30 August 2017

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

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Photo: Martin Hurwitz

30 August 2017

R.I.P. Pieter

A Plett icon was lost when Pieter Barnardo departed for the great beach in the sky recently - find out more on page 5, and read the tribute to beloved Bitou local Shelley Wildeman on page 2

Nekkies boils over again - p3

Prized principal retires - p6

New wheels for Gerritt - p12

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

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

30 August 2017

TRIBUTE

Greenwood Bay College pays tribute to a beloved parent, advisor, and friend HE team at Greenwood Bay College (GBC) would like to express profound sadness, but also a feeling of ever-prevailing love, after the passing of Michelle Wells Wildeman, who succumbed to leukaemia on August 19.

‘Shelley’, as she was known by all and sundry, joined Greenwood Independent School more than 12 years ago, both as parent (of students Jesse and Luke) and as our able bursar.

She became a board member of Bay College while daughter Jesse was at school there, and thus had an intimate knowledge of GBC from the very start.

As GBC’s high school secretary for the past two years, Shelley was an invaluable presence in the pairing of the two schools and the move to its

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Piesang Valley premises. She also gave GBC much-needed advice and direction from her experience with the educational non-profit organisation Operation Upgrade.

Shelley was a mischievous, funny, intelligent person who brought happiness and warmth to the whole of GBC. She knew each student by name and loved to chat with them about their lives, or tease them a little.

For staff, board members and parents of GBC, Shelley was a rock upon which we built this school, and her loss is felt more deeply than we can say. We send our heartfelt condolences to Shelley’s family, especially Jesse and Luke, and thank them for giving us a little time with their wonderful mother.

SPARKLYEYED: Shelley was loved by friends far and wide and her passing leaves a vast gap in Plett and beyond, as was palpable during a bustling and emotional send-off on the Wells family’s Stofpad farm last Saturday, when loved ones toasted her life with bubbly and words of joyous if melancholy remembrance Photo: Diane Goosen Photography

Witness live Harley Davidson draw at Drommedaris Plettenberg Bay this coming Saturday ROMMEDARIS will this weekend be giving away a brand new Harley Davidson motorcycle worth R125,000.

The live draw for this super machine will be done by Algoa FM, and will take place in front of Drommedaris in Plett’s Piesang Valley on Saturday September 2 at 12:30.

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This is a long-awaited occasion for the five finalists who were randomly selected since May this year onwards.

To qualify as one of the lucky few that will stand a chance of winning this amazing prize, you need to spend R5,000 or more at either Drommedaris Jeffreys Bay or Plettenberg

La Luna

Bay, or ‘like’ and ‘share’ the competition posts on their Facebook Page.

The last finalist will be randomly selected at 12 noon on Saturday.

The lucky draw and festivities around it forms part of the Drommedaris Spring Celebration Promotion, which will

offer clients a massive variety and price promotions on large and small appliances, TVs and sound, furniture and patio, beds and linen, braais and fireplaces and many more household goods.

Visit Drommedaris and Algoa FM on Saturday September 2 between 10am and 1pm.

NEWS & VIEWS

30 August 2017

CXPRESS

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Fears that continued Knysna unrest will result in serious injuries A case of public violence was opened by the Knysna police following the most recent spate of riotous protests on the N2 at Nekkies CANDICE LUDICK reports N August, 16 reports on social media indicated that traffic backed up as a result of a barricade of burning tyres on the N2 had become targets as protestors started throwing stones at around 9pm. Various sites indicated that the protests had flared up again on Thursday the 17th.

Since then the situation has persisted, with road closures on numerous occasions - including August 23, when a child was injured by a rock thrown at the vehicle she was travelling in.

On August 26, eye-witnesses travelling from Plett reported being caught in the

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protests at around 4:30pm due to burning tyres on the N2 and petrol bombs. According to these witnesses, after an hour there was only one police vehicle present and the crowd started advancing towards the backed-up vehicles.

“A group of people blockaded the road with burning tyres as well as a road barrier. Among the cars damaged were two police vehicles that were deployed to police the situation. Owners of other vehicles damaged have not yet laid any charges with the local police,” said Western Cape SAPS spokesman captain Malcolm Pojie.

Eye-witnesses travelling from Knysna during the same incident report having waited four hours for the situation to be brought under control, during which time there are reports of petrol bombs being thrown at vehicles, gunshots, and sirens.

Said Pojie: “The police had to use rubber bullets as well as stun grenades to disperse the group in our efforts to reopen the road.

