22 june 2016 by CXpress

22 June 2016

Published every Wednesday by CXpress 2006 (Pty) Ltd - PO Box 1449, Plettenberg Bay 6600 - 6 Park Lane, Plettenberg Bay - Tel: 044 533 1004 - Fax: 044 533 0852 Email: editor@cxpress.co.za / advertising@cxpress.co.za Web page: www.cxpress.co.za Printed by Group Editors

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Story time! School’s nearly out and winter solstice has passed and along with the happy holiday vibe it’s festival month in Knysna and Plett. First up is the Kids of Kurland Fringe Fest, where David Muller’s wonderful double bill include ‘Whale Nation’ and his rendition of some favourite Herman Charles Bosman stories in the guise of our cover star ‘Oom Schalk Lourens’. Find out more on page 5.

Jeeves: are you IN or OUT? p2

Nekkies riots addressed p3

That perfect score attained p6

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NEWS & VIEWS

22 June 2016

Driving Miss Crazy

Views of a savy passenger as Britain’s June 23 European Union vote looms JEEVES shares his adventures as Garden Route chauffeur extraordinaire HEN Britain goes to vote this week on whether to remain IN or get OUT of the European Union, few of those placing their X will have the foggiest idea why they are voting, or for what. This from my passenger - a well-connected, wellknown Fleet Street editor - in response to a question I had posed on the subject. “Your own personal opinion apart, what is best for Britain?” She looked at me blankly. “You know what, I haven’t got a clue!” (And this answer, from HER, of all people!) It was a Saturday morning and she needed to get ‘out and about’ from her Plett B&B; see the sights and countryside, and escape the traumatic reality that she’d just arrived in the country to deposit a teenaged family member at one of the few rehab centres in the world that admitted ‘under 18-year-olds’. First port-of-call, a whisk around Harkerville Market, then off the N2 down a dirt road to Wittedrift through picturesque pastures and dales. Destination: game reserve. She loved the backdrop of the distant blue mountains. Some game pics, muffin and coffee, and off to Mohair Mill Shop in The Crags. “Surely there must be boxes to tick on whether, for example, the UK would be better off or worse, in or out?” said I, continuing the conversation. “Just to make it simpler for

La Luna

the general public to make the proper choice - no?” “To my knowledge, no such thing exists,” she exclaimed. “You would make a fortune if you quickly brought one out and posted it on the net!” “But a friend of mine is the boss of SKY,” she continued, “and at dinner a few weeks ago, he told us to

Bush’s Poodle, Tony Blair. “They’re all motormouths, talking faster than their brains can keep up with! It’s the end for David Cameron, now being forced to carry out his pre-election promise of a Euro Referendum during his term - it’s the worst possible thing that can happen for the country and the Conservative Party right now. “Also, Boris Johnson has shot himself in the foot

GAME FOR A DRIVE? From Harkerville Market to Plett Game Reserve, Old Nick Village to Mohair Mill in The Crags, our scenic drive ended at the perfect spot for lunch on the deck with a clear view of Lookout Beach, below

check out skynews.com and www.euro-meter for all the pros and cons of whether to remain or not. “At that time, the polls indicated one-third ‘stay in’, one-third ‘out’, and one-third ‘undecided’! You can’t believe what these politicians ramble on about, whether it’s Boris or Cameron. The worst ever was

with his stance. He thought it would be a quick fast-forward to being the next PM, by opposing Cameron. “Talking of which, the next PM should be Michael Gove! He’s very bright, open, honest, and willing to debate a point and, importantly, admit when he’s wrong. I know his wife well. He’s not a ‘politician’ - unlike the others!” Down another side road, we head to Keurboomstrand and the sea. “My tummy’s rumbling!” she proclaimed. But Enrico was in moth balls for its annual vacation. Then for more of her interesting, outspoken ideas: “People over a certain age - say 65 or 70 - shouldn’t be allowed to vote. Let the

youth decide, and be responsible for their choice and their future - especially on such an important issue.” After a quick recce of Old Nick Village I was back behind the wheel of the Lodge car, and off we went to Lookout Deck for lunch. I too was famished. The carpark was full, so I suggested depositing her at the restaurant entrance. “No! No! No! I insist you have lunch with me!” Obviously she thought I was offering to drop-andfetch her (which wasn’t the case). How presumptuous of me - a lesson learnt… Hopefully she liked good wine with a good meal. She did! And then: “Home James. Err, sorry, Jeeves.” The subject was not yet exhausted: “It’s going to prove a very costly divorce, if the Brits opt out,” she mused. “Simply because they will have to pay more in general, up to 30-billion in taxes! “It could also be the beginning of the end for Europe, and Western Civilisation as we know it. Next out, Greece, then France, Spain, Italy... The issue now is all about migrants and immigration - we’ll be able to control their entry and our borders better if we leave. “As we speak, the ins and outs are about evens. Oh, well,” she sighed. “In a few days we’ll know.” As we approached her lodgings, her parting words were on tennis: “When Wimbledon starts at the end of the month, we won’t have to be tuned into iPads, or wear earplugs on Centre Court.” I gave her a quizzical glance. She laughed. “Because we won’t have to suffer the yelping, window-shattering screeching we’ve had for a decade from Maria!” Not a dull moment. So here’s looking forward to her return visit in a month… ‘Till next time... Buckle up! - Jeeves

