21 September 2016 by CXpress

21 September 2016

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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Nico Heyns, here with his Huey workhorse, is a true hero in the eyes of those recently threatened by a runaway fire in Wilderness, when he helped water-bomb the blaze into oblivion. CXPRESS spoke to him during a post-mortem meeting of that inferno - turn to page 5.

Plea bargain fiasco p3

A word from Mr Stroebel p11

Photo: Bob Hopkin

CCTV in Knysna CBD

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

21 September 2016

Don’t blame our cameras if you get fined, and switch on your lights to be super safe NYSNA Municipal Traffic chief Anthony Bans assures all motorists in and around Greater Knysna that his department’s mobile speed cameras are correctly calibrated according to the National Road Traffic Act (Act 93/1996). “We follow the strict letter of the law and have these cameras calibrated every six months. The calibration of the machines is done by a private company that is contracted to the municipality and these cali-

OUR METERS ARE METED: Traffic chief Anthony Bans shows the certificate of calibration relevant to Knysna Municipality’s mobile speed cameras

bration certificates are kept in our office,” explains Bans. He adds that the Knysna municipal mobile speed cameras’ annual land surveyor certificates are also kept in the office. “Our officers do a scope alignment and a fixed distance and zero velocity test run on a daily basis before the cameras are set up for the day. Our officers carry their appointment certificates, and copies of compliance certificates such as the calibration certificates, on them.” He adds that this obviously

only applies to mobile cameras - cameras on tripods or in green boxes. In closing, Bans asks motorists to switch on their headlights during the day. “Visibility is of great importance, so please, when you get behind the wheel of your vehicle, make sure that you switch your lights on immediately. “This small act makes you so much more visible to other road users and definitely has an effect in accident prevention,” he concludes.

Notice Board • Crags Vet Clinic and Moya Animal Outreach invite readers to a talk on animal issues at Kurland Club on September 22 at 6pm. Jeannine McManus from the Landmark Foundation will share local research on leopards, a resident bee-keeper will share knowledge on bees, and representatives from CapeNature and Nature’s Valley Trust will talk about other pertinent animal issues. The vets will also present some facts and figures of what Moya has achieved in the last few months in the community, and hope to stimulate more volunteer involvement, especially for the Sterilisation Campaign in Kurland Village in November. There will be snacks served before the talk and soup and bread will be available afterwards for a small donation towards Moya Animal Outreach. The licenced

bar will be open but, as this is a licenced venue, no alcohol can be brought onto the premises. It promises to be a most informative evening on a variety of important animal topics. • This year’s Orchid Spring Show from September 22-24 is themed ‘Garden Party’ and it is held at the Presbyterian church hall in Caledon St, behind George Library. Show times are 9am to 5pm on the 22nd and 23rd, and from 9am to 3pm on the 24th. Admission is R10 (U12s enter free), and potting demonstrations include Cymbidiums and Cattleyas (Thurs 10:30am and 3pm), Cattleyas and Phalaenopsis (Fri 10:30am and 3pm), and Cymbidiums and Phalaenopsis (Sat 10:30am, 1pm). Call Brian on 082 855 9176 or Sue on 076 457 6540 for more information. • Readers are invited to the

free launch and signing of A Handful of Hard Men on September 23 at Plett Country Club from 5:30-7pm. Author Hannes Wessels will be talking on the reasons that led up to the book, hailed by critics as the best account by far of the Rhodesian bush war, and the political events that heralded it. There will be wine and snacks so please RSVP by emailing trackertours@mweb. co.za or call Johnny on 044 533 4679 for further details. • The Van Plettenberg Historical Society’s plaque campaign to recognise relics of historic significance in Plett and vicinity with the affixing of plaques to the appropriate buildings is now in its final stage. The first such relic to receive a plaque will be the historic Timber Shed, erected in Meeding St off Hobie Beach in 1788.

The ceremony on Heritage Day, September 24, will be hosted by the Van Plettenberg Historical Society at 11am. Members, the public, and visitors are cordially invited to attend the ceremony. Regrettably, chairs will not be provided. See the advert on this page. • Knysna Garden Club will next meet on September 28 at 9:45 for 10am at Utopia Nursery in Sedgefield. Says the club’s Elinor Clegg: “It’s clivia season so bring chairs and come see new ‘designed’ plants with unusual and spectacular blooms.” Reach 20 Crane Walk by taking the first left when approaching Sedgefield from Knysna into Egret St, then first right into Pelican St. Utopia is on the corner of Pelican and Crane Walk and visitors are welcome. Phone 044 387 1966 for more information.

