19 august

19 August 2015

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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On Monday, Wittedrift learners heard that their entry in the Pharrell Williams MySchool Sing With Us competition is among the top 10 finalists countrywide... wow! The winning group stands a chance to perform live on stage with Pharrell and win R100,000 for their school. But whatever the outcome, says headmaster Jeremy Marallich, the journey so far for Wittedrift’s songbirds has been the experience of a lifetime. The top three entries will be announced on August 26, when you can read more about the competition and our Plett entrants’ road to top 10 fame. Visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd7GTVxekgU to see Wittedrift’s Stuart Brink Films-produced entry.

Knysna killers caught

Loved Plett locals pass on

Barefoot with Plett Surf

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Photo: Stuart Brink - 082 467 2200 / www.stuartbrinkfilms.com

Almost there!

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CXPRESS

News & Views

19 August 2015

Excerpts from ‘The Story of Archerwood’ by Charles Westwood

Part II

Starting out on what would be Plett’s ultimate night spot for decades to come We continue the late Charles Westwood’s account of how he established, along with family and friends, Archerwood caravan park, hotel and The Cave to cater for local teenagers - to read Part I, turn to page 2 of the August 12 edition at www.cxpress.co.za

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E discussed the whole thing with Fred Martin [a friend] and his reaction was that we could not stop halfway through our plans. He would help us at cost price to build a restaurant and kitchen, four double bedrooms with bathrooms en suite, and the shell of what would eventually become The Cave.

This was all done during 1965 with a great deal of help from friends and we managed to keep afloat financially. Just.

The disco started out as an open area and we played records on a homemade player.

Many teenagers were brought by their parents to have hamburgers and cold drinks and stayed for dancing and having fun.

I think we charged 50c a head entrance to the disco.

The restaurant meanwhile, like all businesses in a seaside resort, proved fairly satisfactory over the holiday season, as did the caravan park, although we had only 30 vans that year.

Rob had left school and was

called up for National Service in the Navy and was stationed at Saldanha. He became friendly with his Petty Officer and eventually arranged with him for us to obtain an amount of trawler fishing net, which I picked up in the 1-ton bakkie when I fetched Rob for a long weekend pass.

It was incredibly heavy, weighing at least two tons, and on the way back to Plett from Saldanha, the tailgate of the bakkie looked as if it was almost on the ground.

Arriving back home, we offloaded the fishing net and manhandled it into the discotheque. We realised it would cover the entire ceiling and most of the walls, which were rough brick.

A week was spent attaching the netting, and the idea was born that the disco would resemble an old fisherman’s cave.

I think it was this that decided us to adopt the name The Cave because after the netting was up, parts of the interior could be imagined with rock ledges and nooks, which I started building in

using many tons of loose rock, of which we had plenty on the property.

There were steps leading down from the entrance to the main section. I constructed a tunnel closing in the steps at a height of about six foot and 20 foot long.

To enhance the atmosphere, using the many wine bottles that had accumulated in the restaurant, I embedded them into the sides of the tunnel which was all rocks of different shapes, loose packed and cemented into position.

This was quite an outstanding feature as we had concealed lighting reflecting different colours onto the bottles.

During this time, we had bought the diesel lighting generator from the former Standard Bank building in Main Street, which they did not need any more as Plett’s power was now being supplied by Thesens in Knysna.

Up to that time, we had operated with paraffin and gas lamps and candles, cooking with gas and using a batterypowered record player.

We had also by now purchased a large refrigerator for bottles which subsequently proved to be totally inadequate.

We negotiated through a teenage helper of ours to bring a four-man band from Johannesburg, called The Driftwood. They contracted to play at The Cave at the end of the year.

--One year, always looking for ways to make The Cave more interesting, I built a fish pond to one side of the dance floor, which was situated five foot below the upper level.

A small reticulating pump circulated the water from the fishpond back up to the top.

Raymond Heyns, who had

initially bought the 500cc Fiat Cub that we had brought down to Plett, had become very friendly with Rob and in conversation one evening before the season said it would be quite an idea to turn The Cave into a wild garden.

No sooner said than done.

The next day he and Rob went off to the Heyns farm in Bitou Valley, which stretched several kilometres back into the Keurbooms valley, and spent several days carting tree ferns back to where they could be loaded onto a bakkie - a herculean task, as the plants had to be carried two or three kilometres.

Duly installed in a variety of containers, they made a wonderful display in The Cave and actually lasted a year and a half.

That season was a great success and we were assured by patrons that The Cave was the most popular venue in Plett.

--One evening in 1967 at about 10:45pm, an unruly crown arrived at the entrance of The Cave somewhat under the weather, obviously having partied elsewhere; they seemed ready to cause the maximum amount of trouble.

Unfortunately, I was talked into letting them in, but I should have followed my first instincts.

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ROCK ON: Both the hotel and The Cave’s interior could be imagined with rock ledges and nooks that Charles, at top and above, started building in, using many tons of loose rock, of which there were plenty on the property; below is the grand entrance to Archerwood

Saying goodbye to Hylda Westwood Charles Westwood’s second wife, Hylda (née Lilburn, born 19.11.1925), passed away peacefully in Plett on August 4, three months before her 90th birthday. This message was shared with CXPRESS last week: ‘Born in France, Hylda came to SA with her mother and finished schooling at St Anne’s College for Girls in Natal. She met and married Charles Westwood and set up home in Bryanston. The family relocated to Plett in December 1963, throwing themselves into the creation of the infamous Archerwood, aka Rockpile. Hylda was the architect, accountant, receptionist and battle-axe, and will be remembered for her eccentricity and her eagerness to party. She will be missed by her family.’ The photo of Charles and Hylda at Archerwood and the newspaper clipping, at left, were kindly provided by Charles’ eldest son, Richard Westwood.

News & Views

19 August 2015

CXPRESS

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Joint police forces leads to arrest of hostile suspect in double Knysna murder case The primary suspect in the brutal double murder of a British couple in Knysna two weeks ago was arrested in Peddie in the Eastern Cape on Friday - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports

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HE arrest of the suspect is due to around the clock work by Port Alfred police and good cooperation between various police units across the Western and Eastern Cape.

