1 November 2017

1 November 2017

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

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A tribute to our pets...

Farm-attack update - p3

CX ambassadors sought - p8

Otter heroes hailed - p16

Photo: Martine Aubin

This photo of Martine Aubin’s beloved dog, Milo, was one of the winning entries selected to feature in the 2018 KAWS Calendar, which turned out to serve as tribute to those pets lost - and found! - after the fires that caused havoc in CX Country during June. Turn to page 9 to find out more, and read the letter on page 15 about two Plett dogs who recently gained a new home after months in the PAWS kennels.

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

1 November 2017

Spatz Sperling: ‘Where has the FUN gone?’ - Final

Bidding a final farewell to a truly universal man CXPRESS wine writer PETER BISHOP concludes his tribute to the beloved Delheim patriarch after his return from Stellenbosch, where he was one of 10 close friends to join the Sperling family in their final farewell to Spatz PATZ may have had a reputation for bonhomie and fun, but he could be serious indeed. Reacting to Nederburg purporting on its label to be an ‘Estate’, he and Frans Malan of Simonsig set up The Estate Producers Association - and many battles ensued.

Since the late 1950s, Delheim had been one of the paltry few who marketed under its own name, losing out to the benefits of linking with the big producers. All this set the tempo for the 1971 founding of the Stellenbosch Wine Route with Frans and Neil Joubert of Spier.

In direct relation, Spatz and Frans were the action committee behind the Wine of Origin Legislation of 1973, serving under Dr Pan van Zyl. That too called for many a fight with authorities - the more obdurate, the better.

In Sunday Times of October 15, the image was given that Spatz was overtly aggressive.

Nonsense.

His way of solving a problem, of challenging the most stubborn minds in the industry, was to invite them to the farm.

They knew then what he said.

A glass of schnapps resolved many a tense moment.

It was thrilling when, in 2009, Spatz was honoured with the highest accolade given by the industry - the 1659 Medal of Honour - for his contribution towards expanding the industry and forming the markets.

(The award is typically presented during a blessing of the harvest ceremony held on February 2, marking the date in 1659 when Jan van Riebeeck produced the first wine record-

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Jeffreys Bay 22 Jeffreys Street 042 293 1040

FUNLOVING: Delheim wine estate’s patriarch and South African wine industry pioneer Spatz Sperling died at the age of 87 Photo: Samarie Smith

ed in South Africa.)

His friend Sydney Back started the Paarl Wine Route. Every byway now is on ‘a Route’.

Vera, whom Spatz married in 1965, was the first to offer ‘something to eat’ and the first to set up a restaurant on a farm - to offer snails, to offer mushrooms.

Look at the scenario now.

From a report I wrote in April 1981 after a tasting of white wines at my house in George: “Spatz spoke so brilliantly, so truthfully, so convincingly that afterwards he was so exhausted that he said it would take him three months to collect himself again to speak like that!”

At the time, overseas critics were hammering Cape white wines, talking of a ‘sameness’.

Spatz said that energy flowed out of him as he deliberated a phenomenon that had never occurred before.

Spatz had proposed the premise: “Every wine should maintain its character, personality, and identity. There is no merit in pro-

ducing wines that are technically good, but are characterless.”

I used to drive out to Delheim and sort out The Holy of Holies - his private wine collection that held some Muscat de Alexandrie made during the war years and found under the Manor House.

He had no love of hogging, and visitors (well, not all) would be given the key to “go choose two nice wines”. He would tell me to take my verlepte Volksie to the diesel pumps and then fill the tank himself.

My best exploitation of the Sperlings occurred in 1997 when I went with Tessa Edwards on a boys and girls hockey tour to the Cape. Day One was at Delheim: 30 folk arrived by bus, were feted and feasted and then slept in the Manor House.

In 1998, it was a group of 40. Each kid got off, extended hands, introduced himself and did the same on leaving. Spatz loved telling the story, but came to me and said: “Bishop, you must stop doing this!”

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“Okay,” I said. “I will never ever bring 30 or 40.” So the next year, I brought 60.

Spatz supported fundraisers I held in Knysna for funds for tours and enjoyed the bonhomie when the wines flowed - free.

On one occasion, he spent a small fortune holding a launch in Nairobi. This followed his meeting folk when climbing Kilimanjaro. The locals preferred to add Coke to the wine.

Not a single bottle was sold, but the Fun prevailed.

As said earlier, on the farm, Delheim came first. But as he left the gates, he realised that Stellenbosch was to be promoted; further than that, Cape wines mattered. The man was universal.

Kanonkop owner Johann Krige was never too close a friend. But two years ago, Johann invited Spatz to Kanonkop, took him up to a spreadout table with a number of surviving friends.

This meant so very much to the man, who pondered: “Where has the Fun gone?”

His ashes were interred on the farm cemetery on the site where the cannon shooter resided.

The only attendants were the direct family of Vera, sons Victor and Nicky, daughters Nora and Maria, and grandchildren Carl, Rudi, Gabrielle, Michael, Louis, and Renzo; the workers of Delheim (whose relations are buried there) and 10 friends - including me.

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NEWS & VIEWS

1 November 2017

CXPRESS

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Know thy neighbour’s labourers…

Unidentified workers hamper investigation after machete attack on farmer While the investigation into the recent home invasion on the Avontuur road on the outskirts of Plettenberg Bay is still ongoing, crime fighters have warned residents to be vigilant when employing workers - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports CCORDING to police, a farmer woke up to the sound of breaking glass on October 22 at about 3:45am and found two young men in his home. The homeowner shouted, and this at first seemed to have scared the suspects off.

However, they returned shortly thereafter armed with machetes and attacked the farmer.

The victim sustained several wounds to his face and hands during the attack

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and the suspects fled with several items including a laptop and a cellphone.

A search by several members of the Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) revealed that the suspects fled towards the N2 and disappeared into KwaNokuthula.

Police spokesman captain Marlene Pieterse said that police were still investigating the matter and that no arrests had been made yet.

In the meantime, PBCPA chairman Bruce Richard-

son said that during the investigation it had been discovered that a neighbour had employed a large group of workers to do construction on his property.

“When approached by police, the neighbour was unable to provide the officers with either the names, any identification or any other information concerning those she had invited onto her property,” Richardson said.