One 31-year-old suspect was arrested in connection with this matter. He was due to appear in Knysna Magistrate’s court on August 28.

“No petrol bombs were thrown during this protest and the police haven’t received any reports of injured persons.”

But there are public concerns that people are soon to be seriously injured if these destructive and violent protests continue.

No substantial damage after giant swells Yolandé Stander

OUGH sea conditions last week wreaked havoc along the Route, especially in the Tsitsikamma area.

Garden Route National Park manager of the Tsitsikamma section Bulelwa Msengi said as a precautionary measure engineers would do a site visit to the Storms River Rest Camp, where most of the damage was caused, on Thursday.

They are expected to issue a safety certificate after stabilising the camp’s temporary restaurant structure.

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“The engineers will realign the tent according to safety standards and if satisfied, they will issue a certificate to proceed operating,” Msengi said.

Last Thursday the camp’s temporary restaurant was damaged by the massive swells experienced along the Garden Route as a result of the spring high tide.

Sea swells reached a height of 9m by Friday evening.

The sea damaged the stretch tent linked to the main tent of the restaurant, and wood on top of the retaining wall of the Otter

ALL FEET OFF DECK! A big Central Beach breaker washes up onto the Plett Ski-boat Club deck, where bemused spectators had to scramble to keep their feet dry - Photo: Derek Frielinghaus

Trail hiking camp site was also washed away.

Park spokesman Nandi Mgwadlamba said the restaurant was currently operating from across the old one to return to the tent once approved by engineers.

The old site is cordoned off and plans to rebuild a new restaurant, after it was destroyed in a fire last November, are underway.

Mgwadlamba said all other activities in the park were operational, including the famous Otter hiking trail.

Unusually high waves and rough swells were experienced off the SA coast last week and the effects could be seen along the Garden Route, including at Groot Brak River near Mossel Bay where the river mouth was swept open by strong waves.

In Plett, residents rushed out to snap a few photographs of the ocean pushing back the shoreline.

Bitou municipal spokesman Howard Swartz said there had however not been any substantial damage other than at the Beacon Island’s parking area.

“It is important to note that more than one vehicle was dispatched to attend to the protest. These members are fully trained in crowdcontrol management. They were later joined by Public Order Police, which is based in George and not Oudtshoorn [as widely assumed].

“Members of POPs were deployed in the area to monitor the situation,” said Pojie.

Mncedisi Skosana, ANC Ward Councillor in Ward 3 - the ward directly affected by this protest action - referred the matter to ANC

chief whip Mertle Gombo for comment.

Gombo said she was aware that there had been a closed meeting at the municipality on August 28, although she did not know what had been decided as she had not personally been in attendance. She indicated that to her knowledge the protests could have something to do with housing although she was not certain.

“The reasons for these unlawful protests is not known at this stage and the Knysna SAPS station management is

in contact with the local authority to establish the cause of the unrest,” said Pojie.

“We want to appeal to the community to deal with their concerns within the parameters of the law. Members of the public are also requested to come forward with any information that could lead to more arrests in connection with the cases opened as a result of these incidents.

“Anyone with information may contact Knysna SAPS on 044 302 6687. All information will be dealt with confidentially,” he said.

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

30 August 2017

Devil blamed for Bossiesgif shacks being razed in minutes A couple of shacks burned down on Sunday afternoon at Bossiesgif informal settlement that borders Plettenberg Bay Industria, leaving six families with no roof over their heads - KHAYA MBESI reports HE fire ignited at Winnie Mumba’s back room, leaving her with no place to stay - with many a cold night ahead before summer sets in.

“I was at the front of the house fixing a water pipe, when suddenly I saw flames at the back.

It spread so fast that I couldn’t extinguish the fire. With every bucket of water I threw, I realised it made no difference. I resorted to calling the fire brigade,” she said.

The fire spread quickly, assisted by the wind. By the time fire fighters arrived, much had been consumed by the flames.

“I estimate thousands of rands of damages as the fire swept our place as

T UP IN FLAMES: Two full shacks and a car were destroyed in the street where just weeks ago, St John’s churchgoers from far and wide were welcomed by locals

well as the neighbours’, including a BMW parked in front of their house,” said Mumba.

“We don’t know what caused the fire. I have never experienced anything like this. It was the first time I saw everything I bought burning down at such a speed.”

Anitha Mgxozama said she was inside her house when she saw the room burning.

“Our shacks are built with cardboard boxes and plastics that fuel fire.

By the time I dashed out it was dark with smoke.

