29 july

29 July 2015

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

FREE

Photo: Glenn Murray Photography

‘Lion’ roars in KZN p2

Murder at Wadrift p3

Lucky Mark’s tale p5

The Western Province rugby squad’s decision to use Plett as host for its training camp last week brought happiness to the hearts of local fans young and old, while the players in turn enjoyed our ‘hood’s many natural splendours - here former Knysna High star Kurt Coleman, left, and Springbok loose forward Nizaam Carr prepare for a zipline adventure with AfriCanyon - read the story on page 12

WP jou lekker ding!

10 000 FREE COPIES OF CXPRESS DISTRIBUTED ALONG THE GARDEN ROUTE EVERY WEDNESDAY

2

CXPRESS

News & Views

29 July 2015

Groundswell of global support for local lobbyist’s lion campaign Sixteen years of research and lobbying against South Africa’s predator breeding and ‘canned’ lion hunting practices recently reached a climax for Plettenberg Bay resident and Eden to Addo director Ian Michler - MELISSA REITZ reports

T

HE story of Ian Michler’s quest is revealed in the hard-hitting documentary Dnqqf"Nkqpu that had its first screenings at the Durban International Film Festival last week.

The 85-minute film, which received standing ovations and an overwhelming global response, follows the journey of investigative journalist Michler, and that of American hunter Rick Swazey, who buys a lion online and then comes out to South Africa to see how easy it is to shoot it.

Many well-known conservationists and welfare experts are interviewed in the film, providing a compelling narrative that exposes the horrors behind the multimillion dollar industry and the false conservation claims made by operators.

The film also exposes cub-

petting and ‘walking with lions’ operations as nothing other than lucrative commercial operations with no conservation merits at all.

Locally produced by Regulus Vision in collaboration with the Wildlands Conservation Trust, Dnqqf" Nkqpu is directed by Bruce Young and well-known filmmaker Nick Chevallier.

The film has been accepted at film festivals worldwide and will be screened in the European and Australian Parliaments.

The Blood Lions campaign, which aims at bringing an end to canned hunting and the exploitative breeding of predators on farms across South Africa, will also be given a significant boost by the film’s release.

The inhumane practice of breeding lions for the sport of hunting them under cap-

tive conditions is still, surprisingly, legal in South Africa. Although previous Environmental minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk called the practice “a cancer” in our country, present minister Edna Molewa seems to think otherwise.

She claims that canned hunting is banned and refers instead to the practices as “captive” hunting, stating that the latter is legal if the animal is not tranquilised.

However, almost all conservationists disagree with her. They claim the wordplay is an attempt to hide the reality: lions are still being bred in captivity to be shot in captivity.

According to Michler’s research, approximately 1,000 lions are being shot annually and about 1,100 are being killed for the burgeoning lion bone trade in the East.

With up to 7,000 lions in captivity across the country, there are roughly as few as 3,000 left in the wild, and the industry continues to grow with the Eastern Cape region being one of the busiest.

Just last year, well-known Port Elizabeth lion park Seaview was refused its annual rates rebate after Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality accused it of participating in canned hunting by selling lions to the Cradock hunting reserve Tam Safaris, and tigers to South Africa’s leading bone exporter, Letsatsi la

Africa in the Free State.

“The captive breeding industry has no conservation and rehabilitation value whatsoever,” says Michler, who adds that no lion ecologist or recognised conservation agency supports these breeding facilities.

Michler, who is the special consultant to Dnqqf" Nkqpu, has taken the campaign beyond South African borders, addressing parliamentarians in Australia and European countries to raise awareness.

As a result, the Australian government placed a permanent ban on the importation of all lion parts and trophies into Australia earlier this year. He hopes that both Europe and the USA will soon take a similar stance.

“Although the global response to the film and campaign has been overwhelming, we are not yet at the end of the road as we still need to change legislation and ban this practice in South Africa altogether,” says Michler, adding that although there is no progress yet, our government has now shown a willingness to engage with the campaign.

Screenings of Dnqqf"Nkqpu, hosted by Eden to Addo, will be scheduled for the Garden Route - visit www. bloodlions.org for dates and information, or go to www. facebook.com/BloodLions Official to be part of the campaign.

BRED FOR THE BULLET: The poster promoting ‘Blood Lions’, which was screened at last week’s Durban International Film Festival

BLEAK FUTURE: Currently, approximately 1,000 lions are being killed annually in canned or captive hunts across South Africa, those with black manes attracting premium prices for breeders and hunting operators

LOCKED IN: Up to 7,000 lions live in captivity across South Africa, and the industry continues to grow with the Eastern Cape being one of the busiest regions

NO SEA VIEW: Breeders and predator facilities are involved in a range of unethical and unnatural practices - the lion and tiger pictured here call a well-known Port Elizabeth lion park ‘home’ Photos: Copyright Ian Michler

News & Views

29 July 2015

CXPRESS

3

Mystery surrounds Wittedrift murder: no sign of theft and not a single shot heard Police are seeking information on what is rapidly becoming the high-profile murder of a former Wellington wine estate owner in Wittedrift on July 24 - NIKKI RIDLEY reports

T

HE body of the 66-yearold ‘retiree’ and new Wittedrift resident John Barns was discovered at 4am on Friday July 24.

