20 april 2016 by CXpress

20 April 2016

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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Knysna Bridge gone!

Photo: RE Chevallier

Don’t stress, dear reader - this photo is now nearly a century old, having appeared in Cape Times of May 26, 1916, with the caption: ‘All that is left of the Knysna River Bridge…’ Find out more on page 2.

War on drugs bears fruit - p3

Ruby raises the bar at 60 - p5

Forever young at 70.18+VAT... - p9

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

20 April 2016

Three decades since Chief Jeremy McCarthy made the case for Plett’s pioneering ‘merry-go-round’ This bit of memory-lane material was dropped at 6 Park Lane by Bitou Traffic official BARRY SMEE, who remember well the days when one the first and feistiest CXPRESS contributors, the late great Jeremy McCarthy, did pioneering work to make the world easier for local road users - the below is an excerpt from the National Institute for Transport and Road Research magazine ‘Robot’ of October 1985 OT many merry words are spoken about traffic circles (roundabouts) in South Africa. On the contrary, most remarks are derogatory, indicating that they might be better use in fun-fairs. Are these remarks made only for “fun” and are they “fair”? Another remark is: “Just because they work in England does not mean that they will work here. Remember our drivers!” Is this fair and has there been meaningful research on traffic circle operation in the Republic? NITRR The answer to these questions, we believe is “No”. At the National Institute for Transport and Road

Research (NITRR) we have so far only touched a traffic circle operation. However, during the last few years there have been some exciting developments in the RSA. In particular we know of three very successful small circles recently constructed. Two of these are hidden away in residential areas in Cape Town and Durban. The third is the main intersection currently carrying detoured N2 traffic in the popular holiday town of Plettenberg Bay. PLETTENBERG BAY A report published by the NITRR in 1978 indicating the possible benefits of small circles was read by Mr McCarthy, the Chief

of Protection Services for Plettenberg Bay. He thought that such control would be very suitable particularly because of the large seasonal variations in traffic flow. We assisted him with the design and the construction of a temporary experimental small circle in time for the 1984/5 Christmas period. Before and during construction many people expressed doubts that the circle would work at all, let alone be efficient. There was great relief, therefore, when it proved to work extremely well. The new circle’s effectiveness was clearly shown during the holiday season. At first it appeared that the traffic volume was much lower than in previous seasons, and this was attributed to the shortage of money which was discouraging people from taking holidays. However, during a traffic survey, we found that there was 20% more traffic than the highest number previously recorded, and the only reasonable conclusion was that the circle had proved its worth. Both the officials and the public of Plettenberg Bay are now convinced of the effective-

LONG BEFORE THE DOLPHIN: These pics were taken by Jeremy McCarthy in September 1984, during construction of the ‘revolutionary’ roundabout where Plett Main Street, Marine Way and Odlands meet, and which some decades later was adorned with Robbie Leggatt’s now famous dolphin bronze above, the old Melville’s Spar building can be clearly seen, with the Shell garage discernable in the background, below

ness of small circle control. Not least of the reasons of this are the savings in construction and maintenance costs compared with those of signal installation

Newly-built bridge washed away

The photo above, along with our cover image, was sent to CXPRESS by long-distance fan Barrie Gasson of St James in Cape Town, with this message: ‘Your readers may be interested in these two pics taken two months apart in 1916. The first [above] is dated Cape Times of March 17; the second [cover] Cape Times of May 26.’ The complete caption of the centuryold cover photo reads: ‘All that is left of the Knysna River Bridge. The bridge was only opened last November, and was constructed at a cost of £14,000. It is recorded that 10½ inches of rain fell in 48 hours in this district.’ Both photos were taken by ‘RE Chevallier’ and upon our enquiry as to how we had the good fortune of getting our hands on this bit of Knysna’s past, Barrie explained thus: ‘I’m a collector of historic pics and had been researching old newspaper supplements for some time. As we have a house in Knysna, I look out for interesting material on the area - which is also how I know about CXPRESS.’ Our thanks for sharing your precious finds, Barrie!

and the reduction in accidents compared with those that would be expected for stop/yield control. To approach the circle’s effectiveness for road us-

Along with the excerpt of ‘Robot’ printed on this page, Jeremy attached an intro to his submission of an audiovisual presentation at the 1986 Annual Transport Convention, his letter of motivation stating, inter alia: ‘There has been considerable difficulty in selling the idea of miniroundabouts to design engineers, therefore by taking the concept from the start of construction of the permanent circle to finality will have the necessary impact. It is my humble opinion that miniroundabouts have a major role to play in safety as well as efficient traffic flow - an ideal for which we are constantly striving.’

ers, traffic signals would need to be vehicle actuated with right turn phases being used only when needed. In the words of Town Clerk, Mr AR Swart: “The Council certainly is most happy with the principal of a mini-roundabout and has agreed to the construction of a more permanent roundabout.”

