5 February 2020
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
Plain sailing for Plett’s intrepid anglers Shaun Tomlinson, left, and Patrick McDonald of Enrico’s Fishing Safaris show off the magnificent sailfish they landed in the bay last week. Read the story on page 12, as well as the report on a very successful fishing competition.
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Voëlklip kills again p3
Knysna council woes p4
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Photo: Nicole McDonald
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CXPRESS
NEWS & VIEWS
5 February 2020
Plettenbergbaai se NG Gemeente vier nege dekades van uitreik en genade Tydens die naweek van 24-26 Januarie het die Nederduitse Gereformeerde (NG) Kerk Plettenbergbaai feestelik haar 90ste bestaansjaar gevier, vertel DS FRANÇOIS CILLIERS EESVIERINGE om die belangrike mylpaal in ons kerk se lewe te herdenk, het op Vrydagaand 24 Januarie afgeskop met ‘n heerlike geselligheid in die geselskap van Mel Botes by die kerkkompleks in Marineweg. Sondagoggend het die hele gemeente saamgetrek vir ‘n spesiale nagmaal- en verjaarsdagdiens by die kerkkompleks in Wittedrift, met ‘n genotvolle kuier onder die groot bome na die diens - met verjaarsdagkoek en al! In ‘n stampvol kerk is die Here gedank vir ‘n ryke verlede en ‘n toekoms vol hoop. En as deel van ons verjaarsdagvieringe het elkeen van die 600 gesinne in ons gemeente ‘n spekboom by die erediens ontvang om te plant. Die gebaar wil wys dat ons omgee vir ons omgewing en ‘n aktiewe rol speel in die bewaring van die natuur. Ons is baie opgewonde oor hierdie inisiatief! ‘n Stukkie geskiedenis Die NG Kerk Plettenbergbaai het 90 jaar gelede van Knysna Gemeente afgestig. Die gemeente is eers vernoem na ‘n voormalige predikant van Knysna, ds PR McLachlan. Die kerkgebou is opgerig in Wittedrift - waar daar vandag nog elke Sondag ‘n erediens gehou word. Vanaf 1930, tot kort na die inhuldiging van die nuwe kerkkompleks in die dorp in 1987, het die kerk nog as NG McLachlan bekend gestaan. Reeds in 1983 het die kerkraad die besluit herbevestig dat die gemeente vier bedieningspunte sal hĂŞ: Wittedrift, Plettenbergbaai, Harkerville (eiendom in die kerk se besit sedert 1936),
en Nature’s Valley (waar dienste sedert 1973 gehou word). By al vier hierdie komplekse word vandag nog eredienste gehou. Die tweede kerkgebou is in die dorp (Marineweg) gebou in 1987 as gevolg van die bedieningsbehoeftes in Plettenbergbaai self. Dit dien vandag as volwaardige kerkkompleks met ‘n kerkgebou, kerksaal en pastorie, net soos in Wittedrift. Die leraars Ds Chris du Preez is vanaf 2001 leraar in NG Kerk Plettenbergbaai. Hy en sy gesin woon in Wittedrift en hy is die leraar verantwoordelik vir eredienste in Wittedrift (elke Sondag) en in Nature’s Valley (een keer per maand). Die skrywer (ds François Cilliers) het in 2017 by die gemeente aangesluit en woon in die pastorie in Plettenbergbaai, waar ek elke Sondag bedien. Ek preek verder een keer per maand by die kerkkompleks in Harkerville. Plettenbergbaai Gemeente kyk dankbaar terug na ‘n ryk geskiedenis en geseĂŤnde pad die afgelope 90 jaar. Daar het groot veranderings in die omgewing plaasgevind en waar inwoners eers hoofsaaklik boere, bosbouers en houtkappers was, is dit vandag een van die mees gewildste vakansie bestemmings in die land. Binne hierdie konteks is dit die gemeente se voorreg om die evangelie van Jesus Christus te verkondig. Daar is regdeur nege dekades intens betrokke gebly by barmhartigheid, sendingwerk en uitreike. Die versorging van mense in nood, soms ver buite haar
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PREDIKERS EN KIE: Van links is Magdeleen and ds François Cilliers, lidmate Tio en Lynette Moggee, en ds Chris en Emmarenthia du Preez in ligte luim na die Nagmaaldiens in Wittedrift
GEEN MAKIETIE SONDER KOEK: Gebak is met afbeeldings van die Marineweg en Wittedrift kerkgeboue versier, en met oorgawe verslind!
grense, was vir die NG Kerk Plettenbergbaai Gemeente nog altyd deel van haar Goddelike roeping. Dit is ‘n taak wat met groot dankbaarheid verrig word. Ons kon byvoorbeeld in 2019 ‘n paar honderd-duisend rand skenk aan gemeentes in die Noord-Kaap en Wes-Kaap wat boere in droogte geteisterde gebiede ondersteun. Maandeliks word daar steeds finansiĂŤle bydraes gemaak vir behoeftige mense in nood in Plettenbergbaai en die gemeente bly voortdurend betrokke by kleuter- en ander skole in minder bevoorregte gebiede. Die fisiese en geestelike welstand van mense bly ‘n prioriteit.
Ons dank die Here vir hierdie voorreg! Ons sĂŞ ook dankie aan elke lidmaat en vakansieganger wat oor 90 jaar dit vir die gemeente moontlik gemaak het om ‘n diep spoor van hoop en uitreik in die omgewing te kon trap. Mag ons nog baie jare hier in Sy diens wees. • Ds François Cilliers het reeds as hoĂŤrskoolleerling geroep gevoel om in die bediening te wees. Hy is in 2010 in Pretoria as proponenet gelitigimeer. Vandaar is hy na NG Kerk Unitaspark, voor hy in 2017 in Plettenbergbaai bevestig is. Kontak hom by fcilliers4@ gmail.com vir verdere inligting. (Sien nog foto’s op bladsy 9.)
