6 February 2019

Photo: Fran Kirsten

6 February 2019

Published every Wednesday by CXpress 2006 (Pty) Ltd - PO Box 1449, 49, Plettenberg Plett Pl ettenb enberg erg B Bay ay 6600 6600 - 6 Park P Lane, Plettenberg Plettenberg b B Bay ay - T Tel: ell: 044 533 533 1004 1 - Fax: 044 5333 0852 0852 Email: editor@cxpress.co.za / advertising@cxpress.co.za Web page: www.cxpress.co.za www.cxpre p ess. ss.co. co.za za Printed Printe Pri nted d by

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Murder scene

Now you can help Henmar - p5

FREE

The quiet in Marigold Street, Sedgefield, belies the horror T of the brutal murder of Noreen Hampson that took place in o ffront of this home last Saturday - read the report on page 3.

School news and photos - p6 & 7

Praise for Kwano Cycling - p12

10 000 FREE COPIES OF CXPRESS DISTRIBUTED ALONG THE GARDEN ROUTE EVERY WEDNESDAY

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

6 February 2019

Are we about to witness the beginning of the end of party politics?

STUART MURRAY ponders the question above and lives in hope that, if yes, such a termination would also hail the demise of its self-serving practitioners REXIT: now you see it, now you don’t. Will Theresa make it? Maybe. Maybe not.

The British prime minister squeezed past the parliamentary post last week against what looked like impossible odds, winning another shot at Brussels and its unyielding guardians.

For the first time in many months, Britain’s members of parliament, on both sides of the house, showed a modicum of non-partisan flair and voted to give the prime minister one more opportunity to clinch an acceptable deal by which the UK can leave the EU. Even Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn came to the party and later met with Theresa May in Downing Street... a sort of Last Chance Saloon square off.

The sticking point continues to be the Irish Backstop.

Mrs May has come up with another option and plans once again to travel to Brussels with her plan, but EU Council president Donald Tusk (a Pole) rejected the suggestion out of hand. This seems perverse.

Mr Tusk admitted that a No-Deal Brexit would hit EU member states hard; in more or less the next breath, he totally ruled out any further negotiations, including the issue of the Irish Backstop.

A growing body of political opinion wants the Brexit timeframe to be extended. MPs are equally at odds over this suggestion. But then, we have watched Britain’s elected elite squabble over the issue for the past two years - to the extent that the majority of voters see their MPs toeing party lines when they should be representing the wishes and interests of their constituents, the majority of whom voted to leave the EU.

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Observers, including myself, are beginning to ponder whether the fabric of Social Democracy, as we know it, is crumbling.

For two years Britain’s lawmakers have argued and prevaricated - Conservatives against Labour (with a teaspoon of chirping from the LibDems) scoring points off each other and guarding the safety of their Parliamentary seats while the disdain of the usually docile British public grows.

Party loyalty has overtaken responsibility to constituents and the public at large, and the ailment is now global.

Sympathise with those 800,000 American government workers who haven’t been paid because President Trump wants a wall and the Democratic-controlled congress wants the White House.

And France, where the Right Wing gathers strength while President Macron wavers? Or Venezuela? Or nearer home...

Zimbabwe?

And what have we here in South Africa? A political struggle between the ruling ANC, the aspirant DA, and the firebrand and unruly EFF. The national larder is bare, through massive theft and misappropriation. Meanwhile, party political infighting carries on and the cost of government soars. For example, do we really need 35 cabinet ministers and 37 deputies? (The UK has 21 cabinet members and the United States 15, plus the vice president).

The history of political parties is not as old as that of social democracy itself. They did not begin to develop until the late 1600s. The ancient Greeks, who developed democracy, had no organised political parties in the modern sense.

The senate of the ancient Romans had two groups, the Patricians, representing the aristocracy, and the Plebeians representing the middle classes.

For centuries after the fall of Rome, people had little or no voice in politics, but this began to change - particularly in England, where representative assemblies began to gain power.

In 1678, following rumours of a plot to kill King Charles II and put his Roman Catholic brother, James Duke of York, on the throne, Catholics were banned from public office. The political split which developed gave rise to two groups: ‘Tories’, who supported the King, and ‘Whigs’, who wanted ordinary people to have more rights.

In 1688 the Whigs established the primacy of parliament over the crown and crafted the Act of Union between England and Scotland in 1707.

Most notably, the Whigs passed the Reform Act in 1832 which expanded the electorate, making parliament more representative of the country.

The ‘party’ was dissolved in 1868, its reforming ideology inherited by the Liberals and the Labour Party.

Labour was founded in 1900, having grown out of the trade union movement. The Conservative Party arose in the 1830s, emerging from the Tory Party.

Labour subsequently overtook the Liberal Party in the early 1920s to become the main opposition to the Conservatives.

