April 2nd

2 April 2014

Published every Wednesday by CXpress (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

Touch down!

Friday March 28 was a momentous occasion at Plett Airport, the likes of which have not been seen since the last scheduled flight departed nearly a decade ago, and culminating in the landing of this CemAir craft arriving directly from Cape Town - read all about it on page 4

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Cold War tale continues... p2

Give a hoot about owls? p5

Captain V clocks it p12

Photo: Ewald Stander

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CXPRESS

Columns

2 April 2014

Driving Miss Crazy

It was a dark and windy night... Part II JEEVES shares memories of his adventures as Garden Route chauffeur extraordinaire - the scene is Dar es Salaam in the mid-60s at the height of the Cold War. We ended the last episode (in CXPRESS of March 26 - visit www.cxpress.co.za) as he was sitting in his official car with the ambassador of West Germany, the husband of his aunt, in the middle of the night and being instructed to “flick the lights quickly, three times...”

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figure came running across the hotel lawn towards the car. Seconds later, a face peered through the driver’s window.

Uncle Ambassador asked from the passenger seat: “Are you Schmidt?”

“Ja-wohl!” came the response.

The Ambassador jumped out of the car and climbed in the back. “Get in!” he told Schmidt. The two of them shook hands. “Welcome to the West!”

“Back to the house now, schnell!” he ordered.

During the whole 10-minute drive to the residence, mumbled voices came from the back seat. I picked up the odd word... Zanzibar... Ost Deutschland... weekend... two-year contract...

Back at the house, the two men disappeared into an office. “Make some tea for us please.” I returned 10 minutes later with the tray. Schmidt was seated in a chair, staring at my uncle posing with a camera.

A flash. I was temporarily blinded. He was about 30, blond, Nordic-looking. They spoke in German.

I poured the tea. Uncle was on the phone. Schmidt was nervous, looking at me wide-eyed.

“Hello. Is that you, Mr Pratt? So sorry to disturb you at this time of the morning.”

It was 2:45am.

“The time has come,” Uncle continued into the phone.

“I need you now, urgently!”

A pause, while Pratt spoke.

“OK, I have some things to do quickly this end. There is only one person.”

A voice crackled on the line.

“Mombasa. Good. We’ll see you then in about 45 minutes... OK... Goodbye, and thank you very much.”

Uncle turned to me. “We have another journey to make, please. Can you wait outside. I call you when I’m ready to go. Thank you.”

I didn’t have a clue as to what on earth was going on. A ‘wet-behind-the-ears’ 19-year-old mixed up in a world of intrigue and espionage, perhaps?

Fifteen minutes later, we were all in Aunt’s DKW shopping car heading off to goodness knows where, with directions being fired at me

from behind. Schmidt and the Ambassador were thick in conversation.

We were on a narrow, tarred road heading north out of town. Luckily there was not much traffic around at this early hour in the morning.

Each time a vehicle came towards our car, I had to half veer off the tar onto a sandy verge, and at 60mph it was no joke.

Eventually, after about 10 miles out of Dar es Salaam, Uncle’s voice addressed me from the rear. “A sign should be coming up shortly on the

left, with an aeroplane on it there, you turn.”

A reflective green sign loomed, with a shiny silver light aircraft painted in its centre. Underneath another sign: ‘BAGAMOYO AERO CLUB’.

We drove about another mile along the sandy road, zigzagging between potholes. A buck ran across the car-lit path ahead, stopped and stared, its eyes bright red, then it belted off into the thick cane fields bordering the road.

Another sign to the left indicating the small aerodrome, which we followed. The car lights suddenly picked up an entrance on the side between a barbed-wire fence, with a rusty propeller attached to a pole and a white arrow painted on one of its blades indicating the entrance.

There were about six small

‘Each time a vehicle came towards our car, I had to half veer off the tar onto a sandy verge... at 60mph it was no joke’

BOND, JEEVES BOND: A picture of the youngster I was when experiencing Dar es Salaam in the 60s

planes parked on an apron alongside each other, with a few tin hangers scattered in the background.

Uncle Ambassador said: “Look for a plane with letters ‘5X - Tango Alfa Charlie’ on the side. And let’s hope that Mister Pratt, the pilot, is here.”

We drove along the side of the parked aircraft studying each one’s identity signs in the car lights... 5Y - XXC, 5H - BOG, 5Y - UVK, 5X AAG, and so on. No TAC. I stopped the vehicle and turned off the engine. The sound of a revving engine came from behind one of the hangers. I started up and drove towards it.

There, round the corner, with strobe and port and starboard lights flashing, was 5X - TAC! We all got out. Schmidt shook my hand, thanked me and said good-bye. Uncle Ambassador walked him to the plane, and in the shadows I could see him handing over a small attaché case.

The right side door of the Cessna 150 opened, the two ducked under the wing, and Herr Schmidt climbed in. A white envelope was passed across to the pilot...

The door closed, Uncle stood back as the engine pitch increased and the small plane rocked along the uneven ground as it taxied towards the runway.

It paused, gave off a hefty roar, and accelerated away into the darkness, coming into view again as it rose into the early morning yellow-blue African sky.

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News & Views

2 April 2014

Eight-year nightmare at an end for Knysna mogul Yolandé Stander

K

NYSNA multimillionaire Lesley Young is relieved after eight years of bitter court battles between her and her former lover came to an end when she was cleared of robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery charges recently.

Young was charged with the crimes after allegedly hiring nightclub bouncer Errol Kahn and biker Lutz Springborn in 2006 to retrieve a bakkie that she had allowed former partner Ian McDonald, 74 - an ex-surfer and mercenary - to use before they split.

George Regional Court however found that none of the accused had the intention to steal, which is a precondition for a conviction on charges of robbery and theft.

Young had previously fruitlessly petitioned Knysna Magistrate’s Court for the return of her vehicle.

Kahn was however found guilty of assault and received a fine of R2,000.

The couple ended their seven-year relationship in 2006, but the breakup was followed by a claim by McDonald, one

of the founders of the Gunston 500 surf competition, to half of Young’s estimated R35-million estate. He later revised his claim to spousal support and R2-million.

The Supreme Court of Appeal had earlier rejected McDonald’s claims. The court found that, in the absence of an agreement to that effect, no legal duty of support existed between cohabitees.

‘It cost me a lot of money, it affected my business and it has made me into someone who will never trust another man again’ McDonald then successfully sued Young, a former Arabian horse breeder, for defamation relating to allegations that he tried to poison her with arsenic and for damages suffered when Kahn and Springborn went to retrieve the bakkie at Garden Route Mall in George on November 24, 2006.

The court ordered Young to pay McDonald R160,000 in damages, but on review the amount was lowered to

R30,000.

The poisoning claims, made while applying for a protection order against McDonald, also led to perjury charges against Young, but the state withdrew the charges in 2011 without supplying reasons.

Young said the past eight years had been a nightmare that had ruined her life. “It cost me a lot of money, it affected my business and it has made me into someone who will never trust another man again,” she said.

