Published every Wednesday by CXpress 2006 (Pty) Ltd - PO Box 1449, Plettenberg Bay 6600 - 6 Park Lane, Plettenberg Bay - Tel: 044 533 1004 - Fax: 044 533 0852 Email: editor@cxpress.co.za / advertising@cxpress.co.za Web page: www.cxpress.co.za Printed by Group Editors
Happy Easter! LET THE GAMES BEGIN... Read all about the jam-packed action sports line-up for this weekend’s Plett Easter Games on the back page of this edition
FREE Photo: Sharyn Hodges - ShowMe Plettenberg Bay
16 April 2014
Sex offender suspects in court today - p5 Local business and property update - p7-10 Entertainment and fun activities for all! - p14 & 15
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News & Views
16 April 2014
Plett mountaineering legend’s Paine tale now penned C XPRESS first learned of Mervyn Prior’s presence in our midst when his daughter, Jane Luck, shared her account of Dad’s recordbreaking 85th birthday celebration in October 2012. A Crags local for the past
12 years, Mervyn dusted off his hiking boots and conquered the 1’750m Formosa Peak along with family and friends that September - the first and only 85-year-old to ever have pulled off that feat, as far as could be ascertained.
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Apart from Jane’s jolly account of that outing, we also reported that Mervyn started climbing in 1947 and, aged 20, hitch-hiked alone through Africa and scaling Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya in the process. A Mountain Club of South Africa member since 1950, most of Mervyn’s climbing was done in the former Transvaal and especially the beautiful Magaliesberg, where he pioneered many a mountaineering route. Apart from climbs in the Andes (Huyana Potosi and Condoriri), Kirgizstan (Peak Lenin), Peru, Britain and Europe, Mervyn was also a member of the SA teams that first conquered Jugal Peak in the Himalayas and, most famously, the Central Tower of Paine in Chile in the 70s. This latter foray, now 40 years ago, is the subject of a book recently completed and self-published by Mervyn, and available for sale as e-book at the minimal cost of US$5 from Blurb (visit http://store.blurb.com/ ebooks/456244-east-face-ofthe-central-tower-of-paine). Said Mervyn when popping in to exchange some pictures and stories of that historic adventure: “I was lucky enough to be a member of the South African team led by Paul Fatti, who managed the first ascent of the East Face of the Central Tower of Paine in Patagonia. “This feat appeared in Vjg" Iwkppguu"Dqqm"qh"Tgeqtfu as the highest single rock-face climbed to that date.” But Mervyn’s book is much more than the clinical account of a death-defying climb. Although quite technical in its description of gear and methods used, his observations of the breathtaking Patagonian landscapes
MOTLEY MOUNTAIN CREW: Three of the team members’ wives accompanied the climbers to Patagonia as base camp and moral support – below Mervyn Prior is pictured standing at back left, with Paul Fatti kneeling at right
HARD ROCK AND ICE: The book’s front cover carries one of many images, like the one above, of the intimidating if spectacular Towers of Paine in Patagonia
and incredibly challenging climes, along with a detailed narrative of dynamics within the team, are riveting, to say the least. Told with much humour and illustrated with a multitude of colour images, Gcuv" Hceg"qh"vjg"Egpvtcn"Vqygt"qh" Rckpg is a roller-coaster ride of a read and will be enjoyed not only by climbers, but by anyone who appreciates a good first-hand account of real life adventure and risktaking in a time way before space blankets or cellular comms.
News & Views
16 April 2014
Johannesburg man safely evacuated from Salt River ...but parents urged to watch their children after Wilderness drowning TO THE RESCUE: Plett NSRI volunteers carry the Gauteng man who suffered chest pains during a team-building exercise in Nature’s Valley to safety at Central Beach Photo: Ewald Stander
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team-building exercise on Salt River in Nature’s Valley had to be halted when one of the participants, a 31-year-old Johannesburg resident, urgently required medical help on Monday afternoon. Plett NSRI Station 14 volunteers came to the rescue after being alerted to the situation around 2:30pm. Says station commander Deon Truter: “The man was suffering chest pains because of a condition believed to be heart arrhythmia. “We launched the rescue craft Leonard Smith, accompanied by the NSRI doctor on duty. The patient was stabilised on the scene, loaded onto the craft and brought to our base on Central Beach
where we were met by a private ambulance.” The man was in a stable condition and following treatment in Plett, was transported by ambulance to a Knysna hospital for further treatment. Tragedy could however not be averted during the late afternoon of Saturday April 12, when an eight-year-old child drowned while swimming with friends. Says NSRI Wilderness station commander, Hennie Niehaus: “Our volunteer duty crew received reports of a local boy missing at the lagoon on Touws River and responded to the scene along with SAPS members.” By their arrival, the child’s body was being recovered
from the water. Unfortunately, NSRI medics’ continued efforts to revive the breathless and pulseless child with CPR on the scene and advanced life support in the ambulance en route to hospital, finally failed to revive him. “While the alarm was raised a search had commenced along the banks of the lagoon. A female bystander located and recovered the body of the child after she happened to come across him floating semi-submerged in the water, just as our Sea Rescue arrived on the scene,” said Niehaus, adding that Police have opened an inquest docket, and expressing sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
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Mob justice surges in Thembalethu
Words & photo: Bob Hopkin
LET US DO OUR JOB: Thembalethu Station Commander Colonel Reuben France cautions against mob justice
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EORGE police used a media briefing last Monday to highlight a disturbing trend toward Thembalethu residents taking the law into their own hands. According to local station commander Colonel Reuben France, several instances of vigilante justice occurred in the last month, one of which resulted in a tragic death. France said that usually an
News & Views
16 April 2014
individual is targeted when a passer-by sees a crime being committed, identifies the criminal and gives chase. This then leads to others joining in and escalating an already tense situation. One instance on March 23 in Zone 4 followed a stabbing in the street after which a mob chased the perpetrator who then ran away and took shelter in a nearby house. An
altercation broke out with the house owner, who was then himself stabbed to death. “We have been trying to understand what has caused this trend and it seems to be related to citizens of that area becoming frustrated when they see known criminals walking the streets apparently free after having been arrested in the previous days,” he said. France said after interviews with residents, it became clear that many did not understand the criminal justice system whereby it was possible for an arrested person to be back on the streets, on bail, while waiting for a court hearing. SAPS members were trying to educate residents on the realities of law within a democracy. “We know that we can be on the scene anywhere in Thembalethu within 15 minutes and we urge residents to call the police, by all means note where the suspect has gone, but wait for the police to arrive and do not take the law into your own hands.”