The development of political parties in the United States is even more complex. The concept did not appeal to the leaders of the American Revolution.

George Washington warned against them and Thomas Jefferson declared in 1789: “If

I could not go to heaven but with a (political) party, I would not go there at all.� Alexander Hamilton believed “factionalism�, i.e. parties, was a vice to be guarded against at all times.

Perhaps they had a point...

However, in 1787 Hamilton and friends banded together, calling themselves Federalists. This was the first United States political party. Almost 10 years later Jefferson and his group named themselves Democratic-Republicans, and eventually ‘Democrats’.

In 1854, when the issue of slavery overshadowed political issues, the Republican Party was formed. The Democrats and Republicans have alternated power since then.

Since the presidential victory of the Republicans, defeating the Democratic Party’s Hillary Clinton and placing billionaire Donald Trump in the White House, there have been bitter divisions between the two parties.

The latest standoff in congress shut down the government to the detriment of the economy as well as 800,000 employees who couldn’t be paid until barely a week or so ago. Americans have watched this seemingly uncaring and selfish political standoff, which amounts simply to a Washington power struggle.

In the (Dis)United Kingdom, the Westminster arm wrestle continues as an acceptable solution to Brexit is found. And the growing question that needs an answer is: Which comes first, Power or the People? • Stuart Murray (stuart murray758@gmail.com) is a former senior assistant editor of Financial Mail and co-founder, editor, and CEO of Finance Week. He is retired and lives in Plettenberg Bay.

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NEWS & VIEWS

6 February 2019

Sedgefield shocked by violent hammer murder of local lady

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CXPRESS

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BLUDGEONED: Noreen Lorna Hampson as she appeared on a social media post

CCORDING to eyewitnesses a 50-yearold neighbour attacked Noreen Hampson without cause or provocation in the front yard of her home in Marigold Street on February 2 around 6pm.

They told CXPRESS how they immediately phoned the police upon hearing screams and then witnessing the man attacking his unsuspecting neighbour with a hammer.

Members of the public

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tried to intervene, but the suspect allegedly turned his fury on these good Samaritans, inflicting further injuries to them and damaging their vehicles as well as neighbouring property.

“Preliminary investigation suggests that the victim was attacked by the suspect, who was armed with a hammer, on the sidewalk in front of her house at 16 Marigold Street in Sedgefield,” said Southern Cape Police liaison officer

captain Malcom Pojie.

While the SAPS and members of the public were trying to apprehend the suspect, Hampson was being comforted. An eye-witness related how a kind resident had rushed over to the injured Hampson and prayed over her while continuously offering her comfort during her final moments.

This is not the first time that Marigold Street residents have witnessed devastating tragedy in their quiet neighbourhood. The house bordering Hampson’s home claimed the lives of a local couple on August 7, 2015, when the building was razed by fire.

An autopsy on Hampson is scheduled to determine the possible cause of death.

“The motive for this attack is still being investigated,” explained Pojie.

According to Pojie, two cases of malicious damage to property have been added to the murder docket.

“The suspect was scheduled to appear in the Knysna magistrate’s court on February 5,” he concluded. No information about the outcome of this appearance was available by going to print.

1106S 1106 110 1106 10 06S 006 66SS

Residents of Sedgefield are reeling after the horrific murder of a 67-year-old woman on Saturday - FRAN KIRSTEN reports

www.spur.co.za

Customer Care: 0860007787

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CXPRESS

Three allegations of sex crimes against children being investigated in Bitou While the dust has barely settled around what has been labelled a lenient sentence for a Plettenberg Bay man convicted of sexually assaulting a young girl, a trio of cases involving sex crimes against children made it onto the local court roll this week - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports IKE Wise from Harkerville pleaded guilty to charges relating to, among others, touching a 10-year-old girl’s private parts in 2017. He was sentenced on January 24 to three year’s correctional supervision, the payment of 22 therapy sessions for the victim, and three years’ imprisonment, which were suspended for three years.

The matter saw massive outcry from antichild abuse groups, who have labelled the sentence “unacceptable” and “lenient”.

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NEWS & VIEWS

6 February 2019

Since the sentencing, three more suspects appeared in court in different cases involving sexual crimes against children.

On Monday, three men took their place in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate’s Court dock.

Janet Harding of the local anti-child abuse organisation Green Hearts said the first involved the rape of a child with special needs.

The accused is also believed to have mental issues and therefore the matter was postponed to February 28 for him to undergo

a psychological evaluation at Valkenberg Hospital in Cape Town. He is currently number 98 on the waiting list for a bed at the hospital.

Another man appeared in court on the same day. The case involves allegations of the rape of his stepdaughter. The matter was postponed to April 4 for a social worker’s report and other statements to be submitted. The accused is currently out on bail.

The third local man also appeared in court

for the alleged sexual assault of a young girl.

