3 february 2016 by CXpress

3 February 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

Photo: Glenn Murray Photography

Time to harvest

Tribute to police

Staggering statistics

Boost for Bitou students

FREE

These ladies with their entertaining array of facial expressions were photographed by Glenn Murray last week at Kay and Monty Vineyards on Redford Road in The Crags while collecting the estate’s fourth harvest of Chardonnay. The grapes will now land in the lap of award-winning winemaker Anton Smal, who’ll do his magic to create a ‘Methode Cap Classique’ bubbly already envisaged to be their ‘best ever’ says owner Stephanie Legh. Read ‘What are the Plett wines like?’ on page 27 of the December 23 edition at www.cxpress. co.za to find out more about local products of the vine, the farms, and the faces behind them.

17 - 20 March 2016

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

3 February 2016

The sinking of MS Klipfontein 08.01.1953 - Final

Three hours from striking rock to disappearing in the deep HENK BOLHUIS concludes his account of a recent interview with Plettenberg Bay resident Peter Hatz ENK: Peter, you’ve told me thus far that on Sunday January 8, 1953 at about 12 noon, you were standing on the deck of RMS Bloemfontein Castle and witnessed the sinking of an ocean liner right there before your very eyes. What did that feel like? Peter: Actually, although I saw everything happening right in front of my eyes and not more than a few hundred metres away, it was totally unreal - everything was happening so quickly. In the meantime, the crew

of RMS Bloemfontein Castle was frantically busy launching a number of lifeboats - I’m not too sure how many, but I saw at least six being lowered and proceed towards the stricken vessel. By this time we had come to a full stop approximately 200m from MS Klipfontein on her port side and I was still standing at the railing of our ship watching the event unfold, expecting that any time now life boats would be launched by the sinking ship. However, the next mo-

ment I saw a large number of people on board MS Klipfontein begin to slide from the listing deck into the oil covered ocean, while others were jumping into the water. Events now started to follow each other very quickly and as our lifeboats picked up the survivors, MS Klipfontein began to straighten herself slightly, but simultaneously her bow started going under the ocean while her stern lifted up clear above the water - it was (according to official records) exactly14:22 GMT. Soon the rescue operation, carried out by experienced sailors and under virtually ideal circumstances aided by a very calm sea, came to an end as the last of our lifeboats brought the last of MS Klipfontein’s survivors - including Captain Oosterhuis and his crew - on board. At a later stage, we were informed that all of MS Klipfontein’s 119 passengers and 115 crew were saved without any fatalities or injuries. By this time I could see that the end was near as the famous Holland-Africa liner sank deeper and deeper into the ocean until it finally went completely under and was gone. Conditions on board RMS Bloemfontein Castle in the meantime were rather chaotic with survivors dressed only in their casual holiday clothes and many of them covered in bunker oil. As they had had no time to bring anything with them, virtually all needed to get a change of clothes and then be accommodated. Captain Ferguson asked everyone on our ship for assistance and to help, wherever possible, by taking in some of the saved passengers. My friend and I shared our cabin with two crewmembers of MS Klipfontein - both covered in oil - one of whom was the ship’s radio operator who had sent the original distress signals.

FINAL GLIMPSE OF MS KLIPFONTEIN: The famous HollandAfrica liner sank deeper and deeper into the ocean until it finally went completely under and was gone

WOMEN, CHILDREN AND EVERYONE ELSE: Carried out by experienced sailors in a calm sea, the rescue operation ensured that everyone on board MS Klipfontein survived

FINAL RESTING PLACE: MS Klipfontein still lies at the bottom of the Mozambique Channel, forming a spectacular artificial reef in only 53m of water

We were also pleased to see that our friends from the two previous encounters were rescued and safely on board our ship. Later, we met a farmer from Ken-

ya who had been to England to buy farming equipment, such as tractors and a harvester, all of them now lying at the bottom of the Mozambique Channel. Soon after MS Klipfontein had gone down into the depths, we left the area and proceeded north towards Beira, where we arrived early the next morning and where the survivors were met by representatives of the Holland-Africa line. Henk: Peter, that is a very fascinating story and the event must have had a great impact upon an 18-year-old

boy like yourself that day?” Peter: I still remember what happened in vivid detail and there are two things that seem to stand out for me. Firstly, the speed with which everything happened - just over three hours from striking those alleged submerged rocks to going down under the water. It all went so quickly; no wonder they were never able to launch their own lifeboats. Secondly, the rescue operation that was carried out by the Union Castle personnel of RMS Bloemfontein Castle was something to behold - it was done quickly and with great professional efficiency. The fact that there were no lives lost speaks for itself. Post script Today MS Klipfontein still lies at the bottom of the ocean about 6km off Zavora Point, Mozambique, in only 53m of water and, according to divers, forms a stunning deep-water artificial reef system. The ship lies on its starboard side, broken up with the stern largely intact, but the hull “turned turtle”. The actual cause of MS Klipfontein’s sinking is still a bit of a mystery, even today. The tribunal held after the disaster concluded that she struck chartered rocks; this, however, according to other marine experts does not concur with the facts. Portuguese authorities who surveyed the area shortly after the sinking, looking for these rocks, could not find any in the immediate area. One theory that persistently keeps coming up is that MS Klipfontein did not strike a rock at all, but collided with a submerged floating or stationary German WWII U-boat. MS Klipfontein was later partially salvaged for her valuable cargo consisting of, among other freight, electrolytic grade copper and manganese ore, as well as 100 bales of wool. • The actual sinking of MS Klipfontein can be viewed at www.youtube.com - type ‘Klipfontein sinking’ into the search bar.

