30 October 2019

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30 October 2019

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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NEWS & VIEWS

30 October 2019

Plettenberg Bay to showcase its beautiful gardens ORGEOUS gardens, as well as the planning, planting and maintaining of them are topics that challenge and consume any keen gardener. This is no doubt why open gardens all over the country attract large numbers of visitors and why there are magazines devoted to SA’s most famous open garden events. The annual Plett Open Garden Day is no exception, attracting 300+ visitors last year and raising nearly R60,000 for Plett Animal Welfare Service (PAWS). This year, gardening and plant enthusiasts from along the Garden Route will be able to visit a lovely farm garden where cut flowers are grown, as well as a property that includes a soccer field and roof garden. Says organiser Marsja HallGreen: “While we have an abundance of lovely gardens in Plett, I like to find those that are more than just pretty. It is more interesting to feature properties that are unconventional and perhaps a bit more thought-provoking. “Also, there is increasing emphasis on water-wise and environmentally sensitive gardening practices. Of course, Plett is also the perfect backdrop against which to view gardens because of our endless views of mountains, lagoon and ocean.� Ouland Royale will be another important attraction, offering much-needed rest and refreshments during the course of the day. Here you’ll find the ever-popular PAWS Plant and Cake Sale, while a visit to the Ouland Nursery with its huge selection of indigenous plants, shrubs and trees is a must. David Hall-Green has again agreed to donate a portrait for the annual raffle, last year won by Martin and Judy Brassey who chose to have their magnif-

eas and a forest walk that leads to a lovely dam. Ulrike Baldzuhn grows cut flowers and foliage seasonally in a totally organic way - no chemical fertilizers or spraying are used.

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EYE ON INDIGENOUS: Properties participating in this year’s Plett Open Garden Day on Saturday November 9 have been chosen not only for their originality and beauty, but also for being water-wise and environmentally sensitive

Wiehahn Garden (Robberg Beach End, Estate 5, off road leading up to Robberg Nature Reserve.) Situated in an eco-estate, both house and garden were destroyed in the 2017 fires. The house was rebuilt and the garden reconstructed by Graham von Hoesslin with attention to indigenous forest and coastal vegetation. It features mainly endemic species and other indigenous plants. Gaechter Garden (15 Christina Street, off Whale Rock Drive - continuation of Longships.) When designing this garden, Charles Reitz aimed to retain or extend the threatened fynbos biome. It’s a perfect example of a low-maintenance garden with colour throughout the year.

icent Swiss Shepherd, Bounty, the subject of David’s painting. “I am delighted that the Plett Open Garden event continues to be so popular, raising substantial sums for PAWS each year. I’ve already had enquiries from garden lovers from as far afield as Port Elizabeth and Hermanus� says Marsja. Gardens featured this year are quite far apart (for Plett),

so please allow enough time to visit them all. Hum Bee Flora Farm (Take Airport Road opposite Saturday Market. Look out for sign 2.5km on left, going towards town. From town, 10km from Robberg Peninsula turnoff, along Airport Road.) The flower farm is on 10ha, with gently sloping fynbos ar-

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Allen Garden (6 The Tides - enter through Goose Valley main gate, turn right and follow road to The Tides gate.) Designed in two phases by Graham von Hoesslin, this garden includes a soccer pitch and a pavilion with an impressive roof garden, planted with an array of exciting succulents. Maps to the gardens can be collected from Barney’s Info Kiosk, next to Mugg & Bean, as of Monday November 4. Tickets, available at the gardens, are R100 to allow access to all four. Refreshments and toilets at Ouland Royale. Call Marsja on 073 645 9476 or 044 533 4578 for further details.

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NEWS & VIEWS

30 October 2019

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Decomposed body discovered in Joodsekamp bushes The grisly find of human remains in an overgrown area near Joodsekamp on Friday sent shock waves through Knysna - LUDUMO TEDE reports report was made to Knysna SAPS after a body part that resembled a human leg was discovered on Friday October 25. According to police spokesperson sergeant Chris Spies, a human body part was picked up by a stray dog in the nearby bushes and left in one of the houses in Joodsekamp. Local police launched a search party with dogs from the K9 unit. The search was called off in the evening due to poor visibility, only to be resumed the following day. According to the police,

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an extensive search on Saturday resulted in the discovery of a decomposed human body in the very area searched on Friday. This discovery came amid news of a missing local teen Oyisa Mgqwanci, 11, who was last seen on October 5. Investigation into the disappearance of the girl indicates that she went with friends on the said day, but never returned home. She was dressed in blue shirt and blue jeans at the time of her disappearance. A search party comprising members of the local

police, a police search and rescue dog, and members of Knysna Community Police Forum and the community yielded no results. However, by going to print Spies said: “At this stage the body cannot be identified as that of Oyisa, but DNA samples will be taken for comparison purposes.� A community outcry followed the discovery after it was established that the body was that of a child, leading locals to believe that it could only be the remains of missing Oyisa Mgqwanci.

