19 November 2014
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
FREE
Gangsters disrupt primary school p3
Knysna brands car guards p4
Welcome, minister! p6
Relaxed and ready
Photo: Gigi Lewis
CXPRESS stringer Gigi Lewis shared this pic and wrote: “We had a lovely Sunday ‘linner’ at Lookout Deck and caught up with laid-back chefs Bevian, left, and Joseph during their break - relaxed and ready for the Tourism Blitz!” Read our feature on the sevenyear anniversary of The Great Plett Flood, which gave this very beach a complete makeover, on page 2...
10 000 FREE COPIES OF CXPRESS DISTRIBUTED ALONG THE GARDEN ROUTE EVERY WEDNESDAY
2
CXPRESS
News & Views
19 November 2014
Remembering one of Plett’s most dramatic natural disasters LEON A MEYER submitted this story for publication as the seven-year anniversary of ‘The Great Plett Flood’ approaches
O
N November 22, 2007 - now nigh seven years ago - Mother Nature flexed her muscles to prove to the people of Plettenberg Bay just what she was capable of. What ensued was a natural disaster like few had ever witnessed. It all started a few days earlier, when the heavens opened up and relentlessly poured its liquid contents down upon the Jewel of the Garden Route. Four days of solid, non-stop rain saturated
the Keurbooms catchment area to the point where flooding was inevitable. Then, at around 7pm on that fateful Thursday evening, while patrons of Lemon Grass Restaurant were enjoying a warm meal beside an even warmer fire, pandemonium broke loose. The chaos was triggered by a guest of Milkwood Manor guesthouse who came frantically running into the adjoining restaurant, shouting: “The river is at the swim-
Our 10 000 free copies are distributed every Wednesday to a multitude of outlets along the Garden Route, with emphasis on Knysna and Plett and drop-offs at *Sedgefield Tourism *Caltex StarMart in Wilderness *Lynn Schroeder, Build It and other select outlets in George *Storms River Village and Bridge in Tsitsikamma - phone 044 533 1004 (o/h) with distribution queries.
If you’ve missed out on a hard copy, read the electronic version online at www.cxpress.co.za
ming pool!” Kees Groenendijk, owner of the guesthouse for 14 years, could not believe his ears. Diplomatically trying to calm the hysterical guest, thinking he’d had too much wine with his sweet-chilli prawns, it quickly became clear to Kees that something was indeed transpiring to invoked fear and excitement in the restaurant’s patrons. The river was in flood and, further up the estuary, Stanley Island was experiencing the brunt of the deluge. It would prove too much for, first, its jetty and then later the entire brick-built restaurant and bar - all of which were washed away effortlessly downstream, along with the boats moored along Keurbooms River and the lagoon. Downriver at Milkwood Manor and Lemon Grass, things seemed to be getting worse as an exceptionally high tide and rough seas were threatening from an altogether different direction. By now the river had come down with such force that eventually it eliminated 660 square metres of Port Jackson forest and beach, even dislodging the swimming pool before unceremoniously breaking it in half. The ablution facilities next to Lookout Deck restaurant were also uprooted and slowly sinking into the ocean. The sea itself was a cauldron of brown water and tree stumps, occasionally swallowing a small boat, defying the direction of the flooding river. Lookout Beach was gone, seemingly on its way to Australia, and evacuation and rescue procedures were implemented as it seemed that the property with its Georgian Manor would follow suit. All but two guests (who would sleep through the entire ordeal) were evacuated from Milkwood Manor and relocated to alternative accommodation establishments. Higher up in the river, residents of Silver Ranch Estate were airlifted to safety by helicopter, manned by a volunteer NSRI crew. In the black of night, business owners and Plett residents anxiously awaited daylight by which to assess the damage caused by the worst flood since 1913. By sunrise, the extent of the
MEGA LAND ART: The flood of 2007, and to a lesser extent the downpours of 2012, contributed greatly to the changing face of the Keurbooms estuary, river mouth and Lookout Beach – above, the ocean boils about Milkwood Manor, and the damage done, inset, on November 23, 2007
damage was clear. A large brown stain defamed the still rough sea that was eating away large chunks of the Lookout’s parking bays. The beach was replaced with a raging river mouth and debris was strewn far and wide. Many boats were lost. The two guests who slept through the night awoke to find the ocean at the front door of a desolate Milkwood Manor, only relieved a little later when Kees returned. In the months following the flood, restoration projects saw Milkwood Manor placing some 5,200 tonnes of boulder rock - some of these weighing up to 15 tonnes around the now diminished property and municipal parking areas, prohibiting the sea from claiming more land. Overnight the Manor had become seafront property and now boasted a river mouth and ocean at the front door. Lemon Grass Restaurant was redesigned and installed glass walls to let the new sea views in. Later, in August of 2012 another, albeit much smaller, flood broke through Keurbooms Beach, opening a new river mouth further east from the established estuary. It took approximately six months for the mouth to close at Milkwood Manor, and within one year’s time, Lookout Beach was replaced. October 8 this year saw the now golden stretch of Lookout Beach gain Blue Flag status once again, bringing the total of such acclaimed beaches in Plettenberg Bay up to five, alongside Robberg Beach, Robberg 5, Keurbooms and Nature’s Valley’s Beach. But none of these other
2004
2010
2014 beaches have a story to tell as dramatic as that of Lookout. The Knysna seahorse has also recently been rediscovered in the estuary, after it was thought that the floods of 2007 and 2012 completely eradicated it. The lagoon has returned to calm and a flock
of flamingos now call it a temporary home. How much longer ‘till we see Mother Nature throwing another tantrum? We can only wonder, while remembering vividly her all-butfriendly mood not that many moons ago...
