Cx376 by CXpress

6 November 2013 #376

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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Look who’s coming to town! Elvis is alive and well, and Zolani is fresher than ever... and you can meet both SA’s favourite Idol, Elvis Blue, and miss Mahola, the honey-voiced lead singer of Afropop outfit Freshlyground, at The Whitehouse on Saturday November 9 when the Tshisa Talent 2013 finals will determine Plett’s top performing artists turn to page 9 for the full story

PLETT CONTEST

Share your best Plett moment - tell us, or show us, what that special ‘Plett Feeling’ means to you - turn to page 9 for details

Come fly with Jeeves

Crazy Coupon Cut-outs

Spotlight on diabetes

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CXPRESS

ISSUE 376

News & Views

November 6 - 2013

Driving Miss Crazy

Lovely stuff for a high-octane chauffeur with Avgas in his veins JEEVES shares memories of his adventures as Garden Route chaffeur extraordinaire...

AST time, we dropped off Piet ‘n Vrou in his car at the airport in George, for which we were thanked by getting a bottle of wine in an envelope. Then I placed an advert in a Knysna rag offering a Miss Daisy service as driver Jeeves, to fetch and carry, in your car, to doctors, airport, hospital, hairdresser, eateries, country meanders, and so on... My first call was from a fellow enquiring whether I was going through to George Airport upcoming Monday or Tuesday and, if so, whether he could catch a ride with me at any time of day, and contribute towards expenses. (Any time of day? Which means he’s not catching a scheduled flight, ok? Perhaps he’s got his own Learjet parked on the apron. In that case, ‘...of course I’m going through - on Monday AND Tuesday!’ But, best to find out more first.) It turned out he hadn’t read the ad in full, and wanted a lift instead so he could collect his own plane, which was being serviced at the Jabiru factory at the airport, to fly it back to Rheenendal. I told him I also used to fly, and we chatted away. But no, I was not going to George so in that case, his wife would take him. A few days later I called him back. “Listen Hugh, tell you what. I’ll take you through in my car, and one day maybe I can come up with you for a flip, how’s that?” “Sorry, my wife took me this morning. But you can come up with me any time you like. I’m always going solo. Just let me know when you want to go.” “Didn’t work like that in my day, Hugh - we used to invite someone to come fly, not the

other way round! But thanks a mill. Would love to. The weather looks good for Friday and Saturday.” Friday: ‘Brrrrrrng... Brrrr rrng’. Hugh’s name popped up on the mobile’s face. “We’re going to Mossel Bay Aero Club tomorrow for breakfast. Would you like to come along?” At 7:30 the next morning, I met Hugh at his hanger in Rheenendal and after wheeling his two-seater out, meeting the other club members and viewing their motley array of flying craft, exchanging info on radio procedure - which is highly elaborate to the inexperienced, because of traffic control requirements when flying through a commercial airport’s air space (George) - and preflight checks, we were ‘up, up and away’ just like Superman. If there’s one thing you just have to do before you turn into a frog, it is to take a flip in a small plane over this beautiful part of the country. (Why, I hear you ask, when you turn into a frog? Well, my grandson said to me the other day: “Mom says when you croak, we’re going to get lots of money, and then she’ll buy me a go-kart!”) To see the countryside we know so well from the air is truly special. You recognise everything from a different angle. Sedge, the Lakes, Wilderness, and then along the rugged coastline from Kaaimans, over Vic Bay, Herold’s Bay, The Braks, over the long stretching, densely populated, seaside suburbs down to Mossel Bay. We were at 1000ft, watching people walking on the beach, fishing, running dogs, three whales floating just behind the breakers, people waving from their gardens and decks - be-

Super Granny visits Knysna

NDALENE Salvesen aka Super Granny is an international parenting coach, speaker, founder of Monsters to Munchkins, and the co-author of Tckukpi" Jcrr{." Jgcnvj{" Ejknftgp. She has been presenting parenting seminars since 1996 in France, Switzerland and Sweden, and in 2008 started helping families in the privacy of their own homes, earning her the Super Granny moniker. She visits Knysna from November 8-10 as guest of the Southern Gateway Church.

“We are looking forward to hearing her share appropriate creative techniques to instil child discipline - anything from tantrums to silent defiance,” says Southern Gateway’s Viv Campbell. Salvesen will present her parenting seminar at Knysna Primary and grandparents, teachers, and au pairs are welcome to attend the event. Tickets are available at the Holistic Health Shop (4 Gray St), or contact Viv on 072 854 0704 for more information.

cause the six small aircraft flying all together must have been a lovely sight. Full-on South African hospitality met us in the little clubhouse at Hartenbos Airfield – smiling faces of fellow pilots, handshakes and eggs, bacon, wors, chips, tomato and toast! Outside, little planes coming and going included a Piper Cub built from a kit, other homemade specimens; a bi-plane... and then a V-tailed Bonanza from the 50s. Lovely stuff if you have high-octane Avgas in your veins! The flying fraternity is a special breed - as are bikers, hikers, birders, old crock enthusiasts and many others who gather together to enjoy their common interest. The talk is of only one topic, as you can imagine. Fascinating. Thankfully I had my own piloting experiences, and could half understand the chat going on. I wonder what naturalists

talk about?! And then we were off again. Hugh is a skilled and thorough amateur flyer, and I felt really confident in his hands. One can’t natter too much up there because you’re constantly on the lookout for other aircraft the radio has warned you that are in the area. He kindly offered me the controls, and you don’t know what a yawn it is holding a perfectly trimmed airplane on the straight-and-level. Give me a Pitt Special anytime! It was then I realised had I pursued my flying career, I would have been a fighter pilot, rather than guiding a 747 through the skies on auto-pilot. No wonder they fall asleep... By law, private pilots are not allowed to charge, or carry for reward. So, I slipped Hugh a Woollies gift card, with his wife’s name on it. ‘Till next time... Buckle up! ⁄"Lggxgu

News & Views

November 6 - 2013

CXPRESS

ISSUE 376

Violence ‘counterproductive’ says mayor after month of protests A wave of violent service delivery protests swept through Knysna over the past few weeks - YOLANDE STANDER reports Since then there has been spo-

ORE than 20 protesters have been arrested for public violence after 14 vehicles were pelted with stones. Disgruntled residents of Nekkies also barricaded the national road with anything they could lay their hands on, from concrete pipes and tree trunks to burning tyres. They say they are unhappy about housing and because a large percentage of the community does not have access to good sanitation and still have to use pit toilets. But Knysna Municipality is adamant that these issues are being addressed and that action of this nature was not necessary,

but rather counterproductive. Southern Cape police spokesman captain Malcolm Pojie said the first protest occurred on October 3 when residents of Nekkies started barricading the N2 by burning tyres and trees and also rolling massive concrete pipes onto the road. He said the windows of 11 passing vehicles had been smashed as protesters pelted them with stones. “Many of the incidents happened between 12am and 5am. Luckily none of the drivers of the damaged vehicles were injured,” Pojie said. Knysna police arrested five suspects for public violence. On October 7, another protest

involving between 30 and 50 angry residents was staged in the same area at about 9pm. Lieutenant Sharon Damons of Knysna police said members of the public order policing unit were called to the scene to defuse a tense situation while Knysna police officers monitored the area. Again residents barricaded the N2 by burning tyres. One private vehicle and two police vehicles were damaged during the incident. She said five suspects - between the ages of 17 and 35 - had been arrested for public violence and appeared in the local magistrate’s court.

