Cx359 by CXpress

27 February 2013 #359

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

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CXPRESS

ISSUE 359

News & Views

February 27 - 2013

Rugby great, lifesaving champ, father

– Alan Read remembered

In the previous edition, we reported on the passing of long-time Plettenberg Bay resident Alan Oliver Read (03.09.48 – 29.01.13) and promised an overview of some of his sporting and other achievements – the memories below were generously shared by his brother, GRAHAM READ

LAN was a great sportsman and achieved some memorable moments during his sporting life. His father, Vernon, played for EP before the war and earned the nickname ‘Wurm’ due to the manner in which he weaved his way through the opposition. For these efforts, his name appears in the EP Wall of Fame in Port Elizabeth.

Alan attended Cradock Boys ‘till Standard 5 and then went to Grey High in Port Elizabeth, where he finished his schooling in 1966. While there, he represented EP Schools at both rugby and athletics. His raw sporting talent was awesome and he became a leader in various disciplines. His high jump record of those years, doing the ‘straddle’ method, was only surpassed by some boy doing the Fosbury Flop something like 15 years later. During the SA Schools champs in Green Point in 1966, the American Scouts approached our mother about him relocating to the USA. They had already approached John van Reenen’s parents and got the nod, but mom was not keen. John went on to become a world and Olympic champ, and I often wonder what Alan would have achieved, had he gone. During that same meet, he competed against Pierre Spies’s father on the track, and later on the rugby field as well. In 1967, Alan went to the Police College in Pretoria and while still under-18, he played for their first team with the likes of Piet Uys and the boys. In 1968, he joined Murray & Stewart in PE and was sent to work on the law courts in Grahamstown, where he joined Albany Rugby Club. His talent did not go unnoticed, and in 1969 he went down to Cape Town and joined Hamilton’s Rugby Club. He started playing for Western Province in 1970 on the wing and later centre, and was part of the team until 1975. His first game was against Griquas in Kimberley, opposite Mannetjies Roux - one of his heroes! He phoned me later to say how humble he felt marking the great Mannetjies. During this time he was also chosen to tour Argentine in 1972 with the Gazelles, and later he and his friend Dugald Macdonald spent a season playing for Parma in Italy, the first South Africans to do so during the amateur years. And that with Doc Danie Craven’s blessing! He has the distinction of being the only SA rugby player to have scored two tries against the 1974 British Lions, while representing WP. Doc Craven encouraged him to later join Maties in Stellenbosch and they went on to win the Rugby Club Championships, among others. He also was chosen for the Southern University side that

played against touring sides and the like. Alan joined Clifton Lifesaving Club and went on the represent WP at various meets during those years, becoming SA champ in both the beach sprint and flags events. He was very impressive on the loose sand

IMPRESSIVE: From the top - Alan with daughter Natalie and her husband, Alastair, and their two children, Oliver and Noa; during his lifesaving years Alan became an SA champ in various events; Alan started playing rugby for WP in 1970 and was the only SA player to score two tries against the 1974 British Lions

with those powerful legs of his. On his arrival in Plett in 1976, Alan got involved with the local rugby club and went on to represent SWD as well. When the new grounds were laid out, he was part of the team that built the new clubhouse. He was asked by Doc Craven to be instrumental with the Doc’s plan of multi-racial rugby in the area, and toured with the Plett team promoting that idea He got involved with the Nippers at the Plett Lifesaving Club and his daughter, Natalie, went on to excel in the sport, as well as in athletics. (Alan’s memorial service was held on February 4 – visit www. cxpress.co.za and click on the People & Places page of issue 358 for additional information.)

News & Views

February 27 - 2013

CXPRESS

ISSUE 359

Sedgefield united in disbelief after death of Hester Salmans Words & photos: John Harvey

T can only be described as a “bald spot”, this barren square of land in Smutsville, Sedgefield that once represented so much to so many. To any onlooker, it just seems like yet another day in the ’Ville where a dude uwkrgf too much and went ocnnkgu on his xtqw. Or vice versa. Yet this is so much more than this. This is where everyone takes strength from people who are “theirs”, a place where in spite of abject poverty and drug abuse, a hero – or heroes – are born and led. Neighbours have painted a tragic picture of the Sedgefield man accused of locking his wife in their Smutsville shack and setting it alight, as a “Godfearing” man who everyone respected. They also revealed that wife Hester Salmans, 65, was “a mother and grandmother” to all in Smutsville, where she ran a soup kitchen to feed more than 70 of the township’s children each day.

And as the 61-year-old man appeared in Knysna magistrate’s court on Thursday last week after the death of Hester in the early hours of Monday February 18, a new charge of rape was added to the existing charges of murder, attempted murder and arson. It emerged that a 14-year-old girl had escaped the massive blaze by climbing through a window, but now police investigations have shown that Salmans allegedly took her into the bushes near the N2 highway near Sedgefield and raped her earlier this year. Police spokesman captain Bernadine Steyn was unable to confirm exactly on which day the alleged rape occurred. To see Smutsville residents amid the ruins is to behold hopelessness incarnate. They care not for the Oscar Pistorius thing, or all the usual banalities that make up most of our days. To them, “a mother and a grandmother” is lost, a person who glued kids together with-

out question. An ash-strewn piece of land where their shack once stood was a stark reminder of the tragedy for residents of this closeknit community, most of whom are unemployed. Margaret Jonas was still in shock over what had happened. “I don’t know how we will get over this,” she said. “I cannot believe that Hester is gone. What shocks me even more is that it was her husband who apparently did this. “They were both such good people. She ran a soup kitchen for the kids when they came back from school every day. “And he was always teaching and talking to people about God. He was a God-fearing man, someone you believed you could learn from. There was never any abuse or anything like that at that house.” Although the home of Marie ‘Mums’ Hartnick is right next door, she was only alerted to the fire when one of the people sharing her shack with her told

IN SHOCK: Neighbour Margaret Jonas said she couldn’t believe that Hester was apparently murdered by her husband, as ‘he was a Godfearing man, someone you believed you could learn from’

Conville patricide accused in custody

ELESTE Swartbooi, 24, who appeared in George magistrates’ court last week on a charge of murdering her father, will have to wait in jail until March 1 to hear if bail is to be granted, after the hearing originally scheduled for February 22 was postponed. She was arrested when the autopsy results of her father, 40-year-old Stanley Damons,

indicated that the cause of his death could be due to haemorrhage. Says S-Cape SAPS spokesperson captain Bernadine Steyn: “On January 30 at about 9pm, the deceased was taken to a hospital in George where he passed away on February 11. “An inquest docket was opened for investigation, but when the autopsy pointed

to foul play, the charge was changed to murder.” It is suspected that the deceased was dealt a blow with a blunt object by his daughter. The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are, however, still unclear and are being investigated. Swartbooi was arrested at her house in Conville on Wednesday February 20.

her about it. “We did not hear screams or anything like that. I went outside and there was this big fire burning next door. I didn’t even think anyone was inside. “We are still in shock about this. Hester was a really good, loving person.” Neighbour Gavin Lovies said the fire had been “massive”. “We all tried to pour water on it, but even when the fire department arrived they struggled to put it out. It must have taken about two hours,” he said. Ictfgp"Tqwvg"Ogfkc

NO SCREAMS: Neighbour Marie ‘Mums’ Hartnick was not aware of the blaze until alerted by fellow shack-dwellers

