28 August 2019 by CXpress

28 August 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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From BATS to the big screen Bitou Amateur Theatrical Society (BATS) member Leigh Dunn, at left, is pictured here with leading actor Wayne Smith, who portrays the role of Benjamin Komoetie in the new production of ‘Fiela se Kind’ recently shot in the Knysna forest setting of Dalene Matthee’s award-winning 1985 novel of the same name. Turn to page 2 for the full story.

Rheenendal tragedy remembered - pp3 Pittance to protect us from protests - pp4 Meet two particularly able OCC heroes - p12 FREE

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NEWS & VIEWS

28 August 2019

Brief history of local teacher’s ‘life is an act’ side-line Relishing delights of the Turkish silver screen piqued Leigh Dunn’s taste for the spotlight LETT local Leigh Dunn has never studied drama, nor does he have any acting experience except for a few random occasions on which he was auditioned to portray a certain character - and did it “just for the fun of it”. In 2001, he took part in a Turkish movie that was shot at Plett’s Lookout Deck. Auditions were widely advertised in local media, including CXPRESS at the time, calling for “Turkish-looking” individuals. “I remember sending in a pic of myself and then friend Polka Swanepoel. We both landed acting roles and it was a great experience,” he remembers. A teacher by profession, Leigh always tells people how this role requires being many things to many children on a daily basis - from doctor, to counsellor, to social worker, to parent, to actor, to clown. This history of roleplaying may well have prepared him for three major stage performances to follow, including the musical This Is My Son directed by Maggie Bailey, and

The Final Choice, directed by Glen Brown. “Glen’s production wasn’t only staged in Plettenberg Bay, but was performed as far afield as George in the west and all the way to the Eastern Cape,” he says. Another highlight was Greatest Expectations - a Wittedrift High School production with a cast of 60, directed by June Bouwer. As one of the main dancers, Leigh had to perform an Irish tap routine. He recounts the long hours of rehearsals, almost on a daily basis, at the Plett gym in Piesang Valley, guided by famous South African actress and cabaret star Judy Page. (See the advert on page 7 to find out more about Wittedrift’s most recent rip-roaring musical Oklahoma!) Leigh’s good friend, ACE Models director Charmaine Kruger - who coached Miss Universe Demi-Leigh NelPeters as a 12-year-old girl in Knysna - last year suggested he joined the fray as casting model. This resulted in him rubbing

shoulders with directors and crew of the new Fiela Se Kind at the end of last year, in which he was “just an extra”, but this minor role still required four full days of rehearsals and related preparations. Being part of a production on this grand scale will be a memory treasured forever, says Leigh, adding that he was one of a handful of locals involved in this major national production directed by Brett Michael Innes. Since Fiela, Leigh has been part of Braaimaster George in February, and was soon after introduced to Bitou Amateur Theatrical Society founder David Hall-Green, who was auditioning for younger actors to be part of the cast of his recent production of The Mouse Trap (find out more on page 7 of the August 7 edition at www.cxpress.co.za). Leigh says he never enjoyed drama at school, as he was an introvert, and always played sick when he had to be in school concerts - until one of his university professors told

him: “In this career you can’t be shy.” “I also remember another lecturer telling us: ‘Die lewe is ‘n speeltoneel!’ (life is an act), and that in this life you only get ONE chance...” • The new Fiela se Kind (the original film having seen the light in 1988) - much of which is set in the Knysna Forest will hit cinemas across South Africa on September 13. Based on the bestselling novel by Dalene Matthee, it tells the story of Fiela Komoetie, a hardworking coloured woman living in the arid Karoo, who takes in a lost white child and raises him as her own. Nine years later, Benjamin is removed from her care and forced to live in the Knysna Forest with a family of woodcutters who claim that he belongs to them. Separated by law and geography, Fiela and Benjamin spend the next decade trying to find each other while simultaneously coming to terms with their individual identities.

