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15 January 2014 #381

Two days to object p3

Matrics do us proud p4

Knysna ele captured p5

Great omen hooked p16

Photos: Glenn Murray Photography

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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Thanks for the visit!

With schools across SA reopening today, the exodus of visitors to the Garden Route has left our beaches and B&Bs and shopping malls rather deserted, but most locals agree that the past season’s near-perfect weather and ample happy guests from upcountry and elsewhere made for a bumper season on most fronts

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CXPRESS

ISSUE 381

News & Views

January 15 - 2014

Driving Miss Crazy

Dodging the kitsch with a gypsy dame - destination: Oudtshoorn JEEVES shares memories of his adventures as Garden Route chaffeur extraordinaire...

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HE husky ladies voice on the other end of the line was definitely of heavy Eastern European origin, maybe Russian.

“Allo? Are-a-you-a- JIVS?” “Yes, ma’am. Also sometimes Reeves, sometimes James.”

“Aah! Butter whatta you reeler name?”

I told her. “Oh... in mia country, we call you ‘Ronyo’.”

So ‘Ronyo’ it was.

Turned out she’d been in South Africa for 40 years, in the Garden Route for the last 10, and had never been to the Cango Caves, let alone Oudtshoorn.

And now the adventurous spirit in her was calling, and she required a man to accompany her on the trip.

“I don’t want to go there woman alone in case of puncture or breakdown. And I don’t want to ask these men here I know, because maybe they think then it’s ok for the monkey business...

You unnerstand, Ronyo? So what it costa me?”

It would be a full day’s trip there and back, a couple of hours in the caves, so I suggested X Rand. She counter-offered Y. So we settled on an X-minus, Y-plus figure.

“But first I must see you. I don’t just go with nobody. You sound ok, you never know.”

Whew... sigh of relief. So, private school in the Natal Midlands did help!

“You in Knysna? We meet Sirocco tomorrow one o’clock for lunch. It’s onna me. Ok?” “How do I recognise you?” I asked.

“Donta worry! I recognise you. Man alone, walk in restaurant, look around for someone.

Easy. Wear yellow jersey, just in case I pick up wrong Ronyo.”

She had to have been in the KGB, and in total control. Don’t mess with her - she knows what she wants, and how to get it!

It’s funny how telephone impressions can be so wrong, what the mind conjures up in a human guise, around a voice.

I was expecting an Evita Be-

zuidenhout lookalike: black beehive hairstyle with a white streak from the forehead, dangling earrings, bright red lipstick, velvet jacket, dress to the ankles and hobnailed boots. Oh, and with a sergeant-majors’ baton crocked under one arm.

At a table sitting alone, sipping MCC (South African ‘champagne’) was an attractive, tiny, middle-aged blonde.

She smiled, pleased. “Ronyo?

Have a seat.”

After the meal, she asked: “Ok, when we go?”

I’d passed the test!

The bill arrived. I fumbled for my wallet (after all, it was her call). “No! No! This is for me,” she insisted vehemently.

On the designated day, she picked me up in a white Benz and off we went - me in the passenger seat filling in as onboard AA road-side assistance, if need be.

Having been a tour operator in the area some 35 years ago, certainly came in handy. It all came back to me as we passed the various places - the only swans in the world that lived on both the salt water Swartvlei and the fresh water Groenvlei lakes, I proffered; the wild horses that roamed knee-deep in the waters of Sedgefield Lagoon - alas, all gone.

Past George and up Outeniqua Pass, which had been partially built by Italian prisoners of war in the ‘40s, and who later came back after the war, formed a company and tendered for completion of the road up the pass - being the only ones skilled to do the job at that time, seeing old Bain was no longer around!

Then tales of ostrich feathers in the early 1900s, and the barons with their palaces and manors - and today, how nearly 100% of an ostrich is utilised, from feathers to beak (gum), meat and mounted foot (shape of Africa) to skin (leather), eye (cataract transplants) and intestines (fertiliser).

The onion farms up the val-

ley towards the caves and the importance of bees and crosspollination for the onions to grow; the tobacco farms and empty drying sheds; how the Cango Caves came about when a stingy young fellow dropped a ‘ticky’ (3-penny coin) down a rabbit hole.

“No! Really?” she asked, wide-eyed.

She appreciated all this unexpected historical and general information, with a few additions.

We arrived at the caves, its parking and entrance buildings having thoroughly changed since I was last there - now more like the international departure hall at OR Tambo Airport what with its size, shops, auditoriums, lifts, posters, passages and vast circular ramp climbing three levels to the cave’s gaping mouth.

The first cave, like a room at Madame Tussauds, displayed bushman folk around a glowing red electric-lit fire with blue and yellow lighting on the cave walls. Kitsch de lux, if ever.

“I go no more! I see enough!” she exploded.

“But you have to at least see the main hall, the Cathedral, with Cleopatra’s Needle, its clever lighting depicting shadowy shapes of whatever you may imagine. You must!” I pleaded.

“Ok, just for you. But for me, this place is just for busloads of tourists. There are better, more natural grottos in my country and in Croatia.”

As we reached the great chamber, a tour guide with a group flicked a switch that plunged the whole place into darkness so as to emphasise its natural state. The gypsy dame shrieked, clinging to my arm. Bats fluttered around.

“What’s that noise?”

“Water,” I said.

“Come now,” she ordered.

“We go eat lunch.”

No easy baby, I thought.

Back in Oudtshoorn, it was a battle finding somewhere halfinviting for the hungry travel-

ler. Apart from a steakhouse, a seafood franchise, a coffee shop with unappealing light lunches, an empty restaurant specialising in South African cuisine, and another non-descript establishment, our rumbling stomachs and thirsty palates were at a loss.

Aha, of course: an OSTRICH FARM! Let’s go.

I never told her where we were headed, just gave directions when remembering a good one on the road to Mossel Bay. Starter was scrambled egg sprinkled with biltong shavings, and main was ostrich fillet in a cranberry jus with creamed potatoes and seasonal veg, all washed down with a carafe of cold pink.

She was all smiles, enjoying the local produce. “Ronyo! Now you cooking on gas! Thank you for a wonderful time. Salute!” raising her glass.

Here’s wishing you a funfilled 2014 and ‘till next time on the road together, buckle up! /"Lggxgu"cmc"flTqp{q‚000

News & Views

January 15 - 2014

White Christmas on S-Cape coast as cocaine worth millions washes up John Harvey

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HE discovery of R100-million worth of what is suspected to be pure or uncut cocaine on Garden Route beaches over the festive season has sparked fears that the Southern Cape coastline is an easy target for drug smugglers.

And Knysna harbour has been identified as being susceptible to the smugglers’ wiles, on the grounds that foreign sailors are easily able to dock in the port without immigration checks.

These are the opinions of Herman van Niekerk, a former army seaborne Special Forces operative whose company Maritime Risk Solutions provides security to cargo vessels in the pirate-infested waters off East Africa.

