8 February

8 February 2017

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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It’s science!

Four S Science Learning Centres were opened in Eden last week to promote this important subject among local high school learners. Here, Murray High’s Anathi Tyontwana operates a burette in the course of carrying out a titration to the delight of, from left, John Matthews of Garden Cities Archway Foundation, learner Lilitha Bongoza, and Professor Shaheed Hartley of the University of the Western Cape.

Find out more on p5.

Photo: Timothy Twidle

New coalition for Knysna DA - p3 Fire season not over yet - p4 Valentine’s Day treats - all over!

Brand change

Ahead

BUCO

coming soon

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

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CXPRESS

8 February 2017

NEWS & VIEWS

OBITUARY

The double loss of Les and Val: their wonderful souls are already sorely missed DIANE DE JAGER contributed this tribute after the passing, in quick succession last month, of two beloved Crags residents ES and Val de Jager were married 26 years ago and moved to The Crags two years later.

In time, they started Windmill Nursery - a seven-day a week commitment that afforded them the opportunity to work with plants and gardens, which they both loved.

Anyone who had the privilege of Les designing their garden will have been impressed by his artistic vision, his passion for plants and colour, and the deep love that he put into anything he did.

Les’s gardens are monuments to his genuine connection to the living Earth.

Val was quietly but fully involved in the business and she managed the nursery with her usual determination and aplomb.

When Val had a series of falls and resulting operations during 2015 and 2016, Les displayed enormous inner strength and cared for Val with patience and love.

Sadly, just as Val was regaining her independence late last year, Les’s health took a bad turn.

Les passed away on January 11 and, following his death and a bad fall, Val followed him on January 23.

To us, his children, Les was the centre of our universe. We looked to him for guidance and acceptance. He gave us love and generosity and was inherently proud of all of us.

We are completely unbalanced by his loss.

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RETURNED TO THE LIVING EARTH: Those who had the good fortune of knowing Les and Val de Jager are doubly bereft after their passing

But we are living reflections of his wit, loyalty and compassion. We hear him in our laughter and celebrate all the gifts he gave us - in addition to all the plants!

The compounded pain of losing Val is beyond our emotional comprehension.

Our other mom, Val was the calm contrast to Les’s passion. She had a lovely laugh, a sneaky sense of humour, and an

admirable no-nonsense attitude to life. We loved her deeply.

Anyone who had the fortune of knowing Les and Val are bereft at this double loss.

Two wonderful souls, they are both already sorely missed.

• A memorial service for Les and Val will be held at Windmill Nursery in The Crags on Saturday February 18 at 3pm.

NEWS & VIEWS

8 February 2017

CXPRESS

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Waxa out, Arends in as Knysna’s DA rulers review coalition agreement ACDP PR councillor Shakespeare Arends has joined the DA, Knysna’s ruling party, in a coalition agreement that took effect on February 2 NYSNA mayor Eleanore Bouw-Spies last week announced the termination with immediate effect of her party’s coalition with Independent councillor Velile Waxa, and the simultaneous coalition agreement with PR councillor Shakespeare Arends of the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP).

“After re-evaluating our coalition agreement with councillor Waxa, it was decided to end this coalition.

His political outlook is not in line with the policies and values of the DA. “As Knysna’s leading party, we decided that this coalition no longer served the

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SON OF KNYSNA: New coalition partner Shakespeare Arends has been involved with local communities in his role as Assemblies of God pastor for the past 35 years

good of Greater Knysna, and therefore it has been terminated,” said the mayor.

Arends has been active in the political arena

since 1989. During this time he served as Knysna chairperson of the former Democratic Party. “Joining the DA in a co-governing agreement is a natural progression for me,” he said.

“As councillor Arends was born and raised in Knysna, he understands our communities completely and has always put their needs first. He is a man of integrity and compassion, two attributes that will serve the people of Greater Knysna well,” Bouw-Spies said.

Arends now replaces Waxa on the mayoral committee as portfolio chair: Planning and Integrated Human Settlements.

News Briefs could not be confirmed.

Plett Lifeguards to the rescue On Sunday February 5 just before 7am, Bitou municipal lifeguard Stuart Stuurman was setting up the beach at Robberg 1 for the day ahead when he noticed a young man in difficulty being swept out to sea by rip-currents.