“Luckily the people close to me know me well enough not to have believed all the allegations and have stood by me through all of this. No one abandoned me.”

She also criticised the media for the way in which the saga was portrayed.

The wealthy widow of an apartheid-era homeland minister, Leslie Young said that she would now attempt to “put her life back together” on her stud farm Rivendell in Knysna’s Goukamma Valley.

She added that she would be throwing a party within the next few weeks to celebrate this new chapter in her life.

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CXPRESS

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CXPRESS

News & Views

2 April 2014

Momentous occasion as first scheduled flights touch down in Plett The old adage that the day’s first liquid refreshment might be had once ‘the aeroplane’s over’ now yet again applies in Plett, depending on your personal rules and regulations regarding an appropriate time for that first weekend drink...

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EPARTING from Plett to Cape Town as the NSRI siren sounds at noon each Friday will be one of two CemAir flights to the Mother City, the other voyage on that route departing Plett Airport on Sundays at the same time.

(Visit www.cemair.co.za for details on ticket prices and flight times between OR Tambo in Joburg, Plett and Cape Town.)

A festive marquee was packed to capacity last Friday afternoon when Bitou mayor Memory Booysen

and several of his councillors along with Plett Tourism and CemAir CEO Miles van der Molen and his team hosted a function to celebrate the new service and to welcome the first flight landing back from Cape Town.

Knysna aviation expert Kevin Grinaker was the perfect master of ceremonies, regaling the crowd of Plett VIPs, office bearers, business and tourism stakeholders and members of the media with memories of family flights in the old Dakota that

DRONE’S EYE-VIEW: CemAir shared this photo with CXPRESS via Bitou Municipality’s Russell Honeywill, taken by a drone on the morning of March 28 and giving a unique aerial view of the ‘scene of the crime’ - or rather, the site of the afternoon’s festive launch function. - Photo supplied by CemAir AHEAD OF SCHEDULE: Head of Schedule Service Nicolene Myburgh has been instrumental in the smooth running of operations leading up to the launch - to the effect that the first CemAir flight from OR Tambo touched down at Plett 4min ahead of schedule, and set off for the Cape 3min early. Email her at nicolene@cemair. co.za for info. - Photo:

served as passenger plane between Southern Cape towns and the cities.

“Dad counted the bounces out loud on the runways in Plett and Oudtshoorn, and when he got his own plane it was my turn to count,” he said, adding that Plett’s runway was the scene of his own first solo landing at the tender age of 13.

The airfield’s fate was undetermined for many years a fact revisited by several of the day’s many speakers. But with the confidence shown

by CemAir, representatives from all sectors of Plett society pledged their support.

The service was hailed as giving hope and prosperity, and special tribute was paid to the CemAir team’s Tourism chairman Peter Wallington shared the following message: ‘Plett Tourism welcomes the introduction of scheduled flights to and from Johannesburg and Cape Town, and wishes CemAir great success with its venture. We congratulate CemAir for getting this project up and running in such a short time! And we look forward to working with CemAir to grow tourism to Plett in the months ahead.

This service will also make Plett more attractive to those who work in Gauteng but who wish to live in the beautiful bay. Plett Tourism thanks Bitou mayor Memory Booysen, his Council, and the municipality for facilitating this ground-breaking transaction.’ In the pic, mayor Booysen welcomes the first passengers from Cape Town to arrive last Friday.

Plett Hanger Owners Association chair Harry de Villiers pictured at right, with land surveyor David Friedman and Nathalie Buttress of MC90.3FM during the launch function - said that the return of an air service is definitely a step in the right direction and hopefully the much needed catalyst to set the tone for things to come. ‘What CemAir has achieved in such a short space of time and literally funded from its own pockets is commendable. We really hope, now there is some momentum, that Bitou Council addresses the remaining issues regarding the airport and that in the near future we will have a fully-functional facility. From the PHOA perspective, we remain committed to the success of the airport and have pledged our support to CemAir. Likewise, we appeal to the community to support them in order to ensure the sustainability of this much-needed service.’

Email harry@htdevilliersatt.co.za for more informaton on the PHOA. - Photo: Esther de Villiers

THREE VIP AMIGOS: Bitou mayor Memory Booysen, widely lauded for facilitating the new scheduled service, is flanked by his accomplices in this mission, CemAir CEO Miles and CFO Laura van der Molen - Photo: Watty Watson

the runway to welcome the first touchdown from Cape Town just after 3:15pm, Van der Molen thanked Bitou Municipality and Plett Tourism for “outstanding enthusiasm and encouragement”.

As a last word, Bitou Municipality’s Russell Honeywill might have summarised it best when saying: “I don’t think that there is anyone who hasn’t looked up at

an aeroplane in the sky, or even one on the ground, and wondered where it’s been, where it’s going, and what adventures lie ahead. That is the magic of flying, and that magic is back in Plett.”

Visit the CXPRESS Facebook page for a video clip of the landing and blessing of the plane by Plett Fire, and click on www.cxpress.co.za for a gallery of more images.

Welcome to pretty Plettenberg Bay!

Photo: Stuart Brink Films - www. stuartbrinkfilms.com

News Briefs

Russell Honeywill

New service a catalyst for things to come

Nicolene Myburgh and Mark Andrews for their untiring efforts in the run-up to the launch.

Bruce Richardson of the Community Police Forum and, on the day, representing Plett Tourism, described the service as a “return to the halcyon days of direct flights to Plett”, and lauded CemAir for its vision.

The lanky Van der Molen entertained his audience with a brief history of CemAir, which has since 2005 been operating in far-flung territories like the DRC, Sudan and Afghanistan, and locally from Joburg to Sishen and Umhlanga.

“Why Plett? Well it’s gorgeous - absolutely spectacular! And after extensive market research, we saw a clear need; people were hungry for this service,” he said, adding that the CemAir fleet are “fantastic machines that are safe, reliable and perfect for the job”.

Before the crowd turned to

Mp{upc"vggp"itcpvgf"dckn A public outcry by the local community did not deter Simons’ Town magistrate Crystal McKenna from granting Kyle Maspero, who stands accused of murdering his girlfriend’s mother, bail of R3,000 on March 24.

Maspero, 18, and Phoenix Racing Cloud Theron, 19 both formerly from Knysna are due back in court on April 11 after the murder last September of stilt walker Rosemary Theron.

The alleged matricide took place in the Cape Town suburb of Clovelly. Both the accused have been in custody since their arrest but only Maspero applied for bail, and Theron remains in custody at Pollsmoor Prison.

Although the state opposed Maspero’s application and tried to portray him as a flight risk, magistrate McKenna said that bail

would not be withheld to punish the accused.

“The court will accept that the public will be outraged but will not be swayed. The accused will be tried in a court of law and not in a court of public opinion,” she said.

Apart from his fixed address and the fact that it was his first arrest, McKenna said other factors in his favour included that the investigation was not yet completed and that there was a problem with the DNA report.