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NEWS & VIEWS
5 February 2020
CXPRESS
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Voëlklip claims another life - how many more crosses before something is done?
DEATH MARKED: These photos of a wide range of crosses erected in the vicinity of Voëlklip have been posted on Facebook - below at left, a heart-shaped stone to commemorate the death of Heidi Scheepers and her two children reads ‘we will pray for you’ and also features the name of her husband, Etienne
Talia Day Halderman
EDNESDAY January 29 marked yet another mortality on the notorious Voëlklip Road, linking George and Herold’s Bay. At approximately 8:30am, a rented white Ford EcoSport was spotted driving at high speed along the road, when the car swerved to the right and plunged off the cliff. The incident was seen by witnesses, who immediately notified authorities, said George police communications officer captain Nolonwabo Tshengu. The man’s body was recovered at about 12:20 from the rocks by a joint operation between ER24, Metro Emergency Services, the police, George fire brigade and traffic officers. The vehicle had a CA registration plate but at the time of going to print, the man’s identity had not yet been released, as requested by his
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family. He has however been identified as a 52-year-old businessman from PE. This particular piece of road has claimed nine lives in the past couple of years, with the most recent fatality that of a woman in her 50s whose red Chevrolet Spark went off the cliff last December. Only two months prior, the notorious pass had claimed the lives of Heidi Scheepers, 35, and her two children, Cozette and Hugo, aged six and two respectively. Their grey Caravelle went off the cliff in October 2019, after returning home from a visit to Herold’s Bay. The bodies of Heidi and Hugo were found days after the accident, but Cozette’s remains were never recovered. Local Facebook groups are buzzing with outrage at the pointless deaths, and there have been calls for the erection of barriers or to close the road entirely. A WhatsApp message was
sent out to Herald’s Bay residents shortly after the incident on Wednesday, stating: “Three areas were identified as dangerous to the road users and are to be protected by means of barricades. Provincial Transport has requested finance to progress these actions. “A request to close the road until these actions were completed were refused as the road is a public road. As the road is a provincial road the owner bears no responsibility for the safety of the public using it.” The road is frequently used by tourists and for recreational travel, according to Jandré Bakker - head of communications at the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works (DTPW). It has belonged to the DTPW since 1958. The question remains: how many more bodies will be retrieved from the deadly Voëlklip rocks before action is taken?
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CXPRESS
NEWS & VIEWS
5 February 2020
Court case concluded, now Knysna awaits judgement to end dragging mayoral saga The embattled Knysna mayor’s fate will soon be known after the court case, in which he challenged his removal from the DA and subsequently as Ward 9 councillor and mayor, was concluded last week and judgment reserved - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports N urgent High Court application for interdictory relief, that would reverse former mayor Mark Willemse’s removal from the DA, was filed by his counsel in October last year. Willemse, who was elected mayor of Knysna by council in mid-2018, maintains his removal was unlawful. The matter was heard and concluded on January 30, and acting judge Siegfried Gustav Sievers SC has reserved judgment. Willemse seemed to have found himself in hot water with the DA when he voted
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MARKING HIS TERRITORY: Mark Willemse will ‘soon’ hear what his future holds - Photo: Facebook
“with his conscience” in an ANC-led motion of no confidence in former mayor Eleanor Bouw-Spies in June 2018. He was subsequently nominated as mayor and the proposal was supported by ANC councillors, which saw Willemse become mayor after all DA councillors, excluding Willemse and former deputy mayor Peter Myers, walked out of the special council
meeting during which the process transpired. Since his election as mayor, Willemse survived two motions of no confidence submitted by his fellow DA councillors. He was eventually stripped of his party membership - which saw him removed as ward councillor and mayor - on September 30 last year. This move was then challenged with a Western Cape High Court application for an interdict to place Willemse’s removal from the DA, and subsequently his removal as councillor and mayor, on hold. Willemse also submitted an urgent application to
MM could face suspension should he fail to convince council that he’s fit for the job Ludumo Tede
NYSNA municipal manager Dr Sitembele Wiseman Vatala has been granted a seven-day period by the municipality’s council to revert with a motivation why he should not be suspended from his position. This follows the motion that was proposed against Vatala during the ordinary council meeting held on Thursday January 30. In the meeting the council demanded an explanatory report from the MM on how the municipality landed in its current financial predicament, and started to discuss remedial measures to be taken to sail through this fiscal storm. During the proceedings of the meeting, DA councillor Peter Myers proposed a motion against Vatala, which was supported by the DA and COPE, and only opposed by the ANC. This meeting was called following the release of a financial report which indicates that Knysna Municipality is skating on thin ice. And the fiery blame darts
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are pointing directly to the municipal administration, and the MM specifically for the municipality’s alarming decline in cash flow. On January 17, Knysna Ratepayers Association wrote on its social media page that they had sent a letter to the MM requesting clarity on the financial deterioration between end of September and November. The letter was sent on December 30. The November financial report the committee saw on the municipal website stated
WISDOM TESTED: Knysna Municipality welcomed municipal manager Dr Sitembele Wiseman Vatala into the fold on April 1 last year; by January 30, a motion was brought against him at a meeting when he was required to explain Knysna’s financial predicament
Knysna Municipality strives to maintain its position as a premier tourist destination in South Africa – a place where peace, prosperity and harmony prevail, ensuring an exceptional lifestyle for residents and visitors alike.
