Photo: Marco Prosch - Getty Images
18 July 2018
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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Tata’s 100 years Eden District’s Mandela Centenary Launch kicks off today at 8am, the programme in EDM council chambers including singing of the national anthem, a keynote address, cake-cutting and candle-lighting ceremony by Eden mayor Memory Booysen. On this auspicious day, hailing 100 years since the birth of Tata Madiba, let’s remember his words: “It’s in your hands to make the world a better place.” Call 044 803 1419 to find out about other events planned for Mandela Day and beyond.
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CXPRESS
NEWS & VIEWS
18 July 2018
A humble town, perhaps, but Knysna has graciously hosted nobility nonetheless Knysna reader JOHANN VOSLOO shares his discoveries on a long-ago visit to town by a legend of his time - research of which was set in motion after he stumbled upon a valuable memoir at the Plett Animal Welfare Service (PAWS) charity shop recently ROWSING in the PAWS Charity Shop in Plettenberg Bay two weeks ago, I came across a book titled ‘30 Years with G.B.S.’ by Blanche Patch, with this by-line on the front cover: ‘Mr Shaw’s private secretary for the last 30 years of his life’. Having vague recollections of George Bernard Shaw staying over in Knysna because of a car accident, I bought the book in the hope that there would be a paragraph or two on his views of our part of the world. I had a most interesting time reading the book and after visits to Knysna libraries, museums, and Mr Google, of course, I’d like to share with you a short version of local stories and information found. GBS and his wife, Charlotte, arrived in Cape Town by ship, the Carnarvon Castle, in January 1932, and stayed at the Mount Nelson Hotel. Blanche Patch writes: “Towards the end of January, GBS had written to me to say that in a couple of weeks they would be leaving Cape Town on a three or four day car journey to Port Elizabeth, from where they proposed to take a ship for Durban and home.” She then relates a “mishap” that occurred near Karatara in which Mrs Shaw was badly knocked about. Shaw wrote that “the injuries are only bruises and sprains and a troublesome hole in her shin plus two black eyes” - quite enough suffering, one would say, for a venerable lady aged 76. She says GBS “strictly enjoined me not to tell anyone about it”. He wrote: “Keep it utterly dark or we shall be overwhelmed with enquiries and reports. It will be all over and Mrs Shaw quite well before we arrive.” The reporters won nevertheless, explains Patch: “I read all about the accident before the letter arrived; nor was I too worried, for the newspapers
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WISDOM INC: George Bernard Shaw, known at his insistence simply as Bernard Shaw, was an Irish playwright, critic, polemicist, and political activist. His influence on Western theatre, culture and politics extended from the 1880s to his death and beyond. He was born on July 26, 1856, in Dublin, Ireland, and died on November 2, 1950. Some of his most famous quotes include: ‘Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself’; ‘We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing’; and ‘Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.’ - Photo: Yousuf Karsh
said that the Shaws’ injuries were not serious.” The Shaws stayed at the Royal Hotel in Knysna. Patch further writes: “The prospect of doing nothing in the meantime was not to be tolerated; so, while waiting for the wounds to heal, GBS sat down and wrote 17,000 words of ‘The adventures of the Black girl in her search for God’.” Mr DJ Fraser, owner of the Royal Hotel at that time, tells of GBS joining him for over five weeks in his custom to bathe in the lagoon every morning before breakfast. He remembers that “every morning from 9:30am, he sat on the stoep with an exercise book and wrote until 12:30pm.
To this book he gave the title ‘The Black Girl in search of God’ (sic). He borrowed from me a bible and had it until he finished the book. “The last words Mr Shaw said to me were: ‘I will not forget the swims we had and the pleasant drives round the countryside.’ I replied: ‘I will never forget my companion’.” Mr Fraser ends his ‘Memories of the visit of Mr George Bernard Shaw to Knysna in February 1932’ (of which a copy is available at Knysna Central Library) with the following snippet: “Professor Chris Barnard’s uncle (Oom Koos) was the Bathing Box attendant at
Knysna, and one day after his house had been flooded by exceptionally heavy rains, Mr Shaw gave him £5 to help with expenses incurred in repairing the damage - so Chris wasn’t the first in his family to ‘Walk with Kings’.” The Knysna Advertiser had a number of articles about this phenomenon in their midst in their weekly editions, ending up with a short report after the Shaws had left. In the social column it is noted: “Mr and Mrs Bernard Shaw we hear flew off to Cape Town from George in great spirit - he like a school boy off for a holiday! They telegraphed from Cape Town to a friend in Knysna saying that they had loved their trip.” The doctor who treated the Shaws in Knysna was Dr Allen. He made a lasting impression on them as is apparent in a long and informative letter he received from the Shaws later that year (copy in Knysna Museum). From royalty to Academy Award and Nobel Prize winners - Knysna, this humble town, proves to be a worthy host to them all.
