1 August 2018

1 August 2018

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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Photo: Camille Haupt

Women take a stand Local organisers of the Total Shutdown campaign display some of the posters manufactured in preparation of a march protesting gender-based violence and femicide in SA. Women from all over the Garden Route are joining this morning’s event in George in solidarity with marchers from all nine provinces and elsewhere in southern Africa, in support of a memorandum of demands to national government. See page 3 for more information.

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1 August 2018

NEWS & VIEWS

Spirit of Madiba inspires the people of Plett to walk in unity 3.3-kilometre Walk in Unity, in honour of Nelson Mandela and the ideals that he embodied, was held in Plettenberg Bay on Saturday July 28.

The walk began in the lee of the new Magistrates Court in New Horizons, alongside the N2 highway. After a few hundred metres, the walkers turned into Qolweni and thereafter through the industrial area before crossing the N2 onto Marine Way - the principal thoroughfare into Plett’s CBD.

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A handful of people began the walk but many joined in along the way. As the walkers approached the centre of town and the end of the walk, their number had grown considerably and they began chanting “four o’clock Mandela is coming out” - a reference to the time of day at which Nelson Mandela ended his long incarceration, when he exited the gates of Victor Verster Prison in Paarl on Sunday February 11, 1990.

Saturday’s weather was perfect; it was FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MADIBA: Prior to the start of the Walk in Unity, the banner that led the walk was unfurled, at left; Qolweni was one of the first neighbourhoods through which the Walk in Unity traversed, in honour of Nelson Mandela, on Saturday in Plett, and the walkers, at left, were joined by many others as the procession made its way to the town’s Main Street

Differently-Abled Awareness Campaign EADERS have more than a month left to enter the competition attached to Plett’s Differently-Abled Awareness Campaign - the grand prize being a night’s stay for two at Sky Villa Boutique Hotel with dinner and breakfast included - by answering the question: ‘What does being differently-abled mean to you?’ Email your answer, name, and town of origin to winwithskyvilla@gmail.com to enter.

This week, we feature Ashleigh Butterworth’s take on being differently-abled. She says: “Instead of further highlighting our differences in society, I’ve put together a ‘how-to-guide to being more human’. Each of these steps will help you better understand the term ‘differently abled’ and hopefully create a sense of community and inclusion.

• Don’t take for granted everyday things that often seem menial to you; • Do treat ALL people with kindness, no matter their circumstance; • Don’t think about your differences, but rather what you have in common with others; • Do listen - lend your ear to someone in need; • Don’t be prejudiced, but rather live life with your eyes wide open; • Do teach your children from a young age to treat everyone as equals; • Let those who are differently-abled express how they feel, and always be compassionate.

Now it’s your turn to add to the list and take further steps to make people who may seem different to you feel totally equal.”

Thanks for sharing these insights, Ashleigh. Aspects of the campaign that align to the above pointers were discussed during a meeting last week with Plett’s DifferentlyAbled Awareness champion Rita Hardaker, when we were privileged to meet Patricia ‘Bonnie’ Yantol and hear her ideas about extending the campaign to Knysna.

Watch this space for Bonnie’s story...

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a clear, calm and crisp winter’s day with streamers of cirrus cloud overhead as the walkers swung into Main Street, the midday sun riding high in the sky like a golden orb.

The end of the walk gave way to the day’s formal proceedings, comprising prayers and speeches alluding to the dignity and humanity that Nelson Mandela espoused.

A succession of speakers included deputy mayor Sandiso Gcabayi, Plett SAPS station commander colonel Nolan Michaels, Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association chair Bruce Richardson, and Southern Cape Correctional Services area commissioner Ndileka Patience Booi.

“Madiba, you are not gone, your spirit still lives with us,” said Gcabayi. Michaels emphasised the need for respect between people, “even if that person is of a different back-

Words & photos: Timothy Twidle

ground to one’s own and speaks a different language and has different customs. Mutual respect is all important in our country.”

Richardson spoke of how he and his spouse had seen images and the sayings of Nelson Mandela revered in a small town in Italy during the course of a recent holiday, and how proud it had made them both feel.

He closed by saying: “We miss your wisdom Madiba but we will complete the work that you began.”

The reverend Sandile Mila, a chaplain in the Southern Cape’s department of Correctional Services, officiated during the formal proceedings. The opening prayer was given by reverend Dr Lwandle Kuwane of Bitou’s United Methodist Church, and pastor Sam Fortuin of New Horizons gave the closing prayer. (Turn to page 9 for more images).

NEWS & VIEWS

1 August 2018

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Firearm owners beware: recent trend reveals you’re targeted by robbers with inside information While general crime levels in Plett have been low in recent weeks, a worrying trend has reared its head - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports HE Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) has warned residents to be very careful when safeguarding their firearms after six weapons had been stolen from homes in Bitou over the past two weeks.