NEWS & VIEWS

21 September 2016

CXPRESS

Plea bargain another spanner in baby porn case While the plea bargain of the Plett man accused of having links to a horrific child pornography ring was rejected over the past week, a bungle with the charge sheet has brought the matter to a halt, reports YOLANDÉ STANDER HE 38-year-old computer engineer, who cannot be named until he has pleaded, appeared in the Knysna Regional Court on Monday on charges relating to the possession of child pornography involving more than 51,000 images. The matter, which has been dragging on since January last year, was placed on the court roll for plea and

sentencing proceedings on Monday, but the case came to a standstill following several issues including uncertainty over the charge sheet. The man’s lawyer, Carl Jeppe, informed the court that he had submitted his client’s plea bargain, but received feedback from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) last Thursday that the submission had

been rejected. He further said despite the DPP’s decision, his client was still ready to plead on Monday, but that he had become aware of issues relating to different versions of the charge sheet. Jeppe explained that initially the charges related to more than 179,000 images. He objected to this and the charge sheet was subse-

quently amended to include charges relating to about 51,000 images. It was on the amended version that the man’s plea bargain was based. Jeppe said he remained unsure of the reason for the objection, and if it was based on the fact that the plea bargain was formed on the amended version and not the original.

State prosecutor JJ Marx suffered a back injury and could not attend proceedings on Monday, and his stand-in, Chamelle Bastian, could not provide clarity either. She said that neither she nor Marx had even been informed about the plea bargain rejection. The matter was therefore postponed to October 17

for the prosecution to obtain further instruction from the DPP. Plea negotiations in the matter started in December last year. The suspect was the first South African to have been arrested as part of Cloud 9 - an operation between South African and Belgian police who were responsible for cracking down on a child pornography ring.

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

21 September 2016

Knysna unveils closed circuit cameras HE Knysna Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Project unveiled its first four cameras and monitoring facility during a function on September 15, attended by mayor Eleanore Bouw-Spies, her deputy and Ward 10 councillor Peter Myers, SAPS Knysna Station Commander colonel Atwell Metu, Knysna Community Police Forum (CPF) chair Cheryl Britz, and several other stakeholders. Guests were invited to the Allsound Security monitoring and response control room and shown live video footage from these recently installed CCTV cameras, installation of which has been on the Knysna CPF agenda for years, and discussed at length among various Knysna role players. Due to the success of

UNITED WE SHALL STAND: At back from left are KCCTVP chair Mike Elliot, Warrant Officer Cowley, Lieutenant Colonel Gogwana (Knysna Visible Policing Commander), CPF chair Cheryl Britz and deputy mayor Peter Myers, with Colonel Atwell Metu, Knysna mayor Eleanore Bouw-Spies and Declan Nurse of Allsound Security in front

cameras installed in various residential areas, the CPF Sector 1 committee investigated the installation of CCTV cameras in Knysna CBD and surrounding neighbourhood

watch areas. This initiative resulted in the formation of the Knysna CCTV Project, which is a Non-Profit Organisation with Mike Elliot, Jerome Simonis, Ian Corbett, and Jessica

Triall as members. Said Mike Elliot: “Our ultimate objective is to have a dedicated control room where incidents can be monitored and responded to. Our biggest challenge was creating a platform where the majority of existing CCTV camera systems were compatible, so allowing for further growth - this, we believe, has been achieved. “The enthusiasm and cooperation of all role players and partners in getting this project off the ground have been most gratifying, and we hope to cover all areas in the greater Knysna in future. This will require funding from the municipality and the private sector.” Email cctv@knysna. co.za with any enquiries about the Knysna CCTV Project.

