#384 by CXpress

26 February 2014 #384

Published fortnightly by CXpress (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

Bless Bitou Photo: Lyn Mair

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CXPRESS

ISSUE 384

News & Views

February 26 - 2014

Big Brother’s gonna listen to what Bay’s whales have to say

LEJANDRA VargasFonseca, a PhD student at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth, contacted CXPRESS last week to announce an exciting new marine research project. “On Monday February 17, representatives of the Department of Environmental Affairs’ Ocean and Coasts branch, CapeNature, and NMMU’s PE campus helped me to deploy two moorings and two underwater microphones in the ocean off Plettenberg Bay. “These hydrophones will be constantly recording vocalisations from the whales and dolphins that visit the Bay during the year, and this data will be analysed for my research purposes,” says Alejandra. The equipment is located in two strategic areas off Rob-

berg Peninsula and Keurbooms Beach, since both these spots are frequented by the likes of Southern Right whales, Humpback whales, Bryde’s whales, common and bottlenose dolphins, and a variety of other marine mammals. Alejandra thanks DenRon for constructing the moorings, Enrico’s Fishing Safaris for the logistics of deploying the equipment, and ORCA for the support to make this project possible. Email ale@earthcollective. net for further information.

ARE YOU TALKING TO ME? The sounds of marine mammals like the Indo-pacific bottlenose dolphin at left will be recorded by hydrophones, above - in the top photo, a hydrophone and mooring are being deployed close to Robberg Peninsula Photos: Alejandra Vargas-Fonseca

Much work to be done, but scheduled flights to Plett airfield a huge plus

Plettenberg Bay Residents & Ratepayers Association

T long last! On March 28, a Beech 1900 is scheduled to take off for its inaugural flight from Johannesburg to the Plettenberg Bay airfield. Head of Scheduled Services Nicolene Myburgh says that CemAir is accredited by Hart Aviation which, in turn, is part of SGS Global, which oversees adherence to safety standards within the aviation industry. This development is the result of a meeting in earlyFebruary between CemAir and the Bitou Council, represented by mayor Memory Booysen, the municipal

manager, the head of Strategic Services, and Ward 2 councillor Wayne Craig. An “in principle” approval to operate was granted to CemAir, on the understanding that there will be no municipal financial assistance to establish the required infrastructure at the airport. CemAir is entirely responsible for security, passenger/ luggage handling, and fire/ rescue services. Discussions over fuel options are underway, but the company will supply its own bowser if necessary and the initial plan is to operate for three months to test the vi-

ability of the operation. CemAir’s Beech 1900 craft carries 19 passengers and word is that the first flight is already fully-booked. Flights are scheduled on Fridays and Sundays (Joburg - Plett - Cape Town - Plett Joburg) and on Saturdays (Joburg - Plett - Joburg.) One-way fares are R1’749 for the Johannesburg - Plett route and R1’449 for Plett Cape Town. With the airport in its current state, there is a huge amount of work to be done in preparation for this unexpected and exciting development but, if the plan proves

sustainable, it bodes well for tourism in both Plettenberg Bay and Knysna. We wish CemAir every success and look forward to welcoming the passengers and crew of Flight 5Z702 from Johannesburg on Friday March 28. Kh" {qw" tgpv" c" rtqrgtv{" kp" Rngvvgpdgti" Dc{." c" rqt/ vkqp" qh" {qwt" tgpvcn" iqgu" vq" owpkekrcn" tcvgu." uq" kv" ku" kp" {qwt" kpvgtguvu" vq" dgeqog" c" ogodgt" cpf" uvtgpivjgp" vjg" Cuuqekcvkqp‚u" xqkeg0" Gockn" tcvgurc{Bxqfcockn0eq0|c" qt" rjqpg" 2:4" ;43" 7548" hqt" kphqtocvkqp"qp"ogodgtujkr0

News & Views

February 26 - 2014

CXPRESS

ISSUE 384

Granddad’s arrest highlights growing child abuse Yolande Stander

HE recent arrest of a Wittedrift grandfather after he allegedly sexually assaulted his six-year-old granddaughter while exposing her to pornography has prompted a warning about skyrocketing child abuse by authority figures. Police spokesperson captain Bernadine Steyn said the 64-year-old local high

school educator allegedly showed the young girl pornography at a house in Monument Street in August 2012. “While watching the pornography, he told her to touch his private parts,” Steyn said. He was arrested on December 15 last year and briefly appeared in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrates Court earlier this month on charges of sexual assault and exposure

or display of pornography to a person under 18. He is due to appear in court again on April 16. Leading women and children’s rights activist Lesley Ann Foster said although an “age-old problem”, abuse of young children by older family members and authority figures had grown in intensity over the past year. She said last year’s arrest of a group of men allegedly

Double blow for the Bay’s small the developer would not be boat harbour plan able to sell any of the land

HE proposed R4-billion Plettenberg Bay small boat harbour development was again thrust under the spotlight over the past week after a series of blows. Not only did the damning report by the legal team representing affected parties opposing the project highlight major concerns with the proposal, including the possible contravention of environmental legislation, but the consultants tasked with compiling the scoping report announced their withdrawal from the process. In a response to the final scoping report, a team from acclaimed law firm Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs (ENS), appointed by the Save Plett Alliance and other stakeholders to protect their interests, suggested to the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning that the entire proposal be rejected. The planned 87’000m² development by Western Cape Marina Investments - which will stretch from the Piesang River estuary and along Central Beach - is set to include 482 residential units, 1’343m² of office space, a 110-room five-star hotel, mansions, 8’700m² of retail space, a plaza, a yacht club and +/- 2’000 parking bays. The team, led by Cecil Gelbart, said a major concern with the proposal was that the Integrated Coastal Man-

agement Act did not allow such a development. The legislation does not permit any developments in a coastal protection zone unless it provides a public service or cannot be developed elsewhere. The relevant properties fall within the definition of a protected coastal zone, as it is situated less than 100 metres from the high-water mark and the likelihood is that it will be inundated by a 1:50-year flood or storm.

