24 september

24 September 2014

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

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Let’s braai!

Happy Heritage Day to all our readers, and here’s wishing you a splendid braai party on this public holiday, be it boerie or ‘inkukhu’ or ‘mielies’ or marshmallows that you choose to haul over the coals...

Crime stats compared p3

DA rules Bitou again p4

Don’t can that lion p5

Services debate rages p15

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CXPRESS

News & Views

24 September 2014

Driving Miss Crazy

To market, to market, to market we go... Part I JEEVES shares his adventures as Garden Route chauffeur extraordinaire...

W

E are blessed to have a variety and choice of morning markets to visit in our part of the world, particularly on a Saturday.

Sedgefield has three separate ones almost under one roof - one sells food and plants, while another boasts a restaurant, stalls and shops with touristy gizmos, clothing, artwork, doggy knickknacks, hand-crafted goodies and more.

The third features similar craft stalls with an array of interesting products, from jewellery to lemonades, Ital-

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

If you’ve missed out on a hard copy, read the electronic version online at www.cxpress.co.za

ian deli stuff to Panama hats, and a range of food outlets where you can choose anything you fancy, from burgers to Bockwurst, pizza pies to fish n fries.

Take a seat and munch away while you spectate the passing parade that only markets attract.

The Harkerville Saturday market between Plett and Knysna offers a cholesterolrich breakfast to die for, food and veg stalls, breads, cheese, jams on display, herbs and plants, as well as arts and crafts in the mix.

George also has a Saturday farmers market with a variety of stalls, from food to plants and all the rest.

Then, on Wednesdays, you can take a lazy stroll at the Old Nick mid-week market - take a basket, as you’ll fill it in no time with fresh veg, cheese, pies, breads, meat and fish, homemade piccalilli and jams. And grab some lasagne to take home for lunch.

Now, with all this in mind, a couple phoned me up to lift them to Wild Oats market in Sedge for their weekly grocery shopping. He was incapacitated, having recently had a knee replacement; she, believe it or not, had never learnt to drive.

So we all climbed into their car - he in the back, crutches and all, leg astride the seat.

Market, here we come!

This market can be really busy, and I wondered how he would manage the hurdles among the jostling crowd, dogs on leads, kids chasing

one another and people walking backwards and talking with outstretched arms...

She was going to be “very quick” with a shortened shopping list of cheeses, breads, fresh vegetables, pates, chicken, sausages, dried fruit and nuts, aloe ferox gels for skin and hair, and “the best koeksusters in the world!”

‘Has she enough packets and arms?’ I pondered.

Meanwhile, he was seated at one of the outside tables near the food stalls with a cup of coffee, awaiting the arrival of his omelette.

I just moseyed around kicking dust, chatting to various stall holders over their produce. Swallowed a few

WILD OATS WHILES: On the award-winning Sedgefield market’s 15th anniversary, sherry and marshmallows were dished out to visitors before braving the wide array of awesome stalls while dodging or befriending dogs of all shapes and sizes

oysters, followed by some smoked salmon and brie on crusty baguette chunks.

It happened to be the Wild Oats market’s 15th anniversary that day, and there was a tray of sherry on offer to the public, with marshmallows for the kids.

I downed a sherry, which set my empty stomach ablaze, while one of the owners filled me in with a little history about this particular market and that it was rated among the top 10 markets in the world, with the highest points awarded (making it Number One, I guess).

Also of interest, she told me proudly, was the fact that it had only been closed once in that entire period, due to a flooded Swartvlei Lagoon, when the water at the market was as high as the stall tables!

The background music that day was Irish/Western violin foot-stomping stuff, and after an hour of being exposed to the same beat, I asked her if the band knew any other tunes. She laughed and blushed, and quickly commandeered a new group on her electric gadgetry.

I bade her good day and swept up two sherries off the tray for Jim to enjoy with his omelette, and one for the missus. She was seated with him, enjoying a fresh juice, surrounded with packets.

I got the distinct impression that lots of people came there just to exercise their dogs, and natter to whoever they knew. One young thing was being pulled all over by her ‘Shetland’ dog - legs flailing, arm outstretched, taut leash - to the wasted calls of “Rover! HEEL!” But all her St Bernard wanted to do was rush around and greet all his market mates, smell their behinds and lick their faces, or vice-versa...

Back in Knysna, the parcels were unloaded from the boot and rear of the car, and they invited me in for beer and a ham sandwich, reward for my sterling efforts.

A day later, she was on the phone. Had I perchance mixed up one of her packets with mine? Not to my knowledge... Why was she asking?

Until next week... (The mystery of the missing cheese!)

Dwemng/wr"/"Lggxgu"

News & Views

24 September 2014

CXPRESS

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Police win some, lose some as national crime stats released Yolandé Stander

U

NLIKE the rest of the Western Cape where the murder rate has soared, the latest national crime statistics revealed that Garden Route police seem to be winning the war against serious violent crime.

Police in the region however have their hands full with other offences, especially drug-related crimes and theft out of cars - in some towns, the highest number of reported incidents in 10 years.

Crime statistics released by the South African Police Service (SAPS) on Friday showed that in most Southern Cape towns murder and sexual crimes had been brought down significantly.

In Knysna, murder was at its lowest level in a decade, with only 12 reported incidents (down from 16 last year).

Sexual crimes were also considerably lower at 137 reported incidents compared to last year’s 183.

But other crimes were much higher when compared to last year’s statistics. Violent robberies almost doubled from 108 to 207, while residential burglaries (1,081), common assault (546), theft out of vehicles (567), and drug-related crimes (973) reached the

highest levels in 10 years.

Common assault has been increasing every year since 2008 and over the past year, 546 cases had been reported compared to last year’s 507.

In Plettenberg Bay, the murder rate was also down from five incidents last year to four, but unlike other towns in the Southern Cape, sex crimes reached alarming levels. Last year’s statistics revealed 38 reported incidents, but this year police dealt with 61 cases.

Assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm was also up from 150 incidents last year to 191.

Theft out of vehicles (up from 399 to 437 over the past year) and drug-related crimes (317 to 399) were also noticeably higher.

In KwaNokuthula, police managed to bring the murder rate down from eight cases last year to only four this year. Sexual crimes were also slightly lower.

Common assault was, however, the highest it has been in seven years at 112 reported incidents, up from last year’s 97 reported cases.

