29 october

29 October 2014

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

Infanticide in KwaNokuthula p3

FREE

Stepping out

Adam van Rhyner ousted p3

Knysna record hopes

CXPRESS encountered Plett locals Joan and Pete Berning trekking up Robberg’s Witsand dune on a pretty Sunday last month, and learnt that their ‘trap’ served as preparation for Joan’s Eden to Addo Mega Hike (now just concluded - www.edentoaddo.co.za) and the doc’s December excursion to scale Antarctica’s tallest peak, thus the snow boots - watch this space for the story in a future edition...

Photo: Annette Drogi

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

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CXPRESS

News & Views

29 October 2014

Rita Remembers - an estate agent’s memories of the 1980s

The dung beetle and the man in the Tanga...

RITA HARDAKER (née Van Rensburg) continues her trip down memory lane with these two tales representing some of the weird, wonderful, wacky and memorable people she encountered

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AVING found a beachfront stand for overseas clients who had already purchased another property from me but wanted beachfront as well, I duly arranged for a builder and architect to meet us on site.

Now with the clients not knowing their North from

their South, we had to orientate them to ensure that they got the maximum benefits of both sunshine and light.

I had my hands full with the wife, however. While I was trying my utmost to get them to concentrate on what the builder and architect had to say, she kept waffling on

about other inconsequential things, driving us all scatty.

Then, lo and behold, I spied a dung beetle...

Realising that something had to be done to distract her, I made a huge fuss of the little beetle and told her that it was a wonderful omen and we had to watch it carefully.

If it made its way north, then it would be a sure sign that the stand was meant for them, (knowing it would go north, as south would have been downhill and it would have lost its impetus and would also gather less dung).

But we had to be very quiet so as not to distract it - thus ensuring that I kept her occupied for the duration of the site meeting. Once the men had wrapped up their conversation, she very excitedly told her husband that they simply had to acquire the stand.

The dung beetle had become their lucky charm and when the house was completed, they actually had a doorstop made in the form of a dung beetle which today, as far as I know, still stands on guard at their front door.

Never has a lowly dung beetle been of such value.

C"rctvkewnctn{"vtkem{" ukvwcvkqp Having set up the necessary

appointments, I duly knocked on the gentleman client’s door. But when he opened it I nearly had a heart attack - I thought the man was naked!

Picture a paunch over skinny legs, the paunch covering the Tanga he was wearing, shoeless, camera dangling.

Knowing I was on time but trying to hide my embarrassment, I said I may be a little ‘Picture a paunch over skinny legs, the paunch covering the Tanga he was wearing, shoeless, camera dangling’ early for the appointment and would wait while he changed. “Oh no, that would not be necessary” - he was on holiday so this was how he intended viewing the properties.

I had to tell him in the most

polite way that this would not be possible, as the owners had gone to a great deal of trouble for him and I was sure they had dressed in their Sunday best to welcome him.

He was not very happy about this but agreed to add some more apparel. He now donned shorts and a tropical design shirt, still no shoes, camera still dangling, but I reckoned this was as good as it was going to get and off we went.

He decided to keep renting the same house as he had over the next few years and in time I was able to get an excellent price on a leather suite his company designed for me, so all was not lost.

Heard he died a few years ago. I wonder if it was pneumonia...? flNcpf" Ycpvgf" vq" Guvcdnkuj" c" Pwfkuv" Eqnqp{‚" /" vjg" ucic" eqpvkpwgu000

Jack’s rollercoaster of a life account sure to be a delightful read Last night, the legendary Jack Mudd launched his latest book at Plett Angling Club

J

Our 10 000 free copies are distributed every Wednesday to a multitude of outlets along the Garden Route, with emphasis on Knysna and Plett and drop-offs at *Sedgefield Tourism *Caltex StarMart in Wilderness *Lynn Schroeder, Build It and other select outlets in George *Storms River Village and Bridge in Tsitsikamma - phone 044 533 1004 (o/h) with distribution queries.

If you’ve missed out on a hard copy, read the electronic version online at www.cxpress.co.za

La Luna

ACK Mudd is well known for his previous columns in this very publication, his stories adorning the pages of CXPRESS for years before culminating in two well-received publications:" Jgtg‚u" Owff"kp"[qwt"G{g"and"K‚o"Cn/ tkijv."Lcem.

The latter was re-issued by the author with assistance of The Watermark Press - Plett publisher Mike Kantey’s local book packaging service.

After collaborating on Cpf" Pqv"vq"[kgnf, a well-illustrated narrative of Kwazulu-Natal in the 19th Century by Jack’s aunt, Penelope Matthews, Jack and Mike have joined forces once again to produce this prolific storyteller’s latest book.

According to the author’s prologue, he thought Lcem"qh" cnn" Vtcfgu" was an appropriate title and describes it as “a rollercoaster adventure of my life that swept me along under its hypnotic spell, down many different roads and walks of life, reminding me of the song ‘I was Born Un-

der a Wandering Star’ sung

by Lee Marvin in the musical, Rckpv"[qwt"Yciqp”0" Reminisces Jack: “The crazy jobs I tried, the wonderful friends I made, all the amusing and colourful characters I was fortunate to work with on this life journey…”

All of these prompted Jack to share his memories with readers.