NEWS & VIEWS

3 February 2016

CXPRESS

Alert off-duty Knysna police officer arrests brazen Main Street robber FF-DUTY policeman Warrant Officer Jakobus Saptou arrested a suspect seconds after he robbed a 52-year-old lady

on the corner of Main and Long Street in Knysna on Friday January 29 at about 12:30pm. Explains Knysna SAPS

spokesman Sergeant Chris Spies: “The victim was walking along the sidewalk when the suspect came from behind, grabbed her

Catholic churches across SA pray for police

PRAYERS AND CAKE MAKE THE DAY: From left are Lieutenant Mtingane, Leela Verity, and Constable Ndzimela during a cake handover that took place after the church service during which Plett’s Catholic Church congregation joined others across SA in praying for the police

N Sunday January 31, Catholic Churches throughout South Africa honoured the national police force, and prayed for the protection and wellbeing of its members. Says parish council secretary of St Christopher’s

Catholic Church in Plett, Leela Verity: “We paid tribute to the more than 60 police officers who were killed in the line of duty in 2015, and expressed appreciation for those who serve on the front lines in the battle against crime.

“We remembered the sacrifices that our men and women in blue have made and continue to make as they provide safety for all who live in South Africa. We encouraged all South Africans to pray for an end to police killings in our country and for a crime-free society.” The prayer was said and copies given to members of the congregation - and after the service, Leela delivered cake to Plett police station and told the officers on duty how much they were appreciated “I also told them that we prayed for them throughout South Africa, and gave them a copy of the prayer. They were very surprised and grateful.”

Let’s quell opportunistic crime by increasing levels of vigilance LETTENBERG Bay Crime Prevention Association chairman Bruce Richardson said earlier this week that criminal activities had decreased dramatically, when looking at the latter half of January. “After a festive season with more incidents than we would have liked, it seems that in Sector 1 [Plettenberg Bay town] activities have suddenly and dramatically slowed down with only two successful housebreakings for the prior week - one in Rosheen Crescent and another in Julia Avenue, where a motorcycle was stolen. “Generally, motorcycles have not been targeted by thieves and I have noted that many owners make

very little effort to secure their motorcycles - even leaving keys in the ignition on occasion.” Richardson warned owners to make the same effort with their bikes as they would with cars, in order to prevent promoting a new target for criminals through careless behaviour. Although there was only one attempted robbery in Entaa Road, housebreakings occurred in a wide area outside of Plett town, including New Horizons, Keurboomstrand, Qolweni, Ebenezer, The Crags, Wittedrift, and rural properties like Stonefield and Brakkloof Farm. “Although not significant in any particular area, these incidences were

widespread enough for out of town residents to keep alert,” Richardson warned. Other cases included the snitching of a wallet at Hobie Beach, pilfering of telephone cabling at Kurlandbrik, and a theft at Wittedrift. “This is a relatively quiet start to the year but let us not get complacent and rather up our level of vigilance throughout 2016. Most crime in Plett is petty and opportunistic in nature and driven by careless behaviour. “If we want to reduce crime levels, the starting place is taking better care of our properties and belongings and not creating opportunities for criminals,” he concluded.

hand and swiped the victim’s wallet before fleeing from the scene.” W/O Saptou witnessed the incident and gave chase in his private vehicle at once. He managed to cut the assailant off in Main Street near the Church Street turnoff. After stopping the man’s flight, he searched him and found the victim’s wallet in his possession.

All stolen items contained in the wallet were returned to the victim, who was appreciative indeed of the off-duty member’s efforts. Station Commander of the Knysna police Colonel Michael Taylor thanked W/O Saptou for his rapid response in the apprehension of the suspect. He also said that this arrest was bound to send a strong message to wouldbe criminals. “Rest assured that we will do anything in our power to arrest anyone involved

in criminal activities,” Taylor said. The suspect appeared in the Knysna Magistrates court on Monday February 1 on a charge of robbery. The case was postponed to Tuesday February 9 for a formal bail application. Contact the Knysna police Corporate Communications Department on 044 302 6678 or email KnysnaSaps@saps.gov. za for information, or if you would like to report any criminal activities that need to be investigated.

