21 June 2017

21 June 2017

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

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Photo: Ewald Stander

Our biosphere okayed in Paris! p4

A farewell toast to Val p5

On shrinking our eco-footprints p11

Number One pays tribute

President Jacob Zuma and several of his cabinet ministers attended the memorial service of fallen volunteer firefighter Bradley Richards at the Plettenberg Bay Community Church last week. Richards died after suffering severe burns while fighting the recent blazed that devastated large parts of Bitou from June 7. Following the service, Zuma shared his condolences with the young firefighter’s family.

Read the story on page 3.

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

21 June 2017

Henk’s Little Travelogue: Australia/Tasmania/New Zealand - FINAL

Part one of our Australian adventure draws to a close Itinerant contributor HENK BOLHUIS concludes his account of the wonders of Down Under - turn to page 2 of the previous nine editions at www.cxpress.co.za to catch up on the full series AST week I shared with you part of our visit to the Glass House Mountains that included a trip to the town of Maleny.

There is, however, another reason why we are in Maleny today, and that is to visit the popular Maleny Cheese Factory, whose slogan is: ‘From Paddock to Plate’. Here one can taste and purchase a wide variety of locally-produced hand-patted cheese, butter and yogurt.

The factory, located off the Maleny to Montford road, received a silver award in 2013 for excellence in food tourism and is a multi-generation familyowned business as of 2004.

In that year two local couples joined forces: Swiss master cheese maker Markus Bucher and his wife Sara partnered with David and Heather Simpson, who own a large third-generation dairy farm.

This, by the way, is not your average cheese-making factory, but one where the buyer and occasional visitor can actually look down from large panoramic viewing windows right to the production floor and see the actual progress producing these dairy products.

Yes, the cheeses and the yogurts are indeed incredibly tasty and, although priced a bit high for us as South Africans at $25 per kilo for cheddar and $6 for a litre of yogurt, it is absolutely worth every cent.

It takes a lot of tasting the various varieties, but finally we decide on ‘The Vintage Maleny Club Cheddar’ with a softness and yet a very rich taste, some ‘Tuscan Hand-patted Cheddar’ that is a bit more mature, and a litre of blueberry yogurt.

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BUCKET LIST NECESSITY: Maleny Cheese Factory and Café offers a plethora of dairy delights

THE PLACES WE’VE SEEN! The author with a view of Brisbane from Mt Coot-tha as backdrop

For those who visit Queensland and love their dairy products, the Maleny Cheese Factory is an absolute must and ought to be on your bucket list. After a lot of ‘hard work’, we unfortunately have to leave as the factory is closing down for the day.

Our next stop is for cappuccino and apple strudel at Montville’s famous bistro, just a few kilometres further to the north.

This picturesque little town, first settled by Europeans in 1887, was named Montville by Henry Smith, who bought up most of the land in 1893, as it reminded his mother of her early years in Montville in the United States.

With a small population of only about 1,000 permanent residents, the town lies 106km north of Brisbane at 400m above sea level and it offers some lovely views right up to the Sunshine Coast, 33km away as the crow flies. The restaurant we have chosen - apart from its lovely delicatessen - is the perfect place to sit and enjoy these stunning scenic vistas.

A relaxing three quarters of an hour later, it’s time to leave.

Taking the shortest route back to Route 24 and later Bruce

Highway, we arrive home late in the afternoon having enjoyed another fabulous outing.

By now, it’s Wednesday April 19. We’ve been ‘Down Under’ for just over a month - how time flies - and have already visited so many places in this vast, beautiful country.

In the past two weeks we’ve experienced among other things a family picnic at Manly, a small beach-side suburb of Brisbane.

This area, originally occupied by the Aboriginal Mipirimm people, was first settled by Europeans in 1860, who named it after Manly, NSW. All along the sea front are boating facilities and many beautiful parks with picnic sites.

Then, on Sunday April 9 we visited Mt Coot-tha of which the highest peak is about 6km to the west of Brisbane, at 287m above sea level. Brisbane is one of Australia’s oldest cities, founded in 1824 and serving initially as another penal colony for British convicts. Presently it is Australia’s third most populous city, after Sydney and Melbourne, with roughly 2.5-million people.

And, as is the case with a num-

ber of cities in this country, it was named after one of its governors, Sir Thomas Brisbane.

Mt Coot-tha is one of the city’s most prominent landmarks and offers the visitor panoramic views in all directions, including an exquisite view of Brisbane’s CBD and the Brisbane River, as well as Stradbroke Island, 30km southeast of the city, in the Moreton Bay. Like so many other places we have visited thus far, this hill situated in the Taylor Mountain range comes with plenty of history. Originally it was part of the ancient homeland of the aboriginal Turrbal and Jagera people and was incorporated by the first European settlers into the town of Brisbane in 1824.

For the indigenous tribes this hill was of great significance, not only because of spiritual and cultural reasons, but practicalilties, too - it was the place where they came to collect ‘kuta’, the tribal word for honey, produced here in great quantity by a native sting-less bee. Coottha means ‘place of honey’.

However, the first settlers gave the mountain another name, ‘One Tree Hill’. The reason behind this was a single large blue gum tree that was left on top of the hill, after the bush was cleared. The present name, Mt Coot-tah, was adopted in1880.

Also situated within the 1,500ha reserve are, right on the top, several TV stations and at its base the Brisbane Planetarium and the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens.

(We thank Henk for sharing this travelogue and, with some luck, will feature a new series in the near future. - Eds.)

