7 March 2018 by CXpress

7 March 2018 The Budget Blues - p9

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

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Born free Plett’s productive Born in Africa team celebrated the organisation’s 15th anniversary during extended festivities recently. Under the able leadership of Isabelle de Smul Brink, pictured here with a large contingent of her happy charges, Born in Africa provides educational and social support to school-going children and young adults from Bitou’s disadvantaged areas. Find out more on page 7.

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

7 March 2018

Plett Performing Arts Festival thrills capacity crowd Words & photo: Timothy Twidle

HE Plettenberg Bay Performing Arts Festival, arranged by beneficiaries Kids of Kurland, concluded at The White House Theatre on February 28. The festival began on February 20 and 21 with performances by South Africa’s comedian and satirist par excellence PieterDirk Uys. In the opening evening’s Adapt or Fly, Uys mercilessly panned SA politicians of whatever hue and belief, who had gained either eminence or notoriety over the past 70 years. There were also cameos of well-known stereotypes, as well as one of his best-known characters, Nowell Fine, the kugel of Sea Point. A capacity audience loved every minute of the revue and responded accordingly with guffaws, belly laughs and chuckles aplenty. In Echo of a Noise on the second evening, Uys narrated the country’s evolution during the past seven decades through the prism of his upbringing, family and career, with a dialogue that veered between comedy and pathos, but which held the audience spellbound.

BASKING IN THE BEAUTY: Festival organisers and contributors had reason to smile prior to the event’s final performance on February 28 - from left are White House proprietor Suzie Ovenstone with Kids of Kurland committee members Jill McIlleron, Ann Fermor, Leon Swart, and Kay Oelschig

Uys is an exemplar of stagecraft, able to convincingly paint a scene with a minimum of words and gestures. On the third day of the festival, soloists of the Vumani Choral Project of Cape Town gave a fine performance of a miscellany of arias, duets and choruses from the world of opera, which included the barcarolle from Offenbach’s The Tales of Hoffmann, the drinking song from Verdi’s La Traviata and the seduction scene from Mozart’s Don Giovanni. The full choir of the Vumani Choral Project, comprising 22 singers, delighted an audience of largely foreign visitors with

a pulsating, joyful and energetic rendition of gospel music and SA standards on the following evening. Their repertoire included hits like Mama Thembu’s Wedding from Ipi Tombi and Shosholoza - the work chant composed on the gold mines of the Witwatersrand, which is often referred to as South Africa’s second national anthem. The festival’s penultimate evening on February 24 saw Emile Minnie of The Mother City and local artist Mia Swart join forces to present golden oldies, French love ballads and some of the former’s own compositions in Nagmusiek.

The festival closed with a performance by Contagious Theatre of Paul Gallico’s The Snow Goose - a tale of the redemptive power of love and affection set against the evacuation of British forces from Dunkirk in 1940, during one of the campaigns of WWII. Kids of Kurland was formed in 2001 with the express aim of raising funds to improve the quality of education at The Crags Primary School in Kurland Village. Their organising committee of Ann Fermor, Jill McIlleron, Kay Oelschig, and Leon Swart is to be commended for staging a festival of quality that provided splendid entertainment.

Formidable Forbes gets a load off at Lodestone book launch ORDON Forbes launched the third book in his series of personal memoirs, entitled ‘I’ll Take the Sunny Side’, during a very well-attended literary lunch at Lodestone Estate on February 22. The elegant affair, however, had more to it than wonderful local wines and delectable canapés, since it also served as fundraiser to benefit the allimportant Plett Hospice cause. As pro tennis ace during the 50s and 60s, Gordon formed

a formidable tennis doubles partnership with the legendary Abe Segal, making it to the semi-finals and finals respectively of Wimbledon and the French Open. He is perhaps best known as author of ‘A Handful of Summers’ - his first memoir and rated by many as the definitive book on tennis, if not one of the best books on sport ever written. Gordon is a gifted storyteller and his light-hearted style and memorable anecdotes

ACE AFFAIR: Legendary sportsman and author Gordon Forbes chats to local lass Charlotte Ford at the launch

make for an extremely enjoyable read. Says Jon Tonkin of Lodestone Estate: “Gordon’s family has had a holiday home in Plett for many years and is well known in local social circles. ‘I’ll Take the Sunny Side’ contains numerous references to Plett and its interesting people, so it’s particularly appropriate to afford this recent release the publicity it deserves.” Gordon’s book is available at local bookshops.

NEWS & VIEWS

7 March 2018

CXPRESS

Mayco to decide Bitou workers’ fate in light of lacking municipal finances A decision about the future of 60 Bitou public safety employees, whose contracts were last month temporarily terminated, has been referred to the mayoral committee - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports BOUT 40 law enforcement officers and 20 firemen last month claimed they were told on February 7 that their contracts some of which only expire in June this year - had been terminated. They were informed by Bitou Municipality’s Human Resources department that the terminations were due to financial issues. This led to large-scale outcry from, not only the workers, but also the community. Following several

meetings, the municipality temporarily placed the termination of contracts on hold and ordered the men and women back to work. Acting municipal manager Johnny Douglas earlier said that the terminations had been placed on hold following “urgent interventions” at political and administrative levels. This, he said was to provide municipal administration time to prepare a substantive report to be presented to council at a

meeting at the end of February, to once again consider the continued employment or termination of the workers’ contracts. Municipal spokesman Manfred van Rooyen said this week that the issue had since been referred back to the mayoral committee and executive management team to consider. “Importantly, all the personnel remain in employ until a decision is taken,” Van Rooyen said. Douglas earlier explained

Disciplinary actions at major retailer said to have caused worker protest Words & photo: Khaya Mbesi

LL workers of Pick n Pay in Plett downed tools on Monday morning March 5, motivating this move by a general complaint of ill-treatment. One of the striking workers, Elvis Rabanye, said he worked as shop steward when the retailer bought a vast amount of meat in December last year. “We complained to man-

agement about the fact that there was too much stock, but were ignored. When the meat was not sold out by the end of January, staff in the meat unit were forced to pay the unsold stock out of their pockets. “We decided to unite as workers and to protest because of this,” said Rabanye, adding that an amount of R1,200 per person was allegedly charged for the stock. “Three staff members were given several written

STANDING TOGETHER: These workers asked not to be named, but were outspoken about the fact that they believed some of their colleagues were being treated unfairly

warnings, and we decided not to work until the company dropped the charges,” said Rabanye. He said there were many complaints by the staff since the shop was acquired by new owners last September. “We are regarded as arrogant and they don’t want to work with us.” The protest was a quiet affair with employees sitting and standing in front of the store’s closed doors, at the core of The Market Square shopping centre. The owners preferred to reserve comment when approached by CXPRESS. • Linda le Roux of The Market Square centre management concurred that Monday’s strike was peaceful. “According to our security officials, who were roped in to ensure that there would be absolutely no threat or risk to any Market Square customers, the silent protest resulted after disciplinary action involving Pick n Pay staffers.” By going to press, the management office confirmed that it was “business as usual” at Pick n Pay.

