8 January 2020
Published every Wednesday by CXpress 2006 (Pty) Ltd - PO Box 1449, Plettenberg Bay 6600 - 6 Park Lane, Plettenberg Bay - Tel: 044 533 1004 - Fax: 044 533 0852 Email: editor@cxpress.co.za / advertising@cxpress.co.za Web page: www.cxpress.co.za Printed by Group Editors
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Photo: Martin Hurwitz
Cross that bridge… These ladies - from left are Debbie Distin, Heather Kennedy, and Fran Bailey with fellow runners in tow - did just that during the enjoyable inaugural Twilight Run at Plett Country Club, held in perfect weather around dusk on the summer solstice. Turn to page 16 to find out more about this Friday’s event at the same time and venue. The CXPRESS editors and staff wish all of our readers and advertisers the very best for the year ahead, and that you will have hardly any tricky bridges to negotiate during the course of 2020.
On safari with Olivia N-J - p2
Festive season crime review - p3
Holiday activities for all - p10 & 11
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CXPRESS
NEWS & VIEWS
8 January 2020
Driving Miss Crazy
On safari with Olivia Newton-John - way before ‘Grease’ was the word Garden Route chauffeur extraordinaire JEEVES relives his African adventure with an as yet undiscovered ‘neutron bomb’ some five decades ago‌ AX Bygraves - English singer, actor, comedian and variety performer - toured South Africa in the late ‘60s. He was brought out by impresario, record producer, and part-time Plett resident Eric Gallo. I was friendly with Eric’s son and managed to get a ticket for the show. The supporting cast comprised the usual - ventriloquist, gymnasts, ‘sit-down’ comedian (!), magician‌ In addition, there was a singing duet of a couple of very pretty young Australian things: Pat and Olivia (although I learnt later that Olivia was born in Cambridge, England, before moving to Oz with her family aged five). One was a gorgeous, green-eyed brunette, the other a blue-eyed blonde. After the show we gathered backstage to meet the cast and get the usual autographs on our programmes as a memento of the night. A couple of days later, young Gallo phoned to say his dad wanted him to take a few mates on a trip to the Kruger with Olivia and Pat, and show them a bit of “real Africaâ€? away from the concrete jungle of Joburg. It was great fun, and being so young and free in the bush with the innocent girls from the Outback, much mischief was afoot... as you can well imagine. One night at Olifants Camp, a buddy and I went to the window of the girls’ rondavel. I scratched the metal mosquito netting and made a few lionlike growls. There were panicky shrieks from within. My mate mimicked realistic
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OLIVIA NEWDAMEJOHN: The British-born Australian singer and actress, now aged 71, gained global fame as ‘Sandy’ in the hit flick ‘Grease’, and has recently gained a damehood in the UK’s annual New Year’s Honours list; below, British comedian, singer and variety performer Max Bygraves photographed during a publicity shoot in November 2001; he died aged 89 in August 2012
Photo: Scott Barbour/ Getty Images
Photo: AP Photo/Tony Harris/PA
deep hippo grunts and then the girls screamed blue murder. We ran off, crying with laughter. Next day, they refused to come out of their hut unless a game ranger with rifle was in attendance. They finally emerged, peering around every corner and studying each bush and tree. We were in a group waiting for them and when they saw our faces, all screwed up trying to suppress mischievous smiles, they let forth with expletives normally only heard in the army; then they cracked up when realising they’d been had. The girls were my passengers on one game drive; and between lion, elephant and other sight-
ings, we had many sing-alongs. Tra-la-laa! However, to them, it was just normal jamming. One song came up on the old LM Radio - Things by Bobby Daren (or was it Dean Martin?); we boys sang the lines and they added the chorus in ever-rising pitched octaves. Girls: “Thinking of things‌â€? Boys: “Like a walk in the park.â€? “Things, like a kiss in the dark. Things, like a sail boat ride, yeah-yeah!â€? I’ll never forget those moments. Pat and Olivia chorusing in their high-pitched voices, sitting in the backseat. “Things, like a DRIVE in the PARK,
yeah-yeah!â€? Later in time, I heard they had gone their separate ways, Olivia to the States. And a decade on, I saw the stage show of Grease - THE hit musical of the year - in London. It was OK, but someone suggested I see the movie, which they rated very highly. I did‌ and stared at the screen in utter disbelief for there, with her beautiful smile, was Olivia! I never knew her surname, so ‘Newton-John’ didn’t mean a thing to me. But now it did, and always would. She found worldwide fame in the movie with John Travolta and it was the start of a highlysuccessful career in song, dance and acting - so much so that she has just made the 2020 Queen’s New Year’s Honours list, receiving a damehood for her services to music, entertainment, cancer research, and charity. Of all her albums, Xanadu and If Not For You were the most famous. Sadly, the fourtime Grammy Award winner has been battling three different types of cancer since the early 1990s. Over the years I’ve tried on a few occasions to make contact via her agent, hoping she would like to relive her African experience - but without success. Now it should be easy, though, as the UK government department responsible for handling the Honours list made a huge blunder by publicly revealing the home and work addresses of the 1,000+ award winners. So... Okavango, HERE WE COME! (I live in hope‌) Buckle up! - Jeeves
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NEWS & VIEWS
8 January 2020
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Cops gun to turn tide against crime during holiday season Police had their hands full over the festive season fighting crime in Plettenberg Bay, Knysna and further afield, with several successful arrests of suspects involving crimes ranging from murder to dealing in drugs - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports N December 26, police arrested five suspects and recovered a stolen firearm as well as several other stolen items in Knysna and Plett. Southern Cape police spokesman sergeant Chris Spies said this formed part of an intelligence-driven operation under the banner of their Zizojika Izinto (‘turning the tide against crime’) programme. He said police officers from the George crime intelligence unit, Eden Cluster crime combatting team, Knysna crime prevention unit and Allsound Security stopped a white Nissan bakkie on the N2 near the Simola turnoff during the early hours of the morning. “Upon searching the vehicle, members found a stolen watch and housebreaking implements inside,” Spies said, adding that the vehicle was later escorted to the police station where a thorough search was conducted. “Members opened the bonnet of the bakkie and found a firearm, jewellery, and an undisclosed amount of cash hidden behind the engine. Further investigation revealed that the firearm had been stolen in an earlier Riversdale robbery.”