CXPRESS

ISSUE 359

News & Views

February 27 - 2013

Plettenberg Bay security update

TTO Olivier of the Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) circulated the below reports received from PBCPA-members Beefy Mance in Nature’s Valley and Fred Oelschigt in The Crags. “On February 23 at about 8:30pm, two foreign tourists came to Nature’s Valley restaurant to buy take-away food and also to report an incident they had experienced just past the Salt River Bridge on the R102 about 15 minutes earlier. “They said they came across a man lying in the middle of the road, and a white bakkie with its lights on parked close by. “They stopped some distance away to find out if the person had been knocked down and needed help, but as they opened their doors, four men jumped out from behind the bakkie and ran towards them. “Luckily, the tourists were quick enough to jump back into their vehicle and speed away towards Nature’s Valley. Unfortunately, they could not give any more information other than that it was a white bakkie of unknown age and make,

and that the man in the road wore a cap and white T-shirt. “This could have been a nasty incident if the couple did not realise there was trouble ahead. Be careful out there, as this kind of threat could have dire consequences for any Good Samaritan who might stop to assist an ‘accident victim’.” Then, from The Crags, the following update: “Four crooks, armed only with sticks, violently broke into the home of Janet and Stuart Holding at about 11pm on the night of February 20. Both Janet and Stuart were man-handled and tied up. “Stuart was assaulted and demands were made for money, etc. Their safe was opened and money and jewellery taken before the crooks fled with Stuart’s bakkie.” The Holdings managed to release themselves and immediately called neighbours, the police and ADT. PBCPA members were first on the scene, followed by SAPS and ADT officers, but the crooks had already fled. The bakkie was quickly recovered but by our going to press, there

was no news yet on any arrests. Another incident happened on the farm of Jack Goedhals who found, after returning from a short trip, a slaughtered cow in one of the fields. Only the prime cuts had been removed from the carcass, leaving the rest to rot in the sun. “Jack narrows the incident

down to February 6, when he removed the cattle from this particular field prior to his departure,” wrote Oelschigt. “This is a very crass statement of greed - no hunger or unemployment could justify this theft, cruelty and absolute waste.” Call 082 251 8134 to report any suspicious behaviour.

Commercial crime cops calling Knysna fraud victims

HE commercial crime unit based in George is requesting that members of the public who may have fallen victim to an estate agency in Knysna come forward. Four cases of theft have been opened since February 7 at Knysna Police Station, amounting to a total of more than

R400’000. It is alleged that the estate agency misappropriated money for the rental of houses from both lessors and lessees. Nobody has been arrested by our going to press and anyone with information is requested to contact investigating officer captain Roderick van der Westhuizen on 044 803 4517.

Water restrictions now enforced in Knysna K NYSNA Municipality appeals to users throughout its municipal area to conserve water. Municipal manager Lauren Waring said that while there was no crisis, economical use of water would prevent the situation from getting out of control. “South African summers are long and hot, and we want to ensure that we have sufficient reserves. To this end, we will be stepping up the enforcement of water restrictions, which means persons watering outside restriction periods may be fined R1’000 per incident and could even be jailed for three

TO LET - Garden Unit in Plett CBD 1 Bedroom, 1 bathroom Available immediately R1 900 water & lights incl. Ph. 044 533 1004 (o/h) to view

months,” she warned. Municipal water restrictions have been in place since November 2011, but have not been enforced strictly while water levels were acceptable. However, ongoing heat threatens the area’s main water sources - all rivers, are hence vulnerable to heat and drought. High water use during the holiday season has also drained Knysna’s only water storage facility, the Akkerkloof Dam, to below 50%. The dam holds a maximum of 880-megalitres, which is about three months’ water supply. It can only be augmented when usage is low enough for surplus water to be pumped to the facility. The Knysna reverse osmosis plant has also been activated to take the pressure off the main supply, which is part of its normal function during summer months. Water restrictions require of residents with even street numbers to water in summer from 6-7pm on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays. Residents with odd street numbers may water from 6-7pm on Tuesdays,

Thursdays and Saturdays. Waring encouraged users to pursue alternative water sources such as spikes, boreholes and rainwater tanks for the watering of flower gardens and lawns, and to reserve municipal water for household purposes. Residents can register their alternative water sources at the Technical Services office, next to the Magistrate’s Court in Knysna, or the municipal administration offices in Sedgefield. In Sedgefield, work has started on a weir in the town’s water source, the Karatara River. The weir will assist in water collection and quality, and prevent flooding. During the construction process a section of the river has to be diverted while another part is drained, which will place pressure on its supply capacity and may become vulnerable to salt water contamination. The municipality appeals to the Sedgefield community to conserve water at all costs to ensure minimum impact during the construction of the weir, which is expected to be com-

pleted by July. In Rheenendal and Buffels Bay, water is sourced from the Homtini and Goukamma Rivers, which are currently running below average. Continued heat and insufficient rains may place these rivers under severe strain. Residents in these areas are also asked to conserve water and use alternative water sources such as boreholes and rainwater tanks where possible. “It should be noted that even when it rains, the matter does not resolve itself overnight and rivers and dams take time to replenish. In fact, in a country that is considered semi-arid, water conservation should be a lifestyle rather than preventative action in times of need.” “We thank all users in advance for their cooperation. Knysna as a whole can only benefit from continued partnership between the municipality and the community it serves,” said Waring. Report illegal watering to 044 302 6551 or 044 302 6337. Water-saving tips are available at www.knysna.gov.za - click on the link at the bottom of the homepage.

News & Views

February 27 - 2013

Toll tariff hike kicks in next month

HE South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) announced last week that the tariff adjustments for conventional toll plazas will be effective as of March 7 - an annual adjustment effective on all national toll

routes in the country. The tariffs are adjusted in accordance with the preceding 12-month Consumer Price Index (CPI). “Funding for the national road network is decided in the context of all other pressing

demands on the fiscus. Given this challenge, and the fact that SA’s road infrastructure requires substantial and urgent investment, Sanral relies on the user-pay principle to maintain a high-quality road network while contributing to improved road safety and generally shorter travelling distances,” said Sanral CEO Nazir Alli.

Knysna grandma’s travel memoir tells it the hell like it is A T age 56, mother of four and granny of three Miemie Bosman took her first solo overseas trip. But she didn’t go sightseeing in Greece or beachbumming in Thailand; she walked 750km of the Camino de Santiago in Spain. And then she wrote a book about it. “I wanted my friends and family to share my experiences, but I wasn’t prepared to pass around my diary!” Miemie explained. “So I turned my diary into a little book which invites the reader to join me in stepping

out of my comfort zone. “By that, I mean that I’d never before travelled alone, I don’t usually spend eight hours of the day wearing a backpack weighing 8-10kg, I don’t sleep in bunk beds – especially when they’re filled with strange, snoring men – I don’t enjoy sharing ablutions, I don’t go 30 days wearing only three sets of clothes, and I only speak Afrikaans and English, no Spanish!” Miemie confides that she felt like a fish out of water when boarding the plane in George. WATER INTO WINE? On day seven Miemie passed this winery with two fountains, one with water and one with wine - she stopped for a sip of wine... just for the photo, of course!

“But I knew that everything was, and would be, okay. And it was! “So at the end of each day I found an cndgtiwg or inn, claimed a bed, washed my clothes, showered and sat down with my diary to record the name of the town or city, the amount of kilometres walked so far, and interesting things I had noticed along the way – or what I could remember – my feelings, emotions and thoughts. “After 30 days and 750km, I arrived in Santiago and thought ‘Now you’ve walked the Camino and never again’. But then I arrived home to a hero’s welcome, everyone asking if I’d do it again. “The answer is yes – of course, yes! It’s amazing how quickly one forgets the sore toes, blisters, angry knees... and yet, the Camino doesn’t let go easily. I often walk my route over and over in my mind and, of course, with the writing of the little book. “After my pilgrimage someone asked if I had cried a lot during the walk. ‘Not at all,’ I said, ‘just a lot of swearing’. And so the title of the book became Fkg" HMP" Ecokpq - not for the faint-hearted... but then again, it’s for everyone.”

