30 November 2016 by CXpress

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Top cop gets his man

Plett Rage is upon us

Bellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paragliding record

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FREE Photo: Watty Watson

30 November 2016

Pre-season disaster Incinerated building material is all that remains after a fire razed the restaurant complex at Tsitsikamma National Park on Friday afternoon, while three lives were lost in a Knysna shack fire in the early hours of Sunday morning - read more on page 4.

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

30 November 2016

Water and Sanitation fundis join Bitou communities to celebrate World Toilet Day HE Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in partnership with Bitou Municipality and the Breede Gouritz Catchment Management Area (BGCMA) celebrated World Toilet Day in Plettenberg Bay on Friday November 18. The event was preceded by a two-day door-to-door activation in both Qolweni and KwaNokuthula, during which residents were educated on taking responsibility for the health and wellbeing of their ablutions. Tips on saving water were also distributed. As part of its commitment, Bitou Municipality rebuilt 15 communal toilets that were vandalised, restoring dignity to at least 60 families. During the activation, toilets and taps in indigent households and communal toilets with minor defects were also fixed. World Toilet Day is observed

annually on November 19 to raise awareness about the plight of those without proper sanitation, and to urge governments across the globe to provide decent sanitation to its citizenry.

To this end, the United Nations declared that November 19 would now be hailed as World Toilet Day for time immemorial. The theme for 2016 was ‘Toilets and Jobs’.

VIVE LE WC! Pictured during Bitou’s Toilet Day celebrations are, from left, DWS officials Mchumane Hlazo and Thembi Mthombeni, War on Leaks learner Sandisiwe Kondile, Bitou deputy mayor Euan Wildeman, Nombuzo Ziwane (War on Leaks), Bitou speaker Phakamisa Mbali, and Jacob Ngo of DWS

Bitou deputy mayor Euan Wildeman encouraged the community to stop damaging these crucial conveniences. “I urge you to help us achieve our goals and to improve sanitation by not vandalising the facilities,” said Wildeman. DWS Water Sector Support director Thembi Mthombeni commended the municipality’s efforts to ensure that residents had dignified ablutions. “Now that the municipality has fixed vandalised toilets, it is your responsibility to look after them. You only need a brush, water, and soap to keep your toilet clean,” said Mthombeni. The Department also recognised one household with the most hygienic and cleanest kept ablution facility in the area. Visit www.dws.gov.za or contact Sputnik Ratau on 082 874 2942 for more information.

16 Days of Activism - let’s unite to fight abuse RIDAY was the first day of Bitou’s 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign, its launch taking place at KwaNokuthula Community Hall, followed by a full programme rolled out in various municipal areas until its December 10 conclusion in Kranshoek. The theme for 2016 is ‘Count Me In: Together Moving a NonViolent South Africa Forward’ and national government is convening a series of dialogues on the subject to focus on the problem, discuss the causes and to

find appropriate solutions. Through these sessions, it is hoped to interact with citizens across the land who fall victim to violence and abuse. From rural areas to urban settings, formal to informal settlements, professionals to tradesmen, people young and old will have the opportunity to share their personal experiences. The dialogue sessions respond to the NDP (National Development Plan) Vision for 2030, which emphasises “building safer communities through an integrated ap-

proach”. It also responds to several outcomes identified in the Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF 2014-9). Support the campaign by wearing a white ribbon during the 16-day period, as it symbolises peace and the commitment of the wearer to never commit or condone violence against women and children. Many local organisations need assistance, so you can volunteer your time and make a contribution by planting a garden at a shelter, sponsoring plastic tables and chairs

for kids at a clinic, or joining an organisation as counsellor. Use your skills and knowledge to help the victims of abuse. It is important that the 16 Days campaign is viewed not as a stand-alone event, but as another leg of the #356DaysCampaign and #CountMeIn, which aims to mobilise all members of society, especially men, to join hands against the abuse of women and children. Visit www.bitou.gov.za or call the Bitou Communications team on 044 501 3006 for further details.

NEWS & VIEWS

30 November 2016

CXPRESS

‘Working day and night’ pays off when ace Plett investigator nabs hijacking suspect A top Plettenberg Bay detective made a breakthrough in a series of local business robberies and a dramatic hijacking - that started in The Crags and saw armed men leaving a trail of chaos in their wake as they headed towards Port Elizabeth - when he arrested one of the suspects recently - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports between the hijacking and trators to book, Nomdoe identity parade. “He also ETECTIVE Warrant Officer John Nomdoe last Monday arrested 27-year-old Vuyolwethu John in KwaZakhele in Port Elizabeth in connection with three cases, including the violent hijacking that rocked Plett on July 30 this year. The drama started in Plett just after 9pm on Saturday at a petrol station off the N2 in The Crags, when two armed men hijacked a couple dropping off a passenger on their way to George. The suspects later crashed the couple’s black VW Polo near Thornhill, when they hit the back of a bakkie being towed. After fleeing the scene of the accident, the suspects then hijacked three people in a VW Golf R200 at a nearby tavern, shot one of

PROTECTOR OF PLETT: Detective Warrant Officer John Nomdoe has played a major role in bringing criminals to book in Bitou, including the man who raped and murdered eightyear-old Sesona Bayibhile - he is pictured here while addressing those who attended a wreath-laying ceremony in her honour last December, a year after she lost her life Photo: Ewald Stander

the passengers in the leg as she tried to flee, and headed to Port Elizabeth. There, one suspect was shot in the shoulder during a scuffle as one of the victims tried to grab his hijacker’s firearm. The other suspect then shot and killed one of the passengers before fleeing the scene. The wounded suspect was later arrested at the Dora Ngiza Hospital where he sought medical attention at the same hospital as some of his victims, who managed to identify their attacker. This drama was preceded by two business robberies in Plett - one at the New Horizon’s Cash and Carry on July 29, and the second at Diamond Liquor Store in the industrial area just before 5pm on July 30. Police investigated a link

