24 February 2021

24 February 2021

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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Focus on fynbos Internationally-awarded horticulturist and landscaper Leon Kluge is pictured here during the Garden Route leg of shooting his new series called ‘Plant Safaris’, which is screened from March 1 onwards - find out more on page 2.

Ebenezer project on the go p3

Vote with your wallet p5

Learning is funny... p6

10 000 FREE COPIES OF CXPRESS DISTRIBUTED ALONG THE GARDEN ROUTE EVERY WEDNESDAY

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

24 February 2021

Fynbos takes centre stage as ‘Plant Safaris’ explores our kingdom’s mystery and magic HE magic of the plant kingdom bursts into full technicolour life with the start of a new 8x24-minute South African series, Leon Kluge Plant Safaris, screened on PPLWX People’s Weather (DStv 180) and Openview (DStv 115) every Monday from March 1 at 6pm, with a repeat at 9pm.

Interestingly for local residents, the fynbos and forests that surround our towns form a major part of Kluge’s explorations, and the third episode of his show focusses specifically on the Tsitsikamma’s majestic trees, as well as flowers found along the Garden Route.

With the passion of an investigative detective determined to gather all the clues and answers, Leon Kluge - an awardwinning landscape artist, designer, and plant-lover - takes us into the mysterious world of some uniquely South African plant species and the unbelievably clever tricks they have devised over the years, to survive.

In this first eight-part series, the world’s smallest but richest floral biome, fynbos, is exquisitely and meticulously explored by Kluge.

Who would have thought so much richness and colour lie in these seas of small-leafed plants of the Western Cape?

“Our safari team goes in

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search for the most interesting plants in these various fynbos landscapes,” explains Kluge.

“As experienced horticulturists and botanists, we are constantly surprised at what we discover. There is always something fascinating and new each time we foray into these ancient landscapes, and there is no doubt that we reveal some mind-boggling plants in every episode.

“We also look into the various intriguing relationships these plants have with animals and humans, and the interesting folklore attached to certain species.”

Highlighting the unique gift that fynbos has given the world, Kluge opens our eyes to the fynbos in and around the forests, wetlands, mountains, waterfalls, rocks, beaches, deserts, and also in cities in the Western Cape.

Expect to learn so much more about the beautiful and highly unusual flowers and plants we often take for granted. Pretty and ugly, tiny and huge, colourful and dull, simply ordinary and just plain weird.

Meet a rare plant that farms insects and the plant that provides us with the key ingredient for the Cape’s famous waterblommetjiebredie.

Meet plants that are pollinated by rodents at night, learn

why the globally famous pincushion protea is a vital link in the Cape wildlife ecosystem and discover much, much more in this fascinating show.

Says People’s Weather CEO Stephan le Roux: “We love Leon’s charm in this series; his unbridled enthusiasm and knowledge of plants draw us in, leaving us eager to know more. Sometimes in our pursuit for the big game and adrenaline-filled adventures, we miss what underpins our entire eco-system - the plants.

“So, we are delighted to be able to bring a little bit of Leon’s contagious plant passion straight into your lounge as he makes this wonderful world come alive.”

Episode synopses 1. In the fight for survival not all is what it seems. Carnivorous and parasitic plants thrive in the fynbos underworld. In the first episode, Leon takes a look at the ecology and engineering behind these sinister plants.

2. Leon explores the Cape mountains to find out why red has become the colour of choice for many of the Cape's summer-flowering plants.

3. Home to the ancient Tsitsikamma forests, Leon travels back in time as he finds some of South Africa’s most loved trees and flowers along the Garden Route.

4. Leon captures the exquisite details of these intriguing plants which evolved millions of years ago. Uncovering the unique pollination strategies employed by different species found in the fynbos.

5. From the majestic kings to the shy dwarfs, Leon explores the diversity of the Protea family. Showcasing the secret strategies and uses of these proudly South African plants.

