30 july by CXpress

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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High flyers

Photo: Mark Andrews

30 July 2014

Turn to page 6 to find out why these two clever ladies, Ongezwa Zitshu and Amanda Kuwane, right, deserved a return flight to Cape Town recently

Jeeves saves the day p2

Farewell to Cedric p5

Vic rakes â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;em in p16

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CXPRESS

News & Views

30 July 2014

Driving Miss Crazy

Slip n sliding at the Oyster Fest? Jeeves to the rescue! JEEVES shares memories of his adventures as Garden Route chauffeur extraordinaire...

got a call during the Knysna Oyster Festival from a fellow-member of the Garden Route Motor Club. This collection of petrol heads, hailing from The Crags to George, owns an assortment of horseless carriages that would rarely be seen in a supermarket car park - to wit, from the latest red Ferrari and Nissan Z, to 50s ‘classics’ such as MGAs, an Aston

Martin or Triumph TR2, a Morris Minor or a Beetle, with the odd AC Cobra kit-car and Austin Healey thrown in. A problem had arisen. A friend of a friend of his was up here from Cape Town for a few days with his two teenage daughters to partake in the marathons. He had slipped while on a run, tearing some ankle tendon or ligament. His lower leg and ankle was

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now strapped in a boot and he couldn’t drive. His daughters had to be back in that Motherof-a-City in two days’ time for some hockey event, and he had to return to the office. No one they knew could assist with the drive back... So, Jeeves to the rescue! As it happened, I was free for a few days and thus looked forward to the opportunity of catching up with a few mates, over ales ‘n tales at Forries - that legendry Newlands establishment. I was dropped at the lodge where they were staying in Knysna at 10 the next morning and off we drove,

garage in George. He was telling me he had bought a whack of shares in the company a few years ago at 280 and they were now around 630 a share, hence his support for their product. Next port of call: Albertinia for coffee, and to exchange an Aloe Ferox shampoo, the contents of which stank like an over-ripened brie. Beyond Swellendam, bright yellow fields of Canola hugged the highway on either side. Not a murmur from the seats behind. The rear-view mirror revealed the teenagers plugged into earphones, totally engrossed in i-Pads, tablets

distance, the hills stretching back through Simonstown to Cape Point on the one side, the West Coast on the other an amazing sight, particularly for someone witnessing it for the first time. Part of the arrangement of my delivering them to their home in Kenilworth was that I could have the use of his wife’s car while in Cape Town, as she was at a girlie reunion in Johannesburg. He was delighted, and relieved to be home with the girls, and his car. After dropping them there, I popped in at my Club at Rondebosch Station for a pint

the girls in the back, me at the wheel of Jeremy Clarkson’s favourite car, and he alongside gulping down antiinflammatory pills and pain killers... with Jägermeister! He offered me a shot, but I didn’t want my guts burning at that time of day. The niceties and small talk at the start of the journey over, first stop was the Sasol

and texting. There was the occasional yawn, stretch, ‘Daddy I’m hungry - how much longer?’ but no interest whatever in looking out the window at the country side... I must be missing something. We pulled off the N2 at Stormsvlei on a road to Bonnievale, to pick up a loaf of sour dough bread baked at the farm stall there. “The best in the country,” I was informed. Must be true because outside were parked a few cars doing the same, with all the toys strapped to them for a sporting week in Knysna. At Riviersonderend, a compulsory pause at the Oumeul Bakery gleaned a few savouries and lamb-pie, plus a couple of larger ones to take back home. Being a Sunday, the road was quite free of heavy vehicles and the traffic lighter. If travelling during the week, I often turn off at Swellendam and take the road to Cape Town via Robertson and Worcester in order to escape these obstacles. Over Sir Lowry’s Pass, the Fairest Cape unrolled itself the beaches of the Strand, The Flats, Table Mountain in the

ROADTRIPPIN’: Canola fields forever, top; a lamb-pie stop in Jeremy Clarkson’s favourite car at Oumeul in Riviersonderend, above; cars - like the one pictured below at Stormsvlei - were strapped to the hilt with Knysna Oyster Festival toys

and a game of snooker with some buddies. A couple of days later, a driver from his office collected me at his house and took me to the airport to catch a flight back to George, where Ms Jeeves would fetch me. All in all it was a happy conclusion to his marathon misfortune - and saved him from being stranded in Knysna. Don’t forget: belt up! /"Lggxgu

News & Views

30 July 2014

CXPRESS

Attempted murder case opened after Knysna Grade 10 teen stabs fellow student The recent stabbing of a teenager by a fellow pupil in Knysna has sent shockwaves through the community and has prompted calls for stricter measures to ensure learners’ safety - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports

HE stabbing incident took place shortly after the Concordia High school bell rang last Wednesday at about 8:15am. Two boys were allegedly involved in an altercation during which a 15-year-old Grade 10 learner pulled out a knife and stabbed his fellow pupil, Mncedisi Harris, in the stomach. Police spokesman constable

Chris Spies said the teenage suspect was taken in for questioning and released into the care of his parents, while the victim was rushed to Knysna Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery. The young suspect was warned to appear in the Knysna Magistrates Court yesterday. “Children should be safe at

school, how does a child get into school with a weapon?” the 16-year-old victim’s sister, Gugu Harris, said. She added that she wanted schools to implement stricter safety measures to ensure that this did not happen again. “Each child should be searched before entering the school premises to prevent them from bringing weapons

State of airport road causes another crash An accident last Friday morning, after which victims left the scene in neck braces, again reminded of the urgent action required to upgrade Plett’s airport road, especially now that commercial flights are a regularity – watch this space for an update.

