March 19

19 March 2014

Published every Wednesday 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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Notes on crime and reporting p4

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CXPRESS

News & Views

19 March 2014

Driving Miss Crazy

Trailer the only ‘passenger’ on a trip to Plett’s Old Nick mid-week market JEEVES shares memories of his adventures as Garden Route chaffeur extraordinaire...

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EEN retired 15 years now (NO, I’m not a septuagenarian - just got lucky to quit early from the world of ‘dog eats dog’) and keeping yourself busy ain’t easy.

One develops a new sense of innovativeness never previously required, in order to keep oneself active mentally and physically, and to explore the adventurous spirit which is within each and every one of us.

Reminds me of a lunch party once in Hermanus with the famed author Uys Krige, where he proclaimed: “There are three kinds of people. The first gets up in the morning, goes through his everyday routine, drives to work, buys the paper, sits in his office, goes home at five, changes, potters around in the garden, dines, watches TV, and goes to bed.

“The second does exactly the same, but in the paper he sees an advertisement offering a cruise in the Med with a week’s stay on a Greek Island, and he sits back and dreams about doing it, but never does.

“And the third is the same as the other two, with one life-changing exception – he doesn’t look at the advert and dream, he turns dreams into reality.”

He made this statement on hearing my tales of woe, where I wanted to become a fighter pilot in the RAF, and on passing all the tests (together with a friend, Rick Peacock-Edwards).

But being under the age of 21, I needed a signature of ‘release’ from a parent or guardian - to which my father responded: “I didn’t send you to a private school to fly aeroplanes!”

I later took up flying during the fuel restriction era, and Rick ended up an Air ViceMarshal in Whitehall, after action all over the world, including heading air force activities in the first Iraq war.

As a teenager, I spent every minute I could at Kyalami, watching cars go round and round. I ventured one day to ask my dad for a loan to buy a Formula Vee...

He just stared at me, raised an eyebrow, and shook his head in disbelief.

At the age of 31, I could afford to go racing and a year later was runner-up in the SA Modified Saloon Car Championship, with full works factory sponsorship.

But no one ever remembers who came second!

You have to make things happen, even if per chance an opportunity should present itself.

Coffee-ing one day with a man I’d met, I offered to run his stall at a morning market, should he ever need a back-up.

Two weeks later, the phone rang. It was his wife. “John is in hospital and I can’t do the stall at Old Nick on Wednesday. He said you had offered.

Would you be so kind?”

A new role for Jeeves!

Collect the trailer at their house, filled with tables and crates full of product. A crash course in the product – a fruit juice – and its magic ingredients, and off to Plett.

I introduced myself to the market operators, and with the generous help of other marketers, set up the gazebo, laid out the tables with a pretty display of all the various bottles, donned an apron and waited for the first customer.

George introduced himself, a festive fellow, full of wit, and presented me with a gift of four fish cakes acquired from a fish-monger stall; bought a coffee and a muffin from the lady next door; had the best chicken pie in Africa from the youngster manning his dad’s table, filled with breads too - sour dough, rye, delicious slices of cake - bought fresh veggies elsewhere - spinach, baby car-

rots, cauliflower and peppers.

Italian take-away foods, biltong stall, bought delish home-made piccalilli for R40 – “...and if you bring the jar back next time, it’ll only be 30 bucks!”

“Oh, and if I bring you four jars?” I asked.

One stall sold home-brewed potions, offering anti-wrinkle creams and cures for everything from the common cold to syphilis!

A nursery, home-made relishes, coriander pesto, olive tapenade and oils, curried chickpea wraps, sushi, fresh fish, a mini butchery. A real farmers’ market, it’s got it all.

Meanwhile, back at my unmanned stall, the queue was growing.

“The one-litre concentrate, please. With agave, not sugar.”

“The 300ml cool drink with sugar, out of the ice box please, for my daughter who I’m fetching from school.”

One marketer presented me with a gift of her home-

baked item, I gave her a bottle of juice in return.

Many people coming and going, from all over the world. Such fun chatting to them all.

After a long day, time to pack up the stall, fill the trailer and hit the road.

Goodbyes all round, to total strangers who are a fraternity, and for a day I was part of their family.

Half-way back to Knysna, the car automatically turned into a bush-pub, where I enjoyed a couple of hardearned frosties. Staring at the head on my beer, a thought came to mind.

The market wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t for me!

You see, I sold Old Nick back in 1978 to the current owners - the weaver and potter couple Stuart and Janet Holding.

When next I’m up on these pages, look out for Part 1 of ‘Genesis to Exodus’.

Until then, buckle up... and keep left! /"Lggxgu

Notice Board Knysna Garden Club will be meeting on Wednesday March 26 at 9.30 for 10am. The focus will be on fuchsias - those exquisite plants that produce a rainbow of ballerina flowers.

Mattie Rousseau will be sharing her experiences and expertise regarding the trials, tribulations and joys of cultivating these intriguing plants. The meeting will take place at Mattie’s home at 31 De la Rey Street, on ‘the island’, in Sedgefield. To get there travel through Sedgefield town and turn left into Wagtail Rd (just before the Montagu Mews complex). At the T-junction, turn right into Kwartel Rd; this will become D Malan Rd. Pass the bowling club and famous mosaic tortoise on the right, carry on and turn right into Paul Kruger St, take the second street left into De la Rey Street. Visitors are welcome - bring your chairs and sunhats. Contact Elinor Clegg on 044 387 1966 for further details.

News & Views

19 March 2014

CXPRESS

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Focus on Garden Route as drug trade route to major centres Yolandé Stander

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N alarming new trend has reared its head in the Garden Route with a sudden spate in drug-related incidents over the past three months.

During the latest bust near Knysna, police managed to confiscate approximately 700kg of dagga with a street value of about R1-million.

“This is definitely a trend and can be attributed to the Garden Route’s position, as it is one of the main routes between two major cities [Cape Town and Port Elizabeth],” Southern Cape police spokesman captain Malcolm Pojie said.

This, he said, was one of the main reasons police decided to concentrate on special operations in the area.

“We are focusing on the major entry and exit routes to the province.”

This strategy appears to be bearing fruit with a series of recent drug-related arrests.

On March 12, police pulled a suspicious Volkswagen Kombi over on the N2 between Knysna and Sedgefield and after a search found 40 bags of dagga.

The drugs were confiscat-

A BAR WORTH OF WEED: Knysna Station Commander colonel Attwell Methu, left, and his head of Visible Policing major Patrick Gogwana with the 695kg of dagga confiscated along the Sedgefield / Knysna N2 on March 12 - it is believed that the contraband was destined for distribution in the Cape Metropole

ed and two men arrested.

Just three days earlier police confiscated 375kg of dagga worth more than R500,000 and arrested four alleged drug dealers - Mtobeli Ngozi, 28, Sonwabile Bhengeza, 38, Phumzile Ngozi, 28, and Mandla Mokele, 38.

Last month a 32-year-old man was arrested for being in possession of drugs worth more than R1,000 at The Crags during a stop-andsearch operation.

Police also confiscated var-

ious drugs including dagga, Tik and Mandrax in Kranshoek early in February.

In November, police took R150,000 worth of dagga out of circulation when they raided a house in Knysna.

During the same week, various other arrests were made and Tik, Mandrax and dagga were confiscated.

