9 January 2019

9 January 2019

Published every Wednesday by CXpress 2006 (Pty) Ltd - PO Box 1449, Plettenberg enberg rg Ba Bayy 6600 6600 - 6 Park Park Lane, Lane La ne, Plettenberg Plett ttenberg b Bay - Tel: 044 533 533 1004 1004 - Fax: Fax: 044 044 533 0852 0852 Email: editor@cxpress.co.za / advertising@cxpress.co.za Web page: e: www.cxpress.co.za www.cxpre press. ss.co co.za za Printed P inted Pri t d by

by Group Grou roup p Editors Edit ditors

We’ve made it!

Photo: Ewald Stander

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Members of Wittedrift High’s Class of 2018 jump for joy on Friday, when it was revealed that the ‘small Plett school with the big heart’ attained a 100% matric pass rate - many congrats. Turn to page 5 to find out more about the district’s top achieving schools.

We wish all CX Country students, especially the youngsters starting off their school careers today, the very best for the academic year ahead.

Shootout at Ebenezer

NSRI Wilderness to the rescue

Back to school budgeting

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

9 January 2019

Garden locos get steamed up at George Museum Correspondent BOB HOPKIN recently encountered a forever-young group of model train enthusiasts EFORE the era of virtual reality and computer gaming, the true reality of the perfect Christmas gift in my early youth was part or the whole of a model train set.

The lucky ones had a Dublo (OO scale) set running part time in the dining room, as it was just the right size to fit on the dining table, and tiny enough to be dismantled and tucked away in a cupboard later.

At a similar period in the past, many amusement parks had ‘ride-on’ steam-powered miniature model trains that ran around the borders of the site and carried 20 or so kids, laughing and screaming in delight.

In mid-December, a small group of slightly eccentric modellers provided an exhibition at George Transport Museum of yet another variant on the theme: garden model railways.

These are based on the 45mm and 32mm track spacing and a scale that equates to 1:32 of full size, as well as the larger ‘G’ scale which, at 1:22.5 of full scale, is substantially larger than the norm.

Too hefty to be practical for indoor use, they are usually created to run on a track in the owner’s back garden, which is often themed to use streams, ponds, hills, and valleys to create a miniature landscape.

Pretoria-based Carel Janse van Rensburg had the largest of the displays set up in the museum; it took two days to assemble. Mike Leppan from Cape Town explained that the G scale

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DON’T LOOK AT THE BILL: Mike Leppan, at left, with his LGB replica train, of which a single locomotive can cost up to R15,000 - and that’s before shipping expenses and duties; at right, David Cairns from Durban shows off his magnificent steam-powered model

- also referred to as ‘LGB’ after the original German manufacturers of the models: Lehmann Gross Bahn - was the most popular for garden displays.

“Although we try not to count the cost,” Mike said, “a single LGB locomotive can cost some R15,000 before shipping expenses and duties from either the USA or Germany. Then add the cost of the various wagons and carriages, the track, and radio controls…

“It’s a good job we consider the hobby to be an obsession, so we try to ignore the expenses,” he added with a smile.

In some cases the keen train modeller will buy a standard model and then spend time and

effort to match it to a particular engine that existed here in SA a process dubbed ‘kit bashing’.

Andrew Johnson, another modeller, explained that original plans for virtually all South African rolling stock are held at the Transnet heritage museum in Joburg and is freely available.

To add authenticity, tiny train drivers are made for the footplates, and passengers for the lighted carriages. Sound effects are also vitally important and these come from specialist noise generators hidden within the engines, reproducing the ‘chuffing’ sounds that even coincide with the wheels’ movements.

False ‘steam’ comes from the smokestack in time with the

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chuffing produced by oil dropping onto a heating element.

All of the LGB trains run with electric motors powered by electrified track.

The ultimate purist was represented by Durban-based David Cairns, whose engines take authenticity to another dimension by running on actual steam, generated by using a tiny propane burner to boil the water to high pressure steam.

Said David as the exhibition drew to a close: “Using genuine steam adds another level to the experience, but patience is needed to coax the little machine to life!”

Visit www.northstarrailway. com for more on this hobby.

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NEWS & VIEWS

9 January 2019

CXPRESS

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Plett’s Ebenezer Estate targeted by trigger-happy gunmen in final throes of old year Last year ended on a violent note when a Plett resident was shot during an armed robbery on his Ebenezer property - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports T is believed that five armed men forced entry into the Auersperg residence at around 8:40pm on December 29.

One of the first responders - Plettenberg Bay Crime

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Prevention Association (PBCPA) spokesman Marius Venter, who reacted to a plea for help from the residents - said when he arrived on the scene several minutes later, he found that resident

Peter Auersperg had been shot in the left leg.

“I was informed by his wife and son that one of the men was still in the house,” Venter said. (See the report below.)

When Venter went to inves-

Wife of shooting victim calls for united front against crime Louise Auersperg

N December 29 around 8:40pm we were attacked and held up by five gunmen. Peter was shot and our son, Alex, managed to hit his attacker. Together with my sister who had just arrived from Cape Town, we fought for our lives to keep the intruders out of the house.

Unbeknownst to us, two of them were already inside.

Our brave son risked his life and entered the house to activate the panic button.

I called Marius Venter, screaming for help. He raced to our house while notifying his PBCPA colleagues.

Members of Plett SAPS, the Rapid Response unit, ADT, paramedics, police reservists, Knysna SAPS, and Medlife Ambulance service all arrived within 10 minutes.

Shots were being fired while we were loading Peter into the ambulance. Otto Olivier

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and K9 Blackie entered the house at huge risk, as bullets were flying everywhere.

This has been a very traumatic experience and should serve as a wakeup call for all people in Plett.

I am calling on the community to stand together as we tackle the crime in our beautiful bay. If anyone has information on our attackers, please contact warrant officer James at Plett SAPS on 044 501 1900.

Mr Mayor and members of the DA, please put your differences aside and stand together to support the community in fighting crime.

Churches and congregations need to get out there and pray for the safety of our farms, businesses, and houses. Everyone should become proactive in supporting the PBCPA, SAPS, and other security agencies to claim back our town.

We are indebted to Marius Venter for coming to our

FACING THE MUSIC: Peter and Louise Auersperg - founders of Plett’s well-established Adopt a Swimmer NPO are pictured here before Peter’s transfer to George Hospital for a second operation to his injured left leg

rescue, and to Nelia and the boys for taking us into their home. Thank you for arranging the specialised riot squad to guard the farm and all its traumatised and petrified tenants.

You and your family serve with all you have in our community to bring change.

We salute our son for his bravery in controlling the scene ‘till help arrived, and my dear sister who sat with Pete when he was shot and helped keeping the attackers at bay.

