19 February 2020 by CXpress

19 February 2020

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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Performing arts pervade Plett Cellist par excellence Carol Thorn is an integral part of Coda Africa - one of South Africa’s best-loved fusion bands, which also features violinist Renate Riedemann, vocalist Zami Mdingi, and Judy Brown on rock sax. Catch them in action on The White House stage this Sunday and turn to page 5 for the full programme and story behind this year’s Plett Performing Arts Festival.

Dramatic drowning rescue p2

No bail for Plett rape suspect p3

Double stroke of sunshine for Lejan p12

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

19 February 2020

Drowning George neighbours saved by fast-thinking fisherman and sea-savvy man of God NSRI Wilderness station commander GARTH DOMINY tells the riveting true story of how Good Samaritans saved two friends from Pacaltsdorp when rip currents looked sure to take their toll on Sunday February 16 pastor and a fisherman are commended for their individual efforts to rescue two men who were swept out to sea by rip currents while swimming on Sunday afternoon. NSRI Wilderness duty crew responded to our sea rescue base on receiving a call from eye-witnesses at 5:20pm, reporting two men being swept out to sea at Leentjiesklip. Our craft Clemengold Rescuer was launched and NSRI rescue swimmers as well as WC Government Health EMS responded. We arrived on the scene swiftly to find one of the casualties, 23-year-old Justin April from Pacaltsdorp, already on the beach. Local pastor Peter Veysie, who had rescued the man, was on a sandbank about 30 metres out to sea after he had launched back into the surf to go after the second casualty. The first casualty, Justin, who was already on the beach, having been saved by Pastor Peter, was treated on the scene by NSRI medics and EMS paramedics for nonfatal drowning symptoms and was transported to hospital by EMS ambulance in a serious but stable condition. He has since been released from hospital and he has expressed his thanks to Pastor Peter for rescuing him. Describing himself as â&#x20AC;&#x153;swimming and being around the seaâ&#x20AC;? all his life, Pastor Peter is a good swimmer but recounted to us the dilemma he faced after seeing the two men caught in rip currents and being swept out to sea. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Should I run down the beach to fetch the NSRI Pink

Rescue Buoy off its pole or should I risk swimming out into the surf to try to help without the aid of the buoy?â&#x20AC;? He chose the latter, feeling it may be too late if he took the extra time to go to fetch the buoy. He reached the first casualty, Justin, and was able to assist him to a sandbank where they had some relief before he helped him to the shore and into the care of his wife. He launched back into the sea to go after the second man, 26-year-old Quinton Jacobs, also from Pacaltsdorp. The NSRI sea rescue craft arrived on the scene finding Pastor Peter on the sandbank, indicating to the NSRI crew the direction in which the second man was being swept. Pastor Peter is commended for his contribution in saving Justinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. Quinton Jacobs was be-

ONLY FAITH REQUIRED: Pastor Peter Veysie feared he would lose too much time if he ran back to procure the NSRI pink rescue buoy

ing swept, in strong currents, across the shore front towards the Kaaimanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s River mouth and was now in grave danger. Two fishermen, brothers Ettiene and Cecil Klue from George, who were angling from the rocks, saw Quinton in difficulty and saw him being swept in the currents, about 80 metres off-shore from where they were standing. They immediately realised the peril he faced. Ettiene, 45 - who was celebrating his birthday by going out for a day fishing with his brother - told us that they saw the casualty going underwater, then re-emerge to take in air. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With each swell that washed over him the process repeated itself,â&#x20AC;? said Ettiene, who realised the gravity of the situation they were witnessing. He immediately reeled in his fishing line, calling to his brother to bring him a knife so he could cut off the hook from his fishing line. Both his brother and his fishing bag were a distance away from him and he knew that he had only seconds to spare if he was going to be able to help the man who appeared to be drowning. After reeling in his strong Brait fishing line, he instead quickly used the jagged edge of a rock to cut the line, holding the fish hook off his fishing line but keeping the 8-ounce sinker on the line. Knowing he had only one shot at this, he aimed and cast towards the casualty, who was some 80 metres out to sea. The sinker went over Quintonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head and the fishing line landed across him, so Quinton had the presence of mind to wrap the line around his hand

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in 20 to 30 wraps. Then he hung on for dear life. Ettiene started reeling his unusual catch in towards the shoreline and was able to reel him right up to the edge of the rocks. Once he had Quinton close to shores, he angled the fishing rod above his head and locked the reel to keep the line tight while a friend of Quintonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, who had arrived on the scene at that stage, assisted him up the rocks and to safety. NSRI medics and EMS paramedics checked on Quinton who was exhausted and suffered minor cuts and bruises from the rocks but otherwise not injured. He was ever grateful to Ettiene for his quick thinking. Quinton admits that he was rather surprised to see the fisherman casting his line in his direction, but when grabbing the fishing line he realised Ettieneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good intentions and he hung on. Ettiene and his brother normally fish in that very spot for cob and musselcracker. Our NSRI volunteers applaud your highly commendable efforts that contributed to saving Quintonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. Ettiene has recounted to NSRI that a few years ago, he had witnessed a drowning in progress at nearby Victoria Bay. He had raised the alarm and NSRI Wilderness had saved that man from drowning. Justin and Quinton are neighbours in Pacaltsdorp and confirmed to NSRI on Monday that they were both doing well. They expressed their heartfelt thanks to both Pastor Peter and fisherman Ettiene for their veritable lifesaving assistance on Sunday.

