5 August 2015
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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Our beautiful land! Nolubablo Mooi from KwaNokuthula is taking part in community site guide training run through Plett Tourism, and is pictured here making the hills overlooking Bitou Wetland come alive with her vivacious and energetic personality - turn to page 2 to find out why Nolu is one of many locals getting extremely excited about the prospect of a Garden Route biosphere reserve
Elderly Knysna woman slain p3
Sesona case postponed again p4
Lots learnt at Lipton Cup p12 Photo: Julie Carlisle
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CXPRESS
News & Views
5 August 2015
Our very own biosphere reserve will benefit people and places from age-old story of man vs the environment is well known, however, the proposed George to St Francis The Garden Route Biosphere Reserve not only provides a solution to this issue, but also has
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IOSPHERE reserves are a fairly well-known concept, having first been established through Unesco in 1976. Since then, the numbers have steadily grown and, today, there are 651 biosphere reserves in 120 countries across the globe. Africa is home to 67 in 28 countries, with eight biosphere reserves in South Africa and four of these in the Western Cape. The biosphere reserve programme falls under the
umbrella of Unesco’s MAB (Man and the Biosphere Reserve) programme and, in South Africa, the Department of Environmental Affairs. Our official national definition is: “South African biospheres are special landscapes where socio-ecological land management is practised towards a more sustainable future for all.” Biosphere reserves are tools to address environmental, social and economic sustainability. They defi-
the potential to address many of our socio-ecological problems, writes JULIE CARLISLE
PLETT ECO GUIDES-IN-TRAINING: Excited about the possibilities available through eco-tourism, birding and learning about the magnificent ecology and species found in the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve are, from left, Nigel Gysman, Bonisile Kame, Bhekizizwe Sibisi, Aphiwe Kendle, Thandiswa Mabukane, Nolubabalo Mooi, Thembakazi Mbangata, Vernonia McClean, Ruzaan McClean, and Koboka Mzwabantu with Rouxjay Daries at back and Lukhanyo Mdzeke in front
nitely do not exclude people, development, towns or farmlands. Rather, they logically define an area deemed to be “special” (due to its ecological and cultural areas of significance) into three zones: • Core Zones, e.g. national parks with legal protection; • Buffer Zones that adjoin or surround the core areas and where low-impact activities take place, e.g. ecotourism, education and research; • Transition Zones, where towns are situated and human activities - like farming, business, etc. - take place. We all know that the Garden Route is special. The fynbos biome found here, is the smallest yet most diverse
biodiversity hotspot in the world and has thus been declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. In addition to our magical floral kingdom, we have Afromontane forests, marine protected areas, much cultural diversity and a significant palaeo history that dates back to between 120 and 180,000 years ago. Then we haven’t even mentioned the special species found within our magnificent habitats and which range from the largest land and marine mammals to small aquatic bugs that still await classification and have barely evolved over the past 100-million years. So, yes, we know how spe-
cial the Garden Route is and, yes, international recognition would be fantastic. But how does this affect YOU? The list of benefits includes enhanced livelihoods, easier access to funding opportunities, platforms for stakeholder cooperation, identification of sustainable development opportunities, united branding and marketing potential and, of course, tourism. Advantages to communities, governments, enterprises and the environment can be endless. But, to get there, we first need to submit our application to the MAB programme, highlighting the magnificence of our Garden Route and its inhabitants, and requesting registration
as a biosphere reserve. The Table Mountain Fund is supporting the application process, which includes an extensive public participation programme, so we need your support. The first round will be information sharing meetings, with the next round focusing on mapping the core, buffer and transition zones. Diarise August 11 and 12 to attend meetings in Tsitsikamma, Plett, George and Knysna (see the advert on this page for details). Round 2 dates will be publicised at a later stage. This is a long process, but the beginning of potential opportunities for many, and for our beautiful Garden Route.
Plett’s Eco Atlas lauded at M&G Greening Awards
FINE FLORAL BEAUTY: Professional hiking guide Colin Wylie, left, shares his knowledge of the magnificent fynbos species found in the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve An innovative online platform, Eco Atlas, initiated by Rhian Berning of Plett was awarded runner up at a prestigious gala event for the Mail & Guardian’s Greening The Future Awards in Joburg last week. Eco Atlas was awarded in the Green Economy Modelling category for empowering people with the information they need to make better daily consumer choices and have a positive impact on people and the planet. Many small changes made by many people can affect the grand scale change we need for a viable future for all. The premise of Eco Atlas is that it allows you to vote with your wallet for businesses with ethical and sustainable practices in place - a game changer for a new economic value system. Rhian was accompanied at the awards by her husband, Stuart Palmer of Lunchbox Theatre and her mother, Joan Berning of Eden to Addo, both organisations having been recognised for their positive contributions on a local and national scale. The bottom line is that Plett people are making a difference with great exports of innovative ideas - www.ecoatlas.co.za.
BIRD TALES: Specialist birding guide Gareth Robbins shares his knowledge with a group of trainee Community Eco Guides from Plettenberg Bay - Photos: Julie Carlisle
News & Views
5 August 2015
CXPRESS
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Latest victims of Knysna violent crime were about to buy Lindsay Street home Police have called on the public for assistance with their investigation after an elderly British woman was brutally murdered and her husband viciously attacked in their Knysna home on Sunday morning - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports
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OLICE spokesman Captain Bernadine Steyn said a friend of the couple, whose names have not yet been released as police are still trying to contact their next of kin, had made the grisly discovery after she found their dog wandering in the street. When she took the dog to its owners, she came across the bloody crime scene and contacted the police. “When police members arrived on the scene in Lindsay Street at about 10:30am on Sunday, the body of an elderly woman was found on the floor in the sitting room.