Fish are jumping - and, no, this mouth ain’t moving
La Luna
Plettenberg Bay-based photographer Glenn Murray shared this image of the Keurbooms River estuary, taken during a fly-over with fellow local Neal Stephenson on the morning of October 31, and commented that it looked as if the ‘new’ river mouth was preparing to close up once more. But a quick call to CapeNature Plett head Henk Nieuwoudt dispelled this suspicion. ‘Recent rough seas might have created this impression because of a sandbank north of the mouth, which means all the energy gets directed to the Poortjies side. We’ve had much less rain than during late 2013 but the river system is particularly healthy - with small fish in abundance - compared to last year when the red tide did a fair amount of damage.’
View more images of the 2007 floods in the Photo Galleries at www.cxpress.co.za
News & Views
19 November 2014
CXPRESS
3
New Horizons ready to tackle violence after gangsters breach primary school property Parents and the local community are demanding action after two children were injured during alleged gang-related violence which spilled over onto Formosa Primary School property last week - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports
T
WO meetings - one at the New Horizons community hall and another at the school - were called this week to discuss ways to address crime and violence in the neighbourhood after chaos erupted at the school on Friday morning when knife-wielding gang members allegedly attacked a local law enforcement officer. According to the various authorities involved, a municipal law enforcement officer responded to a gangsterism complaint just outside the school on Friday morning and was met by a group of four young men armed with knives. Municipal spokesman Kholiswa Masiza said after the officer disarmed the suspects, they allegedly started pelting the officer and his vehicle with rocks. “The stone throwing became so severe that the officer ran into the school yard for protection against the gang. The gang followed him onto school property. The officer ran into the administrative building with the gang following. “The principal and the administrative staff were able to close the doors behind the officer at which point the gang ran to the back of the building where they tried to enter,” Western Cape education department spokesman Jessica Shelver said. Principal Colin Wildeman called the police, who were on the scene within minutes. Police spokesman captain Bernadine Steyn said during the incident the law enforcement officer fired warning shots, but that what “seems to be shrapnel” hit two pupils at the school. “They sustained minor injuries,” Steyn said. She added that the law enforcement officer also sustained injuries to his hand
and that his vehicle was damaged. Two suspects were arrested and face charges of malicious damage to property and assault as well as attempted murder. A 19-yearold man appeared in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate’s Court on Monday and a 17-year-old will appear today (Wednesday). Shelver said when the violence broke out, principal Wildeman immediately instructed the pupils to go to their classrooms. “The police assured the principal that they would be visible at the school on Friday afternoon and that there would also be a police presence at the school on Monday November 17.” In the meantime a school psychologist and a senior education specialist were sent to the school to debrief the pupils and also provide group counselling. “The psychologist and counsellors are available this week too, should any learners need further counselling.” Some of the teachers also received trauma counselling. Many parents, after hearing about the incident, rushed to the school to ensure their children were out of harm’s way. One of them was deputy mayor Adam van Rhyner, who has two children attending the school. “We were horrified when we heard. My mother-in-law phoned me and informed that there was a shooting at school. As a parent you are immediately afraid and wonder if your child was injured,” Van Rhyner said. One of the boys who were hurt is a classmate of Van Rhyner’s fourth grade son. “My children were very scared, but we talked about the incident over the weekend and worked through it.” Ictfgp"Tqwvg"Ogfkc
RAPID RESPONSE: Police were on the scene within minutes after being called by principal Colin Wildeman - Photo: Ewald Stander
4
CXPRESS
News & Views
19 November 2014
Key witness in Fichat Street robbery still sought
O
N November 17, captain Chris Spies of Knysna SAPS repeated a recent re-
quest for readers’ assistance in the investigation of a robbery that took place in Knys-
na CBD around 4:30pm on Saturday September 6. It is alleged that a 71-year-
old woman walked down Fichat Street when an unknown man, dressed in a white longsleeved shirt and black cap, approached her. He grabbed her handbag, ran down the street and jumped onto a white bakkie that was parked near Grey Street. A woman witnessed this incident and provided valuable information regarding the incident to the victim at
the time. Detectives are now urgently looking for this witness as she would be able to assist with the investigation. The police did arrest two suspects after some of the property stolen from the 71-year-old victim was found in their possession at a house at Joodsekamp. They appeared in Knysna Magistrates’ court for a formal bail application on September 30,
when bail was denied. The matter was postponed to December 9 for further investigation and the two people found in possession of the stolen property were remanded in custody. Tracing of the above mentioned witness is now of utmost importance and anyone with information may contact the investigating officer, sergeant Petrus Erasmus, on 044 302 6652. All information received will be dealt with confidentially.