Memories of Oscar-winning ‘Sugar Man’ Certain Garden Routers were particularly proud when ‘Searching for Sugar Man’ - which details how passionate sleuthing by South African fans revealed that 1970s singer-songwriter Rodriguez had not died but was very much alive and working in Detroit - won an Oscar for best documentary feature at Sunday’s awards ceremony. One of them is Plett muso Russell Taylor, at left in white, who was part of his band during the 1998 SA tour. Another local trio dug out old albums to find the photo at right, taken during a special evening with the singer during his 2001 SA tour. Chatting to the shades-wearing Sixto Rodriguez during a private party after his September 18 Hartenbos show are Plett locals Liesje and Jarret (in brown beanie) Hirschberg, with Marietjie Horak in blue at back. Rodriguez was not at the Oscars, as he is back in SA for another concert.

CXPRESS “This results in substantial savings on vehicle running costs, while the toll principle also allows us to preserve and provide infrastructure sooner than traditional tax-based revenues would allow for.” The toll adjustments are indicative of all conventional toll plazas in South Africa, but do not apply to the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project. The traditional four vehicle classes for conventional toll plazas and discounts are still applicable as per the normal rates. Road users in the vicinity of and frequent users of specific toll plazas are encouraged to enquire with the relevant offices regarding discounts offered. Below are the adjusted tariffs relevant to Garden Rout-

ers travelling to Port Elizabeth (N2) and Cape Town (N1): Vukvukmcooc"Rnc|c Class 1 (light vehicles) - R38 Class 2 (20-axle heavy) - R96 Class 3 (3 and 4-axle heavy) R230

ISSUE 359

Class 4 (5+ axles) - R325 Jwiwgpqv"Rnc|c"*P3+ Class 1 - R29 Class 2 - R79 Class 3 - R124 Class 4 - R201 Email pressoffice@nra.co.za for further information.

CXPRESS

Tax Matters

ISSUE 359

Business

February 27 - 2013 Sean O’Connell - M.Com (Tax), CA (SA)

Investor Focus

The current tax year ends... tomorrow!

second submission does NOT mean a second chance when it comes to tax. Your second provisional tax submission for the current tax year is due by February 28. This compulsory tax return

must be based on your total estimated income during the current tax year. Remember, the current year for individuals ends on the last day of February and the new tax year begins on March 1, every year!

The South African Revenue Services provides a Basic Amount to assist you with estimating your taxable income for the year now ending. Taxpayers may accept this amount as the estimate of their taxable income - which we strongly encourage, as this makes compliance so much easier. Taxpayers can also provide their own estimate but if this amount is less than the basic amount and not within 80% of the taxable income as finally assessed, a 20% penalty is levied on the provisional shortfall. A third provisional tax payment that is not compulsory may be made to top up any expected shortfall between the actual tax payable and 90% thereof. This avoids attracting interest on any tax shortfall that may arise but, for individuals, it only applies after seven months. Non-compliance - i.e. late submission, late payment, and underestimation - with the three simple tax rules relating to your second provisional tax return could be an expensive mistake, as it can lead to a hefty 20% penalty as well as interest being charged on late payments and underestimation of tax payable. So this is why tax compliance matters. Avoid the financial pain and worry - contact us to know where you stand. We will continue with various tax compliance articles to keep you informed and to help you avoid additional taxes, penalties and interest relating to tax. Rjqpg"Ugcp"qt"Lgtgo{"cv" Cpftgyu"Q‚Eqppgnn"hqt"oqtg" kphq"⁄"ugg"vjg"cf"qp"vjku"rcig0"

Malcolm Stewart – Portfolio Manager at Sanlam Private Investments Knysna

Investment advice – this is what you have to demand

great deal has been written about bad or dishonest advisors, with many rip-offs reported in the national press. Several of these disaster stories stem from poor or reckless investment advice, or from excessive fees charged. Good advisors, of which there are many, will carry out detailed needs analyses before dishing out advice, and will have conducted due-diligence on the investment recommended. The classic needs analysis establishes your personal profile and details of your existing investments before offering a well-supported recommendation. Working with a retired investor, the following information is required to compile your personal profile: Establishing your age is the logical starting point - clearly a 60-year-old has different needs to that of an 80-yearold, and you may well face 20 years of inflation if you retire at 60. Inflation is the single greatest threat facing new retirees, who must now live on their savings or pension. So the need for an inflation-beating investment plan should be ascertained from the outset. The next question to be asked pertains to your spouse and children. Your wife may be the younger of you two, thus extending the inflationary risk. The ages, circumstances,

and location of children are important factors as some retirees are forced to continue supporting their offspring through circumstances beyond their control. Your children may live in the UK or Australia, necessitating additional travel expenses. Remember, grannies need to see their grandchildren! Your home should be bondfree. It is a store of value that becomes your asset of last resort, should you need to enter a retirement village or require the even more costly option of frail care. Many retirees rely on the proceeds of the sale of their home in the final phase of their retirement. Medical costs will continue to escalate during your retirement, so a good medical aid is absolutely essential. A multitude of options is available and visiting a specialist is highly recommended. Your health and that of your spouse provide major input into your needs analysis. As we age, we are forced to face the problems of wear and tear, not to mention other diseases associated with old age. Your vehicle should be considered; if already 10 years old, it may need replacing in the future, or need maintenance. Tyres aren’t cheap! Personal transport is essential in Plettenberg Bay and Knysna as public transport is non-existent and supermarkets

are far from the retirement villages. Without your own wheels, you might end up living like a hermit. Then there is your budget. The best way to establish how much you are spending is by working backwards. Analyse your previous expenses on a month by month basis and scrutinise your bank/credit card statement. You will soon get a good idea of the basic costs you incur. Then consider your annual costs, i.e. bowling club fees, car licence, etc. And if your grandchildren live in Sydney, you may need to budget for granny’s visit… The foregoing is an attempt to establish what you and your advisor need to know before beginning to consider your investment needs. Some retirees may have additional personal circumstances which influence this plan. We are all different and each of us has our own needs and fears. This is the first in a series of articles on the entire financial planning process, focused on retirees in our local community. In the next edition, I will explain how you analyse your existing investments. Ocneqno"jcu"dggp"kp"vjg" kpxguvogpv"kpfwuvt{"hqt"qxgt" 62"{gctu0"Jg"jcu"ytkvvgp" vjku"eqnwop"kp"EZRTGUU" hqt"vjg"ncuv"36"{gctu"cpf"ku"c" urgekcnkuv"kp"ocpcikpi" tgvktgf"ygcnvj0

Business

Bankers’ bucks further good George causes

February 27 - 2013

CXPRESS

ISSUE 359

Buying and selling will be much more fun from Friday onwards Diarise March 1 for the launch of an exciting new website to serve Eden and the Garden Route

W Nedbank annually extends a helping hand to deserving Garden Route charities, and one of 2013’s beneficiaries is the Bolton Food for Life Foundation, famous for assisting those with a short-term need for food. The Foundation is currently feeding 300 kids at their soup kitchens, and assisting two households of six HIV/Aids orphans. In the pic, Nedbank’s Laura Theobald, centre, hands over a cheque for R16’000 to Cilla Bolton and Frank Balanco of Bolton Food for Life, on February 7. Their 2012 fundraisers further allowed the caring bankers to donate a cheque to the value of R2’000 to the Rotary Club of George.

WW.2ND-HAND.CO. ZA is the brainchild of Plett local and international IT professional Ralph Young who, during extensive international travels, has seen both the best and worst of what second-hand sites can offer. Upon his return to South Africa in 2010, Ralph recognised a need to revolutionise the free classifieds market. His vision acknowledges that Eden is grossly under-served by the big players and that existing sites ignore key ways of simplifying effortless buying and selling.

