2 August 2017 by CXpress

2 August 2017

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

Rage Central? This photo of Elton Chatz performing at Central Beach during Plett Arts Fest’s Friday night Sun Set sessions was shot on the same spot now under scrutiny as objections to the use of the Central Beach parking lot as central hub for Plett Rage 2017 are being perused by Bitou’s powers that be. Read more on page 4.

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NEWS & VIEWS

2 August 2017

Skipper’s recent close shave reminds of miraculous rescue of 11-year-old boy in December 1981 DEREK FRIELINGHAUS of Plettenberg Bay says last week’s dramatic rescue of a skipper who fell overboard, see below, reminded him of another rescue many years ago - herewith his account, and at right an interview with one of the two brothers mentioned, which appeared in the Nomads Golf Club’s first newsletter of 1982 E received the call from an understandably anxious mother that her 11-yearold son had been washed out to sea through the Keurbooms River Mouth. He was apparently floating around the shallows in his small canoe observing the hermit crabs and little fish on the riverbed. While daydreaming he did not notice that the outgoing tide was slowly pushing him towards the river mouth. Suddenly he was in the mouth and a wave capsized his little vessel. He managed to cling to the canoe and this was how he was found nearly three hours later by brothers Joss and Mike Stuart. When his mother realised he was missing, she asked around

and someone mentioned that they saw a person in a small canoe going through the mouth. On that vague description we set our search in motion. Meanwhile, NSRI Plett put an “all-vessels” call to ski boats in the bay. Everyone who received this radio distress call upped anchor and helped us search. It was with huge relief that we received a radio message as the sun was setting that a ski boat named Genista had picked up a little boy and was returning to Central Beach. The saved boy’s name was Arnot van der Ness and I often wonder what had become of him - but obviously on that day, Fate had other plans than for him to be lost in the ocean.

From the 1982 Nomads Golf Club newsletter URING the last December holidays, Joss Stuart spent many hours at Plettenberg Bay basking in the sun on his ski boat, hoping to catch that big one that always seemed to get away. Finally that day arrived where Joss was to bag the largest and most precious catch of his life. In speaking to Joss the conversation when something like this… “My brother and I were out fishing from our ski boat off Keurbooms and after an afternoon’s stint were returning to Plett at about 7pm when I spotted a black speck in the swells off to one side of us. “As it was getting dark I motioned to my brother to do a

quick turn past the speck and then proceed back to base. “When we got to the speck we discovered an 11-yearold boy by the name of Arnot van der Ness clinging to his canoe that had capsized and washed down the river mouth at Plett. He had been in the water for 2.5 hours and was 6km out to sea. “I plucked the shivering boy out of the water and we returned to Plett safely. “Coming from a family of five kids, he was not immediately missed and panic stations starter after the ordeal was over. His mother offered Joss a ‘thank you’ and little Arnot went home to a warm bed. Arnot’s father, we believe, was in Nelspruit at the time.”

NSRI steps in when skipper slips and falls overboard… T 11am on July 25, NSRI Plett duty crew responded to a request for urgent assistance from crew of the charter boat Sabrina, reporting a man overboard about 2 nautical miles off-shore of The Point on Robberg Nature Reserve. Sea rescue craft Ray Farnham and Ian Hepburn were launched as well as a rescue vehicle, while the charter boat Oceanic Explorer also responded along with two fixed-wing aircraft. The Sabrina skipper, 42, was missing and suspected to have fallen overboard unnoticed by any of the crew or passengers. The boat had charter passengers on board and was also

crewed by a spotter and guide. During a search, the skipper was located and recovered from the water 1.5 nautical miles from where it was first noticed that he was missing from the boat. He had been in the water for about 40 minutes. He was wearing a life-jacket and once on the sea rescue craft Ray Farnham he was treated for hypothermia by NSRI medics. It appears the skipper had gone below decks to the bathroom and failing to return to the top deck, the crew raised the alarm. After being rescued the skipper confirmed that he had slipped and fallen overboard when he was returning to the top deck.

SWIFT SERVICE: The skipper is brought up the beach to the safety of NSRI Plett Station 14 - Photo: NSRI Plettenberg Bay

NEWS & VIEWS

2 August 2017

CXPRESS

Water shedding may soon be a reality in Knysna as consumption surpasses supply Should Knysna’s water levels drop any further, the town can expect even harsher water restrictions which may well include ‘water shedding’ - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports AST week the water level of Knysna’s main holding facility, the Akkerkloof Dam, reached 30%, which means there was only 19 days of water left at the time. The town has not had sufficient rainfall in the catchment areas in recent months; the situation was further exacerbated by the ill-timed June fires sweeping through the area - this while residents’ water consumption remains beyond desired levels. Municipal spokesperson Chumisa Kalawe confirmed that if the dam’s level dropped below 30%, the municipality would have to implement Level 4 water restrictions. This regime will result in water shedding, which will see the closing of water valves to be opened through a roaming area on a threehour timetable. Knysna mayor Eleanore Bouw-spies said the latest water report revealed that

consumption was still too high. “In Knysna it is 11.79 megalitres per day while the preferred consumption is 10 megalitres. In Sedgefield, it is 2.15 megalitres while the preferred consumption is 1.9 megalitres,” BouwSpies said. She added that, therefore, potable water remained under severe pressure, and that the town was still operating under the Level 3 water restrictions implemented during March this year. This means that potable water is for human consumption only, that no gardens may be watered - not even with a bucket - and that vehicles or boats may not be washed. All residents and businesses are also restricted to using 20 kilolitres of water per month and those who do not adhere to the limit would have to pay punitive tariffs. “We urge residents to use water sparingly and to be our eyes and ears on the ground and report water abuse.”

