21 October 2020 by CXpress

21 October 2020

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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Running for their lives

International investment update - p4

Dump sites turned into gardens - p5

Photos: Brittany Arendse

Plett’s white-fronted plovers are in serious trouble because of disturbance of their nesting grounds by both man and beast - turn to page 2 to find out what we must do in order to increase these fascinating birds’ breeding success rate.

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CXPRESS

21 October 2020

NEWS & VIEWS

SOS! Our white-fronted plovers are in trouble - and we are causing it…

Words & photos: Brittany Arendse

HITE-FRONTED plovers are shore-breeding birds; in Plett, these charismatic little characters can be found on beaches from Nature’s Valley to Keurbooms, Lookout, and Robberg. Locally, the largest concentration of these birds is on the dunes of Lookout Beach and along the Keurbooms estuary. Once in abundance on Cape Peninsula beaches, they have now all but disappeared. Conservation efforts For the past five years, Nature’s Valley Trust (NVT) has worked tirelessly to change the future for our white-fronted plovers with #Share the Shores public awareness campaigns, beach signage, rope enclosures around known nesting sites in the breeding season, and by monitoring nest sites and breeding success rates. So, what is the problem? One of the biggest threats to successful breeding is disturbance by people and their dogs. When a breeding bird is scared off its nest while incubating eggs, the eggs can survive for 3-4min only before dying in the hot sun (plovers incubate to cool eggs down). Lookout is the most negatively-impacted of all local beaches. During 2019/20 the success rate was a mere 7.4%; of 54 eggs laid, only four birds finally fledged. Taking this dire situation into account, it’s clear that Plett residents and visitors now need to rally behind these birds to ensure that future generations will get to experience the joy of seeing them on our beaches. How you can help? The white-fronted plovers’ breeding season is from August to March, so we need to

PROTECTION NOW PARAMOUNT: Having long disappeared from Cape Peninsula beaches, the conservation of white-fronted plover nesting sites along the Garden Route and on Plett beaches in particular is now of the essence

act right now. Firstly, it is essential that all beach users comply with dog-free zone regulations; be mindful, too, of signage near the dunes during breeding season, and prevent your children from playing in the dunes. Signs will be erected around actual nest sites, along with signage indicating sensitive dune areas. When in doubt, simply stick to the wet-sand areas and ensure your kids and pets do the same. We only have a small window of opportunity to ensure the survival of these fascinating feathered friends, so let’s not waste the chance to positively impact the continued presence of white-fronted plovers in our midst. • Brittany Arendse is a conservation scientist at NVT visit www.naturesvalleytrust. co.za for additional information, and click on Resources for details on dog zones pertaining to beaches from Robberg to Nature’s Valley. View the gallery at www. cxpress.co.za for more images.

NEWS & VIEWS

21 October 2020

CXPRESS

Clarity over Qolweni housing and services provided by provincial envoy The Western Cape minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers, has urged residents not to resort to public unrest over housing issues following five days of riots by Qolweni residents recently - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports EC Tertuis Simmers visited Plettenberg Bay on October 15 to meet with Qolweni community leaders following the unrest, to clear up what he has labelled as misinformation relating to the project. During the meeting, Simmers said that one of the biggest issues around misinformation regarded the

budget for the project. He explained there had been rumours that the budget had been reduced. Simmers said this claim was untrue, and added that since the start of the project R25-million had been allocated for the construction of 169 units in Qolweni. More than R12.4-million was allocated for the first

phase, which includes the construction of 85 units before March 31, to coincide with the financial year end. The remainder would be spent in the following financial year. He further said that R6million had been allocated for the construction of a transit area for beneficiaries awaiting the construc-

tion of the housing units. This project, Simmers said, was completed on September 30. However, electrification of the transit units have been delayed due to the recent riots. “I requested that the community refrain from further delaying the electrification of these units and also called on them to, instead of closing the N2 whenever they have concerns, rather use public meeting platforms to raise their issues.