He concludes the prologue by adding: “Our lives seem like stepping stones across a fast-running river, alternating between extreme joy and deep sadness.”

Not wanting to disturb his “darker demons - all that upqv" gp"vtcpg”, Jack has rather chosen to reveal only the more joyful “stones” in the hope of making his reader “smile for a little while”.

Packed with adventure from his earliest days at school through his first forays into the robust, working world of mining and construction, Jack finally settles on a successful career in the fishing industry where he meets his future

MASTER STORYTELLER: In Jack Mudd’s latest book ‘Jack of all Trades’ he reminisces about meeting his wife and running a charter boat off the coast of Hout Bay - a journey filled with laughter, magic, and characters larger than life

wife, Lucy, and together they run a charter boat off the coast of Hout Bay in Cape Town.

As is usual with an expert raconteur, the journey is filled with laughter and magic and characters larger than life, while displaying the author’s extraordinary gift in capturing the exact nuances of the moment.

A real Jack of All Trades for sure, but most probably Jack Mudd will again emerge as an author in whom the true reader should find a delight-

ful master of storytelling.

Lcem" qh" cnn" Vtcfgu retails for R180 and is available at any of the following Garden Route outlets: Petroport Tsitsikamma, Storms River Bridge • Go Africa at Old Nick, Plett • PNA, Plett • Village Bookshop, Plett • Knysna Book Exchange, Knysna • Deo Gracia, Sedgefield • Timberlake Village, Wilderness.

Email jack@jackmudd.co. za or mike.kantey@gmail. com for more information.

News & Views

29 October 2014

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CXPRESS

Bitou’s deputy mayor ousted from office more ratepayers’ money required for court?

Bitou’s recent political turmoil has reared its head again and more legal action could be on the cards for the municipality after deputy mayor Adam van Rhyner was evicted from his office on Friday - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports

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UNICIPAL law enforcement officials arrived at Van Rhyner’s office in Seawitch Avenue on Friday morning and escorted him off the property. His five staff members were also informed that their services had

been terminated with immediate effect.

His eviction followed after the municipality declared Van Rhyner’s seat in council vacant on October 1.

Van Rhyner, however, said this move was unlawful as the

UNLAWFUL OR NOT, YOU’RE OUT: Adam van Rhyner, in red, is escorted from his office premises by municipal law enforcement officials, along with five staff members last Friday morning - Photo: Supplied

disciplinary process against him was still ongoing.

He is facing COPE disciplinary action for allegedly breaching the party’s agreement with the DA where there is a coalition arrangement in hung councils, by aligning with the ANC in June this year to call for a special council meeting.

The DA at the time did not have outright majority in Bitou and relied on COPE for support.

The councillors - Mpakamisi Mbali, Hilda Plaatjies, Thelma Besana, Sandiso Gcabayi, Nolan Stuurman and Monica Seyisi - and Van Rhyner called for the meeting to serve a motion of no confidence in mayor Memory Booysen, speaker Annelise Oliver and Van Rhyner himself.

The request for the meeting, scheduled for July 1, was turned down by Olivier as she claimed it did not comply with the municipality’s rules of order. This led to a lengthy court case and disciplinary action against Van Rhyner.

After a turbulent disciplinary hearing, Van Rhyner was ousted, but he subsequently appealed the expul-

Minister calls on community to curb abuse after baby’s tragic death Yolandé Stander

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HE brutal killing of a 14month-old baby in KwaNokuthula recently has not only sent shockwaves through the community, but has seen children’s rights activists demanding swift action.

The baby girl was allegedly stabbed to death by her father in an alcohol-fuelled rage during an argument with her mother.

Police spokesman Captain Malcolm Pojie said initial reports suggested that Bongani

de Bruyn had been drinking before he went to the baby’s mother’s house in Pakela Street earlier this month.

“When he arrived at the residence, he insisted on seeing the woman. At first she did not want to see him because he was under the influence of liquor,” Pojie said.

“He however put up such a scene that she eventually agreed to let him in.”

Once inside the home, De Bruyn and the woman allegedly had an argument. “He pulled out a knife and started

stabbing in the woman’s direction - stabbing the baby in the back in the process.” The mother was carrying the baby on her back at the time.

“The infant was transported to hospital, but died on arrival.”

De Bruyn was subsequently arrested and appeared in the Plett Magistrate’s Court on a murder charge.

He forfeited his right to a bail application and will remain in custody until his next court appearance on To page 4

sion. This process is currently ongoing.

“The IEC cannot put anyone in my place at the municipality for there is no legal vacancy,” Van Rhyner said.

“The municipal manager, Alan Paulse, and the mayor [Booysen] unlawfully declared a vacancy and unlawfully evicted me and my staff from

our municipal offices. They unlawfully withheld our monthly salaries, again.”

Van Rhyner claimed that not only did he and his staff not receive salaries this month, but he also did not receive a salary while the court case was ongoing, thus losing out on three months’ salary in total.

Van Rhyner’s legal team confirmed on Monday that they would turn to the Western Cape High Court again if the municipality did not withdraw the vacancy.

Municipal spokesman Kholiswa Masiza did not respond to enquiries about the issue before going to print.

