26 October 2016

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

One brave bokkie’s tale p2

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Armed robbers strike again

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Lives on the line

Plett’s Mountain Rescue crew was joined by Forensic Pathology, Eden Rescue and EMS George, as well as volunteers attached to Bitou Fire & Rescue in order to extract the body of a local man after tragedy struck close to Kranshoek on Saturday. Read more on page 4.

Photo: Andrew Scott

26 October 2016

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NEWS & VIEWS

26 October 2016

Bidding a sad farewell to our ‘Calamity Jane’ - the matriarch who defied so many odds JACK MUDD penned this incredible story about a relationship that spanned 14 years between a bushbuck ewe and her closest friend, Lucy Mudd OME years ago, CXPRESS featured my story of ‘Calamity’, aka Bokkieboo, whose great story of survival started one evening when Lucy’s friend, Eve, brought a badly broken up bushbuck fawn to us at Buffalo Hills.

At the time, legendary vet Dr Andre Reitz wired her shattered jaw (it was broken in three places) and reset a badly damaged shoulder, and said “if the stress doesn’t kill her, she should survive”.

This tiny, beaten up, trembling and confused bokkie - I guess maybe three weeks old at most - was handed over to Lucy and I wrapped securely in a towel, its huge, dark terrified eyes stared at us in trepidation. She almost appeared as if trying to tell us what an awful nightmare she was having.

One look at this delicate baby told me that we had an almost impossible task. Under these circumstances, stress was a sure killer. Just getting her through the next 48 hours would truly be a miracle.

“See here?” said Eve, enthusiastically pointing her pinkie finger to a tiny opening in the front of this little bokkie’s mouth. “Dr Reitz has left a gap in her jaw to bottle-feed her. Her whole jaw is wired up and has to stay like this for eight weeks.”

Ja well no fine, I thought.

This is crazy. It’s bad enough rearing them when they are all in one piece…

But against all odds, she survived! Thanks to Lucy’s love and care, she made a full recovery. The two “bokkies” were inseparable.

At about a year old she became independent and for all intents and purposes, was free to go wild - which she did. But in the late afternoons, she nearly always came home to Lucy’s TLC and some sustenance.

This was the beginning of an extraordinary symbiosis of friendship and love.

Then disaster struck once more. Just when all was going well, Bokkie-boo failed to return one evening. Early the next morning there was a commotion at the kitchen door.

Horrors! Bokkie-boo was all smashed up.

Her face was a mess and covered in blood. She must have been chased into a fence, and struggled for a long time to free herself, and not without serious injury. Her right lip was torn open, a nasty gash of 7cm. That was not all… All her bottom front teeth had been smashed out.

Our vet, Dr Brendon Tindall, was summoned. She was immediately immobilised with a dart. Brendon then set about

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A LIFE IN PICTURES: After an episode that relieved Bokkie-boo of her bottom front teeth, her wavy ‘perm’ was regularly brushed and parasites removed by Lucy, above; the pics below show some of the beloved matriarch’s house calls - with offspring, and with the Staffies who found her remains after she disappeared last month - Photos: Jack Mudd

suturing her lip and cleaning all the other injuries, followed by an antibiotic jab.

He said she should recover, but as for her missing teeth nothing could be done. This was to handicap her for the rest of her days, as those front “comb” teeth are vital for maintaining her furry coat and keeping her free from parasites.

Although she could still lick herself clean, it resulted in an uneven wavy “perm”. As always, her true friend Lucy came to the rescue. Regular brushing and parasite removal solved that problem.

Bokkie-boo was soon back on the rails, bright-eyed and bushytailed - and local bushbuck rams were showing interest!

She brought home her first

fawn and presented it proudly to Lucy; it was the beginning of a whole dynasty of bushbucks, Bokkie-boo the proud matriarch would pass on her survival skills to all her offspring.

It’s difficult to remember all the fawns but, along with two miscarriages, there must have been 11 in all.

The juvenile rams left the fold as soon as they developed substantial “pen horinkies” (around two years old) to seek their own destiny in the surrounding forests. The ewes stayed in the area and flourished, producing their own young ones.

Through some 13 years, they all continued to follow BokkieBoo’s example by visiting the farmhouse for regular titbits

and love from Lucy. At times, there were up to 12 “bokkies” at the farmhouse at a time. This was surely Bushbuck Utopia!

Some years back Bokkie-boo sustained a further serious setback. A spike thorn pierced her right eye, and we could not save it. Vets Dr Tindall and Dr Stefan Nell were once again summoned.

After immobilising her, the eye was successfully removed right outside the kitchen door!

Bokkie-boo recovered and adapted in no time at all - a tough old girl, to say the least!

Sadly, we all get older. Regal Bokkie-boo - now at a ripe old age although spritely - greying, and suffering with arthritic joints, was slowing down.

It was doubtful that she would see another winter but, surprisingly, she still managed to produce a last fawn last December.

We called him Stripe.

One September afternoon she failed to pitch up. Another empty day went past.

We searched for her, fearing she was down somewhere and needed help. On the following day’s search, our Staffies found her half-eaten remains.

It was her time. Sadly, she was returned to the system - Nature’s endless circle of life. We will miss her dearly.

On the brighter side, we celebrate her greatness of spirit.

She gave her affection freely, enthralling all who met her. We were fortunate to gain some intimate insight into the bushbuck world, as they are normally shy, secretive “alleenlopers”.

Her intelligence and humility humbled us many times over.

What’s most exciting, Bokkieboo has left a whole legacy of bushbuck in her wake.

A funny thing… the rest of the clan was really confused.

The old matriarch was missing.

The cohesion seemed broken, like a ship without a rudder.

Not knowing what to do next, it took a full week for them to return to their normal selves.

Stripe, fortunately just weaned, stays close to home and Lucy. His loss was tangible, and felt by all.