PBCPA chairman Bruce Richardson said during one incident in Keurbooms, three firearms had been stolen.

“It appears that the premises with firearms had been specifically targeted with access gained through the roof.”

He added that very heavy items had been removed during the burglary - including a safe, as well as an entire fridge with contents.

During an incident in Rugby Drive, another three firearms were stolen. Two of these firearms have subsequently been recovered.

“It appears that we have a new group in our area as crimes of this nature are not typical of Bitou and some aspects have not pre-

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viously been experienced in our area.”

Richardson said it was clear that a vehicle or vehicles had been involved in these crimes. “One cannot carry by hand heavy items such as some of those stolen. This means that we all need to be on the lookout for strange vehicles roaming our areas.”

He added that in six incidents over the past six weeks, including the incidents involving the stolen firearms, access had been gained through the roofs of the affected homes.

“As discussed with one of the security companies who are members of the PBCPA, there is a reason for accessing by this means.

“In a significant number of houses, for the sake of a neat installation, the control box of the alarm system is placed close to the ceiling with a hole into the ceiling through which the power feed to the alarm and the cable aerial connecting the alarm to the security company control

room, are passed.

“The criminals break in by lifting tiles on the roof.

They then locate the aerial for the alarm system and from there cut a hole in the ceiling above the alarm control box and disable both the aerial and the alarm before entering the house.

“It is strongly recommended that residents check their alarm installations and if the aerial is in the roof, make the necessary changes,” he advised.

Richardson further said the criminals involved in the firearm thefts clearly specifically targeted the houses with firearms, “so they must be acting on intelligence gained from a third party source”.

“This can only be from firearms records or intelligence gained from within the residence. One incident suggests the latter as, owing to construction work taking place within the home of a licensed owner of firearms, he took great care to conceal the relocation of the firearms in question to his

Women hit the streets to curb violence UGUST 1 marks the day that SA women rise up against gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide. #TheTotalShutdown is a civil society movement of women and gender nonconforming (GNC) people from all over SA, Lesotho, and Botswana who will march in protest of GBV. The Garden Route march, in solidarity with women countrywide supporting the handover of a memo-

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randum of demands to the state, takes place in George at 10am from the corner of Market and Cradock streets (phone 060 715 3607 for details).

SA women and children are being raped and murdered at an alarming rate; a woman is killed every four hours, according to Africa Check. Statistics SA reports that at least 41% of reported rape cases involve children.

This is a national crisis af-

fecting victims regardless of race, class, or creed.

Police stations have generally been ineffective in dealing with the scourge of GBV at local levels, in some cases even siding with the perpetrators. The memorandum will be handed over to various centres of power that can suspend the stagnant ineffectiveness of institutions that ought to protect women, children, and GNC people. - Candice Ludick

neighbour’s strong room.

“The criminals had obviously been made aware of the relocation of the firearms as they proceeded to target

the neighbour’s house.”

He concluded that residents needed to be very careful about those working or living within their homes

or premises obtaining sensitive information regarding the location of firearms and other valuables.

Garden Route Media

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NEWS & VIEWS

1 August 2018

Nowhere to hide for drunk drivers after provincial relaunch of EBAT AST week, a new Mobile Alcohol Evidentiary Breath Alcohol Testing (EBAT) vehicle was launched by the City of Cape Town Traffic Service with the assistance of the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works (DTPW).

The new EBAT vehicle will be the second unit of its type deployed in South Africa, joining a unit currently deployed by Provincial Traffic Services in the Caledon district.

EBAT vehicles are specially converted panel vans equipped to enable officers to take evidentiary breath samples from motorists anywhere, any time. Positive samples can be used in court to convict motorists driving under the influence, removing the need for a blood test. The vehicles are deployed in support of roadblocks and Random Breath Testing (RBT) operations.

DTPW provided training to operators of two Dräger 9510 ZA Evidentiary Breath Alcohol Testing machines, and the technical support and advice necessary to equip and deploy the new vehicle.

DTPW was able to draw on its close co-operation with the Western Cape Director for Public Prosecutions (DPP) in a process that has seen the re-introduction of evidentiary breath alcohol testing in the province.

The EBAT system differs from blood tests in that the results are immediate. Motorists whose alcohol level is below the legal limit can be released immediately after receiving the results while with blood tests the motorist can be detained over-

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night or until the end of the weekend and can spend months facing legal uncertainty.

Cases of motorists who fail the EBAT test can be dealt with quickly, using the results of this test.

All prescripts have been met and provincial officials are now ready to use the mobile evidentiary breath alcohol testing for illegal levels of alcohol in drivers across the Western Cape.