ATM robbers caught after high-speed chase LETT police have again warned motorists not to leave valuables in their cars following a spate of theft from vehicles in the town over the past few weeks. “We want to advise motorists to remove all valuables when they park their vehicles,� said police spokesperson lieutenant-colonel Sheila Palmer, adding that a substantial number of incidents of theft out of motor vehicles had been reported. In the meantime, local crime fighters have been busy apprehending several alleged criminals. Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) op-

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erations head Otto Olivier said on October 22 members received a report at about 7:15pm that visitors had been robbed of cash and their bankcards at a local FNB ATM by four men. “Several PBCPA members kept a lookout for the silver Toyota Corolla with Gauteng registration plates in which suspects fled the scene,� Olivier said. A Plett Security rapid response unit member then spotted the suspects and vehicle driving at high speed on the N2 towards Knysna. “He gave chase while requesting assistance. Intertown tactical member All

Sound Knysna, local police and crime prevention members responded.â€? Following a high-speed chase, the suspects were apprehended by a crime prevention unit in George. The suspects were brought back to Plett and positively identified by the victims. In a different incident, a Plett Security supervisor happened upon a burglary in Challenge Drive during the early hours of Wednesday morning. “He alerted our control room while chasing the suspect, who was apprehended and handed over to the police.â€? - YolandĂŠ Stander

Mom, son found but body of girl still missing ARDEN Route residents are reeling in shock after the disappearance of a local businesswoman and her two children on October 22. Heidi Scheepers, 35, and her husband Etienne, 36, who own a cafÊ in Herald’s Bay and a rental agency for holiday homes, went for an idyllic walk on the seaside hamlet’s beach earlier that afternoon with their children Cozette, 6, and Hugo, 2. Etienne left his family around 5pm to go and check on his nearby business, and said that he would meet them back home - a few minutes’ drive from the beach. Heidi and the children got into their charcoal grey Caravelle minibus. It was the last time they were seen alive. Etienne raised the alarm

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at 7pm that night, after returning to an empty house. Heidi had left her phone at home, so there was no way of contacting her. He was concerned as they should have returned by then more so since Hugo was a special-needs child. Etienne contacted local family and friends, but as no one had seen or heard from Heidi, he contacted the police. A search was immediately launched, with local and provincial police on high alert, fearing a kidnapping. Social media was flooded with photos of the blonde mom and her two children. On October 23, the door of a vehicle was spotted at the bottom of VoĂŤlklip Pass. The NSRI was on scene, but had trouble diving in the area due to adverse weather conditions.

Fears were realised when Hugo’s body was found in his car seat, floating face down in a nearby river on Thursday. The search for Heidi and Cozette now intensified but was continually hampered by rough sea conditions. The wreckage of the Scheepers’s vehicle was later pulled from the ocean floor. The drop to the ocean is over 100 feet from the section of road where the minibus is believed to have left the roadway. When pulled from the sea by a heavy-duty tow truck on Thursday, no bodies were inside the vehicle. On Saturday, a pedestrian spotted a body floating in the ocean, later confirmed to be Heidi’s remains. At the time of going to print, the search for Cozette continued. - Talia Day DEADLY DROP: The wreckage of the Scheepers’s vehicle was pulled from the ocean floor after plummeting ¹100 feet from the section of road as indicated

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Plett’s most senior resident passes on N the evening of October 23, Plett lost its most senior resident, Elizabeth Moodie. Ouma Moodie turned 109 on September 10 and was featured on SABC news as being the second-oldest person in the Western Cape, apart from a 115-year old gentleman living in the Cape. Ouma Moodie passed on at the home of her youngest daughter, Linda Patterson - within walking distance of her own house in Kranshoek. Daughter Ria Sep-

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NEWS & VIEWS

30 October 2019

tember tells how her mom suddenly deteriorated and was just very tired. On that specific evening a local choir decided to visit Ouma, and she passed on peacefully amid their beautiful singing. Ria was the first to notice the signs of total peace on her mother’s face, and the lack of movement or pulse. The family wishes to thank Bitou Municipality for the great honour of immediately placing the news of Ouma’s passing on all its

social media platforms. Seeing that there was a huge Griqua conference in Beaufort West last weekend, with the Griqua chief and dignitaries in attendance, Ouma’s funeral will take place on Sunday November 3, starting from her home at 144 Gericke Street at 9am and then proceeding to the Griekwa Kerk. The family thank their church family and especially Sam and Lien Odendaal for the fast action and amazing support. - Leigh Dunn

