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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Cello taped
Photo: Andrew Gorman
22 February 2017
Awe-inspiring Carol Thorns of popular Red Cello fame has decided to launch her new band, Rosanthorn, as well as their debut album during the final performance of this week’s Plett Music Festival, which kicks off at The White House Theatre tomorrow night. Turn to page 11 for more on the festival.
Happy birthday, Aunty Shirley - p2
Beale pleads guilty - p4
Big things afoot at Old Nick - p9
Brand change
Ahead
BUCO
coming soon
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CXPRESS
NEWS & VIEWS
22 February 2017
Much to remember and many reasons to rejoice on ‘Aunty’ Shirley Harker’s auspicious 90th birthday The completion of Bitou’s multi-million rand magistrate’s offices coincides with the 90th birthday tomorrow of Shirley Harker - a direct descendant of one of the area’s founding families, and as close as we’ve got to pure Plettenberg Bay royalty, writes LEIGH DUNN APTAIN Robert Charles Harker, of which Shirley Harker is a direct descendant, was the very first magistrate in Plettenberg Bay, for 50 years from 1826. He was known as ‘Justice of the Peace’ and it was recorded by Patricia Storrar that Harker’s tasks included mediating disputes and committing citizens accused of wrongdoing for trial. The new multi-million rand magistrates building and offices will soon open in walking distance of the Harker family home in Keurboom Road, New Horizons - exactly as per its original location since 1826. The township of New Horizons was developed and named by the Plettenberg Bay Town Council in 1967, under the auspices of His Worship the Mayor, Mr JR Camp. At that time, the authorities built what was known as subeconomic semi-detached housing for people who were being relocated to the township according to the National Group Areas Act. House Number 1 was built in Bloekomweg, now known as Blue Gum Road, where the first housing office was located, and that house is right next to today’s new magistrate’s building. The Harker descendants were the only families who insisted on purchasing their own properties, and most properties in New Horizons - before it was a residential area - belonged to Harker families. The 1968 Group Areas Act deadline forced many coloured families from the areas around Plett to relocate to New Horizons, with exception of the Griqua people who were already settled in Kranshoek since having established this spiritual home in 1920. During 1968, the very first public structure in New Horizons, namely the Theodore Pre-school, was opened on August 1 and run by Shirley Harker, who served as superintendent and principal. The pre-school happens to
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DAUGHTER OF PLETT STRIKES 90: A recent photo of Shirley Harker, left, who will fête nine decades on February 23, with her faithful friend of more than 50 years, tireless community trooper Monica Raubenheimer - happy birthday, Aunty Shirley!
be situated in Bitou Crescent, right next to the municipal library originally established in 1985, and is now bordering the magistrate’s building. It is also important to mention that Theodora Pre-School in Bitou Crescent is adjacent to the property of Henry and Ellen Harker, whose original home is still visible today next to the municipal clinic. On July 1, 1969, Formosa Primary was the second public structure to open its doors. St Peter’s Mission School was founded by my grandfather, Michael William Dunn, in Bull Street next to Hobie Beach in 1912. As the school grew, it moved to Main Street premises in 1938, but was also forced to relocate to the township in 1969 due to the Group Areas Act. Mr Reginald Carolissen was the headmaster at that time and he was married to the eldest of the Harker sisters,
namely Dora. On May 11, 1974, St Mary’s Anglican Church became the third public structure to open its doors to the people of New Horizons. Before the Group Areas Act, New Horizons was part of a cattle farm named Ashleigh Farm, which stretched all the way from Weldon Farm to Bossiesgif (originally known as Bishop’s Gift, but which morphed into its present form as the coloured people could not pronounce it) past Weldon Kaya and right up to Ladywood. The entire area from Weldon to Ashleigh Farm to Ladywood was known as Hillview, and the only other homestead was the old house that currently houses the main building of South Cape College’s Bitou Campus on the N2, opposite the entrance to Plett Christian School. That homestead as well as the ones at Old Nick and at
Weldon Kaya were built by Jim Cuthbert and Herbert Toplis at the beginning of the 20th Century, and are standing to this day. The very first private home in New Horizons was the home of Robert and Mary Harker on the corner of Saringa and Keurboom Roads, right opposite the library and opposite Theodora Pre-school, which Mr Smakes Witbooi bought and renovated in 1987. In its February 11 edition of 1973, Sunday Times reported on the story of Mr George Langdown who refused to vacate his family home in Plett CBD where he had lived for 50 years, when forced to move to New Horizons. The front page of the Sunday Times Lifestyle magazine, which I have in my possession, refers to Langdown as “Plettenberg Bay’s Last Coloured”. When finally forcefully moved to his new home in New Horizons, the site of his original home in Plett town was named Langdown Street. George and Mathilda Langdown’s new home in Willow Crescent, New Horizons - now the rectory of St Mary’s Anglican Church - is right next to the home of Shirley Harker. According to Bitou Municipality, a shopping centre was approved for Ladywood, meaning that more than just cattle would be roaming around Ashleigh Farm, yet the contractor suggested that a residential area and certain municipal buildings like the traffic department be developed there instead. I’m sure that Shirley Harker would never have thought her peaceful family home in Keurboom Road would someday be the very centre of an everdeveloping town. It’s an honour to know this remarkable lady, who has served on the Town Council and many other bodies for many years, and who has formed an intricate part of so many noteworthy local developments.