Stuurman swam out and managed to get the casualty safely to the beach. Here he was assisted by fellow lifeguards, who had responded from Central Beach to help.

NSRI Plett duty crew were also activated following eye-witness reports of the drowning in progress next to Beacon Island Hotel and dispatched a sea rescue vehicle, medical crew, and the craft Airlink Rescuer.

BUS ON ITS BACK: Contrary to initial reports, the scholars on board when this bus overturned last Friday did sustain injuries

The casualty, a 23-year-old man from George, was resuscitated and transported by ambulance to hospital in a stable condition. By our going to press, he remained in a coma. Lifeguard Stuart Stuurman is commended for the rescue effort.

• Our deepest condolences go out to Plett pharmacist Jafta Engelbrecht and his family after the passing of his wife, Ronnie, who was assisted by Plett NSRI at their home on Saturday afternoon after suffering severe chest pains.

“NSRI medics commenced with CPR and defibrillations until spontaneous breathing and a strong pulse was restored,” said deputy station commander Robbie Gibson.

Ronnie was taken to hospital by ambulance in a serious but stable condition, where it was confirmed that she had suffered a severe heart attack. She was transported to a hospital in PE for specialist treatment, but tragically succumbed to her condition on Monday night.

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Reports on Facebook claim that the accident happened shortly after the bus left the first pick-up point in Diepwalle, and that the injured children reside at the MTO/Cape Pine staff village in Buffelsnek, but their ages and extent of injuries

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

8 February 2017

Fire season far from over, residents urged not to drop their guard Nikki Ridley

HE past few months have seen Bitou battling a number of major veld and forest fires that have tested fire responders, property owners, and rural residents to capacity, destroying huge tracts of farmland, fynbos and forest, and threatening the lives of livestock and people alike.

While the usual suspects remain to blame - hot, dry weather, winds that fan and spread the flames, quickburning alien vegetation and, as always, the possibility of tossed cigarette butts - this season features an alarming new tendency.

The insidious and disturbing possibility of arson

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is based not only on the frequency of flare-ups, but also on similar suspicion and in some cases solid evidence of intentional ignition of fires that wreaked havoc across many parts of the Western Cape over the same period.

Veteran Plett fire-fighter Ian Barnard said he was not authorised to make an official statement regarding the possibility of arson as source of certain conflagrations in Bitou, but in his personal capacity and “strictly in my opinion”, found it rather strange that fires could start up “on their own in different places at the same time”.

CXPRESS reported on the apprehension of an alleged arsonist in Keurbooms on December 21, stopped by an ADT armed response officer and arrested on suspicion of starting a fire in the bush near the road. He was found to have a lighter and a bottle of lighter fluid on his person.

And while no official standpoint is available regarding the start of fires, Barnard said there were other contributing factors to their spread and ferocity - and measures people could take to prevent fires getting out of control, however they were ignited.

“Without pointing fingers,

a lot of farmland is left with fields full of debris or tree cuttings, and this contributes to major fires.”

Barnard added that many property owners neglected requirements of the Veld and Forest Fire Act - specifically maintaining fire breaks on the perimeter of their properties.

“We offer services in doing the said fire breaks and plot clearing,” he said, adding that they expected more fires due to the dry, hot conditions currently experienced.

“Fire season only ends end March,” he said.

Barnard also advised on other steps besides prevention and containment measures that property owners could take, preparation for quick and effective response to a fire including the possession of self-contained fire units consisting of 500-1000 litre skid units (ideally kept ready on a bakkie or trailer), bush beaters, and fire extinguishers, among other firefighting equipment.

Barnard extended his heartfelt thanks to the local community for their support over the past months, on behalf of all Plett’s firefighters, be it by donations of food, water, chocolates, or other contributions.

Readers wishing to obtain fire-fighting equipment can

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LIKE FATHER LIKE FIGHTER: Jayden Barnard, 5, joins his father, Ian, during the aftermath of most fires to help ensure that embers don’t reignite

call Ian Barnard on 084 867 5617.

• A fundraising effort initiated via social media by Plett resident Denise McNamara to assist volunteers of the Plett South Fire Management Unit moved residents to a point where in excess of R10,000 was donated in a couple of days.

