26 February 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
FREE Photo: Knysna Municipality Communications
Life according to Brother Zeb Brother Zeb shared the highs and lows of the Rastafarian journey with a tourism group earlier this month - in the pic, he shows off the cover of last year’s July 10 edition, when we reported on a sure victory for Bra Zeb and his peace-loving brethren. View that edition at www.cxpress. co.za and find out more on page 2 about the interesting tour presented to operators in and around Knysna.
Bitou calls for calm p3
Plett student protest p4
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CXPRESS
NEWS & VIEWS
26 February 2020
Showing off some of Knysna’s best-kept tourism treasures two-day workshop to promote domestic tourism and empower emerging tour operators took place earlier this month. Knysna Municipality’s Economic Development department manager Petrus van Niekerk said an educational tour was organised with the aim of imparting knowledge through first-hand experience. “A collaboration between Knysna Economic Development, Garden Route District Municipality and the Department of Tourism, almost 45 people attended the workshop where experts in a number of related fields shared and unpacked their skills and experiences.” The first phase of the workshop took place at the Royal Hotel and was chaired by National Department of Tourism director Thulani Sibeko, who highlighted the importance of this sector and said a tourism culture should be cultivated. “Domestic tourism is the backbone of any town’s economy and it is important to adopt
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a culture that not only invite visitors, but also encourages locals to explore their town.” On the second day, the group visited the Knysna Heads and learnt more about the estuary, which is the second-largest of its kind in the country. The next stop was Judah Square - the hub of South African’s largest Rastafarian community. Brother Zeb is an elder in this special community and welcomed the visitors with the song ‘One Love, One Heart’, before the resident tour guide stepped in and took the group through their journey, their struggles and, ultimately, triumphs attained by the Rastafari. The final stop was MadAboutArt, an NGO in Damse-Bos that exists exclusively for children fighting HIV. Van Niekerk said they guided the children to change their narrative through art and education. “The NGO has the largest HIV/Aids library and a soup kitchen that is a lifeline to many children frequenting
LIFELINE: Children from MadAboutArt in their preschool in Dam-SeBos, which has an extensive HIV/Aids library and a soup kitchen
these premises.” He thanked everyone for coming and said the workshop would not be possible without partnerships. “Special thanks are due to Brenton Tours, MadAboutArt, Lithemba Art and Tours, Vuka Ukhanye Tours, and Judah Square Rastafari for of-
fering their services for free, and to Knysna Tourism for all their assistance.” While the verdict is still out on the origins of how the town was named ‘Knysna’ in the first place, one of the tour guides leading the party explained it thus: “‘Nice here’ translates into ‘Knys - na’… get it?”
International research conference bodes well for local adventurers ISIT Knysna general manager Colleen Durant was thrilled to announce that Knysna would play host to the International Adventurer Conference in January 2022. Durant, reporting on behalf of Wesgro on Tourism at a Governance and Economic Development Committee meeting last week, said Knysna offered an array of outdoor activities and memorable experiences, making it a dream destination for adrenaline junkies. “It is part of our marketing strategy to promote the town as an adventure tourist destination. We are hosting the conference in collaboration with Knysna Municipality and Wes-
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ON YER BIKE: Whether your passion is cycling, running or more extreme sports, the Adventurer Conference is sure to boost your business - Photo: Desmond Scholtz
gro in January 2022 at the Premier Hotel,” said Durant. An Adventure Tourism Research Association initiative, the conference aims to convene a forum of adventure enthusiasts and practitioners, as well as tourism and outdoor recreational scholars from across the globe. “The purpose of the
forum is to create and disseminate key research about the sector,” said Durant. “It is also envisaged that, through hosting the conference, short-term employment opportunities could be created for local communities, and this may well boost the economy of our town.”