The owner of the new Eventide Lodge (previously Wadrift), Barns had been shot once in the back of his head. He was found on his bedroom floor, next to the body of his dog, which had also been shot once.

Mystery surrounds the murder due to the lack of evidence pointing to a robbery and the fact that no-one on the property claims to have heard anything.

According to SAPS forensics and investigators on the scene, it appears that noth-

TRACES OF THE PAST: The once-tranquil private nature reserve at the turnoff to Wittedrift still displays some of the old signage - there was no sign of forced entry or any other evidence of a robbery - Photo: Nikki Ridley

Murder mystery at Wadrift Mike Kantey

S

EEMS quite ironic that, when a local skirmish took place at the hands of Baviaanskloof Khoekhoe and Amagqunukhwebe rebels and early Dutch-speaking settlers, the settlers sought refuge in Wittedrift.

Despite strenuous efforts on the part of the recently formed Wittedrift Neighbourhood Watch, an unknown perpetrator managed to penetrate the defences last week and gunned down 66-year-old recent arrival John Barns and his dog just at the entrance to Wittedrift Main Road.

All evidence indicates some kind of knowledge of the assassin on the part of the victim. Somehow, the assassin gained access without forcible entry and without any noise from any dogs (possibly because

they knew him and his vehicle already).

Then, according to the victim’s wife, there was “a scuffle” but no sound of any shots, suggesting the use of a silencer, or at least a heavy cloth or pillow to muffle the sound.

All things considered, the challenge seems less to the integrity of the Wittedrift Neighbourhood Watch, and more to one of the most successful detectives in the Plett branch of the SA Police Service: detective warrant officer John Nomdoe, whose uncanny ability to solve murder cases this writer holds in the highest regard.

• Mike Kantey serves on the committee of the Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association and is intricately involved in local community policing.

ing was taken, and there has been no sign of a forced entry. They also stated that the body was discovered by Barns’ wife, Elizabeth.

Elizabeth Barns was allegedly asleep in the living room, surrounded by another five dogs that were evidently not alerted by any movement or sounds until she was woken by a “scuffling” noise, soon thereafter discovering the bodies of her husband and his border collie in his room.

Investigators also said that a couple, both of whom work for the Barns and live on the property, did not hear any shots or dogs barking.

Previously of the familyowned Mischa Wine Estate in Wellington, John and Elizabeth Barns moved here in January. They had been reno-

vating what was once known as Wadrift Private Nature Reserve and venue, and had recently installed signage for their new venture, Eventide Lodge, which was not yet officially opened.

SAPS officials were unable to provide further details, saying only that an autopsy was scheduled for this week as well as ballistic tests, and that the investigation was still in its early stages.

The Barns family was not available for comment, but according to an SAPS media release a reward has been offered for any information leading to the arrest of the perpetrator/s.

Plett SAPS have opened a murder docket, and anyone with information can contact detective John Nomdoe on 044 501 1900 or 072 239 3289. All information will be regarded as confidential.

4

CXPRESS

News & Views

29 July 2015

Knysna wards mark only DA wins countrywide The DA managed a landslide victory in the recent by-elections, retaining its outright majority in Knysna Council - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports

M

ORE than 3,000 Knysna residents went to the polls last week Wednesday after two seats became vacant following the resignation of local councillors.

Chairman for the East region of the DA Western Cape, Jaco Londt, said former councillor Michelle Wasserman moved on to focus on her career outside of politics while long-time councillor Richard Dawson resigned due to health issues.

After the votes were counted late on Wednesday even-

ing, the party managed a convincing victory in both the wards that were contested.

DA candidate Peter Myers was the clear winner in Ward 10 after managing to garner 99.15% or 1,397 of the 1,409 votes while the only other candidate, the ANC’s Moyisi Magalela, only secured 12 votes.

Mark Willemse also managed the majority votes in Ward 9 with 68.98% or 1,301 of the 1,886 votes.

Icosa’s Neville Korkee received 317 votes and COPE’s

Ruth Christians managed 200, while the ANC’s Donovan Pofadder received 68 votes.

According to the Independent Electoral Commission, voter turnout in Ward 9 was 48.02% while 39.59% went to the polls in Ward 10.

The DA’s victory in Knysna was the party’s only two wins out of the 10 seats that had been up for grabs nationally. Seven of the wards were won by ANC councillors while one other seat was taken by an Inkatha Freedom Party representative.

