21 February 2018 by CXpress

21 February 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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To be, or not to be?

Photo: Reuters/James Oatway

Whatever your answer to that ageold question, don’t dare not being at Plett’s White House Theatre next month to witness professor Lee Berger - recognised by Time magazine as one of the world’s most influential people, and National Geographic’s Explorer of the Year 2016 - giving insights into rewriting the story of human evolution. He is pictured here holding a cast of the new Homo naledi skull. Find out more on page 9.

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NEWS & VIEWS

21 February 2018

Plett Clinic pulls out all the stops to ensure a healthier local community LETTENBERG Bay Town Clinic celebrated its First Thousand Days event on February 9. In attendance were residents of Qolweni, Bossiesgif and elsewhere in Bitou, making for a very busy affair. First up, operational manager sister Bev du Preez urged parents to focus on their kids, from pregnancy through to ensuring that their children grew up in good health. “We want our kids to be encouraged and to grow up in a normal environment. Teach your children to play far away from where alcohol and drugs are used. Start this at home so that teachers at school can complement you as a parent. “Teaching should start at home. We want to give birth to children who can be the super stars of our communities. Then maybe one day your child can be our state president,” said Du Preez. A veteran of many years, Sr Yvonne Samuel started serving at Plett Town Clinic in 1991. She asked everyone how many spoons of sugar they put in their tea and coffee and most people said three. She was shocked when one patient said she used six spoons of sugar per cup.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER: Clockwise from above left, Sisters Yvonne Samuel, Bev du Preez, and Lifeline trainees spread the good word during the First Thousand Days event

“Sugar is a poison, so you have to limit your use. Eat fruit rather than sugar. Cut down on meat and oil - it’s better to eat vegetables. If you have too much sugar in the blood, you can become diabetic. Sugar kills your teeth, too.” Another item discussed in detail was stages of children growth, and parents were urged to spend lots of face to face

time with their kids. Sr Samuel advised that parents watched their kids closely so they didn’t jump any development or growth stage in life. “Each stage prepares your child for adulthood. Crawling strengthens the back, hands, and legs of your child and makes her fit. Ensure that your kids don’t eat dirty food or with hands that are not washed.

Words & photos: Khaya Mbesi

“The health of your child is crucial. Learn and be patient when breastfeeding, as your milk is full of nutrition and will keep your child healthy,” said Sr Samuel. Ntombizandile Kana from Qolweni was excited to learn. “I am very happy with the lessons. They are basic but encouraging, teaching us not to take our children for granted. “One thing we don’t do as black parents is family planning. But now I’ve been taught the importance to plan for my kids. If I have many children, I might not afford to raise them and take them to good schools. “All kids have different needs. It is important to manage them as they grow so that they can be helpful to you. No one wants to give birth to a gangster or a criminal. Every parent wants a responsible child who will be a vital tool in their community.” Freda Williams from Pine Trees said she attended the event because her child had tonsillitis. “But I also learnt a lot about child birth and the stages of growth, why it is important for children to go to school and why you must make sure that your children are not exposed to dangerous substances. “Some things I knew, some things I did not. I will share all of this with other people.”

Mega Golden Ticket draw now open to every Pocket Pal! ORMAN Doyle from Jangledbo Marketing, founder of Plett Pocket Pal, is proud to announce the new, bigger, better and upgraded version of his brainchild, simply called ‘Pocket Pal 2018’. “We have discontinued the old discount voucher booklet and designed our brand new website,” explains Norman. “To access the various dis-

counts, specials, promotions, give-aways, competitions, lucky draws, cash prizes and Golden Tickets on offer, you now simply need to apply online for your very own personalised Membership Card.” CXPRESS is a proud Pocket Pal media partner - simply use the reference code 00002 when applying online at www.pocketpal.co.za.

“More exciting news is that from end-March, we will run a monthly Golden Ticket draw on the last working day of each month, to be broadcast live on our Pocket Pal Facebook page,” says Norman. This means that members can enter at any of the Pocket Pal business partners on board and automatically qualify for the Mega Golden Ticket Draw for

Plettenberg Bay! That’s right: Support ANY business on board and your name is entered into EVERY Golden Ticket prize worth thousands of rands each month. For details on Pocket Pal and its many partnership and membership benefits, call Norman on 079 712 2787 or email info@pocket-pal.co.za and see the advert on p9 for more info.