During her presentation Durant tabled their strategy and new campaigns to improve the allure of Knysna as a tourist destination. The new niches include but are not limited to: Eco adventure, sports and leisure; Events and festivals; Wellness, health and fitness; Community, arts and culture. Chairperson of the committee Claudine Croutz said Knysna Municipality was very happy to be part of the initiative. “Playing host to this international symposium will create job opportunities and afford local businesses a chance to showcase their services and products, so giving the world a taste of what our town has to offer.”
NEWS & VIEWS
26 February 2020
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Experts to explore way forward for Bitou Municipality Following the release of a damning forensic report into, among others, mismanagement within Bitou Municipality, Plett’s municipal manager has assured residents that each allegation contained in the report would be investigated - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports CCORDING to Bitou municipal manager Lonwabo Ngoqo, “any person found to have contravened the law and/or policies will be taken to task based on the recommendations provided by our legal team”. The forensic investigation was conducted under the auspices of the Western Cape government into irregularities within Bitou Municipality and highlighted several alleged irregularities. These included what has been labelled as a scheme to “siphon” money from municipal coffers under the guise of Grants in Aide, alleged extortion of money
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in the form of donations under false pretences, and underqualified staff. Ngoqo said that after the report was served on the municipality on December 6 last year, they appointed attorneys Mosdell, Pama & Cox and Boqwana Burns to act in the matter. “They are independent and experienced attorneys who specialise in public administration and forensic investigations. They were asked to assess the report and provide recommendations on the way forward, in line with the process set out in legislation. “It is paramount that the
rule of law be followed in all respects,” Ngoqo said in a statement. He added that the attorneys’ mandate consisted of developing a plan to respond to the report, to attend to the findings and recommendations recorded in it, and to develop the report aligned with the process plan. “A process plan was prepared by the attorneys and the Bitou municipal council dealt with the forensic report and the process plan in an ordinary council meeting on February 3.” He said that due to the content of the report, the municipality was required
Bail applications of alleged rapists rescheduled WO bail hearings that attracted huge public attention last week were postponed to February 28. The accused appeared briefly and respectively before the judge, and both their bail applications were unsuccessfully heard, despite the best effort of their respective defence attorneys. The court was brimming with supporters calling for no bail in each case. Although court proceedings were disturbed by a power failure, those in attendance could not be deterred, and stayed put until the lights were back on. When the first suspect, a 31-year-old male, took the stand a call for order in the court was necessitated as the victims’ supporters could not contain their rage. The suspect was arrested for allegedly attacking a local couple close to Keurboomstrand on February 4. The suspect surrendered to Hermanus police three days later (see report below). A petition signed by 2,500 victim supporters from various local communities was handed to the court before the suspects’ appearance, demanding no bail and life imprisonment with no pa-
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role for the perpetrators. The second unsuccessful bail application was that of a 29-year-old male accused of raping a 15-year-old girl during December. Supporters for both cases were bolstered by these outcomes. The Green Hearts a local group against child abuse - said delays in the application process worked to their advantage. “The delay allows us to get enough signatures for the petition of no bail,” said spokesman Janet Harding. Both suspects remain in custody before Friday’s court appearance, and victim support groups are calling on the public to show up en masse. • The Keurboomstrand incident took place at 23:15 on February 4. Said police spokesman captain Malcolm Pojie: “Preliminary investigation suggest that a woman, 42, and her friend, 39, visited the parking area near the beach when they were accosted by the 31-year-old suspect, who threatened to rob them. “The suspect aimed several stabs at the man and hit him on the body. The victim sustained multiple stab wounds and was later
transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. “The suspect tied both victims’ hands behind their backs. After assaulting the man he forcefully pulled the woman to the beach where he allegedly raped her, having stuffed her mouth with cloth to prevent her from screaming. She sustained injuries and received medical treatment afterwards. “The male victim managed to call a friend who summoned police to the scene. Members launched a search for the female victim. The assailant saw the lights, untied her and ran away. “After finding an ID document on the scene, the police launched a manhunt to apprehend the suspect, who had fled to the Overberg area. The man surrendered at Hermanus police station on February 7. “The suspect, whose name cannot be revealed as he has not yet pleaded, was transferred to Plett and appeared in the magistrate’s court for legal representation. “He faces charges of rape, kidnapping, and assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The investigation continues,” Pojie concluded. - Ludumo Tede
to keep it confidential until such time that the allegations contained in it had been tested and confirmed. “It would be incorrect for Bitou Municipality to release such a report to the general public without first confirming its correctness, as there could be severe ramifications for persons mentioned therein who have not yet been subjected
to due process.” Ngoqo said they wanted to assure ratepayers that the municipality took the allegations contained in the report seriously and would “investigate each matter properly”. He further said that he was willing to meet with members of Plettenberg Bay Ratepayers Association to discuss the implementation of the advice given.