“For nine days my team and I have not slept. On Thursday we were supposed to knock off at 10pm but since then we have been working around the clock, with no sleep,” Lieutenant Colonel Ncamisa Donkrag, who headed the hunt for the suspect, said.

The team finally made a breakthrough on Friday.

Donkrag said they found 36-year-old Thulani Vimbayo in a shack in the Peddie area at about 3:40pm watch-

ing TV with a girlfriend.

They also recovered one of the murder victims’ cellphones as well as the keys to the couple’s vehicle which was stolen during the incident on August 1 at their home in Lindsay Street.

Donkrag said when they apprehended the suspect he was very hostile and threatened police officers.

“We wanted to avoid that he commits further crimes in the Eastern Cape. He was already making threats to shoot me and kidnap my children, he showed no remorse and was not scared to tell everyone about the incident,” she said.

Vimbayo was transported to Knysna on Saturday and

appeared in the Knysna Magistrate’s Court on charges of house robbery, murder and theft of a vehicle on Monday.

The matter was postponed to August 25.

This follows the arrest of the suspect’s 29-year-old wife, Sandwisa Bini, on Tuesday.

After Knysna police sought the assistance of other police stations throughout the Eastern Cape, Port Alfred Crime Intelligence received information that the vehicle and property were hidden in Port Alfred’s Nemato Township.

Crime Intelligence and the Grahamstown Vehicle Identification Unit (VIS) followed up on the information and recovered the vehicle and

Outstanding reports, decisions cause further delays in assault and porn cases

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HE well-known Plett teacher who allegedly sexually assaulted a 10-yearold boy from his school briefly appeared in the local magistrate’s court yesterday.

The 42-year-old teacher, who cannot be named until he has pleaded, was arrested on June 22 after the Grade 2 learner’s guardian reported the alleged incidents to police.

Police said the boy’s guardian suspected something was amiss when the boy suddenly started wetting his bed. After play therapy with the boy, he revealed to her that the suspect had allegedly sexually assaulted him on two occasions during May 2015.

He was released on R3,000 bail under strict conditions including that he may not access the school premises.

Yesterday the matter was postponed for a final time for further investigation until November 5.

The reason for the delay in the investigation is that two statements as well as a social worker’s report are still outstanding.

Last Friday, children’s rights groups voiced their concerns following yet another hold-up in a case involving child victims after the 37-year-old Plett computer engineer, accused of having links to a horrific international baby pornography ring, briefly appeared in the Knysna Magistrate’s Court.

The matter was postponed for a second time for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to make a decision on whether the matter would be heard in a high or a regional court. The accused will have to be back in the dock on September 9. His bail has been extended.

“After contacting the DPP office this morning [Friday] we were informed that another month was needed to reach the decision,” prosecutor JJ Harmse said - this after the matter was on June 17 postponed until last Friday for the decision.

“We are disappointed with the postponement as yet again the DPP office was the cause of delay,” Women and Men

Against Child Abuse spokesman Joanne Barrett said.

This comes after another case - one against Lulama Candani, who allegedly killed eight-year-old Sesona Bhayibhile from Bossiesgif was also postponed just over a week ago for a second time for such a decision.

“We feel cases like these where children are involved should take priority,” Plett Green Hearts spokesman Magriet Ferreira said.

Members of both organisations staged a peaceful protest outside the court Friday.

The local child pornography accused was tracked down after his internet address was found on an obscure chat room for alleged paedophiles with fetishes for the sexual abuse of babies in nappies.

Described by the Antwerp police child and sexual exploitation unit as “pure evil”, officers discovered horrific images of babies, some only a few days old, being raped, tortured, and murdered during their investigation. /"[qncpfê"Uvcpfgt

property and arrested Bini.

The couple’s bakkie and what is believed to be the couple’s television, clothing and computer equipment were recovered.

Bini appeared in the Knysna Magistrate’s Court, but the matter was postponed to August 25 for a formal bail application.

The couple was attacked at their home in Lindsay Street on Sunday August 2. Christine Ann Davis, 64, was found dead in her sitting room while her husband Brian Davis, 67, was found critically injured in their garage.

He succumbed to his injuries in a George hospital on Saturday August 8.

A friend of the couple made the grisly discovery after she found their dog wandering in the street. When she took the dog to its owners, she came across the bloody crime scene and contacted police.

The wife had had an open wound to her neck and several injuries to her head. Her husband was found with open wounds to his body as well as blunt force trauma to his head.

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CXPRESS

News & Views

19 August 2015

Joint extrication and operations command exercise a great success NSRI Plett volunteers joined up with members of Plettenberg Bay Mountain Rescue and Western Cape Government Health EMS for a rescue exercise on Sunday August 16, to hone combined skills in JOC (Joint Operations Command), as well as in patient extrication techniques and care, at Robberg Nature Reserve.

Past rescue operations where difficult rescue extrications of patients were experienced were re-enacted in an effort to increase skills levels. One of the NSRI crew members who recently conducted a High-Angle Rescue Technique Course shared knowledge acquired during the course and each service shared skills specific to their expertise, such as high-angle rope rescue techniques. The exercise was described as successful with each service benefiting from the sharing of skills. In the pic, the guys in red represent NSRI, the white helmet Mountain Rescue, the men in green CapeNature, all of whom combine to form Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR).

Two communities unite, yet one man is at war with reconciliation MIKE KANTEY shares two stories from the past week or so in Plett, gaining two completely different views of humanity

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IRSTLY, all praise to the upstanding community of Green Valley, just beyond Wittedrift on the hill.

I once delivered a drum kit to the local church and was thoroughly impressed by the quality of the ministry there and the seeming orderliness of this tiny settlement.

How much more impressive to discover that the Green Valley community have stood up to an escaped housebreaker, grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, and handed him over to the police at Plettenberg Bay station.

