27 March 2019 by CXpress

27 March 2019

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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Belgium-based SA musician and social commentator Mbijana Sibisi is currently touring the country, its Garden Route leg hitting local venues from Friday - find out more on page 2, and turn to page 9 for fab holiday activities in our â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;hood.

Cumming murder trial proceeds p3

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

27 March 2019

More than just a show, ‘an experience’ awaits when vocalist Mbijana Sibisi spins his musical yarns N association with Concerts SA, iSupport Music Business presents Belgium-based South African guitarist and vocalist Mbijana Sibisi on a tour that kicked off in KwaZulu-Natal on March 9, hitting the Route this Friday. Mbijana Sibisi’s music can be described as a mixture of storytelling and Zulu folk sound. He considers himself a social commentator and aims to be the voice of the people, using his music to spread real-life stories about happiness, but also touching on societal issues. When asked about his motivation for this tour, Sibisi says: “I am inspired by musicians who I meet in Brussels, travelling around Europe and beyond, with their backpacks and musical instruments sharing their songs in every city they visit.” On what to expect from his gigs, he says: “If you know

MIGRATION TUNES ON TAP: Mbijana Sibisi swapped dental swabs for guitar strings when quitting his day job six years ago Photo: Black Lotus Photography

me from before, prepare for a grown me! I will perform new songs and audiences can look forward to an experience instead of just a show. “We’ve prepared a line-up of pop, jazz and original music, all of which evolve around the theme of migration.” Joining him on tour is gifted guitarist Milton Chissano and ace percussionist Njabulo Shabalala. A qualified dental nurse, Sibisi gave up his job in 2013, at the age of 22, to become a fulltime musician. His career has soared since with performances throughout South Africa, but also in Belgium, France, Spain, Uganda, and Reunion. In 2016, Sibisi entered The Voice and in the same year released his first EP titled History. He is currently working on in album for release later this year. The tour is supported by Concerts SA through the Music Mo-

bility Fund - a funding mechanism that offers opportunities for South African musicians to undertake live music tours. Catch him at Surf Café in Plettenberg Bay on March 29 (8pm - no cover charge but donations requested, 044 533 6801 / surfcafeplett@gmail. com); Wild Spirit Backpackers off Nature’s Valley Road on March 30 (8pm - no cover charge but donations requested, 082 828 8008 / info@wildspiritlodge.co.za); Ingoma Bar & Grill in Knysna on March 31 (call 072 794 2630 for time and cover charge details). The tour then moves on to Greyton (April 1), Cape Town (April 3, 6, 8, 9, 10), and the Splashy Fen Festival (April 19 - www.splashyfen.co.za) before concluding in Ballito on Freedom Day. Visit www.facebook. com/pg/mbijanasibisi for additional information.

NEWS & VIEWS

27 March 2019

CXPRESS

Cumming accused claims evidence ‘planted’ at scene The trial involving the man who allegedly raped and murdered Plett hospice nurse Penny Cumming is nearing an end - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports COBANI Lokwe, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, appeared in the Knysna Circuit High Court this week for the continuation of his trial. He is accused of raping and killing the 63-year-old Schoonge-

zicht Country Estate resident in January last year. Lokwe took the stand and denied raping and murdering the Plett local whose naked and bruised body was found on the floor of her home by a friend.

Her home was ransacked and her Volvo SUV was missing. The vehicle, which was partially destroyed, was found near Nekkies in Knysna later that day. It was later established that Cumming had also been

raped and that the cause of death was strangulation. Lokwe was arrested in KwaNokuthula on January 30 and was denied bail in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate’s Court shortly thereafter following massive outcry from the local community. The outcry took the form of several protests against his release on bail as well as a petition supported by about 5,000 people. Following his bail applica-

Light shed on Plett Timber Shed proposal XPRESS received feedback on plans proposed for the property abutting Plett’s historic Timber Shed site (Erf 246) from architect Paul Scheepers, containing confirmation by Knysnabased town planner Marike Vreken that “no decision has been made, and that the intention is not to impede on the historical property”. Vreken explained: “We were initially informed by Heritage W-Cape that the proposed rezoning of Erf 245 did not trigger the need for a Heritage Study.” But subsequent communication advised the contrary, and the need for Vreken’s clients to appoint a consultant to conduct the study.