NEWS & VIEWS

21 June 2017

Bradley’s death ‘had a purpose’ - his legacy to assist firefighting units Plettenberg Bay’s Marine Drive and neighbouring streets came to a standstill when president Jacob Zuma and his vast entourage of ministers, officials and security personnel made their way to pay tribute to a fallen firefighter - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports

HERO SURVIVED: Veteran firefighter Ian Barnard has a long road to recovery ahead after getting trapped in the blaze along with the late Bradley Richards - pictured at centre, he makes his way to Plett Community Church through a firefighters’ guard of honour - Photo Ewald Stander

RADLEY Richards was always there to help others, right until the end. This became apparent as hundreds of friends, family, colleagues and Bitou residents bid their final farewells to Richards during a memorial service at Plettenberg Bay Community Church last Thursday.

Richards, 24, died in George Mediclinic after sustaining serious burns while fighting the devastating fire that started sweeping through the coastal holiday town on June 7.

It was clear that Richards was much loved by many, as the church was packed during the memorial service - to such an extent that several people had to stand in the foyer.

Among those in attendance was fellow volunteer firefighter Ian Barnard, who was with Richards when they became trapped in the blaze that claimed the young firefighter’s life.

President Jacob Zuma, who was in the Southern Cape to visit the areas affected by the fire, also attended the memorial.

“We as South Africans feel the pain with you. You are not alone. The entire

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country is with you,” Zuma said during his time on the podium.

He added that Richards had given up his own life to protect the lives of others.

“On behalf of government and the nation, we send our condolences and sympathy to the family.”

About Barnard, Zuma said that he was “one of the heroes who survived”.

In a very moving tribute which was read out on behalf of Richards’ family, he was described as someone who treated everyone equally and who cared about people. It was mentioned that even on a hike, he would always make sure that no one was left behind. He characteristically brought people together.

Pastor Johan Coetzee described Richards as an ambassador of the “kingdom of God” - “he was a peacemaker,” Coetzee said.

During the service all the firefighters in attendance stood up and started clapping hands in celebration of Richards’ life.

Fellow member of the Plett South Fire Management Unit Steve Ritky said after the memorial that, while they were devastated

by the loss of one of their most active and loyal members, they did not believe his death was in vain.

“In conversations with Bradley’s family, it came up that Brad’s death had a purpose. And we believe in that purpose.”

He explained that FMUs played an important role in communities and more often than not did not have the proper equipment and training to deal with such large-scale emergencies. He added that this was highlighted during the recent fires and residents had now jumped in to change that.

For this reason and in honour of Richards, a fund has been set up to assist FMUs in Bitou.

“This will be Brad’s legacy,” Ritky said.

Local businessman Duncan Brown said locals had approached him pledging funds to help fire victims.

He then set up a disaster fund, Plett People’s Purse, which is being managed by an attorney, for specifically those donations.

He added a decision had been taken that the funds would go towards assisting local FMUs. Garden Route Media

CXPRESS

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Knysna’s water crisis deepens W ITH Greater Knysna not receiving the forecasted rain it so desperately needs, acting municipal manager Johnny Douglas appeals to all residents and visitors to be mindful of their water usage. During the past week (June 12-19), Knysna received a mere 1mm of rain.

Both the Gouna and Knysna rivers that feed Knysna’s off-channel storage Akkerkloof Dam have stopped flowing, and Knysna River’s current water level is now 100mm below the weir at Charlesford

extraction point.

“Charlesford is Knysna’s primary abstraction point, and with the level being so low we are unable to use all pumps to feed much-needed water into the balancing Glebe Dam, before being pumped into Akkerkloof Dam,” said Douglas Glebe is currently empty and Akkerkloof is at 33% full, which translates into 20 days of water at the current usage of 13.96Ml/day.

“Our technical team are managing to produce only 12.5Ml/day. With the current drought situation, it is

impossible to pump from the rivers that just don’t have the water, resulting in dam levels dropping daily.”

The desalination plant is up and running but can only compliment the town’s traditional sources by 1.368ML/day when running at capacity.

“Our technical team tirelessly attended to breaks in the water system and the numerous leaks that resulted from the recent fires,” he said. He asked residents experiencing water outages to call the report line on 044 302 6331.

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

21 June 2017

Biosphere status good news for entire Route HE Garden Route, stretching from George to the Port Elizabeth municipal boundary, was granted formal recognition as a Biosphere Reserve in Paris on June 14 after Unesco members voted in favour of this most-encouraging move.

The decision is the result of many years of work by a group of dedicated residents of the Route, with the support of SANParks, CapeNature, Eastern Cape Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, as well as provincial and national departments of Environmental Affairs.

Environment minister Dr Edna Molewa welcomed the decision: “It is indeed a great feeling for South Africa today as we continue on a journey of strengthening our conservation efforts,” she said.

Referring to the recent and tragic fires that have engulfed the Route, she continued: “What has been illuminated from these ashes, is the remarkable sense of community and compassion for fellow beings on the Garden Route as a whole.

“The positive response to the Garden Route biosphere application is most encouraging - not just for us as a country, but also for the people of the region.”

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), biosphere reserves are nominated by national governments and remain under the sovereign jurisdiction of the states where they are located, although their status is internationally recognised.

The Garden Route Biosphere Reserve (GRBR) is the ninth such reserve to be declared in SA. It is located within the Cape Floristic biodiversity hotspot and covers a total area of 698,363ha (212,375ha core; 288,032ha buffer; and 197,956ha transition), with a population of 450,624 people.