FORMAL SCHEDULED WARD COMMITTEE MEETINGS The Municipality hereby gives notice of Ward Committee meetings which will be held in all municipal wards as per the schedule below: WARD
COUNCILLOR
DATE
VENUE
TIME
1
Levael Davis
18/02/2020
Smutsville Youth Centre
18:00
2
Cathy Weideman
27/02/2020
Sedgefield Council Chambers
18:00
3
David Skosana
03/03/2020
Chris Hani Hall
18:00
5
Hilton Stroebel
19/03/2020
Rheenendal Youth Centre
18:00
6
Elrick Van Aswegen
17/03/2020
Hornlee Committee Room
18:00
7
Mandla Matiwane
26/03/2020
Khayalethu Hall
18:00
8
Thando Matika
24/03/2020
Masifunde Library
18:00
9
Mertle Gombo
31/03/2020
Cearn Hall, Leisure Island
18:00
10
Peter Myers
24/02/2020
Council Chambers
17:15
11
Lorraine Opperman
30/03/2020
Sunridge Primary School
18:30
Enquiries can be directed to Mr Brian Cornelius, Coordinator: Public Participation at bcornelius@knysna.gov.za or alternatively to Ms Noxolo Mcothama at nmcothama@knysna.gov.za or tel. 044 302 6586. DR SW VATALA MUNICIPAL MANAGER www.ayandambanga.co.za
stop the DA, the IEC and local government MEC Anton Bredell from setting a date for a by-election to fill his vacant seat. This relief was granted in October last year. The court case involving his membership termination, following several postponements, finally came to a close last week. Sievers did not provide a timeframe for judgement, but indicated that it would be soon. In the meantime, Knysna Ward 9 remains without a councillor and deputy mayor Aubrey Tsengwa has taken over the powers and duties of Willemse. Garden Route Media
138625 www.thecandocompany.co.za
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that the projected net deficit in cash by June 30 would be R191,660,000 while it was sitting at R53,337,000 in August 2019. In his report highlighting the reasons that resulted in the municipality’s financial crisis, Vatala said: “Knysna Municipality is using its own money to advance funds for projects normally funded by national and provincial grant or loans, e.g. housing, while awaiting reimbursement. “There was an enormous increase in capital expenditure financed from cash reserves in 2019 and 2020, exhausting the municipality’s available reserves.” He also mentioned failure to apply for grants, as one of the reasons leading to the dire financial state. Although no fraud or theft had been discovered, according to the ratepayers, a full investigation was still to be conducted. Later this week the troubled MM will tell the council why he should remain in his position, as per the motion. Only then his fate will be decided.
NEWS & VIEWS
5 February 2020
Redevelopment of Grey Street about to kick off NYSNA municipal manager Dr Sitembele Vatala said an amount of R17-million has been allocated for the reconstruction of Grey Street. “This includes replacement of the old water pipeline, the total rebuilding of the road, parking and beautification. The project is funded from the Municipal Infrastructure Grant allocation for the 2019/20 financial year.” Vatala said construction work will start during the first week of February with expected completion in April 2021. “Work will commence with the installation of an above-ground temporary water pipeline before construction on the road will kick off. This will diminish the impact on services to Grey Street property owners and tenants. “Phase 2 will be the reconstruction of the road, which will be done in blocks, continuing north until it reaches Main Street. The first block will be between Waterfront
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Drive and Gordon Street.” Construction on Grey Street will be suspended during Easter, Knysna Oyster Festival, and the December school holidays. This action puts residents and visitors first to help them get where they need to go as quickly as possible during these holidays. The construction suspension is in keeping with the project ethos, which
prioritises the convenience of all stakeholders, minimising traffic congestion and travel delays during roadworks. A project manager will be onsite throughout the project to ease communication between the contractor, residents, and local business owners. “We hope that this will improve communication between all parties and
SEVERAL SHADES OF GREY: The much-anticipated upgrade of Grey Street in Knysna’s central business district is about to begin
help to facilitate logistics like deliveries, for example, ultimately ensuring a smooth running project.” The municipality’s Grey Street Project is an integral part of Knysna’s Central Business District Renewal Programme (CBDRP). The goal of the CBDRP at large is to build, restore, renew and enhance the central business district for all of its users. “I know that work on the project may cause some frustration and inconvenience, but keep in mind that the end product will be an attractive, inclusive space for our residents,” Vatala concluded. The tender to carry out the project has been awarded to experienced joint venture Mapitsi Civil Works and IE Piping. Project manager Aubrey Tlhale can be reached on 081 785 0526 or at aubrey tlale196@gmail.com. Alternatively, call the municipality’s Shaun Maree on 044 302 6309 or email smaree@knysna. gov.za with enquires.
Deadline extended for land expropriation bill objections N an email headed ‘We have just won the first battle’, Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen thanks constituents for objecting to the January 31 deadline pertaining to the proposed land expropriation bill. “After almost 30,000 objections in just two days, and tremendous pressure from DA politicians in parliament, the deadline for objections against the amendment to Section 25
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to allow for land expropriation without compensation has been extended. “We now have until February 29 to get as many South Africans as possible to lodge their objections against this disastrous, economy killing bill,” said Steenhuisen, adding that this showed what could happen when citizens “stand up and make their voices heard”. He encouraged those who haven’t yet done so
to lodge objections at ProtectPropertyRights.co.za and to implore friends and family to do the same. “If you have already lodged an objection, please consider making a small donation to allow us to continue the fight. Every cent you contribute allows us to reach even more South Africans as we work to push lodged objections well over the 100,000 mark. “In addition, we are
preparing constitutional court papers in the event that the ANC refuses to listen and pushes the constitutional amendment through parliament. “We still have a long way to go, and a lot more to do, but this shows what we can achieved with active citizenry. Do not relent. We have just won the first battle,” Steenhuisen concluded. Email info@da.org.za for further details.
