19 June 2019

19 June 2019

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

Showcasing Plett’s art

Photo: Gilbert Hewu

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Artist Chip Snaddon is pictured here with his sculpture, Orbital - created out of steel and a gumtree root ball - that forms part of the ‘New Art @ Old Nick’ exhibition and features seven of Plett’s top contemporary artists.

On display daily from 10am to 3pm, June 21-28 at Old Nick Village, this exhibition is an integral part of the Plett Arts Festival which runs until July 5. Find out more on page 5, 7, 10 and 11, and visit www.cxpress.co.za to see more of Chip’s incredibly diverse art.

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Plett Tourism woes p3

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

19 June 2019

Green Garden Routers get their just deserts at national eco-awards CO champions of the Garden Route were recently lauded at the national Eco-Logic Awards held in Cape Town at the Table Bay Hotel on World Environment Day, June 5.

Knysna Municipality walked away with a silver and a bronze award for their Disaster Management and Alien Invasive programmes, respectfully in recognition of their integrated response to the fires of 2017.

Rhian Berning, founder of Eco Atlas and Renew Able Plett, was awarded gold and named the Eco-Angel for 2019 in recognition of her widespread environmental efforts over the last 20 years.

Said Berning: “Times are changing as we begin to recognise the people and organisations that are actively contributing to a better world where people and planet are placed above profit.�

Barbara Creecy, the new national Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries presided over the awards and delivered the keynote speech.

She said: “Sustainable development is only possible if it’s underpinned and informed by an environmentally-literate society; one where everyone has the understanding, skills and motivation to make responsible decisions that consider our relationships to natural systems, communities, and future generations.�

Creecy called on the environmentalists, educators, and eco champions present “to partner with the department in building South Africa’s environmental literacy as a significant contribution to our sustainable development and a better life for all.�

She also emphasised that this shift towards environmental ac-

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GLOBAL GARDEN ANGEL: Plett-based environmentalist Rhian Berning, second from right, scored a gold award and also the 2019 Eco-Angel badge on June 5; with her from left are Eco-Logic Award judge Anthony Stroebel, Craig Foster of Sea Change Project (silver), and Mashudu Makhokha of Lapalala Wilderness School (bronze)

AWESOME ACCOUTREMENTS: Richard Meyer of Knysna Municipality, second from right, gained a silver award and was also acknowledged for his superb upcycled eco-warrior attire, while colleague and invasive plant management fundi Pam Booth, at right, scored bronze; pictured with them are representatives of award sponsor Santam and eThekwini Municipality

tion was needed more than ever before in the face of climate change and the challenges it would present to South Africa.

Hosted by Enviropaedia since its launch in 2011, the EcoLogic Awards have grown to become a prestigious occasion on the green calendar, known not only for highlighting serious environmental issues, but for celebrating the innovative solutions, grassroots projects, and individuals who are tackling these problems so pivotal to our survival. “We always aim to cut through the negative and showcase the positive, because when you see the magnificent efforts by our communities, businesses, government departments and individuals, there is so much to celebrate,� said David Parry-Davies, publisher of Enviropaedia and founder of the awards.

Award attendees further celebrated their love for our planet and for human innovation by dressing up glamorously green in all manner of upcycled, recycled, African traditional and well-leafed outfits.

Richard Meyer of Knysna Municipality was awarded for his superb upcycled eco warrior attire, once again putting the Garden Route on the map for our creative verve and dedication to all that is green and good.

Notice Board • Join the ‘What the Bag?’ campaign in a Conscious Conversation and free bag handout on Friday June 21 from 2pm at The Node at Oaks on Main in Knysna, when 17-year-old Sahara Thagunna, founder of the unique ‘What the Bag?’ campaign will share her sentiments on plastic, waste, consumerism, and how Garden Route residents can start taking action and making wiser

decisions to lessen our impact on the planet.

Free bags will be given to those who RSVP, so visit www.sourcesahara.wixsite. com/whatthebag to book a spot or email infowhatthe bag@gmail.com with queries. • Members and friends of Plett U3A will enjoy a screening of Green Book - a 2018 American biographical comedy-drama directed by

award-winning Peter Farrelly - on Monday June 24 at Formosa Garden Village at 7pm.

The film has received numerous accolades and nominations and at the 91st Academy Awards won Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor for Mahershala Ali. Email membership secretary Judy Yuilla at u3aplett@ gmail.com for details.

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NEWS & VIEWS

19 June 2019

CXPRESS

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Sedgefield hammer murder: Sean Kelly back in the dock Sean Kelly, 50, is facing a charge of murder after Noreen Hampson, 67, succumbed to injuries inflicted by a hammer outside her 16 Marigold Street home on February 2 this year - TALIA DAY reports HE scene of the crime had been described by witnesses at the time as bearing the marks of extreme violence [read ‘Sedgefield shocked by violent hammer murder of local lady’ on page 3 of the February 6 edition at www. cxpress.co.za].

Kelly is also facing a host of other charges including resisting arrest, assault, and malicious damage to property.

Hampson died outside her home after sustaining multiple head injuries, which were allegedly inflicted with a hammer. In a surprising turn of events, Kelly has admitted to the murder of Hampson during his first bail hearing on February 14.

