19 July 2017

19 July 2017

Published every Wednesday by CXpress 2006 (Pty) Ltd - PO Box 1449, Plettenberg Bay 6600 - 6 Park Lane, Plettenberg Bay - Tel: 044 533 1004 - Fax: 044 533 0852 Email: editor@cxpress.co.za / advertising@cxpress.co.za Web page: www.cxpress.co.za Printed by Group Editors

Help for traumatised fire victims p5

Meet our new radio presenter p6

Forest Marathon race wrap

Photo: www.sharynhodges.co.za

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What a sight!

Ace photographer Sharyn Hodges captured these southern right whales and dolphins playing in front of her home in Keurboomstrand on Friday July 14, and writes: “I have been waiting for a photo like this for probably three years now, and FINALLY there were about six of them. I am literally freaking out; get the drone out, this is my shot! The drone takes forever to warm up and then decides the battery is too cold to operate. No problem, I’ll put the battery on my belly and I am jumping around trying to get the battery warm and watching the whales. Finally, we are flying, and then I start counting the whales and it is the MOST SPECIAL thing EVER!” During their annual migration along our coast these whales, however, face many man-made threats - see the seismic survey article on page 3, and turn to page 7 to read about the massive amount of plastic waste entering our oceans daily.

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

19 July 2017

Recovery will only be possible if we’re in it together CANDICE LUDICK explores the socio-economic social impact of last month’s fires IRES that swept the region at the beginning of June have left an indelible mark on collective the memory of residents. In line with the slogan of the rebuild campaign #KnysnaRises, business and tourism sectors have proven that this is indeed what they do.

Oyster Festival 2017 was officially launched on July 6, one month after the blaze that permanently altered the course of Knysna’s development by obliterating homes and rendering some 2,600 people unemployed.

Although the fire left devastation in its wake, it offered a glimmer of hope that the generally politically and ideologically divided community would be able to put their differences aside and work together.

For three harrowing days,

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while the fires blazed and ripped at the very fabric of Knysna’s existence, residents were united against a common threat: the flames. Those who call the town home were reminded just how much their loss meant to those living further afield. Aid flooded in from all corners of the country and abroad.

The town in crisis, like a damsel in distress, attracted all manner of valiant knights.

Unfortunately, the initial unity was short-lived as people started sowing derision, first in the form of arson rumours and soon followed by judgements about how the aid was being distributed.

People were quick to take to social media platforms to spew criticism and abuse at municipal officials as a thin visage veiling their fear, dread and

sense of hopelessness as a result of their losses - desperately seeking someone to blame for this tragedy that has altered everyone’s lives.

If one looks at the economic impact of job losses in conservative terms, 2,600 people earning an average of R2,000 per month will equate to a monthly loss of R5,200,000 to the local economy. That is a lot of money to take out of circulation.

If one considers that 1,500 of these 2,600 people may have used taxis for their daily transport, at R10 per trip twice a day the taxi industry alone suffers a loss of R30,000 per day.

The impact of these losses are no less than crippling to those living hand to mouth. While victims with insurance for their losses debate the worthiness of

those receiving a portion of the ample aid, consider that those most affected in financial terms may have been secondary impacts, their livelihoods decimated as a consequence of the losses of others.

Even this most basic economic calculation makes it apparent what socio-economic effects are sure to follow as the true impact of the loss of infrastructure begins to take hold. Obviously, there is no clear delineation between the affected and the unaffected. Some may have escaped with their property intact, but everyone will share in the aftermath of the devastation.

And if this town is going to fully recover, everyone will need to be a part of the reconstruction process.

• More fire updates on page 5.

A search for fresh fish and thoughts on food security This piece concludes the ponderings of long-time Plett local ALASTAIR GRANT who, with wife Di, has moved to Cape Town and now lives on the western edge of Fish Hoek at Sunnydale, equidistant from the Atlantic West Coast and False Bay - turn to page 9 of the July 12 edition at www.cxpress.co.za for Part I ONCERNS about food security aquaculture is booming worldwide. Fish are six times more efficient at converting feed than cattle, and four times more efficient than pork.

Aquaculture now provides 50% of the demand for fish worldwide - according to the FAO*.

While our big supermarkets sell a few products of aquaculture and fish farming, such as mussels and oysters from the West Coast and trout from Franschhoek, there is no substantial stock of local aquacultural products.

