25 September 2019
Published every Wednesday by CXpress 2006 (Pty) Ltd - PO Box 1449, Plettenberg Bay 6600 - 6 Park Lane, Plettenberg Bay - Tel: 044 533 1004 - Fax: 044 533 0852 Email: editor@cxpress.co.za / advertising@cxpress.co.za Web page: www.cxpress.co.za Printed by Group Editors
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Plett local Louisa Shneor recently returned from Israel, where she was part of an invited collective of women from all corners of the globe who convened to tackle issues of international importance. Says Louisa: “I took a copy of CXPRESS along to share with everyone - and knowing I was sure to float in the Dead Sea in 40 degrees…” The edition in question had ‘Weather Watch’ as cover heading, and you’ll find news on a recent green forum in George and forthcoming climate change dance in Plett on page 5.
Drug busts, arrests in Knysna - p3 Plett property market news - p7 Dutchman claims Dr Evil crown - p12
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CXPRESS
NEWS & VIEWS
25 September 2019
Tripping down memory lane on the eve of Adlers’ ter oiled and injured seabirds, 60th wedding anniversary especially penguins, and started ERIKA ADLER DAY and family submitted this tribute to her parents on the occasion of a most significant milestone N September 26 my parents, Arne and Ilse Adler, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary - a lifetime together. There were times, especially in the last couple of years, when they thought they would never reach this milestone, but when you read here, it’s a day away. It has been no bed of roses. They have had their fair share of ups and downs, joy and heartache, but they have concluded that their life together is wonderful indeed. They have grown old together as a team; they have seen and experienced things that today may seem barely possible. Both my parents hail from Germany, Dad from Stuttgart and Mom from Konigsberg in East Prussia, now known as Kaliningrad. Dad came to this country in 1958 together with two friends and their band. Their dream was to travel the world, and South Africa was their first stop. Mom arrived in 1953, to be with her father after her mother had died, and landed in Durban on the day the Queen of England was crowned. World War II had separated her family
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as they were planning to immigrate; after having lived in Port Shepstone for several years, they moved to Johannesburg. As fate would have it, they moved into the flat next to Dad and his friends. They met and fell in love and Dad’s plans to travel around the world came to an abrupt end when they decided to get married. Due to difficult circumstances at home, they decided to elope. They moved to Port Elizabeth in 1959 and that’s where they tied the knot six decades ago. Life was hard - there was no work and no money. Dad was a qualified plumber and Mom was a nurse. When the Depression struck at the beginning of 1960, they were forced to move back to Joburg. In this year my brother, Herbie, was born, and I saw the light two years later. Life was not always easy but they were happy. We did lots of things together as a family, especially travelling and exploring this beautiful country during lots of wonderful holidays. We discovered the Garden Route on a camping holiday in Knysna, and we returned every December for a few years.
Finally, Dad decided that we should move to Plettenberg Bay as he had heard there was a shortage of plumbers in town. So he sold his plumbing business in Joburg and we moved to Plett at the end of 1973 to start a new chapter for Friendly Plumbing Services and the Family Adler. Dad was the second registered plumber in Plett. He was a keen and trained scuba diver and started ‘Scilla Diving Club’ in Knysna, where he became a member of the NSRI. He also joined the police reservists and loves telling us stories about when he was asked to man the police station, which was equipped with only one radio, while the policemen went to practise or play rugby games. Many years later he sold his business and became a tourist guide - a job he enjoyed tremendously until ill health forced him to stop. Mom first worked for Peter Prins at Sanitas in Piesang Valley, then for Joan Dean at her little shop called Aquarius in the Mellville’s centre. I wonder how many Plett residents can remember those shops. Later she worked for well over 10 years in the offices of the Beacon Island Hotel. Mom also began looking afFROM GERMANY TO JOZI TO PE TO PLETT: German natives Ilse (née Piorreck) and Arne Adler are pictured here on their wedding day in Port Elizabeth on September 26, 1959
the first Sancob rescue station in our garden, which my dad built with a little pool and all. My parents did a beekeeping course and sold their Outeniqua Gold Honey to many local outlets. They also removed and relocated bees. When my brother and I went to the newly-built York High boarding school, my parents could once again pursue their love for travelling and would often disappear to Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe for weeks, living their dream. In 2012, they moved to a smallholding they had bought together with friends. Here Pussywillow Cattery was born, which Mom is still lovingly running. The June 2017 fire robbed my parents of all their worldly possessions. Although their house was rebuilt, their memories are all that remain. They have four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren of whom they are very proud, and some of their progeny still reside in Plett, where they are now living out their twilight years. I heard someone using this expression the other day: “They are sitting in the front row of the choir.” That may be the case, but my parents have had a wonderful life together and our whole family and all their friends congratulate them on their 60th wedding anniversary.