“She had an open wound to her neck and also injuries to her head. Her husband was found in the garage with open wounds to his body,” Steyn said. The 65-year-old woman was declared dead on the scene while her 67-year-old husband was rushed to a George hospital where he is in a serious condition. “He also sustained injuries to his head inflicted by blunt objects.” Steyn said the couple’s green Isuzu Wizard bakkie, with registration number CAW 80489, was stolen by the suspects. Other items including a
television, two laptops, and a tablet were also stolen. “The circumstances surrounding the incident is still unclear and being investigated. Anyone with information is requested to contact Warrant Officer Reginus Quine on 044 302 6608.” Steyn said both victims were British citizens. She added that police were investigating a case of murder, attempted murder, and house robbery. An autopsy was conducted on Tuesday and results were expected to be released later this week. By going to press, no arrests had been made or
Knysna jailbreak - have you seen Nickroy?
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NYSNA SAPS are looking for a convict who escaped from the Knysna correctional facility cells at mid-day on Sunday August 2. A search was launched immediately after the escape, although no details have been made available as yet as to how the prisoner got away. He has been named as Nickroy November and de-
PRISON BREAK: Nickroy November escaped on Sunday August 2
scribed as a man of mediumdark complexion. November was serving a sentence on charges of house-breaking and theft, and was also awaiting trial on another charge of house robbery. The public are urged not to approach or try to apprehend the escapee, but to call the Knysna police station on 044 302 6609. /"Pkmmk"Tkfng{
Handyman accused of preschool assault decided to revoke his parole back in the dock today due to his recent arrest. His
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HE 34-year-old handyman accused of sexually assaulting a six-year-old boy at a popular Plett preschool earlier this year, is set to appear in the local magistrate’s court today (August 5). The matter was placed on today’s court roll for among other reasons a decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on whether the matter should be heard in a higher court. The man, who was employed at the school, was arrested on June 8 after claims that he allegedly sexually assaulted the boy at Footsteps Preschool between April and May this year.
During his first court appearance it came to light that he also had not only been out on parole during the time of the alleged incident, but had two previous convictions, one for attempted murder and another for assault. Despite the previous convictions and parole the accused, who cannot be named until he has pleaded, initially indicated he wanted to apply for bail. State prosecutor Henriette Breedt however informed the court that attempts to apply for bail would be “a fruitless exercise” as the Department of Correctional Services informed her that they had
parole would have expired on September 26, 2018. The handyman then indicated that he no longer wanted to apply for bail, but that he would revisit the option if circumstances changed. The child’s mother said she realised something was amiss when her son’s behaviour suddenly changed. He refused to go to class and became aggressive and withdrawn. He also battled to sleep and after several attempts to say what bothered him, the boy told his mother he had been sexually assaulted by the man in the school’s bathrooms on several occasions. /"[qncpfê"Uvcpfgt
signs found of the stolen car. Earlier this week, neighbours expressed their horror over the brutal murder on their doorstep, and in what they have described as a peaceful neighbourhood. “We were shocked when we heard about it [the murder]. This is usually a very safe area and we have very
little crime,” Rensia Ellis from Pumula Lodge in Lindsay Street said. She added that the few incidents experienced over the years had only been petty crimes and said that the couple lived in a bushy area of Lindsay Street, which could have given the perpetrators cover to watch the property. “We have never had anything this serious.” Another resident, who did not want to be named, said the couple had moved to the Garden Route five years ago after living in Zimbabwe for
some time. He added that they had been in the process of purchasing the home in Lindsay Street when they were attacked. In the meantime, police in Plett are still investigating the murder of a lodge owner who was gunned down on July 24. The body of 66-year-old John Barns was discovered by his wife in his bedroom at Eventide Lodge (formerly Wadrift) in Wittedrift. Barns’ dog was also found dead in the room. Preliminary investigation revealed no signs of forced entry or robbery.
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News & Views
5 August 2015
Candani case has now become a ‘travesty of justice’ Just days after Plett children’s rights groups and residents staged the third march this year in protest of crimes against children, the case against alleged child killer Lulama Candani was delayed yet again - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports
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HE 18-year-old Candani appeared in Plett’s magistrate’s court on Monday and was set to hear whether his case would be heard in the high court or in a regional court. The case was postponed in June for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to make such a decision. State prosecutor Henriette Breedt, however, informed the court that the decision had not yet been made. She said despite the fact that the docket had been delivered to the DPP office in Cape Town two weeks ago, those responsible for making the call had not seen the documents. She therefore requested a postponement to August 20. Candani, who is accused
of slitting eight-year-old Sesona Bhayibhile’s throat and dumping her body near her home in December, was remanded in custody. “We are appalled with what has happened today. This is a total travesty of justice. State resources are being wasted with transporting the alleged perpetrator to and from Mossel Bay each time there is a postponement. “The emotional toll this is taking on the victim’s mother is totally unacceptable,” Women and Men Against Child Abuse spokesman Joanne Barrett said. “Furthermore the cost of transport and days off work incurred by the mother is unacceptable. Our constitution clearly states that cases involving sexual abuse against children must be prioritised.