NEWS & VIEWS
22 February 2017
Xenophobia remains unresolved despite ‘good to go’ reassurance Ousted Somali residents are still desperately seeking reintegration into the Wittedrift community of Green Valley, a full 18 months after the start of mob violence against them - NIKKI RIDLEY reports legal refugee and resident of Green Valley for over eight years, Somali national Mohamed Khalif is appealing for help from local authorities almost 18 months after he and his business partner, Abdi Khalif, were ousted from Green Valley in October 2015, their Spaza shops looted and their lives threatened. According to Khalif, members of the Green Valley community have been steadfast in refusing to let them come back and they remain the increasingly desperate victims of continued intimidation as well as the apparent inability of local authorities to enforce reintegration - as per the Somalis’ rights to live and work as legal refugees. This is despite attempts of the former DA authorities at facilitating reintegration in the months directly following the original mob attack, through a series of meetings with Green Valley community leaders. “We hoped things would change after the election. We have been looted, victimised and our rights have been taken away. We tried to re-open our shop in Green Valley in November last year, after the ANC deputy mayor told us that the community had said we could finally go back there, but two of the community members threatened to burn us alive in our shop container if we tried to do business,” Khalif said. He stated that they were forced to leave that same day, and that they were not even permitted to sleep in Green Valley overnight. “We just want them to stop intimidating us and inciting the other members of the community. We just want to go back and live and conduct our business peacefully.”
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A LIFE ON HOLD: The photo above shows a defeated Mohamed Khalif when it became clear last November that he and his business partner were not welcome to continue living and trading in Wittedrift’s Green Valley community; their lives were threatened again, this time with being burned alive inside their ransacked container
He added: “The allegations they have used as an excuse against us are baseless.” These allegations originally included that they were dealing drugs in Green Valley - an accusation they have vehemently denied from the very start. As for the real reason why a community would suddenly turn on foreigners who had been living there for a long time, Khalif and a spokesperson from the municipality, former Bitou Communications officer Manfred van Rooyen (who remains the spokesperson in the matter due to his knowledge of what happened and his involvement in the unsuccessful process
to reintegrate the Somalis from 2015) are in complete agreement. “What appears to be pure xenophobia often occurs when there are service delivery issues. It seems to be a pattern that disgruntled community members who feel that local government is ignoring them, will turn on foreigners as a way of drawing attention to their needs,” said Van Rooyen. Both Van Rooyen and Khalif also referred to the “usual reasons” to do with competing business interests between locals and foreigners in a small market and rising prices. They also both mentioned the fact that all this happened despite the Somalis donating goods on occasion (e.g. free cool-drinks for a funeral) and contributing to the Green Valley community in other ways prior to the 2015 incident. Regarding the failure of the reintegration process, Van Rooyen explained that Bitou Municipality’s power is restricted. “While admittedly, the whole process of reintegration has stalled, local government is unable to act as law enforcement in criminal matters of intimidation. That is the role of the police.” No arrests have been made to date relating to the original attacks or looting. In the meantime, the police dockets relating to the initial mob violence have been passed back to Plett SAPS from the Eden Cluster POPS (Public Order Police) in George. However, Mohamed Khalif stated that he had dropped the original charges he brought against the looters himself, as an act of good faith to encourage the antagonistic community to allow them to return to Green Valley.
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NEWS & VIEWS
22 February 2017
Baby porn case moves to closure as Beale awaits sentencing Yolandé Stander
ORE than two years down the line, the high-profile Plett porn case is finally drawing to a close after a local man pleaded guilty to more than 18,000 charges of possession of child pornography. Computer engineer William Beale, 38, briefly appeared in the Knysna Regional Court on Monday where he entered into a plea bargain involving pleading guilty to 18,644 charges of possession of child pornography as well
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CUTTY SARK
as one charge of possession of dagga. The matter was postponed to April 18 for sentencing. Beale was the first South African arrested as part of Cloud 9 - a joint operation between SA and Belgian police responsible for cracking down on a child pornography ring linked to a cyber meeting space for paedophiles whose fetishes seem to be the sexual abuse of babies. During court proceedings over the past two years, the state alleged that there were more than 179,000
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“We hope that the sentence will be a very serious one,” Friedman said. She added that she was hopeful, as last week Warren Knoop of the East Rand was handed 32 life sentences for rape in the Johannesburg High Court. His victims included three young girls. Over and above the life sentences Knoop was also sentenced to 170 years behind bars for 870 charges of rape and possession of child pornography. The sentences will run concurrently with the life terms.
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images in question. Anti-child abuse activists breathed a collective sigh of relief after the plea. Woman and Men Against Child Abuse (WMACA) founding director Miranda Friedmann, who attended proceedings yesterday, said Beale’s arrest was followed by a lengthy joint investigation by the commander of the Gauteng-based Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit Heila Niemand, and Sergeant Delene GroblerKoon after a tip off from Belgian police.