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Spies said the investigation then led the team to a house that belongs to a suspect in KwaNokuthula ouside Plett, where an LG plasma TV, expensive jewellery and a camera were seized. All the suspects, aged between 33 and 42, will face charges of house burglary, theft, and possession of stolen property and burglary implements. The 39-yearold suspect, the driver, and the owner of the house will also face charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. On December 28, police confiscated 84 Mandrax tablets in a house in Conville, George. Spies said the drugs were found hidden in a pillow inside the bedroom. Police confiscated the drugs and arrested a woman, 40. Further afield, public order police arrested a suspect, 49, during an operation in Oudtshoorn for dealing in drugs, after Tik with an estimated street value of R2,000 were found. On December 29 a woman, 23, was arrested in Knysna following the death of a Concordia man, 20. Spies said it is alleged that the woman and her boyfriend had an argument
when she attacked him with a knife. “He sustained a stab wound and went outside where he collapsed. The victim was later declared dead by paramedics.” Spies added, in an unrelated matter, that police arrested a 31-year-old suspect following the death of a sixmonth-old infant. “Investigation shows that the infant was assaulted by the suspect, her father. She sustained serious head injuries and was taken to hospital where she later died.” On New Year’s Day police opened a murder docket following the death of a 23-year-old woman in Sishuba Street in Kwano. “It is alleged that the woman was walking with friends when she fell to the ground with blood all over her face. She was taken to Knysna Provincial Hospital, but was declared dead on arrival. “Preliminary investigation revealed that she sustained a gunshot wound to her head at the time of her death.” The incident left local residents reeling. Spies said a further 23 suspects were arrested for drug-related offences in George, Oudtshoorn and
Knysna on January 2 during high-visibility patrols in crime hotspots. “The police confiscated 130 Mandrax tablets, dagga, and Tik during these operations. Four suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs while the other suspects are facing charges of possession of drugs.” A further 355 were arrested in the Southern Cape between January 3 and 5.
Operations included roadblocks, stop and search operations, visits to liquor outlets, foot and beach patrols, enhanced visibility vehicle patrols, visits to shopping centres, and the detection of known suspects. “A special focus on serious and violent crimes resulted in the arrest of one suspect for murder and seven on charges of rape; 24 suspects were arrested for assault
with the intent to commit grievous bodily harm and the police also arrested 30 suspects after dangerous weapons were found in their possession. “A further six suspects were arrested on robbery charges,” Spies said, adding that a total of 47 suspects were arrested on drunken driving charges up until January 2. Garden Route Media
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NEWS & VIEWS
8 January 2020
Plett ratepayers review activities, court action, and bid adieu to treasured chairman LETTENBERG Bay Ratepayers and Residents Association (PBRRA) held its annual general meeting at Piesang Valley Community Hall on December 19. Topics for discussion included the nomination of a 2020 Executive Committee, membership subscriptions for the year ahead, and a recap of the latest Chairman’s Report (find the full report at www.plettrate payers.co.za), as well as a general update on the Association’s activities. The Executive Committee for 2020 was nominated and approved, with membership subscriptions approved at R600 per annum or R50 per month. PBRRA senior counsel Martin Brassey updated members on the current legal actions against the Western Cape province and Bitou Municipality. According to Brassey, Bitou municipal manager Lonwabo Ngoqo is occupying his position unlawfully; two courts have found this to be true and the municipal council is undeniably aware of it. “Councillors should be aware that they have a duty to conscientiously act in the best interests of the municipality, which in this
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DECADE OF SERVICE TO PLETT: At the AGM of the Plettenberg Bay Ratepayers and Residents Association, Neville Petersen, at centre above - who has given sterling service to the Association over many years - stepped down as chairman of the executive committee; in recognition of his great contribution, he was presented with a gift from exco members Peter Gaylard, left, and Debi Nicholson, while his wife Gail, at right, received a bouquet of flowers for her invaluable support by way of providing refreshments at countless exco meetings - Photos: Timothy Twidle
instance they are clearly not doing. “The PBRRA believes Bitou Municipal Council must take the requisite action and immediately remove Mr Ngoqo from office,” according to the Chairman’s Report. To the extent that the council has failed to do so, the PBRRA has put individual councillors on notice and made them aware that they would be held personally liable for any loss so caused. Brassey also reported that the PBRRA was keeping pressure on MEC Anton Bredell of the Western Cape Department of Local Government, to share with Plett ratepayers the forensic report he allegedly gave to Bitou Municipality, to enable the Association to make representations. “Bredell’s reluctance does not make sense to us, nor the shroud of secrecy around it which is of serious concern. The report has been given to the very people who can be suspected of criminality, but not to the victims: the residents and ratepayers of Plett.” The AGM closed with the announcement of chairman Neville Petersen’s retirement and a tribute by vice chairman Peter Gaylard. Petersen has chaired
the Ratepayers Association for almost a decade, and is highly respected by all. Over the last 10 years he has been very active in the civic affairs of Plettenberg Bay, and has made an invaluable contribution to the Association - he will be sorely missed by all. A new chairman will be elected and announced in late January 2020. • Plettenberg Bay Ratepayers and Residents Association relies on the financial support of its members and appeals to residents to join. Please take note that being a ratepayer and/or a Bitou resident does not automatically make you a member of the Ratepayers Association. Your contributions and membership fees, plus those of your family and friends, will help to further their activities and actions - ensuring good governance and protection of your property values. An increase in the number of members also shows a more united front when dealing with Bitou Municipality and the provincial government departments. To become a member, please visit www.plettrate payers.co.za, and fill out the online form.