The town’s largest water sources - Knysna and Gouna rivers, which supply about 90% of the town’s water - have been running at below average since last year due to lacking rainfall. In total, the rivers and other smaller sources supply the town with about 10.6ML, while water is also augmented from Akkerkloof Dam. The dam can hold more than 800ML (about three months’ supply) but can only be augmented when usage in town is low enough for surplus water to be pumped to the storage facility. Several mitigating measures have been implemented and discussed over the past few months, including punitive tariffs to curb wasteful usage, strict enforcement of water restrictions, and the installation of water management devices that limit water supply to properties. There have also been a leak-repair programme and water-wise awareness campaigns.

Knife-wielding robber who relieved himself with investigations and of a finger remains at large busy various leads are being folPlett woman was viciously stabbed multiple times during an early morning robbery after withdrawing money from an ATM in Plett’s Main Street last week. Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) operations head Otto Olivier said after the woman withdrew money at about 6am, a man overpowered her and stabbed her several times. During the attack he also cut off his own finger. Olivier said Plett Security

officers heard her screams for help and rushed to assist her. She also flagged down a passing ADT Security vehicle, and the officer rushed her to a local hospital. Olivier added that security officers chased the suspect on foot, but he managed to escape. He said several PBCPA members also rushed to the area where the incident took place and scanned the area for the injured suspect. “We are still searching for the suspect. The SAPS are

lowed up,” Olivier said. Should anyone have information on this incident or know about a person whom recently lost his finger, contact the Plett police or PBCPA on 082 251 8134. The man was said to be wearing a maroon jacket with black long trousers with a red or maroon stripe down the side. He is believed to have short hair and a medium build. By going to print, the suspect was still at large. Yolandé Stander

Other more extensive measures being considered include the installation of catchment tanks to store rain water, and drilling for boreholes or digging wells. “To assist residents, we

are currently securing water tankers to provide builders with a few litres of water for construction,” Bouw-Spies said. “We ask builders to ensure that they have storage for a

minimum of 500 litres on site. This will help our tankers to deliver and operate efficiently. If landowners can capture rainwater for building purposes, we ask that you do so and that you look at alternative sources to augment your water supply for building purposes.”

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

2 August 2017

What happened to funds earmarked for Bitou artists? Although funds are available for arts to prosper in Bitou, greed and alleged corruption have resulted in a blockage of this cash flow CANDICE LUDDICK reports on a meeting to address this situation HE secretary, treasurer and deputy secretary of Bitou Arts Forum, which was formalised in 2016, have allegedly refused to engage with the Forum following financial mismanagement that resulted in a sum of R41,000 not reaching its intended recipients. Arts Forum chairman Trevor Mapitiza called a public meeting and invited all Bitou artists to attend on July 19, to inform affected stakeholders of the unfortunate events that had resulted in the Forum’s inability to report back on activities such as the recent community roadshow. Other issues on the agenda included the inability to provide the necessary feedback and a delay in organising a talent show since, due to said financial mis-

management, the Forum’s bank account is no longer an effective means of channelling finances. Nicotee Mayila addressed the meeting on behalf of Bitou mayor Peter Lobese’s office. He said that the Forum had been established to allow all artists a turn to benefit from funding available through the municipality. He said that R29,000 paid to the Forum last December had allegedly been withdrawn in cash, with some artists not paid as yet. A further R12,000 supposed to have been in the Forum’s bank account was also missing. No financial documents were available at the meeting to support the allegations, and Mayila proposed the office bearers responsi-

ble be held accountable, and that a criminal case be opened against them. Mapitiza proposed that internal disciplinary action be taken and the accused office bearers be suspended if found guilty following a disciplinary hearing. He said that the Forum was unable to open a new bank account as the accused secretary was in possession of all documentation pertaining to the Forum. To channel funding through other organisations would not be an ideal solution, as it leaves the Forum open to further fraudulent activity. “I would like to say to all the creatives and artists that they shouldn't give up on their craft but they should take this step as inspiration - they have previously been

exploited and neglected. “Tough times can only make us stronger, but I fully commit that we will get to the bottom of this and

greater opportunities will touch the sky. We are here as a Forum to bring life and sustainability to the arts and craft through developing

programmes, and to make sure that they succeed. “Let's all stay strong. This too shall pass, so don't give up on your craft," he said.