“This is one of the reasons a provincial strategy is in place to curb the drug trade by monitoring major routes going in and out of the Western

Good transport news for commuters W-Cape Transport & Public Works minister Robin Carlisle, here with George mayor Charles Standers, left, conducted a tour of the George Integrated Public Transport Network, that will be known as ‘Go George’ and is the first non-metro based integrated service in the country. The R110-million project has been years in the making and will see a scheduled, cost-effective, accessible and safe service benefiting the thousands who rely on public transport in the area. The network will boast 25+ routes across George; 5.8-million km/ year travelled equating to more than 9-million passenger trips annually; a dependable service 18 hours a day for seven days a week; subsidised fares with an integrated fare management system; and partnership with existing operators in the area, for which contracts have already been negotiated for work including roadway civil works, bus stops and shelters, and a fully functional bus depot.

Cape. Police are especially vigilant on these routes.”

Pojie added that the most prevalent drugs being transported and distributed along the Garden Route was dagga, Mandrax and Tik. Drug and organised crime expert Rodney Visser said Durban was the main entry point for drugs like Mandrax from India and China.

“These drugs are then transported from Durban through to East London, Port Eliza-

beth, the Garden Route to George and then ultimately Cape Town,” Visser said.

Visser, who has 25 years experience as a member of the drug and organised crime unit and is currently a consultant on organised crime, said the Western Cape was the “biggest user of Mandrax” and therefore large quantities were transported to the province.

“A lot of dagga is also cultivated in the former Tran-

skei and just like Mandrax is transported from there to East London, PE, the Garden Route and Cape Town.

Pojie said the arrests of drug dealers during special operations often led to bigger busts including drug laboratories.

“We do weekly raids at homes and shebeens and act on information from the community. We also do cross border operation and continue to monitor the situation,” Pojie said.

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CXPRESS

News & Views

19 March 2014

Good and bad news on the Plett crime scene A

March 13 Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) report revealed an array of facts on recent local incidents that would otherwise have remained unknown to the general public - a grave concern, as information is key to crime awareness and prevention.

Excerpts from the report, penned by Plett Community Police Forum chair Bruce Richardson, are pasted here below. Unfortunately no further details could be provided on incidents such as the Kodak shop break-in, as CXPRESS was informed that divulging more information would interfere with the investigation.

Tgukfgpvkcn"jqwugdtgcmkpi" cpf"vjghv"/"tgcuqpcdn{" okpqt."rgvv{."qrrqtvwpkuvke Although there has been a substantial year on year increase overall, the focus in terms of area has shifted away from Sector 1 (Plettenberg Bay town).

To date, there has effectively been no increase in the number of incidents in Sector 1 (five incidents), but approximately 60% of incidents have taken place in sectors 2, 3 and 4.

Affected areas were Poortjies, Dunes, Plett CBD (Church Street), Ebenezer,

and Keurbooms. Stolen were the usual small, high value items such as jewellery, cash, cellphones, i-Pads, etc. with laptops heading the list, and one television set.

Vjghv"qwv"qh"oqvqt"xgjkengu" ⁄"fqyp"d{"5505'" The priority crime at the end of last year has once again fallen by 33.3%, with only two incidents during the past week at a guest house located in Dorothea Avenue.

The dramatic fall is because the primary perpetrators are presently behind bars.

Vjghv" There has been a small number of opportunistic thefts of small valuable items as a result of opportunities being created by careless victims failing to take reasonable precautions to safeguard their property.

Cases reported involve opportunists simply entering open doors, including a few inside jobs. Shop owners are urged to ensure that security regarding their employees is adequate.

Tqddgt{ In one of two incidents, a cellphone was snatched while in use by the owner. Both incidents involved employees walking to work along the N2 and Piesang Valley Road.

If residents feel the need

to talk on cellphones whilst walking, please make sure that you are aware of your surroundings at all times.

Rqukvkxg"fgxgnqrogpvu • One of the perpetrators of the Kodak shop breakin has been arrested by the specialised housebreaking unit set up by Plett station commander colonel Nolan Michaels - a major breakthrough, as this individual is from out of town and implicated in 29 incidents prior to his arrest, some of which occurred in other provinces.

The investigation relating to accomplices continues.

• An old model metallic grey/blue Mercedes has been under observation for some time, resulting in the arrest of three occupants in the Keurbooms area. It is believed that they may be connected to a number of incidents in the area.

• The number of recent incidents of cattle and other livestock on the N2 is extremely hazardous. Bitou’s Municipal Law Enforcement (MLE) has now taken a firm stand on this issue and during the week a number of cattle were seized.

MLE has sourced a vehicle to transport the livestock to the pound in George. Whilst loading the cattle, they were

approached by the owners who were given a final warning, made to pay for the hire of the truck in the sum of R1,800, and fined an additional R500, which amounts the owners paid.

In the case of future incidents, the livestock will be taken to George and only released on payment of all costs, pound fees and the hire cost of the vehicle. They will also bear the onus of transporting the livestock back to Bitou. This should result in the number of incidents being dramatically reduced.

• Most bush dwellers have been persuaded to leave town but operations continue.

• Operations regarding street children continue with an additional commitment from SAPS. These children do have a place of safety and

schools to go to. They are in town because certain residents and visitors give them money and hand outs.

I was very disappointed to have to remonstrate with a resident of 16 years about giving money to a street kid.

If one wishes to donate to a worthy cause, there are very worthwhile charitable organisations that take care of these children and residents and others are urged to support these organisations, but please DO NOT give money to the children, who generally spend it on Tik and other drugs and make a nuisance of themselves in our streets.

You are not helping them, you are encouraging them to bunk school and turn into beggars and drug addicts.

• The mother of one of our most prolific young crimi-

nals in town handed her son in at the police station and asked them to deal with him.

He is presently under arrest and investigations continue into the numerous crimes in which he is implicated.

Cfxkeg"hqt"vjg"yggm" If you employ a security company to deploy guards for your property, take the time to ensure that the guards are properly trained, equipped to defend the premises they are guarding, and in possession of an effective communication device.

Two incidents have come to my attention recently in which the guards were not effective in terminating incidents. I am in the process of investigating these incidents as deploying inadequate guards exposes our town to criminal activity.

Report on crime to kill rumours

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HE nameless letter here below was received by CXPRESS, and although we don’t normally consider placing such writs without having details of the author, in this case it continues the ‘right to know’ theme of the report above.

We endeavour to inform readers on the local crime scene, but police may well lose out on convictions if

the courts find that those in the bench had already been found guilty by the public, so are more often than not very reluctant to share the requested information.

Says a source in the security industry: “I have much sympathy with the police when a criminal walks free on technical points, e.g. his human rights were disregarded and the chance of a

fair trial influenced because a certain report resulted in the fact that he was found guilty before getting to court.

“There are so many loopholes that can be used by criminals to escape being convicted, so the police are trying their best to both focus on getting them behind bars while also keeping the public informed.”

A letter from a ‘Very Concerned Resident’ An explanation is required as to why CXPRESS is no longer reporting on serious crime in our town. There are worrying rumours about a recent violent robbery in Plett, and after four weeks nothing has been mentioned in your newspaper.

This time, the poor couple was admitted to hospital and was lucky to be alive.

We now have a robbery involving attempted murder.