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NEWS & VIEWS

19 February 2020

CXPRESS

No guarantee that alleged Plett rapist would get bail soon

UNITED AGAINST ABUSE: Standing at back are, from left, Janet Harding, Helen Bezuidenhout, Gay Clark and Magrietha Ferreira, with Willie Hofmeyr and Mike Kantey in front at right, after Hofmeyr’s talk during a fundraising dinner for the Green Hearts on Thursday night; on Monday morning, Harding said members of the anti-child abuse group were content that the alleged rapist of a teenager visiting Plett during the December holidays may long remain in custody before being afforded a bail hearing

HE bail hearing of a local man accused of raping a teenager could not proceed due to the fact that no formal bail application had been made prior to the court date.

Judge Ariefdien explained this to the solicitor of the accused when the alleged rapist made his first appearance in Plettenberg Bay Magistrate’s Court on Monday February 17.

“There cannot be a court hearing without a formal bail application arranged with the court. Friday could be the day, but that is not guaranteed because there are already existing matters for the court to hear. “And on the next Friday of the month, there can’t be a bail hearing because legal aid will not be present on that day,” explained Ariefdien to the accused’s legal representative. The lawyer apologised to the magistrate for making an arrangement without the court’s knowledge. He then said that he would take his chances on Friday and see if a bail hearing could be arranged for his client. On Thursday February 13, a 29-year-old man was arrested in connection with the rape of a 14-year-old girl on a property zoned as farmland and located between KwaNokuthula and

Plett Airport Road. The incident happened during December, when the victim visited the alleged rapist and his wife in Plettenberg Bay for the holidays. He was arrested in Ladismith in the Kannaland Municipality on Thursday night. In a statement released by Southern Cape police, spokesman captain Malcolm Pojie says: “It is alleged that the suspect raped the young girl on a farm

in KwaNokuthula near Plettenberg Bay during the December school holidays when she visited him and his wife.” Captain Pojie says the girl reported the matter to her mother when she returned home to Jansenville. The suspect remains in custody and although the case was postponed until Friday, there is no guarantee that his bail hearing will then be accommodated. The decision of the court

was welcomed by concerned members of the public, who rallied at the court building in support of the victim and her family. Speaking on behalf of the Green Hearts - a Plettenberg Bay-based organisation that campaigns against child abuse - Janet Harding said: “The outcome of the court case is exactly what we wanted. We want no bail for the perpetrators of such crimes.” - Ludumo Tede

Garden Route

Knysna municipal manager suspended while Ludumo Tede awaiting outcome of investigation NYSNA councillors unanimously agreed to place municipal manager Dr Sitembele Vatala on precautionary suspension during a special council meeting held on Thursday February 13. Allegations levelled against Vatala concerned the municipality’s dismal current financial state, and culminated in his suspension by the council. Knysna deputy mayor Aubrey Tsengwa said the council would soon appoint an independent party, which would be expected to table the findings of the probe before the council within 30 days. Tsengwa said the investigator would take an in-depth look into the allegations brought against Vatala. “The municipal manager’s precautionary suspension was for the protection of all parties, and to ensure an unbiased investigation

without any influence from the parties involved.” In a special council meeting on January 30, councillors as well as representatives of Knysna Ratepayers Association demanded to know which factors could possibly have gulped up funds to a point where the municipal purse was left almost empty. Blame for the municipality’s deplorable financial state was laid squarely on Vatala. A financial report published on the municipal website in November showed the municipality’s June 30, 2020 projected net deficit in cash at R191,660,000 whereas that amount was pegged at R53,337,000 in August last year. In explaining the discrepancy, Vatala said the municipality used its own money to advance funds for projects normally funded by national and provincial grant or loans, e.g. housing, while

awaiting reimbursement. There was a huge increase in capital expenditure financed from cash reserves in 2019 and 2020, exhausting the municipality’s available reserves, he said. Despite his explanation and the fact that no theft or corruption allegations were brought against him, a vote of no confidence against him was proposed by DA councillor Peter Myers and supported by all parties except the ANC. In the statement issued by Knysna Municipality’s Communications department, Tsengwa maintained there was not a single charge of misconduct against the MM at this stage. Vatala’s fate depends, however, on the findings of the probe and in the meantime, Dr Michelle Gratz - a former Mossel Bay municipal manager - has been appointed to fill the position on a temporary basis.

