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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WARMTH
FREE Photo: Sharyn Hodges
27 July 2016
Winter is here in all its chilling glory, calling for cosy fires and hearty soup and a preference for indoors activities. Turn to page 2 to find out how the New Horizons Care Group ladies keep themselves busy by lightening the load of those in need.
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CXPRESS
NEWS & VIEWS
27 July 2016
‘To be there for those in need is to be somewhere in your own life’ CXPRESS recently heard about a group of selfless New Horizons ladies who touch lives in their neighbourhood under the leadership of ‘Tannie Toekie’, whose daughter ZAHIDAH SPIES told us a little more about their work and the hope provided by the New Horizons Care Group N 2013, ‘Tannie Toekie’ - as Toekie Spies is affectionately known to all in Plett who know her - was moved to assist in feeding some of the people in need in her immediate area. At first she used her own money and started cooking a meal or two per week. These, she delivered at her own steam, in her own time. After a year, her employer at the time noticed her kind heart and started supporting her noble cause. Unbeknownst to Tannie Toekie, a group of ladies in New Horizons was already doing something similar; they decided to approach her and offer their assistance. And so the New Horizons Care Group (NHCG) came into existence, Tannie Toekie and the ladies continuing to fund meals from their own meagre earnings. In December 2015, the group decided to give their beneficiaries a treat for Christmas. After we posted their plan on the ‘Plett in Stereo’ Facebook page, donations for their noble and necessary cause poured in. During the course of this year, word of the NHCG spread and the clinic in New Horizons started referring some of its patients in need of special care - assistance with the basic tasks of bathing, taking meds, etc. to the group. Food is delivered to these beneficiaries, as most of them are bedridden or too old to call at soup kitchens. Donated clothing is sorted for distribution as the need arises, and some clothes or goods are sold to buy ingredients for meals. But the NHCG is still mainly funded by members of the
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WE CARE: The NHCG ladies are, from left, Liezel McCallum, Geraldine Krige, Elna Lourens, Merryl Maneul, and ‘Tannie’ Toekie Spies COOKING: Merryl Maneul fills one of the recycled containers used for the purpose with hearty soup for the many hungry tums filled by the New Horizons Care Group
IN NEED OF YOUR ASSISTANCE: Some of the NHCG beneficiaries
group, who operate in accordance with their slogan: To be there for others, is to be somewhere in your own life. The ladies are grateful to loyal
donors Hunter Hotels, Dunlop Centre and Extreme Life Ministries for their contributions. Donations from the Hunter’s, for example, have enabled them
to provide bed and bedding to some deserving families in New Horizons. One example is of a lady who is incontinent, and whose bed was drenched with urine before the NHCG became involved. Says Tannie Toekie: “We aim to be there in need as a pro-active group making a difference in our community. Our aim is not to accredit ourselves, but to feed the stomachs and souls of our people. “We believe it is the Light of God that leads us, renews our energies, and continues to provide hope. Our mission is to deliver together with similar organisations, and be instrumental in separately making a difference, together.” Any donation is a good donation, but the biggest requirement is foodstuffs. Having started off by feeding about 55 people weekly, that number has increased to 63 people by July 1 and could soon reach 80 or over, including people who have to take medicine on a daily basis, but who need to eat beforehand. “We feel strongly about working in tandem with similar care organisations to ensure the most effective coverage. It is not our intention to gain power from our service, but only to make our most serious efforts to empower our community with our energy and commitment,” concludes Tannie Toekie. “We look forward to symbiotic relationships in the near future, and pray we can assist in the ever-growing demand.” Contact NHCG treasurer Nico Westraad on 076 196 7755 or at nico@africanfoodsettlers. com if you would like to contribute in any way.
