29 May 2019
Published every Wednesday by CXpress 2006 (Pty) Ltd - PO Box 1449, Plettenberg Bay 6600 - 6 Park Lane, Plettenberg Bay - Tel: 044 533 1004 - Fax: 044 533 0852 Email: editor@cxpress.co.za / advertising@cxpress.co.za Web page: www.cxpress.co.za Printed by Group Editors
A town in mourning Residents of Plett and surrounds are wrapped in grief after a fatal accident last Thursday took the life of Andre Bouwer, pictured here on some of the many occasions he was surrounded by adoring youngsters, colleagues, and friends. But on that same day, May 23, two other much-loved locals also passed away: Wilfred Wilms and Ray Lankester will both be sorely missed. Read the reports and notice on page 2, 6, and 11.
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NEWS & VIEWS
29 May 2019
OBITUARY - Wilfred Wilms
Sharp-witted wordsmith joins choir invisible with tongue firmly in cheek Plettenberg Bay local DAVID WILMS shares this tribute to his father, Wilfred, who passed away last Thursday ILLHELM Frederick Wilms - Wilfred to many - was born in Worcester, in the Western Cape of South Africa, on April 4, 1948, to Valdemar, a salesman, and Rita, an administrator. By all accounts he was a quiet, sensitive, sharp-witted child with an exceptionally beautiful singing voice. After matriculating from Paarl Boys High School, he attended the University of Stellenbosch where he studied languages. During this time, he met a shy young girl named Corlette Ackermann, whom he married in 1973 and remained devoted to until his death. He joined Volkskas Bank after leaving university and worked in the Paarl branch. In 1971, he was seriously wounded during a failed bank robbery and to the astonishment of medical staff, made a full recovery. He and Corlette had a son, David, in 1974 and a daughter, Mariette, in 1978. In 1979, after a successful stint in the financial sector, Wilfred and Corlette both joined the family shoe retailing business. They were blessed with their third child, Lynette, in 1981.
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The business required the family to move to Potchefstroom in 1984 and in 1997, after leaving the shoe industry, they relocated back to the Cape, opening a PNA franchise in Plettenberg Bay. Wilfred’s quick wit, mischievous blue eyes, infectious whistling and ready grin established him as the face of PNA Plett. He was an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous, counselling and befriending those in need. His hobbies included carpentry, enigmatology (the craft of setting up crossword puzzles), and writing. An incorrigible prankster, he once convinced the entire town that there were Russian submarines stowed away in the bay, and that dinosaur bones were found during the excavations for the Mellville’s Corner parking garage. In 2009, Wilfred was diagnosed with oesophageal and stomach cancer. After numerous surgeries and setbacks he was declared clear of the disease in 2012. The cancer had, however, taken a great toll on his body, and in 2017 he was diagnosed with
inoperable, terminal lung cancer. Never once did he lose his sense of humour and would constantly remind his family that his Christmas or birthday gifts had better be good, as it was definitely his last one on this earth. He worked at the family business for as long as he was able and later spent his time reading, doing light gardening, and shouting the answers to quiz show questions at the television. He died peacefully at home, in his favourite chair, his loving wife by his side, on the morning of May 23. Wilfred was a stubborn, cynical, caring, massively intelligent, and ridiculously funny man. He always put family first and was fearless and proud right to the end. We as a family are humbled by the love and support shown to us during Wilfred’s illness and passing, and we’re eternally grateful to all. We love you and miss you, until we meet again - Corlette, David, Mariette, Lynette, Janine and grandchildren. • A memorial service for Wilfred was held on Tuesday at Wittedrift DRC.
WILFRED WILMS: 4.4.1948 23.5.2019
PRANKSTER: Wilfred never lost his sense of humour and his last words, as reported by his family, were ‘So where’s this @#$@* light I’m supposed to see?’