SERENDIPITOUS SHOP TRIP: The cover of the author’s recent find at the PAWS Charity Shop situated in Plett’s Industrial area
Forced removals talk draws history buffs and friends in their droves
Leigh Dunn, who is descended from a family that has a long association with Plett, gave a talk on the forced removals of local coloured families at a meeting of the Van Plettenberg Historical Society, held at Plett Angling Club on the evening of Thursday July 12. Afterwards, Leigh embraced his mother, Joey Dunn, at left above. They are pictured here with longstanding friend Leilani Langdown - also a scion of a family that has a proud record of many decades of residence in the bay. At right, Leigh is pictured with his riveted audience in the background. - Timothy Twidle
NEWS & VIEWS
18 July 2018
CXPRESS
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Cooperation between Bitou and national rural developers bodes well for Kurland community A housing development for Kurland Village came one step closer to becoming a reality after the department of Rural Development and Land Reform committed to releasing a portion of its land in The Crags for housing purposes - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports HE housing needs of the small village in The Crags on the eastern outskirts of Plett recently highlighted the need for housing in the area through a series of protests. Some of residents’ other demands include a school, a clinic, streetlights, and a police station for the community. On July 5, Human Settlements minister Nomaindia Mfeketo and Western Cape Human Settlements MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela visited the community and informed residents that they were in the process of addressing their housing needs, but that the piece of land they had identified for housing belonged to the De-
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partment of Rural Development and Land Reform. The second in charge of this department, deputy minister Mcebisi Skwatsha, then visited the Kurland community on Thursday July 12 to provide clarity over the land. Skwatsha informed residents that the department had agreed to the request from Bitou’s local government to release a portion of the identified land for housing. ANC Bitou chief whip Phakie Mbali said the desktop analysis done on the property indicated that the development potential of the site was considered to be about 50ha, and that
up to 900 houses could possibly be built on the site. “The deputy minister made the commitment that his department will release the land and we are now calling for the process of the handover to be fasttracked so that the human settlements department can start with the process of housing development in the area,” Mbali said. Skwatsha also made a commitment to recruit 20 rural youth from Bitou - 10 from Kurland, and 10 from in and around other parts of Plettenberg Bay - for the National Rural Youth Service Corps (www.ruraldevelopment.gov.za/aboutus/narysec) programme.
SPEAKING UP: Bitou speaker Euan Wildeman welcomed Rural Development and Land Reform deputy minister Mcebisi Skwatsha on his recent visit to Kurland Village
LOTS TO LISTEN TO: The Kurland Village Community Hall was packed during a visit by Rural Development and Land Reform deputy minister Mcebisi Skwatsha - Photos: Supplied
MEET BEFORE THE MEET: Before his visit to Kurland Village, Rural Development and Land Reform deputy minister Mcebisi Skwatsha, left, met with Bitou councillors, including mayor Peter Lobese, at Bitou’s council chambers - Photo: Supplied
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CXPRESS
18 July 2018
NEWS & VIEWS
Global survey shows Mandela’s dream under threat by global pessimism The results of an international survey was released on the eve of the centennial anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s birth, and Barack Obama’s speech honouring Madiba on July 17 in Joburg 26-country survey conducted by Glocalities among 31,786 people reveals that 84% of the world population mistakenly thinks that extreme poverty has either increased or stayed the same. In reality, extreme poverty has decreased by 50% in the last two decades (UNDP figure). Mandela urged world leaders in 2005 to “act with courage and vision” to make poverty history (http://www.mandela.gov. za/mandela_speeches/2005/050203_poverty.htm).
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Although the world is already halfway through the race to realise his dream, people are very pessimistic and uninformed about the progress made. This lack of hope undermines the UN Global Goals campaign. The mood of pessimism is especially prevalent in the Western world and fuels divisive populist movements. The global survey was conducted by Amsterdam-based research agency Glocalities in cooperation with Global Citizen and with funding from the Bill & Melinda
Gates Foundation. Interviews were held during January and February this year. Millennial leaders hopeful and ready to take action The 16% of people who are aware of the progress in the fight against global poverty are far more hopeful about the future when compared to the majority who are not aware of progress. These people, especially millennial leaders, are also much more positive about the future of gender equality, international stability and living conditions for people around the world. They can make the difference needed for realising the 17 UN Global Goals by 2030, such as no poverty, quality education, climate action, decent work, and economic growth. Find Obama’s address to millen-
nial leaders here: www.nelsonmandela.org/ content/page/annual-lecture-2018. Says Glocalities research director Martijn Lampert: “The best news of our generation goes largely unnoticed. The time has come to let the world know that we are already half way through the race in eradicating extreme poverty. Millennials can become the great generation Mandela envisioned.” Adds Global Citizen policy director Michael Sheldrick: “The survey results are alarming. In these times of uncertainty, we need leaders who are able to inspire and rally public momentum behind the Global Goals for Sustainable Development.” Global Citizen organises the Mandela 100 Festival - visit www.glocalities.com/ mandela for more information.
Retailer brings much-needed relief in light of escalating petrol price S South Africans suffer yet another petrol-price increase to a record R16 a litre, the Shoprite Group is working hard to keep prices low and subsidise where possible to bring relief to consumers feeling the effect of escalating petrol prices and related rising costs on their pockets. In fact, many of its prices are coming down. Internal inflation figures at the Group’s South African supermarkets show that prices have on average reduced or been in 0.5% deflation for the three months until May, with the result that nearly 6,500 items in its stores are cheaper than last year. These products include maize meal, white sugar, bananas, sunflower oil, avocados, margarine, and disposable nappies. The Group actively continues to subsidise
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products to make sure they remain affordable. Its 600g in-house bakery bread price at R4.99 a loaf has not increased since April 2016. It has subsidised or frozen prices on 6,793 tons of sugar, 8.3-million litres of cooking oil, 3.4-million litres of milk, 16,118 tons of maize, 9,555 tons of rice, and 144.1-million loaves of bread since then. On VAT-exempt items, it has introduced a number of initiatives to ease the effects of the VAT increase on customers’ disposable income. Fruit and vegetable prices, which are volatile due to short growth cycles or harsh weather conditions, remain low. Avos, butternut, bananas, and oranges are much cheaper than a year ago, largely due to increases in crops previously affected by drought.