NEWS & VIEWS

28 August 2019

CXPRESS

Hapless would-be Jeep ‘owner’ arrested, but remote blockers on prowl again Returning to the scene of the crime might be an obvious no-no to those operating in the criminal world, but it seems that an alleged Plettenberg Bay car thief did exactly that and subsequently met his match - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports LETTENBERG Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) operations head Otto Olivier said that they responded last weekend to a report from a concerned resident about a man struggling to start an orange Jeep Rubicon. “We received reports that a man was seen struggling to get a vehicle started and

then left the vehicle overnight at a local garage,” Olivier said. This behaviour sparked local crime fighters’ suspicions and saw the Plett Security rapid response and tactical unit react immediately. Local police were also informed. “Detectives responded swiftly and upon investiga-

tion found that the vehicle had been stolen from the owner’s holiday home.” When authorities went to the owner’s home, they found the alleged vehicle thief on the property and arrested him promptly. Olivier said that this was not the only recent vehicle-related crime and added that they believed

Knysna’s newest public servant commemorates Rheenendal tragedy Words & photo: Ludumo Tede

NYSNA Municipality’s newly-elected Ward 5 councillor, Hilton Stroebel, this weekend visited the families of Rheenendal Primêr pupils who lost their lives in a bus accident eight years ago. On August 24, 2011, 14 Rheenendal children aged between seven and 17 lost their lives when the school bus they were travelling in veered off the road and was partially emerged in Kasat-se-Drift. It was reported at the time that the 65-year-old driver of the Tata minibus - part of the African Express fleet - allegedly lost control of the bus due to faulty brakes.

He also died when the bus rolled into the shallow dam off Rheenendal Road, just west of Knysna. On Saturday August 24, Stroebel visited the bereft families - not only to commemorate the tragic day, but to celebrate the young lives lost in the tragedy. In collaboration with his ward team, he went from house to house to meet with families of the victims. The councillor said that while meeting with the families it struck him that in times of trials and tribulations, one needs support to ease the pain. “While visiting families who lost their loved ones in the bus tragedy eight years ago, it was evident to me that all of us need love and

support in times of sadness and discouragement. “These families showed me that they wanted to remember those who have passed, their precious angels that will always be part of their lives,” Stroebel said in a social media statement. Once the commemoration was concluded under a clear blue sky, Stroebel led the way to the scene of the accident, along with his colleagues, families of the victims, and members of the local community. Here, wreaths were laid and prayers said, asking for strength and healing for the affected families. Councillor Stroebel expressed gratitude to his colleagues for sharing their love and support with the Rheenendal community.

COUNSELLING COUNCILLOR: Newlyelected Ward 5 councillor Hilton Stroebel addresses a few of the families who lost children in the 2011 Rheenendal bus tragedy

scammers with remote blockers have returned to the area. “Please be vigilant, stay alert and be crime wise as opportunists are lurking. Always recheck your vehicle and that the doors are secured when remote locking your vehicle, as scammers with remote blockers are active again.” Olivier said an example of this happened recently when a woman locked her door with her remote

and while walking to a local pharmacy, caught a glimpse of a suspect opening the vehicle’s door. “The perpetrator fled with her cellphone and handbag. PBCPA members and the rapid response unit responded and started to chase down the suspect. In his haste to get away, he dropped the goods near Bossiesgif and disappeared in between the houses.” Olivier also reminded residents to ensure all house

windows and doors, which do not have security bars, were closed and locked. “In other words, do not leave your front door open when you are at the swimming pool in the backyard. Ensure that electronic devices and other valuables are securely put away and are neither visible nor accessible through open windows or doors. Do not become a victim of opportunistic criminals.” Garden Route Media

