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
Photo: Sharyn Hodges
23 March 2016
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We wish all our readers and visitors a peaceful and safe Easter
Power up!
PJ Powers put on a show that had her audience out of their deck chairs and boogying hard on Central Beach last Sunday, during the second day of the inaugural Plett on the Rocks Jazz Festival - turn to page 18 for more jazzy images
Tracy saves the day - p3
Holiday activities - p12-15
It’s adventure weekend! - p24
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CXPRESS
NEWS & VIEWS
23 March 2016
People Around Town
Blooming marvellous news: Rodney Murphy will remain in Knysna GIGI LEWIS interviews interesting Garden Route residents and visitors that happen to cross her path T Patrick’s Day (March 17) seems to be a fitting day to write the story of Rodney Murphy. Irish by birth, South African by heart, Rodney grew up and finished his schooling in Durban where he later worked for Metro Rail and took early retirement in 2008. His path has not always been an easy one but, he says, he went by the book in the Bible - more specifically, Matthew 21:22 where it says: ‘If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.’ Except, his version sounded more modest. His Irish strain is noticeable when he tells with a laidback ease that he is a Christian but not a particularly regular churchgoer. Nonetheless, his unwavering faith has helped him through many situations in the past. Drawn by the beauty of the Garden Route, he first retired to Sedgefield where a friend had a farm and offered him refuge in an adjoining cottage. In a widely publicised arson attack, the abode burned down on the first day of January in 2011, and Rodney’s German shepherd dog was killed in the fire. On that traumatic day when he lost all his possessions and beloved pet, once again faith came to his recue when someone told him of a vacant flat in Knysna. He moved in on that same day. In 2014, Stella Sohn started her award-winning project ‘Knysna in Bloom’, initially tending to the sponsored flower pots herself, together with her gardener. It soon became apparent that extra help was needed. When she advertised on the Knysna Golden Girls’ Facebook page for a volunteer to tend to the growing number of the town’s sponsored flower pots on Main Street, it was Rodney who responded immediately. Seeing it as an opportunity to give back to the
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BOOKING ESSENTIAL
RODNEY SCISSOR HANDS: His very own implement for dead-heading flowers
SEEDS FOR NEXT SEASON: Marigold seeds, kept for the next planting season, do better when grown together in different colours, says Rodney
WATERING ROD: Rodney is happiest when he can attend to his flowers in Knysna Main Street
town he cherishes and at the same time doing something he loves doing, Rodney reflects: “I walk the extra mile. I talk to the flowers and I sing to them from point A to point B.” When he starts to croon Lonnie Donegan’s old hit, right here at L’Opera Coffee Shop in the Knysna Mall - “Oh, my old man’s a dustman, he wears a dust-
man’s hat…” - I can’t desist from continuing: “He wears cor blimey trousers and he lives in a council flat.” “People ask me ‘do you always sing to your plants?’ I tell them that I don’t make a point of it, but I like to sing.” It’s probably no coincidence that the plants are doing extremely well under his care, because he also talks to them; he scolds them if there is anything wrong and then, to top it off, he serenades them. Rodney is very content doing his job and making people happy at the same time. “I just wish some folk would stop throwing stompies and papers in the flower pots. But how gratifying is it to have someone tell you that they walk along Main
Street just to see the flowers! “You have to treat the plants with respect though,” he says and hands me a selection of Marigold seeds with the advice. “Always mix their colours and do not plant them in one colour only, as most people do. They are doing so much better when they are mixed.” For tending to the flowers, Rodney receives a small remuneration from Knysna in Bloom to cover his expenses. He uses his own garden implements: two watering cans - which Soul Buddies driving school allow him to keep on their premises - a pair of pointed scissors for dead-heading the flowers, and a spoon as a garden fork. Through the local grapevine there was talk of Rodney leaving town, which would have dire consequences for his floral charges. But this is not the case and he happily remains a Knysna resident. His strong faith kicks in again when he says he is sure that he will soon find affordable accommodation in town. Knysna in Bloom is a private initiative conceived by Stella Sohn. It receives no special funds and relies solely on public sponsorship. It has certainly made an impact on visiting tourist, some of whom have told Rodney that they would steal the idea for their own towns. Give Stella Sohn a call on 083 325 2581 if you would like to find out more about Knysna in Bloom.
Gigi Lewis listens to you on her shell-phone... An ace photographer and indomitable adventurer who enjoys life to the full, you can email her at gigi.lewis@telkomsa.net with comments or suggestions.
NEWS & VIEWS
23 March 2016
CXPRESS
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Cyclists save local man’s life after accident causes severe head injuries, broken ribs FRIENDLY PHYSIO: Tracy de Necker has lived in Plett for four years and has now become a local hero after her quick thinking and actions at a Sunday morning crash scene
LETT physiotherapist Tracy de Necker was cycling to her Turtle Creek home on Sunday morning around 11am when a CXregistered Ford Fiesta, ex-
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iting the Rietvlei road at Pennypinchers, shot across the N2 and landed in a ditch close to the Goose Valley entrance. Explains Tracy: “There
Knysna News Briefs • Knysna NSRI’s duty crew was alerted to an accident on the Western Head at Featherbed just after 11:30 on Monday March 21, so volunteers accompanied by the station doctor responded aboard the sea rescue craft Jaytee III. According to NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon, on arrival on the scene it was found that two sightseeing vehicles had collided after one of the vehicles suffered suspected mechanical brake failure. “The vehicle of which the brakes may have failed was carrying at least 45 passengers when it crashed into the stationary vehicle, but only the local male driver was treated for a minor back injury and a 79-yearold German male passenger was treated for a laceration to the hand. No one else was hurt in the accident. “The two injured persons were brought to the NSRI base in Knysna aboard the sea rescue craft and both were transported to hospital by EMS ambulance for further treatment. Both are
expected to make full recoveries,” said Lambinon. Visit www.searescue.org. za to find out more about this essential volunteer organisation and how you can contribute. • Knysna police are seeking information regarding a business robbery after a case was opened following an incident at a shop in Chungwa Street in Khayalethu, on Friday March 11 at about 8:30pm. Says Knysna SAPS spokesman Sergeant Chris Spies: “It is alleged that three suspects entered the shop and threatened the cashier with a knife. One of the suspects grabbed an undisclosed amount of cash from behind the counter before they fled the scene.” No arrests haves been made yet and the investigation continues, so anyone with information is requested to contact the investigation officer, Warrant Officer Reginus Quine on 044 302 6652. Sgt Spies assures the public that all information will be dealt with confidentially.
was another, unknown cyclist in front of me on the road and we both rode to the place where the car came to a standstill.” The scene that met them was serious indeed, the driver having lost consciousness and a whole lot of blood flowing from a head wound. Tracy immediately called the first emergency number that came to mind, that of NSRI volunteer friend Brad Thomas. “I learnt that the other cyclist’s name was Frank, a weekend visitor from out of town, and together we managed to get the man out of the car - I would never have managed it alone,” says Tracy. Brad was at a meeting with members from NSRI headquarters at Plett Station 14’s base and had already summoned the Baycare ambulance service, but when Tracy called again to say that the driver was not breathing, he hurried to the scene along with fellow crewman Sean Searle. In the meantime, Tracy and Frank had managed to remove the casualty from the car and Tracy’s efforts
at CPR paid off when he started breathing again after three minutes. By then the NSRI 4x4, ambulance, and a few other vehicles had arrived - among them Plett local Malcolm Sinclair, who first alerted CXPRESS to the life-saving effects of Tracy’s efforts. “I’m not sure how many
other people would have gone that far and continued to try resuscitating a complete stranger - she was covered in blood by the time the ambulance arrived to help stabilise the poor guy.” It turned out that the victim was not entirely unknown to Tracy: when his daughter and her mother arrived at the accident scene, she recognised the girl as a friend of one of her own two daughters.
