23 January 2019
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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Through our visitors’ eyes...
This striking image captured by a happy holidaymaker was one of the winners in a well-supported seasonal photo competition hosted by Keurbooms Lagoon Caravan Park recently. Read the back story on page 4.
New Horizons residents are fed up p3
Tourism enters 2019 in limbo p4
Property market update p7 Photo: Isak Venter
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CXPRESS
NEWS & VIEWS
23 January 2019
Regional forum to drive environmental management so vital to Garden Route’s future HEN the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) was launched in Mossel Bay last month, the event programme was packed with presentations by national and regional environmental scientists and specialists. Says Cobus Meiring of the GREF secretariat: “Addressing various subjects relevant to the Garden Route environment, there was a common thread throughout all the presentations. “It was agreed that, unless we take note of the various factors changing our environment and plan well ahead in accordance, we are heading for an uncertain future,” explains Meiring, adding that poor infrastructure and a lack of resources like fresh water render the Route unsuitable for and incapable of sustaining large populations. Climate change is partly to blame for the drying out of the western and northern parts of the Garden Route, and the demise of agriculture in badlyaffected areas seems irreversible, as farmers and others living off the land are forced to make a new start elsewhere. “Compounding this situation, we have seen exponential growth in regional population over the past two decades, as well as a steady increase in tourists and holidaymakers,” says Meiring. The gradual economic demise of the Eastern Cape is doing the Southern and Western Cape no favours as rural populations move south in the hope of finding a better life. Cities such as East London and Nelson Mandela Bay are much better suited to accommodate vast populations in coming years, but continued political uncertainty, regional misman-
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PLOTTING IT OUT: The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a coordinating body mandated by Garden Route District Municipality to responsibly manage our neck of the woods, come fire or flood or inadequate planning by ruling powers
agement and failure to increase economic growth options leave rural communities no choice but to leave the province. According to Meiring, migration to cities is a worldwide phenomenon, and the South African government is well aware of challenges lying ahead in managing the seemingly non-reversible trend. “True to South African politics, the national discourse does not recognise the imminent dangers brought about by climate change and urban migration. Government’s inability to plan for and address demands of the future is alarming. “Enhanced populist policies, increased racial tension and economic divisions are draw-
ing attention away from ensuring a resilient environment where our population may stand a better chance for survival,” says Meiring. As an example, he mentions the fact that Gauteng authorities allowed the implosion of raw sewage management systems feeding into the Vaal River, and the resultant demise of freshwater systems. “This includes exponential growth rates of invasive alien plants in catchments, which will no doubt impact on the ability of Gauteng to sustain its burgeoning population,” he says. Similarly, the Garden Route population must realise the value of its natural resources and the importance of the protec-
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tion and management thereof. “Ensuring that mountain catchments, rivers, and seep lines are clear of invasive alien forests depleting freshwater resources and posing severe fire risks, is perhaps our most important environmental management challenge,” Meiring concludes. • The GREF is a regional forum for collaboration in conservation, environmental adaptation, and community interaction. It aims to coordinate regional conservation efforts to establish a streamlined approach to environmental management, and serves as catalyst to drive climate adaption practices in the Southern Cape. Visit http://www.scli. org.za/gref for details.
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NEWS & VIEWS
23 January 2019
CXPRESS
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No houses on the horizon, so residents threaten to shantify promised Ebenezer land Plett’s New Horizons residents are demanding answers over housing delivery plans after no progress had been made since the signing of a land acquisition deal three months ago - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports portion of land in Ebenezer was acquired in October last year and has been earmarked for about 1,500 sites available for the construction of housing and infrastructure development in New Horizons. Spokesman for the Concerned Citizens of New Horizons Forum Claude Terblanche said that residents had followed up with Bitou Municipality about progress around the development, but said these attempts had only been met with delays. “We are just constantly being told there is a delay with this and then there is a delay with that. You cannot blame residents for becoming impatient.” Terblanche said that this was nothing new to New Horizons residents as they had been fighting for housing for the area for the past 23 years. These frustrations ultimately boiled over in protest action last year. Along with other communities in Plett, locals par-
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ticipated in violent protests in June and July of 2018, which saw the town brought to a near standstill. “People are just fed up. They are being promised certain things, but this never materialises. We were cautiously optimistic when the land deal was signed, but we are in a situation now where people are threatening to occupy the earmarked land and put up shacks,” Terblanche said this week. He has since written a letter to Bitou Municipality demanding action. “We have been promised that we would receive some form of feedback by Friday,” Terblanche added. He said the community was demanding an emergency meeting with Bitou mayor Peter Lobese and other high-ranking officials within the municipality. Terblanche added that residents also wanted a draft plan for temporary or emergency housing for at least 250 residents - who
are currently living in other residents’ backyards. This included access to water and easily accessible electricity. The community would finally like to see a draft application by Bitou Municipality for funding for a New Horizons specific housing project, as well as long-term planning and an indication of when homes would be delivered in the area. “The current ruling party, a coalition government, has forsaken the community of New Horizons, as can be seen through history. “Over the past 15 years they have built 3,000 RDP houses, of which New Horizons received a shameful 64 units over the past 23 years. KwaNokuthula alone has received about 1,500. “One wonders what the reasons could be that the municipality has not seen it fit to at least put a shortterm housing plan in action for our community. New Horizons has a backlog of 950 backyard dwellers and
Bitou Municipality’s update on the Ebenezer ‘pipeline’ project AMES Sijama of Bitou Communications responded on Monday to a CXPRESS query around claims by Concerned Citizens of New Horizons Forum spokesman Claude Terblanche on Facebook. “We are not aware of a planned meeting with residents of New Horizons. The
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current status of the project at Ebenezer is as follows: • Four portions of land in Ebenezer has been bought for housing and other mixed development, e.g. church and business sites, etc. • The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process is still in progress and we are awaiting results
by March. • Bitou Municipality cannot apply for funding for services until we receive the results of the EIA that must be submitted with the funding application to the Department of Human Settlements. This means that Ebenezer is one of our pipeline projects.”
