4 may by CXpress

4 May 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

Ramm in the house Russian cellist Alexander Ramm is making his mark on the musical world, and CXPRESS readers can catch him live along with pianist Pieter Jacobs in Knysna tonight. Turn to page 9 to find out more.

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NEWS & VIEWS

4 May 2016

OBITUARY: JENI HOHENBERGER

Mom, merchant and friend to many: Plett bids adieu to jovial Jeni UCH-LOVED and respected mother, grandmother, friend, and businesswoman Jeni Hohenberger (née Arnold on July 27, 1952), formerly of the Merchant Tiler and Merchant Brass, passed away on Friday April 22 in Plettenberg Bay. Jeni has been a shoulder

to cry on, an ear to listen and, to many, a friend to raise a glass of bubbly with. Plett has lost a pillar of the community but the angels have gained one of their own. She is a treasure lost but never forgotten. Jeni’s clients over the years sang her praises for her specialised knowledge

and attention to detail. She will be sorely missed by countless homeowners, large and small, residing in houses bearing her unique touch. She is survived by her son, Sascha, and his wife, Michele, her daughter, Sarah, and their families, as well as her mom, Margie, brother Kevin and sisters Sally and Liz. An informal commemoration will be held at Poortjies Beach at a later date to allow far-flung family members to attend and pay tribute to Jeni’s life.

HAPPY DAYS: Jeni, left, with daughter-in-law Michele, son Sascha, and mom Margie

DEVOTED GRANDMOTHER: Jeni with grandson Soren on her lap

Val’s ancestry makes for a significant historical account MIKE KANTEY tells more of his latest publication - a limited edition exploring the history of arguably Plettenberg Bay’s most intriguing inhabitant, Val Williams

O N G - S TA N D I N G readers of this newspaper might recall that I started out 10 years ago with a modest account of my family history, Touching Circles and Touching Hands - both limited editions distributed by mail order and on the Route. Since that time, the Watermark Press has expanded to include a number of memoirs (‘Duke’ Acheson, Lionel Wulfsohn, and Jack Mudd, to name a few), as well as children’s books, novels and, more recently, a marvellous academic study of the Southern Cape’s Hessequa people by Professor Mike de Jong, also resident in Plett. What began as yet another account of the life of an elderly person in SA, however, turned out to be an extraordinary journey of research and discovery. Each individual and an-

cestor in the life of Valerie Williams played some small part in the overall march of historical forces. What makes this book quite different, however, is the scope of the characters in at least three countries: the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Republic of South Africa, We write “United Kingdom” deliberately, since so much of the early history of these ancestors is tied to the forging of that United Kingdom: from William the Conqueror through Mary Queen of Scots, to the Battle of Trafalgar. The Eustace family, for example, are intimately mixed up in the defence of Catholic Ireland, while the discoverer of blood circulation, William Harvey, has a singular descendant in Admiral Harvey - a leading figure in the Battle of Trafalgar, and the actual

commander of the Fighting Temeraire. In the USA, we hear of a paradox: a pioneering Quaker family whose descendants fought American Indians and helped establish the goldfields of California. Two generations of Williams men played a crucial part in the founding of both the diamond and the goldfields, in what later became the Union of South Africa, and one is left wondering whether Cecil John Rhodes would have achieved anything without the technical and financial support of Gardner William and his son, Alpheus Fuller Williams. The daughter of a World War I air-force instructor, Val herself experienced a remarkable marriage to a World War II air-force colonel, Jim Williams (who was one of the first to down

a German Messerschmitt fighter plane). She then enjoyed a sparkling career in Johannesburg, including the launch of the movie Zulu and a successful career in interior decoration, before retiring to Plett. Not content with a life of leisure, Val helped to inspire the whale-watching industry. Looking back to a time when men were at the zenith of their powers, Val’s own life speaks of a highly gregarious woman who carved out a high position through a delightful combination of intelligence and infectious enthusiasm. Profusely illustrated in colour, the first limited edition of the book retails for R300 and is available directly from the Watermark Press (PO Box 82, Plett, 6600) or the Old Nick Midweek Market on Wednesdays from 9am to 2pm.

