29 june 2016 by CXpress

29 June 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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Festinos unite!

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With Plett MAD in full swing and the Knysna Oyster Festival kicking off on Friday, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no reason for you NOT to adore these winter holidays on our welcoming shores - read all about the many special offers inside, designed just for your entertainment...

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CXPRESS

29 June 2016

NEWS & VIEWS

Driving Miss Crazy

Pros and cons of once-off shopping, and buying in bulk JEEVES shares his adventures as Garden Route chauffeur extraordinaire... UNNING around doing a few errands for ‘Seniors’ from Belvidere, Brenton, and the Westford side of Knysna lagoon, I decided to try and combine the lot and turn it into a ‘once-off-shop’. You see, after a while, I’d gotten used to everyone’s own individual likes and needs; and if managed properly, I could do all of their shopping at the same time, without having to do each one separately three or four times a week. So, instead of Tuesday it’s Mrs H, Thursday Marge and Bill, and Friday Mrs C, now it was only one solo trip on Wednesday for all of them - while they played golf, bowls, did their U3a thing or just took a nap. They’re also pretty hot on their ‘specials’ and so I’ve developed a keen eye to see if there was a ‘deal’ on the go in any of the shops for their particular coffee brand, sunflower oil or teabags, for example; then I had free licence. A pack of 18 double-ply toilet rolls could turn into six - enough to block your loo for a week! So I’d get them to email me their requirements for the week, grab one of their cars, shoot into town to the first supermarket, grab a specials pamphlet, run around with one trolley chucking in goodies on the list for Mrs C, then another trolley for the next customer, and so on… until I’d arrive at the check-out with

LOAD UP, LOAD UP, LOAD UP… Combining shopping trips for various clients has turned me into an expert of special-hunting and master of logistics, be it for that special roast chicken or bulk-priced cooking oil, carrots or coffee

DO I NEED ALL THAT?! With three loads of market goods it was good to have a friendly fellow trolley-pusher

three trolleys. All those around squizzed me out as though I was gaga - or was I the owner of a restaurant, or B&B perhaps? Out would come their separate bags, I’d pack the merchandise, pay for each separately, load the car, then off to the next store to repeat the process - and then the next, and so on, until a short respite to a coffee shop for two double espressos… in one cup! Some wanted stuff from Woollies, like their roasted chickens, for example, or Spar for veal, or PnP for their wine or bread, then Checkers for something a client wanted from that store only. Next, clear the post boxes; then a chemist for cough mixture on account; then Agri for this, Kloppers for that; cash from an ATM, top up pay-as-you-go electricity for Mrs H, etc, etc… After three hours or so it was mission accomplished and home James to deliver all the shopping. Keeps me busy - and it’s better than sitting at home on my butt in front of YouTube or doing electronic socialising. Oh, and I get a kick out of helping others. As long I don’t let anything break my stride, a case in point being: “Oh, Jeeves! Why did you get six bottles of coffee (or sunflower oil on ‘special’)? I might not be around to use it all!” ‘Till next time... Buckle up! - Jeeves

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

29 June 2016

Knysna Municipality urges sparing use of water during Oyster Festival ITH the 33rd Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival kicking off on July 1, Knysna is expecting a massive influx of visitors. This inflow puts added strain on its already low water reserves and Knysna Municipality urges all residents and visitors to treat water as the precious resource it is. Says mayor Georlene Wolmarans: “Although we welcome with open arms everyone to the Oyster Festival, I call on residents and visitors alike to help the municipality by continuing to use water sparingly. “At 10.3 megalitres per day, our town’s consumption levels are still above the desired eight megalitres daily and with the 50,000+ visitors expected during

the first couple of weeks in July, we envisage increased consumption which, in turn, means significant additional strain on our water reserves. “I cannot stress enough the need to keep consumption levels as low as possible to ensure our reserves last until contingency measures can remedy this situation. Although the level of Akkerkloof Dam has increased to almost 40% from 34% a few weeks ago, we still have far to go.” Knysna Municipality announced the following important changes to water supply tariffs: • The free allocation of water has been decreased from 6,000 litres per month to 3,000 litres (except for indigent residents).

• Water tariff rates have been adjusted drastically in the recent budget, with the rate for the first 10,000 litres remaining affordable at R11.92 per kilolitre. • Consumers not making an effort to curb consumption will pay heavily for water usage above 10,000 litres with the rate rising drastically to R19.14 per kilolitre for consumption up to 20 kilolitres, climbing to over R40 per kilolitre when consumption reaches 40,000 litres or more per month. “Our water restriction measures remain in place,” reminded Wolmarans. “Water your garden only at dusk (6-7pm) on designated days with Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for houses with even numbers and Tuesdays, Thursdays and Satur-

days for houses with odd numbers. Please adhere to the tips as communicated through our Water Awareness Campaign. “It is my sincere hope these measures will not dampen the spirit and vibe of the Oyster Festival and I trust each and every one will have a fabulous time during the best 10 days of winter. “Please be responsible not only in regards to water consumption, but alcohol consumption as well. Remain patient on our roads as we are expecting the usual congestion experienced during the festival. “All our departments and law enforcement divisions will be on alert to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable time with us,” Wolmarans concluded.

