25 november 2015 by CXpress

25 November 2015

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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Photo: Ewald Stander

Ragers pull in! p3

Abduction attempt p4

Speak out! Today marks the start of SA’s 16 Days of Activism on No Violence against Women and Children, this year’s campaign themed ‘Count Me In: Together Moving A NonViolent South Africa Forward’. In the photo, local anti-child abuse spokesperson Yvette Wilschut, centre, removes tape from her mouth to demonstrate that Plett will never cease to speak up against abuse. Concerned residents will be participating in several initiatives this month, including a child protection march on November 28 and 16 Days activities until the campaign concludes on December 10. Read more on page 4.

On procrastination p8

Pray for our teachers p15

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

25 November 2015

Legal Alien: Recollections of the Bolhuis family’s immigration to SA - Part II

My pilgrimage to the Netherlands to discover our family’s roots Plett resident and part-time CXPRESS columnist HENK BOLHUIS continues the account of how his clan came to settle in South Africa - turn to page 2 of the November 18 edition at www. cxpress.co.za for the story so far FTER having received during the late 1980s, out of the blue, an envelope with the abridged records of the Bolhuis family’s genealogy and an old map that showed the homestead ‘Het Bolhuis’, I decided to embark on a pilgrimage to the Netherlands during the spring of 1993 to “discover my roots”.

Hence, on Saturday May 31, 2003 - with the 1867 map on my lap - friends took me by car to Wirdum in the Province of Groningen where, according to my map, somewhere in the area, all those hundreds of years ago, the Bolhuis family had once lived. On a narrow country road barely wide enough for a

car, we stopped and disembarked; in the meadows before us I noticed a herd of grazing Lakenvelders unique black cows with a conspicuous white band around the middle. Here and there in the distance we could see some small farm buildings, and I remember saying to Harry and Roelie, my friends: “Well, that’s it - somewhere around here my descendants once lived and farmed; thank you for bringing me to this place. Now let’s go and get some coffee.” As I turned around to walk back to the car I noticed, about 100 metres away, a T-junction with a street sign post and walked across wanting to take a picture as a memento. Approaching the street sign, I came to an abrupt halt when I read the name: Bolhuislaan. I could not believe my eyes. Here was physical evidence that we were actually on the right spot near to where the Bolhuis farm must have been all those years ago. I turned to Harry and said: “Forget the coffee for now, I want to walk up that little lane and see what’s there!” And so, the three of us walked a few hundred metres along this narrow farm road until we saw, on our left side, an old farm building hidden partly by trees and bushes. Then, the most amazing miracle took place: as I looked at the entrance to the farm house, flanked on both sides with stone pillars, I noticed that the pillar on the right had a sign with the word ‘HUIS’. The one on the left was completely covered with a bush, but with great excitement in my heart, knowing what I would find, I went over and pushed the branches to one side and was able to read the sign that said ‘BOL’. I had actually discovered Het Bolhuis, the old family farm. To cut a long story short, we then entered the premises where we met with the present day owners, Harry and Marie Klykert (not family), who confirmed the past of the place. The history of the original manor house goes back to a

man by the name of Eppo to Equart, who was probably the first one to build or live on the farm (±1450 AD); records reveal that most of the original building was destroyed, probably more than once. But the remaining structure was finally rebuilt during 1844 and is as such still standing today. What makes the house and the name Het Bolhuis rather unique is that the structure has been built upon an artificial hill (bol) to prevent the house from flooding during the severe winter storms when the sea would regularly flood the low-lying countryside. (It was only years later that dikes were constructed for flood control.) However, finding the original Bolhuis farmhouse was not the only surprise I had on that last day of May in 2003. After visiting with the Klykerts for more than an hour and enjoying Dutch coffee and homemade cake, we left and drove to the oldest church in the nearby city of Groningen, the Martini Kerk originally built in the 13th century. The famous present-day church tower dates back to 1469, as the original tower built in the 11th century had

been destroyed by a fire and was subsequently rebuilt. There, inside the nave, we discovered a number of large stained glass windows portraying the family crests of the 18 Governors of the Province of Groningen, including the crest of the Bolhuis family. Now, more than ever, I understood how hard it must have been for my father to leave that kind of family history behind and to cut all ties and move permanently to a completely foreign country. --Back to the emigration story: In the meantime, during those lean years after WWII, time had moved on and I had finished primary and high school and had subsequently met, aged 14, the love of my life who was to later become my wife. After my school days, in 1957, I enlisted in the Royal Dutch Air Force, and I remember that the idea and rumours of a possible emigration were still floating around the house whenever I came home on leave. At one point in time, my father had actually placed our name on a waiting list for emigration to Australia, but because of that country’s strict quota system, it never materialised.

WHERE THE STREET HAS YOUR NAME: Great was my surprise to find the lane I wasn’t really even looking for

MEETING HARRY AND MARIE: Yours truly, at left, in discussion with the Klykerts notice Harry’s wooden clogs

STEP RIGHT UP: The entrance to ‘Het Bolhuis’, above, and the restored Bolhuis farm, below

Then, one evening when I happened to be at home on long leave, two gentlemen representing the Nederland Zuid Afrika Stichting (Dutch South Africa Association) came to visit. They talked for hours to my father and a neighbour - my father’s best friend - about all the wonderful opportunities available for Dutch emigrants to South Africa. Mr van Wingerden - one of the two men, both of them emigrants from the Netherlands living in Pretoria - then proceeded, with the aid of a slide projector, to show us the wonders of their new adopted country. Seeing those beautiful pictures and hearing of the success stories of our countrymen who had gone to South Africa to start a new life obviously stirred something in all of us sitting in our living room that evening. And so, over the course of 1958 the idea to emigrate to the Union of South Africa really took hold of my parents and eventually an application was made to the responsible authorities. Some other family members, an uncle and his wife, had heard of my parents’ plans and subsequently decided to join us. (Six months later more family from my dad’s side as well as our neighbours decided to follow us and also emigrated.) Because I had signed a long-term contract with the Dutch Royal Air Force and was at that point in time still a minor, my father needed to obtain special authorisation from the Dutch Ministry of Defence to release me from my contract. This, however, was not the only hurdle I personally faced - by this time I had become engaged and my fiancée wanted to come to South Africa with me, so I first had to get her parents’ approval and permission. After many emotional conversations and tears, her parents finally gave in and allowed her to join us. However, to complicate matters, just a few weeks before our departure date my fiancée’s father became seriously ill and sadly passed away during December 1958. To be continued…