We honour Otto, Blackie, the PBCPA and SAPS, Medlife, Medi-clinic, Knysna and George hospitals, Tim Rist, Coleen Stringer, Karen Spurrier, Sally Turner, Brett and Monique Leppan, Francois, Jo, Lisa, Paul, Julie, Brad, and W/O James.

Thank you to the doctors and nursing staff and all our precious friends who arrived at the hospital, and a huge thank you to our swimming colleges in George who have visited Peter every day.

Thanks, Robert for your encouragement and for getting the bush cut to improve security along with the Ebenezer estate manager.

We have been inundated by calls and messages from so many sides and if you’re not mentioned, please know that we appreciate your support.

We thank our Father in Heaven for keeping us alive.

Please continue to pray for us as we face the long journey ahead.

tigate, he noticed two men standing on the property at the edge of a dam. “They fired shots in my direction.”

Venter said that the men then disappeared and along with police and other security role-players, the area was searched, but with no success.

Auersperg was in the meantime transported to Plett Medi-clinic and from there transferred to a Knysna Hospital for further treatment.

It was later established that the men gained access to the house by breaking a window. It is believed that

one of the rooms in the house was ransacked and a television was taken.

Plettenberg Bay police confirmed the incident and said that a case of house robbery had been opened and was currently under investigation. No arrests have been made since.

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

9 January 2019

Relief on Thursday, tragedy on Friday for NSRI Wilderness volunteers ATIONAL Sea Rescue volunteers on the Garden Route and elsewhere on South Africa’s coast and at inland bodies of water had their hands full with keeping families safe, with several drownings reported countrywide on Christmas Day. But few rescues during

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the past weeks were as dramatic as the operation carried out by Wilderness NSRI on January 3.

Station commander Mike Vonk explains that a hiking party of 12 people, including five young children, set off on a kloofing trip down the Kaaimans River near George at about 3:45pm

on Thursday.

“The group may have underestimated the difficult terrain and rapids which had been exacerbated by high water levels as a result of the previous day’s rain as well as the distance of the route.

“Early on in the trip, one of the group was able to make

Knysna announces changes to its mayoral committee

NEW BROOMS FOR KNYSNA: Ward 1 councillor Levael Davis, left, now heads up the Technical Services department, while Michelle Wasserman is in charge of Planning and Integrated Human Settlements

N Monday January 7, Knysna Municipality announced shifts in the membership of its mayoral committee - a move which mayor Mark Willemse called “necessary to strengthen its leadership structure in the interest of enhancing our mandate”.

“I am satisfied that this change will better enable the municipal leadership to achieve our mandate

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and the strategic goals of this municipality ensuring continued improvement of service delivery,” said Willemse on Monday morning.

Important changes include new mayco members Michelle Wasserman - who takes over the Planning and Integrated Human Settlements portfolio - and Levael Davis, now in charge of Techni-

cal Services. Both portfolios were formerly held by Peter Myers.

The current committee also include the following members: • Elrick van Aswegen (Knysna deputy mayor) Governance & Economic Development; • Peter Myers - Finance; • Welcome Salaze - Community Services Committee (unchanged).

Lodge & Housekeeping Vacancy Lodge & Housekeeping Manager’s position available at The Knysna Elephant Park

telephonic contact with a relative to inform them that they would be taking longer than expected. A second call to the same relative after 6:15pm was disconnected due to limited cellphone reception in the gorge.”

Unable to make further contact with the group and uncertain of their wellbeing, emergency services were alerted. Western Cape Government Health EMS rescue services contacted an NSRI Wilderness rescue swimmer.

A team of NSRI Station 23 Wilderness crew, all swift water rescue qualified, was assembled at the Map of Africa view point, while EMS Rescue and George Fire and Rescue also responded. Three different sectors of the river were searched.

“The hiking group had split, and three members had gone ahead downriver to seek help, leaving five kids aged between three and eight, and four adults to continue at a slower pace,” says Vonk.

“Rescue crews located the advance group around 8pm and they were able to provide an estimate location of the nine remaining members. Two NSRI teams that had searched different sectors then joined together and the single team of five rescuers proceeded down the gorge and searched upriver.

“The casualties were located and they were not injured but were exhausted and cold, and the children were distressed,” Vonk says,

adding that they assisted the group through a short section where it was required to swim, after which they could proceed, using headlights, down the rocks and along the river bank with the children being carried.

Three volunteers from Outeniqua Trail Running Search and Rescue had by now made their way from near the river mouth and provided the rescue group with additional space blankets.

The group proceeded to hike down the canyon until reaching the emergency vehicles and, after medical assessment, they were reunited with very relieved family members.

Tragedy, however, struck in Sedgefield the next evening when at 9:45pm on January 4, NSRI Wilderness were alerted to reports of a 45-year-old Cape Town man missing in the Swartvlei between Sedgefield and Knysna.

It was reported earlier that a father and his three children - two girls aged 16 and seven, and a fiveyear-old boy, on holiday in George and visiting friends at Pine Lake Marina launched a small boat onto Swartvlei to go fishing at around 5pm.

When they hadn’t returned by nightfall the man’s wife and friends raised the alarm and it appears civilians launched a search using jetskis. Around 8:30pm they had found the three children swimming out and all three were brought to shore.

Nurses, on vacation at

the resort, treated the children for hypothermia and shock. They said their boat had capsized and when they lost sight of their dad, they started to swim to shore.

Civilians using jet-skis, reportedly continued to search for their father; NSRI and the emergency services were alerted at 9:45pm. NSRI Station 23 Wilderness duty crew with two NSRI rescue craft, a Police Dive Unit with a Police boat, WC Government Health EMS and the EMS rescue squad, Knysna/ Sedgefield Fire and Rescue Services and Sedgefield COP (Community Orientated Police) all responded to the scene.

An extensive water and shoreline search commenced and the two sea rescue craft and the Police boat launched onto Swartvlei and the civilians on jet-skis were arranged into assisting NSRI and the emergency services in a coordinated sweeping line search and grid search.

During an extensive search in the early hours of Saturday morning, the body of the man was located and taken into the care of Forensic Pathology Services. Police have opened an inquest docket.

The wife and three children were transported to hospital by ER24 ambulance in the care of paramedics suffering from shock. NSRI and the emergency services have conveyed condolences to family and friends.

Actual trek rained out, but Kevin & Co still Yolandé Stander raised R60K+ for sea rescue HILE the annual NSRI Calamari and Chips Walk rained out this year, it did not put a damper on the generosity of participating locals and visitors.

The walk, which takes place on December 27 every year, is Station 14’s secondlargest fundraising initiative and this year raised more than R60,000 for sea rescue.

