19 Sepetmber

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

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BRAAI

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19 September 2018

On Monday September 24 South Africans will celebrate Heritage Day, also known as National Braai Day - a perfect opportunity for SA’s many cultures to unite and share some positive vibes. So this early reminder should give all our readers enough time to peruse the special deals on offer in this edition and make Braai Day 2018 most memorable.

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

19 September 2018

Dancing and laughter form part of the ingredients in Ouma Elizabeth’s long-life recipe Words & photos: LM Dunn

LIZABETH Moodie [who featured on the cover of last week’s CXPRESS] was born on September 10 in 1910, making her one of the oldest people in South Africa. So it was highly appropriate to celebrate this milestone over three days at her home in Kranshoek last week. Her 108th birthday celebrations started on Sunday September 9, when she had lunch with her youngest daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Ben Patterson. Remarkably healthy at her advanced age, she thoroughly enjoyed and finished her lunch of grilled fish and potato chips, holding her own cutlery and cup when eating and drinking tea. This little lady does not get fed by anyone other than herself! Elizabeth was born in Botswana, and from there followed moves to Olifantshoek and Upington in the Northern Cape, before she relocated to Kranshoek in Plettenberg Bay with her husband and family in 1940. She was 18 when she married Henry, who was 26 at the time. He was born in 1902 and passed away at the age of 94 in 1996. Some of the first people to wish hewr happy birthday were Sylvia and Adolf Christian of the charitable organisation St Vincent de Paul. The Christians have been her friends for many years. Ouma Elizabeth has never been ill in her life, and has never seen the inside of a hospital. Each of her 11 children - Jacobus, Andrew, Stanley, Elsie, Irene, Ria, Violet, Henry, Alvin, Gail, and Linda - were delivered by a midwife at home.

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KEEP ON SMILING: Elizabeth Moodie turned 108 on September 10, making her one of the oldest people in South Africa

BELOVED MOTHER: From left behind Ouma Elizabeth are daughters Ria September and Linda Patterson, with friend Sylvia Christian at right

She loves her 47 grandchildren, her 94 great-grandchildren and her 28 great-greatgrandchildren to bits, and knows them all by name. Well-known Kranshoek resident Henry Moodie, who unfortunately lost his home in the June 2017 fires, is one of her beloved sons, she says. She is fun-loving and so healthy that she has never worn glasses in her life. May this great wellbeing stem from the fact that she has always loved dancing? A housewife all her life, she lived for her children, and now enjoys the company of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and, in fact, all the neighbouring kids in the closeknit Kranshoek community. ‘Elizabeth’ means ‘laughter’ and this great-grandmother is a bundle of joy, indeed. Her daughter, Ria September, says when she wakes her mom daily with a “good morning�, Elizabeth would first laugh, and then return her good morning wish. So not surprisingly, when prodded for more ingredients in her recipe for such remarkable longevity, she said: “Just to laugh and be happy.� And Ouma Elizabeth is still witty at her advanced age. When I asked her: “How old are you today?� she answered by saying: “You will be shocked if I told you.� Halfway through her birthday party, she received a call from Bitou speaker Euan Wildeman. He called to inform the family that a municipal posse would be popping in the next day for yet another party. Seems this happy senior still has her hands full with appointments at age 108...

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NEWS & VIEWS

19 September 2018

CXPRESS

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Crime escalates as Plett becomes a target for armed robberies Plett has once again been rocked by armed robberies over the past week including an incident during which a luxury vehicle was stolen - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports

OLICE spokesman Captain Marlene Pieterse said a 58-year-old gardener and 47-year-old domestic worker were overpowered as they entered a house in the River Tide estate in the vicinity of Keurbooms River after they arrived for work just before 8am on September 13. The homeowner was out jogging when a group of four men, wearing balaclavas, threatened the two workers with a firearm. “Thee men instructed them to lie down, and they were blindfolded with pillow cases. Their hands were tied with cable ties. One of the suspects hit the housekeeper with a firearm and demanded the keys to a vehicle parked inside the home’s garage,” Pieterse said. She added that the suspects took the victims’ cellphones, and removed a safe containing a large amount of cash and luxury watches, before fleeing with the homeowner’s grey Porsche Cayenne worth R2.5-million. Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) operations head Otto Olivier said it only took 17 minutes for the vehicle to be recovered. “The Plett Rapid Response team was on the scene in minutes after re-

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ceiving an alert via the PBCPA control room. The response team found the traumatised housekeeper and gardener at the property and PBCPA members were requested to be on the lookout for the stolen vehicle with two, possibly armed, males.” Various PBCPA members responded, including police and neighbourhood watch members. “The Tsitsikamma police K9 unit, along with the Plettenberg Bay K9 unit, swept the surrounding area for the stolen vehicle,” said Olivier. The deserted Cayenne was spotted on Wittedrift Road and subsequently recovered. The Airport Road and Harkerville Farm support group members found the stolen safe at the Harkerville Market, where the suspects attempted to open it. Pieterse said the suspects were still at large and appealed to anyone with information about the incident to contact the investigating officer, detective warrant officer JJ Pretorius on 044 501 1943 or on 073 026 2188. Shortly thereafter, a panic alert was received of an armed robbery in Ferdinand Street. “A woman was by her vehicle outside her gate when she was overpowered by two

men armed with a knife. The suspects fled the scene with the victim’s cellphone,” said Olivier. While the suspects tried to take the phone, a scuffle ensued and the woman suffered a laceration on her shoulder. “The injured woman was very shaken by the event, but fortunately she was not seriously harmed.” Three days earlier, a woman was assaulted and robbed near the Lookout Beach parking area. Olivier said Blue Bay Guards, Fidelity ADT, Smhart Security, the Plett Rapid Response, Plett Security, the Plett K9, and police responded swiftly. “It was reported that the suspect fled in the direction of Lemon Grass restaurant. Plett K9 Blackie picked up the scent and flushed the hiding suspect out of the fynbos near the lagoon. The suspect was quickly apprehended and handed over to police.” Olivier added that the victim was brought to the scene to identify the suspect, but suddenly collapsed. “A medic alert was sent out while Rapid Response member Wesley Andrew rushed to her aid. ER24 arrived shortly after the alert was sent out and stabilised the victim, who had suffered a severe panic attack.” Garden Route Media

