4 April 2018

4 April 2018

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

Easter sees another Robberg rescue - p3 On the power of rating agencies - p7 How polo supports Plett - p16

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Of fish and men This photograph of fishermen on Plett’s Central Beach must have been taken circa 1960, according to Derek Frielinghaus, who kindly shared it with CXPRESS. Alas, these professional ‘ghillies’ are no longer seen on or off our beaches. Turn to page 2 for Mike Kantey’s musings along these lines.

Happy holidays!

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

4 April 2018

On fishermen and funds never seen, and angling fun in Kasouga MIKE KANTEY reckons there’s always something fishy in Plettenberg Bay NCE upon a time, maybe 70,000 years ago, the local inhabitants used to eat from the rocks and low-lying waters of Plettenberg Bay. As the centuries flew by, the level of sophistication and technology expanded until the rise of the whaling industry and the development of long-shore fishermen, who braved the wild seas in search of a living.

It was these stout-hearted men who appear on the cover of this issue. As a former merchant skipper told me: “These guys were the best sailors anyone could wish for, worldwide.”

In time, and with the advent of the tourism industry, recreational fishermen appeared on our shores from the big cities and leant heavily on the finer knowledge of such local experts, known by the Scottish name as “ghillies”.

Many of their pictures can be seen in the present-day Angling Club on Keurbooms River and in Jack Mudd’s book, Jack of All Trades - published some time ago by the Watermark Press, but still in print and available from local bookstores.

According to former Plett mayor Paul Scheepers and local kenner Cornelius Krigga, however, the old Plett Housing Trust was instrumental in

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THOSE WERE THE DAYS: Our Eden’s earliest inhabitants subsisted on the abundant delicacies offered by a pristine and untainted ocean

defending the rights of these fishermen when in “about 2002”, the Plettenberg Bay Fishermen’s Trust was formed to create a fund that could assist poor fishermen in times of need in the future.

The Trust was supposed to represent ordinary fishermen, but included two sitting councillors at the time.

Subsequently, the Trust formed a company called Versatex Trading 294 in 2004, and they both applied for and were granted a 51-ton hake-fishing

quota. The shareholders were then The Plettenberg Bay Fishermen’s Trust (55%) and a certain Piet Marais (45%).

According to the Trust Deed, “beneficiaries” were listed as: “The members of the Plettenberg Bay Community… and such other disadvantaged and poor communities in Bitou, as the Trustees in their discretion may identify from time to time”.

Marais soon came under pressure from the chokka industry in St Francis Bay when they bought out his 45% share in the

BOOKING ESSENTIAL

name of Plett Fishing Development Company (Pty) Ltd. The directors of this new entity included two brothers of St Francis Bay, Lawrence Luiters and councillor Xipula of Plettenberg Bay, and one Wolmerans Kruger.

Apart from the lucrative quota, another asset in the form of a seagoing vessel was acquired under the agreement and promptly sold, but from that day to this, not one member of the then 100-strong Plettenberg Bay fishermen’s community has ever seen a penny from the company partly owned by… let’s just call them ‘the brothers from St Francis Bay’.

Now it seems that they would like to acquire the rights to whale-watching, too, at the expense of our own Plett-based operators who, it is rumoured, will be going to court to defend their rights.

On a lighter note, however, all praise to local building contractor Torquil McNicol, who - along with his brother - has been picked to fish for England on very friendly terms at my former holiday haunt of Kasouga, this side of Port Alfred.

The triangular event among Namibia, South Africa, and England has been organised by the Rock and Surf Super Pro League (RASSPL) and takes place from April 26 to 30.

Just don’t tell the brothers from St Francis Bay, please.

NEWS & VIEWS

4 April 2018

CXPRESS

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Hikers warned to take safety seriously on Robberg after yet another injury The breath-taking, but challenging Robberg hiking trail has claimed yet another victim when a man had to be rescued off the route after injuring his ankle over the Easter weekend -YOLANDÉ STANDER reports ATIONAL Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Plettenberg Bay deputy station commander Robbie Gibson said just before 9am on Monday, the crew responded to reports of a 37-year-old from Johannesburg unable to continue his hike along the route after injuring his ankle walking on the southern side of the trail near The Point.

“NSRI crew responded by road and hiked to the man while the sea rescue craft Leonard Smith and Free Runner were launched. Our sea rescue vehicle also took additional crew to the car park and they hiked to the location with extra medical gear and extrication gear,” Gibson said.

The AMS/EMS Skymed rescue helicopter was placed on alert and a Western Cape government health EMS ambulance also responded to the Robberg car park.

“NSRI provided medical care on the scene and the patient, in a stable condition and suffering suspected torn

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ligaments of the ankle, was assisted to reach our sea rescue craft. Using a floating stretcher, the patient was transferred from the beach to our sea rescue craft and brought to our station.”

NSRI crew then transported the man to a local hospital where he received treatment.

The man’s wife, who was hiking with him, was escorted out of the reserve by fellow hikers.

This is not the first time large-scale rescue efforts were needed to help injured hikers along Robberg. About a month ago a 29-year-old Brazilian woman suffered a fractured leg after a tumble near The Point.

This saw rescue efforts by several groups including the local NSRI, the Mountain Club of South Africa Garden Route division, Medlife ambulance services, and the Western Cape Government Health emergency services.

Over the past year there have been several incidents

- which resulted in minor and major injuries - which led to authorities warning hikers to take note of safety precautions before taking on the route.

CapeNature issued a statement saying that most of the incidents were largely as a result of hikers overestimating their own physical abilities. They further said that hikers often ignored the route markers and maps, took shortcuts, did activities with a high risk factor despite not having medical assistance nearby, did not wear the appropriate clothing and shoes and did not provide for water or food.

Hikers have been urged to familiarise themselves with the terrain and the safety protocol before taking on the trail. A link to this information can be found on http:// www.capenature.co.za/wpcontent/uploads/2014/03/ There-and-back-Safely-Hiking-Protocol.pdf.

In case of an emergency Plett NSRI can be contacted on 082 990 5975.