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NEWS & VIEWS
29 May 2019
CXPRESS
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Who will steer Knysna after Wasserman and Willemse factions clash at May 30 council meeting? Knysna councillors will tomorrow vote on a motion of no confidence in the town’s mayor Mark Willemse HE motion of no confidence comes from Willemse’s own DA caucus members, led by councillor Michelle Wasserman. Wasserman said in a statement on Monday that the motion stems from Willemse’s election as mayor after he voted with the ANC to oust former mayor Eleanore Bouw-Spies last year. She said that he was not “properly approved to do so” by the DA constitution which states that a public representative may not vote in a way that does not comply with how the caucus agreed to vote.
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Wasserman said in the statement that the decision to submit the motion against him had been made by seven DA caucus members personally. “We have, in terms of the DA’s federal constitution, requested that the DA’s federal executive approve our motion of no confidence and we await its response,” she said. “There is an argument circulating on social media that Willemse followed his voters’ mandate when he voted with the ANC to oust DA Bouw-Spies, and accept the position of ex-
ecutive mayor. “This argument is manifestly unsound. How was this mandate given when hardly any of the residents of his ward were aware of what was happening until after it had happened?” She added that they had seen a petition initiated by residents against their motion, which states that “after many years of neglecting our Knysna town, Willemse got things going again”. “We question what Willemse has done to ‘get things going again’. The projects which are currently rolling out, for example the
Charlesford Scheme and the Knysna CBD upgrade, were initiated prior to Willemse’s tenure,” said Wasserman. “Seven out of the nine DA councillors have decided that we cannot allow this situation to continue. We anticipate that Willemse and councillor Peter Myers will join hands with the party
that voted them into power and this will mean Knysna Municipality may soon be governed by the ANC. “But the truth of the matter, if you look at the facts, is that Knysna Municipality has not been governed by the DA since June 6, 2018,” Wasserman said. Her statement further
claimed that Willemse had not shown political leadership and was not providing strategic direction to the Knysna Municipality’s administration. “Consequence management has also not been implemented during his tenure as executive mayor. “Willemse has lost credibility amongst councillors, officials and members of the public who perceive him as being unable to make his own decisions,” Wasserman concluded.
News Briefs
STILL NO TRACE: Bert Scheepers, 65, has been missing since May 9 and police have now widened the net to include other parts of South Africa
Former Wittedrift principal dies in car accident The accident that claimed Plett resident Andre Bouwer’s life took place on the N2 highway at Sedgefield at about 9am on Thursday May 23. The road was closed for emergency services and police on the scene to initiate their investigation and conclude a mop-up operation before the road could be reopened. According to police spokesman captain Malcolm Pojie, available information indicates that a Nissan bakkie and Volvo
vehicle-delivery truck collided head-on. “The driver of the bakkie sustained serious injuries and died on the scene. A case of culpable homicide has been opened,” he said. Search for missing Knysna businessman enters third week Pretoria-based private investigator and security specialist Mike Bolhuis was roped in by the family of Bert Scheepers last week to assist in the search for the Knysna car collector and dealer who has been missing since May 9. Bolhuis said progress had
been made and the search expanded countrywide. “As part of our probe, we concentrated on the first 48 hours in the immediate vicinity where he went missing. We then progressed to other surrounding towns and locations. We are going to be expanding the search nationwide,” Bolhuis said, adding that progress had been made, but information was sensitive and could not be divulged. “We have very hi-tech equipment and the best tracking and tracing infrastructure on the market. In addition, we have activated a series of informers across the country who are working with us. They have all put their feelers out to get information.” Shortly after his disappearance, Scheepers’s daughter, Lisa, who lives in Gauteng, flew to Knysna. Bolhuis said that the family were very traumatised: “Everyone is very emotional and they want answers as to what has happened.” Anyone with information can contact Bolhuis on 082 447 6116 or captain Carolus Heyser on 082 778 7241.