Learn more about our part of paradise at Plett Angling Club

John Newton shared this photo of Kettle Beach near Enrico’s restaurant, and wrote: ‘Magic day to you all thought I would share this little bit of paradise we live in.’ And on that subject: visiting marine researchers from the Department of Environmental Affairs - Oceans and Coasts present a few short talks under the Hope Spot banner tomorrow at Plett Angling Club on the following topics: Operation LIMPET (SA’s National Rocky Shore Monitoring Programme) • Robberg Rocky Reef Recon • Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) of whales and dolphins in Plett • Assessing the behaviour of Cape fur seals in response to eco-tourism activities • Abundance, distribution, habitat use and genetics of Indo-pacific bottlenose dolphins. So diarise April 21 at 6:30pm if you’d like to know more. Entry costs only R20pp and a cash bar will be available. Talks will be approximately 15 minutes each with time for questions afterwards. Email gwenpenry@gmail.com to find out more. Photo: John Newton Photography/Dream Merchant Photo Images

NEWS & VIEWS

20 April 2016

CXPRESS

Latest Knysna drug bust yields 59th arrest this month RUG abuse remains one of the main contributors to a variety of crimes in Knysna, says SAPS communication official Sgt Chris Spies

With special focus on drug-related crimes, Knysna SAPS has already arrested a total of 59 suspects since the beginning of April.

These suspects were arrested for various drug-related offences such as cultivating of dagga, dealing in drugs and possession of drugs. Similar operations

will be conducted at other outlets in the weeks to come. During the latest bust in the early morning hours of Thursday April 14, members of Knysna SAPS’s Crime Prevention Unit confiscated drugs with an estimated value of R5,000 during a crime combatting operation in Greenfields. Members received information from the public about possible drug-related activities at two premises.

The information was followed up and searches were conducted at the specific houses around 5:30am. A total of 97 stops and 142 bankies containing dagga as well as 10 Mandrax tablets were confiscated during this operation. The members arrested two suspects aged 45 and 47. They are facing charges of possession of drugs and will appear in the Knysna Magistrates’ court soon. The acting station com-

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mander of Knysna SAPS, Lt Col Siddique Khan, commended the police members involved for their dedication and commitment to bringing these suspects to book. Members of the public can call the Knysna police station on 044 302 6678 or email KnysnaSaps@saps. gov.za with information that may lead to further drug-related arrests - all reports in this regard will be treated with confidentiality.

Valid until 8 May 2016

Spaar geld met die amazing deal FIGHTERS IN THE WAR ON DRUGS: Constables Warren Ackerman, Heinrich Appels, Benjamin Phambani and Nenow Petersen with some of the drugs confiscated in Greenfields last Thursday Photo: Knysna SAPS

Foreign Plett ATM victim robbed of R20K ing, finding that more than R20,000 had been withdrawn from his account. “A case of theft was reported at the Plettenberg Bay police station and members are investigating the matter.” Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) chairman Bruce Richardson said these crimes had become a major concern after recent crime statistics analysis revealed high levels of ATM scamming and credit card cloning over the past few months. “Sadly our foreign tourism visitors have been the principle target for this kind of activity. Local residents are not only urged to be cautious themselves, but to warn any foreign visitors to be cautious - particularly in the case of accommodation establishments,” Richardson said. Pieterse said police and other crime fighting role-

players had discussed the issue and would be focusing on regular patrols past ATMS every day. She added that residents and visitors should in the meantime avoid isolated ATMs or using ATMs late at night. “Also, avoid withdrawing money from an ATM when you are alone. If you ever feel unsafe while at an ATM or if you are suspicious of individuals loitering in the vicinity, trust your instincts and rather go away to use another ATM.” Pieterse said one should also ensure that no one is watching you while you are entering your PIN. “Should a machine swallow your card, cancel the card immediately by calling the card stop number. Don’t move away until you have done so, and note the reference provided by the bank.” Yolandé Stander - Garden Route Media

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LETTENBERG Bay police have intensified efforts to combat ATMrelated crimes after a series of incidents in recent weeks. During the latest incident a tourist was swindled out of more than R20,000 at the First National Bank (FNB) ATM on the corner of Kloof and Main streets on Friday at about 6pm. Police spokesman Lieutenant Marlene Pieterse said that the tourist was busy with a transaction when he was suddenly interrupted by a passer-by. “While he was reading the instructions on the ATM screen an unknown male interrupted the transaction and leaned over the shoulder of the complainant. The tourist continued with the transaction and only later realised that his credit card was missing,” Pieterse said. The visitor left the ATM and checked his bank account via internet bank-

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CXPRESS

On the abuse of corporate power The decision by financial institutions to cut ties with Gupta-owned companies lays bare their hypocrisy, writes PINKY KHOABANE