Prawns and even calamari are imported. We are not using fish to feed the nation’s need for protein. It’s scarce so it’s expen-

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sive and regarded as a luxury.

Nigeria’s aquaculture production has increased twenty-fold in the last two decades. There are opportunities in South Africa that are being missed.

A good example is the mud crab (our Knysna crab), which is produced by aquaculture in Asian countries and sold in the supermarkets of Europe.

These large crabs are very widely available overseas. And so is tilapia from Zimbabwe and Zambia.

It is our inland waters created by dams that have the greatest potential for sustainable fisheries. But the management of inland fisheries is fragmented and lacks clear policy, in strong contrast with the management

of marine fisheries, under provisions of the Marine Living Resources Act. A survey of inland dams showed that subsistence fishing is present in 77% of them - a rather low level, indeed. Much of this activity is considered to be illegal, where the fishing is usually reserved for recreational angling.

The environmental case While aquaculture has a reputation for being unkind to the environment, more sustainable methods are being adopted these days.

Taking into account the changing climate and worsening conditions for crops and meat production - both of which have a heavy impact on

the environment - it seems essential to develop aquaculture.

The environmental advantages are significant because aquaculture can be carried out in existing water bodies. Fish farming around the world is seen as particularly important for food security.

Let’s go for fish, and leave the potential for protein offered by insects to others… * Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN News online; other sources include Green Facts online (www.greenfacts.org), The Water Wheel Journal of the Water Research Commission Vol 14 No 4 August 2015, and South African Fish and Fishing by Irvin & Johnson, Cape Town 1963.

NEWS & VIEWS

19 July 2017

CXPRESS

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Far-reaching consequences of seismic survey along our coast of grave concern More than 1,500 people voiced their concerns over the proposed oil and gas prospecting survey along the Southern Cape coast before the final environmental impact assessment report was submitted to the Petroleum Agency of South Africa for a decision – YOLANDÉ STANDER reports decision on whether the 3D seismic survey - which is set to involve the use of airguns that shoot loud blasts of compressed air through the water and into the seabed - is expected to be made in three months.

The planned project is part of an application by Sungu Sungu Oil for an oil and gas exploration right in an area which falls within the 11,224km2 Pletmos Basin.

The public, after a series of public open days, had until June 15 to comment on the EIA report. The open days were attended by more than 94 stakeholders, predominantly in Plett. About 400 stakeholder comments and a petition signed by 1,186 people were received following the release of the EIA report for public comment.

The main issues raised by stakeholders include that the survey could have significant ecological impacts, specifically on marine fauna, due to the generation of underwater noise and the proximity of areas of environmental importance.

Several interest groups also highlighted concerns, including Wessa.

Knysna chairman Steve Gettliffe warned that the survey should not be conducted in months of, and in known path of, annual humpback and right whales migrations along the coast.

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“Seismic vessels should also avoid the sardine run due to the aggradations of dolphins, sharks, gannets, and Bryde’s whales; similarly for the annual squid/ chokka mating season and breeding grounds (large economic and jobs value for the Eastern Cape),” Gettliffe said.

He added that accurate data on the current migration patterns was needed as they appeared to have shifted over the last five years, with whales still migrating back down the coast later in the year than normal.

Gettliffe also said that the survey should avoid known penguin islands and feeding grounds.

Plettenberg Bay Angling Association secretary Sue van der Gaast said noise from airguns had been shown to affect a large area, up to several hundred kilometres from the source although the impacts were more acute up to 30km from the source.

“The impacts on fish include damage to hearing and breeding, which may include fertility, spawning, nurseries as well as behavioural changes and avoid‘We are concerned that the testing may affect the source of food for endangered species’

ance of the area can persist for several days after the survey,” Van der Gaast said.

She added that pollution from oil, fuel, noise and any other contaminants was a concern to marine life and the scoping report highlighted the fact that any proposed activity was to take place adjacent to two Marine Protected Areas which would be adversely affected by any invasive techniques within close proximity to them.

“As Plett’s economy is dependent on tourism and in particular marine tourism, anything that may adversely affect a healthy marine ecosystem should therefore be opposed,” Van der Gaast said.

Mandy Freeman of the Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation and Awareness Centre said studies and research had indicated that the populations of the endangered African penguin were moving eastward from the West Coast, following the fish stocks.

