2 march

Photo: YolandĂŠ Stander - Garden Route Media

2 March 2016

Published every Wednesday by CXpress 2006 (Pty) Ltd - PO Box 1449, Plettenberg Bay 6600 - 6 Park Lane, Plettenberg Bay - Tel: 044 533 1004 - Fax: 044 533 0852 Email: editor@cxpress.co.za / advertising@cxpress.co.za Web page: www.cxpress.co.za Printed by Group Editors

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Power to George!

Airports Company SA chairman Skhumbuzo Macozoma shakes on the ground-breaking solar project at George Airport with national Transport minister Dipuo Peters, at left, while Western Cape MEC for Transport and Public Works Donald Grant, centre, smiles his approval - read all about it on p5

Many sides to zebra tale p3

Call for 37 life sentences p4

Enter Sedge races by 7.3! p12

We are collecting books to donate to schools in Knysna and Plett. Please drop off your unwanted books at Pam Golding Properties Knysna or Plett

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

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

2 March 2016

That sinking feeling... more MS Klipfontein memories shared

Sad to hear my Fontein ship had been lost, but grateful that our trip was less eventful…

The HENK BOLHUIS series ‘Legal Alien’ - the story of how his family came to settle in SA in 1959 - and in particular the part dealing with the sinking of MS Klipfontein in CXPRESS of December 2 (read it on p2 of that edition at www.cxpress.co.za) brought another two interesting stories to light (read the first story online on p2 of the February 24 edition). Herewith the second story from Knysna resident Arie Klootwyk.

AST week I related the story of the rescue of Knysna resident Jane Jones’s grandmother, ‘Gran’ Henderson, who on Sunday January 8, 1953, had been a passenger on MS Klipfontein when it sank in the Mozambique Channel that day.

Later, I met up with Arie

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and Olga Klootwyk in their home high up near the Knysna Heads, overlooking the lagoon and Featherbed Nature Reserve. Arie also had a very interesting story to tell… here is his account.

--Reading the story of the Bolhuis family in CX-

PRESS and in particular the portion dealing with the sinking of MS Klipfontein, it immediately took me back nearly seven decades to June 1950, when I was eight years old.

Together with my older sister, Greetje, and my parents, I travelled on the Dutch ocean liner MS Klipfontein from Durban to Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

My initial encounter with MS Klipfontein was actually instrumental in changing my young life dramatically.

A few years earlier - I was about four years old - our family, then living in Cape Town, had been on a day’s outing at the beach and I had been sitting on the edge of a tidal pool with my feet dangling in the water and with my back towards the sea.

All of a sudden, out of nowhere, a rogue wave struck me from behind and threw me into the pool. I nearly drowned and screamed like a pig being slaughtered when I was pulled out of the water by my father who had, fortunately, been close by.

From that day on I lived with an intense fear of water, especially of the ocean.

Eventually it became so bad that on trips to the beach when everyone in the family would walk along the water’s edge, I would walk way above the highwater line, scared that the waves “would get me”.

Came the day about four years later when one evening at supper my father said that he had to make a very important, but pleasant announcement: “Children, brace yourselves…

We’re going to Holland soon and you’ll be meeting the rest of our family there for the first time.”

For me, however, it wasn’t such a pleasant adventure to look forward to - all that water and that for about two long weeks!

A few weeks passed and then one day my dad - who knew about my fear for the sea - again came with an announcement and told the family that the ocean liner MS Klipfontein had just docked in Durban harbour and that he wanted to take us, me especially, to

see the ship.

And so, later that same day, our family drove to the docks and there she was lying - much larger than I had ever imagined; however, boarding her after permission was obtained, was another story.

I remember until this day, now 66 years later how, holding on to my father’s hand and with my eyes screwed tightly shut so that I would not see the water below me, I slowly went up the gang plank and eventually stood on the deck and opened my eyes.

The ship’s very friendly purser actually took time that day to take me all over the ship and showed me the engine room and the first and tourist class accommodation. As we explored the ship together I slowly began to lose some of my fear, and a while later I actually started to look forward to the soon-coming

FEARLESS HEADS RESIDENT: Arie Klootwyk in 2016 - having come a long way from ocean-fearing boy, to later serving as safety officer of PE’s Deep Sea Angling Club

trip to the Netherlands.

By the time our family left Durban for Holland that June of 1950, my intense fear of water was virtually a thing of the past, and one day during the trip another boy and I - contrary to strict orders - even trespassed first-class territory.

We went right on up to the ship’s forecastle where we stood in the driving wind and spray and watched another ‘Fontein’ ship sailing by going in the

opposite direction.

This not only earned me a very stern warning from some of the crew, but also a tongue lashing from my mother and a few days ‘cabin detention’.

When about a week later the ship crossed the equator, my sister and I joined in celebrating the King Neptune festivities dressed in fancy dress. I portrayed a little sailor boy with a brand new pair of Dutch clogs.

After our overseas holiday our family returned to South Africa with another of the Fontein ships - this time, it was MS Oranjefontein.

