Cx371

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

FREE Photo: Gigi Lewis

28 August 2013 #371

Come meet our visiting whales!

C’mon Spring!

In Japan, the dragonfly is seen as a symbol of courage, strength, and happiness and they often appear in art and literature, especially haiku. We wish our readers all of the above, while wishing Garden Route businesses a most productive and profitable Spring.

Knysna educator accused of assault p3

This ball game trains your brain p6

Recycle for Peace on Earth p13

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CXPRESS

ISSUE 371

News & Views

August 28 - 2013

A few pointers on the role of Plett Tourism A recent Facebook thread featured a debate on Plett Tourism’s role in Bitou, membership fees, and more – with some rather serious misconceptions being expressed, so CXPRESS asked chairman PETER WALLINGTON to shed some light on the subject

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LETT Tourism welcomes constructive debate to find solutions to our significant challenges. The Facebook thread unfortunately highlights many misunderstandings around tourism in Plett - to help clarify: • Plett Tourism is a legal entity known as a Voluntary Association and its purpose is to promote tourism to Plettenberg Bay, thereby creating employment opportunities for its residents.

• We want to broaden the benefits of tourism across our community. Among our workin-progress initiatives, for example, is a proposed project

based in Kranshoek.

• An event or activity not aimed at tourists falls outside our mandate. Any tourism business in Plett is welcome to engage with Plett Tourism, and we will support those we can, subject to budget constraints and alignment with strategy.

• Membership is open to those active in tourism and costs R1’200 per annum at present.

Like most organisations, Plett Tourism charges a membership fee to fund its activities. It is wrong to suggest a fee is designed to restrict membership.

In fact, we will shortly embark on a drive to significantly in-

crease members from all sectors of Plett society.

• We encourage development that is aligned to our ‘high value, low impact’ positioning. We oppose the current Small Boat Harbour proposal because, inter alia, it does not fit our strategy and we believe it would cause more harm than good to the local economy.

• Finally, ours is a young organisation, and much has been achieved in a short space of time (we would welcome the opportunity to deal with this when space permits). We have been meeting a wide range of role-players to explain our pro-

Burmese python caught in Witelsbos

gramme of action, listen to suggestions, and build a broad consensus for the future. This is an on-going process.

• We, along with Bitou Municipality’s LED Tourism office, have been engaging with one of the writers on the Facebook thread. We look forward to continuing those conversations and would welcome speaking to other contributors whose interest is to grow Plett’s tourism appeal. [qw"ecp"tgcej"Rgvgt"qp"2:5" 474"27;9"1"266"755"848;." hcz"2:8"77:"32;7."qt"cv" rgvgtycnnkpivqpBvgnmqouc0pgv" ykvj"cffkvkqpcn"swgtkgu0

While the world was still in shock after the death by African rock python of two kids in Canada earlier this month, CXPRESS received a call from our former ad agent and snake lover, Clint Murray, to say that Michael Caithness of Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary in The Crags had stumbled upon a decidedly un-African snake right here in our ‘hood. We’ll let Mike, pictured at left, tell the tale: ‘On August 12 we received a call from Rob Shepherd, who owns Foldsworth Cottages in Witelsbos. He said he’d found a python basking in the sun, partially covered by a pile of scrub and timber, inset. As most big puffadders look like pythons to your average person, we were sceptical. I could not believe my eyes when we stumbled upon a juvenile Burmese python. The property is about 20km from the N2 and 70km from Plett suburbia, so how on earth did it get there? Its nest in a compost brush heap had obviously been used for some time. Normally the snake would have died in our extreme winter, but it was right at home where we found it.’ If you recognise your lost pet python, or know anything about this snake, give Lawnwood a call on 044 534 8056, and visit www.foldsworthcottages.co.za for more info on its temporary Tsitsikamma abode.

What exactly do we have on our doorstep? ...That is the question asked by part-time Crags resident and fulltime wildlife connoisseur IAN MICHLER

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IVEN that Plettenberg Bay now has a large predator facility on its doorstep, it is appropriate that the community is made aware of the broader issues surrounding these types of operations.

South Africa has untold such facilities spread across all provinces and they are filled with a host of felid and canid species being kept in confined spaces ranging from small cages to larger, heavily-fenced enclosures.

No one knows the exact numbers, but there may well be at least a few hundred holding anywhere between 8’000 and 9’000 predators behind wire and, according to the Predator Breeders Association of South Arica, at least 160 of them ad-

mit to being involved in breeding practices No matter their record, all will justify their activities by professing to be some sort of conservation initiative, rehabilitation sanctuary or educational centre.

But the truth is that humanimprinted predators bred under these conditions have no conservation value whatsoever, and only a select few facilities are regarded by the conservation/donor world as genuine sanctuaries - a reputation that is earned over time.

Whether parading wild predators in confined spaces is a responsible approach to educating anyone about the biology or conservation of these species remains a moot point. Most are

simply after the lucrative profits that come from luring large numbers of unsuspecting visitors through their gates.

Given the universal appeal of big cats, it’s hardly surprising that the most popular inmates are lions, tigers and leopards - especially exotic variations like the white or black colour morphs. These are the real money-spinners, and if petting or walking options are offered, all the more so.

And in pursuit of the money, many breeding and petting operations are involved in appalling practices: of in-breeding and cross-breeding, while the removal of cubs to force unnatural breeding cycles are just some of these. In the worst cases, some are also fronts for

trading syndicates and canned hunting operations.

With so many captive predators, South Africa does need proper sanctuaries that are prepared to rescue animals at risk and take lifelong care of them.

These places must also be committed to no breeding, a ‘no interaction’ policy, and must not be seduced by the opportunities to trade in animals.

We know from public statements that the local facility aims to be such a place, in which case we could have a much-needed sanctuary on our doorstep.

Cdqwv"Kcp"Okejngt Ian Michler is an environmental photojournalist who has spent the last 12 years wresearching and reporting on South Africa’s wildlife industry. Visit www. africageographic.com for more stories and his blog.

News & Views

August 28 - 2013

CXPRESS

ISSUE 371

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Knysna deputy head detained after alleged assault of school girl The arrest last week of a school deputy principal for the alleged sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl has sent shockwaves through the Knysna community - JOHN HARVEY reports

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HE incident, which is the latest in a recent string of abuses against children, has prompted civil rights organisation Women & Men Against Child Abuse (WMACA) to call for schools to introduce a screening process to analyse employees.

“We don’t know whether this man has a history of doing things like this, but certainly school teachers need to be screened to make sure they don’t exhibit this kind of behaviour,” said WMACA spokesperson Germaine Vogel.

The deputy principal made his first court appearance last Friday, and remains in custody.

The alleged assault occurred at Fraaisig Primary during school hours in one of the school offices on August 19.

It is alleged the victim and another pupil were called to assist the teacher with the dissemination of letters to parents. When the other pupil left, the suspect allegedly closed the door and molested the girl.

“The principal of the school caught him red-handed and disclosed the information to the victim’s mom, who laid a charge of sexual assault,” said Southern Cape police spokesman Malcolm Pojie.

Residents in Hornlee, who refused to give their names, said the man was well known to community members.

“Kids are supposed to look up to someone like that. He must be punished. You can’t do that to a kid,” said one man outside

a local convenience store. “Fkv" ku xwkn (disgusting).”

Another said that it was “unbelievable” that an incident could occur at the institution.

“It is a very good school. I am shocked,” he said.

Knysna mayor Georlene Wolmarans expressed her dismay at news of the man’s arrest.

“I am utterly shocked that such an incident can happen in a place where children are supposed to be safe. That it apparently occurred at a primary school is even more disturbing, as the pre-teen years are so important in terms of emotional development.”

Wolmarans commended the relevant school principal, who walked in on the incident, for reporting it to the victim’s mother immediately and encouraging her to lay a charge with the police.

“It could have been really easy for the principal to turn a blind eye and put the name of the school ahead of the victim’s, but this did not happen, which gives us hope that not all teachers are like that, and are willing to stand up for what is right.”

Pojie said the police would not stand for child abuse.

“Officials who are in a position of authority... are supposed to be the guardians of our children,” he said.

“That is why we acted swiftly to ensure that the suspect is brought to book. This arrest also echoes our call to enhance our frontline services and to protect the rights and safety of

the most vulnerable in our society, namely our women and children.”

Paddy Attwell, who oversees the case for the Western Cape Education Department, said the department would be handling the matter internally while monitoring the court case.