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Thursday: Yoga - 1:15 - 2:30pm Children’s yoga (from 3yrs) are taught by telling an interactive adventurous story. The children engage with their imagination and creativity while having fun and being playful. The classes follow the same structure each week, opening the class with stillness and breathing followed by an adventure story where the children move through various postures.
NEWS & VIEWS
8 January 2020
Even The Hoff would approve...
Past Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge the best ever HIS season’s popular Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge presented by Discovery was the biggest and most successful to date with nearly 3,000 entries over three days on December 27, 29 and 30. Eleven events had participants running, paddling, swimming and cycling at Central Beach and beautiful Kurland Estate, and almost R1million was raised for the Sabrina Love Foundation, so enabling continued care for Bitou kids with special needs. Sabrina Love Founda-
tion ambassadors from around SA were in Plett to support the events with Olympic swimmer Chad Ho competing in the Ocean Swim, trail runner Chantel Nienaber coming second in the new 21km Trail Run, Dawid Mocke and his son Sam winning the Splash & Dash, and Xterra world champ Bradley Weiss coming second in the 10km Beach & Road Run. Sabrina Love Foundation founders Tony and Suzy Lubner said they loved the new formula. “Splitting the trail run-
ning and mountain biking events over two days gave participants the opportunity to do both events,” said Tony. “It is always lovely to see family members walking and running together and collecting their Sabrina medals at the finish line. “For me the most important thing was having so many people getting just what this event is all about, and the impact it has not only on our kids with disabilities but on our entire community.” Suzy Lubner added her gratitude to Discovery
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While the rest of us are enjoying our summer holidays, soaking up the sun and surf, there are those who work hard to keep us safe: the Plett Lifeguards. “We thought it wouldn’t hurt to help them look good doing what they do best,” concurred the crew at Mungo - one of the sponsors of gear and clothing, along with BUCO, Build It, and Grand Africa. “As a small gesture of appreciation, we’ve woven a special run of our Itawuli - a pure cotton towel that’s become a Mungo signature. Keeping the characteristic geometric design, we’ve switched up the colours to an all-red towel with a yellow stripe to reflect the occasion. And we’ve thrown in a couple of beach umbrellas for added cool factor…literally!” If you haven’t yet, make a point of spotting the limited edition Mungo Itawulis and brollies on Plett’s beaches this summer. And if you’d like to see the full range, visit Mungo at Old Nick Village. Its flagship store sits alongside the mill, where you can get a peek of all the weaving action. Pictured at left, the Lifeguards show off their pretty gear. Representatives of some of the sponsors include Monique Dokter of Mungo at back left, Mark Coetzer of Build It at centre, and Sybil Harker of The Grand at right. Visit www. mungo.co.za and see the BUCO adverts on page 1 and 3, and the Mungo advert below for additional info. Photo: LM Dunn
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and Kurland Estate. “We are always overwhelmed by all the support and love shown by thousands of people for our Sabrina and her charity.” Said Mark Collins of Magnetic South: “The new events with a trail run day and an iconic 21km run worked extremely well for both crew and participants, while having a day dedicated to mountain biking meant we could give cyclists the attention they deserve. “What a fantastic way of raising money for the Foundation.”
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NEWS & VIEWS
8 January 2020
ECD Bursaries Programme graduates celebrate their success E
LOTS TO SHOW FOR IT: Seated from left are Bitou 10 Foundation chair Marietta van Rooyen, Vesco Plastics representative Alain Leger, and facilitator Susan le Roux; in the middle row are Veronique Majavie and Yvonne Jansen; at back from left are B10F administrator Madeleen Janse van Vuuren, Nomthandazo Petse, Charlene Cassal, Ruchanon Bruiners, Sindiswa Oliphant, Shereen Cloete, Carolynne Bosman, Sandy Burmeister (director: Teachers Learning Centre for ECD in Joburg), and director on the B10F board Dianne Kloka-Speight
IGHT local Early Childhood Development (ECD) practitioners recently completed an 18-month Higher Certificate NQF Level 5 course, specifically designed to guide more experienced educators in professional ECD practice. This qualification will help them develop, uplift and empower while building the capacity of communities through ECD.