The area includes the Tsitsikamma, Goukamma and Robberg Marine protected areas, Wilderness Lake Ramsar site, Garden Route National Park, and two components of the Cape Floral Region Protected Areas World Heritage site: Nelson Bay Cave and the Langkloof Valley.

Municipalities included in the GRBR are Eden and Sarah Baartman District municipalities as well as George, Knysna, Bitou, Kouga, and Koukamma local municipalities, all of whom have been consulted in the establishment process.

Linked to the conservation related activities, the development objectives of the GRBR are to promote growth in employment, training and entrepreneurial endeavours, contribute to poverty alleviation and the development of sustainable livelihood options for disadvantaged communities, and to encourage sustainable biodiversitybased businesses and their contribution to the green economy of the Garden Route.

Several development opportunities have arisen from the desire to conserve the natural environment within the GRBR. Innovative solutions that support the environment are encouraged by Unesco MAB, and various eco-tourism, green economy, educational and exciting research programmes are planned.

The clearing of alien vegetation has substantial socio-economic benefits for the region in the form of several governmentsponsored and endorsed initiatives such as Working for Water, Working for Wetlands, and Working on Fire.

These initiatives provide employment and facilitate skills development and the exchange of ideas between the different stakeholder groups. A key objective linked to community development is to create small business opportunities linked to the use of by-product from alien plant management initiatives - vegetation cleared can for instance be made available for furniture and charcoal production and crafting, or sold as fire wood.

The official launch of the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve will take place later in the year - watch this space!

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NEWS & VIEWS

21 June 2017

CXPRESS

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She had Plett in her veins - and we are all the poorer for having lost valiant Val

Great was the chagrin in the CXPRESS office when news arrived of the passing last Sunday of marvellous Val Williams, and we thank her son Derek for kindly sharing this tribute - along with news that a memorial for his late great mother will be scheduled once spring has sprung - as well as Val’s carer of many years, Ingrid Baker, for putting us in touch AL (née Gordon-Turner) was born in Butterworth in the Eastern Cape.

As middle daughter of a ‘Bantu Commissioner’ (a sort of magistrate cum administrator, from what I understand) attended various schools from Queenstown to Middelburg, before matriculating with distinction at the age of 15.

It was the first sign of what can only be described as a very active mind.

"She may be difficult, but at least she is interesting," was how her brother in law David Hayden once described her, neatly summing up, perhaps, how many people viewed Val. A long-standing resident of Plettenberg Bay (her late husband Jim bought property on Beachy Head Drive in the late 1950s), Val had Plett in her veins.

Their first house here, Manana, was a small bungalow-style place with gas lamps, a paraffin fridge and a donkey boiler for hot water, with Beachy Head still a dirt road at the time - a far cry from what it is now.

In the mid-1980s, when Val and Jim retired permanently to Plettenberg Bay, they built a more substantial house on the adjoining plot and the bungalow became a retreat for family and friends.

It was the scene of many a raucous celebration…

Val had a passionate interest in the environment

ONE HELLUVA WOMAN: Valerie Williams (31.10.1929 - 11.6.2017) has over the years contributed many wonderful stories to CXPRESS, and even once featured on our cover in her classic two-piece swimsuit the raving beauty she was at age 30-odd, and forever thereafter

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and I vividly remember her cajoling Henk [Nieuwoudt] from CapeNature to provide extra help for her team clearing the dune of Rooikrans and other undesirable growth, long before the issue of alien invasion became a priority.

“What's the point of people driving along next to the sea if they can’t see it,” I can hear her muttering.

She was particularly instrumental in setting up a number of environmental schemes with the Wildlife Society and an inspirational figure in establishing Plett as a whale and dolphin viewing destination.

She fought passionately for Plettenberg Bay to retain as much of its inherent natural beauty as possible,

and was often at loggerheads with those who proposed unbridled or inappropriate development.

The Wittedrift area was also close to her heart, so Val acquired a thin strip of land that ran from the Bitou up the hill to Uplands.

With the help of neighbour Corrie van Huyssteen, who kindly ploughed the only arable piece near the river, Val planted pumpkins.

When we enquired what she planned to do with them, she said: “Give them to someone who needs them.” That attitude perhaps sums up Val to a T. She will be missed by all of us in the family and, I'm sure, by many more - one helluva woman, who gave it her all.

Happy 95th birthday, Elizabeth Starling!

VERY month Plettenberg Bay’s Rotary Anns take residents of Formosa Garden Village on an outing for morning tea. The last of these excursions took place at the lovely home of Paul and Deidre Swart on the beautiful Bitou River.

Explains Beryl Winter: “It just so happened that this outing coincided with the 95th birthday of one of our Anns, Elizabeth Starling. In her younger days, Elizabeth was a very active member of our club.”

In the card presented to the birthday girl, it was written: “Elizabeth has

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95 CANDLES FOR VETERAN ROTARY CLUBBER: From left are Beryl Winter, standing behind birthday girl Elizabeth Starling, with Fiona Woods and Ann Smart at right

Balloons for Nichol Boukes This photo was taken at the memorial service of Nichol Boukes, which was held in Wittedrift on June 9. Says his brother, Michael: “We all wrote our personal messages for Nichol on the balloons and then released them into the sky.” Nichol is survived by his parents, Tinka and Migiel, siblings Michael, Brian and Wallace, as well as his son Reece.

been involved with the Rotary Family for longer than most of us have lived!” certainly something for the rest of us to live up to.