“Bricks” and packets of the suspected contraband began washing up on beaches near Mossel Bay between Christmas and New Year’s Day, but police have not made any arrests.

“There are drugs going up and down the coastline all the time, and people from all over the world are docking their yachts in Knysna,” Van Niekerk said.

“No immigration checks are taking place and the authorities don’t have an effective water capability. I think you could offload a pink elephant and probably get away with it.”

Van Niekerk said smugglers were also taking advantage of Knysna’s reputation as a “tranquil town”.

“There has been an increase of people from north of South Africa’s borders living in Knysna and surrounds, and these people are receiving the drugs. They

take advantage of the fact that everything is very relaxed in Knysna, so it is easy for them to load drugs from boats onto vehicles, which then distribute them to the rest of the country.

“I believe the drugs, which could originate from South America, are being carried on large cargo vessels. As they near Knysna it is easy for a skiboat to be launched from the vessel and make the drop-off in Knysna. It is as simple as that.”

In December 2010, six men were caught with 1’716kg of cocaine, worth an estimated R2-billion, on a vessel in Knysna harbour. The bust resulted in jail terms for three men, ranging from 15 to 20 years.

Keenly aware of the situation, SANParks worked closely with the SAPS, Knysna Municipality and other security agencies in the area.

“Our rangers work longer hours even in the evenings to ensure there’s adequate security in the Knysna protected area, which is now part of Garden Route National Park,” said SANParks spokeswoman Nandi Mgwadlamba.

S-Cape police spokesman captain Malcolm Pojie said police had stepped up their efforts since the discovery. “We obviously do not want to give away details as we want to catch these criminals in the act, but we do have many plans in place, including air support,” he said.

Anyone with information regarding the drugs is requested to call investigating officer Henkie Rhode of the Hawks on 044 802 1600 or 082 850 9822.

CXPRESS

Window for Plett harbour objections about to shut Save Plett Alliance spokesman BASIL VAN ROOYEN reports back on the campaign’s development during the December holiday season - readers should take note that the deadline for objections is on Friday January 17

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ANY readers would have perused the full-page notice that appeared in a couple of seasonal editions of CXPRESS. The matter received wide attention, with newspapers like the Ecrg" Ctiwu, Ecrg" Vkogu, Vjg" Vkogu and GR" Jgtcnf, plus a variety of online news organisations, running articles on it.

The architectural renderings that appeared in all these articles finally made it clear to everyone that the “small boat harbour” is a complete red herring, and that the proposal is really for a massive urban development in the heart of Plettenberg Bay something that was never in the original spec.

These renderings were commissioned by the Save Plett Alliance, based on architect’s plans supplied by the developer. They are as accurate as an expert could make it, and it is remarkable that even though the developer keeps complaining to newspapers that the rendering is inaccurate, he does not supply a “correct” one himself.

Save Plett Alliance volunteers worked through the festive season putting up posters at key spots and handing out more than 5’000 pamphlets, in addition to an online campaign.

Interested people were asked to complete a survey, giving their details and signatures and

FINAL BEACH FEAST? Thousands of local residents enjoyed themselves in the Central Beach area on New Year’s Day, oblivious to the fact that all of this will be converted into high rises for the rich if the developer has his way Photo: Basil van Rooyen

indicating whether they were for or against the development.

Of the people who signed, in their thousands, over 95% indicated that they opposed the proposed development.

People were also asked to send their comments to the case officer at the Department of En-

vironmental Affairs (shireen. pullen@westerncape.gov.za), who will be considering the final scoping report, with copies to Dr Mike Cohen (steenbok@ aerosat.co.za).

The Department either has to turn it down or let it continue into an Environmental Impact

ISSUE 381

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Assessment. Comments have to be in by Friday January 17, and anyone with any interest in Plett (i.e. not only ratepayers but also visitors) can comment - so please participate, everyone who reads this.

The matter also led to some heated exchanges at the December ratepayers meeting, where a Save Plett Alliance member wanted to know from Bitou mayor Memory Booysen the stance of the municipality on the matter.

He was told that the municipality was following “due process”, whatever that means, and warned not to waste money litigating - even though the Save Plett Alliance has at no time threatened litigation.

It remains a puzzle to the Save Plett Alliance that Bitou Council refuses to comment on the merit of the proposal.

Even if they are obliged to follow due process, nothing stops them from commenting, and it would be interesting to know what our elected representatives really think of the matter.

In the meantime, it was interesting to note that people from all over Bitou, including all its townships, congregated around Central Beach to celebrate New Year. One has to wonder where we would all go if the sole safe and accessible beach in the area gets covered by concrete condominiums. ß" Eqpvcev" Dcukn" xcp" Tqq{gp" qp" 2:4" 778" 9466" qt" cv" dcuknB dqqmuvqto0eq0|c" hqt" oqtg" kp/ hqtocvkqp." cpf" gockn" {qwt" qd/ lgevkqpu" vq" ujktggp0rwnngpB yguvgtpecrg0iqx0|c" d{" Htkfc{" Lcpwct{" 390" Gockn" {qwt" pcog" cpf"eqpvcev"fgvcknu"vq"pgndknnB iockn0eqo"vq"dgeqog"c"ogodgt" qh" vjg" Ucxg" Rngvv" Cnnkcpeg" cpf" tgegkxg" tgiwnct" wrfcvgu" qp" vjg" rtqrqugf" uocnn" dqcv" jctdqwt" fgxgnqrogpv0

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CXPRESS

ISSUE 381

News & Views

January 15 - 2014

Eden matrics do district proud, with Wittedrift Bitou’s brightest star Yolande Stander & John Harvey

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OST high schools in Plettenberg Bay and Knysna made the province proud by obtaining a higher matric pass rate than the Western Cape average of 85.1% this year. Head and shoulders above the rest was Wittedrift High, continuing its 100% pass streak.

In 2012, the school also obtained a perfect pass rate and

the 60 pupils of the class of 2013 helped keep the trend alive. The last time the school was not able to achieve this was in 2011 when, of the 64 pupils who wrote the final examination, 60 passed, leaving them with a 93.8% pass rate.

Wittedrift High principal Andre Bouwer said he was “so excited about this year’s results”.

“I think what has made our 100% pass rate so pleasing is that 63% of that were exemp-

tion passes. Like (leading education specialist) Jonathan Jansen says, it is the quality of the pass that matters and we showed that we can deliver.

“You sometimes look at a pupil and wonder whether he or she will make it, but they have all pulled through. We are very grateful,” Bouwer said.

Close on Wittedrift’s heels was Knysna High School with a 97% pass rate. In 2012, the school came close to the covet-

ed 100% when only one pupil failed, giving them a 99.1% pass rate. In 2011, 98.9% of pupils made the grade.

Knysna Secondary showed an improvement of nearly 5% in 2013 with 86.3% - up from 2012’s 81.1%, and 74.2% in 2011.

