#380

18 December 2013 #380

Published fortnightly by CXpress (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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Bitou deputy mayor Adam van Rhyner went ahead and broke a leg (see story on page 5)... he is pictured here with some of his young Masizame friends who brought him festive cheer - CXPRESS wishes our readers and advertisers the best Christmas ever and a fun 2014

INSIDE:

Photo: Harry de Villiers

News & views • Property updates Holiday activities • Arts & entertainment Social scene • Jokes for a laugh Food & wine • Home & health Readers’ opinions • Sport & adventure

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ISSUE 380

News & Views

December 18 - 2013

Driving Miss Crazy

Cruising the Flats in a Silver Shadow ain’t no everyday occurrence JEEVES shares memories of his adventures as Garden Route chaffeur extraordinaire...

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UMPED into a fellow in Cape Town last month who had some years earlier purchased a 1966 Rolls Bentley Silver Shadow from me, to add to his Limo-hire fleet.

It wasn’t that I was a collector of such stately vehicles - no, I had acquired it together with a Merc 450SL by default, as a result of a soured business venture, and they were part of a ‘surety’ agreement.

What a beautiful car - blue leather seats, walnut wood panelling, colour cream, and a steering wheel the size of a bicycle rim!

Before he bought it, I used PERFECT POSE: This picture of our intrepid chauffeur was taken when he owned the ‘66 Rolls some years back

it for fun trips, matric dances, movies, ads, and weddings.

On learning that I was ‘in town’ for a week: “Could you do me a HUGE favour, old chap? I’ve double-dated the Lincoln stretch-limo and the Bentley on Thursday night, and could I ask you to do a matric dance in your old car for me?

“It’s a kid from Blue Downs (Cape Flats) - pick up his partner in Goodwood, and deliver them to the Kelvin Grove Club.

P-l-e-a-s-e!”

It’s amazing what people from CCC-income groups spend on weddings, dances, funerals, and all that goes with it.

Back at my Gentlemen’s Club close to the Rondebosch station, I asked Kees (a Dutch mate) if he’d like to come along and ride shotgun for me.

“Dress up for the occasion Kees - Dutch sailing cap, tie, jacket... Oh! And bring your .38.”

The two of us made a handsome couple. I looked at him next to me in that lovely leather-smelling Roller. He was sunk deep into the passenger seat, the foam having collapsed over the years, his head adjacent to the side windowsill - he could hardly see out of the wind-screen!

And me? Dark glasses, Elbsegler Hamburg sailing cap, black shirt, calf-length black leather coat, jodhpurs and black riding boots...

We were looking for Canal Street in Blue Downs, so I pulled into a small shopping centre and asked my sidekick if he wouldn’t get directions from the video store - surely they should know.

Off we drove, missed a turning and came across a group of gangsters lounging at a street corner, cigarettes dangling from their mouths, hands in pockets, caps on backwards, and faces

covered in tattoos.

I stopped and beckoned one of them to approach, in my best Flats lingo: “Hey Bro. Mqo"jkgt" ocp0" Gm" ykn" lg" xcv" htc!” They didn’t budge. Imagine what they must have been thinking at the sight of us in the white RB in THEIR neighbourhood!

Oh well, only one thing to do: climb out and go ask. I rounded the front of the car and got to about two metres in front of the Rolls’s radiator grill when the gangsters realised the true sight of this bizarrely-dressed 65year- old white, bearded man walking towards them.

They screamed, running off in every direction, one scaling a garden wall, another jumped into a flowing canal.

I hurried back to the car, anxious they were going to return with back-up forces. Let’s get outa here - fast.

Wheels spinning away, I shouted to Kees: “What was that all about?”

“They thought you were a mafia drug-lord, and in this car!” he exclaimed, teary-eyed with laughter.

Have a merry Christmas, and ‘till next year... buckle up! /"Lggxgu

News & Views

December 18 - 2013

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Christmas messages from Knysna and Plett’s first citizens Bitou mayor Memory Booysen

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T is hard to believe, but at the same time nice to know that Christmas is practically upon us. On behalf of the Bitou Municipality council and personnel, I would like to take this opportunity to extend to residents and visitors alike my warmest greetings and best wishes for the festive season.

Christmas is a time for introspection, sharing and enjoying time with your family, loved ones and friends. It is also a

time, more than ever, to consider the plight of the destitute and less fortunate in our midst.

Let us use this time to count our blessings. The greatest gift we could exchange this season is to treat one another with respect and dignity.

Let us accept the variety of different cultures, traditions and languages, as we know that we can only shape a future for our town by working together.

Lastly, I would like to extend

a special welcome to our visitors. Please enjoy your stay, and thank you for selecting Plettenberg Bay as your holiday destination. We sincerely hope and trust that you will have a wonderful time with us.

Bitou residents and ratepayers can look forward with anticipation to another great year of service delivery in 2014.

I wish you a happy Christmas and a very prosperous New Year.

Knysna mayor Georlene Wolmarans

ALLEZ LES BLEU! Raising the coveted Blue Flag at Buffalo Bay and Brenton-on-Sea recently was a particularly proud moment for Knysna mayor Georlene Wolmarans

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NYSNA Municipality wel comes all visitors to the greater Knysna area. We are also glad to know that many of our local residents actually choose to stay in our beautiful town over season.

While this year was tough on most of us, I know that you have chosen the perfect place to relax and unwind, and trust that your time off during the festive period will be rejuvenating.

Of course, the essential services do not stop working when it is holiday time. In fact, all the extra people visiting our town place additional strain on everything from traffic and water use to emergency services.

I thank all municipal staff who will be working behind the scenes and in public to keep our

town running during this time.

I also appeal to visitors to assist us in preserving the things that make our municipal area so special: the natural environment and its people.

You can help by using water and electricity sparingly, and abiding by traffic rules and municipal bylaws such as not littering and not drinking on beaches and at public amenities.

Speaking of beaches, we are exceptionally proud to have again secured two Blue Flag beaches in our municipal area: Buffalo Bay and Brenton-onSea. Thesen Islands has also just received the region’s first Blue Flag Marina status.

I encourage you to visit these places to experience first-hand why they are so special.

While the past year was hard, we are determined to enter 2014 with a positive attitude and a solution-orientated mind-set.

Knysna Council and Municipality reiterate our commitment to the advancement of our town and its people.

We believe that it will go better and that, if we all work together, Knysna can become a town where all its people and nature will prosper.

I wish you well for this holiday season and for the year ahead. May Christmas be a blessed time, filled with beautiful memories, and may you return to your places of work truly rejuvenated and inspired.

The Municipality’s all-hours emergency number is 044 302 8911.

ARRIVE ALIVE: With thousands of fatalities annually there is no question that road safety is a national concern in need of immediate and bold action. So on Friday December 6, Bitou mayor Memory Booysen along with Eden District mayor Wessie van der Westhuizen set in motion the Arrive Alive Campaign by welcoming travellers arriving at a routine roadblock on the N2 at The Crags. In an attempt to initiate a positive change in the attitude of drivers, the two mayors urged them to be vigilant and caring while on the road this holiday season. In the pic are, from left, councillors Van der Westhuizen and Booysen, Bitou portfolio chairperson of Poverty Alleviation & Rural Development cllr Sharon May, and senior traffic officer Jomo Mzoli Mzwabantu.

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December 18 - 2013

Promotion

News & Views

December 18 - 2013

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‘Crime like you cannot believe’ Plett comments on harbour report Yolande Stander

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UTRAGE is spreading across the Plett community after 3D graphic renderings for the controversial R4-billion planned small boat harbour have been circulated *ugg" vjg" pqvkeg" qp" rcig" 39+ - this a month after the final scoping report for the 87’000m² development by Western Cape Marina Investments was released, highlighting major environmental and economic concerns.

The renderings were commissioned by the Save Plett Alliance (SPA), formed by the Ratepayers Association and property owners in the affected area to oppose this development, after many failed attempts to obtain accurate representations of the

proposed development from the developers.

“To make the public aware of what development is proposed for Central Beach and the Piesang River Estuary in the heart of Plett, we had 3D graphic renderings done by an architectural firm in Johannesburg based on the plans of the developer and overlaid on real photos of the area,” said SPA spokesman Basil van Rooyen.

“What you see is what the area looks like now and what it will look like after the development. It is clear this is not simply a quaint little harbour but a major urban development.

“The renderings are as accurate as could be done with the information at our disposal but does not reflect any details such

as styles of buildings - simply extent, positioning and so forth,” he said.

Residents and long-time holidaymakers were shocked after seeing the photographs.

“The only time Plett needs extra accommodation is during the Christmas season. Most of the year homes are empty and very little rent comes in. And look at all the empty shops in Plettenberg Bay. “This is a mad idea, a white elephant in the making,” resident Jayne Jayne said.

“Just think if they start this, roads will be closed for building, people won’t come to the beach or to Plett for holidays, shops and restaurants will close on the beachfront. Can Plett sustain itself for the time it

takes to build all this?

“Because you can bet your bottom dollar no one wants to deal with all the construction in what is a main road and main beach for two to four years,” Lesly-Anne Beale said.

With experience in the property sector, long-time holidaymaker Lance Verity said the development was not good news for Plett. “This is shocking. I have holidayed in this beautiful town at different times of the year and I have never seen the need for development like this.

“Being in property myself, I know exactly how the job situation will happen - loads of jobs during construction then a terrible job loss problem and crime like you can’t believe, all the way through.”

Aviation day a raving success, Bitou’s ‘dancing primary concern, with public lideputy’ taking the only blow ability in place and every single

TOWER TOPPLES POWER THAT BE: Emergency workers were at hand immediately when a gust of wind blew over an unmanned scaffold structure in a disused fuel bay, above, the freak accident causing a fracture when landing on the leg of Bitou deputy mayor Adam van Rhyner - here being stabilised, below, before rushed off to the Mediclinic - Photos: Tracy Burrows

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HE inaugural Plett Aviation Day on December 15 drew thousands of spectators to Plett Airport, exceeding all expectations of the event’s organisers.

Initiated by Plett Hangar Owners Association (PHOA) chair Harry de Villiers, the day’s primary objective was introducing some of Bitou’s less fortunate kids to the wonder of flying, and to career possibilities in the field of aviation.

“The intention was never for

this to be an air show, but rather an open day for the public to experience the aircraft and other machines on display. Some of the kids have never been near an aeroplane, let alone having flown in one, and we managed giving them an experience they’ll always remember, and might never have again.”

Nearly 100 youngsters were taken for flips in helicopters and other craft throughout the day, thanks to the pilots and

owners of about 50 participating aircraft. The career display

by Mango Airlines was lapped up by kids and adults alike.

The day’s only drama occurred late morning, when a gust of wind blew over a scaffold tower that fell over and broke the lower leg of Bitou deputy mayor Adam van Rhyner.

Says De Villiers: “The incident was ultimately a freak accident. The wind caused us to put various planned activities on hold, as safety was our

eventuality planned for on the organisational side.”

With emergency services close at hand, Van Rhyner was stabilised and evacuated as soon as the ambulance could make its way through an ever-growing fleet of spectators’ vehicles.

While awaiting surgery on Monday, he was also anticipating the arrival of his mother and four other family members, flown from the Cape to his bedside by a PHOA-sponsored aircraft. (See the photo on p 25.)

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News & Views

December 18 - 2013

Three Cape provinces join forces to clamp down on cross-border crime

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HE SAPS Media Centre in George issued a statement last week to report the success of cross-border operations executed from December 1-7.

Says SAPS spokesman captain Malcolm Pojie: “These successes include the confiscation of 506’164 grams of dagga to the estimated value of R708‘600, abalone to an estimated of R1.2-million, 62kg non-ferrous metal (copper cable), and counterfeit goods valued at about R2.6-million.”

The operation monitored the main entrance and exit routes in an attempt to eradicate the flow of illegal goods between provinces and formed part of an integrated inter-provincial drive between various offices of the Western, Northern and Eastern Cape police.

Also included were representatives of provincial and local municipal traffic departments, SARS, NCRS (formerly SABS), brand holders, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries, Nature Conservation and Home Affairs immigration officers, all coordinated from a Joint Operational Centre established in Beaufort-West.

“We arrested 234 suspects, 76 of these for drug-related offenc-

DOH! A suspect looks on as members of the SAPS and Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries examine and count the confiscated abalone

es and two for the illegal possession of abalone,” says Pojie.

