3 August 2016 by CXpress

3 August 2016

Published every Wednesday by CXpress 2006 (Pty) Ltd - PO Box 1449, Plettenberg Bay 6600 - 6 Park Lane, Plettenberg Bay - Tel: 044 533 1004 - Fax: 044 533 0852 Email: editor@cxpress.co.za / advertising@cxpress.co.za Web page: www.cxpress.co.za Printed by Group Editors

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Vote for South Africa! It’s a big day in history as eligible voters countrywide will cast their ballots in the local municipal elections and because of the record amount of political parties contesting our province, the Western Cape’s A3-sized ballot paper is bigger than ever before in the history of democratic South Africa. Read more interesting election facts and figures on page 5, and turn to page 11 for thoughts to ponder before making that cross.

Backseat Olympics

Hijack mayhem

Going fishing?

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

3 August 2016

Driving Miss Crazy

A discussion on the Rio Olympics from the back seat of touring Russians’ rental car JEEVES shares his adventures as Garden Route chauffeur extraordinaire... HEY were Russian. He - “Lechkov... Sergey Lechkov. You call me ‘Serge’. And this my wife (yeah?), Maria.” They were on a one-week golf tour to the Garden Route starting from Pinnacle Point, through Fancourt, Simola, Pezula, Plett Country Club - “my favourite course, so far” - came a husky voice from behind, the rearview mirror revealing two plumes of smoke spouting, dragon-like, from her nostrils. It was the last leg of their trip, to St Francis for their final round of golf, with me at the wheel of their rental car so they could lap up the scenery without having to focus on the road ahead, route maps and the GPS. --“You know, I don’t get used to the food in your country!” he stated.

“But it’s five-star hotel food you’re having,” I said. “It’s the same all over the world, surely?” “But we don’t talk ‘hotel’ food,” uttered Maria. “We mean real food!” “Like Bortsch with butter-beans?” I asked. “Jaaa!” he exclaimed enthusiastically. “And a Hotchpotch - vegetable with lamb, or a meat stew cooked with vinegar and garlic - like I make for you, hey, Sergie darlink?” “Da,” he nodded. --“What will your team eat in their Olympic Village in Rio, if they get there?” I stirred. “Don’t start that!” he shouted. “Putin is right. It is all a plot!” she affirmed. --Talk was now only on the Games - from

incomplete villages, the Oz team refusing to occupy their quarters, sanitation, watersport health risks, unfinished stadiums and sport facilities, crime, the threat of terrorism (60,000 members of the army on standby) and the Zika virus. But, of course, the IOC’s banning of Team Russia took precedence: more than 100 of their athletes had been barred due to previous doping offences, including 67 out of 68 ‘track and field’ teams. They had hoped to send 387 athletes despite suspension, and 270 of them were still set to take part, under a ‘neutral’ (WTH?) flag. “How about your female athlete, Yuliya Stepanova, the ‘whistle-blower’ who exposed your country’s state-sponsored dop-

TALK OF THE CHANNELS: International TV networks had a field day over the near-blanket ban of Russian athletes over doping matters

WHISTLE-BLOWER: Yuliya Stepanova has been ruled out of competing in Rio Photo: Paul Zinken/EPA

ing programme, and challenged other athletes to admit having taken performanceenhancing, banned substances?” I asked. “So?” from Serge. “What events would she be ideally suited to, with a name like that? Stepanova. ‘Step n over’. ‘Stepping over!’” “Hah!” he guffawed. “Perhaps hurdles?” “And high jump?” suggested Maria. “Or hop-skip-and-jump!” I shrieked. We all laughed… At the end of our journey I asked: “Serge, do you think the Games will run smoothly and end normally?” “Nyet.” Fasten those buckles! - Jeeves

SOFT LANDING: Russian long jumper Darya Klishina is the only athlete to have been cleared to participate in Rio as a ‘neutral’ athlete - Photo: Getty Images/Cameron Spencer

Jogging Down Memory Lane

Do you remember those times - the places and people? ELL-KNOWN Plett resident Derek Frielinghaus popped in at CXPRESS recently to propose an exercise in jogging down memory lane for long-time Garden Routers, especially those with a long connection to Plettenberg Bay. He was armed with the town’s first formal tourism magazine, published by the Plettenberg Bay Publicity Association circa 1976/7, and we delighted in poring over the pages of this booklet as well as a later, more colourful version printed in 1981. Apart from editorials about the wonders of the Bay and all it has to offer, the advertisements in these brochures were of great interest - it’s quite astounding how many of the businesses still exist in some form or another, and to take into account how they have helped shape the town as we know it today, four decades down the line. Over the next few months we will endeav-

our to include one advert per edition and call for readers’ feedback with an eye on compiling these recollections in a journal of sorts. “I thought by publishing these, we could jolt people’s memories - thoughts that they could pen and send me for a later publication,” said Derek. “They need not include their names if that is their wish.” So if any of the images here ring a bell, ask yourself: What memories does this bring to you? What do you remember of the place or people involved? Who owned this business and who worked there at the time? Email your contribution with or without your name to haus@mweb.co.za - and turn to page 12 to read a fishing story by the late great Drew Hunter (who also happened to contribute stories to CXPRESS in the early years) which graced the 80s booklet’s centre spread.