NEWS & VIEWS

21 February 2018

CXPRESS

Massive support for bid to deny Schoongezicht murder suspect’s bail application today More than 3,000 Plettenberg Bay residents and visitors have thrown their weight behind a campaign against bail for the alleged murderer of a local hospice nurse - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports ENNY Cumming’s naked and bruised body was discovered by a friend on the floor of her residence in Schoongezicht Country Estate in Piesang Valley Road at about 5am on Monday January 29. Police believed the 63-yearold woman had been strangled and raped. The victim’s home was found ransacked and on closer investigation it was discovered that her Volvo SUV had also been stolen. Following a partnership between various law enforcement agencies, the vehicle was found in Nekkies in Knysna later that day.

It had been set alight and partially destroyed. CCTV footage from the estate showed a suspect leaving the area in Cumming’s vehicle and still images from the footage were then circulated through various avenues. Local law enforcement officers and other role-players managed to identify the suspect and after following up information, her alleged murderer was tracked down to KwaNokuthula. He was found hiding near a school in the area. The suspect, believed to be about 25 years old, was arrested and appeared in

the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate’s Court on Thursday on charges of rape, murder, and theft. He cannot be named until he has pleaded, as one of the charges is of a sexual nature. The matter was postponed to today, for a formal bail application Since his arrest, there has been a massive outcry from the community, which was followed by a gathering at the court in support of the family and in appreciation of those who tracked down Cumming’s alleged killer. This was followed by the drawing up of a petition by locals against his possible

Grounding still enforced, but good progress made in CemAir saga EMAIR has resumed a limited flight schedule after weeks of non-operation - this after the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) grounded 12 of the carrier’s aircraft on February 2, when it came to light that the craft had allegedly been serviced and cleared as airworthy by unqualified personnel. The move affected all its domestic flights, including the regular flights between Plettenberg Bay and major centres across the country. CemAir has in the meantime refuted the claims. “Our company has invested millions in the safety of our aircraft and the quality of our systems,” said CemAir chief executive Miles van der Molen. He added that the team was “working hard to expedite the restoration of its normal scheduled flights”. He said as the first step, they had initiated a thorough and comprehensive assessment and verification

of internal processes and procedures at their aircraft maintenance division. “The scope of this exercise includes personnel training, licencing and powers of authority to release aircraft and components into service. “In parallel, we have provided the SACAA with full and comprehensive documentation packs relating to the history and status of each of our 12 South African-registered aircraft. We have also hosted and cooperated fully with the SACAA’s additional audit inspections.” Van der Molen said CemAir’s technical personnel all held valid licences or company authorisation, as required by the SACAA. “Our aircraft maintenance engineers undergo TETAaccredited training courses provided by Denel and other SACAA-approved training organisations.” He added that CemAir’s safety compliance had also been recognised by the International Air Transport

Association (IATA), which requires all members to pass its comprehensive and globally benchmarked biennial IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA). CemAir renewed its IOSA accreditation last September and is on the IOSA register of approved airlines. He said although the grounding was still being enforced, progress was being made. “The situation has lasted far longer than expected, not due to the discovery of further issues but rather because of the SACAA’s undertaking to perform a full review of all aspects of CemAir’s aircraft maintenance division, which in an organisation of our scale is a substantial undertaking.” The documentation phase was completed on Friday and is now in the inspection phases. The carrier has since resumed a limited flight schedule operated by a third party. - Yolandé Stander

release on bail. Local resident Joanne Barrett, who spearheaded the petition, said that while she still needed to finalise numbers, there were about 3,000 local residents and visitors who had supported the initiative.

“I’m completely overwhelmed by the incredible support that has been shown so far and especially by how our community pulls together in times of tragedy. I know this will mean so much to the family,” Barrett said.

She said she trusted that bail would be denied. “This is a horrific crime in so many ways. We have a right to feel safe as a community and as South African citizens, especially in our homes.” Garden Route Media

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

21 February 2018

Investment engagements aim to increase ease of doing business in Knysna NYSNA municipal manager Kam Chetty referred to the wise words of businessman Muhtar Kent, saying: “Without investment there will not be growth, and without growth there will not be employment.” He was referring to the urgent need to attract funds into the local economy funding essential to unlock key economic opportunities throughout Greater Knysna and the Garden Route. The private sectors and various local government institutions attended an Invest Knysna Business Breakfast, hosted by Knysna Municipality in December last year. This workshop led to the realisation that investment promotion within the area was necessary. “To assist our exciting business and potential busi-