“A suitably qualified and experienced heritage consultant will be appointed after the Easter holidays” she said, adding that it was never the intention of her clients to have any impact on the Timber Shed property. “The proposal was to lease a portion of municipal land that abuts their property, as bush sleepers and ‘bergies’ pose a security risk.” She welcomed suggestions to prevent bush dwelling and subsequent vandalism of the direct surroundings. “It is in our clients’ interest that the area surrounding their property be protected, and upgraded,” said Vreken. “Unauthorised squatting on Erf 246 indeed poses

a security risk. Further to this, the proposal was to provide additional public parking (for Erf 245 owners’ account) in the Meeding Crescent road reserve. “We have subsequently been informed by Bitou that the Heritage Society is opposed to ANY new public parking beyond the perimeter of the current, dilapidated timber boundary poles. This request will be honoured and no parking provided beyond the fence.” Vreken concluded by inviting constructive communication to find a common solution in the interest of the public and area concerned. Visit https://www.hwc.org.za for additional information.

tion, the matter was transferred to the high court. During the trial a forensic pathology report confirmed that DNA evidence collected during the police investigation into the rape and murder placed Lokwe at the scene of the crime. During his time in the stand, Lokwe said that he had had consensual sex with Cumming before she was killed and that when he left, she had still been alive.

Lokwe believes that the evidence found at Cumming’s home had been planted there by authorities. Closing arguments by the state and defence is scheduled to continue this week. Lokwe is currently facing several charges including rape, murder, malicious damage to property, assault, burglary with the intent to rob and murder, and defeating the ends of justice. Garden Route Media

DA big wigs rally troops in New Horizons Words & photo: Timothy Twidle

ITOU’S DA constituency held a public meeting/election rally at New Horizons Community Hall on March 23. In attendance were Western Cape DA leader Bonginkosi Madikizela, provincial Transport and Public Works minister Donald Grant, and Garden Route District Municipality may-

or Memory Booysen. Local DA representatives present included Bitou councillors Sumeia Ndayi, Bill Nel, Anne Windvogel, Jessica Kamkam, Dave Swart, and Annelise Olivier, together with Bitou DA constituency chair Liz Mundell. The meeting was well attended by a representative cross-section of residents. Subjects discussed included an overview of the DA’s campaign to win the WestLOCALS MEET LEADER: District mayor Memory Booysen is flanked by Sisanda Mgam, left, and Bongiwe Taseni, both of Qolweni

ern Cape in the forthcoming elections, reports on Bitou municipal matters, political intrigue behind housing protests in DA-held wards, and the attempts to render such wards ungovernable. “The DA has carried out good work in the Western Cape,” said Grant, “and we want that work to continue, so please make sure that you go and vote on May 8.” Nel outlined the “musical chairs” of appointments of senior members of Bitou municipal staff over the past two and a half years. Madikizela closed: “The DA can bring all South Africans together as we are the party of the people. Vote DA, vote for change!” A spirit of goodwill prevailed and the meeting was infused with much boisterous chanting and dancing.

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

27 March 2019

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A former Mungo employee’s violent death last year has inspired the company to do something in her honour - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports UNGO - a wellknown homeware textile company with its mill based in Plettenberg Bay this month launched its new corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme called MOVE, which stands for motivating objectives and vision to empower. Company spokesman Amy Paterson said the programme was set to put 1% of the company’s turnover towards projects and initiatives that sought to benefit and empower the community of Plettenberg Bay. Paterson said one of their former staff members, Simnikiwe Mfengu, died in December last year as a result of gender-based violence. “We decided to do something in her honour through MOVE. As part of the programme we intend to dedicate time and resources towards collaborating with organisations involved in fighting the epidemic of gender-based violence - the number one killer of women in South Africa. “MOVE is committed to pursuing and supporting

ENABLING EARLY EMPOWERMENT: From left are Green Hearts members Janet Harding, Gay Clark, Nozi Lukasi, Magrietha Ferreira, and Helen Bezuidenhout - Photo: Ewald Stander

any social initiatives that set out to address a shift away from violent expression in our society as a whole, especially through the education of our younger generation.” “This is the reason for which the first beneficiary of the initiative was local anti-child abuse group the Green Hearts. “Our popular annual sale took place in February, and so we decided to host a preview and pre-buy event the day before it started, auctioning off tickets to the 20 highest bidders.” Paterson said the mon-

ey raised was donated to Plettenberg Bay’s Green Hearts, adding: “It is too soon to say at this stage whether it will be an ongoing initiative. “But MOVE definitely intends to dedicate time and resources towards collaborating and aligning ourselves with more honourable, worthy organisations like the Green Hearts in future.” She added that they chose the Green Hearts because of the organisation’s objective of teaching children to empower themselves against violence in their community.

