22 october

22 October 2014

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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Positive vibrations Read the story of Adin Jandjies on page 2

Photo: Gigi Lewis

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News & Views

22 October 2014

People Around Town

Having balls, to this good-natured teenager, means more than his streetwise contemporaries might credit him with GIGI LEWIS interviews interesting Garden Route residents and visitors that happen to cross her path

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few hundred metres in from the N2, along Old Cape Road on the western fringe of Knysna, 16-yearold Adin Jandjies is a familiar sight to commuters.

With Salt River snaking into the estuary on one side of the road, Adin sits on the other, nonchalantly perched on a plastic chair, selling golf balls

to fans on their way up to Simola Golf & Country Estate.

Shaded by a tree, he occupies a patch of front garden that is separated by a wooden fence from the timeworn cottage of aged Cathie and her husband, Japie, who have lived there for aeons.

The air is heavy with wafts of spring flower perfume as

Adin tells me how the old lady still today tends the variety of blooms in her cottage garden and how she knows and has taught him about the healing power and medicinal benefits of the indigenous plants all around him.

His jovial wave of a hand and animated smile has lit up many a motorist’s face en route to work or into town, and is always reciprocated.

When Adin was born in Hornlee in 1989, opportu-

ture and takes important things seriously for one so young, but his attitude to life is refreshingly positive.

Being the eldest of three brothers and three sisters, he has always felt responsibility toward them. His parents’ meagre income barely feeds such a large family, in which the youngest sibling is now just one year old.

Growing up in the dusty township, Adin’s greatest happiness was to meet with

to go and make money.”

With this decision, he approached his present ‘boss’ Hannes, who supervises the selling of golf balls in the area and asked him if he could sell balls at Pezula. But Hannes had other plans for him and told Adin to go to Salt River instead.

Adin smiles: “One day I might find a more important job but for the time being I am happy here. It’s not boring at all as I like the people that

BALL SENSE: Adin, left, and his friend Brad at the spot on the way to Simola where he flogs good used golf balls to passing golfers

Our 10 000 free copies are distributed every Wednesday to a multitude of outlets along the Garden Route, with emphasis on Knysna and Plett and drop-offs at *Sedgefield Tourism *Caltex StarMart in Wilderness *Lynn Schroeder, Build It and other select outlets in George *Storms River Village and Bridge in Tsitsikamma - phone 044 533 1004 (o/h) with distribution queries.

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nities to prosper for young people in his township were scarce. His dad is a builder and was also born there, but his mom is from Cape Town.

Today, living in economically disadvantaged communities is as hopeless as ever.

Adin’s friend from Gouna, Brad, tells me he cannot go to school every day because his mother cannot afford the R9 taxi fare.

Adin is focused on the fu-

friends after school and exult in playing soccer in the streets and, sometimes on the soccer field “the other side of Lamco” in Hornlee.

“All my friends play soccer on Sundays together with other children. They think it’s a better option than staying at home. Some play for a club.”

When he left Fraaisig Primary School in 2013, he told his friends: “I don’t want to play soccer anymore. I want

come past. I work from eight to five and when I have sold enough balls, I can go home.

“I also get compensated for a day when I sell nothing.

The money is enough for me and, every Sunday, I can give a little to my parents with whom I’m still living.”

He hesitates for a second and continues mischievously: “But if someone came along and offered me a job with good money, I’d take it!”

The second-hand golf balls he sells look pristine after having been dunked in a bleach solution and his fee of R100 for 20 is certainly a darn side cheaper than they sell for in shops.

Most are collected at Simola, Pezula and Knysna Golf Club by township children who take them to Hannes and get paid a small fee per ball.

According to Adin, many people prefer the soft ProV1s or Srixon balls, but the hard Titleist NXT are also available in his arsenal.

“I learn every day from customers who buy balls.

In 2010 when I was still at school, I used to play golf on Wednesday afternoons when Keith Cretchley, then owner of Knysna Sports School, trained my friends and me on the driving range.”

Through friends of his, Adin turned Rasta at the age of 13.

He smiles broadly: “In church on Saturdays, you stand the whole day - there are no seats to sit on.

“I like the reggae music and the dance hall in Judas Square, which is open on Saturday nights from 8pm to 5am, with no-one complaining because we are all part of that community.”

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News & Views

22 October 2014

CXPRESS

Local teen suicides should put parents on high-alert With matric exams underway and the increased stress levels that go with it, experts have warned that no exam is worth a life, this in the wake of tragedy after two George teenagers took their own lives over the past three months - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports

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ODAY, York High will be holding a tree-planting ceremony to remember 17-year-old Grade 10 pupil Justin Grimsell who took his own life late last month. A similar ceremony was held on August 1 for 16-year-old Matthew Britton, who committed suicide on July 26 this year.

Police spokesman captain Malcolm Pojie confirmed the teenagers’ deaths and

said inquest dockets had been opened, but that no foul play was suspected.

Trauma counsellor John Preller said there was a wide range of contributing factors to suicide among teenagers including undiagnosed depression, peer pressure, financial problems, and fear over what the future holds.

He added that there were also many triggers, but one of

them was the fear of failure when it comes to exams.

“Sadly, often teenagers choose a permanent way out of a temporary problem. They become so overwhelmed and feel their entire worlds are collapsing. Some choose suicide to escape the realities of life while others turn to drugs and alcohol,” Preller said.

According to the South African Depression & Anxiety

Armed robbers hit Plett beachfront operators before business hours FIRST DO NO HARM: Staff at Ocean Blue sustained no injuries when three men robbed them at gunpoint on Monday

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TAFF at Ocean Blue the Plett whale-watching operation with its premises on the Central Beach parking area - were confronted by three unknown armed men around 7am on Monday morning October 20.

It is believed that the manager arrived early to prepare for a boat-based marine encounter a little later that morning, but fortunately no tourists or other visitors had clocked in yet by the time of the incident.