...the development will mostly serve the interest of an elite few while depriving the general public of 100% of the safe swimming part of Central Beach and the entire Piesang River Estuary “The Act was not law at the time the Piesang River Estuary was put forward as the preferred site but the development would now be so blatantly a contravention of the Act that for the department and Bitou Municipality to spend any more time on the issue would simply be a distraction to government institutions with other important tasks like service delivery,” the report stated. Another major issue emphasised by ENS was that

as it is inalienable State land. “The Seashore Act, 21 of 1936, provides that the seashore and the sea may not be alienated unless in the general public interest. In this case the development will mostly serve the interest of an elite few while depriving the general public of 100% of the safe swimming part of Central Beach and the entire Piesang River Estuary. “While it may be possible for the State to transfer land to Bitou Municipality, the municipality may not transfer the land on to a private party, so the proposed apartments cannot be sold.” The ENS report also refers to a survey initiated by members of the Save Plett Alliance, showing that of the more than 6’000 members of the public, of all races and income groups who voluntarily participated, 99.7% opposed the development. In the meantime, PE-based CEN IEM Unit announced that they were withdrawing from the project. “After much thought and in-house discussions we have decided to withdraw from the project. Our client will appoint new consultants to take the EIA through the final stages,” Dr Mike Cohen said. The department now has 45 days from submission to either reject the proposal or to request more information. Ictfgp"Tqwvg"Ogfkc

linked to a child porn syndicate was just one of many horrific cases that made headlines. The six men - including teachers, a lawyer, a dermatologist and a businessman were arrested after a tip-off from Interpol and were allegedly found in possession of explicit child pornography. “Why older men are targeting young children, I don’t know, but you will usually find it is fathers, grandfathers and even siblings,” Fos-

ter said. She said most of the recent child abuse cases involved pornography. “This is getting out of hand. The internet, magazines, cellphones and other media have made pornography easily accessible so it exacerbates the problem.” Foster said the “sad thing” was that no one can be trusted with your child. “The only thing you can do to protect your child is to teach them from a young age to

not allow anyone to touch him or her inappropriately, and to report any such incidents to you.” She added that parents should start these conversations with their children from about two years. “By the age of three they should know that no one is allowed to touch them in a way that makes them uncomfortable, and to tell mommy or daddy if someone tries to do this.” Ictfgp"Tqwvg"Ogfkc

CXPRESS

ISSUE 384

News & Views

February 26 - 2014

Housing a slow process, but good start made in Oupad

Words & photos: Yolandé Stander

OCAL residents on the outskirts of Knysna are hopeful about the future after the first beneficiaries of the Oupad housing development took ownership of their brand new homes last week. With a massive housing backlog and about 11’000 residents on the waiting list, Knysna Municipality still has a mammoth task ahead,

but the handover signified a positive start. “We have a lot to look forward to - this is the beginning of big things,” Oupad ward councillor Clive Witbooi said during the handover ceremony. Fourteen houses have been completed as part of the first phase of the project and by the end of the current finan-

cial year, 134 houses will have been built. Resident Mary Lindi, 70, was the first to receive the keys to her new home. “I didn’t know that in my lifetime I would be able to live in a cement house, but I thank the Lord that he spared me this long so that I can move into my own house. “It is my house!” an over-

whelmed Lindi said. “In the modern world, freedom has its root in the idea of ownership. That sense of ownership motivates people not only with a new sense of personal place in the world, but also with some basis to begin taking ownership of a better place in their community,” said Knysna mayor Georlene Wolmarans. Witbooi said the journey to the handover had been marred by various problems, but that residents sought solutions. “At one stage doors were disappearing, but the community came together and started patrolling the area at night to keep their homes safe,” Witbooi said. Wolmarans said the municipality was dependent on provincial government for funding and even with the additional municipal contribution, it remained a slow process. “In this community some families have been waiting since 1961.” She said that the municipality was constantly on the lookout for innovative housing options that would be more cost-effective and quicker to build to accelerate the process.

IN MY LIFETIME: Mary Lindi, 70, was the first to receive the keys to her new home and thanked the Lord for sparing her long enough to own her own cement house

GET SET: Knysna’s Integrated Human Settlements manager, Mawethu Penxa

“Despite the 134 people receiving homes during the current development, there are still thousands who need housing and our population is growing by the day,” Wolmarans said. “The Department of Human Settlements aims to accelerate and intensify its programmes to ensure that transfers of the outstanding title deeds to recipients of subsidy housing happen as quickly as possible.” Ictfgp"Tqwvg"Ogfkc

News & Views

February 26 - 2014

CXPRESS

ISSUE 384

Buddhist monks bless Bitou with unique symbol of enlightened energy

ANDALAS are symbols of enlightened energy, and a cultural artform promoting love and compassion among all beings. This introduction and an accompanying image in the February newsletter of Plett’s Sat Chit Anand spiritual retreat urged one to find out more. Venerable Geshe Sangey Thinley - a Tibetan monk currently visiting the centre

along with fellow venerables Geshe Jamyang Sherab and Karma Gyasey - explains it thus: “The purpose of constructing a mandala either drawn by hand or by sand is to receive blessings. “Through this energy, one can attain special qualities within one’s own mind. Through these qualities one gains wisdom, and through this wisdom one gains a peaceful mind and happiness.”

The monks arrived in Plett on Monday after bestowing their blessings on the Mother City, where they constructed a large and intricate Sand Mandala of Compassion at the V&A Waterfront from February 11-23. During the construction of a mandala, prayers and mantras are recited for a particular purpose, e.g. world peace, harmony and unity. Afterwards, it is dismantled

FOCUS: Venerable Karma Gyasey in the process of constructing part of the large and intricate Sand Mandala of Compassion at the V&A Waterfront, with archbishop Desmond Tutu, right, admiring the work Photo: Lyn Mair lynmair@ worldonline. co.za

Tourism backs development in Plett with exciting new events

LETT Tourism supports economic development aligned to the tourism brand strategy, and which enhances the town’s value proposition as an environmentally sensitive tourist destination. Chairman Peter Wallington said Plett Tourism is currently developing a number of projects, such as the Plett Winelands and Plett Weddings & Honeymoon projects, while supporting the development of a number of other events and festivals. These include the upcoming Plett Adventure Bike

Week, Plett MAD Festival, Plett MTB Triple Challenge, Dr Evil Classic MTB race and Didata Triathlon. Further details on the Plett Wine & Bubbly Festival, to be launched in October, will be publicised later. “There are other projects also in development and announcements will be made in due course. All support our core objective of addressing seasonality - and so creating sustainable work opportunities - and we will be engaging with stakeholders as and where appropriate.”

Further details, including the projected economic impact of these projects, will be released as the data comes to hand. Wallington said Plett Tourism did not support the current Small Boat Harbour proposal but was not opposed in principle to the concept of a marina or small boat facility. “Plett Tourism welcomes proposals to upgrade the Central Beach precinct, as it welcomes other tourism development proposals - if they are aligned to the brand

by sweeping up the coloured sand, small packets of which are traditionally given to those present as blessings for health and healing The rest of the sand is thrown into rivers and oceans so it can move with the currents and carry its blessings around the world. Says Sat Chit Anand owner Leela: “In the centre of the Mandala of Compassion, for instance, is a seed syllable for compassion. It is believed that anyone who sees this symbol will have the seed of compassion planted in their mind-stream and, like any seed, it will flourish when the right conditions come about.” The monks have never been to Plettenberg Bay before and gladly accepted Leela’s invitation to the retreat for a few days of rest and relaxation after their taxing Cape Town schedule. In return, they kindly offered to create a small, simple sand mandala from fine grains of coloured sand at the centre today (February 26), and readers are invited to witness this process from 2pm onwards. “The monks suggested an auspicious symbol and I chose the lotus flower because of its universal symbolism - the purification