Final voting registration this weekend EADERS are reminded not to let the chance slip by to vote in the historic 2019 national and provincial elections. Make sure you register
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to vote during this weekend’s final opportunity on January 26 and 27 between 8am and 5pm at your local polling station. You don’t need to re-reg-
ister if you have registered in the past. Check or update your details at https:// www.elections.org.za/content/For-voters/My-voterregistration-details/.
no informal settlement or squatter camp.” Terblanche added that despite this, New Horizons ranked second-best in terms of paying rates. Bitou Municipality confirmed it would provide feedback to residents this week.
THAT WAS THEN: Several high-ranking officials gathered in New Horizons last October for the signing of a purchase agreement for land earmarked to avail housing development for the local community - Photo: Yolandé Stander
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CXPRESS
NEWS & VIEWS
23 January 2019
Bitou Municipality stalls on bylaw, so tourism enters 2019 in protracted state of limbo ‘Whose interests would be served by a parallel tourism structure?’ wonders WANDISILE SEBEZO HE impasse between the Plett Tourism Association and Bitou Municipality has dragged on for over two years, and there does not seem to be an end in sight any time soon. The two entities spent much of 2018 drafting a bylaw that will regulate the local tourism industry - but, more importantly, make funding and budgetary measures a seamless process. The initial draft of the bylaw sought to disarm the current well-functioning tourism body, and move Plett Tourism’s duties and functions in-house, i.e. as a municipal function. Thousands of letters, emails, and petitions supported by local business and civil society objected the said draft. The municipality and Plett Tourism Association have since been locked in numerous discussions to have both entities come up with amicable solutions. But it appeared that, one year down the line, the municipality was all but keen to end the impasse. Thanks to Bitou Mu-
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nicipality’s tactics to delay this matter from being resolved, Plett’s tourism bylaw is yet to see the light of day. The resultant uncertainty of their future has the Plett Tourism team operating in limbo. The annual Plett Arts Festival that normally happens in winter might have to be called off, and 2018 was the first year in nearly a decade that our town did not have its annual Wine and Bubbly Festival - all because the municipality keeps stripping the powers and the budget of arguably its bestfunctioning bureau. Instead of forging unity and improving relations between the two entities, the Local Economic Development (LED) section at the municipality is creating a parallel structure to counter the work of the current tourism body. Naturally, all of this is done at the ratepayer’s expense. LED seems to be trying to build up its own events calendar and last week published a tender calling for a plan to be written for a history festival - for
R50,000! Not only is this dual tourism function creating confusion for tourists who visit Plett year in and year out, but frankly it’s a waste of money and resources that should be used to further the work that has been put on hold as a result of the interminable impasse. Examples of the good work now in limbo include the Plett Bird Route and Kranshoek Cultural Bridge, among others. Efforts to find out the current status of our tourism bylaw were in vain; my requests in this regard fell on deaf ears as I was sent from pillar to post. Why does the municipality seek to disarm our tourism body? In whose interests would a parallel structure serve? This has never been about tourism and how best to manage it - why fix something that isn’t broken? Plett Tourism chairman Peter Wallington says the Association is waiting for the municipality’s lawyer to resume consultations with the PTA lawyer. How very frustrating.
‘Ten days too short a stay in your beautiful bay - we will be back!’