Plett’s Rage 2017 to be ‘rebranded’ as a daytime festival

Nikki Ridley

THE LOT ON THE SPOT: This aerial shot, taken during the most recent Plett for Peace event on Central Beach, depicts the parking area and surrounds now considered as Rage hub Photo: Vinthi Neufeld Photography

HILE objections to the proposed use of the Central Beach parking area as 2017 venue for Plett Rage are considered by Bitou council, Rage operations manager Daron Smit has furnished CXPRESS with core points of their motivation for the envisaged land use, in addition to some detail on the concerns around noise. “Over the past few years, Rage has explored numerous venues in and around Plettenberg Bay, but to no avail. Without exception, all have been met with fierce objection. “Unfortunately, the perfect location known as ‘the sewerage works’ [which housed Rage Village 2016] is no longer available due to the fact that the field is now being used to empty sewerage dams. Therefore, a new venue is required for this year’s event. “Over the past 10 years, Central Beach has played an integral role in Rage providing daytime entertainment for Ragers, but wrapping up at sunset around 8pm. This venue has also played host to the annual Wine and Bubbly Festival, as well as the inaugural Bitou Jazz Festival. “Central Beach is the perfect venue to be promoted as the hub of Rage by extending the entertainment until 10pm. This will require Rage to be rebranded as a daytime beach festival.” Objections raised by local businesses touch on a number of factors, including that of parking and disruption to their clients

and operations. But one of the main concerns for Plett residents, particularly those ‘west of the mountain’ in the Piesang Valley area, is noise. In response to this, Smit supplied and also verbally reiterated that there would be no live acts or use of microphones after 10pm, at which point the music will also be turned down, though not off. While a number of affected parties have banded together to lodge official objections, word on the street includes the question: “How did they get it for five years, and why was there only one day for people to lodge objections after the notice was published?” “That is not true,” Smit said. “Due process for public participation was followed. Notices were published in the What’s New prior to the snippet in CXPRESS of July 26, and we have been in communication with affected parties.” He added the notion that they “got the beach-front” for five years was a “misunderstanding” and that subsequent events would necessarily hinge on the success of the first. Smit said that while most beachfront businesses stated their opposition to the plan, not all were against it - for example Beacon Island Hotel. He acknowledged that it was not a perfect solution, but concluded that “it’s seven days”. “That’s it. Everyone thinks of Rage as being 10 days, but the events are held for seven days, and then it’s over.”

Support from Tourism for economic benefits Chair of Plett Tourism Peter Wallington, while cautious in his statement with regards to the full proposal (saying that it is not known to them at this time), added Tourism’s support of the Rage festival. “Plett Tourism fully supports the Plett Rage because it generates significant revenue for many businesses in the town, thus supporting many permanent and temporary jobs. It also is a marketing exercise to future generations of tourists. “We are aware that many venues have been assessed and all have their (varying) advantages and disadvantages in terms of inconvenience to stakeholders. “The reality is, however, that festivals and events form an important part of a tourism destination’s marketing and economic calendar, and this is particularly true of Plett Rage. Insofar as the Rage in 2017 is concerned, the organisers have negotiated directly with Bitou Municipality over the proposed venue. In our view, broadly speaking, the venue makes sense during the day, but there are challenges with the evening.” Daron Smit is inviting concerned and interested members of the public to find out more by contacting him on 044 533 0816 or to pop in at Nature Sports at the Upper Deck. CXPRESS awaits further information from the municipality regarding the objections and progress.

NEWS & VIEWS

2 August 2017

Greening of Kurland Village to benefit present and future generations Words & photos: Timothy Twidle

PECIMENS of Sideroxylon inerme (White milkwood/Witmelkhout), Podocarpus latifolius (Real yellowwood/Opregte geelhout), and Syzygium cordatum (Waterberry/Waterbessie/Umdoni), were among the mix of 32 indigenous trees planted in Kurland Village, located some 20km north-east of Plettenberg Bay, on Thursday July 27. The trees were kindly donated by the Department of Forestry, Agriculture and Fisheries in Knysna, and the tree-planting initiative was organised and steered by Bitou-based Nature’s Valley Trust (NVT) and Tsitsi Tuiniers gardening club. NVT conservation educator Kirwan Strydom coordinated the event with aplomb. On the day, a number of different organisations including Born in Africa, SANParks, Brackenburn Crew and Willing Workers South Africa, Bitou Municipality, the ORCA (Ocean Research Conservation Africa) Foundation, and the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association joined forces with NVT and

WASTE NOT...: At the Kurland Greening initiative last Thursday were members of the Waste Management Department of Bitou Municipality, above from left, Mzimasi Stena, Thozama Somana, Nomasile Ntlabakanye, Waste Management head Douglas Baartman, Tandiswe Nogom, Linda Mgwayi, Sweetness Gcora, and Ntombekhaya Mbukulwa - at right, Priscilla Bernardo of Tsitsi Tuiniers gardening club supervises the planting of a specimen of Syzygium cordatum

TTGC to ensure the success of the venture. At the start of proceedings, NVT programme director Dr Mark Brown provided those present with a brief history of the project. “What we are doing today in planting trees is greening our community. We plant these trees for our children. “This project began in 2003, but only gained impetus in 2011. To date, 1,050

trees have been planted throughout Bitou under the aegis of this exercise.” Bitou Waste Management head Douglas Baartman also made a short speech and expressed the municipality’s gratitude that the tree planting initiative was going from strength to strength. At the conclusion of the planting session, everyone enjoyed refreshments at Kurland Community Hall.