Plett Secondary also obtained

an 81.1% pass rate, although this was a slip of 4.6% of 2012’s 85.6%, but a still massive improvement on 2011’s 77.3%.

Murray High in KwaNokuthula had the biggest drop from 2012’s 69.6% to 59.9%.

Knysna’s Percy Mdala High School also dropped a few percentage points from74.7% in

2012 to 68.1%.

The Eden and Central Karoo District as a whole enjoyed an 87.6% pass rate, also bettering the provincial average.

The Western Cape average, up from 82.8% last year, was fourth best in the country, behind the Free State, North West and Gauteng.

Holiday horror as head-ons claim well-loved locals A LTHOUGH a December 30 statement by provincial Transport minister Robin Carlisle reported that Western Cape passenger deaths were down 50% over December, two horror crashes shook Knysna and Plett this past season.

On December 21, Knysna municipal manager Lauren Waring and her family were involved in an accident while on their way to family in Mpumalanga for the festive season. Travelling between Willowmore and Aberdeen, they were hit head-on by an oncoming vehicle that was in the wrong lane.

Waring and her nine-yearold daughter were transported to hospital in George but her husband, Eric Goodwin, and 70-year-old mother Carol-Ann Waring were killed in the accident.

Knysna mayor Georlene Wolmarans conveyed condolences on behalf of council. “Words cannot express what this family must be going through and we request our citizens to have compassion and respect their

privacy in this very stressing and sad time.”

A book in which members of the public can write messages of condolences has been placed at the Knysna Fire Brigade’s Waterfront HQ, and the family has requested donations to Cansa in lieu of flowers.

Another head-on collision, this time on the N2 between Knysna and Plett on Friday January 3, claimed the lives of three well-loved local residents and sent shock waves through the community.

SAPS spokesperson captain Malcolm Pojie said the accident took place around 9:20am on the year’s first Friday, when a minibus taxi lost control and crashed into a VW Jetta heading towards Plett.

Plett Secondary School teacher and respected cricket coach of the Pioneers Club Clive Ferendale, 45, and his daughter Feran, 20, died at the scene.

The third victim, Crags Primary teacher Melnicia Phillips, was transferred to George Provincial Hospital along with five

other seriously injured passengers, but died before she could be submitted to ICU. The N2 had to be closed while casualties were removed from the wreckage, opening for single-lane traffic by 11:30am and reverting to normal traffic flow around 1pm only.

The SWD Cricket Board was among many organisations and individuals who extended condolences to family and friends of the deceased.

W-Cape road death stats

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ETWEEN December 1 and 29, 124 lives were lost on the province’s roads - a rate of four per day, compared to 149 deaths recorded for the same period in 2012 (five per day), marking a 17% reduction.

The month has seen: • The highest number of fatalities for one day recorded on Friday December 13 (the beginning of what is known as the exodus period when people start travelling to their holiday destinations), when 10 lives were lost.

• Eight deaths on Christmas day, which is the highest number recorded for the past four years.

• No deaths on December 11.

Of serious concern has been the recent spike in pedestrian fatalities, with 60 deaths recorded by December 29 - the highest number in December for the past four years (Dec 2010: 47, Dec 2011: 42, Dec 2012: 55, Dec 2013: 60).

“This means that pedestrians were killed at a rate of two per day, which is unacceptably high,” said W-Cape Transport minster Robin Carlisle.

He urged road users to be vigilant when travelling back home, maintain safe speeds, and never to drink and drive; and pedestrians to be visible and not hazardous to motorists.

“Vehicle occupants, especially children, must always buckle up and motorists must take regular breaks when travelling long distances to ensure that they get safely home.”

News & Views

January 15 - 2014

Leopard cam captures Knysna forest elephant STEALING THE SHOW: The Landmark Foundation trap camera, installed to survey the leopard population in Knysna Forest, snapped images of a single elephant on November 6 last year, but the pictures were only downloaded on Thursday January 9

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N elephant was recently photographed by a trap camera, placed in the Knysna Forest by the Landmark Foundation as part of its leopard research programme.

The Foundation’s exciting research involves determining the leopard population status in the Garden Route, with unmanned cameras placed in various locations for this purpose (visit www.cxpress.co.za and read ‘Local leopards alive and well,

but in need of our protection’ by clicking on the Environment page of issue 355).

The footage includes photographs of an elephant whose tusks, trunk and legs are visible, but unfortunately the forehead shape, as well as sex organs and ear-notch patterns are not visible, thus marring the identification process.

Says SANParks spokesperson Nandi Mgwadlamba: “Our scientists have, in recent years,

moved away from relying on photographic techniques for population status determination, due to potential disturbances to the elephants.

“Studies now focus on non-invasive hormone research, using dung to determine the reproductive potential of these elusive elephants.

“However, opportunistic photographs such as these recent photographs taken by the Landmark Foundation’s camera are always a welcome addition to SANParks’ elephant research database, existing since 1987.”

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CXPRESS

ISSUE 381

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Rescuers unite to make beaches safer

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SRI volunteers around the country had a particularly busy holiday season, their heroic efforts to rescue sailors and craft in peril when stormy seas hit the Cape to Rio Yacht Race receiving much international publicity.

Closer to home, tragedy struck in Knysna on December 19 when three teenagers drowned after being swept out to sea. A fourth girl had managed to get out of the water at Leisure Isle unassisted.

Graham Hardy of NSRI Knysna said it was believed that the youngsters - aged 12, 16, and 20 and hailing from Concordia and Khayalethu - had walked along the bank when they stepped into

shallow water and were swept off their feet and out to sea by the channels and rip currents.

On December 27, NSRI Wilderness responded to reports of three people being swept out to sea by rip currents. But when they arrived at the spot, off-duty volunteers from another station had already assisted the three casualties - an Upington man, 42, who was transported to hospital for near drowning symptoms and his two sons, aged 13 and 19, who were not injured.

On the 28th, a 22-year-old woman from Pretoria was rescued from the wild Wilderness waters by a crewman of the Trans Agulhas boat race, which kicked off in Plett that morning.

Dreyer van Niekerk had by pure coincidence beached his racing boat to effect repairs when he noticed two people being swept out to sea. He swam out and rescued the lady while her partner, a 17-year-old man from Joburg, made it out of trouble on his own steam.

On the 29th, 70-year-old Gary Warren saved two Joburg teens swept out to sea off Keurbooms Beach. By the time NSRI Plett rescue craft Ray Farnham and Airlink Rescuer arrived, both casualties were found safely on the beach.

The brother and sister were both transported to hospital in a stable condition for near drowning treatment.

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CXPRESS

ISSUE 381

News & Views

January 15 - 2014

Caring couple treats Masizame kids for Christmas T

HE kind proprietors of Aquavit guesthouse in Plett, Linda and Ole Olsen, contacted CXPRESS late last year to tell of an informal awareness drive to better the lives of kids at Masizame children’s shelter in KwaNokuthula.