Maspero’s trouble history was revisited during the bail application, his mother having died when he was seven years old, and being moved to live with his grandmother after accidentally having set alight a home neighbouring that of his deceased mother’s boyfriend.

Rosemary Theron was reported missing in March last year and her body was

discovered in Strandfontein in September. According to the state, the teens conspired to kill Theron while they were under the influence of drugs. Co-accused Godfrey Scheepers, 20, told the police that Maspero had asked him to help bury the body.

Grke"vkog"rgpcnv{"equvu" Gxcpu"vgco"vjg" cnn/Chtkecp"lgtug{ Local cycling fans were disappointed to hear of the failed effort last Thursday night of Plett rider Kevin Evans and his FedGroup Itec team mate Max Knox to appeal against their one-hour penalty after Evans took an illegal shortcut in this year’s Cape Epic, which concluded at Lourensford Estate on Sunday.

Eyewitness News reports that the penalty effectively ended the team’s pursuit of the red Africa jersey, claimed by the first all-African team

to finish.

“Other riders complained after Evans apparently took a shortcut across an uphill switchback on stage 4.

“The Commissaires Panel said in a statement that a protest had been made to the race office: it was stated that a member of team 13 deviated from the course and in doing so gained an unfair advantage over other riders.

“Review of Go-Pro camera footage from the rider immediately behind the rider in question, as well as footage from team 13’s own Go-Pro (attached to the bicycle of the accused) confirms that the incident occurred, and that an unfair advantage was gained.”

Video clips showing the infraction were posted at http://ewn.co.za/Media/ 2014/03/28/Evans-illegalshortcut-at-Absa-Cape-Epic by the race organisers.

News & Views

2 April 2014

CXPRESS

5

If you give a hoot about our owls, don’t keep ‘em as pets or poison rats Yolandé Stander

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ITH their natural habitat dwindling due to urbanisation and their numbers dropping due to poisoning and other threats, giving a hoot about the country’s owl population is becoming increasingly important.

Although Plettenberg Bay still has a healthy owl population, residents have a role to play to ensure this remains the case.

Janet Forrest of Radical Raptors said the reason why the area had a high owl population was because of the good habitat the region offered these birds of prey.

The Spotted eagle-owl is one of South Africa’s most common owl species, adapting to various habitats from forests to grasslands or even urban areas, and often taking up residence in parks and gardens.

Forrest said one of the biggest threats to these magical creatures in towns and cities was poisoning.

“The first thing you can do to ensure the future of these birds, is not using rodent poisons. They eat the poisoned animal, which in turn kills them.”

And with owls in the area, there should be no need for drastic pest control, as birds of prey like owls are great exterminators with their main sources of food being rodents, large insects and even small snakes.

She said another threat to these birds was people wanting to keep them as pets.

“Recently we had a Spotted eagle-owl come into the rehabilitation centre at Radical Raptors. The story was that the owl had been discovered ‘The result of raising it yourself is that the novelty of a pet owl comes and goes and the owl becomes a human imprinted bird’ as a tiny owlet with hardly any feathers, presumably about two weeks old. The person who found him decided to look after and raise the baby owl herself,” Forrest said.

“Unfortunately, without the correct knowledge and facilities the result of this is that the novelty of a pet owl has come and gone, and six months later we are left to

care for an owl that is a total human imprinted bird, and as a result of being kept in a small cage is at this stage unable to fly.”

Forrest suggested that when dealing with an owlet, to observe it from a distance.

“The parent owls will generally hide when approached by humans and not contest when owlets are picked up.

This only makes the inexperienced person more certain the baby has been abandoned.

“Parents would not abandon fledglings unless by some external factor, and there is a small chance they have been killed or poisoned.”

She said however if no parent appeared, one should try and locate the nest.

“If it is possible to return the bird to the nest, do so.

If a nest cannot be located, a makeshift nest can be used and positioned in a tree above where the baby was discovered. It is a myth that the parents won’t care for the baby once it has been returned.”

If all else fails, contact Radical Raptors on 044 532 7537 or CapeNature on 044 533 2125.

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BRIGHT EYES: One of the biggest threats to owls is poisoning, so use other means of exterminating rodents to arrest the decline in numbers of these magical creatures Photos: Ewald Stander

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CXPRESS

Columns

2 April 2014

What was your Argus time?

On going back and gathering speed - Part I With this year’s event having concluded less than a month ago, JOHN STEGMANN jogs his memory in this six-part account on the run-up to the first Argus Cycle Tour

FAMILY AFFAIR: Our family and young friends at the start of the first Argus Cycle Tour on 28 October 1978 - Photo: Marion Miles

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NE really popular feature of the Pick n Pay Cape Argus Cycle Tour has been the individual time and ranking recorded for everyone that finishes the course before closing time.

Traditionally, only the first three riders in mass-start bicycle road races were timed and placed.

This was simply due to the limitations of the timing system that used skilled timekeepers with stop-watches: in a bunch sprint for the line it was as much as they could do to agree on the first three places.

Since the stopwatch system was still in use in 1978, one might well ask ‘why?’ and ‘how?’ the individual timing feature happens to be there at the beginning of this mass start event.

Let me tell you...

This is not The Definitive History of the event; it’s a

peep into my part in the early days.

The short answer to ‘why?’ is that in those days I was in charge and I wanted it, and to ‘how?’, by perseverance and persuasion, followed by gratefully accepted and appreciated cooperation.

Given the opportunity, I’d like to tell you a lot more about ‘why?’ by stepping back a century or so to sketch the history.

With luck, CXPRESS and my memory will make it possible to go back and gather speed...

In the picture, at left, that’s me, 41-year-old amateur tandem pilot saluting the morning sun, with my miniature stoker, Richard, on my right.

His friends, Paul and Gordon, have 10-speed racing bikes.

To be continued...

(2014 © John Stegmann)

News & Views

2 April 2014

CXPRESS

7

Jump for joy, ‘coz Tshisa’s got a cool plan for every party L

IFE is full of celebrations - births, christenings, birthdays, Bar Mitzvahs, 21sts, engagements, weddings and anniversaries, awards nights and banquets, Christmas parties, community events, corporate functions, festivals, fundraisers, grand openings, New Year’s Eve parties, reunions, retirement parties… the list goes on and on.

And what better way to celebrate an occasion than with some live entertainment, music and fun? Tshisa Talent Agency arranges placement for performing artists and

ON A HIGH: One of the Tshisa Talent groups, The House of Entertainment, is pictured here in full flight on the eve of their first KKNK appearance - from left are Percy de Villiers, Colin Bennien, Paul Amas and Rubber Johnny - Photo: Rudy van Heerden

‘Sweet potato capital’ celebrates centenary in style Words & photo: Bob Hopkin

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HE pretty village of Hoekwil in the hills behind Wilderness celebrated 100 years of growing prosperity and contentment with a four-day festival over the Human Rights weekend.

Founded officially as a township by subsistence farmers in 1914 through the clearing of patches of indigenous forest, the village still has a thriving farming community with a mixture of huge dairy farms and arable smallholdings to continue its agricultural heritage.

