18 October 2017 by CXpress

18 October 2017

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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Surf’s UP!

Increase in drug arrests

Mantashe roots for Cyril

Do you own a Krugerrand?

Photo: Berenice Chabanel

This spectacular image of Riaan Weiner by budding photographer Berenice Chabanel - herself a superb all-rounder who has done Plett proud excelling in sporting disciplines ranging from Nippers, hockey, soccer, athletics, and water polo - was captured off Central Beach this month, where the waves are constantly teeming with boarders taking advantage of the excellent conditions. Turn to page 12 to meet Bitou’s latest national podium scaler in the guise of bodyboarder Kade Howorth, and to find out who’s who at Plett Water Polo Club.

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

18 October 2017

Bring on the wonder... AGAIN! The Sonja Kantey Quintet promises to enthral their audience at Plett’s Barnyard Theatre on Saturday night F you’re a fan of old-time music, when songs had memorable melodies and sentimental lyrics, then you will need to book tickets at Barney’s Kiosk next to Mugg & Bean in The Market Square in Plettenberg Bay for one night with the Sonja Kantey Quintet at the Barnyard Theatre on Saturday October 21. Well-known by many for her exceptional service at Connoisseur Gents Hair Stylist opposite Plett Post Office, Sonja started singing with former boss Raymond Harding in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town. Relocating to Plettenberg Bay in 1996, they appeared as BlueStone at local venues such as Kelly’s and the Beacon Island before Raymond moved to New Zealand in 2009. After Sonja met and married percussionist Mike Kantey, they performed together with pianist Andrew Nezar in 2016

BACK FOR MORE: Sonja Kantey’s shows have drawn ever-growing crowds, and this weekend’s performance at The Barnyard will showcase the supertalented new members of her already impressive backup band

at The White House Theatre, and again in May this year at St Peter’s Church Hall with Jane Donald on guitar and flute. On October 21 at The Barnyard, they will be joined by Kenny Jantjies on electric bass guitar, and newcomer Jessica Stevens on piano. Originally from Malaysia, Jessica studied music in Christchurch, New Zealand, where she completed a B.Mus.,

Catch TV’s Voice Reunited stars at The Barnyard Four-chair turner Armand Joubert, at left, will be joined by The Voice SA Season 2 winner Craig Lucas, runner-up Josh Ansley, and third-placed Caroline Grace, with funnyman Johan ‘Fatman’ Brummer as host at The Barnyard Plett on October 28. The 90-minute show will take you through the season’s highs and lows, and favourite moments from Season 2 will be complemented by new music by The Voice SA Reunited. Doors open at 6:30 and the show starts at 8pm. Tickets cost R150 and can be bought online at www.barnyardplett. co.za or from Barney’s Info Kiosk at The Market Square. One lucky CXPRESS reader stands a chance to win a set of double tickets to the value of R300. Give us the real name of The Voice Reunited host ‘Fatman’ - email your answer, by October 23, to barnyardplett@gmail.com for Jeanne’s attention, along with your name and contact details. The winner will be announced in CXPRESS of October 25. Call Jeanne on 079 876 0406 for more info.

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followed by a Trinity College Teacher’s Diploma. Since then, Jessica has been teaching the piano for over 25 years in New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa - during which time she also accompanied many classical performers and students. She was the pipe organist for an Anglican church in Perth, Australia for eight years before moving to Plettenberg Bay in

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February this year. She has played the piano in hotels in New Zealand and now plays at the Beacon Isle Hotel on Wednesday mornings. Jessica’s South African-born husband, Deon, is an accountant who has been fly fishing for 40 years and now runs a guiding and instruction service in fly fishing in the Plett/Knysna area. An alumnus of Merton Barrow’s Jazz Workshop in Cape Town and veteran percussionist, Mike can usually be found lurking behind the drums at the Methodist Church off Marine Drive. Equally experienced in organising and promoting musical concerts, Mike hopes that - with the support of Jeanne and Mel Botes - this might be the first in a series of concerts and live entertainment events at The Barnyard in Plettenberg Bay. Phone 072 628 5131 for further information.

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NEWS & VIEWS

18 October 2017

CXPRESS

Community tip-offs prevent 1,430 Mandrax tablets from reaching Knysna users FFORTS to eradicate the usage and trafficking of drugs in Knysna yielded positive results following the confiscation of tablets with an estimated street value of R71,000 in Hornlee after information was received from members of the public. Knysna SAPS spokesperson Chris Spies said: “These busts demonstrate the com-

munity’s cooperation to rid their streets of drugs. We entice them to come forward with any information that can assist us in bringing the culprits to book.” October 12: 970 Mandrax tables Members on patrol received information about a suspect with drugs in his possession walking towards a house at Fontein Street

in Hornlee on Thursday at about 9:25pm. They found and searched the suspect, and confiscated 970 Mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of R48,000 in his possession. The 29-year-old man was due to appear in the Knysna Magistrate’s Court on Friday October 13. October 13: 460 Mandrax tablets

PART OF R71K WORTH OF PILLS: Sergeant Shaun Hartnick, left, and captain Dewald Kitching with some of the confiscated items

