3 december by CXpress

3 December 2014

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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Hope Spots launched this week p7

George father suspected of creating porn p3

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about the Rage

Wholesome Knysna local Melissa May Kock, right, is one of the nine Miss South Africa 2015 Western Cape semi-finalists chosen last week - with her are, from left, Kelly Davids, Altina Vries, Tarryn Morris, Tara Leigh Coetzee, Taryn Kim Cornelius, Nicole Lamberts, Rachelle Gietzen, and Danelle de Wet - turn to page 5 for the full story

Photo: Debbie Yazbek

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CXPRESS

News & Views

3 December 2014

Driving Miss Crazy

Riding with Ray - Part 1 JEEVES shares his adventures as Garden Route chauffeur extraordinaire...

T was a miserable day. Only light at the end of the tunnel was the Springboks versus New Zealand at Twickenham later on. No morning markets today! Oh well, wrap up warm, stay in bed, a strong cup of filter coffee, and Mark Gimenez - “the next Grisham” according to Vjg"Vkogu. He is a master raconteur of

modern American politics, combining a vivid imagination with plots containing the most improbable coincidences. (Say I!) Three pages in... the phone rang. It was a fellow from Plett who had the day before come into Knysna for a lunch date. He’d had a glass or two too many, and had got

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a lift back home, leaving his car outside the restaurant, the keys with the owner. The plan now formulating was for me to retrieve the car, take it through to Plett for him and he would then bring me back to Knysna. ‘Cheers, Gimenez - see you later.’ An hour later I knocked at his door. “Ray van der Poll,” he announced, pumping my hand - a beaming silverhaired septuagenarian. He took the wheel, and off we went. “You know, this car once belonged to Ernie! Who Else?” he told me, chuckling mischievously. “Ja... it was just sitting in this showroom in George. It wasn’t for sale. But after a few months, I thought ‘fqp/ pgt man... I want it’. I managed to get hold of Ernie’s secretary and told her I wanted that car. “You see, I’ve been in the car trade all my life. I had Toyota and BMW agencies in the Free State - where they grow no oranges, nothing’s free, and it’s in one hell of a state!” he chortled. “What model is it?” I enquired casually. “740i.” (BMW, obviously a 1999 ‘Individual’.) “It was specially custom built for Ernie at their factory in Munich, only one in the country this colour,” he informed me. “It’s called Cordoban - sort of a beetroot-maroon.” He waved me through the other extras - grey leather seats with red beading, black upholstered ceiling, chrome here and there, special trim and wheel rims, walnut wooden dashboard and door panelling, TV, etc. “So, a few days later she called me back after discussing it with Ernie, and gave me a price. I made an offer, and here we are! It was two years old when I got it, with only 13,000 kays on the clock! So it was just sitting there gathering dust. “And you know...” Ray continued, taking the owner’s service manual from the cubby-hole, “...check what it says on the inside cover.” And there, under Owner’s

Details was written: ‘Ernie Els. Consignment Stock. BMW South Africa.’ --A few kilometres, a manned tripod camera and a ‘stop/ go’ later, he told me playing sport was his main direction in early life. He then elaborated on some of his achievements as requested. I listened dumb-founded but with intent as he rambled on, a distant look in his eyes. With great pride he told me about where it all started - representing Free State Schools at three different

sports, namely cricket, soccer, and boxing. Thereafter, he had represented the Free State for 30 consecutive years in at least five different sporting categories! A record for an individual? I was sitting next to a multi-talented chap, as I was about to discover. He’d been OFS junior boxing champ and amateur champion in various weights for seven years, and runner up twice in the SA Champs. I told him I had been runner up in the SA Modified

EN GUARD! Jeeves, above, at your service, next to the 1999-model Cordoban-coloured BMW that once belonged to Ernie Els, but has been Ray van der Poll’s wheels for years below, Ray sits at right in the front row of the OFS cricket team who played MCC in 1965

Saloon Car Champs. “But no one remembers who came second, Ray!” ‘There’s a good story in the making here,’ I thought to myself, wondering what would next unfold. “OH. And I played cricket for Free State over a period of 21 years,” he said modestly - an after-thought. We exchanged a few names from that era. I’d been to school with Mike Proctor, and added that he had also played Natal and SA Schools in cricket, rugby and hockey. And Barry Richards lives in Knysna - some say on Thesens, others are convinced it’s Simola. On we bantered. His areas of speciality were in the field, batting and wicket-keeping. He captained the Free State provincial side, opened the batting, played against visiting Australian sides twice, and knocked up two 50s against the MCC! Ray also took the Bloemfontein Ramblers Club XI on the first cricketing tour to England by a club side from this country. Interestingly, that trip was the first of many to follow, involving club sides that they had played against coming out here, and other clubs like Wanderers and Western Province Cricket Club going on tours to the home of cricket. I looked at him gobsmacked when he told me he was also an OFS ballroom dancing champ! As we drifted into Knysna, I quizzed him on whether there were any more tales to share - “that’s if there could possibly be any more?” “Oh yes,” he replied, “let’s go have breakfast at Ile de Pain!” Watch this space for more next week. Until then, beltup! /"Lggxgu

La Luna

News & Views

3 December 2014

CXPRESS

George father arrested for creation of child pornography

N Thursday November 27, the FCS (Family violence, Child protection & Sexual offences) Unit arrested a 40-year-old man at his house in George around 11am in connection with the creation and possession of child pornography. “A warrant of arrest was obtained this morning from

George magistrates court after intensive investigation into the matter was done,” said SAPS spokesperson Captain Bernadine Steyn. “It is being alleged that between 2012 and 2014 children would sleep over from time to time at his house while visiting his 12-year-old daughter. During these visits, the

suspect allegedly made the children, including his own daughter, take pills that made them lose consciousness. “It is also alleged that he took naked photographs of the children, raped and sexually assaulted them. At this stage the total of juvenile victims is seven.” Steyn said the arrest fol-

lowed after a search was conducted at the suspect’s house on October 29, when a laptop, desktop computer, camera and cellular telephone were confiscated for analysis and investigation. The man appeared in George magistrates court on Monday, when the case was postponed to December 19.

‘Men, stand up against abuse’ - 16 Days launched in Plett address the issue. Plett Community Police Forum (CPF) chairman Bruce Richardson added that nothing would change if citizens continued to tolerate the factors that led to violence, including illegal taverns and drug abuse.