Battle for the soul of the DA: Whereto now? Wandisile Sebezo

O doubt the Democratic Alliance (DA) has a key role to play in the South African body politic, in that over the years it has proven to be an effective opposition to the ruling party - healthy for our 25-year-old democracy. But like the rest of the political parties in SA, it too has its fair share of problems. The saying “a week is a long time in politics” has indeed proven to be true for the DA. In just one week, the party has seen the resignation of the City of Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba, party leader Mmusi Maimane, and federal chair Athol Trollip. Indeed, the DA is bruising; ripped apart, its internal problems have been laid bare for all to see. This fiasco happened in the wake of former party leader Helen Zille acceding to the powerful position of federal council chairperson - a position that was held by

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James Selfe since the party’s inception in 2000. DA members blame Maimane for the party’s poor showing in this year’s May general elections. For the first time since 1999, the DA failed to increase its voter support. As a result, white voters who despised Maimane’s leadership style and the direction in which he was taking the party, have resorted to voting for the far right Freedom Front Plus. This is telling about the party’s racial tolerance (or lack thereof, evidently). Maimane and Mashaba might have resigned because of Zille’s dramatic comeback, but the reality is that the DA is having an identity crisis. This is at the heart of the problems faced by the party today. The DA is divided between what they call ‘classical liberals’ and ‘liberal democrats’ - in other words, there are conservatives who

are mostly white, and there are progressives who are mostly black. The two factions can’t seem to find each other on key policy issues such as affirmative action and BEE, for example. The comeback and subsequent election of Helen Zille downplays all the DA’s gains over the last decade in making it a multi-racial party. Mmusi Maimane is perhaps the first and the last black leader of the DA. In doing this, the DA, just like Inkatha Freedom Party of KZN, has reduced itself to provincial politics of the Western Cape, where it commands massive support. This also signals a party that refuses to transform and truly embrace non-racialism. For all our sakes, the DA should stop playing for the gallery. We simply can’t afford to have an official opposition that is limping from one crisis to another.

We’re all going on a… BOB HOPKIN reports on the Wilderness Adventure Tourism Indaba and Expo HE lyrics of the ancient 'hospitality industry' but the the first conference in JanuCliff Richard hit song concept remains the same; ary 2018. Summer Holiday may now getting away from the usual Since then he and business seem rather banal but, back and predictable to experi- partner, Mimi Finestone, in 1963 at the launch of ence something new is the have visited overseas tourthe film of the same name, essence of a 'vacation'. ism conventions in the the prospect of a two-week At Wilderness Hotel last Netherlands, Spain, Gerbreak from the drudgery of week another, more active many and Russia, promotpost-industrial revolution variation on the content ing the area and seeking asfactory work made the rest of a holiday was explored sociates who can contribute of the year almost bearable. when speakers and exhibi- in increasing visibility of A stay away to the coast tors attended the second the Garden Route in Euwith the novelty of relax- Adventure Tourism Indaba rope and Russia. ing on a beach deck chair and Expo. As a result they have now often in a chilly wind was The one-day event used established links with oversupposed to be fun. Later, the morning for discussions seas magazines and tourwhen economic conditions and presentations by local ism promoters and, in June improved, package tours, entrepreneurs on the topic hosted a return visit from usually to Spain, became of 'Mobilising towards new their Russian counterparts. the norm. theme markets for Garden Said Dippenaar: “UltiIn South Africa, the more Route Adventure Tourism'. mately our objective is to prosperous had sufficient The afternoon was for the establish the Adventures income to possess a second public to enjoy promotions Garden Route Destina'holiday' home, often unoc- by local businesses special- tion Marketing Company, cupied for most of the year ising in providing adrena- which will encourage the - a privilege unheard of in line-intensive activities. creation of adventure cencontemporary northernJoint organiser Alewijn tres, produce a common hemisphere life. Dippenaar explained that catalogue of products and Since then, holidays have the idea of marketing our adopt an integrated marketbecome more sophisticated area internationally as a ing strategy, including using and Americanised into 'va- prime destination for ad- international trade exhibications'. Hotels are now the venture tourism began with tions to promote the area.”

