Cx374

9 October 2013 #374

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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... and ACTION! Among an array of entertainment heading our way, Ash and Van Searle are ready to expose all - turn to page 9

Knysna teens in court p3

Yank whizz in George p5

Readers’ feedback p15

Bowls kings crowned p16

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CXPRESS

ISSUE 374

News & Views

October 9 - 2013

Learn more about a kind-hearted captain’s good life in Knysna Knysna Historical Society chairman PHILIP CAVENEY recalls a well-loved local personality, and invites readers to an illustrated talk on the subject scheduled for October 18

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OBERT Cecil Howard Hart trained as a teacher at the University of Manchester and immigrated to the Cape Colony with a number of his friends and colleagues at the time of the formation of the Union of South Africa.

They were successfully placed in their chosen careers in the Cape Education Department, but the outbreak of the Great War (WWI) disturbed their plans.

Robert Hart, along with others who had come out to South Africa, returned to fight in the Great War. After a successful career as a professional soldier, where he attained the rank of major, Robert Hart returned to South Africa to continue his career in teaching.

He was appointed as headmaster of the Knysna Secondary School in 1925 and experienced 10 years of significant change in the town during the period leading up to WWII. During his tenure the secondary school was upgraded to a high school, the first boys hostel was opened, the railway line was completed, and many dignitaries visited Knysna.

Robert Hart and his wife, Annie, were involved in all aspects of community activities, and were both fondly remembered by those with whom they came

MULTI-TALENTED: Captain Robert Hart of Knysna, 1886-1968 colonial teacher, soldier, headmaster and gentleman farmer

in contact.

In 1935, he was appointed headmaster of the Cambridge School in East London, where he again earned the reputation of a “genial disciplinarian”.

The Hart family kept in contact with Knysna even during those years, spending holidays at Woodbourne and Ashford (Belvidere), where he had bought farm property.

The pupils of Cambridge wrote of him kindly in their correspondence.

However, due to the unfortunate death of Annie in 1943, he retired early and returned to his farm in Knysna at Ashford where he experienced new challenges, while becoming a wellknown character of Belvidere and Knysna.

He continued teaching on a part-time basis at many of the high schools in the Cape Province, where he earned the sincere admiration of his peers and students.

During his years here, he compiled his memoirs of Knysna, known as the Jctv"Ocpwuetkrv, which tells of the characters of Knysna during this time.

A man with the enormous respect of all he met and fondly remembered by his fellow teachers and pupils to this day, Robert Hart died in Kimberly in 1968.

Both he and Annie are buried at the Holy Trinity Church in Belvidere.

•Attend the illustrated talk on Robert Hart’s Knysna years (1925-1968) hosted by Knysna Historical Society at Cearn Hall on Leisure Island at 5pm on Friday October 18. Members pay R10 and entrance costs R20 for non-members.

VAL WILLIAMS REMEMBERS...

Notes on the birth of the Southern Cape Whale Route

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VERY year the people of Plett are thrilled to have the privilege of seeing Southern Right whales enjoying the beautiful bay. Making their way from Antarctic waters, these huge animals arrive midyear and cavort in the winter sunshine, blowing noisily and flapping and slapping tails and fins.

“Mating takes place and babies are born and, before we know it, the whales have left again until next year,” says Val Williams from her sunny room at Formosa Garden Village.

Some decades ago, Val was watching these antics from her verandah in Beachy Head Road when an idea started budding in her fertile mind. She had seen a programme about whale-watching in New Zealand, where it had grown into a full-blown industry that transformed the country’s entire economy.

So why couldn’t this be done in Plett?

Some serious thinking followed and Val plotted and planned.

Her suggestion to the local Wildlife Society, that it was perhaps time to focus on marine life instead of land-based animals alone, received a lukewarm response. So she decided to do something herself.

Says Val: “I knew there was an active whale-watching organisation in Hermanus - with a whale-crier, to boot - which attracted tourists. But why shouldn’t Plett go a little better and develop a symposium that would offer a more academic aspect? This could be the core of a tourist whale route all along the Southern Cape coastline.”

She roped in some contacts to ensure that the symposium was mentioned on radio and TV and in the printed press. She persuaded Michael Swinton, who had been in broadcasting in Durban and now lived at Simran Batik, to read a message on the midday news, his mellifluous voice carrying the message of the symposium to the public.

Val started with the best:

worldwide expert Peter Best had great depth of knowledge about Southern Right whales after many years of diligent research of their habits. Professor Mike Bruton (erstwhile director of SAIAB) from the Cape Town Oceanarium was asked to give the key note address.

“In attendance, too, was wellrecognised environmental journalist John Yeld, and of course Dr Roy Lubke, a representative of Rhodes University’s famous Ichthyologic Department, who mentioned beforehand that his students would kill to come to Plettenberg Bay. “They came, but instead of killing they listened to the talks and discussions - and learnt a whole lot. One young lady used the symposium to give her début speech. They were put up for free somewhere in The Crags and definitely added to the liveliness of the occasion,” recalls Val. “The staff of Tsitsikamma National Park came, also full

of enthusiasm for the opportunity to learn and talk about the things dear to their hearts. Wildlife was represented by their PR person...

“It was a great opportunity for so many people to share their knowledge. Anet Pienaar of Knysna, who launched the Oyster Festival there, recognised this and willingly created a brochure for the weekend event.”

A multitude of individuals and organisations supported the weekend. The Plettenberg Hotel generously consented to a meet and greet party from 6-8pm to open the gathering, and the BI lent their Lagoon Room for the weekend at no cost.

“Plett was really pulling together for an occasion that widely promoted the whale-watching industry, which was a very real tourist attraction in those quiet winter months,” concludes Val. “And I was extremely grateful to everyone who helped and attended, proving that all the hard work was worthwhile.”

News & Views

October 9 - 2013

CXPRESS

Tragic tale unfolds as former Knysna teen stands accused of matricide A young woman implicated in the murder of her entertainer mother was only five months old when her ‘beautiful’ parents trekked around South Africa in a horse-drawn cart before settling in Knysna - JOHN HARVEY reports

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HOENIX ‘Racing Cloud’ Theron, 18, last week appeared in the Simon’s Town Magistrates Court for the murder of her mother, Rosemary Theron, 39, alongside her alleged accomplices - partner Kyle Maspere, 18, and Godfrey Scheepers, 20.

Both men also grew up in Knysna and it is believed that all three left for Cape Town at the beginning of the year.

Theron, who lived in Clovelly for the past few years, went missing seven months ago. Her body was discovered in a shallow grave at Strandfontein Pavilion last month.

A confession by Scheepers led to the arrest of all three accused.

The court was told Phoenix and Maspere were on drugs (allegedly tik) when the daughter hugged her mother and Maspere strangled her from behind.

But Garden Routers who know Phoenix remember the former Knysna High pupil as free-spirited and a picture of happiness.

Until last year, when residents began to notice a change in her, believed to be brought on by drug abuse.

Rosemary Theron was wellknown countrywide as a professional stilt-walker and clown, and of late became involved in the film industry. Most recently

CARING SOUL: Rosemary Theron loved horses and according to a Facebook post by Richard Kraak, she had planned an excursion to look after horses at Bomvu Backpackers in the former Transkei around the time of her disappearance - which might explain why she was presumed missing rather than dead for months

she appeared in a TV commercial for Cadbury’s chocolate in which she walks on stilts.

“I met Rosemary and her partner years ago in the Free State.

Phoenix was only five months old and they were travelling around South Africa in a donkey cart,” said long-time friend Natalie Buttress of Plett.

“The family then came to Knysna, where they stayed on a farm in Rheenendal. Rosemary was one of the brightest stars.

Even the people who didn’t like the trance culture lifestyle she lived loved her.”

Buttress said Theron moved to the Cape a few years ago but “was often visiting the Garden Route”.

“We were always running into each other at parties. Phoenix has always been a beautiful child. This [arrest] comes as a big shock. It is still so fresh in our minds.”

A close family friend, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said she knew something was wrong when Theron was not heard from for months.

“She was always so visible.

Even if she disappeared on her travels, which happened all the time, you always knew where she was going or someone in the next town would tell you where she was,” she said.

“Phoenix grew up in such a beautiful, free place. The family were beautiful people. What

this shows is that a life can be ruined by tik. Rosemary had told me she didn’t like Kyle and that she did not want Phoenix hanging around him.”