NEWS & VIEWS
27 July 2016
Knysna forest dwellers find solutions without resorting to violence A community near Knysna in dire straits has proven that by working together it is indeed possible to solve problems without violence - CANDICE LUDICK reports ESIDENTS of Springfield, a forestry settlement, had their power supply disconnected a few months ago when there was allegedly a breakdown in communications between MTO Forestry officials and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF). On July 23, MTO reconnected the electricity supply to these people. Neither the spokespeople for MTO Forestry nor DAFF had been available for comment at the time of going to press. The disconnection followed on a Cabinet decision to exit from 22,500 acres of state forestry land and hand over of some of this land, including forestry settlements, to conservation agencies, such as SANParks. This had a profoundly negative impact on the job security and security of tenure of those living in these settlements, many of whom were faced with the prospect of eviction. The Springfield commu-
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nity, as well as residents of neighbouring Brackenhill, are forestry workers who along with their descendants have, for the most part, lived in these settlements their entire lives. Thanks to the efforts of social justice activists in collaboration with these communities, the threat to their continued livelihoods has been allayed. The Western Cape Forestry Sector Forum (WCFSF) was formed by key forestry sector stakeholders in the Western Cape with a common view to promote development in this region. The aim was to create a platform to debate forestry sector development issues between government, the forestry industry, investors, financial institutions and communities with access to forest land or forest resources, so as to find sustainable solutions to challenges facing the sector through dialogue. “All over the country, people are burning things
when they don’t feel heard. Here we have a good example of people who went a different route. Violence isn’t always the answer,” said Mary-Anne Mngomezulu, a member of WCFSF. “Despite years and years and years of turmoil, it is when communities stand together and choose representatives who have proven over time that they are committed to social justice, that change without violence is possible. It is when people stand together to expose wrongs that solutions are found. “Susan Campbell [a lawyer and member of the WCFSF who worked closely with the community of Brackenhill to iron out the differences with forestry companies] is the hero here. She has ploughed her own resources into legal aid and representation of the people of Brackenhill. “When you reach out to other activists and work together, change is inevitable,” concluded Mngomezulu.
Man, 85, takes own life in hospital parking bay N Monday afternoon, news broke on social media forums of an elderly man who died after shooting himself in the parking area of Knysna Provincial Hospital. He had allegedly taken a firearm from the boot of his car and shot himself in the mouth. SAPS spokesperson captain Malcolm Pojie yesterday confirmed that Knysna police opened an inquest for investigation following
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the death of an 85-yearold man, but added that the identity of the deceased could not yet be released. “Preliminary investigation indicates that the man, who is from Plettenberg Bay, paid a visit to Knysna Provincial Hospital at approximately 1:30pm on Monday July 25. He exited the reception area shortly after his arrival and went to his car. “He drove from the parking lot to a nearby disabled
parking in front of the hospital where after a shot went off,” said Pojie. “Paramedics rushed to the vehicle where they found the critically wounded man at his car with a shotgun next to him. “He was taken into the hospital where he was declared dead.” Pojie concluded that the elderly man had shot himself in the face and that no foul play was suspected.
Repeat sex offender Venter’s case postponed to October
Yolandé Stander
HE trial involving a prominent George dentist - who is for the second time being accused of sex crimes involving a child - resumed in Thembalethu Regional Court on Monday. Ian Venter, who earlier this year pleaded not guilty, is accused of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old boy during a sleepover at his Herold’s Bay home on April 11 last year. The 44-year-old father of three was already sentenced in December 2014 to four years under house arrest after his conviction on several charges including sex with a minor boy. He is currently out on R5,000 bail.
