29 January 2020
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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Poachers busted Forty-eight men in possession of diving equipment and bags containing 142kg of abalone, also known as perlemoen - the ocean delicacy listed as endangered species since 2007 because of widespread poaching - were arrested last week and appeared in the Plett Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Read the report on page 3.
Photos courtesy SANParks
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CXPRESS
NEWS & VIEWS
29 January 2020
VOICES FOR OUR TIME
Plett abounds with champions for the planet’s cause AST year, an interesting list of 50 South African environmental influencers (find it under the ‘Voices Speaking up for the Environment’ headline at www.treeshake.com) was published and spread widely on social media. This impressive collective (the list was later extended to include 76 profiles) comprise activists, journalists, scientists, researchers and social entrepreneurs, all of whom are speaking out loudly about the current state of the planet and its effect on our societies. Incredibly, included in this list are two Plett locals: Rhian Berning, who founded awardwinning NGO Eco Atlas, appears under the entrepreneurship category, and Ian Michler - best known for his roles in the award-winning feature documentary Blood Lions, and his outspoken opposition to trophy hunting and the trade in wildlife - appears as one of the media influencers. While it is striking that a small town like Plett should have two people among the who’s who
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ECO-CENTRIC TRIO: Ian Michler with like-minded mom and daughter Joan and Rhian Berning
of SA’s environmental voices, it is even more remarkable that Eden to Addo (www.edentoaddo.co.za) has both Rhian and Ian as directors of its board. Founded by Joan Berning in 2006, Eden to Addo has evolved into one of the continent’s leading corridor conservation initiatives and today is particularly influential when it comes to environmental issues along the Garden Route. “I work on a number of issues across the globe, but I prize be-
ing a part of Eden to Addo, because some of my most important contributions to the environment are made through this platform,” says Ian. Eden to Addo is best known to local residents for its work in the Baviaanskloof and on the Robberg Coastal Corridor, as well as the ever-popular annual mega-hike from the forests of Eden to Addo National Park. The NGO also plays a significant role in raising general awareness across the environ-
mental spectrum. To this end, Eden to Addo will be hosting a hugely important discussion, entitled The Anthropocene, on the evening of February 19 in the Lagoon Room at Beacon Island Resort. This talk is open to everyone. Having this calibre of conversation taking place in our town is a privilege, and should not be missed by anyone who treasures our natural environment. Presented by Ian Michler, who is currently enrolled at Stellenbosch University for a Masters degree in Sustainable Development studies, the evening will reflect on the naming of this new epoch, current global environmental and social crises that have determined this, and the reasons why - in the face of an obvious need for transformative change - we are seemingly unable to act. In the February 12 edition of CXPRESS, Ian will provide a more detailed explanation of what the Anthropocene is about, and why it is so important that we understand what is taking place across our planet.
NEWS & VIEWS
29 January 2020
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CXPRESS
Arrest of alleged abalone poachers goes a long way to ‘break the back of smuggling syndicates’ Nearly 50 alleged abalone poachers recently apprehended near Plettenberg Bay will remain behind bars until later this week, after the matter was postponed in the local magistrate’s court on Monday - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports HE large group of 48 suspects appeared in the Plett Magistrate’s Court on charges of illegal possession of abalone under the Marine Living Resources Act of 1998, but they were remanded in custody until Thursday January 30 to obtain legal representation. The suspects were apprehended by SANParks rangers between Keurboomstrand and Salt River east
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of Plett last Thursday. S-Cape police spokesman captain Malcolm Pojie said the suspects, between the ages of 22 and 55, were spotted on the shoreline near Keurbooms by vigilant park rangers and police officers from the Mossel Bay sea border unit. “They approached the group who were in possession of diving equipment and bags. Upon searching
the bags they found 142kg of abalone concealed in the bags. They subsequently arrested the 48 suspects and confiscated their diving equipment as well as the abalone,” Pojie said. “It is believed that the suspects are from Gansbaai, and that they gained entrance to the park through a private property.” Investigation into this matter continues.