NEWS & VIEWS
25 September 2019
CXPRESS
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90K worth of drugs off Knysna streets, thanks to timeous action by vigilant police Large quantities of drugs were found during a police swoop on Knysna and surrounding areas over the past weekend - LUDUMO TEDE reports HE Southern Cape SAPS media centre on Monday issued a press statement which articulated that concerted efforts by the Knysna SAPS to curb crime - especially serious and violent offenses in crime-ridden hotspot areas - led to the confiscation of
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drugs with an estimated street value of R90,000 and the arrest of several suspects over the past weekend in Greater Knysna. Mankonkwana Street in Sedgefield and Knysna’s Nekkies area were two of the besieged locations. And it was a mission accomplished
by the men in blue, as they ambushed these “hot spots” at exactly the right time. They found large quantities of a variety of drugs, and these finds culminated in the arrest of 16 suspects in connection with the unlawful substances found. “Illegal drug outlets in
76-year-old Sedgefield resident tied England to attend the fuup and left to die neral. His son, Dave HenWords & photo: Talia Day
EDGEFIELD residents are reeling in shock after the brutal murder of a 76-year-old man on Monday September 16. Peter Henson - a resident of Paul Kruger Street, situated in the quiet Island suburb was found late on Monday night in his home by a member of the local Community Policing Forum (CPF). He was tied up with his hands behind his back, and a cloth gag tied in his mouth with ribbon. Henson’s house was left open, and his dog, Rocky, was found by the CPF member running along the road. The dog was known to the CPF, as they had often been called to the deceased’s house on complaints of noise and unsavoury dealings. Upon entering the house he found the victim dead.
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The police were immediately notified, and after intensive investigation they were led to a house in Smutsville where two males in their 20s were arrested. Items belonging to Henson were recovered, including a DSTV decoder, a knife, and his personal diary. The suspects were due to appear in Knysna Magistrates Court late last week. Rocky was surrendered to Staffy rescue in Cape Town. The family are saddened by the murder: “My family is not handling the death of my grandpa well at all. My whole family is in shock and have been left devastated,” granddaughter Kayla Bender told CXPRESS. “Everyone is very heartsore. We are all just trying to come to terms with his horrible death.” Henson’s daughter, Linda Henson, travelled from
THE HOUSE OF DEATH: The house where Peter Henson was allegedly murdered, located in Paul Kruger Street in Sedgefield’s quiet Island neighbourhood
son, is said to be “heartbroken, as he was in the process of relocating my grandpa to an old age home. No one wanted my grandpa to be alone,” Bender said. She has started a petition on Facebook to deny bail to the suspects. “Our family will always be close. We love each other and will always look after one another.” Henson was described as a stubborn old man who adored his late wife, Natalie, who passed away last year. “My grandma was his darling,” Bender said. A local estate agent, who preferred to remain anonymous, said: “People are shocked by this murder, and I have had clients calling me to say that because of this heinous crime, they are emigrating.” There have been allegations of unsavoury conduct in Henson’s house, and the police had been called out twice in recent months to handle situations that involved men from Smutsville. Henson’s “open door policy” could potentially be the reason he was targeted and this was not a random act, according to another anonymous source. The family were unaware that he had visitors from all walks of life in his home at varying times of the day and night and could not comment in this regard.