“We trust that the electrification process will now recommence and be concluded speedily, so that the beneficiaries who have been waiting to live in improved conditions can swiftly do so,” Simmers said. Bitou deputy mayor Sandiso Gcabayi responded to the meeting saying the fact that the MEC confirmed the project was on track, had been noted. “They confirmed that the contractor had been ap-

pointed on October 9 and it is currently within the 21-day objection period. Bitou communicated this fact in a statement issued on October 10.” But Gcabayi criticised the manner in which the meeting was organised. “Bitou Municipality was largely disregarded in the planning and organisation of the meeting. However, we welcome the visit despite the manner in which it came about,” he said.

News Briefs HE IEC has confirmed that voting in the Knysna by-elections for Wards 9 and 10 will take place on November 11. Visit www. elections.org.za for details.

Mother stabbed to death A Pacaltsdorp man, 46, appeared in George Magistrate’s Court on Monday after the death of Leonie Williams, 29 - the mother of their six-year-old son. He was arrested after allegedly stabbing her to death in front of the child. The accused and victim were at the victim’s Rosedale home at 00:25 on October 16, when an argument erupted. It is alleged that the victim attempted to stab the suspect, but he took the Okapi-knife from her and stabbed her several times, all over her body. She died on the scene.

Angler dragged by shark NSRI Oyster Bay responded to a request for assistance at 9:25am on Saturday, when a fisherman on a sea kayak reported to be in difficulty off-shore of Skuitbaai, between Tsitsikamma and Oyster Bay. Two sea rescue craft were launched, and NSRI Plett was placed on alert. The 61-year-old George resident was located 1.5 nautical miles off-shore of Skuitbaai at anchor on his fishing sea kayak. He said he had just hooked a catch when a shark got hold of the fish and started pulling his kayak out to sea. The shark made off with his fish and the man lost his paddle and some fishing gear. Unable to return to shore, he cast his anchor and raised the alarm. He was brought to shore with-

out incident, and his kayak was recovered. Good news, bad news… In an October 17 post, iol. co.za reports that Plett came out tops in a recently-concluded Airbnb survey about SA’s favourite small towns. It reads: “Known for its hospitality, Plettenberg Bay is easily accessible by car and plane. The beach town has tons of charm and is often full during summer as holidaymakers from across the country flock to enjoy a holiday at the coast.” Plett’s top leadership, on the other hand, ain’t coming up roses as next year’s municipal elections loom. Read ‘Tension between Bitou’s ruling coalition partners boils over’ on the Letters desk at www.cxpress. co.za - and weep...

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NEWS & VIEWS

21 October 2020

Investor Focus Malcolm Stewart – Investment manager at Michaelides Parker Wealth Knysna & Plett

Investment news O far, 2020 has been a year best forgotten. Diverse events have impacted investors from multiple angles and are set to continue both in the short and medium term. The virus The second wave is now hitting the developed world. We see precautionary measures being reintroduced in the USA, UK and across Europe. However, much has been learnt about this plague and we know that the mortality rate is much lower than anticipated. We have also learnt how to better keep patients alive while the virus runs its course. So, the economic pain is tending to decline. Global economy It is well known that the economic world held its breath for two months. This almost total blackout of commercial activity created havoc in all countries, with tourist/travel industries being the hardest hit. To combat this disaster, the world’s central banks reduced interest rates to 100-year lows, while extending massive credit facilities in attempts to cushion the downturn. Looking forward, we can expect the zero interest rates to continue for another two years at least, and massive increases in stimulus measures to reduce the unemployment rates. These two measures will underpin global equities for at least the medium term, while seeing a weaker US$. It is also possible that gold could further benefit from these inflationary measures. Elections The US election could prove to be the next severe hit to the investment world. It appears that no matter the outcome, it will be challenged. So, we may see the result delayed until well into December. This political uncertainty could cause a serious bump in equity markets. Brexit This circus has started again! With all the scary news headlines one would think that both Britain and Euroland would totally be annihilated if there is no deal. Either way, one sees incredible brinkmanship and political manoeuvring previously unheard of. Global markets The performance of the American-listed tech giants has been incredible. These massive companies (only five of them) make up over 20% of the S&P500 - America’s investment benchmark. They are now seriously expensive and pay poor dividends.