“The vehicles are a force multiplier in the struggle to remove drunk drivers from the Province’s roads.

They severely curtail the amount of wriggle room motorists who drink and drive have to try and avoid the consequences of their actions,” said Jacqui Gooch, DTPW Head of Department.

Alcohol-induced road carnage Between 14,000* and 17,000** people are killed on South African roads each year, of which close to 3,000 are children. Research by the Medical Research Council indicates that nearly 50% of the drivers killed on our roads are under the influence of alcohol.

Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol (DUIs) cause many thousands of serious injuries, including to children, who are extremely vulnerable on the roads.

These drivers damage public infrastructure (like street signs, traffic lights, barriers, etc.) which must be repaired, costing ratepayers and taxpayers many millions of rands each year.

This directs money away from service delivery. People who choose to drink and drive also tie up ambulances, emergen-

cy rooms, intensive care units, and hospital beds, as well as police, who must be diverted from fighting other crimes.

For this reason, South African law enforcement authorities introduced EBAT, and therefore it is critical that all South Africans do whatever they can to combat the scourge of drinking and driving.

About Evidentiary Breath Alcohol Testing EBAT uses a machine which can read how much alcohol is in a person’s breath. It is called “evidentiary” as the reading can be produced as evidence to prosecute individuals accused of drinking and driving.

This machine, the people who operate it, and the location it operates in, must all pass a very specific and demanding set of tests in order to be used to prosecute suspects.

The great advantage that EBAT has over other means of testing alcohol is that the results are known immediately.

This means that if the person has been wrongly suspected by authorities, they will be cleared immediately, and can be released straight away.

With a blood test only, the result will not be known for some time and thus an individual may be detained, often overnight or the course of a weekend, and thereafter face a long period of uncertainty while waiting for blood test results.

On the other hand, if the person is found to be over the legal limit by an evidentiary breathalyser, then the case can be dealt with swiftly and efficiently.

Before 2011, EBAT was used all over South Africa. It has also been used

successfully around the world as a tool to tackle drinking and driving.

The device most commonly used in South Africa was a brand known as “Dräger”.

“The use of evidentiary breath alcohol testing was halted for a while by the National Prosecuting Authority following a challenge on the constitutionality of evidentiary breath alcohol testing,” said advocate Kyle Reinecke, deputy directorgeneral for Transport Management at DTPW. A court case (The State vs Hendrickse) ensued and the plaintiff was found not guilty for drunk driving.

“Shortcomings with the equipment training of staff and testing procedures identified during this case have subsequently been addressed and we are confident that the results obtained through the EBAT equipment can successfully be used in a court of law,” he said.

When tested, two breath samples are taken. If the lower of the two test results is not less than 0.24mg of alcohol per 1,000ml of breath, the driver will be charged.

If you know of someone who drinks and drives please encourage them to stop this behaviour, before it results in a criminal conviction - or worse, the death or injury to themselves or another person.

Visit safelyhome.westerncape.gov.za or search on the hashtag #BoozeFreeRoads for additional information. * Statistics according to the Road Traffic Management Corporation. ** Statistics according to the Medical Research Council.

ADVERTORIAL

Pizza Hut celebrates another milestone: opening in George!

N September 2014, just under four years ago, Pizza Hut - a division of Yum! Brands Inc. and the worlds’ largest pizza restaurant company - entered the African market by opening its first store in South Africa.

To date, it has just over 190 stores successfully operating throughout the African continent.

In recognition of opening the latest store in George, the Pizza Hut team is offering the first 100 customers to visit this store a free small chocolate pizza to celebrate the start of the Pizza Hut brand in the Southern Cape capital.

Marathon Restaurant

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Group CEO Tony Ozanne, who is based in the Western Cape, said: “We are very excited to bring Pizza Hut to George.

“We are the most-loved and fastest-growing restaurant company in the world and look forward to continuing to share our high-quality, affordable pizzas, made by our passionate team members with consumers throughout the Western Cape.

“We are fast becoming South Africa and Africa’s pizza brand of choice!”

Pizza Hut has more than 16,000 restaurants worldwide and is the only pizza restaurant company to have locations in over 110 countries.

“Pizza Hut fans living in George have been waiting with great anticipation for Pizza Hut to open. It is an exciting opportunity to bring this world-renowned brand to George consumers.

“The unique deep-pan base, fresh ingredients, and abundance of pizza toppings combine to ensure that Pizza Hut will be successful in this market,” says John Swanepoel, operations manager at Marathon Restaurant Group.

The new Pizza Hut in York Boulevard features modern designs and team members are working hard to make it easier for consumers to access their great tasting pizza by accelerat-

ing Pizza Hut’s development across online ordering, delivery and carry out.