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CXPRESS

News & Views

29 October 2014

FREE BUT DEEPLY INDEBTED: From left, Mlamli Desi, Michael Besana, and Mbonisi Tuli as they appeared in CXPRESS of July 11, 2012 (visit http:// issuu.com/ cxpressnews/ docs/cx360/3 for our report published at the time) - Photo: Neil Oelofse

Three accused - and acquitted - of 2011 mob killing now need help with big legal bill

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HEN her alleged killer and rapist Derrick Shwati pointed out the broken body of seven-year-old Siphokazi Nini, who was murdered in KwaNokuthula on a Sunday nearly four years ago (November 27, 2011), the angry mob of some 2,000 local residents beat and hacked him to death.

By the time police reached the centre of the scene, Shwati was already dead and although the entire crowd turned on the man who they claimed admitted to the crime, only three people were arrested for his murder.

By December of that year, the three men were released on bail and in the first week of March 2013 Mlamli Desi, Mbonisi Tuli and Michael Besana were acquitted in the Knysna magistrate’s court.

But now these men are facing a challenge that threatens their livelihoods nearly as much as the prospect of doing jail time on behalf of everyone who contributed to Shwati’s violent demise: covering their legal costs of over R60,000.

Peter Lobese of the Bitou Crisis Committee brought this issue to the attention of CXPRESS, saying that a local campaign had been set

into motion to raise funds for the trio so deeply indebted to the man who fought for their freedom, Knysna lawyer Daan Dercksen.

Said Lobese: “The community was very angry and its members stood together in unity to fight what was wrong, showing that they did not support criminal activities.

“Derick Swati was killed by the mob using stones and any other object at their disposal.

But only three men were arrested and put in the Knysna prison. Their families were left to fend for themselves during that time.

“These same family members feel that we must find a way to pay the lawyer, as he has done a good job - they could easily have lost their fathers and sons and husbands to a life in prison, and it will be ungrateful if the account is not paid,” he explained.

Another reality is that these families risk the confiscation of their meagre belongings if payment is not made, meaning they might lose everything they had worked for, along with their dignity.

“The accused will feel betrayed if the community does not support them in this, as they did not contribute to Shwati’s death for their own

benefit, but for the community. Other men may have left the situation unattended,” said Lobese, adding that a lack of back-up in this instance may mean that no one will risk standing up to fight crime in future.

“That is what has com-

pelled us to establish the Bitou Crisis Committee to do fundraising for this account,” he concluded.

If you could assist, please deposit money into the Bitou Crisis Management account at Standard Bank Plett (branch 050714), acc no 282032444 and contact Peter Lobese on 072 183 9153 or Mbonisi Tuli on 071 641 4672 for additional information.

Baby’s tragic death...

From page 3 November 19.

“The investigation continues in the meantime.”

Western Cape MEC for community safety Dan Plato labelled the incident as a “tragedy”.

“I am saddened by the news of the tragic incident where a 14-month-old baby fatally fell victim to abuse against women and children,” Plato said.

He added that alcohol and drug abuse were wreaking havoc on communities and it was the duty of all residents to assist in eradicating domestic abuse and violence against women and children.

“I urge communities to drink responsibly, to not allow incidents of violence to occur and to report all incidents of abuse to the police for their investigation and to protect those being victimised.

“We are approaching the annual 16 days of no violence against women and children and incidents like this shows

why an all-year approach is necessary to eradicate violence in our communities.”

Long-time trauma counsellor John Preller agreed and said it was shocking that incidents such as the KwaNokuthula case still happened.

“The time to address these issues is now. I know many won’t agree with me but alcohol abuse plays a major role in violence. Just go to any prison and interview the inmates.

You will find that 80% of them committed their crimes while either under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” Preller said.

He demanded local authorities take action in the affected communities. “Clamp down on illegal taverns and introduce stricter laws in terms of consumption.”

Famsa Knysna director Lou van der Merwe urged anyone with reasons for concern to contact organisations like Famsa for assistance.

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News & Views

29 October 2014

CXPRESS

Knysna waits with bated breath to hear of world record success

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NYSNA recently hosted a record attempt to complete the world’s largest statue built entirely underwater as a prelude to the town’s bid of being proclaimed an International Hope Spot.

Acclaimed artist and sculptor Charles Frank and his assistant Themba Charlie modelled the entire sculpture of the iconic Knysna Seahorse completely underwater during the biggest part of a week, and it took a team of professional divers, SANParks rangers and willing volun-

teers to lift The World’s Largest Underwater Sculpture out of the swimming pool of the Turbine Hotel on October 13.

Knysna and Plett are two of several towns in SA vying to be proclaimed as official and international Hope Spots in December. The sculpture will bear testimony to conservation in perpetuity of the rich biodiversity of Knysna’s estuary and will be unveiled

by Hope Spot architect, Dr Sylvia Earle.

“Dr Earle is the most acclaimed oceanographer in the

world,” said Knysna Hope Spot launch committee chairperson Vernon Gibbs-Hall, who confirmed verification and validation of the record attempt.

The Sea Horse measures 1.21x1.63m and weighs in at 312kg, but official authentication is yet to be carried out by an independent auditing firm. The sculpture still requires modelling and casting in a factory, which is due to take place in November, and the end result will be a transparent glass-like seahorse ICON FOR HOPE: Volunteers and divers helped lift the Knysna Seahorse sculpture from the Turbine Hotel’s pool on Thesen Islands before it was measured for the world record attempt to punt the town’s Hope Spot bid - other works

by Charles Frank is currently on display at the hotel, and readers are invited to participate in a silent auction of these pieces, proceeds of which will boost further attempts to promote Knysna as home of the iconic seahorse

Rage to benefit Plett with big bucks

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ESTIVALS attract visitors that boost the local economy, and Plett Rage is a truly unique festival in that the impact of its off-site spend far outweighs on-site spend.