Finally, Lucy’s friend Hilana said it in a nutshell: “What an extraordinary and special relationship it was. Treasure it forever!”

NEWS & VIEWS

26 October 2016

Plett shaken by yet another set of armed robberies in quick succession Bitou crime fighters had their hands full after two more armed robberies and, as was the case earlier this month, with less than 24 hours between the incidents - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports

GET-AWAY CAR: Stills from the CCTV footage captured by a security camera in a CBD parking garage show the champagne-coloured Mercedes Benz used by men suspected of robbing nearby Zanzibar around 6pm on October 19, as well as close-ups of two men, below, who may assist Plett police with the investigation

HE first of last week’s robberies in Plett took place on Wednesday at about 6pm, when several armed men entered the Zanzibar restaurant and bar.

Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association operations head Otto Olivier said that between four and six men entered the establishments in different groups and when all of them were inside, they took out their firearms.

“They gathered all the customers and staff and robbed them of their car keys and other personal items and money. They also took money from Zanzibar’s cash register. This was however not much as most of the money was already in a drop safe,” Olivier said.

He added that Zanzibar staff remained calm throughout the ordeal, con-

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tributing to the safety of all the victims.

Olivier said it was suspected that the robbers had parked their getaway vehicle - a champagne-coloured Mercedes Benz - nearby and walked casually out of Zanzibar after the robbery.

“Police were on the scene very quickly, but by that time the suspects had fled the scene.”

Police spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Sheila Palmer confirmed the incident and said that police were investigating the matter, adding that no arrests had been made.

At about 4am the next morning, three elderly women woke up in their Robberg Road home with four suspects inside the house.

Olivier said the men had been armed with knives and overpowered the three wom-

en before tying them up.

They robbed the women of several personal items and took one of the victims’ vehicle, using it to make their getaway.

“One of the women managed to untie herself and called for help,” Olivier said.

The vehicle was later recovered at Diepwalle near Knysna. “No one was seriously injured during the incident and no arrests have been made so far,” Palmer said.

Anyone with information about either incident can contact Plettenberg Bay police on 044 501 1900.

These two incidents follow two more armed robberies in Bitou on October 13 and 14, including one at the Engen garage in Beacon Way and another at a shop in Kranshoek.

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NEWS & VIEWS

26 October 2016

Grisly task of body recovery enabled by expert crews O official statement was received from Plett police about the man who lost his life close to the spectacular Cairnbrogie farm after seemingly having fallen down a cliff face close to 160 metres high.

But according to a member of the close-knit Kranshoek community, the middleaged local resident had been troubled for a long time and had been reported missing by his family last Thursday.

At 12:58 on Saturday

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October 22, Emergency Medical Service (EMS) in George received a call for an ambulance to be dispatched “to the Kranshoek location”, according to a spokesperson.

It was not a matter of immense urgency as there was little cause to believe that the lifeless body on the rocks below could be resuscitated; the task was to certify the person as “deceased”.

Along with members attached to Forensic Pathol-

ogy Services and Eden Rescue based in George, Bitou locals had to put their own lives on the line to recover the body from its rocky resting place.

“The recovery took place between 4pm and about 6:30 on Saturday afternoon,” said Plett Mountain Rescue coordinator Andrew Scott. “The steep terrain made it dangerous to carry a stretcher without safety lines.”

Bitou Fire and Rescue

volunteers Bradley Richards and Ian Barnard were among the many hands that signed up for the operation, and Scott said Kranshoek community and family members of the unfortu-

nate victim also jumped in to assist, taking turns to help hauling the dead weight uphill.

CXPRESS extends condolences to the next of kin and applaud all the vol-

unteers for availing themselves when emergencies strike close to home.

Email drew@running wildsa.net if you want to find out more about Plett’s Mountain Rescue crew.

NO HOLDS BARRED: When rescue or body recovery is required, Eden District is fortunate to have a handful of experts always on the ready for the task at hand - Plett architect Paul Oosthuizen, at right, is part of the local mountain rescue outfit, headed by Andrew Scott

Geriatric accused of rape sentenced HE 83-year-old man from The Crags accused of raping a nineyear-old girl last year was convicted and handed a five-year suspended sentence in the Knysna Regional Court last week.

Christian Donson on Wednesday entered into a plea agreement after the incident on December 9, 2015.

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The state alleged that Donson called the little girl to a flatlet he was renting from the child’s grandparents in the Crags. The unit is on the property of the girls’ grandparents and the crime took place while the girl was visiting them.

During his bail hearing in February, the court heard he admitted to police that

he had raped the girl after she undressed herself and went to sit on his bed.

He said to police that he did it because he “was just a man”.

When he testified in his bail hearing he however denied any wrongdoing, but later entered into a plea and sentencing agreement.

- Yolandé Stander

NEWS & VIEWS

26 October 2016

Plett champions of indigenous flora receive recognition Words & photo: Timothy Twidle

T the Annual General Meeting of the Botanical Society of South Africa (Botsoc) in Wilderness on Wednesday September 21, Plettenberg Bay residents Jean Sparg and Paul Falla were each awarded a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of their many years of service in the cause of protecting, preserving, and promoting indigenous flora.

These accolades were presented by Botsoc executive director Zaitoon Rabaney.

Sparg’s certificate cites her “passion for indige-

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nous plants and aversion to alien vegetation in Bitou” as well as her “work with youngsters” and how she “played a significant role in greening Plettenberg Bay’s Main Street with indigenous plants”.

The certificate presented to Falla states that he “has played a significant role as the voice of the Plettenberg Bay Environmental Forum”, and praises his “loyalty and commitment to the (local Botsoc) branch”.

He is further lauded for being instrumental in “the preservation of green space and combating alien invasive vegetation in municipal Integrated DevelopUNITED AGAINST ALIENS: Jean Sparg and Paul Falla hold the certificates presented to them at the Botanical Society AGM held in Wilderness

ment Planning (IDP) for the Bitou region”.