CXPRESS
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CXPRESS
NEWS & VIEWS
5 February 2020
Support these talented Tsitsikamma youngsters and win super prizes N October last year, we reported on talented Luvolwethu Koli - a 17-year-old Storms River Village resident who stand a chance to gain international recognition for his art after successfully auditioning for a global talent showcase in Cape Town [read ‘Fleet-footed Tsitsikamma youngster gets call-back to compete on New York stage’ on page 5 of the October 16 edition at www.cxpress.co.za]. Luvolwethu, along with fellow Paul Sauer High student and talented actress Zoe Botha, 16, had been chosen to attend the IMTA (International Modeling and Talent Association) showcase in New York City during July this year. But being part of “the largest model and talent convention in the world” doesn’t come for free, and the challenge is now to raise the funds necessary to pay for these local teens’ trip to the USA. Flights, accommodation, participation fees, and refreshments will have to be paid for by the talented youngsters’ families. Luvolwethu’s mom Patricia has been hard at work since last year to start accumulating funds, which is easier said than done in the
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current economic climate. “However, I managed to receive sponsorships from a few local businesses, in the form of prizes that include accommodation at quality B&Bs, as well as vouchers for popular outdoor activities,” explains Patricia. She adds that readers from across the Route can benefit from this raffle, as tickets are priced between R20 and R50, with prizes valued up to R3,000. The list of prizes includes: • Package one: one night bed and breakfast for two, courtesy of At the Woods B&B, with a segway tour for two people at R50 per raffle ticket (closing date February 29). • Package two: one night
accommodation for two with dinner at Tsitsikaya Lodge and Spa at R50 per ticket (close: March 31). • Bungy jump for one person at Bloukrans Bridge at R20 per raffle ticket. (Note that the prizes are not to be used during school holidays or public holidays.) “All the above vouchers have been sponsored by the establishments in order to raise funds for these Tsitsikamma youngsters to perform in New York at IMTA in July,” says Patricia. Call her on 084 020 9995 or email patricia.koli@ sanparks.org or call Zoe’s mom Beryl Botha on 084 239 8686 if you would like to buy raffle tickets or contribute to travel costs.
OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME: Zoe and Luvolwethu are raring to show their home-grown talent on an international stage, so are now selling raffle tickets for tremendous prizes to raise funds for their trip to New York in July
Reap the rewards of reading aloud... today! N a country where nearly 80% of Grade 4 learners cannot read with comprehension in any language, including their home language, there is one day on the international calendar that deserves the attention of every educator, parent and child. Falling on February 5 (today!) World Read Aloud Day celebrates the power of words, as shared audibly among people of all ages. Reading aloud holds many rewards - for one, this pleasurable activity promotes a stronger vocabulary. One of the main ways in which children hone their language skills is through listening. Kids don’t just hear the word in isolation; they are exposed to the context in which that word is used. This opens up a world of possibility, and expands their communication potential.
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The term ‘attention deficit’ is bandied about so frequently nowadays, but imagine the power just waiting to be unleashed during a few weekly ‘read aloud’ sessions in the classroom setting: No phones to distract thoughts, and someone who reads a popular choice of reading material, grabbing the learners’ interest while increasing their attention span. Make no mistake: the right book, read by an enthusiastic reader, can make a world of difference to listeners young and old. A well-written story can communicate coping skills to a group of learners who might be faced with a particular problem. Reading aloud can provide a safe way of identifying emotions in the classroom or home setting - think of a topic like bullying, for example. A gripping tale on the subject could encourage chil-
dren to express their feelings during discussion time, and help to diffuse emotions. Both in the classroom and at home, reading aloud undoubtedly promotes bonding. The quality time helps adults unwind; it reinforces relationships and helps kids develop their social and interpersonal skills. The child who grows up to read with understanding, is set on a sure path to success. Help the children you know, stand out of the crowd, today! • Since 1979, READ Educational Trust has successfully promoted literacy across South Africa, reaching the historically disadvantaged, and making a difference in the lives of children hungry for knowledge and skills. Let’s celebrate World Read Aloud Day together. Visit www.read.org.za to find out more.
BUSINESS
5 February 2020
CXPRESS
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The cost of living in South Africa keeps edging up… …and anytime soon we’ll be urged to eat cake and not worry, writes STUART MURRAY ONSUMER confidence, government stats have revealed, hit its lowest level at the end of December as households struggled to cope with the tightening squeeze on incomes, slow wage growth, rising unemployment, high taxes and interest rates, as well as soaring fuel and electricity charges. This disheartening news comes from the Bureau for Economic Affairs. However, I guess it simply supports that which most of us know about the gradual but ever-increasing cost of living - particularly for those of us who reside in Plettenberg Bay - such as an unexplained but inevitable leap during the town’s holiday seasons. According to research by Stats SA, the cost of foodstuffs has been increasing by almost 4% per month and is expected to trend
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around 4.30%. A fair slice of this must be laid at the door of transport costs, which last year increased at a frightening pace: 116.50 on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and just short of the alltime high reached in November 2016, when oil prices were looping the loop. Interestingly, while consumer morale has slumped to a two-year low, the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry recorded business morale at a six-month high on March 17. On the other hand, RMB rather grumpily records that the economy is “bumbling along” in near-recession conditions. The new CPI basket of goods and services provides interesting insight into consumer patterns over the past four years. The basket forms the ba-
sis from which the monthly CPI is calculated. Using data from the Living Conditions Survey and other sources, Stats SA updates the basket every four years, removing some products and adding others. There are 412 products and services, up from 396, in the latest basket. The basket moves with the times, I am pleased to note. For example, out are blank CDs and DVDs. But the demise of postage stamps surprises - another victim of technological change. Other items removed include tennis balls, teapots, electric fans, automated pool cleaners, tinned peas and creamed sweet-corn, ward and theatre fees in public hospitals (I wonder why?) and board games. Newcomers include sectional title levies, noting that the number of households living in cluster homes and
estates has more than doubled. Unsurprisingly, convenience foods have made the basket, including frozen pizzas and pies. Other newcomers include video games, car rental and car wash charges, chewing gum, toasters, coffee mugs, toy cars, and diesel. One major item has kept the CPI from soaring further north: housing. This sector, along with utilities, make up
almost a quarter of the CPI in terms of weighting. Housing inflation, including rentals, has slowed over the past three years which, due to its heavy weighting, has dampened headline inflation, anchoring it at lower levels. As one generally expects, the usual ‘sin tax’ commodities - tobacco and alcoholic beverages, as well as non-alcoholic beverages
- added considerably to rising inflation and, in turn, to the CPI. Rooibos tea inflation alone soared by 11.3%! Who can guess why? • Stuart Murray (stuartmurray758@gmail.com) is a former senior assistant editor of Financial Mail and co-founder, editor and CEO of Finance Week. He is retired and lives in Plettenberg Bay.
