year and leadership awards during the 2011 Kudu Awards, for playing a leading role in establishing relationships with strategic stakeholders and creating tangible opportunities for GGHNP. Said Parks Managing Executive Property Mokoena (no relation!): “We congratulate Victor in his new role and encourage staff, communities, business and stakeholders to give him all the necessary support.”

He can be contacted at Victor.

Mokoena@sanparks.org.

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18 December 2019

SOCIAL SCENE

People, places & events

FAT CHRISTMAS FEAST: For the past five years, The Fat Fish has hosted its annual Masizame Christmas Party… to the delight of everyone involved! Says Fat Fish marketing guru Nicola Ash: “Masizame is one of our Plettenberg Bay StreetSmart beneficiaries and extremely close to our heart. It’s an absolute privilege to be able to spoil not only the children but the dedicated Masizame staff at least once a year.” Pictured from left are Masizame’s Brenda Wall with Fat Fish crew Rexy, Amber, Thando G, Mel, Advocate, Sivenathi and Thando J. Above, ‘Father Ashmas’ gives one of the Masizame kids a big-fat-snug-as-a-bug hug.

VEELS GELUK, OOM GERT! Gert Malan, wie al sedert 1976 in Plettenbergbaai woon, word 100 jaar oud op 26 Desember. As jongeling het hy sy Meganiese en Elektro-tegniese Ingenieurswese graad by Wits voltooi, en daarna gewerk as inspekteur van masjienerie, en hoof van die departement Arbeid - die jongste staatsdepartementshoof in Suid Afrika! Daarna was Gert direkteur van die Munt waar hy die nuwe nikel desimale muntstelsel ontwerp en implimenteer het. Nog ‘n yslike pluim in sy kuil is dat hy in die beginjare van Krygkor as besturende direkteur van die krygstuigsraad gedien het. Ironies genoeg het Gert op grond van gesondheidsredes afgetree op 49-jarige ouderdom - nou, meer as vyf dekades later, is hy springlewendig en gesond! Hy bly alleen en draf die trappies op, vertel sy familie. “Oupa maak nog kos en gee die kinders, kleinkinders, agterkleinkinders en agter-agterkleinkinders al hulle dae!” Wat ‘n legende in sy eie leeftyd. Ons wens Oom Gert ‘n wonderlike verjaarsdag en genotvolle honderd-en-eerste lewensjaar toe!

FROM ALL CORNERS OF SA: The Harkerville Saturday Market (see the advert on page 19 for contact details) of December 14 was thronged with people. Among those who enjoyed a hearty breakfast under the oak tree were, above from left, Justin Oberholzer, Gemma Kilian, Jamie Hattingh, Kalcey Polson and Challenge Gobo, all of Plettenberg Bay. At right from left, Capetonians Ilke van der Merwe, Rewan Kruger and Madelein van der Merwe joined Jaco van der Merwe, Antoinette Kruger, Linda Verwey, Marnus and Altus Kruger, and Neline van Merwe, all of whom hail from Phalaborwa in Limpopo Province. At top right from left are Stephan Dreyer, Jaené Cilliers, Michaela Cilliers, Nic Dreyer, Hennie Cloete and Daleen Dreyer, variously from Potchefstroom and Lichtenburg in the North West Province, Cullinan in Gauteng, and Stellenbosch in the Western Cape. - Timothy Twidle TOP TEAM MEMBER: Plett’s Remax Prime Properties crew last week had great pleasure in announcing that their Agent of the Year 2019 is Sally Searle. Says principal Graham Anley, at left in the pic: “Sally has worked with Simon Revington this year and together they have made a great team. The award is based on certain criteria and goals that have to be reached throughout the year. Sally has consistently produced the most listings, most sole mandates, most show houses and most properties sold. She is our area specialist for The Poortjies and Brackenridge, but works throughout Plettenberg Bay.” Pictured with Graham and Sally are Simon, and Cheryl Anley at right. See the ads on pages 8 and 32 for additional info and listings.