In this case the government departments are failing the justice system, and clearly do not care.” Green Hearts of Plett spokesman Yvette Wilschut said: “We are disappointed that the case file has been sitting on someone’s desk in Cape Town for the past two weeks, while Sesona’s mother had to sit in court the entire morning only to be told this after 2:30pm. We would like to see this case moved to the high court as soon as possible.” In the meantime about 300 residents and children’s rights activists marched through Plett’s main street on Saturday to demand a dedicated local Family violence Child protection and Sexual offences (FCS) unit, following a spate of crimes against children in recent months. During the march the group handed over several letters of support from key role-play-
ers, including Plett Business Chamber. “The single unit based in George services a vast area, with limited staff and large distances to travel. Victims have long waiting periods for anybody to arrive. That is if anybody ever arrives. The result is that in many cases the victims and family members give up and don’t even report the cases,” chamber chair Mike Scholtz said. Rochelle Junkel from Child Welfare SA said in her letter of support that due to a steady increase in Plett’s population over the past few years and the rapid increase in crime against women and children, they felt it necessary for a dedicated FCS unit to be established. Other organisations that have supported the initiative include Sterreweg centre for children with disabilities, Masizame, and Born in Africa.
Green Hearts want to ensure the safety of all children Yvette Wilschut
T ON THE BEAT FOR BITOU KIDS: Founding members of Plett’s Green Hearts are, from left at back, Janet Harding, Theresa Rossouw, Neliswa Maloni, Magrietha Ferreira, Natasha Kivetts and Helen Bezuidenhout, with Gay Clark, WMACA Cape spokesperson Joanne Barrett, Alda Mills and Yvette Wilschut in front - pictured at centre and right are André Bouwer and Phindiwe Seyisi
HE Green Hearts of Plett is a group of people dedicated to the cause of ensuring a safe, secure and caring environment for Bitou children. Our primary aims are as follows: • To lobby for the establishment of an effective and highly active Family violence, Child abuse and Sexual offences (FCS) unit in Plettenberg Bay. • To petition the Justice Department to adjust the laws and legal prescriptions presently governing the processes pertaining to abuse or sexual offences committed against children. • To petition the same department to prescribe the harshest sentences for convicted perpetrators of child abuse. • To support the families and victims of child abuse during court appearances. • To encourage and enable local residents to express their strongest condemnation of these crimes and the perpetrators in a responsible and controlled manner. • To capacitate our children to act responsibly and be as careful as possible to ensure their own safety and security. The Green Hearts unanimously agree that it is not our duty or responsibility to act as the “jury” in these cases. It needs to be categorically stated that we do not express ourselves on the guilt or innocence of any alleged perpetrator - that is the duty of the State to determine. Our aim is merely to ensure that the necessary laws and mechanisms are in place to fulfil this task speedily and effectively. Should those accused be found guilty, we hope to ensure that perpetrators receive the harshest punishment possible befitting the crime.
News & Views
5 August 2015
CXPRESS
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Notes on a very grand reopening: Never before has The Fernery Lodge looked - or tasted - this good TSITSIKAMMA SPLENDOUR: The four-star Fernery Lodge is literally perched on the edge of Sandrift River Gorge - one of several deep gorges that characterise the Tsitsikamma coastline
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HAT most unique of Tsitsikamma accommodation establishments, the magnificent Fernery Lodge & Chalets, hosted an extremely successful and festive ‘Christmas in July’ food and wine pairing evening on July 25 to officially mark the reopening of the Lodge. Although the chalets have remained open for occupation throughout, the Lodge itself has been closed for repairs and renovations since the Easter weekend when extreme high winds ripped up part of the exterior decking, dining area roofs, and blew in one of the diningroom windows. The damage was sufficiently extensive to necessitate a prolonged period of closure. However, this gave the owners the opportunity to do other renovations at the same time, and now the Fernery is not only fully repaired, but also renewed. The relaunch evening started off with everyone present savouring delicate sips of a superb Windfall MCC, chosen for its ‘exquisite delicacy’ and served with the first of seven courses. By the fourth course, the event was more than living up to its festive July Christmas moniker, and the wine glasses were piling up. Each course was eloquently introduced by executive
chef and food and beverage manager Barry Schmidt, and each wine by an increasingly entertaining Richard Rose of Elgin Vintners - the boutique wine estate cooperative chosen by The Fernery as its premier supplier. Guests and hosts (including Fernery owners Frans and Meg Gerber, and representatives of event co-hosts Winezani distributers and Elgin) were treated to a superb range of Elgin wines, each served with lovingly and carefully crafted haute cuisine examples of the Fernery’s new fusion menu. By the time the second dessert course was served at around 11pm, the party was in full swing. Many guests continued the merriment, bringing the official reopening do to a 2am finale. Only then were all the attentive staff and management, not least GM Peter Schmidt, finally able to retire - a job very well done, and the cherry on top of the months of renovation work and preparing The Fernery for 2015 and beyond. The Fernery has been operational since 2001, but the reopening is a new beginning for the Lodge - and the revamped menu is just the start. Both Barry and Peter were thrilled with the memorable occasion. “It was a highly
WHAT A PAIR: Executive chef Barry Schmidt, left, and GM Peter Schmidt - along with Richard Rose from Elgin Vintners ensured that guests were both educated on the food and wine pairings and entertained throughout the evening
CAP CLASSIQUE: Strawberry panna cotta resting on an almond pound cake base, with coconut caramel home-made ice cream and MCC Jellies - Photos: Nikki Ridley
successful re-launch of the Lodge after many weeks of planning and dedication by all our staff,” said Peter. Barry added that while the party went off well, the ethos that is driving them into the future is one of a total getaway package. “While our new menu is certainly intended to be the start of the experience, what we offer is a complete experience - from the location and views of the waterfalls through to the attentive staff, the food and wine pairing, to the rooms, the surroundings and atmosphere. “A weekend away at the Fernery is intended as a soul home-coming. We want people to feel like they are staying with family.”