All praise, too, to the men and women in blue who

were swift in clapping the idiot in irons. With any luck, the criminal justice system will put him away for a little longer than usual.

The Wittedrift Neighbourhood Watch is so equally impressed that they have invited Green Valley community leaders to their regular meeting for a little vqgpc/ fgtkpi, showing the way to the rest of us when it comes to breaking down barriers across traditional community boundaries.

Not so the greater, bearded oaf who parked his massive motorbike illegally outside the Woolworths supermarket last week in a pavement corner clearly belonging to pedestrians at The Market Square shopping centre.

When the clearly jacketed security guard politely informed him of the error of his ways, the bearded bully proceeded to lambaste the guard in language fit for Ventersdorp.

Muttering and cursing, he struggled to get his fart-machine out of the tight corner and, thoroughly at war with recent advances in human evolution, proceeded to ride up and down on the pavement itself, until managing to escape back to his dank cave in some remote mountains, yet undiscovered by Pcvkqpcn"Igqitcrjke.

Two communities unite to establish the Rule of Law in a divided society; one man’s war against racial harmony and reconciliation.

You get good days and bad days in the new SA.

News & Views

19 August 2015

OBITUARIES

Boisterous Marie Wiggett’s passing leaves broken hearts behind JOYFUL BOOK FUNDI: The happy life of Marie Wiggett (28.01.1938 -14.08.2015) was celebrated during a gettogether of family and friends at Glen Eden Village in Plett yesterday

Larger than life, Horst will leave a huge void

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ELL-KNOWN Plettenberg Bay local Horst Braun passed away suddenly after suffering a heart attack on Friday August 14.

Horst was a biker first and foremost, a member of the Mac’s Motorcycle Club and known far and wide by the biking fraternity in South Africa.

He was also a family man and leaves behind his three sons Byron, Dylan, Brandyn aka ‘Monkey’, as well as brother Marc and his wife Samantha, and his mother Monika.

Our thoughts are with all of them during these very trying times.

His passing leaves a big void not just on the road but also in Plettenberg Bay, which has been his home and place of business for decades. His presence was ‘larger than life’ in more

ways than one.

Horstie, we miss you, mate - the road and life is much emptier without you.

Ride on, Brother, we will see you on the Big Road.

Vkvv{"Vykuvgtu" Oqvqte{eng"Enwd Street party Horst’s last goodbye There will be no formal memorial service, but a Celebration of Life in remembrance of Horst Braun will be held on Saturday August 22 in Plett Main Street between LM in Plett and The Table, from 2pm onwards.

Remembrance badges are available from Santa du Toit, who can be contacted on 082 337 1000.

There will also be an open hat for anyone who would like to make a donation to help the family in their time of need.

RALLYING THE TROOPS: This photo of Horst (10.10.59 - 14.08.15) was taken during the 2014 Whale Rally held at Keurbooms Lagoon caravan park in Plett Photo: Watty Watson

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HE team at CXPRESS was saddened to learn that long-time friend Marie Wiggett passed away last Friday, when her niece Wanda de Kock posted these words on Facebook: “Today my beloved aunt passed away. The shock and sadness is indescribable.

“A massive heart attack took her and we couldn’t bring her back. Farewell, Aunty Marie. You were my inspiration, my trusted friend, my everything. Our hearts are broken and you will leave a huge void in our lives.”

During subsequent communications, Wanda explained that Marie had huge health issues the last few years.

“As you know, Marie worked for Derek Frielinghaus when he bought Village Bookshop, and then for Pippa and John Sanderson-Smyth.

When the shop changed ownership after that, the need was felt for change and Marie was retrenched.

“She was absolutely passionate about books - she knew and sourced any book by any author! She loved arranging book launches, and the customers loved her.

“My aunt was a joyful, loud, boisterous lady who chatted with anyone, and her knowledge of literacy always astounded me.

“As family, she loved us unconditionally and her laughter and understanding nature carried us through difficult times. Marie loved Plettenberg Bay and lived here at Glen Eden surrounded by loving, caring people right to the end.”

CXPRESS

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CXPRESS

News & Views

19 August 2015

Say ‘GBC’ and think ‘centre of excellence’

Rheenendal soccer rocks!

Thank you to all the parents who came to support the Rheenendal tournament, and to our head of soccer Mr Darien Deal for all his organising, time and effort. Thanks, too, to coaches Tyron Evans, John Johnson and Zaki Cassim. We also say special thanks to organLVHUV .HLWK &UHWFKOH\ DQG 5RE\Q 3DWRQ IURP 6SRUW DW %DFNZDUG 3RLQW $QG ODVW EXW GHÀQLWHO\ not least, thanks to our soccer stars for playing their hearts out.

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REENWOOD Bay College threw open the proverbial doors of its grand new grounds to local media members and the edu fraternity last Wednesday, starting off the occasion with a tour of its extensive new Piesang Valley premises.

“Every school needs a chandelier,” chuckled Bay College International headmaster David Butler when showing ‘Tour Group 2’ into the function room, complete with overhead projector and kitchen, so perfect for parties and farewells and school shows of any kind.

What used to be bedrooms will soon serve as classrooms, offices and study rooms; there’s a science lab and reception hub and space enough to comfortably accommodate the 320 students expected to sign up at Greenwood Bay College (GBC) over the next three years.

The Country Crescent Hotel property was sold to the

new school - a joining of Bay College and Greenwood Independent, operating from the vast valley property as of January 2016 - after facile negotiations between Greenwood board chairman Harry Brouwers and former proprietor Chris Minnaar.

Apart from the extensive buildings, excitement over the 7ha+ riverfront property is tangible, with plans for a canoe club, bird watching, horse riding and more, all facilitated uwt"rnceg.

Hailing from two such wellestablished and top performing centres of learning, both Bay and Greenwood learners present on the night were enthusiastic about the prospect of combining forces.