BLAST FROM PLETT’S PAST: What memories and thoughts do this advert bring back to you? Email your reminiscences to Derek at haus@mweb.co.za

THE BAY IN FULL COLOUR: These brochures from the late 70s and early 80s constitute the town’s first official tourism magazines

NEWS & VIEWS

3 August 2016

CXPRESS

Dramatic hijacking off Crags N2 sees multiple shots fired, one dead and one arrested What started as a hijacking in Plettenberg Bay saw two armed men leave a trail of chaos in their wake as they headed towards Port Elizabeth at the weekend - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports OLICE spokesman Sergeant Majola Nkohli said just before midnight on Saturday two armed men hijacked a couple travelling to George from Port Elizabeth at the BP garage off The Crags N2. He said the man and woman had stopped at the garage to drop off a passenger when the two suspects overpowered them and one got in behind the wheel. “The suspect turned the

car around and headed back in the direction of Port Elizabeth,” Nkohli said. He added that when they reached the area around Thornhill, however, the suspect crashed into the back of a bakkie being towed on the N2. Both suspects and the victims survived the accident. “After the accident, the suspects fled into nearby bushes on foot.” During the early hours of

Sunday morning, the suspects allegedly made their way towards a nearby tavern and asked a group of three revellers for a lift to the Loerie area. During the journey the suspects allegedly pulled out their weapons and demanded control of the vehicle. “At this point, the female passenger jumped out of the car in an attempt to flee, but one of the suspects shot her in the leg, caught her, and

Liquor store staffers sustain gunshot wounds in late afternoon robbery WO people were shot and seriously injured during a brazen business robbery in Plett on Saturday. Police spokesman Captain Malcolm Pojie said three men - two with firearms and one wearing a balaclava accosted a security officer outside the Diamond’s Discount Liquor Store in the town’s industrial area just after closing time at about 4pm on Saturday. He added that while the store’s doors had already been locked, an employee heard the commotion outside and unlocked a side door to investigate. The three suspects allegedly slipped in through the door and instructed all employees inside to get down on the floor. “According to information available, the suspects insisted on all the money

that was made that day, but were told by employees that the cash had already been placed in a drop safe to which they did not have keys,” Pojie said. One of the suspects then shot an employee in the leg. “One round was fired and went through both the man’s legs.” One of the men allegedly instructed some of the employees to start loading liquor into the business’s Toyota Quantum minibus parked outside. One of his accomplices then allegedly fired another shot, which hit an employee in the stomach. “The men then forced a female employee into the minibus and drove towards the N2.” After about a kilometre the suspects allegedly brought the vehicle to a standstill and forced the woman to

help them carry the liquor into nearby bushes. “It is believed that one of the suspects then told the woman to run, after threatening her. The suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot towards Bossiesgif. The vehicle was later recovered.” Plett Security’s Otto Olivier said the suspects left a trail of broken bottles in their wake. “We believe they dropped some of the alcohol as they fled,” he said. Olivier said on Friday the town was hit by another armed robbery, this time at a shop in New Horizons. Four armed men entered the shop and stole several items including cellphone SIM cards before fleeing the scene of the crime. No one was injured during the incident. - Yolandé Stander

Copper cable seized A total of 328.8kg copper cable valued at ±R100,000 was seized at a roadblock on the N2 near the Tsitsikamma tollgate on July 28. A grey Polo with an orange light on its roof was travelling east from Knysna when it was pulled over by members of the Tsitsikamma K-9 unit and searched. Four black bags with copper cables were found wrapped in a duvet in the boot of the car and three suspects aged between 28 and 39 were arrested. They appeared in the Plett court on July 29, when the case was postponed to August 10 for bail application. The men were remanded in custody.

took her back to the car.” Nkohli said the suspect in the driver seat then drove to Port Elizabeth, but when they arrived one of the male victims made an attempt to overpower one of the hijackers. “While they were wrestling, a firearm went off twice and one of the shots hit one of the suspects in

the shoulder.” He said the driver of the vehicle then pulled over and fired several shots into the back of the vehicle, killing the man who had attempted to overpower his accomplice. Both suspects fled the scene. “The surviving occupants of the car were transported to hospital by police.”

The drama then took another turn when the victims arrived at a local hospital. It turns out that the injured suspect had decided to seek medical attention at the same hospital as his victims. “The victims saw the suspect and managed to point him out to police. The suspect was arrested at the hospital.”