The festival took 14 months to arrange since organisers Magda van Zyl and Brigitte Stewart discussed the idea in January 2013. They wanted to involve not just the traditional farming community but also new residents from outside the area who came to enjoy the tranquillity and scenery around Hoekwil.

As Magda said: “We intended to commemorate this

SWEET IN PURPLE AND SILVER: Four-year-old entrant Imange Gwavuma gets ready to wow the judges at the Hoekwil Centenary beauty contest

important date for the village but also saw the opportunity to motivate a community spirit among the residents working together to prepare for the event.

“The fantastic turnout and the sight of people clearly enjoying themselves is reward enough for all the work

involved.”

The four days included a myriad of activities, from an opening gala evening with participants encouraged to wear period costume, to mountain biking, a vintage car display, music and dance, a beauty contest, craft exhibitions and food stalls.

When asked which of the events most typified the history of the village, Magda was quick to choose one of the culinary courses. “It may seem strange, but the ‘Sweet Potato Secrets’ cookery display is most appropriate.

When the local farmers were looking for a suitable cash crop all those years ago, they found that sweet potatoes grew particularly well in the local soil and climate.

“Apart from growing for their own consumption, this tiny area became the sweet potato capital of South Africa, with Hoekwil produce being shipped all over the country - and that really started the agricultural life of the village.”

entertainers in the Garden Route and Klein Karoo.

Pop, country, rock n roll, R&B, instrumental, hip hop, reggae, soul, blues, African and Boeremusiek, choirs and singers, gumboot and fire dancers, marimba, jazz, MCs, DJs, bands, groups, Kwaito, modern and classical dancers, drummers, trance, motivational speakers...

Tshisa Talent Agency is a one of a kind organisation based in Plett, and a one-stop shop for booking a wide variety of entertainers.

Whether you are an event organiser or the manager of a

five-star hotel, whether you just want to add some fun to the evening at your guest house or whether you are a festival organiser or planning a party, Tshisa Talent will find the perfect entertainment solution.

This initiative is supported by the National Department of Arts & Culture. Every time you support a local artist you are supporting a local family. So think about it and let’s celebrate together in 2014. More info can be found on www.tshisatalent. co.za or like the Tshisa Talent Agency Facebook page.

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CXPRESS

Business

2 April 2014

Working together makes common business sense Mark Allen Knysna Business Xchange

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HE Knysna Industrial Area has been particularly hard hit by the recession. Well established businesses have closed one after the other, property prices have plummeted and along with the local economy the estate is in deep trouble.

But the question that must be asked is why, when businesses are hanging on by their fingernails, is it so dif-

ficult to convince them that there is a pressing need to find ways to communicate more effectively?

It takes 30 minutes or less to show the average user how to run and manage a website - to put tools in their hands that will open doors to new opportunities and markets. But no, it’s just too complicated.

They are not interested they are too busy putting out fires.

So it is not the internet that

is complicated. It is people.

Some will and most won’t.

What we need is a simple answer. Something no one can argue with. As simple as ‘It is not pretty by any stretch of the imagination. But it is free. And it works.

That’s all you need other than people, that is. Those people that will...’

www.theindustrialarea.com - it uses a WordPress script and Google loves it. In simple terms, it works.

Search Google for Roofing specialists on the Garden Route... and up it pops.

It is not pretty by any stretch of the imagination.

But it is free. And it works.

That is all you need - other than people, that is. Those people that will.

We must convince enough people that they have every reason to use the site, to get

Garden Route property market sees year on year improvement

Ling Dobson - Pam Golding Properties

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HE start of 2014 has been an extremely busy one for residential property.

The market has generally been characterised by an air of positive sentiment, increased activity levels and already in the cities agents are experiencing a marked shortage of stock, all of this in spite of the 0.5% interest rate increase.

The market has been further boosted by increased lending appetite via all of the country’s major mortgage lenders.

I am sure many are already getting ready to visit and make some buying choices the forthcoming Easter holiday. Be cautious, though. Be aware of your budget, your

requirements, and the location you have earmarked.

Choose your estate agent and agency with care. This is one of the biggest investments of your life.

Before you get all emotional about a property you’ve just viewed and race to put in an offer, stop. Take a deep breath. Find out as much as you can about the property and the area in which it is situated. Take your time and weigh up all the information before you sign on the dotted line.

Purchasing property is possibly one of the most important and expensive decisions you’ll be making for a long time to come.

So look out for potential

problems before you put pen to paper. Gather as much information as possible.

Work closely with your agent and trust him/her in so far as that you will be served with all the necessary information you require to make an educated, well balanced decision for your important investment.

Sometimes it is advisable to make your choice of agency and agent so that you can build a relationship to service your needs for information gathering.

Always be aware of the following: • Rates vs valuation - Find out what rates are being charged and if the property has been valued correctly by

the local municipality.

In today’s market, the buying price is often way below the municipal valuation, and a property’s municipal office valuation determines the rates that you will be charged.

• Ensure that all outstanding rates have been paid by the seller. This, again, is incredibly important given that the courts recently ruled that new owners can be held liable for debts incurred by the previous owner.

• Keep an eye open for WHO your neighbours are, especially in the case of purchasing small size erven.

Are they running any kind of business, are there noisy dogs, screaming kids, etc.?

No-one wants to find out after the fact that they have purchased into a particularly noisy neighbourhood.

Visit the property at different times of the day and on different days of the week.

When viewing property over the weekend, the area may

Investor Focus

involved.

Professionally designed graphics, branding, gadgets and goo-gaahs can all be added later. When we have the time and the resources.

But right now we need to learn to communicate.

We need to convince everyone that will, that we have every reason to work together for a common purpose. We have to convince everyone that will listen that it is as simple as setting up another Facebook page such as Ask a

Local (www.facebook.com/ pages/Ask-A-Local-Knysna/1457462634392632 ).

The internet is a tool we can use and should be using.

There is nothing complicated about it, besides the people - who are all just like us.

Knysna Business Xchange has been set up to facilitate the transfer of skills and know how, to help businesses communicate and grow.

seem tranquil but this could change during peak hours.

Check out both the pedestrian and vehicle traffic during traditionally busy times of the day, taking note of how easy it is to get in and out of the property at these times.

Ask the agent for the current registered and approved plans from the municipality so you can make sure that all changes and renovations are legal and approved.

It is always good to know what crime statistics are in the area. Speak to various people about this, including the local security company and police station, nearby business owners and your potential new neighbours.

While it may be true that criminals target different areas at different times, bear in mind that just because a suburb is relatively crime-free today, this doesn’t mean that it will be tomorrow.

There does seem to be hotspots that are more at risk.

Access to up-to-date technology is also important. If you’re online a lot, contact Telkom to check whether the address supports an ADSL

line. Don’t assume that because some areas of a suburb are covered, your new home will be too.

If there are tenants on the property, ask to see a copy of the lease in order to see how long it still has to run.