Knysna sectors to increase motorist safety
A
drive to solve the longstanding problem of unofficial, unmonitored car guards in Knysna is currently underway, through cooperation between Knysna Municipality and Tourism, the SAPS and Sector 1 Community Police Sub-Forum (CPSF). Chairperson of the Community Services committee councillor Irene Grootboom said the main objective was for registered attendants to not only safeguard vehicles, but also monitor their immediate surroundings and have a friendly disposition towards the community - including motorists and pedestrians. “To achieve this, registered attendants have been given certain guidelines in these respects at regular meetings held throughout the year with
the Municipal Law Enforcement Department, SAPS and the Sector 1 CPSF,” she said. “At the last meeting, two members were voted in by their peers as parking attendant captains and spokesmen. Daniel is posted at the Knysna town library, and Donovan looks after parked cars at the lower Heads parking area.” The SAPS performs a screening process on each parking attendant applicant to ensure that the individual has no criminal record. He or she is registered by the Municipal Law Enforcement Department, which then issues the parking attendant with a green bib and allocate him/ her a specific area in town. Sector 1 CPSF chairperson Cheryl Britz noted that registered attendants are now rec-
ognised by their green and red bibs. “The Sector 1 CPSF has initiated Business Watch - a concept through which businesses can get involved in the fight against crime. The project invites businesses to approve of and issue the screened attendant in their area with a red bib, which may be branded with the logo of that business,” said Britz. Grootboom has encouraged business owners to get involved with the initiative. “This is a great opportunity for businesses to play an active role in safeguarding not only their employees’ and customers’ vehicles, but their surroundings,” she said. Contact Cheryl Britz for more information on Knysna’s Business Watch initiative on 082 574 9657.
News & Views
19 November 2014
CXPRESS
5
Reflections on my first months at Hospice Plettenberg Bay Professional nurse EDWARD MUCHENJE shared these sentiments with CXPRESS
W
HEN I started working as a Professional Nurse with Hospice Plett, I was unaware that Hospice offers such a wide range of comprehensive care and support to patients and their families, and in such a holistic manner. I was really touched from the outset by the increasing demand for hospice and pal-
liative care in our communities and I feel honoured to be part of the team offering these services. However, I am very concerned that many people in need are missing out on the vital support and treatment provided by hospices, due to misconceptions about what hospices are and what they actually do.
Many people are misinformed about their end of life choices with stereotypes around hospice acting as a barrier to fulfilling peoples’ needs. I think more support for hospice and training for health professionals is needed to identify the needs and options available to people diagnosed with life-changing illnesses.
‘Help PlettAid to help you, should the need arise’
I
N the words of chairman Hilary Matthews: “The PlettAid Foundation’s Hospice Plett service project is work of compassion and humanity which reaches out to touch the lives of suffering local people, from Beachy Head Drive in ‘town’ to Sishuba Street in KwaNokuthula, from Green Oak Street in New Horizons to Jansen Drive in Kranshoek and further out to The Crags. “Hospice Plett is an accredited affiliate of Hospice Palliative Care Association - the national Hospice Body (HPCA), which enjoys the patronage of both Justice Edwin Cameron and Lucas Radebe. Justice Cameron will visit us in January to promote Hospice Plett and it will be an honour to welcome him.” This year the Department of Health failed to make budget provision for the NGO funding of home-based care for the first time in eight years, and thus Hospice Plett has carried this burden alone for the past six months. PlettAid executive director Amanda Frost reports the following achievements this year, which gives some idea as to the breadth and scope of the Foundation’s work: new patients admitted for hospice palliative care - 63, patients referred back to primary
health care - 165, caregiver (lay nurse) interventions 4098, professional nurse interventions - 528, clinic transport for patients - 148, social work interventions - 141, food parcels delivered - 120. The change in government funding has not been a barrier to those in need receiving comprehensive care and support. There are now many more patients in town receiving nursing and palliative care - a natural progression as HIV has stabilised and Hospice Plett is becoming better known in the area. The demographic breakdown of patients in the first six months of 2014 is: black 206, white - 36, and coloured - 607. Of these, 83 were diagnosed with cancer, 113 with HIV, 134 with wounds (mainly due to diabetes), and 63 needing support against poverty and injustice. The immediate goals of the PlettAid Foundation’s Hospice Plett project are: 1. To improve Hospice Plett national HPCA accreditation from 2 to 3 stars which will mean an improved level of service. 2. To appoint two more professional nurses so as to deliver a 24-hour response service. 3. To open and staff Invicta Haven - a 24-hour service offering palliative care and
a safe shelter for vulnerable women. Says PlettAid deputy chair Annabelle Conyngham: “The Foundation’s running costs for Hospice Plett is R100,000 per month. It is even more important that it receives financial support at this time in view of the escalating Ebola crisis. “We need to build reserves so that Hospice Plett is a legacy for all our community and does not have to depend upon the inconstancy of government funding. In fact, the Foundation will give us a mandate from civil society to lobby government to adequately fund Plettenberg Bay Primary Health Care. “Please help us to reach for that third star. You might need PlettAid, and PlettAid most definitely needs your help to be in a position to help YOU, should the need arise.” Donations can be made to The Plettaid Foundation, FNB Plett (branch code 210514), account number 62048095063, reference name/email address - a tax exempt receipt will be issued upon receipt of funds. For further information, please email plettaid@gmail. com or hospiceplett.anne@ gmail.com or phone 044 533 5616 from 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday.
COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT AND CARE INC: Hospice Plett nurses Edward Muchenje and Cindy Hatchettwith patient coordinator Clara Lawrence, left
6
CXPRESS
News & Views
19 November 2014
Special Plett learners welcome minister with open arms Words & photo: Timothy Twidle
F
ORMOSA Primary’s class that provides Education for Learners with Special Educational Needs, known as the Elsen unit, held an open day on November 10 that was graced with the presence of Western Cape Education minister Debbie Schäfer. Principal Colin Wildeman and Bitou mayor Memory Booysen welcomed Schäfer, who was paying her first visit to the new school buildings that were officially
opened on August 1. The open day allowed for parents and community members to inspect the Elsen facilities. Also present were Roger Jacobs - head of Specialised Learner Education Support for the Eden & Central Karoo Districts - Born in Africa director Isabelle de Smul-Brink, and Bitou municipal councillor Elaine Paulse. The occasion marked the fifth anniversary of the founding of the Elsen class at Formosa Primary School. Following introductory speeches by Wildeman and
Formosa’s nationally acclaimed Elsen educator Leigh Dunn, Schäfer addressed the gathering. “It is our intention to make education inclusive and give opportunities to all learners,” she said. The Elsen learners then sang Jgnnq" Gxgt{qpg, the national anthem and Jcrr{" Dktvjfc{, followed by the lighting of candles and cutting of a celebratory cake. In closing, mayor Booysen thanked Leigh Dunn, principal Wildeman and his staff, and the Education Department for their sterling work.
FIVE YEARS OF SPECIAL CARE: From left, English supporter of the Elsen unit Ivana Segall, Leigh Dunn, learner Keenon Ruiters, minister Debbie Schäfer and Bitou mayor Memory Booysen during the open day
Drop your festive goods and gifts at Sotheby’s in Plett this season
T
HE Soup Kitchen in Plettenberg Bay’s industrial area - an NPO registered as the Plett Meal Centre - was started some 16 years ago at the request of the community, when it was operated from one of the shacks in the neighbouring informal settlement. Local architect Paul Scheepers was instrumental in providing funding from Plettenberg Bay Housing Trust for the current premises on the corner of Hutchinson and Farris Streets. The building now occupied belongs to Bitou Municipality and Paul also shared his expertise to renovate and equip these premises. The meal centre employs two previously unemployed community members who work for salaries and cook and run the centre five days a week, serving in excess of 300 people daily. More than two thirds of those benefiting from the soup kitchen are kids, who are served first, followed by HIV-positive and clinic patients and the elderly. People from Bossiesgif, Qolweni, Gaatjie, New Horizons (i.e. settlements surrounding the
industrial area) flock here come meal times. Explains Edna Light from the Soup Kitchen team: “Much of our funding comes from Canada, Ireland and the USA, but we have been grateful for support from local business people, as well as members of the Brackenridge Homeowners Association and St Thomas Church. “Our aim is to provide at least one nutritious meal daily for all our residents in need. A team of volunteers delivers bread and milk and other supplies daily, and oversee the work done. “No money is ever taken on the premises. All donations of food are recorded and put to good use. “Two years ago, we became concerned about the
number of small children loitering around the premises and started a small playgroup in additional premises next to the kitchen, which were once again renovated with the help of Paul and Plett’s Housing Trust. “Eyethu Educare Centre now employs two people at nominal salaries to care for 16 children, a number of these having lost their parents. Our grateful thanks go to all the Plett folk who enable this essential work to continue, so turning us into a more humane society.” • Sotheby’s International Realty in Plett’s Main Street is a collection point for foods, goods and Christmas gifts for the centre and soup kitchen see the advert below for more information.