Is such news, that Plettenberg Bay is no longer the safe place to live and visit becoming too worrying for your readers?

Just a few weeks ago, you reported on the robbery along the Airport Road and rumour has it that the same gang was involved. What are the police doing to catch these robbers?

Does somebody have to get murdered before the police realise there is a very dangerous gang operating in Plett?

You have a responsibility to report fully on such serious crimes so your readers can be made aware and take more appropriate security measures to protect themselves and their property.

The police must do their job and catch these robbers and courts put them behind bars for a very long time.

This is the only deterrent to this sort of crime. This is very bad news for Plett.

If you do decide to report on this, I would ask you to do so responsibly, ensuring all the residents and visitors in our town are aware of the facts and the fears that they may be the next victims of this gang! *Yg"yknn"gpfgcxqwt"vq"cu/ egtvckp" yjgvjgt" vjg" icpi" ogpvkqpgf" cdqxg" kpfggf" qrgtcvgu"kp"Rngvv0"⁄"Gfu0+

Monday blues for a Knysna goat

Jeremy van der Want shared this screenshot from his YouTube clip (watch it at http://youtu.be/eLdOxh40dhQ) shot on Monday March 10, and wrote: ‘He just can’t stay out of trouble, this one, so the Knysna Public Safety officers were forced to take him into custody. Lucky for the goat, the animal welfare here is run by a very kindly lady who will no doubt take good care of him.

All credit to the police who arrived in record time and dealt with the animal in a professional and decent manner.’

News & Views

19 March 2014

CXPRESS

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Rex the Rhino’s Plett story a win-win tale of synchronicity

JOYFUL ABUNDANCE: Ladies from Green Valley Creations with Renee Leger at back left, Rex in the centre, and a whole herd of eles - GVC is expanding as a result of this programme and bigger work space is now needed, as the ladies spill out onto the pavement in Green Valley!

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RIOR to being named and adopted by Bhejane 4X4 Adventures and Mpafa Travel, Rex the Rhino saw the light at the hands of the Toy Project - a beautifully creative and loving initiative started by Paul and Renee Leger in the Klein Karoo.

Kicking off as a community project in July 2011, unemployed women of the Groenfontein Valley outside Calitzdorp were appointed to create shweshwe rhinos, elephants, giraffes and other animals.

Paul and Renee then moved to Plettenberg Bay, keeping the Groenfontein project going and commuting over the Outeniqua Mountains from Plett to the Klein Karoo.

In January 2013, the Bitou Valley Foundation in Plettenberg Bay was established by Julie Carlisle, who has been working with the Green Valley community to establish small businesses linked to eco-tourism.

Out of this, Green Valley Creations was formed and a group of ladies began by

sewing Wonder Bags (slow cookers) from shweshwe, handbags, quilts and more.

Towards the end of 2013, Renee approached the Foundation to connect with Green Valley Creations and expand their Toy Project into Plettenberg Bay, thus increasing productivity.

Call it coincidence, synchronicity or serendipity, but suffice to say that on the day of the first meeting between Julie and the Legers, the former received a call from her husband and his request shaped the future of one dashing green rhino, then yet to be christened.

Frank Carlisle, owner of Bhejane 4X4 Adventures and partner of Mpafa Travel, said that along with his associates and their media partners, the search was on for a mascot to serve as mouthpiece for a conservation fundraising arm of Bhejane and Mpafa.

These businesses were established as a result of Frank’s passion for rhino conservation, nurtured during his years of service as

ranger in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park in KwaZulu Natal.

Light bulbs flashed, images were emailed… and Rex the Rhino was launched into fame on January 31 this year.

Over the past month, Rex has travelled through

Zululand, the Kalahari, Mozambique, and the Knysna Forest. He has been filmed

by TV show Myínc. and his story has featured in Iq and FtkxgQwv magazines.

He has already donated rhino poaching awareness stickers to KZN Wildlife and will be represented at the Getaway Show in Cape Town at the end of March.

Says Julie: “His horizons are expanding faster than we can keep up - the possibilities are endless and remarkable.”

Rex’s story is one of synchronicity in action, a win-win-win-win for four initiatives: Born from a community project in the Klein Karoo, expanded to another community project in Plett that was developed by an environmental foundation, and finally adopted by businesses wishing to give back to the animals that drive their passion - the rhinos of Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park.

Rex’s voice - a small voice, with an enormous impact that speaks to men, women and children - has filled a niche.

This little Rex has stepped firmly into big shoes, and he’s bound to go very far.

WHERE IT MATTERS: Malcolm Organ, left, and Frank Carlisle, right, hand over stickers to Jabulani Ngubane, centre right, and Sikhonangenkosi Ndlovu Cele from KZN Wildlife

FAME AT FIRST SIGHT: Rex’s Facebook page

FOCUS ON PLETT: Bitou Valley Foundation founder Julie Carlisle and Rex during their interview with SABC’s Kwêla crew

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CXPRESS

Environmental

19 March 2014

There’s hope for us yet! Here’s how Bitou could benefit from international protection...

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OPE Spots are special places that are critical to the health of the ocean.

Some of these Hope Spots are already formally protected, while others still need defined protection.

About 12% of land around the world is now under some form of protection, while less than 3% of the ocean is protected in any way.

Mission Blue (visit http:// m i s s i o n - b l u e . o rg / h o p e spots-new/) is committed to changing this. Networks of marine protected areas maintain healthy biodiversity, provide a carbon sink, generate life-giving oxygen, preserve critical habitat, and allow low-impact activities like ecotourism to thrive.

Says Sustainable Seas Trust (SST) CEO Tony Ribbink: “SA does not have a Mission Blue Hope Spot, yet richly deserves several such sites as we have so many spectacular seascapes, a huge diversity of marine habitats, and an enthusiastic population.

“Various areas that are really special and meet the criteria now need selection.”

Mission Blue is a global initiative of the Sylvia Earle Alliance - an organisation formed in response to Dr Earle’s 2009 TED Prize wish, when she urged people “to use all means at your disposal to create a campaign igniting public support for a global network of marine protected areas, i.e. Hope Spots large enough to save and restore the blue heart of

the planet”.

Currently, the Mission Blue community includes 50+ respected ocean conservation groups and like-minded organisations, from large multinational companies down to individual scientific teams doing important research.

Dr Earle defined Hope Spots in a manner that makes them appear rather like classical MPAs. However, in SA as perhaps much of the rest of Africa, greater human involvement is required to promote, sustain and add value to MPAs, and Hope Spots can and should do this.

The success of a Hope Spot depends on the people driving the initiative and the manner in which it is accepted and supported by civil society, local and national government, businesses, clubs, schools and universities.

The Mission Blue Hope Spot initiative is an international movement, so the Hope Spots do need to meet global standards and qualify for international support.

“A proposal by Dr Mark Brown of Nature’s Valley Trust and ORCA Foundation’s Tony Lubner, to extend the Tsitsikamma MPA into Plett with much more of an inclusive approach, which would promote education, science, tourism and sensible development might well be the way to go,” says Ribbink.

“The SAMSA SEA Pledge Tour of Hope launched by Dr Earle in April 2013 led to

many recommendations and countrywide enthusiasm for Hope Spots, identifying 12 sites that might qualify.

“At present, only Aliwal Shoal and Algoa Bay are likely to qualify, but SST believes that Plett has an excellent probability of success and achieving readiness by December, when Dr Earle and her Mission Blue Team come to South Africa to launch local Hope Spots.

