22 January 2020
Published every Wednesday by CXpress 2006 (Pty) Ltd - PO Box 1449, Plettenberg Bay 6600 - 6 Park Lane, Plettenberg Bay - Tel: 044 533 1004 - Fax: 044 533 0852 Email: editor@cxpress.co.za / advertising@cxpress.co.za Web page: www.cxpress.co.za Printed by Group Editors
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Anglers honoured
During D Du urriing ing ng a c ceremony errre e em e mony ony a on att tthe he h eS Storms torm to rms Ri Rive River iv ve er rest rre est st camp on Saturday, tribute was paid to two Tsitsikamma fishermen whose mission it was to fight for fishing rights in the surrounding Marine Protected Area - read more on page 5
Photo: Vinthi Neufeld
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CXPRESS
NEWS & VIEWS
22 January 2020
Some things I’ve never forgotten: bushveld breakfasts with Dad, and Ma Pearlie’s guinea fowl casserole Former Plett resident ALASTAIR GRANT shares memories of days gone by and a game bird recipe that has stood the test of time IXTY years ago, chickens arrived at the back door of our house in Harare on the back of a clapped-out old bicycle in a little cage made of bent wood and bark string. They were delivered alive. Sometimes we bought them dressed from the Greek grocer and butcher at Cambitsi’s store, but he never put ‘free range’ on the labels because they were just hukus. All chickens ran freely on the farms and small holdings. Some were so tough we had to cook them in a pressure pot, which was also how my mother usually cooked guinea fowl. I have fond memories of our life in Zimbabwe, back when it was Rhodesia: Being out in the bush at sunrise with gun and dog on the Highveld really sharpens the appetite. We could be out by six on a Saturday in July, our hands numb with cold, following the dog with his nose to the ground and tail wagging excitedly. He knew what he was about - flushing hidden partridges or francolin. You had to be alert and quick to get a shot at such an explosively fast bird bursting out of the grass at your feet. But when the dog got onto the scent of guinea fowl, they would run like little ostriches with the dog after them, spoiling any chances of a shot. By ten o’clock we were ready for a late breakfast of bacon and egg cooked in the veld on a flat iron grid that we kept in Dad’s car boot. We would light a fire of dry wood from the veld, which heated the grid in three minutes. The kettle went on first, then the bacon and bread to be toast-
ed. This was followed by eggs broken onto the hot iron. When they were done, the kettle would be boiling for coffee. Dad liked his industrial strength. Those breakfasts cooked outdoors smelled and tasted so good. Game birds had the best life. Unlike chickens, they were truly wild. It’s not easy to buy them here today, but the supermarkets in Europe offer partridge, pigeon, quail, duck, rabbit, poulets, and corn-fed chicken. Things are changing now, as a few suppliers in the Western Cape can provide some of these items. Game birds are seasonal. They are hatched in summer and killed in winter so the birds should be less than a year old. The liver and gizzards are excellent for liver pâtÊ or a salade au gÊsiers, so don’t discard them. Use at once as they don’t keep. Guinea fowl, like all meat, must be hung in a cold store for about a week before being frozen or delivered fresh. They have virtually no fat, so bacon rashers are added. We have made this recipe in France with the addition of four oysters. (When it was my son Graeme’s turn to cook, we had the oysters as starter.) It was a particularly good casserole. My mother, Pearlie Grant (1909-1996) who lived her last years at Formosa Garden Village, left me this recipe for guinea fowl casserole. It’s a slightly more elaborate version that she used when entertaining. Ingredients • 1 guinea fowl jointed and dusted with flour • 3 bacon rashers • 1 onion sliced and chopped • 1 tbsp butter (optional)
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• 1 tbsp balsamic reduction • 1 small stick of celery chopped finely (optional) • 4 prunes or a tablespoon of dried cranberries (optional) • 350ml stock made from guinea fowl carcase, neck, etc. • 1 tbsp apricot jam or a third glass sweet muscatel wine • 1 glass white wine and half a glass red wine • 3 garlic cloves crushed • A couple of anchovy fillets, oysters or a little oyster sauce (optional) • A sprig thyme and rosemary bouquet garni • A bay leaf or two • Olive oil for cooking - extra virgin. • One tsp salt and some ground black pepper Method • Cut up the bird into joints discarding most of the skin. Dust them in flour. • Make the stock from giblets and carcase of the bird - add a bay leaf and two slices onion. Brown the onion in a heavy pan with the butter and the bacon rashers. Remove to one side while the guinea fowl joints and breast meat are browned in a little olive oil. • Deglaze the pan with some of the wine and put all the meat and onions in a warmed heavy iron casserole pot and pour in the stock and remaining wine. Add the balsamic reduction, garlic, herbs, salt and pepper. • Cook 15min with the lid on and then taste it. Adjust acidity with the muscatel or apricot jam. Cook slowly on the stove for 15min and taste again. Adjust seasoning and acidity, bring back to boiling point. • Place the pot in a hot-box to continue cooking for about
three hours. Alternatively, cook for another 60min in a slow oven (140C). If the sauce is thin, pour it off to reduce it in a saucepan and then return it to the casserole. • Serve the guinea fowl with a spoonful of jelly - quince, raspberry or apple - on each plate. (We made rosella jelly in Zimbabwe and it can’t be equalled unless you find some rosellas). Parsnips, beans and potatoes cooked in a hot pan with cumin seed or baked dauphinoise would all go well with the guinea fowl.
Guinea fowl on protected list N the Western Cape, the Nature Conservation Ordinance, 1974 is enforced for the hunting of wild animals. Protected wild animals include guinea fowl, Spur-winged geese, Egyptian geese, kudu and duiker. Hunters who are in possession of a valid hunting licence may only hunt these protected wild animal species within specified hunting seasons, and in accordance with a daily bag limits. You may not hunt alongside a public road or use a weapon in a public place within the boundaries of an urban area, as this constitutes a danger to others. Certain hunting methods are prohibited, because they are not selective, are unethical and do not allow an animal a reasonable chance of survival. You may not hunt at night, from one hour after sundown until one hour before sunrise, because the light is so poor you can only shoot unselectively. In such conditions you will not be able to see when you are aiming at a pregnant female, for example.