Business
19 November 2014
Investor Focus Malcolm Stewart – Investment manager at Michaelides Parker Wealth Knysna & Plett
A look at the wild world of really stress your nerves! unit trusts I have seen unit trusts where
S
ELECTING a unit trust for your personal investments can become an absolute nightmare. In South Africa, the unit trust industry competes on performance and each year’s Raging Bull Awards feature a bewildering array of category prizes. In the South African General Equity category, there are currently 185 different funds; five years ago, there were 119 funds - already a rather scary number. If we now take a close look at the performance figures published weekly by the association that represents all unit trusts, we arrive at figures that reflect a massive divergence. Over one year, the average performance was 9.78% annualised. However, the best fund produces a performance of +17.89% and the worst a staggering loss of -18.92%. Over three years, the average performance was 16.27% - the best performer gave you 24.57% and the worst lost -2.36%. Over five years, the average performance was 14.58% the best performer gave you 21.51% and the worst a miserable 4.1%. A closer look at these performances also reveals a disturbing distortion and the following figures show how the performance data can be misleading: A fund starts at 100cpu (cents per unit) and grows at 3% per annum for its first year; it would then be valued at 103cpu. In the second year, it loses 3%pa and would then have a value of 99.91cpu. Thus the two-year performance was a negative -.09%. In the third year, it gets really lucky and grows at 30%pa and is now worth 129.81cpu. The performance tables will now reflect a three-year performance of 9.9% annualised. But you would have had a seriously worrying two years to
the above example lasted for almost a decade... If one then examines the mandates of many of these funds, one finds that they include offshore equities in their portfolios, so firstly they are not necessarily purely SA funds and could expose you to unwanted currency risk. Another incredible observation is that the best performing fund mentioned above is a “passive momentum” fund, i.e. it has no portfolio manager and has a low cost structure. Other funds within the category have a value-based mandate; some of these perform poorly in the short term but can prove successful over the longer term. However, not all retirees can afford to wait that long! Another bias that one finds are in those funds whose mandate includes a generous dividend policy. These are my favourites, as they will provide retirees with a degree of income and still offer the possibility of capital growth. They also tend to be defensive in falling markets. In the end, I feel that unit trusts should be selected on a solution basis. In other words, your selection must suit your personal needs and offer you a sound retirement solution. A core fund that offers steady growth supplemented with a mix of property or income funds will suit most retirees. One can spread the selection of this core between several funds and simultaneously include exposure to global markets. After the market correction we have just experienced, it is probably time to revisit your unit trust portfolio to see if improvements could be made. Ocneqno"jcu"dggp"kp"vjg" kpxguvogpv"kpfwuvt{"hqt"qxgt" 62"{gctu0"Jg"jcu"ytkvvgp" vjku"eqnwop"kp"EZRTGUU" hqt"vjg"ncuv"38"{gctu"cpf"ku" c"urgekcnkuv"kp"ocpcikpi" tgvktgf"ygcnvj0
CXPRESS
7
Protect your employees during a robbery A
robbery at your business premises can leave employees traumatised, injured or, in the worst-case scenario, dead. “Injuries or death during an attack are a business owner’s worst nightmare,” says Grant Dunnington, CEO of SBV Services. “By their very nature, robberies are terrifying and unpredictable and, while no-one knows exactly what will happen when violence is aimed at your business, it’s crucial that your employees are empowered to reduce the chances of people being killed. “Beyond cash management solutions, we believe in protecting human life and strive to empower the business community with knowledge on saving lives when under attack.” Just how staff members respond to an unexpected, potentially violent situation can literally mean the difference between life and death - and the better prepared a workforce is, the less likely it is that somebody may be hurt or killed. Preparing your employees for a robbery sounds easier said than done, but it is possible. “The first step is ensuring that all employees have been taught how to use all of
the security features at your business premise,” says Dunnington. “While this is done as a preventative measure, it is imperative that the training doesn’t create a sense of unease or panic.” During a robbery, employees should remember the following: • Stay calm. Resistance could provoke the attackers into becoming aggressive and can only result in tragedy; • Follow the perpetrators’ instructions. It’s human nature for people to volunteer to do more than has been asked of them, just to get the ordeal over with as quickly as possible. But robbers often interpret such behaviour as a trap, causing them to panic; • Should your employees need to move around in response to the attackers’ instructions, they must vocalise every action while keeping their hands in open sight. If they tell the robbers exactly what they are about to do, the robbers won’t think they are being uncooperative; • Stay alert. Mentally recording everything you can about the robbers - race, age, clothing, eye colour or distinct features such as tattoos and piercings, as well as everything they touch (should they not be wearing gloves) - will help catching perpetra-
tors after the event; • When the robbers are about to leave or are leaving, don’t look them in the eye or try to run after them; • As soon as they leave, ensure that everyone at the premises is safe - go into a secure location or lock up the premises to call the police, just in case the robbers
come back; • Ask everyone who witnessed the incident to stay put until the police arrive and have taken statements; • While waiting for the police, leave the crime scene exactly as it was left by the robbers. Xkukv"yyy0udx0eq0|c"hqt" oqtg"kphqtocvkqp0
8
CXPRESS
Interval
19 November 2014
Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else. - Margaret Mead
The greatest minds of all times were invited to a conference… • Newton said he’d drop in. • Descartes said he’d think about it. • Ohm resisted the idea. • Boyle said he was under too much pressure. • Darwin said he’d wait to see what evolved. • Pierre and Marie Curie radiated enthusiasm.
• Volta was electrified at the prospect. • Pavlov positively drooled at the thought. • Ampere was worried he wasn’t current. • Audubon said he’d have to wing it. • Edison thought it would be illuminating.
• Einstein said it would be relatively easy to attend. • Archimedes was buoyant at the thought. • Dr Jekyll declined - he said he hadn’t been feeling himself lately. • Morse said: “I’ll be there on the dot. Can’t stop now, must dash.”
Diensplig
E
ENDAG gewaar die dominee ‘n klein seuntjie in die voorportaal van die kerk wat aandagtig na ‘n groot gedenkplaat teen die muur staan en kyk. Dit is oortrek met name en daar was klein landsvlaggies weerskante. Toe loop die dominee nader, kom staan langs die seuntjie, en sê saggies: “Goeiemore, my seun.” “Môre, Dominee,” sê hy, met sy oë nog vasgenael op die plaat. “Dominee,
wat is dit dié?” vra hy. Die dominee antwoord: “Wel, my seun, dit is ‘n gedenkplaat vir al die jong manne wat tydens diens gesterf het.” In doodse stilte en met groot eerbied staan die twee voor die plaat en staar na die name. Uiteindelik, in ‘n skaars hoorbare stemmetjie en bewend van vrees vra die seuntjie: “Watter diens was dit, Dominee? Die oggend of die aanddiens?”