NEWS & VIEWS

27 March 2019

CXPRESS

Contradictions blemish strategic Garden Route wildfire workshop Correspondent BOB HOPKIN notes his disappointed with the direction taken during a recent district conference HE wildfires of 2017 and 2018 left an enduring and, in many cases, traumatic effect on the emotions and financial well-being of many Garden Route residents. Although by most accounts lessons learnt in the Knysna fires meant the subsequent mountain conflagration that swept past George in 2018 was better managed, improved anticipation and response to disasters like these remain a municipal priority. Prompted by a provincial

government decision to appoint an outside consultant, Vulcan Wildfire Management, to assist in advising improvements in fire control, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) last week held a Wildfire Strategic Workshop. In his opening comments, GRDM municipal manager Monde Stratu expressed his concern on priorities for local fire services. “When allocating resources in annual budgets, fire services are often last in the queue as theirs is a

background role and not a visible day to day activity. The result is that they tend to have aging and obsolete equipment that is not up to the job. “We should be aware that we live in or close to a forest and we are woefully unprepared to respond to fire disasters,” Stratu said. GRDM mayor Memory Booysen echoed his comments but also pointed out that subsequent to the recent fires, public sentiment tended towards a “blame game” with financial impli-

cations of finding who or what initiated the fires. A spontaneous suggestion by him that residents should consider a supplemental levy on their rates based on the vulnerability of their dwellings to fire was not received well, with one constituent pointing out that we’re already “taxed to death”. One glaring omission in the subsequent presentation by Vulcan, was that no

mention was made of the causes of the fires. When questioned later, GRDM Chief Fire officer Freddy Thaver said that investigations were continuing with the aid of archived satellite imagery and expert data interpretation. “We are careful to be absolutely sure of our facts before releasing the information as there could be litigation issues involved,” he said. The remainder of the

Plett’s marine economy under the spotlight NE of the most important things that unites people in Plett is the protection of the bay and its magnificent marine life. As part of this effort, Natures Valley Trust and Nelson Mandela University are currently collaborating on a Marine Tourism Sustainability project, funded by the WWF SA Nedbank Green Trust. The key objective of the project is to ensure longterm sustainability of the boat-based marine tourism sector, and the marine life it depends upon. The project is researching the baseline ecological impacts and socio-economic benefits of boat-based tourism to small coastal towns. Another important aspect is the development of training and operational standards

to strengthen the sector and improve sustainability. The baseline ecological research commenced in early 2018, and the socio-economic assessment is now being initiated in partnership with an independent consultant from Bluepebble Independent Environmental Agency (www.blue pebble.biz). Questions that currently remain unanswered include: What does this sector contribute to Plett’s local economy, and how many people does it support, both directly and indirectly? The project will be working closely with local marine tourism operators in order to maximise the information obtained, for both local and national government purposes and for the operators themselves. Refer to https://www.

naturesvalleytrust.co.za/ programmes/ecological-re search/sustainable-marinetourism/ for more information about the project. Additional funding is being raised to strengthen the socio-economic research. Visit the crowdfunding page https://www.givengain.com/ ap/plett-marine-tourismeconomic-study to add value to the project. “By standing together as a community, this beautiful bay can be safeguarded by those who care about and depend upon it most,” says environmental consultant Jonathan Kingwill. “We look forward to working together throughout the project, and appreciate the effort and support from all involved.” Email jonathan@bluepebble.biz for further information.

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workshop involved Vulcan Wildfire Management acting as conference monitors where delegates were encouraged to raise topics and suggestions on how fire prediction and management could be improved. It was not clear what expertise exactly Vulcan brought to the workshop, and one view was that the consultation fees might be better used by allocation to equipment renewal.