News Briefs Igqtig"HEU"uggmu"rwdnke" cuukuvcpeg"chvgt"tcrg"qh" :8/{gct/qnf Detectives attached to the George Family Violence, Child Protection & Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit has started a manhunt for the suspect involved in the rape of an 86-year-old elderly woman residing in Rosemore on Saturday morning April 12. Preliminary investigations revealed that the elderly victim, who was asleep, was wakened by the sound of breaking glass at a bedroom window at about 2am. She went to investigate and said that the suspect walked straight towards her. He ordered her to lie down and proceeded to rape her while covering her mouth with his hands in an attempt to prevent her from screaming for help. Before leaving, he threatened to also rape her granddaughter who lives in a bungalow in the back of her property. Shortly after the suspect’s departure, the victim managed to alert neighbours, who informed Conville SAPS about her ordeal. Detectives from the FCS, forensic experts and the K9
Unit’s body liquid detection dog and handler were activated and searched the premises for clues. The only description of the suspect available by our going to press was the victim’s account of him as “a short coloured man”. Anyone with information can contact constable Delores Witbooi on 044 803 4618 or 082 522 1051. Vjtgg"uwurgevu"uqwijv"hqt" jklcemkpi"kp"Mp{upc Knysna Police is urgently looking for any information that can assist them after a hijacking occurred in Sandpiper Street in the industrial area on Friday April 11 just after 1pm. Information received by our going to press indicates that a 49-year-old victim returned from the bank after she withdrew an undisclosed amount of cash. While on her way to her car, an unknown armed man dressed in a blue shirt approached her. He pushed her aside and got into her white Volkswagen Golf. He was joined by two other men who jumped into the car before speeding off. Apart from the cash, which was contained in a black handbag, the thieves also made off with a Blackberry Curve cellphone, a pair of sunglasses and other person-
al items. Later the same day, police managed to find the vehicle abandoned in the bushes next to the N2 near Kruisfontein. No arrests have been made by our going to press and all leads will be followed to bring the suspects to book. Anyone with information can contact Knysna police station on 044 302 6608/9. All information will be dealt with confidentially. Mp{upc"tcrkuv"vq"urgpf"42" {gctu"dgjkpf"dctu The Knysna sexual offences court sentenced Christo van Rooyen, 31, to 20 years after he was found guilty of rape on April 4. Van Rooyen lured his 12-year-old victim into the school grounds of Sunridge Primary in Hornlee, Knysna, sometime after 10pm on August 29, 2013, on the premise that she had to accompany him to visit his sick mother. Inside the school yard he assaulted and raped her. She reported the ordeal to her parents, whom informed the local police. Exemplary investigations by former warrant office Pieter April lead to the arrest of the suspect who was detained at the Knysna police holding cells before being transferred to Knysna Correctional Services.
Much to look forward to in the next CXPRESS...
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XPRESS of April 9 featured a four-page notice by Bitou Municipality, which elicited a couple of readers’ letters and much word-ofmouth feedback. Similarly, a report on the no-show by KwaNokuthula police during a housebreaking at Roodefontein inspired Community Police Forum and Plett Tourism chairman Bruce Richardson to put pen to paper. Last but best, our foamy front page image resulted in Derek Frielinghaus dig-
ging out photos of a similar phenomenon during the mid80s, while Gigi Lewis shared the pic of a bubbly mermaid spotted in Knysna Lagoon... With this Easter edition filling up so rapidly in the days before print, we thought it prudent to advise readers and letter writers that their much-appreciated feedback will appear at the first next opportunity, along with a Bitou Municipality notice to further explain the 1014/15 budget in CXPRESS of April 23. – Eds.
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16 April 2014
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Local educators accused of rape and sexual assault in court today
Yolandé Stander
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WO local teachers charged with sexually assaulting young girls are set to appear in court today. A 52-year-old Fraaisig Primary School teacher is expected to plead in the Knysna Regional Court after allegedly raping a 12-year-
old pupil last year, while a 64-year-old former Wittedrift High School teacher, who allegedly sexually assaulted his six-year-old granddaughter, is expected to appear in court in Plettenberg Bay. Both men are currently out on bail.
On August 19 last year, the Fraaisig teacher allegedly pinned a pupil against a wall in the school’s photocopying room after she had helped him hand documents out to teachers, covered her mouth with his hands and pulled her pants down before sexually
Candlewood burns! An ecological success story 20 years in the making
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HE burning of Candlewood in Knysna on Tuesday April 8 was successful, according to a statement released by Nandi Mgwadlamba of Garden Route National Park last Wednesday. And what’s so cool – or hot – about this news, you may ask? “Well,” says John Stanwix, a landowner in the area, “fynbos in Candlewood was last burnt 20 years ago. In the early 90s the area was vastly overgrown. The last time we organised a burn was 1992, and that resulted in a magnificent revival of fynbos plants and flowers.” He adds that at least a 4-5 hectare island of fynbos in
Candlewood is particularly rich in biodiversity. SANParks environmental planner for Garden Route National Park Maretha Alant says the success can be attributed to a partnership with the local Fire Protection As-
LET IT BURN: The Candlewood area will have been fried into new life during this month’s control burn
sociation, Knysna Fire Brigade, the Working on Fire teams and land owners, all of whom met in Candlewood to start the fire. Of the world’s six floral kingdoms, fynbos is the smallest yet richest per unit of area. A major threat to fynbos in the Southern Cape Region remains the spread of invasive alien species, such as wattle and acacia. While scientific debates on ‘to burn or not to burn’ continue, Knysna locals are thrilled about Candlewood’s successful revitalisation and anticipate seeing a full show of colour here next spring. Call Maretha Alant on 044 302 5600 for more info.
assaulting and raping her. He was allegedly caught red-handed by the acting principal of the school who alerted authorities, which led to his arrest on August 23. The accused denies the incident and claims he only touched her hip while trying to pull himself up from under a table where he was busy picking up documents that
had fallen out of one of the copiers’ trays. The former Wittedrift High School teacher was arrested on December 15. According to police, he had shown his young granddaughter pornography and told her to touch his private parts in August 2012. The accused is no longer teaching at the school.
Fire AGM THE Plett South Fire Management Unit of the South Cape Fire Protection Association is holding its AGM on April 23 at 6pm at Tharfield Estate (F36 Harkerville - west of Kwano off the N2). The constitution can be downloaded at www.sc pa.co.za and all landowners are invited to attend. Email fpaplettsouth@ vodamail.co.za or phone 083 460 7802 for info.
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News & Views
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How great it was to feast on Easter eggs over Maths! Words & photo: Peter Bishop
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N the last Thursday of March, Jim Jamer - a Canadian who spends six months a year operating Iizidima Africa (www. iizidima.com) in the Knysna townships - brought a group of eight of his mentored pupils to join in an extra lesson in Mathematics at Imizamo Yethu in George. Jim and his wife Janet have been involved - for three years - changing the lives of desperately needy township pupils on a one-to-one basis. A horde of Easter Eggs were donated by some ladies of Knysna. These acted as rewards and stimuli for the 28 matriculants and the eight guests aged from 13 to 16. The lesson was a collection of high-level questions from past papers set to identify the top 5% of matriculants, but with a bit of perceptive thinking - can be solved by pupils with common sense. This was to be seen. Also attending was Gill Dugmore, wife of York High School’s founding headmaster Ron who, aged 82, is an active retiree in Great Brak River. Gill, along with her friend Mercia Jeffrey, ‘spoke’ English to the first pupils at Imizamo Yethu back in the late 1970s. As the only Southern Cape member of the Black Sash, she was involved in resistance to the then regime. Her son, Cameron Dugmore and John Jeffrey are both heavily involved in current administration, Cameron having been the Minister of Education for the Western Cape. Penny Costly White attended. She had been active
in resistance politics at Rhodes University as a 19-yearold, and was arrested before deporting to London. Penny and Gill spoke to the assembled pupils, who were quite intrigued. One of the questions read: What is the difference between 1234567894 times 1234567893 and 1234567895 times 1234567892? Pushing a calculator’s buttons solved no problems as the memory was not large enough. It is not natural for the pupils to use algorithms. A convention method would be to let 1234567890 equal x, so that (x + 4) (x + 3) = (x + 5) (x + 2), allowing getting to the answer of 2. Jim’s wife Janet Biggar, a veterinarian, multiplied the 4 by 3 and the 5 by 2, claiming that the answer was 12 - 10 = 2. As she warmed to the round of applause, there was a bit of activity in the rear of the room. A little 14-year-old, very shy - almost nervous was showing his friend that he had written exactly the same. This was stupendous. A pupil like that does not need teachers. He has the final product - that beautiful switched-on mind that uses perception and not the memory of textbooks. Ntokozo received some BIG Easter eggs; he threw a huge toothsome smile and almost doubled his height. Jim informed that Iizidima had just obtained sponsorship for him to wattend a private school. It is fascinating to discover pupils who would ordinarily just sit in a class, but if challenged can portray that beautiful mind, that innate perception. A life has been changed.