Residential burglaries also reached the highest levels since 2008 with 192 cases

Help track down this suspect

Members of the Plett Police are looking for 26 year old Nkosikhaya Mgqabuzana, who is suspected of having been involved in incidents of housebreaking and theft, and has been found in possession of a dangerous weapon as well as housebreaking implements. No arrest has been made and Plett SAPS urges anyone with information about the whereabouts of the suspect to contact the investigating officer, constable Shaun Hartnick, on 044 501 1927 or 072 937 8914.

compared to last year’s 139 incidents. But unlike neighbouring stations, police had managed to curb drug-related crimes - down from 168 last year to 137 this year.

Further afield, over the past year George police had only three murders to deal with, considerably lower than the previous year’s 13.

Police also seem to be winning the war against residential burglaries with 816 cases, also the fewest reported incidents in four years.

But drug-related crimes in George appear to be spiralling out of control, with 894 from April 2013 to March 2014, up from 743 during the previous year and considerably more than the 305 reported cases over the 2004/05 period.

In Great Brak River these crimes also increased dramatically from 97 over the 2012/13 period to 117.

In Mossel Bay, only one murder was reported. Sex crimes, at 11 incidents slightly higher than the previous year’s seven, were also significantly lower than in 2004/05 when 126 cases had been reported.

Just like most other parts

of the Garden Route, Mossel Bay showed an increase in theft out of motor vehicles, up from 135 last year to 248.

Western Cape Community Safety MEC Dan Plato has called for crime statistics to be released once a month and not only annually, in an attempt to implement counter measures more swiftly.

“Annual crime stats are not informing proactive efforts from law enforcement, different spheres of government, the safety fraternity or the community at large. We cannot allow a three-year delay for implementation of actions to address trends sprouting from our annual statistics,” Plato said.

“For instance, last year, then Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa announced the expansion of the Public Or-

der Policing (POP) units as a means to prevent the increasing number of violent and illegal protest around the country.

“National Commissioner Riah Phiyega only recently announced that the expansion of POP units is to be included in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework going forward with implementation from the next financial year, dependent on funding availability.”

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CXPRESS

News & Views

24 September 2014

Coalition-free DA now ready to rule Bitou with much more efficiency The Democratic Alliance won the battle for Bitou’s Ward 7 seat during last Wednesday’s by-elections, giving the party outright majority in council for the first time since the 2011 local elections YOLANDÉ STANDER filed this report

Winning party give thanks

B

ITOU’s DA campaign manager Liz Mundell distributed a message of thanks on the day after last week’s Ward 7 by-election, saying it was “a tight and heated contest” between their Annelise Olivier and the ANC candidate.

“Voters rallied behind Annelise and worked for her victory. To have defeated the ANC in a very high percentage poll of 72.99% votes is a huge victory. It means that the DA now has a majority of seats in council - DA 7 seats, ANC 5 seats, COPE 1 seat.

“We will be free of political obstruction and manipulation by ANC councillors who connived with our COPE partner to block governance and to vote us

out of control. Our mayor, Memory Booysen, and DA councillors will no longer have to face the relentless political attacks.

“Thank you to our DA branch members and volunteers who worked day and night behind Annelise.

Thank you to the dedicated team of volunteers who telephoned to canvass and ask our voters to go out and vote.

“Thank you to those who stepped forward to man the DA tables and drive voters to the voting station. Thank you to so many of you who responded to our appeals with messages of support.

“We could never have done it without you.” *Ugg"ngvvgtu"qp"rcig"37"tg" ugtxkeg"fgnkxgt{0"/"Gfu0+

T

HE ANC and DA went head-to-head for control of Ward 7, which includes Harkerville, Kranshoek and KwaNokuthula, after ANC councillor Nolan Stuurman resigned in the midst of a court battle over a move by local ANC councillors to serve a motion of no confidence in mayor Memory Booysen, among others.

DA candidate, Bitou speaker Annelise Olivier, was victorious with 251 votes more

than her ANC counterpart, long-time resident Sammy Jansen. The DA, which until last week had to rely on a coalition with COPE to govern Bitou, now has the outright majority of council seats.

More than 3,000 out of 4,527 registered voters made their way to the polls last Wednesday. Olivier received 1,751 votes while 1,500 votes were cast for Jansen.

“This was an extremely important election for us,” said DA election head for the area Jaco Londt.

“Winning it means we can now govern the area more ef-

ficiently as we no longer need to rely on a coalition.

“Although there is a coalition agreement between the DA and COPE, at local level individuals can do exactly what they want.”

This was especially apparent when deputy mayor and COPE member Adam van Rhyner aligned with six ANC councillors in a move to oust Bitou’s leadership by calling for a special council meeting to serve a motion of no confidence in Booysen and other Bitou officials.

This move was followed by a two-month court battle

involving the municipality’s speaker, who turned to the Western Cape High Court to stop the special council meeting, claiming it was against municipal rules of order.

This was then followed by a counter-application by the ANC councillors and Van Rhyner, who claimed the call was in line with municipal regulations.

On August 26, Judge Dennis Davis found that Olivier’s application had become moot while the counter-application

by Van Rhyner and the ANC councillors failed.

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Best we get used to routine road maintenance on N2 Construction scheduled to continue until the end of April 2015

B

ITOU Municipality’s Communications crew recently released a statement to apologise to local and visiting road users for any inconvenience caused during the routine road maintenance currently underway on the N2 in the vicinity of Plettenberg Bay. The roadworks started on July 1 and will continue until April 30 next year, so road users best get used to the stop / go arrangements that

will stretch from Harkerville in the west to Kurland in the east during this time.

The municipality urges road users to be especially cautious during the construction period while absolutely adhering to speed limits.

Please contact Bitou Traffic on 044 501 3240 or site agent Ezekiel Mokiri on 021 905 0170 or on 083 655 9614, or email ezekiel@ road-mac.co.za for additional information.

MEN AT WORK... FOR SEVEN MONTHS YET: It’s worthwhile to add between 20 minutes and half an hour to the duration of your trip if planning to travel to George from Plett, whereas drivers have reported waiting periods of no longer than the sign-posted 10 minutes when leaving town in an easterly direction

News & Views

24 September 2014

CXPRESS

5

MARCH 4 ELES & RHINO: OCTOBER 4

Around the world in 40 days to fight the canned-hunt cause IAN MICHLER, recently appointed director at Eden to Addo (www.edentoaddo.co.za), has just returned from Europe where he has been presenting on various conservation issues - CXPRESS tracked him down for a chat just before he heads off to Australia

E

ZRTGUU< [qw" jcxg" tg/ egpvn{" tgvwtpgf" htqo" c" ownvk/ekv{" Gwtqrgcp" vqwt" /" yjcv"ycu"vjcv"cnn"cdqwvA Ian Michler: I was invited to address public meetings, press gatherings and lawmakers at various levels on predator breeding and canned hunting in South Africa.

