11 September 2013 #372
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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Free range This scene, which highlights our neighbourhood’s rural aspect, was captured by reader DerÊl Human with her iPhone while travelling along the N2 towards Plett on Sunday September 1. We welcome our holiday visitors and other animals to the Garden Route this month and hope you have fun until the cows come home...
Child, 9, murdered p3
Braai the day away p9
PE to Plett takes off p12
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CXPRESS
ISSUE 372
News & Views
September 11 - 2013
Book now for another splendid talk by intrepid Patricia Glyn T
HE inimitable Patricia Glyn has been trekking through the African wilderness in pursuit of a ghost once again. In 2005, she walked from Durban to the Victoria Falls in the footsteps of her long-dead ancestor, sir Richard Glyn. In 2011, Patricia set off for the Kalahari to find traces of a long-dead Bushman by the name of Makai Kruiper - a legendary mystic, hunter and healer who roamed ‘The Thirst Land’ a century ago. By her side was Makai’s grandson, Dawid, a man as legendary as his forebear. Dawid was 76 years old at the time and easily the most famous Bushman in SA, having featured in numerous films, documentaries, books and academic studies. But Dawid was also renowned for the most celebrated human rights victory for the Bushmen of Southern Africa. In 1999, Dawid and his Khomani clan won a land claim against the former apartheid government that had robbed them of their ancestral home and turned it into what is now the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (KTP). In the years since that great day, however, lack of transport into the KTP has hindered the community from accessing all but a small portion of it. So the old man asked Patricia if she could help him mount an expedition to the places of great historical and cultural significance, further into the park, which Dawid had not visited since his youth and which his children had never seen. So between April and June 2011, that is exactly what they did. In a deeply moving trek, the
ACCIDENTAL CELEBRITIES: A request by Dawid Kruiper and their resulting adventure form the entertaining theme of a talk by celebrated author, TV personality and adventurer Patricia Glyn - and you can experience it at Plett Primary School on September 25
Kruiper family (spanning three generations) and Patricia’s team visited and documented mystical and sacred places; battle and hunting grounds; birth, death and burial sites. Patricia’s new talk is about what she witnessed on this trip: the fragments that remain in the Kalahari sand of a long-gone life; the extraordinary memory and tracking skills that helped Dawid find his grandfather’s artefacts, some 100 years after they’d been buried; the secrets that have been handed down from son to son. The presentation is also about how losing their land brought the Khomani people to a state of utter despair and rage, and how going back to their heritage places helped to heal and
Notice Board • George Arts Theatre hosts the Hungarian Trio tonight (September 11) at 7:30pm, tickets cost R90-R20. On September 21, you can see Farryl Purkiss at the same venue (8pm, R80). Visit the theatre in York Street or call 044 873 0201 for info. • Plett Arts Association presents a demo, Cet{nke"Ncpfuecrg, by artist Tanya van Wyk on September 12 at 10am at 19 Plato Road in Poortjies. Email nath an@hilldesign.co.za for info. • Closing date for the Trash to Art competition is September 17, with great prizes to be won in the 8-10 and 11-13 age categories. Visit www.yourgreen box.co.za for details. • Catch Arno Carstens Unplugged at Plett Barnyard on September 19. Visit barnyard@ go2plett.co.za or call 044 533 1899 to book your ticket. • September 19-21 will see the Pennypinchers Dr Evil Classic
taking place on local cycling routes and ending at Wittedrift High on the Sunday - email zandile@drevilclassic.com. • September 20 is National Recycling Day - visit www.my waste.co.za for more info. • International Coastal Cleanup Day falls on September 21 - visit www.cleanup-sa.co.za/ cleanupdiary.htm for info about beach and river clean-ups that will take place along a body of water near you. • After a successful run of Owt/ fgtgf"vq"Fgcvj, Bitou Amateur Theatrical Society is in need of actors for its next production. If you are willing to try, email Roger at rwdavis@axxess.co.za or call 044 533 5357. ß" Mp{upc" Yqqfyqtmgtu" Hguvk/ xcn. originally scheduled for September 24-29, has been postponed to March/April 2014. Call Johan Nel on 073 394 0057 with queries.
restore them. The talk discusses how winning the land claim did not necessarily result in a new and profitable life, and the help that claimants need in managing this complicated process. This is a story about just how
much the Bushmen can teach us about respect for our natural resources and their preservation. Patricia demonstrates how the ‘old’ Bushman attitudes hold the key to our environmental future. She shows how little they consume, how dearly they value what is consumed, and how much they leave in place for their children’s children. But it’s also an amusing talk about a journey with a group of irreverent storytellers, free spirits, hilarious mimics and loving people. Once again, Patricia and her professional team of photographers and filmmakers have brought back thousands of photos and hours of footage, the best of which have been selected to illustrate her talk about this grand adventure. Do not miss this unique presentation at Plett Primary School on Wednesday September 25 at 5:30 for 6pm. Tickets are available at the door and online (a minimum donation of R100, which is tax deductible as all proceeds go to the Khomani Heritage Preservation and Eden To Addo). EFT payments can be made to the account ‘Eden To Addo’ at Absa Knysna (branch 632005), acc no 9186949260 reference: PG + your name (e.g. ‘PG Joe Soap’). Contact Jenny Gardy on 072 227 5393 or at jengardy@wol. co.za for more information.