Kelly also admitted to the charge of resisting arrest, however, he claimed that it was not first-degree murder, as there had been no

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NO MURDERER: Sedgefield resident Sean Kelly admitted to bludgeoning Noreen Hampson, but claimed it was not murder as no premeditation was involved Photo courtesy The Edge

“pre-meditation involved” prior to the murder.

“I admit right now before this court that I did kill Noreen,” he said at the time. “But it was not murder, as there was no premeditation whatsoever.”

Kelly will represent himself, as he did not qualify

for public representation.

His bail was denied during a second hearing, and the case was set to start on March 29.

At his second appearance before the court, Kelly stood in front of the judge briefly before the case was postponed again to April 30, when the accused requested to make a short statement.

Kelly claimed that he had been evaluated by a psychiatrist from George, who recommended that he be evaluated at Valkenberg, the state’s psychiatric hospital. The case was then postponed again to May 16.

On that day last month, the state requested a final remand for further investigation. The appeal was granted and the case was postponed again to Friday June 21 when, five months after the murder, it is hoped that the hearing finally gets underway in the Knysna Magistrate’s Court.

From talk of the Garden Route to outright embarrassment: the Plett Tourism story Acting chairman of Plett Tourism Association BRUCE RICHARDSON bemoans the state of affairs in this coastal town after municipal meddling over a matter of years this week culminated in the resignation of the body’s executive chairman T was with considerable regret and concern that, in my capacity as acting chairman of Plett Tourism, I was asked to meet Peter Wallington earlier this week to receive notice of his resignation as executive chairman of Plett Tourism.

Wallington was the first CEO of Plett Tourism (PT), appointed shortly after the completion of the substantial formalities required to form PT and enter into a memorandum of agreement with Bitou to take over the tourism function from the municipality.

He took office with a grossly inadequate budget to adequately address the massive void that existed at the time

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after a lengthy period of “inhouse” tourism administered

by Bitou Municipality.

During this period, a great deal of ratepayers’ money had been expended to achieve declining tourism arrivals without even leaving any useable collateral for the incoming team to take over.

From the time Wallington and his team took over this function in terms of an initial three-year contract with the municipality, the tourism sector was re-energised by a fresh branding and marketing campaign under the ‘Plett - it’s a Feeling’ banner.

From the outset, a new vibrant energy infused the town and not only were

there numerous anecdotal reports from tourism operators of exponential year on year growth in arrivals, but the visible swelling of tourist numbers was distinctly apparent to residents of the town.

This exponential growth curve in tourist arrivals was to continue for the remainder of the initial period of the contract with Bitou, notwithstanding ongoing underfunding and periodic difficulty in getting the municipality to actually transfer funds across to Plett Tourism.

This situation placed a great deal of strain on Wallington and his team, To page 4

WASHED IN BLOOD: Marigold Street is at the centre of a quiet suburban haven - until the day when Noreen Hampson was brutally murdered in front of her house in February this year Photos: Talia Day

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

19 June 2019

From talk of the Garden Route to outright embarrassment: the Plett Tourism story From page 3 who continued to mount a highly-successful campaign notwithstanding the impediments.

A massively-effective initiative by any measure, their efforts brought great benefit to the tourism industry and the economy of Plett in general, creating many employment opportunities in its wake. The reawakening of Plettenberg Bay became the talk of the Garden Route.

In the real world, such success would have been a guarantee of the re-signing of a lengthy extension to the initial contract period and more generous funding, but this was not to be.

Instead, a three-year period of uncertainty commenced with parallel alternative agendas entering the tourism space, none of which appear to be in the interests of enhancing the economy of the town through the ongoing development of tourism.

This resulted in a series of short-term funding arrangements which were insufficient to permit the type of medium to long-term planning so necessary to generate ongoing and sustainable tourism growth.

The order of the day became the undermining and

taking over of Plett Tourism initiatives and its increasing isolation, leading to inevitable confusion in the industry and considerable loss of momentum in the previously-strong growth curve.

An example of such confusion was the undertaking by the relevant municipal official that funding was to hand for the annual Wine and Bubbly Festival, after which undertaking Plett Tourism commenced advertising the event - only to suffer the embarrassment of being advised at an advanced stage that the funding had been directed elsewhere.

This type of confusion is inexcusable in the context of the tourism industry.

The stress of this ongoing situation has severely impacted on the lives and health of all members of the PT team, who have worked incredibly hard under very difficult circumstances without even the assurance of an ongoing income.

The latest and terminal development has been the apparent slashing of the PT budget to half of previously-inadequate levels.

That is why Peter Wallington is leaving Plett Tourism at the end of this month and why Plett Tourism is struggling to main-

AT OUR SERVICE NO LONGER: Peter Wallington has had no alternative but to resign

tain momentum. The situation is no longer tenable.

In tendering his resignation, he was at great pains to thank the PT team for their extraordinary contribution to the building of the Plett brand over the last six years under the most difficult of circumstances.

He urged ongoing support for the team by the PT Board and the municipality.

Wallington also extended his gratitude to board colleagues who have supported him during his tenure.

During its administration of the local industry, Plett Tourism has reached out to many stakeholder groups across all communities to

build support for an inclusive future and a shared commitment to the Plett brand.