He added that failure to keep a record of all those

Dogs poisoned by heirloom robbers

PRICELESS: The huge tusks are mounted and extremely heavy, and although the CITES Act prevents its legal trade, the thieves may have their sights on a black-market sale

N the evening of Friday October 20, a house-breaking occurred in Kransbos - the hamlet consisting of houses scattered along the R340 gravel road, about 8km up Prince Alfred’s Pass.

Of the six dogs on the premises, the smallest two were poisoned, leaving the Rottweiler and three large Labradors unscathed. The

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traumatised owners learnt that an organophosphate poison was used on the dogs.

Commercially sold, Two Step is a poisonous pesticide similar to aldicarb (trade name: Temik), and tests revealed that one of the dogs received an additional poison similar to Rattex.

Due the tireless efforts of Dr Jannie Naudé of Plettenberg Bay Veterinary

Clinic, who worked into the small hours, both dogs survived their terrible ordeal.

The owner of the home believes that the primary reason for the break-in was a family heirloom of ivory tusks, which have been in her family for over a century (the original documentation is available).

The tusks have no real value due to the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) Act - an international agreement between governments to ensure that trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

However, this fact clearly did not deter the thieves from stealing the tusks, the size of which would have necessitated their use of a bakkie or other large vehicle.

The family would be grateful for any information or observation in the case. Please call warrant officer Pretorius at Plett SAPS on 044 533 1166 and quote case number 170/10/2017 if you can assist in the investigation.

employed was hampering the police investigation.

“As the PBCPA we very strongly urge all residents to refrain from employing and bringing onto their

premises unknown persons. You should rather engage with a known individual who you can rely on to employ responsible and non-criminal labourers.

“Always keep a detailed list of the names, ID numbers, and residential addresses of all persons that you engage to carry out any work on your premises. Your lives and that of your neighbours

may depend on you taking these precautions.”

A R2,000 reward is still available to anyone with information that leads to the arrest of the suspects.

Should you know anything that could assist police in their investigation, please contact investigating officer warrant officer John Nomdoe on 044 501 1955.

Garden Route Media

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

1 November 2017

Business as usual after Knysna deputy mayor booted URING a Special Council meeting held on Wednesday October 25, a Motion of No Confidence against Knysna deputy mayor Peter Myers succeeded.

“I would like to assure residents of Greater Knysna that the removal of the deputy mayor will in no

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way impact on the functionality of the municipality,” said Knysna municipal manager Kam Chetty.

He added: “When I took office on July 1, the first thing I said was that I am not interested in politics and that my job was to ensure that the administration of the municipality is

run well and according to legislation, and that is exactly what we are doing.”

Chetty explained that a municipal council has various responsibilities.

“These include making the laws and policies, providing financial oversight, planning the budget, and hiring the municipal man-

ager.

“It is further responsible for ensuring that the municipal administration fulfils its duties to the community,” he said.

Council has not yet decided on the position of deputy mayor.

“It is important to note that council is not the only

oversight body of local government. The AuditorGeneral of South Africa (AGSA) is the country’s supreme audit institution, and the only institution that, by law, has to audit and report on how the government is spending South African taxpayers’ money.

“All local government

administrators need to answer to both the council and the AGSA, so rest assured there is competent oversight in place. Residents must not lose sight of the fact that Knysna Municipality received a clean AGSA audit during the last financial year,” concluded Chetty.

‘People inside’ make this hospital a home - Western Cape Health minister UPGRADE COMPLETE! From left are Dr Helise Schumann (manager: Eden and Central Karoo districts), Knysna mayor Eleanor Bouw-Spies, Western Cape Health minister Nomafrench Mbombo, hospital board chair Robert Quail, Dr Earle du Plooy (medical manager: Knysna and Bitou sub-districts) and Dr Beth Engelbrecht (head: Health Department) during the official opening of Knysna Provincial Hospital after a near six-yearlong renovation

Candice Ludick

NYSNA Provincial Hospital was officially opened on Monday October 23, following upgrades which have taken the better part of six years to complete. Hospital management was in agreement that the level of service had improved in line with the improved infrastructure.

The impact of the June 7 fires on this hospital was discussed at length and a booklet containing images and poetry was presented to all those in attendance at the opening ceremony.

Dr Earle du Plooy, medi-

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Photo: Western Cape Health

cal manager of the Bitou and Knysna sub-districts, thanked the mayor’s office for what he termed “an excellent working relationship”.

Knysna mayor Eleanore

Bouw-Spies said the hospital was very much a part of her life, her eldest son having been born there. “We are boasting a facility that many have not been blessed

with,” she said.

Du Plooy commended the hospital staff on their impressive appetite for change: “As the environment changed, a new care

culture emerged,” he said.

An improved patient experience is the central focus of all team members.

Western Cape Health head Beth du Plooy attrib-

uted the way in which the Knysna Provincial Hospital team dealt with the fire disaster to pure resilience.

“You’ve got to be resilient,” she said, “and have individuals, teams, and a system that is sufficiently elastic.”

Western Cape Health minister Nomafrench Mbombo hailed the hospital’s management team for their leadership, and was pleased to announce that her department had utilised all allocated funds towards infrastructure.

She likened the hospital to a home and said: “A house becomes a home because of the people inside.”

NEWS & VIEWS

1 November 2017

The butt stops here, as it were…

Sue Swain

HERE’S a new face in town who aims to rid Greater Knysna of its cigarette butt problem. Cigarette butts are the most commonly-discarded items of waste worldwide.

An estimated 5.6-trillion butts wind up as toxic trash each year… and we mean toxic with a captial T. Butts contain hazardous chemicals such as cadmium, arsenic and lead. When discarded in our streets, they end up in our storm-water system that ultimately drains into Knysna’s Estuary, where these toxic chemicals leach into the aquatic ecosystem, threatening the quality of the water and marine life.

Considering the biological and socio-economic importance of the Knysna estuary, it is imperative that we prevent discarded butts from ending up in our lagoon. And considering the unsightliness of butts on our streets and in our drains, it is time we do something about it.

It is with this thought that BioWise, Knysna Municipality and Ocean Odyssey have launched the Knysna Kicks Butt Campaign and we invite the public to join us in doing just that.

Ten specially-designed bins have been strategically

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KICK BUTT: To date, 10 cigarette butt bins have been erected in Knysna and Sedgefield - take a selfie with your friendly neighbourhood butt bin and you can win a fantabulous prize in the process!

placed around Knysna and Sedgefield as a start. In the spirit of getting everyone involved, there’s a two-task competition with an awesome prize up for grabs.