Rape accused deputy principal’s case heard next year T HE Knysna acting viceprincipal accused of the sexual assault and rape of a 12-year-old pupil has had his bail extended after the case was postponed to next year in the Knysna Regional Court last week. Selwyn Meyer, 52, who has taught at Fraaisig Primary

School for three decades, was arrested in August after the acting school principal allegedly caught Meyer raping the girl in a photocopying room at the school. The teacher, who was granted R4’000 bail in September, was not asked to plead and the case was postponed to January

17, when a trial date is expected to be set. In terms of his bail conditions, Meyer will continue to stay with his 76-year-old mother in Groot-Brak River, and is not allowed to enter the Knysna district outside of his court appearances. Ictfgp"Tqwvg"Ogfkc

Body of drowned child found in Knysna

OCAL stand-up paddle boarder Tony Cook found the body of a girl, estimated to be aged between seven and nine, floating face-down in Knysna Lagoon opposite Leisure Isle late on Sunday afternoon, November 3. He alerted NSRI Knysna just before 5pm and tried to revive the lifeless child with rescue breathing efforts while attempting to paddle towards shore. Says station commander Grae-

me Harding: “Tony flagged down a rubber-duck, which took the child on board and raced to the shore to rendezvous with our volunteer crew. “NSRI medics initiated CPR on the child, who was rushed to hospital while advanced life support efforts continued but sadly, after ongoing CPR attempts continued in hospital, the child was declared dead. “Initially there was no sign of family or any people seeming to

be associated to the child in the vicinity, and she remained unidentified,” says Harding. “But it appears that people later came forward, claiming that they were with the child at the time and had been observing her in the water, but had thought she was only swimming.” Knysna police are investigating their relationship to the child and their account of events, and have opened an inquest docket in this regard.

Help crime fighters nab suspects at Lookout

N light of recent incidents in which unsuspecting tourists have fallen prey to criminal elements, Plett Community Police Forum (CPF) requests that, pending the finalisation of intensive joint operations presently underway to arrest the perpetrators, visitors and members

of the public exercise caution and avoid becoming isolated when entering the Hobie Beach / Lookout Point area. Pursuant to excellent police work, two suspects have already been arrested and operations are continuing to clear the area of any potential suspects.

Says CPF chairman Bruce Richardson: “We ask that the community remain vigilant while in the area and assist by immediately reporting any suspicious persons or activity in the area to the Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association helpline on 082 251 8134.

radic outbursts of violence over service delivery. During one such incident about a week ago, police had intervened again after an angry crowd started burning various objects on the corner of Concordia Road and Sisulu Street. Constable Chris Spies said the protesters blocked the road by

burning trees, tyres and other objects. “Members of the police responded to the situation and used stun grenades to disperse the crowds,” Spies said. He said 12 suspects - seven women and five men - had been arrested and appeared in the local magistrate’s court. Knysna mayor Georlene Wolmarans said ongoing protests were counterproductive, especially considering the many efforts the municipality were making to engage with leaders and communities. “While we understand frustrations within reason, and have

attempted to address those which we can, we are very aware of the upcoming national elections and the related political interference and incitement. “Knysna Municipality requests the public to not be swept up by political sentiment ahead of the election, and to act responsibly in the preservation of public and private property. Despite the rhetoric, the municipality has an excellent reputation for service delivery and will continue to strive towards even better standards in future,” Wolmarans said. Ictfgp"Tqwvg"Ogfkc

CXPRESS

ISSUE 376

News & Views

November 6 - 2013

Private DNA training a shot in the arm for local crime investigations

UNIQUE EVIDENCE: Lecturer Lee Ah Kun explains the value of preserving DNA traces at crime scenes -

A national, privately-funded public training programme is aimed at preserving crime scenes to assist detectives and increase apprehension rates - BOB HOPKIN reports

WO public training sessions recently took place in George suburbs Rosemore and Parkdene to raise public awareness of how to treat crime scenes before police arrive. Warrant officer Gerhard Wiese of George SAPS explained that the training locations were carefully chosen to take place where they could be most effective. “These two sectors have some of the highest incidences of domestic violence in the area and, if we are to catch the perpetrators, we need the public to understand that preserving the crime scene is vitally important,” he said. The lectures explained to the public what DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) was, and which items in or close to a crime scene should be left undisturbed until police forensic scientists arrived to take samples. Lecturer Lee Ah Kun said that often neighbours or witnesses to a crime chose to console or protect the victim without thinking that they could be destroying valuable forensic evidence. He explained: “The value of DNA is that it is unique to every human - except identical twins and it is contained in every cell of the human body with the ex-

ception of red blood cells. “In this way samples of skin, perspiration, hair roots, bone, saliva or semen left at the scene can determine exactly who has been close to the event by comparison with samples taken later from potential suspects.” He added that, in the case of rape, the victim should not wash, shower or brush their hair until examined by a forensic scientist, as 70% of the evidence is on their body. During the two-hour lectures, Lee encouraged the public thus: “Should you be present at a crime scene soon after it has occurred, you should try to

Photo: Bob Hopkin

remember all the events in the recent past, note the appearance of potential suspects, secure that crime scene so that no-one tampers with potential evidence, and assist police officers in any way you can.” Unfortunately, he said, South Africa is under-resourced in DNA analysis having only two suitable forensic laboratories, in Pretoria and Cape Town, and samples from violent crimes such as murder and rape always

took priority. These series of presentations to the public are funded by contributions and carried out by a private organisation, The DNA Project, which is active in Gauteng, the Western and Eastern Cape, and Kwa Zulu Natal. The group, which is both a section 21 Non-profit and section 18A Public Benefit Organisation, relies upon charitable donations - visit www.thedna project.co.za for further details.

Legal loophole might cost Knysna lives as state department bulldozes ahead The town of Knysna is on a collision course with the national Public Works department over a road in danger of collapsing and jeopardising the lives of school children and road users in the vicinity - JOHN HARVEY reports

NYSNA Municipality has already sought legal advice and approached the national Department of Public Works which it claims is “doing what they like” - to act immediately, saying unapproved excavations at Knysna Secondary have impacted on the road surface. The Municipality has also demanded that the state foot the bill for any damage incurred to municipal property as a result of poor construction. A section of Sunridge Road in Hornlee has now been closed for safety reasons as it was showing signs of soil slip beneath the road, which “could ultimately lead to the road collapsing”. The dispute centres around a “legal loophole” that states national departments are not required to obtain approval for construction on state-owned premises. Livid Knysna acting municipal manager Bevan Ellman said he believed there were “serious shortcomings” in terms of safety and adherence to building

NO GO: In order to prevent the collapse of Sunridge Road in Hornlee after unchecked construction, it has been closed for public use

regulations on the site, including the incorrect construction of a retaining wall on the school premises. “We are immensely concerned about the safety of our road users in this vicinity,” Ellman said. “It is the municipality’s view that the National Building Regulations require all entities - including state departments - to hand in plans for the purposes of information and comment.” He said the municipality had received no plans at all and no attempt was made to discuss construction activities on the school site. “In this case, we believe that several building regulations and safety procedures are being ignored.” On legal advice the municipality has lodged its concerns

with the department to ensure its contractors comply “as they would ultimately be responsible for any accidents, damage or inconvenience caused”. “We also intend contesting the legal loophole that allows regional, provincial and national departments to do what they like inside our municipal boundaries,” Ellman said. “We are working hard to create policies and practices that will contribute to the environmental, aesthetic and economic advantage of our municipality, and we believe that other state departments should respect and support us in this endeavour and not ignore it just because they can.” Public Works spokesman Thami Mchunu had not responded to queries at the time of going to press.

If other municipalities can do it, why can’t we?