• Pizza Hut delivers more pizza, pasta, and wings than any other restaurant in the world. The company began 58 years ago in Wichita, Kansas, when two brothers borrowed $600 from their mom to start a pizzeria.

What started out small has become the biggest pizza company on the planet, serving innovative pizzas and traditional favourites like the signature Pan Pizza, and much more.

See the advert on page 5, visit www.pizzahut. co.za, and find Pizza Hut on Facebook and Twitter for more information.

NEWS & VIEWS

1 August 2018

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Magnanimous resident donates armoured rapid response ride to Plett’s crime fighters Words & photos: Timothy Twidle

HE people of Plettenberg Bay expressed delight and joy when an armoured rapid response vehicle was officially handed over to those responsible for the safety and security of the town’s citizens, properties, businesses, and other organisations.

The vehicle - a Volkswagen four-wheel drive Caravelle, fitted with bulletproof glass and other safety features - cost R1.4million and is the kind gift of an anonymous donor who resides in the town.

At an informal ceremony held on the afternoon of Wednesday July 25 at LM in Plett in Main Street, the deputy mayor of Bitou Municipality along with councillors, members of the Plett police, Bitou Public Safety and related municipal organisations, Plett Security and other security companies, the Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA), and the public gathered to express their heartfelt gratitude and witness the presentation of the vehicle’s keys.

PBCPA chairman Bruce

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BLACK BEAUTY: Plett’s brand new four-wheel drive armoured rapid response vehicle

KEYS TO SAFETY: Luiz da Fonseca of LM in Plett, left, presented the keys of the vehicle on behalf of the anonymous donor, to Otto Olivier of the PBCPA

Richardson addressed those present and related how the organisation, in cooperation with the SAPS, various municipal bodies, security companies and others, had gradually developed an ever-closer work-

ing relationship that had become increasingly effective at containing and preventing criminal activity. “In order to fight crime, one has to remain ahead of the game,� said Richardson. “A year ago the PBC-

OPENING SOON!

PA obtained its own mobile operations centre, courtesy of the generosity of two security companies, Beacon Isle KwikSpar, and BUCO. “Recent unrest in Plettenberg Bay showed the need for a rapid response vehicle, and now having such a vehicle will take our crime monitoring, control and prevention abilities to a whole new level,� said Richardson.

Up until now, members of the PBCPA have been using their own private vehicles when responding to emergencies, at considerable cost to themselves. “This magnificent gift of an armoured vehicle by an amazing Plett resident has given us the capabilities to respond whenever our assistance is needed, and for that we will never be able to thank this person enough.

Everyone’s gratitude cannot be put into words - we salute you!�

The words of Bruce Richardson were echoed in a short speech given by deputy mayor Sandiso Gcabayi. “We want to say a big thank you for this vehicle,� said Gcabayi. “With unity, good safety and security, we can make Plett the safest holiday destination in SA.�

ANTI-CRIME CREW: Pictured from left are Bruce Richardson, Sandiso Gcabayi, and captain Jacques de Bruyn of Plett SAPS

STRENGTH IN UNITY: In attendance were PBCPA members, at back from left, Wesley Andrew, Logan Harris and Otto Olivier, with Arthur Kayster, Waldo Olivier, Andile Sakati (senior manager of Bitou’s Public Safety), deputy mayor Sandiso Gcabayi, and Sally Turner in front

HAPPY HANDOVER: At the handing over ceremony, Otto Olivier of the Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association is flanked

by Bitou councillors Annelise Olivier, left, and Nomphumelelo S Ndayi

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Trading Hours for August and September

Design & Layout Š Leon A Meyer

Monday: Closed | Tue - Sat: Dinner only (4pm-9pm) | Sun: Lunch and Dinner

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NEWS & VIEWS

1 August 2018

ADVERTORIAL

These able Plett auto experts are community-minded, too

LONG AND LOYAL LINE OF DUTY: Several of the AuTech staff have been in service since the company’s establishment in Plett seven years ago, while the team also comprises three apprentices currently learning tricks of the motor trade - from left are Nina Harris, Anele Nonkonyana, Nthabasane Jara, Jason Jansen, Tamzon Pile, Robbie Pile, Dolf Niemand, Wyane van der Merwe, David Mazula, and Dean Smyth

UTECH Motors this July celebrated seven years of operating in Plett.

The business has grown considerably from humble beginnings with a single lift, now boasting four lifts and a staff total of 10.

Its much larger premises in Plett’s Industrial Area afford ample workspace to accommodate an evergrowing customer base.