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NEWS & VIEWS
22 January 2020
CXPRESS
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Ratepayers in CX Country join forces to compare notes Bitou and Knysna residents, who have become disgruntled with issues within local municipalities, are joining forces in an attempt to ‘returning good governance’ - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports LETTENBERG Bay Ratepayers Association’s Debi Nicholson said due to the “uncertain state of governance” in municipalities along the Garden Route, local ratepayers’ associations had found themselves “forced into taking a more active role in returning good governance to our municipalities”. “One way or another, the towns are faced with similar, if not identical, issues and have decided to form an informal affiliation of ratepayers’ associations (RPAs) and homeowners associations (HOAs) to open channels of communication in order to share experiences, knowledge, and solutions. “This will allow the associations to present a united front when having to deal with government at provincial and national levels,” Nicholson said. The groups that have formed this alliance include the Plettenberg Bay and Knysna RPAs, Keurbooms Property Owners Association, Nature’s Valley RPA, Belvidere and Leisure Isle homeowners associations, Buffalo Bay and Sedgefield RPAs, and The Crags Resi-
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dents Association. “All nine associations are affiliated in the Garden Route and other RPAs and HOAs are welcome to join.” With regards to the concerns of the various associations, Nicholson said they have had one meeting attended by a representative from each association to discuss the alliance in principle. “Now that we all agree with unifying our voice, the next meeting will discuss issues of concern to all our members. It could be issues of provincial oversight and accountability, or better cost controls.” One of the issues the Plett Ratepayers Association has been fighting is what they have dubbed the “unlawful appointment” of Bitou’s municipal manager. Lonwabo Ngoqo was saved from being expelled from office after a recent court application to have him ousted had failed. This comes after a labour court finding on August 13 last year that Ngoqo’s appointment in February 2019 was unlawful - this after he was dismissed in 2012 over financial misconduct. The municipality has since
appealed the decision. Plett RPA’s vice chair Peter Gaylard wrote in an open letter recently that the contract of employment under which Ngoqo had been appointed was unlawful and therefore void. “This fact has been recognised by the judgment on August 13. The fact that the labour
court declined to enforce the judgment has no effect on the status of the employment contract - it was void at commencement and remains so,” Gaylard wrote. As a result, he added, Ngoqo has held office illegally and whatever he has done in this capacity is unauthorised and open to attack.
Gaylard said the Bitou council, knowing this fact, has not taken any action to remove Ngoqo from office. “In remaining supine, councillors expose themselves to liability for losses by the municipality suffered as a result of the illegal tenure. They have a duty to act conscientiously in the best
interests of Bitou residents, and by permitting Ngoqo to remain in office and recompensing him accordingly, they breach the duty in question.” • Please email debiknichol son@msn.com with enquiries regarding the alliance of ratepayers associations in Knysna and Plett.
Knysna United calls for solidarity in fight against drugs Ludumo Tede
NYSNA United encourages Hornlee residents to stand together in the fight against drugs in their community, and not to involve themselves in acts of looting immigrant-owned shops when addressing communal problems. Various meetings took place last week between local police, community members, and a group of immigrants to extinguish recently flared-up anger. This follows a campaign against owners of the Pride Store grocery shop, who were being accused of causing the death of local resident Donald van Rooyen. It is alleged that Van Rooy-
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en was roughed up at the shop before being admitted to Knysna Provincial Hospital, where he later died. After his passing, the police told Hornlee residents they could not keep the suspect behind lock and key, as the cause of Van Rooyen’s death was still unclear. They are awaiting the autopsy report to determine cause of death. In the meantime, Knysna United leader Ralph Stander condemned the looting of Pride Store by community members during an address to residents. Stander is especially critical of actions involving foreign nationals, labelling the looting of their businesses as “pure criminality”. He said the poverty suf-
fered by many in the community caused such incidents, but called on residents to rather use their energy to stand together, quoting the example of when they had picketed to precipitate the arrest of a shopkeeper suspected of dealing in drugs. “Poverty in our communities is the result of all this. Looting is pure criminality and we condemn it strongly. I would like members of our community to use the solidarity they had shown recently in the fight against the scourge of drugs in our community. “We are the ones who can get rid of drugs, not the police. Our confidence in our police force is low, but drug lords should be identified
and dealt with,” he said. Stander is not casting the net at all immigrants when it comes to drug-related issues. “Not all foreign nationals are involved in dealing drugs. Sometimes you will find someone standing outside of their shops selling drugs, but that does not mean the owner is involved in such dealings. “We have made it clear to shop owners that no loitering outside their shops should be accepted.” He said he was impressed by the cooperation from the majority of foreign national residents, as they had promised to work with the community to hand fellow immigrants involved in drug dealing over to the police.
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CXPRESS
NEWS & VIEWS
22 January 2020
Many questions on expropriation of land legislation hang in the air Stuart Murray
HE timeline for comments on the Draft Bill to amend Section 25 of the Constitution to allow expropriation of land without compensation and return it to its traditional/original owners has run its course. Submissions close on January 31. So now what?