CXPRESS

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NEWS & VIEWS

3 August 2016

Two-year-old elephant cruelty charges resurface

Melissa Reitz

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HE owners of Knysna Elephant Park (KEP) will face charges for animal cruelty despite an initial decision to decline prosecution, says the National Director of Public Prosecutions. “I have decided that Lisette Withers and four others should be prosecuted for contravening the Animals Protection Act,” said National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Advocate SK Abrahams. Criminal charges were laid two years ago after the NSPCA received video footage depicting cruel and abusive training methods used on the elephants at the Withers’ Eastern Cape facility, Ele-

phants of Eden. “The elephants show signs of crippling injuries with severely swollen legs and feet, debilitating abscesses and wounds resulting from the abusive use of ropes, chains, and bull hooks,” said NSPCA Senior Inspector Wendy Willson, in a statement referring to the footage. Grahamstown DPP Advocate JC Coetzee declared the evidence insufficient in November last year, saying he was not persuaded that the training methods used could be constituted as cruel treatment. But the NSPCA refused to accept this decision and took the case to the National Prosecution Au-

thority who agreed to relook the evidence, which they found adequate for prosecution. “It is important that this case is heard, tried and concluded through our judicial system so that once and for all, there can be clear parameters of what is, and what is not, acceptable with regard to training methods and also in the tourism industry,” says Isabel Wentzel of the NSPCA Wildlife Protection Unit. The cruelty case will be heard in a regional court and, if found guilty Withers could face a fine of up to R300,000 and the possible loss of her licence to operate the elephant facilities.

With a growing awareness of the cruelty associated with training elephants for riding, an increasing number of tour companies both locally and internationally are no longer promoting elephant back riding, including Thompson Safari and Harvey World Travel. Withers has an additional pending case for the illegal removal of four wild elephant calves from their mothers, who were hunted after the separation from their young at Sandhurst Safaris in North West Province. These elephants have recently been relocated to Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve. KEP declined to comment.

Case of teacher suspected of sexual abuse postponed HE court case against a Plett teacher accused of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old boy in his class last year was hit with another delay on Thursday. The trial was set to start in Knysna Regional Court last week, but was postponed a further three months as an intermediary for the child was not available - this after the trial date was set more

than three months ago. The matter was postponed until November 3. The 42-year-old man, who cannot be named until he has pleaded, was first arrested on June 22 last year after claims surfaced that he allegedly sexually abused a young boy. On December 13 last year, the teacher was arrested again, this time after a 15-year-old boy

claimed that the teacher had raped him twice at the school. The matter was however later withdrawn. The accused is currently out on R3,000 bail under strict conditions. During his bail application, the teacher in a statement denied the allegations and said that crimes of this nature “disgusted” him and that he was “shocked” that the child accused him

of such a crime. Statements of support for the accused including those from 17 of his colleagues, a former principal, an art therapist, and an orthopaedic surgeon was also handed in. The teacher also labelled himself as an honourable person who would “never sexually assault anyone, let alone a child”. - Yolandé Stander

NEWS & VIEWS

3 August 2016

CXPRESS

Bitou communities stronger for the support of these walls Words & photo: Timothy Twidle

UILDING the Walls of the Communities (BWC) - a feeding scheme that seeks to alleviate poverty in Bitou - was privileged to receive a visit from two representatives of its principal sponsor, Tiger Brands Ltd, on Friday July 29. Khosi Dhlamini, responsible for corporate social investment, and Kershnee Govender, a consultant to the company, travelled from Johannesburg to meet those who manage and supervise

STRONGER TOGETHER: The management, supervisory staff and sponsors of Building the Walls of the Communities met at the Life Centre in New Horizons last Friday

Western Cape election facts and figures according to the IEC N August 1 statement by provincial minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Anton Bredell summarised today’s election in the Western Cape “by the numbers”. The elections kicked off on Monday morning with two days of special votes before the rest of the country goes to the polls today, and Bredell said this year’s elections in the Western Cape would be a huge affair. “We have never had as many political parties competing as this year. The numbers in general are simply staggering. Accordingly, from the department’s side, we have prepared a crack team that will provide support to all our municipalities both during and after the

election,” said Bredell, adding that they opened their elections war room last Friday, and put a team of specialists in local government on standby. Some numbers from this year’s WC election as supplied by SA’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) are as follows: • Number of municipalities - one metro, 24 local municipalities, five district municipalities. • Total number of wards contested - 402. • Number of political parties contesting the election - national 203, Western Cape 77. The ballot paper Because of the large number of political parties contesting (37), the Western Cape will be using an A3-sized

ballot paper for the first time in democratic South Africa. • Number of candidates contesting the election nationally 63,654 (10,000 more than 2011 and 33,000 more than 2000), Western Cape 7,869 candidates. • Number of voting stations - 1,586 stations across the province. • Special votes - 53,597 special votes to be cast over two days. Election times • From 7am-7pm today. Bredell said his department’s support initiatives were meant to ensure a smooth transition at local government level following the election. “We look forward to playing our part in supporting free and fair elections in the Western Cape.”

the 20 distribution centres of BWC in Bitou, at the Life Centre in New Horizons. Tiger Brands generously donate dietary staples such as rice, vegetables, maize meal, peanut butter and porridge to the scheme in order to help communities become self-reliant. Elaine Paulse, a serving councillor of Bitou Municipality, thanked Tiger Brands for their help and said: “You have opened your heart to us and we

truly appreciate what you are doing for our various communities.” BWC began in 2003 and now provides daily nourishment to some 2,000 people throughout Bitou. Assistance to BWC is also given by Pick n Pay, Plett Rotary Club and Community Church, and many private donors. Contact BWC on 044 533 0321 or at buildingthewalls plett@gmail.com for additional information.