News Briefs • Knysna SAPS in conjunction with Correctional Services, Knysna Municipality’s Department of Social Development, Knysna APD, Alcohol and Drug Centre, LoveLife, Knysna Community Police Forum and Sinethemba will host an information session at Vermont Old Age Home at 3pm on December 4. The event forms part of the Knysna SAPS 16 Days of Activism activities and its purpose is to educate, empower and ensure that vulnerable groups receive the necessary services to protect them against perpetrators of violence. Members of the community will also get an opportunity to interact with the different departments and non-governmental organisations with regards to services available and access-

FATAL CRASH AT BUFFALO BAY: Three people died on the province’s roads over the weekend, all of them on Sunday the first accident taking place in the Swellendam area, where a driver and a passenger died, and the second later that afternoon close to the Buffalo Bay turnoff between Knysna and Sedgefield, above, when a passenger was killed and traffic was temporarily slowed to allow access to emergency services

ing these services. Transport will be available and members of the public are requested to wait at taxi pick-up points on Sunday from 2pm. Call W/O Adam Jacobs on 082 522 1817 for further details. • Provincial traffic officers arrested 22 motorists for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol on November 25 and 26, two

of these in Knysna and one in Mossel Bay. Breath testing was performed on 2,210 drivers at 26 alcohol blitz roadblocks. The highest speeds recorded was 162km/h in a 120km zone in the Mossel Bay service area, 136km/h in a 100km zone in the Swellendam service area, and 105km in an 80km zone in Knysna.

the robberies as items, including alcohol believed to have been stolen during the liquor store heist, were found in the vehicle hijacked in Plett. “After working day and night to bring the perpe-

managed to arrest the suspect in Port Elizabeth on November 21,” police spokesman Captain Marlene Pieterse said. She added that the suspect was positively linked, and identified through an

made a confession regarding all three cases (business robberies and hijacking).” Pieterse concluded that there were still suspects at large and that the investigation continued. Garden Route Media

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

30 November 2016

Knysna burns while water shortage is at its peak Words & photo: Gigi Lewis

OOKING down from the hills of Nekkies east of Knysna last Sunday, the whole town seemed to be on fire. Dense smoke was belching into the air from several different hot spots and obscured the usually scenic view, as a messy haze descended on this hot and sunny afternoon. CXPRESS was told by a resident of Oupad informal settlement that tragedy had already struck in the early hours of Sunday morning, when a raging fire destroyed a housing structure just up from where he lived, heart-

breakingly claiming three lives. Fires had then sprung up further down the hill, coming dangerously close to some houses hastily vacated by residents who eagerly awaiting the fire trucks. It was allegedly that Knysna Fire Department had sent a truck but had found the water tank empty, and returned to town to fill up. This could however not be confirmed by going to press. Oblivious of the drama that unfolded around them, some of the Oupad kids frolicked in the heat of the afternoon under a gushing hose, supplied by a neighbour. As the youths posed flamboy-

AQUA SPORTS BETTER THAN DRUGS: The men in suits bemoaned the fact that in the area called Cairo, people were wasting precious drinking water on kids playing in it - and paying nothing for it - while people in Hornlee had to pay heftily for water and were using it with care; no one blamed the kids and everyone agreed that playing in the water was better than taking drugs, but general consensus was that Knysna Municipality should build a swimming pool for its indigent communities

antly for pictures, a group of wellgroomed men took offense and found this behaviour unacceptable. “The infuriating thing is that some communities (within the greater Knysna area) are never charged for their water usage, which makes them oblivious to the shortage. We don’t begrudge the kids their fun, but we in Hornlee have to pay dearly for our water and we use it sparingly,” said one of the men. This issue has already been addressed in a recent council decision, with installation of new watermanaging devices in the pipeline throughout Greater Knysna. • See the report below.

Tragedy strikes in Oupad when three Knysna residents die a fiery death N Sunday, the town of Knysna was once again thrust into mourning after a devastating fire raced through Oupad - an informal settlement on the east side of Knysna - claiming three lives during the early hours of November 27. “It has been confirmed that we sadly lost three adults - two males and one female - to the

fire,” said acting municipal manager Bevan Ellman. He explained that Knysna Fire Department received a call at 03:03am. “By 03:30, after bringing the flames under control, they confirmed the loss of lives,” he said, adding that the municipality was adamant to fight the scourge of informal settlement fires.

“We have joined forces with Eskom in a drive to educate the public on the dangers of fires and how to fireproof homes. Our Fire Department is in the final stages of the roll-out of fire detection devices in our informal settlements,” said Ellman. Knysna mayor Eleanore BouwSpies expressed her heartfelt sorrow at the loss of lives.

“I am absolutely devastated. My heart goes out to the families of the deceased. As I have said so often before, one life lost to fire, is one life too many. “Our Provincial Government has recently committed to assist in the installation of fire detection devices. We have to do everything in our power to curtail this evil,” BouwSpies said.

“In the interim, I appeal to all informal settlement residents to ensure that they fireproof their homes. Officials of our Fire Department are more than willing to share their expert knowledge with you. Please approach them and or your Ward Councillor for help in doing this.” The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Tsitsikamma rest camp already on the up and up after fire razes restaurant ANPARKS spokesman Nandi Mgwadlamba on Monday said that the damage sustained after a fire that razed the shop, restaurant, verandah, offices and stores was estimated at approximately R10-million. The fire, which started on Friday afternoon, flattened the onsite Cattle Baron restaurant and nearby shop within minutes. Fortunately, a chopper was dis-

patched on time to stop the fire from spreading to the accommodation area, camping and hiking trails. Water and electricity was unaffected. “A forensic team is on site in Tsitsikamma determining the cause of the fire, which started in the kitchen and spread through to the shop,” said Mgwadlamba. The site is cordoned off and

no members of the public are allowed to access the site. It is also under supervision by the Park’s rangers and Honorary Rangers.” By Monday, all day activities in the Storms River Rest Camp were up and running including the re-routed walk to the suspension bridge, water activities, day hikes, day trips to the river gorge and others. “Park management is moving

ahead with a temporary structure for the restaurant and shop, as it is important to accommodate both day and overnight visitors. Last year, some 256,571 day visitors alone visited the Tsitsikamma section of Garden Route National Park,” Mgwadlamba said. “The park’s plan to control traffic during season will include additional staff, assistance from Honorary Rangers and security guards

UP IN FLAMES: Park officials and the Cattle Baron crew are looking at reopening a replacement shop at the same time as the marquee restaurant, envisaged for around December 10. The original shop, below, situated in the same building as the razed restaurant, went up in flames after a chip fryer and griller ignited in the restaurant’s kitchen, according to an anonymous source. Visit www.cxpress.co.za to view more images in the gallery.

