4 november by CXpress

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

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Wings of a winner

Photo: Jean Hirons

4 November 2015

Candani sentenced p3

Making it big in Bilbao p5

Sailing to suit your budget p12

This spectacular photo of a Knysna Loerie was taken by Hoekwil reader Jean Hirons and scored her a nice cash prize as Wildlife Photo of the Month winner in Sunday Times of October 25. Taken near Ebb and Flow rest camp in Wilderness while Jean waited for friends paddling on Touw River, this ardent bird photographer says she couldn’t help shooting the flashy turaco flying overhead, and the pic is described by one of the judges as a ‘oncein-a-lifer shot of a local woodland icon’. Way to go, Jean!

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News & Views

4 November 2015

Jeeves’ Travels - Part IV

Keep right and stay calm when Croatian cops are around JEEVES returns to his Croatian travel tale after a brief Barry Richards interlude last week - turn to page 2 of the October 7, 14 & 21 editions at www.cxpress.co.za to catch up on the adventure so far

RIVING in Europe, on the right side of the road, is as natural to us as walking backwards. An acquaintance in the little sea-side village of Lovran in Croatia asked me if I could take his daughter to the airport in Pula, a town dating back to the Romans and 80km away (as he had a bladder problem and had to find a loo every five minutes). On leaving the parking lot, I swung right into a one-way and immediately clipped the curb with the front wheel -

with loud shrieks and words of advice coming from my lady friend next to me and the young lady in the back. It was quite early in the morning so the scenic coastal road we took was not yet so busy with traffic. A few kilometres of driving along the cypress-lined road past colourful villas, pebbled beaches ablaze with deck-chairs and umbrellas and neatly trimmed hedges, there was a clunk-clunk sound from the front of the car, which was pulling heav-

ily to the right. You guessed it… puncture! I found a place to pull off and we all clambered out, each with a mission: unload the boot, pass the tools and jack, and grab the spare. Down on my knees undoing the wheel-nuts and applying the jack, I got a terrible cramp at the back of my thigh. The youngster took over and I tested the spare - hard as a rock under finger pressure. Wheel on, and as the car was lowered, the side-wall of the tyre kept diminishing

first 15 minutes of parking were free. At the Exit boom, the machine swallowed the card and promptly spat it out again. This happened a few times - but the boom didn’t budge. The rear-view mirror displayed a few approaching cars so I quickly reversed a few metres and ducked into a parking place reserved for the police. A uniformed cop was leaning against a fence on the other side of the road with his focus on us. I had been forewarned:

He shook his head and cast me off with a hopeless wave saying something about 500 Kune fine (about a R1,000). I thought the drop-off system at the airport would be like ours in George, not knowing that over there one stuck the ticket in at the paymachine, which processed it and issued another one to open the boom. The next few hours were spent exploring the 45BC town of Pula, grabbing a cup of coffee and cake. On the return journey a bus

salad, chips and a carafe of local wine. The whole grilled fish (about 30cm long) was dissected on a platter at the table, head off and plated, tail off, fins off and plated, fillets onto separate plates, and served. The head had a delectable piece of meat in the cheek, so too the fin section attached

SNAPSHOTS FROM 45BC: From left - at the dock loading granite, cattle and wood; the waterside restaurant on an inland fjord; a narrow street in the ancient Roman town; and the magnificent Arena in Pula

in size, the rim getting ever closer to the ground, until it finally rested on about 4cm of deflated rubber. Off we drove in search of the nearest garage. Village after village and not one in sight. I stopped to ask a van driver by pointing at the almost flat tyre and gesticulating a pumping action and blowing through pursed lips. He thought I was nuts, looking at the tyre and shaking his head. Another 14km before we’d find one... Oh Lord, hope we make it! Nearly all the petrol stations in Europe are self-service. Our little car was hybrid, running on low-pressure gas and petrol, which is only used to start the car. The latter cost R17 a litre, compared to the R6 of gas. The airport was similar in size to that in Plettenberg Bay, with a small terminal and one landing strip. The

“One thing you don’t do in Croatia is mess with the police. They are super-efficient, heavily armed and have no sense of humour, especially if you are a law-breaker.” I waited for the lane to clear and then commenced to reverse back with the intention of parking elsewhere to vacate this ‘reserved’ space. A loud “Ooooy!” from the cop brought the car to an instant stop. I jumped out and mumbled something in German and English, with a few Italian words thrown in for good measure, flicking the ticket through my fingers with shoulders shrugged. Realising I was an idiot foreigner, or an Academy Award-winning Croat actor, he shouted at me, gesturing towards a pay station. I pointed at the ‘POLIZI’ written on the ground and raised my hands aloft.