New chair for Bitou water forum Nokuzola Kolwapi, at right, was elected as chairperson of the Bitou Water and Sanitation Community Forum last week. The Forum will meet again end-February - email communications@plett.gov. za for details regarding the time and date. - Khaya Mbesi

ness, our Local Economic Development department will host various engagements dealing with the myriad of sectors within Greater Knysna to discuss local investment priorities, opportunities and ways of improving ease of doing business within Knysna, Sedgefield and surrounds,” said Chetty. These engagements will include discussions on how to identify the difficulties in terms of red tape, and how to jointly identify practical initiatives to improve the ease of doing business within Greater Knysna. The information garnered from these economic-sector engagements will be collated and presented at the 2018 Garden Route Investment Conference at Oubaai Golf Resort in George on

March 7 and 8. “Garden Route District Municipality will be cohosting this conference that aims to create a platform for investment attraction and facilitation for both business and government within the region,” explained Chetty. He invites entrepreneurs that may have a project or a business venture that is launch-ready but in need of investment, to contact pvanniekerk@knysna.gov. za for a possibility to present their business plans during this conference. For further information on the Garden Route Investment Conference and Knysna Sector Engagements, contact the Local Economic Development department at ivanschalkwyk@knysna. gov.za or on 044 302 6366 / 044 302 6358.

NEWS & VIEWS

21 February 2018

CXPRESS

Be warned: Letting your personal drone get out of hand can land you in hot water!

Stuart Murray

Concise Oxford Dictionary: ‘Drone’ - 1. Worker bee whose sole function is to mate with fertile females; 2. Low pitch of a bagpipe; 3. Monotonous speech or speaker; 4. Deep humming sound; 5. A remote-controlled pilotless aircraft or missile E are - most of us, that is - becoming familiar with the latter explanatory option. Drones have become a familiar syllable in our vocabulary, having seemingly taken over from the flying bomb of World War II and even the mythical flying saucer (popular before Star Wars). The various confrontations around this hapless planet offer a multitude of television graphics illustrating the deadly use of drones as attack weapons. This is only one of a global drone repertoire, the majority of them, thankfully, useful additions to peaceful pursuits. As such, their numbers are growing at an alarming rate - alarming in that there has been a serious shortage of controls and regulations.

But that’s the official figure. Illegal usage is what really worries our Civil Aviation Authority. The SACAA estimates that for every registered and licenced drone taking to our skies, two or three others do so illegally. A further concern is that low cost and easy accessibility means that “anyone” can acquire and use drones. The head of Aviation Safety Operations at SACAA, Simon Segwabe, comments: “Many enthusiasts have no or limited knowledge of the aviation industry and thus remain oblivious of the serious risks they pose to other airspace users. “Although lighter and smaller than manned aircraft, their presence in the skies still present a significant risk to other airspace

‘Only two weeks ago a drone came crashing into my front door window, collapsing with a muted bagpipe-like wail to the stoep’ The most compelling reason for the rise in drone concern is probably because of the rate at which their numbers and their uses have accelerated. The US Federal Aviation Administration estimates that by 2021, 3.5-million small hobbyist drones will be humming around the skies. Manufacturing of drones will, reckons the FAA, be worth $90-billion a year by 2025. South Africa is no exception. A review by the SA Aircraft Register shows that the number of registered drones, officially termed Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), reached 465 in January last year - more than double the previous year. The number of remote pilot’s licences reached 368 last year, from a mere 33 the previous year.

users. A collision of an RPA and a helicopter or a jet full of passengers could lead to a catastrophic disaster.” He adds: “The reality is that most RPAs are made with consumer-grade electronics, with uncertified and often untraceable hardware and software. The failure rates are indeterminable, as there are currently no civil certification standards available anywhere in the world.” As a result, SACAA cracked down on illegal drones and their pilots, introducing into law some strict rules. At the hard end, RPA operators who fail to adhere to them face a 10year prison sentence or a R50,000 fine… or both. Furthermore, no RPA can be operated unless it has been registered with SACAA and has been is-

sued with a letter of approval. Also, the user must have a remote pilot’s licence. The regulations prohibit flying a drone directly overhead any person or group of people, or within 50 metres of any person or structure/building, and an RPA may not be flown into any property without the permission of the owner. As an aside, I appear to be ahead of both the international sightings/collisions stats and the rules prohibiting drones from being flown into a property without permission. Only two weeks ago a drone came crashing into my front door window, collapsing with a muted bagpipe-like wail to the stoep. Scamper, the cat, behaved exactly as her name implies. “What have you broken now,” sighed my wife from her tennis-watching settee. Fearlessly, I picked up the small drone just as it gasped a final pibroch*. It now rests on top of the lounge drinks cabinet (a place of honour). As a result, I feel way ahead of the global RPA stats. I have experienced a direct hit! If the drone owner can contact me, we can negotiate a split of the pending R50,000 fine over a beer or two… So far, FAA pilots have reported more than 2,000 sightings - and a few near misses - around the globe, but only one report of a drone striking a commercial aircraft (in Canada last year). *A form of music for the Scottish bagpipes involving elaborate variations on a theme, typically of a martial or funerary character. • Stuart Murray (stuartmurray758@gmail.com) is a former senior assistant editor of Financial Mail and co-founder, editor, and CEO of Finance Week. He is retired and lives (to entrap drones) in Plettenberg Bay.