MAJOR ROLE: Western Cape police commissioner Arno Lamoer said the community had an important role to play in protecting women and children

Words & photo: Yolandé Stander

HE recent stabbing of a baby in KwaNokuthula was the focus of Plettenberg Bay’s 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women & Children launch last week. George police cluster commander Major-General Thembikile Patekile said it was a travesty that children “who trust us with their lives have become our victims”. ›What is wrong with us?” Patekile asked, referring to the stabbing just over a month ago. A baby girl was allegedly stabbed to death by her father in an alcohol-fuelled rage during an argument with her mother. Patekile and several other guests attended the launch of the campaign held at the new Plettenberg Bay police station. The event was initially scheduled to celebrate the opening of the new sta-

tion, but plans changed at the eleventh hour as some highprofile guests cancelled. Western Cape police commissioner Arno Lamoer said the community had a major role to play in protecting women and children. “We can’t expect the police to protect everyone. They are not there when the abuse happens within the confines of the bedroom. They are not there when a husband returns from the shebeen in the early hours of the morning after spending all his wages on alcohol,” Lamoer said. He added that the campaign was launched every year, but that they battled to “pull it through” beyond the 16 days. “At this stage it only remains an event and will stay like that until we as men stand up and ensure there is no abuse.” Bitou mayor Memory Booysen agreed and said abuse would never stop if residents did not work with police to

He further said that the CPF met with local police every week to discuss the different crime trends and that violent crime was “in the red”. “A large portion of this violence includes domestic violence,” Richardson said. Ictfgp"Tqwvg"Ogfkc

Minor car crash does not mar smooth running Plett Rage Neither Eskom’s load-shedding nor a few minor incidents could dampen the spirits of the thousands of matrics who have made their way to Plett over the past week - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports

ALFWAY through the festival, organisers have dubbed Plett Rage 2014 a massive success with only minor incidents - among these an accident involving five matriculants on the Airport Road on Saturday afternoon - reported since it kicked off last Friday. Initial reports indicate that they were on their way to Plett when the driver of the Corsa bakkie lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree. “The driver’s blood-alcohol level was zero,” festival director Ronen Klugman said. “It was just an accident that

happened to be in Plett and happened to involve students. The transport system has been going very well. Not many kids are driving to the events at night and the shuttle service is available all day.” The youngsters involved in the accident were not seriously injured. “There has been no big incident or problem, other than the accident. All venues are safe and security has been on point making sure all kids are safe. The first weekend went well, for the organisers. “Many volunteers from the To page 4

CXPRESS

News & Views

3 December 2014

Striking Bitou workers all back in the saddle by Monday D

ESPITE threats of an indefinite strike, Bitou escaped action by South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) members unscathed after workers agreed to head back to work on Monday.

Photo: Ewald Stander

THE START: Although last Friday’s protestors counted only about 40 people, Samwu threatened further action depending on Bitou Municipality’s reaction to its memorandum of grievances

Minor car crash does not mar Plett Rage From page 3 community are on board, the locals got behind the festival with many volunteering to ensure the safety of the students,” Klugman said. And organisers have considered almost every eventuality, even Eskom’s load-shedding. Recent power cuts as a result of the collapse of a coal storage silo at Eskom’s Majuba power station in Mpumalanga and the possibility of further outages as yet another power station is on the brink of collapse have caused concern among parents whose children made their way to Plett. Parents feared that if the holiday town is plunged into darkness, it could cause chaos especially at party venues where hundreds of young-

sters are set to gather. Plett Rage director Anthony Jacobs however said that they had taken this into consideration and had a contingency plan in place for outages. “We have four backup generators to serve the major venues during the festival,” Jacobs said. Plett Tourism chairman Peter Wallington said most restaurants, accommodation establishments and retailers also have generators, so the young visitors should not experience any problems if the lights go out. The festival kicked off with a massive opening party at VIP Super Club, a venue that can accommodate about 3,000 youngsters, on Friday with performances by Van

Coke Kartel, Das Kapital and The Kiffness. This was followed by performances by singer and songwriter Matthew Mole and Grimehouse on Saturday and The Kiffness, Das Kapital, Die Heuwels Fanstasties and PH Fat on Sunday. And it was not only the matrics who were excited about the event, but the artists were also thrilled to perform for sell-out crowds. One of South Africa’s best Drum&Base and Dubstep artists Grimehouse tweeted he was honoured to be have been asked to perform. “Playing at Zanzibar in Plett in an hour. First gig of a week of madness for Rage Festival,” he tweeted before his performance on Friday night.

“Plett Rage is nuts. This is going to be fun. On stage in a few minutes,” Mole said before taking the stage on Saturday. Other than the official parties, matrics also had many other activities to choose from including the second Plett Downhill Rage which hit the coastal holiday mecca’s streets on Sunday. Downhill skateboarders from around the country competed against each other to set the fastest time down Odlands Drive where speeds of about 100km/h can be clocked. Plett’s weather also played along with sunny days since Friday, which saw many flock to the town’s Central Beach. Vwtp"vq"rcigu"32"cpf"33"hqt" oqtg"Tcig"pgyu"cpf"kocigu0

About 30% of Bitou’s municipal workers downed tools on Friday and participated in a march along the N2 from KwaNokuthula down Marine Drive and ending at the municipal offices in an effort to highlight their grievances. They are disgruntled about several issues, including Bitou Municipality’s placement policy and the termination of the municipality’s transport programme. Although the protest action was not well supported, a group of about 40 municipal workers did manage to bring the town’s traffic to a near standstill, blocking the road as they moved through the streets. Traffic officers had to guide motorists onto alternative routes. Striking municipal workers also obstructed the municipality’s public works building in Marine Drive for about an hour. Although Samwu provincial deputy chairman Audrey Reed said on Friday that the march was just the beginning of their strike action, by Monday all the workers were back on the job. “We handed over a memorandum of grievances to the mayor and we have given the municipality seven days to address these issues. If they don’t, we will continue

with our planned action,” Reed said. She added that workers were unhappy with the municipality’s placement policies. “This entails moving workers around from one department to another, which ultimately affects their salaries negatively.” Bitou municipal spokesperson Kholiswa Masiza said Friday’s action did not have a major impact on municipal services, as more than 70% of workers showed up for work. “Other than the traffic disruptions, there were no other incidents,” Masiza said. She added the municipality received notice of the strike from Samwu earlier last month and that the union indicated one of the reasons was the withdrawal of the municipality’s transport programme, carried by ratepayers, in an effort to reduce costs. This was terminated on Monday. In the union’s notice they indicated that municipal workers were also unhappy about the “dismissal of community development workers”. During restructuring last year, 14 community development workers were removed from the organogram. They were all offered alternative positions, but none of them accepted. /"[qncpfê"Uvcpfgt