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

28 August 2019

District protest prep drive but a finger in the leaking dyke? Correspondent BOB HOPKIN reports on a puzzling two-day public safety conference S a long-term SA resident there’s not much I find truly surprising or shocking in a ‘Beam me up Scotty’ kind of way. The fact that those in high office enrich themselves at taxpayers’ expense, seemingly without threat of prosecution, now seems to be a fact of life. Likewise, when outwardly normal people vent their feelings by protesting, not just by marching with banners but by destroying the

very infrastructure they need to live a normal life, then I begin to question the sanity of the situation. My bewilderment was stretched even further last week during a two-day Community Safety Mediation Project jointly organised by Garden Route District Municipality, the SAPS, and the Department of Community Safety. Boasting an audience of some 300, representing

councils, the police, and business and community leaders, I was optimistic that some profound announcements were to be made. Alas, this was not to be. In his opening remarks, district mayor Memory Booysen noted that the provincial administration, now taking community safety seriously, insisted that each district appointed a safety coordinator, who would select a team to apply a safety

strategy to their area. Sadly, the small print revealed that the entire district would receive but R1.2-million for this purpose in 2018/9, rising to R2.3-million in 2021/2. How these amounts are expected to produce tangible results is hard to imagine. Core of the conference’s first day was a presentation by David Williams, who described himself as a self-employed “community stability facilitator”. His speciality has become the ability to “defuse” situations where demonstrators are so enraged and ir-

BE NICE: Stability facilitator David Williams is the go-to guy in sticky situations

rational that conventional approaches by police or councillors are rebuffed. “My method is always to approach the protesters on foot. Then find the leader, quietly take him or her aside, and try to understand the cause of their discontent,” Williams said. He added that the worst reaction of authorities was the “Rambo effect”, where a heavy-handed intervention could turn a tense situation violent. Williams used much of his presentation time to teach the basis of his skills so that, in similar situations, attendees could

mediate when required. A role-playing session where group participants were encouraged to create imaginary complaints was followed by tuition on mediation and resolution of issues by understanding core concerns, and then communicating those to the authorities who could help resolve some or all of them. Distressing was the fact that, clearly, demonstrations were expected to increase in future, as aspirations of the less fortunate would not be met in the short or medium term, so those in the frontline need to be prepared.

ROLE PLAYING: Make-believe ‘demonstrators’ practise for more serious roles in the future

Protective gear now safeguard security forces against bullets, gas et al Yolandé Stander

LETTENBERG Bay crime fighters are a bit safer when responding to high-risk situations thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor. Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) operations head Otto Olivier said that the recent housing protests highlighted the need for protective gear during volatile situations. This led to a response from an anonymous donor who supplied the Plett Security Rapid Response unit with substantial safety gear, including protective armadillo vests. Olivier explained that these vests are not only flexible and comfortable, but provide substantial protec-

tion against blunt-force trauma. The torso part of the vest is not only bulletproof, but also stab-proof. The vests came with, among others, batons and gloves. The squad was also kitted out with protective helmets and gas masks. “The effectiveness of the helmets was tested and we

found that teargas has no effect on the squad. We are very grateful for all the goodwill we are receiving,” Olivier said. He added that over and above the protective gear, the squad work on their skills and train diligently every week through simulations and proactive training.

BATTLE-READY: Plett Security rapid response and tactical unit display their newly-acquired protective gear - Photo: Supplied

ADVERTORIAL

Doing away with plastic for the love of our planet LRIKE Baldzuhn has been part of Plett’s Harkerville Saturday Market furniture for two decades, supplying resident and visiting marketgoers with a spectacular variety of exquisite floral fare. Says Ulrike: “Being increasingly concerned about the negative impact that plastic has on our environment - and taking into account that flower sleeves are produced from particularly strong plastic - I have decided to sell my products without plastic sleeves in future.” Not only will this be con-

ducive to the farmer’s market shopping ambience, she says, but it is also more in line with the ethos of the organically grown flowers and foliage that they have been producing at Hum Bee Flora for the past 26 years.