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President Ramaphosa has repeatedly demanded that the land restoration issue must be finalised this year. He has appealed to all political parties to cooperate and has asked the business sector to develop a donations policy enabling companies to voluntarily release underutilised land to communities whose land was taken away
- an issue which goes back to the 17th century. The Dutch East India Company set itself up in Cape Town in 1652 and following this the colonists acquired land, by force when necessary, from the local San and Khoikhoi people. Land grants to settlers were used to legitimate these actions. It wasn’t long before the
005-417 NPO
Garden Route
British moved into the Cape, clashing with the Dutch Settlers which culminated in war. In 1814 the Cape Colony, as it was called, was ceded outright to Britain by the Netherlands. This led to a wave of British settlers, who were just as land hungry as the Dutch. This article is not a history lesson. It is a reminder of the influence of two separate nations on our culture and our laws, the point being that South African property law - until the new Constitution in 1994 - has been heavily influenced by Roman-Dutch law, and to a much lesser extent, English property law. Basically, English property law does not recognise the possession of property rights through conquest (William Wallace must be turning in his grave). Roman Dutch law is the opposite: it recognises that property rights arise from just acquisition, and that acquisition includes violence! During the colonial era, settlers grew in numbers throughout South Africa as the country developed - the Boer Voortrekkers in 1834, the British in Natal, displacing the indigenous people. Native reserves were established in Natal as early as 1848. After the South African War the Union of South Africa was formed (May 1910), but black people were excluded from meaningful participation. The Natives Land Act passed in 1913 denied
Africans access to land which prior they had either owned or leased from white farmers. Legislation targeting black and Indian people were also passed, such as the Native Trust and Land Act, and Trading and Occupation of Land Restriction Act, to name a couple. The ascendancy to power in 1948 of the National Party led to the passing of the Group Areas Act and Native Resettlement Act, among other laws that forced removals of African, Indian and Coloured people from their areas of residence. The historian WJ du Plessis wrote: “By the time of the advent of the New South Africa, about 17,000 statutory measures had been issued to segregate and control land division, with 14 different land control systems... No wonder the Restitution of Land debate has become such an emotive issue. The big question is, can it be resolved equitably? Another is whether restitution is about land or about wealth. A government statement published last year reported that the State had acquired 3.4-million hectares that had been assigned to new owners. Interestingly, R11.6-million was paid to those who opted for cash rather than land. One major problem is that the public is short of answers to a number of major issues, compounded by a fear of a very heavy hand. For example, what is
meant by “land” - uncultivated swathes of natural land, such as private nature reserves? Agricultural land, productive or fallow? Land in towns, cities and villages? And what about land improvements? Does a farm include the farmer’s home, his stables, sheds, and machinery? Does it refer to foreign-owned land? To industrial land? And here’s a real grinder: what about debt? The latest unofficial estimate I have unearthed on farm debt alone is R160-billion, made up of 62% commercial banks; 27% land and agri banks, and 7% agri co-ops. Who will pay the Piper? There may be a glimmer of sense. The Draft Bill to amend Section 25 of the Constitution does not specify circumstances when no compensation may be given. Rather, it states that a separate piece of legislation must set out the circumstances where the courts may determine where no compensation is necessary. Furthermore, S25 (3) (a) reads: “National legislation must, subject to subsections (2) and (3) set out specific circumstances where a court may determine the amount...” Either way, it’s going to be a bumpy ride. • Stuart Murray (stuart murray758@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 Plettenberg Bay.
Hospitality sector positive after good festive season numbers HE hospitality sector in the Western Cape has experienced a positive festive season, based on initial feedback for hotels in the region and according to early reports from Fedhasa Cape members. The healthy numbers seen over the festive season were despite challenges such as load-shedding, visitor perceptions around safety, and water restrictions. Fedhasa Cape is the primary representative body and voice for the Western Cape Hospitality Industry, with many of its members experiencing an improvement in numbers year on year, explains spokesperson Richard Lyon. A number of members had an increase in revenue, and most maintained a steady occupancy rate. This was driven by holidaymakers from other provinces, as well as international travellers such as the English cricket team supporters who visited South Africa for a test series between the two countries. Christmas day and New Year’s Eve also brought
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business to the doors of local hotels, with several properties fully booked for celebratory events. Says Lyon: “While it is too early to determine occupancy and revenue figures for the entire industry over the festive season, the general sentiment among Fedhasa Cape members is that the season has been very positive.
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND: Minister David Maynier said the industry experienced growth in various domestic tourism sectors, including wine estates and tour operators
“Current feedback provided by member establishments indicates that many hotels have experienced a busy December. This has also been reflected in other sectors, such as at restaurants and attractions, when hotel staff have been requested to make bookings on behalf of guests.” But it was not just the hospitality industry that had a positive festive season: a recent statement by provincial minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities David Maynier indicated that the industry had experienced promising growth in domestic tourism. According to Maynier, various sectors had experienced positive visitor numbers, including wine estates, caravan parks, and tour operators. “The industry as a whole is feeling positive about the year ahead. Tourism is a key sector to improve economic growth and we believe that despite various challenges faced by the industry, there is nowhere better to visit than the Western Cape,” concludes Lyon.
NEWS & VIEWS
22 January 2020
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CXPRESS
Tsitsikamma anglers honoured with ceremony and plaque in prime nature spot Words & photos: Vinthi Neufeld
Friday 14th February 2020 I LOVE L BILLY, ELTON & FREDDIE! E! Cat's Valentine's Eve Concert
Sensational Sensat Cat Simoni celebrates her return to Bosky Dell this Valentine's,, with a personal selection of her favorites from the songbooks of piano -composer legends Billy Joel, Elton John and Freddie Mercury. -co ry. Vivacious V Vi vacious Cat promises to deliver a Valentine's Eve to savour for all connisseurs seurs of Pop.
R500 per ticket Doors open at 6.30pm - Guests to be seated by 7pm. With a welcome glass of bubbly in the Pavilion and Rose Garden followed by a candle-litt mezze in the Conservatory. Cash bar TICKETS FOR FRIDAY EVENING CONCERT TO BE BOOKED THROUGH LADY CONYNGHAM:
PAYING TRIBUTE WITH WORDS AND DEEDS: Seated from left are widows Ria Langisa and Francis Pedro with members of the Tsitsikamma Angling Forum leadership standing behind them - from left are chairman Henrico Bruiners, Simon Sokomani, Clive Nelson, Henry Fleurs, Herman and Shane Cunningham, and Gerald Botha
plaque in honour of Tsitsikamma anglers who died while in pursuit of gaining fishing rights in the Marine Protected Area (MPA) was unveiled in the Tsitsikamma section of Garden Route National Park on Saturday January 18. Speaking at the ceremony, Tsitsikamma Angling Forum chairperson Henrico Bruiners said he was overcome by emotion when thinking about the process leading to the partial opening of this special section of ocean to local anglers. “The plaque serves as a memoir for the Tsitsikamma angling community and signifies the struggle endured leading to the opening of the sea,” said Bruinders. Former Angling Forum
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chair Shane Cunningham also reflected on the 25-year journey that culminated in the MPA’s rezoning, and the debates and discussions between scientists and anglers that continued throughout. The plaque pays tribute to John ‘Johny’ William Pedro (1951-2009) and Christiaan Jacobus Langisa (1945-2018), and takes pride of place in the Park: on a bench in a prime spot en route to the famous suspension bridge. Christiaan’s daughter Wilma spoke fondly about her father’s last days, as well as the painful years of being denied access to the fishing grounds. Koukamma mayor Sam Vuso, who unveiled the plaque, played an impor-
FOND REMORIES: The plaque and photo pictured at left, and Christiaan’s daughter Wilma Langisa addressing the audience
PARK FOR THE PEOPLE: Tsitsikamma manager Victor Mokoena highlighted the importance of having a healthy relationship with local communities
tant part during negotiations with the Department of Environmental Affairs and SANParks. He said Tsitsikamma anglers fished in the sea for generations, prior to the complete closing of the MPA in 2000, when it was declared a complete no-take zone. “The restoration of rights to fish in three zones is a restoration of dignity, which is part of the government’s agenda. We cannot stop there, and need to continue working closely with SANParks,” Vuso said. As custodians of Garden Route National Park, SANParks has the dual function of providing benefits for the society and at the same time ensuring that nature is protected for current and future generations. Park manager for Tsitsikamma Victor Mokoena said: “Although tighter control was placed to manage the zones, it is important for the Park to have a healthy relationship with communities living in and around it.” Controls include that any person who wishes to register must apply to the management authority (SANParks) for registration, and supply proof that they live in a Tsitsikamma community as part of the application. Other requirements include a copy of their South African ID document, and a copy of a valid recreation angling or bait permit issued according to the Marine Living Resources Act of 1998. Some 360 anglers have fished in three separate areas of the MPA since rezoning three years ago. Marine ecologists and scientists continue monitoring fish stocks in the no-take areas and the 20% controlled take-zones. The Park’s People and Conservation sector works closely with the Forum, various Tsitsikamma communities, and several environmental organisations.
