26 november

26 November 2014

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

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Brace yourselves!

Rage is upon us - welcome to Plett, guys! Turn to pages 10 & 11 for a look at what’s on the slab this year...

Police Forum chaos p3

Hope spotted in Plett p5

Culinary kings crowned!

Photo: Jono ©

p13

10 000 FREE COPIES OF CXPRESS DISTRIBUTED ALONG THE GARDEN ROUTE EVERY WEDNESDAY

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CXPRESS

News & Views

26 November 2014

Culinary excellence pays off for Plett’s ‘Chef Fleetwood’

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FTER a gruelling round of regional finals in the International Hotel School’s (IHS) InterCampus Competition held at their Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town

campuses recently, the pressure was on to find hospitality and culinary excellence among the entrants.

On November 10, the finals kicked off at the IHS Durban

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

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

Campus in Westville, and the finalists worked hard to compete against each other in both the culinary and hospitality sectors.

In a nail-biting finish, 26-year-old Plettenberg Bay resident Claire Fleetwood took the culinary honours, while Pretorian Kyle Willis, 20, took the hospitality win.

Both Willis and Fleetwood will join the Ultimate School Cook Off winner, Savannah Ashworth, 16, from Danville Girl’s High School as well

Xqvg"hqt"Nwe‚u"Iqqing" Fqqfng"vqfc{# Plett teen Luc van den Handel, a student at Oakhill School in Knysna, made it to the top 20 final round of the Doodle4Google competition out of thousands of entries with the clever drawing he did for Google.

Luc explains as follows: “My picture is of the people of our country coming together to form something awesome.

The hands signify people telling stories and sharing information ‘manually’ by talking and acting. My dream is what I have represented inside the hands - Google: Everyone being able to share their story and knowledge, and search to seek their dreams.”

Visit the Doodle4Google website, look in the 12-14 years age group under ‘Sian van den Handel’ and vote for Luc. If he wins, he scores R100,000 of technical support for his school.

Ekpf{/Ngg"igvu" Ocuvgt‚u"pqf Nature’s Valley Trust conservation education director Cindy-Lee Cloete recently heard she has been accepted

LONDON, HERE WE COME! From left are Ruth Paulsen of the Intenational Hotel School with Plett lass Claire Fleetwood and fellow winners Savannah Ashworth and Kyle Willis

High flyers in brief next year to do a Masters in Environmental Education at Rhodes University on a parttime basis.

This is a fabulous achievement, hot on the heels of returning from her four-month stint as a Mandela-Washington Fellow in the USA - well done Cindy, you do us proud!

Find out more on the NVT Facebook page and turn to page 6 of the June 4 edition at www.cxpress.co.za for the full story.

Ocipgvke"Uqwvj"ocmgu" urqtv"cyctfu"ujqtvnkuv The Sport Industry Group unveiled its official shortlist for the Discovery Sport Industry Awards 2015 on November 11, with winners announced during a star-studded ceremony at Sandton Convention Centre on February 12.

The shortlist includes campaigns and brands from 15 different sporting codes including rugby, football, cricket, mixed martial arts, cycling, athletics, trail running, basketball, boxing and horse racing.

The Otter African Trail Run

presented by Salomon and GU and organised by Knysna-based event organiser Magnetic South, has established itself as South Africa’s premium trail running event and was shortlisted in three categories: • Best Use of PR in a Sport Campaign • Sport Participation Event of the Year • Best Live Experience.

The awards acknowledge the greatest achievements across the entire business of sport, including the most outstanding and innovative work in marketing, PR, advertising, community investment and sponsorship.

With higher entry numbers and an increasing quality of work year-on-year, reaching the shortlist for the Discovery Sport Industry Awards 2015 represents a stellar achievement.

Awesome work, Magnetic South! Here’s wishing you the best of luck. Visit http:// sportindustry.co.za/news/ discovery-sport-industryawards-official-shortlist-an

as IHS Sales & Marketing manager Ruth Paulsen on a culinary trip to London in January, valued at R300,000.

“Overall, the decision was a close one for the judges, as the scores were pretty even.

We definitely experienced very high standards overall, so I am pleased with the outcome and looking forward to accompanying our winners on this culinary trip of a lifetime,” said Paulsen.

CXPRESS congratulates Claire on flying the Plettenberg Bay IHS flag high - bon voyage!

nounced for the full story.

Eqptcf"Rg|wnc"fggogf"UC‚u" dguv"cv"Yqtnf"Iqnh"Cyctfu Knysna’s Conrad Pezula shared its triumph at the World Golf Awards held in Algarve, Portugal from November 13-16, where it took top honours as the Best Golf Hotel in South Africa for 2014.

“Conrad Pezula Resort & Spa recently hosted the finals of the Vodacom Origins of Golf, presented by Samsung.

This award is truly testament to our championship golf course and world class hospitality facilities,” said GM Gert Venter.

“This being the first accolade from the World Golf Awards, we are further encouraged to ensure a best in class experience throughout our resort.”

The awards are coordinated globally with leading golf tourism professionals from all over the world casting their votes for the best of the best.

Over a period of one year, these professionals are joined by golf consumers from more than 100 countries, bolstering the title as golf tourism’s highest accolade.

News & Views

26 November 2014

CXPRESS

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Student influx injects up to R40-million into Plett’s economy each year While thousands of matrics are heading to Plettenberg Bay to celebrate the end of their school careers, local business owners also have reason for jubilation as Plett Rage brings with it scores of bookings, business and rings in the peak season on a high note - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports

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OST accommodation establishments have been fully booked months in advance and restaurants have increased their staff numbers to accommodate the 10,000 school-leavers expected to make their way to Plettenberg Bay from Friday.

The 10-day festival – one of the biggest student festivals in the country – has not only become the biggest annual event on the town’s tourism

calendar, but also injects millions into the local economy every year.

“Direct and indirect benefit to Plett is estimated at between R30- and R40-million per year. This includes spend in town on entertainment, food and beverages, accommodation, transport, healthcare and so on, and indirectly the marketing benefit the town as a whole gets through media coverage,” Plett Tour-

ism chairman Peter Wallington said.

Bitou municipal spokesman Kholiswa Masiza added the festival also increased shortterm job opportunities.

Plett Tourism accommodation and media consultant Patty Butterworth said Plett Rage was a massive boost for the accommodation establishments and that students generally started booking from January onwards.