Free health services offered by Plett Wellness team NDER the auspices of the PlettAid Foundation/Hospice Plett, the Plett Wellness team has been assisting the DoH in performing male circumcision at Plett Town Clinic. As reported in CXPRESS of June 15, this service is of-

fered twice a month. Plett Wellness Centre aims to educate the broader community regarding health issues and offers a screening service for some of the most common chronic illnesses. Business owners are encouraged to contact

Edward Muchenje or Carol Ainslie, the nurses in charge of the wellness centre, to offer this health-screening package to their staff. These services include: diabetes and hypertension screening, screening for certain types of cancer

(prostate, cervical, breast), TB and HIV screening and testing, health screening of children under the age of six, and family planning. All services are FREE. Call Edward on 078 665 6979 or Carol on 083 277 7302 for details.

NEWS & VIEWS

29 June 2016

CXPRESS

July Handicap with a difference promises hours of fun for a fabulous cause KANNEMEYER’S KING: Last year’s Vodacom Durban July was won by Power King, trained by Dean Kannemeyer and ridden by Stuart Randolph

Legendary horse-racing commentator FRANCOIS WOLFAARDT explains why you can’t miss A Night at the Races on July 1 F you are old enough to remember the Rothmans July Handicap, chances are that you will tick one or all three the boxes for hearing aids, false teeth, and reading glasses. I know… because I tick two of the boxes and was Racing Editor of Sunday Times for my first Rothmans July Handicap when Mazarin won in 1971 - nowhere nearly as memorable as listening to a radio commentary of Ernie Duffield describing the deadheat between Jollify and the legendary Sea Cottage in 1967, but nevertheless every bit as thrilling to have finally become part of the greatest race on the South African calendar. I’ve never been a great punter - don’t have the nerve for it. Even now, when my 2-foot putt depends on winning or losing R5, I come over all dizzy and normally have a wedge back for my next shot. But in 1975 when my mother-in-law at the breakfast table asked me if there

was a grey horse in the race, I could hardly contain myself. Mother-in-law knew as much about the ponies as I knew of knitting a ski suit for a midget, and in a never-to-be-repeated lunge, I pounced and kissed her fully on the top of her head. From the bank we went straight to the track and a R100 went onto granny’s dream horse, Jamaican Music, on the totalisator. A little later in the picnic area on the infield of Greyville Racecourse, I handed granny the ticket to keep for luck. It was her dream, after all… “I don’t know if I should have mentioned this to you,” said the old duck, “but in my dream this grey horse didn’t have a jockey on his back. But it doesn’t make any difference, does it?” It is only because I love my wife and children so much that five years later, I again started talking to her. Jamaican Music did of course win the July that year, but his rider had been unsaddled after only 400

metres into the race, and it was good enough for me to never have another bet on the testimony of a dream. The year 1976 was a big one for South Africans and for me. Hertzog’s only worthwhile dream - television - came to fruition. As one of the few (perhaps only) Afrikaans commentators who didn’t stutter when he spoke in English, I was invited to call all the races, including the July Handicap. What’s more, that was also the year that I selected the winner of the July for my newspaper - one of about three over a period of 15 years. You would have guessed it… this time the jockey held on from start to finish, and Jamaican Music won! I never even thought of telling my mother-in-law about it. And that’s the magic of the July and other great sporting events, the personal memories of being there and being right about the result. The July Handicap office sweep is another age indicator. To the modern

generation, ‘office sweep’ would suggest a good spring clean or a bomb scare. Not for us oldies. Came July Handicaptime, the field for the race would be listed by numbers and the fella who had access to the petty-cash box usually became the ‘bookie’. He would sell tickets into the sweep at a level of affordability depending on the nature of the business. Legal firms were normally unable to find a trustworthy person to run the pool and accountants would go for the lowest possible denomination - usually 10 cents, having worked out that they would rather buy five tickets for 50 cents than one ticket for the same spend. That way, they have a bigger chance to win less. Go figure... And I’m the

one who spent three years in matric! Sales and production would ‘go to the races’, so to speak, and the pools would be sizeable enough to have respectable prizes for those lucky enough to draw one of the first three past the post. This year, The Bitou 10 Education and Development Foundation will celebrate the 2016 Vodacom Durban July by staging A Night at the Races at The White House on Friday July 1 - a day before the big race. This fundraiser will have all the elements and excitement of a race meeting… without a horse or a jockey in sight! Instead of real horses on turf, some of our guests will be selected to parade as horses, with commentary an opinion by the commentator.