Hawks bust two foreign drug peddlers joint operation by members of the Hawks’ Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB), K9 and Crime Intelligence Counter Narcotics (CICN), resulted in the arrest of a 25-year-old female Lesotho national on Wednesday October 11. According to South Cape SAPS spokesman captain Malcolm Pojie, a City to City bus from Johannesburg to George was stopped and searched near Sedgefield, when about 1kg of Crystal Methamphetamine - commonly known as “tik”, and valued at approximately R250,000 - was found concealed in juice

TICK TOCK… The Crystal Methamphetamine pictured here was seized and its carrier, a young woman from Lesotho, awaits her fate after a drug dealing charge was laid on Friday

and biscuit boxes in the suspect’s handbag. In a separate search and seizure operation on Monday October 9, a 28-yearold Nigerian national was arrested at the George taxi rank. Seven Mandrax tablets and 7g of tik to the value of R2,100 were seized. The suspects were expected to appear before the George Magistrate’s Court on October 13 to face charges of drug dealing. “We will continue to use all resources at our disposal to ensure that the Western Cape is not used as a thoroughfare for illegal drugs,” said Pojie.

A 32-year-old Hornlee man was arrested after drugs with an estimated street value of R23,000 were found at his residence at Kalender Street on Friday at about 1:30pm. The police received information about possible drug-related activities at the house. They visited the house and during a search that ensued found 460 Mandrax tablets at the residence. This suspect was expected to appear in the Knysna Magistrate’s Court on Mon-

day October 16 on charges of possession of drugs. Knysna SAPS station commander colonel Atwell Metu commended his officers for these arrests and confiscations. Eden Cluster commander major general Oswald Reddy added his praise for their dedication and encouraged them to endure in their efforts to create a safer environment for local residents. “These concerted efforts to curb the influx of illicit

goods and drugs into our province and cluster have yet again yielded successes, and perpetrators must know that these arrests will continue.” Contact captain Malcolm Pojie at the SAPS Media Centre on 082 559 4665 or 044 803 4684, or email commsouth@saps.org.za and visit www.saps.gov.za for additional information. • Turn to page 9 to meet the new Sector Commanders appointed in Knysna.

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

18 October 2017

Invest in mothers for turnaround in SA’s top 10 violence status George correspondent BOB HOPKIN reports on a local initiative that could herald international recognition for a successful formula to separate children from violent situations OST South Africans have become inured to the seeming inevitability of ongoing violence in this country for generations to come. Indeed, South Africa now qualifies statistically as one of the 10 most violent countries globally. Last week’s meeting on the Garden Route among business leaders, NGOs, and academics gave some hope that this situation may not necessarily have to continue. Triggered by the success of a small private venture started in January 2008, which subsequently became known as the Seven Passes Initiative (named after the old road between George and Knysna), and supported by international scientific research, the event celebrated a threeyear multi-million rand investment in violence reduction by the Jet Foundation. This drive is sponsored

DEDICATED: Seven Passes founder Dr Chandre Gould welcomes the financial involvement of the Jet Foundation

by the affordable clothing division of the Edcon Group, which also includes Edgars and CNA. The key research finding giving hope to this initiative is that violence has been proven not to be hereditary but influenced by pre-natal and early-infant experiences. According to Katherine Frost, director of the Ubulele group that works in Alexandra, Joburg and a

member of the Institute for Social Studies, the formative periods of a child’s brain, which occurs most rapidly in the womb and up to two years of age, respond to external stimuli such as shouting or screaming as symptoms of violence and abuse in the family. These stimuli are retained by the child and often result in violent activity becoming the norm in later life.

RECOGNITION: Jet Foundation administrator Elelwane Pahlana looks forward to three years of cooperation and support

“If we can break the chain of this vicious circle, then we can give children the hope that violent reactions should not occur as a matter of course,” she said. Key speaker and starter of the Seven Passes Initiative Dr Chandre Gould, said their conclusions during almost a decade supported these scientific findings. “We started our efforts as soon as Touwsranten, near

Hoekwil, became a formal settlement and we could see that, unless we broke the sequence of inevitability, it would revert to the norm of alcohol and drug abuse, unwanted pregnancies, and endemic violence,” she added. Rather than lecturing families en masse, she and her group initially took to after-hours homework classes, encouraging children to stay in school and

then creating a Positive Parenting Programme. Now there are some 470 children in the aftercare classes, and two have gone to university. So successful has the initiative been that Gould was invited recently to a meeting of the World Childhood Foundation, chaired by the Queen of Sweden, to give a talk at the United Nations in New York. Key to the future is the donation from Edcon; its GM of Transformation, Elelwane Pahlana, was present at the launch. “Low-income single mothers are among the most vulnerable and suffer the highest incidence of personal violence. We all need South Africa to be the best place in the world to raise a child,” said Pahlana. “Family is the core of the economy and we believe that an investment in mothers is an investment in the future.”