6. Despite the heat and low rainfall, the Karoo has sustained an incredibly high amount of biodiversity. Leon explains how these plants have adapted to thrive in this unforgiving landscape.

7. Leon takes a journey through the fynbos to discover what makes this vegetation type so unique. Highlighting the natural forces which have given rise to the smallest yet one of the richest floral kingdoms on earth.

8. In the final episode, Leon shares some of his favourite fynbos flowers on his hikes throughout the Cape mountains - from the rare finds to plants which make spectacular cut flowers. He takes a look at the many uses of fynbos plants both past and present.

Visit www.cxpress.co.za to find out more about the rise and rise of Leon Kluge as SA's most awarded landscaper.

Notice Board • The second Watercourse History Festival takes place in Plett on Thursday February 25 and Friday the 26th. Developed on the theme ‘War and Peace’, its line-up features a range of popular historians and experienced peace workers, who will share some of their insights in the field of human conflict in Southern Africa and elsewhere on the continent.

Book online through Quicket or get your tickets and programme details directly from Connoisseur Gents Hairstylist in the Dulux Building opposite Plett Post Office.

• CANSA celebrates its 90th year in 2021 and is hosting its annual Shavathon on Saturday February 27 at the following venues in CX Country: Scarab Market in Sedgefield, Woodmill

SHAVE, SPRAY, DONATE: For a mere R50 per adult or R25 per child, you can have great fun for the worthy CANSA cause at Shavathon venues along the Garden Route

Lane in Knysna, and The Market Square in Plettenberg Bay. Says CANSA Southern Cape Karoo fund development coordinator Minette van Zyl: “Please join in the fun by colouring or shaving your hair for our worthy cause. We encouraged all Shavathon coordinators to present their events between 9am and 3pm when the

various shopping centres are at their busiest. Here’s hoping to see you at one of the venues.”

Call Hanli Sinclair on 082 688 3152 for details on the Plett event, while Sedgefield and Knysna Lions Shelley van Eeden (076 866 1239) and Celeste Wabani (076 866 1239) can be called for queries on the Shavathons at Scarab Market and

Woodmill Lane respectively.

• Due to the recent announcement of the new school-term dates by the National Department of Education, the Knysna Oyster Festival executive committee has announced a change in the dates of this year’s hybrid festival, which will now take place from July 9 to18.

NEWS & VIEWS

24 February 2021

CXPRESS

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New Horizons shack dwellers triumphant as Ebenezer infrastructure gets underway Ludumo Tede

ACKYARD dwellers in the Plett suburb of New Horizons attribute the recent commencement of the Ebenezer housing development to the collective pressure they had put on local and provincial government officials when demanding houses over the past decade.

They are ecstatic to see the tree of their efforts starting to bear the fruits of victory as the development of Ebenezer Portion 20 is currently underway.

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New Horizons community leader Claude Terblanche says the development of housing on Ebenezer Land has been promised to the people of New Horizons since 2011. It was only when the community realised it was all talk and no action that they resorted to form a united front and challenge the local government on this matter.

“The project has been in the pipeline since 2011.

Time passed and we saw

nothing was being done, so we decided it was time for us to step in and put pressure on Bitou Municipality.

“If it weren’t for our demands communicated to the municipality, the project would have taken even more time to get off the ground,” says Terblanche.

After many years of unhappiness with municipal non-action, displayed during a series of protests by residents of various local neighbourhoods, the com-

munity leaders of New Horizon are now working closely together.

Terblanche says the relations between the municipality and community leaders have improved; however, he hopes that this is not purely an attempt to gain support in light of the upcoming local government election.

“Communication between us and the municipality is

now good, if possibly politically motivated. Us, the people of New Horizons, are planning a victory walk in celebration of the Ebenezer Land’s development.”

The installation of infrastructure at Ebenezer, which will be followed by a 1,600 top-structure development project, has kicked off on Thursday February 18.