Other arrests involved the possession of stolen goods, dealing in liquor without a licence, burglaries, and business robberies.

“During this period we visited 58 second-hand dealers and other shops and managed to search 3’929 vehicles and 7’624 people. Fines of R86’160 were issued for traffic violations and other minor offences.”

The abalone scoop took place in the early morning hours of December 5, when police arrested a 29-year-old man from

Khayalitsha after pulling over his Toyota Quantum kombi on the N1 near Beaufort West during routine patrols.

“With the search that ensued, members found 92 bags of abalone that was concealed in plastic bags inside the cabin of the kombi. The find was later weighed in at 112kg with an estimated value of R1.2-million,” says Pojie.

“While the driver was trying to bring the vehicle to a standstill, the passenger jumped out and fled the scene, running into an open field. A search for the

fugitive was conducted and he was eventually arrested less than an hour later, when he was found on the highway about 15km outside Beaufort-West.”

The confiscated abalone was handed over to officials from the Department of Agriculture & Fisheries for safekeeping and the kombi was seized as evidence. The 29-year-old driver of the kombi was also arrested.

Both suspects appeared in the Beaufort-West Magistrates Court on December 6 and were charged for the illegal possession of abalone.

Pojie concludes that a significant decline in most categories of crime was achieved for the duration of the week-long cross-border operation.

“All three provincial commissioners agree that our mission with these integrated operations remains effectively addressing and preventing priority crimes to ensure the safety of our rural and urban communities by means of high visibility patrols and deployments, especially on our main and secondary roads.

“The safety of visitors is also high on our priority list during the season, and we wish everybody a crime-free holiday.”

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This ain’t no circus, this ain’t no fooling around...

A good number of Knysna Animal Welfare Services (KAWS) members, their Plett peers (PAWS) and animal-loving others demonstrated outside Knysna Regional Court on December 5 and 6, when the Plettenberg Bay dog fighting case resumed. A KAWS mailer on December 4 urged all recipients to add their voices and so ‘send a strong message that dog fighting is a despicable crime and has no place in any decent society’. Frustration was thus expressed by demo organisers when the defence asked for - and was granted - a postponement. The trial will resume on May 14 in Thembalethu, George. In the meanwhile, KAWS has taken on another battle, this time in response to a circus troupe set to perform, with animals, on the Knysna High School sports grounds. Correspondence between KAWS and PAWS members revealed that an appeal had been lodged with Knysna Municipality for the circus to be denied a permit. ‘But it seems that they won’t, so all that’s left for us is to appeal to the public to not support it and to make it known that circuses with animals are not acceptable and definitely not welcome in our town.’ Email marsjahg@netactive.co.za (Plett) or elainelevitte@gmail. com (Knysna) for more information, or if you would like to contribute to the cause and coffers of these two essential animal welfare organisations. - Photo: Warren Fleming

Auto watchers now geared for service excellence

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HERE have been various opinions and emotions surrounding the Bitou Auto Watch (BAW) members, also known as Plett’s car guards.

In preparation for season, the town council thus decided that Bitou Law Enforcement would monitor the behaviour and performance of BAW members, and Bitou Municipality called a workshop chaired by cllr Wayne Craig to tackle problems and find solutions.

Some of the major gripes included the scruffy look of many BAW members, reports

JOINT EFFORT: The people who made it happen are, at back from left, MLE commander Andile Sekati, CPF chairman Bruce Richardson, Conrad of IC Optometrist & Sunglasses, Waldo Olivier (Plett Security & PBCPA), and Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association members Eddie Pullen & Neil Samuels (ADT); in front from left are Monica van der Linde of Forever Plettenberg, Ina Olivier (PBCPA & CPF exco member), Sarah Murray of Protecx Workwear, Cindy Muller of ‘What’s New in Plett’, and Smhart Alarms manager Riana Venter Photos: Watty Watson

of drunken and disorderly conduct, and the fact that people often feel threatened when money is being demanded.

After an in-depth discussion and input by various delegates, the workshop was addressed

by Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) member Otto Olivier, Charmaine Wild of Yjcv‚u" Pgy" kp" Rngvv and Community Police Forum (CPF) chairman, Bruce Richardson.

Municipal Law Enforcement (MLE) officers assisted by Richardson now started screening BAW members and putting controls in place for improved behaviour. And with generous support and contributions, it was finally possible to hand over their new kit to BAW members during a recent gathering at Bitou Traffic HQ. Thanks to ADT, Forever Resorts, Yjcv‚u" Pgy" kp" Rngvv, Protecx Workwear, IC Optom-

etrists and Pennypinchers, and with the support of PBCPA and CPF exco members, approved and registered Bitou Auto Watch Members received brand new t-shirts, protective vests, golf caps and umbrellas.

Bitou mayor Memory Booysen gave a friendly but stern address to the BAW members in Xhosa, explaining what was expected from them during their interactions with the public, and motivating them to grab the opportunity and set an example to others.

Deputy mayor Adam van Rhyner handed out BAW ID cards and said that the members’ attitude could make a huge difference this season, adding that everyone was looking forward to witnessing their positive development.

This project is in its baby shoes and there is a long road of ahead in terms of monitoring and mentoring, but by improving the scruffy look and under the watchful eye of dedicated MLE officer Thomas, a great start has now been made towards the envisaged service excellence of the Bitou Auto Watch members.

Our smallest, highest lighthouse now complete

Last month, we featured a photo of cement blocks for the foundations of Robberg’s new lighthouse being airlifted by helicopter. This photo of the completed lighthouse, again supplied by aerial photographer John Larter, was taken last weekend. After an environmental study ensured that the construction would only impact a small footprint, all the necessary equipment and materials were flown (over the ocean rather than the nature reserve) in parts to finish the structure.

Built and managed by PortNet in Mossel Bay, the new solarpowered automatic, i.e. unmanned, beacon is 8m tall. This makes it about 2m higher than its predecessor, which started out as a gas-powered beacon and served for an impressive 29 years, thus far exceeding its lifetime expectations. At 129m above sea-level, Robberg now has South Africa’s smallest but highest lighthouse. - Photo: John Larter - 083 427 3728

News & Views

Brain bomb!

December 18 - 2013 Grade 6 pupils of Greenwood School in Plett recently wrote the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) core skills tests.

Many independent schools across the country write these benchmarking tests which deal with mathematical thinking, language thinking, and visual literacy. The IEB assessment also requires pupils to perform multi-steps of thinking, classified as complex thinking, and focuses on the application of the skills and knowledge Grade 6 kids have developed. Says Greenwood headmaster Brett Frost: ‘Each of our pupils performed extremely well but in particular Isabella Bröhm, who achieved exceptional results in all four categories. Her results placed her in the top 1.6% of all candidates across the country. Hearty congrats, Bella, from everyone at Greenwood. You can certainly be proud of your endeavours.’

CXPRESS

Thank you for broadening my mind ARLIER this year CXE PRESS reported with pride that Plett teen Dylan Reddering - who has just matriculated at St Andrews College in Grahamstown - was one of only 20 youngsters chosen to represent SA at the 112th Global Young Leaders Conference in Washington DC during June.

The honour of being selected as one of the highly-motivated and accomplished students from more than 100 countries taking part in the ten-day symposium had a price-tag, though, and Dylan initiated a raffle and other events to raise funds for his trip (read more at www.cxpress.co.za – type ‘Dylan Reddering’ in the Search block).

CXPRESS received this note shortly after his return from the States, but held on to it for

FLYING THE FLAG: This pic of Dylan and a fellow ‘young leader’ was taken during his trip to the States earlier this year

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inclusion in this bumper holiday edition in order to reach as many of the kind contributors as possible, seeing that several of them are seasonal visitors rather than Plett residents.

Says Dyl: “I would like to thank everyone who supported me, who donated money and food and the venue for my fundraiser, who came to see my show, bought tickets for my raffle and helped me plan the trip.

“I am truly grateful to everyone who made it possible. My eyes have been opened to a whole new world, and my mind filled with a totally different spectrum of knowledge.

“I would definitely recommend America as travel destination, but I’ve never been more pleased than when we arrived back home.

“We live in a beautiful, unique country, and should never take that fact for granted!”

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Keep on walking... Panters end year island-style W

NOT ON FOOT: The fun started when the group was ferried across the Keurbooms to Stanley Island

HEN the intrepid hikers known as the Plett Panters held their annual prizegiving braai on Stanley Island in the Keurbooms River last month, 72 members and their spouses rocked up for the joyous occasion.

After crossing the river by ferry, the group was lead on a tour of the beautiful island by Keri-Ann de Bruijn, traversing diverse vegetation and the island’s private airstrip. They even spotted a family of zebra, complete with baby in tow.

During the prize-giving, group leader Robyn Eidelman presented the 10 hikers who covered the longest distances during 2013 with certificates of their achievement.

In third place was Brian van der Walt (304km), with Gaby Bland second (324km) and Steve Crutchley first, with 368km hiked. Brian’s R100 and Gaby’s R250 gift vouchers were both sponsored by Cape Union Mart.

For his impressive achievement, Steve won a two-night stay in one of the recently refurbished cottages at Goukamma Nature Reserve. Valued

at R2’000, it was sponsored by CapeNature and handed over by representative, Karen Bekker.

The party was superbly handled by Stanley Island manage-

FAR OUT! Karen Bekker, right, awards first prize to winner Steve Crutchley - who covered a distance of 368km on foot this year - with Plett Panters leader Robyn Eidelman at the mic

CAMP GEAR FOR HIKERS: Runners up Gaby Bland (second) and Brian van der Walt (third) receive their prizes from Cape Union Mart branch manager Louis Henn, left

Birders of the Garden Route, take note A bird identification course for novice and intermediate birdwatchers is scheduled to take place in George next month

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HE ‘Flight for Birders’ identification and conservation course will be presented by Dr Anton Odendal at the Patria Family Church in Cradock Street, George, on January 23 & 24 next year.

Says the doc: “In 2014, we will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the course and pay tribute to our country’s birds with photographs by some of the top

wildlife photographers in South Africa. Part of the proceeds will be donated to Black Harrier conservation.”

The contents of the course get updated every second year and this has now been done. In many cases, images of similar and potentially confusing species have been combined on the same slide in order to illustrate differences.

ment and staff and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Call Robyn on 044 533 0438 or 082 851 7593 to find out more about the Plett Panters.

The development of an infrastructure for birding tourists in local areas will also be highlighted. In the vast majority of the slides, English and Afrikaans names of species are printed on the slide (roughly 1’600 slides and drawings will be used).

The course focuses on basic steps in the identification of birds, places heavy emphasis on

where to find the rare and often endemic birds in southern Africa, and illustrates how ordinary bird-watchers could become involved in the conservation of birds and their habitats.

A new addition to the course is a section focusing on the differences between the various families of LBJs and how this applies to the region where the course is being presented.

The cost of R500 includes the course manual and a certificate endorsed by BirdLife SA. Contact Elaine at mwjasser@ mweb.co.za or on 082 455 8402 to secure your place.

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Here’s how you can make Kurland kids’ Christmas rock

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XPRESS recently received word from Sarah Murray, owner of Protecx Workwear in Plettenberg Bay, who wrote: “I feel that businesses benefiting from community support need to give back to our community wherever possible.

“This year the Masizakhe Project - a non-profit organisation that looks after less fortunate children in the Kurland community - has not been able to raise the money required for its annual Christmas party.

“So we at Protecx decided to

put aside our Christmas plans and rather spend time with these kids. But in order to create the celebration they deserve, I appeal to all Plett businesses to open their hearts and wallets and assist us in brightening their Christmas day.”

Masizakhe cares for 300-odd children and the aim now is to provide each one of them with a basic meal and Christmas gift.

Protecx would like to contribute the following items: • 300 hot dog rolls, sausages and tomato sauce

• 300 small packets of chips • 300 small packets of sweets • 600 cold drinks • Serviettes • A Christmas tree with decorations, as well as decorations for the room • A Santa suit “to dress up my

husband, unbeknown to him” • A small gift for each child (some second-hand toys have already been collected) • Any stationery would also be appreciated.

“And if you contribute donations in cash, I will personally

be responsible for ensuring it is used to the maximum benefit of this cause,” says Sarah.

Deposits can be made to the account at FNB Plett, acc. no.

62413741548 – please use as reference Masizakhe and your name/business name.

“I realise this is a short-notice request, but however unexpected the situation, I know that we can pull together and make this happen,” concludes Sarah.