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Housing on track - if Bitou doesn’t derail plans ESTERN Cape Human Settlements minister Tertuis Simmers is hopeful that there would be no further “attempts to derail” housing projects earmarked for, among others, Qolweni and New Horizons - this after several disagreements between the department and Bitou Municipality over housing issues in these communities. “We’ve had unnecessary delays in finalising a process that could have concluded earlier, particularly since what we have been proposing will now continue. I trust

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that there will be no further attempts to derail this process, as all stakeholders, including Bitou’s executive, are now on board. “I commend the Qolweni and New Horizon community leadership for being steadfast in seeking to ensure that the initial plans are implemented, as agreed to with my office,” he said. Residents of these areas have been lobbying for housing for an extended period, which boiled over into a series of violent protests especially during June and July last year, and more re-

cently July this year. Both waves of protests brought the town to a near standstill. There have since been sporadic outbreaks of protests since the beginning of this year. The minister’s statement comes after what has been described by both parties as a “successful meeting” on October 17. Bitou municipal manager Lonwabo Ngoqo said the meeting had successfully addressed “confusion and doubts” surrounding housing plans for the area. - Garden Route Media

NEWS & VIEWS

30 October 2019

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Hospice Plett: our miracle year CEO of the PlettAid Foundation CECILY VAN HEERDEN penned this good-news report

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COMFORT CREW: The Hospice Plett Palliative Care team are, standing from left, social worker Lonwabo Charles, home-based carers Roseline Gysman, Jacqueline Windwaai and Anthea May, and professional nurse Edward Muchenje; in front from left are home-based carers Marie Pluim and Clara Lawrence with professional nurse Sr Helene Pieters; the inset at right shows home-based carer Siphosethu Ndinisa

OSPICE Plett started 2018 on the back foot, with only enough funds to see us through a further three months of operation and no imminent funding partners on the horizon. From a financial perspective, the prudent thing to do would have been to retrench staff and close our doors. But we asked our Board of Directors to stand with us in faith that God provides for all our needs. The board agreed… and here is our miracle story. The Bitou community rallied around and from February 2018 private donors, local businesses, Plett’s Rotarians, Goose Valley golfers, Knysna Vineyard Church - too many to mention stepped in to support the organisation financially. By April last year, we launched the Hospice Charity Shop with startup costs sponsored by our vice chairman, lady Annabelle Conyngham. Once again the Bitou community shined and as

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fast as goods were donated, they were being sold. In October 2018 the Bitou Community Foundation Trust, initiated by lady Conyngham, hosted an amazingly successful gala dinner in London in aid of Hospice Plett and the Robberg Coastal Corridor. We received R865,757 from this and another two small fundraising events in London. This meant that we were able to fill one professional nurse post and two home-based carer spots that had been vacant for eight months. And it did not end there… In January this year, the regional Department of Health sent out a call for proposals to manage Bitou’s Integrated Home and Community-based Care programme and in March we were awarded the tender - a project that will increase our small staff of 15 to over 50 in the 2019/20 year. And herein lies our miracle: from starting 2018 with almost nothing, we ended the 2018/19 year

MONDAY - FRIDAY 9am - 4pm SATURDAY 9am - 3pm 82 Longships Drive, Shop 2, Lion Roars House, Plettenberg Bay THEY BRING WELL-BEING: The Hospice Plett Mobile Wellness Programme team are, from left, Danray le Fleur, Edward Muchenje and Nomsa Mdaka, with the inset above showing fellow counsellor Nozipho Mabongo

with a R1.2-million rand surplus and a contract from the Department of Health that will enable us to take the Plett Wellness programme to every nook and cranny of Bitou. During all of this, our Palliative Care programme continued in spite of staff shortages. We did not want to fill vacant posts until we knew that we were out of the woods financially. Our team of 15 pulled out all the stops, and the 212 patients and their 314 family members served during 2018/19 are testament to their hard work and dedication. This programme is not funded by the department and we continue to raise funds to offer palliative care to patients living with life-limiting illness, relieving suffering and improving quality of life. But the department did fund the Plett Mobile Wellness Programme, thus enabling continued health promotion and illness prevention services, which now even extends

to Knysna. Three counsellors managed to reach a total of 6,798 clients in Knysna and Bitou this year and referred over 900 clients for further medical assistance for a variety of illnesses identified through the screening process. To the Bitou community and each person who contributed, please accept our heartfelt gratitude your contribution kept Hospice Plett going, thus making a huge impact on the health and welfare of Bitou residents. Our mission is to create healthier, more responsible and, most importantly, more compassionate communities where the lessons learnt by one family in terms of care for a chronically-ill or terminally-ill family member can be shared with another - and another, and another, until we are a joint force of compassionate and caring people. • Contact Cecily van Heerden on 044 533 5616 or at cecily@plettaid.org if you can contribute.