SANParks chief executive Fundisile Mketeni thanked the rangers, as well as CapeNature officials and the police for “a job well done”. “Our organisation is part of local policing forums in the Garden Route towns and, as a result, we are able to fight poaching as a col-
lective,” Mketeni said. Western Cape provincial police management has also commended all those involved in the bust. “The protection of our living marine resources is of utmost importance, especially to our economy. The illegal harvesting of
these resources contributes largely to other lucrative organised crimes such as the drug trade,” Pojie said. He added that the endeavour was part of an integrated approach by the police to eradicate the illegal and lucrative trade of abalone in the Western Cape and to break the back of smuggling syndicates. “This was an intelligencedriven operation between SANParks, the police, and other entities.”
Outrage over state of Kwano police station
LAB CUM SHACK: The fingerprints office, at left, also serves as storeroom for equipment like the wheelbarrow, and the room where officers are supposed to record suspects, at right
Words & photos: Ludumo Tede
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WA N O K U T H U L A residents are hell-bent on exhausting every resource at their disposal to grab the government’s attention in order for the relevant authorities to prioritise the improvement of their local police station. A concerned group of residents made this commitment after witnessing the trying conditions in which the police are expected to work at Kwano SAPS. They say they were taken aback by the appalling state of the station when, during the first week of January, they went there to complain about the rising crime in Kwano. They were ushered in by officers on duty who wanted them to witness the terrible state of affairs. Thamie Dazela, one of the residents who was pre-
sent, is genuinely disturbed by the situation and says he finds it difficult to comprehend why a building of vital function in the society would be in such condition. “Our officers complain about being short staffed, and that an officer sometimes has to lock the charge office when nature calls. The station is not safe at all - two months ago one of the offices was burgled. Two computers were stolen, and they haven’t been recovered. “How can criminal cases be speedily resolved if the office where fingerprints are checked is tiny and used as a store room, with a wheelbarrow kept under the desk. How will the officers work efficiently if they are not feeling safe?” Dazela said a female officer allegedly had to relieve herself in a bucket during a night shift because she was too scared to leave the sta-
tion at night - “there are no outside lights at the station”. “We need the government to pay attention to our needs. That is why we require all kinds of media to get this message to reach those in power,” said Dazela. Western Cape Community Safety minister Albert Fritz said he was made aware of the matter and promised to visit the station. “I was alerted to the dilapidation of the station and of the poor working conditions by Bitou mayor Peter Lobese. I will be visiting the station to assess the extent of the issues faced and will raise it with provincial commissioner Yolisa Matakata to ensure that a swift solution is reached,” said Fritz. However, the department failed to indicate a date for the promised visit, and only divulged that they were preparing for visits in various stations.
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CXPRESS
NEWS & VIEWS
29 January 2020
On the dark side of the moon: local district development leaves much to be desired Correspondent BOB HOPKIN attended a sombre Integrated Development Plan meeting where Garden Route District optimism collided with national economics and local municipality frustration VERY year, Garden Route District Municipality holds a forum where it, and the seven local municipalities under its supervision, make public the measures of past performance and commitments for the coming year. This time, familiar measureables such as education pass rates, expenditure, revenue, project completion, staffing levels and the like were shown for 2019/20 in comparison with budget, along with planned levels of the same criteria for 2020/21. In contrast to other years, however, this was far from being a boring ‘talk shop’ as multiple concerns surfaced highlighting issues on funding, skill levels, and possible disconnects between expectations and delivery. As usual, our bubbly mayor Memory Booysen made a dynamic and optimistic presentation for the district - if tinged with a palpable concern that the national economic crisis is now impacting the Garden Route. “The national growth rate of around 1%, if reflected here, will be insuf-
