31 July 2019

31 July 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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‘We love being the news!’

The talented t dL Lunchbox hb Th Theatre t crew recently tl produced d d a video id clip li tto express their th i appreciation i ti off CXPRESS - find d outt more on page 4 and view the video on YouTube by typing ‘What are the 2 most valued words for a supporter to hear on Mandela Day’ in the search bar.

In the pic from left are Stuart Palmer, Amanda Valela, Nkosinathi Xipula, Donne Rundle, Nomzamo Maga, Ntombizodwa Ntoni, Maphiko Mncedisi Ncedani, and Gaillene Isaks.

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

31 July 2019

So, we’ve witnessed a cautious drop in the prime rate… …but there’s still a painful gap between borrowing and lending, writes STUART MURRAY IKE most people, I guess, I’m constantly at a loss when the powers that be attempt to cheer us up with soothing utterances such as “inflation is on the downside”, “food prices under control”, “household credit growth steady”, and so on.

This past half-year I have watched food prices climb steadily, explained rationally by ever-increasing transport costs fed by fuel hikes.

In tandem, prices of medically-necessary personal fuels such as beer, wine, and spirits have soared upwards. For example, my favourite gargling red (comfortably at the lower wine-price scale) has risen by some R9 a bottle.

I struggle to convince myself that some 750ml-plus bottle can cost so much more to truck to market.

Meanwhile, as predicted, the SA Reserve Bank has lowered the repo rate (at which commercial banks borrow from the RB) by 25 basis points from 6.75% to 6.50%. This means the prime lending rate falls to 10% per annum.

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Making the announcement, SA Reserve Bank governor Lesetja Kganyago was cautious, but relatively upbeat.

Key prospects which influenced the bank’s decision to lower the rate include a strengthening rand, expected recovery in economic growth, and headline inflation, averaging 4.3% so far this year, and expected to remain within the RB’s target range of 3-6%.

For financially stricken borrowers the rate cut is at the absolute minimum, offering a modicum of relief, and one cannot but feel that the rationale was mostly about giving the public something to feel good about.

On the other hand, deposit rates offered by financial institutions are likely to fall, with the adverse effect on savings and investments - depending, of course, on contract terms.

At the same time, the cut will give some relief to mortgage bondholders. The prime bond rate falls to 10% per annum, but the benefit is not likely to have borrowers dancing in the streets.

For example, the saving on

a 20-year bond of R1-million is R165 a month; on a R5million mortgage, the saving amounts to R831.

I suppose, however, that bondholders can gain a modicum of comfort should they look back at the 2008/9 prime/ mortgage rate, which sat at around 15% per annum.

Interestingly, the moribund property market is showing signs of getting off the canvas.

ABSA’s Homeowner Sentiment Index reports that the number of respondents feeling positive about the market increased to 77% in the second quarter of this year. Main reasons for this optimism were that property was a secure asset, and the fact that it increased in value.

Ongoing political uncertainty and land appropriation without compensation were negative responses received from contributors.

According to ABSA property analyst Jacques du Toit, the level of positive sentiment towards buying property improved to 82% in the second quarter of the year from 79% in the first quarter.

Reasons proffered included “a good investment”, “prices are relatively low”, and “property renders a good return”.

Talking of good (and bad) returns, it’s worth a look at personal credit agreements - if only to wonder at the interestrate gap between borrowing and investing. The National Credit Act regulates credit agreements, ostensibly ensuring that borrowers don’t get ripped off too often.

Check out this guide, with the type of credit agreement listed before the maximum interest you can be charged: • Home loans - repo rate (RR) plus 12% pa • Unsecured loan RR + 21% pa • Vehicle finance - RR + 17% pa • Credit facility (i.e. credit card) - RR + 14% pa • Short-term loan - 5% pm x 6 = 30% up to 48% pa.

So where does the cautious rate drop leave us?

• Stuart Murray (stuart murray758@gmail.com) is a former senior assistant editor of Financial Mail and cofounder, editor, and CEO of Finance Week. He is retired and lives in Plettenberg Bay.