Said top Bay matriculant, Kyle Goosen: “Results must be the best way to judge a school’s qualities. So looking at our academic track record, it’s clear that a combination of top results, fantastic teachers and an excel-

lent curriculum has worked for us. And now we have the perfect environment for learning. I wish I was back in Grade 8 again!”

Bitou councillor Wayne Craig wished all involved the best of luck and lauded the merger as a wonderful first for Plett, before a short address by Butler. Then GBC headmaster Luke Perkins shared his enthusiasm and goals that are sure to turn the school into a premier learning institution countrywide, and a centre of excellence for its students aged two to 18.

Find out more about the ISASA and Cambridge curriculums followed by the primary and secondary sections at GBC respectively in a future edition, and be sure to experience for yourself the new campus during the school’s open day on Saturday August 22 (11am-5pm).

Phone 044 533 2549 or 083 388 3861, email info@ greenwoodbaycollege.co.za or visit www.greenwoodbay college.co.za for additional information.

Congratulations Once in a

lifetime experience

to our janitor Oom Hein who received an All Star award from Eden Sport Council for participating internationally as a Springbok javelin thrower.

Henri van Huyssteen (Grade 5) was asked to be a ball boy at the U/18 Rugby Internationals in George. All three games were aired live on SuperSport 1. When asked about this exciting opportunity, Henri had the following to say: ‘It was a once in a lifetime experience and the best part was that I got to appear on TV, standing next to the teams while they were singing their national anthems.’

WOW! Aiden Trahms and Aligi & Galliano Boni cleaned up at the Kimberley Classic Martial Arts Competition over the long weekend. Between them they brought home 7 gold, 4 silver and 4 bronze medals - a truly sensational performance, well done boys! The youngest of the trio, Galliano (aged 5) won an astounding 5 gold medals and 1 silver. We are very much looking forward to keeping an eye on his martial arts talent.

Henri van Huyssteen

PLETT PRIMARY PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY:

THREE WISE MEN: From left, Bay College headmaster David Butler, chairman of the Greenwood board Harry Brouwers, and Greenwood Bay College principal Luke Perkins invite you to their open day at the new Piesang Valley campus this Saturday from 11am onwards

Plett musical heavyweights pay tribute to Pavarotti at Knysna DRC

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LAUD Schmidt is no stranger to musical circles in Plett and beyond, having gained a sterling reputation as vocal coach, choir master, pianist and guitarist.

His wife Cindy-Lee is the sole qualified Kindermusik educator and therapist in Plett, her students ranging in age from newborns to seven years old. The programme is specifically designed to nurture the art and love of music within the context of personal development.

Both Schmidts are contracted by the Bitou 10 Education and Development Foundation to offer their extensive services to local schools.

Cindy-Lee provides music and movement therapy for Grade Rs and 1s at seven Bitou schools, where over 200 kids benefit from her weekly Kindermusik sessions.

Claud currently trains the school choirs at The Crags and Formosa Primary, after last year having assisted Harkerville and Kranshoek Primary’s choirs.

As the opportunity arises, the couple also teach a variety of other arts connected to song and dance, lead church musos, and teach these musicians the excellence of performing together as a group in worship.

Another artist who needs no introduction is Wittedrift music teacher of various instruments, Marie Skeen.

An exceptional pianist and accompanist, she has mastered the art of complementing vocalists and optimising their expression of song.

Now Knysna music lovers can see this talented threesome with friends and students together on stage when Vtkdwvg"vq"Rcxctqvvk plays at Knysna’s Dutch Reformed Church on August 21.

This entertaining classical performance was held to great acclaim in Plett during June, and hailed as an evening of excellent enjoyment for the whole family, as the serious classics were interspersed with fun favourites to create true variety.

Apart from Cindy-Lee and Marie, Claud roped in his father, vocalist and guitarist Willy Schmidt, and Jan Rossouw on bass guitar, as well as Marie’s student Desire Pretorius on flute for the Plett show - all of whom will feature in Knysna, too.

Says Benita Correia from Saldanha: “After the Plett show’s last song, Vkog"vq"uc{" iqqf"d{g, there was a standing ovation and encore. So Claud, the star of the evening, had to do a last but surely one of his best items, Pguuwp"Fqtoc. It practically brought the house down!”

Don’t miss out on Vtkdwvg"vq" Rcxctqvvk by Claud Schmidt & Friends at Knysna DRC hall, at 6pm for 6:30pm, this Friday.

Tickets cost R80 (kids aged 12 and under pay R30) - bring along your own refreshments to enjoy this show in true barnyard style. Booking is essential so please call Claud on 078 744 1042 or CindyLee on 073 521 6497 to reserve your seat.

Business

19 August 2015

CXPRESS

Good debt, bad debt - can you spot the difference?

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ROM a very young age we learn that borrowing things can enhance our lives, whether it’s borrowing the yellow crayon to complete our drawing of the sun or R5 to buy a chocolate.

We also learn that part of the deal is returning the borrowed item with thanks.

When we get older, the R5 loan can turn into R500,000 and the ‘thank you’ is replaced with interest charges.

It is a rare person who can go through life without borrowing a single cent. Unless you are the lucky recipient of a large trust fund, taking out loans is inevitable.

However, the act of borrowing has become somewhat tainted; the media is full of stories of how over-indebted the average South African has become. And figures don’t lie; the National Credit Regulator reports that millions of individuals are behind in their debt repayments.

“The main reason people get into this situation is because they use credit to fund a lifestyle that they cannot ordinarily afford,” says Standard Bank head of Unsecured Lending Theunis Kruger.

“Credit is a great tool to assist people to purchase items that their cash flow does not allow, but when it is used to live beyond their means it can quickly become a financial and emotional burden.

“Using a loan wisely can

Investor Focus

actually be beneficial in many ways - the trick is to view the use of credit as a tool to invest in your future rather than a way to live a life of luxury in the short-term.”

There are a few simple rules to follow when using loans to build wealth. Firstly, you need to understand the difference between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ debt.

Good debt, for instance, is using a loan to buy a house or a similar asset that will either increase in value or assist you to earn more money. The interest charges are offset by the growth in the asset.