HERE is perhaps no clearer example of capitalists’ use of economic power to muzzle opponents than the decisions by financial institutions and an auditing firm to cut ties with the Gupta-owned investment company Oakbay Resources and Energy. In the past weeks, Absa, FNB and auditing firm KPMG decided to close the company’s accounts and withdraw their services, respectively. The auditing firm provided auditing services to all Guptaowned companies and said the “association risk is too high to continue”. The two banks issued statements that they could not divulge their reasons to the public because of confidentiality clauses with their client. Ironically, they have also refused to divulge their reasons to their client. The decision comes amid the controversy surrounding the Guptas’ relationship with President Jacob Zuma which is described as “state capture”. Allow me to digress a little as I deal with the definition of “state capture” before returning to the abuse of corporate power and how it uses its economic power to silence any competition or dissenters. The use of the phrase “state

NEWS & VIEWS

20 April 2016

capture” is itself political and seeks to pit one section against another in a battle of ideas and consumption of commodities. It seeks to portray one group as pure and the other as villains. In a recent debate on the concept of state capture, the panellists agreed that it existed since the arrival of Jan van Riebeeck in 1652 in the Cape as a representative of the Dutch East India Company. I was one of the panellists in the debate convened by The New Age, to which I contribute articles. Just on the political meaning of words, Van Riebeeck is said to have “settled” in the Cape, when his arrival was a campaign of 350 years of violence, dispossession and exploitation. The secret organisation Afrikaner Broederbond, established to promote Afrikaner nationalism, was another formation that was able to infiltrate and influence the Nationalist Party to such a point that the phrase “state capture” aptly applies. Leon Louw, executive director of the Free Market Foundation, was also on the panel, and said the ability to influence a government was not illegal and that just about everyone, himself included, has tried to influence government. But back to the issue of the double standards in the deci-

sion by these financial institutions to withdraw their services to the Guptas. The decision once again lays bare the hypocrisy - for some it is influence or lobbying and others, state capture - and warrants the kind of action taken by the various institutions which have now decided to sever ties with the Guptas. The Guptas are yet to be charged with any wrongdoing despite the family’s request to have those with information to lodge charges with the criminal justice system. Contrast this, however, to the response by the financial institutions to the construction companies, which were exposed by the Competition Commission, to have looted state coffers to the tune of about R50bn during the Fifa 2010 World Cup. They still have bank accounts. They most likely still have auditing firms. Oakbay CEO Nazeem Howa has been at pains to explain that the company had only 1% of business from the government and that they held only 5% of business from power utility Eskom. So why would there be this obsession and questions about the Guptas’ influence on the executive, more so at this time? There are many reasons pos-

PAID-FOR OPINION PIECE ited in this regard. Some have argued that it has everything to do with politics in the wake of “revelations” by former ANC MP Vytjie Mentor and Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas that the family had offered them cabinet posts. My contention has been that the reasons stem from the battle for South Africa’s economy as white capitalists fight to cling to economic power and align themselves with politicians who will advance the neo-liberal economic policies. The Guptas, whether you like them or not, have been able to penetrate key industries previously in white hands, namely mining and the media. Wealth dominates the dissemination of messages and this is a turf that is being fiercely fought as the old guard try to squeeze out new entrants. The New Age, ANN7 (African News Network) and other smaller publications are not immune to this pressure. The massive concentration of corporate power shapes public discourse and consumption of commodities, hence we see a battle that may have emanated from these pages, but has now influenced these financial institutions to cut ties with Oakbay. • Pinky Khoabane is a writer and columnist

Foreign and elderly sex crime suspects back in Plett dock Yolandé Stander

WO of Plett’s alleged sex pests again took their places in the dock during the past fortnight. On Monday April 11, the Ghanaian man accused of several sex crimes involving young local girls briefly appeared in the Knysna Regional Court after the matter was transferred there last month. The matter against the 38-year-old man, who cannot be named until he has pleaded, was however postponed to April 29 for plea and sentencing negotiations to be completed. The suspect, who is a hairdresser and businessman in KwaNokuthula, was arrested by members of the George Family violence, Child protection and Sexual offences (FCS) unit at his home on September 8 last year after allegedly committing several sexual offences against four young girls between the ages of seven and 11. During his bail applica-

tion, the court heard how the suspect allegedly lured the children, including the daughter of a local police officer and neighbour, to his home with promises of “cookies” and other treats before attempting to perform sexual acts with them. On Friday April 8, the 83-year-old man accused of raping a little girl in The Crags near Plettenberg Bay last year also briefly appeared in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate’s Court. The man was arrested and appeared in court for the first time on December 22. During his bail hearing the court heard that the accused allegedly admitted the offence to police, but denied wrongdoing during his time in the witness stand. The matter was postponed on Wednesday to May 11, as photographs of the crime scene as well as DNA test results were still outstanding. The man is currently out on bail. Garden Route Media

STEPPING DOWN... STEPPING UP!