BEAUTIFUL MIND: Ntokozo, left, and his brother Lolo with Jim in George
So whereto from here? Townships schools receive a tirade of criticism from all quarters when annual results come out, but not enough consideration is given to the fact that many pupils, if not starving, do not eat sustaining food. Classrooms are crowded with windows ajar, natural leaders ferreted off to more privileged schools. And yet there is immense pride and decency in so many of these youngsters who are beginning to take the opportunity to dream their dreams. From the point of view of
Mathematics, their final examination is pretty rigorous, where the nine questions cover separate topics at all four levels right from the start of the paper. In the private schools, the first 50% of the paper across any topic is asked at a level of simple knowledge and routine. Writing Mathematics in a township school is a challenge. Achieving 60% is meritorious indeed, but the academic world frowns thereon. Problems persist but lives can be changed - one at a time.
What was your Argus time?
Personal Rapid Transit: energy efficient and compact - Part III JOHN STEGMANN jogs his memory in this six-part account on the run-up to the first Argus Cycle Tour
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HERE was a time when I dreamed of becoming a motorcar stylist and so I enrolled at Stellenbosch University to study mechanical engineering. Once there, I played rugby and saxophone, swam for Maties, climbed mountains and toured the area by bicycle. The following year, I was fortunate to be accepted at Tukkies to study architecture. Architectural students are given a series of building design assignments. Our fourth-year class was the first to be asked to design buildings for parking cars. In half a century, Pretoria’s population had more than tripled. Streets that had a narrow two-lane paved strip in the middle for cars and wide sidewalks with Jacaranda
ENCAPSULATE IT: An underground system for miniature two-seater capsules with a plethora of small stations was my answer to quell the ever-growing demand for cars Sketch: John Stegmann
trees, now trimmed their sidewalks and even surrendered trees to accommodate parking and to add more lanes for cars. Streets were no longer safe for pedestrians and the city was expanding into the countryside. Motorists, irritated by shadows cast by eucalypts on the road to Johannesburg, had them removed.
Whereas, historically, cities catered for people, they were now being designed for cars. I therefore chose not to submit a scheme for parking cars, arguing that it would encourage more people to buy cars. What was needed was an underground, such as those in other large cities; although not for trains with infrequent
stations, but for miniature two-seater capsules with a plethora of small stations. I scored a rebuke and 13%, awarded for car-parking data. The shock set me thinking about alternative transportation. Two decades later, I had the fundamentals of Capsi (Capsule-taxi) that I kept it under wraps for two more decades, until persuaded in 2003 to publish it in a UK traffic planning journal. Capsi was the first, and may still be the only, African example of alternative transport - visit Prof Jerry Schneider’s website at http:// faculty.washington.edu/jbs/ itrans for more information. To be continued... (Read how these 1960 concepts influenced the first Argus Cycle Tour.) 4236"´"Lqjp"Uvgiocpp
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One, two, three and you’ll know it’s time to sell W
ITH the real estate market looking up, now might seem like a good time to sell your home - but don’t plant that For Sale sign ‘till you’re 100% prepared to commit to the process. “And the best way to check whether you’re ready,” says Chas Everitt International property group MD Berry Everitt, “is firstly to assess whether you are able to detach and view your home as a commodity or product that needs to be sold, so you
can move on with the next stage of your life. “People who are still emotionally attached often aren’t really sure that they want to sell and in our experience will even sabotage the idea by failing to spruce up their homes or make the repairs that may be necessary to achieve a speedy sale at the best possible price. “They probably won’t listen to their agent regarding pricing either, and will be reluctant to invest any time or
energy to get the deal done.” Secondly, he says, serious sellers tend to have a game plan - or at least a very good idea of where their next home will be, what they want it to look like, and how much they intend to spend on it. “They usually have a reason to want to move - like a new
job, a desire to live close to a particular school, or a plan to downsize and save for retirement - and that is always a motivating factor to get their current home sold.” Thirdly, says Everitt, you will know you’re ready to sell when you are already checking out listings on real
estate websites and either starting to visit show houses in your preferred area, or initiating contact with local agents to let them know what you are looking for. “And if you have finished preparing all your financial documentation, have consulted a mortgage originator
and have been granted preapproval for your next home loan, you’re more than ready and your home should sell really soon.” Xkukv"yyy0ejcugxgtkvv0eq0|c" cpf"ugg"vjg"cfxgtvu"qp" rcigu"5"cpf"6"hqt"ewttgpv" nkuvkpiu"cpf"vjg"N{ppyqqf" Guvcvg"fgxgnqrogpv0
Don’t count your bunnies before they hatch...
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ASTER is usually time for celebration, but most people don’t plan for Easter like they do for the summer festive season, making it easy to blow monthly budgets on unexpected expenses. Says Eunice Sibiya, head of Consumer Education at FNB:
Investor Focus
“We put much planning into the festive season, budgeting for gifts, holiday costs, big lunches, family outings and more during December. People forget that Easter can put a similar dent in their budgets, so remember to set limits like you do for December.”
The most common Easter expense is the splurge on those delectable eggs. “Try shopping in advance, as there is a tendency to obliterate your budget when buying at the last minute in a panic,” Sibiya cautions. “Like in December, there
are impromptu get-togethers and, before you know it, you have 20 people for Easter Sunday lunch. Don’t let it sneak up on you. Work out a menu with family members and have each person prepare a dish. It’s sure to save you time and money.”