that the employees were part to the Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) and that this was an initiative of the national government under the auspices of the national Department of Public Works, which pays

an incentive grant to Bitou Municipality for, among others, the training and stipends of EPWP workers. The municipality adds to the grant from its operational budget. The incentive received in the current financial year, was R2.23-million and the Bitou contribution from its internal operational budget was R5.3-million. Douglas said the incentive grant had already been

fully spent by November last year and that early indications were that the Bitou budget would not be sufficient until the end of the current financial year. He added that ordinarily the incentive grant would cover the entire financial year, but that last year an additional 180 EPWP employees had been recruited, to assist with the mop-up after the June 2017 fires. Garden Route Media

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

7 March 2018

Food recall does not affect school feeding programme FTER Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi announced on Sunday March 4 that processed food manufacturers Enterprise and Rainbow Chicken Limited had been issued with safety recall notices following the national listeriosis outbreak, the Tiger Brands Foundation (TBF) advised that its breakfast programme was not affected by

the processed food recall. Tiger Brands - which owns Enterprise Foods - through its Tiger Brands Foundation, serves hot breakfasts comprising oats, sorghum and maize products at 92 beneficiaries that are part of its in-school breakfast programme. “None of the food items or ingredients used to prepare these breakfasts are

affected,” said TBF director Eugene Absolom on Monday, adding that the Foundation is a separate legal entity and advising the public to direct all concerns related to the recall of any Enterprise-branded products to the Tiger Brands Limited management team. “We will however work closely with Enterprise’s

parent company and will keep all our stakeholders informed of all material developments around this issue,” said Absolom. Visit www.thetigerbrandsfoundation.com or contact Nicole Walters on 082 451 9393 or nicole@ambani. co.za for more information. • Upon a CXPRESS enquiry, the Western Cape Health department re-

sponded that, as of end February, a total of eight laboratory-confirmed listeriosis cases have been reported in Eden District, of which two were fatal (Knysna and George). Listeria is a form of bacteria found in the environment and commonly occurs in soil, water, vegetation and in the faeces of some animals. It can con-

Minister urges caution after avian flu detected HE Department of Agriculture has confirmed that further incidences of highly pathogenic H5N8 avian flu have been detected among Western Cape sea bird populations. Among African penguins, seven birds from six different sites across the provincial coastline have tested positive. Due to the endangered status of African penguins, a decision was taken to treat the infected birds. Treatment protocols are similar to those for flu in humans - appropriate nutrition, hydration, vitamins, and the administration of anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics for any secondary infections if necessary. Of the seven cases, only one has survived.

No new cases of the disease have been reported in the commercial poultry sector since October. Said Economic Opportunities minister Alan Winde: “The management authorities of all major seabird colonies around the coastline are monitoring their zones closely. All necessary precautionary protocols to contain the spread of the disease have been implemented and extended surveillance and collaboration across sectors is assisting with further epidemiological evaluations.” CapeNature CEO Razeena Omar said: “We are working closely with the state vet and have put procedures in place to monitor the virus and restrict the spread by humans between infected and non-

infected areas.” In respect of other wild seabirds, there is no benefit to be gained from trying to control the virus through culling or habitat destruction. Affected birds show symptoms such as twitching and head tremors and may have difficulty breathing. Terns and other birds can lose their ability to sustain flight. Avian influenza is a viral respiratory disease of birds that is primarily spread through direct contact between healthy and infected birds, or via indirect contact with contaminated equipment or other materials. The virus is present in the faeces of infected birds and in discharges from the nostrils, mouth, and eyes. The H5N8 strain has not been

shown to infect humans. Minister Winde has urged that sick sea birds be reported to the nearest seabird rehabilitation centre. As a precautionary measure, it is advisable that you do not touch these birds if you have pet birds at home or if you are working in the poultry or ostrich industry. Members of the public are also requested to report abnormal numbers of dead wild birds to a local state veterinarian or the responsible conservation authority. If possible, please take a photo, and record the location, species, and number of dead birds observed. In the Plettenberg Bay area, contact Tenikwa on 082 486 1515 for further information and assistance.

Follow me, chaps!

Dr Mark Brown of Nature’s Valley Trust walks behind the penguins released at Lookout Beach on March 2. At right is Hanlie Roux, the veterinary nurse at Tenikwa who plays a wonderful and caring role in the rehabilitation of those penguins who find their way to the Crags-based wildlife sanctuary. A crowd of some 200 people braved wet and windy weather from 9am on Friday to witness the release of the four penguins, rehabilitated by Tenikwa in collaboration with Nature’s Valley Trust, BirdLife SA, and Birdlife Plettenberg Bay. - Photo: Jenny Ponder

PROFILE

EDUCATION LABOUR RELATIONS COUNCIL (ELRC)

CORPORATE

taminate a variety of food types, including meat and dairy products. While listeria cannot be spread from one person to another, pregnant women and infants, as well as people with weakened immune systems, are at a higher risk of contracting it. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhoea.

The Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) is a bargaining council that serves the public education sector nationally and provincially.

CONTACT DETAILS: ELRC NATIONAL OFFICE Research and Media Manager Ms B Loxton Tel: (012) 663-7446 Fax: (012) 663-1601 Email: bernicel@elrc.co.za Website: www.elrc.org.za

ELRC NATIONAL OFFICE Research and Media Officer Mr S Maduna Tel: (012) 663-7446 Fax: (012) 663-1601 Email: sipho@elrc.co.za Website: www.elrc.org.za

VISION STATEMENT

Education Labour Relations Council: resolving disputes Education is the adhesive that binds all strands of humanity and sparks development in all spheres of society

he most powerful element of this order that is education is the educator. The educator provides the canvass on which future leaders develop their crafts and affirm their place in the world. The Education Labour Relations Council was established with the value of the educator in mind and our services are geared towards maintaining a peaceful and amiable relationship between the Employer (Department of Basic Education; TVET) and the educators (represented by the combined teacher unions in the ELRC).

The welfare of the educator is of supreme importance to the Council and the dispute resolution services and collective bargaining services offered by the Council embraces this ideal. The ELRC administers the resolution of disputes referred by educators. More than 3000 arbitration awards have been issued under the auspices of the ELRC between 1994 and 2018. The Council’s Dispute Management Services (DMS), through its groundbreaking approaches, has ascended to a seat of prominence in the South African Dispute Resolution Arena. The Council’s DMS department renders the following services: • Preventive services, through training of Parties; • Responsive services, through the resolution of disputes; • Proactive services through research on new areas (case laws); and • Policy influence through the analysis and evaluation of interventions. The Council offers dispute prevention services, which is a proactive approach in resolving grievances in public education before they develop into disputes. The ELRC also provides training for Panellists (who act as mediators between the teacher unions and the Employer). The Council has signed a significant number of collective agreements over the years, pertaining to, amongst others, the terms and conditions of employment and the recruitment and filling of posts. The strategic objectives of collective bargaining services are: • To maintain and promote labour peace in public education; • To promote collective bargaining on all matters of mutual interest; • To implement collective agreements through workshops; and • To conduct research nationally and internationally.

