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Battle of the herb
Photo: Marc Taylor
27 September 2017
About 120 weed-friendly locals gathered at Kathy Park last Friday before setting off on the Eden Cannabis Heritage Walk towards Knysna SAPS, complete with accompanying Casspirs, to hand over a memorandum demanding a revision of dagga laws and policing. See the report on page 4 and turn to page 10 for more images.
Einde van ons feĂŤverhaal - p2
Be afraid, be very afraid... - p9
Fighter craft over Oudtshoorn! - p16
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CXPRESS
NEWS & VIEWS
27 September 2017
Knysna feëverhaal vir altyd verby: onder-versekering uitspraak beroof pensionarisse van geruste oudag JOHAN VAN TONDER, voorheen van Templemanweg 38, Knysna Hoogte, vertel die verhaal van hoe sy en gade Heloise se lewens onomkeerbaar verander het sedert 7 Junie NS twee ontmoet op 23 Januarie 1968 - ek was 16 en Heloise 14; ek het grootgeword in Oudtshoorn en Heloise in Knysna. Na matriek doen ons onderskeie beroepe regdeur die RSA, ek as polisiebeampte en Heloise ‘n bankamptenaar. Ons trou in 1973, word na Knysna verplaas in 1983, en besluit om hier te vestig met ons enigste kind, Morné (gebore 1981). Ons sit ons beroepe voort, totdat ek weens mediese ongeskiktheid die SA Polisie verlaat in 1993, en Heloise met pensioen Eerste Nasionale Bank verlaat. In 1983 koop ons Erf 5243 van Knysna Hoogte ontwikkelaars Ovdeco Properties Bpk. Daar bestaan toe nog geen infrastruktuur nie, en transaksie is vanaf ‘n plan. In 1986 laat ons ‘n huis bou op die erf. Dit is toe die tweede huis in die woongebied. Ons beleef die ontwikkeling op ‘n daaglikse basis en het ‘n effe skuldgevoel oor die betreding in die natuur - die bosbokke, die apies, die bobbejane, die baie soorte voëls, meerkatte, ystervarke, slange, muise, rotte, skilpaaie, ens. Die woongebied is rustig sonder enige swaar voertuie, sirenes, of motorfietse. Dit is sonnig - soms té warm, maar nooit koud nie. Die inwoners wissel van jong mense wat huur, ‘n middel-inkomste groep en pensioenarisse, asook persone in professionele groepe (almal blank). Misdadigheid is iets wat toeneem tesame met ontwikkeling en instroming van persone na Knysna, maar dit affekteer eers later jare die inwoners. --Op Woensdag 7 June 2017 in die vroeë oggendure van 4-5vm
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PIONIERSPLEK NOU ASBESGEVAAR: Wat in 1986 die tweede huis in Knysna Hoogte was, lê nou in puin met yslike kostes verbonde aan die skoon- en veiligmaak proses soos voorgeskryf deur Knysna Munisipaliteit
kyk ons by ons eetkamervenster uit in ‘n oostelike rigting. Ons huis is aan die agterkant van Heuwelkruin en het geen uitsig na die dorp se kant nie. Die hemelkruin is rooi verlig. Ons skakel die brandweerstasie ‘n paar keer maar dit bly beset. Ons skakel die polisiekantoor dieselfde. Ons skakel AllSound Sekuriteit en doen navraag: “Is daar ‘n brand êrens?” Die dame aan diens meld: “Waar brand dit nié? Die pad tussen Knysna en Plettenbergbaai is toe, die pad tussen Knysna en George is toe...” Ons het nie sig na die weste nie, weens plantegroei en ‘n buurwoning. Ons ruik ook niks en voel veilig en slaap verder. Later skakel ons die radio en televisie aan en hoor dat Knysna basies omring is deur veldbrande. Die wind waai geweldig en later begin ons rook ruik. Gedurende die middag merk ons dat daar brande in die verte (Karatara/Rheenendal) is - net
rook waar jy kyk. Ons het nie sosiale media nie, slegs radio en TV. Niemand kontak ons nie. Om in te pak en te red wat jy kan en ontruim is glad nie in ons gedagtes nie. Ons dink ons sal nie geraak word nie, behalwe vir die reuk. Later die middag merk ons dat die brande nader na Knysna vanuit Rheenendal se kant beweeg. Nog steeds naief - ons is veilig - maar tog kry ons tuinslange gereed en vul houers met water. (Daar is waterbeperkinge. Sê nou hulle vang jou met tuinslange gekoppel, wat sê jy? Hier gaan dit nooit brand nie!) Ons huis is langs die padreserwe geleë. Dit is waar die noordelike verbypad gebou gaan word. Dié is ook ‘n ding waaroor vanaf die vroeë 1980s tot in die 1990s gestry is. --Dit is laatmiddag en word skemer en die rook erger en die wind waai sterk vanaf die weste. Die vuur is nou al by
Welbedacht en op pad na Westford/Eastford toe. Ons glo nog dat dit onder beheer gebring sal word in Soutrivier. Terwyl ek agter die huis by die bos (padreserwe) tuinslang uitrol, gaan Heloise straat toe vir beter uitsig. Ons woning is baie laer as die pad, Templemanweg, gebou. Ek hoor ‘n vrouestem, nie Heloise s’n nie, my naam uitroep herhaaldelik. Ek gaan die hoofslaapkamer by die buitedeur binne (met skoene, kortbroek, kortmouhemp - my tuinklere waarin ek nie die huis mag betree nie - daar is ‘n buitestort). Die wildvreemde vrou skree: “Julle moet ontruim, kry julle dokumente en medikasie!” Ek gryp die plastiese houer wat die persoonlike dokumente bevat vanuit my hangkas. Ons 15-jarige swart mannetjieskat sonder stert, genaamd Stompie, sit langs my en word met linkerhand geskep en met houer in regterhand vlug ek na die motorhuis om die motor uit te trek. Heloise geklee in huisklere gryp houers met medikasie, ‘n flits en twee warm bo-stukke vir elkeen van ons. Dit is al waarmee ons dorp toe vlug - soos almal vanuit Knysna Hoogte. Dit is donker van die rook met swak sig, en dit brand jou oë, neus, keel. Vonke val rooi, gloeiend orals. Die rooi gloed is naby en die huise onder in Templemanweg brand - gasbottels ontplof en asbes bars en dit klink soos oorlog. Alles is ‘n warboel en mensfigure is dofweg sigbaar. Ons drie is veilig, ongedeerd en sukkel deur ‘n Hoofstraat wat toegeparkeer is met vragmotors, ens. Geen voertuie kan in of uit Knysna nie, ons is afgesny. Vervolg op bladsy 14
NEWS & VIEWS
27 September 2017
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Child-rape accused ‘back on the street’ as court fails yet another Bitou child victim In order to fight the scourge of sex crimes against children, local anti-child abuse activists have called for a drastic change in the way child victims are handled by the justice system - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports CCORDING to Green Hearts spokesperson Janet Harding, this Plettenberg Bay-based anti-child abuse body is often faced with the rape of children by adults. In a recent case, the accused was a repeat offender who had done time for a previous conviction and allegedly raped a five-year-old girl towards the end of 2016. “Bail was denied and he has spent nine months incarcerated while postponement after postponement of his trial was faced. “Eventually the prosecutor informed the court that the child victim was too traumatised to testify and the court made the decision to postpone the case one last time to give the prosecution time to gain the child’s trust.” She added that they had met with senior members of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) as well as the Department of Social Development in an attempt to obtain sufficient counselling for the victim to enable her to testify during the trial. “Our attempts met with