About three years later, shortly after that fateful Sunday January 8 in 1953, I heard on the news what had happened to MS Klipfontein - the ship that had helped me overcome my intense fear of the ocean - and I was sorry she had been lost at sea, but grateful that our trip had been less eventful.

Later in life, with my fear of water completely gone and living in Port Elizabeth at the time, I became a deep sea angler and had my own ski boat and was also appointed as the safety officer of Port Elizabeth’s Deep Sea Angling Club.

FLASHING BACK: Arie, aged eight, with his parents and sister Greetje at Durban harbour en route to the Netherlands [1950]

HAIL THE KING: Arie en Greetje on MS Klipfontein during the ‘Koning Neptune’ festivities

NEWS & VIEWS

2 March 2016

CXPRESS

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Paul the Zebra was due for relocation when off-estate shooting caused ‘untimely’ death The shooting of a zebra on a private residential estate in Plett was brought to the attention of CXPRESS through a letter casting aspersions on the manner in which the matter was dealt with, but investigation revealed multiple sides to the story

TAME BUT WILD: The zebra, christened Paul by its owners, was chased off Stanley Island by an older male and made a nearby estate its home for a couple of months, where it would look in on surprised residents and their dogs

letter to the editor dated February 17, penned by an author who wished to remain anonymous, told of “outrage” among locals and visitors to Twin Rivers Estate after the shooting of a zebra the previous Sunday evening.

“The zebra that used to come and visit residents at their gates for the last month or two belongs to Stanley Island, but crossed the river onto Twin Rivers.”

The author proceeds to relate how the zebra made its way to Fish Eagle Bay next to Plett Angling Club “where, apparently, it chased a dog”. It is claimed that dogs on the estate are required to be fenced in to prevent issues with the game and other wildlife.

“I really don’t know the full story but the result is that the dog’s owner proceeded to shoot the zebra a few times, without killing

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it.” It is claimed that the zebra then ran back to Twin Rivers, where residents were obliged to summon the shooter to put the animal out of its misery.

The letter concludes: “There is nowhere to contain a dog at Fish Eagle Bay other than within a unit - which makes me think dogs should not actually be allowed there. Secondly, discharging a firearm in a complex or estate is illegal and very dangerous.

“Lastly, why not contain the dog and lodge a complaint with CapeNature to have the zebra relocated or to get a hunting permit to allow qualified people to remove the animal if it is a nuisance?”

Head of CapeNature in Plett Henk Nieuwoudt knew about the animal indeed, as he had been informed by Stanley Island owner Johan de Bruijn of

the foal being chased from its territory by an older male zebra.

“If such an animal poses a threat to residents, a list of authorisations is required to have the animal darted and removed, or whatever other measures are deemed necessary.

“On agricultural land the process is less complicated, but when it comes to residential areas, everyone from Bitou Municipality to the SAPS, conservation authorities and surrounding home owners have to be consulted.”

Nieuwoudt explained that especially bigger dogs and zebra had a history of battles, as the dogs find it hard to resist chasing the ‘striped horses’, who in turn had perfected their strategy of slowing down just sufficiently to allow the dog within reach of its powerful hind legs.

“In most instances those kicks prove fatal, no matter if it’s a Boerboel or smaller breed on the receiving end of a blow from those hooves.”

Nigel Tipping of Twin Rivers confirmed that the zebra indeed crossed from Stanley Island to make the estate his temporary home, and explained how plans were already afoot to get the animal removed.

“After having him on the estate for a few weeks, we realised that it wasn’t suitable to have a wild animal of this nature roaming around in a residential area and took the decision, with the permission and help of the owner of Stanley Island, to have it safely darted by a vet and moved to a local wildlife reserve.

“The evening before this was to take place, the zebra was shot by someone who is not a resident of Twin Rivers, and initially not on estate property. Having become familiar with this

animal, residents of Twin Rivers Estate are deeply saddened by this event, which has occurred outside of our control.”

De Bruijn was equally upset by the incident, saying that people were “at peace with the zebra and its movements between Stanley Island and Twin

Rivers”.

“We were hoping that Paul (the zebra) would find a happy home at Twin Rivers, but had also found an alternative home - with vet on standby - if things did not work out. Being a tame wild animal unfortunately creates a difficult situation, as the zebra had lost his in-

stinctive fear of humans.

“He was obviously distressed and unfortunately did not go into hiding to calm down but met a most untimely death. We are not going to take this matter further but are saddened and sickened by the outcome, as is the author of the letter to CXPRESS.”

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CXPRESS

Significant risk that George ‘serial rapist’ would reoffend Anti-child abuse groups have called for life sentences for each of the 37 rape charges a 51-year-old George man was convicted of - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports HE Denneoord resident who drugged and raped seven of his 12-year-old daughter’s friends - some as young as 10 years old at the time - during sleepovers between 2012 and 2014, on Monday appeared in the Thembalethu Regional Court in George for final sentencing arguments.

The man, who cannot be named to protect the identities of the children, entered into a plea bargain on January 25.

While he originally stood accused of more than 3,000 charges, as part of the plea bargain he pleaded guilty to 67 of the charges, 37 of which related to the rapes and the rest to the creation of pornography as he photographed the unconscious girls’ naked bodies.