NEWS & VIEWS

4 May 2016

CXPRESS

Horror crash in George wipes out five in the blink of an eye The Worker’s Day long weekend claimed an entire family in the early hours of Saturday N Saturday morning, Garden Routers woke up to the news of a horrific accident in their midst when an SABC ereport claimed that a family of five had been killed when a suspected drunken driver crashed into their car, which was parked on the side of the old George airport road. By that time, not halfway through the long weekend, the death toll for road col-

lisions in the Western Cape was already standing at six, these fatalities including a motorcyclist killed on Saturday morning when he collided head-on with a car in the Cape Metro. Provincial Traffic Chief Kenny Africa said: “Apparently the Tazz motor vehicle got stuck alongside the road without petrol when the Pajero motor vehicle collided with it. “In the Tazz, five people

were killed. One male, two females, one little girl of three years old and a little boy of one year old got killed in this accident. “The driver of the Pajero was arrested for drunken driving.” Southern Cape Police spokesman Captain Malcolm Pojie said the accident happened around 01:30am on Saturday morning. “The Tazz had run out of petrol and the

News Briefs posting on the Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) Facebook page reported an attempted robbery at Stanley Island on the Keurbooms River on Saturday April 30. It reads: “PBCPA and Plett Watch got an urgent call for assistance from Keurbooms River Neighbourhood Watch after an attempted armed robbery was reported by the manager of Stanley Island. “He had managed to fight them off and get away, but the suspects were still on the island.” Multiple units of Plett Watch A-Team responded immediately, deploying around the island and securing the perimeter. As a firearm was involved, the Plett Watch members hung back, only securing all exits off the island until the arrival of police officers. “SAPS members were there in record time and brought along Plett's very own SAPS K9 unit,” the report continues, adding that the island was searched by the combined security force and each sighting of the suspects report. “K9 Caesar was deployed and quickly found and took down both suspects. The firearm was also recovered but found to be permanently disabled.” Thanks were expressed to all involved - SAPS K9,

JOINT FORCES: Quick action by members of the PBCPA and Plett SAPS resulted in the arrest of two men suspected to be involved in an armed robbery on Stanley Island, tracked down by fourfooted K9 member Caesar - the gun recovered was reported to be ‘permanently disabled’ - Photo: John Stewart

PBCPA, Keurbooms River NW, Plett Security and Plett Watch A-Team – for their fast and effective action to catch the suspects but no official comment from Plett police had been received by going to print. Visitors saved after capsizing at Knysna Heads On April 30 around 3:30pm, NSRI Knysna crew responded aboard a sea rescue craft to The Needles in the Knysna Heads where the boat Galateia had capsized. Says NSRI spokesman Craig Lambinon: “The

three males thrown overboard - one from Johannesburg along with a father and his son from Cape Town - were rescued from the water and brought to the sea rescue base. “One of the men was transported to hospital by ER24 ambulance and later the remaining two were also taken to hospital as a precaution by NSRI volunteers, for observation for secondary drowning.” The trio had capsized while departing to go fishing and numerous eyewitnesses had raised the alarm. NSRI Knysna recovered their boat from the water and all three were released from hospital following medical treatment. Plea snag leads to another postponement The court case involving the Ghanaian national accused of several sex crimes involving Plett girls was plagued with yet another delay. The man, 38, briefly appeared in the Knysna Magistrate’s Court on Friday, and was set to draw to a close with plea and sentencing proceedings. The matter was however postponed to May 23 as plea negotiations had not been completed. The accused, a hairdresser in KwaNokuthula, was arrested by members of the George FCS unit on September 8 last year.

driver was walking to the nearest petrol station when the accident happened. He had just left his stationary vehicle, when he heard a loud crash behind him.” He said that names of the deceased would be released once they had been positively identified. “We are trying to contact their next of kin before we release any names,” he said. Chief Africa urged drivers to refrain from driving

DEVASTATION: The people inside the small Tazz had no chance of survival when the Pajero collided with their car Photo courtesy George Herald

under the influence, or letting friends drive drunk. No further details about

the crash or court appearance of the suspect were available by going to press.

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

4 May 2016

Queen’s stamps prompt thoughts on moral leadership John Stegmann

ONSIDERING the vast expanse and influence of the Commonwealth, that sixth commemorative stamp in the series, showing the Queen with Madiba, emphasises the value placed on high moral leadership. That image is also a tribute to Africa and the example set by South Africa - celebrating the era when the ANC had a leader who held the moral high ground to defeat apartheid; to

unite all South Africans; to establish South Africa as a leader in Africa; to transport us back into the international community and to place us on the road to prosperity. He achieved this without ever relinquishing his attachment or loyalties to his African heritage. He was deeply aware of the incredible potential that every child has if well cared for, and that early childhood education is where upliftment commences, selfishly devoting his time and his