News & Views

3 December 2014

CXPRESS

Clever Knysna native in line for Miss SA 2015 crown

PRETTIEST KNYSNA GAL: Melissa May Kock believes education is the key to success - Photo: Debbie Yazbek

HEN the Miss South Africa 2015 semifinalists were announced last week, 23-year-old Knysna resident Melissa May Kock was among the bevvy of 24 beauties who will compete for the Miss SA title at Sun City on March 29 next year. Having qualified as SpeechLanguage & Hearing Therapist at the University of Stellenbosch in 2013, Melissa May has just completed her community service year at Humansdorp Provincial Hospital. Not just a pretty face, she has now been accepted as third-year student to study audiology at the University of Cape Town and will be a full time student in the Mother City from January 2015. Our province is second only to Gauteng (11) in terms of representation, with nine contenders hailing from the Western Cape. KZN produced two semi-finalists, while the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga each have one entrant. The winner will follow in the footsteps of reigning queen Rolene Strauss, who is currently in London to compete for the Miss World crown on December 14 (broadcast on SABC3 at 4pm).

For the first time this year, the semi-finalists will all visit their hometowns to meet and engage with their own communities. That date is yet to be announced, but ‘till such time the info below will allow readers to get to know ‘our girl’ a bit better. Yj{"fq"{qw"ycpv"vq"dg" Okuu"UCA" I love my country and this is the ideal platform to reach all of its different people - to inspire and motivate both young and old. I have passion for children and will try to increase the opportunity for each child to receive education and to limit the barriers that prevent this from happening. Education is the key to success. Yjkej"rtgxkqwu"Okuu"UC" jcu"kpurktgf"{qw"cpf"yj{A Rolene Strauss. She is a classic beauty with a deep love for our country. It would be a privilege to fill her shoes. Yjq"ctg"{qwt"tqng"oqfgnuA" My dad, who has taught me to persevere through all circumstances, challenging myself to reach higher goals, and that the only way to success is through hard work. I love my family and love spending time with them. We

are very close and I am blessed with parents who care and support me in everything I do. My mom, Felicity, is a nursing practitioner and runs a successful clinic in the heart of Knysna. Dad Frans-Johann is an entrepreneur and has a transport business. My brother, Nicholas, is a qualified chef currently farming in the Karoo. Yjcv"fq"{qw"fq"kp"{qwt" urctg"vkogA" I enjoy going for walks and am blessed with the most beautiful trails in and around Knysna. I also love shopping and have developed a talent for finding bargains. I enjoy exercising and going to the gym as it is important to keep your body and mind healthy. Yjcv"ku"{qwt"oguucig"vq" {qwpi"iktnu"cpf"yqogp"kp" Uqwvj"ChtkecA" We are all beautifully made! We need to stand together and inspire each other on a daily basis. Kh"{qw"yqp"vjg"Okuu"UC" etqyp"cpf"eqwnf"oggv"qpg" rgtuqp."yjq"yqwnf"kv"dg" cpf"yj{A Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner. She is an advocate for education and women’s rights in Pakistan, Jordan, Kenya and Nigeria, where women’s rights are suppressed. In 2012, she was shot by a Taliban soldier and miraculously survived. Malala is now a global advocate for millions of girls being denied formal education due to social, economic and political factors. Yjcv"ku"vjg"qpg"vjkpi" rgqrng"yqwnf"dg"uwtrtkugf" vq"mpqy"cdqwv"{qwA" I stayed in Scotland on the Isle of Skye for two years with my family. Yjcv"ctg"{qw"tgcfkpiA" Tgfggokpi"Nqxg by Francine Rivers. Yjcv"ku"qp"{qwt"kRqfA I think I last updated my iPod in 2007 so it’s probably still playing Atomic Kitten and Venga Boys. But I like to listen to Mumford & Sons, Ellie Goulding, Kari Jobe and SA artists like Riana Nell and Black Bird. [qwt"hcxqwtkvg"VX"ujqyA"

I don’t watch a lot of TV but when I do get the time I enjoy Grey’s Anatomy.

[qwt"hcxqwtkvg"ogcnA" I love pancakes, but my favourite meal is sushi.

Watch this space to find out when Melissa May will woo the people of CX Country.

CXPRESS

News & Views

3 December 2014

Plett agents win national awards

HREE agents from the Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty Plett office won national awards at their Annual Convention held recently at Sun City. Says Carrie Maclean, who won first place for Solo Agent of the Year: “I feel honoured to be rewarded for my effort and enjoyed the gala evening. The Nespresso machine was a lovely bonus prize.” Elbie Pama received third place for Agent of the Year: Farms. Elbie works on rural and conservation property, as well as residential property in Plett, Nature’s Valley and Keurbooms. Desré Reck received third place for Agent of the Year: Developments. Desré is the onsite agent at Thulana Hill and attributes her success to the exceptional value for money in the complex. Hein Pretorius, owner principal of the Plett office, says: “I am very proud of Carrie. To win a national award when competing against agents that

PLACE IN THE SUN: Carrie Maclean, second from right, won first place for Solo Agent of the Year at the Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty Annual Convention held at Sun City recently - with her from left are Sandy Geffen, Jason Rohde, and Lew Geffen - Photo: Jeremy Glyn

work in bigger markets is a fantastic achievement. “It is great to know that we have the highest calibre of professionals working right here in Plett. I am proud of my team’s progress, and take great pleasure in their success. It is good to see that with hard work and specialised market-

The business of art

N a novel approach to the networking of business and art, Jeremy Andrews of Andrews & Co Accountants & Auditors in Plett is planning a retrospective exhibition of the paintings of Eithne Wulfsohn. Eithne lived in Plett for some nine years until her death last year and was actively involved with art along the Garden Route throughout that time. She exhibited regularly at galleries in her home town and Knysna, as well as at the well-known annual Winter Exhibition of South Cape Art, held at the former Strydom Gallery in George. Jeremy Andrews already has a number of Eithne’s paintings beautifying his offices in the Plett CBD and is enthusiastic about the idea: “I was not aware of the quality of Eithne Wulfsohn’s work until I saw some of her paintings. “I like her original and colourful depiction of subjects. The works are well framed and have brightened up our offices and so it seemed a

good idea to allow them to be viewed by those who enjoy art, and business people in particular.” Andrews envisages this being the start of an ongoing project which will see different artists exhibiting at regular intervals. “Having the work of such creative people hanging on our walls brightens our lives and we hope that in a small way our project will help artists in the business of being artists.” The exhibition will run from now through to the

ing, an estate agency from a small town can successfully compete nationally.” If you are interested in property, please contact Sotheby’s International Realty Plettenberg Bay on 044 533 2529, and see the adverts on the cover and page 3 for current listings.