Saving tax-efficiently for your retirement is a must Jan van der Merwe
HE end of the financial tax year is just around the corner, and this is an opportune time to check if you are using tax-efficient savings to fund your retirement. Retirement annuities (RAs) remain one of the best ways to save tax efficiently for retirement, and this article reviews some of its key features. Basic features of RAs are governed by legislation, so you can expect similarities between them, regardless which product provider you select. Some common features include: • There’s a limit on the tax deductibility of contributions: 27.5% of the greater of taxable income or remuneration, capped at R350,000 per year. • RA investments are required to adhere to Regulation 28 of the Pension Funds Act, which limits the allocation you can make to certain asset classes. • Investors pay no tax on the growth in the investment. • RAs are only accessible at retirement (from age 55), with a few exceptions. You can only withdraw one-third in cash at retirement. The rest must be used to buy an annuity that provides an income during retirement. • RAs are protected from creditors.
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What differences are there between RAs? Basic differences between product providers include fee structures, fund choices and contribution amounts. In addition, there are differences in service levels, ad-
ministration turnarounds and communication. Bear in mind that RAs are typically long-term investments, and although you can transfer RAs between providers, ideally you need to envision a long-term partnership with your provider. It’s important to use each year’s taxable allowance If you have spare savings, use as much as possible of this year’s tax allowance, otherwise you’re missing a year in which you could have realised tax savings. Consider starting a virtuous cycle of using the tax saving generated by each year’s contribution to further invest in your RA. Retirement annuities and emigration People often ask what would happen to an RA if they were to emigrate. An exception applies to the normal rule of ‘no withdrawal before age 55’ if you officially emigrate or relocate on the expiry of a temporary resident visa. It is worth remembering that the tax deductibility of contributions, plus taxfree investment growth and favourable tax rates when emigrating, still makes investing in an RA an attractive option. Withdrawals are taxed in terms of the lump sum benefit table. Currently, the first R500,000 can be taken tax free. Selecting the right funds within your RA It is important to select the right underlying funds within your RA to enable
your investment to grow as much as possible at a reasonable level of risk. Regulation 28 limits how much you can allocate to certain asset classes, with the aim of protecting retirement savings from excessive risk. 005-417 NPO
Using other tax-free savings to supplement your retirement savings We are often asked which is better: an RA or a Tax Free Investment Plan (TFIP). The tax deductibility of contributions to an RA and favourable tax treatment at retirement make an RA the theoretical best choice for retirement savings. A TFIP can offer a convenient way to supplement your retirement savings, and its flexibility makes it attractive if you want access to your funds before retirement. It also provides more flexibility when it comes to the underlying asset allocation, i.e. Regulation 28 limits do not apply to TFIPs. Tax efficiency remains a key consideration when saving for retirement While saving for retirement can seem daunting, you are far better positioned to achieve your retirement savings goals if you invest in tax-efficient savings products. If you are in any doubt about the best way to structure your retirement savings, it is well worth investing in advice from a qualified financial adviser to help you navigate some of the biggest financial decisions of your life. • Jan van der Merwe is head of Actuarial and Product at PSG Wealth.
LIVING IN THE ANTHROPOCENE Is this humanity’s greatest ever challenge? Our current living patterns are adversely impacting the entire biosphere and in some instances at levels approaching catastrophe. As a way of mitigating, we talk about ‘living sustainably’, but what does this all mean, why are we not transitioning more effectively and, how realistic is the ‘sustainability’ process?
by Ian Michler A Fundraising Talk for Eden to Addo Corridor Initiative
WEDNESDAY 19 FEBRUARY 2020 At the Lagoon Room, Beacon Island Resort 7pm - doors open at 6pm Cash bar on the terrace facing Robberg Beach
Tickets R150 each From Barnie Barnard Market Square Information Centre: Tel 044 533 3219 The lecture will be followed by a Silent Auction of mounted photographs and prints by renowned photographer Obie Oberholzer with an opportunity to view them beforehand (doors open at 6pm)
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INTERVAL
5 February 2020
In the line of duty… ALLER: “Is this Gordon’s Pizza?” Amazon: “No sir, it’s Amazon Pizza.” Caller: “I must have dialed a wrong number. Sorry.” Amazon: “No sir, Amazon bought Gordon’s Pizza last month.” Caller: “Ok. I would like to order a pizza.” Amazon: “Do you want your usual, sir?” Caller: “My usual? You know me?” Amazon: “According to our caller ID data sheet, the last 12 times you called you ordered an extra-large pizza with three cheeses, sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms and meatballs on a thick crust.” Caller: “Ok, great! That’s what I want.” Amazon: “May I suggest that this time you order a pizza with ricotta, arugula, sun-dried tomatoes and olives on a whole wheat gluten-free thin crust?” Caller: “What? I detest vegetables!” Amazon: “Your cholesterol is not good, sir.” Caller: “How the heck do you know that?” Amazon: “Well, we cross-referenced your home phone number with your medical records. We have the result of your blood tests for the last seven years.” Caller: “Ok, but I do not want your rotten
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vegetable pizza! I already take medication for my cholesterol.” Amazon: “Excuse me, sir, but you have not taken your medication regularly. According to our database, you only purchased a box of 30 cholesterol tablets once, at Drug RX Network, four month ago.” Caller: “I bought more from another pharmacy.” Amazon: “That doesn’t show on your credit card statement.” Caller: “I paid in cash.” Amazon: “But you did not withdraw enough cash according to your bank statement.” Caller: “I have other sources of cash.” Amazon: “That doesn’t show on your last tax return, unless you bought them using an undeclared income source, which is against the law.” Caller: “What the heck!” Amazon: “I’m sorry, sir, we use such information only with the sole intention of helping you.” Caller: “Enough already! I’m sick to death of Amazon, Google, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and all the others. I’m going to an island without internet and a TV, where there is no cellphone service and no one to watch me or spy on me.” Amazon: “I understand, sir, but you need to renew your passport first.”
