20 June 2018 by CXpress

Photo: Vinthi Neufeld Photography

20 June 2018

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

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Bitou boils over It was a long week for enforcers of the law, firefighters, and emergency workers in and around Plett as protests over housing and related issues resulted in extensive damage to property and infrastructure, as well as delays for motorists and total closure of the N2 at the Tsitsikamma toll plaza. Read the report on page 3.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss Mamela on Monday - p5

The treasure hunt is on! - p7

Notes on a good cricket year - p12

the bedroom shop furniture & linen emporium

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NEWS & VIEWS

20 June 2018

Knysna doctor follows Antarctic footsteps HE advertisement shown here - reputedly a copy of one placed in the London Times newspaper on December 29, 1913 - is widely believed to be a fabrication, not least because of the most un-English spelling of ‘honor’. However, the sentiments and descriptions of the traumas involved in polar exploration are remarkably close to the truth, especially in that period when protective clothing and rescue facilities were rudimentary. Most of us fortunate to live in this area are blissfully and barely aware that 4,000km south from the tranquil green forests and golden shores of the Garden Route is one of the most inhospitable places on Earth: the Antarctic. Far from now being an undesirable destination, it has been a draw for adventurers and, more recently, holidaymakers

FAKE BUT TRUE: The spoof advertisement, its contents close to the truth nonetheless

for more than a hundred years. Unique in that, unlike the Arctic, it is a polar cap that hides a land continent under its ice, it has also been the source of international political disputes over the valuable minerals it contains and its strategic military location. Wilderness residents had a unique opportunity to envisage the conditions on this harsh continent when roving doctor and now Knysna resident Joan Louwrens gave a talk last month on the adventures of re-

nowned Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. The great man made three visits to the region and the second expedition, subsequently celebrated by a centennial journey in 2014 in which Joan took part, was his most heroic and famous - a failed attempt to traverse the Antarctic from sea to sea via the South Pole. As Joan explained, Shackleton’s heroism was best illustrated by the events of his second expedition, when the quest for the Pole became overshadowed but the need for the survival of his team members after their ship, Endurance, was first crushed by pack ice and then sank in the Weddell Sea, leaving all the expedition’s 28 men marooned on the ice. “Realising that their only hope for survival was to make contact with a whaling station on South Georgia Island, some

Bob Hopkin

1,300km away in the south Atlantic, he and four companions set out in a small, partiallydecked lifeboat to row and sail there,” she said. In spite of appalling conditions at sea and the need to then climb over a mountain range to a whaling station, the rescue attempt was successful and no lives were lost. • The next Wilderness Ratepayers and Residents Association presentation, ‘The Life and Death of Stars’, takes place at Wilderness Hotel today from 6pm. In this richly illustrated talk, Case Rijsdijk will explain where all the elements on Earth come from, the source of gravitational waves, and more - new windows on the universe used by astronomers. Entry is R10 for WRRA members and R20 for non-members. A cash bar will be open and the village boasts an array of excellent restaurants.

Quilter of note Helen Granville to share her mastery in Plett ELEN Granville was born in then Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) and as fifthgeneration Southern African attended Rhodes University in Grahamstown before working in the accounting field for 35 years. She began quilting in 1986, first as a hobby, then later selling her work through art galleries and embassies and taking commissions from regular clients. Having lost all her pensions in the financial meltdown of Zimbabwe, she immigrated to South Africa in December 2000 and made the most of opportunities here to use her quilting skills. Helen was invited to sell her quilts and wall hangings exclusively through an art gallery in Hermanus and subsequently through another gallery owner

in Stellenbosch. Several of her quilts have won awards at art exhibitions and national quilt festivals and have been selected to travel to international exhibitions in France, England, Australia, and America. In 2007, she was privileged to be invited by lady Annabelle Conyngham - chairman of the Order of St John Council in the Isle of Man - to teach and hold her own quilt exhibition, which was shown in conjunction with the vintage quilts from a collection in Manx Museum. It is obvious that her work has been heavily influenced by the fabrics, colours, landscapes, and stories of Africa. Although Helen received no formal art training, she has studied patchwork and quilt-

ing extensively and attended a number of workshops with local and international teachers. Her collection of fabrics is large, with much of it acquired on her travels through more than 40 different countries. She has been teaching and lecturing for over 22 years in Zim, Kenya, Australia, England and, of course, South Africa, and has sold over 150 quilts while having donated at least 50 to various charitable organisations for raffles to raise funds, or to homes for orphans and displaced children. Helen finds it incredibly gratifying to see how thrilled these little ones are to have their very own “blankies”. For the past year, she has been making quilted bags that sell like hotcakes at various mar-

kets in the Western Cape. Witness her art first-hand at Plett’s Piesang Valley Hall on July 2 and 3 from 10:30am to noon. Helen will demonstrate how to make a patchwork bag with samples of each stage of the manufacture. All participants need to bring along is a pen, paper, and camera should they wish to photograph the various stages. Book through Lady Conyngham on 044 533 5178 or at aconyngham@telkomsa.net your R50 entry fee will benefit Hospice Plett and tickets will be sold at the door. From 12-4pm Helen will be using some quilts as demonstration models while others will be for sale, as will the patchwork bags. Entrance fee is a voluntary donation to Hospice Plett.