NEWS & VIEWS

31 July 2019

CXPRESS

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Commander injured as angry mob attacks police after New Horizons murder HAOS erupted in New Horizons on Saturday when community members attempted to take the law into their own hands following the fatal stabbing of a young local man.

In the process, Plett police station commander colonel Nolan Michaels was injured and at least two vehicles were damaged as an angry mob attacked police when they arrested the alleged murder suspect.

Police spokesman captain Malcolm Pojie said Michaels was one of the local police members who responded to reports of a murder in Taaibos Avenue in New Horizons at about 3:20pm.

Marcel Clinton Williams, 23, was allegedly stabbed by the father of his girlfriend.

Pojie said Williams and

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his girlfriend allegedly had an altercation earlier that day. She then informed her 53-year-old father, who allegedly reacted by confronting Williams with other family members in tow.

“The confrontation ended up with the deceased being stabbed in his neck. He collapsed in the street where he was later declared dead by paramedics on the scene,” Pojie said.

He added that a group of New Horizons residents then decided to take the law into their own hands and went after the woman’s father who had, following the altercation with her boyfriend, raced to his home to flee the mob. “[Police] members then arrested the suspect at his home. While he was being

contained, disgruntled members of the community started to attack police members while threatening to take the law into their own hands.

“They pelted police members with stones and in the process the station commander [Michaels] sustained a cut to his jaw for which he later received medical treatment.”

Pojie said there was substantial damage to police vehicles on the scene. “The vehicles will be assessed later to determine the extent of the damage and what impact it might have on service delivery.

“The manner in which certain community members of New Horizons tried to take the law into their own hands left much to be desired following an attack on

Sex pest teacher ‘damaged family’s in January this year. Both trust in mankind’ schools deny knowledge of Talia Day

ENDRIK Fourie, 47, was sentenced in Thembalethu Magistrates Court on July 12 after pleading guilty on a charge of sexual grooming of a minor.

The former Glenwood House teacher was sentenced to one year correctional supervision and three years imprisonment, suspended for five years.

He is not allowed in the vicinity of children, and his name has been listed in the National Sex Offenders Registry (NSRO).

The victim was 16 when the incident was reported to his parents, three years after its occurrence. The victim continued to undergo abuse by Fourie on multiple occasions until it was reported in 2017, when Fourie was arrested.

The sentence was met with shock by the George community, especially the victim’s family. The father said: “I feel that the law must be

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GUILTY OF GROOMING: Hendrik Fourie continued teaching while waiting to be sentenced

changed to impose far harsher sentences and the names of sexual offenders that appear in the NRSO should be accessible to anyone at any time. He damaged our family’s trust in mankind.”

In 2018, while awaiting sentencing and after being released on bail of R2,000, Fourie moved to Cape Town, following his dismissal from Glenwood Boarding School.

He started teaching at Morgenson Primary in Athlone, and then moved on to Table View Primary

any pending criminal cases against Fourie.

“We never had any cause for concern. He was an excellent teacher and a pleasant man. We never had any incidents during his time here,” said Morgenson principal Envor Peterson.

Table View Primary principal Gollie Gouws said: “We did not know of the allegations or pending matter against him. His qualifications and South African Council of Educators certificate were valid during the period of employment. If we had known, we would never have considered him for any position at our school. Fourie resigned with immediate effect on Saturday.”

Joanne Barrett of Women and Men against Child Abuse felt the sentence was not severe enough: “Harsher sentences are needed to send a strong message that these acts won’t be tolerated. Victims live with the crime committed at the end of the day.”

INJURED: Plett station commander colonel Nolan Michaels - Photo: Ewald Stander

police officers,” said Eden cluster commander majorgeneral Oswald Reddy.

“Attacking those who have put their lives at stake to protect the very community by arresting a murder suspect, cannot be tolerated.”

He also condemned the attack on Michaels and other police members “in the strongest terms possible”.

Despite the incident, Reddy said that they remained committed to serving the entire community and held

their safety at heart.