in front of us turned right at a small intersection, and a road sign showed a 3.5km trip to a village on the edge of a fjord, 6km from the sea. We decided to follow and explore. Along the way we passed many a full timber shed; piles of granite blocks, animal corrals and holding pens. Then a small dock with a cargo ship alongside loading cattle, logs and stone - the latter destined to Italy, the others to Turkey and Egypt. At the end of the road we came across a few waterside restaurants, with hundreds of small leisure craft floating at anchor, and we parked off for lunch. Fish off the menu is disgustingly expensive, only for the Italians and Germans with their Euros, and measured in price per kilogram ranging from R500-R1,000 per kg! Deciding to imbibe, we ordered a 1/2kg sea bream plus

to the body. In idle chat, Vladimir, our waiter, told us he has a small fishing boat. He supplies the restaurant with his catch, guts them, cooks them and serves them up, simple. What a life! On the way back, we were the only car on that section of road - at least for a while. A truck bearing cattle rounded the bend up front, and headed straight towards us! Savouring the environment, I had lost focus for a while and had drifted onto the left side of the road, and into its path. Natural reaction kicked in, and I swerved further to the left, over the grass verge and up a slight embankment! My passenger clung to the dashboard, eyes gaping, mouth open for the rest of the trip - a nervous wreck! Until next time, buckle up and keep LEFT (unless you’re in Croatia). Vq"dg"eqpvkpwgf”

News & Views

4 November 2015

Eden police confiscates perlemoen worth R1.5-million

CXPRESS

Closure for Sesona’s family as killer Candani sentenced In a major twist, the 18-year-old Bitou man accused of murdering and raping an eightyear-old girl from Bossiesgif last December pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 21 years behind bars in the W-Cape High Court yesterday - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports

HE accused, Lulama Candani, remained adamant over his innocence since his arrest on December 9 last year and even less than two months ago, indicated that he wanted to apply for bail. Sesona Bhayibhile went missing on Sunday December 7 after playing with friends near Candani’s home. When she did not return by 6pm that evening her mother went searching for her, but could not find her. The following day Candani was also reported missing by his family, but he later hand-

FAT FIND: Perlemoen is revealed on the back of the bakkie while the suspect looks on

IGILANT members of the Western Cape Rural Flying Squad based in the Eden Cluster (formally known as the George Cluster) arrested a 26-year-old man found in possession of abalone to an estimated value of R1.5million between Uniondale and Willowmore on Sunday morning November 1. The officers were busy with a stop and search roadblock about 23km outside Uniondale, when they spotted a suspicious Nissan 1-tonner approaching from the direction of Willowmore. They pulled over the vehicle and with the search that ensued discovered 73 bags of abalone concealed under matrasses on the back of the bakkie, under-

neath a black plastic cover. The find was confiscated and the suspect arrested on the spot for the illegal possession of abalone. The suspect was detained at the Uniondale police holding cells and scheduled to make his first court appearance yesterday afternoon (November 3). Eden Cluster commander Major General Oswald Reddy commended the members involved for their commitment and diligence to bring the suspect to book and warned other potential peddlers to refrain from transporting illegal goods and drugs on main or secondary routes, which will be closely monitored by members of different units to curb these criminal acts.

ed himself over to police in Knysna on December 9 and pointed out where the body was hidden - in dense bushes near the child’s home. He was subsequently arrested. Since his arrest the court case was plagued by delays, one of which was in April this year when Candani insisted on undergoing psychiatric evaluation at Valkenberg Hospital in Cape Town. This caused major delays in the case as the hospital had an extensive admissions waiting list. But after pressure from local anti-child

abuse groups and local residents Candani was moved up the list swiftly and the evaluation was completed. The evaluation report revealed that he was fit to stand trial and that there were no signs of mental illness. On August 27 this year Candani indicated he wanted to apply for bail about seven months after initially turning the option down. This move was met by major resistance from the community and anti-child abuse groups who drew up a petition to keep him behind bars,

which garnered about 4,000 signatures. Shortly thereafter Candani indicated he no longer wanted to apply for bail and just a few weeks thereafter he informed his legal team that he intended on pleading guilty. Candani pleaded guilty in the Western Cape High Court yesterday, with Judge President John Hlope presided over the matter. He labelled the crime as a “gruesome” one before sentencing Candani to 21 years behind bars. Ictfgp"Tqwvg"Ogfkc

CXPRESS

La Luna

News & Views

4 November 2015

Wittedrift in a rage over planned student festival move A proposed change of the Plett Rage venue next year has sparked a furore among neighbours and residents who fear the move would not only have devastating effects on the environment but also pose several safety risks - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports

LANS to move the main student festival from VIP Super Club in the industrial area, where it will take place again this year from November 27 to December 7, to a property off Stofpad in Wittedrift recently came to light during a meeting between organisers and the community. Organiser Cameron Attwood said the reason for looking at a different loca-

tion was because the festival had outgrown the current venue. He added that VIP could only accommodate 4,000 youngsters while the demand was much bigger. He said his plans for the property, which used to be a quarry and later a shooting range, included turning it into a festival venue with massive stretched tents, several dance floors and stages for performers while includ-

ing other entertainment he hoped would add to festinos’ festival experience. The youngsters, Attwood said, would be transported to and from the venue by bus. Neighbours like Bettina ten Boske, however, feel that this move could harm the environment as the area fell under the Outeniqua Sensitive Coastal Area Extension and was recently awarded Important Birdlife Area sta-

tus by Birdlife SA. Another resident, Robyn Brouckaert, added that the area was also a corridor for various wild animals. Other concerns include the lack of water supply to the area, no ablution facilities, inadequate access roads for the proposed bus system, the close proximity to a local primary school, noise, alcoholrelated incidents and safety risks for the youngsters being so far removed from town. Attwood feels however that “containing” the festival was safer as access could be controlled better and would allow for volunteers to accompany the youngsters on the buses. Ictfgp"Tqwvg"Ogfkc