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NEWS & VIEWS
29 May 2019
Sexual offenders sought N May 28, the Family violence, Child protection and Sexual offences (FCS) unit released a statement on information required regarding sexual violations and suspects sought in every incident. “George FCS appeals to the public for information that can assist with the arrests and successful prosecution of suspects wanted in various sexual offences in the Garden Route area. All information will be dealt with confidentially,” said Southern Cape police spokesperson, captain Malcolm Pojie. First incident: George On May 5 at 3:30am, the 22-year-old victim was on her way home from a tavern when she met two unknown African males in Thembalethu Zone 9, near 5073. They asked her where she lived and demanded money. Both carried knives with which they threatened the victim. They grabbed her and forcefully took her to the open field in Zone 9 where they instructed her to undress and then raped her. The shorter of the suspects was wearing a black jacket and a black cap while the taller one was wear-
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ing a light-blue hoody and cream white cap. After the two suspects raped the victim they told her to take her clothes and run. Anyone with information can contact sergeant Deloris Damons on 044 803 4621. Second incident: Plett On April 26 at 9:30pm, the victim was walking to the Wittedrift tavern, allegedly to buy alcohol. While she was walking along High Street, an unknown man grabbed her and dragged her into the bush where he raped her. The victim does not know the suspect. Anyone with information can contact sergeant Ludwe Dlambulo on 044 803 4621. Third incident: George On April 21, the 18-yearold victim was at her sister’s house. She had an argument with her sister and both of them decided to go to their mother’s house where they continued arguing. The victim then decided to go to her father’s house. On her way she encountered an unknown man who asked her some questions but she ignored him. He then grabbed her and threatened her with a knife. His face was covered so she could not
recognise him. He took her to a partially-constructed church in Ramaphosa, Zone 6, where he raped her. Anyone with information can contact sergeant Emmerencia Booysen on 044 803 4621 or 074 620 1433. Information is also sought in two cases dating back to 2018. The first incident is a case of rape being investigated following an incident at Hornlee in Knysna on October 26 at about 6pm. It is alleged that an unknown man approached the victim, a 42-year-old lady. He dragged her into the bush near Harker and Davidson streets in Hornlee where he raped her before he fled. The second incident is a case of rape at Kairo near Nekkies in Knysna on August 1 at 7:55am. It is alleged that the victim, a 29-yearold woman, was walking in a footpath when she was approached by a man. The suspect was armed with a knife with which he threatened her, before taking her belongings and raping her. Anyone with information can contact sergeant Thandizwe Magadla on 044 803 4616 or 044 302 6652.
NEWS & VIEWS
29 May 2019
CXPRESS
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Voedselveiligheid, biosekuriteit en higiëne die pilare van Jongboer Johan se wenspan DIE GOUE HEN: Eiers word van die Dagbreek plaas af plaaslik en na buurlande toe versprei
TROMPIE SE BENDE: Johan se ouers Johan Snr en Lorraine, en vrou Anel
stuks kleinvee, insluitende Angoras en Merinos, per maand vir die mark berei word. Die lammers en kleinvee loop op plase in Willowmore en Aberdeen. Maar Plettenbergbaai is waar die gesin met kollegas en werkers saamspan om hierdie wenboerdery te bedryf. “As mens op die plaas is kan jy soms die see ruik en hoor ook. Dis amazing!” vertel Anel. “Boer is in ons familie, en familielede met syferkennis is ingetrek om na die admin en finansiële afdelings van die boerdery om te sien. Saam met ons plaaswerkers is hierdie ‘n wenspan op wie ons baie trots is.” Johan, wie soos Anel aan Wittedrift Hoër gematrikuleer het, boer al 18 jaar met kleinvee,