Garden Route Media • Plett police spokesman captain Marlene Pieterse said on Tuesday that colonel Michaels was doing fine and had looked in at the station on Monday, in good spirits although being booked off.

She added that the New Horizons murder accused had appeared briefly in court the previous day, but that no information had yet been available about future court dates.

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NEWS & VIEWS

31 July 2019

Plett tourism industry sees a new dawn as negative impact of riots subsides C Ludumo Tede

RUCIAL steps to resolve the housing issue that affects Bitou’s disadvantaged communities and ultimately affect the entire Plettenberg Bay, particularly the tourism industry, are being taken to ensure the town remains in its tranquillity, following the recent riots.

Meetings between the representatives of the affected Qolweni community, Plett business chamber, municipal councillors and Plett SAPS, mediated by the South African Human Rights Commission, have been held to discuss plausible solutions to the Qolweni community housing challenge, thus eliminating the probability of yet another strike.

Plett is a town usually spoken about in reverential tones as a mecca for tourists, admired for its safety in a country with a high crime rate, and loved for its gorgeous scenery and restful ambience that kindles tourists’ desire to revisit in future.

However, what had transpired in Plett this month created a narrative contrary to what the small town is admired for. Angry protest-

ers, blockage of the national road, stones hurled, looting and vandalism of business properties have inevitably raised concerns about the negative impact of the riots on the tourism sector.

Plett Tourism Board chairman Bruce Richardson is not of a different view from the rest of concerned citizens about the negative impact on tourism arrivals.

“Tourism is a very sensitive industry. The ‘leisure dollar’ is the most considered and sensitive spend on the planet. People want to get away from their problems into the area that they perceive to be enjoyable and carefree.

“It would be naive to think that the contradiction between what tourists perceive Plett to be and the reality during the riots, no doubt published throughout the world, would not have a negative impact on Brand Plett and consequently tourism arrivals,” he says.

According to Richardson not only the tourism industry is directly affected, but the job market as well, as there is a strong possibility of reduced job creation.

As the major attribute to the recent riots was the de-

mand for houses, the Plett business community have worked on a solutions for this problem. A communication platform that will enable housing applicants to access information regarding their names on a list and the time frames of housing projects, is being created.

Once the communication platform has been implemented, Plett Tourism is confident that a positive image of the town will be reinstated.

“Once the social contract has been signed off, Plett Tourism can, with great confidence, escalate its marketing and branding activities to counter any negative narrative and turn it into a positive.

“The Plett story is a very attractive one - quite possibly the only town in South Africa where such a social contract with its communities exist. This is a great story to share, as tourists love seeing a caring community with successful social initiatives,” Richardson concludes.

(Turn to page 3 of the July 10 edition at www.cxpress. co.za for background information on the most recent protests.)

Guess how the Lunchbox Theatre team ‘CXpressed’ themselves on Mandela Day? The CXPRESS team is thrilled with the news shared below by the LUNCHBOX THEATRE crew of a special video they produced to honour Madiba and this 21-year-old Garden Route newspaper HAT are the two most valued words any supporter could hear on Mandela Day? We, the Lunchbox Theatre team, created a special way to say ‘thank you’ to a wonderful newspaper that has given us superb support for 11 years.

In the Age of Digital Communication, do people still enjoy a quality newspaper filled with positive, local news? “Yes!” say over 30,000 people each week.

So, what does this have to do with Mandela Day? There is a strong possibility that, if you are somewhere on the Garden Route of South Africa on a Wednes-

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day, you will spot someone poring over a copy of CXPRESS - the local newspaper that has been mesmerising readers since 1998.

Lunchbox Theatre staff have been reading CXPRESS with woops of delight on many occasions, especially when we experience the thrill of being featured as ‘The News’, in our pursuit of making the world a better place by enlightening kids through live theatre.

So, for this Mandela Day, we took 67 minutes to make a video called ‘Thank you for being the paper, we love being the news!’

