26 August 2020 by CXpress

26 August 2020

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

Celebrating life

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Photo: Timothy Twidle

As the sun rode high in the sky on Saturday afternoon, about 1,000 Plett locals from all walks of life gathered in the centre of town to partake in, watch, and applaud the dancing of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Jerusalemaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in a show of unity and to celebrate the easing of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions - find out more on page 2

Bitou back in court - p3 Farewell to three legends - p5 Knysna Lagoon remains neglected - p7

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NEWS & VIEWS

26 August 2020

Heart and soul of Plett join forces to dance ‘Jerusalema’ Words & photos: Timothy Twidle

N the afternoon of Saturday August 22, some 1,000 people drawn from all the communities of Bitou gathered in Main Street to celebrate life to the notes of ‘Jerusalema’ - a striding, toetapping dance of movement and finesse. After days of severe winter weather, the skies cleared and glorious sunshine blazed down to provide a setting fit for a beautiful rendition of the dance craze that has swept the world. The performance was organised by realtor Rob Bokelmann; Denise McNamara led the dancers trained by Merle Hagerman, and LM in Plett owner Luiz da Fonseca generously made his restaurant available for practice sessions during the preceding three weeks, and played the music through loudspeakers on Saturday. Said Bokelmann: “The purpose of the afternoon was to bring together all demographics of Plettenberg Bay, irrespec-

PLETT FRIENDS: Among the hundreds of people who danced the ‘Jerusalema’ on Saturday were, at back from left, Natasha Williams, Steffie Powie, Jenolene Christians, Kelsey Kriga, Zanele Kamm and Yasmeen Kamm, with Rouvay Powie (with mask), Shadé Kriga, Liechen Roman, Joden Williams, and Carlin Minnaar in front

PICTURE-PERFECT TRIO: Saturday’s event was facilitated by, from left, Rob Bokelmann, Denise McNamara, and Luiz da Fonseca - who kindly made his eatery, LM in Plett, available for practice sessions during the preceding weeks and as music hub for the main event

tive of race, creed, age, ethnic heritage or background; to rejoice at the easing of lockdown restrictions and to show that Bitou stands united in South Africa’s Rainbow Nation.” Jerusalema is a gospel song with a compulsive rhythm by South African-born international star Master KG (real name Khaogelo Moagi), featuring the multi-talented vocalist, Nomcebo Zikode. It has kept the world dancing and singing through the Covid-19 pandemic. The song has been viewed over 48-million times on YouTube since it was uploaded eight months ago, going viral ever since across Africa, but in recent weeks it gained traction worldwide from Australia to Europe and the States. Said Moagi on Radio 702: “It is so wonderful to see the love the song has created all over the world. I used to dream of such moments when I was still underground and starting to make music.” Bravo, South Africa! Bravo, Plettenberg Bay!

Seeing the world through iced Oreo eyes...

Plett adventure racer Andrew Scott of Simply Green Nursery in The Crags took his family - from left are Tayo, Drew, Kerry, and Elan Scott - on a trek with a difference when heading towards Uniondale, where a snowy wonderland awaited on August 19. Vistas in white were the norm in every direction and Team Scott’s hiking boots left deep impressions in a good few inches of icy ground cover. Of course a snowman had to be constructed and although no carrot could be found for a nose, the youngsters sacrificed two of their favourite biccies so their cool new friend could see clearly through his Oreo eyes. - Photos: Andrew Scott

NEWS & VIEWS

26 August 2020

CXPRESS

Cape High Court to hear sorry tale of super-expensive Bitou mayoral wheels next Wednesday