ENJOY, BUT BE CAREFUL: This map shows the trail along Robberg Peninsula towards The Point

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KwaNokuthula youth reminded of the dire impact of road deaths Words and photo: Khaya Mbesi

LETT’S Youth Movement in Christ (YMC), comprising members of 13 interdenominational churches, hosted a huge event at KwaNokuthula Methodist Church last week to empower residents and raise awareness of road accidents during this busy time of year.

Said YMC vice president Mkhuthazi Mhlana: “We are meeting here today to share with each other the many different challenges faced by our young people. One issue that seriously affects us all is the prevalence of road accidents.

If parents are hurt or killed on our roads, it has a severe impact on their children’s lives.

“Another crisis in this community is the fact that our young people are swimming in an ocean of drugs. No one does anything about it, and the way this drug syndrome rips our community apart is unspeakable.”

Mhlana added that representatives from the SA Police Services, traffic and health departments, and the mayor of Bitou had been invited to engage with youngsters on these matters.

“If things continue at this pace, we will lose many of our young people. They roam the streets with no direction, searching for money to buy drugs and engaging in criminality.”

Rev Mdumiseni Gqeba of the host church said: “We hope to have many more events in future,

NEWS & VIEWS

4 April 2018

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GUARDIANS OF THE YOUNG AND RECKLESS: From left are Sindile Mdlalani, Dannielle Petersen, Rev Mdumiseni Gqeba, and Zukiswa Pita during the gathering at KwaNokuthula Methodist Church

such as a youth conference, outreach workshops, and concerts.

We want these events to attract the youth so that we can work together to build our community and our country.”

Said Sindile Mdlalani in his capacity as taxi industry representative: “We talk with our members about the dangers of speeding on the road.

“We also caution that their taxis must have trailers to prevent luggage taking up space on passenger seats, and always encourage our drivers to rest before travelling long distances,” he said.

Bitou Traffic official Zukiswa Pita concluded: “We warn road users to check their vehicles before departure and encourage drivers to service their cars when planning to travel. Always check if your tyres and spare wheel are in good condition.

“We advise them not to pack too much clothes and other luggage when travelling with their families.

Overloading is the cause of many accidents and passengers will not arrive safely at their destinations.

“We want to reduce the high rate of deaths on the road every year.

Don’t drink and drive,” urged Pita.

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News Brief Saturday March 31: Missing fisherman NSRI Wilderness duty controller Mike Vonk reports that at 18h18 on Saturday March 31, NSRI Wilderness, George Fire and Rescue Services, Western Cape Government Health EMS, and the SA Police Services responded to a remote location east of the Gwaing River Mouth [south of George] following reports of an angler in the water and last seen drifting in a westerly direction.

Fellow anglers suspect that the local 49-year-old man fishing off rocks on the shoreline was washed off by waves in the Spring High tide.

Although no-one actually saw the man being swept off the rocks; he was seen in the water and drifting.

“On arrival on the scene, access to the remote area was hampered by darkness, steep inclines and a remote, barely accessible location, and a search revealed no sign of the missing man.

“A search resumed from first light on Sunday, including shore patrols, and our sea rescue craft, Spirit of Rotary, engaged in a sea search. A Police Dive Unit is continuing in an ongoing search and recovery operation for the missing man,” Vonk reports.

Sunday April 1: Lagoon drowning in Wilderness Yet another report from Mike Vonk states that, at 15h49 on Sunday April 1, NSRI Wilderness duty crew were activated

following reports of a drowning in progress in the Touw River Lagoon, Wilderness.

SA National Parks rangers, the SA Police Services, and Western Cape Government Health EMS were also activated.

“Our NSRI rescue swimmers responded to the scene, and on arrival it was confirmed that a local man aged in his late 40’s, at a picnic with friends, had entered the water to swim when he got into difficulty.

“A friend had entered the water to try to help him but also got into difficulties. The friend was able to get out of the water unassisted and uninjured but the casualty had, at that stage, disappeared under water.

“Two NSRI rescue swimmers entered the water and immediately started free dive sweeping line search efforts.

“They were joined by a further four NSRI rescue swimmers and all six conducted a coordinated sweeping line search, and during the search the man was located and recovered from the water.

“The NSRI medical crew initiated Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) efforts, but sadly after all efforts were exhausted, the man was declared deceased by EMS paramedics on the scene.”

The body of the victim has been taken into the care of the Forensic Pathology Services and Police have opened an inquest docket.

Condolences are conveyed to family and friends of the deceased man.

NEWS & VIEWS

4 April 2018

The world’s a mess - but ‘Woolies’ is okay!

A talk by Woolworths Food Security manager Kobus Pienaar left correspondent BOB HOPKIN confused whether to be elated or distraught HE 13th professional talk to members of the Wilderness Residents Association last week came from soil scientist Kobus Pienaar, currently employed by the Woolworths store chain as their national Food Security manager.

Although, unsurprisingly, he painted a glowing picture of the efforts his chain is making to ensure its food offerings are nutritious, safe and attractive, the context that he presented of the global farming situation was anything but reassuring.

A firm believer in anthropogenic (i.e. man-made) climate change, he showed an array of research results indicating that the doubling of the Earth’s population in the last three generations and the widening gap between rich and poor have created an unsustainable situation, where natural resources for food production are rapidly being overtaken by demand.

In his view, short-term thinking and profit-driven motives by major suppliers have resulted in global agricultural methods producing both arable and pastoral products that are generally less nutritious and inefficient than ever before.

“For instance,” he said, “farming as we know it only

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FARMER’S MAN: Soil specialist Kobus Pienaar addresses the issues of agriculture and nutrition

started some 10,000 years ago and flour was invented 200 years ago, but mankind has harnessed its creativity by using chemicals to increase output, additives to improve perceived flavour, and sophisticated transport systems to move exotic produce all around the world.”

Pienaar’s research showed that in the last 50 years, vitamins, minerals, and protein in fruit and vegetables had reduced by up to 35%, antioxidants by 30%, and iron in meat - vital for the oxygen carrying in our blood supply - by up to 80%. Likewise, on average, it takes eight calories of energy to produce one calorie of food energy.