YOU’VE GOTTA BE KIDDING: Knysnarians Mark, in front and, from left behind, Sue and Paul were in top holiday mood after enjoying a hilarious lunch at Knysna Yacht Club with their friends from England, Jacqueline and Sharon, at right. Said Mark: “It’s nice to act like kids again!” Here’s hoping these holidays bring out the fun-loving child in everyone. - Gigi Lewis

PONIES ON PARADE: These images of last year’s Pony Parade down Plett’s Main Street should whet the appetites of polo lovers and party animals alike. Meet these able animals and their sporty riders on Friday December 20, same venue, from 6-7pm. Plett’s polo pony parade is the only one of its kind in the country and held as lead up to the Polo International and Plett Polo Festival (see the advert on page 21 for details). Apart from the finely-tuned animal athletes, our Springbok polo players will be part of the parade, as well as a procession of music trucks, banner holders, flag bearers, and friendly team members handing out Plett Polo caps. The polo industry adds much to the Plett economy, so come and enjoy the spectacle of this unique equestrian extravaganza.

SPECIAL NOTICE

18 December 2019

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CXPRESS

HOME & HEALTH

18 December 2019

Eva’s knowledge of community health and healing gains her an audience in parliament AMSA Knysna was recently invited to nominate a delegate to attend a meeting of the Western Cape Women’s Parliament. Social worker Eva Solomons - who has been rendering a therapeutic service to adult victims of crime and violence, their families and friends - quickly stood out as the apt staff member for nomination.

Says Famsa Knysna director Karin du Plessis: “We are very proud of Eva for sharing her knowledge and experiences with such an important audience, when she addressed members of the provincial women’s parliament last month.”

Eva was appointed as Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP) social worker in November 2018 - a post funded by the department of Social Development.

Says Eva: “Along with the VEP team, I have walked the road with more than 100 victims of crime and violence from November last year up to date, many of these victims being women.”

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She explains that in addition to the counselling they provide, VEP social auxiliary worker Pumla Ngqezu has presented many four-hour workshops on gender-based violence (GBV) in various local communities.

“More than 200 residents have already attended these workshops, and are now acutely aware of the realities of these challenges.”

With regard to her unique experience and the opportunities presented upon her recent trip to the Mother City, Eva says: “It was a great experience and privilege to speak on behalf of the victims and survivors to whom we render our services.

“From the discussions of the various delegates it became clear that the different districts experience similar challenges with regards to gender-based violence. The reception at Parliament was really warm and created a feeling that made all of us feel safe.”

Sunelle Fouche, Western Cape Women’s Parliament (WCWP) director of public engagement, says:

TAKING A STAND AGAINST VIOLENCE: Knysna social worker Eva Solomons did the Garden Route proud by being selected to address the Western Cape Women’s Parliament in Cape Town last month

“The two main themes for discussion were GBV and the challenges facing women in rural areas. Invitations for nominations were sent to 116 women’s organisations from across the Western Cape. In the end 52 delegates were selected, with every district being represented.”

Eva was one of 17 delegates who were invited to deliver speeches on GBV, while 16 discussed the challenges facing women in rural areas. Members of the Western Cape Parliament in turn addressed the delegates.

“The stories shared were both inspiring and heart wrenching. The full extent of the dilemma that

women in society - and the people helping them - are faced with, became apparent,” says Sunelle.

Many of the representatives from women’s organisations in attendance were themselves survivors of rape or gender-based violence, or have had a close family member who is a survivor.

Upon conclusion of the WCWP, the delegates agreed on resolutions that will be tabled to the Western Cape Provincial Parliament and referred to the specific committees that will have relevance to the subject. Citizens of CX Country applause Eva Solomons for being part of this important process.

Prestige PLUMBING GARDEN ROUTE

FOOD & WINE

18 December 2019

CXPRESS

How about crustaceans and Chianti for the most festive of Christmas tables?

Jeeves

HRISTMAS is but round the corner… again! (I say ‘again’, because it just means another year has rushed us by.)

So, brace yourself, Sheila - for something entirely different, for a change.

This time, spoil yourself and your loved ones with an extravagant summery Christmas dish.

Crayfish Pasta (Serves 4) Ingredients: • 400-600g cooked crayfish meat (prawn or crab may be substituted) • 1 packet (250g) fresh linguine or tagliatelle • 2 tsp butter • 1 tsp olive oil

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• 1 shallot, skinned and chopped (or a leak, or spring onions diced) • 2 chopped cloves of garlic • 1 red chilli, chopped (with seeds) • Small bunch of coriander and parsley, finely chopped • Juice of ½ a lemon • ½ glass white wine • 100ml double cream (tip: combining milk and butter is an easy fool-proof way to substitute for heavy cream for most recipes) • Salt and pepper Method: • Melt the oil and butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the shal-

lots and garlic and cook a few minutes until glazed.