The principal aim of my visit was to get the ball rolling for European countries to ban the importation of trophies from canned hunting. It is hard to believe, but these shameful and horrific practices are still sanctioned in this country. I also dealt with the trade issues around rhino horn and elephant ivory.

EZ<"Cpf"vjgp"{qw"ctg"jgcf/ kpi" vq" Cwuvtcnkc" qp" Ugrvgo/ dgt"45"/"yjcv‚u"{qwt"cigpfc" Fqyp/wpfgtA IM: Yes, I have been invited

to meet with their Minister for Environment and address parliamentarians on the same issues. I will also be giving a public presentation in Melbourne, and will be participating in that city’s March for Elephants & Rhino on October 4.

EZ<" Yj{" ku" {qwt" hqewu" qp" vjgug"yknfnkhg"kuuwgu"cv"kpvgt/ pcvkqpcn"ngxgnA IM: With regards to the issues on trade in horn and ivory we need to understand that, while we have over 80% of the world’s rhino population, for example, we still only have one vote at the upcoming CITES meeting in 2016.

The international arena is where the vote on trade will be won or lost.

And then, on the subject of canned hunting, there are a number of reasons. Firstly,

99% of all trophy hunters coming to South Africa are from outside of the continent, which makes them very much part of the problem.

Secondly, the vast majority of young volunteers that are lured under false pretences to work on these breeding properties come from Europe.

And lastly, because the South African operators are making so much money out of breeding, keeping and killing predators, they are unwilling to be part of any discussion on what they are doing.

EZ<" Yj{" ku" vjg" wreqokpi" Inqdcn"Octej"hqt"Gngrjcpvu" ("Tjkpq"uq"korqtvcpvA" IM: Most significantly, both elephants and rhino are in big trouble, so being a part of this event shows we care about the plight of these species. I also believe we actually have

Dippenaars donate 912 trees to Kranshoek TREEPLANT PARTY: Estelle and Laurie Dippenaar dig in with Food & Trees for Africa coordinator Chris Wild, right, in Kranshoek last week

A

N Arbour Month tree planting event took place at Kranshoek Primary on September 15, sponsored by Laurie and Estelle Dippenaar, who have donated 912 trees to the area through an NGO called Food & Trees for Africa.

It was originally intended to be a small event with the

purpose of creating environmental awareness among the children and community of Kranshoek. However, everyone was taken by surprise when Bitou mayor Memory Booysen arrived along with speaker Annelise Olivier, to help plant the trees.

Said Food & Trees for Af-

rica coordinator Chris Wild: “It’s a very welcome surprise to see representatives from government getting involved at this level.

“Our aim is to get trees in the ground sustainably and for the children to appreciate their environment. It always helps when you have leaders who set an example like this.”

The Dippenaars’ generous sponsorship means that each home in the area will receive one fruit tree and one hardy indigenous tree.

The programme also aims at creating environmental leaders that will go from home to home to check on the trees and help the community care for them.

• The initiative will be ongoing over the next year. Contact Chris on 084 871 7349 or at chris@trees.org.za for more information.

a responsibility to address the situation, or at least demand that our government does so.

And then, biodiversity protection is crucial to healthy ecosystems, which are vital for our own survival. The Global March is a wonderful

GRABBING THE RHINO BY THE HORN: Ian Michler presents his case against canned hunting, trophy importation and other important environmental issues to media and conservationists in Finland - Photo: Hamburger Börs / Huomautukset

collective platform to bring widespread awareness to these issues on various levels.

• For those that want to be part of the Plett march, please

join in on Saturday October 4. All details can be found on the Eden to Addo website at www.edentoaddo.co.za - see you there!

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CXPRESS

News & Views

24 September 2014

Come work with wood in Knysna his workshops from October 9 to 11 Iasrecommend a ‘must attend’,” said a

WOOD BOOSTERS: Owners of Vermont Sales and sponsors of the upcoming inaugural Working with Wood Festival, Mindi and Rodney Hunt - Photo: Fran Kirsten

K

NYSNA is a unique environment and has a phenomenal timber history. I just can’t bear to see it wane away - this according to Mindi Hunt who, together with husband Roland owns Vermont Sales, sponsor of next month’s Working with Wood Festival.

It is because of this passion that the Hunts not only built their holiday home in the Pezula Estate seven years ago, but also decided to bring the Vermont Sales training roadshow, Working with Wood, to Knysna.

“Vermont Sales has been trading in the Garden Route area for the past 20 years through various institutions, and have seen the region develop with our business,” explained regional sales manager Daniel Melin.

He added that they hosted various workshops throughout the country giving wood enthusiasts the opportunity to workshop the techniques of, among others, airbrushing, basic Kreg joinery, clamping technology, pen-making, picture-framing, sharpening,

table and saw jigs.

It further offers project workshops in which wood enthusiasts of all levels are taught how to complete a variety of projects.

“Greg de Villiers has been hosting Vermont’s workshops throughout the country, but it was felt that something more substantial could be offered in Knysna, being the hub of the timber industry,” said Daniel.

“While Greg and I had spent some time visiting various timber-related retailers and hobbyists along the Garden Route, we came across Timber Village and realised this would be an ideal venues for the Working with Wood show. That is when we approached Timber Village owner Jock McConnachie.”

As a downturn in trade in the area was observed over September/October, it made sense to host the festival during this time to assist the local economy.

“I attended one of the workshops before and I have only one word to describe Greg’s presentation skills: Amazing!

previous participant.

Working with Wood Festival promoter Gene Kruger will be demonstrating wooden box making to children aged 10-14. The children will then be able to take these boxes home with them.

“It is critical for young children to recognise what opportunities are out there.

Workshops like these are vital to reignite the passion for working with wood, which has been lost since schools no longer offer woodworking as a subject,” said Mindi.

Gene agreed wholeheartedly: “We want to encourage children to work with wood, to make things themselves and to experience the deep satisfaction of getting it right, hence the decision to have a mini workshop for children to make treasure boxes.”