Local sources say the three made off with cellphones, clothing and cash, but that police had recovered almost R30,000 worth of stolen goods when catching up with

the suspects in Qolweni informal settlement. No one was injured during the incident.

An eyewitness employed at another business in the centre said he saw three men walking past him as he made his way to work, but had no reason to find anything suspect about them.

But when the men sped off in a white VW Chico, parked under trees at one of the picnic sites on the Piesang River’s banks, he alerted a security vehicle in the vicinity. He said the men were Xhosa-speaking but very light-skinned, which led him to believe they hailed from the Eastern Cape.

The local network of security companies and police, which work together under the Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) banner, kicked into action and two Smhart Alarms members chased the Chico up Piesang Valley Road.

By the time the suspects’ car reached Bossiesgif informal settlement at Plett Industria, SAPS officers and PBCPA members were in quick pursuit and one of the suspects, allegedly the fourth suspect and driver of the getaway car, was arrested.

Apparently the getaway car nearly ploughed into a township home before coming to a standstill, and the community of Bossiesgif was commended for assisting the police in cornering the 33-year-old suspect, who is expected to appear in the Plett magistrates’ court today on a charge of Business Robbery.

The public is asked to call Plett SAPS on 044 501 1900 or crime Stop on 08600 10111 with any information that could lead to the arrests of the other suspects. *Cnuq"ugg"vjg"tgrqtv"qp"r060+

Group (Sadag), suicide accounts for 9.5% of all nonnatural teenage deaths in SA and more than 20% of teens have considered suicide.

Sadag studies suggest that the highest suicide risk factors include relationship problems, family issues, violence, emotional or sexual abuse, family history of suicide or depression, disease, bullying, substance abuse and

previous suicide attempts.

Sadag operations director Cassey Chambers said although they fielded a steady flow of calls from teenagers needing help throughout the year, the reasons differed at certain periods. This time of the year, exam anxiety is one of the major reasons for youngsters reaching out.

“Exams add to the stresses teenagers are already facing, so it is very important for them to know that they need to talk about their problems.

Talk to family, talk to your

3 friends. There are also many professionals and organisations that can help you, that you can approach anonymously without any costs,” Preller said.

He added that schools should keep an eye out for vulnerable children and ensure in-house counsellors are in place and ready to assist. “Parents can also look out for any change in emotional behaviour. Talk to your children and don’t be scared to ask them if something is bothering them. In To page 4

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News & Views

22 October 2014

Police Forum calls on businesses to be vigilant P LETTENBERG Bay Community Police Forum (CPF) chairman Bruce Richardson contacted CXPRESS in the wake of Monday’s armed robbery at Central Beach with important information to businesses to take all reasonable precautions to safeguard cash held on their premises.

“News of the presence of cash on business premises soon gets out and encourages the type of intervention by criminals that we have just experienced in Plett.”

Richardson advises that business owners either ob-

tain a “drop safe” or get the money off the premises to an unknown destination if the banks are closed.

“Business owners and employees should also be particularly vigilant during opening and closing times when there are few people in the area, leaving them more vulnerable than at other times,” he says.

“In particular, keep an eye out for any potentially suspicious looking characters in the area and if in any doubt, rather delay opening or closing and contact your security company or SAPS and ask

for a presence.”

This is a general cautionary note to Garden Route businesses, but giving Plett an advantage in this regard is the fact that its security companies, police and municipal law enforcement have joined forces as the Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA), giving Bitou business owners added armour in their fight against crime.

“If you absolutely have to open, call the PBCPA and ensure that someone is on their way - it will only take a few minutes prior to their

arrival on scene. It is this type of vigilant behaviour as a community that prevents criminal incidents and encourages criminals to move to another town.

“Be especially cautious as we head into the festive season, as we generally experience a spike in incidents during this time of year,” Richardson concludes.

All organisations are invited to apply for membership to Plett CPF. Application forms are available from Ina Olivier on 083 271 1142 or lieutenant Marlene Pieterse on 044 501 1933.

Local teen suicides should put parents on high-alert From page 3 most cases, the clues are there.”

Sadag studies show that the most common warning signs include a sudden behaviour change, a sense of helplessness, withdrawal, a change in eating patterns, an unusual preoccupation with death or dying, the giving away of valued personal possessions, signs of depression and unusual moodiness.

York High School has gone to great lengths to provide support to pupils, especially after the latest tragedies.

“Even before the learners

arrived at school on the Mondays after the death of the two boys - both died on Saturdays - systems had been put in place to help and counsel the children. We immediately called an assembly and the headmaster addressed the school,” vice principal of pastoral care Sandy Witteveen said.

The school also ensured several psychologists were on campus for pupils and groups of learners who needed counselling.

“We are still assisting learners in the counselling process and the psychologists have been amazing with their

follow-up sessions. Our own counselling department at school is also still in the process of helping children.”

The school has arranged an evening for parents during which a psychologist and motivational speaker will be addressing them.

“Our advice to youngsters is to communicate your feelings. Speak out because that is how you can empower yourself. Ask for help. There is so much help available.

Even if you speak to a friend but empower that friend to speak to an adult who can get help to you.

“At school we are on high alert and the learners know that all our doors are open for them.”

For matrics, Witteveen said being prepared was the first step in dealing with stress.

She added that parents should not set unrealistic expectations for their children.

“Re-enforce your child’s own worth. Know when and what they are writing. Make them tea. Avoid conflict of any kind in the home. Relax some of their more stressful chores. Be kind and be a bit more flexible. Also, be supportive.”

News & Views

22 October 2014

Check out KwaNokuthula’s newest homeowners

October 9 was a glorious Thursday for members of the KwaNokuthula community who were the lucky recipients of 54 new homes, thanks to Bitou Municipality’s housing department. On hand to take care of this happy business were mayor Memory Booysen and municipal speaker Annelise Olivier, pictured at centre below. The mayor urged the delighted beneficiaries to take good care of their properties, and asked those whose names appeared on the housing list but had not yet received their keys to be patient, ‘as the municipality is doing its best to serve each and every one of you’.