“Our hosts do not have to worry about a thing as the Anns supply eats and drinks, cups and saucers in fact we are completely self-sufficient. However, we do need venues which are quite flat as we have to negotiate wheelchairs, walkers and some of our friends are not as spritely as they once were,” explains Beryl.

If you would like to invite the Rotary Anns to your home, please contact Jill Haysom on 044 533 3120.

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

21 June 2017

This year’s Plett Fringe Fest promises chuckles aplenty HE Kids of Kurland Project is presenting two great shows at this year’s Plett Fringe Festival with its focus firmly on comedy and satire delivered by two outstanding performers - one familiar to Plett theatregoers, and a very exciting newcomer to the Garden Route entertainment scene.

Both artists comment on current affairs, famous and infamous people, on the approach of middle age, and on anything that catches the sharp edge of their wit. Evenings of laughter are guaranteed.

Comedy aficionados will be elated to hear that the ever-popular Nik Rabinowitz will present his new show entitled Fortyfied on two nights.

On the edge of a midlife crisis, rather than doing the many things that men facing midlife crises are reported to do, Nik has created an offering in which he hilariously explores the possibility that 40 might just be the new 30.

His sold-out shows at previous Fringe Festivals attest to the energy and sheer delight of his performance.

Daniel Richards has received rave reviews for his satirical sketches entitled Pay Back the Curry. This show opens Plett Fringe Festival on June 29, but please don’t come looking for any sacred cows…

He may shock you, make you think and feel a little guilty or sad, but Daniel

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FIRST FOR PLETT: Daniel Richards has entertained audiences - and raked in various award nominations - for his show ‘Pay Back the Curry’, which is being staged at The White House in Plettenberg Bay on June 29

will invariably reduce you to roars of laughter.

This show has been performed more than 100 times in foremost theatres and at numerous arts festivals, always to rave reviews and sold-out houses. It has been nominated for a Fleur Du Cap and two Naledi Awards. It is sure to be a proper treat to have Daniel Richards in town for the Plett Fringe Festival.

Tickets are available from Ann Fermor on 082 452 8764 or from The Old House Shop. Daniel Richards performs on June 29 and Nik Rabinowitz on June 30 and July 1. Both shows are presented at The White House Theatre in Plettenberg Bay, and commence at 7:30pm. A cash bar and snacks will be available in the courtyard for some socialising before the shows.

Beneficiary of the festival is the Kids of Kurland Pro-

ject, which supports The Crags Primary School in Kurland Village. Through the tremendous backing of audiences and sponsors, the project is able to fund three additional teachers and an assistant.

The Project started in 2001 and before its intervention, classes were so big that effective teaching was nearly impossible. The school still needs a special needs/remedial teacher and a social worker to assist the learners with a variety of problems.

Kids of Kurland is an NPO, so donations are tax deductible and donors are provided with tax certificates at the end of the financial year. The organisation is run by a team of able volunteers, and overheads are minimal.

Visit www.kidsofkurland. com for project details and see the advert on page 7 for additional information.

Notice Board • The next learning and inner development programme meeting hosted by supporters of Bitou community service projects will be on June 23 at 28 Bowtie Private Estate from 10am.

Voluntary supporters must bring along chairs or cushions to sit on. Mignonne Shayle Anderson of MSA1WP (Master Seeker, All One, Working Peacefully) is requests anyone with a PA system and cordless microphones to get in touch, or if you could assist with the vegetarian food to be prepared from the community kitchen on site from 9am (to be served at noon), please call her to offer assistance or RSVP on 081 318 9193.

• On June 24, Carpe Diem School in George presents the Onnerridak show featuring Refentse. This fundraiser is backed by Just Property Group and aims to bolster the critical expenses required for learners’ personal requirements. Onnerridak kicks off at 4pm with a sociable food and wine tasting. The marvellous Refentse’s per-

formance will be preceded by locals Jonty Hendrix & Wade on stage. Contact Carpe Diem principal Karools Hauptfleisch on 044 874 4074 or at carpeka rools@telkomsa.net for additional information.

• ‘Israel - Small Nation, Big Heart’ is a presentation

by Bridges for Peace national director Chris Eden, scheduled to take place at St Peter’s Anglican Church in Church Street Plettenberg Bay on Sunday June 25 at 5:30pm. Bridges for Peace is funded through Christian donations and runs a variety of programmes delivering practical assistance in Israel. RSVP by calling Gillian Marshall on 044 533 0057 or call the church office on 044 533 5558 with enquiries.

• Prospective Matie students only have until June 30 to get their applications in to study at Stellenbosch University (SU), and it’s also the deadline for applying for accommodation in its residences. SU is rated as one of the top three universities in SA and recently improved its position on

the QS World University Ranking for 2017/8. The university also has the highest first-year throughput rate in SA with more than 85% of its students annually going on to their second year of studies.

“We are very excited about the increase in the number applications for 2018, proving that SU is a first choice university, but we are concerned about the more than 8,000 applications that are incomplete and as a result cannot be considered,” says Spurgeon Wilson of the Centre for Student Recruitment and Career Advice.

Applicants can also start to apply for financial assistance - here the deadline is August 31. The university manages more than 19,000 under and postgraduate bursaries and loans on behalf of companies, individuals, and institutions.

Applications can be done online at www.maties.com - call 021 808 9111 or email info@sun.ac.za for more info. You can also do a live chat at www.maties.com (click on ‘Let’s Talk’).