Off-site spending generates revenue for communities, too, and visitors to last year’s Rage provided off-site revenue of R3,000 per head, on average, as students frequented local petrol stations, guest houses, restaurants, souvenir shops - the list is endless during their time in Plett.

“Besides being a fun, wellmanaged festival, Plett Rage offers the town a host of economic and social benefits,” says Rage director Cameron Attwood, adding that it is not only about the entertainment for students.

The team has, for a number of years, worked closely with Plett Tourism and the local Business Chamber to ensure that the community benefits economically.

Says Plett Tourism CEO Peter Wallington: “The social

benefit of festivals like Plett Rage has the opportunity to not only boost the economy, but also bring the community together and instil a sense of pride, teach us new things, and strengthen relationships.”

Councillor Wayne Craig adds that Rage provides free marketing and advertising for local businesses since students share their experiences as they go back home.

“In a generation where comments and photos are posted by the minute on social media, the economic benefits are bound to ripple throughout Plett and its local economy.”

Safety has always been a top priority for festival organisers. Since 2000 the team has worked hand in hand with Bitou Municipality to ensure strict law enforcement and registered traffic and transportation bodies.

“Months before the festival, we ensure that the town is prepared and that the students attending find themselves in a safe space and at a well-

organised event,” says safety officer Bruce Richardson.

This year the team has upped the ante in terms of safety as it will be introducing a new taxi system linked to a 24-hour medical line. A taxi operations centre will manage the transportation of all students attending Plett Rage.

Set routes will be implemented and fees will guarantee standardisation, while the use of pre-purchased taxi coupons will be obligatory.

Rage director Ronen Klugman says they are taking a strong stance on the safety of students by making transport safer and more visual and by eliminating drinking and driving. “There should be no need for any cars driving around Plett, especially to and from events.”

Organisers of Plett Rage, this year kicking off on November 28, are also looking at GPS smartphone apps for parents to track their child’s movements. Visit www.plett rage.co.za for more info.

with flowing multicolour rainbow hues inside.

The evidence-based application, forms and documentation will be sent to Iwkp/ pguu"Dqqm"qh"Yqtnf"Tgeqtfu.

A passionate environmentalist, Frank was commissioned by Eden District Municipality to undertake this massive conservation project.

Always looking for ways to draw attention to ecological

5 issues, he has recently also successfully broken the Guinness record for the World’s Largest Underwater Painting called ‘WaterBirth’.

• In December, Dr Earle along with members of her Mission Blue team and National Geographic filmmakers will launch SA’s first six Hope Spots. The local campaign is driven by international partner organisation Mission Blue and national NGO Sustainable Seas Trust, who facilitates the country’s rollout of the initiative. Visit www.mission-blue.org/hopespots-new to find out more.

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CXPRESS

News & Views

29 October 2014

Greenwood Independent School prepares for its mega move...

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ITH the prospect of building new school premises only months away, Greenwood Independent School has begun a process of raising itself academically, sportingly and culturally.

Grade R, under the guidance of an early childhood consultant, will be more tailored to ready children for Grade 1, lessening the anxiety many children feel during this transition.

The Grade 1s are taught by uber-experienced Charmaine Stewart, who settled in Plett after living in Johannesburg and teaching at Kingsmead College for 12 years.

Greenwood believes that parents are a vital part of the education puzzle, and the school encourages access to teachers like Charmaine, especially in the junior grades.

NEW HEAD, NEW STEAD: Luke Perkins will be joining Greenwood Independent School as headmaster in 2015, which will also see the building of brand new school premises

Parents of Grade 1s will be delighted to know that the school believes they should have the right to speak to and liaise with their child’s teach-

er, and that they’re available for a quick chat or check-up prior to school starting in the morning, or after the last bell has gone.

Perhaps the most exciting news for the school is the appointment of Luke Perkins as headmaster for 2015. Mr Perkins is a brilliant academic with a BSc (Wits), MSc (Pretoria) and HDipEd (Unisa), and has taught at schools such as Hillcrest College, Stanford College, Mitchell House and St Nicholas Diocesan School.

He has a great interest in education specifically with regard to environmental issues, and a passion for music and distance running. Greenwood will be delighted to welcome him next year.

Visit www.greenwoodinde pendentschool.co.za for more information.

OPEN-DOOR EDUCATOR: The extremely experienced Charmaine Stewart teaches Grade 1s at Greenwood and will always make time for their parents, too - with her from left are Inga Pita, Keynin Stohr and Matthew Reekie - Photo: Grace Harrison - Daron Chatz Photography

A word from grateful Greenwood parents FROM a rather tentative beginning in January that saw my extremely ‘sensitive’ son, Tate, as the only ‘Grade 1er’ refusing to enter the classroom, to a now enthusiastic kid running full-tilt down the gravel path to his classroom... I think we’ve done well. Patience and understanding from his teacher and we now have a diligent (ok not

Notice Board PLETT’S Pink Trees for Pauline campaign culminates on Htkfc{ with a skydive over Central Beach and the Big Walk starting at 5pm, all to the benefit of local cancer victims - see the story alongside and the advert on page 9 for more information.