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NEWS & VIEWS

21 February 2018

Gift of wheels to boost Murray High School students’ education Words & photos: Khaya Mbesi

IFTY learners at Murray High School in KwaNokuthula received a bicycle each from Joburgbased non-governmental organisation Qhubeka (the world means ‘progress’) on Thursday. What’s more, the NGO - supported by IT giants Dimension Data - is planning to return and donate up to 150 more bicycles around July this year. Bitou mayor Peter Lobese praised the organisation for supporting a school in the township and, addressing the students, said it was a step towards them getting their own transport. “I know many of you come from very poor families. When you come back from school with a bicycle today, your parents will have high hopes for you. You need to look after that bicycle as you would look after a car. “Don’t let your family miss-use your bicycle, as this is your wheels to get you to school. It will ensure that you arrive early and will make you physically fit, so that your body is always strong,” said the mayor. “Don’t wake up late and think you will be early at

school because of the bicycle. Then you risk having an accident. But if you rise early, you will not have to rush and cause accidents.” Albi van Zyl of Dimension Data praised Qhubeka for identifying a poor school in the huge Plett township. “Our vision is to accelerate your ambition. Use the bicycle towards accelerating your goals and vison in life.

“These wheels are not for fun - they are given to boost your education. Use them to improve your learning. We wish you a successful future.” Student Snovuyo Tapu, 14, said she has been late on some days, since she stays far away in Phase 1. “I used to walk to school - it was worse when raining! Now I’m looking forward to getting to school much faster.”

THE JOY OF GIVING: Desiree Johnson of Dimension Data and Lindisipho Kalipa, above, at the happy occasion on Thursday February 15; and Grade 8 student Busisiwe Nashwa, right, with Bitou mayor Peter Lobese during the handover of bicycles to 50 lucky Murray High learners

ENTERTAINMENT

21 February 2018

The able Snow Goose crew combines mask and theatre mastery Plett theatre lovers are in for a treat when critically-acclaimed ‘The Snow Goose’ is performed at The White House Theatre on February 28 AUL Gallico’s classic novella ‘The Snow Goose’ has been beautifully adapted for the stage by seasoned dramatists Contagious Theatre. Set against the background of the miracle of Dunkirk, a wounded snow goose brings a young girl, Frith, and the recluse Philip Rhayader together in a moving story of friendship and courage. Taking on a classic text for the stage is no easy task, and adapting Paul Gallico’s masterpiece was no exception. Long-time theatre producers Simon and Helen Cooper approached Jenine Collocott, James Cairns, and Taryn Bennett with this can-it-be-done challenge. Simon and Helen both remember ‘The Snow Goose’ from childhood days and loved the idea of seeing it come to life

AT THE LIGHTHOUSE: James Cairns and Taryn Bennett as Rhayader and Frith as their friendship grows in ‘The Snow Goose’, which forms part of next week’s Plett Performing Arts Festival - Photo: Suzy Bernstein

on stage. Jenine was studying theatre creation in Italy at the time with internationally-celebrated pedagogue Giovanni Fusetti, and upon receiving their request immediately said ‘yes!’ Only then did she brave the cobbled streets of Florence to find its only English bookshop and buy herself a copy of the novella. But the idea of working with this brilliant team was enough to seal the deal.

Mask theatre and maskmaking formed a major part of Jenine’s sojourn in Florence, where she studied with master mask maker Matteo Destro. When pondering adapting ‘The Snow Goose’, she decided to bring this unique art form to the rehearsal room floor. Masks make visible the inner life of characters, releasing their subtext to pour out onto the stage. And with a story as sen-

sitive and emotional as ‘The Snow Goose’, this turned out to be a wonderful choice. It was the first time James or Taryn had ever played in masks and they found the process challenging and ultimately tremendously freeing. Masks allow actors to have a whole new sense of fun on stage. ‘The Snow Goose’ opened to critical acclaim at the National Arts Festival in 2013 and has since played all around the country. It was nominated for Best Director, Best Play, and Best Ensemble at the Naledi Theatre Awards, and for Best Design and Best Puppetry at the Fleur Du Cap Theatre Awards. This month’s run is its first outing to Knysna, George, Plett, and PE. Diarise February 24 at The Premier Hotel in Knysna (10am knysna. kaf@gmail.com) and February 28 at The White House Theatre in Plett (8pm 082 452 8764) and visit www.contagioustheatre.co.za or call 084 360 5892 for more details.