strategy and enhance Plett’s value proposition.” He added that Plett Tourism is an engaged participant in the newly formed Local Economic Development Forum, and would be using this representative forum to debate a wide range of ideas tabled by various stakeholders, to develop Plett in a sustainable, brand-aligned way. Eqpvcev" Rngvv" Vqwtkuo" ejcktocp" Rgvgt" Ycnnkpivqp" qp" 2:5" 474" 27;9" qt" cv" ejcktocpBrngvvvqwtkuo0 eqo" hqt" oqtg" kphq" cpf" xkukv" jvvr<11yyy0rngvv/vqwtkuo0 eq0|c1vjcv/rngvv/hggnkpi1" hqt" oqtg" pgyu" qp" vjg" flRngvv" kv‚u" c"hggnkpi‚"rjqvq"eqorgvkvkqp" pqy"ftcykpi"vq"c"enqug0"

of the defilements of body, speech and mind, and the full blossoming of wholesome deeds in blissful liberation,” says Leela. “Ven Geshe Sangey Thinley has been resident spiritual teacher at a Tibetan Buddhist Centre in New Zealand for 15 years. A highly quali-

fied master of Buddhist philosophy, he comes across as a simple monk and is known for his compassion, wisdom, patience and kindness.” Meet him and his fellow monks at Sat Chit Anand in Longstone Road, or call Leela on 044 533 0453 for more information.

CXPRESS

ISSUE 384

News & Views

February 26 - 2014

Sixty-five times four equals 5710...? Don’t follow our arithmatic, follow our example!

group of German visitors has been coming to Plett regularly for about two months annually for the past decade. Four lady members of the group happened to turn 65

last year and decided to celebrate together in their favourite holiday destination. So a big poster was unveiled reading ‘200th Birthday’ (which sounded a whole lot nicer than ‘260th...’)!

The ladies did not want any presents, but requested that money should rather be collected for institutions locally supported by Ocean Blue Adventures for the past 14-odd years, one of these being Siyakula Crèche in Bossiesgif. “If you want to improve the situation of the disadvantaged, you must do something about education,” says one of the merry temporary Plett Germans, Dr Klaus Busacker. “And as everybody knows, you should begin as early as possible.” He explains that they realised kids start attending these crèches when they’re but a few months old, “so

nappies are always needed”. The clever fundraising ploy involved taking photos of Siyakula headmistress Nokwezi Mdatyulwa and her helpers, who provide the kids with regular meals daily. These were passed around at the party to make the message real. “Beaming children’s faces are always a great purseopener!” chuckles Klaus. The 65th combo birthday party raised a total of R5’710, enabling the kind tourists to buy all Siyakula kids a T-shirt, while the rest of the money will go towards the ever-present nappy requirement (currently for 34 babies and tots). And Klaus says his compa-

FOOD MAKES FOR BEAMING FACES: The kids are provided with a daily meal by the caring staff of Siyakula Crèche

triots enjoyed their celebratory food and drinks all the better in the knowledge that they could share the joy with kids in need – so in the end the plan benefited all parties involved. “There are many other groups travelling the Garden

Route regularly, so why not copy our idea?” concludes Klaus. “If you want to make sure that every single Rand reaches the people who need it, contact Tony Lubner or Charlie Lilford or any of the Ocean Blue staff at their Central Beach office.”

Dutch gift to lift literacy, numeracy in Bitou 10 schools

HE Bitou 10 schools were recently the grateful recipients of a generous donation from the Netherlands-based NGO Computers for Africa (CfA), established by Jef Verschuren and Saskia Krijger. Jef’s parents, Raymond and Anja Verschuren, handed over 35 computers, one printer and three tablets to Formosa Primary this month. The computers and printer will be used in the school’s computer laboratory and the tablets will be used by the Elsen Unit – a class for children with special educational needs. CfA will be delivering more computers to Murray High School, Kranshoek Primary, Harkerville Primary and Born-in-Africa in the next few weeks. “We are delighted to know that our donations will assist the children to become computer literate and thereby have a chance in life for a better future,” said Jef. “Together with our local partners we can help bridging the digital divide between Africa and the West-

WITH LOVE FROM THE LOW COUNTRIES: At the arrival of computing equipment at Formosa Primary School on February 6 are, from left at back, Formosa deputy principal Griselda Baron, Bitou 10 Foundation CEO Kim Weyer, Komatsu Eastern Cape branch manager Rob Duncan, Anja Verschuren of Computers for Africa, Formosa principal Colin Wildeman, Raymond Verschuren of Computers for Africa, Grade 7 learner Michael Jacobs, and Elsen educator Leigh Dunn; in the front row are some of the happy Grade 3 and Grade 7 Formosa Primary learners sure to benefit from the donation Photo: Timothy Twidle

ern world, by equipping the next generation with the skills needed to work in a global environment. “We thank the Bitou 10 Foundation, the Denron Komatsu Community Centre and the Bitou 10 schools for their efforts to make this happen and look forward to a long, fruitful relationship.”

Bitou 10 Foundation CEO Kim Weyer said they were “delighted” to be working in partnership with CfA. “These computers will enable the Bitou primary schools to use computerbased literacy and numeracy programmes provided by the Western Cape Education Department and high school

learners will use the computers to do internet research for their assignments.” At the informal handover ceremony, Formosa Primary principal Colin Wildeman thanked CfA for the generous donation and assured them that the equipment would be fully utilised. • CfA refurbishes computers that are no longer in use at universities and other establishments and makes them available to schools. The equipment was flown from the Netherlands to Port Elizabeth where Komatsu, a company that manufactures earth-moving vehicles, arranged temporary storage, prior to transport by road to the school. The B10F, which assists the 10 provincial schools in Bitou, will pay for the cost of instruction in computing skills. In terms of an agreement with CfA, Formosa Primary must provide proof of effective use of the desktop computers, tablets and printer over a period of five years, after which time they become the property of the school. /"Vkoqvj{"Vykfng

News & Views

February 26 - 2014

Life skills from Mother Nature and Khanyisa Heleen Booy and Jenny Lawrence from The Crags are organisers of the Khanyisa Life Skills Trainings for teenagers in Kurland Village. Says Heleen: ‘With groups of 16 at a time, we go camping in Nature’s Valley, doing a lot of outdoor activities, while also educating the teens on environmental awareness and important life skills like food growing, health care, and more. We also work with them on vision building like goal setting and future planning. We recently went on a big hike with the learners, talking about our life stories and doing trust-building activities. We role-played difficult situations we encounter in life. We will do these trainings for all Grade 7s from The Crags Primary School in Kurland Village, and we are planning to continue the projects with more groups, in Kurland and also in other villages. Our next step will be the training of teachers and youth leaders in order for them to lead the sessions.’ Exciting stuff! The kids here show images of the Nature’s Valley hike and more pics can be found at www. facebook.com/barefootuniversityfoundation (all projects are funded by the Barefoot University Foundation, founded in 1996 by Jenny Lawrence and aiming for environmental education and community development).