In total, about 40 fruit and vegetable items in Shoprite and Checkers supermarkets are cheaper than a year ago. Pork prices have dropped substantially due to an oversupply in the wake of the listeriosis outbreak, which saw producers cut down on processed cold-meat manufacturing. Beef prices, however, are experiencing upward price pressure as cattle farmers reduced herds during drought conditions and now have to rebuild them over time. Food prices that are increasing faster than others include eggs and frozen chicken, mainly due to avian flu decimating flocks in 2017. Shoprite recognises the severe financial pressures which leave many of its customers hungry and has an unwavering commit-
ment to deliver the lowest prices on food and household essentials every day. While South Africa’s food inflation has remained low, with a seven-year low recorded in April, several price pressures are affecting customers’ pockets. These include the escalating petrol price, increased VAT and the introduction of a sugar tax, low GDP growth and job scarcity, drought conditions and water shortages, and currency fluctuations. These factors collectively affect product pricing and consumer buying patterns. With this in mind, the group continues to subsidise products where possible. It has implemented a Student Discount Week once a month across all stores to help students too hungry to apply themselves to their studies. R5 meals at all Shoprite stores include chicken hot dogs for R3.50, a fried egg and tomato sandwich for R4, and soup and igwinya (vetkoek) for R5. The group also continues to subsidise the cost of basic food items and has extended its bread subsidy indefinitely Shoprite’s hunger-relief programme addresses the food security challenges faced by so many people across the African continent, while its mobile soup kitchens have been serving vulnerable communities daily for the past decade. It makes surplus food from all of its stores available to hundreds of non-profit organisations who collectively feed thousands of hungry people daily, and sets out to establish longer-term solutions like sustainable food gardens to alleviate hunger and generate income for vulnerable individuals and organisations in need. Shoprite is fighting for its customers in reaction to petrol and other price increases and will not stop doing so until no one is left hungry.
NEWS & VIEWS
18 July 2018
Madiba’s treats for Masizame kids HEN bad weather predictions messed with their Madiba Day plan on Saturday July 14, management and staff at The Bungalow on Plettenberg Bay’s Hobie Beach made a quick few calls to postpone the event to noon on Monday, when much better weather was sure to bless their beach party. The plot to treat some of Bitou’s less fortunate or orphaned kids was conceived in line with this week’s Mandela Centenary celebrations and judging by the kids’ smiles, the day’s line-up served the purpose perfectly. “We had an amazing afternoon with the Masizame kids, building sandcastles and playing games like volleyball and rugby on
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the beach,” says Lucy. “Once all the beach sports were over, we headed up to The Bungalow for a delicious lunch. Big thanks go to Bidfood for donating the scrumptious steaks, while Bungalow and Sky Villa sponsored the rolls and chips for lunch, as well as goodie bags for the kids to take home with them. “All in all it was a great afternoon and we hope to do much more of this kind of event often in the future.” Call Lucy on 044 533 1864 for additional information and see the first finalist announcement in the Sky Villa / DifferentlyAbled Awareness Campaign competition here below.
BEACH SPORTS: The Bungalow manager Lucy Slabbert, at left above, and food and beverage boss Elnar Killian, right, played volleyball and built sandcastles with some of the Masizame kids during a perfectly mild Monday afternoon - Photos: Lynette Mullins
Differently-Abled Campaign: first finalist! HE competition in support of Plett’s Differently-Abled Awareness Campaign, in which the grand prize is a night’s stay for two at the magnificent Sky Villa Boutique Hotel with dinner and breakfast included, has now been selected from the first batch of entries received since launch date. Answering the competition question ‘What does being differently-abled mean to you?’ thus was Mia Swart from Knys-
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na: “Differently-abled means having a right to support from easy-going people to enjoy the same activities!” We couldn’t have said it better, Mia CXPRESS and ShowMe Plett will keep readers abreast of details in the run-up to the final prize draw. In the interim, don’t waste time ‘coz you could be the next finalist for our fabulous grand prize; email your answer to the italicised question to winwithskyvilla@gmail.com today!
