22 November 2017 by CXpress

22 November 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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Pop! The time has finally arrived for Garden Routers to celebrate local wines and everything that’s fizzy and fun, when this weekend’s Plett Wine & Bubbly Festival takes place on Central Beach - read all about it on page 2, and see the ads on page 5 and 12 for more information.

Prepared for season Photo: Plett Tourism

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NEWS & VIEWS

22 November 2017

PeeBee’s Wine Column

Peter Bishop

Plett producers and national celebs to share centre stage at this weekend’s Wine & Bubbly Fest ‘Each year over the last four seasons, I have tasted Plett Sauvignon Blancs with Anton Smal; firstly we sought a common descriptor - white pear it was - then later we sought defining differences between the various producers; this year’s quest is to see how Sauvignon complexifies with bottle maturation,’ writes PETER BISHOP on the eve of Plett Wine & Bubbly Festival 2017 ECAUSE of traumatic fires that beset the Southern Cape in June, the now annual Plett Wine & Bubbly Festival has been moved to the last Saturday and Sunday of November. The venue is Central Beach. Action starts at 12:45 on the Saturday with the sabbrage popping of a local MCC, or Méthode Cap Classique - a sparkling wine, made in the style of champagne. Master of Ceremonies will be the media personality Buli G Ngomane of The Power Within fame. The initial hype will be created by DJ Jazzman, followed by the local trio Rumour Has It, with a 5pm judging of Best Dressed and Dancing Queen contenders. This year, 30 local wines will be offered for tasting at the various tables, interspersed by professional caterers presenting artisan cheeses, charcuterie, breads, savouries, and oysters. As the sun begins to set, MCC will be on offer and the entertainment will continue with national artist Charles Finch setting the evening scene from 7pm. The various styles of MCC are from Sauvignon Blanc, from Chardonnay, and from Pinot Noir. The beaded bubbles have a way of their own to create a calm mood. On the Sunday, action starts at noon with DJ Jazzman and the smooth local outfit Breeze In, followed by another Best

CHEERS TO US! Festival-goers last year enjoyed themselves no end, helped along by locally-produced wines, delicious snacks and great entertainment - all against the breath-taking backdrop of Central Beach

Dressed and Dancing Queen selection. The wine and the food fare will be a repeat of the Saturday. Popular national entertainer Graham Clarke takes over just after 4:30pm, with proceedings ending earlier than on the Saturday. A special feature will be presentations in the tent by Pieter Ferreira and myself. Pieter was hand-chosen by Graham Beck, on the recommendation of Jan Boland Coetzee, nearly 30 years ago. He has built the range to earn international status.

Pieter tours widely but keeps The Bubble going. That, incidentally, is his nickname: ‘Bubbles’. He made the first MCC from Plettenberg Bay when Peter Thorpe transported the 2004 Sauvignon Blanc to Graham Beck in Robertson for Pieter to produce with assistance from Irene Waller. At 1:30pm, Pieter will talk of ‘The Geography of Wine’ by comparing three Plett Sauvignon to three from various sites in the Western Cape to show the impact of terroir -

more specifically, of soil. Current winemaker at Bramon, who produces the wines of a number of farms, Anton Smal considers that the loamy sandstone, the clay and the koffieklip give a distinctive minerality to the Plett Sauvignon Blanc. An hour later, yours truly will try to let patrons experience the unique maturation that occurs as the local Sauvignon Blanc matures in the bottle. Sure there are vintage differences, but even with that, I would hope others could experience that there is a complexification, a balancing, a development, even from the same producer. If the point is proven, then one can see that the instincts of local restaurants and even customers deny themselves a great experience in only tasting ‘the latest vintage’ of a wine like Sauvignon Blanc, with acids so clean yet clearly defined and pyrazines that need understanding and appreciation. Guests will get to see the role of acids and of pyrazines as positive features in the style that in summer outsells other wines. Pieter Ferreira will restore sanity with a presentation discussion on the styles that emanate from MCC. He is vastly experienced and The Bubble will bounce. • Visit www.pletttourism.com or call 044 533 4065 for more information. Bitou Municipality is supporting the event after the untimely withdrawal of the previous sponsor.

NEWS & VIEWS

22 November 2017

CXPRESS

Bitou Municipality stays mum, even though only 10 days remain before Ragers descend on Plett In just more than a week, thousands of school leavers are set to descend on Plettenberg Bay for the biggest student festival in the Southern Hemisphere - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports HE line-up has been finalised, a safety plan is in place, and tickets have been sold out for this year’s Plett Rage festival, which kicks off on December 1 and ends on Saturday the 9th. The only piece missing in the puzzle is clarity over the event’s venue for this year. Bitou Municipality failed to respond to questions about whether approval had been given for the festival’s new venue, Coco Valley, off the N2 adjacent to Buco. Despite several queries, municipal spokesman Howard Swartz did not respond before going to print - this after last year’s venue, The

Meadows, became unavailable due to the upgrading of the Plettenberg Bay Waste Water Treatment Works located on the property. The organisers also earlier this year applied for land use of Central Beach for day-time activities. The latter saw widespread opposition from various businesses, individuals and organisations, who believe that the event could have a negative impact not only on marine life, but also on residents and businesses in the area. According to the latest application, stakeholders had until November 6 to submit comments or raise concerns. In the meantime local

authorities have confirmed that a massive safety and security plan - which involves cooperation between various authorities - had been finalised. The organisers have also systematically been releasing this year’s line-up, which includes big names in the music industry including Heuwels Fantasties, Timo ODV, The Kiffness, Aking, Sketchy Bongo, December Streets, Fokofpolisiekar, Jack Parow, Grassy Spark, Matthew Mole PHFat, Chunda Munki, Das Kapital, and many other DJs across a variety of genres. The organisers also recently released an addi-