News & Views
September 11 - 2013
CXPRESS
ISSUE 372
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Horrendous murder of youngster reopens Rheenendal scars In an area barely five minutes’ drive from the river where 14 schoolchildren were killed in 2011, a bright young Rheenendal girl met the same tragic fate - JOHN HARVEY reports
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OSELINE Philander’s death, unlike the Rheenendal bus accident victims, was at the hands of a merciless killer who thought nothing of it to prey on a happy nine-yearold whose personality shone through in everything she did. On the night of Saturday August 31, all the worst nightmares of a community still bearing the scars of that bus disaster came true, when a 32-year-old man was arrested for her murder. The alleged perpetrator in the
LIGHT EXTINGUISHED: Roseline Philander’s personality ‘shone through in everything she did’ Photo supplied
vicious crime, which involved Roseline’s throat being sliced after he had raped her, appeared in the Knysna Magistrates Court last week. He was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on November 11. But for relatives of the girl, a pupil at Rheenendal Primary, even the just processes of the courts is not enough: it is blood they want. In a dilapidated shack in Keurhoek, Rheenendal where at least five relatives stay, there is
a fear that their children can no longer play together in safety and exhibit the innocence that is so cherished by their elders. According to police, Roseline was led off by the suspect - well-known to the community - who offered to buy her food at a local shop while she was playing soccer with friends. “Then he came and told Roseline to go with him to the shop. Her brother told her not to go, but he threatened him and also told Roseline that he would buy
DEVASTATED: Roseline Philander's relatives Thomas Oktober and, at back from left, Casoline Philander, Madelaine Oktober and Maureen Oktober (on the steps) want justice for the murder of the slain girl - Photo: Ewald Stander
Foreigners rescued after night in forest Kwangnam Kim, 33, from South Korea, left, and Belgian national Yolann de Boevé, 24, are visibly relieved inside the Skymed rescue helicopter that airlifted them to safety last Saturday shortly after 8am. An exhausted Bruce Noble of NSRI Plett told CXPRESS later that day how his team, joined by members of Plett Mountain Rescue Club, combed the forests around Nature’s Valley for the hikers ‘till deep into the previous night. He commended Wild Spirit Backpackers for raising the alarm early on the afternoon of September 6, when these two guests failed to return from their hike. ‘This allowed the joint rescue teams to quickly formulate the extensive search that resulted in the successful outcome,’ he said. The men were found in good spirits, a bit hungry with a few minor scratches and bruises, but otherwise uninjured.
her fish and chips,” said aunt Madelaine Oktober. “If he steps here in Rheenendal again, we will kill him. He must suffer the way she did.” Another relative, Casoline Philander, said Roseline had even “waved goodbye” to her friends as she walked away. “When this man was seen again, he was covered in blood. It was her blood. She was so small and so friendly. Why, why, why did this happen?” Roseline lived with her father and brother in Gousblom Street. Her mother died several years ago.
The Rheenendal community is still struggling to come to terms with the 2011 bus disaster in which so many of their children died, and the murder of Roseline has again made residents question why their youngest members are being taken from them. Roseline’s lifeless body was found barely five minutes’ drive from the river into which the bus plummeted. “We are so scared for our children now. This is a peaceful community where the kids all know each other and play together. But our kids keep being
taken from us,” Madelaine said. Relative Thomas Oktober said the suspect had been in prison for rape committed in nearby Karatara. “He also tried to molest another young girl here in Rheenendal, but he was caught by a resident before this could happen. Her clothes were already off but then he was caught. He was beaten nearly to death,” Thomas said. Roseline’s funeral was held at the community hall in Rheenendal on Saturday. Many of her school friends helped to carry her coffin.
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CXPRESS
ISSUE 372
News & Views
September 11 - 2013
Delegates connect to ensure Bitou wards are ‘best together’
Having identified the need to educate ward committee members and community development workers alike on the legislation that directs local government, Bitou Municipality hosted a successful two-day Ward Committee Summit last week at Piesang Valley community hall. The event saw councillors, sector representatives and municipal public servants engage in dialogue that will ultimately close the communication gap between the municipality and the public it serves. A functioning ward committee system also serves to facilitate the information flow between Bitou’s various communities and the council. After lectures by an array of delegates and breakaway commissions for debate, the Summit concluded with a certification ceremony and the signing of a pledge by all parties involved. Pictured above standing from left are Mzimasi Tamsanqa of the W-Cape department of Local Government, Bitou speaker cllr Annelise Olivier, cllr Elaine Paulse, Corporate Services head Reginald Smit, Ward 2 cllr Wayne Craig, Buyiswa Jack of the W-Cape department of Local Government, Ward 3 cllr Monica Seyisi, Bitou’s Budget & Treasury manager Mbulelo Memani, and Bitou mayor Memory Booysen. Seated from left are Public Participation manager James Sijama, Ward 7 cllr Jan Nolan Stuurman, and deputy mayor Adam van Rhyner. Not appearing in the picture but working up a storm behind the scenes was Bitou’s brand new manager of Communication & Customer Care Kholiswa Masiza who, along with her able team, ensured a highly successful and well-attended event. They can be reached on 044 501 3061 for additional information. - Photo: Watty Watson
Plett: new perspective, new direction CHRISTINE MASON chatted to the new chairman of the Plettenberg Bay Residents & Ratepayers Association
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EVILLE Petersen is quietly passionate about the need for Bitou Municipality and all residents and ratepayers to cooperate with one goal in mind - finding solutions to the multi-faceted problems which we collectively face. He speaks with the insight, authority and conviction acquired from many years of experience at executive levels of a major South African corporation and in world-wide organisations. Familiar with the grass roots culture of many nationalities, Neville believes that we are united by a single common denominator: “Everyone wants to have a home, feed and educate their children, and live a decent life.” It is with this experience and understanding that Neville takes up the reins as the new chairman of the Plettenberg Bay Residents and Ratepayers Association. “The world is full of outstanding people,” he says, “and it is
possible to find solutions if together we stay focussed on the real issues.” This requires a unified approach, underpinned by the awareness of a common purpose to serve all of the people in this town according to their needs and Neville’s first job is to prioritise the issues that affect Bitou’s life blood: tourism. The airport, condition of our roads, small boat harbour, safety and security are only a few of the many issues that fall under the tourism banner and it is necessary to reach agreement and find lasting solutions to each of these long-standing problems. “There may be 50 issues to address and if we only resolve 12 in the next year, the fact remains that permanent solutions will have been found and there will be 12 fewer to address in the following year.” Neville believes that effectiveness is achieved when everyone involved in solving the problem is regarded as a part-
ner, and when there is willingness to look at alternatives. His capacity for big-picture thinking recognises the financial constraints under which the municipality must operate and that there may be some limitation in available skills. Certainly there is a fine tension between addressing tourism issues (and therefore income opportunities) and the need to deliver basic services to the many who live in often intolerable circumstances. It is only by working in harmony towards a common vision that balance can be achieved. “We can use our rates to subsidise a peaceful country or we can be in conflict and have a revolutionary South Africa,” says Neville. The same applies to Plettenberg Bay. The Association is for ratepayers AND residents and larger membership increases the potential to become a peaceful, economically successful town. If you are not already a member, please contact secretary Fiona Wilson on 082 921 5326 or e-mail ratespay@vodamail. co.za and add your voice to that of Neville Petersen.