“Tracy did an incredible job,” says Brad, “not only being 100% responsible for saving the casualty’s life, but seeing to it that his daughter was led away from the scene and calm before ensuring her safe delivery home. Good news is that the brain scans done on the crash victim at George Hospital came back clear, and that apart from painful broken ribs, he’s back home and recovering.
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CXPRESS
NEWS & VIEWS
23 March 2016
Join the groundswell for harsher child porn sentences during Saturday’s march in Plettenberg Bay While the Plettenberg Bay man accused of having links to a horrific international baby pornography network briefly appeared in the Knysna Regional Court on Friday, local anti-child abuse activists are planning a march in an attempt to have the laws around child pornography reviewed - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports HE 37-year-old man, who cannot be named until he has pleaded, was arrested on January 13 last year after South African and Belgian police raided his seaside home and allegedly found sections of files containing hundreds of images and videos of violent assaults of mostly babies in nappies, as well as internet addresses of more than 300 other alleged paedophiles. The matter was, however, postponed until May 12 as plea and sentencing negotiations had not yet been completed. In the meantime children’s rights groups in the coastal holiday town have been consistently campaigning for more intense child protection in the area since February last year, which included four marches and several petitions, signed by thousands of locals and visitors, to highlight their plight. Anti-child abuse group Green Hearts spokesman Yvette Wilschut said they
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had decided to organise another march through the holiday town’s streets following concerns over what she labelled “slap-on-thewrist” sentences for those found guilty of charges relating to child pornography. She said an example of this was the sentencing of a 40-year-old Midrand
“We want the courts to consider the severity of these crimes and hand down fitting sentences. We definitely are concerned that similar lenient sentences would apply when the Plett local is sentenced should he be found guilty.” Wilschut explained that courts saw child pornogra-
The march is set to start at 10am at The Grand and then move through the main street of Plett man with links to the same child pornography network. He was sentenced to a R100,000 fine or three years behind bars. He was sentenced to further eight years imprisonment; of which five years were suspended on condition he did not commit similar crimes. He was arrested as part of a police operation known as Cloud 9. The first South African arrest as part of this operation was that of the Plett local.
phy as a “victimless crime” and therefore the lesser sentences. “But we believe that each image has a victim and by possessing and distributing these images these criminals are creating a demand for the creation of child pornography and should therefore be seen in a more serious light.” Over and above the march, activists plan on writing to the Constitutional Court in an attempt to have their voices heard.
Women and Men Against Child Abuse (WMACA) Western Cape representative Joanne Barrett had already submitted her letter and said that while several laws governed pornography and the creation, circulation, exhibition, distribution and possession of child abuse material, it lacked the necessary prescriptions regarding sentencing for viewing or possession and distribution of these images. “We can no longer accept these heinous crimes against children as part of our daily life. Children have the right to feel safe and we appeal to authorities to ensure this by imposing sever sentences and sending a message that this criminal injustice will not be tolerated,” Barrett said. The march is set to start at 10am at The Grand and then move through the town’s main street to the dolphin traffic circle and back to LM Restaurant. Garden Route Media
NEWS & VIEWS
23 March 2016
CXPRESS
Zenthia strides towards her fitness dream TICKET TO TRAIN: At the graduation ceremony of the Exercise Teachers Academy in George held on Saturday were, from left, Edmund and Zenthia Petersen, ETA marketing manager Barbara Louw, and campus manager Henrico Louw
NYSNA lass Zenthia Petersen, who has long dreamt of a career in exercise and fitness training, took a giant step towards the realisation of that dream when she graduated from the Exercise Teachers Academy (ETA) in George on Saturday March 19. In a ceremony held at the Oakhurst Theatre in York Street, Zenthia was presented with a certificate attesting to her having quali-
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fied as a personal trainer. Zenthia, who grew up and still lives in Knysna, was the sous-chef de cuisine at île de païn - the award-winning restaurant on Thesen Harbour Town, set in the Knysna lagoon - for 10 years until the beginning of May last year, when she left in order to pursue a course of study at ETA. Having aced her studies towards the end of 2015, Zenthia has since returned
to work at île de païn, which is presently operating as a take-away café while being built anew, in the wake of the fire that damaged the eatery some 10 months ago. Says Zenthia: “I am delighted to have qualified as a personal trainer. I enjoy working in catering but I am also weighing my options and thinking carefully about opening an exercise and fitness venture in Knysna sometime in the future.”
Plett sailor Blaine is province’s top sportsman
On March 11, winners of the Western Cape Provincial Sport Awards were announced at the Cape Sun Hotel in Cape Town. Hosted by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, the awards are held annually to acknowledge sportspeople who have excelled in their various codes. Six regional Sport Awards were held in November 2015, and winners from the regional events went through as nominees for the Provincial awards. Head of Department Brent Walters emphasised the importance of sport in society: ‘Tonight we will not only celebrate excellent achievements, but we will acknowledge the role that sport can play in building a socially-inclusive society, in unifying us in our diversity, in strengthening our social fabric and in ensuring that our young people are actively and positively engaged.’ Cultural Affairs and Sport minister Anroux Marais thanked all the nominees present ‘for serving as a beacon of hope to the youth of the Western Cape - your excellence in sport and your success in both national and international arenas encourages our youth to aspire to the lifestyle you lead’. Here, the minister hands his Sportsman of the Year award to Plett sailor and Hobie world champ Blaine Dodds. Read more about his claiming of that title in the August 26, 2015 edition at www.cxpress.co.za or type his name into the search block to see numerous reports on Blaine’s many victories over the years.
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Words & photo: Timothy Twidle
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NEWS & VIEWS
23 March 2016
This is how ‘Meneer Coetzee’ has touched many young lives André Bouwer
FTEN we make huge stories of little things or incidences. Yet the converse is true, too: much passes us by that we are not even aware of. The weekend of March 12 and 13 is a case in point, its success being due to the incredibly hard work, selflessness and commitment of one man who has given so much of himself over so many years.
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I want to honour Mr Pieter Coetzee of Wittedrift High, even though I am concerned that my attempt may not do justice to the man. I met Pieter, or ‘Meneer Coetzee’ to all his pupils, when I had the privilege of being appointed headmaster at Wittedrift High in 1995 - truly the small school with the HUGE heart. Little did I know what his contribution would be over the next 20 years - this in spite of the fact he had just
heard that, due to teacher rationalisation, he had lost his permanent appointment. Fortunately, the Governing Body managed to find a small amount to offer him a post, albeit a pittance compared to the average teaching salary. It goes without saying that Mr Coetzee immediately accepted the offer - and continued doing exactly the same amount of incredible development among all the youngsters entrusted to our care. It is a widely-known fact that academic development is a necessary by-product for Pieter Coetzee, but over and above that he has managed to instil a love of learning and story-telling in his students that is difficult to match. I could never really discern what the true order of Mr Coetzee’s sports priorities were - was it rugby, athletics and then tug-of-war, or was it tug-of-war, rugby, athletics? Who knows, and is it really important to know…? What is extremely important to understand is that he literally, figuratively and physically touched the lives and spirits of a thousand and more children. The moment the bell rang
at the end of every school day, his whistle would sound virtually simultaneously; his voice ringing above the din made by 350400 children as he called out: “Komaan, ons het nie die hele middag tyd nie!” His passion not only for the sport but for each child in his care was clearly evident. He has the uncanny ability to spot whatever potential a young child has in sport. And once he had seen it, no child had the chance of giving his or her second-best. What incredible joy it was to watch young insecure and unsure youngsters develop into fine young sportsmen - confident, able and always humble. Mr Coetzee ‘retired’ in 2015, but this so-called retirement only meant his absence from class on a full-time basis. Although I am no longer at Wittedrift High, I know that he has not scaled down a fraction in his commitment and dedication to the development of our children. During the weekend men-
LIKE MOM LIKE SON: Pieter and his mother, Tannie Bettie du Toit, who’s alive and kicking aged 94
tioned above, the South African Schools Tug-ofWar Championships were held in Swellendam. Teams from across our country represented their provinces in what must be one of the most challenging sporting disciplines. Mr Coetzee’s teams managed to prove their true mettle and stand their ground against the best of the best, obtaining two silver medals in their respective gender and weight divisions. This is an incredible achievement not only for them and Wittedrift High, but also for Plett as a town.