NO LESS PRETTY SANS PLASTIC: The fresh bunches of floral delights on offer at Ulrike’s Flowers don’t need plastic to boost their beauty

“Since it will be saving costs, I’ll happily add a few extra stems. And what better way to spread this message than sharing it with readers of your fabulous, informative and relevant community newspaper!” Ulrike adds that a colourful sleeve or sheet around a bunch or bouquet might make it look more attractive, but it comes at a very high price to our planet. Check out Ulrike’s offerings at the Harkerville Market on Saturdays and see the advert on page 5 for contact details.

NEWS & VIEWS

28 August 2019

The stage is set for Knysna Literary Festival 2020 NYSNA Literary Festival will take place from March 8-10 2020 and the programme will include festival favourites such as the Fate of the Nation debates, economic panel, and Delicious Word Journey. Festival founder and sponsor Ling Dobson from Pam Golding Properties Knysna and Plettenberg Bay said there is such a demand for event tickets, that capacity in terms of ticket sales influenced their choice of venues for next year. “This is a great place to be. Feedback from authors and attendees alike has shown that it has not only grown in terms of

GEARING UP FOR NEXT YEAR: From left are festival founder and sponsor Ling Dobson, author Adam Habib, and festival manager Sasha Campbell

numbers, but also in stature,” she explained. “We are also thrilled that the festival bursary programme has taken off. Last week, we paid the annual school fees for our eighth student at Knysna

Primary School. “It has always been my dream to stimulate and create a proud legacy of learners and readers and I am delighted that through awareness created by the festival, we have now as-

sisted eight deserving learners with bursaries.” These funds were raised by festival events and donations from private individuals and local businesses, and Ling expressed her gratitude for these contributions. “I also thank the public for their support - without them buying tickets and attending the events, none of these initiatives would be possible. “And 2020 promises yet another exciting event watch this space and join us for debate and discussion of interesting topics, be whisked away on amazing journeys with our authors, and have great fun, food, and wine!”

CXPRESS

Knysna Municipality strives to maintain its position as a premier tourist destination in South Africa – a place where peace, prosperity and harmony prevail, ensuring an exceptional lifestyle for residents and visitors alike.

KNYSNA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 19 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000, of the date of the following meeting to be held in the Municipal Council Chamber: Ordinary Municipal Council Meeting:

Thursday, 29 August 2019 at 09:00

DR SW VATALA MUNICIPAL MANAGER

MUNICIPAL OFFICES CLYDE STREET KNYSNA

KNYSNA PLAASLIK MUNISIPALITEIT Kennis geskied hiermee ingevolge Artikel 19 van die Wet op Plaaslike Regering: Munisipale Stelsels, 2000, van die datum van die volgende vergadering wat in die Munisipale Raadsaal sal plaasvind: Gewone Munisipale Raadsvergadering:

Donderdag, 29 Augustus 2019 om 09:00

DR SW VATALA MUNISIPALE BESTUURDER

MUNISIPALE KANTORE CLYDESTRAAT KNYSNA

UMASIPALA WENGINGQI WASE KNYSNA

Notice Board • Have you RSVP’d for the Plett Tourism AGM at The White House in Crescent Street from 12h00 today? We look forward to welcoming the new Plett Tourism Board - call 044 533 4065 for details. • Join the Plett Surf

Lifesaving Club crew for a fun fundraising auction at The Table on Saturday August 31 from 6pm onward. Tickets at R150 include a glass of wine or beer and lots of yummy pizza. Call Shameera on 083 304 5087 for details.

• The ‘What the Bag?’ campaign hosts a gettogether on August 31 at 2pm at The Node in Knysna. Visit www. sourcesahara.wixiste.com/ whatthebag to RSVP. • Make a note in your diary for the next Fun Quiz

Nasi isaziso ngokwe Candelo 19 Lomthetho weeNkqubo zikaMasipala nombolo 2000, malunga nolu suku lulandelayo lwentlanganiso eyakubanjelwa kwiGumbi leKhansile:

Night at Plett Bowling Club at 6pm on September 7. The cost of R600 per team includes a light supper, with great prizes to be won. Email barry ricketts48@hotmail.com or call 072 890 6238 for further details.

