8 april 2015 by CXpress

8 April 2015

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

FREE

Night riders This dramatic photo was shot by ace photographer Glenn Murray from the opposite side of Cairnbrogie’s dam during last Friday’s Pennypinchers Night MTB Relay, the cyclists’ torches and fading light combining to create a spectacular image - read more about the event on page 16

Jack’s back with Jane’s tale p2

Easter death toll 23 in Cape p4

Why you can’t miss Tshisa p11 Photo: Glenn Murray Photography

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

CXPRESS

News & Views

8 April 2015

Calamity Jane… 10 years down the line Long-time CXPRESS contributor, wildlife lover and legend in his own time JACK MUDD shares this unusual success story against all odds

HE phone rang. “Hi Lucy. It’s Eve. I am bringing this tiny Bushbuck fawn for you. I found it badly broken but alive after a truck on our dirt road hit its mother and her… Shame its mother did not survive… “Don’t worry, I raced it off to André Reitz who has wired its jaw up - it was broken in three places - and reset a badly damaged shoul-

der. He says if the stress doesn’t kill her, she should survive. I’ll see you in fifteen minutes.” This tiny, beaten up, confused and frightened bokkie (I guess maybe three weeks old at most) was handed over to Lucy and I, wrapped securely in a towel. Its huge, sad brown eyes stared stressfully at us. It almost appeared to be trying to tell us

what an awful predicament she was in. One look at this delicate baby told me that we had an almost impossible task. Under these circumstances, stress was a sure killer. If we could just get her through the next 48 hours, it would truly be a miracle. “See here?” said Eve enthusiastically, pointing her pinkie finger to an opening of about 10mm in the front of this little thing’s mouth. “Dr Reitz has left a gap in her jaw to bottle feed her. Her whole jaw is wired up and has to stay like this for

YARDFUL OF FAWNS: This pic taken recently shows all the old girl’s daughters - in fact, we have a whole herd of them that return home almost daily from the bush for a snack - ‘Calamity’ is on the far right in the picture

LOCAL GEM: Jack Mudd

eight weeks,” Eve advised. ‘Ja well no fine,’ I thought. ‘This is crazy. It’s bad enough rearing them when they are all in one piece...’ She survived, however, and went free, but came home to Lucy for her usual snack of cabbage most evenings. Every fawn that she produced was proudly brought out of the wild to our kitchen back door to show Lucy how clever she was. The rest is history. It’s 10 years down the line and the old girl (we christened her ‘Calamity Jane’) is still fine. And, if a little grey and skinny, she has another little one on the way!

Meet new ‘kids’ on the Mudd block

D Our 10 000 free copies are distributed every Wednesday to a multitude of outlets along the Garden Route, with emphasis on Knysna and Plett and drop-offs at *Sedgefield Tourism *Caltex StarMart in Wilderness *Lynn Schroeder, Build It and other select outlets in George *Storms River Village and Bridge in Tsitsikamma - phone 044 533 1004 (o/h) with distribution queries.

If you’ve missed out on a hard copy, read the electronic version online at www.cxpress.co.za

Jack’s original story of Jane’s rescue appeared in CXPRESS of September 7, 2005. If you’re not familiar with Jack’s work, visit www.jackmudd.co.za. To obtain one or all of Jack’s books - Here’s Mudd in Your Eye, I’m Alright Jack, Jack of all Trades, and And not to Yield - pop in to Village Bookshop, PNA, The Heath, Seafood Safari, and MakeAfrica at Old Nick in Plett, and Knysna Book Exchange in Knysna, or De-Gratia in Sedgefield.

URING our correspondence with Jack in the process of getting this story on the page, it came to light that a brand new crew of fourlegged friends forced themselves into the Mudds’s good care... Read all about it in a near-future edition.

News & Views

8 April 2015

CXPRESS

National body against child abuse joins Plett community in call for life sentences Plett residents and children’s rights groups will be taking hands in coming weeks ahead of the court appearance of a local computer engineer who has allegedly been linked to a horrific international child pornography network - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports

HE 37-year-old local business owner was arrested in January after international police swooped on his home in Plettenberg Bay. The man, who cannot be named until he has pleaded, was arrested following a lengthy investigation by South African and Belgian police after his internet address was discovered on an obscure cyber meeting space for alleged paedophiles with fetishes for what seems to be the sexual abuse of infants in nappies. He appeared in the local magistrate’s court and was released on R10,000 bail under strict conditions. The case was postponed to Wednesday April 22. His arrest has also led to several other busts, including a couple from Port Elizabeth. Gauteng police spokesman Colonel Noxolo Kweza said police swooped on a home in Westering in Port Elizabeth in March after a two-month investigation by South African and Belgian police. Two residents, a 33-yearold man and a 22-year-old woman, were arrested and appeared in the local magistrate’s court, before being released on bail of R5,000 each. Police also confiscated several hard drives, CDs, a cellphone, and a camera. There have also been arrests in Grahamstown and in Midrand. The incidents have seen a massive outcry from the public and children’s rights groups, especially in Plettenberg Bay. More than 2,000 residents