Business
Investor Focus
September 11 - 2013 Malcolm Stewart – Portfolio Manager at Sanlam Private Investments Knysna
Investment thoughts I
T is now well documented that the bad debt of multiple US homeowners was passed on to their banks as they were unable to meet their bond payments. These debts in the hands of the banks were then passed on to the government. Failing banks were spread around the world, with the end result that governments in the developed world were in positions of extreme debt. The stimulus measures, i.e. zero interest
rates and massive liquidity that were used to prevent a recession, further expanded government debt levels. My question now is, whereto next? How will governments be able to manage this extreme level of debt? Where will the money come from to repay the bond holders? We saw what happened in Greece, and it is really scary. When in doubt, we should learn from history. In 1945 fol-
lowing World War II, national debt levels in the US were 116% of GDP, with projections for it to grow to 140% by 1955. But the outcome was quite different. In 1955, the true debt level had fallen to 66% of GDP. The reason? Massive stimulus and negative bond rates. (The interest paid was lower than the inflation rate.) For the 10 years from 1945 to 1955 the phenomenon of negative real interest rates had reduced debt levels by 6.3% per annum. Who financed this massive debt reduction?
Get the right answers to your labour and legal questions
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A Baynes Attorneys recently welcomed Shaylee Westhead when she joined well-known Plettenberg Bay legal eagle Leonie Baynes as candidate attorney. Shaylee studied law at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University from 2004 and completed her LLB in 2009. Degree in her pocket she returned to her home town of Plett but in the absence of local legal vacancies, worked at Gary’s Motor Spares to repay her study loan. LA Baynes Attorneys specialises in labour law and mostly deal with employers. To complement this forte, Shaylee focuses on employees, offering advice and assistance - and, being a candidate attorney, at a particularly affordable rate. Together, the LA Baynes
HELP FOR WORKERS: Shaylee Westhead has joined LA Baynes Attorneys, adding to a wide range of labourrelated services Photo: Watty Watson
Seeff welcomes Marlise
Attorneys team feel strongly about creating awareness among readers of their labour law rights. “Both employees and employers have free access to the Department of Labour,” says Leonie. “Employers should be wary of dealing with entities purporting to have knowledge of the law, but have no qualifications to practise in this field.” Find this able team’s offices next to The Greenhouse Hair Stylists at Whalesong Centre (opposite turnoff to Plett Shell Ultra City). You can also contact them on 044 533 6388 or 083 381 9146, email labattorneys@telkomsa.net or fax 086 720 7946. If you have any questions, please make that call and get the right answers.
UWC 60s & 70s reunion
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Seeff Plettenberg Bay welcomes Marlise McLachlan, at centre, to the company. Marlise will be heading up the legal department and will liaise with the attorneys on all conveyance matters. Flanking her in the photo are Seeff Plett manager Alet Ollemans and licensee Kevin Engelsman.
HE University of the Western Cape (UWC) invites all graduates and past students to its Bellville campus from October 4-6. The aim is to welcome back the founding graduates (17 at UWC’s first graduation ceremony in 1953; now 4’000+ students graduate annually) to reconnect and see how the institution is building on the foundation of its legacy. The weekend-long programme is open to all UWC alumni and will include breakfast with the rector, a formal dance/jazz evening, campus tours, fun for the family and a remembrance service. Visit www.uwc.ac.za/ alumni or contact the Alumni Relations Office at alumni@ uwc.ac.za or on 21 959 2143 for more information.
CXPRESS Holders of government bonds took the knock in real terms. And who were they? Why, mainly the pension funds who will always hold ‘safe and secure’ investments… Over this 10-year period, holders of US long-dated government bonds received real returns of -3.3% per annum. By comparison, equity investors received real returns of 5.8% per annum during this period. To put the long-term bond risk into perspective, one must accept that a 2.5% rise in the rates of a 10-year bond will cause a capital erosion of 20%. Remember, the decisions that will be taken by these governments will be political rather than economic decisions. It will be far easier for any govern-
ment to stimulate an economy to grow at 4% with inflation at 3% than one in which growth is 2% and zero inflation. At this stage this is the only possible thesis that I have come across. The message is to stay away from long-term bonds, hold income unit trusts with less than three-year durations, and make sure that you retain some equities, no matter the recent volatility. These actions must be accompanied by steady economic growth. It is interesting that in 2005 the US imported 12-million barrels of oil per day. By 2012, this number had reduced to 7-million barrels per day. This massive saving is equivalent to making the US the world’s third biggest producer
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of oil, after Saudi Arabia and Russia - a massive boost to the American economy, and to its competitiveness compared to, for example, Europe and Japan. Gas and electricity prices are now around 40% of those in these countries. Can you imagine the cost of electricity and petrol dropping by 40% in South Africa? The reason for this massive energy boost in America is due to the benefits of fracking to extract shale gas and oil. Makes you think, doesn’t it? (I do apologise for using the F-word...) Ocneqno"jcu"dggp"kp"vjg" kpxguvogpv"kpfwuvt{"hqt"qxgt" 62"{gctu0"Jg"jcu"ytkvvgp"vjku" eqnwop"kp"EZRTGUU"hqt"vjg" ncuv"37"{gctu"cpf"ku"c"urgekcnkuv" kp"ocpcikpi"tgvktgf"ygcnvj0
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ISSUE 372
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September 11 - 2013
Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za
Time to move on? Looming divorce Earl and Bubba are quietly sitting in a boat fishing, chewing tobacco and drinking beer when suddenly Bubba says: “Think I’m gonna divorce the wife - she ain’t spoken to me in over two months.” Earl spits overboard, takes a long, slow sip of his beer and says: “Better think it over, mate… women like that are
very hard to find.”