NEWS & VIEWS

21 September 2016

CXPRESS

Hovering over infernos is second nature for pilot Nico Heyns CXPRESS correspondent BOB HOPKIN talks to one of the heroes of the recent devastating Hoekwil fire - helicopter pilot Nico Heyns ONCERNED observers of the recent bush fire, which started in Hoekwil near Wilderness and spread across the Serpentine Valley to engulf four dwellings and many acres of land adjacent to the N2, would have noticed the valiant efforts of a bright yellow helicopter. The machine was equipped with a Bambi Bucket, able to collect 1,200 litres of water at a time from nearby Island Lake, to dump on the fire line. The helicopter was a veteran example of the Bell UH1 Iroquois - more commonly referred to by US troops in the Vietnam War as the ‘Huey’. Notorious as a gunship in that war and immortalised in the popular 1976 movie Apocalypse Now, more than 16,000 examples were produced. It deserves more recognition as a rugged troop evacuation and air ambulance than in more violent roles. Their ruggedness also meant that these machines remain reliable heavy-lift workhorses well into the 21st Century. Sixteen examples of the Huey remain in service in South Africa. Owned by Nelspruit-based specialised fire-fighting company FFA Aviation, they are stationed in key locations around the country - specifically to support a seven-year Working on Fire (WoF) government contract. Most are rotated to different venues during the year, depending on where the FDI (Fire Danger Index) is greatest. The Huey seen over Hoekwil, piloted by Nico Heyns, is the only one stationed permanently in the forests at Gouna, just north of Simola Golf Estate. According to Heyns, there is a fairly constant fire risk along the Garden Route and Eastern Cape with its forests and dry grassland. WoF is also training some 5,000 previous disadvantaged people to become qualified ground-

APOCALYPSE AVERTED: Pilot Nico Heyns boasts 14,000 helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft flying hours, and is generally regarded as a hero for his role in fighting the devastating Hoekwil fire in his trusty Huey, below - Photos: Bob Hopkin

based fire fighters, deployed around the country. Heyns is an experienced pilot of both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, and achieved singularity by being the first South African to be trained in Russia on the Mikoyan Mil MI8 transport helicopter, which he subsequently used in various roles back home in his formerly-owned company, Heyns Helicopters. He now has some 14,000 hours in helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft and flies about 80 hours per year, on call for fire-fighting with FFA/WoF. When asked about the circumstances of the Hoekwil fire, he takes some time to explain the principles of combined air and ground firefighting. “Early callout is of the essence, as the advantages of air-based intervention are maximised in the early stages of a breakout. During the Western Cape summer the ferry out to a fire, hour on site, and ferry back to base are all covered by provincial authorities, so concerns

about the expense of calling out a helicopter should be discounted - it is vital for us to get to the source of the fire as rapidly as possible. “The helicopter is only successful when supported by the ground forces. In the air, spotter pilot Jacques Visagie guided me by radio from his Cessna to the points of concern, while pilot Konrad Maree later assisted us with his helicopter, doing accurate and effective drops,” he says. During the so-called off months, the availability of the helicopter is paid for through the SCFPA by its members, namely SANParks, Cape Pine, Eden District Municipality, CapeNature and others. At a follow-up meeting with Wilderness residents and emergency services last Wednesday, locals were effusive with praise for Heyns’s bravery and persistence. “We feel that he was a real hero, who managed to minimise the effects of the fire and prevent more loss of property and danger to people,” one resident said.

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

21 September 2016

Upgrade of Plett Airport Road on schedule

GOING LIKE A BOEING: Topsoiling and revegetation is underway at the section of Airport Road currently getting a facelift

ORK by the Department of Transport and Public Works to upgrade the gravel section of Plett Airport Road between the N2 and Kranshoek to a surfaced road is progressing well, with approximately half of the road already surfaced. The fill and layerworks for the remaining portion of this R76-million project - started in October 2015 and scheduled for completion early in the new year - are at an advanced stage. The road is currently closed to through traffic, although local businesses and resi-

dents have had access. All invasive alien vegetation has been removed from the road reserve and rehabilitation of the areas disturbed by construction has commenced. Topsoiling and revegetation is now underway. The new culvert to accommodate the Piesang River, which used to regularly flow over the old gravel road, has also been completed and the contractor is commended for producing work of a high standard. In spite of delays due to rain and necessary additional work, the contractor

is still on schedule, albeit that some delays are inevitable. The Department designs and manages roadworks projects in such a way that inconvenience to road users is minimised. At this stage, it is expected that the road will be open to public traffic by the start of the December holiday period. Access from Plettenberg Bay to the N2 via Airport Road will be improved once the project is complete. Follow the Department on Twitter @WCGovTPW under the hashtag #road worksWC.

