28 september 2016

28 September 2016

Published every Wednesday by CXpress 2006 (Pty) Ltd - PO Box 1449, Plettenberg Bay 6600 - 6 Park Lane, Plettenberg Bay - Tel: 044 533 1004 - Fax: 044 533 0852 Email: editor@cxpress.co.za / advertising@cxpress.co.za Web page: www.cxpress.co.za Printed by Group Editors

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Seize the joy

‘MAfrika’ is a family theatre show currently being staged at St Peter’s Church in Plett. Pictured here is Nicola Jackman who, in conjunction with Bitou’s Lunchbox Theatre crew, is working wonders for ill and traumatised children.

Turn to page 13 for much inspiration…

Knysna fire deaths devastate p3

Rescue rangers on top of it p5

Holiday activities for all p11

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

28 September 2016

Van Plettenberg Historic Society’s plaque project kicks off with flair on Heritage Day HE campaign to identify structures and relics of historic importance in Plettenberg Bay and its environs, which the Van Plettenberg Historic Society (VPHS) embarked upon last year, is now in full swing.

The first, and probably most important structure of historic importance in Plettenberg Bay to boast a plaque, is the Timber Shed. Heritage Day (Saturday September 24) was selected as an opportune occasion to do so, and the honours were performed by VPHS chairman Peter Tullis (see block below for details).

In his address announcing the implementation of the campaign, Tullis said: “More than 25 relics and buildings

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HIS memorable occasion in the history of Plettenberg Bay is the result of much research and hard work by the committee of the Van Plettenberg Historical Society.

Plettenberg Bay has more than its fair share of historic sites and relics - Stone Age Man is known to have inhabited caves on Robberg. There is evidence that Portuguese explorers were aware of the

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HERITAGE PROTECTORS: Peter Tullis, right, chairman of the Van Plettenberg Historical Society and David Rowe, coordinator of the Relic Identification Project responsible for designating appropriate local buildings and relics, with the Timber Shed plaque unveiled on Saturday

will be featured in the campaign, which has been sponsored by Rotary Plettenberg Bay and should be complete

by the end of the year.

“A route map will then be prepared for circulation through the media to assist residents

Excerpts of chairman’s address bay for 200 years before 1630, when survivors of the Sao Gonzales shipwreck came ashore and lived here for a while; by 1776, the first Dutch settlers started arriving.

The Society feels it is important to identify these sites and structures and the simplest way to do this is by means of a series of informative

plaques. Behind me, you will see the remains of the Timber Shed - our oldest structure, completed by Jan Jerling in 1788, and the first of our historic sites to receive a plaque.

Johan Jerling, a direct descendant of Jan, lives in Plett to this day and has championed its preservation.

It would be most remiss of

and visitors in the location of the sites.”

Properties already identified include the Timber Shed and Rectory near Hobie Beach, St Michael’s Church at Kirbywood, St Andrew’s Church at Brackenridge, St Peter’s Church and The Old Post Office in Plett’s town centre, as well as Forest Hall and Kurland, among others.

The VPHS would be very happy to receive suggestions from CXPRESS readers regarding other historic sites in Plettenberg Bay deserving of a plaque. Please email info@ pletthistory.org or plaque project coordinator David Rowe at rowe.greenvalley@tel komsa.net with your suggestions in this regard. me if I did not mention the significant part played in this project by the Rotary Club of Plett. We are most grateful for their generous financial support which has gone a long way towards the completion of the Plaque Project, It is now with great pride and pleasure on this Heritage Day that I unveil the first of the historic plaques to appear in our town.

Timber Shed one of SA’s 10 most endangered heritage sites VERY time South Africa loses a heritage site, a part of our history and our culture is lost, as well as the possibility of understanding something new about our past. And on September 21, judges decided that Plett’s Timber Shed should feature on the final list of SA’s top 10 most endangered cultural heritage sites.

A statement last Friday claimed that these sites were decided upon as they represented the fragility of our shared national heritage (Visit www.theheritageportal.co.za to see other top 10, as well as long list sites.)

According to the statement, “whether they are precious archaeological sites, living cultural landscapes, early commercial industrial sites, colonial edifices or working class residential areas, the tenuousness of their survival is palatable in the submissions that

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were evaluated”.

The Most Endangered Cultural Heritage Sites campaign is an annual initiative of the Heritage Monitoring Project (HMP) and Heritage Association of SA to identify and raise awareness of heritage sites that are at significant risk from natural or manmade forces.

This year saw the first time that the HMP issued a call to the public to nominate sites of concern. Between June and August, more than 46 sites across a range of categories were submitted.

The long list of submissions included cultural landscapes, archaeological and palaeontological sites, built heritage, industrial heritage, burial sites, military sites, public open space, and even South Africa’s oldest nature reserve.

Says HMP founding member Jacques Stoltz: “Most of the sites are threatened by a com-

bination of poor heritage law enforcement, mining licences being issued in complete disregard of our heritage, urbanisation, under investment, poor state asset management, the seemingly endless delays in resolving land claims, and the limbo that many communities still experience in the shadow of apartheid.”

On a more promising note, the list also shows the courage of individuals and local organisations fighting uncaring administrations, developers, powerful international and local mining interests and natural forces.

Stoltz notes: “While the list could have been more representative of national and regional diversities and our varied geography and landscapes, we hope that the first campaign has not only highlighted pressing national concerns but also the creative ways in which

communities are responding.”

Mentioning the Van Plettenberg Historical Society as local champion for the cause, the Timber Shed’s motivation reads, inter alia: “In August 1786 the Dutch East India Company decreed the erection of the shed for timber storage prior to shipment by sea. Due to its age, it has great historic significance.

The site was declared a national monument in 1961.

“The site is currently for all intents and purposes, a ruin and if not maintained will eventually disappear. The original yellowwood lintels in the windows are buckling and in danger of collapsing. Four beams have already collapsed resulting in the fall of a considerable amount of stonework. The stonework, lintels and walling can be stabilised with the necessary engineering skills and funding.”

