31 August 2016
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
FREE
Eden to Addo - let’s go! Bitou top brass resign p3
Readers on the soapbox... p11
Bidding Ena and Bobby adieu p2 & 12
This Friday, the 10th annual Eden to Addo Great Corridor Hike kicks off with local and international adventurers - like E2A champion fundraiser Brenda Gilbert, left, who has done the hike thrice and raised R38,000 for every step she took on her last ramble - set to complete the 400km trek from the Knysna forests all the way to Addo Elephant National Park. Read more about this pilgrimage to biodiversity on page 5.
the bedroom shop furniture & linen emporium
10 000 FREE COPIES OF CXPRESS DISTRIBUTED ALONG THE GARDEN ROUTE EVERY WEDNESDAY
2
CXPRESS
NEWS & VIEWS
31 August 2016
Farewell to darling, delightful, frustrating, funny Ena Plett resident ANN THOMAS penned this homage to the interesting life of a centenarian friend NA Giddy, a feisty and courageous woman, died on August 14, having reached her century on June 29. Whatever I write cannot convey her vibrant personality. I would have loved to have known her as a younger woman - she must have been quite a bombshell. She was small and petite with beautiful eyes, which she enhanced with eyeliner all her life. Ena was a much recognised figure running around Plett searching for the best buy. She could make a penny go further than anyone I have ever known. Nearly blind, well into her 90s, Ena would dodge the traffic and walk from Hill House down to The Market Square and then hitch a ride home with her heavy parcels. These antics of hers caused consternation among the general public of Plettenberg Bay. Often I was asked: “Where are her children? How can anyone allow an old lady like this to live on her own?” People asking these questions did not know Ena Giddy, who truly lived and died on her own terms. She did not wish to have help. She did not like the retirement village, where she could have been cared for, and she definitely did not wish to live with her children. Few people who came to serve pleased her, except for Violet, who arrived in the last years of her life. How we all blessed Violet - Violetta van Heerden, to be correct - as “heaven sent” and a true “angel” from God. Ena’s family and friends could get frustrated and cross with her, but we loved and respected her for her uncomplaining tenacity in the face of many adversities. In her later years she really did have a tough time. She grieved deeply over the death of her eldest son, then the murder of her grandson who was at UCT and in the prime of his life, then the death of another grandson who died of cancer, leaving a young family. Ena progressively lost her sight and hearing - eventually being almost completely blind and with hearing so bad that she could no longer listen to audiobooks from the Society for the Blind. These handicaps curtailed many activities like reading and playing Bridge. But… she could still cook, albeit that you might find bits of plastic or egg shells or even blood when she cut her finger in the dish she had delightedly prepared for you. Ena loved to entertain and plan parties large and small. This she did right up to the end, the last being her 100th birthday celebrations with the help of Violet, who cooks like a dream. Ena did not wish to have one grand affair as her brother had done for his 100th birthday. Hers were to be intimate, home-cooked curry and rice meals in familiar surroundings with people she cherished. Ena was a survivor of note. As a teenager she broke her ankle while skiing; inadequately set, it caused her discomfort all
E
her life. Ena had cancer and survived those horrible radium needles, treatment used at the time. She raised funds for the Cancer Association by holding Bridge Drives in her home, with bottles of marmalade as prizes. After her husband died she fell and broke her neck, while packing and moving homes. Ena was in her 80s and the doctors felt that she was too old to lie on her back for six months, so they fitted a metal harness around her torso from her neck to her thighs! The metal chafed her body and caused septic sores, but she never complained. She just continued to pack and unpack. Ena broke both hips at different times - once spending the entire night on the cold floor in the dark. She broke her shoulder while we were on her son’s farm. Nothing daunted, Ena continued washing dishes and cooking marmalade using the good arm. (Well, there was a whole tree of oranges outside the kitchen needing to be preserved!) Ena had pneumonia and then
needed oxygen right up to the end, but she still marvelled at the beauty of the day. I remember sitting on her balcony recently and her saying how warm it was and how blessed she was to be living in beautiful Plettenberg Bay. Ena was born in Dumfries Scotland, of Scottish and French parentage on June 29, 1916 - in the middle of WWI and the northern hemisphere summer. She died 100 years later, in the middle of the southern hemisphere’s winter in sunny South Africa. How did she come to be here? Well, Ena had a brother, Ian Spence, only 18 months older than her. They were good friends all their lives so it was no surprise that she and her mother followed him when he brought his expertise to our burgeoning mining industry shortly before the start of WWII. All the Spences embraced their new country from the start and Ena consolidated this when marrying Allan Giddy, an accountant from the Eastern Cape. With their three sons - Ian, Peter, and Patrick - they
TRUE-FRIEND TRINITY: From left - Ena Giddy, Ann Thomas, and Violet van Heerden share a chuckle over lunch
BELOVED: Ena was enamoured with Plett and with her family, so spent many hours on the beach or surrounded by relatives of all ages
ENA GIDDY: 29.6.1916 - 14.8.2016
lived in Fish Hoek, Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth, and finally Allan and Ena retired to Plett in about 1980. The Giddys had had many a happy holiday here and so they fitted into their new environment quickly and painlessly. I doubt that I would have walked the Camino had I not seen Allan and Ena with rockfilled packs on their backs striding down Robberg Beach. They were training to hike the Wye Valley in Wales. If they could travel with backpacks, so could I! Beach, books, bridge, and bowls took up a lot of time in those early days but gardening, cooking, and caring were important too. Family and home were always a priority. With no servants, Ena stocked her pantry with bottles and bottles of preserves. At least six bags of oranges were turned into marmalade each July and come October, apricots would become jam or chutney. Any small service to Ena was always rewarded with a packet of home-baked rusks or a jar of marmalade. I somehow feel Ena needed to be sure that this year’s marmalade was bottled before she could die, because Violet finished this task and two days later she died. Ena’s surviving sons, Patrick and Peter, their wives and four grandchildren kept vigil at her bedside those last few days and nights, until on that blessed Sunday morning, she left this world for the one to come. Ena started her life by being baptised in both the Catholic and the Protestant faiths. Her mother was French Catholic and her father Scottish Protestant. Her life ended in a similar fashion. Good Doctor Nel and dear Violet prayed with Ena in the Protestant way (this would have pleased her father, I guess). Son Patrick arranged for Father Steven Strydom to anoint her and give her the last rites (which would have pleased her mother). Ena’s memorial service was conducted by the Rev Yvonne Smith in St Peter’s Anglican Church. Father Steven was present at the service (this pleased us all). Darling, delightful, funny, exasperating, frustrating Ena, may your good dear soul rest in peace and rise in glory.