PRETTY PLETT: These pics were also winners in the Keurbooms Lagoon Caravan Park competition, where visitors had to post photos of their holiday in Plett along with the hashtag #KeurboomsHoliday - it ran over three weeks during which nearly 100 entries were received, and prizes included vouchers from Cape Union Mart and Newstead Wines
OVER photographer Isak Venter from Durbanville in the Cape said he had often in the past driven on the N2 to holiday destinations along the Garden Route, and had always wanted to camp at Keurbooms Lagoon as it always looks very inviting In his letter to competition organiser Ashleigh Butterworth, Isak wrote: “Thank you for your initiative to get people to collect memories of the better times in their lives. I do
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believe it opens people’s eyes to start looking for moments that they must remember and then take pictures of it.” He continues to explain that he had booked 10 days at Keurbooms Lagoon for December 2018. “I must say it was too short, since the activities around this destination have something for everyone, every day of the week, without having to worry about the weather. My day always started on the lagoon, pad-
dling up the tranquil river. “Then you have so many destinations close to your camp site to explore. We in particular enjoyed the bird sanctuaries and various wildlife resorts in the vicinity. We love taking pictures, and Plett is a photography paradise - landscapes, seascapes, wildlife, birds and anything in between just waiting to be photographed. “We will definitely be back, but this time we will not make the same mistake: 10 days is too short!”
NEWS & VIEWS
23 January 2019
CXPRESS
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Anneke’s music and Ulrike’s flowers join forces to further Hospice cause in Knysna and Plett XPRESS was contacted over the weekend by one of the longest-standing stallholders at the Harkerville Saturday Market, with arguably the wellest-smelling goods on sale. Ulrike Baldzuhn of Hum Bee Flora is part of the market’s furniture, and her lovely range of cut flowers and related eye candy on display have been beautifying homes in Plett and further afield for years. So many a marketgoer and other fans of Ulrike’s floral products will be elated to hear that they will have a unique chance in 10 days’ time to visit the source at Hum Bee farm in Harkerville. Ulrike explains: “My wonderful past piano teacher, Anneke Lamont who now works in Bloemfontein, would like to organise a musical performance with professionals as well as musicians from Knysna and Plett. “In fact, Anneke is planning to host shows with pros and local artists in seven different venues, to serve as fundraisers for the Hospices of each respective town.
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COLOUR EXPLOSIONS UP CLOSE: Ulrike’s hydrangeas are flourishing after the recent rains, but next Sunday’s open day will also explore her zinnias, proteas and more on walks traversing her nearly 10-hectare cut-flower farm, which was established a quarter of a century ago
However, the travelling costs of all musicians need to be sponsored.” Wondering how she could contribute to this deserving cause, Ulrike decided to host an Open Garden Day at her cutflower farm, with the proceeds from entrance fees benefiting Anneke’s Plett and Knysna performances. “People are always asking me if they can come out and see my flower farm. So now there’s a great cause to give the community this opportunity,” she beams. The Open Day on Ul-
rike’s working cut-flower farm (for the past 25odd years!) is on Sunday February 3 from 10am to 3pm. The entrance donation of R100 per person (kids enter free) will sponsor the transport costs of Anneke Lamont’s music tour in aid of Hospice during October this year. Hum Bee Flora is situated 2.5km from the Harkerville Market along Plett’s Airport Road. The farm is clearly signposted at left when travelling away from the N2; when coming from Plett Air-
port’ side, it’s a right turn just after Tharfield Farm, about 10km from the Robberg Reserve turnoff. Says Ulrike: “The hydrangeas are at their best after all the rain we’ve recently enjoyed, and the zinnias are a riot of colour. “There will be walks suited to everyone’s needs - some short and easy, some longer for those who want to see where the proteas are growing, or venture down through the forest to the big dam from which we are irrigating. Either way, wear sturdy walking shoes and bring a sun hat.” Spokesperson Annabelle Conyngham expressed HUGE thanks from Hospice Plett for Ulrike’s generosity and support, adding: “Many people who attend the Saturday Market at Harkerville will be fascinated to visit the source of cut flowers that you sell from your stall.” We at CXPRESS can’t wait to see what’s cooking and blossoming at Hum Bee Flora on February 3. Email ulrikebald@gmail. com or call Ulrike on 082 414 1091 for additional information.
Est.1990
Building the Future
About Anneke Lamont R Anneke Lamont was the Director of Music at Oakhill School in Knysna from 2015 to 2018. She is currently Head of Piano at the Odeion School of Music centred at the University of the Free State. She is recognised as a top performing pianist and is a sought-after chamber
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musician. She initiated the Voices for Hospice concerts in 2017 with Richard Cock and colleagues, as well as local musicians and choirs in Knysna and Plett. Those concerts were a huge success and managed to raise the awareness of the work of Hospice in the community.
The following areas will benefit from film productions as suppliers or activities: transport, accommodation, catering, dining, fuel, shopping, clothing, beverage, telecoms, repairs, medical, insurance, home rentals, furniture, and activities. Today’s Plett briefing takes place at the Tourism office in Mellvilles Corner from 3:30 to 5pm. Call 044 533 4065 or email mana ger@pletttourism.com for more information. The Knysna briefing takes place on Friday January 25 from 11am to
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GOOD REASONS TO MAKE
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Notice Board Briefing for the fi lm industry The Garden Route Film Office will be briefing interested parties from today onwards on marketing and becoming suppliers for filming opportunities in the area. For the last few years, an estimated R3-million per annum has been spent on film production and associated services sourced in Plett alone. Film and TV producer Patrick Walton is in town on January 23 for a workshop on behalf of the newly-established Garden Route Klein Karoo Film Office. There will be a briefing for parties interested in understanding how the GRKK Film Office will be operating and opening an opportunity for businesses in the film industry. The first of the GRKK Film Office projects is the Knysna Film Festival.