Finally, a nice lawyer story
T
HE Salvation Army realised that it had never received a donation from the city’s most successful lawyer. So, a United Way volunteer paid the lawyer a visit in his lavish office. The volunteer opened the meeting by saying: “Our research shows that even though your annual income is over two million dollars, you don’t give a penny to charity. Wouldn’t you like to give something back to your community through the Salvation Army?” The lawyer thought for a minute and said: “Firstly, did your research also show you that my mother is dying after a long, painful illness and she has huge medical bills that are far beyond her ability to pay?” Embarrassed, the Sally rep mumbled: “Uh... no, I didn’t
know that.” “Secondly,” said the lawyer, “did it show that my brother, a disabled veteran, is blind and confined to a wheelchair and is unable to support his wife and six children?” The stricken Sally rep began to stammer an apology, but was cut off again. “Thirdly, did your research also show you that my sister’s husband died in a dreadful car accident, leaving her penniless with a mortgage and three children, one of whom is disabled and another that has learning disabilities requiring an array of private tutors?” The humiliated Sally rep, completely beaten, said: “I am so sorry. I had no idea.” Then the lawyer said: “So, if I didn’t give any money to them, what makes you think I’d give any to you?”
Middle age is having a choice of two temptations and choosing the one that will get you home earlier.
• Gauss was asked to attend because of his magnetism. • Hertz said he planned to attend with greater frequency in the future. • Watt thought it would be a good way to let off steam. • Wilbur Wright accepted, provided him and Orville could get a flight.
I’m not touching you! I’m not touching you!
Knock it off!
Social Scene
People, places & events
CXPRESS FRUITS OF LAUNCH LABOUR: To woo media members from Knysna and beyond, Mitchell’s invited local journos to a tasting last Thursday, when they were welcomed with a free Mitchell’s beer of their choice, and got to taste the ‘Media Brew’ they had a hand in making during the launch of last month’s successful Oktoberfest. In the pic, Mitchell’s master brewer Dave McRae taps the first glass of that special potion.
WHAT A SHOW! Audience members at the recent Bitou 10 Performing & Visual Arts Showcase were tapping their feet, laughing and clapping while treated to a rich variety of performing arts, exhibitions, and even a parade showing off spectacular hats. The Bitou 10 Arts Programme affords children the opportunity to partake in drama, dance, music, art and multimedia classes weekly at their schools throughout the year and the Showcase highlighted just how diverse and extensive this programme is. Skills children learn from the arts include creativity, confidence, communication, collaboration, problem solving, perseverance, focus, dedication and accountability. Says CEO Kim Weyer: ‘It is in moments like these that The Bitou 10 Foundation’s purpose shines truest.’ She thanks all who made a contribution towards this event, including the Horton Foundation Fund, Plett Rotary, the Bitou 10 schools, the performers, production team, audience and The Village Bookshop, Steph le Roux, Smhart Alarms and Plett Security. Above, B10F’s Marietta van Rooyen thanks Amanda Valela - dance facilitator from Lunchbox Theatre - at the conclusion of the magical Showcase, with Kim at left and participating kids from local schools filling the Plett Primary School stage. - Photo: Candice Ludick
9 Photo: Gigi Lewis
WALL OF TOY JOY: Plettenberg Bay Rotary Anns have had an amazing response to their appeal for used soft toys to give ‘A Toy for Christmas Joy’ to those children who may never have had one. Says Ann Joy Robin: ‘Thanks to wonderful donations from Formosa Primary - including its special-needs Elsen class - Plett Christian School, Bay College, Greenwood, and a second bagful from the Elsen kids, we made a wall of toys after washing, mending and generally sprucing up teddies, dogs and other cuddly creatures. Publicity from CXPRESS three weeks ago has certainly been a very positive factor for, having seen the story, Plett mum Claire and her little girl Chelsea gave us 14 beautiful toys, all as good as new! We’ll soon distribute the toys to underprivileged children in time for Christmas and will give further feedback to our generous Plett folk.’ In the pic are, from left at back, Les Wheelen, Joy Robin, Carol Damp, Joy Shrosbree and Colleen Shuttleworth, with Biffy Wiener, Anns president Beryl Winter, and friends Monica and Alison.