Said Linda: “After visiting Masizame with the assistance of a special employee a few months ago, my husband and I were able to witness first-hand the needs of the children and meet the dedicated volunteers who try creating a caring envi-

ronment for them.

“It is always shocking to hear stories of abuse or lack of care for a child, anywhere in the world. But with that said, it is possible indeed to provide some of their important daily needs proper nutrition, clean bedding, good hygiene and lots of love.

“Recently, we had international guests visiting from Denmark and they offered to start a process of donation. With their help and the kind assistance offered by Plett Accommodation Association members, we are

hoping to purchase something out of the ordinary so the kids feel special these holidays.”

Masizame Children’s Shelter provides residential care for 30 children from six to 17 years of age, who have been certified by the Children’s Court to be in need of care and protection.

The typical initial stay is anything from six months to two years but due to family circumstances, many of the children have been at Masizame for four

years or more. Actual occupancy varies from month to month and at the time of writing, the Olsens counted 22 children.

“All donations are formally recorded and qualify for a certificate that is fully deductible to your business or personal tax,” said Linda, adding that she would happily collect and deliver any donations of goods, no matter how big or small.

She also provided this list of goods that could make a sig-

nificant positive impact on the Masizame kids’ lives: nutritious food like fresh fruit (apple, pear, orange, banana, pear or melon, pineapple and pawpaw to make a great fruit salad), bread and butter spread, peanut butter, polony, fresh milk, breakfast cereal, fresh juice, potatoes and other veg, rice, chicken portions or stew meat and pudding.

“Masizame does have storerooms and airtight cupboards to store dry goods in bulk,” said

Linda. “The kids love their toiletry kits and receive one on arrival at the shelter. When they go on special outings, they try to look their best so contributions of hair products of any kind make them really happy!”

She gave special thanks to Warren of Hospitality & Home in Sedgefield for his donation of 20 flat sheets, and concluded that “any contribution, however small, will make a difference to a child at Masizame”.

Contact Linda at info@aqua vit.co.za or call 044 533 6686 if you can assist, and visit www. aquavit.co.za for more info.

CHRISTMAS CHEER: On December 23, Ole and Linda Olsen surprised Masizame kids with gifts and ice cream and a bunch of necessities donated by members of the Plett Accommodation Association, among other generous donors Photos: showme/plett

Thank you for making Kurland kids happy

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N CXPRESS of December 18, an appeal from Sarah Murray of Protecx Workwear in Plett urged readers to donate towards an important annual function in The Crags (visit www.cxpress.co.za and read ‘Here’s how you can make Kurland kids’ Christmas rock’ on the News & Views page of issue 380).

Her recent letter to CXPRESS bears witness to the efficacy of that appeal. Said Sarah: “Thank

you to everyone who donated, helped, wrapped, cooked, secured, packed, organised, shared or contributed in any other way to make this party happen. We are completely overwhelmed by the support we received from both individuals and businesses.

“On arrival at school, the kids received sweet treats and then joined the fun on the field. The many activities that kept them busy included soccer, tug of

war, swings and slides, pool noodle hockey, wattlepede and a jumping castle.

“All played out the kids received hot dogs and cool drinks – but only after showing their great litter-picking skills, so leaving the grounds as clean as when we’d arrived.

“To end the party, all the children eagerly anticipated a visit

by Santa, riding in on his car sleigh. Every child present received a wrapped present from

Santa and a great day was had by all.”

Sarah concluded that leftover cash was spent on much-needed baby goods for Masizakhe, and thanked each sponsor by name - a list too long to include here, but which is featured on the CXPRESS Facebook page.

See pictures of the day on page 10 of this edition and email sarah@protecx.co.za or call 044 533 2794 for further information.

News & Views

January 15 - 2014

CXPRESS

Wet weather increases summer veld fire risk T

HE Department of Water & Environmental Affairs’ programme to fight unwanted veld fires, Working on Fire (WoF), has warned Western Cape residents of a rough fire season ahead, fuelled by the recent heavy rains.

“Due to the increased summer rains, some major fuel loads for veld fires like debris in riverbeds have also increased,” said WoF communication officer Liesl Brink.

She explained that drier weather conditions predicted for the rest of January to March would dry out wet vegetation and debris, making for a risky and prolonged summer fire season.

However, Brink confirmed that WoF had 703 fully trained and super fit fire fighters based

TO THE RESCUE: The rapid deployment of Working on Fire aerial and ground teams saves lives, biodiversity, and infrastructure like the Twelve Apostles Hotel, pictured here Photo: Twelve Apostles Hotel

Aid David’s trek for the frail

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XPRESS received this appeal from someone who puts his money where his mouth is when it comes to caring for the old and frail, and “sharing the love with those that have been forgotten”.

Said David Kleynhans: “I am a volunteer who wishes to raise awareness for the plight of old age homes through my cycling great trek from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth and back.

“Somebody has given me love and I wish to share it with our seniors, as it was them who cared for me when I was a youngster. I am able-bodied, but who looks after those less fortunate, older and without any family?”

David’s tour programme will see him depart Cape Town for Heidelberg (280km) on January 28. On the 29th he will tackle

the route from Heidelberg to Plettenberg Bay (260km), and Plett to PE (250km) on the 30th.

He has signed up for the 106km Herald Cycle Tour, which takes place on February 2, and on the 3rd David will hit the road back to Cape Town with the same stops, hoping to arrive in the Mother City on February 5.

“I will be raffling a selection of prizes to raise much needed funds, with tickets for sale at R150 each,” he said.

Look out for David on his trek for this worthy cause on the above mentioned dates, or donate directly at Nedbank (branch 19262100), FRAIL account number 1045781584 with your name as reference, or email frail@mail.org for further information.

at 25 stations across the Western Cape available in the event of veld fires.

“We have 26 aircraft - 11 helicopters, six fixed-wing bombers and nine spotters - based in Tulbagh, Porterville, Donkerhoek, Stellenbosch, Bredasdorp, Stilbaai, Newlands, Plettenberg Bay and Knysna - that are available 24/7,” she said.

A total of 40 veld fires ravaged the province during December, destroying 21’000ha of vegetation. During December 2012, the Western Cape experienced 33 veld fires which destroyed 33’000ha.

“Our new strategy of attacking fires by deploying the maximum amount of aerial and ground resources at an early stage - especially to hotspots

identified in partnership with stakeholders and communities - is proving to be successful,” said Water & Environmental Affairs minister Edna Molewa.

“By gaining control within the first hour of the fire, the possibility of major incidents and loss of lives, infrastructure and biodiversity have thus far been minimised. Some of our fire fighters have even assisted with fires in the Northern Cape where damages to rooibos plantations were estimated to run close to R2.4-million,” she said.

“Due to excellent partnerships between WoF and the Northern Cape Nature Conservation department, damages were minimised and the fire was prevented from spreading into tea plantations in the W-Cape.”

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During another December fire close to the Twelve Apostles Hotel in Cape Town, the excellent partnership between WoF, the City of Cape Town and Table Mountain National Park prevented the fire from spreading, so causing major damage and loss of life and biodiversity.