CXPRESS
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CXPRESS
NEWS & VIEWS
18 July 2018
Crime and drugs don’t stand a chance against this hip and hap’nin’ dance IP Hop vs Crime is a project that sets out to instil positive life skills through dance among local youth. This is done in a disciplined environment where hip hop can be an alternative to crime and other social ills. The project is headed by Faizel Kleynhans from Plett Active Youth and his management team. On Saturday June 30, Hip Hop vs Crime celebrated its one-year anniversary. The party started off with a street jam at New Horizons taxi rank and ended with a hip hop show that evening at the Formosa Primary School hall. The show featured a full line-up of local talent such as Mark Davids, Enrico Sam, Axe Crew, Unexpected, OSG Girls, Future, Animation Crew, Rieldans, Malibu vs Mablo, Redefined, Hurley and Victor. Says Faizel: “As usual, we enjoyed the support of Prophetstyle from Oudtshoorn and on this occasion, we also had legendary dancer Ramone in the house. A walk with Mel presenter and hip hop artist Melissa de Vries, aka Melrock, was another of our special guests and some of the evening’s performances will feature on her show.” He adds that many good things came out of the anniversary bash, as muchneeded help for the project was offered by the professionals involved. “Both Ramone and Melrock will return with programmes to assist us in reaching our ultimate goal: for hip hop to be an alter-
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IN DA HOUSE: At the Hip Hop vs Crime first birthday bash were, from left, organiser Faizel Kleynhans, presenter of ‘A Walk with Mel’ on DStv’s Cape Channel 263, Melrock, and Ramone Dewet - dance crew member of both Prophets of da City and Brasse Vannie Kaap
native to crime among the youth. The line-up in this regard will be announced in the print and electronic media soon. “We need to mention that we were offered support by Bitou mayor Peter Lobese, who in our presence instructed his manager to assist us. But when we went to their offices they did not want to see us, or have the decency to tell us that they could not help us. “Mr Mayor, this reflects badly on your office, especially as ours is a youth project and our event was scheduled for the end of Youth Month. Please note that this excludes the Traffic and Electrical departments as well as those responsible for the community halls. “We thank our artists, loyal supporters and sponsors, especially Sky Villa, The Bungalow, Amakhaya Backpackers, Coastal Tool Hire Plett, Masons, ward councillor Anne Windvogel, Ocean Safaris, Face
Adrenalin, Plett’s Yellowood Spur, Cornuti, Frendz, Formosa Primary School, Plett Taxi Organisation, Danny B Sound & Entertainment, Schapiro, John Wilschut Signs, former Bitou councillor Hilda Plaatjies, Laurenzo May, Renecia Leonard; Bianca, Gwyneth, and Wendeline Kleynhans; Deidre Samuels; Gaynor, Landie, and Quwin Christians, and Maureen Wildeman. “Although some help were gratefully received we still need more to achieve our goals. We ask our local businesses and organisations to assist in any way to help us keeping our youth away from crime through hip hop.” Call Faizel on 078 986 3554 if you can contribute, or deposit directly into the cheque account of Plett Active Youth at First National Bank Plett (branch code 210514), account number 6275 8619 145, with HHVC and your name as reference.
Notice Board • Please take note that the Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPF) and Bitou Municipality had to postpone their Unity Walk to next week Saturday because of the severe weather scheduled for the original date of July 14. All residents are invited to join in on Saturday July 28 in a show of harmony and of upholding Madiba’s commitment to a non-racial SA. By going to press, the assembly point remained as the New Horizons court building, from 9am onwards. The walk in celebration of Madiba’s centenary will conclude in Main Street. • Plett Athletics Club invites readers for a 6.7km family beach run or walk on Sunday July 22. Register at 8am for the 8:30 start - entry at R67 includes a breakfast roll and juice or coffee. Start and finish at Plett Ski-boat club on Central Beach. Kids pay half price. Call Georgie on 072 629 5316 for details.
IHLOMBE! See the South Cape Youth Choir in action on July 19
• ‘Mandela at 100: Voices of Hope, Freedom and Unity’ is being performed by choirs from SA and the States at venues across the country this month. Established in 2009 with a special focus on collaboration and service, the Ihlombe! choral festival features a diversity of international choirs performing for effusive audiences in every venue imaginable, making for singing that nourishes the body and soul. This year’s 10th anniversary edition of Ihlombe! honours the 100th anniversary of the birth of Nobel Peace Prize-winning icon Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. In the
spirit of Madiba’s prized ideals of hope, freedom and unity, select youth and collegiate choirs hailing from five major American cities are performing 13 collaborative concerts with more than 15 African youth, church and community ensembles. On July 19 at 7:30pm, the tour stops at St Mark’s Cathedral in George featuring the Atlanta Young Singers and South Cape Children’s Choir conducted by JanErik Swart. Tickets cost R60 (R30 for pensioners and students) - call 082 585 0632 or email mimihaas broeklm@gmail.com for additional information.
BUSINESS
18 July 2018
CXPRESS
Update on the unique estate at One Beachy Head Drive N a letter written to the CXPRESS editors last year, a concerned reader asked about the “eyesore” at One Beachy Head Drive [read the letter on page 11 of the January 18, 2017 edition at www. cxpress.co.za]. Sotheby’s International Realty responded by saying that the location was still a construction site with the top two houses
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in the gated estate being built first, and that the remaining two houses would be built this year. As can be seen from the image below at left, construction of these two stunning homes is now well under way. These four-bedroom (all en-suite) houses are designed by world-famous architects Stefan Antoni/ Olmesdahl/Truen in as-
sociation with Simplicitas Architects. The contemporary, modern and unique development offers the buyer privacy, security, and prominent views of the Piesang River valley, Beacon Isle Hotel, and beaches. An in-depth study of the climate and specific characteristics of the plot determined the layout and positioning of the houses
to maximise natural light, protection from prevailing winds, privacy and views. State of the art and stylish, it definitely achieves the “wow” factor. Asking prices are R24,510,000 and R26,562,000 including VAT. Call Hein Pretorius on 083 701 3159 for additional information and see the advert on the cover for current listings.