The Knysna arrest comes hot on the heels of police cracking what is believed to be South Africa’s biggest child pornography ring, with links to Canada, the UK, the US, western Europe and Australasia.

Several people - including a well-respected teacher who gave lessons to pupils at prestigious Eastern Cape schools like Graeme and Selborne - have been arrested across the country to date. Police are investigating a further 26 people and more arrests are imminent.

Hundreds of children are believed to have been exploited for pornography.

WMACA has also called on the state to re-open its case against Adrian Wilson-Forbes, the Knysna businessman acquitted of 79 charges of sexual assault against children and child pornography.

Twenty-nine photographs depicting Wilson-Forbes in preca rious positions with a naked eight-year-old girl at Herold’s Bay formed a key part of the case, which involved charges that included child rape, abduction, and creation of child pornography.

But W-Cape Director of Public Prosecutions RJ de Kock an-

Hundreds of oiled birds saved

By August 28, the SA Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (Sanccob) had admitted 66 oiled African penguins, 172 oiled Cape gannets and one White-breasted cormorant following the Kiani Satu spill. The penguins were admitted from Mossel Bay, Wilderness, Plett, Still Bay, Cape St Francis and Bird Island. The SANParks Marine Rangers section air-lifted per helicopter the oiled gannets and penguins from Bird Island before transporting them by road to the Sanccob facility in Cape St Francis. The cormorant was admitted from the Buffels Bay area, nearby where the Kiani Satu bulk carrier ran aground on August 8. The German ship was re-floated and towed out to deep sea where it sank a week ago. (See more news in this regard on page 4, and visit www.sanccob.co.za for updates.)

nounced that the National Prosecuting Authority would not be appealing the decision. He said the state could only appeal on a question of law, while an accused could appeal on questions of law and questions of fact.

“As no question of law can be formulated in the above matter, and as the state is prohibited to appeal on the merits of an acquittal, the state cannot appeal,”

he said.

While Vogel said she had spoken to De Kock and concurred that the law had limitations, she believed the core issue of Wilson-Forbes’s possession of child pornography was overlooked.

“There were so many images of a child being raped, and Wilson-Forbes was in all of them. This needed to be inves-

tigated further, because there is so much child pornography around and people forget how these kids are hurt,” she said.

“We want the DPP to reopen this case, because we don’t believe the child pornography charges were investigated properly. If the DPP is unable to do this, then our only option will be for the Human Rights Commission to intervene.”

Meanwhile, the deputy principal remains in custody pending a formal bail application to be held tomorrow (August 29) at the Knysna Magistrates Court.

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CXPRESS

ISSUE 371

News & Views

August 28 - 2013

Donations for oil-affected wildlife still required

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N the wake of the Kiani Satu disaster, Pet Pool Warehouse in Knysna has become a dropoff point for supplies needed to treat wildlife affected by the oil spill, as well as an information sharing point.

Says the company’s Nerene dos Santos: “I’ve recently spoken with Eve Joubert, an experienced volunteer helper who has been involved with this kind of thing for more than 15 years, and she has appealed for information to be distributed in print, as many retirees don’t frequent the internet and still prefer the printed word.

“According to the people I’ve spoken to that have had dealings with this kind of thing, it’s

just the beginning and we’ll be having six weeks or more of animals and birds needing rescue and treatment.

“It would be very helpful to have some contact numbers in CXPRESS in order to try reach as many people as possible.

The community is asked, when walking on our beaches and rocky shores, to please look for injured or affected wildlife.”

If readers stumble upon oiled birds, please call Wilna at Sanccob on 082 326 4143.

Additional contacts are: Buffels Bay/Brenton - Nan Jamieson 081 393 6632, Harkerville and Plettenberg Bay - Eve Joubert 083 414 6730, The Crags - Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness

How do we explain the carnage on our waters?

HIGH FIVE HYATT: The Hyatt Regency Oubaai donated towels and linen towards the cleaning of oiled wildlife, and delivered these much-needed supplies to Pet Pool Warehouse on August 16 – in the pic from left are Tracey Wright, Nerene dos Santos of Pet Pool Warehouse, Raylene de Wet, and Taryn Ehrman

Centre 044 534 8170. For oiled seals, call Craig Viljoen on 082 665 3770.

And if you can donate towels

or hot water bottles, please drop these off at Pet Pool Warehouse in Waterfront Drive, Knysna, or call them on 044 382 5182.

Readers’ feedback on car guard conundrum

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N the previous edition, we called for bright ideas to remedy Plett’s car guard problem (visit www.cxpress.co.za and click on the News & Views page of issue 370) - here are some of the many comments received in this regard: • ‘It is a democratic country.

If the car guards in your opinion do not generate a service to you, do not pay them. If we all adapt this attitude they will simply disappear. Let us not regulate them as this is a form of recognition. They are not useful to society.’ - Derek • ‘I always feel threatened by these so-called car guards.

They do not have the necessary knowledge of traffic rules and regulations. Anyone can don some form of security or road construction vest and be a self-appointed car guard.

Enforce the current regulation which bans car guards and eliminate them totally in Plett, similar to what Stellenbosch has done. My second choice would be to pay for parking and have a security company patrol the streets.’ - Ludy • ‘Did anyone notice the Hqqf" Yggmn{ section in Uwpfc{"Vko/ gu of August 11? A restaurant in Blairgowrie says one of its best features is that “parking

is right outside, no car guards, no fee, no fuss, yay!” I agree. I avoid places of business with car guards. I prefer driving to The Market Square to avoid their begging. Plett should become car guard-free and the municipality should apply for national grants to provide them with real employment.

I strongly disagree with the proposal that we should pay for parking. Homeowners in Plett are already paying higher rates, sewerage and garbage removal fees than most other towns, so paying for parking will just add to our financial burden.’ - Robyn

• ‘It is my opinion that the option of allocating permits to car guards would be the way to go, failing which, the option of eliminating their presence in Plett, similar to what Stellenbosch has done. The latter is influenced by my living in Gauteng, where vehicles are broken into and/or stolen, regardless of whether the parking area has car guards since, miraculously, they never manage to see it happen.’ - Val • ‘Forgive me if I sound frivolous, but how did we ever manage to find a place to park our cars before the age of car guards?’ - Dave

As the Kiani Satu went to its watery grave last week, Dave Reynell from Knysna sent these pics and wrote: ‘You’ve probably read about the second wreck on the South African coast, up at Richards Bay - a friend of mine forwarded these pictures. All of this raises questions about the competence of modern mariners. These guys are not in wooden sailing ships. They have all the navigation aids that one could wish for - GPS, radar, VHF radio, sonar and the rest - yet look what happens! Poor weather or stormy seas are not an excuse.

Modern commercial aircraft are flown in all kinds of weather day after day. One takes off, worldwide, every second. At any one moment there are over 500’000 people in the air flying from one place to another. Just imagine if pilots flew jumbo jets in the same way that captains and first officers navigated ships...’

(Turn to page 15 for more views on this topic.)

News & Views

August 28 - 2013

Steph laat die koppe draai

Wittedrift skoolhoof Andre Bouwer het CXPRESS onlangs gekontak om met een van sy oudleerders te spog. ‘Stephanie Beyers, eertydse inwoner van Plettenbergbaai en een van HS Wittedrift se oud-studente, het ‘n ongelooflike prestasie behaal - dis ‘n getuigskrif van ons jongmense. Sy is deur CEO tydskrif benoem as een van die vyf mees invloedryke vroue in besigheid en ons regering. Dankie dat julle altyd bereid is om erkenning aan ons dorp se prag jongmense te gee.’ Stephanie - nou Beyers van den Bergh sedert sy met mede-mode ontwerper Dieter getroud is vroeër vanjaar, foto hierbo - se maatskappy Silverspoon Clothing het die SA Verbruikersraad se aandag getrek en tot die toekenning gelei. Vertel ma Riana, wie al jare lank haar winkel Riana B’s in Bitou bedryf: ‘Dieter het saam met Steph mode-ontwerp geswot by NMMU in Port Elizabeth, maar hy het eers later saam met haar in die besigheid betrokke geraak.

Hulle het in April in Nieu Bethesda getrou, en woon en werk saam in Port Elizabeth. As ek haar moet beskryf kan ek eenvoudig sê: She believed that she could, so she did. Steph is ongelooflik hardwerkend, pligsgetrou en het deursettingsvermoë soos min. Sy wil altyd die hoe, hoekom, waar en waarom van alles weet.’ Besoek www. silverspoonclothing. co.za om te sien waarmee hierdie slim Tuinroete boorling haar besig hou.