Four unusual Plett gardens will be open to the public on Ucvwtfc{ from 10am to 4pm.

Tickets cost R60 at any of the gardens - find maps at Barney’s Kiosk at The Market Square and call Marsja on 073 645 9476 for info.

Don’t miss this weekend’s Leisure Isle Fest. Visit www. leisureislefestival.co.za and see the advert on page 8 - see you there on Pqx"3"("4!

always!) child and far less tears. /"Tgpgg"Mtkig"Ngigt Moving our children to Greenwood, we were very excited but slightly nervous about our decision.

With full confidence, I can say that we have been embraced by the Greenwood family and our children have flourished intellectually and emotionally.

Our younger daughter is in Mrs Stewart’s Grade 1 class and we have found her to be a well-informed educator who is caring, yet firm. All the teachers and staff are a true asset to Greenwood and we are so happy to be part of the school. Both our daughters regularly tell us that they “LOVE their school!” xx /" Vjg"Tqdgtvu"Hcokn{"

Only three days to sell 300 shirts and caps for Cansa!

The team at Plett Sports challenges local folk and businesses to buy these Cansa Ts and caps for their staff or loved ones to wear during Friday’s Big Walk (Central Beach, 5pm). And with the stock arriving at their Market Square store by this afternoon only, the pressure is on to get those items onto heads and backs over the next few days! Apart from being pretty, the gear is manufactured to great quality with the shirt fabric being Birdseye moisture-management material, i.e. excellent for exercise. The Ts in pink, white and grey cost only R120 and you can pick up a cap for R80, so run down to Plett Sports before Friday afternoon and look the part for the Big Walk for Cansa all proceeds from sales will benefit Cansacare Plettenberg Bay.

Business

29 October 2014

Accounting made easy

Jeremy Andrews – Andrews & Co Chartered Accountant & Auditor - Plett

Notes on free computer software - Part II

M

Y last article [in CXPRESS of October 15] was an oversimplification of an industry that has a great variety of software licencing agreements.

Some licences might grant free and unfettered use, others - as in the case of proprietary systems - severely limit your use, and some packages may even be governed by multiple licences.

Luckily there is an organisation called the Free Soft-

ware Foundation (FSF) with the following as its objective: “The FSF is non-profit with a worldwide mission to promote computer user freedom and to defend the rights of all free software users.”

The definition of “free software” is given as software that respects users’ freedom and community. Roughly, it means that the users have the freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change and

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

Getting markets into perspective

T

HE recent drop in markets worldwide is seen as an overdue correction.

The “free” money and excess liquidity that worked as steroids in markets have gradually come to an end.

The now famous QE is virtually over in the US, and interest rates are expected to begin a gradual rise from before 2014 is a thing of the past.

While markets are in a strong bullish mood, they tend to ignore bad news.

But when they eventually turn we find that bad news suddenly becomes relevant.

So now we all know about the Russians/Ukrainians, ISIS, Ebola and the poor Chinese and European economies.

We are very aware of the consequences of deflation in Euroland, and the savage decline in the prices of iron ore, coal, platinum and gold. It is now that investors’ fears are at their worst and the temptation to cut your losses is at its highest level.

It is, in fact, the time to start planning your purchases, doing your homework and establishing at what level you will enter the market. If you are already in, then you should be focusing on the real fundamentals.

The US economy looks to be in a very stable ground.

Unemployment has reduced at an incredible rate; it no longer relies on the steroids of QE, company profits have recovered, and the whole raft of economic indicators tells the story of ongoing strength.

All that needs to happen is for shares to reach levels of fair value, or even get to bargain levels.

In Euroland, the recovery has been far more sluggish, as this part of the world has more Socialist type economies with strong trade unions and the incredible hurdle of ±17 differing departments of finance.

But again, their economies are recovering (especially with the lower Euro) and will

prove to be rewarding in the long term.

The jury is still out on both China and Japan. However, neither of these economies is all that weak. So we have a situation where economic fundamentals are on the mend, though at differing rates, and markets are in the process of correcting back to fail value.

The real question is at what point we re-enter the markets. Every investment manager will have differing answers, but let’s compare some figures: Nqqmkpi"cv"vjg"kpvgtpcvkqpcn" octmgvu<"Kpfgz"1"RG • Dow - 14.9 • S&P - 17.3 • London Footse - 16.1 • DAX (Germany) - 16.6 I like to buy shares with a PE of between 14 and 10, so these markets may still come a little lower, but one must remember that there will be shares at the right level already.

Nqqmkpi"cv"vjg"Uqwvj" Chtkecp"octmgv<"Kpfgz"1"RG" 1"Ogcp"RG"ncuv"34"oqpvju • All Share - 16.5 - 17.9 • Resources - 12.5 - 15.9 • Financials - 14.2 - 14.4 • Industrials - 21.2 - 22.2 On the face of these figures, the financials look cheap and if one digs into the numbers one finds that most of the banks are already trading at attractive PEs of ±10 - the insurers push the PE up.

The All Share has Naspers with an 8% weighting and a PE anywhere north of 60! So there are clearly some bargains lurking in this market.