Many leases on houses that are on the market, are drawn up with a specific clause protecting the landlord and the tenant in the event of a sale.

In such an instance the tenant will have three months to vacate. Many people assume that they can evict a tenant once they have bought a property, but this is certainly not the case and a tenant has every right to remain on a property until the lease agreement expires.

In the case of the above, it is always good to add a clause stating you need to take vacant occupation.

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Malcolm Stewart – Portfolio Manager at Sanlam Private Investments Knysna

A more detailed look at Budget 2014/15

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HERE are often parts of the budget that escape news headlines but that can have a material impact on our private finances.

The budget referred to changes in retirement savings and further work being done on wealth taxes. Details of the long-awaited retirement savings reforms have now been made public.

Vjg"vcz"rtghgttgf" ucxkpiu"ceeqwpv This affects one of the new retirement savings vehicles that are highly tax efficient.

These accounts will have an initial contribution limit of R30,000 per annum and a life time limit of R500,000.

You will not be able to save more than R30,000pa, i.e. you cannot pay the full R500,000 in a single payment. You may not roll-over your payments, i.e. R20,000 in one year and R40,000 the next year.

These accounts will pay no tax at all, so no dividend or interest tax will be levied.

Payments will be completely flexible with no penalties for missed payments. They will also be completely transferable between product providers at no cost.

Because of this new vehicle, the current interest rate allowance will be phased out over time, by not adjusting it for inflation on an annual basis as is currently the practice.

At this point, there is little detail about how and when you can access these savings. But we know that there will be limited vehicles that can be housed in these savings vehicles.

Ordinary shares on the JSE will not be allowed. Fixed interest investments include Government bonds (Post Office bonds?), REITS (the old property trusts) and selected ETFs, and Unit Trusts.

You will be able to open two accounts if needed, one for fixed interest and one for equities. However, the total must still amount to

R500,000.

These accounts will obviously be allowed to grow in value to over R500,000 with no penalties.

Tgvktgogpv"ucxkpiu"tghqtou The good news is that tax free amounts on initial withdrawals - which were restricted to a maximum of R315,000 have now been increased to R500,000.

Ygcnvj"vcz The Tax Review Committee under Judge Dennis Davies is expected to publish its first interim report soon.

They are reviewing the current perceived double taxation on death, namely Estate Duty and Capital Gains Tax. My bet is that Death Duty could be removed - but watch out for increased Capital Gains Tax! Ocneqno"jcu"dggp"kp"vjg" kpxguvogpv"kpfwuvt{"hqt"qxgt" 62"{gctu0"Jg"jcu"ytkvvgp" vjku"eqnwop"kp"EZRTGUU" hqt"vjg"ncuv"37"{gctu"cpf"ku" c"urgekcnkuv"kp"ocpcikpi" tgvktgf"ygcnvj0

Promotion

2 April 2014

CXPRESS

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CXPRESS

Interval

2 April 2014

“A woman is like a tea bag - you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.”

- Eleanor Roosevelt

Making headlines...

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ENFIELD (LONDON) COUPLE SLAIN; POLICE SUSPECT HOMICIDE Vjg{"oc{"dg"qp"vq"uqogvjkpi0 RED TAPE HOLDS UP NEW BRIDGES [qw" ogcp" vjgtg‚u" uqogvjkpi" uvtqpigt"vjcp"fwev"vcrgA" MAN STRUCK BY LIGHTNING FACES BATTERY CHARGE Jg" rtqdcdn{" KU" vjg" dcvvgt{" ejctig#" NEW STUDY OF OBESITY LOOKS FOR LARGER TEST GROUP Ygtgp‚v"vjg{"hcv"gpqwijA#" KIDS MAKE NUTRITIOUS SNACKS Fq"vjg{"vcuvg"nkmg"ejkemgpA" LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL DROPOUTS CUT IN HALF Ejckpucy"Ocuucetg"cnn"qxgt" cickp#" HOSPITALS ARE SUED BY 7 FOOT DOCTORS Dq{."ctg"vjg{"vcnn#" TYPHOON RIPS THROUGH CEMETERY; HUNDREDS DEAD Fkf"K"tgcf"vjcv"tkijvA

An autocorrect problem

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OB received the following text message from his neighbour: “I am so sorry, Bob. I’ve been riddled with guilt and I have to confess: I have been tapping your wife, day and night when you’re not around. In fact, more than you. I’m not getting any at home, but that’s no excuse.

I can no longer live with the

guilt and I hope you will accept my sincerest apology with my promise that it won’t happen again.”

Bob, anguished and betrayed, started gathered his wife’s stuff and was about to throw them out the window when a second text message came in: “Dang autocorrect. I meant ‘wifi’, not ‘wife’!

As we grow older…

• You’re getting old when you don’t care where your spouse goes, just as long as you don’t have to go along.

• Statistics show that at the age of 70, there are five women to every man. Isn’t that an ironic time for a guy to get those odds?

• Old age is when it takes

longer to rest than to get tired.

• Old age is having a choice of two temptations and choosing the one that will get you home earlier.

• Stop worrying about avoiding temptation ‘coz the older you get, the more it will avoid you.

Notices • Linked with the Rotary Family Health Days taking place on Crtkn"4 at Masizame, Crtkn" 5 at Formosa Primary, and Crtkn"6 at The Crags Primary, readers are asked to drop off old spectacles and hearing aids at IC Optometrists in Mellville’s Corner or at Ruby Kiss’s in The Market Square. This Rotary initiative is aimed at assisting Bitou’s underprivileged and all donations will be much appreciated. See the advert on page 8 for more information.

• Knysna Education Trust (KET) is hosting a fundraising afternoon themed Hats,

2 April 2014 Heels & High Tea on Crtkn"6 from 2-5pm at Simola, with decadent eats and cocktails, lucky draw prizes, a spa product range to investigate, and a guest speaker who’ll blow you away.

As the only organisation focusing on Early Childhood Education, KET provides an essential service to the community by ensuring the future generation is educated and become successful adults. Please call Nicky on 083 412 4598 or email fundraiser@knysnaedutrust.co.za to book your ticket at R250 per person.

CXPRESS

Notice Board • Last week CXPRESS told of Deon Coetzer’s Ironman participation on Crtkn" 8 to raise funds for kids in need, most notably Plett’s Sabrina Love Foundation [visit the back page of our March 26 issue at www.cxpress.co.za for the full story].

The R16,400 minimum Deon hopes to raise through per-kilometre pledges of the 226km race will only cover his entrance fee for the charity event (normal entry is

R5,000), so if you haven’t contributed yet, please do so at Ironman 4 the Kidz Charity Trust, FNB Newton Park (branch code 261 050), account number 6219 3082 410, reference ‘Deon Coetzer, Plettenberg Bay’.

Whether you pledge R1 or R10/km, please make that payment before the event to give Deon extra energy for his very long haul for a very good cause.

