24 July 2019

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24 July 2019

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

Tsitsikamma resident Hano Wagener captured a snow-covered Formosa Peak from his Storms River vantage point last Sunday. Turn to page 4 for news on the current cold front gripping CX Country and most other parts of the province.

Photo: Hano Wagener

Weather watch

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Arrest of N2 killer looms - p3

Up close and personal with ‘Yoko’ - p5

SWD hockey heads east - p12

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

24 July 2019

The BATS are back - and caught up in a mousetrap‌ ITOU Amateur Theatrical Society (BATS) is, after a sabbatical, delighted to present its sixth production - Agatha Christie’s most famous play, The Mousetrap - to Plett audiences. When BATS was created by Roger Davis and David HallGreen in 2013, they could never have imagined that their theatrical dream child would endure for so long. From their very first play, Murdered to Death, to their most recent, Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit, their productions have proved to be enormously popular, playing to full houses and providing pleasure to lovers of live theatre. The name, The Mousetrap, rings a bell for many people, but few realise that this iconic murder mystery has been playing on stage for over 67 years. The world premiere was at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal in 1952, and it then played continuously at various theatres before transferring to St Martin’s Theatre in London, where it has been running ever since. Richard Attenborough and his wife, Sheila Sim, were in the original 1952 production. Agatha Christie was convinced that it would run for a maximum

of eight months and was astounded when it kept on going to even greater global success. “This play is the archetypal whodunit, twisting and turning throughout the plot and providing enough red herrings to open a fish shop,� says David Hall-Green - director, actor, scene painter, and general BATS dogsbody. Traditionally, the audience is asked not to reveal the final twist in the tale after leaving the theatre. David has gathered another team of energetic amateur thespians for his latest venture. This time, some talented young locals will join the more experienced stalwarts who have featured in past productions. The newcomers are Tayler Morris, who plays the part of Mollie; Duncan Alexander, who plays her husband, Giles; Charl Dore, as Detective Trotter and Leigh Dunn as Christopher Wren. David plays the small role of Major Metcalf, Rodney Grosskopff plays the mysterious Mr Paravicini, and Ingrid James is Mrs Boyle. Gillian Reid, another newcomer to BATS, plays the enigmatic Miss Casewell. They have worked very hard

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over the past months, learning their lines and being directed by David in the art of performance. Says David: “We may be amateurs but we are always determined to put on a professional production. Our cast have discovered the magic of live theatre and can’t wait to share it with you.� The fact that the Gala Opening Night was sold out three weeks before the start of the run is a clear indication of public excitement and anticipation,

and perhaps, a mark of confidence in the BATS and their past achievements. Book for performances from Wednesday August 7 to Saturday August 10 at Barney’s Info Kiosk, next to Mugg & Bean at The Market Square or call 044 533 3219 or 082 744 1884 for details. Tickets cost R130 and the show starts at 7:30pm at St Peter’s Anglican Church in Plett. Proceeds will benefit PAWS [Plett Animal Welfare Service].

NOT SPOOKED: The 2018 production of the Noel Coward play ‘Blithe Spirit’ was a sell-out once more - pictured with BATS director David Hall-Green is Josie Crooke as Elvira in that play

Slap-up for seniors on Mandela Day

A full 165 senior citizens from Bitou’s previously disadvantaged communities were treated to a slap-up luncheon at Grand Africa on Lookout Beach, courtesy of the eatery’s owners, on July 18 - Nelson Mandela’s birthday. The luncheon was co-ordinated by Bitou Municipality and Knysna’s Department of Correctional Services, who kindly transported invitees from their various places of residence to the restaurant. The event was attended by deputy mayor Sandiso Gcabayi and councillors Monica Seyisi and Nomhiki Jacobs, at right, along with senior municipal officials and those who volunteered to assist with the arrangements for the day. Pictured at left are, from left, Mieda Minnie, Cynthia Bambata, and Nyb Mabele, all from KwaNokuthula. See the advert on page 7 for details on Grand Africa. - Words & photos: Timothy Twidle

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NEWS & VIEWS

24 July 2019

CXPRESS

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Social media campaign assists police in tracking down Alan Smit’s highway killer The family of a hit-and-run victim is one step closer to finding closure after the man allegedly involved in the incident was summoned to appear in court - GARDEN ROUTE MEDIA reports forensic testing shortly after the incident, no arrests had been made until now. Spies confirmed that the investigation into the matter was now at an advanced stage after a 47-year-old suspect was positively linked to the incident last week. He is due to appear in the Knysna Magistrate’s Court on August 15 - this follows a social media campaign by Smit’s family in an attempt to see justice prevail. His family created the Facebook page ‘Justice for Alan’, urging the public to come forward with information that might help police in their investigation into the incident.