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very little success or cooperation and the unthinkable happened. The victim was not prepared to talk to the prosecutor and the case has been withdrawn until such time as this state of affairs changes. “The accused is back on the streets, so to speak.” Harding said the system had failed “once again and nothing seems to be done to change the status quo”. “If we want a different outcome, surely we have to follow a different path? At present, a child is expected to sit in a cold and unfriendly corridor in the Knysna court until his or her case is called - sometimes up to five hours as the court deals with postponements of other cases, absent witnesses and various other reasons.” She further said thereafter the child was expected to enter a room to meet an “intermediary” who translates the questions posed to the child by both the prosecutor and the defence. “In this particular case, the victim was apparently terrified by the sight of the
prosecutor who, dressed in a long black robe, presented an intimidating and frightening image. “Just imagine having to tell the same story to the police, the social worker, the examining doctor, the detective, the psychologist, the parent and then, months later, be expected to tell the same story to a frightening persona in a courtroom?” Harding said children surely begin to think that no one believed them after such a lengthy process and will do and say anything to escape the hostile environment of the court. “In our area, we do not have the facilities that are available in the larger centres where children can be prepared for the ordeal they face.” Harding said they were endeavouring to find a way to improve the situation and were hopeful that the new Plettenberg Bay court would present a friendlier environment and accommodate children in an appropriate way. She added that only by making their voices heard
Busy long weekend for Sea Rescue countrywide
NSRI Knysna volunteers are pictured here righting a casualty boat at Thesen Islands after the duty crew was alerted around 2:30pm on Saturday September 23 of a capsized craft with two men on board. Neither of the adult men, hailing from Port Elizabeth, sustained injuries. Tragedy struck elsewhere in the country though, when a 37-year-old Port Nolloth man went missing off the supply vessel Captain John K lying at anchorage off-shore of Mossel Bay, and a Canadian diver was declared deceased in Simonstown. Visit www.searescue.org.za to find out more.
could they garner the support to improve the present situation. They have many ideas, but need the manpower to implement them.
“If you are able to offer any skills, from fundraising to administration, and are keen to make a difference in an insensitive and cold area
so important to our future, contact any member of the Green Hearts.” Call Harding on 082 653 9275 for more information.
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NEWS & VIEWS
27 September 2017
To litigate or not?
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A number of under-insured Knysna residents have resorted to litigation in an attempt to recoup some financial losses following the June fires that destroyed many properties and livelihoods CANDICE LUDICK reports ONALD Curtis, of Dercksen’s Incorporated Attorneys, said that while advising on potential claims, it had become clear that in some instances the under-insured had reason to claim damages against their insurance brokers for the shortfall in insurance cover. He explained that although contracts with insurers were in most instances watertight, these contracts had been founded on information supplied by intermediaries which in some cases had been insufficient in terms of adherence to the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services (FAIS) Act of 2002. According to Curtis, the process that FAIS states a broker must follow includes that the broker must obtain all relevant and appropriate information from the client, then conduct a needs analysis, and then make recommendations on different products to meet the needs identified. FAIS requires such information to be recorded in writing to the client. “The majority of brokers do comply very well,” said Curtis, but he pointed out that in instances where the broker had not done so, they may face liability for the shortfall. Curtis said he was at present dealing with nine claims in total, of which two were against Knysna-based brokers whom he had assessed not having complied with their FAIS obligations, which led to damages being suffered by his clients. He said it was of grave con-
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Knysna and Plett lawyers shed light on current insurance cases
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cern that certain policies were coming into existence without sufficient information gathering and analysis on the part of some brokers. “The biggest fall-down has been brought about by failing to ensure that the advice is founded on the essence of insurance being all about what the actual costs of reinstatement - how much money is needed to rebuild or replace that which was lost,” said Curtis. “The amount of the outstanding bond and the market value of the property are completely irrelevant to the reinstatement amount you should be insured for,” he added. Perino Pama, director of Mosdell, Pama and Cox, was asked to comment on the incidence of fire-related claims due to underinsurance. His approach to pursuing litigation against insurers and their agents has been more conservative. “We have had a number of instructions in relation to fire matters generally, but our advice has for the most part been that unless you have evidence to prove your allegations, you will not be successful and may face an adverse costs order,” said Pama. He concluded: “Our experience is that most insurance brokers in our area are very careful and that the level of compliance with FAIS is excellent. Most brokers record their instructions very carefully and complete all the documents that they are required to complete to protect themselves and the insurance company.”