• Now add the wine and 2 minutes later stir in the cream; adding the crayfish and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer, then add the chilli and herbs. Turn off heat and set aside.

• Place the pasta in a pot over high heat and add boiling water. When it simmers add salt, and

cook for 2 to 3 minutes.

Remove and drain.

• Place in serving bowl and add the sauce. Mix and season to taste.

• Serve with oven-heated crisp bread - ciabatta, baguette, or the like.

A plain green salad with thickly-sliced red onion and halved cherry tomatoes with French dressing goes well as a side. This dish is best enjoyed with an excellent Chianti-style red wine or dry Rosé and the company of good friends and loved ones.

Buon appetito! - Jeeves (aka the Knackered Chef)

Wine and cocktail dates to diarise...

• The Barrington’s Wine Festival today (December 18) takes place at this brand new brewery, which is also one of Plett’s most exciting eateries since its recent opening in the spectacular grounds off Piesang Valley Road.

From 1-6pm you can explore some of the Cape’s finest wines as well as a number of Plett’s own bubblies at the first ever Barrington’s Wine Festival.

Entrance to the festival includes a glass and a tasting of every wine on show.

Tickets at R200 are available online from www. barringtonsplett.co.za and directly from Barrington’s - see the advert on this page for contact details.

• On December 21 from 11am to 8pm, the Island Beach Bar on Stanley Island in the Keurbooms River offers “just your standard extraordinary

private island boozy brunch - featuring absolutely nothing standard!”

The Island Beach Bar crew brings you the hottest trends from their favourite brunch experiences from London to California.

Indulge yourself in bottomless mimosas (the best mimosa is one that doesn’t end, right?), a trendy brunch menu and extensive limited edition cocktails, all of this while

you kick back and relax to live entertainment.

Bottomless mimosas at R195 is served from 11:30am to 1:30pm, and a full spread (bread assortment with condiments, fruit platter, charcuterie boards, pasty basket) costs R220 for two.

Email hello@islandbeachbar.com to book and see the advert on page 20 for additional information and contact details.

EMPLOYMENT OFFERED Waiters, barman, and barista needed from early January 2020 Call Maggie on 076 863 4047

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18 December 2019

CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

18 December 2019

Letters to the Editor

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

Thanks for making November a month to remember It is a wonderful thing, that in a small town like ours, we can publicly acknowledge the great work of those in the community who dedicate their efforts to benefit Plett and its people.

We do have quite a few of these special people around but at this particular time, two deserve a mention.

They have both been on board with us through the

whole of November, National Disability Awareness Month, to spread the word on all events organised to achieve an easier life for those who find mobility difficult.

And that, mind you, is not only the disabled; it includes the elderly, the sick and even parents moving about with young children.

Apart from happily promoting fundraising activities and a talk on accessi-

Take a bow, Mr Hoffmann!

After reading the latest Plett Summer magazine, I suggest that local radio station MC90.3FM should be added onto the events list, as it enables listeners to catch up on local news and enjoy a variety of good music, as provided by Gordon

Hoffmann and his team.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank Gordon for the great effort made by him, and for introducing MC90.3FM to our town. Take a bow, Mr Hoffmann.

Roy Jones, by email

bility, Gordon Hoffmann - the voice of Plett radio station MC90.3FM - went the extra mile and interviewed Mandy Latimore, South Africa’s guru on ‘Universal Accessibility’.

An ironic note here is that Mandy had to be interviewed by phone, because Gordon’s studio is not accessible to differently-abled people!

And then there’s CXPRESS’s very own indomitable Esther de Villiers, who week after week did her utmost to accommodate news coverage of this important topic in every edition of the paper.

These two people were part of creating history in Plett by promoting and covering the first-ever sports event - the ‘Day 4 Disability’ bowling tournament on Saturday November 30 - designed to create awareness about

differently-abled people and the need for an inclusive environment to accommodate their needs.

A big thank you is due to you both, from an appreciative community of differently-abled and able-bodied residents of Plett and further afield, as well as from myself and Differently-abled Awareness Campaign founder Rita Hardaker.