But it will be impossible to continue growing tourism and building an inclusive tourism economy if PT and the municipality do not share a common vision on how this can be achieved.

At stake is the importance of tourism to the town’s economy, the need and strategy to bring tourism opportunities to the wider community, and the need for the municipality to engage the private sector in a partnership of mutual respect and recognition of the roles each party should be playing to bring devel-

opment to the industry and prosperity to the town.

Central to this is recognising the fact that tourism is a private-sector business and the desirability of this function being conducted

by PT as an independent, professional organisation charged with executing the town’s tourism and brand strategy programme and destination marketing.

These are the key principles around which agreement has not been reached during the unduly protracted tourism-bylaw process, mooted in the first instance as a mechanism by which to provide ongoing funding to Plett Tourism.

There are not many with Peter Wallington’s combination of skills, experience, energy and determination who are willing to place their careers on hold and commit their time and energy to a tourism board.

Consequently, the loss is not only to Plett Tourism but all local communities in light of the negatively affect to growth in our tourism industry and thus economy for a lengthy period of time.

One can only speculate on what could have been achieved had Bitou Municipality fully supported the PT initiative, but one

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thing is certain: the strong growth curve achieved by Plett Tourism would have continued unabated.

We take this opportunity to thank Peter Wallington for all his exceptionally hard work and extraordinary commitment and outcomes and wish him well as he returns to his former occupation as a leading figure in the branding and marketing sector.

CXPRESS has forwarded the following questions to Bitou Municipality, but no response has been received by going to print: • Why would Bitou Municipality intentionally undermine the appointed tourism agency (Plett Tourism Association), when it has a proven record of success that works well for the town’s tourism industry?

• To what end would Bitou - and, specifically, individuals from within the LED Department - capture existing tourism projects and cancel or destroy others?

• Regarding these ‘captured tourism projects’, what was the outcome/ track record of the department who took these over?

• Why does Bitou Municipality take such a condescending attitude to the town’s primary revenue earner and job creator?

NEWS & VIEWS

19 June 2019

CXPRESS

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‘The Untouchable’ star of our district’s good-governance gathering Correspondent BOB HOPKIN reports on Garden Route District Municipality’s recent Good Governance Summit N general, the Western Cape has shown the way in transparency, efficient administration and service delivery, setting an example for South Africa’s other eight provinces to aspire to.

Similarly, our local Garden Route and George municipalities have consistently been achieving ‘clean’ audits for several years. Even the recent GRDM 2019/20 Budget was a model of caution with planned expenditure well within expected income; a recipe for fiscal discipline.

Why then did the district municipality choose to invite speakers from far and wide to Oubaai Golf Estate, near George, for a summit on ‘Good Governance’, when we seem to be at the epicentre of that very practice in South Africa?

Perhaps the answer could be that hearing and seeing

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the evidence of the wholesale ‘rape’ of national resources, but in a relative neutral environment, made digestion of the facts even more shocking.

Guest speaker and governance specialist at UNISA Dumisami Hlope put the subject in historical context when pointing out that corruption is not a new phenomenon in South Africa.

He showed that, during the early Apartheid years, the closed-shop, largely Afrikaner Broederbond retained tight control of mining wealth for their own purposes. Hlope deemed this type of corruption as relatively ‘smart’, since the public were largely unaware or uncaring of the process.

Much more recently, the Gupta revelations and others, he explained, were examples of ‘clumsy capture’

as the robbers were so arrogant, with support from upper reaches of government, they did not even bother to conceal their plundering.

The exposures of incompetence and systemic corruption in state-owned enterprises like Eskom, SAA, Transnet, PetroSA, and SABC are now well known.

Later, the ‘star’ speaker of the occasion - our very own ‘Elliot Ness’ of the Untouchables - general Shadrack Sibiya, head of Johannesburg’s Group Forensics and Investigation Services, gave examples of discoveries of corrupt practices and arrests in Gauteng since their formation in late 2016.

Sibiya, previously head of the Gauteng ‘Hawks’, was trained by the FBI, and was a member of Interpol.

“Since our inception we have been given 5,597 cases

BUCO Plettenberg Bay

involving funds of close to R34-billion to investigate.

“In the intervening 29 months, we have managed to recover R205-million from various areas including irregular procurement of goods and services, bribery for false valuations, theft of electricity and water and confiscation of counterfeit goods and resulting in the dismissal of some 50 metro employees,” he said.

As a result, Sibiya has become very unpopular in the underworld, needing a full time bodyguard and subject to a smear campaign which has subsequently been dismissed.

It’s a pity that the ingenuity crafted into nefarious and corrupt practices in this country could not have been channelled into legitimate activities to benefit and bring hope to all South Africans.

DON’T TOUCH: General Shadrack Sibiya details his struggles and successes - Photo: Bob Hopkin

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

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

19 June 2019

Gadgets galore bode well for those born in Africa and beyond T’S all over the news: we produce too much waste, so lots of plastic and recyclables end up in our oceans.

Therefore, Born in Africa (BIA) - a non-profit organisation active in socio-economically disadvantaged areas around Plett - strives to equip the children in its care with knowledge and skills to reduce waste in the town’s diverse communities.