Learning from the best: catch iconic Tony Cox tonight

TEACHER SUPREME: Join Tony at the Knysna Arts Festival’s gala evening tonight, where he will play and display his works; at right, Tony and a few of his jubilant guitar students

HERE is but a handful of South African guitar players who have become iconic with their instruments, and master guitarist Tony Cox is one of them. Settled now for a year in Knysna, Cox runs his School of Acoustic Guitar from his home in Knysna. Tony’s online student

body straddles the globe, thanks to the advent of Skype technology, but those who live in the vicinity have the advantage of face to face lessons with their legendary teacher. His students have nothing but superlatives when describing his teaching. “I have learned more in one year of Tony’s teach-

ing than the last four years put together,” says Michi from Balito in KZN. Sandeep from India concurs: “In Tony Cox, you have a great teacher who will get inside you and inspire you to grow as a guitar player.” Beginners or advanced players who wish to take their playing to a much

higher level by being taught by Tony Cox can email guitarplayer@net active.co.za to start the audition process. Not content with being an award-winning musician and guitar guru, Tony also produces big works of art that he digitally creates from new and old photographs under the alter ego, Jeffrey Cole. A choice of these works will be on exhibition at The Premier Hotel as part of the Knysna Arts Festival from February 21-24. Tony will also perform at the hotel tonight, during the festival’s gala evening - a first for him, playing and exhibiting his works in the same venue. Visit www.tonycox guitarlessons.co.za for additional information.

CXPRESS

INTERVAL

21 February 2018

There’s something I can’t figure out… T the Henry Street Hebrew School, Mr Goldplate - the new teacher - finished the day’s lesson. It was now time for the usual question period. “Mr Goldplate,” said little Joey, “there’s something I can’t figure out.” “What is that, Joey?” asked Mr Goldplate. “Well according to the Bible, the Children of Israel crossed the Red Sea, right?” “Right.” “And the Children of Israel beat up the Philistines, right?”

“Err… right.” “And the Children of Israel built the Temple, right?” “Again you are right.” “And the Children of Israel fought the Egyptians, and the Children of Israel fought the Romans, and the Children of Israel were always doing something important, right?” “All that is right, too,” agreed Mr Goldplate. “So what is your question?” “What I want to know is this,” demanded Joey, “what were all the grownups doing?”

A new kind of car T the bar, Tom and Bill were talking. “My uncle tried to make a new kind of car. He took the wheels from a Cadillac, the

radiator from a Lexus, and the tyres from a Ford,” said Tom. “What did he get?” asked Bill. “Two years,” said Tom.

Is making love work? N Infantry Major was about to start the morning briefing to his staff. While waiting for the coffee machine to finish its brewing, the Major decided to pose a question to all assembled. He explained that his wife had been a bit frisky the night before and he failed to get his usual amount of sound sleep. He posed the question of just how much of making love was ‘work’ and how much of it was ‘pleasure’. A Captain chimed in with 75% versus 25% in favour of work.

A Lieutenant said it was more like 50-50%. A Second Lieutenant responded with 25-75% in favour of pleasure, depending upon his state of inebriation at the time. There being no consensus, the Major turned to the Private who was in charge of making coffee. What was his opinion? Without any hesitation, the young Private responded: “Sir, it has to be 100% pleasure.” The Major was surprised, and asked why? “Well, Sir, if there was any work involved, the officers would have me doing it for them.”

Angela Merkel arrives at passport control in Athens Airport. “Nationality?” asks the immigration officer. “German,” she replies. “Occupation?” “No, just here for a few days.”

Ahh...

So THAT’S what she was doing...