Notice Board

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HE Western Cape has the country’s highest incidence of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and raising awareness in this regard goes a long way to help assist prevention of this condition.

To this end, Take-Away Theatre will perform a 40-minute play this month about the dangers of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, Foetal Alcohol Disorder, safe sex, HIV/ Aids prevention, and condom use on the Garden Route.

Entitled Fkg" Nkghfgumkpf1 Vjg" Nqxgejknf, the play is performed in English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa and uses a mix of live music, humour and audience interaction to educate spectators. Entrance is free and Knysna and Plett audiences can see the play today (August 28) at New Horizons Community Hall (10am) and Knysna town hall in Queen Street (2pm).

The George show takes place on August 29 at the Civic Centre in York Street (2pm), be-

fore moving to Mossel Bay’s D’Almeida Centre on August 30 (10am). Call Rory O’Connor on 083 695 8999 for info.

--The AGM of the Knysna Red Cross Society takes place on Saturday August 31 at St Boniface Catholic Church Hall at 10am for 10:30. All Red Cross members and those with a supportive interest are welcome to attend - tea and cake will be provided. Chairperson June Stabler thanks every individual and all organisations that have supported and funded Red Cross Knysna in the past, and looks forward to a bright future together. Email junes@telkomsa. net with queries.

--The deadline to apply for the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship is now very near, as applications for first-year university students close on August 31. The Foundation, which aims to develop a new generation of dynamic entrepreneurial

leaders who can make a valuable difference to the societal fabric of SA, offers learners the opportunity to start this trajectory through its Fellowship.

The Fellowship distinguishes itself from other bursary and scholarship programmes with its holistic approach and offers learners access to thought leaders and the opportunity to engage in personal and entrepreneurial development programmes. Visit www.allangrayorbis.org to find out more and to download an application form.

--Bird-identification courses will be held on the Garden Route next month, firstly at Die Vleie DR Church Hall at Hoekwil on September 3 & 4, and then at Plett’s DR Church Hall on September 5 & 6. Presented by Dr Anton Odendal at a cost of R450pp, the course includes a manual and a certificate endorsed by BirdLife SA. Email birding@overberg.co.za or call 082 550 3347 to register.

CXPRESS

ISSUE 371

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CXPRESS

ISSUE 371

News & Views

August 28 - 2013

This is how happiness will permeate Plett Founders of Plett’s Way to Happiness Foundation ASTRID & WILLIAM ASHURST and ALET OLLEMANS explain how this good plan came about, and how you could help book by the same name, which is a moral code based wholly on common sense and moral values. It communicates the evils of crime and encourages the adoption of good core values essential to successful living without promoting any particular religious doctrine.

Chairman of Plett Community Police Forum Bruce Richardson personally reviewed all documentation and information comprising the programme, and approved it as part of the social engagement component of BiALL FOR CRIME-FREEDOM: From left are Astrid & William Ashurst with lieutenant Marlene Pieterse, warrant officer Tommy Taylor, Alet Ollemans, and sergeant Vouldo Lamini Photo: Glenn Murray

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HEN you read the papers, listen to the news or observe closely our society, it is deeply concerning that honesty, truth and high moral standards are constantly under attack - a root cause of criminal activity.

Even kids in primary school have cottoned on to the idea that these important values that should underpin any successful society are a thing of the past.

Although crime levels in Plett are currently on the decline,

the need for a social reorientation programme was identified as an essential part in the drive to achieve reduced crime on the longer term - part of the Crime Free Plett initiative authored by councillor Wayne Craig.

In the early stages of the initiative, nothing sustainable along these lines appeared forthcoming, which is what moved us to establish the Way to Happiness Foundation in Plettenberg Bay. The programme is based on a

tou Municipality’s Crime Free Plett initiative.

Booklets specifically branded for Plett have now been printed and our campaign was launched at Plett Secondary on August 12. Members from Plett SAPS helped us distribute 1’150 booklets to all the students, who received these with great enthusiasm. It is anticipated that the programme will have a positively impact on the lives of the students and consequently on our society as a whole.

The new Plett Police station

will have booklets available to anyone who wishes to obtain information on the course, as well as a display showing the Yc{"vq"Jcrrkpguu DVD. The DVD is also available for viewing and can be booked at Lemon & Lime, Falcon DVD, and Vee’s Videos for free.

Plett SAPS station commander colonel Nolan Michaels will arrange for all parolees to undertake the Yc{" vq" Jcrrkpguu course as a condition to their release back into Bitou society.

The initiative will continue to progress in its endeavours to positively impact on our area and shortly booklets will be-

come available in Xhosa and Afrikaans in addition to the English version for distribution throughout the various Bitou communities.

As we will all benefit from a crime-free Plett, we ask your help in contributing towards this initiative. We need 15’000 booklets printed at an expected cost of R130’000. Any donation will be greatly appreciated and can be made to the Way to Happiness Foundation Plettenberg Bay, Standard Bank Plett (branch code 050714), account number 282022198.

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High Ball keeps you fit and in tip-top mental shape CXPRESS tracked down Plett homeowner LUIGI QUARONI, who invented a ball game to quite literally lift the level of numeracy among learners of all ages in a fun and healthy way – this is his story

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S most readers know, maths/numeracy in SA is at a critically low level. The reality is that a large section of the population cannot add, subtract, divide or multiply to any great degree, and presently the maths pass rate sits at about 30%.

Tradesmen are as important to the economy as engineers, but if tradesmen cannot read a plan, measure accurately or calculate, the economy is sure to eventually collapse.

Higher and higher percentages are being used when quoting on the wastage factor of building projects. This wastage results from tradesmen not measuring or calculating correctly.

With these facts in mind, I designed the game of High Ball to teach children to calculate in a pleasant and fun way.

The pitiful state of our education system, in SA’s rural areas in particular, has been reported far and wide. Schools are often left without resources, while

HIGH ON NUMBERS: The hoops can be used for various games that promote numeracy

teachers lack skills or are absent more often than not, leaving children to their own devices.

High Ball allows them, with

or without their maths teacher, to formulate a wide range of games using subtraction, multiplication or division.

Each game measures 4.2m high and has five hoops. Each hoop has a value, with nine being at the highest point (i.e. the highest value) and the other hoops valued at four, three and two. The hoops are set at different levels.

Let’s use the game of 81 as an example: start by opening on a nine, the highest and most difficult to get at. This leaves 72 any of the numbers can be played to get to 72, and the winner needs to get a nine to win, giving 81.

Subtracting can also be done, e.g. the game of 200 (minus 60 to give 140). Open with a nine, play the numbers to 200 and then take off 60 to win at 140 with a nine. This game incorporates adding as well as subtracting. The game is set in the centre of a 4m diameter circle, giving a distance of 2m from

the mast, and is played from outside the circle.

We have found that High Ball has great appeal to children as well as adults. Not only does the game stimulate a player mentally, but also keeps one fit.

The games are perfect for schools, but can also be erected in a wide variety of other venues, like beaches or parks.

Along with poor education, obesity is a major national problem and playing High Ball encourages activity in a fun way.

The game has been introduced in areas of Gauteng and marketing has incorporated donations by wealthy patrons in support of the poorest of poor facilities, thus cross-subsidising to needy schools, crèches, and orphanages.

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Educational injection from Holland helps Bitou schools A second consignment of 90 computers has recently arrived from Rotterdam, reports DE WET SCHMIDT of Komatsu/Denron Community Development Centre

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TARTING as a casual conversation at the Komatsu/ Denron Community Development Centre in 2011, the project to provide computers for Bitou schools has resulted in the formation in Rotterdam, Holland, of an non-governmental organisation entitled PCs for Africa.

Initiated by Erasmus University lecturer Jef Verschuren and the author in my capacity as manager of the development

centre, the project has resulted in 150 computers being distributed to various less privileged schools in Bitou.

The latest consignment included laptops and printers and the three high schools that benefitted are extremely grateful, as they either had no computers for their students to work on, or their computers were so outdated that the prescribed software was not compatible.

Murray High and Plett Sekondêr learners are now able to do research on the Internet, while Wittedrift’s Computers & Technology students have enough new workstations for a whole class to use productively. And a third consignment of computers is due soon!

Komatsu SA has been most supportive of this amazing project and is footing the bill for all shipment costs. Along with lo-

cal company Denron, they also finance the centre at Dieprivier where unemployed youths receive free tuition in English, Maths and Computer Literacy.