NEWS & VIEWS
31 August 2016
CXPRESS
3
Outgoing municipal manager stresses importance for Bitou leaders to maintain good governance Top Bitou officials handed in their resignations just weeks after the recent local government elections which saw a shift in power in the coastal holiday town - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports ITOU municipal manager Allen Paulse and chief financial officer Felix Lotter both requested an early release from their contracts - ending late next year - with the municipality last week. This was followed by a meeting by new mayor Peter Lobese and deputy mayor Euan Wildeman with municipal staff on Monday to “dispel rumours” that Paulse and Lotter had been fired by the new council. The new council was officially inaugurated on August 12 following the local government elections a week earlier which saw the DA receiving the majority of the votes, but not enough to secure an outright majority leaving both
B
the DA and the ANC with six seats each, and the Active United Front (AUF) with a single seat. The ANC and AUF then formed a coalition to govern Bitou, with Lobese being elected as mayor. “The two officials first met with the political office bearers to discuss the normal transitional practices that follow after elections, as it concerns the executive management leadership team,” said municipal spokesman Manfred van Rooyen. “Formal letters by the officials, directed to the executive mayor, then followed requesting the early release of the term of their contracts, as part of a mutual termination agreement.
Their request is informed by the post-local government elections opportunities that are now becoming available and that their Bitou contracts were coming to an end in the latter part of 2017.” He added that the request for early termination by mutual agreement had been tabled at both the first council meeting as well as a special council meeting on August 24. “Following in-depth discussions in the committee, council unanimously agreed and resolved to the mutual termination agreement.” The resolution takes effect today [August 31]. “Both the vacancies will be advertised immediately in terms of applicable
News Briefs • KwaNokuthula SAPS is requesting assistance with regard to a murder that took place between August 14 and 15 at Kwano Phase 1 in Xipula Street. Communications officer Stella Motshabi said the name of the lady who was murdered two weeks ago could not be released, and that none of her personal belongings were stolen. Readers who know more about this murder can con-
tact Sergeant Teyise on 044 533 3121 or 079 894 1910. • On Friday it was announced that more than 20 people were being treated for the H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu, in the George area. Dr Marcelle Herbst said her practice treated a large number of patients during last week, and that most of the local pharmacies had since run out of the antiviral medication Tamiflu.
She told African News Agency (ANA) there was, however, no reason for panic. “Unlike the first outbreak of H1N1 in South Africa years ago, doctors now know the airborne virus. We know what it is, and we know how to treat it.” She recommended that patients see their doctor as soon as they start to experience symptoms, such as high fever, an aching body, and red eyes. - ANA
END OF SEASON BLAZES: Emergency workers battled a veld fire near Storms River on Monday following hot, dry and windy conditions along the Garden Route. Temperatures at the time of the fire was around 34 degrees Celsius. Chairman of The Crags Fire Protection Association James Stewart told CXPRESS on Tuesday morning that a fire in the De Vlugt area was still burning, but that weather conditions were a lot more favourable than the previous day, which would make the task of Eden District Municipality and S-Cape Fire Protection firefighters easier - although it was still considered calling on the assistance of a helicopter by the time of going to press. Other problem spots along the Route on August 29 included Thornham and Hoekwil, where a flare-up was quickly extinguished, averting the disaster during which Wilderness homes were raised earlier this month. Although no immediate danger was threatening the area, Stewart urged residents to be on alert, as the first rain forecast was for Thursday. - Photo: Ewald Stander
council policy and related legal framework.” In the meantime, he said, the head of corporate services, Reginald Smit, would take up the position of acting municipal manager while senior budget and treasury manager Mbulelo Memani would take over as acting chief financial officer for three months.