Chaos at Police Forum as season dawns

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UST about halfway through their term, the Plett Community Police Forum (CPF) committee could be replaced after a controversial move by the W-Cape department of community safety to declare 2014 an elective year.

This move, which also includes waiving several protective measures that ensure the proper running of CPFs, has not only been labelled a contravention of the CPF constitution, but could also have an impact on the validity of future CPF committees.

This comes just days before thousands of matrics and visitors descend on Plett for the start of the festive season - one of the busiest periods for those tasked to ensure the safety of locals and tourists.

Plett CPF chairman Bruce Richardson explained that all CPFs in the province were governed by the Uniform Constitution for Community Police Forums & Boards in the Western Cape.

“Therefore a CPF can only perform acts and make decisions in terms of the constitution. If any part of the CPF seeks to make a decision that it is not empowered to make in terms of the constitution, the decision is ultra vires and unenforceable,” he said.

At a recent provincial board meeting in Cape Town, how-

ever, a decision was taken that 2014 would be an elective year for all CPFs, but according to the constitution CPF executive committees have to remain in office for five years.

“This decision was ultra vires the constitution as the provincial board is not empowered to make a decision as to when a particular CPF should hold its AGM. Also, the Plett executive committee is about to complete its third year in office and has two years to go.”

Richardson said he had raised his concerns with the department and informed them that Plett would not be holding an elective AGM this year.

But on November 19, department representatives arrived to oversee an election, and despite concerns from members insisted proceedings go ahead.

One of the representatives also advised Richardson that by a directive of the Minister several provisions relating to registering and voting at an AGM had been waived.

“Needless to say we had received no prior notice of these alleged waivers which, in any event, would be invalid as the CPF system is governed by a constitution and not by directives from the Minister.”

The suggested process would have waived all pro-

tective measures to ensure that CPFs are run in an orderly manner by way of application on behalf of community-based organisations for membership, verification of the validity of the organisation and those representing the organisation, followed by a three-month period during which no voting rights can be exercised and thereafter reregistration at least 30 days before an AGM. “The suggestion being that anyone at the meeting could register and vote there and then, so bypassing all registration and validation requirements and degrading the whole process.”

Richardson said after a period of confrontation and chaos, a decision was made to postpone the meeting for two weeks. He reported the incident to senior officials of the department and awaits a response.

“It is important to point out that this is not a question of the present committee fighting to remain in power. On the contrary, most of the present committee, including myself, feel that they have served their time and made a significant contribution to the safety of the area and would like a new committee in place to take up the cudgels.” /"[qncpfê"Uvcpfgt

“There is an influx of enquiries from late February to June with the majority leading to confirmed bookings.

On average, most accommodation available for Plett Rage is fully booked late August,” Butterworth said.

“I just couldn’t keep up this

year and had to turn down so many youngsters. We’ve been fully booked since May and bookings started coming in straight after last year’s event already,” owner of Albergo for Backpackers Hostel Mirjam Elsinger said.

Elsinger added that the festival was very good for business and created a great vibe in town. “You get the odd youngster partying too hard, but overall there is a fantastic vibe. To ensure some peace of mind for the parents, we decided from the start, 14 years ago, to only open our doors to

girls over Rage.”

With so many youngsters gathering, security is also a top priority and organisers and authorities have beefed safety measures this year.

Masiza said the municipality’s public safety unit and traffic department were also working closely with local police and other safety forums to maximise security.

The complete line-up and more information about the festival is available on www. plettrage.co.za.

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CXPRESS

News & Views

26 November 2014

Bakkie-load of abalone confiscated off Wilderness N2

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AST Friday, Southern Cape police reported that two men were taken in

for questioning after abalone valued at nearly R1.5-million was confiscated near George.

The men, aged 26 and 30 respectively, were arrested in the early morning hours

of November 21 after members attached to the Attaqua K9 unit based in Oudtshoorn followed up information that abalone would be transported from Cape Town through the Southern Cape.

A white Nissan bakkie with one occupant was spotted just outside George on the N2 driving towards Wilderness at around 2am. SAPS members pursued the vehicle and when the driver noticed that he was being followed, he turned off the highway at Kraaibosch.

Says captain Bernadine Steyn of the SAPS Southern Cape media centre: “The driver jumped out of the bakkie and fled the scene of foot.

He is still at large.

“In the back of the bakkie, 82 plastic bags of abalone weighing in at 1.149 ton and with an estimated street value of nearly R1.5-million were found and confiscated.

“A white Toyota Yaris with two occupants, suspected to be the scout vehicle and also travelling towards Wilderness, made a U-turn. They were stopped outside George and the two men, from Hermanus and Gans Bay, were taken in for questioning.”

Says George Cluster Commander major general Thembekile Patekile: “Especially in the light of the upcoming festive season, we want to send a strong message to those who involve themselves in the

PERLIES IN HAND BUT DRIVER AT LARGE: Abalone weighing in at 1.149 ton and with an estimated street value of nearly R1.5-million was found in the back of a bakkie last week, but there was no sign of the driver yet by going to press

peddling of drugs and abalone that we are committed to effect more arrests.

“We will not tolerate people who use our roads in this cluster for their illegal activities and roadblocks and VCPs will be held more regularly than ever.”

Taxi shooting at Shell Ultra

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APS members heard shots being fired at Shell Ultra City in Plett around 9pm last Friday night and on arrival arrested a 39-year-old man from KwaNokuthula for attempted murder.

Apparently the wounded victim, 35, had an argument with a small group of men.

When the suspect left the scene in his vehicle, a white Quantum minibus, the victim allegedly tried to force him of the road with his vehicle (also a Quantum minibus).

The suspect got out of his vehicle, took out his licenced 7.65mm pistol and allegedly fired two shots at the victim, who sustained an open wound in his mouth and was taken to a hospital in George.

He is in a stable condition.

The suspect was expected to appear in the Plett Magistrates’ court on Monday.

News & Views

26 November 2014

CXPRESS

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Launch plan hits the (hope) spot as Plett counts down to welcoming ‘Her Deepness’ As you are reading here, a small team of Plettonians is excitedly readying the town for a special visitor - DR GWENITH PENRY reports

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N three weeks we will be welcoming ‘Her Deepness’, Dr Sylvia Earle, to the beautiful bay to launch Plett into the international limelight as Hope Spot - an area of outstanding marine beauty, a rich diversity of life above and below the waves, a sanctuary for some and a livelihood for others.