Words & photo: Timothy Twidle

end of January and as the offices house a busy practice, viewing times for the public will be from 11:30 to 1pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Alternatively, phone Jeremy on 083 698 1839 to arrange a time. It is also planned to hold one or more open evenings, by invitation only, early next year. Eithne Wulfsohn’s daughters, Marilyn Wulfsohn and Terry Zoeller, both of whom live and work in Plett, will provide logistical and technical support for the exhibition.

ARTFUL ACCOUNTANT: At the offices of Andrews & Co Accountants and Auditors with one of Eithne Wulfsohn’s paintings as backdrop are, from left, Marilyn Wulfsohn, Terry Zoeller, and Jeremy Andrews

News & Views

3 December 2014

CXPRESS

Bio-diverse Knysna and idyllic Plett declared Hope Spots from December 7 to 9

HE official and longawaited launch our CX Country Hope Spots - internationally recognised areas

of exceptional marine biodiversity and conservation by world-acclaimed marine biologist, author and diver

OBITUARY

The good doctor Henri Marais passes on at 99 Henri Pieter Engela Marais: 19 April 1915 - 29 November 2014

WAR-YEARS WEDDING: Henri & Louise were married in 1942 and celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary before she died in August last year, a few days before her 98th birthday

ORN in Hofmeyr in the Eastern Cape in 1915, Dr Henri Marais - who had been resident at Formosa Garden Village (FGV) in Plettenberg Bay for nearly three decades - died peacefully in the early hours of Saturday November 29. Henri went to UCT, where he qualified as a medical doctor in 1938. He practised in Cape Town before serving in East and North Africa

during World War II. After the war, he moved to Queenstown, then King Williams Town, where he lived for 33 years before making Plett his home in August 1979, first living in Navesink Drive before moving to FGV in 1988. He married Louise Adriana Vlok in 1942 and they were married for 71 years before she died in August last year, a few days before her 98th

Dr Sylvia Earle is scheduled for December 7 in Knysna and December 8 and 9 in Plettenberg Bay.

birthday. Henri and Louise had three sons - Ian, Louis and Theo. Ian retired as a surgeon recently, before moving to Hermanus; Louis is a civil engineer in Port Elizabeth; Theo retired recently from the Department of Education as an educational psychologist in Pietermaritzburg. Theo and his wife MarieAnna moved to Plett a month ago and look forward to doing some part-time work in the community. Marie-Anna worked at the University of KwaZulu Natal (PMB) as head of the International Student Office. Henri and Louise have eight grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. The staff and management of Formosa Garden Village, where his memorial service will be held on Monday December 8 at 10am, expressed how the good doc “was very dear to all of us”. He will be missed by all who knew him.

On Sunday at 6:30pm at the Turbine Hotel on Thesen Islands, the auspicious occasion will be graced by Tourism minister Derek Hanekom along with the mayors of Knysna and Eden District Municipality, residents and the local business fraternity. Plettenberg Bay locals and visitors are invited to attend an open public gathering at

Piesang Valley Community Hall on Monday the 8th at 5pm (FREE entry). “And,” says co-organiser Dr Gwen Penry, “if you want a good excuse to dig out the glad rags, get your tickets for our gala dinner held at Lookout Deck function room at 7:30 that night.” Tickets can be booked at pletthopespot@gmail.com

and cost R300pp, which includes a three-course meal and the opportunity to listen to Dr Earle give a plenary presentation on the importance of protecting our marine environments. There are a series of fun events planned for the Tuesday the 9th, so bring your kids and friends to Central Beach. Visit www.sst.org. za/what-we-do/hope-spots/ plettenberg-hope-spot for the full programme of events.

CXPRESS

Interval

3 December 2014

The new son-in-law

very successful businessman had a meeting with his new son-in-law. “I love my daughter, and now I welcome you into the family,” said the man. “To show you how much we care for you, I’m making you a 50-50 partner in my business. All you have to do is go to the factory every day and learn the operations.” The son-in-law interrupted: “I hate factories. I can’t stand the noise.” “I see,” replied the father-in-

law. “Well, then you’ll work in the office and take charge of some of the operations.” “I hate office work,” said the son-on-law. “I can’t stand being stuck behind a desk all day.” “Wait a minute,” said the father-in-law. “I just made you half-owner of a moneymaking organisation, but you don’t like factories and won’t work in an office. What am I going to do with you?” “Easy,” said the young man. “Buy me out.”

Brain-numbing assistance

ING, ring... “Information. Can I help you?” “I’d like the number of the Theatre Guild, please.” “One moment, please.” Pause. “I’m sorry, Sir, I have no listing for a Theodore Guild.” “No, no. It isn’t a person.

It’s an organisation. It’s Theatre Guild.” “I told you, Sir. I have no listing for a Theodore Guild.” “Not Theodore! Theatre! The word is ‘theatre’. T-HE-A-T-R-E!” “That, Sir, is NOT the way you spell Theodore.”

Seven stages of load shedding Disbelief Outrage Powerlessness Desperation Fortitude Hopefulness Buying a generator - Ngoako Mohlaloga

On tailgating…

N impatient motorist following a tail light in dense fog crashed into the car ahead of him when it stopped suddenly. “Why didn’t you let me

know you were going to stop?” he screamed into the mist. “Why should I?” came a voice out of the fog. “I’m in my own garage!”

Entertainment

3 December 2014

CXPRESS

Glorious Plett Rotary Calendar launched

Notice Board Nkxg"owuke"cv"Vjg"Octmgv This week’s live music lineup at The Market in Plett’s Main Street kicks off tonight (December 3 at 6pm) with Pete The Greek, while John Craig will entertain diners tomorrow night and ‘Kaz’ on Friday the 5th. Email plett 101marketonmain@gmail. com or swing past The Mar-

The Rotary Club of Plettenberg Bay treated a packed room of guests at BI Resort to a preview its 15-month calendar, now on sale at selected vendors (principal outlets: BI Resort, Village Bookshop, PNA, Plett Tourism in Mellville’s Corner, Ruby Kiss’s, Siya Phambili, Goose Valley Golf Club, and Plett Country Club.) Raising money for CansaCare, Plett NSRI and other deserving causes, each month from December 2014 to February 2016 features an image that echoes Tourism’s ‘Plett - it’s a feeling’ theme and depicts a well-known local landmark. The format is A3 folded with a full-colour glossy photo topping each page, and a calendar costs just R80. Enjoying the launch party above at right are, from left, PlettAid director Amanda Frost, deputy chairperson Annabelle Conyngham, and professional nurse Cindy Hatchett. For more info call Philip Murton on 072 340 6238 or Ate Bos on 082 353 9198.