Fridge on the blink When I came home from golfing today, the wife left a note on the fridge: ‘It’s not working, gone to stay with my mother. I can’t take it anymore.’ I opened the fridge, the light came on, and the beer was cold. What the hell is she talking about?
The irritation of mobile phones used in public FTER a tiring day, a comit was with the boss. A muter on a regional airline “No sweetheart, you’re the settled down in his seat and only one in my life. closed his eyes. As the plane reached its cruising altitude, the girl sitting next to him pulled out her mobile phone and started talking in a loud voice: “Hi sweetheart, it’s Erica, I’m on the plane. Yes, I know it’s the 6:30 and not the 4:30, but I had a long meeting. “No, honey, not with that bloke from the accounts office,
“I’m sure, cross my heart.” Fifteen minutes later, she was still talking loudly. When the man sitting next to her had had enough, he leaned over and said into the phone: “Erica, hang up the phone and come back to bed.” Apparently Erica doesn’t use her mobile phone in public any longer…
Ten things you shouldn’t say on a date… 1. You’re wearing that? 2. Something smells funny. 3. Where’s the Tylenol? 4. And to think, I first wanted to date your brother. 5. I have a confession to make... 6. My dad has a suit just like
that. 7. That man is hot. Look at him. 8. My ex, and may he rot in hell forever... 9. You’re going to order that? Seriously? 10. You’re how old?”
Logical insurance claim
“I completely destroyed this antique chair barking at the dog next door.”
Social Scene
September 11 - 2013
DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER: Organising committee members, from left, Mimi Finestone, Chaîne des Rôtisseurs SA president Francois Ferreira, and Susan Pretorius celebrate another gloriously successful Gourmets & Gourmands evening, held in George on August 24. The highlight of the Bond-themed night was the auction of this diamond donated by D’Amato Jewellers, and a stellar total of R171’500 was raised for Carpe Diem School. Visit www. carpediemskool.co.za to find out more.
People, places & events
ART APPLIED: Plett Art Association launched a project with Born in Africa learners from The Crags, Kranshoek and Wittedrift, giving 400 kids the opportunity to submit a pencil sketch illustrating their dream come true. Of these entries, 52 were selected to receive painting lessons by the creative PAA ladies - a four-week course which saw huge talent unfold. The students were trained in various techniques using diverse media, so truly broadening their horizons. Winners were selected from all over Bitou and Nasiphe Mbukulu, a Grade 10 learner from Kurland Village, took the grand prize. Hot on her heels were Charlotte le Fleur from Kranshoek and Vionet van Rensburg from Green Valley. The BIA team thanks Tanya van Wyk, Joy Robin and Gill Wolfaardt - pictured here with Ellen Kleinsmith, left, and Dezire Julie for offering their artistic expertise.
CXPRESS
FUN FOR A GREAT CAUSE: Enjoying Casual Day on September 5 is the jolly Seaview Plant Hire bunch of, from left, Elmien Botes, Helen Knight, Beauty Vutuza, Juliana van Huyssteen, Arthur & Carole de Gouveia, and Gail Forbes in front. Visit www.casualday.co.za to find out how you can contribute to the cause of the less-abled if you’ve missed your chance last Friday.
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ADDO HERE WE COME! The seventh annual Eden to Addo Great Corridor Hike kicked off on September 1, with local and international adventurers set to complete the 400km trek from Knysna’s forests all the way to Addo Elephant National Park - a pilgrimage to biodiversity along a trail that is possibly the world’s most bio-diverse. The hike is a gruelling 20 days of walking through some of the most remote mountain areas of the region, and a must-do experience for any serious hiker. Visit www. edentoaddo.co.za or email joan@edentoaddo.co.za for more information.
TSITSIKAMMA LADIES TREATED: The Fernery hosted a Women’s Day function for the ladies of Bloubos, Thornham and Mandela Park on August 9. A guest speaker from Jeffrey’s Bay chatted to them about cancer awareness and prevention, there were pamper sessions and flowers, and the ladies were all spoilt with tea and scones afterwards.
STANDOUT SHOW: The seventh Knysna-Plett Concert Series show of the year on September 4 featured ‘The Gershwin Song Book’ by the Charl du Plessis Trio with Musa Sakupwanya on vocals. An audience of some 450 people from along the length and breadth of the Garden Route, responded with rapturous applause to favourites like ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ and ‘Summertime’. From left on the pic are Ruth Leppan and Karen Marshall of Hoekwil with Lynne & Jimmy Oosthuizen of Wilderness.