Call to review archaic dagga laws memorandum prepared and signed before handed over to Knysna SAPS station commander Colonel Edwin Metu (in the absence of mayor Eleanore Bouw-Spies) during a September 22 pro-cannabis protest march, stated inter alia: We call for awareness of cannabis (‘dagga’) as our South African Heritage. For over 100 years, the prohibition of dagga in SA has resulted in an ongoing battle between those who use or cultivate dagga and the SAPS, who are required to enforce the prohibition. This battle has resulted in great harm to our society, and many lives have been permanently ruined as a result. We recently heard testimony from expert witnesses in the Pretoria High Court, where the outdated oppressive laws against the cannabis plant are being challenged. Evidence clearly showed that these laws are based on racist law-making, first by colonisers and then by the apartheid regime. More evidence from UK Pro-
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fessor David Nutt showed that legal alcohol is far more dangerous, addictive, and harmful than cannabis. Serious allegations of ongoing police corruption are rife and include that informants are paid with hard drugs by policemen and are working in partnership with the drug dealers to arrest cannabis users. People are strip-searched and made to squat and cough. And we haven’t forgotten about the Rheenendal man who died in custody after being arrested for smoking a joint. We believe the quota system for weekly drug arrests should be scrapped. It fuels the injustice and oppression suffered by our poorest citizens. Too many valuable police resources are wasted, instead of being prioritised on crimes that actually have victims. We claim our right to cultivate and have access to this medicinal and economic resource, because we have a right to health and equitable, productive economic participation.
NEWS & VIEWS
27 September 2017
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Equine experts choose local horse health over anniversary bash VET WITH HEART: Dr Melanie Scholtz pictured here with a pretty Percheron mare vaccinated local animals against African Horse Sickness this week
HE Equine Research Centre - an entity within the University of Pretoria and situated at the Veterinary Science faculty’s Onderstepoort Campus - was scheduled to host a function as part of its 25th anniversary celebrations. “Instead, it was collectively decided that a budget allocation to this end by the Wits Consortium’s Equine Health Fund should be used for a vaccination programme against African Horse Sickness in Garden Route areas affected by the recent fires,” explains Dr Melanie Scholtz. A veterinarian associated with the Equine Re-
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search Centre, Dr Scholtz delivered the vaccines and helped to get the vaccination programme kicked off with the assistance of fellow vet Dr Tom Ovendale. African Horse Sickness (AHS) is a potentially fatal viral disease transmitted by midges, and is of major economic significance in South Africa. A former Knysna High School pupil, Dr Scholtz says she was grateful to be able to assist the local community by vaccinating horses in Kranshoek and surrounding venues on September 26. “Due to limited resources, it was important to me that we only vac-
cinate horses that would otherwise not have been vaccinated. “The vaccines provided for this campaign were sponsored in part by Onderstepoort Biological Products and we are grateful to them for this contribution. We also thank Jenny Pope, who was instrumental in coordinating the vaccination programme,” she says. “All suspected cases of AHS should have suitable samples submitted for testing, and confirmed cases are required to be reported to the local State Veterinarian.” • Although not run by an official state or veteri-
nary authority, the website www.africanhorsesick ness.co.za advertises the 24-hour emergency number 082 965 4082 to report cases of AHS. What is African Horse Sickness? AHS is a highly infectious but non-contagious vector-borne viral disease affecting all species of equidae. It is classified as an orbivirus of the Reoviridae family of which there are nine serotypes. All serotypes (1-9) are distributed throughout SA, although there is a variation in their temporal distribution. It is endemic to the African continent and characterised by respiratory and circulatory damage, accompanied by fever and loss of appetite. Animals affected include all breeds of horses (mortality rate: 70-90%), mules, and donkeys. Wild life equine species like zebras are resistant to the disease. AHS does not spread directly from one horse to another but is transmitted by the Culicoides midge, which gets infected when feeding on other infected equidae.
CANYON
Clicks Market Square is relocating to a bigger and better store. Shop DL43, Market Square Shopping Centre, Beacon Way, Plettenberg Bay Opening day 5th October 2017 9am. Current store will be closed from 2nd to 4th October.
See you at the opening. pay less
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NEWS & VIEWS
27 September 2017
A message to the man we call coach Bradley Raymond
want to tell you about a man who has changed our lives for the better: Attie Barnard is a very special man in our eyes. Two years ago he had taken up the challenge of coaching our ragtag group of U/16 rugby boys. His introduction was lots of fitness and skills and team bonding. We as a team realised that here was a man who really cared about us and a bond was formed that would remain forever strong. ‘Oom Attie’, as he is known to us, has become more than just a coach. He has become our caretaker, adviser, friend and, above all, he has become a father figure to everyone in our team. After two years of hard work and dedication, Oom Attie has managed to produce strong, honest, respectful, trustworthy and depend-
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OOM ATTIE AND HIS BOYS: The Wittedrift U/16 rugby team members regard their coach as a role model and father figure
able men. He is prepared to go through thick and thin just to see us having fun and playing well on the field. We would love to take the opportunity to thank Oom Attie for such an amazing two years. You have inspired us to become hard workers and to achieve our goals and dreams. You have also taught us how to deal with sorrow, pain and loss, and man-
aged to bring us through it all - and here we stand better men, thanks to you. The lessons you have taught us will never be forgotten and our memories of fun will never fade. Thank you for always being a role model for all of us to look up to, and thank you for everything you have done for us. We are proud and privileged to call you our coach.
Lego Foundation’s Six Bricks programme introduced in Bitou schools HE Bitou 10 Foundation (B10F) has succeeded in introducing Six Bricks - a Lego Foundation tool - to six primary schools in and around Plett. B10F-contracted Play and Art Therapist Mandie Boucher facilitated training sessions with Foundation Phase teachers in these schools. Focusing on learning through play ensured that these sessions were fun, practical and interactive. Six Bricks activities provide many opportunities for learners to practise and improve self-control, which is fundamental to all other learning in life. The activities include short, simple exercises or games designed to wake up the brain and get the child moving, thinking and remembering. Says B10F spokesman Veronique Fortune: “In play, children develop their most important basic brain function - the ability to control their own behav-
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NOT JUST ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL: Mandie Boucher, left, with Phakamisani Primary teachers
iour to reach a goal. This tool inspires learners to attain the necessary skills, knowledge and attitudes for success in later life. “These six bricks also assist and build the learners’ physical, intellectual, emotional and social developmental areas.” Each learner received a set of 2x4 coloured stud bricks.