Jon Parkin, deputy head of Solid Waste at eThekwini Municipality discusses one of the Impumelelo award winning projects with representatives of Knysna, Eden, George, Hessequa, Kannaland and Laingsburg municipalities during an Impumelelo master class presented at the Knysna council chambers last week - email aziza.band@gmail.com or phone 076 428 9689 for more info - Photo: Aziza Banderker

News & Views

November 6 - 2013

Big waves change the face of Central Beach Photo: Nikki Ridley - 079 091 3584

By high tide around 3pm on Saturday November 2, beachgoers were scrambling to get away from sets of enormous waves that lashed boardwalks, upended kayak stacks, and threatened to drag some bigger boats along into the ocean. Revellers on the deck at Plett Skiboat Club received a refreshing splash-down, and most of Sunday morning was spent bulldozing the beach and NSRI launch site back into some recognisable shape, thanks to Bitou Municipality’s Public Works Department.

(VPHS), it was decided to reapproach provincial authorities with a view to restoring the Old Timber Shed, adjacent to Hobie Beach in Plettenberg Bay. Local resident Johan Jerling is in direct descent from the original builder of the shed in 1778, when it was commissioned by the Dutch East India Company. Some years ago, Mr Jerling made application to Bitou Council for the restoration of the shed, supported by the Griqua community of Kranshoek. Support from council was unanimous and a resolution was passed to that effect. Sadly, however, the application was turned down by Belcom, the steering committee of the Western Cape’s Provincial Heritage Committee, and the Timber Shed has been deteriorating ever since. VPHS executive committee member David Rowe has been asked to facilitate the process of conservation of this important site, and the Society has managed to resurrect Bitou Municipality’s interest, as well as obtaining expert advice on alien vegetation removal. The top priority, however, is security, since the site is frequently subject to abuse by

SHOWING OFF: Breaching and spy-hopping were the order of the day on a recent Ocean Odyssey cruise through Knysna’s Heads

ARTIN Hatchuel - printer’s ink in his veins and uncompromising campaigner for responsible tourism - initiated the Garden Route Editor’s Forum some years ago to get newshounds and other media animals together for the purpose of comparing notes and swopping war stories. Convened on a quarterly basis, Forum gatherings take the scrumptious shape of breakfast meets at impressive tourism establishments twixt George and Tsitsikamma. And although Mart was absent during the most recent jamboree following a back op that all but cheered him, Knysna’s Thesen Islands saw two handfuls of editors, photographers, freelancers and friends line up for a pre-breakfast adventure sans equal. A brunch spread of superior standard awaited at the Turbine Hotel, but first the party had a fine discovery to make: the fact

that, yes indeed, whales abound in Knysna waters! Hosts Ocean Odyssey welcomed Forum members onto their splendid craft before speeding off through the Heads. Interesting sights and info bytes, even for the longest-time locals, abounded as skipper Stef steered deeper into the blue in pursuit of a humpback whale pod detected by the crew’s shore-based spotter. Once located, the group of six-odd humpbacks proceeded to entertain their breathless audience with wild bouts of breaching, spy-hopping, lobtailing, and fin-slapping – all of these moves explained and many other marine facts shared by the knowledgeable Ocean Odyssey crew. The proudly local operation has been running whale and dolphin-watching cruises for nearly a decade and is Knysna’s

ISSUE 376

Moves afoot anew to salvage historic Plett icon T a recent executive comGriqua history. vagrants, petty criminals, and for 11am on Sunday November A mittee meeting of the Van Annual subscriptions to the disrespectful ‘artists’. 10 at Plett Angling Club to hear Plettenberg History Society Mr Rowe talk on the subject. VPHS amounts to R50, while Interested and affected parties

Knysna’s whales and other wonderful discoveries

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only official holder of a Close Encounter permit, issued by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries. Apart from these cruises, they are actively involved in marine research and cooperate with several university departments and oceanariums, gathering data on marine mammal populations and other sea creatures on their excursions in an area between Robberg in the east and Gericke’s Point at Sedgefield in the west. Back on Thesen Islands, the Turbine’s Peter Dale shared his sentiments on tourism and all things wonderful on offer in Knysna, as did Ocean Odyssey’s eloquent Evelyn. Hats off to freelance journo Fran Kirsten for organising this memorable morning. Visit www.turbinehotel.co.za and www.oceanodyssey.co.za to find out more.

may wish to attend the forthcoming Society AGM at 10:30

The main speaker will be Sean O’Connell, who will revisit the

guests are welcome to attend the meeting at R20 each.

CXPRESS

ISSUE 376

News & Views

November 6 - 2013

Kranshoek residents now know how to handle the wildest fires

T NO FEAR FOR FIRE: Dishing out and receiving certificates and a FireWise community plaque are, from left, Plett Fire Brigade’s Adriaan Swanepoel, Kranshoek Griqua leader ‘Oom’ Sammy Jansen, FireWise Committee chairperson Francois Gericke, and FireWise committee member Ryan Jones

Food, goods sought for Pinetree feeding and festive projects

ROJECT manager of Plettenberg Bay’s TB & HIV/ Aids Association Shaun Terblanche appeals to Bitou businesses, organisations and individuals for assistance with the ePap Feeding Scheme run in New Horizons. “The project aims to help vulnerable kids subjected to hunger and poverty, with a particular focus on victims of HIV/Aids and tuberculosis,” he explains. “We want to see that every child gets the necessary help and, most importantly, gets fed seven days a week - and your donations in kind will help us reach this goal.” Any tinned foods or vegetables will be put to good use, and although feeding is the main objective, donations of children’s clothes, shoes, toiletries

or bedding will also be greatly appreciated. The Association is further planning a Christmas lunch for about 100 vulnerable children on December 21, and donations of the above-mentioned items will contribute much to these children’s festive cheer. Contact Shaun on 073 513 5119 so that he can arrange for your donations to be collected. Readers in a position to contribute financially can deposit funds into the Association’s savings account at Standard Bank Plettenberg Bay (branch code 05071445), account no 1001 2309 735. Email tbandhivass@gmail. com with queries or pop in at the Association’s HQ in Down Berwick Street, 10404 Pinetree, New Horizons.

HE FireWise Communities Programme seeks to protect people and property from wildfire risks by finding local solutions for fire safety and involving homeowners, community leaders, planners, developers, fire-fighters, and others in this effort. The programme teaches peo-

ple how to adapt to living with wildfire and encourages neighbours to work together and take action to prevent losses, so creating a paradigm shift from fearing fire to living with fire in a safe way. The overall goal is to enhance the sustainability and protection of life, livelihoods and the

environment through integrated fire management in order to contribute to economic empowerment, skills development, social equity and accelerated service delivery. The Forest Fire Association recently did a training course with the community of Kranshoek, with exhibitions and

Notice Board Vjg"Yjkvg"Vkigt"cpf"Qvjgt"Uvq/ tkgu is an exhibition of vases by artist Lucinda Mudge, on display at Knysna Fine Art from Pqxgodgt" :/520" View all the pieces on the blog lucinda mudge.wordpress.com once the exhibition has opened, or visit www.finearts.co.za for info. Knysna Methodist Church is holding a Christmas Market on Pqxgodgt" ; from 8am to 1pm with breakfast, crafts, food, white elephant stalls and more. Billy Forrest, Bobby Angel, Dennis East, Cheree Strydom and Esmond tour the Cape this month with their show, Qp"Vjg" Tqcf" Cickp, Catch it at Plett Barnyard on Pqxgodgt"; (R90) - call 044 698 1022 for info. George Music Society presents Encuukecn" Uvctu" with talented flutist Malane Hofmeyr-Burger and Bulgarian violinist Miro Chakaryan, and pianist Olive Sandilands on Pqxgodgt" 32 at 3:30pm. Tickets cost R90 (R60 members, R20 kids) and can be bought at PNA or at the door of George Arts Theatre on the day. Call 044 8730201 for info. Be Cancer Aware invites all smokers to take the first step and unite with non-smokers in support of lung cancer by quitting for the day on Pqxgodgt" 36. Non-smokers can also get involved and help promote the cause by showing that they are ‘too cool to smoke’ by donning their shades to work on the day. Visit www.becanceraware. co.za for more info.