Dean and Robbie both completed their trades in Randburg, Gauteng, where they continued to work for a number of years, either running their own successful businesses or learning further afield in the motor dealerships of Audi and VW - and each now have over 25 years’ experience in the trade.

Robbie is a specialist on Audi and VW brands and Dean exploits his expertise and knowledge of various other marques, including BMW, Mercedes Benz, Ford, Toyota, Kia, and Hyundai, their collective scope of experience covering post-2000 vehicle models.

Robbie and Dean have worked tirelessly to create a work ethic and environment to be proud of - a fact illustrated when AuTech Motors received its RMI (Retail Motor Industry) five-star grading.

This is a huge achievement

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QUARTER CENTURY IN CAR TRADE: Both Robbie Pile, left, and Dean Smyth boast over 25 years in the field of mending automobiles in need of TLC

within the private motor vehicle workshop sector, carrying stringent compliances with regard to warranties offered, qualified mechanics, cleanliness, availability of specialised tooling and equipment, and continuous quality control inspections by members of the RMI and MIWA (Motor Industry Workshop Association).

“Being RMI accredited means any servicing or repairs needed for vehicles with extended warranties such as Motorite, Innovation, or Hollard can be booked in through our workshop,” explains Dean.

“We are also affiliated with the Motor Industry Ombudsman, ensuring our clientele’s peace of mind in case of any disputes.”

Due to a general skills shortage in the trade, and especially in a small community, AuTech Motors currently

has three apprentices registered on the MERSETA programme, which means they are in the process of completing their trade level tests in Motor Mechanics.

“Being mindful of giving back to the community, we assist with the upkeep of Hospice Plett’s vehicles as well as contributions to PAWS fundraising efforts,” says Robbie.

“We sincerely thank all our devoted customers for their ongoing support over the years, and look forward to meeting all of the new faces! Thank you to our loyal staff, some of whom have been with us since the beginning. You are an integral part of our growth and success.”

For appointments call AuTech Motors on 044 533 2165 or 044 533 0789 and see the advert on page 12 for additional information.

PROMOTION

1 August 2018

CXPRESS

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INTERVAL

1 August 2018

The greedy lawyer stingy old lawyer who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness was determined to prove wrong the saying ‘You can’t take it with you’.

After much thought and consideration, the old ambulance-chaser finally figured out how to take at least some of his money with him when he died.

He instructed his wife to go to the bank and withdraw enough money to fill two pillow cases. He then directed her to take

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the bags of money to the attic and leave them directly above his bed.

His plan was that when he passed away, he would reach out and grab the bags on his way to heaven.

Several weeks after the funeral, the deceased lawyer’s wife had gone up in the attic to clean. Coming upon the two forgotten pillow cases stuffed with cash she exclaimed: “Oh, that darned old fool. He should have had me put the money in the basement.”

Three men on a bench HREE men were sitting on a park bench.

The one in the middle was reading a newspaper.

The others were pretending to fish.

They baited imaginary hooks, cast lines, and reeled in their catch.

A passing policeman stopped to watch the

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spectacle and asked the man in the middle if he knew the other two.

“Oh yes,” he said.

“They’re my friends.”

“In that case,” warned the officer, “you’d better get them out of here!”

“Yes, sir,” the man replied, as he began rowing furiously.

Financial planning... for all to fully understand Time to switch to a clarinet Y father bought my mother a piano for her birthday.

A few weeks later, I asked my dad how my mom was progressing on the piano.

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AN was a single guy living at home with his father and working in the family business.

When he found out he was going to inherit a fortune when his sickly father died, Dan decided he needed to find a wife with whom to share his fortune.

One evening, at an investment meeting, he spotted the most beautiful woman he had ever

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seen. Her natural beauty took his breath away.

“I may look like just an ordinary guy,” Dan said to her, “but in just a few years, my father will die and I will inherit 20 million.

Impressed, the woman asked for his business card, and three days later she became his stepmother.

Women are so much better at financial planning than men...

I can’t afford a holiday. So, I’m just going to drink until I don’t know where I am.

“Oh,” said my dad, “I persuaded her to switch to a clarinet.”

“How come?” I asked.

“Well,” he answered, “because with a clarinet she can’t sing.”