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

27 March 2019

Rita, Barry, and Julie join forces for quiz night of note ITA Hardaker’s Differently-abled Awareness Campaign - which empowers those with abilities that differ from the norm, with the essentials to make life in the abledbodied world more manageable - has often enjoyed coverage in CXPRESS. For the past year or so, Rita has been guiding accommodation and tourism establishments, organisations and local government to make Plett a much more accommodating destination for the differently-abled tourist, while helping residents with disabilities to achieve important goals. Barry Rickets has built up quite a reputation over the years as quiz master par excellence, having organised quiz nights to raise funds for talented young competitors in a number of sports, as well as the lifeguards attached to Plett Surf Lifesaving Club. But tomorrow’s Fun Quiz Evening at Plett Bowling Club has shifted focus to Rita’s cause, with funds raised due to cover costs of added facilities and equipment necessary for disabled people to take up the game of bowls, and be active members of the club. Upgraded facilities will also mean disabled bowlers from other clubs will be able to participate in matches locally. A portion of the funds will assist a disabled member of Plett Bowling Club to participate in this year’s National Championships in Joburg in June. And this is where Julie Deferville steps in… “My connection with Rita’s campaign started when I became a finalist in the CXPRESS/Sky Villa competition last year, in which entrants answered the question, ‘What does being differently-abled

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ABLE BOWLER: Julie Deferville in action on the greens during a recent bowling competition

mean to you?’ with coverage, among others, in CXPRESS of October 10.” And that was not the first time Julie graced these pages, either: her participation along with two other Eden District players in the Disability National Championships last June in George was included soon after the event (check out the June 18 edition at www. cxpress.co.za). Competing at national level is indeed an achievement for someone who hasn’t been bowling for quite yet a decade (“I started bowling in August 2009 when Larry and I retired to Plett”). But then Julie is

more than special in terms of attitudes and abilities. “My ‘disability’ - official only now since I’m a member of the Physically Disabled Bowlers of SA - has never been a label I have acknowledged mentally. It’s the result of having contracted polio at the age of seven months in 1951. “I am truly blessed to have one-and-a-half leg power, so no need for a wheelchair, and to have a left arm that does the work of two, maybe even three arms! With this ‘ability’, I simply find a way to get on with what is necessary in life. “I hope that my involvement in disability bowls,

and media coverage of the possibilities for us, I can inspire other differentlyabled people to try this wonderfully therapeutic sport,” says Julie. Personal Trust is sponsoring the Fun Quiz Evening for the Differently-abled Awareness Campaign at Plettenberg Bay Bowling Club on March 28 from 6pm. They are generously providing the two top monetary prizes, while second sponsor Janet Holding of Old Nick Village has provided a prize for a ‘fun’ bit of the quiz. By going to press, there was still a spot or two left for late entries - call Barry on 072 890 6238 to enter your team of six members max. Tickets cost R100 per person and include a meal, and there are great prizes to be won. “I am grateful for the sponsors’ interest and hope, as a result of this quiz evening, their businesses will get extra support too,” concludes Julie. Watch this space for news of her participation in Joburg along with fellow Eden District members Chris Patton of Knysna, and George locals Crystal Barlow and Ina le Roux.

Peter Tullis departs a fortnight before his 93rd PETER ANDERSON TULLIS 04.04.1926 - 22.03.2019: Wellknown Plett resident Peter Tullis passed away peacefully at home on Friday March 22 with his family beside him. A gathering in his honour will be held at Plettenberg Bay Angling Club on the bank of the Keurbooms River on Thursday April 4 (his 93rd birthday!) at 11am. Call Lesley on 079 467 1746 or 044 533 1276 or email lesleymallows@gmail. com with enquiries.