Punters who will each have received 1000 Bit O’ Bucks then get a chance to bet on their fancy. And the runners won’t raise a sweat. Footage of previously run races will determine the winner and guests who win the most ‘funny money’ could win prizes. There will also be a July Sweep for horses in the July Handicap - and again, another chance to win prizes or cash for lucky ticket holders. This is a wonderful opportunity to both have loads of fun and support The Bitou 10 Foundation, which works with 10 government schools in the Bitou municipal area to improve the quality of education. • See the advert on page 12 for contact and booking details.

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

29 June 2016

Give local talent a warm hand! Tshisa Talent and the dancers and rappers selected to perform on June 16’s Youth Day - Animation Crew, Double UE, Enrico Sam, Explosion Crew and Mainset - would like to thank Bitou Municipality for the opportunity to be part of a particularly educational event. The team at Tshisa has been uncovering talent within the communities of Bitou since 2009. As an umbrella, development and placement organisation, Tshisa Talent is delighted to have been able to draw on this database of performers in just about every imaginable genre. Over 500 local performers have been afforded opportunities to perform at events in Plett and Knysna. Watch the press and social media for more interesting developments during the second half of 2016. Pictured at right, Antonio Moos and Mark Davids, aka ‘Animation Crew’, are totally dedicated to their über-cool art of hip hop dancing. Photo: Avo Photography

Please help making Pinetrees youth summit a huge success INETREES Community Outreach Project for Families and Children is hosting a youth camp for youngsters from this needy New Horizons neighbourhood, to educate them on self-esteem and confidence, a substance-free lifestyle, and the sustainable support systems available for when they are in crisis. Says project leader Shaun Terblanche: “We plan to hold our annual Youth Camp Summit from July 1-3 during the school holidays. Aimed at youngsters aged between 13 and 15

years old, we hope to accommodate around 30 or 40 happy campers. “As we all know, most of these children are extremely underprivileged and come from very poor households and families. We would like to appeal to your readers for any support that individuals or businesses could contribute towards this event. All donations are welcome and will be received with enormous gratitude!” Shaun says items needed include towels, toiletries, tracksuits and backpacks

(15-20 each for boys and girls), and that any contributions towards the weekend’s food or even luxuries like face cloths will be received with open arms. Financial contributions can be made to: The TB and HIV/Aids Association of Plett at Standard Bank Plettenberg Bay (branch code 051001), savings acc number 282 033 971. Please contact Shaun Terblanche on 063 531 8090 or email him at pinetreespro ject@gmail.com for additional information or to arrange for collection.

2016 Services at 2014 Prices With the Capped Price Servicing* we introduced in 2014, it literally becomes more affordable every year to service your Volkswagen. Volkswagen Service is committed to giving all the value, quality, care and expertise you’ve come to expect at a Volkswagen Dealership at an affordable price. So bring your car home to where it all began, because nobody knows your Volkswagen better than we do. OIL CHANGE SERVICE

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R999

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*Prices reflected are capped retail prices at participating dealers nationwide and include VAT, parts and labour. Capped Price Servicing applicable to all Polo 1.4 and 1.6 Petrol Models from 2003–2011. Offer valid from 1 July–31 August 2016. Terms and conditions apply. Contact your nearest Volkswagen Dealership or visit vw.co.za for more information.

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PROMOTION

29 June 2016

CXPRESS

BUSINESS

29 June 2016

Investor Focus

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

The challenges facing retired investors EARLY all investment houses spend a great deal of time and money advising on how one should prepare for retirement. Many retirement plans are being advertised, but one sees very few plans for the investor who has already retired. Retired investors face several severe challenges. Firstly, they are now unable to replace their retirement nest eggs, should they make any poor investment decisions. So these funds should be invested in a conservative manner. The next threat is inflation; using the current inflation rate of 6%, an article that cost R10 today will cost R16.85 in 10 years’ time and, even more scary, will cost R30.12 after 20 years. It is clear that the investor who leaves his money in the safest instrument - i.e. cash, which is considered to be risk-free - will not survive as it exposes him/ her to the second greatest risk: inflation. As clear is that a level of risk is necessary if the inflation bogey is to be beaten, particularly when taking into account that with modern medicine we can expect to live a lot longer. A new retiree at age 65

should consider that he/she will be around for another 20 years. One should set the objective of preserving the real value of one’s retirement capital, while living off of the income generated by that capital. This implies that the value of the capital should grow at the inflation rate, while the income it generates also grows at the same rate, at the very least. There are only two instruments that meet the need for growing one’s income, namely equities and property trusts. An exercise called The 4% Rule demonstrates that the concept of dividend growth does work. Assume you retired in the year 2000 with a retirement nest egg of R6-million. You purchased the Satrix (All Share Index) and proceeded to draw income at 4%, i.e. R240,000 per annum. In 2015, you would be able to draw R598,390 as the capital value would now total R29,471,868. These are actual figures using the dividends generated by the shares in the Satrix ETF, as well as some of the growth generated over time. I am certainly not advocating that one now runs

out and pours all of one’s savings into the All Share Index. However, the above exercise does demonstrate the power of compound growth over time. It is possible to construct a portfolio with solid dividend-paying companies and quality property trusts. The equities one uses should have a sound track record of consistent dividends that have grown with inflation. This implies that mining shares are a no-no. Companies like Standard Bank have never missed a dividend, and have shown consistent growth over a very long time. There are many companies that fit this requirement. Certain unit trusts are specifically mandated to produce such growing income, while many quality property trusts are included in unit trusts. So one is able to protect one’s savings from inflation, generate a steady and growing income, and not spend any time worrying about living too long! • Malcolm has been in the investment game for nearly 50 years. He has written this column in CXPRESS for the last 18 years and is a specialist in managing retired wealth.