19 November 2014
10
CXPRESS
Classifieds
19 November 2014
Notice Board Nkxg"owuke"cv"Vjg"Octmgv This week’s live music lineup at The Market in Plett’s Main Street kicks off tonight (November 19 at 6pm) with Pete The Greek, while John Craig will entertain diners tomorrow night and ‘Kaz’ on Friday the 21st. Email plett101marketonmain@gmail. com or call 044 533 2805 to find out more, or swing past The Market daily to see what’s on the extensive food /goods slab. Ecnnkpi"cnn"Htkgpfu Plett’s Friends of the Library (FOLA) holds its AGM on November 25 at 10am at the library on the top level of
Mellville’s Corner, and all members and interested residents are invited to attend. Remember that subs are now due - tea will be served after the meeting. Email dbutlin@ gbw.co.za with queries. RCYU"Ejtkuvocu"uvtggv" eqnngevkqp Plett Animal Welfare Services holds its final street collection for the year at various locations around town on November 28 from 9am to 1pm. The team would be grateful for your support as these collections are an important source of income. Their monthly running costs of over R50,000 cannot be covered without
ongoing fundraising efforts, so please look out for collectors and help them make this a bumper fundraiser. Call Di Butlin on 082 569 2571 if you can help with the collection on the day. Mp{upc"dtgcuv"jgcnvj" cyctgpguu"ycnm" On November 29, the Cansa 5km walk will be hosted by Curves and the Knysna Marathon Club. The aim of this Pink Fun Walk is to create greater awareness of breast cancer and everyone is encouraged to come and show their support. “One in 35 women is likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer in
their lifetime in SA and we hope to make people aware of this,” says Dorothy du Plooy, Cansa executive manager of the Southern Business Unit. The starting point is Curves Knysna at 28 Waterfront Drive. Entry costs R25 per adult and R10 for children under 18 years - bring along your furry friends, too. Registration starts at 7am and the walk starts at 8am. Drape yourself in anything pink and bring along extra cash for raffles, the sprayathon and Cansa items on sale. Lots of lucky draw prizes are up for grabs. Call Sanet Cloete on 082 218 8092 for more info.
On the Soapbox
19 November 2014
Letters to the Editor
CXPRESS
Email: editor@cxpress.co.za - Fax: 044 533 0852 - PO Box 1449, Plett 6600
11
Read CXPRESS online at www.cxpress.co.za
Barking mad at inconsiderate dog owners Having noticed how many people do charitable work in support of Plett Animal Welfare Services, I am somewhat surprised that their love of dogs does not extend to consideration of their neighbours. In my area, the incessant whining, yapping, squealing
and barking seem to go on continuously day and night. When the one lot stops, another starts up. Some people go away for weeks, even months and leave their dogs in their yards to carry on regardless. One neighbour has done something to the vocal cords
‘Y’, this risk you simply can’t afford to refuse...
of his dogs but they still make a strangulated sound when they try to bark. Others shut puppies in their garage at night and the acoustics of the yelping is exalted to infiltrate the entire neighbourhood. Holidaymakers bring their dogs with them, go to the
beach all day, and leave the dog on the balcony to bark until they return. At full moon it is a riot. If you have a barking canine, it would be appreciated if some thought could be given to the neighbours. Please? flUnggrnguu‚."Rngvv
Help us go green, clean, and so sustain Kurland Village
Plett reader Ray Lankester shared these photos after noticing a small but significant omission in the wording of a Bitou municipal notice on a bench at Poortjies during a recent morning stroll. Whoa now, people of Plett! We don’t want y’all running out and stage-diving off the boardwalk in order to claim millions from our impoverished powers! Rumour has it we’re well cash-strapped already, what with every other argument twixt opposing parties’ councillors invariably necessitating costly litigation...
MOUNTAIN OF OPPORTUNITY: Recycled materials in exchange for essential goods could uplift lives in Kurland Village
Plett open gardens day awesome, thanks to YOU! After days of nasty weather, nervous organisers of the annual Plett Open Gardens event awoke to… even worse weather, with a howling wind and plummeting temperatures. With a sinking feeling, we dressed warmly and set about making final arrangements for the day. “Who on earth would be silly enough to want to visit gardens on a day like this?” was the general consensus. No sooner did we arrive at Bosky Dell at about 9am, setting up the cake and plant sale and ticket table, when the early birds started arriving, dressed for the arctic conditions. When the ‘gates opened’ an hour later, there were crowds of people and the ticket and tea volunteers had difficulty coping. After enjoying a wonderful (hot) tea in the pavilion, they started exploring. The other gardens also reported brisk business and by the end of the day, a total of 313 people had braved the elements to support PAWS and enjoy the gardens. This number was not far off the 333 visitors in 2013. Rae Gilbert’s generous contribution of a percentage of her rose sales and tea garden
takings swelled the total income for the day to just over R34,000. We believe that if it were not for the truly awful weather, we would have exceeded our 2013 takings of R38,000. We were also competing with Knysna’s enormously popular Leisure Isle Festival on the day and are therefore delighted to have done so well. PAWS salutes every single, wonderful, hardy garden lover who did not let the weather interfere with their enjoyment of these lovely gardens. We thank all our garden owners for making it possible for so many people to appreciate their creativity and hard work. We were also blessed to have many generous people who donated plants and cakes, which made an important contribution to the takings. Our esteemed volunteers worked outdoors all day, welcoming visitors with a warm smile although they must have been frozen. Last but not least, thanks go to our supportive media who spread the word so effectively. Your support for PAWS is heart-warming and we are truly grateful to you all. Octulc"Jcnn/Itggp."Rngvv