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“Every image of child pornography is a child being sexually violated and we want the sentence to reflect the horrific crime that is child sexual abuse.” WMACA Western Cape spokesman Joanne Barrett said it was due to international cooperation that the apprehension and investigation of these cyber crimes could result in successful prosecution and convictions. Local anti-child abuse group the Green Hearts spokesman Magriet Ferreira said they were pleased
that the matter was moving towards closure. “We would like to salute the prosecutor and her team for their dedication in handling this case. We believe that he will receive an appropriate sentence,” Ferreira said. She added that the group felt there was no difference between possessing child pornography and being actively involved in molesting a child. “In both cases. there are children who are victims of these despicable deeds.” Garden Route Media
NEWS & VIEWS
22 February 2017
CXPRESS
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Mayoral bursaries awarded to bright Bitou students Like many of the other speakers, he warned the students of what he referred to as “enemies on the journey to graduate success” such as “blessers” (older men who date young girls, using their financial power), drugs and alcohol. Last year through the programme, 84 students were awarded bursaries of R7,000 each; this year, 108 students were on the lucky receiving end. Those going to universities and whose parents had disclosed income received R11,000 each, while those without disclosure received R6,000. Students with parents who earn more than R25,000 received R8,000 and those who will study at colleges received R6,000 each. Every student who applied and submitted all necessary documents had received a bursary, because the mayor is very concerned about the education crisis in the country and endeavours to be part of the solution. Funds were raised through the Mayoral Golf Day, and for the first time this year, some of the funds will also be used to buy uniforms for under privileged students.
EDUCATION HIS PASSION: Mayor Peter Lobese, at centre with some of the beneficiaries of his bursary fund and dignitaries in attendance during the handover function, feels very strongly about education as an important tool for personal development - visit the gallery at www.cxpress.co.za for more images of the day
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ATURDAY February 11 was a special day for Plett parents and students who were beneficiaries of mayoral bursaries, handed over during a ceremony hosted by Bitou Municipality in a beautifully decorated Piesang Valley Hall, and also attended by dignitaries from local government and schools. Among the academic guests were Phakamisani Primary principal XD Faku, and Siseko Tyumze of South Cape College, who talked about how life took him from being a dishwasher in a restaurant to becoming acting campus head in Bitou. A graduate himself, mayor Peter Lobese also shared his life story from how he left school in Standard 9 because his parents could not afford to pay for his education - something that resulted in his move from Alice to Plett in search of employment. His first ever job was at Robberg Seafood where he worked in a general capacity up until his decision to go back to school. After completing his degree, he joined Bitou Municipality as a clerk, and worked his way up in local government until filling the top post today.
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NEWS & VIEWS
22 February 2017
Siyakula kids now cooler thanks to Plett Anns’ handy present Words & photos: Biffy Wiener
IYAKULA Crèche was founded in Qolweni in 1997 and today cares for 120 pupils ranging in age from 0-6. It has been ably run since the onset by Nokwezi Mdatyulwa, who is supported by a staff of seven qualified teachers and four assistants.
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GRATEFULLY RECEIVED: Ann Smart and Nokwezi Mdatyulwa, right, delight in the brand new freezer
The children are given breakfast and lunch during the course of their day and with the help of their teachers, are being prepared for Grade R. Aware of this important work and after a number of successful fundraising events during the course of 2016, the Rotary Anns of Plettenberg Bay recently donated a new deep freeze to the crèche.
Explains Ann par excellence Beryl Winter: “We visited on Valentine’s Day, hence the profusion of red clothing! This crèche in the midst of Qolweni is truly an oasis. Ann Smart, Biffy Wiener and I were entertained by the children and were extremely impressed during our inspection of this clean and very well-run school.”
RED HOT ENTERTAINMENT: Rotary Anns Beryl Winter, Ann Smart and Biffy Wiener were entertained by a throng of crimson-clad youngsters during their Valentine’s visit to Siyakula Crèche
Notice Board • It's time for Footsteps Preschool in Plett’s major annual fundraising event, the Footsteps Funday@ Sunset, on March 3 from 4:30pm. With entertainment for the whole family,
organisers are calling for prize sponsors and donations. Call Colette on 082 808 0283 to discuss. • Moya Animal Outreach is hosting its Golf Day fund raiser at Plettenberg Bay
Country Club on March 26 and is now calling for hole sponsors, affording great advertising rights on that tee box. Email crags vet@gmail.com or call 044 534 8000 for details.
NEWS & VIEWS
22 February 2017
CXPRESS
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Formosa and Kwano kids now also part of Adopt-a-Beach crew RCA Foundation has just teamed up with Nature’s Valley Trust (NVT) to extend its successful Adopt-a-Beach schools education programme, which means that two Plett schools will benefit during 2017. Explains NVT director Dr Mark Brown: “We have run the programme since 2004
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in The Crags and Coldstream primary schools. “The course involves a series of seven outdoor lessons on the beach for Grade 7 learners, exposing them to beach, estuary, and marine ecosystems. We also explore the impact people have on these environments, and what we can do as indi-
viduals and communities to address the effects.” Dr Brown added that it’s a hands-on, fun and educational programme specifically designed to link in to the school curriculum. So it was with great gratitude that the Trust accepted the Foundation’s cash injection of R22,400 as gener-
Find out what’s so special about Plett Platinum at Tuesday’s presentation OHN Fuller, principal of Chas Everitt in Plett, says that the new Plett Platinum Retirement Hotel, to be erected on the corner of Gibb and High Streets in the centre of town, is one of the most exciting retirement concepts to hit the South African market. “The developers have experience in similar completed developments in the Western Cape, which have been so successful that they are now also taking the concept offshore, beginning in Perth, Australia,” explains Fuller. The development concept is that investors of any age can buy into this Sectional Title Retirement Development and over 50s can choose to occupy the luxury apartment or let it to other over 50s until such time as they need it for themselves. This eliminates the need to go on a never ending waiting list to one day find somewhere ideal to retire to. Fuller says the beauty of Plett Platinum is that compared to the usual Life Right retirement developments you actually own your property outright under Sectional Title and
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therefore have a Real Right of ownership. “This means that you are in control of your asset and you are able to one day, or at any time, sell your property at market-related rates,” he says. “This offers a massive benefit over Life Right developments, because you can obtain a mortgage bond and don’t need to pay cash for the right to live there, and you can raise finance against your property should you wish. “Upon your death, your heirs benefit more substantially from a Real Right where real estate and market forces always set the selling price. As a Plett Platinum investor, you can leave your property to your heirs for their future benefit or even purchase in a Family Trust.” Life Right developments give investors the right to use a property until their death, and the applicable retirement association that owns the property can then usually sell it at a value determined by them, and not necessarily determined by normal real estate market forces.