NEWS & VIEWS

28 September 2016

Plett woman robbed by crooks posing as cops Men claiming to be police officers managed to dupe a woman out of just short of R30,000 on Friday after she left a bank in the town centre of Plettenberg Bay - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports CCORDING to available information, the woman had just withdrawn R29,000 from inside the Absa in Main Street when two men approached her at around 12pm.

Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) operations head Otto Olivier said the two claimed that they were police officers on the lookout for robbery suspects in the immediate vicinity.

It is believed that the men showed the woman some form of badges. “At this stage, we don’t know what type of badges it was,” Olivier said.

After allegedly telling the woman that she should be careful with “robbery

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suspects” on the loose, the woman informed the men that she was feeling uneasy because she had a large sum of money on her person.

Olivier said the men then allegedly offered to walk her to where she needed to be and she handed them the money in an envelope.

“They walked with her for a while and handed the envelope back to her.

“Soon thereafter the woman realised that the envelope was empty and by that time the two men had disappeared.”

The woman then raised the alarm and contacted the relevant authorities.

Oliver warned that residents and visitors should always be vigilant and re-

alise that criminals often preyed on the vulnerable - including those who had withdrawn large sums of money.

He added that the suspects most likely watched her in the bank and knew she had a large amount of cash with her. He further urged readers never to trust anyone with their money or banking details.

“Also, look around to see if anyone is watching while you are making your transaction, and make sure that no one is following you when you leave.”

If anyone has information about the incident, please contact the PBCPA on 082 251 8134.

Garden Route Media

Assistance asked for Concordia fire victims N Monday, Knysna Ward 8 councillor Victor Molosi said he was still in shock after the devastating fire in Concordia that caused the death of two brothers aged six and 11 during the early hours of Saturday September 24.

The site is currently being cleared in preparation for the replacement of the razed structures.

“I am respectfully asking for financial help so that this shocked mother can bury her two sons in her hometown of Middledrift in the Eastern Cape,” said Molosi, adding that the funeral was due to take place this weekend.

“Everything has happened so quickly and we ask that the residents of Greater Knysna help and support this family.”

The moment Cllr Molosi heard of the fire, he raced to the scene and has since spent his waking hours offering support to all.

“This was a terrible accident. I thank the commu-

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nity and am grateful for the support that they are offering the affected families,” he said, adding his thanks to the emergency services and forensic team, “all of whom helped and are still offering their assistance.”

The fire death of the two young brothers made national news headlines on Saturday, when the office of the Knysna mayor announced that she was “devastated” at the news.

“Knysna mayor Eleanore Bouw-Spies is horrified that two young boys lost their lives during a fire that broke out in Concordia. Despite the Concordia satellite fire station crew racing to the scene immediately on witnessing the flames, the fire destroyed eight wood and iron structures, leaving devastation in its wake.

“I cannot express in words how sad I am about the deaths of the boys. The fire crews assure me that on witnessing the flames they immediately radioed our

main Knysna Fire Department for help before locking the doors and rushing to the scene.

“On-call Station Commander Ian Bezuidenhoudt told me that when he arrived at the scene shortly after the call, both Concordia and Knysna teams had already dampened the fire,” said Bouw-Spies.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway but the result thereof is not yet known.

“I have spoken to our fire chief this morning to begin an investigation into the possible installation of smoke detectors in our informal settlements,” she said.

The Knysna Municipal Disaster Team has issued food parcels and blankets to the victims as well as the use of the Concordia Community Hall.

The mayor was in Cape Town to receive the coveted Govan Mbeki Housing (Best Informal Settlement Upgrade category) Award when the fire broke out.

CXPRESS

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

28 September 2016

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HE South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) used awareness centred on the clean-up and recycling initiatives supporting National CleanUp and Recycle Week from September 12-18 to highlight the work it does along with key contractors as part of its Routine Road Maintenance operations.

The initiative creates awareness of the approximate R1.2-million spent annually on rubbish cleanup programmes along verges of roads, as well as the removal of illegally dumped waste within the

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road reserve.

During the course of the past month, approximately 14,000kg of rubbish has been picked up from some 323km alongside the N2 between Riversdale and The Crags.

“Sanral’s approach to environmental management is always based on our continual commitment to enhancing eco-efficiency and eliminating environmental risks faced by incorrigible road users and members of the community dumping rubbish, which we have to pick-up at the expense of taxpayers,” says Kobus van

der Walt, regional manager of the Sanral Western Cape Region.

“We strive to adopt the best practicable environmental management options in our operations, or to identify feasible alternatives - in this case, calling for greater community awareness of Sanral’s programmes aimed at the greater George area.

“Together we can eliminate the negative impact that rubbish has on our environment while promoting the well-being and empowerment of various host communities.”

NEWS & VIEWS

28 September 2016

CXPRESS

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Rescuers join forces to get ready for air and related emergencies Search and rescue teams from Plettenberg Bay and surrounds were out in full force on September 25 in preparation for the summer season, which brings with it a massive influx of visitors to the area - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports

UNDAY’S Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) driven exercise was hosted by NSRI Plett and the Garden Route chapter of the Mountain Club of South Africa.

Joining them were several organisations - Air Mercy Services, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), SANParks, Bitou Fire and Rescue, and local police - who took part in the exercise, which included 50 rescue workers and four ‘patients’.

Arch Rock at Keurbooms Beach was the venue for the exercise, which drew the attention of curious onlookers who could see the rescue teams in action from various vantage points.

NSRI spokesman Craig Lambinon said several rescue scenarios were covered, including injured patients on rocks, on a cliff face and up-stream on nearby Matjies River.