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ficient to meet our constituents’ needs for service provision. The only way we can meet requirements is by greater cooperation between municipalities, settling political differences to work together, and using our own initiatives to create a ‘district approach’ where we can exceed the dismal national economic growth rate. “It is no longer acceptable to have more than 40% of our 624,000 population living below the poverty line,” he said. He also pointed out that monies allocated for local projects were frequently being returned to national and provincial treasuries, as skills were not in place to manage them. Municipal manager Monde Stratu put it in bleaker terms yet. “In this country we have two options: we can either follow the lead of Rwanda or that of Zimbabwe. “In 1994, when we were embracing democracy for the first time, the two major tribes in Rwanda were engaged in mutual genocide, killing some 800,000 and displacing 2-million. “Today, through me-
GRINS BEFORE GLOOM: Mayor Memory Booysen, left, and municipal manager Monde Stratu - Photo: Bob Hopkin
diation and forgiveness, that disaster has been reversed. Their growth rate is now 8% and this tiny country is now attracting major foreign investment due to its current good governance and stability. “The story of Zimbabwe is well known and now fits the description of a failed state,” Stratu added. During the following seven presentations by municipal representatives, it became evident that there were distinct differences in attitude and professionalism. Perhaps the most controversial was that of Bitou, where IDP manager Thembinkosi Henge came apparently ill-prepared
(for which he later apologised) with little historical or future statistical information but a list of complaints about lack of housing and police stations, and concerns about livestock roaming the streets. The Mossel Bay presentation typified many by pointing out that vital infrastructure such as port facilities and water distribution had long been neglected; pipe bursts prevail as they are often 30 to 50 years old, and there is no finance to replace them. What could have been an encouraging and optimistic glimpse into the future, sadly illustrated a local manifestation of the national malaise.
Pioneering aviators killed in George plane crash HE remains of three crew members who died aboard a Cessna Citation craft on January 23 were found around 1:40pm on that same day, according to the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). “Three people were confirmed dead by emergency services after a CAAowned inspection and calibration aircraft, which crashed shortly after takeoff from George Airport, was found.” The three SACAA staff members were identified as captain Thabiso Collins Tolo, 49, first officer Tebogo Caroline Lekalakala, 33, and 36-yearold flight inspector Gugu Comfort Mguni. SACAA chief executive Poppy Khoza said her staff were devastated by the tragedy. “This is a difficult time for us; usually
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FIRST BLACK FLIGHT INSPECT CAPTAIN: Thabiso Tolo had three decades of flying experience
it is the CAA, as regulator, that has to speak on accidents that occur in the industry - not one of our own,” she said. Khoza added that this was the first time that such an accident involved an aircraft that belonged to the CAA. The aircraft took off at 10:40am to conduct calibration of George Airport’s navigation systems; 10 minutes after take-off, all contact with the local air traffic control centre was lost. A search and rescue team was immediately deployed to find the missing plane. The three-decades-old aircraft had come under scrutiny just months ago when its condition was red-flagged after reports that the plane had been previously grounded over security concerns. “We call on everyone to
avoid any speculation and to afford the investigating team the necessary time and space to conduct a thorough investigation,” Khoza said. The three victims were experienced members of the aviation industry, according to Khoza. Tolo qualified as pilot in 2013. “He was the first black captain of our flight inspection unit. Before that, he was a manager within the CAA’s air safety operations division,” Khoza said. Tolo started out as SA Air Force pilot in 1989 and flew for SAA between 2004 and 2008. His first assignment for the CAA was as testing standard officer in 2004. “First officer Tebogo Lekalakala had 1,050 hours of flying to her credit. She performed her last training at a flight safety simulator
FIRST BLACK CO-PILOT: Tebogo Lekalakala chalked up 1,000 flying hours by August 2019
in San Antonio, USA. “She was the first black lady to fly for the flight inspection unit in 2019. Prior to that, she was an Air Force pilot from 2006 to 2018,” said Khoza. Flight inspector Gugu Comfort Mguni had 1,300 flying hours to his credit. He conducted his last training at the Global Navigation Satellite System for Aviation at Eurocontrol in Luxembourg. “Gugu became our first black flight inspector in 2013. Before he joined the CAA, he was a senior technician at SIA Solutions,” she explained. By Thursday, an SACAA statement confirmed the crash, which initially was thought to have occurred in the Ruiterbos area between Mossel Bay and George, had actually occurred near the Robinson Pass towards Oudtshoorn.