Right to use the property is then granted to a new investor and 20% of the sale proceeds is normally withheld by the association to refurbish the building and cover some of the association’s operating costs. Fuller concludes: “A successful retirement presentation held two weeks ago resulted in a number of new investors in Plett Platinum Retirement Hotel, and following this success we have decided to hold a further exciting presentation on Tuesday February 28 at The Insurance and Investment Shop Conference facility in town. “Presentations will include the comparison by a financial planner of existing property living costs to the holistic package provided at Plett Platinum. It is quite an eye-opener, and the benefits are very attractive.” He encourages all interested parties to call Laurette Storm on 083 281 4069 or 044 533 5250 to book for this free presentation from 10am to 12 noon. Refreshments will be served. • See the advert on page 3 for current listings.
ously facilitated by Tony Lubner, which now covers the costs of including Formosa and KwaNokuthula
primary schools in this year’s programme. Contact Dr Mark Brown on 044 531 6820 and visit
www.naturesvalleytrust. co.za or www.facebook. com/naturesvalleytrust for additional information.
Celebrating
50 years of the Woodridge College Experience Join us at our Information Evening 28th February at 6:30-7:00 pm Pezula Championship Golf Course, Knysna Snacks and a cash bar will be available
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t Woodridge College we have been providing an excellent education on our very beautiful GEQTYW JSV ½JX] ]IEVW 3YV GIRXVEP JSGYW encompasses academic success at its heart,with our Grade 12’s writing the Independent Examinations &SEVH QEXVMG ½REP I\EQMREXMSRW *YVXLIV XS XLMW we enhance our pupils’ experience and growth
through our sound sporting programme and FVSEH GYPXYVEP IRKEKIQIRX ;I FEPERGI EPP SJ XLMW with a dynamic outdoor educational component that ensures we draw the very best out of each ERH IZIV] TYTMP EX SYV WGLSSP )ZIV]XLMRK MW VSSXIH in our Christian principles and we have been TVSZMHMRK EPP XLMW WMRGI
IEB MATRIC | CO-ED | GRADE 000 – 12 | DAY SCHOLARS & BOARDERS
find us on facebook
www.woodridge.co.za
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CXPRESS
BUSINESS
22 February 2017
Predictions for the SA banking industry: five key shifts expected A N influx in innovative fintech and digital banking competitors against the conventional bankers has seen the industry find ways to adapt its approach to suit customers. Software AG presales director Gareth Whitaker foresees five key changes locally and globally. “The South African banking industry will see major shifts this year from a competitive and operational perspective. The rise of fintechs and digital banks will see conventional banks adapting to competitors’ practices, and in some cases, acquiring them,” he says. Data will become king This year, banks will leverage their most valuable asset: client data. Having spent millions to collect the data, few banks have dedicated themselves to fully operationalising these insights by utilising
predictive analytics and machine learning. New revenues for banks depend on operationalising data in real time so that it can be monetised. Collaboration with the competition On a global scale, banks will buy the very fintechs and digital banks that are disrupting their business. While banks have the distribution and greater trust (at least among older generations), fintechs and digital-only banks have newer, more agile technology. The two together are a powerful combination, but the cultures are significantly different. Though it may be an uncomfortable transition at first, the result of this collaboration could prove to have a prosperous impact. Liquid assets Rising interest rates will drive consolidation in mid-tier banks as well as
divestitures, as large banks exit less profitable business lines. At the same time, active asset management is losing market share to the index providers. Automated advisors, offered by long-standing competitors as well as fintechs, pose a further threat to traditional asset management. Given a rising interest rate environment, which few active portfolio managers have experienced, we will see more automation and consolidation in asset management as well. Branch numbers will decrease for value to increase Bank branch closings will accelerate as customers increasingly adopt mobile and online banking. Most banks will maintain smaller, anchor branches to provide a reassuring brick and mortar presence versus purely digital competition. But, as they transform
and focus on costs, they will transition remaining branches to low volume/ high value activities. More choice for customers Regulation and market forces are combining to fundamentally transform the way people bank. Competitive forces globally are seeing leading banks leapfrogging regulation to open up their systems and data, and begin to develop ecosystems of partners. The result will be greater choice and competition for customers, and the possibility of entirely new revenue lines for retail banks. “Banks will operationalise their data, open and partner up with their competitors, and scale back on the physical world to investing in the digital world. We foresee these changes will impact the way everyone approaches banking in the future,” Whitaker concludes.