Bitou Amateur Theatrical Society stages the Peter Gordon play Ugeqpfct{"Ecwug"qh"Fgcvj at St Peter’s Church hall in Plett from Pqxgodgt 34/38" and 3;/ 45"(7:30pm)"and matinee shows on Pqxgodgt"39 and 45 (2pm) to cater for those not wishing to drive at night. Following the success of the comedy Owt/ fgtgf"vq"Fgcvj, this play is the second of the Inspector Pratttrilogy. Buy your tickets from Barney’s Kiosk at The Market Square, or phone 044 533 3219 for online booking details. Proceeds will be donated to PAWS. Umlilo hosts a fundraising Hktg" Rctv{ in Kranshoek on Pqxgo/ dgt" 37" (" 38. Tickets cost R50 and gates open at 10am, with live entertainment from 6pm. There will be painting and drumming sessions, beadwork, experimental art and recyclable sculpture. You can also camp

overnight - phone Amos on 073 252 4851 or email umlilocon sultancy@gmail.com for info. A new, free Depression & Anxiety Support Group in Sedgefield holds its first meeting on Pqxgodgt"38 at the Lions clubhouse (10am). Call Lynette on 079 156 6735 to find out more. Plett’s Friends of the Library reminds members of its AGM on Pqxgodgt"3; at 10am at the Mellville’s Corner library. A quorum is required to vote on proposed amendments and subs are now due. Email Di at dbut lin@gbw.co.za for info. Knysna Plett Concert Series presents pianist Jerome Ducros and cellist Jerome Pernoo on Pqxgodgt" 3;" at Knysna DRC hall (7.30pm). Tickets at R100 (scholars pay R20) are available at the door from 6:45pm.

displays and a whole lot of edutainment. A FireWise community plaque and certificates were also handed over to those who attended the course. Gockn"ejcpftc0hkemB hktgykuguc0qti0|c"qt"rjqpg" 243"9;9"79:9"hqt"hwtvjgt" kphqtocvkqp0

Old & New helps Anns help Bitou’s needy

NDRIES Strydom of Old & New at Yellowoods Centre in Main Street, in conjunction with Plett’s Rotary Anns, is helping to assist some of Bitou’s less privileged residents. Old & New buys and sells quality household goods but not curtains, clothing, linen and older items. So should anyone wish to donate such items, Old & New will glad-ly collect and deliver to the Rotary Anns – who sincerely thank Andries for this wonderful contribution to their fundraising efforts. The Anns will appreciate donations of used household goods, linen and clothing so, when spring-cleaning, don’t forget to give them a holler. Call Ann on 044 533 2928, Beryl on 044 533 3968, or Carole on 044 533 3887.

Gist of the story gets Plett kids creating Amalia Bliggenstorfer of The Crags Eco Preschool produced one of the winning pictures, at right, in Plett Arts Association’s recent pre-school competition, which challenged the youngsters’ understanding and artistic interpretation of a story read to them. Says PAA chairlady Joy Robin: ‘We were thrilled with the response and most impressed with the standard of the work. Over 80 entries were received from two schools alone! What wonderful results, especially considering that these children are mostly aged six and younger.’ The Association handed out prizes to the winners with the kind cooperation of Friends of the Library (see AGM note above).

Business

November 6 - 2013

Investor Focus

Malcolm Stewart – Portfolio Manager at Sanlam Private Investments Knysna

Everything you should know about • Taxes such as stamp duty investment costs and VAT. HERE is a major trend defined by their TER ratios • Custodian and trustees fees T within the investment and short for ‘total expense ratio’. (custodians are appointed to savings industry to reduce This is the absolute total cost of costs. Thus potential investors should understand the various components of cost structures to ensure that they are not being overcharged. Unit trusts are probably the most commonly used investment vehicles. Their costs are

running a unit trust, and costs include: • The annual investment management fee, including any performance-based investment management fees. • The fund’s bank charges. • The fund auditor’s fees.

New business premises for water-service boffins

HAPPY IN THE ‘HOOD: The Sprinklers for Africa team looks forward to welcoming you at their brand new home in Plett Industria - Photo: Watty Watson

PRINKLERS for Africa has recently moved from 11 Marine Way to 1 Theron Street (cnr Hutchinson Street) in Plett Industria, so is now located directly opposite Robberg Sea Foods and HI-Q. The new Magistrate’s Court being built in Marine Way’s old bus terminus building was the main reason for the move which has turned out to be very positive for the business as it has provided larger premises and a far busier location, resulting in better retail trade. Says the company’s Brett Leppan: “It is great to have neighbours that provide virtually all the services and product requirement we need to complement our business, right on our doorstep. “We are enjoying the neighbourhood - especially all the fantastic food and friendly faces - and so we’re happy with the move and look forward to being in our new premises for many years to come. “For all your supply, installation and repair of water-related systems, remember that Sprinklers for Africa has the products on hand, as well as the experience and dedication to ensure that customers obtain the required results.” Sprinklers for Africa special-

CXPRESS

ises in water-related systems, from Quality Rain Bird irrigation systems, water filtration, treatment and purification systems and ground water abstraction through to boreholes and spikes, automated reticulation, solar water pumping systems and many other water-related services and products. If it involves water, then Sprinklers for Africa has already taken a special interest. Visit Brett and his team at their new premises in Plett Industria - they look forward to continue exceeding their clients’ expectations. Ugg"vjg"cfxgtv"dgnqy"hqt" eqpvcev"fgvcknu0"

protect the interests of unit holders and the fees are to pay for their services). • Any income retained from scrip lending, and not passed back to the fund. When it comes to ‘Funds-of Funds’, TER calculations include the weighted TERs of the underlying funds, plus actual costs of the Funds-of Funds. This is why the TER of Fundsof Funds tends to be higher than in a single-manager fund. The TER is calculated by dividing the fund’s total costs by the total value of the fund itself, i.e. TER = Total Fund Costs ÷ (divided by) Total Fund Assets. A TER of 1.5% for the year will therefore mean that, assuming the fund achieved a gross return of 15% for the year before any costs, you as an investor will receive 13.5% as your return after costs. A TER below 1% per annum is low, particularly for an equity fund; between 1% and 2% is acceptable, but anything above 2% means that warning bells should start ringing. In this case, the manager would have to produce significant performance as justification (a good track record could well justify the higher ratio). One should also remember that they are calculated quarterly in arrears. Most ETFs, e.g. Satrix, have a TER well below 1%, as have many fixed interest funds. The second fee that is charged, particularly in a LISP (Linked Investment Service Provider), is normally based on a sliding scale starting at ±0.85% for small amounts. There is a move afoot to reduce these costs. LISPs are used to administer Living Annuities, Retirement Annuities and often for unit trust or so-called investment products. Third up is the fee paid to your investment advisor. This appears to have stabilised at 0.5% per annum of the value of

the assets. Various processes currently aim to strip out the so-called kick-back payments from unit trusts to LISPs. This is ±5%. So one can expect to see unit trust fees (TER costs) declining by 0.5% while LISP fees could well increase. There is a global debate on the costs of financial advisors, ranging from a pre-negotiated fee for a consultation, to the current normal ongoing fee. The ongoing fee, however, must be justified with the advisor monitoring your investments and conducting at least bi-annual meetings to discuss your financial plan. The practice of charging any up-front fee (I often see 3% being charged) is now fall-

ing away. In summary, you should be aware of three fees, i.e. the TER (or fund fee) of ±1.5%, the advisor fee of ±0.5%, and a LISP fee of ±0.5%. This amounts to a total cost of 2.5% and by accessing funds with ‘clean’ fees, i.e. without the kick-back of 0.5%, a final cost of 2% is generally regarded