Top brass will set off next week’s “All policing and PBCPA Unity Parade in Plett members are a combined

STATION COMMANDERS PAST AND PRESENT: During the 50th anniversary celebrations of the NSRI, which was pulled off in great style at Plett’s Station 14 on Central Beach, the remarkable succession of head honchos lined up for a photo - from left are Derek Frielinghaus, AT Coetzee, Marc Rodgers, Barry Stroebel, Dave Harrow, and Deon Truter; Plett NSRI volunteers will of course form part of the Unity Parade

EADERS are invited to a Unity Parade on November 29, to show residents and visitors alike that Plettenberg Bay Police, Bitou Public Safety, security stakeholders and emergency and medical services are prepared for Plett Rage and

the festive season. Says Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) spokesperson Ina Olivier: “We will support law abiding citizens and pursue criminals relentlessly, to keep our town’s residents and visitors as safe as possible.

force against criminal activities, and will respond to cases of emergency or disaster.” The Unity Parade is the brainchild of captain Grootboom of Plett SAPS and kicks off at 10am in front of LM in Plett before traversing all neighbourhoods of Bitou after an official salute by cluster commander general Reddy and Bitou mayor Peter Lobese. Email ina@plettsecurity. co.za for details. • Knysna Community Police Forum invites all partners and role players to attend its AGM on November 28 at 6pm at the Rock Church, 13 Main Street. All organisations must renew CPF memberships annually. Call chair Cheryl Britz on 082 574 9657 or email cherylannbritz@gmail.com.

tional 200 tickets due to a “massive demand” for entry into the festival. Plett Rage has not only

become a showcase of music and entertainment, but also a major money spinner for Bitou. Each year

the festival provides an economic boost of about R50-million to Plett. Garden Route Media

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NEWS & VIEWS

22 November 2017

Plett lifesaver severely injured in motorcycle accident ALVIN Everard, 19 - a Plett Lifesaving stalwart of three years - is in hospital after a motorbike accident on Saturday afternoon, when the driver of a Citi Golf in Church Street failed to notice him riding down the main road and crossed over prematurely, impacting bike and rider squarely on the right-hand side. Calvin suffered an extremely severe fracture to his right femur. After initially being treated at Knysna Provincial, he was transferred to George Hospital on Sunday, where he was operated on by Monday afternoon. Although it’s early days yet, one certainty is that Calvin’s recovery will take around four to six months and that he will not be able to work as lifeguard on Plett’s beaches as planned during the coming season and beyond, as has been the case over the past couple of years. Apart from the extreme pain and trauma suffered by the youngster, loss of earnings is of grave concern - Calvin would have earned around R45,000 over the next five months. Although medical expenses are minimal due to the fact that he is in the good care of

a government hospital, there will be costs relating to medicine, bandages and several remedial treatments, including an extended period of regular physiotherapy, over many months to come. After a challenging childhood, Calvin has overcome numerous obstacles and today he is a valuable attribute to the local lifesaving community.

Bitou head of Lifesaving Chas Frasier has initiated a fundraising drive to help get Calvin back on his feet, and assist the family with the heavy load of medical costs that await. Please visit www.plettsurf. org.za to support Calvin’s cause through the Back-aBuddy crowdfunding drive, or email boots101@gmail. com for further information.

LIFEGUARDS NEED THEIR LEGS: Awaiting the operation on Monday, Calvin regards his injured leg with due concern

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NEWS & VIEWS

22 November 2017

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People and music make Eon’s radio world go round and round

EON TAKES THE CAKE: During a special celebration at Knysna 97.0 FM on Thursday November 16 to hail his 1,000th morning show milestone, Eon Engelbrecht shows off the cake availed by grateful listener Zelda van Wijck Higgins… all the way from Dubai!

OVEMBER 16 was a very special occasion for radio on the Garden Route and, more specifically, for local mid-morning presenter Eon Engelbrecht, 28, as it marked his 1,000th radio show, translating into a whopping 3,000-4,000 hours behind the microphone. Early 2011 saw Eon’s debut as weekend presenter at Knysna 97.0 FM, presenting ‘Sun-day Jukebox’ from 3-6pm. By November that year, he took over the midmorning slot ‘9 to 12 with Eon’, which has been sponsored by Kloppers right from the start. In December 2013, Bitou listeners were able to tune in as the show was now simulcast to sister station MC 90.3 FM based in Plett CBD. The show was initially only aired on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays but in May

2016, Tuesdays and Thursdays were included following the departure of ‘Mac’s Morning Run’ presenter Dave McCausland, who passed away in June this year. Due to its popularity, Eon’s show was again extended on Monday February 6 - this time by an hour and renamed ‘AM to PM’, it now airs every weekday from 9am to 1pm. Over the years, Eon interviewed some remarkable guests, from authors to bands and famous artists and Miss SA 2017 DemiLeigh Nel-Peters. “But,” says Eon, “I’ve also chatted to truly remarkable locals and very loyal listeners.” Memorable contributors include Mickey Louw who presented ‘TechChat’ - a first of its kind in South Africa. The popular technology insert made its final bow in

December 2014, when Louw pursued a different career. Eon’s best interviewee thus far? “Most definitely South African author John van de Ruit. He is my muse!” enthuses Eon, who is currently penning his first novel. And what does he love most about his job? “The music and the people. I get to listen to new, talented artists, rediscover old forgotten songs, and create playlists that listeners en-joy. And I meet interesting people all the time.” Funny incidents include a microphone falling off its stand in mid-broadcast. “But I will never forget the day an older listener came to the studio to meet ‘the sexy lady on the air’… only to discover ME sitting in the studio. I’ve never seen anyone more disappointed.” Eon spends up to three hours preparing his show the night before. “It’s hard work - and no, you don’t just sit down and play music for three or four hours while talking nonsense. “A lot goes into a show like this, but I’m very fortunate for the creative control afforded me by our boss, Gordon Hoffmann.” Apart from being on air four hours daily, Eon works as producer for other shows, music compiler for both stations, and technical engineer. He also presents weekend chart show ‘The Garden Route Top 10’ on Saturdays from noon to 1pm. “I thank everyone for their loyal support over the past six years,” says Eon. “I’m in a lucky position to come to ‘work’ every day and do what I love. Music is the best therapist in the world and I’m having so much fun, it feels as if I haven’t worked a day!”