Wonderful World Wetlands Day celebrated in Eden District INTERACTIVE LEARNING: A young Eden learner joins Lunchbox Theatre’s Stuart Palmer, left, and Mnce Ncedani on stage during the audience participation second part of ‘The Last Drop’ - Photo:

HE Lunchbox Theatre team took their high energy, hilarious and educational theatre show Vjg"Ncuv" Ftqr on a little road trip on Friday February 7 to celebrate World Wetlands Day. This show looks at the importance of saving water and offers many ways for children to start saving at home and at school. First stop was an 8am show at Brackenhill Primary, followed by an 11am at Karatara Primary near Sedgefield. The final show at 2pm was on the banks of the Touws

River at SANParks Ebb & Flow resort, where kids from Touwsranten Primary were entertained as part of an Eden District Municipality Wetlands Day event. Three very tired but happy Lunchbox actors - Stuart Palmer, Mncedisi Ncedani and Spida Matyhila - returned to Plett with the knowledge that around 200 learners and 30+ teachers had gained vital insight into how to preserve this natural resource for the future. Some comments from the teachers included:

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Kranshoek Arab finds safe haven Words & photos: Nicol Grobler

A purebred stallion called Nassar, pictured, originally from the Roodefontein Arab Stud Farm in Plett, was returned to safety after suffering traumatic experiences at the hands of youngsters in the nearby neighbourhood of Kranshoek. The white beauty was beaten and abused, and his right eye was knocked out with a brick. His coat was tarnished, his mouth torn by improper bridles and tack, and he was in urgent need of medical care and being gelded. Lida Grobler returned him to Roodefontein where he now cohabits with her three other horses and a little donkey. He loves his new family and doesn’t have a mean bone in his body, even after his cruel past. It is clear that the community of Plettenberg Bay is serious about the wellbeing of its horses. With the help of volunteers and donations, Bitou Horse Rescue and the Horse Sickness Society are hard at work for this cause, and donations of any supplies are greatly appreciated - contact Jenny Pope on 082 864 2346 if you can help.

Ricky Luiters

CXPRESS

“Brilliant! A very good way to bring about awareness on how to save water.” – Brackenhill “Leerders leer deur pret en deur na sulke vertonings te kyk, onthou hulle.” – Karatara “It was a lot of fun and learners realised there are many ways to save water.” – Touwsranten Primary. Lunchbox thanks the National Arts Council of SA and Eden District Municipality for their support, and Ricky Luiters from Earth Child Media for the pics.

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ISSUE 384

Business

February 26 - 2014

Service excellence made easy by new cellphone software

HE science of understanding customer thoughts, receiving real-time feedback and dealing with issues as they arise has been perfected by Whatsupfeedback – and, says Simon Bekker, “we have clients using our software in restaurants all over South Africa”. Whatsupfeedback was recently set up at Plett’s Yellowood Spur by GoMobile CEO Simon Bekker in conjunction with owner Hilton Nagel. Hilton is passionate about service excellence. However, he wanted more than just a fancy report telling him how he rated. Hilton wanted a solution that enabled him to deal with problems and turn them into opportunities as they presented themselves. Colleen Blaine a loyal Spur customer among hundreds of other regular patrons engaged with the new mobile technology solution to provide real-time customer experience data to Hilton and his team, so he’s kept abreast of his business service levels with a simple yet powerful APP which he downloaded on his mobile phone. The minute Colleen used

Investor Focus

WINNING TEAM: From left are Spur manager Granvelle Paulse, owner Hilton Nagel, winner Colleen Blaine, and Whatsupfeedback CEO Simon Bekker

her phone to register that her steak was medium as opposed to medium-rare, the Spur staff were quickly geared into action and the result was a delighted customer and a happy manager. At the end of the month, Colleen was randomly selected as winner, scoring a whopping R10’000 prize in the process.

Malcolm Stewart – Portfolio Manager at Sanlam Private Investments Knysna

The Rand, interest rates and inflation rates

Y last article about the Rand drew quite a lot of comments, so I have now included a chart, below, giving a better view of our currency. As can be seen, it was consistently overvalued between 1986 and 1999, it then spiked to over $/R12 in about 2010. Obvious, too, from the chart it was well above the PPP-line and was thus substantially undervalued.

Congratulations go to Colleen and to Yellowood Spur for becoming early adopters of the new cutting-edge Whatsupfeedback solution. Says Simon: “Look out for the Whatsupfeedback logo, tell us about your experiences and perhaps you could join Colleen in winning the R10’000 incentive we award on a monthly basis.”

In 2009 it again spiked to over $/R10 when it was yet again undervalued, it then reverted to its true value for a while. It has currently again spiked to above $/R11 and is clearly well above the PPP-line. We can thus expect a reversion back to normal at some stage in the future. It is impossible to anticipate when this will happen; doing so would be mere speculation. With regard to interest rat-

es, the surprise half point move by the Reserve Bank was seen as a reaction to the weak Rand. Turkey increased its bank rate by 5.5% which is really substantial. My view is that the move was not entirely aimed at the weak Rand, but as an early warning that South Africa will not tolerate a high inflation rate. Food inflation is expected to really raise its ugly head, particularly with the rampant maize price plus the effects of the weak Rand. The market is now anticipating a further set of five rate hikes as inflation spikes upwards to approximately 7%. This is probably a bit too much, but we will probably see another hike in March and possibly another one in the last quarter, particularly as inflation is expected to trend back below 6% by year end. So much for my crystal ball, we’ll just have to see how accurate it is over the longer term… Ocneqno"jcu"dggp"kp"vjg" kpxguvogpv"kpfwuvt{"hqt"qxgt" 62"{gctu0"Jg"jcu"ytkvvgp" vjku"eqnwop"kp"EZRTGUU" hqt"vjg"ncuv"37"{gctu"cpf"ku" c"urgekcnkuv"kp"ocpcikpi" tgvktgf"ygcnvj0

PLETTENBERG BAY CRIME PREVENTION ASSOCIATION

082 251 8134

News & Views

business network session hosted by Mignonne Weiner’s public relations and communications consultancy Positive Approach is taking place at the BI’s Indigo Bay Restaurant today (Hgdtwct{"48 - and if you’re reading here on the 25th, it’s not too late to check if there’s space left) from 8am to noon. Presentations include guidance on business relations, service and sales results, among others. A R100 attendance fee gives you the chance to introduce your business and link up with those who need your services, so participants

February 26 - 2014 will swap stories and suggestions and business cards while enjoying breakfast at the beautiful Beacon Isle (set menu breakfast from R25). Booking is essential call 081 270 9889 or email mignonne@telkomsa.net to reserve your place, and visit www.positiveapproach. co.za for more information.

against cancer by keeping it light and bright. Visit www. shavathon.org.za for info on your nearest Shavathon venue and see the advert on page 13 for more information on the Plett events.