Drowned Irish couple honoured The memory of John and Lynette Rodgers who lost their lives in the ocean off Plett’s Robberg 5 beach, was honoured on Friday morning when NSRI Station 14 crew members joined with officials for an informal wreath-laying ceremony. In the pic from left, local sea rescuers Quinten Oliver, Ross Badenhorst and Brad Thomas are flanked by Honorary British Consul Jackie Barclay at left, and Ilze Jacobs of the Department of Economic Development. Despite the best efforts of Plett’s NSRI crew, the couple could not be resuscitated when discovered in the shallow surf by passers-by on Friday October 23. John and Lynette’s family simultaneously held a memorial for the couple in their home town of Belfast in Northern Ireland (read the story on page 3 of the October 28 edition at www.cxpress.co.za). - Photo: Paula Hallam

News & Views

4 November 2015

CXPRESS

Keurbooms mom exhibits at Guggenheim as part of continental art showcase solo show will be in April next year at Circa on Jellicoe in Johannesburg. Find out more about Lucinda’s art at www.finearts.co.za/ index.php/ceramics/lucindamudge/ and link to Making Africa at www.guggenheimbilbao.es/en/ for information on that exhibition.

DON’T LOOK THE OTHER WAY: Lucinda Mudge shows off a big beautiful green creation at her Keurbooms home studio, with vases for a solo show in Joburg in the background

NYSNA-born, Plettbred and belonging to a truly local family, Keurbooms artist Lucinda Mudd is currently traversing Europe as part of Ocmkpi"Chtkec - an exhibition that will travel the continent for three years after having opened in Basel, Switzerland earlier this year. When CXPRESS tracked Lucinda down she was just about to depart for Spain, where her exceptional ceramic vases form part of the Making Africa leg that opened at the Guggenheim Bilbao last week. So how did this unassuming artist pull off such an amazing feat? What decisions and good fortunes combined with raw talent constituted her rise to this level of international recognition since finishing school in Grahamstown? The second oldest of four kids - brother James is the first born, and there’s an eight-year gap between Lucinda and younger siblings Teddy and Rosy - Lucinda is hardly the first Mudge to make news or leave a legacy. Father Julian Mudge was a furniture maker who started the family business Knysna Forest Furniture. Mum Helen is an artist in her own right and has authored a book called Nkhvkpi" vjg" Tqqh" qhh (2005), about the family’s houses. “But I like to think it’s actually about our crazy childhood growing up in the Knysna forests,” says Lucinda. “It’s also interesting because both Knysna and Plett have changed a lot since our child-

hood days here.” She explains that after matriculating at DSG there was no two ways about it: “I studied Fine Art at UCT and was taught by Jane Alexander and Zwelethu Mthethwa, among others. “It was a harsh environment then - I was only 17, so perhaps I was too young... I think it has improved now but, despite graduating with a first, Michaelis [School of Fine Art] put me off making any art for a very long time.” After art school, Lucinda went off to travel and first job in the UK was making sandwiches in the small town of Devon. From there she headed east and served tea to Russians in mid-winter of 2001. “Russia was enlightened! I was completely drawn to the contrasts of that country. Also, the buildings are topped in gold - a colour I frequently use in my ceramics.” On returning to SA, Linda worked as photographer and then in an art gallery in Cape Town, before leaving again to the UK, where she lived with husband Sam until their first child, Frances (but they call her ‘Bea’), was born in 2009. Now aged six, both her and four-year-old Nicholas attend Greenwood. Sam works remotely as a business systems architect and the family lives happily in a self-designed Keurbooms home that also houses Lucinda’s studio. Much has been written about her ceramics, which when perused provides some insight to Lucinda’s inspira-

tion and progression in that particular art form. Mixing her own stains and glaze, she has developed a ceramic technique that is unique in its profoundly colourful riches. She then adds humorous observations of South African life to these highly decorative vases - surely the combo that caught the Ocm/ kpi"Chtkec curators’ eyes. But why vases? Lucinda explains that her vases are treated as canvasses, but their round form being the main difference. “This means I can quite literally turn them around to face the wall so that we can only view the decorative beauty on the other side. In SA we are all quite well practiced in ‘looking the other way’ and this is a theme that I’m currently interested in.” The large vases require a construction period of about two weeks, while height is added and the base dries, becoming strong enough to support the weight of the top clay. It’s a matter of keeping the vase wet enough to be pliable, yet dry enough to provide support. “If the shape of the vase is not technically strong the vase can crack even before it goes in for the first firing. I have very little training in ceramics and as a result I have had technical failures that have made me want to weep.” So when it comes to ceramics, Lucinda is self-taught through hard trial and error, which makes the latest international recognition all the more impressive. Her next