“If the vacancies have not been filled in three months, an item would be submitted to council to determine amendments to the acting positions and period of acting.” Lobese expressed his appreciation and thanks to both Paulse and Lotter for “their commitment, dedication, discipline, profession-
alism and passion displayed during their term of office”. Paulse thanked all staff for the “support, respect and professional conduct” during his term as municipal manager and stressed the requirement to “maintain the applicable communication protocols as a critical component for good governance”.
4
CXPRESS
THE SOUP KITCHEN & AYETHU EDUCARE CENTRE
NEWS & VIEWS
31 August 2016
River bylaw’s first manifestation now to be found on banks of Keurbooms and Bitou
Words & photo: Errol Finkelstein
Drop off point at Sotheby’s, 25 Main Street, Summer Hill, Plett
In need of dry/canned food, new/used clothing & stationery for the centre...Please give generously.
OLLOWING promulgation of the Bitou Municipality River Bylaw last December, the municipality and CapeNature are erecting informative sign boards along the banks of both Keurbooms and Bitou rivers. The boards have started appearing from Poortjies towards the caravan park, The Tides and off Goose Valley. They will soon populate the river from the mouth up to the N2 bridge. The sign boards are the first visible manifestation of the much-welcomed bylaw, which gives Bitou the power to restore tranquillity to its river systems. (The local boating fraternity has grown from an estimated 40 boats in the 1970s, to well over 1,000 today.) The new bylaw gives the
F
council the authority to enforce the long-standing rule that boats going be-
tween the rivermouth and bridge shall create no wake, i.e. going dead
DON’T DO IT: Supported by the municipality, Plett Tourism and Cape Nature, the sign boards recently erected serve as visible reminder of the new river bylaw and its regulations
Evolving an ecological economy N a nutshell, the interconnected practices of ‘top-down’ government and commerce have remained much the same since a monetary code was added to state law in the Sumerian city-state of Ur over 4,500 years ago. The global dilemma is that the ancient values of community practice and the ecosystems of nature were never taken into account in these first laws of ‘civilization’, a legal deficit back then that became the primary reason for the high levels of poverty apparent in society and nature right now. In this global case, SA now has the ‘ecological’ law with which the exclusion of community and natural values can be redressed over time. But in the case of its economy SA has a much more immedi-
I
ate dilemma to resolve. The real heart of the economy consists of just two vital trading networks: the large, business-to-business (B2B) network which provides raw materials, products and services to the myriad of business-toconsumer (B2C) networks that serve every community on the ground. However, for a confusion of historical reasons, government and commerce have never invested sufficiently in developing the crucial B2C networks on the ground. As a result our economy has one of the most distorted patterns of income distribution in the world. The economy is extremely resistant to interference (think Nene), ethical change (think socialism) and impact regulation (think climate
change). How then can its drastic distortion be willingly fixed? The simple solution is in the huge gains to be made through complementary ecological trading. Our Municipal Systems Act calls for a new form of ‘frontline’ local government that complements the existing system of formal representative government with an ‘ecological’ system of participatory governance. By applying the same complementary principle to our economy, we could cultivate an ecological system of ‘upliftment’ economics that would add considerable value to the existing system of the formal economy. A South African initiative has already set the precedent for its implementation. Community
slow ahead. It is hoped that channel markers will eventually display the ‘No Wake’ message, too. Skiing is permitted only above the N2 bridge between 10am and 4pm daily. The Estuary is one of the most sensitive and important natural elements of the bountiful beauty we all enjoy in Plett. One of the side benefits of a healthy and quiet estuary is that the resident flamingo flock is growing and stabilising, coincidentally or otherwise. Go to www.youtube. com and type ‘Plettenberg Bay, Keurbooms River Flamingo Flock lands to feed’ into the search bar to see a short video clip of the flock, now estimated to number in excess of 80 birds, recorded on Saturday August 27.
Ian Dewar
Exchange Systems Ltd in Cape Town is hosting social-capital trading systems for 872 communities in 82 countries worldwide. CES has also piloted a commercial-capital trading system, and a naturalcapital trading system is on the drawing board. These, potentially, are the online trading tools for enabling ‘bottom-up’ civic entrepreneurship. The pertinent question is; when are communities on the ground going to stop politicising the problems from the past, and get down to doing the ecological business of the future? • Ian Dewar is a researcher, innovator and technologist turned avid transformation activist through his experience with the RDP Forum of Greater Plettenberg Bay.
NEWS & VIEWS
31 August 2016
CXPRESS
5
World’s most bio-diverse trail about to welcome its 10th posse of pilgrims N the eve of the 10th annual Eden to Addo Great Corridor Hike - a 400km trek from Knysna to Addo Elephant Park - it’s worth revisiting the objec-
O
tives of this pilgrimage to biodiversity, now renowned globally as ‘must-do hike’ and ‘South Africa’s very own Camino’, albeit a wee bit tougher.