“The testing scenarios were designed to focus on organisational cooperation on the ground as well as Joint Operations Centre

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SAVE US ALL: Spectators at Keurbooms were treated to a feast of air, ground and water action on Sunday morning, when 50 rescue workers and four ‘patients’ ensured that all cogs were well oiled, should disaster strike in the bay - Photos: Ewald Stander

creation and control. The teams rehearsed their response and triage, as well as extraction of patients on foot, and by helicopter, rescue boat and rescue vehicle,” Lambinon said.

Garden Route rescue manager Drew Scott said the exercise was a proactive response to increased air traffic in the area.

“As part of our readiness plan for increased traffic to Plett Airport as well as our WSAR training meet, which deals with multiple rescue organisations working together in large-scale disasters, we were performing special training involving multiple scenarios happening all at once - very much like what would happen in any aviation accident,” Scott said.

He added that great care and planning had gone into the exercise - which started at 8am and was completed just after noon - especially when it came to the safety of the public and beachgoers on Sunday.

Garden Route Media

Die Gaatjie is now officially ‘switched on’

INTO THE LIGHT: Residents of Die Gaatjie received electricity for the first time last Thursday - from left above are Lindikhaya Williams of the Electrical Department, Die Gaatjie resident John Hardnick, Knysna mayor Eleanore Bouw-Spies, mayco member Cllr Levael Davis, and IHS manager Mawethu Penxa; below, residents along with these officials show that they are overjoyed at this bright new state of affairs

NYSNA Municipality and the Department of Energy sparked hope and provided dignity to 120 families living in the Sedgefield area known as Die Gaatjie.

These residents have lived without electricity for many years and joined in the official switch-on with great enthusiasm.

The municipality’s Integrated Human Settlements (IHS) Department applied to the national Department of Energy for electrification of Die Gaatjie.

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The Department approved the application and agreed to providing electricity to these families at a cost of R900,000.

The IHS team faced several challenges regarding the formalising of the area, which is established on an old dump site and thus failed to meet the requirements of the Environmental Planning Department.

But this did not stop them from providing basic services such as taps and temporary toilets.

Knysna mayor Eleanore

Bouw-Spies was thrilled to attend the second switch on since her inauguration and said: “Just two weeks ago I stood in Lapland in Rheenendal and witnessed the joy of residents as they received electricity.

“Today I am over the moon that these 120 dwellings in Die Gaatjie have joined the millions who, at the flip of a switch, literally have light.

“Use it wisely as the cost of this power is determined by government and does not come cheap. I hope to come back in a few months and see just what positive effect electricity has had on your lives.”

Bouw-Spies concluded by praising the progress made by the IHS Department in providing the people of Greater Knysna with basic services, and thanked the manager of the Department, Mawethu Penxa, as well as the Department of Energy.

Knysna’s IHS Department is committed to upgrading informal settlements by providing access to basic services such as potable water, sanitation, access to roads, electricity, and incrementally providing those that qualify with access to top structures.

This is done in line with the Provincial Strategic Objective 6 - an approach that is endorsed by Provincial Minister Bonginkosi Madikizela.

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

28 September 2016

Do you need financial first aid?

Rose Scott

S an accountant one of my greatest frustrations has been to see how poorly prepared most people are to live in a system where money plays a role in almost everything that we do.

This is aggravated further by the economic reality where it seems that support and guidance in this sector is only available to those who are able to pay dearly for it.

The JOY Matrix Money Clinic is an attempt to redress this situation. Most people and businesses struggling with financial questions do not have access to an objective and qualified resource to reduce the stress that financial pressure causes.

We are opening this facility on Thursday morning from 9am to 1pm on a walk-in basis; 15-minute consultations cost R250 and we will offer insight and recommendations - we listen to the issue, diagnose corrective action or refer to the appropriate associated professional.

The intention over the long term is to create a more financially astute community that is able to

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function better on all levels.

Increased financial wellness has a ripple effect on improved self-confidence, better sleep, happier relationships, and increased physical, mental and emotional well-being.

A community that has adequate financial wellness has greater resources of time, money and energy to invest in creating a brighter future for all than one focused on putting out fires in reaction to the underlying insecurity that results from a fractured approach to the mechanics of money.

There are financial consequences to so many aspects in life that we often have to address issues that touch on the following: • Labour relations and employment contracts • Commercial implications of legal contracts • Opinions on valuations of property, businesses and other assets • Deceased and insolvent estates • Purchase agreements and the impact of the Consumer Protection Act • Credit agreements • Debt management and negotiations • Wealth creation and management • Interpretation and preparation of Annual Financial Statements • SARS documents and correspondence.

We are offering insights into the mechanics of money as we feel that this is where the greatest stress is generated. The JOY Matrix is a simple but effective process that is about Just Owning Yourself (JOY) you develop a strategy to manage your resources of time, money and energy to create the life you long to live by defining who you are, what your purpose is and developing a vision and mission to channel your resources.

For more information, visit www.thejoymatrix. com, follow us on Facebook, join our online community and register for our morning WhatsApp group message. Send your details to tiffany@thejoymatrix. com and become a member of our JOY Community.

Our first Money Clinic with the Money Mechanic (Rose Scott) will be Thursday October 6 at 9 Formosa Place (cnr Main & Crescent Streets), Plettenberg Bay. No concern is too big or too small and no-one is under or over qualified or experienced. We all deserve help and support - whatever your concern, we will not turn anyone away.

See the advert below for additional information.

BUSINESS

28 September 2016

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CXPRESS

Have you declared the invasive species on your property?

N terms of current legislation invasive species - controlled by the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) that became law in October 2014 - are a liability to every property owner.

The act states that the owner of land on which a listed invasive species occurs must notify any relevant competent authority of this fact in writing. In practice, this means that you need to lodge a Declaration of Invasive Species form, completed by a registered authority, with the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA).

For properties below 1ha in size, only a list of invasive species is required, but those above 1ha require a management plan to be submitted by the deadline of October 1. Forms can be downloaded at www.invasives.org.za and emailed to AIScompliance@ environment.gov.za or faxed to 086 604 4080.