Intlanganiso kaMasipala oqhelekileyo yeBhunga:

NgoLwesine, umhla we29 kweyeThupha 2019 ngentsimbi ye09:00

DR SW VATALA UMANEJALA KAMASIPALA

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CXPRESS

BUSINESS

28 August 2019

Investor Focus

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

Remember the Sweet Shop Syndrome when fear kicks in HE JSE has had a particularly dismal four to five years. Investors are despondent, financially bruised, and fast losing hope. We watch the daily exposure of mismanagement and possible theft at various commissions. We hear the warnings of South Africa being declared “junk”. Our current political masters seem to be at war with themselves rather than looking towards the country’s ills. Globally we are faced with a totally unpredictable United States president (whose daily Twitter outbursts destroy markets), an equally unpredictable British prime minister who threatens to “Brexit” no matter what (does anybody even know what that means?), and several emerging market neighbours are going bankrupt (viz: Argentina and Venezuela). Companies are reporting poor profits, our GDP growth is virtually non-

existent, and our country’s level of national debt is so high that we can no longer pay the interest. These are but some of the many elements of fear now driving the JSE. Our short-term memories are scary; will us retirees run out of money before we die? Should we not run for cover, sell everything and put the money in the bank? Shares are being sold because they are going down, not because they are expensive. The herd instinct is clicking in. Should we not emigrate, or move what is left of our savings offshore (with the Rand at its worst level in several years)? Now is the time to take a good look at the value being offered by the JSE. Some quality shares are presenting dividend yield over 6% - almost as much as you get in the money markets, probably better after tax. There are quality REITS offering over 10%. So if some of our fears do not

eventuate, and GDP growth begins to recover over the next three years, should we not be taking advantage of these bargains? The answer is “yes”. However, it is impossible to decide when the level of fear is about to abate. So we revert to the Sweet Shop Syndrome - a lovely tale taught to me many years ago by a very clever investor. A little boy walks into the sweet shop, and half the sweets are offered at half price. He must get out and come back next week when ALL the sweets are half price! Only then should he start buying. On the JSE not all the shares are at half price yet, so come back next week… • Malcolm has been in the investment industry for nearly 50 years. He has written this column in CXPRESS for the last 21 years and is a specialist in managing retired wealth. See the advert on page 10 for contact details.

Property area focus: Sectional titles in Plett Janelle Pinto

ECTIONAL title property offers many advantages to anyone looking to invest in Plettenberg Bay. From July 2018 to date, Plett has seen 98 sectional title properties transfer. The highest price achieved in this period was R9-million for a unit at De Meermin, and the lowest R450,000 for a Santini unit. These are the extreme ends of the spectrum. Smaller, and entry-level properties ranged from this lowest price to approximately R1.5-million. The mid-sector (larger units or units closer to the beach) achieved prices from about R1.5-million to the early R4-millions, while upperlevel apartments achieved from R5.7 to R9-million. Be it for a permanent residence, lock-up-and-go holiday apartment, or buy-tolet investment, the sectional title sector of the property market remains popular and in demand. The appeal of sectional title covers a broad range of buyers: the younger generation, either entering the market or looking for smaller living spaces, families or retirees looking to downsize, upsize or re-consider their living arrangements for security and maintenance issues, investors considering buyto-let options, or anyone looking for an ideal holiday residence. Even avid golfers who don’t want to own a house