His sister, Jamie Smit, said the page was created in an effort to ensure the matter was not “forgotten”. His wife, Ashleigh, has since sent out appeals on social media hoping for witnesses to come forward with information that might help with the police investigation. Last week his sister said on the page that they celebrated the “long-awaited news” that the alleged offender had officially been served a summons to appear in court. “We would like to extend a massive and heartfelt thank you to every single individual that has shown us sup-

BELOVED HUSBAND, BROTHER, SON, FATHER: Alan Smit was killed on the N2 near Sedgefield when the driver of a bakkie reversed into him and then sped off

Jamie said earlier that her heart ached particularly on special occasions. “We pass each milestone like birthdays, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day with the sheer process that we cannot celebrate with him.” She added that they often sat around and listened to his songs and fondly spoke of his stories and what “an amazing man” he was. • CXPRESS will cover the court case as it unfolds from mid-August onwards.

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LETTENBERG Bay resident Alan Smit, 28, died after a hit-and-run incident on March 23 on the N2 near Sedgefield. Police spokesman captain Chris Spies said at the time a preliminary investigation into the matter indicated that Smit stopped the vehicle, a Land Rover, he was travelling in and approached a Corsa bakkie that had stopped in front of him. The driver of the bakkie reversed and hit Smit before speeding off. Smit was transported to hospital by ambulance, but succumbed to his injuries on March 24. While a silver Opel Corsa bakkie was confiscated for

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port during this process by spreading awareness of our story in keeping it alive, as well as for all the messages of love and support. “This will never bring Alan back, but it will bring our family some form of closure and will prevent this human from ever causing another family such heartache again,” she said. “We sit and wait anxiously for court proceedings to take place and pray justice will prevail.”

NH folk unhappy with half of promised land Human Settlements minister Tertius Simmers visited Plett to look into the housing issue that has challenged Bitou’s poorest, but not everyone is content with the outcome - LUDUMO TEDE reports ONOURING an invitation by Bitou Municipality, minister Tertius Simmers visited Plett to meet with the municipal council and the community leaders of Qolweni and New Horizons respectively last week. Simmers shed light on the provincial government's housing plan concerning these communities and lent an ear to the New Horizons housing issues, which had resulted in this community taking part in recent service delivery protests initiated by Qolweni residents. Following a long history of complaints by New Horizons backyard dwellers for a housing development that would benefit them, a portion of Ebenezer land was signed off by Bitou mayor Peter Lobese for this purpose last September. But in a subsequent statement by province, it is claimed that available land at Ebenezer, which could bene-

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fit “up to 1,500 people”, will be divided between Qolweni and New Horizons beneficiaries on a 50/50 basis. This allocation of land, to also accommodate Qolweni beneficiaries in Ebenezer, did not go down well with New Horizons residents, because they believed the land was earmarked for them exclusively. New Horizons Concerned Citizens Forum chair Claude Terblanche said that they had been side-lined in the housing development and had been waiting for 23 years while other Bitou communities were being developed. He claimed that, in the last 15 years, only 62 units had been built for members of his community. “160 RDP units for Qolweni alone will be built, but here in New Horizons we have more than 900 backyard dwellers who have been waiting for houses for many years. And now we must

share the land - it’s unfair. “We will have further discussions during the minister’s next visit on August 11,” said Terblanche. • After the meetings, false information surfaced that the Ebenezer land, which is just over 63ha in size, would only be developed for Qolweni residents. Said Simmers: “This is completely false. I don’t take kindly to characters who are seeking to divide communities by spreading lies. “The planning process is underway and we anticipate environmental authorisation by end August, followed by submitting the planning application, with approval expected after six months. “It is clear that there are elements in the society seeking to disrupt the peace, but communities should reject this. Should everything go according to plan, a sod turning could take place as early as April 2020.”