One hundred homes now owned in Karatara

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WNERSHIP of 100 houses was transferred to their audited and legal occupiers on October 14 during a ceremony officiated

by Knysna mayor Georlene Wolmarans.

“There is a great difference in living in a house and being able to call it your own,” said Wolmarans, adding that it was an honour for her to greet those attending the occasion not simply as residents of Karatara, but as “homeowners”.

National government developed the welfare village of Karatara on state-owned land in the 1940s. Housing was provided to the timber

workers of old at very low rental and the Surveyor General approved a general plan for the town in 1987.

The area known as Bosdorp used to be a forestry station in the 1920s, but also became a settlement for forestry workers in the 1940s. The land comprising the town of Karatara was transferred to Knysna Municipality in May 2008.

Wolmarans explained the long road leading up to last week’s handover. “It started at a workshop held in June 2009. The resolution from that workshop was that the process for transfer should be discussed and refined with community representatives,

named the ‘Taakspan’.

“Council worked with the Taakspan and broader community to finally agree on a plan for the transfer of these properties. After many years of meetings and resolutions, Council finally approved the transfer of all single residential, developed sites to the audited and legal occupiers.

“This resolution was accompanied by a whole list of terms and conditions but, ultimately, it has led us to where we are today, at an assembly of legitimate homeowners. And it has helped us to work towards creating a town where people and nature prosper,” Wolmarans concluded.

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Mass clean-up boosts Knysna estuary’s health Pictured here is the youngest participant during a mass clean-up when Khayalethu residents rolled up their sleeves to collect litter from the Bongani and Khayalethu rivers during Marine Week. This action was taken to ensure that ultimately less land-based pollution ends up in the Knysna estuary. The Bongani River is part of a catchment that flows into the estuary through dense rural and urban areas. It can be traced from the northern areas of Khayalethu and Bongani, then through the industrial area before entering the estuary at the Ashmead channel. The Khayalethu River is one of its tributaries. Nearly everything that can be found on land eventually makes its way to a stream or river, because most of Knysna forms part of a catchment area. Sections of these two rivers are cleaned on a weekly basis by 30 local women as part of Knysna’s River Health Programme and although this contributes to minimising the amount of waste in the catchment, it is still important to raise environmental awareness in all communities and change attitudes towards the use of the river. Melaney Barrath of Garden Route National Park said this year’s count of black bags filled with litter was far less than previous years. The clean-up was initiated by the municipality and SANParks.

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CXPRESS

News & Views

22 October 2014

Mamela Nyamza touches hearts at Bitou 10 Foundation fundraiser Kim Weyer CEO: Bitou 10 Foundation

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AMELA means ‘to listen’ and she certainly made us listen... with our hearts and souls. Mamela Nyamza’s performance of her autobiographical piece Jcvejgf at The White House in Plett on Saturday October 4 was brilliant!

This internationally-acclaimed dancer and choreographer’s imaginative use of props and creative fusion of classical ballet, African and contemporary dance is genius. Her courageous performance held the audience in suspense, moved some to tears and then brought comic relief and joy.

Her vivid imagery replays in one’s mind long after her performance. Plett audiences rarely have the opportunity to experience such emotive physical theatre. Thank you, Mamela.

This was a particularly exciting night for dancers from Murray High School, all of them participants in the Bitou 10 Foundation’s dance programme, as they were chosen to perform the opening act at the event and got to meet Mamela after her performance.

It was the first time any of them had seen such an accomplished African artist performing live.

All proceeds from the event will cover the cost of bringing Mamela to Plett to facilitate

workshops for participants of the Bitou 10 After-School Activities Programme. Over 100 children participated in Mamela’s dance workshops in New Horizons, Kranshoek and KwaNokuthula from October 6-8.

The Bitou 10 Foundation would like to thank and acknowledge the following people and local businesses for all their help and support: Mamela Nyamza, Candice Ludick, Madeleen Janse van Vuuren, Amanda Valela, Martin Wolfaardt, The Old House Shop, Village Bookshop, The White House and Nguni Restaurant.

Please visit www.bitou10 foundation.co.za for further information.

MAKING LIGHT WORK OF DANCE: Mamela, at right of centre in the back row, with the Murray High dancers and their facilitators - over 100 children participated in her dance workshops in New Horizons, Kranshoek and KwaNokuthula from October 6-8

Notice Board

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HE Sedgefield Slow Town Beerfest at Scarab Village will give visitors the opportunity to taste a variety of beer and wine while raising funds for the worthy NPO Masithandane on Qevqdgt" 47" (" 48. This Beerfest will throw its doors wide open on Saturday at 6pm with the promise of a party of a lifetime. Sunday is packed with family fun from 11am to 4pm. On both days, visitors stand the chance to win wonderful spot prizes.

Tickets for the Saturday’s party cost R150 per adult and include a meal, prizes, entertainment and tastings.

The Sunday ticket will cost R20 per adult and include the entertainment and tasting while children pay R10 to enjoy the foam party, dog agility show and fancy dress competition.

Tickets are available from

Die Windpomp Diner in Scarab Village, Masithandane and Sedgefield Information Office. Call Tertia Rothman on 082 046 0463 or email projectscomasithanda ne@gmail.com for additional information.

Knysna Garden Club’s next meeting is on Wednesday Qevqdgt" 4; at Blue Pepper Farm in Elandskraal, at 9:45 for 10 am. Warren & Marna Bright are cultivating blueberries and will share their knowledge and tell of the challenges they have faced.

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, full of flavour and will be for sale from the farm on the day. Wear walking shoes and hats and take note that the farm road is a bit rough, so no sports cars!

Visitors are welcome. Phone Elinor on 044 387 1966 or 082 377 8084 for directions.

Four unusual Plett gardens will be open to the public on Saturday Pqxgodgt" 3" from 10an to 4pm. Tickets cost R60 at any of the gardens and maps are available from Barney’s Kiosk at The Market Square.