“A big boost for Bitou is the filmed Hope Spot backing of mayor Memory Booysen, which can be used to engender wide support,” enthuses Ribbink.

A compelling set of scientific reasons is required to motivate why an area should be declared a Hope Spot. These need to indicate the geographic, geological, oceanographic, biological and conservation features that make the site such a valuable, special place.

“I believe that the area is scientifically unique and I like Mark Brown’s ideas for a research centre, as this is forward looking and supports the need for sustainability, monitoring and conservation.

“But public participation is central to the programme.

Civil society needs to be involved in discussions, events, competitions, activities, and fundraising,” says Ribbink.

So if Bitou wants to benefit from the positives that accompany Hope Spot status, we need to join forces for the purpose. Visit www.sst.org. za or email Tony Ribbink at info@sst.org.za for additional information.

Why Knysna needs wetland ambassadors The Knysna Estuary and associated wetlands is the most ecologically important estuary in the country. According to several scientific studies relating to birds, fish and plants, it ranks higher than all others in terms of its natural importance and hosts 43% of all of South Africa’s estuarine natural life. This is all the more incredible for the fact that Knysna Estuary is just 1800 hectares in size. In the pic from left are ‘wetlands ambassadors’ Shamley Titus, Peter Roman, Rano Fredericks, Diana Botha, Jerome Maart, and Alfred Champion. Email Nandi.Mgwadlamba@ sanparks.org to find out more.

Say ‘Aitch Too Oh’ in the name of water

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ATIONAL Water Week from March 18-24 aims to create awareness around the responsibility every individual has to ensure that our water resources are used efficiently and responsibly.

This year, Water Week coincides with World Water Day on March 22.

Knysna municipal manager Lauren Waring says the value of water and the need for sustainable management of this scarce resource remain at the heart of eradicating poverty, thus playing a vital role in the development of Knysna and its people.

“All residents of Greater Knysna have access to ba-

sic water, 1,869 households having gained access to water services for the first time since 2011. So progress has been made, but we still have a long way to go in the pursuit of innovative ways to address local needs.”

The awareness week campaign is themed ‘Water is Life - 20 Years of Water Delivery for Social and Economic Development’ and coincides with South Africa’s celebrations of two decades of democracy.

Waring says this momentous occasion presents an opportunity for the people of Knysna to reflect on how freedom was achieved, on

the progress made during the past 20 years, and on how communities can work together to implement long term goals.

March is also regarded as Human Rights Month and as such, the 21st will see the country celebrating this occasion on the day preceding World Water Day. Waring encourages communities to focus on the need to restore and preserve the integrity of this most precious resource, and urges all Knysna residents to report the misuse of water and other faults to the municipality on 044 302 8911 or SMS customer service on 44453.

Business

19 March 2014

CXPRESS

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Chas Everitt launches new development at Goose Valley Everything you need to know about exclusive Lynnwood Estate

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YNWOOD Estate is an exclusive new freehold housing development on the Goose Valley Golf Course in Plett. The name Lynnwood is synonymous with other townships incorporating the same name in Gauteng.

This exclusive, desirable and secure development consists of 22 large northfacing level stands in the centre of the superb Gary Player Signature Design 18-hole Goose Valley golf course.

Lynnwood is being developed on the last remaining parcel of land within the Goose Valley Estate and is exclusively marketed by John Fuller of Chas Everitt International Property Group in Plett.

The developers are Western Oasis Property Development (Pty) Ltd. Transferring Attorneys are Hutchinson Du Plessis Robin & Stoloff and the Controlling Architects are Starkey Olivier, also responsible for Simola, St Francis Links and Pezula.

Kpxguvkpi"cv" N{ppyqqf"Guvcvg Plett property remains one of the most sought-after real estate investments in SA. Lynnwood’s land has long been privately owned and laid fallow and, ideally situated in the middle of the course, is the last remaining land suitable for further residential development within the golf estate.

Since it is environmentally sensitive, more than 40% of the land is being retained as a green belt area, which adds to the space and privacy that owners of these large stands will enjoy.

The stands vary between 1278m² and 1583m² in extent. Selling prices are highly attractive, between R1.1 and R1.3-million, VAT inclusive.

Transfer duty is therefore already taken care of.

Investors in Lynnwood enjoy a substantial advantage in that they are buying within a proven, highly suc-

cessful and desirable residential golfing estate without any of the normal risks associated with such new developments.

The infrastructure at Goose Valley is established and proven and the estate has until now been fully developed. The entire Goose Valley Golf Estate is without doubt the most financially successful of its kind on the Eastern and Southern Cape coastline.

‘Plett property remains one of the most sought-after real estate investments in SA’ Additional benefits include outstanding leisure facilities and top security, while membership of Goose Valley Golf Club is available. The Lynwood Estate Homeowners’ Association intends participating in the cost-sharing arrangements already in place between the three existing Goose Valley developments regarding maintenance of common property, support and security.

Iqqug"Xcnng{"Iqnh"Guvcvg Geater Goose Valley is hailed as the Garden Route’s most successful residential golf estate, comprising three prosperous existing developments: the 272-unit Goose Valley Sectional Title Scheme, the 13-stand Fairway Close freehold housing development, and the 60home Turtle Creek Golf Estate freehold development.

The existing three homeowner associations are autonomous, but share certain costs such as common property, support and security on a pro rata basis.

Goose Valley Golf Club is an outstanding financial success story and the course and housing developments are a favoured destination and investment for European visitors who flock to the Estate between October and March each year.

Goose Valley is not only a preferred permanent living and retirement destination, but also without doubt Plett’s most popular holiday destination. The Estate boasts the finest indigenous gardens on the Garden Route and is renowned for its variety of wildlife.

Goose Valley’s history is entirely different to most golf estate developments in that the golf course has always been owned by the owner members.

Initially a nine-holer with a sectional title apartment development in 1996, it was subsequently voted the best nine-hole course in SA. In 2001, it was expanded to 18 holes with the simultaneous release of the two freehold housing developments.

The location of any golf estate is crucial to its financial success and Goose Valley enjoys high visibility from the N2 and is only 2km from central Plett.

It is adjacent to Keurbooms River Estuary, the main primary school and largest shopping mall, The Market Square. In fact, it is probably the most conveniently positioned residential suburb in Plettenberg Bay. Goose Valley is likely to remain the only residential golfing estate in Plett for a very long time and this ensures high demand for property with excellent returns for owners.

In the words of South Africa’s leading golf magazine: “Goose Valley is simply the best value for money golf estate anywhere!”

Ugewtkv{ Security is outstanding and the entire perimeter is surrounded by electrified palisade fencing with embedded underground steel grids, infra-red and thermal imaging cameras every 80m, a guarded entrance gate with control room, and 24-hour foot and motorised patrols.

Tgetgcvkqp"cpf"hceknkvkgu Goose Valley’s facilities are

substantial including golf, club house, pro shop, restaurant, full golf practice facilities, tennis, squash, walking, jogging, cycling, kiddies’ playgrounds, boating, swimming and fishing, providing a peaceful and secure environment for all inhabitants that is difficult to match.