SOCIAL SCENE

1 August 2018

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People, places & events B10F HOSTS INCLUSIVE EDU TRAINING: The Bitou 10 Foundation along with Inclusive Education South Africa (IESA) hosted a two-day training workshop for the local Early Childhood Development sector on July 18 and 19. Those in attendance enjoyed interactive and practical sessions during which IESA facilitator Kim Andreoli - pointed out at centre of the group of trainees pictured above - dealt with the real challenges that practitioners face on a daily basis. - Photo: Sooneela Naina

NEWSPAPER AND NATURE’S PICS TOPS: Derek Rushton of the Plett PhotoFUNatics said their July meeting went off without a hitch, although numbers were down because of members being away on holiday. “Last month’s focus on ‘Paper’ really pushed the envelope as far as themes were concerned, but once we looked around, we found plenty of interesting items to capture. We also have an ‘Open’ section every month and an entry in the senior category took the honours this time,” explains Derek. Congratulations to senior photographer Geoff McIlleron for the best Open shot, and to David Lewarne for clinching top spot among the juniors. Says Geoff about his magnificent bayscape above: “On July 1, a friend and I trekked up the hill through forest by torch-light to get to the viewpoint above Nature’s Valley in time to capture the spectacular sunrise colours that appeared well before the sun rose above the mountains. The view was photographed using a tripod with the camera triggered at five different angles to encompass the full sweep of the scene. The five separate images were later stitched together in Photoshop to provide the final panorama.” David’s background on his ‘Paper’ theme winner, below, is thus: “Although I initially came up with elaborate ideas, I finally settled for a simplistic photo taken at Poortjies, of my friend relaxing in a small beached tender, enjoying the sunshine and reading the newspaper.” Next up is an Open challenge and the PhotoFUNatics meet again on August 8 - call Derek on 082 891 2037 for details.

PAINT IT BRIGHT: Sponsors, volunteers and beneficiaries, some of whom are pictured above, joined hands to make nine Knysna houses much more liveable for senior residents as part of international Nelson Mandela Day activities. The initiative was launched by the Knysna Older Persons Forum (KOPF) in partnership with Vermont Old Age Home, Knysna police, the municipality and department of Social Development, Knysna Alcohol and Drug Centre, Red Cross Knysna, representatives of the Community Work Programme, Knysna Community Police Forum, and a number of local businesses. KOPF aims to promote physical and emotional health and create social interaction to enhance the overall well-being of senior citizens. This forum is representative of senior citizen groups in Karatara, Khayalethu, White Location, Damsebos, Hornlee, Smutsville, Rheenendal, and Concordia. All the houses identified for a mini make-over belong to senior citizens in these communities. The group cleaned and painted the houses and also delivered blankets and food parcels to the households. KOPF chairperson Ivan Harker thanked everyone who partnered in the initiative and acknowledged businesses and individuals who contributed - in particular Buco Knysna, City Paint, Willem Jantjies, Fanie Kiewiets Bouers, Hugh Lawrence, Alexander Bouers, Micheal Blaauw, Arthur Bondt, Sunrise Mini Stores, Lolla de Vos, Ruth Christians, and Pat Bosch of Umlanga Projects. Buco also provided a full team to paint two houses in Hornlee, and City Paint one team to tackle a house at Joodsekamp. Contact Ivan at harker.ivan91@gmail.com or on 060 895 5475 for more information.

MOTOR SHOW FUNDS FURTHER EXCELLENT LOCAL CAUSES: This year’s Knysna Motor Show, held on April 29 and sponsored by Sanlam Private Wealth, was a phenomenal success. Not only was a high standard of awesome cars and motorcycles on display, with impeccable organisation, but a record crowd of more than 8,000 people attended.

“We are delighted to advise that after accounting for expenses, we were able to donate R116,000 to charity,” says event organiser and Garden Route Motor Club chair Peter Pretorius. The charities that benefited from this generous donation are Knysna and Sedgefield Hospice, Knysna Animal Welfare, the e-Pap feeding scheme for underprivileged children, Famsa, Epilepsy SA, Badisa (a child protection organisation), Change for Change (caring for destitute families) and Knysna Sea Cadets - representatives of whom are picture at right. This donation has come at a time when all these charities are under tremendous funding pressures to meet an ever-growing need for their services. Over the past eight years, the Knysna Motor Show has donated in excess of R500,000 to these charities. “This donation was only possible through the support of our sponsors, all participants who displayed their cars and motorcycles, the motor trade, the public that came from across SA, and the dedication of Garden Route Motor Club members,” says Peter. “We salute all of them with a big thanks, and look forward to building on this success when next year’s Knysna Motor Show is presented on Sunday April 28.”

WE ARE ONE: These pics show some of the fun had during Plett’s Unity Walk on Saturday. Read the full story on page 2.

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1 August 2018

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CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

1 August 2018

Letters to the Editor

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

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CXPRESS

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Millions of Bitou Municipalityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s uncollected service charges a write-off?

I was shocked to see R17-million written off for â&#x20AC;&#x153;indigentâ&#x20AC;? debt during a recent Bitou Special Council meeting.

Bitou provides R36million a year in indigent subsidies for water, electricity, and refuse for registered indigent households. This is funded from an approximately R100-million Equitable Share Grant from central government tax.