The matter was postponed to March 7 for further investigation. None of the suspects can be named at this stage as they have not yet pleaded.

“We are horrified by all these incidents. We are pleased to be meeting with members of the police force, who deal with these matters daily, and trust that our interaction will bring clarity on so many issues,” Harding said.

Knysna’s water network to be upgraded NYSNA Municipality will soon commence with upgrades of approximately R5-million to the existing water network in the CBD. The project will be rolled out in phases and the first phase is expected to start at the end of February.

The old pipes will be replaced with UPVC pipes, which are more tolerant to the soil condition. This work will address pressure management issues and also reduce the number of pipe breaks in central town.

Knysna mayor Mark Willemse said that four streets in the CBD will be affected during the first phase. “Work during the first phase will be done in Green, Market, Cove, and Tide streets. Sections of these streets will be closed and we ask residents to be patient while our Technical Services carries out this important infrastructure upgrade work.

“Council is delivering on its promises made last year, with regard to long-term solutions to water challenges. We wish to assure residents that we are committed to addressing these water challenges, and infrastructure upgrades are at the top of our priority list.”

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Foot and mouth disease could impact Western Cape economy HE National Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced recently that foot and mouth disease (FMD) had been detected in the Vhembe District of Limpopo, and reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health.

Consequently, South Africa’s designation as foot and mouth-free has been suspended, and any exports of cloven hoofed animals or products, where FMD-free zone attestation is required, will be impacted.

Foot and mouth disease is highly contagious and while it poses no public health or food safety threats, its detection can have a severe economic impact as farmers will not be able to export livestock or meat products (including beef, pork, lamb, and game).

Said Western Cape Economic Opportunities minister Beverley Schäfer: “The detection of foot and mouth disease in the country is devastating news for the agricultural economy as livestock and meat exports will be halted.

“While no incidents of the disease have been detected in the Western Cape, the province accounts for more than half of SA’s total agricultural exports. The national department is currently conducting further investigations in Limpopo and the area has been quarantined.

“The Western Cape Department of Agriculture will be monitoring the situation and we request all farmers to be on high alert, and to ensure that all their bio-security measures are in place to ensure that the disease does not spread further,” Schäfer said.

• Upon further enquiry on Monday, Ministry of Economic Opportunities spokesperson Bianca Capazorio informed CXPRESS that South Africa’s foot and mouth-free status remained suspended, confirming that all provinces were impacted.

“Several countries immediately moved to stop SA meat coming in as a result. However, the department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has been negotiating with some countries to partially lift the ban for meat coming from areas of the country that are not impacted. No signs of the disease have been detected in the Western Cape, but we continue to monitor the situation,” said Capazorio.

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A FUNDRAISING EVENT FOR HOSPICE PLETT

MY FATHER’S COAT Friday 1st March 2019

Piesang Valley Community Hall, Plettenberg Bay 18h30 for 19h00 R250 including a complimentary glass of wine and canapes Free seating | Tickets available from: Barnie Barnard at Market Square Information Centre Tel: 044 533 3219 Cell: 082 744 1884 or Lady Conyngham aconyngham@telkomsa.net EFT The PlettAid Foundation FNB Branch 210514 Account no 62048095063 Reference; Your Name/Coat

BACKGROUND MY FATHER’S COAT is the realisation of Michael Charton’s decadelong ambition to make the incredible story, that is South African history, more accessible to our people. To open the hearts of South Africans to our past, so that we may use our story no longer as a tool to inspire hatred and fear and division, but rather as a source of unity and healing.

Accordingly, his idea was to condense the epic narrative of our country into a bite-size story which is both compelling and accurate. A monumental and time-consuming challenge, but one which has given rise to a very unique product, providing new order and meaning to a notoriously complex subject.

But importantly, this is no history lecture. Instead, this is a story. A human story told by climbing into the boots of five prominent, interwoven, protagonists spanning two hundred turbulent years: Mzilikazi, Kruger, Rhodes, Smuts and Mandela. Never before has our past been explored in this manner.

Michael’s passion saw him leave behind the life of a Chartered Accountant in order to make this project happen. This passion shines through in his delivery. For this is a unique life experience: An opportunity to reflect on our past and to celebrate the fascinating peoples with whom we share this beautiful country.

NEWS & VIEWS

6 February 2019

Henmar’s brain op gets welcome boost from Brenton fundraiser

HAPPY CLAN: A grateful Colleen, Henmar, and Michael Kapp during Saturday’s fundraiser - Photo: Knysna Knews

NYONE who has witnessed an epileptic seizure will attest to the fact that it can be particularly unsettling - often because of a lack of knowledge on dealing with the immediate needs of the sufferer.

In the case of the parents of an epileptic child, albeit that they are generally well-informed and geared to deal with seizures, the concern runs deep and can impact profoundly on the family’s physical and psy-

chological wellbeing.