CXPRESS

News & Views

4 November 2015

Sports, skills and neat streets celebrated in Kranshoek

successful sports day was held in Kranshoek on October 19 to celebrate the positive progress of the Western Cape government’s Agri-forestry for Sustainable BBEEE Bitou/Kranshoek Project. Part of the 2014 Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), the project is funded by the national Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and, now near completion, was handed over to Bitou Municipality at the end of last month. Work done in Kranshoek as part of the project includes: • The construction of a nursery with 75 plant beds and installation of shaded netting. • Establishment of a community-owned business entity. • Fencing of the site. • Extension of the existing dam. • Cleaning, greening and beautification of streets, church grounds, cemeteries, and school perimeters. The project had a positive socio-economic and environmental impact on the community as it provided skills training and employment to local residents. The sports event, organised by the DEA in collaboration with Anix Consulting, included netball and soccer matches between excited and energetic employees of the project. Joseph Bruintjies of the Department of Environmental Affairs welcomed everyone

SPORTS SUPPORT: Provincial Project Manager of the DEA Joseph Bruintjies thanks the EPWP workers and Anix staff for making the sports day a memorable occasion - standing next to him is Ms Pheta of Local Government Support

PLAYING BALL: Team members pose with Anix Consulting CEO Mr Cupido, who holds aloft the winning trophy along with Bitou Municipality speaker Annelise Olivier

who attended the celebration - especially the EPWP workers, as they play a fundamental role in the project. Bitou Municipality speaker Annelise Olivier expressed her gratitude towards the DEA and Ericaville Trust, as well as to all participants who helped making the

event such a success. The triumphant winning teams were each rewarded with a trophy and all participants received medals for keeping the flame of sportsmanship alive. The event was concluded with a braai and refreshments for all participants.

Stormsriver Adventures scoops three major national tourism awards

HE national Lilizela Awards hosted by Tourism minister Derek Hanekom during a lavish ceremony at Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on October 22 saw Stormsriver Adventures excel in three hotly-contested categories. Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours was voted Best Visitor Experience of the Year 2015 for Action and Adventure. The company also received two other major awards, namely the Imvelo for Best Practice Economic Impact Award, and the year’s BBBEE Award. Said: CEO Ashley Wentworth: “Sixteen years of dedication to Responsible Tourism by the team and MD Anneline has culminated in these fantastic accolades. The operating company is now 48% employee-owned, endorsing our commitment to transformation.” Wentworth concluded that the company would continue to champion these Responsible Tourism principles under the strong leadership of managing director Anneline Wyatt and her dedicated team.

NATIONAL RECOGNITION: Acting operations manager Pam Zondani, right, and Stormsriver Adventures MD Anneline Wyatt show off the multitude of awards scored in Joburg last month

Business

4 November 2015

CXPRESS

Five important questions to ask when choosing life or funeral insurance

ANY readers are realising the importance of owning a life or funeral insurance policy, but few understand what to look for when selecting cover for themselves or their families. In certain cases, individuals overlook vital elements on their policy, putting themselves at risk when it is time to claim. “It is very important to ask all the crucial questions before signing an agreement with your chosen insurance provider. Do not have reservations about asking too many questions or pretend to know what you are being offered, as this could be a costly mistake when you need to

claim,” says FNB Life CEO Lee Bromfield. To ensure that you take appropriate cover, consider asking the following important questions: Yjcv"xcnwg"fqgu"vjku"eqxgt" ikxg"og"cpf"o{"hcokn{A Choose insurance for its value, not because it is the cheapest you can find. Even though price or monthly premiums should be one of the considerations, your main objective should be to get the best possible value. Price alone should not influence your decision. Jqy"owej"co"K" eqxgtgf"hqtA Nowadays insurers predominantly offer a financial ben-

efit (pay-out) as opposed to the old trend of merely providing a coffin for the burial. Understand exactly how much you are likely to get to minimise the risk of being under or over insured. Yjcv"ku"vjg"enckou"rtqeguu" cpf"jqy"uqqp"fq"{qw" rc{"qwvA Most funeral insurance providers promise to pay out within 48 hours, but it is essential to understand the requirements for your claim to be successful. An insurance claim that takes longer than it should, could lead to financial difficulties. Yknn"o{"rtgokwou"dg"hkzgf" qt"kpetgcugf"cppwcnn{A Insurance is offered in differ-

ent forms. Consumers have an option of selecting cover with constant premiums or ones which increase annually. Whichever one you choose, you need to know how much your pay-out will be. Jqy"ocp{"hcokn{"ogodgtu" ecp"K"eqxgtA Get clarity on how many people you can cover and what the terms and conditions are. “You need to remember that the questions you ask before taking up a policy go a long way in helping you get the cover you want. “Life or funeral insurance is about securing yourself and your family from financial hardship in the event of losing a family member, so take the necessary time to make every decision right,” concludes Bromfield.