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

3 February 2016

Thousands of SA teens will continue to contract Aids throughout 2016 A startling new report reveals that more than 2,300 girls between the ages of 15 and 24 will contract HIV every week of this year

ESEARCH shows that the incidence of new HIV infections among young females is more than four times higher than that of their male counterparts. With over 400,000 new HIV infections a year, South Africa still ranks first in HIV incidence in the world. Marina Rifkin, a Public Health Specialist at HIV management organisation CareWorks, says the risk is particularly great for high school learners because they are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviour like unprotected sex, since they are not necessarily skilled in negotiating condom use with their partners. “Sexually active young women are particularly vulnerable as they often engage in relationships with older men. Research conducted by the Centre for the Aids Programme Research in SA shows a trend of girls contracting HIV from older men. “The study found that both girls and boys on

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completion of Grade 7 remained HIV-negative. However, by the time they finished Grade 12 about 7-10% of girls were HIVpositive, yet most of the boys remained HIV-negative. This is because the girls were having sex with older men who were likely to already have been infected by the HIV virus. “This age-sex disparity in HIV acquisition continues to sustain unprecedentedly high incidence rates, therefore preventing HIV infection in this age group is a pre-requisite for achieving an AIDS-free generation and attaining epidemic control.” Rifkin further points out that sexual debut for many of the country’s youth is often much younger than 16 - the legal age of consensual sex. She says many will have had their first sexual experience by the age of 14 or even younger. To date, voluntary HIV counselling and testing, promoting delay of sexual debut and correct and consistent condom use when engaging in sex have shown some success among the youth, but she says other prevention interventions such as voluntary

medical male circumcision (VMMC) is crucial and should not be discounted. Currently, over 2-million men in SA aged 15-49 have been circumcised. South Africa is about halfway toward the national target of circumcising 4.3-million males aged 15-49 by December 2016. “The once-off 20-minute procedure reduces a man’s lifetime risk of HIV by up to 60% and it helps to prevent other STIs. VMMC also reduces the risk of penile cancer, and reduces the risk of acquiring the human papilloma virus (HPV) and, as a result, cervical cancer among the female partners of circumcised males. Ongoing research in Orange Farm, South Africa, has shown lower HIV infection rates among circumcised men than among uncircumcised men. Models also suggest that VMMC scale-up would reduce HIV incidence in Eastern and Southern Africa by roughly 30-50% over 10 years. “The take-home message is that the risk reduction offered by circumcision is substantial and could reduce the immediate and long term risk for both young men and women.

The world in which teenagers are growing up today is very different from that of their parents’ and grandparents’ youth. “Compared with 20 years ago, young people are entering adolescence earlier than ever before and they want to explore their sexual selves. “That being said, young people also need help in preventing HIV and parents can play an important role in the prevention process. While it may be challenging to broach this topic, try to have an open discussion with your teenager about sex and the importance of protecting themselves from both unplanned pregnancy and HIV. “Lay down all the options on the table, including the benefits of VMMC and give them the support and guidance they need during this transition period into adulthood,” says Rifkin. To find out where you, your son, friend or partner, can undergo free VMMC, send a free ‘please call me’ to 0606 800 800 and a counsellor will get back to you. Visit the VMMC media and information hub at www.mmcinfo.co.za for more information.

NEWS & VIEWS

3 February 2016

CXPRESS

Fare thee well, sharp Bitou students

GIVE AND TAKE: Bitou Community Education Trust (BCET) bursary recipients with Rosemary Murray, second from right in front; BCET trustees Mirick Arries and Andrew Smith, middle row at right, and Monica Tshembese, back row at left; Bitou 10 Foundation (B10F) chairperson Mariëtta van Rooyen, at centre in the back row, and B10F director Hector McIvor, at right in front PASSING IT ON: At an afternoon tea held for the university bursars of the B10F and BCET on Thursday January 21, the wisdom of Rosemary Murray - who has been the patron saint of education at primary and secondary level in Bitou for the past 25 years - together with the youthful exuberance of Faseegh Everson, who is studying for a Bachelor of Education degree at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, encapsulated the promise and the future of education in South Africa

HE Bitou 10 Foundation (B10F) and Bitou Community Education Trust (BCET) hosted a tea for their university bursars prior to the students departing Plettenberg Bay for the start of the academic year, on January 21. BCET administers the disbursement of financial assistance, from a trust fund, to students who have achieved good results at secondary level, whereas B10F facilitates and works towards improving the quality of primary and secondary education throughout Bitou. The 25 Bitou students studying variously at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, the Universities of Fort Hare, Stellenbosch and the Free State, the University of the Western Cape, and the Cape Peninsula and Durban Universities of Technology have been awarded bursaries for the 2016 academic year. BCET chair Andrew Smith addressed the gathering and explained how the Trust assisted students with the financial burden of fees and at the same time served as mentor and adviser to all recipients of grants.