After their Friday evening rendezvous, 23 hikers will set off on September 3 through the Garden of Eden forests, where elusive elephants still hide. Within a week they
TAKING THE SCENIC TRACK: Eden to Addo is becoming a ‘must do’ experience for the serious hiker, offering an appealing route for those interested in long-distance trekking - a sport that is fast gaining popularity worldwide
Notice Board Plett Tourism Annual General Meeting Members and associate members of Plett Tourism and interested parties are invited to attend the AGM at The White House Theatre today, August 31, from 12 noon to 2pm. The AGM will review Plett Tourism’s past activities, and table its future activities and strategic challenges. This is a particularly important AGM as a new Tourism Board will be voted in. September 1 is National Skin Cancer Screening Day The South African Skin Cancer Foundation has organised a screening day on September 1, and dermatologists throughout South
Africa have offered to do free screenings for skin cancer, which is increasing worldwide, and public awareness is key to early detection as timeous treatment of skin cancers could save many lives. Sun is the main culprit causing these cancers just driving 10 minutes to the shops is enough daily sun to cause skin cancer development. Sun avoidance and sun protection by wearing hats, long sleeves and sunscreen can help to prevent skin cancer. If you have any growth on your skin, especially if it is new or different, or if any growth feels itchy or starts bleeding, then you must see your doctor - it could save your life.
Halszka Covarr shared this photo and wrote: “You may want to use this image to raise awareness for the upcoming Coastal Cleanup Day. My daughter Zosia and I created it out of plastic collected on Robberg Island Beach on Sunday. Even on this apparently clean beach, it’s amazing how much litter there is once you start looking! We named our picture ‘Sad seas’.” International Coastal Cleanup Day is celebrated on September 17 and in Plett, the event will take place on Robberg 1 Beach, involving some fun and education for everyone. Activities will include a beach cleanup, a Lunchbox theatre show, the unveiling of a magnificent giant plastic wave, a beach art competition using the collected beach litter, and more.
In Plett, Dr Sian Hartshorne, dermatologist at Mediderm in Monks View, will be doing free screenings during the morning of September 1. It is a 10-minute check and there is no treatment. Phone 044 533 3067 to book as there is limited space available, and visit www.cxpress.co.za to read the full story on skin cancer prevention. PAWS car boot sale The Plett Animal Welfare Services Car Boot Sale continues to grow and the last event, held in June, attracted large numbers of stall holders, shoppers and browsers. The next CBS will be held on Sunday September 4 from 9am to 1pm in the parking area of The Market Square shopping centre, and a R100 donation allows you to sell as much as you like. Please contact Margie Hollely on 044 533 6262/082 551 6301 if you want to participate. Equus account at St Peter’s next Friday The fascinating account of a seven-day ride through the expansive, untamed Namibian desert, titled ‘Equus - an incredible safari’, will be presented at St Peter’s Anglican Church in Plett on Friday September 9. Doors open at 5:30pm and the talk by Barbara de Bruijn starts at 6pm. Tickets at R80 include a complimentary glass of wine, and are available from the Parish office in Church Street. Call 044 533 5558 or email formosap@telkomsa.net for additional information.
will be traversing the Kouga Mountains before dropping into Baviaanskloof, its freeroaming rhino and buffalo adding excitement to any walking day. In the Groot Winterhoek range, they will hike across the endless Springbokvlakte flats before entering Addo Elephant National Park - a gruelling 20 days of walking through some of the most remote mountain areas of the region, averaging 20km a day. It is unique in that Eden to Addo gains special access to private areas not normally seen by the general public. In some cases the hikers are the only humans that pass through some areas on a yearly basis. But Eden to Addo is not just about slogging through beautiful and inspiring landscapes; its much bigger vision is the creation of links between three impor-
tant conservation areas on private land, thereby helping to mitigate fragmentation of the landscape - the greatest contributor to loss in biodiversity. The Eden to Addo Corridor Initiative is working towards identifying and managing conservation corridors linking the Garden Route National Park, the Baviaanskloof World Heritage Site, and Addo Elephant National Park. Corridors that link existing protected areas are critical for the free movement of animals, birds, insects, and plants - and especially in a region boasting the confluence of five distinct vegetation zones or biomes, such as nama karoo, succulent karoo, forest, and thicket. This year’s fundraising hikers have made a personal contribution to this conservation initiative, while also having attempted to gain sponsorship for every kilometre walked, thus raising further funds
through the www.givengain.com website. The mission for 2016 is to raise R100,000 to declare as nature reserve the Keurbooms River Corridor - the water catchment for Plettenberg Bay - thus importantly connecting the eastern section of Garden Route National Park to its western section. But it’s not all serious ecobusiness, slog and sweat, as each afternoon hikers will arrive at safari-style tented camps with fires on the go (where permitted), packs already delivered and food waiting to be served. Hot buckets of water will allow washing off the day’s hard-earned perspiration, if the nearby stream is a bit on the chilly side. Storytelling and debates on all manner are sure to take place around the nightly campfires. Visit www.edentoaddo. co.za or email admin@ edentoaddo.co.za for more about the major issues being addressed by E2A.