According to Pienaar, the food industry is opaque and complex, with the many “middlemen” obscuring origins, processes

and contents, and making possible “food fraud” such as the recent scandal where horsemeat was being presented as beef steak.

In addition, he claimed research showed that, on average, soil is being over-farmed to such an extent that most topsoil would cease to be productive within 50 years.

Pienaar said that Woolworths was trying, within its own scale, to buck the trend by sourcing its products direct from farms, using its own resources to train and advise chosen farmers on the most efficient and nutritious ways of production, and providing its own packaging.

“Indeed, packaging is one of the most difficult issues to resolve, because there is a natural conflict between packaging waste and food waste. Our customers have a clear preference for packaged products as they like the ability to keep food fresher for longer.

“Unfortunately this results in a plastics disposal problem. On the other hand, if we don’t wrap the foodstuffs, they become inedible faster and create a food wastage issue. It is a problem we haven’t solved yet, but it is an issue we are addressing in our ‘Farming for the Future’ programme.”

Entries now open for Skål Sustainable Awards KÅL International - an affiliate member of the UNWTO, whose mission is to promote responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism - last week announced the call for entries to its 2018 Sustainable Awards.

When the United Nations declared 2002 as the Year of Ecotourism and the Mountains, Skål International launched these awards in the same year to highlight and

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acknowledge best practices around the globe.

During the 2017 International Congress, Skål South Africa walked away with three of the nine awards.

Public and private sector company, NGOs, government agencies and individuals worldwide are welcome to submit entries in one of the following available categories: Community and Government Projects; Countryside and

Biodiversity; Educational Institutions/Programmes and Media; Major Tourist Attractions; Marine and Coastal; Rural Accommodation; Tour OperatorsTravel Agents; Tourism Transport; or Urban Accommodation.

Submit entries and promotional videos online at www.skal.org before June 30; entry is free.

Call Lara Mostert on 082 979 5683 for more info.

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Read CXPRESS online at www.cxpress.co.za

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

4 April 2018

Security plans redefined to ensure safe traverse of glorious Garden Route National Park trails ANPARKS teams met recently in Knysna to revisit risks, threats and vulnerabilities of Garden Route National Park (GRNP) and its visitors.

Dubbed ‘Operation Reboot’, input from the meeting is now being fed into a national safety and security strategy led by Special Projects head major general (retired) Johan Jooste.

Speaking to media during a site visit, Jooste said equipping rangers with fresher skills and strengthening alliances with other law enforcement authorities formed part of the short-to-medium term interventions.

“There are other planned operational interventions, but we are making wildlife crime our core focus and we take it very seriously,”

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he said.

Although suspects in a recent incident were apprehended by the South African Police Service (SAPS), SANParks continues to roll out security plans for its Wilderness, Knysna, and Tsitsikamma sections of the GRNP. The Park spans across more than 155,000 hectares and includes water bodies, forests, and fynbos areas.

Says GRNP manager Paddy Gordon: “The openaccess nature of the Park, fragmented with pockets of private land in between, could make us vulnerable.

But we’re moving ahead with operational systems internally as well as externally.”

In addition, SANParks continues to form part of local policing forums in each town and works

closely with the SAPS as well as mountain and sea rescue teams.

GRNP boasts 14 Greenflag status hiking trails, 12 in the Tsitsikamma and two in Knysna. It continues to implement the certification programme for the rest of its trails. At least four multiple-day hiking trails include the Harkerville Coastal Trail (rerouted after the June fires), the Outeniqua Trail, the Otter Trail, and the Dolphin Trail.

A conservation fee is payable at reception areas prior to traversing these trails - call 044 877 1196 (Wilderness), 044 302 5600 (Knysna), and 042 281 1607 (Tsitsikamma) or email nandi.mgwadlamba@san parks.org for details, and see the notice on this page for additional information.

NATURE WITHOUT DANGER: ‘Operation Reboot’ saw security experts and SANParks officials putting heads together to ensure that a plethora of spectacular Garden Route National Park trails can be tackled risk-free - Photo: Abraham Mouton

BUSINESS

4 April 2018

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Moody’s lifts our economic blues - but should ratings agencies wield so much power?

Stuart Murray

OODY’S had South African business, and government, breathing sighs of relief last weekend after waiting for the world’s second-biggest credit rating agency to deliver judgment on the country’s reform path.

Late on Friday night it revised the country’s outlook from negative to stable and confirmed South Africa’s rating at investment Grade Baa3.

In a statement, Moody’s said it recognises that there is a chance of real improvement in the economy, accepting that the change in political leadership has enabled government institutions such as the Treasury, SARS, and state-owned enterprises to recover.

However, it warned that if government’s intentions were to falter, South Africa’s ratings would be placed on negative outlook for review and eventually downgraded.

It is estimated that if South Africa had been downgraded at this stage, some R100billion would have left the country and the rand would weaken considerably.

How much of the confidence shown by Moody’s resulted from a roadshow by Treasury officials to the US earlier this month, where they met all three of the top ratings agencies - Standard and Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch, as well as investors - is open to speculation.

However, the South African officials will have put forward a good case.

Meanwhile, the Moody’s ratings decision resulted in a much-expected 25 basis points interest rate cut by our Reserve Bank. It should also put some muscle behind the $3-billion in bonds the Treasury hopes to

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raise in the debt market next month.

So why do these credit agencies wield so much power?

Basically, they assess the financial strength of companies and governmental entities particularly their ability to meet the interest and principal payments on their bond and other debts.

The agencies carefully study term and conditions of each specific debt issue. So, the rating for a given debt issue, such as South Africa’s popular sovereign bonds, reflects the agency’s degree of confidence that the issuer will be able to meet its promised payments of interest and principal.

The primary purpose of obtaining a rating is to gain access to private capital markets.

For emerging markets, such as South Africa, it is important to obtain a rating and highly significant for banks residing in countries with a high level of “sovereign” debt.