Octej" 3 is Shavathon Saturday and in Plett you can participate in all the shaving spraying fun at The Market Square or Mellville’s Corner from 9am to 12:30. Bring the fam and friends and show your support for the fight

Knysna Plett Concert Series presents Russian pianist Konstantin Soukhovetski on Octej" 7 at Knysna DRC hall. Born in Moscow to a family of musicians, Konstantin began his music tuition aged four, studying

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Notice Board at the Moscow Central Special Music School and later at Juilliard School in New York where he earned his AD, BM, and MM degrees and the Arthur Rubinstein Prize in 2003. Konstantin has toured Jordan, Lebanon, Puerto Rico and many parts of the United States as well as France, Italy, Romania and Eastern Europe. His US debut as a composer took place at the New York Winter Salon at Steinway Hall in 2007.

His 2006 William Petschek Debut Recital Award at Lincoln Centre was received with tremendous success. In collaboration with countryman and Knysna favourite Vassily Primakov, Konstantin presented a number of four-hand piano programmes for music festivals in the US as well as on an Alaskan Cruise liner in 2008. He has won awards at 2007 New Orleans International Piano Competition, 2004 UNISA International Piano Competition), the 2003 Juilliard Gina Bachauer Competition and at the 2002 Walter W Naumburg International

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Piano Competition Doors open at 6:45pm for the 7:30 show, with tickets at R120 for adult non-members and R30 for scholars. (See the photo and more Knysna Plett Concert Series news on page 11.) It’s carnival time at Formosa Primary School on the weekend of Octej"36"("37, with a merry-go-round and lots of stalls set up at the New Horizons sports grounds. The jorl starts at 5pm on Friday and 2pm on Saturday. Gate entry costs R5 and rides cost R10. Call Leigh on 044 533 1621 (o/h) for more information.

CXPRESS

ISSUE 384

FANTASTIC FEST HAD: Prior to the start of the first Plett Music Festival show, Crags Primary scholars aged six and seven, above, performed a cameo on stage. After costs, all proceeds from the February 13-16 event staged at The White House Theatre will go towards improved education for the kids of Kurland Village in The Crags. At the first concert ‘Sax, Blues & Rock n Roll’ on Thursday the 13th featuring saxophonist Andrew Young were, at top from left, Ingrid Mauss, Gaby Kassel, Ursula & Rolf Neuhaus, and Goachen Mauss. German nationals all, they have variously holidayed in Plettenberg Bay for the last 11 to 16 years and were unanimous in saying: ‘We love the place, and the people are friendly and spontaneous!’ Pictured at right during the Valentine’s Special on February 14 are, from left, celebrated artist Darren Lyon, electric harpist Shelley Frost, co-organiser Carmen Clews, and Cape Town visitor Kathleen Coates. Says Carmen: ‘The festival was a huge success and could not have been done without the support of all the musicians - Andrew Young and his band, Shelley Frost and Carol & Alistair Thorns, The Swingsetters, and Rick van Heerden’s Jazz Quartet - as well as SND Productions, Events & Tents, Leon of Lighthill Recording, Patty Butterworth, Toni van Hoey Smith, Susie Ovenstone and Benji at Whitehouse Theatre, Jackie & Natalie of Nguni, Le Fournil, Amakaya Backpackers, Olivia Poluta, Plett Tourism and everyone who came along to enjoy the shows.’ At top right Hannes, Desiré and Barbara Pretorius of Knysna said the Rick van Heerden Quartet’s performance on the afternoon of February 16 was ‘absolutely jaw-dropping!’

February 26 - 2014

Photos: Timothy Twidle

Social Scene

People, places & events

ENGLISH WHEELS FOR PLETT: The Rotary Club of Plettenberg Bay recently donated wheelchairs to the local branch of CansaCare. These wheelchairs come from England, and present to perform the handover was Rotarian Milton Frahey - the moving force in that country when it comes to organising the purchase and dissemination of wheelchairs around the world. Rotary has provided wheelchairs to residents of Plett for many years and hopes to be able to continue doing so in the future. The photograph above shows the CansaCare nursing sisters and Rotarians during the handover - from left are Maureen Butler, June Milburn-Pyle, Theo Jager, Dee Miniken, Peer Adams, Pat Henderson, Milton Frahey, David Pickering, Remi de Backer, Elaine Frahey, Dermot Stobart and Barry Whitfield.

GREENWOOD KIDS REACH OUT: The Grade 5 class of Greenwood Independent School had a special ‘Act of Kindness’ week recently. They decided to organise a community project by collecting clothes and toys for the kids of Masizame Children’s Shelter in KwaNokuthula. They then visited the shelter and chatted to the kids before handing over the clothes. Masizame social worker Rhoda Hendricks thanked Greenwood for building bridges and invited them to pop in again soon, as it made the shelter’s kids extremely happy. In the photo from left are Greenwood students Max, Sine, Lili, Libo, and Kumar, with Masizame kids Keenon at far left, and Siphiwe and Ronaldino in front. - Leigh Dunn

Social Scene

Photo: Timothy Twidle

February 26 - 2014

CONCERT SERIES STARTS OFF WITH A BANG: The first of the Knysna-Plett Concert Series for 2014 began with a stellar performance by the University of Stellenbosch Camerata, on the evening of Monday February 10 at Knysna DRC hall. The camerata is traditionally a small chamber orchestra which, in the case of these Maties, comprises nine violins, three violas, three cellos, a double bass, two oboes and two French horns, i.e. 20 instruments in all. The concert began with a rendition of Serenade for Strings in E minor by Sir Edward Elgar, followed by the Piano Concerto in D major by Joseph Haydn, featuring Nina Schumann on piano. The evening concluded with the Sinfonia Concertante in E flat major by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart with soloists Peter Martens on cello and Suzanne Martens on violin. An audience of over 500 people afforded the orchestra and soloists rapturous applause at the conclusion of the performance. Enjoying the evening were, from left, local residents Marie Kok, Jacqueline Lamprecht and Moira Schäfer. The next concert in the series is scheduled for Wednesday March 5 with Konstantin Soukhovetski on piano, right – turn to page 9 for more information on this gifted Russian pianist and visit www.classicsa. co.za/site/features/view/knysna-plett-concert-seriesannounces-nine-concerts-for-2014/ to find out more about the line-up for 2014.

BIG BURSARIES TO MAKE ‘EM BIG BUCKS: Two top-achieving first-year students from the NMMU George Campus - Emile de Bruyn, left, and Moreeda Parker, here pictured with George campus principal, Prof Quinton Johnson are among the 30 new recipients of the prestigious Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University ViceChancellor’s Scholarships. Top performing school-leavers from across the country annually vie for this scholarship, introduced by Prof Derrick Swartz in 2009. Emile and Moreeda will both use the R75’600 per year scholarship for a BCom Accounting degree.