Mantashe calls for support in succession debate during Bitou visit Words & photo: Khaya Mbesi

ECRETARY General of the African National Congress (ANC) Gwede Mantashe addressed a packed Simunye hall on the evening of October 10, painting a valiant picture of the late Oliver Reginald Tambo during his memorial lecture to Bitou residents. Mantashe’s synopsis of the venerated struggle leader’s life also served to encourage the backing of ANC members and supporters. Other delegates from the ANC provincial head office included provincial secretary Faiez Jacobs, spokesperson Jabu Mfusi, and members of the Southern Cape regional committee. The community hall was packed to a point that there was no space to move. But the gathering was off to a bad start when a local resident gave a disrespectful rendition of the South African anthem - to the extent that Mantashe dropped his raised fist and looked at the comrades next to him on stage to see if they noticed the perpetrator. The anthem ended in disarray because of this misdeed. The crowd was now ordered to sit still and listen, as they were clearly busy distributing promotional materials and jostling t-shirts off campaigners when the lecture was set to start. “Be quiet!” commanded Mantashe before reminding everyone in attendance that the day’s focus was a

La Luna

005-417 NPO

GENERAL IN THE HOUSE: Gwede Mantashe addresses a packed Simunye hall

‘Be quiet!’ commanded Mantashe before reminding everyone in attendance that the day’s focus was a memorial lecture, and not about campaigning. memorial lecture, and not about campaigning. He proceeded to say that he would recommend 2018 to be the Nelson Mandela memorial lecture year, to which the audience erupted in applause. Mantashe praised the wisdom and knowledge of the late OR Tambo. “Mr Tambo’s life was made a success by the strict upbringing received at the home where he was born. In politics, we meet people as adult and there is very little we can do as a movement to change how an individual has been brought up at home. “If you didn’t get a good foundation at home, life does nothing to change you for the better. It may make you a worse person

or lead you to prison. As the ANC, we cannot control a person’s bad behaviour. We send comrades to workshops, but a workshop can’t improve personal character.” Mantashe responded to

criticism by the ANC in KwaZulu Natal, and specifically by former chairperson Sihle Zikalala, who accused him of siding with deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa. “Indeed I repeat what I said there: a deputy is supposed to take over as president. Why would we swing in somebody who has been serving in other areas of the ANC? Since Mandela took over the helm, he recommended his deputy Thabo Mbeki, to follow him up. “Mbeki recommended the person voted in as his deputy, which was Mr Zuma. Now we are asking ourselves, why would Mr Zuma want somebody who is also a former wife to take over? Mantashe ended his lecture with a clear directive: “We are recommending that Cyril Ramaphosa become the next president. You, the delegates from our national branches, must advocate this drive in December.”

Erratum Subsequent to our story in CXPRESS of October 11 [turn to page 5 at www. cxpress.co.za], Channel swimmer Emil Berning advised that he had in fact received the Chief Scout Award in his youth. Any reference to the Queen in the picture at left’s caption published in the previous edition is herewith retracted.

NEWS & VIEWS

18 October 2017

CXPRESS

Annual survey shows vast increase in southern right whales ETWEEN October 2 and 10, the Whale Unit of the University of Pretoria’s Mammal Research Institute conducted the 38th annual aerial survey of southern right whales between Nature’s Valley and Lambert’s Bay. All encountered whale and dolphin species were recorded, with a special focus on southern right whales. As such, all southern rights observed along this stretch of coastline were counted, and photographs taken of the unique callosity pattern on the heads of all individual females with calves, as well as all individuals of a brindle grey colouration. There was only one day when survey operations had to be halted due to unfa-

vourable weather conditions, ensuring the completion of the entire survey across the coast in only eight days, in a flying time of 29 hours and 30 minutes. In total, 366 southern right whale females and calves (183 pairs) were counted and photographed, as well as 161 adult whales without a calf (hereafter termed ‘unaccompanied adults’), i.e. 527 southern right whales in the surveyed area. Most female-calf pairs were observed in De Hoop Nature Reserve and the area between Cape Agulhas and Gansbaai, whereas most unaccompanied adults were observed within Walker Bay. Although numbers this year are not as high

HEAD PRINTS: Photographs were taken of the unique callosity pattern on the heads of all individual females with calves

as have been observed in previous years, it is substantially higher than the mere 119 southern right whales (including all females, calves and unaccompanied adults) observed in 2016, thus showing a clear increase in presence. All 6,800 photographs taken will be analysed in the coming months for individual identification, and compared to the Whale Unit’s southern right whale photo-identification catalogue which contains nearly 1,900 recognisable adults from the previous 37 annual surveys. This analysis is done with a computer-assisted image recognition system, followed by final matching of the whales by eye. Through such analyses, individual distri-

BIRD’S EYE VIEW: The Airbus EC120B under charter from Silvercoss Helicopters in which the surveyors were flown

New Knysna manager of Garden Route National Park boasts years of conservation know-how ARDEN Route National Park (GRNP) recently welcomed Megan Taplin as new area manager for the Knysna section, after her predecessor Johan de Klerk moved to Mokala National Park in the Northern Cape. Taplin is no stranger to South African National Parks (SANParks), having worked for the organisation since 2001 when being appointed at Addo Elephant Park as environmental control officer. She was later promoted to roads project manager with Vuka Environmental Services - the implementing agent for Expanded Public Works Programme projects at the time. Taplin then took up a position as social ecologist (now called ‘People & Conservation Officers’) at Addo in 2003, working extensively with local communities and schools. She was subsequently appointed as regional communications and marketing manager for the Frontier Region, comprising Addo, Camdeboo, Karoo and Mountain Zebra national parks. By July 2012, Taplin had risen to the position of park manager for Mountain Zebra National Park outside Cradock. She completed schooling at Cape Town’s

NEW GIRL, OLD HAND: Newly-appointed manager of GRNP’s Knysna section, Megan Taplin has been serving SANParks and Mother Nature for the past 16 years Photo: Sally Shorkend