WYK

DATUM

RAADSLID

PLEK

22 Sept 2016

Levael Davis

Smutsville Gemeenskapsaal

19h00

26 Sept 2016

Cathy Weideman

Sedgeﬁeld Stadsaal

15h00

Karatara Gemeenskapsaal

19h00

13 Okt 2016

David Skosana

Chris Hani Gemeenskapsaal

18h00

05 Okt 2016

Velile Waxa

Chris Nissen Primêre Skool

18h00

20 Okt 2016

Eleanore Bouw-Spies

Brenton-on-Sea Gemeenskapsaal

17h00

28 Sept 2016

Eleanore Bouw-Spies

Rheenendal Gemeenskapsaal

19h00

29 Sept 2016

Elrick Van Aswegen

Hornlee Gemeenskapsaal

19h00

04 Okt 2016

Mandla Matiwane

Khayalethu Gemeenskapsaal

18h00

19 Okt 2016

Victor Molosi

AFM Ivangeli Loxolo Kerk

18h00

06 Okt 2016

Mark Willemse

Cearn Saal, Leisure Island

18h00

11 Okt 2016

Peter Myers

Knysna Munisipaliteit Raadsaal

17h00

12 Okt 2016

Donovan Pofadder

AGS Koinonia Kerk

19h00

Navrae kan gerig word aan Mnr Eben Phillips, GOP Bestuurder by ephillips@knysna.gov.za of Me Cherné Wolmarans by cwolmarans@knysna.gov.za of telefoon no: (044) 302-6376. CFB MATTHEUS: WAARNEMENDE MUNISIPALE BESTUURDER

TYD

BUSINESS

21 September 2016

Business a prime reason to join Rotary E all want to contribute to a positive society, but with a plethora of NGOs and charities to choose from, how do you select the right one? How about considering joining Rotary International? “There are six reasons why you should join Rotary,” says Menno de Wet, membership chair for Rotary’s District 9350, which includes the Western Cape, Namibia, and Angola. 1. Your opportunity to serve: With the Rotarian ethos of ‘Service above Self’, there are a number

of avenues of service that you can get involved with. “As Rotarians, we also pride ourselves in the fact that 100% of the funds we manage are allocated to the intended projects; transparency of funding is key for project successes,” adds De Wet. 2. Business development: This is one of the original reasons for the existence of Rotary. Membership is encouraged to be across all walks of life and professions, providing a platform to network with like-minded individuals. It

Investor Focus

is also an opportunity to learn new skills. 3. International membership: As a new Rotarian, you automatically become part of an international group of likeminded people. Presently there are over 34,000 Rotary clubs internationally covering 200 countries. 4. Sporting events: Rotarians arrange and manage support for many national and international sporting events held locally, e.g. 35 different clubs get involved with the Cape Town Cycle Tour, working

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

On the current global environment ROWTH globally has reached a very low level, due in the main to the massive levels of debt in the system. Unprecedented levels of credit exist in Europe, China and Japan where its debt to GDB has reached an astounding 400%. In the United States there is a gradual deleveraging process, as both banks and consumers have managed to reduce debt levels. These elevated debt levels have sapped confidence, which in turn discourages investment and consumption. The end of the commodity super-cycle, the emotional demographic changes happening in Europe, and the disruptions created by technological innovation are posing economic challenges, while the global elite and emerging market middle

closely with the organisers to share in the mammoth task of making sure that 35,000 cyclists make it safely across the finish line. 5. Rotary has one of the world’s biggest student exchange programmes. 6. No cloak and dagger! In Rotary there are no hidden protocols, creeds, brotherhoods or secret handshakes. Rotarians live by their code of ethics, and no distinctions are made between cultures, races, religions or genders. Go to www.rotary9350. co.za if you want to join.