Latest twist to Bitou woes: One of special council meeting. ‘The Six’ resigns These proceedings got off Yolandé Stander

OURT action around Bitou Municipality’s recent turmoil after an attempt by local ANC councillors to take over the municipality and oust its leadership, is set to gain momentum from this week. The matter, involving several issues linked to a call for a special council meeting to serve a motion of no confidence in among others mayor Memory Booysen, commenced in the Western Cape High Court yesterday. The saga started on June 20 when six ANC councillors and deputy mayor Adam van Rhyner called for the meeting. Speaker Annelise Olivier refused to convene the meeting as she claimed it was against the municipality’s rules of order and turned to the court to stop it from taking place. The matter was postponed indefinitely, but this followed a counter application by

the six councillors and Van Rhyner seeking an order to force Olivier to convene the meeting, claiming that it was in line with the rules of order, as well as to set aside the municipality’s decision to declare Van Rhyner’s seat vacant and for him to remain a councillor until lawfully unseated. They are also seeking an order to stop the replacement of Van Rhyner and labelled his suspension, pending the disciplinary hearings, as unlawful after a series of conflicting instructions as to his membership status. The matter was postponed until yesterday for hearing as the court was in recess at the time. In the meantime, Van Rhyner still faces internal COPE disciplinary action after allegedly breaching COPE’s agreement with the DA where there is a coalition arrangement in hung councils, by aligning with the ANC to call for the

to a turbulent start with several postponements as well as an application against the chairman in the matter to recuse himself. First he was the prosecutor in the matter and had privileged information while trying to prepare for the prosecution and consulted with witnesses. This was however refused, although he was subsequently replaced by a third chairman. The matter was then postponed until July 21, but did not continue as all parties were not ready to proceed. The matter was set to start again last Friday, but did not go ahead as Van Rhyner had a medical emergency. In the latest twist, one of the six ANC councillors who called for the special council meeting, Nolan (Jan) Stuurman, resigned on Monday. Ward 7 will in all likelihood be contested in a by-election in the near future. Ictfgp"Tqwvg"Ogfkc

to school.” Knysna mayor Georlene Wolmarans condemned the stabbing. “I am very shocked to learn of this senseless act of violence, especially as it had happened at a place of learning. “Violence in schools can only be successfully tackled in a collaborative manner and I urge all of us as parents, educators and other stakeholders to work with the police to

tackle this issue. “I encourage learners to make use of the Safe Schools Call Centre to report any form of violence,” Wolmarans said. Concordia High referred all queries about the incident to the Western Cape Education Department. Department spokesman Jessica Shelver said the department had provided trauma counselling to the teach-

ers and pupils at the school. “The department is currently acquiring more information and investigating the matter,” Shelver said. She added that she could not comment further on the specific case before acquiring all the facts, but said that the department was always concerned about any violence affecting learners both inside and outside the school premises. Spies said Knysna police had opened a case of attempted murder and the boys’ classmates, who witnessed the stabbing, had also been interviewed by police.

CXPRESS

News & Views

30 July 2014

Hundreds of Bitou residents brave the cold to know their status Words & photo: Wendy Jasson da Costa

UNDREDS of people braved the icy cold conditions to participate in a HIV Counselling & Testing campaign at KwaNokuthula outside Plett on Friday. The event, organised by nonprofit organisation Health Systems Trust, was deemed a huge success as local residents queued up to know their status, despite the strong wind and persistent rain. At least a hundred people were tested for HIV and various other communicable diseases, while over 300 attended the event which also gave a platform to local artists to show off their dance and music skills. Health Systems Trust’s provincial coordinator, Mollita Ncube, said the aim was to encourage as many people as possible to know their status. “We are heartened by the fact that both young and old braved the cold weather to queue for testing,” she said. KwaNokuthula local Silungile Njima, said it was easier to get tested for HIV at an “outside” event than to go to a clinic, and encouraged men to make use of every opportunity possible to know their status. “This is my self-responsibility. Many men think that because we are circumcised we won’t get anything [infections], but that is wrong,”

GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY: Health Systems Trust provincial co-ordinator Mollita Ncube poses with a golden condom at the HIV Counselling & Testing campaign held in KwaNokuthula on Friday - the event, organised by Health Systems Trust and supported by the Western Cape Department of Health as well as other NGOs, was aimed at encouraging people to get tested and know their HIV status

said Njima. Chairperson of the Bitou Local Aids Council Ntomboxolo Mthethwa said the event gave those who were not able to get to the clinic during normal operating hours a chance to get tested. She called for more community events, saying that it

provided hope to those who were afraid to be tested or who defaulted on their treatment since they didn’t want to go to a clinic because of the stigma which still existed around HIV/Aids. “I don’t want people to think it is better to die,” said Mthethwa. “My responsibil-

ity is to ensure that all the people who are vulnerable in my community get help in clinics, in support groups everywhere.” Local nurse Yvonne Samuel encouraged residents to make use of the facilities available at KwaNokuthula Clinic. This included counselling for victims of sexual abuse and antenatal support. “We’ve got clubs for people who are HIV positive,” Samuel told the crowd. Ncube said the event was supported by the Western Cape Department of Health, Bitou Local Aids Council, several other NGOs as well as stakeholders from the KwaNokuthula community. Friday’s event by Health Systems Trust, a leading NGO in the fields of health systems strengthening and research, forms part of phase two of a project funded by the National Lotteries Board to encourage people to get tested and know their status. It also includes radio adverts in six languages broadcast on 13 radio stations in mainly rural parts of the country. In the Western Cape, Eden FM and Gamkaland FM were the stations of choice to spread the message. Ygpf{"Lcuuqp"fc"Equvc"ku" vjg"eqoowpkecvkqpu"qhhkegt" qh"Jgcnvj"U{uvgou"Vtwuv0"

News & Views

30 July 2014

CXPRESS

OBITUARY

Saying farewell to an ‘angel husband’ and inspirational friend to all who knew him Alten Chedrick ‘Cedric’ Ruiters 5 August 1976 - 23 July 2014

T was with shock and sorrow that the CXPRESS team learnt first thing on Wednesday July 23 that Cedric Ruiters had passed away in the early hours of that

morning, just as our previous edition - featuring our report about a surprise visit to him by rugby legend and fellow motor neuron disease sufferer Joost van der Westhuizen

- was hitting the streets for distribution. Our deepest sympathies go to Davedine, to Cedric’s children, and to all his loved ones. His memorial service will Photo: Ewald Stander

THE LAST DAYS: The surprise visit by Cedric’s hero Joost van der Westhuizen on Monday July 21 made him extremely happy, and the smile never left his face even though he could no longer speak or eat solid foods because of the advanced state of his disease - pictured with him above is wife Davedine; the picture below of Cedric was taken some months before his motor neuron disease was diagnosed in 2011

