20 November 2019
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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Let the countdown begin... With Plett Rage nine days away and schools closing less than a week later, local authorities and businesses alike are now adding finishing touches to preparatory plans and strategies to make the most of Season 2019/20. Find out about Knysna’s readiness plan on page 4, and turn to page 11 for a letter on Plettenberg Bay tourist stays that provokes some food for thought.
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CXPRESS
NEWS & VIEWS
20 November 2019
Going places: big plans for regional hub, but no international flights in pipeline for George Correspondent BOB HOPKIN has his say after attending last week’s Airports Company presentation OMIC and commentator Coriander Woodruff once said: “You know, an airport is the only place you can walk around with no shoes on, a glazed look on your face and sleep on benches - and no one judges you.” And I guess most of us have had experiences like that. In the case of our own regional hub, George Airport, staff of the Airports Company SA (ACSA) there made a convincing argument, during a presentation of their future plans last week, that they had no intention of letting their clients suffer those indignities. Admitting to the fact that, at 98%, they are stretched close to capacity, airport manager Brenda Vorster said the popularity of the Garden Route as a destination has led to unprecedented volumes of traffic through the facility, which was originally commissioned in 1977. Back then, its justification was marginal and, arguably, a showpiece and gift to his favourite area from then president PW Botha. However, since the early 2000s traffic has shown exponential growth from 154,000 passengers in 2003, through
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WE’RE GOING UP! Airport manager Brenda Vorster says George expects around 1.2- million annual passengers by 2022 Photo: Bob Hopkin
560,000 in 2013, 836,000 in 2018/9 to an expected 1.2-million in 2022. With a relatively small departures lounge with just six gates, and a two-carousel luggage collection area, the facilities easily become overcrowded when two or more flights
arrive or leave within a few minutes. Likewise, the cargo handling amenities are dated and obsolete. Vorster explained that two plans had been approved by ACSA management to address these concerns - the Terminal Expansion Project and the
Cargo Project, both of which would commence shortly for intended completion in 2024 and 2022 respectively. The former will roughly double the departure lounge size and increase boarding gates to eight. The arrivals hall will also be enlarged into the current baggage unload area, which will be relocated to an extended building. While grateful for the business, ACSA admits to limited knowledge of the types of clients using the airport. “We intend to get a better idea of the demographics and motivation of our customers by inaugurating a free wifi service that needs the client to answer a few questions first before they are allowed to log in,” she said. When asked if there were any future plans to host international flights, Vorster was cautious. “To do that we would need to lengthen and strengthen the runway and build a standalone additional terminal with immigration and customs facilities and, at this stage, the business model does not work. “It is not completely off the table, but I can’t foresee that before 10 to 15 years in the future,” she said.
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20 November 2019
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Domestic dispute may have sparked fire that left Pinetrees residents homeless
Several homes were destroyed and residents left displaced when a fire swept through the Pinetrees community of Plettenberg Bay last week - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports ITOU municipal spokesman Andile Namntu said the municipality’s fire department responded to reports of a fire
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in the “old transit camp” area of Pinetrees at about 8pm on Thursday November 14. The fire swept through
FIRE IS NOT OUR FRIEND: Residents look on as Bitou firefighters battle the flames that robbed eight people of their homes last Thursday - Photos: Supplied
six homes, destroying three and severely damaging another three. Eight people were left homeless as a result. Namntu said the cause of the fire was still unknown but that local police were investigating a case of arson as there were reports that the fires had started following a dispute between two local residents. Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association head of special operations Marius Venter said it was believed that the incident was sparked by an alleged domestic dispute. Namntu said the municipality’s housing department
No pong from us, say Plettenberg Bay’s prize-winning egg farmers Ludumo Tede