• Plett Music Academy in-

vites you to enjoy a spectacular evening of music with Dr Brad Liebl and Sylvia Schulman, at Plett Community Church on Crtkn" 34 at 6:30pm. Tickets cost R100 per adult and R40 per scholar and are available from The Market Square info kiosk or from Adele on 082 697 1991.

See the advert on page 15 for more information.

• The Discovery Plett Easter Games is back for its fourth year, jam-packed with sporting action from Crtkn"3:/42.

Email info@naturesportco. com or call 072 630 8906 for more information.

11 • The Clean Plett team thanks Brad Thomas from Pinnacle Painters for painting all the planter walls on Main Street for his own account, and Roger Holmes from Dulux for sponsoring the paint.

Retief van Aswegen of Garden Thyme cleaned the traffic circles, and thanks also go to Gary Bouwer of Smart Gardening Company and Charmaine Birch of Milkwood Gardens. All garden service companies are encouraged to get involved - phone Alison on 082 572 1027, Andries on 082 451 7482, or Stephanie on 082 261 1042 for info.

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CXPRESS

TO KNYSNA’S GOOD HEALTH: The new Knysna Hospital Emergency Centre (EC) was officially opened, to the delight of the Knysna community, on Friday March 28

by Western Cape Health minister Theuns Botha. The EC boasts a modern design and contemporary layout and guarantees an improvement to services, quality of care and improved patient experience. In his keynote address Botha said that the provincial government invested an unprecedented R2.7-billion in health infrastructure across the province over the last five years, which included seven clinics and community day centres, seven EMS stations, five forensic pathology laboratories and two district hospitals. In Eden, the department completed 12 capital projects at R218-million, which included the brand new Kwanokuthula Community Day Centre and ambulance station, and Knysna Witlokasie Clinic. In the pic during the official opening of the unit are, from left, Dr Early du Plooy (medical manager: Bitou and Knysna sub-districts), professor Craig Househam (Head of Health: Western Cape Government Health), minister Theuns Botha, and Knysna mayor Georlene Wolmarans.

People, places & events

Social Scene

2 April 2014

CAPTAIN VAUGHN CLOCKS 25K HOURS! Plett Hanger Owners Association chairman Harry de Villiers sent this pic and wrote: ‘Crags resident and fellow PHOA member Captain Vaughn Griffin - pictured here with some of his doting support crew - reached a milestone in his flying career when on Friday March 28 at 10:16, while passing abeam Plettenberg Bay at 36,000 feet, he officially logged 25,000 hours as a commercial pilot. Vaughn is a retired South African Airways pilot current flying on contract for Mango Budget Airline. The momentous occasion was shared with some of the crew on board as well as with his wife, Joyce, with whom he was in radio contact as he crossed Plett airspace.’

CREATIVITY ABOUNDS: The Raphaeli School Art Auction on March 20 was yet again a wonderful event, and Pura Vida the perfect setting. Organisers thank the exceptional local artists who donated works of such a high calibre, enabling them to raise much-needed funds towards the construction of a new classroom for the burgeoning school in Plett’s Piesang Valley.

The bidding was an entertaining affair thanks to auctioneer extraordinaire Martin Wolfaardt, while soothing tunes à la Mnce Ncedani’s JazzTrainLive topped off the enjoyable evening. In the pic, architect Paul Oosthuizen and actor Clyde Berning show some perlies. Call Raphaeli School on 044 533 6157 for more information on its creative education curriculum. - Photo: Rhian Berning

PLETT SWIMMERS STYLE IN GEORGE: Hats (or is that swimming caps?) off to coach Gareth Menton and his amazing team for their hard work in the pool, which resulted in an allround brilliant performance at the recent Eden Gala in George.

Well done to each and every one of you - with Gareth in the pic from left are Kade Dickens, Nikita Cruz, Danni-May Nel, Arianne Bauwer and Kaitlyn Noble, with Kaisia Braum in front. (The coach earned congrats on another front for tying the knot last month - we’re still waiting for that wedding photo, though...)

WATER SAFETY TIPS ON TAP: WaterWise Academy, the proactive educational initiative of the NSRI, visits schools to teach learners about water safety - at no cost to the school. WaterWise Eden is sponsored by the Department of Agriculture and instructor Liza Wigley shares valuable lessons such as saving a friend’s life without endangering yourself (most drowning victims are boys aged 9-14). She also teaches kids how to spot rip currents and how to survive when caught in one, and bystander or handsonly CPR, while ensuring everyone knows the NSRI emergency number 10177, as demonstrated above

by Jaydrien Felix, 13, from Wittedrift Primary. Email wigley@telkomsa.net or call Liza on 084 302 1120 to book her for your school.

Food & Wine

2 April 2014

PeeBee’s Wine Column

CXPRESS Words & Photo: Peter Bishop

The Swartland Revolution - Part II ‘Never be the first on whom the new is tried, nor the last to lay the old aside’

TOP END TASTED: Tasting wines at Domaine Chapoutier, Tain Hermitage in the Northern Rhone - some bottles had been opened the evening before for a group of journalists Photo: George Parkes

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HERE is no doubt that there is huge hype, a huge buzz about the white and red wines emanating from the Swartland.

The Platter Guide of 2014 hails Mullineux Family Wines as Winery of the Year, stating that it “...places them in the league of the greatest modern-era wineries” shades of the citations given to Vergelegen less than a decade ago.

The old sage would say: “Beware of the young man of single intent.” Chris Mullineux had been at Tulbagh Mountain Vineyards, where he bought in grapes sourced in the Swartland.

He had managed to extend his knowledge of Shiraz, Grenache and Mouvedre from his working in the Rhone, in Languedoc and in California, though meeting his Californian wife, Andrea, in Champagne. She studied at the famed Davis University and has already been accepted as a member of the Cape Winemakers Guild.

With two partners, he bought a cellar in the town of Riebeeck West where they continue to buy in grapes - especially from aged vineyards. In this they were influenced by Eben Sadie who had pioneered the search for old vines.

Sadie’s white Palladius is Chenin Blanc with five other varieties and comes at over R460. His famed Columnella (Syrah and Mouvedre) comes

at R642 per 750 ml bottle.

If Eben Sadie initiated the Swartland Revolution, and Chris Mullineux sanctified it, the vigour has come from the radically different Adi Badenhorst, son-in-law of Jan Boland Coetzee.

Adi earned five stars with a White Grenache that he calls Vuilgoed, which sold at the Winemakers Guild. His ‘White’ also earned five stars and is a Chenin Blanc blended with eight other varieties, as in the Rhone, and matured in a 60-year-old barrel. Winemaking methods do not always follow convention.

Chris Mullineux followed his own philosophy of being terroir - rather, soil - specific. There are two Shiraz, one called Granite and the other, Schist. Each sells at over R650, but only 100 cases were made of each.

The fresh Granite is from Paardeberg grapes, the rich Schist from Riebeeck West.

It is reaching high levels of fame internationally.

The Mullineux White is a blend of Chenin Blanc, Clairette Blanche and Viognier. Before running his own cellar he made wines, especially the excellent Straw Wine, at Reyneke’s where Johann imbued him with the principles of biodynamics.