Sedgefield and Nekkies were targeted. Police members conducted search and seizure operations at the two identified premises which led to the confiscation of 369 and 737 Mandrax tablets each at these residences respectively. “Other arrests were made after small amounts of tik and Mandrax were found in the possession of suspects. Most of these arrests were made in and around the central business district,”
said Southern Cape police spokesman captain Malcolm Pojie. The search for drugs also led to the arrest of 11 suspects for being in possession of dangerous weapons. This resulted in the confiscation of a machete (“kap-mes”), knives, and other sharp objects. Knysna Station Commander colonel Atwell Metu is proud of the dedication shown by his officers. “They had laced up their
boots tight, and similar operations will be conducted in their quest to deal with violent crimes, especially crimes against women and children,” said Metu. “Some of the suspects have already appeared in Knysna Magistrates Court, while the others will appear this week. They are facing various charges that range from dealing in drugs, possession of drugs, and possession of dangerous weapons,” Pojie concluded.
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CXPRESS
NEWS & VIEWS
25 September 2019
Rapid dissemination of information is essential in Q solving crimes Yolandé Stander
UICK reporting of any crime to all crimefighting partners is one of the keys to success in the battle against crime. This was recently proven when stolen goods were recovered after a theft along Plett’s Airport Road. According to the Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA), a casual WhatsApp chat last week revealed that items were stolen from a property on Airport Road. “A call to the owner confirmed it and they had a police case number, but did not tell anyone else,” the
team said. The information was immediately shared among PBCPA partners including local support groups and within two hours, strong leads were obtained and passed on to the KwaNokuthula police. The team said a police officer, who was off duty at the time, immediately went to the station and booked himself on duty. He assembled a team, which included the Airport Road Support Group, and acted on the leads. “Shortly thereafter they recovered, among others, scrap, equipment, and bat-
teries.” The following morning the items were identified by the owner as sprinkler systems stolen from his property. The system was broken down for scrap. “If information was passed on earlier, would it all have been recovered in working order? Who knows? Do things always work out so well? Absolutely not, but with our teamwork, the hit rate is high.” The group admin added it could be guaranteed that, unless information was passed on as wide as possible, “virtually nothing can be achieved in time”.
News Briefs • A passer-by was dumbfounded when stumbling upon a naked baby boy in a pit-toilet in Nelson Mandela Village squatter camp in Thembalethu Zone 9 on September 17 at about 2:40pm. The witness informed Thembalethu SAPS and they activated paramedics to the scene. Suffering from trauma and hyperthermia, the baby was admitted to hospital for emergency medical treatment. Shredded pieces of what appeared to be a birth certificate led police to the mother of the boy. When they arrived at the residence, community members had already apprehended her. Medical records revealed that she gave birth on September 15 at George Hospital and was discharged on the 17th. She was arrested and faces charges of attempted murder and child neglect.
The matter is being investigated by the George Family, Child protection and Sexual offences (FCS) unit. CXPRESS spoke to the investigating officer on Tuesday, who confirmed that the mother appeared in court on Thursday September 19, and that a date for her formal bail application hearing had not yet been set. “She will appear within seven to 14 days and remains in custody,” he confirmed. - Ludumo Tede • Sean Kelly, 50, the hammer murderer who killed Noreen Hampson on February 2 outside her house in Sedgefield, has been declared mentally unfit to stand trial. After undergoing psychiatric evaluation at Valkenberg Hospital, Kelly was returned to Knysna to stand trial on September 18, when magistrate Zukiswa Hans stated that he had schizophrenia and was unable to under-
stand the fault of his offence. Schizophrenia is a mental disorder where people lose touch with reality, and often can not distinguish between wrong and right, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The psychiatric report stated Kelly’s beliefs included that he had been chosen to kill and reincarnate as he saw fit, and that aliens had taken over the world misrepresenting themselves as humans. Kelly also believes that he is superior to the court’s authority, and claims that his orders are received from “the East and West”. Kelly was told that he would be admitted to a maximum-security facility for urgent attention. “You will be kept as a state patient forever, or until they release you whenever you are fine again,” magistrate Hans told him. - Talia Day
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NEWS & VIEWS
25 September 2019
CXPRESS