and visitors threw their weight behind an attempt to bring an end to the granting of bail for alleged paedophiles. Local resident Yvette Wilschut drew up and distributed several copies of a petition in an attempt to force lawmakers to revisit issues around granting bail to alleged paedophiles. She also organised a march against the horrors of child pornography, which saw about 300 take to the streets to voice their concerns. The petition was handed over to the office of Commissioner of the Children’s Court. Wilschut said because of the outrage among local communities, another march had been scheduled for April 18, four days ahead of the computer engineer’s next court appearance. Another petition will be handed over to local police. Women and Men Against Child Abuse (WMACA) will also throw their weight behind the cause by sending representatives to Plettenberg Bay for the court appearance. WMACA advocacy manager Germaine Vogel said the reason for their support was because child pornography was harmful. “It is a serious criminal offence, in reality, images of the sexual abuse, rape and torture of children. There is a victim that needs help in every image,” Vogel said. “As children’s rights activists, we are deeply concerned about the effect pornography and child pornography

‘Once pornographic or explicit images were distributed on the internet, they were impossible to delete and that was a terrible reality that is extremely stressful and traumatic for the child victims’

is having on children. We see increasing numbers of child-on-child sexual abuse, producing and distributing pornography themselves on cellphones and the internet.” He added once pornographic or explicit images were distributed on the internet, they were impossible to delete and that that was a “terrible reality that is extremely stressful and traumatic for the child victims”. “So we at WMACA encourage and support as much public activism as possible in raising awareness on the reality and effects of this despicable crime. And at the same time, we need to put

pressure on the State to take immediate effective action to fight this crime. “The State must appoint highly trained specialists and provide them with all necessary resources to enable them to carry out their duties as effectively as possible.” He added for now they were seeing how criminals viewing, distributing and manufacturing images of the rape of babies and children were being released on bail and received below average sentences. “Sentences should reflect the seriousness of the offence, but there are a number of recent judgments that

point to a failure by South African courts to understand child pornography in the context of the sexual abuse and brutalisation of children. “We at WMACA demand that anyone involved in the viewing, manufacture and

distribution of child pornography must get life sentences. Our criminal justice system must show the world that we are committed to protecting all children from all forms of child abuse.” Ictfgp"Tqwvg"Ogfkc

CXPRESS

News & Views

8 April 2015

Highest alcohol level recorded in George during Easter traffic operations

C Donald Grant, Western Cape minister of Transport and Public Works, on April 5 released a statement on results of Provincial Traffic Services operations during the Easter long weekend. In a total of 21 alcohol blitz roadblocks across the province, 2,380 vehicles were stopped as part of the

Provincial Traffic Services’ safety campaign, with 1,858 drivers screened for (being under suspicion of) driving under the influence of alcohol resulting in 53 arrests. The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in George at 1.79mg/1,000ml, which is seven times the legal limit of 0.24mg/1000ml.

• 539 Vehicles were screened for speeding, resulting in 235 speeding offences being recorded. • 254 Fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness, to the amount of R335,650. The highest speeds recorded were:

• 161km/h in a 120km zone on the N1 in the Beaufort West service area. • 138 km/h in a 100km zone on the N2 in the Swellendam service area. • 97km/h in an 80km zone on the N1 in the Worcester service area. Another four arrests were made - two of these on the Garden Route for hindering a traffic officer in executing duties (George), and reckless and negligent driving (Knysna) - and two in Swellendam for offences including false documentation.

The April 2-5 death toll counted 23 fatalities: Crtkn"4" • Greater Cape Metropole: Kraaifontein - 1 motorcyclist • West Coast: Van Rhynsdorp - 1 passenger, Vredendal - 1 pedestrian • Winelands/Overberg: Paarl - 1 pedestrian Crtkn"5 • Eden/Central Karoo: Plettenberg Bay - 1 driver • Greater Cape Metropole: Phillipi - 1 cyclist, Strandfontein - 1 pedestrian, Khayelitsha - 1 pedestrian, Macassar - 1 pedestrian, Ob-

servatory - 1 pedestrian • West Coast: Hopefield - 1 passenger • Winelands/Overberg: Wolseley - 1 passenger, Swellendam - 1 passenger Crtkn"6 • Greater Cape Metropole: Manenberg - 1 pedestrian • Winelands/Overberg: Grabouw - 1 pedestrian, Hermanus - 2 passengers Crtkn"7 • Greater Cape Metropole: Borchards Quarry - 1 pedestrian, Parow - 3 pedestrians • Winelands/Overberg: Ceres - 1 passenger, Montagu - 1 passenger Drivers are urged to buckle up and drive safely when returning to their homes.