Venues include the Bosky Dell rose garden (entrance on N2, opposite The Heath) where there will be a plant, tea and cake sale; Graham von Hoesslin’s farm garden (entrance on N2 opposite Forest Gate); Schoongezicht Eco Estate (entrance next to Plett Country Club on Piesang Valley Road); and the Snoeck-Henkemans garden at Whale Rock Ridge (entrance on road leading to Robberg Nature Reserve).

All proceeds go to PAWS contact Marsja Hall-Green on 073 645 9476 or 044 533 4578 and see the advert on page 3 for more information.

News & Views

22 October 2014

Outeniqua ATKV joins the globe in celebrating World Teachers Day

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AST Friday was acknowledged globally as Teachers Day in recognition of the importance of education in the future of our children and the dedication of their teachers.

The Outeniqua branch of the Afrikaans language and culture organisation, the ATKV, took the opportunity to honour 14 teachers from local schools who, they considered, had contributed most to the upliftment of youth, and maintenance and development of the

Afrikaans language.

This local branch of the organisation is one of the most successful in the country, having increased its membership more than fourfold during the eight-year tenure of current chairman Pieter de Wet Oppenheimer.

Cape provinces manager of the ATKV Elda Kruger praised De Wet Oppenheimer for his initiatives during his spell as chairman.

“Pieter has increased the ATKV’s visibility markedly

by his enthusiasm and dedication, turning the Outeniqua branch into the largest in the country. His organisation of members to support the language in local schools and the creation of six multilingual libraries has shown that the ATKV values local communities,” she said.

Kruger said that the four pillars of the organisation are language, arts, community and education, with all in equal importance.

According to her, there are

Plettenberg Bay scholars lend their art to march for wildlife preservation

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CXPRESS

310 branches in the country with 47 of these in the three Cape provinces.

In order to promote the language with youngsters, there are 93 youth branches attached to high schools, two of which have been established in the George area.

De Wet Oppenheimer announced at the presentation that he would be stepping down as chairman shortly and his successor would be chosen at an AGM in January 2015.

Angus Greig from Ebenezer Estate sent these pics of the well-attended Plett edition of the Global March for Eles and Rhinos on October 4, the local event starting off below Bitou’s municipal parking area from where it proceeded to Main Street. Says Angus: ‘The cars used in our October 4 march were painted by pupils from Murray High, Plett Secondary and Bay College. Well done to you all!’ The photo below shows the many wildlife-minded youngsters who joined their parents to spread the word that poaching, canned hunting and trophy trading should not be allowed anywhere in the world.

Words & photo: Bob Hopkin

WELL DONE: Local ATKV chairman Pieter de Wet Oppenheimer congratulates Susan Swart from Outeniqua Primary School on her contribution to their work

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CXPRESS

Business

22 October 2014

Sotheby’s International Realty Plett celebrates success

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HE Plett office of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty received 18 regional awards at their quarterly function held at Lookout Deck recently. The awards include: Swctvgt"gpfgf"Oc{"4236 • Desré Reck - Top Agent in Developments for both units sold and turnover.

• Paul Jordaan - Rookie of the Quarter for both units sold and turnover.

• Sue Harvey - Runner up for units sold and third place for turnover (excluding developments).

• Carrie MacLean - Top Agent for turnover and runner up for units sold (excluding developments).

Swctvgt"gpfgf"Cwiwuv"4236 • Paul Jordaan - Rookie of the Quarter for units sold and runner up for turnover.

• Sue Harvey - Most referrals concluded.

• Desré Reck - Runner up in developments for both units sold and turnover.

• Plett office - Marketer of the Quarter for the office with the best external image.

Hein Pretorius, owner principal of Sotheby’s International Realty Plett, says: “I am proud of our team as they grow from strength to strength. We have a talented, ethical and motivated team, and I am glad to celebrate in

their success.

“The venue was great and I must compliment Chris Stroebel and his crew at the Deck for their excellent food

and service.”

Contact Sotheby’s International Realty Plettenberg Bay on 044 533 2529 and see the advert on the front page.

TOP DOGS ON DECK: Sotheby’s CEO Jason Roode, at left, handed over their awards to Plett agents, from left, Carrie MacLean, Desré Reck, Paul Jordaan and Sue Harvey

Investor Focus

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

The Big Five - final comments

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ECIDING which of our great global companies to include in my Big Five series [read it on the Business pages of the September 17 & 24 and October 1, 8 & 15 issues at www.cxpress.co.za] was no easy task. There are other huge South African companies that also qualify.

Bidvest immediately jumps to mind, but its brands are not always visible - unless you watch the English soccer jerseys - and Mr Joffe has steered what is probably South Africa’s biggest con-

glomerate for most of his working life.

Grinrod is another relatively low-profile giant, with its global shipping lines plus the reconstruction and management of Maputo Harbour. It is already Africa’s largest logistics company, and builds its own locomotives.

Then there are the mining giants. Anglo is the obvious one with its long South African history. Unfortunately the founding family appears to have joined the ranks of the invisible wealthy.

Billiton, which absorbed General Mining many years ago, appears to have drifted away from its partial South African identity, too.

Our national banking giants also deserve a mention.

Standard Bank, for one, is well steeped in our financial history. However, its global diversifications did not deliver so we see it returning to the emerging markets that it knows, even with its massive Chinese partner.

FNB was the old Barclays Bank and has shown excep-

tional growth under the direction of Messrs Ferreira, Dippenaar, and Lewis.

In the world of property, Redefine and Growthpoint are developing their global skills but will still need time to prove themselves.

Finally, there are the massive South African retailers - led by Shoprite, among others - that are taking their merchandising skills into Africa.

Tiger Brands together with AVI are also spreading their wings over the continent, ultimately resulting in our national brands becoming African brands.