Several unique features set www.2nd-hand.co.za far apart from the rest. For starters, the team believes that all secondhand services should be offered for free. There is no need to register when buying or selling, and www.2nd-hand.co.za is also the first site of its kind to explore more than 80 websites for the stuff that you’re after – right here in Eden. Says Ralph: “In recognition of the fact that people in the area are listing on multiple sites to try and make a sale, www.2nd-

hand.co.za is able to search across 80 different websites from one convenient place. “This greatly increases your chances of finding what you are looking for in one visit, without having to trawl through all the different sites currently used.” Another key ingredient in the vision of www.2nd-hand.co.za is buying and selling by SMS. “There is still a large portion of the South African population with limited access to the internet,” explains Ralph, “but most people have a cellphone. So the team has worked really

hard to ensure that our secondhand community can be served directly by standard SMS.” It could hardly be easier! Just send a text message BUY or SELL to 43166* with details of what you are looking to buy or sell and the www.2nd-hand. co.za team will list your advert or search for your item and text you when it becomes available in Eden. Ralph concludes: “We aim to make selling and buying easier and more convenient and, ultimately, a lot more fun.” ,Uvcpfctf"pgvyqtmu"ejctigu"crrn{0

CXPRESS

ISSUE 359

Social Scene

February 27 - 2013

HAPPY MOTORING! The year 2012 was an awesome stretch of exciting Build It marketing campaigns. To end off this remarkable season, Build It partnered with Nissan SA to give away 12 Nissan NP300 Hardbodys valued at R1.8-million in a nationwide competition. Plett Build It won the vehicle for the Eastern Cape region, bringing great jubilation to lucky recipients Grant and Pat Wallis, flanked here by Simon Guassardo of Knysna Nissan, left, and Plett Build It’s Stan Coleman during the handover.

FOLLOW THE NEW BRICK ROAD! For countless years Dam-se-Bos resident Oom Hendrik Britz has been negotiating a really rough dirt road to visit his family on the other side of the ‘hood, but now this neat stretch of paving makes all the difference. Knysna mayor Georlene Wolmarans - pictured here with Oom Hendrik and Ward 3 councillor Migiel Lizwani, right - said the road was a main arterial through the community for 30 years, and that paving even a short stretch improved the quality of many lives. Photo: Desmond Scholtz

CARING MARKET SHARES: The generous folk at Plett’s Mid-week Market at Old Nick Village donated some of their last event’s takings to make up a food basket for Masizame Children’s Shelter. Says organiser, Mariella: ‘Some customers added extra to the box and in the end it was so full that Nell from the shelter had to make several trips to the car and back to get it all loaded!’ In the pic with him is Midweek Market co-organiser, Genevieve.

THROUGH GIGI’S LENS: Freelance photographer Gigi Lewis sent this delightful photo and wrote: ‘Stopping at Storms River Bridge, I took this pic of little Tyron Perils of Knysna with the six-week-old Labrador puppy he received from his parents that very Sunday morning.’

People, places & events GLOBAL TALENT IN KNYSNA: The World Orchestra played to a capacity house in Knysna on February 11. Comprising 60 young musicians from 50 countries, the orchestra boasts eight SA members. During their Garden Route sojourn they also played at Plett Primary, where an open rehearsal before their February 10 performance was attended by children from local schools. In the pic from left, conductor Josep Vicent chats to Chris Conyers and Judy Steele of Knysna Music Society. - Timothy Twidle TALENT SOUGHT AND FOUND: Lunchbox Theatre hosted its second Tshisa Talent showcase of 2013 in Qolweni on the eve of Valentine’s Day. The township was enlivened with vibrant entertainment from local open-mic artists like Siyaya, Ntuthuzelo Nqaba, Siso & Soso and Masiqine, as well as guest artists Bitou Brothers and Linda Mdena, who were drawn from last year’s Tshisa Talent finals. This inter-community showcase allows local artists to share their talent with each other and their enthusiastic audiences. Do not miss out on tonight’s (Feb 27) Wittedrift showcase at Green Valley community hall, or the next two events at The Crags community hall and Kranshoek multipurpose centre on March 6 and 13 respectively. All shows take place from 7-9pm and tickets cost R5 at the door (proceeds distributed among the evening’s artists). In the pic, Kwanokuthula hip hop ace Phumlani Lose sets the stage alight. Call Stuart 083 423 0083 for more info.

Photo: Anja Wiehl

Entertainment At the Mp{upc" W5C monthly meeting at Brenton Community Hall at 9am on Hgdtwct{" 4:, Stan Trollip - a professor of educational psychology - will address the group on the implementation of e-learning. For better or for worse, computers continue to have a profound influence on education at all levels and his talk will provide a brief history of elearning from the 1960s to the present and he will discuss how computers are changing teaching in ways many of us struggle to understand. Members pay R5 and visitors R10 to cover venue hire and refreshments. Following the success of last February’s event, the iconic Cape Town Bluegrass outfit

February 27 - 2013 Blacksmith again joins Knysna Pipe Band for the Uwpfqypgtu" Egnvke"cpf"Dnwgitcuu"Eqpegtv"at Steenbok Park, Leisure Isle, on Saturday Octej"4 from 3-7pm. Bluegrass originated in Appalachia (USA) where British, Irish and European immigrants settled in the 18th century, bringing with them traditional music from their homelands of Scotland, Ireland, England and Europe. Played on traditional instruments , the music spread and was later influenced by African-American blues and jazz. A variety of food vendors and a fully licensed bar will be open throughout the concert and afterwards. Straw-bale seating and eight-seater tables will be reserved on a first-come firstserved basis, so book early to avoid disappointment.

CXPRESS

Entertainment Diary (Limited tickets at gate - full refund in case of rain.) Tickets at R50 are available at all Sotheby’s offices, Bosuns, Knysna Arms and Whitewashed. Organisers aim to turn this concert into an annual event, so please show your support for the Knysna Sea Cadets. An informal presentation on the iqtknncu"cpf"ejkoru"qh"Gcuv" Chtkec"takes place at Peppermill Restaurant in The Crags on Saturday Octej"; at 11am. Dr Magdalena Braum of The Crags Vet Clinic will talk about her East African experiences with these amazing creatures. She worked in the forest for 10

years and has a wealth of primate knowledge to share. She also hopes to shed some light on how we can co-exist happily with baboons and monkeys in The Crags. All animal lovers are invited to hear her stories, see her photos, and hopefully gain some insight into our closest living relatives. There will also be a short talk about Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary’s arrival in The Crags in March. RSVP to Vicki at info@cragsvetclinic.co.za by March 6. For the last 17 years SA has hosted the biggest and most prestigious one-loft pigeon race in the world. Over 30 countries

enter the South African Million Dollar Pigeon Race, the +sixweek-old birds then being orientated to lofts in Sandton. Over the following months the birds are trained to attain from 50-400km. The final 560km race is held late January with prize money totalling $1-million, including five cars. On the day after the race, the first 100 pigeons are auctioned and the balance of the birds sent to pigeon clubs countrywide who have qualified for an auction. Vjg" Rngvvgpdgti" Dc{" Tcekpi" Rkigqp" Enwd is hosting a sale on Octej" ; at George Showgrounds. Viewing of the birds starts at 11am and the auction begins at 1pm. Among the 50 pigeons on the auction is a car winner. Anyone interested in joining this family-orientated

ISSUE 359

sport can call Roger Harris on 082 575 3198.

TALL TALES: ‘Oom Schalk, from the Heart’ is playing at George Arts Theatre on March 6 at 7:30pm, with Cape Town based actor David Muller sharing some of Herman Charles Bosman’s best Schalk Lourens stories - booking is essential at Computicket on 083 915 8000

CXPRESS

ISSUE 359

Let’s see your pets through YOUR eyes!