Inter-provincial police work yields successes across Cape borders

APTAIN Malcolm Pojie of the SAPS Media Centre’s Southern Cape Office on Monday reported on the latest inter-provincial, cross-border and tri-lateral crime combatting operation initiated by Provincial Commissioners of the Northern, Eastern and Western Cape. “These operations were successfully executed from March 26 to April 1 from a Joint Operational Centre based in Beaufort-West. The integrated approach resulted in the arrest of 236 suspects, more than 60 of these for drug-related offences.” The rest of the arrests accounts for wanted suspects, possession of dangerous weapons, assaults, contravention of the immigration act, housebreaking and theft, the illegal possession of ammunition and other offences. “We have confiscated counterfeit goods like clothing, household goods and appliances to the value of more than R1.5-million, fake DVDs to the estimated value of R352,200, two vehicles and two trailers, 6,000 cartons of illicit cigarettes to the value of R1.4-million and illegal drugs (dagga, Mandrax and Tik) to the estimated value of R494,594. “This time round we also did compliance inspections and visited various airports, airfields and flight schools. One helicopter pilot was fined R10,000 for contravention of the Civil Aviation Act. He did not have his pi-

BUST: The VW Transporter truck in which police members discovered the false compartment to find R200,000 in unaccounted cash and a piece of suspected abalone

lot licence in his possession. Two men, aged 36 and 24 and from Strandfontein and Steenberg respectively, were arrested and charged for the possession of abalone and money laundering after members found a piece of abalone and R200,000 in cash which they could not account for in their possession. Their vehicle, a VW Transporter truck, was pulled over by members who conducted a search and stop operation in Beaufort-West on March 29. With the search that ensued,

members discovered a false concealed compartment that was customised under the fixed rear of the truck. They were later released by the Beaufort-West magistrates’ court as the case was provisionally withdrawn against them pending the result of the piece of abalone that was sent to a forensic laboratory for analyses. “But we confiscated the truck and the R200,000 in cash, pending further investigation,” concluded Pojie. yyy0ucru0iqx0|c

News & Views

8 April 2015

Coastal geology tour offers glimpse into ancient past

GEOLOGY CLASSROOM: Earth experts Paul Rixom, Peter Ginn and Colin Ralston will guide participants on a self-drive geological day trip from Mossel Bay to Hoekwil, when evidence of the power of erosion over millions of years will be explained Photos: Christine Ridge-Schnaufer

ESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) is a dynamic environmental NGO with a mission to implement high impact conservation projects that promote public participation in caring for our planet. It boasts a remarkable history of almost 90 years and a proud track record of enabling individuals and organisations to use natural resources sustainably and effectively through strategic partnerships. Key focus areas are aimed at the conservation of life-supporting ecosystems such as water and biodiversity. To this end, WESSA Eden honorary secretary Christine Ridge-Schnaufer dropped us a line during Easter with news of a unique opportunity for local and visiting readers. “Our famous Garden Route,

apart from being scenically beautiful, has fascinating coastal geology and landforming process, which the untrained eye may not spot,” she said. “We invite you to join the experts - Paul Rixom, Peter Ginn and Colin Ralston - on a self-drive geological day trip from Mossel Bay to Hoekwil, when evidence of the changing position of our coastline and the power of erosion over millions of years will be explored.” Certain sediments were formed during the early break-up of Gondwana and the evolution of the first South African coastline. The development of the modern coastal dunes and their fossil predecessors and of the coastal lagoons will give a greater appreciation of the natural beauty of the area.

“The paleontological treasure of the area as well as mineral - gold and offshore gas - will be discussed,” explained Ridge-Schnaufer. “The entire drive is a wonderful illustration of a range of sedimentary and coastal erosion processes, with some igneous granite intrusions adding spice to the mixture.” Organised for April 25, the outing will provide directions at stops including Groot Brak, Herold’s Bay and Victoria Bay, where each small group (max 20 persons) will pause and perhaps walk a short distance, and participants should bring refreshments, a picnic lunch and camping chairs. The tour, organised by WESSA Eden to raise funds for its Education Fund, commences in Mossel Bay at 8:30 on Saturday the 25th and ends that afternoon at the viewpoint on the road up to Hoekwil. Booking is essential at R80 and donations are welcome. Email wessa george@isat. co.za or call 044 873 4203 to reserve your place and visit www.wessa.org.za or www. facebook.com/wessa.eden for additional information.

CXPRESS

News & Views

8 April 2015

It’s official: RE/MAX is ‘numero uno’ again!

URING a sparkling gala event held at Sun City, which coincided with RE/MAX’s 20th anniversary in South Africa, 750 RE/ MAX agents from around the country received awards for outstanding achievement and sales. It was also announced that RE/MAX was the Number 1 real estate company in Southern Africa in 2014 (for the third year running), by total sales, rand value, and average commission per agent. RE/MAX of Southern Africa reported R22-billion in

sales last year and is also the Number 1 real estate company internationally, with offices in more than 90 countries worldwide. And the team at RE/MAX Prime Properties in Plettenberg Bay is particularly proud of its very own award winners. Cheryl Anley achieved Silver Status; Sally Searle achieved Gold Status; Robert Auersperg, Lisa Ritchie and Graham Anley achieved 100% Status; and Bruce Noble achieved Millionaire’s Status.