Yolandé Stander

LETTENBERG Bay Ratepayers Association has turned to the Cape Town High Court in an attempt to stop the acquisition of vehicles, set to cost local ratepayers more than R1.3-million, for the Bitou mayor and his deputy. The action comes after it came to light that the majority of council voted on June 11 to spend R700,000 on a three-year lease for a new vehicle for mayor Peter Lobese, and to ex-

tend the lease on a vehicle for deputy mayor Sandiso Gcabayi. The move has since seen massive criticism from residents, who even started a petition calling on the mayor to obtain a cheaper vehicle and use the rest of the money to feed the thousands of Bitou residents who are unable to put food on the table as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown. The new Bitou mayoral car lease also extends over

a three-year period, despite there only being a year left in Lobese’s term as mayor. Ratepayers Association chairman Peter Gaylard said the proceedings were launched on August 18 and aim to stop the acquisition of the vehicles. The matter will go before the Cape Town High Court on September 2. According to municipal regulations, a councillor, including the mayor, may only utilise a municipal ve-

hicle in ‘exceptional circumstances’ and ‘upon good cause shown’, and subject to approval of the mayor or speaker. Gaylard said that a provision of a vehicle for regular use was therefore not permitted. Compounding the problem, he added, was that the mayor and deputy voted in favour of the resolution. “They should both have

recused themselves in the circumstances and, if they were too blind to see the conflict, they should have been called out by their colleagues.” It is not the first time Lobese receives criticism over his mayoral vehicle. In 2017, the mayor faced backlash after it came to light that ratepayers were forking out just short of

R60,000 per month for a luxury Volvo SUV for Lobese’s use, after he was involved in an accident in his previous mayoral vehicle, a luxury BMW. Larger municipalities like George and Knysna were paying a fraction of the price, (between R13,000 and R24,000) for mayoral vehicles at the time. Garden Route Media

News Briefs • As at August 21, the Garden Route District had 8,200 confirmed cases of Covid-19, with recoveries per sub-district as follows: Bitou 557 cases, 490 recoveries; Knysna 1,326 cases, 1,173 recoveries; George 3,226 cases, 2,856 recoveries; Hessequa 268 cases, 210 recoveries; Kannaland 100 cases, 78 recoveries; Mossel Bay 2,049 cases, 1,745 recoveries; Oudtshoorn 1,051 cases, 715 recoveries. A total of 258 Covid-19 deaths had been recorded by last Friday, including 36

deaths in Knysna, 20 in Bitou, 87 in George, and 56 in Mossel Bay. According to latest available information, 136 patients had been admitted in public and private hospitals, of which 21 were in ICU. George Hospital, where 256 Covid-19 patients had been treated to date, announced it was happy to have discharged two more of these patients last week: Madelain Ntenetyana and Annestien Botha, who had both spent a few nights in Ward A1 due to complica-

tions of the infection. Visit www.cxpress.co.za to read these two ladies’ stories, and for additional Covid-19 information. • Plett Animal Welfare Service (PAWS) has just announced the date of its next AGM, when board members will report on successes and challenges over the past year. All residents are invited to join them at 10:30am on Wednesday September 16 at the Methodist Church hall for a short meeting, followed by refreshments.

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Lensman par excellence Brendon Morris captured this image of a snow-capped Formosa Peak from his Plett hometown vantage point on Wednesday August 19, when CX Country started a gradual recovery from the arctic climes experienced earlier that week. During the past weekend, our towns basked in the glory of sunny days and conditions akin to the best that summer can offer. But by going to print, meteorologists had forecast temperatures maxing in the low teens for this coming Saturday and Sunday. Alas, it would be premature to shelve that winter wardrobe just yet. - Photo: Brendon Morris, Plett Web Hosting

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NEWS & VIEWS

26 August 2020

No telling when international travel will proceed, so South African market is now being targeted Knysna and Plettenberg Bay-based tourism bodies are currently focusing on rebuilding the local industry by reaching out to a domestic market that’s hungry for travel - LUDUMO TEDE reports HE tourism industry establishments across the due to prevailing interna- strategies to reach a new

in Plettenberg Bay and Knysna is heaving a sigh of relief after government’s easing of travel restrictions under lockdown Level 2, which has been in place since August 18. In both these tourismdependent towns, the lifting of the ban means that we are one step closer to reopening the economy. And according to the two respective tourism chiefs, they are positive about rebuilding the industry - even without the immediate prospect of international visitors arriving. The Garden Route economy has taken a proper Covid-19 beating, as the forced closure of accommodation and hospitality