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One of the organisers, winemaker Kevin Arnold, said the event involved walking from Keurbooms to Lookout Beach, a route of about 9km, followed by lunch at Equinox restaurant.

Each participant - of whom there are on average 120 annually - makes a donation.

He added that several items were also auctioned

off to boost the funds then donated to the local searescue crew.

“While the walk itself rained out this year, we all still enjoyed lunch together and managed to raise R61,300,” Arnold said.

Last year the ‘Calamari Walk’ brought in R44,000.

This year’s event was the 14th of its kind.

- Prior Supervisory experience, excellent interpersonal skills with proven ability to lead a team and manage conflict.

- Prior experience in housekeeping/custodial tasks.

- Must be highly organized with strong attention to detail.

- Must have effective time management skills and be able to work in a fast paced environment with multiple interruptions.

Applicant must possess: - Excellent Computer Skills - Excellent People Skills - In-depth knowledge of Microsoft Office - Highly organised and neat working manner.

Email CV and a covering letter to vacancy@knysnaelephantpark.co.za Please use the position you are applying for in the subject line.

Closing date: 15 January 2019

RAMBLERS AND BENEFACTORS: From left are event initiators Nick Davies, Kevin Arnold, NSRI Plett Fundraising Committee chair Dave Haysom, Pete Ridge, and Station 14 stalwart Robbie Gibson - Photo: Supplied

NEWS & VIEWS

9 January 2019

CXPRESS

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Wittedrift High School one of four to score 100% matric pass rate The district’s matrics did us proud during their final exams by obtaining an 81% pass rate, exceeding the national tally of 78.2% - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports

HE Garden Route and Central Karoo area’s results stacked up well with the rest of the Western Cape, which ended in third place nationally in the race for the best performing province in the country.

The fact that the region’s Class of 2018 managed an 81.1% pass rate made it one of eight districts in the Western Cape to obtain a rate above 80%. Only one district, Metro East with a pass rate of 76.4%, dropped below the 80% mark.

The Western Cape achieved an 81.5% pass rate - down from 84.4% last year - while nationally 78.2% of matriculants made the grade. The province secured a place in the top three provinces in the country behind Gauteng and the Free State, which respectively managed rates of 87.9% and 87.5%.

According to the Education Department’s five-year review, two schools in the dis-

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trict managed a perfect score five years in a row: Oakdale Agricultural School in Riversdale, and Shalom Academy in Ladismith.

Oakdale staff said this was just a five-year window into results and that the school had not missed a beat for the past 22 years.

Out of the 48 schools in the district, four obtained a 100% pass rate in 2018.

These include Oakdale, Shalom Academy, Wittedrift High School in Plettenberg Bay, and Langenhoven Gimnasium in Oudtshoorn.

In Plettenberg Bay and Knysna, four out of the seven local schools managed to improve their pass rate, with the biggest coming from Knysna Secondary School, which obtained 74.2% compared to last year’s 62%.

Percy Mdala High School in Knysna improved its results from 66.3% to 70.9%, Plettenberg Bay Second-

ary School from 66.1% to 74.5%, and Wittedrift from 94.2% to 100%.

The excitement at Wittedrift High School was tangible on Friday when matrics arrived at school for their results and were informed that they had all made the grade.

Principal Jeremy Marallich said he was very proud of his school’s achievement and attributed the success to dedicated teachers and learners, and support from the Western Cape Education department.

“It is about putting in the effort every single day,” Marallich said.

The school obtained 48 distinctions among its 60 matriculants. “You have created an opportunity for yourself, and I urge you to make the most of it,” Marallich told the learners when they collected their results at school.

Garden Route Media

Police notch up 815 arrests by first day of ‘19 NGOING Safer Festive Season operations in the Southern Cape resulted in the arrest of 815 suspects for various offences during operations which commenced on Thursday evening December 27 and continued into Sunday morning the 30th.

The operations included roadblocks, stop and search operations, visits to liquor outlets, foot-and-beach patrols, enhanced visibility through vehicle patrols, regular visits to shopping centres and the detection of wanted suspects.

Suspects were arrested for serious and violent crimes,

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drug related offences, driving motor vehicles while under the influence of liquor, and possession of unlicensed firearms.

Police visibility was enhanced as New Year’s Evening and New Year’s Day celebrations approached. The focus on areas where large numbers of people gathered were sustained throughout.

The safety of road users as well as pedestrian safety remained a concern to the South African Police Service throughout the school holidays. Road safety operations such as roadblocks and random vehicle checkpoints intensified towards

the end of December.

These operations were conducted in conjunction with the Western Cape Provincial Traffic Department as well as local Traffic departments.

The police want to urged road users and pedestrians alike to obey the rules of the road and to adhere to road signage. Driving while under the influence of liquor enjoyed a zero-tolerance approach and numerous perpetrators were arrested.

Missing kids and drowning at beaches remained a challenge and SAPS diving units were deployed to assist other role-players at high-risk beaches.

TOP THREE: Wittedrift’s highest scoring matric of 2018 Emma Everard, right, and runner up Abigail Gouws flank third-best achiever Belle Duarte in this photo taken during their final prize-giving evening in November last year

Class of 2018 rakes in just short of 50 subject As ITTEDRIFT High School (WHS) is very proud to be one of only four schools in the Eden/Central Karoo District to a achieve 100% pass rate (see the report on this page), and more so for the fact that a full 76.8%

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of WHS matrics passed with university exemption.

The Class of 2018 garnered 48 subject distinctions in total, and top achievers were: • Emma Everard with 6 As (and the highest accumulated marks)

• Abigail Gouws - 6 As • Belle Duarte - 5 As • Sash Coleman - 4 As Congratulations also go to Damian Roos, Marita Gerber, Emily le Roux, and Raye van Rooyen - all of whom achieved three distinctions.

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

9 January 2019

A day in the life of Jumping Jack Flash A special Jack Russel shares his tale, as penned by his best friend, John Johnson of Plett ’M Jack, and obviously of the Jack Russell breed - world beaters pound for pound, our motto being ‘be there first’. Yeah, bow wow!

Incidentally, my full name is Jumping Jack Flash and this thoroughly describes my youth, forever bouncing and running around in the family of my owner, Lois van Wyk of Frog Tree Cottages.

Most of the time everything’s fine there. Lekker digs, an open garden, plenty of food and drink, usually up on time, and within close proximity to the beach for walkies.

Plus there’s an extended family, so I get a good deal of attention and lots of exercise.

So I’m a fit and wellloved dog aged 10 or 11, and counting. I don’t complain… who listens?

But I can’t stand matrics. Woof, no way - can’t abide them late at night.

They’re okay during the day when they pat and make a fuss, slip the odd bone from their takeaway ribs when the madam isn’t looking, as she does not approve.