Totsiens, my engelman

EDRIC is op 5 Augustus 1976 gebore in Diepwalle, naby Knysna - een van ‘n tweeling waarvan hy die enigste oorlewende was. Hy het sy skoolloopbaan begin by Gouna Primêr en voltooi by Knysna Senior Sekondêr, waartydens hy by die koshuis gehuisves was. Cedric was van skooldae af ‘n kranige rugbyspeler, maar het ook sokker met

oorgawe gespeel en was sy hele lewe lank ‘n geesdriftige sportondersteuner. Hy het ook van jongs af die Here begin dien en was ‘n Evangelis in later jare en baie mense getuig vandag nog oor die impak wat hy op hul lewens gehad het. Cedric was ‘n passievolle man en pa vir sy kinders. En al was hy so liefdevol en sagmoedig, was hy ook baie reguit. Deur sy hele lewe het hy

bo sy omstandighede uitgestyg, want hy het altyd ‘n glimlag op sy gesig gehad wat ook in sy oë gewys het. Ek en Cedric het mekaar op 5 Oktober 2012 ontmoet en is presies ‘n jaar later, op 5 Oktober 2013, in die eg verbind. Al was ons so ‘n kort rukkie bymekaar kan ek net getuig van vreugde, liefde, vrede en ‘n gelukkige huwelik saam met my engelman, Cedric.

take place on Saturday August 2, from 9am at his house in 1452 Frederick Street, and 10am in the Volkskerk in Kranshoek. Readers who are in a position to contribute in any way - be it with cash to help cover the many costs incurred with

Cedric’s illness and funeral, or in kind with anything from eats for the funeral or other goods to lighten the family’s load - must please phone Monique Kayster on 079 915 6053 as soon as possible. Davedine provided the below information, which we

include in the original Afrikaans as it was Cedric’s home language. Visit www.cxpress.co.za and turn to page 5 of the July 23 edition to read the full story of Joost and his J9 Foundation team’s visit to Cedric and Davedine on Monday July 21.

CXPRESS

News & Views

30 July 2014

Murray High Flyers off to the Cape, thanks to CemAir and Bitou mayor

UNDAY July 13 saw big dreams take off for two Murray High students. Amanda Kuwane and Ongezwa Zitshu were the first local learners to fly to Cape Town on the recently launched CemAir High Flyers initiative. Started by CemAir and the office of Bitou mayor Memory Booysen, High Flyers rewards local Grade 12 learners who are making their mark in Maths and Science. Both Amanda and Ongezwa have plans to further their studies in Engineering and Chemistry. These plans might be up for a rethink after their round trip to Cape Town with the question now being:

“Where do we learn to fly, and how do we get a bursary?” In order to make these flights possible, Booysen and mayoral office manager Siphiwe Dladla are liaising with the schools to identify the deserving learners, and arranging transport to and from the airport. Says the mayor: “It is a pleasure to be able to show new things to our talented young people. “Nothing broadens one’s horizons quite like air travel taking off from our small airport and landing an hour later at Cape Town International with big planes everywhere is guaranteed to open young

eyes to a whole new world of possibilities, and that is what we want.” The sentiment is echoed by Nicolene Myburgh of CemAir, who puts it thus: “At CemAir we love aircraft, we love flying, and we love the teamwork that makes it all happen, and if we can help trigger that love in talented young people, we are happy to take part.” Contact Russell Honeywill at Bitou Municipality on 083 600 2219, Nicolene Myburgh on 072 262 9572 or Siphiwe Dladla on 044 501 3000 for more information. *Ugg"EgoCkt‚u"hnkijv" uejgfwng"qp"rcig"70+

LET’S GO! Amanda Kuwane, centre, and Ongezwa Zitshu share a joke as Bitou Municipality’s Russell Honeywill escorts them to the CemAir craft from Plett’s quaint little airport building

HORIZONS BROADENED: Amanda, left, and Ongezwa are all smiles before departing for the Cape

BACK HOME: The girls return from the Big Smoke with brand new ideas - with the High Flyers from left are first officer Sean Baxter, CemAir ground staff Denise Bauer and captain Dale Rider

News & Views

30 July 2014

Photographic art on permanent display at Paint Centre in Plett

Plett’s first photographic gallery has opened at Dulux Paint Centre recently, featuring beautifully framed images shot by photographers who all reside in Plett and surrounds. Says the Centre’s Ashleigh Holmes: ‘Ann Hrabar and Eileen Covarr are the driving force behind a group of Plett photographers who meet on the first Thursday of every month, when they show off the pics taken according to a theme chosen for each month. After two years since the club’s formation, I felt the need to showcase some of the incredibly creative talent that group members possess. With this in mind, we made space available at Dulux Paint Centre to permanently serve as dedicated photo display gallery. If you are looking for something different and exciting for that bare wall in your lounge, then pop in and view some of the outstanding work by our local photographers.’ Images currently on display include photos by Eileen and Ann, as well as Gil Walker, Roger Holmes, Ed Alexander, Marty Reddering, Klaus Oppenheimer, Peter Freeman and Rob Wood. See the adverts on this page and page 5 for Paint Centre contact details and additional information.

Notice Board [ctf"ucng"cv"Vjg"Octmgv Bring all your unwanted good, second-hand goods to come sell at The Market in Main Street Plett on Saturday August 2 from 10am onwards. It only costs R100 per table or 10% of your sales. Call Janine on 044 533 2805 from 8am to noon on weekdays to book your table, or just rock up on Saturday before 10. Jqurkeg"jwpv"pqy"qp# Over the next few weeks, Knysna Sedgefield Hospice

is encouraging you to hunt down all your gently, but no longer used, home and garden treasures and donate them in aid of its second Spring ‘Maison Market’ to be held on August 29 and 30 at St Boniface Catholic Church hall in Queen Street. The treasures Hospice is looking for are furniture, ornaments, vases, lamps, artwork, frames, soft furnishings, carpets, tableware, crockery, baskets, kitchenware, linen, craft items, garden pots and orna-

ments, fabrics, beads, buttons, wool, ribbons, stationery, jewellery, and vintage clothing. The 2014 Maison Market promises to be an exciting must for all homeware enthusiasts and bargain hunters. Pam Golding Properties is proudly sponsoring the Hospice Treasure Hunt for the market and has kindly availed its premises on Leisure Isle to be used as a drop-off point for all donated items. Alternatively, call 083 448 1934 to have your goods collected.