NEWS & VIEWS

22 June 2016

CXPRESS

Knysna Municipality undertakes more effective communication with frustrated protesters Garden Route residents have been growing increasingly frustrated at the regular closures of the N2 outside Knysna due to rioting and burning of tyres by disgruntled residents of Nekkies - CANDICE LUDICK reports HE most recent incident took place on Friday June 17 when motorists were delayed whilst police responded to the scene to clear the protesters. According to Knysna SAPS Corporate Communications Officer Chris Spies, a group of people gathered on the N2 near the Dam-se-Bos turnoff at around 10am on Friday and blockaded the road with burning tyres and other objects. Knysna SAPS and the Public Order Policing Unit responded to the scene and were assisted by the local and provincial traffic de-

partments in managing the traffic congestion. Protesters dispersed peacefully just before 12 noon and the road was reopened. “A case of public violence was opened. No arrests have been made yet and the investigation continues,” said Spies. According to DA Ward Councillor Peter Myers, the reason for the protests is frustration at the delay in provision of RDP housing for a community in Oupad. Said Myers: “We understand their frustration. We are trying our best, with limited resources, to ensure that

the situation is addressed.” He explained that some houses had already been built on the piece of land which belongs to the municipality where this community has been informally settled. The section of land adjacent to this piece, where some of this community is informally settled, belongs to SANRAL and is part of a road reserve. As such, it is impossible to erect housing on this site. This has intensified the frustration of some residents whom have seen their neighbours receive RDP

STRANDED: Friday’s rioting on the N2 at Nekkies was yet another attempt by residents annoyed by the delay in provision of RDP housing to get their gripes across - and the road closure resulting from burning tyres and the stoning of cars again frustrated hundreds of motorists who had no alternative but to sit in line until the road was reopened - Photo: Traffic Garden Route WhatsApp group

Five days left to comment on Bitou’s R240-million Ladywood proposal ITOU residents only have until Monday to voice their opinions over a proposed R240-million development aimed at centralising municipal offices in Ladywood on the outskirts of Plettenberg Bay. The municipality last year announced plans to start the first phase of what has been dubbed a one-stop centre, and recently completed a feasibility study for the project. Residents have since been invited to comment on the draft feasibility study report, and deadline for the public participation process is June 27. According to the study, services offered by Bitou Municipality is currently dispersed over a number of offices throughout the town, which has resulted in

inefficiencies and the hampering of accessibility to the community. The project is proposed to incorporate a total of 16,110m2, including 7,397m2 of office space, meeting rooms, toilets, circulation space and storage, as well as 8,712m2 for parking; 1,528m2 has been included in the 7,397m2 office space to allow for the increase in staff over the next 20 years. The technical solution option analysis indicated that the best solution would be a new building rather than the utilisation of existing municipal-owned office space, or the conversion and leasing of existing office space. The analysis also showed that there is no existing building within the area that can accommodate the space requirements of the

municipality. If all costs are considered, it is estimated to amount to R240-million. The draft feasibility study can either be accessed online at www.bitou.gov.za or is available at the main municipal administrative office in Sewell Street, engineering services department office in Marine Drive, Nature’s Valley municipal offices, KwaNokuthula Library, Bossiesgif/Qolweni housing office, public library at Mellville’s Corner, Central Library in New Horizons, or Kurland and Kranshoek libraries. Preliminary comments and registration requests can be emailed to projects@ plett.gov.za or submitted to Omar Essa at Bitou Municipality, Private Bag X1002, Plett 6600. - Yolandé Stander

housing whilst they are left in the cold with no municipal services. Due to the fact that funding for RDP housing is allocated by provincial government and there is a land scarcity in Knysna, some people have to be moved to temporary relocation areas (TRAs), which are not serviced.

Provision of housing is an arduous process that leaves those in TRAs understandably frustrated. Myers said that although the municipality’s hands were tied with regard to finding land suitable for further RDP development, they were committed to ensuring more effective communication with the

affected communities particularly with regard to transparency in the RDP allocation process. A public meeting is scheduled for Monday June 27 at 6pm at Chris Hani Hall so that a representative from SANRAL may explain why land owned by the national road agency cannot be sold to the municipality, thus making it impossible for further RDP development to take place there.