It is testimony to the character, commitment and sheer guts of our children - and to the dedication and hard work of Mr Coetzee. Pieter Coetzee, know that I honour you for who you are and what you do. I regard it as one of my greatest privileges to have worked with you over so many years, and for my daughters to have been not only in your class but also members of teams coached by you. Their Meneer Coetzee remains firmly at the top when we share our fondest memories of years gone by in Plettenberg Bay.
Aunty Louise, are we going overseas?! HANKS to the kindness and generosity of Marlon, Mareque and Ashwinn from Ocean Safaris in Plett, a dream came true for 11 kids from New Beginnings - a place of safety for vulnerable children in the vast township of KwaNokuthula. Louise Auersperg of Adopt A Swimmer contacted CXPRESS to share her gratitude for the lifechanging experience afforded these kids by the Ocean Safaris crew, and the serious query of one of the kids who, upon preparing for the trip, asked the question in the heading above. “And when I told him ‘yes, darling, of course we’re going overseas’, he was adamant to know which countries we would be visiting. But no foreign land could have impressed the children more than what they experienced on the boat, seeing seals and dolphins from up close in the clear waters of the bay,” she smiles. Adopt A Swimmer was founded in Plett four years ago and officially registered as an NPO in March 2013. CEO Louise has a long history of helping people, and is part of the furniture at Plett’s Health and Fitness Club pool in Piesang Valley, where she trains kids of all ages and backgrounds their way around the water. She considers swimming to be especially helpful when working with less privileged kids, as it builds integrity, confidence and self-worth - a belief that landed her yet another Bitou Mayoral Grant-In-Aid Award when
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Adopt A Swimmer (AAS) was one of 14 local NPOs to receive this honour on January 28. “We are extremely grateful to the mayor and his team and delighted to have been selected for a second consecutive year. This acknowledgement enables us to enrol more vulnerable children to teach them the valuable life skill of swimming. It is an honour to have the mayor and his council walk this road with us,” she said in an interview after the ceremony. “We are blessed by the continuous support of the community and proud to announce that three volunteers have recently signed up to do their community service with us,” says Louise, and welcomes Claudia Leppan, Bradley Raymond and Alexander Auersperg into the AAS fold. “It’s wonderful to see our youngsters depositing back
into the lives of our young local kids.” Adopt a Swimmer also works in collaboration with the Plett Aid Foundation/ Hospice Plett, offering therapy through swimming for children who have lost a parent, or are living with a lifelimiting illness or a parent or sibling with such a disease. “Having trained at Hospice in KZN many years ago, it is a privilege to be able to integrate these two spheres.” But what about those ‘overseas’ trips? “During our last outing in the bay, the weather was spectacular and the children were simply overwhelmed. Now we’re just waiting for another clear day to take the rest of the AAS kids on an ‘overseas’ trip…” To sponsor a child, give Louise a call on 082 452 2248 and visit www.adopta swimmer.co.za for additional information.
GREAT EXPECTATIONS: The kids and Adopt A Swimmer crew, with Louise Auersperg third from left at back, look dapper in their life jackets before hitting the bay on a special journey with Ocean Safaris
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23 March 2016
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Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za
BUSINESS
23 March 2016
Jargon buster: What’s the score with credit ratings? REDIT rating or credit score is one of those financial terms that is often bandied about but not necessarily understood. So what is it, and why is it important? At its most basic level, a credit rating is an estimate of a person or organisation’s ability to repay money they have borrowed, based on their previous payment history. Credit bureaux calculate credit scores. They gather the information about your credit habits directly
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from your creditors as well as from public records such as court judgements. The scales they use can differ between bureaux, but usually include a descriptor indicating if you are very high, high, medium, low, or minimum risk. Marlies Kappers, head of marketing at DirectAxis, explains that although the terms are often used interchangeably, strictly speaking credit ratings apply to businesses and governments, while credit scores apply to individuals.
A high credit score indicates that the person wanting to borrow money has a good track record and will pay it back within the agreed time. A low score suggests that the borrower has had trouble with making payments in the past and might have similar problems in future. Kappers explicates that the reason credit scores are important is that these help credit providers to decide whether they should lend someone money. Your score can also affect the interest
rate charged on a loan. A person with a low credit score will be considered high risk and as a result may not be given a loan, as their score indicates that they may not be able to afford to pay the loan back. By law, South African consumers are entitled to one free credit report a year. Most credit bureaux offer a service that allows you to receive more regular reports for a small fee. Visit www.directaxis. co.za/topics-tips-tools/ credit-score for more information about credit scores and how to find out what yours is.
Nature lovers, take note of this unique opportunity UZZARD Heights Estate in Great Brak River is just 15km away from George Airport and offers seven smallholdings within a 17 hectare reserve of beautifully restored nature - a unique investment opportunity indeed for active commuters and nature lovers! Says developer Pierre Villain: “We offer a place to enjoy open spaces, silence, and privacy within a wellmaintained nature reserve of restored natural fynbos. “You will own exclusive views extending from the Outeniqua Mountains to the north and east all the way to the pristine ocean of Mossel Bay in the west. “There is no need to head for the desert to regain your sanity; Buzzard Heights is the place away from the hustle and bustle of cities and the residen-
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INVEST IN SPACE: The perfect place to settle down or use as get-away, homes at Buzzard Heights are powered by the sun but also offer access to high-speed wireless connectivity
tial suburbs of Plettenberg Bay, Knysna and Wilderness. It’s the perfect place for settling down or to use as get-away spot.” Homes on the estate will be surrounded not only by the naturally occurring fynbos vegetation, but a river runs through the property and there are a variety of birds and wildlife to boot. Load-shedding and unsightly power lines are
things of the past at Buzzard Heights, as homes will be 100% solar-powered. Owners will, however, enjoy all modern amenities, with services including access to high-speed wireless connectivity, so facilitating working from home. “These seven exclusive and individual residential properties are positioned to ensure your total privacy,” says Villain, adding that
shops, services and schools are near at hand in the village of Great Brak River, a mere 4km down the road. Importantly for lovers of the surf and sand, there is a healthy lagoon estuary and a number of beaches for walking and swimming just a few minutes away from your brand new home at Buzzard Heights. • See the advert on this page for contact details.