Young Henmar Kapp of Knysna has been receiving medical attention for his epilepsy and chronic seizures after being diagnosed with a dysplastic left temporal lobe (i.e. exhibiting dysplasia; containing abnormal cells or showing abnormal development).

His parents, Colleen and Michael Kapp, have sought alternative advice since the nearly two-year-old has not been reacting favourably to

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CXPRESS

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chronic medication. A neurosurgeon recommended that an operation to remove part of the temporal lobe would have a positive outcome for Henmar.

The Kapps are due at Constantiaberg Mediclinic in the Cape today in a week for Henmar’s operation on February 13. Although they have medical aid, the facility in question is not covered by their scheme.

Local friends and businesses have joined forces to assist the couple with the medical, travel and related costs incurred. The latest of these fundraising drives took place at Brenton-onSea’s Nautical South Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge on Saturday.

A whopping R42,500 was raised by Theresa Coetzee (better known as ‘Vlooi’) during the fun Saturday February 2 event.

These funds will go some way to soften the Kapps’ financial blow, but readers keen to contribute can please deposit directly into Colleen’s Absa savings account (910 759 0943, branch code 632005) with ‘Henmar’ as reference.

Durbanville’s own antique roadshow SPECIAL VALUATION AND PURCHASING DAY DURBANVILLE LIBRARY, CNR OXFORD & KOEBERGS ROADS, DURBANVILLE, MONDAY 19 NOVEMBER 1PM UNTIL 4PM Don’t miss the chance to discover if you have treasure in the attic...

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ROM Coventry to Cape Town, antiques expert Andy Elton has been putting a price on family heirlooms and forgotten relics for over 40 years... and now he’s coming to Durbanville Library

The founder of Bentley’s UK - which sets up shop in the Durbanville Library - is just the man to make your dreams come true – or let you down gently.

“A lot of people are very unsure as to the worth of their items, which may have been stored for years in cupboards, lofts, garages and even garden sheds,” says Andy. “Others are convinced they’re bringing something that’s worth a fortune.

“You can open a box and know you’re not going to find anything of value.

But they’re showing

you something that is part of their heritage – you’ve got to be diplomatic.”

On the other hand, Andy is in a position to break some very welcome news: “One gentleman had a Rolex Submariner watch, which had lain unworn in a cupboard since it was given to him by his uncle. He was amazed when I offered him R30 000.

“Then there was the time in South Africa when someone came along with a dusty bronze which turned out to be a rare work by the sculptor Anton Van Wouw – I valued that at R100 000.”

Andy prides himself on offering a fair price: “I treat people as I would want to be treated myself,” he says.

“Everyone wants to make a profit, but you’ve got to be honest.

“I’ve got customers who have been coming to me for 15 years and others who have been referred to me by family and friends. I think that speaks for itself.”

He’s always been interested in antiques and jewellery and has worked with two of the major auction houses in London and another in Nottingham. But he prefers to be his own boss.

“I’ve travelled all over the UK and I regularly go to South Africa, meeting thousands of people along the way,” he says.

“You come across some wonderful

stories; I love hearing about how grandad got his medals.

“You never know what the day will bring – that’s why it’s such a lovely job. I’m a very lucky man. Hopefully I’ll be making someone in Durbanville Library very happy!”

The Bentley’s UK valuation and purchasing day runs in the Durbanville Library.

Bentley’s UK Mobile 076 338 2749 info@bentleysuk.com www.bentleysuk.com

Bentleys UK have been in business since 1980: we pride ourselves on our honesty & integrity

Any gent’s mechanical Omega wristwatch, we will pay you a minimum of R500 (In any condition)

Rolex Submariners, we pay you a minimum of R25 000 (Even if not working)

Swords, daggers, cape badges, old uniforms... Any items connected with wars are extremely sought after

Re-saleable silver items required e.g. tea services, trays, picture frames etc.

(We also purchase any broken silver items)

Medals, over the last few years, have increased dramatically in value. Also required are any First or Second World War groups, campaign medals, cap badges or any thing relating to wars or militaria. (Please don’t clean your medals)

Amber beads, as pictured: we will offer a minimum of R2 000 Bring them along and let us surprise you!

Coins (GB & world, sovereigns, Krugerrands, Royal Mint proof sets), antiques, paintings, wristwatches, pocket watches, gold (English & foreign), silver, re-saleable jewellery items, amber, jade & ivory, any articles by Cartier, Tiffany, Aspreys, etc. Dinky & Corgi toys, Moorcroft & Clarice Cliff pottery, medals & militaria, clocks, swords & bayonets, pre-1947 crowns/five shillings – R50 minimum paid.

Wanted: Dinky, Corgi, Matchbox, Hornby & Dublo train sets; Britains, Diecast toys, dolls, teddy bears, Action Men etc.