The woman said her son had known Maspere at school but he had dropped out a few years ago. He was believed to have lived in Plett for a while but this could not be confirmed.

Knysna High principal Mike Lourens said he was aware of the case but would not be commenting to the press.

Rita Knoetze, who co-runs the popular Scarab Village market outside Sedgefield, said she had known Phoenix since the business was opened 10 years ago.

“She was just one of the regular market kids, running around and having fun. There were never ever any problems,” Knoetze believed Phoenix’s father still lived on the Garden Route but she did not know where.

Another friend of the family described Rosemary Theron as an “absolute sweetie pie”.

“She was so lovable. She was fearless and wrote poetry and would sing beautifully.”

ISSUE 374

3

Dog fighters back in court

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HE dog fighting trial that has rocked the Garden Route resumed in Knysna Regional Court this week as the remaining six accused faced charges of contravening the Animal Protection Act. Animal activists have already welcomed the convictions of four of the men: former Plett resident Billy Marais, Fanie Joubert of Johannesburg, Ferdinand Endeman of Somerset West, and Anthony Blake of Plett, who received sentences ranging from house arrest to fines between R10’000 and R2’000.

This week the remaining six men - Peter, Donald and Rudi Wall, Yorick Grobbelaar, Anton van Blerk and Owen Keith Butler - appeared, all pleading not guilty.

The case continues until October 11. /"Lqjp"Jctxg{" Ictfgp"Tqwvg"Ogfkc

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CXPRESS

ISSUE 374

News & Views

October 9 - 2013

Lacking research halts local ‘ocean fracking’... for now Knysna businessman Ivan Keir, whose concerns about a UK energy company’s plans to explore for oil and gas off the coast between Mossel Bay and Plett resulted in a last-ditch effort to stave off the project, has succeeded - at least for the time being JOHN HARVEY reports

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VAN Keir, 45, drew up a petition in July expressing his concerns about OK Energy exploring for the precious resources off the coast, arguing that people along the Garden Route were not adequately informed of the public participation process and that it could be

harmful to marine life.

He has garnered over 700 signatures since, with the result that the Petroleum Association of South Africa (PASA) upheld the process until further investigations had been carried out.

However, OK Energy has moved to address any concerns

and says that due process was followed in the public participation process. In fact, the company says it even exceeded the prescribed norms and standards.

“I read an article which said it was the last day for registration of concerns in the public par-

ticipation process. I noticed that 120 days were set aside for this process, yet neither I nor anyone else I spoke to had heard about the application to explore for gas,” Keir said.

“I was worried about how the public participation process had been conducted, but also there had never been any real scientific evidence of the impact of seismic drilling.

“Studies have been done in Australia, but the evidence has been anecdotal. Usually in this exploration process about six to 12 canons (used to conduct explosions in the ocean) are used, but in these studies only one is used, so the real impact is not known.”

Keir said he emailed one of OK Energy’s directors, Paul Barrett, who told him the company had never received concerns before.

However, Barrett forwarded these on to PASA, which agreed to uphold the decision as investigations were carried out.

The company then set up a meeting between Keir and representatives from OK Energy’s consultancy company, Environmental Resource Management (EMR).

“I expressed concerns that the notice of intention was placed in Cape Town newspapers but nothing in the local press. I also said there was not a shred of proof that there was no impact on marine creatures.

“The consultants did acknowledge that they were concerned about the impact on whales, but I am still concerned about other marine life. Everyone is concerned about fracking in the Karoo, but this is fracking

NOT OK: Ivan Keir managed to attract closer scrutiny to the processes preceding UK company OK Energy’s exploration for oil and gas off the Garden Route coast

of the ocean and people should be made aware of any dangers.”

OK Energy managing director Dr Erika Syba maintains, however, that due process was followed and environmental impacts carefully assessed.

“We are committed to minimise impacts and have instigated a self-imposed 10km exclusion zone for seismic shooting which will avoid any interaction with inshore marine users,” Syba said last week.

“With respect to fishing interests, we have engaged with the main fisheries and will aim to ensure we do not impinge on their activities. In terms of cetaceans, there are industrystandard mitigating procedures in place to protect these animals which we will adhere to.

“We want to make sure that any concerns are heard, acted on and allayed.”

George joins the march against Monsanto

A

NOTHER global march against Monsanto - one of the world’s biggest biotech companies and infamously responsible for DDT, Agent Orange, and the genetically engineered seeds that ultimately end up in our food - is scheduled for Saturday October 12.

According to Lizelle Genade from march organisers Your Green Box, Monsanto spends billions of dollars to stop the US government from forcing products containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to be labelled accordingly. “They prefer keeping us in the dark about what we are putting into our bodies.

“If they truly believed their food products were safe for our consumption, why are they afraid of labelling products containing GMOs? Studies have proved them to be harmful to humans, but Monsanto’s spin doctors stick to their story.”

So why bother standing up to this giant corporation, and what has been accomplished in South Africa since the last global march on March 25?

“Our two biggest baby-food manufacturers have vowed to remove GMOs from their foods and formulas, and the wellknown breakfast cereal promoted by a South African star swimmer has also gone GMOfree - check for the new packaging to make sure you buy the new stock.

“This is because of the pressure applied to corporations by the everyday consumer,” says Genade “Just imagine what could be accomplished if more concerned parents, caregivers and ordinary consumers added their voices to this healthy cause?

We can - and we are - changing the world. Can you afford not to be a part of it?”

The George march takes place this Saturday from 10am ‘till noon outside the Magistrates’ Court at the corner of York and Courtney streets.

Wear red and bring along anti-Monsanto and GMO, or propermaculture and pro-heirloom seed placards and posters.

Contact foodrevolutioneden@ gmail.com for more info.

Kurland shacks razed, residents in need

I

N the early hours of Friday September 27, an estimated 17 dwellings in Zawazawa informal settlement - part of Kurland Village in The Crags - burnt to ashes.

Bitou Municipality was alerted around 5am and on arrival, some of the affected residents were still trying to salvage personal belongings. The cause of the fire was still unknown by our going to press, and investigations are said to be ongoing.

Only one male resident sustained serious injuries, and was hospitalised for treatment of his severely burnt foot.

Community Services head Monde Stratu confirmed that his department was aiding the affected families, and readers able to assist with funds or goods are requested to phone Anthony Fourie on 044 501 3224 or 083 413 6110.

News & Views

October 9 - 2013

American teen prosthetics prodigy talks in George

E

ASTON LaChappelle, 17, is the invitational lecturer of the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers for 2013, and readers are invited to attend his talk on Monday October 14 in the conference hall of George Civic Centre.

Easton began working with robotics when he was 14. From his home in the small town of Mancos in Colorado, he challenges the future of prosthetics and tele-robotics with a longterm goal of creating an affordable upper-limb prosthesis that is neural-controlled and stronger than a human.

He has two 3D-printers in his room where he makes all the joints, gears and custom parts needed for a robotic limb. He has featured in Rqrwnct"Uekgpeg and Rqrwnct" Ogejcpkeu magazines and recently, US president

Barrack Obama shook hands with his artificial arm during the White House Science Fair.

Easton has worked on NASA’s Robonaut project at Johnson Space Centre, and placed second in the world in engineering at the 2012 International Science Fair. His story offers a reminder of the simplest key to success: if you want something badly enough, do the work and find creative ways to achieve your desired outcome.

His mission to reinvent conventional prostheses was kickstarted when meeting a young girl with a prosthetic arm and learning that her parents had to pay US$80’000 for it.

He knew something had to change, so redirected his desire to take things apart and put them back together again in a new way.

Living in a fairly remote town, Easton had to self-teach from scratch - electronics, coding, using a 3D-printer, the list goes on. But access issues and a steep learning curve did not break his stride. Neither has the fact that he is only 17, with limited funds to buy the necessary products.

He conducts all his work in his bedroom. “Just the other day, I heated acetone in a mason jar in my room to make the 3D-printed hands look more human,” he admitted to an audience of thousands in a recent talk.

Attend Easton LaChappelle’s inspirational talk on Monday the 14th at George Civic Centre at 5pm – entrance is free and everyone is welcome. Call Les Stuart on 044 343 2323 or email leszelia@iafrica.com to find out more.

SUPER HUMAN: Easton had to self-teach from scratch and with limited funds to buy the necessary products, conducts all his work in his bedroom

National Lottery grant will turn Knysna into Africa’s biomimicry hub

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IOWISE recently received a second tranche of R2.8million from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF), which will enable this education and sustainability-based company to continue its conceptual design for a world-first Biomimicry Discovery Park to be established in Knysna.