NEWS & VIEWS

20 April 2016

CXPRESS

Ruby raises funds to celebrate her Big Six Oh in joyous Bollywood style OTARIAN Ruby Chetty celebrated her milestone birthday with the cream of Plett’s society in exciting Bollywood fashion last month, when a full house packed out the Plettenberg Bay Bowling Club’s HQ on March 19. Ruby turned 60 on March 13 and zoomed off to Joburg to celebrate with her two sons and family on the Vaal Dam, where she had a weekend of being completely spoilt by her daughters-in-law, close friends and family. “The next weekend I cooked for almost 120 people with a lot of help from my friend and CXPRESS staffer Linda Ausker, who helped prepare the chicken… and everything else!” says Ruby - a chef in her own right, who plies this trade as ‘Indian Ruby’. Friend Anand Pillay helped set up the tables and decorated the hall, later serving up the delicious food. And when let down with the samoosas, Ruby quickly rustled up some pies instead. So why a fundraiser? Ruby is a board member of Building The Walls, a community soup kitchen

Study abroad with Rotary O you want a career in peace building and the chance to study abroad? Through Rotary International’s Peace Fellowship you may be able to do both. Apply before the end of May to qualify for this programme that provides fully-funded training at universities in Japan, Sweden, Thailand, the UK and USA, etc. Call Mike on 083 300 4363 or visit www.rotary.org/myrotary/ en/get-involved/exchangeideas/peace-fellowships for application forms.

in New Horizons, where she is in charge of finances. “Since last year, we started struggling for funds as we have to pay for the essential services of a cook and an administrator,” she explains. “Plettenberg Bay Community Church pays the rent and running costs of the office, including part of the salaries. And much of the food is donated by Tiger Brands, but fresh vegetables and protein are also necessary for supplement-

ing nutrition.” Rotary Plett donates R5,000 monthly towards fresh chicken, and the Rotary Anns also donated funds in January towards this wonderful cause. “Three years ago, the Cincinnati Mine Machinery Company in Joburg donated R60,000 to sustain the soup kitchen, and we have been using some of these funds already. However, donations are necessary to keep the soup kitchen going,” says Ruby.

So a plan was implemented to celebrate with the wonderful local folk who have supported her florist shop, Ruby Kiss’s in The Market Square. The shop celebrated five years of operation on March 16, marking yet another milestone in Ruby’s many local endeavours. “Another significant fact is that I visited Plett 21 years ago and decided to own a piece of this amazing place,” Ruby says, adding she had no idea that 10 years after completing her home here, she would become a member of Plett’s great giving community.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HANDOVER: Chairperson of Building The Walls Leslie Paulsen, far left, receives the donation of R6,500 raised by the 60th-birthday bash from Ruby Chetty and fellow BTW board member Peter Monson; at right, Peter Adams and BTW staffers Lorraine Saule and Ellen Pika, right, show off the four cases of pilchards kindly donated by Peter

She thanks everyone who brought along canned fish, with a special thank you to Peter Adams who donated four cases. Ruby was also grateful to the Bitou Amateur Theatre Society threesome of David and Marsja Hall-Green and Mike Kantey who graced the party with their presence. “To end the event in grand style, Nadia Prins of Clicks joined me in a dance around and among the delighted guests, to the beat of Bollywood blockbuster hit song Kutch, Kutch, Hota Hai. Lots of hip swaying ensued, showing that Plett certainly has

lots of hidden talent! “This project would not have been possible without support from the great people of Plett who responded to my Facebook and word of mouth invites.” Ruby concludes that 50% of the takings went straight towards the fundraiser, together with 15 non-attendance donations received, making a grand total of R6,500 raised. The event will now become an annual affair for BTW, the next event already planned for end-February 2017 to ensure that more visitors can attend. (See photos of the night on page 9.)

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

20 April 2016

Glorious music on offer by the good people of PAWS ITOU residents and friends can look forward to an exceptional musical experience on Friday night May 6, when the talented Trio de Musique will perform at the wonderful Ouland Royale on Plett Airport Road. Renowned flautist Thomas de Bruin is joined by Ariella Caira on cello, and pianist Albert Combrink to present a repertoire of works guaranteed to delight everyone - timeless classics, beautiful melodies from stage and screen and some modern works, with a bit of jazz thrown in. Says Marsja Hall-Green of Plett Animal Welfare Services (PAWS): “It promises to be an evening

of truly divine music, designed to lift mind and soul and to send us home feeling inspired.” All three trio members are highly-qualified professional musicians who perform as soloists and as members of various orchestras and ensembles playing at concerts, festivals, recitals, weddings and corporate events. “We are delighted that sponsorship from ClemenGold - famous for their delicious, seedless, mandarin citrus fruit - has made it possible for PAWS to host the Trio de Musique,” says Marsja, adding that Zandvliet Wine Estate is generously providing complimentary wine during the

cocktail party that will precede the concert. Ouland’s creator Wilja Reitz is yet again showing her support for local community activities by hosting this event in her popular baroque barn, which has proven itself often before as the perfect setting for glorious music Join the PAWS team at Ouland Royale for this uplifting Plett event on Friday May 6 at 6:30pm. Tickets at R160 can be bought by emailing marsjahg@ netactive.co.za or phoning Marsja on 073 645 9476 or 044 533 4578. You can also ensure your seat for the night by buying tickets directly from Ouland Royale.