Most of us living here are aware of all that, but to have it recognised internationally and endorsed by the world’s most influential ambassador for the conservation of our oceans is truly something to be proud of.

Plett is one of but six places in South Africa to be declared an International Hope Spot.

The initiative is the brain child of Mission Blue founder Dr Sylvia Earle (www. mission-blue.org), the aim being to create a global network of marine protected ar-

eas that maintain biodiversity, preserve critical habitats and encourage low impact activities such as ecotourism.

But what happens after all this excitement? What is the benefit of having Hope Spot status?

Well, actually, it couldn’t have come at a better time.

The recent government mandate, aka Operation Phakisa, is being rolled out with the intention to maximise the financial potential of the sea.

This will include aquaculture, offshore oil and gas exploration, marine transport and manufacturing, and an increase in marine tourism ventures. With an estimated contribution to the GDP of R177-billion and the creation of up to 800,000 jobs, there are huge economic and social benefits at stake.

The key is trying to balance the positive economic

Mussels... anyone?

The end of last week saw Plett’s Robberg Beach awash with millions of black mussels and an array of other sea creatures, supposedly ejected from the blue because of the preceding weekend’s massive swell. The unexpected fund provided a feast for birds and beach combers. These pictures were kindly shared with CXPRESS by visitor Frank Kruger (see more in the galleries at www.cxpress.co.za) - above, Graham and Tracy Cherrington from Joburg prepare for a mussel pot of note.

benefits with the negative environmental impacts they could cause. By establishing more formally protected areas along our coastline, areas that have been identified as having high biodiversity and serve as critical habitats, we will be in a better position

to protect the very resources that will be targeted.

Plett is flanked by the Tsitsikamma and Robberg MPAs and has been registered as an Important Bird Area (IBA) with BirdLife International.

Putting all of this under one banner gives us much more

clout when it comes to protecting our bay from future exploitation.

Going forward, the Hope Spot committee will serve as management umbrella where research, business, tourism and education can combine efforts to protect the bay from disruptive practices.

Working closely with the Sustainable Seas Trust (SST),

we aim to secure funding for high priority projects in the area and ensure that these funds are directed appropriately.

Ucxg"vjgug"fcvgu Diarise December 8 and 9 and come listen to Dr Sylvia Earle talk about our oceans - ‘Earth’s Blue Heart’ - and join her on a morning dive or enjoy the fun beach activities. Visit www.sst.org. za/what-we-do/hope-spots to find out more.

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CXPRESS

News & Views

26 November 2014

Green Valley’s lucky learners get much more room to manoeuvre

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PPORTUNITY. That was the word of the day when Born in Africa (BIA) unveiled another classroom in Wittedrift, this time at the foot of the picturesque hills of Green Valley.

Director Isabelle Brink saw the opportunity to add infrastructure for two projects in a space sure to benefit future generations of kids in BIA’s care.

The space is multifunctional and divided into two smaller work areas. One will be used to house the BIA/Rotary bicycle repair shop and the other will accommodate weekly mentoring sessions.

Sarija Bewee serves as BIA

mentor in Green Valley and is excited to start teaching a multitude of life skills to her learners, whom she meets twice a week after school.

The homework club will also be based in the classroom.

The BIA choir established

by Karien Malan will use the classroom as their practice chamber, so beautiful melodies will fill the valley.

Says Isabelle: “We pay homage to sponsors Chantal van Summeren, De Montessori School de Triangle, Veronique Claes, Dave Swart from Amakaya Backpackers, Rotary Plettenberg Bay, and Kevin from Pennypinchers for great service, and for always being

there when we need you.”

Huge thanks also go to outstanding builders Paul Attwood (076 579 4380) and Shaun Ray, to BIA’s Belinda Coram who played building contractor, and to Headman and Emily Sam who kindly allowed the classroom to be constructed in their garden.

Headman is also the team’s go-to guy for bicycle repairs, and heads up the bicycle club in Green Valley.

All of this was possible because, once again, Isabelle saw an opportunity for educational development and the upliftment of Green Valley learners. Yes, together we can make a difference!

THE HILLS COME ALIVE... Born in Africa team members and sponsors wave happily from the balcony of Green Valley’s new classroom with its beautiful backdrop of hills – the space will also accommodate mentoring sessions and serve as chamber for BIA choir rehearsals

Oh, for a precious piece of land to Says the centre’s Frezel carry out our plans... Blou: “On November 13,

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RANSHOEK Advice Centre (KAC) is a registered NGO that provides a wide range of services to its community, with general welfare funding applied to upliftment projects for the needy.

Among these count a morning and evening feeding scheme, support groups regarding HIV/Aids, STDs, TB and other diseases, a place of safety for abandoned children, women and men, and a development service to the youth to equip them for the future.

From these objectives followed projects like Kranshoek Kleuterskool and the Kranshoek Old Age group, currently boasting 30 members. KAC’s feeding scheme provides breakfast for 100150 school children and an evening meal for 100 community members in exchange for recycling goods.

Says KAC’s John Koopman: “We started with the evening meal exactly a year

ago, on November 27, 2013, and since then we’ve served 11,339 meals, thanks to our support group of 40 members.

“Last year we received money from Lotto for a sewing room and we also receive seeds and garden tools from Bitou Municipality to establish backyard food gardens.

But now we are working very hard to obtain land for a place of safety for all our projects.

KAC’s youth development efforts include two internet cafés where life skills like computer training, typing a CV, and entrepreneurial skills are taught. Workshops on subjects like healthy lifestyles, and alcohol/drug abuse are also presented.

Other projects include a school uniform programme for needy children, a community safety holiday programme to keep the youth off the streets, and an after-care programme where learners can do their homework and study.

the Pedal Power Association handed over 20 bicycles to KAC, facilitated by project manager Jannis Jagger. A group of kids from Kranshoek Primary School did a test ride with the bicycles.

“The aim of the project is teaching the kids to cycle, cycling safety and caring for a bicycle, and to make them aware of a career in cycling through competitions. This programme will now be incorporated with our aftercare programme.

“But the biggest challenge we still face is acquiring land so that we can do all these projects in one place and under one roof.”