Don’t miss Barbara’s Christmas Collection for PAWS on Saturday

HE Christmas Collection on Saturday afternoon will be a wonderful opportunity to buy those small AFFORDABLE (R5 up to R30) stocking fillers from the new and original artwork by Barbara Rolfe, in aid of Plett Animal Welfare Services. December 6 from 4pm onwards will be your one and only chance to collect... • A collection of bookmarks

• A collection of fridge magnets • A collection of Christmas/gift cards • A collection of small calendars • A collection of notepads • A collection of unique and sought-after Miniature Paintings (visit www.cxpress.co.za and see the full story on page 5 of the November 12 issue) • A collection of complimentary, unique Christmas crackers inside your unique Christ-

mas bags • A collection of gentle Christmas music • A collection of complimentary, delicious food & drinks • A collection of luxury goodies inside a huge Christmas hamper valued at R3,000 - be there for the draw! Join Barbara with family and friends (lots of seating) at Christmas Fairyland on the Upper Level at Mellville’s Corner and be a part of the

collection of people who will enjoy this wonderful evening and, in doing so, support our needy dogs and cats at this special time of year. Total proceeds to PAWS, so please help us to help them! A credit card facility will be available - see the invitation below and remember that you can now start ‘collecting’ from 4pm on Saturday December 6.

ket daily to see what’s on the extensive food/goods slab. RCYU"Ect"Dqqv"Ucng A car boot sale to benefit Plett’s pets takes place on December 7 from 9am to 1pm at The Market Square great bargains, scrumptious eats! Call Margie on 082 551 6301 for information.

CXPRESS

3 December 2014

Social Scene

People, places & events

SHAKE IT! At the top, Ragers revel in the musical gymnastics of Niskerone at The LOT. But fun in the sun is also being had - read the full Plett Rage report on page 3 & 4. Photos: Sharyn Hodges ShowMe Plett

READY, STEADY, GO DOWN! Kyle Wester from the USA beat SA’s #1 boarder Decio Lourenco to the post when taking first place during Sunday’s Downhill Rage. Fastest lady down Odlands hill was SA’s Gabi MurrayRoberts, with French lass Marie Bougourd second. The races went down without incident and also featured legendary Capetonian Kent Lingeveldt, above, for the second year in a row. Well done to all involved!

Rage 2014

3 December 2014

Top advice for 2014 Ragers and their parents

N oft-misunderstood student festival in terms of its mechanics, Plett Rage has for the past 14 years been a well-managed event. Prior to 2000, a handful of students would migrate to the small town of Plett to celebrate the end of their secondary education. Spotting the opportunity to bring a level of structure, the first formalised student gathering that is Plett Rage was hosted in 2000. Aware of the sometimes unsavoury elements that festivals can attract, Plett Rage, Bitou Municipality and Plett Tourism have always made safety a number one priority ensuring a controlled environment for the students to celebrate. “Protecting festivalgoers was an area identified as priority from the first year we started managing the festival,” says Plett Rage director Ronen Klugman. “This huge need has seen the team working tirelessly to ensure strict law enforcement, and traffic and transportation bodies.” With a full circle marketing approach in place, Plett Rage invests approximately R700,000 in above and below the line marketing that starts countrywide in January each year, when dedicated network agents go from school to school pointing Grade 12 learners to Plett. By its very nature, festivals attract visitors that boost the local economy both on and off the festival site. Plett Rage is truly unique in that the impact of the off-site spend far outweighs the on-site spend. “Local businesses like petrol stations, guesthouses, restaurants and souvenir shops all get to enjoy the spoils of Plett Rage,” says Klugman. Along with Rage 4 Good, the festival’s CSI campaign, Plett Rage brings a host of economic and social benefits to

the town.” Since 2012, the student festival has encompassed a social development component that directly benefits needy youth in Plett and surrounds. The campaign forms an integral part of the festival and is lively, multifaceted and engaging, attracting actionist behaviour that prompts real and meaningful change. Red Frogs Support Network is a group of volunteers who provide support to Grade 12 learners during their yearend celebrations. Part of the Red Frog support strategy is educating leaners about the realities of Matric holiday and other parties they attend throughout their final year. The Red Frogs crew will once again have a strong presence at this year’s festival handing out their famous Red Frogs sweets and bottled water, ensuring that students have a positive and safe experience during Rage. Parent Q&A S<" Ecp" K" cu" c" rctgpv" cuukuv" vjg"Rngvv"Tcig"hguvkxcn"kp"cp{" yc{A A: Yes, underpinning the multifaceted and comprehensive security measures to ensure the safety and security of all students - involving the Police, Municipal Law Enforcement, Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association and private security companies - is a force of about 50 volunteers who diligently undertake patrols each night in Plett Rage branded vehicles. Two vehicles with two occupants in each patrol the streets in two shifts encompassing the period from 10pm to 4:30am each night of Plett Rage in order to ensure that student activities and movements are constantly monitored and that no one becomes isolated. To participate in this programme, you can contact Bruce Richardson on

Get your Chewface on with Stimorol and win cash and prizes worth R30,000! VIP Rage Experiences also up for grabs

T’S Matric Rage time and nobody knows how to bring fun to a party like Stimorol Infinity! The country’s most laid-back chewing gum brand is sponsoring the epic opening Rage party in Durban on November 29, and helping maximise the fun at the Fist Pump Nation Party in Plett on December 4. Stimorol is offering fans the opportunity to win a host of prizes including one R10,000 cash prize, two R5,000 cash prizes and VIP Experiences at each event, including a limousine ride to the party. The Chewface Challenge, hosted on the Stimorol Fa-

cebook and Twitter pages, invites Rage party animals to upload their best Chewface video in the hope of scooping the R10,000 prize. If you don’t crack the Chewface code before Rage, don’t worry, because Stimorol is going to be setting up video booths at both events to give fans a chance to record and upload their inspired Chewface videos on the spot, with a cash prize of R5,000 up for grabs at each event. Check out www.facebook.com/StimorolSA to find out more about how to enter and the prizes you can score, and see the advert on this page for further details.