Using a loan to fund an education is also considered to be good debt, because it is an accepted fact that the better educated you are, the more earning potential you have.

Another smart use of credit is using it to mitigate shortfalls in your budget, rather than dip into retirement funds. Many South Africans don’t have a safety net in their budgets, and when a financial crisis hits they have no choice but to cash in critical retirement savings.

By keeping lines of credit free, people would be able to use credit rather than raid their savings.

Investing in a business can also be a smart use of credit, as long as you have a wellconceived and sustainable business plan. If your business does well, it will end up

being worth far more than the loan you originally took out to finance the business.

Considering the above, good debt can be defined as a strategic investment in your financial future. It should leave you better off in the long-term and should not have a negative impact on your overall financial position.

Good debt is also underscored by the knowledge that you have a specific reason for taking it out, and a realistic plan for paying it back that allows you to clear the debt as quickly and cheaply as possible, or in a series of regular and affordable payments.

In contrast, bad debts are likely to have no realistic repayment plans, deplete your wealth, will not pay for themselves in the long-term and are often incurred when people make impulse purchases of items they don’t really need and can’t afford.

“Using credit to fund nonessential lifestyle purchases may get you into dangerous territory,” says Kruger. “For example, if you want to go on holiday and intend to use your credit card to fund the trip, working out how much the repayment will be and ensuring your income will cover the payments is fine.

“However, using your card up to the maximum with the knowledge that you will struggle to pay it back can get you into trouble. The rule is,

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

Offshore Exchange Traded Funds - Euro 50

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NVESTING in other countries than South Africa was shrouded in secrecy during the past, when it was illegal to hold offshore funds.

South African investors were held to “ransom” by global investment houses, as they were aware that no SA investors could openly criticise them. Thus their fees were never questioned, nor was their performance.

Today, the scene is vastly improved although many local investors are still in the dark about how to access these foreign markets without tax clearance (even though tax clearance is no longer necessary for amounts limited to R1-million).

There are, however, a wide range of offshore Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) available on the JSE, and any South African stockbroker can buy and sell them here.

If you do not have a stockbroker, you can use the internet to access them through ETFSA. This is a well-run local company managed by highly recommended people. Principal of the company Mike Brown is a well-known and reputable investment

professional who has been in the game for many years.

These ETFs allow you to diversify your investments offshore, thus offering a useful Rand hedge. There is no red tape involved (other than your FICA documents); their cost structure is far lower than traditional offshore unit trusts, and you can invest much smaller amounts or even arrange a debit order for monthly savings.

The DBX Euro STOXX 50 index tracks the 50 large cap blue-chip index shares listed in Europe.

Performance is attractive with one year at 5%, three years 23.8%, and five years 10.96% (in SA Rands).

Dividend yield is ±2.6% and the PE Ratio is an attractive 15.5.

Top holdings are Bayer at 4.9%, Sanofi 4.7%, Total 4.6%, Banco Santander 4.2%, Daimler 3.8%, AnhauserBusch InBev 3.7%, BASF 3.6%, Siemens 3.3%, Alliance 3.1%, and SAP 2.7%.

The geographical spread is across Europe, excluding the UK, with France at 34%, Germany 33%, Spain 13%, The Netherlands 8%, and

Italy 7.9%.

Many investors have been very cautious about investing in Europe, mainly due to the turmoil surrounding Greece and Russia. Add to that perpetual questions over the sustainability of the whole of Euroland and survival of the Euro.

One should remember that the creation of Euroland is the first time ever that there has been an attempt to unify Europe without a war. Don’t forget that our Northern cousins do in fact have a seriously warlike history.

But I believe that there is an enormous political will for Euroland to succeed.

So with a PE Ratio near 15, I find it an attractive proposition particularly for the small South African investor, and it offers an offshore solution for those large investors who have already used up all of their offshore allowances.

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if you can’t afford to borrow the money (meaning, you can’t make the monthly repayments), it is bad debt.”

When in doubt, you can validate bad debt by comparing the length of time the purchase is likely to be useful and the repayment of the loan. If the ‘useful life’ is shorter than the time it will take to repay the loan, this is considered bad debt, for example groceries.

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CXPRESS

Interval

19 August 2015

My son wanted to know what it was like to live in Greece, so I took his pocket money off him.

The catering disaster

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IRBORNE for approximately 30 minutes on an outbound evening flight from Glasgow, the lead flight attendant for the cabin crew nervously made the following painful announcement: “Ladies and gentlemen, I’m so very sorry but it appears that there has been a terrible mix-up one minute prior to take-off, by our airport catering service.

“I don’t know how this has happened, but we have 103 passengers on board and, unfortunately, only 40 din-

ner meals.

“I truly apologise for this mistake and inconvenience.”

When passengers’ muttering had died down, she continued: “Anyone who is kind enough to give up their meal so that someone else can eat will receive free, unlimited drinks for the duration of our five-hour flight.”

The flight attendant’s next announcement came 90 minutes later: “If anyone would like to change their minds, we still have 40 dinners available.”

I HAVE THE NECESSARY

YOUR KOALAFICATIONS ARE

KOALAFICATIONS

COMPLETELY IRRELEPHANT

DON’T LISTEN TO HIM

THIS ARGUING IS BECOMING

HE’S LION

UNBEARABLE!

INDEED

HORSE PLEASE WHEN DO YOU EVER SAY SOMETHING SMART?

Fooling around at the zoo

O

NE day an out of work mime is visiting the zoo and attempts to earn some money as a street performer.

However, as soon as he starts to draw a crowd, the zookeeper grabs him and drags him into his office.

The zookeeper explains to the mime that the zoo’s most popular attraction, a gorilla, has died suddenly.

The keeper fears that attendance at the zoo will drop, so he offers the mime a job to dress up as the gorilla until they can get another one.

The mime accepts.

The next morning, before the crowd arrives, the mime puts on the gorilla suit and enters the cage. He discovers that it’s a great job.