Email sarah@protecx.co.za or call 083 631 1278 for more information.

Former army servicemen... ATTENTION!

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N the early 90s and thereafter, much was reported on the role of the former South African Defence Force (SADF) in the 30-year so-called Bush War which, according to retired brigadier general Toon Slabbert, “was actually a conflict rather than a war”.

The SA National Defence Force (SANDF) was established on April 27, 1994, thus hailing the end of the country’s National Service era. When servicemen and other SADF members approached general Jannie Geldenhuys with the request to establish a military veterans organisation as mouthpiece, it

resulted in the foundation of the SA Defence Force Association (SADFA) in February 2009.

Membership is inclusive for all former members and their dependants serving before May 1994, irrespective of race, religion or gender.

SADFA is now registered as a Veterans Organisation by the Department of Defence & Military Veterans, as well as a Non Profitable Organisation (NPO) at the Department of Social Development.

Says Slabbert: “Reaching the potential members of 600’000+ Permanent Force, Citizen Force, Commandos and National

Do you know the parents of these children in need?

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HE Plett branch of Child Welfare South Africa would like anyone with information regarding the following people to contact them: • The biological mother of a child born out of the relationship between Shireen Grootboom and Wilmon Mthimkhulu.

• The location of relatives of

the late Mr Tutuse and Nonkoliso Nzengane regarding their two children, who are in need of care and protection.

If you know the whereabouts of these parents, email plett child@cyberperk.co.za or call 044 533 2257/0661 during office hours (8am to 4pm) from Monday to Wednesday.

Servicemen remains an enormous challenge. A large number of them live in rural areas, making it nearly impossible to track them down without the assistance of rural or regional newspapers.

“Furthermore, most of these members are not aware of the plan for benefits to be granted to Military Veterans, which is currently in process on govern-

ment level, in accordance with the Military Veterans Act.” The SADFA is especially set on helping former SADF members that live under harsh conditions, as the current planning performed on ministerial level will positively influence the lives of most military veterans.

Contact Toon Slabbert at rooitoon@gmail.com or on 073 189 0796 for more information.

Helping Hand for George students

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OLIDARITY Helping Hand’s George branch recently awarded an interest free study loan to a local student for studies during 2014.

The George Community Bursary will give the student an opportunity to pursue further studies, and to become an economically independent member of the community. The branch is also in the process of establishing the Eden Bursary Fund.

The Afrikaans Bursary Institute was established in 2008 starting with one study fund, and has since expanded to include 111 strong study funds. In 2013, study loans worth R12.3-

million had been granted. “‘It is heartening to see that people are increasingly beginning to realise the value of cooperation for the sake of the community,” says Solidarity Helping Hand chief executive Dr Danie Brink.

“Individuals who used to depend on others for a livelihood will be able to function independently after completion of their studies.”

Helping Hand believes that poverty can be prevented by investing in education. Contact branch chairperson Marieta Verwey on 082 900 3156 for further information.

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Demand will rise much faster than prices - Chas Everitt

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N real estate terms, 2014 should see the market continuing to strengthen and build on the gains of the past two years, with stock shortages growing and homes selling much more quickly in response to rapidly increasing demand.

“In spite of the sluggish eco-

nomy and declining consumer confidence, every month sees more prospective buyers streaming into the market,” says Berry Everitt, MD of the Chas Everitt International property group, “and we expect this trend to continue into 2014.

“SA’s population is growing

and there is massive pent-up demand because of the slow rate of new housing development from 2009 until late last year, as well as the tight credit controls exercised by the banks for the past five years.

“There is also a strong sense that the current very low inter-

Plett agents scoop coveted awards JUST CALL HIM ‘SIR’: At the Arabella awards function are, from left, Sandy & Lew Geffen, Sotheby’s Plettenberg Bay manager principal Steve Neufeld, and Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty CEO Jason Rohde

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Plett estate agency and two of its agents featured prominently at the Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty national convention held recently at the Arabella Spa near Hermanus.

The Plettenberg Bay team received the Market Share Award for the office with the highest market share in the country.

Says manager principal Steve Neufeld: “It was an honour to accept the award on behalf of our team. It is good to see that with hard work and specialised marketing, an estate agency

from a small town can successfully compete nationally.”

Elbie Pama continued with her winning streak and was awarded runner up for Farm Agent of the year.

Considering the development market in cities, Desré Reck received three well-earned awards for a solo agent working in developments: runner up for highest turnover, joint third place for rookie of the year (units), and fourth place the highest number of units sold.

Desré is the onsite agent at Thulana Hill and attributes her

success to the exceptional value for money in the complex.

Hein Pretorius, owner principal of the Plettenberg Bay office, says: “It is great to know that we have the highest calibre of professionals working right here in Plettenberg Bay. “I am proud of my team’s progress, and take great pleasure in their success.”

If you are interested in property, please contact Sotheby’s International Realty Plettenberg Bay on 044 533 2529 and see the advert on the front page for more information.

est rates will not last more than another year, and that prices will start to increase more rapidly as stock shortages grow even more acute, especially in the most popular suburbs of the big cities and metros.”

In addition, he says, many of those who want to buy now are still not in a position to qualify for a home loan and will have to continue renting until they can reduce their debt load or perhaps save a deposit - and that, in turn, is encouraging buy-to-let investors to add further properties to their portfolios.

“Consequently, we expect to see the overall number of prop-

erty sales continue to climb in 2014, facilitated by an increased appetite on the part of the banks for long-term lending, such as home loans.”

However, Everitt says, while it is true that the banks are granting more home loans at the moment than at any time in the past five years, this should not be read as an indication that they have relaxed their lending criteria.

“Rather, it is just a reflection of the fact that there are now more prospective borrowers for them to choose from.

“In addition, they are still very conservative in their valuations

of the properties for home loan purposes, so we do not expect to see much upward movement in house prices despite the additional activity in the market.

“Our expectation is that values will grow by around 10% this year in the most soughtafter areas, and less in areas where there is less demand and/ or no stock shortage as yet.

“Revenue growth, which has been very strong for the past two years, will thus continue to come mostly from increased volumes of sales.”

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Property

December 18 - 2013

Pam Golding head shares exciting industry news CE of the Pam Golding Property Group DR ANDREW GOLDING comments on the property year ahead and other exciting facts and figures

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EVERAL important and potentially far-reaching industry issues continue to occupy the minds of all property companies.

In this regard, we welcome the permanent appointment of Brian Chaplog as CEO of the Institute of Estate Agents Affairs Board as a positive move, as he has already demonstrated an inclusive approach in engaging with all agents around the country as well as demonstrating a passionate commitment to the industry.

The challenge now is to adequately address the question of transformation of the industry in a way which addresses the fundamental issue but at the same time offers a workable and practical solution.

To this end, we have pledged our support to the intern programme of one intern per office.

If this becomes an industrywide practice, there is the po-

tential for more than 5’000 new interns per year, which would make a significant impact on transforming the industry.

Vjg"{gct"cjgcf PGP’s core focus has been and continues to be - making a significant investment in our agents and staff through training to ensure that they remain at the forefront of the real estate industry.

Through a range of integrated media solutions, including both electronic/digital and print, we are equipping them with tailormade IT and other technological platforms and innovations, enabling them to offer our buyers and sellers a valuable differentiated service.

This includes providing them with up to the minute, relevant market-related information and communications regarding their property transactions.

Fundamentally, we believe

that the value which our clients - in this case, sellers - achieve on their properties is directly determined by the service that they receive. So it is through the entire engagement of a mandate, which can be for a period of several months, that we are looking to equip our agents to add value.

In the year ahead we will accordingly invest in technological advances such as these, and in training and marketing to the tune of R30-million. This will include continued investment in our proprietary CRM (customer relationship management) platform, Alchemy, which provides our agents a unique engagement forum to develop valuable relationships with their clients.

We are still the only real estate company in SA offering augmented reality technology to our clients - which provides for easily accessible video presentations of our properties.

Furthermore, the PGP website receives in excess of 300’000 visits per month with unique visitors up by about 16% and our mobi traffic up by 40% year on year in line with the global trend to mobile - anywhere, anything, anytime.

Interestingly, we receive in excess of 2’000 international visitors to our website daily.

Swcnkhkgf"cigpvu In terms of training and the new qualifications, all existing PGP agents have already met the requirements of the NQF4 qualification while our principals have all qualified in terms of

the NQF5 standard.

As far as new agents or interns who entered the industry since 2008 are concerned, we have just launched our own Selling Skills Programme which is custom-designed by our Training Academy for PGP agents and which prepares them to write the NQF4 qualification and teaches them our unique brand of sales and marketing.

As far as operations next year are concerned - and while the trading conditions in the market remain challenging - we do feel the property market has entered a new and more positive phase.

This includes the ongoing reentry of developers into the marketplace.

We are optimistic that these improving activity levels will be sustainable and mark the beginning of another cycle of positive house price growth.

Based on current sales PGP is pleased to report that we are currently on track to achieve sales turnover of R14-billion for our financial year ending February 2014, which will represent an increase of 15% on the previous year.

We remain extremely bullish regarding Africa, where there is a strong housing demand, and we are extending our reach with plans well under way to launch a PGP presence in Uganda and Nigeria.

RIR"gzrcpukqp"kp"Chtkec In Goodluck Jonathan City in Abuja, Nigeria, we have been exclusively mandated to market a huge new housing estate,

with the first phase comprising 100’000 units, as well as a new residential golf estate in Uganda, which will provide us with a further springboard into Africa.

Strategically, Africa presents us with considerable growth opportunities, and our key for success is to enter into partnerships with local operators who have the required knowledge in terms of not only the property market but also the legal requirements of transacting in those countries.

We also see opportunities for further growth and expansion in countries where we have existing offices, such as Namibia, Zambia, Kenya, Botswana and Zimbabwe.

Ceswktg"tgukfgpe{"kp"Urckp Looking to our international products marketed by PGP both locally and globally in places such as London, Eden Island in Seychelles, and Mauritius, it is significant that Spain has now promulgated legislation which will grant automatic Spanish residency to non-European Union citizens who invest 500’000 Euro in property.

A key attraction for South Africans in particular is that investors will have unrestricted access to move within the Schengen zone. Our International & Projects Division has formed an association with an experienced and reputable local company who will provide our buyers with a broad range of new and existing homes concentrated mainly in Barcelona and Costa Brava as well as the islands of Mallorca and Ibiza.

With a number of new residential developments in the

pipeline, the first new development we are launching to the South African market - in conjunction with Savills - is the White Angel in Ibiza, which has an entry level price of just under 400’000 to 700’000 Euro.

Brand new and built to high specifications, this is an ideal buy to let investment as it is well equipped for holiday use and for letting for three to four months of the year to those who vacation in Ibiza. It offers sound rental returns merely from those four peak months of the year.

Finally, we are delighted to announce that PGP has recently been awarded Best Real Estate Agency South Africa and Best Real Estate Agency Africa for 2013 at the International Property Awards banquet in Dubai.

We will also soon launch our own new lifestyle magazine, Kocikpg, which is a distinctive, high quality, luxury title featuring trends from around the world, interviews with interesting and inspiring people about their dreams and property aspirations, insights into property investment and a peek into the homes of well-known South Africans.

Owning property is all about dreams and imagination and Kocikpg brings these to life.

With the first issue to be published in January 2014, this publication will be bagged and distributed with Visi magazine as part of our media partnership with them.

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Promotion

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Business

December 18 - 2013

Robust outlook for 2014 as housing market gains momentum

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ITH 2014 set to be a milestone year as we celebrate 20 years of democracy and hold elections, there is much to be upbeat about.

After five years of inhibited growth, activity in the primary urban areas has strengthened notably with conditions at the healthiest levels since the economic downturn.

According to Seeff chairman Samuel Seeff, we may well see the first signs of real growth

next year, and double-digit price growth is a real possibility in the primary urban areas.

“Based on our turnover that is up by 20% year-on-year and agent feedback, activity has improved significantly with more buyers at show houses, multiple offers and better prices for sellers. This, along with growing stock shortages, point to greater normalcy and balance and, while still too early to talk about a major recovery in view of the

wider economic landscape, we anticipate a more robust 2014,” says Seeff.

He cautions that price gains will remain conservative, but says sellers can look forward to shorter selling times and good offers provided the pent up demand persist.

“The protracted low demand in the coastal and second-home markets is likely to continue

with buyers discerning and particular about what they are looking for and how much they are prepared to pay.