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

22 June 2016

Fears over ‘wasted’ ballots as Knysna DA launches manifesto Yolandé Stander

A mayoral candidate for Knysna Eleanor BouwSpies believes it will be a close race between the DA and ANC when residents go to the polls in August. She was addressing party supporters at their manifesto launch at the council

chambers on Monday. “It is going to be a very closely contested election, of that I’m certain. The growing number of small parties and independent candidates running in this year’s local government elections is therefore very alarming. “Many of these parties or candidates have no foot-

print in Knysna’s communities and each vote for one of them will essentially be a wasted ballot,” she warned. Bouw-Spies was the ANC mayor for Knysna from 2007, following a floor-crossing window, until 2011 when the DA won outright majority during the previous local government elections. She then joined the DA when announcing that she would be running for the Ward 5 seat, which includes Rheenendal and Brenton-on-Sea, after the party’s councillor for the area Magda Williams died in April 2014. She said that the party had set a good track record in terms of governance since 2011 and wanted to continue the momentum

TRUE COLOURS: Former ANC mayor and now #1 on the DA’s list, Eleanore Bouw-Spies addresses supporters and the media during her party’s manifesto launch on Monday - with her is current Ward 10 councillor Peter Myers - Photo: Yolandé Stander

during the next term. She said their manifesto rested on the four pillars of increasing opportunity and job creation, stomping out corruption, bettering services, and providing better governance. One of the ways the party

plans on creating jobs in Knysna was through comprehensive expanded public works programmes. Another economic stimulator the party is planning to focus on is sustaining and increasing the town’s tourist potential.

One of the ways to reduce corruption, Bouw-Spies said, was that councillors and other public representatives would be excluded from the extended public works programmes recruitment process. Regarding better services, Bouw-Spies said they would continue improving access to electricity, potable water and sanitation. “We are particularly proud that over the past five years we have increased access to drinking water from 52% to 95% of the population, for sanitation from 74% to 85%, and 89% of residents now have access to electricity. We want everyone in Knysna to have access to basic services.” The ANC is yet to launch its manifesto for Knysna.

News Briefs EMBERS of the Knysna SAPS crime prevention unit confiscated drugs with an estimated street value of R46,000 at a house in Sethosa Street, Joodsekamp, on Friday June 17 at about 00:50am after information about possible drug-related activities at the house was received from a member of

the public. Police officers responded and found 34 plastic bags of dagga, four parcels of compressed dagga wrapped in brown tape, and 485 bankies of dagga during their search and seizure operation. All these items were confiscated and a 36-year-old suspect, Watson Kawonga,

was arrested. The suspect appeared in the Knysna Magistrates’ court on the same day on charges of dealing in and possession of drugs. He was released on R1,000 bail and the case was postponed to July 22. --A liquor licence holders’ session will be held on June

28 from 9-11am in the Lecture Room at Plett police station, to discuss the way forward for all licenced liquor premises and serve as an information session attended by officials of the Western Cape Liquor Authority, the Designated Liquor Officer, and Plett SAPS management. Call 044 501 1933 for details.

NEWS & VIEWS

22 June 2016

CXPRESS

More on Yanga and Mandla’s debut at MAD 2016

CRAZY DAZE: Fashion photographer Yanga Mapengo’s image was selected as cover image for the 2016 Plett MAD Times

LETTENBERG Bay welcomes up-and-coming fashion photographer Yanga Mapengo into the festival month fold! This energetic and innovative art director, graphic designer and fine artist from the Western Cape makes his Plett debut as creator of the cover image for Plett MAD Times - the third official publication of the music, arts and drama festival hosted by Plett Tourism. His muse is model Mandla Waterson, one of the headline models to appear at the first Plett 24 Hour Reunion event - a first of its

kind, locally, and allowing Plett talent the opportunity to network with national young creatives and fashion houses through a series of 24-hour experiences. Yanga’s provocative and beautiful photograph of Mandla has created a bit of a stir once the Times hit our streets earlier this month. The cover image is part of a series of photographs with a common theme, says Yanga. “The narrative behind this particular photo shoot was focused on the juxtaposition between Mandla’s personality and his profession.