WANTED: wristwatches including – Rolex, Omega, Jaeger, Breitling, Universal, IWC, Patek, military watches, Tissot, Seiko... in fact most makes, any condition.

Plus any watch or clock-related items.

We buy broken gold in any form: Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, dental...& any thing un-hallmarked, gold cigarette cases

Sovereigns: we pay a minimum of R2 500 Krugerrands: we pay up to R20 000 (NB: prices are guaranteed)

Look in your cupboards and drawers for any old fountain pens – we have a database of collectors waiting.

Old jewellery is extremely sought after at the moment – and we pay a large premium for any re-saleable items.

For any other information or home visits call:

076 338 2749

Andy Elton is a fully licensed buyer and valuer The experts of Bentley’s UK will be present, cash purchase offers will be available, no obligation, no appointment necessary.

Office Main Road Sea Point info@ bentleysuk.com www.bentleysuk.com

ID REQUIRED

We guarantee to give you a true valuation. Immediate cash payment. If it’s just a valuation you want, please visit us.

However, if that’s not possible, we are happy to visit you – just call us on the number below. Please visit our website www.bentleysuk.com and read the testimonials.

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CXPRESS

6 February 2019

NEWS & VIEWS

NEWS & VIEWS

6 February 2019

CXPRESS

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Tickets for 10th Knysna Literary Fest selling like hot cakes AKING place from March 8-10 this year, ticket sales for the Knysna Literary Festival opened on Friday February 1 - and within three hours, two of the events were sold out.

Festival founder and sponsor, Ling Dobson of Pam Golding Properties Knysna and Plett, said Chef’s Playdate #2.0 at île de païn and the panel discussion ‘On the Brink’ were sold out, while flagship event Delicious Word Journey only had three tickets left at the time of writing.

“We spend a lot of time selecting the events and participating authors, and it is great when ticket sales show that we’ve ‘hit the mark’,” said Dobson.

“I specifically look for-

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ward to Adriaan Basson, general Bantu Holomisa and Eric Naki discussing The Game Changer - a biography written by Naki on the life of Bantu Holomisa - on Friday the 8th.”

Bantu Holomisa is one of South Africa’s most respected and popular political figures and this account, written in collaboration with its subject, presents an engaging and revealing expose of a man who has made his mark as a game changer in South African politics.

She said another highlight was Tony Park’s talk on his book Scent of Fear on Saturday the 9th.

“As Tony says, ‘man’s best friend has become a poacher’s worst nightmare’. Dogs

have proven to be instrumental in the fight against poaching in Africa.”

Park spent time with a real anti-poaching tracker dog unit in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve on the edge of South Africa’s iconic Kruger National Park while researching this riveting e-book, described as an action-packed thriller that will engross fans of Clive Cussler, Scott Mariani and Andy McDermott.

Dobson said another event not to be missed, especially for those interested in current affairs, is Adam Habib’s discussion of his book Rebels and Rage on Sunday the 10th.

“Adam is currently the vice-chancellor and principal of the University of the

Second chance for matrics: don’t miss out!

OR the past few years, selected Grade 12 learners were offered the opportunity to extend their matric examination over more than one year, through a programme known as More Examination Opportunities (MEO or Second Chance Matric).

Certain adults who require select subjects to obtain their Senior Certificate

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(amended) can also participate in the programme.

All candidates who registered for certain subjects in the May/June 2019 examination can make use of planned additional tutoring, free of charge.

Candidates who submit their personal details (name and surname, IDnumber, cell phone number and subjects for which

they have registered) via email to bennie.bothma@ westerncape.gov.za will be informed of further steps and supplied with links to electronic sources that will help them prepare for the examination.

Do not miss out on this golden opportunity; obtaining a National Senior Certificate is your ticket to a better future.

EARLY BIRDS GET THE WORD JOURNEY: From left, John Koch with friends Dirk and Rianne Greeff came prepared when they arrived at the Knysna Pam Golding Properties offices at 6am last Friday morning to secure tickets for their favourite Literary Festival events, including Chef’s Playdate #2.0 and Delicious Word Journey

Witwatersrand (Wits) in Johannesburg. One of the most prominent and outspoken academic leaders through the recent student protests, his book takes a characteristically frank view of the past three years on South Africa’s campuses, critically examining the student movement and individual student leaders who emerged under the banners #feesmustfall and #Rhodesmustfall.”

For more information on these events and the full programme visit www. knysnaliteraryfestival.co.za or call 044 382 5574. Tickets are available at the Pam Golding Properties offices in Gray Street, Knysna, or online at Quicket.

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CXPRESS

INTERVAL

6 February 2019

If you don’t laugh, you’ll cry • You grow up the day you have your first real laugh at yourself. - Ethel Barrymore • If people never did silly things nothing intelligent would ever get done.