Just as an aside: I’ve never understood that, since dog and bone are synonymous like cat and mouse, yet some madams deprive us of our most ardent desires. What can I say, and what do I know about human psychiatric rational behaviour tests?

Back to the matrics.

They are not the same at night as they are in the morning - or rather, at lunchtime, when they surface from their pits after a night’s jorling.

At night they sing noisily and out of tune like life’s a karaoke and they’re at the mic. They scream and shout, wanting everyone to know what’s on their drunken minds. Don’t they realise they’ve only completed secondary education, still to get to tertiary, which is way tougher.

So, I’m up all night barking at them to be quiet. Don’t they know

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The only pharmacy in Main Street

TWO PICS FROM JACK’S PORTFOLIO: Everyone posts their best side these days and as you can see, I don’t chase balls or sticks (too demeaning), so what you see is what you get… Bow-wow!

I do the noise around here? I have to nap more during the day, therefore I’m not doing my full 24/ seven shifts.

Anyway, me and the madam can’t have that, so during Plett Rage she generally gives me a week off with her parents, who live in what the estate agents call ‘upper town’, jargon for near the N2.

Bowtie Villas actually, but you heard it here first: they plan to rename it Bowtie Village.

I’ve been going there for a few years so I’m wellknown already.

I get around the ‘village’, meet all the pets, sniff front and back to say howzit, terrorise the felines, scare the foul Guineas up into the air where they belong, and snag uneaten scoff from the bowls of any animal stupid enough to have leftovers.

Jack the wag, that’s me!

Nothing else available I’ve checked and if there was, I wouldn’t say, since this is a family newspaper.

Why am I telling you all

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this, you ask? Believe me it’s pertinent as for years the old guy who stays there is the madam’s father and we’ve run together on several routes down to the beach.

I can do them with my eyes closed, but not much lately as his shocks are shot and his brake pads are down to the metal.

Ooh, painful!

He can still walk so it’s more of the same every year, up early and away down Julia or Bowtie, left to Poortjies or right to Lookout across the rocks back of the Wedge to Central.

Love that. I can really stretch my legs in the wet sand and best of all get into the shallows and cool my undercarriage. Lekker. And more so because I stay Robberg Beach side, all my walkies and marks are there. I could sniff my way home blindfolded.

And that’s what I did, middle of the matric week. Why? I’ll explain.

Something went wrong with the catering and I

missed a meal. Not so lekker, can’t have that.

We canines have had deals with humans, time out of mind - ‘bout 10 thou’ years, it is said.

So I waited and waited, while the oldies had their evening meal round sixish, but there were no scraps nor had the old guy slipped me a boiled chicken bone from the stash he keeps ‘specially for me in the fridge.

Not lekker at all. And I won’t go into that nonsense about them sticking in our throats. Chicken bones are not what they used to be.

I decided to protest as if SA is the complaint capital of the world - why not me? I ducked while they were watching telly and set off home through the night to see the madam.

She’d realise what I’d done and would understand. I can tell you she was very surprised to see me in the morning, made a big fuss - happily of course, as the old folks must have alerted her of my plight.

Privately I he-he-he’d at the horrors they’d been going through (viz: how did it happen, was there a hit and run, was he dog napped or taken for muti?). Didn’t happen, of course, but it’s likely they won’t neglect me again.

A deal’s a deal, and quite right, too.

What do you think of my story - a shaggy dog one? No, I’m a very smooth fellow. How else did I leave Bowtie Villas at night, made my way through the darker edge of town with its hidden dangers, and avoided all those uniformed paramilitary guys?

Let’s not forget the mad dogs who speak no English at that time of night, the loskop matrics, the usual dronkies and muti hunters and dog lovers.

So I made it to the BI shopping centre, whence it was a stroll. Or did I? Answers may be found on the back of a dog collar. It’s true, ek sê...

PROMOTION

9 January 2019

CXPRESS

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CXPRESS

BUSINESS

9 January 2019

Tips for landing, and styling in, your first job after graduation ITH SA in the grips of graduation fever, and the recently capped proudly displaying their achievements on social media, the reality of challenges associated with one’s first job search is soon to set in.

“Transitioning from student to adult can be hard and demotivating when application after application goes unanswered. Unfortunately, given the country’s constrained economic environment and tough job market, a degree is no longer a golden ticket to employment,” says Wonga Ntshinga of the Independent Institute of Education.

He says with years of hard work behind them, the real work now starts for graduates.

“You have to approach the job search with the mind-set that the search is your job until you convert your CV into an interview, and your interview into a job offer.”

Ntshinga says graduates should keep in mind that each job advertisement will attract scores of applications, and that it is necessary to make one’s candidacy stand out from those of one’s peers.

“Treat the process as an opportunity to learn and grow, and constantly polish your

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CV, skills, and experience,” Ntshinga says, and offers these five tips for graduates preparing for the job hunt.

Sort out your CV “A CV is the first impression you make on prospective employers. Structure it logically, ensure it contains all the necessary information, and showcase relevant experience and qualifications.

“Very importantly, get your CV proofread to prevent any spelling or grammatical errors.” Ntshinga adds that all good higher education institutions, be it public or private, should provide graduate assistance.

“Approach your institution for help in drafting your CV. Additionally, your institution’s career centre may be in a position to connect you with potential employers.”

Finally, it is vitally important to tailor one’s CV for the requirements of each individual position. “Sending out a generic CV that does not address the position advertised is a sure way to land your application in the recruiter’s recycle bin,” Ntshinga says.

Search for opportunities The jobs won’t come to you, you have to find them, says Ntshinga. “You can’t apply for something you don’t know about. The way to find

out about current or future openings is to keep your ear to the ground, to network, and to do desktop research.”

It can be very helpful to join professional organisations, which will provide networking events and opportunities, industry newsletters, and the possibility of finding a mentor.

A suitable mentor can guide and support you through good times and bad. Mentors are ideally positioned to help young graduates with practical, industry-specific advice, be it skills or career options.

Meeting with recruiters, checking in daily with career sites, and registering your CV on a number of sites will also help to get your profile out there.

Develop your personal brand “The first thing a prospective employer will do upon receiving your CV is to search your social media profiles, and peruse any other personal information available online. So do a social media audit and remove anything that could throw a negative light on your candidacy.

“Once you’ve acted to eliminate any potentially harmful content, you have to proactively build a positive online presence. That means joining professional sites like

Linked-In and consistently building a positive, professional personal image.”

Keep growing Ongoing professional development is non-negotiable in today’s world of work. “The work doesn’t stop when you receive your degree, or even once you land your first job.

You have to constantly update and build on your skills to remain employable and sought after.