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23 March 2016
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23 March 2016
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Karatara residents receive homes NYSNA mayor Georlene Wolmarans ceremonially handed over 38 title deeds of homes in Karatara to their audited and legal occupiers during a ceremony on Thursday evening March 10. Said Wolmarans: “There is a great difference in living in a house and being able to call it your own. I am pleased to be here once again to hand over these important documents. “These title deeds give a sense of ownership, as they prove you are the legal owner of your property.” She emphasised the importance of the title deeds, referring to them as documents to be “treasured and looked after, as it does not only prove legal ownership but it is also quite costly to receive”. “I am sure you are all aware of the importance to rightfully and legally own property, to have it in writing that your home legally belongs to you.” Wolmarans closed off the ceremony by congratulating all recipients, adding: “Today serves as the recognition of your right to own property and acknowledgement that you are as of today legal homeowners.” This is the second time
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PROPERTY PROPRIETORS: Knysna mayor Georlene Wolmarans, at centre in the back, and councillor Louise Hart, at left, with some Karatara residents who are now proud homeowners
that Knysna Municipality handed over title deeds to Karatara residents. In 2014, the mayor distributed 100 title deeds in the community. The welfare village of Karatara was developed by the national government on state-owned land in the 1940s. Housing was provided to timber workers at very low rental, and the surveyorgeneral approved a general plan for the town in 1987. The area was known as Bosdorp and 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 the local municipality of Knysna in May 2008.
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ENTITLED TO A HOME: An elderly Karatara resident, left, signs for her title deed, mayor Wolmarans pointing out the dotted line
PROMOTION
23 March 2016
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NEWS & VIEWS
23 March 2016
Here’s why you should spend this Easter weekend walking In a recent interview with Wild magazine online, Garden Route Walking Fest director GALEO SAINTZ was asked about the motivation behind the event and significance of its timing - his response below should inspire you to put on those hiking boots at once HERE are many benefits to walking, and the Garden Route Walking Fest is really one of the best ways to explore and get to know the area’s most inspiring spots - many of which, by the way, are only accessible by foot. Walking, as we know, is one of the best ways to exercise, and it’s really good for your brain too. Walking distresses, improves im-
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munity, burns calories and strengthens the heart. The festival is a chance for all participants to start a new healthy habit of getting out in nature more regularly. With our diverse selection of walks you can pick and choose your level of fitness and the time you have available. Many of the walks are in the morning, and so joining in will hardly take over
the whole weekend. The festival gives a great focus to the Easter Weekend and with routes across the area from Mossel Bay to Storms River, everyone is encouraged to spread the love across the region. My favourite quote by Gary Snyder sums up best why connecting with nature on foot is such an attractive option: “Walking is the great adventure, the
first meditation, a practice of heartiness and soul primary to humankind. “Walking is the exact balance between spirit and humility. It is when out walking that one encounters ecology on the level where it counts.” Nature Deficit Disorder is a newly recognised condition with serious implications for the youth, so the chance to get away
from our computers, tablets and cellphones, from the closed-in indoors, from cars and the motorised world, should be taken at every opportunity. Reconnecting with nature is essential for our sanity, and as Snyder puts it, one gets to engage with nature on the level where it really counts. What we do not love, we do not care for, and if we have a generation
that does not experience and so love nature, then we together with so many other species will go extinct. As they say, walking is the best medicine, so a festival dedicated to walking, family, and nature might just be the kind of tonic our society needs. Visit www.walkingfest. co.za and see the advert on page 13 for details of the 50+ walks on offer.
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23 March 2016
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ENTERTAINMENT
23 March 2016
The BATS back with fourth offering of riveting theatre ITOU Amateur Theatrical Society, fondly known as the BATS, are working hard to bring their next live theatre production to Plett audiences. Their last play, the hugely successful Old Actors Never Die, was staged in September 2014 and in March 2015 travelled to Port Elizabeth’s Little Theatre, where it was enthusiastically received. The BATS troupe, under the directorship of David Hall-Green, can’t wait to
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put on their fourth play, Annie, One Two Three - an intriguing murder mystery - from Tuesday April 12 to Saturday the 16th at the St Peter’s Church Hall. The play is based on fact, about little-known and truly amazing events during the Second World War and its rather complicated aftermath, some 50 years later. To reveal any details, however, would be spoiling the enjoyment of this most unusual thriller.
This new offering from the pen of contemporary playwright, David Summers, is a significant departure from previous BATS productions, but promises its audience equal enjoyment. BATS old hands, such as Roger and Nita Davis, Mike Kantey, Rodney Groskopff, Ingrid James and Gail Ractliffe, have been joined by three talented new actresses who are ensuring that their fellow amateur thespians maintain the high
standards they’ve set for themselves. Says David: “Just because we are amateurs, it does not mean that we cannot aspire to professional standards of acting and set design.” A special Gala Opening Night will be hosted by PAWS on Tuesday April 12 at 6:30pm, with delicious cocktail snacks and wine. “The excitement of real live theatre in Plett is a rare treat, not to be missed, and you are urged to book your seats well in advance to avoid disappointment,” says Marsja Hall-Green, adding that Plett audiences of all ages can look forward to an enjoyable night out. As in the past, all proceeds after costs, will be donated to PAWS. • Gala Opening Night, Tuesday April 12 at 6:30pm, play starts at 7:30pm sharp,
tickets R120. • Wednesday April 13 to Saturday April 16 at 19:30, tickets R90. So book your seat in St Peter’s Church Hall in Church Street, Plett, today
to avoid disappointment. Unreserved tickets are available from Barney’s Kiosk next to Mugg & Bean at The Market Square. Call Marsja on 073 645 9476 or 044 533 4578 for more info.
HEROES AND NURSES AND… ACTION! Roger Davis as ‘The Master of the Universe’ shows his passion for Irina, the Russian Amazon, played by Giselle Smit in the third successfull play, ‘Old Actors Never Die’ - and veteran BATS like Mike Kantey and Rodney Groskopff will again form part of the new play’s cast
Plett’s Barnyard Theatre celebrates 20 years by going back to its roots T is jested on the Garden Route that you’re not truly a local until you have been resident for 20 years. This means the Barnyard Theatre is as ‘lekker local’ as it gets. Many long-time residents will remember the first show held at the original Barnyard Theatre in Plett on March 22, 1996. If you’re not one of them, don’t despair: now is the time to embrace and support that top-class entertainment we seek so eagerly in our neck of the woods. “Yes,” says new owner Mel Botes, “it was 20 years ago that Louis Moller and Sybil Coetzee opened The Barnyard - a novel Garden Route idea that spread throughout the nation.” (Visit www. barnyardplett.co.za to read their enchanting story.) He explains that ‘The Barn Plett’ - the venue’s temporary incarnation under former management - no longer exists. “We bought the business from the previous owner and decided to revert
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to its original name, The Barnyard Plettenberg Bay, and have been trading under this name as of March 1.” To commemorate the 20th anniversary of this delightful venue, Mel and Jeanne Botes invite you to join them at the revitalised Barnyard Theatre over Easter for a wonderful weekend of excellent entertainment. • Tonight (March 23) sees Four Shows in One when Mel Botes & Marcato present their Tribute to Pink Floyd, Dire Straits, Bob Dylan and Simon & Garfunkel. • On Sunday March 27 BOO!, featuring the multitalented Chris Chameleon, take to the stage. • Dan Patlansky launches his new CD Introvertigo on Monday March 28 and you want to be part of this memorable occasion. Good news for guests is that, as per the good old Barnyard Tradition, you are very welcome to bring your own picnic baskets, but no cooler boxes please as the
venue is fully licensed, so strictly no alcohol or other beverages are allowed on the premises. Your support of the cash bar contributes towards sustainability, enabling Mel and Jeanne to continue offering a wide range of entertainment drawn from their extensive network of fellow musicians. Says Jeanne: “We do however offer delicious ingredients for you to ‘build your own platter’ at our Wine Bar! Find out more at www. barnyardplett.co.za or let us keep you posted by signing up for our newsletter, and ‘like’ us on Facebook. “ Tickets for the coming shows are now available from Computicket, at any Shoprite/Checkers Kiosks or at Barney’s Info Kiosk at The Market Square. You can also visit www.ticket stroom.com to buy tickets online and print them in the comfort of your own home. • See the advert on this page for further details on the Easter programme.
HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
23 March 2016
CXPRESS
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Holiday Activities • Holiday Activities • Holiday Activities • Holiday Activities • Holiday Activities • Holiday Activities • Holiday Activities
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CXPRESS
People, places & events
23 March 2016
SOCIAL SCENE
VAN NIEKERKS STRIKE EMERALD: Andrew and Shirley van Niekerk celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on March 18, surrounded by their out-of-town offspring who descended on Plett for the happy occasion. Five and a half decades of wedded bliss is a huge milestone traditionally symbolised by emerald, and we wish the happy couple many more years of hale and healthy togetherness.
H2O 4 GOOD: The Plett Baia Formosa Lions held a Wheels for Water gathering at Bitou Rugby Club on the Sunday March 13, joining the countrywide effort to collect as much water as possible for South Africa’s severely droughtstricken areas. Says local Lion, Dorothy Prinsloo: ‘Ironically, the weather didn’t play along on the day, but even though the man upstairs decided to make his contribution of water, we went ahead with the event. Sam Hartman kept everyone entertained while they tucked into delicious boerewors rolls and other refreshments sold on behalf of the Lions. We thank everyone who contributed in spite of the wet weather!’ One of the businesses who did their bit for the cause was Plett SkiBoat Club, who added many welcome litres to the Lions’ tally. In the pic above, the club’s Chris Schorn shakes on a good H2O deal with Dorothy. Call her on 081 270 0658 or email dotp123@hotmail.com if you too would like to contribute.
I’LL ONLY SAY THIS ONCE… Plett Water Polo Club’s annual Mini Festival was held on Saturday March 5, with teams from Oakhill, Glenwood and George South in attendance. Says the club’s Dave Harrow: ‘There was a very competitive spirit among the junior teams resulting in some exciting matches. The final game played was the Plett Stingers against the Knysna Old Oaks, which was extremely entertaining, with Plett eventually beating Knysna by a small margin.’ These pics by Eileen Covarr and Anne Hrabar tell their own story of the aqua action, while showing some ‘referees’, left, giving players a piece of their mind. Plett Water Polo Club sincerely thanks sponsors Beacon Isle KwikSpar for its ongoing support, and all the parents who assisting with catering on the day. PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE: March 6 saw 270 elite athletes and amateur enthusiasts haul themselves over the Cape Town Cycle Tour finish line in support of Plett’s Sabrina Love Foundation. The Sabrina Love team also attended a pre-race dinner, where a special viewing of the Sabrina Love movie was shown, allowing cyclists a unique glimpse into day-today life at the Foundation. The first Sabrina Love rider, Steve Brown, finished the race in a speedy 3:32:51, followed shortly by Sabrina’s dad, Tony Lubner, and uncle, Mark with times of 3:41:24 and 3:44:27 respectively. But Sabrina’s mom Suzy was this year’s Cycle Tour pioneer, making up half of the first Sabrina Love team, along with her brother Philip Reunert. Philip annually gathers a global team to cycle in support of the Foundation. He and his team have been of particular importance to little Mvuyo, raising enough funds to get him decked out with life-changing equipment. This year, the incredible Belron Team, consisting of 60 riders from all over Europe, managed to raise R500,000 to be used for a new feeding plan Tony is working on. The 2016 Cape Town Cycle Tour was a true celebration of people helping people - the essence at the core of the Foundation, which assists disabled children in need of equipment, medical treatment, or professional guidance. Pictured at left are some of these kids, and above from left are Philip, Suzy, Gabriella, Emma, Di and Robbie.
SOCIAL SCENE
23 March 2016
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People, places & events
ARIAS LOVED BY LOCALS AND SWALLOWS ALIKE: The second Knysna-Plett Concert of the year held on the evening of Monday March 14 featured wellknown South African soprano Hanli Stapela, who sang a selection of opera arias, songs and contemporary favourites, accompanied by Bryan Wallick on piano. Their performance was greatly enjoyed by, above from left, Mike McGurty, Mary McDougall, Roger and Carol Chapman, Iain McDougall and Bessy McGurty. They all hail from the town of Richmond in the North Riding of Yorkshire, England, and are presently in the midst of a five-month stay in Knysna. Having a cuppa at right above are Knysna residents Marleen Ritky, Don Bodley and Dawn Tyndall.
Photos: Timothy Twidle
ENTRANCED BY THE BIG APPLE: Barbara Rolfe, left, did a demo at Global Village in Plett on March 15 themed ‘I am a painter…?’, and she was happy to share with CXPRESS that the event had a record turnout. Using pastels as medium, she tackled the first step in art, which she describes as learning to see with an artist’s eye. ‘All artists were invited, as well as those who think they can’t paint but would love to,’ says Barbara, adding that everyone left with colour manuals in hand so no lessons learnt would be forgotten. Turn to page 9 of the March 2 edition at www.cxpress.co.za to find out more about the fabulous Mz Rolfe and her awesome art.
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23 March 2016
SOCIAL SCENE Photos: Sharyn Hodges - 061 247 8761
People, places & events INAUGURAL MAYORAL JAZZ FEST A JORL! A weekend of exceptional music and wonderful vibes kicked off on Friday March 18, when Bitou mayor Memory Booysen started a long line-up of events and activities by teeing off in the Plett Jazz on the Rocks Golf Day at Goose Valley, the first prize being a trip to Phuket. This was followed by a mid-morning handover of shoes, school uniforms, backpacks and stationery at Harkerville Primary School, where the mayor was accompanied by members of jazz fest organisers Camissa Solutions, Nedbank, and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing for the occasion. This donation formed part of the social investments package of Plett Jazz on the Rocks, which was officially launched to the media on Friday evening with the Plett Pioneers Field Band entertaining. Saturday and Sunday saw the impressive stage on Central Beach filled with legends of the South African music scene, from Tony Cox and Steve Newman to Kurt Darren, Just Jinger, PJ Powers and Lira, the nights’ respective highlights being closing acts The Rockets and Jimmy Dludlu. An eclectic crowd converged in the shadow of the Beacon Isle to support their favourite stars, and the number of selfies shot must have totalled many thousands, contributing to an extremely memorable weekend in Plettenberg Bay, and setting the tone for a fantabulous Easter holiday break.
INTERVAL
23 March 2016
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“There is a major difference between intelligence and stupidity; intelligence has its limits.” - Albert Einstein
The twenty and the one Farmer mathematics... well-worn one-dollar bill and a similarly distressed twenty-dollar bill arrive at a Federal Reserve Bank to be retired. As they move along the conveyor belt to be burned, the two bills strike up a conversation. The twenty-dollar bill reminisces about its travels all over the country. “I’ve had a pretty good life,” the twenty proclaims. “Why, I’ve been to Las Vegas and Atlantic City, the finest restaurants in
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New York, performances on Broadway, and even a cruise to the Caribbean.” “Wow!” says the one-dollar bill. “You’ve really had an exciting life!” “So, tell me,” says the twenty-dollar bill, “where have you been throughout your lifetime?” The one-dollar bill replies: “Oh, I’ve been to the Methodist Church, the Baptist Church, the Lutheran Church… “ The twenty-dollar bill interrupts: “What’s a church?”