Search for missing German tourist continues Wesley Andrew of the Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) Rapid Response Unit confirmed on Tuesday morning that no sign has yet been found of the German tourist who has been missing since September 15. Niels Frederik Szenbek, 26, at left, was last seen on Saturday after booking in at Tsitsikamma Sunrise Caravan Park off the R102 on Friday night. His passport, cellphone and some of his luggage were found at his accommodation. Andrew spoke to CXPRESS before heading to the Salt River bridge for a meeting with SAPS members and Western Cape Tourism Safety and Support officer Ilze Jacobs, who has been in contact with the German Consulate and the missing tourist’s family. Andrew said Szenbek had a psychiatric condition and had apparently disappeared on previous occasions, but had always returned within 24 hours. Anyone with information can contact him on 079 607 5495, or Ilze Jacobs on 082 972 2507.

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CXPRESS

Read CXPRESS online at www.cxpress.co.za

NEWS & VIEWS

19 September 2018

Knysna Municipality adapts sewerage and water tariffs to cover service delivery costs ATER and sewerage tariffs charged in 2017/18 failed to cover the costs associated with delivering the service, and Knysna council has now resolved to adapt accordingly to cover expenses incurred by these services. Mayor Mark Willemse said that property rates were used to subsidise the service. “Knysna Municipality was under-recovering costs for water and sewerage using the 2017/18 tariff structure, and we appointed a service provider to determine tariffs that would recover the cost of providing and maintaining the service.”

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Willemse said the initial sewerage tariffs workshopped were tabled in March 2018 as part of the draft IDP and budget and suggested an increase of 140%. “During the public participation process that followed, council received numerous submissions from the public. These were considered, and the sewerage tariffs were reduced to an 80% increase which represents costs reflective of self-sufficient services tariffs,” he said. “It is essential that tariffs for services charges rendered by the municipality shall as far as possible recover the expenses associated with rendering of each service concerned. Trading and economic services will be ring-fenced and tariffs will be cost reflective and directly associated with the standard of service received.” Willemse added that they realised the 2017/18 tariffs for sewerage and water caused unjust differentiation between sectional title units and multiple shops/units at freehold erven. “While sectional title units were levied per registered units, some freehold erven were levied per premises, irrespective of the number of units or shops situated on the property. “It was decided to amend charges per premises in the 2017/18 financial year to a basic charge per business or shop unit per premises, per annum, in the 2018/19 financial year. “Council resolved that a fixed basic charge would be payable for each property connected to the sewerage reticulation network, per dwelling, per unit, per premises, irrespective of the number of toilets and urinals or the size of the dwelling, dwell-

ing units, business units or shops per premises,” said Willemse. He continued that revenues derived from property rates represent a critical source of income for municipalities to achieve their constitutional objectives. “Income derived from property rates will be used to finance community and subsidised services, and not to subsidise trading and economic services.” Community services include (but are not limited to) air-pollution control, firefighting services, local tourism, municipal planning, municipal public works needed to deliver functions as included in the constitution or any other law, fixed billboards and the display of advertisements in public places. Further services are cemeteries, control of public nuisances and noise pollution, township development, local amenities and sport facilities, municipal parks and recreation, municipal roads, pounds, public places, street trading and lighting, traffic and parking, building control, cleansing, and unfunded mandates such as libraries. Sewerage Provision is made under item 4.3 of council’s Approved Tariffs for all properties not identified as residential to be charged per premises/business unit/shop unit per annum for the respective financial years. Water Provision is made under item 5.4.1.1 of council’s Approved Tariffs for all properties not identified as residential to be charged per premises/business unit/shop unit per annum for the respective financial years.

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Janco van Niekerk of Plett Ski-boat Club shared these photos of several seahorses that were flushed out of the surf at Keurbooms Beach on Sunday September 9. “We grabbed as many as 40 of them in a small, clear container and took them back to the lagoon where they came from. We are not sure how many survived, but we carried as many as we could!” Janco said his parents, Gerda and Kobus Potgieter, stumbled upon the seahorses, ranging in size from 5-10cm, close to the river mouth, where they started appearing on the sand between 1pm and 2pm.

NEWS & VIEWS

19 September 2018

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CXPRESS

Real-life NASA astronaut to shuttle down to the Garden Route this week Mossel Bay tonight before its date in George tomorrow (York High 6-7:30pm); readers in CX Country can catch him at Knysna Primary (6-7:30pm) on September 21, and at Plett’s Piesang Valley Community Hall on Tuesday 25 September 25 from 1011:30am. The tour then proceeds to Port Elizabeth

and Grahamstown, where it concludes on Wednesday the 26th. Tickets through Quicket cost R60-R80. Visit www. livingmaths.com for more information. The Living Maths Space Tour is supported by Protea Hotels Marriott. * Science, technology, engineering, and maths.

Win tickets to CX Country talks WO readers can win a set of tickets each for the Plett and Knysna talks respectively. Just answer the question: How many times did Dr Don Thomas orbit Earth in 1994? Email the answer along with your name, contact details, and ‘CXPRESS Living Maths Space Tour’ in the subject line to esther@ cxpress.co.za by noon on September 20.