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BUSINESS

27 March 2019

Why you should check your real estate agent’s credentials IMILARLY to how one might expect doctors to display their degrees on the walls of their consulting rooms, professional real estate agents should be more than willing to provide evidence of their credentials when doing business with you. If not, you might be dealing with an unregistered estate agent. Did you know that if your agent doesn’t have a valid Fidelity Fund Certificate (FFC), you don’t have to pay them commission for selling your home? “If an agent fails to produce an FFC that is still valid by the time when the commission is due, sellers can legally deny payment of the agent’s commission,” explains Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa Adrian Goslett. Carrying this risk, one might think that the number of non-registered estate agents would be relatively low, right? Wrong. At the end of 2017, a spokesperson for the Estate Agency Affairs

Board (EAAB) announced that as many as 50,000 estate agents were operating in the country without valid FFCs. “Throughout last year, there was a call for the EAAB to clamp down on these illegally operating agents. Yet, the problem seems to persist, particularly in small towns such as Postmasburg in the Northern Cape and Hartebeespoort in the North West,” says Goslett. But, apart from the possibility of saving money on commission, why should sellers care if their agents don’t have the necessary credentials? “Dealing with an estate agent who is not registered with the EAAB means sellers risk working through somebody who may not be up to date with all the necessary requirements in handling property transactions. “Part of being registered and having a valid licence with the EAAB means that you are earning enough CPD (continuing professional development)

points and have passed your PDE (professional designation examination). “This protects consumers against dealing with somebody who claims to have knowledge of the industry but doesn’t,” he says. What’s more, the money earned from the issuing of FFCs goes towards paying consumers damages for dishonest real estate agents who have stolen money from their clients. According to the EAAB, one of the purposes of the fund is “to reimburse persons who have suffered financial loss as a result of theft of trust monies due to dealing with an estate agent”. “Consequently, we encourage all sellers to en-

quire about their agent’s FFC. Not only will this protect them from working with somebody who is dishonest, but it also helps prevent others from being duped by unregistered agents. “If the agent in question is unable to produce a valid FFC, we further encourage sellers to report the agent to the EAAB by lodging a claim against them on the EAAB website,” Goslett concludes. But how can consumers check on whether an agent is registered? “The EAAB launched an initiative in 2006 whereby all registered agents display proof of registration with the board by displaying a ‘Privy Seal’ on all correspondence, including letters, emails and social media posts,” says Graham Anley of RE/ MAX Prime Properties in Plettenberg Bay. To get in touch with a registered real estate professional today, contact RE/MAX Prime Properties in Plett on 044 501 4400 or visit www.remaxplett.co.za and see the advert on the back page for their current listing.

CXPRESS

INTERVAL

27 March 2019

Stretching those retirement dollars HIRLEY and Abe, a retired couple from New York now living in Miami Beach, are getting ready to go out to dinner. Shirley asks: “Abe, darling, do you want me to wear this Chanel suit or the Gucci ensemble?” Abe says: “I don’t care.” A few minutes later Shirley says: “Abe, should I wear my Cartier watch or my Rolex?”

Abe says: “Your choice.” A few more minutes pass and Shirley asks “Abe, love, shall I wear my five-carat pearl diamond ring or my six-carat round diamond ring with the baguettes?” Abe sighs and replies: “Look, Shirley, I really don’t care what you wear, but if you don’t get moving, we’re going to miss the Early Bird Special.”

Rising through the ranks HE boss calls one of his employees into the office. “Rob,” he says, “you’ve been with the company for a year. You started off as an office clerk, one week later you were promoted to a sales position, and one month after that you were promoted to district manager of the sales department.

“Just four short months later, you were promoted to vice-chairman. Now it’s time for me to retire, and I want you to take over the company. What do you say to that?” “Thanks,” says Rob. “Thanks?” the astounded boss replies. “Is that all you can say?” “I suppose not,” Rob says. “Thanks, Dad.”

What a supportive little brother?! ARY was having a tough day and had stretched herself out on the couch to revel in a bit of what she considered to be welldeserved complaining and self-pitying. She moaned to her

mother and younger brother: “Nobody loves me... the whole world hates me!” Brother, not looking up from a game he was playing, said: “That’s not true, Mary. Some people don’t even know you.”

Meet me for lunch HE earth science class teacher was lecturing on map reading. After explaining about latitude, longitude, degrees and minutes, the teacher asked: “Suppose I asked you to meet me

for lunch at 23 degrees, 4 minutes north latitude and 45 degrees, 15 minutes east longitude… ?” After a confused silence, a voice at the back of the class volunteered: “I guess you’d be eating alone.”