AGBREEK egg farm maintains that there is no offensive odour coming from its premises off Plett’s Airport Road - and this was proven by the outcome of a recently undertaken assessment. The study was done after complaints on social media claimed that an offensive odour was permeating the Kranshoek air. Some members of the public surmised that the smell emanated from Dagbreek and other farms in the vicinity. It is alleged that concerns about the mysterious whiff were first voiced when a proposal for expansion of the egg farm came to the public’s attention. The farm provided feedback on the basic assessment report released on November 13 after a study was done in areas such as Kranshoek, which is about a kilometre away from the laying facility. The assessment undertak-
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en on October 25 in the residential areas nearest to the farm provided certainty that it imposed no health hazards to the public (inhaling of an offensive odour can pose a threat to human wellness). Stefan Delport of Dagbreek said several people in the area confirmed that they had never experienced offensive odours coming from the farm. But that was not necessarily the case with other facilities. “The Kranshoek Primary School principal and staff have confirmed verbally that they had not experienced any health or odour issues associated with the Dagbreek egg facility,” he said. “They did however indicate that there was a malodorous problem within Kranshoek, resulting from free-range pigs and from the municipal sewage pump station that regularly overflows and needs fixing as a matter of urgency. “Unfortunately we are not able to ascertain where the
offensive odours originate from. Having spoken with various parties it would appear that it smells bad when the mushroom farm turns its compost. “But that is beyond the scope of our Environmental Impact Assessment process. There was no smell coming from the mushroom farm on the day of the odour monitoring assessment,” he added. The Dagbreek Eiers EIA is open to public participation until December 13 (visit www.hilland.co.za/ public-processes/). • Johan van der Schyff, 36 - at the helm of JJ van der Schyff en Seuns farm, which is the home of Dagbreek Eiers - made national headlines recently when he won the South African Young Farmer competition. Turn to page 5 of the May 29 edition at www.cxpress. co.za for our report when this mindful young local farmer won the Western Cape leg of the competition.
had intervened and provided the affected residents with temporary shelter, food parcels, and blankets. “The housing department will also be providing housing materials to the affected families in order for them to rebuild their homes.” Garden Route Media
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NEWS & VIEWS
20 November 2019
Knysna ready to deal with added challenges of summer season CCORDING to Knysna municipal manager Dr Sitembele Vatala, the municipality has an Integrated Seasonal Readiness Plan (ISRP) in place. “The ISRP is implemented from November until January 31 and focusses on the delivery of services such as traffic management, law enforcement, fire and rescue, parks and recreation, and waste management,” he said. “The plan defines clear responsibilities of relevant municipal sections and its effective implementation will promote a safe envi-
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ronment for residents and visitors, ensuring that services are delivered throughout the busy season.” Traffic “Summer is always a busy time in Knysna, and we do not expect this year to be any different,” he said. “While we welcome our visitors, we have to make provision for the increase in vehicles on our roads. Temporary point duty officers will be deployed to relieve traffic congestion.” Seasonal celebrations are often associated with traffic accidents, and the ISRP aims to curb these incidents, as zero tolerance will be
shown to traffic offenders. The Municipal Traffic Section will participate in joint operations between traffic officials, law enforcement officers, fire officials and the SAPS to promote traffic management and general compliance. “Special attention will be given to moving violations, speed monitoring, roadworthiness, defective lights, public transport, visibility of pedestrians at night, driver fatigue, and visible policing,” said Vatala. “Incidents of driving under the influence spike during this period and our officials will conduct alcohol blitzes as well as vehicle stops and checks. They
will also assist with the enforcement of selected, critical bylaws, offences and contraventions.” Law enforcement “Law enforcement officers will be performing their regular duties with the assistance of newly-trained officers,” he said, adding that 15 new officials had been appointed for the next 12 months, with another 30 appointed as seasonal officers. These officers will enforce municipal bylaws and will also assist in combating crime by participating in special operations with SAPS, traffic, and other departments. “They will create a safe and conducive environment for residents, visitors, and businesses. They will also patrol Greater Knysna’s beaches and public recreational areas,” said Vatala. Fire and rescue “Our firefighters will be on duty and standby on a 24-hour basis at the Knysna, Sedgefield, and Concordia fire stations,” Vatala said, adding that municipal staff would perform standby duties in Rheenendal and Karatara. Smaller vehicles will be manned by a minimum of two staff members, with a minimum of three members manning the larger vehicles. The staff complement