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

3 August 2016

Help Miss Krabie’s kitchen up its output significantly

MUCH BETTER NOW: Many kids benefit from Home for Hope meals - initiated by Theodora Krabie, in red - and with readers’ financial support, they could receive food five days a week

OUNDED by Theodora Krabie, The Home for Hope Soup Kitchen and Aftercare is based in KwaNokuthula, Plettenberg Bay, and is registered with the Department of Social Development as an organisation not for profit that complies with the department’s guidelines and requirements. Miss Krabie is a school teacher at Kwano Primary School and noticed an inability of most children to concentrate due to hunger. Of her own volition, she started a soup kitchen from her home with the

help of her neighbour and began feeding between 30 and 40 of these children every Wednesday and Friday afternoon. She also allows disabled people to benefit from this scheme, once all the children have been fed first. She pays for the electricity for the stove and buys vegetables with some of the money she receives as a salary. Says volunteeer Neill Rayne: “When I heard about her plight, I became involved to lend a hand and help her setting up a banking account in order to allow the depositing of funds

by the public. Poeple have been slow to respond but we are trying new initiatives to collect money and groceries. “Our mission is to increase the feeding to five days a week as soon as funding will allow.” Banking details for readers wanting to make donations are: Home for Hope Soup Kitchen and Aftercare, First National Bank Plettenberg Bay (branch code 210514 or swift code for international donors FIRNZAJJ), account no 62615965201. Contact Neill on 082 447 3812 or at raynesa@icon. co.za for additional info.

BUSINESS

3 August 2016

CXPRESS

Trade show takes two local SMEs to the next level

WO small local businesses, Glass Roots and Liberty Lockers, are upscaling operations to meet new levels of demand in the wake of their recent participation at Markex in Johannesburg. Africa’s premier promotional products and corporate gifting exhibition, Markex presented the perfect platform for both businesses to profile offerings to buyers. Over 6,500 Markex visi-

Investor Focus

tors were looking for innovative marketing, branding and merchandising ideas - and found them at the Glass Roots and Liberty Lockers stand. “This was our first specialised trade show and the dynamic of marketing business-to-business is invaluable,” said Helga Stassen of Glass Roots. “People were quicker to ask informed questions, wanting to get down to business and see an application.”

Stassen showcased a selection of art glass creations chosen specifically for corporate buyers - including designer homeware, African animal trophies, sub-surface engraved crystals, and her ever-popular glass jewellery. “We had a great response as most visitors had not seen products like ours before - something new and fresh to take to clients.” Serial entrepreneur Malcolm Katz, aka DJ Mal-

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

Notes on market drivers around the globe HE Brexit dust has started to settle… for now. Markets around the world have recovered and an air of stability has developed - one of the clear signs is that the massive liquidity we have experienced for the last five to eight years will continue. So the regime of low interest rates globally is set to endure. The Bank of England and Japan have already sent out strong signals in this regard. The European Central Bank and the American Fed are meeting as I write this, and it is pretty certain that they will maintain their current loose monetary stance. For investors in the developed world, the search for yield will carry on. We will continue to see emerging market bonds and high dividend stocks being sought after. However, the negotiations for the Great Euroland Divorce have yet to start. We will then see further uncertainties emerge, resulting in continued market volatility. In the US, we are entering the quarterly earnings season and company earnings (profits) are anticipated to decline by 3.8%. This will create a degree of caution in the minds of global investors, but the excess liquidity should continue to support the market.

However, the US is reaching the end of the super-liquidity cycle and a gradual upward movement of interest rates in the States can be anticipated at some stage in the future. The oil price, which has rallied back to the $50-level, now appears to be consolidating in a broad band between $40 and $50 per barrel. This could add some stability to energy markets; however, the US frackers may find ways to increase production in a more stable environment. Then we have election fever, in both the US in November and in our own country this week. After the shock Brexit referendum it is particularly possible that a changing groundswell is happening globally, and we may have to learn to live in a seriously changing political environment. Euroland without the English but with the refugees is also going to be a vastly different world in the near future. So how do retirees weather the turbulence that seems sure to continue? Markets are set to be volatile and interest rates globally are not an option. The Rand has recovered from Nenegate and could well continue to firm. SA interest rates at between 6% and 7% can be a good hold-