“Bitou Municipality has a zero-tolerance policy for fraud and corruption, but it must take reasonable steps within the bounds of the laws that control it. “We request that the ratepayers remain patient with the municipality as it takes the necessary steps to properly assess the issues in compliance with legislation and policy.”
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NEWS & VIEWS
26 February 2020
Student arrested during week-long protest at Bitou’s South O Cape College Ludumo Tede
NE of the South Cape College (SCC) students who were at the forefront of last week’s protest action in Plett will face suspension for alleged damage to property and intimidation - this is according to SCC principal Chumani Webber. Sibongiseni Casa was the only student arrested on Wednesday February 19 during a protest over the National Student Fund Aid Scheme (NSFAS), which started the previous day. The principal gripe among the protesting students was that NSFAS funds had not been paid to all the applicants. They believe that the money due to students had been paid to the SCC, rather than to the students who have applied. Talking on behalf of the students’ leadership, Thembi Malinga said: “The principal decides who will be getting the funds and who would not. The protests will continue until the principal steps down, because we don’t have confidence in him.” The principal denied hanging on to the NSFAS funds, saying: “We, as the institution, do not do student fund approvals - NS-
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CHARRED REMAINS: A lone law enforcement officer guards the entrance to South Cape College, where protest action took place for the past week - Photo supplied
ALL FOR ONE: The SCC Bitou campus was closed for days while students demonstrated to voice gripes about the dissemination of funds, and the arrest of a fellow student Photo: Bandile Mlindazwe
FAS does that. What we do is dispersing the money to the approved students. I don’t get to decide who receives funding or not.” On the second day of action, the protest took a violent turn when tyres were burnt and the institution’s entry gate vandalised. Bitou Law Enforcement intervened, which culminated in Casa’s arrest. This further riled up his fellow students, who questioned why a single individual was “taken away” for their collective action. In response, Webber said: “He is the one who broke the padlocks and who has been making threats via WhatsApp texts and audio notes, not so the rest of the protesting students. “I have these WhatsApp messages as evidence. For that reason, the student will receive a suspension letter and thereafter be suspended until the outcomes of his disciplinary hearing.” Casa made a brief appearance in Plettenberg Bay Magistrates Court before being released before his second appearance on February 27. Visit the gallery at www. cxpress.co.za for more photos of the protest.
NEWS & VIEWS
26 February 2020
From crime scene to conviction: How forensic anthropologists get the dead to reveal their secrets
BRING UP THE BODIES: Wilderness native Belinda Speed will share secrets of her macabre metier with local listeners
N Wednesday March 11, Wilderness Ratepayers Association will host yet another look at history, if this time from a slightly different angle. Following the January presentation about archaeology at Pinnacle Point (attended by some 300 people), next month’s talk by forensic anthropologist Belinda Speed will explore her
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work that entails analysing human skeletal remains. She will demonstrate how anthropologists apply their knowledge of human anatomy and, in particular, the skeleton to assist with identifying unknown individuals. Belinda has worked with the SAPS, Forensic Pathology Services and the Department of Justice in locating and analysing human
remains, both forensic and archaeological in nature. She grew up in Wilderness and then moved to Cape Town to further her studies. After completing her BSc in Genetics and Microbiology at UCT, she embarked on Honours and Masters degrees in Biological Anthropology and Applied Anatomy. Belinda is currently at the end-stages of completing her PhD in Forensic Medicine at UCT. Her research on marine decomposition is the first of its kind on the African continent, and she is one of only a handful of people internationally undertaking such research. During her talk at Wilderness Hotel, Belinda will use actual cases (including some local examples) to explain her work. Don’t miss this ‘Crime Scene to Conviction’ talk at 6pm for 6:30 on March 11. Entry is R10 for WRRA members and R20 for nonmembers. A cash bar will be available and you will have an opportunity to become a Wilderness Ratepayers and Residents Association member. Call John Miller on 084 959 4243 for more details.