- Ludwig Wittgenstein • Someone asked me, if I were stranded on a desert island what book would I bring… ‘How to Build a Boat.’ - Steven Wright • Humour is by far the most significant activity of the human brain. - Edward de Bono • I like nonsense. It wakes up the brain cells.

- Dr Seuss • A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory. - Steven Wright • When people are laughing, they’re generally not killing each other.

- Alan Alda • My way of joking is to tell the truth. It’s the funniest joke in the world. George Bernard Shaw • Good humour is a

tonic for mind and body.

It is the best antidote for anxiety and depression. It is a business asset. It attracts and keeps friends. It lightens human burdens.

It is the direct route to serenity and contentment. Greenville Kleisser • Jokes of the proper kind, properly told, can do more to enlighten questions of politics, philosophy, and literature than any number of dull arguments. - Isaac Asimov • Humour is emotional chaos remembered in tranquility. - James Thurber • Humour is a universal language. - Joel Goodman • I went to a restaurant that serves ‘breakfast at any time’. So I ordered French Toast during the Renaissance. - Steven Wright • Humour is a serious thing. I like to think of it as one of our greatest earliest natural resources, which must be preserved at all cost. - James Thurber

Half full or half empty? friend of mine was a philosophy major during his first semester at university. One day in a seminar class, they spent a great deal of time debating whether the glass was half full or half empty.

After the class, my friend was feeling pretty good about himself and what he was learning at university, so when he went home, he tried to continue the discussion with his family.

A • FOOD STALLS AVAILABLE FOR RENT •

With maximum drama, he took a 500ml glass from the cupboard and poured in 250ml of water. He then took it into the dining room and placed it in the middle of the table.

He proudly asked his family: “Can anyone please tell me whether this glass is half full or half empty?”

Without missing a beat, his grandmother replied: “Depends if you are drinking or pouring.”

The biggest cavity ever HE dentist requested: “Open wider,” as he began his examination of the patient.

“Goodness me!” he said startled. “You’ve got the biggest cavity I’ve ever seen... the biggest cavity

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I’ve ever seen.”

“Okay, Doc!” replied the patient. “I’m scared enough without you saying something like that twice.”

“I did not!” replied the dentist. “What you heard was the echo.”

Meanwhile in Chicago, USA, temperature -40°C When the snow melts...

They will find the dog

Who’s the boss?

An encouraging boss A boss bought himself a new BMW. His employee congratulated and praised him.

The boss said: “If you too would work hard, show sincerity, be punctual, don’t take leave, work overtime, and meet deadlines then...”

“Then what, Sir?” asked the employee eagerly.

“Then I can buy a car bigger than this!”

The two main rules A boss was telling an applicant the two main rules of the company.

He said: “Our second

main rule is cleanliness.

Did you wipe your feet on the mat before coming in?”

The applicant replied: “Yes, Sir, I did.”

Then the boss continued: “Our first main rule is trustworthiness. There was no mat, you see?”

Getting even with the boss My boss made me go into the office on a public holiday. Halfway through the day, he came in to check up on me and caught me having a beer.

He said: “You can’t drink while you’re working.”

I replied: “Oh, don’t worry - I’m not working.”

SOCIAL SCENE

6 February 2019

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GREETINGS FROM SANTIAGO: Shantel Smit was born and bred in New Horizons, where she started her primary school career. But she left for Chile with her mom Sylvia for work purposes, 33 years ago in 1986. Shantel was only 11 at that time, and remembers all the adaptions, especially having to attend a Spanish school. She has only visited Plett once since that departure - a brief and sad visit 10 years ago, when her grandmother Dora Smit died. But two weeks ago, Shantel brought along the whole family to see her beautiful hometown, and was blown away by all the changes that happened over the past three decades. She visited her favourite teacher, Marjory Kleynhans, and also school friends Emmerentia Marais Bower and Chrystal Smith, both from New Horizons. The boys went bungee jumping and enjoyed visits to Birds of Eden and Jukani, while revelling in SA junk food favourites like pies and chips, which they don’t get in Chile at all. Shantel is very happily employed by the South African Embassy in Santiago. Pictured from left are sons Ian, 22, Alex, 13, Alan, 18, and Chilean husband Alvaro Luco, with a beaming Shantel at right. - LM Dunn

People, places & events

NOW THAT’S CLASSY! The Rotary Club of Plettenberg Bay was instrumental in the establishment of desperately needed new classrooms at Harkerville Primary School part of a Born in Africa (BIA) initiative. Seen above at the grand opening of the classrooms on Friday February 1 are Rotary and BIA representatives, from left, Pamela Rodwell, Keith Slade, lady Annabelle Conyngham, Lieve and Remi de Backer, Rubi Chetty, Ate Bos, David Pickering, Philip Murton, Leigh Dunn, and BIA director Isabelle Brink. At left, Born in Africa chairman Remi en wife Lieve give their approval of these new spaces of learning.