classes continue to benefit at the expense of the working and middle classes in developed markets. These dynamics have resulted in the rise of populist politics throughout the developed world, as seen in the Brexit vote and the emergence of Mr Trump. Against this backdrop one sees political risk rising and pressure building against trends like globalisation, competitive trade, and robotics. The tsunami of liquidity resulting in unprecedented low interest rates has reduced the attraction of cash as a safe haven in this environment. Negative interest rates that are now seen in parts of Europe imply what is almost an insurance charge against political uncertainty. It is a startling scenario when one realises that over a third of govern-

ment bonds are currently trading at negative yields. This implies that you have to pay governments for the privilege of buying their bonds - surely an extremely dangerous bubble waiting to burst! Without growth global investors have resorted to buying yield. Emerging market debt, property stocks and selected high dividend equities have become the target. In many cases, this trend has driven prices above true valuation levels, often ignoring local market conditions. In this climate there are several guidelines one has to follow. Firstly, do not panic out of the market. Political shocks come and go but quality, wellmanaged companies will always survive. Secondly, one must develop a globally diversified spread of invest-

ments. This will reduce the risk of having all of one’s eggs in the same political/economic basket. Thirdly, try to seek out those defensive companies that produce or market essentials. Colgate, for instance, sells 45% of the world’s toothpaste, and there is hardly a baby anywhere who has not been exposed to a product from Johnson & Johnson. Finally, one can look at property stocks that hold high quality properties, preferably on a global scale. The extreme levels of volatility we are witnessing at the moment offers patient investors the opportunity to pick up these stocks when others remain in a state of panic. • Malcolm has been in the investment industry for nearly 50 years. He has written this column in CXPRESS for the last 18 years and is a specialist in managing retired wealth.

CXPRESS

INTERVAL

21 September 2016

The jockey’s learning curve on a new horse jockey is about to enter a race on a new horse. The horse’s trainer meets him before the race and says: “All you have to remember with this horse is that every time you approach a jump, you have to shout ‘ALLLLEEE OOOP!’ really loudly in the horse’s ear. Providing you do that, you’ll be fine.” The jockey thinks the

trainer is mad, but promises to shout the command. The race begins and they approach the first hurdle. The jockey ignores the trainer’s ridiculous advice and the horse crashes straight through the center of the jump. They carry on and approach the second hurdle. The jockey, somewhat embarrassed, whispers

Retirement made easy HREE men are sitting on a beach in Jamaica talking about how they all ended up there. The first man says: “I ran a superstore out in California. But business got bad so one day there was a fire and I collected the insurance money and moved out here.” The next man says: “I had a jewellery store in the Midwest. But business went downhill and

then we were robbed. So I collected the insurance and moved out here.” The third guy says: “I had a little fishery on the East Coast. One day a hurricane hit and I collected the insurance money. I had nothing left but that money, so I moved here.” The other two men look confused for a while, then ask him: “How in the world did you manage to make a hurricane?”

The magician and the parrot HE captain of a cruise ship has a parrot who goes with him to the magic show on board every night, and every night the parrot calls the magician out on his trickery: “It’s up his sleeve!”, “There is a hole in his hat!”, “There’s a fake bottom!” So, finely one day the magician gets so fed up

with the parrot he pulls out a gun, shoots at the bird, misses and instead hits the boiler. This causes the ship to blow up into bits. The magician grabs onto a piece of floating wood and the parrot lands on his shoulder. The parrot looks at him and says: “I give up, where’s the boat?”

Guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days

‘Aleeee ooop’ in the horse’s ear. The same thing happens - the horse crashes straight through the center of the jump. At the third hurdle, the jockey thinks it’s no good; he’ll have to do it, and yells: “ALLLEEE OOOP!” really loudly. Sure enough, the horse sails over the jump with no problems. This continues for the rest of the

race, but due to the earlier problems the horse only finishes third. The trainer is fuming and asks the jockey what went wrong. “Nothing is wrong with me,” the jockey replies, “it’s this bloody horse. What is he - deaf or something?” The trainer replies: “Deaf ? Deaf ?! He’s not deaf. He’s blind!”

SOCIAL SCENE

21 September 2016

CXPRESS

Photo: Ewald Stander

People, places & events

Photo: Vanessa Brewer - Avo Photography

WAVE RUBBISH GOOD-BYE: Although the weather didn’t exactly play along, Saturday’s coastal clean at Central Beach yielded a bakkie-load of rubbish, and nothing would stand in the way of displaying installation artwork ‘Gyred’ - the brainchild of Carol Nathan-Levin and Charles Levin, pictured at right with fellow artists and helpers on the day, from left, Ludwe Xhala, Donne Rundle and Malibongwe Xhala (read more about it on page 5 of the September 14 edition at www.cxpress.co.za). At right above, Zanda Berning Palmer rides the giant wave, constructed of hundreds of crushed water bottles to highlight the plight of plastic in our oceans. Check out the Nature’s Valley Trust Facebook page for more images.