He can sleep all he wants, play and make fun of people, and he draws bigger crowds than he ever did as a mime.

However, eventually the crowds tire of him and he gets bored just swinging on tyres. He begins to notice that the people are paying more attention to the lion in the cage next to his.

Not wanting to lose the attention of his audience, the

A

mime climbs to the top of his cage, crawls across a partition, and dangles from the top to the lion’s cage.

Of course, this makes the lion furious, but the crowd loves it.

At the end of the day the zookeeper gives the mime a raise for being such a good attraction as a gorilla.

Well, this goes on for some time. The mime keeps taunting the lion, the crowds grow larger, and his salary keeps going up.

Then one terrible day when he is dangling over the furious lion, he slips and falls.

The mime is terrified.

The lion gathers itself and prepares to pounce.

The mime is so scared that he begins to run round and round the cage with the lion close behind.

Finally, the mime starts screaming: “Help! Help me!” but the lion is quick, and pounces.

The mime now finds himself flat on his back, preparing to be mauled by the angry lion, when the lion says: “Shut up, you idiot! Do you want to get us both fired?!”

Fully cornered

policeman knocked on my door this morning, but I just locked it and sat there in complete silence.

After 20 seconds he knocked again, but I just continued to ignore it.

The knocks got louder and more frequent, but I was determined not to move in the hope that he would just go away.

Then he decided to look through the window.

He shouted: “Do you think I’m stupid? I can see you in there, sir. Open the door.”

I said: “You’re not coming in, mate!”

The policeman replied: “I don’t want to come in; I just want you to step out of the car.”

Dear paranoid people who check behind your shower curtains for murderers - if you do find one, what’s your plan?

IT’S MAKING MY VOICE HORSE

OUCH

HAWKWARD

A

DON’T WORRY, OWL WAIT.

I’M OUT OF HERE!

YOU ALL ARE GIRAFFING ME CRAZY

Get on your horse...

lawyer was reading out the will of a rich man to the people mentioned in the will.

“To you, my loving wife Rosaline, who stood by me in rough times, as well as good, I leave you the house and R2-million.”

The lawyer continued: “To my daughter Jessica, who

looked after me in sickness and kept the business going, I leave you the yacht, the business, and R1-million.”

The lawyer concluded: “And, to my cousin Cowboy, who hated me, argued with me, and thought that I would never mention you in my will. Well you were wrong... Hi, Cowboy!”

Social Scene

19 August 2015

CXPRESS

9

BITOU SCOOPS TOP NATIONAL AWARD: Human Settlements minister Lindiwe Sisulu hosted the annual Govan Mbeki Awards last Thursday in Cape Town to honour great performance in the Human Settlements sector across all the provinces of SA. The awards also aim to promote excellence, best practices and instil healthy competition among all departments in various municipalities, and to thank stakeholders. Bitou came out tops, so on Monday August 17 mayor Memory Booysen and municipal manager Allen Paulse thanked all local role-players who enabled Bitou to win this National Housing Award, with special thanks to Francina Le Roux of Ukhana Projects. To the sub-contractors in attendance, Booysen said: ‘Let this be a feather in your cap, as you are part of this success story.’ In the pic from left are Rasta Mbonisi Tuli (Little Sealas Construction), Mark Fourie (Bitou manager of Human Settlements, Beaches and Parks); Ndumiso Somawonga (Somawonga Construction), Sweetness Siko (Emavusheni Construction), Reginald Smit (Bitou head of Corporate Services), Monde Stratu (Bitou head of Community Services), Allen Paulse, Francina le Roux, David Friedman (Bitou head of Strategic Services), mayor Booysen and Enquin le Roux (Ukhana Projects).

20... FINALLY... AND BACK IN THE SURF: Plett native Dylan Reddering, who featured on the cover of our July edition after surviving a shark attack while surfing at Lookout, celebrated his 20th birthday with friends on July 28. The CXPRESS crew had to chuckle, as it was generally reported in the national media at the time of the attack that Dylan was ‘a 23-year-old’ UCT student. Phew, nearly took years off your life there, buddy! Good news is that Dylan has recovered sufficiently to hit the waves again for the first time since his ordeal, in J’Bay with dad Marty last week.

People, places & events DON’T BLOW THIS SHOW: Dr Phil Golson from Knysna, right, and his Brasswinds Quintet - some of the finest brass players in the country and currently employed in top ensembles and organisations - are touring the Garden Route this week. Apart from Phil on tuba, the dynamic quintet comprises DJ Sendef and Brent Lacey on trumpets, Adriaan Erwee on French horn, and Etienne Mecloen on trombone. ‘The aim of our tour is an exciting combination of powerful brass literature and performance, and inspiring advocacy for music education for children of all ages, regardless of socio-economic status or upbringing,’ says Phil. In addition to school appearances in Oudtshoorn, George, Knysna, and Plett, there will be two evening concerts for the Knysna public - the first hosted in Hornlee by Knysna Secondary School in their hall at 7:30pm on Thursday August 20, and the second in Knysna Primary’s hall at 7:30pm on Friday the 21st. Admission is R50 for adults and children over 12 (U/12 pay R20), and R150 for families of five or more. Call Phil Golson on 076 286 6591 or email graceradioinfo@gmail.com for additional information.

Photo: Carol Surya

MEET THE REAL RYNHARDT... On the Sports page of our previous edition, we raved on about the golden career that Plett youngster Rynhardt Jacobs has ahead of him, but through some trick of the light, the image that appeared alongside was that of Henry Terblanche of Kareedouw! So check out the true subject of that report (turn to page 12 of the August 12 edition at www. cxpress.co.za), pictured here with Oupa Dries, who was the original inspiration for Rynhardt to hit the road, as it were.