Competition

February 27 - 2013

Theme no. 7: A MOMENT TO REMEMBER... and the winners are: Start shooting NOW for the next theme - see the bottom of this page

DOG CATEGORY

CAT CATEGORY

Brandon Perkus from Plett

Over R20 000 worth of prizes to be won! Sponsored by:

What a beaut! Definitely a memory that would sit well in a frame. Says Brandon: “This is Gengz - ‘Genghis’ Iviza Golden Boy - on Robberg Beach. He is three years old today (February 15).”

OTHER CATEGORY

Mynhardt van Loggerenberg from Plett “This is a moment to remember. Driving to Knysna, Misty decided she wanted to see what’s happening on the road,” writes Mynhardt. Maybe Misty was looking out for traffic officers hiding in the forest?

BIRD CATEGORY This theme-based competition is open to all Garden Route residents. Your photographic abilities should not be a stumbling block - we will be looking at your ability to portray the personality of the animal you capture. Follow the Challenge in CXPRESS and on the CXPRESS Garden Route Newspaper Facebook Page. HOW THE CHALLENGE WORKS • The CXPRESS PICTURE YOUR PET CHALLENGE is a theme-based competition with the focus on domesticated animals. There are 10 themes and four categories (dogs, cats, birds, and other domesticated species), and a prize per theme for the winner in each category is announced in every alternate edition of CXPRESS. A grand prize winner in each category will be selected from the 10 theme winners at the end of the Challenge. • A theme (see below) is announced at the onset of each Challenge. The judges select any of these themes at random at the start of each new Challenge, and readers then have two weeks to capture and submit photos that they consider best depict the theme. • Winning entries with the judges’ observations are published in CXPRESS and on the CXPRESS Garden Route Newspaper Facebook Page. THE PRIZES • Dog Category: Theme winners - A Rogz voucher and 3kg Propac veterinary food and toys valued at R400. Grand prize - An Axiss Dog-powered Scooter valued at R3 999. • Cat Category: Theme winners - Hagen Catit Senses toy, cat accessories, and Nutrience veterinary super premium food valued at R350. Grand prize - Cat bed, scratching post, food & treats valued at R650. • Bird Category: Theme winners - Daro pet supplies voucher and Petline voucher to the combined value of R400. Grand prize - Daro bird cage suited to bird size up to the value of R1 000. • Other Domesticated Species: Theme winners - A R250 Pet Pool Warehouse voucher. Grand prize - A R500 Pet Pool Warehouse voucher. • Each winner will also receive an A3 full colour print of their winning photo, courtesy of Kodak Express. HOW TO ENTER • Submit no more than two entries per theme to editor@cxpress.co.za or post directly on the CXPRESS Garden Route Newspaper Facebook Page – a new EVENT will be created for each theme (please enter your photos on the wall of the EVENT and not on the page wall) - or deliver entries on CD at the CXPRESS office at 6 Park Lane, Plettenberg Bay. • Entries must be in Jpeg (.jpg) format and no larger than 400KB. • Provide your name, location, and contact details. THE RULES • Only Garden Route residents may enter • All photos must be taken by the person whose name is submitted with the entries • Entries will only be accepted in electronic format • Entries that have no relation to the theme whatsoever will not be considered • No late entries will be accepted • For layout purposes, CXPRESS reserves the right to crop photos published in the paper • The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. THE THEMES (which the judges select at random) • Animal smiles • The little ones • Owner/pet look-alike • In relax mode • Feeding time • All eyes • Cuddles with the family • At play • A moment to remember • Funny pics with captions

Jeannine Stopforth from George Sharing is caring as kid Kudu snuggles up to bitch Bingi – it makes for a very special moment and, it seems, opposites do attract after all! Well done again, Jeannine.

Visit the Events tab on the CXPRESS GARDEN ROUTE NEWSPAPER Facebook Page to view more entries.

ENTER NOW! THEME NO. 8: THE LITTLE ONES DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: 21 MARCH 2013 WINNER ANNOUNCED: 27 MARCH 2013

Emmy and Steff Aufschneider from Sedgefield Emmy and Steff also submitted a lovely entry of their second wedding anniversary celebrated with their dog, Sunny (a wedding present), and their two African Greys, Tako and Babbel, whom they call “our love couple”. A loving memory, indeed.

Example

CXPRESS

ISSUE 359

Let’s see your pets through YOUR eyes!

Competition

February 27 - 2013

Theme no. 7: A MOMENT TO REMEMBER... and the winners are: Start shooting NOW for the next theme - see the bottom of this page

DOG CATEGORY

CAT CATEGORY

Brandon Perkus from Plett

Over R20 000 worth of prizes to be won! Sponsored by:

What a beaut! Definitely a memory that would sit well in a frame. Says Brandon: “This is Gengz - ‘Genghis’ Iviza Golden Boy - on Robberg Beach. He is three years old today (February 15).”

OTHER CATEGORY

Visit the Events tab on the CXPRESS GARDEN ROUTE NEWSPAPER Facebook Page to view more entries.

ENTER NOW! THEME NO. 8: THE LITTLE ONES DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: 21 MARCH 2013 WINNER ANNOUNCED: 27 MARCH 2013

Example

Interval

Homo slackass-erectus finally explained!

February 27 - 2013

CXPRESS

Tesco and the horsey Within hours of the news that British multinational grocery and general merchandise retailer Tesco’s ‘all beef hamburgers’ contained 30% horse meat, these quips hit the Internet: • I’m so hungry, I could eat a horse. • Anyone want a burger from Tesco? Yay or neigh? • Not entirely sure how Tesco is going to get over this hurdle. • Had some burgers from Tesco for dinner last night. I still have a bit between my teeth. • A woman has been taken into hospital after eating horse meat burgers from Tesco; her condition is said to be stable. • Tesco is now testing all their vegetarian burgers for traces of unicorn. • I’ve just checked the Tesco burgers in my freezer... AND THEY’RE OFF! • Tesco now forced to deny presence of zebra in burgers, as shoppers confuse barcodes for serving suggestions.

• Said to the missus these Tesco burgers have given me terrible trots. • To beef or not to beef. That is equestrian. • A cow walks into a bar. Barman says: “Why the long face?” Cow says: “Illegal ingredients coming over here stealing our jobs!” • I hear the smaller version of those Tesco burgers make great horse d’oeuvres. • Waitress in Tesco asked if I wanted anything on my burger. So I had a £5 each way! • Tesco Quarter Pounders: The affordable way to buy your daughter the pony she’s always wanted. • These Tesco burger jokes are going on a bit. Talk about flogging a dead… aaarggghhh NO!

SMS codes for seniors • ATD - At The Doctor’s • BFF - Best Friend’s Funeral • BTW - Bring The Wheelchair • BYOT - Bring Your Own Teeth • CBM - Covered By Medicare • CUATSC - See You At The Senior Centre • DWI - Driving While Incontinent • FWIW - Forgot Where I Was • GGPBL - Gotta Go, Pacemaker

Just a joke decided to tie the knot TOneIM with his girlfriend. evening, after the honey-

moon, he was assembling some gear for an upcoming hunt. His wife was standing there at the bench watching him. After a long period of silence she finally spoke: “Honey, I’ve been thinking... now that we are married, I think it’s time you

Battery Low • GHA - Got Heartburn Again • LMDO - Laughing My Dentures Out • LOL - Living On Lipitor • OMSG - Oh My! Sorry, Gas • TOT - Texting On Toilet • WAITT - Who Am I Talking To? • GGLKI - Gotta Go, Laxative Kicking In quit hunting, shooting, and fishing. Maybe you should sell your guns and the boat.” Tim got a horrified look on his face. She asked: “Darling, what’s wrong?” “For a minute there you were sounding exactly like my exwife,” Timothy said. “Ex-wife!” she screamed, “I didn’t know you were married before!” “I wasn’t.”