Getting married asked an old bachelor friend whether he had been disappointed in love. “No, I never was exactly disappointed in love. I was what you might call discouraged. You see, when I was very young I became much enamoured with a young lady of my
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acquaintance. I was mortally afraid to tell her of my feelings, but at last I got the courage to the proposing point. I said: ‘Let’s get married!’” “And what did she say?” I asked. “She said: ‘Good Lord, Who’d have us?’”
Went to the gym and there’s a new machine. I used it for an hour and felt sick. It’s good though, it does everything. Kit Kats, Mars bars, Snickers, etc...
A man walks into a bar… HE bartender greets him and says: “For five bucks, I’ll show you something amazing.” The man agrees and hands over his five bucks. The bartender pulls out a small piano and a guy who is only about a foot tall. The guy sits down and plays an amazing tune on the piano. “Wow he’s amazing! Where did you get him?” the man asks. “There is a genie on the corner, he’ll grant you one wish,” the bartender says.
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The guy leaves the bar, finds the genie and says: “I want a million bucks!” All of a sudden ducks start falling out of the sky. The man runs back to the bar to escape all the ducks and asks the bartender: “What’s wrong with that genie? I asked for a million bucks, and ducks started falling out of the sky!” The bartender shakes his head and says: “He’s hard of hearing. Do you seriously think I asked for a 12-inch pianist?”
SOCIAL SCENE
5 February 2020
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Photo: Martin Hurwitz
BREW TO BOLSTER JAGUAR BAR: Siyabonga Kasibe - captain of the famous Jaguars rugby team based in The Crags, who also happens to be the handsome and efficient head barman at Plett Polo Club - is seen here receiving welcome refreshments from Plett Polo chairman Doug Lund, at right. In line with its objective of ‘keeping the circle of support alive’, Plett Polo donated 44 cases of beer to bolster revenue of the Jaguars’ bar and kick off the start of their training sessions with aplomb. Cheers to that! BEACH ROYALTY: Initiated and sponsored by Mark Coetzer of Plett Built It, Sunday morning saw the inaugural 2020 Plett Build It Challenge take place on Central Beach - a running, swimming and paddling competition dubbed ‘King of the Beach’, in which ocean-savvy members of NSRI Station 14 and Plett Surf Lifesaving Club fought it out for glory on the sand and in the surf. Finally, it was a fit young team of Plett Lifeguards who mastered the beach run, swim from BI Beach back to Central, and extremely challenging Malibu paddle, turning just short of the Blinders, in the fastest time. Pictured above are, standing from left, Benjamin Brink, Lojza Pisonic, Cameron and Austen Glinister, Oliver Roode, commodore Chas Frasier, Kyle Hartley, Luke Roode and Ettiene van Wyk, with Cullen McMillan, Adriaan Havenga, and Emilio Oortman in front. ‘Team Roode’ along with Lojza, Kyle, Cameron and Ettiene made up the winning team and the rest of the guys pictured represented the Plett Surf lifeguard squad’s second team in style. Special mention is also due to all the moms, dads and Nippers who competed in a ‘friendly’ after the main race. What a fit and beautiful bunch you are!
People, places & events TABLE TEAM TOASTS A VERY GOOD YEAR: The team responsible for making The Table restaurant in Plett’s Main Street such a popular eatery, gathered for their annual staff party at Plett Surf Lifesaving Club last Sunday. Proprietor Chris Fermor, as is his wont, ensured that mountains of scrumptious food left no one with a grumbling tummy, while Lebo and his Surf Club bar crew saw to it that front-of-house and kitchen staff both received the service they’re so used to dishing out. Here’s to many more years of fab times and culinary treats at The Table!
NG KERK VIER VAN TOEKA TOT NOU: Die 90-jarige verjaarsdagnaweek van NG Kerk Plettenbergbaai het afgeskop met ‘n konsert deur die beroemde rockstar en gemeentelid Mel Botes. ‘n Pragtige volkleur A4 boekie propvol inligting is uitgereik as deel van die gedenknaweek se vele aanbiedinge, en uit dankbaarheid - asook om te wys dat die natuur hoogs op prys gestel word - is 600 spekbome deur gemeentelede ontvang en geplant tydens die feesnaweek. Die Sondag se nagmaaldiens in Wittedrift is deur hordes bygewoon, wie na die tyd heerlik saamgekuier en die lipsmaklekker eetgoedjies geniet het. Lees die volle verslag op bladsy 2.