THOROUGHLY RESEARCHED: An in-depth study of the climate and specific characteristics of the plot determined the layout and positioning of the houses to maximise natural light, protection from prevailing winds, privacy and views
Rewards reaped by Plettenberg Bay realtors at Garden Route Sapphire Awards
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O N G R AT U L A TIONS are due to all winners from Plett at the Lew Geffen Sotheby’s Intentional Realty Garden Route Sapphire Awards 2018, held at Oubaai Hotel. The Plettenberg Bay office of Sotheby’s International Realty received the following awards: • Chairman’s Award for Highest Units Sold Developments: Desré Reck 1st • Chairman’s Award for Highest Units Sold Rookie Agent: Werner Harris 1st • Chairman’s Award for Highest Units Sold Residential: Sue Harvey 2nd and Carrie Maclean 3rd • Barak Geffen Award for Highest Turnover Developments: Desré Reck 1st
• Barak Geffen Award for Highest Turnover Residential: Hein Pretorius 2nd • Barak Geffen Award for Highest Turnover
Rookie Agent: Werner Harris 1st • Barak Geffen Award for Highest Turnover Achiever Agent: Paul Jordaan 1st and Sue Har-
PRECIOUS GEMS THE LOT OF ‘EM: From left are Paul Jordaan, Hein Pretorius, Bea Armstrong, Cheryl Dempster, Sue Harvey, Desré Reck, Elbie Pama, Steve Neufeld, and Werner Harris of Plett’s Lew Geffen Sotheby’s Intentional Realty office, who collectively walked away with 15 sparkling Sapphire Awards
vey 3rd • Barak Geffen Award for Highest Turnover Commercial: Hein Pretorius 1st • Barak Geffen Award for Highest Turnover Farms: Elbie Pama 1st • Esprit de Corps Awards for Most Referrals Sold Inbound: Sue Harvey 1st • Esprit de Corps Awards Office Referral Manager of the Year: Steve Neufeld • Market Share Award: Plett office 1st • Marketing Award: Plett office 1st Hein Pretorius, owner broker, says: “I am proud of our team. We have worked hard and put in the hours it takes to be successful, so it is great to see reward for effort paying off.”
A few tips on achieving a comfortable retirement ETIREMENT planning is seldom prioritised during the first few years of employment. However, what we fail to realise is that starting retirement plans early will yield positive results over the long term. “People tend to delay retirement plans in the hope of catching up at a later stage,” says FNB Financial Advisory head Preenay Sathu. “The reality is that it might be difficult to catch up once you commit yourself to other financial obligations such as buying a house or a car. It is advisable to start your retirement journey
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as soon as you get your first pay cheque so that it becomes a financial habit,” he adds. Habits of financiallyhealthy retirees • Start early: People who achieve a healthy retirement start saving as soon as they earn an income. The advantage is that you will get to benefit from compounding interests, which will help strengthening your retirement savings. • Contribute monthly: Monthly contributions to your retirement is great, however one needs to ensure that contributions increase annually by at least above the in-
flation figure. • Monitor returns: It is advisable to review your retirement savings at least once a year to ensure that your savings grow. Changes in the economy can impact your savings, so always monitor the performance of funds you are invested in. This will help ensuring that you achieve your long-term financial goal. • Don’t withdraw savings: Avoid the temptation of withdrawing from your retirement savings for rainy days. Instead, create an emergency fund that will help you deal with unexpected expenses such as a car breaking down or
medical expenses. • Consult professionals: It is advisable to consult a certified financial planner who will guide you to structure your retirement in accordance with your lifestyle and needs. Furthermore, financial planners will give you guidance in terms of how much you need to contribute monthly in order to achieve a healthy retirement. “The road to achieving a healthy retirement will require a great deal of compromise and practising good financial habits. Retirement planning should be on our priority list when planning our finances,” concludes Sathu.
7 Steve Neufeld
‘WOW’ UNDER CONSTRUCTION: The contemporary, modern and unique development offers privacy, security, and magnificent views
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CXPRESS
INTERVAL
18 July 2018
Ready to be a monk? man is driving down the road and breaks down near a monastery. He walks to the monastery, knocks on the door, and says: “My car broke down. Do you think I could stay the night?” The monks graciously accept him, feed him dinner, and even fix his car. As the man tries to fall asleep, he hears a very strange sound. The next morning, he asks the monks what the sound was, but they say: “We can’t tell you. You’re not a monk.” The man is disappointed but thanks them anyway and goes about his merry way. Some years later, the same man breaks down in front of the same monastery. The monks again accept him, feed him, and again fix his car. That night, he hears the same strange noise that he had heard years earlier. The next morning, he asks what it is, but again the monks reply: “We can’t tell you. You’re not a monk.” The man says: “All right, all right. I’m dying to know. If the only way I can find out what that sound was, is to become a monk, please advise how I would go about it?” The monks reply: “You must travel the earth and tell us how many blades of grass there are and the exact number of sand pebbles. When you find these numbers, you will become a monk.” The man sets about his task. Some 54 years later, he returns and knocks on the door of the same monastery.