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News & Views
5 August 2015
Meet your mental match at GR Mall this Science Week
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T’S time once again to turn speed dating on its head during National Science Week, an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). As part of the initiative’s activities from August 8-10, Capitec Foundation has partnered with the DST for the second year running to roll out the fast-paced educational game ‘Speed Dating for the Brain’ - and young and old are invited to join in the fun at Garden Route Mall in George. “Speed Dating for the Brain is one of National Science Week’s initiatives aimed at popularising science to the broader South African society and making innovation subjects like science, technology, engineering and mathematics more appealing to learners, who we hope would consider careers in these fields,� says Erna Taljaard, national project coordinator for the SA Agency for Science and Technology Advancement. Open to any member of the public who wishes to test their maths, science and financial literacy skills, at no charge, the game is based on the well-known speed dating concept in which a bell marks the time and a person moves from table to table interacting with someone else, but this time participants will engage their brains with science. “Speed Dating for the
SIGNS OF LOVING SCIENCE: Capitec corporate affairs head Sbusiso Kumalo checks out a learner’s progress at the launch of last year’s National Science Week at the University of the Free State
Brain is a vibrant, fun game that makes maths, science and technology more accessible for people of all ages,� says Neptal Khoza from Capitec Foundation. “We are excited to be bringing science to the public again this year with new brain teasing challenges, as part of our programme to advance quality education for young people, but we also urge adults to participate in the game.� Six booths will be set up in a circle in a shopping mall in each province. Contestants will answer short questions that tie in with this year’s National Science Week’s theme ‘The International Year of Light and Lightbased Technologies’.
Contestants can expect to create a rainbow of light with a triangular prism, solve maths problems using match sticks, learn how to bend light using mirrors, investigate the depth of light with just a bowl, a few coins and water, test their financial literacy with a compound interest exercise as well as learn more about how the laser has changed the medical field. And the best part? By taking part, you stand a chance of winning a Windows Tablet with pre-loaded science activities. Contact Speed Dating for the Brain project manager Suma Jovner at suma@vjc. co.za or on 082 436 3195 for further information.
Entrance made pretty by Robberg Quarry Wittedrift High School would like to thank Robberg Quarry for the company’s generous donation of gravel that was used to upgrade the new entrance to the school office. A special thank you goes out to Francois Kotze and Rickus Julian from Robberg Quarry for their support of this project.
Our learners love it when the travelling bookshop comes to town.
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Notice Board • Contemplative Outreach’s Garden Route branch invites you to an introductory workshop to cantering prayer - a method of resting in and waiting upon God, of consenting to the presence and action of Christ in the stillness of our being, and of deepening our personal relationship with God. Register from 8:45am on August 8 at the St Christopher’s hall in Church Street, Plettenberg Bay. The workshop starts at 9am and con-
cludes at 1pm, tea and coffee will be served and books and DVDs will be on sale. There is no charge but a donation will be gratefully received. All denominations are welcome - booking is not necessary, just arrive timeously. Contact Leela Verity on 082 410 4916 or at leela@ global.co.za with enquiries. • Talented Sedgefield residents now have an opportunity to show off to the world, as Ujqyxknng is coming to
town. Scouts of this new SABC2 talent show will visit Sedgefield in search of memorable local talent. Executive producers of this feel-good show are looking for unique and inspiring acts and plan to delve a little deeper into the stories of the personalities behind the talent. Bomber Webb a class act himself - will be MC for the auditions on August 17 from 2pm onwards. You stand a chance to win R10,000 in prize money.