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as reasonable. Check your costs when you get your next statement and make sure you are getting value for your money. 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

CXPRESS

ISSUE 376

November 6 - 2013

Coupons

Entertainment

November 6 - 2013

SA’s brightest stars to judge Bitou’s hottest talent Music celebrities Zolani Mahola and Elvis Blue will head the judging panel in this year’s Tshisa Talent finals

Elvis Blue - caring through sharing his music

Zolani Mahola - voice of the next generation

LVIS Blue (aka Jan Hoogendyk) will be sharing the OME and meet Zolani Mahola at The Whitehouse Elyground, celebrity judge bench with Zolani Mahola of FreshC Theatre on November 9, when she will team up Tshisa Talent 2012 winner Louisa Harker, with Elvis Blue, Louisa Harker, and Jayne Claire Burand Grahamstown National Arts Festival assistant production manager Jayne Claire Burden when the Tshisa Talent finals take place at the Whitehouse Theatre in Plett CBD on Saturday night. Along with his fellow judges, the SA Idol of 2010 will be sharing his incredible talents, moral support and recipe for success with contenders competing for the grand prize - which may just rocket them to stardom. Make sure you’re there to witness this amazing event. Jan Hoogendyk is a most compassionate person, so it is not surprising that the wife he chose to share his life worked for a children’s home and hospice in George, where Jan would use his music to enrich the kids’ lives. He met a brave little boy who desperately wanted to be a keyboard player. His name was Elvis Blaaw and when he passed away in 2009, Jan adopted the name to honour his young friend. In 2010, Elvis Blue paid tribute to this amazing little boy when he won the title of M-Net Idol and, characteristically, shared half of the R500’000 cash prize with runner up Lloyd Cele. Prior to his Idols victory, Elvis Blue already had a heart for orphaned and vulnerable children. Based on this, and his passion for music, he invested hours every week giving orphaned and disadvantaged young people guitar lessons and bettering their lives through volunteering and relationship building. This led to him opening the Elvis Blue Music Academy in George, which fits in perfectly with Tshisa Talent as it also serves to empower and help our youth to forge a meaningful career in the performing arts.

den as the celebrity judges for this year’s finals. Zolani is best known as lead singer of the band Freshlyground, and Bitou is honoured to have her as ambassador for Tshisa Talent - the Plett-based movement that uncovers and promotes performing talent within all local communities. If these veterans of the performing arts are excited about Bitou’s artistic potetial, then you can be sure that the Tshisa Talent finals will be 2013’s hottest and coolest local happening. Earlier this year, Zolani was honoured at the Shared Interest Annual Awards Gala in New York when Freshlyground received the Voices of the Next Generation Award for their social outreach programmes and concerts. There were only three other honourees: JP Morgan, father Michael Lapsley, and Harry Belafonte were cited for their engagement in and promotion of South Africa’s economic and social development. Shared Interest was founded in 1994 by South Africans exiled in the United States who wanted to mobilise resources for our economically disenfranchised. The Shared Interest Annual Awards Gala helps raise monies to provide South African entrepreneurs with access to credit and tech support which enables them to start small businesses, to create jobs and to secure successful communities. They have built up a $14-million guarantee fund that benefits almost 2.2-million hard-working locals in the new democratic SA. Chart-toppers Freshlyground performed their pulsating Afropop music for guests at the awards and had them grooving to their funky beats on the dance floor and in their seats.

Come and see the exciting and professional performances and appreciate the diversity Bitou artists have to offer. The Tshisa Talent project is supported by Plett Tourism and the National Arts Council of South Africa. All proceeds go towards the development of local performing artists. Tickets at R130 can be booked at info@tshisatalent.co.za or on 044 533 0942, and include a complimentary drink and delicious snacks donated by various talented local foodies.

CXPRESS

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CXPRESS

ISSUE 376

Interval

November 6 - 2013

If man evolved from monkeys and apes, why do we still have monkeys and apes?

The top 10 bravest caddie comments #10

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Golfer: “Please stop checking your watch all the time.” Ecff{<"›Kv‚u"pqv"c"ycvej."kv"ku" c"eqorcuu0fi

Golfer: “I think I am going to drown myself in the lake.” Ecff{<"›Vjkpm"{qw"ecp"mggr" {qwt"jgcf"fqyp"vjcv"nqpiAfi Golfer: “I’d move heaven and earth to break 100 on this course.” Ecff{<"›Vt{"jgcxgp."{qw‚xg cntgcf{"oqxgf"oquv"qh" vjg"gctvj0fi

Golfer: “How do you like my game?” Ecff{<"›Xgt{"iqqf."Ukt."dwv" rgtuqpcnn{"K"rtghgt"iqnh0fi

Golfer: “Do you think it is a sin to play on Sundays?” Ecff{<"›Vjg"yc{"{qw"rnc{."Ukt." kv"ku"c"ukp"qp"cp{"fc{0fi

Golfer: “Do you think I can get there with a 5-iron?” Ecff{<"›Gxgpvwcnn{000fi

Golfer: “This is the worst course I’ve ever played on.” Ecff{<"›Vjku"kup‚v"c"iqnh"eqwt/ ug0"Yg"nghv"vjcv"cp"jqwt"ciq0fi

Golfer: “You must be the worst caddy in the world.” Ecff{<"›K"fqp‚v"vjkpm"uq."Ukt0" Vjcv"yqwnf"dg"vqq"owej"qh"c"

Golfer: “That can’t be my ball, it is too old.” Ecff{<"›Kv‚u"dggp"c"tgcnn{"nqpi" vkog"ukpeg"yg"vggf"qhh."Ukt0fi

Golfer: “Do you think my game is improving?” Ecff{<"›[gu."Ukt."{qw"okuu"vjg" dcnn"owej"enqugt"pqy0fi

An Englishman in France

The telephone bill

HE telephone bill was exceptionally high and the man of the house called a family meeting. Dad: “People, this is unacceptable. You have to limit the use of the phone. I do not use this phone; I use the one at the office.”

HIS true story was reported by an Englishman who was stopped and asked to give a breathalyser test. He lived near Le Bugue in the Dordogne, France, and at the time he was stopped he was rather pickled. The traffic officer signalled to him to wind down the window, and asked him if he had been drinking. Slurring, the Englishman replied: “Yes, this morning I was at my (hic) daughter’s wedding, and as I don’t like church much I went to the café opposite and had several beers. “During the wedding banquet,

I seem to remember downing three great bottles of wine (hic), a Corbieres, a Minervois, and (hic) a Faugeres. “Then to finish off, during the celebrations and (hic) the evening, me and my mate finished off two bottles of Johnny Walker black label.” Getting impatient, the cop warned him: “Do you understand I’m an officer of the law, and that I’ve stopped you for an alcohol test?” With a grin, the man said: “Do you understand that I’m English, like my car, and that my wife is sitting in the other seat, at the steering wheel?”

Mom: “Same here, I hardly use this home telephone as I use my work telephone.” Son: “Me too, I never use the home phone. I always use my company mobile.” Cleaning lady: “So what’s the problem? We all use our work telephones!”

Social Scene

CXPRESS

Photo: Watty Watson

November 6 - 2013

COOL BLUES: Albert Frost is a familiar and respected feature of the South African blues rock music scene. Don’t miss his performance at The Barn in Plettenberg Bay at 3pm on Sunday November 17. Bookings at R95 per person can be made on 044 698 1022.

LATEST JACK PROJECT SEES THE LIGHT: The launch of ‘And not to Yield’ by Penelope Matthews was cause for a lovely wine and snacks celebration at Lookout Art Gallery in Plett on October 23. Pictured above is former CXPRESS contributor Jack Mudd, who is related to Penelope and responsible for taking the work-in-progress manuscript with its hand-written annotations to the end-product held up here. Find it in good bookshops - PNA Plett, The Heath (N2 between Knysna and Plett), Knysna Book Exchange, De Gratia in Sedgefield - or phone Jack on 083 379 6313 for info on your nearest outlet.