NEWS & VIEWS

25 November 2015

CXPRESS

Let the party begin… but ragers urged not to lose their heads when letting their hair down While thousands of matrics are getting ready to let their hair down and celebrate the end of their school careers, behind the scenes of South Africa’s biggest student festival organisers and other role-players are working around the clock to ensure yet another successful event - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports UST days ahead of the 13th Plett Rage festival, most boxes have been ticked - a packed line-up has been finalised, a security plan is in place, restaurants and businesses are stocked up and bracing, and accommodation establishments are bursting at the seams. Come Friday, about 15,000 students are expected to descend on the usually tranquil town not only to enjoy what Plett has to offer but also to get a front row seat to performances of some of SA’s biggest names in the music industry. This year’s line-up includes 21 acts, up from last year’s 14, and will showcase some of the country’s top artists and DJs who will all perform at the main festival venue at VIP Super Club in the town’s industrial area. Among these artist are Goldfish, Desmond and The Tutus, Matthew Mole, Pascal and Pearce, Die Heuwels Fantasties, Jack Parow, and PHFat. For the

first time an international act - a DJ from the Netherlands called Michael Williams - will be performing. An extensive plan is in place to ensure that everything runs smoothly and young festivalgoers are safe. Festival security coordinator and chairman of the Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association Bruce Richardson said Plett by comparative standards was a safe environment with very low levels of violent crime. He added, however, that there were always those who might seek to take advantage of young people “who are letting their hair down after the stress inherent in writing examinations and are consequently not necessarily as security conscious as they would be under normal circumstances”. “Taking care of a very large number of such persons presents a significant challenge and we understand the necessity of rising to meet that challenge,”

Richardson said. He added a major advantage that Plett had in facilitating security arrangements was the “exceptional working relationship and level of cooperation” between the various policing and security components. Richardson said to achieve the best possible outcome they adopted a “multi-layered approach” involving cooperation between local police, Bitou law enforcement, the local traffic department, Medlife paramedic services, a qualified security company from Cape Town, as well as local security companies and neighbourhood watch volunteers. A dedicated Plett Rage transport system has also been implemented through the local taxi associations, with drivers and vehicles undergoing strict safety checks monitored by the local traffic department. Police spokesman Lieutenant Marlene Pieterse said teenagers were urged to take

Beer truck tips a fortnight too soon…

Friday November 13 was a lucky one for a bunch of Bitou locals when free beers were dished out at the N2 traffic circle at Plett Shell service station. But seriously: at around 11pm that night, CXPRESS received reports of a large truck hauling beer having overturned at the roundabout. Soon afterwards, crowds of looters were on the scene helping themselves to the discarded crates of brew but by the next morning, Bitou support and security forces had the scene cleared once more. Sorry for you, Ragers, chances are slight that this freebie should reoccur in the next 10 days so you’ll simply have to pay your own way.

safety precautions to ensure an incident-free festival. She said some of the main precautions youngsters should implement was not to have bags, cellphones, briefcases or other valuables visible in their vehicles. “Never open your vehicle window or door for any

strangers,” Pieterse said. She added festinos should avoid isolated ATMs or using ATMs late at night. She further added that youngsters should not be drinking on the beach, or swim or walk alone. “Do not leave your belongings unsupervised, especial-

ly on the beach. Don’t drink and drive, and say no to drugs and substance abuse.” Pieterse said she also advised youngsters to walk in well-lit busy streets in a group where possible, and not to leave a party or social event with someone they did not know or have just met.

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

25 November 2015

Grade 4 girls only unscathed because ‘16 Days of Activism’ kicks off today they fought would-be abductors T T Yolandé Stander

HE Plettenberg Bay community is outraged after an alleged abduction attempt of two young girls in broad daylight. The two girls aged 11 and 12, and both learners at the Phakamisani Primary School in KwaNokuthula, were walking from their home in Bossiesgif to a bus stop in the industrial area at 7am when a vehicle

stopped next to them. Police spokesman Lieutenant Marlene Pieterse said they were in Theron Street when they noticed the white Chevrolet vehicle with five occupants, one allegedly wearing a mask. At least two of the occupants allegedly grabbed the Grade 4 girls and attempted to force them into the vehicle.

The abduction was, however, foiled when the children fought back and started running away. Pieterse said one of occupants, a woman, then tried to convince the children to get into the vehicle. “They refused and quickly got onto the bus waiting to take them to school,” Pieterse said. She added the matter was later reported to police and that they were now investigating two cases of attempted abduction. Pieterse said that no arrests had been made. Local anti-child abuse group Green Hearts spokes-

man Yvette Wilschut said she was horrified that there were “people out there” attempting to abduct children “in broad daylight”. “We need to protect our children and we need all the help we can get. Everyone must get involved.” Women and Men Against Child Abuse spokesman Joanne Barrett added: “We and the community are totally outraged with what is happening in Plett. We are relieved that the children are both fine, but the crimes of sexual assault, rape, and now abduction is becom-ing an epidemic,”

No fuss about refuelling

John Larter shared this photo on November 10 and wrote: ‘After an absence of at least five years, a fuel delivery truck recently arrived at Plett Airport to fill the tanks that were installed a year ago. The first delivery was Avgas and the next will be JetA1 so by all accounts, aviators arriving and departing from Plett over the season should have no problem in replenishing their tanks, with no need to fly to George for this purpose.’ Hear-hear and three cheers to that!