CXPRESS

Interval

30 July 2014

Teacher: Glen, why do you always get so dirty? Glen: Well, I’m a lot closer to the ground than you are.

How to drive your colleagues insane... • Page yourself over the intercom. Don’t disguise your voice. • Find out where your boss shops and buy exactly the same outfits. Always wear them one day after your boss does. This is especially effective if your boss is the opposite gender. • Put mosquito netting around your desk. • Every time someone asks

you to do something, ask if they want chips with that. • Put your garbage bin on your desk and label it “IN”. • Reply to everything someone says with “that’s what you think”. • Highlight irrelevant information in scientific papers, then cc them to your boss. • Finish all your sentences with “in accordance with the prophecy”.

Run for your life!

guy was walking along the street when he saw a crowd of people running towards him. He stopped one of the runners and asked: “What’s happening?”

The runner replied breathlessly: “A lion has escaped from the zoo!” “Oh my, which way is it heading?” “Well, you don’t think yg are chasing kv, do you?”

Two Corvettes drag racing

N old man was tired from riding his bicycle and decided to hitch hike. A guy in his red Corvette pulled up to give him a lift, but when the old man brought out his bike that he had leaned up against a tree, the driver said: “I have no room for your bike, but I’d like to help you in some way rather than seeing you standing here in the hot sun.” After a few seconds of thought, the driver said: “I know what we can do. I have a rope behind my seat. I’ll tie one end of it to the rear end of my car and the other end to the front of your bike. “You ride your bike, and I’ll give you this whistle. If I go too fast, just blow your whistle and I’ll slow down.” The old man agreed to it, so off the driver went down the highway with the old man and his bike in tow. A little ways down the road, a young lady in a bright yel-

low Corvette pulled up next to them. She gave the driver of the red Vette the ‘high sign’, meaning “you wanna race?” So off they went down the highway at 100 plus miles per hour - the old man blowing his whistle like crazy. They zipped by a traffic officer sitting under a tree. The cop knew he couldn’t catch them, so he called ahead to his fellow officer down the road to intercept. “Car number two, this is car number one.” “Go ahead number one, what’cha got for me?” “I got a red and a yellow Corvette coming down your way doing 100 plus. Can you intercept?” “Ten-four, is there anything else?” “Yeah, you wouldn’t believe this, but there is an old gentleman riding a bicycle and blowing his whistle trying to overtake.”

Diet spoon

Business

30 July 2014

CXPRESS

Rate hike most disappointing for housing market

EEFF chairman Samuel Seeff has reacted with disappointment to the decision by the Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee to

hike the repo rate by a quarter percent to 5.75%. While it is widely accepted that the economy is heading into a rate hike phase and

this is not unexpected, Seeff says that insofar as housing is concerned, holding off on a rate hike for a little longer would have been preferred.

Considering that the housing market is finally on the mend, this is just too soon and will certainly do little to instil investor confidence or

Sotheby’s celebrates success while showcasing best tech tools The team at Sotheby’s International Realty Plettenberg Bay - and about 100 of their closest friends and associates - recently celebrated the completion of their newly renovated business premises. Owner broker Hein Pretorius, pictured at centre in the back row, said the renovations served partly to celebrate the agency’s success over the past few years, while also affording the offices a more contemporary style and operational work flow. ‘We achieved the highest market share in the network last year and had two of our best years ever consecutively, and needed our office ambience to reflect this. We went for a laidback beach town look and feel, that is still exciting and modern. New technology has been integrated as part of our strategy to be market leaders in our field, which allows us to showcase our sellers’ properties to the best advantage,’ said Pretorius. ‘Our little Plett office is often one of the first in South Africa to introduce new technology to the market, digital photography back in 1996 being a case in point, while more recently we included the use of aerial photography from a remote control quad-copter. We are currently working on a few new ideas and are looking forward to yet another good year.’

Investor Focus

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

Behavioural investing and the importance of being patient

HE investor’s chief problem - and even his worst enemy - is likely to be himself. These are the wise words of Benjamin Graham. Dalbar, a US-based market research firm, has been tracking the difference between fund returns and investor returns since 1984. In its most recent study, it found that the average investor in a US equity fund over the last 20 years earned just 52% of the possible return generated by the fund. This statistic was the average throughout all US funds. Achieving the optimal return over a long period of time is often complicated because it requires you to be counterintuitive. The human species probably has the strongest herd instinct of all species. We follow the latest fashions, or drive what we deem to be the sexiest motor cars, forgetting that they are essentially only a means of transport. When all of our friends start emigrating to Australia,

we begin to feel a very strong urge to follow them. In fact, shares are the most incredible commodity. When we are in the supermarket and we see a product that has been discounted to half price, we will tend to stock up on that product, i.e. if soap is available at half price, who can resist buying some extra? However, shares are the only product that attracts more buyers when its price is rising… We’ve always wanted to, but doubly so because the price is going up! When they drop in price, we invariably want to sell them. These behaviour-driven timing decisions are the hardest to resist. We study the performance of a fund and if it shows a good performance because it has been going up for a long time, we tend to favour it over a dog that has been going down. The most common advice given to investors by the vendors of such funds is to al-

ways take a long-term view. While there is merit in this advice, what few tell you is to only buy them if you think they are cheap. How does the ordinary investor make such a decision? It is here that the experienced professional has a vast array of tools allowing him to assess the true value. The man in the street does not have these skills, but there are a few pointers that are readily available. The most commonly used of these is the PE Ratio. This figure equates to the number of years it will take for the earnings of the company to equal the current share price. The PE of each sector of the market is published daily, and can be used as a broad guideline. Current PE Ratios of the most popular indices are as follows: S&P 500 - 18, Nasdaq - 34, JSE Allshare - 18.4, JSE Financials - 15, JSE Industrials - 22. It is clear from these num-