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He says: “I have travelled the earth and have found what you have asked for. There are 145,236,284,232 blades of grass and 231,281,219,999,129,382 sand pebbles on the earth.” The monks reply: “Congratulations. You are now a monk. We shall now show you the way to the sound.” The monks lead the man to a wooden door where the head monk says: “The sound is right behind that door.” The man reaches for the knob, but the door is locked. He says: “Real funny. May I have the key?” The monks give him the key, and he opens the door. Behind the wooden door is another door made of stone. The man demands the key to the stone door. The monks give him the key, and he opens it, only to find a door made of ruby. He demands another key from the monks, who provide it. Behind that door is another door, this one made of sapphire, and so it went until the man had gone through doors of emerald, silver, topaz, and amethyst. Finally, the monks say: “This is the last key to the last door.” The man is relieved to know that he has finally reached the end. He unlocks the door, turns the knob, and behind that door he is absolutely amazed to finally find the source of that strange sound. But he can’t tell you what it is, because you’re not a monk.
Self-imposed handicap HE Springbok rugby team went to visit an orphanage in Joburg ahead of their England three-match campaign. “It’s so good to put
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a smile on the faces of people with no hope, constantly struggling, and facing the impossible,” said Timothy Dlamini, aged 6.
RIP the great Nelson Mandela. Morgan Freeman played you in a film, and now you have met God - also played by Morgan Freeman. - Erik Bransteen
“Tread softly, breathe peacefully, laugh hysterically” - Nelson Mandela
“The difference between a helping hand and an outstreched palm is a twist of the wrist.” - Anonymous
SOCIAL SCENE
18 July 2018
MELODIOUS JORL HAD BY ALL: Attaining an impressive 164 points, the Stealth Bombers team was victorious at the recent Music Quiz at Plett Bowling Club, with Zigg-Zag and Lifesavers in second and third spots respectively. Says organiser Barry Rickets: “Your support meant we could again sponsor a young Plett Surf Lifesaving Club member. Thank you for generously contributing, too, towards the young soprano Anelisiwe Madyo on the night - the whip-round raised R1,140 so she can now purchase a new blazer and uniform.” Barry thanked sponsors Helen Melon Properties, The Insurance & Investment Shop, Barrowdale Nurseries, My Butchery, Nineteen89, Plett Ski-boat Club, Zigg-Zag, Fisanthoek Brewing Co, Knysna Elephant Park, and Bodyknots. Please diarise the next event on Barry’s calendar: the annual Sports Quiz will take place on Friday November 9. At right, a cheque to the value of R2,500 is presented to Nexus Lurie of Plett Lifesaving by the bowling club’s new president, Paul van Niekerk, right. The other photos show some more of the night’s lucky winners, two of whom receive their loot from Barry, below - call him on 072 890 6238 for additional information.
CXPRESS RE/MAX WELCOMES ZELDA CADDIE: The team at RE/MAX Prime Properties is delighted to welcome Zelda Caddie, who has recently relocated to Plettenberg Bay from Johannesburg, into the fold. Zelda and her husband Rob have been coming to Plett for many years and have now decided to make it their home, so she’s almost a local already! She is passionate about property and has been in the industry for 32 years, both in Cape Town and Joburg. Most recently, she has been with RE/MAX Masters in Johannesburg, working in the luxury market, and has received many national awards. Zelda is up and running and waiting for your calls. She can be contacted on 083 327 0500 or at Zelda@ remaxplett.co.za - and see the RE/MAX advert on page 12 for additional information.
People, places & events
CREATING FASHION FREELY: Seen at the opening of The Studio on July 10 were members of Plett’s fashion élite and friends. FriCreatives initiator Mpumelelo Mvunelwa, pictured at centre in green, informed CXPRESS that we’re part of a select list of invitees to attend the early evening cocktail event at this brand new design boutique, next door to the Pie Shop in Plett’s Lookout Centre. Explained Lynette Mullins of ShowMe Plett, seated at right: “The perseverance of Mpume’s 24 Hour Reunion fashion shows and the excellent TV exposure leading up to this year’s Plett ARTS Fest, when he was interviewed on Expresso along with designer Noloyiso ‘Nada J’ Jujwana, have combined to enable the opening of this unique boutique.” Mpume’s address that evening paid tribute the success of local fashion luminary Nada J and the gratitude of all involved with FriCreatives. Go check out some of their latest designs at The Studio. DOING IT FOR THEIR DISTRICT: These images from the past holiday’s ASWD races at the Knysna Oyster Fest feature Neil Cawood, 6, from George at right, along with students of St Paul’s School in Oudtshoorn - in no particular order are Mihlali, Suanane, Geornique, Denver, and Denilson. Well done to everyone who finished the run.
Photo: Willow Mullins
SHOOT! BUT DON’T ZOOM OR CROP: The challenge for Plett PhotoFUNatics members last month was to shoot photos with a 50mm lens… no zooming or cropping allowed in the post-processing stage. Says convenor Derek Rushton: “It was quite daunting for some, as we are so used to zooming into or out from a subject. In other words, photographs had to be composed ‘in camera’ - but they tackled the challenge and came up with some very interesting ideas.” Senior category winner Anne Hrabar captured a magnificent monochrome of the Mungo mill at Old Nick Village, left. Says Anne: “This image was shot with my 50mm lens and is uncropped, thus fulfilling the requirements of the theme. I was positioned at the viewing platform at Mungo - the best building in Plett! I converted the image to monochrome to emphasise the contrasting play of shadows and reflections.” Junior winner Annabel Chapman says her clever self-portrait, right, was shot on Central Beach. Email Derek at derek_rushton@ hotmail.com to find out about the next gathering of these avid photographic artists.