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Join the dance for climate change on Plett’s Central Beach this Saturday LETT Heritage Dance for Climate Change - in collaboration with 350Africa and in support of global climate strikes - invites readers to participate in an inspiring event on Central Beach from 12 noon to 2pm this Saturday. Explains convenor Katherine Bischoff: “Our objective is to unite, inspire and educate the community to go green by hosting a dance instead of the usual protests that plague our town. We will dance in honour of our pledge to go green, and hand over our memorandum to Bitou Municipality.” Bischoff says the focus is on continuous education of the local community, especially less affluent residents,
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to share practical measures that can be taken daily to ameliorate the situation, as well as raising awareness of human rights and the South African Constitution. “We will be pairing up with the municipality to find solutions to localised problems, and work towards getting a clear commitment from government for South Africa to go green.” The memorandum includes, inter alia: • We urge the municipality to stand with the people and uphold section 24 of the constitution - everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being; this environment should be protected for the benefit of present and future generations
through reasonable legislative and related measures. • Help stop government’s indiscriminate use and sale of harmful pesticides and poisons, sprayed on the verges of roads. It is carcinogenic and kills bees. • Implement renewable and efficient energy systems in all municipal buildings and schools and reward local businesses and households for doing the same. Unique features of Saturday’s event include the fact that dance is not normally an activity used to create awareness on practical ecofriendly living or constitutional matters. The event will also serve to celebrate and honour our collective natural heritage.
On single-use plastic in Plett NE of the points on the above-mentioned memorandum revolves around banning single-use plastics. In this regard, Plett is already a pioneer - not least of which because of the efforts of Renew Able Plett founder Rhian Berning and her partners. Over the past two years, they have managed to get a
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majority of local eateries and businesses to cease buying single-use plastic items. Explains Dr Mark Brown of Nature’s Valley Trust: “We have taken a positive, proactive, incentivised approach, rather than smacking people over the head and making them feel bad. We are working hard and have
made amazing progress, also with Bitou Municipality. “Renew Able Plett includes all major environmental organisations in Plett, working with business and interested parties, to make a difference. Please bring your passion and energy into this already well-established local programme,” Brown concludes.
District Municipality hosts Green Energy Forum Pictured below during the sixth Garden Route Green Energy Forum recently presented by Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) are, from left, Green Energy Forum chair and GRDM project manager Passmore Dongi, Tando Gauzela of the Green Energy Forum Secretariat, and Hessequa Municipality’s Technical Services director Harald Basson. In attendance were representatives from municipalities throughout the district as well as relevant stakeholders, all of whom joined forces to identify green energy opportunities and discuss the reality of its implementation on a regional level. Dongi said the aim of the forum, among others, was to reach at least two of the 17 sustainable development goals of the United Nations, which are Goal 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy, and Goal 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth. “These two goals are interconnected, as we want to use green energy to drive employment creation and so create sustainable growth,” Dongi said, adding that related initiatives would allow GRDM “to become a pioneer that will drive the Garden Route nationally as the first district that is going green”.
“We’re looking forward to bringing the community together through uplifting house music and dancing - a
universal language that everyone understands. Kids of all ages are most welcome to attend,” says Bischoff.
Follow plettheritagedance forclimatechange on Facebook or email kfmbischoff@ gmail.com for details.
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CXPRESS
NEWS & VIEWS
25 September 2019
Plett operators acknowledged for offering the Western Cape’s ultimate adventure experience Winners of the 2019/20 Lilizela Award for ‘Best Adventure in the Western Cape’, members of the Crags-based AfriCanyon team have much to be thrilled about - especially since this is the fourth consecutive year in which they have received this prestigious SA Tourism award. The latest Lilizela nod is testament to the hard work, passion and commitment by each team member who guides this unique multi-part experience. Local and international travellers visiting the Garden Route have voted AfriCanyon as ‘The Best’ in providing an adventure experience that is nothing short of extraordinary. According to the AfriCanyon team: “We celebrate our natural heritage while providing the best combination of adventure, play, and the great outdoors - and each trip is unique.â€? They look forward to sharing this award-winning hidden gem with all levels of adventurers‌ because with AfriCanyon, you can! Follow #GoKloofingGoWild on Twitter and see the adverts on pages 9 and 11. Also see the Plett High Five advertorial below about a bunch of riveting adventure options available to Plett residents and visitors.