BUSINESS

21 June 2017

Is your portable stuff aptly insured?

HEN it comes to protecting treasured possessions against loss, damage or theft, clever insurance can provide peace of mind.

If you own a home, the building and everything in it are likely to be your biggest financial investment, so having building and home contents insurance to take care of any nasties that can and do go wrong, is a must.

Hollard provides insight into the difference between buildings and home contents insurance.

The former covers the bricks and mortar structure and all the fixtures attached: geysers, gate motors, swimming pools, windows and the like.

Home contents insurance covers all items inside and outside the building - furniture, appliances, artworks, tech gadgets, jewellery, crockery, tools, clothing, and your gear.

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Importantly, home contents insurance covers all your possessions while they are in your home, but the minute they leave the property, they cease to be covered under your home contents insurance.

This is why it’s important to have ‘Portable Possessions’ cover for all those portable, high-risk items that may travel outside your home and with you from time to time.

You can cover these items in several ways: • Unspecified cover you don’t have to specify the details and value of each item, but rather the total value of all the items. This is generally more expensive than specified cover.

• Specified value - you don’t have to specify the details and value of each item, but you need to specify what category of cover it falls in, for example cell phones and tab-

lets, or sports equipment.

• Specified items - you have to specify the details and value of every item, including make, model and serial number.

You may not realise it at first, but those seemingly small gadgets that most of us cannot live without, like your smart phone, tablet, iPad and laptop can quickly add up to R40k or more, and if stolen or accidently damaged, leave a serious dent in your budget and your demeanour.

Remember to specify any modifications that increase the replacement value of items, e.g. the addition of a solid state hard-drive instead of the standard hard-drive that comes with a laptop or additional memory.

If you don’t, your claim will only settle on the replacement cost of an equivalent, standard machine. If you have port-

able possessions cover, then your items are covered for anywhere, including inside your home, so you won’t need to ensure them under your home contents cover as well.

You need to present proof of purchase come claims time. A register helps keeping track of any new assets so you can easily update your policy, and at the same time ensures that you’re not paying insurance on items you no longer own.

Being prepared and understanding and complying with the terms of your insurance cover is the first step to peace of mind and a smooth claims experience.

So the next time Bob Marley’s Don’t worry pops up on your iPod or radio, you really can rest easy knowing that “every little thing’s gonna be alright,” no matter what life may throw at you.

Money mistakes the youth must be sure to avoid HE youth must make wise financial decisions to ensure they are not impacted by financial missteps committed early in life.

Says FNB Consumer Education head Eunice Sibiya: “There’s nothing as exciting as getting your first salary and realising that earning an income opens up many possibilities.

“However, this should also be the time to step back and start thinking carefully about your finances, and what you want to achieve from earning an income. During this stage, your every financial commitment should be carefully considered, because how you start off will have a direct impact on your finances in the long term.

“It’s quite common to see young people getting excited about earning money and then begin-

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ning to take on too much debt to accumulate possession they often don’t need, without having made provision for savings,” adds Sibiya.

These are some of the common financial mistakes that young people must avoid: Not budgeting By creating a budget, you will be able to plan your expenses and keep an eye on what your money is spent on. A budget can help identify any wasteful spending because it’s designed to help you track your expenses and ultimately commit money to areas that take priority.

Discipline is important but there’s no harm in making room for entertainment now and then to reward yourself for hard work later.

Taking too much debt When you suddenly have access to credit, it may be difficult resisting the

BUCO Plettenberg Bay

temptation to just spend it. But remember that debt is a major financial commitment, so it’s better to take on debt that you can manage and not feel overburdened.

By taking on too much debt you may find yourself unable to cope with repayments. It’s better to focus on saving money and earning interest on it, instead of unnecessary debt.

No emergency fund An emergency fund is designed to cover shortfalls when an unexpected expense occurs.

A medical emergency or a car breaking down can have a huge impact on your finances and if you don’t have funds for unplanned expenses you may end up relying on debt or having to tap into your other savings.

Delaying saving for your retirement The best time to start

saving for retirement is when you’re still young, because any delay might cost you more in the longterm. While you might think there’s enough time to save for retirement, it’s always better to save as soon as you start earning an income.

Starting early will most likely help you to make building blocks towards a comfortable retirement, ensuring that you benefit from compound interest and keeping in line with the depreciating value of money.

“The road to financial freedom comes with selfawareness and financial discipline.

“Arm yourself with as much information as possible before making any financial decisions.

In this way, you avoid making mistakes that can possibly compromise your finances in future,” concludes Sibiya.

Corner N2 & Rietvlei Road, Plettenberg Bay Tel: 044 501 3800 Fax: 044 501 3850

CXPRESS Read CXPRESS online at www.cxpress.co.za

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CXPRESS

INTERVAL

21 June 2017

U taal, kollega!

IT het onder my aandag gekom dat sommige individue in die organisasie kru taal tydens normale gesprekvoering teenoor hul kollegas gebruik.

Weens klagtes vanaf sekere werkers in die verband, sal die gebruik van hierdie tipe taal nie langer geduld word nie.

Ons besef egter die noodsaaklikheid daarvan om in staat te wees om akkurate menings teenoor kollegas te kan uitspreek.

Die volgende nuwe en innoverende uitdrukkings word derhalwe aanbeveel ten einde gedagtes en inligting op ‘n effektiewe wyse te kan oordra: • Gebruik liewer: Ek dink addisionele opleiding sal waardevol vir jou wees.