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

24 July 2019

Batten down the hatches as another cold front makes landfall S this edition was going to print, an intense cold front was about to hit the Western and Northern Cape, and was expected to spread to the Eastern Cape and Free State today, Wednesday July 24. “Small stock farmers are advised that a combination of rain, windy conditions, and very cold temperatures are expected,� the SA Weather Service (SAWS) advised, adding that renewed snowfall and rain were expected over parts of the Western Cape. The SAWS also warned

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of heavy rain leading to localised flooding in the Cape Winelands, western parts of the Overberg District, and Cape Metropole by Tuesday. “Gale force winds of 65 kilometres per hour are expected along the coast between Kleinzee and Plettenberg Bay from the morning, as well as over the north western parts of the Eastern Cape, north eastern parts of the Western Cape, and the western interior of the Northern Cape,� according to the SAWS statement.

SNOW CONE: After most mountain peaks in the S-Cape were covered in snow last weekend, Western Cape residents were warned to brace themselves for an even more intense cold front than the one experienced a week ago - Photo: Leigh Dunn

The eastern parts of the Western Cape, i.e. the CXPRESS distribution footprint from George to Tsitsikamma, were included in areas risking extremely high fire danger conditions, along with the western halves of the Free State and North West, Eastern Cape, and eastern half of the Northern Cape. “Disruptive snowfalls are expected over the Namakwa southern high ground and western high ground of the Western Cape from the evening of July 23. “High seas with wave

heights of 6-7 metres are expected along the coastal regions between Cape Columbine and Cape Agulhas from the evening,� the statement concluded. Good weather news is that temperatures are set to soar towards the weekend, with both Saturday and Sunday expected to be sunny and pushing the thermometer into the mid to high 20s. Readers are invited to share stories and images of extreme weather encounters - email editor@cxpress.co. za with your news.

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NEWS & VIEWS

24 July 2019

Beyond the call of duty: Yoko oh yes! Talia Day

HEN Marianne Roux, 32, allegedly scammed 17 people out of R70,000+ through her company Eden Travels, advertising properties to rent and keeping the deposits to herself, she could never have known she’d come across constable Lindinkosi Yoko, 31. I met with Yoko to see what makes him tick, going above and beyond the call of duty to collect evidence against Roux. He travelled almost 6,000km in eight days to five provinces, to gather dockets for Roux’s official bail hearing on July 18. “People motivate me, good people make me want to do good, and bad people motivate me to investigate them,” he chuckles. But is this kind of investigative travelling even normal? “These offences were committed against many innocent people, so I wanted to do everything I could to help them. I love speaking to people, and it makes more sense when you hear it from them in person. Although I could sense people’s frustration and anger over the phone,” Yoko says. One of Roux’s victims, Estelle Ciaglia from Bellville, said: “Yoko pushes for the right stuff, he has really gone the extra mile to get this conviction. He’s become like a friend to me.” Constable Yoko doesn’t come across as a work-hardened detective; he is a pleasant and open person, with a ready smile and humble nature. Having graduated from the Graaff Reinet Police Academy in 2011, he works in the general investigation unit, which focuses on crimes like fraud, assault, and crimen injuria. “I took my oath knowing that I was serving the people of this country fearlessly and with respect. I love my job, it’s hard work but fun. In the line of duty, you have to be everything - a doctor, a telephone directory, a father, and a fireman.” He adds with a smile: “You can’t be Superman or Rambo, this is real life! “I always wanted to be a good citizen. I hoped to be a lawyer, to make a change,” he reminisces.