The first tranche enabled the initial research, networking and establishment of partnerships required to get this mammoth project up and running, while facilitating a design workshop with 20 professionals from the biomimicry, engineering, architecture, social, environmental and education sectors.

This second NLDTF payment means that the process can con-

tinue, starting with the conceptual development of the educational component that will form the core of the Discovery Park.

Consultant Andrea GrantBroom along with 15 design professionals arrived in Knysna recently for a five-day designcan-do charette - a multi-disciplinary brainstorming session to imagine and develop the full edutainment experience.

The session was kicked off with a biomimicry ‘genius of place’ exercise. Facilitated by Biomimicry SA’s Will Lawson and expert guide Mark Dixon, the purpose was to discover the ingenuity of local species and use these as inspiration during the design process.

The Biomimicry Discovery Park and Biomimicry Research,

Design & Innovation Hub planned for the industrial area is set to catapult Knysna, the Garden Route and SA into the international spotlight.

“It is anticipated that this world-first Biomimicry Discovery Park can do for the region and the country what the Eden Project has done for Cornwall and the UK - injecting life back into a depressed economy, serving as both magnet and catalyst while proving that it is more than possible to do really well by doing good,” said BioWise project coordinator Sue Swain.

It is hoped that the NLDTF will extend its funding to cofinance the actual establishment of the Discovery Park, which is expected to cost in the region of R350-million.

CXPRESS

ISSUE 374

5

Pink flamingos love Lookout!

Roy Ross shared these lovely pictures of flamingos that he captured as they took off from Lookout Beach on September 24. He writes: ‘We live in Joburg but have a holiday house in Bowtie and get to Plett as often as we can!’ We look forward to welcoming you back soon, sir.

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CXPRESS

ISSUE 374

News & Views

October 9 - 2013

Bitou 10 provides critical early intervention for Grade 1 learners

This year, 82 Grade 1 learners have benefited from weekly sessions with occupational therapists contracted by Plett’s Bitou 10 Education and Development Foundation - CEO KIM WEYER tells more

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INCE March, occupational therapists Michelle Luyt, Nicole McDonald and Anzelle du Plessis have been treating learners in groups of four or five at Formosa, Kranshoek, Wittedrift, Harkerville, Phakamisani and Plett Primary Schools.

“We are thrilled with what these learners have achieved in their therapy sessions so far. We have observed improvements in their concentration, attention to detail, problem solving, planning and organising. They are now better at following instructions and working independently,” says Michelle.

These occupational therapy sessions focus on developing gross motor, fine motor and visual motor integration skills - vital building blocks for learning.

Early intervention is critical if we want to address developmental delays, improve learners’ performance in literacy and numeracy, and prevent Bitou children from dropping out of school before they have at least passed Grade 9.

Currently, 50% of our learners drop out dghqtg reaching Grade 10 and another 25% drop out before passing Grade 12.

Since 2011, over 250 Grade R-3 learners from eight Bitou primary schools, referred by their teachers and the Western Cape Education Department, have been screened. Bitou 10’s occupational therapists have

WELL-OCCUPIED: Above, Michelle Luyt enhances the learning experience of one of her Kranshoek Primary OT groups; below Phakamisani Primary children show off their work with Grade 1 teacher Mrs Faku in the background

identified a wide range of learning barriers, most of which can be treated.

Many learners have severe de-

Cupcakes for cancer By last Friday, the intrepid team of ladies steering the Pink Trees for Pauline campaign in Plett had already sold 2’400m of pink fabric to wrap around trees and raise funds for cancer awareness. You can now also buy fabric at Plett’s Global Village where Ronel Jooste of Earth Café has taken it upon herself to add pink cupcakes to the ways and means of collecting more cash. In the pic, the Café’s Thomas, Lucia and Andile show off the favourite sweet eats being sold. The campaign culminates on Friday the 18th on Central Beach from 4:30pm, with cancer survivors diving from the sky and a handover of bucks to Plett’s Cansacare team amid music and great prize giveaways.

Call Alda Mills on 082 334 4204 or Hanlie Sinclair on 082 688 3152 for further details.

velopmental delays, some have problems with their eye-sight or hearing, others have difficulty with language or speech, a few

are physically disabled or intellectually challenged.

Some of these children have been taken to clinics and specialists for further diagnosis and treatment, and a few have been referred to the Department as candidates for special schools.

Recommendations for each child assessed have been given to their teachers, who have discussed these with the child’s parents.

The majority of children being treated have shown great improvement in their academic performance. Other than those children with cognitive deficits and severe concentration problems, these children have developed a solid foundation of skills that will give them a far better chance of success in the future.

Treatment for Grade 1s will continue in the fourth term, after which they will be reassessed to measure their progress. The occupational therapists estimate that 70% of the 82 children being treated, who previously risked failing, will now pass Grade 1.

Please help us make a significant difference in these children’s lives by supporting a child or group of children who need occupational therapy or other specialist treatment.

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Business

October 9 - 2013

Investor Focus Malcolm Stewart – Portfolio Manager at Sanlam Private Investments Knysna

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The Active versus Passive debate

HE cost of long-term investing has been attacked in the media for several years and has resulted in a plethora of new index-linked investment instruments. Satrix is probably the best known of these, although there are now over 40 of them listed on the JSE. Through these instruments, the investor is able to buy many offshore indices as well as a variety of specialised local indices, i.e. the property index or the inflation-linked bond index.

There are two basic formats, those like Satrix who hold the actual underlying shares in the relevant index, and the ‘synthetic’ trackers that utilise derivatives to represent the index. The latter could be criticised for relying on the balance sheet of the sponsoring bank.

Besides the very low cost of these trackers, one also has to compare their performance with those of the expensive activelymanaged unit trusts.

The large investment houses do not have any relationships with their clients (unit holders) so they compete based on their performance. It is acknowledged that the actively-managed funds rarely outperform the passive tracker funds.

Statistics in support of this claim reflect some shocking results. In the US, +80% of all actively-managed funds underperform their benchmark index over a five-year period. Globally, the figure of underperformance is closer to 60%, so there is clearly a place for these passive tracker funds.

It is important, however, to refrain from placing all of one’s investments into a single fund or asset class. For a young in-

vestor with a seriously long time horizon, i.e. at least 20 years, a tracker that compounds dividends makes a lot of sense.

Retired investors, on the other hand, could combine various trackers so as to diversify the risk and improve the income generated. However, one of the downsides is that one is no longer able to select specific stocks that may offer a far better income.

The current JSE property tracker fund, for example, offers a yield below 7%, while several property trusts not included in the index because of their smaller size offer almost 10%, and have very good properties in their portfolio.

It is also a fact that investors who buy and hold sound growth companies will always do better than passive investors. Those who bought Liberty back in the 70s did extremely well, as have those who bought Capitec or Naspers 10 years ago.

It appears to me that investors who blend all of these instruments into their total investment universe could end up with lower costs and a betterperforming set of investments.

One should not ignore the role of your investment advisor your relationship should be based on trust, not performance. If one’s portfolio or Living Annuity slightly underperforms an index but you are still able to sleep at night then, from a financial perspective, you are having a successful retirement.

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WILLS WEEK: OCTOBER 7-11

Attorneys do something for free this week!

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EMBERS of the public will be able to have a basic will drafted by an attorney free of charge during National Wills Week, with legal firms throughout the country participating in the project.

The following problems may arise if you die without leaving a will: • Your assets may not be left to the person of your choice.

• It can take longer to have an executor appointed, and this person may not be your preferred executor.

• There could be extra and unnecessary costs.

• There could be unhappiness and conflict among members of your family because there are no clear instructions on how to distribute your assets.

The contact details of attorneys participating in the National Wills Week project can be accessed on the LSSA website at www.LSSA.org.za or contact the Cape Law Society on 021 443 6700 or the Law Society of South Africa on 012 366 8800.

CXPRESS

ISSUE 374

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Save yourself time and money by knowing when to complain

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E’VE all had a bad customer experience, but how many of us actually take it further?

Under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), you may be entitled to compensation. Consumer Goods and Services Ombud (CGSO) advocate Neville Melville points out five common areas of consumer complaints and how to go about complaining.

Rqqt"swcnkv{ Consumers may purchase goods only to find that they are of poor quality or downright defective.