Causes of the various December fires ranged from natural reasons like lightning to arson and human negligence. During the 2012 Western Cape fire season (December to May), WoF through its aerial and ground resources was instrumental in the suppression of 193 fires and managed to limit the size of the areas burnt to 173’654ha.

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CXPRESS

ISSUE 381

Business

January 15 - 2014

From financial flab to fiscally fabulous MICHELLE DICKENS, managing director of registered credit bureau TPN, provides 10 tips for working on your financial fitness 3. Focus on buying items that bargains. Again, focus on what

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HEN it comes to spending, you don’t have to deny yourself all the things you love and want. You just have to be smart about what, how and when you buy.

1. Start by getting a credit record. Open a store account or a credit card with a low credit limit. If you have no credit record at all, financial institutions

don’t know whether you’re a good risk. They’ll charge more until they have a better sense of your credit behaviour.

2. Try window-shopping. It’s just as much fun as real shopping, and a whole lot cheaper.

Research shows that most of the pleasure in shopping lies in anticipation – not the actual purchase.

will add real value to your life, and pay off the amount owing on your credit cards in full every month. wAlso, never use your budget facility if you can help it.

4. Get smart about finding

will really add value to your life. Acquiring one or two classic, quality items that you wear for years is a better bet than lots of cheaper, disposable fashion.

5. Pay your rent on time, and in full.

Investor Focus

6. Do not damage your landlord’s property – and if an accident happens, ensure that the damage is rectified or it will reflect on their database.

7. Put away enough savings to cover your living expenses for six months should you lose your job.

8. Invest in a savings product

Malcolm Stewart – Portfolio Manager at Sanlam Private Investments Knysna

Movements of the mighty Rand I T is a well-known fact that predicting the Rand is impossible. There is an old saying that the first step in solving a problem is understanding it, however, even if you think you understand a problem it does not necessarily mean that you can solve it. But it should at least help you to manage it.

It is a globally accepted norm that, over the long term, currencies will always return to their Purchasing Power Parity (PPP).

They may diverge from this measure for long periods, even decades, but they will ultimately correct, even if it is for a very short period.

This PPP is simply a measure of differing inflation rates, i.e. if measured only against the US Dollar, with their inflation rate at 2% and ours at 6%, then the Rand should decline in value against the US$ by 4% per annum. But the violent movements of the Rand tell us that this is a strictly theoretical exercise.

like a retirement annuity. This will force you to put money aside for savings even when you’re tempted.

9. Never buy non-essentials like holidays on credit. Rather save up and pay cash.

10. Pay off big purchases like a vehicle over a shorter rather than a longer period. The longer you take to pay something off, the more it will cost you in the long run.

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It is common practice to establish the PPP value of the Rand against the average inflation rate of our major trading partners. This is because under normal circumstances it is our foreign trade imbalances and capital flows between our major partners that establish the longterm value.

Besides the long-term measure of PPP there are numerous other factors that have either positive or negative influences on its short-term value.

The Rand is considered to be an emerging market currency and is thus expected to be more volatile than the older, established markets. Emerging markets are known to have far more political upheavals, Thailand, Egypt and Turkey being perfect examples.

Then there are the interest rate differentials, where US long bonds offer a rate of ±3.5% against the SA rate of ±8%. This clearly accounts for periods of strength.

The anticipated growth rate differential between companies will impact on long-term inflows. Emerging markets are normally seen to offer better growth rates than more mature markets.

An interesting observation is that our Rand is thought to be the biggest and most traded emerging market currency. Investment, speculative and trade volumes in the Rand are often not linked to South Africa’s economic or political fortunes.

We find that an emerging market portfolio manager may be focusing on Turkey, but is unable to sell his currency position because of a feeble Lira market, so he will ‘go short’ the Rand in an attempt to offset his Turkish Lira exposure.

This implies that very often the violent moves observed in the Rand are driven by factors way beyond our fundamentals.

Many South Africans also have a highly emotional approach to the currency. When

it does go through a period of weakness it is seen in a negative light by the local community, and this sentiment often results in irrational investment decisions being made.

At present the Rand is seen to be undervalued. The PPP is at about R9 to the US$ whereas it is trading at ±R10.7 to the US$.

But this does not mean that it will strengthen to that level in the short or even medium term.

The currency can stay undervalued for years, as it has also stayed overvalued for long periods in the past.

Many commentators are anticipating a volatile year, mainly because it is a year in which we could have a particularly interesting election. One must, however, never ignore the fundamentals. The Rand is undervalued and could well trend back to its proper value - but only a fool will predict when.

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Entertainment

January 15 - 2014

CXPRESS

ISSUE 381

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Diarise Mark’s month-end concert at Plett Methodist Church

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recital by gifted pianist Mark Spence promises to be a rare treat for aficionados of classical and chamber music, while at the same time raising funds for St Thomas Methodist Church in Plettenberg Bay. Born in Cape Town in 1988, Mark started mastering the

piano aged eight and recently completed his studies at the University of Cape Town under professor Albie van Schalkwyk.

He also receives tuition from Dr Stewart Young and Prof Malcolm Nay in Joburg, and attended master classes with, among others, Profs Graham Fitch,

Nina Schumann, Luis Magalhães, Fazil Say, and Antonio Pompa-Baldi in Cape Town.

Mark has established himself as a recitalist, accompanist and chamber musician, and has been awarded first prizes at numerous eisteddfodau and other competitions. He has appeared

A book that reads like fine wine flows

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OUTH African novelist Charmaine Pauls signed copies of her latest romance, Vjg" Ykpgocmgt, at Plettenberg Bay’s Village Bookshop on December 27.

The author’s first appearance at the venue was in 2012 with her debut novel, Dgvyggp" [gu/ vgtfc{"("Vqoqttqy.

Vjg" Ykpgocmgt is the story of Brit Zenobia Rambling, who gives up her life in London and travels to South America to marry her Chilean fiancé.

The minute she arrives on foreign soil, her fiancé leaves her for his agent.

Penniless, jobless and alone, Zenna finds herself with a house she cannot afford and owning a stolen vehicle by accident. After a scary encounter with the Chilean police, Zenna is prohibited from leaving the country until the date of the court hearing.

Her neighbours support Zenna during this difficult time and invite her to their wine farm where she eventually starts working with Etán Perez-Cruz, the enigmatic but difficult world-class winemaker.

Etán saved Zenna from her financial dilemma by offering her a job, but can he save her

CHARMING: Charmaine Pauls with a copy of ‘The Winemaker’, which was recently launched in Plett

life from dangerous kidnappers, and will he sacrifice his brother’s happiness for his own?

The backdrop for Vjg" Ykpg/ ocmgt is the Santiago and Colchagua Valley vineyards and wine history in Chile, where the writer currently resides.

Protagonist Etán Perez-Cruz was inspired by award-winning Chilean oenologist Francisco Baettig from Viña Errazuriz.