First up, you need to find one of the Butt Bins, take a ‘selfie’ with it and describe where you found it. Secondly, we’d like you to identify smoker ‘hotspots’ where you suggest additional bins should be located.

The ‘butt bin selfie’ and suggested sites can then be sent via WhatsApp to 060 9986 967. You have until 6pm on November 15 to submit your entries.

The winner will be notified personally and will be announced in the press.

And, just in case you are wondering what is going to happen with all those collected butts… Well, it is definitely not good enough to clean our streets of butts only to discard them into a landfill where the toxic chemicals could leach into and pollute groundwater.

So BioWise, as part of its Business Unusual and Operation Waste Nothing drive, will be conducting research on how these butts can be ‘treated’ to remove or break down the toxic chemicals, and will then explore how the remaining non-toxic absorbent material can be put to good use.

Should you wish to purchase a bin, email sue@bio wise.org.za to order from BioWise. The first 30 orders for bins are offered at a special 50% discounted rate of R275 each, thanks to funding from the National Lotteries Commission.

• Sue Swain is the executive director of BioWise and can be contacted at www.biowise.org.za or on 084 7736 084 for additional information.

Notice Board • This Friday sees the launch of what will be an ongoing project to help rethink, rebuild, and re-green our region after the fires.

Gift of the Gardeners is an all-day affair at Bosky Dell farm to celebrate gardening and all things floral. Bring your picnic baskets for a lunch in Rae Gilbert’s stunning garden, or book lunch with Rae beforehand.

Most importantly, bring you slips, plants and shrubs, pots and seedling trays to start a nursery for those who lost their gardens in the fires. And if you can’t get

there but want to contribute, leave your clearly-identified donations at Plett’s Piesang Valley Community Hall or the parking lot above St Peter’s Church on Thursday or Friday - Rae will arrange for collection. For Knysna drop-offs, please contact Julia Sulman on 082 920 6387.

Of course you can keep on donating beyond the day, as Rae will happily receive and grow. Be at Bosky Dell (entrance opposite The Heath on Plett N2) on November 3 and be part of this beautiful re-greening drive. Call Rae on 044 5330074 or 082

650 1974 and Jean Sparg on 072 195 7722 for more info.

• Join the Muddy Pooches mass bike ride to Lion’s Den in Longships Drive, Plett, on Sunday November 5. See the advert on page 11 for details.

• CXPRESS erroneously reported that Bitou gained five Blue Flag beaches for the 2017/18 season, whereas six is the actual tally! Visit www.plett-tourism.co.za to find out more about Plett’s six Blue Flag beaches and two Blue Flag boats.

CXPRESS

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

1 November 2017

There’s something really special about Plett’s Raphaeli Waldorf School ITUATED on Piesang Valley Road in Plettenberg Bay, nestled within a myriad of trees, lies a small treasure chest of which many people are completely unaware.

But when walking among the contented children playing on the property, it becomes apparent that something truly special is happening here. This peaceful and joyous ambience is a result of many factors.

Raphaeli Waldorf School currently has a Playgroup, a Kindergarten, and a primary section ranging from class one to class seven.

The Playgroup has beautiful toys made from natural materials that encourage imaginative play. In this environment, children are free to explore and discover under the loving guidance of their caregiver.

They imitate, sing, move and recite simple verses. In the latter part of the day, they share a wholesome home-cooked meal before heading outdoors to interact with nature.

The Kindergarten is a hive of activity where stimulated children live their imaginative dreams in a world of fantasy. At school they are able to initiate

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their own games and express themselves creatively.

Each day has a rhythm of breathing in exercises (structured activities) alternating with breathing out (free play and expression).

Activities include preparing and sharing a meal daily; circle time with song, speech and rhythmic exercises; handcraft that develops willpower and ensures dexterous fingers; and artistic activities. Story time is central to the Kindergarten day, the teacher sharing the true experience of storytelling.

Older children in the Primary School have a joy and love of learning clearly evident when they race back to class after every break.

The curriculum is designed to meet their emotional development and learning takes place through different mediums such as speech, movement, music, and artistic activities.

The Primary School day encompasses a three-fold ethos, i.e. learning is done with the head, heart, and hands (thinking, feeling, doing). Singing and rhythmic movement are followed by multiplication timetables and recitation of verses.

Children then feel en-

livened to begin the day’s main lesson. These main lesson blocks usually last about three weeks and are carefully thought out to meet the needs of the growing child.

The middle part of the day consists of lessons on mathematics, languages and Eurhythmy (a combination of movement and speech).

The Primary School day often ends with artistic work - recorder, choir, and handcraft lessons.

The school belongs to the Federation of Waldorf Schools of SA - part of the international body of over 1,000 Waldorf/Steiner schools, which bases its teachings on the philosophy of Waldorf education founder Rudolf Steiner.

The school has recently been gifted with a 21 hectare property adjacent to Ouland Royale on Plettenberg Bay’s Airport Road and will be moving there end-2018 to develop its vision of expanding the Primary School.

Readers are warmly invited to the Curriculum Talk on Saturday at 10am - see the advert below for contact details, and remember to ‘like’ the Raphaeli Waldorf Facebook page.

NEWS & VIEWS

1 November 2017

CXPRESS

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Secrets of Bahia Formosa’s success revealed at grand school opening ceremony Words & photos: Leigh Dunn

SING FOR JOY: The school choir entertained invited guests during a tour of the premises

bright Thursday in late October saw the official opening of Bahia Formosa School in Plett, its 90-yearold founder Guy Wertheim Aymes ably taking care of the cutting of the ribbon and plaque unveiling ceremony.

The school has been operational for the past two years, in which time it grew to accommodate 113 learners from Grade RR to Grade 7. It offers the best in individualised attention in small classes where the national CAPS curriculum is taught by an efficient team led by director Fran-

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cois Lombard and principal Desmond Leonard.

Bahia Formosa is not private, but rather a public independent school - the first of its kind in Plett.

Matching this exciting concept is principal Desmond Leonard’s, who has been teaching for the past four decades in different capacities, including that of headmaster.

Mr Aymes is clearly as passionate about education, and in his opening address mentioned that this was the seventh school to be established by him. A strong disciplinar-

GRAND AFFAIR: School principal Desmond Leonard, honorary guest Chamilla Sanua, and governing body member Siphokazi Thomas, with founder Guy Wertheim Aymes seated in front

ian, he spoke about the crisis in education in our country, especially in that area, and explained why the Bahia Formosa approach ensured the school’s success in maintaining excellent discipline.