The Crags Recycle Project is an initiative to keep Kurland community clean, healthy and environmentally-friendly, while creating jobs for its 80% of unemployed youth and women. Currently operating from a shack with no electricity and water, I’m asking for help from the surrounding areas in the Western and Eastern Cape. Stephen Black from Kurlandbrik already assists by sponsoring bricks and mentoring me. Bitou waste management manager Randall Bouwers promised to assist with a scale and machines, while Joffrey from the LED office is trying his best to help in whichever way possible. Kenneth from Plett’s WinWin Swop Shop will assist with the container and guide us to become as successful as they are. I would like to thank the abovementioned persons for their help so far. The idea is to open a swop shop where goods are exchanged for the requested recycled items. Therefore, my cry for help is for grocery items, stationery, sweets and chips, clothes, shoes, a bakkie to collect the recycling on a regular basis, and for people to drop off their recycling at our building in 746 Kirbywood Street on the way to Langewag in The Crags. There will be two volunteers every day to collect your recycling - building material, office equipment, etc. While struggling with transport, I call on local businesses to please drop off their recycled goods at our building. We’re waiting for funding in order to build our life
skills centre and craft market and also to pay the 40 people that used to be employed and who must sadly now stay at home because of the long-awaited funding for wages. The life skills centre is for the unemployed to start their own businesses, to reduce poverty and also for a gymnasium because The Crags has no entertainment except for soccer and rugby. Most people indulge in drinking and drugs, which leads to fighting and theft. Matriculants can’t do research for proper jobs online as the library only allows 30 minutes per person on its computer. Lots of people with potential sit at home. At least with the centre, they will have a proper place to work and sell their items. I’d like us to go green. Currently, a few women are busy making bags and mats from plastic bags, and bins and chairs from wattle trees. Anyone is welcome to contribute ideas - if you know how to make items from cans, plastic bottles, and cardboard, your input will be much appreciated. Please help us to make this dream come true, keep it sustainable and successful and create lots of jobs. You’re welcome to call me on 073 412 5489 to chat in this regard. PS: As soon as the lease agreement is signed between the Department of Agriculture and the Anglican Church, we will start with a vegetable garden to keep a soup kitchen open five days a week. Fcngpg"Vj{u"/"Xqnwpvggt" Rtqlgev"Ocpcigt." Vjg"Etciu
Est. 1984
12
CXPRESS
Sport & Adventure
19 November 2014
Save these dates to make a proper splash in Knysna QUACK ME UP, DUCKIE: Buy a duck for 20 bucks in Splash Saturday’s Quack Attack - there’s a grand up for grabs for the ‘owner’ of the winning duck!
D
ECEMBER 19-21 is when this year’s Knysna Splash takes place in and around the town’s lagoon, promising family fun galore. Now in its third year, the event is organised and coordinated by Knysna Rotary and all entry fees from its four major attractions go to local charities. The Mud Run on December 19 may be the least competitive and dirtiest event on the area’s sporting calendar, and is hugely popular with adults and kids alike. It’s an epic 2.5km obstacle course for all ages which starts and ends at Loerie Park Sports Ground in George Rex Drive. Registration is at 9am for entrants participating in groups between 9am and 11:30am. Obstacles include a mud pit to crawl through, climbing, balancing and jumping tasks, and are suitable for all ages (R70 adults, R30 kids U/14). All entrants who finish the course will receive a colourful bandana. Along the route and at the finish, free water will be provided by Tsitsikamma Crystal Water. On Saturday the 20th at 11:30am, registration opens at Knysna Yacht Club for the Lagoon Mile (1600m) and Junior Swim (450m), both races starting at 2:30pm. All swimmers who complete the course will receive a medal. Entry fee for 10 years and under is R70, and older entrants pay R125 (which includes a compulsory swimming cap). Juniors who don’t have their own cap can buy one at R60. Find a good spot on the harbour walls at the Quays on Saturday at 4pm for the
Splash Quack Attack - a fun yellow duck race for up to 1,000 ducks. Buy a numbered duck for R20 and watch it compete in the heats. The idea is for the tide and wind to encourage the ducks to ‘swim’ along the water canal under the bridge. Racing will consist of five or more heats, with the first 10 from each heat racing in the final. First duck wins R1,000 and there’s R750 for second place, R500 for third, and R250 for fourth and fifthplace winners each. Ducks will be on sale at Knysna Mall and the Waterfront on Saturday December 13, at the Waterfront practice on Friday the 19th from 3pm, and from 10am on Saturday December 20. The Knysna Splash grand finale, the Dragon Boat Races, will take place on Sunday the 21st from 10am in the water canal adjacent to SANParks at Thesen Harbour Town. Registration starts at the race loca-
tion from 8am (minimum age for participants is 11 years). Competitors will race in teams of 10 paddlers in two, 9.5m long traditional Chinese style dragon boats, decorated with dragon heads, dragon tails and with platforms for a drummer and helmsman. Heats over the 200m course will qualify teams and individuals for the quarters, semifinals and finals. Two events, one fun and one competitive, means anyone can enter, and teams from Cape Town are expected to compete. The winning crew in each event will receive a Splash Dragon Boat Floating Trophy, and quarter, semi and finalist crews will receive individual gold, silver and bronze medals. Entry fee for teams is R2,000 (individuals wishing to be entered into a team should contact the organisers on 072 903 6590). Visit www.knysnaSPLASH. co.za for entry forms, indemnity forms and more info.