FRIDAY
farmer died, leaving his 17 horses to his three sons. When his sons opened up the will it read: “My eldest son should get half of the total horses. My middle son should be given onethird of the total horses, and my youngest son should be given one-ninth of the total horses.” As it’s impossible to divide 17 into half or 17 by three or 17 by nine, the three sons started to fight with each other. So, they decided to go to a farmer friend who they considered quite smart, to see if he could work it out for them. The farmer friend read the will patiently and after giving due thought, he brought
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one of his own horses over and added it to the 17. That increased the total to 18 horses. Now, he divided the horses according to their father’s will. Half of 18 = 9. So he gave the eldest son nine horses. One-third of 18 = 6. So he gave the middle son six horses. One-ninth of 18 = 2. So he gave the youngest son two horses. Now add up how many horses they have: Eldest son - nine Middle son - six Youngest son - two Total = 17 Since there was one horse left, the farmer friend took his horse back to his farm. Problem solved!
The qualifications you need to become president SUNDAY
WHERE THE HECK AM I?
MERICAN citizens who worry about Democrats versus Republicans must relax, because here is their real problem: In a Purdue University classroom, they were discussing the qualifications to be president of the United States. It was pretty simple. The candidate must be a natural-born citizen of at least 35 years of age. However, one girl in the class immediately started up on how unfair it was
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of the requirement to be a natural-born citizen. In short, her opinion was that this requirement prevented many capable individuals from becoming president. The class was taking it in and letting her rant, and not many jaws hit the floor when she wrapped up her argument by stating: “What would make a natural-born citizen any more qualified to lead this country than one born by C-section?”
A teacher in traffic court woman was found guilty in traffic court, and when asked for her occupation she said she was a school teacher. The judge rose from the bench: “Madam, I have
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waited years for a teacher to appear before this court.” He smiled with delight, and said: “Now sit down at that table and write ‘I will not run a red light’ five hundred times.”
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CXPRESS
HOME & HEALTH
23 March 2016
Age actively... HE aging process, like all life processes, is characterised by change. Aging is inevitable; growing old is optional. While most people do not become ‘old and grumpy’, research at the University of Gothenburg showed that personality changes are intensified among people with hearing impairments. Hearing plays a key role in maintaining strong social networks and engaging in opportunities for mental stimulation. When people wait to treat their hearing loss for fear of the negative stigma surrounding hearing aids, they negatively impact their long-term mental health and overall wellbeing. Adults with untreated hearing loss tend to withdraw socially, becoming ‘unplugged’ from friends and family. They have a greater chance of experiencing loneliness and depression, and have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia. Active aging means ‘making the most of opportunities to obtain health, in order to enhance the quality of life as people age’ (World Health Organisation). The word ‘active’ refers
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to the continued participation in social, economic, cultural, spiritual, and civic affairs. Key word… participate! Hearing loss is another way of saying ‘not included’. Untreated hearing loss makes it more difficult to participate and stay connected socially, which affects active aging. People who wear hearing aids have stronger social networks than those who leave hearing loss unchecked. They are more likely to meet up with friends and share life’s joys. They are generally more optimistic and physically active than those with hearing loss (Better Hearing Institute). Mental health is a concern across all ages, especially older adults. A new long-term study, published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society, shows wearing hearing aids reduces mental decline associated with hearing loss. The importance of hearing care and hearing solutions will help healthconscious older adults age actively. • See the Advanced Hearing advert on this page for additional information.
Paws
Plett Animal Welfare Service
These colour companions are perfect for Passover
BLOOMIN’ MATES: As with any perfect companion in life, verbenas and lobelias complement each other, rather than one overshadowing the other
ASTER is early this year, so by now we’re sure you’ve planned your public holidays, celebrations and general feasting. Who doesn’t love a basket full of colourful Easter eggs? This month, our complementary companions also make for a perfect basket brimming with colourful treats. Verbenas and lobelias are both prolific bloomers, providing a wonderful array of colours in what could otherwise be a dull spot in your garden picture bursts of colour in among a rock garden, or rows of blooms edging, your pathways provide the perfect camouflage to hide your Easter eggs! As companions, they work very well in pots or hanging baskets, especially the trailing varieties so particularly striking along patios or entrance-ways. As with any perfect companion in life, these plants complement each other, rather than one overshadowing the other. The verbenas bloom in vibrant shades of pink, purple, mauve or red and some hybrids are even bicoloured, tempered by the lovely lobelias’ more pastel hues of blues, pinks,
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and lilacs. Verbenas tick all gardeners’ boxes: they bloom in abundance while being hardy and heat-tolerant and - the last ticked box that we all want - they’re low maintenance. Like verbenas, lobelias sometimes pretend to be a perennial but is actually an annual, as it only flowers until the first frosts. Pot specific Argyranthemum is our pot choice for March. This small, compact shrub with very pretty flowers blooms in a whole range of colours to suit any garden pot. It grows to about 30cm high and 40cm wide, so plan accordingly when choosing your container. • Visit www.lifeisa garden.co.za for further information. NEWSFLASH Take note that Knysna Garden Club will next meet on Wednesday March 30 at 9:45 for 10am at Ganzvlei Farm on the Buffalo Bay Road. Chairs and walking shoes are a must as you’ll visit the dairy where delicious cheeses and yoghurt can be purchased - visitors welcome. Phone 044 384 0347 for details.
FOOD & WINE
23 March 2016
CXPRESS
PeeBee’s Wine Column
Peter Bishop
The isolated Cederberg makes champion wines O my lasting regret, I had never explored the famed West Coast and beyond, but being there for my son’s wedding in the height of picking season, I spent three nights at the beautifully appointed Sanddrif campsite near Cederberg Private Cellars. Current owner David is a fifth generation Nieuwoudt, tending 62 hectares of white and red grapes, first planted in 1973 and replaced occasionally. “In my 18 years, I have not had a diseased vine nor even a diseased grape.” This is no small boast in response to my question if he would ever venture to Noble Late Harvest. I was chided to even postulate rot, albeit noble! David ventured to make a Noble Late in 1997, but surrendered. Supplementary irrigation is from the Dwarsrivier and supports Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and the delightful Bukettraube, with reds being Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz.
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His ‘Wines With Altitude’ trademark suggests 1,036m above sea level, where though there is heat in the day, there is cool at night, snow in winter and a gentle calm cooling breeze in the summer afternoons. Schooled in Clanwilliam, trained at Elsenberg, David is a member of the prestigious Cape Winemakers Guild dedicated to excellence. Much of our conversation was on the two most powerful forces behind the marketing of top Cape wines: the Guild and the Swartland Revolution. “The Guild is established, and its members are its own assessors of quality. Its focus is excellence, even though it has now extended to a programme of training emerging winemakers. “Anyone can join the Guild depending on being recognised for quality over at least five years. It is great that the Swartland is generating fantastic interest among its support base. “Essentially it’s an exercise in marketing. No-
body can argue against the magnificent wines of Eben Sadie and Anthea Mullineux, but many producers have not proven themselves over a sufficient span. Production too is low with an early sell-out. It is a dynamics of its own.” There are wonderful little pockets throughout the West Coast, identified 40 years ago, that are proving godsends to entrepreneurs. David, however, chose to buy land from Dirkie Human in Elim - 8km from the southern-most point of Africa. From these vines he makes the Ghost Story (there have been 48 wrecks around Cape Agulhas Point), Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and a new challenge to him: Pinot Noir. At the 2015 International Wine and Spirits Awards in London, Gold Outstanding (the top citation) went to the white blend Ghost Corner Bowline 2014. A Cederberg Shiraz 2013 won Gold at the same show. In the 2016 Platter awards,
SeaFood at The Plettenberg - a showcase of the region’s finest produce
SOFT ON EYE AND PALATE: This image of the beautiful interior of SeaFood at Plettenberg and friendly greetings that await at Sand Bar is enough to entice guests to sign up for a dining experience of note… and then there’s the food!