own resources to foster this imperative. Within a decade, the ANC’s current leader has successfully divided the country and steered it back to apartheid perpetuating the fallacy that skin colour, and not behaviour, is the hallmark of a person’s worth and wealth. He has further divided the country by leading ‘our people’ to believe their votes will be rewarded with bounty - which the EFF warns might cost lives. He has ushered in a cul-

ture of deceit and corruption by way of example, showing that it is OK to abuse positions of trust and defy laws with impunity provided that you admit to nothing, disappear into the shadows, create delays and confusion or hide behind others. Moral decay affects family life and seeps into society where it is extremely difficult to contain. Chaos, xenophobia, crime, and rape flourish while the Rand goes the way of the Zim dollar.

MOMENTS IN TIME: The set of stamps commemorating the Queen’s 90th birthday, at the bottom right depicting Her Highness with former SA president Nelson Mandela

Our justice department has to learn that respect should be earned André Bouwer

VER the past 12 months I have attended court proceedings in both Plettenberg Bay and Knysna on approximately 22 occasions in support of victims in child abuse cases - the majority by far taking place in Plett. At a rough estimate it translates into about 70 hours inside the various court rooms, giving me a fair right to express myself on what I have witnessed. To say that it is shocking, is putting it lightly. If what

I have witnessed is representative of our justice system functions, we have serious problems. It has been said that the wheels of justice grind slowly; I want to say that, as in the case of the R600-million locomotives bought by PRASA, the wheels of our courts have come to a standstill. The lack of professionalism, progress in any instance, and even basic respect and courtesy, smack you in the face, case after case. During all my attendances, only two cases were

concluded or sensibly attended to. One case after another after another was postponed for reasons varying from the absence of the accused or witnesses, to legal aid representatives being missing, to incomplete investigations or documents, to prosecutors not prepared for the specific case, etc., etc. My personal opinion is that our justice system seems to be the most active ‘job creation’ programme by any State department. I cannot even begin to

understand how the officials believe they will ever get through all the cases, as surely new ones are added on a daily basis. And through it all the victims and their families as well as the alleged perpetrators and their next of kin have to wait for justice to be done - hoping that somewhere and at some time they will be able to close this dark chapter in their lives. In spite of the fact that in every single instance we were told that court begins at 9am, the earliest it ever

started was at 10:20. And on some days we waited until after 11am for the magistrate and court officials to appear. Not a single official ever came out to explain, let alone apologise for their tardiness - this in spite of the fact that the public gallery was full on virtually every occasion. In one instance, the proceedings started at 10:15 and by 11:15 court was adjourned for tea. During this time, the public gallery had to sit patiently, not daring to utter a word, as

you are quickly reminded to “respect the court”. Respect works both ways and also, it is earned - a lesson our justice department obviously still has to learn. Another lesson they would do well to learn is that, in the nature of their work, they mostly deal with people who are hurt, damaged, injured or perhaps downright fearful of what the future holds. Treat them with the highest degree of integrity and professionalism - yes, with care and empathy. They really need it.

NEWS & VIEWS

4 May 2016

CXPRESS

Mass gay wedding reiterates how Knysna people embrace those from other cultures, creeds et al

MASS HAPPINESS: The 15 couples were showered with prizes including outfits, rings, photos, honeymoons and other spoils

ITH glitz and glamour Knysna successfully hosted Africa’s first mass gay wedding recently with 15 couples from across the country making it down the aisle. The wedding was part of the 16th annual Knysna Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival - one of SA’s biggest gay pride events - and was held at Villa Castollini guesthouse and venue, which is located between Knysna and Brenton-on-Sea. “As we celebrate 16 years of making a mark on the lesbian, gay, bisexual,

transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community and the 10 years since samesex marriage in our country was legalised, we felt it only appropriate to highlight one of the most appreciated and sought-after rights - the right to marriage equality,” festival organiser John O’Neil said. Among the couples who said ‘I do’ were gay rights pioneers Vernon and Tony Gibbs-Halls, who became the first same-sex couple in Africa to tie the knot a decade ago. The two, who reside in Hoekwil near Wilderness,