ing place, particularly as the firm Rand has the effect of reducing inflation. The high dividend stocks remain an attractive investment. Share prices may continue to be volatile but the consistent dividend flow will be maintained. There are many sound South African companies that have never missed a dividend, and have a record of increasing those dividends well above the inflation rate. Property trusts offer a wide range of yields, so serious homework is necessary before you enter this market - but there are some very attractive opportunities available. In the foreign markets, it is difficult to pin-point specific countries that are attractive; however, the large global companies offer interesting opportunities. These companies are not dependant on the local environment of any specific country. Their earnings are stable and their dividends reliable. Marriott Asset Management offers unit trusts based on these principals, both locally and offshore. Its website is worth a visit. • Malcolm has been in the investment industry for nearly 50 years. He has written this column in CXPRESS for the last 18 years and is a specialist in managing retired wealth.

funktion, chose the opportunity to launch his latest invention. Liberty Lockers avails high-security storage in public places like beaches. The idea was seeded when a friend was robbed while taking a swim in the sea a year ago - and Malcolm’s design has been in development ever since. Markex provided a goal to work towards in terms of prototyping and a full size set of lockers was

ready for show visitors to see and test for themselves. Moulded from high-end UV resistant and weatherproof plastic, the lockers provide a high-profile indoor or outdoor branding platform for businesses wanting to stand out in densely populated places. The response to his lockers far surpassed Malcolm’s expectations: “The road ahead is looking very exciting. I’ve made a few modifications to the design

based on feedback from interested buyers and will soon be sending my lockers all over the country - and the world!” The opportunity for Glass Roots and Liberty Lockers to participate in Markex 2016 was facilitated by The Gift of Knysna, which secured complementary space and services to the value of R200,000 and acted in an advisory capacity throughout preparation and participation.

CXPRESS

INTERVAL

3 August 2016

Aspire to inspire before you expire.

Declaring war from the Doringboom Bar ARACK Obama was sitting in his office wondering which country to invade next, when his phone rang. “Howzit, Barack!” a voice in broken English said. “This is Koos Vannermerwe here from the Doringboom Bar in Welkom, South Africa. I am ringing to inform you that we are officially declaring war on you, boet!” “Well, Koos,” Barack replied, “this is indeed important news. How big

is your army?” “Right now,” said Koos, after a moment’s calculation, “there is myself, my cousin Jan, my next-door neighbour Lang Hannes, and the entire darts team from the pub. That makes eight of us!” Barack paused. “I must tell you, Koos, that I have one million men in my army waiting to move on my command.” “Blikkiesfontein!” said Koos. “I’ll have to ring you back!”

College? Study? Uh, oh yeah, ok FTER sending our son away to college, he would often (too often) call up asking for money. One time when he called, my husband answered. “Sure we will send you money,” he said, “and I also noticed that you left your Physics book here. Should we send that also?”

“Uh, oh yeah, okay,” our son responded. I asked my husband afterwards how much he sent up. “R1,100,” he said. When I gave him a surprised look, he explained: “Don’t worry, I taped a R100 note on the cover, and a cheque for the other R1,000 inside the cover.”

Sure enough, the next day Koos called again. “Barack, my china, the war is still on! We have managed to acquire some infantry equipment.” “And what equipment would that be, Koos?” Barack asked. “Well, we have four Hilux double-cabs, two kombis, an old Case bulldozer, and vet Gert’s John Deere tractor.” Barack sighed. “I must tell you, Koos, that I have 16,000 tanks and 14,000 armoured personnel carriers. Also, I’ve increased my army to 1,5 million since we last spoke.” “Liewe erdvark!” said Koos. “I’ll have to get back to you… ” Sure enough, Koos rang again the next day. “Barack, ou swaer, the war is still on! We have managed to get ourselves airborne. We’ve modified Doepie’s ultra-light with a couple of shotguns in the cockpit, and four

okes from the Virginia Hengelklub have joined us as well!” Barack was silent for a minute and then cleared his throat. “I must tell you, Koos, I have 10,000 bombers and 20,000 fighter planes. My military complex is surrounded by laser-guided, surface-to-air missile sites. And since we last spoke, I’ve increased my army to two million.” “Slaat my dood!” said Koos. “I’ll have to ring you back.” Sure enough, Koos called again the next day. “Jis, jis, jis, Barack! I am very sorry to tell you that we have had to call off the war.” “I’m sorry to hear that,” said Barack. “Why the sudden change of heart?” “Well,” said Koos, “we’ve all had a long chat over some klippies and coke, and decided there’s NO way we can feed two million prisoners of war.”

You must be very old... AVING lost weight over the past few years, a lady was discarding things from her wardrobe that no longer fit. Her seven-year-old niece was watching as she held

up a huge pair of pants. “Wow,” the lady said, “I must have worn these when I was over 100.” Her niece looked puzzled, then asked: “How old are you now?”