“This means you have to commit to an attitude of lifelong learning. Sign up for a short or online course that builds on your existing skills, or provide an additional skill to complement

your first qualification.

“The fact that you are continuing your studies looks exceptionally well on your CV, and will catch the eye of employers,” Ntshinga says, adding that it may also help to volunteer your time and services in a field related to your qualification during the job search process.

“This will help bridge that crucial gap between academic knowledge and experience, which is almost always called for in job advertisements.”

Stay positive Searching for work can be a demanding and sometimes demotivating endeavour.

“The search and the inevi-

table rejections can be emotionally and psychologically exhausting, but you must not let this consume you,” says Ntshinga.

“Don’t take rejection personally, but rather view each opportunity as a chance to learn and grow. Use your time wisely by daily scheduling in the work you’ll be doing on your search. Get plenty of exercise and rest so that your physical wellbeing doesn’t become an inhibiting factor.

“Keep going, keep learning, keep abreast of development in your industry, and keep sharpening your skills,” Ntshinga concludes.

Back to school a budgetary nightmare?

HE holiday season now a thing of the past, most parents have spent the first week in January preparing their children for the new school year. Exciting as it may be for both parents and kids, school expenses often burn a hole in your pocket - especially if you haven’t planned in advance.

“School fees continue to rise considerably, as do additional costs associated with education. Parents must prioritise, plan and factor added school

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expenses into their budget throughout the year as this will help lighten the expense burden and put less strain on you in January,” says Ester Ochse of FNB Wealth and Investments.

Ochse adds: “Saving as little as R200 per month can help towards managing those additional educational expenses in the year ahead.” She highlights a few areas where you can save.

• Uniforms. School uniforms are costly. Many schools have a summer and

winter uniform, so parents should buy the summer uniform in January and purchase the winter uniform just before winter. The months leading up to winter will help you save towards the next season’s uniform.

Alternatively, look for a second-hand uniform at the school or at school uniform shops. Also ensure that you buy a size bigger so your child will be able to use it for longer.

• Stationery. Some schools To page 9

BUSINESS

9 January 2019

Investor Focus NVESTORS globally are in a negative mind-set, worried by various political and economic problems. There is the US-China trade war, which could negatively impact on the global economy.

There is the Brexit saga which has almost become boring. However, it has already impacted negatively on both sides of the Channel. Within the European Union (EU), there is the Italian budget problem that could further threaten the structure of the Union.

Rising interest rates combined with monetary tightening will remove one of the foundations of the last decade of economic growth, and of the equity bull market.

In South Africa, we have a de

facto change in government and a looming general election.

Against this backdrop, one can certainly expect the current level of volatility to continue. However, surprises could occur on both the up and the down side.

It is well known that investors should not try and forecast political events; economic outcomes are equally impossible to predict. It is in this scenario that one must first return to the fundamentals of value within markets.

The long-term P/E ratio of the S&P 500 is 15.2; at the beginning of 2018 it stood at 18.3 and is currently at 14. Global equities have a long-term P/E of 15.7 and are currently at 13.

The JSE has a long-term P/E average of 14, and is currently trading at 11.4! It was last below this level in 2011, when it traded at a P/E of 9.

Within 18 months, it had recovered to its long-term average.

From these P/E statistics, it is clear that markets are no longer expensive - but they may also become cheaper.

It is impossible to predict at what level these markets will bottom out, so investors are faced with true uncertainty.

The current scenario makes your investment plan particularly important.

If you are already invested, it clearly makes no sense to dump shares that offer long-term value. If you are looking to enter the market, then do it in stages and not at a single entry point.

For retirees in need of income, the dividend yields of equities and income offered by selected property shares are

Back to school - a savings guide...

From page 8 include stationery packs at an additional cost. If budgeted for, this is a great option as you will not have to run around looking for stationery. But if it is not within your budget, look at instore specials and see where you can save.

Stationery has become more of a trend than a need, which can be costly depending on the brand you buy.

Budgeting per month on stationery and sundries will help, as it often gets lost or misplaced.

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

What will 2019 bring?

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• Transport. If you are unable to drop off and collect your kids, look for reliable and affordable transport companies that offer the service, or use the school bus service, if available.

• Aftercare. Should there be no one to look after your children, sign them up at the school’s aftercare programme. The additional costs will be well worth it. This will also give them an opportunity to finish homework and any extra activities they may have.

• Lunch. Plan out your children’s

meals in advance. Many schools suggest what should be included in lunchboxes, for example yogurt, a healthy sandwich and fruit.

Stick to this suggestion as it will help you manage their lunch box costs on a weekly basis. This will also ensure that your child eats nutritious food.

“Saving for schooling should be a priority and not left to the last minute. Ensure that you budget appropriately so that your child receives the best education possible,” concludes Ochse.

very attractive. Here one should stick to quality companies that will maintain their dividends through any downturn.

The primary rule is not to be panicked - stick to your long-term plan. Remember: “It is time to buy when there

is blood on the streets.” (I think Warren Buffet said this…)

• Malcolm has been in the investment industry for over 50 years. He has contributed this column for the past two decades and is a specialist in managing retired wealth.

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INTERVAL

9 January 2019

New mom’s dilemma ITH all the new technology in the field of fertility available, a 65-year-old woman was able to give birth recently.

When she was discharged from the hospital and went home, her relatives came to visit.

“May we see the new baby?” one asked.

“Not yet,” said the new mother.

“I’ll make coffee and we can visit for a while first.”

Thirty minutes had passed, and another relative asked: “May we see the new baby now?”

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“No, not yet,” replied the mother.

After another few minutes had elapsed, they asked again: “May we see the baby now?”

“No, not yet,” replied the mother again.

Growing very impatient, they asked: “Well, when can we see the baby?!”

“When he cries,” she told them.

“When he cries?” they demanded. Why do we have to wait until the baby cries?”

“Because I forgot where I put him, ok?!”

My New Year’s resolution What I expected...

Close enough

Living like a king talked with a homeless man this morning and asked him how he ended up this way.

He replied: “Up until last week, I still had it all.

I had plenty to eat, my clothes were washed and pressed, I had a roof over my head, I had HDTV and Internet, and I went to the gym, the pool, and

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the library.

“I was working on my MBA on-line. I had no bills and no debt. I even had full medical coverage.”

I felt rather sorry for him, so I asked: “What happened? Drugs? Alcohol? Divorce?”

“Oh no, nothing like that,” the man replied. “I was paroled.”

Wat benodig elke huishouding?

UFFROU vra die klas wat die kinders by hul huise nodig het.

Sannie antwoord: “’n Grasnyer, Juffrou” Juffrou sê: “Dit is iets wat altyd nuttig kan wees. En jy Jannie?”