HE 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children is an international awareness-raising campaign held annually from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to December 10 (International Human Rights Day). The period includes Universal Children’s Day and World Aids Day. South Africa adopted the campaign in 1998 as one of the intervention strategies towards creating a society free of violence, and it continues to raise awareness among South Africans about the negative impact of violence against women and children (VAW&C) on all members of the community. Objectives include attracting all South Africans to be active participants in the fight to eradicate VAW&C, and to expand accountability beyond the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster to include all government spheres and provinces. It also aims to combine technology, social media, the arts, journalism, religion, culture and customs, business and activism to draw attention to the many ways VAW&C affects the lives of all people in all communities around the world. Finally, it wants to encourage society to acknowledge that this type of violence is NOT a government or criminal justice system problem, but a societal problem, and that failure to view it as such results in all efforts failing to eradicate this scourge. The solution lies with all of us. --Bitou mayor Memory Booysen launches the local 16 Days of Activism campaign in Qolweni/

Bossiesgif today. In a press statement earlier this week, he remembered with sadness that, during the 2014 campaign, eight-year-old Sesona Bayibhile was brutally raped and killed. The first anniversary of Sesona’s death will be commemorated on December 7 to coincide with the date her body was discovered. Booysen was “humbled” by her family’s invitation to a wreath-laying ceremony and the unveiling of a memorial bench at Poortjies on that day, as part of Bitou’s 16 Days campaign. The statement continues: “Another brutal rape and murder occurred on October 23, in the lead up to this year’s campaign, when 59-year-old Qolweni/Bossiesgif resident Lenie Booysen was raped and killed after attending the Golden Games for senior citizens hosted by Bitou. “What started as a day to celebrate older persons, ended up in tragedy. Mayor Booysen attended the funeral of the late Lenie Booysen where, in addressing the bereaved, he bemoaned the senseless killing of women in general and older persons in particular. He also called on communities to be more vigilant in addressing the horror of violence against women and children. “Unlike the case of the late Sesona, where a suspect was quickly identified, apprehended and recently convicted, no suspect has as yet been identified in the latter case. For all other families, who have lost a loved one to violence against women, we share your pain. “It is some consolation that the Bayibhile family knows Sesona’s murderer was convicted and sentenced to 21 years recently. Yet even this conviction will never bring back Sesona to her family.” Mayor Booysen will be attending various other activities during the campaign, including World Aids Day on December 1 and the activities for older persons from December 8-10, and will also be part of the closing event. Please wear a white ribbon between November 25 and December 10 to indicate your support of the 16 Days campaign, and contact Bitou’s communications officer on 044 501 3024 or email MvanRooy en@plett.gov.za or call the Gender Desk on 044 501 3135 for more information. • Readers who are experiencing problems as a result of abuse and violence are encouraged to contact Famsa’s Knysna office on 044 382 5129 or Famsa Plett on 044 533 0515.

NEWS & VIEWS

25 November 2015

CXPRESS

International rangers join forces to preserve our feathered treasures LAURENCE & CLAIRE PARKMAN introduce three researchers from three far-flung corners of the planet who are assisted by local conservationists to protect endangered Bitou birdlife F you walk along Bitou beaches on any given day this festive season, you are likely to encounter a united nations of researchers whose sole aim is to study and protect the birdlife along our coast. Selena Flores from the USA heads a team of committed researchers, recruited by Nature’s Valley Trust, who are studying our beach birdlife in an attempt to produce a harmonious environment to ensure species survival while accommodating increasing human intrusion. Global studies have shown that once nature’s balance is disturbed and species are eradicated, the wildlife equilibrium of a beach can be irretrievably lost. Nature’s Valley Trust is the primary host of this programme, supported by CapeNature, Birdlife Plettenberg Bay, the Table Mountain Fund and business sponsor Lancewood - a coalition determined to protect birdlife on local beaches for generations to come. Trust director Dr Mark Brown highlights the present plight of the Whitefronted Plover as typical of the challenges experienced: “Preliminary research suggests the breeding success in this species is very low, with human and dog disturbance probably being two of the main causes.” So what can you do as an individual? The simple message is that our beaches can be enjoyed by all, but it is essential that human and dog activity does not occur on any section of the vegetated dunes, as this is where the birds breed. So make yourself part of the solution, support the researchers in their endeavours, adhere to signage instructions and report destructive activity to CapeNature on 044 533 2125.

Meet the team Selena Flores is running the Shorebird Research Project for her MSc with the Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology at UCT, and in conjunction locally with Nature’s Valley Trust. Selena has a varied career in biological science, with involvement ranging from wild bird care to natural history museums, and with bird conservation and research projects during the three years since her arrival in South Africa. She started monitoring beach-nesting birds in 2011, with the Snowy Plover and Least Tern species recovery plans in California. Calling upon her experience with a successful coastal conservation programme, Selena is now conducting research examining effects of human activity on breeding Whitefronted Plovers along our high-tourism coastline. Craig Midgley has a Master of Science degree in Fisheries Science from Rhodes University, and has spent the last year working at the SA Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) in Table View, Cape Town, rehabilitating African Penguins and other seabirds. Craig has a passion for the coastal and marine environment and their associated wildlife, which is why he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to develop shorebird conservation research skills with Nature’s Valley Trust’s shorebird research. He hopes his participation will broaden his experience in conservation and allow him to further pursue a career involving fisheries and/ or ornithology. Twan Slagter is a student at Van Hall-Larenstein University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands, and joins NVT for a five-

month internship as part of a course in Coastal and Marine Management. Twan has always had a passion for nature and wanted to help conserve it. South Africa seemed like a great place for this, and since Twan also enjoys being on the beach, this internship looked like the perfect way to combine his interests.

TAKE NOTE: From left, Twan, Selena and Craig at one of Plett’s informative beach sign boards

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

25 November 2015

NO LAUGHING OUT LOUD MATTER...

LOL generation frowns deepest upon bad grammar T’S the LOL-generation that appears most annoyed by bad grammar and spelling slips, according to a recent survey by Dictionary.com. The site found in an online Harris Poll that 80% of American adults aged 18 and older consider themselves good spellers... but they may be overestimating their abilities. The survey of 2,052 people showed 71% responded that they often find spelling mistakes in correspondence from others. Among respondents aged 18 to 34, 74% said they were irked by such slips on social media - more than any other age group. “While we’d assume they’d be accustomed to seeing and using abbrevi-

ated speech and lingo because they are a tech-savvy generation, we actually found that they have much higher standards,” said Liz McMillan, the site’s chief executive, from the company’s headquarters in Oakland, California. “The poll was a great way to get a sense for how people really feel about the way we communicate, whether through speech, social media posts or even signs and restaurant menus,” she said. Across all age groups, 59% said improper grammar is their biggest beef when it comes to the English language. Women notice grammar and spelling mistakes more than men, with 75% saying they often find errors in the

writing of others - that’s compared to 66% of men who spot errors, according to the survey. Specifically what is the biggest peeve? Typos on restaurant menus, store signs and ads, said 59% of respondents. Misspellings of ‘February’ and ‘definitely’ were singled out by 38% and 31% respectively as most vexing when respondents were presented with a list of word candidates, while 30% said the ‘i before e except after c’ rule - as violated in ‘receive’ - bothered them the most. But THE most irksome set of oft-confused words, at least to 46% of the survey’s respondents, was an old standard: their, they’re and there.