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NEWS & VIEWS

22 November 2017

Families are the primary focus of this caring Bitou clan Words & photos: Khaya Mbesi

ITOU Family Care has been rebuilding broken families in Plettenberg Bay for nearly a decade. It all came about when German missionary Stephan Went visited South Africa in 2001, and by 2009 relocated to Plett with his wife, to establish a base from which the area’s poorest communities could be assisted. “We had a huge urge to help children and youth towards a better future, so started children’s clubs and youth programmes. Our dream was to change the mind-sets of local kids in spite of their hardships and backgrounds,” he explains. “Imagine coming all the way from Germany to help families raising children sure to become confident and independent! “The biggest challenge faced is the high level of alcohol and drug abuse. The use of these substances will never allow you to stand on your own, as it drives families into squalor and helplessness.” Stephan and his BFC team encourage children to have a sense of self from a young age. “We advise kids about the importance of school to strengthen their chances in life. Through our assistance, one young gentlemen recently got a permanent job at Debonair’s. Our youth deserve a better future, away from drugs and alcohol,” says this passionate father of three boys. “There is always more work in the townships. Apart from the high rate of substances used, families here are devastated by sexual abuse. Our role is to invest in the minds of children, showing them another life that is far better than what they have endured.” He adds that the support of willing funders is always greatly appreciated, as the BFC programme receives no government grants. One youngster who has benefited from Stephan

SAVED FROM SQUALOR: Burton Kam, at right, with Stephan Went, who changed his lifestyle of self-destruction by alcohol and drugs to one of learning and goal-setting

UBER CARER: Stephan Went and crèche-going kids blessed to spend time with the kind-hearted German missionary

Went’s intervention is Burton Kam, who joined the BFC programme aged eight. “I was taken in by Bitou Family Care at a tender age. My life was broken I was by then already exposed to drugs and alcohol. I did not grow up in a caring family, because they were involved in substance abuse. Thanks to Bitou Family Care, I now pray and serve God. “I was amounting to nothing, but now I am writing my Grade 12 exams. I plan to join the army once I’ve done my matric. I am a role model for many kids in my area and having joined the local gym, I know that the young people appreciate my fitness, and they realise that alcohol and drugs don’t solve any problems but only give temporary relief. “I tell them to do something different. Learn to be patient as you grow older

and gain more life experience. No one is perfect,” muses Kam. Nosiphiwo Tyatya, 14, and Thandokazi Mvembe, 12, attend youth nights and BFC young people’s forums. Says Thandokazi: “We are taught many things that build us up as young people. This project is reviving our community and teaching us to focus on a positive journey to success. “Girls, let us not waste out love on destructive things but rather find the space and time to serve God.” • Bitou Family Care is a Christian-based organisation that believes in transforming disadvantaged communities by offering children from broken and dysfunctional homes a chance to succeed in life through giving them love, support and care. Visit their Facebook page for details or if you would like to make a donation.

Kranshoek kids in the swing of it, thanks to Seeff

Children of Kranshoek Kleuterskool were delighted when Seeff Plett donated a new set of three swings and a seesaw for their playground. It has been such a hit with the kids that the teachers have to hang the swings up during teaching time, as all they want to do is swing all day long. The new equipment gives the children an exciting alternative to climbing the existing jungle gym. The kids and staff of Kranshoek Kleuterskool say a huge thanks go to Kevin Engelsman, and Daniel van Renen, at left and right above, of Seeff Properties for their generous donation.

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NEWS & VIEWS

22 November 2017

These tips will help you make Black Friday a true bargain fest OUTH Africans are relative newcomers to the global shopping sales phenomenon Black Friday, which have been ushering in the festive season shopping period in the United States since the 1950s but only ‘landed’ on our shores in 2011. So do we really know how to ‘win at Black Friday’, this year falling on November 24? Do we know the tips, tricks, and techniques that will see us bag the biggest bargains? Klyne Maharaj of Superbalist.com says South Africans have rapidly taken to the day, but probably still have a bit to learn. “The Black Friday sales were introduced to South Africa by online retailer Takealot.com and have quickly become a part of our local retail culture. At Superbalist, we’ve seen Black Friday sales grow 100% year-on-year and we fully expect the same for 2017.” He says with a few pointers, South Africans can take even better advantage of the deals on

offer, and do so with the least amount of stress. Tip 1: If you are shopping online, set your clock for midnight on Thursday November 23. Most sales start as the clock strikes 12 so make sure you have data and your wifi isn’t past its cap. Get into bed early and set a few alarms. By the time the rest of the world wakes up you can have done your shopping and be catching some restful winks before heading to work. Tip 2: Create a wish list so you can checkout ASAP on the day. The prices may change on goods for Black Friday but the goods will already be there. Go online, create your wish list, and when the sale starts, quickly go to your list, see which items are marked down enough and press ‘checkout’ to beat your shopping competitors to the bargain. Tip 3: Do your homework - get your hands on as many newsletters and flyers as you can. Like the Facebook pages and