DAY OF THE GAY VOW: Vernon and Tony, left, Gibbs-Halls were the first same-sex couple in Africa to tie the knot a decade ago, and last Friday renewed their vows as part of their 10th wedding anniversary celebrations - Photos: Yolande Stander

were invited to renew their vows as part of their 10th wedding anniversary celebrations. The couple legally married on December 1, 2006 when the law allowing same-sex marriages came into effect. Knysna deputy mayor Esme Edge and local advocate Julie Seton also joined the group to renew their vows after marrying earlier this year. The couples who participated in the event were chosen by organisers and were showered with prizes including a full wedding package with dresses, suits, rings, photographs, a weekend honeymoon and a variety of spoils. “One of the greatest things about Knysna is its people and the ease with which they embrace people from different nationalities, cultures, creeds, and race,” said Knysna & Partners chief executive Greg Vogt. “Having the first African LGBTI mass-wedding taking place in our beautiful area just once again proves how we work together to create shared values in a place that so many have chosen to now call home.” The Gibbs-Halls agreed and said the country and the area had come a long way in terms of changing their attitude towards the LGBTI community. “It is much different now than it was for us when we married 10 years ago. “People are more accepting and realising that love extends beyond boundaries,” Tony said. The couples were among thousands of visitors from around the country who flocked to Knysna for the festival last year. The event attracts 25,00030,000 people annually and raises thousands of Rands for charity. - Yolande Stander

‘I DO’: Tying the knot en masse at the spectacular Villa Castollini were couples from all corners of the country, selected by Pink Loerie organisers for the moving occasion

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

4 May 2016

Bitou kids will read better thanks to National Lotteries Commission HURSDAY April 21 saw principals and representatives of six non-fee paying primary schools in Bitou come together for a handover loaded with mileage for their learners. On this date, the Bitou 10 Education and Development Foundation handed over literacy material funded by the National Lotteries Commission, who has made a generous investment of R90,000 towards this purpose for primary schools in Bitou. Phakamisani, KwaNokuthula, Kranshoek, Formosa, Wittedrift, The Crags and Harkerville primary

schools were each given a budget, based on the number of students enrolled, and were asked to compile wish lists of the literacy material most needed. The schools selected material for the teaching and learning of both first language literacy and for English as an additional language. These include class reading books, library books and text books, as well as dictionaries. The National Lotteries Commission has awarded the Bitou 10 Foundation (B10F) substantial funding for the professional development of educators, capacity

building, early literacy development, inclusive education and overhead costs. This has enabled the Foundation to contract education specialists to conduct needs analyses and to provide training, mentoring, coaching and support to school managers and educators, including on-the-job training for Early Childhood Development practitioners and Foundation Phase educators in the classroom. B10F and the Bitou schools are sincerely grateful to the National Lotteries Commission for this worthy investment in literacy development in our region.

GETTING HEADS TOGETHER: From left are KwaNokuthula Primary principal Mr Faleni, Phakamisani deputy principal Mr Nkebe, Wittedrift Primary principal Mr Chalmers, Formosa Primary principal Mr Wildeman, Kranshoek Primary principal Mr Medea, and The Crags Primary principal Mr Louw with some of the books donated as reading material for their charges

Catch ‘Caveman’ at The Barnyard this weekend EFENDING the Caveman is the longest-running and most successful solo comedy in South African theatre history, and is now once again touring the country, with a stopover in Plett this weekend. Furthermore, it also holds the record of the longestrunning non-musical solo comedy of all times on

Broadway. What more can be said about this wonderful show that so humorously exposes the hunter and gatherer in us all, and has played to over a million people? Penned by Rob Becker, SA theatre great Tim Plewman adapted the script for Southern African audiences and went on to win a Vita Award for Best Actor

in a comedy. Updated, upgraded and totally uploadable in today’s world of tweets, selfies and six-million Facebook friends, this production is as hilarious, affectionate and insightful as ever, explaining why men and women see the world so differently, and making you look at your partner with new eyes. Some of the recent tour’s press coverage include these rave reviews: “Tim Plewman, one of our stage’s masters of splitsecond comic timing, is once again enthralling South African audiences with this smash hit show.” - Clinton Marius, Durban Daily News “Laugh? I nearly died! This play is not an exercise in soul-searching, it’s a belly laugh night out with similarly bemused friends. Enjoy.” Len Ashton, Cape Argus “Stand-up comedy at its best. Hilarious learning experience.” - Lieske Bester, Cape Times Book now for Defending the Caveman at The Barnyard Plettenberg Bay on May 7 at 8pm or on May 8 (Mother’s Day) at 3pm. Tickets at R150 per person are available online from Computicket, at Shoprite/ Checkers Plett, or from Barney’s Info Kiosk at The Market Square.