PLEDGING ALLEGIANCE TO KNYSNA: Two newly elected Democratic Alliance ward councillors, Mark Willemse (Ward 9), and Peter Myers (Ward 10), were welcomed into the Knysna Council during a special council meeting on Friday July 24 at 10am - in the pic above, Willemse is sworn in

by Legal Services manager Melony Paulsen and at right, she leads Myers through the Solemn Affirmation

Walk with Green Hearts to protect Plettenberg Bay’s children

T

HE Green Hearts will host a walk to request a dedicated FCS (Family violence, Child protection and Sexual offences) Unit for Plettenberg Bay on Saturday August 1 at 11am from the whale tail traffic circle opposite The Grand in Main Street to the SAPS precinct,

Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

with the Plett Pioneers Field Band leading the walk.

Says organiser Yvette Wilschut: “This will be a relaxed walk and everyone is welcome. We desperately need an FCS in our area - the current unit is based in George and services an area up to Natures Valley with only

17 investigating officers, whereas the two precincts in Port Elizabeth alone have 62 members.

“So please support us by walking along. Together we can make a difference to further protect our children.”

Phone Yvette on 082 413 8077 for more information.

News & Views

29 July 2015

CXPRESS

5

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN

Another Mr Bolhuis with a harrowing tale to tell Regular CXPRESS contributor HENK BOLHUIS, whose series on World War II and his visit to Dachau concentration camp enthralled readers over the past months, now shares this latterday account of a very lucky son of a gun: his third-eldest, Mark

O

N Saturday afternoon July 11 around 4pm, while a friend and I were sitting in front of the TV preparing to watch the Springboks take on a World XV at Newlands, my third-eldest son, Mark Bolhuis, was accidentally shot at a shooting range in Port Elizabeth.

Mark, Lynnette, and their sons Jacques and Steven are well known in Plettenberg Bay and Knysna, as they lived here for six years from 1984 to 1990 before leaving and later settling in Port Elizabeth.

Firearms have always played an important part in Mark’s life, given his involvement with the South African military and commando services. He collected firearms and, at some point, boasted an assortment of some 22 weapons.

Mark worked in Iraq and Afghanistan for six and a half years and is capable of using firearms while being well aware of the dangers involved if safety rules are

not strictly adhered to.

On that Saturday, Mark and his sister-in-law’s son went to the range to shoot some of their rifles and handguns.

After the rifle session they packed up and went down into the quarry to the pistol ranges, where the club was busy with a competition shootout.

Mark and the youngster were standing in the safezone having a conversation with the club secretary and one or two of the other club members about 10 metres away from the firing positions, when all of a sudden a bullet struck him on the left side of his head, at the bottom of his ear.

The resident medic stabilised Mark and another member rushed him to the hospital’s casualty ward, where he was examined by doctors. X-rays were taken and the assigned specialist requested a full CT scan to be taken before any prognoses could be given.

The discovery was over-

whelming and inexplicable; it was discovered that a 9mm copper-point bullet had entered over the carotid artery, but miraculously missed this artery and several vital parts in that area of the neck, before the bullet embedded itself in a precautious place deep inside his skull.

The specialist said to Mark: “Mr Bolhuis, you are very, very, very lucky to be alive today. I have never in my career seen anyone survive such a shot. This is a miracle - and some story to tell!”

Because the bullet is imbedded in soft tissue and muscle, deep inside the skull where it causes no threat, the doctors decided to leave it there. An operation would, at this point in time, be more problematic.

We as a family wish to thank the Lord Jesus Christ, for His protection over Mark’s life.

He has since been released from hospital and is recovering at home - please keep praying for his speedy and complete recovery.

‘EAR ‘EAR: The entry wound below Mark’s ear, left, and one of the X-rays showing where the bullet is lodged in soft tissue inside his skull, at right

WHOLE FAMILY: Mark, right, and Lynette Bolhuis with their boys Jacques and Steven are extremely grateful that Mark’s life was spared when a stray bullet hit him at a PE shooting range

6

CXPRESS

News & Views

29 July 2015

Feeding our poor is now more challenging than ever before Nikki Ridley

M

Acting head Mrs Schnell rubs shoulders with Etienne van Wyk and Oliver Even the girls were queuing for members of the team’s management and Roode show off Plett Primary’s autographs. player signed p y Juan de Jongh, g right. g g jjersey. y

ANY Garden Routers will be familiar with Born Free Feeding Schemes.

Non-denominational preacher Pastor Allan Jubber and his wife Saleena have been operating their full-time, daily ministry and feeding service in The Crags and far beyond for the past 15 years.

Originally from the Eastern Cape, the Jubbers say they were “called by God” to move to the Garden Route to help people here.

They settled in The Crags and, from that base, have honoured this calling on a daily basis by going into disadvantaged communities, identifying those in dire need, feeding them and ministering to them.