Kpvgtpgv"eqppgevkxkv{ Telkom has recently installed its latest available broadband capacity into Plett, providing excellent internet connectivity. Commuting businesspeople are increasingly semi-grating to the town, providing their families with the advantage of a quality lifestyle, excellent schools, medical facilities, pristine mountains, riv-

ers and forests, exceptional beaches and a pollution-free environment.

Ctejkvgevwtcn"fgukipu Starkey Olivier will provide owners with exceptional designs, advice and finishes, ensuring high demand for future Lynnwood re-sales.

Designs are contemporary and modern, while allowing for owner individuality. A concept home design

by Starkey Olivier is listed among Chas Everitt’s Lynnwood images www.EverittPlett.co.za - check under the suburbs of Goose Valley and Turtle Creek.

There is a four-year building time limit from date of registration of transfer. All documentation relating to

the development is available for download from the Home Page on the Chas Everitt Plett website.

Jqog"ocpcigogpv Chas Everitt Pletenberg Bay provides a specialised sales, home management and rental service at Goose Valley, ensuring hassle-free home ownership and excellent returns for owners wishing to derive an income from their properties. ß" Ejcu" Gxgtkvv" jcu" uweeguu/ hwnn{" eqpenwfgf" oqtg" vjcp" 352" ucngu" cv" Iqqug" Xcnng{" cpf" ocpcigu" ocp{" qh" vjg" rtqrgtvkgu0"Ecnn"Lqjp"Hwnngt" qp" 2:4" ;27" 3738" qt" gockn" lqjphBgxgtkvv0eq0|c" cpf" ugg" vjg" cfxgtv" qp" vjku" rcig" hqt" cffkvkqpcn"kphqtocvkqp0

Nature’s property market overview Steven Neufeld - Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty Plettenberg Bay

F

IVE properties transferred in Nature’s Valley in 2013, for an average selling price of R2.57-million, and one vacant plot transferred in 2014 so far for a price of R1.63-million.

In 2013, prices ranged from R2.25 to R3.1-million and a large number of other transfers were not market transactions, but rather sales between family members, estates inherited, etc.

Prices have remained constant since 2007 with no major changes up or down. In comparison to the national property market, Nature’s Valley fared relatively well during the recent decline.

There are currently at least 11 properties for sale in the valley, with asking prices ranging from R2.3 to R7.9-million. The highest price fetched to date was R7,605,000 in 2006 for a home on Nemesia Street.

The growth rate in Nature’s Valley over the past 20 years has been well above the national average. The high prices and good investment

UNIQUE: The good investment characteristics attributed to Nature’s Valley is due to the scarcity of property and the high demand due to lifestyle and natural beauty sans equal

characteristics are attributable to the scarcity of property (the village cannot expand) and the high demand (due to lifestyle and natural beauty).

There are not enough sales in Nature’s Valley to make the historical analysis statistically significant, but an indication of rough trends can be gauged. The figures quoted here were taken from deeds information on March 7. Sales below R100,000, duplications, and sales not

deemed to be arm’s length market-related transactions, are not included. ß"Uvgxgp"Pgwhgnf"ku"rtkpekrcn" ocpcigt." rtqhguukqpcn" cuuq/ ekcvgf"xcnwgt"cpf"crrtckugt" qh"Ngy"Ighhgp"Uqvjgd{‚u"Kp/ vgtpcvkqpcn" Tgcnv{" Rngvvgp/ dgti" Dc{." cpf" c" rctvpgt" kp" Uqwvj"Chtkecp"Rtqrgtv{"Xcn/ wcvkqpu0"Eqpvcev"jko"cv"uvg/ xg0uktBrngvvgpdgtidc{0eqo" qt"qp"266"755"474;"cpf"ugg" vjg"cfxgtv"qp"vjg"htqpv"rcig" qh"vjku"gfkvkqp"hqt"cffkvkqpcn" kphqtocvkqp0

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Social Scene

19 March 2014

People, places & events HERE’S TO KNYSNA ART: Gordon Legg and Margie Harpur opened their exhibition at Knysna Art Gallery in the Old Gaol Complex on the evening of March 5. In the pic above Margie, centre, toasts the occasion with Chris & Maureen Etherington, left, from Berkshire in England, and Ken & Gail Woods from Cape Town.

At right with some of Margie’s pretty paintings in the background are Melany & Steven Erikson.

Photos: Timothy Twidle

HORNBILL TREATS FORMOSA BOOKWORMS: Ben and Teresa Venter of Hornbill Productions, backed by Hunters Hotels, donated 100 books to the Grade 1s of Formosa Primary recently. Last year Wittedrift’s Stofpad learners were the grateful recipients of Hornbill’s book gifts, when the Venters first hooked up with Bitou businesses for this purpose. The couple pens new books annually to present to local schools, and this year’s edition, ‘Birdie Buddies’, is filled with colouring-in activities and information on local birds like the Knysna loerie. In the photo at back from left are teacher Rosie Andrews, headmaster Colin Wildeman, Ben, and deputy principal Grizelda Baron. Seated with some of the learners are Grade 1 teacher Charmaine Hannie, left, and Teresa, who wrote and illustrated the book. - Leigh Dunn

Photo: Louise Auersperg

PLETT NIPPERS DO SWD PROUD: Lifesaving SA held its Western Cape trials recently, the four regions including SWD, WP, Boland and West Coast. Howling winds and rough seas were on the menu on the day, but the SWD team pictured at left had their game plan ready to roll in spite of the Strand south-easter’s best efforts, being in good spirits and ready to take on the challenge. Plett Surf congratulates Rae van Rooyen and Riaan Weiner for getting their WP colours, which means they will now be part of the team to contest the Nipper Nationals in PE next month. Watch this space for news on the Plett team’s performance at the regionals in EastLondon last weekend, and email Louise Auersperg at louise@adoptaswimmer. co.za for additional information.

SURF’S UP! The weather was perfect and competition fierce when the latest round of the FNB Business Bowls League was successfully concluded on February 25 at Plett Bowling Club. The Plett Surf team - pictured from left are Daron Smit, Pete Collins and Sue Harvey, with FNB Plett manager Jaco Henning at right - came out on top, followed

by Amabolla, which is the team made up of the Club’s staff members, and the Village Bookshop team in third place. This tournament also featured a Plate event, which was won by BUPA with Lion Roars the runners up. Special tribute is paid to the valuable ongoing support received from First National Bank, main sponsors since the league’s 2002 start. The club also thanks Personal Trust for prizes, and its amazing team of helpers for their sterling work on the day. Says spokesperson Hugh Stacey: ‘It is great to see that Tuesdays at Plett Bowling Club continue to be such wonderful family evenings, and it gives us as members great pleasure to host you all.’

CHAS EVERITT PLETT HITS THE JACKPOT! Owner of the Chas Everitt Plett franchise John Fuller thanks his team, all their buyers and sellers, colleagues and other stakeholders including the print media for contributing to a year of record results. The small dynamic Chas Everitt team received the following trophies in the 600kmlong East Cape Garden Route Region at the group’s recent awards: Top Non-Metro Office, Top Non-Metro Agent (Anton Nell); Top Listing Agent, Top Partnership and Outstanding Achievement Awards (all won by Di & Bobby Rogers), and awards in the R20 to R30-million class won by the Rogers and Anton, while John and Laurette Storm both won awards in the R10 to R20-million category. On a national level, Anton achieved overall second place in the Top Non-Metro Agent in SA stakes - a fantastic achievement, as the Plett office competes in a category against many larger towns like Stellenbosch and Nelspruit. Finally, he was also awarded Master Agent Status for his consistent outstanding business volumes since joining the Plett team six years ago.