Let these ace products by Knysna’s other-abled work for you

Investor Focus

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

Living Annuities - Part I

HE management of a Living Annuity (LA) is deceptively simple, and it is estimated that over 88% of all SA retirement funds end up being invested in LAs. These are indeed very attractive vehicles in that all income and capital gains received within the LA are free of tax (this exemption includes the dividend tax as well). They are transferred to a surviving spouse on the death of the principal, and finally they are exempt from death duties. You are, however, taxed on the income that you draw from the LA. Take note that you face various risks when establishing your LA. The primary concern is that the capital within the LA will run out before you die, thus leaving you with no income. Clearly, the primary risk is under-estimating your life expectancy. With today’s medical technology, one should always assume that you will live longer than your parents. I use an estimated age between 85 and 90 for all clients. Then there is the risk that markets will not perform as well as you had hoped,

or you may draw too much income, or the returns while remaining positive may be below inflation for a sustained period. You may also be spooked by a period of extreme volatility in the market leading you to change your asset allocation at the wrong time. The crucial decision lies in the asset allocation within the LA, i.e. the percentages invested in equities, property, bonds, cash, etc. or the offshore allocation (and remember that within the offshore allocation you face the same asset decisions). Before establishing your asset allocation, you must establish your budget. It is best to measure firstly how much it will cost you each month to ensure a comfortable retired income. This may prove to be a dream, depending of the value of the LA. You should then establish a breadline budget - this is the bare minimum you need to survive, cutting out all extras. (You may need to enforce this during times of poor market performance.) Now you have to ascertain what percentage of your capital you will need to

draw each month to sustain your chosen lifestyle. The minimum allowed is 2.5% and the maximum is 17.5%. If you have retired at age 65, then remember that this capital must sustain you for ±23 years. Imagine how much a tube of toothpaste will cost in a quarter century’s time… I am always reluctant to advise an annual draw of over 5%. So if your LA is say R5million, then it would be reasonable to draw R250,000 p.a. or ±R20,000 per month (this is before tax). If possible you should always try to draw less to start, leaving as much capital as possible to provide extra growth. An annual draw of 3% will give you R150,000 p.a. or R12,500 per month. At age 65 it is very important to work on the absolute lowest draw so as to preserve your capital base. At the end of each year you should reasses your position, consult your advisor and re-tune both your draw and your asset allocation. Ocneqno"jcu"dggp"kp"vjg" kpxguvogpv"kpfwuvt{"hqt"qxgt" 62"{gctu0"Jg"jcu"ytkvvgp" vjku"eqnwop"kp"EZRTGUU" hqt"vjg"ncuv"39"{gctu"cpf"ku" c"urgekcnkuv"kp"ocpcikpi" tgvktgf"ygcnvj0"

A project of Knysna Association for Persons with Disabilities, Die Werkswinkel of Hornlee has brought out a new wood product just in time for the looming summer season. The Picnic Bench, pictured at left, sells for a mere R650. Alongside is one of Die Werkswinkel’s larger dog kennels (R1,100). An even larger unit (1.2m x 0.9m x 1.3m high), fitted with windows and a door, has been selling well as a Wendy House. Made to order from 5mm thick plywood it is sturdy, treated, painted and fully water-proofed - and a veritable steal at R1,300. Pictured from left are craftsmen Hilton Marais, Siruyise Faku and Christopher Jacobs, with manager Edwin Pedro at right. Call Robin Whales on 044 382 2970 to place your order or find out more.

CXPRESS

Interval

4 November 2015

My therapist said that my narcissism causes me to misread social situations. I’m pretty sure she was hitting on me.

On the way to a small town close to Cambridge

N Englishman sets off on a train journey. The guard comes along to clip the tickets and the bloke asks if he wouldn’t mind waking him up when they arrive at Cambourne. The guard explains that the train doesn’t stop at Cambourne on Wednesdays. Englishman: “What? I MUST get off at Cambourne. It’s vital!” Guard: “I’m sorry, Sir. Today is Wednesday, and we

don’t stop there today.” This exchange continues for nearly an hour and by now the bloke is in a blind panic about not being able to get off at Cambourne. The guard then says: “I’ll tell you what I’ll do. When we are approaching Cambourne Station, you climb out of the window and I’ll hold you by your collar. “You then start running in mid-air and when I think you’re running fast enough,

When you’re in trouble...

HILE on a road trip, an elderly couple stopped at a roadside restaurant for lunch. After finishing their meal, they left the restaurant and resumed their trip. When leaving, the elderly woman unknowingly left her glasses on the table. And, she didn’t miss them until after they had been driving about twenty minutes. By then, to add to the aggravation, they had to travel quite a distance before they could find a place to turn around in order to return to the restaurant to retrieve her

glasses. All the way back, the elderly husband became the classic grouchy old man. He fussed and complained and scolded his wife relentlessly during the entire return drive. The more he chided her, the more agitated he became. He just wouldn’t let up one minute. To her relief, they finally arrived at the restaurant and as the woman got out of the car and hurried inside to retrieve her glasses, the old geezer yelled to her: “While you’re in there, you might as well get my hat.”

Fun with computer clichés • Home is where you hang your @. • The email of the species is more deadly than the mail. • A journey of a thousand sites begins with a single click. • You can’t teach a new mouse old clicks. • Great groups from little icons grow. • In some places, C: is the root of all directories. • Oh, what a tangled website we weave when first we practice.