Graham and Lisa have both previously been welcomed into the Hall of Fame, and Bruce was inducted into this prestigious group during the recent awards function. To achieve this honour, one has to have earned R3,500,000 in commission and been with RE/MAX for a minimum of three years. Bruce was also recognised as 2014’s Number 4 Individual Agent by registered commissions in the Eastern Cape and Garden Route. • See the advert on page 7 for listings and contact details.

THEY’VE GOT STATUS: A plethora of awards, ranging from Silver to Millionaire’s Status, was bestowed upon RE/MAX Plett agents standing are Bruce Noble and Robert Auersperg, right, with Sally Searle and Graham & Cheryl Anley seated from left and the inset showing Lisa Ritchie

Start knitting strips for Masizame

generous and creative customer at wool&more in Plett, Gail Robinson, made a really funky blanket and asked owner Joy Sachs to donate it to a worthy recipient. “It was just too lovely to simply give away and, besides, choosing one single beneficiary was way too challenging,” says Joy. So she raffled it at R10 per draw. Once 30 draws were sold, it was decided to buy food for Zelda’s Shelter, run by Zelda Williams and her husband in Wittedrift. They care for a number of kids who do not have suitable homes and provide a loving and nurturing environment for these kids. “We bought just about R320

worth of food and when Zelda came to collect the goodies for the kids, we asked her to do the draw. She was asked to pick any number from one to 30. Zelda quickly said ‘16’ - the number Emmie Foot had requested. “Needless to say, when we called Emmie to let her know she had won the funky blankie, she hot-footed it into wool&more to collect her gorgeous prize. She was so excited, saying it’s the first time she had won anything. “Keep warm, Emmie, and well done on your work with the kids, Zelda - a true win-win situation! Thanks to everyone who contributed by buying your draws.”

WIN-WIN SITUATION: Zelda Williams, left, who drew and benefited from the wool&more raffle, and Emmie Foot, right, who won the lovely blankie produced by creative customer Gail Robinson

Now, Joy & Co are busy collecting knitted or crocheted strips of any colour, any width and any stitch, but strictly one metre in length. These will be sewn together to make beautiful blankets for the kids at Masizame Shelter. Lots more strips are now urgently required, as well as volunteers to help sew them up. “Please do your bit for those not able to enjoy a warm, colourful, handmade blankie this winter,” urges Joy. She plans to hand over about 40 blankets to Masizame by the end of April, “so please pull out all the stops!” • See the wool&more advert on page 2 for contact details.

Promotion

8 April 2015

CXPRESS

Business

8 April 2015

Stay in control of your budget no matter what the fuel price does

HE ebb and flow of the fuel price in South Africa means uncertainty regarding how much more, or less, cash one will have in their pockets at the end of the month. Now there’s a tool that ensures motorists know exactly how a fuel price hike or drop will affect their wallet. Drive South Africa recently launched a monthly fuel cost calculator that helps motorists stay on top of fuel expenses - helping them budget better. The fully responsive, webbased app works out precisely how much you are going to spend on fuel during the month, and how much more (or less) money you will spend (or save) compared to

Investor Focus

the previous month. Budget-conscious households can utilise the tool to reallocate funds between their expense accounts on a monthly basis, depending on whether fuel costs are higher or lower. The total monthly fuel spend is based on the current fuel price as updated by South Africa’s Department of Energy on the first Wednesday of every month. The tool is designed to give all motorists an accurate monthly fuel cost calculation, by offering four ways to calculate monthly fuel spend. “People think differently about the way they use fuel,” says Drive SA’s Head of Digital, Renier van Schalkwyk.

“Some people think about how many kilometres they’ve driven, how much money they’ve spent, how many times they’ve filled up their tank this month, or how many litres they’ve used. So we decided to build the tool so that everyone could use it.” Drive SA is a vehicle rental company that aims to enrich Southern Africa road travel experiences through the availability of helpful road travel planning tools. Says Van Schalkwyk: “The idea of the calculator came about when we wanted to find a way to help our longterm car rental clients calculate their monthly fuel cost. “But it was only when a few of our internal team members

started using the calculator for their personal month-tomonth budgeting that we realised every motorist could benefit from the fuel cost calculator. “And that’s when we decided to create a microsite for the calculator and turn it into a web-based, responsive app which launched in March.” With the recent fuel price hike, motorists can benefit from using the fuel cost calculator to prepare themselves for approximately how much the fuel price increase will affect their bank balance at the end of the month. Hkpf"vjg"oqpvjn{"hwgn" equv"ecnewncvqt"wpfgt" Tqcfvtkr"Vqqnu"cv"yyy0 ftkxguqwvjchtkec0eq0|c0