“Ons het niks nodig

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nie, Juffrou,” sê Jannie.

“Hoe so? Is jy seker,” vra die juffrou.

“Ja, Juffrou, toe my sussie by die huis opdaag met haar nuwe boyfriend, toe sê my pa: ‘Dis nou die laaste blêrrie ding wat ons nodig het’.”

A conversation with mother man answers the phone and has the following conversation: “Yes, mother, I’ve had a hard day. Colleen has been very difficult - I know I ought to be more firm, but it is hard. Well, you know how she is. Yes, I know you warned me.

I remember you told me

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that she is evil and would make my life miserable and you begged me not to marry her. I should have listened to you.

“You want to speak with her? All right.”

He looks up and calls to his wife in the next room: “Colleen, your mother wants to talk to you!”

My girlfriend and I often laugh about how competitive we are. But I laugh more!

Tips for fresh retirees • How many days in a week are there for retired people?

Six Saturdays and one Sunday.

• When is a retiree’s normal bedtime?

Three hours after he falls asleep on the couch.

• Why don’t retired people mind being called ‘seniors’?

The term comes with a

10% discount.

• Among retirees what is considered formal attire?

Tied shoes. Teeth in.

• What is the best way to describe retirement?

The never ending coffee break.

• What do they do all week?

Monday to Friday, nothing. Saturday and Sunday they rest.

ENTERTAINMENT

9 January 2019

Rave aims for Bitou folk to get high on ‘being best together’ LETT’S Main Beach will be the venue of a three-day event, starting with a ‘rave’ with a difference, to bring people together to share their visions for Bitou - and then plan to make those visions a reality.

With the blessing of Bitou mayor Peter Lobese the event gets underway at 5pm on Friday January 25 with a keynote address, followed by great music and the opportunity to meet and mingle with others who would like to make a positive contribution.

The organiser, local resident and visionary Mignonne Anderson, says the event is the natural outcome of many years of conversations and discussions with a wide range of people and organisations who care about the future of Bitou.

“I have come across so many people with great ideas that it became obvious to me we needed to create an opportunity for all these like-minded folk to meet and share ideas and resources.

“As we go into 2019, I feel

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it really is time to take this vision and all these ideas and make them real, instead of just interesting conversation around the dinner table,” Mignonne explains.

The difference between most raves and the Main Beach Rave on Friday the 25th is that those attending need to agree to not indulge in alcohol or any mind-altering substances.

Mignonne says the aim is for people to have the experience of “getting high” just on great music, good company, and stimulating conversation.

One example of a project now finally ready for active input revolves around the Ebenezer parcel of land acquired by the municipality.

“It is up to the people of Bitou to offer input here, and together we could create a miracle!”

A number of groups and locals have been discussing the Ebenezer project for some time. Ideas such as training centres, selfdevelopment and life-skills classes, and the growing of crops, fruit and vegetables,

have been mooted.

Mignonne is a member of the international organisation RSSB, with headquarters in India, which has created a large, successful and self-sustaining community based on like-minded people with a vision of cooperating towards a model community.

“Our motto here in Bitou is to be the best together.

To do this, we must get together and plan together, and then work together in love and compassion for our fellow humans,” reminds Mignonne.

“There is so much we can achieve if we put our minds and our hearts and our hands into making reality out of our good ideas and our visions.”

Mignonne has put out an appeal for a large tent, musicians, DJs, a stage, vegan food stalls, healing support services, and people to man an info desk. Her contact number is 081 318 9193.

Meetings to plan the event will be held at Mignonne’s home (28 Bowtie Estate) at 4:30pm on every Sunday running up to the event.

CENTRAL TO OUR HAPPINESS: Among those who took part in the Summer Music Colour Run on Plett’s Central Beach on December 30 were, from left, Taryn Manchest, Veronique Plaatjies, and Shandré Claasen - and you’re invited to the same venue later this month to rave and rub shoulders over uplifting Bitou projects Photo: Timothy Twidle

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9 January 2019

SOCIAL SCENE

BEST CAPTURED BEACH SCENES: Plett web designer par excellence Brendon Morris contributed these pretty seasonal pics of youngsters doing hand stands on Central Beach during Plett Rage week, and a feathered family of mom, dad and chicks taking a beach stroll against a backdrop of beautiful Robberg shrouded in mist.

Photos: Brendon Morris - brendon@brendonmorris.com / www.brendonmorris.com

People, places & events

‘TWAS THE SEASON TO BE MERRY: In holiday spirit on Central Beach, Plettenberg Bay, on Sunday December 30 were, above from left, Linaque Clark of Plettenberg Bay, Wade Clark and Chandré Gelderbloem of Port Elizabeth, and Plett residents Bronwen Rossouw and Chandré Lourens. At right, on beach duty to ensure that peace and goodwill prevailed were, from left, Akhona Sixholozi, Sinazo Gugushe, and Simamkele Miyana of Bitou Law Enforcement.

- Timothy Twidle

Photos: Isabelle Brink

CAN-SHAKE RAKE IN R50K+! The Plett Nippers pictured above - from left are Jaden de Villiers, Rashaad Plaatjies, Mia Neethling, Roheesha Williams, Anaya de Villiers, Jordan Coetzer, Cally Kleinsmidt, Preston Ras and Yazied Everson formed part of a group of intrepid youngsters who, with their friends and families, manned central points around Plett to collect funds for yet another successful Nippers Nationals campaign, in good time before the competition in Port Elizabeth early April. Shaking their cans at The Market Square, the Dolphin Circle and BI roundabout, the group of 50-odd managed to procure a record amount of R53,696 from drivers-by who cared for their cause. At left, Cally Kleinsmidt counts pennies during the final tally at Plett Surf Lifesaving Club. A Nippers open day and teambuilding event will take place at Wild Waters on Sunday January 13, to start the year with a bang and welcome newcomers into Plett’s fabulous Nipper family. Interested parties can rock up around 11am and entry is a mere R20 for PSLC members. Call Shameera on 083 304 5087 to confirm attendance or find out more.

SPREADING THE LOVE FOR STERREWEG KIDS: At the Sabrina Love Challenge on December 27, Mark Collins of Magnetic South, at left above - who officiated and provided commentary - congratulates Bradley Weiss, winner of the 10km road and beach run, centre, and runner-up Robbie Rorich. René Leonard, second from left at the top, completed the 10km run and thereafter joined her brother Bronwin, at back, and his immediate family - from left are Jessica, Jamuel and Carol Leonard - on the beach. At right above are some of the learners of the Sabrina Love Foundation’s Sterreweg day-care centre in New Horizons, with Foundation founder Suzy Lubner, second from right. Standing from left are Lesley Ann Martins, Jaenodian Barnard, Devano van Heerden, Lesedi Felele, Christiano Luiters and Sphumeze Nyangiwe, with Jaenodian’s sibling Aljiano Barnard and ‘king’ Percival van Rooyen in front. - Timothy Twidle

HOME & HEALTH

9 January 2019

Making healthier food choices may be easier than you think George reader MILLIE DU PREEZ contributed this personal guide to good nutritional picks as the school and work year kicks off in all seriousness HETHER it’s part of your new year’s resolution or doctors’ orders, eating healthier is an integral part of fitness and should be an important part of our everyday life.