• Pentium wise, pen and paper foolish. • The modem is truly the message. • Too many clicks spoil the browse. • The geek shall inherit the earth. • Don’t byte off more than you can view. • What boots up must come down. • Virtual reality is its own reward. • Modulation in all things. • There’s no place like your homepage.

I will lower you onto the platform.” The bloke is so desperate that he agrees. When the time comes, the guard holds him out of the window and the Englishman runs for all his worth in mid-air. The guard then lowers him safely onto the ground and

he runs along the platform at an astonishing speed. Four seconds later, an arm reaches out of another window, grabs the Englishman by the scruff of the neck, pulls him back into the train and says: “Bloody hell. You are lucky there, mate! This train doesn’t stop at Cambourne on Wednesdays.”

Social Scene

4 November 2015

CXPRESS

People, places & events

SHARP SHOOTERS UNITE: Gigi Lewis sent this pic and wrote: ‘Early October, Chris Daly (standing fourth from left in the photo) and I organised a Fujifilm photoshoot at Knysna Waterfront together with Fujifilm SA’s national sales manager Eslie Basson (second from left). He came from PE en route to the Cape with internationally acclaimed fashion photographer Mardee Maree (third from left) and his model, especially to afford us a chance for a natural light photoshoot. Photographers hailed from Knysna, Plett, Sedgefield and Wilderness and even the Photographic Society of SA’s Garden Route director graced us with his presence, as did representatives of Kloppers. Afterwards, we all went to Chris’s for snacks and wine and a presentation on the amazing things Fujifilm does worldwide. Did you know that their lenses are used in space craft, medical research and Hasselblad cameras?’ Now we do, thanks Gigi!

LONG LIVE MZ LEACH! Ann Leach of Ann’s Threads in Longships Drive celebrated her 80th birthday in fine style with friends at The Plettenberg Hotel on Wednesday October 21. Heartfelt congratulations to you, Ann, and best wishes for many more years of health and happiness. - Photo: Pauline Coubrough RUSSIAN PIANISTS AT DRC HALL: Knysna Plett Concert Series presents pianists Vassily Primakov and Natalia Lavrova on Monday November 9. These two internationally acclaimed Russians will entertain Knysna music aficionados with works of Schumann, Czerny and Rachmaninov. Vassily has been described as one of the great Chopin pianists and Natalia has charmed audiences with her dazzling technique and warm stage personality. Both from Moscow, they formed their own record label, LP Classics, after completing their studies in Russia and at New York’s Juilliard School of Music, and many years of performing around the world and winning prestigious awards for their talents. Vassily’s CD of Chopin’s Mazurkas was named best of the year by National Public Radio in the United States in 2009. Natalia is founder and president of a very successful private school of music in New York City and is a Yamaha Artist in Education. They will play some pieces on their own and others together to bring a new dimension to your listening pleasure, during this last concert of the year. Tickets are sold at the door of Knysna Dutch Reformed Church hall in Fitchat Street from 6:45 (adults R120, scholars R30) and the show starts at 7:30pm sharp.

WHAT, THE EFF?! Yes, ‘deployee commissar’ and founder of the party in Bitou Albert Zukile Rorwana, second from left, has gone to great lengths to share with CXPRESS the news that Julius Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters are spreading their wings in Bitou, too. Celebrating the signing of new member Ndwalaza Sabelo Futshane at centre are, from left, ‘sub region chairperson commander’ Mhlanganisi Palamente Siwa, regional secretary commissar Lasie Matyolweni, and deputy chairperson Welcome Silwana. Albert invites any interested parties to call him on 078 334 7625.

LOVE THIS LEISURE ISLE SHOWCASE: Open Gardens 2015 is part of this weekend’s Leisure Isle Festival. The ladies of Gardening at Leisure garden club have worked tirelessly over the years in organising and running a plant stall in aid of Steenbok Nature Reserve, which has raised many thousands for the Reserve. But this year it’s replaced by Leisure Isle Open Gardens on November 7 & 8 from 10am to 4pm. Tickets are available from all Sotheby’s offices in Knysna and for just R50 you can view all six gardens, one of them being the charming Webber garden pictured here. Call Esther on 072 466 1781 for details of the gardens and see the advert on p12 for information on this weekend’s Leisure Isle Festival. NEW HEADS BRAAI AT THE CLUB: The rain did little to deter members and friends of Plett SkiBoat Club to enjoy the welcome braai for the venue’s new managers. Seen here with chairman Chris Schorn at left and Sue van der Gaast are new General Manager Andrew Nezar, and Food & Beverage manager Dirk Sinclair at right. Turn to page 9 of the October 28 edition to find out more.

Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

CXPRESS

4 November 2015

Read CXPRESS online at www.cxpress.co.za

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Classifieds

On the Soapbox

4 November 2015

Letters to the Editor

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

Robberg parking dearth annoys There is not nearly enough parking at the view site on Robberg Nature Reserve. Why CapeNature doesn’t drastically increase the amount of parking space just boggles my mind. On any given day, even now out of the so-called season, there is usually nowhere to park. Why can’t CapeNature management see the parking problem? Wake up, please. Whoever is in charge has to take note that it’s a pathetic situation at the moment. Why must we always put up with incompetent government employees? We pay their salaries with our taxes. It’s a very simple task to at least double the parking area before the summer holidays but I know this won’t happen, as it means they will have to do some work. Make a plan ASAP! Oh and by the way, please think of a way to eliminate the need for all the unnecessary paperwork when entering the reserve. It’s a waste of time and paper, especially for us Wild Card holders. Dtcfng{"Urcti."Rngvv" Lwuvkp"Ncytgpeg."Ecrg/ Pcvwtg"Rwdnke"Tgncvkqpu"

Qhhkegt<"Octmgvkpi"(" Geq/Vqwtkuo"hwtpkujgf" EZRTGUU"ykvj"vjg" hqnnqykpi"tgurqpug<" Dear Mr Sparg, we understand the public’s demand for an expansion of the parking area at Robberg Nature Reserve and appreciate your passion to visit this protected area. However, it is unfortunately not a simple task and unfeasible at this stage. While providing access to nature reserves is one of CapeNature’s goals, we have to ensure any development is well planned and appropriately positioned in the landscape to be both environmentally sensitive and sustainable. Robberg is a protected area, which means prospective developments such as expanding the parking area would necessitate an Environmental Impact Assessment. Being a protected area, Robberg is conserved strictly according to international conservation standards and the management of the reserve is done according to a Protected Area Management Plan (PAMP), which includes a public participatory process.

Stars of the deep Plettenberg Bay readers Dennis & Ann Webb shared these pictures of starfish that washed up on Plett’s Sanctuary Beach on Monday October 26. The ocean takes but it also gives, it seems...

This process was widely advertised and also included a public meeting held in the Piesang Valley Community Hall where public opinions could be voiced. The PAMP does get revised every five years and when the next opportunity for public opinion comes up, we encourage you to provide us with your concerns and

feedback. Regarding the concern of paperwork required at the entrance, it is something that is completely necessary as anyone visiting a protected area has to have an official permit. Additionally, the safety of visitors to the reserve is of utmost importance to us. It is vital we know exactly how many people are on the reserve at any given time and that we know which activities are being done.

Knysna bowling ladies raise R5k for Carli MATTERS OF THE HEART: Carli’s dad Riaan van Straten cradles his beloved daughter in strong rugby arms - like the Knysna Bowling Club ladies, you can also contribute to this Knysna family’s wellbeing

We are very pleased that the Knysna Bowling Club’s Ladies Day raised R5,000 for the iHeartCarli Fund. It is a privilege to make this contribution and we wish little Carli and her family all the best for the future. We thank Gold Traders, Knysna Agri, Knysna Heads & Nail Bar, Nine on Grey and Ocean Basket for their support to make this possible. Little Carli was born six weeks early on November 22 last year with four heart defects. Dr Estia Odendaal from Plettenberg Bay saved her life by picking up the heart problem in time before she was born, and referred her to Grootte Schuur Hospital where she could be helped. She was given very little chance of survival at birth, but has defied all the odds so far and continues to fight very

CXPRESS

hard. She has already undergone two major heart surgeries to give her a shot at life. The iHeartCarli Fund has been established to assist financially and help other families with heart-defect babies. Ucp"Tcwdgpjgkogt."Mp{upc" Dqynkpi"Enwd"ugetgvct{ *Vjg" yyy0twid{370eq0|c1" 42371261kjgctvectnk/hwpf1" ukvg"uvcvgu"vjcv"Ectnk‚u"fcf"Tk/ ccp"xcp"Uvtcvgp"cpf"jku"hco/ kn{" ctg" uwrrqtvgf" d{" Twid{" Hkhvggp." yjkej" ecnnu" qp" vjg" twid{" rwdnke" vq" hqnnqy" uwkv0" ›Kh"{qw"yqwnf"nkmg"vq"uwrrqtv" vjg"hwpf"hqt"qwt"nkvvng"ycttkqt" {qw"ecp"UOU"vjg"yqtfu"flEct/ nk‚"qt"flkjgctv‚"vq"5;;8;"vq"fq/ pcvg" T37.fi" uc{u" Tkccp0" Cpf" kh" {qw" eqwnf" ocmg" c" oqtg" uwduvcpvkcn" fqpcvkqp." rngcug" gockn" icoqfkucBiockn0eqo" qt"ecnn"294"7;7"6335"hqt"dcpm" fgvcknu" cpf" cffkvkqpcn" kphqt/ ocvkqp0"/"Gfu0+

Jeeves delights Dear editors, we are mad about Jeeves and are on our way to collect today’s edition [CXPRESS of Oct 28]. May

he never stop amusing us in this miserable world with his remarkable pen to paper. Ygpf{"Wvgtoctm."Rngvv

CXPRESS

Sport & Adventure

4 November 2015

How to pull off competitive sailing on a shoestring Words & photos: Bob Hopkin

WNING a boat has been described as throwing money into a V-shaped hole in the water. In many cases, that has been true when maintenance, insurance and running costs outweigh the pleasure of those, often few, occasions when you actually get to sail. There is another alternative that can provide some of the fun at a fraction of the coast - own and operate a radiocontrolled sailing boat! A small group of enthusiasts did just that 10 years ago when they formed the Garden Route Radio Sailing