Bitou mayor Peter Lobese was one of the dignitaries in attendance, and joined other guests on a tour of the school before being entertained by the school choir. Guests were then chaperoned to The German Restaurant, where they were addressed by deputy mayor Jessica Kamkam.

Other dignitaries included

education officials, representatives of Canon and Old Mutual, principals and staff of neighbouring schools, members of the press, and municipal officials including speaker Annelise Olivier and Bitou Ward 4 councillor Anne Windvogel.

Education is the most important cornerstone on which to build the future of any country, and we wish the directors, governing body, staff, and learners of Bahia Formosa all the best as they embark on building a positive future for education in Bitou.

CUTTING THE RUG: School founder and honorary director Guy Wertheim Aymes dances a jig after having cut the ribbon to officially open Bahia Formosa School

TOP SCHOOL UNVEILED: With the newly-unveiled plaque in the background are, from left, Guy Wertheim Aymes, Bitou deputy mayor Jessica Kamkam, mayor Peter Lobese, and school director/coordinator Francois Lombard

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

1 November 2017

Beautiful local ambassadors will come out tops on Saturday night CXPRESS chatted to mother and daughter team Monica and Melissa Medea on the eve of this weekend’s Miss and Mr Plett/Knysna Beauty Pageant HE formidable Team Medea is hosting the Miss and Mr Plett/Knysna Beauty Pageant on Saturday November 4, and they’re dead set on making this showcase of local beauties the talk of the town.

“We believe this is a beauty contest with a difference, as we focus primarily on community work and characteristic charitable traits of contestants in our search for an ambassador worthy of representing both Plett and Knysna,” explains Mossel Bay-based lawyer Melissa.

As prelude to the pageant, the top 20 finalists were involved in a Pink Trees for Pauline cancer initiative on Saturday October 21.

“We started the day at Central Beach with a prayer

by Moyra Marais and then proceeded to wrap pink fabric around trees in Plett CBD with the help of some Bitou Municipality staff to raise awareness and support for all types of cancers, and for people affected by the Big C,” says Monica.

The pink campaigners gathered at LM in Plett restaurant in Main Street, where cancer survivors shared their stories and

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PAINT IT PINK: Starting off at Central Beach, organisers and finalists in Saturday’s Miss and Mr Plett/Knysna Beauty Pageant wrapped trees and other landmarks in pink fabric to raise awareness for cancer - Photo: Lynette Mullins - ShowMePlett

provided background as to how the initiative came into being. Bitou deputy mayor Jessica Kamkam’s wise words contributed to raising cancer awareness in all local communities.

“We feel especially privileged that Bitou Municipality sponsored this event and are grateful for their involvement in the planning process. Our top 20 contestants showed great initiative and dedication to this community project and we

saw the ambassador quality in each and every one of them,” enthuses Melissa.

Collaborating with organisers Monica and Melissa Medea in Saturday’s Piesang Valley pageant, are host Leigh Dunn and Charmaine Kruger of Ace Models fame. So be sure to attend this glitzy event on November 4 at 6:30 for 7pm at Piesang Valley Hall.

Call 071 548 5623 or email lilyofthevalley683@gmail. com for details.

Hierdie presteerders is prysenswaardig, sowaar

Tydens die Plett Sekondêr prysuitdeling op 24 Oktober is vanjaar se top presteerders in elke graad as volg aangekondig - van links is Tashlyn Jansen (Graad 10), Carlos Jantjies (Graad 11), Exonia Willemse (Graad 9), Sumay le Roux (Graad 12), en Kelly Douland (Graad 8). Besonder indrukwekkend is die feit dat Sumay hoër as 80% behaal het in Afrikaans, Besigheidstudies, en Ekonomie, en bo 70% vir LO, Engels en Rekeningkunde. Carlos het 80%+ behaal in Engels, Lewenswetenskap, Fisiese Wetenskap en Wiskunde. Die jaar se mees toonaangewende leerder - dus iemand wat uitblink in akademie en sport, met goeie maniere en ‘n behulpsame gesindheid is Dwight Thomas. Sportvrou van die Jaar is Michayla Herder. Veels geluk!

NEWS & VIEWS

1 November 2017

These photography fanatics just want to have fun with their shots Plett PhotoFUNatics is the moniker of a group of Bitou-based shooters more interested in promoting the art of photography than in competing with their peers BOUT 10 years ago Plett photographers Eileen Covarr, Anne Hrabar, and Geoff McIlleron decided to meet regularly to share and develop their passion for photography.

This was the founding of Plett PhotoFUNatics, as the group was dubbed, with emphasis on ‘fun’ to underline enjoyment.

At this stage, photography had been given a huge boost with the rapidly evolving conversion to digital technology which made it affordable and opened it up to amateurs. The group expanded through word of mouth and co-ordinated by Geoff during its early years.

For monthly meetings members are invited to submit up to five photos, often reflecting a chosen theme, which are projected

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KING SUN: Brod Hartly’s photograph called ‘Kruger Park Sunset’ was a favourite among PhotoFUNatics members, all of whom submitted their interpretations of the October theme ‘Sun/Son’

for comment by all attendees. The emphasis is on constructive suggestions to highlight possible improvements, such as handling of the subject matter, picture composition, and technical skills employed.

The aim is to promote

and improve the art and craft of photography. The audience votes for the best image from each participant’s submission of five pictures.

The PhotoFUNatics often shortened to ‘Funatics’ - approach differs

from that of most photography clubs in preferring a non-competitive modus operandi. A number of the Funatics group are also members of Knysna Photographic Society, where a competitive approach is pursued and individuals are graded according to the quality of their photography work.

In recent years, Plett PhotoFUNatics has been coordinated very ably by Anne Hrabar with typical attendance of about 12 members at meetings.

Anne has now handed over the co-ordination after a long spell at the helm to Derek Rushton.

• Like the Plett PhotoFUNatics Facebook page, where you will find topfive examples of members’ latest work and updates on forthcoming meetings.

The KAWS 2018 Calendar is out NOW! ACH year, Knysna Animal Welfare Society (KAWS) publishes a calendar as part of its fundraising efforts.

The printing of the calendar is largely funded by the entry fees paid to enter one or more photographs of pets into a photo competition, and by the generosity of local businesses who sponsor the calendar’s pages.