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family fun at kurland 21 – 23 SEPTEMBER | 09:00  17:00 ROCKET MAN: Former NASA astronaut Dr Don Thomas in front of the space shuttle Discovery hear all about his historic galactic adventures during his forthcoming tour

tenure with NASA, including four historic shuttle missions, Dr Thomas logged over 1,040 hours of adventuring in space and completed 692 orbits of our planet. His inaugural mission aboard the STS-65 Columbia in July 1994 set a new flight duration record for the US Space Shuttle programme, with 236 orbits of Earth and 6.1-million miles travelled, in 353 hours and 55 minutes. Says Living Maths’ Chief Imagination officer Steve Sherman: “After witnessing the excitement and curiosity that Dr Thomas’s last visit sparked about space, we wanted to bring him back to spread that enthusiasm in more parts of the country. “This is a unique opportunity to inspire young South Africans about science, technology, engineering and maths, and hopefully ignite lifelong passions in these subjects.� The doc’s ‘Living and Working in Space’ presentation takes the audience on his journey to becoming an

astronaut and allows them to share the fun and excitement of being in space. He will focus on the thrills of the launch, how astronauts eat, sleep, and exercise, the infamous space ablutions, and share the beauty and fragility of our planet that he experienced and saw first-hand while orbiting Earth. “From the age of six years old, I knew I wanted to be an astronaut, but NASA declined my application to the space programme four times before I was accepted. I’m grateful to now be one of only 550 humans to have flown in space and feel a responsibility to share my story and experiences,� says Dr Thomas. “My story is proof that perseverance pays off and I want to pass on the gift of big dreams to young people. With space tourism and travel to Mars becoming more of a reality, I hope to inspire South African youth to follow in my footsteps and perhaps become future Mars explorers.� After departing Franschhoek, the tour stops in

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

19 September 2018

Differently-abled campaigners gain a sewing machine for their cause

JOYOUS OCCASION: Garden Route Car Club chair Peter Pretorius and Rita Hardaker are flanked by Rotary Anns President Marjorie Henley, left, and Fransie van Zyl from Barracloughs with the much-needed sewing machine - Photo: Lynette Mullins - ShowMe Plett

HE Differently-Abled Awareness Campaign (DAC) gratefully accepted a sewing machine to further their good cause on Wednesday September 12. Campaign initiator Rita Hardaker and Fransie van Zyl from Barracloughs were overjoyed by the donation, which was handed over to them by Garden Route Car Club chair Peter Pretorius. Peter offered the sewing machine to Plett’s Rotary Anns, who in turn donated it to the DAC in aid of the sewing kit project currently underway at The Crags Pri-

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mary School. Fransie gives an hour of her time every Wednesday to teach the art of sewing to kids with learning disabilities. So far the results have been amazing - the children are enthralled by the lessons, which enable them to discover their creativity. “The children are a pleasure to teach and sometimes I have up to 25 kids in my class. Our aim is to teach them the skill of sewing, and for them to teach others in future,” says Fransie. “We are also most grateful for all the materials and bobs and bits donated

so far. With this new sewing machine we will make many delightful goodies to sell to the public in aid of the Differently-Abled Awareness Campaign.” This model school for the disabled is now in desperate need of a piano so if you can help, email ritav@ global.co.za or call Rita on 082 560 2606. Also see the DAC competition block on page 15. • Please note that the School Arts Competition closes on September 21, so hurry up with those drawings to qualify for the prizes on offer.

NEWS & VIEWS

19 September 2018

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CXPRESS

Sweet wrappers top culprit when estuary pollutants are tallied

PUT A LID ON IT: One of the cleaning teams with some of their sorted items, including bottle bricks and the lids sent to George-based disabled project ‘Bottle Tops for Wheelchairs’ - kneeling in front are Phumza Gxasheka and Novulo Giyama, right, with Nepho Zenzile, Khanyiswa Mbambo, Unathi Bomvu, Zukiswa Smemane, and Helen Xaba at back

TATISTICS from various local cleaning teams active in Greater Knysna show that, week after week, individual sweet wrappers top the list of items collected. “In just over a month, from end-June to early August, more than 6,446 sweet wrappers were picked up. Stats from clean-ups by SANParks Honorary Rangers to the east and west of Knysna Yacht Club mirror this trend,” said Sue Swain from BioWise. “The after-dinner sweets that come with your restaurant bill are wrapped in these, and the fact that they end up littering our streets and estuary is of major concern. But it does create the perfect opportunity to implement the REFUSE part of a waste management hierarchy - refusing to produce

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this waste in the first place.” Clean-ups around the Yacht Club, Knysna Waterfront, and Angling Club - an area with a high concentration of Knysna restaurants - show the highest concentration of sweet wrapper littering. Swain said this could be addressed quite easily. “Restaurants have to rethink their reasoning for handing out these sweets. If the aim is to refresh the palate, fresh mint leaves will do the trick and is a healthier option. Can we challenge them to stop using wrapped sweets?” Two teams clean up areas along Knysna’s waterways, including the channels going inland, on a weekly basis. They do an excellent job of sorting and monitoring what they pick up. Other items high on the list

are carrier bags, cooldrink bottles and lids, glass bottles, chip packets, cans, and cigarette buds. “Over the same period 6,445 chips packets, 6,029 glass bottles, 5,306 cans, 5,229 cooldrink lids, 4,733 cooldrink bottles, 4,366 cigarette buds, and 4,047 carrier bags were collected,” said Swain. “These statistics help us to pinpoint specific problem areas. For instance, high volumes of take-away coffee cups are found around the station and Fruit & Veg, with 2,234 cups collected over the same period - that’s about 55 a day,” she said. Once collected, the waste is sorted and the teams pass on whatever can be recycled or used for upcycling initiatives. “They are key to keeping our waterways clean. In addition to sorting they also make their own bottle bricks from chip packets and other suitable material picked up. “We are fortunate that Knysna Municipality sourced funding to proceed with this service for the last three months. There is now enough support to keep the service running until government funding kicks in again in November.” Nonetheless, Swain said it remained a mammoth task. “We have to take responsibility for our own waste - not just at home, but also when we are on the move. Think about how you can reduce and re-use to help stop the tide of waste. “It’s no longer the ‘nice’ thing to do. It’s an absolute necessity. We are running out of space and out of resources.” Visit biowise.org. za for details.