PHASE 1 & 2
12:30 at the Knysna Tourism office. Email info@ visitknysna.co.za or call Keagon on 044 382 5510 to RSVP. Interested parties in George can attend the briefing on Friday from 3:30 to 5pm at George Square in Knysna Road (Paddagat, first floor). Email jacques@hearland .tv or call Jacques on 082 559 6521 for details. PlettAid fundraisers not to be missed Diarise two evenings of entertainment for the benefit of the Plettaid CAT IN CABARET: See the marvellous Cat Simoni at The Grand Africa in Plett on February 13
Foundation and Hospice Plett: Cat in Cabaret with Cat Simoni on February 13 is staged at The Grand Africa in Main Street. Doors open at 6:30pm and guests will enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbly and tapas on the terrace, before being seated by 7pm. A twocourse dinner will also be served. Tickets cost R200 per person, as does dinner (R200pp for dinner to be settled directly with The Grand). My Father’s Coat with Michael Charlton is staged on March 1 at Piesang Valley Hall - the realisation of Charton’s decade-long ambition to make the incredible story that is South African history more accessible. Tickets at R250 include a complimentary glass of wine and canapes. Email aconyngham@telkomsa. net to book.
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044 533 0656
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044 533 0656 admin@redbrickenterprises.co.za 9 Formosa Place, Main Street, Plettenberg Bay
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CXPRESS
23 January 2019
SCHOOL NEWS
PROPERTY
23 January 2019
CXPRESS
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Plettenberg Bay property market now ready to chill… STEVEN NEUFELD provided this overview of the real estate of affairs during the quarter that ended January 16
WHERE BETTER TO BUY OR SELL? If cooling-off, the local property market is hardly inactive and Sotheby’s Plett owner Hein Pretorius says after a great year, his team is “truly blessed” to live and work in the paradise that is Plett - Photo: Brendon Morris
VERAGE residential property prices remained unchanged after a previous large increase, while number of sales has declined, which indicates that the market is entering a cooling-off phase. Averages increased from R1.97-million in 2016 by about 16% in 2017 and then remained roughly the same thereafter (at ±R2.3million). The number of sales declined from 528 in 2016 to 470 in 2017 (11%). A total of 318 sales from 2018 has registered so far, but this will increase as more sales register this year, so the jury is still out. Sales of vacant land have remained robust and building activity for both renovations and new houses has remained high. By sales date, Plettenberg Bay broke the R1-billion mark for the first time in history in 2016 and followed suit in 2017 but it appears that 2018 will fall short of this; again, take note that many 2018 sales will only register in 2019. By registration date, Lightstone reported 498 sales to the value of just over R1-billion in 2018 for the third year running. Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty Plettenberg Bay once again had a record year for 2018 with the highest sales and commission earned to date, having been involved in R414million worth of sales. The highest price achieved in residential sales in 2018 was for vacant land in Robberg Beach End at R35-million and sold by Hein Pretorius (in 2017 two Robberg beachfront properties sold for R36-million each). Over the past few years, a number of sales came close to or topped R30-million on Beachy Head Drive, where houses were demolished to make way for new homes. So a new level for beachfront property seems to be established and entrenches Plett as one of the highest value property markets in Africa. For apartments, De Meermin has kept its highest placed prices for three years running: 2018 - R9.9-mil-
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lion, 2017 - R6.8-million, and 2016 - R10.5million. The historical record price for residential property remains unchanged and has been held since 2006 by Hein Pretorius at R50-million for a luxury coastal estate. Entry-level asking prices remained steady but are substantially higher than pre-2017. The entry level for apartments is R700,000 and vacant land starts at about R275,000. The entry level for houses is around R1.75-million, though there are cheaper options in areas surrounding Plett. It is difficult to find houses below R2-million. Top asking prices are currently as follows: R35-million for vacant residential land (non-development), R9.5-million for apartments, R55-million for houses, and R75-million for coastal estates. Top prices obviously fluctuate considerably depending on what is available on the market at the time. Says Sotheby’s Plett broker principal Hein Pretorius: “2017 fared better than what we initially predicted, and 2018 greatly exceeded expectations. Plett bucked the downward trend of the rest of the country due in part to semigration and to an increase in local purchasing. “There does appear to be a cooling-off, but we remain positive about prospects for the property market in 2019 and feel that the national market will improve post-elections. We have had a great year and are truly blessed to live in Plett.” Pretorius says the market was active across price ranges and categories. “We were able to assist purchasers across the board. Entry level properties did well, and it was good to see vacant land moving.” He adds that a few notable new developments demonstrate investor confidence in the market, quoting One Beachy Head and Plett Quarter as examples. One Beachy Head Drive is a development of around R100-million of which construction is almost complete. The four ultra-luxury houses are in the only gated estate