Malcolm Stewart – Investment manager at Michaelides Parker Wealth Knysna & Plett
Retired investing or ‘deaccumulation’ - Part I
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UCH research and attention is focused on planning for your retirement - how much should be saved each month, for how long one should save, and how it should be invested. Most of this advice concerns investments in unit trusts in a Retirement Annuity. Unit trusts compete mostly on performance, which is usually measured by adding their capital growth and their distributions together to reach a performance figure. The result is held as benchmark and compared to their competitors. There is then a great focus on their fees, which hover around 1.4%. However, if there is a performance fee, some can charge as much as
3.4% - they take 20% of your profit that is generated above the benchmark threshold. All of the above bode well for investors, as the process is becoming more transparent, cheaper and, hopefully, more tax-efficient. The focus here is on the years during which we accumulate retirement wealth, but how about when we actually retire? Grinrod Asset Management recently called it the “deaccumulation” phase of our retirement funding cycle. This can be a scary period – we simply have to hope that our retirement funding outlasts our lifespan! Can you imagine, hoping to die before the money runs out? Quite a frightening scenario... However, if you adhere to
several basic principles, that panic could be averted. Firstly, the income generated by our funds should provide a sustainable income stream that grows, at the very least, with the inflation rate. But retired inflation is certainly not the ±6% that pertains to SA as a whole. The costs faced by retirees are for services - i.e. electricity, water, sewerage, etc. - health care, transport/ petrol and food. No, we are not supposed to buy clothes, furniture, or gifts for grandchildren! I would guess that retired inflation sits at no less than 10%. The second principal is to try living off the rtqeggfu of your capital and not eroding the capital base responsible
for generating the income. To this end, you will need a reasonable capital base; how big will depend on your lifestyle. Only a few investment vehicles provide for a sustainable and growing income stream, namely shares in sound and well-established companies, property unit trusts that allow you to participate in rising rental collections, and inflation-linked bonds. How these can be put together, and in which vehicles, will be the subject of next week’s Investor Focus. 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
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Power outages may badly impact your household insurance T
HE writing is certainly on the wall as South Africa gears itself for potential load shedding during the approaching winter months. While this has many implications, one of the most concerning is the fact that power outages compromise safety and security. In an extended outage, the battery back-up on security equipment such as electric fences, alarm systems, security cameras and outdoor motion passives may well run out before power is restored. Should you experience a burglary or robbery during this time, you could find yourself holding the short end of the stick if your insurance coverage terms don’t specifically provide for circumstances that are beyond your control. According to Mandy Barrett of insurance brokerage and risk advisors Aon South Africa, recent media reports
have suggested that consumers may find their claims rejected by insurers if their alarms are not functional and they experience a burglary during a power outage. “This may well be the case on some insurance programmes, especially where the policyholder has not interrogated the implications of the terms and conditions of their cover. “And this is where the true value of having the right broker in your corner comes to bear. A professional broker can add tremendous value in the advice process and guide you towards a thorough understanding of the terms and conditions of your cover, making sure that you are not compromised or prejudiced by unreasonable limitations. “A broker should always point out terms in a policy that applies onerous or unreasonable limitations. Unfortunately though, most people only discover the pitfalls of the D-I-Y approach to insurance at claims stage, when
it’s too late,” says Barrett. As part of your preparations for a potential power crisis this winter, it’s essential to check with your insurer exactly what your policy covers you for should you have a claim as a result of a power failure. “Granted, insurers will provide specific conditions to their cover when it comes to security measures for your home or property, and more specifically regarding the alarm system. For example, the alarm will need to be in full working order and in many instances, linked to an armed response company,” she explains. “Your policy may very well specify that if your home is left unattended, the alarm has to be armed. “Under normal circumstances, if these conditions are not adhered to and a burglary takes place, the client may be subjected to additional compulsory excess payments, claim rejection or the settlement being dramati-
cally reduced. “But the key term here is ‘normal circumstances’. This condition should not be applicable if the alarm malfunctions due to a defect unknown or beyond the control of the insured, such as an extended power outage. A good broker will be looking out for you in such circumstances.” Giving advice incorporates the exercise of judgement and interpretation for a client’s unique circumstances. It is independent of product or provider influence, unlike direct models where policy covers are commoditised and often do not provide the flexibility needed to cater for the client’s unique risk profile. “The broker’s role is to examine your circumstances in detail and to impartially recommend covers that will meet your specific needs. Choice, simplicity of wording and customisation will ensure that your assets are covered correctly and that you are not prejudiced for something you have no control over. “Good advice is always a great investment,” concludes Barrett.
Knysna Tourism now ready to appoint new CEO
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N a special session held on April 8, the Knysna Tourism Board announced that it will now initiate the formal process of appointing a new CEO. The announcement means the interim period that started when the previous CEO departed in mid-2013, will soon come to a close. Over this time, Greg Vogt was appointed by the Board to manage the transitional process to transform the entity and have a focused mandate for the future of Knysna Tourism and to temporarily oversee operations. The new brand positioning of Knysna Tourism, Naturally Knysna, and strategy document detailing the future of the entity was approved by both the Board and Council and the brand icon was officially launched in December 2013. It is intended to communicate the stunning beauty of
the region that has become so iconic for visitors over the years. Board member Nan Raturat noted that the process to date resulted in positive growth of public perception of the entity. “After a comprehensive process of market research, public participation, road shows, and a competitive pitching process by specialist agencies, we have put into motion a brand strategy for Knysna that can compete with any destination on a global scale.” Board member and Knysna deputy mayor Esmé Edge is also pleased with the progress achieved. “We all have a special place in our hearts for this beautiful place we call home – and especially for the superb lifestyle that Knysna offers, surrounded by the beauty of nature. “But now more than ever Knysna must compete for its
position on the world map of ‘must see’ destinations.” Knysna Tourism marketing manager Johan van Schalkwyk concurs: “The fact that Knysna was just recognised by the 2014 Trip Advisor Traveller’s Choice Awards as runner up in the Most Desirable Destination in SA category only emphasises Esmé’s point.” Municipal manager Lauren Waring, who also serves on the Board, agrees. “With due diligence followed, we can now confidently apply our efforts to the new CEO appointment process. We will focus on communicating and implementing the strategy that will differentiate Knysna for the long term.” Office manager Glendyrr Fick adds: “With new systems now in place, my entire team is committed to continuing this journey with even more energy. This is a great
time for Knysna.” All interested parties are invited to take note that the official application will be advertised within days. Mp{upc" Vqwtkuo" ku" vjg" qh/ hkekcn" tgikqpcn" qticpkucvkqp" tgurqpukdng" hqt" fguvkpcvkqp" octmgvkpi." xkukvqt" cpf" kp/ fwuvt{" ugtxkegu" hqt" Mp{upc." Ugfighkgnf" cpf" uwttqwpfu0" Ecnn" vjg" Xkukvqt" Kphqtocvkqp" Egpvtg" qp" 266" 5:4" 7732" hqt" oqtg"fgvcknu0
Dealing with business stress
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USINESS and community leaders are invited to attend a group session with Mignonne Wiener, principal communication advisor of Positive Approach (www. positiveapproach.co.za) to learn of practical ways and mental disciplines to overcome negative tendencies that cause stress, anxiety and fear, on Wednesday April 23 from 10:30am to 12 noon) at Knysna Pezula Conrad Hotel. Booking is essential - SMS your details to mignonne@telkomsa.net or call 081 270 9889 for more information.