Said McNamara: “I thought it would be a good idea to give money donated to these guys who offer their services completely voluntarily, at no cost but great benefit to the community, to perhaps treat their partners to a lovely meal or other spoils.

“But one and all insisted that the cash be ploughed back into fire-fighting equipment that would assist their efforts in future, like communication equipment and fire-retardant overalls.”

As a result of the campaign, resident Bettina ten Boske orchestrated the shipping of 15 fire-suits from a relative in Holland, whereas several Plett businesses pledged services that would assist the refurbishment of a vehicle to be kitted out with fire-fighting equipment. Call Pico’s on 044 533 4710 or swing past the Mellville’s Corner shop to drop off donations.

NEWS & VIEWS

8 February 2017

CXPRESS

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Superb learning centres launched to boost science in Knysna and Bitou schools Words & photos: Timothy Twidle

CIENCE Learning Centres (SLC) were officially opened at Murray High in KwaNokuthula and at Percy Mdala High in Khayalethu on January 31, with two similar facilities launched at schools in George and Mossel Bay later in the day.

The laboratories and equipment for each SLC cost R1-million, funded to the tune of R650,000 by the Western Cape Education Department, and R350,000

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by Garden Cities Archway Foundation - a charitable organisation that promotes the development of improved facilities at schools in previously disadvantaged communities throughout the province.

Prior to each opening ceremony, when a commemorative plaque was unveiled, a gathering of principals, educators, other dignitaries and learners was addressed

by Professor Shaheed Hart-

QUARTER CENTURY PAYS OFF: Acting principal of Murray High School Edgar Galembe with Rosemary Murray - who has devoted 25 years of her life to improving the quality of education given to learners in the previously disadvantaged communities of Bitou, and after whom the school is named

ley of the University of the Western Cape, which provides advice and guidance to the SLCs through the organisation Science Learning Centre for Africa.

Said Hartley: “Up until now, many schools in SA have not had the means to teach science subjects.

“The opening of Science Learning Centres such as these means that schools now have the facilities and teaching staff in place to enable the proper and effective teaching of the sciences, and to improve the abilities of students who wish to study further in a science discipline at tertiary level.

“At the University of the Western Cape, we will be looking forward to receiving students from Murray High and Percy Mdala High who wish to study for degrees in either physics, chemistry or mathematics.”

Speaking directly to the learners present, Hartley added: “You now have the means and the opportunity to become the leaders of tomorrow.”

Garden Cities Archway Foundation CEO John Matthews also delivered a short

address reinforcing Hartley’s points, and thanked everyone who had contributed to the building of the SLCs at the two schools.

Both Murray High and Percy Mdala High provide education from Grades 8-12 of the National Senior Certificate, and this year have 947 and 833 registered learners respectively.

SCI-FIVE: From left, Garden Cities Archway Foundation CEO John Matthews, Knysna deputy mayor Peter Myers, councillor Mandla Matiwane, and Percy Mdala principal Nicholas Njozela shake on it after unveiling the Science Learning Centre’s commemorative plaque

23RD – 26TH FEBRUARY 2017 TOMORROW’S LEADERS: Murray High learners and staff members Zandile Zinto, Peter Mosibusiso, and Anathi Tyontwana express their delight at the new facility

A GREAT OPPORTUNITY: Members of staff and learners express their delight at the new addition to the facilities at Percy Mdala High School - at left is Maths and Science department head Lulama George, with staffer Nonzwakazi Ncamaba-Bans at centre alongside Max Wotherspoon, who assists with the teaching of mathematics

Thursday 23 February | 20h00. Mia Swart and Partners Friday 24 February | 20h00. The Ubuntu Bass Baritones Saturday 25 February | 20h00. Plett All Stars Sunday 26 February | 20h00. Rosanthorn Cello Trio

VENUE The White House Theatre Tickets R200 PROGRAMME & TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM The Old House Shop, Plett or contact Ann Fermor, Tel: 082 452 8764

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

8 February 2017

What does ‘ASAP’ mean to many Plett kids?

OST people believe the acronym ASAP to signify ‘As Soon As Possible’. Hold that thought...

“In our area, it also means ‘After Schools Activities Programme’,” explains Stuart Palmer of Lunchbox Theatre.

“Among our members are some wonderfully-talented performing artists, who invest their afternoons to enrich the lives of over 100 children in various local communities by presenting dance and drama lessons.”