BIA educational coordinator Veronique Claes recently initiated ‘The World Gadget Factory’ in the primary schools of Kranshoek and The Crags.

Says Veronique: “This programme makes children aware of the different kinds of pollution around the world, urges them to think about ways to reduce waste within their home or community, and then encourages them to create cool gadgets from waste items!

“In addition, our Born in Africa children learnt about electricity so they could integrate a light bulb or propeller to their gadgets. The kids worked hard to create, for instance, an aeroplane from toilet rolls, or a whole house out of card board.”

Veronique adds that this fun programme concluded by rewarding everyone for their hard work with an exciting ‘Show and tell’ af-

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BORN TO INSTRUCT: Educational coordinator Veronique Claes enlightens local kids on the subject of waste reduction and thinking out of the box in terms of recycling - pictured below are some of the kids with their excellent inventions

ternoon that took place in both schools.

“Afterwards, all the kids went home with cool prizes, lots of new knowledge and many new skills, and a feeling of great pride.

“We are the people who can change our planet’s fu-

ture. As the Born in Africa slogan says: ‘Together we can make a difference’.”

Email veronique@bornin africa.org for additional information and visit www. borninafrica.org/ if you would like to support this excellent local cause.

Youngsters wowed by wellness day games More than 100 children attended a Western Cape on Wellness (WoW) event hosted by KwaNokuthula Community Day Centre on June 13, as part of local Youth Day celebrations.

Sixteen teams eagerly competed in five-a-side soccer matches and netball games, while clinic staff were on hand for health checks and questions.

“As the wellness team of KwaNokuthula CDC, we wish to involve more youngsters in physical activities,” said Zama Soko, wellness coordinator at KwaNokuthula CDC. “In short, the aim of WoW is to address harmful health outcomes by increasing physical activity and healthy eating.” Zama and her team thank Bitou Municipality for clearing the space next to the clinic, and LoveLife and Hospice Plett for being ground-breaking wellness champions. Visit www.westerncape.gov.za/ westerncape-on-wellness for details. Pictured at right are some of the boys showing their soccer skills.

Look who’s famous now?!

These Village Ecopreschool kids are poring over last week’s edition, which boasted a pic of their protest against plastic on the cover and news of their World Environment Day activities inside.

Check it out on p1 and p9 of the June 12 edition at www. cxpress.co.za and visit www.thevillageecopreschool.co.za for additional information.

NEWS & VIEWS

19 June 2019

Be inspired by these Tsitsikamma artists’ unique offerings body of new works of art never shown before is being exhibited in Storms River Village during the school holidays. Ten Tsitsikamma artists are participating in the ‘Inspired!’ exhibit which opens today, June 19, and runs until Saturday July 6.

Each member of this unique group of artists created brand new sculptures and paintings, and every artwork has a story to tell.

‘Inspired!’ is the annual winter exhibition of Bitou Art Gallery, which represents a wide range

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SEE IT HERE FIRST: Artists Susan Kemp and Marcel Terblanche displaying one of his beautiful botanical watercolours on the eve of today’s opening of an exhibition titled ‘Inspired!’ at Bitou Art Gallery in Storms River Village

CXPRESS

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Local arts and theatre fundis to collaborate with Formosa kids Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

MEGA ART AT MUNGO: This giant artwork was created by Formosa Primary special needs kids as part of Lunchbox Theatre’s amazing After School Activity Programme (ASAP), and readers are invited to view it at Mungo Mill during the upcoming Plett Arts Festival

of artists in the region.

The event is sponsored by a number of local businesses and a percentage of sales generated during tonight’s opening event will benefit a local charity.

Participating artists include Johan Brink, Elzette Bester, Susan Kemp, Elmarie Swanepoel, Marcel Terblanche, Marlene Liebenberg, Henk Liebenberg, Nic Hester, Estelle Hester, and Nathalie Strassburg.

Email susankemp1@ gmail.com or call Susan on 083 467 9388 for additional information.

LETT’S Lunchbox Theatre crew present their amazing After School Activity Programme to give local youngsters the opportunity to partake in weekly dance, art and drama classes, equipping them with skills that they will be able to apply in all areas of their lives.

Its visual arts programme is facilitated by Donnè Rundle - one of the artists featured at the New Art@Old Nick exhibition from June 21-28

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(see the advert on page 11 for more information).

Donnè has been working with Formosa Primary’s special needs kids to produce an amazing 4m x 2.4m artwork which will be exhibited in the entrance of Mungo Mill at Old Nick Village during the Plett Arts Festival.

Khayalethu, one of the pupils who worked on this piece, says: “Art allows me to lose myself. It helps me to express myself and be creative.”

La Luna

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CXPRESS

BUSINESS

19 June 2019

W-Cape boasts largest number of salary-earning households Read CXPRESS online at www.cxpress.co.za

StatsSA General Household Survey released last week shows that the Western Cape had the largest number of salary-earning households in the country during 2018, with 77.4% of households reporting salaries as primary income.

The province was also one of only two where more than two thirds of the population reported a salary as their main source of income.

Said premier Alan Winde: “This is an important indicator that our work to drive job creation in this province is paying off. We cannot be complacent when it comes to people’s livelihoods and we will continue our efforts to grow the economy and develop new jobs.