But it was the Big Five

(Naspers, SABMiller, MTN, BAT and Sasol - include Bidvest to make it six) that led the recent bull run on the JSE. While these shares may well prove to be a bit expensive in the short term, their long-term investment merit is outstanding and I would not hesitate to recommend a purchase of any of them, provided the price is right.

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Entertainment

22 October 2014

Bitou children love to sing! ...and you can catch them in full performing and visual arts action on November 1

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HE most popular afterschool activity at Bitou schools is choir, and over 240 children are now participating in the Bitou 10 Foundation’s Choir Programme.

The Formosa Primary School choir, established by B10F in 2012, currently has 30 members. Since Claud Schmidt joined the Foundation’s team of performing arts facilitators as choir master, its music programme has been expanded to offer choir at three more schools.

So to date, 70 children have joined the Kranshoek school choir; 93 children now participate in The Crags Primary school choir, and 50 children have formed a choir at Har-

kerville Primary.

Claud is a well-respected music teacher and singer in Plett. As three-time winner of the National South African Championships of Performing Arts, professional performing artist of 25 years and teacher since the century’s turn, B10F is most privileged to have Claud on board.

He has worked with Plett Music Academy from 20092012, and this year established his own training facility, called Eden Song Academy.

“Being involved with the Bitou 10 Foundation, I have discovered talent previously buried by the words ‘you can’t sing’, but that I have proven wrong in my 14 years

of being a vocal coach.

“Everyone can sing, but it is how you produce the sound that creates the timbre of your voice or tonal quality,” says Claud.

Participation in a school choir teaches children many important life skills. They naturally develop their musical talents, along with a knowledge and appreciation of music. They also learn self-discipline, respect, cooperation, teamwork and leadership skills.

Participation in a school choir helps give children a sense of belonging while fostering a pride in their school.

“Once the school choirs are ready, we look forward to hosting an inter-school choir festival in Plett in 2015. Well established choirs from Murray High School,

Russians revisit Knysna The Knysna Plett Concert Series presents cellist Georgi Anichenko, left, and pianist Anastasya Terenkova on Monday October 27 at Knysna DRC hall. Both Russian, these two wonderful musicians have been playing and performing since they were eight and 11 years of age respectively, and together since 2001. Georgi is currently lead cello with the Frankfurt Radio Orchestra and both are multi award winners who have performed all over the world. This is their second visit to Knysna and the programme will include works by Schumann, Beethoven and Grieg.

Tickets at R120 (scholars pay R30) are sold at the door from 6:45 and the show starts at 7:30pm. See you there!

CXPRESS Phakamisani Primary, Plett Primary and Knysna Primary will also be invited to participate,” enthuses Bitou 10 Foundation CEO Kim Weyer.

It has been an exciting year for music in Bitou. Aside from the expansion of its choirs, the Foundation has also launched Kindermusik at seven Bitou primary schools and today 188 Grade R and Grade 1 children are participating in this developmental music programme.

B10F also helped establish and continues to support the Plett Pioneers Field Band, which now boasts 120 dedicated members.

Almost a thousand local learners are now participating in the music, dance, drama and art programme run by the Foundation at Bitou schools.

On Saturday November 1, participants of the Bitou 10 After-School Activities

Programme (Performing & Visual Arts) from 10 Bitou schools will perform for the community at Plett Primary School at 2pm.

Please support this annual

9 showcase of young Bitou talent. Contact the B10F on 044 533 6466 or at admin@ bitou10foundation.co.za and see the advert on page 5 for more information.

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Health & Beauty

22 October 2014

Five ways to boost body image without losing weight 1.

Stop negative self-talk immediately Learning to describe yourself with neutral, objective phrases can help stop the cycle of poor self-esteem. So, instead of saying to yourself “I have really ugly thighs,” think, “my thighs could use some work.”

2. Find and focus on the things you like about your looks Find the things about yourself you can say something good

about, and every time you look in the mirror, go there first and say something positive to yourself.

3. Treat yourself with the same kindness and respect you show your best friend Would you respect and care about a person who says about you what you are saying about yourself?

If the answer is no, then begin treating yourself at least as well as you are treating

others in your life.

4. Dress the part

If you’re putting off buying new clothes until you like your body better - don’t. Buy what fits you, and look the very best you can.

5. Recognise that people naturally come in different shapes and sizes Make a real effort to cherish your body’s uniqueness.

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La Luna

Health & Beauty

22 October 2014

CXPRESS

11

Walk for breast cancer in Plett Plett Optical and IC T Optometrists are joining forces J HE Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) will host a Breast Cancer Awareness Walk in Plett on Friday October 31. This annual fundraising event is organised by a dedicated group of Cansa volunteers who also focus on patient care and awareness promotion.

As a non-profitable organisation, Cansa is particularly dependent on the support of businesses and the community to raise much needed funds to implement quality services to cancer patients.

Cansa’s purpose is to lead the fight against cancer in South Africa. Its mission is to be the preferred non-profit organisation that enables research, educates the public and provides support to all people affected by cancer.

Home-away-from-home accommodation is provided to

patients undergoing cancer treatment at oncology clinics far away from where they live. Guests at the Cansa Care Homes stay for an average of six weeks and receive meals and transport to and from treatment centres.

Cansa also supports patients by lending or helping them to obtain assistive devices and equipment to help them cope with cancer treatment and after surgery. This includes wigs, wheelchairs, commodes, egg-shell mattresses and other aids. Nappies and nutritional supplements are also sold at reduced prices.

So gather at Central Beach at 5pm on Friday October 31 to support this important cause. Entry fee is R30 (children pay R10) and the distance is 5km - food and variety stalls will be available, and T-shirts for sale.