For the past four years, the competition was announced at the beginning of July, and this year everything was on track to do the same. And then came the fires…

The mood was sombre and the calendar’s producers questioned whether it would be appropriate to go ahead. A fun photo competition was unlikely to rank high on people’s list of priorities.

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But the calendar is a highlight in KAWS’ annual fundraising schedule, and inquiries started coming in to find out when the competition would be launched.

It was decided that the 2018 calendar would be an extra special edition, paying tribute to all the animals of Knysna those who perished or were misplaced, as well as the luckier ones who lived to wag their tails.

The number of entries received bears testament to the spirit of optimism of Knysna residents.

Over 200 entries were received, once again giving the judges the unenviable task of whittling it down to just 25 winners - two per month and one for the cover.

Pride of place is Penny Foyn’s beautiful cover pic

PRIDE OF PLACE: Penny Foyn’s lovely pic of a KAWS kitten adorns the calendar’s cover page

of a KAWS kitten, taken on a visit to the cattery some months ago.

The calendar’s pages are a feast for the eye, from coy puppies and dogs in action, to contemplative cats and playful kittens.

The competition was open to all pets, not just

cats and dogs, and Jess Hall’s magnificent horse, Kesh, makes a proud appearance on one of the March pages.

Following the success of previous calendars, KAWS has increased the print run to ensure that everyone who wants a copy - or 10!

- will find stock.

Despite inflation and increased printing costs, this ideal ‘gift with heart’ is again priced at R100.

The calendar is available at outlets in Knysna, Sedgefield, Wilderness, and Plett - including the KAWS Shop in Market Street and kennels in Marlin Street, Hunters Home.

A list of stockists is posted on the KAWS Facebook page where there is also an album of all the entries. Visit www.knysna aws.com or call 044 384 1603 for more info.

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INTERVAL

1 November 2017

Eavesdropping in restaurants…

• “Waiter, excuse me, there is a fly in my soup!”

“Yes, but a fly can only drink so much…”

• “Waiter, excuse me, my plate is wet!”

“Yes, but that is the soup…”

• “As you can see, we have pretty much everything on our menu!”

Patron: “Yes, I can see that. But can I have a clean one?”

• “Waiter, excuse me, can I have a toothpick?

“Unfortunately they are all occupied right now.

Can you wait a minute?”

• “Waiter, there’s a beetle in my soup; send the manager here!”

“That won’t do any good, Sir - he’s frightened of them as well!”

• Patron: “I am not that hungry, can I perhaps get just half a plate?

“Sure! We never throw anything away.”

• “Waiter, excuse me, there is a beetle in my soup!”

“That’s strange! Usually it’s a fly.”

• Patron: “This omelette is inedible.”

“Really? But we’ve been making omelettes since before you were born.”

“Then why the hell are they only served now?”

• Patron: “How long have you been working as a waiter?”

“This is actually my first day.”

“Alright, then you are not the one who took my order.”

• “Waiter, excuse me, there is a hearing aid in my soup.”

“Whaaaat?”

• Patron 1: “I eat at a differ-

ent restaurant every day.”

Patron 2: “Yeah, I don’t tip, either.”

• “Waiter, bring me a glass of milk and a Dover sole.

“Fillet?”

“Yes, to the brim.”

• “Waiter, there’s a worm on my plate.”

“That’s your pork sausage, Sir.” • “Waiter, please send the chef here. I wish to complain about this disgusting meal.”

“I’m afraid you’ll have to wait, Sir. He’s just popped out for his dinner.”

• “Waiter, that dog has just run off with my roast lamb!”

“Yes, the lamb’s very popular, Sir.” • “Waiter, there is a mosquito in my soup.”

“Yes, Sir, that’s because we’ve run out of flies.”

• “Waiter, what do you call this?”

“Cottage pie, Sir.” “Well, I’ve just bitten on a piece of the door.”

• “Waiter, what’s the meaning of this fly in my tea cup?”

“I wouldn’t know, Sir. I’m a waiter, not a fortune teller.”

And there’s more…

Jane’s father decided to take the family out to a restaurant. As he’d spent quite a lot of money on the meal, he said to the waiter: “Could I have a bag to take the leftovers home for the dog?”

“Gosh!” exclaimed Jane, “are we getting a dog?”

--The head waiter of an elegant restaurant recoiled in disgust as a man in boots,

Covering the bird E visited our newly married daughter, who was preparing her first chicken roast dinner.

I noticed the chicken thawing in the kitchen sink with a dish drainer inverted over the bird.

W

I asked why a drainer covered the chicken.

Our daughter turned to my wife and said: “Mom, you always did it that way.”

“Yes, darling” my wife replied, “but you don’t have a cat.”

torn jeans, and a leather jacket approached him.

“Hey, man,” the man said, “where’s the toilet?”

“Go down the hall and turn left, “replied the head waiter. “When you see the sign ‘Gentlemen’, pay no attention to it, just go right on in.”

--A man and his girlfriend

go out to dinner one night. The waiter tells them the night’s specials are Chicken Almondine and fresh fish.

“The chicken sounds good; I’ll have that,” the woman says.

The waiter nods. “And the vegetable?” he asks.

“Oh, he’ll have the fish,” she replies.

BUSINESS

1 November 2017

CXPRESS

Who knows where the money goes?

- and ‘Gigaba’ is not the answer

Stuart Murray

HE popular expostulations following Finance minister Gigaba’s mid-term Budget delivery last week followed a familiar pattern: Where is all the money coming from?

(Bad grammar, but we’ll let it pass…) The simple answer is: Who knows?

The State’s governing policy appears to be ‘give and take’. However, the emphasis is strictly on the latter. Efforts to borrow from the government employees’ pension fund have not been successful and that could leave the tax pool as the next likely target.

Here again the give and take double act will be brought into play: more funding for hard-up students possibly, but a squeeze on the diminishing pockets of taxpayers.

The minister was expected to explain developments in the proposed National Health Insur-

T

ance Scheme. This did not materialise - maybe because one proposed funding proposal of which I have knowledge will certainly not find favour with taxpayers.

Apparently, the credits allowed in respect of medical expenses will be phased out, ostensibly to provide much-needed cash to fund the Scheme.

Mark Blecher, chief director of Health and Social Development at National Treasury, told a recent gathering that initial programmes to be given priority include school healthcare, childhood cancer, women’s health including pregnancy, cervical and breast cancer - mental health, disability and rehabilitation services, and hip, knee, and cataract surgery for the elderly.