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In plaas van: Jy’t geen blerrie idee wat jy doen nie.

• Gebruik liewer: Sy is ‘n dinamiese werknemer.

In plaas van: Sy’s ‘n hardegat teef.

• Gebruik liewer: Ek kan moontlik oortyd werk.

In plaas van: En wanneer de hel dink jy moet ek dit doen?

• Gebruik liewer: Ek is oortuig daarvan dis nie lewensvatbaar nie.

In plaas van: Daar’s nie ‘n blerrie manier nie!

• Gebruik liewer: O, werklik?

In plaas van: Moenie str*nt praat nie!

• Gebruik liewer: Die probleem sal beslis aandag ontvang.

In plaas van: Vertel dit vir iemand wat verdomp omgee!

• Gebruik liewer: Ek was nie by die projek betrokke nie.

In plaas van: Dis nie my blerrie probleem nie!

• Gebruik liewer: Ek is nie seker dat dit geïmplementeer kan word nie.

In plaas van: Hierdie snert sal nie werk nie.

• Gebruik liewer: Ek sal dit probeer skeduleer.

In plaas van: Hoekom het jy my nie vroeër gesê nie, jou idioot!

• Gebruik liewer: Verskoon my, meneer?

In plaas van: Ag f*k jou!

• Gebruik liewer: So jy was nie gelukkig daar-

mee nie?

In plaas van: Jammer om van jou k*k te hoor.

• Gebruik liewer: Ek is ‘n bietjie oorlaai op die oomblik.

In plaas van: Bliksem donner, ek verdien ook maar net ‘n salaris!

• Gebruik liewer: Wil jy hê dat ek dit uitsorteer?

In plaas van: Wie’s dood en het jou die blerrie baas gemaak?

• Gebruik liewer: Hy is ietwat onsensitief.

In plaas van: Hy’s ‘n dikvellige poeph*l.

Dankie vir u vriendelike samewerking!

The dementia test ERE’S a good example of a brain study. If you can read this out loud you have a strong mind. And better than that, Alzheimer’s is a long, long way down the road before it ever gets anywhere near you!

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In addition, to the great minds among us, see if

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you can read the following weird but interesting paragraph (only 55 people out of 100 can): I cdnuolt blveiee that I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd what I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno’t mtaetr in what oerdr the ltteres in a word are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is that the frsit and last ltteer be in the rghit pclae.

The rset can be a taotl mses and you can still raed it whotuit a pboerlm.

This is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the word as a wlohe.

Azanmig huh?

Yaeh, and I awlyas tghuhot thta slpeling was ipmorantt!

This lawyer is thorough HE attorney tells the accused: “I have some good news and some bad news.”

“What’s the bad news?” asks the accused.

“The bad news is,

T

your blood is all over the crime scene, and the DNA tests prove you did it.”

“And the good news?”

“Your cholesterol is at a healthy 130!”

A teacher was telling her class about plant names that have the word ‘dog’ in them, such as dog-rose, dogwood, dog violet.

She asked the class if they could name another flower with the preface ‘dog’.

Steven raised his hand and said: “Sure, Miss Jones. How about a ‘collieflower’?”

SOCIAL SCENE

21 June 2017

CXPRESS

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BOK VISIT BRINGS BACK MEMORIES: Stephen Goedhals of Plett - in blue at back - dug out this photo of the previous occasion on which the Springboks used Plett for a training camp. This photo was taken at Bitou Rugby Club in 1999, with the late great Joost van der Westhuizen pictured at left. At centre in white is a rather youthful-looking Chris Ferreira of Bitou Rugby and Beacon Island Resort, and the players pictured from left with Joost and our local rugby aficionados are Mynhardt Loubser, Krynauw Otto, Willie Meyer, Deon Kaiser and Cobus Visagie, with De Wet Barry kneeling in front. Nearly 20 years down the line, Stephen is still involved with rugby coaching at Plett Primary School, while Chris is taking his Bitou team from strength to strength, with yet another league win over Sedgefield’s first and second teams some Saturdays ago at the very field where this pic was taken. The town also owes Chris a collective thumbs up for facilitating the wonderful Springbok viewing and autograph session on Tuesday May 30.

People, places & events DOUBLE ENTENDRES ABOUND IN LATEST BATS SHOW: The production of Noël Coward’s ‘Blithe Spirit’ by the Bitou Amateur Theatrical Society (BATS) that opened yesterday at the church hall of Saint Peter’s Anglican Church in Plett makes for an evening of absorbing theatre filled with much humour. ‘Blithe Spirit’ is a comedy set in the house of novelist Charles Condomine, who holds a séance with the eccentric medium and clairvoyant, Madame Arcati, with the intention of gathering material for his next book. But things go horribly wrong when the ghost of his former wife, Elvira, inadvertently appears. Condomine can see the ghost but his present wife, Ruth, cannot; suffice it to say that mayhem ensues, providing a myriad of opportunities for one-liners, double entendres and laughs aplenty. ‘Blithe Spirit’ is the most ambitious play that BATS has presented to date, as the script calls for impeccable timing, good intonation and many special effects, but the cast and those behind the scenes rise to the challenge and carry all before them. BATS stalwarts David Hall-Green, Rodney Grosskopff, Rose Shearer, Josie B Crook and Ingrid James, are joined by newcomers Leilani Rochat and Caitlin van Dyk. Sterling work is rendered by the backstage crew. All proceeds from the production will be donated to Plett Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) and the recently founded fire relief fund. Buy tickets at Barney’s Info Kiosk at The Market Square or call 044 533 3219 for details on this prime production that runs until June 24. At the top, Charles Condomine (played by David Hall-Green) hands a dry martini to Madame Arcati (Rose Shearer) while Ruth Condomine (Leilani Rochat) smiles and the maid, Edith (Caitlin van Dyk), stands holding a tray. Above, the ghost of Elvira (played by Josie B Crook), looks up wistfully at her former spouse Charles who returns a gaze of searching inquiry. - Timothy Twidle