Indulge in these healthy Heritage Month dishes ITH so many cultures in South Africa, Heritage Month presents the perfect opportunity to experience the many foods of our diverse country. “Embrace all our cultures and cuisine, but remember to keep it healthy and practise portion control,” says Renny Letswalo of the Cambridge Weight Plan, adding that these foods should be eaten earlier in the day, allowing enough time to digest them and to use up the energy. So, which traditional foods can be enjoyed without increasing the bulge? Biltong Usually made from beef, ostrich or kudu, this savoury snack can be enjoyed plain or served with a tangy parsley puree. Meat is a major source of five of the B-complex vitamins namely thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. Morogo Morogo is Setswana for vegetables and refers to a group of at least three dif-

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ferent dark green leafy vegetables found throughout SA. Also known as wild or African spinach, Morogo leaves have lots of protein. The ultimate vitamin content is dependent on the age of the plant and method of preparation; the plants contain vitamin A and C and complement the low levels of calcium, magnesium, and iron in maize. Bobotie This Cape Malay dish comprises spiced lamb or beef, topped with an egg-and-

BEAN ME UP! Pairing samp with beans, Umngqusho makes for a filling and nutritious side dish and tastes delicious with any slow-cooked stew

milk layer and browned in the oven. You could add apples, raisins (which work well with the curry powder) and turmeric, lending the golden colour of the dish. Include coconut cream and almonds for an extra kick, as coconut milk is a good source of several vitamins and minerals such as protein, vitamin C, folate, iron, magnesium, potassium, and selenium. Snoek A tasty species of mackerel that populates the seas around SA, snoek can be tricky to eat due to its bones, but you will be rewarded with the taste. Snoek is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids known to lower harmful cholesterol. Umngqusho Pairing samp with beans, this makes for a filling and nutritious side dish. Umngqusho tastes delicious with any slow-cooked stew. Beans offer several nutrients such as zinc, iron, magnesium, and fibre.

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19 September 2018

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INTERVAL

19 September 2018

Chickens on the run HE farmer’s son was returning from the market with the crate of chickens his father had entrusted to him, when all of a sudden the box fell and broke open. Chickens scurried off in different directions, but the determined boy walked all over the neighbourhood scooping up the wayward birds and returning them to the re-

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paired crate. Hoping he had found them all, the boy reluctantly returned home, expecting the worst. “Pa, the chickens got loose,” the boy confessed sadly, “but I managed to find all 12 of them.” “Well, you did real good, son,” the proud farmer beamed, “because you left the market with only seven.”

Club 60 - Bring & Braai

The lock jaw dilemma N a small rural town the sheriff also fulfilled the role of the town’s veterinarian. One night the phone rang, and his wife answered. An agitated voice inquired: “Is your husband

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Duration of phone calls • Boy to boy: 1min • Boy to dad: 30secs • Boy to mom: 2min • Boy to girl: 1hr • Girl to girl: 2hrs • Girl to boy: one missed call • Hubby to wife: 15secs • Wife to hubby: 15 missed calls.

there, please?” “He is, but tell me, do you need him as the sheriff or the vet?” the wife asked. “Both!” was the reply. “We can’t get our dog’s mouth open, and there’s a burglar in it!”

A little rugby etiquette HE coach said: “Look, Charlie, you know the principles of good sportsmanship. You know the game of rugby doesn’t allow temper tantrums, shouting at the referee, or abusive language.” “Yes, sir, I understand.” “Good, Charlie. Now, would you explain that to your father?”

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The dreaded dentist appointment… AID the man to the receptionist: “I came in to make an appointment with the dentist.” “I’m sorry, sir,” she replied. “He’s out right

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now, but...” “Thank you,” interrupted the obviously nervous prospective patient. “When will he be out again?”

Eye-candy at the gym N old guy was working out at the gym when he spotted an attractive young lady. He asked a nearby trainer: “What machine should I use to impress that lady over there?” The trainer gave him a look and said: “I would try the ATM in the lobby.”

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The joint account went to a new bank in town to open a joint account. At one point in the application they ask for the second name on the account. Apparently the bank did not like my response: ‘Anyone who has a lot of money’.

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My next door neighbour knocked on my door wearing just a see-through negligee, and asked to borrow a cup of sugar and then winked at me and asked to come in for a cup of coffee. I said: “Get lost, Dave.”

BUSINESS

19 September 2018

CXPRESS

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Land restitution: It’s high time government looked long and hard at consequences of taking land for nothing Stuart Murray

HERE are growing reports of a number of cabals within the ANC who are opposed to President Ramaphosa’s hesitation over steps to expropriate land without compensation - even suggestions of plans to overthrow him. Several political commentators have, over the past few months, intimated that for the president NOT to go forward with land restitution could be political suicide in terms of retaining his position in next year’s general election. The land issue has become a powder keg in South Africa, while also causing concern overseas - including a spot of Trumpeting. There is a great deal at stake and not nearly enough non-partisan debate concerning the likely ramifications. Some of the critical issues include: • What exactly is in the firing line: agricultural land, commercial land, residential land? • Where is this land and how will the identity of “rightful” owners be determined? For instance, huge tracts of pastoral land being farmed in South Africa were originally inhabited by hunter gatherers. Did they believe that land could be owned?

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• The rights of foreign owners; wine estates, for example, are popular with foreigners, as are wildlife estates. • And, of course, the million dollar issue: the constitutional changes required to enable government to expropriate land without paying for it. Quite apart from the emotional clamour and heated rhetoric currently driving the land debate, these are practical issues that require unemotional consideration and finality. Let’s look at the major obstacle facing our political leaders (especially those desperate to hang on to their jobs): expropriation without payment. For a start, it flies in the face of the fundamental “willing buyer/willing seller” concept of our legal system, addressing the purchase and sale of property. This system is globally accepted as one of the best in the world. Will it apply to all property? Does the farmer hand over his house as well as the land? Just as frightening - perhaps even more so - is the effect on the economy of defaulting property loans. Commercial banks, as well as the government’s Land and Agricultural Development Bank, lend money to farmers on a collateral basis - bonds,

in other words. So without compensation, farmers will have no way of repaying their debt. Agbiz estimates that three-quarters of commercialised agricultural land is collateralised through the value of the land. The commercial banks have R148-billion of exposure and the State Land and Agricultural Development Bank (Land Bank) has exposure of almost R50-billion. As Nedbank CEO Mike Brown told Parliament recently, expropriation without compensation will lead to a banking crisis. It will also lead to a human crisis of unbelievable proportions. This agricultural Sword of Damocles, however, won’t disappear while 95% of the country’s wealth is in the hands of 10% of the population. There has been progress towards land restitution over the past two decades, but it has been painfully slow. Since 1994, the state has acquired 4.9-million hectares for redistribution, and AgriSA estimates that non-whites currently own 27% of the nation’s farmland, compared with 14% in 1994. According to former Land Reform minister Gugile Nkwinti, 3.4-million hectares have been