Of course, the top structures will not be built in one go, but will begin with the construction of 203 abodes,

as explained by Western Cape Housing MEC Tertuis Simmers in his engagement with community leaders last year, in the wake of some of the most violent protests yet in Plettenberg Bay. In a statement issued by Bitou Municipality, mayor Peter Lobese expressed his delight about the project and called on the New Horizons community to work hand in hand with the municipality for the “acceleration and success of the development”.

Sexual-offences ace praised for ensuring rapist gets 22 years behind bars

JOB WELL DONE: Sergeant Emmerencia Booysin receives her national Certificate of Commendation from Eden Cluster Commander major general Oswald Reddy

HOROUGH investigation by a detective who ensured the heavy prison sentence imposed on a rapist was lauded by provincial SAPS management recently.

Eden Cluster Commander major general Oswald Reddy, on behalf of SAPS national and provincial management, handed over certificates to deserving recipients, praising them as “a special breed of investigators with special skills to deal with sexual offences decisively” - but with the necessary empathy towards victims.

Sergeant Emmerencia Booysin, who is attached to the George Family violence, Child protection and Sexual offences (FCS) Unit,

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was awarded a Certificate of Commendation by the National Police Commissioner general Kehla Sitole, for outstanding service rendered.

She was instrumental in the investigation into the rape of a five-year-old girl at Touwsranten near Wilderness in June 2017, which resulted in a 22-year prison sentence for the perpetrator.

“Investigation at the time revealed that the victim was forced into bushes, where the 19-year old man raped her,” said Southern Cape police spokesman sergeant Christopher Spies.

“Members of the public heard a noise coming from the bush and went to investigate when they found

them. They informed a family member of the incident. Upon examining the child, her mother discovered that she had been sexually violated and immediately alerted authorities.

“Vigilant George Police members, warrant officer Jacques Starbuck and sergeant Garshen Williams, promptly responded to the incident and an investigation ensued at the scene.

Their swift response led to the arrest of the suspect, who was convicted for this horrendous act during August 2018.”

Spies added that the aforementioned arresting officers were also rewarded with Certificates of Commendation. “The Provincial Commissioner also issued a certificate of appreciation to Mr CD Mintoor, a member of the public, who provided valuable information about the incident to the police,” he said.

Major general Reddy thanked the three officials for their commitment and dedication during the handing over of certificates last week.

“Their efforts are in line with the approach to curb gender-based violence as well as crimes against women and children, and to bring the perpetrators to book.”

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annuity), which is due to you for life. Your

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anything from the GEPF after your death,

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should you resign. If you have 15

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

24 February 2021

New bins for discarded fishing lines OUTH African National Parks (SANParks) has introduced another effort to curb pollution from entering the Knysna Estuary, which was voted number 1 in terms of biodiversity conservation by independent researchers.

The latest initiative - a partnership between SANParks and Wildlife and Environment Society of SA (WESSA) - is the introduction of bins for discarded fishing lines placed around Leisure Isle.

Says Knysna Estuary sen-

S

ior section ranger Owen Govender: “WESSA funded the material and SANParks turned it into bins for discarded fishing line only, as normal litter goes into normal rubbish bins.”

He adds that a number of these bins have been installed at the SANParks Jetty on Thesen Island and certain other areas in the past. “This is however a first for Leisure Isle and we aim to place these bins in all areas of high fishing activity.”

SANParks urge anglers

and the general public to use the new bins to dispose of discarded fishing lines which may be found along the shoreline of the estuary.

Not only does this assist to reduce pollution, but it also reduces the risk of water birds becoming entangled with discarded fishing line.

The estuary is permanently open to the sea to enable free access to marine species. Contact Nandi Mgwadlamba on 044 302 5633 or at nandi.mgwadlamba@ sanparks.org for more info.

005-417 NPO

BIN IT: Introducing the bins are Meghan Ericksen and Owen Govender - Photo: Carol Kennedy

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA The UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA invites tenders from suitably qualified service providers for the following projects.