NEWS & VIEWS

4 May 2016

CXPRESS

Local eco warrior rakes in yet more accolades for furthering a universal green economy HIAN Berning, Plettenberg Bay resident and founder of Eco Atlas, attended the prestigious national Eco-Logic Awards at the Table Bay Hotel on the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town to receive a merit award in the Green Economy category on April 21 - the day before international Earth Day. She says the gala event saw everyone in attendance wearing their finest, many living up to the glamorously green dress code with creative glitz and some novel upcycled outfits. David Parry-Davies of Enviropaedia-fame introduced the evening by highlighting that often when it comes to the environment, we focus on what people shouldn’t do - don’t litter, don’t do this, don’t do that. However, the Eco-Logic Awards are a celebration of all those eco heroes who are actively creating a positive impact by doing, by innovating and by activating. “As always it was fantastic to get recognition for all the hard work that has gone into pioneering the Eco Atlas concept,” says Rhian about this online tool that informs better lifestyle and travel choices with its

GREEN IS THE NEW GREEN: Showing off her pretty frock and apt headgear for the occasion at Cape Town’s glitzy Eco-Logic gala event, Rhian Berning of Eco Atlas invites consumers to vote with their wallets in support of planet-friendly business practices

unique search functionality, and aims to facilitate a grand scale movement of positive change for people and planet. “Ultimately though, I dedicate this award to all the small and large busi-

nesses and organisations featured on Eco Atlas, who are actively employing better practices and building a thriving future for all,” she says, adding that interest was recently shown to pilot Eco Atlas in Berlin, Ger-

many, which would provide “an amazing international launch pad”. More good news is that Eco Atlas plans to get more interactive with users this year by providing incentives for involvement in the online platform. So if you write eco reviews, recommend venues or give your time to a worthy NGO, you will get rewarded for doing right by Earth and its inhabitants. Watch this space… Rhian concludes: “I studied Environmental Science in the 90s, when it was very much a fringe choice to focus on. Now green has become not only in vogue, but people are also realising that their health is directly related to the health of the planet and the health of the food that they eat. “I think South Africa is fast catching up with the global trends that emphasise healthy choices for both people and the ripple effects it has for the planet.” Rhian thanks Plett Tourism and CemAir for their continued support. Visit ecoatlas.co.za to find out how you can vote with your wallet while making eco-friendly choices.

CXPRESS

INTERVAL

4 May 2016

A special message just for today: MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU...

Interesting historic trivia of phrases – Part I URING World War II, US airplanes were armed with belts of bullets which they would shoot during dogfights and on strafing runs. These belts were folded into the wing compartments that fed their machine guns. The belts measure 27 feet and contained hundreds of rounds of bullets. Often times, the pilots would return from their missions having expended all of their bullets on various targets. They would say: “I

gave them the whole nine yards,” meaning they used up all of their ammunition. In George Washington’s days, there were no cameras. One’s image was either sculpted or painted. Some paintings of George Washington showed him standing behind a desk with one arm behind his back while others showed both legs and both arms. Prices charged by painters were not based on how many people were to be

painted, but by how many limbs were to be painted. Arms and legs are ‘limbs’, therefore painting them would cost the buyer more. Hence the expression, ‘Okay, but it’ll cost you an arm and a leg.’ (Artists know hands and feet are more difficult to paint.) As incredible as it sounds, men and women took baths only twice a year (May and October). Women kept their hair covered, while men shaved

their heads (because of lice and bugs) and wore wigs. Wealthy men could afford good wigs made from wool. They couldn’t wash the wigs, so to clean them they would carve out a loaf of bread, put the wig in the shell, and bake it for 30 minutes. The heat would make the wig big and fluffy, hence the term ‘big wig’. Today we often use the term ‘here comes the Big Wig’, because someone appears to be, or indeed is, powerful and wealthy.

Speak now or forever hold your peace T a wedding ceremony, the pastor asked if anyone had anything to say concerning the union of the bride and groom. Everything quickly turned to chaos when a woman carrying a child started

walking towards the front. Everybody was surprised, shocked, and the bride even fainted. The pastor asked the woman if she had anything to say. The woman replied: “We can’t hear in the back.”

Polite behaviour HE paediatric nurse entered the room, prepared to do the job of giving a shot to a little girl. Upon entering the examining room, the little girl started screaming: “No! No! NO!”

“Jessica,” her mother scolded, “that is not polite behaviour!” The girl stopped briefly and then continued with her desperate screaming: “NO, THANK YOU! NO, THANK YOU! NO, THANK YOU!”