“Under the Act, consumers are entitled to ask for the goods to be repaired, replaced or refunded if they are defective,” says Melville.

“The choice is the consumer’s and retailers cannot force consumers to have the goods repaired if they want a refund or replacement.”

He adds that the consumer can also insist on a cash refund instead of a store credit, but they must return the goods within six months of purchasing.

When buying online, be sure to read the small print - but whatever the supplier’s return policy, if goods are defective, consumers are entitled to have them replaced, returned or refunded. And the supplier must cover the expenses of this.

Make sure your paperwork is in order, including receipts, to make the process easier.

Vjg"ujqr"yqp‚v"ngv"og"tgvwtp" o{"rwtejcug Loved that handbag yesterday, but changed your mind today?

That may not be enough to lodge a complaint against a retailer.

“It’s a misnomer to think that a company must take back goods you purchased if there’s nothing wrong with them,” says Melville.

“The Act only requires a supplier to accept a return if there was something wrong with the goods.”

However, a ‘cooling-off period’ of five days applies to direct marketing sales or to credit transactions, such as purchasing a car, where there is a written agreement in place. Purchasing goods using your credit card

be told they’ve run out of the advertised stock, you may have grounds for a complaint.

Under the CPA, retailers must ensure they have sufficient stock to meet reasonably anticipated demand for any products promoted or advertised.

“If a company advertises goods at a specific price and runs out of stock, they can be held liable for ‘baiting’ consumers,” says Melville. “If the consumer can show this, they have grounds for complaint or can demand goods of a compa-

counts as a cash sale.

“If there is nothing wrong with the goods, the retailer can also insist on a till slip as proof of purchase or for the original packaging in order to accept a return.

“Most reputable retailers have a returns policy in place, which may specify a time limit for returns, usually up to about a month,” says Melville.

Ecwijv"kp"octmgvgt‚u"vtcr Companies use marketing tactics like sales and promotions to get customers through the door. But if you arrive only to

rable quality and value.”

Eqpvcokpcvgf"hqqfuvwhh If you have suffered from food poisoning after eating contaminated food, then you may be entitled to claim compensation under the CPA. “You may be able to claim expenses such as those related to hospitalisation, other medical costs, and loss of income while ill,” says Melville.

“However, a doctor’s note saying you’ve had an upset stomach is unlikely to get you far.

“Again keep your till slip and collect as much evidence as

possible, including laboratory tested specimens and if possible, freeze any food left so it can be tested for bacteria.”

Ncvg"fgnkxgt{ You paid upfront for that lounge suite, but it still hasn’t been delivered months later?

Consumers are entitled to receive their goods within a reasonable timeframe. If you’re buying groceries online, this may mean within a day, while purchasing furniture may require a longer lead time of up to about six weeks.

“If your bank account is being debited for goods you have not yet received, don’t simply stop paying as this could have a negative impact on your credit rating. Rather lodge a complaint first,” says Melville.

He explains that most complaints that come through to the CGSO are the result of poor complaints resolution by companies. This includes consumers not being able to contact the company, being kept waiting for an answer for an unreasonable period of time, rude or unhelpful customer service staff, and being given conflicting advice on the status of the complaint.

“If handled correctly at storelevel, there would be far fewer formal complaints,” he adds.

“Companies should really focus on the complaints as much as the sales. Great companies should view complaints not as a nuisance, but as an opportunity to put things right.”

Visit www.cgso.org.za if you need help resolving a consumer complaint, or contact the CGSO on 0860 000 272 or at info@ cgso.org.za for more info.

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ISSUE 374

Interval

October 9 - 2013

My short-term memory is not as sharp as it used to be.

Also, my short-term memory’s not as sharp as it used to be.

Why shopping solo is the way to go…

A

FTER I retired, my wife insisted that I accompany her on her trips to the hyper market. Unfortunately, like most men, I find shopping extremely boring and prefer to get in and get out.

Equally unfortunate, my wife is like most women - she loves to browse.

Yesterday my dear wife received the following letter from the local hyper market…

Dear Mrs Woolf, Over the past six months, your husband has caused quite a commotion in our store. We cannot tolerate this behaviour and have been forced to ban both of you from the store.

Our complaints against your husband, Mr Woolf, are listed below and are documented by our video surveillance cameras: 1) July 2 – He set all the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at 5-minute intervals.

2) July 19 – He walked up to an employee and told her in an official voice: ‘Code 3 in Housewares. Get on it right away’. This caused the employee to leave her assigned station and receive a reprimand from her supervisor that in turn resulted in management getting involved, causing management to lose time and costing the company money.

3) August 14 – He moved a ‘Caution - Wet Floor’ sign to a carpeted area.

4) August 15 – He set up a tent in the camping department and told the children shoppers they

could come in if they would bring pillows and blankets from the Bedding Department - to which 20 children obliged.

5) August 23 - When a clerk asked if they could help him, he began crying and screamed: ‘Why can’t you people just leave me alone?’ Emergency medics were called.

6) September 4 – He looked right into the security camera and used it as a mirror while he picked his nose.

7) September 10 - While handling guns in the Sports Department, he asked the clerk where the antidepressants were.

8) October 3 – He darted around the store suspiciously while loudly humming the Oku/ ukqp"Korquukdng theme.

9) October 6 - In the Auto Department, he practised his ‘Madonna-look’ by using different sizes of funnels.

10) October 18 – He hid in a clothing rack and when people browsed through, yelled: ‘Pick me! Pick me!’

11) October 22 - When an announcement came over the loud speaker, he assumed the foetal position and screamed: ‘Oh no!

It’s those voices again!’

12) October 28 – He took a box of condoms to the checkout clerk and asked where the fitting room was.

And last, but not least: 13) October 29 – He went into a fitting room, shut the door, waited awhile, and then yelled very loudly: ‘Hey! There’s no toilet paper in here!’

In the 60s, people took acid to make the world weird. Now the world is weird and people take Prozac to make it normal.

Let’s have a laugh!

A

wise man once sat in the audience and cracked a joke. Everyone laughed like crazy.

After a moment, the man cracked the same joke again and fewer people laughed this time.

He cracked the same joke

again and again. When there was no laughter in the crowd, the man smiled and said: “If you can’t laugh at the same joke again and again, then why do you keep crying over the same thing over and over again. Forget the past and move on.”

Another tip on how to prevent crime...

Entertainment

October 9 - 2013

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Grahamstown Fest’s best takes to Plett stage for Kids of Kurland cause

F

OLLOWING on June’s highly successful Plett Fringe Festival, Kids of Kurland committee members attended this year’s Grahamstown arts festival to invite the best acts to Plett.

One of the most entertaining shows of the festival was by Follow Spot Productions, the creators of the multi awardwinning shows Dki"Dq{u"Fqp‚v" Fcpeg and Hceg" Vjg" Owuke"

(SA’s original live music game show), who have offered to perform Cuj"("Xcp"Gzrqugf at the White House Theatre at 8pm on Friday October 11.

Enthuses Carmen Clews: “Cuj" (" Xcp" Gzrqugf was by far the most entertaining show I saw at the festival this year. It was an all-round family performance including dynamic dance, romance, music, comedic banter, great singing and good old fash-

ioned love!”

Performed by a husband and wife team, the show exposes personal truths about working in the performance industry as a married couple.

Ash Searle and Vanessa Harris have been in the performing arts industry for over 10 years, but they both started acting up from the tender age of three.

They have graced stages around the world in productions

such as Ejkeciq."Yg"Yknn"Tqem" [qw." Dwff{" Jqnn{." Tqem{" Jqt/ tqt" Ujqy." Vjqtqwijn{" Oqfgtp" Oknnkg."Rgvgt"Rcp."Chtkecp"Hqqv/ rtkpv"and many more.

They are also well known for on-screen appearances, Vanessa as the leading lady in the movie Twppkpi"Tkqv and Ash as one of SA’ top three favourites in Uq" [qw"Vjkpm"[qw"Ecp"Fcpeg.

These two highly entertaining performers caught each other’s

Entertainment Diary

PIANO PRODIGY: Jan Hugo will wow local music lovers thanks to the Knysna Plett Concert Series at the DRC hall in Fichat Street on October 22

P

LETT Arts Association’s next monthly meeting will be a demo by David Kantey entitled ‘How to finish a painting’ on Thursday Qevqdgt"32 at 10am at 3 The Tides in Goose Valley Golf Estate (through booms, second right, at gate ring no. 3). Call Carol Humphrey on 083 303 5363 for more information.