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Lunchbox then hosts showcases for these kids to perform in front of their family and friends, and pursues opportunities for the youngsters to use their newfound skills at functions.

However, funding these training sessions remains an ongoing challenge. So, if you would like to do something particularly meaningful this year, then visit www.thunda fund.com/project/lunchbox afterschool and ensure the joy derived from these classes continues to brighten Bi-

tou children’s lives. You can also ask friends and family to sponsor a child’s lessons in lieu of giving you a birthday present.

“These lessons keep our youngsters off the streets and meaningfully engaged in learning skills sure to benefit them way into their adult lives,” concludes Stuart.

After a successful crowdfunding project to help pay for its innovative watersaving competition in local schools, Lunchbox proved that benefactors’ small change can make a big change. So join the fray today - ASAP, please!

STAGE WAY BETTER THAN STREETS: From left, Lisakhanya Ntozini, Avuyile Simakade, Asemahle Hewu, Siphesihle Bentele, Unam Ndlelibanzi, Anelisiwe Ntlanjeni, Yibanathi Runeli, Liyema Dyeli, Hlumela Sishuba, and Ziyanda Zono are some of the youngsters receiving priceless instruction by choreographer Amanda Valela of Lunchbox Theatre - Photo: Amanda Valela

Awesome Plett Music Fest back on stage HE Kids of Kurland (KoK) School Project’s fourth Plett Music Festival takes place at The White House Theatre from February 23-26. This popular annual event has contributed significantly to the resources at Kurland Primary School, most importantly by funding extra teachers.

This year’s exciting lineup, which Plett audiences have come to expect, includes familiar and new performers and a variety of music that will appeal to all tastes.

Mia Swart, well-known and beloved on the Garden Route, will open the festival with her talented accompanist Olga Schoeman on piano and harp, alongside exciting new performer, flautist Ruan van der Vyver.

The music they present is timeless and their show will allow you to sit back, relax, and be transported to other times and distant places.

The Ubuntu Bass Baritones promise a very special evening of wonderful music performed by acclaimed singers. Members Thato Machina, Owen Metsileng,

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Monde Masimini, and Mandla Mndebele have sung on stages from Wales to Melbourne, with great singers and well-known conductors.

They will present arias from operas such as Carmen, L’elisir d’amore and The Barber of Seville, and songs from great musicals such as Les Miserables and South Pacific.

Another first this year is recognition of the amazing local talent to be found in Bitou, offering an evening of such variety that something for everyone is guaranteed. Included in the musical genres audiences can expect are soul, opera, rap, gospel, folk, choral, and much more.

MC to guide audiences through this merry-goround of music will be wellknown former resident Erez Shaked, who is travelling from Cape Town especially for the occasion.

The festival closes with the return of Carol Thorns of Red Cello fame, but this time with an even more exciting programme. Accomplished cellists Dorette

Roos of the Cape Town Philharmonic and cellist/ composer Anjulie Nock join Carol to launch a new collaboration, the Rosanthorn Cello Trio, who will show the versatility of this underestimated instrument over multiple genres.

The KoK Project is particularly proud that they have chosen to launch this exciting collaboration at PMF, and in Plettenberg Bay, and this will be an exciting evening of superb music performed by worldclass cellists.

Each evening’s performance will be preceded by music in the White House courtyard from 7pm; snacks and drinks will be on sale.

Space is limited, as past performances have always attracted full houses. With the superb line-up of artists, demand for seats will be great so early booking is advised. All proceeds go to the KoK School Project (www.kidsofkurland.com).

Buy tickets at The Old House Shop in Plett CBD, or book by calling Ann Fermor on 082 452 8764. (See the advert on page 5.)

BUSINESS

8 February 2017

Buy yourself rich with Plett Pocket Pal’s vouchers DISCOUNTS FOR ALL: Pocket Pal’s Norman Doyle, second from right, with some of the crew at Beacon Isle KwikSpar during last Friday’s launch - from left are manager Welmin Scheepers, Tessa Appels (frontline) and Unathi Kilani (trainee), with coffee master ‘Soul’ at back

OLLOWING our introduction of Plett Pocket Pal [read ‘Here’s a golden opportunity ... to support Plett businesses’ on page 15 of the December 14 edition at www.cxpress.co.za], initiator Norman Doyle reported this discount voucher booklet’s successful launch

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on Friday February 3 at Beacon Isle KwikSpar.