“His superstar wines made headlines worldwide and I was intrigued by both the product and the process of creation,” says Pauls.

She found the descriptions of the wine poetic.

“I wanted to write a sensual novel around the romantic and majestic wine industry, where the wine itself is a personification of the characters in the book,” says Pauls.

Comparing the intoxicating Zenna with an alluring wine bouquet is the ultimate compliment a man of few words like Etán can bestow on a woman.

The book is Pauls’ third release after Dgvyggp"[guvgtfc{"(" Vqoqttqy and Dgvyggp"Hktg"(" Keg. A literary romance, Ugeqpf" Dguv, is due for release in February. Visit www.charmainepauls. com for more information.

as guest soloist with both the Cape Town and KZN Philharmonic Orchestras.

In 2009, Mark was awarded the Fine Music Radio/Nussbaum Scholarship and won the Olive Lieberz-Theron Prize for Outstanding Pianism.

In 2010, he received The Lionel Bowman Prize for Beethoven, which afforded him his debut solo recital at the Baxter Concert Hall in May 2011.

In the same year, he was invited to participate in Camille Saint-Saëns’s Carnival of the Animals in Gaborone, Botswana, with the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra.

Mark will be auditioning at various Musikhochschulen in Germany during June/July and will begin his postgraduate

studies there in September.

The first half of his two-hour recital in Plett will include Beethoven’s Oqqpnkijv"Uqpcvc, Rachmaninov’s Prelude in D major (Op 23 No 4) and Prelude in G minor (Op 23 No 5), Liszt’s Consolation No 3 in D major and Concert Etude No 3 in D major, and Chopin’s Scherzo in B minor (Op 20 No 1).

After the interval will follow Chopin’s Scherzo in B minor (Op 31 No 2), Schubert’s Impromptu in A major (Op 90 No 4), and Beethoven’s Sonata in F minor, popularly known as Cr/ rcuukqpcvc.

At only R60 per seat, this is a performance no self-respecting piano fan could afford to miss - see the advert on this page for additional information.

PIANO FORTE: Local music lovers will be treated to the considerable talents of Mark Spence on Friday January 31

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ISSUE 381

Photos: Cobus Brink

FUN FOR ALL: Sarah Murray pictured at far right with some cuddly company - thanks everyone who contributed to a fantabulous Christmas party for Kurland kids read the full story on page 6.

Social Scene

January 15 - 2014

TÊTE-À-TÊTE: One of the season’s best-attended events was Plett Aviation Day on December 15 which, bar a freak accident involving Bitou deputy mayor Adam van Rhyner, resulted in reams of excellent feedback. Says organiser and Plett Hanger Owners Association chair Harry de Villiers, pictured above in close conversation with safety officer Stu Lithgow, left: ‘Adam’s ops are a thing of the past and he’ll be back at work in March. Notwithstanding the day’s success, we’re still in the dark as to council’s future plan for the airport. But there were many positive signs this past month, with the number of visiting craft greatly increased, and Team RV SA holding a training camp here because of Plett’s great weather and perfect flying conditions.’ The event attracted between 5000 and 6000 flying fans of all ages. At left, Lola Ferreira considers joining that lucky fluffy mouse in the cockpit of one of the model planes on display...

People, places & events

Photos: Rikke Dammann

GLORIOUS GIVING: Woodmill Lane in Knysna celebrated a successful season of giving these past holidays, with muchneeded funds raised for charitable causes.

First up was the Movember Madness event in aid of cancer research - a fun morning of men proudly displaying moustaches in competition for the grand prize, and even some brave ladies and children strutting their stick-on stuff on the last day of November. In the pic top left are centre manager Bobbie Erfman and Pieter Cloete during the prize-giving. Carols by Candlelight was also a hit with perfect weather, wonderful music and great ambience, both young and old singing along merrily. Father Christmas made a grand entrance earlier in the evening, tossing sweets to delighted children as he made his way through the crowd. The night culminated in the extremely special and emotional moment of lighting memory candles on the Christmas tree. Entrance donations and memory candle sales brought in over R14’000, which will go a long way to helping those cared for by Hospice. Woodmill Lane thanks all Knysna locals and visitors for their support, as well as Hospice for the opportunity to host this special event. The centre looks forward to an exciting 2014, with something new planned for every month. Like them at www.facebook.com/woodmillane and visit www.woodmillane.co.za for regular feedback on monthly events.

January 15 - 2014

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Photo: www.jacquesmarains.co.za/sony

Social Scene

WALKING ON WATER: Another successful Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge is a thing of the past, with this lovely picture shot during the trail run at Kurland Estate on December 30.

Visit www.esctiming.com/eventresults/sabrina for all the results.

People, places & events Photos: Sharyn Hodges www.showme.co.za/plett

PONIES ON PARADE: A procession of polo ponies down Plett’s Main Street on December 20 was enjoyed by many local and visiting fans of the sport. Above, members of the Behr and Reynolds families enjoy the event in the cool ambiance of The Table, with Doug Lund of Newstead and ace South African polo player Tom de Bruyn at right.

FIVE GENERATIONS UNITE: Monique Foiret, back left, shared this special pic and wrote: ‘I gave birth to a little boy, Noah, on December 2. We were very fortunate to have my great grandfather, Wally Wernich, visiting us at the time and this photo shows five generations captured in a single shot, as we’re joined by my grandmother Maureen de Beer and mom Deidre Mountjoy.’ The CXPRESS team congratulates new mom Monique and wishes Plett’s Mountjoys and their loved ones the best for 2014. (Read the story of Keegan Mountjoy on the back page of this edition.)

MUSIC FEAST IN FEB: Next month, a four-day festival at Plett’s White House Theatre promises world-class jazz, classical, swing, blues and jive to support the Kids of Kurland school project. The organisers, who were also responsible for the successful Plett Fringe Festival, now present the first-ever Plett Music Festival over Valentine’s weekend from February 13-16. The hot line-up opens with internationally acclaimed saxophonist Andrew Young, who last year caused a storm in Plett, followed on the 14th by the stunning duo of electric cellist Carol Thorns and harpist Shelley Frost, pictured at right, who flies in from Dubai especially for the event. Dance Saturday night away to The Swingsetters from Cape Town, and enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon jazz treat with Rick van Heerden’s jazz band. Local legend Martin Wolfaardt will be playing the White House courtyard from 7pm each evening, with a cash bar and snacks for sale. Space is limited and these performers always play to full houses, so hurry to book your seat to avoid disappointment. A pass for all four shows is available at a reduced price - all proceeds benefit Kids of Kurland (www.kidsofkurland. com) and the event is supported by Plett Tourism. Book online at www.plettmusicfest.co.za or buy tickets at The Old House Shop. Call Ann Fermor on 082 452 8764 and see the advert on this page for further information.

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Interval

January 15 - 2014

Wife to husband: “I told you I’ll be back in five minutes, so why are you calling me every half an hour?”