consists of 43 professional firefighters and leave over the summer period will be managed and minimised to ensure services run at an optimal level. There will be no extended leave granted or training interventions staged during this period to facilitate maximum staff availability. “Knysna Fire and Rescue Services will be working closely with other regional and local authorities and organisations during the summer period,” Vatala continued. “Agreements with neighbouring municipalities are in place to facilitate mutual assistance in case of large-scale events. “Two helicopters, three spotter planes and two air tractors will also be available within Eden District Municipality for at least a five-month period, starting on December 1.” Knysna beaches, vleie and lagoons, as well as Karatara Swimming Pool will be under lifeguard supervision from December 1 until January 15. Waste management As the amount of household waste generated generally doubles during the holiday season,
additional refuse collection staff will be appointed. The domestic refuse collection schedule and disposal guidelines will be advertised in local newspapers, and refuse will be collected from all areas at least once per week. “The street cleaning teams are always busy sweeping or collecting litter from residential and CBD streets,” he said. “The CBD, recreational facilities and beaches will be cleaned on a daily basis. “Operational hours will be extended during this time and additional staff will be employed to assist during this period. We will appoint 60 members from our unemployed database, representing all wards.” Maintenance will be performed at all public restroom facilities throughout the municipal area. Additional staff will monitor restrooms throughout season and additional toilets will be sourced for recreational facilities. Clearing of illegal dumping will take place along with grass cutting. Parks and recreation “Service providers will cut the grass in all wards to maintain neatness,” Vatala said. “All public amenities had been attended to by the end of September, with all benches having been repaired and painted. “A maintenance team will inspect and repair all defects on our boardwalks and play parks on a weekly basis, and officials will be on standby to clean all public facilities daily from December 1 to January 15.”
Jwarha clan loses a beloved member
Mphithizeli Shedwell Tede: 27 December 1953 - 27 October 2019. Mr Tede was buried on November 9 at Maipase location in King William’s Town, Eastern Cape. He is dearly missed by the entire Jwarha family. - Ludumo Tede
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20 November 2019
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NOVEMBER IS DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH
An opportunity of a lifetime: learn all you can about universal access ANTED: Owners of all businesses - especially hospitality establishments, retail stores, restaurants, and building trade professionals - as well as all ward councillors and Business Chamber members. Mandy Latimore will present a free and informative
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talk on Universal Accessibility at Plettenberg Bay Bowling Club on Friday November 29. “And,” says Rita Hardaker of the differently-abled awareness campaign, “she is a phenomenal motivational speaker with a lifetime of experience within the disability sector.”
MULTI-TALENTED: Mandy the professional in mid-address, above, and Mandy the bowler in action on the green; below that is an image of her wing walking, courtesy of pilot Stu Davidson
A highly-qualified consultant in all aspects of accessibility and mobility, Mandy has advised and assisted many companies, as well as governments of neighbouring countries. As a member of the Disability Chamber, she works with the Department of Justice, Banking Association, ICT and SARS to ensure that the rights of people with disabilities are highlighted. She is a tireless campaigner aiming to achieve a society in which people with disabilities can function without barriers and prejudice, and have universal access to buildings, public areas and workspaces, transportation and accommodation. Mandy has always been active in sports, even extreme sports like wing walking. She was - when ablebodied, and still today as a differently-abled person - a star sportswoman. In fact, it was a climbing accident that cost her the use of her legs. Not only does she actively practise sport, but she is also involved in bringing sport into other people’s lives, especially children. She will advise any sports or fitness facility about accessibility for free, because “being active is especially important in the life of a differently-abled person”. This offer is extended to other industries: “With 39 years of life experience within the disability sector, I will be happy to assist your organisation in any way that I can to achieve universal access,” she says. Come watch Mandy play with other bowlers - some differently-abled - during a unique event on Saturday November 30 at Plettenberg Bay Bowling Club. “It is the first event of its kind in Eden District and is to become an annual event a proud feather in this club’s cap,” explains Rita, adding a reminder of Mandy’s talk on the 29th at 4pm. See the advert on this page for details.