In attendance were representatives from a vast array of Bitou businesses that support the clever initiative, as well as Plett Pocket Pal’s charity of choice: the Hope Pregnancy Centre.

“We have decided to pledge

R5 of proceeds from the sale of every booklet to this worthy cause, which focusses on positively impacting and supporting our community by assisting those facing crises of any kind related to pregnancy,” says Doyle.

Plett Pocket Pal discount voucher booklet is fully loaded with amazing specials and Golden Tickets worth over R900,000 in give-aways, and is available from Beacon Isle KwikSpar for only R57 (incl. VAT).

The first-quarter discounts are redeemable until the end of March, so get your Plett Pocket Pal as soon as possible to take full advantage of these amazing offers.

“Valentine’s Day is around the corner and many restaurants are offering Golden

Celebrating RE/MAX Founders Day WE ARE THE GREATEST! Plett’s RE/MAX team adorned their balcony with balloons -and, no doubt, toasted with some good local bubbly - to hail the international real estate firm’s foundation in the States 44 year ago

E/MAX offices around Southern Africa and the globe celebrated the property giants’ Founders Day on January 30 - the establishment of “the greatest real estate company of all!”

Forty-four years ago in 1973, Gail and Dave Lini-

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ger of Denver, Colorado, turned their vision of a different type of real estate concern into a reality, and RE/MAX was born.

RE/MAX has been the highest-selling agency in the world for the last few years and in South Africa, in par-

ticular, for the last three years. This, concurs the team of agents at Plett’s office in Main Street, has been leading to the slogan: “No one in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX.” See the advert on this page for current listings.

Ticket Rewards such as Burn-The-Bill or R1,500 meal vouchers, and there’s a Full Spa Day Golden Ticket from a local spa, among others - too many to mention!

CXPRESS So it’s impossible to ignore the benefits of buying your own Plett Pocket Pal right now,” Doyle enthuses.

But do take note: you can only gain while stocks last...

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All winners will be broadcast on MC90.3FM, and gain exposure in CXPRESS and on ShowMe Plett.

Visit the Plett Pocket Pal Facebook page for details.

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CXPRESS

INTERVAL

8 February 2017

Hollywood Squares N the heyday of the American celebrity tictac-toe game show Hollywood Squares it featured celebrities placed in strategic positions. They were asked questions and the contestants then had to judge whether the answers were true or false. The first contestant to successfully get three Xs or Os in a row, won.

These great questions and answers hail from the days when the show’s responses were spontaneous, not scripted. Peter Marshall was the host

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asking the questions.

Q: If you’re going to make a parachute jump, at least how high should you be?

A: Charley Weaver: “Three days of steady drinking should do it.”

Q: True or false, a pea can last as long as 5,000 years.

A: George Gobel: “Boy, it sure seems that way sometimes.”

Q: You’ve been having trouble going to sleep.

Are you most probably a man or a woman?

A: Don Knotts: “That’s

A bit of a fishy tale…

FTER a day fishing on Lake Michigan, a fisherman is walking from the pier carrying two brown trout in a bucket.

He is approached by a conservation officer who asks him for his fishing licence.

“I wasn’t fishing and I did not catch these browns. They are my pets,” the fisherman says to the warden. “Every day I come down here and dump these fish into the water and take them for a walk to the end of the pier and back.

“When I’m ready to go,

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I whistle and they jump back into the bucket, and we go home.”

The officer, not believing him, reminds the fisherman that it is illegal to fish without a licence.

The fisherman replies: “If you don’t believe me then watch,” as he throws the trout back into the water.

The warden says: “Now whistle to your fish and show me that they will jump out of the water and into the bucket.”

The fisherman turns to the officer and asks: “What fish?”

Humility would be much more popular if we could just find a way to flaunt it.

what’s been keeping me awake!”

Q: According to Cosmopolitan, if you meet a stranger at a party and you think he is attractive, is it okay to ask him if he’s married?

A: Rose Marie: “No, I’d wait until morning.”

Q: Which of your five senses tends to diminish as you get older?

A: Charley Weaver: “My sense of decency.”

Q: What are ‘Do It’, ‘I Can Help’, and ‘I Can’t Get Enough’?