PROMOTION
22 February 2017
ADVERTORIAL
Mungo: Improving the world we live in through sustainable production OU may or may not have noticed that they are digging holes in Old Nick Village. It’s been going on for a while now and has been leading up to the fulfilment of a greater plan and vision, and that of a much bigger hole. We are building what we are calling the Mungo Mill, a working weaving museum that will open to the public in order to showcase the age-old art of weaving, from pre-Industrial Revolution to present day. But it’s not just a museum. It’s the thriving hub of production that drives our small, resilient and fastgrowing textile company called Mungo, producing top-quality natural fibre homeware textiles that we sell both locally and internationally. Our present footprint includes retail outlets in Plett, Cape Town, and Johannesburg. Mungo also supplies many of the finest South African boutique retailers, and we attend international trade shows in New York and Paris. We now supply shops on six
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of the seven continents, all shipping from Plett. Mungo’s mission is to provide a good quality product that is valued by the end user at the same time as providing employment and skills development to the local community. This is something we strive to do in a non-industrial environment. We hope to help shape and uphold the standards of sustainable production. We challenge the idea that WORKING WEAVING MUSEUM: Currently under construction at Old Nick is the Mungo Mill, which will be open to the public to showcase the age-old art of weaving, from pre-Industrial Revolution to present day
value is a product of price. We don’t compromise on production methods or cost of raw materials when it comes to producing a quality product. We believe strongly that what we create and the manner in which we create it will filter down to the end user and help to improve the world we live in. Through industrialisation we have lost touch with the process of how the goods we use are made.
At Mungo, we believe that with a policy of total transparency, in addition to the experience of visiting our manufacturing facility and with the use of our products, we can start to regain a connection with how our world works. This is part of our sustainability, transparency and traceability objective; if people can understand where something comes from or how it is made, they will value it more and,
CXPRESS in turn, this can help to curb the blind consumerist attitude that is negatively affecting our planet. We are essentially proponents of the slow movement: slow food, slow beer, slow textiles. Not everyone understands the value of quality. Most have fallen for the lower price, better value pitch. More and more people are coming to understand the value of products made on a small scale with quality in mind, products that have a story with real human beings behind them - beautiful, flawed, real, majestic, and interesting human beings. You’ll find no corporate face or huge marketing
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budget here to sell the illusion of perfection, or the illusion of imperfection, or the illusion of wholesomeness, or whatever the latest fashion. We believe that good quality with a conscience never goes out of fashion. It would seem that along with the physical hole that we are digging, there comes a philosophical one. Once we have fulfilled this vision we will have nowhere to hide, we will have to live by these words and our dream, and you are all welcome to come and be part of the journey. See you at the opening! • See the adverts on this page for additional news from Mungo.
CXPRESS
SOCIAL SCENE
22 February 2017 THURSDAY = MEET THE MAYOR DAY: Following the example set by Western Cape Economic Opportunities minister Alan Winde of making his office more accessible, Knysna mayor Eleanore Bouw-Spies, left, will now be opening her doors every first Thursday of the month from 5pm-7:30pm for Open Thursday, when she will set up office on the ground floor of the Clyde Street municipal building. She invites Greater Knysna residents to pop in: “I am looking forward to opening the doors on these days and getting to meet and chat to our residents. Each month will be themed and for the first Open Thursday, I would like to encourage our young entrepreneurs to come and share their business ideas.” The mayor’s first Open Thursday is planned for March 2, when Youth Desk and Economic Development staff members will be on hand to assist with any questions young entrepreneurs may have. FACES OF THE BEAUTIFUL BAY: These happy expressions, below right and far right, of teachers and students alike convey the harmony of Plett’s youngest but fast-establishing school, Bahia Formosa in Ladywood, where the concept of holistic education is at an absolute premium. Open for registration to learners from preschool to Grade 7, the management now invites interested parents and their kids to enquire. See the advert on this page for contact details and additional information.
People, places & events Photo: Andries Coetzee
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SURFERS OF ALL AGES UNITE: Plett legend Mark Carter-Johnson, above - here making sure no Vic Bay traffic blocks his way to the waves - was one of the, erm, more experienced surfers to converge on this famous George beach hamlet two weekends ago when the second of three Groms Trials were hosted by Eden Surf Riders. At left, some of the younger set make their way up the hill to their happy camping spot. From left are Jade, Ruan, Sebastian and Matthew.
BOWLING IN STYLE: A fun and competitive Ladies Day took place at Plettenberg Bay Bowling Club earlier this month, and Adrie Teunissen shared these photos. Winners were, from left with Barry Ricketts, Carolyn Thomashoff, Miems James, and skip Nell Meyer. Best-dressed ladies at right were skip Eileen Grosskopff, Dot Nimmo, the club’s Julie Deferville, and Nita Davis.