Prettiest lady in the land launches national breast cancer campaign Miss South Africa, Rolene Strauss - here at the giant wire exhibit where Joburg shoppers can show their allegiance to the breast cancer cause - is a woman on a mission. The fourth year medical student put her studies on hold during her reign, and feels strongly about breast cancer and making more women aware of the benefits of early detection of the disease. Strauss launched a national awareness campaign last week when unveiling a wire exhibit at Sandton City. It is hoped that this will draw attention to the issues surrounding breast cancer, and shoppers are asked to support the cause by tying a pink ribbon to the work. Read more about Plett’s Pink campaign above. - Photo: Debbie Yazbek

Call Hanlie Sinclair on 082 688 3152 or June MilburnPyle on 072 506 0509 for more info on the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk.

Rngvv"kp"vjg"rkpm# Remember that you can also support the cancer cause by buying pink fabric at The Old House Shop, Yellowood Centre Pharmacy and outside Pick n Pay at The Market Square on Saturday mornings at R100 for 5m.

Yes, it’s Pink Trees for Pauline time again, when Plett unites in hope against cancer by buying pink cloth to wrap around a favourite landmark and raise funds for Cansa.

Call Hanlie on 082 688 3152 for more info and watch this space for news on the culmination of this annual campaign with the Cansa skydive on Friday October 31.

AN le Roux and Conrad van Tonder have decided to combine their considerable (combined 53 years!) experience and skills under one roof. This is bold and exiting news, and is a first for Optical in the Garden Route area.

To practically facilitate this move, the existing Plett Optical premises was enlarged and changed to accommodate Conrad and his team. From now on all IC Optometrists (formerly Muir Optometrists) customer records and those of Plett Optical (formerly Slabber and Slabbert) will be kept under one roof.

The merger will benefit their customers in many ways as there will always be an optometrist on duty.

Their sunglasses and spectacle frames as well as the prescription lens range will be enhanced, while emergencies will be attended to more speedily.

Another benefit is the OnSite lens lab - an ultramodern lens fitting laboratory with an incredible single vision lens range, from basic to superior quality thin and light lenses. They are now

UNDER FOUR EYES: Jan le Roux and Conrad van Tonder, right, in front of the Plett Optical premises in Main Street that now also houses IC Optometrists

able to supply most suitable prescriptions on a same-day basis!

We would like to congratulate these two entrepreneurial optometrists, as they make Plett proud, and wish them all of the best for the

future.

They can be reached on their existing telephone numbers 044 533 2191 and 044 533 1335 for bookings and all queries. See the advert on this page for additional information.

12

CXPRESS

Interval

22 October 2014

Whisky is a brilliant invention.

One double and you start feeling single again.

Asking very nicely

A

rather attractive woman goes up to the bar in a quiet rural pub. She gestures alluringly to the barman, who comes over immediately.

When he arrives, she seductively signals that he should bring his face close to hers.

When he does so, she begins to gently caress his beard, which is full and bushy.

“Are you the landlord?” she asks, softly stroking his face with both hands.

“Actually, no,” he replies.

A

“Can you get him for me?

I need to speak to him,” she asks, running her hands up beyond his beard into his hair.

“I’m afraid I can’t,” breathes the barman - clearly aroused.

“Is there anything K can do?”

“Yes, there is. I need you to give him a message,” the woman continues huskily, popping a couple of fingers into his mouth and allowing him to suck them gently.

“Tell him there is no toilet paper in the ladies room.”

Ja well, no fine…

zookeeper notices someone throwing R200 bills at the monkeys.

He tells the man to stop and that it’s not allowed.

“Of course it’s allowed!”

says the man.

“No it’s not,” says the zookeeper.

“Sure it is, it says right here: ‘Don’t feed the monkeys. R200 fine.’!”

When good fortune calls

A

man walks along a lonely beach, and suddenly he hears a deep voice shouting: “DIG!” He looks around, but nobody’s there. ‘I am having hallucinations,’ he thinks.

Then he hears the voice again: “I SAID, DIG!” So the man starts to dig in the sand with his bare hands, and after some inches he finds a small chest with a rusty lock.

The deep voice continues: “OPEN!” ‘Ok,’ the man thinks, ‘let’s open the thing.’

He finds a rock with which to destroy the lock and when the chest is finally open, he sees a lot of gold coins.

The deep voice says: “TO THE CASINO!” Well, the casino is only a few miles away, so the man takes the chest and walks to the casino.

The deep voice booms: “ROULETTE!” So the man changes all the gold into a huge pile of roulette tokens and goes to one of the tables, where the players gaze at him with disbelief.

The deep voice says: “27!”

The man takes the whole pile and drops it on 27.

The table nearly bursts.

Everybody is quiet when the croupier throws the ball. The ball stops on 26.

The deep voice says: “OH SHUCKS!”

A burglar on tippy toes

A

man went to the police station wishing to speak with the burglar who had broken into his house the night before.

“You’ll get your chance in

court,” said the desk sergeant.

“No, no,” said the man. “I want to know how he got into the house without waking my wife. I’ve been trying to do that for years.w”

Social Scene

22 October 2014

CXPRESS

HAPPY HORSES, READY RIDERS: Cheveral Stables in the Piesang Valley hosted its first show a few Sundays ago and excellent horsey fun was had by all involved. From left in front are Farrel, Zac, Nathan, Mason, Cara, Matthew, Jess, Sasha and Stella, with Warren, Fran, Alex and Eve at back, and Sage the horse. Give Fran a bell on 072 220 6664 to find out more about Cheveral.

Photo: Deon Coetzer

CAFÉ SOCIETY DIGS GRAND COCKTAIL TREAT: Grand Café Society in collaboration with Legacy Life (www.legacylifestyle.co.za) affords members discounts on food and beverage, accommodation, salon treatments and gallery purchases. Another grand perk is that members get invited to Society events - the first of these held at The Grand Café & Rooms in Plett Main Street recently, with townsfolk in their cocktail threads and representatives from the two Grand Africa establishments in Cape Town in attendance.

General manager David Dix and his team ensured that everyone had a snack and cocktail in hand throughout the evening and the personal attention of proprietor Suzette Main - pictured with Maggie Ubsdell at right meant that each guest felt like royalty in the chic fold of this unique boutique hotel. Visit www.grandafrica. com to find out more about membership.