This worthwhile venture continues to change Bitou’s educational landscape and its beneficiaries are extremely indebted to Jef Verschuren and PCs for Africa, so here’s hoping that this great relationship bears lots of fruit for many years to come.

News & Views

August 28 - 2013

CXPRESS

ISSUE 371

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Land art beautifies the bay regardless of wild weather Timothy Twidle

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BEACH TUMBLE: ‘Untitled’ by Cha Davenport

THAR SHE LIES: ‘The Mermaid’ by Boitumelo Project Photos: Timothy Twidle

HE second Land Art Biennale was held in Plettenberg Bay from August 10-17.

This conceptual genre sees an artist working with the materials of nature at hand, and leaving the creation in situ to be enjoyed by all until it weathers away.

During the week, 36 works were created by 40 artists both South African and foreign.

These were distributed from the middle of Robberg Beach to the end of Lookout Beach, as well as along the Piesang River mouth and in the immediate environs of Beacon Island Resort.

In declaring the works open to the public at the end of the week, Western Cape minister of Finance, Economic Development & Tourism Alan Winde challenged organisers Site Specific to hold the event annually instead of every two years (the first local land art expose took place in May 2011).

Winde also proposed that Plett become a centre for the arts with a fully-fledged gallery and an art college.

Bitou mayor Memory Booysen endorsed the event, commending the manner in which it was growing.

Land Art Week was also host to ancillary happenings at the old timber shed off Central Beach, and in Kranshoek and KwaNokuthula.

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Plett Primary Food Fest... Come hungry!

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HE highlight of Plett Primary’s school term is the ever-popular Spring Food Festival, scheduled for September 7 from 10:30am ‘till late.

With spring in the air and a firm focus on food, the third component of this annual fundraiser is the great variety of entertainment for kids of all ages.

Enthuses the school’s fundraising guru, Matuschka Sinclair: “We hope the rest of Plett’s residents are as excited as us organisers - and boy, have we been organising!

“Each grade takes charge of a different activity, and this year’s offerings include a 6m giant slide and jumping castles, a photo booth, Minute To Win It competitions, the spooky passage, paint ball shooting, a dog agility show, dads & lads rugby, pony rides, pillow fights and

loads more.”

She invites parents of toddlers to take a break while their brood is looked after in a secure kiddies play area, and challenges outdoor chefs to enter the potjiekos competition - a first for this year’s Food Fest.

“Plett Meat Wholesalers came on board and anyone can enter.

There is no entrance fee, but you must donate your finished product to be sold on the day as one of the foods on offer. Besides the prizes, you definitely want the bragging rights.”

Which gets us back to food, glorious food: hamburgers and boerie rolls, hotdogs, curry & rice, salad and bacon & egg rolls, pancakes, cakes and desserts and, of course, the sweet shop will ensure that no one leaves before having had a fivecourse meal at the very least.

Beverages hot and cold and a beer tent complete the picture.

A special celebration, 101 Years of Plett Primary, will add to the day’s festivities, paying tribute to what the school has meant to so many people over the past century. Helium balloons will be on sale but can also be pre-ordered at R20 a pop, and will feature in an aerial pic to commemorate the event.

Matuschka thanks the community and local businesses for their support i.t.o. donations already received for the event.

Entry is only R10 for adults and R5 for children (each child receives a free pass for an activity). Get in touch with Matuschka on 082 774 3942 for further information, to pre-order your balloon or to enter the potjiekos competition. See you at Plett Primary on Saturday the 7th!

AMAZING MAZE: This beautiful land art labyrinth was created at the Beacon Island by Terry de Vries from Stellenbosch, who showcased the production of labyrinths and spoke about their healing purposes during the recent land art biennale - email josuadevries@gmail.com to find out more

BREAKING WAVES ON BROKEN ROCKS: On Lookout Beach, prominent Korean land artist Won-Gil Jeon painted the mark of the waves on stones he had broken with a hammer before placing them in a circle to symbolise connectivity and encourage people to look at nature with different eyes Photo: Jade Holing

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CXPRESS

ISSUE 371

Business

August 28 - 2013

Women cite depression as top barrier to climbing the corporate ladder

D

EPRESSION has been named as one of the top three barriers to success in the workplace, according to a recent survey among 2’800 working women across SA. The online survey, conducted by leading central nervous system (CNS) pharmaceutical provider Pharma Dynamics, found that depression may be the culprit behind absenteeism and workplace blunders committed by women who suffer its symptoms.

Respondents rated depression, alongside child-care responsibilities and bureaucratic structures, as a primary barrier to career success, and 66% of women said it hampered their overall job performance.

Depression interferes with work in various ways. Almost 65% of women reported that depression caused them to be quiet and reserved, and 41% said they were more prone to making job-related mistakes due to lack of concentration and sleep.

Pharma Dynamics spokesperson Mariska Fouché says it’s not just perfectionists and workaholics who tip over the edge. “Depression is becoming more evident in South Africa following widespread retrenchments that have left the remaining staff to cope with impossible workloads, too afraid to object for fear they’ll be next in the firing line.

“With more women working

overtime while having to deal with child-care responsibilities, it is no surprise that many are bordering on the brink when it comes to their physical and mental health. Putting in eight hours-plus, five days a week, makes you twice as likely to suffer from depression.

“Women are also more prone to burnout and depression because they are more likely than men to be people-pleasers who often ignore their own needs,” she says.

Nearly 40% of women surveyed admitted to suffering from depression - 33% felt unable to face work, 29% generally avoided contact with colleagues, and almost a quarter of the sample (22%) said they took more sick leave because of depression.

One in 10 women reported having resigned or having lost a job mainly due to symptoms of depression.

“Depression is not merely feeling sad because you’ve had a bad day at work. It is prolonged and severe despondency and dejection, usually accompanied by feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy.

“It is a mental condition that manifests itself typically in a lack of energy and difficulty in maintaining concentration and an interest in life,” explains Fouché.

Of the 1’057 women diagnosed with depression, only 464 are currently being treated, of which 65% are receiving medication and 35% are undergoing psychotherapy.

Reasons given for not seeking treatment included work-related time constraints (31%), medical aid not covering treatment costs (24%), fear of what people might think due to the stigma as depression is often seen as a sign of weakness (23%), and not knowing where to go to for help (16%), while 6% felt they might lose their jobs as a result.

Fouché shares the following advice, should you decide to broach the topic with your boss or colleagues: • Wait for an appropriate time, such as lunchtime or at an office social when the topic of discussion is generally not focused on work.

• Don’t judge yourself – this only perpetuates a negative social stigma.

• Help friends, family and colleagues gain a greater understanding of depression. Reinforce that it is normal behaviour and how they can help.

• Try to always exhibit control and responsibility, especially when sharing your experience of depression with colleagues or your boss.

• Take control by seeking the right help.

• Surround yourself with positive people who understand what you are going through and are supportive.

“One of the best ways to manage depression is to stay positive and vigilant about your condition. Recognise different patterns in your mood, avoid setting unrealistic goals, participate in activities that make you feel better, and don’t expect to just snap out of it.

“It is important to connect with people who understand depression and what the recovery process involves.”

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Investor Focus

Plett’s Chas Everitt agents score big at regional awards C HAS Everitt International Property celebrated its eighth anniversary in Plett by scooping the major share of awards during the halfyearly Eastern Cape / Garden Route Regional Awards, held at Simola Hotel on August 16.

This sweep included the only Platinum Award presented, won by agent Anton Nell.

The local Chas Everitt region comprises 13 offices between East London and Mossel Bay. Owner of the Plett franchise John Fuller says the first six months of 2013 has seen the Plett office record R52-million in sales, and that excellent results are being recorded throughout the group, with sales countrywide for the year’s first half being the highest in the company’s 32year history.

At the function CEO Berry Everitt announced that in July alone, sales were 70% up year on year compared to 2012.

“The group’s innovative technology and marketing strategies are paying dividends, as is the high level of training provided, in particular the recent Advanced Mindset Training Programme, designed to ensure our agents are able to become strategically astute leaders in their markets,” says Fuller.

“Chas Everitt has also played a leading role during the past few years in developing new technology with major property portals that will benefit not only our group, but the rest of the market as well.

“An example is the digital signing of encrypted documents that will allow agents to conduct business directly with clients via applications on Android and IOS Tablet devices.”