People, places & events KNYSNA ART SHOWCASED: At the opening of the Members Select Collective Works Exhibition of the Knysna Arts & Crafts Society at Knysna Art Gallery, held in the Old Gaol complex on February 10, exhibitor Owen Roberts, left, shared secrets of his trade with Judith & Bill Broughton, who hail from Bookham in the English county of Surrey. - Timothy Twidle

CXPRESS

ISSUE 384

CXPRESS

ISSUE 384

Interval

February 26 - 2014

Speaking Scottish A Scottish bloke goes on a skiing holiday to Canada. After a hard day on the slopes he retires to a bar at the bottom of the mountain. After about five or six whiskeys, he looks up and notices a stuffed animal with

antlers on the wall. He asks the barman: “What the … is that?” The barman replies: “It’s a moose.” The Scotsman says: “Well, … me! How big are the cats?”

Wat wil jy word as jy eendag groot is?

UFFROU vra die klas wat hulle wil word eendag as hulle groot is. Jannie sê: “Ek wil ‘n biljoenêr word, na die duurste klubs toe gaan en die beste ejkem saam met my vat. Ek wil haar bederf met ‘n Ferrari van oor die miljoen rand werd, ‘n huis in Hawaii, ‘n lgv om deur Europa te reis, ‘n onbeperkte Visa kaart, en ek

wil langs haar wakker word elke oggend.” Die juffrou, tot diep in haar siel geskok oor die kind se antwoord, weet nie wat om te sê nie maar laat haar nie van stryk af bring nie en gaan voort met die les. “En jy, Sannie?” vra die juffrou. Sannie sê: “Ek wil Jannie se ejkem wees, Juffrou.”

Five frogs are sitting on a log. One decides to jump. How many frogs are left sitting on the log? Still five… ‘coz deciding and acting ain’t the same thing.

He’s a smooth operator...

young Cape Town woman was so depressed that she decided to end her life by throwing herself into the ocean. She went down to the docks and was about to leap into the freezing water when a handsome young deckhand saw her tottering on the edge of the pier, crying. He took pity on her and said: “Look, you’ve got a lot to live for. We’re off to Europe in the morning, and if you like, I can stow you away on this ship. “I’ll take good care of you and bring you food every day.” Moving closer, he slipped an arm round her shoulder and added: “I’ll keep you happy, and you’ll keep me happy, okay?” The girl nodded yes. Af-

ter all, what did she have to lose? Maybe a fresh start in Europe would give her life new meaning. That night, the deck-hand brought her aboard and hid her in a lifeboat. From then on, every night he brought her three sandwiches and a piece of fruit, and they made passionate love until dawn. Three weeks later, during a routine inspection, she was discovered by the captain. “What are you doing here?” the captain asked. “I have a special arrangement with one of the sailors,” she explained. “I get food and a trip to Europe, and he adores me.” “Like hell he does, lady,” the captain said. “This is the ferry running tourist trips between Robben Island and the Waterfront.”

Follow your dreams! ...Except that one where you’re naked in church...

A great description of Utopia

‘liberal paradise’ would be a place where everyone has guaranteed employment, free comprehensive healthcare, free education, free food, free housing, free clothing, free utilities, and

only law enforcement carry guns. And believe it or not, such a place does indeed exist… it’s called prison. "Ujgtkhh"Lqg"Ctrckq"/" Rjqgpkz."Ctk|qpc

Home & Health

February 26 - 2014

Early cancer detection can save your life

EBRUARY is Healthy Lifestyle Awareness month - a time to re-look, plan and focus on strategies to take better care of ourselves. Although health and illness are part of the package of life, we can aim to be more proactive about looking after our health, especially when it comes to taking preventative measures against a disease like cancer. World Cancer Awareness Day on February 4 reminded us of the perils of neglecting

our health and the importance of healthy living. According to the World Health Organization, more than eight-million people died worldwide from cancer in 2012. Another alarming statistic showed that 60% of the new annual cases occurred in Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. Approximately a third of cancer deaths were as a result of the big five of behavioural and dietary risks: being overweight, not eating enough fruit and vegetables,

not doing enough exercise, and use of tobacco and alcohol. “What is even more disturbing is that 30% of all cancers can be prevented,” said Fedhealth principal officer Peter Jordan. “Early diagnoses and treatment is vital to fight this disease and regular check-ups and preventative screening tests really can save lives.” Jordan believes that understanding some of the medical terminology can help to reduce a lot of anxiety ar-

Tips on coping with your emotions after being diagnosed with cancer • Adopting a ‘positive-atall-costs’ approach can be a huge burden. It’s your experience and there is no need to feel you have to please others in the way you cope. • Guilt is a barrier to living life fully. Get rid of it.

• Your feelings of anger or sadness about your cancer and the changes it brings are normal and could help you cope. • Distinguish between normal sadness and depression - take note of your emotional state and decide

after two weeks whether you feel better emotionally. Lingering feelings of overwhelming sadness, helplessness, hopelessness and a sense of worthlessness are not typical. If you experience these, talk to your doctor.

No sweaty feet for your ever-blooming begonias

EVERY GARDEN WANTS ‘EM: Use mulch to keep the soil cool straight after planting, so ensuring healthy and happy adult begonias in a multitude of colours

N a genus containing approximately 1’400 plant species, begonias are not short of variety these days. It all dates back to pre1700 when a French botanist, Charles Plumier, started the tradition of naming plants in honour of other botanists by naming begonias after Michel Bégon. William Brown was responsible for sending the very first live begonia, begonia minor, to Europe in 1777, and by 1847, 70 or 80 species were already cultivated. And as they say, the rest is history. Of all the begonia cultivars, semperflorens is one of the most popular ones commercially available. The secret to why they are so loved is cleverly wrapped up in their name. Semperflorens, meaning ever-blooming or everflowering, is exactly what one would want from a bedding plant. In fact, every garden should be everblooming, don’t you think? Bedding or wax begonias are such easy plants to grow. Their origin species, B. cucullata, was introduced quite by accident to the

Berlin Botanical Garden when a hidden seed germinated. With some average to moderately fertile, welldraining soil, either acid or alkaline, these floriforous beauties only ask that you keep their bed moist but not soaked. They’ll even tolerate a mild drought, at a push. To plant in the sun, or the shade, that is the question. It depends on what you want from your begonias as to what that answer is, because luckily they really don’t mind. Begonias reach for the sun when they’re starved of it, growing taller and spreading out more a little like an umbrella, so can be planted further apart in the shade. Deeper shade is tolerable if that’s the gap you have to fill, but you’ll have to compromise by expecting fewer blooms. When planting them in the sun, it’s essential to bring them closer together so that the smaller umbrella of leaves will manage to shade the ground between the plants and that it will do

so sooner to avoid the soil heating up too much. Begonias are not fans of sweaty feet while they’re settling in, so using mulch to keep the soil cool, straight after planting, would go a long way to establishing healthy and happy adult plants. Bedding begonias require very little maintenance, offering an incredible show of flowers for most of the year and are available from dwarf sizes for pots and hanging baskets to some 30-40cm tall varieties which can be used to create borders in the back of a flower bed. While they won’t survive a heavy or black frost, they could pull through mild winters if you don’t mind keeping some scrappy looking plants in your beds for a few months. They’ve been a favourite in home gardens for generations and one doesn’t need three guesses to figure out just why. Uvqt{"cpf"rjqvqu"uwrrnkgf" d{"vjg"Dgffkpi"Rncpv" Itqygtu"Cuuqekcvkqp"/"xkukv" yyy0nkhgkucictfgp0eq0|c" hqt"oqtg"kphqtocvkqp0