SCORE A SECTION TODAY: Janelle Pinto is Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty Plettenberg Bay’s sectional title specialist

on a golf estate, can buy into sectional title developments that offer this benefit. If you enjoy a pool, garden and maintained living spaces yet don’t have the time or inclination to ensure that they are always in tip-top condition, then you might have found the property sector appropriate for you. The body corporate takes care of these responsibilities on behalf of owners, who pay levy contributions for the shared responsibility in regard to common property. Plett’s sectional title complexes can be found in various suburbs interspersed throughout the town. Prices in this property category vary greatly depending on location and unit size. Typically, apartments offering views and situated close to the beach command greater prices than units with no

views and situated further from the beaches. Being a unique sector of the property market, sectional title real estate is not suited to everyone and can impose limits on some aspects of lifestyle choices, particularly in regard to pet ownership. The character of the buildings and common property usually has to remain uniform so for anyone with a passion for creative exterior painting and decorating, this might not be the best choice of property. There is also the matter of being in close proximity to neighbours and basically sharing facilities and respecting common property. Not everyone is suited to living in a complex, but for those who enjoy this lifestyle, the benefits can be amazing. A wide variety of sectional title units are currently on the market across various price ranges. Some apartments are also available fully furnished which is a benefit if you intend to use the asset as an income-generating investment immediately. If you would like to consider selling or buying a unit, or would like a free, no-strings-attached valuation, please don’t hesitate to give me a call. • Janelle Pinto is estate agent at Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty Plettenberg Bay and sectional title specialist. Email her at janelle.sir@plettenbergbay. com or call 078 959 6177, and see the cover advert for additional information.

PROMOTION

28 August 2019

CXPRESS

INTERVAL

28 August 2019

Questions to ponder Shooting from above • What do people do with all the extra time they save by writing ‘k’ instead of ‘ok’? • If women are so perfect at multitasking, how come they can’t have a headache and make love at the same time? • Have you ever wondered why they don’t make an airplane out of the same stuff they make the indestructible black box? • They say the truth is out there. If that is the case... does anyone know the URL? • If we’re not meant to have midnight snacks, why is there a light in the fridge? • “Fries or salad?” sums up every adult decision

you have to make. • They say love is more important than money… Have you tried paying your bills with a hug? • Do we have to worry about who’s gay and who’s straight? Can’t we just love everybody and judge them by the car they drive? • If a book about failures doesn’t sell, is it a success? • Toilet paper, over or under? • Facebook: What’s on your mind? Twitter: What’s happening? Myspace: So... where did everybody go? • Are we not all striving to be overpaid for what we do?! • As a wise man once said: “So?”

IS request approved, a news photographer quickly called the local airport to charter a flight. He was told a twin-engine plane would be waiting for him at the airport. Arriving at the airfield, the photographer spotted a plane warming up outside a hanger. He jumped in with his bag, slammed the door shut, and shouted: “Let’s go!” The pilot taxied out, swung the plane into the wind and took off.

Once in the air, the photographer instructed the pilot: “Fly over the valley and make low passes so I can take pictures of the fires on the hillsides.” “Why?” asked the pilot. “Because I’m a photographer for cable news,” he responded, “and I need to get some close up shots.” The pilot became strangely silent for a moment, then finally stammered: ‘So, what you’re telling me is… you’re not my flight instructor?”

Know your golf course golfer was enduring the most miserable round. Every shot he tried seemed to end in disaster. He and his caddie had trailed in and out of woodland, deep rough, a lake, and countless sand traps. On the seventeenth hole he was left with a shot of 180 yards to the green. “Do you think I can get there with a five-iron?” he asked his caddie. The caddie sighed and

replied: “Eventually.” --“These are the proper names for the parts of the golf course,” a father instructed his 10-year-old son. “You start at the tee, walk down the fairway and put your ball in the hole on the green.” “But, Dad, what do you call that part where your ball gets lost in the tall grass?” his son asked. “That’s what I call the un-fairway,” his dad said.

A wife told her husband that he put rugby before their marriage. “That’s not true,” he said. “After all, this is our fourth season together.”