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DREAM SALES TEAM: From left on the pic are the awardwinning Chas Everitt Plett crew of Anton Nell, Laurette Storm, Bobby & Di Rogers, group CEO Berry Everitt, Plett franchise owner John Fuller, Zelrese Hugo, and Cindy Bown

Malcolm Stewart – Portfolio Manager at Sanlam Private Investments Knysna

The Great Rotation is upon us...

A

catch phrase that many readers may have heard, the Great Rotation refers to an anticipated movement of funds out of bonds into equities. This should not be a sudden event, and is best understood if one takes a brief look at the past.

In 300 years of history, the Bank of England’s base interest rate has never been lower than the current 0.5%. And the new BoE governor wants to keep it there for a few more years.

This degree of policy stimulus and intervention in global financial markets is historically unprecedented and has been extremely positive for asset prices.

In the next year, the ability of policy makers to finally deliver above trend growth in the US, UK, Europe and Japan will ultimately determine the fate of asset prices.

The dramatic rise in the gold price over the last few years is testimony to this unique period of financial history. Its decline over the last 18 months is probably in anticipation of a multifaceted economic turnaround.

Investors are discounting the beginning of a stronger economic recovery after a period dominated by deflation, debt repayment, and default risk following the Great Recession.

The US economy is leading the recovery and should it reach ‘escape velocity’, then we will see the beginning of the end of

the unique stimulus policies of the last five years.

This year, or maybe 2014, is likely to mark the end of a 30year bull market in bonds. An era of abnormally strong fixed income returns is now under pressure and will signal the beginning of the Great Rotation.

Pension funds, foundations and individual investors have been heavily invested in this asset class and many have reaped very handsome returns. Many equity markets have already moved in anticipation of an asset class switch, and could well be ready for a correction.

US markets in particular have already had a massive run, and the ability of this mature market to run further will become more dependent on its financial sector, which still tends to be relatively undervalued.

European stock prices remain close to their lowest levels relative to US stocks in 25 years.

Now that European bond rates have declined and current account surplices are beginning to appear with property prices stabilising, it is probably correct to anticipate an ongoing recovery in these countries.

Japan is another market that attracts serious attention. In 1988 it accounted for 44% of the Global All Country Share Index - the largest percentage of any single country in the index.

By late 2012, that share had collapsed to an all-time low of 7%!

As usual, investing is never that simple. September will see the German elections, so we can anticipate a deluge of ‘election speak’, which could well spook European equity markets.

After their elections we will read much speculation about policy changes and Greece will probably raise its head again.

However, after all the water that has passed under that bridge it is hard to see Euroland breaking up. Their equities are cheap and should not be ignored.

The Great Rotation is already underway, but could take longer than we think. One should not remain in any asset class that is interest rate-sensitive, and this includes property trusts.

Many of the big blue chip property trusts have already seen a downward correction, but the performance of the last decade is unlikely to be repeated. Very specific property trusts can be bought but they must be well researched.

There are many ways in which retirees can benefit from a European rally, using asset swop unit trusts or simply by moving part of their funds offshore into Euro-specific funds or direct equities. A visit to your advisor could be very profitable.

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Promotion

August 28 - 2013

CXPRESS

ISSUE 371

9

10

CXPRESS

ISSUE 371

Social Scene

August 28 - 2013

Photo: Timothy Twidle

People, places & events

MUSIC TO THEIR EARS: Enjoying the sixth concert of the Knysna-Plett Concert Series for 2013, held on the evening of August 21 in Knysna, were from left Tom Grieve, Joan Louwrens, Wouter de Vos, George Brown and Sonja Grieve. Diarise Wednesday September 4 for the next performance, when the Charl du Plessis Trio with vocalist Musa Sakupwanya take to the stage at Knysna DRC hall. Founded in 2006, the trio is a versatile and respected crossover ensemble which brings to audiences a mixture of Baroque, Latin, swing and classical music. Musa is originally from Zimbabwe but studied music at the University of Pretoria where he specialised in jazz vocal technique. Tickets at R100 (scholars pay R20) are available at the door from 6:45pm.

The programme will feature the music of George Gershwin.

BOBBY BACK ON BITOU STAGE: Plettenberg Bay vocalist Bobby Ammorez has wowed crowds countrywide, but now hosts his very first CD launch in his home town on September 1 at Gospel Park Outreach Centre opposite the sports grounds in New Horizons. Ammorez will be joined on stage by a lively dance crew, 2012 Tshisa Talent winner Louisa Harker, and ‘Minister Miggie’ (Alfred Aweries), among many others. Doors open at 6pm, and tickets cost R30 for adults and R20 for children. Email ammorisass3@ gmail.com to find out more.

Photo: Timothy Twidle

Photo: Mike Scott

CATCH THE BROERS AND ALBERT LIVE ON SUNDAY! Blues aficionados since 1990 and preaching their gospel of live musical entertainment ever since, the Blues Broers featuring legendary Albert Frost, at right in the pic above, will woo rallygoers at Far Hills Country Hotel in George this weekend. Artful harmonica and bass by Rob Nagel, left, Albert’s scorching acoustic and electric guitars, the boogie-woogie keyboards of Simon Orange, centre, and Jonno Sweetman’s jazz-tinged drums combine to delight audiences countrywide and the local gig will be no exception, at Far Hills on Sunday September 1 from 3-5pm (cover charge R80).

Call 044 889 0120 for further details and visit www.facebook. com/bluesbroers or www. bluesbroers.com for more info on the band.

PAR FOR THE ART COURSE: Endorsing Plett’s Land Art Week were, at back from left, Western Cape ministers Alan Winde and Donald Grant, and Plettenberg Bay Tourism CEO Peter Wallington; in front from left are Bitou mayor Memory Booysen with Site Specific’s Heather Cunningham, Anni Snyman and Strijdom van der Merwe. See the full story on page 7.

IS IT AN -ISM OR IS IT (LAND) ART? Local cartoonist James Wolfaardt wonders if he’s stumbled upon a unique land art composition, or whether it’s just an artful deposit on the beach by Plett’s crafty wave action.

SPELLBOUND BY TSHISA TALENT: Many braved the cold to see the shows staged by Tshisa Talent in collaboration with Lunchbox Theatre during the Site Specific Land Art Biennale. Two gripping shows had the audience spellbound at The Timber Shed and The Old Dairy in KwaNokuthula. ‘The Icarus Show’ was conceptualised and directed by Dr Janine Lewis from Tshwane University of Technology and Melodie Schoeman, both of whom are part of Seity Performance Art. Tshisa means ‘it’s hot’ in isi-Xhosa and our local actors gave sizzling performances! - Photo: Vinthi Neufeld/Social News 082 825 9811

Interval

August 28 - 2013

And the Designer of the Year Award goes to....

Designed so that the slope of the roof will allow the rain to refill the cistern?

M

Skynbaar verlief

EISIE: “Pa ek is verlief op ‘n ou wat ver weg van my af is.

“Ons het ontmoet op ‘n fcv/ kpi"ygdukvg, vriende geword op Facebook, lang gespreke gehad op Whatsapp, verloof geraak op Skype en nou het ek pa se dnguu/

kpi nodig om te trou.”

Pa: “Geen probleem nie my meisiekind, trou op Twitter, hê pret op BBM, koop kinders deur e-Bay, en stuur hulle skooltoe deur gockn, en wanneer jy gatvol is vir jou man, verkoop hom gerus op Gumtree.”

CXPRESS

Testing the Aussies’ sense of humour

Q

. What’s the difference between Michael Clarke and a funeral director?

C0" C" hwpgtcn" fktgevqt" fqgup‚v" mggr"nqukpi"vjg"cujgu0 Q. What do you call an Aussie cricketer with 100 by his name?

C0"C"dqyngt0 Q. What do you call an Aussie who can hold a catch?

C0"C"hkujgtocp0 Q. Why is it impossible for anyone to drink wine in Australia at the moment?

C0" Dgecwug" vjg{" fqp‚v" jcxg" cp{"qrgpgtu0" Q. What’s the difference between Cinderella and an Australian cricketer?

C0" Ekpfgtgnnc" mpgy" yjgp" vq" ngcxg"vjg"dcnn0 Q. What do you call a world class Australian cricketer?

C0"Tgvktgf0 Q. What do you get if you cross the Australian cricket team with an Oxo cube?

C0"Ncwijkpi"uvqem0 Q. What do Australian batsmen and drug addicts have in common?

C0" Dqvj" urgpf" oquv" qh" vjgkt" vkog" yqpfgtkpi" yjgtg" vjgkt" pgzv"ueqtg"yknn"eqog"htqo0 Q. What is the main function of the Australian coach?