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

19 February 2020

Damning report on ‘state of Bitou’ en route to Bredell’s desk Yolandé Stander

OLLOWING the release of the damning forensic report recently, the Plettenberg Bay Ratepayers Association has compiled a report highlighting Bitou’s governance “failures” in an attempt to motivate the Western Cape government to intervene. “Its [Bitou’s] coffers, which should be full to overflowing, act as a magnet for opportunists who seek to loot them and, as a result, governance in the area is characterised by self-seeking, corruption, nepotism, and greed. “The community is rife with rumours of salaries being padded, houses being misallocated, tenders being twisted, grants being misdirected, back-handers being demanded, and allowances being abused,” the report read. According to the ratepayers, these rumours have a “solid foundation”. One of the aspects highlighted in the report is Bitou’s revenue collection “spiralling out of control”. According to the municipality’s mid-term budget adjustment the “total debtors outstanding amount to R269,045,000 - an increase of R70-million from the previous year’s debtors. “The increase, it should be noted, is measured over six months - there is still half a year to go - and the debt represents around a third of the annual revenue figure of slightly less than R800-million.” According to the report, householders’ debt comprises 96% of the total. “In effect, rates, taxes, and service charges are not being collected from most of Bitou’s swelling population. “Not all of the outstanding debts will be written off - far from it. But in the last financial year R70-million has been written off as bad debt where in previous years the figures were successively eight-, six-, and R31-million rand.

“A debt collection agency, whose annual charges have trebled and now stand at nearly half a million rand, is retained to recover the outstanding amounts, but if the figures are indicative, its efforts are proving futile.” The report states that in the meantime the municipality “is continuously increasing the operating cost” to the detriment of the cash position, which has decreased from R140- to R90million in the same period. “These dismal figures mean that the liquidity ratio (i.e. expenditure as a factor of revenue) has fallen from 1.9 to 1.6 in a single year.” About service delivery, the report highlighted several concerns. “Of major concern is the fact that the engineering services, electrical and roads, and community services departments are recorded as underperforming significantly. They constitute important components of service delivery - they represent the tangible face of municipal performance. “In the same vein is the underperformance on capital expenditure, which is dramatic - a mere 25% of the budget has been spent. This figure is alarming not just in itself, but because the allocation, being a provincial grant, is forfeited to the extent that, in a year, it is not spent. This is how the grant system works.” The report also indicates that Bitou’s expenditure was “out of control”. Some of the examples highlighted include that postage costs amounted to nearly a million rand when two years ago the figure was just over R50,000. “Printing and stationery costs, which last year stood at almost R30,000, have shot up in this financial year to almost half a million rand. Fuel costs have jumped from just over R1million three years ago to over R8-million today. “No one needs to be told that this far exceeds the amount that might be rep-

WILL MEC SEE BIG PICTURE? The Plettenberg Bay Ratepayers and Residents Association report on failures of governance within Bitou Municipality was submitted to Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning minister Anton Bredell Photo: African News Agency (ANA)

resented by the inflation of the petrol price.” Another spending concern highlighted in the report was the legal expenditure. “Three years ago this was R2-million, but now hovers around R8-million. Legal costs are, in the municipality’s own words, ‘skyrocketing’.” The report also highlighted hiring expenditure which is said to stand at about R7-million compared to the R2.5-milliion bill three years ago. “Included in the charges is the cost of a car hired for the mayor in breach of National Treasury protocols that, over about three months, amounted to nearly R200,000 and the provision of a security detail, obtained from independent contractors in a process forensically condemned as ‘fruitless and wasteful expenditure’, that over a ninemonth period totalled well over a million rand.” The report further raises concern over spending on luxury items. Junkets - that is, expenditure on luxury items - is rocketing. “In Bitou the costs have increased from less than half a million rand to about R2million over the last few years [figures adjusted to make the comparison valid].” The report states that catering costs had doubled over the past year and now stood at nearly a million rand. Subscriptions and member-

ship fees have doubled and have reached R5-million. Travel costs have also risen from R1.2-million to nearly R2-million while event promoter costs have retained at a cost of R1-million. “Until 2017 no performance bonuses were payable, but since then over R8-million has been paid out annually. The council is, as far as we know, under no obligation to make these payments but gratuitously line pockets, both their own and municipal employees, by doing so. “This liberality with ratepayers’ funds is echoed in a resolution by council late last year voting to give a 20% ‘scarce skills allowance’ to Bitou’s top six municipal executives, whose salaries already approach or exceed the prescribed ceilings. “Since the jobs these people do and the skills they deploy are entirely conventional, the resolution speaks volumes for the council’s reckless handling of ratepayer funds. “In short: all non-essential expense categories such as seminars, conferences, professional services, advisory, sponsorship, and entertainment expenses are significantly overspent and essential costs such as engineering services are significantly underspent. “The municipality is increasingly being used to serve those who run it, not