on Beachy Head and equate a new landmark for Plett. A R200-million mixeduse project on Main Street’s Dolphin Circle, indications for Plett Quarter are that the project will commence late in 2019. “Both developments still have residential units available, and commercial units have just become available on Main Street,” says Pretorius. The towns surrounding Plett did not fare as well but remained fairly flat overall in 2018. There are very few sales in these areas, so statistics need to be seen in context and treated with some circumspection. In Wittedrift, seven properties transferred in 2018 for an average of R790,000 - up from 2017, but still slightly below the peak in 2015. In Keurbooms proper (main village), four properties transferred in 2018 for an average of R7.86million, the highest being R9.75-million for an older beachfront home. Nature’s Valley saw averages of R3.87-million in 2018 with 11 registered properties, which is a decrease from 2017. These figures were taken from deeds information on January 16. Plett sales are listed by date of sale, not transfer date, to provide a more accurate depiction. Rural property, sales below R100,000, known nonarm’s length transactions and duplications (e.g. when a developer buys numerous properties for a single price and each is listed at the full price, only the single figure is taken) are not included in the figures. A number of sales are still in the registration process, so the statistics and graphs will change in future, especially for 2018. • Steven Neufeld is manager principal of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty Plettenberg Bay and a professional valuer and court-appointed appraiser for South African Property Valuations. Contact him on 072 417 7731 or at steve. sir@plettenbergbay.com and see the advert on the cover for this week’s listing.
Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za
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CXPRESS
INTERVAL
23 January 2019
Can’t live with them, can’t live without... WOMEN • The most terrifying thing any woman can say to her husband: “Notice anything different?” • A woman’s mind is cleaner that a man’s. She changes it more often. • You don’t have a girlfriend. But you do know a woman who’d be mad at you for saying that. • Scientists now believe that the primary biological function of breasts is to make men stupid. • Feminine intuition is a fiction and a fraud. It is nonsensical, illogical, emotional, ridiculous, and practically fool-proof. • The problem with life is that by the time you can read women like a book, your library card has expired. • When your wife says she’ll be ready in 5min, you know you have just enough time to fly to space and write a poem on the moon before she’s ready. • God made Adam first because he didn’t want
any advice from Eve on how to make Adam. • There are several mechanical devices which increase sexual arousal, particularly in women. Chief among these is probably the MercedesBenz 380 SL convertible. • Women give men solace, but if it weren’t for women, men would never need solace. MEN • Why do men like intelligent women? Because opposites attract. • When a man brings his wife flowers for no reason, there’s a reason. • Men are like a deck of cards. You’ll find the occasional king, but most are jacks. • Coffee, chocolate, men. The richer the better! • A man is already halfway in love with any woman who listens to him. • The true man wants two things: danger and play. For that reason he wants a woman, being the most dangerous plaything...
Will I live to be 80? • STALLS AVAILABLE FOR RENT •
FTER two visits and exhaustive lab tests, my doctor said I was doing “fairly well” for my age. A little concerned about that comment, I couldn’t resist asking: “Do you think I’ll live to be 80?” “Do you smoke tobacco or drink beer or wine?” he asked. “Oh no,” I replied. “I’m not doing drugs, either.” Then he asked: “Do you eat steaks and
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braaid ribs?” “No, I believe all red meat is very unhealthy,” I replied. “Do you spend a lot of time in the sun, like playing golf, sailing, hiking, or bicycling?” “No, I don’t,” I said. He asked: “Do you gamble, drive fast cars, or have a busy social life?” “No,” I said. “I don’t do any of those things.” Finally, he looked at me and said: “Then why do you want to live to 80?”
Why Mom married Dad UNIOR school children were asked the question: “Why did your mom marry your dad?” Here are a few responses: 1. She got too old to do anything else with him.
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2. My grandma says that Mom didn’t have her thinking cap on. 3. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the whole wide world - and Mom eats a lot!
I accidentally went grocery shopping on an empty stomach. I am now the proud owner of aisle four.
Painting is not for everyone The cheating painter A cheating painting contractor has been skimping by thinning his paint excessively. Nevertheless, he lands a big job painting a church. He’s almost done when a major storm comes up, and washes all the paint off the church building. Amid the thunder and lightning, a loud voice is heard: “Repaint! Repaint! Thin no more!”
Painting lines After years of being unemployment, Patrick gets a job as road-line painter. He paints five miles on the first day, two miles on the second day, and one mile on the third day. “You get worse and worse every day!” yells his boss. “That is because the bucket gets further and further away every day,” says Patrick.