Its aim is to further develop the essential skills needed to implement and grow a successful and professional ECD practice. Relevant government policies and regulations at provincial level are also discussed and debated. The course builds on practitioners’ knowledge of child growth and development and introduces them to different theoretical learning philosophies
and practices. Facilitator Susan le Roux lives in Plett and is employed by the Teachers Learning Centre to train Level 4 and 5 ECD teachers. She has many years of experience under the belt, as pre-primary head of department, former pre-school principal, and registered ECD assessor. “I enjoyed lecturing these Level 5 students because many are already
employed in Bitou preschools, and so I could give them loads of practical training,” said Susan. A big thank you is due to programme funders Vesco Plastics, Gail Ractliffe, and St Thomas Methodist Church. For more information about the programme or to become a funder, contact Sooneela at manager@bitou10foundation. co.za or on 044 533 6466.
Matric results: here’s how to deal with unpleasant surprises received on announcement day ATRICS of 2019 have been receiving the verdict on their final results yesterday, ending the tension of many who were wondering whether they would pass, and others whether they would obtain the necessary marks to pursue their qualification of choice. So now is a good time to take stock of the big picture, and not start catastrophising something that may or may not happen, because you are basing your entire future vision on your matric results, according to an education expert. “Anxious parents and guardians need to take a step back and ensure that their concern over results doesn’t escalate tension in the house,” says Nola Payne, head of Information and Communications Technology at The Independent Institute of Education. “It is important at this stage to reflect on the fact that matric results do not define a person forever, and that many people who did not do well went on to recover from the situation and reach success down the line.
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“But not so much for others who may have performed incredibly well but never leveraged and built on their great results,” she says. “Ultimately, by looking at your results, and objectively and dispassionately considering the best course of action from there - whether the results were super or super disappointing - you can ensure that you will reach your full potential,” Payne explains. She says parents and learners should remember that failing matric is not the end of the road and that learners can still do the following to pass and/or improve on their results: • Do supplementary exams later in the year; • Return to school to redo matric; • Attend another institution to complete matric; or • Complete matric via distance learning. For those learners who passed, but didn’t achieve the marks required for entrance into degree studies, the following routes are available: • Enrolling for a High-
er Certificate (HC) at a higher education institution, which can give access to degree study; or • Enrolling for a Diploma which can give access to degree study. A really good option for those learners who don’t see themselves going down the road of repeating matric to improve their marks, but who still want to earn a degree down the line, is to pursue a Higher Certificate, says Payne. “Access to study for a Higher Certificate is available to anyone who achieved an HC pass in their National Senior Certificate exams, so a less than stellar matric performance does not mean you have to cancel your plans of degree study. “It is however important that you engage fully with your HC studies so that you can develop those key skills you may have been lacking during your final school year,” she says. Higher Certificates have replaced many foundation programmes, as they provide students with an opportunity to gain a full qualification while
at the same time mastering those essential skills needed for higher education success. These are broadly known as academic literacies. But it is essential for those who opt for this route to ensure that their chosen institution is registered and accredited, and will support students with focused academic literacy modules and a full year programme designed to bridge the gap between school and degree studies. Payne explains that a Higher Certificate in Business Principles and Practice, a Higher Certificate in IT in Support Services, or a Higher Certificate in Events Management, for instance, will give students access to a BCom, a Bachelor of IT in Business Systems, or a BA the year after completion. “So now that matric results day has finally dawned, take the time to consider your options and understand that no matter what happens, you can and - with renewed commitment - will be able to get back on track and onto the path of success,” Payne concludes.
Now you can help making this worthy service project fly! Children from Bossiesgif in Plettenberg Bay are spreading the word that it is now more important than ever to grow unity and agreement among people from all walks of life. They gathered together to bring joy to their local community and South Africans at large during the past festive season, targeting residents and visitors to share their message of goodwill and hopes for a bright future. Pictured from left at back are Maxwell Jaxa, who is learning to achieve his goal of becoming a pilot; and Thabo Matthews, who would love to become a policeman; Sipumeze Funani, at left in front, wants to become a professional actor, and Anele Libi dreams of becoming an electrician. Says community project organiser Mignonne Shayle Anderson: “They want South Africans to help the poor and to promote safe and healthy lives for all citizens. They are committed to attend and help organise events as young leaders who support businesses within their community. All business leaders and supporters, teachers, service providers and suppliers who want to contribute their love and faith in action are welcome to attend. We are promoting goodwill, for health and safety, and social and economic balance with sponsors and all other interested parties.” Call Maxwell on 078 218 7471 or Mignonne on 081 318 9193 for details.
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8 January 2020
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BUSINESS
8 January 2020
More about Athabile Jojo As CEO of Diversity Empowerment, Athabile Jojo leads a team that provides turnkey transformation and broad-based black economic empowerment solutions to South African businesses. He has a passion for facilitating relationships between businesses, social enterprises and communities with the aim of empowering previously disadvantaged people. Athabile’s career commenced in 2005 at Avis, as an intern. In 2006 he was hired as a trainee manager and in 2007 he was appointed as operations manager in the Eastern Cape for eight years. From there, he branched into entrepreneurship and purchased a fish and chips takeaway business. Athabile also served Execentris as an executive director in 2016 for a short stint before becoming co-owner of Diversity B-BBEE in the same year. It was renamed Diversity Empowerment when he became the sole owner.