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“The police force is somewhere for me to start, it gives an idea of what is happening in the country. I still want to go into law, but I wish to grow within the force, and get to know more about the psychology of people.” Yoko describes his job as motivating, refreshing and amazing. “You’re always learning new things, and I sleep in peace at night knowing I have helped people. ‘Thank you’ means everything to me, it keeps me going.” You have to learn from your mistakes, Yoko explains; it’s not about the errors, but about your reaction. “It is important for people to get justice. We are failing the people of this country, as there is just not enough manpower to follow up on all of the cases. How do you prioritise a case when they are all victims?” Yoko says he is working for the people and will always go the extra mile on a case. He is committed to the victims, and getting them justice. “The community needs to pray for us, our lives are in danger every day.” He says his commander, Colonel Khumalo, won’t spoon-feed them, as they have to go out and investigate. “He is a good commander, and I have the best colleagues. They are very supportive and we all work together, helping each other constantly. More hands make things easier and I thank them for everything they do.” He leans forward, saying: “The Bible says that the best gift you can give your brother or sister is to lay your life down for them.” • Roux’s bail application on July 18 was denied; her case starts on August 22 in Thembalethu Magistrate’s Court.

FRIENDS FOR LIFE: Constable Lindinkosi Yoko with Estelle Ciaglia from Bellville, who laid the initial charge against Roux

SELFIE WITH ‘THE FORCE’: It was impossible for author Talia Day to resist the temptation of a photo with such a positive policeman

CXPRESS

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

24 July 2019

Wooden Wonders 20/20 Vision

Family business celebrates two decades of wonderful service to Plett HE Wooden Wonders story starts in the garage of Arnold van Eeden the former Plettenberg Bay Primary School headmaster who started producing wooden toys, carefully crafted with love and care, as a hobby. Arnold was able to pass on his skills and expertise, so opening the door for his son Charl to establish Wooden Wonders in 1998. Towards the end of 1999, Charl was approached by Malcolm and Heather Craig of Robberg Fine Foods fame to renovate their kitchen. This commission hailed the official start of Wooden Wonders.

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January 2000 kicked off with renovations at the Craigs’ home. Explains Charl: “Once the kitchen had been completed, we went on to build a deck around their new swimming pool. This was the start of a wonderful adventure of turning houses into homes, and becoming a name that the people of Plett have come to trust. “A few weeks ago, Heather gave us a call to ask if we could come and attend to a few small repairs to their kitchen - almost 20 years after it was first installed!” Charl and his Wooden Wonders team are indebted to Malcolm and Heather Craig for giving them the

flying start that sent them on a 20-year trajectory of success. “Thank you for trusting us before we had proven ourselves trustworthy,” says Charl, adding that they’re now preparing for the next 20 years of creating wooden wonders. “We have recently purchased our premises at 1 Robberg Road, and have welcomed my son Josh and my nephew Bryce into our winning team. “For the next 20 years and beyond, we will continue turning houses into homes and being the name that you can trust.” • See the advert on page 10 for contact details.

WINNING TEAM: The Wooden Wonders team, at left, are, at back from left, Aaron, Shandon, Petrus, Inga and William; the middle row features Josh, Patrick, Nico, Mervin, Mario and Zed, with Charl, Crogan, and Bryce in front. At right are Zed and Charl with Heather Craig in her kitchen, where the very first Wooden Wonders job was touched up 20 years after its initial completion.

Village Eco-Preschool brings the blues back to Plett’s Barnyard stage LETT’S Village EcoPreschool is once again delighted to host the acclaimed High End Blues Band at its annual music fundraiser, held at The Barnyard on Saturday August 3. Due to the great success of last year’s event, this soughtafter outfit was thrilled to return to entertain locals with their easy-listening blues tones. An added bonus is that the evening will be opened by acclaimed Plett-based performing artist, Ryan Kidwell. The High End Blues Band is a group of super talented musicians from Cape Town, convened by Lance Allam and James Kibby. Lance played fiddle and mandolin for the band Blacksmith and performed with Blue Cadillac, before forming the High End Blues Band with James. The band recently released their debut album entitled Live at Milestone. They appeal to musically-mature audiences and pride themselves on innovative instrumental fusion that gives them a unique tone and feel. Vocalist Beshara Ornellas is well-known in the Mother City and has been performing on stage since the tender age of 11. She is the daughter of much-admired Dave Ornellas of Hawk - a popular rock group from the 70s, also referred to as SA’s Led Zeppelin.