“We use our Crags location as spring-board and although we are centred on Kurland Village, we visit all disadvantaged communities along the Garden Route and past Storms River, taking the gospel to people and feeding the poorest of the poor.

“Most of the children in these communities are undernourished, and many of the babies suffer from foetal alcohol syndrome. We go into the areas most affected by poverty to feed and clothe less fortunate children, teenage families and those who are destitute or terminally ill.

“I can assure you that this is a mammoth task. We have been horrified to find babies with sugar water in their bottles, as there is no other food for them.”

In addition to the daily feeding initiatives, Jubber says they will soon be starting a “series of crusades” educating teens on the dangers and consequences of drug and alcohol abuse, and concurrently running an HIV/Aids awareness programme.

“Teenagers are leaving school at an early age and unfortunately getting involved in alcohol, drugs, gangs and prostitution,” he explains, adding that crystal meth or ‘tik’ is a significant contribu-

tor to the prevalent poverty, ravaging the youth of these communities.

“Girls as young as 12 and 13 are addicted. They don’t go to school and many get pregnant. There are lots of teenage pregnancies and this contributes to the number of children lining up in the streets for food when we go there.”

Until this year, the Jubbers have not had to appeal for public support to the extent they do now; it has been a difficult year for them and for Born Free.

Jubber explains that, while they have always relied on goodwill, they were until re-

cently largely funded by family members in the Eastern Cape who assisted with their fundraising.

However, in the past two years this source of funding has dried up as these family members have died.

“I have buried my whole family in the past two years,” says Jubber. “It has always been difficult, but this year has been the most challenging to date, and we appeal to the people of the Garden Route for assistance to raise funds for expenses.”

Contact Allan Jubber on 072 795 8191 or at bornfree ministeries@gmail.com if you can assist in any way.

DAILY BREAD AND MORE: Born Free Feeding Schemes is a ministry and registered NPO based in The Crags run by Pastor Allan Jubber and his wife Saleena, who venture out daily with food they buy and cook themselves, and find hundreds lining up for what might be the only nourishment available to them in the pic above, Saleena dishes hearty soup for everyone on a cold day; below, the kids say grace before tucking in

Notice Board • The SA Institute of Electrical Engineers Southern Cape invites all interested parties to attend a lecture on and demonstration of 3D printing by Johann Swanepoel vqfc{ *Lwn{" 4;+ at 4:30pm in the conference hall of George Civic Centre.

Entrance is free and scholars are particularly welcome, as this is a unique opportunity to learn about and witness a unit at work.

To facilitate catering, kindly notify the organiser at southern.cape.saiee@gmail. com of numbers that will attend, or phone Lindo Hauptfleisch on 083 455 7803 for

additional information.

• Knysna Plett Concert Series presents tenor Sandile Mabaso accompanied by Andrew Cruikshank (harpsichord) and Colleen Oxtoby (viola da gamba) on Cwiwuv" 7 - an evening of Renaissance and Baroque music and song performed by true professionals.

Cruikshank is also a pianist and singer who has performed all over SA. His compositions were premiered by UK chamber group The Schubert Ensemble.

Oxtoby studied in Pretoria and Salzburg and has a part-

time career in teaching and performing. A pianist and cellist, she more recently discovered the allure of the viola da gamba.

Mabaso began his choral training with the Drakensberg Boys Choir. He has performed in several operas in SA and the Netherlands and has toured Germany, France and Sweden with the Cape Town Opera Vocal Ensemble. Catch this awesome threesome at the DRC hall in Fitchat Street, Knysna, at 7:30pm. Tickets are sold at the door from 6:45pm at R120 for adults and non members (students: R30).

Business

29 July 2015

What does the rate rise mean to homebuyers?

T

HE interest rate increases announced last week

by Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago will translate, for existing homeowners, into an increase of some R127 per month on a 20-year home loan of R785,000 - the current national average approved bond amount, according to South Africa’s biggest mortgage origination group BetterLife Home Loans.

“The difference for firsttime buyers will be R98 per month on the average home loan of R600,000 that is currently being approved in this sector of the market,” notes BetterLife CEO Shaun Rademeyer.

The increase of 25 basis points is the first since July 2014 and takes the repo rate to 6% and the variable home loan interest rate to 9.5%. It will thus push up the minimum monthly instalments on home loans by R16 for every R100,000 borrowed.

“Meanwhile, new buyers will no doubt find it more difficult to qualify for home

Investor Focus

loans, even if they are able to borrow at prime,” he says.

“The household income requirement for the average loan will rise from around R24,000 per month to around R24,400 - a R400 per month increase that may be difficult to achieve when the repayments on other debts have now also been increased and wage increases are low.