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FASHION FOR FUNDS: Nicky Namntu models a dress during a fundraising fashion show held at LM in Plett on October 24. The function was attended by some 75 people and money raised will be used to assist less privileged students with matric farewell expenses. All of the garments were designed and made by Izabel Potgieter.

Photo: Timothy Twidle

People, places & events IT’S A CELEBRATION: The Hyatt Regency Oubaai’s management was the first corporate team to register for the first-ever Hyatt Celebrate Life Fun Walk on November 11 at 6pm (R50 per person, registration from 5:30pm). Two charitable causes will benefit from this fundraising event, the Garrett Ehrman Support Group and Carpe Diem School. After completion of the 4.8km walk through the pristine resort, participants and spectators will be able to enjoy a jovial atmosphere, fine food and fun beverages. Early birds who want to register beforehand can do so at www.onlines.co.za the - the first 100 entrants will receive T-shirts. Contact Milissa Els - pictured here with Carpe Diem headmaster Karools Hauptfleisch and Hyatt Oubaai’s Sandra Kneubeuh, right - on 044 851 1234 or at milissa.els@hyatt.com for more info.

PIE MASTERS: Dirk Woest and Slow Food guru Colin Capon, right, are looking forward to the annual Sedgefield Lions Pie Competition at Timberlake Village, halfway between Sedge and Wilderness, on November 9. Pie entries must be submitted by 11am, judging takes place at noon and thereafter the pies will be auctioned off for the Lions Project Fund. Sweet or savoury, hot or cold, young and old are invited to come show their pieous proficiency... Entries are R20 per pie and R5 per any additional pie entries. There’s also a children’s category (12 and under), while a white elephant and book sale will add to the day’s entertainment. As it is Diabetes Month, a qualified nursing sister will be doing free blood pressure and blood sugar tests. For more information, call Lynette on 079 156 6734 or Debbie on 083 306 9998.

LUCKY 13: Harkerville Saturday Market celebrated its 13th birthday on October 19. The weather was great and visitors came from far and near the Netherlands, Germany, England, Saudi Arabia and, of course, Garden Route market stalwarts. They all took part in the lucky draw for numerous prizes donated by different stallholders, so many a visitor who had never before won a prize were most grateful for the interesting goodies in their hampers. Delicious chocolate cake and a glass of bubbly with orange juice were offered complimentary and a special time was had by all. Harkerville Market - created around the mighty oak tree, with care taken to nurture the natural fynbos environment, and sounds of music in the air - has for all these years provided locals and visitors to Plett and Knysna with an unbeatable gathering place. The slogan ‘A sight to behold, a spread so bold and a happening of old’ is complemented by the vision of growing local and giving budding entrepreneurs and producers direct and affordable access to the public. And 13 years down the line, this thriving market is still exciting and evolving. Have a look at the newly-built stalls in the craft and food sections, where you are bound to find new and unique products while enjoying a relaxed outdoor shopping excursion. This special Saturday morning market is greatly contributing to regional pride and a healthy community. Menno and Wil Hiemstra thank their loyal customers, as well as the farmers, food-producers, and creative crafters now totalling over 100 traders, for 13 years of support and encouragement, saying: ‘Wow! Together we make it work!’ Find them on the N2, midway between Knysna and Plett, from 8am to 12 noon every Saturday, and visit www. harkervillemarket.co.za for more info. Receiving their prizes from Menno Hiemstra are, clockwise from top left, Dutch visitor Jorinde van Winden, Plett local Paul Sweet, and mesdames Loudensuik, Tucker and Stobart.

CXPRESS

ISSUE 376

Home & Health

November 6 - 2013

NOVEMBER IS DIABETES MONTH

Everything you should know about diabetes - Part I This is the first of two articles written by DR GIOVANNI COCI and deals with the definition of diabetes, the various types of this disease, its incidence, diagnosis, and main complications - Part II, in CXPRESS of November 20, will deal with the treatment and management of diabetes

UR blood sugar levels are regulated by insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, and as these levels rise after a meal, the pancreas releases insulin into the blood stream to lower blood sugar. Diabetes mellitus, or simply

diabetes, is a disorder characterised by blood sugar levels higher than normal (hyperglycaemia), either because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or because the body does not respond to the insulin that is produced.

There are three main types of diabetes mellitus (DM): • Type 1 DM results from the body’s failure to produce insulin. This form was previously referred to as ‘insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus’. This type of diabetes requires treatment with insulin. • Type 2 DM results from insulin resistance - a condition in which the body cannot utilise insulin properly - and was previously referred to as ‘maturity onset diabetes’. This type of diabetes initially may respond just to diet, weight loss and exercise. If these measures fail, treatment with oral medication is the next step. Occasionally in severe cases, it may be necessary to use oral medication together with insulin. • Gestational diabetes, the third main form, occurs when pregnant women without a previous diagnosis of diabetes develop an elevated blood glucose level. The risk of adverse effects on the mother and the foetus is high so it is very important to monitor blood sugar in pregnancy and treat even a mildly raised blood sugar level. Diabetes may also develop in other situations, e.g. after taking large doses of cortisone. Kpekfgpeg"qh"fkcdgvgu Worldwide an estimated 300-million people have diabetes, with Type 2 making up about 90% of the total. The incidence is increasing rapidly and, by 2030, this number is estimated to double. DM occurs throughout the world, but is more common (especially Type 2) in the more developed countries. The greatest increase in prevalence is, however, occurring in Asia and Africa as a result of urbanisation and lifestyle changes, perhaps most importantly a ‘Western-style’ diet. There are about 4-million diabetics in South Africa. Jqy"fqgu"fkcdgvgu"rtgugpvA High blood sugar produces the classical symptoms of polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (increased thirst) and polyphagia (increased hunger). Weight loss is another important symptom of severe diabetes. However, the symptoms in Type 2 DM may be quite mild and the disease is only picked up when the patient develops one of the complications of diabetes. Jqy"ku"fkcdgvgu"fkcipqugfA Essentially one measures the blood sugar levels twice, first after an overnight fast and then two hours after drinking 75g of glucose dissolved in water (glucose tolerance test - GTT). The blood glucose level is measured in units called milliosmoles (mmol). The fasting level should be less than 7.0mmol. If it is higher than 7.0mmol, the test should be repeated on a different day. The level after two hours should be less than 11.1mmol.

GTTs should be done by a laboratory. The finger prick glucometer test is useful in screening for diabetes but it is not adequate to make a diagnosis of diabetes. The diagnosis is not always obvious and there should be a high awareness of this disease. Yjq"ujqwnf"dg"vguvgf"hqt" fkcdgvguA • Anybody presenting with the classical symptoms of diabetes (weight loss, polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia) • Anybody presenting with a medical condition which may be a complication of diabetes (coma, heart attack, kidney problems, infection without an obvious cause and cataracts, just to mention a few); • All women who delivered a baby weighing over 4kg or who were diagnosed with gestational diabetes; • All adults who are overweight (BMI  25kg/m2) and who have one or more additional risk factors such as physical inactivity, first-degree relative with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and cardiovascular disease. In the absence of the above criteria, testing for diabetes should begin routinely at 45 years. If results are normal, testing should be repeated at least at three-year intervals. VJG"OCKP"EQORNKECVKQPU" QH"FKCDGVGU" Acute complications include diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and coma, the former being a potentially life-threatening complication in patients with diabetes mellitus. It happens predominantly in those with Type 1 DM, but it can also occur in Type 2 DM. • Non-ketotic hyperosmolar coma, usually seen in uncontrolled Type 2 DM. Ejtqpke"eqornkecvkqpu" • Diabetes may affect many organs. In the majority of cases this results from diabetes damaging the blood vessels of the body. • Damage to the small blood vessels causes micro-vascular complications involving, among others, the kidneys and eyes (retina). • Damage to the large blood vessels causes macro-vascular complications such as angina, heart attacks, blocked arteries and strokes. • The nerves can also be affected. Common examples are peripheral neuropathy which usually involves the feet and hands, and autonomic neuropathy, which can affect various organs of the body including the lungs, heart, gut and sex organs. • It is important to stress that many of the complications of diabetes can be avoided or at least minimised by keeping the blood sugar levels to as near normal as possible. Yqtnf"Fkcdgvgu"Fc{ Because diabetes is so common and can have such devastating complications, which are potentially preventable, World Diabetes Day is celebrated every

November to increase the public’s awareness of this disease. The object is encouraging people to avoid risk factors for diabetes by eating healthily, losing weight, giving up smoking and being aware of the symptoms of diabetes in order to nip ‘em in the bud.