bers that our financial sector is probably offering value and is cheaper than the broad industrial index. It is my view that the biggest mistake an investor can make is buying shares or investing in a fund that is expensive. This is not an easy decision, because most of our buddies are busy buying them and we have to overcome that herd instinct, and do the opposite. It often takes a great deal of patience and willpower to wait for the right opportunity, and to then hold the shares/ fund over the long-term, so as to reap the best benefit. You will find that the best investors have the ability to be seriously counterintuitive. Try it yourself, it can be very profitable! Ocneqno"jcu"dggp"kp"vjg" kpxguvogpv"kpfwuvt{"hqt"qxgt" 62"{gctu0"Jg"jcu"ytkvvgp" vjku"eqnwop"kp"EZRTGUU" hqt"vjg"ncuv"38"{gctu"cpf"ku" c"urgekcnkuv"kp"ocpcikpi" tgvktgf"ygcnvj0

encourage economic growth. Already, consumers have had to absorb the 50-basis point hike of January and, considering that more than 85% of buyers require home loan finance, this is bad news for homeowners and buyers, he says. Their monthly bond repayment is the single largest expense for consumers. A homeowner (or prospective buyer) with a bond of around R890,000 over a 20year repayment period had to allow for an additional R284 per month following the January rate hike. Add to this the knock-on effect on other credit commitments and dayto-day living costs. “Now, they will need to find an additional R177 per month (almost R500 extra since the start of the year) just to meet basic home loan commitments. It is difficult to see how consumers can reduce their overall debt levels, let alone save for a house deposit,” he says. Seeff also believes that there is too much uncertainty around the economy and rate hikes right now, all of which counter economic confidence. “What we need more than anything is stability,” he says. “The housing market is finally in a good growth phase and indications are that the

market is on the up. It is now nicely balanced, packed with eager, credit-worthy and cash-ready buyers, massive stock shortages being the biggest challenge. “Houses are selling faster and buyer competition has increased almost four-fold this year in high-demand areas. Although still nowhere near the levels that we would like to see, mortgage lending has improved and more firsttime buyers are getting onto the housing ladder. “We are finally in a position where the housing market is gradually bouncing back despite the sluggish economic growth, but this decision is likely to impact the market down the line,” he says. And the economic knockon should not be underestimated. More movement in the market with increased buying and selling means an increase in cash-flow and GDP contribution. “If buyers start moving up, they can start renovating and extending and investors and developers can once again start making a return. “The housing market is now nicely composed for recovery and the gradual build up means more sustainability in the long run, but now we’ll have to wait and see what impact this decision will have.”

CXPRESS

Social Scene

30 July 2014 ACTIVE ART INSPIRES: The Bitou 10 Education & Development Foundation funded a three-day Art & Design Workshop during the school holidays. Students from Murray High, Phakamisani and Plettenberg Bay Secondary School were able to participate in an exciting range of different art forms and experiences, including drawing, painting, design, stencil-making, slides and more. The workshop culminated in the painting of two real cars that formed part of the Plett MAD Festival during July. Each car had a theme, the girls using bold colour stripes with food jargon on their car, at right, and the boys using pictures and sounds conveyed by words, to portray their bird-themed car. Facilitators Margie Ford - pictured at left, backing some of the eager artists - and Donné Rundle spoke of their joint vision of using these sorts of opportunities to encourage students to work together, seek creative solutions, build bridges between communities, and show how active art can inspire. When asked their thoughts about the workshop, many of the children mentioned how much they enjoyed learning about colours that complement each other, and using art to convey their passions. The sense of accomplishment from being part of a project in a stimulating and educational environment, while enjoying time with friends, was tangible. The B10F thanks Angus Grieg from Ebenezer Estate, who donated two cars and enamel paint, and Bay College for use of its art room and collection of art books. The students who participated were Murray High’s Asisipho Mbenga, Sesethu Laza, Nangamamso Thuthani, Simthembile Qumza, Sipho Xayimpi and Siphelele Plaatjies, with Plett Sec’s Lauren Kruger, Karna Plaatjies, Ethan Stuurman and Mathwine Human, and Phakamisani’s Phiwakuhle Candani and Zizipho Msitheli ‘in da house’.

Photos: Lindy van Rooyen

People, places & events

CLEANING OUR HORIZONS: On Mandela Day these members of New Horizons families, together with Building the Walls - a soup kitchen in New Horizons - decided to do their bit for Madiba. The team at the soup kitchen, situated at the end of Saringa Street, decided to walk all the way to the 95 trees at Madiba Park, cleaning the street on the way. They collected recyclables en route and filled about 15 bags. BTW is an NPO that feeds 150-200 people daily at 2pm. Tiger Brands is their main food sponsor together with Plett Community Church, which owns the building and pays salaries, among other costs. The Rotary Club of Plettenberg Bay donates an amount monthly towards chicken and meat. The centre has a computer room, also set up by the Community Church, for high school students to do their homework.

STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHT TO SURF: This pic was taken at the last SUP Flat Water Race - a timed event that gives families the chance to do an event together - and should get Stand Up Paddlers nicely revved up for next weekend’s Ross Taylor Surf Contest, which also caters for families in a multitude of categories. Says organiser Nicky Goodall: ‘For the Flat Water Race, use of the river is very kindly sponsored by CapeNature. Our SUP category on the waves of Buffels Bay is extremely popular, too, with a large contingent who comes to enjoy this part of each annual contest. This year, our youngest Ross Taylor entrant is six and the oldest is 65! Apart from surf action, we have an Open Movie Night on Friday August 8 on the beach big screen, a Beach Big Walk and Auction on the Saturday, with MC Deon Bing from KFM and amazing bargains on offer.’ Call Nicky on 083 412 4598 and see the advert on page 16 for more information.