“The proposed seismic testing takes place along the coastline which is the natural range of the African penguin and specifically in the Pletmos basin where the African Penguin frequents. Tenikwa is concerned that the negative impact of seismic testing will further cause strain on

Knysna police seeks information in culpable homicide case HE Knysna police appeals to the public to come forward with any information that could assist with the investigation into a case of culpable homicide after the body of a man between 20 and 30 years of age was found next to the N2 near the old Tstitsikamma Bakery, Knysna on Thurs-

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day July 13, at about 23h20.

The body, found with multiple injuries by a member of the police, was dressed in a black/grey top and navy/orange pants.

A white mountain bicycle was found next to the body at the time of the discovery.

Preliminary investigation into this matter indicates

that the deceased was hit by a vehicle.

No arrest has been made yet and anyone with information may contact the investigation officer, Constable Fergus Paulsen, on 044 302 6652. All information will be dealt with confidentially. Investigation into this matter continues.

diminishing populations of the endangered African penguin,” Freeman said.

“We are further concerned that seismic testing may affect the behaviour of the fish stocks in the area, and so affect the source of food for these endangered species.”

She added that Tenikwa was also concerned about

the impact on turtles, marine birds, and seals due to entanglement.

Louw Claassens of the Knysna Basin Project also opposed the survey for among other concerns the impact it could have on the marine environment of the Garden Route.

“The far-reaching con-

sequences - those known, and those unknown - of seismic surveys, despite admirable proposed mitigation measures, are of grave concern in this economically and ecologically important, and highly biodiverse area,” ORCA Foundation researcher Minke Witteveen said.

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CXPRESS

19 July 2017

PROMOTION

NEWS & VIEWS

19 July 2017

CXPRESS

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Fires - a traumatic experience, but help is at hand After the devastating Garden Route fires, and being involved with affected folk daily, FAMSA shared this information regarding trauma RAUMA is defined as exposure to actual or threatened death, or serious injury.

Even if you were not exposed, just knowing someone who was causes anxiety. This disaster was unanticipated and our usual protective mechanisms did not work out as expected.

Traumatised people Every person is different and experiences trauma differently.

Distressed but resilient people recover quickly, but may still experience the responses for a while afterwards. Some people talk about the event, others may choose not to - nobody should be forced to speak about the incident.

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Emotions are normal Emotions that may be experienced include shock, disbelief, anger, guilt, sadness, frustration, helplessness, and depression.

Post traumatic responses Tiredness, nightmares, mood swings, memory failure, concentration problems, too much or inability to sleep, muscle tension, social withdrawal, flashbacks of the event - these responses happen to most people. And they will pass.

If they persist, professional help must be sought for an assessment. Some people may experience some or none of these responses. This too is normal.

Coping strategies Reach out. Ask for help, cry if you want to, talk about the experience should you have the need to, exercise, pray or meditate, write about the event, rest, listen to music and eat balanced meals, try and maintain the same routine as before the event if possible.

Should distress continue over a longer period, it could lead to anxiety and depression.

Children Research has shown that children are influenced by how their parents are affected by the event. After fires in Australia, children were assessed; after 26 months, it was found that these children had higher distress levels than before as a result of parents feeling anxious and unsafe.

Children need to feel safe so they need to be reassured. Try and limit the images they see about the event,

allow them to talk, but do not force them and be patient.

FAMSA encourages all parents and caregivers to reach out and receive trauma support (or relevant info) from counsellors at FAMSA or from therapists trained in trauma support. This will help equip you emotionally to help your children.

Contact FAMSA Plett on 044 533 0515 or Knysna on 044 382 5129 for more info or for an appointment.

New committee established to rebuild the Garden Route INISTER of Economic Opportunities Alan Winde met with the mayors of Eden District and Knysna and Bitou Municipalities on July 12 and they jointly agreed to the establishment of the Garden Route Rebuild Committee.

Work groups have been established that will design and implement projects related to humanitarian assistance, reconstruction of buildings, environmental management, business support, and skills development.

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The meeting also discussed the many donations that have been received. Eden District has received R995 000, Knysna R1.3 million (with another R2m expected), and Bitou R272 000.

This money will only be spent as the work groups identify and receive Committee approval for projects. Until now, municipalities have been providing support using their existing budgets.

The committee will meet on a weekly basis and provide feedback on progress with projects.