HELLO RENTIA, TOTSIENS HENK! Op Lentedag het ons ‘n briefie van eertydse CXPRESS korrespondent Henk Bolhuis ontvang wat weet te vertel van sy nuutgevonde geluk. “Vroeër die jaar by ‘n byeenkoms in Knysna het ek ‘n liewe ou vriendin ontmoet. Ons het hals oor kop verlief geraak, en het op Sondag 28 Augustus getrou. My nuwe pragtige vrou, Rentia, is ‘n geskenk van God. Sy woon op Stilbaai en ek gaan uitendelik soontoe trek.” Baie geluk, julle - ons verlies is Rentia, en daai baai, se wins!

Photo: Desmond Scholtz

COMING DOWN THE MOUNTAIN FASTEST: Male and female winners of Sunday’s Karoo to Coast cycle race were Gerrie Beukes (3:25:29) and Mellusca Toovey (3:48:34) congrats!

QUADRUPLETS IN BAVIAANSKLOOF: On September 16, this Dorper ewe gave birth to four lambs at the farm Bokloof that belongs to Quintis Bezuidenhout. Says Plett reader John Mulder, who shared the news: “The picture shows them two days after their arrival in this strange world, the only image they associated with being their mother. Twins are not uncommon but triplets are rare and, says Quintis, this is only the second quadruplets he has seen in his 40 years of farming!” On the subject of awesome ensembles, the trio of Sergei Malov (violin), Peter Martens (cello) and Bryan Wallick (piano) will perform on Monday September 26 at Knysna DRC hall at 7:30pm. Tickets cost R120 for adults and R30 for scholars and are sold at the door from 6:45pm. These three highly talented musicians will play works by Rachmaninov, Shostakovitch and Tchaikovsky, bringing their superb musical skills to CX Country as part of the Knysna Plett Concert Series.

CXPRESS

Handyman on call - 082 492 4417 / 072 724 6590

21 September 2016

CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

21 September 2016

Letters to the Editor

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

CXPRESS

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

On your Vespa, Vee, and compare prices In our previous edition, ‘Vee’ from Plett had much to say about Bitou’s new leadership (read it on page 11 of the September 14 edition at www.cxpress.co.za) and their ostensive splurge at Equinox, which she claimed to be Plett’s most expensive restaurant - below, owner Chris Stroebel tells it like it is I don’t normally respond to letters in the press, but cannot miss this opportunity to inform everyone that Equinox is not the most expensive restaurant in Plett. It could be perceived to be that, because it is so beautifully appointed and its location is truly unique! ‘Sour grapes’ does not appear on our Wine List, nor do we serve that miserable dish on our menu. To get facts straight: We were approached by Plett Tourism to host the Mayor’s Dinner - a

prestigious event, in our opinion, no matter what the political party. We were honoured to have served to the best of our ability and our efforts were rewarded with a request to host another event the following night. This was hosted and paid for by a delegate attending that week’s IMPS national conference. It had nothing to do with the Mayor or Bitou Municipality. I must congratulate my staff on making such a good impression on dignitaries visiting Plett. It

is a good image for Equinox and our town alike. I was going to use this fantastic opportunity to quote all the prices of my fellow restaurants in a trolley-for-trolley scenario, but decided that this would be pointless as, being the busiest restaurant in Plett, the majority visit us continuously and are well aware of our pricing policy. Maybe ‘Vee’ must get on his/her Vespa and do a price comparison for me - it would save me the trouble! Equinox is particularly price conscious,

as is The Lookout Deck and is super aware of our brand image, our services, and our high standard of our cuisine. Plett, you have my word that I do not condone wasteful expenditure by government officials as I, too, am a ratepayer. I would not like to see Plett return to financial difficulties as in the past. Roll on the future, let us support and help the new Council to govern responsibly and keep Plettenberg Bay at the top of any visitor’s mustvisit list.