ENTERTAINMENT
22 February 2017
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Roses and thorns alike are invited to witness the launch of this world-first electric cello trio
CELLO CHAMPIONS: From left, Carol Thorns, Dorette Roos, and Anjulie Nock have chosen Plett Music Fest to launch their new band ‘Rosanthorn’ on Sunday at The White House Photo: Andrew Gorman
OMBINING the extensive talents of Dorette Roos of Cape Town Philharmonic, electric cello pioneer and SAMA nominee Carol Thorns, and cellist cum composer Anjulie Nock, Rosanthorn is an exciting new offering on the South African music scene. And excellent news for music aficionados in CX Country is that this impressive collaboration, awaited with eager anticipation by their many fans all over SA, will be launched during Plett Music Festival’s final show night on February 26. A world-first all-female electric cello trio, the members of Rosanthorn have been hard at work in studio to record their debut album. Although hailing from different musical backgrounds, these three cellists share an exciting vision to revisit and reposition an instrument so often overlooked. Says producer and composer Helmut Meijer: “The sound of the three cellos
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KAROO VIEW
COTTAGES
www.karooview.co.za
together is exquisite. Musically, this project is extremely satisfying and a pleasure to record. I predict that Rosanthorn is going to be the talk of the town. “They are, as we speak, setting out a compositional and technical journey to explore all that the cello has to offer across multiple genres and timbres, with the help of South Africa’s top composers and producers.” With a repertoire including interpretations of works as varied as Vivaldi’s Double Concerto in G Minor, Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, and Imogen Heap’s Hide and Seek, Sunday night’s Plett Music Festival audience has much to look forward to. Anjulie Nock has composed new works such as Night Journey (with a stirring Game of Thrones-feel) and an original tango (think Scent of a Woman for cello). The Parting by Helmut Meijer is a reflective, stripped-down, and soulful composition that inspired
the trio’s first music video (now available for viewing on YouTube). Do not miss Rosanthorn’s official launch on February 26 at the Plett Music Festival, taking place at The White House Theatre from tomorrow night onwards. This popular annual event raises funds for the Kids of Kurland (www.kidsofkur land.com) School Project and has over the past four years contributed significantly to resources at Kurland Primary, most importantly by funding extra teachers. Each evening’s show will be preceded by music in the White House courtyard from 7pm, with snacks and drinks on sale. Space is limited, as past performances have always attracted full houses. Buy tickets at The Old House Shop in Plett CBD, or book by calling Ann Fermor on 082 452 8764, and see the advert on this page for additional information.
23RD – 26TH FEBRUARY 2017 Thursday 23 February | 20h00. Mia Swart and Partners Friday 24 February | 20h00. The Ubuntu Bass Baritones Saturday 25 February | 20h00. Plett All Stars Sunday 26 February | 20h00. Rosanthorn Cello Trio
VENUE The White House Theatre Tickets R200 PROGRAMME & TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM The Old House Shop, Plett or contact Ann Fermor, Tel: 082 452 8764
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INTERVAL
22 February 2017
It’s time again for the annual Stella Awards OR those unfamiliar with these awards, they are named after 81-yearold Stella Liebeck, who spilled hot coffee on herself and successfully sued the McDonald’s in New Mexico where she bought the coffee. You remember, she took the lid off the coffee and put it between her knees while she was driving. Who would ever think one could get burned doing that, right? That’s right; these are awards for the most outlandish lawsuits and verdicts in the US. These cases make you shake your head in disbelief… Here are the Stellas for this year: SEVENTH PLACE Kathleen Robertson of Austin, Texas was awarded $80,000 by a jury of her peers after breaking her ankle tripping over a toddler who was running inside a furniture store. The store owners were understandably surprised by the verdict, considering the running toddler was her own son. SIXTH PLACE Carl Truman, 19, of Los Angeles, California won $74,000 plus medical expenses when his neighbour ran over his hand with a Honda Accord. Truman had apparently not noticed there was someone at the wheel of the car when he was trying to steal his neighbour’s hubcaps. FIFTH PLACE Terrence Dickson, of Bris-
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tol, Pennsylvania, who was leaving a house he had just burglarised by breaking into the garage. Unfortunately for Dickson, the automatic garage door opener malfunctioned and he could not get the door to open. Worse, he couldn’t re-enter the house because the door connecting the garage to the house locked when he pulled it shut. Forced to sit for EIGHT days and survive on a case of Pepsi and a large bag of dry dog food, he sued the homeowner’s insurance company, claiming undue mental anguish. Amazingly, the jury said the insurance company had to pay Dickson $500,000 for his anguish. We should all have this kind of anguish… FOURTH PLACE Jerry Williams, of Little Rock, Arkansas garnered fourth place in the Stellas when he was awarded $14,500 plus medical expenses after being bitten on the butt by his next door neighbour’s beagle - even though the beagle was on a chain in its owner’s fenced yard. Williams did not get as much as he asked for because the jury believed the beagle might have been provoked at the time of the butt bite. You see, Williams had climbed over the fence into the yard and repeatedly shot the dog with a pellet gun. THIRD PLACE Amber Carson of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, as a
jury ordered a Philadelphia restaurant to pay her $113,500 after she slipped on a spilled soft drink and broke her tailbone. The reason the soft drink was on the floor: Ms Carson had thrown it at her boyfriend 30 seconds earlier during an argument. SECOND PLACE Kara Walton of Claymont, Delaware sued the owner of a night club in a nearby city because she fell from the bathroom window to the floor, knocking out her two front teeth. Even though Ms Walton was trying to sneak through the ladies room window to avoid paying the $3.50 cover charge, the jury said the night club had to pay her $12,000 plus dental expenses. FIRST PLACE This year’s runaway first place Stella Award winner is Mrs Merv Grazinski, of Oklahoma City, Okla-
homa, who purchased a new 32-foot Winnebago motor home. On her first trip home, from a football game, having driven on to the freeway, she set the cruise control at 70mph and calmly left the driver’s seat to go to the back of the Winnebago to make herself a sandwich. Not surprisingly, the motor home left the freeway, crashed and overturned. Also not surprisingly, Mrs Grazinski sued Winnebago for not putting in the owner’s manual that she couldn’t actually leave the driver’s seat while the cruise control was set. The Oklahoma jury awarded her $1,750,000 PLUS a new motor home. Winnebago actually changed their manuals as a result of this suit, just in case Mrs Grazinski had any relatives who might also buy motor homes.