Some sound companies are offering dividend yield of between 5% and 6% that will be of interest to retirees. My view is probably that it is time to stick one’s toe back into the market. Good luck!

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CXPRESS

improve the software.

Thus, “free software” is a matter of liberty, not price.

To understand the concept, you should think of “free” as in “free speech”, not as in “free beer”.

“Open Source” is defined by Wiki as: “In production and development, open source as a development model promotes a universal access via a free licence to a product’s design or blueprint, and universal redistribution of that design or blueprint, including subsequent improvements to it by anyone.”

A basic introduction to the complex world of free software that we all use: Every time we use the internet we are using, at no charge, the World Wide Web (or www as we all know it) - the brainchild of Sir Timothy John ‘Tim’ BernersLee, this software makes what we do on the internet possible.

Confused? No need to be, because in reality you will seldom if ever have to deal with the complexities of software licences.

Our lives are inestimably enriched by the efforts of those producing free to use software.

Think of Wikipedia: all the information is contributed free and gratis and, nine times out

of 10, when you search the web you are using Google for free. There’s also a good chance you are using Firefox to browse - yes, also for free - and not to forget Facebook, Twitter and all the other social media sites that connect us to our world. The list goes on and on.

But why and how?

The “why” seems, in part, to be altruistic, noble and far-reaching, as spelt out in this statement by FSF: “As our society grows more dependent on computers, the software we run is of critical importance to securing the future of a free society.

“Free software is about having control over the technology we use in our homes, schools and businesses, where computers work for our individual and communal benefit, not for proprietary software companies or governments who might seek to restrict and monitor us.”

It also makes logical business sense: when computers started becoming tools in everyone’s hands it was realised that if the market for home computers was to grow then a massive rewrite of all software would be needed to make software accessible to

Joe Soap.

This task was beyond the means of the limited pool of programmers available, so source code was opened to the world, allowing anyone with the needed skills and ideas to contribute to improving that code.

An additional business imperative was that monopolistic tendencies, specifically in the area of the operating system and office productivity software, had set in. This was a threat to those excluded

from the monopoly so in retaliation, they supported the various Open Source projects that would compete with the proprietary systems.

In two weeks’ time, I will tell more about the software that helps Andrews & Co in our quest for ever-increased efficiency and service.

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CXPRESS

Interval

29 October 2014

An American Jewish mother...

T HE year is 2020 and the United States has elected the first woman as well as the first Jewish president, Susan Goldfarb.

She calls up her mother a few weeks after Election Day and says: “So, Mom, I as-

Air traffic control: “Flight 1234, for noise abatement turn right 45 degrees.”

Pilot: “But we are at 35,000 feet - how much noise can we make up here?”

Air traffic control: “Sir, have you ever heard the noise a 707 makes when it hits a 727?”

Parachuting without sight

A

blind man was describing his favourite sport, parachuting.

When asked how this was accomplished, he said that everything was done for him: “I am placed in the door with my seeing-eye dog and told when to jump. My hand is placed on my release ring for me and out I go with the dog.”

“But how do you know when you are going to land?” he was asked.

“I have a very keen sense of smell, and I can smell the trees and grass when I am 300 feet from the ground,” he answered.

“But how do you know when to lift your legs for the final arrival on the ground?”

He quickly answered: “Oh, the dog’s leash goes slack.”

PMS should just be called ‘ovary-acting’...

sume you’ll be coming to my inauguration?”

“I don’t think so, Susan It’s a 10-hour drive, your father isn’t as young as he used to be, and my arthritis is acting up again.”

“Don’t worry about it, Mom, I’ll send Air Force One to pick you up and take you home. And a limousine will pick you up at your door.”

“I don’t know, dear. Everybody will be so fancyschmanzy, what on earth would I wear?”

Susan replies: “I’ll make sure you have a wonderful gown custom-made by the best designer in New York.”

“Honey,” Mom complains, “you know I can’t eat those rich foods you and your friends like to eat.”

The President-to-be responds: “Don’t worry, Mom. The entire affair is going to be handled by the best caterer in New York; kosher all the way. Mom, I really want you to come.”

So Mom reluctantly agrees and on January 20, 2021, Susan Goldfarb is being sworn in as President of the United States.

In the front row sits the new President’s mother, who leans over to a Senator sitting next to her and says: “You see that woman over there with her hand on the Torah, becoming President of the United States?”

The Senator whispers back: “Yes, I do.”

Mom says proudly: “Her brother is a doctor.”

Social Scene

29 October 2014

CXPRESS

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OUT THERE AT EIGHT: Sammi-Jo, second from right, daughter of Sam & Mark Braun of Plett, had a delightful camping birthday party at Keurbooms Caravan Park to celebrate the fact that she turned eight on October 10. Her lucky sleep-over guests - from left are Julia, Nina, Fae, and Kelsey - had excellent fun riding their bicycles, swimming and roasting marshmallows on the campfire. What a way to have a great outdoors birthday!

RE/MAX HONOURS TOP ACHIEVERS: The team at RE/MAX Prime Properties in Plett is very proud of agent Bruce Noble for being inducted into the Premier Club for 2014 - an honour bestowed only on top achievers in the RE/MAX family. During a glittering event held at Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town last week, the RE/MAX elite were gathered from around the country to be recognised for their efforts. Bruce, who has been one of the top agents since joining RE/MAX in 2005, has had a particularly good year with sales of beach front property and large tracts of land, as well as the sale of Stonefield Polo, among others.