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“This is the reason for establishing an economic war room in my office, so that growing business, investment and jobs remains a top priority during my term.”

The survey also shows that the Western Cape leads in the provision of services such as water, electricity and sanitation.

According to the survey, residents have rated the quality of electrical services in the Western Cape highest, with 84.5% of respondents indicating that service was “good”. This represents an increase from 2010, when 81.6% of residents reported they were happy with the service.

The Western Cape has the highest proportion of households with access to piped or tap water at

98.7%, as well as the lowest number of water supply interruptions.

Internet access at home was also the highest, with 25.8% of residents able to access internet from their homes. In total, over 72% of residents have access to the internet either at home, work, at a government building, internet café or free WiFi site.

Winde added: “We have been driving the roll out of broadband across the province to ensure that our residents have access at schools and government sites like Youth Cafes and libraries, and are able to access the internet in their communities.

“Research has shown that internet access and economic growth are closely linked and we will

Plett property area focus: Thulana Hill ELCOME to Thulana Hill! Two voices are evident here: one the sea, the other the mountains, each of these a mighty manifestation of Plett’s unequalled natural beauty.

All homeowners, investors, tenants and visitors to Thulana Hill know the serenity endemic to this sought-after Garden Route estate, famous for offering peace of mind.

The architect in charge of design brought an authentic feel to the estate, each unit affording privacy, while 24-hour security ensures safety at all times.

Well-manicured indigenous gardens and rolling lawns surround a communal pool, which is perched

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Properties

Plettenberg Bay

on the hill and set in a deck of Balau wood overlooking Robberg 5’s Blue Flag Beach. Here you can watch the turning tide, hear fish eagles cry, and spot Cape Loeries in the lush bush in front of the estate.

Offering seven unique floor plans, some with incredible white-water sea views, Thulana Hill offers

THE HILLS COME ALIVE: Plett-based agent Desré Reck is a fundi on all facets of Thulana Hill estate

a combination of quality and space not easily found.

The project started in 2007 when developers Mike Barns, Ross van Achterberg, and the SBE Associates team of architects and designers put their heads together to conceptualise this unique local estate.

Phase One consists of 22 apartment blocks with 67 units, a variety of layouts ranging from two bedrooms (108m2) to four-bedroomed duplexes (313m2) with a jacuzzi, all of these featuring luxury finishes and large patios.

The estate’s characteristic personal touch means that all residents have become part of the Thulana Family, with chairman Li-

continue to deliver this service to residents.”

The survey further found that the Western Cape had the highest percentage (5.8%) of people using trains as primary mode of transport. However, this trend has declined since 2017, when 9.3% of the population made use of trains.

“The decline shows that people are losing faith in our rail system, which is both unsafe and unreliable. Residents of the Western Cape deserve a reliable rail system they can use without fear, and I have committed to ensuring that this happens.”

Winde concluded by expressing his intention to engage with the national minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula, on these burning issues at the first opportunity.

Desré Reck

onel Pereira at the helm.

With Phase One sold out, we are excited to introduce the second phase, Thulana Gardens - with exclusive finishes, even better views, and a lifetime of memories guaranteed - in the near future.

Phase Two will consist of 11 blocks with 109 apartments (3-bedroomed ranging from 133 to 1,440m2).

The first block to be constructed will have 10 northeast-facing apartments.

• Contact Desré Reck, estate agent at Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty Plettenberg Bay and Thulana Hill area specialist, at info@thulana hill.co.za or on 079 497 0008, and see the cover advert for the current listing.

BUSINESS

19 June 2019

Loved the wedding, now gear up and invest in the marriage YING the knot in South Africa is an expensive business. Accurate numbers are hard to find, but depending on the wedding planner, the costs could be anything from R70,000 to R130,000 for 80 to 100 people.

DirectAxis head of marketing Marlies Kappers says that everyone wants a wonderful wedding, but in the long run memories are more important than how much money was spent.

“Of course every bride wants to be beautiful and every couple wants to have a wonderful time with their family and friends. These things all cost money and it’s better to spend it on things that are important to you as a couple than being extravagant to impress the guests.”

Today young couples often need to carry the wedding costs, because the tradition of the bride’s parents paying for the nuptials and the groom’s family paying for the drinks seems to be waning.

For a young couple wanting to get married this means either having to find a way to get the money or postponing the wedding until they can afford it.

For some, this might mean

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FULL HEARTS, FULL POCKETS: The secret is to work 15% into your budget for unexpected costs

applying for a loan.

The application process should be quick and straightforward if the applicants meet the affordability requirements regulated by the National Credit Act; the money can be available within 24 hours of approval.

If you are thinking about getting a loan to get married, then Kappers suggests considering the following: Work out a budget. How much can you afford? Use a loan calculator, such as the one found at www. directaxis.co.za/make-aplan/personal-loan-calculator, to determine what your repayments will be.

Once you know your budget, you can start working out how much you can afford for the dress, how many people to invite, and scout appropriate venues.

There are no hard-andfast rules to wedding budgets, but the major costs will be venue hire and food and drink, which will comprise about 50% of the budget.

Other costs include the dress and accessories, photography, music, flowers and décor, invitations, and the table dressing. Each of these will make up between 10% and 15% of the costs.