Twitter feeds of all your beloved retailers and monitor their bargains closely. Retailers have started releasing their Black Friday weekend specials by early-November. Start plotting at once and draw up a plan of action. Tip 4: Some of your purchases may be in the real world and some in cyber space. A good plan is to start with cyber space early and then head off to the physical shops once you’ve done the calm and peaceful online shopping. Chances are, once you’ve been involved in a three-person scrum over the last Christmas turkey in the supermarket, you may only be capable of heading home and lying down... Tip 5: Make sure your details are up-to-date. If you are shopping online, you won’t want to be messing around updating delivery or payment details as everyone around you is checking out what should have been your goods. It is worth logging

into the sites you love before Black Friday and checking your details are 100% accurate. Tip 6: Download the app for your favourite online retailers early. This will allow you to browse much faster and they’ll also send you push notifications of the big discounts to look out for. Tip 7: Check in advance if you can return your purchases. Most outlets, both online and physical, will accept returns for Black Friday purchases, but there is no guarantee. It is worth checking terms and conditions in advance to make sure that any purchases made ‘in the moment’ can be returned. Tip 8: Decide ahead of time what you plan to spend on the Black Friday sales and stick to your budget. You could quickly find yourself shopping for Christmas 2018, 2019, and 2020 if you are not careful. Be responsible and remember that the expensive festive season is coming up so you’ll need a bit left over.

BUSINESS

22 November 2017

CXPRESS

Bonds - is it time to fix your interest rate? OMEOWNERS with mortgage bonds, as the year draws to a close, may need to make a judgment call. As is more or less always the case, speculation is rife on the next interest rate call by the Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee, which is due on the 23rd of this month. There is a considerable body of opinion that an increase in the Repo Rate - the rate at which the banks borrow from the RB - is on the cards. However, there is also a mood that the Reserve Bank will hold the rate steady at 6.75%. Considering the problems facing the economy - not the least being the likelihood of our credit rating being further cut to ‘junk’ - and the desperate need by the government to keep foreign direct investment (mainly in our high-return bonds) flowing in, we could get a 0.25% or even 0.5% hike. Mortgage originators Ooba point out that the interest rate

has a massive effect on the total amount you end up paying on your bond. For example, on a R1-million bond, at 10.5% interest over 20 years, the total you will pay back will be R2,396,111. If the interest rate is 11% the total payback over 20 years will be R2,477,252. That’s a total difference of R81,141,000 - illustrating that even a small shift in the interest rate can cost homeowners a lot of money. That’s looking at the long haul. Nevertheless, a rate hike will still push up your monthly payments. So if your crystal ball tells you that interest rates will increase, it might be time to fix your rate. Banks usually allow a rate to be fixed for a period of between one and five years - if you are an existing bondholder, rather than a new applicant. Since the banks have to hedge their risk, the new rate will be higher than the rate you are currently paying. So it becomes a gamble. To give you an idea of the difference, here

Plett tops list of sought-after coastal property options LETTENBERG Bay remains one of the most sought-after coastal property locations, according to a recent New World Wealth Report placing it second only to Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard for millionaire-owned second homes. That said, the wonderful thing about Plett is that you don’t have to be a millionaire to buy property in the town, as there is still a broad choice to suit every buyer’s need and budget, according to Seeff Plettenberg Bay owner/principal Kevin Engelsman. “Despite the overall weak economic climate, our Seeff team has seen excellent activity, having sold 125 units to the value of over R340-million for the year to end October.” They have also scooped a number of top achievement awards, including: • Group Licensee of the Year • Division Licensee of the Year • Highest Division Market Share • Most Improved Licensee of the Year • Most Units Sold in Division • National Private Property Online Excellence Award “Seeff Plettenberg Bay remains at the forefront of promoting the local property market and driving demand and investment into property, including highlighting key achievements for the market and promoting it in the press to the benefit of all property stakeholders,” explains Engelsman.

He adds that the Seeff brand has been in operation for over five decades, its agents constantly delivering outstanding results for clients, whatever the economic challenges. “The latest FNB Property Barometer continues to point to Cape locations - with Plett being very much a part of that as some of the best performing areas and we expect the market, while slower, to hold out well into the future. “The Plettenberg Bay property proposition remains excellent, from top schools to world-class amenities. And with the highest number of Blue Flags in South Africa, now standing at a record six, it’s the best beach location in the country!” Of course there is much more to do in and around the town, from water sports to an array of outdoors adventures, polo at Kurland, and golfing on a variety of breath-taking courses. What’s more, Bitou now contains a popular wine region, the Plett Wine Route offering more than 16 estates to explore. “Seeff makes it easy to value, sell, buy, and let your property,” concludes Engelsman. “Whatever your property needs, Seeff is always just a quick click or call away!” • Contact the Seeff Plettenberg Bay property team on 044 533 0311 or email plett@seeff. com and see the advert on page 3 for current listings.

is a suggestion of what you might be offered: • Fixed for 12 months - your current variable rate: +0.49% • 24 months: +0.82% • 36 months: +1.20% • 48 months: +1.39% • 60 months: +1.51% As you can see, rates must rise considerably before one scores. If they don’t, the bondholder loses out. This suggests then that the trick to rate fixing is to take the long view - if at all. As for the possibility of a hike on November 23, I think such a move would be premature. If the Reserve Bank identifies the need, it may decide to wait until

CUTTY SARK

Stuart Murray

the ANC leadership conference in December. Who knows what will take place then… NB: The maximum interest rate allowed on a mortgage bond is the Repo Rate plus 12% per annum - which is rather a lot when one considers that the Consumer Protection Act sought to curb what it termed ‘reckless lending’. The highest/worst rate I know of this year is +7.8%. • Stuart Murray (stuartmurray 758@gmail.com) is a former senior assistant editor of Financial Mail and co-founder, editor, and CEO of Finance Week. He is retired and lives in Plett.