Estimated cost of the programmes is around R69billion over four years.

The motive itself is admirable. The latest Stats SA General Household Survey noted that only 17 in every 100 South Africans have medical insurance. This situation must somehow be rectified - or at least ameliorated in the short term.

However, South Africans, with due cause, have become deeply sceptical where government estimates are concerned.

Will the money reach the correct target, and will it be used effectively?

The White Paper on the NHI was adopted in June. National Treasury then announced that the full implementation of the scheme would increase public health spending from 3.9% of GDP in 2017/18 to 6.2% of GDP by 2025/26.

So what other clouds are looming? As ever, the usual potpourri of economists

and soothsayers are arguing about the outcome of the year-end meeting of the Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee in December. Will interest rates go up or down - or stay where they are?

The Bank is between the proverbial rock and hard place. At its MPC meeting in September, the policy committee kept the repo rate unchanged at 6.75%. But currently, CPI inflation is running ahead of the upper target level and the rand is taking a bit of a mauling.

My bet is a rate increase of 0.25 points. But as economists and soothsayers are aware, we have two hands…

• 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.

‘Jobsolescence’ and other big words in the world of work N a new interview with CMRubinWorld, Peter Robinson, President and CEO of USCIB, says: “The guiding principle for government should be to protect and enable or retrain the worker, not protect the job.”

Robinson believes that fears over “jobsolescence” are over-hyped.

“There is an established track record of new technologies creating at least as many new jobs as they displace. Usually these

I

EMERGENCY NUMBERS POLICE

10111 POLICE PLETT

044 501 1900 POLICE KNYSNA

044 302 6608 AMBULANCE Government

10177 Private

072 054 9110 044 533 6444 ER 24 hours

083 320 1199 MEDI CLINIC Plett

044 501 5100 Life Private Hospital Knysna

044 384 1083 Provincial Hospital Knysna

044 302 8400 FIRE/RESCUE

044 533 5000 SEA RESCUE Plett

044 533 2744 SEA RESCUE Knysna

044 384 0211 PAWS ANIMAL WELFARE PLETT

083 287 9917 KNYSNA ANIMAL WELFARE

044 384 1603

new jobs demand higher skills and provide higher pay,” he says.

When asked by CM Rubin what the biggest obstacle to employability is, Robinson claims that educational institutions won’t be able to keep pace with new skills demands.

He adds that schools should prioritise the arts and humanities in order to create “T-shaped individuals capable of adapting and going where the demand lies”.

Robinson explains: “Middle-class employees without higher education beyond high school need more established paths to long-term employment.”

He calls for increased partnerships among employers, policy makers, and educational institutions “because no one sector of society can address this alone”.

• Peter M Robinson has been the CEO and President of the United States Council for International Business (USCIB) since

2005. Established in 1945, USCIB builds awareness among business executives, educators and policy makers related to issues in employment, workforce training and skills management.

In his position as cochair of the B20 Employment and Education Task Force, Robinson has provided significant input to G20 leaders on training for jobs of the future. He also serves on the board of the International Organisation of Employers.

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CXPRESS

1 November 2017

PINK+BLUE V CANCER: The Shades of Pink fun run/walk last Friday was incredibly well supported, as is the norm for this annual cancer-awareness event. A crowd of Bitou locals in every shade of pink, purple and blue cruised from Longstone Park in perfect weather and organiser Hanli Sinclair, above, thanks everyone rocking up. Visit www.cansa. org.za to find out how you can join the battle against the Big C. - Photos: Martin Hurwitz

People, places & events BEST BOWLERS: At the recent Plett Bowling Club prize-giving, Tommy Kingston, at far right, was announced as Sportsman of the Year, while George Marshall, right, received the President’s Trophy for serving the club (not sports-related) diligently. They are pictured with Club president Gerrit Teunissen. “Hats off to Competitions secretary Clyde Campbell for organising the exceptional evening, and to the ladies for preparing a most delicious three-course meal,� says Gerrit.

IMPORTANT NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC WORKSHOPS: PROPOSED MAALGATE, GWAING, KAAIMANS, PIESANG, MATJIES, SOUT (OOS) & GROOT (WES) ESTUARINE MANAGEMENT PLANS (EMPS) The Western Cape Government in collaboration with Responsible Management Authorities (RMA’s) are developing Estuarine Management Plans in accordance with the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act (No. 24 of 2008) and the National Estuarine Management Protocol as published on 10 May 2013 for various Western Cape estuaries. You are invited to attend public workshops pertinent to the respective estuary as detailed below to discuss issues and provide input on the future management of the systems.

Estuarine Public Participation Meetings – November 2017 Date

Estuary Name

Venue

Time

14 November

Maalgate and Gwaing estuaries

Conville Hall, 1 Pienaar Street, Conville, George

09h00 to 12h00

14 November

Kaaimans estuary

Conville Hall, 1 Pienaar Street Conville, George

14h00 to 17h00

15 November

Piesang estuary

Piesang River Community Hall, Piesang Road, Plettenberg Bay

09h00 to 12h00

15 November

Matjies, Sout (oos) and Groot (wes) estuaries

6DQ3DUNV 2I´FHV )RUHVWU\ %RDUG 5RRP Darnell Street, Stormsriver Village

14h00 to 17h00

If you would like to register as an Interested and Affected Party (I&AP) or request more information, please contact Verna Walker of Coastwise Consulting on 031 764 4947 or admin@coastwise.co.za

SOCIAL SCENE

SOCIAL SCENE

1 November 2017

CXPRESS

13

GUIDE GOOD TO GO: A revised and updated edition of ‘A Guide to The Garden Route’ was launched at Emily Moon River Lodge in Plettenberg Bay on Friday October 20. Holding a copy of the book at left are the two persons responsible for the revision and update, Grahame Thomson and Julie Carlisle - who aptly serves as director of the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve.

At right from from left, Diane Valentine, Michèle Bestbier and Dee Pelham-Reid toast the pretty new guide.

Photos: Timothy Twidle

People, places & events BIRDMAN IN THE WILDERNESS: Renowned ornithologist and author Peter Ginn from George gave a talk to Wilderness Residents Association on the birds of the Garden Route last Tuesday.