When you are dead, you don’t know that you’re dead. All of the pain is felt by others.
The same thing happens when you are stupid.
HOME & HEALTH
22 February 2017
CXPRESS
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Neglected pup loved back to life in five months flat! Read CXPRESS online at www.cxpress.co.za
HAPPY CHAPPIE: Tia was nurtured from a 24-hours to live prognosis, left, to today’s zesty little girl
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HOTOGRAPHER and dog lover Di Goosen shared this story of a miracle pup, after recently completing a course at Veronica’s Puppy Training School. “We got hold of Tia in mid-September last year, and was told that she had less than 24 hours to live. She had already lost her
interest in life - her spirit was broken. “Weighing only 2.5kg, Tia had Ricketts, anaemia, mange, and was infested with worms. She was literally just skin and bones, having survived by eating bugs from the soil. But we would not let her give up on herself and we did not give up on her.
“After a week, she had doubled her weight; two weeks later she weighed 10kg and five months down the line, she pulls the scale at 20kg. Full of life, Tia is now a happy little girl with so much to give!” Added Veronica: “Tia is a confidant little soul and gets on with all breeds, of all shapes and sizes. She
is really a happy chappie and her mom, Di, wants her to continue our puppy classes, even though she has completed the course. “Di and Tia enjoy their classes and besides daily walks, she is also a natural and furious swimmer!” • See the advert on this page for Veronica’s contact details.
And now… a nursery at Old Nick Village! HE Roadside Nursery now has a big sister - the Red Shed Nursery @ Old Nick Village - a top quality nursery in the heart of this quaint village just off the Plett N2. Not only supplying outstanding plants, the Red Shed team also provides knowledgeable service coupled with competitive pricing. This nursery allows the customer to browse and enjoy the array of colours, textures, and scents. A sea of purple lavenders alongside striking white iceberg roses, swathes of grasses, beautiful daisies,
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GET GREEN AT THE RED SHED: This nursery at Old Nick Village will inspire even the least keen gardener to take up a spade and start planting...
and an array of brightly coloured verbenas lead you up the pathway to the Red Shed, filled with lush green indoor plants and stunning gift ideas. Look no further for a garden centre that provides an experience which will inspire even the least keen gardener to take up a spade and start planting. Visit the Red Shed for a huge variety of quality plants in a beautiful location with GREAT PRICES and weekly specials. They are open seven days a week 9am5pm - call 084 727 1777 to find out more.
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CXPRESS
22 February 2017
Paws
Plett Animal Welfare Service
CLASSIFIEDS
ON THE SOAPBOX
22 February 2017
Letters to the Editor
CXPRESS
Email: editor@cxpress.co.za - Fax: 044 533 0852 - PO Box 1449, Plett 6600
I think… therefore I AM On special kindnesses Well? I am a thinking animal and, most importantly, a sociable animal. But lately I have found that when I socialise, the conversation is often limited - mostly to current affairs, sports, politics… I am thinking (again) that it would be a good idea to gather a small group of interesting people in Plett who would like to socialise and think about the subject of some of the unanswerables. For starters: philosophy, the humanities, friendship, happiness, creative thinking, why are we here on this lonely planet? Where are we going? Where do we want to go? What is life? What are beauty, truth, goodness, and love? What are mind and intelligence? The significance of the human biome, cellular intelligence, bacteria? What does the Anthro-
pocene age hold for us, from robotics, genetic engineering and energy to medicine, longevity, and nuclear war? Rumi wrote: ‘The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you / Don’t go back to sleep / You must ask for what you really want / Don’t go back to sleep / People are going back and forth / Across the doorsill where the two worlds touch / The door is round and open / Don’t go back to sleep’. If this idea interests you, let’s get together and discuss: where, how, and when such thinking should think. Don’t go back to sleep. If you are a mature person, email me at marshmellow@mweb.co.za and tell me about yourself and how you think. (Be warned; I am a mature male…) Mike Wells, Plett
I have always maintained that we live in a special little piece of paradise, and a recent incident just manifests this fact once again. Plett people never cease to surprise one with their kindness and generosity. So my story goes: I was trying to reverse out of a parking space at Plett Medicine Depot. We all know how congested that little beehive can get. Out of the corner of my eye I spotted a police van - in fact, it was parked next to me. I saw the policeman getting out and quickly checked if I had my safety belt on; it was either that or he was interested in my car (a lot of people want to buy it). Well, lo and behold, the
policeman wasn’t interested in either. He walked to the back of his van to check for any oncoming traffic, so that I could safely reverse! How’s that for a brilliant piece of thoughtfulness? Thanks, sir, your kindness was much appreciated. Sonia Naude, Plett --I would like to thank Nathen from Bitou Traffic department, as well as Justin from Gary’s Motor Spares, who helped me when I got stuck with a flat car battery last Wednesday afternoon in front of Plett’s post office. Your kindness is really appreciated. Thank you once again. Ina Pauling, Plett
God turned Melody’s mess into a message
Recycling bins not user-friendly I have been a very conscientious collector and sorter-outer of all our household rubbish for many years. I collect the free yellow bags from the municipal office, fill them up, and drive to the ridiculous recycling bins. I have no
way of depositing items in the correct bin, unless I am prepared to stand there for an hour posting them into the small openings provided. Such a bad design! One should be able to post the whole bag. JJ Prior, Plett
Ragers not encouraged to consume alcohol I would like to respond to only one statement made in CXPRESS by ‘Members: Plett Neighbourhood Watch’ [see page 11 of the February 8 edition at www.cxpress.co.za], even though the whole letter is open to debate. Quote: “…who by all accounts were encouraged to consume vast amounts of alcohol.” I hosted 26 matriculants on a beachfront property, in decent accommodation, with proper supervision, boys and girls separately. There were six girls and 20 boys from various schools countrywide -
very well-known ones. ALL of them came in carrying more booze than I have ever seen, with no “encouragement” from anybody. They survive on Simba chips, pizza and Kentucky, because eating is secondary. I can assure the ‘Members: Plett Neighbourhood Watch’ - and they can verify my statements with anyone in Plett who host matrics during Rage - that they are not “encouraged to consume vast amounts of alcohol”. They do this all by themselves. ‘Matric Host’, Plett
Distant thunder captured
Budding Plett photographer Micaela Pretorius said she shot this striking image of a brooding sky on February 3, when the Bay was experiencing that special rarity of far-off thunder and lightning. Check her out on Instagram @micaela_pretorius or visit www.micaela. co.za for more examples of her unique images.