Thereafter, landowners need to control and eradicate the listed invasive species and keep them from spreading, while taking all the required steps to prevent or minimise harm to biodiversity.

Every landowner also has a ‘duty of care’ to remove invasive species from their land.

The regulations state that the seller of any immovable property must, prior to the conclusion of the sale agreement, notify the purchaser in writing of the presence of listed invasive species. So essentially the Declaration mentioned above must be provided to prospective purchasers as well as the DEA, since the liability passes to the new owner.

Pamela Booth is an expert on invasive species on the Garden Route and can be contacted at pam@edentoaddo.co.za or on 082 875 03420. She advises as follows: “There are no precedents or standards yet for the cost of drafting a declaration. The cost

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of a control or management plan is contingent on the size of the property and the density and distribution of the invasive plants. “Ask for a quotation and be clear on the level of detail you need. Do you want the plan to provide information on the cost of clearing the property, or do you only require a description of the species and a schedule for clearing over time? Completion of a management plan can take anything from a day to a fortnight, depending on the size of your property.�

If a bit overwhelming, one must bear in mind that these regulations are good and necessary. The Garden Route falls within the Fynbos Biome, which is home to one of the richest selection of flora (and fauna) on the planet. But it is under threat, with only a tiny fraction remaining pristine. ‘Non-compliance can lead to fines of up to R5-million and R10-million for subsequent convictions, or 10 years in prison’ Not only do aliens usurp land from indigenous species, but they also consume so much more water that they threaten supplies in an already water-scarce country. This legislation will help controlling the spread of alien species and so reduce the threat to biodiversity and our water supply.

The different categories of invasive species are: 1a. combat and eradicate, 1b. require control, 2. require a permit (and control), 3. exempt (unless in a riparian zone or under a management plan).

If, for whatever reason, owners wish to keep an invasive species that requires a permit on their property (e.g. retain gum trees on boundary), they must complete the application form and submit it to the DEA. If a permit is issued, it will be

valid for a maximum of five years and this permit belongs to the person, not the property, so when a property is sold, the new owner must apply for a new permit (R100 and R50 for a renewal).

When clearing your land of Black Wattle, but your neighbour does not, your land will continue to be infested from the neighbouring property. Phone 0800 205 005 or email AIScompliance@environ ment.gov.za to report the presence of such alien species.

A directive will be issued to offending parties, and non-compliance with a directive can lead to fines up to R5-million and R10million for subsequent convictions, or 10 years in prison.

Says owner principal of Sotheby’s International Realty Plett, Hein Pretorius: “This legislation impacts on all landowners, but will obviously have a particularly big impact on rural properties. “It also affects estate agents and conveyancing, as estate agents need to reveal defects and the presence of invasive species will now need to be formally disclosed.�

An experienced invasive plant specialist will be able to map all the invasive species based on one site visit if the property is less than 20ha. A larger property with a variety of land use types (agriculture, conservation, residential) may require more than one site visit.

Once the map is completed and each stand of invasive plants is given a management unit number, an accompanying spreadsheet will reflect the following information: Size of management unit (e.g. hectares); Species; Density (1%5%, etc.); Age of species (mature, seedling etc.); Methods (cut stump, foliar application of herbicide, hand-pulling); Person days required to clear each stand; Herbicide; Transport if applicable; Equipment (chainsaw, slasher, herbicide sprayer, etc.).

You can also get herbicide as-

sistance from DEA or Water Wise. You will need to provide DEA with the exact species and the extent of the infestation, so that the correct quantity and application can be provided.

There are also tax benefits, so speak to your tax consultant.

Furthermore, municipalities need to submit their own Invasive Species Monitoring, Control and Eradication Plans by the October 1 deadline.

Visit www.invasives.org.za or www.sagic.co.za (for a list of

accredited invasive species practitioners, forms, applications, etc.) and check Stop the Spread Facebook page for more info. • This report was compiled by Steven Neufeld, manager principal of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty Plett, and professional valuer and court-appointed appraiser for SA Property Valuations. Contact him on 044 533 2529 or 072 417 7731 or at steve.sir@ plettenbergbay.com and see the adverts on this page and the cover for current listings.

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CXPRESS

BELATED CONGRATS: This message was received from the leader of Plett’s EFF branch last week: “To Bitou executive mayor Peter Lobese, deputy mayor Euan Wildeman, and speaker Phakie Mbali, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you and your newly elected councillors with the outcome of the elections. I hereby would like to give you my support and loyalty. May God bless you and grant you great wisdom in the fulfilment of your tasks. Yours sincerely, Albert Zukile Rorwana [pictured above].”

SOCIAL SCENE

28 September 2016

OPEN DAY SUCCESS: More than 200 children attended the KwaNokuthula Community Day Centre (CDC) Open Day on September 23. The focus of the day was on local children and each attending child received his/her outstanding immunisations as well as other essential boosters. Children, mainly from local crèches, entertained the crowd and staff during the dancing competition and little Picassos displayed their talent during the colouring competition. “We want our children to be healthy, and part of that is ensuring that their immunisations are up to date,” said facility manager Petronella Peters. Services rendered at KwaNokuthula CDC include acute care, chronic care, maternal health (antenatal, postnatal, family planning, smears, breast examinations, high risk antenatal services), infectious disease (TB, HIV, STI), mental health, medical male circumcision, oral health and nutrition. Clinic hours are from 7:30am to 4pm from Mondays to Fridays with extended hours of service on Tuesdays and Wednesdays until 6pm. Kindly contact Mrs Petronella Peters for queries on 044 501 5700. Pictured above are the kids of Lumen Christi crèche, who won the dance competition with their awesome moves.

MAKING KULCHA COOL: Ann Thomas popped in at the CXPRESS office on Monday, saying how impressed she was to find staffers at Plett’s BI KwikSpar kitted out for ‘Heritage Saturday’, when this happy photo was snapped.