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CXPRESS
ISSUE 372
Home & Health
September 11 - 2013
Caring for the carers of Alzheimer’s sufferers Words & photo: Bob Hopkin
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YMPATHY for someone with a disability or life threatening disease is commonplace. Expressing the same emotion for a healthy person caring for those unfortunate patients is not as evident, if well-deserved in the case of Alzheimer’s disease, of which the symptoms place a heavy emotional stress on those who assist sufferers. Wilderness resident Hettie Theron and Plett colleague Jennifer Howorth train the carers of Alzheimer’s patients to cope with the burden of administering people whose mental and, eventually, physical capacity deteriorates daily. The only two trainers of this kind in the Southern Cape, they are responsible for the wellbeing of all the caregivers from Plettenberg Bay to Heidelberg. Employed by Alzheimer’s SA, they rely on subsidies from Lotto funds and private donations to allow the organisation to continue its work. Although causes are still under study and as yet unknown, Alzheimer’s is a debilitating illness of the brain, the symptoms of which begin as a shortterm loss of memory, develop through lack of coordination and disorientation, to its eventual terminal phase which can be starvation and heart failure. During all of this time the sufferer usually does not realise the burden placed on the person looking after them as they steadily become more entrenched in their dementia. As Hettie explains, the onset of the disease can be slowed or prevented by a balanced lifestyle and mental exercises that keep the brain active - such as crosswords, Sudoku, learning another language, or playing a musical instrument. Later, medication can alleviate or delay some symptoms. However, if and when the disease does manifest, patients need progressively increasing levels of care for the rest of
EARNEST ADVICE: Hettie Theron counsels an Alzheimer’s caregiver on best coping with her patients
their lives. “Caring for an Alzheimer’s patient is demanding, frustrating and can be exhausting as the patient does not realise that their actions are frequently irrational. “They often ask the same
question repeatedly, find it impossible to communicate effectively, have extreme mood swings, don’t care about their appearance and have difficulty in recognising familiar people,” says Hettie.
“A carer must have exceptional levels of patience, be prepared to ask questions simplistically, never contradict the patient, and always react in a calm and friendly way. “They must protect the patient against self-harm by ensuring that medicines, poisons and cutlery are locked away and sink plugs hidden so that a forgotten tap does not flood the room. Patients have to be gently dissuaded from entering into legally binding agreements during mood swings and from removing their clothes in public - a common symptom.” September is World Alzheimer’s Month and a day-long conference on the subject will be held at the George Arts Theatre on September 19 for those who wish to learn more. Visit www.alzheimers.org.za if you would like to contribute financially or participate in helping Alzheimer’s sufferers.
Rug ‘n Tile gains new cop shop job Megan Mason of Rug ‘n Tile and Semper Prima site foreman Philip du Toit shake on a good arrangement, after Semper Prima Builders awarded the supply and installation of Belgotex floor coverings at Plett’s swank new SAPS offices to Rug ‘n Tile recently. Megan thanks the friendly building contractors for choosing local and, as is always the case with her reputable and well established Plett business, guarantees a job well done. See the advert on this page for contact details.
Boys to men - taking care of your health Heart disease, cancer and injury are the top three health threats for men, but fortunately many of these can be prevented by healthier lifestyle choices
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CCORDING to Fedhealth principal officer Peter Jordan, men face different risks during different life phases. “The biggest health risk for men in their 20s and early 30s is that they think they are invincible. Men in this age group are generally risk-takers and tend to play full contact and adrenaline sports. They may drink more than they should and engage in casual sexual relationships.” Jordan says that this is exactly the time when they need to be proactive, as the health course they set for themselves at this age will give them future grounding. Heart disease is the number one killer in South Africa and one in three men is estimated to have a heart condition before the age of 60. Lifestyle factors like lack of exercise, stress, smoking and an unhealthy diet can lead to high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes and, ultimately, heart disease. Statistics show that one in 20 men below 40 already shows signs of heart disease. Doctors have seen an increase within the last 20 years in high blood pressure and cholesterol, and heart disease in the 24-35 age groups. The young, highly-stressed millennial professionals seem most at risk. Heart attack signs to look out for: chest pain; discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach; shortness of breath; nausea; dizziness or an impending sense of doom. If you experience any or all of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Cancer is another main health concern, with one in 23 men
being diagnosed with prostate cancer - the most common type among South African men. Testicular cancer is responsible for around 1% of all cancers in men and, surprisingly, is common in men aged 15-39. Regular self-examination and blood tests can help detect male cancers. To reduce the risk, eat smart and make healthy food choices. Exercise and manage stress while avoiding alcohol and tobacco. Dr David Powell of the International Centre for Health Concerns says men are hardwired differently to women. The connection between the left brain (logic) and the right (emotions) is much greater in women. Testosterone tends to dampen emotions in men, who are better able to compartmentalise and intellectualise and, says professor Michael Zitsmann of the Centre of Reproductive Medicine, testosterone is what keeps a man’s brain firing. It is both directly and indirectly required for proper cerebral functioning. “Testosterone levels and depressive disorders have been associated frequently,” he adds. A lack of testosterone can shape a man’s overall quality of life, affecting both brain power and basic emotional wellbeing. This is why the loss of testosterone makes aging a more emotional and vulnerable part of a man’s life. The physical, psychological, social and spiritual changes that occur in later life in men are not always understood, causing a great deal of anxiety. Signs of male menopause include reduced libido; infertility; decrease in strength and endurance; loss of height and
thinning bones; less wellbeing and increased apathy; sadness, anger and irritability; weakened and less spontaneous erections; hot flushes and sweats; fatigue; joint aches and stiffness; and anxiety, depression or burnout. To keep men safe from these key health risks, Fedhealth suggests the following routine check-ups: 3:/5;"[gctu • Yearly: Dental exam • Two to three years: Blood pressure, height/weight measurements and a brief physical • Every five years: Cholesterol check 62"vq"87"[gctu • Yearly: Physical exam for cancer (skin, thyroid, lymph nodes, prostate and rectum); dental exam • One to two years: Height/ weight measurements; blood pressure check; stool sample check for blood; vision and glaucoma check • Three to five years: Cholesterol check; blood sugar check; sigmoidoscopy after 50 for colon cancer Qxgt"87 • Yearly: Height/weight measurements; blood pressure check; physical exam for cancers (skin, thyroid, lymph nodes, prostate and rectum); stool sample check for blood; dental exam • One to three years: Thyroid hormone check; blood count; cholesterol check; blood sugar check; hearing check; vision and glaucoma check; lab tests or urine sample • Three to five years: Sigmoidoscopy for colon cancer. Visit www.fedhealth.co.za for more useful health tips and further information.