PROMOTION

28 August 2019

CXPRESS

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CXPRESS

28 August 2019

CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

28 August 2019

Letters to the Editor

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

Picketing for tourism transformation, but who in Plett will benefit? CXPRESS was among a long list of media recipients invited by Bitou Township Forum (BTF) to ‘picket for transformation’ during the Plett Tourism AGM, which takes place at The Whitehouse this morning (August 28) from 12h00 onwards The BTF has taken it upon themselves to get involved within the process of electing a new board and executive chair for the Plett Tourism Association (PTA). On August 28 the BTF shall be rallying in support of sis Noksie Kholwaphi as our chosen chair at the Plett Tourism AGM. Sis Noksie is the only leader with the skills and experience to bring about a transformed and inclusive tourism sector in Plett. Currently the elected board does not represent township economies; public money is being spent on advertising wealthy and established businesses. Therefore, we as the BTF will be picketing to address this issue of zero representation of township economies. Unemployment in townships is rife. Small business is the only way the unemployed can make ends meet. Plett residents recently had violent protests, and one of the main reasons and frustrations expressed by the community was the marginalisation of township economies. BTF has been formed to represent

small-scale businesses within townships. We invite members of the media to attend and cover this picket at 11:30am. Plett Tourism Board chair Bruce Richardson responds at follows: This communication is very disappointing and shows a complete lack of understanding of the primary function of Plett Tourism (PT), which is simply to get tourists to come to Bitou, as opposed to economic transformation, which is the preserve of the municipality’s Local Economic Development (LED) department. Having said this, without any funding for that purpose, PT has historically encouraged and done its utmost, within the framework of a totally inadequate budget, to promote the development of township tourism. To this end, in addition to supporting various township development initiatives, a number of transformation projects have been fully developed by Plett Tourism and presented to and pursued through the municipality - which has access to funding for such

projects - but to no avail. Any initiative of this nature should be taken up with the responsible organisation, in this case Bitou Municipality. PT has had a number of recent meetings with LED on ensuring that an economic development agenda is pursued during the forthcoming term, and LED has responded very positively to this initiative. It is not the purpose of PT to “market” private businesses or sell their products; it is the function of individual business entities to develop an attractive tourism product and advertise and attract patronage to that product, whether established or new, owned by the rich or the poor. PT obviously uses attractive tourism offerings as part of its efforts to encourage tourists to come to our town for the benefit of all. The economy of Plett has been severely negatively affected by protests and any further such action, far from having a positive developmental impact, will damage our fragile tourism industry and economy

even further, to the detriment of all residents across the economic spectrum. In short, this proposed initiative will cause further harm to all and benefit no one. If tourists perceive Plett to be a volatile bed of discontent, they will simply go elsewhere and Bitou will be the loser. PT has a constitution and as with the South African constitution or any other constitution, it must be complied with. No lobby group from whatever source can interfere with due process or take anything “upon themselves”. That is not how an orderly society works and to attract tourists we must be seen as an orderly society. The board welcomes the formation of the BTF and would be very happy to meet with its representatives to bring understanding as to the role of PT as opposed to that of the LED department of Bitou, and to enlist its support in driving the tourism transformation agenda through proper channels. (By going to print the picket had been cancelled, but all points above remain valid. - Eds.)

Can anyone identify this Crusading against the sale mysterious flying object? of stolen goods Did anybody else see the UFO that moved in an east-south-easterly direction over Plett at 7pm on Tuesday August 20? A very bright light moving much faster than a satellite or a Chinese lantern, but slower than an asteroid, was visible for less than 10 seconds and then disappeared somewhere around the three o’clock position. It happened so quickly that by the time I realised it may be a UFO it was already gone, so no time to look for the camera. It is typical for UFOs to move at a moderate speed. Shooting stars (meteorites) move much faster and leave a trail of sparkles; satellites move much slower and usually reflect a red-yellow glare.