First you forget names, and then you forget faces. Then you forget to pull up your zipper... (It’s worse when you forget to pull it down!)

“Now if you look carefully, you can see a lion lying underneath that tree... ”

SOCIAL SCENE

3 August 2016

CXPRESS

People, places & events

SCOUT IT OUT: Group Scouter of Plett’s brand new band of Sea Scouts, Jared Harding sent this pic and wrote: “We have officially launched a Scout group in Plett, which forms part of a worldwide brotherhood of 28-million Scouts around the world. This is a first for Plett and an awesome initiative. At present we have 15 Scouts and 11 Cubs who meet on Monday evenings from 5:30 to 7pm. On August 1, our Scouts and Cubs went to school in full uniform as part of World Scarf Day, in which all past and present Scouts around the globe take part.” This photo was taken during their meeting that same evening - with the enthusiastic Scouts and Cubs are their adult guides, clockwise from the front left corner, Jared Harding, Colin Green (Cubs assistant), Roger Trebilcock (Cubs assistant), and Rosheen Watson (Cub and Scout assistant). Email cariboujazz@gmail.com or call Jared on 081 377 9478 to find out more. GET JUUS’ED IN GEORGE: A unique new cocktail and juice bar in George offers tasty smoothies by day and seductive blends at night. Local entrepreneur Henk Botha chose last month to open his latest business venture related to a passion for Mixicology (blended cocktails). Based close to the city centre, Juus cocktail bar will operate as an alcohol-free fresh juice inn until 5pm each weekday and Saturday, and from 6:30 will transform into a sophisticated and exclusive cocktail bar until late for over 25s. The bar employs local staff trained in the intricacies of cocktail preparation in the true James Bond tradition of ‘shaken not stirred’. Already specialist cocktail bar assistant John van der Merwe, at left, has become proficient in the dozens of choices on offer, including Ginger Kitten, Senorita in Paris, Covergirl, Envy Me, and Colada la Luna. Said Henk: “I’ve travelled throughout the world and always made a point of visiting as many upmarket cocktail bars as I could to soak up the atmosphere and get a sense of the occasion. I felt that George residents should have a small and intimate location where couples, friends or business associates could meet for sophisticated drinks outside of hotels, restaurants or the hustle and bustle of a conventional bar. I think with Juus we have achieved that and I hope that local residents and visitors will drop in and try what we have to offer in both taste and ambience. Pictured at left is the preparation of an ‘Envy Me’ with powdered cinnamon sprinkled into flaming cognac. - Bob Hopkin

MARS-INSPIRED MESSAGES: Plett resident Theo Marais, who regular CXPRESS readers will remember as the father of awesome Mars One Project candidate Adriana Marais, has recently published an eBook called ‘Messages from the Deep’ on Smashwords, which is available free if you Google Smashwords and the title. Locals would be interested to know that some of the book is set in the Plettenberg Bay area, and the plot involves research into communication with whales and dolphins. Not surprisingly, it was also inspired by the Mars One Project in which his daughter is so intricately involved. Pictured at right are Adriana, Theo, and mom Marie-Anna.

IT’S PINK TREES TIME: The Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) and Pink Trees for Pauline collaborated in 2015 to make the drive to raise funds for cancer communities throughout South Africa a huge success. More hands and feet worked endlessly for weeks on end to wrap South Africa in pink - and this year, these two organisations will continue their partnership to help those affected with cancer across SA. MD of Pink Trees for Pauline, Adri Jansen van Nieuwenhuizen, said that working with Cansa - who implemented the project in over 40 towns last year - was a great honour. “The biggest reward is still knowing that funds raised in towns are allocated to the cancer communities of those specific towns,” she said. Gerda Strauss of Cansa added: “Not only is valuable cancer education awareness being raised, but we’re also helping to raise funds for patients currently fighting cancer. The 2015 campaign raised almost R150,000 that was used to buy wheelchairs, walkers, and eggshell mattresses for cancer patients. Money was also allocated towards transport costs to and from treatment centres and hospitals as well as accommodation at our Cansa Care Homes.” Visit www.pinktrees.co.za or email adri@pinktrees.co.za for more information about the 2016 project, and see the Facebook page for the latest news. In the pic, Adri and Gerda, right, flank fellow campaigners Lisna Hugo and Netta Smit.