assigned to new owners. Strangely, R11.6-billion was paid to those who opted for cash rather than the land opted to them! Another initiative, which held promise, was the 50-50 programme that planned to encourage black-white partnerships by buying 50% of a commercial farming property and giving it to the workers. Little has been heard since the launch. Agbiz has proposed another initiative, which proposes public/private partnerships between the state and private sector, using part of the budget. But the state is strapped for cash. The October mid-term budget is likely to report government debt exceeding 55% of GDP, and a budget deficit of between 5% and 6%. The cupboard is getting very bare. At the beginning of this year the ANC, under new president Cyril Ramaphosa, said expropriating land without compensation should be used to effect land reform - as long as it does not undermine the economy… • Stuart Murray (stuartmurray758@gmail.com) is a former senior assistant editor of Financial Mail and co-founder, editor, and CEO of Finance Week. He is retired and lives in Plettenberg Bay.

National Wills Week - September 17-21

Get something for free… from an attorney! S has become tradition over the past few years, members of the public will be able to have a basic will drafted by an attorney free of charge this week, with law firms throughout the country participating in the National Wills Week project from September 17-21. “If you are a parent, a breadwinner, a homeowner and generally want to ensure that your affairs are in order, it is important that you have a valid will drafted by a professional,” say Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) co-chairs Mvuzo Notyesi and Ettienne Barnard. “A valid will allows you to state your last wishes and indicate who should inherit your assets and property; to appoint an executor of your choice for your estate and a guardian for your minor children.” If you were married, divorced or widowed recently, have started cohabitating with your partner, or have bought new property, a will is essential. Similarly, unmarried persons

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- particularly those with extended family members or others who depend on them financially - should have a will in place, as several people could make a claim on their estates. “A valid will enables you as the testator to protect the interests of your loved ones and prevents delays in settling your estate after your death. It also ensures that your executor will act according to wishes set out in your will,” add Barnard and Notyesi. Attorneys participating in the National Wills Week initiative display posters with their contact details so members of the public can make appointments with law firms in their area. Contact details of all participants can also be accessed online at www. LSSA.org.za or by contacting the Cape Law Society on 021 443 6700. Before seeing the attorney, think about who must get what; who the legal guardians of your minor children (U18) should be, and who the executor of

your will - your attorney, or a close family member or friend - will be. In case of the latter, it is advisable to nominate an attorney as co-executor to deal with any legal issues. Take along your ID document and a list of what you own, including specific personal items that you wish to bequeath to specific people. Why should an attorney draft your will? A practising attorney has the necessary knowledge and expertise to ensure that your will is valid by complying with all the legal requirements in the Wills Act and also that it complies with your wishes. An attorney can also advise you on any problem which may arise with your will and assist your executor. Often a will is not valid because the person who drafts it does not have the necessary legal knowledge to ensure that all the legal requirements of the Wills Act are met. These include the fact that the will must be in writing, it must be signed

by the testator in the presence of at least two competent witnesses, and also signed by the witnesses. What could happen to your estate without a valid will? Your assets will be distributed according to provisions of the Intestate Succession Act, which are generally fair and ensure that your possessions are transferred to your spouse and children and, where applicable, to siblings and parents or extended family in terms of degrees of relationships. But, the following problems may arise: • Your assets may not be left to the person of your choice. • It can take much longer to have an executor appointed, and the executor may not be somebody you would have chosen. • There could be extra and unnecessary costs. • There could be unhappiness and conflict among family members because there are no clear instructions on how to distribute your assets.

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19 September 2018

CLASSIFIEDS

SOCIAL SCENE

19 September 2018

CXPRESS

13

TEAM TSHISA AND KOUGA COLLUDE: Tshisa Talent - thanks to funding from the National Lotteries Commission and Rolf-Stephan Nussbaum Foundation - recently reached out to Kouga. The team collaborated with locals to stage registrations, auditions, and a finals competition to discover, develop and promote talent. The main aim was to train event coordinators to enable the creation of sustainable development of talent, as Tshisa Talent has been doing for years along the Garden Route. All prize money will be invested in uplifting the careers of the Kouga competition winners, all of whom staged impressive acts. Also featured in this unique event-organising skills development project were Tshisa’s Finest from the Garden Route. In the pic from left at back are Thanduloxo Chris Buka (King & Queen Me Youth Mentoring Group), Sinethemba Dayi (Gospel singer, Tshisa’s Finest and judge), Antonio Moos (hip hop star and judge), Shanette Elliott (Tshisa marketing manager), Maphiko Ncedani (Tshisa manager), Nomzamo Maga (Team Tshisa), Stuart Palmer (Tshisa founder), Amanda Valela (actress, choreographer, scriptwriter and judge) and Clifton Britz (Humansdorp event organiser), with Marvin Fember and Siyabulela Matyhila of Team Tshisa, Element Himself (MC, rap artist and Tshisa’s Finest), and Nkosinathi Xipula (Team Tshisa) in front. - Photo: Luvvuyo Mayinje - Booyaka Recording Studios

People, places & events

SPRING MAKES MARKETGOERS HAPPY: At the Harkerville Saturday Market held on September 1, Sibahle Laza and Mapule Tswele, right, of KwaNokuthula sport broad smiles to welcome the new season while tending the stall where they sell bowls made with wire from discarded telephone cable. Above, Marian and Allan Kushner of Plettenberg Bay celebrated the arrival of spring by decorating their headgear with sprays of flowers. - Timothy Twidle

AWARENESS OPENS DOORS: The Bungalow at Hobie Beach has gone to great lengths to create an entrance for the differently-abled and together with Sky Villa, Lucy Loubser and her team have been intricately involved in the competitions attached to the campaign (see more info on the Differently-abled Awareness Campaign on pages 6 and 15) this according to Rita van Rensburg-Hardaker, pictured at centre above with Lucy and new Bungalow chef Mark at the new entrance to ensure access for differently-abled guests. The campaigners were treated to a delicious Bungalow breakfast to celebrate the new feature, and readers are reminded to mosey down to Hobie Beach and find out about specials currently on offer. - Photos: Lynette Mullins - ShowMe Plett