LET ‘EM EAT CAKE FOR MADIBA: Remembering that Nelson Mandela had to spend so many of his last days in hospital, the folk at Knysna Public Hospital decided that it was appropriate to host a special event on July 18. Chairman of the Hospital Board Richard Dawson supplied a large number of cakes for the nursing staff in each of the wards and also for those working in the Casualty & Outpatient Departments to enjoy. Dr Colin Lang, now 87 and living in Knysna, was invited to attend as a special guest because he had some contact with Nelson Mandela before and after his imprisonment, having been requested by the Bishop of Johannesburg to monitor the cardiac health of then ANC leader Albert Luthuli, while he was giving evidence in the Treason Trial in early 1960. During this period Dr Lang had contact with the other trialists, including Nelson Mandela. In the aftermath of Sharpeville, he was detained without trial for three months, three weeks in solitary, along with Luthuli, Mandala and their fellow accused. Pictured at left along with some nursing staff, chairman Dawson shakes on a good event with matron Gayle Lloyd, with Dr Colin Lang at right and HR & Admin manager Deon Matthee in the back.

Social Scene

30 July 2014

CXPRESS

SUPERHEROES CONVERGE ON PLETT: Batgirl and Batman, aka Clea & Anton Muller, top right, celebrated Clea’s 40th birthday with a superhero bash of note on Saturday night. Among the esteemed guests were The Joker with Spiderwoman by his side - aka Alice & Wayne Freeman at top left - a couple of snazzy Superwomen and Super-duper Dudes, Doc Spock and even the dapper Red Baron - all of whom danced the night away and only stopped momentarily for scrumpdelicious bites and beverages to fuel their super powers...

People, places & events FROM GREEN VALLEY TO GRAHAMSTOWN: A marvellously motivated Enrico Sam from Green Valley in Wittedrift recently returned from Grahamstown, where he attended the Remix Laboratory. This was part of the prize he won during last year’s Tshisa talent search - an amazing experience bequeathed by National Arts Festival artistic director Ismail Mohamed and assistant production manager Jayne Claire Burden. Besides attending many uplifting Showcase Productions, Enrico was taught circus skills like stilt-walking, fire-manipulation, juggling, clowning, comedy and mime. These were balanced with more serious career-boosting skills like making the most of community radio, word of mouth, whispering campaigns, and social media. He was also schooled on the basics of writing a funding proposal. Tshisa Talent Agency specialises in promoting professional artists, while Tshisa Talent Organisation supports skills-capacitation which reinforces effective building blocks for emerging artists. Said Enrico: ‘The Remix Laboratory experience was one of the best I have ever had in my life. It really helped develop my confidence, self-esteem, trust, and teamwork. I am very grateful to Tshisa Talent and the National Arts Festival for making this possible... I’m raring to go!’

R p r o u d ly robberg

Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

CXPRESS

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

Food & Wine

30 July - 2014

Plettenberg Bay’s first Wine & Bubbly Festival now launched

LETT Tourism, in association with the Plett Winegrowers Association, launched Plett’s first Wine & Bubbly Festival set to take place in October, with a competition offered to lo-

cal graphic artists to design a poster for the festival. Says spokesperson Patty Butterworth: “The response was incredible, with local designers taking inspiration from the local winelands and

Plett’s natural beauty and assets to produce some amazing entries.” The winner was announced at a gala event at Bramon’s cellar on Sunday July 13, where members of the media were presented with the finalists, and winner Caitlin Truman-Baker was awarded a ticket to the Port Elizabeth Design Indaba 2015. “Caitlin’s unique entry en-

compasses some of Plett’s finest attributes, including the upcoming launch of the Plett Birding Route. We just love it!” said Patty. Make sure to diarise this exciting new event on the Plett calendar: Plett Wine & Bubbly Festival, from October 4-5 on Central Beach. Tickets will be on sale soon, so watch this space or visit www.plett wine lands.co.za for info.

IT’S MY INDABA: After hearing that she’d won the poster competition prize of a free pass to PE’s Design Indaba, including accommodation, Caitlin said she was extremely chuffed with the prospect, as the event is invariably the highlight of her working year

Estate owners and Tourism a joint force of note

HE Plett Wine & Bubbly Route took a huge step forward late last year, when wine estate owners endorsed a Plett Tourism plan to develop a unique, wine and bubbly centred experience stretching from Harkerville to The Crags. The Plett Winelands already includes 16 wine estates and here are some facts to whet your taste buds: • Bramon Estate produces some 80,000 bottles per annum and assists other estates with producing 100,000 bot-

tles per annum. • Most are producing Sauvignon Blanc and bubbly - and the quality is considered to be on a par with that produced in New Zealand’s world-renowned Marlborough region. • Several estates are investing, or planning to invest, in new vineyards and wine cellars, and you can book to taste wine at most of the estates. • You can ride horses or hike between some estates - Bramon, Newstead and Anderson Wines link with lodges such as Hog Hollow and Tamodi.

BEST OF PLETT: Caitlin Truman-Baker’s winning poster, which grabbed the judges’ attention with its quirky portrayal of local birds - in both senses of the word - showing off festive wine and bubbly bottles

Plett Ski-boat Club presents...

Sue’s favourite Fish Curry (serves 6)

HE folk at Bitou’s bestloved and most laid-back beachfront eatery, Plett Skiboat Club, will share some of their favourite recipes with us over the next few editions. Says the gal in charge of the

club’s PR, Sue van der Gaast: “We’re big on fresh fish here at Ski, and since the winter’s far from over, this personal favourite curry recipe is just the thing to heat you up when the next cold front strikes.”

[qw"yknn"pggf000 50ml oil 2 large onions, chopped 10-15ml curry powder (your choice of strength) 5ml turmeric 4 cloves garlic

10ml fresh chopped green ginger 6-9 curry leaves 4 large tomatoes, chopped Pinch salt 25ml tamarind, steeped in 250ml hot water 1kg fish fillet (Yellowtail/ Hake or other fairly firm fish) 25 ml fresh coriander leaves Ogvjqf • Heat oil and sauté onion, add garlic and ginger, curry powder, turmeric and curry leaves and fry. • Add the chopped tomatoes and salt and simmer for about 20 minutes (until a thick chutney-like consistency has formed). • Add the strained tamarind and simmer for 5 minutes, add fish fillets in the sauce and spoon some of the sauce over the fillets. • Place a lid on the saucepan and simmer gently for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped coriander leaves and serve immediately with steamed rice. *Ugg"vjg"cfxgtv"cnqpiukfg"hqt" Umk/dqcv"Enwd"eqpvcev"fgvcknu" cpf"cffkvkqpcn"kphqtocvkqp0+

Home & Health

30 July 2014

Honeybush tea may assist breast cancer prevention Good news for lovers of the sweet fresh taste of honeybush tea is that one of its ingredients has been found to do more good than simply quenching your thirst

N a report entitled ‘How fynbos plant could save lives’ in Ecrg" Ctiwu earlier this year, Ilse Fredericks wrote how the small fynbos shrub Cyclopia could help prevent breast cancer. According to the doctoral study of Dr Koch Visser the plant, which is used to make honeybush tea, may halt the development of breast cancer.