Think about things that are important to you and your fiancé and which will contribute to warm, abiding memories. If you’re both into nature and the outdoors, perhaps you could consider a beautiful garden somewhere.

When planning, remember to leave a reasonable contingency of 15% for unexpected costs.

“Another way many young people today create abiding memories is to ask guests to contribute towards their honeymoon, rather than buy them wedding presents,” says Kappers.

“Although planning and budgeting may seem the least romantic aspect of your wedding, you’ll love each other for having done it for the rest of your married life,” she says.

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HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

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19 June 2019

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CXPRESS

INTERVAL

19 June 2019

What a great sport!

URING her physical examination, a doctor asked a retired woman about her physical activity level.

The woman informed him that she spent three days a week, every week, in the outdoors.

She then elaborated: “Well, yesterday afternoon was typical; I took a five-hour walk about seven miles through some pretty rough terrain.

“I waded along the edge of a lake. I pushed my way through two miles of brambles. I got sand in my shoes and my eyes.

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The only pharmacy in Main Street

I barely avoided stepping on a snake.

“I climbed several rocky hills. I went to the bathroom behind some big trees. I ran away from an irate mother bear and then ran away from one angry bull elk.

“The mental stress of it all left me shattered, so I drank a scotch and three glasses of wine.”

Amazed by the story, the doctor said: “You must be one heck of an outdoorswoman!”

“No,” the woman replied, “I’m just a really terrible golfer.”

Back to school FTER raising four kids and losing one husband, I decided to return to college and get the degree I had started but never finished.

And so, on my first day of college, eager with anticipation, and more than a little nervous, I took a front row seat in my first class in over 40 years... a literature course.

The professor told us we would be responsible for reading five books over the

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course of the semester, and that he would provide us with a list of authors from which we could choose.

He ambled over to the lectern, took out a paper, and began: “Baker, Black, Brooks, Carter, Cook... ” I was working feverishly to get down all the names when I suddenly felt a tap on my shoulder.

The student sitting behind me whispered: “Slow down... he’s just taking attendance.”

The birthday request Y daughter wants the new iPhone for her birthday. I told her she can, but only if she gets good grades,

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does her chores, and follows the house rules.

Otherwise, she will get a cheap phone because it’s my way or the Huawei.

The captain’s black box HERE was a captain of a ship who carried around a mysterious black box. Despite repeated questions from his crew, he refused to tell anyone what was inside the box.

Years went by, and the mystery of the box grew and grew. It was all the crew could talk about.

What was in that mysterious black box?

One day, a big storm quickly approached. The wind howled, and the ship was tossed on huge waves.

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Suddenly, a wave washed across the deck and swept the captain overboard. He disappeared from view and was never seen again.

As soon as the storm passed, a sailor went to the captain’s cabin and retrieved the box.

The entire crew circled around as he opened it and removed the only contents, a small piece of paper.

On the paper was written: ‘Starboard is right, port is left.’

A fine career choice lawyer was talking to his teenage son about his future career.

“Why do you want to be a doctor instead of a lawyer?” he asked. “What’s wrong with lawyers?”

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“Well, Dad,” said the boy, “I really want to help people. And when was the last time you heard anybody stand up in a crowd and shout frantically: ‘Is there a lawyer in the house?!’”

Some tough choices ahead for the Proteas...

Chicken or beef?

Window or aisle?

SOCIAL SCENE

19 June 2019

CXPRESS

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People, places & events IN LOVE WITH LEKKER LOCAL KNYSNA! Italian national Arianna Zampieri and her Cape Town buddy, Nicholas Hook, last weekend met up in Knysna, where Arianna was selected for a 20-month apprentice course at the île de païn pastry department. In a sneak preview, Arianna revealed to CXPRESS that they were busy preparing the ultimate and deliciously-different chocolate oyster for this year’s Knysna Oyster Festival, which takes place from June 21 to 30 (visit www.oysterfestival.co.za for the full programme). Nicholas had to leave on Tuesday to return to his job as project supervisor for the NGO project Urban Farming but, no doubt, he’ll be back for a visit soon to enjoy the lekker local spoils on offer in CX Country. - Gigi Lewis

THANKS FOR YOUR WARM HEARTS: Seeff Plettenberg Bay wishes to thank all clients, staff, and members of the public for their generous donations of clothing, blankets and beanies towards its Winter Warmer campaign. Your selfless generosity will ensure that many of our needy townsfolk will be kept warm during the harsh winter months. In the photograph Seeff’s Linda Engelsman, left, has just handed over some of these donations to Pat Knoessen - president of St Thomas Methodist Church WA - and Di de Villiers of the Justice and Service Ministry.

These ladies are responsible for distributing the donated goods to where they are needed most.

MEDIEVIAL FUN FOR LIONS FUNDS: Spiced Gluwein, roasted boar and delightful festivities were the order of the day during the Lions Sedgefield annual fundraiser: a Medieval Feast. An assortment of classes from royalty to knights, Vikings and lowly peasants were in attendance to add lustre and laughs, while there was also a public execution! As punishment for the barbaric crime of clapping his hands, poor Lord Ray Exton lost his head at the hands of executioner, count Ruscoe Lopitoff. Pictured clockwise from top left are Anna Boshoff, Shelley Vorster, Magda Smit, and Leigh-Ann Ralph, with Linda Ormonde, Debbie Olivier and Tina Booysen also enjoying the brilliant shindig.