Photos: Knysna Knews

RAISING THE FUN: During the Henmar Kapp Fundraiser held at Brenton-on-Sea’s Nautical South Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge, Nikki Gillespie, above, got into the spirit of things during the auction, which helped raise in excess of R40,000. Thanks to the event organised by Nautical South owner ‘Vlooi’ Coetzee, right, young Henmar Kapp will be able to undergo an operation hoped to prevent his ongoing seizures.

Read the full story on page 5.

CXPRESS

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CXPRESS

6 February 2019

CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

6 February 2019

Letters to the Editor

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

Waar daar ‘n rokie is…word die wet oortree!

Ek wil my woede uitspreek oor die feit dat wette oor sigaretrook in openbare areas skandelik oortree word in ‘n plaaslike kroeg en kuierplek in Plettenbergbaai.

Die aand wat ek onlangs daar probeer spandeer het om ‘n plaaslike kunstenaar se musiek te geniet het spoedig in ‘n nagmerrie van giftige

walm-inaseming ontaard.

Daar was letterlik ‘n roker of twee by elke tafel en - die ergste van alles - die man wie agter die kroegtoonbank werk het ook deurentyd gestook!

Ek weet nie wie die eienaar/s is en of hulle hierdie blatante oortreding van gesondheidsmaatreëls, sowel as wette wat al jare lank reg oor die

wêreld geld, goedkeur nie.

Die enigste rede hoekom ek nie die plek se naam by my brief insluit nie, is om te voorkom dat CXPRESS deur regstappe of andersins gedreig word.

Wie weet, as hulle soos die Wilde Weste se kantien cowboys binnenshuis aan kankerstokkies kan suig, sal hulle dit seker ook goeddink om sanna

in die hand by jul kantoor op te daag...

Ek wil lesers wie dieselfde voel oor hierdie saak uitnooi om wyd en syd kapsie te maak teen hierdie klap in die gesig van ons streng rookwette, en absolute miskenning van gaste se gesondheidsregte, waarookal in ons dorp en streek dit mag gebeur.

Hoes-en-proes, Plet

Zeelas will continue its charitable work, thanks to your support In December 2017, Zarefa Peters (known by all as Zee) and Leela Verity decided to start a charity shop in Marine Drive opposite Plett One. It was a very small venture, yet they grew lots in just over a year.

The ladies decided that every single cent Zeelas made would be invested into charity projects in and around town, and not a month has passed without them doing valuable work in schools and churches in various communities.

Plett’s well-known drifters even get dressed by them on a regular basis, apart from the donations they make and the charitable work they do.

Some of their past projects were donating groceries to the Kranshoek soup kitchen in January 2018, while purchasing toiletry bags and sanitary items for more than 100 girls at The Crags Primary School in February.

During March and April, various crèches received Easter eggs, gifts and toys; Zeelas provided gifts to a retirement village close to the Beacon Island roundabout, and took pre-school children from KwaNokuthula to entertain the elderly residents

CHEERS TO CHARITY: Zeelas volunteers, from left, Erica, Zozo, Siya, and Zee entertained guests and loyal customers at their first anniversary party

in Term 2 of 2018.

Then on Madiba Day, they took the entire New Horizons Pensioners Forum of more than 40 people to Wimpy, as well as the children from Lumen Christi Crèche, and bought meals for all the adults and children. On top of the delicious eats, every elderly person received a rose and every child a gift.

During the third term of 2018, they took numerous food parcels to the homeless and destitute in Qolweni and New Horizons.

Zeelas also organised their own Christmas Shoebox project, filling the boxes with gifts throughout Term 4, and handed them out to 72 children in KwaNokuthula and 52 New Horizons kids.

The ladies continued handing out food parcels in November and, in December, they invited those who supported them with donations throughout the past year for their first anniversary celebrations at the shop.

Zeelas even assisted two learners who could not afford matric farewell dresses, ensuring they looked like a million dollars.

Furthermore, they are sponsoring haberdashery, wool, craft materials, knitting needles, and more, and then teach girls the art of crocheting and sewing with the help of the generous community of Plett.

The ladies behind Zeelas Charity Shop formed the backbone of community projects attached to the

Mr and Miss Plett Knysna beauty pageant over the past few years, being instrumental in the Pink Trees for Pauline campaign, and community and beach clean-up projects.

They provided gifts and snacks for many of the pre-judging and other events related to the beauty pageant. Both Zee and Leela are crucial parts of the organisation, and facilitated the book launch and accommodation for Mr South Africa when he visited Plett during last year’s pageant.

Last week, Zeelas visited Wittedrift Primary to hand over toiletry bags and sanitary items to 52 girls. They will continue the work started off last year of providing toiletry bags to girls at The Crags.