“Visser looked at the effect of Cyclopia extracts on breast cancer cells to figure out the possible molecular mechanism behind this effect,” wrote Fredericks. “We found that Cyclopia extracts prevent the oestrogen-induced growth of breast cancer cells by targeting and inhibiting oestrogen receptor subtypes that pro-

mote the growth of these cells,” Visser said. “The fact that Cyclopia extracts target the receptor subtypes sheds light on the possible mechanism by which the extracts regulate the growth of breast cancer cells. I’m particularly excited about the discovery that Cyclopia extracts are absorbed through the digestive tract while re-

CXPRESS maining non-toxic, even at high concentrations. Also, the extracts do not stimulate the growth of the uterus.” Visser said this finding was important as several studies had shown certain drugs used to treat breast cancer increased risk of cancer of the uterus. “There’s a possibility that this research could offer respite to women who may be diagnosed with breast cancer in future, especially considering the global need to better understand the development and progression of this disease in order to treat it effectively.” He said Cyclopia was freely available and sold commercially as honeybush.

Health tea grown right here in Plettenberg Bay!

OUTHERN Cape Tea Company’s teas are taking the market by storm, and is a proudly Plett product to boot - at Kleinberg Estate in The Crags. The company is all the rage in the Mother City, though, being Cape Town’s newest

organic tea grower and producer, offering a range of organic and healthy beverages that is enjoyed by people of all ages, at any time of the day or night. Says the company’s Alexander Behr: “Our Rooibos and Honeybush teas are full

of flavour, with a subtle style of its own. One of the only companies making a 100% Honeybush Tea, all of our products are 100% organic. “We are busy developing new flavours for our range as well as utilising our tea extracts for an exciting new

holistic health product range. And all of our current and future tea products will always be 100% SA-produced.” Follow them on Facebook and Twitter for updates, and visit www.southerncapetea co.co.za/stockists for additional information.

Harvested from the Tsitsikamma’s slopes Honeybush tea is grown on the slopes of the Tsitsikamma Mountains and has been used medicinally by the Khoisan people for centuries. Southern Cape Tea Company is currently one of the only companies in the world that produces a tea that’s 100% Honeybush. Once picked, the tea is processed at a factory in The Crags - Kleinberg Estate has been producing organic tea for the last six years, but has a long and rich history. The Behr family farm has been in operation since 1947, and as well as producing organic tea the Kurland Hotel is also being run on the neighbouring estate. The Behr family philosophy has always been to use organic farming methods, ensuring that soils are rich in minerals and free of synthetic pesticides, to promote a balanced eco-system for the benefit of their land and their tea.

Make dreams come true - in your slippers - on Friday

HE right to wear your slippers will be granted on August 1 when you buy a Slipper Sticker for only R10 to show support of the Reach For A Dream Foundation. Stickers have been available at all Wimpy outlets countrywide throughout July and if you visit a Wimpy on Friday wearing your slippers and

your sticker, you will receive a free regular Wimpy coffee. Alternatively, visit the Reach For A Dream website on www.reachforadream.org.za to see how you can contribute. “Wimpy is proud to be part of this wonderful campaign and we urge all South Africans to step into a Wimpy nearby to purchase your R10

COMFY CAMPAIGN: Reach For A Dream will activate its annual Reach For Your Slippers campaign also known as ‘Slipper Day’ on August 1, calling on all South Africans to wear slippers to work or school to help a child fight a life-threatening illness and at Wimpy stores countrywide, you score a free coffee if you rock up in your slippers or buy a R10 sticker

stickers. We are sure that this year will result in a successful campaign which will bring joy to the foundation’s ‘Dream Children’ and make their dreams a reality,” says Wimpy brand manager Karabo Morudu. Reach For A Dream is a non-profit organisation, so all funds and proceeds raised through this campaign will help them put a smile on the faces of many seriously ill South African kids. Says Reach For A Dream’s Bronwyn Feldwick-Davis: “For 25 years, the foundation has dedicated itself to making dreams come true. Take Sam Pretorius for instance, who at the age of 11 years old was diagnosed with leukaemia. Sam’s dream was to go to Disneyworld and through the foundation he was able to realise his wish.” You will remember Sam Pretorius from the Reach For A Dream television commercial which featured him returning to his classroom after a prolonged absence due to his illness with a shaven head because of his treatment. As he enters his classroom,

he is welcomed by his classmates who show support for him by removing their knitted beanies to reveal their smooth-shaven heads similar to his. Today Pretorius is a healthy young man. Reach For A Dream prides itself on the countless children who have benefitted through the generous support of companies such as Wimpy. You can help a child’s dream to come true. Buy your R10 sticker from a Wimpy near you before or on August 1 and use #SlipperDay to interact with @ReachForADream and @wimpy_sa.

CXPRESS

30 July 2014

Classifieds

On the Soapbox

30 July 2014

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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

Provincial health ministry reacts to allegations of undignified treatment of patient ezrtguu0eq0|c""/"gnkekvgf"swkvg" This letter was received from Nadia Ferreira - Principal Communications Officer of the Western Cape Government Health: Eden and Central Karoo districts - in response to a letter in CXPRESS of July 16 entitled ‘A cautionary note to all seniors on racism and health’ The Western Cape Government Health does not condone discrimination of any kind nor poor service and will take the necessary disciplinary action against staff, if found guilty, to prevent the reoccurrence of such an incident in future. We thank the patient for bringing this to our attention, affording us the opportunity to improve our service to the public. We would like to invite the patient to make contact with George Hospital on 044 802 4498 so that we can follow up on the complaint and see how we can assist her further.