Rentals agent Cindy Bown and her assistant Elizabeth Stone received an Outstanding Customer Service Award – congrats! In the pic above are, from left in the back row, Di, Zelrese Hugo, Laurette and Cindy. Seated from left are Bobby, Chas Everitt CEO Berry Everitt, Anton, and John.

Social Scene

19 March 2014

OUT OF THE WOODS: Knysna Montessori’s very first Woodcutters Cycle Race on March 15 was a huge success.

The cross-country event was the first race of the Spur Schools MTB League and more than 100 cyclists geared up for an adventure. The race consisted of two-lap courses through the Estuary Heights woods. Perfect conditions and high spirits contributed to an event that will become another highlight on Knysna’s cycling calendar. Kids from all ages and different Knysna schools joined in the fun and some travelled from as far as Still Bay and Cape Town to be a part of this special event. Organiser Anja de Nil said although it was a technically challenging route which demanded endurance and willpower, the event was enjoyed by big and small. Different routes and distances were marked out for little ones as young as under six, and youngsters up to the age of 12 had a lot of fun through forest, on gravel and on dirt roads that was challenging and tested skill. De Nil thanked all the sponsors, parents and supporters that contributed in big and small ways to make this event a success. In the pics from the top, Readine Baadjies, Bronwin Solomons, Cesandra Jacobs, and Ashradene Pietersen from Rheenendal all made excellent times. Stuart Lightley (Veteran) and Tessa Conte (Master) were first over the finish line and did exceptionally well in their different categories.

Antonia Julies, 10, Andrea Collins, 9, Kibibi Kraaikamp, 9, and Emma Heinen, 10, from Knysna Montessori proudly display their medals. At left, Kibibi completes in two of the three laps in her category and is cheered on by multi-sports athlete Mark Collins.

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JUSTIN DIGS A DUSTER: In the run-up to season three of TV’s ‘Ultimate Braai Master’, host and presenter of the show Justin Bonello invited media guests to the Port Elizabeth auditions last Saturday. Teams from all over the Eastern Cape entered so apart from frantic preparations and fierce competition in the braai stakes, entrants also had time for chatting to celeb chef Justin and tasting delicious offerings off the braai. Finding the best braai teams out there is no easy feat, so this year’s show will feature even more top chefs, restaurateurs and food bloggers from across the country. The teams that best shatter the stereotype of what can be made on an outdoor flame stand to win incredible prizes. After a 4x4 braai adventure of a lifetime over 70 days and 9000 kilometres of dust and smoke, winners will take home the title, R500,000 in cash, a new Renault Duster 4x4 valued at R260,000 and more. But if this pic is to believed, Justin will need some convincing to part with that mobile once the Ultimate Braai Master gets the keys...

People, places & events SOUKHOVETSKI FOR TEA: From left Jean Probert, Joop Weddophol and Jennifer Welch, all from Knysna, enjoy a cuppa during the second meet of Knysna-Plett Concert Series for 2014, held on the evening of March 5. The show featured Russian pianist Konstantin Soukhovetski, who delighted the audience with works by Bach, Philip Glass, Beethoven, Mozart, Liszt, and Richard Strauss. - Timothy Twidle

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Interval

19 March 2014

Navorsing het bewys dat die ooievaar nie verantwoordlik is vir babas nie.

Dis blykbaar ‘n baie kleiner voëltjie…

The stuffy English...

O

N a train from London to Manchester, an Australian was berating the Englishman sitting across from him in the compartment.

“You English are too stuffy.

You set yourselves apart too much. You think your stiff upper lip makes you above

the rest of us.

“Look at me! I have Italian blood, Greek blood, a little Irish blood, and some Aborigine blood. What do you say to that?”

The Englishman replied: “… Awfully sporting of your mother, old chap...”

Such an unfair world… When a man talks dirty to a woman it’s considered sexual harassment. When a woman talks dirty to a man it’s R50 per minute (charges may vary).

How to install a homemade security system

S

TEP 1 - buy a pair of size 11 men’s work boots.

STEP 2 - place them on your front porch along with a copy of Guns & Ammo magazine.

STEP 3 - place four giant dog dishes next to the magazine and the boots.

STEP 4 - leave a note on your door that says: “Eddie! Me, Marcel, Jimmy,

Ray, and Donny went for more ammo and beer.

“Don’t mess with the pitbulls. They got the mailman this morning and roughed him up bad.

I don’t think Killer took part, but it was hard to tell from all the blood.

I locked all four of ‘em in the house. Better wait outside.

Be right back, Joe.”

The Irish furniture dealer Excuses for your teacher

M

URPHY, a furniture dealer from Dublin, decided to expand the line of furniture in his store, so he decided to go to Paris to see what he could find.

After arriving in Paris, he visited with some manufacturers and selected a line that he thought would sell well back home.

To celebrate the new acquisition, he decided to visit a small bistro and have a glass of wine.

As he sat enjoying his wine, he noticed that the small place was quite crowded, and that the other chair at his table was the only vacant seat in the house.

Before long, a beautiful young Parisian girl came to his table, asked him something in French (which Murphy could not understand), so he motioned to the vacant chair and invited her to sit down.

He tried to speak to her in English, but she did not speak his language.

After a couple of minutes of trying to communicate with her, he took a napkin and drew a picture of a wine glass and showed it to her.

She nodded, so he ordered a glass of wine for her.

After sitting together at the table for a while, he took another napkin and drew a picture of a plate with food on it, and she nodded.

They left the bistro and found a quiet cafe that featured a small group playing romantic music.

They ordered dinner, after which he took another napkin and drew a picture of a couple dancing.

She nodded, and they got up to dance. They danced until the cafe closed and the band was packing up.

Back at their table, the young lady took a napkin and drew a picture of a fourposter bed.

To this day, Murphy has no idea how she figured out he was in the furniture business.

• Sorry I’m late; I was at a protest march demanding higher salaries for all teachers.

• I don’t do homework on days that end with Y. • Oh, you meant THIS

week?!

• I forgot to remember.

• I’m not late, I’m early for tomorrow.

• I’m genetically predisposed to tardiness.

• My hair hurt.

News & Views

19 March 2014

A first for the lucky Grade Rs of Flamingo

Words & photos: Timothy Twidle

M

ANY years of fundraising, planning and building came to fruition on Friday March 14 when a brand new Grade R class-

room at Flamingo Crèche in Wittedrift was officially opened by W-Cape Education minister Donald Grant.

Grade R instruction has

EDUCATIONAL ROOF-WETTING: Pictured at the opening of the Grade R classroom in Wittedrift on March 14 were, from left, Western Cape Education minister Donald Grant, Bitou mayoral PA Thandi Sibhengile and William Sam, sub-contractor to Cherrington Construction during the building of the classroom

SAY AAAHHRRRR: It’s all smiles from the Flamingo Crèche Grade R class, pictured here with teacher Beunette Aweries

been shown to be crucial to the early development of children in the transition from pre-school learning to primary education.

The new facility at the crèche, which acts as a feeder to Wittedrift Primary, is of the highest quality and will be a great asset to education in Bitou.