6
CXPRESS
NEWS & VIEWS
31 August 2016
Everyone’s a winner at BIA’s splendiferous spelling bee Belinda Coram
PELLING can be lots of fun instead of tedious homework… if you do it the Born in Africa (BIA) way, of course! BIA director Isabelle de Smul Brink and volunteer Veronique Claes decided in June this year to host a spelling bee for the 200 Grade 2-7 BIA learners from The Crags, Wittedrift, Kranshoek and Harkerville. Just before the school holidays commenced, all students received their sets of words to learn. And when the third term kicked off, the BIA mentors conducted daily spelling sessions with the children. They learned the words, the meaning, and the correct method of spelling each one - and had a ball in the process. The top two students from each grade per school were selected for the competition, which took place on August 18 and was hosted at The Crags Primary’s hall, for which all involved were most grateful. One could feel the magical energy upon arrival, with 50 learners fervently practising their words in anticipation
S
BEE QUEEN: Grade 2 winner Rohitha Williams shows off her well-deserved certificates
of the contest. After a written test was conducted and the top four of each grade selected, the learners took to the stage, where the competition was really tough. Master of ceremonies, Juffrou Louw of The Crags Primary, did a sterling job at conducting the spelling rounds with each respective grade’s top spellers. Judges Loggerenberg and Johnson of Kranshoek Primary and Juffrou Koeberg of The Crags were kept on their toes with rapid-fire spelling and the serious level of intensity that the spelling bee soon reached. Proud and deserving winners at the end of the excit-
ing afternoon were Anastatia Olivier (Gr 7), Jamie-Lee Booysen (Gr 6), Chenique Seedat (Gr 5), Obuhle Madolo (Gr 4), Kehano Dyers (Gr 3) and Roheesha Williams (Gr 2). Once the winners, runners up, third and fourth places were announced, they all received bicycles generously donated by Jeff Michelsen of Belgium, watches and shopping vouchers. This was followed by all participates being invited onto stage to select their own personal gift - because at BIA, everyone’s a winner. A big shout out to BIA mentors Sarija, Catherine and Marita for preparing the kids, to Woolworths for donating the yummy snacks, to The Crags Primary for hosting the event, to the judges mentioned above and to Isabelle, Veronique and Valerie and BIA volunteers Sophie and Eline for organising all the logistics. But the biggest thanks go to those Grade 2-7s who all worked so hard in preparation of the spelling bee. • Belinda Coram is the academic coordinator at Born in Africa - visit www.bornin africa.org to find out more.
BUSINESS
31 August 2016
CXPRESS
7
Plenty of choice in Plett for the not-so-rich and famous EAUTIFUL Plettenberg Bay is not just about Beachy Head’s multimillion-rand seafront mansions; it also boasts plenty of more affordable property options for the increasing number of middle-income South Africans who want to call this Garden Route town ‘home’. So says John Fuller, owner of the local Chas Everitt International franchise, who adds: “For the past 50 years, Plett has been known as top leisure destination for the wealthiest people in SA, who come here to enjoy miles of golden, unspoilt beaches, water sports on the lagoon, polo at Kurland, and excellent golfing facilities. “And in recent times it has gained even more renown as an affluent playground, with millionaires and even billionaires from all over the world lapping up luxury homes. “We recently sold a R5.1-million property to a buyer from Cyprus
B
who intend to retire here, and the latest New World Wealth/MasterCard survey of wealthy SA suburbs says Plett is now South Africa’s third most sought-after property location in the country after Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard and Sandton in Joburg. “However, it is important to point out that our average property price, if one includes empty stands and excludes the small quantity of ultra-luxury homes, is currently only around R1.65-million. “Many well-priced properties are available for families who want to make Plett their permanent home, and for seniors who want to retire or semi-retire here.” The 12 months to the end of May saw 279 freehold sales worth R966m with a median price of R1.5m, and 138 sectional title sales worth R140m with a median price of R835,000. “These figures indicate that sec-
CASTLETON: A four-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom triplex is currently on sale through Chas Everitt International Plett for R1.65m
tional title apartments here are extremely well-priced and in the mature areas of Plett, fairly close to the beaches, three-bedroom homes offer attractive buys at R1.5 to R2.5-million.” Some examples of what is currently available include: • Apartments in Castleton, offering spacious three and fourbedroom apartments priced from R925,000 to R1.65m, some with beautiful sea views and most fully furnished. The complex has excellent security, a pool, tennis court, mini golf, on-site restaurant, volleyball and a games room. It is close to Robberg Beach and the CBD with all its other attractions. • Santini Village offers two and three-bedroom apartments in this secure complex priced from R595,000 to R985,000. Communal facilities include a pool, while Central Beach, the famous Beacon Isle and newlyrenovated Main Street precinct are all just minutes away. Most apartments offer sea and/or mountain views and some are sold furnished. • Dunes Resort is in the Keurboomstrand area, 10km from Plett. Its spacious two-bedroom, two-bathroom units are all furnished, with undercover parking and private walled gardens, and prices start from around R1m. The resort has direct access to its own private beach as well as two pools, a playground, and on-site bar and restaurant. • Goose Valley Golf Estate boasts the most popular sectional title development in Plett, and prices for two-bedroom, onebathroom apartments range from around R1.1 to R1.3m, levies including water and golf club membership for two. Apartments with additional bedrooms and bathrooms are also available, starting from around R1.45m. Security is excellent and the estate has tennis and squash courts, an on-site restaurant, and
direct access to the lagoon. • Houses and luxury apartments in the River Club accesscontrolled development on the banks of Piesang River are priced at around R1.25m, while
family-size homes with three bedrooms and two bathrooms start at around R2m. • Limited life-rights units at Stromboli’s Retirement Village are priced from R1 to R1.5m.