BUCO Plettenberg Bay

Corner N2 & Rietvlei Road, Plettenberg Bay Tel: 044 501 3800 Fax: 044 501 3850Â

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

19 July 2017

CX Country’s two favourite radio stations welcome their dynamic new presenter Earlier this month, second year Rhodes University student BEUGENÉ GREEN spent a ten day internship at Plett local commercial radio station MC90.3FM. She was tasked with telling CXPRESS readers and MC90.3FM/Knysna 97.0FM listeners about their new Garden Route radio presenter, Nicole de Gruchy.

ICOLE de Gruchy has been around the block and listeners, myself being one of them, love her! Not only is she a singer, songwriter, guitarist, emcee, radio presenter - but she is also a TV presenter… and in my world, we call this a triple treat as it is not only her job, but the talent she was born with.

She has always listened to the radio and it’s something that’s been in the background no matter what she occupied herself with.

On arrival in Joburg, Nicole met a producer from SABC and he suggested she go for an audition at NNTV. She got the job as continuity television presenter, and at the same time auditioned and became an SAFM radio newsreader at SABC. Her love for music later led to her decision to study classical guitar and opera; she does after all mention that “music is a great love of mine”.

She freelances as a voice artist and records and sings with local bands. It is most evident that she is distinctive and has numerous professional skills that place her on a platform of versatility and flexibility.

She has gained her skills in these fields for over fifteen years, and works as a solo artist on the local music circuit.

Seen people, been places, and now currently performing solo at venues around Gauteng, Nicole is fortunate to have shared the spotlight with artists such as Mel Miller, The Bats, PJ Powers, and various others.

As mentioned, Nicole is a TV and radio presenter and has done local as well as international work voicing adverts and documentaries, and acting in countless infomercials.

She seems to have the natural talent for dance and having trained professionally, she has danced internationally and

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GROOVY AND MULTI-TALENTED: Do lend an ear to Nicole’s new show, The PM Power Hour, from Monday to Friday between 2-3pm on MC90.3FM and Knysna 97.0FM

locally for innumerable companies like Sun International, La Scala and Rontel Music.

She strikes yet again, as she has worked as a model and acted in films for numerous South African productions.

She has worked as an emcee for many events over the years. In radio she read news for SAFM for three years and worked as a morning news anchor for 94.7. Nicole hosted Radio Today’s live ‘Property Power’ for one year but currently writes, compiles, and co-hosts the show ‘Solid Blonde’ for Radio Today, MC90.3FM, and Knysna 97.0FM. From my mere observation, Nicole is not only a pretty face; she is also extremely hardworking and takes on any challenge that is thrown her way.

Her funky but soothing voice boils over your skin as she talks to the listeners as though she were with them.

I did my internship at MC90.3FM this holiday and from the numerous things I’ve learnt, there’s one thing I intend on taking with me: In radio the biggest challenge is taking the format of the station you are given, but still being able to inject your own personality into it.

It’s perplexing, but Nicole does it! Besides her innumerable achievements in the fields she operates in, Nicole wants more…

Now she adds The PM Power Hour from Monday to Friday on Knysna 97.0FM as well as MC90.3FM in Plett.

She has just started this new show, so catch her on weekdays from 2-3pm with her new groovy, fresh programme.

It is short and to the point, it contains all genres of hit music, but what is most special is the fact that she also shares interesting musical snippets in a short space of time. It’s all about the music; it’s entertaining, quick, and “not too much talk to be boring”.

For those who want to set foot on the path Nicole has chosen for her life, she suggests taking an interest in media courses.

Volunteering to train at community stations is a start. But most importantly, studying - and while doing so, gaining hands-on experience by working part time in the industry.

“You need to have passion, drive, determination and never-ending appreciation for everything you want to do in this life,” says Nicole.

She states that the one thing she loves most about

radio is that you don’t need to put on make-up or fuss too much about your image as you are not on camera. She jams on her tracksuit, gets up to brush her teeth and runs out the door.

Her greatest influence in life is her parents. She explains how her mother bought her a doll clothed in denim dungarees that read “do your own thing”.

“Love what you work at and work at what you love, and never be afraid to explore new avenues,” says Nicole. These words gave her the inspiration, strength, and courage to take on anything in life. Her parents instilled positivity in her mind, and she practises it day in and day out.