EAFOOD at The Plettenberg brings the sand, beach and sea into the restaurant in the colours, mood and design, which incorporates breath-taking views of Formosa Bay. Guests can enjoy a relaxed meal in a sophisticated and contemporary environment. Drawing inspiration from the rich marine life that can be found in Plettenberg Bay, The Collection by Liz McGrath’s prize-winning executive chef Peter Tempelhoff and executive chef of The Plettenberg, Grant Parker have created a menu that showcases the freshest of fish and a sustainable taste of the region’s best produce.
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“My philosophy on food is not to over-complicate things, let the true flavours of the food come out. And with me having the chance to work in Asia, I enjoy adding Asian flavours to local fresh produce,” says Chef Grant. Some of his mustexperience dishes include: • Thai scented fish cakes with pickled cucumber salad and avocado salsa • Slow roast duck - wok fried vegetables, confit duck wonton, honey-soy dressing • Durban spiced line fish - chana masala, raita, lime pickle. The menu also features, a selection of non-fish options which have become highlights with diners.
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These include SeaFood at The Plettenberg’s famous twice-baked cheese soufflé as well as sirloin steak with triple-cooked chips for those meat lovers. Dessert is a must when dining at SeaFood at The Plettenberg and Chef Grant recommends the assiette crème brûlée which includes four miniature crème brûlées with flavours such as vanilla; rum & raisin; dark chocolate & chilli; green tea, ginger & raspberry; and chocolate biscotti. “We encourage guests to join us for a pre-dinner cocktail at Sand Bar, or to watch the sunset from our terrace,” invites Chef Grant. Throughout the year, SeaFood at The Plettenberg will be running various foodie events: • Easter Sunday Brunch (March 27) • Craft Beer & Curry Lunch (April 2) • Sunday Brunch (March to October) • Mother’s Day & Father’s Day lunches with set menus • Wine Evenings on September 30 and October 28. Visit www.collectionmc g r at h . c o m / h o t e l s / t h e plettenberg for more info on these events. SeaFood at The Plettenberg is open to the public for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week: breakfast 7:3010:30am, lunch 12-2:30pm, dinner 6:30-9:30pm. Phone 044 533 2030 to book, and see the advert on this page for further details.
5-star winners from Cederberg were the David Nieuwoudt Sauvignon Blanc Ghost Corner of 2014 and the Cederberg Private Cellars Blanc de Blanc Brut of 2010 - four years on the lees. I was fortunate to sit with David as he showed three Sauvignon Blanc vinified in exactly the same way, but giving three different experiences. The local Cederberg compared to the Ghost Corner (from Elim) and an unusual winner of Double Gold at Veritas, Longavi from Chile that I did not take to. Coup de grace was the Wild Yeast Sauvignon Blanc, a stunning wine; a Ghost Corner Cellar Semillon is singularly impressive. I have always been an admirer of Cederberg Cabernet Sauvignon, rich in ripe dark cherries. It’s most unusual to get a Cabernet west of Paarl, and yet David has presented his Five Generations Cabernet Sauvignon at the Winemakers Guild with no fining, no filtering, and 18 months in oak. The West Cape awaits further exploration. Despite needing to turn off the N7 and drive 45km on a dusty road to reach the new tasting rooms, there is a high
turnover of visitors, some of whom hike in the hills. But don’t get there between 12:30 and 2pm. “Dis knippetyd weens die hitte.” Newly constructed tasting rooms are nearing completion. An easy walk is to Die Stadsaal, where the Afrikaans resistance movement used to meet secretly. Carved on the walls of the caves are the names of DF Malan and Louis Leipoldt
Come and delight in some delicious food and a wine tasting in the beautiful surroundings of our boutique estate. Call us on +27 83 704 8560 or +27 84 504 8082 Open from 11am to 4pm, Tuesday to Sunday REDFORD ROAD | THE CRAGS | PLETTENBERG BAY
kayandmonty.com
as well as Alheit and Nieuwoudt, and nearby are Khoi paintings. The more adventurous can undertake a range of long overnight hikes. Will you find a cedar in Cederberg? Not at all! But you’re sure to find friendly people and clean wines. • PeeBee has kept his palate alive since 1975 when he met Beejay Lankwarden in the Wilderness. He explores local, national and international wines, looking for ‘the cutting edge’.
Est. 1984
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CXPRESS
Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za
23 March 2016
CLASSIFIEDS
ON THE SOAPBOX
23 March 2016
Letters to the Editor
Email: editor@cxpress.co.za - Fax: 044 533 0852 - PO Box 1449, Plett 6600
If you call yourself a leader, then you must educate and not incite lawlessness I write in response to the burning down and destruction of newly-built houses in New Horizons as reported in CXPRESS of March 9 [turn to page 3 of that edition at www.cxpress. co.za to read the story]. I came to live in this community in 1968 and what happened was sad and shocking, seeing how our people, the residents of New Horizons, are being
used for political pointscoring and nothing else. The housing backlog, which is a countrywide problem, is being used as a tool to mislead and encourage our people to commit law-breaking and criminal activities. All of us get politically involved at some time in our lives by going to the voting stations to cast our votes, which is our demo-
Provincial health authority responds to allegations It is unfortunate that a patient had a negative experience at our facility [read ‘Medical care costs dearly for those who can ill afford it’ on page 11 of the March 16 edition at www.cxpress.co.za]. We aim to provide quality, efficient care at all times with the resources at our disposal. We have no record of the toddler’s visit to the facility and as such cannot provide feedback whether or not the child was seen. There was no record of an infection in the female patient’s file and notes show that the patient visited the clinic on February 8, and not in January as stated. Her results were given to her on that day. We follow an appointment system at our facilities. Appointments can be made for baby clinic (immunisations, antenatal, growth and monitoring, etc.), dental clinic, women’s health services (Pap smears, cervical screening, family planning, etc.), curative services and chronic care (TB, HIV/Aids). Specialised services such as doctor, physiotherapy, dietician, psychiatrist and gynaecologist need a referral from a nurse. Sick individuals and children are assessed and triaged upon arrival by a nurse at reception. Dependant on your triage score, some facilities will ask you to come back later during the day (at an appointment time), while others may ask you
to come back the following day should the clinic be very busy and your ailment non-serious. This is all part of effective patient flow and it also reduces the time patients spend waiting for services. Please note that children are priority and should always be seen on the same day. The waiting times for services vary and are dependent on the patient versus staff ratio on the day. KwaNokuthula Community Day Centre has two doctors on a Monday and Thursday and one doctor on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Patients are urged to use the clinic in their own residential area where possible to alleviate pressure on other facilities. We urge patients to speak to the facility manager first should they have a complaint. By doing this, problems can be resolved immediately and the appropriate steps taken where necessary. Patients are reminded of the hotline for complaints and can send a Please Call Me to 079 769 1207 or phone 0860 142 142, or email service@westerncape.gov.za for information. Please remember to include the name of the facility, nature of the complaint, date and time, and name of the staff member. Nadia Ferreira - Principal Communications Officer: Eden and Central Karoo Districts, WC Government Health
This is where car botherers should be reported In CXPRESS of March 16, a Sedgefield reader complained about illegal car guards causing havoc in the village CBD [read it on our website on page 11 of that edition at www.cxpress.co.za]. Knysna Municipality’s communications officer
responded to our query as follows: The relevant department has been notified about the complaint. Residents are encouraged to contact acting Traffic chief Patrick Ngalo on 044 302 6446 or at pngalo@knysna.gov.za to report illegal car guards.