Food & Wine
September 11 - 2013
Let’s braai on September 24! For a nation of braaiers, a special day to do just that merely means that the fires will be lit earlier than usual. Follow the example of Watty Watson, left, and Johann Adler who enjoy regular gatherings where friends and meat meet for not-so-serious discussions about life. Ultimate Braai Master Season 2 starts at 8:30pm on September 18 on SABC3, and Garden Route entrants Chris Kastern, below right, and Simon Good sent us this picture taken on their Ultimate Braai Master journey. Follow them (on Twitter: @ SmokeSweatTears or Facebook: www. facebook.com/ SmokeSweatTears) as they braai their way through SA!
PeeBee’s Wine Column
Peter Bishop
Muscadel - the content of winter I T remains the bargain of the industry, Muscadel de Frontignan - be it red or white. It is one of the grapes brought by Jan van Riebeeck 360 years ago, and planted at Constantia by Simon van der Stel. It made Constantia wine famous, in the courts of Europe, on the deathbed of Napoleon Bonaparte, in the novels of Jane Austen. Recently, I opened a Baron du Pon 1986 magnum, made by that great but deceased gentleman Pon van Zyl of Robertson Cooperative - aka the Father of Colombard. In the early 1980s Pon produced a great red Muscadel that earned many Superior ratings. This wine was still tight, and had that lovely dustiness and wealth of taste. It could have gone another three decades. I have had a few calls from people who own the famed 1953 KWV Muscadel and the excellent 1930 by the same producer. The 1953 was hailed at the millennium as one of the five great wines of all time in South Africa. Obviously the first point of interest by the owner is: “How much can I get for it?” How mercenary! The best thing to do is to think of three people in this life whom you truly respect, and let them share the foretaste of the eternal with you. When wines like these appear at industry auctions, they are taken - with great fanfare - from the original cellars they were placed in after bottling. They had not been standing in a garage or in a cupboard, with the heat and light of day on them. Their labels too would be pristine with all details of the vintage date clear. Yet, because it’s rich in those two great preservatives sugar and alcohol, it could well have survived abuse better
than a table wine would have. The Muscadel grape probably hails from the Arabian town of Muscat. Think of the site of the Garden of Eden, and think of the pleasure of the sheik. From there it moved to the Greek Isle of Samos, where it was preserved in honey, and then on to Rome. The emperors of Rome thrived on conquest, and thus sought silver for their swords and chariots, so they built a road to England. Drive through the south of France, and you will see how tough a task it was. Muscadel vines were planted along the route. It was the medicine, the preservative of health and good wealth for the road builders and the soldiers. The town of Frontignac, famous for its Beaumes-de-Venise Muscadel, even today operates a Worldwide Muscadel Competition every year that Monis 1992 won a few years ago. Cape Muscadels used to be light and delicate with lower alcohols but, around the time that white table wines became popular, with cold fermentation - the 1960s “Lieberstein, any Time!” - the marketers called for Muscadel that were more full. Sweeter and with higher alcohols at 17%, it moved away from the upper limit of fermented wines which was 15%. Small wonder that Muscadel was seen as “uqgvgu” and almost as a “boys’ wine”. It was marketed in fat bottles, and it almost elicited scorn from those who thought their brows were high. It picked up the image of Oom Tas, at best. In 1998, I contacted Swepie le Roux, who was retiring as board member of the KWV, about the plight of South Africa’s best tradition: Muscadel. We started the SA Muscadel Association. I had written an article, Owu/
ecfgn" /" Vqq" Uyggv." Vqq" Uvtqpi, in 1995. Consequently Swepie initiated that alcohols could drop to 15%, though sugars vary from 120g/l to nearly 400g/l in exceptional cases, but a general figure of 240g/l. In fact, there is a growing reversion to the styles before the 1960s - the style that is more becoming of a dinner able, especially if it is in a small bottle. The purpose of Muscadel SA is to enable winemakers to produce the style that they regard as reflecting quality, and to get the media and public to value that quality. Swepie proposed gold medals each year for those reflecting quality (irrespective of the style), and he awarded platinum to whichever of those wines were presented in a package that gave the wine status. These became the 375ml or 500ml bottles, which seem to fetch a higher price than the squat 750ml - and, even then, they are price-friendly. More farmers are planting Muscadel than a decade ago, because the big producers are paying good money. The Association has been run by the talented young Henri Swiegers of Badsberg, whose record in sweeter wines precedes him. In its 11th year, the awards are being sponsored for the sixth time by entrepreneur Murray Giggins, MD of wine chemical producer Enartis. The only platinum at this year’s Muscadel Awards was for the Orange River 2012 Red Muscadel - which is a boost for the folk who really feel the Winter of Discontent... RggDgg"jcu"mgrv"jku"rcncvg" cnkxg"ukpeg"3;97"yjgp"jg" ogv"Dgglc{"Ncpmyctfgp"kp" Yknfgtpguu0"Jg"gzrnqtgu"nqecn" cpf"kpvgtpcvkqpcn"ykpgu." nqqmkpi"hqt"flvjg"ewvvkpi"gfig‚0
CXPRESS
ISSUE 372
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CXPRESS
ISSUE 372
TO LET One-bedroom flat available in central Plett. R2 600 all inclusive. Phone 082 492 4417
September 11 - 2013
Classifieds
On the Soapbox
September 11 - 2013
Letters to the Editor
CXPRESS
Email: editor@cxpress.co.za - Fax: 044 533 0852 - PO Box 1449, Plett 6600
Will small boat harbour development create new job opportunities in Plett? This is a response to the letter by Yedwa Nicotee aka Auth’ase Mayila of KwaNokuthula (visit www.cxpress.co.za and read ‘No to developmental projects is no to job creation in Plett’ on the Letters page of issue 369). I was reading this letter in CXPRESS of July 31 while sitting in a restaurant on Thesen Islands in Knysna. It was lunchtime but I was the only person in the restaurant. The whole marina development was empty, as was the waterfront - as they always are in winter unless there is some sport or similar event going on. I felt sorry for the lonely waiter. The only workers around were a couple of gate guards. There is no work there for anyone, except for a handful of waiters and cleaners in the summer holidays. So it is a pity that Yedwa Mayila cannot see that exactly