The essential philosophy of these winemakers is nonintervention - no added yeast, acids, tannins or enzymes.

No filtering, no fining. It is the style of wine of the

THE HERMIT’S HIDE-OUT: Tain Hermitage with the famed Rhone hills behind

Old World in the ultra-New World image.

These restrictions are written into the constitution of the Swartland Independent Producers Association that confines (generally) to the Rhone style grapes. There are now 32 younger producers compared to the 10 of a decade ago.

With their instinct to travel, the effort is to be more refined and almost sedate than the exploit of wildness and high alcohol possibilities of the thick-skinned grapes being used.

Because of the heat, acids are low and yet adding acid is not permitted, as the pH measures are ideal because the vines are old, and production is low. In limiting the use of new oak to 25%, the Revolutionaries are allowing wines to have expression and individuality.

As long as there is a curiosity about these various cultivar wines - blended or not - then anything different is ‘a nice distinction’.

From my own experience, I have had the sensation of The Emperor’s New Clothes.

Some of the whites have got cutting edge, but some have not, and yet the prices are not always in accord. This is the danger of hype.

With the region being the in-thing, and its November Festival booked out months in advance, there will always be a demand for a Swartland wine at this stage. They have created their audience, and that is salient and deserved.

The discipline must be there that quality and price must accord and then price is insignificant.

I saw this in tasting over 40 products at M Chapoutier in Tain Hermitage in the Rhone in April 2010.

With George Parkes I had the pleasure of tasting 20 bottles of the top M Chapoutier wines from their own sites on the hill of Ermitage and Cote Roti, while most of the other myriad of wines they sell come from throughout the Rhone, extending into the Languedoc.

These wines had been opened hours before for an Australian group of journalists. They were the top of a huge range. Extra care is given to their own vines.

At the top of the hill is the hermit’s chapel, where he lived many years ago.

L’Ermite is the icon. Prices of the Chapoutier wines varied from five Euros to over 300 a bottle, but the style of wine was in accord. The L’Ermite and Le Meal Ermitage Syrah, the de L’Oree and L’Ermite Marsanne are compelling memories.

The Le Meal Ermitage is quite rugged. Cape Town’s Wine Cellar sells a collection of Chapoutier wines,

with Ermitage L’Ermite Blanc at R2750 the most expensive above its Rouge at R1950. Some Chapoutier wines were under 10 Euro.

The controlling body at Nietvoorbij had - in 1976 planted Grenache, Grenache Blanc, Huxelrebe, Cinsaut, Carignan, Erlihane, Ruby Cabernet and a run of Muscats available for hot regions to plant.

Rousanne, Marsanne, Viognier were to be available later. These have become the grapes of the Swartland. These are the grapes being searched for by Eben Sadie, Chris Mullineux, Adi Badenhorst, Callie Louw of Porseleinberg, Donavan Rall, Craig Hawkins of Lammershoek (and sulphurfree Testanlonga), and the other members of the Swartland Independents.

To each region, its own.

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Kurland seizes day with irresistible fly-in deals

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O celebrate the return of direct flights from Cape Town and Joburg to Plett, thanks to CemAir’s service that commenced on March 28, the CXPRESS Culinary Award-winning Kurland Hotel has unveiled two unique packages for Easter and the winter months of 2014.

The Easter Extravagance Fly-In Package includes return flights from Cape Town or Joburg to Plett (all airport taxes and complimentary bar on board) for R9450 per person sharing ex Cape Town or R9750pp sharing ex Joburg.

The deal includes complimentary transfers to and from Plettenberg Bay Airport, a bottle of French Champagne on arrival, two nights’ accommodation in an Elegant Suite including breakfast (plus complimentary upgrade subject to availability).

The highlight of the package might well be the threecourse dinner on one evening at Kurland Restaurant, where the talents of CXPRESS Chef of the Year Leon Coetzee will please your palate.

High Tea served in a Private Suite is also part of the package, as is entrance to Birds of Eden, Jukani and Monkeyland. Terms and conditions apply and the offer is valid only for the

FLY IN TO DINE: Kurland Hotel houses the kitchen where CXPRESS Chef of the Year Leon Coetzee plies his trade

month of April.

The Warm Winter Welcome Package includes return flights from Cape Town or Johannesburg to Plettenberg Bay (all airport taxes and complimentary bar on board) for R6795 per person sharing ex Cape Town or R7095pp sharing ex Joburg.

Again, airport transfers in Plett are included, as is a bottle of Method Cap Classic on arrival.

The rest of all the spoils are included as per the Easter package, and this offering is valid from May 1 to September 30, excl. June.

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CXPRESS

2 April 2014

Classifieds

On the Soapbox

2 April 2014

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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

Share our sadness over lost best buddy Losing a good and close friend is never a happy event. On Thursday March 20 at around 5:45pm, we lost our puppy because of a security vehicle driven by a man whose name is known to us.

I will add that the bakkie he was driving was fully laden with staff. My close friend and companion had to die because he was driving so fast that he couldn’t see my friend and couldn’t even take evasive action.

After he had hit and killed my puppy, he didn’t even bother to offer any help or show remorse.

He only cared about the damage to his car... that was all. I must admit that parts of the car were lying in the road,

BYE, BUDDY: The four-legged friend that was killed by a speeding driver on Robberg Road

but shame on him!

I hope and pray that the traffic department, police, and Bitou Municipality can put speed bumps on Robberg

Sedgefield is super!

I refer to the letter by Bobby Hutchinson in CXPRESS of March 12 [visit www.cxpress.co.za and read ‘When will the truth be revealed regarding Plettenberg Bay’s waterfront nightmare’ on the Letters page].

Mrs Hutchinson is fully entitled to express her concerns regarding the proposed small boat harbour development in Plettenberg Bay, but I am puzzled by the author’s unrelated and vitriolic reference to Sedgefield as a “seedy unimaginative town”.

She would do well to consider that there are still people who prefer a peaceful, rural tranquillity to the glitz and glamour of a commercialised lifestyle.

Surrounded by wooded dunes, pristine beaches, lakes and estuary, our village offers an as yet mostly unspoiled natural envi-

ronment, not unlike that of Nature’s Valley, which is much enjoyed by its residents as well as an increasing number of holiday makers.

Many outdoor activities are on offer, while the weekly farmers’ market is known countrywide.

It would therefore be appreciated if in future Mrs Hutchinson would confine her comments to her concerns at hand, without denigrating an area in which she has no involvement, and of which she is clearly totally ignorant.

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On golf handicaps...

To contribute to the continued debate on handicapped parking...

If you want to get a surprise, go and check the Plett Country Club parking bays that are reserved for handicapped visitors.

Always full, they’re hardly ever used by handicapped

drivers.

I have not noticed too many handicapped golfers around - and those that play certainly do not use the bays! The bays are mostly occupied by superduper 4x4s, with CX and GP number plates.