Provincial minister of Health Theuns Botha said: “As a government we strive for an equal opportunity society in the Western Cape. That means giving people the opportunity to have choices and live the lives they value. “Equal access to health services forms an important component of this equal opportunity society. Our staff work under very difficult circumstances, but we impress the importance that the patient is our first priority. “If a patient is not treated with dignity, and the investigation finds that a patient has been handled in an undigni-

Plett Clean team salutes Veronica Cloete and the Kurland ladies

Alison Bryant sent this pic and wrote: ‘Our Plett Clean campaign was spreading its wings to Kurland Village recently, when local resident Veronica Cloete, at right, saw pictures of our work and was inspired to do the same in the Village. She, together with a few like-minded Kurland ladies, started their street cleaning project on the evening of July 22. They intend on cleaning for one hour per week on a Tuesday, exactly like the Plett Clean team, and plan to get their church involved in the process. We are so proud of them for also taking ownership of their streets and their village, and truly salute them. We challenge people to follow Veronica’s example and get involved cleaning Kranshoek, New Horizons, KwaNokuthula and Bossiesgif, as well as the industrial area. This was our plan from the very beginning: getting people to do what we are doing in their own areas. Our next step is getting schools involved in keeping Plett clean. Slowly, slowly we will all be the best we can be!’ Call Alison on 082 572 1027 to find out how you can assist.

Super-long scarves commemorate a special man

Pauline Coubrough sent this picture and wrote: ‘On Madiba Day we commemorated the birthday of a very special man. How absolutely wonderful that the occasion is celebrated internationally by giving up 67 minutes to do something positive! At wool&more in Plettenberg Bay we knitted scarves, we crocheted scarves, and the fluffy end-result was a bunch of extra-long scarves that wrap a few times around the neck to properly ward off the winter chill. The scarves will be distributed at soup kitchens in Bitou.’ (See the wool&more advert on this page for contact details.)

fied manner, steps will be taken. I invite patients with complaints to interact with our staff and to use the complaints lines.” We would like to encourage our patients to report poor service directly to a facility manager or to phone the hotline on 0860 142 142. Patients can also send a text message or ‘Please Call Me to 076 878 4517 or email service@westerncape.gov.za with queries, suggestions or complaints. *Vjg" ngvvgt" kp" swguvkqp" /" ugg" Lwn{" 38" gfkvkqp" cv" yyy0

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Golf days raise Cansa funds Plett’s Cansa team would like to thank everyone involved in making their recent golf day fundraisers such a great success. On June 7 and 10, with the kind cooperation of Plett Country Club, we hosted men’s and ladies golf days respectively, also selling raffle tickets to raise funds for Cansa at R10 per ticket. Thanks to the generous sponsorship if many individuals and businesses, we had a whole lot of wonderful prizes to offer our winners. Apart from anonymous donations, we are indebted to Robberg Estates, Le Fournil, Pat

Lance, The Treatment Room, Décor Magic, and Spur for their ongoing support. The proceeds of R5,390 (men’s) and R2,600 (ladies) went straight to Cansa, in support of their priceless work in the fight against cancer and, specifically, assisting cancer patients in Bitou. Lastly, we thank each member of our giving Plett community for their willingness to help, either through participation, donations, or buying raffle tickets. Every rand helps and is immensely appreciated. Cnfc"Oknnu"/"q0d0q0" Ecpuc."Rngvv

CXPRESS

Sport & Adventure

30 July 2014

Vic gunning for SWD team, then chasing the Otter African ‘Grail of Trail’ V

ICTOR Gugushe won the Plett Athletics Club’s first medal at this year’s Pick and Pay Knysna Oyster Festival when finishing first in the 12km Cross Country in a winning time of 40 minutes and 1 second. And it would have been a sub-40 minute result if a dog hadn’t found its way onto the course! “But then came the big one,” says Vic “Winning the Solomon Featherbed Trail Run was something I had been dreaming of for a long time. This dream came true on Tuesday July 8, when I was first to cross the finish line of the Night Run in 1 hour 1 min and 58 seconds. “It was the best moment in my trail running career, and I thank Magnetic South for sponsoring my entry fee. It was my first time competing in the dark, and I also ran

for charity, raising funds for Lunchbox Theatre.” Victor also came second that week in the Totalsports Xterra at Pezula. This consisted of a 3km run, before Knysna team mate Neil Ungerer continued with a 25km cycle, and then it was back to Vic for the final stretch of a 7km run. The pair finished second in 1:37:46 - just 16 seconds behind the winners. Last month, he came 10th in the 38km Outeniqua Traverse National Trail Championships, with an impressive time of 4 hours 23 min 35 sec. The talented trail runner hopes to take a place in the SWD cross country team later this year, representing the region at nationals. But his immediate focus is training for the Otter African Trail Run in September. All the best, Vic! (CXPRESS will keep readers posted.)

SWD Cross Country League mechanics explained

XTERRA ACE: Victor proudly displays one of his many recent medals - a silver gained when coming second with Knysna cyclist team mate Neil Ungerer in the Xterra challenge

HERE are seven League races and athletes need to take part in four of these to qualify and enter for the SWD Championships on August 16 in George. The SA Nationals also take place in George, just under a month later on September 13. Explains Plett Athletics Club secretary, Lois van Wyk: “An athlete can go to SAs as part of the SWD team, or as member of his or her local club. Victor Gugushe and Dylan van Wyk have participated in three of these leagues and will do their fourth one in George on August 2. So it’s a work in progress.” Both guys completed League 6 at Van Riebeeck Gardens in George on Saturday - Vic was the first Senior home and Dylan third in of the U/19 Juniors. “Victor has done well to win three of the leagues in his category, so it’s rather sure that he will make the SWD team. Dylan is improving his times and learning how to run these types of races,” says Lois. Each course is a 2km route on rough veld and a total distance of 8km, i.e. four times that circuit, in Dylan’s age group, while Victor’s category runs a total of 12km, i.e. six times the 2km circuit.