082 251 8134

those for whom it should be run.” A financial expert who considered the accounts and surrounding documentation for the report concluded that the “prescribed procedures, processes and internal controls are truly broken”. The latest financial statements, other reports and the ratepayers’ own investigations showed among others that councillors and officials make no proper declaration of business interests, and nepotism and conflicts of interest appear rife. “Expenses are run up by riotous living in places such as Down to Earth and Castleton and, even when entertainment is legitimate, claim forms are gerrymandered to reflect non-claimable items (such as alcohol) as food.” The report also found municipal houses are leased out at peppercorn rents to officials who are unqualified to receive the perk. “It is suspected, they do not declare the benefit for tax purposes.” Another finding includes that funerals are funded out of municipal coffers and “uncontrolled discretion is exercised in funding projects such as Grants in Aid”. The report also claims that invitations to tender are framed so as to prefer a favoured contender over more efficient providers. “No control is exercised

over the opening of tenders. In addition, tenders are awarded to fictitious or dormant entities and the requirement of tax clearances goes unenforced.” The report also found that “payments are made before the work is done and, in consequence, the job is never completed”. “Millions have been spent on prepaid electrical meters that proved incompatible or dysfunctional.” Another concern raised was that there was allegedly three fire engines unserviceable and no capital funds to replace them. “Nepotism and maladministration are rampant. A few instances suffice: The mayor’s brother-in-law, who doubles as a ‘political adviser’, is able to obtain salary increases, housing, fringe benefits and allowances at levels that are higher than even he has the temerity to request. “The speaker’s wife, previously dismissed by the municipality for padding her paycheque, has been rehired in a post that she is woefully ill-equipped to handle. “A company owned by the municipality’s local economic development manager earns huge amounts out of events it organises for the municipality. “The senior manager of security is retained, at an inflated salary, to provide protection for the mayor (three personnel are so deployed) and deputy mayor (he has two guards) even though he, the manager, we believe lacks the requisite qualifications.” Another concern highlighted in the report include that four airport refuellers are still allegedly on the municipal payroll even though they have nothing to do because the tender to supply fuel was withdrawn on grounds of corruption. • The full report is available online at www.plett ratepayers.co.za - no response had been received from Bitou Municipality by going to print.

NEWS & VIEWS

19 February 2020

CXPRESS

Kurland kids to gain greatly from forthcoming feast of performing arts HE Kids of Kurland school project was established in 2001 by friends Ann Fermor and Janet Holding, to address pressing needs at The Crags Primary School on Plett’s eastern outskirts. Class sizes at the time exceeded 70 students in some

instances, and the Western Cape Education Department was only able to supply absolute essentials. This made effective teaching almost impossible. Explains Ann: “Currently, we employ several additional full-time teachers at The Crags Primary, as

well as a part-time social worker to tackle a variety of problems prevalent in the community. We also cover the transport costs for a special-needs teacher. “Kids of Kurland committee members embark on fundraising drives on an ongoing basis to main-

Science to soar with well-equipped labs UR learners finish school and some complete degrees, but remain jobless, because they are not marketable - this according to professor Vuyokazi Nomlomo, dean of Arts at the University of Western Cape (UWC), who spoke during the opening of a R1-million science laboratory at Knysna Secondary School on February 12. The prof believes the only way to overcome the challenge of young people remaining jobless is for them to aspire to careers in science; therefore, all learners should be encouraged to take science-related subjects. Other dignitaries in attendance were UWC Science Learning Centre for Africa (SLCA) acting director prof Monde Mbekwa, John Matthews of Garden Cities Archway

Foundation, and principals from schools in the surrounding areas. It was a great day for the Loeries (as the school is affectionately known), as the much better equipped science laboratory marked a great future for the subject at their school. The laboratory was opened as part of the UWS’s SLCA programme, in partnership with Garden Cities Arching Foundation that supports educators and learners from disadvantaged schools in rural and peri-urban areas by constructing laboratories across the country. Expectations are now high within the KSS ranks regarding academic performance, because challenges that barred students from achieving results in science is now a thing of the past.

They are looking forward to attaining far better futures as a result. One of the school’s Life Science teachers, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “With the establishment of the laboratory, the science students’ performance will be far better. Before, we had poor facilities which made it impossible for our students to achieve top results in science. So now our expectations are very positive.” • UWC-SLCA launched three new UWC Science Learning Centres on the Garden Route this month. Apart from the KSS lab, handovers of centres were also celebrated at The Crags Primary in Plett and Concordia High in Knysna on February 11, and at Groot Brak Primary School on February 12.