8
CXPRESS
INTERVAL
31 August 2016
Alan and his walking, talking centipede LAN decided life would be more fun if he had a pet. So he went to the pet shop and told the owner that he wanted to buy an unusual pet. After some discussion, Alan finally bought a talking centipede, which came in a little white box to be used as its house.
A
He took the box back home, found a good spot for it and decided he would start off by taking his new pet to the pub for a drink with him. So he asked the centipede in the box: “Would you like to go down to the pub with me today? We will have a good time.”
Not in front of them! happily married man had only one complaint: his wife was always nursing sick birds. One cold evening, he came home to find a raven with a splint on its beak sitting in his favourite chair. On the dining room table there was a feverish eagle pecking at an aspirin, while in the kitchen his wife was comforting a
A
HE teenager lost a contact lens while playing basketball in his driveway. After a brief, fruitless search, he gave up. His mother took up the cause and within minutes she had found the lens.
“I looked everywhere, how did you do that?” her son asked. “We weren’t looking for the same thing,” she explained. “You were looking for a small piece of plastic. I, on the other hand, was looking for R150!”
Two ladies were talking... “AT our age, I don’t know what would be worse: Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s,” one lady said to another. Her friend replied: “Oh,
He decided to invite the centipede one last time, and this time he put his face up against the centipede’s box and shouted: “Hey you in there! Would you like to go to the pub with me?! This time, a little voice came out of the box: “I heard you the first time! I’m just putting on my darn shoes!”
shivering little wren that she found. The furious spouse strode over to where his wife was towelling down the cold little bird. “I can’t take it anymore! We’ve got to get rid of all these darn... “ The wife held up her hand to cut him off in mid-curse. “Please dear,” she said, “not in front of the chilled wren.”
A mother’s eyesight
T
But there was no answer from his new pet. This bugged Alan a bit, but he waited a minute and then asked again: “How about going down to the pub with me?” Yet again, there was no answer from his new friend and pet. So Alan waited a few more minutes, thinking about the situation.
I’d rather have Parkinson’s… definitely Parkinson’s. Better to spill half my wine than to forget where I keep the bottle.”
Doing nothing is very hard to do - you never quite know when you’re done.
The universal signal for an emergency WO avid hunters take a hunters’ safety class in which they learn that the universal signal for an emergency is three shots in the air. Sure enough, on their next hunting trip the two men get lost. One says to the other: “What shall we do?” The other replies: “I know. Fire three shots in the air and someone may
T
come to find us.” He fires off three shots, and they wait two hours. No sign of help. “What shall we do? Fire off three more shots?” So he does. Three hours later there is no response and it is getting dark. The one says: “Shall we try again?” His friend replies: “I guess not - I only have two arrows left.”
SOCIAL SCENE
31 August 2016
CXPRESS
9
People, places & events
LOVE AND GOOD LUCK FOR THE NEXT 50: Liesel Fosbrook, above, invited a crowd of crazily attired friends to join her, hubby Andrew and their three children, with her at left below, in celebrating her 50th birthday last Friday night. The Fosbrooks - of Crush Surf and Plett’s Surf Café fame, among other styling local businesses - treated guests to the tunes of awesome Cape Town outfit Goodluck, which is generally regarded as SA’s most exciting live electronic band. Combine the party’s Africa Burn theme with a perfectly mild pre-spring evening and excellent vibes from all those present, and it’s easy to see why this celebration will live in the memories of Liesel’s party throng for a long time to come. - Photos: Sharyn Hodges
SEDGIES IN THE MUSIC HALL: The sixth Knysna-Plett Concert of the year was held on August 22 at Knysna DRC hall, where Willem de Beer gave a piano recital of works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, Frédéric Chopin, Oliver Messiaen, and Mily Balakirev that was enjoyed by Sedgefield residents, from left, Wayno Meyer, Inga Patschke, Jacqueline du Plessis and Mikyle Busson. - Photo: Timothy Twidle THE STUFF AFRICAN DREAMS ARE MADE OF: Candles lighting the pathway, impis welcoming guests with a victory dance, elephant tusks and kudu horns as backdrop… the spirit of Africa was rife at George’s eighth annual Gourmets and Gourmands, which raised nearly R300,000 for Carpe Diem School on August 20. Some 200 guests stepped into an African Dream and experienced our continent in all its splendour. Restaurants and vineyards from all over the Route ensured that guests were sated in style. Pictured at left is the team of first-time participants The Fat Fish - from left are Blossom Febana, Ricardo Company, and Fat Fish head honcho Simon Ash. AUNT SARAH’S MILESTONE FÊTED: Aunt Sarah Swarts was treated to a welldeserved party at the New Birth Kingdom Ministries Church hall on August 23, hosted by Knysna SAPS to celebrate her 100th birthday. Apart from members of the SAPS, Victim Support, Knysna Community Police Forum, senior citizens and family members, it was attended by Knysna mayor Eleonore Bouw-Spies, who said: “This milestone is a clear indication that nothing is impossible.” Pictured with the birthday girl from left are Mary Arnolds of Victim Support, W/O Adam Jacobs, and Knysna Community Police Forum chair Cheryl Britz.
10
CXPRESS
31 August 2016
CLASSIFIEDS
ON THE SOAPBOX
31 August 2016
Letters to the Editor
Email: editor@cxpress.co.za - Fax: 044 533 0852 - PO Box 1449, Plett 6600
Are consumers being ripped off or what?!