The whole house went, I couldn’t save even a washing rag, everything was burnt down completely.

“We have children

who attend school, their books and uniforms were completely destroyed,” said Mgxozama.

“This fire happened after a huge St Johns Church conference held here recently. We hosted the event with people from Port Elizabeth and Cape Town attending. During the conference, our street was full of cars and people were here to enjoy the church gathering.

“Three weeks after a successful revival, Satan is fighting back with fire.

We will not stop serving God and the ministry because of jealous people,” said Mgxozama, shedding tears of loss.

Babalo Ngcobo of Bitou’s Housing department

and disaster management unit resides in the area and provided the fire victims with mattresses, blankets, and food parcels.

“We are always on the lookout for people who are facing disaster and the municipality made a vow to be the first to arrive in these cases. We learnt the hard way during the huge fires in June.

“Our task is to rescue people and provide them with immediate help. That is the role of Bitou Municipality,” said Ngcobo.

Police members on the scene were shocked by the incident and how quickly it all happened, but no official SAPS comment was received by going to press.

Democratic Alliance feeds back during heated discussion on fires and Bitou issues

Timothy Twidle

ONALD Grant Western Cape minister of Transport and Public Works, and head of the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Bitou - chaired a DA feedback and discussion meeting at Piesang Valley Community Hall in Plett on Monday August 21.

Grant was flanked by Eden District mayor Memory Booysen, Bitou deputy mayor Jessica Kamkam, and Bitou councillors Dave Swart, Bill Nel, Annelise Olivier, and Sumeia Ndayi.

The agenda of the meeting was fourfold, namely the municipal governance of Bitou by the coalition of the DA and the Active United Front (AUF); the ongoing water crisis in the Western Cape with reference to Eden District and its impact on Bitou; the Garden Route fire disaster of June and Garden Route Rebuild initiative; and DA developments in the runup to the South African general election of 2019.

At the outset of the meeting Grant stated that the coalition of the DA and the AUF in governing Bitou, which came into effect on May 23, along with the 100-day plan that had been drawn up at the

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time, had shown that challenges were being faced.

“This morning we held a meeting with Bitou mayor Peter Lobese,” said Grant, adding it had been proposed that every effort should be made to facilitate the working relationship between the DA and AUF in terms of their coalition agreement so as to bring about progress on a number of projects to benefit all the people of Bitou.

“The DA is determined to continue with the coalition,” he said.

On the subject of the ongoing water crisis, Grant reported that the latest figure for average level of water storage dams in the province was 31%, compared to an average level of 58% a year ago.

The strategy adopted by Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality was cited as an example of the action that could and should be taken in such a situation.

Elaborating on the strategy, Grant said: “Cape Town has set aside a sum of R3.3-billion to provide an additional 5.5-million litres of water per day to the city, by way of tapping deep water aquifers, desalination of sea water, recycling water

and water rationing.

“Bitou is one of the four municipalities most at risk in the Western Province in the present water crisis, the others being Beaufort West, Kannaland, and Knysna.”

Discussion on the recent fires that ravaged large tracts of the Garden Route elicited much emotion and passion from the floor. In reply, Grant thanked the people of Bitou for their response during the fires: “The way that everyone pulled together was wonderful.”

He explained that provincial Economic Opportunities minister Allan Winde was heading up the Garden Route Rebuild initiative started by Western Cape premier Helen Zille, in the immediate aftermath of the fires.

Bitou Strategic Services head David Friedman explained that data on fire damage in Bitou was still being collated; responses are being collected and all claims for relief have to be verified prior to dispensation.

In the lead-up to the general election of 2019 Grant said the DA in Bitou had identified three projects to grow the local economy.

In conjunction with the SA National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral), a R500-million project will build a bypass from the N2 starting in the vicinity of KwaNokuthula, heading in a north-easterly direction and rejoining the existing highway at the Bitou River mouth.

This would free up land for the continued and further expansion of the town of Plett, a renewal of the stalled Coming Together project, originally planned to inject building programmes into Bitou.

Furthermore, it would facilitate the formation of a “cultural bridge” to bring together the archaeological sites at the mouth of Matjies River, at Keurboomstrand, and on Robberg with other such sites along the Route, as a driver for ‘cultural tourism’.

• CXPRESS will endeavour to cover the ongoing plight of local fire victims in a near-future edition, including exploration of the issues around dissemination of regional, national and international funds and donations, as well as continuous discrepancies between municipal and independent claims on fire causes and accountability.