THESE ANGELS CARE, LOVE AND SERVE: Angels Community Base Services manager Sylvia Mtshamba joined members of Plett Lions Club to host a successful event for KwaNokuthula senior citizens on Saturday August 8 at Simunye Centre. Says Sylvia: ‘The event was one of our programmes where we wanted to show that we care, we love, and we serve our community members, especially the senior citizens. The Lions donated plants with the name of every senior citizen and a special message on a card, each different message bringing hope and wellness. The club also committed to assist the Angels to ensure that basic services are upheld in our community, through projects to fight poverty, to take care of those living with HIV/Aids, and to help the disabled and vulnerable all over Bitou.’

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CXPRESS

19 August 2015

Classifieds

On the Soapbox

19 August 2015

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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

Bitou’s no-reply trend has everything to do with recess - but timing is everything We have a business proposition, but find Bitou Municipality does not return calls as all the mailboxes are full.

• “Mayor Booysen’s two mailboxes both full,” postmaster advises.

• Mr van der Westhuizen - no reply.

• Annelise Olivier - postmaster returned mail.

• Ditto Hilda Plaatjies.

• Ditto Mphakamisi Mbali.

Do you know of anyone in the municipality who has a mailbox and can return emails? Most web pages indicate ‘unavailable’.

I once had a house on Robberg Beach for over 16 years, and later one in Roche Bonne Avenue. And in the OLD days I had a boat shed on the main beach - wonderful days, indeed.

Sufficient to say, I love Plettenberg Bay and felt that if I could do something to create jobs it would be nice to spend some time there and oversee the project.

After what happened, plus the phone calls from overseas, I thought that there was not sufficient interest to go further. Sad. The same thing happened when I contacted Sedgefield.

No reply.

The amazing thing was George, who replied immediately and gave me the email addresses I already had for Plett officials who never replied. But at least they tried.

Having first-hand experienced this Outeniqua Rust, I will put my idea on the backburner, for another time.

I always read your paper

and it reminds me of “home”.

Bless you and xcud{v.

Lqjp"Qpunqy."d{"gockn Jqyctf"Uyctv|"qh"Dkvqw‚u" eqoowpkecvkqpu"fgrctvogpv" tgurqpfgf"cu"hqnnqyu<" The author does not indicate when he forwarded the mails to the respective individuals.

However, I can confirm that Bitou Council was in recess from July 1-31, which could be the reason for mailboxes being full.

Therefore, the below-mentioned Bitou political office bearers were not in the office at that time: • Executive mayor Memory Booysen - mbooysen@plett. gov.za • Speaker Annelise Olivier aolivier@plett.gov.za • Cllr Hilda Plaatjies -

hplaatjies@plett.gov.za • Cllr Mphakamisi Mbali zulekhambali@gmail.com All official incoming correspondence to Bitou and its officials should be directed through the Registry Section at records@plett.gov.za or the Communications Section at communications@plett.gov. za for customer care issues.

As for Mr van der Westhuizen, I think it refers to the current Executive Mayor of Oudtshoorn Municipality (caley@oudtmun.gov.za). *Yg" jcxg" hqtyctfgf" vjg" cdqxg"eqpvcevu"vq"Ot"Qpunqy" cpf" yjq" mpqyu." oc{dg" kv‚u" pqv"vqq"ncvg"vq"oqxg"vjqug"go/ rnq{ogpv" qrrqtvwpkvkgu" dcem" vq" vjg" htqpv/dwtpgt0" Cnuq" ugg" vjg" pqvkeg" qh" Dkvqw" Owpkek/ rcnkv{‚u"ewuvqogt"ectg"fgvcknu" qp"rcig"60"/"Gfu0+

Call to upgrade Storms SAPS and salvage historic village building Without doubt one of the oldest buildings in Storms River Village, constructed around 1885, the old stone building within the local SA Police Services (SAPS) grounds today stands in ruin.

Originally used as a tollgate

office for wagons going up and down the pass (the old R102) it has been unused for years. With its thatch deteriorated, it’s an absolute eyesore for the many tourists that come to the village each year.

Picturesque or pictureskew?

PICTURESKEW... The old stone building with its rotten thatch roof is situated on the Storms River Village police premises

TOURISM POTENTIAL: If awareness and funds could be gathered, the historic little building could be spruced up to serve as tourism information centre

Efforts to restore the old building to its former glory, at no cost to the SAPS or Department of Public Works (DPW), and to have it put to use by SANParks as a tourism attraction of note, have for many years now been frustrated.

The original SAPS complex was built way back around 1964, designed to cater for about seven to 10 police officers. Between 1985 and 2015, it has grown to 40 members resulting in overcrowding and inconvenience that just cannot be avoided.

The entire SAPS complex needs to be professionally upgraded as well as getting a new building for a muchneeded meeting chamber for 40-plus members, as well as separate offices for the hardworking detectives.

Once this has been done, the old stone building could be released to serve the public better than it does right now.

Many years ago, in about 1991 under guidance of exCaptain Droes Janse van Vuuren, sausage was made from a donated ox and the proceeds were used to fund having the old stone building re-thatched - also at no cost to DPW. The wetland/vlei adjacent to the building was cleaned up recently and restored by Storms River residents Hen-

nie and Anne Read, at their own considerable expense, and it’s a jewel in the heart of the village with benches and tables, braai drums, planted flower beds and well-maintained lawns.

Now we need to see a joint effort to help the SAPS secure refurbished buildings, a new meeting room complex and, at the same time, have the old stone building restored and put into use for the benefit of all the tourists.

Station commander Captain Mzoxolo Arthur Majamani and all the current SAPS officials need every bit of help to make their working conditions more favourable and in turn they will continue to serve the public here in the Tsitsikamma even better and be able to release the lovely old stone cottage for renovation and use as a SANParks Info Centre.

Compliance with National Heritage regulations is another factor that needs to be taken into account in the whole scheme.

Dqd"Tgkf."Uvqtou" Tkxgt"Xknncig *Dqd" jcu" dggp" c" UTX" Yctf" 8" eqookvvgg" ogodgt" ukpeg" 42240" Gockn" jko" cv" hqtguv/ itcpp{Bvgnmqouc0pgv" kh" {qw" yqwnf"nkmg"vq"igv"kpxqnxgf"kp" vjg" rtqlgev" vq" ugv" vjg" cdqxg" rncp"kpvq"oqvkqp0"/"Gfu0+

Please help Pine Trees women celebrate their power Our Women’s Month slogan is ‘Be more of a woman this month through empowerment, encouragement, building self-esteem and sustainability’.