NEWS & VIEWS

20 June 2018

CXPRESS

Housing at the heart of violent riots in Bitou and elsewhere on Garden Route Tomorrow is D-Day for Bitou Municipality to provide feedback to Qolweni residents after Plettenberg Bay was plunged into chaos last week when violent housing riots gripped the town - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports

FIRE POWER: A significantly armed police presence accompanied Bitou mayor Peter Lobese, centre, when he met with a Qolweni delegation on Thursday - at left is Lobese’s political advisor, Makhaya ‘Smuts’ Mana - Photo: Vinthi Neufeld

OT only was access to the coastal holiday town crippled as protestors barricaded main roads and pelted approaching vehicles with stones, but several business were forced to shut their doors due to petrol bombings and looting. Firefighters also had their hands full dealing with arson attacks while some schools closed mid-exams as a precautionary measure. The protest action started last week Monday when residents of Qolweni blocked the N2 near the town’s industrial area by burning tyres and other objects. This was sparked by an incident on June 3 when a fire ripped through Qolweni, destroying 25 informal homes and displacing more than a hundred residents, including 31 children. Protestors say that the tragedy highlighted the need for formal housing in the area. Authorities managed to disperse the disgruntled residents, but the riots flared up several times until the

situation took a turn for the worse on Tuesday night. Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) operations head Otto Olivier said that protestors not only blocked the N2, but also started pelting passing vehicles with rocks. Thereafter several protestors started looting businesses in the town’s industrial area, including Diamond Liquors. “Several law enforcement authorities responded. The looters however retaliated by throwing stones,” Olivier said. Once the situation was defused, authorities realised that several businesses and factories had been burgled and plundered. During the course of Wednesday the riots sporadically flared up again and police, including public order police from George, had to intervene by using stun grenades to keep the protestors at bay. During this time, officials redirected traffic. Motorist travelling from Port Eliza-

beth were advised to make use of the Wittedrift road to avoid the protests, while motorists heading into Plett from Knysna had to take Airport Road. On Thursday, the riots escalated dramatically, spreading to other parts of the area. Protestors once again blocked the N2 near the industrial area, but rioters also gathered in Kurland Village in The Crags and Wittedrift. Plett Watch rapid response member Wesley Andrew said there were also incidents where rioters used petrol bombs to set buildings and other properties alight. One of these buildings was Spotlight Night Club off the N2 in the industrial area. Andrew said substantial damage was caused before firefighters could douse the flames. Other properties that were targeted counted estates, including Schoongezicht Country Estate in Piesang Valley. Firefighters however could contain the fires before damage was caused. A Working on Fire (WoF) helicopter was also utilised to water-bomb the flames. No structures were damaged. Andrew added that in Kurland Village protestors set a bushy area alight which quickly spread towards the Tsitsikamma area due to hot and windy conditions. This forced the provincial traffic department to close the Tsitsikamma Toll Plaza, which meant no vehicles could enter or exit the area. Motorists were also advised not to use the Nature’s Valley road as excessive smoke caused low visibility. Provincial traffic chief Kenny Africa confirmed that they could only reopen the toll gates late on Thursday afternoon. This was not the first time residents of Kurland Vil-

lage, who barricaded the access road to the area by burning various objects on Thursday, had protested. Late last month residents participated in an approved protest over mainly housing issues after several in-

formal dwellings burnt down two weeks prior. The action however took a turn for the worse when protestors set fire to the satellite police station. They demanded not only housing, but also better policing in the area, a more suitable clinic, and streetlights. The Green Valley community in Wittedrift, who has a long history with housing battles, also blocked access

to the area on Thursday in an attempt to highlight their plights. Southern Cape police spokesman Captain Malcolm Pojie said seven protestors were arrested over the course of the action and would appear in the local magistrate’s court on charges of public violence. Municipal spokesman Manfred van Rooyen said Bitou mayor Peter Lobese To page 4

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NEWS & VIEWS

20 June 2018

Groenewald now acting Eden speaker after Knysna mayor quits the role During a special council meeting at Eden District Municipality’s council chambers in George last Wednesday, cllr Barend Groenewald was unanimously elected as acting speaker. His appointment follows the resignation of cllr Mark Willemse on Monday June 11. Willemse has recently been elected as executive mayor of Knysna Municipality (read the report on page 3 of the June 13 edition at www.cxpress.co.za). In the picture cllr Groenewald pledges his commitment to the role of speaker and to council, with Eden municipal manager Monde Stratu, at right.

Western Cape blood stocks rock-bottom for past week N Wednesday June 13, the Western Province Blood Transfusion Service (WPBTS) announced that it had enough blood for one day only, with blood-stock levels having reached a critically low level. “The contributing factors to the blood shortage are winter colds and flu, exams, fasting of our Muslim donors during Ramadan, and the aftermath of several long weekends. These factors lead to fewer donations and therefore have a negative impact on our blood stock level. “We aim to maintain a blood stock level of five days at all times to ensure we meet the demands of

the Western Cape,” explained WPBTS Corporate public relations officer Michelle Vermeulen. With stocks running critically low in all blood groups, residents throughout the Western Cape are urged to call at their closest blood donation clinics. To find out where you can donate, visit www. wpblood.org.za, call 021 507 6300, SMS ‘Blood’ to 33507, or download the WP Blood app. If you are older than 16 years and younger than 65, weigh more than 50kg, are healthy on the day of donation and lead a safe sexual lifestyle, you are an eligible blood donor. Your one donation can save up to three people’s lives.