Our heartfelt thanks go

to CXPRESS for all the good work they are doing to embrace the positive legacy of Nelson Mandela’s sentiments on the Garden Route, and their support of our combined successes over the years.

Well done to Lezanne and Watty Watson, Esther de Villiers, Sandi Smith, Linda Ausker and the rest of the CXPRESS team - we are very proud of you.

You can also read it at www. cxpress.co.za - and we trust we’ll feature again soon. Visit http://www.lunchbox.org. za/ or https://www.facebook. com/LBTheatre to catch up with our news.

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NEWS & VIEWS

31 July 2019

CXPRESS

Plett residents, authorities create shelter in midst of cold snap Words & photos: Ludumo Tede

VERCOMING poverty is no gesture of charity. It is the protection of a fundamental right - the right to dignity and a decent life. While poverty persists, there is no true freedom.

Those are the words of the late Nelson Mandela, for whom South Africa has singled out the month of July to commemorate him and make a difference in other people’s lives.

The profundity of homeless people’s misery - especially during the recent severe weather that turned the distant blue mountains white with snow - spurred some Plett locals on to protect their fellow humans’ fundamental right to dignity and a decent life, as directed by Madiba.

Two NPOs, Ubuntu Moms and Native Roots, in collaboration with volunteers went to extraordinary lengths to ensure some of the homeless people in Plett were housed, fed, and kept warm in the depths of winter.

On July 22, over 20 Plettonians who lived in places unfit for human habitation

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were transported to a place they could call home, when Bitou Municipality availed Piesang Valley Community Hall on a temporary basis.

Stephanie Shrosbree of Ubuntu Moms says she is indebted to the caring people of Plett for allowing them to show such kindness.

“We’re truly grateful to our municipality for availing the hall - to the extent that they even moved some meetings that were to be held here to other venues.

“I know this can’t continue, and at some point we’ll have to vacate the hall because it’s only temporary.”

On Monday talks proceeded about a possible new venue the municipality might avail.

“Our crew is delighted about this privilege granted.

We even celebrated a birthday of one of the boys, who said it felt good to finally have found a sort of family in his co-residents at the hall,” says Marry-Anne Cunningham, one of the homeless initiative’s volunteers.

Efforts for rehabilitation of the homeless are clearly not falling on stony ground.

And on Sunday July 28, “the crew” gave back to the community by cleaning

stretches of beach bordering the Beacon Island.

While on the outing, one member of the group noticed a bag snatcher and acted promptly to bring the culprit to book and return her bag to the elderly lady victim. Although she decided not to press charges, she was profusely appreciative.

• If you would like to contribute goods or cash, email Stephanie at info@thego group.co.za or call 082 261 0542. Donations can be dropped at the Go Group Plett at Market on Main.

NEW FAMILY FORMED: Plett locals currently housed at the community hall - including the baby girl hugged close

by Mary-Anne Cunningham, below - are shown here preparing for bedtime

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CLEANING CREW: Some of the people receiving shelter at Piesang Valley hall showed their gratitude during a beach clean-up on Sunday

Wittedrift Primêr the target of B10F Janse van Vuuren and Madiba Day blessings eleen Delnay Terblanche spent HE Bitou 10 Foundation (B10F) nominated the Wittedrift (Stofpad) Primêr playground as its ‘67 Minutes for Mandela Day’ project on July 18. The playground had been in dire

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need of a refurb and this was a great way to bring smiles to young Bitou scholars on behalf of Nelson Mandela.

In preparation for the big day, B10F manager Sooneela Naina, and staff Mad-

BIG THANKS: The B10F is indebted to volunteers - pictured in no particular order are Allister Windwogel, Eric Mentoor, Lionel and Donovan Kamfer, Rubin Andrew, Kristel Vandenschneck, Jayme Wilderman, Kim Fichardt, Brov Prudence Pieterse, Fresonia Pillay, Wildene van Rooyen, Paul van Hoof, Kathy Terblanche, and Miila Kauppinen - and sponsors Dulux Paint Centre and Robberg Quarry for their assistance

three days scraping off old paint, sand papering, and adding primer to playground equipment. They were assisted by the school’s maintenance staff and two gardeners, whose services were offered for the morning.