“Governor Kganyago reported on July 23 that the pace of wage growth had slowed to 4.1% in the first quarter of 2015, and that the economy was only forecast to grow by just over 2% this year.”

Rademeyer says that with consumers also known to be under increasing pressure from rising food and utility costs, the banks can be expected to maintain strict credit control criteria now to ensure borrowers do not become over-indebted and will be able to manage all their debt repayments at the higher interest rate level.

“And in response to the

announcement, prospective homebuyers would be welladvised to obtain pre-qualification for a home loan before they start looking for a property, so that they know what they can realistically afford.

“They should also try to save a deposit of at least 10% of the purchase price, not only because it will make it easier for them to qualify for a loan, but because it will give them some financial leeway if rates continue to increase over the next two years as expected.”

Finally, Rademeyer says, they should apply for their loan through a reputable mortgage originator to ensure that their application is submitted correctly and properly motivated, so affording them the best chance of securing an approval.

“At BetterLife, our statistics show that we are currently able to obtain approvals for 75% of the applications we submit, which compares very well with the current overall approval rate of 50% of applications,” he concludes.

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

Exchange Traded Funds: The Satrix FINI

T

HIS ETF is highly focused on the financial sector and is made up of only 15 shares. The details are as follows: • Old Mutual 16% • Standard Bank 16% • First Rand 13.5% • Sanlam 10.1% The above companies make up 55% of the ETF, and also included are: • Investec 5.5% • Growthpoint 5.4% • Barclays A (Absa) 4.9% • INTU Properties 4.7% Approximately 15.6% of the companies are listed offshore, thus offering a degree of Rand hedge, while all of the banks and the insurance companies have diversified either into Africa or other emerging markets.

The sectoral breakdown within the ETF is as follows: • Banks 42% • Life insurance 13% • REITS (property) 10.2% • Financial services 7.8% • Equity investment companies 5.75% These are all very solid companies with sound longterm track records. Over the last 12 months, they gave a 31.9% return; over three years they yielded 27.5% and over five years, 21%.

The current dividend yield is ±2.8% and the P/E ratio is just over 11%.

Other than Old Mutual and Standard Bank, which had bad experiences offshore, all of these companies have an unblemished track record.

Both Old Mutual and Stand-

ard Bank have now recovered from their foreign frolics and are well on their way to producing sound results.

While SA banks suffered from bad debts during the financial crisis, none were severely affected and all were well provisioned. They are all well capitalised and are, in the main, well managed.

It is my view that this ETF offers good value at current levels. The recent correction has availed an attractive entry point into this solid, wellmanaged sector.

Ocneqno"jcu"dggp"kp"vjg" kpxguvogpv"kpfwuvt{"hqt"qxgt" 62"{gctu0"Jg"jcu"ytkvvgp" vjku"eqnwop"kp"EZRTGUU" hqt"vjg"ncuv"39"{gctu"cpf"ku" c"urgekcnkuv"kp"ocpcikpi" tgvktgf"ygcnvj0

CXPRESS

7

8

CXPRESS

Interval

29 July 2015

I doubt, therefore I might be.

A self-righteous patient It didn’t take long!

A

N annoyingly selfrighteous man went to the doctor for a check-up.

He said: “I feel terrible.

Please examine me and tell me what’s wrong with me.”

“Let’s begin with a few questions,” said the doctor.

“Do you drink much?”

“Alcohol?” said the man.

“I’m a teetotaller. Never touch a drop.”

“How about smoking?” asked the doctor.

“Never,” replied the man.

“Tobacco is bad, and I have strong principles against it.”

“Well, uh,” asked the doctor, “do you have much of a sex life?”

“Oh, no,” said the man.

“Sex is sin. I’m in bed by 10:30 every night - always have been.”

The doctor paused, looked at the man hard, and asked: “Well, do you have pains in your head?”

“Yes,” replied the man. “I have terrible pains in my head.”

“Ok,” said the doctor.

“That’s your trouble. Your halo is on too tight.”

S

OME years ago a small rural town in Spain twinned with a similar town in Greece.

The mayor of the Greek town visited the Spanish town. When he saw the palatial mansion belonging to the Spanish mayor, he wondered aloud how on earth he could afford such a house.

The Spaniard replied: “You see that bridge over there?

The EU gave us a grant to construct a two-lane bridge, but by building a single-lane

bridge with traffic lights at either end, I could build this place.”

The following year the Spaniard visited the Greek town. He was simply amazed at the Greek mayor’s house: gold taps, marble floors, diamond doorknobs… it was marvellous.

When he asked how he’d raised the money to build this incredible house, the Greek mayor said: “You see that bridge over there?”

The Spaniard replied: “No.”

Alternatives to Facebook

T

HIS is for members of my generation who don’t really comprehend why Facebook exists, and for those of a younger generation, who don’t realise that there are alternatives: I am trying to make friends outside Facebook while applying the same principles.