country for nearly four months brought business to a veritable standstill. But domestic travel now being permitted, a cautious sense of optimism about gradual economic recovery prevails. General Manager of Visit Knysna, Colleen Durant, says: “Lockdown has definitely built up a hunger for people to get out - to explore and to take back their country. “Greater Knysna specifically is a breath-taking and affordable option for locals wanting to discover the region, and now also a consideration for those looking to replace what would have been an overseas holiday, cancelled

tional restrictions.” However, a glimmer of hope regarding the reopening of international airlines for leisure travel, before the coming peak season, still sparks. “Our province, and the Garden Route especially, holds huge international appeal, and with the traditional high season commencing soon, we’d like to see the opening up of air connectivity,” she says. Plett Tourism Board CEO Marius Venter, meanwhile, sheds some light on the realities about the longevity of the international travel ban, which comes with uncertainties on how the coming season will pan out, while

domestic market are being put in place. “We need to be realistic and although we are currently strategising to reach a new domestic market, we do need to be cognitive of the fact that international travel may not open until 2021. “Global research has indicated as such - in fact, many governments and tourism bodies indicate that international travel may only return to the pre-pandemic numbers by the latter part of 2022,” says Venter. Until then, our towns are united in its quest to keep the domestic tourism market alive and save businesses from ruin.

Southern Cape shark alert N Friday August 21, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) appealed to all surfers, paddlers and bathers along the Southern Cape coast - particularly at Buffels Bay, but also

along the entire coastline between Mossel Bay and Tsitsikamma - to be extra cautious because of the presence of a whale carcass at the Wild Side of Buffels Bay in the shallow surf.

Said NSRI spokesman Craig Lambinon: “It has not been possible for the whale carcass to be removed, and it is attracting noticeably increased shark activity to the area, so caution is advised.”

• Watch this space for news on an insightful essay penned by Plett shark-attack survivor Dylan Reddering, explaining why the white shark in particular is so important to our marine ecosystem.

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NEWS & VIEWS

26 August 2020

OBITUARIES

Mike Wells’s words say it all… N our August 19 edition, CXPRESS paid tribute to Mike Wells (read it on page 7 of that issue at www.cxpress. co.za), who passed away earlier this month after being an inspiration and joy to his loved ones and the many other lives he had touched during nine decades of spreading his particular brand of wisdom and human kindness. His wife, Jill Kirkland, this past week shared with us memories of Mike such as the fact that, along with friend Neville Peterson, Mike founded ‘The Brain Rust’: a group of 10 like-minded buddies who have for the past 17 years met monthly to discuss a vast array of subjects over lunch and, in general, to keep their minds healthy through this unique think tank. The family also asked us to share this poem

MIKE WELLS: 6 October 1929 - 7 August 2020

Mike penned with CXPRESS readers: Afterwards The dove’s morning call will go unanswered. The sun will still rise to warm the back of frigid souls. The mountains will continue their sombre unmoving gaze while, they too, await their inevitable slowdissolution at the hands of the acid of deathless time. Meanwhile, the invisible hand will continue to write, as it once wrote: ‘Seize this day, which belongs to you alone.’ Waste it if you choose; who cares about its passing? Only the One who looks down on this small life, concerned by its neglect and loss of the cornucopia offered. And yet the days are

numbered for mountain, bird and you. The sun will still rise without surprise to find you missing from its eternal gaze; the grandfather clock will choose the next life it decides to tick rhythmically away; Be aware, each second, as slippery as arctic ice, is uncaring for our wasted small life and quickly bids farewell. Then, a passing ant sniffs and enjoys the flavour of newly-turned earth where the ashes of those lost seconds lie. And, that tall tree marks the spot, grateful for your final gift and continues its climb heavenwards. And you, poor soul, may be born again as a perch for that dove whose song this tale all began. - Mike Wells