082 251 8134

NEWS & VIEWS

30 August 2017

CXPRESS

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Plettenberg Bay beachgoers will dearly miss stoic but gentle Oom Pieter ‘Stompies’ Barnardo

GOOD-BYE GRIN: One of the last photos taken of Pieter Barnardo - Photo: Martin Hurwitz

HEN news broke on August 19 of a ‘homeless’ man saved from freezing to death by observant Smhart Security members who spotted him half-frozen under a tree at Central Beach, many a local resident and especially those who frequent Plett Ski-boat Club had no idea that the person in question was Pieter Barnardo, aka ‘Piet Stompies’.

Only when soon after it was reported that the poor man had soon after succumbed to the damage caused by severe exposure suffered during the winter freeze two nights before, did it become general knowledge that one of the town’s most noble ‘bergies’ would not be seen doing his shuffling search for cigarette butts around beach decks and boardwalks ever again.

What set Pieter far apart from any vagrant or beggar was the fact that he never asked for anything, and whatever was handed over in the form of something

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to toke on, eat or drink, was invariably gratefully received with a grin and gentle word of appreciation.

Ski-boat management and

GRATEFULLY RECEIVED: Pieter received a prayer and repast from Juilian Lourens recently - as always, with a gentle grin of gratitude Photo: Eben Lourens

members alike clubbed together to ensure Pieter had regular meals and, says club secretary Sue van der Gaast, “there are lots of lovely stories about Pieter - just ask locals like Darryl Crawford”.

She says Pieter was upset when he was referred to as “homeless”, as he chose to live under the Ski-boat Club’s deck.

“He lost his best friend to the ocean many years ago and vowed to never leave him - and stayed true to his word,” she explains, adding that oddly enough, Pieter did spend the last few nights before he died at his brother’s house in New Horizons.

“He promised his brother he would stay put, but on that Wednesday morning he was gone again. His health had been failing over the last few months and we were often concerned about his wellbeing on particularly cold nights.”

Along with club members and staff like long-time waitress Rosie Jafta, and contributions from his family, a cremation could be arranged for a few weeks from now, and Pieter’s ashes will be scattered at Central Beach.

His gentle old soul will be missed around the club and his absence has already left a gap in the daily rhythm of Plett. Rest gently, dear Pieter.

• Pieter’s funeral on Saturday starts from 8am at his brother Thomas Barnardo’s house at 12937 Yellowood Road in New Horizons, and then a 9am service at the New Apostle Church.

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

30 August 2017

Plettenberg Bay Primary says a fond good-bye to principal Anita Schnell ODAY, Plett Primary School bids a fond farewell to beloved principal Mrs Anita Schnell, as she retires from teaching.

Mrs Schnell joined the Plett Primary team as a Grade 4 and Art teacher 25 years ago, starting her career at the school in a prefab classroom at the old primary school premises off Odlands hill.

During the nearly three decades of her hands-on involvement, she has been instrumental in introducing a number of traditions and annual cultural events to the school calendar, including the annual Food Festival, Strictly Come Dancing evenings and talent shows, to name a few.

The brainchild of Mrs Schnell and a sure highlight of the past 10 years was the 2012 production of Fish Notes and Star Songs - a stage adaptation of the same-titled book written by local author Dianne Hofmeyr.

Under the expert directorship of Stuart Palmer, a two-night show was produced with two full casts (one for each night), giving every single learner from Grade 4 to Grade 7 an opportunity to share the stage.

Mrs Schnell has always believed that while different

FARE THEE WELL, MRS SCHNELL: Anita and husband Hein Schnell have been an integral part of the Plett Primary family, and will be missed - here’s wishing her a wonderful retirement!

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IN YOUR SHOES: Mrs Schnell in full school uniform behind her desk after Monday’s final assembly

children excel at different things, they should all receive an equal opportunity to take part in all academic, cultural and sporting activities that the school has to offer.

Over the past few years, Mrs Schnell has actively driven the anti-bullying campaign, which will remain a high priority into the future.

She has worked closely with parent groups on the governing body as well as with parent fundraising

committees to raise the finances needed to ensure that Plett Primary continues to offer the very best allround education for each of its students.

Plett Primary’s staff, governing body, and students wish Mrs Schnell the best of luck and love in whatever she chooses to tackle during her retirement, and hope she will enjoy many happy years with husband Hein, her three daughters and four grandchildren.

BUSINESS

30 August 2017

Business biometrics merge real and digital realms IOMETRICS may at the outset seem like a space-age, technology driven discipline, but using unique physical characteristics as identifying features is nothing new.