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BUSINESS
25 September 2019
CXPRESS
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Plettenberg Bay property market update HE Plettenberg Bay property market is closely following the trajectory of the national housing market decline over the last two years, after a good five-year growth phase between 2013 and 2017/8, says local Seeff licensee Kevin Engelsman. Bear in mind, he says, that the Plett housing market comprises not just of a residential sector but also a sizable second home market which is usually the first to feel the effects of an economic downturn. The coast has been very appealing to inland buyers and Plett certainly has plenty of coast and sunshine. According to reports, the town has seen a fair amount of influx over the last few years as semigrating families looked to settle in a more wholesome environment. While operating under slightly more muted conditions, the property market nonetheless remains active, but largely below the R5-million price band with sales above this being confined predominantly to the exclusive estates and the Sea-side Longships area, says Engelsman. An analysis of Lightstone data shows that the total transaction volumes for Plett escalated from 383 in 2013 at about 40% annually to around 748 transactions in 2017. The 2016-2017 period was characterised by high volumes, in part due to new
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developments. The market decline set in from late 2017 and by 2018, the market had settled back to 494 transactions. For the current year, 290 transactions have been recorded from January to August and when extrapolated to 12 months and compared to the highs of 2016/17, translates to the market being down by about 30%. The average transaction price measured over the 12-month period between September 2018 and August 2019, stands at around R1.952-million. Full title sales account for 32% and an average selling price of R2.638-million. Estate property account for 19% at an average price of R2.904-million and sectional title property for 9% at an average price of R1.123-million. Vacant land accounts for 29% of all transactions. The R1.5 to R3-million price band has been the most robust, accounting for 50% of all transactions while only 28% of all transactions fall above the R3-million mark. As with most high-end areas, Plett has experienced a slow-down in sales above R5-million with only 12 transactions recorded for 2019 (to end August), and almost all below R10-million, save for a single highvalue sale of R24-million in Beachy Head Drive. Plett enjoyed excellent interest in high val-
ue property during the 2013-2018 growth phase when several transactions were concluded above R20-million, especially in Beachy Head and the rest of Seaside Longships as well as in Whale Rock Ridge and Robberg Beach End estates. In Beachy Head some nine sales have been concluded above R20-million ranging from R24-million (2019) to R33-million (2015) and R36-million (2017). Robberg Beach End sales have ranged to R35-million (2018), R35.8-million (2015) and R36-million (2017) while a single high-end property sold in Whale Rock Beach Estate for R32million in 2016. The broader property market data continues to tell the story of muted price growth of around 3.5% by mid-year and inflation, while improved, still at around 4%. The average time that it takes to sell a property is still at around 14 weeks, somewhat below the market average of around 12 weeks. Depending on the price point, it could take considerably longer to sell. The take-out from all of this, is that the market remains active, but with fewer buyers, asking prices, especially at the higher price points remain under pressure. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heading out of winter, we now look forward to the warmer months and
tourist season, traditionally a busier period for the property market. If you are serious about selling, then we would suggest that you chat to one of our agents about your price and prospects in this market,â&#x20AC;? says Engelsman. Plett is today regarded as the premier coastal town outside of the Atlantic Seaboard for upper end and investment buyers, but this is something that locals and holiday buyers and retirees have known for some time, he says. The town offers excellent amenities, from restaurants and hotels to convenience and shopping centres, upmarket boutiques and dĂŠcor shops, excellent schools, polo and the local Plett Wine and Bubbly Route, all set on the shores of some of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best beaches. The upside of this somewhat down market is that there is a superb selection of stock available with many prime properties now on offer. Conditions remain good for buyers as the banks are keen to lend and the interest rate is slightly down. Seeff has over 400 properties to choose from to suit every buyer need and budget, ranging from compact apartments to farms and luxury estate, riverfront and beach houses. Contact Seeff Plett on 044 533 0311 or visit www.seeff.com, and see current listings on page 3.