CXPRESS
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NEWS & VIEWS
26 February 2020
Internationally-acclaimed Plettenberg Bay artist’s work now adorns Passage Gallery at Old Nick Village OR the months of February and March, award-winning artist Stephen Rosin is hosting his debut show at the intimate Passage Gallery at Old Nick Village. Rosin, who graduated in 1999 from NMMU Port Elizabeth with a B Tech (cum laude) in Fine Arts, was the 2009 winner of the Absa L’Atelier award. Having exhibited countrywide and in private collections abroad, he now brings his art to local audiences, with an interesting mix of both old and newer pieces. Rosin’s work is characterised by his use of unusual materials and an underlying spirit of mischievousness. His playful humour and surprising craftsmanship is much in evidence
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COMBINING COMEDY AND CRAFT: Stephen Rosin gained international acclaim when winning the coveted L’Atelier art award 11 years ago; now readers have the opportunity to view a collection of his older and newer works at Old Nick Village ‘till end March
in the pieces on display - which make use of both traditional materials such as pencil and ballpoint pen, as well as more curious mediums… including
bullet lead! All of his chosen mediums are applied to bring to the viewer subtle, tonguein-cheek visual commentary on a variety of sociopolitical topics. His obsessive attention to detail forms the foundation for each creation and, as such, calls for careful study to fully appreciate the work. Two of the larger pieces, titled Castles in the Sky and You are always No. 1 at the Lotus Motel, are fine examples of Rosen’s artistic awareness. This unique visual experience, open daily from 9am to 5pm until the end of March, is most definitely not to be missed. See the Old Nick Village advert on this page for contact details.
Notice Board • Knysna Plett Concert Series presents violinist Zanta Hofmeyr and pianist Ilia Radoslavov on Monday March 9 at the DRC church hall in Fichat Street. This concert is all about the music of the great Johannes Brahms, with three of his
sonatas played by Zanta and Ilia. Tickets (R150 for adults, R50 for scholars) are sold at the door and the show starts at 7:30pm. • Diarise Thursday March 19 at 6pm for 6:30 for the next General Knowledge Fun Quiz to be held at
Plett Bowling Club. Entry is R100 per head and teams may have six members max. Organiser Barry Rickets and his Bowling Club team would love a full house, so contact him soonest at bar ryricketts48@hotmail.com or on 072 890 6238.