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CXPRESS
imax
18 July 2018
Branding
Embroidery & Digitising
Golf shirts, T-shirts, Caps, Overalls, Aprons, Sports bags, Towels, Bed linen, Cushions We also offer vinyl heat pressing
Cell: 082 587 2462 or 083 626 1918 Email: imaxsignage@gmail.com
Paws
Plett Animal Welfare Service
CLASSIFIEDS
ON THE SOAPBOX
18 July 2018
Letters to the Editor
Email: editor@cxpress.co.za - Fax: 044 533 0852 - PO Box 1449, Plett 6600
Thank you, Plett! From the bottom of our Signs designed, manufac- has borne the heavy burHospice hearts… tured, and installed all den of responsibility of In January this year, I had the discomforting task of having to send out an SOS to the Plett community via your newspaper [read ‘Tender hands in death’s presence…’ on page 5 of the January 31 edition at www.cxpress.co.za]. The cold hard fact was that in spite of careful and watchful financial management and major cost cutting, we knew that our own Day Zero was imminent. We called for help and Plett responded, so a report back is required: Broadly speaking and without revisiting the reasons provided in that SOS, one of the key challenges was the ending of a threeyear grant for our programme operational costs from the Discovery Fund, and the challenge of securing corporate grants in a difficult economic climate. The response from Plett was swift, generous, deeply humbling and reassuring. Dr Peter Berning followed up with his own compelling call on our behalf. Cash donations from local donors keep coming in. Thank you, Plett! On April 28, we opened our Hospice Plett Charity Shop. This shop in the heart of Plett is testimony to the power of community service partnership. Hospice Plett volunteers make up a service team of dedicated, committed, and creative individuals.
Our first month of trading quality gently-used goods exceeded our wildest projections and each month confirms just how valuable this venture is for us. The shop is our way of taking responsibility for our own income generation. In approaching major donors for programme funding, it is always a plus to show that we are doing just that. Of course, to be able to do this. we rely on a steady supply of donated goods from our community. And that stream remains steady and strong. This shop is a delightful and lucrative demonstration of community partnership in lively action. Pop in and feel the positive vibe! Thank you, Plett! Continuing the theme of partnership, Helen Melon Properties is now into its second year of subsidising our ever-soaring vehicle maintenance and fuel costs, while linking us in to its client base via Facebook. Since our January appeal, Autech Motors - in charge of servicing our vehicles - has made further donations in kind, writing off what we owed during our darkest days at the start of this year, and not charging us for labour. ADT Fidelity installed our security systems at no cost to us. John Wilschut
Bigfoot thrills for Muddy Pooch children
Muddy Pooches would like to thank the team at Knysna Elephant Park for their wonderful contribution in affording groups of kids - who regularly attend our Muddy Pooch sessions at Dunlop Plett - an exhilarating day out. The children were truly excited and appreciative of the experience, and it definitely was the highlight of the school holidays for most all of them. Thank you, Knysna Elephant Park! - Marelé Pretorius, Plett
our Hospice Plett shop signage at no cost to us. Goose Valley Golf Club made us its charity beneficiary for 2018. The Rotary Club of Plett provides ongoing support in cash and kind. We have longstanding monthly debit donors with Cornerway House taking the lead, as well as those who donate through our GivenGain portal (see www.plettaid.org). Recently, Bitou Municipality has made a generous donation to us from the mayor’s Grant Fund. Thank you, Plett! Imagine our relief when in March we received a grant from the IQRAA Trust, and when in May we were informed by the Discovery Fund that our appeal for the continuation of programme-costs funding had been successful - and our partnership with them secured for another three years. So, like Cape Town, the spectre of our Day Zero has receded and our financial figures are looking so much better. Our thanks to Discovery and our heartfelt gratitude to Sister Cecily van Heerden, our CEO, who
keeping many management balls in the air while at the same time being on call to walk alongside members of our community on their end journeys. Now we can breathe, reassess, and build a consolidation plan for deepening our organisational capacity to serve the Plett community. Here, I must pay tribute to our team of care-givers and nurses. They have been kept fully apprised of our financial situation and have hung in with us from month to month even though their own month to month employment situation was so uncertain. They have not wavered or missed a beat in their devotion of service to all the people of Plett. Thank you! We move forward humbled and grateful. We ask for your continued support. Living and giving together, we can affirm the value of the life of each individual we serve in our diverse community as it runs its course and reaches its end. Hilary Matthews chairman: Hospice Plett
CXPRESS
Read CXPRESS online at www.cxpress.co.za
La Luna
Please shed light on this shameful situation I am writing to CXPRESS to report the fact that for the last five months or more, overhead lights at our central parking area have been out of commission. Reporting the matter regularly to our beloved Bitou Municipality has all but helped. The usual excuse is that the municipal truck with its hydraulic extension platform is broken, and that the union within Bitou Public Works has refused to allow their members to climb an extension ladder to replace the bulbs. The net result is a parking lot shrouded in darkness. As ratepayers of Keur-
boomstrand we are very proud of our village and are embarrassed when repeatedly asked by tourists as to why our lights are still down. It’s as if Bitou just does not care at all. Maybe your paper can throw some light on our problem, and help to have this irritating matter resolved. Graham Read, Keurboomstrand (We have forwarded Graham’s query to Bitou’s Communications department and will include a response - hopefully with the good news that this important tourist attraction is bathed in light once more as soon as received. - Eds.)