Business
5 August 2015
CXPRESS
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Jobhunt 101: Professionalise your social media profiles A social media audit is the very first step to take before you even start searching for employment, says DR FELICITY COUGHLAN
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MPLOYERS are scrutinising job applicants’ online profiles more closely than ever during the appointment process, and job hunters should rehabilitate their online footprint before even thinking of sending out applications, an education expert says. “Until recently, job hunters have been advised to ensure there is no compromising content on their social media profiles which could potentially harm their prospects,” says Dr Felicity Coughlan, Director of The Independent Institute of Education, South Africa’s largest and most accredited private higher education institution. “But these days, it is not just likely that your online presence will be scrutinised. You can now safely take it as a certainty, and should know that your social profile will substantially shape the impression you create in a recruiter’s mind. “Therefore the social media audit is no longer just something to tick off your job-hunt to-do list. It is in fact the very first step to take before you even start your search.” But Coughlan says it is extremely difficult to cover all your bases when cleaning up your online presence, because many people use several different platforms and applications, and sometimes even forget about accounts they had years ago. “Freedom of speech is not
Investor Focus
freedom from consequences of that speech. Things you have long since forgotten about could damage your chances of landing an interview. And it is also not just what you said or shared that could influence the future employer. “If your entire timeline is filled with selfie after selfie and nothing much besides, it doesn’t indicate the wellroundedness that most employers are looking for. “The best bet is to start with a clean slate, and create a professional online persona from scratch, while ensuring prospective employers are guided to that persona and not your personal social presence,” she says. Coughlan adds that it is not advisable to completely wipe your presence, although there are sites that will allow you to do just that. “Killing off your online presence completely will raise more questions than it will solve problems. If someone researching your name online finds nothing, it will definitely raise a red flag about your candidacy.” Coughlan says a job hunter’s best bet is to set stringent privacy controls over personal content, while building up a strong professional profile elsewhere, and directing prospective employers there. A handy tool for doing so is creating a profile on a whole new platform. A good example is the IIE-
Marque that was recently introduced at higher education institutions including Varsity College, Rosebank College, The Business School, Vega School of Design, and The Design School Southern Africa. All graduates from these institutions have an electronic verification system embedded in their certificates, which links directly to their professional profile online. “Creating and tailoring a new, professional online identity will greatly improve a graduate’s chances in SA’s notoriously tough job market,” says Coughlan. When creating this new profile, graduates should keep in mind that they should: MGGR"KV"TGCN “This is your opportunity to start with a clean slate, so ensure that the information you share is accurate. Add any new relevant information as you progress throughout your studies and career, so that you professional online presence steadily continues to grow. Under no circumstances should you falsely lay claim to qualifications or experience. It will come back to bite you.” JKIJNKIJV" CEJKGXGOGPVU Coughlan says that some candidates are hesitant to sound like they are “brag-
Malcolm Stewart – Portfolio Manager at Sanlam Private Investments Knysna
Exchange Traded Funds: The RAFI Top 40 - total return capped
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HIS type of ETF is commonly called a “smart ETF” as a set of investment fundamentals is applied to the selection of its constituents. The companies selected are restricted to the Top 40 Index, while the following investment fundamentals are applied: Ucngu The average over the last five years. Ecuj"Hnqy The average over the last five years and defined as operating income plus depreciation (simply put, this means ALL of the cash that flows into the company). Dqqm"Xcnwg The net value of all the assets in the company, at the review date. Fkxkfgpfu The average over the last five years. The results of all the above are then averaged as a percentage weighting and are used to calculate a Funda-
mental Value of each company in the Top 40 Index. The “free float” i.e. those shares not held by the controlling party, is also used. This insures that the shares are highly liquid. This process is overseen by a committee of independent investment professionals on a quarterly basis. The effect of applying these investment fundamentals is that exposure to high P/E ratio companies is avoided, particularly when the high P/E ratios are considered to be unsustainable. The top companies in this index are as follows: • Billiton 10.2% • Anglos 9.8% • MTN 8.2% • Sasol 6.9% • OM 6.1% • SAB 6.1% • Standard Bank 5.4% • Richemont 4.8% • Bidvest 2.8% • FNB 2.5% Past performance is 3.5% over one year, 13.9% over three years and 12.34% over five years. The P/E ratio is ±14.3,
while the dividend yield is ±3%. What is important to remember is that this is a “total return” ETF, implying that the dividends are not distributed but are reinvested automatically (after the withholding tax has been paid). This ETF is designed to avoid the high-fliers (e.g. there is no Naspers, etc.), thus protecting the investor from overvalued shares, and is suitable for the serious long-term investor. It does, however, imply that exposure to the high fliers is avoided, so that when the market gains momentum in an aggressive bull market, one can expect to underperform the straight forward Top 40 Index. It is currently not seriously over-valued and should have a place in any long-term ETF portfolio. 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
ging”. “This is not the time to be shy,” she says. “If you have achieved something worth noting, you would do well to highlight that, either by positioning it higher up in your profile, or by making it stand out in another way. “Remember that your online profile allows you to manoeuvre in ways that a CV on paper does not.” GZRNCKP"ICRU"KP" GORNQ[OGPV1 UVWF[KPI “It is not only about what is on your profile, but also what is not. If you took a gap year or had to interrupt your studies for some reason, note it in you profile. “But also make an effort to show that it was not time wasted, and that you built skills or experience in some way.” FGOQPUVTCVG"QT" RTQXKFG"GXKFGPEG" QH"UQHV"UMKNNU Employers don’t just look at your qualifications and technical proficiency. In our tough job market, you have to show that you have, for instance, been able to work successfully as part of a team, or that you can communicate well in a professional environment. “In 2015, social media provides both a challenge and an advantage to job seekers. By taking the time and making the effort, you can put yourself well ahead of the pack by ensuring your online profile reflects a wellrounded, reliable and professional candidate,” concludes Coughlan.
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Interval
5 August 2015
A lady walks into a boutique and asks the sales assistant: “May I try on that cute dress in the window?” The sales assistant replies: “Sure, but wouldn’t you be more comfortable in the fitting rooms?”
Goodbye, Mother!
A
young man shopping in a supermarket noticed a little old lady following him around. When he stopped, she stopped. What’s more, she kept staring at him. She finally overtook him at the checkout, and turned to him and said: “I hope I haven’t made you feel ill at ease, it’s just that you look so much like my late son.” “That’s okay,” the young man answered. “I know it’s silly, but if you’d call out: ‘Goodbye, Mom’ as I leave the store, it would make me feel really happy,” the old lady said.