Every evening I go down on the street and tell passers-by what I have eaten,

I

how I feel, what I have been doing and what I will do next.

I give them pictures of my family, my dog, and of me gardening and spending time in my shed.

I also listen to their conversations and I tell them I love them.

And it’s working! I already have three followers: two police officers and a psychiatrist!

In the waiting room

N the doctor’s rooms two patients are talking.

“You know, I had an appendectomy last month and the doctor left a sponge in me by mistake,” says the

first patient.

“A sponge!” exclaims the other, “and do you feel much pain?”

“No pain at all,” says the first, “but do I get thirsty!”

Panting and perspiring, two men on a tandem bicycle at last got to the top of a steep hill.

“That was a stiff climb,” said the first man.

“It certainly was,” replied the second man, “and if I hadn’t kept the brake on, we would have slid down backward.”

Statistically, six out of seven dwarfs are not Happy

“Table two can’t pay their bill... they’ve taken a vote, hoping you’ll reduce the amount owing and lend them the money to pay the remainder.”

Photo: Timothy Twidle

Social Scene

29 July 2015

CXPRESS

9

People, places & events

WELL PLAYED FOR PLETTAID: Annabelle Conyngham, left, and Hilary Matthews, vice chair and chair respectively of PlettAid Foundation, arranged a splendid performance of music at Ouland Royale in Plett on the afternoon of Saturday July 25, played by Lieva Starker on violin and Anneke Lamont on piano. The recital was well attended and those present enjoyed a programme of works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, Camille Saint-Saëns and Christoph Willibald Gluck, as well as South African composers Hendrik Hofmeyer and Péter Louis van Dijk. Proceeds from the event went towards funding for the Foundation, which provides home-based caring, palliative care and wellness instruction to the community of Bitou.

TIMELESS MOVIE TRACKS WARM KNYSNA HEARTS: Icy weather on Sunday July 12 quickly thawed when the Knysna Singers captured their audience’s imagination performing haunting tunes from famous box office hits.

Sandpiper’s timeless ‘The shadow of your smile’ and ‘My heart will go on’ from Titanic captivated the crowd, making it worthwhile for those who braved the cold weather. Tenor Peter Southey performed Dr Zhivago’s ‘Somewhere my love’ outstandingly in a heartfelt solo that he dedicated to a young member of his family. Eddie Hall’s performance of ‘Caravan’ deserves a special mention. Young Florence Watson’s beautiful solo ‘Fill the world with love’ accompanied by the choir, pictured above, warmed the hearts of many in the audience. Moira Schafer and her group of dedicated singers certainly crystallised precious movie memories of years gone by and judging by the merriment of the group after the encore, most had left the winter blues behind. - Elaine Smith

Photo: Topfoto

Photo: Peter Bishop

SPOTLIGHT ON HIT MEN: On Sunday July 19, Kwano Community Police Forum (CPF) and Angels Community Base Services hosted a successful event themed ‘Yes, men must report domestic violence’.

Among the invited guests were five representatives from each church and from several male-centred organisations in KwaNokuthula and Kranshoek. The Angels also joined forces with the local CPF to establish a committee to fight domestic violence against men. Pictured above from left in front are Sylvia Mtshamba of Angels Community Base Services, KwaNokuthula SAPS station commander Colonel Khewana, Ronnie from Famsa and Kwano CPF chairperson Denise Makhetha. At back from left are Shahied & Ashley Cassel, CJ May, Ignatius Jones, Melvin Jantjies, Thobela Danster, Sikhumbuzo Hewu, Mbulelo Mlauli and Vusumzi Lagwa (committee member Pringle Lucas was not available when the pic was taken).

ART GONE MAD: At the Big Fat Mad Art Party held on July 2 at Plett’s Lookout Centre, 140 life drawings were exhibited of which 53 were sold. Bravo! At right, artists Das Lyon and Myfanwy Bekker, right, rub shoulders. Below from left are Trevor Lonwabo, André Williams and Sivu Nkomo.

MR MVIMBI GETS THE NATIONAL NOD: Coach of the SWD U16A hockey team Abu Effendi, left, congratulates young Sam Mvimbi of Plettenberg Bay on his call-up to the national U16 squad. Sam is in his third year playing for Oakhill’s first XI.

Photo: Timothy Twidle

CAMPAIGNING IN KZN: Plett locals Ian Michler, Tessa van Schaik and their son Liam charm the camera before the film ‘Blood Lions’ premiered at last week’s Durban International Film Festival (see story on page 2). Said Ian: ‘In an incredible development on July 24, the Professional Hunters Association of SA (PHASA) issued a statement calling for a complete review of lion hunting practices countrywide - this after two senior board members came to a screening of ‘Blood Lions’. What progress, and the film has only been out for three days!’