Both Sparg and Falla continue to champion the cause of the indigenous flora of South Africa for its spiritual, aesthetic, and medicinal benefits.

The pair concurs: “Insects and wildlife depend on the biodiversity of South Africa’s flora and the fynbos floral kingdom, of which Bitou is a part, and which has much potential as a tourist attraction.”

CXPRESS extends warm congratulations to Jean and Paul on this recognition received from the country’s highest authority in all matters botanical.

• An outing is scheduled for Saturday November 5 to the indigenous gardens created by Kathy Waddell on the Uplands Road near Wittedrift.

Anyone interested in joining the excursion should contact Jean Sparg on 044 533 1662/072 195 1772, or Paul Falla on 044 533 1257/076 710 9277.

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NEWS & VIEWS

26 October 2016

Seahorses instil sense of ecomatters in Mrs Selfe’s charges

HEADSTRONG ABOUT THE PLANET’S HEALTH: The Grade 2 class of Greenwood Bay College helped Nondumiso Mgwenya to collect rubbish at The Heads, and had a marvellous and impactful outing to the SANParks HQ on Thesen Islands during the school holidays

N support of National Marine Week, Grade 2s from Greenwood Bay College assisted Garden Route National Park People & Conservation practitioner Nondumiso Mgwenya to pick up litter at the Knysna Heads.

They tackled this task with enthusiasm and a pleasing degree of responsibility. GBC is an Eco School and these children proved that they were true Eco Warriors.

Says Grade 2 teacher Renee Selfe: “We also visited the SANParks building on Thesen Islands where we marvelled at the Knysna

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seahorse. The class has just concluded a theme on endangered species, which is why the seahorse was of such interest to them.”

“The children were given a fascinating hands-on lesson on marine creatures found in the Knysna lagoon - one of the last few estuaries home to the seahorse, so it is imperative that we do everything we can to preserve their very fragile ecosystem.”

Renee says the entire experience seemed to instil great pride in the kids, realising how special the area they call home was, and teaching them to focus

on conservation on their own doorstep first and foremost. To add a cultural slant, the excursion also linked up with Heritage Day that fell inside the GBC school holidays.

“The level of enthusiasm in the kids was noteworthy and this outing had an enormous impact, so much so that by their own initiative they decided to pick up litter at school and around their homes.

“The experience has left a lasting impression on the children about preserving our very unique marine life and we would like to thank SANParks for hosting us.”

NEWS & VIEWS

26 October 2016

Plett Academy students take martial arts world by storm TUDENTS of Plettenberg Bay Martial Arts Academy (PBMAA) took part in two National championships over the recent school holidays.

First up was the ISKA South Africa - generally referred to as ‘Destiny’ Championships, which was held in Stellenbosch on October 1 & 2, followed by the WUKF African Invitational and SASKA Championships, held at Fish River Sun from October 7-10.

In both events the students excelled beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. PBMAA has certainly taken the martial arts world by storm and is now without a doubt one of the dojos to beat at any tournament.

Under the guidance of Sensei Elrie Bosman, these youngsters have not only attained amazing results, but they have certainly put Plettenberg Bay on the world stage.

Says Elrie: “In three short years, we have seen

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nine students representing South Africa at the World Championships, with Galliano Boni being the youngest ever to be selected and first ever to win the Grand Champion Trophy, as televised live on ESPN.” And let us not forget their kickboxing brothers and sisters from SKA,

NINJA IN TRAINING: Galliano Boni was the youngest and first ever contestant to win the Grand Champion Trophy at this year’s World Championships in the States

who train out of the same dojo under Sensei Reynard Westraad, with equally impressive results.

The students have consequently been invited to attend the South American Karate Championships in Catamarca, Argentina, at the end of November; and Aligi and Galliano Boni, Aiden Trahms, Oscean Booyzen, Lojza Pisonic, Blake Taylor, and Joshua van Reenen have been invited to attend the WJKA (World Japan Karate Association) Championships in the Netherlands in June 2017.

“This is a great honour for our students, as they practise the art of the Goju Ryu style. In participating in the WJKA World Championships they would have to learn completely new katas based on another style of karate,” she explains.

The fact that the JKA officials have confidence in PBMAA students to perform at these champi-

BEAT THIS DOJO: Sensei Elrie Bosman, at centre in the back row, and her dedicated students show off the many medals raked in during two recent national championships, where Plettenberg Bay Martial Arts Academy made a lasting impression

onships albeit in a different style, is testimony not only to an excellent Sensei, but also to the skill, determination, work ethic and, most importantly, the awesome attitude of each and every one of them.

The Academy has made Plettenberg Bay proud and a call goes out to all Bitou residents to rally behind these students in supporting them in any way they can in order that they may reach even higher levels of success.

Medals aplenty!

ISKA SAs ‘Destiny’ • Karate (21 contestants): 32 Gold, 12 Silver, 14 Bronze, 2 Grand Champion Trophies • Kickboxing (12 contestants): 17 Gold, 4 Silver, 9 Bronze, 4 Open Trophies, 2 AA Class Trophies WUKF Africa Invitational/SASKA SAs • Karate (11 contestants): 9 Gold, 6 Silver, 6 Bronze.

See the advert on p16 for additional information.

CXPRESS

7 MAKING MEMORIES: Capturing the vibe during a break from fighting are, from left in front, Aiden Trahms, Oscean Booyzen, Lojza Pisonic and Aligi Boni, with Galliano Boni at back

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BUSINESS

26 October 2016

A ‘tale of two cities’, but 2016 property market outlook remains stable ESPITE a now widely accepted slowdown in sales, the outlook for the residential property market for the second half of 2016 remains stable according to Samuel Seeff, chairman of the Seeff property group.

“While there is still plenty of activity to keep estate agents and sellers busy, we have seen that much of the energy of the last two to three years has subsided for most of the country.