FIRST BLACK FLIGHT INSPECTOR: Gugu Mguni had 1,300 flying hours to his credit
NEWS & VIEWS
29 January 2020
CXPRESS
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Making history in Plettenberg Bay has never been this rewarding Local director of media and development company Watercourse MIKE KANTEY says he is amazed at the warm-hearted response - from so many people in Plett and beyond - to the first-ever Watercourse History Festival in Plettenberg Bay, from Thursday February 13 to Saturday the 15th full programme is included on page 9 of this edition, but the moment ought not to pass in paying tribute to some of those who have already made the Plett History Festival a roaring success. Firstly, tribute is due to Bitou Economic Development department head Lesley Jacobs, who had the foresight to back the festival and to shepherd it
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through the municipal administration channels. Although the grant-inaid was sufficiently modest and confirmed relatively late in 2019, it made initial organisation of the festival, as well as the subsequent media and publicity campaign, possible. As much praise ought to be bestowed upon Cindy Wilson-Trollip, Patty Butterworth, and their fellow
stalwarts at Plett Tourism. They took to the festival like flamingos to the shrimp beds of the Keurbooms and produced wonderful pre-publicity. Gordon Hoffmann of MC90.3fm developed some absorbing live reads on his radio station, which deserves far more support than it currently enjoys. CXPRESS graphic designer Sandi Smith, edi-
tors Lezanne Watson and Esther de Villiers, and advertising gurus Watty Watson and Linda Ausker have gone above and beyond the call of duty to realise their particularly efficient printadvertising campaign. Sandi is my ‘go-to’ lady when it comes to design, and has in years gone by helped Sonja and I with show posters and the like. Equal mention must be
made of Nicky Hirschberg and Tweak Design, associated with Insite Solutions, whose steady support, alongside the executive of the Van Plettenberg Historical Society, has not gone unnoticed. Finally, a big up to Hog Hollow, Fynbos Ridge and Bayview Hotel for providing first-class accommodation for several speakers. Final kudos are due to
the Plett Anglican Church, Burnt Orange, and Roost restaurant for providing venues at short notice as the offering expanded. What it tells me is that - despite our misgivings, uncertainties, and doubts about each other, the country and its future - when people work together, amazing things happen. See you at the Festival from February 13 to 15!
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NEWS & VIEWS
29 January 2020
ADVERTORIAL
Visiting children can now experience a day in the life of a truly South African Village Eco-preschool ITUATED at Old Nick Village, off the N2’s eastern entrance to Plett, a quaint little cottage set in the tranquil village garden serves as ideal venue for The Village Eco-preschool, which offers a unique, small group preschool programme in a beautiful and homely environment. The school practises the principle of non-discrim-
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ination - including discrimination based on race, sex, disability, religion, and cultural or social origin thereby striving towards a multicultural and multiracial society. As such, children from out of town or foreigners visiting Plett during the summer season are welcome to join in the fun. Visitors are invited to enrol their chil-
dren for a day, a week, or a month while on holiday in the beautiful seaside town. Owned and managed by teachers Inge Bassett and May Donegan, the school incorporates educational principles of the Montessori Methodology and creative aspects of the Waldorf Philosophy while maintaining a determined focus on the integration of environ-
NATURAL HABITAT: Kids aged from 18 months upwards benefit greatly from the strong focus placed on environmental education by the Village Eco-preschool team
mental education and the natural world. The school has only two classes, allowing teachers to nurture each child in a quiet and gentle setting. The toddler class has a maximum of 15 children aged 18 months to three years. The pre-school class has a maximum of 20 children aged three to six years. Each class has a trained teacher, a teaching assistant, and a facilitator to assist those children in need of extra guidance. Early childhood education plays a vital role in developing a child’s identity in a manner that enables them to connect with and contribute to their environment. A carefully structured in/outdoor environment at the eco-school has the added advantage of bringing hands-on environmental education into the preschool experience. The learning programme keeps children in touch with nature through active eco-
logical education within the surrounding natural environment. Plettenberg Bay, with seven unique ecosystems and Robberg and Keurbooms Nature Reserves right on its doorstep, provides the ideal outside environment to facilitate educational excursions that promote the importance of nature conservation.