It came to light that he had given them sleeping tablets to render them unconscious before raping them. His young victims were aged between 10 and 12. He was arrested on November 27, 2014.

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NEWS & VIEWS

2 March 2016

“The crimes committed here are horrific and we demand life terms for each of the rapes and harsh sentences for the charges relating to the creation of pornography,” anti-child abuse group Green Hearts spokesman Yvette Wilschut said.

During court proceedings the man attempted to apologise to the young victims

Brandon Smith who said he believed it focused more on himself than the victims.

The man’s lawyer Marius van Huyssteen highlighted various issues he believed were mitigating circumstances, including that the man suffered from depression, had been estranged from his wife for more than a decade which led

‘This is not your run-of-the-mill uneducated man’ and their families.

“I am sorry for what I have done and I hope you can forgive me one day. I know I won’t be able to [forgive myself],” he said while wiping away tears and shaking while he spoke.

He only briefly looked over his shoulder at the families and then spoke while looking at his feet. He said he was thankful that they had not taken their anger out on his own family [former wife and daughter].

This apology was later criticised by prosecutor

to a recent divorce, that he had been behind bars for 15 months already, that he had no related previous convictions, and that there had been no physical injuries to the girls.

Prosecutor Brandon Smith, however, said that the court should have a closer look at the person sitting in the dock before sentencing.

“This is not your run-ofthe-mill uneducated man.

He has a BA degree with psychology and communication. This is a person

who used these tools at his disposal to groom these girls, to create peace of mind among the girls and their parents,” Smith said.

He also mentioned that a report compiled following a psychological evaluation of the man classified him as a serial rapist, that he showed signs of being a paedophile and that there was significant risk he would reoffend.

“I believe the fact that he medicated the girls had nothing to do with sparing them the trauma, but that he did it out of self-interest so that he would not be caught,” Smith said “The fact that they were drugged makes it even worse. If they were awake they could have stood up for themselves or fought back. So the journey to recovery is going to be so much more difficult.”

The matter was postponed by Magistrate Eugenia Jacobs to March 14 for sentencing.

Garden Route Media

Women released but men await fate after Crags murder protest Yolandé Stander

OUR of nine Crags residents who were arrested for public violence have been released on bail, while the rest of the group is set to hear their fate this week.

On Friday last week the four women among those arrested - Rolene Booysen, Ameera Jacobs, Magdaleen Koopman and Luchrista Jantjies - were released on R1,000 bail each in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrates Court.

The men - Ralton Kampher, Rodney Julies, Eugene Toll, Llewellyn Davids and Jason Booysen - applied for bail in the Knysna Magistrates Court on Monday.

Judgment in the bail hearing was set for Tuesday, but the matter had not yet been called before going to print.

The residents were arrested on Monday February 22 after mass protest action by more than 700 locals on February 18, which saw several mem-

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bers of the community plunder the home of two alleged murder suspects.

They were expressing their anger over the death of Franklin de Waal, 20, who was stabbed to death on Valentine’s Day. His body was found by a family member in Geelhout Street.

The community identified two men they believed were responsible for the crime, but became upset after police failed to arrest them due to what they claimed was a lack of evidence.

This led to the February 18 protest and residents’ subsequent arrest the following Monday. Carried out during an early morning raid by Oudtshoorn public order police, the arrests brought further anger among the community who then staged a protest in front of the local court and Plett police station on Tuesday February 23.

Garden Route Media

ADVERTORIAL

Celebrate World Hearing Day tomorrow ROMOTING ear and hearing health across the world annually, World Hearing Day is celebrated on March 3. Hearing loss is one of the most common health problems in most developing countries, and SA is no different.

Michelle Ash of Advanced Hearing is a qualified Audiologist and Speech and Language Therapist. Her passion for hearing health care is the main driving force behind her audiology private practices, conveniently situated in Plettenberg Bay and Knysna.

She is registered with the Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and a member of the SA Speech, Language and Hearing Association (SASLHA).

And hearing is not Ash’s only concern. “Our ultimate aim is to improve overall wellbeing. As such, and with over 20 years’ experience, we strive to provide personalised, caring and comprehensive, state of the art audiologiscal services for those with hearing loss and tinnitus,” she says.

Using advanced technology, she is highly skilled in performing diagnostic examinations that are thorough and accurate, allowing her to recommend the best solutions to help op-

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timise your ability to hear once you have undergone a free screening test.

Studies have linked untreated hearing loss effects to: • Irritability, negativism and anger • Fatigue, tension, stress and depression • Avoidance or withdrawal from social situations • Social rejection and loneliness • Reduced alertness and increased risk to personal safety • Impaired memory and ability to learn new tasks • Reduced job performance and earning power • Diminished psychological and overall health.

“At Advanced Hearing, we pride ourselves on fitting the most technologically advanced hearing aids, from the best manufactures available, to suit your personal needs,” says Ash. “We programme hearing aids to meet the demands of your lifestyle and make sure you hear with maximum clarity, even in the most challenging listening situation.”