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LETTENBERGBAAI is waar alles begin het dit volgens Jongboer Weskaap 2019 wenner Johan van der Schyff, 36, en sy trotse gade, Anel. Beter bekend as ‘Dr Scholtz’ waar sy al vir ‘n dekade by die plaaslike klinieke werk, is Anel ook ‘n integrale deel van die groot span wat saam met Johan werk op die plaas JJ van der Schyff en Seuns, huis van Dagbreek Eiers op die lughawe pad. Maar die welverdiende titel is toegeken nie nét omdat Dagbreek gemiddeld 1.8-miljoen dosyn eiers per maand verpak en dan versprei na verskillende markte en buurlande toe nie. Johan - of ‘Trompie’ vir maats - is ook in beheer van voerkrale waar 1,500 voerlammers en 4,000
TOP GEHALTE: Die geboue, krale en elke ander faset van die boerdery spreek van netheid en kwaliteitsbeheer
stoetvee, en lamvoerkrale. Die grootste vertakking is egter eierproduksie, wat reeds in 2006 ook na Humansdorp uitgebrei het. Johan sê sy prioriteit vir die toekoms is nie om groter te boer nie, maar slimmer en meer doeltreffend. “Ek wil die plaas vestig as die voorkeur eier-verskaffer in die Wes en OosKaap, en kwaliteit diens aan ons kliënte lewer.” Bo en behalwe kettingwinkels in SA, word Dagbreek Eiers ook uitgevoer na Namibië en Angola. Johan sê voedselveiligheid, biosekuriteit en netheid en higiëne speel ‘n belangrike rol op die plaas en dat sy pa, Johan Snr, se kennis en ondersteuning vir hom as jongboer baie waardevol is. Met strawwe kompetisie
onder die finaliste wie laas Donderdagaand die toekenningsaand in Durbanville bygewoon het, is dit inderdaad ‘n groot pluim in die kuil van dié plaaslike boer om die 2019 Jongboer titel huis toe te bring. “En dit was ons eerste inskrywing,” vertel Anel, en nou kwalifiseer Johan vir die nasionale kompetisie wat in Oktober in Johannesburg plaasvind. Johan sluit af: “Jongboere is die toekoms en die voortbestaan van ons land.” En volgens Anel wil aldrie hul kinders - Mieke, 8, Karlien, 5, en eenjarige JJ - hul pappa se skoene volstaan. So die toekoms lyk blink inderdaad vir boerdery in die baai. (Besoek die foto gallery by www.cxpress.co.za vir nog foto’s.)
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HOËRSKOOL WITTEDRIFT HIGH SCHOOL
Rest in peace, Meneer Bouwer
NEWSLETTER / NUUSBRIEF
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NEWS & VIEWS
29 May 2019
HEN news broke last Thursday that Andre Bouwer had died in a car accident on the Sedgefield N2, the terrible tidings spread through Plett like a wildfire, met by hundreds of residents with absolute disbelief and profound sadness. A long-time Plett local, Andre had two daughters with former wife June and to add to the tragedy of his passing, Daneel was due to get married last Saturday an occasion that went ahead as planned, albeit shrouded in the sorrow of losing a father of such calibre, so soon before the wedding. But his immediate family and partner of several years, Suzette, were not the only people left utterly bereft by Andre’s premature departure. As former headmaster of Wittedrift High, he played an integral role in the wellbeing of many of his townsfolk, the majority of these being the youngsters whose wellbeing was
BE READY WHEN THE MOMENT COMES: Andre addresses some to the youngsters he loved so much during a Youth Development Motivational session in 2017
his primary passion. An outcry on social media bears witness to the vast number of lives touched by Andre’s proactive engagements to help others. But it was also nigh impossible to miss the conversations among Plett locals since the accident, recounting the positive impact he had on the community at large. Apart from his well-documented involvement with Born in Africa, the Bitou 10 Foundation, Plett’s Green Hearts and local crime-fighting fraternity, CXPRESS learnt from friend Lynne
Kapp of the ‘Dawnies’ initiated by Andre and Wittedrift colleague Willie Lane. “When Andre noticed that any child had a problem at school, he would involve them, draw then in. Willie would collect these kids from their homes at 5am in the morning and along with Andre, they went swimming at The Wedge. “Then they would take them back to shower and dress for school - and Andre made sure to tell the teachers to leave be any of them that fell asleep during class, since they’ve been out with the Dawnies before sunrise.” Tales abound of his good works and great friendships, also to CXPRESS as collaborator and highly-appreciated advisor over many years. The abyss left by his absence may well take years to heal. A memorial for Andre Bouwer will be held at Wittedrift High School on Thursday May 30 at 11am.