To improve the quality of teaching and learning through labour peace.

MOTTO Quality services for excellence in teaching.

ELRC SERVICES The primary business of the ELRC is to promote and maintain labour peace in the public education sector in South Africa. The core services of the Council are dispute resolution and prevention services and collective bargaining services. The Council provides dispute resolution services to prevent and resolve labour disputes in education and performs dispute resolution functions in terms of section 51 of the Labour Relations Act No. 66 of 1995 (as amended). Collective bargaining services are provided to promote collective bargaining in relation to all matters of mutual interest and to conclude and enforce collective agreements.

DISPUTE MANAGEMENT SERVICES The Council promotes and maintains labour peace in the public education sector through the provision of dispute management and prevention services. To this end, the disputes of educators and officials employed in terms of the Employment of Educators Act 78 of 1998 (as amended) are resolved through conciliation and/or arbitration.

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING SERVICES

The ELRC succeeded in getting the different Parties to work together to improve the quality of public education over the years. This ensured labour peace and improvement in education since its establishment in 1993. The ELRC has been successful in the signing of collective agreements that directly benefit educators in classrooms. The ELRC engaged in meaningful research over the years that have influenced policy making on the conditions of service for educators. This includes research on ECD: “Conditions of Service for the Institutionalisation of Grade R Practitioners.” This research was concluded in 2016. Based on the findings from the study, the Council plans to adopt a Collective Agreement on job descriptions for ECD Practitioners. The role of the Council extends beyond its mandate to maintain labour peace in public education. As a way of improving the quality of education in public schools, the Council collaborated with other stakeholders in education to form the Teacher Appreciation and Support Programme (TASP) in 2015, to celebrate teachers and uplift the teaching profession. ▲

The Council promotes and maintains labour peace in the public education sector through the provision of consultation and negotiations between Parties. The ELRC facilitates negotiations at national and provincial level. The strategic objectives of collective bargaining services are: • To maintain and promote labour peace in public education; • To promote collective bargaining on all matters of mutual interest; • To implement collective agreements through workshops; and • To conduct research nationally and internationally. The ELRC succeeded in getting the different Parties to work together to improve the quality of public education. This ensured labour peace and improvement in education over the past 23 years, through consistent education transformation. The ELRC has been successful in signing collective agreements that directly benefit educators in classrooms.

ELRC PROVINCIA OFFICES EASTERN CAPE 12 Clifford Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 6 Quigney, East London, 5605 Tel: 040 639 3535 Fax: 040 636 3562 FREE STATE 73 Aliwal Street, Omni Building, Ground Floor Bloemfontein, 9300 Tel: 051 430 8927 Fax: 051 430 5803 GAUTENG 32 Von Brandis Street, 4th Floor Johannesburg, 5980 Tel: 011 331 0061/4 Fax: 011 331 0062 KWAZULU-NATAL 1st Floor, Thekwini FET College, 262 Daintree Ave Asherville, Durban, 4091 Tel: 031 208 7065 Fax: 031 208 2372 LIMPOPO 49 Landros Mare Street, Old Standard Bank Building 3rd Floor, Office: 3005, Polokwane, 0700 Tel: 015 291 1456 Fax: 015 295 3090 MPUMALANGA 37 Brown Street, Midcity Building Offices 6/7/10 Floor No. 06, Nelspruit, 1200 Tel: 013 751 2838 Fax: 013 751 2491 NORTHERN CAPE 95 Du Toit Span Building, Suite No. 13 Du Toit Span Road, Kimberley, 8300 Tel: 053 832 0247 Fax: 053 832 0248 NORTH WEST 134 Beyers Naude Street, 1st Floor, Mimosa building Protea Park, Rustenburg, 0300 Tel: 014 592 9365 Fax: 014 594 2427 WESTERN CAPE Fairway Close, Fairway Square Building North Block, 1st Floor, Parow, 7500 Tel: 021 595-2149 Fax: 021 595-2949

NEWS & VIEWS

7 March 2018

Investment conference hails new beginning for business in Eden Correspondent BOB HOPKIN reports on the current investment conference that could mark a turning point for employment and prosperity on the Garden Route services to “greenfield” sites so that new businesses can have time to produce steady income before being faced with these costs. Other ideas, some already suggested by Chinese groups RARING TO GO: Eden mayor Memory Booysen is flanked by his in contact with Eden, include economic development team - Photo: Bob Hopkin use of the region’s three airOTIVATION and en- thing in our power to ac- ports in a more focussed way. thusiasm were in plen- quire memorandums of un- This entails continuing Plett tiful supply at a recent media derstanding from the visiting Airport primarily as tourist briefing ahead of the first businesses,” he said. destination along with busiGarden Route Investment According to Booysen, ness travellers flying into Conference to be held on Eden is optimistic enough George, but growing OudtsMarch 7 and 8 at Oubaai. to invest R250,000 in host- hoorn Airport mainly as a Organised by the currently ing the conference - and this freight-based operation. Eden (soon to be renamed has been backed by 11 other As the Garden Route’s only ‘Garden Route’) District sponsors, including several commercial port, and vital Municipality, the confer- banks, who are betting on an to the growth of export and ence has already been suc- outcome worth their while. import industries, an expancessful in attracting promiEden’s Economic Devel- sion of Mossel Bay’s infranent speakers as well as, and opment manager Lusanda structure under the guise of more importantly, potential Menze made it clear that a “special economic zone” investors both national and considerable thought and would be considered with the international. These include study had already explored substantial government suptwo Chinese delegations and the potential for all seven of port that this would bring. a delegate from Sweden. the district’s municipalities. Interested parties overseas The address by Eden DM “A first look at the pro- have identified the huge spare mayor Memory Booysen spective shows a R6-billion capacity of the high-tech Petmade it clear that the con- potential investment in new roSA plant as having potenference is meant to be thor- business development in 45 tial to process renewable biooughly productive and sure projects already identified,” mass into energy products. to be a results-driven event. he said. Among the incentives There was no shortage of “We are not going to waste being considered is a waiver ideas at the briefing and, if time with a talking shop. or deferral of “augmentation the conference follows suit, All opportunities are on the fees” normally levied at the this could be the kick-start so table and we will do every- outset for the provision of long overdue for this region.