Notice Board NYSNA Garden Club will next be meeting on Wednesday April 27 at 9:45 for 10am at Renette's Candle Studio, located at 371 Tuna Street in Brenton on Lake. Bring hats, chairs and your refreshments, and take note that candles will be available for purchase

so pack a little extra cash. Visitors are welcome, too. Phone Elinor Clegg on 044 384 0347 for any additional information. Book now for ‘Poetry, Wine & Song’ featuring Mel Botes and guest artist Ben Badenhorst at The Barnyard in Plett on April 26.

Mel will cover Rodriguez, Cat Stevens, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Neil Young and a few of his own original songs that are considered his ‘best of’. Visit www.barnyardplett. co.za and see the advert on page 9 for additional info and contact details.

BUSINESS

20 April 2016

CXPRESS

Working moms’ mental health deteriorating, shows study HE demands of keeping a job, raising children and running a home are driving more working moms in SA to the brink of a nervous breakdown according to a just-released poll by a leading pharmaceutical firm specialising in the treatment of depression and anxiety. Pharma Dynamics spokesperson Wilmi Hudsonberg says the company conducted the survey to determine the extent to which additional burdens, such as career demands, have on the mental wellbeing of working mothers in the country. “Being a mother is the hardest job you can have, but being a working mother, particularly in today’s society, is that much harder. Between the stresses of

work, traffic, job advancement and motherhood keeping a house, preparing meals, taking care of children and sometimes elderly parents, too - there is often no reserve left for mothers on the job,” she says. The survey that polled 900 working moms in SA aged between 25 and 55 found that 38% are frequently stretched to breaking point, with many spending up to 80 hours a week on work and home responsibilities. Of these, 60% have to regularly catch up on work at night or on weekends. While more than half of working moms (55%) indicated that their employers offered at least one familyfriendly perk, such as flexible scheduling, they said the following would make

their lives significantly easier as a working parent. • An employer that focuses on being more output-based than having you sit behind a desk for eight hours (51%); • Working from home on some days, which means you gain hours by not having to commute to and from work (40%); • Better part-time or half day work opportunities (40%); • More help with household chores (37%); • More help with children (24%). Hudsonberg points out that most jobs are made for people who have no caregiving responsibilities, which inevitably means that working mothers do most of the accommodating - by a long shot.

With the impossible schedules modern mothers manage, something inevitably has to give and the price they pay is often their health. Since becoming a working mom, most respondents said they suffered from at least one health problem including headaches (56%), chronic fatigue (47%), unhealthy weight-loss or gain (47%), anxiety (45%), insomnia (34%), being more prone to colds and flu (33%) and depression (31%). High ongoing stress levels have been linked to mental illness such as depression and anxiety and can also lead to substance abuse or suicidal notions, which is what the prevention-minded pharmaceutical fundis want to curb.

Trafalgar buys Choice to boost Garden Route growth ATIONAL property management company Trafalgar has announced the merger of its Garden Route operation with that of Choice Property Management Services in Knysna, which it has recently purchased. “The combined operation will now be run under the Trafalgar Property Management name from the former Choice offices on Pledge Square in Knysna,” says Trafalgar MD Andrew Schaefer, “and we are delighted that Choice founders Bob and Beverley Strain will be staying on to manage the joint portfolio of properties under our management.

“They have an excellent track record of personal service and top quality complex and estate management all along the Garden Route, and this strategic merger will put them in charge of the biggest managing agency in this region, which we see as an important growth node for Trafalgar.” The joint Trafalgar and Choice portfolio, says Bob Strain, now encompasses more than 20 sectional title complexes and estates in Knysna, Mossel Bay, George, Wilderness, Sedgefield and Plettenberg Bay, which together contain more than 560 permanent and holiday homes.

And the need for professional property management services is expected to grow strongly over the next few years, as the Garden Route becomes increasingly attractive to permanent residents as well as holidaymakers, and more developments are completed to meet the rising housing demand, he says. “Rental demand in this region is also rising, so there are good buy-to-let opportunities here, provided that investors purchase in complexes and estates that are well-run with the assistance of a managing agency that understands the need to ensure the safety and performance of their investments.

“Consequently, we are very pleased to be going forward under the auspices of Trafalgar, and to be able to offer all local sectional title trustees and home owner associations access to its highly efficient business systems, as well as extensive management experience and resources.” Click on www.trafalgar. co.za or contact Andrew Schaefer on 011 214 5228 or Bob Strain on 082 215 4950 for more information. • Trafalgar currently has more than 65,000 residential properties under management in over 1,200 sectional title complexes and estates in SA’s main cities and towns.