C0"Vq"vtcpurqtv"vjg"vgco"htqo" vjg"jqvgn"vq"vjg"itqwpf0 Q. Who spends the most time on the crease?

C0" Vjg" rgtuqp" yjq" ktqpu" vjg" Cwuvtcnkcp" vgco‚u" etkemgv" yjkvgu0

Q. Why don’t Aussie fielders need travel injections?

C0" Dgecwug" vjg{" pgxgt" ecvej" cp{vjkpi0 Q. What is the most proficient footwork displayed by Australian batsmen?

C0"Vjg"dtkum"ycnm"dcem"vq"vjg" rcxknkqp0 Q. What is the definition of optimism?

C0"Cp"Cwuukg"dcvuocp"rwvvkpi" qp" uwpuetggp" dghqtg" iqkpi" qwv" vq"dcv0 Q. What’s the Australian version of LBW? C0"Nquv."Dgcvgp."Ycnnqrgf0 Q. What do you call an Australian who can handle a bat?

C0"C"xgv0 Q. Why are Australian cricketers cleverer than Houdini?

C0" Dgecwug" vjg{" ecp" igv" qwv" ykvjqwv"gxgp"vt{kpi0 --On his way out into the middle to bat, Michael Clarke gets a call from his wife and teammate Brad Haddin tells her he’s heading out to the middle.

Clarke’s wife replies: “I’ll hold, he won’t be long.”

--Did you hear what the stump microphones picked up when The Ashes skippers tossed the coin on Boxing Day? Alastair Cook called correctly and, quick as a flash, said to Michael Clarke: “You lads can bat.”

Just as quick, Clarke replied: “No, we can’t. We really can’t.”

The Free GPS I have a little GPS I’ve had it all my life It’s better than the normal ones My GPS is my wife It gives me full instructions Especially on how to drive “It’s thirty miles an hour,” it says “You’re doing thirty five.”

It tells me when to stop and start And when to use the brakes And tells me that it’s never ever Safe to overtake It tells me when a light is red And when it goes to green It seems to know instinctively Just when to intervene It lists the vehicles just in front And all those to the rear And taking this into account It specifies my gear.

I’m sure no other driver Has so helpful a device For when we leave and lock the car It still gives its advice It fills me up with counselling Each journey’s pretty fraught So why don’t I exchange it And get a quieter sort?

Ah well, you see, it cleans the house, Makes sure I’m properly fed, It washes all my shirts and things And - keeps me warm in bed!

Despite all these advantages And my tendency to scoff, I do wish that once in a while I could turn the damned thing off.

ISSUE 371

11

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CXPRESS

ISSUE 371

Home & Health

August 28 - 2013

Support at hand for Garden Route cancer sufferers

W

HEN people initially discover they have cancer, they may feel overwhelmed, vulnerable and alone. The People Living With Cancer (PLWC) team believes that you should not be alone on your cancer journey.

It is a time when support can make all the difference, specifically from someone who has had first-hand experience of suffering through cancer with an intimate knowledge of the processes involved.

Elsje de Swardt of George was leading a happy and healthy life until the day in April 2005 when she felt the lump in her right breast. She thought that it was just the remains of the mastitis she had while breastfeeding her children.

Not only did she think she was way too young at the age of 39, but there was no history of breast cancer anywhere in her family. Cancer was the last thing on her mind.

But she was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. A lumpectomy was done and the cancer had spread to one of her lymph nodes. Six chemotherapy sessions and 33 radiation treatments followed.

“The chemotherapy treated

me well,” says Elsje. “The thought of losing my hair was a big issue to me at first, but I later realised if it was not for my hair falling out, I would have questioned the efficiency of the chemotherapy.

“Besides tiredness, I had no other major side effects. Radiation was another kettle of fish - I was constantly tired and wanted to sleep all the time.”

During this experience, she realised that she started living her life to the fullest every day, embracing all it had to offer.

“It is not only other people that have cancer, get divorced or are involved in accidents – this can happen to anybody. Don’t worry about things that are out of your control and, most importantly, celebrate life!”

For the fifth consecutive year, Elsje will be riding through SA as part of the Cancervive motorcycle team creating cancer awareness and early detection among all South Africans.

“Your cancer will affect everyone involved in your life and everyone who cares about you,” says Elsje. “Of course it is hard for them too, but remember that cancer is causing the problems, not you.

“You are a package deal and

being part of their lives means sharing the hard times as well as the happy ones. It means giving as well as taking.”

Support is a pillar of PLWC, which is why the free support network Cancer Buddies was established in 2002. Says cofounder Linda Greeff: “Cancer Buddies allows patients to interact with and receive practical advice and support from cancer survivors who have a similar profile and disease and who have regained their lives. Elsje is one of these and willing to offer support.”

Product manager for sponsors Dulcolax Tyron Hansen says the support system is a critical network for people living with cancer.

“Their work touches the lives of so many, which is why Dulcolax is so passionate about supporting the initiative.”

Should you, a friend or a family member be diagnosed with cancer and need information on PLWC and Cancer Buddies, email info@plwc.org.za or call 0800 033 337.

You can also call the George branch directly on 044 876 9030 or visit www.cancerbud dies.org.za and www.plwc.org. za for additional information.

Eliminate kitchen bacteria Cutting boards If you use a cutting board to prepare raw meat, which contains bacteria called salmonella, and then later you use the same board to cut up fruit, cross contamination occurs. You have transferred the bacteria from the raw meat to the fruit and increased your chances of getting food poisoning.

Use separate boards for different cutting jobs – one for preparing raw meat and one for your fruit and vegetables.

To clean your cutting board use a sponge and soapy water.

To kill the bacteria use bleach – one part bleach to five parts water, then rinse thoroughly and leave to air dry.

Cutting boards showing signs of cracking or deep grooves should be tossed out.

Sponges The sponge often gets used to clean other things, but rarely does it get cleaned.

A moist sponge with food particles clinging to it is a hotbed for germs. It’s also the fastest way of spreading germs.

To avoid sickness and food contamination, replace your sponge on a monthly basis.

Wash your sponge regularly, adding bleach or detergent to the water. Alternatively, you could pop it in the microwave for a few minutes at the end of each day.

Friday September 6 is your chance to go BIG IARISE Friday September beneficiaries SA National D 6 and start planning your Council for the Blind, Disabled big outfit, because this year’s People SA, SA Federation for Casual Day theme is Go Big. To make this national fundraiser for the disabled bigger and better than ever, all firms and local authorities, schools, clubs and organisations are invited to join in the fun.

Miss South Africa, Marilyn Ramos, has added Casual Day to her portfolio as she is passionate about children, and has spent much of her reign advocating and caring for vulnerable kids. And by supporting this campaign, she raises awareness of the needs of all persons with disabilities.

“This year we aim to make a massive impact with our Go Big campaign, so whether you wear big hair, big glasses, a big tie and big shoes, or just go big on the number of stickers you wear, anything goes - as long as it’s big,” says Casual Day project leader Celeste Vinassa.

The event brims with opportunities, giving communities the chance to raise funds for their local organisations that render services to persons with disabilities through a fun event that

GOOD COMPANY: Join Miss SA Marilyn Ramos in putting a big smile on the face of a child with disabilities by wearing your official Casual Day sticker next Friday

boosts morale and contributes to teambuilding.

Casual Day supports the right to education, housing, training, accessibility, and employment of the disabled - in other words, full inclusion into society.

Not only is it entertaining and valuable to society, but it’s really easy and convenient to participate as all promotional

material is provided free of charge. Wear the official Casual Day sticker and rest assured that funds raised from each R10 sticker donation will provide material relief to persons with disabilities.

Owned by the National Council of Persons with Physical Disabilities, the campaign has been run in partnership with

Mental Health, Deaf Federation of SA, and Epilepsy SA for the past 18 years.

Eight new organisations have now joined this beneficiary family: Autism SA, Down Syndrome SA, the National Association for Persons with Cerebral Palsy, the SA National Deaf Association, the National Institute for the Deaf, QuadPara Association of SA, Alzheimer’s SA, and the South African Disability Alliance.

Casual Day 2013 takes place in continued partnership with its main beneficiaries and 300 participating organisations dedicated to advancing the rights of and rendering services for persons with disabilities.

So remember, Friday September 6 is Casual Day, and stickers are available at all Edcon stores (Edgars, Jet, JetMart, Boardmans, CNA, Red Square and Legit) as well as Absa, Game and DionWired stores, Checkers, Checkers Hyper or any of the participating beneficiary organisations (visit www. casualday.co.za for the full list).