The neglected companies of US Inc are cheap and offer a sound long-term value proposition. The pound is at a 20-year low while the FTSE250 (UK Inc) also offers good value and attractive dividends. Thematic investing has now started dominating the minds of many investment professionals; these include companies or ETFs in the fields of clean energy, healthcare, infrastructure and cyber security. These sectors could prove to be the winners of the next decade. The South African market Our market has partially recovered from the lockdowns with economic activity gradually recovering. Our shares are not expensive and value levels vary from one sector to another. Banks have created massive reserves to protect against bad debts. They have also withheld dividends. This has resulted in share prices languishing at near catastrophic levels. Taking a two-year view, it is a real probability that they will show a massive recovery. Property companies (REITS) have been the worst hit. However, footfalls are recovering and rental collections now exceed 75% or more across the board. Their share prices have been devastated to reflect virtually a bankrupt sector. In some quality companies you are buying prime properties at 75% discounts. The mining sector has led the recovery with both gold and platinum shares leading the way. Budget speech This event could cause a bump in markets - expect Tito to uncover his austerity measures, which will certainly result in ongoing strike action from civil servants, and possibly tax increases for the wealthy. For retirees Firstly, if you have held on ‘till now, don’t give up hope. If you have cash available, it may be opportune to start re-entering the market (after the budget…). REITS will soon pay dividends again although at reduced levels; the banks will pay up next year, while the consistent payers - MTN, Vodacom and BAT, among others - will continue dividend payments. At the current low interest rate environment, dividends will become very attractive once resumed. • Malcolm has been in the investment industry for five decades. He has written this column in CXPRESS for the last 22 years and is a specialist in managing retired wealth. See the advert below for contact details.

NEWS & VIEWS

21 October 2020

CXPRESS

Bitou’s illegal dumping sites soon to become community gardens

Words & photos: Timothy Twidle

project sponsored by Bitou Municipality, to turn illegal dumping sites into community gardens, was launched in KwaNokuthula on Friday October 16. The launch event at a dump site in an open field close to the community hall was attended by Working for the Coast Western Cape manager, Khanya Mabandla. Bitou Municipality was represented by its Waste Management manager Douglas Baartman and Communications manager Andile Namntu, among others, joined by several KwaNokuthula residents. The formal business of the day, which included a number of short speeches, was chaired by Bitou’s man in charge of education and awareness waste management Mthobeli Galeni. He thanked the municipality for its enthusiasm and involvement in an endeavour that will certainly be of great help to many communities in Plett.

GOING GREEN: At the launch of a project to turn illegal dumping sites into community gardens were, from left, Noloyiso Godla, Noluthando Nolokwe, Yolanda Xawuka and Sinazo Ngxwashula - all members of the Environmental Protection and Infrastructure Programme

WASTE NOT, WANT NOT: Bitou Environmental Management officer Anjé Taljaard, left, with Waste Management Procurement officer Juan Windvogel at the launch

PREPARE TO SOW: Work began last Friday on site clearance for the preparation of the ground to be enriched with compost before vegetables are sown - from left are Siyabulela Skorana, Fundiswa Diko-Mbanjwa, Zukile Rorwana, and Mthobeli Galeni

Added Mabandla: “An additional benefit of the project is that it will stop pollution entering drains, watercourses and rivers.” Baartman stated that, at present, it cost the municipality R4.2-million per annum to clean up illegal dump sites. “We must start a war on waste,” he advised those in attendance. Namntu reminded everyone to appreciate that “it starts with us”. He added: “We must look after our surrounds and our communities. We must be pioneers in this field and make our town beautiful.” Bitou Environmental Management officer Anjé Taljaard urged communities must take ownership of public places. “You must treat the environment as if it is your home. When the environment is sick, we get sick.” She concluded by encouraging the sorting and recycling of waste at home. Earth-moving equipment for site clearance is being made available by Bitou Municipality, who will also provide compost and vegetable seeds to teams of 10-12 residents determined to make a success of the exercise. The objective is for the community gardens to grow and nurture fresh produce from garden to table and so provide food for soup kitchens, families in need, and related worthy causes. At the conclusion of the official proceedings, work began on clearing dumped waste and loading it onto a tipper truck, so that planting out of the gardens can now start in earnest.