Here they are... the clever cream of Wittedrift High’s crop!

These Grade 8-12 learners performed exceptionally well during the year and received academic honours at the school’s recent prize-giving ceremony. With their averages ranging from 75% to an astounding 92%, some of these hard workers surprised even themselves. ‘Being the top achiever in Grade 12 was already a great honour, but when I was also chosen as the DUX learner for 2015, it really came as a big surprise,’ said Caitlin Olsen (in the third row, second from right), whose academic average stands at an impressive 83.4%. Mr Jeremy Marallich, the principal of this talented school, was first to congratulate the top achievers. ‘You make our school proud. Keep on excelling,’ he said.

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PROMOTION

25 November 2015

CXPRESS

BUSINESS

25 November 2015

Is procrastinating costing you money? OT getting around to sorting out your finances can cost you in the long run, so it’s time to review your unhealthy delay tactics and get on top of your finances. “Procrastination is when someone puts off tasks they think are unpleasant until the last possible minute,” reminds Eunice Sibiya, Head of Consumer Education at FNB. “While sometimes put-

ting off completing tasks in your everyday life is not a big deal, you shouldn’t take that attitude with your finances as it can not only cost you money in the short term but, worse, in the long term you may find yourself without any savings or with a bad credit record.” These are common ways that procrastinating can be detrimental to your finances: Always paying bills late

Do you tend to put off paying your bills until the very last day, or even after they are due? “Unfortunately service providers will not let you get away with paying bills late,” says Sibiya. “There is either interest that accrues from the day that it is late, a late payment fee and in some cases the service provider will simply stop the service.” Not paying your bills has a more serious consequence than penalty fees. Unpaid or even late bills will reflect at the credit bureau, making it difficult to apply for credit. “There is really no excuse to pay bills late nowadays

Investor Focus

with all the digital platforms that banks provide,” says Sibiya. “With cellphone and online banking or an app, there is no need to delay paying bills or use the excuse that you don’t have the time.” Not having a budget “One of the reasons why you may not be tackling your finances could be because you don’t want to face the truth about what you are actually spending every month,” says Sibiya. If you haven’t done so by now, it is vital that you draw up a budget by simply writing down money that comes in every month, versus money that goes out.

“Budgeting can help you save money as it quickly highlights bad spending habits,” says Sibiya. “This is the first port of call in getting your finances under control, which will help you manage your money and track expenses.” Filing your tax return Not filing your tax return on time comes with a price and penalties. Make sure that you give yourself plenty of time to collect all the documentation you need, such as IRP5s from previous employers, tax certificates from medical aids, investments and RAs. Putting off saving Procrastinating over sav-

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

Here’s what’s up with the markets

N D E R S TA N D I N G markets in the present climate is particularly difficult, but let’s start with the JSE/All share Index that most people watch. There are three distinct elements that currently comprise this instrument, the first being the commodity component that three years ago made up almost 30% of the index (it currently makes up ±15%). This sector is in the grips of a vicious bear market as it has been for the last three years and could well continue in a downward path until commodity prices stabilise at or near to their cost of production - clearly a sector to avoid until the dust settles.

ings will really cost you in the future. “Most people don’t realise that by putting off saving they are essentially taking money from their future selves,” says Sibiya. “So the money you are spending on unnecessary items now, such as entertainment or clothing, is money that your future self could be using towards something that will make a real difference to your life - such as a deposit for a house, your children’s school fees or even living comfortably in retirement.” It doesn’t matter how little you are saving, as long as you are putting something away right now as a start. This is one financial discipline that can’t be put off indefinitely.

Then there is that sector that represents South Africa Inc., i.e. the banks, insurance companies, and most of the retailers. Here again there is a value divergence. Food, clothing and general retailers, while showing average growth are expensively priced. P/E ratios above 20 with low dividend yields are still prevalent. The banking and insurance sector, however, is starting to reflect very good value. The financials are defensive stocks in a slow or declining economy. They currently offer dividend yields of ±5% with P/E ratios at or very near to 10. Finally, there are the in-

dustrials - the real current favourites. Ironically, few

of them have anything to do with the South African economy. You have Naspers in China, SA Breweries and British American Tobacco, both of which are global companies. Richemont the specialist retailer is global with a Chinese focus, and MTN is an African play. The shares of these companies are traded globally and are obviously very sound Rand hedge stocks. Their impressive performance over the last 18 months has been almost entirely Rand-driven. So don’t rely on the JSE All Share Index as an investment tool; you have to look through the index to better understand the market. Then we must look at the current global market drivers. These are nearly all emanating from Central Banks or changes in Government economic policies. The world waits with bated breath for the Feds interest rate announcements.

Then we have the changes in China’s growth policies, Japan watching to see what Abe will do next. Now we have the tragic events in France. These market drivers are often referred to as “market noise”. Does a quarter of one percent rise in American interest rates really affect the value of shares in South Africa? Clearly it does not. It may affect the price of the shares (for a day or two!) but certainly not the value. So the message in the current climate is to look for value and ignore the noise (but this is easier said than done). Watch those P/E ratios and dividend yields, look at the business you are buying into, and have lots of patience. Now is the time that many poor investors are influenced by the global and local negative news and dump their shares at the bottom. Malcolm has been in the investment industry for over 40 years. He has written this column in CXPRESS for the last 17 years and is a specialist in managing retired wealth.

PROMOTION

25 November 2015

CXPRESS

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INTERVAL

25 November 2015

If I make you breakfast in bed, a simple “Thank you!” is all I need - not all of this “How did you get into my house?!” business...