076 956 9165. S<"Jqy"fqgu"vjg"Rngvv"Tcig" rwdnke"vtcpurqtv"u{uvgo"yqtmA A: This year the team has upped the ante in terms of safety with a new taxi system linked to a 24-hour medical line. A taxi operations centre manages the transportation of all students attending Plett Rage. Set routes ensure students are aware of which roads and taxis to take. Fees are set to guarantee standardisation and the use of prepurchased taxi coupons is obligatory. S<" Kh" o{" ejknf" igvu" ukem." yjcv"ujqwnf"vjg"eqwtug"qh"ce/ vkqp"dgA" A: Students are advised to contact the Rage call centre which controls the taxi and 24-hour medical line. Alternatively, we have three main emergency contact lines for medical care. • Ambulance/Metro/control room: 10177 • ER 24 Hours: 083 320 1199 • Rage Emergency Number: 060 814 3858 S<" Yjcv" ujqwnf" K" fq" kh" o{" ejknf"ku"c"xkevko"qh"etkogA" A: Please report any crimes directly to Plett SAPS (044 533 1166), the Plett Crime Prevention Association (082 251 8134) or the Rage Emergency hotline (060 814 3858). Visit www.plettrage.co.za for more information.

CXPRESS

Food & Wine

3 December - 2014

Fêting a decade of training excellence in culinary arts

STABLISHED in 2004, the Francois Ferreira Academy (FFA) in George provides training excellence in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management. Recognised as a Training Provider by the SA Chefs Association and Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, FFA makes provision for fulltime studies as well as distance learning, and are involved in numerous in-service training projects and skills-driven community workshops. Says vice principal Denise Lindley: “Our fulltime courses are enhanced by add on subjects that give our students a specific edge once they enter the industry.” Subjects include Cake Decorating and Sugar Work, Basic IsiXhosa, Basic French, Hospitality Financial Management, Event Management, Entrepreneurship, and short courses in Brandy, Wine &

ON THE UP & UP: Young Chef of the Year in the CXPRESS Garden Route Culinary Awards for 2014 was Michael Ashley of The Girls in Wilderness - a former FFA student and seen here with vice principal Denise Lindley and food awards convenor Anne Hadley, right, and Francois Ferreira in the background during last week’s awards function at Kurland’s bistro-style eatery, Katarina’s - Photo: Sharyn Hodges, ShowMe Plett

Port Appreciation. “We are very proud of our training achievements, and many of our previous students have become leaders in the industry themselves, both locally and internationally. We credit our success on

PeeBee’s Wine Column

Understanding Cabernet Franc with Bruwer Raats

ABERNET Franc is one of the five components of a Bordeaux blend, coming into its own at Cheval Blanc on the Right Bank. Though a number of producers in the Cape bottle it singly, only one holds it as sole red wine: Bruwer Raats of Raats Family Wines. I went to a presentation at Wine Cellar in Observatory of the 12 vintages made by the excited Bruwer. We were most fortunate to have Bruwer build the mindset. On the nose one would pick up four interpretations. Herbs (oreganum, thyme, rosemary). Spices & Perfume (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, aniseed). Fruit (red flavours, brambleberry). Cabernet Franc definitely throws linearity and perfumes, with silky soft tannins, freshness, minerality. But each vintage determines to what extent these ideals express themselves. Some vintages were to prove complex and elegant - an ultimate. The cool 2001 had truly great perfumes. In a cool vintage, the berries do not lose their acids and the pH reading is low, thus the minerality shows. This was to show itself again in the 2007 and 2011, the latter truly a beautiful floral wine, so fine-tuned. Supplies were limited to the extent that Bruwer will never be able to repeat this tasting. The wines sell at R400 a bottle, and sell they do. The 2002 was a warm and unfriendly vintage, more tobacco, plumminess. The erratic 2006 was not a great vintage, showing the herbaceousness upfront and the fruit, but without the refined

structure. The warm 2003 was of the highest alcohol, more black cherry but suppressed, in the same ilk as the warm 2005 (good structure) and the bold 2008, when the fruits were very ripe. These contrasted to the cool 2010 and 2011, which showed that floral, cherry tone and lovely tannins. The 2010 was more accessible, the 2011 still to develop. This was almost like the reading of the will, where each vintage had a personality and a claim to be understood. When the 2007 came along, I wrote “coquette”. It was oodling freshness and youth. Bruwer said “energy and dimension”. He claimed that reputed British wine writer Jancis Robinson told him it would outlast the 2007 Cheval Blanc by 20 years - and it costs only R400. The cool 2004 showed balance and complexity and needed years of maturation, but it was his last bottle. In 2005, Bruwer acquired a second vineyard block in Polkadraai. The maiden block was of dolomitic decomposed granite with the ideal low potential soil. His new site had more of a mix with Table Mountain soil and a touch of chalk ensuring the lower pH. Cabernet Franc is not an easy grape to handle, its brittle stalks often ruined by winds, subject to disease, and ripening unevenly. But this vine does respond to care in the vineyard and in the cellar. Bruwer has relations in Knysna from whom he acquired his first name. His cousin Gavin Bruwer Slabbert schooled in Knysna be-

the individual and personal hands-on training in groups that do not exceed 20 students at one time,” she says. Visit www.francoisferreira. com to find out how you can sign up and benefit from this unique local facility. Peter Bishop

fore going to Paul Roos, then doing a commercial degree at Stellenbosch University. He has just joined Bruwer. As excited as his mentor, he spoke of the glorious 2012 that has the one feature so difficult to attain in a Cabernet Franc: “Mid-palate.” Too many producers throw a touch of Shiraz into Bordeaux style wines to create nqor/ness. “We got that elusive mid-palate! The climatic conditions had been perfect, the bunches just hung forever. “All of these wines are matured in old oak, and in none of these was the oak standing out. I am not going to ruin the best 15 years of my life by letting oak obstruct what Cabernet Franc can give.” Bruwer has a far higher priced MR Compostella in partnership with Mzokhona Mvembu. Their 2009 was scored 96 by Neal Martin (tasting on behalf of Robert Parker), claiming it to be “world class”. He scored the 2012 at 95, echoing Tim Atkins’ score of the 2012. Interestingly Atkins, a friendly fellow scored all of Bruwer’s entry-level wines over 91. No wonder the giant of a man can proclaim: “My biggest endorsement of a wine is my name on it.” He was nostalgic when speaking of the 2009 Jaspar Cabernet Franc (at only R155) as a “mini Compostella” in honour of his father who died in 2009, having helped Bruwer to set himself up and even acting as viticulturalist, thus fulfilling his dream, after a life as teacher. RggDgg"jcu"mgrv"jku"rcncvg" cnkxg"ukpeg"3;97"yjgp"jg" ogv"Dgglc{"Ncpmyctfgp" kp"vjg"Yknfgtpguu0"Jg" gzrnqtgu"nqecn."pcvkqpcn"cpf" kpvgtpcvkqpcn"ykpgu."nqqmkpi" hqt"flvjg"ewvvkpi"gfig‚0