A sovereign rating measures the risk that a government may default on its obligations in either local or foreign currency. It takes into account both the ability and the willingness of a government to repay its debt in a timely manner.

The key measure in credit risk models is the measure of Probability to Default, but exposure is also determined by the expected timing of default - and also by the Recovery Rate.

As one would surmise, and considering the immense power it has, the credit ratings business is not without its critics. For example, there is an issue over what are termed “unsolicited” ratings.

If an issuer requests a rating then it pro-

vides information to the agency and pays the fees. If an issuer does not request a rating it will simply be based on publicly available information.

In the past, some issuers have accused agencies of using unsolicited ratings, and the potential threat of lower ratings, to induce these issuers to cooperate, apply for a rating, and pay the fees.

Back in 2008, ratings agencies were accused of playing a role in generating millions of dollars of losses during the US mortgage crisis. A report by the US Securities and Exchange Commission, investigating the 10 major US agencies, stated that two of the agencies had failed to adhere to their ratings policies and procedures, methodologies or criteria, or to properly apply quantitative models.

The report revealed that one of the larger agencies did not prevent “prohibited, unfair, coercive or abusive practices”.

Congressional investigations also exposed serious agency problems. One famous comment in the ensuing report, which was published in the New York Times, was from one agency employee: “We rate every deal. It could be structured by cows and we would rate it.”

In the film The Big Short a Standard and Poor’s employee, played by actress Melissa Lee, when asked why the ratings agency didn’t insist on higher standards, replied: “They’ll just go to Moody’s.”

However, these instances relate to the competition to gain business from individual companies and business entities - not of national economies which, as is the case with

South Africa, are rated by multiple agencies.

So it would be unfair, even wrong, to suggest that ratings agencies today are less than pure in their work practices.

But we do live in times where Big Business is being constantly questioned. Just take some global auditing firms…

• Stuart Murray (stuartmurray758@ gmail.com) is a former senior assistant editor of Financial Mail and co-founder, editor, and CEO of Finance Week. He is retired and lives in Plettenberg Bay.

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INTERVAL

4 April 2018

Are professors really absent-minded? professor was at a party and became indignant when asked if professors were absent-minded.

“Professors haven’t got bad memory,” he declared. “They’re not absent-minded. Don’t you think I know where I am right now, and don’t you think tomorrow I’ll know

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where I was today? Would somebody like to ask me another question?”

“Yes,” said another guest. “Is it true that professors are absent-minded and have bad memory?”

“Good!” said the professor. “I knew sooner or later somebody would ask me that question.”

The blonde gets even nasty and meanlooking trucker came into a Truck Stop Café and placed his order.

He said: “I want three flat tyres, a pair of headlights, and a pair of running boards.”

The brand new blonde waitress, not wanting to appear stupid, went to the kitchen and said to the cook: “This guy out there just ordered three flat tyres, a pair of headlights, and a pair of running boards. What does he think this place is - an auto parts store?”

“No,” the cook said,

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“three flat tyres mean three pancakes, a pair of headlights is two eggs sunny side up, and a pair of running boards is two slices of crisp bacon.”

“Oh, okay!” said the blonde. She thought about it and then spooned up a bowl of baked beans and gave it to the customer.

“What are the beans for, Blondie?” the trucker asked.

She replied: “I thought while you were waiting for the flat tyres, headlights, and running boards, you might as well fill up on gas.”

On barking dogs R Jones was sleeping soundly when he was awakened by the telephone ringing at 2am.

He answered, and the voice on the other end said: “This is your neigh-

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bour, Mr Smith. Your dog’s barking is keeping me awake, keep it quiet!”

Then he hung up.

At 3am, Mr Jones called Mr Smith back and said: “I don’t have a dog.” Then he hung up.

Dirty laundry aired newly married couple was having breakfast at their new apartment when the next door neighbour hung out laundry that appeared to still be dirty.

The new wife commented to her husband that their neighbour didn’t know how to properly do laundry, how to put in the correct amount of bleach, detergent, etc.

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She made this comment every Monday for the next month.

Finally, one day, the neighbour’s washing appeared to be perfectly clean. The new wife commented on this and said the whole load looked really good.

Yawning, her husband replied: “Honey, I got up early today and washed our windows.”

My wife and I had words, but I didn’t get to use mine.

Just sold my homing pigeon on eBay for the 22nd time...

A symbol of wealth amongst pigeons...

Safe flying...

FTER boarding and taking off for a long flight over the ocean, the speaker comes on with an important message for passengers.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, we are introducing you today to the latest and newest aviation advancement in history.

“This plane is flying

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without a pilot or co-pilot.

It is controlled by way of radio from the ground.

“Sit back, relax and enjoy your flight. Be assured that absolutely nothing can go wrong, absolutely nothing can go wrong, absolutely nothing can go wrong, absolutely nothing can go wrong… ”

BUSINESS

4 April 2018

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JSE challenges youth to brush up on investment savvy HE Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) invites all high school learners and university students interested in the financial world to register for the 2018 JSE Investment Challenge, which runs from March to September.

Now in its 45th year, the Challenge is SA’s largest financialliteracy initiative, and aims to introduce youngsters to financial markets and investing “South Africans are generally not good savers when compared with other countries, and the JSE believes that one of the ways to

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address this concern is by teaching the importance of saving and investing from a young age,” says CSI officer Ralph Speirs,.

The Challenge affords participants the opportunity to engage with the world of investing by buying shares in a virtual portfolio while at the same time being in line to win some excellent prizes.

Last year, school enrolment increased by 18% and university enrolment by 14%. The JSE also saw an increase in entries from Gauteng (38%) and KwaZulu Natal (10%).

Participants in both the Schools

and University Challenge are required to group themselves into teams comprising a maximum of four learners. Each team is given a virtual sum of R1-million which they can use to trade JSE-listed shares. This virtual arena allows them to practise trading in a risk-free environment.

In the University Challenge, the top three prizes are valued at R60,000 with first-place winners getting R25,000 plus an all-expenses paid trip to an international stock exchange. Runners up receive R20,000, and those in third place R15,000.