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NEWS & VIEWS

30 October 2019

No music fairer, and no finer cause… EXT month, Dr Anneke Lamont will once again spread her musical magic when bringing together soloists of international acclaim to perform for the benefit of both Hospice Plett and Knysna Sedgefield Hospice. ‘My Fairest Lady’ will be performed in Knysna on November 15 and in Plett on the 16th, featuring an 80-minute programme of songs chosen by Dr Lamont and including favourites from My Fair Lady as well as music by Debussy, Delibes, Faure, Gershwin, Mozart, Puccini, SaintSaens and other composers. Dr Lamont was Director of Music at Oakhill School in Knysna from 2015-2018. She is currently Head of Piano at the Odeion School of Music centred at the University of the Free State. Recognised as top performing pianist and a sought-after chamber musician, she initiated the Voices for Hospice concerts in 2017 with Richard Cock and colleagues, as well as local musicians and choirs based in Knysna and Plett. “Previous Voices for Hospice productions were superlative, greatly appreciated, and raised invaluable awareness of the work of Hospices in our commu-

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CONVENER OF TOP CONCERT MUSOS: Dr Anneke Lamont’s knack to lure quality performers to the Garden Route is sans equal

nity. We look forward with great anticipation to next month’s concerts in Knysna and Plett,” says Hospice Plett vice chair Annabelle Conyngham. “Ulrike and Bruno Baldzuhn generously hosted an open day at their delightful Hum Bee Flora Farm in February to raise funds for the musicians’ travel expenses. Our grateful thanks also go to Natalie and Jacqui of Nguni, who will provide supper for all performers after the Plett event.” The PlettAid Foundation/ Hospice Plett and Knysna Sedgefield Hospice express extreme gratitude to Dr Lamont for her vision in organising these wonderful concerts and inspiring fellow musicians to give up

their precious time to travel to the Route amid demanding personal schedules. • The Knysna concert on November 15 takes place at the Dutch Reformed Church hall at 7pm. Tickets cost R200 at the door. • The Plett concert is on November 16 at The White House (doors open 6:30pm). Tickets cost R250 from The Old House Shop, 8 Kloof Street, cash payment or EFT to PlettAid Foundation, FNB (code 210514), acc no 620 480 95063, ref: Lady/your name. But wait, there’s more... As a continuation of the Glorious Music celebration, there will be a special service at St Peter’s Anglican Church in Plett on November 17 at 8am. Resound a Capella Choir comprises 18 singers under the baton of Terrah Mello and will perform songs specifically chosen to represent stages of life, accompanied by Dr Anneke Lamont on the organ. The collection will be for the benefit of St Peter’s Church and this sum will be matched by an anonymous benefactor with proceeds to Hospice Plett. Email aco nyngham@telkomsa.net or call 044 533 2010 for additional information.

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30 October 2019

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INTERVAL

30 October 2019

Foreign English signs gone wrong • In the lobby of a Moscow Hotel, across from a Russian Orthodox Monastery: You are welcome to visit the cemetery, where famous Russian and Soviet composers, artists, and writers are buried daily, except Thursdays. • In a Bangkok Temple: It is forbidden to enter a woman, even a foreigner, if dressed as a man. • In a cocktail lounge, Norway: Ladies are requested not to have children in the bar. • At a doctor’s office, Rome: Specialist in women and other diseases. • In a dry cleaners, Bangkok: Drop your trousers here for the best results. • In a Nairobi restaurant: Customers who find our waitresses rude ought to see the manager. • On the main road to Mombasa, leaving Nairobi: Take notice: when this sign is under water, this road is impassable. • In a city restaurant: Open seven days a week and weekends. • In a cemetery: Persons are prohibited from picking flowers from any but their own graves. • A Tokyo hotel’s rules and regulations: Guests are requested not to smoke, or do other disgusting behaviours in bed. • On the menu of a Swiss restaurant: Our

wines leave you nothing to hope for. • In a Tokyo bar: Special cocktails for the ladies with nuts. • In a Yugoslavian hotel: The flattening of underwear with pleasure, is the job of the chambermaid. • In a Japanese hotel: You are invited to take advantage of the chambermaid. • A sign posted in Germany’s Black Forest: It is strictly forbidden on our Black Forest camping site, that people of different sex, for instance men and women, live together in one tent, unless they are married with each other for this purpose. • Advertisement for donkey rides, Thailand: Would you like to ride on your own ass? • At an airline ticket office, Copenhagen: We take your bags and send them in all directions. • In a laundromat in Rome: Ladies, leave your clothes here and then spend the afternoon having a good time. • In an Abu Dhabi Souk shop window: If the front is closed please enter through my backside. • In a Zurich hotel: Because of the impropriety of entertaining guests of the opposite sex in the bedroom, it is suggested that the lobby be used for this purpose.

US President for only 32 days ILLIAM Henry Harrison was the ninth United States President and his term of office lasted for only 32 days - from March 4, 1841 to April 4, 1841. Harrison gave a nearly two-hour speech at his inauguration on March 4. It was a rainy and cold day. He chose to ride on horseback and wore neither a warm overcoat nor a woolly hat. Thirty-two days later, he died of pneumonia.