“The exception is the Western Cape, and we are really now looking at somewhat of a ‘tale of two cities’ - the Cape versus the rest of the country,” he says.

The Cape is still benefiting from an influx of demand from other provinces, and excellent business and market confidence is keeping the property sector particularly active.

“A significant amount of development is underway and new residential developments are still selling like hot cakes. So too are property with

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prices reaching as much as R290-million on the Atlantic Seaboard this year,” states Seeff.

That said, although slower across most areas (save the Cape), the market remains well-balanced and the flat interest rate should encourage many to get into the market while they still can.

“We have now seen three successive meetings of the Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee where they have kept the interest rate flat. At a time of weak economic growth and rising living costs, this has brought a much needed breather for homeowners and buyers to still benefit from a rate saving a little longer.”

Seeff expects the interest rate to remain flat until next year and, while mortgage originator Ooba has reported a slow-down in bond applications, the banks remain keen to lend to qualifying buyers.

“That means that it is indeed a good time to buy, but buyers need to budget carefully as

we are operating under volatile conditions, both economically and politically,” he explains.

While FNB recently reported phenomenal price growth of 12.1% for the Cape, Gauteng and KZN managed just 4.1% respectively, and the Eastern Cape 5.3%.

That means that the rate of growth outside of the Cape is fairly subdued, further supporting good buying conditions.

“That said, we do not foresee anything in the short term that will bring prices down further, thus supporting the favourable buying conditions.”

The flip side, he says, is a caution to sellers not to hold out for higher prices, as a return in the near future to the positive sellers’ market that prevailed during the 2012-15 period is highly unlikely.

“We have also seen more stock come onto the market while buyers are more cautious about paying high prices. That means if you are serious about selling, you would now need

to be more conservative with your price expectations if you hope to conclude a successful sale.”

This year has highlighted the importance of good governance and economic and political stability. Despite the recently-reported slight improvement in economic growth and more stable inflation, the outlook for the economy remains weak, along with the significant risk of a credit downgrade in December.

“The property market is directly influenced by the economy, so we don’t foresee any fireworks for the rest of the year.

Nonetheless, we are looking to see out 2016 with fairly good trading.

“Remember, there is always a degree of activity in the market, regardless of the economy. There are always people who need to buy or sell for whatever reason, so it remains business as usual for the time being,” concludes Seeff.

• See the advert on page 3 for current listings.

Meat prices to increase up to 15% by December ITH braai season upon us, red meat prices are expected to trend higher by at least 9-15% from now until December due to tight supply and increased demand from consumers during the festive season.

Currently, red meat prices are relatively stable to strong due to tight supplies as livestock farmers hold on to stock and avoid slaughtering in the hope that pasture conditions will improve should seasonal rains materialise sooner.

Paul Makube, Senior Agricultural Economist at FNB, says red-meat slaughtering has been substantially higher this year compared to the past three years as a result of the drought.

For example, the cumulative sheep slaughter number is currently 111% and 69% higher than 2015 and 2014 levels respectively.

However, despite an increase in slaughtering, we did not experience

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an oversupply of meat which would have resulted in lower prices due to exports and a strong demand for our meat in the tourism sector.

“In terms of the outlook for beef, we are heading into a seasonal price increase of between R3.40 and R5.70 per kilogramme for Class A beef as braai season returns.

Consumers that prefer to

still be able to absorb a slight increase in meat prices during the festive period. While others will opt to purchase red meat in bulk to outweigh price increases.

“Even during tough economic conditions, we have picked up a trend where consumers will usually cut back on luxuries and non-essentials, but generally spend more

‘We are heading into a seasonal price increase of between R3.40 and R5.70 per kilogramme for Class A beef and R5.60 to R9.40 per kilogramme for Class A lamb. Pork will benefit from the price gain of red meat.’ braai lamb can expect to pay R5.60 to R9.40 per kg more for Class A lamb over the festive period,” says Makube.

Pork will also benefit from the price gain of red meat. However, there won’t be much of a price movement in poultry due to increasing imports.

Despite continued pressure on disposable income, consumers would

on food and meat, during the festive season.”

However, Makube cautions that prices would have to return to normal levels in January post the festive season to avoid resistance from consumers.

He says that with rain expected in the coming months, the situation should start improving for livestock farmers that have suffered financial losses as

a result of the drought.

Forecasts are now projecting neutral conditions for the 2016/17 season, meaning that we should expect normal, instead of above normal rainfall as had been previously estimated.

According to Makube, this is good news as the sector will not have to worry about possible damage resulting from floods, torrential rains and heavy winds, often associated with a strong La Nina that was predicted earlier during the past few months.

The expected rainfall should be sufficient for herd-rebuilding to begin, further helping livestock farmers to reduce costs in the long-term.

“By mid-2017, we should see a moderation in grain prices which will lower animal feed costs, resulting in improved margins and profitability levels for farmers that are currently facing losses from the recent drought,” concludes Makube.

PROMOTION

26 October 2016

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SOCIAL SCENE

26 October 2016

People, places & events

GETTING SOME PICARDI KICKS: With a view to die for, Shepherds Tree Trading Store and Coffee Shop in Waterfront Drive hosted a sensational party on their beautiful grounds overlooking the Knysna Heads last Thursday. The event was organised by Picardi Liquor Guys in Long Street to promote Picardi Rebel, believed to be SA’s largest independent liquor retailer, with more than 80 stores countrywide and over 35 years’ experience in the trade. Invited guests were welcomed by Carlo, top left, and Chantelle, top right, with a glass of pink or white Pongracz, while pink and blue-tinted skies descended over the Heads. New Liquor Guys training manager Colin Carr said he was impressed by the drive and passion of those surrounding him: “To my knowledge, Picardi is the only liquor retailer that hosts these kind of events, involving their suppliers and community, and giving customers the overall experience.” Suppliers and the knowledgeable Picardi team went out of their way to make the evening a pleasing success, displaying delectable products on tempting tasting tables. The splendid Shepherds Tree, owned by John and Tanya Noble, was described as “inspirational” - not only do they serve amazing food and beverages, but they go out of their way to serve the community by involving local crafters and artisans in various projects, so creating a platform for work experience, knowledge, and business skills. - Gigi Lewis Photo: Esther de Villiers