Tips from an entrepreneur: What 2019 downturn taught, and hopes for growth in 2020
Athabile Jojo
INCE the establishment of my company Diversity Empowerment in 2014, the only constant has been change. Over the years, we have needed to pivot a number of times, while remaining true to our vision and purpose of helping companies to connect with communities and facilitating relationships that lead to empowerment of SA’s many previously disadvantaged people. During the past year, in particular, the business has evolved a great deal. Here are a few of the lessons my team and I have learnt about keeping afloat in a difficult economy:
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Don’t be afraid to evolve When refining our service offering to align with vision, we had to let go of some of our longstanding clients. It is never easy to part ways with clients, but we took some tough
decisions for the future of the business. We see change as inevitable and try to drive change rather than respond to it. And from that philosophy, we can find numerous opportunities even in a particularly difficult market.
tance of having the right team. People over strategy, always. How you lead and collaborate with people is important for finding solutions. I also invested time in self-improvement to communicate better with my team.
A purpose will guide your business in difficult times When we are surrounded by changes in regulation, customer behaviour, technology and the business climate, we need to have a vision and a purpose. Everything we do is about people and changing people’s lives through empowerment and transformation. As everything else around us changes, our business is grounded in that vision.
Focus on solving problems As an entrepreneur, you take charge of your destiny and our country needs more entrepreneurs - independently minded people who are not waiting on government or big business to provide them with a living. The most successful entrepreneurs are focused on solving problems for their prospects and customers. Helping others to solve problems is a great way to become happier and more self-reliant.
Surround yourself with the right people The biggest lesson learnt last year is the impor-
Looking ahead to 2020 We have spent a lot of time reflecting on the recent success of the
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Springboks in the Rugby World Cup and Zozibini Tunzi taking the Miss Universe crown. The country is united for once because we feel like we are winners. I hope we can win more in 2020 and that we achieve this by coming together to make our country a leader in business and innovation. If we work together to solve the many social and economic challenges faced in SA today, we could lead the world in fields such as financial inclusion, green technology, and agriculture. South African entrepreneurs are the heartbeat of our economy and we need to keep fighting to make a meaningful impact on the growth of our economy. My hope is that entrepreneurs will this year get a bigger voice and larger platforms to contribute towards the success of our country.
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8 January 2020
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Read CXPRESS online at www.cxpress.co.za
NEWS & VIEWS
8 January 2020
A truly festive tale of goodwill and glee Plettenberg Bay resident MICHAEL SMITH shares this heart-warming account of a nearly ill-fated Christmas buffet saved by one very good Samaritan HRISTMAS Day 2019. Nick and Nicola from Edenvale, Eileen and Don, also from Gauteng, Johan and Alicia from George, and Plettenberg Bay locals Gail and Michael had gathered together, with seven assorted offspring, to celebrate Christmas with a splendid cold buffet on a holiday farm in Uplands (though not in a stable). Everyone was expected to contribute something, and Johan had promised to create a red velvet baked cheesecake with berries, to form a spectacular centrepiece for the dessert table. It was early afternoon
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CENTREPIECE SALVAGED: The red velvet baked cheesecake covered in berries, which finally made its way to Plettenberg Bay, shortly after an urgent appeal on social media
when - shock and horror! - Johan confessed that the cheesecake had accidentally been left in the fridge in George. What to do? Someone suggested that a post should be put on the internet, asking if anyone coming from George
to Plett would bring along the cheesecake. This proposal was met with some scorn from the older social-media sceptics, but the younger, more â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;wokeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; media believers had faith, and the unlikely request was posted
on the George Community Facebook Forum. The first response was someone posting that it was cruel for a cheesecake to be left on its own in George over Christmasâ&#x20AC;Ś Then, lo and behold, Anne-Marie - a total stranger - said she was coming to Plett shortly to visit her grandchild, born six weeks earlier and whom she had never seen, and that she would bring along the cheesecake. Arrangements were made and the buffet was saved. Like so many years ago, a new-born baby had brought Christmas goodwill and joy, and a most improbable Christmas wish had been fulfilled.
Plett Panters win big for hiking furthest by far NE hundred members of the Plett Panters hiking group attended their annual prize-giving at Plett Angling Club recently. Honorary leader Robyn Eidelman monitored the distance trekked by every member during the year and presented certificates to the top 10 hikers. In addition to certificates, the top six - all of whom reached the 400km milestone - were presented with prizes. The prize for sixth place was a bottle of KWV wine, won by Liedie Coetzee (417km). Steve Crutchley (420km) in fifth place won a R200 meal voucher from Enricoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Prize for fourth position was a R390 meal voucher from Totties won by Wally Lake (429km), and Mike Craig (434km) won a R390
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Totties voucher and a R300 voucher from Bodyknots for coming third. The second position prize won by Lilo Seifert (457km) included a R500 voucher from Robberg Pharmacy, a R400 Sunday lunch voucher from Quartet, a R390 meal voucher from Totties and a Vitaderm facial from Sharat Beauty Salon. Top hiker of the year Di Tuffin (492km) won two tickets valued at R1,560 for a tour at Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, a R400 Quartet voucher and a R390 Totties voucher. In addition, Di walked away with a floating trophy donated by John Duncker, who has produced many interesting creations using driftwood. Some of his work can be viewed at The Global Village.