A Yale education HE bank manager noticed the new clerk he employed was not good at counting money and adding up figures. “Where did you get your
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financial education?” he asked the clerk. “Yale,” replied the lad. “And what’s your name?” “Yim Yohnston,” the clerk replied.
SOCIAL SCENE
23 January 2019
CXPRESS
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People, places & events CELEBS PARKING OFF: Garden Route National Park was honoured to host #ConversationswithJerry, organised by KayaFM last weekend. The tour of the park began in Knysna on Friday evening and proceeded to the Tsitsikamma section. Business great Jerry Mabena of Thebe, at back, interviewed Sibusiso Vilane, in green the first black African to summit the highest peak on each of the seven continents. They were joined by Greg Maloka of KayaFM - taking the selfie at left - along with Sello Hatang of the Nelson Mandela Foundation and other guests. Kaya FM has a listenership of approximately 462,000 per average day in Gauteng and also via online live streams, so the show reached a lot of people who are now exposed to the park and our region as a whole. BACK WITH A BANG: All schools in South Africa have reopened for the year and Plett’s Born in Africa staff and volunteers couldn’t be more excited to get started again, too. In the preceding week, they handed out new school uniforms to each one of the 345 primary and secondary school learners in their care, making sure the year started off with a well-dressed bang for all BIA kids. Visit www. cxpress.co.za to see photos of some of the happy recipients from The Crags, Kranshoek, Harkerville and Wittedrift primary schools, as well as at Plett Secondary and Wittedrift High. Says BIA director Isabelle de Smul Brink: “A massive thank you goes out to all volunteers and staff for their help during the handing out of the uniforms - together we do make a difference!” At right is the BIA handover team - at back from left are Robbin Huijers, Amelie Gensel, Dominik Geissler, Marie Konig, Olivia Martin and Veronique Claes, with Hannah van Canegem, Ivan Smith and Sofie Segers in front. Ivan is a former BIA student, Veronique is BIA educational coordinator, and the rest of the lovely posse are volunteers from Belgium and Germany. Visit https://www.borninafrica. org/ to find out more. - Photo: Isabelle de Smul Brink
Dream it. We’ll take you there.
Southern Africa’s No.1 Choice in Distance Education MBA LIVING IT UP ON THE EDGE: Jason, left, and Chris of The Table in Plett’s Main Street - pictured here gloating over the first pizzas to exit their new oven at Bloukrans Bridge - have teamed up with Divo Tuohey of Face Adrenalin fame to offer a quality culinary experience to bungy jumpers and the masses of visitors who come to marvel at this awe-inspiring gorge on an annual basis. As part of the Bloukrans Bungy offerings, Table on the Edge serves breakfast treats like bagels with cream cheese and salmon, and guests can expect the same scrumptious lunch fare that thousands of Table fans from near and far have come to know and love. Trading from 8am to 5pm, the eatery has a spectacular viewing deck which, combined with the excellent food and friendly staff, guarantees a memorable dining experience. Swing past the historic bridge 40odd kays to the east of Plett or call 042 281 1383 for additional information. Pictured at right with Edge staffer Thomas is Steve-O of the infamous Jackass crew - probably the first of many an international luminary to visit Table on the Edge.
• Master of Business Administration
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Degree Programmes IT’S CARNIVAL TIME! Nipper parents Jacko, Nathalie and Lisa shared their birthday on Sunday January 13 with a bunch of happy attendants of the Nippers Open Day at Wild Waters in Plett, which set off the season on a very high note. With them in the pic is young Luc Jackson, 6, who gets a special mention in the Groms story on page 12 of this edition. Readers are invited to go down to Central Beach this weekend to see the youngest members of Plett Surf Lifesaving Club in action during the season’s first Nippers Carnival.
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CAPE TOWN TNS House, 6 Thicket Street Newlands, Cape Town, 7800 Tel: +27 21 671 6576 Email: capetown@mancosa.co.za Website: www.mancosa.co.za BY SUPPORTED DISTANCE LEARNING MANCOSA is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) as a private higher education institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997 (as amended). Registration No.2000/HE07/003.