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NEWS & VIEWS
20 November 2019
KwaNokuthula and Plettenberg Bay Primary students spell best
TO SPELL IS TO BEE: Principal Faleni of KwaNokuthula Primary, at left, Bitou chief librarian Mrs Twani, and Kwano Primary teacher Mrs Cola, at right, with some of the sharp young spellers
HE ‘Bitou Spelling Stars 2019’ awards ceremony was held at Piesang Valley Hall on October 24. KwaNokuthula Primary was the overall winner in the isiXhosa category, and Plettenberg Bay Primary scored two trophies for the English and Afrikaans categories both. Principals Mr Faleni and
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Mr Koekemoer, along with the teachers and parents, are extremely proud of their learners. A special thank you is due to Bitou Municipality, the Bitou 10 Foundation, and KwaNokuthula teachers and staff for assisting with the organisation of the awards ceremony.
TWO HEADS: Winning principals Mr Faleni and Mr Koekemoer of KwaNokuthula and Plettenberg Bay primary schools respectively
And hats off to all students from the six participating schools, as well as to the two winning schools. For more information on the Bitou Spelling Stars or to sponsor this great initiative, contact the Bitou 10 Foundation by emailing mana ger@bitou10foundation.co. za or calling 044 533 6466.
REWARDED: Bitou chief librarian Mrs Twani and some of the participating KwaNokuthula Primary learners
South Cape TVET College Suid-Kaap Kollege Ikholeji yaseZantsi-Kapa
APPLICATIONS OPEN CLOSING DATE 30 NOVEMBER 2019
MINIMUM M INIMUM EENTRY NTRY REQUIREMENTS: REQUIREMENTS: G GRADE RA D E 1 12 2 HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT INTRO TO MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT TOURISM
NaƟŽŶĂů aƟŽŶĂů CerƟĮcate VocaƟŽŶĂů V caƟŽŶĂů (NCV Vo V) MINIMUM UM ENTRY REQ REQUIREMENTS: QUIREMENTS: G GRADE 9 OFFICE ADMINISTRATION
ONLINE NE DISTA DISTANCE T NCE LEARNING (N (NEW) PUBLIC MANAGEMENT MANAG HR Email : bitou@sccollege.co.za ollege.co.zzzaa / www.sccollege.co.za ww 044 533 2388
NEWS & VIEWS
20 November 2019
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Ladies of all shapes and sizes will find joy at La Luna
EXTERIOR WALL MAKEOVERS %ULFNWLOHV RÎ?HUV \RX D ERXQGDU\ ZDOO IXOO\ IDFHEULFN Č´QLVKHG 3ODVWHUHG ZDOOV DQG ZDWHU GRQȇW PL[ ZHOO EXW %ULFNWLOHV ORYH ZDWHU +DYLQJ D IDFHEULFN Č´QLVK ERXQGDU\ ZDOO JLYHV \RXU SURSHUW\ D QHZ ORRN PDLQWHQDQFH IUHH BEFORE
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25 YEAR GUARENTEE It’s a kind of magic! Plett and Knysna
La Luna lingerie and swimwear boutique has enlarged to a bigger, brighter and more spacious new shop next door, at 2 Bayview Centre in Main Road, Plett - just in time for the summer season. You will find a stunning selection of swimwear and cover-ups in exquisite prints and styles for women of all sizes and shapes, with an extensive size range from 32-44. Also, they have expanded their selection of lingerie, trendy leisure wear and accessories, with prices to fit every budget. Visit them to experience their excellent personal service and attention, or call Ida on 044 533 4631 and see the advert on page 9.