Housing at the heart of violent riots in Bitou From page 3 met with the protestors between 1pm and 3:30 on Thursday. “Although housing is on the top of their list of concerns, unemployment, a clinic and a school for Qolweni also came up,” Van Rooyen said of the Plett riots. He added that Lobese made various commitments and agreed to interact with the relevant government departments to deal with their concerns. Lobese will report back to the community seven days after the meeting, which ended rioting for the first time in four days. During the time of the meeting, Knysna was also hit by protests that started

at Nekkies, where residents blocked the N2 for about three hours. This caused major traffic disruptions, leaving motorists entering and exiting Knysna from Plett’s side stranded. On Friday morning, Smutsville residents in Sedgefield joined the action, but the situation was soon defused. Late last month Rheenendal residents also staged protests about housing issues. Municipal spokesman Chumisa Kalawe said the municipality as well as Western Cape Human Settlements MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela had since visited these Knysna communities to discuss strategies to address the issues. Garden Route Media

Quick and continuous action averts collateral fire damage

Castleton, located in close proximity to the N2 highway past Plettenberg Bay, was at times threatened with collateral fire damage, arising out of the unrest that occurred in the town over the course of four days, from June 11-14. Fortunately, as a result of the quick thinking and good actions of three individuals, any possibility of fire damage to the complex was extinguished as soon as it arose. The three, who worked long hours in putting out a number of random flare-ups within the grounds of Castleton were, from left, Danny de Jager of Danelcun Home Improvements in George - presently carrying out refurbishment of some of the units - Castleton manager Hannes Taljaard, and maintenance head Stanley Mitchley. Timely assistance to Castleton was also kindly rendered by Bitou Fire and Rescue Services and Chris Ferreira of The Fish Shop, who in his spare time coaches Bitou Rugby Club. - Timothy Twidle

Airports Company backtracks on parking clampdown Correspondent BOB HOPKIN reports on an about-face by Airports Company South Africa on short-term parking policy at regional airports OCALS who regularly shepherd spouses, friends or visitors to and from George Airport have noted with dismay that the relaxed and convenient 15-minute free window for ‘Drop and Go’ convenience for arriving and departing passengers, has been recently reduced to a panic-stricken five-minute dash from toll booth to

toll booth to avoid a frustrating queue and payment at the parking meters. Although not such a problem for drivers ferrying departing passengers, when a quick hug and kiss and “have a great flight dear” is the norm, it is a different story when collecting arriving passengers whose passage from seated on board, through dash

across the tarmac and baggage collection, to standing at the kerbside is a timing hit-and-miss affair. When the subject was raised with George Airport manager Brenda Vorster, she concurred that there had been a change of policy. “This was an ACSA corporate decision to change the free waiting period to five

minutes at all regional airports which we have implemented,” she said. The good news is that the negative reaction by the public has been noted and Vorster confirmed that negotiations were in progress with her head office to extend the free period back, not to the original 15, but at least to a less-stressful 10 minutes.

NEWS & VIEWS

20 June 2018

Top performer Mamela Nyamza to open festival with a showstopper Plett ARTS Festival: June 25 to July 9

SHIFTING AND SHUFFLING: Mamela Nyamza and Aphiwe Livi in mid performance - she refers to her work as ‘readjusting discomforts while detonating institutional myths and fallacies that keep people apart’ - Photo: Suzy Bernstein

NTERNATIONALLYacclaimed dancer and choreographer Mamela Nyamza - this year’s featured artist at the 2018 National Arts Festival (NAF) in Grahamstown - will perform De-Apart-Hate in Plett on Monday June 25 at 7pm. In De-Apart-Hate, which also features Aphiwe Livi, Nyamza confronts prejudice in a multi-layered piece that reflects the complexities of current issues in society and the world. She says it is not overtly about apartheid or about race, but more about power structures. “My work is about unsteadiness and anxiety. It’s about shifting, shuffling, readjusting discomforts as well as personal and collective battles against intoler-

ant systems. My work embodies not only defiance but dismantling and detonating all those institutional myths and fallacies that keep people apart,” she says. Nyamza and Livi lead the audience through the celebration and struggle that is marriage. As they try to find a balance on a rainbow bench that seesaws between them, they shift, shuffle and readjust, yet never quite seem to find comfort. Nyamza will also facilitate an open workshop on Sunday June 24 at 2pm as part of the festival’s Winter School Programme. Dancers, animators and performance artists will benefit from learning from this master. Tickets for both these Piesang Valley Hall events are

available on the Plett Tourism website or at the door. The 2018 Plett ARTS Festival is scheduled for June 25 to July 9 and tickets are available through Plett Tourism’s website and Quicket. Visit www.pletttourism.com for more information and read on for this week’s competition question and winner announcement. COMPETITION Plett Tourism and CXPRESS are offering five readers the chance of winning a set of Plett ARTS Festival Season Tickets (valued at R950 per ticket) as well as a couple of cool Fidel-style festival caps, valued at R100 and available for sale from Plett Tourism. Simply answer the question: Who was this year’s featured artist at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown? Email your answer, name and contact details to esther@cxpress. co.za and watch this space for winner announcements. Season tickets allow free access to events and activities owned by Plett Tourism. The winner of our third set of tickets and caps is Dunyiswa Mgwele from Knysna. Everyone who has entered so far are welcome to enter again this week and stand a chance to win the final two sets of tickets and caps.