The classroom was blessed by Reverend Dr Mark Marais, Rector of the Parish of Formosa. Short addresses were given by Dina Esau of the parents committee and the project’s moving spirit, Nancy Stratten These were followed by words from Richard Carss, one of the principal donors of funds towards the project, Bitou mayor Memory Booysen and minister Grant, who stressed the importance of the early development of children, saying that “education is the best possible catalyst there is for social cohesion in a country”.

Prior to the 60-odd visitors and guests inspecting the classroom, the children of Grade R performed a rhyme and two songs under the direction of their teacher Beunette Aweries. *Ugg"vjg"Hncokpiq"Dwknfkpi" Vtwuv"vjcpm/{qw"pqvkeg"qp" vjku"rcig"/"Gfu0+

Local art and children to gain from upcoming Raphaeli auction

T

HIS Thursday March 20 is the date of the longawaited Raphaeli Art Auction, when 22 offerings from renowned local artists will be sold in a silent auction at Pura Vida restaurant from 5:30pm onwards.

The art on auction is a diverse collection of works from famous local artists, each having been briefed to create an original piece that shows their inspiration and their love of South Africa.

The styles exhibited range from abstract and landscape pieces to modern and graphic works, and each piece is mounted on 30cm x 40cm stretched canvas. This is the school’s third art auction, following the particular success of its 2012 event.

Raphaeli School offers Waldorf education to Plett residents and surrounding communities, where childhood is treasured and a love of learning instilled in children who range in age from three to 13 years.

The school has grown from humble beginnings in 2007 when five students gathered in a small garden cottage in Wittedrift. After relocating to Piesang Valley Road in 2012, the school has gone from strength to strength and now hosts over 85 students

in five classrooms.

This year, the school aims to raise funds for a sixth classroom that will cater for

INSPIRATIONAL: The art on auction will be a diverse collection of works from famous local artists like Myfanwy Bekker, above, each having been briefed to create an original piece that shows their inspiration and love of South Africa

the continuing increase in enrolments.

Thursday’s auction promises to be a great success due to the calibre of art on offer, which is estimated to hold a retail value of over R250,000.

The event is a valuable opportunity to support an initiative that promotes the incredible talent of local artists in Bitou, all for the benefit of children.

The Raphaeli School team thanks each artist for the generous donation of time and creativity. Thanks also go to the Pura Vida crew of James Sanderson-Smith and Maria Murchio for hosting the event.

For more information on Thursday’s auction or featured artists and their works, visit the Raphaeli School’s Facebook page or call Tessa on 082 346 9730.

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CXPRESS

Home & Health

19 March 2014

One bent, yellow number a day keeps the doctor away - so let’s go bananas!

R

ESEARCH has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world’s leading athletes.

A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy and contains three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose, and glucose combined with fibre.

But energy isn’t the only way bananas can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Fgrtguukqp" According to a recent survey amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

ROU Forget the pills – eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Cpgokc" High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Dnqqf"rtguuwtg This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Admin-

istration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit’s ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Dtckp"rqygt" Students at a school in Twickenham (England) were helped through their final exams last year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Eqpuvkrcvkqp" High in fibre, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Jcpiqxgtu One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and rehydrates your system.

Jgctvdwtp" Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Oqtpkpi"ukempguu" Snacking on bananas between meals helps keeping blood-sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Oquswkvq"dkvgu" Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly success-

MELLOW YELLOW: After reading this, you’ll never look at a banana in the same way again

ful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Pgtxgu" Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Qxgtygkijv"cpf"cv"yqtmA" Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5’000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs.

The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood-sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Wnegtu" The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in

over-chronicler cases. It also neutralises over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Vgorgtcvwtg"eqpvtqn" Many other cultures see bananas as a ‘cooling’ fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills.

When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals.

It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods. So maybe it’s time to change that well-known phrase to: ‘A BANANA a day keeps the doctor away.’

Uqwteg<"yyy0mctgpuvcp0pgv

Taking a head-on view of the Monkey Flower

I

F you’ve never heard of Mimulus before, it’s a great time to become acquainted with this gorgeous little bloom.

Mimulus, translated from Latin, means ‘mime’ and refers to the funny clownface the fat petals of the

flower make when viewed head-on.

Its more well-known name, Monkey Flower, is also a reference to its shape.

We are blessed with a veritable treasure trove of hybrid seedlings, Mimulus x hybridus, to choose from when popping into our garden centres. These annuals come in a vast array of colours, from blotched or spotted to flamed and bi-coloured and even the good old standard solid colours.

Remember to check the variety heights before you plant out your seedlings because they range anywhere from 10-30cm tall.

Mimulus thrive in warmer regions but will also perform in areas with light or little frost, especially if planted in a protected position.

Speaking of planting, these bright little faces prefer to be shaded from our harsh sun, at least partially, so pick a shady or semi-shade position and ensure the soil

drains well because they like very moist, but not waterlogged soil to rest in.

Monkey Flowers make fabulous colourful borders to beds when using the shorter varieties, in deep pockets in rockeries, and they will look gorgeous planted up in some pots en masse.

Mimulus requires little care, apart from the watering aspect, to look and stay looking good.

Xkukv"yyy0nkhgkucictfgp0 eq0|c"hqt"oqtg"kphqtocvkqp0

CLOWN-FACE: Mimulus just love a little spot in the shade and enough water to shine

Food & Wine

19 March 2014

PeeBee’s Wine Column

CXPRESS Words & Photos: Peter Bishop

The Swartland Revolution - Part I: The Independents

Y

ES, those are the selfproclaimed moniker - increasingly from 2010 from the Paardeberg and Riebeek West - being used by a contingent of very different winemakers Eben Sadie (Sadie Family), Adi Badenhorst (AA Badenhorst), Chris & Andrea Mullineux (Mullineux Wines) and Callie Louw (Porseleinberg).

There are others forming a mix of growing their own grapes and buying in. What is behind this Revolution, where did it begin and why?

The buzz since 2010 - and repeated annually - was the first Swartland Festival for 400 guests who imbibed the new style wines, enjoyed local cuisine, danced to the squash-box, compared the wines to their French Rhone models, but mostly mixed with the growing number of winemakers telling stories of pioneering something truly different.

This initiative was stimulated by Eben Sadie and Boekenhoutskloof’s Marc Kent (who has also bought a vineyard in the Swartland) attended a similar function in California. The Festival now sells out months in advance.

When WOSA held their mammoth exposure to 1500 visiting buyers in 2012, the Swartland Independents booked a huge corner stand and attracted most of the attention.

The organisers were particularly favourable to the Independents with some speakers at the Symposia talking about the ‘old men’ of Stellenbosch, and other unfavourable remarks.

It was a case of teacher’s pet - or is it more than that? Obviously visitors were looking for something different and for something iconic. There was no restraint about selling the Swartland Revolution message.

One such ‘old man’ is 68-year-old Jan Boland Coetzee who was a young man at Kanonkop in 1973 when the Stellenbosch winemakers were having Revolutions of their own, and were building to form their own Independents.

They too attracted the crowds from Cape Town to the young wine shows that showed off the single varieties as opposed to generic blends that had been the fashion.

The Stellenbosch Food & Wine Festival grew faster than it had been planned.