The detailed specification documents and all other information are available on the Unisa website at www.unisa.ac.za/tenders. Service Providers must familiarise themselves with the requirements of the project and due dates Enquiries: tenders@unisa.ac.za There will be no information session held, all questions must be submitted to tenders@unisa.ac.za ,dates for questions submission is the 22nd February 2021 till 5th March 2021 and answers will be published on the tender website by 15th March 2021.

Project Description

The (1) original and a soft copy(usb) of the tender must be submitted into the official tender box in a sealed envelope located in the Kgorong Building Entrance, Pretoria Muckleneuk Campus, Preller Street, Muckleneuk Ridge. Please quote the tender reference number on the sealed envelope.

Tender Reference Number CT2021/01

CIDB Grading

Minimum Amount

Closing Date and Time

2 EB

R130 000,00

26th March 2021 @ 12:00

CT2021/02

2 EB

R130 000,00

26th March 2021 @ 12:00

CT2021/03

2 EB

R130 000,00

CT2021/04

2 EB

R130 000,00

26th March 2021 @ 12:00 26th March 2021 @ 12:00

Giyani - The repairs and maintenance of back-up power supply systems Makhado - The repairs and maintenance of back-up power supply systems George - The repairs and maintenance of back-up power supply systems

CT2021/05

2 EB

R130 000,00

CT2021/06

2 EB

R130 000,00

CT2021/07

2 EB

R130 000,00

Mthatha - The repairs and maintenance of back-up power supply systems New Castle - The repairs and maintenance of back-up power supply systems Port Elizabeth - The repairs and maintenance of back-up power supply systems Rustenburg and Mahikeng - The repairs and maintenance of back-up power supply systems Richards bay - The repairs and maintenance of back-up power supply systems Vaal - The repairs and maintenance of backup power supply systems

CT2021/08

2 EB

R130 000,00

CT2021/09

2 EB

R130 000,00

CT2021/10

2 EB

R130 000,00

CT2021/11

2 EB

R130 000,00

CT2021/12

2 EB

R130 000,00

CT2021/13

2 EB

R130 000,00

Bloemfontein and Kimberly Campus - The repairs and maintenance of back-up power supply systems Potchefstroom and Kroonstad - The repairs and maintenance of back-up power supply systems Parrow Campus - The repairs and maintenance of back-up power supply systems.

East London - The repairs and maintenance of back-up power supply systems

The tender awarded will be conditional and subject to successful negotiations and the signing of a written contract, failing which Unisa reserves the right to withdraw the tender and award the same to the next tenderer without having to repeat the tender process.

Late submitted tenders will not be considered.

The decision of the Unisa Management Committee on awarding a tender is final.

DDefine tomorrow.

26th March 2021 @ 12:00 26th March 2021 @ 12:00 26th March 2021 @ 12:00 26th March 2021 @ 12:00 26th March 2021 @ 12:00 26th March 2021 @ 12:00 26th March 2021 @ 12:00 26th March 2021 @ 12:00 26th March 2021 @ 12:00

Unisa reserves the right to appoint, contract with and monitor the performance of any service provider it deems will offer the best service in line with its requirements, although it may not necessarily be the lowest Tenderer.

Unisa also reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to readvertise, not to retender or not to award the tender.

BUSINESS

24 February 2021

News from Knysna Municipality: Now is the time to vote local… with your wallet!

OVID-19 related lockdowns over the last 10 months have had a severe impact on Knysna’s economy. And while the infection rate is declining, the second wave experienced in the rest of South Africa and Europe does not bode well for a speedy recovery.

Now more than ever before, Knysna people need Knysna people - supporting local has become a necessity if we want our economy and community spirit to survive.

In Julia Kohn’s ‘Localism’ blog, she writes: “While buying local is an old-world concept, it’s certainly not old-fashioned. It’s the future, and a new standard in acquiring the goods and services we use in our everyday lives.” We cannot possibly agree more.

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MEAT IS MEAT… and by the look on the face of this local braai master, his sizzling offerings should feature on your must-eat list for sure!