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Following the latest claims, Venter was arrested by the George FCS unit and is accused of allegedly going into the guest room of his home, where the boy was sleeping, and touching his private parts. The boy was visiting Venter’s son. The young boy’s mother took the witness stand on Monday and told the court what a bright youngster her son was and that, before the incident, he would not shy away from revealing his feelings to her. The boy’s mother, who cannot be named to protect the child’s identity, said that her son had slept over at Venter’s house on previ-
ous occasions and that she did not know his history. The night of the incident her son was set to sleep over again, but returned during the night and refused to tell her why. She told the court that it was only after a visit by Venter’s son and Venter himself that the complainant admitted what had allegedly happened. She added that his behaviour had since changed, that his grades dropped and that he had become very moody. The matter was postponed to October 24 when Venter’s son is expected to take the stand. Garden Route Media
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NEWS & VIEWS
27 July 2016
Bitou ANC’s top candidate boasts long history of local politics and bringing people together ANC mayoral candidate for Bitou Euan Wildeman is described as ‘rooted in the community’ in a pre-election press release, summarised here UAN Wildeman was born in Green Valley, Wittedrift. After completing matric at Knysna Secondary School, he studied in Cape Town but due to lack of funding did not complete his studies. He returned to Plett and continued working at the same butchery where he casually worked during school holidays and weekends as early as Grade 7 and later opened his own successful butchery. No stranger to local government, Wildeman was among the first ANC councillors for the pre-interim phase of local government in Plett and served on the town’s Transitional Local Council since 1994. He was mayor of Plett (later Bitou) Municipality from 1998 to 2006 and served as member of the Mayoral Committee and ANC Chief Whip from 2006 to 2011. Wildeman has been active in ANC politics from a young age and served on various structures, from branch chairperson to regional treasurer. In 2012, he founded a business that provides specialist consultant services in business development, support, mentoring and coaching for small businesses and cooperatives. He served as board member on NPO structures that aims at stimu-
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FORMER FIRST CITIZEN: Euan Wildeman was mayor of Plett from 1998 to 2006
lating the educational development of young people from underprivileged backgrounds living in Bitou’s previously disadvantaged communities. Apart from serving on various NGO boards, Wildeman along with his business partners has established an NGO as a vehicle to drive social responsibility programmes and therefore ploughing back into previously disadvantaged communities. Under his leadership the local council achieved notable successes. He was instrumental in providing political leadership pioneering various planning and urban regeneration programmes for Greater Plettenberg Bay. A few flagship initiatives include: • The concepts of the “Coming Together” social integration project • Upgrading of Informal Settlement Programmes
(Bossiesgif/Qolweni development) • Kurland Human Settlement Programme • Kranshoek Human Settlement Programme • KwaNokuthula Human Settlement Programme (Phase 3 and 4) • Human settlement and community settlement programme in Green Valley • Broadened access to educational, training and healthcare facilities • Implementation of electrification programme in the informal settlements • Increased and upgrading of water supply infrastructure for Greater Plett (Roodefontein Dam) • Upgrading of KwaNokuthula Taxi Rank • Upgrading of the Central Town business district • Upgrading of New Horizons Library and building of Magistrates Court. Although not serving in the local Council from 2011, Wildeman has remained involved in the community. Observing that the Coming Together Project had deviated from its original objective of creating integrated communities, catalytic projects with the purpose of stimulating economic development and building communities instead of just dormitory housing, he decided to become involved in local government again. In order to begin to address the inequalities so prevalent in society at
large, as well as in Bitou Municipality, he felt it necessary for the ANC to address infrastructure in the townships and to find ways of making land more available for integrated housing development initiatives and small business development. Unless communities are proactively integrated, redress is impossible. Wildeman is a loyal and disciplined member of the ANC. When questioned about his political philosophy he said: “I subscribe to core values and principles of the Freedom Charter which is now enshrined in our constitution.” Wildeman’s focus and involvement will be on community and youth development projects and job creation initiatives. He has a great passion and drive for community upliftment and enhancement of socio-economic conditions of previously disadvantaged communities. ANC ward candidates for Bitou Ward 1 - Callen Koopman, Ward 2 - Monica Seyisi, Ward 3 - Xola Matyila, Ward 4 - Hilda Plaatjies, Ward 5 - Mpakamisi Mbali, Ward 6 Sandiso Gcabhayi, Ward 7 - Quinton Hoffman. Proportional Representative candidates 1. Euan Wildeman. 2. Nomiki Jacobs. 3. Monica Seyisi, 4. Thelma Besana.