An exhibition of abstract art: see things differently body of abstract art never shown before will be exhibited at Storms River Village over the festive season. About eight Tsitsikamma artists are participating in the ‘Abstract see things differently’ exhibition that opens on Friday November 22 and runs until January 10. Most of the paintings and sculptures have been specially created for the occasion, while a handful of older works have not been exhibited before, nor marketed online. It is a great opportunity to experience how artists see things differently. This is the annual summer exhibition of Art-for-All Gallery, formerly Bitou Art Gallery, which represents artists in the region. “We changed our name to ‘Art-for-All’ because we are unpretentious and accessible,� says gallery owner and artist Johan Brink. “We bring art to the public, and opportunity and benefits to our diverse group of local artists. We sell large paintings and small paintings, framed and unframed, originals and prints. “Truly, we have art by all and
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art for all and pride ourselves in the fact that we offer a wide range of mediums and styles art made by locals, made with passion and heart. Every piece, including the signed art prints, contains a bit of the artist’s soul and a dash of her or his DNA.� The opening night includes a wine tasting hosted by Fernskloof Wine Estate from Prince Albert, snacks and refreshments, as well as lucky-draw prizes sponsored by local businesses and individuals. A discount of 20% will be given on all artworks sold on the occasion. Participating artists are Johan Brink, Elzette Bester, Susan Kemp, Elmarie Swanepoel, Marcel Terblanche, Nic Hester, Estelle Hester, Nathalie Strassburg, and one or two more. The event is sponsored by: Hennie and Anne Read, Storms River Adventures, Tsitsikamma Village Inn, Tsitrus CafÊ, The Bistro at Storms River, Art-forAll Gallery, Storms River Backpackers, and Fernskloof Wine Estate. For further details, contact Susan on 083 467 9388 or Johan on 082 296 2000.
HOT EARTH CREEPING: Johan Brink is the creator of this watercolour
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INTERVAL
20 November 2019
The Good Wife’s Guide explains how wives places of entertainment should treat their husbands without you. Instead, try N May of 1955, Housekeeping Monthly published an article entitled ‘The Good Wife’s Guide’, detailing all the ways a wife should act and how best she can be a partner to her husband and a mother to her children. Outrageous as these rules may seem today, it remains interesting to see how society once behaved and how women actually got more from their husbands by behaving “correctly”. Herewith rules housewives once followed: • Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. • Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal (especially his favourite dish) is part of the warm welcome needed. • Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you’ll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your makeup, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot
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of work-weary people. • Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it. • Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives. Gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper, etc. and then run a dust cloth over the tables. • Over the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift, too. After all, catering for his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction. • Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the children’s hands and faces (if they are
small), comb their hair and, if necessary, change their clothes. • Children are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part. Minimise all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet. • Be happy to see him. Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him. Listen to him. • You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours. • Make the evening his. Never complain if he comes home late or goes out to dinner, or other
to understand his world of strain and pressure and his very real need to be at home and relax. • Your goal: Try to make sure your home is a place of peace, order, and tranquillity - where you husband can renew himself in body and spirit. • Don’t greet him with complaints and problems. • Don’t complain if he’s late home for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through that day. • Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or have him lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him. • Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing, and pleasant voice. • Don’t ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him. • A good wife always knows her place...