CXPRESS ound check-ups and testing. His medical team explained it this way: A malignant tumour means you have cancer. Malignant tumours can grow back if they are removed, they can invade nearby tissue and organs, they can spread to other parts of the body (metastasise). A benign tumour is an indication that there is no cancer present. Cancer types fall into five broad categories: • Carcinoma - begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. • Sarcoma - starts in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels or other connective or supportive tissue. • Leukaemia - starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. • Lymphoma and myeloma - cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. • Central nervous system cancers - cancers that begin in the lymph tissue of the brain and/or spinal cord. Cancer is scary but it can be beaten, and having a good medical scheme can really help to ease the load. One of the great benefits of the Fedhealth scheme is that it allows you to buy up onto a higher option when you are diagnosed with a dread disease, provided the upgrade is done within 30 days of diagnosis. “We really want our members to take care of themselves. Go for regular check-ups and preventative screening tests. It’s simple, the scheme covers costs, and it could save your life,” concluded Jordan.

ISSUE 384

CXPRESS

ISSUE 384

February 26 - 2014

Classifieds

On the Soapbox

February 26 - 2014

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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

Fury over disabled parking continues... The January 29 response to the letter ‘Shame ‘em via social media’ in CXPRESS of January 15 has elicited a collective reaction from mostly outraged readers, the likes of which have seldom been equalled in our nearly 16-year history (visit www.cxpress. co.za and click on the Letters page of issues 381-383 for background) – below is a selection of the past fortnight’s opinions on the subject of disabled parking bays... I would like to respond to a letter regarding the incident with Lance Rothschild, and in particular the wife’s response, since she has clarified what actually happened. I see it this way: • She is the one with the disability for which the sticker is displayed on the vehicle. • She stayed in the vehicle while her husband went into the shop. “I was sitting in the car when he confronted my husband about parking in the spot. He did not come close to our car to see whether we indeed displayed a disability sticker. I am the one with the disability and I was unable to walk, so my husband quickly ran into the Kwikspar to buy something.” • The altercation took place between her husband and Rothschild because the husband was using the disabled bay to park his vehicle. “The reason my husband had an attitude was that this was the third person that day to confront him without making sure of their facts.” The reason people confronted him was obviously because they could see he was able-bodied. His wife probably stayed in the car on these occasions as well. So, in fact, the husband was incorrectly parked in a disabled bay. His wife did not get out of the car so there was no need for him to park here - only he got out, and he is not disabled. From this it appears that he is using his wife’s disability to save himself from a bit of a walk by using the disabled sticker on the car to his advantage. I fully support Rothschild’s actions. Disabled parking bays are there for disabled people to park in so that they are closer to the shop entrances when they get out of their cars, and not for family members to save themselves a bit of a walk. On Sunday February 9, I witnessed a similar incident at The Market Square between what seemed to be a

Plett local and the driver of a Cape Town car displaying a disabled sticker. At least two family members were loading the car after shopping. The disabled person had remained in the vehicle, so there was no need to park in this bay, as the disabled person did not get out of the car. More people are getting angry at the abuse of disabled bays and are starting to confront the offenders. It is probably a matter of time before such confrontations become physical. Fcxg"Uyctv."d{"gockn ----Only belatedly was the printed letter (in issue 382) by ‘Person with Disability’ read. It demands a response

for it illustrates how decadent the morals of certain individuals have sunk. It must be assumed that what was printed is what ‘Disability’ wrote. First, the demarcated area that was used was meant only for persons that both have difficulty in walking and who need to go into the premises, and certainly not for people who are going to sit in their vehicle. Anyone that deprives the right of an unfortunate truly in need of access to a cripple’s bay is nothing but a thief. Second, only low-life persons would use the disability of another as an excuse to deprive those who need the parking, yet this is what the husband did.

From what was written it is obvious ‘Disability’ never intended to go into the premises - only her husband who, according to the letter, was able to “quickly run” into the shop. Obviously there’s nothing wrong with his locomotion and therefore he had no right to be parked in a cripple’s bay. ‘Disability’ states that it was the third time that day that her husband was spoken to, which indicates that he is a deliberate offender and a habitual thief. ‘Disability’ seems confused - at one point she claims: “I am the one with the disability and I was unable to walk.” Later she writes: “I, for one, am blessed and truly happy that I am still able to walk.” (Perhaps this admission should not have come as a surprise...) Based on this statement, it would seem that the disability ticket was obtained under false pretences unless her disability is of a mental order. Mrs Editor, may it be suggested that in your next issue you put the picture of the car registration on the front page together with their names so that all human beings reading your paper can be warned of who these mentally-retarded, selfish and inconsiderate creatures are. No one should wish anyone to lose the use of their legs but if either or both of these two do, they will not deserve any sympathy as they will have brought it on themselves. When a dog knows it has done something wrong it gets a shameful look on its face. But there is no contrition in ‘Disability’. Not surprisingly, she does not give her name. The reason this writer is not signing off with a name is that he does not want to hear anything further from such inconsiderate, selfish and mentally deficient types. flCu"K"Ugg"Kv‚."d{"gockn ----I have often witnessed illegal parking in handicapped

Louis repairs your auto - and so much more! I would like to give a big shout out to Louis, Eve and Terence of Louis Auto Body Repairs in Plettenberg Bay for their help, kindness and time given in my moment of need recently. At about 10am, on my way into town from The Crags, I ran into car trouble on the N2 with my BMW. My hubby called Louis Auto Body Repairs and within 20 minutes Louis and

his son, Terence, came to my aid on the side of the highway, accessed the car trouble and had me follow them to their workshop in the industrial area. While Louis took my vehicle off for repair his wife, Eve, could not have been more accommodating with offers of tea, coffee, juice nothing was too much trouble for her. Once Louis realised my

car would be out of action for a few hours he had Terence run me into town so I could go about my business. Louis then fetched me again at about 2pm. After all their trouble, time and petrol, Louis refused any payment, insisting it was all part of their service. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much! Eqnnggp"fg"Lcigt." Vjg"Etciu

bays in Plett and I agree with all the comments. I have many times witnessed drivers - and in a lot of cases, with CX registrations - who park and then trip off merrily to go shopping. But has anybody considered that they could in fact be handicapped? Mentally, of course, if they are unable to understand what a handicapped parking sign means... EZ"Ftkxgt."d{"gockn ----On a trip to the UK I was amused to read at a disabled bay: ‘STUPIDITY IS NOT A HANDICAP - PLEASE PARK ELSEWHERE!’ Dctdctc"Eqnngvv"Ucnoqp." d{"gockn