NEWS & VIEWS
27 July 2016
Western Cape premier welcomed by jubilant Bitou supporters
THUMBS UP FOR PREMIER: From left, Nosipho Falitenjwa, Hambisa Vokwana, Khonzile Madonsela, Asakhe Papu, Musa Galitshana and Prince Wanna welcome Helen Zille - pictured below with Bitou mayor Memory Booysen on July 21
Words & photos: Timothy Twidle
HEAD of the municipal elections, set to be held throughout South Africa on Wednesday August 3, Western Cape premier Helen Zille spent a busy day electioneering in Knysna, Kurland (the most north-easterly reach of the province) and Plettenberg Bay, on Thursday July 21. During a meeting held at Piesang Valley Community Hall in Plett at 5:30 on behalf of the Democratic Alliance (DA), Zille was welcomed by a large and enthusiastic crowd. The meeting pulsated with excitement, fervour and energy as approximately 600 people crammed into the hall; more than half of those attending had to stand and others were required to sit on the stage, steps and floor, in spite of extra chairs being brought into the auditorium during
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the course of the meeting. Following introductory speeches by Bitou councillor Wayne Craig and mayor Memory Booysen, Zille delivered a speech, notable for its breadth and passion. The premier made the point that the upcoming municipal elections were important for South Africa as good local government was vital to the success of any country in today’s world. “Everyone must be equal before the law,” said Zille “We must protect the law and the democracy of our land. We are the world in one country.” She also emphasised that the future of SA should not be seen as a struggle between people but as struggle to see that “a proper system of values takes hold, for the good of all citizens, irrespective of their background, creed, culture, religion and ethnic heritage, and that we uphold constitutionalism for
the good of all the people”. She said the August 3 elections were the most important since 1994 and were not “a confrontation between people, but a confrontation about values, adding that “these elections are a tipping point in the history of South Africa”. The mechanism of voting at the local elections was explained and the importance of all eligible members of the electorate exercising their right to vote and casting their ballot was forcibly impressed upon the meeting. Zille’s speech was warmly applauded at intervals and at the end of her talk she received a standing ovation. She was thanked by Western Cape Transport and Public Works minister Donald Grant, for taking time out of her busy schedule to spend a day in the municipalities of Knysna and Bitou. The meeting ended with applause and cheers.
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NEWS & VIEWS
27 July 2016
A brief history of Kurland Tertiary Education Fund URLAND Tertiary Education Fund (KTEF) was established by Sylvia Eastman - an American teacher who came to SA for a sabbatical, and taught at The Crags Primary School. Upon her departure in 2007, Eastman set up a fund for tertiary education for students from The Crags, and the opportunity was advertised at high schools attended by Crags learners. KTEF is administered by a committee under the chairmanship of Revd Pam Berning; it has educated 19 students, some of whom have not yet graduated, with only two failures in its 10 years of operation. “I think this is really worth celebrating,” says the Revd. “We are very proud of our students and congratulate all of them for their hard work and dedication.” KTEF-sponsored students 2008 • Joy Lee-Anne Smit at Varsity College PE in Tourism and Tour Operations - graduated 2009 • Daveria Surisha Roman at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) for Psychology - graduated 2012 • Shurinda Bruzele
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GOOD TO GO: Amardene Pluim graduated from Midrand Campus in the field of Psychology - one of many Kurland Tertiary Education Fund-sponsored students
Barnardo at NMMU for a degree in Education - graduated 2012. 2009 • S Juries at South Cape College for Business Studies (one-year) • ListieAnne Kamm Stellenbosch University for a BA International Studies degree. 2010 • Amardene Pluim at Midrand Campus in Psychology - graduated 2016 • Veronique Roman at Midrand Campus in Psychology - graduated 2016 • Samantha Gherkin Gwa-Gwa at Life College of Learning for a Nursing Course graduated 2014. 2011 • Leicester Barnardo at Boston Campus, George for a Computer Technician
one-year course. 2012 • Rochelle Nicole Thys at University of the Western Cape for a Bachelor in Education • Jessica Shuline Barnardo at NMMU for a Law degree. 2013 • Students still studying: J Barnardo, A Pluim, V Roman, SG Gwa-Gwa. 2014 • Laurissa Savage at NMMU in PE for a Law degree • Students still studying: J Barnardo, A Pluim, V Roman. 2015 • Jasmine Koopman at University of the Western Cape for Bachelor in Education • Leslie-Ann Camphor at NMMU for Business Degree • Students still studying: A Pluim, V Roman, Rochelle Thys, Laurissa Savage. 2016 • Amardene Pluim and Veronique Roman graduated with Psychology degrees • Bianca Hewitt at NMMU for Bachelor of Education • Sadie Roman at NMMU for Bachelor of Education • Andolene Powie a week course in Bio Gel Sculptures (Leading Nail Care) at the Bio Sculpture Centre in George • Students still studying: R Thys, J Koopman, L Camphor, L Savage.