If you read here and can help in this regard, or would like to get involved with the centre’s many projects, call Frezel on 078 906 3244 or John on 082 095 2648. You can also contact the office on 044 533 9449 or email ka.centre@yahoo.com with queries.

POWERFUL PROJECTS: Kranshoek Primary kids test-ride 20 bikes recently handed over by the Pedal Power Association, and which will now be used as part of KAC’s many upliftment projects for the youth and community at large - Photo: Thandi Sibhengile

News & Views

26 November 2014

‘We will sing forever!’

CXPRESS

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Christmas comes but once a year... and it’s a ‘limited edition’ THE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION offers everything new and limited edition - the prices are limited, too, from only R5 to R30 for wonderful stocking fillers During the evening, there

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CAN YOU SEE THE DIFFERENCE? You will hear the difference when listening to twin brothers in harmony Dumisani and Mdumiseni Bashe - Photo: Vinthi Neufeld

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HE heading above echoes the words of the endearing Bashe twins, Dumisani and Mdumiseni, who performed at the launch of Tshisa Talent Stage in New Horizons on Saturday November 15.

Originally inspired by gospel music (small wonder, as their names mean ‘Praise’ and ‘Praise God’ respectively), these two young men plan developing their repertoire to delight a wider audience with their melodious voices.

Who knows where it will take them? Where could entering Tshisa Talent Stage take you...?

If you have what it takes in song, dance, choir or other innovative performances, it

could take you to the Tshisa Talent Show in February 2015, where the best artists from the Tshisa Talent Stage process will perform together.

It could also take you to the heady heights of becoming a member of Tshisa Talent Agency, the side of the business which connects deserving performing artists with guest hosting establishments and event organisers.

With the assistance of the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs & Sport, Tshisa Talent scouts for talent in communities too remote to take advantage of the opportunities that exist in Plettenberg Bay CBD. So, if any artist - especial-

ly those in New Horizons and Green Valley - missed the recent auditions, please feel free to participate from 2-5pm at the community centres of Kurland on November 29, KwaNokuthula on December 6, and Kranshoek on December 13.

This process will culminate in an event next February when selected artists will perform and share ALL the money from door sales.

Then it is hoped that these and other artists will perform at the annual Tshisa Talent Competition - watch CXPRESS for details early 2015.

For more information, call Mncedisi Ncedani on 078 935 6831.

EAUTIFUL gifts will only be sold on one special night - Saturday December 6 - at the Christmas Fairyland on Mellville’s Corner shopping centre’s top level, from 6pm onwards.

An amazing selection of fridge magnets, notepads, bookmarks, Christmas/gift cards, and small fridge calendars - all “limited editions” of NEW art work by Barbara Rolfe - will be on display and for sale.

Enjoy Christmas music, lots of complimentary wine and snacks, lots of seating and special Mother Christmases to help you choose all sorts of wonderful small presents to fill your basket and customised bag with goodies, at the same time knowing you are

giving to Plett’s needy dogs and cats at this exceptional time of year.

There will also be a wonderful limited exhibition and sale of enchanting, unique and much sought-after original miniatures in all mediums and all subjects.

Says Barbara: “This is a premier for Plett, as it will be the first time you’ll have an exhibition of miniature artworks, all from a single artist.”

The über-talented Barbara, who divides her year between homes in Plett and Sardinia, works in all media, styles and subjects: Landscapes • Seascapes • Still life • Figure studies • Butterflies and other small creatures • Birds • Fish • Flowers • Wildlife • Something for everyone!

will also be a draw for a Luxury Christmas Hamper worth R3,000.

This uniquely festive event, The Christmas Collection, is a once-off affair, for one night only, so diarise Saturday December 6 from six o’clock to gather with friends and fam at The Christmas Fairyland.

There is lots of parking with good security so all you have to do is eat, drink and enjoy the music - all complimentary. A credit card facility will be available and Barbara is giving total proceeds of the night to PAWS. “Come along and give from YOUR hearts at this special time of year,” says Barbara, “and help us to help them our precious Plett pets.”

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CXPRESS

Interval

26 November 2014

Always please Mama

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IUSEPPE excitedly tells his mother he’s fallen in love and that he is going to get married.

He says: “Just for fun, Mama, I’m going to bring over three women and you try and guess which one I’m going to marry.”

The mother agrees, and the next day he brings three beautiful women into the

house, sits them down on the couch and they chat for a while.

He then says: “Okay, Mama, guess which one I’m going to marry?”

Mama says immediately: “The one on the right.”

“That’s amazing, Mama.

You’re right. How did you know?”

She says: “I don’t like her.”

I have a new neighbour!

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HE’S single.

She lives right across the street.

I can see her place from

my patio.

I watched as she got home from work this evening.

I was surprised when she walked across the street, up my driveway and knocked on the door.

I rushed to open it; she looked at me and said: “I just got home, and I have this strong urge to have a good time, dance, get tipsy, and make love. Are you doing anything tonight?”

I quickly replied: “Nope, I’m free!”

She said: “Great! Could you watch my dog?”

Being a senior citizen really sucks!

A letter from a Zimbabwean resident…

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ESTERDAY l had only $20 in my pocket, but after some careful consideration I decided to dress for Meikles Hotel.

I sat myself down at a beautifully laid table in La Fontanne Restaurant and ordered the seven-course dinner, setting off with an exquisite bottle of Moët & Chandon French Champagne 1985.

The fillet mignon was simply delightful when accompanied by a 1975 South African Shiraz.

Anyway, at the end of the

evening when my bill arrived, I casually informed my waiter that not only could I not possibly afford the $465, I actually had no money whatsoever.

To cut a long story short, the hotel manager was called and they handed me over to Zimbabwean Republican Police Central Branch.

On my way to the station, l handed the constable $10 and I was set free - cheapest meal anywhere!

In Zimbabwe, we call this prudent fiscal management.

Missing cat... found!

Business

26 November 2014

Another reprieve for consumers

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EW Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago announced last week that thanks to lower demand for private sector credit, a sharp drop in oil prices that drove the inflation rate down to 5.9% at the end of October and weak economic growth, the Monetary Policy Committee had decided once again to leave interest rates unchanged.

He said it had been unanimously decided to keep the repo rate - which is the rate at which the Reserve Bank lends to commercial banks at 5.75% and prime (as well as the variable home loan interest rate) at 9.25%.