Peter has written 12 books on the subject since 1972 and specialises in hosting birding safaris in the area’. - Bob Hopkin

TSHISA TALENT GROWS: Thanks to the National Lotteries Commission, Tshisa Talent was able to stage a special Career Development Workshop at Ingwe in The Crags during a weekend in October. Those who had demonstrated that they are self-starters and who have committed to uplifting themselves were awarded Attendance Certificates highlighting the skills they had acquired, and will now embark on two exciting Tshisa Talent Roadshows. On the weekend of December 2, they will head to Riversdale and on the 9th they will tour to Humansdorp. Said team leader Mncedisi Ncedani, pictured at top: “We will receive not what we idly wish for, but what we justly earn. Our rewards are always in proportion to the effort we invest. It is the same with any dream of a career in the performing arts.” In the pic above, Mlamli Ngcese shows off his new mobile editing App. - Photo: Siyabonga Zabo

GOSPEL SHOWCASE IN KWANO: Lebo Sekgobela, famous for hits like ‘The Lion of Juda’, will be one of the gospel stars in live action at ‘Nokuthula Stadium on Saturday from 10am to 11pm. Mind Movement (MM) and Bitou Municipality are hosting the huge gospel event in Bitou and invite readers across the Garden Route to attend. If this showcase of talent grows each year, the organisers will be able to ensure the latest trending artists in the gospel genre will return annually. On par with Lebo are stars like Hlengiwe Mhlaba, Mafa Bavuma, Sphe Hlengwa, Lusanda Mcinga and Nathi Mankayi. “We’ve hosted the late Sfiso Ncwane and Lundi Tyamara to these events and it’s wonderful for the MM team to bring shining stars closer to our people,” said event organiser Naile Mosala. “We will also do a workshop for aspiring local artists to gain knowledge from successful artists - industry information is vital to our youth, especially from the horse’s mouth.” SA gospel artists are admired far and wide thanks to TV’s Gospel Channel. Kwano resident Linda John said: “I’m overjoyed by the prospect of this live concert, as we normally just see these artists on television. They will leave us with valuable lessons at the training and I’m looking forward to interacting with them.” Lebo Sekgobelo has recently performed at the SABC Crown Gospel Music Awards, is a regular star at international church and Bible conferences, and her album ‘By His Grace’ received a nomination in the best contemporary category at the 2013 Gospel Music Awards. And on Saturday, you can catch her in Kwano - Khaya Mbesi

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CXPRESS

Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

1 November 2017

CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

1 November 2017

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

15

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

Bernie and Toby finally strike it lucky!

We at PAWS are delighted to report that both the CXPRESS articles about poor Bernie’s plight have resulted in him being adopted into a very happy family! In fact, Dawn Leggatt and her daughter, Lyndall, have quite a story to tell.

Says Dawn: “When I saw the photograph of Bernie in CXPRESS, I fell in love with his beautiful face. My daughter and I called Tracy van der Byl at PAWS to enquire about Bernie and

were told that he had been adopted!

“We were crestfallen, but Tracy suggested we look at Toby, who was also long-overdue in finding a forever home. And so we were very happy to welcome Toby.

“A few days later Tracy called to say that Bernie had been returned to the kennels. We had no hesitation in adopting him as well. Toby and Bernie who had been PAWS kennel dogs together had a joyful reunion.”

Public water-awareness campaign of the essence With reference to a post on Facebook recently, various private local individuals who keep rain records informed us of their annual readings for the last three years.

The Crags, Wittedrift, Plett’s Bowtie area, and Keurboomstrand were among the readings.

The figures, while all slightly different, follow a similar trend. Keurboomstrand figures are: 2015 - 987mm, 2016 511mm, 2017 thus far - 282mm.

The pattern here is unmistakable, and surely some information should be forthcoming from Bitou Municipality in the form of public awareness, waterawareness posters, and general education about

our water situation?

The population of our town has more than doubled in the last few years, and we are on the brink of another season bringing in hundreds of thousands of visitors.

One suggestion is to charge the basic water rate for reasonable consumption, and then quadruple the rate for excessive consumption, together with a public awareness initiative.

Helen Mudge, Plett (Bitou Municipality is preparing an information piece for publication in the near future, Helen, so watch this space in this regard - and here’s seconding your suggestion of severe penalties for over-use. - Eds.)

If ‘The Arch’ condones Braai Day, who are we to differ?

I write in order to put Wandisile Afrika Sebezo’s heart at rest [read ‘Heritage Day is no Braai Day…’ on page 11 of the September 20 edition at www.cxpress.co.za].

In his letter, Mr Sebezo objects to Heritage Day being hi-jacked, with the support of the press, as National Braai Day. Dear me, maybe he was not born yet, or still too young during September 1996.

Mr Sebezo, please know that this is not a letter of contempt or meant to belittle, but rather to share knowledge.

In an address marking Heritage Day in 1996, former president Nelson Mandela stated: “When our first democraticallyelected government decided to make Heritage Day one of our national days, we did so because we knew that our rich and varied cultural heritage has a pro-

found power to help build our new nation.”

In the vein of celebrating shared culture rather than focusing on cultural divisions, a recent initiative by Braai-4Heritage calls on all South Africans to celebrate their common roots by having a braai on Heritage Day. The idea has some highprofile converts, the most notable of these being Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, who was made national spokesperson for Braai Day. “There are so many things that are pulling us apart,” Archbishop Tutu said in 2007. “This day has a wonderful potential to bring us all together.”

We have 11 different official languages but only one word for the wonderful institution of braai, be it in isiXhosa, English, Afrikaans, or any of the others.

‘Comic’, Plett

Dawn says their old dog, Angus, has taken a new lease on life and tries hard to keep up with Toby and Bernie, who are both becoming good watch dogs.

She is thrilled that they all get on like a house on fire and it is a joy for Dawn and Lyndall to have them around - although Bernie wants to join her on her single bed!

Dawn Leggatt is the mother of Robbie Leggatt, the famous sculptor, and she and Lyndall live on a smallholding

near Kranshoek.

She feels safer with the two alert younger dogs on the property and is very grateful for the sponsorship of both dogs.

We at PAWS cannot thank Esther de Villiers and the CXPRESS team enough for their generous support in telling Bernie’s story. Our community is so fortunate to have such a caring local newspaper who goes out of its way to support local causes.