Rosemary Murray, the doyenne and guiding spirit of education in the schools of Plett and environs for the past 25 years, made an impassioned speech. “I wish you well and good luck for the future. When you have completed your studies at university come back to Bitou and contribute to the community and touch someone with the learning and knowledge that you will have gained, so that they too may live with purpose and resolve,” she said. Mirick Arries of Plettenberg Bay Secondary School urged the undergraduates to take on the mantle of Rosemary Murray’s ethos and make life better for others, and B10F CEO Kim Weyer offered warm words of encouragement. Said one of the bursars, Siyolisile Sidinana, who is going up to the University of the Western Cape to read law: “I feel nervous but at the same time I am excited. I am not sure what to expect; it is a new chapter in my life.” Siphosethu Mani, a bursar in her third year of business management and economics at the University of Fort

Hare, remarked: “It’s hard work but I am living my dream. I want to live a useful life and leave a legacy.” CXPRESS wishes all bursars of B10F/BCET every success for the forthcoming academic year.

• Bitou Community Educational Trust was established in 2008 to support Bitou matriculants who would not be able to continue their studies at higher education institutions without financial assistance. In 2015 the BCET established a partnership with B10F who now administers the bursaries and acts as liaison between the students, the higher education institutions, the BCET and John Bell Educational Trust. Over 50 former students from Murray High, Plettenberg Bay Secondary, and Wittedrift High have benefitted from this initiative. With the help of the BCET, many bursary recipients have successfully graduated and are now working as professionals in their chosen fields. In 2016, five of the 25 bursary students will be enter-

Words & photos: Timothy Twidle

ing their first year of study, six students will move on to second year, 11 will enter their third year and three will be completing their fourth year of study. Trustees of BCET provide mentoring to the stu-

dents with the support of B10F staff. Both organisations are excited about this collaboration and enjoy working together on this critically important higher education and skills development programme.

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

3 February 2016

Embark on a mini meander with artful consequences

SIX SILVER SPOONS: This set of solid sterling silver coffee spoons by Patrick Mavros is valued at R11,300 but could be yours if you buy a R100 ticket - read all about it here below

ARDEN Route residents and art-appreciative visitors will be familiar with the names of formidable father and son sculptors Robert and Brendan Leggat, while the silver sculptures of Patrick Mavros have gained acclaim as far as the States and Europe. Combine these works with the talents of photographer Rob Smith and painter Ingrid Tonkin, and the exciting opportunity to enjoy all of the above within short strolling distances in and around Plett this month. Says convenor Annabelle Conyngham: “The idea of our Mini Meander was to showcase the talents of some local and visiting artists in different venues, in a similar fashion to the Midlands Meander.” This fundraising venture incorporates the following exhibitions, all for the benefit of the PlettAid Foundation/Hospice Plett: • The Lens, The Palette and The Canvas at The White House in Plettenberg Bay on February 9 &

10 from 10am to 8pm; • Silver Sculpture by Patrick Mavros at Hunters Country House in Harkerville on February 9 from 10am to 5pm and on the 10th from 10am to 1pm; • Bronze Sculptures by Robert and Brendan Leggat at Bronze Fields Foundry and Studio in Harkerville on February 9 from 10am to 5pm and on the 10th from 10am to 1pm. “Patrick Mavros has very kindly donated a set of six silver coffee spoons to the value of R11,300 as a ticket draw to benefit PlettAid and Hospice,” says Lady Conyngham. Email her at aconyngham@telkomsa. net to buy your ticket priced at R100, or buy one at the exhibition. Mavros is a fourth generation Zimbabwean brought up in Matabeleland, where he developed a deep love and affinity for wildlife, sketching and mentally recording all the beauty he saw in his surroundings. His sculptures are cast in sterling silver using the lost

wax method and the mark is registered at the Assay Office in the Goldsmith Hall, London. The brand is well known in Europe and America, receiving worldwide acclaim when it was publicised that friends of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were purchasing the Mavros collection of miniature silver animals as christening presents for Prince George. So if you’re keen on viewing examples of his work as well as the aforementioned photographs, paintings, and bronze sculptures of the highest international quality in the space of a couple of hours in lovely surroundings, then embark on the Mini Meander on February 9 & 10. The White House is in Crescent Street in Plett CBD; Hunters Country House and the Bronze Fields Foundry and Studio are around the corner from each other, both to be found off the N2 at the Stromboli’s turnoff. Hunters is well signposted. For the Foundry, take the first road to the right running parallel to the motorway and the entrance gates are on the left, a little way down a dirt road. Email Rob Smith (The Lens) at brendasmith2014@ icloud.com / ingridtonkin@ gmail.com (The Palette) / Heidi Leggat at leg_art@ telkomsa.net (The Furnace) or Jessica Holland at jessica@patrickmavros. com for more information. Entrance to all exhibitions is free but donations to PlettAid and Hospice will be most welcome.