On behalf of Zeelas, I thank the generous community of Plett for all the amazing support. Thanks also go to CXPRESS and ShowMe Plett for creating awareness of their projects.

The ladies of Zeelas Charity Shop promise to continue doing good work for as long as they receive your support.

Pop in at the shop if you would like to donate your goods or skills.

LM Dunn, Plett

How can you tell if a person is differently-abled?

Just look into their eyes.

You will see the wisdom, the patience, the anger and hurt.

We are just at the beginning of 2019 and the Differently-abled Awareness Campaign needs to help so many children and others, but our hands and volunteers are few.

We need teachers who can help the people in their communities to sew, knit, crochet - in fact, any handwork that will give those who have so little a new sense of achievement, together with confidence through creativity.

Have you ever really wondered what it must feel like to be without a goal or project in life? Imagine waking up every morning without work to get ready for, because nobody sees value in your ‘difference’?

Being different does not

mean that the person is not able to take on a responsible job.

In one of my articles last year, I asked you to consider changing the configuration of your office to accommodate one person in a wheelchair.

So, instead of upgrading your offices and bathrooms to impress customers, why not do the humane thing this year and make a worthwhile, feel-good change?

It’s not much to ask, and you may be pleasantly surprised when being able to now offer that extra bathroom to a valued client who is differentlyabled, or to a new staff member willing to exceed all your expectations.

Instead of stewing over that resolution you were so determined to keep, get on with the alteration, get

over unattainable goals, and have the satisfaction of finally, this year, being able to stick to one good resolution!

During the most frenetic time of the past season, I saw one lady in a wheelchair trying to manoeuvre her wheelchair past the back of parked cars on Main Street in an effort to find a lowered section of pavement so that she could get out of the traffic.

How scary that must have been, knowing that vehicles exiting parking bays could not see her? I wonder whether she will be visiting Plett again.

Let each and every one of us this year take one day to find all the sections of lowered paving on Main Street and try to match it up to one on the opposite side of the street.

Bear in mind that it is

not just a person in a wheelchair who has to cross, but also people with temporary casts, on crutches or using a walker. If the kerb is not lowered, it is not acceptable or accessible.

Let me know where you perceive a problem by calling 082 5602 606. The Differently-abled Awareness Campaign managed to persuade our local councillors to lower sections all along Marine Drive within a few months last year, making it completely wheelchair-friendly, so why not Main Street?

With enough drive and determination, it can be done. I am also working on The Market Square.

Remember: it could happen to you within seconds, and you may have to use those accesses.

Rita Hardaker, Plett

CXPRESS

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CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

6 February 2019

Sport minister commends Kwano’s hope-inspiring cycling academy W Building the Future

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ESTERN Cape Cultural Affairs and Sport minister Anroux Marais recently met members of Kwano Cycling Academy at Murray High School in the Bitou community of KwaNokuthula.

Supported by Rainmaker Solutions - a UKbased business and digital transformation specialist - through its charitable Buffalo Foundation, Kwano Cycling Academy assists vulnerable youth from the neighbourhood by using cycling as a catalyst to uplift youngsters and communities.

The Buffalo Foundation was set up by Rainmaker CEO Jan Joubert, together with trustees Tim Hanley (Rainmaker COO), and Hotchillee founder Sven Thiele. Their goal is to make a lasting difference to children and young adults living in poverty, with a firm focus on sport, education, and the creation of future entrepreneurs.

Key objectives include helping young people who have been denied the opportunity to become the best they can be, to live normal, healthy and happy lives. They want these youngsters to reach their full potential, be self-suffi-

PLEASED TO MEET YOU: Minister Marais chats to Kwano Cycling Academy coach Sipho Mthembu about his wonderful contribution to uplifting local youngsters

cient, and in turn give back to their own communities.

The Buffalo Foundation creates sport academies and use them as vehicle to incentivise young people and instil core values, confidence and team participation.

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the resources and environments needed to excel, while actively nurturing talent by identifying which career paths participants aspire to.

Together with local partners, it aims to create powerful sustainable change in the belief that collaboratively a world of opportunity can be built for those

who need it most.

Said minister Marais: “It was heart-warming and motivating to witness first-hand the Kwano Cycling Academy’s incredible work and effort put into various empowering opportunities.

“Many Kwano children live in poverty. Learning is oftentimes a challenge and the risk of being drawn into social ills is ever present. Kwano Cycling Academy offers them an alternative and a sense of purpose.

“The strategic vision powered by the Buffalo Foundation, led by the passionate Jan Joubert and partners, contributes to the Western Cape Government’s objective of creating an enabling environment for more young people to succeed.

“Considering our adverse national fiscal environment, we look forward to engaging with private organisations such as Rainmaker Solutions and Hotchillee to amplify opportunities in expanding a collaborative service delivery footprint in the Western Cape. In this way we will further enhance education through sport,” she concluded.