SHOW HOUSE FEATURE

29 June 2016

CXPRESS

BUSINESS

29 June 2016

A thousand emerging entrepreneurs targeted for business support programme MERGING entrepreneurs from across the Western Cape are encouraged to apply for accredited business skills training. Aound 1,000 small and medium-sized businesses will be given the opportunity to complete the Emerging Business Support (EBS) programme over the next six months. A lack of business sup-

port skills has been identified as key reason why only 3% of start-ups survive beyond three years in SA, according to a Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) study. The provincial initiative seeks to address this problem. Minister of Economic Opportunities Alan Winde and Absa representatives launched the second phase

of the province’s EBS programme on June 20. Winde said the programme was in line with the Western Cape Government’s number one strategic objective - the creation of jobs and economic growth. “Entrepreneurs are the engine room of our economy, employing over 500,000 people in the Western Cape. As government, it is our

role to create the environment for businesses to add jobs to the economy. In the past seven years, we’ve assisted over 36,000 entrepreneurs to start businesses. “Part of creating that environment is giving entrepreneurs the support they need to grow. That is why in this financial year, the Integrated Economic Development Services is in-

vesting over R40-million in interventions such as our EBS programme. “We’re thrilled to have private sector partners such as Absa, who are collaborating with us for the second year, to give businesses the tools they need to grow,” said Winde. The initiative is a joint venture between the Provincial Department of Economic Development and Tourism, and Absa. The two-day course starts in July and runs until December. Workshops will take place in the Cape Metro, West Coast, Cape Winelands, Eden and Overberg. Winde said the course, which will be presented by Absa facilitators, will cover Business Strategy Development, Operations Strategy Development and Financial Literacy Development. To participate in the programme businesses, should: • Be registered and currently operational; • Be operating within the Western Cape; • Be in possession of a valid BEE certificate. Once selected, business owners are expected to attend both days. Winde said during the first phase of the Emerging Business Support Programme, just over 1,000 entrepreneurs participated. “The feedback received from entrepreneurs who completed the course last year has been very encouraging. Business owners said they now had the knowledge and the confidence they needed to take their enterprises to the next level,” said Winde. Managing Executive for Absa Western Cape, Doug Walker, said: “We recog-

nise the vital role SMEs play in economic growth and job creation and are delighted to be partnering with the Department of Economic Development and Tourism in the Western Cape SMME Project. “The accredited business skills training programme will empower about 1,000 SMMEs across the Western Cape with 45 credits towards a NQF level 4 qualification. We recognise that SMEs need more than just funding to succeed - they also face other challenges and experience a high failure rate mainly due to a lack of business, management and financial skills. “As a result, a lot of funding advanced to SMEs under a number of our programmes, such as the Absa Supplier Development Programme, is linked to a non-financial support package to improve the owners’ business and financial management skills, and to provide them with networking opportunities,” explained Walker. “Small businesses often struggle to penetrate existing markets, or create new ones, especially when competing against more established and bigger business. As such, Absa is committed to developing sustainable SMEs by linking them into the supply chains of big corporates in both the private and public sectors. “We believe access to markets is an SME’s biggest challenge; after all, a business without customers cannot succeed,” concluded Walker. Contact Gordon Sharman on 021 816 4123 or Odette Daries on 021 483 9114 for more information.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL

PROMOTION

29 June 2016

CXPRESS

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ENTERTAINMENT

29 June 2016

Is it its food, stalls, setting, or entertainment that sets The Yard’s Country Fair apart? NCE again The Yard in Piesang Valley will be hosting its annual Plett Country Fair on Saturday July 2 and Sunday the 3rd. And this year will see even more activities, more food and craft stalls, and more fun on the extensive menu. Saturday highlights include a Doggie Show in aid of Moya Animal Outreach, a Petanque (boule) Competition, and the Battle of the Plett Potjie Kings with entertainment provided by local band Still Crazy in tune with the Surf Café Bar. Sunday kicks off with delicious breakfast options, and the reigning Gumboot Tossing Champs will be ready to defend their titles from 10am onwards. Fantastic prizes are again up for grabs, as well as the coveted Golden Boot Trophy for Ladies, Men’s and Kids Winners. Says The Yard’s Willie Gouws: “Another new addition will be our live open-air auction with Hibernia Auctioneers from Knysna on Sunday from 11 o’ clock. These professional auctioneers will still be receiving goods from the public until Friday July 1, and items for appraisal