Artefacts discovered in ancient Babylon and China have been uncovered bearing handprints and fingerprints that scholars believe were used for everything from business to criminal prosecution.

Technology, and a greater understanding of what makes humans unique on a biological and behavioural level, have accelerated and expanded the biometric field to practically limitless applications in the modern business landscape.

From fingerprint scanners we use to get into the office every day, to nifty facial recognition features being used to unlock smartphones, biometrics has been sneaking stealthily into our lives for years.

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But in an age where so much of our daily lives is carried out remotely and online, threats of cybercrime and fraud are driving a new wave of biometric controls that are being layered over our personal and professional online functions, with surprising urgency and a vast array of innovative techniques.

It is safe to say that digital banking has surpassed real-world banking in much of the developed world.

Thanks to the need for ever-improving customer service, ever higher levels of speed and efficiency, as well as the limitless financial and reputational risks that go along with online financial services, banks, insurers and other financial service providers are embracing biometrics like never before to gain the competitive edge over their peers.

“In the financial services sector in particular, we are bound to see more

biometrics being used in unobtrusive and creative ways over the next few years,” says TransUnion Africa Core Credit director Davina Myburgh.

“We live in a mobile age, and people are understandably less eager to go into their bank branch unnecessarily. And since customer service and digital security are two of the biggest opportunities for both consumer and commercial banks to differentiate themselves from the competition, the race is on to incorporate biometrics in meaningful ways.”

From established, oldworld techniques such as fingerprint recognition, to more advanced applications like voice recognition and iris scanning, the reliability of these technologies is growing in leaps and bounds, if not quite fool proof… yet.

Myburgh explains: “A burn or scar could make fingerprint identification

difficult, while a cold could affect our ability to use voice identification. Even the unique patterns of our irises have been known to change over time.

“The real power of biometrics is not in its ability to completely replace the identifiers we rely on today, but to add an extra layer of security and convenience to transactions without affecting speed, efficiency, or the customer experience.”

Balancing this trade-off between security and userexperience will divide the winners from the losers in the coming years, and biometric measures are helping organisations around the world to add new levels of excellence to both.

As we continue to see ever-more creative developments in this field, it’s becoming clear that biometric technologies are no longer a gimmick, but part and parcel of the merge between the real and digital world, contributing to a more seamless transition for both organisations and individual consumers.

These credit life insurance regulations now apply ATIONAL Credit Regulator company secretary Lesiba Mashapa said final regulations prescribing the minimum benefits that must be offered to consumers - and the limitations or exclusions applying to the insurance cover came into effect on August 9. These regulations were published in the Government Gazette in February and were set to come to

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effect six months after the date of publication.

The regulation’s aim is to limit the cost of credit life insurance. Consumers will now be charged a maximum of R4.50 per R1,000 of the deferred amount for credit facilities, unsecured loans, developmental credit agreements and other types of credit agreements.

When it comes to mortgages, consumers can only

be charged a maximum of R2 per R1,000 of the deferred amount.

Retrenchment cover cannot be sold to consumers that are not employed. A consumer who dies or becomes permanently disabled will have his outstanding debt under a credit agreement settled by the credit life insurance policy.

If the consumer loses his job, the policy will pay

instalments due under a credit agreement for up to 12 months. “These regulations are not retrospective.

Consumers who have a life cover can use this to cover debts, and should not be forced to take out new insurance as long as the life cover is sufficient to cover the debt in case of a claim,” explained Mashapa.

Visit www.ncr.org.za to download the regulations.

CXPRESS

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INTERVAL

30 August 2017

Madam sues church over lightning strike HAT an interesting turn of events in Pahrump, Nevada...

Diamond D’s brothel began construction on an expansion of their building to increase their evergrowing business.

In response, the local Baptist Church started a campaign to block the business from expanding - with morning, afternoon, and evening prayer sessions at their church.

Work on Diamond D’s progressed right up until the week before the grand re-opening, when lightning struck the brothel and burned it to the ground.

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After the brothel burned down, the church folks were rather smug in their outlook, bragging about “the power of prayer”.

But late last week, Jill Diamond - the owner/ madam - sued the church, the preacher, and the entire congregation on the grounds that the church “was ultimately responsible” for the demise of her building and her business, “either through direct or indirect divine actions or means”.

In its reply to the court, the church vehemently and vociferously denied any and all responsibility

or any connection to the building’s demise.