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CXPRESS
INTERVAL
25 September 2019
Playing your age... lady is having a bad day at the roulette tables in Vegas. She’s down to her last $50. Exasperated, she exclaims to the whole table: “What rotten luck I’ve had today! What in the world should I do now?” A man standing next to her suggests: “I don’t know, why don’t you play your age?” He walks away, but moments later his attention is grabbed by a great com-
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motion at the roulette table. Maybe she won! He rushes back to the table and pushes his way through the crowd. The lady is lying limp on the floor, with the table operator kneeling over her. The man is stunned. He asks: “What happened? Is she all right?” The operator replies: “I really don’t know. She put all her money on 36, and when 47 came up she just fainted!”
Saving the planet Y eight-year-old daughter asked me to start recycling. I chuckled and asked why? “So you can help me save the planet,” she said.
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I chuckled again and asked: “And why do you want to save the planet?” “Because, Mom, that’s where I keep all my stuff,” she said.
Who’s your daddy? ONY and his friend, Andy, were boasting about their fathers. “My dad is an engineer. He can do anything. You know the Alps? Well, it
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was my dad who built them!” said Tony. “That’s nothing,” replied Andy, “you know the Dead Sea? Well, it was my dad who killed it!”
My favourite exercise is a cross between a lunge and a crunch. It’s called lunch.
Saying it my way American actor STEVE MARTIN
• I like a woman with a head on her shoulders. I hate necks. • Before you criticise a man, walk a mile in his shoes. That way, when you do criticise him, you’ll be a mile away
and have his shoes. • I was deeply unhappy, but I didn’t know it because I was so happy all the time. • Chaos in the midst of chaos isn’t funny; chaos in the midst of order is.
SOCIAL SCENE
25 September 2019
CXPRESS
A SPORTS STORY WORTH REVISITING: Storyteller par excellence Michael Charton expertly worked the crowd when presenting ‘The First World Champions’ to a packed Piesang Valley Hall in Plett on September 13. A forgotten Springbok tour of New Zealand in 1937 provides the platform and characters through which Charton brought this story to life. In that weekend’s run-up to Rugby World Cup 2019, his exploration of origins of the unique rivalry between the All Blacks and the Springboks made for an excellent evening out. Presented by Investec, all proceeds of the night benefited Plett’s amazing Kwano Academy - some of the team members who helped on the night are pictured at right. At left from left are Janine Hunter, Les Manson, and Nadine Brierley. Below, cricket legend and Plett resident Kenny McEwan was among the appreciative audience.
People, places & events
MAKING THE MOST OF OUR PARKS: During National Parks Week this month, an open day held on September 14 in the Tsitsikamma section of Garden Route National Park (GRNP) attracted arguably the largest intake of local visitors since the inception of Parks Week in 2006. The efforts of GRNP People and Conservation officer Nobulumko Gantsho, at top right, and local DJ Ian Rockman paid off when the crowds started rocking up - also to attend a gospel show scheduled on Sunday the 15th. Both activities were held at the park’s Storms River Village Sportsground. Above, a colour run to celebrate spring was the highlight of the day for most of the kids.
BOOKING ESSENTIAL
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CXPRESS
The only pharmacy in Main Street
25 September 2019
CLASSIFIEDS
ON THE SOAPBOX
25 September 2019
Letters to the Editor
CXPRESS
Email: editor@cxpress.co.za - Fax: 044 533 0852 - PO Box 1449, Plett 6600
Rock art report reminds of strange account describing long-haired animal whisperers I started climbing in the Drakensberg at the age of 18 and over the years (40), I managed to climb most of the high peaks in the southern part of the berg. These included Cleft Peak, Cathedral Peak (three
times) Elephant, Rhino, Wilson, and Walker. Regrettably I did not manage the Bell, which was too shaley and beyond my ability. Obviously, in these wonderful mountains, I slept in many
Would you like helping me reach that Dubai dream?