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CXPRESS

INTERVAL

21 October 2020

The two most common elements in the universe are hydrogen and stupidity. But not in that order.”

MARS, UNTOUCHED BY MAN...

three coming out. The biologist remarked: “Oh, they must have reproduced.” The engineer said: “Our initial count must have been incorrect.” Then the mathematician stated: “Now, if one more person goes into the building, it will be completely empty.”

During the historic first manned mission to Mars, two astronauts were charting the Martian surface. “Look at that,” said one to the other, “how beautiful this alien landscape is, untouched by man.” At that point, he was cut off, as he found his radio communications knocked out by unknown interference. The astronauts followed the source of the interference until they reached the rim of a crater. “Do you see what the source of that noise is?” asked the first astronaut. “I don’t know,” said the second, “but it might be coming from that Starbucks behind you.”

WHERE’S THE BATHROOM AGAIN? The doctor says: “Larry, everything looks great. How are you doing mentally and emotionally? Are you at peace with God?” Larry replies: “God and I are tight. He knows I have poor eyesight, and He’s fixed it so when I get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, poof! The light goes on. When I’m done,

SCIENTISTS EXPLAINED

poof! The light goes off.” “Wow, that’s truly incredible,” the doctor says. Later that day, the doctor calls Larry’s wife. “Bonnie,” he says, “Larry is doing fine! But I had to call you because I’m in awe of his relationship with God. Is it true that he gets up during the night, and poof, the light goes on in the bathroom, and when he’s done, poof, the light goes off ?” “Oh, no,” exclaims Bon-

nie. “He’s peeing in the refrigerator again!”

A CLASS ACT A frog telephones the Psychic Hotline. His personal psychic advisor tells him: “You are going to meet a beautiful young girl who will want to know everything about you.” The frog is just thrilled: “This is great! Will I meet her at a party?” “No,” says his advisor, “in her biology class.”

This dog’s ear is the perfect picture to show your hairdresser if you want beachy waves and caramel highlights…

A biologist, an engineer, and a mathematician were observing an empty building. They noted two people entering the building and, sometime later, saw

A man was found guilty of overusing commas. The judge warned him to expect a really long sentence.

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no 15, 7

9 8 11

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T E X S H O E R T E

I A N T A E AM I U C

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D I E P P E O P O X E M I OR I G AM I S D S C S T L E T GO S T E E C I S I T K A S P R I N S O R A V I O L I B O O M P B N A I V E P E E I C N I R C R E A S E WY

ON THE SOAPBOX

21 October 2020

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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

All destroyers of state and private property deserve tarring with the same brush By burning a police vehicle and the formation of what appeared to be a lynching party, the Senekal farming community* has not done their cause any good. However, even more disturbing in this instance is that Police minister Bheki Cele has called for the urgent arrests of those involved in damaging state property. Did said minister call for arrests after the EFF vandalised Clicks stores? If not, why not? Surely, whether private or state property is deliberately damaged, all suspects need to be arrested. May one be so bold as to suggest some racial undertones in this tragic state of affairs? Kevin Meineke, Plett

* Senekal farm manager Brendin Horner, 21, was murdered on the DeRots farm outside Paul Roux in the Free State on October 1. Horner was reported missing by his girlfriend and on the morning of October 2, his body was discovered by his father, Robbie, and colleague, Jaco Kleingeld. Horner was tied to a pole with a rope around his neck and had injuries to his head and face. A knife was found at the scene and his Toyota Hilux bakkie was later located on a neighbouring farm. On October 3, police arrested suspects Sekwetje Isaiah Mahlamba, 32, and Sekola Piet Matlaletsa, 44, at Fateng tse Ntsho township outside Paul

Raindrops are falling on my (dik)kop

Chris van der Gass of Plett shared this photo and said: “I know you must have many pictures of the recent heavy rains to choose from, so here’s a droplet to make your choice broader. This water thick-knee (its old name, dikkop, is often used) didn’t seem in the least worried about the raindrops falling on his head during the welcome showers that drenched Plettenberg Bay earlier this month. This picture was taken at Formosa Garden Village.”