Sleep apnoea - a significant men’s health issue - was recently added to the growing list of conditions resulting from hearing loss, which already includes diabetes, stroke,

depression, and dementia.

“A study led by pulmonary medicine expert Amit Chopra MD of Albany Medical Centre in New York, and presented at the American Thoracic Society’s 2014 International Conference, found that sleep apnoea is significantly associated with hearing loss at both high and low frequencies.

“Findings suggest that sleep apnoea is a systemic disease and is associated with increased risk of hearing loss, along with a number of diseases like high blood pressure and heart disease. So I encourage people with sleep apnoea to be educated and tested for hearing loss.”

Common myths include statements like ‘There’s nothing you can do about it’ or ‘Go home and learn to live with it’. If you experience constant or occasional ringing, buzzing, hissing or humming in your ears you have tinnitus and should sign up for a hearing evaluation.

Go to www.betterhear ing.org and www.mens healthmonth.org for more information on hearing loss and why healthy hearing is an important part of overall health and quality of life, and see the Advanced Hearing advert on p5 for contact details.

NEWS & VIEWS

2 March 2016

CXPRESS

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George Airport’s solar plant sees the light George officially became the first solar-powered airport in Africa, and only the second in the world, last Friday - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports

LET THE SUN SHINE: Unveiling the plaque at the plant are, from left, George mayor Charles Standers, national Transport minister Dipuo Peters, provincial Transport and Public Works MEC Donald Grant, and ACSA chairman Skhumbuzo Macozoma - Photo: Supplied

HE official opening of the solar plant at George Airport saw several high-profile politicians and businessmen from around the country visit the Garden Route to witness national minister of transport Dipuo Peters launching the R16-million project.

The initiative - set to supply about 50% of the airport’s energy needs, saving up to 33% on its monthly electricity bill - was spearheaded by the Airports Company of SA (ACSA) and Peters’ department.

Consisting of a 200m2 solar power plant with 3,000 photovoltaic (PV) panels, construction of the plant started in March last year and was switched on for the first time for testing in December.

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Peters congratulated ACSA and George Airport on becoming “pioneers” with the project. She added that the plant was not only in line with government’s national clean energy strategy and assisted in addressing pressure on the national electricity grid, but would also contribute to massive water savings.

“Especially in times where we are facing severe drought across South Africa, every drop counts. And I believe this project is set to save about 1.2-million litres of water every year,” Peters said.

She added she had heard that vehicle rental companies were showing interest in establishing charging stations at the airport for their electric vehicles.

“We [South Africans], with projects like this, show that we are constantly punching above our weight seeing that our democracy is only 22 years old.”

She further said that several similar projects were on the cards for other airports around the country, including Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, Kimberley, and Uppington.

ACSA airports group executive Andre Vermeulen said monthly energy consumption at George Airport was about 250,000KWh and that the solar power plant had the capacity to supply about 180,000KWh during peak periods.

He added that it would cost about R200,000 per year to maintain. This would include cleaning the

panels and general repairs.

The plant not only holds energy savings for the airport, but Vermeulen said 16 individuals had received intense training, enabling them to do solar installations.

The plant, with a lifetime of 25-30 years, is situated on 1.2ha of airport land and could therefore be extended in future.

ACSA chairman Skhumbuzo Macozoma said that the company would introduce an energy mix into all its airports and its longterm vision from 2025 to 2030 was to achieve carbon neutrality in energy consumption and run green airports to achieve a Green Building Council of SA six-star rating.

“As an airports management company running nine airports nationally, part of our strategic objective is to minimise our environmental impact.

“ACSA needs to manage a number of key drivers to reach this objective, and these include reducing energy and water consumption, percentage of waste recycled, noise levels and energy efficient materials usage,” Macozoma said.

“Harnessing solar power is a viable cleaner energy source that contributes towards diversifying the mix.

This plant will ensure that the airport is self-sustaining in terms of its power needs and will eventually extend to the broader community within the George municipal area.”

Vermeulen said that they were currently looking at ways of storing the solar energy to use during offpeak periods.

Western Cape MEC for transport and public works

Donald Grant congratulated those involved in the project and said it was imperative to take pressure off the national grid and to reduce demand.

Garden Route Media

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

2 March 2016

Notice Board Diarise March 25-29 for a feast of walking The Garden Route Walking Fest 2016 launches over Easter Weekend and celebrates the great outdoors, family values, nature and community. The 52+ walks offered are led by local volunteer or professional guides, so get involved and plan your Easter walks to celebrate our diverse landscape and make new friends. Visit www.walking fest.co.za and www.cxpress .co.za to find out more.

PAWS Car Boot Sale this Sunday Plett Animal Welfare Services’ next car boot sale will take place, as usual, in the car park of The Market Square shopping centre from 9am to 1pm on March 6. This popular fundraising event for PAWS has continued to grow with numerous stall holders offering a wide range of goods at bargain prices. For only R100, you can sell all your unwanted clutter to someone who will appreciate it. Clothing, linen, appliances and books, ornaments and kitchenware - even toys and furniture are all on sale. Contact Margie Hollely on 044 533 6262 or 082 551 6301 to book a stall or for more information.