She then went through the checkout, and as she was on her way out of the store, the young man called out: “Goodbye, Mom!” The little old lady waved, and smiled back at him. Pleased that he had brought a little sunshine into someone’s day, the man went to pay for his groceries. “That comes to R450,” said the clerk. “Why so much? I only bought five items!” the man exclaimed. The clerk replied: “Yeah, but your mother said you’d be paying for her things, too.”
Computer terms - farmer’s translation • LOG ON: Making a wood stove hotter. • LOG OFF: Don’t add no more wood. • MONITOR: Keeping an eye on the wood stove. • DOWNLOAD: Gettin’ the farwood off the truck • MEGA HERTZ: When yer not been keerful gettin’ the farwood. • FLOPPY DISC: Whatcha git from tryin’ to carry too much farwood. • HARD DRIVE: Gettin’ home in the winter time. • PROMPT: What the mail ain’t in the winter time. • WINDOWS: What to shut when it’s cold outside. • SCREEN: What to shut when it’s black fly season. • BYTE: What them dang flies do.
• CHIP: Munchies fer the TV. • MICRO CHIP: What’s in the bottom of the munchie bag. • MODEM: Whatcha did to the hay fields. • DOT MATRIX: Old Dan Matrix’s wife. • LAPTOP: Where the kitty sleeps. • KEYBOARD: Where ya hang the dang truck keys. • MOUSE: What eats the grain in the barn. • MOUSE PAD: That’s hippie talk fer the mouse hole. • MAIN FRAME: Holds up the barn roof. • ENTER: Fancy talk fer “c’mon in, y’all”. • RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY: When ya can’t ‘member what ya paid fer the rifle.
One real difficult question
T
HERE was a student who was desirous of taking admission for a study course. He was smart enough to get through the written test, and was to appear for a personal interview. Later, as the interview progressed, the interviewer found this boy to be bright since he could answer all the questions correctly. The interviewer got impatient and decided to corner the student. “Tell me your choice,” he said. “I shall either ask you 10 easy questions or one real difficult question.
Think well before you make up your mind.” The boy thought for a while and said: “My choice is one real difficult question.” “Well, good luck to you,” said the interviewer. “Tell me: What comes first - day or night?” The boy thought for a while, then said: “Day, Sir.” “How did you come to that conclusion?” the interviewer asked, smiling. “Sorry Sir, you promised me you will not ask me a second difficult question.” Admission for the course was thus secured.
Unique business names...
Social Scene
5 August 2015
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BOHO BRIDE GETS HER DRESS AND DAY: Taryn (née) Antunes wed her true love, Ryan Stemmet, on July 4 at beautiful Forest Hall surrounded by a crowd of happy friends and family from near and far. Taryn’s ravishing dress was manufactured by her cousin, KZNbased designer extraordinaire Julia Ferrandi, who she claims ‘captured the essence of my boho heart’ (that’s ‘bohemian’, for those not in the know). Read the Stemmets’ letter of heartfelt thanks on page 11.
Photos: Fiona Clair
People, places & events
EDEN HEALTH SHINES AT RURAL SUMMIT: Three Eden District health facilities - Oudtshoorn, Mossel Bay and Knysna hospitals - each received an award for support and innovation at the second C²AIR² Rural Summit on July 23 in Caledon. Western Cape minister of Health Nomafrench Mbombo, said: ‘We are actively striving to instil values-driven behaviour in staff. The culture change management programme specifically aims at driving values-based behaviour. Boosting staff morale is a key priority for the Department, which needs to build staff resilience in a tough and stressful environment. Our focus is on caring for our carers to enable a more patient-centred approach to everyday business.’ The C²AIR² rural summit is a platform for participants to showcase their innovations and 18 facilities from Eden, Central Karoo and Overberg districts participated on the day. The C²AIR² (Caring, Competence, Accountability, Integrity, Responsiveness and Respect) Club Challenge focuses on living the departmental values. In the pic above left, from left, are Deon Matthee, Madelain Cronjé, Dr Earle du Plooy, Shameel Alexander, Shahieda Galant, Dr Andries Brink, and Roger Joubert from Knysna Hospital. Above at right Kwanokuthula CDC operational manager Petronella Peters explains their innovation.
A GOOD CHEF CAN COOK ANYWHERE... so the saying goes. And chefs participating in the seventh annual Gourmet & Gourmand evening in aid of the Carpe Diem School in George give new meaning to these words. This year’s event takes place on August 22 and the school hall will be transformed to suit the theme ‘Food of the Opera’, with legendary singer André Schwartz as guest artist. The 19 participating Garden Route restaurants prepare their food in mobile kitchens in the courtyard outside the venue. Says National Bailli of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs François Ferreira, who has been part of the event for the past seven years: “Planning is crucial - you need to plan a menu that can be executed and presented under these circumstances. You need to practise the dishes, presentation, and time it takes to plate every course on the menu. You make endless lists - what to pack, what to do when and what to prepare beforehand. Timing is important. You are outside in the open air on a winter’s night in August.” According to the chefs, the best part of the evening is that you donate your time and skill to the specialneeds learners of Carpe Diem School. In the pic Chef Alma of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and Carpe Diem principal Karools Hauptfleisch are flanked by Simone O Neill, left, and Santana Moses of Labelle Finishing School. Call 044 874 4074 or email carpekarools@telkomsa.net for details.