13

People, places & events

TOYS FOR CHRISTMAS JOY: Rotarians Carol Damp, left - incoming Anns president for next year - and Beryl Winter hug some of the beautiful soft toys donated by schoolchildren from Plett Christian School, Eden College and Formosa Primary, including the kids in its specialneeds Elsen Class. Says Joy Robin, who shared this pic: ‘Us Anns will wash and spruce up the toys and donate them to underprivileged children in Coldstream and Kurland and wherever there is a child in need of a soft toy to hug. We are extremely grateful to the children for their generosity, especially if it was a much-loved toy. The people of Plett continue to amaze us with their generosity.’

14

CXPRESS

22 October 2014

Classifieds

On the Soapbox

22 October 2014

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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

Hard workers crucified for the financial demands of others Mike van Vuuren is justifiably aggrieved at having to pay R1,000 per month for available services he does not utilise [see ‘Step right up, Bitou suckers...’ on page 19 of the October 8 issue at www. cxpress.co.za]. How about paying R2,175 per month for services that don’t exist?

The property, bought 55 years ago and considered to be worthless agricultural land, is zoned ‘Agriculture’.

It is commercially non-viable farmland - in fact, in order to comply with the local environmental and coastal development laws, it would be illegal to try to do so.

Remarkably, non-productive farmland pays rates on a higher scale than on a viable productive farm (Rand/rate).

Falling within the Knysna municipal boundary, the rates were initially subject to a rebate, however the rebate has been progressively reduced over the last 10 years and now equates to a 500% in-

crease in rates payments.

Furthermore, it is likely to go up another 30% next year, and the following year will be subjected to another valuation.

Knysna Municipality valued the property, which has no services, at three times the price of a similar residence at Pezula! Appeals to the valuation board were limited to a maximum reduction of 10%.

The question is, how can the municipality levy rates equivalent to an expensive urban property with all the services, on a rural property with no facilities such as water, sewage and electrical reticulation, paved roads, sidewalks, storm-water management and street lights? But they do.

The top three officials enjoy million-Rand salaries, with expensive car and travel allowances, and the ‘demanders’ keep demanding service delivery, which is free of course.

On changing the subject: I

Whose pipes are they anyway?

This pic shows a bunch of pipes that we pass every day in Phitidis Walk next to Keurbooms Lagoon in Poortjies.

Clearly for use by Bitou Municipality or someone doing a job for them, they have now been lying there on the sidewalk for six months and are gradually disappearing into the grass growing over it. Ironically, the lawns around are meticulously and regularly mown. Temporary or permanent amnesia? - Basil van Rooyen, Plett

have travelled widely.

Take the example of Argentina, which has just reneged for the second time on the repayment of its foreign debt.

During the tenure of Juan and Evita Peron, they were elected to political power on the promise of, among other things, free education, free university, free medical services, minimum wages, maximum work hours, maternity, paternity and annual leave, etc.

A once prosperous country went bankrupt and things deteriorated to the point that the Argentinian air force resorted to bombing the palace where the Perons resided.

Their lives were saved when a Paraguayan gunboat came to their rescue.

Once these social promises have been made, they cannot be revoked.

In 1968, the President of Peru, in an effort to close the wide wealth gap between the landowners and the peasants, confiscated all the land and redistributed it to the peas-

ants. The end result was the collapse of both agriculture and the economy.

The present minister of land affairs in South Africa seems hell-bent on following the same course, so too the EFF. (Vide Zimbabwe... ) Our government has promised social benefits with mass appeal. Where in the world are there free houses and free services? Certainly not in India or China where poor people are thin, without free houses or social benefits. Appointments are not made on the basis of quotas, and their economies are thriving.

It is people like Mike van Vuuren and me who have worked hard all our lives and saved up for our retirement, who are being crucified financially to pay for the ever-increasing demands of the ones who make the least contribution to the municipal coffers.

As Margaret Thatcher remarked: “Socialism is fine until you run out of other people’s money.”

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but rather the parents or elders that sent them into dangerous wreckage while they conveniently watched and puffed on cigarettes.

The police and municipal workers that were encouraging them - the people who are supposed to be protecting the defenceless children who, as you suggest, don’t know any better - were also helping themselves to the loot, and THAT I find disgusting.

The late great Nelson Mandela said: “Our children are our greatest treasure.

They are our future. Those who abuse them tear at the fabric of our society and weaken our nation.”

I support you 100% in ef-

Property owners, unite!

Your last few editions have included various comments regarding the “availability” charges levied on vacant stands - ‘Plett Ratepayer’ specifically makes a valid point on the loose interpretation of bylaws by Council to suit their own pockets [view page 15 of the October 1 issue at www.cxpress.co.za].

A similar case regarding the loose interpretation of outstanding charges being passed on to the new landowner, should the debt not have been settled by the previous owner, has just been resolved by our courts: these charges are not recoverable by Council.

I am no legal fundi, but do we perhaps among our property owners have someone who could take on Bi-

tou’s Council in this regard?

We all window-shop and have a vast array of choice - masses of product available, but we don’t pay unless we choose to purchase and consume such.

Should I choose to want water, sewage and electricity on site, I still have to approach Bitou, pay exorbitant connection fees, etc. before such services are in fact available. flCppq{gf"cv"dgkpi" tkrrgf"qhh‚."Rngvv *Tgcf"cdqwv"vjg"eqwtv"ecug" tghgttgf" vq" cdqxg" cv" yyy0 rtqrgtv{460eqo1ctvkengu1 ku/dw{gt/nkcdng/hqt/ugnngtu/ fgdvu1428;6"cpf"ycvej"vjku" urceg" hqt" pgyu" qh" c" tgegpv" oggvkpi" dgvyggp" eqwpekn/ nqtu" cpf" tcvgrc{gtu" vq" fku/ ewuu"Dkvqw"ejctigu0"/"Gfu0+

Benevolent new tribe discovered in our midst Just when I thought that the only new tribe to be discovered in Africa since 1990 was the Lurking Car Guard clan, behold a brand new one!