TOP WALKER: Winner Di Tuffin receives the floating trophy from its creator, John Duncker - the image below shows the pretty driftwood trophy on its wild olive base
BOTTOM HALF OF TOP 10: Robyn Eidelman, at left, with the winning hikers from seventh to 10th - from left are Cheryl Main, Trish Coninx, Esme Basson, and Charles Prentice
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HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
8 January 2020
7ZR )XQGUDLVLQJ &RQFHUWV IRU WKH EHQHȴW RI St Peter's Anglican Church and its Outreach Programme and Hospice Plett
OPERA ƙ
Two light classical concerts with contrasting programmes of Light Opera, Operetta, Musical Theatre and Popular Song
Friday 24th & Saturday 25th
JANUARY 2020
St Peter’s Anglican Church Hall Church Street, Plettenberg Bay Doors open at 6.30pm Concerts begin at 7pm FREE SEATING
TICKETS R250 EACH
Available from Barnie Barnard Market Square Information Centre Tel 044 533 3219
Refreshments will be served during the interval
For information please contact Lady Conyngham aconyngham@telkomsa.net
PlettAid Foundation
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INTERVAL
8 January 2020
‘n Groot misverstand EN aand kom ‘n jong man tuis en sy vrou omhels hom en sê: “Liefie, ek het goeie nuus. Ek is ‘n maand laat en ek dink ons gaan ‘n baba kry! “Die dokter het my vandag getoets, maar totdat ons sekerheid kry, mag ons vir niemand sê nie.” Die volgende dag lui ‘n klerk van die elektrisieteitsmaatskappy die deurklokkie omdat die paartjie nog nie hul rekening vereffen het nie. “Is u mevrou Smit? U is ‘n maand laat, weet u?” sê hy. “Hoe weet u dit?” stotter die vroutjie. “Wel mevrou, dis in ons lêer,” sê die man van die elektrisiteitsmaatskappy. Vrou: “In julle lêer?” Klerk: “Ja, mevrou!”
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Vrou: “Wel, ek sal eers vanaand met my man moet praat.” Die aand vertel sy vir haar man van die besoek. Mal van woede storm hy vroeg die volgende oggend na die kantoor van die elektrisiteitsmaatskappy. Hy sê: “Wat gaan hier aan? Dis in jul lêer dat my vrou ‘n maand laat is! Hoe weet julle dit?” Klerk: “Bly net kalm, dis niks ernstigs nie. Al wat jy moet doen is om ons te betaal.” Man: “Betaal? En wat as ek weier?” Klerk: “Wel, meneer, dan is afsny die enigste opsie.” Man: “En wat dan van my vrou?” Klerk: “Ek weet nie. Sy sal seker maar ‘n kers moet gebruik.”
Come starboard young man who wants to see the world signs on to a steamship to be trained as a helmsman. He masters the classroom instruction, then starts his practical training on the wheel of the vessel. In his first lesson, the mate gives him a heading, and the young fellow holds to it. Then the mate orders: “Come
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starboard.” Pleased at knowing immediately which way starboard is, the young man leaves the helm and walks over to his instructor. The mate has an incredulous look on his face as the helm swings freely. Then, rather gently considering the circumstance, he asks politely: “Could you bring the ship with you?”
On friendship… • Love is blind; friendship tries not to notice. - Otto von Bismarck • Friends are people who know you really well and like you anyway. Greg Tamblyn • A word of advice to all my dear friends: If you’re
going to do something tonight that you’ll be sorry for tomorrow morning, sleep late. - Henny Youngman • There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate. Linda Grayson
The struggling artist WO artists were discussing their respective prospects. John: “I’m not doing too well. I painted a picture for a lady but she didn’t like it. She said it made her
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look just like a monkey.” Dan: “I hope you were diplomatic about it?” John: “Yes, I told her she should have thought about that before she had her picture painted.”
Why do women love cats? ’VE never understood why women love cats. Cats are independent, they don’t listen, they don’t come in when you call them, they like to stay out all night, and
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when they’re home they like to be left alone to sleep most of the day. In other words, every quality that women hate in a man, they love in a cat.