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Road, especially on the dip between the three-way stop and the speed camera on the hill.

Most people know where

the ‘green mamba’ is positioned and yet they still treat the road like an F1 track.

It’s so sad that the driver of this vehicle didn’t show remorse or offer to help, because after all it’s just a dog.

But I ask him: what would he do if it was a child or another person?

I would advise that next time he should take more care when driving, especially when he is also transporting staff.

We would like to thank all the people at Ouplaas, Drs Reitz and Tindall for their support and caring telephone calls.

Godspeed, our dear friend, Buddy. You will be missed.

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Plett’s Central Beach is public space Just when one thinks things are on the up and up in Plett, one reads a letter like the one

by Dr Hansen [see the Letters page of our March 19 issue at www.cxpress.co.za].

Correct me if I am wrong Doc, but am I surmising accurately that you’re one of those folk who has made your money and retired to Plett with boat-loads (no pun intended) of rands?

The ‘I’m ok Jack’ scenario comes through very strongly when you’re complaining about the jet skis… Oh, what a horror that you have to lose out on a couple of hundred rand for a cancellation at your B&B! Are you sure that it is the jet skis causing the noise, and not perhaps one of the many other craft that use Central Beach?

I doubt that a couple of jet skis could possibly cause more pollution - be it noise or oil - than the massive whale watching boats that make as much if not more noise when launching and returning to

the beach.

Now you are picking on the small operators that are trying to make some sort of living to survive in these very difficult times. But let’s face it, you’ve made your money and don’t really care about anybody else.

I hate to burst your bubble when it comes to a bit of sporadic noise on the beach, but this is public space.

Of course there are many like you who think you own Plett and everything and anything in it. You don’t.

You only own your big house. Which part of ‘Plett, holiday town, fun, beach, sea and sand’ don’t you understand? And no, I don’t own a jet ski.

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Calling sponsors and golfers for Rotary jorl at Country Club The Rotary Club of Plettenberg Bay will be holding its annual golf day on April 6.

This event was extremely successful last year and by all accounts was thoroughly enjoyed by all the participants.

Our sponsors enabled us to maintain our support of the various projects run by the Club within our community.

Your support of this year’s golf day will be greatly appreciated and can be in the form of sponsoring tees, greens, the putting area, bridges, lawns - even your favourite bunker.

Sponsorship amounts range from R500 upwards, with tees, greens, putting and chipping areas at R1,000 and front lawn at R1,500.

We have not increased

these amounts from last year.

Banking details are as follows: Rotary Club Special Projects A/C, Standard Bank Plett (branch code 050714), account number 282020136.

If you would like to donate prizes or gift vouchers, these will also be most acceptable.

Should you be able to assist in any way, please contact me on 044 533 2704 or 082 900 0174, or Dermot Stobart on 044 533 2202 or 082 568 0505.

If you wish to play on April 6, bookings can be made at Plett Country Club on 044 533 2132. The competition will be a Betterball Stableford. We look forward to your support.

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Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

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CXPRESS

Sport & Adventure

2 April 2014

Local kids rip Vic Bay Words & photo: Glenn Murray

T

HE last of the Vic Bay Junior Summer Surf Series took place on Friday March 21 at Victoria Bay outside George.

The previous record of 57 entrants was topped again so sponsors Giant, Just Water

and Quicksilver could not have been happier with the conditions, which allowed the youngsters to show their skills during an excellent day of competitive surfing.

This is the break where local champion Bianca Buitendag (currently second in the ladies World ASP rankings) started her career and

BIANCA B’S IN THE MAKING...?

Under-10 girls, from left, Ellen Strydom, Yvonne de Villiers and Femke Murray walked off with fun Roxy prizes after an excellent day in the very waves where world surf star Bianca Buitendag cut her teeth

after Saturday, it’s clear that the Southern Cape has another Bianca on the way.

Winning the prestigious boys under-17 event was local rider Riel Viviers, who also took home a beautifully-shaped Bilt board donated

by Surfing Toyz in George, for being voted the most improved surfer of the season.

It’s Bay first, Bay second at Sixes

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HE 22nd annual playing of the Plett Sixes tournament took place at Plettenberg Bay Bowling Club from March 4-6.

Says the club’s Hugh Stacey: “We were blessed with fine weather and a full field of 18 teams, some from as far afield as Cape Town,

Somerset West and Swellendam, with Jeffrey’s Bay and George also in the mix.

“As always the competition was hot and the winners only emerged in the final round on Thursday afternoon, in the shape of Prop du Plessis’ J-Bay six. Dougie Yazbek’s team from Still

Bay was runners-up with Johan van der Walt’s Swellendam team third.”

Hugh thanked sponsors Personal Trust and Knysna Lifestyle Estate for their support and all club members who worked hard to make the tournament a great success.

MASTERS OF THE GREEN: The winning Jeffrey’s Bay team, together with the sponsors are, from left, Prop du Plessis, Johann van der Westhuizen of Personal Trust, Retha du Plessis, Johan & Tia Neethling, Luther Barlow, Janey Wigg of Knysna Lifestyle Estate, and Barry van Wyk

SWD Eagles ready for home turf swoop on EP Kings

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AVING competed well in the South Section of the Vodacom Cup thus far, the South Western Districts (SWD) Eagles are keen to defend a winning streak on its home turf when the EP Kings descend on Outeniqua Park in George on Friday April 4 at 7pm.

“We have 10 local guys from George in our team and they all are really talented rugby players,” says SWD head coach Bevin Fortuin.

“There is always a big rivalry between us and the EP Kings and the guys lift their games when we play each other. We are really looking forward to this match.”

The Vodacom Cup is SA’s premier rugby development tournament with a mandate of unearthing the future stars of South African rugby.

“The Cup works very well for SWD and it is important for the country as it brings the players through the ranks and ultimately creates tomorrow’s Springboks.

“It is the beginning where all development takes place and gives us a great opportunity to showcase our players,” says Fortuin, who played in the competition for the Eagles at the turn of the century and went on to play test rugby for SA. When asked who his upand-coming players are, he emphatically says: “All of

them, I really regard all the players very highly. If I had to highlight a few I would mention Martin du Toit, Mzwanele Zito and Daniel Roberts.

“Du Toit is an under-rated centre who has been playing in the Vodacom Cup for the past three years and I am sure he can go very far if he gets the opportunity. Zito hails from PE and is such an awesome player - I believe he’s a future Springbok.”

Daniel Roberts is a 22-year old fullback born in Heidelberg in the W-Cape and who was offered a sports bursary by the headmaster of PW Botha High School in George.

“I’ve gained a lot of experience in the Vodacom Cup over the past two years and I hope to use it playing in the Currie Cup and possibly for Super Rugby later on,” says Roberts.

Fortuin concludes: “We have been playing very good rugby in the last six months and our fans have been coming to support us and when it comes to the EP Kings we always draw a good crowd.

“We are using the Vodacom Cup to build momentum towards the Currie Cup and we ask our supporters to pack the stadium full and we will do our best on the field.”

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