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INTERVAL

22 November 2017

Captain Smithers of the Bengal Lancers

N the days of the British Empire, a new commanding officer (CO) was sent to a South African bush outpost to relieve the retiring colonel. After welcoming his replacement and show-

ing the usual courtesies (gin and tonic, cucumber sandwiches, etc.) which protocol decrees, the retiring colonel said: “You must meet my adjutant, captain Smithers, he’s my right-hand man and is really the strength of this office. His talent is simply boundless.” Smithers was summoned and introduced to the new CO, who was surprised to meet a hunchback, one eyed, toothless, hairless, scabbed and pockmarked specimen of humanity, a particularly unattractive man less

Glass half full or empty? child psychologist had twin boys - one was an optimist; the other, a pessimist. Just to see what would happen, on Christmas Day he loaded the pessimist’s room with toys and games. In the optimist’s room, he dumped a pile of horse droppings. That night, the dad found the pessimist surrounded by his gifts, crying. “What’s wrong?” the

dad asked. “I have a ton of game manuals to read… I need batteries… and my toys will all eventually get broken!” sobbed the pessimist. Passing the optimist’s room, the dad found him dancing for joy around the pile of droppings. “Why are you so happy?” he asked. The optimist shouted: “There’s got to be a pony in here somewhere!”

Having your first child man and his wife were making their first doctor’s visit, the wife being pregnant with their first child. After every single thing checked out, the doctor took a small stamp and stamped the wife’s stomach with indelible ink.

The couple was curious about what the stamp said, so when they got home the husband took out magnifying glass to try to see what it was. In very tiny letters, the stamp said: “When you can read this, come back and see me.”

Understanding low grades TUDENT: “I don’t understand why my grade was so low. How did I do on my exam paper?” Teacher: “Actually, you didn’t turn in an exam paper. You turned in a random assemblage of sentences. In fact, the sentences you apparently kidnapped in the dead of night and forced into this violent and arbitrary plan

of yours clearly seemed to be placed on the pages against their will. “Reading your paper was like watching unfamiliar, uncomfortable people interacting at a cocktail party that no one wanted to attend in the first place. “You didn’t submit an exam paper. You submitted a hostage situation.”

than three feet tall. “Smithers, old man, tell your new CO about yourself.” “Well, sir, I played cricket for England, graduated with honours from Sandhurst, and won the Military Cross and Bar after three expeditions behind enemy lines. “I’ve represented Great Britain in equestrian

events and won a Silver Medal in the middleweight boxing division of the Olympics. “I have researched the history of… ” At that point, the colonel interrupted. “Yes, yes, never mind all that, Smithers, he can find all that in your file. Tell him about the day you told the witch doctor to get lost.”

ENTERTAINMENT

Entertainment Diary Operatunity in Knysna tonight! Four fabulous, energetic and passionate singers form Operatunity, which encourages young singers on the local and international stage. Soprano Athenkosi Hoyi is joined by tenors Bongani Makhanya, Thamsanqa Mtshamba, and Xolane Markam to sing their audience into the festive season with songs and arias by Mozart, Lehar, Donizetti and many other composers. They will be accompanied on piano by Dr Lisa Engelbrecht - head vocal coach at UCT Opera School and guest vocal coach at the Royal College of Music. This will be the final Knysna Plett Concert Series performance of the year so come along and be inspired at Knysna DRC hall tonight. Tickets at the door (from 6:45pm) cost R120 or R30 for scholars and the show starts at 7:30pm. St Peter’s Church bazaar on Saturday Turn to page 9 to find out more about the fun and fare on offer at St Peter’s Church in Plett on November 25. Surfers party in Knysna Rock up at Muse in Cape Road, Knysna, for the first of two Surfers Helping Surfers parties on November 25 from 7pm, the second taking place at Plett’s Surf Café on December 1. See the ad on page 12 for details. Drakensberg Boys in Plett The Drakensberg Boys Choir is celebrating its 50th birthday with a Cape Province tour. Share in the Noël celebrations at Plett’s Whitehouse Theatre on November 25 at 7pm. Call Greenwood Bay College on 044 533 2549 to book tickets. Beach clean-up at Brenton on Sea The Knysna Wildlife Project invites readers to an educational beach clean-up on November 30 from 7am at Brenton Beach. Please bring the whole family as well as bags for collected rubbish. Email knysnawildlifeproject@gmail.com for further details.

22 November 2017

CXPRESS

SOCIAL SCENE

22 November 2017

MILLION DOLLAR BABIES: WBF World Champion Bukiwe Nonina, at right, will be one of the main attractions at the Knysna Ward 4 Sports Day at Chris Nissen Primary School on Saturday November 25. Says coach Mutavhatsindi Immanuel of Giyani Boxing Club: “Nonina is our Best Boxer of the Year award winner and the only SA female bantamweight champion to defend her title five times in a row. She has now gained the rights to own that title!” Apart from showing her mettle in the square ring, Bukiwe will also address school children at Chris Nissan preceding the bouts. Another huge drawcard of the event is the fact that former International Boxing Federation junior feather weight world champion Vuyani Bungu, below right, will be on hand to interact with Garden Route pugilists. Apart from these boxing greats, local prize fighters like Nwabisile Colani and Unathi Mndwana will feature at Saturday’s bout fest, along with contenders from Grahamstown and the Mother City. Email davidfaas@yahoo.com or call Mutavhatsindi on 072 473 8806 for more information.