Home & Health

3 December 2014

CXPRESS

Call for donations: Boere Brocante needs your pretty old things now Bitou 10 Foundation chairperson MARIETTA VAN ROOYEN shared this news on a quirky vintage market set to grace an exceptional venue on December 16

E are planning an exciting event to benefit four Plett charities - a Boere Brocante to be held at Ouland Royale on December 16 from 10am to 4pm. As you may know, French country antique fairs are known as dtqecpvgu and can be found all over the French rncvvgncpf. They are enormously popular for the wide range of interesting items on sale at good prices - antique linen, old glassware and

porcelain, silver and other tableware, old paintings and mirrors, ancient books, tapestries, vintage clothes and shoes, old tools and various other qdlgevu. This is not to be confused with a car boot sale or jumble sale as the items are usually old, but interesting or unusual, in good condition and often quite collectable. This event offers you the unique opportunity to support four charities of Plettenberg

Bay, through your donations or by doing your Christmas shopping at our Boere Brocante. These charities are Bitou 10 Foundation (supporting all 10 schools in Bitou), Plett Animal Welfare Services, Hospice Plett, and Plett Environmental Forum. For this event to succeed, we are appealing to you to dig around in the deep recesses of your cupboards and garages to find those interesting items - something you have been

ROYAL SPOILS: The barn at Ouland Farm on Plett’s airport road, Ouland Royale, is filled with beautiful objets and forms the perfect setting for Boere Brocante

Plett resident’s brain child ‘magically’ benefits development of young minds

AGIC and creative play can now be a reality for children aged five to 12, thanks to a book and complimentary DVD entitled Vjg"Ocike"Ocv"cpf"kvu"Nkvvng" Ugetgv, by Plettenberg Bay resident Carmen Clews. Launched in SA this year, The Magic has already spread to the UK, Ireland, Germany, Dubai, New Zealand and the USA, with copies shared for kids to enjoy. Says Carmen: “Young children are continuously engaged in their imaginations and the initiative behind this concept was to assist in developing curious young minds with a healthy educational tool that also provides entertainment through creative play. “An ancient practice of exercise postures provides the means for developing strong

and interactive minds by interpreting numerous poses creatively while at the same time stretching and exercising children’s bodies for healthy growth and development.” The book entices kids to “hop on board the Magic Mat and cover yourself completely with Magic. Discover your higher self; learn to feel love, compassion and gratitude. Learn confidence from a growling leopard, dive head first into creativity by weaving a spider’s web, and you too can be as happy as a jumping monkey.” Vjg"Ocike"Ocv"cpf"kvu"Nkvvng" Ugetgv was born while Carmen was practising Yoga. Feeling exhilarated after the session, she marvelled at the magical benefits she herself felt, as this traditional practice connects body, mind and breath.

GRATEFUL FOR A LITTLE MAGIC: An activity mat completes the delightful package that also comprises ‘The Magic Mat and its Little Secret’ book and animated DVD

Thinking, “This really is like Magic,” she imagined every child having their own Magical place to go to each day. Now every child has a Magical tool with the book and animated DVD (see the trailer at http://vimeo.com/100388148) and an activity mat completing the delightful package. It provides fun, physical stretching and relaxation techniques for developing happy, relaxed, loving and healthy children while presenting a beautiful and unique way to bring these playful and mindful poses to children with its fairy tale Magical energy. The images are lovingly designed with attention to detail in capturing the essence of fun and how to perfectly practise and play one’s imagination out on the mat. So if you’ve been looking for that something special in a gift that will wholesomely educate and entertain your children, you can’t go wrong with Vjg"Ocike"Ocv"cpf"kvu"Nkvvng" Ugetgv. Let the Magic unfold! Local distributors include Old Nick Village, Bargain Books at The Market Square, Village Bookshop on Plett Main Street, Zandla Zam, Langa Lapu & The Mohair Mill in The Crags, and The Lotus Studio in Knysna. Visit www.candylwood. co.za and see the advert on this page for further information.

reluctant to turf out because it belonged to a favourite old aunt, but you really don’t know what to do with it. You may think it is hideous or useless, but someone else is bound to love it. Please let us have it for our stall! On Tuesday December 16, bring your whole family and experience our local version of a brocante, where you will have fun browsing for interesting Christmas gifts. Ouland Royale will provide French snacks with a local flavour - Boere Croissants, Krok Meneer & Krok Mevrou sandwiches, and Creepy Susans, or maybe Kruip Susanna’s! We look forward to receiving your donations of items for our causes and also to welcoming you to this ngmmgt local event. Please call the below numbers for more information and if you have items to donate: • Marietta van Rooyen: 044 533 3963 or 083 379 5339 • Annabelle Conyngham: 044 533 5178 • Marsja Hall-Green 044 533 4578 or 073 645 9476.

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

CXPRESS

3 December 2014

Classifieds

On the Soapbox

3 December 2014

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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

Christmas hampers not quite pre-election food parcels... I refer to Henk Bolhuis’s letter criticising the local DA’s efforts to provide Christmas hampers for needy people in the area. [See page 15 of the November 26 edition at www.cxpress.co.za]. At this time of year, any number of initiatives by different organisations brings an element of Christmas cheer,

e.g. hampers to needy people in the area. I know of at least two other organisations in Plett organising very similar projects at present. Such initiatives are generally arranged by existing organisations which have resources, manpower and a network to make things happen, such as churches, ser-

vice clubs and, in this case, the committee of the DA in Ward 2. They don’t just come about through “a joint effort by all concerned”, as Mr Bolhuis glibly advises. The DA should be commended, not castigated, for making the effort to provide a meaningful contribution to folks in this region who may have very little to cheer about at Christ-

Read CXPRESS online at www.cxpress.co.za

mas time. And, incidentally, this type of Christmas hamper is very different to the food hampers handed out by the ANC just before voting day at election time! I think Mr Bolhuis would do well to spend less time carping at the DA, and instead channel his energies into more positive avenues. D"Mpkijv."Rngvv

DA takes offence to offence given by Christmas campaign I refer to the letter published in CXPRESS of November 26, regarding the DA’s Christmas Hamper project. Allow me to repeat myself: what wonderful people we have in Plettenberg Bay! We sincerely thank you for your generous and fullhearted support and for your contribution to our Christmas Hamper project, helping us to reach our target of 200 parcels. We are proud that Mr Bolhuis is pleased something special is being done for the less privileged families in our town over Christmas - it is exactly for that reason the DA initiated the project, taking into account especially that the soup kitchen, previously run by the

Roman Catholic Church, has stopped operating. The DA has and will always be concerned about the plight and upliftment of the poor. Poverty has no political boundaries and I’m of the opinion that the tremendous response from our residents is because they know to whom and what they are contributing towards. They know the DA people involved in the project, and that they are not supporting a fly-by-night or fictitious project. Why claim a ‘political smell’? This is a DA project initiated by a DA ward, supported by the DA, and the communiqué was sent to DA members.