The crusty old judge read through the plaintiff’s complaint and the defendant’s reply, and at the opening hearing he commented: “I don’t know how the hell I’m

going to decide this case, but it appears from the paperwork that we now have a brothel owner who staunchly believes in the power of prayer… and an entire church congregation that thinks it’s all rubbish.”

How was I born? little boy goes to his father and asks: “Daddy, how was I born?”

His father answers: “Well, son, I guess one day you will need to find out anyway...

“Your mom and I first got together in a chat room on Yahoo. Then I set up a date via email with your mom and we met at a cyber-café.

“We sneaked into a se-

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cluded room and Googled each other. It was there that your mother agreed to a download from my hard drive.

“As soon as I was ready to upload, we discovered that neither one of us had used a firewall, and since it was too late to hit the delete button, nine months later a little PopUp appeared that said ‘You Got Male!’”

GOALS

You gotta start somewhere

On exercise...

S I was lying in bed pondering the problems of the world, I rapidly realised that I don’t really give a rat’s ass. It’s the tortoise life for me!

• If walking or cycling is good for your health, the postman would be immortal.

• A whale swims all

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day, only eats seafood, drinks water, and is fat.

• A rabbit runs and hops every single day and only lives 15 years.

• A tortoise doesn’t run and does nothing, yet it lives for 450 years.

And you tell me to exercise? I don’t think so.

Just go around me!

SERIOUSLY

Do they have a name for what’s wrong with you?

SOCIAL SCENE

30 August 2017 SNOEK’S BOOK NOW AWARD-WINNING FLICK! ‘Vaselinetjie’ premiers on September 22 and this film adaptation of Anoeschka von Meck’s novel that became an Afrikaans first-language Grade 11 set work book is ready to take SA audiences on an unforgettable journey to the heart of our shared humanity. The story follows an adopted girl in apartheid South Africa who did not fulfil the norms of either white or coloured culture and as such found herself an outcast. Director Corné van Rooyen and lead actress Marguerite van Eeden last week visited Knysna High School ahead of the movie theatre debut. The learners were delighted at the opportunity to meet industry professionals, ask questions about filmmaking, and have their movie posters autographed by Marguerite, who won Best Actress at the recent Silwerskerm Filmfees for this role. ‘Vaselinetjie’ received Best Film award. - Candice Ludick BEST ART AT OLD/NEW HOTEL: The walls of The Old Rectory Hotel in Plettenberg Bay, which opened during the first week of August, are adorned with the works of a several artists, the entire collection having been chosen and assembled by well-known curator Michele Bestbier. At left, Plettenberg Bay artist Donné Rundle stands next to her creation entitled ‘Horses’, executed in ink on paper, along with The Old Rectory Hotel manager Danie Strydom. - Timothy Twidle

TAKE OUR HANDS: Manager at Die Sterreweg Day Care Centre Tamaryn Windvogel - pictured at left with Siyolise Pitsha and Bongi Mente, right - joins the Sterreweg staff, children and parents in inviting you to celebrate Casual Day with them in Plett’s Main Street on Friday. Die Sterreweg Day Care Centre and Sabrina Love Foundation will be raising awareness for special-needs kids in Bitou by walking from the whale tail to the dolphin circle, starting at 9:30am. The marvellous Plett Pioneers field band will lead the kids and sing a song or two at the gazebo in front of Clicks.

The entire local community is invited to join in! September 1 is the annual occasion for people across SA to celebrate Casual Day - a national awareness project centred on inclusion and equity for persons with disabilities. A key goal of Casual Day is to build a society that not only embraces diversity but actively celebrates it. Contact Monique Dokter on 082 330 2088 or at stars@sabrinalove. co.za with queries, and visit www. sabrinalove.co.za for additional information about the foundation.

CATCH MLOYA AND SLICE AT SPOTLIGHT: Ziggy Kana, manager of Ouland Royale by day and party starter by night, popped in at the CXPRESS office to advise about a Spring Day jorl at Spotlight nightclub in Plett Industria on Friday night. Straight from Uitenhage, kwaito artists Mloya, left, and Slice from Zandenzani Entertainment will visit Plett for their first time ever to release a new album as part of the Party KaMalume promo tour. Email Ziggy at mzwakhekana@yahoo.com to find out more.

People, places & events

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CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

30 August 2017

Letters to the Editor

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

Knysna’s poorest suffer most while State does not want to give clings to blunt oppression tool State up this blunt tool of opRegardless of the recent trauma our town has suffered, and regardless of the new direction the country’s laws are taking towards cannabis decriminalisation and legalisation, our police saw fit to conduct searches on random citizens in the poorest areas of Knysna last weekend.