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Work at it… • Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please. Mark Twain • There cannot be a crisis next week. My schedule is already full. - Henry Kissinger • Most people work just hard enough not to get fired and get paid just enough money not to quit. - George Carlin • Laziness is nothing more than the habit of resting before you get

tired. - Jules Renard • The best way to appreciate your job is to imagine yourself without one. - Oscar Wilde • Every time you feel yourself being pulled into other people’s drama, repeat these words: Not my circus, not my monkeys. Polish Proverb • The closest a person ever comes to perfection is when he fills out a job application form. - Stanley Randall

Last week a friend and I decided to take a day off and go to the race track. I bet on a horse at 10 to one. It came in at quarter past four.

SOCIAL SCENE

30 October 2019

PLETT GOES PINK FOR BREAST CANCER WALK: The route from Longstone Park down Beachy Head Drive and back was flooded by a crowd of rosy-clad strollers who participated in Friday’s Shades of Pink Breast Cancer Walk. Co-organiser June Milburn-Pyle says the well-attended event went a long way to raise awareness and funds for the fight against this most prevalent of cancers among South African women, to which men are not immune, either. Adds Plett cancer warrior Hanlie Sinclair, pictured at left above: “We are indebted to everyone who contributed to the walk’s success, including Signtec, Nedbank, Ian Macmillan of Music Box, James Stewart of Muddyfoot Adventures (viz: vouchers from Hen House, Ocean Basket, AfriAbseil), Clean, MS Plumbing, Coastal Tool Hire, and Plett Athletics Club. And of course, as always, a huge thank-you goes to all the walkers who contributed to the funds and the fun.” Call June on 072 506 0509 if you would like to contribute resources or cash to the fight against cancer. - Photos: Martin Hurwitz

People, places & events

TAKING THE VILLAGE BY STORM: Lunchbox Theatre visited Stormsriver Village Primary School on October 18 to perform their ‘What a Waste’ show, which educates kids about waste management and recycling. After the show, kindly sponsored by Coronation Fund Managers, the team met with locals who are all working for the preservation of our environment. In 2020, Lunchbox Theatre will perform all of its environmental education shows in Stormsriver Village and surrounds and link with these like-minded people to carry the message further once the kids have seen the concerts. Pictured above from left in the back row are Anneline Wyatt (Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours), Vincent Blaauw (Goukamma Municipality), Nomzamo Maga (Lunchbox Theatre), Elzette Bester (SANParks), Elma Cola (EPWP), and Carla Syme (Finebush Farm Nursery), with Village residents Marion Crewe Brown and Walter Damons at right. In front from left are Lunchbox founder Stuart Palmer with Lunchbox actor Nkosinathi Xipula, Carla Collins (Planting Trees and Seeding Minds), Mncedisi Ncedani (Lunchbox Theatre) and resident Estelle Hester with her dogs Chooky and Perry. At top right from left, Nomzamo, Stuart, Mnce and Nkosinathi discover the joys of a Segway foray through the beautiful Tsitsikamma forest.

La Luna

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CXPRESS

Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

30 October 2019

CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

30 October 2019

Letters to the Editor

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

Laws of Rugby leave space for transgressions I write in reply to the letter by Kevin Meineke (‘What would Frik or Mannetjies make of how rugby is played today?’ on page 11 of the October 16 edition at www.cxpress.co.za). I can confirm that the Laws of Rugby still require a scrumhalf to put the ball in straight to the scrum, and that his hooker must strike for the ball. One small change since I was a professional referee

in the 1990s, is that the scrumhalf can now stand on his side of the tunnel, whereas previously he had to stand in the middle. I fail to understand why this change was introduced as now it is more difficult for a ref to spot ‘feeding’, and the scrum (like the line-out) is supposed to still be a fair contest for possession. Out of interest, the scrumhalf can still put the

ball in from either side of the scrum, and the laws don’t stipulate which side should be the loose-head. I would just love to see what happens if a team should choose to have their loose-head prop on the right-hand side of the scrum! This tactic would benefit Faf de Klerk, who is a left-footed kicker. My bigger gripe is at the break-down, where players are still by law re-

quired to stay on their feet with their shoulders higher than their hips and not go to ground deliberately, or tackle opponents who don’t have the ball. This is the most difficult area for referees to manage, and many breakdowns could be penalised either way. But I guess, for continuity, these many transgressions are often overlooked. Barry Ricketts, Plett

Tackling serious issues leaves youngsters brimming with hope On October 8, Knysna Alcohol and Drug Centre (KADC) along with Second Chance from the Cape presented an interactive evening of hope in Kranshoek, with representatives of various Garden Route schools in attendance. And what a night it was! KADC and Second Chance truly inspired the youth while also generously giving their time to encourage and motive those battling with addictions and other problems in their families. Their shared inspirational testimonials and addressing of issues about