SOCIAL SCENE
20 November 2019
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CXPRESS
La Luna WHOLE LOTTA LOVELY MUSIC: Plettenberg Bay enjoyed a weekend of glorious music over the course of Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November in aid of Hospice Plett. The Music and Voices for Hospice fundraiser was held at The White House on Saturday evening, when pianist Dr Anneke Lamont of the University of the Free State directed a wonderful recital of classical and contemporary compositions. Entitled ‘My Fairest Lady’ it featured sopranos Carmen Micic and Marina Botha, tenor Tinus Spies, flautist Handri Loots, Hilton Anspach on double bass, and cellist Susan Mouton, all of whom flew down to the Garden Route from Gauteng. The auditorium was packed with not a single seat empty. At the end of the performance the ensemble received rapturous applause and duly obliged with an encore. Hospice Plett chair Hillary Matthews, third from right at the top, shared a moment with the performers - from left are Hilton, Handri, Anneke, Carmen, Susan, Marina and Tinus. At top right, Basil and Marietta van Rooyen flank grandson, André van Rooyen. On Sunday morning, during a service of Holy Communion at St Peter’s Church, Anneke played the organ and Resound A Capella Choir of Knysna delighted a large congregation with magnificent singing. From left at back are Caleb Mello, Phil Golson, Karl Crozett and Andy Graham; at centre are Ypie Kingma, Catherine Knights, Kirsten Golson, Rose Graham, Ann van Zyl and Adelaide Lor; with Retha van Niekerk, Doodie Ellis, Susanne Jasper, choir director Terrah Mello, Jen Still, Ally Scott Healy and Nicki Friedlein in front (not pictured is choir member Jennie Wessels). Proceeds of the collection at the service were matched by an anonymous donor and kindly donated to Hospice Plett. - Timothy Twidle
People, places & events FINAL CONCERT FOR 2019: Knysna Plett Concert Series presents the Amici Quartet and pianist Megan-Geoffrey Prins, at left, on November 25. Each member of the acclaimed Amici Quartet is internationally trained, and have performed all over the world as a group and individually. Riversdale native Megan-Geoffrey has performed in Knysna before, and was received with acclaim by Music Society members. They will play works by Mozart, Schumann and Brahms, while Peter Kramer will have a stand with CDs for sale. Credit card facilities will be available so this is a great chance to purchase those Christmas gifts ahead of time. See you at Knysna Dutch Reformed Church hall in Fichat Street on Monday. Tickets are sold at the door from 6:45pm (R150 or R50 for scholars) and the show starts at 7:30pm. MULTI-FEATURE MAP NOW READY FOR ROLL-OUT: Following the ground-breaking introduction of a heritage identification programme for Plett and surrounds initiated two years ago, Van Plettenberg Historical Society (VPHS) together with local Rotarians have participated actively in the production of an environmental record of the historic, sporting, and social features of the area. Design and research for the project consumed many tens of hours for the team of William and Astrid Ashurst of Dreamlink Design Studio. The A1-sized map illustrates geographical features of the area from west of Robberg to Kurland in dramatic representation and in full colour. The obverse is a directory of services available in Plett, where it will be distributed free to accommodation and retail facilities. In excess of 20,000 maps will be printed. The Society’s recent AGM served as ideal opportunity for William Ashurst, right, to present the map to project coordinator David Rowe of the VPHS.
Haberdashery • Arts and Crafts JOINING FORCES: Well-known Plett property brands RE/MAX and Home from Home Rentals recently announced that they had merged their respective rental divisions in a joint venture, offering holiday rentals and long lease accommodation. This entity will be known as ‘RE/MAX - Home from Home Rentals’. RE/MAX Prime Properties under Cheryl and Graham Anley, at centre and right above, and Home from Home Rentals under Martin Hurwitz and Keith Steinberg, at left, have combined their expertise and years of experience to serve Plett residents as well as holidaymakers wishing to visit our beautiful corner of paradise. Both brands have a great selection of rental properties which, when combined, provide an extensive portfolio that caters to every holiday wish list. The entity will also handle long leases and commercial rentals. Seasoned rental agents Viola Jung and Nicola Krisch are based in the RE/ MAX offices in the FNB building in Main Street, while the home management and maintenance divisions of Home from Home remain at their 15 Gris Nez premises.