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NEWS & VIEWS
26 February 2020
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New wage increase won’t keep domestic workers afloat ABOUR minister Thulas Nxesi has announced that South Africa will have a new minimum wage of R20.76 as of March 1. In a gazette published on February 18, Nxesi also outlined the new minimum wages for a number of major sectors not covered by the minimum wage, including domestic workers. From Sunday March 1, domestic workers will be entitled to a minimum wage of R15.57 per hour - an increase of 57 cents from the current baseline. The reason for the lower wage is due to the higher risk of unemployment for domestic workers if the minimum wage is too high, National Treasury said in its national minimum wage (NMW) document. While this increase will be
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welcomed by some, it is unlikely to help struggling workers who are already battling to make ends meet. According to parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, domestic workers are among the most vulnerable occupational groups of people in society. “Many domestic workers have to face exploitative working conditions, disrespectful treatment, low wages, long hours and few employment benefits. “The work that is performed by domestic workers is often undervalued because it takes place in the home,” said committee chairperson Nonhlanhla Ncube-Ndaba. Research from the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group (PEJD) shows
that R15 an hour is also simply not enough to feed a family of four with nutritional food they need to live. The group said that the cost of feeding a family of four in South Africa ranges from R1,276 per month for core foods, to R2,474 per month for a basic nutritionally complete basket of food. With bigger families, which is often commonplace in South Africa, these prices can increase to as much as R4,236 per month for a family of seven. As of January 2020, a domes-
tic worker who works eight hours a day, 22 days a month will earn R2,740 under the new national minimum wage. This would still leave the worker R1,749 in the red, after basic food costs and the bare minimum living needs. And it gets worse for domestic workers who earn exempted rates (10% less than NMW) or who have less work - something that is becoming a stark reality for many workers, as private households shed jobs in the sector. StatsSA’s latest data shows that 16,000 domestic workers lost their
jobs in 2019, though the country still employs about 1-million workers. In the group’s working scenarios, PEJD’s data show that a domestic worker who is paid at least R4,500 a month would at least be left with a surplus after non-negotiable expenses like food, transport and electricity were paid off. At R4,500 a month, in the working scenario (22 days, eight hours a day), domestic workers would be paid R26 an hour (R205 a day) - R5.43 more than the new minimum wage. (businesstech.co.za)
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CXPRESS
INTERVAL
26 February 2020
Hard-core language HE teacher heard little Johnny use some serious language in class, and she was visibly shocked. “Johnny, don’t you ever use language like that again, not near me, not ever. Where on Earth did you learn that?” she reprimanded him. “I got it from my dad, Miss,” replied Johnny. “Well, your daddy should be ashamed. I hope you don’t know what all that even means?” “Oh, but I do,” said lit-
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tle Johnny. “It means the car won’t start.” --Suzy was required to write an essay of 220 words about an automobile. She submitted the following: “My uncle bought an automobile. He was driving in the country when it broke down going up a steep hill. I guess this is about 20 words. The other 200 are what my uncle said when he was walking back to town, but they are not for publication.”
Sometimes up, sometimes down... BEFORE MARRIAGE He: “Ah at last. I can hardly wait.” She: “Do you want me to leave?” He: “No, don’t even think about it.” She: “Do you love me?” He: “Of course. Always have and always will.” She: “Have you ever cheated on me?”
He: “Never. Why do you even ask?” She: “Will you kiss me?” He: “Every chance I get.” She: “Will you hit me?” He: “No. Are you crazy?” She: “Can I trust you?” He: “Yes.” She: “Darling!” AFTER MARRIAGE Read from the bottom to the top.
Don’t be worried about your smartphone or TV spying on you... Your vacuum cleaner has been gathering dirt on you for years.
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the heart and soul of plettenberg bay
Describing mental health HE psychology instructor had just finished a lecture on mental health and was giving an oral test. Speaking specifically about manic depression, she asked: “How would you diagnose a patient
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who walks back and forth screaming at the top of his lungs one minute, then sits in a chair weeping uncontrollably the next?” A young man in the rear raised his hand and answered: “A rugby coach?”