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TOASTING GOOD TRADE: The Pam Golding Plett branch played venue for a lovely pre-season snack rendezvous last Wednesday. Toasting the marvellously profitable months ahead are, from left, owner-principal of Pam Golding Properties in Knysna and Plett Ling Dobson, Velishia Tuohey of PGP Plett, guest Harry de Villiers of Harry de Villiers Attorneys and local office head Paddy Dalzell at back, with PGP team members Este le Roux, Kim Williamson, Cheryl Williams, Shona Budden, Darren Pollard, and Sonya McKay.

FINAL COUNTDOWN TO FREAKY… Saturday night is around the corner and that means it’s time to celebrate the year’s scariest and most horrific holiday.

Top of the party list is the Freaky Circus Halloween party hosted by the brand new Zanzibar in Plett CBD on October 29 from 7pm, where aptly-dressed guests, like those pictured above and below, will enjoy a pizza buffet until the serious ‘skop’ kicks off around nine o’clock. Pre-paid tickets cost R80 - get yours today from Zanzibar in Crescent Street or call Gerrie on 079 264 4349 to book, and see the advert on page 11 and for more details. There’s also a less frightening but on-fun-par Halloween Barn Dance for kids aged 16 and younger at Plett’s Barnyard, with lots of prizes and games and eats, from 6-9pm on Friday October 28. Kids under 12 need their parents to stay and be part of the jorl. Buy your tickets at R85 from Shirley on 081 052 4877. And if you’re less ‘Time Warp’ and more wordsmith-worientated, diarise November 4 when Lederle’s hosts a Scrabblethon lunch buffet to benefit PlettAid. Email cindy@lederles.co.za or call 044 533 3693 to book your spot. Games start after doors open at 11:30, lunch is at 12:30, and the prize-giving after best of three games will take place around 4pm.

ENTERTAINMENT

26 October 2016

Bungy crew rated tops in SA for their priceless contribution to adventure tourism HAT does Prince Harry, Jack Osbourne, Thabo Mbeki, Bobby Skinstad, Fanie de Villiers, Kelly Slater, Andy Irons, and members of the Zuma clan have in common?

Well, along with participants of TV’s The Amazing Race, and thousands of other famous and not-so-famous visitors, they’ve been guests of the awesome Bloukrans Bungy crew, who ensured that they survived - and relished and, no doubt, will remember ‘till the end of days - their plunge off a bridge in the Tsitsikamma’s heart, set 216m above the Bloukrans River.

For their continued troubles in this regard, Bloukrans Bungy operators Face Adrenalin once again received the ultimate stamp of approval from clients recently when scoring a Lilizela Tourism Award as Best Visitor Experience winners in the Adventure Tourism category.

An initiative of the national Department of Tourism, scoring is done primarily by travellers, with minor input by a panel of judges - which is why it is such a particularly attractive feather in the caps of annual award winners.

“It means that our visitors are happy with what we do, and that is the most important factor in running a tourism business,” said Bloukrans Bungy spokesperson Thomas Ngomana when collecting the award at

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TRAILBLAZER: Thomas Ngomana of Bloukrans Bungy with SA Tourism Board member Tanya Abrahams and minister Derek Hanekom, right, who said the Lilizela celebrates trailblazers and service excellence in SA’s tourism industry

a gala event at Sandton Convention Centre in Joburg on October 16.

The public were invited to have their say on the Lilizela Tourism Awards website by voting. These votes together with those from various platforms such as TripAdvisor and the Tourism Grading Council SA’s tourism analytics programme, formed 80% of the score for each entry.

Judges for each category, drawn from the industry and academia, contributed the remaining 20% of each establishment’s score.

The awards were established in 2013 to recognise and reward exemplary service among businesses in the local tourism sector, ranging from accommodation establishments and tour operators, to scenic attractions and cultural heritage sites.

Tourism businesses across the nine provinces

were encouraged to enter and this year’s awards attracted a record number of 1,122 entries, up 18% from 2015.

After the judging, 589 finalists were selected nationwide and each province held its own awards ceremony in the run-up to the national finals.

During these provincial ceremonies, 262 winners were celebrated.

The provincial shortlist was further whittled down to 53 national winners, who were honoured with trophies. Among these provincial winners counted Crags-based AfriCanyon, whereas repeat Lilizela awardees Storms River Adventures again won nationally in the BEE category for its legendary Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours.

“The Lilizela Tourism Awards give us the opportunity to celebrate trailblazers as well as service

excellence in the South African tourism industry in general,” Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom said at the event.

“With 5.8-million people having come to South Africa between January and July this year, the number of tourists is on the rise. By being serviceoriented, the businesses celebrated today help to ensure that this growth path continues, guaranteeing memorable experiences for all tourists.”

The Bloukrans Bungy motto of ‘giving visitors the most amazing experience of their lives’ stood it in good stead for the awards.

“It really is our aim to provide visitors with the most memorable experience of their lives. This is also why this recognition is so special to us,” Ngomana said.

Established in 1997, Bloukrans Bungy is no newcomer to excellence and has had already achieved several world records.

In 2003, it was recognised as the world’s highest commercial bungy jump and five years later, it was part of two more records when Veronica Dean performed 19 bungy jumps in one hour and Bill Boshoff performed 101 jumps in a 24-hour period.

Boshoff’s world record was subsequently surpassed, but in 2011 the team facilitated Scott Huntley to regain the world record with 107 jumps in 24 hours.