The one thing Nicole would still like to do is to take an original band on a world tour. “Life is a journey and you need to enjoy every minute of it. You don’t get one day back,” she says.

Nicole has a great admiration for the Garden Route as it’s always been a place to have time out.

She grew up in Cape Town, and they used to sail out to Knysna.

“Despite the fires that have nearly taken this beautiful place up in flames, spring is well on its way and I believe it will bring great restoration to this unique part of the planet,” she says and adds that “if you follow your heart with the things you love, the journey is going to be excellent. You’ve only got one life to live so make it count”.

If there was one thing that Nicole would change about the world, she’d redesign the whole thing: “It’s a bit messy at the moment!”

And it doesn’t get better than that. Nicole is so compelling and has a laugh filled with peace and tranquillity; in actual fact, it’s quite contagious, to say the least. What an amazing honour to have interviewed her.

Notice Board • It’s Rotary Quiz time again tonight (Wednesday July 19) at 7pm, so sign up at Verandah restaurant and bar at Goose Valley Golf Club to show your grey-matter mettle. Teams of six to eight can enter at R100 per person, which includes snacks and prizes.

Sponsored by Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, all proceeds

will benefit local children charities through Plett Rotary. Call Emma on 044 533 0889 to reserve your table.

• Plett Athletics Club hosts its Mandela Day 6.7km Beach Run on Sunday July 23 from the Ski-boat Club on Central Beach. Register from 9am - the race starts at 9:30 and your R67 entry fee

includes a breakfast roll and coffee or juice.

• Local boxing promotor David Faas advised that due to unavailability of the venue where an exciting tournament pitting local and foreign fighters against each other would have taken place on July 15, the event was moved to July 29, and will now take place at Chris Nissan Pri-

mary School in Knysna.

Turn to page 16 of the July 5 edition at www.cxpress.co.za and read ‘Pros and amateurs to bout it out in Oyster Fest boxing extravaganza’ to find out more about the fighters involved, and contact David Faas on 084 353 9704 or at davidfaas@ yahoo.com for additional information.

NEWS & VIEWS

19 July 2017

CXPRESS

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Current plusses for Plett... and helpful Apps that can add to a brighter future

Nikki Ridley

COMMUNITY CRIME PREVENTION HAS LOWERED CRIME, BUT NEEDS SUPPORT TO GROW - AND THERE’S AN APP The Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) held their sixmonthly Public Report & Awards Event at The Bungalow on Thursday July 13.

This year’s meeting was special in that it included the presentation of ‘Honour Roll’ awards to selected individuals, among the “many heroes - too many to be named”, who contributed “above and beyond” during the recent fire disaster (inclusive of a posthumous award to Bradley Richards).

The awards were presented by Bitou mayor Peter Lobese, but it was notable for another reason. The PBCPA announced that it is appealing for funding in order to take the volunteer community crime prevention to the next level - because it is working so well.

A number of aspects to do with the operations of the PBCPA and partners

Plett Watch were brought up and notable among them was a statistically significant reduction in crime in Plett thanks to their combined efforts.

This good news raised the concomitant need not only to continue operations, but to step them up and fundraise to keep up the momentum and support the invaluable, and so far largely individually self-funded, contribution of the volunteer crime prevention partnerships to Plett’s future.

For this, the PBCPA is appealing for contributions of both funds and involvement from community members.

The vision for the future of the PBCPA and their strategic partners in crime prevention in Plett includes a lessening of the financial burden currently carried by the individual volunteers, the purchase of strategic equipment, the installation of more cameras in various areas and upgrade of camera-based monitoring systems, and more manpower for patrols.

There was also an appeal

for community members to download and use a community crime fighting App to make life even more difficult for criminals in Plett: https://play.google.com/ store/apps/details?id=net. app.panic.button.

Plett Security and ADT are listed on the App, but only Plett Security is directly linked to the Smhart Alarms/Plett Security control room.

• Please contact the PBCPA on 082 251 8134 to obtain bank details and information on how you can help support on-going community crime prevention and/or get involved.

ANOTHER HOPE...

AND ANOTHER APP As part of a current lecture series, the Plett Hope Spot hosted a talk by eminent US environmental engineer and expert on plastic waste management Dr Jenna Jambeck at the Plett Angling Club on Friday July 14.