The team also congratulates Chris van der Merwe and Stoffel van Huysteen from the Knysna and Sedgefield offices on their inclusion in the RE/MAX Premier Club. From left in the pic are Stoffel and Chris with Corlia Goris, RE/MAX chair and regional owner Peter Gilmour, Robert Smith, Sue Abernethy and Bruce, with RE/MAX regional director & CEO Adrian Goslett at right.

People, places & events

IT’S SHOWTIME, FOLKS! It’s that time of year again: The annual Bitou 10 Visual & Performing Arts Showcase - an amazing exhibition of art, music, drama and dance performed by children from 10 Bitou schools - takes place on Saturday November 1 at 1pm at Plett Primary School. Get ready to enjoy choirs, drama, art and various forms of dance, including traditional African, Kwaito, hip-hop, gumboot, ballroom and Latin. The pics at far left show highlights from last year’s showcase, while members of the Kranshoek choir are pictured above during rehearsals last week for Saturday’s big date. Read more about the Bitou 10 choir programme and awesome vocal coach Claud Schmidt, left, at www.cxpress.co.za (turn to page 6 of the October 22 edition).

Photos: Glenn Murray Photography

Photos: Steve Neufeld LET THERE BE LOVE: The theme of this year’s sixth annual Plett for Peace festival on Hobie Beach was ‘love’ and in her opening address, organiser Vinthi Neufeld reminded everyone in attendance, believers and non, that Jesus, Krishna, Allah and Buddha all stood for ‘spreading the love, and not to indoctrinate and segregate’. A bunch of thank-yous to among others Tshisa Talent, Events & Tents, Sound Cellar, SA Property Valuations, Backpackers Beach-house and many individuals who made the event a reality preceded an evening of song, dance and excellent eats. Special thanks are due to the many local artists who added their magic to a night filled with laughter and, yes, lots of love. (Find out more on the Facebook page Plett for Peace.)

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CXPRESS

Read CXPRESS online at www.cxpress.co.za

29 October 2014

Classifieds

On the Soapbox

29 October 2014

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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

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Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

A whole bunch of orchids for these friendly disappointment. any proof of purchase from Knysna jewellers!

I returned to Knysna last their shop. They were kind, The Ucvwtfc{"Uvct"newspaper has an ‘Orchids and Onions’ advertising column - I am sure many of your readers are familiar with it.

I am referring to it as I would like to present Nick Ocker

Jewellers in the Knysna Mall with an orchid. I purchased a new leather watch strap from them some time ago. It did not wear well and as I live in Johannesburg I was not able to ‘pop in’ and show them my

month and went into the shop to show them my strap and to buy a new one (hoping that I may get a discount!).

The strap was replaced with no charge and no questions. I was not asked for a receipt or

gracious and apologetic - such an amazing contrast from the service we in Johannesburg have sadly become used to.

I would like to present them with an array of orchids.

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Vacant stand services issue tackled in positive making a contribution to the meeting with mayor & co efficacy of Council operaIn light of the vast number of letters on the subject of charges levied on vacant land which featured on this page, we include the below feedback after a recent meeting between Bitou’s powers that be and residents over these service charges This is an abridged version of the minutes of a meeting between Bitou Council and Keurbooms River Master Homeowners Association, Keurbooms Property Owner’s Association, managing agents, Plett Property Management, Holiday Plett, attorney Paul Jordaan, and representatives of the Nature’s Valley community.

The meeting was held in the council chambers on October 15 and chaired by Bitou mayor Memory Booysen. It was attended by municipal manager Alan Paulse, the CFO Felix Lötter, and councillors Neville de Waal and Wayne Craig along with Peter Harpestad of the Electrical Department, Di Butlin and a number of council representatives.

The agenda was limited to service delivery (electricity) in the Keurbooms area, charges for refuse removal from empty stands, and the Estuary Management Plan with respect to the adoption of the bylaws, as required by law.

Due to lack of progress to date, with the procurement of the tools, staff and other capi-

tal items required to upgrade the electrical reticulation in Keurbooms, the residents insisted that Bitou now provide a public timeline for the work.

The mayor consulted Harpestad who offered December 1 as the date by which the current problems would be eradicated and the necessary upgrade complete, with the exception of the new switchgear, which is on order, and due next year.

This date was agreed upon and in order to meet this deadline, the municipal manager directed that the necessary outside contractors be appointed and the required tools and equipment be purchased by means of a variation process. It was confirmed that the funds originally set aside for this work, are still available.

The meeting was informed

by Nature’s Valley residents that the power situation there is in similar disrepair and Harpestad acknowledged this and was aware that certain new capital is required. This matter will carry forward.

In terms of refuse service levies for vacant stands, this was strongly challenged

A tweet from a Windy City twitcher...

and the municipal manager provided background that this was carried out by other councils, for example Knysna, who levy a higher charge.

This charge is within the allowed gambit of municipal recoveries and strives to spread the charges while discouraging long-term vacant stand speculation, while acknowledging that there are indigent areas and households who make no contribution.