Mamma se seuntjie... ‘N trotse jong Gautengse mamma sien haar enigste seuntjie af by die laerskool vir sy eerste skooldag. “Wees tog ‘n goeie seuntjie, my goggatjie! Dink baie aan Mammie, soetlappie! Wag vir Mammie by die hek, my skattebolletjie! Mammie is baie lief vir jou - onthou dit, liefling!”

Antiques Roadshow

OHN took two stuffed dogs to the Antiques Roadshow. “Ooh!” said the presenter, “this is a very rare set, produced by the celebrated Johns Brothers Taxidermists who operated in London at the turn of last century. Do you have any idea what they would fetch if they were in good condition?” “Sticks?” John said.

My dokter sê hy kan nie presies uitvind wat fout is met my nie - dis moontlik al die gedrinkery. So ek sal maar teruggaan as hy nugter is…

Teen die einde van die skooldag wag sy vir hom by die hek. “En wat het my sterretjie als geleer op sy eerste dag by die skool?” Seuntjie: “Ek het geleer dat my naam Hendrik is.”

ISSUE 359

CXPRESS

ISSUE 359

Home & Health

February 27 - 2013

Help mend the gap in Bitou health services T

HE Department of Health allows for a three-day admission turnaround time per patient in provincial hospitals official policy but, in reality, the average stay per person is one and a half days. Part of the department’s rationalisation of the short time allowed in hospital is that, over the past decade and in partnership with NGOs (non-government organisations), vibrant home-based care programmes have been established in many communities. Hospices or other civil society organisations receive small subsidies from the government to help implement these programmes. The organisation must then employ staff, procure vehicles and supplies, and visit the homes of de-hospitalised, sub-acute patients to nurse them back to health. Hospice Plett, which was developed by The Plettaid Foundation, has been providing this often lifesaving service since 2005 for an average of 200 patients each month. Its services

are currently all home-based as no funding is available to operate Trinity House – a 24-hour care unit in KwaNokuthula. On any given day, Hospice Plett could fill the eight beds of Trinity House with terminally ill patients or others who are extremely vulnerable alone at home. The foundation is now about to launch a Donor Club so funds could be raised to rectify this gap in services in Bitou. (Knysna Hospital caters for public health patients.) The Health Department has confirmed that no funds have been allocated for this service, thus forcing Plett patients to go to Knysna Provincial Hospital. So the opportunity now exists for Bitou locals to contribute towards a 24-hour nursing facility in Plett. Plettaid’s Mandy Frost explains: “In one case, a Plett public health patient (ugg" rjqvq) was given free, quality hospital care by government to help him recover from a crippling stroke. “He was cared for in George

VULNERABLE: This patient, who can’t be named but was happy to have his photo taken, was robbed when home alone

Shave, gel or spray for Shavathon 2013 Rngvv"Ujcxcvjqp"xgpwgu OSING hair is a common • March 1: The stylists at ExL side-effect of cancer therclusive Hair in High Street apy, so shaving your head has become a symbolic gesture of support for cancer survivors. CANSA hosts its 10th Shavethon this year and while the Corporate Shave is already in full swing, March 1 & 2 will see South Africans rocking up en masse at shopping centres and other venues to boost this important fundraising drive. Those not keen to shave but wishing to show support can have lots of fun with colour hair sprays, gels and stencils. Invite your staff, visitors, clients and suppliers and inspire them all to celebrate Shavathon 2013 with a brand new hairdo. Your donation of R50, or R25 for under-12s, will go a long way to help fight cancer. Visit www.shavathon.org.za or call the toll-free number 0800 22 66 22 for more information.

PROTECX

WORKWEAR

The Computer Shop

invite you to join their Shavathon event from 7am to 5pm on Friday (phone 044 533 4408 for more info), while Plett PrePrimary’s event starts at 12 noon (see the block alongside for details). • March 2: The Shavathon fun starts at 9am at the NGK bazaar at Piesang Valley community hall, and from 10am at The Market Square and Mellville’s Corner shopping centres. Says Plett coordinator Merle Hagerman: “Dare a friend or do it for a loved one - with gel for a funky, spiky colour experience! Shave it or spray it or buy out with a donation. Adults pay R50 for a shave and kids from as little as R10.” Call Merle on 081 580 5520 or June on 072 506 0509 to find out more.

Hospital for six months and the staff there identified his friend, a Mr Madyasana from KwaNokuthula, to collect him when discharged. A very kind-hearted man, Mr Madyasana also provided a shack for the patient to live in – a roof over his head, nothing more. “Social Services allowed for a disability grant so he can pay a little rent and buy some food. But our patient is physically unable to care for himself and in this vulnerable, defenceless state, someone stole all the clothes and shoes Hospice Plett had given to him.” The rest of the story emphasises the dire need for a local care facility: The patient in question cannot access his disability grant without assistance, nor prepare food for himself. He is wheelchair-bound and lonely. And this man is but one of many Plett patients in need. “Hospice cannot change poverty, but it has the power to improve the quality of public health services and the welfare infrastructure of Plett. Going the extra mile is what palliative care is all about – and in our town, this means meeting the need for 24-hour nursing,” Mandy says. The caregivers of Hospice Plett are extraordinary people if you are in a position to further their cause by donating funds, please deposit into the following account: The Plettaid Foundation, FNB (code 210514), acc no 620 4809 5063.

Are you up to the Plett Pre-Primary Shavathon challenge?

OIN the shave, spray, gel and stencil fun at Plett Pre-Primary School (off Marine Drive next to clinic, behind fire station) on Friday March 1 from 12 noon onwards, when this friendly bunch hosts a joyous Shavathon celebration. Says headmaster Renè Heyns: “Everyone knows someone affected by cancer and in this way we can show our support.” Along with teacher Susannie, she challenges all present and past pupils and their parents - and anybody else who’s interested - in contributing to this worthy cause. Join them and donate generously. See you there on Friday!

The Greenhouse boasts new Belgian hair boffin

The Greenhouse Hairstylists welcomes Morgane Migeon to their team. A highly qualified stylist who hails from Belgium, Morgane has made quite an impression with her hairdressing skills during the short time since her arrival in Plettenberg Bay. Along with her fellow stylists, Morgane invites clients to come see her at The Greenhouse Hairstylists at Whalesong Hotel & Hydro in Marine Drive - phone 044 533 0097 for an appointment and see the advert below for additional info.

Home & Health

February 27 - 2013

Tap your troubles away A

N internationally acclaimed practitioner of EFT – Emotional Freedom Techniques – is about to teach Garden Route locals how to use this mindblowing method at a training session organised by alternative holistic expert Astrid Reïne of Vitali Integral Health. “I ‘bullied’ Bennie into doing some local training late last year and we were all blown away by what we learnt,” says Astrid. “Since then, all the health practitioners who attended have been able to successfully incorporate EFT in our practices - from a medical doctor helping victims of sexual violence and patients suffering from migraine, depression and stress, to a doula specialising in fertility issues.” Three of the initial trainees Dr Jon Morley, doula Jeanne Booth, and holistic therapist Rain Martin - have practices in Knysna while the others operate in and around Karatara, Wilderness and George. “Our successes have been so spectacular that all of us want to know more, so we nabbed Bennie before his next extended trip

MERIDIAN MAN: Bennie Naudé demonstrates EFT to alternative health practitioner Astrid Reïne, left, and Knysna doula Jeanne Booth. Contact Astrid on 044 850 1163 or at astrid@vitali.co.za, or visit www.deepliving.com for additional information. Photo: Heleen Sonnekus

40 Years of fine interiors! Henny Interior Design this month celebrates the fact that it has been operating in Plettenberg Bay for four glorious decades

HEN starting out in 1973, Plett was “a small fisher village slowly trying to turn into a premium holiday destination,” says Henny. Her first shop in Piesang Valley was in due course exchanged for a spot in The Lookout Centre, which served as business premises for the next 10 years. In the late 80s Henny moved to Hill House in Main Street, thus operating from the very centre of town since 1987. Henny Interior Design is a complete interior décor and design business, from project management to the design and supply of custom-made furniture. Holding a comprehensive selection of fabric samples and examples of everything