SOCIAL SCENE

21 February 2018

Photo: Thapelo Morebudi - Saturday Star

MAJOR COUP FOR PLETT: Professor Lee Berger from the University of the Witwatersrand, and then deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa, delight in the skull of Homo naledi shortly after the prof and his squad of scientists, cavers and explorers made their world-famous discovery of a remarkable new species of human relative in 2015. The team pieced together 15 individuals assembled from more than 1,500 fossil fragments found in a remote cave system at the Cradle of Humankind. Prof Berger will be hosted by the Robberg Coastal Corridor Landowners Association for a fascinating lecture on Friday March 2 at The White House Theatre at 6:30pm (doors open at 5:45pm, cash bar). Tickets at R250 each can be bought at The Old House Shop in Kloof Street (cash payment) or email aconyngham@ telkomsa.net for EFT and other details. There will also be a raffle of a painting by Catherine Paynter valued at R50,000 and a woodcut by Cecil Skotnes valued at R10,000 kindly donated by Knysna Fine Art (tickets at R50 for each work of art). Whatever you do, don’t miss the golden opportunity to hear what this veritable rockstar of the palaeontological universe has to say next Friday.

CXPRESS

People, places & events

Photo: Watty Watson

EVERY DOG HAS ITS DAY… But Brandon Perkus’s beloved Genghis has a better life than many a pooch that’s ever graced our neck of the woods. Brandon, of Rare Earth Woodwork fame, is seldom seen without Genghis by his side, so CXPRESS wasn’t overly surprised when spotting the duo at Cornuti Al Mare last Thursday - until it was revealed that this was a formal lunch date to celebrate Genghis’s eighth birthday. On his plate was a delicately-baked focaccia with herbs, olive oil, and chicken strips - no garlic or chillies, of course, and not too crispy, to avoid the meal becoming messy. Brandon says they chose Cornuti since Mike and his able crew are truly dog-friendly, and the view from their outside dining area is invariably a joy to behold. Call him on 083 311 7780 to find out about his Rare Earth talents.

PIANIST PARTNERS AT PLAY: Knysna Plett Concert Series presents pianists Luís Magalhães and Nina Schumann on Wednesday February 28. The year’s first concert was a sell-out, full-house affair and next week’s show should be no less fabulous. Luis and Nina are a very successful husband and wife team who separately and together are award-winning musicians. Born and raised in Stellenbosch, Nina was appointed associate professor of piano at Maties in 1999 - a post she held while still studying at the University of North Texas, where she met her husband-to-be. Portuguese-born Luís also holds a professorship at the University of Stellenbosch and together they founded the Stellenbosch Chamber Music Festival in 2004. As part of their services to SA’s musical community, they founded the independent record label TwoPianists, which provides a platform to promote opportunities for local musicians to record while putting SA music on the global map. The concert venue is Knysna DRC hall and tickets are sold at the door from 6:45pm at R150 (kids pay R30).

WEALTH OF CREATIVITY: Over the years Wilderness has acquired the reputation of being a retirement haven for professionals with artistic, and occasionally eccentric, tastes. Since 2015, local artist and owner of a creative materials shop in the village, Carole Durrant, has been successful in helping focus the artistic community of the area by organising an annual art festival at Wilderness Hotel. Last week some 45 painters, sculptors and glassware creators showed off more than 500 pieces of their work. Apart from this annual event, Carole has been successful in persuading local businesses with spare walls and floor space to allow these same artists to place pieces on consignment for sale. Said Carole: “I believe our artists should be celebrated and elevated.” This year’s event got off to a spirited start with a ‘Let’s Toast the Artists’ launch evening bursting at the seams with visitors, thanks not only to local support, but also the coincidental arrival of two coach loads of Asian tourists. At left above, journalist and painter Pauline Lourens shows her oil painting of the hectic activity around a race pylon. At right, Ferdo Voight from Mossel Bay captured a waterhole moment with a magnificent elephant portrait. - Bob Hopkin

CXPRESS

CLASSIFIEDS

21 February 2018

26 February

Gerhard van Huyssteen

C: 071 332 2341 | E: plett101@gmail.com

082 251 8134

Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

ON THE SOAPBOX

21 February 2018

Letters to the Editor

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

Thank you for all you’ve done during my Terblanche spotted choir invisible. crowbar aftermath nie our stolen car near KnysTo the content editor I read with naturallykeen interest Mike Kantey’s opinion piece regarding our local area’s crime watchers [find it on page 4 of the February 14 edition at www. cxpress.co.za]. Of late I have a little knowledge of this subject, having recently been crowbarred and robbed. I was lucky enough to release myself from my bounds and phoned Alastair Williams of

Crags Neighbourhood Watch - all volunteers attached reacted immediately. Followed by the police. Followed, last past the post, by ADT. They arranged for medical assistance, took me to hospital - having decided that whiskey on the wound and down the throat was inadequate and were absolutely brilliant. To them, an enormous GROOT BEDANK. The next morning, Hen-

Do they know how lucky they are?!