Bless the little ones • Three-year-old Reese: “Our Father, Who does art in heaven, Harold is His name. Amen.”

• A little boy was overheard praying: “Lord, if you can’t make me a better boy, don’t worry about it. I’m having a real good time like I am.”

• After the christening of his baby brother in church, little Jason sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong.

Finally, the boy replied: “That preacher said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home, and I wanted to stay with you guys.”

• A four-year-old prayed: “And forgive us our trash baskets as we forgive those who put trash in our baskets.”

• A Sunday school teacher asked her children as they were on their way to the church service: “And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?”

One bright little girl replied: “Because people are sleeping.”

• A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin, 5, and Ryan, 3. The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake.

Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson, and said: “If Jesus were sitting here, He would say ‘Let my brother have the first pancake, I can wait’.”

Kevin turned to his younger brother and said: “Ryan, you be Jesus!”

• A father was at the beach with his children when his four-yearold son ran up to him, grabbed his hand, and led him to the shore where a seagull lay dead in the sand.

“Daddy, what happened to him?” the son asked.

“He died and went to heaven,” his dad replied.

The boy thought a moment and then said: “Did God throw him back down?”

• A wife invited some people to dinner. At the table, she turned to their six-year-old daughter and said: “Would you like to say the blessing?”

“I wouldn’t know what to say,” the girl replied.

“Just say what you hear Mommy say,” the wife answered.

The daughter bowed her head and said: “Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?”

Old-timers still at it after all these years…

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HE husband leans over and asks his wife: “Do you remember the first time we made love over 50 years ago? We went behind the village tavern where you leaned against the back fence.”

“Yes,” she says, “I remember it well.”

“Okay,” he says, “how about taking a stroll around there again and we can do it for old time’s sake?”

“Oh Jim, you old devil, that sounds like a crazy but good idea!”

A police officer sitting nearby overheard their conversation and, having a chuckle to himself, thinks, ‘I’ve got to see these two old-timers making love against a fence. I’ll just keep an eye on them so there’s no trouble’.

So he slowly follows them.

The elderly couple walks very haltingly along, leaning on each other for support aided by walking sticks.

Finally, they get to the back of the tavern and make their way to the fence. As she leans

against the fence, the old man moves in... Then suddenly they erupt into the most furious lovemaking the policeman has ever seen.

This goes on for about ten minutes while both are making loud noises and moaning and groaning.

Finally, they both collapse, panting on the ground.

The policeman is amazed. He thinks he has learned something about life and old age that he didn’t know.

After about half an hour of lying on the ground recovering, the old dears struggle to their feet.

The policeman is still watching and thinks to himself: ‘This is truly amazing, I’ve got to ask them what their secret is.’

So, as the couple passes, he says to them: “Excuse me, but that was something else. You must’ve had a fantastic sex life together. Is there some sort of secret to this?”

Shaking, the old man is barely able to reply: “Fifty years ago that wasn’t an electric fence.”

Home & Health

January 15 - 2014

CXPRESS

Look after your eyes this summer

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O much emphasis is placed on skin care during summer that it’s easy to forget about the importance of caring for your eyes at this time of year.

“With two months of summer ahead, many of us will spend hours next to the pool, on the beach and generally outdoors.

We may not realise that extended sun exposure can cause permanent damage to our eyes,” says Fedhealth principal officer Peter Jordan.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, although the eyelid is designed to protect the eye, its skin is exceedingly thin and contains many fragile tissues that may be injured by ultraviolet (UV) light.

Inside the eye, the lens and the cornea - both transparent - filter UV rays, but may become damaged after doing so for many years.

This is especially true for the lens, which through years of UV absorption turns yellowish and cataractous.

UV exposure is directly linked to, for example, 10% of all cataract diagnoses - a progressive clouding and yellowing of the crystalline lens. Cataracts are

the leading cause of blindness in South Africa.

“Fortunately, cataracts are treatable through surgery but could be prevented through better eye care,” says Jordan.

Some eyelid cancers, intraocular melanoma, conjunctival cancers and benign growths of the conjunctiva can all be linked to sun exposure.

Excessive exposure to UV from the sun or tanning machines can literally burn the cornea - the eye’s clear refracting surface that admits light and images to the retina.

This condition is known as keratitis, or corneal sunburn.

UV-protective lenses are therefore especially a must for anyone who uses a tanning machine. They are also essential for those who enjoy outdoor activities such as sailing and fishing, as water reflects the sun’s rays.

“Important to remember is that eye damage from UV rays can occur throughout the year.

Investing in a quality pair of UV-protection sunglasses and a broad-rimmed hat is a good place to start,” says Jordan.

He offers these additional tips

The yin and yang of vincas

DEADLY MEDS: These easy-growing plants boast a plethora of medicinal properties and come in a multitude of colours

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ADAGASCAR is the natural home of Ecvjctcp/ vjwu" tqugwu, the five-petalled wonder of the medicine world.

It’s a fascinating concept to think that vincas could be responsible for both saving and taking lives.

This much loved bedding plant is extremely toxic if consumed, yet it contains approximately 70 alkaloids, of which many have medicinal properties that have been used in traditional medicine for decades.

These days, vincas come in blazing hot pinks, reds, oranges and purples, but if you prefer the soothing type, whites and light pinks are available too.

Do you have a sunny patch of soil that you look at and think, “nothing will grow here, it’s

just too dry and dusty”? That’s where you’re going to plant up a bunch of vinca seedlings.

You can water them regularly after planting but only until they’ve settled in nicely and after that, cease and desist, because they are the kids who hardly ever stand on the pool steps on a hot day - dry feet and warm face!

Is it any wonder that these annuals took the world by storm?

So easy to grow, they can be used in a variety of places like containers, hanging baskets, borders for colour in a flower bed, or even as an edge to beds and paths.

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on eye-care: • Check that your sunglasses provide more than 95% UV protection. The lens tint is also important and should block 80% of transmissible light, but not more than 90% or you’ll strain to see through them.

• Don’t be fooled by cloudy days as UV rays can pass through clouds.

• Keep your eyes hydrated if they start feeling dry and irritated. Speak to your optometrist about what drops are best for your eyes.

• Never look directly at the sun, even during an eclipse.

• Protect your children from sun-related eye damage by ensuring they wear hats and sunglasses too.

“It’s important to regularly visit your optometrist for a thorough eye exam as virtually all UV-related eye conditions can then be detected.

“It’s never too late to start caring for your eyes so make the effort now and enjoy the longterm benefits of healthy eyes,” concludes Jordan.

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CXPRESS

ISSUE 381

January 15 - 2014

Classifieds

On the Soapbox

January 15 - 2014

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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

We simply can’t afford to refuse as in the past Refusing, if you think about it, is a word that could refer to waste management - a job that municipalities are charged with.

Bitou Municipality’s recent mayoral newsletter has some good news as well as an item on refusing that ratepayers in both Bitou and Knysna should urgently think seriously about.