In the Garden

from curtain rods to electric systems, you can also count on Henny’s team for good advice on the selection and uses of blinds. Lots of work has been done over the years in locals’ and holidaymakers’ homes in Plettenberg Bay, while some orders have come from as far afield as Cape Town, Johannesburg, and even Europe. From very small beginnings in the 70s and 80s, Henny Interior Design has grown into a thriving, customer-orientated business that is currently one of the longest running privately owned firms in Plettenberg Bay, heart of the Garden Route. Ugg"vjg"cfxgtv"qp"vjku"rcig" hqt"eqpvcev"fgvcknu"cpf" cffkvkqpcn"kphqtocvkqp0

Sarah Pearce

Suitable trees for smaller bigger the need for form plants. gardens As it is likely you will only

VEN in a small garden, there is space for at least one small tree. Trees help to give your garden a dimension of height while giving muchappreciated shade in hot summer months. Some trees even provide birds and insects with food and shelter. When choosing a suitable tree for your small garden, you should consider a variety that is not going to grow too tall and, most importantly, does not have an invasive root system. Another consideration is form – the smaller the garden, the

have space for one or two trees, these will be the focal points in your garden. Slender forms are preferable as you do not want too much bulk taking over your garden. Nobody wants to end up living in a forest with no sun penetrating through. In the next issue, I will focus on indigenous trees suitable for the smaller garden. Give us a call for advice or design and installation – and do enjoy your garden! Ugg"vjg"Ncpfuecrkpi"D{"Fgukip" cf"dgnqy"hqt"oqtg"kphqtocvkqp0

CXPRESS abroad,” enthuses Astrid. An EFT-practitioner transfers kinetic energy through tapping on meridian points. The tapping shifts energy-blockages in the body’s bioenergy systems and clears the results of those blockages: depression, panic-attacks, obsessive or suicidal thoughts, anger, negativity, phobias and more. Bennie also often remedies fear of flying and issues around sexuality. Having come across EFT in his own search for answers and healing, these days Bennie travels far and wide to speak at alternative health events and present training workshops across continents. He maintains a client-base across the globe. “Very few emotional blockages exist in isolation and a skilled EFT practitioner will guide you on a path that is likely to collapse issues and obsessions like dominoes,” explains Bennie. Be warned: this may happen even if believe that anything except medical science is mumbo jumbo. The course, from February 28 to March 3 at Beyond the Moon near Wilderness, is not just for medical practitioners but for those who want to use EFT in their own homes.

ISSUE 359

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

CXPRESS

ISSUE 359

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

February 27 - 2013

Classifieds

On the Soapbox

February 27 - 2013

Letters to the Editor

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

Formosa Primary grateful for stationery gift Formosa Primary in Plett thanks Grade 1 teacher Ilze Bezuidenhoudt for her fundraising and awareness-raising initiatives. Ms Bezuidenhoudt realised the need for educational materials, especially among needy Grade 1 learners, and made contact with local resident Johan Kok – who, together with Park Avenue Stationers owner Zaki Cassim, contacted Brackenridge inhabitant Dave Stuart in this regard. This resulted in a generous donation of stationery and educational materials, which is

CXPRESS

sure to go a long way towards the smooth running of the six Grade 1 classes at Formosa. (Nope, that’s no typo: this year for the first time, the school has SIX classes, all brimming with an average of 40 Grade 1 children per teacher, each of whom operates without any class assistants or the necessary basic educational materials.) So the school extends great gratitude to Messrs Stuart, Cassim and Kok for their generous donation. Ngkij"Fwpp."qp"dgjcnh"qh" Hqtoquc"Rtkoct{."Rngvv

Pray for SA’s sins... There are sins of commission - that which Oscar Pistorius has done to Reeva Steenkamp. There are also sins of omission - that which Oscar’s neighbours did when failing to call the police before shots were fired. South Africa, please pray the little prayer at www.de-vrouwe. info every day to atone for these sins. Ocvvjgy"T"Fwppkicp." Tqog."Kvcn{"/"d{"gockn *Vjku"ujqtv"ngvvgt"ycu"cfftguugf" vq" EZRTGUU" gzenwukxgn{" cpf."

Bitou litter collectors slack For over 20 years I have picked up litter along our streets. There used to be many bins, but these have nearly all gone. However, I walk down most days from San Gonzales Street to The Wedge Beach and back past the whale tail and St Peter’s cemetery, which takes me to where there is usually much litter in the bushes above the junction with Rectory Lane too much to carry to the next bin on Odlands Street. This morning (Friday February 15) there were at least 10 litter collectors with empty bags

THE WRITE STUFF: At back from left are Zaki Cassim of Park Avenue Stationers, Formosa principal Colin Wildeman, Dave Stuart, teacher Ilze Bezuidenhoudt, and Johan Kok, together with many happy Grade 1 learners

cnvjqwij" yg" fqp‚v" citgg" ykvj" vjg" pqvkqp" qh" fgenctkpi" Quect" Rkuvqtkwu" iwknv{" dghqtg" vjg" ncy" jcu"vcmgp"kvu"eqwtug."vjg"rtc{gt" tghgttgf"vq"cv"vjg"ygdukvg"ogtkvu" kpenwukqp"jgtg<" flNqtf"Lguwu"Ejtkuv."uqp"qh"vjg" hcvjgt."ugpf"pqy"{qwt"urktkv"qxgt" vjg"gctvj0"Ngv"vjg"jqn{"urktkv"nkxg" kp"vjg"jgctvu"qh"cnn"pcvkqpu."vjcv" vjg{"oc{"dg"rtgugtxgf"htqo"fg/ igpgtcvkqp." fkucuvgt" cpf" yct0" Oc{"vjg"ncf{"qh"cnn"pcvkqpu."vjg" dnguugf"Xktikp"Oct{."dg"qwt"cf/ xqecvg0"Cogp0‚"⁄"Gfu0+

who must have passed very close to all this mess on their way down Formosa Street, but they did not even want to accept a piece of paper that I had just found there. I find this unacceptable, and want to draw your attention to what appears to be ‘too many cooks spoiling the broth’. Another place where there is always litter is near the bench at the corner of Odlands and Meeding Streets, even though there is a bin just across Meeding that I often have to use. LC"fg"Ygv"*RjF+."Rngvv

Don’t stress about us in South Africa A letter from FirstRand founder and former executive Paul Harris to a concerned friend, ‘Jeff’, went viral late last year, but Plett reader Nadia Burger forwarded it to CXPRESS again last week, threatening to paste posters of it all over town if we didn’t include it here for the benefit of those who haven’t had the pleasure of reading it yet... Hi Jeff, hope all is well with you guys. I will drop you a line later with the family news, but I would first like to respond to the email you sent me attaching an article by Clem Sunter, which seemed to concern you about us here in South Africa. You also sent me an article last year by Moeletsi Mbeki warning about the danger of an “Arab Spring” in South Africa. I often get emails like this from “concerned friends” worried about us - which is sweet of you guys. Of course we are concerned. Some worrying things have happened but we have survived much worse in much more volatile environments - including the Boer War, two world wars, apartheid, the financial crisis without a bank bailout, the Rinderpest, Gé Korsten, and Fkg" Cpvyqqtf! However, for as long as I can remember there have always been people who think SA has five years left before we go over the cliff. No change from when I was at school in the 60s. The five years went down to a few months at times in the 80s. But it seems the people who are the most worried live far from the cliff in places like Toronto, Auckland, London, and other wet and cold places. Also St Ives and Rose Bay in Sydney, Dallas and other “safe places” that are in the grip of the global financial crisis - which by the way is quite scary. Many of them have survived decades of rolling “five years left” since they left South Africa. So maybe they will be right one day. My message is, please don’t stress about us in South Africa. We are fine. We are cool. We know we live in the most beautiful country in the world with warm and vibrant people. There are more people here with smiles on their faces than in any country I have ever been to. Young people are returning in droves with skills and a positive attitude. Collectively we bumble along and stuff many things up while letting off a hell of a lot of steam (have you heard of a chap called Julius Malema?).