Typical activities at World Diabetes Day include educational talks, walks and tastings of foods and drinks suitable for diabetics. This year World Diabetes Day will be celebrated on November 14 (visit www.diabetessa.co.za for more info). ,"Ft"Ikqxcppk"Eqek"ku"c" Urgekcnkuv"Rj{ukekcp"ykvj" tqqou"cv"4c"Ogfyc{"Egpvtg"kp" Rngvvgpdgti"Dc{0"Eqpvcev"jko" cv"rngvvrj{ukekcpBiockn0eqo" qt"qp"266"755"66930

Tea ladies treated like royalty at Ouland

HAVING A BALL: Enjoying the Famsa fundraiser are, above from left, Ruth Maseko, Karen du Plessis, and Estelle Potgieter; the pictures below show the delicious spread and the delightful venue at Ouland Royale

AMSA hosted its annual Spring Tea at Plett’s newest events venue, Ouland Royale, where 102 guests enjoyed this festive fundraiser on October 26. Eats and prizes were donated by generous Plett businesses and residents, and all contributed to a memorable occasion. The creation of arty Wilja Reitz, Ouland Royale on the Airport Road allowed the ladies in attendance to spend an enjoyable morning surrounded by pretty things and views while contributing to a very

good cause. ,"Hcouc‚u"rtkoct{"hwpevkqp" ku"eqwpugnnkpi"rgqrng"yjq"ctg" uwhhgtkpi" goqvkqpcnn{0" Vjg" vgco" fgcnu" ykvj" tgncvkqpujkr" rtqdngou."hcokn{"eqphnkev."fq/ oguvke"xkqngpeg."cdwug."cpigt." fgrtguukqp." eqoowpkecvkqp" cpf"eqphnkev0"Rtgoctkvcn."oct/ kvcn."fkxqteg."vtcwoc"cpf"itkgh" eqwpugnnkpi"ku"cnuq"rtqxkfgf0 Hcouc" dwknfu" tgncvkqpujkru" cpf" rtgugtxgu" hcokn{" nkhg0" Ewttgpv" eqoowpkv{" rtqlgevu" kpenwfg"Yqogp"qh"Yqtvj."rct/ gpvkpi"umknnu"cpf"c"ogp‚u"rtq/ itcoog0" Ecnn" 266" 755" 2737" hqt"oqtg"kphqtocvkqp0

On the Soapbox

November 6 - 2013

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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

Are Bitou refuse tariffs in proportion to actual cost?

A rare sight in the Valley

This letter was addressed to Bitou councillor Wayne Craig, mayor Memory Booysen and other office bearers in response to an article in CXPRESS of October 23 (visit the News & Views page of issue 375 at www.cxpress.co.za and read ‘Your contribution to waste recycling can save Bitou millions’) Dear Wayne, I read the report in CXPRESS last week on Plett’s waste removal plans. We are glad to recycle, but are much larger cost-savings not also available? Has there been any cost analysis on why Plett’s refuse removal tariffs are three times more expensive than Knysna’s? I read a report that Plett’s refuse tariff is 80% more than other towns roughly our size in the Western Cape. Are the tariffs we’re paying in proportion to the actual cost of the service? Both Plett and Knysna truck garbage to PetroSA - Plett at an additional 35km, so one can understand a small variance. But Knysna charges just R697pa for garbage removal, or roughly one-third of Plett at R2’086pa. And Plett was charging these tariffs in 2012/13, BEFORE the additional expense of trucking its refuse. During the years that garbage was stacking up illegally in its landfill, where was that revenue being spent? And in July we received an-

Why does Shane’s tree cheer him so? We received this picture from Shane Jantjies by email last month, the only information supplied being contained in the subject line, which read ‘My happy tree’. We prodded Shane for more information but never heard back from the glad gardener. We’re still curious so Shane, if you read here and want to tell us more, we’d be delighted to share it with our readers!

other 7% increase! Bitou’s 2013/14 Budget claims “rehabilitation of the landfill is estimated to be in excess of R6-million” (page 15). Are there no reserves from our excessive rates all these years? Since Knysna can deliver the service for roughly one-third of Plett, could Plett not compare costs and service providers with Knysna to learn best practices? I believe Knysna outsources its transport of refuse to Mossel Bay to SA Metal. Have we explored that option? Does Bitou have the required employee skills in the refuse department to deliver service efficiently? If so, why are we also paying huge consultant fees? It is going to take more than recycling to get our tariffs competitive with other towns in the Western Cape. Tqd{p"Gkfgnocp."d{"gockn *Pq"tgurqpug"ycu"tgegkxgf"htqo" Dkvqw" kp" vjku" tgictf" dghqtg" qwt" iqkpi" vq" rtguu." dwv" yg" jqrg" vq" ujgf"oqtg"nkijv"qp"vjg"kuuwg"kp"c" pgct/hwvwtg"gfkvkqp0"/"Gfu0+

Nature’s Valley resident Beefy Mance sent these pics and wrote: ‘After good rains in the mountains, the Groot Rivier once again flows with that beautiful amber-coloured water caused by tannins leaching into the water from the roots of some plants up in the mountains. It’s a most unusual sight to see river water and sea water meet at the mouth and remain separate (inset) - that point when the flow of the river is equal to the push of the incoming tide. Usually it just churns up into a mixture of both as the tide fights to get in and the river out. The river is now flowing strongly with lots of Coca-Cola pushing into the sea. The photo was taken on November 2, when we had such rough seas.’

No concern for former Plett attraction Dear Business Blues, I fully agree with your letter regarding Mellville’s Corner shopping centre, entitled ‘Pure neglect or secret agenda?’ *xkukv" yyy0ez/ rtguu0eq0|c"cpf"tgcf"qp"vjg"Ngv/ vgtu"rcig"qh"kuuwg"597+, as I am also a concerned Plettenberg Bay local and it saddens me to witness a former attraction deteriorating the way it does due to poor management and just plain not caring. I also spoke to several tenants - I even took photos, and forwarded my complaints in an email to the Public Investment

Corporation (PIC) representative for our region on July 4. I received a prompt response the very same day. This response was worded similar to Nomzamo Petje’s reply to your letter: it was a diplomatic piece of rubbish with empty promises. So based on both responses, I doubt anything will happen, as PIC is a government organisation and they don’t care about anything except for filling their back pockets. We can only wait and hope... Cppq{gf"Rngvvqpkcp."d{"gockn