A man walks into a bar… man walks into a bar, already drunk, and asks for a drink. “Sorry,” the bartender says, “but you obviously already had a little too much to drink.” Fuming mad the man staggers out the front door and walks back in through the side door. “Can I have a drink, please?” “Sorry,” the bartender says, “but you can’t have a

drink here.” The man staggers out again and then stumbles his way back in through the back door. “Can I please have a drink?” “Enough!” the bartender screams. “I told you, no drinks!” The man looks at the bartender closely and exclaims: “Geez! How many bars do you work at?!”

This is how you safely visit an ATM...

SOCIAL SCENE

4 May 2016

CXPRESS

People, places & events

CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE AND HOPE: Knysna Youth Council was instituted last week in a ceremony described as ‘joyous and historic’. Representatives for the 10 wards in Knysna were announced on April 25 during a session in the Municipal Council Chambers. The hall was filled to capacity with not only the newly-elected Youth Council members, but also with interested members of the public - mostly family and parents. Speaker Eleanor Bouw-Spies facilitated the inauguration and said: ‘The Youth of South Africa has played an integral part in the transformation of this country, and our Youth Council is the forum where you can constructively challenge the way youth issues are perceived and handled in this municipality. This is a space where you can lay the foundations for the change you want to see in our society.’ At back from left are Zipho Naki, Mandisa Litoyi, Ntombuzuko Siyo, Luzuko Tyokolo, Daphne Jantjies, Mpisekhaya Solani, Ufrashia Hartnick, Speaker Bouw-Spies, Zelrene Luiters, Unathi Booi, Leila Turner, Kaylene Innes and Onke Sibindi, with Mawande Jeyi, Noluvo Kilimani, Vuvu Ralushe, Cazlin Goldberg (secretary), Zwelethu Dyonto (chairperson), Fredwin Agiels (deputy chair), Ethon Alexander and Jolene Pietersen in front. Visit www.nyda.gov.za for more information.

y a D s ’ r Mothe pecial!!!

REITZ FARM RAMBLE DELIGHTS: Ouland Nursery at Ouland Farm outside Plett hosted a special Autumn Ramble last week, when well-known local botanical expert Jean Sparg, pictured at right, guided a group of 12 enthusiasts to learn more about the fynbos and other indigenous vegetation on the farm. As always, Jean was able to point out and explain finer details of the various plants and trees at Ouland - the historical property of veterinarian Dr Andre Reitz. The excursion was the brainchild of nursery manager Estelle Simonis, who is resident on the farm along with the four Reitz families - including Wilja, owner of Ouland Royale, where ramble participants enjoyed a delightful breakfast after their walk. Another ramble is planned for later in May, and others will follow as the seasons change. - Photo: Jon van den Heever

kenOMd8S- 11 MAY 2015 wee R ALID F V

SONATA SESSIONS: Tonight’s edition of the Knysna Plett Concert Series will see world-renowned cellist Alexander Ramm and pianist Pieter Jacobs, left, take to the DRC hall stage. Say Knysna Music Society chair Penny Smythe-Rathbone: ‘We welcome back to our concert series these two very popular musicians. Alexander Ramm has been performing since he was nine years old and is truly making his mark on the musical world. He studied at Moscow State Chopin College of Musical Performance and awards for his talents include third prize in the 2013 Paulo Cello Competition, thus making him the first Russian prize winner in the competition’s history. Last year, he received a silver medal at the XV International Tchaikovsky Competition. Pieter Jacobs studied on a Fulbright Scholarship at Yale University School of Music where he received his doctorate in music. He has performed at many of the notable arts festivals in SA, Europe and the USA. They will perform the sonatas for cello and piano of Grieg, Barber, Debussy and Shostakovich.’ Knysna DRC is in Fichat Street and tickets are sold at the door from 6:45pm (adults R120, scholars R30) - the show starts at 7:30pm sharp.

Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

CXPRESS

4 May 2016

CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

4 May 2016

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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

One-ways could alleviate Knysna’s congestion In 1997/8 or thereabouts I had the misfortune during the holiday season of being stuck in a traffic jam that reached way past the Rheenendal turnoff, and the crawl into Knysna took more than 90 minutes. I realised the problem was caused by traffic being split into two lanes at each of the traffic lights, the right lane being for vehicles wishing to turn right and the left lane for those wishing to turn left or carry on straight. This is all well and good until you realise that if but one car wishes to turn left when the lights change to green, the pedestrian lights

now allow those on foot to walk across the road where the car wishes to turn into, and thus cannot do so. This in turn stops all traffic wishing to go straight ahead and it is only when the lights change back to red that the car wishing to turn left can do so. But this means the queue of cars behind it has only advanced by one car for that sequence of green lights. I put forward a solution to Knysna’s Traffic Department that they make Waterfront Drive a one-way system going west and Main Street a one-way due east. This would allow for four lanes of traffic at each traf-

Chief McCarthy was revolutionary; latter-day Knysna robots ain’t… Your interesting story about Jeremy McCarthy’s small traffic circle at the intersection of Odland and Main streets [read it on page 2 of the April 20 edition at www. cxpress.co.za] illustrates how forward-thinking he and Plettenberg Bay’s council of the day were.

By comparison, 30 years later, Knysna’s sleepy authorities choose to clog up our main thoroughfares with 10 traffic lights which regularly malfunction, need to be manually controlled at peak times, and waste enormous amounts of fuel. Dave Reynell, Knysna

fic light intersection - the right lane for turning right only, the left lane for turning left only and two lanes for straight through traffic. Knysna Traffic officials liked the idea and enlisted a company in Bloemfontein to come and see if it was feasible, but when their report was tabled before Council, it was rejected outright as the shop owners, some of whom I believe were also councillors, said that it would halve their

passing customer base. What a short-sighted view! Passing traffic does not mean customers, especially when they have been held up for over an hour trying to get through the town of Knysna. Irate and frustrated, they just want to get back on the N2 as fast as they can to get to their destinations. Perhaps 20 years too late is better than never. But don’t hold your breath... Roger Davis, via email

Bypass will never happen but let’s do what we can I absolutely concur with the letter of ‘Disadvantaged Garden Route Motorist’ [on p15 of the April 27 edition at www.cxpress.co.za]. I thought ‘N’ was for ‘National’, not for a road acting as the high street of a number of towns between Plett and Cape Town. It is certainly not a motorway/ freeway or autobahn, as the speed limit fluctuates from 60-120km/h all the way. In regard to Knysna, a bypass as envisaged in the 80s is realistically not going to happen - a wonderful opportunity lost, in my

opinion. However Sanral, who does wonderful work around the country, could hopefully widen the present “bypass” by making the necessary changes each end. Thereafter no vehicle over, say, five tons should be permitted on the main road. Lastly, the local council should hire some buses and visit Plett to see what a CBD should look like every day (together with the infrastructure) and understand how this is managed. Christopher Durrant, Knysna

Dog-minded vandals are breaking the law I took some photos recently of the actions of some of our ‘civic-minded’ people that live in Plett. The ‘Dogs On Leash Only’ icon has been spray-painted out at two signboards the first on the approach to Keurbooms Lagoon at Poortjies Beach on Tuesday April 26 at about 11am (I also have a picture of the dog owner, if required!), and the second on Lookout Beach a short while later. Lookout is a Blue Flag beach and dogs are not allowed by law. But a certain element of Plett residents think it is their God-given right to do as they think fit with their dogs. Articles have been regularly published in vari-

ous local media about the problems caused by dogs disturbing the bird population and the effect it has on their breeding, asking people to be considerate regarding this issue. White-fronted Plovers are in serious decline here due to this disturbance. And dog ‘landmines’ are generally just covered with sand - if at all! Parts of the beach are accessible to dogs, but only on a leash. Bitou Municipality has on several occasions reinstated the obliterated icons on these notices, only to have them covered/painted out again. The last repair was done only a month or so ago. O Rissik, Plett

Thanks, thanks, thanks! PULL IN REINS OR ELSE: Photos of similar actions were taken at Poortjies and Lookout Beach, which will lose its Blue Flag and bird breeding ground if dog owners don’t respect the law

Let’s get a piece of this global publicity showcase The London Financial Times Weekend edition is publishing a major supplement on the Western Cape and Winelands. Surely with the renaissance of Plett as a tourist and residential destination, Bitou Municipality, Plett’s business sector, our

property agents, and the tourism industry should come together and get a piece in this international publication? We are on a roll, so let’s keep rolling - this is far too good an opportunity to be missed! PD, Plett