December’s 12th Mayoral Newsletter states under the heading Ncpfhknn" Ukvg" 1" Vtcpu/ hgt"Uvcvkqp: ‘I regret to say that we still sit with problems and

challenges. I apologise for the current distressing state of the landfill site. There has been serious mismanagement of the site and we have replaced the site manager.

‘Knysna assists us by allowing our refuse trucks to drop our waste there and they truck it on to Mossel Bay. However, Knysna has not been able to do this in season, hence the backup of waste over the past two weeks.

This was exacerbated by the breakdown of two trucks.

Dump neighbours going the legal route Plett resident Marc Jackson forwarded a bunch of photos (see one below) of Plett’s dump last month, saying that ‘it should have been closed four years ago and this season it’s going to get a lot worse. We live across the road in Whale Rock Heights and the WRH Trustees are trying to get the municipality to sort this problem out. It is a Plett problem and the more locals that become aware, the better our case. To date, the municipality has promised but not delivered. The WRH Trustees have gone the legal route, but it takes time and money.’

‘We have increased the number of trucks running to Mossel Bay over the holiday season.

There has been a delay in the identification of the Transfer Station site due to problems with the necessary approvals. This has been resolved and building is programmed to commence in April 2014.’

For years these municipalities have pondered the question of where to dump refuse. Now, after much debate and research, a dump site has been found and the task is simply to arrange for transportation.

The infrastructure and equipment required for transportation will be costly, but this is a long-term solution so that cost, spread out amongst ratepayers, might not raise rates per individual by too much.

So far, so good?

One downside is that this dumpsite is more than 200km away from Nature’s Valley.

Vehicles transporting tons of waste each month will have to make a 400km round trip.

Transport is by no means cheap and can be expected to be an ongoing escalating expense that municipalities will be locked into, long term, and will recover from ratepayers plus a handling charge. Trucks on the roads pose safety and environ-

mental questions.

Suppose the question had not been “Where can we dump waste?” but “Is it not time to adopt a Zero Waste policy?” because those who contribute in any way at all in the creation of waste must share this responsibility - financially, practically and ethically.

Chatting to a Gauteng couple on holiday here, I learned how happy they are with the decision taken by their group of 30 homeowners. Instead of paying their municipality to remove 17 wheelie bins a week, they opted to sort their waste and pay a recycling company R450 per month (R15/household) to remove the sorted material.

The upshot is that the municipality now removes six wheelie bins. Homeowners are happy with the cost-saving and believe that they can reduce that municipal load still further.

The municipality may only need to collect monthly, and the recycling company employs local labour to convert refuse into reusable, saleable commodities.

We’re at a critical stage right now. Our money is about to be spent with enduring commitments to wasteful transportation costs.

Is it too late to refuse?

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Attitude towards traffic fine unfathomable

Tip back to its former state of dysfunction?

Another Plett reader who prefers to remain anonymous wrote: ‘I took this photo (below) on a Sunday afternoon in December.

Every time I drive past our dump, I notice it becoming more and more like it used to be. When we started the transport to Mossel Bay, all rubbish would be emptied directly into containers to be carted away. Now it seems that either there are not enough containers, or it is just being dumped. The area is inundated with scavengers and all the rubbish they collect is left lying just below the road on the outside of the fence next to the main gate. Apart from this being a total eyesore, it is also a health hazard and detracts from the experience of those driving up the Airport Road. Oh, by the way, there was somebody on duty wearing a reflective jacket while all of this was happening.’

I cannot fathom Mike of Bloubergstrand’s way of thinking (visit www.cxpress. co.za and read ‘Traffic departments, take note...’ on the Letters page of issue 380).

He readily admits to exceeding the speed limit, gets caught, and then blames everyone except himself for the fine. He then decides to seek revenge on Knysna and Plettenberg Bay by claiming that he will never come to this part of the world again.

Wow, what a crippling blow for the Garden Route!

This is so typical of the

South African mentality: boast about how fast your car can go and how fast you drive, get caught, and blame the authorities.

Dear Mike, you are going to run out of places to spend your holidays because, surprise, there are speed traps all over the country.

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Shame ‘em via social media Reader Lance Rothschild sent this pic and wrote: ‘One thing that irritates me is when ablebodied people park in bays reserved (and demarcated) for the disabled. The incident pictured here occurred on January 3 at Kwikspar Plett at 1:15pm. I confronted the driver politely, pointing out that he had parked in a bay reserved for the disabled and asking him to move his car. He had an attitude, saying: “What are you going to do, call the traffic police?” In my view, our traffic officers have substantial issues to deal with at this busy time of year, so I did the next best thing - I took his pic and sent it to you, and have also posted it on Facebook.’

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January 15 - 2014

Sport & Adventure

Good omen hooked on New Year’s Day Knysna angler Chad Kockott sent this spectacular photo and wrote: ‘So it was New Year’s Day and, as we were exiting the canal from Thesen’s side, I noticed some birds working - a rather unusual sight in the lagoon. When we made our way towards them they seemed to dissipate. As we carried on with our mission, my friend Shaun spotted a dark shape on the flats. I knew it was a fish but had no idea what type. I got him to put the boat in neutral and sent my Stick Shadd 114 lure skyrocketing through the air. It must have landed about half a metre away from the fish, spooking him at first but as I started my retrieval he was into it. I could see it unfolding as clear as day... Boom, he hit it! I set the hook and was ready for the battle, asking my mate to switch on the GoPro so we could get some video footage. Now I have caught a couple of fish in my life but I have never seen the colours that I saw on New Year’s Day. The male dorado’s magnificent royal blue-purple was truly something special and a good omen any way you look at it. I was blown away by this catch - a memory to cherish for many years to come.’ As far as Chad knows, dorado has never been caught in Knysna Lagoon. He used a 10-pound spider line (braid), a 20-pound fluorocarbon leader, a Sebile Stick Shadd 114mm lure, and 2 x 3’o decoy hooks. - Photo: Shaun Miller

Keegan gives back a mountain of cricket joy Plett Primary School’s star cricketer Keegan Mountjoy was sponsored R5 per run for all the runs he scored in all forms of cricket during the past calendar year. This amounted to a staggering 1200+ runs, and once these were tallied and the money in his pocket, the youngster bought up a bunch of sporting equipment during the days preceding Christmas.

Keegan’s first stop, on December 24, was Knysna Sport School where he presented his team mates in the KSS and Knysna Colts teams with brand new cricket kits, as they never had any of their own. Pictured from left with Keegan at centre are Trivano, Justin, Curnel, Dino and Renaldo. He then went to KwaNokuthula in Plett and presented fellow Plett Primary pupil Phapi with a cricket kit, and on the same afternoon he visited Kranshoek where, with the help of Bitou Traffic officers, he handed out gifts comprising cricket equipment, soccer balls, rugby balls, clothing and sweet packets. What a way to spend the loot of those hard-earned runs! Well done Keegan, we look forward to reporting on your cracking cricketing year ahead.