Physical Science has just become a favourite subject at Plett Secondary!

Teacher at Plettenberg Bay Secondary School Tania Schlechter sent these pics and explained how local businessman Andrew Beveridge - pictured below with Grade 11 students Nomampondomise Sinqe, left, en KirstyLeigh Thomson - helped solve a science problem recently.

‘During a chat with his wife Jo during our regular run, I told her how hard it was for me to explain the powers that facilitate flying, when so many of my Physical Science learners had never been anywhere near an aeroplane.

Next thing I knew, she phoned to say Andrew would give them a first-hand demonstration of the very powers involved! We are most grateful to him for this unforgettable lesson in aeronautics.’ Visit https://artbeat046.wordpress. com/2015/05/13/photostory-airborne/ for an account and images by Sarah Rose de Villiers after an exhilarating flight in Andrew’s special flying machine.

BUSINESS

2 March 2016

CXPRESS

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Sugar tax… bitter-sweet or sweet-and-sour?

HE 2016 Budget has confirmed what a number of people have expected - the future introduction of a sugar tax.

Government has pointed out that obesity stemming from overconsumption of sugar is a global concern,

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Investor Focus

leading to greater risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Research by the University of Witwatersrand found that a suggested 20% tax on sweetened sugar beverages (‘SSBs’) could possibly reduce obesity in

220,000 adults.

Fiscal interventions such as taxes are increasingly recognised as complementary tools to help influence people’s lifestyles in respect of consumption.

In response hereto and also in line with what countries

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

This is what we call a Goldilocks Budget HE much-anticipated budget of 2016 has come and gone, and investors are left with a rather flat ‘so what?’ feeling. It was not too hot and not too cold…

This budget had two primary drivers, the first being to try and avoid the dreaded ‘junk’ status downgrade by the rating agencies.

By lowering his expenditure and marginally increasing his revenue over the long term, Gordhan may only just have pulled it off.

The second driver was aimed at the forthcoming municipal elections. He could not under any circumstances increase VAT, or use the dreaded ‘privatisation’ word (in fear of a trade union backlash).

He could not freeze civil servant wages, nor could he really increase ordinary income tax. He did increase the pay-outs of social grants and allowed funds for land claim purchases good election moves!

We now wait to see if Government can deliver on the cost cutting measures, and

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if the private sector is really allowed to come to the table (if they really want to).

Having said all of that, we now need to consider what investors’ reaction should be. The weakening of the Rand during the speech was probably a reaction from overzealous traders who had driven prices too high in anticipation of a groundbreaking budget speech, which did not happen.

The rating agencies will probably only react after October, and we cannot guess the municipal election results.

We are therefore stuck in wait-and-see mode. Holding cash may result in missing bargains, but a cash holding in a rising interest rate environment may not be a bad thing, especially for the ultra-cautious investor.

Markets will probably continue in the current trading pattern. This trading range, i.e. up for two days and down for two days, could last well into the current year. There will, however, be opportunities

to pick up those shares that offer real value.

The global environment of low growth will not help our equities, nor will the problems facing our agricultural and mining industries. Both the rating agencies and investors are very aware that these problems do not last forever.

So watch for the bargains; value is already starting to appear and early signs of a bottoming of the market are slowly emerging. South Africa has many well run companies and our banks are sound. Their local ratings are high and unlikely to change.

So if you have some cash, hold onto it while looking for those bargains. If you are already fully invested, stay there. Whatever you do, don’t get despondent and sell at the bottom.

• Malcolm has been in the investment industry for over 40 years. He has written this column in CXPRESS for the last 17 years and is a specialist in managing retired wealth.

W-Cape records highest job creation numbers HE Western Cape has recorded the highest job gains in the country, according to the latest employment figures from Statistics South Africa released last Thursday.

Alan Winde, minister of Economic Opportunities, said 210,000 jobs had been created overall in 2015, and

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in the last quarter 62,000.

“Jobs growth during the period under review was at 9.7% compared to nationally at 4.6% and Gauteng at 4.3%. The Western Cape now also has the lowest narrow unemployment rate at 19.4% and expanded unemployment rate at 22%.

“Our number one objec-

tive in the province is the creation of opportunities for jobs and growth. These latest trends show we are moving in the right direction,” said Winde.

Premier Helen Zille said the Western Cape had seen 337,000 net growth in jobs since 2009, despite a tough economic climate nationally.

such as Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, and Mexico are doing, it was proposed by Minister Gordhan in his budget speech that a tax on SSBs be introduced in April 2017 to help reduce excessive sugar intake.

SSBs include inter alia the following: still and carbonated soft drinks, fruit juices, sports drinks, energy drinks and vitamin waters, sweetened ice tea, lemonade, cordials and squashes.

One might compare the intended effect of this sugar tax to that of the current excise duties levied on cigarettes and alcoholic beverages, i.e. to promote healthier lifestyles and physical wellness.

But although a noble idea from a health perspective, it remains to be seen whether the addition of another so-called “stealth tax” (i.e.

a tax that slips under the radar of the average consumer) will have a healthy impact on consumers’ pockets and physical wellbeing when one compares the effect of the sin taxes.