Thanks so much for the coverage you did on Plett Country Club Bowls section’s NSRI Day [turn to p12 of the April 20 edition at cxpress.co.za] - such a lovely article with photos, much appreciated. We have pinned it on our notice board in pride of place. Nita Davis, Plett --Our computer has been out of commission for two weeks so I am late in thanking you for the lovely exposure you gave to Knysna Rose Society before our show [p7 and p9

of the April 13 edition]. Many people commented on the photos and the article and we really appreciate your help with publishing our event. It was most successful and despite drought conditions, people brought the most beautiful blooms. Carol Kennedy, Knysna --Got my favourite paper today, and thought the photograph of the Greater Flamingo [see the April 13 cover at www. cxpress.co.za] looked absolutely great - well done! Mike Bridgeford, Plett

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

4 May 2016

Here’s to the rise of Rynhardt’s road-racing career YCLIST Rynhardt Jacobs, who hails from Plettenberg Bay, recently notched up a significant win while also impressing at the Bestmed Tour of Good Hope, and surviving a tragic bunch fall on Hospital Bend to finish the Cape Town Cycle Tour 2016 in 2:56:19. Generally regarded as one of the country’s toughest road cycling races, the Tour of Good Hope takes place during the week lead-

ing up to the Cape Town Cycle Tour and during its five stages, the 490km route includes 5,218m of vertical ascent. Explains proud mom Marlize Jacobs: “There was a marked difference between Rynhardt’s performance this year compared to 2015, when he did not manage to finish the gruelling Good Hope. This time round, he was rated 11th among the upcoming young riders.

VICTORIOUS: Rynhardt Jacobs is flanked by third-place finisher Thembile Nxele and runner up Nicholas Cape, right, after winning last month’s Thornhill 100 road race

“Three of the stages included challenging mountain passes and the last day ended in the Taal Monument hill-climb. Rynhardt finished the final stage in front of riders like Nolan Hoffman, Clint Hendriks, Reynhardt Butler and Herman Fouche.” This high-performance

streak continued when he headed to Port Elizabeth for the Thornhill 100 road race on April 17 - mere days before his 20th birthday on Sunday the 24th. Rynhardt took King of the Mountain during a steep climb at the 70km mark, where he broke away from the rest of the bunch,

which included NMMU team riders, and managed to keep up this pace for the final 30km, finishing almost 2min before the rest of the riders in a winning time of 2:44:51. “His trainer, Barry Austen plans to take Rynhardt and four other riders to Belgium for training during June and July,” says dad Christo. “He still has a lot of experience to gain in the road cycling world, but we know he performs his best on hill climbs so we have lots of faith in his racing future.” His parents thank former Plett pro rider Kevin Evans and his Bike Shop personnel for their support, as well as trainer Barry,

Corné Bence and Corné Botha of SWD Cycling, and Chris Nel of Coaches Corner. The Jacobs clan is also indebted to John-Lee Augustine for the important role he plays in Rynhardt’s life, and to Alan Kuhnert and the members of Plett Club 100 for their support, time, and encouragement. “Finally, thanks must go to our Lord Jesus Christ for His hand of protection - there has been so many weird and scary situations from which Rynhardt has emerged totally unharmed and in one piece!” CXPRESS congratulates this young star from the ‘hood and will keep a close eye on his bright cycling career.

Pedal with a Hospice purpose at this year’s Oyster Fest T may be a couple of months away, but now is the time for local and visiting cyclists to take note of the Hospice Pedal with Purpose campaign that pertains to this year’s Knysna Oyster Festival Momentum Rotary Cycle Tour on July 2 and 3. Explains Hospice events team volunteer Veronique Leach: “This year we have

READY TO GO: Hospice CEO Dr Janet Stanford, at right, with Linda Lifson at the inaugural Pedal with Purpose charity cycle

SENSATIONAL SPECIALS

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changed things a bit to make it more exciting, with a great prize up for grabs. “We’ve created a competition challenging all cycle shops in Knysna to encourage their clients and AFTER ACTION SATISFACTION: Having finished the Hospice challenge during last year’s very first Pedal with Purpose event, cyclists enjoy a sense of camaraderie and a welldeserved cuppa

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friends to enter through their favourite cycling outlet. The cycle shop with the most entries wins a fabulous weekend away for two, so the race is on!” Hospice entries cost

R1,000 each and include the luxury of fast-track registration, preferential seeding, and an awesome goodie bag with a good quality cycle shirt. “The services of Knysna Sedgefield Hospice extend from Harkerville through to Wilderness. We offer free home-based care and support to anyone who suffers a chronic or incurable illness,” she explains. “For many people, Hospice care is the only assistance they receive while facing the prospect of dealing with terminal illness. Please help us help them by pedalling with this purpose in mind this Oyster Fest.” See the advert on page 11 for additional information.