However, the option for any other people to contribute to this worthy project was entirely their own decision and I am convinced that this is exactly what happened the reason we received such great support. The soup kitchen operated as ‘The RC Soup Kitchen’. The Presbyterian Church runs its sandwich project at the clinic and has it branded for a specific reason. The same applies to our Hamper Project. The DA has in the past contributed to other worthy projects and those were not politicised because of our participation. We incorporated councillor Wayne Craig to discuss the direction of the ward com-

mittee - that is, to ensure exactly your point of view that all needy people within Bitou Municipality should benefit from this project. Mr Bolhuis, as a committee we have spent a number of hours deliberating the project to ensure that nobody needy is left out. I’m glad you see it the same way. The fact that the DA has initiated this project speaks for itself - more action less talk. I am proud to be part of the committee and pleased that I have the opportunity to participate in this project, proudly DA. PS: We have exceeded our goal! Htcpeqku"fg"Mngtm"/"FC" Ejcktrgtuqp."Dkvqw"Yctf"4

Storms River Village market brings Tsitsikamma people together

LEKKER LOCAL: These images show some of the treats to eat on offer at the market, while there’s also an array of homemade goods and art for sale

Owner of the Bistro @ Bitou and Bitou Art Gallery, Johan Brink, and his partner Elzette Bester launched the very first village market in Storms last month, with pancakes galore and loads of fun had by all. The next market showed a growth in stalls and involved a wide range of community members from far and wide. The idea is a simple one: bring your own table chair and umbrella, bring your own products - local homemade being of the essence, but boot sales and secondhand goods have proved very popular, too. There is no charge for the stalls, and no commission is taken on sales, as this is a community-based project to

bring the village people together and to showcase their hobbies. There are lots of recycled materials ingeniously resculped from various materials, amazing jewellery, and art pieces to pick and choose from. The Bistro offers scrumptious breakfast and other specials for the occasion, and the Bitou Art Gallery is open every day boasting a selection of great local art. The next market will be held on December 6, and a special Christmas market is scheduled for Saturday December 20. Please bring your friends and family - everybody is welcome! Octkg"Dtkpm." Uvqtou"Tkxgt"Xknncig

Est. 1984

CXPRESS

Sport & Adventure

3 December 2014

IRB Sevens showpiece heads back to the Bay prize giveaways planned. Fans can expect entertainment from household names such as DJ Fresh, Micasa and Cape Town-based DJ Sox, who made his debut at the 2013 Sevens tournament. Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) Chief Executive Mandlakazi Skefile, an enthusiastic Sevens supporter, was also quick to allay fears doing the rounds that all the accommodation in the city has already been booked for the Sevens.

AWESOME SEVENS FOURSOME: Our Blitzbok stars are feeling the fever ahead of the South African leg of the Cell C International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens World Series in Nelson Mandela Bay on December 13 and 14 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium pictured here with captain Frankie Horne, left, are Cecil Afrika, Phillip Snyman, and Branco du Plessis Photo: Richard Huggard/ Gallo Images

T’S the final year of the Cell C International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens in Port Elizabeth and the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is calling on all fans to get ready for a final party bar none. “But don’t expect the party is over quite yet,” said Stadium chief executive Chantal du Pisani. “We are part of an EP Rugby initiative, together with various other stakeholders, working tirelessly to retain this awesome event in our city for the next three years. “Your support is part of that, so come out and enjoy what is dubbed ‘rock star’ rugby - in this fun, fast-paced showcase of global rugby talent.” The countdown for the Cell C Mandela Sevens in the Bay began last month when the event was launched at the stadium by the SA Rugby Union. The SA leg of the IRB Sevens will be played on December 13 and 14 at the stadium, and fans can look forward to non-stop, high energy riveting rugby action. “The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is more than ready to open its doors and welcome the world’s best sevens rugby players,” said Du Pisani. The Sevens tops off a year of rugby prowess for Nelson Mandela Bay, the highlight of which was a high-scrum and impact International Test match between the Bokke and Scotland, and an eventful Currie Cup Premier Division season. With rugby fever at an alltime high off the back of the Currie Cup season - and a win for the EP Kings in their final match - the Sevens is likely to draw big crowds. “Fans shouldn’t wait until the last minute to purchase tickets to this international showpiece. We are fervently working behind the scenes to offer spectators value for money and an unforgettable event experience,” added Du Pisani. Tickets for the event remain affordable and fans are able to enjoy the Sevens bonanza from as little as R30. Great hospitality packages are on offer and suites are available to all businesses and groups

interested in experiencing rugby at its best in a worldclass environment. Sevens is the adaptation of a regular rugby game into a quick and exciting seven minutes played by sevenman teams. “There is little time to get bored and it’s all about the fun, vibe and dressing up. It’s also a celebration of a great year of intense and exciting rugby we urge fans to come and have a good time,” said Eastern

Province Rugby Union chief executive Charl Crous. “Last year’s match produced a thrilling cup final between the Blitzbokke and New Zealand, leaving the Blitzbokke fans jubilant after a dramatic win against the Kiwis. This year can only be better,” he added. Besides the rugby action, there is an entertainment lineup of note, with a beer garden, fan-park, best-dressed competitions and numerous

Sponsor these saintly soccer players

Plett Saints Football Club was recently victorious when its top team won the Bitou Soccer League. And not only are they fleet-footed, but also community minded as they are planning a football development programme for U/13, U/15 and reserve teams to add to the domestic team’s talent. If you can assist with sponsorship, please call Claude on 078 450 2364.

“Our hotels and guesthouses are certainly smiling from ear to ear but ‘the inn is not full yet’ and our friendly call centre staff are on standby to assist you with last minute accommodation queries,” she said, encouraging visitors to dial the NMBT call centre. “If there is a bed out there - we will find it for you.” Call 041 582 2575 during office hours or the Airport Visitors Information Centre on 041 581 0456 from 7am to 9pm daily.