This year for the first time there will

also be monthly prizes for university students to the value of R3,000 per month.

The best-performing school team in each portfolio will win R3,000 per team per month, and final prizes for the top five school teams total R180,000 for all three portfolios.

Speirs concludes: “Registrations for the 2018 Challenge are still open. The JSE encourages the youth of South

Africa to register and broaden their understanding of how the stock market works.

“This is also an opportunity to prepare them for the future when they will be earning salaries and needing investing and saving avenues to make the best of their money.”

Contact the Investment Challenge coordinators on 011 520 7129 or follow them on Facebook and Twitter for further interaction.

APPROVED

APPLICATORS NATION WIDE

Does your business have a fever?

OU may be missing some critical distress signals that are putting your business in intensive care - or worse, the morgue! What symptoms do we look for, and what remedies can be applied?

The Companies Act no 71 of 2008 defines a business in financial distress as follows: If it appears to be reasonably unlikely that the company will be able to pay all of its debts as they fall due and payable within the ensuing six months; or it appears to be reasonably likely that the company will become insolvent within the ensuing six months.

This can be translated into a few practical questions: 1. Does your business have enough cash to pay its suppliers, staff, and SARS as and when pay-

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ments become due, from profits generated by the business?

2. Should one or two of your main customers close down and not be able to settle their accounts, will your business be in a position to pay all of its expenses and continue trading?

3. Are all your SARS submissions and payments up to date?

4. Does your business meet all regulatory requirements, including those specific to your industry?

5. As per the requirements of the Labour Relations Act, does your business have personnel files for all staff members, including owners and managers employed by your business, containing leave applications, disciplinary procedures, and induction documents?

If your answer is ‘no’ to any of the questions above, your business

may be destined for troubled times and on its way to a premature demise.

Should a business fall within the definition of financial distress, the Companies Act stipulates that its owner is obliged to take the necessary remedial action through a business-rescue process. Simple tips to follow include: • Know and understand the financial drivers and numbers in your business - daily, weekly, monthly.

• Cash is king - and that does not mean profit! Is your cash flow positive? • Have a clear business and strategic plan in writing, which provides guidelines on the ‘who’, ‘what’, ‘why’ and ‘how’ questions pertaining to your business. • Make swift and brutal decisions where necessary. • Get the advice of a specialist to help you make the correct decisions for your business going forward.

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CXPRESS

4 April 2018

SOCIAL SCENE

Photos: LizeMay Images

Photo: Glenn Murray

IT’S A BUCO WRAP: On the men’s podium, at left, in the 11th BUCO Adventure Surf Ski Challenge, which took place last weekend, were two world champions and brothers, Jasper (in first place) and Dawid (in second, at left) Mocke, and Greg Louw in third. The Dash for Cash was also won by Jasper, taking the R7,000 purse after missing out last year. Above left, at two and four years old, these little tykes were the youngest competitors competing in the BUCO Cairnbrogie Fun Bike Ride. Above right, is regular Muddy Foot Adventures event supporter Tyrone Evans of Plett on the 16km Trail Run. The race was won by Plett Athletics Club runner Rodney Prins with club mate Jason Swemmer in second. Knysna local Grant Ayton came third. At right, BUCO Adventure’s James Stewart, left, and Cairnbrogie’s Andrew Hill handed over a cheque for R50,000 to Steve Ritky, at right, to help the #SoundstheCall cause.

Photo: Martin Hurwitz

People, places & events

A MARKET TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER: Enjoying breakfast at the Harkerville Saturday Market on March 31 were, above from left, Nasholan Chetty, Shahistha Naidoo, Baroniva and Sagaran Chetty, Eugenie and Devanisha Doraswami, Melanie Smith, and Kanieshan Chetty - all of the Eastern Cape. Spotted, above at right from left, were Hannah, Donald, Michael, Emily-Jane, and Gaylene Ravenscroft of Poortjies, Plettenberg Bay, together with their dog, Kyba, a Ridgeback. At right from left, were Ashleigh, Margie and Henry van Oosten, Morgan, Ronnie and Duncan Hayes, Charl and Nettie du Toit, Abbi Hayes, and Andrea van Oosten - all from Queenstown, Eastern Cape, en route to Cape Town. Said Henry van Oosten: ‘We stayed overnight in Knysna and came here for breakfast; we think the Harkerville Market is great - it’s always pleasant to be here.’

- Photos: Timothy Twidle

PLETT SHINES IN PORT ELIZABETH: Easter Sunday saw 56 Nippers of Plett Surf Lifesaving Club participate in a festive parade that kicked off the annual Nippers Nationals on Kings Beach in Port Elizabeth. By going to press, Plett’s Nippers were in top points position after one day’s fiercely competitive surf and beach races. Watch this space...

SOCIAL SCENE

4 April 2018

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People, places & events

TOP STREET SHOTS AWARDED: Congratulations were due once more when Plett’s PhotoFUNatics club selected last month’s Best of the Best! Says convenor Derek Rushton: “Our March theme was Photojournalism/Street Photography and we saw the tougher side of ‘street’ come to the fore.

Pictures shot in locations as far flung as Nepal were displayed for our enjoyment, but finally Plett locals prevailed. Congratulations to Ed Alexander for claiming the Senior category with ‘Three Friends’, above, and Annabel Clapman (Junior) for her winning pic shot at Knysna Waterfront, at right.” Both photos tell a story; Ed says his shot was taken a couple of years back near the Owl House in Nieu-Bethesda. “We were walking through the town when we spotted the old guy strumming on his guitar. After watching a while, his friend came down and sat near him with the dog in his arms. The old guy on the guitar must have said something to his pal, who was almost toothless. That’s when he smiled and covered his mouth with his hands, which is what made the pic for me.” Annabel says she was happy to capture the moment when a trader unpacked his curios while happily listening to music. The happy snappers convene again on April 12 at Plett Bowling Club from 6:30pm, so bring your eats and cash for poison provided by the club. Follow Plett PhotoFUNatics on Facebook to find out more.