Nutshell progress report on Garden Route vation: East), Londeka Biosphere Reserve Phetha (Municipal and LoHE Garden Route Biosphere Reserve was officially recognised by UNESCO in Paris last June. Since then, its Board has been expanded, plans and projects have commenced, and modest funding has been received. Some smaller projects have been selected and funded by TMF Group, in the Eastern Cape portion of the Biosphere; several landscape and post-fire projects are at an early stage; many green shoots of activity in various portfolios are commencing and funding proposals sub-

mitted, while others are still being formulated. Detailed information notes will now be disseminated routinely. The current Board of Directors comprises chairman Errol Finkelstein, Wentzel Coetzer (Agriculture and Stewardship: East), Ian van Jaarsveld (Finance, Compliance, Business and Commerce), Paddy Gordon (Climate Change Adaptation), Paul Hoffman (Economic Development and Planning), Peet Joubert (Environment and Conservation: West), Hennie Swanevelder (Environment and Conser-

cal Government), Ashley Wentworth (Tourism), Bianca Currie (Research), and Nina Viljoen (non-voting) as Garden Route District Council representative. An AGM will take place at the end of May, and a process of updating and seeking input from the public is to commence shortly. Membership enquiries may be directed to membership@gardenroutebiosphere.org.za or by mail to Membership - Garden Route Biosphere Reserve, PO Box 426, Plett 6600. (See the ad on this page.)

CXPRESS

7 March 2018

NEWS & VIEWS

First Rotary Quiz Night now up, so diarise Tuesday March 13! ETER Adams of Plett Rotary paid a visit to the CXPRESS office to advise that the year’s first Quiz Night is coming up on Tuesday March 13 at 7pm, hosted by The Verandah at Goose Valley club house. “Last year we raised nearly R40,000 with our monthly quiz nights held at this wonderful venue. Apart from raising money, these occasions provide the Plett community with great entertainment during the cold winter months. “All proceeds went towards the renovation

of Harkerville Primary, including new classrooms and a facelift both inside and out. This year, all funds raised will support our very own PlettAid Hospice nurses,” says Peter. Special thanks go to Emma at The Verandah, Nici at Goose Valley, George at SuperSpar and Sotheby’s, and to Pam Golding Properties for sponsoring prizes. Teams of six to eight should now enter - each member’s R100 entry fee includes snacks and laughs aplenty! Call 044 533 0889 to reserve your table.

NEWS & VIEWS

7 March 2018

CXPRESS

Celebrating 15 years of making Bitou kids’ futures a whole lot brighter ORN in Africa (BIA) celebrated 15 years of educational upliftment and social development in Plett from February 12 to 16. This momentous occasion, months in the planning, saw more than 100 godparents visiting Bitou to spend time with their BIA godchildren, and each day was dedicated to one of the schools involved: The Crags, Wittedrift, Kranshoek, Harkerville, Wittedrift High, and Plett Secondary. A special programme entertained both visitors and children, all of whom were clearly delighted by the creative performances. To pay homage to the community who has supported Born in Africa, a gala dinner was held at The Barnyard for godparents, sponsors, board members, friends, and family of the children. Says BIA director Isabelle Brink: “Fifteen years of hard work, far too many success stories to mention, and permanent relationships forged with the Bitou community play an important part in our story. “Our aim is ensuring that students complete their school careers and, where possible, university, skills education, or college academic qualifications. Alberto Wilskut from Kranshoek joined our programme 11 years ago when he was just nine.

“He completed his primary education there and was selected to complete his high school career at Wittedrift High. Thereafter he attended a year business administration course at Tsiba Eden College. “Alberto is currently completing his third and final year of a National Diploma in Accounting at Nelson Mandela University. A troubled childhood blossomed into a very motivated young man who took to cycling as a passion during his studies,” says Isabelle. Alberto’s hobby became such an important part of his life that he is now a member of the university cycling team, taking part in many races across the country. He decided to give back to Born in Africa by joining André Bouwer and an entourage of cyclists in the early morning hours of Friday February 16 to raise funds for the BIA tertiary educational programme. “Arriving as a beautiful sea of green, the group took to the streets of Plettenberg Bay before celebrating their success at Cornuti Stella e Luna,” says Isabelle. After digging into the delicious pizza, Alberto thanked everyone who made this day possible, saying that his current success is but the beginning of plenty more to come.

MAKE THE CIRCLE BIGGER: A highlight of the four-day birthday celebrations was posing for a group photo including all 400 learners, godparents, and Born in Africa friends and family

“I did this in aid of the Born in Africa tertiary bursary fund. Thank you to the team for your support. Mamma, I made it!” Adds Isabelle: “Another highlight of the day concluding such a memorable week of events was the group photo taken at the stunning Plett viewpoint, including all 400 learners, godparents, BIA friends, and family.” She thanks the many special people, businesses, families, and organisations who made their 15-year celebrations such a success including Monkeyland, Birds of Eden and

Jukani, Sage @ Hunter’s Country House, Hog Hollow Horse Trails, Kay & Monty Vineyards, Cornuti, Knysna Elephant Park, Nguni restaurant, Radical Raptors, Clare’s Cakes, The Bike Shop, Club 100, Ruby’s Kisses, Siya Phambili, The Peppermill, André Bouwer, and Wittedrift High. BIA is also grateful to The Barnyard, Ian from Music Box, Michelle Pyper Photography, Stuart Brink Films, Bitou Municipality and Traffic, and all schools, board members, sponsors, and the many volunteers involved.

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

7 March 2018

BUCO-backed non-profit body uplifts lives of Bitou’s most vulnerable NGOMSO Lethu was established in 2016 as a progressive non-profit organisation dealing with orphans, vulnerable children, and youth in general who reside in and around Plett. Initially focussing on children infected and affected by HIV/Aids, and especially those who have lost their parents due to the pandemic,

volunteers started by visiting homes and schools, assisting identified beneficiaries with education and counselling. Says co-founder Kenneth Momo: “We looked at resources to equip our volunteers with the relevant skills and expertise for this purpose, while at the same time aiming to preserve their dedication to continue with

the programme.” Against this background, Kenneth and partner Dennis Blou have been championing programmes that add value to the lives of these children. They are currently assisted by seven volunteers. Objectives of Ingomso Lethu include: • To reduce depression and ill health.

• To increase self-worth and successful functioning. • To create positive individuals. • To provide skills and training especially to young people, but also to adult women and men so that they may live sustainable lives. • To reduce the stigma related to HIV/Aids and TB. • To end the abuse of children and women. • To raise funds that will enable the organisation to continue rendering this muchneeded service in the Bitou community. • To be a source of information and network with other emerging organisations. On Saturday February 24, the Ingomso Lethu team hosted a Mini Sports Day and Indigenous Games at the Wittedrift High sport field, providing great entertainment for those in its care. They would like to acknowledge Sean Gannon of BUCO, Wittedrift councillor and speaker Annelise Olivier, Lenard Jonas of Bitou Municipality, the broader Wittedrift community. They also thank the Dolphins, Jaguars, Excelsior and Crusaders rugby clubs, and everyone who participated in the fun event. Email KMomo@buco. co.za for further information and if you would like to make a donation, please call Dennis on 076 407 3329 or deposit directly to FNB Plett (branch code 210514), account no 62717464010.