Well done to these ladies for keeping the Braai Day spirits high - from left are Khosi Tshefta, Nombulelo ‘Bullet’ Qege, Xolisa ‘Xolie’ Jobela and Phatheka Ntshanga.

THANDA VISTA TOPS: The second annual Sanlam Top Destination Awards was held on September 6 at The Bay Hotel in Camps Bay. From an estimated 8,000 nominated establishments, 120 finalists were invited to attend the awards ceremony where sponsors Sanlam and Discount Traveler honoured accommodation establishments that do SA’s tourism industry proud. Says Plett resident JP van der Walt, pictured at left with wife Petro in front of their guesthouse Thanda Vista, which walked away with a four-star grading and Top Destination Award in the B&B category: “The event was a huge success, hosted as a prestigious gala dinner offering all the glitz, glamour and entertainment befitting the champions behind the local travel and tourism industry. Guests were entertained with live music, contemporary dancers, delicious canapés and welcome drinks as esteemed media, VIPs and all invitees were welcomed and walked down the red-carpet entrance to the beautifully decorated venue inspired by an African Elegance theme.” MC for the night was international TV and radio presenter Jen Su, who announced the individual winners from nine categories, which fell into five different star gradings. Each winner walked away with a trophy, certificate and a share in R1-million worth of advertising. Well done to this proudly Plett establishment.

People, places & events

Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

RAGE FOR GOOD: The Geyser Rage, organised by the local Lions as fundraiser for the Plett Watch neighbourhood watch group recently, raised just over R9k towards equipment for this fearless collective of local crime fighters. In the pic, the fat R9147.60 cheque is handed over to Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association head honcho Otto Olivier, second from left, who will see to it that the loot is distributed among all local neighbourhood watches. With Otto from left are ‘Handsome’ Luiz da Fonseca of LM in Plett, Wesley Andrew of Plett Watch, and Plett Baia Formosa Lions president Fred Stander.

SOCIAL SCENE

28 September 2016

CXPRESS

People, places & events

Photos: Sharyn Hodges

J&B’S FABULOUS BOND AFFAIR: Bridget Jackson and Jolyn Ferreira - at centre left and right, surrounded by some of their dazzling girlfriends celebrated their combo 40th birthdays in glittering 007-style at The Table in Plett’s Main Street on September 17, with guests dressed to the nines for the happy occasion. Even the awesome staff of this top eatery looked like James Bond stunt doubles, ensuring a night to be remembered at least ‘till the gals’ next big one…

‘Jozi & Bridge’ thank DJ Sean Butters for the groovy tunes, Table owner Chris Fermor for the glorious food, and Sharyn Hodges for the unique and unobtrusive way she captured perfect images of the evening for posterity to behold.

The only pharmacy in Main Street

VISUAL FEAST: These pics show some of the magnificence of Greenwood Bay College’s fabulous annual primary school concert, held at its pretty Piesang Valley premises last week. ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ was a visual feast with amazing mixed media effects and splendid costumes. All learners took part, ensuring that each GBC learner was afforded a magical moment on stage.

Pictured clockwise from the top, Ayla Chatz as Alice does a curtain call with characters from Wonderland; musical producer/director Tessa Kay receives a well deserved bouquet for her contribution; Lelethu Kibith as the formidable Red Queen with GBC headmaster Luke Perkins as the Red King; and a most convincing Mad Hatter, Max Brouwers.

La Luna

Photos: Dianne Goosen

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INTERVAL

28 September 2016

I don’t want to hear it!

T the supermarket, a woman shopped with her four boys and a baby. Her patience was wearing thin as the boys called out: “Mommy! Mommy!” while she tried to shop.

Finally, the woman blurted

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out: “I don’t want to hear the word ‘mommy’ for at least 10 minutes!”

The boys fell silent for a few seconds. Then one tugged on his mother’s dress and softly said: “Excuse me, miss... ”

Tick-tock, tick-tock

You got most of them...

RANK dies and goes to heaven and is met at the gate by St Peter.

As St Peter gives Frank a tour of the place, he notices rows and rows of clocks on the walls.

Some are running very fast, while others move slowly.

Frank then asks St Peter about the clocks, to which St Peter explains that the clocks represent people, while the hands

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on the clocks tick in accordance to how many times a person sins.

So if a person sins less, their clock ticks slowly, but if they sin frequently, their clock ticks faster.

Frank is intrigued, so he asks St Peter: “What about my clock? Where is it?”

St Peter replies: “Your clock? Oh, we keep it in the office and use it as a fan.”

N a first date, the young man thought he’d impress the young lady, a piano and voice teacher, by taking her to a karaoke bar.

After going up and singing a song, and feel-

ing confident as ever, he thought he’d ask a musicrelated question to impress his date even more.

He asked her: “What key did I sing that in?”

She replied: “Most of them.”

Brilliantly captured shots

Everything is big in Texas HERE once was a blind man who decided to visit Texas.

When he arrived on the plane, he felt the seats and said: “Wow, these seats are big!”

The person next to him answered: “Everything is big in Texas.”

When the blind man finally arrived in Texas, he decided to visit the hotel bar. He ordered a beer and got a mug placed between his hands.

“Wow these mugs are big!” he exclaimed.

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“Everything is big in Texas,” the bartender said.

A little later, the blind man asked the bartender where the bathroom was.

The bartender replied: “Take the second door to the right.”

The blind man headed for the bathroom, but accidentally tripped and entered the third door.

This door lead to the swimming pool, and he fell in by accident.

Scared to death, he started shouting: “Don’t flush, don’t flush!”

Police dogs in China queue for lunch

I’ll bet a whole week’s wages strong young man at the construction site was bragging that he could out-do anyone in a feat of strength. He made a special case of making fun of one of the older workmen.

After several minutes, the older worker had had enough. “Why don’t you put your money where your mouth is,” he said.

“I will bet a week’s wages

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that I can haul something in a wheelbarrow over to that outbuilding that you won’t be able to wheel back.”