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Rhythm guitarist James Kibby teaches guitar at The Jazz Workshop with the likes of Fokofpolisiekar, Van Coke Kartel, Taxi Violence, and The Plastics as some of his students. He is involved in various jazz, blues and electronic projects. Mark Buchanan on lead guitar is regarded as one of SA’s finest blues players. He has been a member of Just Jinger and Max Normal, and has played with internationally-acclaimed songbird Nellie Furtado. Drummer Mark McDonald has been playing with Mark Buchanan for the last 20 years. Ian Buchanan is on bass guitar and has played in numerous bands with both Marks over the years. The High End Blues Band performs regularly at various clubs and locations such as Cape Town’s prestigious Barley Corn Club,

Café Roux and others. Setting them apart is the fact that the band members are all great friends, and passionate about ‘The Blues’ as well as about invoking emotion in the hearts of their audience. They play with soul and give 100% during every performance. This combination of artists and experienced musicians is not to be missed, and it promises to be an evening of good vibes, great music and serious blues tunes. Doors open at 6pm so get there early to secure your seat. Some food will be on sale on the night. Tickets are available at The Village Bookshop as well as Peppermill Café. Call 079 505 6332 or 072 605 8573 for additonal information, and follow the Village EcoPreschool Facebook fage for event updates and further details. I KID YA NOT: Opening for the High End Blues Band is local artist Ryan Kidwell cofounder and frontman of rock reggae band The Little Kings, Ryan knows a thing or two about crowd pleasing… After having played at many of SA’s biggest music festivals such as Rocking the Daisies and Ramfest, as well as being the opening act for the likes of Prime Circle and the late Johnny Clegg, Ryan has now launched his solo career. The combination of sincere lyrics and his acoustic folk rock style makes for great listening.

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24 July 2019

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CXPRESS

INTERVAL

24 July 2019

Lost in translation… Down on the farm Camper: “Look at that bunch of cows.” Farmer: “Not bunch, herd.” Camper: “Heard what?” Farmer: “Of cows.” Camper: “Sure I’ve heard of cows.” Farmer: “No, I mean a cowherd.” Camper: “So what if they heard? I have no secrets from cows!” What? A man walks into a hardware store and asks to the cashier: “Have you got any two-watt bulbs?” “For what?” “That’ll do, I’ll take two.” “Two what?” “I thought you didn’t have any.” “Any what?” “Yes, please.” An interview with a farmer Interviewer: “How much

milk do these cows give?” Farmer: “Which one? The black one or the brown one?” Interviewer: “The brown one.” Farmer: “A couple of litres per day.” Interviewer: “And the black one?” Farmer: “A couple of litres per day.” Interviewer (a bit flummoxed): “I see. What do you give them to eat?” Farmer: “Which one? Black or brown?” Interviewer: “Black.” Farmer: “It eats grass.” Interviewer: “And the other one?” Farmer: “Grass.” Interviewer (now annoyed): “Why do you keep asking which one, when the answers are the same?” Farmer: “Because the black one’s mine.” Interviewer: “Oh, and the brown one?” Farmer: “It’s also mine.”

WHEN YOUR BOSS ASKS FOR PROOF THAT YOU’RE IN HOSPITAL

A drive to the lake NE day Al was driving to the lake for a swim when he noticed a man on the side of the highway dressed all in red. “Who are you?” asked Al as he pulled up to the stranger. “I’m the Man in Red and I’m very hungry,” said the man. Reaching into his lunch sack, Al pulled out a sandwich, handed it to the man, then sped off down the road. A few kilometres later, Al spotted another man, this time dressed all in yellow. “What can I do for you?” asked Al.

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“I’m the Man in Yellow and I’m very thirsty.” Pulling out a can of cooldrink, Al handed it to the man, then resumed his journey. Anxious to get to the lake before sunset, Al put his foot to the pedal and careened off down the road, only to spot yet another man, dressed all in blue, signalling for Al to stop. “Don’t tell me!” said Al impatiently. “You’re the Man in Blue, right?” “That’s right!” replied the man. “Well, what is it that you want?” “Driver’s licence and registration, please.”

The bandaged man man was lying in hospital, covered in bandages from head to toe. The guy in the next bed asked: “What do you do for a living?”

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The bandaged man replied: “I used to be a window cleaner.” “Oh, when did you give that up?” “About halfway down.”

My boss texted me: “Send me one of your funny jokes, Pete.” I replied: “I’m working at the moment, Sir, I will send you one later.” He replied: “That was fantastic, send me another one.”