As a result, according to mortgage origination group BetterBond Home Loans, the repayment on a 20-year home loan of R763,543 which is the current national average approved bond amount - will remain at R6,993 per month, while the repayment on the average home loan of R645,007 that is currently being approved for first-time buyers will stay at R5,907 per month.

“In addition,” notes BetterBond CEO Shaun Rademeyer, “there will be no increase for now in car instalments, credit card repayments or other debt commitments, and this will give households a further opportunity to lower their debt burden now if they spend carefully over the year-end holiday period, and put themselves in a much better financial position by next year.”

Meanwhile the stasis in interest rates, he says, will further boost consumer confidence in the residential property market (and not

least because it speaks of better economic times to come) but it will probably not make much difference to sales numbers, or prices, until developers re-enter the market strongly and start delivering new stock.

“There is an acute shortage of residential stock for sale in popular areas currently, and lack of new development to take up the slack, which has caused house prices to rise faster than expected in recent months.

“And while there has been no slowdown in demand, these increases have made it more difficult for prospective buyers to qualify for home loans and finalise their purchases, with the result that price resistance is now becoming evident in many parts of the country.”

Nevertheless, notes Rademeyer, BetterBond’s latest statistics show that the percentage of home loan applications being declined outright dropped to 30% in the year to end-October, compared to 34% in the previous 12 months, while the percentage of applications declined by one bank but then “rescued” and approved by a different grew from 36.4% to 37.5% in the same period.

“This underlines the fact that the banks are even more willing to lend to homebuyers than they were at this time last year, provided those buyers are in good shape financially.

“The unchanged interest rate is thus really good news for those who are trying to pay off their debts and increase the amount of discretionary income they have available to afford a home loan repayment.”

Investor Focus

CXPRESS

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

Selecting a unit trust: Part I

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LL unit trusts follow one of several basic investment principals, and investors should be particularly aware of these criteria as part of their selection process.

So-called “growth funds” are used by many advisors.

The primary objective of these vehicles is to offer an aggressive fund, focused on long term capital growth.

Ideally, these funds will hold shares in companies with the best long-term growth prospects.

These companies normally have low dividend yields as they will be reinvesting most of their earnings into projects that will continue the growth of the specific company.

Within this category, there are funds that have only 20 holdings, specially chosen for their long-term growth potential. Others will hold shares in over 100 companies as they believe that the wider spread of holdings will reduce the risk within the fund.

Then there are the pure Index funds that hold all of the shares in the index, i.e. these will be the ETF (Exchange Traded Funds) or so-called “passive” funds.

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Then there are the value funds. Value investors look for companies that are fundamentally sound but for any one of many reasons, their shares are trading at a large discount to their intrinsic value.

These funds are seen to be more conservative than growth funds, as they tend to be less volatile, and are essentially based on the assumption that the “true” value of their holdings will eventually be realised.

By their very nature, these are always seen as long-term funds, as it may take many years for the true value of their holdings to materialise.

In these value funds, there is always the risk of what is called the “value trap”.

This occurs when it takes an inordinate length of time for the intrinsic value of the holdings to be realised.

A perfect example of this occurred when an international fund manager correctly saw the deep value offered by shares traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

The manager was absolutely correct, however, it took almost 10 years for the value

to materialise.

In strong markets when most shares are rising, one often sees poor performance from this type of fund.

Their downside, however, is normally less than the growth funds.

“Absolute funds” are not normally linked to a specific benchmark, but rather their common benchmark is to beat inflation plus a margin i.e. inflation plus 3% or 7%, etc. - over the long term.

Being free from an index type benchmark, they are free to select shares from the total market. Most are able to achieve their primary objective of not losing any value over the long term, but many fail to achieve the plus part of their mandate.

The “balanced fund” grouping is used for Living Annuities, Retirement Annuities and Pension/Provident funds. These funds must adhere to a strict asset allocation laid down by the FSB (the so called Section 28 funds).

None may hold more than 75% in equities, 20% offshore. Their other options are spread between property, cash or bond holdings.

The market is spread between three broad categories of balanced funds: Aggressive balanced, which can hold the full 75% in equities; Moderate funds, with ±50% in equities; and Conservative balanced funds, with ±25% in equities.

While the risk element between these funds is apparent, do not lose sight of the longer term risk of inflation when being too conservative.

Then there are a whole range of specialised funds, i.e. those focused on financials, resources, property, dividends, etc. There is also a range of fixed-interest or incometype funds. Here one sees the short term category or Money Market-type funds with the least risk, and the Bond funds with maximum risk.

The final category to recognise is that of the “flexible funds”, where the manager has total discretion to switch between asset classes. Some of these funds have been highly successful, while others have been rather sad.

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10

CXPRESS

Social Scene

26 November 2014

WHOOFING FUN WITH WIZKI, HONEY & CO: Heather Baker from George, right, with her ‘Outeniqua Mountain Terrier’ called Poppet, won the best SPCA Rescue Dog competition at the Wilderness Woofathon on November 22. Above, fellow George local Anthea Fuller shows off Wizki, Mutzi, Gini and Honey.

Photos: Bob Hopkin

People, places & events TREE DOC REITZ CHARMS CLUBBERS: Horticulturist and arboriculturist Charles Reitz spoke to members of Formosa Garden Club at Ouland Royale on Plett’s airport road recently. The talk was spirited and entertaining, with plenty of good advice about gardening in general and care of trees in particular. Charles’ sister Wilja, owner of ‘The Barn’ as it is fondly known, laid on her famous scones and sandwiches for tea time afterwards, when there were plenty of questions for Charles from the ladies and gentlemen of the club. - Jon van den Heever

IN DIE GEES VAN KERSFEES: Die eienaar van Nautical South restaurant op Brenton, André Venter, het goedgunstiglik aangebied om ‘n groepie inwoners van Loeriehof tehuis vir bejaardes in Knysna te nooi vir ‘n gratis ete. Vertel Hector Dreyer, wat hierdie foto’s gestuur het: ‘Deur bemiddeling van ‘n Bybelstudiegroep van Brenton is die gaste toe op Woensdag 19 November na die restaurant aangery. Vir hulle moeite het diegene wat die aanrywerk gedoen het, ook elkeen ‘n heerlike middagete teen kosprys geniet met ‘n groot bord Kersfeespoeding op die koop toe vir almal! Gelukkig het die weer saamgespeel en kon die groep op die groot stoep van die restaurant kuier waar al die klein tafeltjies gou-gou bymekaargesit is sodat almal om ‘n lekker lang tafel gesellig kon verkeer.’ In die foto hierbo bedank Herman Boock, links namens die Loeriehofmense vir André vir die heerlike ete.