CXPRESS

CLASSIFIEDS

3 August 2016

Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

ON THE SOAPBOX

3 August 2016

Letters to the Editor

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

X factors that deserve some consideration face of their election drive before we cast our votes and having him pretend In many democracies, most citizens are in the lowest income groups. Here, where most of us are black, the overwhelming majority is poor. Pre-election promises for collecting Xs on ballot papers are therefore directed in some way at this X-rich community. Since everyone seeks protection from threats of injury, harm, piracy or unfair discrimination, fear is inevitably the biggest X-field exploited in the run-up to elections. Is ‘xenophobia’ - an ancient word meaning irrational fear of strangers - a morally defensible way of collecting Xs when we all know that it has disastrous consequences? Swart Gevaar swept the National Party to power in 1948 and made apartheid infamous. Mugabe stoked hatred of white colonialists to entrench despotic rule and destroy Zimbabwe. Britain’s, and the world’s economies, are reeling after xenophobia won the Brexit vote. American Republicans have elected Donald Trump as their presidential candidate to ring-fence America against foreigners... Julius Malema considered Mandela a weak negotiator, making far

too many concessions to whites, and Jacob Zuma’s Mugabian tactics too tame. The EFF will be a party for black people. Jacob Zuma, clearly a Mugabe admirer, appeals to black South Africans to rally around the ANC. When the EFF announced that it would take land from whiteskinned people without compensation, Zuma immediately made his land reform policy more favourable for blacks. Instead of continuing to dismantle racism, under Zuma the ANC maintained the apartheid classifications to promote people on the basis of colour. The truth is that poverty and fear are common features of every society, worldwide, and the politician’s job is to break down irrational xenophobia, through example and education (not by humiliation and harsh punishment), and to unite the population for their communal benefit. Another truth is that everyone on this planet is descended from Africa. We are all Africans, and behaviour is not determined by skin colour. Nelson Mandela is the universally acclaimed and celebrated example

Dankie, Mark!

SKAAMTELIK V SKITTERWIT: Die Piesangvallei gemeenskapsaal in Plettenbergbaai het ‘n tydige nuwe baadjie gekry, danksy Menslike Nedersettings departementshoof Mark Fourie

Graag wil ons van die geleentheid gebruik maak om vir Mark Fourie van Bitou Munisipaliteit dankie te sê vir die spoedige skoonmaak en verf van die gemeenskapsaal in Piesangvallei vir die DA vergadering op 21 Julie.

Dit was weer ‘n openbaring om ‘n vergadering by te woon wat stiptelik begin en ordelik plaasvind. Ander politieke partye kan by die DA gaan kersopsteek oor hoe om ‘n vergadering aan te bied. Die Coetzees, Plett

of statesmanship. Jacob Zuma’s style is Mugabian and in sharp contrast to Mandela’s. Under Zuma’s watch, South Africans have once more been polarised and the country taken back to the dark days of violence we last saw before 1994. The ANC’s top brass are implicit in this turnaround, failing to X him on any of the appropriate opportunities when it ought to have. Presenting Zuma as the

he’s upholding Mandela ideals is a typical Zumaresque denial of reality and responsibility. If past behaviour is an indication of future behaviour, the ANC has been far too deeply infected by Zuma to be trusted with the job of eradicating apartheid divisions and reuniting the Rainbow Nation. Don’t give your vote to any party that upholds racial division. John Stegmann, Plett

Amakhosi supporters spread Tata’s love

GOOD VIBES ALL ROUND: Anela Benni Memani, above, of Kaizer Chiefs Supporters Club in Plett interacts with one of the young recipients of club members’ Mandela Day visits

Last time we communicated with CXPRESS, when we introduced the new Bitou division of the Kaizer Chiefs Supporters Club, I promised you that our branch in Plettenberg Bay would not only concentrate on sport, but also focus on making Bitou and the entire Southern Cape a better place. So now I would like to share with your readers some of the things our club did on July 18 - our 67 minutes and more to honour The Great Dad Nelson Mandela. Members started Madiba Day at Phakamisani Primary, where they donated school jerseys and interacted with the kids. We then proceeded to Masizame children’s shelter to hand over clothing, and since the kids were still at school, arranged for a 3pm return to have a chance to bond. We then went on to Knysna’s Vermont Centre in Hornlee, where we met some wonderful souls and left a smile on many faces. We donated clothing here, too, but they mentioned that in future we should bring along soccer T-shirts as they are avid supporters of the sport.

We returned to Plett where we interacted with the Masizame children, playing soccer with the boys while the girls were singing songs with some of us. We left them our ball so they can play after school, and here’s hoping for bright futures for all of them. As Amakhosi in Plett, we would like to thank the following people who also played a huge role with contributions to KC Supporters Club in Plett, to support this initiative of putting a smile on those beautiful faces. We cannot express in words how grateful we are to the taxi drivers, Pick n Pay, local businessman Mr D (who just recently joined the branch), Mpumelelo ‘Mpumza’ Majamani, and everyone else who made the day possible. We also thank Scara Construction for its donation and support. Our slogan that keep us moving is: ‘If it is to be, it is up to us.’ Let’s make the whole next month one that is filled with Mandela 67 days! Anela Benni Memani Kaizer Chiefs Supporters Club branch organiser, Plett

CXPRESS

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SPORT & ADVENTURE

3 August 2016

If this is your first fishing holiday in the Bay, you will be back… This fishing tale by the late ANDREW HUNTER graced the centre spread of an early-80s magazine punting Plett to tourists - and latter-day fishermen should still find it a relevant and interesting guide