The previous principal... Wittedrift High School headmaster JEREMY MARALLICH remembers his incomparable predecessor HIS was our standard joke: “Sir, but the previous principal…” There is no way that it could have been any other way - after being the man leading the small school with the big heart, over a 19-year period, in the way he did. Andre Bouwer had so much wisdom as a human being and that, combined with his 100% dedication towards Wittedrift High School, its learners and staff, brought a revered respect from every person whose life he touched. Die toewyding en entoe-
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siasme wat hierdie wonderlike man gehad het vir die onderwys het my verstom elke keer wat ek met hom te doen gehad het. Sewe dae voor sy dood kuier hy by my in die kantoor. Die gesprek gaan oor die koshuis en op ‘n stadium sê hy: “Ek wens ek kan jou koshuissuperintendent word - sal wat wil gee om dit te kan doen!” Dit was Andre Bouwer: ‘n onderwysman in murg en been, enig in sy soort. Hy was vir hierdie skool baie lief en het elke duim van die terrein geken soos
die palm van sy hand. Die personeel was vir hom soos sy eie familie; daar was geen slegte kinders in Andre Bouwer se skool nie, net wonderlike kinders en kinders wie nog nie besef oor watter potensiaal hulle beskik nie. En hy kon elke kind in homself laat glo om daardie potensiaal te verwesenlik. The legacy left by this great man will be an inspiration for many years to come. Your caring heart will forever beat gently in this school. You will be sorely missed, Mr Bouwer.
Homage to Andre Bouwer MARIETTA VAN ROOYEN shared this tribute on behalf of the board of directors and staff of the Bitou 10 Education and Development Foundation T is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we bid farewell to one of the great citizens of Bitou, Andre Bouwer. Andre’s tragic death came as a huge shock to many people in Plett. Thousands of children and youths passed through his hands while he was principal of Wittedrift High School. His respect and love for young people inspired teachers, parents, and the children themselves. Under his leadership, the school excelled and became
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one of the best schools in the Western Cape. Andre used to know all his learners by name and was in the habit of standing at the gate to greet them as they left the school grounds. He took many learners on excursions and to events and could often be found baking pancakes with the students to raise funds for the school. Andre joined the board of directors of the Bitou 10 Education Foundation in 2006 and played an active role. We were fortunate to
get to know him better as he shared his experience and wisdom. True to form, he soon felt too constricted in the boardroom and rather started helping the Foundation by doing extra teaching, taking children to events, and mentoring youngsters. We are grateful for the time we could spend with Andre to observe his dedication to the development of young people and society at large. Our hearts go out to his family and friends for the loss of a great man with a big heart.
Tributes from social media Corne Stander - China Mnr Andre Bouwer, vir 11 jaar was jy my skoolhoof gewees. Ek was 11 keer te veel in jou kantoor... per jaar. Ek het gedink ons het nie van mekaar gehou nie maar ek verstaan nou, jy’s net streng met iemand as jy omgee oor hulle. Ek wens ek het dit vroeër verstaan! Vanaand brand ek 11 kerse
vir jou op ‘n rooftop in China! Rus sag, Meneer. Christene Behr - Vietnam Wow, I can’t believe I am actually saying this but Rest In Peace, Meneer Bouwer! You were more than a headmaster, you were like a dad, you will forever be missed. Like me, hundreds of other old students of yours will forever be grateful for
the person you were, and that you always saw the best in us even when we were too blind to see it. I wish I had one last chance to run to you and give you one big hug! Meneer Bouwer jy was ‘n legend en ons almal gaan jou mis. (Visit www.cxpress.co.za for more tributes.)