GIVING 100% ON AND OFF THE FIELD: Trainee teacher Marita Gerber, left, is now calling for support to realise her dream of attending a netball tournament in Dubai
When I started playing netball at Wittedrift High School in Plett, I can honestly say it was the only thing that really motivated me in times of need. I could throw my emotions on that court, feeling free when leaving the practice session. Netball is my everything. And I love doing what I love! Most of all, I love pushing myself to the limits and seeing myself improve. When I do something anything - I put in 100%. It’s my first year out of school and like most school-leavers, I have been feeling a little lost and scared of the unknown. But lately things started changing and I finally understood why I have so far been rejected by all options I thought was meant for me. Today I am busy studying to become a teacher. I love helping children and seeing them grow. I am also playing netball for my town and now one of the coaches I’ve known since Grade 8 gave me an
awesome opportunity. She asked me to be part of a team from South Africa to go play netball in Dubai this December. I had no words. What more could I ask for? I can do what I love best and get to see the world! Since I have never been overseas, this is an extra-special opportunity for me and I will do everything in my power to make it happen. If you are in any position to help me reach this dream, please do so. It doesn’t matter with how much you can give - every cent counts. I will be working and saving money to cover the costs of the Dubai trip. You can contribute by depositing directly into my bank account: M Gerber, Standard Bank Plett (branch code 051001, SWIFT code SBZAZAJJ), savings account number 28 204 8685, or message me on 074 890 4826 for more information. I hope you understand how much your support means to me. Marita Gerber, Plett
a cave and witnessed a fair lot of Bushman paintings. After my retirement I worked hand in hand with the Natal Parks Board and was very privileged at getting the chance to view ‘The Moonlight Princess’ - a Bushman painting of a white woman. I believe there is only one other painting on the same subject in South Africa, and that is in the Cape somewhere. I have never seen it. ‘The Moonlight Princess’ shows a white lady with a halo and a very ornate blouse, with quite a bit of fine work. It is situated in an overhang, not really a cave. In the CXPRESS report [read ‘Ochre on rock before oil on canvas’ on page 2 of the September 18 edition at www.cxpress. co.za], Bob Hopkin mentions that the artists sometimes depicted beings that are half-human, half-animal in their paintings. So here follows an interesting story. I read two books, one called Eight Months in an Ox-wagon and the other, Five Years in an Oxwagon, the latter by Anderson - an Englishman who had walked from the Cape to the diamond fields at Kimberly.
He was more interested in adventure than trying his luck in finding diamonds, so he bought an ox-wagon and with 16 oxen and five or six Bushmen as guides and voorlopers, he set off in a north-westerly direction. On his travels he found old ruins, which he described as being about 100 metres long and not unlike the famous Zimbabwe Ruins, in well laid stone. (I wonder if they have been covered by sand, as there has never been mention of them…) To get back to the point: Anderson said he met a tribe of very different Bushmen to the crew he had with him. They had long hair on their bodies and faces, arms and legs, and while they spoke a different language, his men could understand these strange people, whom they had never met before. Anderson said he had managed to talk to ‘his’ Bushmen, and the clicks and sounds they made reminded him of the Inca tribes of South America. The strange Bushmen told Anderson’s team that they could converse with animals. So the question is this: did our Bushmen originally come from Peru? Gordon Button, Plett
Rehab required for moms of crazed tods and teens I write in reference to the Talia on Toast column in your September 11 issue [read it on page 8 of that edition at www.cxpress. co.za]. I hope ‘Going to the shops’ was a type of April Fool’s story. If not, I further hope that Plett will provide a Mother’s Rehab Hospital by the time Talia’s children have become teenagers…
In the meantime, I’ll be enjoying my well-behaved and well-educated grandchildren. Uschi R Schultz, Knysna (Thanks for the input, Uschi. Just one slight correction: those spawns hail from Sedgefield, which is closer to your home town than Plett. So be very afraid when venturing to the shops in your closest neighbouring village… - Eds.)
Rest in peace, our beloved BatCat
Sue van der Gaast shared this snippet about the loss of a furry friend that was part of the furniture at Plett Ski-boat Club: “The club is very sad to say farewell to our special BatCat, who has been part of our family for the last 18 years. We thank everyone who has loved her, fed her, and bought her special treats over the years. She will be sorely missed indeed.”