The set is conveniently placed on the learners’ desks to be available throughout the day. The ultimate success of these activities lies in regular repetition, which enables learners to consolidate new knowledge. The programme benefits 68 teachers and 2,392 Bitou learners from Grade R to Grade 3.
NEWS & VIEWS
27 September 2017
Turn prelim panic into finals plus RITING Matric prelim exams and receiving your results can be a distressing eye-opener, but if you’ve performed worse than hoped for, there’s still time to use the experience to your advantage before the final exams, an education expert says. “Time is fast running out, and some learners may feel things went so badly with their prelims that they might as well throw in the study towel. However, prelims are there for a reason - to serve as test run for the finals, and to guide you in your last lap of studies. “If that is kept in mind, and learners actively take control of their preparation in coming weeks, dire prelims don’t have to be the forerunner to disastrous final marks,” says Dr Gillian Mooney of The Independent Institute of Education. Mooney says learners should also keep in mind that prelims are often pitched at a slightly more difficult level to serve as a wakeup call, and that the most important steps right now are firstly to avoid panic, and secondly to take back power by putting in place a winning strategy for the weeks to come. These steps can turn a poor performance into a
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good one, and a mediocre one into a great one. Review finals study roster Your prelims will have given you a good indication of how much time you require to master various subjects, which in turn will help you to draw up an accurate and effective study roster. See where you can save or create time, and where you can put in an extra hour or two daily. Every little bit helps, and the time you took to do a mock paper could mean the difference between being accepted into your course or institution of choice or not. Very importantly, stick to your roster and don’t fall victim to procrastination and constant re-arranging of said roster. Right now, you do still have enough time to master all your work. In a month’s time, that picture would have changed substantially. Find alternative study methods and get excited! If you’ve left room for a movie on a Friday night, why not make that movie one which covers your setwork? You’ll be approaching the subject from a different angle (and use even your downtime efficiently), which deepens your understanding of it. For other subjects, source
TED talks about topics you find particularly challenging. These will not only help you to better understand something, but are likely to also increase your enthusiasm and inject much-needed inspiration into the study process. Get a tutor It is not too late to get someone to help you master your most frustrating subjects. There might be a retired teacher or recent graduate in your community, or you can enquire at your school whether such assistance is available. The insight and assistance of someone who is not your regular teacher can provide fresh perspective and approaches you may not have been aware of before. Rope in resources from your future higher education institution Whether you are going to study at a public university or a private higher education centre, any good institution will provide guidance and resources to future students. Counsellors will provide insights into how current performance matches future options, and what is required in terms of intervention to ensure you can access your choice of qualification.
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27 September 2017
INTERVAL
Churchill’s repartee URING World War II, a man was arrested in London for calling Winston Churchill a fool. The next day in the House of Commons, the opposition members were ready to roast the government for this. “Are we living in a po-
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lice state,” they shouted, “where we cannot call the PM a fool?” Churchill’s reply was truly disarming: “The man was not arrested for calling the Prime Minister a fool,” he said, “but for letting out a state secret at a time of war.”
What?
The memory clinic WO elderly couples were enjoying a friendly conversation when one of the men asked the other: “Fred, how was the memory clinic you went to last month?” “Outstanding,” Fred replied. “They taught us all the latest psychological techniques: visualisation, association, etc. It was great.” “That’s wonderful! And what was the name of the
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clinic?” Fred went blank. He thought and thought, but couldn’t remember. Then a smile broke across his face and he asked: “What do you call that flower with the long stem and thorns?” “You mean a rose?” “Yes, that’s it!” He turned to his wife, and asked: “Rose, what was the name of that memory clinic?”
Why are you looking at me like that? What do you want?
Mommy, Mommy! “Mommy... Mommy! What’s a werewolf ?” “Keep quiet and comb your face!”
“Billy! Let go of your sister’s ear! “All right, Billy, give me the ear.”
“Mommy, Mommy! Billy won’t let go of my ear.” “Billy, let go of Elizabeth’s ear.
“Mommy, Mommy! I don’t like grandpa.” “Just push him aside and eat your beans.”
Steven Wright, a trenchant thinker
F you’re not already familiar with the work of Steven Wright, he’s the famous erudite scientist who said: “I woke up one morning, and all of my stuff had been stolen and replaced by exact duplicates.” Here are some more of his gems:
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• I’d kill for a Nobel Peace Prize. • The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese. • I almost had a psychic girlfriend, but she left me before we met. • Ok, so what’s the speed of dark? • How do you tell when you’re out of invisible ink? • Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm. • Ambition is a poor excuse for not having enough sense to be lazy. • A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. • The hardness of the butter is proportional to the softness of the bread.
Nothing. I’m parking.
A FRIGHTENING STATISTIC... 25% of the women in this country are on medication for mental illness. That’s scary. It means 75% are running around untreated.
BUSINESS
27 September 2017
CXPRESS
Selling or buying a property? Be afraid… be very afraid!