So, indigent debt should be minimal and individual amounts should be small. But Bitouâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s council agenda lists thousands of individuals whose â&#x20AC;&#x153;indigentâ&#x20AC;? debt has been written off.

Amounts vary from dozens as small as R0.01 (which one would expect to see), to a whopping R252,380 (name withheld). It appears that this person is a serial indi-

gent, as the figures show a further two debts of R5,195 and R1,032 for him/her. (Or might it be three different persons?)

It is undeniable that it is uneconomical to chase insignificant debts - letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s be generous and say under R10,000. However, amounts like the above, especially when as high as R200,000 or more, require careful scrutiny when amounting to a very significant R17-million.

There are 11 owing more than R100,00; 33 more than R50,000; and 136 over R20,000. Included among these â&#x20AC;&#x153;indigentsâ&#x20AC;? is an amount of R4,698 for someone that sounds very much like one of our esteemed former mayors.

Judging by my own monthly municipal expenses of R2,000 it would take me 125 months or roughly 10 years of non-

payment to run up a R250,000 debt.

I do not believe that poverty and indigence could be the sole, or even main, reason for this situation. Rather, it points to shockingly poor debtor control and management.

Clearly these debts are allowed to run up over a long period to reach such large amounts.

What these figures and the wholesale write-off show very clearly is poor work by the officials in the first place, and secondly that our councillors are not paying sufficient attention to our financial management and are not holding the responsible officials to account for their poor performance.

Did any councillor study these figures carefully before voting for the writeoff ? Did any councillor query even one of the

proposed write-offs and ask for more information?

Did any councillor query who was responsible for allowing the situation to get R17-million out of control? Has any councillor insisted that those responsible be held to account?

Does any councillor monitor the debtors on a monthly or quarterly basis and make the necessary noises to ensure better performance? Are the CFO and municipal manager happy with the performance of their staff ?

Given that there is an under-collection of taxes in South Africa and that funding for municipalities from central government has been and will continue to be cut, this situation is unsustainable and needs urgent attention from Bitouâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s councillors and senior officials. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Aspiring Indigentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, Plett

Apartheid-induced job titles questioned I refer to the article in last weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edition under the heading â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Olivia Pikaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guide to study options when you didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make matricâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; [turn to page 6 of the July 25 edition at www.cxpress.co.za].

At the bottom of the third-last paragraph, it states: â&#x20AC;&#x153;You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to become a teacher, doctor, lawyer, or pursue any of those apartheid-induced job titles to become successful in life.â&#x20AC;?

What? Could you please furnish me with an explanation in order to better understand what exactly an â&#x20AC;&#x153;apartheid-inducedâ&#x20AC;? job title is?

Is she saying that teachers, doctors, and lawyers were jobs created during apartheid? Is she saying that these are raciallyunique job titles, therefore meaning that only one racial group can be a teacher, doctor, or lawyer?

Are there new job titles for these professions since the end of the apartheid era in South Africa? Are these titles redundant in other parts of the world, or has the whole world been pre-apartheid and is now post-apartheid?

What a ridiculous statement! It was a great article until this point.

Why must racial issues always come into it and why would a newspaper print that statement? â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Eager for an Answerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, by email (We have been corresponding extensively with Olivia Pika before and after featuring her article in last weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CXPRESS. The fact that she lives where she works, being truly switched on to challenges faced by her fellow New Horizons residents, puts Olivia in pole position to address an array of issues, with special emphasis on upliftment

through education.

Opting against getting embroiled in a race debate, she took great pains to explain that the norm among so called coloured folk in Plett has historically been a case of parents forcing their children to pursue careers traditionally regarded as the realm of their white, privileged compatriots.

As seen in so many societies around the world, the lure of a fat pay cheque often outweighs any consideration of personal fortes or career preferences that may ensure lasting job satisfaction and thus general wellbeing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My main aim was to inform your readers that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessarily have to become a doctor or lawyer to be somebody. This message is as important for parents as for the youngsters who may despair after having failed matric

- to take note of the fact that you can make a living and love your work as a writer, photographer, or designer,â&#x20AC;? says Olivia. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a marked lack of education in general and awareness in particular about the many tertiary education alternatives on offer, especially among the older generation still stuck in old South African mind-sets. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This issue is what I was hoping to address, not anything racial. I just love seeing youngsters reaching their full potential.â&#x20AC;?

Olivia said she was bowled over by the enormous amount of positive feedback received in response to her article, including correspondence from Bitou Municipality, so hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hoping that the author of this letter feels a little less offended at the thought of something positive resulting from Oliviaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s article. - Eds.)