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

2 August 2017

Hip-hop against crime workshop and talent show a raving success HE hip-hop educational workshop in Plett on July 14 and 15 was the brainchild of Faizel Kleynhans of Plett Active Youth and Clyde Windvogel of Step Out With Courage (SOWC) - turn to page 6 of the July 12 edition at www. cxpress.co.za for the original article in this regard. The purpose of the workshop was to lay a foundation for hip-hop in the Bitou community while creating awareness of all elements of this popular dance discipline, which permeates various levels of life for the majority of its practitioners. The workshop was facilitated by well-known SA and international rapper MC Bliksemstraal, and the country’s top hip hopper, B-boy Benni from Cape Town. They started off by providing participants with a background of the hiphop industry, and its do’s and don’ts. On the Friday, a meet and greet session at Tharfield Estate gave the artists an opportunity to socialise and to network. Sharing ideas on how they saw the hip-hop industry unfold in the future, they soon started showing off what they had to offer. The Saturday’s programme kicked off with Bliksemstraal and B-boy Benny taking the artists in attendance through their journey. Focus points were: • Hip-hop is a professional industry, just like a professional sport with training and special eating habits, as your body needs to fit for what you will expect it to attain. • You cannot just wake up and think you’re an artist it takes long hours of practice to reach a certain level of perfection.

BE THAT BOY: Above, local B-boys prove their hip-hop skills before the talent show; at right, MC Bliksemstraal and B-boy Benny, both in red, pose with local artists and event organiser Faizel Kleynhans, at centre back, during the workshop

• Commitment plays a big role in what you do, as you are the captain of your own ship and only you can decide where you want to go. If you are committed you can achieve whatever you set your mind to. • The harder you work the more you will achieve, but you need to believe in yourself before others will follow suit. Artist that attended committed to working together to develop a show that will tour the Southern and Eastern Cape. The talent show held later that day at Formosa Primary School featured a mix of local artist, facilitators from Cape Town, and visiting artists from Oudtshoorn and Knysna. Enthuses Faizel Kleynhans: “We had a packed school hall with nearly 800

people attending the show! Apart from performances by MC Bliksemstraal and B-boy Benni, there were numbers by Shapiro, The Unexpected, DJ Benjamin Voete, Andre (B-boxing), Bobby Ammorez, Prophet Style, Mainfact, Animation Crew, AXE, Kenneth Momo, Da Vinci Project, ABC T3, Mark Davids, Ash, Lorginique and Gizelle, Hommie, Soxx, Unlimited Crew, Bobo G, Malibu, and Ashley. “We thank local MC Clement Titus and DJ Mouks for keeping our audience entertained during the event, and for the words of motivation from Hilda Plaatjies of Bitou Municipality, Heinrich of the Youth Crime Prevention Desk, and Ward 4 councillor Anne Windvogel,” he concludes.

Whatever you decide to do after matric, do NOT hang around at home!

Before the kick off of last week’s career expo at Piesang Valley community hall, CXPRESS chatted to these matric boys from Plett Secondary school about their plans for next year - from left are Stuart Tiger, Curdley Pieterse, Evander Campher, Avril Mabie, Clyde Bell, Renier Ghall, Crogan Jonkerman and Dwight Thomas. Most of the youngsters’ post-matric plans include tertiary studies at the George or Port Elizabeth campuses of Nelson Mandela University, or the local branch of South Cape College; CXPRESS approved of these envisaged tertiary endeavours and promptly presented an unsolicited lecture about the importance of NOT hanging around in the Bay once matric was attained, but to learn real-world ropes in the cities for some years before returning to share those skills and so empower local communities. Turn to page 9 for news on Bitou’s most successful inaugural career expo. - Photo: Esther de Villiers

BUSINESS

2 August 2017

CXPRESS

‘AI’ revolution will create new unworking class

N a new interview with CMRubinWorld, author and global thought leader Charles Fadel discusses the four different job types and the likelihood of them being offshored or automated. He notes that “routine impersonal work, such as basic accounting, call centre operators, and airline help desks” are already being offshored and “are moving towards further automation”. Non-routine impersonal work such as X-Ray interpretation and pathologists, legal discovery, and document editors are be-

coming “increasingly offshored even though they are harder to automate”. The third job group is routine personal work, such as taxi drivers and cleaning services, which he says “will remain onshore but also might become jobs for robots”. As for CEOs and surgeons, Fadel notes that these types of jobs “will most likely remain onshore for a long time, and are also harder to automate”. He adds that artificial intelligence (AI), despite taking away jobs, might create high-paying jobs such as the app de-