SOCIAL SCENE
People, places & events
8 January 2020
MEMORABLE PLETT POUR FOR MICHAELHOUSE POSTERITY: On the evening of December 17, a bronze pour to cast the final two pieces of a large sculpture was held at Bronze Fields - the studio, workshop and foundry of legendary Plett sculptor Robert Leggat. The monumental sculpture entitled ‘The Archangel Michael Slaying the Dragon’ was commissioned by Graham McIntosh in honour of his wife, Santie, and is to be set in the grounds of Michaelhouse in the Natal Midlands. Graham, his brother and three sons all attended the famous facility of learning, and all have fond memories of the school. The event, attended by some 60 people, was convened by Michaelhouse old boy David Mitchell and attended by several alumni either resident or on holiday along the Garden Route, as well as by six boys currently attending the school. Refreshments and snacks were served after the spectacular pour, together with wine kindly sponsored by Bitou Vineyards. The sculpture will be on view by appointment for the next couple of weeks and interested readers can call Robbie on 063 674 3922 to arrange a viewing before the magnificent piece is transported to KZN. Pictured clockwise at left is the monumental sculpture before the pour; the inset shows the last two pieces in place - the finial of feathers on top of the helmet and the school badge - subsequent to the pour, pictured at top right. The Bronze Fields team that carried out the pour of the final two pieces of the sculpture - from left above are Chris Wisely, Donowin Martins, Dora Martins and Simphiwe Bathini. Celebrating the momentous occasion with sculptor Robert, at right, were Graham and Annabelle Conyngham, who together with Louise More and Di Klette facilitated arrangements for the event. At right, Steve and Dawn McCoy of Durban enjoy the unique event with their sons, Dylan and Kyle, both of whom are presently at Michaelhouse, where the sculpture will enthral generations of students, alumni and art aficionados. - Timothy Twidle
CLEAN SWEEP CLAN: This group of avid hikers - along with friends not pictured here - tackle the Nature’s Valley to Keurbooms route every summer holiday season. After witnessing the polluted state of the coastline from Salt River to Groot Bank, they carried out a beach cleanup operation on December 26. Says Plett local Rudi Martin: “The photo shows only a portion of the rubbish collected, as some hikers were still en route. All bags, bins and containers were bursting at the seams and were therefore left at the Groot Bank camp, whence Pieter van Rensburg of Forest Hall generously agreed to collect them, and to deliver any recyclable materials to the Plett plant.” Some of the families involved in the cleanup include the Rorich, McCormack, Adams, Pama, Martin, Lynam, and Bolton clans. Hats off to y’all for this valiant and valuable Boxing Day effort! - Photo: Rudi Martin POLO MOMENTS: Plett Rotarian Leigh Dunn, in front, shared this snazzy pic of the photo fun he had with out of town friends Shireen Sewpersad, and Salome and Ravi Padayachee during the Polo Festival at Kurland Estate on December 29. Games continue daily ‘till January 12 - visit www. plettpolo.co.za for additional information. NEWS FROM KNYSNA FOREST: The SANParks team in Diepwalle would like to thank the greater Knysna community for their contributions to Diepwalle Library. “Thanks to Tammy Havenga, teachers at the school, Knysna Honorary Rangers and all who contributed towards the library.” SANParks rangers in Diepwalle also visit neighbouring communities to promote an anti-litter campaign and then play soccer with local teams from each ‘hood. Speaking about the initiative, Knysna forest ranger Wessel Bacela confirmed that they had fun visits towards the end of last year in neighbouring Buffelsnek and Karatara, as proven by the pic above. Click on page 25 of the December 18 edition at www.cxpress.co.za for all you need to know about activities in the Knysna and Tsitsikamma sections of Garden Route National Park.
Photo: Martin Hurwitz
GROOVING ON RECONCILIATION DAY: This pic of the street party hosted by Bitou Municipality on December 16 tells the whole story of fun had by all in attendance. Visit the gallery at www. cxpress.co.za to see more photos.
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CLASSIFIEDS
8 January 2020
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Paws
Plett Animal Welfare Service
ON THE SOAPBOX
8 January 2020
Letters to the Editor
CXPRESS
Email: editor@cxpress.co.za - Fax: 044 533 0852 - PO Box 1449, Plett 6600
Who’s in charge of protecting Robberg’s marine resources from unscrupulous anglers? In one of your seasonal issues, I noticed the letter by ‘Sea Warrior’ and also noted the response of Dr Gwenith Penry [read ‘How close can you go…’ on page 31 of the December 18 edition at www.cx press.co.za]. In most cases, local operators with whale-watching licences stay within the boundaries set by the whale-watching permits, which include distance from mammals, speed in pursuing whales with calves, and moving away from fishermen at The Point on Robberg. My concern is that some of these boats are fishing within the Robberg MPA [Marine Protected Area] under the guise or watching whales, dolphins and seals. Take note that one nautical mile is not 50m
away from the rocks. We pay entrance fees to Robberg to fish, while boats cruise into the MPA, fish, and then speed over our lines. Since when are boats allowed to fish off Robberg Point and Whale Rock at 60-100m from the rocks? On December 24, a small aluminium boat with no steering wheel, just a small engine with stick throttle, was fishing at Whale Rock. This was reported. On Tuesday the 31st, a bigger boat with jackplate [a specially designed mounting bracket for an outboard motor that lets you raise or lower the motor vertically] was also fishing there with about six people on board. We took several photos to show that these are
Radiation leak much more dire than water or steam With all the implausible excuses coming out of Eskom as to why they cannot supply a constant flow of electricity, ranging from severe storms to sabotage, possibly the only true reason given is that there has been no maintenance performed at Eskom for at least 10 years. It is one thing if there has been no maintenance at a coal-fired power station and water and steam have leaked
out of pipes or boilers. The scary question we need to ask, then, is this: What is happening to maintenance at our Koeberg nuclear power station? Are they 10 years behind there as well? A leak of radiation is a lot more serious than water or steam. Can Eskom assure us that Koeberg is in good condition and is being maintained? Kevin Meineke, Plett