In South Africa to speak at the African Marine Waste Network Conference, organised by the Sustainable Seas Trust (SST)

UNTIL END OF JULY

and held last week in Port Elizabeth, the presentation, titled ‘Plastic inputs from land into the ocean: Can we come together to solve this problem?’, was the first three such presentations in the country by Dr Jambeck, who is sponsored by the US State Department to meet with environmental leaders, academics, and members of the public in Plettenberg Bay, Hermanus, and Cape Town from July 15 to July 18.

Dr Jambeck spoke on the impact of the massive amount of plastic waste entering the world’s oceans on a daily basis.

Key points included the fact that plastics don’t biodegrade, but break down into ‘microplastics’ that either float or sink to the seabed, the latter creating huge ‘plastic patches’ in the ocean.

Ingested by marine animals, microplastics are becoming an insidious part of the marine food-chain.

Starting with compliments on Plett’s recycling bins and the cleanliness of Lookout Beach on the day of her visit, Dr Jam-

beck nevertheless cited local research that is finding microplastics in the stomachs of game fish caught off Plett - research currently being undertaken by the ORCA Foundation in partnership with Enrico’s Fishing Charters.

The talk was opened with a short presentation by Plett’s Dr Gwen Penry on positive notes such as the return of southern right whales to Plett this season, the recent penguin release and the marine survey work they are conducting.

An introduction to the newly formed African Marine Waste Network followed from Dr Tony Ribbink of the SST, who also heads up SA’s Hope Spots.

While the introductions emphasised the relative marine health our Hope Spots indicate, and the motivation that it has provided for the formation of the African Marine Waste Network, the overall message of the evening was clear: global ingress of plastic into our oceans is a global problem that needs a global solution.

On a local level, we can

make a difference through our consumer choices and by putting pressure on businesses and retailers to dispense with single-use plastics (such as plastic shopping bags and straws).

On a get-involved-on-aglobal-level, Dr Jambeck also introduced attendees to the ‘Marine Debris Tracker’ App. Co-developed by Dr Jambeck, this App has already been used to document the location of over a million marine debris items throughout the world and is being used to developing an in-depth understanding of how trash travels to, and around, the world’s oceans - described as a “growing global citizen science initiative” in which we too can get involved.

To learn about the App, how you can contribute to the data collection and download to your phone (before you go walking and picking up trash on the beach, as most of us in Plett do), go to https:// play.google.com/store/ apps/details?id=edu. uga.engr.geolog.marine debristrack&hl=en).

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CXPRESS

INTERVAL

19 July 2017

General health advice for women O you have feelings of inadequacy? Do you suffer from shyness?

Do you sometimes wish you were more assertive?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, ask your doctor about Cabernet Sauvignon.

Cabernet Sauvignon is the safe, natural way to feel better and more confident about yourself and your actions.

It can help ease you out of your shyness and let you tell the world that you’re ready and willing to do just about anything.

You will notice the benefits of Cabernet Sauvignon almost immediately and, with a regimen of regular doses, you can overcome any obstacles that prevent you from living the life you want to live.

Shyness and awkwardness will be a thing of the past and you will discover many talents you never knew you had. Stop hid-

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ing and start living!

Cabernet Sauvignon may not be right for everyone. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use it. However, women who wouldn’t mind nursing or becoming pregnant are encouraged to try it.

Side effects may include: dizziness, nausea, vomiting, incarceration, loss of motor control, loss of clothing, loss of money, loss of virginity, delusions of grandeur, table dancing, headache, dehydration, dry mouth, and a desire to sing Karaoke, play all-night rounds of Strip Poker, Truth Or Dare, and Naked Twister.

WARNINGS • The consumption of Cabernet Sauvignon may make you think you are whispering when you are not.

• The consumption of Cabernet Sauvignon may cause you to tell your friends over and over

again that you love them.

• The consumption of Cabernet Sauvignon may cause you to think you can sing.

• The consumption of Cabernet Sauvignon may make you think you can converse enthusiastically with members of the op-

posite sex without spitting.

• The consumption of Cabernet Sauvignon may create the illusion that you are tougher, smarter, faster, and better looking than most people.

Now just imagine what you could achieve with a good Shiraz…

Be honest.

Is this too much

That awkward moment when…

• … you say goodbye to someone and then both walk in the same direction.

• … someone tells you to stop clicking your pen, but you have to click it one more time to use it.

• … somebody is crosseyed and you don’t know which eye to look at.