veloper, the driverless car engineer, and the big data analyst. Fadel believes that the automation of jobs and the competencies required for the jobs of the future require a new approach to education. Education systems must make themselves relevant. “We need courageous cathedral builders! We also need to address traditional experts’ biases clinging to their narrow domains, parents’ old personal experiences biasing their views, and teachers’ and administrators’ lack of training and leader-

ship, respectively,” says the futurist. “We talk about flipping the classroom, we must talk about flipping the curriculum,” concludes Fadel. • Charles Fadel is founder and chairman of the Centre for Curriculum Redesign and the author of Four-Dimensional Education. His research into education, and more specifically, curriculum, has focused on developing innovative ways to revamp education systems to make learning more relevant to a 21st Century world. Visit www.cmrubinworld.com for the full interview.

Inside Plettenberg Bay’s R80-million ‘superhome’ N a town brimming with luxury real estate, it’s not easy to find one property that stands out from the rest - but Villa Agusta in Plett really is in a class of its own.

So says John Fuller, owner of the local Chas Everitt International franchise, which has just been mandated to market the opulent ‘superhome’ for R80m.

AWESOME VILLA AGUSTA: Chas Everitt International has been mandated to market the opulent Villa Agusta for R80m - the 1,600sqm ‘superhome’ boasts five lavish bedroom suites, gracious reception rooms and many bespoke luxury finishes, as well as a library, private office, gymnasium and steam room; it is set in a private 21ha estate with its own water supply that also contains a five-bedroom guesthouse, pool, tennis court and 24-box stable block, and borders the Plettenberg Bay Country Club golf course

“This area has been a favourite playground of South Africa’s most affluent people and the international polo set for many years,” he notes, “and there are lots of lavish mansions here, especially in suburbs such as Beachy Head, Keurbooms, Lookout Hill, and Whale Rock. “However, the 1,600m2 Villa Agusta in exclusive Roodefontein definitely raises the bar on luxury and will be marketed to a global audience of potential buyers through our affiliation to Leading Real Estate Companies of the World and the Luxury Portfolio International network.” Designed by Argentinean master architect Marcello Murchio and completed in 2006, Villa Agusta is set on 21ha of the original Roodefontein farm, just below Roodefontein Dam and bordering Plettenberg Bay Country Club golf course, which is a proclaimed nature reserve. This private estate also contains the original Roodefontein farmhouse, which has been upgraded and turned into a magnificent guesthouse; 24 international-standard stables and equestrian facilities; a tennis court; staff accommodation and various outbuildings. It is also completely selfsufficient as regards the supply of water from an artesian well and various boreholes. The main residence features a spectacular doublevolume entrance hall and enormous lounge with a central open fireplace, eight 4m-tall double doors sourced from the former Government House in Mumbai, handmade windows and shutters, bespoke iron balustrades copied from the famous Alvear Palace Hotel in Buenos Aires, and imported Spanish roof tiles. The upscale flooring materials include Traver-

tine with Brazilian teak insertions in the living areas, Italian tiles on the pool terrace and slate in the kitchen. Other luxury features include underfloor heating in all the bathrooms, a central air-conditioning system, a Finnish-design water reticulation and heating system, and a tunnelled driveway that connects the main entrance portico to the ‘Africa’ guest suite and triple garage. The kitchen and stately dining room are to be found on the ground floor of the east wing, while the west wing houses a library, private office, gymnasium, and steam room. On the second storey there are four more sumptuous bedroom suites, including a master suite with double dressing rooms and bathrooms that leads out to a wraparound terrace with views of the gardens and the golf course beyond. The five-bedroom, fourbathroom guesthouse, which was extended and upgraded in 2004, has an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area leading to a stylish covered veranda, and its own office, gym and sauna, as well as a games room, billiards room with bar, a pool, and double garage. Fuller says the serene country setting also ensures owners of the utmost privacy - even though the estate is just a few kilometres from central Plettenberg Bay with its Blue Flag beaches and a cosmopolitan array of restaurants and boutiques. It is also within easy reach of the upgraded local airport, which offers almost daily flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town and has boosted the popularity of the town among foreign owners who visit between October and March each year to enjoy the wonderful local climate, scenery and natural attractions.

CXPRESS

INTERVAL

2 August 2017

A whole lot of praying going on... female CNN journalist heard about a very old Jewish man who had been going to the Western Wall to pray, twice a day, every day, for a long, long time. So to check it out, she went to the Western Wall and there he was, walking slowly up to the holy site. She watched him pray and after about 45 minutes, when he turned to leave using a cane and moving very slowly, she approached him for an

interview. “Pardon me, Sir, I’m Rebecca Smith from CNN. What’s your name?” “Morris Feinberg,” the old man replied. “Sir, how long have you been coming to the Western Wall and praying?” “For about 60 years.” “Sixty years! That’s amazing! What do you pray for?” “I pray for peace between the Christians, Jews, and the Muslims. I pray for all the wars and