Unprecedented growth in online shopping According to data released recently by Mobicred, South African consumers have turned to online shopping in unprecedented numbers since the start of 2020.

When one considers the Covid-19 pandemic it is understandable that people do not want to go out to busy areas to do their shopping. However, what will the long-term impact of this trend be on a small town like Knysna?

not survive if this trend continues. Knysna needs an innovative approach to protect our economy and the majority of our small as well as privatelyowned businesses.

Entrepreneurship is important - notable is how market stall holders that were dependent on the weekly income at various markets, started a regular home delivery service with huge success.

The Rheenendal Box is a great example: weekly delivery of a box full of culinary and other products, all from the Rheenendal area.

As a town, we should support these initiatives as much as we can.

Innovation is key The reality is that local business simply will

Siphokazi’s R10 For those still not convinced we should start

supporting local, just do the maths.

In the days before online shopping, Siphokazi would spend R10 at the baker who, assuming a 10% profit retention, would spend R9 at the butcher, who would spend R8 at a local shop, who would spend R7 at the school, who would spend R6 at the stationery store, who would spend R5 at the farmer’s market, and so on - a simple illustration of how one R10 note can create wealth 10 times over.

But if Siphokazi had spent this money online, no one other than Siphokazi benefits from it. Money in equals money out and there is zero local wealth creation: Siphokazi’s R10 would not stay in the local com-

munity for even one day.

We are not talking about safe shopping options like “click and collect”, or “order online and we deliver” - these initiatives are important to keep our residents safe. Just make sure that you keep it local as much as you can.

Vote with your wallet Consumers have always voted with their wallets. By supporting local we can strengthen our community and increase prosperity. Buying locally enables us to invest directly into the drivers of our local economy.

By contributing to a local business we help to preserve existing jobs and create new skilled jobs.

Local businesses are also the most ardent supporters of local parks, libraries, events, and the great area amenities that make our communities unique.

And they are by far the biggest employers.

Start to explore products, gifts and services offered in your own community. Go to the markets, the art and crafters, local pop-up initiatives and shops. Start rediscovering your town and make a difference where it really counts.

As we can prevent the virus from spreading by following the necessary precautionary and safety measures, so we can save many a local business if we consistently continue to support them.

New minimum wage increases apply from March 1 HE national minimum wage (NMW), as well as minimum wages in some other sectors, will increase with effect from the first day of next month, March 2021.

The current rate of R20.76 per hour will rise to R21.69 per hour (an increase of approximately 4.9%). This minimum wage sets a new baseline across all sectors - if with a few exceptions.

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Exceptions Exceptions include domestic and farm or forestry workers, workers employed in Expanded Public Works Programmes, and

workers with learnership agreements in terms of the Skills Development Act. These minimum wages will be as follows: • Domestic workers: R19.09 per hour • Farm/forestry workers: R21.69 per hour • Workers employed on Expanded Public Works: R11.93 per hour The schedule for workers with learnership agreements can be perused in the latest Government Gazette, or visit www.la bour wise.co for details.

Increases in other sectors Employers in wholesale and retail sector (SD9),

as well as the contract cleaning sector (SD1) will have to increase their minimum rates as well.

Details about these wages (as well as the NMW can be found in the Government Gazette.

Are benefits included?

Employers are reminded that the way they structure their remuneration package is restricted. The NMW excludes allowances that are paid to enable employees to work (such as transport and equipment), or payment in kind (such as board or accommodation), as well as bonuses, tips or food.

So, for example, one cannot argue that you pay an employee less than the minimum wage because you contribute to their uniform or provide them with meals.

Exemption There is provision for employers to apply for exemption. The National Minimum Wage Exemption System is accessible online (visit https://nmw. labour.gov.za/).

Alternatively, employers are welcome to approach their nearest branch of the Department of Employment and Labour for additional information.