CAN’T AFFORD A HEADACHE: The difference in price of Compral at - from the top - Clicks, Checkers, and Pick n Pay in Plettenberg Bay
Bouquets for brilliant service in Plett We do moan and groan a lot, and I contribute more than my share, when justified… But what a run of good service we’ve had of late! So here are my bouquets to Plett service providers: Bitou Car Licensing Went in at 7:50am and was out before 8am, new vehicle registration in hand. Hassle-free, quick, and pleasant processing. KwaNokuthula Home Affairs My wife, Elaine, needed her passport to be renewed. We arrived at 8am to have the door opened to a welcoming smile. We were told that the brand new digital fingerprint and camera were installed and in operation - so no more hard copy passport photos needed. It’s a five-minute task to get the digital stuff done as a once off. Then check in at the desk, pay your fees, sign digitally and walk out done! Four days later, we got the SMS to collect the new passport, which is really super impressive. Awesome IT at our Home Affairs Department. Dillon from ARC Not to be outdone, I asked Plett online for suggestions for a good dishwasher maintenance service provider. I called two, without connecting to either, then someone suggest-
ed Dillon from ARC. I called, he answered, said he’d be finished with his current job and would pop in within 30 minutes. He did, ultraprofessional, diagnosis complete pronto, on the way to resolution. Plettenberg Bay Post Office Went in around midday with an envelope to overnight to Durban via Speed Services, knowing that the next day was a public holiday. Told it was too late for today, would only leave the day after the holiday and hence only arrive in Durban on the following Monday. Our long-serving Post Master, who had coincidentally overheard all of this, said: “Don’t worry Sir, I’ll catch up to the collecting guys who have left already and make sure that this envelope is delivered in Durban the morning after the holiday tomorrow.” Now that really is amazing! Where else on this planet would you find that commitment? Just brilliant. Knowing the new RSA Postal Services CEO Mark Barnes as I do, I imagine he’d be as pleased as I was with that quick action. Well done, Plett, keep up the world-class service, leading the way! ‘Errol @ Goose Valley’, Plett
Here is an example of how we are being ripped off in Plett. All of the pictures were taken on the same day for exactly the same product - Compral in a 100-tablet container. 1. Clicks (Market Square): The price marked is R49.95 (showing a saving of R14); should this price move to R63.95, it is still a significant increase over that charged earlier this year. 2. Checkers: The price marked is R79.99, i.e. 60% above Clicks. 3. Pick n Pay: The price marked is R65.99 - that’s still a significant increase over that charged earlier this year. Not so long ago, the Checkers and Pick n Pay prices were in the lower R50s, but now both jumped to R79.99. Pick n Pay only recently reduced it to R65.99. It would be interesting to get an answer from these companies in this regard. Rob Windsor, Plett
Eensydig en Engels? Ek verwys na die uitgawe van 17 Augustus en die gedansery op die voorblad, met die opskrif ‘Victory dance’, asook die artikel oor die burgemeester op bladsy 3. Dit wil vir my voorkom asof die koerant hom verlustig het in die ANC se “oorwinning”. Waak asseblief dat CXPRESS nie ‘n eensydige koerant word vir die ANC se doen en late nie. Skryf tog ook asseblief meer in Afrikaans. Dankie en groete! Daan Freislich, Plett (Haai Daan, dis darem ‘n rowwe aantyging wat jy daar maak! Besoek gerus ons webwerf om te sien hoeveel dekking gegee is aan die DA se voor-verkiesing veldtogte in Knysna en Plettenbergbaai, sowel as inligting voorsien rakende minder-matige of onbekende partye betrokke by dié jaar se munisipale verkiesing.
Onthou asseblief ook dat ‘n groot gros van ons lesers inderdaad ANC-ondersteuners is - ag jy dit regverdig om self-sensuur toe te pas wat beriggewing oor hul oorwinningblydskap aanbetref? Wat ons storie oor nuwe burgemeester Peter Lobese aanbetref: ons kon beswaarlik aansluit by die suurdruiwe-brigade wat die dorp-vol marsjeer het gedurende die dae en weke na Bitou se verkiesingsuitlsae aangekondig is. Laastens, baie dankie vir die kans om bietjie in Afrikaans te ‘gesels’! Dis ‘n jammerte, maar die feit bly staan dat selfs ons Afrikaanssprekende lesers en adverteerders meestal hul menings op hierdie blaaie in Engels lug, om sodoende die grootste persentasie CXPRESS bewonderaars te bereik. Maar moenie skroom om in die toekoms bydraes in jou moedertaal te lewer nie. - Reds.)