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“Love is the feeling you get when you like something as much as your motorcycle.” - Hunter S Thompson
Ooops! Did I say that? • ›Vjg" Dqod" yknn" pgxgt" iq" qhh=" K" urgcm" cu" cp" gzrgtv" kp" gzrnqukxgu0fi - Admiral William Leahy, US Atomic Bomb Project • ›Vjgtg" ku" pq" nkmgnkjqqf" ocp"ecp"gxgt"vcr"vjg"rqygt" qh"vjg"cvqo0fi - Robert Millikan, Nobel Prize in Physics, 1923 • ›Eqorwvgtu" kp" vjg" hwvwtg" oc{"ygkij"pq"oqtg"vjcp"307" vqpu0fi - Popular Mechanics, forecasting the relentless march of science, 1949 • ›K" vjkpm" vjgtg" ku" c" yqtnf" octmgv" hqt" oc{dg" hkxg" eqo/ rwvgtu0fi - Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, 1943" • ›K" jcxg" vtcxgnngf" vjg" ngpivj" cpf" dtgcfvj" qh" vjku" eqwpvt{" cpf" vcnmgf" ykvj" vjg" dguv"rgqrng."cpf"K"ecp"cuuwtg" {qw" vjcv" fcvc" rtqeguukpi" ku" c" hcf" vjcv" yqp‚v" ncuv" qwv" vjg" {gct0fi - Editor of business books for Prentice Hall, 1957 • ›Dwv"yjcv"ku"kv"iqqf"hqtAfi" - Engineer at the Advanced Computing Systems Division of IBM, 1968, commenting on the microchip • ›862M"qwijv"vq"dg"gpqwij" hqt" cp{dqf{0fi - Bill Gates, 1981 • ›Vjku" flvgngrjqpg‚" jcu" vqq" ocp{" ujqtveqokpiu" vq" dg" ugtkqwun{" eqpukfgtgf" cu" c" ogcpu" qh" eqoowpkecvkqp0" Vjg"fgxkeg"ku"kpjgtgpvn{"qh"pq" xcnwg" vq" wu0fi - Western Union internal memo, 1876 • ›Vjg" yktgnguu" owuke" dqz" jcu" pq" kocikpcdng" eqoogt/ ekcn" xcnwg0" Yjq" yqwnf" rc{" hqt"c"oguucig"ugpv"vq"pqdqf{" kp"rctvkewnctAfi - David Sarnoff’s associates in response to his urgings for investment in the radio in the 1920s • ›K‚o" lwuv" incf" kv‚nn" dg" Enctm"Icdng"yjq‚u"hcnnkpi"qp" jku"hceg"cpf"pqv"Ict{"Eqqr/ gt0fi - Gary Cooper on his decision not to take the leading role in Gone With The Wind • “Yg"fqp‚v"nkmg"vjgkt"uqwpf." cpf" iwkvct" owuke" ku" qp" vjg" yc{"qwv0fi - Decca Recording rejecting the Beatles, 1962
• ›Jgcxkgt/vjcp/ckt" hn{kpi" ocejkpgu" ctg" korquukdng0fi Lord Kelvin, president Royal Society, 1895 • ›Kh" K" jcf" vjqwijv" cdqwv" kv." K" yqwnfp‚v" jcxg" fqpg" vjg" gzrgtkogpv0" Vjg" nkvgtcvwtg" ycu"hwnn"qh"gzcorngu"vjcv"uckf" {qw"ecp‚v"fq"vjku0fi - Spencer Silver on the work that led to the unique adhesives for 3-M ‘Post-It’ Notepads • ›Ftknn" hqt" qknA" [qw" ogcp" ftknn" kpvq" vjg" itqwpf" vq" vt{" cpf"hkpf"qknA"[qw‚tg"etc|{0fi Drillers who Edwin L Drake tried to enlist to his project to drill for oil in 1859 • ›Cktrncpgu"ctg"kpvgtguvkpi" vq{u" dwv" qh" pq" oknkvct{" xcn/ wg0fi - Marechal Ferdinand Foch, Professor of Strategy, Ecole Superieure de Guerre, France • ›Gxgt{vjkpi" vjcv" ecp" dg" kpxgpvgf"jcu"dggp"kpxgpvgf0fi" - Charles H Duell, Commissioner US Office of Patents, 1899 • ›Vjg" uwrgt" eqorwvgt" ku" vgejpqnqikecnn{" korquukdng0" Kv"yqwnf"vcmg"cnn"qh"vjg"ycvgt" vjcv"hnqyu"qxgt"Pkcictc"Hcnnu" vq"eqqn"vjg"jgcv"igpgtcvgf"d{" vjg"pwodgt"qh"xcewwo"vwdgu" tgswktgf0fi - Professor of Electrical Engineering, New York University • ›K" fqp‚v" mpqy" yjcv" wug" cp{qpg" eqwnf" hkpf" hqt" c" oc/ ejkpg" vjcv" yqwnf" ocmg" eqr/ kgu"qh"fqewogpvu0"Kv"egtvckpn{" eqwnfp‚v" dg" c" hgcukdng" dwuk/ pguu" d{" kvugnh0fi - The head of IBM, refusing to back the idea, forcing the inventor to found Xerox • ›Vjg"cdfqogp."vjg"ejguv." cpf"vjg"dtckp"yknn"hqtgxgt"dg" ujwv"htqo"vjg"kpvtwukqp"qh"vjg" ykug"cpf"jwocpg"uwtigqp0fi Sir John Eric Ericksen, British surgeon appointed Surgeon-Extraordinary to Queen Victoria, 1873 • ›Vjgtg"ku"pq"tgcuqp"cp{/ qpg" yqwnf" ycpv" c" eqorwvgt" kp"vjgkt"jqog0fi - Ken Olson, founder of Digital Equipment Corp, 1977
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Social Scene
16 April 2014
People, places & events
MUSIC WILL MAKE MORE KIDS SWIM: All children should be able to swim, but some don’t have the opportunity to learn and this is where Adopt a Swimmer comes in, giving Plett people the chance to sponsor instructions for kids who wouldn’t normally be able to attend swimming lessons. Coach Louise Auersperg - pictured here with Kamver, Pienaar, Justin and Dylan from the New Beginnings house of safety - and fellow instructor Gareth Menton give generously of their time to coach these children. Says Jane Donald, who shared this pic: ‘In particular, I am so grateful to these coaches for teaching five children from New Beginnings. From not being able to put their faces in the water to being comfortable and even swimming a few strokes in just a few months is just amazing. As we all know, water is therapeutic and is particularly helpful for these children who come from traumatised backgrounds. We also thank the ladies who help transport the kids - Tina van Reenen, Nikki McDevitt, and Shirley Hornby - and the Plett Nippers who have donated second skins and costumes. To raise much-needed funds we are presenting a music evening at The Grand on Friday May 30. Local musicians will entertain you and snacks are included, to this will be an event not to miss - watch this space for more details!’ For info or tickets, please phone Jane on 072 385 4610 or Louise on 082 452 2248.
WITS TRIO DELIGHTS SEDGIES: Thoroughly enjoying the third Knysna Plett Concert Series show of the year on April 9 - when the Wits Trio of Zanta Hofmeyer on violin, pianist Malcolm Nay and cellist Maciej Lacny gave a sparkling recital of works by Franz Schubert, Johannes Brahms and Antonin Dvorák - were, from left, Cathy & Peter Birkett and Dudley & Reinet Barnes, all from Sedgefield. - Timothy Twidle
SWD STARS MAY SHINE IN CHINA: Athletics SWD’s long and triple-jump ace Bradley Kiewitz, and javelin star Jo-Ané van Wyk - as she appeared on the giant screens at last year’s IAAF World Youth Champs in Donetsk, where she threw a personal best of 55.15m - were recently selected by Athletics SA for the squad that could possibly represent the country at the 2014 Youth African Games in Gaborone, Botswana, from May 22-31, and the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China, from August 16-28. Both these 17-year-old athletes are students at Outeniqua High and members of Coastline Athletics Club, all of whom have been done incredibly proud by this latest honour. Congrats and good luck! Visit www. aswd.co.za for more information.
Photo: Timothy Twidle
Social Scene
LIBRARY ENLIGHTENMENT: Greenwood Independent School would like to thank the New Horizons Library for accommodating its foundation phase pupils during a visit to the library during the Greenwood Family Reading Tree Week. The children loved reading the great variety of books, learning about book etiquette, and checking out all the library facilities. In the pic above right, Grade 1 student Keaton Bass ‘paws’ over a roaring lion and at right, Hlumile Sodawe (Gr 2) and Asiphile Maketa (Gr 3) epitomise the joy of reading. Also see the advert on page 10.
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CXPRESS KNYSNA ART SHOWCASE: At the opening of an exhibition of oil paintings and pastel drawings by Jan Meyer and Lindsay Page at The Knysna Art Gallery on the evening of April 9 are, from left, Jan, Knysna Art Gallery curator Brigitte Read, Lindsay & Anthony Page, who opened the exhibition.
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Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za
Entertainment
16 April 2014
The musical bliss of all that jazz Multi-talented Plettenberg Bay muso MARTIN WOLFAARDT waxes lyrical about his recent participation in a Mother City musical phenomenon
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HE Cape Town International Jazz Festival, quite aptly billed as “Africa’s grandest gathering”, celebrated its 15th year last month. And it did so in style. As a musician with undiagnosed jazz obsessive compulsive disorder, I’ve struggled over the years to fully accept the breadth of programming of the event. I have finally started to breathe deeply and acquiesce. While I still question the relevance of Level 42 as jazz ensemble, for example, I have to admit that not only does the diverse selection of 20 local and 20 international acts from across jazz-inflected genres draw the audience required to sustain a festival of this magnitude, but also that even the most accomplished so-called “jazz” musicians on the bill are increasingly rebelling against the strictures that the name implies. CTIJF 2014 was an excellent case in point. I sat transfixed as Chris Dave and the Drumhedz shredded genres with their extraordinary rhythmical dexterity – layering bebop jazz melodies at supersonic tempos over deep backbeats before tearing
loose from form and exploring the freedom that virtuosity, contextual awareness and a dangerous sense of adventure bring. The vocal beauty and dense harmonic textures of Australian band Hiatus Kaiyote had me genre-guessing until I realised the futility of analysis and gave myself over to the sinuous trail that they blazed across the parched Outback slipping in and out of dreamtime along the way. Snarky Puppy channelled the irreverent spirit of Frank Zappa without shying away from R&B and Soul sensibilities. My inner jazz purist nerd was also given ample indulgence, particularly on the second night of the two-night event when the “serious jazz” stage, Rosies, was graced by four luminaries of the form. It was a proud night to be South African. Extraordinary young Capetonian pianists Kyle Shepherd and Bokani Dyer were first up with a rare two-piano recital. Both pianists are accomplished and fascinating composers extrapolating their South African influences into modern and postmodern contexts.