“The historically low interest rate will continue to boost home affordability and while some areas are moving towards a sellers’ market, conditions will continue to favour buyers. For those that can and want to buy, the time is now.”

Seeff says sellers, too, can look forward to better selling prices and in turn take advantage of the favourable buying conditions. Recovery of the market will be slow, with the primary sector picking up the bulk of the momentum.

“The key macro-economic indicators, most notably economic and job growth, will continue to drive the market and only

Don’t start 2014 with a debt hangover Nobantu Motsweni, debt counsellor at Legal & Tax

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HE festive season is here, bringing with it a month of celebrations and gift-giving.

But don’t get so carried away by the spirit of the season that you recklessly spend money you don’t actually have.

All too many South Africans begin each January flat broke.

Many find themselves in the tight corner of owing lots of money that they can’t repay and watching interest pile up on their debts just because they splurged on gifts and holidays they couldn’t really afford.

Here are a few cash-savvy tips for making your Christmas buck stretch further: • Know your budget and stick to it. Before you take a loan or spend on your credit card for a holiday or gift purchases, be sure that you know how much money you can afford to spend repaying it each month.

Calculate this by deducting living expenses for the household and your personal expens-

es from your salary.

• Leave yourself some breathing room. Don’t commit every free cent you have to a loan, in case the price of food, electricity, school fees and other expenses increases.

• Avoid taking loans from anyone but a credible credit provider, such as a bank or a well-known retailer. The lender should be an Authorised Financial Service Provider with the Financial Services Board. It should also be registered with the National Credit Regulator.

Beware of certain micro-lenders who charge severely high interest rates for instant cash.

• Be disciplined about what you purchase on credit or with your annual bonus.

It might be tempting to buy the family a big LCD TV on credit or to splash out on a long, exotic holiday, but ask yourself whether it will be worth it in January when you need to borrow money for school fees and food, or when you’ll need to start paying off the debt.

• Rather throw your spare Christmas cash into your bond

and make do with more modest gifts - you’ll thank yourself on January 1, 2014.

• Be smart with your credit card. Try and pay the full balance you owe in the first month to avoid interest charges rather than just paying the minimum instalment. The outstanding balance will accumulate interest at an alarming rate if you don’t pay it off in the first month.

Interest rates on credit cards are very high - don’t use this form of credit outside of genuine emergencies.

• Rather than buying clothes on credit, why not buy them on lay-buy? Pay for your items over a few months, and then collect them with your final payment. You’ll incur no interest charges, and the shop will hold onto them for you.

• Another tip for next year: start your Christmas shopping in June. That way you can manage your monthly cash flow better, avoid the way retailers hike their prices in time for the holidays, and also stay away from borrowing money.

• December is a better time

once the economy picks up are we likely to see a significant uptick in sales volumes and prices,” he concludes, saying that for now, the group is optimistic about the outlook for 2014.

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to buy school things than it is to buy Christmas presents. Stationery and other school essentials usually go up in price when the retailers start their back to school adverts after Christmas.

• Enjoy yourself, but don’t waste money you don’t have. If you’re on a tight budget, make gifts for friends and family rather than buying them, and limit the amount of meals you eat out. Use the savings to pay off debt or set them aside to buy essentials in the New Year.

If you are already battling with debt, speak to your creditors about possibly restructuring your repayments. If you’re in a debt crisis, you might want to consider entering a debt counselling process.

Debt counselling is a legal process that involves having your debt restructured so that you can pay household expenses and still be able to pay off debt at a reduced instalment at the end of the month.

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Business

Investor Focus

December 18 - 2013

Malcolm Stewart – Portfolio Manager at Sanlam Private Investments Knysna

Key themes for 2014 I

T’S Crystal Ball time again!

This is when market commentators offer their projections - and hope that readers forget them when they go wrong...

South Africa looks set to experience better economic growth during 2014, this on the tail winds of improved growth in the developed economies, as well as reaping the benefits of excess liquidity and low interest rates.

Short-term interest rates are expected to remain low as long as inflation remains within the 4-6% band (which it should).

Equity markets are currently going through a consolidation phase and could well surprise on the upside during 2014.

Long-term rates like bonds could see upward pressure as global investors gradually withdraw from the carry trade. This will restrain property trusts whose prices are impacted by moves in bond markets.

Next year, however, holds other events that will make for a rocky ride. The looming elections mean we’ll have lots of action to ensure that newspaper headlines will make us want to slit our wrists or jump off the point of Robberg...

Overall it is still equities that will prove to be the best performing asset class, with bonds and property trusts vulnerable to negative offshore influences.

Cash will be a conservative trap as inflation and tax will erode the real return.

South Africa’s vastly improved exchange controls will real-

ly bring global markets into focus for local investors. The R2-million travel allowance and the R2-million investment allowance bring offshore markets well into the focus of local investors.

Developed economies, i.e. the US, UK and Europe, look set to see continued recover-

‘The looming elections mean we’ll have lots of action to ensure that newspaper headlines will make us want to jump off the point of Robberg... ‘ ies - their shares are not overly priced. Short-term interest rates in these economies are set to remain at extremely low levels until well into 2015, if not 2016.

Many listed companies are cash rich and poised for sound earnings growth as the deleveraging process of distressed borrowers draws to a close and more jobs are created.

Investors who have enjoyed a booming bond market will continue the Great Rotation out of bonds into equities. This is an ongoing process that has already begun and will continue for longer than most people think.

Political influences look to be muted although the Euroland political circus will undoubtedly continue now that German elections are over.

Negatives that will impact on markets will certainly be the end of so-called tapering, which will occur in early 2014, at the same time as the US politicians will restart their budget circus.

Both of these events will create negative news flows that will have short-term bearish impacts on markets.

Emerging markets are generally seen to be expensive and could be boring for most of 2014. China will be enacting their new reforms that will bring promise of better growth in the long term.

Investors looking for growth should therefore be looking offshore. It will be worth doing the paperwork as there are now numerous ways to access these markets.

Many investment houses are offering direct share portfolios at reasonable cost and effortless access. Offshore unit trusts are very easy to access.

You may ask about the Rand - which is always impossible to anticipate. South Africa’s elections could provide a rollercoaster ride for a while but if you are investing for the long term in sound global companies, then it matters less.

To all of our readers, I extend the best wishes from all at SPI. May you have a blessed Christmas and a very, xgt{ profitable 2014 during which your shares go up and your stress levels go down.

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Tourism

December 18 - 2013

This duo shows Plett and Knysna like you’ve never seen it before S HOWME Knysna, the local tourism and community website, is under new management, which means that ShowMe Knysna and ShowMe Plett are now being run handin-hand by Christy Strever and Sharyn Hodges.

Attending as many events as is humanly possible between the two towns, these girls are having a whale of a time.

“The locals of Knysna have been so accommodating and kind to Sharyn and I, it has been a pleasure working with them. They have been nothing short of amazing with regards to helping us out,” says Christy.

“So many of the season’s events organisers have been in contact, inviting our involvement with their plans, and that’s been a real honour.”

ShowMe Knysna and ShowMe Plett have everything you’d

want to know about each town, from events and entertainment, restaurants, accommodation, lifestyle and news. The sites even feature webcam and weather information to ensure that visitors are up to date with every aspect of each town.

Another unique attribute is the fact that galleries of the photographs taken at an impressive array of local events are posted as soon as possible, meaning that ShowMe visitors can pore over the galleries on the very next day after each function that was attended.

Please email christy@show me.co.za for more information about sales and marketing on ShowMe Knysna and ShowMe Plett. For events and entertainment as well as news and charities, email sharyn@showme. co.za or call 044 533 6289 - and see the advert on this page.

THEY’RE EVERYWHERE! The able managing team of ShowMe Plett and Knysna - Sharyn Hodges, left, and Christy Strever attend an awesome amount of events and post the pics at such speed that galleries can be perused the very next day

Making your holiday dreams come true COVER TO COVER TEMPTATIONS: You’ll be spoilt for choice when paging through the latest edition of holiday offerings and activities featured in Summer Dreams 2014

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HE Uwoogt" Ftgcou holiday guide for 2014 has now been published and delivered to local hotels, lodges, B&Bs and other tourist-related distribution points. And the creative team at DreamLink Art Studio is proud to present the best-ever holiday guide for Bitou.

Five years ago, William and Astrid Ashurst did a comprehensive survey to find out what is needed and wanted in a holiday guide best suited to promote Plettenberg Bay and all the magic it has to offer.

The result was the first Uwoogt" Ftgcou mag - and a bunch of truly chuffed advertisers.

DreamLink would like to

thank all its clients for their continued support. Says William: “While we make dreams come true for our visiting tourists, we do the same for our loyal advertisers. We wish you all a festive summer season and that you continue to flourish and prosper in 2014.”

If you own an accommodation establishment in Plettenberg Bay or Tsitsikamma and have not yet received the latest, greatest edition of the Uwoogt" Ftgcou holiday guide, please contact William on 073 213 1806 or at summerdreamsmag @gmail.com and he will ensure that you receive some copies soonest.

News & Views

December 18 - 2013

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Make a Splash in Knysna Vjg"Mp{upc"Nciqqp"Urncuj"/"Fgegodgt"42"vq"44" Dragon Boats • Mud Run • Lagoon Mile Swim • Quack Attack Urncuj"ycu"ncwpejgf"d{"vjg"Tqvct{"Enwd"qh"Mp{upc"kp"4234" vq"gpvgtvckp"xkukvqtu"yjkng"uwrrqtvkpi"eqoowpkv{"rtqlgevu0" Xkukv"yyy0mp{upcurncuj0eq0|c"qt"ecnn"2:6"24;";;46"hqt"kphq0

Tourism

December 18 - 2013

Discover Knysna, the natural way

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visit to this part of the world - Knysna, Sedgefield and surrounds - is far more than a road trip. It is a journey of discovery; a slow meandering wander through all things natural and organic.

The forest with its yellowwoods, elephants and loeries, the ocean brimming with whales, the seahorses and oysters, the Heads, the hikes and the houseboats all combine to

produce a journey sans equal.

Says Naturally Knysna marketing manager Johan van Schalkwyk: “The Knysna lifestyle is inspired by nature. It is with that inspiration that our team went about looking deep into our heritage to define who we are. The time was right to dust off the old and face the future - with a proud new brand in hand.

“Established in 1871, Knysna

is the Khoi word for ‘fern’ and we could hardly ignore the fact that we are a natural community in a natural environment, surrounded by 122’000ha of forest.

“We are naturally beautiful, naturally breath-taking, naturally romantic, naturally adventurous, naturally unique, naturally luxurious…

“We are proud to be Naturally Knysna, so it’s with great pride that our staff wears the new

logo on their caps and shirts.

“We therefore invite every resident, business and visitor to our area to naturally embrace this new look Knysna,” concludes Van Schalkwyk.

Visit www.visitknysna.co.za or click on facebook.com/visitKnysna and facebook.com/visitSedgefield, and email johan@ visitknysna.co.za for brand guidelines and logos for individual websites and company use.

NATURALLY EXCITING: Knysna Tourism’s ‘Naturally Knysna’ logo launch was held at Timber Village on December 5 - behind the mic is marketing manager Johan van Schalkwyk, left, with Tourism chairman Greg Vogt at right

There’s no rush quite like it!

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FRICANYON launched recently with a clear message to Garden Route visitors and locals alike: Get ready for the perfect combination of adventure and passion for the outdoors.

Based in The Crags east of Plett, the AfriCanyon team provides guides to take you on an adventure known as canyoning, canyoneering or, locally, as kloofing. And they’re convinced that you’ll want to do it again and again.

The excursion entails five abseil points and hours of fun during which you’ll get to wade through the shallows of a meandering stream and swim in fresh-water rock pools.

Says the team’s Kaarin Hindmarch: “There’s no rush like that experienced when you abseil into the gorge and then feel the river giving way to deeper pools. The trip takes about four hours and requires a good level of physical fitness, but you will be in good hands throughout.”

The adventure starts with a briefing at the AfriCanyon base-camp, after which you’ll be dropped at the river - a short drive from the camp - and within minutes you’ll be rigged for your first abseil.

Bring along sturdy shoes for swimming and river walking, a swimming costume and towel, and AfriCanyon will kit you out in wetsuits, helmets, and harnesses.

“During our river adventure you will traverse spectacular indigenous terrain, and we’ve eliminated all risks through the professional expertise and

expert local knowledge of the area,” says Kaarin.