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CXPRESS

INTERVAL

26 October 2016

There are ways… and then there are ways EORGE, the bartender, asks Jon, who is sitting at the bar: “What’ll you have?”

“Ah, I’ll have a scotch, please,” Jon replies.

George hands him the drink, and says: “That’ll be R30,” to which Jon splutters: “What are you talking about? I don’t owe you anything for this.”

Roger, a lawyer, sitting nearby and overhearing the conversation, says to George: “You know, he’s got you there. In the orig-

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inal offer, which constitutes a binding contract upon acceptance, there was no stipulation of any remuneration.”

George is singularly unimpressed, so he says to Jon: “Okay, you beat me for a drink. But don’t let me ever catch you in here again.”

The next day, Jon again walks into the bar.

George glowers and rasps: “What the heck are you doing in here? I can’t believe you’ve got the au-

College meals OLLEGE meals are generally unpopular with those who have to eat them, and sometimes with good reason.

“What kind of pie do you call this?” asked

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one student indignantly.

“What’s it taste like?” asked the cook.

“Glue!”

“Well, then it’s apple pie... the plum pie tastes like soap.”

What’s seven times seven? school rugby coach had recruited a top talent, but the player couldn’t pass the school’s entrance exam.

Needing the recruit badly, the coach went to the headmaster and asked if the recruit could take the test orally.

The dean agreed, and the following day the re-

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cruit and the coach were seated in his office.

“Okay,” the headmaster said, “what is seven times seven?”

The recruit mulled it over for a moment, then said: “I think it’s 49.”

Suddenly the coach leapt to his feet. “Please, Dean,” he begged, “give him another chance!”

As I was getting in bed, she said: “You’re drunk.”

I asked: “How do you know?”

She replied: “You live next door.”

dacity to come back!”

Jon smiles and says: “What are you talking about? I’ve never been in this place in my life!”

George looks at Jon

closely and mutters: “I’m sorry, but this is uncanny.

You must have a double.”

Jon, without missing a beat, says: “Thanks, bartender. Make it a scotch.”

A Joburg filling station has become quite a landmark in Gauteng with its daily uplifting quotes written on a chalkboard. Some motorists deliberately travel this route just to read the quote which brightens their day. Here are a few:

HOME & HEALTH

26 October 2016

Western Cape Health scores a record 12th unqualified audit N October 20, Western Cape Health minister Dr Nomafrench Mbombo tabled her Annual Report for the 2015/16 financial year - a reflection of how the Department used its R18.7billion budget to bring improved quality health services to the province’s more than 6.2-million inhabitants, 4.6-million of whom are uninsured.

During the past financial year, the Department continued its unparalleled 12-year track record of unqualified audits.

Western Cape Health is among the largest purchasers of goods in the province, having acquired almost R6-billion worth of goods and services in the last financial year. This constitutes about 60% of all goods and services purchased provincially for that period.

The Department is now a significant leader in good governance practices, as the Auditor General has also awarded the Western Cape Health a

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clean audit outcome for financial management - a South African first for the public healthcare sector.

“The Department has achieved this as a result of a consistent effort to apply good practice. Our financial system has become mature after many years of doing the basics right,” said Dr Mbombo.

“We have optimised our system to ensure that available funds within the public purse are efficiently, effectively and strategically used for delivering services to our citizens. This is very hard to achieve due to the many complex processes and multiple points from which the department purchases goods. It is certainly worth celebrating,” she enthused.

Of course, the performance of a health system is not only about good governance, leadership and management practices; it is very much about its positive impact on the community, and the overall positive experience of staff and patients alike.

Delivering quality patient-centred care is also a hard business in the face of growing services pressures driven by rising demand from a growing population, a burgeoning burden of disease propelled by poor lifestyle choices, poor socio-economic conditions, and ever finite budgetary resources.

In the 2015/16 period, the Department experienced 14,150,180 patient contacts within 346 primary healthcare facilities.

Its annual patient satisfaction survey indicates that 84.15% of clients who completed the survey were happy with the service.

“Despite this, we continue to search for ways of improving our well-established complaints management system to help us fine-tune our service,” the minister said.

Health outcomes remain positive within the province, its average life expectancy of 66 years being above national figures. Life expectancy for women is set at 68 years,

and 64 years for men.

The province’s infant mortality rate is 19.1 compared to 27 per 1,000 live births nationally, while the maternal mortality ratio is 78.64 compared to 269 per 100,000 live births for SA. The Department also achieved these figures: • 203,565 patients on ART • 82.3% TB cure rate • 91,153 babies delivered • A low mother to child HIV transmission rate of 1% • 89,942 immunised children under one year of age • 520,113 patients transported, of which 47% were priority 1.

“The Western Cape Department of Health remains committed to continuing this great level of care and service. However, we cannot do it alone.

“In our ever-changing and challenging environment, the assistance of communities, civil society and the private sector will be crucial to achieving our vision of a quality, equitable, well-resourced and person centric health system,” she concluded.

Summer approaches with a call for colour explosions MPATIENS - known to many as Busy Lizzies - are a vital ingredient to any summer garden, as few other plants offer such a mass of blooms for such a long period.

These valiant little plants feature lovely rich hues of reds and oranges for ‘hot’ beds, gentle pastels to relax the eye, and a

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TRIO OF FLORAL BEAUTIES: From the top, Impatiens are up there with the most carefree of annuals; Dahlias seek a minimum of six hours sun per day; and Alstroemeria are October’s pot choice

pure white hybrid to add a sense of coolness on those hot summer days.

Couple them with Dahlias and your garden will simply be bursting with colour! In fact, the kaleidoscope of colours at your disposal will quite possibly leave you with a dilemma around choosing what you’re going to buy.

Impatiens They will perform beautifully all summer long, impressing all passers-by.

Once established, discerning gardeners the world over have found them among the most carefree annuals in the garden.