BYE FOR NOW, EM & LYLE: ‘English Emma’ Cooney and beau Lyle Harker, at centre, had a little farewell do at Flashbacks last Saturday before departing for the UK where their baby, now five months in the brewing, is due by December. Bon voyage and here’s looking forward to seeing the fruit of your labour, guys! With them in the pic from left are Jeremy, Sarah, and Angie.
PLETT ANN HONOURED: On Sunday July 26, the Rotary Club of Plettenberg Bay held its induction lunch at Lily Pond. Assistant district governor Mika Lutchman inducted the incoming presidents of Rotary and Rotary Anns, and presented various awards to the clubs. Ann Smart and her late husband, Alex, were Charter Members of Plett Rotary Club in 1986. Ann served for four years as Rotary Anns president and is a Paul Harris Fellow. At the lunch, Mika awarded Ann the most prestigious Sapphire Pin in recognition of her outstanding and ongoing contribution to Rotary Anns and the community of Plettenberg Bay. Ann is truly a living example of ‘Service above Self’ and was warmly congratulated by all present. In the pic from left are Mika, Ann, and current Anns president Beryl Winter.
‘PAVAROTI’ NOW KNYNSA-BOUND: A magnificent classical performance, ‘Tribute to Pavarotti’ by vocalist Claud Schmidt, was held recently at the Dutch Reformed Church in Plettenberg Bay. Claud, at centre, was accompanied by, from left, Jan Rossouw on bass; pianist and flutist Marie Skeen; his wife, vocalist and guitarist Cindy-Lee Schmidt; his father Willy Schmidt on vocals and guitar; and a flute student of Marie’s, Desire Pretorius, who is also part of the Knysna Montessori school choir with Claud as choir master. Now good news for Knysna music lovers and Pavarotti fans is that ‘Tribute’ is due to play on Thesen Islands later this month. Watch this space for details...
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5 August 2015
Classifieds
On the Soapbox
5 August 2015
Letters to the Editor
CXPRESS
Email: editor@cxpress.co.za - Fax: 044 533 0852 - PO Box 1449, Plett 6600
Saluting our local heroes with a useful Pelican case In recognition of the courageous work carried out by our local NSRI crew members and support staff, Dunes Resort and Dunes Park bodies corporate donated a Pelican case to representatives of Plett Station 14 recently. Dunes Resort estate manager Pieter Engelbrecht commented that, on the rare occasions we had to call on Plett NSRI, the crews had been highly professional, adding: “It is tremendously reassuring to know that we have such a great rescue service at hand in the event of
HEARTFELT: Pieter Engelbrecht hands over the Pelican case - a waterproof container for a defibrillator used to treat heart conditions - to Steph le Roux, deputy station commander of NSRI station 14 at the Dunes Beach viewing deck, surrounded by crew and their kids and Dunes bodies corporate members
an emergency.” Chris van den Berg, director of The Vacation Group,
hotel operator at Dunes Resort, also complimented the work of the local crew, high-
lighting that it was essential in ensuring the safety of both our local and overseas tourist visitors to the area. Station 14 administrator Tracy Meintjes said: “It is fabulous when we receive such support from the general community and the Pelican case will be put to good use as it is an integral part of our sea rescue apparatus. On behalf of Station 14, our thanks to the good people of Keurbooms.” flNcpfE‚."qp"dgjcnh"qh"Vjg" Fwpgu"dqfkgu"eqtrqtcvg." Mgwtdqqou
Geyer on, geyser off - same difference on your utilities bill I write in reply to Andrew Forbes’ letter with regard to switching of a geyser to save electricity [turn to page 11 of the July 22 edition at www. cxpress.co.za]. Andrew, you are quite correct with your experiment. Switching off a geyser serves no purpose whatsoever. Let us compare the two scenarios - the first being when the geyser is left
switched on. Once the water temperature has reached the level set by the thermostat, the only loss of heat is through water usage, and a small amount due to imperfect insulation around the water jacket. When the water temperature drops to a pre-set level, the thermostat kicks in, supplying voltage to the element to keep the water at a con-
stant temperature. This may mean the element switches on and off a couple of times for a few minutes daily. When the geyser is switched off, however, the water which was at its set temperature now cools down by both the hot water usage and also by the small amount of heat loss through the insulation. When the geyser is
switched back on, the element now has to remain on for much longer to get the temperature back up to where the thermostat temperature is set. If you were to place an electricity meter that records the usage on each of the above scenarios, you would find that the electricity usage is identical. Tqigt"Fcxku."Rngvv
Thank you for making our magical wedding dream come true July 4 was the most beautiful and happy day of our lives and we are thrilled and grateful that so many of our friends and family from all over the world came to our beautiful hometown of Plett to share our special day and celebrate our love. Huge thanks go to our parents - Fernando & Karen Antunes and Gloria & Brian Stemmett - for giving us this wonderful and extraordinary day, and to our bridesmaids Jade, Irena, Tiffany, Ceri, Maxi, and Simone, and groomsmen Shaun, Russell, Ryan, Ronald, Patrick, and JJ for their love and support. We say an extra special thank you to our local suppliers: Ian MacMillan from Music Box Plett, our DJ who rocked the party ‘till the wee hours of the morning - you are a rock star! To our caterer, Deidre Hartley from Dee’s Catering,
BEAUTY ALL AROUND: Mr & Mrs Stemmett exchanged wedding vows at beautiful Forest Hall Estate in The Crags – see more photos on page 9 - Photo: Fiona Clair
your food was absolutely delicious and all our guests raved about your lamb shanks! To Pieter, the estate manager at Forest Hall, for going above and beyond. To Ruby from Ruby’s Flowers for ordering a magnificent array of fresh flowers and for creating a stunning bouquet as well as seven sensational flower crowns. To Elzaan, Amanda and Jason from Events & Tents for all your assistance and patience with our equipment hire needs.