aconyngham@telkomsa.net Payment to the: PlettAid Foundation. FNB Code: 210 514 Account no: 620 4809 5063. Reference: your name/cat Please forward payment details to: aconyngham@telkomsa.net
Saturday 15th February 2020 DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES
Cat's Concert in the Rose Garden for Valentine's Weekend This is Cat's old black magic selection, in the Rose Garden weather permitting; otherwise in the Conservatory
R250 per ticket
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Gates open at 11.30am - Concert will start at noon. Bring your own picnic. Cash Gin and Pimms bars. Freshly-baked pizzas will be available for sale.
TICKETS FOR SATURDAY CONCERT TO BE BOOKED THROUGH BARNEY BARNARD Market Square Information Centre: Tel: 044 533 3219
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CXPRESS
NEWS & VIEWS
22 January 2020
Please don’t eat my son - school fees have been paid and a uniform bought! ERE’S some new news from Jack the Wag - the only Jack Russell who writes for CXPRESS [see ‘Anyone keen on a dog called Kevin?’ on page 11 of the April 3, 2019 edition at www.cxpress.co.za]. This is the inside story (you read it here first!) on the appearance of a Great White shark that drove everyone out of the water and on to the beach at Robberg, in the earliest days of this year and thus the peak holiday season. The first I knew about it was while relaxing in my basket, guarding the madam’s property as she rushed home from her day job for lunch. She made a bit of a fuss of me, of course, knowing how much I like that, then tried the door to find it locked. The key was not in the usual place (under me, under a blanket, since you ask - but don’t tell anyone). Now Madam was expecting guests and couldn’t get into her own house, a dire no-no! Thinking quickly she left at once for Solar Beach, where Chas the Controller of Lifeguards informed her that her son would be on duty (lovely lad, gotta fine pair of shoulders). Of course, the parking was chokka as so many others had the same idea of going there. Still on lunch, she had to find him quickly, get his key, and get back home. Later that evening at a family braai, I heard the
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BROAD SHOULDERS: Lifeguards like the madam’s boy have been trained to be alert, the whole day long, since the age of seven when first joining Plett Nippers
whole story while sidling and slinking around under the tables snagging lekker scraps, particularly from her old chap who always looks after me in that department. When a very heated Madam got to Solar, strangely she saw no one in the sea except a lone lifeguard on his Mali board beyond the waves. She said to herself: ‘It has to be him. Just when I need him most.’ She had to have that key, so trudged across the crowded beach to the lifeguard station (she calls it a ‘tip’). She found his bag and the spare key, so problem solved. More at ease now, she asked herself: ‘Why is my son out there alone with everyone watching him from the beach?’ Then she heard those dread words ‘Great White’ and it
dawned… OMG! People said they’d seen it close to him in the water, that it was he who’d blown the whistle to get everyone moving out of the waves to safety. At the braai that night, the family were making jokes about the incident, and I’ll tell you what was said in a PS, as it would be too easy to end all this glibly with an ‘all’s well that ends well’. What I have to say is that we have to be very, VERY grateful to these kids, trained - since the age of seven when they joined Nippers - to be alert the whole day long in any weather to keep our beaches safe for visitors, sometimes at great personal risk. And I have to include our NSRI volunteers in there, too. As I said, the family joked about it afterwards and some of the lovely chirps included the one of the madam standing on the beach shouting to her son: ‘Get back here right now, you naughty boy. I’m gonna give you such a klap for causing all this fuss!’ Then, as her son the lifeguard paddled into the shallows, lapping up the applause from an admiring crowd, she confided: ‘I’ve paid his school fees for the term already - bought a new uniform, too…’ Phew, am I glad all my days aren’t quite this exciting! Apologies if I haven’t got it entirely right… (As told to John Johnson.)
Help us to keep our children from harm LETT Active Youth (PAY) is a local development organisation chaired by Faizel Kleynhans, who said they would like to start off the year with a big THANK YOU from all the kids who benefitted from their Sharing and Caring charity Christmas event in New Horizons. “All those who sponsored us touched the lives of many kids who would otherwise not have had a festive lunch or an understanding of the spirit of Christmas. Thank you for opening your hearts and assisting us to put smiles on their faces,” said Faizel. The PAY team hosted over 400 very excited kids at this event, held in the final throes of last year. “We started the day with some games until the weather put a stop to it and we could continue with our formal programme indoors, including a prize-giving for the winners of games, followed by a nutritious lunch. “Then it was time for entertainment by our own MC Noemwoord as well as Luigi April, Mark Davids, Benjamin Voete, Malibu, and Danny B Entertainment on the decks. “Adri Pebbles did amazing
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FED AND GIFTED: Hundreds of kids enjoyed the food, entertainment, and presents organised by Plett Active Youth
face painting and our own Santa, pastor Hilda Plaatjies, shared a motivational message with the kids, explaining the meaning and reasons why we celebrate Christmas. We then handed out party packs to all the kids.” Faizel said the aim was to cater for 500 kids on the day and spoil them with gifts and entertainment. “We almost reached our goal, but in the end we couldn’t give a gift to everyone. However, the kids were satisfied with what they received.” In 2020, Faizel and his team hope to reach all areas throughout Bitou to bring communities from different areas together - if much needed assistance can be gained. “I call on anyone who would be able to assist with our events to contact me.