Insights on Oreo cookies... P S YC H O L O G I S T S have discovered that the manner in which people eat Oreo cookies provides great insight into their personalities. Choose which method best describes your favourite method of eating Oreos: 1. The whole thing all at once. 2. One bite at a time. 3. Slow and methodical nibbles, examining the results of each bite afterwards. 4. In little feverous nibbles. 5. Dunked in some liquid (milk, coffee). 6. Twisted apart, the inside, then the cookie. 7. Twisted apart, the inside, and toss the cookie. 8. Just the cookie, not the inside. 9. Just lick them, not eat them. 10. You don’t have a favourite way because you don’t like Oreos. Your personality: 1. The whole thing: This means you consume life with abandon, you are fun to be with, exciting, carefree with some hint of reck-

lessness. You are totally irresponsible. No one should trust you with their kids. 2. One bite at a time: You are lucky to be one of the 5.4 billion people who eat their Oreos this very same way. Just like them you lack imagination, but that’s okay, not to worry, you’re normal. 3. Slow and methodical: You follow the rules. You’re very tidy and orderly. You’re very meticulous in every detail with everything you do to the point of being anal retentive and irritating to others. Stay out of the fast lane if you’re only going to go the speed limit. 4. Feverous nibbles: Your boss likes you because you get your work done quickly. You always have a million things to do and never enough time to do them. Mental breakdowns run in your family. Valium and Ritalin would do you good. 5. Dunked: Everyone likes you because you are always up beat. You like to sugar coat unpleasant experienc-

es and rationalise bad situations into good ones. You are in total denial about the shambles you call a life. You have a propensity towards narcotic addiction. 6. Twisted apart, the inside, and then the cookie: You have a highly curious nature. You take pleasure in breaking things apart to find out how they work, though not always able to put them back together, so you destroy all the evidence of your activities. You deny your involvement when things go wrong. You are a compulsive liar and exhibit deviant, if not criminal, behaviour. 7. Twisted apart, the inside, and then toss the cookie: You are good at business and take risks that pay off. You take what you want and throw the rest away. You are greedy, selfish, mean, and lack feelings for others. You should be ashamed of yourself. But

that’s ok, you don’t care, you’ve got your life. 8. Just the cookie, not the inside: You enjoy pain. 9. You just like to lick them, not eat them: Stay away from small furry animals and seek professional medical help, immediately. 10. You don’t have a favourite way, you don’t like Oreos: You probably come from a rich family, and like to wear nice things, and go to upscale restaurants. You are particular and fussy about the things you buy, own, and wear. Things have to be just right. You like to be pampered. You are a prissy.

Comparing notes WO little kids are in a hospital, lying on stretchers next to each other outside the operating room. The first kid leans over and asks: “What are you in here for?” The second kid says: “I’m in here to get my tonsils out and I’m a little nervous.” The first kid says: “You’ve got nothing to worry about. I had that done when I was

four. They put you to sleep, and when you wake up they give you lots of jelly and ice cream. It’s a breeze.” The second kid then asks: “What are you here for?” The first kid replies: “A circumcision.” “Whoa!” the second kid says. “Good luck, buddy. I had that done when I was born. Couldn’t walk for a year.”

Donations from the heart driver is stuck in a traffic jam on a very busy highway outside a very big city. Nothing is moving. Suddenly, a man knocks on the window. The driver rolls down the window and asks: “What on earth is going on?” “Terrorists have kidnapped our president

and they’re asking for a R10,000,000 ransom, otherwise they are going to douse him in petrol and set him on fire. We are going from car to car, collecting donations.” “How much is everyone giving, on an average?” the driver asks. The man replies: “Roughly three litres.”

All my life I thought air was free... until I bought a bag of chips.

Witness protection programme - day #73

SOCIAL SCENE

25 November 2015

CXPRESS

BIO BOFFIN IN KNYSNA NEXT WEEK: Biomimicry expert from the US Dr Dayna Baumeister is doing a presentation on the topic at Knysna Hollow Country House on November 29 at 6pm. Biomimicry is helping innovation leaders solve human problems with the brilliance of nature’s design. Sue Swain, Executive Director of BioWise in Knysna, said this is a major coup for the area. ‘In her role as biologist at the Design Table, Baumeister has helped more than 100 companies consult the natural world for elegant and sustainable design solutions, including Nike, Boeing, and Procter & Gamble. She is an inspiration. A natural systems thinker, she brings a unique perspective to her work to help others see nature as model, measure, and mentor.’ Tickets cost R100 and Swain said space is limited. ‘I advise those interested to buy your tickets ASAP. The presentation will be 30 minutes long and there will be a question period afterwards. Snacks will also be served and a cash bar will be available. Contact Cherie Bester at cherie@biowise.org.za or on 083 259 2685 for details.

MYSCHOOL’S COOLEST: Local MySchool Ambassadors received awards for their various achievements from July 2014 to June 2015 for the Garden Route Region. Above are, from left, Dr Mark Brown of Nature’s Valley Trust, acknowledged for being the Social Media King; Plett Primary’s Taryn Antunes for being the Top School Organiser; Lyndall Hill of Greenwood Primary for being the Good News Guru and Colette Goedhals of Footsteps in Plett for being the SO Player of the Year. Way to go, team! Also see p5 for more on Doc Mark, and the Plett Primary block on p6 for news of Friday night’s Carols and Christmas market at the school.

People, places & events PROFITABLE AND PLEASURABLE: Glorious sunshine illuminating the 13th Leisure Isle Festival in Knysna on November 7 & 8 was the cherry on top of festivities that raised R215,000 - a 15% increase on last year’s takings. Appreciative beneficiaries include Hospice, ePap, KAWS, Steenbok Nature Reserve, Vermont Old Age Home and Hands & Hearts Skills Development Centre. Head organiser Roger Voysey said that an equally important aspect to raising money for the charities ‘is the fact that the festival generated economic activity of R700,000 for the Knysna coffers’. He expressed gratitude to all who supported this annual venture and gave special thanks to Sotheby’s for continuously sponsoring the event over 13 years. The carnival-like atmosphere was appreciated by young and old and by the closing on Sunday at 2pm, most of the food stalls had sold out all their delicious treats. Clockwise from left are Roy Taylor, Baden Hall and Monroelookalike Cathy van Rensburg; ceramicist Dave Wells; Jess and Oliver Knill, at left and centre above, and their buddies getting into the Christmas spirit; and Emzini’s Leah Mbondo. - Gigi Lewis

AMAKHOSI IN BITOU: The Kaizer Chiefs supporters club launched its Plett branch on November 14, and apart from welcoming visiting Amakhosi brethren from as far afield as Cape Town, the organisers selected an Executive Committee before embarking on an afternoon of entertainment by local talent at KwaNokuthula Community Hall. New club chairman Lusanda Siko will be supported by deputy chair Sindile Mdlalani, secretary Seb Koyo, deputy secretary Linda Jack, treasurer Malungisa Skizo Majamani, organiser Anela Taka-Zaah Jojo Memani, and marketing officer Bonakele Ngida Scott. Additional members are veteran manager Sebenzile Kholwaphi, condolence officer Bathini Mqithi Khakakhaka, youth champion Sinalo Krabie, disciplinary officers Mpumelelo Magingxa, Fundiswa Fatuse, Lunga Scorpion Hlengiwe and Thembinkosi, and social responsibility officers Mxolisi, Nominkie Jacobs, Isaac Macote and Whitey Makoya Mlindazwe. Contact Anela on 062 252 5047 or at anelamemani@gmail.com for more information. TOTAL DELIGHT AT LONGAWAITED REOPENING: Plett reader Mandy McNicol sent this pic and wrote: ‘I don’t think there has ever been SO much excitement regarding a garage reopening. Our boys at the Builders Box (opposite BI Total garage) have been watching the renovations with much anticipation and dear Torkie Torks was one of the first to fill up AND get a puncture fixed. We have missed the action and the awesome friendly staff - welcome back, Robbie and team!’