Besides the fantastic wood demonstrations, workshops and exhibitions, festival visitors will have an opportunity to rent a bicycle and experience the forest first-hand from the festival grounds. For those who arrive at the festival stressed, two experienced locals will be onsite offering massages in the natural forest.

The Sedgefield Lions will be manning a beer and wine tent and parents can rest assured that their children will be under constant supervision in the beautifully equipped playground.

There is much to look forward to at the inaugural Working with Wood Festival from October 9-11 and, best of all, the Knysna timber industry will be given a much needed boost in the process.

Click on www.workingwith wood co.za for more info.

Benevolence without borders...

O

N September 2 the Grade 11s at Plettenberg Bay Secondary School hosted an Awareness Campaign about MSF Doctors without Borders (www.doc torswithoutborders.org) - the life-saving humanitarian nongovernmental medical organisation, best known for its work in war-torn regions and developing countries facing endemic diseases.

In aid of this organisation and inspired by the

prescribed poem Tghwigg" Oqvjgt"cpf"Ejknf by Chinua Achebe, a Cake & Sweet Sale was organised and expertly executed.

Says teacher Niki Manuel: “The plight of so many displaced people living in such extreme conditions moved our learners to look beyond their own circumstances and to bring hope to the hopeless.

“The benevolence and support of the school community exceeded all our expectations.

Thanks to you, we managed to raise R3,764 during break!

“On this day we witnessed love in action and how care can transcend geographical borders. We also give special thanks to our parents and to Oliver Kleynhans for adding his special flair.”

• Don’t miss a gospel show with Vjg" Xkukqpctkgu at Formosa Primary School on September 28 - see the advert on page 7 for details.

DOING PLETT SEC PROUD: Grade 11s and their teachers involved in the Cake & Sweet Sale were, from left, Miss S Joseph, Mrs N Manuel, Akhona Mrafi, Natasha Mpondo, Gisela Jacobs, Lorenzo Windvogel, principal SB Bowers, Tesmain van Rensburg, and Tiaan Bezuidenhout

News & Views

24 September 2014

CXPRESS

7

Sasfin - proud sponsor of the Plett Wine & Bubbly Festival BIG FOUR: SIP more than 30 local wines and bubbles, SAVOUR the delicacies of artisanal foods and eateries, SEA the Big Blue, and ENJOY the festivities along the Plett Winelands during the inaugural Plett Wine & Bubbly Festival

P

LETT Tourism is excited to welcome Sasfin as the official main sponsor of the 2014 Plett Wine & Bubbly Festival.

Sasfin has come on board as the main sponsor of the Plett Winelands Classic on October 3 & 4 at Plett Country Club and headline sponsor of the festival event at Beacon Island Resort on October 4 & 5.

With less than two weeks remaining, excitement is mounting for Plett’s first festival of this kind - a celebration of the Plett Winelands.

Several Plett estates have

recently received commendable awards for their wines and Plett Tourism is particularly proud to announce the following accolades: • Dtcoqp" Ykpg" Guvcvg has just won a Silver Michelangelo for its Sauvignon Blanc and is awaiting the response on its Platter Chardonnay MCC, Rosé, Barrel Red Italian varietal and Selection Italian varietal.

Previous awards include Old Mutual Trophy Bronze for the 2013 Méthode Cap Classique, Michelangelo Silver for The Crags Sauvignon

Blanc 2013, Vitis Vinifera Gold for The Crags 2012 and 2013, and 4½ star John Platter for The Crags 2012.

• Nwmc"Ykpgu won a Silver Michelangelo for the 2012 Sauvignon Blanc and a Vitis Vinifera Double Gold for the 2013 Sauvignon Blanc.

• Pgyuvgcf" Nwpf" Hco/ kn{" Xkpg{ctfu have just won Grand D’Or (Double Gold medal) at the Michelangelo

Awards for the 2012 Méthode Cap Classique Brut. Previous awards include the 2013 Vitis Vinifera Gold for the Sauvignon Blanc 2012.

• Rcemyqqf" Eqwpvt{" Gu/ vcvg has just won Silver at this year’s International Wine & Spirit Competition for the 2012 Gent Bubbly Chardonnay/Pinot Noir blend and a

Bronze for the Pinot Noir. At Vitis Vinifera they received a Double Gold for the Gent Bubbly Chardonnay/Pinot Noir blend and a trophy for the Pinot Noir.

Previous awards include a Silver Michelangelo for the 2012 Sauvignon Blanc and a Bronze in the 2013 International Wine and Spirit Com-

petition (IWSC).

Sample some of these amazing award-winning wines and others with the whales and ocean at your feet, the mellow tunes of Watershed and good times to create your own memorable Plett feeling.

Visit www.plettwinelands. com for info or to book for the Wine & Bubbly Festival.

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CXPRESS

Business

24 September 2014

Unchanged rate welcomed as housing market continues to trend upwards

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HE decision last Thursday by the Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.75% (9.25% mortgage loan rate) was welcome news as the housing market continued its upward trend, said Seeff chairman Samuel Seeff.

For the first time since the 2007/8 down-turn, sales activity is showing real upward movement, not only in the primary urban sectors, but also in the secondary coastal markets.

While the minor interest rate fluctuations over the last few years has had only a marginal effect on demand and sales, it is nonetheless important that stability is maintained, according to Seeff.

“The market is now nicely balanced with strong demand and tight supply. Where conditions were overwhelmingly in favour of buyers, the pendulum has now shifted in favour of sellers.

“Buyer urgency has grown, there is limited supply of property and we are consequently seeing real activity in the market. Our branches report that not even the cold winter kept buyers at bay and they continue flocking to show houses in record numbers,” he said.

“Multiple offers are becoming commonplace with sellers getting close to and, in some

instances, more than their asking price. Where it took about 20 weeks to sell the average home post-2009, it now takes about two weeks.”

He added that the slow economic and job growth and inflationary pressure remained worrying factors. “While activity in the property market is defying the economic trend, it remains a tight balance that can be disturbed by

interest rate swings.”

Having said this, Seeff maintained that the mortgage loan rate of 9.25% - even having regard to the 75-basis point hikes this year - remained at a historic low.

“Bear in mind that during the 2005-2007 boom period, the rate ranged between 10.5% and 13%.”

Seeff concluded by cautioning home owners and buyers

to start preparing for a cycle of interest rate hikes over the next year.

“Economists predict at least a 100-basis point hike, likely to be introduced in small increments of around 25-basis points over the next few quarters.”