A full description of how the budget is made up and the monies allocated to services and capital, was provided by the CFO. However, there was a strong accusation against Council that (despite the charge itself) the matter was handled in a bullying and arrogant fashion, namely the levying of the charge, backdated, without notice and with the simple description “journals” on accounts.

This creates debit order havoc and as a principle, is not acceptable.

The mayor agreed and on behalf of council, apologised.

Furthermore, he went on to issue a directive to the CFO that, in future, there would be adequate notice provided and that for all future events in which new and or backdated charges are to be levied, these be so levied on a monthly basis.

There are many circumstances where residents are

tions - pumping own sewerage, central or communal refuse collection points, etc.

It was agreed that, while the vacant stand (refuse) charge would remain, there is now, by agreement, to be a review of the surcharge of the 11% levied for vacant stand refuse removal service (111% of developed stand costs) and that managing agents, developments and individuals should determine their circumstances and approach the municipal manager for “one on one” discussions on rebates and normalised charges for the circumstances that prevail.

Examples include if you pump your own sewerage (to municipal facilities), if you have bulk meter readings only (by the municipality) and read site meters yourself, and if you provide a central or communal refuse pick up point.

On the subject of the Estuary Management Plan and now two-year outstanding adoption of the bylaws (required by law in terms of the Coastal Management Act), the mayor was requested to raise the issue on the Council agenda to prevent this becoming a political issue.

Mayor Booysen was personally thanked for his continued role as facilitator in the pursuance of these issues and all Council attendees were thanked for their time and professional preparation and response. Thanks went to all residents and professional attendees, too.

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F R E S H

In PE you can tell the Gauteng invader weavers from the 1820 Bay Settler weavers by looking at their nests. The nests that the Gauteng weavers build are attached to one branch, and they swing in the wind. The nests that the local okes build are attached to two branches. No problem.

- Gerhard Burger, Port Elizabeth

Est. 1984

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CXPRESS

Sport & Adventure

29 October 2014

S-Cape bodyboarders make waves in Port Alfred

... and thank Plett locals for their generous support

SMELLS LIKE TEAM SPIRIT: The bodyboarders and team managers who benefited from a local fundraising effort that enabled their participation at nationals earlier this month Photo: Johann Rademan

D

URING this year - after months of practising and three trials later - former Plett Primary and now York High student Cameron Watkins, 16, was selected to represent the Southern Cape Bodyboarding team to take part in the national championships in Port Alfred from October 6-10.

Says mom Lauren: “After his selection, we proudly embarked on a fundraising effort to assist Cameron and his 16-

Medal winners in motion Motion Cycling Club was established in December 2013 and is affiliated with the Southern Cape Cycling Association. Five club members took part at the Youth Festival held in Oudtshoorn presented by Cycling SA & Eden Cycling Association and won a total of 11 medals consisting of three golds, four silvers and four bronze medals. All five members plus two U/10s were selected to represent the Western Cape at the South African Provincial Team Championships Youth Event held in Bloemfontein during the October school holidays. Here they took silver for a second place finish - congrats to, from left, U/10s Thomas Snell & JeoNita Johnson, U/12s Leighton Marais & Nicole-Rose Jacobs (all from Kranshoek Primary), and U/14s Ronaldo Snell (Plett Secondary), Jayden Johnson (Plett Primary) & Jarreth le Fleur (Kranshoek).

Club convenor Thomas Snell thanks Club 100 Plett, The Bike Shop, Pennypinchers Plett, Robberg Ready Mix, Robberg Quarry, National Foods and Bitou Municipality for the financial support and equipment sponsored to make the trip to Bloem possible - call him on 071 420 0279 for more information.

man and one-woman team, and we were blown away by the support.

“Thank you to all the generous Plett locals who contributed, and to our awesome family members Tracey Murray and Jacquie Carr for coming to the party.”

She also thanks the following businesses for their kind donations: Jane Schultz of The Village Bookshop, Pete & Cath of Opihi Builders,

Jan & Rob of Bay Décor, Charles, Dee & Irene of Shell Ultra City and Accommodation Bureau, Craig of Kia Ora Joinery, and the folk at Plett’s Electrical Supply Company.

Cameron did exceptionally well in the Junior Division (16-18 year olds) and made it to the quarter-finals in unpredictable sea conditions and with tough competition to boot. Congratulations, too, to Plett local Nik Martin who made it to the finals in the Pro Division.

Says Lauren: “The team as a whole excelled and they were an awesome bunch to watch and support - well done, Southern Cape bodyboarders!”

The members also thank sponsors Fruit of the Loom and Reef South Africa for keeping the team warm on the beach, saying “without them this trip would not have been possible”.

Downhill Rage 2014: It’s on like Donkey Kong!

I

T’s that exciting time of year again when Plett Rage activities include a call to all need-for-speed longboard junkies to come out and show off their extreme riding... yep, it’s time to sign up for the second annual Plett Downhill Rage!

Racing starts at 9am on Sunday November 30, with the finals taking place at 5pm. The Table Restaurant will host the launch and registration on Friday the 28th

as well as the prizegiving and after party, which starts straight after the last ride.

And if you still need convincing, get a load of this: there’s R10,000 prize money up for grabs, thanks to sponsors Sector 9, as well as a Nixon watch valued at R5,000 for the fastest time trial.

Enter online today at www. naturesportco.com or email events@naturesportco.com for additional information.