Sundowners Celtic & Bluegrass Concert to be highlight of Knysna Celtic Festival IARISE Saturday February 27 at Loerie Park when once again, as the pièce de résistance of the Knysna Celtic Festival, the iconic Cape Town Bluegrass band Blacksmith and the Knysna & Districts Pipe Band will feature in the unique annual Sundowners Celtic & Bluegrass Concert... for one night only! The concert takes place from 5-9pm and as in the past, serves as a fundraiser, primarily for the deserving Knysna Sea Cadets. Last year R25,000 was raised for the Cadets, making it a total of approximately R75,000 raised so far by this event, and the aim for 2016 is even higher. Organisers Steve, Jo and Martin invite readers to enjoy dinner during the concert, as a variety of good quality food and

beverage vendors will be open throughout the concert and there will also be a Celtic Pub serving wine, beer and cider - “so please do join us to eat, drink and have a wonderful time!” Tickets at R100 each are on sale now from the four Sotheby’s branches in Knysna (Leisure Isle, Woodmill Lane, Thesen Islands and The Mall) as well as the Sotheby’s offices in Sedgefield and Plettenberg Bay. You can also grab tickets from Bosun’s Pub & Grill on George Rex Drive and the Royal Hotel on the corner of Main and Queen Street in Knysna. Please remember that all seats are allocated on a first come first served basis, so those who buy their tickets earlier will be seated nearer to the front of the stage. Also taking place on

Saturday the 27th will be the second Knysna Celtic Festival, kindly sponsored once again by Investec Wealth & Investment. The line-up of events include a street march with massed pipes and drums from 9:15am to 10:30am, featuring more than 10 pipe bands marching down Knysna’s Main Street in a massive band, with more than 150 pipers and drummers from all over SA. The main Celtic Festival at Loerie Park will offer Highland dancing, piping and drumming competitions, Highland games and tossing the caber, a beer garden and food court with live music. Tickets for daytime entry (11am to 3pm) can now also be purchased in advance from the outlets above for R30 per adult and R15 per child.

ENTERTAINMENT

3 February 2016

CXPRESS

Don’t miss this year’s Plett Music Festival attracted full houses. With the superb line-up of artists this year, demand for seats will be great, so early booking is advised. All proceeds go to The Kids of Kurland School Project (www.kids ofkurland.com). Tickets can be bought at The Old House Shop in Plett, or reserved by calling Ann Fermor on 082 452 8764. The festival is sponsored by the Department of Arts and Culture and supCat Simoni is a diva in her own right. Music has been a dominant force in her life and a snap decision to change career course led to 10 years of performances in venues such as the Dorchester and the Ritz. She has returned to her homeland and has quickly made a name for herself in the entertainment world. She numbers large corporates among her clients, and is equally well-loved on public stage and intimate bistro. Her music ranges over many genres, and at PMF she will perform the songs of singers such as Piaf, Fitzgerald and Judy Garland. South African-born Derek Gripper was the first classically trained guitarist to adapt and integrate the repertoire of West African music and the guitar. His albums have received accolades such as “a staggering achievement”, “impressive and passionate rendering of Malian music” and “of hypnotic beauty”. His 2012 album ‘One Night on Earth’ led to invitations to perform in the US, the UK and numerous European countries, as well as Swaziland, Zimbabwe and South Africa. He collaborates on an ongoing basis with ethnomusicologists from various countries and, in the classical tradition, with guitar master John Williams.

The hallmark of the 60-strong Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Choir is its remarkable ability to perform both Western music and African traditional music and retain the integrity of both styles. It has been inundated with national and international invitations, and has performed before President Nelson Mandela, Queen Elizabeth II and at various large global events. They have delighted audiences from the US to China, from Europe and the UK to Africa.

LETT Music Festival at The White House Theatre once again presents four days of world class music to support the Kids of Kurland School Project. This festival has become a by-word for the wonderful music that it avails to evergrowing audiences. From February 18-21, the organisers bring you an exciting line-up of internationally renowned musicians - instrumental, vocal and choral. The festival opens on February 18 with guitarists Derek Gripper and Shawn Phillips, both artists on the global stage. On February 19, The Four Waiters will transport you to a different plane with beautiful opera arias while dinner is served. The 60-strong Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Choir will make the rafters ring on February 20. This choir has received numerous international accolades, and their wide repertoire will thrill everyone in the audience. The festival ends on February 21 with the enchanting Cat Simoni who will present the timeless and popular songs of great divas such as Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland and Edith Piaf. From Thursday to Sunday there will be live entertainment in the courtyard of The White House from 7pm onwards. A cash bar will be open and there will be snacks for sale. Space is limited, and past performances have always

ported by Plett Tourism. More PMF artists • Shawn Phillips, guitarist, composer and singer, has worked with industry greats like The Beatles, Donovan, Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood and Michael Kamen. His albums have enjoyed international success and the classical music he has composed has been performed by the Nashville Symphony Orchestra. His repertoire is wide-ranging, and he moves

with ease between jazz, folk, pop, and classics. His phenomenal vocal range and superb mastery of his instrument will gain him many fans in PMF audiences. • The globetrotting Four Waiters have performed widely in Europe and the United States where they have thrilled audiences with their renditions of beloved arias from operas such as The Magic Flute, Cosi Fan Tutte, Tosca and Carmen.