Francois Wolfaardt an evening o off fun, laughter & prizes es The White House 1 July, 6.00pm - 8.00pm

Tickets available at The Old House Shop & Market Square Information Kiosk R150 includes a welcome drink, light snacks, race card, betting slips & bit ‘o bucks. Cash Bar available. First race starts at 6.30pm

UNIQUE SETTING: The Yard is surrounded by fields and paddocks, so creating the perfect locale for a healthy day out among good food and friends

are also welcome.” Contact Willie on 082 534 0360 with auction queries. Other attractions like fire dancing, Griekwa dancers, pony and horse cart rides will keep all ages amused. Kids’ entertainment aplenty will include face painting and other games in the pastoral outdoors offered by the tranquil setting. Food is always a huge part of the Country Fair’s attraction, and this year’s stalls range from pancakes by the Green Hearts, shawarmas and falafels, seafood, wraps and Thai delights, Afghan lamb, mini pizzas and artisan breads, among others. If you would like to en-

ter any of the competitions - Potjie Kings Battle, Gumboot Tossers or a team or individual players for the Petanque Competi-

tion - contact Willie at wg froggit@hotmail.co.za or above cell number, and see the advert on this page for additional information.

Entertainment Diary ELL-KNOWN artists and close friends Penny Baillie, Cherry Viljoen and Sheila Cooper Collins are getting together in Sedgefield for a joint exhibition of recent paintings from July 2-10 at 33 Andries Pretorius Street (1km up the road from Wild Oats Market) on the Island, from 10am 4:30pm daily. Penny is a wellknown artist from Pretoria now based in Jo-burg, while Cherry and Sheila have been painting and exhibiting on the Garden Route for the last 23 years. This promises to be an exceptional exhibition of colourful and unusual art from three very competent and accomplished artists with diverse and distinctive styles. Call Sheila on 044 343 1828 with queries.

The Crags Eco-preschool is hosting its annual Music Evening on July 8 with Robin Auld and an awesome mystery artist as support act. There are pleasant new owners at The Barnyard so you can bring your own picnic like old times, but please sup-

port their cash bar. There will be a free wine tasting and delicious home-made soup and bread for sale, along with cakes, tea and coffee. Great prizes, lucky draws and a bid-a-bargain auction with Stuart Palmer will complete the night’s entertainment. Tickets are available at Village Book Shop, Ice Palazzo, Pepper Mill restaurant and The Crags Vet, or visit www. ticketstroom.com to buy online and see the advert on this page for more info. Lederle’s Six on Main is not to be missed by aficionados of the rhyming word or clever turn of phrase, so diarise July 6 at 6:30 for 7pm. Friends Paul Deans, Jill Kirkland and David Hall-Green have put their heads together to entertain Plett MAD festinos at Six on Main Street restaurant with an anecdotal evening of poetry and stories, some serious and most rather unserious… The delightful evening includes a scrumptious dinner. Tickets cost R195 per head and you can call 044 533 3693 to ensure your seat is confirmed.

ENTERTAINMENT

29 June 2016

Jazz outfit plays CX Country en route to Grahamstown

CXPRESS

LOTS OF STOCK ADDED

ALL-STAR LINE-UP: Catch the acclaimed Offshore artists in Knysna and Plettenberg Bay next month

FFSHORE, a sextet comprising some of South Africa’s finest jazz musicians, will be visiting the Garden Route to perform original compositions by Plett’s very own Martin Wolfaardt, en route to the Standard Bank Jazz Festival in Grahamstown, where they have been invited to perform on July 7. With firm roots in the jazz tradition, Offshore’s sound is eclectic and sophisticated, marrying jazz with world music, funk and reggae. The all-star line-up features Jonno Sweetman on drums, Reza Khota on guitar, Romy Brauteseth on double bass, Lee Thomson on trumpet and flugelhorn, Buddy Wells on saxophone and Wolfaardt on the keys. Each of these artists is an internationally acclaimed musicians in his own right. Offshore has released two albums, Too Many Names and Incident, and recorded as the rhythm section on the lauded jazz-funk album Funk for the Shaolin Monk. By 2008, the quintet had encountered recent SAMA award winner Marcus Wyatt and saxophone master Buddy Wells. They were invited to play at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival - “Africa’s grandest

gathering”. The fluidity of the ensemble allows for musical collaborations which create the opportunity for the audience to join the musicians in a celebration of spontaneity, beauty, and presence. The opportunity to bring these musos to Knysna and Plettenberg Bay after more than half a decade has Wolfaardt brimming with excitement. “The Garden Route is my muse. Playing here will be a deeply intimate homecoming - a chance for the sounds born out of my love for this place, this feeling, to resonate once again between the Outeniquas and the ocean,” said Wolfaardt. Offshore will perform at Muse Fusion Food in Knysna on Tuesday July 5 at 8pm and at St Thomas Methodist Church in Plett on Wednesday July 6 at 5pm. The Knysna gig will include an intimate dinner and tickets sell for R200pp. The Plett performance, show only, costs R100 a head. In the interests of audience development, a great-hearted local businessman has sponsored 30 tickets for the Plett show. Contact Candice Ludick on 071 686 6864 or playon@candiceludick. com for bookings or further information.