CXPRESS

ENTERTAINMENT

25 November 2015

Jill Kirkland joins forces with Plett’s united choirs for an evening of early Christmas cheer HE choral evening Canticles by Candlelight is the inspiration of Jill Kirkland, who has worked tirelessly to bring all the diverse elements together to create a smashing early Christmas celebration at Ouland Royale on Saturday December 5. Says Lady Annabelle Conyngham on behalf of beneficiaries The PlettAid Foundation/Hospice Plett: “We hope for a still, clear summer’s evening so that we can enjoy canapés on the wide veranda with its sweeping views across our magnificent bay. A glass of wine from Lodestone Estate in The Crags will complement the food. “Canticles by Candlelight should ensure a magical

start to your festive season, with the voices of the choir filling the barn and soaring to the rafters, accompanied by Jill on the Welmar piano.” She adds that the PlettAid/Hospice board are most grateful to Wilja Reitz of Ouland, and to Jon and Ingrid Tonkin of Lodestone Wines for their invaluable sponsorship. “We wish to record our appreciation of Jill and choir conductor Robyn Brouckaert together with the choral participants and narrator David Hall-Green for the tremendous effort they have put into this most special, festive per-

formance,” says Annabelle. “The combined choirs of Plett’s Anglican, Catholic, Dutch Reformed and Methodist Churches have been rehearsing up a storm in preparation for this night of song and Christmas cheer, which will culminate in a candlelit finale. We look forward to welcoming you all.” Doors open at 6:30pm, gates of Ouland Royale close at 7:45pm and the concert will start at 8pm sharp. Buy tickets at R150 from Barnie Barnard at The Market Square information centre or phone 044 533 3219. For guests unable to pur-

chase tickets from The Market Square, payment can be made to the Plett Aid account (The PlettAid Foundation, FNB Plettenberg Bay branch 210514, Acc 620 480 950 63, reference: Canticles). Pleaseemail proof of payment to aconyngham@telkomsa. net - tickets can be collected at the door. Ouland Royale is located on the Robberg Road extension, directly opposite the turn-off to Plettenberg Bay Airport. Seating is provided but it is advisable to bring along your own cushion, and a cash bar will be available. Please contact Lady Annabelle Conyngham on 044 533 5178 for additional information.

Lunchbox crew gains insights on how humans, animals and plants can coexist CTORS of Lunchbox Theatre have just returned from a tour to the rural farm schools in the Baviaanskloof area and Langkloof, Eastern Cape, from November 2-6. This project was made possible through a generous grant from the National Lotteries Commission. The tour was special in that the play they took to the schools specifically concerned the area being visited: Eden to Addo Corridor Show is a story about a young girl, Eva, who meets an elephant that escaped from a circus. The elephant is trying to find a road to Addo Elephant Park where his grandmother lives. The journey starts in Harkerville just outside Plett and ends in Addo, and on the journey they meet many new friends who teach them about the area they are passing through. The show focuses on understanding how people, animals and plants can coexist and need to find

TAKE MY TRUNK AND LET’S TREK: The ‘Eden to Addo Corridor Show’, performed to hundreds of farm school kids, tells the story of an elephant and a girl called Eva’s journey from Plett to Addo

ways to live together, and was first commissioned by the Eden to Addo Corridor Initiative to increase awareness around ecological corridors. A number of organisations in the Southern Cape are working with land and people together to assist change towards resilient, economically viable socioecological systems, and connectivity of ecosystems is a vital part in it.

Through its fun and educational Eden to Addo project, Lunchbox Theatre contributes to this important work. The show was brought to 1,444 children, some of whom had not seen live theatre before. Lunchbox Theatre is a non-profit organisation and so says a BIG thank you to the National Lottery Commission and Eden to Addo Corridor Initiative for making this tour possible.

HOME & HEALTH

25 November 2015

CXPRESS

Girls should only stress about studies, not health or dignity HE Sister Sister project - a campaign that will help less privileged girls to stay active, every day of the month - was launched on November 13. For many of us, buying sanitary pads is as easy as buying bread and milk, but this is not the case for millions of young girls in South Africa. Every month, in Knysna alone, hundreds of girls miss up to five days of school because they simply cannot afford the basic necessity of these sanitary products. The problem goes even deeper than missing school in that these young women experience the loss of human dignity because they have no choice but to use

SISTAHS UNITE: From left are Knysna speaker Eleanore Bouw-Spies, Concordia Primary School’s Marry Hendricks and Shahida Adams, Hornlee Primary School learners, Sister Sister partner Jill Simmons, Thembelitsha Primary learner Lindokuhle Ngxwashula, Thembelitsha principal VN Martin, and Sister Sister partner Ingrid Diesel

unhygienic methods such as old newspaper or cloths to get through their cycle. This creates stress and depression as a result of fear of missing school and fear

of other problems such as infections, embarrassment and rejection. “Through Sister Sister, we hope to restore the dignity of our young girls in

Knysna and educate them on hygiene - such a crucial part of their lives. With the help of Knysna speaker Eleanore Bouw-Spies and the teachers involved, we will ensure that the project is sustained and that the girls are its beneficiaries,” said partners Ingrid Diesel and Jill Simmons. Added Bouw-Spies: “At that stage in a young girl’s life, all they should be concerned and stressing about is their academic performance and the career path they intend to follow.” Look out for collection boxes at Spar and Pick n Pay - easy drop-off points after your shopping. If this is not possible, the partners will collect from you.