He’s a quiet, sometimes shy kind of character, yet his occupation requires him to tap into personas that are not his own. “The use of the mannequin was to aid the idea of a split personality that conceals his true personality. Just as a mannequin isn’t real, nor is what my model sometimes portrays in public.” Mandla originates from Nelspruit in Mpumalanga. He was the recipient of a South African Youth Choir sponsorship and studied music at Stellenberg High School. Here he received a cum laude certificate in Music Eisteddfod and furthered his studies in information technology at the Tshwane Institute of Technology. He currently studies acting, drama and modelling at Topco and has modelled for Jameson Whiskey, Guinness, Savannah’s Angry Lemon, and Black Label and with great design brands including Unknown Union, UF, C Squared and David Tlale. He was on the front cover of the 2013 August issue of GQ magazine and has grown his portfolio to also include pageant choreography. Plett Tourism is excited to feature Yanga Mapengo’s image on the cover of the third edition of the Plett MAD Times, and to host model Mandla Waterson at this year’s MAD Festival with some of SA’s hottest fashion moguls during the first Plett 24 Hour Reunion on July 2 at The White House Theatre. Turn to page 9 for additional information.

Visit www.pletttourism.com for the full Plett MAD Festival schedule

SATURDAY, 25 JUNE, 7PM

WHALE NATION & OOM SCHALK VERTEL… Welcome back to David Muller with a wonderful double bill. Whale Nation is about the beloved marine icon, and David presents an elegant, mesmerising and realistic show about this gentle giant. Arts and Entertainment described his performance: he is able to take his listeners to places of joy, delight and, conversely, pain… Whale season is on us, and this is the time to learn more about these creatures with the “largest brain ever created and a fifty-million-year smile”. Oom Schalk will select favoured Herman Charles Bosman’s stories, so prepare yourself to be transported by In the Withaak’s Shade and Willem Prinsloo’s Peach Brandy, narrated by the inimitable Oom Schalk. David is a master and beloved proponent of the ancient art of story-telling. Sometimes humorous, sometimes sad, always wise, these stories can be told over and over, and David makes them seem fresh and new every time.

SUNDAY, 26 JUNE, 7PM

CAMP CARRAWAK. LUCY AND ALEX TOPS Howdy folks! Come and join us for comedy round the camp fire. It will be a whipcrackin’ hee-hawin’ knee slappin’ toe-tapping time that will leave you in stitches. Butch and Cassidy Carrawak take you on a ride with hilarious characters and all your favourite country music. A warm welcome to the pair who entertained us so wonderfully in 2015. We are exceptionally proud that this show, heading for the NAF, will premiere in Plettenberg Bay. Lucy’s flawless vocals and Alex’s quirky humour guarantee an evening of high-energy fun, laughter and music. You will leave smiling.

MONDAY, 27 JUNE, 7PM

A MAN AND A DOG. NHLANHLA MKHWANAZI The multi-talented Nhlanhla – his achievements too many to mention here – presents this beautiful play for which he was nominated for a Fleur du Cap award in 2006. The play has been extensively rewritten as he now sees the issues through the lens of life-experience and growing maturity. The revised version has been nominated for a Broadway World South Africa Theatre Award for the best lead actor in a play. In 2015 he was awarded the 2015 Silver Ovation Winner for A Man and a Dog at the NAF. The play was described as a tour de force, and uses the oral tradition, music and physical theatre to tell a poignant story which touches all South Africans. This chance to see an acclaimed artist perform in a play which has received wide recognition and praise should not be missed.

TUESDAY, 28 JUNE, 7PM

A GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK. ROLAND PEROLD

“A Great American Songbook”, the final production for the 2016 . Plett Fringe Festival, is embarking on a national tour after sell-out houses at the NAF in 2015. Roland Perold, himself a composer of musicals, takes you on a musical journey to the golden age of American popular song. His cabaret includes works by composers such as Irving Berlin, Duke Ellington and Cole Porter. Roland blends his informal style with anecdotes about the era and its many wonderful characters. After Roland’s success at the NAF, the press was warm in its praise. “He reminds the youth of the great inspiration of some of the most talented musicians to ever live and rekindles memories for the older generation. His outstanding vocal skills left the audience in awe.” This music genre is always a runaway success, so book early to see a great artist present great music.

THE COURTYARD OPENS AT 6PM EACH EVENING WITH LIVE MUSIC, LIGHT SNACKS FOR SALE AND A CASH BAR. PERFORMANCES COMMENCE PROMPTLY AT 7PM.

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

22 June 2016

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A perfect score ESSICA Jo Fielding, an A-level student at Greenwood Bay College in Plettenberg Bay, has achieved a perfect score on the American College Test (ACT) - a standardised university entrance exam taken by high school students aspiring to top universities in the States. Students must choose between taking the ACT or the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test), both tests having been designed to measure the aggregate result of a student’s schooling experience. Results, along with Grade Point Average, are considered the two most important factors in gaining admission to university in the US. ACT and SAT results are such an important factor in gaining admission that many high schools in the States have developed multi-year Teach the Test programmes. In fact, university admission in the US is so competitive that a $6-billion industry has formed in order to tutor students for entrance tests

and to help with the application process. While many educators argue that such reliance on a single exam is unfair as it does not take the entire holistic experience of the student into account, a perfect score on the ACT can almost guarantee acceptance at many universities. About 1.8-million school students around the world write the ACT annually. Of these, ±1,500 achieve a perfect score, less than one 10th of 1%. It’s a select company for our sharp young lady, who has done her school and town extremely proud. Parents David and Kathy are overjoyed by Jessica’s remarkable achievement. “We also congratulate her teachers. There can be no doubt that the Cambridge curriculum and the excellence of teaching at Greenwood Bay College combined to prepare her for competing with the best, anywhere in the world.” The phrase sic itur ad astra applies, meaning “thus one journeys to the stars”.