To Paula Slabbert from Plett Waitering & Bar Staff for supplying on-the-ball waiters and waitresses. To Daniel from Bramon Wines and Gloria from Plettenvale Wines for giving our guests a taste of Plett’s wines and for the free bottle of bubbly we thoroughly enjoyed. To Hajni and her therapists at Jiwu Spa for pampering “the girls” with spa treatments at a 25% discounted rate the day before the wedding. To Julia Ferrandi, my cousin and wedding dress
designer, you captured the essence of my boho heart! To Fiona Clair, our Cape Town-based photographer, you are one incredibly talented artist - your photos take our breath away. To all the local businesses that offered incredible discounts for our wedding guests, it truly expressed the spirit of our small town and community. Thank you Jiwu Spa, Knysna Elephant Park, Monkeyland, Birds of Eden, Jukani, Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours, Bloukrans Bungy and Swim with the Seals. And last but definitely not least, we thank everyone at Plett Primary School and Denron (our places of work) for their love, support and encouragement leading up to our big day. It was a magical dream come true in every way and there was an abundance of love in the air. Vct{p"cpf"T{cp."Rngvv
Paws
Plett Animal Welfare Service
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Sport & Adventure
5 August 2015
Youthful locals impress at Cape Town’s Lipton Cup
K
NYSNA Yacht Club’s (KYC) all-junior team recently took a highly re-
spectable overall 13th place at the Lipton Cup Challenge held annually at the Royal
Cape Yacht Club in Cape Town. It is an L26 design keelboat race and is considered the premier sailing event in South Africa. The 2015 challenge was held over four suitable sailing days from July 10-17, with days presenting high swells up to 4m and strong winds up to 30 knots. The team, consisting of skipper Seth Young, Jason Cook, Justin Stoker, Sara Young, Sage Pretorius and helmsman Georgou Divaris, were the youngest to compete in the competition’s long history, with an average age of 16.4yrs. Proud of the young sailors’ achievement in often extremely challenging conditions, KYC issued a statement saying that the young team had learnt a huge amount from the international sailors they competed against, and quoting the two female team members. “Lipton Cup Challenge was one of the best experiences ever. To race against the top sailors in South Africa and listen to their stories and knowledge was absolutely incredible,” said Sara Young. “The people I met there will stay friends forever. All sailors who want to get
FLYING FEATHERS: The Knysna Yacht Club team flying their new spinnaker sponsored by The Featherbed Company - Photo: Trevor Wilkins
more involved with keelboat sailing should do Lipton. I learnt a lot and will be back again next year.” Sage Pretorius added: “I learnt many things from this Lipton and it gave me more confidence in my sailing - it was good to experience sailing on an L26 in an extreme way and was an amazing thing to do. I would love to do it a hundred times again!” Knysna Yacht Club and the team thank all the sponsors who contributed to realising their participation in the competition. /"Pkmmk"Tkfng{
YOUNG BUT NOT GREEN: From left are Sara (halyards/strings), Seth (foredeck/skipper), Justin (Genoa settings), Georgou (helm), and Jason (spinnaker/cars), with Sage (foredeck No 2) in front - Photo: John Young african-rhythm.wix.com/adventures
Make the most of our neighbourhood’s natural sports ground this weekend
R
IDE! The fifth Storms River Travers MTB Challenge will be taking place from August 8-10. The three-stage race starts at Tsitsikamma Village Inn in Storms River Village, and is routed through intermediate-level tracks along the coastline and through plantations, with a daily distance range from 40-70km. TWP#" The AFB Southern Cross Trail Run is another threestage event scheduled for this weekend, but on the other side of CX Country’s
coastal paradise. The ‘SOX’ Trail Run is marketed as the “ultimate personal challenge” and, starting in the Outeniqua Mountains, spirals down in three distinct circular stages through indigenous forest and on to rugged coastline at Wilderness: mountain, forest and river/coastline. The event will also be held over the weekend (August 8-10) and daily distances are 29km (mountain), 31km (forest) and 18km (coastal). Email Sonja Otto at admin@ trisport.co.za or go to www. trisport.co.za for details.
PULL UP YOUR SOX: The Southern Cross or SOX Trail Run is more than a run and hike in the Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park - it’s a treat for participants who will race through breath-taking indigenous forests, ocean backdrops, a sandy beach and mountain fynbos area
On the team that’s off to Chile Lithemba Mpoli, a Grade 11 learner at Wittedrift High School in Plettenberg Bay, recently reached the height of his sporting career when he was chosen to join the U/17 National 40man soccer training squad. Lithemba and his team will be representing South Africa at the world championships in Chile later this year. Congrats, young Mister Mpoli!