Garden Route

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tain coverage of these substantial costs, and cultural presentations are sourced regularly to this end.” Plett Performing Arts Festival from February 22 to March 7 is the committee’s premier fundraiser for 2020, with five shows staged over the next three weekends. • Saturday February 22: Jenny and the Jameses - an acoustic folk music trio very well worth hearing, their highlight of last year being the fact they featured in the Edinburgh Fringe line-up.

• Sunday February 23: Coda Africa is an electrifying grouping of violin, cello and vocals, making for an amazing fusion band. • Friday February 18: Quantitative Teasing with Daniel Mpilo Richards, who returns to Plett with another entertaining collection of satirical sketches. • Saturday February 29: The Vumani Choral Project will treat their audience (all of whom have seen them before now love this group!) to operatic arias.

• Saturday March 7: The Complete Works of Shakespeare - Abridged is a stunning, riotous Studio 42 production. See it for the first, second or third time, as it really is that good! Bookings can be made at The Old House Shop in Plett, or through Ann Fermor on 082 452 8764. Tickets cost R200 each, and all shows start at 8pm. See you there! Contact Sharon van Hees on 083 409 7556 for additional information.

CXPRESS

19 February 2020

NEWS & VIEWS

PROMOTION

19 February 2020

CXPRESS

19 February 2020

The deep hole WO guys are walking through the woods one day when they stumble across a big, deep hole. The first guy peers into it and says: “Wow! That looks deep.” The second guy says: “It sure does. Let’s throw a few pebbles in there and see how deep it is. We’ll be able to tell the depth by how long it is before we hear the noise of the pebbles landing.” So they pick up a few pebbles and throw them in and wait. Nothing. There’s no noise. The first guy says: “Jeeez. That is really deep. I know, let’s throw one of these great big rocks down there. Those should make a noise.” So they pick up a couple football-sized rocks and toss them into the hole and wait... and wait... Again, nothing. They look at each other in amazement. Then the first guy gets a determined look on his face and says: “Hey, over here in the weeds, there’s a railroad tie. Help me car-

ry it over. When we toss that sucker in, it’s gotta make some noise.” So the two drag the heavy tie over to the hole and heave it in. Once again, not a sound comes from the hole. Suddenly, out of the nearby woods, a goat appears, running like the wind. It rushes toward the two men, then right past them, running as fast as its legs will carry it. Suddenly it leaps in the air and into the hole. The two men are astonished with what they’ve just seen and look at each other in amazement. Then, out of the woods comes a farmer who spots the men and ambles over. He asks them: “Hey, you two guys seen my goat out here?” The first guy says: “You bet we did! Craziest thing I ever saw. It came running like crazy and just jumped into this hole and disappeared!” “Nah,” says the farmer, “that couldn’t have been my goat. My goat was chained to a railroad tie.”

Beer lovers unite woman asks a man: “Do you drink beer?” Man: “Yeah.” Woman: “How many beers a day?” Man: “Uhm, usually about three.” Woman: “How much do you pay per beer?” Man: “$5.00, including the tip.” Woman: “And how long have you been drinking?” Man: “About 20 years, I suppose.” Woman: “So a beer costs $5 and you have three beers a day, which puts your spending each month at $450. In one year, it would be approximately $5,400… correct?”

Man: “Correct.” Woman: “If in one year you spend $5,400, not accounting for inflation, the past 20 years puts your spending at $108,000, correct?” Man: “Correct.” Woman: “Well, if you didn’t drink so much beer, that money could have been put in a step-up interest savings account and after accounting for compound interest for the past 20 years, you could have now bought a Ferrari?” Man: “Sooo, do you drink beer?” Woman: “No.” Man: “What colour is your Ferrari?”

It’s a 5-minute walk from my house to the pub. It’s a 35-minute walk from the pub to my house. The difference is staggering.

INTERVAL

His and hers painted garage doors...

SOCIAL SCENE

19 February 2020 Photos: Obie Oberholtzer

CXPRESS

People, places & events

CALLING ALL TEACHERS AND EDU-INFLUENCERS: If you are interested in understanding the Anthropocene as well as exploring the links that feed this scientific debate on the future of our planet, then please join Eden to Addo and Ian Michler for an insightful presentation this evening at the Beacon Island Hotel. Using powerful imagery and scientific data, Ian will unpack the challenges we face as well as discuss the reasons why individuals and societies seem reluctant to change, before offering possible outcomes as we head into the next 50 years and beyond. ‘The Anthropocene’ by Ian Michler is a fundraiser for the Eden to Addo Corridor Initiative tonight at 7pm. Doors to the Lagoon Room open at 6pm and there will be a cash bar on the terrace facing Robberg Beach. The lecture will be followed by a silent auction of mounted photographs and prints by renowned photographer Obie Oberholtzer, some of which are pictured above. Tickets cost R150 each but Ian has generously offered to subsidise the cover charge of any educators, be they attached to schools or municipal bodies of learning - an offer no teacher worth her/his salt can possibly refuse! Tickets are available from Barnie Barnard at The Market Square Info Centre (044 533 3219). Email admin@edentoaddo.co.za or visit the Eden to Addo Facebook page for additional information.