“If you sign up for an AfriCanyon excursion, we guarantee that you’ll be introduced to natural wonders that would otherwise remain inaccessible, undiscovered and unknown.”

Open seven days a week, the adventure costs R460 per person for 3.5 to four hours of pure adventure. Arrive at base camp at The Mohair Mill Centre, Animal Alley, The Crags (GPS co-

ordinates S33 57 20 E23 29 55) an hour before the excursion for briefing and kitting out.

Call 082 323 4349 or 044 534 8055 and email info@africanyon.com for group and general enquiries, or book online at www.africanyon.com/bookafricanyon.html (you can also click on www.youtube.com/ watch?v=tJWu7uC9FPY for a beautifully shot appetiser), and see the advert on this page for further information.

CANYON CAN DO! The newest adventure outing offered in The Crags entails abseiling and negotiating rock pools while discovering natural wonders normally inaccessible to the public - Photos: Glenn Murray

Holiday Activities

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Holiday Activities

Holiday Activities

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Wood art on view at Woodmill Lane An artistic showcase of wooden products, sculptures and a variety of other wooden art forms will be on display at Woodmill Lane - ‘The True Heart of Knysna’ - from December 20-22. The Knysna Wood Art Exhibition will open with a bang on Friday evening, with live music and local wine, cheese and beer tastings from 5-8pm. Among the creations on display for visitors’ viewing pleasure will be the Springwood Lounger in Cape Holly, below, by fullcirclefurniture. co.za and Plett artist Danny de Kock’s impressive Driftwood Elephant, above. Email Melanie Vogt at big6studio@ mweb.co.za for more info and see the ad on page 21 for the full Woodmill Lane holiday programme.

Entertainment

December 18 - 2013

Catch Zebra & Giraffe and Gangs of Ballet at Zanzibar

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HIS month two of South Africa’s most exciting alternative rock bands, Zebra & Giraffe and Gangs of Ballet, join forces in a nationwide 16-stop excursion - the Best Day Ever Summer Tour.

Gangs of Ballet released their debut album {gu1pq1itg{0 to critical acclaim in August.

Within 12 hours of its release, the album hit number one on the iTunes Top 10 SA Album Charts.

Recorded at Openroom Studios in Greenside, Johannesburg, the album was produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Darryl Torr and mixed by Ryan Gilligan.

Overseen by Grammy Awardwinning engineer Michael Brauer, who have worked with the likes of John Mayer, Florence and the Machine, The Kooks, Coldplay and many more, the album was mastered

by Electric Lady Studios in New York City.

The album is described as melodic and diverse with in-depth musicianship, and the band says their main focus was to connect with listeners, with themes revolving around life, love, and questions.

After the release of their first single and music video for Fc{/ ftgco in July, Gangs of Ballet released the second single from their album Fqp‚v" Ngv" Og" Iq to radio nationwide in October, and is currently working on its music video.

Says GoB’s Josh Klynsmith: “We’re really excited about our coastal tour with Zebra & Giraffe, when we’ll finally get to play some of the smaller towns in South Africa. It’s been a long time coming!”

Adds Jonathan Rich: “So

fans of both bands, so get ready to have the Best Day Ever!”

The venue for all three Garden Route gigs of the tour is Zanzibar - first up in George tonight, with Knysna (Main Rd, doors open 7pm, show starts 10pm, R60 - www.zanzi barknysna.com) on December 19 and Plettenberg Bay (Crescent St, doors open 8pm, show starts 10pm, R60 - www.zanzi barretrolounge.co.za) on the 20th. Visit www.facebook.com/ zebraandgiraffe and www.face book.com/GangsBallet for the rest of the tour dates and more information on both bands.

COMIN’ TO YOUR TOWN THIS WEEK: Gangs of Ballet are, from left, vocalist and guitarist Brad Klynsmith, bassist Hardus de Beer, Jono Rich on keyboard, and drummer Josh Klynsmith Photo: Ravi Panchia

stoked that we get to tour with our friends, Zebra & Giraffe it’s literally going to be our best summer ever.”

Since forming in 2008, Zebra & Giraffe has released three full-length albums, two of which have won SAMA awards for Best Rock Album.

They have also enjoyed unprecedented success on national radio, with 17 singles being playlisted off these albums.

The band consists of founding members Greg Carlin (vocals, guitar, keyboards) and Alan Shenton (lead guitar) as well as the newly formed rhythm section of Mike Wright (drums) and Stef Henrico (bass, keyboards).

As a live act they have toured extensively across South Africa, headlining all of the country’s major festivals. They have also played alongside The Kill-

ers, Snow Patrol, Oasis, Sum41, Prodigy and Panic at the Disco.

In 2009, they were invited to play at the MTV Africa Music Awards in Nairobi, Kenya where they scooped the award for Best Alternative Album.

Zebra & Giraffe is currently in studio recording their follow-up release to Vjg"Ykuguv"Qpgu and Ukem, the album’s fourth single, is play-listed nationwide.

“This December we’re embark ing on our first fully-fledged summer tour and we thought we’d make it extra special by inviting our friends Gangs of Ballet along,” says Greg.

“We can’t wait to get back on the road and play some of the new material we’ve been recording. Touring with GoB will be awesome - they’ve become good friends over the past year and I think the double headlining bill is going to be a treat for

WIN WIN WIN! CXPRESS readers stand a chance to win six sets of double tickets for both the Plett and Knysna shows from the Best Day Ever Summer Tour organisers.

First entries to reach us (email esther@cxpress. co.za or fax 044 533 0852) will score the freebies – include your name, ID number and contact details and we’ll let you know the good news.

If you haven’t heard from us by 10am on the morning of the show (Knysna - December 19, Plett - December 20), you did not win, sorry!

Winners can collect their tickets at the door when producing their IDs. For more information, contact Rachelle Crous at rachelle@rcpublicity.com or on 082 084 6724.

Entertainment

December 18 - 2013

ET in the beautiful Piesang Take your pick of this S Valley, Plett Pickers is ideally located between Country Hotel and JC Elect in special, rare and retro fare Crescent a magnificent wooden barn.

COLLECTING AND COLLATING THE PRETTY AND UNIQUE: Rory & Nicola O’Neill and Willie Gouws, right, look forward to meeting you at the Plett Pickers barn in Piesang Valley

Long-time readers will recall our feature story on this very venue when the late great Hilary Peter converted her prized Arab stud stables into a gallery for paintings, objets d’art and equestrian museum pieces (visit www.cxpress.co.za and click on the Entertainment page of issue 274 to read all about it).

Set on its own with the valley’s lush green as backdrop, the barn now houses the unusual, the rare, and the retro - furniture and soft furnishing beautifully reborn, as well as bespoke handcrafted tables featuring novel usage of local resources.

Open to the public from Monday to Saturday, Plett Pickers is a must-visit destination if you’re in search of that ‘something special’ for your nearest and dearest over this coming Yule, and owners Rory O’Neill and Willie Gouws look forward to seeing you there. See the advert below for more details.

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Plett property consultant commits art to honour Madiba

Action sports dates to diarise Umcvg"rctm"vq"flrqr"qwv‚"kp" Rngvv"qp"Dqzkpi"Fc{ Mountain Dew is taking to the road to refresh and excite avid action sports fans from Gauteng to Durban, PE to Cape Town from December 14-31.

The adrenaline-pumping roadshow will showcase some of the country’s finest skate and BMX athletes in a never seen before Pop-Out Skate Park.

After featuring the amazing talent of professional skaters and riders amateur fans will be invited to have a go on the mo-

bile skate park and stand in line to win incredible prizes.

Mountain Dew will be handing out loads of free merchandise, so diarise Fgegodgt" 48, when the park will pop out at Central Beach. Visit www. dothedew.co.za for more info.

Ykvpguu"vjg"yqtnf‚u"vqwijguv" kphncvcdng"dqcv"ejcnngpig The 26th annual Trans Agulhas Challenge will once again test both man and machine, with more than 30 teams having signed up for the 2013 race,

covering a distance of 900km in five days.

This race starts in Plettenberg Bay on Fgegodgt"4: and ends on January 1 at the Strand. On each race day the boats are expected to reach a number of checkpoints before proceeding to the finish point.

Day one starts at Hobie Beach and ends at Santos Beach in Mossel Bay, with checkpoints at Swartvlei, Wilderness, Glentana, Great Brak and Little Brak River. Visit www.trans-agulhas. com for more info.

Moved by the recent passing of former president Nelson Mandela, Pick of Plett Real Estate consultant Rob Elliott gathered a multitude of digital images taken in and around Plettenberg Bay and collated them to create this intriguing mosaic depicting SA’s most iconic leader. We don’t know quite how he pulled it off but if you’d like to find out, contact him at robrelliott@gmail.com or on 082 926 4758.

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Social Scene

December 18 - 2013

People, places & events

Photo: Bob Hopkin

YUMMY AND STICKY AFFAIR: Expert chefs Francois Ferreira and Trudie Niehaus concentrate on choosing the best entry from the recent jam-making contest at the Wilderness Jam-boree after cooks from local restaurants used half a ton of donated apricots to produce delicious preserves.

Photos: Christy Strever - ShowMe Plett

FAT PARTY, NOTHING FISHY: The team at CXPRESS Culinary Award-winning restaurant The Fat Fish (visit www.cxpress.co.za and click on the Food & Wine page of issue 378) invited friends and associates to a pre-season party last month, laying on the best tapas in town and generally allowing guests to let their hair down before season kicked in. Above, Felicia presents some of the unbelievably scrumptious fishy fare on offer. At top right, owner Simon Ash and ‘Captain’ Russel of Keurbooms River Ferries, right, enjoy the occasion. Treat yourself to some of the Fat Fish’s dining delights when popping in at the restaurant overlooking Central Beach this season.

CULINARY UPDATE: Knysna reader John Magill sent these photos and wrote: ‘While dining in Keurbooms recently, we were happily surprised to see this wellknown couple who graced the Plett restaurant scene so successfully until a year or two ago. Scott and Andy, formerly of Scotty’s in Longships Drive, were taking a brief holiday in their old stamping ground.

Scott was ‘poached’ - a suitable way of describing a chef’s departure - to take up the post of head chef at Boulders Private Camp in Kruger National Park.

Doesn’t he look in his element in the pic at left below?

At the same time Andy was ‘captured’ - appropriate, too, for a qualified game ranger’s re-assignment - by the same hunter. They told us the big news that they would be tying the knot in Zanzibar on February 5...

How exotic can you get! I’m sure their many friends in Plett would be as happy as they are with this news Photo: John Magill and would want to wish them well.’

THANK YOU, MADIBA: On December 8, Plett organiser of the Economic Freedom Front Albert Zukile Rorwana, second from left, paid tribute to Tata Madiba with the following words: ‘Thank you for giving us the opportunity to study further, and thank you for your determination to free South Africa. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, architect of our democracy, preserver of peace, because of you we can live and breathe in a free and beautiful land.’ He is joined in the photo by fellow EFF supporters.

LOVING THE COAST: Cape Town rockers Taxi Violence - from left are Rian Zietsman, George van der Spuy, Jason Ling, and Louis Nel will end 2013 with their ‘We Love the Coast Tour’ that has two George stops: on December 18 with Zebra & Giraffe and Gangs of Ballet (see story on page 22), and at the Hop Music Fest on December 21. This year saw the band release their fourth studio album, ‘Soul Shake’, which is described as their best, most electrifying, kinetic, and catchy album yet. And rumour has it that Taxi Violence have already begun writing music for a new release in 2014, when they plan to celebrate their 10th anniversary year in style.

Social Scene

December 18 - 2013

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People, places & events Photos: Desmond Scholtz

Photo: Watty Watson

RAY RIDES THE WAVES AGAIN: Plett NSRI Station 14 volunteers gathered around the rescue craft ‘Ray Farnham’ for the CXPRESS camera before its official launch on Monday December 16. Legendary local resident and Plett station commander from 2002, Ray lost his battle with cancer in August 2011 (visit www.cxpress.co.za and click on the People & Places page of issue 322 for the full story) but now his name lives on in this latest addition to Station 14’s rescue craft fleet.

LET’S PLAY! The Rheenendal community celebrated the opening of the neighbourhood’s new playgrounds on Friday 13 December. The play park was paid for by municipal ward allocation funding and Knysna mayor Georlene Wolmarans, left, was ably assisted in cutting the ribbon to officially open the park by ward councillor Magda Williams.