PROVINCIAL WINNER
NATIONAL WINNER
VISITOR EXPERIENCE
ACTION & ADVENTURE
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CXPRESS
SPORT & ADVENTURE
25 September 2019
Schuttertt and Giliomee claim BUCO Dr Evil Classic titles Read CXPRESS online at www.cxpress.co.za
HE final stage of the 2019 BUCO Dr Evil Classic concluded three fantastic days of mountain biking with a singletrack packed stage around the Cairnbrogie and Harkerville trails on Saturday. Matthew Leppan sprinted to his second stage victory of the race, but Martin Schuttertt claimed the overall title. In the solo women’s race, Nicky Giliomee completed the perfect hat-trick of wins to comprehensively secure general classification honours. Young Leppan from Plett led into the final single-track, after the men’s team stage winners - Plett rider Kevin Evans and team mate Shannon Frost - had done much of the work throughout the first 45km. After receiving a high five in congratulations from Leppan, the overall victor at the 2019 BUCO Dr Evil Classic, Schuttertt said: “The general classification was the most important. I didn’t take any risks today. I had a safe ride and it feels great to take the victory back to the Netherlands. “To be honest this last stage was awesome,” the KMC Mountain Bike Team manager added. “Really great trails and really great views. I really liked it! “Overall what I enjoyed about the BUCO Dr Evil Classic is that the stages aren’t so long. You are finished quite early as a re-
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sult, which gives you time to enjoy the good food and socialise with your fellow riders. Then in the afternoons you can relax and enjoy beautiful Plettenberg Bay,” the welltravelled Hollander enthused. While the sights and riding of the BUCO Dr Evil Classic may be new to Schuttertt, they have appealed to Knysna’s women’s race winner for many years. Giliomee has taken part in the race before and frequently rode the Harkerville trails - in particular while at school in Knysna. Now working in Stellenbosch, Giliomee only returns for long weekends and holidays to her parents’ Garden Route home, but she remains as in love with the scenery as ever. “It was such a beautiful race,” the Seattle Coffee Co rider smiled after receiving her medal. “In the last single-track along the coast I completely backed off and took it all in. It was the most amazing trail I think I’ve ever ridden,” she praised the Cairnbrogie single-track, built by owner Andrew Hill. To relive all the action from this year’s BUCO Dr Evil Classic mountain biking fans can follow @DrEvilClassic on Twitter or @drevilclassic on Instagram, and like the Dr Evil Classic Facebook page. The 2020 race will take place from September 17-19 next year.
TOPS AFTER THREE DAYS: From left are BUCO’s Krishlin Foster, runner up Matthew Leppan (06:51:36), overall men’s winner Martin Schuttertt (06:45:17), and Leon ‘Dr Evil’ Evans - Zack van der Merwe moved into third place after young Kwano Academy star Siphe Ncapayi had a mechanical breakdown EVILEST EVES: The final solo women’s podium featured Nicky Giliomee (07:43:55), flanked by Nikki Biesheuvel (08:24:53) at left, and third-placed Louise Ferreira (08:42:02) visit www.cxpress.co.za for additional photos of this popular Plett MTB event Photos: Oakpics.com
Sports dates to diarise: Robberg Xpress and Tour de Plett • Sunday’s Kurlandbrik Robberg Xpress train run is a highlight for all trailies worth their salt. Choose between the full 10km (R150) and 5km (R80) routes around scenic Robberg nature reserve for a trail-running experience never to be forgotten. Register from 7am (race starts at 8:15) or visit www.entrytickets.com to secure your spot. • This year’s Tour de Plett is scheduled for Saturday October 12, its new start and finish venue at Keurbooms Lagoon Caravan Park promising a great race vibe for this proper mountain bike challenge organised by riders, for riders. Choose between 70km, 45km and 16km distances through the glorious scenery and diverse nature traversed en route (e-bikes are welcome on all three routes). Why not make a weekend of it and enjoy all Plett has to offer? Visit www.tour deplett.co.za to enter and contact James Stewart at muddyfoot@roystonfarms.co.za or on 082 925 7885 for details.