Plett harbour won’t deracialise control of wealth I refer to the letter entitled ‘A no to small harbour is equivalent to economic deprivation of the apartheid years’ by Wandilisile Sebezo in Yjcv‚u"Pgy of October 17. I am puzzled by the argument put forth in this letter. The writer seems upset that economic privileges in South Africa have been exploited only by the privileged few (who are White), in defiance of the Freedom Charter (which, while an important historical document, is not the Constitution of this country), and uses this as an argument that the small boat harbour development in Plett should continue. However, it is a matter of record that the person driving the harbour development is Peter Ahern, who is White. Mr Ahern appointed three new directors to his board recently - and only one of them is Black. If Mr Ahern has in mind any major Black share-holding partners, not to mention Black skills development, the promotion of small Black business and the af-

firmation of Black professionals, he has certainly been very quiet about it. It should also be clear to everyone that the people likely to benefit from the expensive apartments and marina around the harbour will be mostly White people, many from overseas. So why is social activist Wandilisile Sebezo so keen to promote Mr Ahern’s development? In what way will the harbour development deracialise the ownership and control of wealth in this country? Dcukn"xcp"Tqq{gp"/"Ucxg"Rngvv" Ecorckip."d{"gockn *Yg" pqtocnn{" qpn{" kpenwfg" ngv/ vgtu"ytkvvgp"kp"tgurqpug"vq"vjqug" rwdnkujgf" kp" EZRTGUU." dwv" cu" vjg"uwdlgev"jcu"dggp"gzvgpukxgn{" fgdcvgf" qp" vjgug" rcigu" /" xkukv" yyy0ezrtguu0eq0|c" cpf" tgcf" flYknn" uocnn" dqcv" jctdqwt" fg/ xgnqrogpv" etgcvg" pgy" lqd" qr/ rqtvwpkvkgu"kp"RngvvA‚"qp"vjg"Ngv/ vgtu"rcig"qh"kuuwg"594"/"fggogf" Dcukn‚u" eqoogpvct{" yqtvj{" qh" kpenwukqp"jgtg0"/"Gfu0+

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CXPRESS

ISSUE 376

November 6 - 2013

TENDERS TENDERS TENDERS

Notices

Classifieds

November 6 - 2013

CXPRESS

ISSUE 376

CXPRESS

ISSUE 376

Sport & Adventure

November 6 - 2013

Garden Route golfer thrilled with SA Sports Awards nomination

OUTH Africa’s first lady of golf, Lee-Anne Pace, was chuffed to learn that she had been nominated alongside long-distance runner Mapaseka Makhanya and South African women’s rugby captain Mandisa Williams for the 2013 Sportswoman of the Year award. Speaking from China, Pace said she was blown away by the nomination. “It is such an

incredible honour to be nominated with these ladies. “I’m absolutely thrilled by the nomination and to be considered, because South Africa has a wealth of talented sports women across so many fields. I feel extremely honoured to be considered a worthy recipient of this prestigious title,” she said. The Mossel Bay golfer last month won the Sanya Ladies

Open in China - a tournament she had also won in 2010 on her way to finishing that season as European number one. Pace reeled in five birdies and dropped just one shot for an opening five-under-par 67 and a share of third, and trailed Nikki Campbell by four shots after the Australian vaulted to the lead with a course record 63. The 32-year-old SA pro lagged one stroke behind overnight leader Ye Na Chung of Korea going into the final round, but in pure Pace style, rallied with a final round two-under-par 70 to tie rookie Yu Yang Zhang at 13-under-par 203 at the end of regulation play. Pace showed her grit and determination with a perfectly timed 20-foot putt for birdie to beat the Zhang at the first play-off hole. Pace was on her way to China when she received the news of the nomination from her parents. “I didn’t believe my parents at first, but then more calls came as friends heard it on the news or read it on the internet,”

she said. “Within two hours, almost everyone I know had called and that’s when it really hit home.” And Pace has an excellent chance of nabbing the award. In another fantastic season, she has won the Ladies Spanish and Turkish Airlines Ladies Open, posted five top-10 finishes, and

claimed a top-25 finish at the Ricoh Women’s British Open in a field that included the world’s top-ranked players. She currently ranks third on the ISPS Handa Order of Merit, sits at 60th on the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings and has secured her spot in the final stage qualifier for the 2014 LPTA Tour in December. The annual SA Sports Awards recognise individuals and teams who have excelled between October 2012 and August 30 this year. The gala awards evening will be held on November 17 at the Sun City Superbowl.

WILL SHE WIN IT? Lee-Anne Pace claimed victory at the Sanya Ladies Open in China on October 27, less than a week after being nominated for the 2013 Sportswoman of the Year award Photo: Ladies European Tour

Bikers jol for pets B

F Motorcycles in Knysna invites you to join them at Die Bosvark Pub & Grill in George on November 16 for a charity event in aid of KAWS. Says Amber of BFM: “While we are passionate about motorcycles, we are equally passionate about animals and this is why we chose Knysna Animal Welfare as our focus. “We aim to raise awareness of the constant rise of abused and mistreated animals in Knysna, as well as providing some comfort to them through donations given not only by the staff of BF Motorcycles, but also by members of the public who will be joining us on this day.” Gates open at 11am and entry is R50 - expect loads of fun and games, competitions, live music, DJs and lots of prizes sponsored by dealers and suppliers from around SA. You can even pitch a tent and sleep over. Bikers and friends joining the festivities will also have the opportunity to donate pet food, blankets and toys, and in return receive a free bike wash. Call BF Motorcycles on 044 382 3342 for more information.

Sixteen cyclists, 48 hours, 1 200 kilometres T HE annual Novo Nordisk Changing Diabetes Cycle Relay, which takes place from November 7-9, will see four teams take on the gruelling 1’200 kilometres between Joburg and George.

Ladies Day competition was held at Knysna Bowling Club on October 17 to coincide with the national breast cancer awareness campaign for the month. Ladies were required to dress in pink and white in solidarity with campaign colours and cold weather dictated that additional clothing had to be donned. Participants entering the clubhouse that Thursday morning were greeted by club president Paul Vitali, who handed them glasses of pink champagne to kick-start the day. The clubhouse interior was decorated in a vivid display and the attention to detail was awesome. Tables were clothed in pink and white with starlets splashed on the tablecloth to produce a brilliant sparkle in the morning light. Even the upholstered dining room chairs were replaced with white plastic chairs to blend in with the Ladies Day Bowls theme. Twenty-two bowling teams participated in this event, rep-

Their aim? To raise awareness of diabetes and funds for underprivileged children living with diabetes. International and local cycling teams, including one led by legendary Springbok rugby

resenting clubs from Great Brak through to Plettenberg Bay. The weather threatened to put a damper on proceedings throughout the day, however, the ladies managed to complete all three bowling sessions without having to stop play at any time due to bad weather. An amount of R3’500 was collected from various donations and was handed over to the Breast Cancer Association offices in George. Thumbs-up goes to the many sponsors who made significant contributions - SuperSpar Knysna, Sophie’s Properties, Foti Michalopoulos, Margaret Vitali, Grace Dixon, and Greg & Sue Metzer. Says Knysna BC’s John Jenkerson: “The winner of this event was the breast cancer cause. Ladies, please note that the sport of bowls provides sufficient excitement and outdoor exposure to make sure that you live your life to the full, so come and join in the fun on our Knysna bowling greens or at a club near you.”

player Joel Stransky, will cycle day and night for this very worthy cause. The funds raised will help children like Sanelise and Sanele Manyana, twins both living with Type 1 diabetes,

to live normal, active and engaged lives. The twins are beneficiaries of George NPO Cycle4Diabetes. Visit www.facebook.com/ ChangingDiabetesZA to find out more.

Knysna ladies bowl for breast cancer awareness

LIFE IS A BOWLING GREEN: A ‘perfect delivery’ always comes from keeping your eye on the bowl, as demonstrated in the pic above by Heather Hillcoat from Knysna Bowling Club, with the other ladies pictured all hard at work delivering their bowls for a good cause