Westerford High School before attaining a four-year BSc degree majoring in nature conservation, zoology and animal physiology at Stellenbosch University. Her fourth year thesis was a management plan for then Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve (now Table Mountain National Park), with a focus on its Bontebok pop-

ulation. Taplin is currently busy with her Master’s degree in environmental science through Wits University. Her hobbies include hiking and being out in nature, and she also enjoys reading. “I love a good book but rarely get time these days. My two children keep me busy,” she says. Park manager for GRNP Paddy Gordon has welcomed Taplin as part of the dynamic SANParks team based on the Garden Route. He says her passion for protecting the environment and her experience will strengthen the team. Gordon quoted Henry Ford when urging to team to lend Taplin the same support as they did her predecessor: “Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, and working together is success,” adding that much hard work lay ahead to make the Knysna section a success. The team bid farewell to Johan de Klerk, who served as park manager for Knysna for three years before his transfer to Mokala, at a recent send-off during which De Klerk expressed his appreciation for the support he received and thanked his staff and the people of Knysna for doing their bit to advance the protection of nature.

bution and movement patterns as well as the reproductive success of females will be investigated with considerable accuracy. These aspects are vital to monitor growth of the SA population, previously estimated at a rate of 7% per year over the survey period - an increase is believed to result from the international protection of the population since 1935. At the same time, the analyses will allow the investigation of possible causes and consequences of the concerning decrease in sightings along our shores in recent years, and increased presence recorded this year. The MRI Whale Unit’s 2017 survey was generously funded by the International Whaling Commission, and conducted with the assistance of Dyer Island Conservation Trust. Support was given by De Hoop Collection, Denel Overberg Test Range, CapeNature, and residents along the route. The survey was carried out under a permit from the Department of Environmental Affairs to approach whales and under specific Marine Protected Area permits from relevant conservation authorities. For further info, call Whale Unit research manager Dr Els Vermeulen on 060 9714301 or technical manager Chris Wilkinson on 083 580 8247.

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

18 October 2017

No handout culture for these budding Born in Africa entrepreneurs

THANK YOU / DANKIE / ENKOSI: Karin van Riet of The Market Square centre management team receives personal thanks from André Bouwer and his Pancake Divas for allowing them to ply their trade at the centre each month - catch them in front of Pick n Pay from 8am to 1pm this Saturday

ANCAKE Divas is the new business of a group of young entrepreneurs who are currently attending Wittedrift High School (WHS), and all of whom are members of the Plettenberg Bay-based Born in Africa (BIA) programme. Retired WHS principle André Bower and BIA academic coordinator Belinda Coram founded the business with nine of their charges - Lorna Vusani, Evana le Fleur, Verushka Damons, Anastacia Olivier, Hlumisa Madolo, Micail Booysen, Matushka Oliphant, Queeny Makitikiti, and Dezire Julies. Once a month, they get together at The Market Square and bake the most delicious pancakes - much to the delight of shoppers from Plett or those just passing through, who can’t resist the freshly baked

temptations on offer. Says Belinda: “These students study at Wittedrift High under the guidance and funding of our Born in Africa programme, and were selected because of their academic performance and dedication. “Yes, they come from homes where financially things are tough, yet this has never hindered their performance at school. And the motivation for founding Pancake Divas was to assist them with personal costs they incur on a regular basis.” Among the nine students count provincial sports players, mathematical wiz kids, young speakers, future nurses, potential business owners and teachers, to name a few. Profits made after each month’s pancake sales are split equally be-

tween the business partners and banked. “This enables them to pay for sporting events, transport to activities like the Maths Olympiad, down payments on laptops - whatever is needed to ensure they excel in the classroom, at sports field, or on cultural level. “In their own words, they don’t subscribe to the culture of ‘handouts’, which they say takes place around them on a daily basis,” explains Belinda. So do support the Divas by buying a pancake or 10 on Saturday October 21 at the entrance to Pick n Pay from 8am to 1pm. And if you’re keen on a good dose of inspiration, have a chat to them about future plans, and about how they live out the BIA slogan: “Together we can make a difference!”

Jou eie wiskunde-onnie op die skerm net betyds vir die eindeksamen! ET jaareind-eksamens om die draai het Paper Video - die sosialse onderneming wat derduisende leerders landwyd toegang gee tot ekstra lesse op hul selfone - die eerste wiskunde hulpmiddels vir Afrikaanse leerders bekendgestel. Die hulpmiddels is gratis beskikbaar op by www.pa pervideo.co.za en elke probleem in die eksamenvraestelle is gekoppel aan ‘n video oplossing, waar ’n ervare onderwyser die antwoord stap-vir-stap uiteensit. Sodoende kry leerders toegang tot ‘n onderwyser deur middel van ‘n selfoon of rekenaar om hulle te help met die spesifieke probleem waarmee hulle worstel. Paper Video is die enigste hulpmiddels wat onderskryf word deur die legendariese William Smith, wat bekendheid verwerf het as die aanbieder van die eerste TV-leerprogram, The Learning Channel. “Ons word herhaaldelik gevra of die hulpbronne ook in Afrikaans beskikbaar is,” verduidelik Sarita Mills, Paper Video se operasionele hoof en fisiese wetenskappe onderwyser. “Twee uitstekende wiskunde onderwysers, Etienne