What’s wrong with Tourism Day - sorry, Month? World Tourism Day on September 27 - or, as we like to call it in South Africa, Tourism Month - is a nice idea. But it misses the point. The United Nations World Tourism Organisation celebrated Tourism Day for the first time in 1980 under the theme, ‘Tourism’s contribution to the preservation of cultural heritage and to peace and mutual understanding’. This is nicely ironic, considering the wholesale trampling of places and communities for which our sector was even then becoming infamous. And the theme changes every year, of course. In 1993, it was ‘Tourism development and environmental protection: towards a lasting harmony’ (and how did that work out?); in 2002, it was ‘Ecotourism, the key to sustain-

able development’ (really - is ecotourism even still a thing?); in 2007, ‘Tourism Opens Doors for Women’ (oh… has it?); and in 2015, ‘1 Billion Tourists 1 Billion Opportunities’ (scary - unless you’re a climatechange denier). And this year, it’s ‘Tourism for All’ (or, as our National Department of Tourism prefers it: ‘Tourism For All - Promoting Universal Accessibility’). Universal accessibility is vitally important, of course. Especially since up to 15% of the world’s population live with some kind of disability, and given that visitors to a destination who don’t speak its language are pretty much groping around in the dark. And what’s going to happen in 2017? Are we to forget universal accessibility, just as we’ve forgotten ecotourism, and

think instead of something else? Roast beef, perhaps? How to make better éclairs? But no. These things are always allocated themes. Themes give the politicians something to hang their speeches onto. So we’re just going to have to live with them. The bigger issue here is whether World Tourism Day is (or even ever was) really relevant - and that comes out of the question of whether tourism really is (or even ever was) a special-needs kid, or whether it’s the golden thread that runs through the economy. The rise and rise of the destination management organisation (DMO) - a rise that began around the turn of the century points to the latter. Well-run DMOs strive to integrate local economies by marrying travel

and commerce at levels we haven’t seen before. (In ‘Are newly-elected councillors qualified to serve on tourism boards?’, I wrote: “A destination is the sum of everything that makes up a municipal area - and since tourism can only ever be one aspect of any economy, no town can ever be ‘just’ a tourism hotspot.”) And THAT’S my point: imagine the hullabaloo there’d be if we set aside a day (or even a month) every year to celebrate only one partner - the groom, say - in any other kind of marriage? But what do YOU think? Is tourism a special-needs economy? Is Tourism Day (sorry, Month) a waste? And if it isn’t, how should we celebrate it? Please email thistourism week.co.za to share your ideas with the world. Martin Hatchuel, Knysna

La Luna

CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

21 September 2016

African Wild Dogs’ road to Adventure Racing World Series XPEDITION Africa, part of the Adventure Racing World Series, took place earlier this year and certainly had an extraordinary effect on the Garden Route community. The fact that a large number of local athletes participated was remarkable, and maybe part of the reason for the massive support given to this gruelling race from the word go. Knysna and Plett came to a standstill as everybody was glued

to the live tracking system featuring dots making their way to the finish line. Having two local teams finish the race in first and second position contributed greatly to the electric atmosphere. With financial backing from the Featherbed Company, Team Painted Wolf reentered the adventure racing (AR) scene after a long absence. They inspired with their great spirit, winning the race and with that, a ticket

to the AR World Championships in Australia. But Expedition Africa victory was only the first of many challenges on the road to the World Champs. Captain Mark Collins made it clear from the start that the team’s goal was not just to participate in the race - it was to compete for a podium finish. To achieve this goal in Oz, up against all of the most experienced and best prepared teams in the world,

MULTI-FACETED VICTORY: Team Painted Wolf after winning Expedition Africa - Photo: Terence Vrugtman

many of these comprising professional athletes, Team Painted Wolf has to up its game considerably. With limited time and finances on hand, this seemed an impossible task... until the people of Knysna stepped in. Gripped by adventure racing addiction, they wanted more and rallied to make possible the impossible. Ronnie Webster from Featherbed, Dani van Wyk from SquirtLube, Rogan Hindmarch from AfriCanyon, as well as Alexa and Duran de Villiers from Steadidrone immediately indicated continuous support. And they were not the only ones. Other local businesses came on board for no personal gain but to see their