The consumption of alcohol and cigarettes has not necessarily fallen drastically as a result of an increase in sin taxes per se.

According to a report by the World Health Organisation, South Africans consumed 11-litres of pure alcohol per person in 2010, tipping them as the African country that consumes the most alcohol per capita.

Sugar tax could have the same negligible effect on consumption of goods as the excise duties have on the consumption of other ‘unhealthy’ products.

Simply put, those of us who love drinking sweet-

ened beverages might continue to do so even though it might cost us more.

So in the end, consumers might still consume a considerable amount of sugar whilst negating the ‘noble’ intention of Government, resulting in a bitter taste for the wallet. Government however, will enjoy lasting sweetness in the form of additional revenue.

Should the converse apply, Government might well have a sweet-and-sour taste in its mouth with achieving an improvement in people’s health but losing out on additional revenue where the consumption of SSB’s might fall…

• Visit www.who.int/substance_abuse/publications/ global_alcohol_report/en/ for the WHO’s Global status report on alcohol and health 2014.

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CXPRESS

INTERVAL

2 March 2016

Mother: “Did you behave well in church today, Mary?”

Mary: “I certainly did. A nice man offered me a plate full of money, and I said ‘no thank you’.”

The three envelopes A fellow had just been hired as the new CEO of a large high tech corporation. The CEO who was stepping down met with him privately and presented him with three numbered envelopes.

“Open these if you run up against a problem you don’t think you can solve,” he said.

Well, things went along pretty smoothly, but six months later sales took a downturn and the new CEO was catching a lot of heat.

About at his wit’s end, he remembered the envelopes.

He went to his drawer and took out the first envelope.

The message read: “Blame your predecessor.”

The new CEO called a press conference and tactfully laid the blame at the feet of the previous CEO.

Satisfied with his comments, the press and Wall Street responded positively, sales began to pick up and the problem was soon behind him.

About a year later, the company was again experiencing a slight dip in sales, combined with serious product problems.

Having learned from his previous experience, the CEO quickly opened the second envelope. The message read: “Reorganise.”

This he did, and the company quickly rebounded.

After several consecutive profitable quarters, the company once again fell on difficult times.

The CEO went to his office, closed the door and opened the third envelope.

The message said: “Prepare three envelopes.”

Position vacant

Taxi driver’s trick HREE guys who had too much to drink got into a taxi. The taxi driver knew they were drunk so he started the engine and turned it off again.

Then he said: “Gentlemen, we’ve reached your destination.”

The first guy paid the driver while the second

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guy thanked him. The third guy slapped him.

The driver was shocked, thinking the third drunk knew what he had done.

Just to be sure, he asked: “What was that for?”

The third guy replied: “You better control your speed next time - you very nearly killed us!”

How you earned it... young man asked an old rich man how he made his money.

The old guy replied: “Well, son, it was 1932. The depth of the Great Depression. I was down to my last nickel.

“I invested that nickel in an apple. I spent the entire day polishing the apple and, at the end of the day, I sold the apple for 10 cents.

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“The next morning, I invested those 10 cents in two apples. I spent the entire day polishing them and sold them for 20 cents.

“I continued this system for a month, by the end of which I’d accumulated a fortune of $1.37.

“Then my wife’s father died and left us two million dollars.”

When hunting goes wrong WO hunters are out in the woods when one of them collapses. He’s not breathing and his eyes are glazed.

The other hunter immediately whips out his cellphone and calls 911.

“I think my friend is dead!” he yells. “What can I do?”

The operator replies: “Calm down. First, let’s make sure he’s dead.”

There’s a long silence, then a shot.

Back on the phone, the hunter says: “Okay, now what?”

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An opportunity for a new job exists, irrespective of age.

Start immediately.

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PROMOTION

2 March 2016

CXPRESS

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CXPRESS

2 March 2016

CLASSIFIEDS

7 MARCH

ON THE SOAPBOX

2 March 2016

Letters to the Editor

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

CXPRESS

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Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

Overseas visitor scammed at Plett ATM We are writing to CXPRESS to make the public aware of an ATM scam: Our overseas friend wanted to draw money from Standard Bank at The Market Square’s ATM on Sunday morning. While her card was in the machine a

well-dressed guy came to offer his help.

He must have noted her pin number, withdrew her card covered with his own in a totally different colour, and lingered around making our friend think the machine had swallowed

What kind of fish is this?

Sue and Tony Stephenson of Knysna sent this photo and wrote: ‘Our 11-year-old granddaughter Amelia from Surrey in the UK was fishing with her younger brother, Lachie, when she caught this fish in Knysna Lagoon last Saturday at about 5:30pm. She is quite sporty and it still took her about 20 minutes to reel in! We reckoned it was just over 1m long - a lot of fish and as tasty as tuna. We wonder if any of your readers could tell us what kind of fish it is.’

Please help us out here, fish-savvy readers - email esther@ cxpress.co.za with your information on this fine specimen.