PROMOTION
29 May 2019
CXPRESS
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INTERVAL
29 May 2019
As old as you feel... S I handed my dad his 50th birthday card, he looked at me with tears in his eyes... and said: “You know, one would have been enough.�
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Two old men were sitting in the yard outside the old people’s home one day when Tim turned to John and said: “I’m really feeling my age today. I hurt all over. And how are you feeling?â€? John replied: “I feel just like a newborn baby.â€? Tim looked at him startled: “A newborn baby how can that be?â€? “Easy! I have no hair, no teeth, and I think I just wet my pants.â€? An archaeologist is the best husband a woman can have‌ The older she gets, the more interested he is in her. A wise old man celebrating his 100th birthday
at the nursing home received a visit from a local television reporter asking to interview him. “Are you able to get out and walk much?� the reporter asked. The old man replied: “Well, I certainly walk better today than I could a hundred years ago!� My youngest son asked me how old I was. I answered: “Thirtynine and holding.� He thought for a moment and then asked: “But how old would you be if you let go?� I was watching a documentary about Alzheimer’s last night, and my wife turned to me and said: “What a horrible condition. If I ever get Alzheimer’s, I think I’ll just shoot myself.� “I know,� I replied, “you said that five minutes ago.�
Exchanging sizes URING a visit to our friend Amanda’s home in Canada, we were welcomed with a wonderful breakfast, but my sixyear-old daughter, Jessica, was not impressed.
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I believe my house is haunted. Every time I look in my mirror a crazy old lady stands in front of me so I can’t see my reflection!
“Your pancakes are much smaller than my mother’s,� Jessica told our friend. Amanda quickly replied: “That’s because of the exchange rate, dear.�
Please come back T had been snowing for hours when an announcement came over the university’s intercom: “Will the students who are parked on University Drive please move their
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cars so that we may begin plowing away the snow?� Ten minutes later there was another announcement: “Will the 1,200 students who went to move 26 cars please return to class?�
SOCIAL SCENE
29 May 2019
CXPRESS
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TSITSIKAMMA SEAFOOD MASTERS: Table on the Edge - located at the world’s highest bungee jump off Bloukrans Bridge - and Cattle Baron at Garden Route National Park’s Stormsriver Rest Camp, recently participated in a competition to showcase sustainable seafood, sponsored by Robberg Fine Foods. Judges Andile Namntu, Chris Patton and Eugenia Mkhatshwa, pictured at left below, were so impressed by their team work, preparation time, and the dishes’ texture and taste that The Table was declared Best Seafood Restaurant in the Tsitsikamma. Pictured at left are members of the able winning team with co-owner Chris Fermor at right. During the culinary festivities, SANParks marine ecologist Kyle Smith spoke about the Marine Stewardship Council’s initiative and the information consumers should consider prior to consuming seafood. Khaya Duna from Koukamma Municipality spoke about the significance of civil action in the scourge against pollution on land, as some attempt to protect the sea (visit www.wwfsassi.co.za/table-ofalternatives/ for further info).
People, places & events
ONE NIGHT IN TOKYO: Manager of Komatsu Community Centre in Plettenberg Bay De Wet Schmidt is pictured above at left during an awards ceremony in Tokyo on Monday May 13. At centre is the president of Komatsu International, Mr Ogawa, and Johan Chadwind of Komatsu SA. Explains De Wet: “Every year Komatsu affiliates over the world have the opportunity to nominate employees as well as worthwhile community projects for the annual awards. This year, just over 40 individuals received rewards for long service, innovative projects, and overall achievement.” The Komatsu/Denron Centre at Rietvlei outside Plett was the only community upliftment project to receive one of these prestigious awards, and De Wet was proud to represent this innovative centre of learning during the presidential award ceremony at Komatsu headquarters in Tokyo. Since the centre’s inception in 2007, more than 700 unemployed youths have received over 2,500 certificates after being instructed in ABET, Business Practice, and NQF4/matric. Denron kindly provides the facilities sponsored by Komatsu.