Pienaar en Stephanie Steenkamp, het ons hulpmiddels help ontwikkel.” Die wiskunde hulpmiddels bestaan uit vier eksamenvraestelle (twee vir Graad 12 en twee vir graad 10) met 200 gepaardgaande video-oplossings. Die volle Afrikaanse reeks bestaan al klaar vir Graad 11 en 12 wetenskap, waarvan 242 video oplossings ook gratis by www.papervideo.co.za beskikbaar is. “Hierdie 200 videos is net die begin van ons wiskunde hulpbronne in Afrikaans. Met voldoende steun, beoog ons om teen die einde van 2018 net soveel Afrikaanse video’s vir wiskunde en wetenskap te hê as vir die

ooreenstemmende Engelse weergawes,“ sê Sarita. Etienne het oorspronklik die Engelse weergawe van die hulpmiddels teëgekom in sy hoedanigheid as hoof van die wiskunde departement by Masibambane Hoërskool in Kraaifontein. “Dis waar ek die waarde van dié hulpmiddels eerstehands ervaar het,“ verduidelik Etienne. “Met Paper Video kon my studente uiteindelik die voordeel van hul eie onderwyser of tutor ervaar. Baie van die studente se resultate het met ‘n hele simbool verbeter.” Besoek www.papervideo. co.za of stuur ‘n epos aan info@papervideo.co.za vir meer inligting.

MAAK MAALVLEIS VAN WISKUNDE: Etienne Pienaar van Paper Video, ‘n Kaapstadgebaseerde Edtech innoveerder Foto: Mark Chipps

BUSINESS

18 October 2017

CXPRESS

Here’s backup for the expression ‘as good as gold’ N times of turbulence war, famine, natural disasters, etc. - currencies behave unpredictably. Historically, people try to find ways of protecting what assets they have; finding “stores of value” is the common phrase, which most of us have heard, and some of us have heeded. Gold, silver to a lesser extent, and diamonds probably head the popularity league table of so-called safe havens; fixed property is another. Yet fixed property and precious stones tend to lack one basic fundamen-

tal: liquidity. Sellers need to find a buyer, and agree on a value. Gold still backs the US dollar and is freely traded on world bourses, as is silver. Both commodities have had their ups and downs, as have all investment vehicles, but the concept of a store of value is that it remains should paper money - which is basically a promissory note through which governments “guarantee” their value - become worthless through default. As for cryptocurrencies

such as Bitcoin…the jury is still out. South Africa’s 1oz (ounce) gold Krugerrand has a remarkable history and remains a favourite investment coin, freely tradeable in ones, halves, quarters, and tenths. The coin is produced by the SA Mint and has a sister, the limited edition Proof Krugerrand which, while carrying a premium, is popular with collectors. To give some idea of its journey of value, the 1-oz Krugerrand was first offered to the public in 1967 at a

Does paying R100 extra on your bond matter? HE amount of debt owed on a home loan can often startle consumers, making it seem pointless to pay anything extra, as it may take decades to settle the amount outstanding. Dr Simphiwe Madikizela of FNB Housing Finance says what many consumers don’t realise is that even paying as little as R50 extra on your bond, you can immediately start saving on interest. By paying R50 extra on a R500,000 home loan on a 10.25% interest rate for 20 years, you will be able to pay off your home loan in 19 years and three months,

while saving R26,111.86 in interest that you would have paid to the bank. He says that in order to understand the impact of extra payments, consumers should first distinguish between payment towards their principal debt, as well as interest paid on the principal debt. For a home loan, the first payment you make would typically be paid towards interest. However, any extra payment enables you to lower the principal debt owed. As this debt decreases, so does the amount of interest you have to pay. In the graph at right,

Madikizela demonstrates the impact of making an additional monthly payment on a R500,000 home loan at an interest rate of 10.25% for 20 years. “You should also consider toping up your extra payments with a lump sum, from your bonus or tax refund, for example. This will significantly reduce your interest over the loan period. “Being aware of the impact of making extra payments will help you manage your bond repayments and ultimately ensure that you pay off your bond as quickly as possible,” he concludes.

price of R24 (when the gold price was $16,67 per oz). An early marketing thrust took place in the Chamber of Mines Pavilion at the Rand Show in March 1970. Eli Levine, who founded the South African Gold Coin Exchange in 1973, recalls in his book The Golden Key, how he ordered 10 Krugerrands, at a then premium of 8% above gold. “The coins cost me R27.80 each. I remember saying to myself: “What have I done now? Put more than R270 into gold! Am I crazy?”

Recurring extra payment monthly

By the end of ‘79 more than 27.5-million of the coins had been sold. The price had risen to $524.50, that was equivalent to R437 (yes, that was when we had a strong currency) and the value of all Krugerrands exceeded R12,000-million. Goodness knows what it is today. A recent market development has been the launch of a limited edition 1-oz silver Krugerrand at a single premium price of some R750. The global silver price is, as I write, hovering around $16.89 per ounce,

Years to be paid off

Stuart Murray

that of gold $1,277.75. For those fascinated by the intrinsic value of coins, the Krugerrand contains exactly one ounce of gold. There are roughly R13.8 to the US dollar, thus one Krugerrand is currently worth R17,622 (plus/minus current market movements). That’s quite a journey since 1967. • 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 Plett.