WARD

DATE

COUNCILLOR

VENUE

TIME

22 Sept 2016

Levael Davis

Smutsville Community Hall

19h00

26 Sept 2016

Cathy Weideman

Sedgeﬁeld Town Hall

15h00

Karatara Community Hall

19h00

13 Oct 2016

David Skosana

Chris Hani Community Hall

18h00

05 Oct 2016

Velile Waxa

Chris Nissen Primary School

18h00

20 Oct 2016

Eleanore Bouw-Spies

Brenton On Sea Community Hall

17h00

28 Sept 2016

Eleanore Bouw-Spies

Rheenendal Community Hall

19h00

29 Sept 2016

Elrick Van Aswegen

Hornlee Civic

19h00

local heroes go to the World Champs, enabled to perform to maximal capacity. Brett Lederle from ChiroLife is taking care of John’s and Mark’s spine and nerves during his chiropractic assessments, while Jenina Conradie from Wholelistix is doing her magic with massages to help the team recover quickly after training. Owner of the Knysna Sanlam Private Wealth Humphrey Price, was so under AR’s spell that he pulled all possible strings; not only did he commit Sanlam Knysna to the project and brought Mitchell’s Brewery and Fluid Kayaks to the party, but he also facilitated a meeting with the decision makers from Sanlam SA.

This meeting changed the way forward for Team Painted Wolf. With the backing of Sanlam for this year’s Worlds as well as their future endeavours, Team Sanlam Painted Wolf is now focusing on the task ahead and is planning their AR comeback on an international playing field. The team derives its name from the direct translation of the Latin name for the African Wild Dog: ‘Lycaon pictus’ or ‘painted wolf’, the hunting tactic of which is characterised by efficiency and teamwork in a pack, with the highest successful kill rate of any African predator. At the same time it is a species on the edge of extinction largely due to loss of habitat as a consequence of man’s relentless expansion. Both these facts made the team adopt the name Painted Wolf. They will race for podium while raising awareness and funds to protect the African Wild Dog by supporting the Endangered Wildlife Trust. If you wish to get involved, email mark@magneticsouth.net and join the team on Social Media (@teampaintedwolf #road2arwc) to follow preparations and to send messages of support.

IWADI

UMHLA

UCEBA

INDAWO

22 Sept 2016

Levael Davis

Smutsville Community Hall

IXESHA 19h00

26 Sept 2016

Cathy Weideman

Sedgeﬁeld Town Hall

15h00

Karatara Community Hall

19h00

13 Oct 2016

David Skosana

Chris Hani Community Hall

18h00

05 Oct 2016

Velile Waxa

Chris Nissen Primary School

18h00

20 Oct 2016

Eleanore Bouw-Spies

Brenton On Sea Community Hall

17h00

28 Sept 2016

Eleanore Bouw-Spies

Rheenendal Community Hall

19h00

29 Sept 2016

Elrick Van Aswegen

Hornlee Civic

19h00

04 Oct 2016

Mandla Matiwane

Khayalethu Community Hall

18h00

04 Oct 2016

Mandla Matiwane

Khayalethu Community Hall

18h00

19 Oct 2016

Victor Molosi

AFM Ivangeli Loxolo Church

18h00

19 Oct 2016

Victor Molosi

AFM Ivangeli Loxolo Church

18h00

06 Oct 2016

Mark Willemse

Cearn Hall, Leisure Island

18h00

06 Oct 2016

Mark Willemse

Cearn Hall, Leisure Island

18h00

11 Oct 2016

Peter Myers

Knysna Municipality Council Chambers

17h00

11 Oct 2016

Peter Myers

Knysna Municipality Council Chambers

17h00

12 Oct 2016

Donovan Pofadder

AGS Koinonia Church

19h00

12 Oct 2016

Donovan Pofadder

AGS Koinonia Church

19h00

Enquiries can be directed to Mr Eben Phillips, IDP Manager at ephillips@knysna.gov.za or Ms Cherné Wolmarans at cwolmarans@knysna.gov.za or telephone no: (044) 302-6376.

Imibuzo ingabhekiswa kuMnumzana Eben Phillips,imanejala yeIDP kwiledilesi ephillips@knysna.gov.za okanye kuNkosazana Cherné Wolmarans kuledilesi cwolmarans@knysna.gov.za okanye kule nombolo yomxeba engu: (044) 302-6376.

CFB MATTHEUS: ACTING MUNICIPAL MANAGER

CFB MATTHEUS: UMANEJALA KA-MASIPALA OBAMBELEYO