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

Investment 101 - The Stories: Marshmallows

HIS is not a ‘Fred story’, but it is derived from the work of Professor Walter Mischel, currently at the University of Columbia in the USA. Prof Mischel is 85 years old and still lecturing. His work on marshmallows is well known but in my view has a particularly special investment message, and is a really good ‘memory hook’. His experiment was conducted in the 60s. In this experiment, he gave a series of young children a single marshmallow, telling them that if they waited 15 minutes without eating it, they would get another

marshmallow (i.e. they could double their investment within 15 minutes). He then tracked these children through adulthood and found that on average those who were unable to resist the temptation grew up to be impulsive and were often not able to resist the temptation presented by instant gratification. Those who were able to control their impulses to eat the marshmallow on average grew up to become more successful adults. There are two important investment messages in this story - firstly, for those who are trying to save for their retirement. You must resist the temp-

tation to spend all of your monthly income. Delay buying a fancy new car, or close the account at the fashion retailer. Don’t shop impulsively, plan your shopping trips, make a list and stick to it. (I find this extremely difficult...) Secondly, learn to resist peer pressures. Don’t be sucked in by that incredibly strong herd instinct. Don’t buy shares because all of your mates at the bowling club have just made a small fortune buying Capitec. We often need tools that prevent us from reacting impulsively or to offer the discipline to save for retirement. In this case, the so called “new generation” Retirement Annuities offer tax-free in-

vestment opportunities. Their costs have been reduced and there are no penalties if you miss a payment, or transfer them to a different advisor. These RAs allow you the discipline of a debit order to help stemming the temptations that besiege us on a daily basis. So next time you walk past a fashion store or read about the latest model motor car, say “MARSHMALLOW” in a very loud voice, and walk quicker or turn the page! Ocneqno"jcu"dggp"kp"vjg" kpxguvogpv"kpfwuvt{"hqt"qxgt" 62"{gctu0"Jg"jcu"ytkvvgp" vjku"eqnwop"kp"EZRTGUU" hqt"vjg"ncuv"38"{gctu"cpf"ku" c"urgekcnkuv"kp"ocpcikpi" tgvktgf"ygcnvj0

Erasmus team tackles each job with enthusiasm

With 27 years of experience in the panel beating/spray painting industry, Erasmus Panel Beaters strives to be the best in every way, making sure that each and every client leaves its premises satisfied. The team prides itself in nine approvals that include Ford, Mazda, Nissan, Kia, Hyundai, Honda, GM, Renault and Toyota. When selecting panel beaters, it is extremely important to choose an accredited body and paint repairer. Says Kallie Erasmus: ‘To be accepted for and maintain these approvals, we have to adhere to specific standards, one of which is using a certain type of paint. In our shop, it is Spies Hecker Permahyde - an eco-friendly product with a lifetime guarantee. We treat each job with the same enthusiasm and commitment, no matter how big or small.’ Do not hesitate to pop in at their Plett Industria premises or give Erasmus Panel Beaters a call for a quote. They pick up and deliver from George to Humansdorp and offer a courtesy car, if available, when your vehicle is in for repairs. Follow them on Facebook or visit www.erasmuspanelbeaters.co.za for more information and contact them at mweraspb@iafrica. com or on 044 533 3259 with queries.

Promotion

8 April 2015

CXPRESS

La Luna

Social Scene

8 April 2015 COMFORTABLE SIAMESE SEATING? Mia Swart from Knysna sent this pic, saying she shared it with CXPRESS because were known for featuring funny animal images. ‘Our sweet Siamese (the markings are officially called ‘chocolate mitted’) arrived spontaneously in our garden some years ago, and since we didn’t know her name we just called her ‘Kitty’. I was always highly allergic to cats but her being around worked as ‘immunisation therapy’ and in time she was allowed to be in the house as well. Later on, it was revealed that she (‘Noz’) came from a house in our street where they have lots of cats and she was bullied. So we are very happy together! Warm greetings, Kitty and Mia...’

BOUNDING OUT: Greenwood Independent School in Plett’s Grade 4 & 5s enjoyed their annual camp to Outward Bound at Willow Point in Sedgefield recently. By 8:15 on the morning of departure, their bags were packed, seat-belts buckled and everyone eagerly awaiting a weekend jampacked with activities. Not even the Stop/Go points could dampen their spirits! On arrival, they were split into groups and debated worthy team names, created war cries and painted flags. The many entertaining team building activities included a hike and playing stalk the lantern after dark. Finally, the camping part began, when they headed off to (hopefully...) get a good night’s rest. Woken up bright and early, to get hearts pumping they had a cold dip in the lagoon before enjoying warm bowls of oats. Most of the next day was spent doing all sorts of water activities. By noon, the kids’ energy levels were dipping and there were many relieved faces when their transport arrived. Fun was certainly had by all and their teachers are exceptionally proud of the Grade 4s and 5s for their tremendous behaviour and attitude to facing their fears. In the pic, Michael Selfe, left, and Cameron Lilford hang in there during the outing.