These pics were taken by myself and son-in-law Torquil McNicol on consecutive Sundays during the past month or so. How lucky are our kids and grandchildren growing up in this environment? The photo at the top shows the Nippers Cape Champs competition between Plett and surf lifesaving clubs from the Southern and Eastern Cape on Central Beach. The atmosphere was competitive but friendly and chilled and it was clear all the youngsters were having a ball. The other two images show our grandkids on the Bitou River at dusk. What a life they lead! They’ll probably only realise how lucky they are when much older - which is normal, I guess… - Derek Frielinghaus, Plett (Hear-hear, Monsieur F! Nipper season 2018 has started with a bang indeed, the town teeming with a huge crowd of families who spent their weekend and their bucks here, thanks to the well-organised annual Cape Champs. We wish all Plett Surf Lifesaving Club competitors the very best for the Western Cape Champs in Strand from March 2-4. Watch this space for Nippers news in the run-up to PE’s Nationals, and please diarise March 10, when a fundraiser/auction/ shindig towards this cause will take place at The Table. Call Colleen on 072 914 6914 for tickets and visit www. plettsurf.org.za for additional information. - Eds.)

na, called the police, and all suspects were arrested. It was worth the crack on the bonce to know that these people were removed from society. So, Mike, you are so right: these crime-watch organisations are our first line of defence. I would also like to thank all those people who sent so many messages of sympathy and care. It was like reading my obituary before joining the

of CXPRESS, thank you for heeding my request to not call me ‘elderly’. She knows that I am just bloody old. To that stepsister paper who put me down as an ‘87-year-old’: not so charming. Thank God I haven’t a head like Humpty Dumpty. But as my headmaster once said: “Deans, you’re so bloody THICK.” Once more, thank you all so very, very much. Paul Deans, Plett

CXPRESS

These future leaders deserve your support As an old (born and bred) Plettonian, I hereby seek a wholehearted pledge from you, the loyal CXPRESS readers - the warm-hearted community of Bitou and beyond! We know that we cherish education as a pillar of our current and future learners. Thus, on behalf of students of Plett Secondary School, I’m requesting sponsorships for a group of them, all of whom have been identified as ambassadors of their school, to embark on an educational programme to Oudtshoorn in March. Naturally, the cost of this

outing will be covered by your sponsorship. Their goal is to raise R2,000 per learner (10 are raising funds for this purpose), and we are asking local businesses, corporates, and individuals for financial support. I know that they can count on you and that your donation will be recognised at their event. Queries or concerns can be directed to the school, the contact person being Arts and Culture teacher Mr Jeftha, on 044 533 0472. Thank you in advance and in abundance for your assistance. Connie, Plett

Now is the time to take action against fireworks If you are opposed to the discharge of fireworks as a form of entertainment, read on… The people of Plett are coming together to put an end to displays and any other form of fireworks being discharged. The reason for the petition is to assist us in preventing and bringing to a permanent end the further discharge of fireworks and the authorising and issuing of permits to applicants such as Bitou Municipality, restaurants, hotels, event companies, and all other parties within the municipal area and surrounds. There is simply no humane justification for fireworks in and around Plettenberg Bay. The self-centred and shortlived joy experienced by humans is horrendously outweighed by the trauma, abuse, and fatalities suffered by pets and other animals. It is prohibited to discharge any fireworks in any form in residential areas. Beaches in Plett are all situated alongside densely-populated areas. Despite bylaws being put in place to protect pets from being traumatised by fireworks in residential areas, this practice as a form of human entertainment

continues to take place. Together we can all, as a community, make a difference to put an end to the suffering of our animals. Kindly add your details in support of this worthy cause by doing the following: 1. Join our FB page at https://www.facebook.com/ groups/42644142538/; 2. Email stopfireworks @mweb.co.za notifying me that you are against the discharge of fireworks or displays within the Bitou municipal area and surrounds; 3. If you do not have access to any of the above, you may contact me on 082 927 8221 to sign a petition form. It is important to realise that if we have time to whine and complain about the fireworks, then we have the time to do something about it. NOW is the time. The progress made thus far is that all parties concerned, including the SAPS Explosives Unit, have been notified in writing of the community’s intention to petition. To quote Ghandi: “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” Suzarne Ally van Jaarsveld, Plett

SPEAK UP FOR CREATURES WHO CAN’T: Fireworks cause carnage for the four-legged among us, be they wild or domesticated