At liberty to explore Plett’s creative minds
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N Sunday April 27, you’ll have the unique opportunity of observing abstract and figurative art, ink drawings and paintings, whimsical ceramics, and conceptual sculpture in their natural habitat. Visitors are invited to enjoy a variety of diverse art media when seven Plett artists will open their private studios for a day - and that on the occasion of South Africa celebrating Freedom Day, two decades since the first democratic elections in 1994. The studios are located all the way from Harkerville to The Crags, so just follow the map and spend a few delightful hours driving from studio to studio. Participating artists are Carol & Charles Levin, Ruby Ovenstone, Donné Rundle, David Kantey, Robbie Leggat, and Muffin BalajadiaBekker - all of whom will be on hand to answer questions regarding their work, which
will be on sale at a discounted rate compared to gallery prices. Robbie Leggat will also give a live demonstration of a bronze pouring at his foundry in Harkerville at 11am. This is a unique opportunity no art aficionado would want to miss, as there are few bronze foundries in the country. A portion of proceeds of all art sales, as well as all proceeds of ticket sales, will benefit the Kids of Kurland Project. This will help paying for additional teachers, a social worker, and a special needs teacher at The Crags Primary School. Tickets and maps are available at only R50 from Mungo Design at Old Nick Village (just past the Plett Engen N2 entrance) and The Shop (next to The Table in Plett Main Street). For further information, please contact Ann Fermor on 082 452 8764.
They also boast highly distinctive pianistic styles the meeting of which was a place of magical artistic confluence. Marcus Wyatt’s Blue Note Tribute Orchestra was a simultaneous education (the Blue Notes probably being South Africa’s most important and least known musical export) and an absolute, unrestrained joy. The finale was left to a true jazz master and probably the greatest living alto saxo-
phonist, Kenny Garret who, with his quintet, blasted into the city night like a South Easter to end South Easters and blew the bliss out of his horn into the hearts of men. It is a rare and wonderful thing to experience artists expressing themselves authentically despite the economic realities of a changing global musical marketplace. Even if you don’t like “jazz” take a tip from me - don’t miss out in 2015 just because of a four-letter word.
Sedgefield’s artful Team Collins exhibits over Easter
SOUL OF AFRICA: A Sheila Cooper Collins painting entitled ‘Baobab’, and her moulded paper head of a Himba woman
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S part of Sedgefield’s Slow Festival, Sheila Cooper Collins and her daughter, Jean Collins, will be exhibiting their art at Sheila’s home on The Island for a week, starting on Easter Saturday. The exhibition promises to show a great variety of work, Jean being an artist and photographer, while Sheila works in several mediums. Best known for her handmade paper, Sheila will also showcase etched and painted work on aluminium. If you have not seen the unique life-sized elephant footprints she embosses into handmade paper with elephant dung, this is your chance! On exhibit will be a portrait of Nelson Mandela in an embossed elephant footprint, bringing together the largest imprint made on the soil, with that made on the soul of Africa. Readers are invited to en-
joy the exhibition and relax under the trees in the tea garden, opening hours being from April 19-26 from 10am to 4:30pm daily at 33 Andries Pretorius Street (cnr Paul Kruger), The Island. During the Fest, artists and crafters with a variety of disciplines will exhibit their work in Sedgefield Town Hall from Friday April 18 to Monday the 21st (9am - 5pm). Call 044 343 1828 for more details.
Holiday Activities
16 April 2014
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Biggest Edibles Fishing Competition
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LETT Ski-Boat Club is hosting its annual Easter ‘Biggest Edibles’ fishing competition on April 19. A skippers briefing takes place at the club at 6pm on Friday the 18th - full rules will be explained to all anglers and entry fees collected.
Non-members are welcome to enter and if you do not have a boat but would like to compete, come along to the brief to see how you might be accommodated. The format for the day is lines in at 6am, lines up at 3pm and weigh-in will be at
4pm, followed by prizegiving at 5pm and then a social braai at the club, please ask your family to join. Call Barry Woods on 083 310 2122 or Etienne van Rensburg on 083 384 7469, and see the advert below for further information.
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Home & Health
16 April 2014
Verbena - this magic’s not just for druids
BRILLIANT BOUGH: The verbena plant loves direct sunlight daily and is believed to boost creativity
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F ever there was a list of sacred plants, verbena would be close to the top. Translated directly from Latin, verbena means ‘sacred bough’ and throughout history it was thought to inspire creativity and be a cure-all. Some even believed it could aid in settling disputes. Such was their veneration for the plant that druids used to offer a sacrifice to the soil before harvesting it. Pick a really sunny position, one that gets at least eight hours of direct sunlight every day, and make sure the soil drains well and your disease prevention with this lovely garden plant will be all sorted. Start your seedlings off with a little extra care with a well composted bed and regular watering while they are establishing themselves. When they’re about 15cm tall, you can
fertilise them, once off, with a balanced slow release fertiliser. Now it’s time to give a lot less and expect a lot more. Only water your plants when the soil has dried out to at least one centimetre deep. The giving part of looking after Verbenas is in deadheading their spent blooms. They work well in hanging baskets, pots, rockeries or garden beds, so why not pick some up in your favourite colour next time you pop into your local garden centre? With shades ranging from mauve, purple and pink to apricot, red and even some bi-coloured ones, there is something magical waiting to fill that spot in your garden. Uwrrnkgf"d{"vjg" Dgffkpi"Rncpv"Itqygtu" Cuuqekcvkqp"⁄"xkukv"yyy0 nkhgkucictfgp0eq0|c"hqt" oqtg"kphqtocvkqp0
The rise and rise of Green ‘n Fresh Carmen Clews of The Crags sent the photo below and wrote: ‘I feel fortunate to know a very special couple, Cingisisa (née Ngemntu) and Phumzile Sonjani, who live in New Horizons and are extremely inspiring and giving within their community. They have opened their own laundry business in Plett’s Piesang Valley, which could do really well with the support of local residents and visitors. Their story is one of bravery, leadership, entrepreneurship and community support.’ When chatting to Cingi, she told us that Green ‘n Fresh Laundry’s unique approach is ‘a passion for the end result, along with hygiene and wellness and zero complications’. The couple is most aware of the fact that linen and clothing hold sentimental value to their clients. ‘The laundry business plays a vital role in restoring the original value when a job is done well,’ says Cingi. ‘This satisfies and honours the customer. On top of that our prices are reasonable, and when entering Green ‘n Fresh Laundry, you will feel revitalised.’ Apart from a commitment to service excellence, the couple maintains community support by contributing towards the fight against HIV/Aids, TB and unemployment. So pop in at Green ‘n Fresh in the Thunderstruck building (cnr Piesang Valley & Robberg Road) for a reliable, affordable laundry that serves individuals and businesses, or call Phumzile on 073 263 3451, Cingi on 073 335 2380, or email cingingemntu@gmail.com for more information.