“You’re on, old man,” the braggart replied. “Let’s see what you got.”

The old man grabbed the wheelbarrow by the handles. Then, nodding to the young man, he said: “All right. Get in.”

So much emotion in just one photo!

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

28 September 2016

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HOME & HEALTH

28 September 2016

Are you sitting yourself to death?

ITTING is the new smoking. Office workers, in particular, are in danger of sitting themselves to death and should urgently kick this unhealthy habit.

“A number of studies have indicated a wide range of negative health implications to spending hours each day sitting, which thousands of South Africans do in the workplace,” warns Dr Jacques Snyman, acting CEO of Agility Global Health Solutions (Africa).

A landmark study published in the medical journal Lancet, as long ago as 1953, looked at about 31,000 men, aged 35-64, employed as bus, tram and trolleybus drivers in London, and their colleagues who were conductors, mechanics, or railway guards.

The drivers, who had more sedentary jobs, were found to have higher rates of coronary heart disease.

The UK’s National Health Service also warns that prolonged sitting is thought to slow metabolism, which affects the

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body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, blood pressure, and break down body fat.

“As technology has, and continues, to take over those tasks that used to be performed by muscle, millions of people worldwide find themselves sitting behind a desk, gazing at a computer screen,” Dr Snyman observes.

“Many people mistakenly assume that going to gym for a few hours a week can counter the effects of sitting, however this does not seem to offset the risk.”

Debbie Valentini of Zurreal and Agility Corporate says one needs not spend a lot of money to make this healthy change.

“Before you take out a second mortgage to buy yourself a standing desk, test it out by going for a cheap option. All you need to do is put a box, or a small chest of drawers on top of your existing desk. You could also get creative with ordinary items around the office, such as a box of printer

paper, to create your own standing desk.”

A study titled ‘Sedentary Time and its Association with Risk for Disease Incidence, Mortality, and Hospitalisation in Adults’, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine recently, concludes: “Prolonged sedentary time was independently associated with deleterious health outcomes regardless of physical activity.”

The World Health Organisation cautions that physical inactivity can lead to heart ailments and other non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and certain types of cancer, and is estimated to be responsible for some 1.9-million deaths worldwide each year.

Rising levels of physical idleness are largely attributed to urbanisation, greater use of cars, less space for walking or recreation in cities and, particularly, the shift towards desk-bound work.

Grown awareness of the dangers of prolonged sitting has been accompa-

nied by a proliferation in the use of standing desks.

“However, standing all day comes with its own set of problems. Some people complain of pain in their backs or feet after standing for the whole day,” says Snyman.

Some ergonomics experts also warn that too much standing can cause health issues like varicose veins, and carotid artery disease, according to an article published in Wall Street Journal.

“The solution appears to lie in a middle path: alternating between sitting and standing throughout the day. This way, you will get the benefits of strengthening your core muscles and boosting physical activity passively, without the discomfort of standing all day,” Snyman explains.

“Listen to your body when you begin to feel tired of standing, take a seat. When you feel rested, stand up again. Soon it will become a part of your routine and you will feel the benefits for years to come,” he concludes.

These spring blooms remind of sunsets and honey UR companions this month are reminiscent of two very special gifts from Mother Nature - sunsets and honey.

Indigenous Gazanias bloom in bursts of brilliant colours in the shades of a magnificent African sunset. Part of the Asteraceae, or daisy, family they have the common daisy shape, but the petals come in the most intricate colours and detail.

Our other little gift, Alyssum, blooms in dainty umbrellas of multiple tiny flowers scented sweetly with a very real honeylike fragrance.

Gazania This proudly South African national treasure even goes by the name ‘Treasure Flower’, and its richness in colours and varietals were

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clearly the inspiration for its Greek origination of ‘gaza’, meaning ‘riches’.

These varietals include single, bi-coloured and even multi-colours of orange, yellow, bronze and white that look like an artist has painted them. Petals do close on cloudy days and at dusk; some hybrids will open in low light.

Alyssum Also known as sweet alyssum or carpet flower, these dainty plants make fantastic groundcovers as they only grow to about 20cm in height. Plant them about 15cm apart as they are great spreaders, making them perfect for edgings or filling in gaps in pathways.

Alyssum also enjoys full sun, but with some afternoon shade. Soil must be

well-draining with not too much nitrogen. Like their companion, they only require moderate watering.

They also make for wonderful trailing umbrellas of white, pink, purple or yellow blooms in hang-

ing baskets, wafting their sweet honey scent along your balcony.

• Information supplied by the Bedding Plant Growers Association - go to www.lifeisagarden.co.za for more information.

SENSE SENSATION: Gazanias, top, bloom in bursts of brilliant colours in the common daisy shape but with petals intricate in detail, while Alyssum blooms, above, form dainty umbrellas of multiple tiny flowers scented like honey

ENTERTAINMENT

28 September 2016

Infuse your being with Nicola Jackman’s uniqe brand of joy HE Garden Route Joy Tour kicked off yesterday and runs ‘till October 3, featuring Performing Heartist and Joy Catalyst Nicola Jackman in collaboration with Lunchbox Theatre to present the show MAfrika and an uplifting Joy Talk packed with happiness-inspiring tools at St Peter’s Church in Plett at a nominal entrance fee.

In fact, the family theatre show MAfrika was so stirring that it gained a nomination for a Naledi

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Theatre Award, widely recognised as the premier awards event in Gauteng.

Readers may remember Nicola in the role of Elise Buller in Isidingo. She was also key in the hilarious TV comedy ZANews.

Then, inspired by the arts for health concept, she started The UPliftment Programme (visit www. theup.org.za for details).

Following the rousing success of The UP’s Joy Tours in Cape Town, Gauteng and KwaZulu Natal, it was decided

that, in partnership with Lunchbox Theatre, it would be good to also let Garden Route residents gain some inspiration.