We want to start fundraising early this year in order to reach more children. We do not only appeal to those who can assist financially, but other kinds of donations like second-hand toys are also very welcome. “We believe if we can keep our kids happy, it will protect them from the day to day social ills that cross their path.” Faizel thanked Coca Cola, Santa Plett, Picnic Rock Seaside Accommodation, CXclusive brands, Bitou Community Foundation Trust, Mr and Mrs Levy, the New Horizons Neighbourhood Watch, Liz Bailey, Robberg Fine Foods, and all the artists and volunteers who assisted, saying “you are stars in your own right”. Call 078 986 3554 or email faizelkleynhans@gmail. com if you can contribute.
BUSINESS
22 January 2020
Repo rate cut welcomed for housing market, but more needed, says Seeff The recent decision by the Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee to cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25% (from 6.5%) and reducing the mortgage rate to 9.75% (from 10%) is welcomed, but we need more, says SAMUEL SEEFF HE Reserve Bank’s stance has been too conservative over the last year at the expense of the economy and the property market. Consequently it missed at least two, possibly three, opportunities to cut the rate, given that inflation has remained well within the target range for most of last year while the currency remained reasonably stable and, in fact, improved. The sentiment-boost of a rate cut should not be underestimated. South Africa’s interest rate is higher relative to the rest of the world and out of step with the economy, which is struggling while consumer and investor confidence is at recordlow levels. We have been in a holding pattern for about 18 months and it is time for decisive action from the Reserve Bank to take responsibility and provide support for the economy. We need to see at least
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WE WANT MORE: Samuel Seeff is chairman of the Seeff Property Group
a further 50-100 basis points cut from the interest rate during the first half of 2020 to restore confidence and provide vital impetus for the economy. Consumers are under enormous pressure and a rate cut will put some money back into household budgets and boost important economic sectors, including retail and housing.
Investor Focus
While the property market has continued ticking over, carried largely by the low to mid-market residential sector, it remains lacklustre. Save for the odd high value sale, the overall sense is that sales volumes remain muted as a lack of confidence continues to hold buyers back. The Seeff group believes that there is a strong desire
to invest in the property market and we anticipate an increase in demand this year, but without a push volumes are likely to continue primarily in the low to mid-market price bands, up to around R1.8-million (R3-million in some areas). The challenge of a slow market is that buyers are struggling to sell their homes in many areas which affects their ability to buy and move up. Volumes therefore remain under pressure despite the favourable buying conditions that is now boosted further by a degree of seller fatigue and a readiness to negotiate and sell. For the economy and property market to start moving meaningfully, it needs a decisive stance and push which in large part needs to come from the Reserve Bank. We simply can no longer afford this ‘wait and watch’ stance. See the advert on the cover for additional information and listings.
Malcolm Stewart – Investment manager at Michaelides Parker Wealth Knysna & Plett
NOT the forecast for 2020… ORECASTS may tell you a great deal about the forecaster; they tell you little about the future - this according to Warren Buffet. So I am only going to state the facts, rather than try my hand at forecasts or projections. Sentiment The current news flow is nearly all negative: load shedding, the continued possibility of an investment downgrade by Moody’s (making us a junk nation), paying more tax after the February Budget, SAA going into business rescue, poor economic growth projections from nearly all economists, and the Reserve Bank. Political infighting stifles economic reforms will Ramaphosa survive? Unemployment at a record high. Is this enough? Investors are focused on extreme negative and sensationalist news flows, so it is impossible not to worry, or not to react. The flow of funds out of equity unit trusts into safe havens fully illus-
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trates this emotion. Future Local Events End-February is Budget time, and Tito has already warned of tax increases. This will be followed by the Moody’s junk or no junk announcement sometime in March. We then go on to the ANC conference in June. Will the president be forced out? These are three major events; they are already in the public eye, so surprises are unlikely (unless they are on the upside)… At this stage there does not appear to be any more threatening events, although ongoing comments and debates about the usual problems are sure to continue. Local Investment Value South African investment instruments are offering record values. You can buy our banks at dividend yields of ±6%, clothing retailers at ±7%, and insurance companies at ±6%. Property (REITS) is offering ±10%, and long bonds are going at ±9% - all of this with an
inflation rate below 4%. In property or bond markets, this offers a ‘real’ return of ±5% which is unheard of. In a living annuity or RA, these returns come tax free. So the message is that one should stick to the knitting: invest when shares are cheap - the cycle always turns - take a longer-term view, and collect your income. Future Offshore Events Brexit is finally being sorted. UK investors will soon know ‘the deal’ and be able to plan ahead. November brings the US elections so expect ‘good Trump news’ (what impeachment?). The US/China trade war seems to be abating with the first stage being signed. China is easing its investment restrictions and is further stimulating its economy. This means that most of the 2019 worries and threats are abating. So the developed markets are reaching new heights, while others are recovering. The US/Iran fight will simmer on… A new worry?
Foreign Investment Value US shares are now in overvalued territory. Long-term PEs are being exceeded, and investors are buying shares because they are going up, not because they offer value. But markets are driven by fear and greed. Time to reduce exposure? UK markets are cheap, yields are attractive, and a recovery over the next few years looks to be on the cards. Europe also offers value but is more complicated. Fixed interest markets are a minefield with negative yields. Thematic investing has become the focus of many investment professionals. Watch those clean-energy industries, or those that offer cyber security. A different world is opening up, indeed. • Malcolm has been in the investment industry for nearly 50 years. He has written this column in CXPRESS for the last 21 years and is a specialist in managing retired wealth. See the advert on this page for contact details.