Preferring a lightly or partially shaded position, they will also tolerate periods of full sun during the day, and do very well in morning sun positions.

Impatiens can be used extensively around patios and pool areas, along driveways and at entrances, in shady beds under trees or in borders shaded by walls, in-between shrubs and groundcovers.

Window boxes, containers and the ever-popular

hanging baskets also make for excellent homes.

Like all seedlings, regular watering during the first two to three weeks is necessary. After the plants have established themselves, it is better to water thoroughly, less frequently.

Remember that when it rains, plants under trees do not always get the benefit of the water because the trees act like an umbrella. Impatiens grown in sunnier positions will need more frequent watering.

Deadheading (i.e. removing spent blooms) is not necessary. Occasionally, in heavy shade or where the plants have been overwatered or overfed, they can become leggy. Pinching back will encourage branching, a better bush shape, and more flowers.

Dahlias Dahlias should be planted in a sunny location (minimum six hours of sun) protected from wind.

They like fertile, welldraining soil so before planting, prepare the soil by adding compost or well-aged manure. De-

spite requiring regular watering, it is very important that their roots do not sit in water-logged soil.

Once planted, allow Dahlias to establish and when it displays three or four pairs of leaves, pinch the terminal shoot to encourage side-branching, which will produce a bushier, sturdier plant with more blooms.

This plant benefits from regular, fortnightly feeding, especially while flowering. Removing old and dying blooms allows for more energy towards the production of new flowers.

Alstroemeria The October pot choice Alstroemeria - commonly known as Inca or Peruvian Lily - require very little maintenance, are seldom troubled by pests and are even relatively tolerant of frost, which is great news in case of a late cold snap.

Remember when potting them up to choose a pot that allows for growth, as they don’t like their roots to be restricted.

• Visit www.lifeisagarden.co.za for more info.

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26 October 2016

CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

26 October 2016

Letters to the Editor

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

Will anyone but lawyers gain from our new alien-eradication legislation?

I was interested in the article ‘Have you declared the invasive species on your property?’ published in CXPRESS dated September 28 [read it on page 7 of that edition at www.cxpress.co.za].

As a long-time resident, I have watched the Southern Cape coastal platform become infested with invasive trees.

There are now a number

of hot spots, notably the stretch adjacent to the N2 between Harkerville and Plettenberg Bay, which is so infested that it will take an army, and a lot of money to remove these invasives.

I fail to understand why the Department of Environmental Affairs has suddenly started issuing strongly-worded threats to landowners. They

must have known that the problem of invasives was becoming increasingly obvious.

Why did they not step in decades ago?

Their heavy-handed solution to the problem is a little off the mark, as most landowners will be unable to afford the enormous cost of eradication.

It could be asked where most of the invasives

came from and who introduced them; Acacia melanoxylon (Tasmanian Blackwood), Acacia mearnsii (Black Wattle), several Eucalyptus species and a number of Pinus species were all introduced by colonial foresters employed by the Department of Forestry.

Lawyers must be licking their lips!

Conservationist, Knysna

Laws without policing only serve to depress I write in response to the article and the letter [‘Don’t alienate your neighbours…’ on page 11 of the October 12 edition at www.cxpress.co.za] about the laws governing control of alien invasive vegetation.

‘Nature Lover’ of Plett is feeling the unfairness of private property owners being forced by law to clear their land of alien invasive vegetation at their own cost, while all around us we see State land that is choked with these invasive species.

At the same time, there are laws against littering our landscape. But daily

we have to witness our countryside, rivers, beaches and estuaries littered and choked with trash.

Closer to home, the Plett Clean campaign is out early in the mornings doing the clean-up work in our town that Bitou Municipality has chosen to ignore.

There are also laws governing motor-boats on our rivers, and laws governing dogs on beaches, and other anti-social behaviour and activities on our beaches, but there doesn’t seem to be anyone who can be bothered to enforce these laws, despite being appointed to do so.

Full moon over BI and bay

Veronica Orme sent this photo and wrote: “My friend Wanda Steyn took this stunning picture last night October 16, i.e. full moon - and wondered if you would like to share it with CXPRESS readers.”

(Indeed we do, thanks ladies! - Eds.)

Southern Cape sanatoria cuisine revisited As my life, quite obviously, moves, self-inflictedly - and I rather think quite quickly - towards its inevitable close, I have some thoughts, born perhaps from my delusionary belief in my own wisdom, combined with a tire of the cooking of Knysna Provincial Hospital*, I would like to share some thoughts.

The first thing is that the provincial healthcare twixt Knysna and George is of a TERRIFICALLY high standard (and I speak from a position of knowing their private competition), and I am thinking of posting an encouraging note to TripAdvisor.

CXPRESS

*They just CAN’T seem to get cottage pie the right way, no matter how much tomato sauce one puts on it. Being a ardent campaigner for Hospital Tourism** in order to attract further customers, I believe a great many of the Southern Cape sanatoria should pay a little further attention to their cuisine. **I have recently been accused of becoming a “Hospital Tourist”*** ***It really is terribly economical, you know: you get fed, washed in bed, a captive ordinance and, if you are lucky, even a decent view, and all at absolutely no charge.

MR, Plett

So, ‘Nature Lover’, don’t take it personally or seriously. These laws are made but there’s never any come-back or follow-up.

In fact, to my knowledge there has not been one prosecution in Plettenberg Bay, of any individual who has not cleared his/her property of alien invaders. And the law has been enforced since 2004, I think.

They just make these laws for fun, to make us think they’re working hard at governing our country.

I can quote that I bought an 8-hectare infested plot at The Crags in the late 1990s, cleared it of all invasive species, and when I sold it I informed the

buyer that the property was cleared of invasives and that it would be his responsibility by law to keep it that way.

I also gave him a book about fynbos, hoping stupidly to engender some type of interest.