GOOD WORK REVISITED: At the AGM of The Bitou 10 Foundation held on Thursday November 16 were, from left, Gill Wolfaardt, Basil van Rooyen, and Dawn and Mike Pearce - who run modules to develop the reading skills of learners for the foundation with B10F director Hector McIvor, and François Wolfaardt. The Bitou 10 Education and Development Foundation provides support services to 11 government schools in Bitou, meaning that some 8,000 learners and 200 teachers benefit from its work. - Timothy Twidle

People, places & events

RADIO BEAUTIES: Kouga FM is celebrating its fourth birthday in the form of a gala event at Formosa School on November 25, with Hennie Jacobs from ‘7de Laan’ as guest performer. Locals will entertain the crowd but the main attraction will be a fashion show featuring 60 ladies from Plettenberg Bay, Jeffrey’s Bay, Humansdorp, Thornham, and Patensie, ranging from four to 18 years of age. Last Saturday, the organising committee selected their ladies and had a photo shoot on the BI beach in Plett. At back from left are Nateleigh Leonard, Anushri Liessing, Hailey Cloete, Shanice Olivier, Raynique Manuel, Eden Krigga and Veronique Leonard, with Faith Scholtz, Tarryn Clark, Yuline Jafta, Caitlin Maxim, Letay Nelson and Beaudene van Rhyner in front. Tickets at R120 are for sale from Venessa and Adam van Rhyner, Leigh Dunn, and Marius Jafta. Says Adam: “Please support our kids and make some noise on Saturday!” Email plettnaar@gmail.com for details.

KISSES FOR AVA: At the Plett Poles on the Ground competition on Sunday November 12, seven-yearold Ava van Renen won the Blue ribbon prize for the most perfect all-round riding style. Teacher Sue and Amber Carlson from Avalon Riding Centre are extremely proud and impressed, as Ava’s accomplishment meant they scored 20 points for their riding school! Photo: Alet Ollemans

PAWS OPEN GARDENS A JOY: Saturday November 11 saw plant lovers from all over the Route and quite a few visitors from foreign shores descend on four of Bitou’s loveliest gardens, and in the process raise R45,000 for Plett Animal Welfare Services. Attracting in excess of 300 visitors this year, the raffle and plant sale was also very well-supported - watch this space for info on raffle winner Sally Milton, who is yet to decide on the subject of her water-colour by David Hall-Green. Call Marsja on 073 645 9476 if you would like to contribute to the PAWS cause. - Photos: Maggie Ubsdell

EVENTS

22 November 2017

CXPRESS

No compromise on quality - Mungo ethos reiterated at grand Mill opening Words & photos: Timothy Twidle

UNGO Mill, adjacent to Old Nick Village off the Plett N2, was officially opened on the evening of Friday November 17. At a lavish opening ceremony attended by some 500 guests, the weaving mill was declared open by Stuart Holding who with spouse Janet founded Old Nick Village in 1978, and Mungo in 1998. The name Mungo is apposite, as it refers to the quality of a finished woven product. Stuart Holding was born and grew up in England, in the West Riding of Yorkshire - a county that has a long association with the textile industry. Having served an apprenticeship in a textile mill, he emigrated to South Africa and together with Janet, eventually settled in Plett. The magnificent Mungo Mill is the fulfilment of a dream for Stuart and Janet Holding, and just reward for decades of devoted efforts.

Mungo takes pride in producing woven products of high quality that finds expression in the superlative design of the building. The subtle curvature and inclination of the exterior walls, together with the sculptural form of the building, resemble aspects of a weaving loom, while the continuum of vertical slats of wood on the façade gives the illusion of the threads of yarn in an operating loom. The mill is given gestalt by a beautiful water feature that snakes around the entrance and along the front of the building. Mungo Mill was designed by architect Andrea Cristoforetti, and the construction work was carried out by a multiplicity of local builders and contractors. More than anything else, it is a working weaving museum and a raised walkway affords visitors the opportunity of seeing how such a mill operates; a number

of informative signs detail pertinent information in a concise manner. Family is as family does so siblings Dax and Tessa, the son and daughter of Stuart and Janet, hold key managerial positions in Mungo. Both made speeches at the opening event, sketching the background and rationale behind the development and construction of the mill. In Stuart’s address, he referred to the ethos of Mungo. “We believe that in today’s world where global textile industry has become increasingly profit-driven, leading to the use of yarn of inferior quality, markets are being inundated with products that have a short working life. “We have seen how such imports are destroying much of the clothing industry in South Africa, and we challenge the idea that value is a product of price. “Our ethos at Mungo is

N L NATIONAL LOTTERIES COMMISSION LOTTO FUNDED TM

MILL GIRLS: This bevy of beautiful Mungo staff members are, at back from left, Karen Mava, Juanita Booysen and Nolene Kamker, with Tertia and Charol Windvogel, and Florina Kriga in front

INNER WORKINGS: A Dornier loom inside the working weaving museum

WEAVEWORLD: The aesthetically pleasing Mungo Mill building, above, and founders Stuart and Janet Holding, at left, jubilant at the official opening on Friday night

to not compromise on production methods or cost of raw materials in making a product of quality. Plett has been inspirational to us and we are proud to present the

Mungo Mill as a showcase of weaving that we hope will become a feature of the town,” he said. CXPRESS congratulates the family Holding, their

staff, and everyone involved in the design, construction, and building of the splendid new Mungo Mill. • Turn to page 15 for a letter on the working museum.