Rage 2014

26 November 2014

CXPRESS

Plett Rage 2014: ‘Destination Freedom’ just got even more awesome

B

ETWEEN November 28 and December 7, the ultimate student festival that is Plett Rage will take over the seaside resort once again.

Bigger, better, louder, it’s the

end of a chapter, and the start of something new awaiting SA’s Grade 12 learners.

As students down pens and finish the exams that will take them from teenagers to

adulthood, they can look forward to experiencing some of South Africa’s hottest bands, DJs and activities that are sure to push the limits. The time for worrying and exam stress

IT’S A PARTY 24/7: Apart from night-time entertainment, the beaches of Plettenberg Bay offer plenty of day-time activities for Rage revellers

B

About Plett Rage

EFORE 2000, a handful of students used to migrate to the idyllic town of Plett to celebrate the end of school. This trend continued until 2000, when an opportunity was spotted to provide some level of structure and entertainment to this informal student gathering.

The vision was to create

an entertainment product for (and communicated to) students, and a platform for brands to reach these students. Plett Rage, vision turned product, was born; 2000 was the first year in which some level of commercialisation took place, with events happening on a Sunday night and drawing

crowds of 1,200 students.

Since then, the platform has grown from a few events every Sunday to an institution among students. It is a rite of passage where matriculants get the opportunity to celebrate the end of an era with their friends, and as a community, gets bigger and better each year.

will officially be a thing of the past as the waves of Plettenberg Bay’s Central Beach and freedom - wash over...

Plett Rage 2014 festivalgoers will experience the likes of DJ Fresh, PH FAT, Goldfish, Jack Parow, Niskerone, Jeremy Loops, Pascal & Pearce, Fokofpolisiekar and Die Heuwels Fantasties.

As South Africa’s longest

running student festival, this year’s Ragers will be treated to nothing less than an all-star cast of legendary live acts.

A structured and well-managed festival, most of the accommodation venues are within walking distance to and from beaches and shops.

This year the team has upped the ante in terms of safety, as it will be introducing a new taxi system linked to a 24hour medical line.

A taxi operations centre

11 will manage the transportation of all students attending Plett Rage. Set routes have been implemented to ensure students are aware of which routes and taxis to take. Fees have been set to guarantee standardisation and the use of pre-purchased taxi coupons will be obligatory.

Ten days, five epic festival venues, amazing activations and explosive headline acts, Plett Rage 2014 will be the ultimate, life-changing celebratory event for this year’s Grade 12 learners.

Please visit www.plettrage. co.za for more information.

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CXPRESS

Home & Health

26 November 2014

Why not knit your way into these happy marchers’ hearts?

J

OY Sachs of wool&more contacted CXPRESS recently with news of this innovative shop in Plett CBD’s latest community project.

“While I had often heard vaguely of Masizame, I only recently learnt, in detail, about this amazing organisation (NPO) in Plett and was astounded at the incredible work they do with the many underprivileged children of our town.

“So we are thrilled and proud to be dedicating our next few Community Project Programmes to the children in Masizame’s care, and our current scheme involves knitting sashes for the kids at the Masizame Drop-in Centre,” explained Joy. “They are being taught to do drill marching and it has proven to be really popular and beneficial to these vulnerable children. The sashes will give Masizame Drill Squad members an identity and raise their pride while marching.”

A specific size, colour and design were decided upon and

SASHES TO INSPIRE PRIDE: The stripes of green, being the official Child Protection colour, are specific to the Masizame Drill Squad sashes and everything you need to knit one - or 10! - is available at wool&more in Gibb Street

the children will be taught that each of the four stripes in the sash represents an important life value.

Drill marching teaches discipline, team work, time keeping, rhythm, coordination and many other benefits and the teens really enjoy it.

Joy concluded: “It’s incredible that many of the street children who so annoyed locals and visitors are now off the streets as they’re so en-

joying the drill marching programme at Masizame every day - really good news!”

Local knitters and friends are now asked to pop in at wool&more and get started on one of the 40-plus sashes required by Friday December 19 latest. As they need to be uniformly made with attention to the type and colours of the yarn and pattern, packs for this purpose are available at the shop.

And as a token of thanks for your help in this project, Joy offers a R5 voucher, per sash, off your next purchase of yarn when dropping off the sashes. She also requests that you write or type a short, inspiring, motivating comment on a card for the recipient of your sash.

There is also a Masizame collection tin for your donations to this excellent organisation at the shop - see the advert on this page for contact details, and read the letter on page 15 for a UK reader’s account of his wool&more experience.

These flowers of the gods add grace

F

ROM the Greek words dios (‘god’) and anthos (‘flower’), Greek botanist Theophrastus cited the perfect mix in naming this pretty plant. What’s more, variety is not something you’ll be hankering for when talking dianthus.

If it’s height you’re after and cut-flowers for the vase, dianthus barbatus, known as Sweet William, is for you. Carnations, dianthus caryophyllus, are also part of this family.

If edging beds, making pretty borders or planting up containers is your thing, dianthus chinensis, commonly known as Pinks, would be a perfect fit. For everything in between, there are the in-

terspecific crosses, dianthus barbatus x chinensis (heat tolerant and frost resistant), and dianthus x interspecific.

ALL PURPOSE PRETTIES: From long-stemmed cut flowers to borders, dianthus has a family member to please your every floral need

The latter offers unusual characteristics such as double or frilly buds, as well as strongly scented flowers.

When planting your seedlings, pick a sunny spot that has well-draining soil. A good dose of compost is always appreciated.

Being a water-wise annual, they prefer deep watering which should be done infrequently. This will also help to keep the soil around the stems dry, for the most part, avoiding stem rot. Avoid mulching around the stems for the same reason, and your dianthus will reward you with better overall growth.

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Which eye guy should I be seeing?

W

HETHER it’s an eye test you need, a new pair of glasses, a remedy for dry eye or something more serious, few of us know when to see an optician, optometrist or ophthalmologist. Professor Colin Cook, Head of Ophthalmology at Groote Schuur Hospital, offers this advice.