Marsja Hall-Green, obo Plett Animal Welfare Service

Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who contributed to glorious Hospice cause On October 14 and 15, a unique event, never to be forgotten by all who were there, was staged in Knysna and Plettenberg Bay to celebrate Global Hospice and Palliative Care Day. Lady Conyngham - our deputy chairman and local events director - has thanked CXPRESS for generous editorial support and now I write as chairman of Hospice Plett to add the thanks of my board colleagues and our team of carers not only to CXPRESS, but also to everyone who bought tickets for the two concerts and all the rest of the support “cast” who so generously ensured that Voices for Hospice were lifted so resoundingly and passionately.

The event was simply the most astonishing and memorable musical encounter that either Knysna or Plett has ever heard.

Magical music making: choirs some 70 voicesstrong, training in Plett and Knysna for months before, came together under the superb direction of Richard Cock - a musician without parallel.

What a privilege and once-in-a-lifetime joy for many of us. Dr Anneke Lamont, herself a consummate musician, had managed to convince not only Richard but also an entire orchestra of some of the most accomplished musicians in the country to join him in playing for the Hospice cause.

Not only did she effect that coup, but she also managed to lure accomplished soloists whose musical talents thrilled and inspired all who heard them.

The packed houses in both venues were themselves active participants, adding their thunderous and joyful voices for

Hospice. As a member of the Plett choir myself I still get gooseflesh recalling the sound of all those voices raising roofs, hearts, and spirits in musical union.

Few will ever forget The Holy City choruses and the joyous Doe a Deer!

On behalf of all at Hospice Plett, it is my great pleasure to thank Jill Kirkland and Robyn Brouckaert for training the Plett Choir; the Community of St Thomas Methodist Church for making their premises available for rehearsals and for printing all our scores; the Plett NG Gemeente for making their church and hall available for the Plett event.

I thank Lady Conyngham for her tireless efforts and her gracious attention to every detail in staging the event and for liaising with Knysna and Sedgefield Hospice; our Hospice Plett carers who helped set up the event in Plett; Cindy Muller of Plett Publications; and the many, many others who lent their support.

I must single out our dear friend Dr Anneke Lamont, whose love of music and whose love of people drew so many together.

Thank you again to every person who purchased tickets for the concerts. In so doing, you have provided deeply-appreciated financial support for our two hospices. The Voices for Hospice event was an experience of wide community cooperation and endeavour; a coming together in and with love.

Hospice and palliative care are life-enhancing human missions: “Tender Hands in the Presence of Death.” Long may local voices for Hospice continue to be raised and heard in their support!

Hilary Matthews, Plett

HAPPY FAMILY: Dawn Leggatt, left, and Tracy van der Byl of Plett Animal Welfare Service with Toby, Bernie, centre, and senior pooch Angus, right, who has now gained a new lease on life

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CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

1 November 2017

Greyling and MacKenzie crowned 2017 Otter African Trail royals UNNY skies and a cool ocean breeze welcomed 234 trail runners to the start of the 2017 Otter African Trail Run at Storms River on October 28. The Abangeni AKA the Challengers, a group decided by the fastest 24 men and eight female prologue times, took off at 7am on Saturday morning, followed by the rest of the field in groups of four at 30-second intervals.

At the start the route favours technical runners, and Kane Reilly used the opportunity to gain as much of a lead as possible, putting 8min between him and second placed Christiaan Greyling at about

S

20km into the race.

Similarly, in the women’s race, Robyn Owen took off from the start, her skill and speed apparent as she moved swiftly over the technical terrain. Meg MacKenzie stayed close on her heels, using Owen’s agility to motivate her forwards. Carla van Huyssteen fell into pace several minutes behind MacKenzie and Owen.

By the time the women reached the timing point at Bloukrans, MacKenzie had taken over the lead and had 4min on Owen. Van Huyssteen, who suffered a rolled ankle, dropped back off the pace, but was still hanging onto third place.

Reports confirmed that Owen was looking strong, so like the men’s race, it wasn’t over yet.

Despite Reilly putting up a fight, it was Greyling who crossed the floating bridge and finish line first, winning the 2017 Otter African Trail Run in a time of 04:13:15, with Reilly finishing in 04:24:59.

MacKenzie’s race went accordingly to plan, and finally after three attempts at Otter, she charged across the floating bridge as first lady home in a time of 05:01:05.

Defending champion Owen came in 8min later in a time of 05:09:18, entertaining the crowds with

a cartwheel on the balance beam at the finish in typical ‘Robyn-style’.

Van Huyssteen pushed through her discomfort to hang onto the third spot on the podium and finished in a total time of 05:34:50.

The afternoon ended at the sounding of the eighthour cut-off bell, to loud cheers of the enthusiastic crowd encouraging the final runners over the finish line. Like all races, there were upsets and surprises, but overall, another magical year for South Africa’s toughest trail.

Results for all races including the Rockrat and Dassie can be found at www. otter.run/gallery-2017.

SHORT-COURSE KINGS: Local boys Kai Heyns, left, and Henri van Huyssteen were stoked to claim the 10km Dassie and 7km Rockrat titles respectively on Saturday in Nature’s Valley

ON THE TRAIL: Winners Christiaan Greyling, left, and Meg MacKenzie, above, during the infamous river crossing; at top, SANParks biotechnician for Scientific Services at Rondevlei Bheki Maphanga flashes a brave smile - Photos: Jacques Marais

Destined for greatness sunglass boutique

A Plett Martial Arts Academy team practising the Goju Ryu Karate discipline and led by sensei Elrie Bosman and SKA (Sport Kickboxing Academy) Plett sempai Gee Bleeker represented our province at the Destiny 2017 NMA/ISKA National Championships in Stellenbosch on October 7 and 8. Destiny is attended by teams from all over the world as well as South Africa, with an average attendance of about 1,100 competitors and several thousands of spectators over two days of competition. This year, Plett brought home 22 gold medals, 11 silvers, and 13 bronze medals. Aiden Trahms won the Kumite junior black belt opens and Suzy Noble the ladies black belt opens. Pictured from left are Nexus Lurie, Kai Muller, Danni-May Nel, Layla Muller, sempai Gee Bleeker, Eden Bleeker, Levona van der Merwe, Galliano Boni, sensei Elrie Bosman, Cameron Frew, Aligi Boni, Lojza Pisonic, and Aiden Trahms. Not in the photo are fellow Destiny stars Hendrik Cloete; Suzy, Kaitlyn, and Connor Noble; Johandrie Peens, Joshua van Reenen; and James and Blake Taylor. - Photo: Sharyn Hodges