People, places & events

Photos: Rhian Berning & Amelia Lovell Photography

SUMMER FAIR FUN: Last month saw the celebration of the last rays of summer before the rains set in, at Raphaeli Waldorf School’s Summer Fair - a festival held annually at its Piesang Valley premises. It was a veritable feast of fun for the children, who were spoilt for choice with the wide range of traditional games - pelting the Village Villain in the stocks being a firm favourite. A Persian tent beckoned with flavours of the Middle East, pomegranate and baba ghanoush, while the Tree House Tea Garden table was groaning under the weight of sweet delicacies from parents and fabulously generous local restaurants. And, to add to the medieval atmosphere, the town crier (none other than local thespian Stuart Palmer) reminded you to collect your wooden coins, the currency of the 2015 Summer Fair. Be sure not to miss the fun, festivities and fine fare next year, at Plett’s very own Waldorf school.

Entertainment

8 April 2015

CXPRESS

A peek behind the scenes of Tshisa Talent Finals In a country where we sometimes wonder if ethics, morals and values are still alive, it is heartening to note the themes that are emerging through this year’s Tshisa Talent Competition, which culminates during Saturday night’s finals

O it! Celebrity judge Marc Lottering says: “If you want to be a comedian, do it. Don’t spend the rest of your life wondering what could have been. Dreams actually do come true.” Through the Tshisa Talent Finals, performers can be launched into careers in entertainment that is good for them, for tourism and our country’s economy. Take the story of celeb judge Nomboniso Paile, who went on to realise her dream of becoming an actress on national TV after excelling in the Masimanyane Drama Group in Plettenberg Bay. Will contestant Brian aka Zafie’s motto - “never give up, no excuses, no apologies, no retreat, and no surrender” - deliver him the coveted title of Overall Winner, or King of Rap? Maybe so, because he believes in himself, and in taking his future into his own hands. Yqtm"jctf" Celeb judge Wendy Oldfield performed as many as 100 shows per year over a 15year period, not stopping to illustrate that if you sow a lot, you reap a lot. Contestants Antonio Moosa and David Mark Davids invest hours in dedicated practice. Hopefully this will pay off as they are dead keen to win the Dance Category and perform regionally and nationally. Future hip hopists are lining up to learn from these heroes. Yqtm"vqigvjgt"cpf"rc{" dcem"kpvq"uqekgv{" Celeb judge Ismail Mahomed has travelled extensively across 72 countries to participate in cultural exchange programmes. He was awarded the Africa Bureau Award for Consistently High Cultural Programming. Heroes of the Tshisa Talent tale are its National Arts Council funders and the long list of local businesspeople who donated so much to make this competition the success it is today. The success tasted by Dtq/ mgp" Rw||ng when they won the Tshisa Talent Finals in 2012 inspired them to assist other young people. Being role-models helped them help their peers. They say the trophy and support from Tshisa Talent should see them achieve this goal. Wpgzrgevgf from New Horizons has an inspiring story of working together. Two intensely rival hip hop groups decided to work together. This was “unexpected”, to say the least, hence the name of the group created through that alliance. The desire to do their community proud is true of this popular local group. Will their dream to walk away with the coveted top trophy

I’LL BE THE JUDGE... Marc Lottering and his fellow celebrity judges will be in da White House, as it were, to select Bitou’s finest performing artists this weekend - Photo: ERM

GEE WHIZZ! Siso and Soso Godoma want to entertain and teach others to entertain

RIGHTEOUS BROTHER: Brian aka ‘Zafie’ earned his nickname because his dad was a policeman (SAP = SA Police = ‘sapi’ = ‘zafie’ in township lingo) and he was always encouraging others to do the right thing

come true? The finest story of working together, however, may well be that of Stuart Palmer and his team of faithful helpers, who have been calling at all corners of Bitou’s diverse communities for three intense months to uncover 250 talented individuals. After numerous auditions and much deliberation, 10 particularly worthy contenders were selected for Saturday night’s Grand Finals at The White House. The categories are Rap, Song, and Dance - but who will win it? Any of those mentioned above could walk away with the title of Overall Winner. Or will it be JulieAnn de Lange, who started singing as a five-year-old? Will it be Charlotte from The Crags, or the Gee Brothers brimming with experience? Could Double U.E. win the night with his ability to communicate absolutely anything through his songs, or will Lyoci Baby take the cake? Find out more on Tshisa Talent Facebook page. You simply have to come along and experience the effect that being brought into the White House Theatre to be assessed by superstars has on these youngsters. They have practised really hard to be on top of their game on the night and, in turn, give back to society through their respective entertainment brands. The more we nurture local talent in our midst, the better South Africa will be off tomorrow, a place of righteous ethics, morals and values. Check you at the Tshisa Talent Finals on April 11. Ugg"vjg"cfxgtv"qp"rcig"35" hqt"fgvcknu0

DUBB-ING OPTIMISM: Wilmon Mthimkhulu as Double U.E. has positive Plett stories to share with rap tunes

CXPRESS

Interval

8 April 2015

Wanna hear a potassium joke? K...