FRIDAY INFERNO: A thick black column of smoke could be seen from afar as the restaurant complex caught alight - it was practically razed by the time fire services arrived, but was prevented from affecting any accommodation units or the surrounding forest

and by Sunday, Park management had devised an emergency plan with all relevant stakeholders.” All visitors are requested to either bring their own meals and drinks or to use facilities in Storms River Village, which is 5 kilometres from the Park. Contact Nandi Mgwadlamba on 078 702 9663 or at nandi. mgwadlamba@sanparks.org for further details.

TEMPORARY SITE: Above, Cattle Baron regional manager Rudi Potgieter discusses details of a seasonal catering plan with SANParks officials on the site where a 300-seater marquee will fill the gap left by the razed restaurant - Potgieter told CXPRESS that they hoped to be up and running in 10 days’ time and that the temporary structure would have proper flooring and air-con, with quotes for the tables and chairs already being considered. He added that this would happen “as fast as possible, as we have guests to look after”. - Photo: Watty Watson

Photo: Watty Watson

Photo: SANParks

Photo: Watty Watson

NEWS & VIEWS

30 November 2016

Get ready to Rage - and to rake it in - as matrics pull in More than 10,000 youngsters are expected to arrive in Plettenberg Bay from Friday onwards for the 14th annual Rage, one of the biggest student festivals of its kind on the African continent - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports

THEY HAVE ARRIVED… This image from Rage 2015 was shot as matrics started pouring into Plett from all corners of the country, in all manner of transportation, as will be the case later this week - visit www.plettrage.co.za for all you need to know about music line-ups, parties and venues, tickets prices and the like - Photo: Sharyn Hodges

LETT Rage has become more than an opportunity for school leavers to let their hair down for a week while enjoying what Plett has to offer; it has also turned into a major economic contributor for the town. Assistant project manager Ashley Brown said feedback had shown that each person who attended the festival spent between R5,000 and R8,000 over the festival period on transport, accommodation, food and retail. This translated into a R48-million boost for the local economy. And this year it is expected to deliver even bigger dividends with a packed programme on the cards, including some of South Africa’s biggest music stars set to take to stage over the next few days. The biggest change to this year’s event is the festival capital at The Meadows. In the past, the music line-up was showcased in the town’s industrial area, but this year some of the country’s most celebrated musicians will be performing at the new venue about

3km outside Plett towards Wittedrift. It is at this venue where the likes of Goldfish, Sketchy Bongo, PHFAT, Grimehouse and popular DJs Roger Goode and DJ Fresh will be showing off their talents. As on a few occasions in the past, the Rage Village will be hosted at Forever Resort about 6km outside Plett’s town centre, offering Ragers a campsite with self-camping, “glamping”, and chalet accommodation options. Brown said that despite the main Meadows venue and the Rage Village, Plett Rage had become more than a “one-venue event”. He explained that Rage was an experience uniquely formed around the coastal holiday town. “We like to call it Destination Freedom. During the day we see most Ragers having a great day on the beach, and then they head into town for dinners at local restaurants and pre-drinks before moving to the festival grounds,” Brown said. Safety is again one of the organisers’ top priorities

and therefore a new transport system has also been introduced. “With the aim of creating the best user experience and combating drinking and driving, we’ve created free bus and taxi routes for Plett Ragers. Our Hop-On, Hop-Off transport system gives Ragers the ease of accessibility to flag down official Plett Rage buses and taxis to get to all major accommodation resorts, and of course to all the parties they wouldn’t want to miss out on.” Over and above this, hours of work went on behind the scenes with various stakeholders - from medical personnel to crime fighters - to ensure the safety of matrics. This includes cooperation between the Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association, local police, security companies, neighbourhood watch groups, and Bitou law enforcement. “Partying in a safe environment is our main concern,” Brown said. The festival kicks off on Friday and will draw to a close on December 9. Garden Route Media

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

30 November 2016

This High Street centre offers hope to anyone facing a pregnancy crisis

ALL FOR HOPE: The knowledgeable team of counsellors at Hope Pregnancy Centre are, from left, Shirley Hornby, Ronel Coetzee, Rachelle Mason and director Joyce Ray - front of house and administrative ladies not pictured here are Christine Coetzer, Sanette van Wyk and Jordan Miller Photo: Christine Coetzer

Yolandé Stander

S teenage and unplanned pregnancy statistics continue to rise, Plettenberg Bay’s pregnancy crisis centre is playing an increasingly vital role in supporting those affected. The Hope Pregnancy Centre in High Street opened its doors earlier this year after a growing need in the area following unplanned pregnancy. Joyce Ray from the centre said they offered help through trained counsellors to anyone needing assistance with issues around pregnancy. This includes crisis counselling, teen parenting courses, free pregnancy tests, teen support groups, self-esteem courses and pre-birth education. And recently the team also introduced counselling to assist those who are facing issues as a result of child loss or abortion. The Royal Psychiatric So-

ciety reported that 81.1% of all women who had an abortion would suffer from some mental health issue as a result, ranging from depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to eating disorders. Therefore, Ray and her team underwent training to provide support to those who have either chosen to terminate their pregnancies or who have miscarried. Ray said that her team had the desire to walk a road with those faced with crisis pregnancies in whatever way they could. For those who become part of the centre’s programme, there is also assistance with maternity clothes, baby clothes and other baby items to get them started. Should anyone need assistance that the centre cannot offer, counsellors will refer them to other agencies in Bitou who can meet their needs and who are equipped to help.