Russell Stevens - last respects paid to formidable farmer and hotelier supreme USSELL Stevens was born in Durban in 1940 to father John and mother Solange. His schooling was at St John’s College in Johannesburg and later at the South African Naval Academy in Gordon’s Bay. In his teens, he was passionate about horses, both as rider and trainer. After a period in England, he joined Barlow Rand when it was one of South Africa’s largest and most diverse companies, as personal assistant to founder and chairman Punch Barlow. Not one to remain in the security of the company fold, Russell moved to the Midlands of KZN. Riding on the rewards of a bumper crop of cabbages, he expanded his farming activities into the dairy business, first persuading three local farmers to form Rosemary Dairies, which later evolved into one of the largest dairies in the country at the time, and was later renamed Creamline. Another of Russell’s passions was the hospitality industry, which would go on to be the business he was best known for. He had a deep passion for the nuance required for exceptional service in food and beverage something most probably instilled by his French mother - and this led him to open the much-loved and revered French bistro, La Provence, in Pietermaritzburg. Russell’s prowess as entertainer and host began to proceed him and this

led Michael Noyce, thendirector of Barlows, to ask him to join the board of The Royal Hotel where Russell was to be the guiding force behind the expansion and refurbishment of Durban’s most famous city hotel. He served as MD of the Royal board from the late 1970s to 2010. Alongside dignitaries and royalty, it became a major meeting place for groups and people involved in opposition to apartheid across the business and political spectrum. This was not only because of its convenient location in central Durban but also due to Russell’s recognition of the zeitgeist and his engagement with emerging black businesses, and political organisations. He had an excellent eye for trends and a pragmatic engagement with new ideas and possibilities. These ranged from creating the hotel management company Three Cities Group, a hotel school within the Carlton Hotel in Johannesburg (and later within the fabric of Three Cities Hotels). Russell was invited to join the Tongaat Group board and became its youngest director; he remained with the board for many decades. Through its food and farming activities, he formed links with the great Swiss mushroom-farming family, led by Uli Hauser. He also tracked down the best Belgian machinery and recipes for massproducing croissants.

RUSSELL HOWARD JOHN STEVENS: 26 October 1940 - 14 August 2020

In fact, the adoption of croissants across South Africa may have had something to do with his endeavours. Russell was the driving force in the development and opening of the Suncoast Casino in Durban and his management company, Three Cities, was appointed to operate uShaka Marine World, which during his tenure won numerous international awards. He was an excellent pilot. For many years he seemed almost twinned with his twin-engine Cessna with the call sign Juliet X-ray November. She was part of the family and its adventures. Russell formed an early and enduring friendship with Nicky Behr (senior) and spent many holidays at Kurland in The Crags. This was the beginning

of his life-long love of Plettenberg Bay, its surroundings, and many of its people. In the late 70s, Russell and friend Murray Crawford bought the land below Plett Airport, which they later divided between them. In his final years, Russell moved back to live in Plettenberg Bay and resumed his first love, farming, with his wife Linda. He raised horses, sheep and grew particularly good Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, bottled under the name Solange, after his beloved mother. Right until the end, he maintained the work ethic of his youth, still developing ingenious and audacious hotel and property projects, from 150 flat-pack villas in Mozambique to a newstyle retirement product shaped from his vast experience in the five-star hotel industry. He was a sought-after expert in the diverse passions he built up over a lifetime and many claimed him as their mentor. Russell will be remembered as a fierce and loving maverick by his family and friends; he leaves behind his wife Linda and their son Luke, his daughters Clare and Sarah, and his sons Matthew and Gregory. He was grandfather to 11 grandchildren: Luke, Ben, Ollie, Emma, Leo, Zac, Dino, Levi, Summer-Jane, Ava, and Coco. A private memorial service for Russell will be held at a later stage.