BUSINESS
27 July 2016
Stromboli’s - the happy retirement village
Box Clever with these CXPRESS
LOW PRICES
CHILLAX: Parklike surrounds, abundant birdlife and an attractive dam add to Stromboli’s Retirement Village residents’ peaceful, relaxed lifestyle
OST Plettonians know where Stromboli’s Retirement Village is, as it is invariably passed when travelling to Knysna. Not generally known, though, is that beyond this road lies an idyllic retirement village, offering every feature that over 50s may ever need! Situated only 10km from Plett CBD, the 50 cottages are nestled among stunning gardens in parklike surrounds with lush lawns and towering trees. Abundant birdlife and an attractive dam add to the peaceful, relaxed lifestyle. Residents enjoy a communal, friendly atmosphere and are encouraged to socialise in the lounge or dining area at on-site restaurant Bon Appétit Bistro, or at the lapa braai and swimming pool area on special occasions.
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Other regular activities include Happy Hour in the pub, bridge, scrabble, Bible study, music afternoons and Friday night movies, or reading a book from the inhouse library. Transport to town is available twice weekly at a mere R30 per trip. Stromboli’s facilities include in-home assisted living, a Frail Care Centre with a registered nursing sister on duty or on standby 24 hours daily, plus five private en-suite assisted-living rental rooms for those requiring all meals and some assistance but not wanting to purchase a cottage. Monthly cottage levies are R3,850 which includes insurance and external maintenance on the structure, garden maintenance, rates, water consumption, cleaning and laundry service twice weekly, and 10 meals
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- either breakfast or lunch. Occupation at Stromboli’s is on a life-right basis for 50-plus ages, whereas qualifying investors are able to purchase at Stromboli’s and rent the cottage out until they wish to use it themselves. ‘Life right’ at Stromboli’s remains in place for the lifespan of both spouses, whereafter it is resold at current market value of the relevant unit, 20% of which is retained by the village. Chas Everitt International Property in Plettenberg Bay is the exclusive mandated agency handling life-right sales on behalf of Stromboli’s Retirement Village NPC. Contact Tracy Clague on 079 563 1330 for further information or call in at Chas Everitt Plett. • See the advert below for current listings.
150 l
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HEAD OFFICE: 021 911 5555 WESTERN CAPE: RETREAT: 021 701 0566, GREEN POINT: 021 418 7805, SOMERSET WEST: 021 852 1605, KENILWORTH: 021 671 3114, BELLVILLE: 021 948 3767, GEORGE: 044 887 0476 EASTERN CAPE: PORT ELIZABETH: 041-368 6551,BAYWEST: 041 492 0372, EAST LONDON: 043 726 3679 MTHATHA: 047 531 1969 FREE STATE: BLOEMFONTEIN: 051 421 0029, LANGENHOVEN PARK: 051 446 0023 ERRORS & OMISSIONS EXCLUDED. VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT: WWW.MAMBOSPLASTICS.CO.ZA
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INTERVAL
27 July 2016
When being a lawyer backfires badly... fellow’s wife went missing and, since everyone knew that the two were having serious problems, he was accused of murdering her and disposing of the body. When witness after witness came to the stand testifying to all sorts of horrors that the accused threatened his wife with, things were looking quite dim for the accused. Then
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the man’s lawyer got up to take the stand. “Ladies and gentleman of the jury, I have something quite exciting to tell you. If you would all please direct your attention towards the door behind me on my left, you will see the supposedly dead woman walk in on her own two feet.” There was a loud murmuring in the courtroom
as all eyes turned towards the door. “Ladies and gentleman,” said the lawyer after a few seconds of anxious waiting, “to be honest with you, nobody is going to be walking through the door. However, from the fact that your eyes all turned towards the door, it is quite obvious that you are not sure beyond the shadow of a doubt about my client’s guilt.” To the lawyer’s great
surprise, the jury decided the man was guilty. “But how could you say he is guilty? Didn’t I prove differently?” questioned the lawyer. “It is true that we all turned towards the door,” one old lady explained, “but there was one person who didn’t.” “And who is that?” questioned the indignant lawyer. “Your client,” came the reply.