GREAT SPORTS: These images of the Ingomso Lethu event at Wittedrift High depict some of the sporting and gaming fun had by all involved

Plaaslike leerders blink uit op vele fronte

Lessons in loving

Plettenbergbaai Sekondêr atlete Trevor Koopman, links, en Dondrey Liesching het onlangs hul skool en dorp by Oudtshoorn se SWD kompetisie verteenwoordig.

Toe die produksiespan van SABC2 se ‘Showville’ laas maand in Plettenbergbaai was om ‘n program te skiet was twee Plet Sek dames onder die finaliste - hou daai beeldradio fyn dop om te sien hoe Leandra Swarts en Michaela Whaites gevaar het…

Geluk aan die nuwe Verteenwoordigende Raad van Leerders wie onlangs verkies is om hul maters op die noue pad te hou...

Tina van Reenen of Marine Way Animal Hospital shared these pics taken during an educational talk entitled ‘How to look after your favourite friend’ presented to the attentive youngsters of Footsteps Preschool recently. Serving as ‘assistant vet’ is daughter Liesl, who recently gained her Engineering degree at Stellenbosch University, and they took along beloved pooches Miella and Mr Crocket to ensure their important message had a lasting impact. Tina also reminded that Bitou Community Veterinary Clinic (CVC) continues to sterilise dogs and cats from Plett’s poorer areas, and provide primary health care in collaboration with PAWS. “Our CVC charity shop has had to close but we are still desperate for your clothing donations,” she says. Please drop these off at Marine Way Animal Hospital or SMS Tina on 072 296 4283 to collect.

BUSINESS

7 March 2018

Singing the Budget Blues... Stuart Murray

have taken to heart the complexities of rapidlydisplaced Finance minister Malusi Gigaba’s recent Budget - in spite of being surprised, and concerned, by some of the measures introduced. The 1% increase in VAT was puzzling in political terms as it was sure to upset the masses. However, I can but assume that the government was so aware of its current low level of popularity that it hardly mattered. The rise in the equally-unpopular fuel levy is another blow to the not-so-well-off and was hammered by all of the leading trade unionists. Saftu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi cried that workers had been “assaulted” by a Budget “based on neo-liberal market logic” whatever that means. The shuffle indicates that VAT is the government’s second-largest revenue producer, bringing in an estimated R348-billion. Number one is personal income tax at R505-billion and in third place, corporate income tax (R231-billion). The estimated fuel levies bonanza for this year is a tidy R97.5-billion. I have this vision of Treasury and SARS top brass, closeted with cabinet ministers, economists, finance pundits, analysts and advisers, faced with the delicate task of trying to find ways to pull an economy screwed to despair over the past decade into some sort of shape, which in turn will

receive the nod from those pesky international ratings agencies and thus deliver us from junkdom. Somehow, my vision doesn’t include any tableaux of these public servants shying in horror from thoughts of the hardship this VAT increase will have on the millions of South Africans living on, or below, the breadline. Nor do I see them even realising the detrimental effect of rising fuel costs on our inflation rate, which punishes everybody else. Let’s face it: our 35 cabinet ministers each take home R2,309,000 a year plus perks galore. Deputy ministers, of which there are 37, have to struggle on with a mere R1,901,000 per annum. Let’s not even go to the provinces… President Ramaphosa, by the way, now scores the R2,874,851 pay packet that was Jacob Zuma’s fiefdom (as well as a R719,000 annual car allowance) - a fairly modest increase from the R2,716,718 Cyril received as deputy president. A few more perks for cabinet and deputy ministers include that they’re allowed to buy one car for use in Pretoria and one for Cape Town. The value of each car must not be more than 70% of their salary. So at the current salary rate, a minister could buy two cars costing R1.62million… EACH. Pravin Gordhan tried to cap this when he was Finance minister, but I’m unsure as to its implementation.

Incidentally, cabinet ministers are entitled to use their official vehicles for “any reasonable purpose”, including taking their children to school. They and their spouses may also book first-class tickets for official international journeys. Both are entitled to 30 single business-class flights a year within South Africa. If they’re afeared of flying, they can travel by train, Blue Train included. Cabinet members may live free of charge in one state-owned residence in the capital of their choice. If they want a second stateowned home “for official purposes”, they must pay a “market-related” rent. The formula provided in the Ministerial Handbook to calculate this is ‘(salary) +1% divided by 12’. So at R2,309,000 a year, it works out at R194,34 per month. It truly is tough at the top! In an attempt to put this income analysis into perspective, I delved into recruitment agency CareerJunction’s list of the 15 top-paying South African jobs, and found that top earnings are in the area of R850,000 a year! Incidentally, and just to cheer us all up as we start our bullet-biting training, all in all we have 2.16-million civil servants beavering away on our behalf. Let’s hope they don’t go hungry… • Stuart Murray (stuartmurray758@gmail.com) is a former senior assistant editor of Financial Mail and cofounder, editor, and CEO of Finance Week. He is retired and lives in Plettenberg Bay.

CXPRESS

7 March 2018

SOCIAL SCENE

People, places & events

RIPPING UP THE STRAND SURF: These pics show some of the brilliant collective effort made by Nippers attached to Plett Surf Lifesaving Club during the past weekendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Western Cape Champs on Strand Beach. Cool water and an ever-present breeze did little to deter the medium-sized contingent of Plett contenders from raking in a commendable fourth place overall, only beaten by the mammoth-sized Cape Town greats of Fish Hoek, Llandudno and Clifton. And hey, the parents, coaches, siblings and grampies on hand had a huge jorl, too. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to buy tickets today for the Nippers Nationals fundraiser at The Table on Saturday night from 6pm onwards, with DJ Butters in the house and tons of prizes to be raffled. Tickets at R150 per head gets you a glass of wine or beer and lots of yummy pizza, mmmh! Call Colleen on 072 914 6914 to book.