The centre is a wealth of information and knowledge. Ray is the director of the centre and has been a volunteer in the Bitou area for 14 years, serving with Born in Africa as a mentor for teenagers and helping Kids Explosion to build a safe house for abused children in Kurland Village. The safe house is now part of Bitou Family Care. She has taught at the Kurland Learning Centre - a bridge programme to help students reach their potential in higher education. Along with local Shirley Hornby, Ray also heads up the counselling programmes at Plett Community Church and has served at the Life Centre in New Horizons, offering courses to women of the community. The centre is situated at 4 High Street and will be open from Tuesday to Thursday between 9am and 4pm. For futher details, call 078 177 5119 or 063 621 5159.

BUSINESS

30 November 2016

Investor Focus

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

Managing uncertainty and thinking the unthinkable OUTH Africa’s municipal elections, then the UK referendum on EU membership, and now the US presidential election... In all of these events, the outcomes were virtually unthinkable (albeit that South Africa’s may have been almost thinkable). Based on betting and financial market pricing of the two major global events, we now find ourselves facing a “crisis on prediction”. How are we retired investors supposed to respond to this environment? Firstly, we should no longer focus on the outcome of such events - in this climate they are impossible to predict. It is better to see the outcomes of the US and UK votes as part of a changed global scenario, and we should thus focus on ways to profit or protect ourselves from these persistent underlying forces. The debate about Glo-

balisation versus Nationalism has been intensified by demographic shifts; aging populations in the developed world contribute to lower growth, high savings and low inflation. Popular discontent has been fuelled by a perception that recent trends and events have disproportionally benefited the rich to the detriment of ordinary citizens. In South African terms, we face the inequality problem. These problems are similar across many nations and possible solutions vary from country to country. Therefore, to avoid exposure to a single regime, one should be diversified across both asset classes and countries. Secondly, we have to “think the unthinkable”. The outcome of some of the future political events may be unthinkable within our own narrow perceptions. We must learn to listen to what we would normally consider as irrational propositions.

This global trend will undoubtedly force some solutions that we will find almost incomprehensible. More of these totally unpredictable events are in the pipeline in the next 12 months. The Italian referendum on constitutional change will have happened by the time you read this. Then we have elections across Europe, a return of the Austrian presidential vote, and next year’s elections in France (Le Pen?), the Netherlands and Germany. These are all potential political turning points, but do remember that successful long-term investing is based on surviving the results rather than guessing the outcome. Investors must remain focused on the basic fundamental investment principals. Look at interest rates, economic growth, company profits, and currency valuations. The ability of South African investors to access

global markets has never been better. Spreads into developed markets and emerging markets is a good start. Then look at equity valuations - high P/E and low dividend markets should be avoided. Markets at “all-time highs” should be treated with circumspection. The current trend of rising interest rates in the US should steer you away from bond markets. Negative interest rates for cash could almost be the price you pay for zero risk… but not currency risk! Now is the time to consult a good advisor who could guide you into a globally-diversified portfolio using a spread of asset classes. Do not try to be clever and outguess the unthinkables. • Malcolm has been in the investment industry for nearly 50 years. He has written this column in CXPRESS for the last 18 years and is a specialist in managing retired wealth.

CXPRESS

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

CXPRESS

BUSINESS

30 November 2016

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

Market remains stable for Seeff branches along the Route VEN though most experts agree that the economic and housing market conditions in South Africa have been delicate over the past year and will remain to be for the immediate future, many of Seeff’s Garden Route and Eastern Cape branches are flourishing and well on track to achieve much the same or even slightly higher sales figures than last year. Seeff Plettenberg Bay for instance has experienced a record year in terms of sales as at the end of September, having sold properties in excess of R10-million and up to R32-million in Beachy Head, Whale Rock Ridge, and the Lookout Beach area. Seeff Knysna has made the most expensive sale on Thesen Islands to date this year, and while the most active segment of the market remains priced below R1.5-million, Oudtshoorn and Mossel Bay agents have also sold properties exceeding the R5-million mark. Most Garden Route branches are experiencing semigration from especially buyers in the northern parts of the country

CANYON

GRANDEUR AND LUXURY: Built in the 1870s, this landmark on Plettenberg Bay’s Lookout Beach has been lovingly restored beyond its former glory with innovative and ingenious design and engineering, keeping the Cape vernacular architecture - find out more at www.seeff.com/ Details?webref=407002 and see the front-page advert for current listings

looking to relocate to the coast, and these buyers often come with cash. In fact, in a town like Mossel Bay, around 70% of all transactions are cash transactions. This year, the branch is experiencing increased sales volumes of up to 80% compared to last year. The majority of buyers in Plett - in particular the high priced segment of the market - also prefer cash. These buyers are extremely selective and

knowledgeable of the market and make sound investment decisions. In general, the local property market remains healthy and predictions are rosy as the reasons for buying property at the coast will still be in place next year. House prices are predicted to remain stable in 2017, while areas like Mossel Bay expect house price growth in especially the first quarter of 2017. Seeff’s branches in the

Eastern Cape say while the most active price range here is between R800,000 and R1.2-million, there is also activity in the more expensive price ranges, although not as much as last year when sales of R12-million and R10.9-million were concluded in PE and Kenton on Sea respectively. While most Garden Route buyers purchase holiday or retirement homes, many in PE are first-time homeowners. Buyers investing in Kenton on Sea and Port Alfred are either from up north, Cape Town, surrounding farming areas, or parents of students and scholars in Grahamstown. While a lot of the properties in Kenton and Port Alfred are holiday homes and recent political disturbances have somewhat softened the demand for second homes, this branch still predicts their market share to grow in 2017. PE predicts average house prices in their area to increase by 6-8%. Both these branches conclude that their market will remain stable for both buyers and sellers in the New Year.