Equality in old age N old man went to the doctor complaining of a terrible pain in his leg. “I’m afraid it’s just old age,” said the doctor, “there is nothing we can do about it.” “That can’t be,” fumed the old man, “sounds
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like you don’t know what you are doing!” “How can you possibly know I am wrong?” countered the doctor. “Well it’s quite obvious,” the old man replied, “my other leg is fine, and it’s the exact same age.”
Booze and the hypochondriac IM’S car is swerving all over the road, so a cop pulls him over. “Step out of the vehicle,” says the cop, “I am going to need you to take a breathalyzer test.” “I can’t,” Jim responds. “You see, I have very bad asthma and this can set off an attack.” “Alright,” says the cop, “then you’re going to have to take a blood test.” “Can’t do that either,” Jim responds. “I am a hemophiliac. If a wound is opened, I won’t stop
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bleeding and could bleed myself to death.” “Ok,” the cop answers, “then I will need a urine sample.” “Sorry,” says Jim. “I also have diabetes that could push my sugar count really low.” “Fine, so just come on out, and walk a straight line for me.” “Can’t do that either,” responds Jim. “Why not?” demanded the exasperated cop. “Well, because I’ve had way too much to drink!”
My bed when I’m trying to sleep
My bed when I’m trying to wake up
SOCIAL SCENE
27 July 2016
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GORILLAGRAMS FOR GEEZERS: Ticket sales for this Saturday’s Geezer Rage is soaring, and all selfrespecting Ragers of a certain age are bracing themselves for a long night’s revelling at LM in Plett and at Zanzibar up the street. This party in aid of Plett Watch kicks off from 6pm and tickets at R180 include a delicious LM dinner backed up by the cool tunes of Sam Hartman, left, who performed an Eagles tribute at last weekend’s You Spectacular with his son, Idols winner Jason Hartman. The fabulous duo some years back joined the actual Eagles on stage at Monaco’s royal wedding, so be sure not to miss legendary Sam at LM! DJ Malfunktion and Mad Brad promise to keep Geezers raging at Zanzibar, while the night’s entertainment also features raffles, draws and prizes galore. If you don’t have your ticket yet, contact Shirley Ochse on 081 052 4877 and at least one pink gorilla may well rock up at your door to deliver. Tickets are also sold at LM from 11am to 12 noon daily, with additional outlets being Clover Café at Global Village on Piesang Valley Road, and Shawarma Shoppe at The Market in Plett’s Main Street. See y’all there!
People, places & events HAIL THE EARTH AND HAILE SELASSIE: The 124th Earth Day Festival kicked off at Knysna’s Judah Square on Friday July 22, when the event was opened by Jamaican soul singer Mama Barrel. Drumming and chanting will be ongoing for the next five days and the festival will conclude with a Reggae Music Splash on July 30 & 31 at Hornlee sports grounds from noon ‘till late on both days, featuring explosive artists like Bliksemstraal, Jah Link, JJ Zebulon, Black Stars, Zion Youth, Bloupakkie Man and many more. Cover charge is R60 for adults and R20 for kids - call 074 835 1273 for details.