But no one ever said it was easy or even appetising for our taste buds if we’ve become used to unhealthy - even addictive - eats, like the infamous junk food.

Yet, thankfully, there is hope; by following small steps daily towards changes in how we eat and what we eat, we can make a positive difference to our dietary lifestyle.

Below are some guidelines towards reaching this goal by selecting more nutritious foods for meals.

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Begin with veggies Start a meal with a hearty vegetable soup in winter, and in summer a cold soup or a small salad. This way you can ensure that you’re getting all the vitamins, minerals, and fibre these foods have to offer.

Another plus is that vegetables don’t pile on the kilojoules and will make you eat less during the main course.

Grab a bag Choose ready-prepared and bagged vegetables if you’re short on time.

Sometimes supermarkets even have them on special, allowing you to get

more for your money, and you can freeze them for later use, ready to pop in the pan and cook.

Stock up on frozen Frozen vegetables are always a winner, and sometimes cheaper and more nutritious than fresh.

Because they’re snapfrozen within hours of picking, while some ‘fresh’ vegetables, especially the out of season varieties, have travelled hundreds or even thousands of kilometres before arriving in your kitchen.

And sometimes fresh vegetables can also have higher levels of pesticides than their frozen counterparts.

Try something new How do you know you don’t like a certain food if you haven’t tried it yet?

Be adventurous by Googling recipes for that new veg or fruit you haven’t tried before - you may even discover a new favourite dish.

You can also try a cooking method; with so many cooking tutorials and recipes, you can discover much useful information in a little bit of time.

There are often cook books at your local library, so you never know what you might find.

Make your own chips Yes, you can make your own potato or sweet po-

tato chips! You can also use other vegetables or fruit, instead of eating commercial chips laden with preservatives and artificial flavours.

You can dry them in the oven or fry them yourself. If done right, it’s still going to be healthier for you, and you know what’s in it.

Wholegrain is a winner If you just can’t go Banting or Paleo because of their lack of bread, then stick with wholegrain, which has more nutrients, including fibre, than other breads.

But beware of the labels claiming ‘multigrain’, ‘cracked wheat’ or ‘enriched wheat’, as these are not the real deal.

Enrich your salad You can turn a boring old salad into something special with a good dressing. Flavoured oils infused with herbs, lemon, chilli or garlic can give your salad that taste kick you need.

You can use a spray bottle to keep the kilojoules and fat content low, instead of drizzling your salad if you have to watch your weight, but still want taste.

Strengthen your bones and teeth The more fresh fruit and vegetables (or frozen) you eat, the higher your bone-

mineral content will be.

This means you will develop stronger teeth and bones, which will give you more protection from fractures, and lowering your risk of developing osteoporosis when getting older.

So yes, an apple a day can keep the doctor away.

Mushrooms for B vitamins Mushrooms contain useful amounts of B vitamins, and have disease fighting anti-oxidants.

If you like exotic, then shiitake mushrooms are known to contain chemicals that help to strengthen the immune system.

The darker, the better A little bit of dark chocolate is a healthy and delicious treat, and it’s a good source of anti-oxidants and minerals, like magnesium.

Spice it up Having a stock of spices will make your foodie life more exciting. Spices can act as base for many delicious sauces and marinades. You’ll also be less likely to use too much salt, mayonnaise or creamy dressings.

When you do buy readymade sauces and stocks, choose the low-salt or sugar-free kind. But making your own at home is best, as it allows you to choose the type and amount of spice used.

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Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

9 January 2019

CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

9 January 2019

Letters to the Editor

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

This ain’t no picnic: suggestions for Odland should have a gentle site to benefit all Bitou locals enough gradient to acOnce again the 2018 festive season was marred by the overflow of picnickers who gathered on both sides of Odland Street.

Traffic in both directions was brought to a virtual standstill, as revellers of all ages walked willy-nilly in the road.

In the December 20 issue of KP Herald, Yolandé Stander’s article drew attention to alcohol-related incidents that occurred in the same area over the previous long weekend: “… three children were allegedly hit by cars; a 23-year-old was arrested for drunken driving after almost hitting a police officer and fleeing the scene; three children were abandoned when their parents left the site…”.

Not surprisingly, Bitou municipal spokesperson James Sijama said: “We are trying to get the police on board more, especially for the public drinking.”

As I live in close proximity to the picnic spot I can testify to the efforts made by the police. However, despite their attempts to bring a modicum of order to the situation, their blue light scarcely turns the corner before the mayhem starts all over again.

Moreover, the heavy drinking leads to urinating and defecating in the river despite the facility of public toilets. This disgusting activity is not only an affront to those who see it, but it is unsanitary, a notable health hazard, and a complete disregard

Revisiting the relocation of Plett’s egrets

for the environment.

Clearly, laws pertaining to the drinking of alcohol on our beaches should be extended to include the open ground off Odland.

Ironically, the vacant ground on lower Odland is NOT a picnic area at all. Indeed, it has been used for this purpose, as well as a collection point for recyclable rubbish.

But people wish to use it as an officially-designated picnic area, then the municipality needs to make it a safe, sanitary, and environmentally-friendly place - one that is an asset to the greater community of Plettenberg Bay. Firstly, the edge of the river should be tidied up.

I believe a walkway with a handrail and public lighting along the water’s edge would improve the area aesthetically.

Furthermore, the walkway could double up as the pavement, where joggers, strollers, and pedestrians could be kept safe from the traffic. Such a walkway could wind its way to and run along Central Beach, round the Lookout Rocks, and all the way to Lookout Beach.

Ideally, the walkway

commodate wheelchairs and prams. In this way, we would create a social - rather than an antisocial - space for residents and visitors alike.

In addition, I propose that a barrier/low fence should be erected to define the said ‘picnic area’, and to keep it completely separate from traffic.

Presently, party-goers inadvertently spill off the curb-side onto the road, which is really dangerous.

I also suggest that shadegiving trees be left for the benefit of the picnickers, while the low to medium height trees, shrubs and foliage be removed to open up the space.

This, in turn, would clear the way for better, well-maintained public toilets and prevent people from destroying the river.