Successful managers need high level of ‘digital quotient’ ERE’S a golden opportunity to fasttrack your career and leadership skills with an MBA offered by a tripleaccredited international business school: The University of Stellenbosch will be presenting an Information Session on Thursday December 1 at Protea Hotel King George, about its MBA and other programmes for 2017. Says Martin Butler, head of the MBA programme at University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB): “The value of

EQ [emotional quotient] to complement the IQ of managers is being widely recognised as a means to contribute towards an organisation’s success. “But in future the successful manager will also need a high level of “digital quotient” (DQ),” he says. Butler is an expert in information systems management and technology futures. “It is important to enable MBA students to succeed in a work environment pervasive with technology and with access to large sets of

ever-changing data that requires appropriate decision making amidst growing complexity,” he adds. Butler says for this reason the USB has redesigned its MBA curriculum to equip students to manage their “digital environment”, adding that a new subject, Digital Enterprise Management, has been included as part of the core MBA programme. “This is an exciting time to be delivering a worldclass MBA, including launching a new Blended Learning Modular MBA

in 2017, using USB’s pioneering synchronous virtual learning ‘glocal’ classroom,” says Butler. The new delivery mode allows a greater number of students to engage with lecturers and other students that is attracted to the USB from across the world. In the process, says Butler, “management challenges in our country, on the continent and beyond, can be discussed, debated, and addressed”. For more information, contact Amber Kriel on 021 918 4194.

PROMOTION

30 November 2016

CXPRESS

SOCIAL SCENE

30 November 2016 WOOF-ATHON WOWS WILDERNESS: Last Saturday, Wilderness Common echoed to the sound of barks, growls and yaps of 187 entries in the annual ‘Woof-athon’ dog show. This fifth event in aid of George SPCA gathered exhibitors from all along the Garden Route who came to show off their dogs and enter them in various light-hearted categories like ‘Cutest’, ‘Best groomed’, Best personality’ and others. Organiser Sigi Wilcox expressed her delight with the support from locals and their generosity in donations. “This year’s event is the best supported of any Woof-athon since we started. It has now become an annual signature event for Wilderness,” she said. Brian Pudney’s golden Labrador Sandy, right, won the best-groomed prize while another Sandy - a cross between a poodle and a Labrador, aka ‘Golden Doodle’ - was proclaimed best adoptee, to the delight of owners Charlotte and Loudine Wiseman. - Bob Hopkin

People, places & events OPEN GARDENS DELIGHT: Daniel Kibith, above, has been the green-fingered force in charge of Jetty Oppenheimer’s garden for the past 15 years, and the 330 people who trouped through this magnificent property, as well as three other formidable Plett gardens, can attest to his incredible work. Organiser Marsja Hall-Green - seated with husband David at right above, chatting to Jill Kirkland, left, and Robyn Brouckaert in a quiet nook in the lush Leger garden - said she was absolutely delighted with the R44,500 raised for Plett Animal Welfare Services in the process, and thanked everyone who contributed to this deserving cause. Check the gallery at www.cxpress.co.za for more Open Gardens images, and don’t forget Sunday December 4’s PAWS Xmas Car Boot Sale at The Market Square from 9am to 1pm. An interesting range of items will be for sale at bargain prices, including toys, plants, household goods, curtains, clothes, books and much more. For only R100 you can sell all your unwanted stuff - call Alan Kushner on 082 601 4859 for details. - Photos: Maggie Ubsdell

A NOTCH UP FOR KNYSNA FIVE: Knysna SAPS Station Commander, Colonel Atwell Metu congratulated five members of the local police force on their promotions at his office on November 22. Each of the five constables, from the Visible Policing and Detective environments, was promoted to the rank of sergeant. From left in the back row are Sergeants Marinus Swartz, Julia Msomi, Luvuyo Magadla, Visible Policing commander Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Gogwana, and Sergeants Thobelani Daweti and Brendon van Niekerk. From left in front are detective branch commander Lieutenant Colonel Siddique Khan, station commander Colonel Atwell Metu, and support head Lieutenant Colonel Noxolo Ntsiba-Sijaji. Colonel Metu addressed the members and spoke briefly about their new levels of responsibility. “Your promotion is a true testament of hard work, discipline and commitment. I want to thank you for your dedication and commitment to the task at hand, to fight crime as well as service delivery to our communities. With this promotion also comes added responsibility and I wish you all the best on the first level of management,” he said. These proud new sergeants will continue to serve the community of Knysna with aplomb.

CLASSIC TALE SET FOR DRC STAGE: These lovely dancers are some of the troupe from Tracy-Ann’s School of Ballet who will present a delightful production of ‘The Little Mermaid’ in a once-off show on Thursday December 1 at Plett’s Dutch Reformed Church in Marine Way at 7pm. Based on the ever-popular Walt Disney classic, the production will be performed to the original music written by Alan Menken. Dancers in fabulous costumes will range from the tiniest souls to the most confident young adults, all of whom have put their hearts into every step and line faithfully practised. Limited tickets are on sale at Love of Linen in The Market Square - call 072 342 6901 for details.

New or 2nd hand toys THANK YOU!