Coronavirus has reputation of ‘stopping at nothing’ The speech bubble in this classic Asterix comic reads: “Here comes our favourite, straight from Rome! The champion with MCDLXII victories! The one they call the ‘Masked Auriga’, the Great CORONAVIRUS, and his faithful Bacillus!” We thank Harkerville reader Benjaman Forbes for sharing it, with the comment: “The Gauls had the same problem BC - even note the mask…” A Google search revealed that the clip pictured below featured in the 37th edition entitled ‘Asterix and the Chariot Race’, released in 2017, which revolves around our hero battling his way across Italy in a chariot race against the Romans. A February 10 posting on the Economic Times website (https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/) under the heading ‘An uncanny prophecy!’ reads: “While a virus outbreak with origins in the Chinese city of Wuhan marches out into the world in the new decade of 2020, a character in a 2017 Asterix comic series was actually called Coronavirus! Asterix, the Gaul from the eponymous French comic faced Coronavirus, a masked Roman villain with a reputation of stopping at nothing to win.”

Roux. Their bloodstained clothes and shoes were sent for forensic tests. Horner’s murder was condemned by agricultural groups and political parties such as the Freedom Front Plus. The Democratic Alliance welcomed the suspects’ arrests and lobby group AfriForum called farm murders a “form of terrorism”. On October 6, agricultural leaders and community members protested outside the Senekal Magistrate’s Court, where Mahlamba and Matlaletsa appeared. Protesters stormed the court and a police vehicle was set on fire. These actions were criti-

cised by various groups and public figures, including Police minister Bheki Cele, Justice and Correctional Services minister Ronald Lamola, Free State premier Sisi Ntombela, and the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union. During the next court date on Friday October 16 stone-throwing, intimidation, and vandalism were reported during a standoff in front of the court building. Cele accompanied a strong police presence in the town to prevent violent unrest. Police reportedly searched vehicles entering the town and confiscated firearms from people participating in the protest.

Local trailie’s Wild Coast traverse uplifts lives I recently ran the entire length of the Wild Coast, from Great Kei River to Port Edward - 320km of trail covered in four and a half days, including swimming across rivers, climbing cliffs, and lots of beach running on this spectacular coastline. Called the Wild Coast Crossing, the run was done in conjunction with a charity called Pillars of Hope, which raises funds to uplift a community in the Pondoland section of the Wild Coast in the village of Manteku. Our aim is to build a community centre and a clinic in the village and all details can be found on Facebook under Wild Coast Crossing. We are still in need of donations for this worthy cause so please consider contributing, as a Section 18A certificate is applicable against your tax. The beauty and remoteness of the Wild Coast is truly immense and I consider myself very privi-

leged to have been able to spend time traversing this area. After all the Covid-19 chaos, it really was food for the soul: averaging 70km per day surrounded by some of the best scenery on the planet! Now back home enjoying my local Plettenberg Bay and Nature’s Valley trails, I invite all potential donors to email dorel@ pillarsofhope.co.za for more information and to submit their details for the Section 18A tax certificate. Importantly, Pillars of Hope audits all contributions, and every cent raised will go towards building a community centre and clinic in Manteku. Andrew Jansen van Rensburg, Plett (Andrew is a practising physiotherapist in Plett and can be emailed at andrewvrphysio@gmail.com - visit www.pillarsofhope. co.za for additional information on the charity bolstered by his latest Wild Coast excursion. - Eds.)

WILD CATTLE COULDN’T DRAG ME AWAY… These images of Andrew Jansen van Rensburg’s recent fundraising run should go a long way to inspire potential donors

MPC

CXPRESS

21 October 2020

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