LOTS TO DO, STARTING WITH DISCO WEEKEND AT PLETT SURF! Members of Plett Lifesaving Club were pleasantly surprised to see the upgraded clubhouse during Sunday’s well-attended Nippers Open Day. A Disco Weekend fundraiser to bolster the club’s purse after springing for these alterations is now anticipation with great excitement. On Friday night, Nippers and their friends aged eight to 15 will party it up at the club. The children will be signed in and out at the gate downstairs and there will be chaperones upstairs at this alcohol-free party, with cool drinks and snacks for sale. By Saturday lunchtime, Cream Cheese Productions will fly in their mystery DJ from Jozi for that night’s adults-only disco sponsored by Heineken, with gates open from eight ‘till late. Tickets are available from Plett Sportscene at The Market Square and 29 On Main in Plett CBD, but are limited so get yours today or call Tania on 072 118 7800 for details. On Friday night, Wonderboom fans should rock up at Plett Barnyard in The Crags. This iconic band was selected to open for Guns & Roses during their SA tour and anyone who likes the sound of the Parletones, Prime Circle or Watershed will also love Wonderboom’s Barnyard gig. Early birds may win a set of tickets when booking through jeanne@stormproduktionz.co.za or visit www. barnyardplett.co.za for additional information. Then, the team at Kurland Eventing advised that their programme on Friday the 21st starts off with dressage on Road Field at 9am, while the FEI Dressage competition starts at 11am. Market and kids activities take place all day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with the Cross Country in class/number order starting at 9am on Saturday. On Sunday the 23rd at 7:30 you can register for the trail run, which sets off at 8:30, with the day’s equestrian activities kicking off at 9am - see the advert page 5 for details. Finally, the Knysna Plett Concert Series presents pianist Megan-Geoffrey Prins, left, at Knysna DRC hall on September 26. His programme will feature composers such as Haydn, Ravel and Scriabin. Tickets are sold at the door from 6:45pm and the show starts at 7:30pm.

CARING IN ACTION: These photos show members of Plett’s New Horizons Care Group (NHCG) at work. At left, Toekie Spies and Gerry Krige dish out food on a Friday afternoon at the New Horizons Community Hall. Pictured during the most recent NHCG committee meeting are, above from left. Ludewijk Andrews, Gerry Krige, Sally Ngene, Meryl Manuel, and Toekie Spies, with members Elna Lawrence and Doris Fornefeld not pictured. At top left, Ludewijk helps unloading donations received from Hunters Hotels to deserving recipients.

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CXPRESS

ON THE SOAPBOX

19 September 2018

Letters to the Editor

If Victor Molosi was still alive, our problems would have been solved

Knysna reader Vuyani Vidgodgo Stuurman posted this pic and sentiments on the CXPRESS Facebook page on September 8: “Yesterday when the heavy rain was falling hard, this is the damage caused in Khayalethu. Public workers of Knysna Municipality left the drains open and the water running down the road into the house, and when we reported this to the Housing department, we were told that they don’t deal with water or damages in the house. We must go to Law Enforcement because they are the ones who will bring a solution to this matter. Law Enforcement told us the only thing they could do was to put sandbags - nothing else, and they have nothing to do with water in the house! This is our local government and they don’t care about people. Yet, when it’s voting time, they go door to door because our votes are important to them. But when it comes to services we struggle. The only thing I can say now is that if Victor Molosi was still alive, our problems would have been solved...”

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

Take control of your life and break the silence about violence The human mind holds on to what it’s used to. We may not always want to admit it, but it happens. Some people turn out to be violent because it’s what they grew up to know. These are often members of families who are violated by their very own loved ones. Those families find it very difficult to walk away from the brutality, because they feel like they have too much to lose. What violators do not realise is that they are influencing our future generations our future leaders, and what does this tell you about the future of our planet? They do not realise that they are brewing hatred in our little ones’ minds. This in turn, typical of the vicious circle it is, will continue to

NO EXCUSE FOR ABUSE: Hlumisa Madolo is a Grade 9 student at Wittedrift High and her piece penned and published here is but one of various tasks required from contenders who are hoping to qualify for the school’s coveted Fish Eagle Awards

spread evil in our communities, especially among the young and the vulnerable. Wives who are abused by their husbands keep quiet. They are fearful of raising their children alone, but often they do not realise they are doing more harm to their kids than if they were to break the silence. In my opinion, the best choice one can make is to break the chain of abuse, to speak out. No matter how strong you’re trying to be, there is a better life than for you to constantly be belittled, verbally broken down, and physically hurt. Save our people by breaking the silence. You cannot change your past, but you’re in control of your future. Stop the violence! Hlumisa Madolo, Plett

Go green because it is our planet’s only chance Over the years we have seen the impact of plastic pollution becoming more and more extreme. The question is: Why don’t we ever stop? Stop littering and carelessly dumping wrappers and lollipop sticks everywhere except for the bin. Why don’t we take three seconds of our time to pick up a bottle cap we just happened to step on, and throw it away? Well, maybe it’s because we just don’t care. But not caring does not help anyone anymore. In fact, it’s a pity that the selfish attitude of the majority has an effect on the entire human race. It is also due to our way of living, with about 6.3-billion kg of plastic landing up in our oceans each year. That’s about 680,000kg per hour, and to each hour we owe the loss of marine life and destruction of vegetation. Not only does plastic pollution have an effect on the environment, it is also rather harmful to us as humans. As plastic finds its way into our main water sources, toxins and hazardous chemicals leak into the water. These chemicals land up in our bloodstream and bodily tissue, which can be linked with causes of cancer, hormonal imbalance, impaired immunity and other potentially terminal, but preventable ailments. Not only is plastic pol-

lution harmful but also displeasing to the eye, resulting in some countries losing millions each year in tourism revenue, and much more on attempts to clean up the mess. Sadly, what’s done cannot be undone. Now all that remains is to fix what can be fixed and prevent past mistakes from repetition in the near and distant future. We can start by reducing through reusing, such as purchasing a metallic bottle to be filled and refilled, making it useable several times over. A standard bottle for water will most likely be used once, never to be seen again - unless when floating in the ocean, which definitely does not benefit the planet. How about shopping for local organically-produced groceries? Not only does it support local entrepreneurs but the products do not require plastic packaging for preservation, and the freshness is beneficial to your health. Oh, and let’s not forget my all-time favourite: the shopping bag made of 100% recycled materials. Not only does it contribute to looking after the environment, but it also favours your pocket, saving you money in the long run. Finally, you were most probably told this as a child: “You’ve got to make the most of what you have.”