LEER MEER VAN VIS: Ross Lineker wys trots die leervis af wat hy na ‘n ellelange sessie op die strand voor Plettenbergbaai se Skibootklub geland het laas week. “Maar,” verduidelik ma Lourika Pienaar, “kleinboet Owen en groot maat Hagan het saam met Ross vir meer as ‘n uur gespook om die pragvangs in te katrol.” Die enigste vraag wat oorbly is: “Het hy so lekker gesmaak soos hy daar lyk?”

LONG LIVE THESE LUNCHBOX LEGENDS! These Lunchbox Legends braved the Cape Cycle Tour on March 11 and raised R40,000, which means that 4,000 children in Eden’s rural areas will be educated about the environment through live theatre shows. Well done! It would not have been possible without all those who supported them with generous donations, including Brendon Morris, Plett Tourism, Duncan Brown of Beacon Isle KwikSpar and all the other local and international donors. Pictured from left are Mark Shortreed, Stuart Palmer, Clyde Berning, Dr Peter Berning, Paul Leger, and Jantie Oosthuizen. Thanks are also due to the other Lunchbox Legends for their commitment to this cause, namely Matt Covarr, Wayne Unser, and Jason Ratner.

Visit www.lunchboxtheatre.com to find out more.

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FOOD & WINE

4 April 2018

Calling all music, wine, and food fans: do come hungry!

UE to an overwhelming appeal for another Truck & Vine celebration, Mediaboxx #VINEFEST is thrilled to announce that it’s a go! Kay & Monty Wine Farm on Redford Road in The Crags is the place, and April 15 the date.

Bring along the family and friends and enjoy a glorious day of celebrating life and the grape under the beautiful African sun.

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The many satisfied visitors to last year’s Truck & Vine Festival will be very happy to know that the amazing food trucks are back again this year, with a few new surprises.

So be sure to bring plenty of cash and an insatiable appetite.

In fact, this year’s festival offers even more food trucks and an added whiskey and gin bar area for those ‘in-between-

popping-corks’ moments.

No need to worry about the kids, as they will have more than enough to keep them busy.

Kay & Monty Wine Farm will be pulling out all the stops - live music, gourmet food trucks and as much wine, craft beer, and cocktails as you can shake a stick at.

Tickets bought in advance online will be sold at R100 per head, and

children under 12 enter for free. If for whatever reason (can’t think what it could be!) you only decide to come on short notice, don’t fret. Tickets will be available at the gate on the day for R150 per person.

See you all at Kay & Monty! Email events@ mediaboxx.co.za or call 082 566 4979 and visit w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / MediaBoxxVINEFEST/ for more information.

Diarise these dates for a feast of oysters, bubbly, and lots of other winter delights in Knysna HIS year’s Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival will take place from June 29 to July 8, again providing an ideal winter break for the whole family.

Following the devastating fires in the area last year, regrowth of the region has been phenomenal, and visitors to the picturesque Garden Route will have no shortage of activities from which to choose, with more than 100 events arranged over the 10-day period.

The premium sportand-lifestyle festival has become an institution on South Africa’s winter calendar and really does offer something for everyone: sports enthusiasts can sign up for the country’s top cycling and roadrunning events; families need look no further for fun-filled quality holidays.

Adventurers will be overwhelmed by the area’s spectacular natural scenery and thrilling outdoor offerings. And of course, the festival is a veritable nirvana for those looking to indulge in world-famous Knysna oysters with a glass or two of bubbly.

As always, visitors can look forward to delicious food and drink, with lo-

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MOREISH MOLLUSCS: At the heart of Knysna’s winter feast are these delectable critters, which can be enjoyed in as many ways as the multitude of activities lined up this year

cal restaurants offering themed menus for the duration of the festival.

Also on offer will be a variety of concerts, comedy, fashion shows and more, as well as an adventure-filled programme tailor-made to keep the little ones entertained.

This year’s sporting events include mountain bike events on Saturday June 30 with 80km, 50km, 30km, and 15km routes, in addition to the newer 30km E-bike race.

The Momentum Knysna Cycle Tour takes place on Sunday July 1 and offers a 115km and 50km route.

In an exciting development this year, organisers

have confirmed that the 115km road race, along with the 80km and 50km mountain bike races, will be seeding qualifying events for the 2019 Cape Town Cycle Tour.

The Momentum Knysna Forest Marathon & Half Marathon are two of South Africa’s mosthotly contested running races and will take place on Saturday July 7.

Runners can look forward to experiencing the breath-taking views over Knysna Lagoon towards the Knysna Heads as they approach the finish line, providing all the inspiration they need.

Enter online at www.

knysnamarathonclub. com/forest-marathon, and visit www.knysnacycle. co.za for cycle tour entries.

So plan a winter holiday and discover the wonders of the Garden Route. Knysna Tourism’s #Knysnarises campaign has helped to ensure that this very special town is ready for you. Come and support the Knysna community and enjoy 10 days of fun and adventure.

Visit www.oysterfestival. c o. z a / p rog ra m m e - o f events. For updates follow @KnysnaOysterFestival on Facebook, Twitter @oysterfestival or @ knysnaoysterfestival on Instagram.

HOME & HEALTH

4 April 2018

A fierce flu season is expected, and early immunising is the best defence NE of the best ways to be mindful of your own and others’ health this month is to protect against, and prevent the spread of, the frighteningly contagious influenza virus. Here’s why getting immunised early offers you the very best defence.

Colder months are almost here, which means the time has come for us in the southern hemisphere to take up our yearly fight against flu. Current reports from the United States, which usually sees a peak in the occurrence of flu around February, have called the recent strain of flu ‘formidable’.

This is in response to an upsurge of flu cases that led to a higher-than-usual number of hospitalisations and other complications.

“There are many different strains and strengths of flu viruses that are always changing,” warns Dr Noluthando Nematswerani, Head of the Centre for Clinical Excellence at Discovery Health.