CXPRESS

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CXPRESS

INTERVAL

24 February 2021

EDUCATION GOES A LONG WAY...

• My mom said that if I don’t get off my computer and do my homework she’ll strap my head to the keyboard, but I think she’s jokinfjreoiwjrtwe4to8rkljreu n 8 f 4 ny 8 4 c 8 y 4 t 5 8 l ym4wthylmhawt4mylt4amlathnatyn.

• Math teacher: “If I have five bottles in one hand and six in the other hand, what do I have?”

Student: “A drinking problem.”

• Did you hear about the kidnapping at school?

It’s okay. He woke up.

• A teacher asked a student: “Are you ignorant or just apathetic?”

The kid replied: “I don’t know and I don’t care.”

• Just found out I’ve failed my German exam.

Sacré bleu!

• Isn’t it annoying when engineering students call themselves engineers? You don’t hear medical students calling themselves doctors or art students calling themselves baristas.

• You’re so ugly, when your mom dropped you off at school she got a fine for littering.

• In 20 years, I bet there’s going to be a school subject called ‘eye contact’.

• Education is important, but other stuff is more importanter.

• My daughter wanted to be really scary this

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Halloween so instead of a costume, she carried a school fundraising packet to every door.

• An old teacher asked her student: “If I say ‘I am beautiful’, which tense is that?”

The student replied: “It is obviously past tense.”

• My teacher used to tell me that I’d never be any good at poetry due to my dyslexia.

Well, I’ve recently made three jugs and a vase, so there you go, Mr Jones.

• I received a call from the school telling me my son is constantly lying.

I replied: “Tell him he’s a good liar. I don’t have a son.”

• A graduation ceremony is an event where the commencement speaker tells thousands of students dressed in identical caps and gowns that ‘individuality’ is the key to success.

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• What is an extreme sport?

Doing your homework, while the teacher is collecting it.

• The teacher asked: “Conjugate the verb ‘to walk’ in simple present.”

Student: “I walk... you walk…”

The teacher interrupted him: “Quicker, please.”

Student: “I run... you run…”

• If I got 50 cents for every math exam I failed... I’d have R6.30 right now!

• Graduation speeches were invented largely in the belief that students should never be released into the world until they have been properly sedated.

Wife: “Can you stop yawning when I’m talking to you?”

Husband: “I’m not yawning, I’m trying to say something!”

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C K I A N D A R E E D

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S P A R R O W

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ON THE SOAPBOX

24 February 2021

Letters to the Editor

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

Keurbooms folk step up to protect nest sites The Keurboom Property Owners Association (KPOA) along with concerned community members and Nature’s Valley Trust (NVT) have joined forces to protect birdlife on Keurbooms Beach with particular attention to the declining whitefronted plover.

NVT conservation ecologist Brittany Arendse explained that, after an approach from community members, they have installed information signage at recognised plover nesting sites along Keurbooms Beach to heighten awareness and encourage all beach users to avoid these sites.

Plover numbers have dropped drastically in recent years but a slight recovery has been noted this year with a doubling from 15% to 36% (i.e. 36 fledges per 100 eggs) at Nature’s Valley.

Lookout Beach in Plettenberg Bay is however currently at its lowest level on record at

NEST SITE GUARDIANS: Brittany Arendse of NVT is flanked by Keurbooms residents Laurence Parkman, at left, and Mario Piaz - Photo: Evelyn Piaz

6.52% (only three chicks from 46 eggs laid) as we enter the latter stages of the breeding season.

The Keurbooms initiative is recognition of the potential for further recovery if these newly-installed sites are avoided by beach users and their dogs.

On behalf of NVT, Brittany asks all beach users to respect these sites by walking along the wet waterline (avoiding the nesting sites situated in the dunes), and to make use of the dog zones when walking their companion animals.

KPOA representative Kerry Schurmann added

that the site established near The Dunes was the first of what was hoped would be a chain of recognised nesting sites along Keurbooms Beach.