VER since the days of the old whalers, Plettenberg Bay and its immediate environs have been well known for their outstanding angling facilities and the sport - one of the biggest single forms of recreating in South Africa - is still a mainstay of the Bay’s tourist attractions. Angling in Plettenberg Bay is good by any standards. Speaking in general terms, it can boast fine river and estuary rock and surf fishing, and its deep-sea game fishing potential has hardly been touched. The Bay’s incredible weather, too, plays a big part in its story of success as primarily an angling resort. Day after day throughout the year, sunny, wind-free conditions give Plett a head start on most coastal resorts. And even if all this

sounds too much like a fisherman’s tale, seasoned Plettenbergers will confirm it all. Anyway, to get away from the eulogising, let’s take a look at the species of fish found along the Plettenberg Bay stretch of coastline. Bread and butter fish first: Elft - they call them ‘shad’ in Natal - abound throughout the year. During the summer hundreds of thousands of the smaller green-backed variety are taken. With the colder weather June, July, August, September - come the big blue-backed winter elft, some of them running up to three or four kg. Boat anglers, trolling along the surf line or near the Blind Rocks, or off the Beacon Island and Lookout Rocks, land thousands of them. Best time is early evening,

fishing on until dark. The evening surf too, is a good idea for the larger elft - particularly along Lookout, Keurboomstrand, and Robberg beaches. The elft is well known as a fine eating fish, and one of the nicest ways to prepare it is in a smoker. Now for the king of the smaller rock feeders: Galjoen. This wily black fighter loves the white, foaming gullies, and puts up a tremendous battle when he’s hooked. The Tzitzikamma coast north of Plett, Keurboomstrand, and Robberg must rank with any top galjoen ground in the country. The Tzitzikamma, remote and wild and almost inaccessible in places, offers some of the finest angling for any fish. Obviously, as a result of its inaccessibility, only the most determined of anglers climb its cliff-like shores. And it is along these shores, cleft by deep swirling gullies and battered by the sea, that the noble galjoen lives in great numbers. Highly prized as an eating fish by some, though scorned by others, he is a delight to catch. Then there are the big ones. The musselcrackers, the red steenbras, the bankblaauwers. The musselcracker is one of the most sought after of the big fish. Plett’s cracker season starts in about November and goes through December, January, and February. Fairly heavy tackle is needed and a certain amount of brute force must be used to stop a big cracker going to ground under a snag. The yellowtail - lean, streamlined fighters, cunning and strong - take spinners and live bait and during a run at the Point they average between 10 and 20kg.

They belong to the tunny family and there is no mistaking the long powerful run of a big yellowtail - and there is no forgetting his gleaming green and gold as he comes to the gaff. We come now to the river and estuary potential of Plett. Basically, it means the Keurbooms River and Bitou River, though the Bay is a gateway to the Knysna Lagoon and Lake Pleasant, famous Cape haunt of the black bass. Kob, white steenbras, spotted grunter, leervis, and elft are the most common river catches and the odd fighting skipjack thrown in. Steenbras, kob, and grunter are probably the most sought after river fish and on light tackle they provide river anglers with plenty of fun. The local angling club set beneath the National Road over Keurbooms River, has roving boats and outboard motors for hire, and several riverside caravan parks hire boats and canoes. Mooring facilities are available from the club. Résumé of fishing haunts • Tzitzikamma Coast: cracker, galjoen, elft, leervis, yellowtail, red steenbras, white steenbras, kob, hottentot, zebra - and lots of rarities. • Keurboomstrand and beaches: cracker, galjoen, elft, leervis, kob, white steenbras, hottentot, zebra, and leervis. • Keurbooms River and the river mouth: kob, white steenbras, leervis, spotted grunter, elft, and skipjack. • Lookout Rocks: elft, blacktail, kob, leervis, and galjoen. • Beacon Island Rocks: elft, blacktail, kob, leervis, and galjoen.

• Robberg Beach: elft, kob, and leervis. • Robberg: elft, kob, leervis, yellowtail, red steenbras, white Steenbras, galjoen, blacktail, cracker, hottentot, and zebra. There’s plenty of fun to be had with rod and reel in Plett - for the smallest child with his first outfit to the man looking for the big ones. And if this is your first visit to the Bay on an angling holiday, you’ll be back…

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Gimnas Leolin Petersen het weereens goud behaal in al die items waaraan sy deelgeneem het tydens die Edenproewe te Mosselbaai op 23 Julie. Die goue medaljes is ingepalm vir Euro Tramp, Double Mini, Tumbling, Bars, Beam, Floor en Vault. Leolin, wie by Plettenbergbaai Laer skoolgaan, is opgeneem in die span wat Eden Distrik op 26 en 27 Augustus in Kaapstad gaan verteenwoordig. Leolin se ma, Helen Bezuidenhout, sê ‘n yslike dankie aan haar drie afrigters, Riaan, Lisa en Carolyn vir hul volgehoue ondersteuning.

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