On Mandela Day, folk from across Plett donated their 67 minutes to helping with the final phase of painting the playground equipment in the cheerful colours of red, green, blue and yellow.

“Thank you, Bitou 10 Foundation and all the volunteers for helping the school with the refurbishing of the play area. It is now safe, clean and pretty and the children have the opportunity to develop their fitness levels and enjoy their playtime,” said principal Peter Chalmers.

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

31 July 2019

Investor Focus

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

On Real Estate Investment Trusts OR those who remember, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are the old Property Trusts, which now fall into the international definition and rules all quoted as REITS globally. The primary rule is that they must distribute no less than 75% of their rental income and may not distribute any capital gains. Income is taxed as rental income in the hands of the investor.

These instruments form an ideal investment for retirees. Their value does however fluctuate depending on market conditions.

In the South African market they have had a horrific three years. Declines have been brutal, triggered by reports issued by global short sellers who masquerade as research institutions, i.e. they first establish short positions and then publish highlynegative reports.

When the price of their target drops they cover their short position at a lower price than the sell price and make a handsome profit.

I suspect this practice is illegal in South Africa.

Aside from market manipulators, the property sector has come under pressure due to the poor economy, having dropped by almost 30% over three years. Most sectors of the economy are performing in a desultory

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manner, with Edgars being a prime example.

Landlords are having to accept lower rental deals in order to retain their tenants. This has resulted in distributions coming under pressure and in some cases being sharply reduced.

So we have a sector under stress - often the time to go bargain hunting. A comparison of global income yields is interesting; the following are the 10year bonds in developed markets: United States of America 2.12%, United Kingdom 0.86%, Germany -0.27 (this is not a typo), South Africa 8%.

Our inflation rate is 4.5%, implying a real yield (after inflation) of 3.5%.

This is globally very attractive, particularly with the firm Rand.

It is only on rare occasions that REITs offer 2% more than the SA 10-year bond. Several of our blue chip REITs do offer yields of 10% or more.

This is what I perceive to be a buy signal.

South Africa’s economy will take time to recover so the rewards won’t come overnight, but a very useful income rewards the patient retiree.

Examples of a few of our quality REITs include Growthpoint Yield 9.4%, Redefine 11.6%, Hyprop 10.9%, Storage 8.4%, and Equities 7.4%.

Growthpoint owns 50% of the V&A as well as other quality properties; Redefine has a large quality portfolio owning several regional shopping centres; Hyprop owns Canal Walk, etc., but is now selling its African portfolio to reduce its borrowings.

Storage is a specialist REIT owning the Storage brand of properties across South Africa; Equities owns a chain of logistic type properties rented to major clients in all the major centres.

Quality REITs may be viewed as perpetual bonds, whose interest distributions will grow over time.

The ride may be “rocky” and the income may fluctuate to a small degree but should outperform inflation over time.

Retirees should consult with their advisors before jumping into these shares as short-term fluctuations may very well cause stomach ulcers. Markets are currently dominated by political comments - and who knows what our esteemed politicians may say next...?

• Malcolm has been in the investment industry for nearly 50 years. He has written this column in CXPRESS for the last 20 years and is a specialist in managing retired wealth. See the advert on page 10 for contact details.

31 July 2019 CXPRESS

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CXPRESS

INTERVAL

31 July 2019

The professor’s test professor stood before his class of 20 senior organic biology students, about to hand out the final exam.

“I want to say that it’s been a pleasure teaching you this semester. I know you’ve all worked extremely hard and many of you are off to medical school after summer.

“So that no one gets their GPA messed up because they might have been celebrating a bit too much this week, anyone who would like to opt out of the final exam today will receive a B for the test.”

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There was much rejoicing in the class as students got up, walked to the front of the class, and took the professor up on his offer.

As the last taker left the room, the professor looked out over the handful of remaining students and asked: “Anyone else?

This is your last chance.”

One final student rose and opted out of the final.