CXPRESS

INTERVAL

3 February 2016

An amnesiac walks into a bar. He goes up to a beautiful blonde and says: “So, do I come here often?”

Aviation was his game young man volunteered for Navy service during World War II. He had such a high aptitude for aviation that he was sent right to Pensacola, Florida, skipping boot camp. The very first day at Pensacola he went solo and became the best flier on

the base. All they could do was give him his gold wings and assign him immediately to an aircraft carrier in the Pacific. On his first day aboard, he took off and singlehandedly shot down six Japanese Zeroes. Then, climbing up to

Keeping up the stamina WO old guys, one 80 and one 87, were sitting on a park bench one morning. The 87-year-old had just finished his morning jog and wasn’t even short of breath. The 80-year-old was amazed at the guy’s stamina and asked him what he did to have so much energy. The 87-year-old said: “Well, I eat rye bread every day. It keeps your energy level high and you’ll have great stamina with the ladies.” So, on the way home, the

80-year-old stopped at the bakery. As he was looking around, the saleslady asked if he needed any help. “Do you have any rye bread?” he asked. “Yes, there’s a whole shelf of it. Would you like some?” “I want five loaves,” the 80-year-old replied. “My goodness, five loaves! By the time you get to the third loaf, it’ll be hard,” the saleslady said. “I can’t believe everybody knows about this shit but me,” he said.

My new girlfriend

Y new girlfriend’s car got a flat tyre as we were on our way to see my parents, so I called them up and said: “Mom,

I’m going to be late, my girlfriend’s got a puncture.” “Oh dear,” she sighed. “I thought you had a real one this time.”

Bristol Zoo’s carpark... UTSIDE Bristol Zoo there is a carpark that accommodates 150 vehicles and eight buses. For 25 years, its parking fees were managed by a very pleasant attendant. The fees were £1.40 for cars and £7 for buses. Then, one day, after 25 solid years of never missing a day of work, the attendant just didn’t show up; so the zoo management called the City Council and asked it to send them an-

other parking attendant. The Council did some research and replied that the carpark was the zoo’s own responsibility. The zoo advised the Council that the attendant was a City employee. The City Council responded that the lot attendant had never been on the City payroll. Meanwhile, sitting in his villa somewhere on the coast of Spain, is a man who’d apparently had a ticket machine installed completely on his own and then had simply begun to show up every day, commencing to collect and keep the parking fees, estimated at about £560 per day for 25 years. Assuming seven days a week, this amounts to just over seven million pounds… and no one even knows his name.

20,000 feet, he found nine more Japanese planes and shot them all down, too. Noting that his fuel was getting low, he descended, circled the carrier and came in for a perfect landing on the deck. He threw back the cano-

py, climbed out and jogged over to the captain. Saluting smartly he said: “Well sir, how did I do on my very first day?” The captain turned around, bowed, and replied: “You make one velly impoltant mistake.”

SOCIAL SCENE

3 February 2016

Photo: Ricky Luiters - 081 585 0351 / Earthchild Media

Our loving low price gift to you....

DOUBLE THE BEACH JOY: Jody Strydom of Plett’s DStv branch and his wife Janica took twin daughters Jade and Amber to Poortjies lagoon for some fun in the late summer sun, and friend Ricky Luiters was there to capture the moment. Aaaah, wonder what those blessed parents will say in 15 years’ time, when those two beauties ask to go to the beach accompanied by their teenaged beaus…

MEGA BUCKS FOR DESERVING WORK: The annual Mayoral Bursaries and Grant-In Aid event of Bitou Municipality was held on Thursday January 28 at the Piesang Valley Hall, when mayor Memory Booysen disbursed a whopping R800,000 to 80 students who attend different institutions of higher learning. In addition, R370,000 was disbursed to 14 local registered non-governmental organisations with NPO status, operating mainly in Bitou’s social development sector - representatives of these organisations are pictured above with, from left, ward councillor Elaine Paulse, George mayor Charles Standers, Bitou’s first citizen Booysen and Knysna mayor Georlene Wolmarans. The glitzy event confirmed the mayor and his council’s commitment to ensure that tertiary education becomes more accessible and that deserving organisations working to improve the quality of life in Bitou remain afloat.