NEWS & VIEWS

30 November 2016

CXPRESS

Bell sets new national record with his fortuitous flight in the Northern Cape

OPPERTON in the Northern Cape probably wouldn’t register on many people’s radars, but when it comes to cross-country (XC) paragliding and setting records, this is where the world’s top XC paragliding pilots converge. Many factors combine to make this part of the country such a hot spot for the sport. Pilots rely on columns of rising hot air, thermals to gain height and glide as far as possible, all the time seeking out ‘fresh’ thermals to repeat the process. The area south of Prieska has amazingly clear and cloudless mornings, allowing the sun to bake down on the earth’s flat surface, which stores the heat. Then, at intervals, bubbles of hot air are released and join forces to make really strong thermals. This is exactly what the pilots are looking for and frequently find in this area renowned for its strong and consistent conditions suitable for the XC pilot. With this info in hand, four paragliding friends arranged a flyaway to the area from November 8-16. Andrew Bell, Stephan Ferreira, Gerard Combrink, and Danie Erasmus had been monitoring the weather for weeks in advance, and decided that November 8 would produce favourable conditions for decent flying and

possible record attempts. Explains Andrew: “We had several launching site options available to us but it all depends on wind direction at the time. “There are many straight, dusty gravel roads in the Northern Cape and since the method of getting airborne is by being towed behind a vehicle, we looked for a road of at least two kilometres long that faced directly - or as close as can be - into the wind. “A pay-out winch is connected to the vehicle, which allows the pilot to be pulled up while still paying out line to a height of around 200 metres off the ground. You then release yourself from the tow and is literally on your own… which is when the hunt for the strongest thermal is on!” Andrew says that on one particular day after releasing, he found a great thermal and reached climbs of 7-8m per second. “There was a strong prevailing westerly wind and this tends to make the thermals ‘lean over’ - but finding the core is part of the art of XC flying and practice makes perfect. I climbed to around 4,300-metres above sea level, just beneath cloud base, which was around 4,500 metres. “As expected it was freezing cold at this height but it was exactly what we wanted - powerful ther-

mals, good height, strong winds to carry us fast, and a dash of luck from the weather gods.” After several more good climbs and long glides, reaching speeds of up to 104km per hour, Andrew passed over the town of Strydomsburg - his previous personal best distance of 135km. “Nearing Hopetown and chasing the 185.6km record for an EN B-rated paraglider, I knew I was going to make it. At 187km from my take-off point I was ecstatic, and was congratulated by my recovery crew following in the double-cab. “I was then promptly told to ‘stop jabbering’ on the radio and push for 200+ kilometres. “Just after Hopetown, I slotted into another amazing thermal which I found downwind of a small koppie. Outcrops in the landscape are known to help trigger and project thermals, and this theory proved correct once again. “One of my flight instruments was playing up and not showing me airspace. I was now nearing Kimberley and was getting a bit concerned about contravening any air-laws, so I decided on a final glide. “It was frustrating as there was still plenty of activity in the air, flying through and around massive thermals that could potentially add many more kilometres to my

flight,” says Andrew. Fortunately, the inevitable landing was in a wellchosen, rock-less area near a farmhouse, albeit in a howling wind. “As expected, my landing was quite amusing touching down, then getting dragged off along the ground by my paraglider until I managed to get it under control. My recovery team was five minutes behind, all high on life and personal achievements.” But Andrew is fast to pay tribute to his predecessor: “I take my hat off to Grant ‘Buffy’ Smith from Cape Town, who held the EN B record after flying from Sir Lowry’s Pass all the way past Citrusdal to set the South African EN B glider class record - an incredibly difficult and technical flight compared to mine. “At the end of the day I was very happy with my new personal best XC distance of 231 kilometres and a new South African glider class record - none of which would have been possible without Team Nova SA Paragliders. What fun!” CXPRESS is proud of this intrepid Plettenberg Bay flyer and invite readers keen on watching or chatting to our local pilots to call Andrew on 082 396 7765. And if you would like to experience a tandem flight, call Jan Minnaar of CloudBase Paragliding on 082 777 8474.

PREPARING FOR LIFTOFF: It’s quite a production to get airborne once one of several launching site options has been chosen - depending on wind direction, Andrew Bell, above, is towed behind the bakkie for a couple of kilometres facing directly, or as close as dammit, into the wind and then it’s up and away!

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CXPRESS

INTERVAL

30 November 2016

“There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.” - Leonard Cohen

Just five years! mega-wealthy 90year-old tycoon is meeting with his financial advisor. The advisor is very excited and tells the old man: “I just found out about an investment I

can make for you which will double your money in just five years!” “Five years? Are you kidding?” exclaims the old man. “At my age, I don’t even buy green bananas!”

Irish eyes are smiling... • Murphy told Quinn that his wife, Barbara Georgina Mary, was driving him to drink. Quinn thinks he’s very lucky because his own wife makes him walk. • The late Bishop Sheen said the reason the Irish fought so often among themselves was that they were always assured of a worthy opponent. • An American lawyer asked: “Paddy, why is it that whenever you ask an Irishman a question, he answers with another question?” “Who told you that?” asked Paddy. • Question: Why are Irish jokes so simple? Answer: So the English can understand them. • Reilly went to trial for armed robbery. The jury foreman came out and announced: “Not guilty.” “That’s grand!” shouted Reilly. “Does that mean I

can keep the money?” • Irish lass customer: “Could I be trying on that dress in the window?” Shopkeeper: “I’d prefer that you used the dressing room.” • Mrs Feeney shouted from the kitchen: “Is that you I hear spittin’ in the vase on the mantel piece?” “No,” said himself, “but I’m gettin’ closer all the time.” • Finnegin: “My wife has a terrible habit of staying up ‘til two o’clock in the morning. I can’t break her of it.” Keenan: “What on earth is she doin’ at that time?” Finnegin: “Waitin’ for me to come home.” • ”O’Ryan,” asked the druggist, “did that mudpack I gave you improve your wife’s appearance?” “It did surely,” replied O’Ryan, “but it keeps fallin’ off!”

I opened my electricity account at the same time I opened my water account. Needless to say, I was shocked.

The marriage assignment couple attended marriage counselling to resolve communication problems. The fighting and bickering during the session was so bad, the counsellor called for a timeout and told them he was ending the session early but had an assignment for the husband. “John,” the marriage counsellor said, “you’re an athletic guy… here’s what I want you to do. I want you to jog 10 miles every day for the next 30 days.