Savings on interest

R100

18 years and 8 months

R49,933.77

R200

17 years and 7 months

R91,913.82

R300

16 years and 8 months

R127,859.91

R400

16 years

R159,093.56

R500

15 years and 3 months

R186,545.30

R600

14 years and 6 months

R210,921.07

R700

14 years

R232,744.92

R800

13 years and 5 months

R252,426.89

R900

13 years

R270,280.29

R1,000

12 years and 5 months

R286,571.73

CXPRESS

INTERVAL

18 October 2017

Understanding engineers… • To the optimist, the glass is half-full. To the pessimist, the glass is half-empty. To the engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be. • What is the difference between mechanical engineers and civil engineers? Mechanical engineers build weapons. Civil engineers build targets. • The graduate with a science degree asks: “Why does it work?” The graduate with an engineering degree asks: “How does it work?” The graduate with an accounting degree asks: “How much will it cost?” The graduate with an arts degree asks: “Do you want fries with that?” • Three engineering students were gathered together discussing who must have designed the

human body. One said: “It was a mechanical engineer. Just look at all the joints.” Another said: “No, it was an electrical engineer. The nervous system has many thousands of electrical connections.” The last one said: “No, actually it had to have been a civil engineer. Who else would run a toxic waste pipeline through a recreational area?” • Normal people believe that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Engineers believe that if it ain’t broke, it doesn’t have enough features yet. • An engineer was crossing a road one day when a frog called out to him and said: “If you kiss me, I’ll turn into a beautiful princess.” The engineer bent over, picked up the frog, and

put it in his pocket. The frog spoke up again and said: “If you kiss me, I’ll turn back into a beautiful princess and stay with you for one week.” The engineer took the frog out of his pocket, smiled at it and returned it to the pocket. The frog then cried out: “If you kiss me and turn me back into a princess, I’ll stay with you for one week and do anything you want.”

Again, the engineer took the frog out, smiled at it and put it back into his pocket. Finally, the frog asked: “What is the matter? I’ve told you I’m a beautiful princess and that I’ll stay with you for one week and do anything you want. Why won’t you kiss me?” The engineer replied: “Look, I’m an engineer. I don’t have time for a girlfriend, but a talking frog - now that’s cool.”

So which is correct? married couple were on holiday in Hawaii and disagreed on the correct pronunciation of the state name. He said it was Hawaii and his wife said it was Havaii. They stopped a man

on the street to ask his opinion. He said the correct pronunciation was Havaii. The man’s wife was delighted and thanked the man. The man replied: “You’re velcome.”

Don’t despair ISTER Grace at the convent opened a letter from home and found a $100 bill from her parents. She smiled at the gesture. As she read the letter by the window, she noticed a shabbily-dressed stranger leaning against the lamp post below. Quickly, she wrote “Don’t despair. Sister Grace” on a piece of paper, wrapped the $100 bill in it, and tossed it out the window.

The stranger picked it up and read the note. He tipped his hat to Sister Grace and hurried away. The next day, Sister Grace was told that a man was asking to see her. She went down and found the stranger waiting. Without a word, he handed her a huge wad of $100 bills. “What’s this?” she asked. “That’s your $8,000, Sister,” he replied. “’Don’t Despair’ paid 80-to-1.”

“Half of being smart is knowing what you are dumb at.” - David Gerroid

Why dogs shouldn’t play poker

SOCIAL SCENE

18 October 2017

CXPRESS

VOICES MESMERISE: The 70-strong massed choirs of Sedgefield, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, together with a 14-piece music ensemble, conducted by Richard Cock, at centre in the front row above, gave two performances of Voices for Hospice - a glorious mix of classical and contemporary music - in Knysna on Saturday October 14 and in Plettenberg Bay on Sunday the 15th, to raise funds for Knysna/Sedgefield Hospice and Hospice Plett. Pictured below from left at the Plett performance were, from left, Christine Higgins, John Davies, Jeanne and Alan Gillett and Gail Davies, all residents of Cape Town. Trish Braum of Knysna, right, sang the beautiful ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ from Les Misérables; during the interval she spent time with Desiree Elliott, also of Knysna. Thembinkosi Bokwe of Knysna sang the aria ‘O Isis and Osiris’ from the opera Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute); here is seen sharing a moment with a friend, Mzukisi Mana, right, also from Knysna, during the interval. - Timothy Twidle

MEET YOUR COMMANDERS: Knysna SAPS station commander colonel Atwell Metu, congratulated warrant officers Hugo Beukes and Petrus Kapp, and sergeant Abraham Zondeka on their recent appointment as Sector Commanders. These members were appointed after these positions within the Sector policing structure became vacant and the posts were advertised internally. Sector policing was introduced during 2009 and Knysna policing precinct was demarcated into six policing sectors. Pictured from left are W/O Kapp (Sector 6, in the police since 1994), colonel Metu, W/O Beukes (Sector 5, 30 years of service), and sergeant Zondeka (Sector 4, 13 years on the force). Sector 4 includes Bongani, Concordia, White Location, Joodsekamp, Qolweni and Flenters; Sectors 5 and 6 cover Rheenendal, Bibby’s Hoek, Ruigtevlei, Karatara, Redlands and the surrounding farms. Colonel Metu said these appointments would enhance service delivery and strengthen the partnership with the Knysna community, “as all Sector Commanders must be accessible to the community and must work closely with like-minded stakeholders to increase the safety levels in their various sectors”. We congratulate these men in blue and wish them all the best for the task ahead.