Today, that property is again infested with 20foot high wattle. I don’t understand why people want to own land if they don’t want to be responsible for it - and I hope this doesn’t apply to you!

Clear it, you’ll enjoy it.

But if you don’t want to be bothered, just relax!

Nothing’s going to happen. This is South Africa - and it’s depressing.

Grumpy Greeny, Plett

Fat cat of the confrérie finds Simon’s joint delightful My dear lady editors, a quick aside: haven’t Morné Terblanche and his very dear father Ogilvy down a most splendid revamp of their Crags shop? Absolutely super.

And while talking of The Crags… Darn, the Wilson’s farm store, just as one is heading down to Nature’s Valley, ranks, in my book, as a credit to the Southern Cape; I would shop there regularly even if I lived as far away as Knysna!

Set in surroundings of intense beauty - even the enchanting Jersey calves seem to realise that they live in one of the planet’s most beautiful spots - one always leaves the place as satisfied as a Cheshire cat.

The cheeses, for example, and the ginger beer, cannot be rivalled. (Under NO circumstances be tempted, as one is, to open said delightful ginger beer in the car! Aside over.)

The Fat Fish: hats off to Simon, is what it amounts to.

The other day a visitor arrived - an intensely welltravelled Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs no less* - and wished, at about 9:30pm, to take me out to dinner.

I nervously set off with

him, not entirely sure that on a mid-week evening one would find anything open in the town, and fearing that we might end up in a Wimpy**.

I hugely hoped that the cleverly-named Fat Fish (cf. Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck on the Thames in Berkshire) might be open.

Well! Positively heavingfull of happy diners, and more arriving all the time, and all being served absolutely glorious food, timeously, efficiently, and by staff who very clearly thoroughly enjoy working there, serving fabulous food from an extremely sensible menu.

And very good to see Gouwah, whose husband is Aadam, executive chef at Kurland Hotel, happily busy in the kitchen.

Well done, Simon. * The people who award Michelin Stars to restaurants/restaurateurs ** Interesting comment made by abovementioned friend, who is also a medical doctor: The patrons of The Fat Fish were all wellshaped, while if one had ended up at any Wimpy, half the customers are overweight. There’s a story in that…

Martin Rattray, Plett

sunglass boutique que

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SPORT & ADVENTURE

26 October 2016

Kites turn Karatara skies into bright festival of flight CXPRESS correspondent BOB HOPKIN joined 15 professional and numerous amateur kitemakers and fliers for a breezy pageant of colour

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HE recent bitter weather gave a gentle respite to welcome a kiting roadshow that came to Karatara, in the Outeniqua foothills behind Sedgefield, on Sunday.

This, the second annual Eden Kite Festival, afforded locals the opportunity to see spectacular competition kites from all over the world, to receive tuition in the sport, and to get advice from professionals on simple kite manufacture.

The group of visitors included fliers from New Zealand, Canada, Singapore, the UK and Holland, all of whom brought large and brightly coloured kites that are seen in many international competitions.

Included were a 30mlong dragon, a similarlysized blue stingray, and even a flying pig!

Conditions were not ideal as, inevitably, the constant wind we have been experiencing on the Route recently decided to take a break, and Sunday’s intermittent breeze could not keep all of the larger examples airborne continuously.

One visitor, Fred Taylor from Canada, explained

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that the technique is to launch a “pilot kite� with high lift coefficient that supports a guide string to which other, larger, kites are attached. These slide up to a predetermined point, resulting in a spectacular array of complimentary designs.

He said that kite design was an individual choice, although there were many professional designers, particularly in Holland. “Often, the final product is created in China and can cost up to $3,500 (nearly R50,000) each.�

Lady flier Gadis Widiyati from Singapore was particularly involved with local children, having chosen her support team from the area and spending time helping kids make their own beginners’ versions.

When asked how she was able to fly kites in the congested city/state of Singapore, she replied: “That’s easy, we just find a high building and fly them off the roof!�

The event was supported by hundreds of visitors, and moves on to Cape Town for the next display on the beach at Muizenberg this coming weekend.

LEARNING TO FLY: Visitor and professional kite flier from Singapore Gadis Widiyati, at right, gives advice to local kids on kite-making - Photos: Bob Hopkin

PIG MUST FLY: Kites on display included a 30m-long dragon, a similarly-sized blue stingray, and a flying pig

Royal watchmakers join Simola Hillclimb RITISH luxury watchmaker Bremont has partnered with Knysna’s Jaguar Simola Hillclimb as Official Luxury Watch Partner for the next three editions, starting in 2017. “We are extremely proud to welcome Bremont Watches to the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb family and look forward to a mutually rewarding relationship,� said Knysna Speed Festival MD Ian Shrosbree. “The addition of a premium global brand such as Bremont Watch Company is another important step in the development of the Hillclimb. Its focus on producing beautifully crafted mechanical watches fits with our passion for organising and delivering the leading motorsport event in South Africa - one that is fast developing international attention and appeal. “The fact that Bremont also produces the official Jaguar range of watches further enhances the fit between the two parties.�

Bremont joins international brands Jaguar, Motul and Continental as partners to the 2017 Jaguar Simola Hillclimb.

Says Bremont co-founder Nick English: “As a brand we have had a presence in SA for a few years now and it is a country we are very passionate about, for so many reasons. “The Simola Hillclimb is a truly wonderful event in which timing obviously plays a pivotal role. Having Jaguar involved too, considering our history with them as a watch company, makes this a really natural tie-up.�

Jaguar first collaborated with Bremont during the launch of the cutting edge Jaguar C-X75 in 2010, for which it developed a unique, analogue dashboard clock in keeping with the 778-horsepower hybrid supercar’s futuristic nature and 205 mph performance.

Since then, Jaguar commissioned Bremont to create car clocks for the Queen’s fleet of Jaguars, as well as asking them to create a pocket watch for Prince Philip as part of the jubilee celebrations.

B