Storms River
TIN HOUSE Self-catering accommodation
BEAUTIFUL BIC BOOK LAUNCHED: The launch of ‘My Bic Pen and I’ by retired architect Rodney Grosskopff was hosted by The Village Bookshop at Plettenberg Bay Country Club on the evening of Thursday January 30. The book contains a selection of 58 drawings, each accompanied by a short anecdote, which Rodney made during the course of a lifetime of travel around the world. At left, he is flanked by Amber Neels, left, and Jane Schulz of The Village Bookshop. Above, the author is seen with his lovely wife Eileen, who prepared a delicious selection of snacks, sweet treats and canapés for the well-attended function. - Timothy Twidle
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5 February 2020
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CLASSIFIEDS
ON THE SOAPBOX
5 February 2020
Letters to the Editor
Email: editor@cxpress.co.za - Fax: 044 533 0852 - PO Box 1449, Plett 6600
When despair gets the upper hand Plettenberg Bay resident PAUL DEANS shared this poem he penned and subsequent letter, saying ‘I wrote this for a young man who ended his life just before Christmas, leaving behind a broken family’ Sometimes the winds of life are too strong Rising to a gale of despair Breaking my slender stem Dark heavy clouds No gleam of light or hope A shore that I cannot reach Slowly the hands of that hope slip away No longer touchable Forgive me Understand me with kindness Knowing the desperate distance you feel Cannot be reached Be gentle with my memory I am always there It is a sad poem, but so is the subject. It is desperation’s last resort and the numbers are climbing at an appalling rate, particularly among men between the late 20s and 50s. But not so in the female, it seems. Why is it that men can no longer cope as well as the so-called weaker sex? Can it be because of the difficulty to provide up to modern standards? The time when man left the cave in the morning to hunt, came back later saying “here’s dinner, the fur coat I promised you is hanging outside” is long forgotten. Has the constant pressure of equality, both in work and pay, led to uncertainty in his position in the social hierarchy - led to a feeling of inadequacy? The female has always been the stronger. She will
take any abuse, of which there is plenty, to make sure her children survive. She was always the power behind the throne. Now she is the throne. Or is it the pressure of the workplace to succeed has it become too competitive, coupled with the aspirations of social wealth, the cost of that position beyond possibility? And yet in our history, since the industrial revolution when conditions were so appalling, have there ever been so many people taking their own lives? Is modern communication with its pictures of how the other 15% live, being a divide impossible to breach, making man feel a total failure? There is no question the pressure of today’s competitive world is unbearable. Then again, the amount of social care has never been higher. Is the ever-increasing population robbing us of individual identity? Rats when reared in an overpopulated environment produce a variation of sexual changes to keep the numbers down, together with epidemics. But we continually defeat Nature in her desire to get rid of this mistake she made. Is it money, this desperate need to keep up with the Joneses? (They must be an incredibly rich family, so sorry my name is Deans…) Got to show we have a bigger car, houses in rich suburbs, the right
Burgeoning population of Plett’s biggest township effectively without police force I am the deputy secretary of the KwaNokuthula Community Police Forum in Plettenberg Bay. My reason for writing this letter is that the state of our local police station is such that the KwaNokuthula community is effectively left without the essential service of police officers. The situation is truly terrible as we don’t have adequate police vehicles or officers and at the same time, Kwano has by now expanded to Phase 5. Still, it seems all of the residents are served by a single police vehicle, which has to attend to complaints here in KwaNokuthula as well as in Kranshoek and Harkerville.
This makes our police work of poor quality, and we also have a shortage of police officers. The state of the local police is sad and if we don’t act now, we fear that the station will be closed as officers are taking transfers to other towns. Tonic Khayakazi Talu, Plett (Read ‘Outrage over state of Kwano police station’ on page 3 of the January 29 edition at www. cxpress.co.za for our initial report in this regard. We hope to receive more details on a promised visit by Western Cape Community Safety minister Albert Fritz to ostensibly peruse and remedy the problems reported here, in a near future edition. - Eds.)
schools, destination holidays - all those things that the partner wants. Who is now looking after home and hearth, when she is out there helping to achieve the pipedream? Leaving home when the sparrows make its statement and coming back late, leaving the child in the care of a helper during the years when a mother is most needed, packing it off to a crèche at the age of two, then to school and extra lessons in everything so that it will not be left behind. Competitive absolutely. These are the things that are most disturbing, having been close to loss by suicide. Which one of
us has not considered it at some time in our lives? Surely it all boils down to the feeling of inadequacy, developing to hopelessness, and despair. Why bother to continue, it’s all going to end sometime, so why bother to wait? Not all of us have that spirit in Rudyard Kipling’s ‘If’, and in this harsh world, where money is the only criterion of success, to some it becomes increasingly difficult to wake up in the morning and fight against the odds that grow greater every year. As the Bible states, we are born to struggle. Some just can’t.
Let’s revisit the true meaning of ‘never again’ At Yad Vashem in Jerusalem on January 23, some 46 political leaders and royals met to attend the fifth World Holocaust Forum and to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day, as well as the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the infamous Nazi death camp, Auschwitz. At this and doubtless other such memorial events, many eloquent, important and heartfelt observations are made about the evils of Nazism and Jew-hating. In today’s climate, however, there is something disquieting about such memorialising. Given the eruption of physical and verbal attacks on Jews in Britain, America and Europe, it might be said that it has never been this important to remember the horrors of the Holocaust. The West is now teeming with Holocaust memorials and museums and yet never since the defeat of Nazism has there been such an epidemic of Jew-hatred in Western society. Moreover, some of the countries represented at Yad Vashem support people who want to kill Jews. They fund the Palestinian Authority, who pump out murderous anti-Jewish and anti-Israel incitement. Some of these countries
have also turned a blind eye to the Iranian regime’s genocidal agenda towards Israel and the terror activities of Hamas. To put it bluntly, it might appear that while the West beats its collective breast over dead Jews, it is largely indifferent to the mortal threats currently posed to the living ones. The Holocaust is too often turned into vague lessons of the danger of hatred or prejudice at the expense of really trying to understand the reasons and motivations for the genocide. Consequently, the view developed that anyone can be a Nazi and that there is nothing special about Jewish victimisation. From that point, it has been a short step to the false and malevolent view, heard over and over again, that the Jews of Israel have ended up doing to the Palestinians what was done to them. Unless Jew-hatred is recognised for the unique phenomenon that it is and unless the West’s children are taught the history of the Jewish people and their contribution to civilization, neither Holocaust memorials and museums, nor education materials will teach them the true meaning of “never again”. Kevin Meineke, Plett
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SPORT & ADVENTURE
5 February 2020
Local knowledge gives Plettenberg Bay anglers the edge N Saturday January 25, Plett played host to a round of the Eden Shore angling interclub league, in which 166 anglers from seven clubs throughout the district took part. The weather gods smiled and Neptune was generous; 218 fish were caught weighing in at 7,387kg - all
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of which were released after being measured. The local Plett Rock and Surf Club, which operates under the banner of the Plett Angling Association, entered three nine-man teams. Of the 7,387kg caught on the day, the Plett anglers accounted for 1,769kg - a massive team effort, with their
nearest rivals on 1,563kg. Top catches for the day included that of young Chris Bachle, who pulled out a Bronze Whaler shark of 182kg and a 156kg Black ray, while his brother Michael hooked a 208kg Ragged-tooth shark. Other raggies caught in the competition weighed in
at 220kg (E Jee), 138kg (W Wellman), 96kg (W Rapson), and two fine specimens both caught by R French, weighing 78kg and 74kg respectively. Other fat catches included a 100kg Bronze Whaler shark (R Potgieter) and 102kg Black ray (A Gifford). Amid all the angling ac-
tion, Plett NSRI and the local lifeguards were activated when a youngster was injured on the beach in the process of returning a Black ray to the surf. With the help of the lifeguards and thanks to swift response time and treatment on the beach by the NSRI crew, the casualty
- talented junior fisherman Gabin Chabanel, 14 - was delivered to Plett Medi Clinic in no time at all. The young patient is well on the road to recovery. We all wish him a speedy return to the beach in a few weeks’ time. Thank you lifeguards, NSRI, and all involved Plett rocks!