Meet abstract expressionist Marlien Visagie ORN in 1984, artist Marlien Visagie has always displayed a creative flair, but the artist within surfaced in 2015 only after being inspired by her brother to buy paint and canvas and trying her hand at finger painting. Suddenly she knew this creative process was one of the missing links in her life - her heart and soul both yearned for more. Now Marlien is an abstract expressionist artist who mostly uses acrylic mediums, and oil on occasion. “Art is my way of completely letting go, allowing intuition to guide me without question, doubt, or over-thinking anything, but simply surrendering to the

WIN A RAINBOW: This canvas is up for grabs; enter the draw at LM in Plett

process,” she says, adding that she draws inspiration from all that surrounds her. She lets her inner child come out to play, finding beauty in the smallest of things. She believes there is no right or wrong in abstract expressionism and that anyone can do it if only they gave it a try. “It’s therapeutic!” she promises. Marlien likes to leave the interpretation of her paint-

ings to viewers, allowing her art to speak on a deeper level. “We all have our own viewpoints and art speaks differently to different people. The point of my art is to elicit a reaction.” Unafraid to completely express herself on canvas, Marlien wishes to share beauty and wonder through her art so pop past LM in Plett (Yellowwood Centre, Main Street) during the Plett ARTS Festival from 12pm daily. One of her original pieces is up for grabs so visit LM to enter the lucky draw, scheduled for Sunday July 8. The winner will be notified per telephone. Email mar lienvis@gmail.com or call 072 224 6040 for more info.

We'll have a fun week filled with games,

9 - 13 July * 08:00 - 12:30 * R120 for the week Call to register – limited space available! Plett Methodist Church, 1 Muller Street, 044 533 3430

Gr R-1 (year 6), Gr 2-3, Gr 4-5, Gr 6-7 (13 years)

crafts, skits, worship and so much more! Juice and a snack will be provided.

CXPRESS

20 June 2018

NEWS & VIEWS

Youth Day in Kranshoek celebrated with much gratitude for blessings

The Kranshoek Youth Day celebrations were organised as a community event to give thanks for the many blessings received as a year passed after the shattering effect of the fires on this community. The two-day event was well attended by all. Above, members of the Diversity Dance group entertain the crowds. Below, Bitou councillor Annelise Olivier leads by example, showing how important it is to clean up after enjoying an event. The organisers thank Ocean Safaris for their support and everyone who attended the jorl. - Photos: Leigh Dunn

Beanies for Africa, thanks to Rotary Anns and friends

On a very cold winter morning the Rotary Anns of Plettenberg Bay visited Harkerville Primary School with a delivery of 250 beanies, one for each and every child at the school. These handknitted hats were made by some of the Anns and their friends, with a considerable number being created thanks to Joy Sachs of wool&more who had put out a request to her own band of knitters. The Rotary Anns truly appreciate all the contributions received, which enabled them to ensure that all the children will be a little warmer this winter. Pictured with the Grade 1 children sporting their new headwear are, at far right in the back row, Harkerville principal Chantal Mahmood with, third from left, Anns president Marjorie Henley. They are accompanied by Anns, from left, Yvonne Slade, Beryl Winter, Fiona Woods, Jill Haysom and Ann Smart.

NEWS & VIEWS

Entertainment guaranteed at this year’s Plett Fringe Fest PONSORED by Wesgro, this year’s Plett Fringe Festival at The White House boasts four truly diverse performances, all of them sharing one unique quality: they promise to entertain, be it musically or with sharp-witted words. On Saturday June 23, the fest opener is An Evening with sax master Andrew Young, featuring René Piet. Andrew and René will perform songs from Andrew’s latest album Diamonds - a collection of classic songs such as Summertime, Over the Rainbow, Manenberg, and Easy Street. Prepare for a mixture of original tracks (First Flight and Brooklyn Sunrise written by René, and the title track, and Ay’s Mambo written by Andrew), along with well-known favourites like Desperado (The Eagles) and I’ll be there (Jackson 5). On Wednesday June 27, State Fracture stars the versatile Daniel Mpilo Richards who takes a look at the South Africa with which we currently have a lovehate relationship. Award-winning writer Mike van Graan ticks all the boxes with his insightful writing in a skilfully crafted show by accomplished director Rob van Vuuren. “Not to be missed by those who really care about this beautiful country.” - Richard Loring. On Thursday June 28, Daniel returns with Land Acts - the hottest topic in SA at the moment. It’s contentious, fuels lots of anger and angst, filling numerous talk shows and column space with perspectives as diverse as South Africa’s population. What better subject then for the third (and final) collaboration between Daniel, Rob, and Mike following their highly successful Pay back the Curry and State Fracture revues? Daniel owns the stage in this multi-sketch piece that combines provocative humour with impressive and versatile performing skills. Sunday July 1 will see popular singer in both Afrikaans and English Chris Chameleon take to the stage with ‘Jy en Ek en Ek en Jy’. It’s been six years since Chris Chameleon last released a completely self-penned Afrikaans album. The much-anticipated ‘Jy en Ek en Ek en Jy’ means followers of this icon of South African music can get their fix again. The album is both musically and lyrically his most adventurous to date and the focus will be on this new, pioneering body of work, within which Chris redefines the sound, lyrics, and songs of Afrikaans music. However, fans can also look forward to a selection of the hits that have made him a household name throughout the years. If you have a Chris Chameleon song that you’d like to hear, the good news is that he invariably gives his audience the opportunity to request some of their personal favourites. The courtyard will open at 6:30pm each evening with music, a cash bar and snacks for sale. See the advert on page 4 for booking details.