• … the guy who discovered milk had to explain to the village what he was doing to the cow.

• … someone’s zipper is down and you don’t know whether to tell, because you can’t explain why you were looking that low.

• … you wave to someone and it turns out they were waving to the person behind you.

• … you change your Facebook status to ‘single’ and your ex ‘Likes’ it.

• … you go to a friend’s yard sale and you see the gift you got them for their birthday is for sale.

• … you’re talking to yourself and start to smile like an idiot because you’re so hilarious.

• … you start telling a story and realise no-one’s listening, so you slowly fade out and pretend you never said anything.

• … someone asks you what’s wrong and they are the problem.

• … you look in a car window to fix your hair and after standing there for a minute you see someone in the car.

• … you’ve already said “what?” three times and still have no idea what the other person said, so you just agree.

Who on earth is that? young boy is looking through some old family photos and asks his mother: “Who is the guy with all the mus-

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cles and curly hair on the beach with you?”

“That’s your father.”

“Then who’s that man who lives with us now?”

lettuce?

SOCIAL SCENE

19 July 2017

LES CHARMANTES: Marsja Hall-Green, tweede van links agter, het hierdie foto gestuur en skryf: ‘Ons klomp Plett francophiles het heerlik gekuier laas Vrydag op Bastille Dag. Soos julle kan sien is ons ‘n lekker groot groep wat elke Vrydag bymekaarkom om in Frans te gesels. Natuurlik is dit nie net kuier nie, maar daar word van ons verwag om ook huiswerk te doen en praatjies voor te berei. Een van ons lede, Anne-Marie, is self Frans. Drie van ons lede was ongelukkig afwesig. Ek voel so bevoorreg om aan so ‘n wonderlike groep te behoort.’

PLETT FOOD AND FILM FESTIVAL A JOYOUS CELEBRATION: The Festival, held at The White House from July 10 to 12, presented a mix of cinematography, music and fine cuisine, that received good support and was well attended.

The opening night saw the screening of the 1969 South African classic Katrina. The second evening was devoted to the motion picture Tangerines, accompanied by music of the region portrayed in the film, performed by the talented Playing with Fire Balkan Klezmer Band. On the closing night, one of the great classics of cinema, Casablanca, delighted an audience of film enthusiasts. Jenny Morris, one of South Africa’s most loved foodies, prepared a sumptuous feast of Moroccan dishes. In the pics, clockwise from the top, are South African foodie Jenny Morris on the final evening of the festival; Joe Bolton of the Playing with Fire Balkan Klezmer Band blew a mean tuba on the second night of the festival; and from left, are Trevor Mapitiza of Plett Tourism, Lynette Mullins of ShowMe South Africa and Mpumelo Mvunelwa, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Fricreatives.

Words and photos: Timothy Twidle

Photo: Plett Tourism

People, places & events

La Luna

CXPRESS

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19 July 2017

CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

19 July 2017

Letters to the Editor

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

CXPRESS

Read CXPRESS online at www.cxpress.co.za

Best stick to immobile phones with these Bonnie and Clyde crooks around…

I was sitting at my desk at Curves at The Market Square in Plett last Monday with the outside doors wide open on a beautiful day when a 20-something-year-old couple approached.

She, pregnant, stayed

outside while he came inside enquiring about membership. I explained that it was a ladies only club. He indicated that she would like to join and we went outside to meet her.

Unseen by me, he

A loo with a view

snatched my cellphone from my desk, but he was seen by one of our members, Pascalette, who asked me if I had my cellphone.

While I was searching and not finding my phone, the couple made their escape - but not unnoticed

by Pascalette.

I found centre security as well as Donald from CrossFit and they, along with Pascalette, gave

chase across the car park and Engen garage.

The miscreants were apprehended while hiding in the bushes, and my cellphone was retrieved.

Thank you guys for such willing and wonderful assistance.

PS: My hubby, John, says he has no problem leaving his phone on the desk - it’s a landline…

Heather Johnson, Plett

The only pharmacy in Main Street

Beaches and dogs: the reality

Now that we have all been able to relax slightly after the fires, I thought it could be an appropriate time to share this photo I took of the men’s urinal at the skydive site at Plett Airport. This state of affairs offers a whole new take on ‘going’ in the great outdoors, and a great example of a loo with a view. - ‘Plett Pilot’

Bitou broadens Grade 12 minds by backing excursion I am one of the Grade 12 learners from Murray High School who went to Cape Town on an educational tour recently. On behalf of all the other Grade 12s, I would like to thank Bitou Municipality for their support.