People, places & events

CXPRESS

FEEL THE TSHISA HEAT: Tshisa means ‘it’s hot’ in isiXhosa and a combo of Plett and Knysna talent will be sizzling on Saturday February 6 at Hornlee Secondary School. Last October, Tshisa Talent held a Performance Arts Workshop and auditions in Knysna, choosing five winners to perform in two concerts: Derrick Wildeman, US, Unlimited Dance Crew, Thandu & Owethu, Simthandile, and Akhona Mtsila. They joined Tshisa Talent 2015 finalists - among them Haylon Ruiters, Enrico Sam and Jemuel Gysman aka ‘Broken Puzzle’ pictured at left - in a great dance, rap and song concert on December 12. Now these artists will again unite for another evening of energetic entertainment. Buy your tickets at the door for only R15 and enjoy the show from 6:30pm onwards. ‘We are indebted to Knysna Municipality and especially the Department of Cultural Affairs & Sport for this ground-breaking connection sure to benefit many,’ said Tshisa founder Stuart Palmer. Call Gaillene on 071 090 6199 for details.

Everything in-store!! From 1 - 14 February HEAD OFFICE: 021 911 5555. WESTERN CAPE: RETREAT: 021 701 0566, GREEN POINT: 021 418 7805, SOMERSET WEST: 021 852 1605, KENILWORTH: 021 671 3114, BELLVILLE: 021 948 3767, GEORGE: 044 887 0476 EASTERN CAPE: PORT ELIZABETH: 041-368 6551, BAYWEST: 041 492 0372 EAST LONDON: 043 726 3679 MTHATHA: 047 531 1069 FREE STATE: BLOEMFONTEIN: 051 421 0029, LANGENHOVEN PARK: 051 446 0023 GAUTENG VAAL TRIANGLE: VANDERBIJLPARK: 016 985 2822 ERROS & OMISSIONS AND T’S & C’S APPLY - VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT: WWW.MAMBOSPLASTICS.CO.ZA

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CXPRESS

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

3 February 2016

CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

3 February 2016

Letters to the Editor

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

SANRAL: Major improvements to Garden Route N2 underway Allow us to respond to the letter by ‘Frustrated Motorist’ in CXPRESS of January 27 [read it on page 11 of that edition at www.cxpress. co.za], expressing frustration with the traffic situation on the N2 between Plettenberg Bay and Knysna. High rates of development, especially in the Knysna and Plett area, mean that the N2 has to provide access not only for through-traffic, but also be accessible to local traffic. A bypass near the two towns would have been the ideal solution creating free-flowing traffic. However, funding of such a project would need to be done by tolling, which is heavily opposed.

The South African National Road Agency (SANRAL) manages a primary road network of 21,000km countrywide, of which more than 18,000km are non-toll roads - all which compete for much-needed National Treasury allocations. We are therefore left with little option but to adopt a phased approach of modifying the existing road environment to meet competing needs: that of accessibility to local road-users and freeflowing traffic. It is disingenuous of ‘Frustrated Motorist’ to claim that SANRAL is doing nothing to provide a safer environment and improve capacity on this Garden Route section of the N2.

Post stone on the cards for The Crags? Our post office at The Crags is closing at the end of the month. The only post office worker has not been paid for months. The rent of the premises for postal distribution has not been paid to the owner. The community has not been notified. We were unable to pick up mail for weeks before Christmas. No alternatives are offered - there are no post boxes available in Plettenberg Bay. I have also heard that there are now no stamps for local post available. They have run out! This situation beggars belief. Please send your investigative journalist to The Crags to get the facts right. I would like to ask the au-

thorities where we should collect our mail, and where we are supposed to receive important notifications, accounts, etc. Is this really the 21st century or should we be looking for a post stone and a horse and rider? I am especially concerned for the Kurland Village residents who mostly don’t have email facilities or transport to Plettenberg Bay. This story belongs in one of our national papers. Jackie, The Crags (We will endeavour to get to the bottom of this matter, Jackie. Here’s hoping that this local facility will not simply become a statistic in the context of countrywide postal service carnage. - Eds.)

Projects such as the recently completed resurfacing of the N2 between Harkerville and Nature’s Valley; the Pacaltsdorp interchange widening, and the current resurfacing of the N2 between Groot Brak and Kraaibosch demonstrate that we are committed to serving the needs of all road users. In addition, SANRAL has earmarked three projects over the next five years between Kraaibosch and

Knysna, and three projects between Knysna and Keurbooms, which entail providing additional capacity (upgrading from a single to four-lane road, or dual carriageways) as traffic volumes increase. In the interim we call on all road users to be patient and responsible by sticking to the speed limits and not overtake recklessly. Vusi Mona - General Manager Communications: SANRAL

Lady car guard to the rescue A huge thank you to the lady car guard at Central Beach who showed great honesty and initiative in rescuing my camera, which I had unknowingly dropped in the parking area late evening on Thursday January 21.