20 June 2018

CXPRESS

Don’t miss the Strauss crew’s next valuation roadshow - find those hidden treasures

HE annual Strauss & Co valuations day at Leisure Isle is known for its “Antiques Roadshow” atmosphere, with refreshments on hand while you wait for your artwork to be valued. Last year there was a scurry of interest when it became known that an unusual painting was valued at between R600,000 and R800,000 by the art specialists. While Friends of the Knysna Libraries members were making arrangements for this year’s valuation day, the question was asked: “What on Earth happened to that ‘pizza painting’?” A call to Cape Town confirmed that the Penny Siopis painting valued by the Strauss & Co team during their previous Garden

Route roadshow had sold for R852,000 earlier this year! Rumours are that the dust is flying in the basements and lofts of Knysna and Plett as many a hopeful resident is searching for anything that remotely resembles a painting… The valuations of South African paintings and sculpture, furniture, silver, and Oriental ceramics take place on June 25 and 26 at The Plettenberg and Cearn Hall on Leisure Isle respectively, with proceeds benefitting the Sabrina Love Foundation and Friends of the Knysna Libraries. Email kirsty@straussart.co.za or call Friends chair Florence Erasmus on 082 376 5344, and see the ad on this page for details.

SIOPIS ‘PIZZA’ STRIKES GOLD: This painting by Penny Siopis (from her early 1980s Cake Series) was owned by a Knysna resident, who hauled it along to last year’s valuations day pictured at left is well-known Knysna historian and author Margaret Parkes, with Strauss & Co art specialists Ian Hunter and Kristy Colledge Photo: Johann Vosloo

Enter Music Quiz 2018 NOW! HE Complete Music Quiz takes place at Plett Bowling club on June 28 from 6:30pm. The entry fee of R600 per team (max six) includes a supper with prizes for each round. All proceeds benefit Plett Surf Lifesaving Club and junior sports development. Contact Barry Ricketts on 072 890 6238 or at barryricketts48@hotmail.com to enter.

KNYSNA WINE

FESTIVAL Presented by

Valuation Days in the Garden Route South African Paintings & Sculpture • Furniture • Silver • Oriental Ceramics

2 & 3 July 2018 |17:00 – 21:00 Thesen Island next to WHE+ Restaurant Experience over 200 wines and craft liquors from more than 50 producers from across the Garden Route and Cape Winelands. Sign up for exclusive, free food and wine pairings in the Pick n Pay Wine Club Tasting Room. Bring your friends and be relaxed with us during the best 10 days of your winter. Tickets available at www.webtickets.co.za or at the Pick n Pay Knysna and George store Money Counters.

www.oysterfestival.co.za

Pieter Wenning, The Yellow House (Bishopscourt in Winter) R500 000 - 700 000 from The Labia Family Trust PLETTENBERG BAY – The Plettenberg, Look-out Rocks, 40 Church Street Monday 25 June 2018, 10am to 4pm R20 per item. Proceeds will be donated to the Sabrina Love Foundation.

Invitation to a Lecture at 6pm: Understanding Market Trends: An exploration of recent decorative arts and painting sales at auction KNYSNA – Cearn Hall, Hall Street, Leisure Isle Tuesday 26 June 2018, 11.30am to 2.30pm

GEORGE – Fancourt, Montagu Street, Blanco Wednesday 27 June 2018, 10am to 2pm

R20 per item. Proceeds will be donated to the Friends of the Knysna Library.

R20 per item. Proceeds will be donated to the Sabrina Love Foundation.

For a confidential and obligation-free appointment contact 021 683 6560 | ct@straussart.co.za

.c o

for great deals

.za /win eclub

Join our

Pick n Pay Wine Club ay knp www.pic

I&J: Chris Chameleon closes this year’s Fringe Festival with songs from his longawaited new album ‘Jy en Ek en Ek en Jy’

We are currently accepting consignments for our October 2018 auction in Cape Town. www.straussart.co.za Strauss & Co: The global leader in the South African art market

CXPRESS

INTERVAL

20 June 2018

On parenting (the good and the bad)… • I once bought my kid a set of batteries for Christmas with a note on it saying: “Toys not included.” • Twee ouers wat nie gereeld kerk toe gaan nie, beland een Sondag oggend met kinders en al in ‘n nagmaaldiens. Met die bediening van die wyn, sê die een seuntjie kliphard: “Haai, Pa, hulle het shooters!” • Did you hear about the drummer who gave his four daughters the same names? Anna 1, Anna 2, Anna 3, Anna 4. • Die seuntjie vra sy pa die verskil tussen welvaart en armoede. Pa sê: “Welvaart is kreef, kaviaar, sjampanje en ‘n sexy model. Armoede is Kentucky, dooswyn en jou ma. • I went back to my home town and decided to visit the house I grew up in. I asked the occupants if I could come inside. They said: “No!” My parents can be so grouchy sometimes. • ‘n Klein seuntjie sit hartseer eenkant na sy ma op hom geskree het.