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CXPRESS
Paws
Plett Animal Welfare Service
23 January 2019
CLASSIFIEDS
ON THE SOAPBOX
23 January 2019
Letters to the Editor
CXPRESS
Read CXPRESS online at www.cxpress.co.za
Email: editor@cxpress.co.za - Fax: 044 533 0852 - PO Box 1449, Plett 6600
Let’s make a new love-in-our-hearts start Dear Mr Wandisile Sebezo, I write in response to your opinion piece in last week’s edition [read ‘Of Odland picnics, South African beaches, and the public slaughter of sheep’ on page 4 of the January 16 edition at www.cxpress.co.za]. Most people in Pletten-
berg Bay, in South Africa, and around the world are genuine, peace-loving, and forgiving. Yes, we all make mistakes, and sometimes these mistakes have grave consequences. However, we have asked for forgiveness; we’re making amends and, hopefully, politicians will
not repeat those mistakes... ever! To keep looking back brings about no change at all. We need new hearts with lots of love and kindness. I agree with you that we should write more about what we have in common. Why don’t you start with an article
on that subject? I do believe a more positive attitude from everyone would bring about that much-needed, collective change of hearts. I have already started. Have you? With God’s love in my heart, I greet you! Maria Kruger, Plett
My kind of person, Wandisile is In response to my recent letter [read ‘This ain’t no picnic…’ on page 15 of the January 9 edition at www.cxpress.co.za], Wandisile Sebezo expresses the hope in CXPRESS of January 16 that we would “write less about that which divides us, and more about common-interest matters”. I believe that my own interest in the Odland picnic area is in complete agreement with Wandisile’s. My dream for the area was, is, and always will be to make it a safe and beautiful place for all
our people. I spent my entire working life as an architect, during which time I designed some renowned buildings, parks, and specialised architectural spaces. Not surprisingly, I have acquired a great deal of knowledge and expertise in the imagining, planning, drawing, and the bringing to life of many visuo-spatial projects. Regarding the Odland picnic area, I am particularly concerned about the traffic because of its close proximity to the people who use the space for lei-
Butts and urine a blight on Plett’s main drag
Plettenberg Bay reader Tina van Reenen shared these photos and wrote: “Having cleaned the flower boxes in Plett’s main street last week, we saw how neglected and misused they were. Not only car guards, but many resident and visiting smokers use them as ashtrays. I think I just found my project for this year: we need to raise funds to put cameras in Main Street and all other areas of concern. This nonsense must stop! Male and female car guards are urinating in the streets of Plett CBD. Bitou Municipality needs to arrange toilets for them if they are legally employed. We don’t want to become another Butterworth - our residents pay rates and can’t have this happening at all.”
sure time activities. I also believe that a well-lit walkway on the river’s edge - which, in time, could find its way to Lookout Beach - would open up the facilities to everyone. In turn, the improvement of facilities and the beautification of the area through enhanced landscaping would benefit locals and tourists alike. Perhaps Wandisile and I should work together on preparing and submitting to Bitou Municipality a relevant proposal to upgrade the Odland
picnic area. In the meantime, we will wait with bated breath for the necessary amendment to our liquor laws. Rodney Grosskopff, Plett (Anyone who knows anything about South African architecture will recognise Rodney’s name. We thank you for taking the time to yet again pen your positive suggestions, Mr Grosskopff. A private email has been sent your way to virtually introduce you to CXPRESS contributor Wandisile Sebezo. We’ll be watching that space… - Eds.)
Gratitude expressed - and proof of why CXPRESS has a place in the world yet Thank you for putting my little story on page 2 of your previous edition [read ‘The sun or the moon? Sentiments shared upon countdown to total eclipse…’ in the January 16 issue at www.cxpress. co.za] - much appreciated. I belong to a lunch club called ‘The Brains Rust’ and wondered if any of the members would pick up on my pseudonym ‘A Rusted Brain’. PS: In the February edition of Country Life, on page 25 are written words which definitely apply to CXPRESS; it quotes Warren Buffett’s “belief that community newspapers are crucial to the progress of a country town”. Best wishes for 2019. Peter Stratten, Plett --This is just a quick note to thank you. I really appreciate you getting the PAWS [Plett Animal Welfare Service] ad into CXPRESS every week, even when I am dreadfully late or completely absent. The printed media is still very important to PAWS. Long may CXPRESS prosper! Heather Pieterse, Plett (Aah, it’s always a blast to bask in the glory of readers’ and contributors’ positive feedback. See
page 10 for the latest news on Plett and Knysna pets in need of good homes. On the vital role of local newspapers, we couldn’t resist including excerpts of an article by English journalist Adam Singolda, in which he quotes Mr Buffett on this subject. “The essential role that local news will continue to play in the lives of individuals is an enduring reality; Warren Buffett said it well when he invested over $300m (£220m) in newspapers several years ago. “If you want to know what’s going on in your town - whether the news is about the mayor or taxes or high school football there is no substitute for a local newspaper. “Wherever there is a pervasive sense of community, a paper that serves the special informational needs of that community will remain indispensable… papers delivering comprehensive and reliable information to tightly bound communities and having a sensible internet strategy will remain viable for a long time.” Read the full story at www.cxpress.co.za and feel free to share your sentiments in this regard with us by emailing editor@cxpress.co.za - Eds.)