CXPRESS
Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za
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CXPRESS
INTERVAL
22 January 2020
Points to ponder… • In the latter stages of a bull-market, the market is most characterised by bull. • Gone are the days when girls cooked like their mothers. Now they drink like their fathers. • A halo has only to fall a few inches to become a noose. • Although others will hear you when you shout, they will listen carefully when you whisper. • Our life is a great movie. We direct it, we produce it, and we star in it. So turn off the TV and live your life… • Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending. • Many a man has been waiting for his ship to come in, only to find his dinghy has already docked. • Never apologise for what you feel. It’s like saying sorry for being real. • Whatever hits the fan will not be distributed evenly. • Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day. Teach a person to use the Internet and they won’t bother you for weeks, months, maybe years. • Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience. • Whatever women do they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good. Luckily, this is not difficult. • When you are dissatisfied and would like to return to your youth, just think of Algebra. • If you can’t be a good example, then you will simply have to be a horrible warning. • Nobody will ever win
the battle of the sexes. There’s too much fraternising with the enemy. • There must be more to life than having everything. • The nice thing about egotists is that they don’t talk about other people. • After biting off more than you can chew, it is definitely not the time to start talking. • When situations go out of control, the best way to control them is to let them happen. • A clever person turns great problems into little ones and little ones into none at all. • You are making progress if each mistake you make is a new one. • You can tell whether a man is clever by his answers. You can tell whether he is wise by his questions. • Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, and the lesson afterwards. • Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one. • More than a sight; more than a smell; more than a touch; more than a taste; it is the music we hear that somehow penetrates to somewhere within and repeats over and over to our delight. • Wise people talk because they have something to say, fools because they have to say something. • When paying a compliment, don’t expect to receive any change. • No one ever injured their eyesight from looking at the bright side of things. • If you say what you think, don’t expect to hear only what you like. • Whatever luck is supposed to be, it works best the less you depend on it.
Shuffling along… NE morning a local highway department crew reach their job site only to realise they have forgotten all of their shovels. The crew’s foreman
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calls the office and tells his supervisor the situation. The supervisor replies: “Don’t worry, we’ll send some shovels... Just lean on one another until they arrive.”
• Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It’s the transition that’s troublesome. • The greatest gift a man can give his children is to love their mother. • If you are lonely, dim all lights and put on a horror movie. After a while it won’t feel like you are alone anymore.
• You never appreciate what you have till it’s gone. Toiletpaper is a good example. • A pessimist sees a dark tunnel. An optimist sees light at the end of the tunnel. A realist sees a freight train. The train conductor sees three idiots standing on the track.
Take Mom’s advice HE quarrel had reached new heights when the wife said to her spouse: “I wish I’d taken my mother’s advice and never married you.” Her husband swung around and asked: “Do you mean to tell me
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that your mother tried to stop you from marrying me?” His wife nodded. “Good heavens,” cried the husband, his voice filled with remorse. “How I have wronged that woman!”
SOCIAL SCENE
22 January 2020 BEETHOVEN, BILLY, ELTON AND FREDDIE: On Monday February 3, Knysna Plett Concert Series kicks off its 2020 offerings when presenting violinist Alissa Margulis and pianist Luis Magalhães, at left, who will perform three of Beethoven’s violin sonatas in honour of the great composer’s 250th anniversary. Says Knysna Music Society chair Penny Smythe-Rathbone: “We aim to offer only the best for our Knysna Plett Concert Series audiences, continuing a long tradition of inviting top musicians. Be part of the audience on this opening night and bring along friends and family to hear a superb concert.” The show starts at 7:30pm at Knysna Dutch Reformed Church Hall in Fichat Street. Tickets are sold at the door from 6:45pm at R150 or R50 for scholars. Further dates worth diarising are Friday February 14 and Saturday the 15th, when the sensational Cat Simoni celebrates her return to Bosky Dell - the exquisite rose farm situated off the N2 twixt Plett and Knysna - after four months singing in the clubs of the seven-star Ritz Carlton in Bahrain. Cat’s Valentines Concerts will feature a highly personal selection of her all-time favourites from the songbooks of piano-composer legends Billy Joel, Elton John and Freddie Mercury. Tickets cost R500, doors open at 6:30pm and guests are to be seated by 7pm. Included is a welcome glass of bubbly in the pavilion and rose garden, followed by a candle-lit mezze in the conservatory (cash bar available). Book your table of maximum 10 persons through Lady Conyngham on 044 533 5178.
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CHRISTMAS IN CANADA… “This was one of my favourite presents!” hooted Robin Hood (yes, that’s his real name), at left, in a post-festive season note to CXPRESS. Our friend from the faraway shores of Canada spent time in Plett during the first months of the new millennium to erect a cedar wood shingle-tile roof - a trade not at all prevalent in South Africa - which to this day spectacularly adorns a mansion on Solar Beach. Not surprisingly, when Robin’s family joined him for a couple of weeks to keep Dad company while he plied his specialist trade, they all immediately took to braaiing - a practice not particularly prevalent in their native Canada! As is stated by the wording on his favourite festive gift, Robin doesn’t ‘BBQ’ but is very proud to ‘braai’.
People, places & events
PLETT SCOUTS GET READY FOR KONTIKI: Plettenberg Bay Sea Scouts are currently hard at work in preparation of taking part in the Port Elizabeth Kontiki (a raft building competition and race) on the weekend of February 21-23. Explains local Scout group leader Jared Harding, pictured at centre above: “We are very keen to try our utmost to win the King of the River title, because last year our teams ended in second and third place - a massive achievement, as 2019 was our very first Kontiki. We then had approximately 11 participating Scouts but this year, we are aiming at sending 20 scouts so our whole group can gain experience while having loads of fun. There were about 20 competing teams last year and we’re hoping to see lots more this year.” Plett’s Scouts meet on Monday evenings at 5:30pm at Greenwood Bay College, so email Jared at plettseascouts@gmail.com if your child is keen to join this amazing and adventurous group of youngsters.
CALLING ALL PETROLHEADS: Roll back the clock to an era when your grandparents’ cars and motorbikes reigned supreme. See the iconic vehicles used in film classics featuring James Bond, ‘The Fast and the Furious’, and ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’, as well as cars never seen before and which you may never get the opportunity to see again. Experience their owners’ passion and commitment to painstakingly restoring and maintaining them. The 24th George Old Car Show, taking place on February 8 and 9 at PW Botha College, is the perfect family outing with lots of entertainment for all ages and will offer a few surprises to boot. This year’s event will feature a special exhibition on ‘bakkies’. The Valiant Club will celebrate 60 years, Foxy Lady from Auto Pavilion will again show off her beauty, there’s an auction by Trader Auctions, and a special exhibition of muscle cars. Veteran tour coordinator Philip Kuschke confirmed that the 2020 Gapp Vettoer will be held in the days preceding the main event. More than 5,000 model cars were on display last year and these perfect replicas of their real life counterparts are definitely a sight to behold. Call Klaus Oellrich on 076 764 0897 or visit www.scocc.co.za for details.