Sy pa vra: “Wat’s fout, my seun?” Die seuntjie antwoord: “Ek kannie meer jou vrou se humeur hanteer nie!” • “You know,” a mother once told her ambitious Wall Street son, “money will not make you happy.” “That’s true, Mom, but it will make you miserable in a better environment.” • Son: “Mom, who is FDR? Mom: “I see you’ve been talking with your greatgrandfather again. FDR was commander in chief when your great-grandfather was young.” Son: “Which tribe?” • If you have a headache, do what it says on the bottle of aspirin: ‘Take two and keep away from children’. • “If you had R10 and you asked your father for another R10, how much would you have?” “R10.” “You don’t know your arithmetic.” “Oh, but you don’t know my father!” • A sweater is a garment worn by a child... when his mother feels chilly.

Make a sentence teacher called upon the classroom to make sentences with words previously chosen. The teacher smiled when Pete, a slow learner, raised his hand to participate during the challenge of making a sentence with the

words: Defeat, Defense, Deduct, and Detail. Pete stood thinking for a while, all eyes focused on him while his classmates awaited his reply. Smiling, Pete proudly said: “Defeat of deduct went over defense before detail.”

Late night investigation NE night, a lady stumbled into the police station with a black eye. She claimed she heard a noise in her backyard and went to investigate. The next thing she knew she was hit in the eye and knocked out cold.

An officer was sent to her house to investigate and he returned an hour later with a black eye. “Did you get hit by the same person?” his captain asked. “No,” the officer said. “I stepped on the same rake.”

If you weigh 90.7kg on Earth, you’ll be only 34.4kg on Mars... You’re not overweight, you’re just not on the right planet.

I do five sit-ups every morning. May not sound like much, but there’s only so many times you can hit the snooze button.

SOCIAL SCENE

20 June 2018

CXPRESS

JUNE 1 A FIRST FOR FAMSA: Shotgun start, four-ball alliance, ghost player, handicap, halfway house, longest drives… all of these were foreign terms to staff at FAMSA Knysna, and so very different from the terminology normally dealt with: therapy, intervention, empathy, reflection, carefrontation, and trauma support. But then they started planning their very first golf fundraiser with the help of Sean Farrell from The Golf Guys, who also assisted with marketing to the local golfing fraternity. Came Friday June 1, the course at Simola was brimming with four-balls raring to play. “Simola and their staff, especially Alistaire, Jamie and Danielle, were accommodating and helpful in every way. The course, the venue, the catering and the weather contributed to a great golfing event,” says FAMSA Knysna director Karin du Plessis. She thanks all the businesses and individuals who contributed to make this day thoroughly amazing, including her staff who kept the registration going and golfers happy. Congrats to first place winners - pictured from left at left above with Karin at left and FAMSA chair Chris Spies at right - Jodie Polley, Colin Hougaard, Zane Pretorius, and Coenraad Venter. They also received the WOW floating trophy for best four-ball score. Above with Karin are the best-dressed fourball of Marianna Wessels, Bev Lowrie, Karen Derbyshire and Heather Bianchi, with best-dressed individual André Britz at right. - Photos: Cheryl Brits

People, places & events

RECITAL REGALES: ‘A Musical Delight’ held at Ouland Royale on June 15, in aid of Hospice Plett, was performed by, from left above, soprano Cecilia Rangwanasha and pianists Sulayman Human and Dr Anneke Lamont. Cecilia won the sixth UNISA International Voice Competition earlier this year and Sulayman was the winner of ATKV Musiq in 2017. Their programme included well-known pieces from the classical canon as well as songs from popular musicals. A roaring log fire, snacks and wine were enjoyed by, clockwise from left, Hein Pretorius, Morné de Klerk, Sarita Pretorius and Jaco de Klerk, all of Plettenberg Bay. - Timothy Twidle GET SHARP AT THE SHED: Red Shed Nursery @ Old Nick Village had a wonderful information morning two Wednesdays ago. Pictured at left and below, Plett flora fundi Jean Sparg advises interested customers on the best indigenous plants for our area. Red Shed Nursery will be hosting various workshops over the next couple of months - keep checking the press for upcoming events or email seedlings4u@ gmail.com with queries.

BLUES FOR BURSARIES: The Village Eco-preschool’s annual music and auction fundraiser last Friday was a roaring success. The school made its target for the first time ever, enabling five learners to be awarded bursaries for the year. Plett’s Barnyard Theatre rocked to the sounds of High End Blues Band with many happy locals supporting a great cause. Inge and her crew at the school thank everyone for the overwhelming support.