Little Johnny comes home from school with a sofa slung across his back and an armchair under his arm. His father says: “Johnny, I told you not to accept suites from strangers.”

Self-confidence rules!

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

27 March 2019

CANYON

CXPRESS

27 March 2019

CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

27 March 2019

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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

‘I formally object to any interference with Erf 246: Plett’s Timber Shed’ I am dismayed that there is an appeal to residents to “help save” the Timber Shed, which is a national monument and Plett’s most historic site. Surely this is a no-brainer and Bitou Municipality should have thrown the application out at the outset. But the municipality has somehow allowed the application to be lodged. Now, at the eleventh hour, someone at the municipality has woken up, found themselves in an embarrassing position and, via the CXPRESS article [read it on page 4 of the March 20 edition at www. cxpress.co.za], is appealing to the public for support. Of course I strongly op-

pose the proposed development and I hope that there are many other residents who will do so, too. But, members of Bitou Municipality’s Planning department, why, why, WHY did you not block this application immediately at the outset? Two years ago we hosted three final-year architecture students from Port Elizabeth, who came to Plett for a week to survey and study the Timber Shed site. The object of their visit was to write a paper on their recommendations for the redevelopment of the site, with an emphasis on preserving and restoring the buildings and

Fracking to blame for clam calamity? Has anyone considered that the death of all those clams washed out on Robberg Beach could be the result of seismic fracking in operation between Plettenberg Bay and Cape St Francis? These clams live in the seabed in deep water and would be severely affected by shock waves under the seabed. Interest sake, they are not to be confused with white mussels,

which are only found in intertidal zones. Seafood for thought… Mike Cornah, by email (Check out the cover and the page 4 report in our March 20 edition at www.cxpress.co.za if the contents of this letter is lost on you. We have forwarded your suggestion to those in the know, Mike, and hope to have feedback in this regard in the near future. - Eds.)

also to develop the site into a museum and tourist attraction. I am more than happy to direct Bitou Municipality to the authors of this paper - the contents of which, I can assure you, will add infinitely more value to the residents of Plett than 12 new parking bays! Concerned Resident, Plett (There’s sure to be a great number of local and visiting readers who agrees with you in this regard, dear Concerned Resident. However, we have to point out that the author of last week’s Timber Shed appeal is not attached to Bitou Municipality; former Plett mayor Paul Scheep-

ers has been practising as an architect since 1976, and his awareness campaign surrounding the Timber Shed issue stems from concern over the perceived planned interference with this unique piece of Plett history. Paul’s instruction to those “who care about preserving the heritage of Plettenberg Bay for future generations” is to email Waseefa. Dhansay@westerncape. gov.za and/or David Friedman of Bitou Municipality at dfriedman@plett.gov. za with the wording: “I formally object to any interference with Erf 246 or The Timber Shed.” Read the report in this regard on page 3. - Eds.)

It’s time for heads to roll - the sooner the better I refer to the disturbing news in your March 13 issue, starting with ‘Deliver us from ineptitude’ on the cover, followed by ‘Evil prevails when good men do nothing’ and ‘What the auditor forgot to ask’ on page 4 [read it at www.cxpress.co.za]. Surely our Bitou Council members can do better than this. What are they there for - to fill their own pockets and waste

ratepayers’ money? How many capable council members do we have? The Bitou Annual Report appears to contain evidence of wild and reckless spending of ratepayers’ cash. If this is indeed the case, heads have to roll - and the sooner the better. A complete cleanout of inefficiency is urgently required. Kevin Meineke, Harkerville

Fresh food for wasp brood John Larter of Plett shared these pics and wrote: “This is the second time in a short while that we have witnessed a wasp dragging a rain spider up our balcony wall - very interesting, as I am told that the wasp paralyses the spider to keep it alive so when it finally reaches its nest, the wasp’s babies have fresh food to eat. The spider is obviously too heavy for the wasp to fly back to its nest, so it literally drags it backwards over bushes, driveways, walls, etc. What an effort, and how amazing that an insect that usually flies everywhere, still has the ability to ‘go by road’!”