Afternoon activities such as yoga, art, drama, sports, and the Nature Club are offered to all children aged four to nine years. Contact the school on 072 605 8573 to enquire about rates and to book a space, or visit www.thevillage-ecopre school.co.za and see the advert on this page to find out more about the school.
Plett’s Grey High boys bring home the bling The boys pictured here have been together at school since Grade 1, following their Plett Primary years with a brilliant secondary school career at Grey High in Port Elizabeth, where they are now in matric. Celebrating their win of the athletics trophy for Merriway Hostel are, from left, Tieg Schulz, Oliver Harrow, Oliver Roode, Liam Schulz and Luc Schulz. (The Schultz trio and their older brother, also Oliver, featured in our January 28 edition back in 2009, when they were the first set of triplets to sign up at Plett Primary.) The Grey inter-house sports day was held on January 23 and our Plett boys were proud to be part of the victorious Team Merriway, which comprises athletes from the boarding hostel. Says mom Jane Schultz: “They have such pride in their school and share a really special brotherhood.” Doing their hometown proud, too, is the fact that Oli Roode is the deputy head boy of the school, while Oli Harrow is a hostel prefect.
NEWS & VIEWS
29 January 2020
Bitou beefs up revenue protection B ITOU Municipality is reaping the benefits of recent revenue protection training. During 2017/18, the municipality’s electrical technical and non-technical losses stood at 13.16%, i.e. above national energy regular NERSA’s acceptable technical and non-technical losses marker of 12%. By 2018/19 though, Bitou’s energy losses had been reduced to 9.55% - a saving of R3,697,192 that moved this Category B municipality into best-performing utility benchmark territory. Among the challenges identified as contributing to the municipality’s losses were: a chaotic approach to revenue protection, no meter management system, no effective working relations between finance department and electricity, meters not registered after hours, no seals system in place, illegal
connections, tampering, incorrect meter readings, and access to credit meters. Actions taken to reduce losses included setting up a free two-day basic revenue protection training course with Rens Bindeman as facilitator. Neighbouring municipalities were also invited to participate in the training. Following the training, a task team was established to work on reducing losses. The team included representatives from water, electricity, IT and finance, which helped to strengthen relations between the departments. Despite having limited resources, a revenue protection section with effective controls was set up and audits carried out. Tampered and bypassed meters were replaced with split meters, illegal connections were removed, and penalties issued. Bitou Municipality is pre-
paring for 2020 by arranging follow-up revenue protection training. They will be increasing the frequency of their zero and low consumption reports and will set up a hotline for reporting illegal connections. They aim to convert credit meters to smart meters along with AMI (advanced metering infrastructure) and intend moving the meters outside. They have run an AMR (automated meter readings) pilot and are now ready to draw up specifications for the AMR installation. The municipality also intends installing meters in 21 of their 70 pump stations. • This report was compiled from excerpts of a Bitou Local Municipality case study entitled ‘Converting Knowledge into Practice’ by Electrical department senior manager Jemaine Cupido.
Smooth sail through season for Knysna UNICIPAL manager Dr Sitembele Vatala last Friday reported an incident-free holiday period for Greater Knysna. “One again we planned well and could see the results. As in previous years, we employed temporary staff to manage the increase in traffic and visitors, so traffic flow was good.” The increase in visitor numbers also provides additional business opportu-
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nities and Vatala said they allocated temporary trading licences to 23 informal traders to operate at prominent trade spots. “These, as well as additional point operators to manage traffic, created much-needed jobs.” Vatala said public drinking and alcohol misuse on beaches and public picnic areas remain a concern and relevant authorities within the municipality had been
asked to come up with a plan to manage this. Visit Knysna general manager Colleen Durant said the local industry indicated that they enjoyed a highly successful season - especially eateries, entertainment, and activities. “Feedback also showed a higher number of international visitors during the season - a trend we must encourage as the local economic climate is under pressure.”