We are thrilled that November 2019 will forever be a month to remember.

Julie Deferville, Plett (It has been an absolute pleasure to spread the word about your important work, Julie. Click on any of the November 2019 editions at www.cxpress.co.za to find out more about the concerted efforts of Julie, Rita & Co in their quest to make Plett more user-friendly for the differently-abled or otherwise challenged. - Eds.)

How close can you go? Spotlight on boat operators…

The skipper of the boat that takes tourists to see seals should be fined and also fired for recently harassing the huge magnificent and rare elephant seal that was chilling in the shallows at the gap on Robberg.

It was there for a few hours giving hikers on Robberg the pleasure and privilege of viewing this rare huge seal. Then this #%$@# on his tourist boat approached it to within a boat length away, forcing it even closer to the rocks to avoid being harassed even further.

After a while the tourist boat left and shortly afterwards the elephant seal disappeared, preventing any further viewing opportunities for Robberg hikers.

The arrogance, selfishness and total lack of common sense of some of these tourist boat operators are very disappointing and must be addressed urgently.

It is also strongly advised that tourist boats stay at least 300m away from fishermen on the ledges of Robberg to avoid any violent con-

frontations. Why do we have to remind you people of this every summer?

You have the whole big bay at your disposal, so stay away from the few spots where we fish from.

The bay is for all of us to share and enjoy.

Sea Warrior of Plett, by email Local marine mammal scientist Dr Gwenith Penry responds: I was asked to provide clarity on permit regulations pertaining to tourism vessels operating around marine mammals.

I cannot identify the vessel in the photograph provided, however IF it is, as the author states, a tourist boat, then it is within its rights to be where located in relation to the Robberg seal colony.

Both local seal-swim operators have a codeof-conduct regarding responsible operating around seals, and a signed agreement with CapeNature allowing them to enter the Marine Protected Area (MPA) for their respective tourism activities.

All other vessels, in accordance with the Marine Living Resources

Act, should stay 25m away from seal colonies.

Regarding the elephant seal: yes, this is a rare species to see on our coastline and we are privileged to have this bull seal return to Robberg annually. The letter states that the boat in question forced it even closer to the rocks to avoid being harassed... and after the boat had left, the elephant seal disappeared.

Having observed this particular seal many times, when in the water he usually patrols very close to the rocks, and at this time of year has been observed killing and eating the fur seal pups.

The behaviour described is not unusual, nor does it suggest harassment, and in my opinion cannot be directly linked to the vessel.

The elephant seal spends much of his time basking on land so his disappearance “after the boat had left” may well have been him moving to another area, or hauling out - especially if he had already been in the water for several hours, as the letter states.

Regarding fishermen on the ledges of Robberg:

SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED: Local tourist boat operators have signed an agreement with CapeNature regarding their operations in Robberg’s Marine Protected Area

they too are privileged to be allowed to fish in an MPA at all, and that any “violent confrontation” can be avoided if both parties appreciate that they are equally entitled to this access.

A bit of mutual respect will go a long way to avoid any unnecessary confrontations - as the author states: “The bay is for all to share and enjoy.”

Although there is variation in how skippers operate, they are generally considerate of the environment they work in and often engage with researchers regarding updated knowledge and interpreting behaviours correctly.

It is also worth noting that throughout the year, not just in the busy summer season, many of our marine tourism operators support rehabilitation and ongoing conservation work in Plett at their own cost.

Any perceived harassment is unlikely to be intentional and I can only suggest that the aggrieved Sea Warrior take some time to get to know the operators and the regulations.

In general: all boats (permitted, non-permitted, recreational or commercial) must travel at NO WAKE speed through the Robberg MPA, and no close encounters with whales and dolphins are allowed within the MPA boundaries.

Outside of the MPA, recreational or non-permitted tourism vessels should remain 300m+ away from whales and dolphins. Permitted whale watching vessels may approach whales (without calves) to within 50m.

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Freund makes more ‘frendz’ for diving the extra mile On returning from a boating trip up Keurbooms River last weekend, a watch belonging to one of the passengers fell into the water while the boat was docking. Although over 10 years old, the timepiece held great sentimental value.