the same thing will happen to a large harbour development in Plettenberg Bay. It is similar to Thesen Islands, only bigger. The poor people without jobs will still line up next to Qolweni Bridge to get casual day labour. In fact, the situation might become worse, for a new building project will attract people looking for jobs from all over the Eastern and Western Cape, and most of those people will stay on in Plettenberg Bay. As in Knysna, there will be work for some while construction continues. Once the building work is finished, that will be the end of the jobs, just as on Thesen Islands. The good thing about Thesen Islands was that it was built in a badly neglected area that was not being used properly. The Plett harbour development will take place in the living heart of Plett, Central
This is no ‘abusement park’ I totally agree with Ian Michler’s article in CXPRESS of August 28 (visit www.cxpress. co.za and read ‘What exactly do we have on our doorstep?’ on the Environment page of issue 371). At Monkeyland, Birds of Eden and Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary – or rather SAASA (South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance), we cannot stress this fact any stronger: there is |gtq value for nature conservation in touching, cuddling, selling or forcefully breeding wild life in captivity. This is especially true when it comes to our apex cats and carnivores. Also, the in-breeding and hybrid breeding of apex cats owuv"dg"dcppgf in all countries. A true sanctuary, like Jukani, is where animals can live out the remainder of their lives free from unwanted human interfer-
ence, such as forcing them to breed, forcing them to perform, putting them on display, and walking them on leashes - all this is for the amusement of humans. I refer to places engaging in such activities as ‘abusement parks’ and not sanctuaries. In part thanks to our belief in nature conservation, Monkeyland and Birds of Eden are the only animal attraction activities in South Africa that is Fair Trade-accredited. Now that Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary is up and running under SAASA in The Crags, we can proceed with our application for Fair Trade-accreditation too. Please visit www.saasa.org. za for more information about the valuable nature conservation activities we are a part of. Xklxgt"Lqpem."d{"gockn *Ugg"vjg"cfxgtv"qp"vjku"rcig"hqt" c"xkukvqtu‚"fkueqwpv0"/"Gfu0+
Beach, and tourism - and with it all summer jobs, however badly paid - will grind to a halt for years if the development were to proceed. It will take four years at least, according to the developers, and in that time many hotels, bed and breakfast places and restaurants will disappear, and along with it many existing jobs. Tourists have a choice, and will not visit a giant construction site in their summer holidays. That’s not me saying it; it is the developer’s own consultants who point out the likely job losses in their report.
We all are agreed that good, sustainable jobs are the only way to support the greater community in Plett in the long term. But building a large, fancy development that will take away the community’s most popular beach (and braai area) and then just stand empty most of the year is not the way to do it. By all means, let’s debate it. Yedwa Mayila complains that “such issues are never debated in the townships” but only in the town itself. Well, as the letter says, this is a democratic community and anyone is free to debate any matter anywhere, including in KwaNo. Dcukn"xcp"Tqq{gp."qp"dgjcnh" qh"vjg"Ucxg"Rngvv"Ecorckip
In defence of female ‘kamikaze cyclist’ I was absolutely disgusted to read in your previous edition the extremely offensive and factually inaccurate letter entitled ‘Kamikaze cyclist endangers lives’ (click on the Letters page of issue 371 at www.cxpress. co.za). It is my suspicion that the letter was posted as an unpleasant personal attack rather than a note of caution. The lady I believe this letter to be sniping at is a wellknown and very competent local cyclist who, I am advised, rides with the greatest respect for other road users and she is, as any qualified road user will agree, quite entitled to ride along the yellow line at the side of the carriageway. Furthermore, unless there has been some major construction within the last few weeks, I am unaware of any cycle paths appearing along the N2 highway, with the exception of the existing footpath adjacent to Goose Valley. Finally, I have no doubt that the author of such an unpleasant letter probably drives a black 4x4 with tinted windows
and takes great pleasure in (as he eloquently puts it) “steaming up behind cyclists”. We all know the type. Fkuiwuvgf"Pqp/e{enkpi"Rngvv" Tgukfgpv."d{"gockn --‘Stunned by Stupidity’, you are a poor troubled soul. Your letter regarding the behaviour of a local cyclist is a disgrace. Focus on the point you are trying to put across, drop the emotional unintelligence, and drop the personal insults. On the point you were trying to address and assuming you actually passed your driver’s licence, you should have remembered the rule of the road with regard to overtaking slower moving vehicles, which a bicycle is: ‘Upon approaching a slower moving vehicle, a motorist should slow down and only overtake when it is safe to do so.’ Had you applied that principle you would have created a safe environment and the need to make a clown of yourself would not have arisen. Eqpukfgtcvg"Oqvqtkuv."Rngvv
Car guards - love ‘em or throw away the key? Plett still seems utterly divided on the issue of car attendants, as is demonstrated by the chasm twixt the two opinions expressed below – visit www.cxpress.co.za and click on the News & Views page of issue 370 for some background I remember a referendum, years ago, where the citizens of Plett voted unanimously against paid parking on Main Street. While some people may find car guards to be bothersome, I have the utmost respect for these people. Instead of sitting around whining about the lack of job opportunities, these men and women use their initiative. They get up daily, dress in clean clothing (almost always), make their way into town and stand all day. Often they are insulted by well-to-do vehicle owners, even though the cost to the person parking is negligible. If it were municipal paid parking, it would be much more expensive and the possibility of being fined when delayed in a