Consequences of stealing very bad tempered old woman was arrested for shoplifting at a grocery store. She gave everyone a hard time, from the store manager to the security guard to the arresting officer who took her away. She complained and criticised everything and everyone throughout the process. When she appeared before the judge, he asked her what she had stolen from the store. The lady defiantly replied: “Just a stupid can of peaches.” The judge asked why she had done it. She replied: “I was hungry and forgot to bring

any cash to the store.” The judge asked how many peaches were in the can, and she replied in a nasty tone: “Five! But why do you care about that?” The judge answered patiently: “Well, ma’am, because I’m going to give you five days in jail - one day for each peach.” As the judge was about to drop his gavel, the lady’s long-suffering husband raised his hand slowly and asked if he might speak. “Yes, Sir, what do you have to add?” the judge asked. The husband said meekly: “Your Honour, she also stole a can of peas.”

A weighty matter blonde holding a baby walks into a drug store and asks the clerk if she can use the store’s baby scale. “Sorry, ma’am,” says the clerk. “our baby scale is broken. But we can figure the baby’s weight if we weigh mother and baby together on the

adult scale, and then weigh the mother alone, and subtract the second number from the first.” “Oh, that won’t work,” says the blonde. “Why not?” asks the clerk. “Because,” she answers, “I’m not the mother - I’m the aunt.”

Shorthand texting explained ON’S mom texts: “Hi, Son, what does IDK, LY, and TTYL mean?” Jon texts back: “I Don’t Know, Love You, and

Talk To You Later.” His mom replies: “It’s ok, don’t worry about it. I’ll ask your sister, love you too.”

“There are moments when everything goes well, but don’t be frightened.” - Jules Renard

all the hatred to stop. “I pray for all our children to grow up safely as responsible adults and to love their fellow man. I pray that politicians tell us the truth and put the interests of the people ahead of

their own interests. “And finally, I pray that everyone will be happy.” “How do you feel after doing this for 60 years?” the journalist asked. “Like I’m talking to a brick wall.”

Lost in pronunciation husband and wife were driving through Louisiana. As they approached a town called Natchitoches, they started arguing about the pronunciation of its name. They argued back and forth, then they stopped for lunch.

At the counter, the husband asked the waitress: “Before we order, could you please settle an argument for us? Would you please pronounce where we are, very slowly?” The waitress leaned over the counter and said: “Burrr-gerrr Kiiing.”

Early one morning Ron, 89 years of age, was stopped by a traffic officer around 2am and was asked where he was going at that time of the morning. Ron replied: “I’m on my way to a lecture about alcohol abuse and the effects it has on the human body, as well as smoking and staying out late.” “Really?” the officer asked, “Who’s giving that lecture at this time of the morning?” Ron replied: “That would be my wife.”

SOCIAL SCENE

2 August 2017

CXPRESS

People, places & events

BROADENING BITOU MATRICS’ HORIZONS: A Youth Career Expo, organised by Bitou Municipality and Plettenberg Bay Tourism and held at the Piesang Valley community hall on July 27, was attended by some 300 learners from Plettenberg Bay Secondary School in New Horizons and KwaNokuthula’s Murray High. Exhibitors included Nelson Mandela University, South Cape College, PetroSA, and various hospitality training establishments. The expo was opened by Bitou mayor Peter Lobese, at centre top right, who together with municipal councillor Dave Swart, far right, shared time with youngsters from Plett Sec - from left are Siyabonga Yumata, Yonela Sibhengile, and Thandeka Ncube. Pictured at right with Amorreen Barnes and Cheri-Lynn Speelman of the François Ferreira Academy of Culinary Art and Hospitality Training in George are Murray High students, from left, Sqnele Gxakaza, Ayakha Mathinjwa, Izipho Jim, Yamkela Mzaza, Nosibusiso Peter, and Avumile Mkira.

Photos: Timothy Twidle

AIR RALLY FLYERS CHOOSE THE ROUTE: If you found yourself in the vicinity of Plett Airport on Friday, you might have been surprised at the vast amount of aeroplanes landing there throughout the morning. Gerrie Groenewald of Bitou Municipality alerted CXPRESS to this interesting “air rally” in progress, saying that the tables were groaning under bubbles and snacks to welcome the flyers. Absolute Aviation Group marketing coordinator Lizeré Malan explained further: “Absolute Aviation hosts an annual fly-in event every year for its Beechcraft and Cessna owners, when we visit different parts of Southern Africa. We have specifically chosen our location for this year to be Plettenberg Bay and Knysna after the devastating fires you guys suffered there. We want to support these communities by bringing tourism to your towns and area, while creating awareness among the aviation community.” The pics above show some of the fun and glorious food the group enjoyed in Knysna, Plett and the Tsitsikamma before hitting the sky for Oudtshoorn.

DINING AT LM’S A FABULOUS PRIZE: Adam van Rhyner is the head coach of Fabulous Squad Netball Club in Bitou, and shared this photo of an outing that formed part of the prize of the club’s Youth Day competition winners. “Last weekend, our Miss June 16 winners went dining at LM in Plett. This was a Fabulous Squad Club initiative sponsored by Simon Rolfe and LM owner Luiz de Fonseca,” says Adam, pictured at back left with the winners and finalists. In front from left are Fabulous Squad NC chairperson Venessa van Rhyner with Avryl, Yuline, and Bronlyn; at back with Adam are MariAstrid, Shaan, Yunine, Luiz, and McKayla.