Thanks, Schalk, for going the extra kay! Can there be any harm in saying to a supplier: well done, thank you, great job, with super and friendly service? We, as Cape Town visitors to our Plett holiday home, were confronted with an alarming plumbing problem on a cold and wet Sunday evening. Thanks to Schalk of Plett Plumbing for going the extra kilometre! The Peters family, Cape Town
(Always awesome to hear praise for a hardworking local, especially when the recipients of good service hail from out of town, their sharing of the positive experience thus having a positive tourism spin-off, too. Just goes to show once more that no matter what your trade or expertise, none of us can claim that we’re not dependent on tourism as our most significant industry. Find Plett Plumbing & Sons on Facebook. - Eds.) 005-417 NPO
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SPORT & ADVENTURE
18 July 2018
Storms River Traverse returns to the village next month HE spectacular MTB trails of the Garden Route will once again be the backdrop to one of the country’s most popular cycling events this August. The Glacier Storms River Traverse from August 10 to 12 takes to the trails around the Tsitsikamma village that plays host to this three-day mountain bike stage race, which has fast become a favourite among families seeking a challenging yet fun event. Daily distances vary from a highly-manageable 40km to 65km, and the routes
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include just enough mud to keep things interesting, as well as beautiful forest tracks and sea views with sections right next to the ocean at the famous Storms River Mouth. But the true popularity of this event is its emphasis on family-friendly fun. Kids are catered for with meals and day care at the race village at Tsitsikamma Village Inn while their parents are out cycling. And the riders themselves are treated to arguably the best food to be encountered at a mountain bike stage
race in South Africa, from ostrich fillets and craft beers at the famous Dryland water points, to breakfasts, lunches and dinners in the race village. In our hyper-competitive and fast-paced world, the Glacier Storms River Traverse is the perfect mix of fun with enough of a challenge to keep the competitive fire burning. But riders are invariably encouraged to slow down and take that selfie. Visit www.stormsriver traverse.co.za for more info or to enter.
Warren Medina e Vasconcelos and Attie Jacobs celebrate completing the Glacier Storms River Traverse mountain bike stage race held at The Tsitsikamma Village Inn during a previous event
TAKE THAT SELFIE: The Storms River Traverse places great emphasis on familyfriendly fun, so be sure to capture these magic moments during this year’s event Photos: OakPics
These locals helped stoke Filipe’s fire
Plettenberg Bay-based events expert Daron Smit shared this photo, shot during the recentlyconcluded Corona J Bay Open. It’s the only South African stop on the World Surf League Championship Tour, and this year’s men’s competition was won by Brazilian Filipe Toledo, with Oz surfer Stephanie Gilmore taking the ladies title on Friday July 13. Anyone fortunate enough to have attended the J Bay Open 2018 will attest to the incredible vibe and smooth organisation that combine to make this world-class event a unique experience for surf freaks and other animals alike. Not only does the competition hub’s proximity to Super Tubes allow for excellent views of the world’s best wave riders, but the commentary and coverage on a variety of giant screens ensure that not a moment’s action is missed, no matter how huge the adoring crowd. So along with fellow Plett locals Mark and Cameron Edington, pictured at back and serving as safety officer and event assistant respectively, here’s a big shout-out to Daron and the rest of the huge organising crew. Seated from left are Daron and Filipe, with event director Koffie Jacobs and athlete liaison Ana Palanowski at right.
Your backing will enable boxers to honour Tata ITOU Boxing Academy (BBA) plans to host an event to commemorate the late Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela on Saturday July 28. Says BBA chair Sifundo Kenneth Magaga: “As boxing fraternity, we are appealing to all sport-loving people as well as local businesses and individuals to please join us as we honour Tata for the role he played in fighting to ensure that he could bring us the democracy we live in now. “From our side, we would like to remember him as a boxer as this was of the sport that he liked best, and which helped him to cope with the harsh conditions on Robben Island, where he was sentenced to life imprisonment.” The Academy was established in 2014 and has since had several achievements,
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as it has collected almost all medals available in the amateur division within Eden District, as well as some provincial championship victories. “Two of our professional boxers have been fighting nationally for the last five years, and now we also boast a provincial champion in the Western Cape’s junior flyweight division. We won this title in November 2017 during a community sport event sponsored by Knysna Municipality,” says Magaga. “It is for this reason that we are planning our July 28 event, to showcase local talent and celebrate Madiba with the likes of former national champions such as the great TapTap Makhathini and Brian Mitchel - former IBF world champion and the globe’s best bantam weight.”
Magaga says that current WBO bantamweight champion Zolani Tete has also committed to be in attendance on the day, and urges anyone in a position to make financial contributions to get in touch. “People who love boxing have been longing for a live boxing tournament in Bitou, and your support will enable us to stage a bout where our champion will defend his title, while also staging a bantam-weight challenge, which means we will be offering our fans a double-title professional boxing tournament. “All financial contributions will be used to pay the boxers as well as their transport, accommodation and catering needs.” Email kenneth@bitoubox ingacademy.co.za or bba@ pletttourism.com for additional information.