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HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

29 June 2016

Holiday activities • Holiday activities • Holiday activities

CXPRESS

29 June 2016

INTERVAL

A serving of pork a day keeps the apple away HE leader of the vegetarian society couldn’t control himself anymore. He just needed to try some pork, just to see what it tasted like. So, one summer day he told his members he was going on a vacation. He packed out of town, and headed to the nearest restaurant.

Childhood concerns WO kids are talking, and one says: “I’m really worried. My dad works 12 hours a day to give me a nice home and good food. My mom spends the whole day cleaning and cooking for me. I’m worried sick!” The other kid says: “What have you got to worry about? Sounds to me like you’ve got it made!” The first kid replies: “But what if they try to escape?”

Technical jargon N a software design meeting, we were using typical technical jargon to discuss a data exchange interface with a vendor. One co-worker said the programming we had ordered was delayed because the vendor was suffering from a “severe non-linear waterfowl issue”. Curious, the team leader raised his eyebrows and asked: “What exactly is that?” The programmer replied: “They don’t have all their ducks in a row.”

After sitting down, he ordered a roasted pig, and impatiently waited for his delicacy. After just a few minutes, he heard someone call his name, and to his great chagrin he saw one of his fellow members walking towards him. Just at that same moment, the waiter walked over with a huge platter holding a full roasted pig with an apple in its mouth. “Isn’t that something,” said the leader after only a moment’s pause, “all I do is order an apple, and look what it comes with!”

Insomnia sufferers, look on the bright side... only three more sleeps until Christmas!

Win a copy of the 10th anniversary special collectors edition of Tales from Treknet by answering the following question: What is the name of Debbie’s mom? To find the answer go to the ‘about’ section on the Facebook page THE OFFICIAL TREKNET FAN PAGE. Like it, and keep up to date with daily cartoons and news. Answers can be emailed to editor@cxpress.co.za or faxed to 044 533 0852 by latest July 4. Please include your full name, physical address and contact details. (The first correct answer received will be the winner.) The answer to last week’s question was 2005, and the winner is Willem Viljee of Joburg. Congrats!

HOME & HEALTH

29 June 2016

Good healthy food guide and great B tips on taste Owner of Roost at Old Nick Village in Plettenberg Bay, BRENT MILLS waxes lyrical about his favourite obsession

DINNER-TABLE THERAPY AT OLD NICK: Taste the delights on offer at Roost around its rustic tables geared for long conversations and leisurely enjoyment of food, glorious food

UY only what is fresh and in season. Don’t shop ahead of time, shop for now. Eat loads of fresh fruit and veggies and grains. Taste and try everything, at least once. Think about how things taste and why. Don’t diet; instead, eat better food with more flavour. Do everything in your power to retain the original flavour of the product. Use sugar and honey where appropriate - at least they are natural products, not figments of a chemical engineer’s imagination. Get heaps of exercise and take a good long look at your attitude towards your body, image and self-esteem. Remind yourself constantly that mistakes can be delicious. Have fun. Share the preparing and cooking of food with family and friends. Remember, some of the best recipes come from old people. Regress with pleasure. Don’t forget your childhood memories and favourites. Make your favourite

recipe your own. Reach for the olive oil instead of the butter and for the butter instead of the butter substitutes. Use more cold pressed oils which are high in mono-saturated fats. Never apologise for food. Have fun. Remember that it is only food. Drink loads of good wine and mineral waters, instead of fizzy drinks. If you have to be obsessed with food, make sure it’s good food. Don’t garnish food is beautiful. Work out how you can make things taste better; don’t settle for only salt and sugar or the temptation of crisp and crunchy. Find real flavours. When we all learn to taste, there will be less fast food, more slow conversations, less war, more peace, fewer broken homes, more families sitting around dining tables, fewer morallyloathsome films and TV soaps, and more honest work and creativity. • See the advert on page 15 for more information.

Colourful national award scored by Garden Route what has been a wonderful landscapers par excellence experience, it was awarded INNERS of the South African Landscapers Institute (SALI) National Trophy Awards of Excellence were announced on Wednesday June 8 during the Annual SAGIC (SA Greening Industries’ Council) Convention Gala Dinner in Stellenbosch. Earlier on the same day Merit, Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards were handed out to in excess of 100 gardens in various categories from around Southern Africa during an Awards of Excellence ceremony. Graham von Hoesslin - who lives on the family farm in Harkerville, and has gained qualifications in London, Cape Town and Philadelphia - partnered with his father, Richard, to develop the company French Valley Marketing, which trades as GvH Landscapes. Their main area of operation is the Garden Route, and specifically Plettenberg Bay and Knysna. Projects have nevertheless been very successfully undertaken in other parts of the Western Cape. Being a small business, it is often difficult to compete with the corporate operators for work, however with the necessary skill and passion, Graham and his dedicated team have annually been able to prove that, when it comes to quality, they can compete head-on. And it has been in this area that they have achieved year-on-year for the past decade. This year, 2016, is the 10th anniversary of GvH Landscapes, and to crown