PROMOTION

24 July 2019

CXPRESS

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CXPRESS

24 July 2019

Knysna Municipality strives to maintain its position as a premier tourist destination in South Africa – a place where peace, prosperity and harmony prevail, ensuring an exceptional lifestyle for residents and visitors alike.

KNYSNA MUNICIPALITY IS HOSTING A SERIES OF PRACTICAL TRAINING EVENTS FOR INVASIVE PLANT CLEARING The training is aimed at Youth between the ages of 18 and 35 who are not currently employed and would like to work in the Natural Resource Management sector. Successful candidates will be expected to attend training during working hours. All training is accredited. If you like working outdoors in a team and you live within the Knysna Municipal area please complete an application form available at: Karatara Library, Smutsville Youth Desk and the Environmental Management Office, Old Main Road, Knysna. In order to be considered for selection, you need to: • Be between the age of 18 and 35; • Enjoy working outdoors in a team; • Live in the Knysna Municipal area. For more information contact: M. Julies, Smutsville Youth Desk at 044 302 6330, or S. Rhode, Environmental Management at 044 302 6478. Closing Date: 8 August 2019 PLEASE NOTE: Space is limited and no late applications will be accepted. DR. SW VATALA MUNICIPAL MANAGER www.ayandambanga.co.za

137225 CX PRESS

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CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

24 July 2019

Letters to the Editor

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

CXPRESS

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Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

Remembering the charm of the early 90s Jacob Zuma, and la suite… In 1991 I took a step that only I could take with my impeachable clear vision, to sell a successful business and go into one that could only lose money. I built a country hotel called The Hertford: eight 64m2 suites, restaurant, bar, all those things guaranteed to haemorrhage money - an ability I seem to have been born with. Anyway, there it stood fully furnished, stocked and ready go. But I was hanging back behind the starting line. The phone she did ring… It was a man that I knew from the security police. Have you opened your hotel? No. Could you open it? Yes. Good, open it. Sure - when? Thirty minutes, we are at Fourways with some very hush-hush guests. Technicians will be with you in 10, keep your mouth shut. Which, as you know, isn’t easy for me. Half an hour later, combis drew up and out stepped the top hierarchy of the banned ANC from Western and Eastern Europe and Lusaka. My friend from the police said they were here

for two weeks to sort out the future of the country. It was fascinating. It was easy to separate east from west by their clothes and attitude. The west: sociable, great clobber. The east: very reserved, light anti with suit and hat one would object to be buried in. Into the bar and the game was on. For 20 hours a day, the top brass - political, army, police - held discussions on how they could go forward without any outward animosity. This was miraculous, considering up to now they were bitter enemies knocking the proverbial out of each other. My role in this, apart from running around like a blue arse, was that lunch time the orders were gin and soda. Predinner, whisky and tonic. I stood this for two days and then said at lunch: Gentlemen, it is gin and tonic, whiskey and soda. If you cannot get your mixers right, you are not going to get the country right. How, Paul, you are out of control. Strange that - but before dinner the order was whiskey and

soda; before lunch, gin and tonic. But this letter is not about that. It is about one man in the news today: Jacob Zuma. He is attributed with great cunning, instinctive cleverness, but what he does have is the most unbearable amount of charm. You may meet him with one idea, but you will walk away with another. I had conversations with him in the carpark, away from everyone, about the future of the country, and always came away with a greater appreciation of his mind and with a feeling that he knew where he was going and how he was going to get there. He also had an appreciation of a great pair of legs. Yes, Jacob knew where he was going. On Sundays there was always the great Sunday lunch in the country restaurant and the orders were not to go there. After all, this was a top secret meeting and no one was to know they were in the country, so no mixing. Not a bit of it. Jacob let the team down

and the game was on. Suddenly the hotel was full of chatting, laughter, and people. It was a moment when the heart was full and tears began. It was an incredible experience to be there and to share in the hope. So obvious was the vast gulf between the eastern bloc ANC and the sophisticated west. It was clear which sector was going to come out on top. You do not have to think hard which camp Jacob was in. Divisions were also rife in the security police and military - the verkrampte and verligte - and it was evident that strong contacts have been going on for some time. It was not a hotel full of strangers. We’re lucky the right side came out on top. It took me a long time to pass a bowl of flowers chatting away without their heads following me, recording my conversations, and to drink a whiskey and soda without the warmest feelings of being part of two weeks at the heart of the change in SA’s history. Paul Deans, Plett