At the end of the 30 days, call me and let me know how things are going.” John agreed. At the end of the 30 days, John called the marriage counsellor very excited. “I did just as you said, and I have never felt better in my life!” he exclaimed over the phone. “Great!” replied the counsellor, “and how’s your wife?” John paused, and then replied with agitated dismay: “How should I know. I’m 300 miles from home!”

What on earth is that? little old lady was among a group at an art exhibition in a newly opened gallery. Suddenly one contemporary painting caught her eye. “What on earth,” she in-

quired of the artist standing nearby, “is that?” He smiled condescendingly. “That, my dear lady, is supposed to be a mother and her child.” “Well, then,” snapped the lady, “why isn’t it?”

HOME & HEALTH

30 November 2016

CXPRESS

New Horizons Clinic treats under-fives to a day of health and festive fun N OVEMBER 1-18 saw the launch of a campaign by the Western Cape Health Department, aiming to protect and enhance the health of babies and children younger than five years of age. Parents were encouraged to bring their children along to receive an extra dose of Polio vaccine, Vitamin A and deworming meds, while prophylactic treatment was dished out according to age group. It was also an opportunity to monitor the nutritional status of each child. New Horizons Clinic organised a special open day on Friday November 4, when they surprised the little ones with a visit from Father Christmas, who gave a parcel to everyone in attendance. Says New Horizons Clinic manager Sr Elna Appelo: “Special thanks go to the businesses of New Horizons for donating snacks for all our little visitors on the day. The organising team of Collins Songon-

go, Marshall Petersen, Sr Nothemba Mvunge, and Health promoter Glenda Windvogel did a great job with the logistics of the open day. “They were supported by the rest of the staff and Community Health Work-

THE GIFT OF GOOD HEALTH: Visitors of all ages were delighted to hang with the Father Christmas after getting a health boost during the New Horizons Clinic open day

ers to ensure a smooth flow of people through the clinic. Some of the children even asked if they could come back the next day for another round!” New Horizons Clinic was beautifully renovated and re-opened by former Western Cape Health minister Theuns Botha on September 26, 2014. The clinic renders a service to the communities of New Horizons, Pine Trees, and a part of Bossiesgif. Dr Nomafrench Mbombo is currently the provincial minister of Health. Quarterly meetings are held at New Horizons Clinic to connect with all the organisations and stakeholders serving this community. The aim of these get-togethers is to take hands and be aware of what each organisation is doing in this area. If you are playing an active role in the community and would like to participate in these quarterly sessions, please call Sr Elna Appelo on 044 533 6438.

JOB WELL DONE: Clinic manager Sr Elna Appelo, left, tells the big man about her Christmas wish list; at right, the organising team of Nothemba, Collins, and Glenda with ‘FC’ aka ‘Marshall’

Join one or all of Knysna’s World Aids Day events from December 1-3 ORLD Aids Day is commemorated annually on December 1 and offers an opportunity for communities around the globe to unite in the fight against HIV/Aids, while showing support for people living with and affected by the disease. Knysna Municipality will be commemorating World Aids Day in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Health, the Yona Yethu Initiative, Mad About Art, Masithandane, Knysna Alcohol and Drug Centre, SA National Tuberculosis Association, and Building Healthy Communities. Tomorrow’s line-up takes place at Chris Nissen Primary School, Rheenendal Sport Ground and Masithandane, and includes

a TB-awareness walk, art exhibitions, market stalls, sport, substance abuseawareness talks, HIV testing, talks targeted at kids, and lots of entertainment. Activities will be continued at Fairview Library on Friday December 2. The last day of Knysna’s HIV/ Aids Campaign is December 3, when events will be hosted by Masifunde Library and Concordia Day Care Centre, with additional action at the Hornlee and Smutsville sports grounds. Knysna mayor Eleanore Bouw-Spies encourages everyone to attend these events: “A lot of planning and preparation has gone into this campaign, its various offerings being not only educational but also entertaining. “I call on residents to attend activities closest to

their area, and extend a big thank you to all stakeholders for working together and hosting these events.” Residents are advised to keep an eye on the municipality’s notice boards and social media platforms for details, or contact Lizel Smith at lsmith@knysna. gov.za or on 044 302 6343 for further information. • World Aids Day was the first-ever global health day, held for the first time in 1988. Dedicated to raising awareness of the Aids pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection, it also mourns those who have died of the disease. Non-profit organisations, governments, stakeholders, and individuals around the world observe the day, often with education on Aids prevention and control.

Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

CXPRESS

30 November 2016

CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

30 November 2016

Letters to the Editor

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

Will government supply pollen when our bees’ blue gums have been eradicated? We all know that we, the human race, cannot survive without water and so the powers that be have decreed that, in order to save water all alien species must be eradicated. (They seem to have abandoned trying to stop people from polluting the same water.) I think one should bear in mind that it was the same department that introduced these species to augment local timber totally depleted by an insatiable demand. Here’s the conundrum.

A lesser-known fact is that the human race probably can’t survive without the honey bee. One of the species targeted by the authorities is the ubiquitous blue gum. The blue gum produces 70% of our honey, which I think would mean a 70% drop in the bee population. Blue gums also are unique in that different varieties flower all year round, keeping bees busy collecting nectar and pollen (all this information from ‘Beekeeping in

Smiler needs a holiday home

FOSTER PARENT-FRIENDLY: Since the Plett Animal Welfare Services Charity Shop close over season, its docile mascot needs a home for some weeks - and promises to brings along his own alimentation

We have just learned that the PAWS Charity Shop mascot, whom we have named Smiler, has no home as his owner died some months ago. This poor boy has been through the mill and has had a broken jaw at some time, as well as an out of joint hip. Both these conditions, thankfully, are now better. We’ve often wondered why he spends so much time at the shop but now we understand why Smiler looks at the shop as his home. He is outside the gate every morning to greet us, and

remains at the shop all day until we close up. There is a problem, however, and that is when we close over the holiday period, the shop (his home) will not be open for him. Ideally we would love for Smiler to go to a permanent home, but in the meantime it would be appreciated if some kind soul could foster him for a couple of weeks. We shall pay for his food during that time. Please give me a call on 082 723 2297 if you can help. Roger Davis, Plett