Among these were mothers with children on their backs carrying shopping - they also searched the children, I hear. Anyone who was on the street on their way home was stopped and searched, like a police state.

The only reason I got to find out about it was be-

cause they also stopped and searched an employee. He had 2g cannabis or less on him and was chucked in the back of a van with others.

The cops then drove them all over the other areas, until the van was too full to carry any more people. Most of the people arrested was for possession of cannabis, he said, and for very small amounts.

The jails were so full some of the prisoners were taken to Plett cells.

There weren’t enough mattresses or blankets and it was really cold. He was anxious about his wife and kids worrying about

Illegal dumping remains rife along Garden Route roads

JUNK YARD: Building material and other junk dumped on the Wittedrift gravel road to the N2

his disappearance.

Our employee was released on the Monday around midday, so he lost a day’s work. He has a court date set and we will help him apply to have it thrown out, or a stay of prosecution (obtained from www.jointheq.co.za).

He is a hardworking, reliable staff member and the only time he doesn’t come to work on a Monday is after he was arrested for having a small amount of cannabis on him over a weekend. Yes, this has happened a few times.

The enraged community has begun process towards a social media campaign and are applying to protest on September 22 in support of the Trial of the Plant, and to highlight the oppression suffered by Knysna’s poorest people.

The Trial of the Plant has heard testimony from various expert witnesses this month, showing that these prohibition laws are based on outdated mind-sets; that the plant was made illegal for unscientific, racist reasons; and that cannabis is far, far less harmful than alcohol and nicotine.

The trouble is that the

pression passed on to them by the apartheid regime.

They love it too much.

Their memories are short - cannabis helped finance the struggle against apartheid - and I remember the ANC promising a kinder, more sensible and effective drug policy before 1994.

Locals wonder why we have protests on the N2.

Could it be that people are tired of being treated like cattle, and being jailed for no good reason?

It seems privileged Knysna has absolutely no idea of the suffering caused by these laws. We also appeal to our Knysna born and bred mayor to help protect us from this nonsense by using her voice. Could she let us know whose side she’s on?

Look out for more information on Twitter and Facebook about the Peaceful Pavement Protest planned for late September.

‘Enlightened Local’, Knysna (The Trial of the Cannabis Plant was scheduled to be heard in the Pretoria High Court from July 31 to August 25. Visit www. fieldsofgreenforall.org.za to find out more. - Eds.)

Thanks for putting Pussy Willow back on track DEFACED: Building material dumped on the old N2 (paddle placed for scale) - there were several such deposits around this site

In SA it seems to have become commonplace to dump along our roads or anywhere it suits people who just don’t care.

There are many of these around Bitou, just two of these being shown in the images above.

One site is on the old N2 up the hill past the turn off to Keurboomstrand, where building materials including tiles, paint tins, and other junk had been dumped.

Some of it had cascaded down the slope beyond and it seemed impossible to retrieve.

The second serious dump site is on the gravel road from Wittedrift to the N2. This continuously-growing dump on a quiet bit of road is now probably three years old.

It was reported to the Roads department of Eden District Municipality who came to do an onsite inspection and promised to remove them.

Two weeks ago, Eden DM did a complete clean-up of both sites.

They even used a machine to make a neat trench to isolate the

cleaned area from the road. This was done at several other smaller dump sites.

Alas, material was immediately dumped there again. In the case of the old N2 spot, it is just shrub cuttings but on the Wittedrift gravel road, both cuttings and other junk were dumped.

Knysna is not immune to this scourge. In fact, there are dumps near Knysna River along the road to the Red Bridge, and at least one site along Phantom Pass.

What is to be done about this? It probably just has to be cleaned up again! A hefty fine and community action will certainly have a good effect, but the culprits will probably not be caught in the act.

David Scott, Plett (As directed by the Garden Route Rebuild initiative, readers are urged to report illegal dumping in Knysna on 081 556 9374, and in Bitou on 0861 24 8686 - turn to page 8 of the August 16 edition at www.cxpress.co.za to find out more about the initiative. - Eds.)

This letter serves as a big thank you to all the kind people who helped us in so many ways to rebuild Pussy Willow Cattery and our Outeniqua Gold honey business. We are making great progress and will be able to welcome kitties again end-September.

This has been made possible by the generosity of many wonderful people who came to our aid. We were overwhelmed by your kindness, love and support as donations poured in from cat lovers, clients, friends and family - locally and overseas - as well as from total strangers.