Rob Mckee
EW of us would risk our lives allowing a medical student to operate on us unsupervised. So why do we have no problem allowing non-compliant estate agents to deal with the most important financial transaction we are ever likely to undertake? Notwithstanding the strict academic requirements all estate agents are obliged to comply with by law, thousands operate nationally with blatant disregard to the legislation governing the industry. I suppose the chances of being “caught” are minimal - and even then, the “punishment” imposed is not as Draconian as I believe it should be. Non-compliant real estate agencies ply their trade with impunity all over the country, for example: • ‘Principals’ in charge of agencies operate with no property-related qualifications at all, let alone the mandatory FETC: NQF 5 qualification. • New entrants to the industry disregard the requirement to sign on with a Services SETA-accredited training facility simultaneously with their application for a Fidelity Fund Certificate with the Estate Agents Affairs Board. • Interns are not properly mentored (as per legislation) for a 12-month period under the direct supervision of an estate agent with at least two years’ experience. • Long-standing agents
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BY THE BOOK: Rob Mckee endeavours to educate the public and agents on the right way to go about real estate
for years simply “duck” the authorities by not applying for exemption from the NQF 4/5 qualification. • Agents don’t enter or write the PDE examination, satisfactory completion of which entitles an agent’s claim to be compliant. Only upon completion may the acronym PPRE (Professional Practitioner in Real Estate) or MPRE (Master PRE) be added to their names in correspondence. Sadly, sellers may grant mandates to non-compliant agents to sell properties on their very first day of entering the industry, these sellers (and buyers) being totally unaware of the risks faced. Worse still are agents operating without even bothering to apply to the EAAB for a Fidelity Fund Certificate. Sellers dealing with non-compliant agents have no recourse to the EAAB, should they suffer any pecuniary losses
due to the actions of such agents. As disconcertingly, these agents are called to account only when things go terribly wrong. Ensure that you are dealing with suitablytrained agents by insisting to see copies of their valid Fidelity Fund Certificates before granting mandates. Confirm their registration with PrivySeal, which provides an easy way to check agents’ good standing with the EAAB. (PrivySeal is embedded in all emails and is updated by the minute - visit www. privyseal.com for details.) If an agent can’t produce valid FFC/PrivySeal certification, please assist us to assist you the public by asking them to first comply with the provisions of the EAAB before offering to manage the sale of your property - then appoint any compliant agent to assist you. Only with the assistance of an alert public can we ever hope to clean up the
industry. The sad truth is that non-compliant operators reduce total available stock in the market that should only be available to those agents who diligently follow the rules, which entail: • Operating with a valid Fidelity Fund Certificate; • Undergoing the formal one-year internship programme; • Operating as intern under the direct supervision of a qualified agent; • Enrolling for the compulsory one-year FETC: NQF4 course; • Applying to write the PDE examination (to be passed within two years) in due course; • Enrolling and undertaking the annual CPD obligations to obtain the 15 verifiable and five nonverifiable points annually within a rolling threeyear cycle. With legislation fully in force and academic syllabuses well rounded to provide the skills required of agents, all that is necessary now is for a level of public awareness to ensure that only compliant agents are permitted to operate. Without public assistance, this objective will never been achieved. • Rob Mckee (MPRE robm@gailgavrill.com) has been in the property industry for 31 years and devotes his time to real estate education nationally. He now resides in Plettenberg Bay.
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SOCIAL SCENE
BUCO GLORY GOES TO K2C NOVICE: Robert Hobson is pictured above as he solos his way to victory at the 18th Buco Lions Karoo to Coast on September 24, winning the challenge in emphatic style after making a solo break with about 40km to go. It was the 19-year-old Stellenbosch local’s first attempt at the 95.95km event, and he was ecstatic with the result. “Yes, very happy indeed!” He commented at the finish. “I came with good form and hopes of a win, but didn’t really know who would be here so wasn’t too sure what to expect,” he said. At the front end of the 4,700 capacity field, racing started in earnest right from the gun, as is the norm with this event. Conditions for the race were perfect, with overcast skies and cooler temperatures than initially forecast. More importantly, the wind stayed away. At the top of the first climb out of Uniondale, a group of eight riders had formed. Hobson put in a huge solo effort over the back half of the course and managed to claim the win in 03:17:19. Jeanie de Villiers, who finished second in 2016, went one better in the women’s category to win in a time of 03:59:50. “I expected to suffer and I got that,” said the visibly ecstatic 36-year-old at the finish. “I’m so happy to have so many people on my side and the way it played out. A very special thanks goes to my coach John Wakefield,” she said. - Photo: Ewald Sadie - www.esphotography.co.za
WE COME IN PEACE: Organiser of last week’s Eden Cannabis Heritage March Marylou Newdigate Botha praised the way in which everyone from long-haul truck drivers to fellow Knysna citizens hooted and cheered from their cars along the marchers’ route. “All the spectators along the way were very friendly and supportive. When we got to Knysna police station, we gathered outside and Brother Maxi Melville, left, gave a speech, after which Ras Tau Tau from the Rastafari United Front read out the memorandum to policemen lined up outside the entrance and handed it over. The crowd returned to Kathy Park for a prize giving and lucky draw.” Pictured above are three generations of ladies who donned their bright green, red and yellow Rasta threads for the happy occasion. Visit the gallery at www.cxpress.co.za for more pics.
People, places & events
SHREWD SHRIKE JOINS BRAAI-DAY JORL: Keurbooms-based CXPRESS fan Heide Nawrath shared this pic and wrote: “Our feathered friend, a shrike, joined us on Heritage Day for a braai and a drink!” And, by the look of it, for a recap of our preHeritage/Braai Day edition…
HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
27 September 2017
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Entertainment Diary • Ronel and her GreenMountain crew invites all readers to share their interesting and inspiring ideas and contributions in Knysna and Plett over the next few days: “Bring your arts and crafts, your talents and creative gifts and come play with us for this weekend!” A line-up of events include a crowd-funded Protea-making project on Friday September 29 at GalleryONE, ONE Plett from 12 noon to 5pm in an open space to paint, draw and explore visual poetry inspired by the burnt veld. A Silent River Walk Land Art encounter facilitated by Annie le Roux takes place on Saturday the 30th at Fish Eagle’s Rest in Rob-
berg Road from 10:30am to 12 noon. Knysna events include an Emotional Freedom Technique session, with information on healing trauma, at Shepherd’s Tree in Waterfront Drive on Saturday from 2pm. Please reserve your Saturday afternoon session with Matthew Green (visit www.greenmountain.org.za for more information). “All are welcome to join for all the events free of charge on this weekend, as we aim to create a gentle, healing space for the whole community after the June fires,” says Ronel. Contact her on 084 564 5641 or at ronel@greenmountain.org.za
with any queries, suggestions, or comments. • Voices For Hospice is a global musical event held every two years on the second Saturday in October and celebrates World Hospice and Palliative Care Day. Concerts have been organised in Knysna and Plett and bookings are now open - see the advert on page 7 for details and watch this space for news on the incredible cast of musicians featured. • Knysna Timber Festival takes place from September 29 to October 1 at Timber Village in Welbedacht Lane, with a focus on the value of working together. The Festival’s speaker programme
will include talks about timber and its applications, as well as its influence on art and culture. The sessions kick off with a film at 10:30 on Friday called ‘The Living Heritage
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of Knysna’, and a talk by Johnny Snyman of Heartwood Bows on Traditional Archery. Entrance is free to all sessions visit www.timberfestival.co.za for the full programme.