TELL IT LIKE IT IS: A variety of speakers from Plett, Knysna and the Cape inspired youngsters from Kranshoek and elsewhere on the Route

addiction were serious business, but everyone left the evening cheerful, grateful, and with hearts full of faith. On behalf of Dream Big Events, I would like

to thank Second Chance and the KADC team, Mr Marshall Lamini and his team, Mr Trevor Jansen from Jansens Travels, Native Root Shelter, councillor Anne Olivier and

pastor Williams, as well as the Kranshoek community and everyone who so willingly participated. Your support will open many opportunities for these young men and women, and your contributions will enable them to participate in workshops etc. in future. Yours was not just a charitable contribution but also availed advertising opportunities. Without the support of people like you we would not be able to reach our goals. Thank you once again to everyone involved for your generous support. Calvina Andrews, Plett

Support sought for Children’s Day programme We are a group of 12 ladies who, along with Ward 4 councillor Ann Windvogel, plan to present a National Children’s Day programme in New Horizons on Saturday November 9. We need the support of the broader community, so we appeal to the many CXPRESS readers to assist us in reaching this goal.

Our vision is to eradicate crime and get kids off the streets, away from drugs, and prevent teenage pregnancies through constructive projects to benefit children and teens in our community. We organised a Heritage Day programme recently, during which we entertained and fed hundreds uof needy youngsters. But because we are

not a registered NGO yet, we receive no sponsorship and have to carry all costs ourselves. If anyone could assist, even if it’s just by rendering advice or any kind of contribution, it would be very much appreciated. Please email councillor Ann at asmwindvogel@ plett.gov.za or phone me on 061 344 9294. Unity Wildvogel, Plett

Wittedrift se slimkop beoefen woord vaardigheid met welverdiende lof Elmien Reilly het hierdie gedig met CXPRESS gedeel, en sê dit het vir top Graad 10 Wittedrift Hoërs skolier Jo-Ann de Wet ‘n resultaat van 98% in die sak gebring het. Gloed op die oosterkim Jo-ann de Wet Verf die hemel. Verf die hemel met jou kleure! Die son skerm agter die oosterkim en ek, maar net ‘n wese, is in my spore vas. Jy verf die hemel met jou rooi. Helder soos die son, maar sag soos ‘n moeder se liefde. Die Karoo lug droog en warm, soos wat dit deur my hare en oor my vel streel. Die stilte, kleure… Dis tog so pragtig. Sag en naïef soos sy

wat geglo het hy sal verander. Maar deur elke saggeaarde persoonlikheid breek ‘n humeur uit. Sterk en kragtig, soos hy, soos die rooi waarmee jy verf. Dan val die donker oor ons. Oor haar… oor hom. Vrees is oogklappe wat haar en hom van waarheid versteek. Oë toe kan niemand die sterre sien nie. Kyk… hier kom die son. Dit is ‘n nuwe begin. Sy maak die koffie, die roereiers en die toebroodjie sonder botter. Altyd sonder botter. Dié het sy geleer met ‘n nuwe bloukol vir haar versameling. Hy staan op. Haar gerasery uit die kombuis versteur hom. Hy drink die koffie en eet die

roereiers en toebroodjie sonder botter. Altyd sonder botter, en hy verdwyn. Hy spog oor sy vrou en sy “vriende” prys hom. Min weet hulle onder draai die duiwel rond. Sy gryp haar tas en sluit die deur. Die tas los haar en sy kan vlieg. Sy trek haar vlerke en swerf na die sprokiesland wat storieboeke vir haar gebou het. Want sy is ‘n vrou, sy is iemand. Verf die hemel met jou kleure. Warm, sag en rooi. Ek vrees dit. Wat as ek die kleure verloor met my doofheid? Dis tog so pragtig. Ek kan net nie wegbly nie. Verf die hemel en vlieg. Vlieg verby die gloed op die oosterkim.

IF YOU CONTRIBUTE, WE’LL DO THE WORK: Fom left, Connie Plaatjies, Unity Windvogel, Marlene van Rooyen and Jurine Clark are determined to keep New Horizons youngsters off the streets

Little by little, we will reach our shoe goal I would like to give thanks for placing my advert in several editions of CXPRESS, which really helped my Shoe Donation Campaign. So many people have seen the complimentary notice, so I have collected shoes from many different venues around Plett and have been able to help various children. But this is an ongoing project, so we are still in need of shoes to give to the many kids in need. I express my appreciation to CXPRESS and to those who have already donated. Little by little our goal will be reached. Pastor Jacob, Plett (Readers who would like to donate school shoes can email the pastor at bjn thako@gmail.com - Ed.)