The Battle of the Norfolk has been won, I think... Beau Rivage chairman RODNEY GROSSKOPFF shared this tribute to ‘Sir Dawid of Longships’ in response to a reader’s query (read ‘There’s a man in the tree, but who the heck is he?’ on page 15 of the March 20 edition at www.cxpress.co.za) concerning a mysterious fellow spotted atop the Norfolk Pine towering over Plett’s Piesang River bridge We at Beau Rivage were under siege. We were attacked by squadrons of egrets, invaded by a siege of herons, colonised by a murder of crows, and in-filtered by a covey of cormorants. Make no mistake, we love our birds but they forgot their manners, the ammo-

nia smell brought tears to the eyes, the trees started to die on the edges, some residents could not see through their windows. We fought back but made no headway and we did not want to remove the trees, which have been there since 1961, when the bridge was built.

But we had a Knight in Shining Armour - Sir Dawid of Longships. He consulted Merlin (alias Google) and built The Spectre, who now stands guard at the top of the tree, a dark visitor who swirls around like a dervish and waves his arms in the wind. Dawid’s scarecrow is

working; at first the egrets, herons and crows left, but the cormorants were not to be intimidated. Now they too have left our beloved Norfolk Pine. Perhaps they were just lonely (there has not been a bird in it for the last four weeks). Let’s hope it stays that way. Hurrah for Dawid!

La Luna

CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

27 March 2019

Plett runners shine at Addo marathons HE Addo Elephant Trail Run took place from March 15-17, in and around the beautiful Addo Elephant National Park, with distance options ranging from a 5km fun trail run to routes covering 44km, 76km, and the gruelling 100 mile (160km) trail. The 100-mile ultra marathon was won by Hilton Dunn, with local lady Jo Mack giving a fantastic performance to take third place overall (second lady) in a time of 24:13 - yeah, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a full day and then some of running. Jo was closely followed

RESPECT, MZ MACK: Emma Brown, left, congratulates Jo Mack after she crossed the finish line of the 100-mile Addo Ultramarathon in third place overall

by fellow Garden Route runner and Plett Athletics Club chairperson George Minopetros, who crossed the finish line fourth overall (second male) in a time of 24:14, i.e. hot on the heels of his female townsman. Local runners also did the town proud in the 44km race, with Cathryn Proctor being the fourth lady home after 5hrs23min of running, and Emma Brown finishing fifth in a time of 5:31. Other Plett runners to tackle this annual run included Byron Momsen, Karen Bass, and Blossom and Wojtek Orzechowski.

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Farewell, Uncle Pete our aqua guardian angel PETER ALEXANDER AUERSPERG: 6.11.1958 22.3.2019

ETER Auersperg - well known in Plett and South Africa as cofounder of the NPO Adopt a Swimmer (AAS) with wife Louise, and Nippers coach attached to Plett Lifesaving Club for many years - passed shortly after noon on March 22. Says Louise: â&#x20AC;&#x153;My beloved husband and father to our son Alexander flew with eaglesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; wings at 12:15 on Friday. My precious Peter was diagnosed with cancer on December 23, before being held up and shot by five gunmen on January 29. â&#x20AC;&#x153;After major surgery he came home in high spirits, ready to fight. With great determination and his sense of humour intact as always, he endured 10 radiation

treatment in five days. After three strokes we discovered that the cancer had spread to his brain. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Peter died in our arms very peacefully with no pain. Alexander and I thank our friends and the community at large for the incredible

support over the past weeks.â&#x20AC;? A service to celebrate Peteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life will take place on Monday April 1 at 4pm at St Thomas Methodist Church, followed by a get-together at Plett Surf Lifesaving Club on Central Beach. (Also see the report below.)

AAS surfers style at Grom Games Rashaad Plaatjies is one of four AAS graduates - kids whose lives were brightened by the efforts of Peter and Louise Auersperg - selected to represent Eden at the weekendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grommet Games in PE. Rashaad reached the boys U14 quarter finals and along with fellow AAS graduates Cally Kleinsmidt, Luren de Vries, and Dovyone Jansen added valuable points that allowed their team to make history with an overall second place ahead of hosts Nelson Mandela Bay - read the full report in CXPRESS of April 3, as well as news on the Nippers Nationals concluding today. Says Clayton Bischoff of Learn to Surf: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Peteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s memory will live on in the lives of all the kids he so selflessly coached and mentored in so many ways - a true Plett hero.â&#x20AC;?

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