This tribe is easy to find, mostly beside main roads between at least 50 signs asking you to slow down because of roadworks. Obviously, this tribe sprang into being because Sanral thinks that 90% of the nation cannot read or understand numbers.

Although clad in orange uniforms, they are not the shock troops of Mr Malema and are to be distinguished by the constant waving of orrange flags, which are hired out to Cheaters supporters at the weekend.

At this time, they go into serious decline - which is surprising, because they have the

ability to clone themselves. I know this, as they’ve multiplied between Plett and Knysna in a matter of mere weeks!

Even though they hold a position every 50 metres, this tribe is not a threat to passing motorists and will answer a smile with a double wave.

The cost to the State with wages and uniforms must be exorbitant, but as they are part of the grand scheme of spreading the gravy road, we should not complain. They are increasing the spending power of our two towns - a welcome fill-up for local business.

I await with slightly intoxicated alcoholic breath the exciting discovery of the next new tribe to appear, and have renewed my subscription to Pcvkqpcn"Igqitcrjke.

Rcwn"F."Rngvv

Don’t tread barefoot where danger lurks...

I would like to respond to Edward Blaine’s comments [read ‘Local children are starving on our watch’ on page 11 of the October 15 edition at www.cxpress.co.za].

With respect to Mr Blaine, I would encourage him to read my letter [read ‘What a terrible way to start Heritage Day’ on page 15 of the October 1 edition at www.cxpress. co.za] more thoroughly and it would become known to him that I was not at all targeting the children.

There is no doubt that I would clear-sightedly fend for myself if I were in an underprivileged position, but sir, you must realise that my “disgust” was not in the “township children”,

15

forts to improve their “hopelessness”. I am involved with community service and help the kids often, which leads me to inform you that I, too, have a strong opinion on the matter.

As I have been witness to the struggle these children face, I would like to highlight that there are many institutions for these children, Masizame being an obvious example.

Surely we, as the elders, should be encouraging them to go to school or a shelter to be fed, where they are

protected from the vicious world we seem to be living in, rather than to steal when the opportunity arises.

I intend to study teaching and I aim to teach the underprivileged, so believe me when I say that I too feel for the children - although, I would prefer to teach them right from wrong and protect them from having to venture into grave situations, instead of encouraging them to do so barefoot.

LE"Uycpgrqgn."Rngvv

Est. 1984

16

CXPRESS

Sport & Adventure

22 October 2014

Watching Wacky Races in the Kalahari CXPRESS agent WATTY WATSON shares the tale of a recent ‘working holiday’ at the pan that will serve as site of next year’s world land-speed record attempt

P

ETROLHEADS are all familiar with the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, America, it being the holy grail of speed.

When Sir Malcolm Campbell set the first land-speed record in 1935 and also the first to go over 300mph, this set the tone for the rivalry between the Brits and the Yanks that has gone on unabated ever since.

Now, the Brits are at it again - and this time not in America but in our own backyard.

So when rumours of our very own Bonneville and a land-speed record attempt in 2015 of 1,000mph started surfacing, there was no way we were going to miss out.

I stared making enquiries (Googling, of course) and the search results were too good to be true.

The venue was Hakskeenpan in the Northwest of the Northern Cape 170km from Upington - not to be confused with Verneukpan in Tankwa, where dirty foot lentil-eaters walk around nekid and burn stuff...

For them to find Hakskeenpan, a world-wide search started with a long list of criteria that had to be met to even consider this attempt.

With thousands of possibilities world-wide, 35 sites made the shortlist.

Verneukpan was one of the sites they looked at, Campbell in his Blue Bird had a go at the record here in 1929, his track still visible after 80 years.

The Pan was found to be unsuitable because of the amount of rocks and the suitable length of usable track, and let’s not forget about the dirty foot lentil-eaters, of which there might still be a few wondering around looking for their clothes…

Talk about attending Speedweek SA that is now in its third year preparing for the record attempt - one of only three in the world, the others being in Australia and, of course, at Bonneville - now started in all seriousness.

DESERT PODS: The view from our work station, above, and some of the action, at left and below, during Speedweek at Hakskeenpan - Photos: Watty Watson & Clive Aylward

Old buddy Clive was deadkeen to go along after we first discussed the trip over a couple of beers at the last TP Rally. We agreed to stop talking at once and make the trip a reality.

Logistics to attend an event like this is quite challenging, considering the 2,600km roundtrip from our Garden Route homes.

To make the trip worthwhile, no less than a week would suffice and as work does not stop for me, it had to be the proverbial ‘working holiday’.

Got to mention that we were travelling in Clive’s VW Caddie van... Our excuse for not going on the bikes? Camping in the desert for a week, you need to pack much more than what a bike can carry.

The event was well organised, particularly considering its location in the middle of the Kalahari, and we were relieved that we had brought along all the gear to make the experience as comfortable as possible.

Part of this outfit was my desert office, which came in re-

ally handy as I could continue working while watching the petrolheads enjoying the vast space to test their cars, bakkies, bikes, hot-rods, muscle cars and even a Lamborghini - all sorts of petrol-driven cages that reminded one of the cartoon Ycem{"Tcegu.

Petrolheads, unite! And start planning now for next year - the Big One, when The Bloodhound will attempt breaking the land-speed record at Hakskeenpan. Englishman Andy Green will pilot this monster that has taken seven years to develop, has three engines, and weighs 7.8 tons fully fuelled.

We hope to be there next year (minus the desert office) to witness this historic event, that I dare say might well be talked about for the next 100 years.

• To get an idea of the scale of this event and the landspeed record attempt visit www.bloodhoundssc.com and www.speedweeksa.com – and view more images of our trip on the photo galleries page at www.cxpress.co.za.