The professor closed the door and took attendance of those students remaining.

“I’m glad to see you believe in yourselves,” he said. “You all get A’s.”

Finding the perfect spouse young lady visited a computer dating service and requested: “I’m looking for a spouse.

Can you please help me find someone suitable?”

The matchmaker then asked: “What exactly are you looking for?”

“Well, let me see. He needs to be good looking, polite, humorous, sporty yet knowledgeable, good at singing and dancing. Willing to ac-

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company me the whole day at home during my leisure hour if I don’t go out. Be able to tell me interesting stories when I need a companion for conversation and be silent when I want to rest.”

The matchmaker entered all the information into the computer and, in a matter of moments, handed the results to the woman: “Buy a television.”

On musical instruments…

The viola student The conductor turned to the viola student and said: “You should have taken up the viola earlier.”

“Why?” asked the student. “Do you think the practice would have made me really good?”

“No,” replied the conductor, “but you might have given up by now.”

Drumming on A little boy thanked his grandfather for the set of

drums he bought him for his birthday.

“They’re the best present I’ve ever had,” he said.

“They’ve already earned me R800.”

“Wow!”’ said his proud grandfather: “You must have learned to play them real good!”

“Not really,” said the boy. “But Mom gives me R20 not to play them during the day, and Dad gives me R20 not to play them in the evening.”

When a woman in my office became engaged, a colleague offered her advice.

“The first seven years are the hardest,” the colleague said.

“How long have you been married?” I asked.

“Seven years,” she replied.

Challenges photographers FACE...

SOCIAL SCENE

31 July 2019

People, places & events

KNITTED BLESSINGS GRATEFULLY RECEIVED: Local pensioners were treated to tea and cake on Mandela Day in the New Horizons Community Hall. Staff members of Hunter Hotels knitted over 50 Winter Packs for these seniors, as well as 37 teddy bears for local crèches in the spirit of Ubuntu propagated by Madiba.

New Horizons Care Group collaborated with Hunter Hotels to organise the event and presented the knitted gifts made by hotel staff, Andrea Williams, Joy Sachs of Wool n More and her avid knitters, and Joan Grey and her team. Pictured at back from left are Martha Hendricks (with baby), Toekie Spies, Geraldine Miggels, and Doris Fornefeld. In front are Elizabeth Wabanie, Maria Pienaar of the New Horizons Pensioners Forum, and Madeleine Plank. The inset shows one of the lovely cakes donated to Doris and co

by Hunter Hotels. - Photo: LM Dunn BIZMARK URGENTLY NEEDS A HOME: Heather Pieterse of Plett shared these photos and wrote: “We had to evacuate our animals from PAWS due to the riots and learned the following from the lady who was kind enough to lead us cross-country to access our kennels on evacuation day. PAWS is now assisting the lady to find a temporary home for her dog, Bizmark - a magnificent three-year-old Boerboel.”

But let the lady tell the story in her own words: “I had to flee our farm due to riots and threats - this after we were held up by five gunmen five months ago and my husband was shot. He passed away four months ago. My son and I are living with a friend where dogs are not allowed. Bizmark has been snipped, and we now need a home for him for 8-12 months. He is in the kennels at present, which he hates as he is used to running around on a farm and always being by our side.” Please call Louise on 082 452 2248 if you can provide a foster home for beautiful Bizmark.

CXPRESS

GIVING BACK TO YOUNG AND OLD: Child Welfare Plettenberg Bay - pictured above are team members Nosandiso Kethimali, Mzandile Phillip, Chivonne Strydom, Delsie Mthembu, Akhona Ngam - celebrated Mandela Day on July 18 by handing out warm clothes to the community of Pine Trees in New Horizons, just as the winter climes resulted in ice-cold winds and snow-capped peaks. Three cheers to these dedicated ladies! For more information or if you would like to assist Plettenberg Bay Child Welfare, call Chivonne on 044 533 2257.

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CXPRESS

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ON THE SOAPBOX

31 July 2019

Letters to the Editor

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

Three cheers to our officers in blue!