HISTORY FEST A BLAST: These images portray some of the speakers and collaborators involved with last week’s inaugural Plett History Fest, when experts from far and wide addressed appreciative audiences on a variety of subjects, ranging from the first people to inhabit our ‘hood to latter-day politics. Pictured at left above are, from left, Dr Joané Swart, Lesley Jacobs of Bitou Municipality, Prof Sarah Wurz, and festival organiser Mike Kantey, after the two ladies’ respective presentations at Piesang Valley Hall on Thursday morning. At right, top local radio man Gordon Hoffman promotes the event on MC90.3fm in the run-up to its February 13 kick-off. At top right, Alan Landau addresses a rapt audience at Roost Restaurant. Said Mike in the aftermath of this inaugural event: “I first have to pay tribute to Peter Tullis and fellow Van Plettenberg History Society founders, including current chairman Clive Noble and exco members Paul Scheepers, David Hall-Green, David Rowe, and Sean O’Connell. Of course, nothing would have been possible without the determination of Bitou Municipality Local Economic Development head Lesley Jacobs and the active support of Cindy WilsonTrollip and Patty Butterworth of Plett Tourism. Other supporters include Janet Harding and the Green Hearts, CXPRESS, MC90.3fm, St Thomas Methodist Church, Tweak Design, Hog Hollow, Fynbos Ridge, and Bayview Hotel. Thanks, too, to Burnt Orange, Nineteen89, and Roost restaurants; Ian McMillan, Matt Beale, Matthew and Robyn Brouckaert, and Coastal Tool Hire in Plett; Ruby Chetty, Komiek and Andrie Combrink, St Peter’s Anglican Church, Vogue, MyGuy, and Perils transport; the interns at LED and Bongani; Marietta van Rooyen and the history class of Plett Secondary. And of course our speakers Derrick Marco, Sarah Wurz, Joané Swart, Martin Wolfaardt, Willie Hofmeyr, Michael de Jongh, Ron Martin, Alan Landau, and David Bristow.” Watch this space for news of a more extensive history extravaganza, earmarked for September 2020.

Photos: Martin Hurwitz

TOP NIPPERS GET THEIR JUST DESERTS… and also scored some very lekker lunch after gruelling club champs were held on the sweltering Sunday past! The senior Nippers, some of whom are pictured above, will lead the Plett Surf Lifesaving team of U9s to U14s who will participate in Port Elizabeth when Lifesaving South Africa hosts its national champs on King’s Beach from March 19 onwards. Taking into account all the hotly contested races last Sunday, Plett’s Nippers as well as the healthy contingent of Juniors (U16-19) are now ready to strut their stuff on a national stage. Pictured at left, Nipper officer Deon Coetzer heaps praise on top U8 girl Emma Eray, with head coach Marc Jackson cheering along with the crowd of appreciative parents and Plett Surf Lifesaving Club members in attendance. Club chairman James Stewart thanks everyone who contributed towards the day’s success, and wishes those who will hit the PE beach in a month from today the very best of luck.

CXPRESS

19 February 2020

Storms River

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ON THE SOAPBOX

19 February 2020

Letters to the Editor

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

SONA 2020: I’m sorry to say... Events on the night of February 13 were a true reflection of the state of this nation. Not only is the ruling party and its president incapable of managing the crisis; they probably do not perceive it to be a crisis. The speech of the president has once again shown that, even if the ANC, to some degree, understands the nature of the deepening crisis we find ourselves in, they succeed in not showing it, neither do they offer any solution. The ‘highlight’ of the evening was the behaviour of the EFF. Their shame-

ful behaviour brought clarity to the following very pressing issues: • Firstly, they are a bunch of mindless anarchists whom, if allowed to prosper, will plunge the country in deep despair. Their behaviour reminds one of that of the Nazis in the German Reichstag at the time of Hitler’s rise to power. • Further, the weak and hesitant ANC has no answer to that. In fact, deep down, some of them even support both the EFF’s behaviour and their policies.

Plett’s Old Post Office alive and kicking I have just read your February 12 edition and would like to bring some misinformation to your notice. In the article on the Plett heritage meander [read it on page 2 of that edition at www.cxpress. co.za], it is reported that the Old Post Office was where the Upper Deck now stands. That is totally incorrect. The Old Post Office building still exists, but Crawford’s Fishing Tackle shop used to be where the Upper Deck now stands. Somebody did not know what they were talking about!