A: George Gobel: “I don’t know, but it’s coming from the apartment next door.”

Q: As you grow older, do you tend to gesture more or less with your hands while talking?

A: Rose Marie: “You ask me one more growingold question, Peter, and I’ll give you a gesture you’ll never forget.”

Q: Paul, why do the Hell’s Angels wear leather?

A: Paul Lynde: “Because chiffon wrinkles too easily.”

Q. Charley, you’ve just

decided to grow strawberries. Are you going to get any during the first year?

A: Charley Weaver: “Of course not, I’m too busy growing strawberries.”

Q: When you pat a dog on its head, it will wag its tail. What will a goose do?

A: Paul Lynde: “Make him bark?”

Q: If you were pregnant for two years, what would you give birth to?

A: Paul Lynde: “Whatever it is, it would never be afraid of the dark.”

Q: It is the most abused and neglected part of your body, what is it?

A: Paul Lynde: “Mine may be abused, but it certainly isn’t neglected.”

Q: When a couple have a baby, who is responsible for its sex?

A: Charley Weaver: “I’ll lend him the car, the rest is up to him.”

Q: According to Ann Landers, what are the two things you should never do in bed?

A: Paul Lynde: “Point and laugh.”

CXPRESS

People, places & events

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LITTLE EUROPE AT KNYSNA DRC: The first Knysna-Plett Concert of the year was held on the evening of Wednesday February 1, when the Casals Quartet from Switzerland and Dutch guitarist Han Jonkers played a selection of music by Franz Schubert, Astor Piazzola, Daniel Schnyder, Enrique Granados and Luigi Boccherini. Among the appreciative capacity audience were, above from left, Vicky Tricker of Knysna with English friends Iain McDougall and spouse Mary, at right, from Richmond in Yorkshire, and Joanna and Michael Harrison from Oxford. At left from left are German visitors Karin and Wolfgang Reese from Hamburg, and Martin and Renate Wassermann from Frankfurt.

PRIZE BED FOR A PRIZED POOCH: Winner in our seasonal Hill’s Pet competition, Judy Dixon of Rondevlei, Sedgefield, shared this pic of her beloved Kimberlee - a four-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier - snuggling happily into her well-won bed. Says Judy: “I finally received my prize and as promised, here is a photo of Kimberlee enjoying it. Thank you so much, she (and I!) love it...”

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BLUEPRINT 1035

EDU CENTRE NOW CATERS FOR KRANSHOEK KIDS: Born in Africa (BIA) children in Kranshoek were recently blessed with a gift that keeps on giving when, after more than a year of planning, their very own education centre was officially opened on January 26. Thanks to dynamic coordinator Isabelle de Smul Brink and her super motivated team, the facility was established as a haven where children receive wholesome meals, have a meaningful educational experience, and socialise with their peers. BIA supports a total of 160 primary and secondary learners hailing from Kranshoek.

Dedicated mentors Sarija Bewee and Marita Manual offer social development support daily while volunteers run homework sessions, life-skills lessons, sewing classes and vegetable gardening instruction, to name a few. Natalie Cupido gives computer and math lessons while Delina Kleinsmidt is in charge of all logistical aspects in terms of the centre’s care and maintenance. The planning of the facility and fundraising efforts to make it a reality were phenomenal, with a great many helping hands hard at work.

The BIA team thanks their many sponsors from overseas, friends and helpers who worked effortlessly in ensuring that the kids of Kranshoek now have an education centre to call their own. The pics here show some of the festivities during the opening party. Visit the gallery at www. cxpress.co.za for more images and www. borninafrica.org for further information.

8 February 2017

Photos: Timothy Twidle

SOCIAL SCENE

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Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

8 February 2017

CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

8 February 2017

Letters to the Editor

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

Seasonal postal situation leaves so much disappointment in its wake In CXPRESS of February 1, Ann Ellis bemoaned the fact that seasonal greetings from the UK took seven weeks to arrive in Plett (read ‘Christmas card arrives on January 25’ on page 11 of that edition at www.cxpress.co.za) - below, readers from Brenton to Brussels share similar experiences Oooh yes, Ann - our story is even worse than yours: My Dutch friend posted her beautiful, sweet card on December 11 last year, and we found it in our post box on January 26!