CHECK IT OUT! Nature’s Valley Trust director Dr Mark Brown, at right in white, points to a bird feeder on a recent birding outing with a local school group. Readers are reminded of the remaining public open day at Lookout Beach on January 11 from 9am, when you can learn more about kelp gull and African black oyster catcher research currently taking place in Plett. Email mark@ naturesvalleytrust.co.za or call 044 531 6820 for more information.

Photo: Christopher van Zyl

NO FEAR OF FLYING: Hundreds of local youngsters enjoyed their first close encounter with about 50 fantastic flying machines that participated in last weekend’s Plett Aviation Day. Read the full story on page 5.

CELEBRATING A GREAT LIFE: Lunchbox Theatre and Tshisa Talent were proud partners in Bitou Municipality’s 2013 Street Carnival on December 15, which was also the occasion for mayor Memory Booysen - showing his fleet-footedness second from left in the pic top right - to switch on the festive lights in Main Street. Lunchbox Theatre served as programme directors and Tshisa Talent provided 10 local performers who entertained the capacity crowd.

This was, by far, the best street party in Bitou’s history as it turned a day of mourning for Madiba into a celebration of his life and our wonderfully diverse and dynamic country.

Photos: Stuart Palmer

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Interval

December 18 - 2013

Klein Liesbet word vyf jaar oud.

Ouma vra wat sy wil hê vir haar verjaarsdag.

“Die Pil, Ouma.”

Ouma kry amper ‘n hartaanval en vra geskok: “Hoekom?”

Liesbet: “Ek het nou 10 poppe, en genoeg is genoeg!”

Husband down, call an ambulance! when a husband and 24 cans,” he replied.

“What do you think you’re IlocalTwifestarted were shopping in their “Put them back, we can’t afdoing?” asked the husband. shopping warehouse. ford them,” demanded the wife, “It’s my face cream. It makes The husband picked up a case of beer and put it in their trolley.

“What do you think you’re doing?” asked the wife.

“They’re on sale, only R70 for

and they carried on shopping.

A few aisles further on the woman picked up a R140 jar of face cream and put it in the trolley.

A serious warning I

F you receive an email entitled ‘Bedtimes’, delete it immediately. Do not open it.

Apparently this one is pretty nasty.

It will not only erase everything on your hard drive, but it will also delete anything on disks within 20 metres of your computer.

It demagnetises the stripes on all of your credit cards.

It reprograms your ATM access code, screws up the racking on your VCR, and uses subspace field harmonics to scratch any CDs you attempt to play.

It will also program your cellphone auto dial to call only 0800 numbers.

This virus will mix antifreeze into your fish tank. It will cause your toilet to flush while you are showering.

It will drink all your beer.

Ctg"{qw"nkuvgpkpiA"

It will leave dirty underwear on the coffee table when you are expecting company.

If the ‘Bedtimes’ message opens in a Windows 95/98 environment, it will leave the toilet seat up and leave your hair dryer plugged in dangerously close to a full bathtub.

It will also refill your skim milk with whole milk.

Rngcug" yctp" cu" ocp{" rgqrng" cu"{qw"ecp#

Pinwheels: 0 - Seagulls: 1

One of our readers with a keen sense of humour submitted this picture, which speaks a thousand words...

Gatiep en Maraai stap uit die winkel uit met ‘n pram.

Maraai kyk in die pram en skree: “DISSIE VERKEERDE KIND!’’ Gatiep sê: “Sjut-up man, dis ‘n baie beter pram.”

me look beautiful,” replied the wife.

Her husband retorted: “So does 24 cans of beer, and it’s half the price.”

Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.

Interval

December 18 - 2013

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27

Definition of adolescence: Adolescence is a personality disorder, but with a very good prognosis.

How to cook a turkey Step 1. Buy a turkey Step 2. Have a glass of wine Step 3. Stuff turkey Step 4. Have a glass of wine Step 5. Put turkey in oven Step 6. Relax and have a glass of wine Step 7. Turk the bastey Step 8. Wine of glass another get Step 9. Hunt for meat thermometer Step 10. Glass yourself another pour of wine Step 11. Bake the wine for four hours Step 12. Take the oven out of the turkey Step 13. Tet the sable Step 14. Grab another wottle of bine Step 15. Turk the carvey Bon Appetite!

Submitted by The Knackered Chef (Our resident chef-cum-chauffeur...)

Young love can be so adorable L

ITTLE Billy and Lucy are only12 years old, but they know they are in love. One day they decide that they want to get married, so Billy goes to Lucy’s father to ask him for her hand.

Billy bravely walks up to him and says: “Mr Smith, me and Lucy are in love, and I would like to ask you for her hand in

marriage.”

Thinking that this was just the cutest thing, Mr Smith replies: “Well Billy, you’re only 12.

Where will you two live?”

Without even taking a moment to think about it, Billy replies: “In Lucy’s room. It’s bigger than mine and we can both fit there nicely.”

Still thinking this is just adorable, Mr Smith says with a huge grin: “Okay, then how will you live? You’re not old enough to get a job. You’ll need to support Lucy.”

Again, Billy instantly replies: “Our pocket money. Lucy and I both get R25 a week - that’s about R200, so it should do us

just fine.”

Mr Smith is impressed that Billy has put so much thought into this.

“Well Billy, it seems like you have everything worked out.

I just have one more question.

What will you do if the two of you should have ‘little children’ of your own?”

Billy just shrugs his shoulders and says: “Well, we’ve been lucky so far.”

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Food & Wine

December 18 - 2013

PeeBee’s Wine Column

Peter Bishop

Admit it, you LOVE biltong!

Bubbles galore at Cape Champagne Festival A decade ago, the more affluent would see in the New Year with a Bollinger, a Tattinger or a Moet (however they chose to pronounce the name) Chandon - whose icon Dom Perignon is often seen on the dance floors of our politicians, where the fluted glass has been declared superfluous.

At the end of November I attended a walk around tasting in Newlands of 38 different labels from 15 Champagne Houses.

The general consensus had been that French Champagne was streets ahead of the Cape Méthode Cap Classique - but after the tasting, I doubted that.

Prices varied from R326 to R2’206 for a 750ml bottle, but Méthode Cap Classique can stand their ground, at least at entry level, at a lower price. It would be silly of a Cape producer to replicate ‘Champagne’.

To begin with, the soil there is limestone, and the vines (declared Premier Cru and Grand Cru) are decades old. The houses know their style. Their standard Brut and Rose are made to be consistent year after year, often blending three vintages to do so, and thus called NonVintage.

Generally, vintage dates declare that there is a significant difference from the norm due to unusual quality-driven features.

A vintage reflects difference, and not quality per se, as with Port.

A popular stall was Piper Heidsieck with the Brut being decidedly crisp, and the Brut Rose being more full (the pink Rose is from the heavier Pinot Noir grapes), creamy and with the evaporating “feathers on the tongue”.

Do not drink or gulp Champagne. Hold it in the mouth and let the bubbles evaporate of their own.

I got that excitement even more in the gentle restrained minerally, creamy Sir Winston Churchill 2000 of Pol Roger.

I loved this R1’943 job, apart from the fact that Elizabeth, queen of that name served it at her grandson’s recent wedding.

I was impressed by the House of Gosset, owned by Anne Cointreau who owns Morgenhof. It is the oldest Champagne House, established in 1584.

The Grand Rose and the Grand Reserve are not dated because they blend the best grapes of three different vintages.

Some other houses, keen on a vintage date, choose the date of the largest component.

The wines were serious - and yet bowed before the Grande Millesime 1999 - so pure and well-bred, retaining their natu-

ral fruitiness and thus avoiding malolactic fermentation.

The fruits were more white pear than citric. Their upper range is the Celebris L’Extra, but that was not available for tasting.

I was disappointed that a onetime favourite Laurent Perrier stall closed well before time, and that the Bollinger Grand Dame 1999 had an early night, and six other of the more costly published wines did not arrive.

Thus those who paid R400 for the night, lucky as they were, missed the full expected impact. But the mood was great.

Songs celebrating the joyous life in the US of A kept the bubbles bursting at the brim.

Bollinger’s Special Cuvée remains a winner - crisp, serious, full and almost muscular. Ayala has a link with Bollinger. Its absolute ‘no sugar’ gives it worth.

The Millesime 1999, with six years on the lees, was outstanding. Roland Peens drew an audience offering a magnum of Drappier Brut Nature - bone dry, with a minimal sulphur, ‘Blanc’ from 100% Pinot Noir.

Dried peaches, biscuit and a lovely balance.

I was interested in the giant cooperative Nicolas Feuillatte - the biggest sellers of Champagne. The Brut Reserve and the Brut Rose had me writing ‘candy floss’, which we would call ‘acceptability’.

It may have been that I had just tasted the excellent Brut Reserve of Billecart-Salmon, the extent to which it was beautifully textured and balanced.

Other impressions were that the rich likeable Guy Charbaut was a bit vinous, only to find that adding back-fermented wine was a deliberate decision

by Jacquart (a huge cooperative) to retain its impact as an aperitif, and to retain fruit features. I wrote ‘Eek!’ Fruit - more malic and lemon, as well as vinous features came from the trio of firm fooddirected Philipponnat wines. I closed with the nice dry grip of ‘R’ de Ruinart Brut, the Tattinger Brut Reserve (‘biscuit, nutty, clean’) and its tasty balanced Prestige Rose.

At least the selection is wider than before. It is your call to choose a Champagne or a Méthode Cap Classique, as either would hold 250-million bubbles in a bottle to blow the perversities of 2013 into the past.

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From beef to venison, chicken to tuna, The Biltong Boutique in Plett’s Mellville’s Corner stocks just about any kind of biltong your heart might desire. Order your Christmas hampers or gift packs - beautifully decorated, as shown above by the shop’s Lezanie Koegelenberg - and snack platters in time to avoid disappointment. Find this biltong-lover’s heaven, which also stocks an array of other delectables like jams, dried fruit, sweets and home-bakes, at Shop 24A in the Mellville’s Corner courtyard or call 082 463 5668 for more information. - Photo: Watty Watson

Celebrate summer with Katarina’s at Kurland Hotel

K

URLAND Hotel - a Relais & Châteaux member property situated in The Crags east of Plettenberg Bay - recently announced that Katarina’s Bistro was set to reopen on Friday December 6 for lunch and dinner to celebrate the start of the summer.

The 2013/14 season will present various new menus, which can be enjoyed either inside the bistro or on the expansive terrace, which boasts amazing views of the surrounding mountains and is a perfect location for children to relish Kurland’s great outdoors.

Guests can enjoy starters including crispy bacon rolls, devilled eggs, and crispy shrimp rolls. For mains, taste Katarina’s famous chicken pie, BBQ pork and crispy hot salmon, or choose a dish from the steak kitchen. Indulge in decadent desserts such as chocolate cake, lemon tart or a selection of ice creams.

Aside from the multi-award winning Kurland Restaurant, Katarina’s is now open from Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, and on Sunday for extensive bistro buffets, ideal

for families to enjoy.

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Food & Wine

December 18 - 2013

Lederle kids take over

E

ARLIER this year, on Facebook (as a joke), the Lederle parents announced that they were looking for a suitor for their eldest daughter. After this husband hunt on a public forum, the eldest with her two sisters and brother in tow took over the family bakery.

And rather than knock ‘em off, Mom and Dad were banished to Lederle’s On The River.

After this major shift of power, the children have come into their own, each taking

pride and responsibility in the family-run business.

Olivia is a master baker, and the recipe for her cheesecake is a winner that mom and daughter tried out 27 times before finding the family favourite. Each of her cakes is a masterpiece in icing, décor and flavour.

Genevieve has beautiful hands and green fingers, and she handpicks and arranges all the flowers. A smile washes over her face as she tells how Uncle Tony exclaimed: “This

bakery is looking like a greenhouse!”

Hiding behind a large Gaggia machine is Clyne - her coffees can melt your heart, much like her singing and acting. She is beautiful and shy but her coffees are bold and flavour-filled, and as unforgettable as her big blue eyes.

The youngest and only boy, Jack, is bright and friendly - and has sampled every dish on offer more than once, as well as those that didn’t make it onto

Lederle’s tapas and breakfast treats now served on the beautiful Bitou THIS AIN’T NO FISH! Served with artisan bread, the tapas menu includes homemade delights like basil pesto, sundried tomatoes, humus, naartjies in syrup on brie, rare beef, biltong and much more

A

year ago this month, Lederle’s Bakery & Eatery opened its doors at The Market Square shopping centre. And for season 2013, this rare gem of a family-run business has a lovely surprise in store - or should that be ‘On’? - The (Bitou) River.