Bravo to CXPRESS for featuring the heartwarming story about constable Lindinkosi Yoko [turn to page 5 of the July 24 edition at www.cxpress.co.za and read Talia Day’s report ‘Beyond the call of duty:

Yoko oh yes!’].

So many negative sentiments are spoken about our men and women in blue, but my experience in both Cape Town and Plettenberg Bay over 20 years is that the overwhelming majority of

Take me up on this challenge... if you dare I am a 17-year-old Earth activist and I challenge CXPRESS readers to join my 31day Conscious Consumer Challenge.

Launching on August 1 and running for the full month of August, the challenge is all about creating awareness around various aspects of our lives and seeing how our actions and decisions make a huge impact on the planet.

Lots of different topics will be discussed, from food to fashion, and becoming more conscious of what we

consume and how.

Visit www.sourcesahara.wixsite.com/whatthebag to join the challenge or contact me at infowhatthebag@gmail. com or via WhatsApp on 073 801 8199 for more information.

Sahara Thagunna, Knysna (CXPRESS has featured news of this determined young eco warrior and ‘What the Bag?’ initiator on previous occasions, most notably in our May 15 issue - find out more on page 1 and 7 of that edition at www. cxpress.co.za - Eds.)

Fine diners give back to crime fighters

Knysna photography ace Elle Redman writes: “Thought I would let you know of some guys doing awesome stuff in your town! Check the pic and ask anyone who would like to contribute to email robert.bokelmann@seeff.com for details.” The photo above was taken at the official handover of radios donated to the Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA), thanks to funds raised by the Plett Dinner Club and Ratepayers Association through a raffle, to which the local Seeff Properties branch donated R1,000 as top prize. Pictured from left is Seeff agent and Dinner Club convenor Robert Bokelmann with balaclavaclad members of the PBCPA team flanking Marius Venter of Plett Ratepayers and Herman du Plessis at right; the PBCPA’s Otto Olivier and Riana Venter are kneeling in front. Says Robert: “We dine for a reason and support charitable causes with each dinner club. As official raffle sponsor, Seeff provides R1,000 cash for each raffle, while other members donate prizes for the cause of the evening.

The Dinner Club was started with 10 people about a year back and now has 200 members. We have new events every month and have dined at over 20 different places.” Check out the Facebook page @thedinnerandsocialclub or call Robert on 083 287 0018 for further information.

Photo: Piet Maree

them are equally dedicated and hard-working.

Rather than whingeing and whining, we should roll up our sleeves, empty our bulging wallets, and give them all our support under the banner of the Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) and similar organisations in other Garden Route towns.

Mike Kantey, Plett (Hear-hear, Mike - and

check the letter elsewhere on this page about the members of a local dinner club and Plett Ratepayers Association who did just that, i.e. gift the PBCPA with essential equipment from the proceeds of a recent raffle, which also allowed organisers Seeff Plett to avail over R2,000 to pamper abused ladies in The Crags on the advent of next month’s Women’s Day. - Eds.)

These fragments of my past feature half-realised dreams…

The main interest in my life, apart from what people normally attribute to me, has been property. No one can bugger up a lovely piece of ground faster than I can. Property means building - and nothing we create destroys man more than his habitat.

I have witnessed the unbelievably destructive hand of Mr Radman’s tower blocks in London, as opposed to the terraced roads of human communication when I purchased a 100-acre farm outside Johannesburg way back in the previous century.

I worked for a different form of development.

As opposed to a high rise with its nimbus, loneliness in its isolated cells, the endless extensions of suburbia, or the fine acre deserts of failed dreams, I thought I would recreate a rural village where a pastoral life did not become a nightmare and one could share the joy of farming without its attendant risks.

In other words, I wanted to create a living green belt. What a stupid boy: did you not understand that bureaucracy with all its attendant rules and regulations has no interest in the human condition or psyche?

If there is no rule for it, then there is no rule against it. Try that argument with the Transvaal Planning Department.