While the overwhelming majority of working moms (69%) said they worked solely because they needed the income, almost a third said they also did so for mental stimulation. The reality is that our economy has adjusted to two-income families, which means being a stay-athome mom is increasingly becoming a luxury. Hudsonberg says working moms are often riddled with guilt and spend nights awake worrying about how they can succeed at the office and at home, and whether their children will resent them for their decisions. They want solutions to the anxiety they feel. According to the survey,

working moms also find it tough to set aside time to take care of themselves and their own health, with most spending less than an hour a day on themselves. Of the moms who participated in the survey, most are in their 20s, 30s, and 40s; 93% work full time; 29% are single parents and most have either one or two children. Working moms who are overwhelmed by feelings of worthlessness, constant fatigue, insomnia or suicidal thoughts should consult their doctor or call the Pharma Dynamics tollfree helpline, manned by trained counsellors from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week, on 0800 205 026.

CXPRESS

20 April 2016

INTERVAL

When I die I want to be reincarnated as a spider, just so I can finally hear a woman say: “Oh my goodness, it’s HUGE!”

I present to you my comprehensive CV Y first job was working in an orange juice factory, but I got canned. Couldn’t concentrate. Then I worked in the woods as a lumberjack, but just couldn’t hack it, so they gave me the axe. After that, I tried being a tailor, but wasn’t suited for it mainly because it was a sew-sew job. Next, I tried working in a muffler factory, but that was too exhausting. Then, I tried being a chef - figured it would add a little spice to my life, but I just didn’t have the thyme. Next, I attempted being a deli worker, but any way I sliced it, I couldn’t cut the mustard. My best job was a musician, but eventually I found I wasn’t noteworthy. I studied a long time to become a doctor, but I

didn’t have any patience. Next was a job in a shoe factory. I tried hard but I just didn’t fit in. I became a professional fisherman, but discovered I couldn’t live on my net income. I managed to get a good job working for a pool maintenance company, but the work was just too draining. So then I got a job in a workout centre, but they said I wasn’t fit for the job. After many years of trying to find steady work, I finally got a job as an historian - until I realised there was no future in it. My last job was working in a coffee shop, but I had to quit because it was the same old grind. So I tried retirement, and found that I was perfect for the job!

Historical comebacks...

Abraham Lincoln after being called ‘two-faced’: “If I had two faces, do you think I’d be wearing this one?”

The flagpole dilemma WO UCT mechanical engineers were standing at the base of a flagpole, looking up. A woman walked by and asked what they were doing. “We are supposed to find the height of the flagpole,” said one, “but we do not have a ladder.” The woman said: “Hand me that wrench from your toolbox.” She loosened a few bolts,

and laid the pole down. Then she took a tape measure from their toolbox, took a measurement, and announced: “Ten metres, thirty-five centimetres,” and walked away. One of the engineers shook his head and laughed. “What a wee little Miss Know-it-All... We ask for the height and she gives us the length!”

Know your family tree ISITING a genealogist, a man asked how much it would cost to have his family tree traced. “It could cost thousands

of rands,” said the woman. “I see. Isn’t there an easier way? A less expensive way?” “Sure,” she replied. “Run for president.”

Laws Newton forgot • BATH THEOREM: When the body is immersed in water, the telephone rings. • LAW OF ENCOUNTERS: The probability of meeting someone you know increases when you are with someone you don’t want to be seen with. • LAW OF THE RESULT: When you try to prove to someone that a

machine just won’t work, it will! • LAW OF BIOMECHANICS: The severity of the itch is inversely proportional to the reach. • LAW OF COFFEE: As soon as you sit down for a cup of hot coffee, your boss will ask you to do something which will last until the coffee is cold.

An airman or an airhead? tail gunner was being court-martialled. “What did you hear in your headset?” demanded a superior officer. “Well,” replied the airman, “I heard my squad-

ron leader holler ‘Enemy planes at 5 o’clock!’” “What action did you take?” asked another officer. “Why, Sir,” replied the gunner, “I just sat back and waited. It was only 4:30.”

Playwright Noel Coward: “Edna, you almost look like a man.” Novelist Edna Ferber: “So do you.”

SOCIAL SCENE

20 April 2016

Photos: Maggie Ubsdell

THE PAULIE SHOW: When famously gregarious and trailblazing TV chef Paul Deans, left, extended a party invitation to friends at CXPRESS, saying it’s a ‘big birthday’, we thought ‘could it be that Paulie’s hitting 70 already?’ So imagine our surprise when we learnt that Mr Deans has roamed the earth and cooked a great many geese, as it were, for a full 80 moons when his April 13 birth date dawned. This most joyous occasion was celebrated at the glorious Deans abode with its views from Nature’s to the ‘Berg and beyond, with a boisterous crowd of family and friends, more bubbly than could be klapped, and a Clare’s Cakes birthday beaut that read: ‘I’m not 80, I’m 70.18+VAT’. Pictured at far left is delightful Rosie Deans, who treated guests to a lunch spread to die for, with friend Jill Mouat. The rest of the pics shows the day’s happy vibe (visit www.cxpress.co.za for more Paulie party pics).