GARDEN ARTIST: Graham von Hoesslin shows off the prestigious National Trophy for Best Use of Colour in the Landscape during the recent award gala dinner in Stellenbosch Town Hall

Gold for both House Field (Plett) and House Spanish Farm (Somerset West) at the SALI Awards of Excellence in the category Landscape Construction with InHouse Design. To top it all - and not to be beaten at the gala dinner in Stellenbosch Town Hall - GvH Landscapes walked away with the prestigious National Trophy for Best Use of Colour in the Landscape, for House Spanish Farm. After receiving the award, Graham was overheard saying: “I’m not as much a gardener, as I am an artist!” • Visit www.gvhlandscapes. com to find out more about this proud Plett enterprise and call 072 289 2938 if you would like the GvH Landscapes team to add colour to your life.

CXPRESS

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

CXPRESS

29 June 2016

CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

29 June 2016

Letters to the Editor

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

Lessons at the taxi rank Did remaining turn UK The things I have learnt the experiences I have had - at the Plett taxi rank! You see, I am a single mother selling second-hand clothes, household and bed linen at the taxi rank in Plett’s CBD to support myself and my little son. I have come to know the humility of poor people who beam at being able to buy an item I am almost too embarrassed to offer for sale. I see mothers assessing goods for their children or their homes and weighing

one item up against another, counting their few rands. I see the homeless who own only the clothes on their backs taking whatever I place next to the dustbin, and I have conversations with my customers - sensing decency and values amidst extreme poverty. What is in high demand (and in short supply) is men’s clothes and shoes, bed linen, towels, pots and pans. If you would like to contribute, please phone me on 079 715 3543. Mz M, Plett

True leaders set honest standards, without manipulation This letter is written to correct information provided by the Bitou head of the EFF [Economic Freedom Fighters], Mr Zukile Albert Rorwana. In CXPRESS of June 8, it is claimed that food parcels were distributed to some institutions and residents of KwaNokuthula [see page 4 of that edition at www.cxpress.co.za]. Actually, what he divided up were bread rolls and three boxes of bananas left over from the catering after the ministerial visit of minister Bathabile Dlamini to Plett on June 3. In the photo, Zukile appears in EFF uniform and is pictured with three ladies said to be his “adoring followers”. These ladies came to me on June 8, very distressed about finding themselves published in CXPRESS as EFF supporters which they are not - and without their permission. They informed me that they had distributed the rolls and that Zukile only requested to take a photo with them to show me

they had distributed the bread rolls, among others to Masizame children’s shelter, to a local crèche, and to some elderly and disabled residents in the neighbourhood. In conclusion, this was a community support outreach, not the political platform/opportunity that their innocent act has been manipulated to be. Zukile is my next-door neighbour and I write this letter aware of the risks involved, but I feel obliged to take a stand not only for my sake but more especially for others, and for the sake of our reputations. I convey my sincerest apologies to the relevant leadership that jointly hosted the ministerial Imbizo in Plett, and the community as a whole for this unforeseen incidence. My gratitude goes to CXPRESS newspaper, its readers and all the relevant communities. Buyiswa Lauretta MnYamana - Bitou Elderly and Disabled Community Development Forum, Plett

into EU Trojan horse? I write on the eve of the vote to comment on the Jeeves column about Brexit in CXPRESS of June 22 [read it on page 2 of that edition at www.cxpress.co.za]. Well… I think that Brexit reversed on the day that the 41-year-old woman was murdered by the establishment. It was witnessed in the financial markets - gold reversed gains, as did treasury bonds. And Lord Roth-

schild has spoken that people must vote ‘remain’. I think it will be remain, but it should be Brexit. Why would you vote ‘remain’ when you have unelected people running the EU? Should the Poms remain, they could be a Trojan horse in the EU to finally disrupt it for good. Not long to go now… Great article by the way - one of the best! Sven Nielssen, Cape Town

An open letter to Bitou on new office precinct I refer to Paul Scheepers’s letter in CXPRESS of June 15, concerning the proposed building of new Bitou municipal offices at Ladywood on the N2, at an initial cost of approximately R240-million to the ratepayers and residents of Plett. I agree with every point he has made and fully endorse his letter. This scheme was initially proposed and rejected over four years ago, so one can only ask, why is it suddenly being revisited? As Mr Scheepers so obviously points out, if expansion and consolidation is desperately required by Council, there is ample empty space of 1,900m2 directly across the road from the current Bitou HQ in Sewell Street, as well as various other vacant Council-owned stands within the town precincts. Can Plett afford this excessive expense when there

are numerous other more important projects and improvements required to improve the existing infrastructure and to boost the local tourist industry? I would urge every conscientious and concerned ratepayer and resident to voice their objections to this proposed plan. We cannot afford to let this questionable proposed scheme be clandestinely approved, and proceed to our detriment. Johnny Matthews - Plett Tourism Exec Committee, Plett Ratepayers & Residents Association (The June 27 deadline for objections has passed but this letter was included in order to create awareness of the proposal for visiting ratepayers - read Paul Scheepers’s letter on page 11 of the June 15 edition and an article in this same regard on page 3 of the June 22 edition at www.cxpress.co.za - Eds.)