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, 30 January 2020 at 9:00
DR SW VATALA MUNICIPAL MANAGER Clyde Street KNYSNA 6570
KNYSNA PLAASLIK MUNISIPALITEIT Kennis geskied hiermee ingevolge Artikel 19 van die Plaaslike Regering: Munisipale Stelsels Wet, 2000, van die datum van die volgende vergadering wat sal plaasvind in die Munisipale Raadsaal: Gewone Munisipale Raadsvergadering:
Donderdag, 30 Januarie 2020 om 9:00
DR SW VATALA MUNISIPALE BESTUURDER CLYDESTRAAT KNYSNA 6570
UMASIPALA WENGINGQI WASE KNYSNA Nasi isaziso ngokwe Candelo 19 Lomthetho weeNkqubo zikaMasipala nombolo 2000, malunga nolu suku lulandelayo lwentlanganiso eyakubanjelwa kwiGumbi leKhansile: Intlanganiso kaMasipala eqhelekileyo yeBhunga:
NgoLwesine, umhla we30 kweyoMqungu 2020 ngentsimbi ye9:00
DR SW VATALA UMANEJALA KAMASIPALA CLYDE SITALATO KNYSNA 6570 www.ayandambanga.co.za
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CXPRESS
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29 January 2020
INTERVAL
Serving our country soldier sought shelter in the cook’s tent during a dust storm that swept over the camp during war manoeuvres. He noticed that the lid of the soup kettle was awry, permitting dust to blow into the soup. He called it to the cook’s attention. “If you’d put that lid more firmly on that ket-
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tle, we wouldn’t get so much dust and dirt with our soup,” he said tartly. “See here my young lad,” said the cook angrily, “my business is to serve you food and your business is to serve your country.” “Quite right. My business is to serve my country, but not to eat it,” the soldier replied.
First aid genius T was a stifling hot day and a man fainted in the middle of a busy intersection. Traffic quickly piled up in all directions while a woman rushed to help him. When she knelt down to loosen his collar, a man emerged from the crowd, pushed her aside, and said: “It’s all right, I
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know first aid.” The woman stood up and watched as he took the ill man’s pulse and prepared to administer artificial respiration. At this point the woman tapped the man on the shoulder and said: “When you get to the part about calling a doctor, I’m already here.”
On work evaluations OME of you might like to know what your bosses are really saying in all those glowing employee work performance evaluations: • A keen analyst: Thoroughly confused. • Expresses self well: Can string two sentences together. • Spends extra hours at
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work: Miserable home life. • Conscientious and careful: Scared. • Meticulous in attention to detail: A nit-picker. • Demonstrates qualities of leadership: Has a loud voice. • Judgment is usually sound: Lucky. • Keen sense of humour: Knows lots of dirty jokes.
Close up pictures of tennis players just look like people trying really hard to control their telekinetic powers...
SOCIAL SCENE
29 January 2020
CXPRESS
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People, places & events CATCH THIS CAT IN THE CONSERVATORY: Sensational songbird Cat Simoni, at left, celebrates her return to Bosky Dell over Valentine’s weekend after four months of singing in the clubs of the seven-star Ritz Carlton in Bahrain. Two concerts have been scheduled at the magnificent rose garden cum conservatory venue located off the Plett/Knysna N2, but take note that Friday night’s show was sold out by early last week already. This leaves the Saturday show, entitled ‘Days of Wine and Roses’, when Cat will perform her interpretation of the great romantic songwriters’ works, from Gershwin and Cole Porter, Jerome Kern, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Bernstein & Sondheim and Johnny Mercer, to the singers we never stop loving: Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Dean Martin, Etta James, Dusty Springfield… Taking into account the unpredictable weather, it has been decided to hold Saturday’s concert in the conservatory. Guests will be free to either picnic in the garden or the conservatory/pavilion and wander around at will, enjoying the roses and the tranquillity of the beautiful valley. Tickets cost R250 per person, gates open at 11:30am and the concert will start at noon. Bring your own picnic or savour one of the freshly-baked pizzas on sale, with refreshments from the gin and Pimm’s cash bar. Tickets are available from Barney Barnard at the Market Square info kiosk or call 044 533 3219 for further details.