It was just a coincidence that I was looking out the window at the very moment it appeared. It would be very interesting to find out if anybody else had seen it. CXPRESS has such a wide distribution and people talk, so perhaps some of your readers have spoken to a friend who may have seen it, or somebody else may have an explanation of what it was - no harm in trying to find out! I have also reported the sighting to RSG’s Afrikaans radio programme ‘Sterre en Planete’, which discusses cosmic happenings and sightings. The Drone, Plett (Anyone with info regarding the UFO spotted by The Drone can email editor@ cxpress.co.za - Eds.)

In your edition of August 21, there was an article on the upcoming trial of an alleged Sedgefield fraudster [read it on page 5 at www.cxpress.co.za]. The part that interested me most, however, was at the end of the report, where it was stated that her husband had allegedly stolen an external hard drive and had sold it to Cash Crusaders. My question is this: How easy is it to sell stolen goods to this company? ‘Richard’, Knysna (A significant section of the Cash Crusaders website is dedicated to this subject. It reads, inter alia: “Honesty and trust are key to the ongoing success of the Cash Crusaders brand. We are 100% committed to playing our part in cre-

ating a safer future for all South Africans and take a firm stand against crime. “We have pioneered the proactive involvement of the second-hand goods industry in assisting police to develop laws that govern the industry and protect consumers. “In addition, should any of our franchisees or employees be in any way connected with dealing in stolen goods, the relationship will be instantly terminated. “Our stores and records are open to full inspection and there is a time-lag of seven days before anything we purchase goes on sale. If you have had goods stolen fill out the form at www. cashcrusaders.co.za/about/ stop-crime - we will alert all stores in your area to report any similar items brought into our shops.” - Eds.)

CXPRESS

Read CXPRESS online at www.cxpress.co.za

CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

28 August 2019

OCC 2019 pays tribute to legends of the track HE 17th Outeniqua Cycle Challenge (OCC) wheelchair race takes place in George on September 14. Unique for being SAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first and only event exclusively for the differently-abled, its

setting in the heart of the Garden Route also makes it a must-do on race calendars of international athletes. The event is supported by George Municipality and Business Chamber, to-

gether with Lancewood and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, and Halfway Toyota is the venue host. Meet two of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s able contendersâ&#x20AC;Ś

â&#x20AC;˘ Three days before his 17th birthday 30 years ago, Johan Koen was involved in a motorcycle accident. He broke his neck and spent five months in hospital. Johan had been a participant in middle-distance events and half-marathons. After the accident, he only did the odd wheelchair outing and gym session. It was not until he relocated to Riversdale in 2015 that he first laid eyes on a hand cycle and his passion for the sport was born. He has logged 7,000km+ since! At first, Johan competed in a chair donated by a charity organisation. The late Fanie Joubert bought him a new chair in 2017, and he finished the Cape Town Cycle Tour last year, albeit with assistance from fellow cyclists after his chain broke 8km before the finish. His latest accomplishment is a ninth place at the 2019 Cango 42km marathon. Johan hopes to enter his fourth full marathon at this

FACING THE CHALLENGE: Shaun Butler, left, and Johan Koen

yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s OCC. He is grateful for the support of Baleia Wines, but is now raising funds and looking for an equipment sponsor that would take his performance to the next level. â&#x20AC;˘ Shaun Butler broke his neck on Easter Sunday 2014 on a ride with his motorcycle club, Syndicate MC, while delivering Easter eggs to underprivileged children. The accident came at a particularly difficult time, as his grandfather had just been diagnosed with cancer. Shaun was transferred to Aurora Rehabilitation Centre in PE. Nine weeks later, he had set a record for the fastest recovery from the highest-grade injury ever

dealt with by the centre. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I kept myself active and had started going to gym shortly before the accident. This is what motivated me and I believe it was my saving grace,â&#x20AC;? said Shaun. He took part in his first OCC fun event in 2015 in a normal wheelchair, but immediately saw the potential of racing as a sport. After acquiring a racing cycle in 2016, he progressed quickly and completed his first 50km race two months later. In 2017, Shaun competed in his first OCC 42km marathon. Look out for these racers in George on September 14 and visit www.georgeocc. co.za for further details.

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