A vociferous campaigner for the cause and director of Eden to Addo, Ian added that, although the hunters’ statement was to be welcomed, ‘Blood Lions called for the ending of all exploitative breeding and keeping of lions and other predators, as well as an end to canned hunting. Visit www.cxpress.co.za to view the full PHASA statement.

POPS & CO TOPS: A full house enjoyed a vibrant and lively evening of African music at Plett’s White House Theatre on July 4. Above, the ensemble of four eminent African musicians keep warm with a group hug after the show - from left are Sylvain Baloubeta from the Congo and South Africans Dave Reynolds, Pops Mohamed and Tony Cedras.

ON BEHALF OF THE BRAVE: Gerhard van Huyssteen, left, and Warren Prins look dapper in Durban last weekend while collecting their bravery awards for Oakhill student Devon Dodd, Plett locals Dr Herman Nell and Andre Barnard, and 11-year-old Hermann Meerholz of Mossel Bay. Lifesaving Eden administrator and Lifesaving South Africa (LSA) board member respectively, the duo represented our area during the LSA AGM in Durban from July 24-26. Now a handover ceremony is in the pipeline to present these awards to the deserving locals after their intricate involvement in three different rescue missions on the Route during the past year. The event will be held in Knysna at a date yet to be determined, and will coincide with the forming of Knysna Lifesaving Club. Watch this space for details.

RIDING HIGH FOR THE CLUB: The team at Plett Ski-Boat Club shared this pic of Kyle Kneen, and wrote: ‘The son of our much-loved maintenance manager Keith Kneen, Kyle finished the Knysna Oyster 50km cycle race in 2 hours 12 minutes not bad, considering the fastest cyclist did the race in 1:40. Kyle raced for Plett Ski-Boat Club and we are extremely proud of him.’

Photos: Timothy Twidle

10

CXPRESS

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

29 July 2015

Classifieds

On the Soapbox

29 July 2015

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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

Plett lifesaving stations need resuscitation

HANG OVER: The lifesaver hub at Sanctuary Beach reminds of Italy’s famous leaning tower after the sands have been shifted by violent tides

I enclose a picture of the lifesaver’s hut at Sanctuary Beach - and those at Robberg Five are in a similar condition. This has been the case for over a month.

All my efforts to bring this situation to the attention of the relevant people in charge have been in vain, and I was only pointed in another direction.

I did find someone at the

lifesaver shack on the main beach who informed me that they were aware of the problem but due to the high water they would be unable to do anything “for the next four or five days”.

That was two weeks ago.

This situation cannot be good for our Blue Flag beach status, especially over the school holiday season.

E"Ucwpfgtu."Rngvv

Here’s how I discovered how to dance my pain away Since 1988, I have suffered with scoliosis of the spine.

Sadly I was born with a joint missing in my lower spine, which caused it to slip forward, almost paralysing me, thus causing my spine to sit at a 39-degree angle.

The only option at age 17 was major surgery. After inserting four bolts, two metal plates and a bone graft, the lower spine was fixed. Unfortunately, this has caused problems in my upper ribcage and spine and chronic pain, muscle spasms and seven-weekly injections into the muscles.

I have seen specialists chiropractors, physiotherapists, acupuncturists - and have tried every pain killer

and muscle relaxant available, but not much has helped... until I moved to Plett recently.

A friend suggested we joined the gym, but I wanted something a bit more interesting. Then I heard about the dancing exercise class Zumba. I was very reluctant to go, wondering how this spine would cope with such a workout.

I am also not very good at sticking to things or walking into places on my own, so I was very nervous. But one morning I said to myself: ‘Come on, it’s about time you grew up and gave it a try.’

So in March this year I braved the gym opposite Plett Agri. Well, I can

Kos vir Knysna kinders eer Madiba

honestly say that my life changed on that day!

Feeling very nervous, I was greeted with warm smiles and kindness. Instructor Merle Hagerman welcomed and put me at ease straight away, and the other class mates also seemed friendly. I was amazed at the age range, too.

I liked Merle at once - she has such a wonderfully positive attitude and made me feel at home. When I saw the moves, I thought: ‘Wow, can I do this?’ But as we got started, watching Merle and listening to the great music, my nervousness faded away within seconds.

I started enjoying myself and never stopped laughing - what fun! I left the class feeling uplifted mentally and physically, and couldn’t wait to get to the next class. Within two weeks I noticed how fit I’d become in such a short

time; I could swing my hips, touch my toes, and dance.

I was also surprised at how my body coped with the movement - no aches or pains, no stiffness, and no pain in my back. I found Zumba almost addictive and couldn’t wait to go again, and again.

I have lost 5cm from my waist, 4cm from my hips, 2cm from my left knee and 1cm from my right, 2cm from my chest... and I can dance like Shakira.