CXPRESS

22 November 2017

CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

22 November 2017

Letters to the Editor

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

Politics in Plett: the art of the impossible As the chattering classes like to say: “A week is a long time in politics.” My colleague Yolandé Stander has already given in the pages of another local newspaper a reasonable summary of the issues surrounding the executive mayor of Bitou Municipality, but I thought it might be courteous to CXPRESS readers to share my understanding of what has taken place since the April by-election. If you recall, Sonja and I were quite taken with the prospect of standing for the newly emerging Active United Front (AUF) in Bitou, because not only was I an active supporter of the original United Democratic Front (UDF) in the 1980s, but we were also specifically asked by now executive mayor Peter Lobese to stand for the Plett CBD Ward 2 byelection, of which Plett Primary, Piesang Valley, and Bossiesgif were the voting stations. Of course, both Sonja and I were lambasted for “splitting the DA vote” and so forth, but I am very proud to say that I increased the DA vote from 82% to 86% and - amidst a flurry of verbal abuse from left, right, and centre - gained the princely sum of 11 votes in the two relevant wards, but beat the DA 100 to 44 in Bossiesgif! So, what lessons can we learn from the recurrent fiasco of Bitou party politics?

I grew up in a liberal home in Cape Town, where visitors included people of all races and classes, from right-wing Nationalists to left-wing Communists. My mother stood as Provincial candidate for Van Zyl Slabbert’s Progressive Federal Party in the early 1970s and later served as independent councillor in the City of Cape Town. When I was in high school, I very proudly attended a Rondebosch Town Hall meeting, where she quoted from that great sermon of John Donne: “No Man is an Island”. In other words, the great religions and philosophies of the world since antiquity all talk about an essential ingredient for the spiritual life: genuine compassion not only for other people, but also for “all sentient beings”, animals included. When I first met Peter Lobese, therefore (I still have the original interview on record), I was duly impressed by his apparent integrity and commitment to public service, which made it easy for both Sonja and I to accept his bona fides. I had been driven to the original interview because of allegations of corruption and misuse of public funds by the leadership of then opposition DA in Bitou, and I have always believed in the principle of audi alterem partem (let the other side be heard). His answers at that time

Don’t let noise scare you this mill is worth a visit!

Plett reader John Larter shared this photo and wrote: “The new Mungo Mill building at Old Nick Village was opened on Friday November 17. This picture was taken on Saturday morning, showing the whole production process taking place inside. A working weaving museum, Mungo Mill is well worth a visit and if you are concerned about the noise of the machines, ear protection is supplied while on the viewing balcony.” (Turn to page 13 for the full story on the opening event of this wonderful attribute to Plettenberg Bay. - Eds.)

had seemed credible and, rightly or wrongly, I gave him the benefit of the doubt. Reasonably convinced that he was a man of his word, therefore, I supported him in the local government by-election and helped to generate a measure of national publicity in support of his cause when he dramatically broke with the ANC on the very eve of the election, accusing the local leadership of all sorts of misdemeanours, which they had no time to refute. As the election raged on, therefore, there was much to-ing and fro-ing at our AUF election booths as each of the two dominant parties vied for his support before the results were even in. That was over six months ago; since that time, very little evidence has been led as to how the DA might have benefitted from such a troubled alliance. My own experience has been a serious delay in action on such simple matters as the declaration of Lookout Rocks as a nature reserve, thereby ensuring both the implementation of an Environmental Management Plan and an upgrade in security of that hell-walk between Hobie and Lookout beaches, where no visitor is safe from attack. Moreover, such a declaration would have released substantive funds for the Bitou 10 Founda-

tion, guaranteed by the adjacent landowners: a multiple win-win situation if ever there was one. The only way I can begin to understand this sad state of affairs is by contrasting my mother’s career with that of the Reverend Alan Boesak, most popular patron of the UDF in the Western Cape in the 1980s. While my mother worked from six in the morning to midnight in service to her voters and retired in 1993 with the highest reputation for integrity and dignity, Boesak ended his brilliant rise to fame in ignominy and shame, having blown foreign funding meant for the poorest citizens on a private video suite for his avaricious wife. Shades of (dis)Grace(ful) Mugabe come to mind. The feeling I had then and now is that for some people of great integrity and decency, the rapid ascent to higher office is not unlike deep-sea diving and mountain climbing: the oxygen can run out very quickly and one can find oneself a single brain cell short of a clear mind and unclouded vision. The dilemma for our now tjoepstil mayor is this: having scorned both major parties in the local government sphere, who does he turn to for support in the future? Surely, a public apology (like this one) might be in order? Mike Kantey, Plett

Ta for your patience, ‘Father’ Stu You Next Youth is a Bitou-based organisation established by myself. I was later joined by fellow Kwano locals Vuyolwethu Vice and Sikhonathi Madolo, as well as Lunchbox Theatre director Stuart Palmer, all of whom joined forces to advance local talent. To this end, You Next Youth made it possible for a local group to participate in a drama competition with nine different entrants - some of these groups were repeat entries, which means they had previous experience, and some groups were previous winners of the competition.

But You Next Youth, in our very first attempt, won the Best Ensemble prize in the Western Cape Drama Festival. We were the only winners in Bitou. I thank Stuart for being a father and mentor when we needed someone to fulfil this role. Thank you for keeping us humble and being patient with us; we will continue this journey with the Drama Festival and finding other talented youngsters in our midst. The current group also include Sikhonathi Madolo, Lazola Blie, and Nangamso Thuthani. Thanduxolo Fikelepi, Plett

An open letter to PAWS from Robberg Vet & Co I wonder how many times the people at Plett Animal Welfare Service have been thanked. We are doing what we are passionate about (or should be) because of the work that Di, Tracey, Robert, and the rest of the PAWS members are doing so faith-

fully every single day. To watch you guys tirelessly continuing your work despite the magnitude of it, the constant exposure to suffering and the real fear of failure, is a true testament to how much you care and want to help animals.