• Join Born in Africa for the Matric Fashion Show and fundraiser on Qevqdgt" 32. A buffet dinner and other entertainment will make it an evening to remember. Share the event on Facebook and add yourself to the attendance list at www.facebook.com/BorninafricaVzw/ events or buy tickets from the Market Square info centre or Plett Tourism in Main Street.

Email info@borninafrica.org or visit 2 Virginia Street in Plettenberg Bay CBD for more info.

• The Bark in the Park Dog Walk & Fun Dog Show takes place on Qevqdgt" 34 in the Botanical Gardens in Caledon Street, George. Register from

8am and start walking at 9am on either the 2.5km or 5km routes. Entrance is R5 per foot and paw (R10 per adult and R20 per dog) and kids pay half price.

The show starts at 10:30am (entrance R5 per dog/category) with prizes for cutest dog, Mr/ Miss Personality, best condition, and SPCA adoption dog.

Refreshments will be available.

Call Heather on 072 877 2911 for information.

• The Tshisa Talent semifinals are now in full swing, with 39 individuals and groups competing to earn the right to appear in the grand finals at Plett’s Whitehouse Theatre on November 9. Catch the remaining events at the community centres of Kranshoek on Qevqdgt" 36, New Horizons on the 15th and KwaNokuthula including Bossiesgif/Qolweni on the 38vj. A donation of R5 buys you entry and doors open at 7pm. This project, which is an important source of employment and development opportunities for Bitou youth, is made possible by the National Arts Council of South Africa.

• George Society of Arts proudly present Fun Unlimited - an evening of entertainment for the whole family with three short humorous one-act plays, as well as performances by ta lented youngsters - on Qevq/ dgt" 3;. Curtain up at 7:30 and tickets cost R30-R50. Book at Computicket or at the theatre on 044 874 3142.

• Greenwood Independent School presents Red Beard’s Treasure on Qevqdgt" 38" (" 390 See the advert at right for info.

• Knysna-Plett Concert Series presents pianist Jan Hugo on Qevqdgt"44. Born in Bloemfontein in 1991 Jan began his music tuition at the age of seven and distinguished himself at local art festivals and Eisteddfods, and passed all examinations for practical piano and theory with distinction.

At age 11 he participated in the International Competition for Pianists Virtuosi per Musica in the Czech Republic and at 12, won the Musicon Senior Primary Piano competition in Bloem, and the Sanlam Music Competition in Cape Town.

At the age of 15, Jan won the category ‘Soloists 18 years old’ in an international piano competition in Casale Monferrato, Italy. In the academic year 2007/2008, Jan graduated with a Bachelor of Music Degree, cum laude, again in Imola. He has performed with all the leading SA orchestras and is an active chamber musician.

The concert at Knysna DRC hall will include works by Mendelssohn, Bartok and Brahms.

Tickets at R100 (scholars pay R20) are available at the door from 6:45 and the show starts at 7:30pm.

• The Crags Eco Preschool in-

vites readers to its open day on Qevqdgt" 47, when applications for 2014 will be open for toddlers to Grade R (21 months to six years). Visit the school from 9am to noon on Askop Road in The Crags and contact ingebas sett@telkomsa.net or 072 605 8573 with queries.

• The first Bitou 10 Performing Arts Showcase will be held on Saturday Qevqdgt"48 at Plett Primary School, and tickets are now available at participating schools. Call 044 533 6466 or email ceo@bitou10foundation. co.za for more information.

• The weekend of Qevqdgt"48" (" 49 will see the 11th annual Leisure Isle Festival take place in Knysna. This event, facilitated by the Leisure Isle Residents Association, is a genuine craft market that proudly encourages buying local, with lots of other attractions. See the advert on page 13 for additional info.

eye at the auditions for Yg"Yknn" Tqem" [qw, and in moments it was clear the leading roles had been cast in their real life drama. A few romantic dates later a fairy tale wedding was planned and so far they are living happily ever after.

Nowadays when they are not sporadically creating a new and off-the-wall idea for a show or choreographing up a storm,

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they like to walk on Kommetjie beach with their dog or watch Hkpfkpi"Pgoq with their equally effervescent three-yearold son.

Treat yourself to a wonderful night out in Plett by coming to see them in action. The doors to the courtyard open at 7pm with snacks on sale, a cash bar and live local musical talent Ricky.

For bookings and further information email kidsofkurland @gmail.com or call Ann Fermor on 082 452 8764. Tickets at R100 are available from The Old House Shop.

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ISSUE 374

Social Scene

October 9 - 2013

Photos: Timothy Twidle

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People, places & events FOUR GENERATIONS FETE 100 YEARS: Lya Berman of Plettenberg Bay celebrated her centenary on September 29 with a luncheon for 70 people at the Med Seafood Bistro. Several members of her family and close relations were present including, at top from left, nephew Ronnie Youngleson, niece Rene Liebman, nephews Kenny Liebman and Max Youngleson, son Gary Berman - here with his arm around mom - granddaughter Gaby Berman and daughter-in-law Carolyn Berman. Lya lives independently at Arrowood in Plett, plays bridge regularly, keeps active by walking, drives a car and runs her own bank accounts. Asked as to the secret of her longevity, she declared: ‘I appreciate and love life and I keep busy.’ Above, four generations of the Berman/Youngleson dynasty are represented by great niece Janine Youngleson Argirakis, Lya, Max, and great-great nephew Joshua Argirakis. The elegant Plettbased centenarian has family in Joburg, Vanderbijlpark and Durban, as well as in the States.

HERITAGE HAILED: Bitou Municipality celebrated Heritage Day with great aplomb at the New Horizons sports grounds on September 24. Various cultural groups performed to the amusement of a huge crowd of spectators, embracing our diversity by honouring all cultures that make up the population of the greater Plettenberg Bay. Mayor Memory Booysen - pictured at top while inspiring all to join in on the festivities with his groovy moves - encouraged the crowd to celebrate their culture and traditions in the wider context of a country that belongs to all its people. At top right, Bhongi delivers his traditional poetry with passion and above, the Masiphakame Kurland Group shows off their colourful isiXhosa traditional attire. After all the performances, everyone was treated to refreshments, thanks to Bitou Municipality.

ROCK ME AMADEUS: Enjoying the Knysna-Plett Concert held on September 30, at which the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Dmitri Shostakovich and Ludwig van Beethoven was played by the Peter Martens String Quartet were, above from left, Knysna residents Marina Smuts, Lynne Harris, Gudrun Cox and Marie Kok. At right are councillor Richard Dawson and Dr Colin Lang,right.

TAILOR-MADE SURVIVAL TRICKS: Neil Meggersee of Survival Training SA shares his expertise on boiling water with nothing more than a pine cone and condom as part of the comprehensive safety preparations for this year’s Otter Trail Run. Along with fellow survival expert Nathan Hill, Neil generously sponsored time and resources to members of SANParks, Magnetic South and Woodridge Surf Life Saving Club, all of whom worked on the event. Being able to look after yourself in any number of challenging situations in the wilderness is a particularly useful life skill, and everyone will benefit from attending one of these courses - see www. survivaltraining.co.za for info.

Photos: Timothy Twidle

I-PAD, THEREFORE I AM... Wihann Kotze of Keystone Projects receives the i-Pad Mini he had won in a wellsupported Paint Centre competition that ran in the Knysna and Plett stores from mid-August to September 25, from Plett Paint Centre’s Roger Holmes, left.

Photo: Desmond Scholtz

WITTEDRIFT PULLS IT OFF AGAIN: Headmaster Andre Bouwer thanks everyone who helped his school host last month’s Dr Evil Classic. ‘Our beautiful grounds became a hive of activity as 204 cyclists and their support teams prepared for the threeday stage event from September 19-21. Friday the 20th was the highlight - not only did the cyclists take off for Stage 2 but we also held our annual inter-house sports day and celebrated our 150th anniversary. A huge word of thanks to all who helped or participated, with special mention to Willieta de Swardt and the ladies of the Women’s Agricultural Association, the Dr Evil Classic race organisers, hostel parents Mr & Mrs Grootboom, as well as Pick n Pay, Sao Gonzales Restaurant, Skydive Plett, and Dagbreek Eiers.’ Pictured at left are Team category winners Brandon Stewart and Neil MacDonald of FedGroup Itec.