GUEST-STARRING NONAGENARIANS: When the good people at Glen Eden heard that three of their fellow Villagers were to celebrate 90th birthdays in June, it was the perfect opportunity to throw a party, with all resident nonagenarians as guests of honour. Pictured seated above is Prof Piet Hoffman, 90, who hails from Bloemfontein but has lived in Plett for the past five years. Next to him is Edna Helfet, 95, who was born in George, has circumnavigated the world three times, and has been a Plett ‘local’ for 16 years. Standing from left are Kitty Kruger, 96, who has lived in Kimberley and Cape Town but has called Plett ‘home’ for the past decade. Nina Woodcock, 90, was born in SA, has lived in Mozambique, was educated in Zimbabwe, and resides in Plett for the past two years. Ina Watt, 91, hails from Gauteng and more recently from Nature’s Valley. Dorothy Carruthers, 94, hails from the UK, where she served in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force during WWII. At right is fellow Englishwoman now happily ensconced in Plett after living as far afield as Zambia and Australia, Irene Arnold, 90. Said Carole Damp, who kindly supplied the pic and info: “What a lot of wonderful stories they all have to tell!”

www.houdini.co.za FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

See website for updates and franchise info

10

CXPRESS

21 June 2017

CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

21 June 2017

Letters to the Editor

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

Let’s simplify lifestyles to minimise eco-footprints Recycling has become somewhat of a buzzword in a world where the concept of waste has, sadly, slipped the consciousness of the average Joe. While I am sure many people wonder what happens to the plastic bags that leave shopping malls and supermarkets in their millions each day, I doubt whether this has actually surfaced as a problem of any vast proportion.

The dire warning that by 2050 our oceans will have more plastic than fish, and the reality that more and more sea life is being poisoned, strangled or trapped in plastic, is not something that people are aware of to any great degree, nor the sheer volume in tons of plastic that is manufactured in which to package our purchases.

I recently saw a picture on Facebook of an island somewhere in a remote part of the Pacific Ocean, completely uninhabited by humans but its beaches strewn with swathes of washed up waste.

Plett was treated re-

cently to a talk by Zero Waste guru Bea Johnson - Grand Prize winner of The Green Awards, TED speaker, and author of Zero Waste Home: The Ultimate Guide to Simplifying your Life by Reducing your Waste. She had with her a glass jar, perhaps with a one-litre capacity, containing her family’s disposable, landfill-destined waste collected over a full year.

This seems radical. Perhaps she is from another planet? No, she is a normal, average person one would find on any day in any part of the world.

But in her quest to save the planet she is anything but “average”.

She has made it her life’s mission to preach the gospel of Zero Waste to people all over the world. Her book outlines how you can reduce your kitchen equipment as well as every corner of your house to the minimum and still live well.

She inspired the audience to examine our lifestyles and our hunger for “things”. Showing a slide

Charge of the Light Brigade?

living. Who has the time to think about this?

I asked myself what could be done - by me or anyone with a desire to ease the burden of landfill waste. I decided to start by making a commitment to buy one good, strong shopping bag a month and donate this to someone whom I will try to convert to the habit of refusing shopping bags.

One success a month equates 12 converted shoppers. Imagine if only 10 people adopted my idea - that would equal 120 people a year who refuse plastic shopping bags. The whole audience of 200 would result in 2,400 people.

Switch to a re-usable shopping bag and you will save 500-700 plastic bags from landfills and oceans over a year - that’s 1,200,000 to 1,680,000 plastic bag savings effected annually!

There was much talk about a bulk food store for Plett. I’m keeping my fingers crossed…

Laurine le Roux, Plett

A stranger cried in my arms...

MAXI WITTE of Plett shared this poem, saying ‘it felt very therapeutic to write it while keeping a vigil for local fire victims

‘Light Relief’ from Knysna submitted this newsy report with the possible headline of ‘Citizens Revolt!’ and added: “If Telkom and Eskom don’t come to Mohammed, Mohammed must go to Telkom and Eskom. Knysna’s Belvidere residents maak ‘n plan!”

There must be something to say for making light of a rather serious situation…

First sign of chaos to come

John Larter of Plett sent this photo on June 7, and wrote: “I was curious and slightly worried where reported fires were raging today, so I drove down the Airport Road after hearing that the N2 had been closed from early morning in the Harkerville area. Arriving at the N2 intersection road at 11:30am the traffic was totally blocked as far as one could see, heading towards Knysna. The weather to the south of Plett was a mixture of cloud and black smoke but it appeared that there was rain over the mountains.”

Official priorities questioned Can you believe that last week when the fires were burning all over Plettenberg Bay, TMT (the private company who oper-

of one of her sons smiling riding the thermals in a hang-glider, she told the audience that her family can afford these amazing things because of the savings they achieve.

They do not acquiesce to the consumer drive we all know so well - the little imp that sits on our shoulder telling us we need this and that, and that, while we simply can’t do without this.