Photo: Glenn Murray
BABA MADIBA: Denova van Wyk chose a very special day to make his unexpected entrance when he arrived to share Madiba’s birthday on Monday July 18. Eight-months-pregnant mom Melodie visited Wittedrift Clinic for burns on her arm when she started having pains. The contractions quickly intensified and Denova - a footling breech baby - was born one month premature just after 4pm with the help of nurses Robbie Reddering, Sharon van Wyk, and Jackie Claasen, while Dr Anèl Scholtz assisted the staff by phone. Great news is that both mom and baby are doing very well. The Wittedrift satellite is a small rural clinic outside Plett with no birthing unit, so pregnant mothers are sent to Knysna Hospital to give birth. But not lightning-fast little baby Denova…
MUSIC BACKS BURSARIES: The Crags Eco-preschool Annual Auction and Music Evening on July 8 was a great success. The preschool promotes racial integration and aspires to provide an environment where children from different socio-economic backgrounds can learn and play together. As such, the entertaining yearly event was established to raise finances for its bursary fund, which offers a number of bursaries to assist those children who could benefit from an education at The Crags Eco-preschool, but do not have the means to pay fees. Principal Inge Bassett thanks Robin Auld, above, and Bitou Field Marimba Band for the fantastic music, the parents and local businesses for their kind support and donations, and all the people of Plett who attended the happy event.
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27 July 2016
CLASSIFIEDS
ON THE SOAPBOX
27 July 2016
Letters to the Editor
Email: editor@cxpress.co.za - Fax: 044 533 0852 - PO Box 1449, Plett 6600
Our heartfelt thanks for your donations to our ‘recent amputees’
JACK’S BACK: Apart from bedding and other housewares, Jack Mkomombini’s mobility was restored to some extent by a donated office chair on castors
KAMFER COMFORT: Johannes Kamfer sleeps sounder under his recently-donated bedding
Chiro practitioner restores faith for all the right reasons My faith in healthcare practitioners has been kicked up several notches by a recent visit to Dr Bryce Taverner. His holistic approach, addressing the cause and applying multi skills to solve the problem left me confident that those who do it right, do actually exist.
In these tough financial times, it is gratifying to find someone that inspires trust for the right reasons. His lovely sense of humour is a great extra! May his practice thrive and many discover his professional competence. Dr Hilana Steyn, Harkerville
In your June 15 issue, you kindly placed our appeal to readers for assistance in alleviating the plight of two gentlemen in our church group, Jack Mkomombini and Johannes Kamfer [read ‘Make life a bit more comfortable for these recent amputees’ on page 11 of that edition at www.cxpress.co.za]. I would like to give you an update on the response and, on behalf of Remnant Ministries, extend a heartfelt thank you to the following people: Mr and Mrs Bird for their generous donation of beds, bedding, Tupperware and other items.
Mr Anderson for the office chair - now Jack can easily move around inside the house. Plett Seconds (based at One Plett centre) for their donation. Lisa Ritchie for her donation of curtains. God bless! Leisle Paulsen, Plett (It’s always good to hear how great-hearted our readers are, so thanks a stack for this update, Leisle. If you read here and feel moved to contribute to the wellbeing of new Horizons residents Jack and Johannes, please feel free to contact Leisle on 073 844 5166. - Eds.)