Dancing peasant Chris Ridderhof with his impressive sculpted torso entertained many a guest, among these veritable Viking Shannon Halderman. After being caught in the act while using the forbidden magic of a cellular telephonic device, Kent Jordaan, below, was the first victim of the stocks. - Talia Day

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CXPRESS

19 June 2019

Handyman on call - 082 492 4417 / 072 724 6590

MPC

Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

19 June 2019

Letters to the Editor

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

Make recycling user-friendly, please Bitou?

We all agree that the recycling of glass, plastics, metals, etc. is desirable and necessary if the expanding world population is not to run out of these commodities and smother itself in mountains of waste.

Bitou Municipality has commendably supported the recycling campaign and provides plastic bags and large bins for collecting waste.

Unfortunately, their efforts seem to occasionally be misdirected. Many

of the collecting sites have recently been closed down, including those at the bottom of Bowtie Avenue and at Kurland shopping centre.

It is a sad fact that the average well-meaning citizen, faced with having to drive a few more kilometres to deposit waste, will often deposit it in the nearest ditch or on a sidewalk. Could we not have a few more strategic collection points?

Then there are the bins.

These are aesthetically pleasing and strongly made. They must be earning millions for the firm which was lucky enough to have its tender accepted.

Sadly, they have a few defects. The hole for depositing waste is so small that even a half-full bag will not pass through it and the waste has to be taken out of its nice bag and fed in, one tin or bottle at a time!

The more efficient depositor lifts the lid and throws

the full bag in. But besides being the most expensive component of the bin, the lid is heavy and people have been hurt lifting it.

It is much easier to ignore the bins, chuck the bags down next to them and have the waste spill on the ground.

It should not be too difficult to enlarge the lid holes to take a full bag.

Perhaps the next lot of bins could have a designer who is not Chinese?

Recycler, Plett

Postal service but one victim of general carnage caused by corrupt government In spite of the many examples we have had, I never cease to be amazed by the ability of our ANC government to move into hugely successful businesses and industries and turn them into corrupt, bankrupt entities which cost the country’s overburdened taxpayers and poor citizens billions of Rands with no improvement in standards.

Look at Telkom. Over a period of more than a hundred years it has been the mainstay of communication for business and society. When one heard that ‘tring-tring’ one knew a phone was ringing, where to find it and how to answer it.

If too late to answer, there would be a voice message to which one could reply. Now we have a strange little tune that competes with half a dozen other strange little tunes from cellphones,

radios, etc.

By the time one has worked out which it is, it has stopped. All that is left is “missed call” and an invitation to waste another call trying to reply. If you do manage to make contact, you get an unrecognisable, very loud, scratchy voice sometimes two!

It is not uncommon for the owner of one of the new phones to find that he can only use it for outward or inward calls, but not both.

It does have the advantage of being so loud that your neighbours in the house next-door can join in the conversation.

The latest victim is the entire South African postal service. Having published a couple of books, I found that I could market them quite well by parcel post. It used to cost R7 for the stamp.

With my latest book, I

found that the price of parcel post had risen to R36. This was still affordable, although it meant that my profit per book had sunk to about R27, making it hardly worth the effort of carting it to the Post Office and standing in the queue.

I found also, that some PO officials regard old folk as easy prey for short-changing and confusing into over-payment.

One local official has never once failed to try short-changing me. She hides a coin behind something on the counter and hopes I will not count the change. I recently received a Christmas card meant for Christmas 2018.

Books can no longer be sent as ‘parcels’. They have now been reclassified as ‘letters’. Imagine the cost of sending a registered letter weighing 300 grams.

Last month, I had to pay

R50 to send one weighing 110 grams to Pretoria.

(I have not yet been informed that it has arrived.)

The other morning I sent five books, weighing 196 grams each to Bloemfontein through a courier company, at a total cost of R99 (R19 each). The recipient has already been told that she can collect them.

Post offices are usually big, impressive buildings that cost a lot of public money to build. Ours used always to be full of people in long queues.

Now one can usually walk straight to the counter, where one waits for a teller to appear - that’s if they are not striking for more pay!

Does this spell the end of our government postal service? If so, it could also mean unemployment for quite a few arrogant officials…

Merv Prior, Plett

Foxtrot and Mabel are on track!

At last count, there were only 62 tickets left for the most exciting event to take place in Plett for a long time: the July at Sky, held on Saturday July 6, when many vouchers and hampers worth thousands of rands will be up for grabs.

Excellent news is that my eldest, Son No 1 (being the first-born) and special daughter-in-law Cindy will be packing Kentucky Derby keepsakes when departing the States for our awesome occasion.

You see, Cindy oversaw one of these legendary events and collected paraphernalia especially for our July at Sky Villa, which will hand out beautifully carved tickets as keepsakes.

Live screening of Durban July races will be shown on two big screens with another screen at the bar.

Betting slips will be distributed in units of R100 each, so be sure to bring some extra folding money along.

A list of the horses will be available and my dearly-

beloved Mike will be handling that side of the day’s entertainment.