So how healthy are South Africans, really? To reveal a holistic view of the country’s physical wellbeing, the very first Health of the Nation Survey was recently launched CCORDING to Health24 editor Laura van Niekerk, the pioneering Health of the Nation Survey should serve as vital tool to better understand the overall health of South Africans. The survey was completed by over 10,000 people, with a female response rate of 63% and 37% male. Overall South Africans, believe they are in good health. They also believe they have a definite understanding of what it means to live a healthy lifestyle. But Fedhealth Principal Officer Jeremy Yatt says the more detailed results tend to paint another picture. • One in four respondents still smokes, although three quarters admit to wanting to stop. “This is higher than

the global average of 21% and, in addition, 22% of the female entrants smoke, compared to the global average of just 7%,” says Yatt. • One in three does not drink, while 10% are concerned about their drinking. • 91% want to get in better shape for summer and while overall they don’t think they eat too much sugar, salt or fat, just over half think they eat too many carbs. One in five has tried Banting, but 60% have not tried any diets. • Only 19% of the women surveyed had recently had a mammogram. Overall, entrants were not up to date with the recommended screening tests, with the exception of blood glucose; 40% rarely, if ever, take medication, but one in four

is on prescribed chronic medication, which equates to 25% of the respondents who are likely dealing with the lifelong management of a disease. • 83% regularly see a GP, but only 56% of women have a gynaecologist. Stress and well-being came up as factors affecting ordinary South Africans. • Only 54% say they sleep well; 34% find themselves waking up during the night. The average stress level is 5.8 out of 10, while the average mood is 6.7 out of 10. • Men rate themselves as 10% healthier, happier and less stressed than women. “Interestingly for George readers, theirs is the happiest and least stressed town in SA, and they also con-

Light up your summer garden with celosia HERE are few challenges a gardener would not take on when it comes to the art of outdoor decorating - and finding something bolder or more striking than celosia, is one of them. With its origins under much debate, it is clear they were once found on the dry slopes of Africa, or so the story goes. Whether that is their true origin or not, it is clearly a place they enjoy residing. Other locations that celosia plants have called home are India and the rocky regions of North and South America. This fiery annual from the Amaranthaceae family will light up any garden with its intense shades of red, orange, yellow, hot pink, rose, mahogany and magenta. The blooming time that normally lasts about eight weeks, undaunted by

FIERY FLING: You’ll fall in love with the bright addition celosia flowers offer your garden’s kaleidoscope of colours

our unrelenting sun, can be stretched even longer with deadheading. That being said, they truly do not enjoy the cold, so expecting them to last past the first frosts might be a tad optimistic. Getting them into the ground as early in spring as possible ensures the longest possible show. Remembering their comfort zones being on the dry African slopes should give some clues as to the type of home you should look at providing these lovelies. Full sun and well-draining soil is a good start and it would be best not to overwater them. Try not to plant them with other annuals or plants that require regular watering, especially if you’re using an automated sprinkler system. Visit www.lifeisagarden. co.za for more information.

sider themselves healthier than people in other cities. Kimberley residents have the most stress, lowest happiness and lowest health self-assessment,” says Yatt. The most common health problems listed were back pain (35%), eyesight issues (25%), depression (22%), digestive issues (16%), and skin problems (15%). Almost a quarter took sick leave in the 30 days before they answered the survey. Other noteworthy results are 40% want to be organ donors, but aren’t; 22% don’t know what number to call in an emergency; 44% don’t know who Aaron Motsoaledi is; and just over half believe vaccines should be compulsory. “As with all surveys, the key is how the info is used to better our lives. We believe it will be a catalyst for finding solutions to health issues affecting our population,” concludes Yatt.

CXPRESS

25 November 2015

CLASSIFIEDS

THE

SOAPBOX

25 November 2015

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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

Some more about awesome Ann Fermor... Dear CXPRESS, in response to the lovely bit on Ann Fermor’s 80th birthday last week [turn to page 9 of the November 18 edition at www.cxpress.co.za], I would like to add my personal experience of this amazing woman. Among many other things, Ann is completely dedicated to The Kids of Kurland Project with incredible passion, and is tireless in the constant requirement to raise funding for this purpose. I was previously in the

events industry in Dubai and so understand just how stressful and tiring events can be - but not for Ann. She is the one who takes all the bookings, numbers all the seats, takes all the calls and enquiries, stands at the door (every single night, even during the nineday Fringe Festival), manages all the funds and does all the welcome speeches. She even accommodates some of the artists in her own home! And guess what? It doesn’t ever seem to stress or tire her out.

I don’t know any 30-yearolds who could handle that, let alone another octogenarian… OH! It was just marvellous when, on the night of a performance the actor had lost his voice, Ann managed to get a new act at the last minute. AND

she had the balls not to tell anyone until they were all sat down and the show was about to start! Thanks to her sparkle (and balls), it was well received and a great night had by all. I honour this incredible woman with huge respect. Carmen Clews, Plett

Wetlands are sacred and Lookout’s no exception

Bid vir ons onderwysers Graag wil ek my opinie lug t.o.v. die probleme wat Plett Sekondêre Skool tans ondervind [lees die berigte op p3 van die 11 en 18 November uitgawes by www.cxpress.co.za]. Om vandag in die onderwys te wees is nie meer ‘n plesier nie. Jy word daagliks geterroriseer deur ongedissiplineerde leerlinge wat geen respek vir die skool sowel as vir die onderywsers het nie. Die dag toe die onderwysdepartement besluit het dat daar nie meer teen leerlinge opgetree kon word nie, het belhamels in die skole begin oorneem. Leerlinge het geen respek vir enigeiemand nie want hulle weet hulle het die ondersteuning van die departement, asook van die ouers wat meestal hul kind se storie glo. Ongelukkig is daar al hoe meer ouers wat nie weet wat in hul kinders se lewens aangaan nie. Die onskuldige kind by die huis ondergaan ‘n metamorfose wanneer hy deur die skool se hekke stap. Hoofde se tyd word

grootliks opgeneem deur onnodige hofsake. Word die ouers geskakel, dan kan hulle nie glo dat hul kind so ‘n oortreding sou begaan nie, en kort voor lank word daar na die onderwysdepartement gehardloop. Die taak van die skool is immers onderwys en nie opvoeding nie. Dit is ook so dat die ouer geslag onderwysers, vir wie onderwys en die kind se belange nog ‘n prioriteit was, al hoe minder raak. Die jonger geslag onderwysers is nie meer altyd bereid om die ekstra myl te loop nie. Skole kannie meer staatmaak op die ondersteuning van die onderwysdepartement nie. Indien ouers nie bereid is om die skool en die onderwysers te ondersteun nie, lê daar moeilike tye voor vir die onderwys. Kom ons bid elke dag vir ons skoolhoofde, onderwysers en kinders; ons land se toekoms lê immers in die opvoeding van ons jeug. Pieter Coetzee - oudonderwyser, Wittedrift

PE church couples bestow gifts upon Hospice Plett On November 15, the ministers and wives of the New Apostolic Church Gelvandale in Port Elizabeth donated toiletries to Hospice Plettenberg Bay. The purpose of this donation was giving back to the community and supporting those who always give without asking anything in return. As the ministerial body of the congregation, we decided to have a weekend away for the sole purpose of knowing one’s partner, under the theme ‘Couples Retreat’. We also wanted to do something for the community and therefore decided that each couple would donate toiletries and hand it to an NGO, so serving a greater purpose.