We are counting on your kindness to help rebuild Claudia’s life Claudia Cloete, a singleparent mom of three children, was at work when her house in Thornham unfortunately burnt down recently and destroyed everything that she owned - clothes, furniture, crockery, pots and pans. Some DA activists have clubbed together to work their way through what remains of the house and surrounding small garden. As the DA, we are appealing to you to come to the party and to donate some of those no longer used household items to
enable Claudia to make a start in building up her new home - when and wherever she may find one, because at present the four of them are living in a tiny wooden garden shed cum shack. Should you be able to, please drop off the donated items at 88 Saffron Street; alternatively, please send me an SMS on 082 787 1598 and I will arrange to collect. Many thanks in anticipation of a positive response. Bob Reed, Storms River Village
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SPORT & ADVENTURE
27 July 2016
Dr Evil Classic offers even more unique opportunities this year HE 2016 Pennypinchers Dr Evil Classic will feature the best mountain-biking the Garden Route has to offer, and this year will be something of a comingof-age for the event. Now five years old, the three-day stage race taking place from September 15-17 will feature a number of innovations, chief of which is a different start/finish village for each day of the three. “This means no doubling up on routes in and out of the villages,” explains route designer and event co-owner Leon Evans. “It also makes for three very diverse riding days,” adds Evans, who is an
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avid rider and designed the routes to take in a combination of all his favourite routes. One of several unique selling points of the Dr Evil is that, apart from the joy of riding through indigenous forests, it offers a rare opportunity to traverse some of the prime private farms and nature reserves around Plett, Wittedrift and The Crags. The routes comprise a combination of single track, scenic district roads and forest trails. Stage one covers 72.4km, with a 1,201m ascent from Wittedrift School, featuring forest and farmland trails. Stage two is perhaps the mainstay at 50.2km with
some 980m of climbing, taking in the coastal trails of Harkerville. The third and final stage is 37.8km with 1,120m of climbing through the Plett Winelands. “All routes are designed with the average rider in mind,” says Evans. “However, they’re challenging enough for those wanting to race.” The emphasis of the event is on the quality of the ride, as routes offer an opportunity for riders to access properties of many private landowners. The shorter final day distance is specifically designed so that riders doing the Lions Karoo to Coast on Sunday September 18
are allowed to save their legs. Indeed, the Dr Evil Classic is an ideal warmup for Pennypinchers Lions Karoo to Coast, and also the only way of still securing an entry into that sold-out event. Dr Evil has reserved a limited number of entries for those still wanting to do both events. If you’ve already entered Karoo to Coast and you enter the Dr Evil Classic, you will secure a preferential start position. The event sold out in 2015 and there is space for only 350 riders in 2016, of which only a limited number of spots are still available. Email zandile@ drevilclassic.com to enter.
Nominate local sport stars now! HE Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport invites members of the sporting fraternity to nominate their local sport stars to be honoured as provincial Sport Legends. The Legends Awards are hosted annually by the department to honour those who played a role in growing and transforming sport in the Western Cape. To be eligible, nominees should be over the age of 55 and should have played a role in
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shaping sport in their communities. Nominees are also people who were not previously recognised because of their gender, race or geographical location. Anroux Marais, Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, said this was a very important event that acknowledged the roles of individuals in shaping sport in the province. “We must honour our sporting legends and encourage our youth to follow in their footsteps. Their legacy has
paved the way for future sporting stars,” she said. Nominations can be made by submitting a fully completed nomination form, which is available online (visit www.westerncape.gov.za and type ‘Sport Legends 2016’ into the search bar at the top of the page). But take note that there’s no time to waste, as the closing date for nominations is August 3. Call Desmond Speelman of the Eden District Sport Council on 083 521 2821 with queries.
Top seed beaten by rising new tennis star
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Offers valid from 15 June to 31 August 2016, while stocks last, E&OE, Pennypinchers Plettenberg Bay | Corner N2 & Rietvlei Road, Plettenberg Bay | Tel: (044) 501 3800 Pennypinchers Knysna | Meubel Street, Industrial Area, Knysna | Tel: (044) 382 5140
P L E T T E N B E R G B AY A N D K N Y S N A
Greenwood Bay College learner Kaitlyn Frittelli, above, participated in the Eden Mini 4 tennis tournament during the school holidays, competing in the platinum section, which is the event’s most challenging category. She went on to beat the top seed and proceeded to the under-12 girls final, where she narrowly lost in a third-set super tiebreak (i.e. first one to 10 points). This is an excellent achievement, especially taking into account that this was but Kaitlyn’s secondever competitive tournament. So couch Luke Olsen has good reason to be proud. “We are expecting her tennis to continue improving as she has been putting in the hard work over the past couple of months,” beamed Olsen. “Kaitlyn also recently won the Plettenberg Bay Mini 2, and we wish her the very best in all upcoming events.”