FIVE KAYS OF MEET-N-GREETING: On June 6 a bunch of public services officials joined hands with members of the local police, traffic, fire, law enforcement and ambulance services for a fun walk/run that kicked off at the KwaNokuthula ambulance station and followed a 5km circular route, after which the group enjoyed presentations and refreshments. Says coordinator Nokosimilo Mzili: “We had a very interesting and blessed day as part of our wellness programme. It was just the start, and we hope to do many more fruitful get-togethers with our public services colleagues. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who participated - well done!” The friendly ambulance services coordinator is seen in white at far right, partly obscured by EMS rescue technician Hilton Roman in green; among the rapt listeners are, in the yellow top, lieutenant colonel Shiela Palmer from Knysna SAPS, and senior inspector Mxolisi Tomas in red. At left, constables Gqukani (in white) and Meselane (in blue) are flanked by fellow fun walkers during the successful event in KwaNokuthula.

CXPRESS

Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

20 June 2018

CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

20 June 2018

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

CemAir saga leaves questions over common itable. The open skies practice and airline policies framework in South AfMy wife booked to fly to Cape Town on Monday May 29 for a medical procedure in the afternoon, to return on the flight back to Plett on the 31st. Payment and booking confirmations were duly sent through to us and everything was set for her to leave on the Monday. To our utter amazement, we received a call from the Plett Airport controller on Sunday to say that they had cancelled the flight as there were not sufficient passengers booked for this flight! I have never heard of any airline cancelling a flight for this reason and wonder whether this is common practice. Despite the setback on

hearing this news and having to cancel hotel bookings, the procedure, etc., I was amazed to read CemAir’s cancellation policy. There are Draconian penalties in the event of a passenger cancelling a flight, but no mention of any compensation in the event of the airline cancelling. To top this off, their refund application form states that they can take six to eight weeks to process a refund. Surely this is an inordinately long time to hold onto a passenger’s money? Let’s hope Roger Foster (CEO of Airlink) is able to obtain permission to add some urgently-needed competition on routes in and out of Plett soon

Nothing legit about looting Strange thing: in Zimbabwe, crowds mass in the streets to get rid of Mugabe. Not one shop window broken. Not one shop looted. Not one thing damaged. In South Africa it’s a different story entirely. Am I missing some-

thing, or does the behaviour of our local rioting set naturally follow visits by the EFF? Looting bottle stores and shops is not about legitimate political protest; it’s plain anarchy, pure and simple. ‘PD’, Plett

Putting the record straight on Crystal scoring silver Thank you so much for the excellent article on the Disability Bowls SAs [read it on page 12 of the June 13 edition at www. cxpress.co.za]. Committee members of Physically Disabled Bowlers of SA (PDBSA) were very pleased and complimentary about it, and I think it offered encouragement for more differently-abled people to pick up bowling. Fellow members at Plettenberg Bay Bowling Club and our own friends were also very interested to read the report. One response though, which came as quite a surprise, was that a few people congratulated ‘me’ on win-

WORTHY SILVER WINNER: Crystal Barlow, right, with another Ladies’ Singles competitor during the SAs in George

ning the silver medal… When I relooked the wording I realised that those reading the information with no inside knowledge of who actually won the silver, misinterpreted the ‘she’ as being ‘me’ rather than Crystal Barlow! She is an Eden player from George Bowling Club, and I feel the need to put the record straight locally while giving Crystal due credit for this great accomplishment. Also worth a mention is that, in addition to the encouragement of PDBSA chair Chris Patton, it was Crystal who played against me in a Knysna tournament and insisted afterwards that I officially entered Nationals. My performance resulted in being invited to next year’s Disabled Nationals. I would love to go and be proud to take part if I can find a sponsor. Finally, the Plett Bowling Club feels strongly about any form of community outreach and we invite readers wishing to give bowling a try, and differently-abled folk in particular, to drop my husband Larry (a qualified bowling coach) a line on 072 407 7643. Julie Deferville, Plett

for the sake of visitors and locals alike. PS: The same last minute cancellation was experienced by our friends booked to fly to Plett from Cape Town a few months ago. ‘Grounded’, Plett CemAir CEO Miles van der Molen responded as follows: We don’t cancel flights due to low passenger numbers, however, we do adapt schedules due to low demand. The winter season in Plett is obviously the low season, and this year we are seeing particularly low demand. As a result, our schedule has been adjusted. Refunds are processed as quickly as practical. Through some payment channels such as foreign travel agents using the IATA BSP payment channel, we only receive payment in six to eight weeks. In such cases the refund is processed in this timeframe. If you can provide the passenger’s name I will investigate the status. As an IATA-member airline, we compensate passengers in accordance with IATA requirements and therefore conform to international standards and norms. We point out that Airlink cancelled its Plett service many years ago due to it not being prof-

rica means any other duly-licensed and equipped airline could operate into Plett if they so choose. We do not have any monopoly or protection on this route and the absence of competition is purely due to commercial considerations. The Plett airfield is owned by Bitou Municipality and the operation thereof is currently their responsibility. The future of the airfield and the level of service provided here is at their discretion and, notwithstanding our best efforts, we have not been able to secure a reasonable agreement and terms for the use of the facilities. As such, our routes into Plett from Cape Town and Johannesburg remain under review and an announcement on the future of the service will be made in due course. (CemAir’s continued efforts to secure a workable contract with Bitou has received extensive coverage on these pages some months back. Turn to page 3 of the March 21 edition and pages 3 and 19 of the March 28 edition at www. cxpress.co.za for reports and readers’ opinions on this topic. Suffice to say, ‘Grounded’ may do well to relate details of abovementioned saga to municipal officials in charge of CemAir’s fate. - Eds.)