South Africa’ - Acmay). Very obviously the authorities have taken steps to ensure the supply of nectar and pollen will in

no way be interrupted when the gums are eradicated. They are just not telling. Andrew Forbes, Plett

Prepare to meet thy doom! Let us spray! This trending news from Pretoria just in: the company that manufactures insect killer Doom on Monday expressed alarm after a Limpopo pastor sprayed the product into his congregants’ faces. “Using this product for purposes other than what it is intended for, poses risks and is therefore dangerous. “Tiger Brands is in the process of contacting the Prophet to ask him to refrain from such practice,” the company said in a statement. Prophet Lethebo Rabalago of Mount Zion General Assembly in Limpopo sprayed the insecticide onto worship-

pers and posted pictures on his organisation’s Facebook page under the heading ‘Prophet tells how Doom heals’. According to the posts on Facebook, the insecticide helped heal a woman’s stomach ulcer, with God’s help. “We find this practice alarming and extremely concerning, and want to make very clear that it is unsafe to spray Doom or any aerosol onto people’s faces.” The company said Doom was formulated to kill specific insects and the packaging had clear warnings which had to be adhered to… John Magill, Knysna

Show respect for Robberg’s This is a friendly rock anglers letter to the tourist boat operators taking people to see or dive with the seals at Robberg, in the process totally disregarding us local anglers. Please guys, you have the whole big bay to yourselves, so don’t come closer than 300 metres from the ledges of Robberg where we fish from. That is the rule. You are not the only people using Robberg and the bay doesn’t belong to you, so please show some respect. - Robberg Sea Warrior, Plett

CXPRESS

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La Luna

CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

30 November 2016

Plettenberg Bay Country Club to host first Senior Golf Series event in April next year LETTENBERG Bay is to host the inaugural event of the South African Senior Open - a brand new venture of the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) Senior Golf Series - in April next year. The EWT Senior Golf Series broke the news of this flagship event during a press conference at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club last week, when members of the media, senior golfers and key players gathered to hear more about this exciting new initiative. The tournament will focus on raising awareness and funds for the Humpback dolphin, while offering a half-million Rand prize purse. This new series sees the EWT and South African Senior Tour (SAST) partner to create a unique set of golf tournaments that will create regular games for senior players, while helping to protect our precious natural environment. MC Dale Hayes reminded those in attendance that the USA Senior Tour,

spearheaded by Arnold Palmer, took off 25 years ago and was the biggest success story for golf in the 90s, adding that it was high time South Africa boasted a similar set of events. Accelerate Sport managing director Gary Grant noticed this gap and was overjoyed to fill it with a golfing series that would raise funds for endangered species. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will start with 10 events across South Africa and the SADC region, which will include three Majors - the Open, PGA and Masters,â&#x20AC;? Grant said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our first event will be the South African Seniors Open, run from April 4-7 at Plettenberg Bay Country Club. Over the four days, 72 pros and 72 amateurs will play for the biggest amount of prize money since 1997â&#x20AC;Ś R500,000!â&#x20AC;? The event will also double up with the Golf Hall of Fame, who will host its annual induction dinner during the period that the SA Senior Open is played. EWT CEO Yolan Friedmann said the choice to raise awareness for the

WHOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WHO OF THE GREENS: Pictured at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Sports Club last Thursday are, from left, Golf Hall of Fameâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Barry Cohen, SAST board member Neville Clarke, Senior player Gaven Levenson, sports commentator Dale Hayes, EWT CEO Yolan Friedmann, and Accelerate Sport GM Gary Grant - Photo: Herman Verwey

Humpback dolphin was an easy one, considering the location. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Although the species is currently stable in terms of endangerment, they are under continuous possible threat from shark nets, for instance,â&#x20AC;? she said. Bitou mayor Peter Lobese said the town was thrilled to host this inaugural event. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are mindful of the requirement to utilise

our beautiful surroundings and the environment in a sustainable manner that will ensure future generations can also benefit from natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bounty. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I therefore commend the EWT Senior Golf Series for its specific focus on the Humpback dolphin, which is among the main attractions of the marine resources around Plett and

deserving of protection.â&#x20AC;? The SAST are equally excited about this new venture. Board member Neville Clarke said at the press conference that they were grateful to Accelerate Sports for enabling this partnership with the EWT. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This new initiative holds so much potential. Players like Ernie Els and Retief Goosen could in future

become possible ambassadors for the series.â&#x20AC;? The EWT Senior Golf Series will offer excellent opportunities for amateur golfers to spend time with professionals playing for sizeable prize money, while much-needed funds will be raised to conserve our marine mammals. Visit www. ewt.org.za or www.senior tour.co.za for more info.

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The annual Southern and Eastern Cape Regional PGA awards function was held at the beautiful Pinnacle Point Golfing Estate on November 14. The function acknowledged and rewarded PGA professionals who qualified as full members, and also served as platform to announce the PGA Professional and Teaching PGA Professional of 2016. CXPRESS congratulates Cliff Barnard, at left, who won Teaching PGA Professional of the Year for his amazing work across the board, from veteran to development level, at Plett Country Club. At centre is PGA regional chairman Neil Walsh Tucker, with PGA Professional of 2016 Jayde Tannous, whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also co-owner of The Pro Shop in George, at right.

Play it safe LETTENBERG Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) works as a combined fortified force with all local security stakeholders. Over the past five years, volunteers across Bitou have stepped forward and joined neighbour watch groups in their area. Night after night, these people give up their precious family time to work towards a safer and crime-free town. These men need equipment to safeguard them when patrolling, so they have arranged a fundraiser to finance essential gear and equipment. Please support the PBCPA Golf Day on December 10 at Goose Valley golf estate. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to be a pro golfer to join in the fun! Call Pierre on 079 993 0115 to book.