On Longships speed bumps I write in response to the letter on Longships speed bumps [read it on page 11 of the June 22 edition]. I agree with the sentiments in general, and I would like to add that the restrictions in place merely slow traffic approaching said humps, so

many are still driving over the speed limit regardless. Added to that, many choose to speed down residential roads such as Daedalus Reef, where speed bumps could be of much more relevance. Braden Tuohey, Plett

La Luna

CXPRESS

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

CXPRESS

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

SPORT & ADVENTURE

29 June 2016

Exciting new events lure golfers to this year’s Oyster Festival ITH Knysna being one of SA’s golfing meccas, you’ll be well advised to pack your clubs when heading to this year’s Oyster Festival from July 1-10, which includes a myriad of exciting golfing events. Eight golf competitions have been added to the festival programme: both the Imperial Auto Festival of Golf and the Europcar Knysna Classic will be contested at Pezula, while Blackwaters River Lodge & Mashie Golf Course will host a Par 3 Series. The Pezula championship course has since inception received several prestigious national and international awards, such as Compleat Golfer’s 5-Star Golfing Experience award and the

Global Golf Tourism Organisation’s Best Golfing Destination in Africa and the Middle East. All Imperial Auto Festival of Golf competitions will be open to the public and played using the Betterball Competition Format, with the Europcar Classic being a four-ball competition with a shot-gun start. Parents and children will team up on Friday July 1 to test their family golfing prowess against other families in the Imperial Auto Festival of Golf’s Parent & Child Day. This competition has no age limit, but young kids taking part should be efficient on the course. The organisers encourage older children, even if they are adults, to enter this

Knysna businesses help making mountain biker’s dream come true

The Knysna Cares Facebook Group, along with the support of Knysna businesses, has helped make Gary Pretorius’s dream of taking part in last weekend’s RECM 200 stage race come true. Says Rozanne Fleet, who shared this photo: “The Computer Shop Knysna along with Garden Route Events sponsored Gary’s entry into this popular stage race, and Knysna Cycle Works - going HUGE as always - surprised Gary with a high-end full-suspension Intense bike and maintenance throughout the race. Congratulations to Gary on completing the gruelling 200kms of dirt over three days, and finishing with a big smile - what a champion!” In the pic with Gary is Wesley McQuillan, right, of the Computer Shop Knysna and Plett.

competition with one of their parents. The Pezula Mixed takes place on Sunday July 3, and the seniors will have their turn on Monday the 4th. Pezula welcomes the farer sex on July 5 for the Imperial Auto Festival of Golf’s Ladies’ Day, and the Men’s Day will follow on Thursday the 7th. Players will be taking dead-aim on Friday July 8 in an attempt to win a 2016 Sprite Sprint caravan valued at R170,000. All golfers competing in the Europcar Knysna Classic need to do is hit a hole-in-one at the fifth and the caravan is theirs. The Pezula championship course is situated right at the epicentre of Knysna. It offers dynamic views of the

Indian Ocean, the Knysna estuary and the Outeniqua Mountain Range. Blackwaters River Lodge and Mashie Golf Course will welcome children aged between seven and 11 on July 4 and 6 during its Par 3 Golf Series. Youngsters will play a nine-hole competition on the respective days. Although play on both days of the Par 3 Golf Series’ Junior Masters and Seniors Classics from July 4-6 are not open to the public, spectators are welcome to watch the top junior and senior Par 3 golfers of the area battle it out on this unique mashie course. Details on the full festival programme and ticket costs can be obtained from www. pnpoysterfestival.co.za and see the advert on p15 for info on the Oyster Festival Europcar shuttle service.

Bon voyage, boys - concentrate and kick straight!

On July 8 and 9, four Plettenberg Bay Martial Arts Academy (PBMAA) students will represent South Africa at the ISKA World Sports Martial Arts Championships in Orlando, USA. Flanking Bitou mayor Memory Booysen from left, Galliano Boni, Lojza Pisonic, Osean Booyzen and Aligi Boni, accompanied by Sensei Elrie Bosman, will arrive in Orlando on July 3. Here they will have the opportunity to train with the SA squad and enjoy the Disney experience before competing against top athletes from around the world. It’s a great achievement for the Plett dojo to have students representing the town and country at such a prestigious event, while another feather in the PBMAA’s cap is that Galliano is the youngest ever competitor to represent SA at the world champs. Since being formed in 2014, the Academy has gone from strength to strength and we wish these students the best of luck during their stint in the States.