GARDENING FOR MADIBA: Revd Pam Berning of The Crags sent this photo and wrote: These are some of the children who helped preparing a Garden of Remembrance at St Paul’s Anglican Church in Covie. They dedicated their 67 minutes to Nelson Mandela by preparing this special garden.”

CXPRESS

2 August 2017

CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

2 August 2017

Letters to the Editor

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

I’m back on my feet, armed with new tools, to be named - friends and wonderful people. thanks to you all! associates who deserve Finally, on a lighter I am writing this letter for two reasons - firstly, to thank everyone for what they have done for me and secondly, if perhaps you find yourself in the same predicament, to encourage you to swallow your pride and reach out. You’ll be amazed at the great number of kind, helpful and generous people in our community. My loss during the recent fires was but a grain of sand in comparison to many locals and residents from surrounding areas, who lost a lot more than me or, in some cases, everything they’ve ever had. My loss of the work tools I’d accumulated over many years left me feeling hopeless; I was ready to throw in the towel. This is where good Samaritans, strangers, and friends alike, stepped in. They stopped my downward spiral, giving me encouragement and hope. ‘Thanks’ seems such a small word to say to so many wonderful people for their absolute kindness and assistance to get me back on my feet again. Two life-changing statements reminded me of the strength of human

resilience. A friend who had lost his home said to me: “I never really wanted the house here, I’ve always wanted it built over there!” And I overheard a 10-year-old boy saying to a friend: “I’m not thinking of the past, I’m looking towards the future.” Being a proud and rather stubborn man, I was reluctant to ask for help, always believing ‘you only get something by doing something’. This perception was changed by the encouragement received, and the means to start over again. How I could thank you enough or return your overwhelming kindness, I’ll never know. What little I do know about life is this: what you have done for me, I will be able to do for someone else one day. I sincerely thank Jarret Hirschberg and family, Tony Lubner, Gary (of Motor Spares fame), Gaylene and Donald Ravenscroft, Elizabeth and Stephan Wentz, Howard Selfe, BUCO Plettenberg Bay management and staff Robyn Zondagh, Lance Kock, and Peter van Vorstenbosch. Many others asked not

Kwano car theft and break-ins need serious attention from authorities There is a scary trend on the rise in KwaNokuthula, and it needs urgent attention from government and civil society before things get uglier than they already are grand theft auto, as they say in the States, and cars being broken into. My brother has had his car broken into twice in a space of three weeks, and the same happened last year, when an expensive digital camera was stolen from his car. To add insult to injury, a minivan taxi I used to drive was burglarised last year, and the same fate befell my neighbours and other people I know who own cars in Kwano: all have had their fair share of stuff stolen from their cars. Someone I know recently bought a car, but found out it was stolen when he woke up the other day. To date, there has been no leads on its whereabouts. It seems criminals have found a safe haven in Plett due to the inefficacy of our law enforcement. Even more concerning is the slow to almost non-existent progress

of the authorities who supposedly investigate and prosecute perpetrators of these crimes. Also alarming is the fact that the SAPS doesn’t have a vehicletheft unit in Plett or Knysna. We have to rely on George for that service - a great disadvantage, because an investigative officer based in George is not in touch with the realities that happen here, and is less likely to care. The army of law enforcement officers housed at Bitou Municipality has not proven to be useful. I am told that CCTV cameras were installed in Kwano last year, but to date have proven useless in bringing to book criminals terrorising people at night and those burglarising our cars and houses. What a waste of taxpayers’ money. The powers that be need to act fast before we, the people, take matters into our own hands. We are gatvol as it is, and sooner or later things will take a nasty turn. Wandisile Afrika Sebezo - Kwano, Plett

words of gratitude for offers of help and words of wisdom. In closing, two things: not only am I back on my feet, but my faith in human decency and kindness has been restored. We live in an incredibly beautiful area with incredibly

note: most of my destroyed tools were old and work-scarred, so I’m finding it quite hard to work with the new tools. In fact, they’re so clean and shiny, I almost want to frame them! But hey, that’s not what they’re made for… Hew Smithers, Plett

Methodist convention reminds us to draw strength from trouble

DEVOTED: Sisi Nosipho Linyana, at centre, with ladies of the Young Women’s Manyano during the recent Annual Convention in the Eastern Cape