I am thankful for meeting Merle and such wonderful dance mates. My mental and physical wellbeing has improved drastically. If anyone needs a remedy for pain or upliftment, give Zumba a try - it’s the best medicine.

You were right, Merle: A Zumba a day does keep the doctor away.

Nkuc."Rngvv

Anecdotes offend

Elton Olivier het hierdie foto met CXPRESS gedeel en skryf: ‘Die span by Victoria Driving School het ons deel vir Mandeladag gedoen deur kospakkies by Dorothy Broster Kinderhuis uit te deel.’ Dis die gees, ouens! Van links op die foto saam met Elton, heel regs, is Rebecca Dayni, Dumisani Madikane, Chane Hatzenberg, Pumla Kunjwa, Moliat Siswani, en Daphney Dayimani.

Your ‘Go on, have a laugh’ page should provide some welcome relief in this crazy world of ours.

For two consecutive weeks [in CXPRESS of June 24 and July 1], however, it has been distressing to find anecdotes - they can hardly be called ‘jokes’ - making a mockery of the Lord’s name.

This has grievous results to

those of us of the Christian faith. Surely there is plenty to produce a laugh without resorting to this, so please refrain from repeating it in future.

Octkg"Ngnnq."Mp{upc *Rngcug" ceegrv" qwt" crqnq/ ikgu." Octkg" /" vjg" kpvgpvkqp" ku" pgxgt" vq" qhhgpf" cpf" {qwt" tgswguv"ku"fwn{"pqvgf0"/"Gfu0+

11

12

CXPRESS

Sport & Adventure

29 July 2015

Province squad opts for the warmer waters of the bay’s rugby playground The Western Province rugby team recently spent time in Plettenberg Bay, using the town and surrounds for their pre-tournament training camp ahead of the 2015 Currie Cup season - GLENN MURRAY was on hand with his well-oiled lens and pen…

P

LETTENBERG Bay is not new to hosting sporting teams and the town has famously played host to the Springbok, All Black and Italian rugby squads in the past, as well as the Moroka Swallows soccer team.

This year the boys from Cape Town opted to bypass Hermanus, their camp hosts for the past five years, selecting instead the warmer waters and milder climes of Plettenberg Bay to be put through their paces.

Rugby training sessions at Plett Primary and alongside Kurland’s polo pavilion which included a kit handover to local township team the Face Adrenalin Jaguars, as well as a fun afternoon of climbing, abseiling and ziplining hosted by AfriCanyon - formed part of the three-day team building exercise.

Something seemed to have worked at this year’s camp, as the defending champions carried on up the N2 to Port Elizabeth on Friday night and beat the EP Kings in a warm game.

Western Province will go to the Currie Cup tournament with the dreaded favourites tag around their necks after a fantastic 2014 season, which saw successes in a number of age group divisions.

A couple of new signings - most noticeably Jano Vermaak (Lions) - and having the most explosive back line in the competition will give coach John Dobson some peace of mind. But rugby is won upfront, and with so many of the Province pack

tied up in the Springbok setup, WP may struggle.

Another talking point among fans, especially here on the Garden Route, is whether local Knysna High boy Kurt Coleman can convince the coach that he should start in place of French-bound fly-half Demetri Catrakilis.

This year’s Currie Cup competition starts on August 7.

BROTHERS IN ARMS: Face Adrenalin Jaguars captain Andy Wayne McClean, left, takes a hold of the team’s new kit while coach Pieter van Rensburg shakes on a good session with Nizaam Carr during last week’s handover at Kurland Pavilion

WP RUGBY ROYALTY: Being in the presence of players like Cheslin Kolbe, above left, and 7s legend Seabelo Senatla, and friendly flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis, at right, cheered and inspired local youngsters Photos: Glenn Murray Photography

Local martial artists haul home a heap of trophies

D

URING the past school holidays, seven Plettenberg Bay martial arts students attended the US Open ISKA world championships in Orlando, Florida, as part of the South African team.

Representing Goju Ryu Karate-Do (traditional karate) and EFA Kickboxing respectively, the students jointly achieved four first places, 13 seconds, five thirds, two fourths and seven fifth places in various fighting styles.

The Plett community congratulates these students on their achievements and for upholding such high standards at the world champs.

Congratulations are also due to Sensei Elrie Bosman (traditional karate) and Sensei Reynard Westraad (EFA Kickboxing) for ensuring excellent results through con-

tinued first-rate training.

Says Andries Trahms of Plett’s Smhart Alarms, and proud father of young Aiden: “The students thank each and

every one who contributed in any way to make their trip to the States a reality. Without local support, this would not have been possible.”

BACK FROM THE USA: In front from left are Aiden Trahms, Ceileigh McCurrach, Lojza Pisonic, Nadine Patterson, Noah Chatz and James Taylor, with Ben Roode, SA coach Shihan Phil Anderson, and Joshua Nel from Knysna at back