Big thanks are due after our brilliant Bastille Day bash Le Fournil celebrated Bastille Day on July 14 with our annual fundraising event for the Red Cross Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital Trust and raised the amazing amount of R28,000 - a record!

We thank everyone who attended the event and who donated so generously, in particular Dylan from Hinkleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, The Deli Factory, Patrick and

Chantel from Mac Nut, Vinimark, Johnny from La Vie de Luc, Liezel from Eden Chickens, Colette from Happy Chickens, Mary and Ryan from Uitsig, Rick for his potatoes, Richard from Green Gardens, Di and Andrew from Cairnbrogie, Greg from Red Bridge Ale, and Jeremy from SOCA for their donation toward the food and drinks.

Our thanks also go to Shaun of SJ McMillan Surveys who sponsored the tent, Mavericks Tents for the generous discount, Neil and Jeannine from Plett Handigas, and Dave Mac for entertaining us and keeping us dancing.

Martinet, Leon, and Colette organised our child performers: Owen, Tae, Heinrich, Hannah,

and Elan, you are all very talented. Thank you John Poluta, our auctioneer, as well as Arteriors, French Kisses, Jiwu Express, The Studio, and Kia Rudolph for the generous donations for our auction.

Finally, all our staff at Le Fournil without whom we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be Le Fournil, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;merciâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; from the bottom of our hearts.

Jane and Flo, Plett

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12

CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

1 August 2018

Goose’s golfing angels bolster Hospice and Cansacare funds HE Goose Valley Ladies Section played host to a successful golf day on July 19, well supported by players representing Garden Route towns from Mossel Bay to Port Elizabeth, with 84 participating ladies sporting the Angels in Disguise theme attire.

This annual event uses the opportunity to raise funds for charity and as Hospice Plett is Goose Valley’s chosen charity for 2018, the ladies went all out to drum up support for this deserv-

T

ing organisation.

Says Goose Valley ladies captain Ruth Barclay: “Our fundraising involved sponsorships of holes and prizes, as well as running a raffle for a rather large alcohol hamper, which was won by Cilinique Williams.

“We procured enough funds to donate R20,000 to Hospice Plett, while R2,500 was donated to Cansacare.

As a small golf club we are proud to have raised funds of this nature for two such worthy organisations.”

Ruth expresses special thanks to the individuals who provided support, either in the way of prizes, donations, or supporting raffle ticket sales for the hamper.

“Plett’s community once again showed that they care, going that extra step to help out. Helen Melon Properties was the main prize sponsor and our thanks go to all other companies who provided sponsorships or prizes.” (See list at right.)

Hospice Plett vice chair lady Annabelle Conyngham

was one of the participating golfers and was presented with the symbolic cheque totalling R20,000. She gave thanks to those who back Hospice in its quest to provide ongoing support for the terminally ill. Its aim is not only to provide support for patients, but to also assist their families and those caring for ill people.

Call Ruth Barclay on 082 373 5795 for GVLS details.

Prize sponsors Turtle Creek Golf Estate, Pam Golding Management

Agents Cape Town, Plettenberg Manor, Chas Everitt, Denron, Dynamic Refurbishments (Tony McGuinness), Engen Service Station & Wimpy, Goose Valley Home Owners Association, Mazars Plett, Mexican Imports, Nolan’s Flooring & Blinds, Paint Centre, Plett Escape Holidays, Rogers Jewellers, Sportsman’s Pub, Salon Divine, The Garden Spa, Down to Earth restaurant, LM in Plett, Plett Game Reserve, The Deli Factory, Vet Shop @ Checkers.

LADY OF SUBSTANCE: Annabelle Conyngham addresses participants on the serious subject of Hospice services after a fun day’s play

Fatcats club together for PAWS

Stephen Leigh of Plett shared this pic in his capacity as chairman of FATCAT - an annual golf tour which this year celebrated its 10th anniversary. “The tour usually takes place on the Garden Route, and this year 20 golfers played rounds at Fancourt, Pinnacle Point, Simola, and Oubaai,” he explains. “The tour originated from a group of friends playing out of Dainfern Country Club in Johannesburg, but some of them have migrated since and we now have participants coming from various different parts of the world to play - Japan, Dubai, the USA, Mauritius and, of course, Plettenberg Bay. Three years ago we decided to allocate a portion of the total cost of the tour to charity, and Plett Animal Welfare Service was one of the first recipients. This year, we chose PAWS as sole recipient of our charitable contribution so we are now depositing R10,000 into their account.” Wow, lucky for Plett’s dogs and cats in need that these FATCATs have a collective great heart for furthering their cause. Pictured above are this year’s participants at Knysna’s beautiful Simola golf course, with Stephen kneeling third from right and tour organiser Michael McBain, currently residing is Osaka, Japan, second from left.

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