The Methodist Church of Southern Africa held its 13th Annual Convention at Horton Circuit in Peddie recently and in attendance were members from the Garden Route and Grahamstown Circuits, along with a group of Young Women’s Manyano (YWM) ladies. The theme of our 2017 Convention was ‘God transforms from sorrow to victory’, and it inspired our YWM members to draw strength from trouble, to smile during times of distress and to grow stronger with prayer and hope. It has been approximately six years since our president, Mama Tena, started serving in the Grahamstown district. On Thursday, she opened the event by con-

ducting a candle light prayer for all challenges we face in this world, e.g. child abuse, women/men abuse, HIV/Aids, cancer, drugs, alcohol abuse, and the high rate of crime. She reminded us to trust in God to transform our sorrows into victory. Our Bishop Revd Mbethe said our faith will bring inner peace, and Mama Tena further explored the theme, taken from John 4, urging us to avoid jealousy, hatred, and gossiping, saying we should be careful not to cross the line. Revd Sifo closed the convention by telling us that we need to turn our back to our enemies and lift our eyes to Shilo where all help comes from, in order to turn sorrow to victory. Nosipho Linyana, Plett

Light shed on amphibian craft spotted over Bay As I have been involved in boating and flying most of my life, I can certainly fill you in on whether it is “a boat or a plane” [turn to page 11 of the July 26 edition at www.cxpress.co.za]. The craft photographed by Derek Frielinghaus is referred to as a flying RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) and is fitted with a microlight delta wing produced by Polaris in the USA the people who make jetskis and snowmobiles. As far as I am aware, this is only one in South Africa and it can land on water, indeed, as well as on land. Powered by a 65HP Rotax engine, its landing gear is an ingenious system: once in the air, the wheels can be retracted and then the aircraft can land on water and become a true amphibian with a rudder to

control its course. It is quite rare to see it flying, so many members of the public are unsure of exactly what they are looking at! These craft are used in many countries for sightseeing, mostly on the water, but either way it’s quite an amazing design. The craft we see flying over Plett is owned by the chappie who also pilots the Russian fighter jet which is normally active during holiday times. He also has numerous other aircraft and readers are welcome to email me at patjohn@telkomsa.net if you require his details. John Larter, Plett (Thanks for that, John - Google ‘Polaris Flying Inflatables’ for lots of information and video clips on these unique airborne boats. - Eds.)

CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

2 August 2017

Ripping the roof off with Knysna Sedge Hospice golf fundraiser OOF Handler - a George-based distributor of high-quality roofing and insulation products in the Southern Cape - recently organised a Charity Golf Day for Knysna Sedgefield Hospice, which raised a whopping total of R9,000 for this cause. Held in partnership with Volkswagen Knysna, the event saw more than 30 clients completing the ninehole course at Sedge Links in Sedgefield. They were joined by PGA professional Nico-James Visser, as well as representatives from the event’s sponsors. Participants then enjoyed a post-game meal in the clubhouse and a short prize-giving ceremony, with no one going home empty-handed. Said Roof Handler director Lisa Christie: “Our business has been operating in the region for more than 12 years, and we believe it is important to regularly invest back into the community. “We would like to extend a huge thank you to all of the sponsors who made the day possible in the first place, particularly Youngman Roofing, Corroshield South Africa, Palram Industries, BlueScope Steel, Sedge Links, Isover SaintGobain, and Volkswagen Knysna.” Knysna Sedgefield Hospice provides free holistic home-based care to patients and their families

• Plett Pioneers Cricket Club chairman Juan Windvogel says they have been rather busy with preparations for the new season and getting sponsors and additional players for the great task at hand. He invites all interested cricket players to join and register for the upcoming 2017/8 SWD Sedgars Premier League Competition. Practice times are 5:45pm to 7:30pm on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Bitou Rugby Field in Gris

SLINGING IT AT SEDGE LINKS: Enjoying a break during the recent golf day fundraiser are, from left above, PGA professional Nico-James Visser, Francois Griesel of Roof Handler, Francois Barnard of Boardware, and Frikkie Theron of Groot-Brak Trusses; at right, Wynand de Ridder of The Builders Block Knysna checks out the lay of the land

in the wider community. This involves taking care of the physical, spiritual, and psycho-social needs of patients and their families. It also trains and mentors staff, volunteers and health care professionals from both the public and private sectors. Hospice public relations officer Ashleigh Smith thanked Roof Handler for organising this event. “Being chosen as benefi-

ciary organisation is a real honour and the money raised will help us to continue offering the five-star accredited quality care and support that we provide to all our local communities,” she said. Contact Andrew Young on 072 186 8233 or email andrew@brandingstrate gy.co for information on Knysna Sedgefield Hospice, and to find out how you can contribute.

Sports shorts

Run, which will take place on August 5-7 along the Garden Route. The race will take its athletes on three unique routes, starting with a mountain stage on Day 1 in the Outeniqua Mountains, beautiful trails through indigenous forest on Day 2, and finishing off with a rugged on-the-edge coastline run, forest trails, and an exciting 60m floating bridge across the Touw River on Day 3. Visit www.trisport.co.za/ trievent/rcs-sox for details.

Nez Avenue (off Longships). Contact club secretary Mornay Stuurman on 076 093 5627, coach Craig Christie on 082 793 4407 and captain Carlos Koeberg on 071 895 7570 or email pioneercricket@ gmail.com for additional information. • The RCS Group is the exclusive sponsor for the sixth annual SOX Trail