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‘Bit of relief’, believes BetterBond

C

ITING concerns about economic growth, which only rose 0.6% in the second quarter of this year after declining by 0.6% in the first quarter, Reserve Bank governor Gill Marcus said it had been decided to keep repo and prime fixed at current rates.

As a result, the repayment on a 20-year home loan of R757,125 - the current national average approved bond amount - will remain at R6,934, according to mortgage origination group BetterBond Home Loans.

The repayment on the average home loan of R586,705 that is currently being approved for first-time buyers, will stay at R5,373.

“In addition,” notes BetterBond CEO Shaun Rademeyer, “there will be no increase for now in car instalments,

credit card repayments or other debt commitments, and this will bring some relief to consumers who are battling to cope with higher food, fuel and utility costs at this time.

“We do not, however, expect the stasis in interest rates to alter the slowdown in residential property market activity that has been taking place since the 25 percentage point interest rate increases that were announced in July.

“And the reason is the current shortage of residential stock for sale in popular areas and lack of new development to take up the slack, which has caused house prices to rise faster than expected.”

These price increases, he explains, make it more difficult for prospective buyers to qualify for home loans now, even if they are able to bor-

row at prime.

“The average home price rose 8% in the 12 months to end-August, while the average salary or wage increase was only about 6%.

“At the same time, the higher cost of living and interest rate increases totalling 0.75% since the beginning of the year have eaten into the ‘free’ income available to cover a home loan repayment.”

Consequently, Rademeyer says, the best course for prospective homebuyers now is still to try to save up bigger deposits before entering the market, as this will not only make it easier for them to qualify for a loan, but lower their monthly instalments.

“Also, they really should obtain pre-qualification for a home loan, so that they know what they can afford.”

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

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The Big Five - Part II: SABMiller

ABMILLER can trace its history back to 1886 during the Johannesburg gold rush days. But it was in 1896 that it was founded as South African Breweries (SAB) and, two years later, it was the first industrial company to be listed on the JSE. The entrepreneurial spirit that is the essence of this company saw it grow to the extent that, by 1992, it produced 98% of all the beer brewed in South Africa.

In 1993, it started its foreign expansion with its first purchase of a brewery in Hungary. The largest take-over occurred in 2002, when it acquired Millers in the United States - which at that time was the second biggest brewer in America.

The listing of the company on the London Stock Exchange gave it access to foreign capital and allowed it to gain important foreign exposure. Its track record was impressive and it was able to attract the interest of foreign investors.

This company had developed an entrepreneurial culture,

while honing both its brewing and marketing skills throughout the developed but, more importantly, throughout the world of emerging countries.

Today SABMiller brews over 200 different beers in over 200 countries. Its tentacles spread from Australia to Zambia, from Colombia to The Chez Republic, and from South Africa to the USA. The company produces its own soft drinks while, astoundingly, it is the world’s largest bottler of Coca-Cola!

It employs over 70,000 people worldwide and, as the world’s second largest brewer, SABMiller sells over 140,000 bottles of beer every minute. In the year ending March 2004, its total revenue was US$26.72-billion.

This is another incredible success story that exemplifies the quality and spirit of South Africa’s businessmen.

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Promotion

24 September 2014

CXPRESS

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CXPRESS

Social Scene

24 September 2014

OPEN FOR BUSINESS: Market Square centre manager Karin van Riet shared these pics after hosting the annual Wittedrift High Grade 8 & 9 Entrepreneurs Day on Saturday September 6, which culminated in R2000 of prize money split between the five winning stands. ‘The standards this year were very high and choosing the top five was not an easy task. All the learners went to great trouble and had lots of fun in the process.

Well done to each and every participant.’ In the pics above are, from left, first place winner Razeenah Choonara (‘Creative Cupcakes’); second placed Emma Everard (‘Cross Aunts’); third placed ‘Broadway’ of Savannah Harris, Ammaarah Cassim & Marita Gerber; fourth placed ‘Obsessive Cupcakes’ of Kim Stadtherr & Simone van der Walt; fifth placed ‘Glitter Girls’ of Natascha Strydom & Monique Grabe, and Kirsty Jacobs (‘A Girl’s World’) at right, who won the prize for the day’s highest profit earned. Call 044 533 4024 or email kvanriet@broll.co.za for more info.

STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHT TO PADDLE: Johan Loots sent this photo and told CXPRESS about the Bay Kayak & Boat Club, established on the lagoon-side at Poortjies: ‘We have been running for a year now, with numbers growing. A small shed has been constructed for storage and some kayak racks will follow next.

There is a real need in Plett for fun activities for the youth and this is a great opportunity for them, with no costs for the basic use of the club.

We have a training paddle for all from 4pm every Tuesday, a time trail at 6pm on Wednesdays and sports such as beach volleyball and soccer on Saturdays from 3pm ‘till late, all at Poortjies Beach next to the ablutions.

A number of residents have left boats and kayaks on the beach here and it’s getting quite cluttered, with the beach gradually eroding. So it’s important that you join up and co-operate soonest so we can manage the craft ourselves, before the authorities act. Paddlers and all who enjoy messing around in boats must stand up and voice their needs, otherwise we may lose what’s so special at Poortjies. Those who wish to donate their redundant craft to the club are encouraged to do so soonest.’ Readers wishing to join in the fun, or to have craft managed by the club, can email johan@mweb.co.za or call 082 556 2520. In the pic from left are Simone Rossouw, Ava Loots, Steven Henderson, Duncan & Damian Havemann and James Gibson.

People, places & events

NOT TOO LATE... OR IS IT? With Robberg and the bay as backdrop, environmentalists Rhian Berning, with megaphone, and Jenny Lawrence, left, addressed a healthy crowd of greenminded locals who gathered at Signal Hill on Saturday for the People of Eden Climate March down Main Street. The merry procession ended at The Market, where further messages of planetary importance, good vibes and eats were shared by all. Kudos to convenor Nathalie Buttress, at centre, for rallying the troupes in Plett to form part of the biggest gathering against climate change in human history, and thanks to everyone who rocked up to sign the petition.

(Visit www.cxpress.co.za and click on page 5 of the September 17 issue for the full story.)

Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

Social Scene

24 September 2014

CXPRESS

EXELLENCE AWARDED: Members of the able Insurance & Investment Shop team proudly display their awards achieved during 2013: Liberty Life’s Platinum Award for the top independent broker of the region, a Santam Silver Award for exceptional achievements, and the Mutual & Federal Guild Award of Excellence in growth and profitability. From left are Lincoln Myburgh, Corne Greyling, Felicity Chemaly, Shannon Barnard, Kerry West and the team’s newest member, Brett Clark.