ANNIE FANS: Enjoying the opening night of ‘Annie, One, Two, Three’ - a murder mystery performed by Bitou Amateur Theatrical Society from April 1216 at Plett’s St Peter’s Church - are, from left, local residents Betty Starkey, Colleen Milligan and Marina Niven. Photo: Timothy Twidle

BOLLYWOOD FOR BTW: Ruby Chetty recently celebrated 60 with a bash in aid of local charity Building The Walls (BTW). Flanking her in the pic above are Lieve and Remi de Backer of Born in Africa, who brought along 15 guests to share in the birthday fun. Below, the night’s awesome DJ and friends from George show signs of having a very good time indeed. Read the story on page 5.

CXPRESS

People, places & events

ECO-FRIENDLY LASS: Seated at centre, Rhian Berning of Eco Atlas - an online platform for people/planet-friendly places pioneered on the Garden Route and now nationally - co-hosted the Conscious Cuisine session at the World Travel Market Africa in Cape Town a fortnight ago. With one in two millennials regarding themselves as foodies, eateries form a large part of the traveller experience and the event afforded the opportunity for restaurants and food projects to tell their sustainable, local, ethical food stories to the world. Visit www.ecoatlas.co.za to vote with your wallet and find better spots to eat.

CXPRESS

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

20 April 2016

CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

20 April 2016

Letters to the Editor

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

Thoughts on newsprint and collective nouns That flamingo picture on the front page of your April 13 edition is superb! Pity that the general readership, most without online facilities - or those ignorant of the existence of same - I would assume, are not going to get the full impact of this outstanding photo, or the rest of the paper. If only the print version could match the colour and print quality of your online version it would be stunning - and worth making a charge for. Collective nouns are always tricky (lucky the birds weren’t crows...), and I was also surprised that the plural of ‘flamingo’ is either -os or -oes; unlike plurals for potato, tomato and a

host of others. You really ought to print something special to educate the e-illiterates as to how to access and operate your online version. PS: I only gave the Bitou Budget a sidewise glance... John Magill, Knysna (Always good to get your learned and flamboyant feedback, Monsieur Magill. ‘Fraid newsprint as paper source is in the nature of the beast, and the print process beyond our control. But thanks for your kind words about our website. And if any CX-fans struggle to access our current or back issues at www.cxpress.co.za, drop us a line and we’ll get our clever techies to sort you out - Ed.)

Questioning Knysna rebates for seniors and the medically unfit I refer to the new rebates (Senior Citizen Rates Rebate 2016/7) and strongly object to the unfair manner in which Knysna Council has altered the categories in such a way that the poorest old age pensioners/medically unfit persons are being made to pay exorbitant increases while the more affluent pensioners get the same rebate as last year. I give the example of my own case. Last year my income bracket put me in the 80% category and my monthly rates account was R71.58; this year that same income puts me in the 40% category and my monthly rates will be R285.20 - an increase of 400% while the pensioners in the first category (5%) get a 0% increase! Fortunately (or unfortunately, perhaps) I received an increase of R80 a month from the SASSA old age grant, which now puts me in the 30% category.

Now my new rates amount will be R386.27 per month (a 540% increase) so my generous increase from the government goes straight to you - plus more. Is this fair to the people who can least afford it? Shouldn’t the table be altered the other way around so the more affluent get the increase and preferably the poorer get a better deal? I ask that you reconsider this situation in the interests of the not so well off. I await your response. M Galloway, Knysna (Knysna Municipality advised as follows: ‘Council has commenced with the public consultation process on the 2016/7 budget and we encourage all residents to make use of this process and become actively involved instead of commenting via the media.’ Visit www.knysna.gov.za to find out public meeting times or submit your comments in writing to the Municipal Manager by May 3. - Ed.)

Bitou takes security seriously - but not so much its mail service Thank you very much for all the attention you have given to our “case” and also for sending us a copy of the article that was printed two weeks ago (read the ATM scam spread on page 4 and 5 of the March 30 edition at www.cxpress.co.za). A German friend of ours - also a swallow in Plett - had a similar experience with his card being cloned, but I do not know if it is the same person featured in your article. I will ask him to get in contact with Bruce Richardson and the Plett Security team. Thank you again - your exposure and Bruce’s attention gave us the feeling that security in Plett is an issue that is really taken seriously, and that much is done to ensure it. We are looking forward to our next stay in your bay in 2017, and we are sure we will have a positive topic to write about

in this wonderful place with all its great people. We were about to send yet another letter on your postal services after our letter submitted last year, complaining that the service was so bad (read ‘Degeneration of postal services disappoint’ on page 15 of the March 4, 2015 e-edition). This time round, we wanted to report that a 10kg box we had dispatched from Germany only took 12 days to arrive in Plettenberg Bay! We were very surprised and pleased and thought that things had changed for the better. But then we waited for letters to arrive - it took them all three or four weeks to land in Plett. So most probably, there is a difference between the parcel service and the mail service… Kindest regards! Ursula & Rolf Neuhaus Erolzheim, Germany