When found, she kindly handed it in to a local restaurant manager - enabling me to recover it with enormous relief and gratitude. It’s really good to know that honesty is not dead in Plett. Thank you again. Ros Marnham, Plett

Municipal-speak befuddles I refer to the letter entitled ‘Bitou’s take on jetskis’ in the edition of CXPRESS dated January 27 [read it on page 11 at www.cxpress. co.za]. In the opening sentence of the letter it is stated, and I quote: ‘According to a Bitou official responsible for Beaches & Public Amenities, an incident involving a jetski happened in full view of the municipal office at Central Beach during December’. I have walked the length of Central Beach, Plettenberg Bay, and can find no building or structure purporting to be a ‘municipal office’. If I am guilty of an oversight I am happy to be corrected - or was a temporary municipal office put in place at Central Beach for the peak period of the holi-

day season during a part of December 2015 and January 2016? The penultimate sentence of the letter states: ‘A total ban of jetskis as inferred by those complaining would not realise, given the constitutional imperatives that would limit such a decision’. Could the writer of the letter please elucidate, as I am befuddled and bemused as to what this sentence means - municipal-speak is difficult to understand! TR Twidle, Plett (That’s often the case indeed, but we have to note that the office in question most certainly referred to Bitou Beach Control, housed atop Plett SkiBoat Club. We will try to shed more light on the final phrase question in the near future, though. - Eds.)

CXPRESS

Thumbs up for ensuring a cleaner, safer Plettenberg Bay I just want to say a big thank you to Bitou Municipality and Plett Tourism for the wonderful job they did over the holiday season, keeping the beaches and the

town safer and cleaner. Well done and keep up the good work. All the best from far-flung Limpopo! Ingrid Walker, Timbavati Reserve (near Hoedspruit)

CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

3 February 2016

Friendly carnival, but Plett Nippers run up serious score on hot beach with huge waves ATURDAY January 30 dawned with the promise of perfect conditions for the large number of Nippers who call Plett Surf Lifesaving Club home, and

by the time participants in the past weekend’s friendly carnival had arrived from as far as East London and erected their gazebos and banners on Central Beach,

TOP SCORERS: From left, U14 stars Jandré Strydom and Ellen Kleinsmidt and Ben Brink, U13, raked in the most points in their respective age groups during the weekend’s Cape Champs on Central Beach - not pictured here are U12 girls and boys winners Berenice Chabanel and Henri van Huyssteen, congrats!

no one could whinge about the weather. With low tide at around 1:30pm, the beach was hard enough for all age groups to get the gruelling long run in the bag, starting in the Beacon Isle corner with a turning point close to Hobie Beach’s famous Wedge. The sun didn’t spare anyone and whereas faces and necks and Nippers’ backs and shoulders were lathered with sun screen throughout the day, many a parent, catcher and coach were caught by rays hitting the backs of their unprotected knees as the day’s events concluded with exciting beach sprints at the lagoon side of Central. The programme on Day 1 also included Mali and body board races, flags, and the famously riveting surf swims, which sent heart rates of especially the younger Nippers’ parents into a spin as they saw their pink-clad (for maximum visibility) critters speed into the waves and paddle around buoys that look impossibly far from a beach vantage point. But the kids - those competing on home turf and their invited guests from the four clubs of East London and PE’s Bluewater Bay, Summerstrand and King’s Beach - are ocean wise, fit and rather fearless under the watchful eyes of their able coaches, many of whom also moonlight as Nipper parents… When the final water events were supposed to kick off on Sunday morning at 8am sharp, it was obvious that mettle would be tested. Walls of water rolled in and a heavy mist refused to lift for most of the day. Boards and especially the older children’s Malibus (used by U11-14 Nippers only) were flung into the air as breakers dumped everything in their path. But this did little to deter

participants in these events, where safety officers nearly outnumbered Nippers in the water. Sunday’s events concluded with the ultimate test of Iron Nipper in all age categories, challenging competitors aged U9-14 to show proficiency in first a beach run, then surf swim, and ending with a board race. This item seems to have become a rite of passage and many a Plett Surf Nipper who might not have been brave enough for this triple challenge before, impressed

spectators on the misty beach with their perseverance and determination. The club thanks everyone who contributed to an excellent weekend of sport, music (Music Box), burgers (Spur) and chips (Plett Sports), coffee and croissants (Le Fournil), and the catchers and coaches and scorers Karin and Willemijn. Plett Surf took the tournament with 1,224 points, followed by East London, Summer Strand, King’s Beach and Bluewater Bay. Every single child who

participated contributed to this win, and Nipper officer Chris Fermor congratulated all teams and their coaches before announcing boys and girls winners in each age group. The visitors were thanked profusely for making the journey before being waved off on their drive back east. And then it was time to celebrate Plett Surf’s victory with frosties and braai fires for Sunday lunch. Come down to the beach on a Friday afternoon if you want to find out about Plett’s healthy Nippers culture or call Shameera on 083 304 5087 for information.

GOING FOR GOLD: Whether it were flags, boards, beach run or swim, Plett Surf Club’s Nippers gave it their all and had fun in the process - Photos: Isabelle Brink

Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service