SOCIAL SCENE
26 February 2020
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OH SEE A SEA OF CHAIRS! The Outeniqua Chair Challenge (OCC) took George by storm 11 days ago. Pictured at left is the rather serious-looking starting line of the 42.2km men’s marathon, with legendary South African hand-cyclist and Olympic gold, silver and bronze medallist Ernst van Dyk in white second from right. The rest of the pics show some of the heartfelt effort and general hilarity that formed part of yet another amazing OCC event. Read the full story on page 12. - Photos: Desmond Scholtz
People, places & events
UNICORN DUTY DONE: A super-sized pink unicorn - aka Shannon Halderman, 37 - was spotted roaming around the Sedgefield market precinct last Saturday. He strutted his bows and glitter at Scarab, Mosaic, and Wild Oats markets amid much laughter and jovial games arranged for his bachelor’s party. The friendly mythical beastie also offered his services to cars at the local Total garage, and washed many a windshield in the line of unicorn duty. Did you perhaps spot him on your Saturday morning travels? Shannon is due to marry his fiancée and CXPRESS contributor Talia Day (née Pietersen) on February 29 during a quiet forest ceremony. Pictured with Shannon above are, from left, mates Dave Patterson, Duncan Cullingworth and Ivor Masters, with Henry Cloete biting his tongue at back. IT’S SHAVATHON TIME! Show your support for cancer survivors this Saturday, when you can shave, spray or donate - or all of the above - at venues along the Garden Route and throughout South Africa. Plett locals, like the lovely bunch pictured here during previous shave and spray sessions, can sign up at The Market Square from 9am onwards on February 29. Call the toll-free number 0800 226 622 or click on www.shavathon.org.za to find your nearest participating Shavathon centre, and see the advert on page 7 for additional information.
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CXPRESS
26 February 2020
Handyman on call - no job too small. Please contact 082 492 4417 / 072 724 6590
A reminder to our community: FAMSA assists with all forms of emotional and relationship challenges, e.g. depression, abuse, grief, trauma, parenting and divorce counselling. We would love to assist and make a difference. Please phone 044 533 0515 for more information.
CLASSIFIEDS
ON THE SOAPBOX
26 February 2020
Letters to the Editor
Email: editor@cxpress.co.za - Fax: 044 533 0852 - PO Box 1449, Plett 6600
The modern bank… Some of the banks in Plettenberg Bay seem to have gone mad. A bank used to be a place where you kept your money, invested it at interest and got advice or arranged a loan or a building bond. Now, it seems, they offer “products” and specialise in keeping their clients waiting for hours, away from the work they should be doing. I recently went to a bank to renew a large investment which had matured. The bank in questions has been modernised af-
ter moving from town to The Market Square. Now, instead of standing or sitting in a queue for a teller, one has to stand in a queue to get a ticket with a mysterious number printed on it. One then moves to a waiting room in which there are rather uncomfortable benches, on which you sit, and sit, and sit. Sometimes there are not enough seats, in which case you stand, and stand… and stand! Above one’s head is a screen on which, if you
are facing the right way, you may see your number appear. At one time, if you missed it and did not follow the instructions, you might have had to wait an hour or so for it to come around again. Now there is also a voice which tells you where to go. Being old and having poor hearing and eyesight, I am liable to miss both. This occasion started well. After a relatively short wait I was taken to a pleasant young man with whom I worked out my problems in about 15 minutes.
All that remained to be done was the signing of the agreement. This he could not help me with as he had not the authority. I was taken to the ticket lady, given a ticket, and sent to the waiting room. Three quarters of an hour later I was still waiting! This was too much - I went home. The following day I waited for an hour, cancelled the investment and transferred the money to another bank. My wife is now also going to change banks. MAP, Plett
Hats off to organisers of Plett Performing Arts Fest Congratulations to Ann Fermor and the committee of the Kids of Kurland school project. I attended the ‘Jenny and the Jameses’ show on Saturday night February 22 and it was FANTASTIC! The band was entertaining, funny and, above all else, a brilliantly professional group of
musicians that South Africans can be truly proud of. The show was sold out and I have no doubt all of us that attended were entranced by the quality of the entertainment. I have been coming to Plett for nearly 40 years and can honestly say that this is the top highlight for me over the years,
and that I have grown to love being a member of the Plett community. Well done to all involved! Philip Wood, Plett (The Plett Performing Arts Festival continues this weekend with Daniel Mpilo Richards’s latest show ‘Quantitative Teasing’ on Friday February 28, followed by two final
performances - the Vumani Choral Project and ‘The Complete Works of Shakespeare - Abridged’ - on Saturday the 29th and March 7 respectively. See the programme on page 12 for booking details, and call Ann Fermor on 082 452 8764 and Sharon van Hees on 083 409 7556 for additional information. - Eds.)