SHAVE SPRAY DONATE: Plett joined the rest of the country in its national cancer-awareness drive when hosting a most successful Shavathon at The Market Square two Saturdays ago - a colourful blast for a brilliant Cansa cause. Pictured from left are Medi-clinic Plett Shavathoner Dr Pieter Boshoff flanked by sisters Annelie and Lientjie, right; sporting dads and lads from the Goedhals and Sinclair clans respectively; Jane Coetzer in the capable hands of hairstylist Sharron; and Lynn smacking a smooch on the cheek of smiling Don. - Photos: Hanlie Sinclair

SOCIAL SCENE

7 March 2018

CXPRESS

People, places & events

ENCHANTÉ, HOMO NALEDI! On the evening of Friday March 2, Professor Lee Berger, director of Palaeoanthropology in the Evolutionary Studies Institute of Wits University, delivered a fascinating talk on Homo naledi, to an audience of 220 people at The White House Theatre in Plett. With the aid of colour images projected on to an overhead screen, Berger described how an early species of the hominid Homo naledi was discovered in the Rising Star cave system of The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, situated 50km north-west of Joburg. The modus operandi of the dig was novel in that it employed, what at that time was the cutting edge technology of Google Earth, Global Positioning System (GPS) and the ultra-fast computation of large amounts of data. The progress of the dig that uncovered 1,550 fossil elements in a deep underground chamber made it the single-largest fossil hominid find ever on the African continent. Berger’s mode of delivery was upbeat, entertaining and comprehensible to all and at the conclusion of his talk, he was warmly applauded by everyone present. The lecture was organised by the Land Owners Association of the Robberg Coastal Corridor to raise funds for the rehabilitation of this important corridor, which was devastated in the fires that swept through large tracts of the Garden Route in June 2017. Pictured at top left are Mike and Anne Clarke of Knysna, who won a woodcut by Cecil Skotnes that was kindly donated by Trent Read of Knysna Fine Art. Joburger Beverley Rintoul, left, won a privatelydonated painting entitled ‘Flowers in Namaqualand’. Above from left with the prof, second from right, are Gail and Jeremy Ractliffe, Andrew Hill, and Chris Von Christierson. - Timothy Twidle

DINING WITH THE DON: SA property giants Seeff held a national competition to reward agents who sold the most sole mandates during the last quarter of 2017. Daniel van Renen of the Plett bureau, at far right, was rewarded for selling the most units, while Monty and Connie Peet - pictured with head honcho Samuel Seeff at right - were victorious after moving the most Rand value in the Eastern Cape/Garden Route region. Winning agents for each region were treated to an all-expenses paid trip and dinner with Samuel and his wife, Simone, along with senior managers, at the Seeff’s Fresnaye home in Cape Town.

ANOTHER FIRST FOR CX COUNTRY: Knysna Canoe Polo Club will host the 2018 SA Championships at Knysna Waterfront over Easter Weekend from March 30 to April 1. “Inter-provincial championships are traditionally hosted by the major canoe polo provinces - KwaZulu Natal, Gauteng, and Western Province,” explains organiser Nelson das Fontes. “This year being the turn of our province, it was agreed that Knysna should play host because of the enormous amount of effort that has been put into the sport locally, and the great facilities offered by Knysna Waterfront.” Das Fontes says eight teams from around the country will compete for the championship title in three divisions: Seniors, U21 and U16. Games will be played on two pitches in Knysna Harbour and will make for great spectator viewing. Warm-up games take place on March 30 from 5pm, and the championships start on Saturday at 8am, with finals being played from 8am on Sunday. Pictured in mid-aquatic action above are local stars Coban Dean Suttie and Daneel van Wyk. Visit www.facebook.com/KnysnaCanoePolo/ for more information. - Photo: Nelson das Fontes

a t s i n o i h s a F a L

CXPRESS

INTERVAL

7 March 2018

You buying all this? HILE in a shopping mall a man said to his wife: “You just go ahead. While you’re shopping, I’ll browse in the hardware store.” An hour later, she returned and saw him at the checkout counter. The clerk was ringing up the last of a pile of tools

and supplies that would fill two wheelbarrows. “Are you buying all this?” his wife asked incredulously. “Well, yes,” he said, embarrassed. Then waving his arm toward the interior of the store, he added: “But look at all the stuff I’m leaving behind!”

Today’s special: crayfish man enters a restaurant and asks the waitress what is on special. “Today we have crayfish tales for R1 each,” she says. “I’ll take a dozen!” the man replies. The waitress tells him since it is a special, he

would have to pay in advance, which he does. Then she says: “Are you ready for your first tale?” The gentleman assures her he can’t wait. Then she begins: “Once upon a time there was this little crayfish…”

My wife at home

“Mary, if you were a four-legged animal and you were pregnant for two years, what would you give birth to?” “I don’t know,” replied Mary, “but whatever it is, it would never be afraid of the dark.”

The missing husband wife went to the police station with her next-door neighbour to report that her husband was missing. When the policeman asked for a description, she said: “He’s 35 years old, 1.9 metres tall, has dark eyes, dark wavy hair, an athletic build, weighs

84kg, is soft-spoken, and is good to the children.” The next-door neighbour protested: “Your husband is 1.6 metres tall, chubby, bald, has a big mouth, and is mean to your children.” The wife replied: “Yes, but who wants HIM back?”

Mechanic versus doctor heart surgeon visited a mechanic to repair his car. The mechanic had a look at the car’s engine, opened a valve and fixed it. He told the surgeon: “I repaired the engine, which is the heart of the

car. You operate on the hearts of humans, so our jobs are quite similar. So why is it that you earn more than me?” The surgeon replied: “Can you repair the car when the ignition is on? We can!”

Playing Mozart? ERONICA was practising the piano when suddenly there was a loud pounding on the front door. She opened it and found a breathless police officer. “What’s the matter?”

she asked. “Where’s the body?” demanded the officer. “What do you mean?” “We just got a tip that some guy named Mozart was being butchered to pieces in this house.”

My wife in public

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CXPRESS 7 March[PAGENO] 2018

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CXPRESS

ON THE SOAPBOX

7 March 2018

Letters to the Editor

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

Here’s how we can enable ‘active hope’... I would like to commend Errol Finkelstein on his recent opinion piece ‘Quo vadis, Plettenberg Bay?’ [read it on page 4 of the February 7 edition at www.cxpress.co.za], because of its pro-active and constructive nature in identifying challenges, while suggesting approaches which could be used to further community dialogue. In particular, Finkelstein emphasises that there must be “innovative solutions to all of these challenges, but only if the people of Plett put their heads together to create a new, better, sustainable way forward”. All too often, we read newspaper columns and letters that are an appeal to municipalities or government to do some-

thing or another. While I firmly believe that our elected officials need to be held accountable as custodians for ensuring equitable quality of life, it also strikes me that we are often too quick to outsource responsibility. This might be termed ‘passive hope’: watching, waiting, wanting for our leaders to do something or, if not them, holding unrealistic expectations of the next elected officials to deliver the changes we desire. History shows us that passive hope is false hope. Between fires, drought and public unrest, it is clear that these are no longer occasional abnormalities but are instead becoming the ‘new normal’ - bubbling up from

a deeper undercurrent of social-ecological tension and disconnection. In this new normal, passive hope is impotent. As citizens, we need to co-create ‘active hope’. Active hope is a practice, like gardening; it’s about becoming active participants in generating what we hope for. It is about taking a clear view of reality (one that emphasises our relationships with each other and the environment), identifying the direction we would like to move in, and taking tangible steps to move ourselves or our situation in that direction. The impetus is intention. What’s infectious is action. Rather than relying on hope or waiting until we feel hopeful, we prac-

tise what we wish to bring about and this inspires others to do the same. Plett is an idyllic place to be. We can expect to receive an influx of people wishing to benefit from all we are privileged to have here. Let’s be pro-active and start coming together to dialogue around ways to build firm foundations of cooperation and resilience for a brighter future. Matthew Z, Plett (Hear hear, Mr Z! Parts of this letter, said Matthew, were inspired by the book Active Hope by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone. Should you be interested in furthering dialogue around such topics, email noetic.ecology @gmail.com and chat to Matthew. - Eds.)