BORN AND BRED LOCAL: Knysna Municipality congratulates Ian Bezuidenhout, at right, on his appointment as Chief Fire Officer. Ian started as a volunteer firefighter in 1998 and signed a year-long contract in 1999. He was appointed as a trainee fireman in 2000 and promoted to fireman in 2003 and to senior fireman in 2008. He was promoted to Station Commander by 2010 and now, after all due process had been followed, has been appointed as Chief Fire Officer. “My first priority is the safety of Greater Knysna residents,” he said. “Regular inspections will be carried out to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations. I plan to promote prescribed burning and to assist landowners in reducing risk factors - which also allows firefighters to practise their skills in a controlled environment. We are working on creating partnerships with our communities through various outreach programmes. I realise that there are many lessons to be learned from the 2017 fires, and look forward to addressing identified shortcomings.” Visit www.cxpress.co.za to read the full interview.
FRIDAY SOLD OUT, SATURDAY NOT…YET: Opera Angels - featuring Lisa Engelbrecht, above at left, and Lindsay Thomson - promise to delight music aficionados of all ages at St Peter’s Anglican Church hall in Church Street this weekend. So famed are these songbirds that the first night’s performance, entitled ‘Viva Italia’, is already sold out. But tickets are still available for ‘Belle Nuit’ on Saturday the 25th. The programme is a beautiful showcase of French opera arias and chansons from Bizet’s ‘Carmen’ to Offenbach and Saint-Saens, including the Flower Duet from ‘Lakmé’, songs by Faure and chansons by Piaf (La Vie en Rose, Les Feuilles Mortes) and Brel. Popular songs from the silver screen will include compositions from the soundtrack of ‘The Mission’, ‘The Piano’, and more. Doors open at 6:30pm and the concert begins at 7pm. Tickets cost R250 each (free seating) and are available from Barnie Barnard at The Market Square Information Centre on 044 533 3219. Refreshments will be served during the interval and all funds raised will benefit the St Peter’s outreach programme and Hospice Plett. Email aconyngham@ telkomsa.net for further information.
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CXPRESS
22 January 2020
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CLASSIFIEDS
ON THE SOAPBOX
22 January 2020
Letters to the Editor
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Email: editor@cxpress.co.za - Fax: 044 533 0852 - PO Box 1449, Plett 6600
There is still time to truly transform before the 2021 elections... Fortunately, I do not “run in the political circles of Plett” [read ‘The road to 2021: Can the DA succeed where the ANC and AUF have failed?’ on page 4 in the January 15 edition at www.cxpress.co.za], but I do suffer from the excesses and incompetence they visit on the rest of us daily. I hasten to add: my sufferings are not nearly as severe as those of the majority who are dependent on them for so much in their daily lives. But the short answer, Wandisile, is NO. Our system is not suited to governing a modern 21st Century country, the biggest problem being that we operate under what is basically a leftover from the feudal or colonial system (same thing) to run a modern institution in modern times. Councillors love the idea of playing the role of feudal lords and ladies, wearing gold chains, speaking funny and generally acting out little dramas in the socalled council chamber as if they are potentates in a bygone era.
They lord it over the people, answer only to the King or Queen, be it Ramaphosa or Zille, and will always only do what is good for the ruling class - if they do not they lose their cushy position of power and with that goes the patronage, prestige, feasting and fine carriages. Experience shows that soon after our councillors take up their positions, they become quite delusional. First order of business, apart from the pomp and ceremony of a grand inauguration, is to get the mayor the most expensive car they can lay their hands on. Then patrimony is dispensed by appointing all and sundry and especially incompetent family members and friends to positions that benefit nobody but the incumbents. Political advisors, managers in the office of…, personal assistants, press liaison officers, spokespersons, drivers and, best of all, bodyguards. The mayor’s own guard. You name it, he’s got it. It all sounds so grand!
Be proud of what you do in Plett service delivery sector
But what’s the good of all the trappings if you can’t show it off to the peasants you rule? What’s needed is events and pageants. But how to do that? Ah, local economic development! Tourism promotions, concerts, award ceremonies, handing over dinners, jazz and gospel and wine festivals. And in these days of Eskom darkness what better than a “switching-on-the-Xmas-lights” ceremony. If it’s light the buggers want, let’s switch some on. Each offer an opportunity to dress up, dust off the chain, line up the bodyguards, hop in the shiny luxury car (is that the second or third one this year?), make a grand entrance, and bore everybody with an interminable disjointed speech. Idi Amin, eat your heart out. Us peasants have bought into all this, stamp our feet, ululate and cheer on cue. A hundred thousand and more well spent, I say. “As you please, Mister Mayor.” But the peasants are hungry and restless. Let’s give them more. How about a dinner for the elderly at a nice restaurant? Gather up the entourage and sundry hangers on. Apart from the posturing and playacting, there is feasting and drinking of fine liquor. Time to feast and get smashed. Ooops! There goes another R20k on booze. No problem. Just put the squeeze on one of the wealthy village merchants to pay. Sucker! The feudal system… don’t you just love it? In a modern progressive democracy, which South Africa is sup-
posed to be, the elected politician is supposed to be a humble servant of the people, and do what is good for the people, not what is good for the ruling class. (Remember Mandela?) Most of all, he/she should be capable of doing the job of a councillor, which is no different to that of a board member of a company with a budget of several hundred million per annum. (If you choose badly - a Zuma over a Mandela - we all know what happens.) The way our current feudal system works is that you do not vote for the most capable and trustworthy person with a record of success to fill that position, you blindly vote for King Ramaphosa or King Mmusi (sorry, Queen Helen), or the dark prince himself, Julius, and leave it up to them to foist their incompetent acolytes on you - people who generally could not profitably or efficiently manage a piss-up in a brewery. That is tantamount to entrusting your child’s brain surgery and the management of your pension fund to a garden service; letting them use their lawnmowers, chain saws, hedge trimmers and leaf blowers to perform the surgery on the lawn, while appointing Atul Gupta to invest your life savings in his private bank account in Dubai. Yet we do it year after year expecting a better or different result. Do we ever look at the party lists before an election to see just who a particular party proposes to put on the team to run our affairs, and whether they are capable to run a complicated enterprise consuming hundreds of millions in a year?