Social Scene

October 9 - 2013

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ISSUE 374

Photo: Desmond Scholtz

BACK IN BUSINESS, IN STYLE: Owner Liz McGrath, left, welcomed a joyous throng of guests to her new-look Plettenberg Hotel, when the reopening of this exclusive national accommodation icon was celebrated on September 25. In the pic below, she chats to new GM Annemie Parker, and below at left Peter Tempelhoff, executive chef of the Collection by Liz McGrath, talks shop to guest Gerhard van Huyssteen.

An array of delectable canapés and sweets served alongside bubbly and prize-winning wines ensured the evening’s success.

TOP THREE CROWNED IN SEDGEFIELD: Miss Eden FM Sedgefield was chosen during a fun event featuring the town’s prettiest young ladies last Friday night. Flanking lovely winner Leree Terblanche are, from left, councillor Irene Grootboom, second princess Verne van Rooyen, first princess Jamie-Lee van Rooyen, and Knysna mayor Georlene Wolmarans.

GUESS WHO TURNED ONE? Happy birthday to Carlyn Claire Arendse of Knysna who turned one on September 26.

Photos: Christy Strever – www.showmeplett.co.za

People, places & events BLUE PAINS, LUNCHBOX GAINS: Well done to Blue Cowling of Surf Café fame who ran his second Otter African Trail Run on September 24, improving on his 2012 time by 1.5 hours when completing the race in 7:49. Word is that Blue was ultimately motivated by supporters Michele Luyt, Katharina Goetz, Riyadh Omardien, Anja Wiehl and Deb Caldwell who collectively donated R2’000 towards a particularly good cause: Blue was running, climbing, sliding and swimming for 42km to raise funds for Lunchbox Theatre, which engages local performers in a bid to educate the broader Bitou community on respecting themselves, each other, and the environment through important social messages communicated during their performances. Visit www.lunchbox.org.za to find out more.

SHINY HAPPY POOCHES: The annual 4XPAWS walk in aid of Bitou’s animals was a well-attended event on October 5, with dogs and their masters turning up in droves to enjoy a stroll and agility show in the bright sunlight - a special bonus after all weather forecasts promised a wet weekend. Pictured at right is Chris Fermor, celebrating not only his love for dogs but also the final throes of his salad days along with kids Oli and Zara, and canine mate Grisha. We thank ShowMe Plett’s Christy Strever pictured below with her pooches - for sharing these pics.

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ISSUE 374

Home & Health

October 9 - 2013

Are we making our children fat?

O

BESITY and nutrition are the focus this month, and it’s sobering to hear that worldwide 43-million kids under the age of five are overweight or obese. The Heart and Stroke Foundation of SA says a staggering 35-million of these live in developing countries.

On the flipside, children as young as seven or eight believe they are not thin enough and want to diet. An article in the latest Hgfjgcnvj{ magazine states an Ofsted study conducted in 2010 revealed that the main concern for a third of 10-year-old girls, and 22% of boys, is how their bodies look.

More recent statistics out of the UK show that nearly 200 children aged five to nine have been hospitalised for severe anorexia. So how do responsible parents find the middle ground for their children, when struggling to find it as adults?

SA is one of the heaviest countries globally - two out of three South Africans are considered obese, with 58% of our population admitting they get little to no exercise.

“Fat has become the boogieman of our time,” says eating disorder counsellor Sandra Friedman, who wrote Yjgp" Iktnu" Hggn" Hcv<" Jgnrkpi" Iktnu" Vjtqwij"Cfqnguegpeg0 An SA National Health and Nutrition survey released by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) last month supports these findings and shows that women and girls are significantly more overweight or obese than men and boys, with the highest prevalence of obesity among children in the two to five age group.

Nutrition expert and creator of the Scoop to Lose programme, Melissa Kelly, explains that childhood obesity has become a serious health issue worldwide.

“Studies show that one in four children under the age of 18 is at risk of being overweight, and 15% are already obese.” These children are at risk of bone and joint problems, sleep apnoea and asthma, as well as social and psychological problems.

Several potential causes of childhood obesity include inactivity, diet, and family dynamics. Research shows that family dynamics have a significant impact on eating practices, e.g. the child’s attitude towards food and ability to know when they are full.

Kids look to parents as role models, says Dr Jorg Spieldenner, Nestlé head of public health nutrition. And, more often than not, children develop their eating habits by observing their mothers.

Kelly agrees: “Mealtime can be about trusting or controlling, providing or neglecting, accepting or rejecting. Eating can be joyful, full of zest and vitality, or it can be fearful, bounded by control and avoidance.

“Mealtimes should be a positive experience. Children who are instructed to clean their plates are less sensitive to physiological clues for satiety and eventually lose the ability to know when they are full.”

Equally, a restrictive approach

towards food, or forcing certain fruits and vegetables on a child who doesn’t like them, can result in a lower intake of the healthy foods. “These children are also more likely to fixate on the forbidden foods such as sweets, chips and chocolates and will consume more of them when they get the chance.”

The situation is often exacerbated at school. A study conducted by Nestlé at various primary schools showed that the majority of children are consuming fizzy and fattening foods at school. Not good news when you consider that they spend a big portion of their day there, and that nutrient deficiencies can lead to health problems later in life.

Toasted sandwiches and hot dogs were best-sellers at 55% each, followed by pies (40%), fizzy drinks (75%), iced tea (55%), chips (75%) and sweets (55%).

With nearly a quarter of parents not sending their kids to school with a packed lunchbox,

the pressure is on schools to start providing quality, healthy and nutritious food options.

And for the majority of moms who do pack lunch, one way to get the balance right is involving kids in both the purchasing and making of school lunches.

Amy Goldsmith, registered dietician and owner of Kindred Nutrition, believes that

by Grade 3, children should be able to handle their own lunches. She suggests discussing the various food groups with kids, and asking how they prefer to eat the fruits, veg, dairy and protein they need daily.

“If you don’t have that conversation with kids, they risk ditching it,” she says, adding that it’s also important to set aside time for family meals at the dinner table as often as possible.

“Parents need to take responsibility and be in charge of the ‘what, when and where’ of mealtimes. Children need to be allowed the freedom to choose from the options provided by their parents.”

Impatiens cause a riot... of colour!

FLORAL EXPLOSION: Sunpatiens, left, should top your list if you like bright and brilliant orange, but New Guinea Impatiens also produce a multitude of other colours, as shown above

I

MPATIENS are a must have for all gardens, the only trick being deciding on which ones to take home. From the bright and varied foliage to the large, showy flowers, you may be excused for being slightly indecisive.

New Guinea Impatiens are versatile and can be used in flowerbeds to create large patches of bold colour or to define a border. They can also be used in containers either on their own or mixed with other

summer annuals, or as an indoor plant, provided they sit in a window and receive sun.

The soil preparation for New Guinea Impatiens is very important. For container planting, be sure to thoroughly clean and disinfect and use only a high quality commercial potting soil, not garden soil. Ensure there are sufficient drainage holes.

If planting into flowerbeds, loosen the soil and add compost as it is essential the soil is well draining. In both containers and beds, mix in a slowrelease fertiliser.

New Guineas grow best if planted approximately 25cm apart and in a location that affords them four to six hours of afternoon shade. Morning and evening sun will generally produce the healthiest and best flowering plants.

It is crucial to get their watering requirements just right, i.e. the soil should remain moist at all times without being soggy.

Then sit back and start looking forward to a riot of colour.

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Counting down to Plett Open Gardens Day

T

HE first Plett Open Gardens Day in October 2012 was a great success, raising R32’000 for Plett Animal Welfare Services (PAWS).

Good news for local garden (and animal) lovers is that, on November 2, they will again be able to visit four lovely gardens in aid of PAWS.

In addition to these gardens, the open season of the spectacular Bosky Dell Rose Garden starts on the same day, with free entrance and a tea garden in the pavilion.

David Hall-Green has again donated a watercolour painting for a raffle, while a cake and plant sale will be facilitated

by Formosa Garden Club and PAWS volunteers.

Entrance to experience the four gardens on show from 10am to 4pm that Saturday costs R60 per person - watch this space for details or call Marsja Hall-Green on 073 645 9476 or 044 533 4578 for additional information.