Good rain causes landslide John Mulder from Plett sent these pics and wrote: ‘I’ve not seen anything on this subject in the local media so hope you can share it with your many readers. I took these photos of a landslide at Tsitsikamma National Park on February 18.

The first such occurrence took place in October last year already after some decent rainfall, and repair work is progressing well. But if one looks at these muddy walls, I wouldn’t be surprised if the next proper showers result in yet another landslide.’ Beware the great wall of mud...

her card.

In the time it took to phone her bank’s hotline, he managed to draw five times the approved daily amount of money with several transactions.

The matter was reported to the police. Is there no se-

curity at this ATM? Is there no camera?

Irme and Walter Hammel, Plett (The Plett branch of Standard Bank promised feedback in this regard, which we hope to include in the next edition.

- Eds.)

Aan diegene wat ons help om Kranshoek kinders te help...

Ons wil graag ‘n bedankingsbrief rig aan Stephen Drew, eienaar van Vantell Brick; Ettienne Wiese, eienaar van Marcelo’s Taxis; en Trevor Jansen, eienaar van Jansen Taxis.

Bogenoemde menere het dit geen moeite geag om te help met skryfbehoeftes vir die kinders van Kranshoek Primêr nie, en ons salute julle, well done!

Ons wil ook ‘n spesiale bedanking doen aan die span wat saam ons werk Tracy Pinto en Eloise Oraai wat help met geestelike lesse en literatuur, en Shanon Welleman wat help met danslesse vir die kinders.

Dit was ‘n voorreg om ongeveer 60 minderbevoorregte kinders te help.

Twee seuns van Kranshoek Primêr wat skryfbehoeftes ontvang het, het die vrymoedigheid gehad om die nuwe jaar vol vuur te begin nadat hulle verlede jaar hoop opgegee het om terug te gaan skool toe.

Ons salute bogeneomde wat dit geen moeite geag het om ‘n verskil te maak in ‘n kind se lewe nie en die Almagtige God wat ons elke dag sterkte gee om hierdie taak te verrig en dit voorspoedig uit te voer.

Ons doel is om ons kinders

te help om akedemies geletterd te wees en selfs geestelik, sodat die kriminele rekord kan daal en dwelm mishandeling, tiener swangerskap, ens. kan stop.

Ons woon wel in ‘n klein minderbevoorregte dorpie maar met opvoeding beide geestelik en akedemies kan ons ‘n verandering maak.

Verandering vind slegs plaas by jouself en dan kan jy dit oordra in jou gemeenskap.

Die afgelope twee jaar wat ons met die kinders werk besef ek as hulle nie het nie dan neem hulle van ander wat het en dis die beginsel van ‘n saad wat geplant word om groter te steel.

Dis moontlik om dit te stop as ons net glo.

Ons probeer help waar ons kan maar dit sal net ‘n positiewe uitwerking hê as jy as person gehelp wil wees. God only helps those who want to help themselves.

Dit is ‘n baie groot eer en voorreg om ons kinders van die gemeenskap te help om ‘n positiewe siening van die lewe te hê en nie op te hou om groot en positief te droom nie. We are here to give them hope for the future (Jer. 29:11).

Baie dankie.

Mark en Chrystal Williams, Kranshoek

Dankie vir ons CXPRESS nuus Graag wil ons vir Pieter en Liedie Coetzee baie dankie sê vir die gereelde ontvangs van CXPRESS, wat ons sodoende op hoogte hou van wat in Plettenbergbaai aangaan - want ons mis die

dorp en sy mense baie.

Dit word opreg waardeer.

En baie dankie ook vir julle jarelange vriendskap.

Groete!

Theunis en Lettie, Klerksdorp

Invites you to

Plett Baia Formosa Lions invite the motor biking community and their friends and family, to join in a day of fun and sharing as the Lions bring you a community drive to collect water for the severely drought stricken areas in South Africa.

Where: Bitou Rugby Club - Plettenberg Bay Date: 13 March 2016 Time: 10h00 to 14h00 Entrance Fee: 1 [or more] x 5lt bottle of water Food & Drink: Available for purchase Proceeds will go to Lions community projects.

Live Entertainment: Sam Hartman

* Various participating sponsors. ** Tsitsikamma Crystal Spring Water will be at the event. You can bring water with you or buy a bottle at the event. For every 5lt bottle of water you give, Tsitsikamma will give the same amount of water.

WATER = a tasteless, odourless and nearly colourless substance, ESSENTIAL to ALL known life forms… without it we CANNOT survive!

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CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

2 March 2016

Organisers hope to top 1,000 entries in Tortoise Tuff

FASTER THAN THE HARE: The 30km Tortoise Tuff route take participants through some of the most breath-taking scenery on the Garden Route - in action here is lightning-fast Knysna Marathon Club star Melikhaya Msizi - Photo: Luana Laubscher

OW in its 19th year, the Tortoise Tuff (TT) kicks off under starter’s orders on Saturday March 12 from the Sedgefield Primary sports fields, again incorporating a 10km walk/ run, a 30km walk/run, the 21km Goukamma Trail, and 2.5km fun run/walk.