Don’t miss out on early cancer detection tests
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VERY year, 12-million people worldwide hear these words with a sense of doom: “You have cancer.” Screening and early diagnosis allow more effective treatment and, as part of the fight against the disease, colorectal cancer screening - the testing for occult (concealed) blood in stool - is taking place in Plettenberg Bay during April. With the collaboration of Ampath and Pathcare, a special offer for occult blood testing is available and you can’t afford to ignore this opportunity to ascertain the
state of your health. Empty testing bottles can be collected at Pathcare in Plettenberg Bay (in the building next to Medi-clinic). Stool should be placed in the bottle, accompanied by the completed prescribed form and payment of R80, and returned to Pathcare, where specimens will be collected by the laboratory for testing. Results are handled with confidentiality, so do not lose out on this opportunity for early detection. Contact Cansa George on 044 874 4824 for additional information.
Food & Wine
16 April 2014
PeeBee’s Wine Column
Words & Photos: Peter Bishop
The Swartland Revolution – Final And then we have Hermanus and Pinot Noir… PINOT PIONEERS: Kevin Grant, left, and Anthony Hamilton Russell, right, initially introduced the new Dijon clones to SA Pinot producers, offering tastings of local and international varieties
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started this run of articles so as to look at the factors that have neutralised the once King, Cabernet Sauvignon, in Stellenbosch. Threatening its primacy and moving it away from the great quality that it portrayed in 1973, 1974, 1982, and 1984 was the fact that it became a part blender - not just in the successful Cape Bordeaux blends, but also in the traditional Cape Shiraz Cabernet blends, and ultimately the Pinotage-based Cape Blend. While Swartland has grabbed the Rhone image, Hemel-en-Aarde now swings the flag of Burgundy’s Pinot Noir. Earlier in the year I went to Hermanus for the maiden Pinot Noir Celebration. I renewed memory of a number of Pinot Noir symposiums hosted at Hamilton Russell, where Kevin Grant and Anthony HR initially introduced the new Dijon clones to SA Pinot producers, offering tastings of local and of Australian, New Zealand, Oregon and Burgundy at a time when all Cape Pinot Noir was the old BK5 clone. The 1995 HRV had a mix of the old BK5 and the new. In 1996 the Ashbourne Pinot Noir (5 stars) appeared - all new clone. Anthony had been dreaming of vinifying the different sites. But that fell away and now HRV is absolutely ONE. One Pinot Noir that reflects the whole farm. Other guys like Crystallum and Newton Johnson have employed that idea of site specific - and are
succeeding. One year the emphasis was on the features of each of the new clones, another on the ideal oak regime, and Kevin Grant’s last one was on permitting higher alcohols as the price to pay for getting physiological ripeness of the skins. The 2014 event tried to show the likenesses and the neat distinctions between the three regions of Hemel-enAarde, and still battled with the higher alcohol option. It was only when I saw Andrew Gunn of Iona at the event that I realised the significance of the weekend. No, Andrew hails pqv of Hemel-en-Aarde, so is not entitled to hold the flag. Neither is Chamonix, nor is that great man Jan Boland Coetzee whose blood is so Burgundian, nor is the best Pinot I had last year - the Dallacia. Nor is Anthony’s friend, Achim von Arnim. Nor is Shannon, who until recently supplied grapes that were used by Hemel-en-Aarde’s producers. Hemel-en-Aarde decided to fly the flag, just as Calitzdorp in 1993 grabbed the Port flag, and the Swartland has grabbed the Shiraz Grenache flag. Yet there are some H-en-A producers who make styles of the Rhone, of Italy, of Bordeaux - Rhone and Pinot Noir on the same farm! As my late brother would have said: “Knock it off, you can’t be serious!” Each of the regions Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, and the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge - presented its 2012
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CXPRESS Pinot Noir would be released. His farm Ataraxia is at the highest point in the Ridge. “It is not ready yet,” was the only clue. Dr Remington Norman who wrote Vjg" Itgcv" Ykpgu" qh" Dwtiwpf{ - concluded: “Balance is so vital, of fruit and acid. Today focus is on texture, which is also vital in assessing. Acids should not end as high vegetativeness. The wines need to appeal. “Don’t emulate Burgundy. What I saw today was fascinating, promising, passion none were faulty.” One needs a clear mnemo-
nic to aid thought when assessing in Remington’s style of Structure, Texture, Midpalate, Persistence and Depth and Complexity. RggDgg"jcu"mgrv"jku"rcncvg"
Est. 1984
Pinot Noir. The Bouchard Finlayson Tête de Cuvee was silky and long with the obvious complexity, as at Hamilton Russell with their older vines. What was exciting was young Peter Allen Finlayson’s Crystallum Bona Fide - mystic, intriguing and flirtatious. Good dry finishes marked the Valley’s wines. Star of the Upper Valley is Newton Johnson founded by Dave Johnson who now enjoys his diving in Plett. Five different Pinot Noir labels, which share a main focus on the grapes of Burgundy. Gordon Newton Johnson and his wife Nadia make the wines and Bevan NJ does the admin. The Newton Johnson Windansea Pinot Noir 2012 was awarded as the Platter Red Wine of 2014. Their Family Pinot Noir is the only wine to earn five stars in Platter successively. Freshness of fruit, length of nose and clean acids mark the Upper Valley wines. The Ridge, especially Creation and Domaine des Dieux, is attracting visitors. JC Martin of Creation spoke about canopy management to fine-tune the fruit. “We are pioneers.” Obviously styles and expectations are going to vary, some to attune to market needs, some because of age of vines - call it ‘chosen style’ honesty. How lovely the Rose of Sharon MCC Brut Rose fitted in – a real discovery. Their Pinot Noir had a great tension. Kevin Grant was cornered as to when his long-awaited
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16 April 2014
Classifieds
On the Soapbox
16 April 2014
Letters to the Editor
Email: editor@cxpress.co.za - Fax: 044 533 0852 - PO Box 1449, Plett 6600
Plett property owners, beware! The Forum for Fair Governance recently had a meeting to discuss an announcement by Bitou Municipality of its planned campaign against all property owners to enforce compliance with the Land Use Planning Ordinance (LUPO) 15 of 1985, and the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act (NBR) 103 of 1977. The implication of this is that all structures on all properties will need to have
building plans and Occupation Certificates and all land will have to be zoned congruent to its current usage. Non-compliance with the Act and the Ordinance attract severe penalties and the Municipality has offered an amnesty on penalties until June 30. Although most owners would probably welcome better town planning control, there are certain issues that need to be clearly understood
What a pleasure to discover Plett’s knitting paradise!