So, please, let’s work together for the benefit of everyone. Let’s stop the heavy drinking, noise pollution, danger to pedestrians and damage to the environment by transforming the existing vacant land off Odland to a park-like picnic area that we can all be proud to endorse as a beautiful asset to Plett.

Rodney Grosskopff, Plett

Collective municipal overcharging may well amount to many thousands of rands

TREEHOME NO MORE: Stumps of two of the Beacon Isle trees that used to house a thriving flock of egrets, which relocated to a nearby clump of trees

I stayed at the Beacon Island Hotel for the third time in four years during December 2018.

I have in the past loved watching the nesting egrets in the trees lining the drive up to the hotel, so was dismayed to see that all of the trees have been chopped down.

I did a quick search and found a letter and response from the general manager of the hotel, Reinhard Visser, where he all but guaranteed that the birds would not be compromised [read ‘No reason to fear for the safety of nesting egrets’ on page 11 of the February 15, 2017 edition at www.cxpress.co.za].

This does not appear

to be the case. I include a pic of the chopped trees in case you would like to look into this issue.

I couldn’t find anything when doing a search regarding the birds and their relocation.

But if it was done responsibly, respecting the birds, please disregard my query. I really don’t want to create any bad publicity.

Gabi, by email (No such thing as bad publicity, they say…

Thanks for the concern, Gabi, and be advised that those lovely birds have taken up residence in trees situated on the Central Beach parking lot, their numbers and noise levels indicative of a very happy clan. - Eds.)

On December 19, I received my municipal account via email. As I was bored, I started multiplying the different rates per kWh [kilowatt hour] by the units consumed.

I found that the amounts charged on consumption on my account was higher than when calculated. The charges are as follows: • 50KW @ 84c = R420.00 + Vat R6.30 = R48.30 (R48.76 charged, i.e. R0.46 overcharged) • 300KW @ R1.10 = R330.00 + Vat R49.50 = R379.50 (R380.05 c, R0.55 o/c) • 250KW @ R1.59 = R397.50 + Vat R59.63 = R457.13 (R457.49 c, R0.36 o/c) • 91KW @ R1.90 = R172.90 + Vat R25.94 = R198.84 (R199.63 c, R0.79 o/c) The total amount overcharged is thus R2.16 which may be negligible, but multiply that by all consumers in Plett and it amounts to many tens of thousands of rands.

I then referred to my previous statement and found that the municipal charges were also overstated. Depending on how

long this has been going on, it could run into millions of rands.

I sent an email to the Bitou municipal CFO requesting an explanation but have not even received an acknowledgement of receipt of the email - not that I expected one.

I did not go to the municipal accounts department as when I last queried what an amount on my account marked “service type TRF” was for, the lady at accounts could not give me an explanation.

When I advised that only the municipality has the audacity to expect me to pay for a “TRF” without an explanation, she gave me a big smile.

I suspect she had no idea what audacity meant and may have thought it was a compliment.

I also sent a copy of my email to my ward councillor, but suspect I have a better chance of getting a reaction from the municipality than from him.

Len Meiring, Plett (A response to this letter was received from Bitou as this edition was being sent to print, and will be published in CXPRESS of January 16. - Eds.)

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SPORT & ADVENTURE

9 January 2019

Laetitia makes mates with South Africa’s famous Lipizzaner academy HE South African Lipizzaners is the name of a riding academy that operates according to the classical model and is based in Kyalami, Gauteng. In contrast to other classical riding schools, only women ride and train the 40 SA Lipizzaner stallions.

There is an affiliated stud farm that provides horses for the academy while preserving a valuable genetic outcross pool for European studs. Public performances take place every week on Sundays, but during December holiday seasons, several of the horses and riders head for the coast to entertain audiences countrywide.

Horse lovers who found themselves in Plettenberg Bay as 2018 drew to a close had the privilege of seeing the SA Lipizzaners crew in action on December 28 at Sunera, and during a special performance at Bocca Dolce farm in Wittedrift that evening.

During their Plett stay, they met up with Laetitia Snyman from Kranshoek, who hopes to be joining the ranks of this worldfamous equestrian outfit in the near future.

Laetitia, 25, was born in bred in the Griqua bastion of Kranshoek, and has had a keen interest in horses since she was a little girl. Now owning her very own horse, she is well known not only for her love of riding, but also for the fact that she cares deeply for the wellbeing of these majestic animals.

She contacted the SA Lipizzaners headquarters some months ago and as negotiations currently stand, it looks highly likely that they will welcome her into the fold in the near future, to train her and ultimately include her in the national team.

We wish Laetitia the very best of luck with

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LOOKING THE PART: Kranshoek horse lover Laetitia Snyman is pictured here with the SA Lipizzaners ladies during their seasonal visit to Plettenberg Bay before the talented troupe moved on to Port Elizabeth - Photo: LM Dunn

this marvellous prospect for 2019.

• The SA Lipizzaners celebrated its 70th year in South Africa in 2018.

The roots of the worldfamous Gauteng academy trace to two individuals, both immigrants to South Africa, who were each born in Eastern Europe: horse breeder count Elemér Jankovic-Bésán de Pribér-Vuchin of Hungary, and horse trainer major George Iwanowski of Poland.

The Jankovic-Bésán family was known as influential breeders of Lipizzan horses. The animals they bred included Tulipan, founder of the foundation bloodline of the same name. They also preserved an important branch of the Pluto bloodline.

Around 1890, the family stud farm at Terezovac (now in Croatia), a part of the Jankovic-Bésán estate, was split up because of an inheritance issue. As a result, a second stud was founded in Cabuna, not far from Terezovac.

After the resolution of yet another dispute over the Slavonian property of the Jankovics-Bésáns in the late 1920s, the horse breeding operation moved to Öreglak in Hungary.

In 1944, stud owner

count Jankovic-Bésán was forced to flee Hungary due to the advance of the Red Army. He left with eight Lipizzaners: six mares and two stallions.

He first went to Sünching, Germany, where his parents’ stud farm was located, and then he fled

with his horses to Dorset, England, arriving at Christmas 1946 at the property of Lord Digby.

Then, in December, 1948, Jankovic-Bésán brought the horses to South Africa where he settled in Mooi River, KZN. And the rest, as they say, is history…

Sabrina 2018 draws athletes from near and far

At the conclusion of the 10km road and beach run on Day 1 of the Sabrina Love Challenge on December 27 at Plett’s Central Beach, local runner Wiily Vogel is flanked

by Capetonians Nicholas Hafner, left, and Andrew le Roux, who finished in fifth place; below, among those who competed in the second day of the Challenge, held at Kurland Estate in The Crags, were Liza and Mike Kingston of Port Elizabeth - Photos: Timothy Twidle

Storms River

TIN HOUSE Self-catering accommodation