An qrvkekcp1qrvkecn"fkurgpu/ gt has a two-year technical college diploma and is trained to manufacture glasses.

An qrvqogvtkuv is a person with a four or five-year university bachelor degree, trained to do refractions and prescribe eye glasses and contact lenses, i.e. not a doctor or

eye specialist.

An qrjvjcnoqnqikuv is a medical specialist doctor with a six-year university bachelor degree and a further four-year university master’s degree, trained as an eye specialist.

He or she is able to treat diseases of the eyes and do surgery on the eyes.

Consult an optometrist if you think you need to be tested for glasses but have no other problems with your eyes. You should see an ophthalmologist, on the other hand, if you have other eye problems. If your GP or optometrist finds reason, they should refer you to an oph-

thalmologist.

Depending on the problem you experience, you might either see an optometrist or an ophthalmologist for regular eye tests. For example, glaucoma is a condition of the eyes where the pressure inside the eyes is too high. If you have a family history of glaucoma and have been advised to do regular eye checks, go to an ophthalmologist.

Optometrists recommend that most people should get their eyes tested every two years and will advise if you need to have your eyes tested more often. An annual eye examination with an ophthalmologist is recommended for people at risk of more serious issues like glaucoma.

For those who are interested in vision correction procedures, such as Lasik surgery, a visit to the ophthalmologist is your best bet.

Visit www.ossa.co.za to find an ophthalmologist in your area, and see the advert on this page for info on Plett’s newest eye-care offering.

Food & Wine

26 November 2014

CXPRESS

13

Masters of the Garden Route food universe T

HE CXPRESS Garden Route Culinary Awards took place at beautiful Kurland Estate in The Crags on Monday afternoon, with the who’s who of the ‘hood’s food aficionados in attendance to either receive or hand over prizes.

At the steer of proceedings were Francois Ferreira, head honcho of the South African Chaîne de Rôtisseurs, and Anne Hadley, local foodie supreme and better half of the late Ian Hadley, who started the awards shortly after the turn of the century to acknowledge local service and cooking excellence.

Kurland chef Leon Coetzee and his crew laid on canapés to die for after the official handover of Top 20 restaurants and Legends (those eateries consistently making the Top 20 for three years-plus) certificates, Best Of Plaques and the ultimate prizes of Best Server, Best Wine Steward, Best Young Chef, Best Chef and Special Achiever of 2014 trophies.

Representatives of Plett’s budding wine route ensured that no parched throat went unnoticed and the Kurland team attended to guests’ every other need, showing why they were worthy recipients of this year’s Best Service award.

Our thanks, on behalf of CXPRESS as media partner of the awards for the past 12 years, go to Hartman’s & Sons for supporting this year’s awards, and to Sharyn of ShowMe Plettenberg Bay for making everyone grin into her lens.

News of the awards’ new guise will follow early in the New Year, but suffice to say that reader participation and voting will be phased in, along with social media interaction - watch this space!

See the lists of winners at right and two galleries of beatuful photographs when clicking on the link below: http://showme.co.za/plett/ interactive/cxpress-hartman-sons-garden-route-culinary-awards/.

KITCHEN STALWARTS: Anne Hadley and Top Chef Delia Clark LEGENDS: Serendipity, The Girls, Pembreys, Travel Bugs, La Locanda, Ile de Pain, Transkaroo, The Bell, Roadside Deli, Kafe Serefe TOP 20: Flava, Pomodoro, La Rosa Blu, East Head Café, Enrico’s, Lemon Grass, 34 Degrees South, Caloroso, Salina’s, Café Gannet, The Rose, Bramon, Lauren’s Deli, The Fat Fish, The Olive Tree, The Old Town House, The Grand Café & Rooms, Route 57, The Table, Zinzi BEST OF PLAQUES (pictured above): Best Family Restaurant: Zucchini / Best Coffee Emporium: Baruch’s / Best Hotel Restaurant: La Cantina, Fancourt / Best Service: Kurland / Best Resort Dining: The Orchid Room / Best Deli Style Dining: Clare’s Cakes & Deli / Best Café Style Dining: Bayleaf / Best Casual Style Dining: The Veg Table / Best New Kids on the Block: The Bench and Calendar Girls Server of the Year: Blessing Nkosa (Caloroso) / Wine Steward of the Year: Kervin Lichtenberg (Zinzi) / Young Chef: Michael Ashley (The Girls) / Chef of the Year: Delia Clarke (Simola) / Achiever of the Year: Lizelle Stolze (Serendipity)

14

CXPRESS

Classifieds

26 November 2014

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

La Luna

F R E S H

On the Soapbox

26 November 2014

Letters to the Editor

A fortnight ago, we published a report on the dramatic rescue of an injured Dutch tourist

by Knysna’s volunteer NSRI crew (read the story on page 4 of the November 12 edition at www.cxpress.co.za) - this letter of thanks was received by station commander Jerome Simonis last week, and shared with CXPRESS by NSRI Plett stalwart Derek Frielinghaus canyon in world record time to get help and brought back the heroes of the NSRI, Metro and SA Police.

The job to be done? Getting me safety off several slippery waterfalls varying from 1-4m, this with me strapped on their life boat, and furthermore, getting me up a 45-degree angle steep hill through a dense forest.

I now am aware that the NSRI guys are volunteers.

You did not only sacrifice your free time to rescue me, but also invested your time in training, which makes you capable to perform these operations.

From my stretcher I could see you sweating from the extreme work you were performing. Moreover, I could see you guys slip and fall due to the terrain, but you always made sure I did not. You put other people’s lives and welfare before that of your own.

I want to thank all who were involved in the rescue operation for all you did to get me out of the canyon. I also want to tell you how much I appreciated your visits in the hospital. Of course I’m also very thankful to the guide, police, the ambulance and the nurses and doctors of the hospital.

Despite my injury, I am very glad that I visited this beautiful county, and I am happy I’ve met all these special and so very caring people.

From now on I will associate South Africa with: Nelson Mandela, good food, wines, the big five, beautiful nature and the most sincerely caring people of the world.

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DA Christmas project picks up flak A letter by Democratic Alliance Ward 2 chair FRANCOIS DE KLERK requesting contributions for the party’s festive campaign was regarded with suspicion by Plett reader HENK BOLHUIS below are excerpts from both letters Being positive brings excitement and we want to introduce our next community project, namely the Democratic Alliance Xmas Hamper Project. We want to distribute at least 200 hampers to really needy people in the informal settlements around Plett.