CAUGHT IN THE ACT: Joy Sachs of wool&more loves knitting, and has created a well-stocked emporium in Plett for like-minded locals and visitors - Photo: Watty Watson
Last week, I had such a treat. We were in Plett on holiday from Sandton and I needed to do some knitting. I asked around and funnily enough, Beacon Island security supervisor Lindikaya gave me very detailed instructions on how to find wool&more. What a pleasure! The shop is bright and sunny and stocked amazingly well. I was most surprised to learn, when chatting to the friendly and enthusiastic owner Joy Sachs, that they have only been open for six months. They are as well stocked as any wool shop I have been to, and better than many (and I go into every one in each town we visit) - and their prices are fantastic. Joy even offered me a Loyalty Card which, after a certain number of purchases, gives an additional discount “for my support”. She also handed me her very informative brochure - besides the Loyalty Card, wool&more offers monthly specials, run classes (knitting for kids, crochet for beginner and intermediate
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levels, and sock-knitting classes from April 18), and boasts a wonderful community project programme. The latest of these saw Joy collecting nearly 1,300 knitted squares that are being sewn together for baby and kiddies blankets for a crèche in Kurland Village. Besides the amazing selection of yarn, they also stock needles and basic haberdashery... and the best biscotti I have ever eaten! The dark chocolate and roasted hazelnut treats are made by a woman in Knysna and only available in Plett from wool&more. Word has it that Joy serves these terrific biscotti at her Friday morning social knitting club in the shop’s Knit Pitt. This is a shop that I will visit each time we visit Plett, and I’m telling all my friends back home about it. Well done, Joy and wool&more - may the Plett locals support you with gusto and may you grow from strength to strength you so deserve it! Xgt{"jcrr{"ewuvqogt." Ucpfvqp
and addressed: • The definition of structures that require building plans is so broad that it not only includes houses and outbuildings, but also structures like swimming pools, animal pens and shelters, gate posts, water troughs and others. • The amnesty offered could be misleading as it excludes normal approval fees, rezoning fees and/or contravention levies. • The amnesty period is far too short, its June 30 deadline
impossible and unreasonable. • It is unfair to penalise current landowners for a situation that arose following many years of zero enforcement and/ or non-compliance by the municipality or previous owners, or simply because the seller of the property never passed the plans on to the purchaser. In other circumstances, no plans were legally required when the structures were built or sold. • The law must be applied in an equitable manner across all areas and all sections of
If you care for Knysna kids, drop it in the red bin We are Michael, 8, and Gabriel Coleman, 7, from Oakhill School. We moved to Knysna in 2009 and since our arrival, have been trying to give the disabled and poorer people some of the things we enjoy every day. We have helped them to enjoy Christmas by arranging parties and gifts for their children. We’ve also organised many contributions of food, clothing and toys. All this has been possible because of the kindness and love of many people in Knysna. Last week, our school friend, Arin, and his mom, Di Taylor, helped Shimeen Kapank from APD by giving her a wheelchair. She was having a hard time with a broken wheelchair that was so small she could only fit on the edge. It was very painful and she could not use it. Now she is so happy and thankful to Di and Arin for their kindness. Once again, we have seen a need and want to help by asking that readers do not
walk past our special red bins without dropping something in it for Knysna’s disabled children. These bins are placed at Oakhill School, participating supermarkets and some other spots, and are clearly marked ‘APD’. Give anything that you think will help - most needed are wet-wipes, soft foods like Purity, nappies, Vaseline, and powder. Any donation will help, because the mommies cannot work to earn money to buy basics, as they spend all their time looking after the children. We are also asking companies to help by letting us put the red bins at your shops, or in any other way that will make a difference. Thanks, Dad, for helping us write our letter and thanks, Mom, for taking us to talk to all the people. We will make a website soon but for now, you can email us at knysnacares@gmail.com our very own email address! Okmg{"("Icdk." Mp{upc"Ectgu
True service to Knysna public
Dear CXPRESS, I was delighted to spot the SANParks EPWP (Expanded Public Works Programme) team tumble out of a bakkie and set up for a day of serious cleaning-up of the edge of Knysna Lagoon. Each team member was armed with a pair of litter-collecting tongs, a rucksack full of black bags and a packed lunch. Project leader Katriena, pictured at right, had a good rapport with her crew and they headed off in good spirits. I, for one, am very impressed and grateful for the work they are doing. - JM (area resident), by email
the community. Apparently all Bitou residents - Plett, Kranshoek, New Horizons, Green Valley, Kurland Village and Kowie - are expected to comply, except for KwaNokuthula. It is a known fact that many houses in all areas have no approved building plans and even fewer have Occupation Certificates. • The costs to property owners could, in many cases, be crippling. Although the moratorium helps with respect to penalties, the costs of registered draftsmen or architects, engineer, sanitation, electrical, etc. will be substantial and will put an unreasonable burden on
19 property owners. • Building Inspectors are currently not even managing to do required inspections at all the building sites. It is incomprehensible how they would be able to cope with a deluge of new applications on top of their already heavy workloads. These issues should be addressed as a matter of urgency with a view to finding a practical, non-discriminatory and cost-effective solution that will contribute to uniting the different communities in Bitou. We now invite the Mayor to publicly comment on the above problems. Vjg"Hqtwo"hqt"Hckt" Iqxgtpcpeg."d{"gockn"
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CXPRESS
Sport & Adventure
16 April 2014
South Cape surf kids smoke The Pipe Words & photo: Glenn Murray
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HE Southern Cape under-16 surf team recently participated in the 22nd edition of the Billabong South African Grom Games, held from March 27-30 at The Pipe at Pollock Beach in Port Elizabeth. They competed against 120 juniors from across the country in this interprovisional bout, which is
the flagship event on the SA junior surfing calendar and considered a stepping stone for youngsters who plan taking surfing to a more serious level. Surfers that have already represented their provinces at national level may not enter the Grom Games so although the standard of surfing is paramount, the main focus of this event is development, transformation, and having lots of fun.
STOKED AFTER STYLING: At back from left are Damon Bruwer, Gilmore Smit, Paige Wheal and Taghiti Gericke, with Patience Schoeman, Aya Gericke and Meyer Koen in the middle and Femke Murray, Wian Jonck and Kristin Whittaker in front
PE weather gave us four seasons in four days, but the sea conditions remained constant and this lead to fair results by the judges. Western Province Juniors deservedly won the event for the fourth year running, with hosts EP
second followed by Central KwaZulu-Natal, Border, Boland and Southern Cape. Notable performances by our South Cape board-riders saw brilliant first and second place finishes in the girls under-16 event where Taghiti
Gericke (1st) and Paige Wheal (2nd) beat the girls from much larger provinces. For the virtue of being evergame, Patience Schoeman from George was rewarded with the prestigious Best Sportsmanship trophy.
Two days ‘till Easter Games take • 4pm: Discovery Tag Rugby Plett by storm! semis & finals
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PONSORS Discovery and organisers Nature Sport Company in cahoots with the Pennypinchers Adventure Racing Team have now done everything humanly possible in preparation for this year’s Easter Games, and all that remains is for you to rock up and participate in or spectate an awesome variety of sporting challenges offered in and around the beautiful Bay from April 18-20. Apart from registration opening an hour prior to the start of each individual event, there is also an opportunity to register for your chosen race on Thursday April 17 from 9am to 3pm at the Nature Sport Company HQ at Shop 15 in Plett’s Upper Deck Centre - check out the lineup below! Htkfc{"Crtkn"3: • 8:30am: Pennypinchers Cairnbrogie Easter Trail Run - Cairnbrogie Farm • 11am: Discovery Golf Challenge - Plettenberg Bay Country Club
• 2pm: Discovery CrossFit Plett Challenge Heats - Central Beach • 6:30pm: Pennypinchers Cairnbrogie MTB Nite Relay - Cairnbrogie Farm Ucvwtfc{"Crtkn"3; *Cnn"gxgpvu"vcmg"rnceg"qp" Egpvtcn"Dgcej+ • 7:30am: Discovery Beacon Isle Mile (open water swim) • 8am: Discovery Tag Rugby Tournament • 8:30am: Pennypinchers Easter Surfski Singles • 11am: Discovery CrossFit Plett Challenge NIGHT RIDERS: Messing around on bikes in the dark is great fun and riders will need to be tuned in with all their senses
• 4:30pm: Pennypinchers Surfski Doubles • 5pm: Discovery CrossFit Plett Challenge Finals Uwpfc{"Crtkn"42 • 8am: Discovery MTB 20km & 60km start Piesang Valley Community Hall, finish Central Beach • 10am: Discovery Sandcastle Competition - Central Beach For more info, visit www. naturesportco.com or email events@naturesportco.com and click on www.entrytick ets.co.za to enter online.