Interestingly, the Athletics South Western District (ASWD) 10km Race Walking Trial will be incorporated in this year’s TT, and serve to help selectors choose their team for the SA Race Walking Champs later this year.

“The flat 10km course has

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always been popular among speedsters in both the running and walking sectors, but the 1.5 hours allocated for the event also attracted those just looking for a gentle run or stroll through the village, around the island and back again,” said Sarie Exton, chairperson of race hosts Sedgefield Striders.

Although the rest of the TT races are tough, the undulating routes reward participants with spectacular scenery throughout, leaving them with a feeling of peace while pushing their bodies to new heights.

The 30km route is run on

both tar and gravel roads and has been described as possibly the most challenging 30km on the Garden Route. According to Exton, this is an ideal training run for the Two Oceans and a great target distance for those who normally stick to half marathons.

“Walkers are also welcome, but should take note of the four-hour cut-off time.”

The 21km Goukamma Trail Run is now in its sixth year and presents a challenging course that includes sections along the beach, through Goukamma Nature Reserve, and some serious dune climbs.

“CapeNature’s cooperation makes it possible for runners to enjoy stunning views and almost untouched trails as a reward for the hard workout this event will provide for the ever-increas-

Plett Animal Welfare Service

ognising the Greater Knysna as the Trail Town of SA makes this year’s TT an important event.

“We have worked very hard to ensure that the marketing of the Tortoise Tuff reaches the entire country.

We live in paradise and it is our duty to share it with the rest of the world.”

Because athletes will have their time electronically recorded via a RFID chip as they cross the finishing mat, this event is strictly a pre-entry event. The cut-off time for entries is Monday March 7 at 10am.

Female runners will be delighted to know that equal prize money is on offer for both male and female winners. The winner for the 30km race will receive R500; the winning walker in the 30km distance R200.

Winners of the 10km (run

and walk) and the 21km Trail Run will each receive R300.

Besides the category prizes, medals will be awarded to all finishers. “Six lucky runners will walk away with extraordinary prizes ranging from sport shop vouchers, running shoes and luxury weekend holidays. The winner must be present at the draw to quality for the lucky prize,” reminded Exton.

Starting times are 30km walk 6am, run 7am; 10km run/walk 7:15; 21.1km Trail Run 07:10; and 2.5km Fun Run 8am. Pre-entries are available at www.aswd.co. za and will close on Monday March 7 at 10am (no late entries).

Register at Sedgefield Primary School from 5-7pm on Friday March 11 and from 5:30am on race day.

McCreadie finally takes OCC hand-cycle honours

YESSSSSSSS! Stuart McCreadie from Stellenbosch smashes the record time as he wins the 42.2km hand-cycle race

GIRL POWER: Delia Lubbe whizzes over the finish line first in the ladies 21km hand-cycle half-marathon

HE start line of the 14th Outeniqua ‘Chair Challenge (OCC) on February 20 saw more than 1,000 athletes and crowds of spectators waiting with bated breath for the starter’s gun to send competitors hurtling off.

After extremely competitive racing in cool and breezy weather, winners of the three different categories in the main 42.2km marathon were Stuart McCreadie (hand-cycle), Ernst van Dyk (racing wheelchair) and Pieter du Preez

women were from Zimbabwe - Margaret Bangajena was followed hot on her ‘wheels’ by Thandiwe Ndlovu, who was only one second behind.

The 21km winner was Denzil Ventura from Mitchell’s Plain, and the 10km winner was Lesibana Masela from Black Soul Sports Club in Pretoria.

The 5km Fun Race was a huge success, the eldest entrant being 83-year-old Anna Howarth from Franschhoek, and the youngest eight-month-old Micah

T

Paws

ing market of adventure racers,” she said, adding that the gentle 2.5km fun run always attracts a great number of younger athletes and the not-so-fit.

“The generosity of our sponsors, Wesgro (thanks to the facilitation of Knysna & Partners), Brenton Haven, Pine Lake Marina, Knysna & Partners, and CapeNature has allowed for an extra marketing push, ensuring that the event will once again attract large numbers from both SWD and around the country.”

Knysna & Partners CEO, Greg Vogt said that he would be thrilled if this year the entries would reach the 1,000-mark. “Last year this beautiful race attracted 673 entries, and this year I am sure that with our push we can break the record.”

He added his aim of rec-

(hand-cycle quad race).

McCreadie set a new course record of 01:07:41, beating Van Dyk’s time in this category last year by nearly 2min. Maties Parasport in Stellenbosch is the home club of both Van Dyk and McCreadie, who has finished in the top three in the hand-cycle race for the last few years.

The top woman finisher in the hand-cycle division was SA’s Nandi Odendaal, (2:23:34). In the racing chair division, both the winner and second-placed

Samaai who has amniotic band syndrome, a condition that affects his legs.

OCC organisers and sponsors George Airport and George Municipality are delighted that the event went off without a hitch, and extend their heartfelt thanks to all volunteers, competitors, families and supporters for working together to ensure the event’s record of no injuries was maintained.

Visit www.georgeocc. co.za for full results and more photographs.