CXPRESS lauded for furthering four-legged cause FARM HOUND: Soon after introducing Richie to our readers in May, the darling doggie swapped his digs at the Knysna Animal Welfare Society kennels for a new life of being owned and loved by a local farming family

Just had to share the wonderful news that a family from Wilderness adopted Richie over the weekend. He is going to stay on a farm, so he will have the time of his life. Thank you for sharing his story [read it on page 9 of the May 16 edition at www.cxpress. co.za] - we hope all our other animals could be so fortunate to find their forever homes. Retha Havenga, Knysna --Ek konnie my oë glo toe ek 23 Mei se CX-

PRESS oopmaak en die wonderlike ‘spread’ met al die PAWS foto’s sien nie! Namens ons almal by Plett Animal Welfare Service kan ek net oor en oor dankie sê vir jul voortgesette ondersteuning. Dit beteken vir ons ongelooflik baie, want elke bietjie publisiteit skep groter bewustheid en dit beteken weer dat ons meer vir ons gemeenskap kan doen om hulle en hul diere te help. CXPRESS is voorwaar PAWS se “ange du ciel”. Marsja Hall-Green, Plet

La Luna

CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

20 June 2018

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IONEERS Cricket Club in Plett recently concluded its inaugural SWD Premier League season, ending in seventh position on the overall log. They have thus retained their status as premier-league team, ensuring that cricket of the highest quality will be played locally during the 2018/19 season. Oudtshoorn’s Union Stars were again crowned premier-league champs when they defeated George CC in the final. In an unfortunate turn of events, runners up and neighbours, Pirates United CC from Knysna, was relegated to the SWD Promotional League for the upcoming season. Says Pioneers CC chair Mornay Stuurman: “This has been a remarkable feat for arguably the smallest premier-league club in terms of numbers and competition experience the so-called ‘newbies’ to the competition. “We are extremely proud of our club for being well represented by players from all over Plettenberg Bay. Our management team has again survived difficult circumstances with the help and generosity of our local community and businesses.” (See the list of sponsors below.) Pioneers played all their 2017/18 home games at Plett Primary. The club thanks the school for its ongoing support towards cricket development in Plettenberg Bay. The club currently consists of about 35 playing members, competing in the Premier and Reserve leagues respectively. The Reserve League is used as a basis to blend and nurture new talent, while improvPlett Pioneers CC thanks… • Bitou Municipality • Bitou Sports Council • Plett Primary School cricket facility and nets • Bitou Rugby Club practice and meeting facilities • Ukhana Projects cricket attire • Coastal Tool Hire supply of roller • Denron - supply of roller • Studio Designs practice balls • Sportscentre Plett water bottles • Marai’s Taxi Services transport • Nocezo Transport transport • Johannes Pika - Bitou sports officer • Keith Cretchley of Knysna Sports School - pitch covers

TOPS OF THE SEASON: Winners during the Pioneers’ recent award evening included, from left, captain Carlos Koeberg, Cruz Fourie (who collected the Best Bowling and Batting of the Season award on behalf of Brendon Louw), Claude Terblanche, and Eden Tarentaal

ing on existing skills in order to feed and sustain the Premier League team. Finally, club management announced that they had once again secured the services of SWD captain and local hero Brendon Louw, who is currently playing county cricket in England. “A new CSA Level II coach is to be announced shortly, and we will also be able to return to our original base during the next season, since Bitou Municipality is currently con-

structing a new turf cricket pitch, sight screens and practice nets at the New Horizons Sports Field,” explains Stuurman. The vision for the upcoming season is to ensure sustainable cricket development by growing the numbers of the club, having key discussions and introducing cricket to other suburbs in Plett while establishing and maintaining positive relationships with the local community and businesses. The club is dedicated

to the promotion of the game and is continuously looking for people to assist with various functions - scorers, umpires and coaches - as well as admin staff, so please contact Mornay Stuurman at pioneercricket@gmail.com should you wish to join as a player or administrator. The preseason training starts on July 3 at Bitou’s rugby field off Gris Nez Avenue, with a preseason tour and warmup matches scheduled for early in September.

Double silver for Plett Athletics ‘comrades’!

Georgie Minopetros and Jo Mackenzie were two of six Plett Athletic Club runners who braved the Comrades ultra-marathon over 91km on June 10, making the silver medal cut-off with 4 seconds to spare when finishing in a time of 7:29:56! Major congrats are due to them and to fellow Plett athletes Mnyamezeli Eric Nangu, Janet Woodhead, Patrick Sassin and André Els. The club’s Vicki Meggersee said they were extremely proud to welcome these Comrades superheroes back from Durban. “Huge thanks go Plett Ski-Boat Club, our awesome clubhouse, for its sponsorship towards Comrades 2018,” she says. Call Georgie on 072 629 5316 for info about weekly time trials.