To this end, we are organising an event for local ladies on August 29 from 10am to 1pm at the White House in Pine Trees. We specifically invite women who have been thinking that the world have nothing to offer them.

Our main focus will be on

living circumstances and how to rise from adverse situations in general. We encourage all women, but especially those who are hesitant to reveal the truth about their circumstances, to come and enjoy the morning with guest speakers from various organisations in Bitou.

We urge everybody in the area to support this initiative by any donations in kind or cash. All sponsorships will be highly appreciated.

Items needed to make this event cheerful and successful include: bread, butter, tomatoes, Viennas, juice, tea, coffee, sugar, milk, fish oil, paper plates, foam cups, serviettes and plastic spoons, forks and knives.

Any financial contribution can be deposited into the Pine Trees Community Outreach Project’s account at Standard Bank Plett (branch code 051 001), Savings account number 282 033 971.

As a non-profit organisation doing essential work in the community, we rely on your assistance. Please contact me on 073 513 5119, fax 086 5127 858, email shaunterblanche26@gmail.com or message me via Facebook at Frendell Shaun Terblanche if you can help make the aforementioned event a success.

Ujcwp"Vgtdncpejg"/"Rtqlgev" Fktgevqt<"Rkpg"Vtggu" Eqoowpkv{"Qwvtgcej" Rtqlgev."Rngvv

11

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

12

CXPRESS

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

Sport & Adventure

19 August 2015

Young anglers will remember Ronnie Moore when landing that big one Knysna reader ROGER COOK shared these photographs and story of an old friend’s passing and the legacy he had left that was donated, in cash, to what we did. He wanted no

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friend of mine, Ronnie Moore, sadly passed away some months ago. He was a keen angler all his life and before he left us, he indicated that he would like to donate his fishing equipment to “a deserving youngster who wanted to fish”.

After his daughters Marissa Moore and Emile Mattheus had cleared out his flat at Yellowood and donated a lot of goods to Knysna Sedgefield Hospice, they asked me if I could take care of the angling bequest and handed it all over to me.

It was immediately apparent that there was far too much kit to be given to one youngster. So what I did was make up two complete kits consisting of rod, reel and tackle box, complete with hooks, sinkers, lures swivels, pliers, and more. I gave these to two youngsters living at Yellowood.

The photos show two extremely happy young boys

who are going fishing with Dad, ASAP! I sold the rest of the kit to various interested parties and in so doing, raised R2,500

Hospice on a bright Friday afternoon three weeks ago.

We were good friends for over 20 years and I think Ronnie would be happy with

service of remembrance, but publishing this in CXPRESS would be a nice memorial to him, and for his daughters to remember him by.

HOOKS, LINES, SINKERS ET AL: Ruben Kapp, left, and Sebastian Bell, who live with their parents in Knysna’s Yellowood flats where Ronnie Moore (1941.5.16 - 2015.5.20) resided for 20 years, proudly show off his posthumous gifts - two complete kits, consisting of rods, reels and brimming tackle boxes as pictured on the insets

Don’t miss out on Plett Surf Lifesaving Club’s Various forms of sponsorinaugural Barefoot Bowls Day ship and funding now exist

P

LETT Surf Lifesaving Club has just announced an exciting event scheduled to take place at Plettenberg Bay Bowling Club on Sunday September 13, which not only promises a day filled with fierce competition on the greens, excellent food and family entertainment, but also offers sponsorship opportunities that local businesses would do well to grab with both hands.

Explains Club chairman James Stewart: “The concept is that of a fun bowls competition combined with a fantastic lunch provided by The Table and Fat Fish restaurants, while coffees and croissants by Le Fournil will complete the culinary treats.

“This will be complemented by extensive kids’ entertainment and a refreshment arena, thus allowing players to focus on the competition at hand.”

Plett Surf Lifesaving Club (PSLC) has grown from humble beginnings at Central Beach to a large, vibrant club in the past 25 years.

The Club trains and provides a valuable pool of professional lifeguards to ensure the safety of swimmers on all recognised beaches in Plett and Natures Valley.

Two feeder streams supply this pool of lifeguards. Firstly, the Nippers are kids aged from eight to 14 who learn the skills required to become senior lifeguards

“They have a lot of fun in the process, and we send a strong team of 50 to 60 kids to the annual National Championships, which next year takes place in Durban,” says Stewart.

The second stream is the Club’s development programme which, during the past season, saw 12 previously disadvantaged kids being taught to swim, inducted into the Nipper programme, and securing gold medals at Nationals - all in the space of eight months.

Fundraising forms a major part of the running of PSLC and next month’s Barefoot Bowls Day will go a long way to fuel both the abovementioned programmes.

for those who want to secure more mileage than by just joining the game and playing in the competition.

Businesses can either benefit from five Platinum Team slots (at R10,000 per team), which include major branding around the greens and at the venue on the day, big screens to play promotional DVDs, and mentions in electronic and print media before and after the event.

It also enters your team of four players into the competition, while springing for their morning teas and coffee and that world-class lunch.

Ten Gold Team tickets are available at R5,000 each, affording subtler branding but similar benefits to the Platinum slots.

“This leaves 21 Silver Team tickets at R1,000 each, which will sponsor the entry fee for teams of four players, as well as the Fournil, Fat Fish and Table offerings,” he says.

“And if you feel that you’re not up to a fun game of old man’s marbles, or can’t be part of the action on the day, we would love you or your business to be involved in sponsoring either a prize or part of the additional refreshments offered on the day.”

No contribution will go unrewarded, as participating businesses will enjoy exposure in CXPRESS, as well as on electronic and social media platforms. Sign up by contacting PSLC head of fundraising Mike Polson at plettsurf@gmail.com or on 082 553 4625.