GOOSE VALLEY HOA

CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

21 February 2018

SA’S biggest wheelchair challenge reaches new heights VER 1,000 national and international athletes living with disabilities competed at the 2018 Outeniqua ‘Chair Challenge (OCC) in George on Sun-

day in the biggest-ever edition of this annual wheelchair-racing event. The streets of George were filled with volunteers from early morning as rac-

ers tackled a tough new course over the standard and half-marathon distances, and in the 10km and 5km fun run categories, SA participants be-

MULTI-NATIONAL AFFAIR: Zimbabwean athletes in their green tracksuits - from left are Previous Wiri, Elford Moyo and Samson Muroyiwa - are joined by, from left at back, multiple OCC champ Ernst van Dyk, George mayor Melvin Naik, OCC 2018 event director Alewijn Dippenaar, MEC for Cultural Affairs Anroux Marais, George Airport manager Brenda Vorster, and ACSA Corporate Affairs senior manager Senzeni Ndebele; at centre in front is Gerrit Hendricks, who may well have been awarded for the Best Smile of the Day - Photo: Desmond Scholtz

ing joined by racers from Ghana, Namibia and Zim. On hand to congratulate athletes at the finish line were George mayor Melvin Naik, Western Cape Cultural Affairs and Sport minister Anroux Marais, and Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) representatives Senzeni Ndebele, Brenda Vorster, and Humbulani Netshieneulu. The race took place on a Sunday to ensure racers’ safety, with less traffic on the roads, increased participation from the community, and less disruption to businesses in the area. Said Senzeni Ndebele: “The Outeniqua Wheelchair Challenge is a favourite event in the socioeconomic development calendar of George Airport, and is made possible by the partnerships and cooperation of ACSA, local government, businesses and communities who rally together yearly to promote the wellbeing and dignity of those with disabilities.” The event represents ACSA’s commitment to disabled athletes and the cause of mobility. “It was very encouraging to be here again this year

to witness how this event has grown since its humble beginnings in 2002 and to see the power of sports bringing together people from all walks of life,” said Ndebele. This year, ACSA increased its sponsorship to R900,000, from R700,000 in 2017. George Municipality sponsored R250,000, while the provincial department of Cultural Affairs and Sport donated R50,000. Toyota Halfway House provided the venue as well as 2,000 bottles of water for the athletes as part of their sponsorship. An awareness programme presented before the race included learners from local schools and taught children about the challenges of persons with disabilities. Volunteers were given an opportunity to participate in the race through a 5km fun race where they pushed a person in a wheelchair. The annual OCC also raises awareness for the tourism and hospitality sectors to ensure that their establishments are accessible for people living with disabilities. “Our ongoing sponsorship of this event recog-

nises the importance of our airport as an economic enabler while demonstrating our commitment to empowering all the communities that we serve with mobility,” said ACSA George Airport manager Brenda Vorster. The overall prize money awarded to athletes was R258,000. Results Men’s 42.2km Racing Chair: Ernst van Dyk 1:29:15 Quads: Pieter du Preez 1:36:37 Hand Cycle: Stuart McCreadie1:03:45 Women’s 42.2km Racing Chair: Margaret Banganjena 2:40:25 (Zimbabwe) Hand Cycle Female Para: Justine Asher 1:29:57 Men’s 21.1km Racing Chair (T53/54): Roodly Gowaseb 1:10:00 (Namibia) Racing Chair (T51/52): Spheshile Nzimande 58:23 Hand Cycle Male Para: Peter West 44:12 Hand Cycle Male Quad: Arthur Abrahamse 1:44:48 Women’s 21km Racing Chair (T53/54): Moleen Majoni 1:31:08

Scouts alive and kicking in Knysna and the Bay Assistant troop scouter Bronwen Pfister shared this pic and wrote: “Scouts from 1st Plett and 1st Knysna Sea Scouts attended the National Jamboree in Kroonstad recently, the Plett crew’s attendance enabled by the wonderful support received from our town’s generous people. Thank you for supporting our fundraising events, including two concerts at The Barnyard, a pancake sale, and sale of our Scout keyrings. Nearly 800 Scouts from all corners of the country attended the Jamboree, so it was an excellent experience for all our local youngsters.” Pictured at back from left are Michael Crone, group scouter Jared Harding, James Sinclair, Garrick Bakker, Simon Pfister and Danica Sinclair, with Justien Kieswetter and Murray Oosthuizen in front. Email Jared at plettseascouts@ gmail.com for Plett details or call 044 302 8301 during office hours to find out more about Knysna’s intrepid Sea Scouts.