Unfortunately, the world today is no more than our rubbish dump. But this too could be converted into something good. Perhaps you could regularly stuff plastic wrappers into 2-litre soda bottles, turning two common polluters into useful eco-bricks. These can be used to build houses for the less-privileged in our community. With today’s technology there are endless DIY projects that could recycle your old plastic containers into some of the most useful things imaginable. It’s not only eco-friendly but fun. Even the small things matter and make a difference. As individuals you and I might not be able to change the entire world, but if you take just 20 minutes of your time to educate the youth about plastic pollution, allowing tomorrow’s citizens and leaders to make informed decisions. Get those around you involved in what will hopefully become a green evolution. This is our planet, and we only have one. Abigail Mwangi, Knysna (Abigail is a Grade 7 student at Knysna Primary and wrote this letter as part of a group task for Life Orientation, which included a beach clean-up on Thursday August 30. Also see the report on the scourge of single wrappers on page 7. - Eds.)

Wear a doek with a difference! Pink Trees for Pauline (PTFP) launched a new campaign, #doekwithadifference, in association with CANSA last month. Our slogan is ‘Wrapped in colour, united in hope’ and we aim to raise funds to care for and support cancer patients and those affected by cancer. Doeks (head wraps or

scarfs) are available in pink and green and sold at R70 each. We’re hoping to turn heads and raise awareness of the challenges facing many people fighting cancer, and their right to access cancer treatment. Individuals and companies can show their support by buying pink fabric at R25

per metre and wrapping trees. Doeks and fabric are available at local CANSA Care Centres, so please support our cause. Adri Jansen van Nieuwenhuizen, GraaffReinet (Email adri@pinktrees. co.za for further information. - Eds.)

ON THE SOAPBOX

19 September 2018

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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

Remembering Biko and Coco as we mourn a future president’s death This year is the 41st anniversary of Steve Biko’s death and a new book about him is coming out. As it happens, I was party to part of the drama surrounding that tragedy. At the time I was involved in an upliftment programme in Soweto and came into contact with a young black American named Richard Rowntree. We became friendly and used to go out to lunch and dinner. He came to the farm often and we discussed the future of the country. One day we were having lunch in an Italian restaurant in Pretoria when he was called to the phone; he came back livid. He took me back to the American consulate

and shouted at me that we had just killed the future president of South Africa: Steve Biko. Like most of the white population at the time, I had no idea who the hell Steve Biko was or how the Americans had decided who the future president of South Africa was going to be. After huge pandemonium in the consulate and some more abuse, I drove back to the farm. Upon arrival, I was surprised to see a black car parked in the drive with two very large gentlemen standing beside it. Now, when two large gentlemen request you to step inside the car and go back to the Wachthuis in Pretoria, what do you

do? You go. There I was interrogated by General Coetzee, commonly known as ‘Coco’. It went like this: “I believe that you were in the US consulate. Describe what happened what was the reaction to Biko’s death? “And by the way, do you know who your friend is that you had lunch with? He is the head of the CIA.” The thing that shook me was how the Americans had decided who was going to be the future president of our country. It was like Russia deciding that Martin Luther King was going to be the president of the US. The difference was that everyone knew Luther King but hardly anyone

in South Africa outside of a small circle knew Steve Biko. I subsequently had many meetings with General Coetzee and found him to be a highly intelligent man with three major degrees behind his name. He predicted the future of South Africa over the next few years with complete accuracy, which led me to opening the Hertford Hotel to the banned ANC, who worked from outside the country to plan the future of South Africa. But that’s another story entirely… Did we lose a good future president in Steve Biko? Absolutely! His death was an act of utterly stupid brutality. Paul Deans, Plett

Can Plett truly be called a fireworks-free town? Be your own firework! What a novel idea to see in the next new year with a fun, out-of-the-box and environmentally-conscious glow-in-the-dark celebration to replace the traumainducing experience normally associated with these types of festivities? ‘Dog impaled on fence due to fireworks’, ‘Dogs die trying to escape New Year’s fireworks’… The year was ushered in with these disturbing headlines from across the country that included numerous reports detailing the horrific tales of animals trying to flee the very explosions staged to entertain some of us. These tragic stories by no means reveal anything new. New Year’s Eve celebrations alone result in the deaths and injuries of scores of companion and wild animals across the country - in many instances as a consequence of the illegal discharge of fireworks at unsanctioned events. A quick Google search will reveal that Plett prides itself on its conservation initiatives aimed at protecting its natural beauty and boundless diversity. As a community we advertise our town as “fireworks-free” with the municipality annually circulating notices reminding the public that fireworks and sky lanterns are banned in Bitou. And yet, come every New Year’s Eve, these colourful explosions are set off not only in close prox-

imity to residential areas but on a bird-breeding beach; calling into question, from a conservation standpoint, the legality of even the sanctioned events occurring in the vicinity of a nesting IUCN Red List species. Chapter 5, Section 61 (2) of Bitou Municipality’s Fire and Community Safety Bylaw states: “Any person who wishes to present a fireworks display must apply to the Chief Fire Officer for authorisation by completing and submitting an application in the form and manner determined by the municipality together with the prescribed fee and a sketch plan of the proposed venue for the fireworks display, including the demarcated area for the discharge and fallout of the fireworks.” This reiterated by The Explosives Act (No. 26 of 1956) where permission for public fireworks displays must be granted by the Chief Inspector of Explosives. At present, this procedure is not always being followed thus resulting in “official events” not being legally sanctioned. It is illegal to “terrify any animal” under the Animals Protection Act (No. 71 of 1962) and numerous studies have shown that fireworks do just that. A wider hearing range of animals means that even though fireworks are loud but bearable to us humans, they are five times louder to