The area where the watch sank was deep and dark and

WHEN AT FIRST YOU DON’T SUCCEED… Freund Oberholzer emerges victoriously with the retrieved timepiece, after refusing to be deterred when his initial procurement effort had failed

overgrown with weed, making it almost impossible to retrieve.

Any movement of the fine silt on the floor of the river would make it even more difficult to locate the watch.

A request was placed on Plett in Stereo, asking if anyone could help. Accompanied by wife Suzette, Freund Oberholzer of Frendz Restaurant at The Market Square - who also happens to be a master diver - responded to the urgent plea.

The first time Freund submerged with his torch and diving gear it was too dark to see anything. He returned to the site with an underwater metal detector… and managed to locate the watch. The picture at left bears witness to this near impossible recovery.

Here is another example of the wonderful people in Plett, who voluntarily come out to assist whenever the call is made - with no thought of compensation in any way!

The recovery made everyone’s day. A big thank you is due to Freund and Suzette for their kindness and selflessness in making the owner very happy by retrieving his old watch - which still works, by the way, after being in the water for over 77 hours.

Allison Moir, Plett

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SPORT & ADVENTURE

18 December 2019

Are you ready for the best Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge yet?

Read CXPRESS online at www.cxpress.co.za

Two exciting new events have been added to Plettenberg Bay’s mostloved annual family-sports-fun festival HIS is the most excited I have ever been for the Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge! Thus declared event director Mark Collins, adding that potential participants should enter now “because this year is going to be off the charts”.

According to Collins it’s the complete bouquet of events on offer that will make Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge 2019, presented by Discovery on December 27, 29 & 30, the very best yet.

The biggest news is that this year’s Challenge has grown into a three-day event.

This extra event day has enabled organisers to dedicate a full day exclusively to trail running and mountain biking respectively - that in addition, of course, to the cherished first day on Central Beach.

Taking place at the magnificent Kurland Estate, the extra day has enabled two new top-end events to be added to the roster and this, Collins believes, is what’s sure to draw cognisors of the sport.

In addition, participants entering the 1 Mile Swim, the 21km Trail Run, and the 50km MTB will be automatically ranked in the inaugural Tri-Challenge, which has already created a wave of excitement.

The beloved 5km and 10km Trail Run courses at Kurland now have an exciting 21km cousin. This half-marathon distance trail run is what Collins predicts will grow to become the iconic trail event of the summer.

“It is a bespoke and beautiful course, with each metre lovingly crafted especially for trail running.”

Collins describes the route as varied, technical and demanding with spectacular vistas, including a secret valley never before traversed. He promises an all-round experience that will have trail-running fanatics “frothing at the mouth”.

The 50km mountain bike race is also something that set the event director’s endorphins flowing. “Finally, after all these years, we are able to offer the more serious mountain bikers what they have been baying for all along.

“They are going to love the new 50km course,” he says, explaining that the route traverses mixed terrain with climbs, descents, forestry roads and beautiful flowing single track.

The 25km track has not been neglected, with tastes of everything offered by the 50km route. “It is intended to be more achievable, but definitely not to be underestimated.”

Day 1, Friday December 27 on Central Beach, kicks off with the 10km Beach & Road Run, followed by the 1 Mile Swim, the 5km Beach Walk, and the 15km Surf Ski Race.

Finally, world champ surf ski paddler Dawid Mocke will coordinate the crowdpulling Splash and Dash.

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RACING SNAKE SANCTUARY: Trail running is never better than on the routes traversing Kurland Polo Estate - Photo: Sirius Media

The exciting Kids of Steel adventure run takes place at Kurland on Trail Running Day, December 29, and participants can treat themselves to a full day of activities by spending the afternoon at Kurland watching the international polo test.

The event closes with Mountain Bike Day on December 30, also at Kurland, where the 2019 Tri Challenge Champions will be crowned.

Collins concludes: “The way the Challenge is structured is unique, with 100% of entry fees going to Sabrina Love Foundation. So your entry is already paid for by Discovery.

“All that’s left to do now is to make that entry donation, which means you’ll be a part of the action while enabling a child with special needs to thrive in 2020.”

Visit https://sabrinalove.co.za/ocean-chal lenge-2019/ and see the advert on page 20 for additional information.

ON YER BIKE: This year’s MTB races at Kurland offer brand new routes Photo: Glenn Murray

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