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27 September 2017
R30
Paws
Plett Animal Welfare Service
CLASSIFIEDS
HOME & HEALTH
27 September 2017
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Only floss those teeth that you would like to keep… N the final throes of September’s National Oral Health Month, and following on international news reports last year that flossing is no longer necessary, the big question remains: should you still clean in-between? According to local dental professionals… absolutely! Says Oral Hygienists’ Association of SA president Stella Lamprecht: “We can
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honestly say you only have to floss those teeth that you would like to keep. There are a lot of conflicting messages out there, but as oral hygienists, we recommend flossing.” The South African Dental Association (SADA) shares this view. “It is essential to floss or to use interdental brushes,” says SADA Head of Education Dr Nosipho Mzobe.
How to floss like a boss AYS Cape Town oral hygienist Elna van der Ham: “A clean tooth cannot be diseased. Discarding the use of dental floss would be irresponsible to say the least.” 1. Take 30cm of floss 2. Wind the floss around your middle fingers 3. Hold it between thumbs and index fingers 4. Slide the floss in-be-
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tween teeth using a gentle back-and-forth sawing action 5. Fold floss around the side of a tooth in a C-shape 6. Slide the floss up and down, against tooth and just under the gum line 7. Repeat on the neighbouring tooth 8. Pull out and repeat using a clean section of the floss.
“The aim is to minimise the bacteria and microorganisms that build up in the mouth causing tooth decay and disease. Brushing alone cannot remove it all, particularly in-between the teeth.” Each tooth has five surfaces and brushing can reach only three. The other two surfaces are usually in close contact, allowing food debris and bacteria to get stuck and build up, above and below the gums. If this is not removed properly it will irritate the gums and eventually cause disease. Although daily flossing or interdental cleaning is recommended, less than a third of South Africans floss on the recommended daily basis. Many people cite a lack of time or finding floss difficult to use. “It’s important to use floss correctly, otherwise it may be ineffective or even damaging,” says Dr Mzobe. “Ask your oral hy-
gienist or dentist to show you the correct method.” “Cleaning in-between can be quick and easy if you have the right tools and know how,” says Ivohealth’s oral hygiene advisor Dirna Grobbelaar. She recommends using traditional string floss or a special tool. “Interdental brushes are excellent at cleaning bigger gaps, around braces, bridges or crowns. Floss on handle is helpful for children or people with limited dexterity. “If budget allows, there are power options as well. Any of these can be effective; the main thing is to find a floss or interdental tool that suits you, your mouth and your lifestyle,” says Grobbelaar. Visit www.ivohealth. co.za/FlossLikeABoss to learn how to floss correctly in less than a minute. There are also videos for people with normal teeth, implants, and braces.
‘Palette of Orchids’ awaits in George this weekend
WHAT’S POTTING? Demonstrations on the correct modus operandi when potting Cymbidiums, left, Cattleyas, right, and Phalaenopsis will take place on all three show days
HE Orchid Society of the Southern Cape invites readers to experience a wonderful display of blooming orchids at the Presbyterian Church Hall in Caledon Street from Thursday September 28 to Saturday the 30th. “The hall is just behind George Library and near the George Museum,” explains Orchid Society secretary Sue Nicholas, “and our members will do individual displays using the theme ‘Palette of Orchids’.
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“Their landscape and other displays will be judged and the winner will receive a trophy. Stands are judged according to interpretation of the theme and variety of orchids used,” she explains. Individual plants will also be judged by Hendrik van der Hoven - a Cape Town orchid adjudicator who has recently relocated to Wilderness. “Henk will be assisted by our three learner judges, Scott, Gladys, and
Fiona - who all hail from the Garden Route. They will select a Champion, a Reserve champion, and a Class winner in each category,” says Sue. Admission is R10 for adults (kids under 12 enter free) and raffle tickets will be sold at the door. First prize this year is for a blooming standardsized Cymbidium with two spikes on it, and there will be a second and third raffle prize, too. Opening times are 9am
to 5pm on Thursday and Friday, and 9am to 3pm on Saturday, thus allowing working people to pop into the show after businesses close on Saturday. Potting demonstrations will be held on Thursday at 10:30am (Cymbidiums) and 3pm (Cattleyas), Friday at 10:30am (Cattleyas) and 3pm (Phalaenopsis), and Saturday at 10:30am (Cymbidiums) and 1pm (Phalaenopsis). These demonstrations are very popular so get there early. Potting mix and fertilizers will be sold at the show. Society members are on hand to give advice and sell plants, while Outeniqua Orchids will have a selection of blooming Cymbidiums and a variety of other genera for sale. Refreshments will be available. Phone Brian on 082 855 9176 or Mari on 082 354 0763 for more info.