Thanks to Plett’s generous Rotary Anns After spending eight glorious weeks in South Africa and working with the Plettaid Foundation (read ‘Plettaid’s hard-working Hospice team creates lasting memories’ on the Letters page of issue 382 at www.cxpress. co.za), I want to thank a wonderful group of ladies that responded quickly and generously to my appeal for assistance. These are the Rotary Anns of Plettenberg Bay, who are working quietly and tirelessly for the underprivileged. I hope you can print this as I feel they need some recognition for the hard work they do, often without being acknowledged for it. I was invited to their monthly meeting and just happened to ask the members if they could look in the back of their cupboards to see if they had any old linen or towels they could let us have for the people in the townships, as often we visited patients who didn’t even have towels to dry themselves with. The following day, we received a phone call to say one lady had been clearing out her home and gave us the lot – sheets, towels, pillows and pillow cases, what a gift! You don’t know how pleased we were. The donations were gratefully received and are now in good use. It was an honour to have met the Rotary Anns of Plettenberg Bay. I am a huge fan of South Africa and its people and look forward to rejoining the Hospice and Plettaid team again in November. Ujgknc"Oguujco."d{"gockn

ISSUE 384

More on the mayor’s SUV In his position as chairman of a DA branch in Plett, Wayne Terblanche seems poorly informed (go to www.cxpress.co.za to read ‘Old broom needs an SUV’ by Clive Ruiters, and Terblanche’s response, on the Letters page of issue 383). He bases his justifications on the falsehood that the luxury Ford Kuga AWD 2.0TDCi Titanium Specification SUV is the mayor’s own private car. It is an incontrovertible fact that the vehicle is owned by Bitou Municipality, but not quite clear whether it was purchased outright or leased. These cars cost about R436’000 (plus any optionals). If leased, it would amount to ±R12’000 per month over a three-year period. Either way, every cent of it comes out of Bitou ratepayers’ pockets. It does not cost the head of this cash-strapped municipality a cent. Not in fuel. Not in maintenance. Not in repairs. Not in insurance. Not in lost value. He doesn’t even drive it himself - ratepayers fund no less than four drivers to do that for him. His use of the vehicle is unrestricted and unlimited. In the run-up to the 2011 election, Booysen and the DA made much of the then ANC mayor’s luxury car. After the election, with much fanfare and chestthumping publicity from

the DA, Booysen returned that car to Avis, vowing never to set foot in a mayoral vehicle. The DA’s 2011 Manifesto for Local Government was very specific about its position: “In municipalities the DA governs, it will cut out all wasteful and fruitless expenditure on items like luxury cars and lavish parties that benefit politicians, but not the people.” Making matters worse is that, at the time of the ANC’s mayoral limousine, it was legal i.t.o. the Tools of Trade for Mayors. Since then, however, new legislation disallows municipalities to avail vehicles to mayors as part of the Tools of Trade. Despite that, Bitou has done so. It is shocking that our DA MPL, Donald Grant, who so vociferously criticised the ANC, now condones these unlawful actions and the blatant flouting of DA policies by the councillors he supposedly manages. Perhaps our councillors (DA and ANC) and MM can enlighten us as to what steps, in the discharge of their fiduciary duty to Bitou, they propose to take to recover this “fruitless expenditure”, and what steps will be taken against those responsible for this abuse of public funds. Tgnwevcpv"Ucpvc."d{"gockn *Pq"tgurqpug"jcf"dggp"tg/ egkxgf" htqo" Dkvqw" d{" qwt" iqkpi"vq"rtguu0"⁄"Gfu0+

CXPRESS

ISSUE 384

Sport & Adventure

February 26 - 2014

Plett’s young water polo players gain great experience

NO MARCO POLO: The Oakhill Prep Waterfront Chukka Festival was characterised by a vibrant atmosphere as 16 highly competitive teams took to the water - the pic at right clearly shows the youngsters’ determination - Photos: Anne Hrabar

UNIOR members of Plett Water Polo Club recently took part in the Oakhill Prep Waterfront Chukka Festival, which was hotly contested by 16 schools and clubs from the Eastern, Southern and Western Cape

over a period of three days. The event took place in a great atmosphere at the marina in the lagoon at Knysna Waterfront. The Plett Boys U13 team won four of their nine matches against tough opposition - a great result

considering that the club has only been in existence for six months. Diarise Saturday March 1, when Plett Water Polo Club will be hosting a junior mini tournament at the Health & Fitness Centre pool off Pie-

sang Valley Road. Says convenor Dave Harrow: “Come and watch this great sport and sign up as a new member.” Readers can contact Dave on 082 569 5556 for more information.

Record entries for OCC

HE 12th annual Outeniqua ‘Chair Challenge (OCC) took place in George on February 15, with a record 1’046 athletes crossing the starting line. In the men’s open paraplegic 42.2km marathon, Ernst van Dyk managed to cling on to his winning position for a third consecutive year (1:08:36), shaving 57 seconds off his 2013 time.

Only a second behind Van Dyk was Andries Scheepers, while Stuart McCreadie finished third a mere 8sec later. The women’s hand cycle open race was won by Justine Asher (1:44:11), with 2013 winner Hillary Lewis second place and Elizabeth McTernan (UK) third. Visit www.georgeocc.co.za for full race results and more photographs.

GIRL POWER! From left are runner up in the 42.2km hand cycle female open race Hilary Lewis, George deputy mayor Daniel Maritz, winner Justine Asher, sponsor Willie van der Westhuizen, and third place finisher Elizabeth McTernan Photo: Desmond Scholtz

SAPS officer shines at KZN road cycling champs

Bowls ladies day benefits schools Plettenberg Bay Bowling Club recently held its annual Ladies Day with this year’s theme being ‘Back to School’. Says the club’s John Everson, pictured above with Madeleen Janse van Vuuren of the Bitou 10 Foundation and local bowler Muriel Cubitt at right: ‘Sixteen teams entered and all got into the spirit of the day with a variety of costumes. Congratulations to Emily Bothma’s team from Sedgefield, who was overall winners on the day, with Sheila Haxton’s Plett team in second place. Players were encouraged to donate educational materials, and responded generously to this invitation. Madeleen will now see to it that these goodies are distributed to Bitou schools.’

Warrant officer Attie Botha, right, attached to the SAPS supply chain management in George, performed extremely well under difficult weather circumstances during a road cycling championship held in Durban, when he took part in the Para-cycling Division from February 4-9. Attie, 46, has severe osteoporosis in his right angle but in spite of this, was able to achieve a fourth place in the time trials and a bronze medal (third place) in the road race. Says captain Bernadine Steyn of the SAPS Southern Cape media centre in George: ‘Attie is an inspiration to his colleagues and we wish to congratulate him on his achievements.’