My dreams entailed the hills to the north of Joburg dotted with villages filled with people sharing the deep pleasure of being close to nature on walks or when riding trains, and all that sort of lunatic dreams.

I envisaged a place where shopping malls

would not be the only options for children to play, but where they could discover the spiritual wealth of the veld.

Dream on Jose - it ain’t gonna happen that way.

However! The department did send out one of their young town planners to talk to me about my dreams late one spring afternoon. While walking around the farm showing what I wanted to do, I stopped every now and then to pick veld flowers.

Getting back to my cottage - an old thick-walled boerhuis built in 1872, which the English had burnt and I had restored - I poured the tea, but he did not drink it.

He just sat quietly looking at the bunch of veld flowers. He then looked at me and said: “I am ashamed.”

“Why?” I asked.

He replied: “I am an Afrikaner and it had taken an Englishman to show me the wild flowers of my veld.”

I did not have to argue the merits of my case; he fought for it as passionately as I did. Unfortunately we failed but out of it did grow Hertford Village in today’s Midrand, so in a small way we did manage something that gave pleasure to many people and realised my dream just a little.

As a very famous South African fella once said: “When our feet no longer trespass on the veld and our links to nature are gone, then so will be our humanity.”

I think he got it right.

If ever there was any humanity in man.

Paul Deans, Plett

CXPRESS

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CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

31 July 2019

Plettenberg Bay’s Blue Run raises awareness of most prevalent male cancer ARKERVILLE’S parkrun track was the venue for a well-supported event to raise awareness of prostate cancer on Saturday July 27, when well over 100 runners and walkers signed up to hit this beautiful forest route for a very deserving cause.

Registration could be done online beforehand through www.quicket.com or on the day from 7:30am onwards, with R50 per adult runner benefiting the worthy Cansa cause but, most importantly, bolstering the campaign to create awareness about the early detection and prevention of prostate and other cancers.

“A wonderful time was had by all, with so many Plett residents and volunteers on hand to enjoy the great outdoors while spreading the word about prostate cancer in particu-

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BLUE CREW: Runners and walkers prepare to hit the track to spread awareness specifically around prostate cancer

PARTNERS IN CANSA: Elna du Toit and Loulette Moukarzel toast the fact that R4,400 along with priceless awareness were raised through Saturday’s event

lar, as well as the prevention of cancer in general,” said co-organiser Hanlie Sinclair.

“We thank Harkerville Market for availing a stall, Bundu Breakfast for coffee vouchers, and everyone else who contributed. There was even a crew from Cansa George who came to see how we do it in Plett!”

She added that readers had to take up a special offer on PSA* blood tests at Pathcare until end-November - “a huge bargain

at R120 per test”. * Prostate Specific Antigen testing measures PSA levels in the blood and has become a valuable tool in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Call 044 874 4824 for details.

9 + 10 AUG 2019 FRI RI 9 AUG MATINEE 3PM EVENING 7PM SAT 10 AUG MATINEE 3PM NG CHURCH FICHAT ST KNYSNA

TESTING, TESTING: Over 40 people made use of the friendly Plett Cansa Care ladies’ free blood-pressure and blood-sugar testing - in the pic June Milburn-Pyle puts on the pressure

HALL

TICKET SALES OPEN 29 JULY

Lojza Pisonic is now a Protea!

THE LOFTS ATRIUM THESEN ISLAND 10AM - 2PMb CONTACT 065 690 2958 (BOOKING HRS ONLY)

Dancer: Monika Cristina Photographer: Lauge Sorenson

During the past school holidays, Wittedrift High student Lojza Pisonic, 16, participated in the US Open ISKA World Martial Arts Championships held in Orlando, Florida. The brilliant young multi-sportsman achieved two second places, one third place, and a fifth place in his various divisions. Most impressively, he also received his Protea colours in Sports Martial Arts, meaning Lojza’s dedication and long hours of training with both sensei Elrie Bosman and sensei Gee Bleeker paid off big time. He thanks everyone who made his US tour possible, as well as Plett Optics for their invaluable sponsorship.