A conversation with Mother Superior A nun walks into Mother Superior’s office and plunks down into a chair. She lets out a sigh heavy with frustration. “What troubles you, Sister?” asks the Mother Superior. “I thought this was the day you spent with your family.” “It was,” sighs the Sister. “And I went to play golf with my brother. We try to play golf as often as we can. You know I was quite a talented golfer before I devoted my life to Christ.” “I seem to recall that,” the Mother Superior agrees. “So I take it your day of recreation was not relaxing?” “Far from it,” snorts the Sister. “In fact, I even took the Lord’s name in vain today!” “Goodness, Sister!” gasps the Mother Superior, astonished. “You must tell me all about it!” “Well, we were on the fifth tee... and this hole is a monster, Mother Superior - 540 yard Par 5, with a nasty dog leg left and a hidden green… and I hit the drive of my life. I creamed it. The sweetest swing I ever made. “And it’s flying straight and true, right along the line I wanted... and it hits a bird in mid-flight!” “Oh my!” commiserates the

Mother. “How unfortunate! But surely that didn’t make you blaspheme, Sister?” “No, that wasn’t it,” admits Sister. “While I was still trying to fathom what had happened, this squirrel runs out of the woods, grabs my ball and runs off down the fairway!” “Oh, that would have made me blaspheme!” sympathises the Mother. “But I didn’t, Mother!” sobs the Sister. “And I was so proud of myself! And while I was pondering whether this was a sign from God, this hawk swoops out of the sky and grabs the squirrel and flies off, with my ball still clutched in his paws!” “So that’s when you cursed,” says the Mother with a knowing smile. “Nope, that wasn’t it either,” cries the Sister, anguished, “because as the hawk started to fly out of sight, the squirrel started struggling, and the hawk dropped him right there on the green, and the ball popped out of his paws and rolled to about 18 inches from the cup!” Mother Superior sits back in her chair, folds her arms across her chest, fixes the Sister with a baleful stare and says: “You missed the f----in’ putt, didn’t you?”

I do numbers, I do…

teacher asks little Johnny if he knows his ‘one to 10’ well. “Yes! Of course! My pop taught me... even more than 10.” “Good. What comes after three?”

“Four,” answers the boy. “What comes after six?” “Seven.” “Very good,” says the teacher. “Your, erm, dad did a good job. Now... what comes after... let’s say, 10?” “A jack!”

If at first you don’t succeed, skydiving is not for you.

Hi! My name is Stopthat

Sometimes they call me Getbackhere

Holiday Activities

8 April 2015

CXPRESS

8 April 2015

Classifieds

On the Soapbox

8 April 2015

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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

Why call the Cape if Bitou controls our geysers? I am slowly becoming more and more confused. We, like many residents, have had these control units fitted to our geyser and don’t have any idea when they are going to be activated. The other morning, we noticed that the red light was on, obviously indicating that the geyser had been switched off as per the control unit. We normally only switch our geyser on at 6am for two hours every day and have found that this works for us and saves on electricity. But

after two hours, the control unit still had the red light on, so that morning it was a lukewarm shower. The following day, I decided to enquire from Bitou Municipality the projected times that they would be activating our units. This is where the fun started. After speaking to four different people - three of whom had no idea what I was talking about - I was informed that I needed to phone Cape Town as they were the installers of these units and that they

Plane stupidity

had two technicians in Plett to conduct their business. It fell on deaf ears that the whole idea of these units was for the owpkekrcnkv{ to be able to switch geysers off and on when the power supply was at a critical stage, as was stated in the last edition of CXPRESS [read ‘Geyser capacity and verification audit now on the go in Bitou’ on page 6 of the April 1 edition at www.cxpress.co.za]. How could someone at a Cape Town call centre know what the power stage was in Plettenberg Bay? So, if Bitou Municipality has no control on these units in a time of need, what’s the use of having them? Surely there should be someone in our glorious council who can answer this simple query? Eqphwugf."Rngvv

Yknnkg"Dqvjc"htqo"Gpgti{" Kpukijv"tgurqpfu< Energy Insight wishes to thank all Bitou residents for their overwhelming support in allowing us to install the geyser relays. We are currently busy with capacity tests in the Bitou area. As part of these tests, conducted on March 30, we experienced a technical problem in the form of an interruption to the signal between the relay and the control centre. While busy rectifying the problem, we have halted all geyser switching. We realise that it was a major inconvenience and would like to apologise on behalf of Bitou Municipality and Energy Insight. Our call centre number in case of any enquiries is 012 345 5215, or email me at willieb@energyinsight.co.za for additional information.

Motor vehicle hazards in the headlights COULD IT COME TO THIS... and might this be a Beechcraft...?!