ANGELS ENTHRAL INTERNATIONAL AUDIENCE: On the evening of Saturday January 25, a performance of Opera Angels - which included music drawn from opera, motion pictures, the classical oeuvre, and musicals - was given by Lisa Engelbrecht and Lindsay Thomson at St Peter’s Anglican Church hall in Plettenberg Bay. Among those who attended were, at top from left, Patricia and Floris Oyevaar of Monte Carlo, Monaco, and Ann and Evert van den Brandhof of Cannes, France, all of whom are presently on holiday in South Africa. Above from left are Jill Kernick, Corinne Fernlea, Killi and Jan Hough - all of Plettenberg Bay - together with Catherine Ogilvie Richards of Inverness, Scotland. Enjoying the evening of musical entertainment, at right, are Alistair and Bets Flood, who have homes in both South Africa and England. Proceeds from the evening were donated to the St Peter’s Church outreach programme and Hospice Plett. - Timothy Twidle
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CXPRESS
CLASSIFIEDS
29 January 2020
MPC
ON THE SOAPBOX
29 January 2020
Letters to the Editor
Email: editor@cxpress.co.za - Fax: 044 533 0852 - PO Box 1449, Plett 6600
Only two days left to send your comments on land expropriation bill to parliament I wonder how many readers are aware that written submissions - to parliament, in regard to the proposed Land Expropriation Bill - need to be received no later than Friday January 31. The ANC and EFF sections of government want to change Section 25 of the Constitution to allow expropriation of land without compensation.
Other than for the alarming concept of expropriation without compensation per se, there are several clauses, terms and concepts that raise the alarm. What is the position of agricultural land that is lying fallow - a recommended farming practice? According to the EFF, this is deemed to be ‘unoccupied’ land and is
This is how we make instant international rugby heroes... I am sure that Hilton Lobberts is over the moon with joy and pride since CXPRESS has elevated him to the ranks of one of our World Cup heroes [see page 12 of the January 22 issue at www. cxpress.co.za]. Gavin Nefdt, Plett (“Oops…” That’s the content editor’s attempt
at not uttering profanities while blushing redder than a Disa uniflora, caused by profound embarrassment. Gavin heard the long backstory from the horse’s mouth as soon as his email landed last week, but rather than repeat here the cause of said erratum, let’s suffice with: “You’re most welcome, Mr Lobberts!” - Eds.)
thus forfeit. What does the statement ‘property not limited to land’ mean? Are the proposed changes only about land, or is something devious being slipped in? Is there a ‘sleight-of-hand’ in play? If this bill is approved, which I am sure it will be, what happens to homeowners who have a bond? Do they stop paying the bond, as their house may have to be surrendered to the State at any time? Will the banks have to carry the brunt of this? If not, who does? The proposed bill contains the term ‘intangible property’. What does that mean? Surely this must be clearly defined. The new subsection 25(3A) provides that ‘national legislation must, subject to subsections (2) and (3), set out specific circumstances where a
court of law may determine that the amount of compensation is nil’. I am aware of the strong emotions aroused around land issues, such as happened in Kenya in the 1950s with the bloody Mau Mau uprising, the classic Stolen Lands issue and, more recently, State-approved land grabs in Zimbabwe. Surely though, in South Africa, we are more civilised and thus should incorporate into the proposed bill some form of arbitration by a non-governmental body. Will expropriation be carried out in an orderly fashion or will we see ‘land invasions’ as happened in Zimbabwe? We certainly live in alarming and uncertain times. Email your comments to section25@parliament. gov.za - time is short! Kevin Meineke, Plett
Waste workers and law enforcers now called upon to tackle toxic hotspot around New Horizons Clinic
WHAT A DISGRACE: Clinic staff and New Horizons Care Group members had to clear this cul-de-sac of broken glass, garden refuse and more before it was safe to park there; where were Bitou’s law enforcement officers and waste management team when called upon?