ABLE BOWLERS SHOW TRUE COLOURS: Proud Plett resident Julie Deferville - a member of The Physically Disabled Bowlers of South Africa (PDBSA) - has been invited to participate in this year’s Disability National Championships in Joburg from June 15-22. Says Julie: “Rita Hardaker’s Differently-abled Awareness Campaign has kindly sponsored my kit for the event, and I’m wearing it with pride, as it represents Rita’s wonderful work towards improving life for the disabled and promoting differently-abled sports.” Julie has received intensive coaching from skilled bowler Graham Morris in preparation for the nationals. She is pictured at right above during a singles practice session with Angie Everson - one of Plettenberg Bay Bowling Club’s top lady players. Julie wore her new DAA Campaign-sponsored kit for Rita to see, while Angie is kitted out in the club’s uniform. We wish Julie the best of luck. Watch this space for news of the championships, as well as updates on the forthcoming July at Sky event, or email ritav@global.co.za for additional information. - Photo: Lynette Mullins / ShowMe Plett
quiz V D O H night
BOOTH V BOOTH: At the recent Sedgefield Tennis Club champs, ‘Booth Jnr’ beat ‘Booth Snr’ 6-1 6-2 in the ladies challenge, while the men’s singles winner Julian Pretorius, at left in blue below, beat Hennie Louw for the title. Says winner Pam of her hard-won finals: “The age difference of 40 years between Mom and I made no difference to the fact that I had to fight for every point scored!”
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29 May 2019
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29 May 2019
Letters to the Editor
Email: editor@cxpress.co.za - Fax: 044 533 0852 - PO Box 1449, Plett 6600
Chlorine the lesser of evils when it comes to Bitou municipal water quality I refer to the letter by Iratepayer in your May 15 edition [read ‘Uurgh’ on page 11 of that issue
at www.cxpress.co.za]. Water purification is a complex process which ends in disinfection to
Leave nothing behind when benefiting from Plett’s most beautiful spots
NO TRASH ALLOWED: The Keep Plett Clean team tackled Lookout Rocks last week to remove some of the rubbish left behind by idiots ignorant of the damage caused by their filthy calling cards
How great it was to see a clean-up team collecting litter off the Lookout Rocks on a stunning morning in Plett last Monday. A big thank you is due to you all for helping to keep Plett beautiful. It’s such a pity, though, that some visitors to this scenic spot - particularly fishermen - persist in leaving their trash behind. C’mon guys, if it weren’t for these dedicated folk you’d all be fishing on a rubbish tip. How about doing your bit for your town and take away what you
brought along? Then pass the message on to your buddies when they leave those twine reels, plastic bags of bait, and pilchard boxes on the rocks. Proudly Plett is what we’d then truly be! Dion Jerling, Plett (The Keep Plett Clean campaign has been instrumental in the battle to curb the scourge of littering by mindless residents and visitors to Plett. Visit https:// w w w. fa c e b o o k . c o m / cleanplett/ for more details on their work and to see how you can get involved. - Eds.)