Est.1990
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CXPRESS
SPORT & ADVENTURE
23 January 2019
It’s all systems go for the 2019 Knysna Motor Show Presented by Sanlam Private Wealth once again, this year’s top event for petrolheads and their families has been pegged for Sunday April 28 HE most glamorous period in motoring history will be given pride of place at this year’s Knysna Motor Show, which will be held for the eighth successive year amid some of the best driving roads in South Africa. A number of marques are being honoured by special celebrations of their centenaries, and cars from this period on display will include the halcyon era between 1925 and 1940. Think The Great Gatsby, Clark Gable, Marlene Dietrich and the unspeakably elegant cars that they drove, and you will be on the right track. However, other important eras and genres in the classic-car field will be prevalent, too. The 2018 Knysna Motor Show
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displayed over 400 vintage and veteran machines, classic cars and motorcycles and modern supercars, and once again the organisers are aiming for a turnout of this magnitude. Last year’s event also drew a record number of over 8,000 spectators and this year, the Garden Route Motor Club (GRMC) organisers are on track to surpass that figure. “It’s never been just about the numbers,” says GRMC chairman Peter Pretorius, who has been the Knysna Motor Show’s principal organiser for years. “The focus is on presenting the best classic show possible. And judging by reports from the past two years at least, I think we are working in the right direction.”
Indeed, there are many enthusiasts who believe that already the Knysna event surpasses anything else on offer in South Africa, for a number of good reasons. Firstly, cars on show are present by invitation only, which means the quality of exhibited cars is very high. Secondly, by making the show an invitation-only event for owners to display their cars, the organisers can establish a fine mix of exhibits from the various genres of classic, vintage and veteran machinery resident in South Africa. Another reason that the show is so eagerly anticipated is that various new themes within the show are introduced at each succeeding event, ensuring that it is fresh, even for people who have attended many of the preceding seven shows. This year, there will be an extremely impressive display of Bentleys celebrating the great British marques centenary this year. Another British make that will be similarly honoured is Morgan, which celebrates 110 years of being one world’s most
exclusive sports car manufacturers. Knysna Motor Show falls within the holiday season and is also attractive to out of town visitors as it is held the weekend before the Jaguar Simola Hill Climb. Many owners of vintage machinery hail from destinations far away from Knysna, and last year the show drew a number of exhibitors from as far afield as Johannesburg, Cape Town, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. The Knysna High sports fields are easily able to accommodate 400+ cars and bikes, as well as extensive hospitality areas, and also includes specialised displays for those associated with the classic car fraternity. For the third year in a row the show has Sanlam Private Wealth as a headline sponsor. “The show is organised primarily for the pure and simple pleasure of seeing these wonderful cars and motorcycles on display in such congenial surroundings,” said Pretorius. “However, our secondary objective has always been to raise money for local charities. Over the years, we
have raised well over half a million rand for local charities, and we aim to add to that figure substantially with proceeds from the 2019 event.” Garden Route Motor Club has already been working on this year’s show for many months. However, the organisers are pleased to announce that owners of exceptional vintage, veteran and classic cars, as well as classic motorcycles and rare modern supercars, are still able to apply for entry in this year’s show. Interested car owners should email at peterp@afrihost.co.za to submit their details, as well as photographs of their machines. However, as far as spectators to the show are concerned, there is no hint of exclusivity. It is a motor fair for the whole family. The 2019 Knysna Motor Show is a one-day event that runs from 9am to 4pm on Sunday April 28 at the Knysna High School sports grounds. Call Peter Pretorius on 082 321 4724 and visit the Garden Route Motor Club’s website on www. grmc.co.za for more information.
Plett’s youngest surfers impress at Eden Groms trials O fewer than 17 young Plett surfers took to the waters at Buffalo Bay on Saturday in the first of a series of trials to select an Eden Surfing Team to compete at the SA Grom Games, to be held in Port Elizabeth from March 21-24. The Grommet Games is South Africa’s premier entry-level national surfing event for boys and girls aged from under-8 through to under-16, with the emphasis on transformation. It gives surfers, officials, and family members who seldom get the opportunity to participate in a national event the chance to represent their districts. Eight children - all graduates of the incredibly successful and lifechanging Adopt a Swimmer programme, and now members of the Garden Route Surf Academy programme run by Learn to Surf Plett - competed in their first surf contest and did themselves and their town very proud. Standout surfers on the day were Luke Witte, Zanda Palmer, and Cally Kleinsmidt, who all posted double wins in their heats and earned themselves top spots on the leader
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YOUNG CHARGERS: Bay-based Groms Becky Mcnicol and Kihara Philander, in blue, impress the judges at Buffs - Photo: Rhian Berning
board in their respective age groups, while the rest of Plett’s promising Groms weren’t far behind. Says Clayton Bischoff of Learn to Surf: “A special mention is due to praise the brave and impressive performances by our youngest surfers Unakh Heller, James McNicol, and Luc Jackson competed like champs in the under-8 division, even though
they’re a few years away from that age yet. “The next trial will be held in Mossel Bay on Saturday February 2, when the Eden Squad will be selected. We look forward to seeing a number of our Plett kids on that list.” Contact Clayton on 072 355 8387 for details, and visit the gallery at www.cxpress.co.za for more pics.
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