Home & Health

August 28 - 2013

CXPRESS

ISSUE 371

13

Start making Eco-bricks now for Bitou’s very own Peace on Earth bench W

HEN we throw something ‘away’ into our overfull landfills, how long does it take to biodegrade?

• A tin can: 80-100 years • An aluminium can: 200-500 years • Plastic six-pack rings: 450 years • A plastic jug: 1 million years!

• A styrofoam cup: Unknown • A glass bottle: Unknown...

Forever?

Of course , the figures above could change depending upon prevailing conditions. Suffice to say, we’ll definitely not live long enough to see the exact

PARK OFF IN PEACE: All households can contribute at least one Eco-brick, top, which will be used to construct a Peace on Earth bench like the one pictured above; below left, Felix Moyo from KwaNo shows off his Eco-brick; below right is a water storage tank made from Eco-bricks

time it takes for today’s petroleum-based plastic bottles to break down in the environment.

But did you know that many of the new eco-polyester pillows are stuffed with shredded plastic bottles? If this makes you wish you could do something to contribute, here’s the good news: you can!

Eco-bricks are discarded plastic bottles of various shapes and sizes – from 500ml to 5-litres - filled tightly (rtqrxqn#) with clean, dry, soft plastic, tinfoil, cellophane, sweet and chip packets, and polystyrene punnets (broken into tiny pieces).

Use the back of a wooden spoon or a strong stick to squash the filling down and voila, you’ve just created an Eco-brick!

These bricks can then be used to construct garden benches, small water tanks, walls and buildings of all kinds. Currently, schools are being built out of Eco-bricks in Guatemala.

Every household in Bitou is now challenged to fill at least one Eco-brick, and a grand collection will take place on November 3 at the Plett for Peace gathering.

Every one of us can contribute to this exciting project, which envisages creating a Peace on Earth bench to be sited in an appropriate position.

Call Elize on 072 711 0910 or Jean on 044 533 2625 for further details, and visit www. earthbench.org for an amazing read on the Peace on Earth Movement (POEM) and the cool, clever people who drive it.

Beer shampoo AKE one bottle of T any beer, open it and let it sit overnight.

Is that the scent of spring in the air?

W

HAT is it with the spring season that gets us all excited? Yes, there’s that element of new life and the prospect of new beginnings, but there’s also a wonderful sensory appreciation for nature - new blossoms, their fragrances, their prettiness and their promise of soon-togrow fruit.

As floral themes pop up everywhere, from fabric ranges to school projects, you may want to join in the flower-power brigade by planting bulbs that love flowering in September and October when spring is at its peak.

Chlidanthus with its incredibly sweet, citrusy fragrance should be your first port of call when choosing a bulb to really make you feel like spring has sprung. Known as the perfumed fairy lily, C. fragrans is the species available to gardeners and guaranteed to fill your home with the exhilarating aroma of the new season.

Its funnel-shaped yellow flowers are a striking little collection of petals, 10cm in diameter, on 20cm-long spikes.

Because the flowers appear before the leaves do, there’s nothing for them to hide behind, just bloom after bloom, about three or four on a stem.

The Greek word from which Chlidanthus is derived - ejnkfg, meaning opulence - is indica-

tive of the strong statement these blooms can make.

For your own garden of opulence, plant these bulbs (which should be for sale in August and September) in an area of full sun to semi shade, 4cm below the ground, and 8cm apart from one another, in friable soil containing nutritious, old compost.

Do this in early spring for best results.

If planting directly in the gar-

PERFUME ON TAP: Also known as the Peruvian daffodil for its origin in the Peruvian Andes, Chlidanthus with its sweet, citrusy fragrance is the perfect species to summon spring

den, consider lining a walkway with these plants so that the scent carries you along your walk, or on a terrace at eye level so that you’re instantly hit by the scent as you pass by.

Alternatively, pots are a great way to carry the scent indoors when the flowers begin to bloom, affording you a true sense of spring inside your home, and not just out in the garden.

What’s more, indoors you have less chance of these plants being pestered by the snails and slugs that love attaching themselves to Chlidanthus.

The bulbs will go into a dormant state between April and June, so if you wish to lift them, do so at the end of this period, next June. Offsets should be kept for planting, although patience may be required with these, as they usually take three years to flower.

The same patience may be necessary when waiting for winter to end so that you can start planting your favourite sweet-smelling yellow petals.

No matter where you choose to plant Chlidanthus, you can take advantage of their potential as great cut flowers and place them in vases in each room in the house, giving your interiors a spring in every step.

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The next day pour the contents into a plastic cup and heat in the microwave for 10 seconds.

Add two teaspoons of runny honey and stir.

Wash your hair with the liquid and leave on for about two minutes.

The mixture cleans off any built-up products and is also a good moisturiser.

You can use it twice a week if necessary.

14

CXPRESS

ISSUE 371

TO LET One-bedroom flat available in central Plett.

R2 600 all inclusive.

Phone 082 492 4417

August 28 - 2013

Classifieds

On the Soapbox

August 28 - 2013

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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

Something reeks and it’s not only the oil GOING, GOING...

The location of the ill-fated Kiani Satu is questioned by a reader, whose letter was received before the ship reached its final destination at a depth of 1km under the ocean 200km south of Knysna

Ever since it ran aground several weeks ago, I have been wondering how it was possible for the Kiani Satu to wreck itself on the beach at Goukamma Nature Reserve.

Stand on the Harkerville cliffs at Kranshoek and look out to sea on a clear day, and you see a vast stretch of ocean all the way to the horizon which, from a viewpoint 220 metres above sea-level, is 55 kilometres away. Seldom do we see any signs of shipping.

Why? Ships tend to keep well clear of the southern coast of South Africa, as it offers very little shelter. The half-heart bays of Algoa, St Francis, Plettenberg, Mossel and Struis are all exposed to southerly and easterly

swells.

Shipping that moves down the coast from Durban to Cape Town also tends to stay far offshore for another sound reason.

The Agulhas Current, which can flow at up to 7.2 kilometres per hour (source: http://oceancurrents.rsmas.miami.edu/indian/agulhas.html) is the equivalent of a ‘free ride’ for those that navigate these waters.

Why then, when the Kiani Satu lost engine power, was she so close to the coast? I would have thought that her captain could have steered a course well offshore for the reasons stated above.

Now that she has been re-floated, we are told that the vessel is at anchor 30 miles offshore and, as far as the South African au-

Thanks for letting Mingo go gently We would like to convey our special thanks to Dr Nell and the staff at Robberg Vet Clinic for their caring and compassion when we had to make the awful decision to put our little friend, Mingo, to sleep. It was very much appreciated.

- Shattock family, Plett

One saved, but snare sweeps could save many more We have a resident troop of baboons on the grounds of Monkeyland and Birds of Eden in The Crags.

A while ago it was noticed that one of the females had a snare around her neck.

We were able to capture her and remove it, but the snare had buried itself quite deeply.

Thankfully, since it has been removed and she has had a shot of antibiotics, she should make a full recovery and is now back in the care of the rest of the troop.

Hats off to vet Brendan Tindall, Wendy Abbott and Vivian de Bruyn, Lee Decker and Dominic Winkel for trekking through the thick undergrowth

and bearing a full-on attack from the alpha male, who was insistent on protecting his girl!

Thanks also go to Claire Hamilton who bravely took photos of the mission.

Snares are awful things and it is horrifying to know that they are being placed within our grounds (another two were removed since). Volunteers now do frequent sweeps for snares in our area.

If you have spare time, please contact Dominic on 044 534 8906 and offer your assistance to help find all the snares.

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JAWS OF LIFE: This female baboon was saved from a drawn out and painful death only through human intervention, relieving her of the snare deeply embedded in her neck

thorities are concerned, awaits further instructions.

A report in the Ecrg"Vkogu of Monday August 19 states: “As the salvage team waits for the weather to improve, captain Nigel Campbell of the SA Maritime Safety Authority said the next step would be to notify the ship’s owners, Esmeralda Schiffahrts, that the vessel would need to be towed more than 200 nautical miles off the coast, beyond South African waters in

terms of international maritime conventions. This will have to be done within the week.”

He did not know where the ship would sail to.

It all seems rather odd to me.

Surely the German owners would have wanted to get their (expensive) ship to Cape Town for a dry-dock inspection as soon as possible?