Plett-based Lunchbox Theatre is a diverse, dynamic theatre group that raises awareness about important decisions to be taken by the youth. What a great combination!

Together, these two organisations aim to encourage people to be part of the solution, live with purpose, and spread love and joy wherever they go,

‘jest’ for the fun of it.

The team will also be collaborating on training a new group of local Care Clowns to uplift sick or traumatised children.

What a brilliant cause to support this spring - the season of promise!

If you would like to train to become a Care Clown, experience the MAfrika show or be inspired by a Joy Talk, email info@ lunchbox.org.za, call 044 533 0942 or visit Events on the Lunchbox Facebook page.

Knysna Arts Fest fever runs high from October 1-9 UNNYMAN Marc Lottering’s new stand up comedy show Hash Tag Lottering! will headline the performing arts programme at this year’s Knysna Arts Festival.

“Marc has to be one of SA’s top comedians, and the fact that he’ll be here for the Festival is an exciting measure of the high quality that the event aims to achieve,” said Peter Mare, principal of chief festival sponsor Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty.

“Fitting so many elements into the line-up has been a massive job,

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but I think the organisers have thought of everything. They have even scheduled Hash Tag Lottering! on October 8 to start at 8pm, as the big game in Durban kicks off just after 5pm so it gives the Springboks (and local fans) plenty of time to demonstrate the fine art of South African rugby to the All Blacks before Marc’s show begins.”

Other stage entertainment include the show Ilizwi by Ingrid Wylde and Vuyo Jack, Dianne Simpson’s Rose Red, and Oom Schalk from the Heart - David Muller’s

interpretation of Herman Charles Bosman’s beloved bushveld stories - that will feature alongside a number of lectures, workshops and outings.

Festival manager Owen Roberts said the fringe programme will create interaction between presenters and festinos.

“The fringe includes a presentation on ‘Economic Challenges in a Rapidly Changing World’ by retired Reserve Bank governor Gill Marcus, as well as lectures and guided walks by photographers, historians and military specialists, and

TOP CAPE COMEDIAN: In ‘Hashtag Lottering!’, the newest hit show by one of South Africa’s biggest names in comedy, Marc Lottering covers a broad variety of topics, ranging from how to successfully live in debt, to the dangers of a WhatsApp family page… Cape Town-based Lottering has been in the funny business since 1997 and 19 years later he continues to keep audiences in stitches across the country. The ‘Hashtag Lottering!’ national tour kicked off earlier this year to great acclaim, playing venues across the country in Durban, PE, East London, Oudtshoorn, Durbanville, Caledon, and Grahamstown. After the Knysna show, Marc is off to the Mother City for a season at the Baxter Theatre.

field outings like a visit to Robert Leggat's foundry in Harkerville and a beach walk with the Knysna Basin Project.

Painting, drawing and sculpture will always be anchor tenants of the Knysna Arts Festival, so don’t miss the exhibition of SA Masters at the Festival’s Art Hub will be a particularly significant event. Bookings for performances and the fringe programme opened on September 1 and tickets are available online via iTickets. See www.knysna artsfestival.co.za for the full programme.

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28 September 2016

CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

28 September 2016

Letters to the Editor

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

Democratic Alliance response on policy to anonymous letters questioned I refer to the DA Bitou campaign manager’s response to my letter ‘What’s cooking in DA’s Bitou branch?’ [turn to page 11 of the September 7 and 14 editions at www.cxpress. co.za]: ja no well fine…

“DA policy”, nogal.

This sounded a bit unlikely, so I visited the DA’s website where I found many, many policies on all kinds of things, but I could not find a policy that even vaguely hints at a policy not to respond to anonymous letters and/ or rumours.

Not to mention that it deviates drastically from the DA’s past actions.

What next - the DA refusing anonymous votes?

It is in direct conflict with the DA’s published Vision 2029, which in part reads as follows: “The govern-

ment is accountable to the people. Its purpose is to enable the South African people to use their freedoms. It has no power except that which is assigned to it by the people and the Constitution.

“The government must reflect the will of the people and our elected representatives must be directly accountable to the people.

Those to whom we entrust our nation’s highest offices have a sacred duty to live up to that trust; government must always act honestly, transparently and in the best interests of all South Africans.”

But it is somehow “DA policy” not to tell us who the PR councillor is who governs us.

Be that as it may, it strikes me as strange that neither its campaign

This old guy rocks, but who is he?!

John Mulder sent this photo and wrote: “This rock profile can be seen at a well-known international holiday destination quite nearby - but the ID of the Stone Age man is anybody’s guess…” John, of Plett’s famous Metal Detect team, has often contributed interesting titbits to CXPRESS over the years. If you’ve lost something precious like jewellery on our beaches or elsewhere, email lostringfinders@gmail.com for your best chance at retrieval. And if you know where the rock face in his photo can be found, feel free to email editor@cxpress.co.za with your answer - Eds.

manager, nor any of the other DA office bearers in Plett, has bothered to inform the voters, supporters or even its members that the PR candidate who replaced Mr Baartman is Mr Nel. Congratulations and good luck, Bill - even if the DA thinks it’s no big deal and unworthy of publication.

As for not responding to rumours, I would suggest that the best possible response to a rumour is to dispel it with the true facts, rather than to allow it to live on and grow, as we so often see it happening.

I challenge the campaign manager to substantiate her claims regarding DA policy with hard facts.

A final thought: politi-

cal parties are the only means for South African citizens to take part in government. It is the Constitutional duty of political parties to respond to enquiries and to keep all voters, whether anonymous or not, informed of all matters pertaining to governance.

Exactly who governs us is a matter of governance and of interest to everybody in Plett. It is everyone’s Constitutional right, not only to choose who they will be governed by, but to know who governs them.

If the campaign manager does not wish to respect our Constitution, I suggest she passes enquiries on to somebody who does.