Yet, in-between, South Africans do some amazing things like win a few gold medals, big golf tournaments, and cricket and rugby matches. The South Africans I know get off their butts and do things to build our country rather than whinge from a position of comfort. We actively participate in projects that improve the lot of underprivileged communities. I would not trade for anything last Saturday in a hall full of 1500 African teachers singing at the top of their voices and demonstrating their commitment to improving education in their communities. We have our challenges and surprises. The standard deviation of our emotions is set at MAX. You are never just a little bit happy or a little bit sad. At one moment you can be offthe-scale pissed off or frustrated or sad or worried or fearful or depressed. The next moment you are off-the-scale exhilarated, or enchanted, or inspired, or humbled by a kind deed, or surprised by something beautiful. It makes life interesting and worth living. We also have passionate debates about the future of South Africa - helped of course by red wine which you must taste again, because it is getting better every year! Clem makes a great contribution to the debate as others like Moeletsi Mbeki do. Russell Loubser, the former head of the JSE, made a feisty speech the other day that has whipped up emotions. Up to MAX on the emotions meter of the ANC Youth League whose campaign for nationalisation of the mines was attributed to people who have IQs equal to room temperature. South African politics has always been volatile, we have opinions that could not be further apart and it evokes emotion on a massive scale. Interesting and stimulating for those that want to take it seriously, but noise in the system to me. Fortunately, we are rid of apartheid that would have definitely pushed us over the cliff.

These are the birth pangs of a new and unpredictable democracy. So buckle up and enjoy the ride and contribute! That is the message I convey to South Africans. Sad as it is, it is true that the South African diaspora has a largely negative influence on confidence in SA. It would not be a problem if their fretting about how long we would last before going over the cliff was merely a reflection of their concern for us, their friends and family. The problem is that it does impact foreign investment, which is important for economic growth. A person who is thinking of coming to visit or investing is often put off by listening wide-eyed to the stories of people who have gapped it. As you know I host many foreign visitors and I have never, EVER, met anyone who has visited for the first time without being blown away by the beauty of the country and the warmth of the people. It is not for nothing that SA has the highest ratio of repeat visitors

of all long-haul destinations. So, Jeff, how can I help you stop stressing out about us? Maybe best is that you get exposed to some articles and websites that give a more balanced and uplifting perspective of South Africa. So please don’t worry and if you get a chance, put in a good word for us. Rcwn"Jcttku

ISSUE 359

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

CXPRESS

ISSUE 359

Sport & Adventure

February 27 - 2013

Nail-biting finish for Chair Challenge 2013 F

IERCELY-contested first place finishes, gutsy attempts to break record times, fervent defence of hard-won titles and passionate resolve to improve personal bests - all this and huge doses of gritty determination characterised top athletes’ efforts during the 11th Outeniqua Chair Challenge (OCC) in George on Saturday February 16. In a close finish, the hand-cycle division in the men’s open paraplegic 42.2km marathon was won by Ernst van Dyk (Maties Helderberg Club) in a time of 1:09:33. In his 11th OCC, this was Van Dyk’s second consecutive win in the hand-cycle division, with an average race speed of 36.4km/h. With the same officiallyrecorded time but a mere halfwheel diameter behind the winner was Andries Scheepers of Rustenburg Multi Club. And only one second behind the

leaders was fellow Matie Stuart McCreadie, who came second in 2012. Speaking after the race, Van Dyk praised the event organisers and fellow competitors. “I only made it by a hair’s breadth into the winning position. This is a real honour, but I can see I will have to train even harder to next year stay ahead of the tough competition. “Once again, the race was well organised and I am grateful to the George traffic department for ensuring our safety. I strongly encourage all wheelchair-bound people to consider entering this wonderful, camaraderie-filled event next year.” In a winning time of 01:58:39, Hilary Lewis once again won the women’s hand-cycle paraplegic marathon, bettering her 2012 time by nearly 3min. The racing men’s paraplegic marathon was won by Gerrit Hendricks (01:58:39).

Two hat-tricks and a five-for - and that’s just the start…

THUMBS UP! TV celeb Heino Schmitt, who plays Altus in ‘7de Laan’, had spectators clamouring for autographs as he pushed Jarobeam Meyer of Optima Special Day Care Centre in the 5km fun event Photo: Desmond Scholtz

Presented by sponsors ACSA George Airport, OCC 2013 attracted more than 950 entrants from six different countries. Prize money of R244’000 was split over 44 categories in three distances - a 42.2km full marathon (R10’000 first prize), a 21.1km half-marathon (racing wheelchairs or hand-cycles), and a 10km race, which also allowed basketball and ordinary wheelchairs. The 5km fun event, where

helpers push young and old in their wheelchairs, attracted entrants of all ages and all corners of the country. The youngest competitor was 18-month-old Indiphile Mente of Plett, and the oldest were 93-year-old Athol Brown and Anna Howarth, 81, both from Fleur de Lis old age home in Franschhoek. For full results and more info visit www.georgeocc.co.za or call event coordinator Ansie Swart on 079 397 4655.

Undefeated at first, but premier league eludes

SEAMLESS BOWLING: In her first appearance for Woodridge, Lauren Booysen took a hat-trick with her first three balls, and then proceeded to take seven wickets for just six runs

HE may be a slender girl who appears to be shy, but she carries major firepower when it comes to cricket. Lauren Booysen has started her high school cricketing career at Woodridge College with stats that will be the envy of many cricketers, both boys and girls. Only in Grade 8, Lauren has already represented the Eastern Province U19 Girls cricket side. In her first appearance for the Woodridge 1st XI Girls against Victoria Park High, she took an outstanding hat-trick with her first three balls bowled. Her accurate seam-bowling proved too good for the opposition and she ended up with seven wickets for six runs. The VP girls were bowled out for 15 runs and Woodridge won that match by 10 wickets. Lauren made an almost iden-

tical impact in her next match for the 1st Girls XI against Linkside High, once again taking seven wickets for a meagre seven runs - which included another hat-trick. Linkside made 15 runs all out and Woodridge passed their total with five wickets down. She was then included in the boys U15A side to play against Despatch. Not in the least intimidated, Lauren bowled with precision and within 2.1 overs destroyed the opposition by taking a remarkable five wickets for two runs, as well as taking a stunning catch in the covers. So Woodridge only had to chase 32 runs and won comfortably by nine wickets. With an outstanding sporting future ahead of her, Lauren is sure to take many more wickets for Woodridge.

The Plettenberg Bay Bowling Club ladies team - from left are Julie Whittaker, Angie Everson, Hazel Hill and Jeanette Saunders - enjoyed an unbeaten run when recently participating in the Southern Cape first division East league, thus securing handsome winnings. They then played West division winners Oudtshoorn in an attempt to qualify for Premier League status, but lost a keenly contested game.

Tight Lines

Graeme Pollard

Not much joy from the deep...

HERE’S been little change on the Plett fishing scene during the past fortnight. Apart from a few gurnard hooked here and there, not much is happening in the deeper water. The shallower reefs are producing the normal fare of reds like silvers, pangas, and sant-

ers, the bulk being made up of good-sized red roman. Sharks like hammerheads and bronzies are still providing good angling fun, especially on lighter tackle. Until next time, tight lines. Ugg"vjg"Rngvv"Hkujkpi"Ejctvgtu" cfxgtv"dgnqy"hqt" cffkvkqpcn"kphqtocvkqp0