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animals like cats and dogs and can cause irreversible ear damage and deafness. Poisoning from discarded fireworks casings, runaway wildfires and entanglement in the remnants of the explosives pose additional risks to wildlife. According to our own BirdLife Plett, studies indicate that “the noise from fireworks cause birds to vacate their night-time roosts in panic, often colliding with buildings and structures, subsequently resulting in serious injury or death”. In a letter to captain Johan Ehlers of the Mossel Bay Explosives Unit; Suzarne van Jaarsveld of the We Support a Fireworksfree SA campaign, writes that the “wanton disregard” of a municipal bylaw is unacceptable, while the “suffering of animals continues unabated”. The campaign is now assisting the Plett community and NGOs in the launching of a formal petition “to bring an end to the discharge of fireworks on beaches and within residential areas”. To date backing has been received from various organisations, including support groups and NGOs, in the form of a petition (both written and online) that has gathered 17,000 signatures against the further discharge of fireworks and fireworks displays in Plett and surrounds. The National Council of SPCAs strongly oppose fireworks of any

kind and have been lobbying for years for a total ban on the displays. Plett’s own animal welfare, PAWS, has worked tirelessly year after year to educate the public about the negative impacts of these demonstrations and prevent the trauma experienced by so many animals. Di Butlin (PAWS) says: “The Fire Department and SAPS already have their resources stretched to capacity during the festive season; add to this the increased guarding against fires and attending to emergencies with injuries to both humans and animals caused by the discharge of fireworks.” So come December 31, why not be your own firework and, armed with glow-in-the-dark body paint, celebrate the dawn of a new year under the floating canopy of glowin-the-dark bubbles. If a kaleidoscope of colours across the night sky is a must, why not the more cost-effective laser lightshow? Ensure a celebration free from the excessive trauma associated with fireworks so Plett can truly be declared a fireworks-free town. Nature’s Valley Trust opposes the use of fireworks under any circumstances as per the Fireworks-free SA campaign, as do BirdLife Plett, Bitou Fire Department, CapeNature, NSRI Station 14, PAWS, and Plett Environmental Forum. Sally Sivewright, Plett

Enter now to win a night at Sky Villa The Different-Abled Awareness Campaign competition runs ‘till end September. Grand prize is a night’s stay for two at Sky Villa Boutique Hotel with dinner and breakfast included. Just answer the question: ‘What does being differently-abled mean to you?’ then email your answer, name, and town of origin to winwithskyvilla@gmail.com to enter.

Read CXPRESS online at www.cxpress.co.za

The only pharmacy in Main Street

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CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

19 September 2018

Continent’s top senior golfers gear up for action at Plett Country Club HE Sunshine Senior Tour recently announced that the SA Senior Open - South Africa’s most prestigious senior golfing event - will take place at Plettenberg Bay Country Club, from October 2-5. Having previously hosted the event during April last year, the change of date was made to align with the school holidays, when large numbers of families make their way down to Plett.

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Locals and holidaymakers will be in for a treat as the golfing action will be open to all spectators for free, allowing nostalgic golfing fans and aspirational youngsters the chance to witness some first-class golf at close quarters. The SA Senior Open brings together the best senior professionals (over 50s) from across Africa and further afield, and includes an exceptional roll call of

former champions such as John Bland and Hugh Baiocchi - and they’re all dead-set on dethroning 2017 Senior Open champion Mark McNulty. For the first time, the event will incorporate a special pre-event feature on Sunday September 30: the Annual Mayoral Golf Day, celebrating the partnership between the Senior Tour and Bitou Municipality. Proceeds from this day will

go towards the creation of a Golfing Academy targeting talented youngsters from surrounding communities. Plett Country Club is situated in a private nature reserve, and proceeds will aptly be donated to the Environmental Wildlife Trust to support the endangered Humpback dolphin. A field of 60 senior professional golfers will be led by defending champ McNulty, who recorded a wire to wire victory in 2017. This may be a last chance for many golfers hoping to win the event, as the likes of Ernie Els and Retief Goosen turn 50 in 2019, and if they participate, will surely be favourites in years to come. On aiming to defend his title next month, McNulty said: “At last year’s SA Senior Open, I was blessed with having all aspects of my game working extremely well. “Winning the event was a thrill and I look forward to returning to Plett County Club to defend my title. It will be great to see some old friends and meet some of our newer pros on tour.” • The newly-branded Sunshine Senior Tour has resulted from a partnership between the SA Senior Tour and the Sunshine Tour, under a licence

DEFENDING HIS THRONE: See 2017 Senior Open champion Mark McNulty in action at the SA Senior Open in Plett during the first weekend in October

agreement for professional members aged 50 and older in South Africa. The tour structure aims to provide a competitive tournament schedule to accommodate the membership and grow senior professional golf in SA. In 2017, a partnership was formed with the Endangered

Wildlife Trust in which a percentage of the total prize fund is donated to support a specific endangered animal in the region a tournament is held, in this case the Humpback dolphin. Visit www.seniortour. co.za and click on 2018 SA Senior Open for additional information.

Rugby dream comes true for Wittedrift 7s star For as long as he can remember, Junaid ‘Ghana’ Damons has been dreaming of wearing the SWD colours one day. Now this rugby dream has realised, since Junaid was recently selected as part of the U/13 Provincial 7s Rugby team due to participate in the national tournament in Bloemfontein on September 28 and 29. This is a very special achievement for this hardworking youngster, and his parents would like to thank Wittedrift High School for teaching him the foundations of rugby, and also his coaches and friends for investing their time and energy into him. Junaid earned his spot in the team through hard work and dedication, but this boy does not only stand out on the rugby field. An academic achiever of note, he has won the trophy for top student every year since Grade 1. He says his role model is the sensational Lions winger Aphiwe Dyantyi - and who knows, maybe this Grade 7 Wittedrift rugby star will follow in his hero’s footsteps in the not too distant future…

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