Under pine trees where the egrets rest, along the riverbank at Plett River Lodge, you will find Lederle’s On The River.

This boutique coffee shop serves breakfast for guests of the

Lodge, and now offers the same treat to members of the public.

Breakfast is served from 8am to 11:30, and from 12 noon onwards the menu changes and tapas is served.

Tables and benches are positioned on the lawn and on the wooden deck so visitors can enjoy Plett’s beautiful weather.

“Tapas is not a fish!” adds David Lederle, who tried to explain to a customer that tapas is single helpings of tasty savoury treats that accompany his arti-

san crafted breads.

The Lederles make the most of their products from scratch and take pride in their support of local producers.

Served with artisan bread made with but four ingredients, the tapas board boasts homemade and homegrown basil pesto, sundried tomatoes, humus and feta with olives - for beginners.

But all the options are mouthwatering: naartjies in syrup on brie, slices of rare beef, biltong and dry wors, smoked chicken and the must-have Harvest Time Salad, to mention a few.

Cindy takes her husband’s hand when she says: “Timeout is a must, even if it’s a fiveminute daydream.” And that is what Lederle’s On The River is all about - time OUT. Booking is essential as space is limited - call Lederle’s on 081 577 9000 or visit www.facebook.com/lederles ontheriver to find out more.

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the menu.

Jack is in charge of the bakery when Dad is away and young, hungry men come calling. But the girls share with giggles and snickers that “Jack turns more heads than we do!”

What a lovely and unusual bunch of siblings, working, playing and living together!

Make Lederle’s your next breakfast or lunch hot spot, and experience first-hand that the people and the food are equally delightful.

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BAG IT FOR BAKERY LAUGHS: The Lederle sisters all have exceptional and diverse talents, but you’ll have to call at their Market Square bakery-cum-eatery to experience these treats first-hand

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Home & Health

December 18 - 2013

Keep your summer holiday home clean-up risk-free I

F you’re not away on holiday already, you might well be in the process of preparing your home for the stream of family and friends visiting during this festive period.

For some, this means a major clean-up while for others, it could entail renovations such as painting and repairs.

No matter how big or small your festive plans may be, you can’t afford to forget safety and security in and around your home. And, says ADT Security East Coast region managing director Martin Kriel, some prac-

tical safety measures should be implemented in this regard.

“If you are expecting a delivery or workmen at your home, contact the companies beforehand to find out what time you can expect them, how many of their staff will be coming, and who the supervisor is that will accompany them.”

Kriel suggests that when workmen do arrive, you ask for the supervisor. “If there is any doubt about them not being who they say they are, contact the employer again.

“If unfamiliar individuals

are going to work inside your home, be sure to lock away any valuables that are small enough to fit into a pocket or backpack, or that would not be easily missed if they were to disappear. The same goes for car and house keys.

“If you have guard dogs, don’t lock them away while workmen are on your premises,” Kriel advises.

“Have a family member keep them aside when the contractors are moving in and out of your home, but let the workmen be aware that they are there.”

Give a little bit or risk Rosita’s hairy eyeball Rescue Chihuahua Rosita caused quite a stir while helping her owner, Sylvia Christian, during the PAWS street collection on Friday November 29. Says Sylvia: ‘Rosita was excellent at encouraging people to part with their money and donate to the worthy cause of Plett Animal Welfare Services.’

While on the subject of can-shaking for worthy causes, please diarise and get ready to part with your biggest possible cash contribution when NSRI Station 14 volunteers do their street collection in Plett on Saturday December 21, and when the Plett Surf Nippers follow suit on Tuesday December 31!

Cheers to knowing your alcohol facts

I

T takes about one hour for the body to process a standard alcoholic drink and no amount of water, coffee and other practices that people adopt to sober up can hasten this process.

The alcohol content in beer, wine and spirits has proportionally the same effect on one’s body. This means that the outcomes will be the same when drinking one pint of beer, an average glass of wine, or one shot of whisky or vodka.

These are just a few of the important facts contained in DrinkIQ - a Brandhouse-sponsored initiative to get people to understand the effect of alcohol on their body, mind and social environment.

According to the World Health Organisation, South Africa has one of the biggest drinking cultures in the world.

With approximately 130 South Africans dying each day from alcohol related incidents (more than half of these related to road accidents caused by drunk driving), it is important to know the facts about alcohol and its responsible consumption.

“If you understand how your body processes alcohol, you can minimise potential harm to yourself and maximise the enjoyment of your drinking experience,” says Brandhouse sustainability manager Zanele Njapha.

Jqy"fqgu"vjg"dqf{" rtqeguu"cneqjqnA The body generates alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) - the enzyme responsible for breaking down alcohol - when it enters the stomach. It moves through the small intestine, then into the

bloodstream (and brain), and finally into the liver, which is responsible for breaking down 90% of the alcohol.

As alcohol passes through the brain, it acts as a neurochemical and affects the body’s nervous system, i.e. motor skills, reaction times and judgement are affected.

Essentially, alcohol slows down the speed at which your brain processes information.

It also stimulates the adrenal glands and brain cells, which makes one feel good and happy at the time. One generally becomes friendly and open when consuming alcohol because it can act as a relaxant.

Negative reactions to alcohol are rife, either while consuming it and/or afterwards.

Hangovers are a common short-term effect of excessive alcohol consumption, symptoms including headaches, nau-

sea, dry mouth, lethargy, and increased sensitivity to light and sound.

Some people are more sensitive to alcohol because they have a non-functional or deficient enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), so when they consume even a small amount, they can have reactions like facial flushing (blushing), nausea, increased heart rate, and dizziness.

You need to be aware of the potential effects of short-term heavy drinking and regular heavy drinking.

If you have an alcohol dependence or think someone else needs help, visit www. aasouthafrica.org.za/Home. aspxor or contact Alcoholics Anonymous on 0861 435 722.

Visit www.drinkiq.com/enUS/pages/home.aspx for more information on DrinkIQ and alcohol-related facts.

KNOW HOW TO DRINK: Being aware of the effect alcohol has on your body will benefit your drinking habits

Home & Health

December 18 - 2013

You are the meat you eat this Christmas Charmaine Koppehel

C

HRISTMAS holly, bells and good cheer are just around the corner and as we fill our trolleys with delicious ingredients for the much anticipated festive feast, it is well worth considering tastier, healthier and more ethical options when buying your gammon or ham.

Few consumers know that

pigs in South Africa are, for the most part, the worst treated of all commercially farmed animals. Renowned as highly intelligent and emotional beings, industrially farmed pigs are denied any quality of life as they languish in indoor cages, never seeing the sun, the soil or a blade of grass.

A unique campaign called Going Whole Hog is driving change and advocating genuinely pasture-reared pork prod-

ucts as consumers demand the choice to opt for more ethically produced food.

Awareness is growing and ethical pork is rapidly gaining popularity at the supermarket as the health conscious realise that pasture-reared meat has a better fat balance and higher vitamin density, without the negative effects of growth hormones and antibiotics so prolific in factory farmed meat.

What’s more, happy pigs pro-

CXPRESS duce meat of a superior flavour - which is just what you want for your Christmas table.

Afterwards, when your stomach is full and satisfied, you will also feel better knowing that your purchase supports a more ethical way of farming animals.

Humane Society International programme manager for Africa, Tozie Zokufa, calls on South Africans to consider eating free-range eggs and pasturereared meat this holiday.

“Christmas is a time of goodwill, so let’s be more humane this summer for the betterment of the animals, our health and our environment,” he says.

Ethical pork may cost a bit more but it is not injected with brine and therefore doesn’t diminish in weight while cook-

So where to find the Route’s healthiest meat?

C

XPRESS consulted the website mentioned in the article above to find Garden Route distributors of ethical pork suppliers, but apart from listing Western Cape Shoprite stores, the local information was lacking. So who better to phone that the ‘hood’s undisputed meat masters?

Van Rensburg Foods - a family business established in 1940 and now enjoying legendary

status for especially its meat products - is situated off Courtenay Street in George. At the helm is Jan van Rensburg, who generously shared his knowledge of ethical farming, and managing meat from the pen to your plate.

Pigs on the Van Rensburg farm are completely free of antibiotics, hormones, or growth stimulants and the team works closely with a resident veterina-

rian to ensure that the animals are in tip top condition. With an abattoir on the property, the stress caused by transport is completely non-existent.

“I always say, you have to be able to eat that pork chop right down to the bone, just like lamb - and that one can only do with healthy, hormone-free pork that bears none of the boar taint,” says Jan, whose passion for the responsible raring of meat-pro-

ducing animals is inspirational.

Our discussion on the technicalities of ensuring low-fat meat products were intriguing, and might well be the subject of a future article. For now, suffice to say that Van Rensburgs meats lead the way in healthier and more natural eating habits for carnivorous Garden Route residents and visitors. Visit www.vanrensburgsfoods.co.za for more information.

Go for colourful vegetables

ture with white roses, lavender, frilly white dianthus and silvergrey sage.

• For the brave at heart, combine lime-green nicotiana with lettuce; orange and yellow peppers with yellow, apricot, pink and red stems of Swiss chard ‘Bright Lights’; or ‘Ruby’ chard with red peppers, ruby-red lettuce and dark-leafed basil.

• Orange cosmos complements blue-flowered borage, and yellow sunflowers mix well with fennel, as do marigolds with lime-green lettuce.

• Another grouping would include yellow and orange day lilies with the ferny foliage of tansy and lime-green lettuce.

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BRIGHT LIGHTS: A container filled with Swiss chard (spinach) - Photo: Kay Montgomery

ARDENING is like painting. This summer, paint up a kitchen garden filled with colourful vegetables.

The colours and architectural shapes to be found in a glorious summer kitchen garden are vast and varied. Many herbs and vegetables have colourful flowers and foliage that mix well together.

This is your summer guide to a vision of vegetables: • Plain or frilly leafed lettuce, in shades of green and red, will fill gaps in borders while an edging with parsley resembles lime green lace.

• Cabbages can also be used as temporary fillers; those with red-purple leaves show up well with red flowers and grey foliage; blue-green cabbages introduce a contrast in form and tex-

ing, unlike factory farmed pork.

So there is a strong argument for paying more for authentically old-school farmed food, eating less of it and valuing it more.

‘Tis the season to eat locally sourced, humanely raised,

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healthier meat. Have a look at www.nutritionist.co.za/pasturereared-pork-outlets for a list of ethical pork suppliers. Get to know your meat and its source, because your body, as well as everyone around the Christmas table, will thank you.

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ISSUE 380

On The Soapbox

December 18 - 2013

Letters to the Editor

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

Solidarity lends a helping Traffic departments, hand to make kids’ day take note...

I admit it. I broke the speed limit: “At least” 92km/h in an 80km/h zone. Your traffic employees thus exercised their right, and fined me R200. I paid it.

Now I exercise my right.

Bye-bye!

Plettenberg Bay and Knysna will NEVER have to worry about my reckless speeding again. A regular (‘till now) holiday spender, I will now

HAVING MORE FUN THAN THE MONKEYS: The children and their carers take a break to smile for the camera in-between visits to Jukani and Monkeyland

On Saturday December 7, Solidarity Helping Hand spoiled 17 children with a day spent at Jukani and Monkeyland.

Tour guides Santel and Caitlin showed us the wonderful animals at Jukani - you were amazing! We also thank Bianca for the warm and friendly welcome we received.

After the tour everybody was hungry and ready for a lunch party. The kids’ lunch packs were sponsored by Deborah, Julie, Bronwyn, Claire, SallyAnn and Kervin, who also helped where the little feet and legs couldn’t go any further.

After a bit of a break it was on to Monkeyland, where we were lucky to see a monkey that hadn’t been seen by the tour guides for almost a month!

Thank you to Lara and Lauren

for the great experience.

At the end of the day all the kids received gift packets, Christmas stockings and sweet treats sponsored by the following people: Fred & Mel, Dirk & Sunell, David, Errol, Charles & Cathy, Andries, Jason, Rob & Leonie, Logan, Mark & Margie, Nick & Karen and Fiona.

We thank each and every one of you and if we’ve left out any names, we do apologize! Without your caring, love and support, the day would not have been possible.