July guests are in for a real treat of the palate - think exciting canapes and a buffet lunch, wine, beer and gin tasting in the big tent, special whisky cocktails on order while you may, of course, collect any drink of your choice at the cash bar.

I hope our ladies are working on those glitzy, glam outfits and hats, with great prizes for the best-dressed couple and separate prizes for best men’s and ladies’ hats.

The awesome hampers will include one from the Biltong Shop, specially made up of by Wilja of Ouland Royale, together with smaller nibble packets for the guests. There will be wine hampers and an exciting offering from Roost, too, while an auction or three will keep the adrenaline going.

Lucky draws and gift vouchers aside, the three

top prizes are to die for, first prize being worth about R18,000 including accommodation, with second and third valued at R12,000 and R9,000 respectively, also including accommodation, Why not stay over for the night and treat yourselves to a grand stay at Sky Villa? We have folks from Port Elizabeth who are planning to do just that.

If you would rather just partake of the special drinks and do not want to drive, a shuttle service has been appointed for your convenience and peace of mind. Call My Guy in Plett on 061 286 7330 for more information.

Call Sky Villa on 087 550 2967 or email info@ skyvilla.co.za to secure your tickets today.

Bonus: if you book a table for 6-8 people, you’ll get one place for free. At R750 per ticket (and taking into account that a meal for four costs around R1,500), you can

enjoy excellent food and entertainment. So why not get something back and enjoy the ride?

Gordon Hoffmann as MC and Paul Deans as raconteur and auctioneer will be entertaining you all afternoon, together with DJ Ollie.

This event has taken a huge amount of organisation and time to raise funds for the Differentlyabled Awareness Campaign. Sky Villa has been magnanimous in hosting this event, Events & Tents will graciously erect the tent and arrange for special comfortable chairs and décor, and BUCO has covered printing, as have CXPRESS, ShowMe, and The Print Shop.

Foxtrot and Mabel await you!

Rita Hardaker, Plett (Watch this space for reminders and more information; contact Rita on 082 560 2606 or email rita v@global.co.za. - Eds.)

CXPRESS

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CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

19 June 2019

Lombard and Scholtz conquer mighty Outeniquas RENDAN Lombard ran to a hard-fought George Mountain Ultra Trail victory over defending champion Roelof Mostert on Saturday June 15. The flagship 60km women’s race was won in far more dominant fashion by Annalise Scholtz.

The event, now best known as the Discovery MUT, also saw 25km and 9km distances contested on highly technical mountain running trails in the Outeniqua Mountains outside George.

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Lombard had made no secret of his intentions to contest victory in the build up to the event. On race day, he set out fast and established an estimated 5-minute lead halfway up the Cradock Pass climb.

But the pre-dawn start caused Lombard to take a wrong turn. “I went off route for about 5 minutes, but fortunately I saw Roelof’s light,” the race winner explained. The pair then stayed within sight of each

other for the next 40km.

“I’ve never raced an ultra like that,” Mostert confessed. “Usually the field splits up with everyone running their own pace, but Brendan and I ran together like it was a 25 or 35km race. By the 38km mark I was pretty broken,” the runner up elaborated.

Lombard’s winning time was 7 hours, 3 minutes and 25 seconds. Mostert crossed the line 5min 5sec later. Mvuyisi Gcogco com-

pleted the podium places finishing 14min 38sec after the race winner.

Women’s race winner Scholtz had a lonelier run to victory. “It was fun,” were the first words out of the new Discovery MUT champion’s mouth upon crossing the finish line.

The Port Elizabeth trail runner was joined on the podium by former George local Chantel Nienaber and Mia Uys, a Stellenbosch University post-graduate student. Scholtz’s winning time was 8:37:54, which was good enough to see her place sixth overall. Nienaber crossed the line 39min and 21sec later, while Uys finished just over an hour after Scholtz.

Visit www.georgetrailrun. co.za for full results.

MEN’S PODIUM: From left are Roelof Mostert (2nd), Brendan Lombard (1st) and Mvuyisi Gcgogo (3rd) - Photos: Jacques Marais

SWIFTEST LADIES: From left are runner up Chantel Nienaber, winner Annalise Scholtz, and third-place finisher Mia Uys

THE CHASER: Brendan Lombard leads Roelof Mostert down a descent during their battle for victory, which lasted for much of the race

Storms River

TIN HOUSE Self-catering accommodation

KNOW YOUR STEPS: Riaan Nieuwoudt steadily makes his way up a technical climb along the 60km route

Young Plett kickboxers do local dojo proud These awesome Plett martial artists raked in 16 gold, three silver, and three bronze medals during the recent NMA ISKA Eden Classic at George Civic Centre. This annual tournament serves as Destiny 2019 provincial team qualifier, and saw just shy of 300 competitors battling it out for bling. Pictured ABOVE from left in front are Wian Venter, Liam Julyan, Keagan Harris, Zian Rheeder, Eden Bleeker, Caleb Vidalis and David Styger, with Hennik Cloete, Stéfan Venter, Kieran Anderson, Shona Gordon, Robbie Styger, Heather Anderson, and sensei Gee Bleeker at back; fellow Eden medallists Ella van Huyssteen and Lojza Pisonic, right, only just made the inset!

Photo: Lisa Bleeker