Club (GRRSC) and adopted a standard design of boat, allowing all sailors to compete on an equal basis. So the winner of races was the most skilled pilot, not the one with the deepest pockets. The standard design dated from the pre-metrication era so boats are all 36” long mono-hulls with two sails a foresail and mainsail. The radio has just two channels, one controlling the rudder and the other the tension in the sail lines. The only other influences in the boat’s direction and speed are the wind and the currents. These simple but elegant boats cost around R5,000

say, in rounding a marker or by a minor collision, then it can result in at least a shouting match or, at worst, come to blows. They take it very seriously,” said Dianne. The Club currently has 18 members of whom seven are active sailors, and they are looking to recruit new members. Details of the type of racing and other information on the hobby can be found at

www.radiosailing.co.za and Dianne can be contacted on 082 729 8297. Second-hand boats, fully equipped with all radio controls, are now for sale. If, with summer on the way, testing your sailing skills from a tranquil river bank or sea shore appeals, then do contact Dianne and make a date to watch them racing - or even try it for yourself.

TACKING INTO WIND: Three competitors vying for position while racing on Touw River in Wilderness

new or half that second-hand. GRRSC members hail from across the Garden Route and use six venues along the coast on rivers and inshore parts of the sea for their bimonthly racing meets. They also compete in countrywide events, having recently returned from the national championships held at Gariep Dam

near Bloemfontein. Race organiser Dianne Gettliffe said that, while internal club racing is usually lighthearted affairs, national racing events are highly competitive. “The rules are complex and open to interpretation and dispute. If one competitor believes that he has been disadvantaged by another,

CONCENTRATION STATIONS: Vice Commodore George Winter, left, and Commodore Clem Vroom match their skippers’ skills

New mountain bike route for Knysna Forest kicks off on November 7 - with ample private sector support

NYSNA Cycle Works, Coca Cola and SANParks have planned surprises for mountain bikers in a one of a kind MTB Fun Ride scheduled for this Saturday. The event will provide local cyclists with an opportunity to ride this section of Garden Route National Park in an unconventional way. “It’s a fun ride in the true sense of the word,” says James Stewart of Muddy Foot Adventures, who was tasked by SANParks to map routes for the event. Cyclists will ride through the species-rich indigenous Knysna forest

with a backdrop of the ocean. The open day will also see the launch of the new 12km ‘Graspad’, which joins up to all popular tracks of Harkerville’s mountain biking routes. The GPS coordinates for Kranshoek where the route begins are 34°05’28’’S 23°18’23’’E. Additional Kranshoek activities include picnic spots, the waterfall, dolphin and whale watching and the hiking trail. Other MTB routes in the surrounding forest have also received a facelift, and there will be exhibitors for those not cycling on the day. Rtqitguu"ocfg Subsequent to a readjustment of the tariff structure in November 2014, SANParks

met up with cyclists from Plett (Leon Evans and Colin Shave, and now James Stewart), Greg Vogt of Knysna & Partners, and also roped in Jacques Brink and Stewart Lightley. The following conclusions were reached to add value to cycling in the area’s MTB hub of Harkerville and Farleigh: • A technical team was established to identify route requirements in the forest and began implementing new maintenance plans. Cyclists have been giving positive feedback on the SANParksGRNP Facebook site. • New signage to be adopted first by the Knysna section and then rolled out to Farleigh is being adapted from

the International Mountain Biking Association. Knysna & Partners in collaboration with Wesgro (the Western Cape economic development agency) are driving a bigger strategy for cycling on the Garden Route, in consultation with SANParks and Cape Pine. “It is important to create what the global mountain biking advocacy calls ‘infrastructure to better the cycling experience’,” says GRNP area manager Johan de Klerk. Follow the GRNP on Facebook or Twitter or visit www. sanparks.org/parks/garden_ route/ or email James Stewart at jlettuce@lincx.co.za for more information on this weekend’s MTB Fun Ride.

Jonathan’s karateka impress in Cape

Congrats to Plett’s Karate Kyousei students and their Sensei, Jonathan Jansen, who took part in the Karate Kyousei National Championships in Cape Town last month. They thank their parents for the wonderful support as well as team manager Anthony Arnolds for making their participation possible. In front from left are Luchiano Damonds, Hylene Cedras, Jenayra Jansen and Jemeille Dixon. In the middle are Nivesha Pika, Noah Prinsloo, Noah Bosman, Kyle McCallum and Shadley Daries, with Ashwill Pegram, Thenique Arnolds, Devargo Paulsen, Henrico Terblanche, Caleb Lottering, Lebo Maikhoso, Caitlin Bosman and Michael Crone at back. (Absent: Kieran Windvogel and Britney Paulse.) Henrico, Kyle and Michael were part of the SWD Karate Kyousei team event which finished in second place at the nationals. Sensei Jonathan came first in kumite and second in the kata, and won the trophy for best fighter at the tournament. In September, he was also awarded as Best Fighter at the SA Police Services championships, where SAPS members from all nine provinces competed.