www.sparklesplett.co.za MONDAY - FRIDAY 9am - 4pm SATURDAY 9am - 3pm 82 Longships Drive, Shop 2, Lion Roars House, Plettenberg Bay 082 228 9041
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CXPRESS
20 November 2019
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ON THE SOAPBOX
20 November 2019
Letters to the Editor
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CXPRESS
Email: editor@cxpress.co.za - Fax: 044 533 0852 - PO Box 1449, Plett 6600
Port Elizabeth name change no guarantee does not mean progress of progress or prosperity or prosperity; it often just We read that the Eastern Cape Geographical Names Committee has recommended that Port Elizabeth (PE) should be renamed Gqebera. I am always amazed as to how much time, effort, and money are spent by committees in their dogged pursuit of changing names of places, streets and the like when there are so many other pressing issues in need of urgent attention. It would appear that at present-day PE is suffering a mini state-capture scenario and is under the control of a mafia-type
group. In fact, PE appears to be in dire straits. We read daily of service delivery problems, maintenance not being carried out, aggressive begging from vagrants, litter problems, growing unemployment, political assassinations, the tourist industry being down, looting of city coffers, an inept city council intimidating councillors, etc. Why does this committees not put its efforts into solving some of these important issues? Once they have had some success, then perhaps they could concern themselves
with name changes. Let’s look at the progress of two cities: London, derived from its Latinised name of Londinium, has kept this name ever since the first century AD, and is today one of the greatest cities in the world. The other city - Harare, formerly Salisbury, in Zimbabwe - which took on this name in the 1980s with a huge fanfare and celebrations, is today a city in a state of ruin while, sadly, Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) is today a failed state. Thus, a name change
suits a handful of people with a subjective agenda or an axe to grind. How many of the citizens of the former towns of Grahamstown and Queenstown have benefited since the names of their towns were changed? Could someone supple a list of benefits? I would guess not! I would suggest that the concept of a name change for PE at this time is purely a ‘red herring’ to divert attention away from the real problems at hand. Kevin Meineke, Harkerville
Nothing productive about one-night status of tourist industry It worries me a bit - the tourist perception of Plettenberg Bay, and for this reason: We have a lot of overseas tourists staying with us on the hill above Keurbooms (Keurbooms Upper, really). They arrive at about 6pm, go down to Enrico’s, enjoy a good dinner, and leave around 9am the next morning to go to Addo and all points east, sometimes returning to Knysna (Knysna, really). What on earth is wrong with Plettenberg Bay that
they do not linger longer? We have the best beaches, and the nicest of people in our shops, restaurants, and hotels. So many places to do, things to see. But no: one night and they bugger orfff… Lunching at the only club that would have me, Plett Ski-boat Club, I watch the busses pull in. They pull on their orange life vests, go out and watch a few seals, have lunch, and duck. No come on, something is wrong!
We are rated in the USA as being in the top three when it comes to beautiful places in South Africa. It must be because the Swallows return year after year. Alas, a Swallow does not a tourist industry make. A while ago, we seemed to be making progress, but now that’s all fallen apart. Tourism is becoming one of the biggest employers; it is also one of the finest training institutions. So what the
BLEEP is wrong with Plettenberg Bay? Before you all get defensive and infer that I am talking through the lower part of my abdomen, please give it some thought in an attempt to analyse this phenomenon. I have spent a great deal of my life in the tourist industry, and I know what it can achieve. So let’s all try to stop Plettenberg Bay from being regarded as worthy only of a one-nighter. Paul Deans, Plett
Support this teen in her bid to attend prestigious international leadership conference Sixteen-year-old Sinovuyo Kitsi from KwaNokuthula is a natural-born leader with intense compassion for the downtrodden, abused, and less-fortunate members of society. Since her primary school days she has been highly visible in looking out for victims of poverty, violence, and abuse. Not only does she run the Bitou Youth Pioneers - a non-profit organisation that provides
support to local youth - but she also recently organised and led a wellpublicised march against gender-based violence. Despite being younger than the age qualifying criterion of 17 for the UN-sponsored Bali Asia Conference (BAIMUN), Sinovuyo was selected due to her display of particularly strong and selfless leadership qualities. BAIMUN delegates are required to present so-
lutions to global issues through research, drafting, lobbying and presentation, to ultimately pass a resolution as if it were an actual UN conference. Folks, Sinovuyo’s parents support and care for her deeply but do not have the finances to pay for her flight tickets in January 2020. Anyone interested in helping can contact Sinovuyo’s mom, Vuokazi Kitsi, on 083 458 8071. Bill Nel, Plett
MPC Knysna Municipality strives to maintain its position as a premier tourist destination in South Africa – a place where peace, prosperity and harmony prevail, ensuring an exceptional lifestyle for residents and visitors alike.