CXPRESS

Pastor Len regarded the whole world as his flock

GLEN LEONARD LEVENDAL: 8 August 1949 - 17 August 2020

Y uncle Len left behind three brothers and three sisters, and a huge circle of family and friends, when passing on nine days ago. He was married to Ericka for 49 years and God blessed them with five kids - two boys and three girls - 16 grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. A very committed father, he was always truthful and sincere. I don’t think any other leader could speak about religion, economics, and politics on the highest level, as did Pastor Len. We are humbled to have had him in our lives. He had a great political career as councillor and as a speaker of Bitou Municipality. He travelled all over the world to preach God’s word to the infirm, the poor, and the rich. According to Plett Home Affairs, no other local religious leader performed so many wedding ceremonies in

a lifetime! He also performed many funerals, no matter of ethnic group, race or colour. By the time he was hospitalised he was very sick, but continued to pray for his fellow patients. He was a master of confidence and self-control, which many of us lack. He was not just a father to his children, but to thousands of others since becoming the first religious leader to start his own church in Plett in 1973. He also founded many committees for church leaders. Throughout our community, there are schools, clinics and facilities established through his determination to make the world a better place. His sons Lindsay and Alri will continue this legacy. We will all miss his friendliness and his smile. We love you Len, or Glen, or Pastor! - Carmi le Roux

CXPRESS

The life of Brian… • Today my son asked: “Can I have a book mark?” I just burst into tears. Eleven years old and he still doesn’t know my name is Brian. • My parents grew so fond of my wife, they’ve come to see her as their own child. Recently, my mom started to look out for a proper husband for her. • My mother-in-law is like a fine French Impressionist painting. She’s lovely, but is best appreciated at a distance. • My local college just announced the end of a scientific study... Results showed that out of 2,293,618,367 people, 94% are too lazy to actually read that number. • I think senility is going to be a fairly smooth transition for me. • I never made a mistake in my life! I thought I did once, but I was wrong. • I hate it when my wife says: “Are you listening to me?!” Such a random way to start a conversation… • I tried cooking with beer for the first time. After almost five glasses, I forgot why I was in the kitchen. • I fear my neighbour may be stalking me. She was googling my name last night on her computer... I saw it clearly through 1

my binoculars! • My kids are like inmates at a jail... They eat for free, they claim they are innocent, and they don’t like the warden. • Just seen a burglar kicking his own door in. I asked: “What on earth are you doing?” He just said: “Working from home.” • My wife told me I didn’t love any of her relatives. I told her it’s not true. I said: “I love your mother-in-law and father-in-law much more than I love mine.” • I can’t stand it when people don’t know the difference between your and you’re... There so stupid! • My uncle was crushed by a piano... His funeral was very low key. • Me to the postman: “This empty envelope must be from my sister, Charlotte.” Postman: “Now why would she send you an empty envelope?” Me: “We had an argument, and she’s not talking to me.” • Last night my wife said: “Brian, you treat our marriage like it’s some sort of game.” Unfortunately, this cost her 12 points and a bonus chance. • I was in the supermarket the other day when

Scientists have now discovered how women keep their secrets. They do so within groups of 40. a guy threw a block of Cheddar at me. Outraged, I shouted: “Well that’s not very mature, is it?!” • When my wife starts to sing, I always go out and do some garden work so our neighbours can see there’s no domestic violence going on. • My friend Robbie

shocked and hurt me. He told me today that I make people very uncomfortable and have no respect for personal space. I mean, what a thing to say to a friend? It totally ruined our bath! • I proposed to my now ex-wife, but she said no. She believes I’m just after my money…

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INTERVAL

26 August 2020

S T R A N D E D

ON THE SOAPBOX

26 August 2020

Letters to the Editor

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

Still no respect for Knysna Lagoon - the most unique in South Africa I retired to Knysna 12 years ago but have been coming here before that for over 50 years. I have been secretary of the Leisure Isle Boat Club and produced and managed its comprehensive website www.libcknysna.co.za. I have a boat and spend much time on the lagoon, both by day and night. I therefore feel experienced to speak to your readers about the issues below. Knysna Lagoon is managed by SANParks. In their management plan signed by the minister of Water Affairs and their Garden Route manager, it specifically calls for ‘Stakeholder Involvement’. Without it, according to Section 3.4.6 on p28, it risks: • An increase in external impacts such as pollution and poaching (without question this is a fact that would be acknowledged by everyone); • Less support from powerful stakeholders that can lead to a decrease in business revenue (many lagoon users are not applying for boating, baiting and fishing licences as they see little input from SANParks, and very few fines).