kill any remaining pathogens and to make the water safe for human consumption. The disinfection process continues in the pipe network and should still be detectable at the tap of the consumer. A taste or smell of chlorine is actually the best guarantee the consumer has that the water is safe and with all the pipe breaks in Plettenberg Bay’s water system, a little extra chlorine is preferred. To remove the taste of chlorine, just decant the water into a jug and let it stand for an hour or two (the taste and smell disappear naturally on its own). Bitou has enjoyed a high standard of both
potable water and effluent water treatment, as illustrated by the Blue Drop/Green Drop ratings bestowed on our town by the Department of Water and Sanitation. Unfortunately, this excellent programme to encourage compliance with standards has now been dropped, as the majority of municipalities received such poor ratings. Bitou was the exception, and we hope our municipal staff will be able to maintain their proud record, allowing us to continue safely drinking our tap water while many other towns now rely on sometimes inferior quality bottled water. Peter Pyke (Pr Eng), obo Plett Ratepayers Association
How many people does it take to change a light bulb? Well, in Plettenberg Bay, it takes only one person for this task. The street light directly opposite our house and outside 80 Maplin Drive has been dead for more than a month. It has been reported no less than three times by my neighbour and twice by myself. My last call to the Bitou Municipality customer care line was duly noted, but I was informed that the technician who changed the globes had been on leave for three weeks, so nothing had
been done. When I enquired if there was a stand-in (given our bloated municipal staff contingent) who could do the job, I received a straight ‘NO’. However, all is not lost as our technical globe fitter is now back at work. But with a large backlog of globes to replace, we can only hope that he will eventually get to our area. So it is true: only one person is needed to change a light bulb - one and no one else… John Larter, Plett
CXPRESS
11
Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za
12
CXPRESS
SPORT & ADVENTURE
29 May 2019
Ready, steady, go! George Mountain Ultra Trail ‘19 RANISERS of the George Mountain Ultra Trail (MUT) last week announced that Discovery is now the event’s title sponsor. “With the second edition less than a month away, this news adds credence to evidence that the event has grown in leaps and bounds,� says race director Zane Schmahl. The MUT aligns with the title sponsors’ aims, explains Discovery’s Iona Maclean: “Trail running promotes strength, agility and balance - key aspects of physical fitness. “Our sponsorship not only aligns with Discovery’s pledge to make 100-million people 20% more active by 2025, but the incredible natural beauty of the setting also gives participants the opportunity to combine physical activity with their love of the great outdoors.� The event was created out of EcoBound’s
passion for traversing the trails around George and the Outeniqua Mountains, as well as the recognition that there is an evergrowing trail running community in SA. As a result of the increasing quality of local running talent, the 2019 MUT includes two exciting additional events. Along with race day, this will make the #MUTlife long weekend of adventure sports an experience to remember. The main 60km race, dubbed the Scruffy Dog in 2018, starts on Saturday morning at 5am. Among the runners taking to the trails and competing for their share of the R20,000 prize, is 2018 champion Roelof Mostert. Last year, Mostert completed the course in an unexpectedly fast time of 6:21, leading EcoBound Mountain Events to believe that
O
breaking the six-hour barrier will be possible in the future. The women’s field is headlined by former George resident, Chantel Nienaber, who will be up against Annalise Scholtz among others in her battle for Discovery MUT supremacy. “After the devastating fires of 2018, the vegetation on the Outeniqua Mountain has recovered well,� Schmahl explained. “Teams of the local trail community have been working very hard on repairing and building trails where the fires have left their mark. For Discovery MUT runners, that means there will be some exciting new sections included in this year’s race.� In addition to the 60km MUT, the main race day on June 15 boasts the 25km MUT Challenge and 9km MUT Lite.
The event hosts a year-round FKT (Fastest Known Time) Challenge to the summit of George Peak. Kings and Queens of the Mountain will be rewarded at the prize giving at 6pm that Saturday. Entries to the Discovery MUT close on June 3 - visit www.georgetrailrun.co.za for details.
PINK LADY TRAILIE: Chantel Nienaber is set to return for the 2019 edition and is the women’s race favourite - Photos: Jacques Marais
PRETTY PRECIPITOUS TRACK: The Discovery MUT features 60km, 25km and 9km route options, all of which explore the spectacular Outeniqua Mountains above George
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