We also thank all the committee members from the bottoms of our hearts for their help to keep the children safe and for driving the kids back and forth.

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spend my money elsewhere and that amounts to well over R10’000 annually.

So much more diplomatic would have been a nice letter pointing this out to me, and saying I could have been fined. That would have brought in MUCH more than the R200.

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Rage verslag se kondoomtelling betwyfel Ek Pieter Pretorius, apteker vir 20 jaar-plus in Plettenbergbaai, is erg geskok oor die snert wat in koerante verskyn het oor die aantal kondome wat gebruik is in die dorp tydens Plett Rage.

Waar kom die mense aan hierdie feite? Weet hulle hoeveel is 600 kondome? Ek wonder of selfs groot groepe 600 pakkies op hul rakke het.

Ons apteek het vanjaar meer as ooit voordeel getrek uit Rage en ons was verbaas oor hoe goed die Ragers se gedrag was, vergeleke met 15 jaar gelede.

Die matrieks is elke jaar ‘n goeie kontant-inspuiting vir ons dorp. Nie almal van ons is afgetree of het miljoene nie.

Dit is net jammer dat mense ons dorpie onnodig afkraak tot voordeel van leserspotensiaal.

Nie alle jongmense is wanaangepas nie en vir ons was dit vanjaar duidelik dat hulle goeie opvoeding ontvang het die afgelope 18 jaar.

Aan die organiseerders: geluk, ek dink dit gaan beter elke jaar.

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Help Kranshoek’s animals I truly hope someone out there can help because I’ve tried and tried but to no avail. There is justice for all and everything but what happens to our pets and other animals?

I’m a 32-year-old living in Kranshoek and my heart burns to see how animals are being abused and neglected, especially farm animals roaming our urban area. The only help these animals get is when they have already been abused.

I don’t have qualifications or funds to do this by myself, but what I do have is the love and devotion to protect others’ animals like my own. I don’t think there are funds for an animal patrol and rescue centre in Plett, but what I do know is that there are thousands of people with funds who can help.

Animals can’t speak for themselves but living in a rural area you can clearly see where the problem is. All we need is shelter premises, rescue vehicles, funds, food, medical help and minimal staff.

Please, people of Plett, open your hearts and help. Raising then abusing an animal is like raising then abusing your own child. I know we have PAWS and others doing a good job, but I would like to start an animal rescue SWAT team who will give their lives to protect animals against abuse.

So few people in Plett know what is actually going on in our rural areas. Abused animals should be put in a pound and fed properly until their owners can prove they can care for them.

If not, they should be adopted by farm owners and any funds used to assist animal rescue.

Let’s step up and help our loved ones who can’t speak for themselves. Thanks to PAWS for helping rural areas, but they can’t help with situations they don’t know of.

I would like to do this full time but have a beautiful wife and kids to feed and need to have some kind of income.

Let’s make a change in Plett and make an impact on SA. I don’t know everything about animals, but I know how to love them all. There are many people out there who can’t afford to care for their animals but love them. They don’t need to lose their pets, they just need to be helped and they will succeed.

Contact me on 079 954 0270 or at arthurkayster@gmail.com if you love animals and can assist me to reach my dream.

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History

December 18 - 2013

Face of destiny changed

by Derek’s great gran Plett resident Derek Frielinghaus shared this riveting bit of history, penned by his uncle HARRY ROSE-INNES with the comment: ‘I did not realise that my great grandmother also did her bit to help the Boer prisoners in the concentration camps, but earlier this year Trish and I visited the concentration site in Bethulie and it was quite an eye-opener... If great gran had not intervened, we might have had television a bit earlier in South Africa?’

I

T was the winter month of July 1901 and the tram which ran up Cape Road, in Port Elizabeth, had reached the terminus and its passengers were alighting. A slightly built woman in her early 40s was the last to do so because she was carrying a napkin-draped basket.

Miemie Frielinghaus was doing what she did every Sunday afternoon: taking a supply of food to the concentration camp two miles further up the road for the benefit of the Boer women who were confined there and were living in tents.

Born Fehrsen, the daughter of a Swedish medical doctor who had been furthering his studies in Bonn in 1860, she came to South Africa in 1875 and attended the Rhenish Institute in Stellenbosch.

Here she met many of the members of the Cape Dutch community extending into Cape Town and environs, who themselves had relatives living far and wide, so that the Boer women herded into the camp from farms all over the country were of special concern to her.

As Miemie trudged to the camp, she was worrying about the Hertzog baby. The son of the Boer, General Hertzog, he had seemed listless and ill the previous week.

Arriving at the concentration camp, she went straight to Mrs Hertzog and delivered her cooked chicken, oqudqnngvlkgu and fresh fruit. One look told her all she needed to know: the baby was seriously ill.

Returning to the guard house, she requested an interview with captain Fenner, the camp com-

BOOKISH: This picture of Harry Rose-Innes, left, with the publisher of his book ‘The Po Valley Break’, was taken in November 1976

mandant, whom she knew well.

“I have come to see you about Mrs Hertzog, wife of the Boer general, captain Fenner,” she said. “Her baby son is seriously ill and he will die unless he is taken out of the camp.”

Watching Miemie Frielinghaus as she spoke, the captain knew that, with her medical background - including two brothers, Dr Jim and Dr John in country practice in the Transvaal - her opinion was to be trusted.

He also knew that her husband, Heinrich Frielinghaus - who had emigrated from Germany in 1870 at the age of 16 to escape from the Prussianism which he hated - now was a successful wool broker and a prominent citizen of the town, as well as a leader of the German community.

“What would you like me to do?” he asked when she had finished talking.

“Allow her to board the mailboat for Cape Town on Friday and to remain in Cape Town.”

Captain Fenner thought for a while and then said: “Very well. No useful purpose will be served by allowing the baby to die, and Mrs Hertzog will not be in a position to assist any of the Boer forces.

“If you will sign the necessary papers, I shall release her and the baby Albert into your custody on Friday, and provide you with an escort to the docks.”

Mrs Hertzog was overcome when the news was given to her

by Miemie Frielinghaus, and wrote later from Cape Town expressing her deepest gratitude, saying that young Albert Hertzog was now fully recovered.

CXPRESS Thirty five years later General Hertzog, then Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa, passed through Port Elizabeth and asked her son Chappie Frielinghaus - who had fought for the British forces in East Africa and France in World War I, and who was now a prominent wool broker himself and a member of both the SA Rugby and Cricket Boards and an MPC for Port Elizabeth - to introduce him to his mother.

He wanted to thank Miemie Frielinghaus personally for her kindness to his wife and for saving his son’s life.

Chappie Frielinghaus was a United Party MP for more than 20 years. During World War II his son, Geoffrey, was captured at Sidi Rezegh, his son John was killed at Gazala, and his nephew Harry was captured at Tobruk.

The family of Miemie Frielinghaus had served their country well, overseas and in South Africa, where two of her granddaughters served in the Coastal Artillery - one was in the navy, and another served in the canteen at 42 Air School, Port Elizabeth.

And now, 96 years after the wsaving of ‘young Albert’ I, Miemie Frielinghaus’s grandson, Harry Rose-Innes, am trying to encourage the descendants of those imprisoned Boer women to gain their freedom in this world through the medium of Roelf Meyer’s new ‘middle of the road’ party.

This party is for all people of worth and goodwill, regardless of race, colour or creed, who are prepared to act responsibly for the good of all and for their beloved South Africa.

The way to do this is not to dwell upon the past and to mourn it, but to build upon it in a spirit of confidence and enterprise - allowing the youth to point the way to the future which they will have to live with.

In doing this, the old parties will slip away into the archives of the 20th Century, where they belong, and a vibrant new party will bring peace and security and tranquillity - to this troubled land.

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ISSUE 380

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

December 18 - 2013

Classifieds

Services

December 18 - 2013

CXPRESS

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ISSUE 38

Sport & Adventure

December 18 - 2013

Reasons for tackling Sabrina Love Challenge 2013 abound

T

HE 10th annual Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge on December 29 & 30 is again set to paint Plett Sabrina pink this festive season and, of course, would not be possible without the support of international family wealth advisers Stonehage and generous fellow sponsor, Discovery.

The Ocean Challenge is the main fundraising activity for the Sabrina Love Foundation which was established in 2003

by Tony and Suzy Lubner in memory of their daughter Sabrina, who died aged six due to complications of a rare bone disorder.

Today, the Foundation supports kids with special needs throughout Bitou. Last year’s event managed raising over R800’000 for this cause and the goal for this year’s 10th anniversary is reaching R1-million in funds for local kids in need.

Chairman of Stonehage SA Eddy Oblowitz explains their involvement: “Philanthropy and social responsibility are central to our group’s philosophy and culture. We encourage clients and colleagues alike to connect with social issues they care about, doing what they can to help those in need and assisting others to ensure they realise their full potential.

“This is expressed through the Stonehage Charitable Trust, which focuses on giving back directly to the communities we serve through supporting diverse education, health and social development initiatives,” says Oblowitz.

“Plett’s Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge, with its successful track record over successive years, provides an ideal opportunity for donors and participants to share common interests while co-investing in a targeted goal towards creating a tangible legacy.”

Discovery has been involved with the event since 2008. Says head of Discovery sponsorships Jody Foster: “We are committed to our core purpose of making

people healthier, while enhancing and protecting their lives.

“The Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge allows us to put this core purpose in action and mobilise the community to learn about the importance of living healthier lifestyles and going for health checks.”

It is important, says Foster, for people to know their health, take steps to improve this status and enjoy the benefits that come with a healthier, more active lifestyle.

“Regular health checks are important to screen for potential non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular conditions,” she explains, adding that participating Vitality members could earn up to 5’000 Vitality points, depending on which events they sign up for.

Previous Challenges have welcomed top international sport stars, holidaymakers and

local athletes to the multidisciplinary competition, and this year is sure to see many more people tackling the races held at Plett’s Central Beach and at Kurland in The Crags.

Since its inception, the Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge has enjoyed a phenomenal increase in support each year, with 2012 boasting a record turnout of 3’000 participants. The event offers something for everyone, from the ultra-fit to those enjoying a walk along the beach.

Activities at Central Beach on the first day, December 29, kick off early with a 10km urban and beach run at 6:30am, a 15km paddle at 7:30am, and a 6km ocean swim and fun walk at 8:30am.

Day two is hosted by Kurland Polo Estate, its manicured grounds again draped in Sabrina pink to beautifully contrast the lush backdrop of the Tsitsikamma mountain range. The

day starts at 7am with a 10km trail run and staged trail duo (25km mountain bike and 10km trail run).

This is followed by a 6km trail run at 7:30am, a 25km mountain bike ride at 8:30am, a 900m lake swim at 10:30am, and Sabrina Kids of Steel at 11:30am.

Participants will get to meet celebrities like Natalie du Toit, Bruce Fordyce, Chad Ho, Michelle Eray, Arnold Geerdts and Chantal Nienaber.

Some of the disciplines have limited entry space available so it is advisable to enter early to avoid disappointment. Registration can be done from December 18 at the Sabrina trailer at Robberg 5 and the Sabrina Love Shop, as well as at Piesang Valley Community Hall on December 27 from 10am to 6pm, and on December 29 from 1-6pm.

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It’s polo season and even the weather’s playing ball POETRY IN POLO MOTION: This photo of South Africa’s Dirk van Reenen in mid-air was taken during a test against India at Val de Vie earlier this year - prepare for the same calibre of fast-paced polo action during the summer season now in full swing at Kurland - Photo:

P

LETTENBERG Bay Polo has started its Christmas season of tournaments and, according to coordinator Alicia Brokensha, “so far the weather has really played ball!”

The tournaments run ‘til January 5 in three lots, with the first finals having taken place on Sunday the 15th, and next two scheduled for Monday December 23 and Sunday January 5.

“Everyone is welcome to join us at Kurland Pavilion on these days, and any other for that matter,” invites Alicia, adding that there is no entrance charge.

“We are also very excited about the upcoming Polo Parade down Main Street at 6pm this Friday. It is the only event of its kind in Africa and a great opportunity to see the beautiful horses that form such a massive part of our polo lives.”

Christy Strever – ShowMe Plett

She says that the parade will not take long and apologises in advance for any inconvenience to people and traffic in town at around 6pm on December 20.

A final date to diarise is the In-

ternational Invitational at Kurland on Sunday December 29.

Email alicia@plettpolo.co.za or call 082 560 1260 and see the advert on page 21 for additional information.