Community members at The Dunes and Plett Manor have agreed to monitor these areas near their beach entries and provide detailed feedback to NVT to assist with future analysis.

This process of supervision is already underway and a two-day old chick was discovered by Plett Manor resident Elaine Melville, who will monitor the site and give regular feedback to NVT on

the family’s progress.

The chick has already been tagged by NVT and entered onto the national database SAFring. We hope shortly to extend the initiative to include Keurbooms Village, Milkwood Glen, and River Road to cover the full extent of Keurbooms Beach.

We encourage interested Keurbooms residents, who wish to make their regular beach walk more rewarding, to please join the initiative so that we can give a full supporting network for NVT’s data collection and monitoring.

Both Bitou Municipality environmental management officer Anje Taljaard and Steve Serfontein of BirdLife Plettenberg Bay have expressed full support for the Keurbooms initiative.

Contact Kerry Schurmann at keischurmann@ gmail.com or NVT at brittany@naturesvalleytrust. co.za with queries.

‘Claire and Laurence’, Keurbooms

‘Bitter’ letter of Wilderness émigrés to Panama irks South African-loving Plett local Why do people like Bob and Joyce Hopkin [read ‘Epitaph to a country…’ on page 7 of the February 17 edition at www. cxpress.co.za] feel it is necessary to justify everything because they are leaving South Africa?

Surely that is their free choice to which they are entitled. Decide to move - for whatever reason or reasons - pack-up, say goodbye, and leave. It seems they were unhappy here in any case.

I quote: this country’s “appalling” food, “stul-

tifying silence of Calvinist shut-down Sundays (1982), “nervous breakdowns” and “blood pressure off the scale” (the last two must surely have been self-induced).

Also mentioned are the “cultural divide… east of the Kaaimans River” (really?), wanting a “European” environment (in Africa?), “superficially idyllic lifestyle”, and sometimes meeting “aggravating” people.

Once at the airport, you say that you “did not happen to bring” your

proof of residency status, which is surely not a customs official’s fault.

Fortunately you promise to “never, ever, come back”. What a bitter bunch!

Here’s hoping the food in Panama is not appalling, their blood pressure goes down, there is no cultural divide, they’re happy with the 90% Catholic religion, they find a European environment, the idyllic Panama lifestyle is not superficial, and the people aren’t aggravating - not even

“sometimes”.

And just a final thought: was the subheading’s “fleeing” the country the authors’ idea, or did CXPRESS have a hand in that?

Surely they were not refugees!

‘I-love-my-country-withall-its-faults’, Plett (Live and let live - and vent and emigrate - we say. And for the record, “fleeing” was indeed the term used in the original draft of Bob’s letter.

Keep those opinions coming! - Eds.)

Stanford initiative swops recyclables for stationery and more

In CXPRESS of February 10, the first of three letters [Read ‘Healthy hot meals can be cooked to fuel our indigenous forest rescuers’ on page 7 of that edition at www.cxpress.co.za] - in response to a call for the clearing of creepers in Knysna and Plett forests - arrived from the Overberg. Our subsequent correspondence revealed its author as Elma Hunter of Stanford, who feels as strongly about saving the planet as we do at CXPRESS. She shared these pics and wrote: “In Stanford we have the SCORE (Stanford Conservation Recycling) Swop Shop, which collects plastic, glass and eco bricks from local children and adults in exchange for tickets to be spent in the shop. We have this month had a very successful morning with children exchanging eco bricks for a stationery pack suited to their grade. We take part in a monthly Junktique in the village main road and sell donated goods, which are not suitable for putting into the swop shop. Monies so collected are used to buy stationery and some toiletries.”

CXPRESS

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CXPRESS

24 February 2021

The CXPRESS office at 6 Park Lane in Plett will be open from 9am to 1pm Monday to Friday, should you need to pop in.

CLASSIFIEDS

TO LET Plettenberg Bay CBD 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment available for long-term rental.

R6,950 inclusive

Call 082 492 4417

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