We also thank our teacher, Miss Plaatjie, who managed to convince the municipality to sponsor the tour, as well as Ms Grootboom and Ms Squash who accompanied us.

We visited lots of places we never thought we would see, including Robben Island, the Castle of Good Hope, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, the University of the Western Cape, Table Mountain, and the Cape Town Parliament.

Once again, a big thank you to Bitou Municipality because without them, we pupils of Murray High would never have been afforded this experience.

Aphiwe Matshikize, Plett

There has been much public debate relating to dogs on beaches - some of it rational, some not so - with our particular low point being the picture of a Labrador in the surf, accompanied by the legend: Dogzilla will lick you to death! Really?

The reality of the situation is that it would be irrational and irresponsible of Bitou Municipality to allow a ‘dogs off leash beach’ since, as legal custodians, the municipality would be responsible for any incidents that occur.

Incidents like that on Tinley Manor Beach, north of Durban on April 24, when a jogger was attacked by two pitbulls and had to be stretchered off the beach, suffering from severe blood loss, by emergency services.

This by the way was reported as being the second dog attack on the Dolphin Coast within a week and is clearly unacceptable in any civilised society.

Worldwide a simple internet search will give staggering statistics outlining

dog attacks and the resultant consequences such as death, life threatening injuries, and rabies infection.

So dog owners, please accept that the untrained pitbull would have as much right to ‘roam free’ on a no-leash beach as your well trained pooch; that Bitou Municipality has a legal responsibility to protect all beach users and cannot afford either to neglect this duty or find themselves legally responsible for such neglect (which could lead to massive compensation claims).

Municipal Law Enforcement Officers have a duty to uphold existing legislation relating to dog control on beaches and will fine you if you contravene the law. No person should be put at physical risk for the convenience of your pet.

Final thought? There are attorneys out there who specialise in obtaining substantial compensation for victims of dog attacks.

We’re sure that common sense will prevail!

Laurence and Claire Keurbooms, Plett

BOOKING ESSENTIAL

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CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

19 July 2017

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

Knysna Forest Marathon a resounding success ARLY on Saturday morning runners huddled together deep in the Knysna forest as they waited to get going in the Momentum Knysna Forest Marathon and Half Marathon.

The excitement and hope in the air was palpable as runners came together at this event to support Knysna in its relief efforts.

Dignitaries were up early as well as they joined the runners at the start to wish them well.

As one of SA’s most sought-after running events, the Momentum Knysna Forest Marathon offers some of the country’s most spectacular natural scenery in and around the Knysna forest, offering several highlights unique to its location.

Much of the race took place in the famed forest area, with breath-taking views of the lagoon and the spectacular Knysna Heads for inspiration towards the finish at the festival grounds.

The full marathon was won in dramatic style by Mzwanele Maphekula in an earth-shattering 2:34.09.

In the half marathon, Nkosinathi Mdau took the win in the men’s category in

E

1:09.52, while Vicky van der Merwe synched the women’s race in 1:23.03 ahead of Melissa van Rensberg.

This is certainly one run that many are eager to return to do again in 2018.

The early morning start was bitterly cold, so along

with the 2,000 blankets Momentum donated, the runners have a long-standing tradition of bringing warm clothes, which they wear to the start and then, along with the blankets, leave behind to be collected and donated.

LET’S GO! Runners huddle at the start of the Half Marathon

WINNING SMILE: Momentum Knysna Forest Marathon winner Mzwanele Maphekula celebrates on the finish line

The Simola forest phantom spotted…

The Simola Phantom Night Run - an avant-garde blend of trail running and opera music - took place on July 8 as part of the Knysna Oyster Festival. Close to 400 trail runners and walkers equipped with headlamps - went out into the Simola forests to meet the Phantom - who made its ghostly appearance in the form of local opera singers The Knysna Afroquartex, performing live opera from different composers, while runners followed a six or 12km trail made of blazing torches under the full moon. Visit www.oyster.events for results.

BUCO Plettenberg Bay

Corner N2 & Rietvlei Road, Plettenberg Bay Tel: 044 501 3800 Fax: 044 501 3850