People, places & events TEENS TO MAKE USE OF THIS HEALTHY SERVICE: Grade 8 children from Murray High School enjoyed a fun-filled youth event held on October 10 at KwaNokuthula Community Day Centre. Five such centres in Eden have been identified to run special Adolescent and Youth Friendly Services (AYFS) with the aim to attract more teenagers and youth to make use of important services such as counselling, family planning, healthy eating, and more. A partnership approach is very important in mobilising the youth and the organisers thank partners LoveLife, the Department of Social Development, PlettAid Foundation and diverse sponsors. The other four centres in Eden are Alma in Mossel Bay, Thembalethu in George, and Dysselsdorp and Bongolethu, both of these in Oudtshoorn.

CXPRESS

18 October 2017

Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

18 October 2017

Letters to the Editor

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

Brain-and-resistance-drain not to blame on white South Africans alone The other day I was on a plane to London to attend a wedding. (I only seem to go overseas for weddings or funerals these days. Old school reunions are out for me they are all dead.) Next, down the aisle comes skipping little kids

shouting “Mommy, we are going home to England!” Not so strange, I hear you say. But hold on, my chinas: these kids were the offspring of about 70 black South Africans on board. ‘What the hell is going on?’ I thought.

Don’t mind our fire sites, these killer pillars should be nuked at once!

‘This is only one plane going to the UK. How many other black South African families are on other planes?’ We constantly hear of white kids leaving the country and, sadly, home for a future outside, but did you know that black citizens are also leaving in droves? Why, these families are well off, well-educated, and should be heading the resistance in South Africa. They should be our future; they are the sort of people we simply can’t afford to lose.

What is driving them away - is it that they know we are heading for doom; that they and their children have a better hope of making it outside the country of their birth? I find it unbelievably sad that they are more prepared to put up with that appalling climate, as cold as the people, than to stay and fight and work for a better South Africa. Unspeakably sad. What is going on, is there really no hope? It can’t be. Can it be? Monsieur de Warbois, Plett

Admittance at Tsitsikamma national park gate not on...

A Plett reader who prefers to remain anonymous shared this photo of two pillars in front of a High Street shop. Claiming to have contracted asbestosis while working in the manufacturing industry in Gauteng for many years, he bemoaned his particular vulnerability when in contact with asbestos, and so was absolutely aghast when realising that the pillars pictured contained the offending substance. “Our municipalities have been dragging out recovery procedures pertaining to fire victims because of asbestos clearing necessitated on burn sites, but these pillars are located in a very public site where everyone who passes risks the adverse effects of contact.” The photo has been forwarded to the relevant department at Bitou municipality to ascertain whether the pillars are dangerous indeed and, if yes, for speedy remedial action to be effected.

Water issue should never be out of sight; poo on the other hand… As a recent arrival to Plettenberg Bay, I find your publication interesting and informative. It would, however, be useful if you could communicate on important local matters that are very much in the news and about which I haven’t recently seen any feedback, namely the water situation. As we are all too aware: out-of-sight = out-of-mind. We have had some rains of late, though not significant, so have this had any impact on the foreseeable couple of months? What is the current situation, and are restrictions still in place? I feel such important matters need to be constantly reinforced and not allowed to disappear from sight. On another topic, I live on the approach route to Solar and Sanctuary beaches, taken by many dog walkers. Why is it these same walkers who diligently clean up after

their dogs when on the beach, calmly walk on when pooches empty their bowels en route? Is it because while on the beach they are being watched? Surely the same criteria applies: if your dog messes, clean it up. I happen to live near the rugby field where many vehicles pull up daily; pooch gets out for a run, empties his/her bowels all over the place, and goes home again, serenely satisfied. A little respect for those around you goes a long way. We have a beautiful town, but it could be better if we all make an effort! Adrian Speight, Plett (Bitou spokesman Howard Schwartz kindly and swiftly provided answers to our questions. Currently Level 1 water restrictions pertain; dam levels hover at 66.3%, and rain received to date for the month of October is 32mm. No response had been received from Knysna Municipality by going to press. - Eds.)

Your editorial on National Parks Week in CXPRESS of October 4 refers [turn to page 2 of that edition at www.cxpress.co.za]. I am very disappointed to reply that in reality, access to our National Parks is a cumbersome, outdated and painful ordeal. After sitting in a broiling car for ages at the Tsitsikamma gate on October 3, we decided to give up trying, and left - like, I believe, many other visitors both local and overseas, who have also turned around after sitting at the gate for over an hour! This is unacceptable. How can SANParks expect people to sit at their entrance gates in boiling hot vehicles while their staff slowly go from car to car, bus to bus, with their clipboards? Surely another method can be devised for payment? Surely it would be simple to hand out slips of paper down the queue so that visitors can fill in the information and pay at the gate, thereby speeding up the process?