“While some let these viruses run their course, people have to know that complications from flu, such as pneumonia and

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AAAATISHUUUU! It’s that time of the year again… autumn marks the imminent influx of severe seasonal flu

the effects of flu combined with other health conditions, can be deadly.”

Avoid severe flu-related complications by vaccinating in April The most effective way to give your body extra power to fight off the flu or to protect yourself against its severe complications, says Dr Nematswerani, is to get a flu vaccine before the flu season starts.

“This year, we urge everyone, but especially those who are at a high risk of developing com-

plications, to get vaccinated early in April.

“We usually get similar strains of flu to the ones in the US and given the high rate of complications being reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention following their recent flu season, early vaccination can help reduce cases here.

“The best time to get vaccinated is in April, before the virus spreads through more people being infected. But, really, you will benefit from having a flu injection at any time during winter,” she says.

Who should be vaccinated?

Dr Nematswerani recommends the registered, seasonal flu injection for everyone. But complications more often occur in kids younger than five, people older than 65, pregnant women, people living in care facilities, and in anyone with a chronic health condition, for example asthma, heart or kidney disease, diabetes or a weakened immune system.

“So, it is beneficial to develop antibodies against a current strain of flu virus by being vaccinated early

005-417 NPO

every year,” she says.

Vaccines give protective antibodies and do not cause flu Dr Nematswerani says it takes about two weeks following a flu injection to develop antibodies and confirms that a flu injection will not make you sick. It could happen that you were exposed to the flu virus before or during the two-week period it takes to develop virus antibodies.

She also reminds that other illnesses, including a common cold, can have similar symptoms to the flu. Receiving a flu vaccination cannot give you the flu. It simply enables your body to develop the antibodies necessary to ward off influenza viruses.

Even when the flu vaccine is not a strong match with the prevalent flu viruses, the flu vaccine can either ward off flu or reduce the severity of a flu infection.

The call to take action is clear: have your flu injection soon for added protection against complications. Flu vaccines are safe and proven to protect, and are available at clinics, doctors’ rooms, and at most pharmacies.

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Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

The only pharmacy in Main Street

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CXPRESS

CLASSIFIEDS

4 April 2018

Gerhard van Huyssteen is your LOCAL registered Debt Counsellor

Local registered counsellor for REAL debt counselling and (NCRDC#778) COMPLETE peace of mind.

Phone today for a FREE Cell: 071 332 2341 Tel: 044 533 2805 consultation with no obligations.

Email: plett101@gmail.com

Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

ON THE SOAPBOX

4 April 2018

Letters to the Editor

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

Derek’s memoirs of Miss Plett 1970 prompts mini-inquest from ‘cold old Germany’ Unfortunately, our sevenweek annual stay in Plett had come to an end and we returned to ‘cold old Germany’ 10 days ago.

What we always take back are lovely memories of Plett and its wonderful people. We will be back next year!

What we also took back this time was an article in CXPRESS of January 24 on Miss Plett 1970 by Derek Frielinghaus [read it on page 2 of that edition at www.cxpress.co.za].

What struck me was the name of Shelley Latham, who became Miss South Africa in 1973.

The name Latham is not very prevalent and it struck me, because I have a good friend who was married to a man called

Latham here in Germany, but has been divorced from him for many years.

However, her son still has the name Latham, so I asked her if per chance there was a relationship to Shelley Latham in South Africa.

She does not know anything about that family, but found it quite interesting to hear about Shelley Latham.

The father of her former husband, Arthur Latham, had left England in the 1950s to go to South Africa and find work there.

He never returned to England, nor did he keep in contact with his family.

She said he simply “disappeared”.

Therefore, I would like to get in contact with Shelley Latham to maybe find out more about

BRRRR… This picture shows Ursula’s neighbouring village called Erolzheim - looks nice, but cold!

this story.

Do you possibly have an address for Shelley or could you give me the contact details of Annette [née Mitchel] Joyce, who might know how I could get hold of Shelley?

Derek knows us as well, as we met him a couple of times at our friend’s home some years ago. Maybe he might know more…

Thank you very much for your kind assistance and best regards from a freezing Erolzheim.

Ursula Neuhaus, Germany (We forwarded Ursula’s query to Derek and Annette ‘Miss Plett’ Joyce, so here’s hoping the far-flung parties get connected with a bit of help from CXPRESS. You’ll be the first to know! - Eds.)

Give this rude, reckless driver a very wide berth I experienced a rather disturbing display of road rage a week ago that has left me wondering about what happens to some people’s minds when they get behind the wheel of a car.

Briefly: I was driving in the left lane on the N2 just before the White Bridge on my way to Knysna.

Suddenly this car appeared, exiting the Brenton intersection at some speed - so much so that the driver could not make the turn into the left lane but careered across both lanes.

I braked and swerved into the right lane to avoid a collision, then hooted to warn the driver.

Her action forced me out of the right lane as

well, my right wheels even veering over the dividing white line. Fortunately, the oncoming traffic was some distance away.

When alongside her, she stuck her arm out her side window and proceeded to salute me with her middle finger whilst shouting “F… you!” (So, definitely no apologies there.)

She then latched herself onto my rear bumper and continued with the finger, waving her arms and mouthing obscenities.

I kept my speed at the limit of 60kph until the 80-sign, where I accelerated to 80kph. She continued to weave behind me as though looking for a way to pass while waving that stiff middle finger.

Idiots who litter on Robberg should be banned for life

DEATH SENTENCE: Plastic aplenty left behind at The Point on Robberg Nature Reserve, most probably by local fishermen

I was at Robberg Point the other day and was really irritated to see the amount of rubbish left there by the local fishermen. It is totally unacceptable!

All the plastic bottles, packets and other containers, and fishing line are sure to end up in the sea, eventually break down into smaller particles, be ingested by our wonderful sea

creatures and they will die like that killer whale not so long ago.

When will the people entrusted with protecting our beautiful Robberg and all our sea life wake up and do their jobs?

People - no, idiots who litter on Robberg must be banned from setting foot back in the reserve. Wake up CapeNature and do your jobs.