You ARE making a difference and even though in the bigger scheme of things it might feel like a drop in the ocean, to the animal saved - whether by being (re-)adopted, sterilised, treated, or even euthanased - it was a compassionate gesture that

would lessen a lot of the hardship they face daily. We cannot do our work without you and we cannot thank you enough for all you do in the Plettenberg Bay community. Dr Stephan Nell and the Robberg Veterinary team, Plett

CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

22 November 2017

Adventurous athletes brighten forest on BUCO Nite Run OW in its fourth year, the group of BUCO Adventure Nite Runners is growing and the addition of an 8km option for this year’s event on November 18 has opened it up for some of those athletes who might find two hours in the dark of Harkerville Forest quite daunting. Says organiser James Stewart of Muddyfoot Adventures: “The race is all about creating an avenue of running that cannot be experienced every day. Knysna Forest is part of the Garden Route National Park, making it the ideal spot to take in the sights and sounds of our indigenous paradise. “The fires that devastated its surrounds have definitely resulted in more sightings of game in the undisturbed indigenous forest, and many runners reported encounters with buck and bush pig on the course.”

NOW OPEN FOR LUNCH! From the 1 December we’ll be open for lunch and dinner! Join us at Emily’s for Karoo-inspired, homestyle cooking & at Simon’s Bar for the best artisan pizzas in the Garden Route! E m i l y ’s R e s t a u r a n t : Tr a d i n g H o u r s Monday 18:00 - 22:00 Tuesday - Sunday 12:00 - 14:30 and 18:00 - 22:00

MOON RIVER LO DG ILY E EM

www.emilymoon.co.za

TEL

+2 7 4 4 5 01 25 0 0

R ietvlei Road, Plettenberg Bay

HOSTED BY

GARDEN ROUTE

Alex Olivier

SOUTH AFRICA

S i m o n ’s B a r : Tr a d i n g H o u r s Monday 18:00 - 22:00 Tuesday - Sunday 12:00 - 22:00 34° 0041 South / 23° 2219 East

info@emilymoon.co.za

P O B o x 19 3 6 , P l e t t e n b e r g B a y , 6 6 0 0

LIGHT-HEADED: Torches and head lights streaked the forest’s darkness when BUCO Adventure Nite Runners - in this pic, Cathryn and Brendan Proctor - hit the Harkerville Forest track last Saturday after nightfall - Photo: Glenn Murray Photography

With its start and finish at Harkerville Forest Lodge, the event was enjoyed by all runners and spectators, many of whom have committed to running in 2018. Congrats to 16km winner Melikhaya Msizi (1:17:03), followed by Jacques Mouton (1:20:45) and Duncan Rennie (1:26:06). Roy and Martin Fraser-

Mackenzie were first home after 8km at 00:48:00 and 00:48:01 respectively, with young Trent Evans hot on their heels (00:48:02). Tessa van Schaik, Claire Randon and Suzaan Groenewald were the top ladies, all finishing in variations on the 51-minute theme. Visit BUCO Adventures on Facebook for more pics.

Catch Military Academy students on two Route stops N Friday, students attached to the Saldanha-based Military Academy - which also houses Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Military Science - embark on a nine-day endurance race by land and sea to raise funds for charitable development projects. Exercise Trans Enduro is an annual event involving nine teams of Military Academy students who travel from Port Elizabeth to Saldanha over a period of nine days, staying over in towns along the way. Members of the cycling team cover the distance on bicycles; sea team members travel along the coast with two rubber dinghies; land team members drive from town

to town collecting money, and the log team ensures that everything is well prepared for the other teams’ arrival. Explains Martin Viljoen of Stellenbosch University’s Corporate Communication Division: “There is also a running team that covers a distance of 10km each day. At certain points the teams change tasks, taking turns to do community service like cleaning streets, painting schools, and visiting retirement homes. “The entire exercise is planned and executed by Academy students, which develops their leadership skills and enhances their understanding of the practical issues related to community service. In return, communities en

route are exposed to the high calibre of young men and women serving in defence of SA.” He adds that it’s tradition for the mayor of each town visited to write a short letter of goodwill to the mayor of the next town. These letters are handed to the exercise commander, who delivers it to each next destination’s first citizen. Starting off in PE at 8am on Friday, the students travel to Jeffrey’s Bay before departing for Plett to overnight on Sunday. On November 27, they depart from Central Beach and head to Wilderness, with Stilbaai, Struisbaai, Hermanus, and Hout Bay on the itinerary before their December 2 return to Saldanha.

After making waves in Spain, Plettenberg Bay anglers are now packing for Nam ALLIE Erasmus had a great send-off thanks to CemAir who, along with his team mates from Plett Rock and Surf, were there to wish him bon voyage and tight lines as he headed off to Spain to represent the club, the province and South Africa at the FIPS World Championships in Pensacola, Spain. South Africa competed against seven other countries and came in seventh overall, with Kallie rank-

ROCK AND SURF STARS: Kallie Erasmus boards his flight to Spain, before being accompanied by recentlyselected Protea angler Renier Nortje to Namibia this month

ing third on the fourth day of the competition in the individual standings. Says Plettenberg Bay SkiBoat Association (PBSA) secretary Sue van der Gaast: “Renier Nortjé has also been awarded his Protea colours this year, and we wish both Kallie and Renier all the best when representing Plett Rock and Surf in the Masters and the Seniors respectively during the Namibia Internationals this month.”