Even dogs are protected by law from sitting in hot vehicles, but it is okay to expect humans - small children and old people alike - to have their brains fried in the heat of boiling cars! The National Parks of this country belong to its people. SANParks only has the mandate to administer them and it is high time they developed a better system for admittance. The arrogant manner of some staff is also regrettable. When asked what the hold-up was at the Tsitsikamma gate that Tuesday, the reply was: “The hold-up is caused by people like you who keep on asking what the hold-up is!” Indeed? In a long stream of vehicles they only had three clipboards and in all the time we were there, we only moved up one vehicle. All they want to do is collect statistics to work out percentages and comparisons instead of concentrating on making the visit to our parks a pleasant experience. M Matzener, Plett

How many officials does it take to change a globe? Bitou Municipality has been asked for years to repair the broken street lights on Main Street so it isn’t dark and derelict looking, but above all, criminalfriendly and dangerous. At this time last year the Ward 2 councillor was asked to urgently attend to the matter before Plett Rage. Now here we are a year later, less than two months from Rage, when thousands of young people will be walking the streets at night, and our Main Street is still dark and unsafe. At first we were told it

was a wiring problem, then it was the globes, now we’re told it is the cherry-picker that doesn’t work. Well guess what? You can hire a cherrypicker from Bitou Plant Hire for R5,440 per day, so R10,880 for two days should get the job done. If only the municipality would treat the broken infrastructure with the same speed that they replaced the mayor’s car after it was damaged. But no, we’re still in the dark… ‘Plett Mushroom’, by email

CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

18 October 2017

Plett local one of top juniors at SA Bodyboarding Champs in Durbs AST October, CXPRESS reported on how Plett youngster Kade Howorth, aged 15 at the time, saved another local teen’s life after the latter was washed off the BI rocks close to Central Beach on September 29 [read it on page 4 of the October 5 edition at www. cxpress.co.za]. In the very next edition, it was with great pride that we shared with readers the fact that Kade won first place in the Boys division of the SA Bodyboarding Championships, held in

Hermanus last year. Now fresh back from this year’s champs, held in Durban from October 2-6 and seeing Kade competing in the Juniors division for the first time, we congratulate him on a superb second place countrywide - only bowing to local-turf contender Liam Kavanagh of host team EThekwini. This accomplishment is even more impressive when taking into account that Kade took up bodyboarding a mere two years ago, after completing a highly successful Nippers career. Not only did this former Plett Primary School boy receive Western Province colours for Nippers Lifesaving at age 13, but he also made the SWD Water Polo

team for U13 in 2014, U14 in 2015 and U16 last year Kade now represents Oakhill School’s first water polo team, and has recently been selected to play FISH IN A BARREL: Kade, left, and pictured above in action at The Wedge Plett’s favourite playground for bodyboarders worth their salt, and many others trying to follow in the footsteps of our homegrown water sports heroes

for the SWD U19 team in the 2017 SA Water Polo Championships scheduled for Port Elizabeth during December. Of course, when not at school or at water polo practice, Kade can be found at his favourite local bodyboarding spot, The Wedge, so look out for this rising star in action when next in that spectacular corner on the far side of Central Beach.

Join this fabulous water polo family! HE sport of water polo is alive and well in Plett - a fact confirmed last Saturday, when the cool water of the practice pool did little to curb the enthusiasm of a collection of old hands and new interest converged at the town gym off Piesang Valley Road. This HQ of Plett Water Polo Club (PWPC) was a hive of activity as October 14 hailed the start of season 2017/8, and after the registration session it was clear that enough youngsters and older players had signed up for club management to look forward to a playing period ahead brimming with potential. A quick run-through of the folk in charge will convince anyone not yet in the know of how intricate a part of Plett the club’s founders and administrators are, long-time local and impassioned water polo advocate Dave Harrow being the club’s backbone. Dave is supported by an able and equally enthusiastic crew: • Chairperson Matushka Sinclair represents PWPC in any official matters and ensures the smooth functioning of all the club’s needs. • Sharing administrative

duties with Dave is Irene van Wijk - this function includes control of registration, advertising events, issuing the press with PWPC news, arranging matches with other teams, representing the club at SWD, and organising any fundraising events along with other committee members. • Treasurer Barbara Harrow attends to all financial matters relating to the club. • Training managers Abree Goedhals, Colleen Nel and Pete Auersperg ensure the availability of coaches at mid-week training sessions, prepare the pool for Saturday games at 8am, and see that there is a referee, coach and manager for each match. • Equipment and maintenance are done by Pete and Ian MacMillan, who are responsible for balls and caps and any repairs or maintenance to equipment like nets. • Irene is also in control the sale of all uniforms and stock replenishment. Another wonderful characteristic of PWPC is the way experienced players at high school level train and tutor the younger players, e.g. Bradley Raymond coaching the junior girls team and Alex Auersperg

the junior boys. Club members regard themselves as one big water polo family, and a quick look at other coaches and helpers reveal that the surnames involved mostly include parents and their offspring, and often three generations of a single Plett clan can be seen clamouring around the pool. Other coaches and team managers include Phil Raymond, Kirsten MacMillan, Jacqui Carter-Johnson and Sue Harvey, all of whom are proud parents of high-performing water polo players. Club fees for the season October 2017 to April 2018 are the same as last season: R300 for the first family member, R200 for the second family member, R100 for the third family member, or R500 for a family package. Uniforms (costume, hoodie, t-shirt and shorts) can be bought from the club upon registration. Says Dave: “We encourage all readers to come and join us at poolside on Saturday mornings from 8am - we love welcoming new members, and are looking forward to a great season.” Like the Plett Water Polo page on Facebook and call 082 569 5556 for more info.

AQUA FUN FOR OLD AND YOUNG: Typical of Plett Water Polo Club are bouts between the vets and rising stars - can you spot who’s who…?!