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• Plett Surf Lifesaving Club is having a coaches meeting today (June 22) at 4:30pm at The Table in Plett Main Street, so anyone interested in coaching one of the club’s top performing Nippers teams is invited to join this pre-season get-together. Call Shameera on 083 304 5087 for details. • Knysna Garden Club next meets on Wednesday June 29 at 9:45 for 10am at Cearn Hall on Leisure Isle, when well-known ornithologist Peter Ginn will give a talk on local birdlife. Tea will be served (bring your own cups/mugs) and visitors are very welcome - R20 including tea and treats. Phone Elinor Clegg on 044 387 1966 for more information. • The Crags Eco-preschool is hosting its annual Music Evening on July 8 with Robin Auld and an awesome mystery artist as support act. There are

pleasant new owners at The Barnyard so you can bring your own picnic like old times, but please support their cash bar. There will be a free wine tasting and delicious home-made soup and bread for sale, along with cakes, tea and coffee. Awesome prizes and lucky draws and the bid-a-bargain auction with Stuart Palmer will complete the night’s entertainment. Tickets are available at The Village Book Shop, Ice Palazzo, Pepper Mill restaurant, The Crags Vet, or visit www. ticketstroom.com to buy online. If anyone would like to donate a massage, tattoo, jar of honey, yoga lessons, artwork, jewellery or even a bunch of flowers to auction, that would be most welcome. All funds raised go straight to The Crags Eco-preschool’s bursary fund that covers the cost of school fees for five children from Kurland Village.

BUSINESS

22 June 2016

Investor Focus LOBAL markets are experiencing turbulent times. We all hear the continual stories of political risk. We hear of La Pen in France, Trump in the USA, Spain with no government at all, Brexit in the UK, a new Politburo in China next year and, of course, our own Nenegate saga. We hear of low growth rates worldwide, of a possible recession developing next year, and we live with the possibility of slipping into a deflationary world such as has plagued Japan for over a decade. All of these ongoing threats are often referred to as “noise” in the markets. Investors are told to ignore the noise as it has “sentiment” effects rather than having a real impact. We have had very low interest rates since 2008. The world’s Central Banks flooded the global financial system with massive liquidity in their efforts to stave off a global recession. In Euroland they have even resorted to negative interest rates. Currently in Switzerland if you have money in the bank you are charged a negative interest rate, i.e. you actually have to pay the bank for holding your cash - on top of their normal bank charges! This has occurred to a greater or lesser extent throughout the global banking system. It has had a corrupting effect on investible assets worldwide. Investors, particularly retired investors, have scoured the world’s investment markets for income. Income from REITS and dividends from equities have become the target in this search for yield. While we are all aware of this phenomenon, there is a risk that we have become

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

On risk and noise in the markets

CXPRESS

complacent with its effects. It is a gradual, almost imperceptible influence. Investors run the risk of complacency. We no longer see its effects; it has been there for a long time. There is an old saying: “The crack in the passage wall gets smaller every time you walk down the passage.” To counter the impact of this insidious effect we must return to basics and look at value. The simple P/E Ratio (share price divided by its earnings tells you how many years it will take for the company to make enough money so as to equal the current price of the share) is the easiest way of showing this. A high P/E tells you that the shares are expensive; a low P/E reflects better value. Over the last 15 years the average P/E Ratio in the USA was 16.3; it is currently 17.6. This is a small gap, but many shares in the index are oil or mining-related shares with meaningless P/E Ratios, so one finds that many quality companies trade at an elevated P/E well over 20. In South Africa, the average 15-year P/E Ratio of the All Share Index is 14.7, while the current P/E is 21.9! Again, one has to look closer as our mining shares have virtually zero earnings and Naspers, the biggest company in the index, has a P/E of over 50. Many of our quality companies have a P/E Ratio in the 20s, while their dividend yields are often below 3%. Another area of concern is found in the offshore property trusts with listings on the JSE. Many of these companies have built their Euroland property portfolios by buying buildings that yield over 7% using borrowed money at less

than 4%. We can now understand the “invisible” threat of the current low interest rates. They will ultimately rise, possibly over the long term and then very gradually. Markets will face a headwind and company profits will have to rise so as to offset the rising interest rates. This makes share selection very important. Some sectors currently offer value

and can be considered, but one has to be very selective. Retirees, be aware of products offering higher than normal income. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Don’t risk 100% of your capital for an extra 2% interest. • Malcolm has been in the investment industry for 50 years. He has written this column in CXPRESS for the last 18 years and is a specialist in managing retired wealth.