Philip Calothi, by email (Says Plett historian par excellence Derek Frielinghaus: “Semantics. Ola Café is technically in the Old Post Office building, and Upper Deck covers the entire area.” So you are correct, Mr Calothi, in saying that the Old Post Office building is next to the Upper Deck complex rather than part of it. The current home of Ola Café boasts a sign that says ‘Old Post Office’. So rather than a miscommunication, we plead guilty to incorrect wording. Thanks for bringing it to our attention. - Eds.)

• Lastly, the EFF actually flourishes under ANC policies and governing style. Apart from the president’s statement on Eskom, which deserves comment on its own, he did not in any way address the underlying causes of the crises in municipalities, water and sanitation, health, education, unemployment (in particular the 70% youth unemployment), ‘land reform’, low business confidence, and low economic growth. The crisis in SA can be compared to Britain’s crisis facing Nazi Germany.

Similar to ours, theirs was a crisis of life and death. Their leader stood up in parliament and gave courageous leadership. Our president did not. How will responsible South Africans respond in the face of this dilemma? We will, more than ever, do our part to make South Africa work. We will not be deterred from doing what we do well during this one life we are all afforded. Gerhard Papenfus, by email (Papenfus is chief executive of the National Employers’ Association of South Africa, but wrote this letter in his personal capacity. - Eds.)

When everything is said and done I refer to the letter ‘A question of power’ by correspondent A Forbes [read it on page 11 of the February 12 edition at www.cxpress.co.za]. I thank the writer for the compliment; however, I am just a simple man trying to find logical answers in an illogical country. In regard to the first three questions posed by Forbes, I do not think that even a genius like Albert Einstein would be able to give satisfactory answers. In regard to the leadership of Nelson Mandela between 1994 and 1999, I thought that those were heady days. But since then, the state of

the nation has definitely been on a slippery slope and, as Forbes indicates, a Zimbabwean scenario beckons South Africa. Sadly, if one reviews the progress, or lack thereof, of nearly all African countries south of the Tropic of Cancer, South Africa is the last bastion of hope there is in that part of the continent. At this time, South Africa is in urgent and desperate need of leaders who have the leadership qualities of people like Mandela and Jan Smuts. The problem that we in South Africa face is that ‘when all is said and done, there is more said than done’. Kevin Meineke, Plett

Open letter to Bitou mayor: in memory of Madiba Day and other lavish lunches Honourable mayor, not so long ago you said: “It is important that as we do our work, we must not allow the interest of our people to be sacrificed at the altar of narrow and racist political opportunism which serves only to derail the interest of many in favour of the few. And the attempt to grab power by illegal means will not succeed.” Well now! As they say in Afrikaans: “So ‘n bek moet jam kry.” But, Mr Mayor, your actions speak so loudly that we cannot hear your words anymore. Let me take you back to Mandela Day, July 18, and July 22 in 2017 to be exact, when millions of South Africans, rich and poor, rolled up their sleeves to honour Mandela’s life of service. The Mandela Day website puts it like this: “No matter how small your action, Mandela Day is about changing the world for the better, just

as Nelson Mandela did every day.” But on that Mandela Day, I see you and your personal staff apparently got really deep into the spirit of things and it must have been a hectic and tiring outpouring of your desire to serve “the interest of the many” as opposed to “favour the few”. You will remember your strenuous Mandela Day Lunch at LM in Plett - a long lunch, mind you, which ended at around 5:45pm. As you know between yourselves you drank R3,992 and ate for R415 and took a further R900 worth of meat home with you. Mandela Day Lunch equalled a cool R5,307 and you didn’t even tip the waiter that slaved for hours to serve you and your cronies. But, shame, still there was no rest for you. Just FOUR days later you had to attend boring official proceedings at the rugby field. What a drag, but it is

the cross a dedicated servant of the people must grimly bear. It’s thirsty and hungry work. Luckily there is always good old LM in Plett to feed the spirit and tummy in almost equal measure. Takeaways! You get to take the comforts of a restaurant with you. Brilliant! Give that man a Bells… sorry make that Jameson’s. Remember?

EXHIBIT A: These slips formed part of Western Cape Local Government minister Anton Bredell’s forensic investigation report on Bitou

R1,920 worth of Jameson’s to lift the spirit and R1,800 worth of meat. R3,720 to blunt the pain of your selfless service in the interests of the many. If you weren’t part Irish before that lot, you must be now. Of course, there is little wrong with a hardworking man of the people getting smashed every couple of days as long as you don’t drive, but of course that’s no problem for a man with a driver and bodyguards. Overeating is OK, too, as long as it’s kept south of gluttony. But to use the money belonging to the poor masses to indulge yourself as you have done is simply not on. As my good friend Julius is fond of saying: “Pay back the money!” “Bloody agent.” PS. I attach the till slips in case you require them to effect payment. Bon appétit! ‘Hungry, Thirsty, Revolting Peasant’, Plett