There’s a case for Bitou v Plett - but why not ‘Formosa’? In Errol Finkelstein’s recent article under the heading ‘Quo vadis, Plettenberg Bay?’, he suggests a name change from ‘Bitou’ Municipality to ‘Plettenberg Bay’.

While I support the premise for the change of name (viz: better identity and branding as a tourism destination), I encourage a shift away from immortalising colonialists.

Instead, I suggest either ‘Plett’ (which is slightly less laudatory, aligns with current tourism branding, and more likely ‘to stick’) or ‘Formosa’ which, without

Khoisan records, is the first known name of the area and more culturally neutral, while best describing its unique quality, i.e. ‘beautiful’. Greg Goodwin, Plett

Ten out of ten for George Bo blink, onder stink* How’s this for a terrible We truly believe our Provincial Hospital contrast: the very expen- ‘new’ society needs to be We are surrounded by so much negativity concerning anything ‘governmentrelated’ these days, and so I feel compelled to share my recent positive experience. After a year of agony and being shoved from doctor to doctor in Plett, I eventually found myself at George Provincial Hospital and in the hands of the wonderful Dr Greyling. He took one look at my damaged back and insisted that I jump the government queue, duly booking me in for a laminectomy on lumber five (an op to try and repair the damaged nerves). Sadly, circumstances beyond everyone’s control took Dr Greyling out of the picture - but this did not delay the procedure,

and in came an alternative doctor. Although terrifying at the last minute, I was handled with such sensitivity. I knew I was safe as houses. Every staff member I had the pleasure of dealing with at the hospital showered me with outstanding and professional care. I could not have been in better hands. They went out of their way to allay my fears, treat my post-op pain quickly and efficiently, and I received tasty and nutritious food. I cannot praise the staff at George Provincial highly enough. Well done and thank you to each and every one of you - 10 out of 10 to this amazing hospital. Jeanne van der Gaast, Plett

sive and biggest modern building in Bitou, housing our new law courts, is really neat and smart. But just around the corner near the new flats in New Horizons, a mountain of rubbish (much bigger than when we sent you photos for publication a month ago) is lying in the street for all to see. What does the ward councillor do? Why are there no protest marches? What does the Medical or Health officer do? Does anyone care? Who is the official in charge, and how do we contact him or her? Yes, those living in the vicinity do care, but they feel completely helpless. Could your newspaper do a bit of photo journalism and stir the pot?

reminded that we are all responsible for our town especially the council and municipal officials. Peter and Nancy Stratten, Plett *The direct translation would be ‘shiny on top, stinking below’, implying that a flashy lifestyle is often a mere illusion. Its relevance should be clear in the above context. (Turn to page 10 of the January 31 edition at www. cxpress.co.za for Peter’s original letter and images in this regard, and to page 11 of the February 14 issue to read a response from the Keep Plett Clean campaigners. And yes please, do join the anti-litter army required to prevent the scourge of illegal dumping from marring our beautiful Route. - Eds.)

Bad manners maketh the ungentle man… This is a letter to the ‘gentleman’ who purchased compost at our Roadside Nursery container and then returned it, throwing it from his vehicle while shouting at my staff very rudely that he had found it cheaper elsewhere. Your behaviour not only ruined my staff member’s day but the fact that he was verbally abused by you in front of other clients made things worse. I suggest you

educate yourself on what compost is organically made locally and what is commercially produced and you will realise there is a big difference, hence the difference in price. Please also think about other people and what their circumstances are before you explode in a tirade of bad language about something as simple as COMPOST. Anthony Pearce, Plett

THAT WAS THEN… These photos were published on the Letters page of the January 31 edition under the heading ‘Talking nothing but rubbish: a clean town is a healthy town’ - sadly, the situation has since deteriorated

ON THE SOAPBOX

7 March 2018

Letters to the Editor

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

Don’t despair when you’ve lost your metal lost somewhere on desperate it feels to lose in Plettenberg Bay… had our huge Lookout Beach personal belongings, and

SHOWING THEIR METTLE: Lynne Garmany, at right, happily receives her family’s long lost iPhone from John and Erika Mulder

When I opened CXPRESS on Wednesday morning February 28, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Upon reading that edition’s Letters page, [read it at www.cxpress.co.za] I saw a photo

of our son, daughter-inlaw, and grandchild. I was absolutely astonished when I realised that the image you included was the screen saver on the iPhone which they

on January 3. Your heading above the photo and caption was: ‘Do you know the owner of this lost iPhone?’ My son’s little family had tried to retrace their steps and searched for days before returning to the UK, but finally gave it up as a lost cause. HUGE thanks go to John and Erika Mulder who look after us all in Plett by spending hours and days scanning our beaches with their metal detectors to try recover and return all our precious lost items - something they have done for the last 30 years. Miraculously, they found the iPhone a few weeks later and took enormous trouble to try and find its owner by photographing the screensaver and then sending it to CXPRESS to kindly print. Most people would just think it’s their lucky day when finding a cellphone buried one foot under the sand. Many of us know how

especially one’s phone which, although it can be replaced, holds contacts and photos that often can’t be replaced. Rings, watches, spectacles - anything metal can be recovered, so don’t give up before you’ve called 044 533 2117 or emailed lostringfinders@ gmail.com to tell John and Erika Mulder of your loss. Lynne Garmany, Plett --CXPRESS is a matchmaker par excellence! You were instrumental in reuniting the iPhone we collected on Lookout Beach with its owners in London. They were overjoyed to recover their phone after having given up all hope of ever getting it back, and making peace with losing all the info recorded on the phone’s memory. Three cheers to yet another great recovery story that ended well! John and Erika Mulder, aka Plett’s Metal Detect Team

CXPRESS coverage bolsters Hospice Plett I write to express the sincere thanks of Hospice Plett to CXPRESS for the coverage you afforded us in your January 31 edition [turn to page 5 of that issue at www.cxpress.co.za]. We record our appreciation of your assigning an entire page to us, and your designing and placing the compelling ‘Hospice Plett Needs You’ appeal alongside. Such warm and concerned local support means the world to us. For us, your Hospice Plett feature marks the start of a sustained appeal effort on our part. I’m sure that you will be as encouraged as we are to know that our call for help has been heard and is being heard. To date, we have received in the region of 25 cash donations from concerned and caring individuals. In addition, the Cat Simoni Valentine’s Day concert in aid of Hospice Plett was a happy success, and the recent launch of