what we love, since 1948
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CXPRESS
ON THE SOAPBOX
27 September 2017
Letters to the Editor
Email: editor@cxpress.co.za - Fax: 044 533 0852 - PO Box 1449, Plett 6600
Knysna feëverhaal vir altyd verby... Vervolg van bladsy 2 Ons kom tot verhaal by Pick n Pay se onderdak parkeergebied vir bejaardes. Dit is verlig en daar is mense, ons voel veilig, alhoewel Stompie huil. Ek drink ‘n kalmeerpil - ek was sopas terug in 1974 in die noord-oostelike deel van Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) by ‘Rushinga in Operation Hurricane’ tydens die bosoorlog: Eers ‘n mortieraanval op die basis en toe kleingeweervuur vanaf die vyand in die donker van die nag. Dan die opvolg van terroriste as ‘n patrolliehond hul gewaar en vaskeer by ‘n kliprandjie. Nog ‘n kleingeweergeveg en toe die Trojan vleigtuigie wat brandbomme gooi op die vyand se stelling. Die klipkoppie slaan op in vlamme - dit vernietig alles. Die lug is vol ‘chop-
Claiming the immoral high ground
pers’ - ses van hulle, met versterkings van Rhodesiese Weermag soldate as ‘stopper groups’. Dit voel of die einde naby is en jy maak gereed om jou Skepper te ontmoet. Baie traumaties en emosioneel, en eers later kom die dankbaarheid vir genade. --Ons sit daar in die parkeerarea - waarheen volgende? Ons moet slaapplek kry. Heloise sê die vrou (“n Engel”) het haar naam en telefoonnommer oorhandig en gesê ons moet haar kontak indien ons hulp verlang. Ons ry Waterfront toe (moet by toilette uitkom); Heloise skakel die dame en die volgende oomblik stop sy langs ons en sê: “Volg my.” Sy woon in die Waterfront se luukse eenhede. Ons word gevoed en slaapplek gegee - so ook Stomp-
ie. Ons kan nie slaap nie. Ons seun Morne daag op en sê ons huis is vernietig. Hy woon op ‘n plaas naby Simola en moet gaan om sy eie plek te red. Die volgende dag help die wonderlike mense (onbekend aan ons) dat ons klere, kos en huisvesting kry. Ons bly ‘n tweede aand daar oor - hulle will geen vergoeding aanvaar nie. Die volgende huisvesting is in ‘n gastehuis in Ou Plaas Knysna vanaf 9 Junie tot die Oesterfees op die 17de begin - dan moet ons ontruim want hul is vol bespreek. Ons kry blyplek by ou skoolvriende in Plettenbergbaai en hulle reël na 10 dae ‘n leë vakansiehuis, waar ons tans woon tot begin Desember. Ons dank die Here dat ons leef. Ons is dankbaar vir een en almal wat ons gehelp het. Ons het briewe
aan almal geskryf of gebel. Ons het ontdek daar is nog baie goeie mense op die aarde. Ons het ‘n psigiater gekonsulteer en hy het ons baie gehelp. Dr Jannie van der Westhuizen van George het spesiaal Knysna toe gery net vir ons. Ons het soos vele ander met skok verneem: “Julle is onder-verseker.” Toe moes ons verneem van die buitensporige tariewe wat kontrakteurs vra om persele op te ruim, veral asbes. Knysna Munisipaliteit is telkemale genader vir hulp, maar blyk onwillig of reageer stadig. Ons wil graag deel bly van Knysna en omgewing, maar finansieël lyk alles baie onseker. Ons aardse besittings pas in twee meduimgrootte tasse en ons leef van dag tot dag op die Here se genade.
These same old water questions just won’t go away It’s becoming pretty frustrating that every time one opens a newspaper, one has to read about the pitiful supply of water Knysna has left. It’s also frustrating that the only solutions the council can come up with is to raise the water restriction levels. So many questions have been asked and com-
ments made over the last many months to the council with absolutely no response. So in case they have missed these, here they are again: 1. Why does the council condone invitations to hundreds of people to come and shower in Knysna throughout the year with our water at crisis
level? Surely no one can criticise festival cancellations at a time like this… 2. This is so monotonous, but what’s the state of the reverse osmosis plant - why does it exist? 3. No plans for the future - are we to endure water shortages indefinitely? What now? ‘Richard’, Knysna
On airport upgrade and green upliftment John Magill of Knysna shared this, erm, artful image and asked: “Is this too racy for your jokes page?” “Absolutely!” said we. “But perfect for those who wish to star on the Soapbox, as it were.” So here, dear reader, is the sentiments provoked and verbalised by Monsieur Magill: High there! This might raise some highbrows and high dudgeon among the more highfalutin of you. But there’s always the ‘delete’ button for the high-minded who prefer not to be high-jacked… High society and high flyers love the high life with its high fashion, high jinks and flying high with high’dsight, some thighsight - and the highlight... highclass high heels! And if you were to need an appropriate riposte, dear lady editors, this piece of doggerel might do the trick: “The devil sends the naughty winds, To blow girls’ skirts up high, But God is just He sends the dust, To blind the bad man’s eye!”
‘Local Aviator’ shared these pics to advise of renovations currently being carried out at Plett Airport, including construction of a satellite fire station. He asks: “Shouldn’t any upgrade start with a new windsock?” The top image, he says, was taken from Robberg Ridge and shows how green the vlei has become after it was burnt black like the surrounding area. “It’s good to see that trees and bush are starting to regrow all around.”
Thanks for sponsoring our TB Symposium
The Western Cape Government Health teams in Knysna and Bitou sub-districts wish to thank pharmaceutical company SANOFI, Ouland Royale, and Bramon for making its TB Symposium on September 15 such a successful event. Pictured from left are speakers Dr Joseph Alt, Dr Alyssa Loftus, Dr Ali Esmail, Dr L Marais, Dr Tertius Ackerman, Dr van Handel, and Anna Bench. - Nadia Ferreira, Plett
ON THE SOAPBOX
27 September 2017
Letters to the Editor
Email: editor@cxpress.co.za - Fax: 044 533 0852 - PO Box 1449, Plett 6600
Rage is Plett’s organic child - let’s give it our best parental guidance Following the recent spate of activity on social media, a few respondents angrily defended certain issues around Plett Rage. It seems most locals agree that Rage benefits Plett, and is well organised. Locals are happy that organisers are entitled to profit for their valued input. But questions relating to venue and cost of inclusion remain unresolved. It is also obvious that ongoing issues relating to municipality, residents and businesses are bad for Plett and should be sorted out, not swept under the carpet until next year. We all want harmony. The problem could be the cooperation model. Plett should not blame the organisers as they cannot be expected to coordinate the interests of all stake-holders - they are
running a business and doing a good job, unfortunately seemingly to the detriment of a few locals with business and residential interests in Plett. Money keeps being brought up as a symptom of a larger issue as it is most likely a factor in the decision-making process between the municipality and organisers. Disgruntled residents and business owners know little about what actually goes on behind the scenes, so we could do with some clarity to avoid suspicion about revenue leaving Plett. The Central Beach venue is obviously a sore point for some, while the cost of business participation for, loss of opportunity to profit, the competition, or being dictated to by the organisers annoy others.