CXPRESS

INTERVAL

22 June 2016

Make sure you always know the pros and cons AID the estate agent: “This house has both its good points and its bad points. To show you I’m honest, I’m going to tell you about both. “The disadvantages are that there is a chemical

plant one block south and an abattoir a block north.” “What are the advantages?” inquired the prospective buyer. “The advantage is that you can always tell which way the wind is blowing.”

Complimentary insult or insulting compliment? Ever been told something, but you can’t decide if it’s a compliment or an insult? Recently, when I greeted my co-worker, she said: “You look so gorgeous, I didn’t recognise you!”

Smile for the camera... HEN I went to get my driver’s licence renewed, our local traffic department was packed. The line inched along for almost an hour until the man ahead of me finally got his licence. He inspected his photo for a moment and com-

mented to the clerk: “I was standing in line so long, I ended up looking pretty grouchy in this picture.” The clerk looked at his picture closely. “It’s okay,” he reassured the man, “that’s how you’re going to look when the cops pull you over anyway.”

A police officer called the station on his radio. “I have an interesting case here. An old lady shot her husband for stepping on the floor she just mopped.” “Have you arrested the woman?” asked the station commander. “Not yet. The floor is still wet.”

The long-suffering passenger gets a dose of Grandma “Hi! My name is Gertrude,” said the lady as she seated herself next to Arthur on the plane. “It’s so nice to meet you! I’m flying to New York for my grandson’s third birthday. I’m so excited! “I remember when he was just a little thumbkin and now he’s already three! It’s

really hard to believe. He’s the most adorable thing you’ve ever seen! “You know what? Hold on, I think I might have a picture on me. Let me take a look in my purse, yes, here it is, just look at him, isn’t he adorable? “Do you see this dimple on his left cheek? Simply

adorable! I could stare at his picture all day. “Oh my, and you should hear him on the telephone! He is just the cutest, he says to me in the cutest voice ‘Hi Grandma!’ It just gets me all teary-eyed.” After what seemed like two hours to Arthur, Gertrude appeared to realise

that perhaps she was talking a bit too much. “You know, I feel terrible. I don’t even know your name, and here I am just talking and talking without letting you get in a word edgewise! “Tell me… what do you think about my darling grandson?”

Win a copy of the 10th anniversary special collectors edition of Tales from Treknet by answering the following question: In what year was Treknet first published? To find the answer go to the ‘about’ section on the Facebook page THE OFFICIAL TREKNET FAN PAGE. Like it, and keep up to date with daily cartoons and news. Answers can be emailed to editor@cxpress.co.za or faxed to 044 533 0852 by latest June 27. Please include your full name, physical address and contact details. (The first correct answer received will be the winner.) The answer to last week’s question was KYKNET, and the winner is Caryl Burger of George. Congrats!

SOCIAL SCENE

22 June 2016

SHUCK AND CHUCKLE: The Knysna Oyster Festival from July 1-10 will be jam-packed with entertainment to ensure the best 10 days of your winter. Says media liaison Fran Kirsten: ‘In the early years, the festival was known for its oysters and sporting events. Now, 33 years on, it has grown to include good wine and beer, delicious food and great entertainment. Comedians Schalk Bezuidenhoudt and Kagiso Mokgadi, right, will have their audience rolling about with laughter during this year’s Festival Shuckle at the Festival Pavilion on July 7 from 5pm onwards.’ Tickets cost R100 and are available online from www. webtickets.co.za - refreshments will be on sale at the Pick n Pay Fresh Stand. For details on the Festival’s full programme, event details, registration and ticket costs, visit www.pnpoysterfestival.co.za or follow the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival on Twitter @Oyster Festival or on Facebook/KnysnaOysterFestival for daily updates.

People, places & events

SEDGE TEEN TOPS IN PROVINCE: Last Tuesday, Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Anroux Marais held a function to introduce winners of the Department’s Tridistrict Drama Festival, held during the Suidoosterfees earlier this year. Llewellyn Bond - a 15-yearold student at George High School who originally hails from Sedgefield - was declared top contender for his part in the winning show ‘Affie Kleinplaas’ and will now be starring with runners up Robyn September, 18, and William Michaels, 26, both from Heidelberg, in an episode of the South African drama series ‘Suidooster’. Hosted by the Department annually, the Tridistrict is the finale of drama festivals held in each district of the province throughout the year. These festivals afford Western Cape youth the opportunity to develop their skills in the arts as well as providing a platform for talent identification. In the pic above, minister Marais is flanked by Llewellyn, left and Robyn, right, with mentor Moeniel Jacobs at left and some of the ‘Suidooster’ soapie stars at back.