But I felt strongly that the enthusiastic audience represented “the converted” - not necessarily to Zero Waste lifestyles, but I would guess that most of us separate our trash and try our best to minimise landfill waste.

However, while this is essential, it is not enough. I still go to the supermarket and become literally depressed when I see shoppers walking out with two or three plastic bags, and sometimes a whole trolley full. The sight of a dedicated reusable shopping bag is rare.

People are busy, engaged with their jobs and the business of making a

ates local speed cameras) were setting up traps with the help of Bitou’s traffic department?!

‘Motorist’, Plett

A stranger cried in my arms today, And I listened closely to what she had to say, Of the loss of her home in a fiery pile, So I held her tight for a little while.

These brave men and women continue to play their part.

But the fire ignited an incredible bond That has spread like the ripple of a drop in a pond.

The sun peers down through the smokedrenched haze, As it looks down on a world that seems all ablaze.

Overwhelming help comes from far and wide, Firefighters and pilots who take things in their stride.

Children arrive with their fluffy toys, To give comfort to homeless little girls and boys.

Volunteers labour tirelessly through day and night, With compassion and endurance, like a guiding light.

Calmly and organised, they fight the battle, Whilst others go around saving horses and cattle.

Birds can fly, but other creatures can not, They try their best to flee from that burning spot.

A white smile dazzles from a sooty, black face, Showing relief at having saved yet another place.

Though every loss leaves a very heavy heart,

They evacuate the threatened, give comfort and love, Nurturing and caring, they work hand-in-glove.

Some were lucky, whilst others were not, Let’s all be generous, and share what we’ve got.

We all have a tale, a story to tell, So listen to each other, and stay safe, be well.

Thank YOU for facilitating my best-ever Comrades finish I would like to thank everyone who generously helped me with donations to get to Durban for the Comrades Marathon on June 4. I just missed Silver by 8min, but I did do my best time ever, fin-

ishing in 7hr 38min.

I really do appreciate all the advice and support that I got from everyone over the weeks leading up to the Comrades Marathon. Thank you!

Eric Nangu, Plett

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Ice-rink adventures postponed DESPITE our bravado last week, as the ash settled it became evident that we would unfortunately need to reschedule the inaugural Plett Winter Wonderland.

These were the words of a disappointed Emma Jordan who explained that, due to the unprecedented fire disaster, the Cairnbrogie barn was to be used as a food store

and further fire relief centre.

This is not to say the event will not happen, however, as Jordan and her team have every intention of pulling off a stupendously cool Winter Wonderland in the future.

They thank readers for understanding and advise that pre-booked tickets will be refunded through Quicket.

Call 083 375 6275 for details.

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SPORT & ADVENTURE

21 June 2017

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La Luna

Enter Storms River Traverse before the quaint village bursts its seams!

NTRIES to the 2017 Glacier Storms River Traverse are less limited by the capacity of the event than they are by the capacity of Storms River Village. With most of the accommodation in the hamlet already booked for the weekend of August 3-6, opportunities to join for a long weekend of bliss in the forests are running out.

However, Dryland Event Management has taken steps to ensure more mountain bikers and their families can experience this year’s Traverse. In 2016, Dryland first introduced the popular luxury camping upgrade to the Storms River Traverse, and for 2017 the number of canvas tents - complete with beds, white linen, camp chairs and plug points has been increased.

The Glamping campsite has been moved from Tsitsikamma Village Inn, where the race village

E

is based, to Tube and Axe Lodge Backpackers 400m down the road.

The new site also boasts a dedicated ablution facility, with guaranteed hot showers that riders will love after a muddy day on the trails. So no more portable toilets and showers... Yay! If you would prefer booking your own accommodation, do so when entering the Traverse. Tsitsikamma Village Inn (www.tsitsikam mavillageinn.co.za) is the recommended accommodation location for the event, but as the Inn often fills up before Traverse entries even open, Dryland suggests you also visit www.tsitsi kamma.info to explore all other accommodation options in the area.

Even though you might only be entering for yourself or yourself and a riding partner, the Storms River Traverse is best experienced with the whole

family. The event offers an educational day care programme for children aged three to 12, plus a day-care facility for under three-year-olds.

For the teens, the Tsitsikamma offers a plethora of activities from ziplining to bungy jumping and white-water tubing.

And because the daily stage distances are under 60km, riders aged 16 and older are eligible to take part in the Storms River Traverse under Cycling South Africa rules.

For less adventurous members of the family, the Tsitsikamma also offers hikes, bird watching, Segway and canopy tours. Or you can browse stores in the quaint Storms River Village before kicking your feet up and letting the relaxed atmosphere soak away your stress while enjoying a glass of wine and a good book.

On the bike, the Glacier Storms River Trav-

erse is famously social.

In fact the route is made up largely of jeep track so that you can ride two abreast and chat throughout the stage.

The relaxed pace also means you will have the time to enjoy the full offering at each water point where, along with Biogen supplements, you can expect home-made banana bread, boiled potatoes, hard-boiled eggs and marmite sandwiches, koeksisters and of course Klein Karoo International ostrich steaks off the braai at the final water point on each stage.

Entries close on Saturday July 15 - visit www. stormsrivertraverse.co.za to find out everything you need to know.

To stay updated on all the information and get excited as Dryland Event Management builds up to the weekend, follow @SRTraverse on Twitter or like the Storms River Traverse Facebook page.