People, places & events

Photos: Timothy Twidle

TRIO OF VIRTUOSI: At the Knysna-Plett Concert held on the evening of Wednesday September 17, the Vienna Symphony Virtuosi of Konrad Monsberger, Karl Eichinger and Rudolf Gindlhumer gave a wonderful performance of baroque, classical and contemporary music. The ensemble is drawn from members of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra and the Vienna State Opera Orchestra. In the pic at left from left are Knysna locals Karen & Liam Rissik and Desiré Pretorius. Above from left are fellow Knysna residents Jennifer & Richard Wilkinson with Shlomit & Tony Elliot.

THREE CHEERS TO THE DOC: Dr Evil - aka Leon Evans - is held aloft by a bunch of happy cyclists during this weekend’s successful race bearing his name, which was bestowed upon this veteran of all things MTB as a result of his knack at laying out race routes to challenge the most accomplished of riders - among them his famous son Kevin, who powered through the three-stage race in a total time of 07:57:40 to take victory in the men’s category. In the pic at right, Kevin hangs with Michelle Lombardi, who dominated this year’s ladies field. The Pennypinchers Dr Evil Classic is raced around Wittedrift and congrats are due to everyone involved in this year’s successful event. Visit www.drevilclassic.com for full results and images.

Photos: Desmond Scholtz

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CXPRESS

Interval

24 September 2014

“Waiter, waiter, there’s a hand in my soup!”

“That’s not your soup, Sir, that’s your finger bowl.”

The eight worst foreign processed foods...

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Yes, that’s sauerkraut juice, which is even worse than it sounds. The taste and smell can be a bit, well, harsh, but KJ is reputed by its fans to have medicinal benefits (as a source of vitamin C, cure for intestinal bugs, etc.), which adds up to a classic case of the cure being worse than the disease.

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The best thing about this Uruguayan canned good is the very pouty-looking sheep on the package label - he seems to be saying: “Go on, eat me already.” The second-best thing is the presence of both “cooked mutton” and “mutton” in the ingredients listing, which would seem to have all the mutton bases covered.

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You may think musk is a scent, but over in Australia they think it’s a candy flavour. A candy flavour that

tastes disturbingly like raw meat, to be precise. But what did you expect from a country where everyone happily consumes Vegemite?

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If you’re really looking to clog up those arteries in a hurry, you’ll be pleased to learn that a single serving of pork brains has 1,170% of our recommended daily cholesterol intake. All the more ingenious, then, that the label on this product helpfully features a recipe for brains and scrambled eggs.

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From its size (think growthimpaired Cornish hen) to its overall appearance (it’s stewed in a quivering mass of aspic goop), this product may change forever your idea of what constitutes a chicken. Gives new meaning to the old line about meat “falling off the bone”.

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This is possibly the world’s most bizarre pre-packaged bar snack. Interestingly, the product’s titular robin isn’t actually blind, he’s blindfolded - the better, presumably, to avoid looking at these heavily salted herring strips, which look like giant slugs.

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This Finnish canned good may not be particularly tasty, but at least it answers the age-old question of why Rudolph was so eager for that safe, steady job on Santa’s sleigh team - he didn’t want to end up as a cracker spread.

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Nothing you’ve ever consumed can prepare you for the horror that is clam jerky.

Still, this product does score a sort of conceptual coup - if you’re the sort who’s always found raw clams too slimy and gelatinous for your taste, these dried, shrivelled molluscs will help you dislike clams on a whole new level.

Home & Health

24 September 2014

CXPRESS

ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE: MARKET SQUARE SEPTEMBER 27

Bitou folk join hands to fight MND

V

ERY few readers would by this stage pqv have heard of the Ice Bucket Challenge (IBC), and that it entails the dumping of a bucket of ice water on one’s head to raise funds for the Motor Neuron Disease (MND) Association of SA. The internet abounds with stories and video clips of the famous and not so famous participating, and in the process enormous awareness of the disease - called Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ‘ALS’ in the States - has been gained.

Plett’s own IBC takes place at The Market Square from 11:30 on Saturday September

27, and is organised by Marcia & Malcolm Katz and Arthur & Monique Kayster. But where did this local event originate?

South Africa’s most famous MND sufferer, Joost van der Westhuizen, visited the Kaysters’ friend Cedric Ruiters in Kranshoek in July after Monique had campaigned for months to organise the surprise pop-in by Joost and members of his J9 Foundation.

CXPRESS enjoyed the sole right to feature this moving story and images - but even before our July 23 edition could be distributed, Cedric had passed away in the early

Familiar pharmacy faces

hours of that morning (visit www.cxpress.co.za and click on that and the July 30 issues for the full account).

A chance meeting between Arthur and Marcia made the couple Katz - who had lost two loved ones to this cruel and incurable disease in recent years - realise that they had much to discuss with the Kaysters, so the four got together and this weekend’s event started taking shape.

During the past weeks, challenges to take part in the soaking fun have been sent out to Plett’s first citizen and everyone down the ranks, and Market Square management’s Karin van Riet told CXPRESS on Tuesday that a large part of the parking lot will be cordoned off to facilitate the event.

Bitou’s traffic and fire departments have pledged their support, so this will be the first of what’s hoped to be an annual Plett IBC. Anyone can be challenged,

and all challenges will take place on Saturday from 11:30 onwards, so don’t miss out on your chance to help raising funds and awareness of MND. Contact Marcia on 082 575 1745 for more information, or Arthur on 079 954 0270 if you would like to assist local MND sufferers and their families.

• When CXPRESS enquired about the wellbeing of Cedric’s widow Davedine and their children, the response was rather alarming: whereas individuals and businesses contributed to Cedric’s August 2 funeral, that’s where the assistance had dried up.

So although the focus of this weekend’s Market Square event is on creating awareness of MND, there is an urgent need for donations in kind and cash to locals affected by the disease.

You could also speak to the organisers about donating funds directly to the MND Association of SA.

Make the dream of sight come true

I The friendly team of, from left, Jafta, Claudette, Doreen and Nita invite everybody to visit their new pharmacy premises in Yellowood Centre in Plett’s Main Street - call them on 044 533 1370/8 for further information - Photo: Watty Watson

Don’t miss the Point House meet

Knysna Garden Club’s next gathering is on Wednesday October 1 at 9:45 for 10am at Point House - the last property on the right as you travel out of Knysna on the N2 to George.