cratic right. We have the best Bill of Rights in this country, but burning down state property is not one of these rights. Instead of making people aware of that, some who call themselves leaders did directly the opposite. And as for the meeting where the mayor was called, just to be humiliated in public… Suffice to say, it was a sad day for self-respect and self-worth for many of the speakers at that meeting, due to their speeches and actions. The manner in which it was done was ap-
palling to say the least of the so-called leaders. They sacrificed their dignity by blatantly lying to the people of New Horizons for personal gain, instead of educating them to fight for justice in a decent and orderly manner. These ‘leaders’ put the community up to this. And as for the pastors involved, what about the chorus that we as Christians sing: ‘I will serve no foreign God’? Please read the book of Matthew 5 verse 9. Maria Pienaar, New Horizons
Bitou Municipality responds to query from Plett motorist The Council and administration of Bitou Municipality humbly accepts the compliments from the author, ‘Plett Motorist’, of a letter included in CXPRESS of March 9 [turn to page 11 of that edition at www.cxpress.co.za]. The recognition is timely and welcomed as the municipality has been trying to effectively, efficiently and economically manage the municipal finances, in accordance to relevant and applicable legal prescripts. Importantly, this is done in the context of the prevailing difficult economic climate affecting South Africa. These vestments seeks to improve the general conditions of our current municipal roads network, to the benefit of our taxpayers as well as all other road users. The roads are evaluated and managed with the Pavement Management Systems (PMS), which presents a network level proposal for maintaining the roads in the area through an assessment of the network based on methodical visual ratings of each pavement section. It is essentially a network level tool, and these network conditions were done in 1999, 2004, 2008, 2011, and 2015. Visual assessment forms the basis of evaluating of the condition (surface, structural, and functional) of the road network, and the need for specific actions and interventions. Different road sections require different types of maintenance varying from routine and normal to heavy rehabilitation. Possible project types range from routine maintenance (e.g. patching), to normal maintenance (resurfacing) through to heavy rehabilitation (e.g. thick overlays and reconstruction). With limited funds available, it is important that
these reserves be spent at the right place at the right time to ensure optimum use of funds. The use of the PMS is accepted as essential for determining the maintenance and upgrading needs/programmes for pavements in a network of roads within Bitou. The following are detrimental to roads networks: over-irrigation of sidewalks that run off on the road surface, discharging of storm water, pool backwash, underground water seepage and alterations to the sidewalks that hamper storm water discharge, which are the main causes for additional maintenance of these section of the roads. Piesang Valley Road from the traffic circle to the Robberg Road turnoff is a provincial road and funding is subsidised by province and applied accordingly with counter-funding from Bitou Municipality. Beacon Island Drive from the traffic circle to Longships Road is a provincial road as well, but no funding has been received for the resurfacing of this road to date. Beacon Way is not a provincial road as it was de-proclaimed some time back, before the Main Road upgrade was done. This section of road requires heavy rehabilitation, which means very high cost. Longships Road required medium rehabilitation, which was applied to improve the road condition as recommended. As with all other municipal service delivery areas, any additional funds contributing towards maintenance and rehabilitation will be appreciated to help improving the road network in Bitou, whether this comes from the municipal budget or other external funding sources. Manfred van Rooyen Bitou media liaison
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Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za
La Luna
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SPORT & ADVENTURE
23 March 2016
All about the Pennypinchers Adventure Easter Weekend HE Muddy Foot Adventures duo of James Stewart and Jeffery Willcocks won’t be lying low this Easter; au contraire, they have been planning
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and plotting for months to ensure that this weekend’s Pennypinchers-sponsored sports go down seamlessly. If you haven’t entered your preferred challenge in the
Adventure Easter Weekend offerings yet, then take note of this nutshell version and sign up soonest: Friday March 25: The Easter Games Golf Challenge - email events@nature sportco.com or call Louise Whitehead on 072 467 1665 for details. Saturday March 26: 8:30am - Pennypinchers Cairnbrogie Trail Runs (1.5km, 5km, 12km, 18km) Cairnbrogie Trail Park pump track open all day (R10 to ride) 5pm - Cairnbrogie Trail Park Kids Sundowners Fun Ride (ride the most 2.5km laps in one hour, prizes for U9 and U13) 7pm - Pennypinchers Nite MTB Relay (must be older than 13, most 4km laps in two hours in teams of two riders). Sunday March 27: 9:30am - Central Beach Pennypinchers Easter Surfski Challenge #9 (singles and doubles 20km or 10km) 4:30pm - Round the Blinders Dash for Cash (a series of heats will eliminate the weak until a two-man final will determine master of the course; prize money in each heat until the final where winner takes all). Visit www.muddyfoot.co. za for more information.
BIG BAY ROLLERS: Will the Bay produce picture perfect conditions once again for the ninth edition of the Pennypinchers Easter Surfski Challenge, and who will take the candy in the ‘Round the Blinders Dash for Cash’?
JUST BREATHE: The 12km and 18km Pennypinchers Cairnbrogie Trail Runs offer awe-inspiring views - and ascents to take your breath away… - Photos: Glenn Murray Photography
Leolin, the little dynamite gymnast, has an exciting year ahead HE sporting triumphs of 10-year-old Plett Primary School student Leolin Petersen have been reported in CXPRESS on several occasions over the past five years, but there seems no end in sight when citing the achievements of this pint-sized gymnast from New Horizons. Riaan Swanepoel specialises in trampoline and tumbling at the South Cape Gymnastics Association provided a brief history of her amazing accomplishments. “Leolin is a member of the Eden Trampoline & Tumbling High Performance Squad (SWD) and has been identified as extremely talented,” says Riaan. She has also been included in the Western Cape T&THP Squad and, in or-
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SMALL PACKAGE, MAJOR TALENT: Leolin Petersen excels in netball and athletics, too, but gymnastics is where her extraordinary talents manifest most pointedly - here she struts her stuff at the famous University of Pretoria Sport Centre, where the Indo Pacific and Africa trials took place this past weekend
der to ensure her inclusion in the national squad, a bumper schedule of competitions and training await the young star during the rest of this year - and at no small cost. Apart from her regular training sessions that necessitate trips to George twice-weekly or more from her Plett home base, the full tally of costs for the year totals an amount of nearly R50,000. This includes registrations fees, kit, accommodation in and fuel costs to Cape Town, Pretoria, and PE, practice camps and more. To perform at her current level, Leolin has already attended a high-performance training camp in the Cape (March 11&12) and Pretoria (March 18-20), and are expected to sign up in PE
during May and back in Cape Town in October. The year’s competitions comprise the Pretoria Indo Pacific trials and Africa trials that took place last weekend, with forthcoming events being the Eden trials in May, Cape trials in June, Eden again in August, Western Cape champs in September, and the SA Games in October. Taking into account that she raked in two silver medals during last year’s SAs in Pretoria, it’s most probable that Leolin will represent Plett and the Garden Route with aplomb again this year. If you would like to contribute to her stellar gymnastics career, contact Helen Bezuidenhout on 076 405 1689 or at bezuidenhouthelen1@gmail.com to discuss the possibilities.