These photographs, at left, show the deplorable state of the area around New Horizons Clinic. Sister Elna Appelo arrived for work on Friday January 10, but did not dare park in the clinic parking lot, which is accessible from the cul-desac between Baywatch Liquors and the clinic. Bottles had been thrown over the fence littering the parking area with glass. The cul-de-sac and the kerbside were also covered in glass, probably broken by those who drink there illegally. Apart from glass, there was much rubbish on the tarred square leading off the cul-de-sac and a heap of garden refuse from previous clean-ups was never removed. A call by the ward councillor to Bitou Waste Management did not lead to any results. Finally, Toekie Spies of New Horizons Care Group with her grand-
son and two volunteers cleaned up the area on Monday January 13. To those in New Horizons who perpetrate these deeds: do you really want to live in such a shambles? Do you want to contribute further to the deterioration of the area? Are you aiming to increase the risk of infections? And to Bitou Law Enforcement: Drinking in public has been going on in this spot for years. Is it not your jurisdiction to vigorously put an end to it once and for all? Doris Fornefeld, Plett (Doris serves as secretary for the New Horizons Care Group, and in the same capacity on the New Horizons Cluster Clinic committee. We commend these remedial actions and would like to be updated on whether the relevant municipal officials have stepped up to the plate in this regard, as per their mandate. - Eds.)
Without admission of any liability, CXPRESS, its printer and publisher apologise for any harm which may have been occasioned by publication of the letter ‘Your unsightly blight on pathway is also a serious fire hazard’ in the January 15 edition.
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CXPRESS
SPORT & ADVENTURE
29 January 2020
Plett Nippers impress during first carnival of 2020 season
ENTRAL Beach was a bustling hive of activity last weekend, when Plett Surf Lifesaving Club (PSLC) hosted the year’s first Nipper Carnival - invariably a sight to behold as
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youngsters aged seven to 14 compete in a range of races in the surf and on the sand. Plett’s high-performing Nippers have been making waves over the years when attaining impressive
podium positions during annual national championships, held at the season’s conclusion in March/April and featuring teams from all along the SA coastline. The mega clubs from KZN and the Cape, where lifesaving is a sport practised and perfected by successions of generations, have often been surprised by the fighting spirit of the comparatively small contingent of Plett participants. And this year’s event, hosted by Lifesaving SA at King’s Beach in Port Elizabeth, should once again produce
some star performances. But when points were tallied at the Plett Surf clubhouse after all races were run, swum, and paddled by late Sunday morning, PE’s Summerstrand Nippers were victorious by a wide margin. So there’s work to be done before the trek east for this year’s nationals from March 19-21. But the level of determination and sportsmanship displayed by the 64 PSLC Nippers who competed in age categories from U9 to U14 last weekend once again set heads turning - and had the cameras clicking of not only family and club members, but also those of the many tourists who flocked to Central Beach in Saturday’s perfect Plett weather. Boding well for the future of the local club is the large amount of Micro Nippers signing up each season (44 seven and eight-year-olds represented Plett on the beach this weekend), while an effective development programme has been producing top athletes from previously disadvantaged areas. The management team of Plett Surf Lifesaving Club thanks everyone who contributed to the event’s success, with members, parents and coaches joining forces to ensure a particularly smooth-running carnival. If you are interested in be-
coming a club member or registering your child as a Nipper, please email Shameera Paruk at plettsurf club@gmail.com or phone 083 304 5087 for any additional information.
Plett Nipper Carnival results • 1st SS - 2604 • 2nd Plett - 1574 • 3rd East London 446 • 4th King’s Beach - 353 • 5th Mossel Bay - 197 • 6th Hobie Beach - 55 • 7th BW Bay 52 • 8th Seagulls 43
KNOW YOUR WAY IN THE WAVES: The sport of Nippers is great fun but serious business at the same time, as participants are required to swim, paddle and run over a variety of distances; it’s also perfect preparation for junior lifesaving, and Nippers currently registered at Plett Surf Lifesaving Club range in age from Micros (U7/8) to U14s - see more pics in the gallery at www.cxpress.co.za - Photos: Mandy McNicol and Martin Hurwitz
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