The Rutherford garden should be in full spring splendour with colourful Clivias like those pictured above, and Phillip Caveney from Knysna Historical Society will give a talk on the history of this landmark that is one of Knysna’s most gracious homes.

Says the club’s Elinor Clegg: ‘What a rich heritage we have on our doorstep! Bring chairs and walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen. Refreshments will be provided by the committee and visitors are welcome. Please take care as you turn into the driveway of Point House (No. 506). The lookout for the Knysna Garden Club signs - there is sure to be ample parking.’ Phone Sue on 044 384 0326 for further details.

N T E R N AT I O N A L World Retina Week from September 22-28 kicks off Eye Care Awareness Month in South Africa.

Said Retina South Africa director for science Claudette Medefindt: “South Africans take their vision for granted. Many serious eye conditions such as Wet Age Related Macular Degeneration or Glaucoma are treatable in the early stages of the disease, but untreatable later.”

Retina SA, in partnership with Specsavers and Vision Works Optometrists, are offering free visual screening by appointment during this month at participating optometric practices to check for serious eye conditions (visit www.specsavers.co.za and www.visionworks.com for details).

Other serious retinal conditions have not been treatable in the past but new research efforts are changing this radically. Retina SA urgently needs to fund genetic testing for young South Africans affected by retinal blinding conditions to find those who are eligible for possible inclusion in these remarkable therapy trials.

All South Africans can assist in this Save My Sight (SMS) project by texting the word ‘Dream; to 38267 and donating R10 to this sight-saving project.

Retina SA estimates that there are around 14,000 South Africans under 25 who could benefit from current international clinical trials using gene replacement or stem cell therapies. These youngsters are affected by retinal genetic conditions such as Stargardt Dystrophy, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Usher Syndrome or Leber Congenital Amaurosis.

“The most common form of retinal blindness occurs in families with no previous history of blindness,” said Medefindt.

“Research efforts of the last 35 years are now bearing fruit and children overseas are having their vision restored right now. If we have enough support from the South African public, we could bring these successful trials to SA.” Call Retina SA on 0860 595 959 and visit www. retinasa.org.za for more information - tax deductible certificates are available for larger donations.

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Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

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CXPRESS

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

24 September 2014

Classifieds

On the Soapbox

24 September 2014

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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Full-on luxury is a giant Hill’s Pet pillow Being ripped off for services not delivered I am responding to the letter in CXPRESS of September 17 titled ‘Bitou now backdating bills for refuse truck drive-by?’ [turn to page 15 of that edition at www.cxpress. co.za].

Anyone with a half-a-brain living in today’s world must surely realise that money has become a serious problem for all. Even those that have tons of money have a problem, but are blinded by the balance indicated on their bank statements.

I won’t digress much more, because we would be heading for a 576-page novel, and that is not the point of this

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

communication.

I am facing the same situation, being a vacant stand owner, but with a further shocking twist to the actions of this wonderful municipality.

My municipal statement indicated a charge called ‘Journals: R2,622’. I approached one of the employees at the Bitou front-office to get an explanation for this amount.

In a sarcastic manner I stated: “I have received no JOURNALS, so what is this amount for?”

She replied: “It is for refuse collection.”

My reaction: “What? I haven’t received any of those

Monte Casino to church hall - a first visit to Plett-style theatre After 40+ years of enjoying ‘big city’ theatre, the recent Bitou Amateur Theatre Society show was a new experience for me.

Instead of the up-to-date auditoriums I had become used to, all with their comfort and perfect acoustics, my first visit to a Plett theatre production took me back to my childhood in the 1950s in Cape Town, when my father would take me to our local church hall to watch productions of Gilbert and Sullivan - my very first introduction to theatre.

Once again I was transported back to that time when all that was needed for a wonderful evening of entertainment were the basics of a stage, a backdrop and a cast of enthusiastic actors and audience.

David Hall-Green’s production of ‘Old Actors Never Die’ was all of that. What a wonderful evening, the small St Peters

church hall was a throng of cheerful theatre goers.

The Lederle family arrived offering an amazing assortment of refreshments, my church hall chair was just fine and above all, I discovered that I was enjoying the play so much and laughing so hard, that there was not one second when I gave a thought to what I had been used to.

As a newcomer to Plett and beginning to experience all Plett has to offer with the eyes of a newcomer from the ‘big city’, I came home that evening with the thoughts that Plett is so fortunate to have David and his merry cast of actors who put in so much time and enthusiasm into this production.

David, I hope you have plans for another theatre production soon – I, for one, can’t wait!

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either.”

I explained that it is a vacant plot and there is no collection of refuse. Her attitude: “It is an available service. It is on the statement so just pay it.”

And this was only the beginning. On my statement I also get charged for the following (and please remember that this is a vacant plot with NO connections to electricity, water or sewerage and nil refuse!): • Rates - Vacant Land R160.25 (this is acceptable) This is the best part: • Water - Monthly Availib Domes R301.44 • Electricity - Monthly Availib Domes R240.93 • Sewerage - Monthly Availib Domes R370.89 R913.26 (Inclusive of VAT) I have to again reiterate

that there are no connections of anything, no units used nothing!

In my reality, when one has to pay, I expect some type of goods or service in return.

I have attached another page to this letter, a comparison of a municipal account of my home in Edenvale, Johannesburg, just before I moved to Plett 18 months ago.

I will let you draw your own conclusions. Please study the details of both properties carefully [readers are welcome to email editor@cxpress.co.za to receive this document].

Most people, when hearing ‘Johannesburg’, imagine bulging pockets of gold coins.

Mine? Flat with one gold coin... Ha! Itcjco"Crrgn."Rngvv

The cost of not recycling My thanks go to Bitou Municipality for implementing recycling in Plett, to the pockets of excellence evident in its ranks, and to the current council for progress made since the change in political domination.

While I understand the challenges you face in trying to carry out your duties efficiently and honestly, there is certainly still room for improvement.

In a perfect world, it is not difficult to recycle 70% of waste, but a more modest target of 50% may be realistic.

There are no statistics available for Bitou, but the potential cost savings by recycling are obvious.

Take a look down your street on recycling collection day and your experience will probably be similar to mine: not many grey/yellow/whatever bags on a Wednesday in our street.