This scenario is so disappointing for our dear overseas friends and I’m afraid in coming years, they will say that it’s no use to send their good wishes by post.

So we’ll end up with only emails, thus missing out on the good old-fashioned sensation of receiving real ‘post’.

Mia Swart, Knysna --Last year, between Christmas and New Year, I sent more than 40 cards and envelopes by airmail from Knysna with the special stamp for Europe.

Today, on February 1 -

six weeks later - NOBODY has received any of these cards or envelopes. What is that but money thrown into the wastebasket?

This means that next year I, and many other people, won’t send any more cards from South Africa. No more money for the cards, no more money for the Post Office and finally, one job less for a local worker.

Think about that…

Jean-Pierre Meulenbergs, Brussels - Belgium --I just picked up your paper after calling at Knysna Post Office, where there was a Christmas card, posted by airmail on December 8 from North Wales, which arrived on February 1.

Can anybody beat that?

David Williams, Brenton on Sea

Open letter to Bitou regarding meter-reading woes Having read the letter on shocking seasonal electricity rates in CXPRESS of February 1, I thought you might be interested in reading my suggestions to Bitou Municipality, which was penned back in December and to which, needless to say, there has been no response.

--I am a long-term owner of property in Plett, having owned this house since 1963, and I have always paid my dues on time and without complaint.

I would like, as a matter of principle, to make the following points: The meters serving this property have been in the same position since I can remember. In recent years, due to the vast increase in burglar related crime, additional security in the form of fences, gates and electric beams have had to be put in place.

This has meant that access to the property and its meters has been restricted to such times as the property is occupied.

This in turn has meant that during these periods the meter readings cannot be physically taken.

The common sense solu-

tion to this is quite simple and can be easily summarised as follows: i. LEAVE A NOTE stating that you were unable to read the meter and request that a reading be taken and either telephoned in or dropped in to your offices.

If for some extraordinary reason, and frankly I cannot think of one, that is not acceptable, then state on the note that the meter reader will return on a certain date with a view to reading the meter and request that someone is there to allow access. ii. You state that, although you can make estimated readings, you don’t do so when “a ratepayer is in contravention”. Presumably a contravention means no access, so very much a catch 22 situation here as far as the poor old consumer is concerned.

In the knowledge that the property is unoccupied, it surely cannot be unreasonable to present estimated readings, as under normal circumstances there would be very little usage. iii. To then penalise a consumer by treating a six-month reading as es-

Recycling concerns for Plett - and the world On our early morning walks over the season on Tuesdays, we would see black garbage bags out, accompanied by piles of cardboard boxes, Christmas wrapping paper, loads of bottles, etc. In one block, there were 20 such properties!

Are we doing enough to educate residents (yes, several that we saw were Plett permanents) and holidaymakers about our recycling programme?

Are we educating the refuse removal people to leave the cardboard

CXPRESS

boxes, for instance, for the recycling guys to pick up the next day?

Also, we have recently camped at Forever Plett and it really hit us that, as an award-winning resort, there is no sign of any recycling being done - the caravan park was packed and the amount of recyclable material must have been huge.

Mike and Dawn Pearce, Plett (This letter was forwarded to Forever Plett, but no response had been received by going to press.

- Eds.)

sentially a one-month reading, where the bulk of the expense is charged out at the highest rate, is unreasonable, unfair, and shows a complete disregard for the rights of the customer.

If this really is the highhanded manner in which Bitou treats its paying customers, then surely there must be a legal, or at least a moral obligation on behalf of the supplier to inform the consumer that this is the municipality’s position.

Once again, some sort of note to that effect left at the property or, heaven forbid, sent by mail or email, would not seem to be an unreasonable request. iv. If, at the end of the

day, for whatever reason, none of the above is possible and having obtained a reading, it really is not rocket science to be able to average that reading over the relevant period of use.

This situation is unlikely to happen again as the meters have now been relocated to an area outside the property, presumably in recognition of the fact that there is an ongoing problem in these circumstances.

What you are doing is wrong, unfair, and unreasonable. As far as I am concerned, there is a principle involved here, which is something you do not appear to be able to acknowledge.

Freddie Menzies, Plett

Damage already done, even though Wet T-shirt event axed We write with reference to the letter from the Plett CBD club, recently posted on social media and reported on in the press [turn to page 4 of the January 18 edition at www. cxpress.co.za].