CXPRESS

Many roads more in need of TLC Are you as confused as I am? Roadmac is doing a great job resurfacing one of the only roads in Plett that, to me, seemed in perfect condition. I can show them many roads that are potholed and badly worn and in desperate need of resurfacing. How about our council apply-

ing funds to that as a project? If it’s a provincial initiative, surely their prime focus should have been on that horrible short piece of Beacon Way between The Market Square and the N2 that causes such chaos over season. Can someone educate us? ‘Frustrated Road User’, Plett

CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

19 February 2020

Lewthwaite birdies the big bucks out of Sunshine ladies field EJAN Lewthwaite slept on the lead for two straight nights and, on sweltering Sunday in George, she finished the job - winning the R600,000 Dimension Data Ladies Pro-Am at Fancourt by eight shots. It was a second successive triumph for the Benoni golfer, who claimed a play-

off victory against Tandi Cunningham in the SuperSport Ladies Challenge, presented by Sun International, at the Gary Player Country Club last week. Lewthwaite opened the tournament with a stunning six-under-par 66 at George Golf Club and produced a four-under 68

on her second trip around the scenic Parklands layout to carry an eight-shot lead into final round at the Outeniqua Course. She got off to a birdie start and briefly gave the chasing pack a glimmer of hope when she bogeyed five and nine. Defending champion

Nobuhle Dlamini reeled in a trio of birdies before the turn, but her challenge faded with a bogey at the par-five 11th. Emie Peronnin from France also gave chase, as did former winner Stacey Bregman, but it was all too little, too late. The 28-year-old Lewthwaite, who had been remarkably poised all week, did not let adversity upset her rhythm and she restored her lead with back-to-back birdies on 10 and 11. Having regained the momentum, the Serengeti member shut the door on her pursuers with further gains on 13 and 14 and came home with three solid pars for a one-over 73. “For six days, really, I

played awesome golf; first at Sun City and then here in George. I am just so happy right now,” said Lewthwaite, cradling the trophy that comes with the winner’s cheque worth R84,000. No victory in professional golf comes easy, and wireto-wire victories are perhaps even more difficult, as they require a player to deal with the inevitable thoughts of winning for days on end. “I’d say I was pretty happy with my position after the first day, but I don’t allow myself to think too far ahead. I try very hard to stay in the moment as much as possible. I try to stick to my process and hit every shot where I plan to and make every putt count.

“I played another great round on the second day, and I thought to myself, ‘just continue with your strategy, your plan and the way you’re playing.’ “I did briefly wonder how it would feel if I won, and also what my strategy would be if the gap was reduced, but I always made sure I didn’t let my thoughts drift too far. It would be a fleeting thought, and then I’d be back in the zone.” The victory cemented Lewthwaite’s number-one spot in the Investec Order of Merit and she is another step closer to collecting the R100,000 bonus. She leads on 1,390 points and is nearly 500 points ahead of Dlamini.

GEORGE WIN MAKES IT TWO IN A ROW: Lejan Lewthwaite claimed her second Sunshine Ladies Tour victory in as many weeks when she went wire-to-wire in the R600,000 Dimension Data Ladies Pro-Am in George - Photos Carl Fourie/Sunshine Tour

Enter Dr Evil Classic before end-March and you could win big! RGANISERS of the Dr Evil Classic threeday stage race, which takes place from September 17-19 in the Plettenberg Bay area, are encouraging entries for the e-bike category which will have its own prize. Gravel bikes are now also allowed and will have their own category and prize, too. Ferdi Bravenboer - one of a small group of e-riders at last year’s Dr Evil Classic had this to say: “I bought my e-bike in 2018 because I just didn’t have enough time to train to keep up with my friends. “I can’t think of any other race where an e-bike is more perfect than at the Dr Evil

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Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

Classic. You are just so much more relaxed and it gives you time to actually appreciate your surroundings. “The part I enjoyed most was that all three days were set in totally different environments, so you never get bored or used to the views!” Sign up for this year’s Dr Evil Classic at www. drevilclassic.co.za or email zandile@drevilclassic.co.za for a manual entry. Enter Dr Evil at 2019 prices by the end of March and be in line to win an amazing accommodation package from Hunter’s Country House worth R15, 000 as well as two entries to the Karoo to Coast.

The 100km Lions Karoo to Coast Mountain Bike Challenge from Uniondale to Knysna takes place the day after the Dr Evil Classic, on September 20, and the combination of the two events over the Heritage Day long weekend remains a strong drawcard for those looking for a feast of mountain biking. The event is now 22 years old and one of the most popular oneday events in the country. Lions Karoo to Coast riders with a Dr Evil entry receive an automatic second batch seeding among seven batches, and the race is also a seeding event for the 2021 Cape Town Cycle Tour.