ARE YOU MAD? The annual Plett MAD Festival is a celebration of all things Music, Art and Drama - and you’ll be crazy to miss out on its exciting offerings throughout the next month! Every year, Plett Tourism compiles an intriguing line-up that includes Music by some of SA’s leading performers at venues around town; Art in the form of literary liaisons, a country fair, fashion and food; and Drama including the Plett Food Film Festival, individual performances, and Plett Fringe Festival from June 25-28 (see the advert on p5). The Literary Liaisons Festival, presented by Pam Golding Properties, is a brand new feature on the Plett MAD calendar. This literary experience starting on June 29 will introduce three wonderfully diverse authors, kicking off with PJ Powers next Wednesday when she presents her book ‘Here I am’. On Friday July 8, Brett Archibald, top left, will talk about his book ‘Alone’ - the incredible true story of what it takes to defy needle-in-a-haystack odds and survive what should have been certain death. Moeletsi Mbeki, right, will discuss his book ‘A Manifesto for Social Change’ on July 15. Third of a three-volume series that started seven years ago, it investigates the causes of South Africa’s and the continent’s development obstacles. All three presentations take place at The White House Theatre - visit www.pletttourism.com for tickets.

CXPRESS

Read CXPRESS online at www.cxpress.co.za

22 June 2016

CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

22 June 2016

Letters to the Editor

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

Municipal move in current economic climate concern if the content is in- old CTM building adjaof grave concern deed accurate, and I would cent to the N2 traffic circle. I am a regular reader of CXPRESS on my iPad as, although I reside in Plettenberg Bay, I spend a great deal of time in Cape Town for various reasons.

Paul Scheepers’s letter [‘No need to move all Bitou offices to land off N2 at great expense’ on p11 of the June 15 edition at www. cxpress.co.za] is of great

Longships speed bumps bad for environment and pocket I write to query the logic of the speed bumps (both new and old) in Longships Drive. The general speed limit in Longships is 60kph, which is reasonable given the absence of schools in the road and the general visibility in the road environs. What then is the rationale for creating speed bumps which limit one’s speed to 30kph? Why the need to reduce the speed at various points in the road from 60kph to 30kph? Are there any particular hazards at those points which necessitate those reductions? If Bitou Traffic wants to reduce the speed of vehicles to 30kph down this road, then why don’t they make the general speed limit in the whole

road 30kph? Why have it 60kph in parts and 30kph in others? The logic escapes me. In any event, it has been proven by scientific study that speed bumps are hazardous to the environment as they increase pollution caused by vehicles slowing down and accelerating again once the bump has been negotiated. They also increase wear and tear on vehicles so impose an unnecessary expense on motorists. If the intention is to ensure that vehicles do not travel too fast, then by all means enforce the 60kph limit by the use of speed cameras. But there is no logic for the speed bumps as they exist. ‘Concerned motorist’, Plett

Aiming to improve lives

appeal to you to do everything in your power to publicise this issue sooner rather than later. This matter will have a defining influence on the forthcoming elections if it comes to light that either of the main parties is behind what seems to me to be very poor timing of such expenditure given the present economic conditions, and in light of the Minister of Finance’s appeal to contain expenditure. I have lodged my concerns with the appropriate municipal officials with a suggestion that Bitou Council have a look at the

Don’t try sewing on a button like this… I was intending to sew on a button on one of my blouses, and needed some nylon black thread. I laid everything out on my bed to get ready to sew. Well, you can imagine my astonishment upon picking up my thread… which turned out to be my own hair! I had three bold lengths of hair. When I tried to knot it, I had no luck. Wondering why, I then noticed the actual thread lying nearby

- it was the black nylon. I don’t know how I made the mistake as my hair is ash blond (I had it dyed some six years ago, but it’s now reverting to my original colour, which is dark brown). This gave me a little chuckle and I hope it does the same for your readers. PS: I finally managed to get threaded up through my darner needle! Retirement village dweller, 80, Plett

Here’s a Plettenberg Bay handyman worth hiring Having not got a handyman husband – and for all you girls who have to do your own home maintenance – here’s some good news for us all! After contracting several builders, plumbers and handymen, the response to smaller jobs was… NO response, but lots of positive promises. ‘Please can someone help me,’ I prayed. And then those prayers

Mignonne Anderson, above centre, sent these photos and wrote: ‘Carol Surya has given me authorisation to work with those who have completed her programmes, so I now offer learning and inner development programmes at no charge with the aim to grow Saints in our community, and leaders in improving lives in South Africa. The Saints singers - some of their children being pictured below - will work with me to create peaceful places to reside in and travel from and for visitors to explore unique experiences in Bitou. I also gave the women who attended guidance on voluntary work.’ If you are interested in attending learning and inner development sessions, with programmes to live healthy and balanced lives to achieve your goals, contact Mignonne at msa1wp@gmail.com for additional information.