Disabled parking bays in Plett are still being dissed! Disregard for the needs of our differently-abled residents and a lack of monitoring by Bitou Traffic officials left me no choice but to write this letter. After continual reminders regarding the procedure to be followed should either a temporary or permanent disabled sticker be required, the differently-abled among us have been well informed and are, I am sure, obtaining their stickers as laid down by the law. However, the lack of consideration for those who are permitted to utilise the limited disabled parking spots available is, to say the least, shocking in the extreme. My volunteers have identified at least four centrally-located bays and one on Lookout Beach that are constantly being taken up by those who are NOT in need of them. I am currently awaiting feedback and times for a meeting with the heads of our traffic depart-
ment - not only regarding the lack of supervision at the disabled parking bays and issuing of heavy fines, but also on ways of making it less stressful to obtain disabled stickers. Should you have been following the many articles regarding the differently-abled and how we are trying to organise not only accessibility but also integration into society by way of sports and more, you will know that it is an ongoing mission. Being “differentlyabled” means just that: you may be restricted in some way from functioning perfectly, but are brilliant in other aspects and need to be treated the same as everyone else. Don’t be too complacent; the law of averages decrees that somehow, in some way, it is going to happen to you - within seconds - and you will need the very facilities that we are trying so hard to make accessible to all. So, next time you think you are just going to “run in quickly, it will not mat-
ter”… think again, as it matters indeed. Rita Hardaker, Plett (Rita’s letter was received earlier this month and, seeing that some weeks had lapsed since her appeal to the relevant authorities, we enquired as to any feedback in this regard. Says Rita: “Nothing, except one report that a ticket had been issued for a disabled parking infringement on the very afternoon that our councillor sent out his request for action. “Interesting, though, is that in order for the differently-abled to obtain stickers for their vehicles from Bitou Traffic, they have to park illegally at the stop street facing Marine Drive, then get crutches, a walker or wheelchair out of the vehicle, unless they park in the small parking area below in which case they still have to navigate the broken concrete and uneven access to the office. “The access as indicated by one of the staff members is narrow, slants to
the right - simply some split poles with a bit of tar here and there. If you do manage to navigate this somehow, you have to make your way through broken concrete, squeeze past a high black fence which has no gate, and step up to the office. “This entire setup is totally iniquitous and extremely dangerous, yet anyone who has to obtain a disabled sticker must brave this exercise. What if you did not have a helper? You may even score an illegal parking ticket for using the disabled access. “If I do not get the desired and long overdue meeting with heads of the traffic department, on site, I will have to take matters to higher authorities. “I urge those who have gone through this experience to write to me - I cannot help without receiving your input in this regard.” Rita is the founder of the Differently-abled Awareness Campaign. Feel free to email ritav@global. co.za with feedback in this regard. - Eds.)