Do we look at candidates’ past performance? Do we look at their voting record on council in the previous term? Do we even remember those things that we read in the press? Both ANC and DA councillors at various times, when it suited their party’s ends, voted for Plett’s current first citizen. Both sets of councillors pronounced loudly that he was a disaster and a rogue when he was the other party’s mayor, and both sets of councillors threw their full weight behind and voted to retain him in power when opposition councillors moved a motion of no confidence in him. Both sets of councillors delegated all their powers to him despite knowing that he was the baddest of bad apples. All of that has been in the press. We know it. We saw it happen before our own eyes, but will we think about it and act accordingly when the time comes? You can bet your favourite frilly cotton socks we won’t. Wandisile, you who run in the political circles have raised a very important issue that each and every voter in Plett needs to start reflecting on before this community makes its 2021 election choices. My simplistic answer of a simple NO is not good enough. We need to go further than that and we need to debate and find a solution to the life-threatening problem we have brought upon our town, ourselves and our children with the irrational choices we made in the past. The king is a fink! Time to change. Time to clean out. Time to truly transform. Revolting Peasant, Plett
Roadside eyesore WHAT A SAD SIGHT: Post boxes in Pletteberg Bay are in desperate need of a coat of paint
I believe that the postal service in Plett is not up to the mark of good quality. I and many of my fellow residents find the service very tardy. Normal and municipal post can arrive up to 22 days after it was posted. Getting rate statements delivered to a street address is a long process, which in better years took four to five days in delivery. The post office does not have a scooter, car, or van responsible for street deliveries. Our government sets aside huge funds to the postal service, so one wonders where all those funds go, as the postmaster has not acquired street service transport of any description, or hired a permanent postman for a street service. There seems to be no pride in the way the postal service is run. To highlight that remark I’m attaching a picture of our disgusting street post boxes. In a lovely little holiday village like Plett, should we not also be presenting well-maintained facilities to our tourists? Our post boxes could do with a good bright red oil paint and not a cheap coat of PVA as is currently the case. While on the subject of
keeping up the tone of our beautiful town, I notice that the main municipal offices just above the open plot are looking very shabby and in need of renovations. Then again, why is our municipality spread out into five or six different buildings? Given the extremely high rates, water and electricity fees charged, why not move the whole lot under one roof, namely one of the ANCowned shopping centres? These extra rentals saved could go a long way to reducing the heavy burden on ratepayers: less transporting of personnel from building to building, plus a streamlined municipality working better under one roof. Come on guys, let’s at least try to reach some first-world standards. Be proud of what you do. PS: For years one has been unable to buy books of stamps at our post office. It is now impossible, to buy any stamps, as there’s none to be had. Zero, nothing, they have not got any! Consider, too, that a lot of mail goes missing. Gone, lost! Unhappy Ratepayer, Plett
This garden and other refuse were plonked at 53 Robberg Road since just after New Year. I wonder who they thought was going to collect it?! - Dashcam Diaries, Plett
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CXPRESS
SPORT & ADVENTURE
22 January 2020
Wet wet wet… Stormers see who’s King when getting drenched at Loerie Park T HREE Springboks featured in the forward pack that ran out at 7pm on Friday at Loerie Park in Knysna. Stormers captain and tighthead prop Frans Malherbe, hooker Bongi Mbonambi, and lock Hilton Lobberts were all part of the ‘Bok team who grabbed victory during last year’s Rugby World Cup in Japan. The trio was joined by the likes of Godlen Masimla, Jean-Luc du Plessis, Seabelo Senatla and Ben-Jason Dixon in starting against the Southern Kings, before travelling up to Soweto to feature on the bench against the Sharks on Sunday. But despite this stellar presence in their ranks, the Stormers failed to score more than a single penalty in a match that ended in a 13-3 victory for the hosts. Kings coach Robbie Kempson confirmed beforehand that the Knysna fixture would be used by both sides to measure the depth of their squads while also providing an opportunity for players returning from injury to get game time under their belts. The game is described thus by the Rugby365 website: “The Kings scored the only try of a drab match, winning 13-3. Playing with the breeze at their backs and in the pouring rain in the first half, the Kings managed to keep the Stormers scoreless in the first half-hour. “The hosts capitalised on the pressure, with prop Rossouw de Klerk going over for the opening score. Flyhalf Bader Pretorius added the conversion. The Stormers replied with a penalty from fly-half Jean-Luc du Plessis to make it 7-3 after 35 minutes - which was also the half-time score. “Despite the wind at their
HIRSUTE GUYS GET HIGH: Moboasting Ben-Jason Dixon and beard-man JC Astle perform some aerial manoeuvres in the drizzle during Friday night’s clash of the Stormers and Southern Kings Photos: Blake Linder
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL: The deluge didn’t deter fans from rubbing shoulders with their rugby heroes - or said heroes to mess around with members of the crowd
backs, the Stormers failed to crack the Kings’ defence after the break. Pretorius added two penalties for the only scores of the second half.” The Kings will next be in action in their PRO14 derby against the Cheetahs in Nelson Mandela Bay on Saturday January 25, while the Stormers would have been consoled by their win during a final pre-season
Super Rugby outing against the Sharks in the first match of Vodacom Superhero Sunday at FNB Stadium on January 19. They open their 2020 Super Rugby campaign against the Hurricanes at Newlands on Saturday February 1. Here’s wishing both our home and provincial rugby teams the best of success for the season ahead.
Knysna and Plett people lauded for making netball dreams come true
Storms River
TIN HOUSE Self-catering accommodation
CXPRESS received a letter of thanks from three members of the Blue Sapphire netball team and their coach, after the ladies’ return from Dubai where they competed in an international tournament last month. ‘We would like to take this opportunity to convey a huge thank you to the Plett and Knysna communities, who made it possible for four of us to tour to Dubai, making our dream to take part in the Dubai7’s Netball Tournament a reality. Over the past few months, we had various fundraisers which were highly supported by the wonderful people of Knysna and Plett. We would not have been able to achieve our goal without your support and generosity.’ Pictured above from left, Marita Gerber, Alexis Jacobs and Johandrie Peens, joined by five other players from across the country and coached by Plett netball ace Jolanda Peens, travelled to Dubai to take part in the world-class tournament early December. They represented the Youth Sports Academy based in Bloemfontein and formed part of the Blue Sapphires team, pictured below with their team manager during a Desert Run teambuilding session. The Blue Sapphires achieved third spot in the Plate Division and placed 11th out of 66 teams overall. Way to go, ladies! They returned to Plett filled with pride and satisfaction, and grateful to the local community for believing in them and supporting their dream. - Photos: Jolanda Peens