The problem is that the disgruntled business and residential folk do not trust the parties in control to look after their concerns and/or accommodate them or cooperate with their interests within reason because: • The municipality sadly doesn’t really command enough trust from the community. • Rage organisers’ primary objective is making money for themselves the point of any business - and so will also not gain the full trust of the community. If such a body doesn’t already exist, surely an ongoing solution has to be a suitably qualified and representative committee representing the municipality and event organisers to regulate jurisdictions. Rage is Plett’s organic
child that clearly needs guidance. If challenged, the organisers could decide to attempt to defend its control for profit, OR hopefully would agree to cooperate on moral grounds as Plett is the location that created the initiative in the first place, despite its savvy business initiative. Ideally, it should not adopt an attitude of entitlement based on its business initiative as all parties would suffer. Plett Rage requires responsible parenting for the future, balancing the objectives of all stakeholders. I hope everyone agrees in time for next year, and that Rage 2017 runs smoothly and safely! Our Rage should adapt to respect and appreciate all Plett people with valid concerns. ‘Happy Days’, Plett
I’m blessed to have been part of Plett Primary
CAKE FOR GOOD CAUSE: Ms Linder’s Grade 4s show off some of the confectionery they beautified to brighten less fortunate kids’ lives
I was privileged enough to be placed at Plettenberg Bay Primary School for a few months to do my teaching practical. To end off my practical, the Grade 4s in Ms Linder’s class had a cupcake-decorating lesson, where they made multicoloured cupcakes for the Masizame children. The learners had such an amazing time decorating the cupcakes and were so excited that their works of art were going to a good cause.
The Masizame children received them with huge smiles. I am very grateful to have seen the dynamics of the school and blessed to have been a part of their learning experience. It really is an amazing school! A big thank you to the teachers and to the learners, especially Ms Linder, Ms Baker, and their Grade 4s. I wish you all the best for the year ahead. Miss Swanepoel, by email
Ouland Farm clan pays tribute after the fire I wish to publish this letter on behalf of my family and others who live on Ouland Farm. We are seven households and all the houses were destroyed, including tanks, pumps, sheds, garages, and fences. Very little was salvaged, but fortunately the barn was left standing. Amazingly, there were no people hurt but sadly the children’s dog, Julie, and cats, Jack and Sofia, were lost. We had created firebreaks around the farm, which one would expect to prevent fire spread but this was not the case.
The real reason for this letter is to thank everyone for the wonderful moral and material support that has been forthcoming from many people and institutions who have donated generously to our project of rebuilding the farm and keeping our workers employed. I am not going to name individual donors since there are too many and furthermore some have chosen to remain anonymous. I have written to all personally and hope none have been overlooked. I am extremely moved emotionally by the generosity of so many. I do
wish to name some institutions: Hunter Hotels hosted us to a special breakfast; Bitou Municipality supplied 10,000 litres of water immediately after the fire; Eskom had our power on within a few days; Build-It donated roofing and other materials. Bitou Family Care and their affiliated church of Stuttgart held a dinner for fire victims; the Dicey Group sent us clothing and household goods from Johannesburg, as did the Plettenberg Bay Synagogue. Bitou Horse Rescue and Moya Animal Out-
reach fetched our horses and were instrumental in supplying hay. Ek wil ook graag melding maak van die NG Kerk van Wittedrift; Ds Knoesen en die gemeente van die kerk het ongelooflik ruim bygedra tot ons saak en ek verstaan dat dit ook die geval was by ander families. Hulle het ook groot bygedra tot die voeding van ons plaasdiere. Ons kan trots wees op hierdie gemeente wat so ‘n sterk aanvoeling openbaar vir hul medemens. Met dankbaarheid / with gratitude… Andre Reitz, Plett
CXPRESS
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CXPRESS
SPORT & ADVENTURE
27 September 2017
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Scaling up! Klein Karoo skies alive with miniature aircraft Correspondent BOB HOPKIN last weekend visited the largest scale-model flying event in South Africa LTHOUGH Oudtshoorn’s airport is used mostly for pilot training, private flying and occasionally as ‘divert’ location when weather at nearby commercial airports is too poor for safe landings, once a year it really comes to life. The local Cango Flying Club annually hosts the largest scale-model flying weekend in the country, and has done so without interruption since 1970. Last weekend, some 65 model pilots were camped out on the airfield for three days of flying, buying, and (occasionally) crashing their exquisitelybuilt model aircraft. Most brought several models, so the aircraft count was some 130 different types. While purpose built, ‘anything goes’ models may perform better, entries to this event must be derived from designs based on real, full-scale aircraft. These can include lightweight trainers, helicopters, vintage fighter aircraft and, typically the crowd’s favourite, momentously fast twin jets. In spite of it being a fun
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TOP GUN: Francois Kuys from Upington with his stunning F16 Fighting Falcon
VETERAN CARRIER: A model of the Douglas DC3 used by paratroopers and in the Berlin Airlift
WARPLANES: A gathering of scale models of the key fighter aircraft of WWII - a Messerschmitt Me 109, a Spitfire, and an American Thunderbolt
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event, it is organised in a strictly controlled manner to ensure that circuits flown by the models are never over the public, in case of mechanical or control failure, and that control frequencies are never duplicated for the same reason. In addition, every pilot must have an assistant capable of landing the aircraft in case the primary pilot is taken ill. Prizes in some 23 categories are awarded for both skill in radio piloting and for the accuracy and technical excellence of the models, with sections ranging from Best Biplane to Best Aerobatics. Although each aero modeller has a particular favourite type of aircraft to fly, the majority aspire to build, own, and fly a fast jet which, because of their high performance, require high levels of concentration and hand/ eye coordination to perform successfully. Failure to control one of these would likely result in a costly mistake as replacement value is some R170,000 to R180,000 in parts and assembly labour. Typically their miniature jet turbines turn out 17kg of thrust, taking their models to some 250km/hr.
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