It is impossible to thank everyone, but we do need to mention a few: Kirsten and Adriaan, who tried so hard to save our home; Erika and Shannon, who kept their heads when we lost ours. You all were pillars of strength.

To Herbie who came from Cape Town to help rebuild the cattery, and his wife, Uschi, who came along to lend much-needed moral support when our lives were crumbling, thank you all.

To Stephan our vet: you may never realise just how much your assistance on the day of the fire meant to us. Thanks Bruce for arriving just at the right time to

help save and store some cat beds, blankets, etc.

Both of you arrived suddenly and we are grateful to this day that you knew we desperately needed help right then.

We thank our dear friend Gerrit for all the hard work, donations, time, effort, and support. You are one in a million. Thanks Ashley and Martin for donating and assembling our new honey house.

Vaughn, thank you for the beehives and supers; Mr de Kock, we are ever so grateful for your donation of a new honey extractor now it’s up to the bees.

We thank the Nolan’s team of NJ, Yolandi, and Sally for the carpets and curtains, and Tamara for the two beautiful kennels - our dogs, Leika and Anni, are very grateful.

Mandalay Guesthouse gave us a roof over our heads when we had nowhere else to go, and Will fostered our German Shepherd, Leika, throughout - thanks for looking after her so well.

The list is endless, but we are indebted to each and every one who helped us in one way or another to get our businesses operational again, may God bless you all.

Arne and Ilse Adler, Plett

CXPRESS

11

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

12

CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

30 August 2017

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

Gerritt targets Commonwealth Games with new racing wheels Words & photo: Bob Hopkin

HE car accident 33 years ago that left Oudtshoorn resident Gerritt Hendriks without the lower part of his left leg did nothing to dim his competitive spirit in his adopted sport of wheelchair racing.

A regular in the annual Outeniqua Wheelchair Challenge in George, Hendriks was spotted in 2012

by Brenda Vorster, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) manager of George Airport - the major sponsors of the event. “After finishing among the fastest that year, Gerritt approached me to ask if ACSA could please provide him with a sponsored racing shirt to replace the rather tired and sweat-soaked T-shirt he used for the race. “After a moment’s thought, I said we could surely do better than that,� recalled Vorster during a function in Pacaltsdorp last Friday.

Following discussions with her colleagues, she found the funding to provide him with a new, specialised racing wheelchair. The next year, Hendriks used his new equipment to win the Challenge after only two weeks

T

Kurland Eventing presents the SA Adult Individual Championships 2017, brought to you by Nedbank Private Wealth.

READY TO RACE: Gerritt Hendriks with his new racing wheelchair

of acclimatisation and of training with the new racer.

Since then, Hendriks has continued to receive support from ACSA each year - and last week was delighted to receive a new, very sophisticated racing wheelchair.

After conquering local events, he has been taking part in races throughout the country but now feels he has reached international competition level. “My aim is to begin competing in overseas events, including an upcoming ultra-marathon in Japan, so that I can qualify to take part in the Commonwealth Games in Australia during April next year. “Like in all sports, the equipment you use is vital to success and this new wheelchair will be a great help,� said Hendriks.

Not content to compete in

22nd – 24th September 2017 Kurland boasts the ďŹ rst Eric Winter signature eventing venue in Africa.

Eric Winter is an acclaimed FEI, UK-based course designer, who recently designed Badminton.

Come and enjoy three days of extreme horsemanship, as well as markets, good food, good wine and a trail run.

The Kurland Eventing Trail Run takes place on Sunday morning, the 24th of September. www.entrytickets.net – Kurland Eventing Trail Run. Kurland Eventing invites you to experience the hospitality of the Kurland Hotel and Spa, and view all the ďŹ xures from the pavilion viewing deck. Enjoy the spoils of VIP lounges and delicious catering.

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isolation, he has identified two junior handicapped children in Oudtshoorn, one five and the other 16 years of age, whom he intends to mentor to follow in his competitive wheelchair racing footsteps.

According to ACSA Corporate Affairs senior manager Senzeni Ndebele, the state of the art aluminium and carbon fibre wheelchair was sourced from the USA at a cost of R74,600.

The racer’s average speed is around 40km/h on the flat, with downhill speeds of up to 70km/h - and this with only a small calliper brake on the front wheel.

Eager to hit the track, Hendriks said: “I’m keen to get back to my normal six day a week, three hours per day training schedule with my great new equipment and Australia in my sights.