Food & Wine

October 9 - 2013

PeeBee’s Wine Column

Words & Photo: Peter Bishop

Poring over old wine books

DAYS OF YORE: Delheim, Blaauwklippen and EersterivierValleise Koöp Wynkelder Bpk are some of the estates that dominated South Africa’s wine scene during the 80s

O

BVIOUSLY the greatest book ever written on Cape wine is 522"[gctu"qh"Uqwvj"Chtk/ ecp"Ykpg by the genius C Louis Leipoldt in 1952, to mark three centuries since the first planting of grapes in the Cape.

I have committed the cardinal sin of lending out both copies that I owned, without getting them back, so that great treasure can’t be referred to as I write.

I came across Ykpgu"qh"Uqwvj" Chtkec by A Gordon Bagnall (1961), where equal space is given to Sherry, Dessert Wines, Natural Red, Natural White, and Brandy - all of which had their appeal in those days.

Realising, as Leipoldt did, that the greatest threat to the success of Cape wines was prosperity in a thriving overseas market, Bagnall claimed: “Reputations have now been fully restored.

“Wines of the Cape, including Sherries and Ports, once again stand high in quality… for their wines of repute are far superior to the common run of everyday wines in Europe.”

Very few of those private producers are still around: Alto,

Bellingham, Lanzerac, Delheim and Rustenberg.

It was in 1961 that NC Krone of Tweejongezellen pioneered cold fermentation, having been trained in Germany. His son, Nicky, later advocated nightpicking of grapes to keep the temperature cool, so avoiding adding sulphur too soon to stabilise the fermentation.

Five years ago, I tasted one of these Tweejongezellen 1961 and though rather tired, it had a delicacy about it - like a granny who was once very pretty and served in the front row of the chorus.

It is interesting to note that Bagnall almost brags about the industry having determined what cultivars were most ideal for the Cape. The Itqgpftwkh (Semillon) that had dominated the 19th century was a no-no. It had had its day.

The “white wines of distinction” would come from Stein, White French, Riesling and Clairette Blanche. Professor Chris Orfer was later to identify Stein as Chenin Blanc. White French was Palomino and the

Meet the Plett Meat crew at their new venue

last commercially made was the Delheim of 1993 - a favourite of Vera Sperling.

Riesling was Crouchen Blanc, and not the Weisser (or Rhine) Riesling that is currently planted. In the 1970s, the Stellenryk Riesling was a top market wine in classy restaurants.

Clairette Blanche has since gone out of fashion but is resurrecting itself at Mullineux in the Swartland, where it is used as a blender to increase the delicacy of the wine - the 2007 being so impressive.

Once the Wine of Origin legislation was introduced in 1973, and the official control on all cultivars was focused on Nietvoorbij in Stellenbosch, the time came to question Stein, White French, Riesling and Clairette Blanche.

I well remember in 1980, offering a tasting in George, where in eight flights, I compared dry, off-dry, semi-sweet and sweet reputed Chenin Blanc with a similar style made from Sauvignon Blanc, Weisser Riesling, Bukettraube, Gewurztraminer, Muscat Ottonel.

Sadly, Chardonnay did not feature yet as these were only released in the Cape in 1982, but then proved to be Auxerrois, so we had to wait ‘till 1988 to see how Chardonnay shaped.

When I printed and released the results of the tasting where the errant child Chenin Blanc sometimes outscored the then new cultivar being released to the industry by Nietvoorbij, I was heavily criticised.

My dear mentor, the late Beejay Lankwarden, said that my irresponsibility could seriously affect farmers who had pulled out their fields of Chenin Blanc and planted the new varieties with their promise of a better taste and aroma profile.

I had to eat humble pie, even though a Chenin Blanc Association was to form just more

Biltong and Feta Cheese Muffins Ingredients: 120g wholewheat flour 120g plain flour 200g biltong, finely chopped 50g Feta cheese, crumbled 30ml baking powder 1/4tsp coriander seeds, ground finely 3 medium eggs 200ml milk 100ml sunflower oil Pinch of salt 15ml lemon juice

Rina and Willie Pretorius and their Plett Meat team, top, were excited to move into a brand new butchery, above, in Piesang Valley, on the corner of Robberg Road near Plett Yamaha. They invite customers old and new to swing past for the same delicious meat and biltong and the same friendly service - and if you want to call with queries, you’ll find them on the same phone number: 044 533 4974. Says Willie: ‘A butcher has the specialist know-how to ensure that the meat you prepare is perfect for any occasion.

Whatever the cut or dish, we guarantee maximum flavour and minimum pain in your pocket.’ Whether you need top quality beef, lamb or poultry, in quarters, halves or individual steaks, chops, sosaties or ribs, Plett Meat will deliver on its promise of being a cut of the butcher’s knife above the rest. You’ll also find spices, seasoning, wood and charcoal at this food lover’s heaven. When it comes to meat, you can’t beat this butcher. - Photos: Elize Green

CXPRESS

Directions: • Pre-heat the oven to 220ºC. • Combine all the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Whisk together the eggs, oil and milk in a separate bowl or jug and pour into the dry ingredients, together with the lemon juice.

• Mix lightly just until all the ingredients are moist (the batter will be quite wet).

• Spoon into greased muffin tins or silicone muffin cups and bake at 220ºC for 10min or until a skewer inserted into the middle of a muffin comes out clean. Leave to cool slightly before removing from the baking tin.

Ugtxkpiu<"34" Source: www.cooksister.com

than a decade later. The new cultivars of the 1980s are now aged and unproductive, and mostly pulled up without being replaced. The only other white wines currently supporting an interest group are Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

In the mid-1970s, Simonsig led the new cultivar drive, but all it retains other than Chardonnay is Gewurztraminer, fully replanted.

The modern focus in Cape white wines has been blending, initially Sauvignon Blanc with Semillon, but now taking in Grenache Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Clairette Blanche, Roussillon and Marsanne - mainly from ‘the warmer’ Swartland.

Fashions change, as do the forces deciding what a great wine is. The current opinion of international juries is that Cape whites, particularly blends, excel against its reds - but that might just be hype.

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ISSUE 374

TO LET One-bedroom flat available in central Plett.

R2 600 all inclusive.

Phone 082 492 4417

October 9 - 2013

Classifieds

On the Soapbox

October 9 - 2013

Letters to the Editor

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

Yes, they do exist... right here in Knysna!

Last week I was putting my heavy shop through the cashout at Pick n Pay in Knysna and found the total to pay was more than I had in my purse. I then asked the cashier to take back one item so I could settle.

But the lady next to me in

CXPRESS

the queue immediately told the cashier to return the item to me and then put down a R10 note to cover the full amount - and this with a smile!

Wow, there ARE really NICE people in this world.

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Animal welfare workers deserve your support

Thanks for keeping Cameron afloat!

From February to August this year our son Cameron, 15, attended the Southern Cape bodyboarding trials at various coastal town along the Garden Route in an effort to make the team.

After months of training and time in the surf, he was selected along with Plett locals Niklas Martin and John Barry Coleman, and as a result had the opportunity to take part in the SA Bodyboarding Championships in Mossel Bay from September 23-27.

The most anticipated bodyboarding event of the year, 160 of the country’s best contenders competed in the largest gathering of bodyboarders in SA. We excitedly began a fundraising campaign to cover the costs of partaking in such an exciting event, and after a month Cameron was packed and amped to go to the nationals.

Many thanks are now due, first of all to our dear local friends, and to my special Joburg siblings Tracey, Jacqui, and Murray. We are grateful for donations from Org (Pick n Pay), George (Melvilles Spar), Leon (The Sweet Shop), Charles & Dee (Accommodation Bureau & Shell Ultra City), as well as support from Irene van Wijk, Venita Schultz, Zamari Lombard and ShowMe Plett.

Thanks to your efforts, Cameron made it to the quarterfinals in the boys division, gained wonderful experience and was exposed to amazing bodyboarding action. John Barry also reached the boys quarters, while Niklas made it to the pro quarter finals and junior semis. Well done guys, you made us very proud.

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Don’t doom all attendants for wrongs of a few

GOOD KIDS, GREAT VETS, HAPPY PETS: A whole lotta good was done by KAWS vets and volunteers in Khayalethu on Heritage Day

Heritage Day was quite an experience for me, as I was one of 40 volunteers who assisted Knysna Animal Welfare Society (KAWS) in a mass sterilisation programme at Khayalethu Community Centre.

The tables and chairs were set up inside and out. Outside was the registration point where owners bought their dogs along, names were taken and receipts given so that the true owners could collect their dog at the end of the morning.