Knysna Sport Academy tour It’s that time of the year again when our development sportsmen are extremely excited about two sporting tours coming up during September. First up is a cycling tour from September 2-4 to Potberg to compete in the Potberg de Hoop MTB race. This is followed by a golf tour to George from September 26-30. We are charging the riders and players a minimum fee to assist with some of the costs, but we would like to reach out and ask for any donations towards food, fuel, drinks, accom-
modation, green fees, etc. These events are known to be the highlight of the year for our young sportsmen and with your support, we know that we can make both outings exceed their expectations. If you are able to help, contact Marycka Hendriks on 044 384 1604 or email secretary@knysna sportschool.co.za, and check out www.knvsna sportschool.co.za for additional information. Thanking you in advance. Jan van Wageningen Manager: Knysna Sport Academy
CXPRESS
Read CXPRESS online at www.cxpress.co.za
sunglass boutique que
11
12
CXPRESS
SPORT & ADVENTURE
31 August 2016
Plett Surf bowls day will ensure an excellent ‘9/11’ EARLY everyone will be able to tell you where they were on September 11, 2001, when the USA was attacked and the Twin Towers fell. This year’s Plett Surf Barefoot Bowls day will take place on that same date. But the day is sure to be remembered for totally different reasons. The Barefoot Bowls Day is the start of the massive fundraising efforts made annually by Plett Surf Life Saving Club. The club raises funds throughout the lifesaving season, the
bulk of these finances being directed towards its budding Nippers section. In late March this year, for instance, funds raised helped sponsoring the branded tour bus that safely transported 58 kids to Durban for the Nipper Nationals, and returning them home with a basket full of medals and a lifetime of memories. Funds are also used in conjunction with Adopt a Swimmer and Born in Africa for an extremely successful Development Programme, which has seen kids’ lives changed for the better, forever.
N
But back to Sunday the 11th’s Barefoot Bowls Day: last year’s inaugural event was met with great enthusiasm by pro and novice bowlers alike. With a handicap scoring system and members of Plett Bowling Club on hand to give advice to beginners, no experience is needed to join in the fun. Teams of four will compete in the competition, with a lunch break inbetween the morning and afternoon sessions. With food being prepared by The Table, The Fat Fish and Le Fournil, quality eats are guaranteed.
The day offers an excellent opportunity for families and businesses both to join the action and have a pile of fun. Last year’s Spur team enjoyed the event so much that they joined the Business Bowls League, and they’ll be back this year with a shot at the trophy. Playing space is limited, so enter today and ensure great memories of 9/11 2016 with friends, colleagues or staff on the greens. Contact Shaamera on 083 304 5087 to book your team and see the advert on page 5 for additional information.
This Nippers father will be missed by all Academic coordinator at Born in Africa BELINDA CORAM pays tribute to a great father and friend OBERT ‘Bobby’ Kleinsmidt passed away peacefully at his home on Monday morning August 15 around 7:30, shortly after his children left for school. Husband to Delina and father to Cally, Ellen, Robert and Badier, Bobby was an active member of his community in Kranshoek and a man who was very interested in everything going on around the world. It was always easy to strike up a conversation with Bobby, who showed genuine empathy with those around him - his vast general knowledge meant he always had an
R
interesting story to share. He had a vision for his children, who are part of the Born in Africa educational programme, and spent much of his last two years working for BIA, driving the children to and from Nippers and Kumon maths classes. He loved the ocean, and watching his children participate in Plett’s Nippers team gave him immense joy. It was an honour for Plett Surf Lifesaving to have Bobby involved in the last two Nippers Nationals, during which he would spend time interacting with the youngsters, and always had a motivational mes-
BOBBY KLEINSMIDT: 18.8.1957 - 15.8.2016
sage for them. Bobby learnt that his illness was terminal in June 2015, so he actively started preparing the family for running the household without him, teaching them practical problem-solving and offering much positive input for their lives ahead. Saying goodbye to such
a great man, father, husband and friend was never going to be easy. Bobby was laid to rest on a rainy Saturday morning in Kranshoek, with family and friends attending and paying final respects. The Plettenberg Bay community has suffered the loss of a great man, Bobby Kleinsmidt.
RIP, Red Devil
Discover Tiles that match style to value
Tile Magic Tile Adhesive 20 kg
R39 95 each
L05715
Milan White/Grey/Beige
Milano Ivory/ Cloud/Waterfall Polished Porcelain
Super White
R129 99
R149 99
R199 99
L09603/4/5
L09350/3/5
L09356
per m2
per m2
per m2
Tile Magic Super Grip Tile Adhesive 20 kg
R69 95 each
L05714 - 600 mm x 600 mm - Extra-large format
- 600 mm x 600 mm - Nano-sealed
- 600 mm x 600 mm - Extra-large classic white
Offers valid from 15 June to 31 August 2016, while stocks last, E&OE, Pennypinchers Plettenberg Bay | Corner N2 & Rietvlei Road, Plettenberg Bay | Tel: (044) 501 3800 Pennypinchers Knysna | Meubel Street, Industrial Area, Knysna | Tel: (044) 382 5140
XPRESS contributor Glenn Murray posted this message on the Plett Surf Facebook page: The Plett Lifesaving family lost a father earlier today. Bobby Kleinsmidt was a larger than life father figure in the club. A jovial, sharp-witted man who gave so much to the kids - especially those from the Born in Africa programme. No distance was too far for Bobby to drive and his smiling face behind the wheel of the team minibus will not leave our memories for a long time. Our condolences go out to his wife Delina and kids Bobby, Ellen, Buddy and Cally, who were so supportive during Bobby’s long and brave fight with illness. Bobby will now take up his season ticket at Old Trafford in the sky. RIP, Red Devil.
C
P L E T T E N B E R G B AY A N D K N Y S N A