There’s more to this than just oily beaches. flNgcm{"uvqt{‚."Mp{upc

Support offroad experts’ pet welfare campaign The Muddy Offroads team has decided that it’s time to give back to Bitou and seeing that winter is in full swing, we want to make sure all the animals at Plett Animal Welfare Services are warm and happy.

We are donating 5% of all service fees during August to PAWS, and are also collecting

blankets, pet food, cat litter and toys for this cause.

Please support us by calling Graham or Cheree on 071 605 1606 or 044 533 2540, or email us for more information and bookings at muddy.offroads@ yahoo.com – we will collect and deliver!

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Kamikaze female cyclist endangers lives This is a cautionary note for the wrinkled little lady (with what I can only assume is a profound death wish) who rides her bicycle on the N2 east of Plettenberg Bay most mornings: Would you please rather go jump off a bridge, put a pipe into your car, take too many tablets or get your hands on a gun?

This will ensure that your gung-ho behaviour does not affect anyone else while attempting to off yourself.

The reason for these harsh words is simply this: I have encountered this particular individual on numerous occasions, riding her bicycle on the national highway with absolutely no

regard for herself or anybody else in her immediate vicinity.

This morning was no exception, as she merrily rode not inside but right on top of the yellow line, all the while chatting away with her cycling companion and seemingly oblivious of the dangers steaming up behind her. I’m not sure if this equates total stupidity or absolute arrogance.

Read my lips: there’s a specially-constructed cycleway alongside the highway for the convenience of cyclists and pedestrians. Please use it and stop risking the safety of responsible road users.

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Go on… have a laugh!

I haven’t stopped laughing since I read your latest jokes.

Wherever do you find them?

I particularly enjoyed ‘Paddy and Mick’ (visit www.cxpress. co.za and select the Jokes page of edition 369). Keep it up, please.

Do readers send you contributions? I have a few old ones that might be new to younger folk (I am 94 years old).

Do you know ‘A letter from an Irish mother’, or ‘Why Paddy’s not at work today’, or ‘Irish Philosophy’? - all of which are great.

Meanwhile, I enclose one of my own, which you might (or might not) like to use. It was written in 1997 for Pen Power - an anthology of prose and verse compiled by the creative writing group of the U3A in Cornwall.

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Cpf"K"cycmg"⁄"cu"qwv"qh"dgf" K"hcnn# (Perran-ar-Worthal, Cornwall 1997) Every good wish.

Mkvv{"Ejctnvqp"/"Uvtqodqnku" Tgvktgogpv"Xknncig."Rngvv (Thank you for sharing your sonnet with us, Kitty. As laughter is the best medicine, we welcome any and all jokes from our readers. – Eds.)

ISSUE 371

15

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

16

CXPRESS

ISSUE 371

Sport & Adventure

August 28 - 2013

The evil doctor waits for no man...

Cape Epic route manager Leon Evans, aka ‘Dr Evil’, teams up with veteran race organiser Zandile Meneses to offer a stage race for all fitness levels and financial situations

FAN CLUB: Wittedrift kids cheer riders on as they enter the race village during last year’s event - Photo: Desmond Scholtz

L

AST year’s inaugural Pennypinchers Dr Evil Classic three-day stage race was a resounding success with entries selling out and riders raving about the routes, the race vil-

lage, the goody bags, the food and the atmosphere.

Entries are coming in at a healthy rate for the 2013 event, and riders are reminded that only 400 slots are available for

both solo and team entries.

Dr Evil has committed to making this year’s event, set for September 19-21, a stage race for all levels of capabilities, with distances of under 80km on all three race days. The event will give riders an opportunity to experience a world class route at a fair price, while being accessible to fun riders as well as the more experienced.

Unlike last year, the 2013 race is now a separate event to the Karoo to Coast, which takes place on September 22. But the two races share the same weekend and title sponsors.

Shuttles will be available to take riders to Uniondale after Dr Evil’s easier third day, which finishes at the unique and beautiful race village at Wittedrift High School, a short drive outside of Plettenberg Bay. Good news for riders who participate in both the Pennypinchers Dr Evil Classic and the Pennypinchers Karoo to Coast MTB Challenge, is that you are entitled to a 10% discount on your Dr Evil entry. You will also receive a preferential start at the Karoo to Coast, and there will be prizes for the best performances in both events.

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Cricketers raise funds for quadrangular in Kimberley

DEFT DEFENDERS: T20 winners in 2012, these boys will now try keeping the title in Plett – in the pic with sports coordinator Gareth Menton are, at back from left, Justin Henning, Luke Roode, Liam Smith, Alex Hurwitz, Tiaan Burger, Kade Dickenson and Robbie Houghton, with Nick Barlow, Liam O’Sullivan, Keegan Mountjoy and Chrispin Keiser in front

T

HE U11 and U13 cricket teams from Plett Primary have been invited to play in a quadrangular cricket tournament in Kimberley during September, against teams from Paarl Gym, Newton Primary, and Outeniqua Primary School in George.

When Plett participated in this tournament for the first time last year, the U11s won the T20 competition and will thus be defending their title this year.

The boys and their parents have now embarked on a fundraising drive, which kicked off with an entertaining evening at Yellowood Spur on August 20.

A percentage of all sales on the night went towards this cause.

Funds raised will be used to kit the boys out in new school blazers (a first for Plett Primary), ties, cricket caps and new playing shirts. And they also

hope to collect enough money to buy much needed cricket wheelie bags before departing for Kimberley.

There is also a raffle on the go with great prizes like Dr Dre headphones and earphones, a B&S cricket bat and a springbuck, shot by U13 player Tiaan Burger on a resent hunting trip, up for grabs. The draw is scheduled for September 13 - call Keith Mountjoy on 083 662 8826 if you’d like to get your hands on some tickets.

The third fundraising event is a boerie roll and hotdog sale at The Market Square in conjunction with Plett Sports this Saturday, August 31. Please support this drive to keep Plett proud of our young cricket champs.

If you would like to make a contribution, please email Keith at autumnstar01@gmail.com for bank details.

Hospice benefits big from Ross Taylor surf contest

TAKE THAT! Funds raised through the surf contest allowed Marc Taylor, right, to hand over the whopper of a cheque to, from left, Lynne Barnhoorn, Knysna Sedgefield Hospice CEO Janet Stanford, and Chris Bourley - Photo: www.ellephoto.co.za

T

HE fifth annual Ross Taylor Surf contest, held at Buffalo Bay from August 9-11, was a resounding success despite the threat of cancellation due to possible oils spills from the stranded Kiani Satu.

The entry field this year was jam-packed with over 290 surfers and stand-up paddle (SUP) fanatics, many of them back for the fifth time.

Getting through an astounding total of 138 back-to-back heats (which equates to 2’760 hours of surfing!) required a massive team effort by the nine-man volunteer committee and locals who jumped in to form an unbelievable support structure throughout the weekend. The volunteer judges certainly had their work cut out for them, with amazing surfing from many entrants.

The younger and development surfer contingency has grown substantially and this division, overseen by Herman from Surfer Kids, was hotly contested. It was fantastic to see these kids, some as young as six, eager to get in the water.

Many families take part in the event, with mom, dad and kids all competing in different divisions. A real thrill this year, with the first day of the contest falling on Women’s Day, was seeing how the ladies division field has grown.

Says Nicky Goodall of the organising committee: “From humble beginnings, where only four ladies competed, we had

more than 50 ladies taking part this year. This included our esteemed Divas division, which gives girls over 40 the chance to show that age is of no relevance in this wonderful sport.”

An added extra this year was the Little Elephants and WOW (Women of Worth) celebration held on the Friday, adding to the festive vibe.

The benefit evening saw about 1’500 people join in the festivities. The evening also included a phenomenal line up of six bands that had the crowd dancing up a storm. The auction saw all of the goodies on offer snapped up, with auctioneer Deon Bing getting the crowds to dig really deep.

Almost 400 raffle tickets were sold and the winners drawn at a mammoth prize giving on the Sunday. The winner of the surf board prize kindly donated this back to the committee so that it could be re-auctioned.

“Phenomenal support received from local businesses has overwhelmed the committee, and we want to thank all of your loyal sponsors,” says Nicky.

“Their generous prizes and donations ensured that all winners walked away with fantastic goodies on the day.”

The final amount raised and handed over to Hospice was an incredible R152’451. Visit www.rosstaylorsurfcontest.co. za or facebook.com/rosstaylor surfcontest for results, or email rosstaylorsurf@gmail.com for additional information.