The dogs were taken to the next point which was a pre-med inspection to evaluate the health of the animal, to see if it was strong and healthy enough to withstand an operation. If the animal passed that test it went on to the row of pens where it received a pre-med sedation, and was given a cosy and secure place to sleep.

Next point was the full sedation and shave preparation before the operation itself.

Five female vets were ready to take on the job. These dedicated ladies had given up their whole day to assist the poorer community of Knysna.

After the operation the dogs were carried to the stage in the hall where they were placed on duvets and tenderly covered with blankets. They were given post-op vaccinations, kept warm and were monitored constantly, being turned and covered so that they did not get cold.

Once the animals woke up they were carried to the last stage. They were checked out and the owners were told how to care for their pets, given blankets, food, collars, deworming tablets and vaccination cards before being sent on their way.

What impressed me, it being my first time at such an event, was the quiet and professional way everything was handled. The vets worked tirelessly all morning. The volunteers at their individual stations worked with loving care for their patients and

staff manning the refreshment area were ready to make you a cup when needed.

I worked at the checkout point. What I saw were mostly young children waiting for their pets and keen to know how to care for them. I was amazed at how well-behaved and concerned they were for their animals.

Some of the kids could hardly manage to carry their half-sedated pet, let alone the bag of food and other items received. Some ran home with the food parcel and came back for their animals. Others struggled on. It was a truly humbling moment.

The small KAWS team has a huge area to oversee, from Sedgefield to Knysna and surrounds. I couldn’t help notice how the affluent community, who can well afford to give financial help, do not.

So KAWS struggles on with hand-outs from a few generous people.

My wish is for the Knysna and Sedgefield community to think about those who rush out to pick up that dog, cat, or pig when you call, and to support them the way we should.

Many of us who can afford R50 a month for such a wonderful service and if KAWS were to receive a steady monthly income, they would be able to do so much more.

Spaying and neutering makes a big difference, so without the service of KAWS this is the sobering scenario: Just one unaltered female dog and her offspring can produce 67’000 puppies in only six years. In seven years, one female cat and her offspring can produce an incredible 370’000 kittens!

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Am I going to be the only one to put in a good word for Plettenberg Bay’s car guards? I know that I’m putting my head above the parapet by saying that I do not object to them.

In fact, I find them helpful when they indicate where parking is available. When reversing out of a parking place into oncoming traffic, especially along Main Street, they signal when it is safe to pull out and sometimes they even hold up the traffic for me.

With the high unemployment in Plettenberg Bay, why blame them for trying to make a living? I don’t know what they earn in a day on the tips they make but one can hardly expect

them to be well-dressed.

I agree that there are a few disreputable guards around but most of them are friendly and helpful and grateful for their tips - especially Mbambelele Khebe, who is always clean and neatly dressed.

Cheerful and polite, you’ll see Mbambelele outside Village Bookshop during the week and at St Peter’s Church on Sundays.

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Longships rehabs irk...

As a Plett ratepayer and resident of Longships Drive, I am very concerned about the uncontrolled operation of rehabilitation centres in the area.

I believe there are now three houses used for this purpose on Longships, with the latest one opening only 200m from the bottle store.

My personal observations would indicate that there does not seem to be any restriction on the movement of the patients.

As such my concern is that drug dealers and similar people may be attracted to the area.

I would like to ask Bitou Municipality if this type of business is just allowed to open anywhere in a residential area, without any consultation with, or the consent of, adjoining property owners. And who is ultimately responsible for ensuring that these places are operated in a proper manner?

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ISSUE 374

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Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

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CXPRESS

ISSUE 374

Sport & Adventure

October 9 - 2013

Sink or swim but don’t miss this mad-hatting golfing fun A

DOPT A Swimmer is proud to presents its inaugural Sink or Swim golf day at Plettenberg Bay Country Club on October 25.

A registered NGO teaching kids from disadvantaged homes to swim, Adopt A Swimmer aims to fund lessons for toddlers aged 18-25 months in order to acquire this essential life

skill, and fundraising initiatives are key to achieving this goal.

They thank sponsors VW Knysna, Paint and Place Home Decor, Plett Medicine Depot, Mitchell’s Brewery, Arlene’s Pools, Nature Sport, Kurlandbrik, Deon Truter, George & Sally Joubert, Lavido Jewellers and Plett Photo Shop for supporting the golf day.

Prizes will be given for the most novel hat, so wear your maddest, baddest, bestest or most off-the-wall hat and stand to win even if your game lets you down on the day.

Other prizes include a getaway to Fancourt and giveaways from First National Bank, Pennypinchers, Robberg Seafood Safaris, Bay Décor, Bramon Wines, Ocean Blue, and Sarita Jewellery Designs.

Win wine from The Fat Fish for closest to the pin or splurge with vouchers from Midas, Le Fournil, The Pie Shop, Willemijn Murray, The Med, Russell Hotel, Zinzi, The Table, LM, Off-the-Hook and more.

All players must have an official handicap and the name of the 18-hole game is Individual Stableford. First tee-off time is 11:30am and entry costs R220 (closing date October 21) - call the PBCC Pro Shop on 044 533 2132 to book and visit www. adoptaswimmer.co.za for additional information.

Vic says thanks, we say congrats!

Local ‘social’ runner takes top of the Challenge With the huge hoo-hah around the Otter African Trail Run and the stellar cast of international contenders attracted by the main event each year, one might be forgiven for forgetting that a second race, the Otter Challenge, is run along the same route, i.e. covering 42km with the same gain in altitude of 2600m-plus.

So although it supposedly caters for the more social trail runner, the Challenge is hardly a walk in the park, athletes enjoying no advantage other than a little bit more time with a cutoff of 11 hours max. Well, Plett local Andrew van Blommestein needed just over half of that when beating off 200 seriously competitive trailies to win this year’s Challenge in 5:58.

Wife Andrea and boys Trent and Luke are especially proud of this awesome achievement - congrats!

Photo: Glenn Murray Photography

Super swift Plett trail runner Victor Gugushe - here displaying his fourth sub-six-hour medal - writes: ‘Otter 2013 was as tough and beautiful as ever and I was proud to be part of the 220 athletes lining up to complete the 42km race. I thank Tony & Suzy Lubner for paying my entry fee, Heather Raymond for my running shoes, and Louis & Alet Ollemans for the supplements. Thanks, too, to my fans and my lovely girlfriend Zizipho Jaxa for your continued love and support. See you guys next year at the Retto!’ (There’s but one correction to be made here: Miss Jaxa became Mrs Gugushe on October 5 - a fact the shy runner only divulged when we pried. Here’s wishing the family Gugushe a loving future life together. - Eds.)

Super Bowls battle proves strength in Knysna unity

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NITY is strength is a cliché often heard. But recently, the unity of Leisure Isle and Knysna Bowling Clubs attested that superior power is attained when combining each club’s top bowlers to compete against the top bowlers from neighbours Sedgefield and Plett - ‘The Rest of the Region’.

In a day filled with a high level of competitiveness, teams representing ‘The Principality of Knysna’ (Leisure Isle and Knysna BCs) were simply too strong for their opponents and won all three sessions of this inaugural meet, thus scooping the Personal Trust Super Bowls Cup. The preceding week marred by stormy climes, competition day on September 26 was blessed with amazing weather as only Knysna can deliver. This, along with supporting publicity, accounted for a larger number of spectators than normal.

SUPER CHUFFED: Captain Peter Hudson paws the Personal Trust Super Bowls Cup, surrounded by triumphant Principality of Knysna bowlers - Ian Ballantine, seated at right in the middle row, was the other captain who helped steer the Principality’s players to victory

In his welcome address, the creator of this novel competition format John Jenkerson announced that the word “prestigious” was not used loosely when labelling the event - made unique by the fact that it attract-

ed the top players from all four competing clubs.

This distinction was further confirmed by the fact that it was the first time ever these clubs were united to form the strongest possible teams to

compete against ‘The Rest of the Region’, in a format similar to golf’s Ryder Cup, where team captains carry a high level of responsibility for appropriate team and player selection.

During the prize-giving speeches, captains of both winning and losing teams (Mike Millard of Sedge and John Everson of Plett) expressed the desire, due to the tournament’s resounding success, for the competition to be repeated at least twice a year, and for clubs countrywide to be invited.

Members of the public are encouraged to come and try their hand at bowls. There is absolutely no cost involved for coaching and player development up to a standard where bowlers can play in club events.

A further attraction to the sport is the social activity that takes place at the end of each bowling day. Golfers call it “the 19th hole”.