Gordon Forbes’s delightful new book ‘I’ll Take the Sunny Side’ hosted by Lodestone Wine Estate dedicated a percentage of proceeds to Hospice Plett [turn to page 2 if you’ve missed it]. What’s more, the Rotary Club of Plettenberg Bay pledged proceeds of their Quiz Night to Hospice Plett [find details on page 6], while Helen Melon Properties and Autech Motors have both made deeply appreciated donations. We are also thrilled to have received a start-up donation for our longplanned-for Hospice Plett Shop and have secured super premises in the heart of town. This development is our way of helping ourselves and generating income. That is of course only possible by virtue of the treasure trove of donated gently-used goods that Plett folk keep supplying to us. This form of local support is priceless and we trust that we can

Brush up on your Shakespeare, sisters Hamlet was not holding a skull when he uttered “to be or not to be”. [See the cover of CXPRESS dated February 21 at www.cxpress. co.za]. He said, skull in

hand: “Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him well.” Sorry to be pedantic, but I played Laertes, with John Boulter as Hamlet, years ago… Andrew Forbes, Plett

count on the goods continuing to arrive! We will be opening those doors by the end of March. We are so grateful for the help from locals that is quietly coming in, and are cautiously optimistic that it will continue to come in. We are not yet out of the woods, but each and every donation encourages us to believe that we can and we will weather our crisis.

Thank you. Hilary Matthews chairman: PlettAid Foundation (You are so very welcome, Hilary. Readers ready to contribute should jot down these banking details: The Plett Aid Foundation, First National Bank Plettenberg Bay, branch code 210514, account number 62048095063, SWIFT code FIRNZAJJ. - Eds.)

Plett Auto deserves a mention for sterling service I have been using the same auto servicing company in Plettenberg Bay for the last three years and have had very good service from them. Recently on a Sunday, my son-in-law noticed that I had an oil leak. He suggested that I take it to them and ask them to ramp the car up and check out the leak, which wasn’t at all severe. The next morning I went to said company and, mentioning that I had been a customer for three years, asked if they could please just quickly check my car. I was asked if I had made a booking for my car to be looked at, to which I replied that I couldn’t on a Sunday but that I just needed a quick look to see if the leak was bad. I was then told that I

would have to book the car in for the day and they would let me know what was wrong. At that, I told them to just forget it and stormed out. I went to Plett Auto, where the most charming man listened to my sob story. He immediately called two of his mechanics over, hoisted the car up, found that the nuts hadn’t been tightened after the last service, and then assured me that there was nothing wrong with the car. He wouldn’t charge me a penny, and after spending half an hour with him I was happily back home. What a difference! Good luck, Plett Auto you deserve to go a long way in local business and you have just gained a loyal new customer. Jenny Stevenson, Plett

CXPRESS

Read CXPRESS online at www.cxpress.co.za

La Luna

CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

7 March 2018

BUCO Adventure Weekend

Prepare for exciting new events to complement tried and tested Easter challenges ASTER Weekend, from Friday March 30 to Monday April 2, will see Plettenberg Bay come alive with sporting action, the

bulk of events falling under the BUCO Adventure Easter Weekend umbrella. This year’s line-up will once again showcase the

best of what Plett has to offer on the outdoor sporting front, while emphasising that this is a town with soul, its locals ever eager to share

rewards and give back to communities in need. The weekend kicks off with the inaugural Super Sixes at Plett Country Club on Easter Friday - an exciting format that only utilisers six holes of this spectacular golf course, with 32 players competing in a round robin progressing into a knock out round. Eventing company The Worx has developed this unique format sure to attract keen interest and lots of entries - more so since event sponsor Stella Artois will treat participants to refreshing beer-tasting activations. A nine-hole competition will be held simultaneously on the back nine. Call Andy Smit on 072 232 6760 or 044 533 0816 for further details and to book your spot. For the more energetic, the Muddy Foot Adventures crew, aka BUCO Adventure Team, has concocted a whole host of activities to keep the entire family busy throughout the weekend. Says Muddy Foot founder James ‘Lettuce’ Stewart: “Each and every event during this weekend of adventure fun was made possible

by the incredible support of BUCO, Cairnbrogie Farm and, as always, operators of the vast array of top tourist activities on the Garden Route.” Saturday March 31 sees the action moving to Cairnbrogie Farm on Plett’s Airport Road, the day kicking off at 8:30am with a selection of trail runs ranging from 1.5km to 17km. The #SoundstheCall crew will be putting together a host of kids’ activities and food stalls to raise funds for Bitou’s volunteer fire fighters, ensuring infinite entertainment and culinary options for spectators. As good tradition dictates, the team will again be treating many Sterreweg specialneeds kids to the annual Easter Egg Hunt around the farm yard. Shortly thereafter, it will be time to don helmets and scale mountain bikes. At 1:30pm, the Kids Fun X Country Ride will challenge U14 and U10 riders brave enough to take on a 2.5km course, riding as many laps as humanly possible in the course of an hour.

Once these up and coming riders have shown their mettle, the Big Guns will come out to play in the BUCO Adventure Mountain Bike Rally Ride, where teams of two follow a ‘rally-style’ route book on a track of about 25km on Cairnbrogie and the surrounding MTO Group Plantations. “This route will take some work as most of the area was burnt in the Big Fire of June 2017. There will be a couple of great new features to keep riders on their toes and inject plenty of adrenaline into their veins,” says James. Sunday morning will see the BUCO Easter Surfski Challenge off Central Beach, now in its 11th year, when doubles and singles will dice it out over a 1215km course, followed by the third edition of Round the Blinders Dash for Cash - another Plett first. This exciting event’s knockout format has paddlers completing the 1km loop with winners advancing to a two-man final. A total of R15,000 in prize money is up for grabs in this new event. Check out muddyfootad ventures.co.za for further details, and visit entrytickets. net to enter online.

Hylene and fellow Plett Kyousei karateka shine at W-Cape trials Congratulations to these Plett Karate Kyousei students - from left are Kyle McCallum, Jemeille Dixon, Josh Rossouw, Hylene Cedras, and Nevisha Pika - who were recently selected for the Eden Karate Federation team after taking part in the Western Cape trails in Cape Town end-January. As if this was not enough of an achievement for every student involved, Hylene scored silver for kata and bronze in kumite, taking this talented youngster to the next level of her sport. Hylene is now part of the Western Cape karate team that will represent our province in Durban on March 23 and 24. We wish her the very best of luck.

Good times made among gentle giants

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Local ‘lang-asem’ Lourika Pienaar, at centre in front, shared this image of contenders during last weekend’s 44km Addo Trail Run, tackled by a super-fit array of Plett and Knysna-based trailblazers. Notwithstanding the fact that it was a rather muddy and slippery affair, each trailie pictured here - from left at back are Monica Taylor, Matty Smith, Christine Collins, Mike Jansen van Vuuren, Petrus Maree, Drew Scott, Kevin Evans and Byron Momsen, with Jeanette Wylie next to Lourika finished in a very respectable time.