SINGING A NEW SONG: ‘Melody’ was released from the spirit of alcohol abuse through prayer
I would like to let your readers know about our church, the WILL of God Ministries (WGM) in KwaNokuthula, and how God transformed the life of a local woman who used to be an alcoholic. Her testimony, below, goes to show that through prayer, God can transform someone’s life: --Before I came to WGM I had a problem with alcohol. I started drinking in 2007 and my situation was really bad - a lot of people knew about me being an alcoholic. I used to be very stressed because I was in a lot of debt due to alcohol abuse. I was working, but it didn’t make a difference. I then lost my job due to alcohol abuse. My life was a mess on the streets of Kwano. I was desperately looking for someone who could maybe take me to a rehabilitation centre - maybe things would change. I was ugly and very thin. I looked like a 50-yearold woman but I had not even reached 40. I had given up hope.
A friend invited me to a prayer session at the WILL of God Ministries. I started attending Friday services for deliverance, and a man of God prayed for me and taught me how to exercise my faith. As a result of continually going to these deliverance services, I became free and that spirit of alcohol abuse left me. I thank God for Pastor Jacob. Today I am a free woman who has been saved and has given her life to the Lord Jesus Christ. My life has changed because I have found a spiritual rehab at WGM. God will take you and wash you, from nobody to somebody, from nothing to something, from zero to hero. Jesus has changed my mess into a message. Thank you, Jesus! Melody --I am the senior pastor at Will of God Ministries and invite all your readers to come to our church at 7408 Skosana Street in KwaNokuthula, or email me at nthako@me.com for more information. Pastor Jacob, Plett
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CXPRESS
SPORT & ADVENTURE
22 February 2017
South African racers hog podium in this year’s ‘Chair Challenge’ ATURDAY’S 15th annual Outeniqua ‘Chair Challenge (OCC) - a race exclusively for athletes living with physical disabilities - saw South African athletes dominating on the podium. The all-SA winners in the 42km men’s race were Steward McCreadie (hand cycle), Ernst van Dyk (racing chair), and Pieter du Preez, who took the quads title. Claiming victory in the women’s 42km race was South Africa’s Justine Asher (hand cycle), with Ayishetu Seidu from Ghana winning the racing chair category. The streets of George were filled with helpers and supporters from early morning as the more than 1,500 wheelchair racers tackled a tough new course over the standard marathon and half marathon distances of 42.2km and 21.1km. There was also a fun race of 5km for community members and supporters who wanted to push the athletes or walk with them. Sponsored by George Airport, the race once again attracted competitors from all over South
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COLOURFUL CRUISERS: Participants in the 10km race wheel off from the starting line at the 2017 Outeniqua Wheelchair Challenge in George on February 18
Africa and as far afield as West Africa, the United Kingdom, and Zimbabwe. George Municipality has facilitated the event over the past 15 years. George Airport manager Brenda Vorster believes the OCC is growing in stature and reputation among athletes living with physical disabilities, and it has become the airport’s flagship project. “The course is a strong test of fitness, strength and
For more information contact us on 044 533 0897
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mental preparation. The fact that there are so many athletes participating and such good crowds along the course is testament to the growing popularity of the race,� she says. “It is very rewarding to see how the event has grown in leaps and bounds. The resilience and determination of the athletes, watching them improve their performance year after year and then move onto compet-
ing on the global stage shows us that our investment in this event has a demonstrable impact.� The event would not be what it is today without the support of the community in and around George. Pride and excitement from supporters and volunteers at this year’s race was almost electric. Even the rainy weather could not dampen the spirit that OCC brings to the town of George. OCC organiser and champion Ansie Swart believes that the race is now firmly in place as the premier event for athletes living with physical disabilities. “There are road races for able-bodied athletes that have become iconic and always fire up the imagination. We feel that the Outeniqua Wheelchair Challenge is well on its way to earning such iconic status for athletes living with physical disabilities,� she says. Swart hopes to continue developing the race so that it attracts not only more world class athletes, but also participants from communities all around the country.