SELFLESS TRAILBLAZER: Sinovuyo Kitsi, 16, will be one of the youngest representatives at the United Nations’ Bali Asia youth leadership conference in January
KNYSNA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 19 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000, of the date of the following meeting to be held in the Municipal Council Chamber: Ordinary Municipal Council Meeting:
Thursday, 28 November 2019 at 9:00
DR SW VATALA MUNICIPAL MANAGER
MUNICIPAL OFFICES CLYDE STREET KNYSNA
KNYSNA PLAASLIKE MUNISIPALITEIT Kennis geskied hiermee ingevolge Artikel 19 van die Plaaslike Regering: Munisipale Stelsels Wet, 2000, van die datum van die volgende vergadering wat sal plaasvind in die Munisipale Raadsaal: Gewone Munisipale Raadsvergadering: DR SW VATALA MUNISIPALE BESTUURDER
Donderdag, 28 November 2019 om 9:00 MUNISIPALE KANTORE CLYDESTRAAT KNYSNA
UMASIPALA WENGINGQI WASE KNYSNA Nasi isaziso ngokwe Candelo 19 Lomthetho weeNkqubo zikaMasipala nombolo 2000, malunga nolu suku lulandelayo lwentlanganiso eyakubanjelwa kwiGumbi leKhansile: Intlanganiso kaMasipala eqhelekileyo yeBhunga: DR SW VATALA UMANEJALA KAMASIPALA
www.ayandambanga.co.za
NgoLwesine, umhla we28 kweyeNkanga 2019 ngentsimbi ye9:00 KWII-OFISI ZIKAMASIPALA CLYDE SITALATO KNYSNA 138347
www.thecandocompanyco.za
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CXPRESS
20 November 2019
SPORT & ADVENTURE
Knysna Extreme offers perfect vantage points for spectators OW in its second year, the Knysna Extreme Triathlon takes place on Saturday November 23. Classified as Africa’s toughest triathlon, it take athletes on a 229km journey (5km swim, 174km cycle, 50km run) with an altitude gain of over 3,800m from Knysna to George, over Outeniqua Pass, through the Karoo, and along Prince Alfred’s Pass before finishing at Diepwalle. Athletes are required to have a supporter following them to provide all nutritional, motivational, safety and mechanical backup as they share this incredible experience. A shorter race, the Knysna Extreme 0.5, has been introduced for those not ready to take on the full-length challenge. It covers 132.5km (2.5km swim, 100km cycle, 30km run) over a different run route, but starts and finishes in the same location as the Extreme. This year will see 52 individual participants taking part in the event (23 Extreme and 29 Extreme 0.5), as well as three teams. Among them are several returning participants, and all athletes can be tracked live via their GPS trackers. Says race director Sean Sandiford: “It’s a tough race and I would like locals to support the athletes. There are lots of spectator areas on the route and since it takes up the entire day, people can come out and support whenever it suits them.” • Catch the start and end of the swim from 5am to 8am at Thesen Islands. • Anywhere along the route: look out for the cars with ‘Caution Athlete Ahead’ stickers on their back windows and flags in their windows. • Extreme 0.5 entrants cycle to Wilderness and back to Knysna, whence they run to the finish (up past Simola and along Gouna Road). You can support them during the cycle-to-run transition on Thesen Islands at
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the SANParks parking area or at the check point near Simola. “I strongly encourage people to make their way up to Diepwalle Forest Station and cheer the athletes coming across the finish line. There is a tea garden for refreshments. “We expect the Extreme 0.5 athletes to arrive from 11:45am onwards and the main athletes coming in from 6pm ‘till midnight,” says Sandiford. “This is a race against yourself and apart from SA nationals, we have entrants from Ireland, Namibia and Switzerland, all of whom will see how far they can push themselves.” Visit www.knysnaxtreme.co.za for detailed race routes and additional information.
Old and new ponies help Tyler Ann win trophies
Greenwood Bay College student Tyler Ann Caithness rode two of her steeds in the EC Eventing Championships on November 2 & 3 at PE Polo Cross Club in Port Elizabeth. She won the Pony Rider class on her beloved Mr Hunny, above, and scored second place on her new horse, River Dancer, in the Junior category.