After some intensive deliberations we have thought that a parcel to the value of R150 will allow us the objective to reach at least 200 households. Obviously, more will be a bonus!

Taking into account that each household consists of 4-5 people, we are in fact assisting approximately 1,000 people. The hampers will consist of general non-perishable food items, for example (only as guideline): • Tea, coffee, sugar • Rice, maize meal, samp • Butter/baked beans, pilchards, whole kernel corn • Cooking oil, margarine • Soap, washing powder • Sweets for the little ones.

We are once again taking the liberty in asking for your support to make this project equally as successful as our blanket project. You are most welcome to donate any nonperishable food items or cash contributions - the decision is entirely yours.

Delivery of food items can be made at OfftheHook Restaurant which is very centrally positioned. Cash contributions can be made to: The Democratic Alliance, Standard Bank, Account number: 384736882, Branch code: 050714, Beneficiary reference: Food Hamper Project.

We give you our unconditional assurance that all your contributions, cash or food items, will be to the benefit

of the neediest people.

Councillor Wayne Craig will confer with the other councillors in identifying the neediest families.

We endeavour to do the actual handing out of the food parcels during mid-December. Once again, please accept our sincere appreciation in anticipation of your generous support in order to make the festive season less bleak for some residents.

----Your DA Xmas Hamper Project email refers. I am pleased to read that something special is being done for the less privileged families in our town over the festive season - especially now that the soup kitchen that has operated for many years from the RC Church has been closed, due to a number of recent robberies.

But why emphasize the fact that it is a DA project, and why not just call it the Christmas Hamper Project?

This would remove the political ‘smell’ and make it a real community project by and for all the needy people of Plettenberg Bay, irrespective of their political persuasion.

This brings me to your remark on your statement: “Councillor Wayne Craig will confer with the other councillors in identifying the neediest families.”

I hope that this will include all councillors and not just those of the DA; surely such a project ought to be a nonpolitical joint effort by all concerned.

As I have observed and stated before, the DA (in general) is “much talk, but very little action” when it comes to looking after the poor.

More than we bargained for at friendly wool merchant As a red-blooded guy, it’s not normally my thing to go into wool shops. See, my wife and I were in Plett last week and she needed wool to knit some baby booties. (We are at that age where basically all of our friends have just had or are about to have babies!)

We went to wool&more

15

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

Dutch doctor lauds Knysna NSRI

Dear Jerome, I’m leaving the hospital today and will be transported back to Amsterdam. Could you please forward my message to the guys (NSRI, Metro and police) who were involved in my evacuation out of the Drupkelders?

I’ve never been in SA before. And up to two weeks ago I would associate South Africa with: Nelson Mandela, good food, wines, the big five, and of course beautiful nature.

During our holiday we visited museums and read about Madiba’s intriguing life and South Africa’s past. We tasted great food, along with tasteful South African wine, always served with extraordinary hospitality.

We saw two of the big five in the beautiful Addo Elephant Park. We visited the marvellous Table Mountain, enjoyed the stunning view from the Lions Head and experienced the spectacular Drupkelders in Knysna National Park.

After kloofing upstream through the magnificent canyon and climbing up some waterfalls I got injured while jumping into the water. Bad luck it was, because the water was deep enough, there were no rocks nearby and many people have made this jump before without any problems.

Luckily the guide and my girlfriend could drag me out of the water. Now what would you expect while lying injured on a rock, being in the middle of nowhere? I expected nothing. I just hoped that somebody, somehow, would be able to get me to a hospital.

The guide raced down the

CXPRESS

and as soon as I got there, the woman who owns the shop knew I felt out of place and she made me coffee and I tucked into the latest copy of CXPRESS, which was on her coffee table, as she and my wife talked all things wool.

I just wanted to say to your readers that this was a sur-

prising visit to a shop that I wouldn’t normally frequent; it was a friendly environment and my wife got some great hints and tips about knitting.

She left the shop buzzing with ideas and inspiration.

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Est. 1984

16

CXPRESS

Sport & Adventure

26 November 2014

SA’s top boarder Plett-bound for Sunday’s Downhill Rage Capetonian Decio Lourenco, ranked number one with the South African Gravity Racing Association (SAGRA), is gracing this weekend’s Downhill Rage with his white leather-clad presence... COOL! This year’s field is limited to 64 entrants in order to fit a jam-packed schedule into a single day’s racing. Spectators lining Plett’s Odlands hill can count on an awesome vibe, and with Red Bull on board we’re sure to witness extraordinary action. Feed your need for speed on November 30 - racing starts at 9am.

Email events@naturesportco.com or call 078 877 6618 and see the advert on page 10 for info on all that’s offered

by The Table on Plett’s dolphin circle for this auspicious occasion.

Water polo alive - and scoring - in Plett On Saturday November 15, Plett Water Polo Club hosted the South Western Districts Primary School League.

Glenwood House, Oakhill School and Plett Primary competed against each other. Despite adverse weather conditions there was an excellent turnout. In the face of fierce competition, Plett Boys won all their matches, and the girls lost but one match. The club is growing from strength to strength with four boys and two girls having been selected to represent SWD at the nationals in Gauteng during December. Water polo is the fastest growing school sport in South Africa. It is really good exercise and great fun. Anybody can join the club and is encouraged to do so. Call Dave Harrow on 082 569 5556 to find out more. In the picture above, Ben Roode at right - from Plett compete for the ball; and Plett goalkeeper Alex Auersperg, below, pulls off a great save.

Toy Run 2014

T

OY Run 2014 is being held nationally and internationally on November 30 and hosted locally by the Garden Route’s biking community at Knysna’s Round Table Club House at Loerie Park in George Rex Drive.

Says Brenda Batinti of the Syndicate Motorcycle Club: “The children from our main beneficiary will be joining us for face painting, jumping castle and yummy treats, all sponsored by businesses in our community. Everybody is welcome to join us.

“The entry fee is a toy educational and sports toys or toiletries are perfect, but no toy guns or knives, please.

Although a main beneficiary has been nominated, there are many other beneficiaries on our list that will receive Christmas presents this year.

“Last year the event was hosted in Mossel Bay and we collected 400 toys. We would love to make that 500 in Knysna this year. There will be stalls with food, so please join us at Loerie Park.”

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Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za