Rumours of politics in tourism infuriate I write in response to Paul Deans’ letter in your April 6 issue (read ‘On your selfish attitudes’ on page 11 of that edition at www.cxpress.co.za) and his reference to rumours about Plett Tourism. I, too, have heard those rumours and have brushed them aside as being completely “absurd”. Firstly, who in their right mind would stop the groundswell of success and the metamorphosis from despair to inspiration that has been generated by Plett Tourism over the past few years? As a resident of Plett, the new tourism vibe has made me feel more positive about

our town than I have in several years. Secondly, on the ‘almost eve’ of our local elections, what politician would allow a hiatus in this one fabulous success story - possibly a very suicidal politician with a need to self-harm? But I don’t think so... I would hope not. I sincerely hope that the rumours are just that - rumours that will bear no fruit. Plett Tourism needs to keep thriving and building on the support and happy vibe that has been generated over the past few years. Without this, Plett has little hope. Julie Carlisle, Plett

CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

20 April 2016

Bowling, even with the wrong hand, raises R7k for Plett NSRI HE Sunday morning sunrise was even more spectacular than normal - a fitting start to the Plettenberg Bay Country Club (PBCC) bowls section’s hosting of an NSRI fundraiser event on Sunday April 10. Teams from Plett NSRI, Plettenberg Bay Bowling Club, Country Club golfers and, of course, PBCC bowlers filled all 12 rinks. “Several of the participants were newcomers to the game,” says club secretary Nita Davis. “So one of our teams of right-handed bowlers proceeded to play left-handed for the last five ends in order to level the playing fields.” More than 80 people enjoyed a very tasty lunch of paella which was kindly prepared and donated by Chris and Karin Kastern of Robberg Fine Foods: THE Store. This was followed by a mouth-watering dessert prepared by Elly Swinley. A vast selection of prizes was on offer and everybody present at the prizegiving walked away with something.

BRIMMING GREENS: All 12 rinks were filled to capacity during the successful fundraiser on April 10

Thanks to the financial support of Warwick Wealth, the day’s proceeds of R7,000 were handed over by PBCC Bowls President Corrie Nel to Dave Haysom of Plett NSRI. “Everyone acknowledges the fantastic work done by this unit run by local volunteers, and we trust that this contribution will help to maintain Station 14 Plett’s position as tops in South Africa,” said Corrie during the handover. Numerous vouchers were donated by many local restaurants, and the club

thanks Off the Hook, The Table, The Fat Fish, Island Diner, Clover Café and Surf Café for their generosity, as well as Africanyon and Bhejane Tours for the two adventure prizes gratefully received. Nita concludes: “Dave supplied Plettenvale wines, and Lodestone came to the party with wine vouchers for winners. Plett Sports also added some prizes, as did many of our members such as Ray van der Poll, Dot Nimmo, Rob Windsor, and Jinks and Angus Macnair. Thank you!”

SENSATIONAL SPECIALS THE BETTER TO SAVE YOU WITH: Bowls prez Corrie Nel, left, hands over proceeds of the day to Plett NSRI’s Dave Haysom

Includ

LIFTING SPIRITS: NSRI volunteers served shooters to stimulate spectacular play - with an ambulance on standby just in case...

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SAFUYOCURE

EVERYONE’S A WINNER: Gerrit Smith of Warrick Wealth, left, with some of the day’s many recipients of prizes - in fact, no one present left the event with empty hands

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Garden Route Motor Club chair Peter Pretorius reminds all motoring enthusiasts to diarise Sunday May 1’s Knysna Motor

DAYTONA STYLE: Wellknown racing driver Peter Lindenberg will be displaying a selection of his race cars, including a 1972 Capri Perana, a 1968 Ford Fairlane, and the 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe pictured here

Show. “It’s a long weekend and Knysna is a stunning location to stage this event. Bring the family and come and enjoy the spectacular array of cars and motorcycles on display. “There’s also educational motoring elements, new car dealers’ latest models,

classic car traders (local and from Cape Town), motor trade stalls and motoring memorabilia. Top this off with delicious food and a beer garden, all set in a relaxed country-style atmosphere, and you’ll know better than to miss out!” The event takes place at the Knysna High School sports fields on Waterfront Drive. Gates are open to the public from 9:30 to 4pm and entry costs R40 for adults, R10 for scholars, and kids under 12 enter free. The event is a fully packed day out for the family and guaranteed to get all motoring enthusiasts into gear. See the advert on this page for more information.