‘Just Another Mushroom’, Plett

Thanks for reminding me of those very good times Love your paper! Your memory lane column brought back some of my happiest memories [‘Jogging down memory lane’

by Derek Frielinghaus is found on page 2 of most editions over the past couple of months - visit www.cxpress.co.za).

We had so many happy hours at Jane and Bertha's Boardwalk, playing backgammon with lots of laughter - also at Vivienne and Steve's Ugly Duckling. And oh

the Friday jorls we had at Formosa when Chris and Pippa were there, and at The Cave when Jeff Westwood owned it.

Once when I did not have enough money to pay my rent, I went chokka fishing on one of Steven's boats!

After a 20-year gap from Plett, spent in KZN, I have been back for a year, living in Knysna and I’m so happy to be in this area again.

Cheryl Smith, Knysna

Help Sam to get to varsity Please help my dream come true by donating funds towards furthering my education. My name is Samantha and I’m in Grade 12 at Plett Secondary, but would love to go to university next year.

Phone my mother Maria on 073 784 6348 for more information or deposit to our account at FNB Plett (250655), cheque account number 6262 9716 567. Thanks!

CXPRESS

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SPORT & ADVENTURE

28 September 2016

Watch out for these sun racers when they beam through CX Country soon HE 2016 Sasol Solar Car Race aims to set new records in distance and energy consumption with the ultimate team being the one that scores best in terms of average distance, time, lowest consumption, and strategic use of battery power.

One team competing has a distinct advantage: Tokai University’s Solar Team is being powered by the Panasonic-trademarked HIT™ solar battery system, which minimises power loss. The Panasonic solar system will aid drivers to set new records with its advanced technology that helps conserve power.

The Sasol Solar Challenge, which started in Pretoria on September 24 and finishes in Cape Town on October 1, will see 14 teams racing via Kroonstad, Bloemfontein, Gariep Dam, Graaff-Reinet, Port Elizabeth, Sedgefield, and Swellendam en route to the Mother City.

The race occurs on public roads, so teams have to comply with normal road traffic rules.

One of the longest sprints in solar car racing, the Sasol race’s main route is approximately 2,000km long, and while this would

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equate to an average of 250km per day, the teams have the option to expand their daily distance by driving loops, varying from 23km up to 74km.

It is expected that the top teams will reach up to a total of 6,000km, covering at least 700km a day on average if it is sunny, at around 90-100km/h.

In supporting awareness of the race, Panasonic is running a national competition where followers can win their share of R100,000 worth of Panasonic prizes. You can enter the competition by sharing their #MoreSunshine pictures on the Panasonic South Africa Facebook

page. There are three ways to take pictures: 1. Go to a participating shopping centre (see below) and take a picture of their “sunshine moment” in front of the Panasonic display.

2. Spot the Tokai University Solar Team Car on the road and take a picture next to the car.

3. Take a “sunshine selfie” at home.

Apart from shopping centres in Joburg, Umhlanga and Durbanville, the Panasonic display will be at Greenacres in PE from September 27 to October 3.

CXPRESS readers can keep an eye out for the

UNFAIR ADVANTAGE? The Tokai University Solar Car team has everything going for them; the car is equipped with 400 Lithium-ion batteries, 65mm in length with an 18mm diameter, and any energy surplus is stored in the batteries for early morning or evening use

sun-powered racers when they scream down the N2 on September 29 (PE to Sedgefield via Humansdorp) and Friday the 30th (Sedgefield to Swellendam via Mossel Bay).

More about the race One of the world’s longest courses in solar car racing, the Sasol Solar Challenge has been in existence since 2008 and takes place every two years. The aim of the challenge is to promote sustainable transportation, while leading the way in the development of eco-conscious technology.

Panasonic has been supporting the Tokai University Solar Car team since 2011 and the team has won the title in 2008, 2010, and 2012.

Some of the Tokai University team’s other victories include first place at the Carrera Solar Atacama 2014 in Chile, and first place at the World Solar Challenge in Australia in 2009 and 2011.

The car is equipped with 400 Lithium-ion batteries, 65mm in length and with an 18mm diameter - almost the same as an AA battery. Any energy surplus is stored in the batteries for early morning or evening use.

Neighbouring bay student one of globe’s best lifesavers OODRIDGE College Grade 11 Dux student, surf lifesaver and St Francis Bay resident Amica de Jager returned home last week from the World Lifesaving Championships in the Netherlands laden with medals.

Amica represented SA as a member of the Junior Springbok Lifesaving Team at this prestigious event, where she competed against the best lifesavers in the world. She then went on to represent Durban Surf (as Woodridge Surf Lifesaving Club does

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not attend the club competition) at the World Lifesaving Club Champs, held at the same venue.

Woodridge SLC performs voluntary beach patrols on Main Beach St Francis Bay on Sundays during summer, and Amica is a surf and pool competitor who specialises in the swim, board and ski paddling events.

Her team set new SA records in the 4x25m Manikin Relay and the 4x50m Medley Relay, and she won bronze in the Oceanwoman Relay. She

achieved a sixth place in the Surf Swim and came seventh in the individual Oceanwoman Event (swim, board, ski).

At the Club Championships, Amica achieved silver medals in both the Surf Swim and the Oceanwoman. Her team then went on to score golds in both the Tube Rescue and Taplin (swim, board, ski, run) relays.

Amica earned her second Springbok cap recently when she was selected to represent the SA Lifesaving Team at the Orange

Cup, which will take place in Holland in November.

Congratulations must also go to her coach, local legend Haydn Holmes of Liquid Lines. Haydn, who as a Woodridge Surf Lifesaver also represented SA at World Lifesaving Champs in Japan in the 1990s, is Amica’s instructor in swimming as well as board and ski paddling.

All of St Francis Bay, Lifesaving Sarah Baartman, and Woodridge College salute this young world champ and congratulate her on these results.

SURF SAVVY: Amica de Jager checks out conditions, top, before hitting the North Sea breakers during last month’s World Lifesaving Champs in the Netherlands