Is SA’s telecommunications system a total disaster? Telkom recently commenced a programme of changing from landline phones to a wireless system (radio phones), supposedly to counter the theft of landline copper cables and wires. It seems, however, that the changeover was implemented without thorough research or proper customer involvement. If you received a new wireless phone and it is trouble free, then consider yourself extremely lucky, since most people I speak to have had the same problems as myself: no operating instructions; both landline and wireless phones remain in operation - and not without problems. These include being unable to call out and not receiving incoming calls. What’s more, callers report that the computer response says the number dialled (your number) is
not available or does not exist. Add to this list noisy landline calls and failure of internet connections… To make matters worse, Telkom has closed its Plett office, so if you have problems with phone or internet connections, you have two options: either report the matter to the Telkom 10210 call line, where no action is taken, or incur the time and expense of travelling to Telkom’s Knysna office. Here you wait up to two hours for a consultant to attend your complaint, who then tells you that the problem has been fixed you can go home and everything will be OK. Needless to say that when you get home, you find that the problems still persist. In desperation you ask that Telkom send a technician to attend to your problems, but he never arrives. The Drone, Plett
not isolated instances - it happened on a daily basis this season. My questions now are the following: • If tourist boats are contravening any of your agreements with CapeNature, how would we as locals know? As mentioned, there is an agreement between CapeNature and the boat owners, but this document has not been made public. • When running a business within the MPA and so generating millions a year, what percentages are being paid over as access fees towards Robberg MPA? Because we shore fishermen do pay our way. • Who is supposed to patrol the MPA by boat to deal with this problem? We want boats to stop fishing within the MPA immediately and we hope that action will be taken - the same as when boats fish inside the Tsitsikamma MPA. If nothing happens as a result of this letter, the pics and videos will be sent to the national departments responsible for issuing these permits. Derick Philander, Plett Loren Pavitt of CapeNature provided feedback to some of the questions posed by Mr Philander in his letter: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are declared by the Minister of Environmental Affairs under section 43 of the Marine Living Resources Act (Act. 18 of 1998). In the Western Cape, these MPAs are managed by CapeNature and are considered an extension of terrestrial Provincial Nature Reserves. All the commercial tourism boat operators operating within Plettenberg Bay and the Robberg MPA, excluding the fishing charter industry, are regulated either through a permit system with associated permit conditions, or a code of conduct. The current system is working well where all the operators have been cooperating to ensure that visitors have a pleasant experience while enjoying a myriad of exciting marine activities. These include scenic boat trips, swimming with seals, scuba diving, sea kayaking and whale watching - all of which
are sustainable. During the December holiday period, there were over 700 boats registered on the Keurbooms/Bitou estuary, of which a substantial portion used the river mouth to gain access to the sea. As conditions were favourable, a number of boat owners used this opportunity to enjoy and explore the bay, including the northern side of Robberg MPA. Unfortunately, all boat users are not responsible and this lead to incidents where the fishing lines of shore anglers were cut by passing boats. Although the majority of boat owners were law abiding, some instances of reckless behaviour did occur, which was in contravention of the law. Not all offences were reported to reserve management. Where this happened, full details were provided that allowed staff to intervene. The particular incident that Mr Philander refers to was unfortunately not reported immediately and there was very little information to go on other than mention of a tiller arm-operated vessel fishing at Robberg Point. But no vessel particulars were recorded, which made further law enforcement action difficult. Shore angling is the only consumptive use activity allowed at Robberg Nature Reserve and MPA, and anglers are therefore privileged to be allowed to enjoy their favourite sport inside the boundaries of a protected environment. These anglers, for the most part, are responsible and law abiding, and report any unscrupulous or illegal activities to Robberg Reserve staff and management. We encourage all visitors to please contact the reserve staff or management as soon as they notice any suspicious behaviour and, if possible to provide photographic evidence so that perpetrators can be brought to book. (Email Loren Pavitt at lpavitt@capenature.co.za or call CapeNature Plett on 044 533 2125. You can also email images of suspicious behaviour in and around Robberg Nature Reserve to henieuwoudt@ capenature.co.za - Ed.) BOAT WOES: This pic in the December 18 edition was shot by another disgruntled angler off the sacred rocks of Robberg...
Read CXPRESS online at www.cxpress.co.za
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SPORT & ADVENTURE
8 January 2020
Twilight never prettier than when viewed on the trot at Plett Country Club’s course
NO DUST ON THESE DUSKY GREENS: A good mix of runners set off along the rolling Country Club lawns in Plett’s pretty Piesang Valley - Photo: Martin Hurwitz
HE first-ever Twilight Run was held at the Plett Country Club course in the run-up to Christmas, on a balmy summer solstice Friday evening. Just under 100 runners with a good mix of young and old, locals and holidaymakers headed out on the carefully-marked route around the beautifullymaintained golf course. The soft grass and amazing scenery was a first for many of these runners and delectable wors rolls with the legendary Country Club chilli sauce at the fin-
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TIN HOUSE Self-catering accommodation
ish line made for an excellent evening. With the emphasis on fun, lucky draw prizes were collected along the route and only the top three female and male runners were timed to the finish line. Results for the ladies were Lise Marais in first place, followed by Judith Attringer and Gabriella Erlank. Men’s podium finishers were Gilermo Lamini (first), Matthew van Coller (second) and Kevin Marais in third place. After the success of the inaugural event, organiser
James ‘Lettuce’ Stewart of Muddyfoot Adventures is now inviting racing snakes and leisure runners alike to sign up for the second Twilight Run at Plett Country Club on Friday January 10. A percentage of funds raised will enable local trailies to participate in Expedition Africa 2020 (find out more at www.kineticevents.co.za), which this year takes place in Lesotho from April 9-19. Check the Muddy Foot Adventures Facebook page or visit www.entrytickets. net to enter online.