So, in a nutshell, there is a negative, downward spiral. I have on many occasions tackled SANParks on this, by asking them what the fines are for speeding in a non-wake zone, or skiing in a no-ski area, or for selling illegally caught bait, for using oversized nets, for selling your catch, for pollution, etc. There is no answer because no one has been fined for these offences. I am told that they have ceased training of their officers, but cannot verify this latter point. So come to Knysna, folks, and once on our lagoon, you can do any speed and ski anywhere. Buy as much bait as you want and you can use long lines with as many hooks as you like. There are no restrictions here. Take a good gamble on even having a boat licence and collect all the bait you like anywhere in our lagoon at night, because there are no night patrols. By the way, most of our regulations have not been updated since 1987, despite a huge increase in population and number of boats. Thesen’s alone

Retraction of letter ‘Your unsightly blight on pathway is also a serious fire hazard’ Based on discussions with those involved and new information to hand, CXPRESS and the Brick-pathfinders retract the letter to the editor published on January 15, 2020. It has since been established that the allegations and criticisms made in the letter were based on misinformation and therefore unwarranted. Although they are not

identified, the owner and his wife report that they have been unfairly criticised and their good standing in the community tarnished. CXPRESS and the Brick-pathfinders apologise for any inconvenience and harm he and his wife may have experienced and retract the letter. By mutual agreement, the topic is now closed.

added 300 craft. About five years ago I started working with SANParks and other lagoon users. I felt the only way to make a difference was to increase awareness and knowledge of the lagoon, since many users did not have the benefit of hindsight, i.e. just how productive, quiet and beautiful this lagoon used to be. So I came up with a Voluntary Code of Conduct which I presented to about 18 different lagoon associations, comprising about 300 people. I had widespread acceptance, even by SANParks, but still need them to at least uphold our current and limited regulations. Interestingly, Plett is controlled by CapeNature and has passed a law limiting speed below the bridge to a no-wake 5.5 knots. I have never moaned about subsistence fishermen and personally would prefer 50 of them to one high speed boat with two 300hp motors causing

huge wakes and putting so much marine life through the mincing machine of their prop wash! I also feel that the 18-million cubic metres coming through our Heads every tide does a good job of catering for pollution and we need to start with some easier ‘can do’ projects, to give people experiences of success. I would really appreciate your assistance in helping to curb the degeneration of this precious resource, which is also a big tourist attraction and job creator. Arland Read, Knysna (Interested readers can email wosi@iafrica.com to obtain copies of Arland’s talk, copies of SANParks correspondence, petitions, etc. Also visit www. cxpress.co.za to read Arland’s letter ‘Distressing lack of Knysna Estuary maintenance mars return to fishing grounds’ on page 5 of the June 24 edition, and the response from SANparks on pages 7 of the July 1 edition. - Eds.)

Harsh sentences suggested for our country’s corrupt, and tree hackers of Plett Surely it is high time to reintroduce prison with hard labour for those convicted (?) of state capture and corruption? We certainly need a real deterrent… S Murray, Plett --Who can explain to me the thinking behind the most-recent annihilation of trees that served as nesting habitat of Plett’s beautiful egrets? First to go were the trees at Down to Earth, then those at the entrance to Beacon Island Hotel, and now there are only stumps left where hundreds of these birds made

nests to rear their young. If anyone can answer this query with information on the whereabouts of these birds and the motivation behind hacking down these beautiful trees, I would be most interested to hear. If we treat nature with such disdain in a place of such magnificent natural beauty, we may as well tar the entire town, or go live on a Las Vegas parking lot. Bird Blues, Plett (This letter was forwarded to CapeNature for possible insight on regulations allowing such actions. Eds.)

CXPRESS

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26 August 2020

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