The last few weeks have seen the arrival of a nuisance which is desecrating the peace and quiet of our piece of paradise - and, potentially, creating a safety hazard. I’m sure that many of our residents recognise that I’m referring to the constant buzzing of our towns and surrounds by a small fixed-wing light aircraft. Is the owner/pilot of the aircraft not aware of al-

titude and ‘no-fly zone’ regulations? It’s not enough that it circles ad noiseum (sic); it also comes in low and fast traversing the lagoon, the Heads and the beaches. If the offending show-off pilot reads this, I would suggest that he considers under-flying the Red Bridge to assuage his appetite for boastfulness. Once should be enough! Hceg"vjg"Hncm."Mp{upc

Security forces join hands March 20 saw the birth of the Bitou Security Bargaining Council and we would like to thank all the security guards who committed themselves to establish a structure of this nature in the local industry. We urge all security guards to rally behind our newlyelected interim leadership, who will guide this council through its election conference and AGM. We also thank our local Labour Department’s regional manager, Timothy Nyakaza, for his advice in this regard, as well as the ANC subregional committee for their friendly assistance. We promise all the workers

that we will not sleep before we have changed this industry as a whole, because of the trust they put in our leadership. We aim to effect a quick and effective transformation. Lastly, we would like to ask the full support of our business people, because there is no business that can operate without us. We thank you in advance. As chairperson of the interim committee, you are welcome to contact me on 084 953 7537. Forward workers’ power; forward workers’ voices; no turning back (cuklkmk)! Zqncpk"Dcpignc"qdq"Dkvqw" Ugewtkv{"Dctickpkpi" Eqwpekn

A full 250 years ago, Newton explained laws of motion that still hold good today. An object in motion will continue at that speed in a straight line until acted upon by another force; for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. In slow congested traffic, if one car bumps into another in the same lane, the drivers will get out to see if there’s any damage worth worrying about. There may be no damage, but had a pedestrian been sandwiched between the two, both legs could have been broken. In the UK in the mid-30s, a popular four-door family saloon was the Morris 8. It boasted an eight horsepower engine at a time when many adults could recall the status afforded anyone who kept a

four-horse carriage. Today’s motor vehicles are so brilliantly designed and built that few motorists have a feel for how incredibly powerful the engine is, the speed the vehicle is moving, or the inertia built up. Motorists are attracted by advertisements that inspire them to drive at high speed in great luxury - either on carfree roads or over rocks or through ditches. Manufacturers would not compete in this way if it didn’t boost sales. Cigarette manufacturers successfully sold cigarettes in the same way. They showed wealthy, healthy, jet-setters in pristine surroundings smoking with style - when the truth was that addicts were dying young or dying a protracted agonising death. Lqjp"Uvgiocpp."Rngvv

240 kW = 320 HP: We banned the cigarette ads, but we tolerate the same indoctrination in car ads... Why? - Photo: Dave Reynell

CXPRESS

Sport & Adventure

8 April 2015

After action, satisfaction: Plett Easter Games a blast! H

PENNIES FOR SPORT: Alwayn Taai, at left, won the 12km trail run at Cairnbrogie; Linda Tucker and Ashley Carstens, above, tackle the Open Surfski Challenge; Daniel Meiring and Aiden Connolly, top right, negotiate the Pennypinchers Night MBT track - Photos: Glenn Murray Photography

EAD honcho of the Pennypinchers Adventure Racing Team James ‘Lettuce’ Stewart shared a peace of this mind after yet another successful run (and cycle and surf-ski!) of events on April 3 & 4. “With the Pennypinchers Adventure Racing Team hosting three of the four events of the 2015 Plett Easter Games, we can honestly say that all our goals outlined for the weekend were achieved,” says James. “We had an increase in numbers at the Cairnbrogie trail runs as well as the Night MTB Relay, and a strong field lined up for the Easter Surfski Challenge. “All events ran smoothly, with sponsors Pennypinchers, PPC and IDM all extremely happy - and ditto for the over 400 athletes happily finishing our events safely and without incident. “Various community projects that we support will all benefit from the events, and now we look forward to a couple of new and exciting ventures later in 2015 - watch this space!” Visit (and LIKE!) this able team’s Facebook page at Pennypinchers Adventure, where you’ll find more images and all the results.

Provincial champs up in 24 hours

Congrats to these Plett Surf Lifesaving Club U13&14 Nippers, who will represent the Western Cape at the inter-provincial championships in Strand on the morning of April 9, preceding the Nippers Nationals - from left are Thamsa Donald of Grey High in PE, Ellen Kleinsmith of Kranshoek Primary, Emma Roode of Plett Primary, Jandré Strydom of George South and Kade Dickens of Oakhill School in Knysna. Their coaches Glenn Murray and André Strydom are extremely proud of them for being selected during the recent Western Cape Nippers Champs on Plett’s Central Beach. - Photo: Martin Hurwitz

Get on your bike ‘n ride

LETT Adventure Bike Week might be the best way to explore the ‘hood’s highways, byways and extraordinary natural beauty. This year’s event has been conveniently organised around the Freedom Day long weekend, taking place from April 25 to May 3. The 2014 inaugural event established Plett as an ideal destination for adventure biking, with more than 30 routes encompassing 5,000km of riding terrain. This year’s week kicks off with a three-day expo from

April 25-27, with many of SA’s leading bike and equipment brands on display and demo rides on offer. Says organiser Lance Rothschild: “The Plett Adventure Bike Week is a gathering, not a competition, and the focus is on fun, adventure, nature, safety, camaraderie and the sheer pleasure of riding an adventure bike in the terrain it was designed for.” Call 082 443 1530 or email pabw@opportunate. co.za to book and visit www.pabw.co.za for info.

F R E S H