In the Cape, South Peninsula Municipality took over the Plessey factory in Plumstead and this has proved to be a great success for most of the publicvisited departments, and an example of what can be done at reasonable cost - possibly an example for Bitou to emulate. Perhaps you could approach the contesting parties for their views and justifications so as to provide voters with ammunition for early August. ‘Taxed to death ratepayer’, Plett (See the article in this regard on page 3. - Eds.)

were answered. I met Sascha Koter, who was simply amazing: he arrived on time, worked according to the quoted schedule and cleaned up beautifully after he had completed the job. He always kept to his word. This good workmanship was truly worth me taking pen to paper to give Sascha a big thumbs up. Denise H, Plett

CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

22 June 2016

Catch SA’s best varsity surfers in action at Vic Bay from today HILE the Billabong Madibaz surfers will target another team title, Matie Shaun Joubert and Varsity College’s Nicole Pallet will defend their individual crowns in the University Sport South Africa (USSA) championships at Victoria Bay from June 22-24. The competition, which is being organised and hosted by NMMU’s George campus for the seventh successive year, will see the top surfers from five coastal institutions vie for the various titles. The Madibaz showed their depth by winning the overall trophy in addition to a second men’s title on the trot last year and will

Francois Wolfaardt an evening o off fun, laughter & prizes es The White House 1 July, 6.00pm - 8.00pm

Tickets available at The Old House Shop & Market Square Information Kiosk R150 includes a welcome drink, light snacks, race card, betting slips & bit ‘o bucks. Cash Bar available. First race starts at 6.30pm

be keen to retain their status as one of the country’s leading surfing varsities. In the individual competition, Joubert is expected to go head to head with Varsity College’s Wade Simkiss, who was third in the last two campaigns. However, they will first have to overcome Cape Peninsula University of Technology student Jeandre Blignault, who won in 2013. Pallet, who finished in second place before winning last year, is again expected to lead the way in the women’s event. She is likely to face stiff competition from teammate Chanelle Botha, who was runner up last year,

and Madibaz’s Roxy Giles, who won back-to-back titles in 2013 and 2014. Pallet and Botha will also be at the forefront of Varsity College’s attempt to win their third women’s title in a row. “The competition is an excellent opportunity to establish and foster relationships within the university fraternity, while at the same time contributing to the growth of sport,” said George campus sport manager Hugo Loubser. He thanked Surfing South Africa for their support towards making the event a success and a platform for students to showcase their talent.

“A word of thanks also goes to George Municipality for the use of Vic Bay, and to the Southern Cape Board Riders Association for again providing logistical support.” A further incentive for the competitors is selection for the USSA team. The squad comprising eight men and four women will be chosen at the conclusion of the championships. The University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Varsity College and NMMU are the competing institutions. Surfing gets underway with the opening heats at 8am today.

SWD Plett Challenge a resounding success HE 2016 SWD Plett Challenge was lauded a great success with the tournament far exceeding expectations and attracting teams from as far afield as Hartswater (300km north of Kimberly), Riversdale, Mossel Bay, George, Oudtshoorn, Jeffrey’s Bay, and Despatch. Event organisers Plettenberg Bay Martial Arts Academy (PBMAA) said there was a dramatic increase in overall participation from last year and with future growth anticipated, Plett can look forward to the event becoming a permanent fixture on the ISKA tournament calendar. The day was a celebration of high-action martial arts with competitors of all ages participating in various kick boxing and karate divisions including Points Fighting, Continu-

TEAM EFFORT: Plettenberg Bay Martial Arts Academy students who competed in the SWD Plett Classic are pictured here with Sensei Elrie at centre back

ous Fighting, Grappling, X-Treme Kicking, Traditional and Creative Katas, Kumite, Unison Kata and Synchronised Kata. One of the highlights of the competition was the representation of both Goju Ryu and JKA styles of karate, with JKA Dojos from Uitenhage, Kirkwood and Port Elizabeth in attendance. Their judges, who as-

sisted on the traditional floor, brought with them a wealth of experience and it was wonderful to see these two styles performed and judged without bias. As well as attracting competitors from other towns, the event provided a platform for local martial arts students to showcase their hard work and talent. The PBMAA team performed outstandingly on

their home turf, claiming over 30 medals across various divisions. Watch this space for more information about their achievements in upcoming events over the next few months. The large local crowd who attended the event in the Plettenberg Bay Primary School looks forward to seeing them in action again at the 2017 SWD Challenge.