Sea Warrior, Plett

My only hope of getting her off my tail was by lifting my iPhone to take a picture of her antics.

This did the trick and she dropped back.

What I don’t understand is that while she was clearly in the wrong - she had disobeyed a STOP sign and nearly caused a serious accident - she had the audacity to vent her anger and hurl obscenities at me, the innocent party.

Why? Because I ‘dared’ hooting at her!

I actually expected an apologetic shrug of the shoulders or perhaps a ‘sorry’ gesture. Besides the ‘toot’ on the hooter, I made no discourteous gesture either during or after the incident.

The car this rude, foulmouthed and reckless individual was driving is a Mitsubishi with CX-num-

ber plates. I do hope the car description and registration gets published as a warning to other lawabiding drivers to give her a very wide berth.

Trevor Davis, Knysna (We thank Mr Davis for writing and commiserate with him after what sounds like a wholly unpleasant and, frankly, rather scary encounter. In a different day and age, we may have succumbed to the great urge to divulge the number plates and colour of the vehicle, as indicated in the original letter.

But taking into account the reams of information that could today be garnered from car registration numbers - details enabling crimes akin to identity theft - we decided against publication. Be safe on the roads these holidays, dear readers… - Eds.)

Bitou fails to implement residential bylaws In early December 2017, a petition by concerned residents of Entaa Drive was lodged with Bitou Municipality regarding the operation of an industrial business in a residential area.

The industry, still being operated at present, relates to as many as 20 cars being held on the property at one time for repairs and generally looks like a scrap yard.

In addition, we have had to tolerate high volume noise and fumes from compressor pumps, electric tools, etc., as well as increased volumes of traffic moving in and out of the property. The property is filled with teams of workers, some of whom leave the site as late as 8pm.

After lodging our peti-

tion, Municipal Law Enforcement assured us that the business would cease at the end of December, but to date they are still in operation and we have yet to receive any response to our numerous letters, the petition, and queries to various staff members of Bitou Municipality, It is a disgrace that this has been allowed to happen in an otherwise quiet residential area and we sincerely hope that our open letter will assist them in implementing their duties to the residents and to ensure that law and order is maintained in our town.

After all, we do pay their salaries.

‘Concerned Entaa and Robberg Road Residents’, Plett

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SPORT & ADVENTURE

4 April 2018

Good people of Plett Polo keep circle of support alive with Easter season in full swing HIS Easter polo season hails the dawning of a new era. For the first time ever, four local companies are sponsoring a team each in the coveted SA Open Saturday Series.

Plett Polo is grateful and excited - and determined to do our sponsors proud!

Enrico’s, Dunlop, Medlife, and Kurland are going to help facilitate the tournament which comprises the 16 best polo players (avail-

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able) in South Africa, and we are so honoured to be associated with these four industry-leading companies.

Enrico’s is simply the best restaurant on the entire Garden Route. Dunlop offers top-class tyre products accompanied by superefficient service. Dealing with Medlife is like working with a member of the family - they genuinely care about our players.

Kurland is without doubt

the most beautiful tea and equine estate with a superb hotel to boot. We welcome our sponsors with open arms and look forward to having them and their guests on the pavilion.

The SA Open (along with the International) is our club’s big fundraiser for the year and every cent goes back into improving the facilities. This year, there is a big drive to re-sand our fields, which will make for

a safer and faster surface on which to play.

It also allows the ball to run truer, in turn create quicker-thinking players, which requires faster and more agile polo ponies. And all of the above combine to making South Africa a more respected polo nation.

With SA having raised its status on the international polo stage, our young players get professional polo jobs and our polo ponies are in hot demand. Go to Guards, our ‘sister club’ in Berkshire, and you will be able to identify many a South African polo pony.

So it’s not just the racing or endurance horses that are bolstering South African exports; our polo ponies are right up there, too.

During season, the number of polo ponies in the area swells to around 700 and the number of grooms to 140.

The increased demand for equine services, hotel rooms, restaurant, and tourist activities equates to a conservative R22-million annual spend.

Polo has now become a veritable industry to the Garden Route and its absence would leave a gaping hole in the local economy.

Without a successful International and SA Open, the club would fall short of its financial requirements every year. There are also numerous social upliftment programmes which you, the spectators, are inadvertently supporting.

Most grooms start working in the polo world with

BACKING A DIFFERENT HORSE: Members of the SA team at last year’s International are, from left, Ben Crowe, Dirk van Reenen, Ryan Robertson, and Chris MacKenzie

CONQUERING THE ISLAND: Chis MacKenzie won Best Playing Pony with SA horse Crystal at the Royal Windsor in England

very little knowledge of horses. Over time, they are taught the skills of looking after livestock and taught how to ride, and some progress to become players.

The best grooms are now seen on the international polo circuit, earning foreign currency, when it’s off season in Plett.

So when next arriving at the Kurland Pavilion, know that you’re not just watching polo; you are supporting

an industry, adding to the future improvement of our national side, and helping with job security for many a person - all of that while sustaining the local economy.

All of us at Plett Polo thank you sincerely for your support at this annual event and finally, we thank Clifford Elphick for his incredible backing of the game of polo.

See the advert on this page for further details.

These fighters brawled Plett back onto regional martial arts map

During a weekend midway through March, these Plett kids won most of the medals for the taking at the SWD/Eden ISKA Classic in George. Divisions that the students took part in included Points Fighting, Continuous Fighting, Black Belt Open, Traditional Kumite, Traditional Kata, Traditional Weapons Kata, Unison Kata, Creative Forms, Creative Weapons Forms, High Kick Challenge, X-Treme Kicking, Power Breaking, and Tag Team Fighting. Medals achieved for the various divisions were 46 Gold, 17 Silver, and seven Bronze. Suzi Noble brought home the Women’s Veterans Points Sparring Black Belt Open Grand Champion Trophy. Aiden Trahms brought home the Junior 13 and under Points Sparring Black Belt Open Grand Champion Trophy. Most of these students will take part in the Nationals later this year in Stellenbosch as part of the SWD team.

Photo: William Ashurst