WHALE OF A SHARK: Raldu Potgieter shows off the Bronze Whaler he landed, which weighed in at a nice round 100kg
More than 1,000 athletes expected to take part in the Outeniqua ‘Chair Challenge 2020 TAG YOU BACK: Chris Bachle is dwarfed by the 156kg Black ray, at left, he landed and then released - but not before the sting in its tail gave Gabin Chabanel a nasty lash that landed him in Plett Mediclinic - at right he is pictured with the 182kg Bronze Whaler shark that was one of the day’s top catches - Photos: Michael Bachle
A day for the record books of Bitou PATRICK MCDONALD reports on the first sailfish in living memory to be landed in local waters FTER a crazy busy season for the Enrico’s Fishing Safaris team, myself and captain Shaun Tomlinson had the opportunity to spend the day at sea aboard the vessel Pescatore Too. Pristine sea conditions had been experienced in Plett and surrounds for most of the festive season, and were conducive to a variety of game fish found in our bay. On the day in questions, the water temperature was a staggering 24 degrees with an inky blue appearance - enough to make any true fisherman feel unsettled on terra firma! Our target species for the day was the good old
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dirty-fighting Yellowtail, but with numerous reports of a variety of billfish seen jumping in the bay, the thought of landing one never seemed to leave the back of my mind. With special live baits swimming on double-J hook rigs and 30-pound outfits, we commenced a slow troll in 20m of water. It was not long before a screaming reel broke the silence, followed by an incredible aerial display by one of the fastest fish in the ocean. The next 15 minutes was an unforgettable experience, especially as it was in the very waters where my passion for fishing
and the ocean all began 34 years ago. I have had the fortune of tagging and releasing numerous types of billfish in my fishing career but this one will always be different. Unfortunately, this spectacular sailfish was unfavourably hooked in a vital area, and thus unfit for release. So the call was made to take this beautiful specimen home to feed our friends and families. Thank you, Captain Shaun, for spending an unforgettable day with me in “our backyard”, as we know it. Tight lines! PS: Captain Pat’s definition of luck? Where preparation meets opportunity…
HE 18th Outeniqua ‘Chair Challenge (OCC), hosted by the Disabled Road Race Foundation (DRRF), is back in its original slot and will take place on Saturday February 15. Many of the race favourites who missed the 2019 event due to prior commitments, will once again be competing, giving locals the opportunity to see some of Africa’s finest para and quad athletes in action right on our doorstep. A venue and route change will see the race start and end at Carpe Diem School while the new route will take competitors from Carpe Diem to York Street, up to the circle, into Courtenay Street, on to Garden Route Mall and back again. Once again, the success of the event is enabled by the assistance of the sponsors, as well as provincial and local government. Staging the race would not be possible without the significant contribution of many individuals and organisations - 250 officials, marshals, traffic officers, route layout crew and registration staff; 400 volunteers who push chairs and assist
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with other tasks; the OCC organising committee of over 50 members under the leadership of event director Alewijn Dippenaar. More than 15 service providers will supply portable toilets, tents, food, medals, sound, stage and race timekeeping to make the event a reality. Entries are available on the OCC website and registrations will open on February 14 from 8am to 6pm at Carpe Diem. Then the opening ceremony, which is open to the public, will take place. The 42.2km marathon will start at 7am and the 21.1km race at 7.10am. Athletes competing in the marathon will complete the 21.1km course twice. The 10km race will start at 8am and the 5km fun event at 10:30am. Athletes competing in the 10km race will turn at the circle, completing the course twice while 5km fun event participants will complete the course once. The awards ceremony, which is also open to the public, follows at 12:30pm. The organisers invite residents and visitors to George to line the streets, cheer on the athletes and at-
tend the race functions on Friday evening and Saturday around noon. The OCC attracts athletes from all nine provinces as well as from the rest of Africa and abroad. Thousands of visitors descend on the Garden Route, having a significant economic impact (estimated to be in the region of R3-million) and also raising awareness of the needs of differentlyabled people, which is turning the Garden Route into a premier destination for this purpose. There is a need to assists athletes with costs related to accommodation and transport and acquiring chairs for participants competing in a wide range of racing chairs and hand cycles. Said Dippenaar: “The event is about Ubuntu making a difference in the lives of others. Sponsors invest in the lives of differently-abled people and together we strive to restore the dignity of those who are wheelchair-bound.” If you would like to contribute, call Alewijn Dippenaar on 082 457 5675 or email dyndev@mweb.co.za for more information.
DIGNITY AND FUN FOR CHAIR-BOUND BUDDIES: The annual OCC makes George come alive with colour, as friends push differently-abled competitors along the 5km fun run course - but there is also a serious competitive angle when the continent’s finest para and quad athletes race one another for cash and glory