Feathered friends confirm our particular Eden’s appeal

HERE, BIRDY BIRDY: Jennifer Ponder shows how tame this regular visitor is by feeding off her hand as a foursome of drongos have pegged the source of free snacks

Some of your readers will be familiar with the story of the four drongos who fly between my home at No. 16 and my friend Annabel at No. 9, as they know we are a source of food. What is amazing, is that not only do they visit us both, and know exactly where we live, but one of the drongos will allow us to hand-feed him - no one else will do! It has now been taken a step forward. I always give them some grated cheese outside my front door, where there is a tree, but they now recognise me when I am working on my laptop on my porch, which is right on the other side. All four sit on a tree outside and start making their presence felt in no uncertain terms. The other day, they actually followed me home from Annabel’s, taking a short cut flying over the roof. They alighted on the porch outside my front door where their vocal chords were put into full use. The pics here prove it! In the one, you will see Dodger. He gets beside himself with the birds coming so close. I took the pic of the drongo on my hand to show how tame he is. Such is life in our beautiful Eden. Jennifer Ponder, Plett

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CXPRESS

24 July 2019

SPORT & ADVENTURE

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SWD to clash with best of Eastern Cape when cream of schoolgirl hockey converge on iBhayi

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TOPS IN SOUTH WESTERN DISTRICT: From left in the back row are Spar EC manager Alan Stapleton, Jo-Anne Klue, Jessica Edington, Abi van Tonder, Jodi Orban, Jade van de Venter, Caitlyn Callaghan, Vasti Visagie, Inca Shneor and Erica Combrink, with Kara Vermeulen, Megan Buckley, Rachel Boshoff, Kate Kirk, Megan van der Walt and captain Emily Klue in front

OP young talent will be on display when the Spar EC Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge provincial finals take place at Collegiate in Port Elizabeth on Saturday and Sunday. Following registration at 2:30pm on Saturday, five regional winners will meet in roundrobin matches, culminating in the provincial decider at 11.35am on Sunday morning. Participating teams are Woodridge (PE Coastal), York (SWD), DSG (PE North), Queenstown Girls’ High (East London Inland) and Clarendon (EL Coastal). York High from George will play in the provincial finals for the fourth year and coach Erica Combrink said they were delighted to be part of the occasion. “I am hoping that the team can play to their full potential and, most importantly, use their opportunities. Playing shorter matches, the intensity will be high and every match is important.

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Meanwhile, Woodridge coach Maxime Bird said they were expecting a tough competition but were looking forward to the opportunity. “As the teams are all regional winners it will be really strong,� she said. “But we know that there is always a good vibe at these finals and it’s a great chance for the players to reconnect with their friends from other regions. Matches in the provincial finals are limited to 30 minutes, which means coaches try to adopt a specific strategy for the abbreviated period. Some of York’s winning hockey players hail from CX Country, most significantly diminutive warrior goalie Inca Shneor and sweeper supreme Jessica Edington, both of whom attended Plett Primary School. If you happen to be in the Friendly City this weekend, be sure to go root for our district’s awesome hockey girls.

Kranshoek Dolphins to end season on high note

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Residents were treated to a full day of rugby at the Kranshoek sports field - aka The House of Pain - on July 13, when Kranshoek Primary’s U11s and U13s, above, kicked off the action against teams from Formosa Primary, the hosts winning 19-10 and 24-0 respectively. This was followed by the Kranshoek Dolphins U19s, who scored 19-18 in a nail-biter against the Jaguars. The day’s main clash was the Dolphins senior team, pictured at the top in mid-play, against George-based Pro Stars - a most exciting game, with the Dolphins’ forwards and backline dominating to secure a 17-3 victory. Says convenor John Koopman: “The league is drawing to an end with only two games remaining for Dolphins RC, against Plett United and Excelsior, both games to be played in Kranshoek.� He thanks Marcello’s for transport, Club Vogue and Margies Kitchen for food and drink donations, and the Kranshoek community for their continued support.

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