CXPRESS

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CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

30 October 2019

Plett Aquatics: diving into swimming season with a splash LETT Aquatics is delighted to announce that two talented coaches have joined the team and are now assisting with classes: Tiemke Rijpstra and Claudia Leppan this month joined Louise Auersperg in instructing the Strong Swimming Programme. Tiemke holds an American Coach Level 1 and 2 qualification and a BA in Sport Science. She is a world open-water swimmer, a Level 1 SSA facilitator and an LTS coach. Claudia excels in competitive swimming, specialising in butterfly and freestyle. She is a full-time Learn to Swim coach who assists both Louise and Tiemke, and has had a lot of experience working with young children in the pool and class room level. She comes with a wealth of knowledge in and out of the water. Outcomes and objectives of Plett Aquatics - a swim school for all ages - are achieved through fitness in the pool and ocean, and using a set fitness programme based on the required Lifesaving South Africa levels. Louise continues teaching the Learn to Swim programme and stroke development at the gym pool, where Tiemke has already

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started working with the Junior and Senior squad (from 4pm to 5:30). Claudia and Tiemke joined the team following the loss of Louise’s beloved husband Peter to cancer last year. The impact he had on those at Plett Aquatics and Adopt a Swimmer will always be remembered, but Louise says the strength of her new coaches already greatly benefits students. “While we still feel the loss of our beloved Peter, Tiemke and Claudia have not only the technical skills but also the motivational and inspirational abilities to take our students’ swimming to the next level. “Ensuring that all Plett Aquatics and Adopt a Swimmer students build their skills on a daily basis is the best tribute we can pay to Peter and we know that he is shining down on us,” she says. Plett Aquatics has provided swimming instruction, fitness and strength classes to students since 2010 and has established itself as one of Plett’s most successful swim schools. Not content with ensuring that those who can afford classes had the privilege of learning to swim, Louise founded Adopt a Swimmer - a char-

WATER SAFETY FIRST: From left are Tiemke, Louise, and Claudia; Adopt a Swimmer founder Louise Auersperg did her training at National Sea Rescue Institute head office in Cape Town as an NSRI water-wise officer and launched her fist educational workshop with the Greenwood Bay College (where she coaches swimming) Grade 1 class at the Plett Health & Fitness Centre pool

ity programme that equips children from underprivileged homes with a host of water-related skills Highlights including breath-hold courses held annually with Ocean Child’s John McCarthy and sponsored by Sasfin, as well as the wonderful work that Clayton Bischoff from Learn to Surf Plett is doing to teach some of the kids the joys of surfing. The programme aims to teach children to swim in 18 to 24 months and children who show a passion and talent for swimming are offered mentorship and opportunities to participate in

Storms River

TIN HOUSE Self-catering accommodation

galas, Nippers, water polo, surfing, NSRI water-wise programmes, breath-hold sessions, and marine outings with Ocean Safaris. Adopt a Swimmer relies entirely on donations and funding helps more children partake in the programme, learning to be safe in the water as well as the joy of aquatic experiences they would otherwise not be able to access. Visit https://www.adopta swimmer.co.za/ to support the programme and call Louise on 082 452 2248 to secure your slot in the Plett Aquatics timetable.

Calling all differently-abled bowlers! LETT Bowling Club recently announced the introduction of bowls for differently-abled players - in time for National Disability Awareness Month, celebrated during November. Plett bowler Julie Deferville recently participated in the 56th SA National Championships for the Disabled. She and her partner, Vicky van der Merwe from Newcastle, won gold. “This was a proud moment for me but I could not have achieved these results without the loving support of my husband and coach, Larry, as well as Differentlyabled Awareness Campaign founder Rita Hardaker. “Bowling offers a positive mind set and healthy lifestyle. After a few sessions on the green the mental and physical benefits surpass all your inhibitions. I highly recommend this sport for differently-abled and ablebodied people,” says Julie.

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“It’s great mind therapy,” says differently-abled Dave Coutts, who thoroughly enjoyed his first lesson with coaches Larry and Julie. If you’re looking for a fun way to jumpstart your exercise routine, join the bowling team. A R100 sign-up deposit is required and thereafter lessons are free. Call Clyde Campbell on 082 572 1022 to book. • A host of events and fundraisers will take place in Plett to celebrate Na-

tional Disability Awareness Month, starting on November 1 with a 50/50 Lucky Draw. Tickets will be on sale at R50 each and the winner draw will be done on November 30 at Plett Bowling Club (see advert below). The winning ticket holder scores 50% of all the takings from ticket sales, while the other 50% goes into the fund. Call Julie on 072 407 7643, Barry on 072 890 6238, or Rita on 082 560 2606 to buy tickets. GREAT FUN FOR BODY AND MIND BOTH! New bowler Dave Coutts with coach Larry Deferville and his wife Julie, who represents our region nationally as differentlyabled bowler of goldmedal quality

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