Marina Wildeman was very instrumental in arranging the handover of the donations to Hospice Plett. She contacted the organisers and arranged to meet at the New Apostolic Church Plett Congregation. We want to thank Hospice Plett and its staff for the work they do in the community and assure them of our continuous prayers for the execution of the task they do with such love and care. Eugene Felkers - Rector: Gelvandale Congregation Port Elizabeth (What a lovely gesture by our friends from the east! Turn to page 12 for news on a fabulous PlettAid Foundation/Hospice fundraiser taking place on Saturday December 5. - Eds.)

DIG IT: A private business owner employed the municipal digger used at the time to erect a new sewage system, in an attempt to turn the wetlands into a parking lot

In CXPRESS of November 26, 2008, you kindly published an article ‘Ancient Lookout wetlands now under threat’ regarding the very area described in the letter ‘Put up a parking lot’ [on page 11 of the November 18 edition at www.cxpress.co.za]. A local business owner has been trying since the flood seven years ago, when the municipal parking lot was washed away, to turn these wetlands into a parking lot! In fact, he even used the municipal digger that was at the time being used to erect a new sewage system directly above and to the east of the wetlands. He dug three deep trenches that had to be hastily ‘gated’ to protect the frogs and tadpoles, which were being washed down to sea when he tried to drain the

stream. The ‘gates’ were removed on the man’s instructions and had to be replaced. They were removed again, so a stopper was stealthily placed at the bottom of the stream where it could not be seen, and WESSA notices were then erected. Perhaps the writer, Robert Baudinet, will understand that we have to protect wetlands (no matter how small) to protect especially frogs, which are particularly threatened. The reeds have been allowed to take over but I do think that the Lookout wetlands could be brought back to their earlier pristine beauty, when there were lots of arums. There is a large parking area just above St Peters Church that could be utilised. Anne de Wet, Plett

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

CXPRESS

25 November 2015

SPORT & ADVENTURE

Expedition Africa organisers enthuse Plett athletes in run-up to next year’s mega race Glenn Murray

DVENTURE racing is the ultimate endurance sport. Fact! At the time of writing, the last straggling teams taking part in the World Adventure Racing Championships in Brazil were crossing the finish line four days behind the winning team - the seemingly unbeatable Team Seagate from New Zealand, who completed the 700km event in 160 hours. The team of four - three males and a female athlete (the rules state that at least one team member must be female) - had just swum, run, cycled and paddled through the Brazilian Pantanal in sleep-deprived states, orienteering and navigating their way to the various checkpoints supposed to keep the teams on course. Amazingly they were the only team to complete the entire route and not miss any checkpoints. The Adventure Racing World Series consists of nine events, and each year, one of these events is chosen as the world championship. The circuit has been around since 2001 and the

EXPERIENCED E-AFRICANS: The Kinetic Events husband and wife team Stephan and Heidi Muller here flank James Stewart of Team Pennypinchers and Muddy Foot fame before the Expedition Africa presentation at Plett Surf Lifesaving Club last week - Photo: Esther de Villiers

Southern African edition, Expedition Africa, joined in 2012. Last year it took place in Swaziland. Before that it was held in the Drakensberg, Port Alfred, and Port Edward. Next year it will be held on the Garden Route and will start and finish at Pine Lake Marina, outside Sedgefield. Expedition Africa organisers and pioneers Kinetic Events were in Plett recently when husband and wife team Stephan and Heidi Muller talked some wide-eyed local runners and adventurers through a slide presentation and Q&A session to gather momentum for next year’s race, and hopefully dispel some myths. One cannot underestimate the importance of this event to our area, or the controversy that accompanies it. Forty teams from around the world will descend on the Garden Route from May 13-22. It is big news and a wonderful opportunity for a region to cement its credentials as the adventure capital of South Africa. Of course, this discipline is well represented locally

and Knysna team Merrell Adventure Addicts finished in a very creditable seventh position overall in the recent Brazil Worlds [read their story on p12 of the November 11 edition at www.cxpress.co.za]. Team Pennypinchers

from Plett is already on board and James Stewart, who has competed in four Expeditions, is sure to put together and guide a few novice teams from the entrants of his cycle and trail running events. Legendary brothers Mark and John Collins from Magnetic South Knysna may put a team together, but they are keeping their cards very close to their chests - a very important and common practice in this sport of ‘outlasting and outwitting’. Master route designer Stephan Muller is busy scouting the wilderness in and around Sedgefield for the perfect route and he hopes that all teams will finish next year’s event. “Finishing an event is the ultimate achievement and I want everyone, every team to cross the line. Even if we have to reroute some stragglers.” Well the teams will have six days to achieve this goal. When last did you cycle, climb, run and paddle practically non-stop with very little sleep for six days in winter… mmmh?

Party along for Nippers Nationals

A bunch of Plett’s young Nippers - among them, from left, Henri van Huyssteen, Doug Harvey and Callen McMillan - danced and played around at Plett Surf Lifesaving Club during a recent disco to raise bucks for these intrepid young club members’ participation in next year’s Nippers Nationals in Durban. Now you can contribute to this worthy cause by attending the fundraising party for Nippers moms and dads and their friends at The Table in Plett’s Main Street on Saturday November 28 at 6pm for 6:30. Tickets at R100 include a glass of wine or a beer at the door and The Table’s delectable brand of pizza. Come and join in the festivities with DJ Butters in the house, and stand a chance to win fantastic raffle prizes. Call Colleen on 072 914 6914 or Lorna on 078 425 4382 for tickets and more information.