shop would be ever-lurking. The guards have often been there to assist me, sometimes even keeping an eye on my son while I run into a shop. Lest anyone forget, when we had riots and the guards were unable to come to work, there was a higher incidence of break-ins to cars parked in town. We all have a responsibility to those around us. I say treat these people with kindness and respect. Share a few coins with them and let’s all find a way to live together. Mc{nc"Yqnhcctfv."Rngvv --You asked for a winning idea... Well, the law says all car guards must be registered with PSIRA (Private Security Industry Reg-
ulatory Authority) - look at the website www.psira.co.za - and I ask the public to open a case at the local police station against unregistered car guards. The penalty when found guil-
ty is a prison sentence or a fine. The law says it, not me! So the problem is solved. Local traffic officers and policemen know this, but are soft on crime. Lqjp"Dgtpctfv."Rngvv
ISSUE 372
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CXPRESS
ISSUE 372
Sport & Adventure
September 11 - 2013
Central Beach the place to be for inaugural PE to Plett finish
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XCITING news for local cycling enthusiasts is that the Investec PE to Plett - this particular route’s very first multi-day mountain bike race, positioned alongside the likes of Sani2C, Wine2Whales and the Cape Epic - is about to hit the bay with great fanfare. In a chat to CXPRESS, Mike Glover of organisers Red Cher-
ry Adventures said he looked forward to seeing Plett buzzing with excitement at the finish line on Tuesday September 17, when about 400 riders will end four days of challenging but ultra-scenic cycling on Central Beach. “We expect the first riders to enter the Central Beach parking lot around 11am on the
17th. But there are also great spectator points on that fourth and final day, which kicks off in Stormsriver Village,” says Mike. His time/place guesstimates for readers keen to cheer on competitors as they make their way to Plett include the Bloukrans Pass climb at around 7am, the climb (on tar) from Nature’s Valley (+8:15am), and the start of the Keurbooms Beach leg around 10:30am. Apart from Plett champ Kevin Evans, participating celebrity riders include Ischen Stopforth,
Anriette Schoeman, Timo Cooper and Robin de Groot, as well as rugby great Joel Stransky and extreme adventure-racing ace Alex Harris. “Investec is a generous sponsor and there are several other corporate teams participating,” enthuses Mike, whose Port Elizabeth-based company specialises in the creation of unique multi-faceted sporting events (think Enduro Africa, The Roof of Africa, Rallye Raid... check out www.redcherryadventures. co.za for more info). Sister company Red Cherry
Television will ensure that this year’s PE to Plett receives maximum exposure across various media platforms, while Section 21 company Touch Africa will benefit from funding raised by the event. About 200 spectators from PE and surrounds will accompany
the riders and join locals to form a fun welcoming party in Plett, so rock up en masse and be part of this unique sporting event which, in 2014, will see the route reversed to start in Plett and end in PE. Phone 041 581 5335 or visit www.peplett. co.za for more information.
Fearless racers unfazed by dark and stormy forest
Of Otter, Dassie, mad dogs and Englishmen...
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EIGNING trail-running world champ, Englishman Ricky Lightfoot, is among a white-hot field of entries in this year’s Otter African Trail Run, scheduled for September 22. But the country’s best trailrunners will collectively try staving off the posturing posse of international challengers in a bid to keep ‘The Grail of Trail’ firmly rooted in SA soil. Bets are also down over whether 2012 winner Ryan Sandes’ record of 4:40 could be shattered. Normal human beings in fit physical state should take note that entries are still open for the Dassie Run - baby bro of the iconic Otter at a distance of
10km, and taking place in conjunction with the main event. The Dassie starts in Nature’s Valley at 8am on the 22nd and participants are expected to take between an hour and 150min to complete the course, which includes a variety of trail types and nearly 350m of climbing. Finishing in the same location as the Otter Run, the Dassie field’s tail-end should finish just before the first of the worldclass Otter runners arrive. Visit www.theotter.co.za for info on The Otter African Trail Run presented by Salomon and GU, or email Magnetic South at christine@magneticsouth.net to enter The Dassie.
Knysna gymnasts make the grade in Oudtshoorn Coach Yvette Share of Knysna Gymnastics Club proudly sent us photos of her charges competing at the Western Cape gymnastics trials in Oudtshoorn during the weekend. We were just about to go to print so could only accommodate this image of Monique Fechter who, along with seven other girls, made the Western Cape team. Congrats also go to Francine Olivier, Tamara Foyn, Heather Anderson, Louisa Marais, Lisa Bruwer, Allana Jantjies, and Rene Strydom who will join Monique and the rest of the WC team at the national championships in Gauteng from September 23-25.
SHINE ON BLACK: Celebrity night-runner Steve Black’s shimmering attire meant he hardly had need for his head torch Photo: Dael Bunge
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HE weather forecast for August 31 - the last day of winter - was spot-on, so setting up the route for the firstever Pennypinchers Adventure Nights Trail meant being battered by wind and horizontal rain. The fun had only just begun... At the race briefing, team captain James Stewart had 63 adventurous athletes hanging on his lips as he described the challenging but flowing course, warning that trees were still being blown over by the gale force wind and cautioning all to stick to the marked trail. “Heading for the start line, not one of the runners stepped right up to it, showing a healthy respect for the dark wall of
Knysna Forest that lay in wait,” chuckles James. One hour and fourteen minutes later it was Earth Scout-sponsored local Melikhaya Msizi who crossed the line first for yet another win. Dawn Springer was the first lady and Wittedrift scholar Dylan van Wyk the first junior home - and that in a very respectable third place overall. Once emerged from the forest, runners filled the lapa and shared their war stories around a blazing fire with huge smiles. This was the first in a series of Pennypinchers Adventure Nights races - go to Pennypinchers Adventure on Facebook for all the pictures and more team news.