It is interesting that they seek to exonerate themselves by transferring the blame onto 18-year-olds, who by all accounts were encouraged to consume vast amounts of alcohol.

I doubt they will have convinced any of the thinking Plett public that the youngsters are solely responsible for the outcome at the club, as insinuated.

Plett Rage (and let’s hope that this continues) is a premier event for the town and has status throughout the country. It is known for the organisation and class entertainment on offer for the matrics, and much thought and planning goes into student safety, in the widest sense.

This involves the whole spectrum of service providers - Bitou, the SAPS

and Plett Crime Prevention Association, all neighbourhood watches and many volunteers, as well as the organisers.

One sour event, such as the Wet T-shirt episode, has far-reaching and damaging effects on the town as a whole and on the Rage in particular.

With respect, incapacitated students removed from the premises by ambulance does not constitute a “safe ride home”.

On the positive side, the owners state that they won’t be staging their Wet T-shirt event in future.

However, the damage has already been done.

It seems to be a case of putting money ahead of moral fortitude, good judgement, and the best interests of students, Plett Rage, and the town in general. In a matter this serious, the truth will out and people will be able to decide for themselves, because this matter has not gone away.

Members: Plett Neighbourhood Watch

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SPORT & ADVENTURE

8 February 2017

Groms of the Garden Route ready to converge on Vic Bay this weekend T’S the time of year when waves beckon surfers from J Bay to Vic Bay and beyond to show what they’re made of, and many a hopeful aged eight to 68 have been donning wetsuits or braving the surf au natural in preparation for various competitions currently on the go.

Eden Surf Riders Association announced dates for the annual Grom* Games Trials as soon as

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2017 took flight, the first of these having taken place off Mossel Bay’s Diaz Beach on January 29 in fair if not spectacular surf.

If you’ve missed that initial meet, diarise Sunday February 12 to sign up for the Vic Bay trials, with Buffalo Bay following on February 19 (note: 8am check in).

Winners will qualify to participate in Eden Surf’s

Grom Games in Port Elizabeth from March 1721. Contact Albert Phillipson at edensurfriders@ outlook.com or on 073 555 0233 with queries. * According to Wikipedia, a grommet (‘grom’) is a young participant in extreme sports. Originally, a grommet was a surfer under the age of 16. In recent years, this has expanded to include other extreme sports, most notably skate-

and snowboarding.

As far as www.urban dictionary.com is concerned, a grom isn’t necessarily a beginner surfer, but a surfer aged 15 or younger. “Most of the time, people called groms are young’uns who RIP!” (Erm, nothing to do with passing on and resting in peace, in surf lingo ‘ripping’ refers to the execution of drastic and radical manoeuvres on the wave.)

BRIGHT BOARDERS: Plett’s Sanctuary Beach was awash with surfers off all ages and skills levels on Sunday February 5, and these groms were hoarded during a break from the surf for a CX-clusive photo shoot before next weekend’s Grom Games Trials in Vic Bay - from left are Ben Brink, Cullen MacMillan, Sebastian Brink, Henri van Huyssteen, Jade Macmillan, Stella Carter-Johnson, and Matthew Brink - Photo: Brian Brink

Sedgefield Striders offer four races in 20th Tortoise Tuff 10km and 30km Run/Walk, a 21km Trail Run, and a 2.5km Fun Run all form part of the 20th Tortoise Tuff on March 11. The races take place in and around Sedgefield, giving participants a grand tour of some of the village’s most beautiful areas.

The flat course of the

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www.karooview.co.za

10km event has always been popular among the speedsters of both running and walking sectors, but the 1.5-hours allocated for the event also attracts those just looking for a gentle run - or stroll - through the village, around the island, and back again.

This event also serves

as official ASWD Race Walking Trials to select a team for the 2017 SA Road Walking Champs.

The original ‘TUFF’ 30km track is perfect for the more hard-core, and covers some of the area’s most spectacular climbs, flats and drops on both gravel and tar.

The 21km Trail Run is

challenging and includes sections along the beach, through Goukamma Nature Reserve, and some serious dune work.

Finally, the youngsters have not been forgotten, the 2.5km Fun Run always attracting vast numbers of younger athletes Visit www.sedgefield striders.co.za for details.