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CXPRESS
SPORT & ADVENTURE
26 February 2020
Rogan Smart claims podium spot in first elite Knysna Bull effort Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za
HE 2020 Knysna Bull concluded on Saturday when Matt Beers, Anne Terpstra, Tristan Nortje and Danielle Strydom all wrapped up their respective category titles with stage victories - though Terpstra’s was shared with her teammate Barbara Benko. Having taken in four days of racing through the heart of the Garden Route from February 1922, there could be no arguments that the champions were worthy winners. Terpstra and Beers each rode off with a cheque for R100,000 whereas Nortje and Strydom earned R10,000 each for their efforts. The rest of the top-five riders in the Young Bull men’s and women’s categories all earned prize money, too. In the men’s race Beers was again in a class of his own, spending much of the final day solo time trialling through the 52km stage. Having won all
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three previous stages, he completed a clean-sweep when crossing the line in 1:56:48 - 10 minutes and 45 seconds ahead of local rider Rogan Smart. Justin Tuck crossed the line third. Tuck’s efforts over the four days earned him second place overall, 34 minutes and 32 seconds
down on Beers. Behind him Smart leapfrogged David George to secure the final men’s podium spot. The young rider from Plettenberg Bay is in his first year in the elite category, after stepping up from the Young Bull competition last year. Terpstra secured the women’s title by roll-
OLD BULL NOW: Rogan Smart, sporting his Bike Shop Plett kit, is pictured here leading Barbara Benko in the Prologue last Wednesday - Photo: Deidre Cloete / DED Photography
ing across the final finish line alongside Benko. The Ghost Factory Racing pair crossed the line, arm-in-arm. “The competition was tough at the Knysna Bull, but it was great to have four such strong women racing together. We tried to push each other, but also enjoy the trails. I was fortunate to have established a little bit of a lead on the opening two days; so, I was able to race more conservatively on the last two days.” Terpstra’s general classification margin of victory was 4 minutes and 34 seconds over her teammate. Robyn de Groot, who had started the day in second overall, suffered a fall on the final stage and lost nearly 7 minutes. The dormakaba women slipped to third overall, 9 minutes and 14 seconds behind the Dutch race winner. Visit www.knysnabull. bike for full results.
Outeniqua Chair Challenge: Where inclusivity and the indomitable human spirit collide HE 18th running of the Outeniqua Chair Challenge on February 15 once again showed that when inclusivity and the indomitable human spirit collide, the magic we call Ubuntu happens. From the start of the 42.2km race shortly after 7am and the 21.1km 15 minutes later, until the last people left the venue at Carpe Diem School, George was abuzz with athletes, sponsors, volunteers and spectators. Officially 714 athletes from across South Africa as well as Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Ghana participated in the four different distances. In the men’s race, Stuart McCreedie (1:08:20), Ernst van Dyk (1:39:05), and Pieter du Preez (1:45:10) won their re-
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Storms River
TIN HOUSE Self-catering accommodation
spective categories in the 42.2km as did Thandiwe Ndhlovu (2:00:43), Delia Lubbe (2:20:19), and Ayishetu Seidu (2:37:59) in the women’s event. In the 21.1km race, the men’s category winners were George local Shaun Butler (47:54) and Ghanaian Raphael Botsyo (56:08). The women’s category winner was Stella Joncwe (1:29:12). Category winners in the 10km race were Rubin Afrika, Amahle Kani, Antonio Jobe, Ronaldo Mantsana, Mayenzeke Guiga, and Hanno van Jaarsveld. Women’s category winners were Martelize Brink, Elizabeth Booysen, and Khulani Kaba. A total of R147,000 was paid out in prize money to the winners. An event of this nature would
never happen without the sponsors and the OCC organisers express their sincere appreciation to all those involved, including the 400 officials, marshals, traffic officers, route layout crew, and registration staff. About 250 volunteers pushed chairs and assisted with other tasks; the OCC organising committee consists of over 50 members under event director Alewijn Dippenaar; and more than 15 service providers supplied portable toilets, tents, food, medals, sound, stage, and race timekeeping. Eleven water points were manned by 70 crew members; 85 assisted with registration, at the race village and as marshals; 32 businesses supported the event financially or with
products and services. Six service organisations who work with people with disabilities were involved; 3,000 units of water were handed out, and 2,000 meals were served during supper in Friday and lunch on Saturday. Thousands of photos were taken and 21km of delineators were placed along the route. And then it all had to be cleaned up and packed away so that the planning for next year’s event could start. Dippenaar, said they were “super-satisfied” and confirmed that the 19th OCC would take place on February 19 and 20 next year, with Carpe Diem again its gracious host. Visit www.georgeocc. co.za for the complete list of results and see photos on page 9.