Most people know that our municipal refuse tip is full beyond capacity, and a few may even know about our ill-conceived interim/permanent solution of couriering our waste to Mossel Bay at no small cost to us, the evergenerous ratepayer.

Well, sadly, Plett missed a golden opportunity to really push recycling, at minimal cost to the ratepayer and even less to the environment, and at the same time adopting responsible policies for our town.

What did we do instead?

Found an environmentally unfriendly and costly solution enforced by legislation...

I have just received my monthly municipal account for a vacant erf in Plett. It increased by no less than R2,622 without any clue on the account as to what I am paying for, nor any prior notification. Apparently it was advertised in line with the relevant regulations.

When I called the municipality to try find out what the charge is for, the lady

explained it as a “one klap” upfront payment for the entire year (July 2014-July 2015) and gave me the peace of mind (for which I gave her a piece of my mind) that municipal employees have to pay the same charges as us.

This immediately flooded my mind with images of Baldrich in the never-ending reruns of BBC’s Dncemcffgt, and the kind of inane utterances for which he is notorious. But I digress.

It turns out that we are charged for the availability of refuse collection at vacant stands, and it was explained that Bitou bought two new trucks and costs for our new refuse disposal solution were mounting...

Even more impressive than that remark was the proud moment when she produced a letter written after the event, to explain the milking, but which sadly never saw the light of day in time for publication and distribution before the well-conceived, and I quote, ‘Revenue Enhancement’.

But wait, it gets better. I scanned the letter and underlined key words like ‘Customer Care’, ‘Revenue Enhancement’… based on the cost of providing and managing (miraculously, but inexplicably, this word or its derivative ‘management’ appear no less than four times in the letter) this service.

So the solution is not to find ways to become more efficient (e.g. a strong drive to inform people about recycling, thus reducing waste and costs, etc.), but simply to use regulations as an excuse to milk the ratepayer a little harder.

It’s easier that way because bureaucracy is on Bitou’s side, and it requires little effort. Sadly it’s not a very good marketing tool for Plett.

Anyone want to buy a vacant stand with a marginal sea view? Going cheap - really!

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Formosa Garden Village resident Paula McLachlan, winner in our recent Hill’s Pet competition, sent this news once her prize of a giant pillow had arrived

SKY’S OFF LIMITS... Paula’s rescue dog, Scruffy, decided that she’ll fight her other ‘puppy’, a Great Dane called Sky, tooth and nail for pride of place on that awesome pillow

I was away for a few days last month, so imagine my amazement when I discovered that a huge box had been delivered to the reception here at Formosa Garden Village.

I could not think what it could be, but all gathered around and we opened it up to find my marvellous Hill’s Pet pillow prize.

Well Sky, my Great Dane, was very taken with it but my old rescue dog decided that it was for her. Anyway, it is very popular and appreciated and they send a big thank you to CXPRESS and Hill’s Pet for this newfound luxury.

Scruffy loves being out all day on the farm with

my son and then both she and Sky jog with him in the evenings. She is nearly 13 years old and I have had her good company for more than a decade.

Apologies for my basic entry - and I feel sorry for the kitties and dogs that missed out on this prize!

Maybe you will feel better about my win if you knew that I have been an enthusiastic member of PAWS since we came to live in Plett 26 years ago, and have given a home to many rescue dogs in that time. I am sure Di Butlin will vouch for me.

Best wishes and a warm thank you from me, too.

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CXPRESS

Sport & Adventure

24 September 2014

Dark adventure tales shared after excellent Pennypinchers night run

CHASING THE NIGHT TITLE: Victor Gugushe, above, looks the part in his pursuit of victory; left, last year’s Otter Run winner Andrew van Blommestein ain’t scared of the dark; at right, Plett Athletics Club stalwart Andrew Damp shows a thumbs up Photos: Glenn Murray Photography

T

HE weather gods were once again on the side of the Pennypinchers Team as they organised the second running of the Pennypinchers Adventure Nights Harkerville Trail Run on Saturday September 13.

“A cool morning made marking the route a real pleasure and we were delighted to see the fantastic condition of the SANParks trail and forest tracks that the brave and adventurous runners would traverse after the sunset,” says Pennypinchers Adventure Racing Team captain James Stewart.

With the Harkerville Forestry Station as start and finish venue, 61 runners were briefed on running at night.

“Follow the 230 luminous Pennypinchers markers and come back safely to join us around the fire and share this wonderful experience,” enticed James.

Each runner carrying a

short list of compulsory kit and a head torch, they headed into the night on pitch black forest tracks.

“The men’s race was always going to be a two-horse affair between local talents Victor Gugushe and Melikhaya Msizi, both in the final phases of training for the Retto on September 22,” says James.

But finally it was Msizi who won the dice in a time of 1:08, with Victor trailing by under a minute. Plett born and bred Kei Heyns - who ran his first trail run a year ago at this event - impressively finished in third place.

The ladies race was an unknown affair at the start line, but it was Nancy Cloete who took line honours in 1:33, with the runners up battled out in a sprint finish seeing Shelly de Villiers piping Veruska Freebury into third.

After the last group was brought home by now “legendary sweep” Andy Cox in

a time of 2:35, all runners gathered around the fires in the lapa for prize giving and the kind of storytelling that invariably follows an event where competitors had great adventures and piles of fun.

James gave “huge thanks” to SANParks, Earth Scout, GU, Glenn Murray Photography, Running Wild SA, Yellow Wood Spur, Off the Hook, Plett Beach Front Accommodation and Aromaflex for ensuring the event’s success.

UVQR"RTGUU# Major congrats are due to Victor Gugushe, who was the first local runner home when finishing Monday’s Retto Run in sixth place, breaking the five-hour mark comfortably in a time of 04:54:42. Knysna runner Melikhaya Msizi finished 11th despite a twisted ankle... respect! Iain DonWauchope’s winning time was 04:21:30 - visit www.the otter.co.za for full results.

Dragons rake in swimming medals

These four Knysna Dragons swimmers - from left are Alex Leiar (1 Gold, 4 Silver, 2 Bronze), Thomas Ferguson (9 Gold, 3 Silver), Aimee Canny (8 Gold) and Daniel Wigley (1 Gold, 1 Bronze) - took 29 medals between them during the SWDA Short Course Champs held in George on September 12 and 13. Says Liza Wigley, who shared this picture with us: ‘We are a small club and coach Grant Ferguson is extremely proud of all of them!’ Email wigley@telkomsa.net for additional information.