The newly-established Stellenbosch Wine Route was absolute novel, founded by Frans Malan (Simonsig), Neil Joubert (Spier) and Spatz Sperling (Delheim).

To those in the hallowed halls of control in those days, these were uncomfortable ‘revolutionaries’.

Frans and Neil have passed on, and it is true that Spatz at

OLD MAN? Jan Boland Coetzee was a young man at Kanonkop in 1973 when the Stellenbosch winemakers were building to form their own ‘Independents’

YOUNG GUN: The bearded Adi Badenhorst is one of the Swartland Independents along with the likes of Eben Sadie, Chris & Andrea Mullineux and Callie Louw

83 is ‘old’, but the facetious remarks coming out of the WOSA Symposia talks were probably attributing ‘old age’ to guys like Kevin Arnold, Andre van Rensburg, Beyers Truter, Hempies du Toit... or who were they after?

I would not like to witness a verbal contest with Andre or a physical clash with Hempies as to whether they are in the sere and yellow leaf of life.

Jan Boland, owner of Vriesenhof in Stellenbosch, is in the strange position that he is the father-in-law of the very Independent Revolutionary Adi Badenhorst who gave up the security at Rustenberg in 2006 to set up a cellar at Kalmoesfontein.

Essentially, the difference between Stellenbosch in 1973 and the Swartland, from 1999 when Eben Sadie moved into Malmesbury, is not just personalities.

It is not about personalities at all, despite Adi’s beard.

It is about heat, and that means the grapes that can succeed there. It is about the Swartland emphasising the wines of the Rhone, with an affinity for Chateauneuf du Pape - both as reds and as whites, as opposed to the focus primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon modelled on the cool Bordeaux region of France.

So, on the South African stage it is a cool France (Bordeaux) clash with warmer

Rhone, with a possible look at the cool Burgundy which centres at Hermanus. It thus results in what grapes to focus on.

The existence of old vines of Syrah (Shiraz), Grenache and Chenin Blanc that had survived the replantings of 1973, was the secret.

This whole movement was set in action by that most astute and reserved thinker Charles Back of Fairview.

A pioneer in his own way, he has produced a Merlot Reserve and made the first serious Sauvignon Blanc Semillon blend (Charles & Charles).

In the early 1990’s when sanctions broke, Charles very soon came to the conclusion that our climate is hot, and thus our Pinot Noir, and our Cabernet Sauvignon would not succeed in Europe.

Sure, Fairview is in Paarl.

He chose to identify with the warmer Rhone that is swept by the Mistral winds. The Fairview Goats Do Roam play on Cotes de Rhone was a scoop.

Great wines are produced at Chateauneuf du Pape in the Southern Rhone, with its 70% emphasis on Grenache (and 12 other varieties) and the Cote-Rotie (where Syrah often blends with white Viognier), Cornas (at 100% Syrah by law) and Tain Hermitage, where Shiraz tends to dominate with Grenache and Mouvedre that are acting as good supporting blending components.

Charles began to focus on a good range of Shiraz at Fairview, and allowed Knysna-bred Anthony de Jager to make a Syrah Viognier blend, the 5-star Homtini. He appointed Eben Sadie as winemaker at Spice Route in Malmesbury, where grapes were bought in.

It was here that Eben got to value really old vines, to the extent that he spent the offseason on his farm in Priorat (south of Barcelona) where he worked vines of 40 to 100 years of age, with a German

partner, Dominik Huber.

Now aged 40, he has dissociated from Priorat, and moved to Paardeberg.

For the last decade he continues what he started at Spice Route, but this time he is leading the young Independents who are producing wines that take some understanding, as pure cultivars or as a myriad of blends.

Then again, the greatest white wine I ever tasted was the Chapoutier Ermitage De L’Ore e 2007 from the white grape Marsanne of the Rhone.

To be continued...

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These Plett eateries are more than savvy... they’re street smart!

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TREETSMART South Africa raises funds for initiatives and programmes that support the greater process of social normalisation of street children - a problem on the Garden Route as in most other African towns - in partnership with restaurants.

Every cent raised in StreetSmart restaurants goes to vulnerable and marginalised kids, and people supporting these restaurants consciously contribute to the betterment of street children.

The long-term vision of StreetSmart SA - a registered Non-Profit Company, a Public Benefit Organisation and a Non-Profit Organisation is to see key restaurants in major centres embracing its campaign. And StreetSmart

Plettenberg Bay is launched this morning (March 19), at Nguni in Crescent Street.

Plett restaurants that have already joined Nguni in a commitment to assist diners in giving responsibly are Moby Dick’s, Offthehook Seafood Café, The Fat Fish and The Table. All other Bitou eateries are invited to join this important campaign to help youngsters at risk.

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CXPRESS

RENAULT SANDERO 2011 FOR SALE 28,000km, service history (5yr plan), great condition - R85,000 Call 082 457 4729

19 March 2014

Classifieds

On the Soapbox

19 March 2014

Letters to the Editor

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

Hear-hear as CXPRESS goes weekly BEST FEELING: Jarret Hirschberg was so inspired by Plett Tourism’s ‘It’s a Feeling’ competition, of which the winning photo was featured on the previous edition’s cover, that he sent us this pic taken at dusk on that first weekly paper’s distribution day from his vantage point outside Plett Skiboat Club and wrote ‘Dit het soooo lekker gevoel!’ – visit www. cxpress.co.za if you’ve missed the hard copy of our March 12 edition

Congratulations on the new weekly CXPRESS, two copies of which have already been delivered to Joan McRae (gracious subject of the previous edition’s People Around Town column), who was over the moon with her article.

I had coffee with Joan and her carer, Vivienne, and she said that everything was absolutely spoton and delightful. Nice to get that kind of feedback.

Your new website is also SUPER and so easy to handle. Now, everyone can

read the real McCoy (or in this case, the real McRae) all over the place.

Success and good wishes!

Ikik"Ngyku."Mp{upc Fantastic news! Well done to the CXPRESS team.

We will stay in touch with your editorial and sales guys and are looking forward to working with you this year and many more to come.

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Wittedrift litter now totally out of control I understand that there is a host of problems in the Plett area, and that Bitou Municipality has a lot to deal with, but as Wittedrift resident for 12 years I feel the need to bring the litter problem to the attention of the municipality and residents of the village.

It has now reached truly disgusting proportions. We used to have a team of ladies and gents that would clean up the verges of litter every fortnight, but they seemed to have disappeared.

I have watched the same verge on the main street for the last four weeks and nothing has been done to clean up the mess.

I took it upon myself on Sunday to go and try clean up what had been lying there

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CXPRESS

for a long time, and within a space of 70m only on one side of the road, I had one garbage bag full of litter.

Bearing in mind that most of it was paper, chip packets, iced water lollies’ wrappers and yes, a nappy, you can see how much litter there actually was in such a short space of the road.

The photo below is of a ditch I did not even venture into, not more than 5m from the main road, that has become a dumping ground for unwanted litter under the old oak trees.

I am not asking much, but hope we can try restoring the lovely town of Wittedrift to what it once was, as not much seems to be happening in this regard at the moment.

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DIY: This ditch close to Wittedrift main road is but one of the informal dumping grounds that has not been cleaned for months – are residents expected to do the trash removal?

Re-addressing the jet ski issue in Plettenberg Bay This open letter to Bitou municipal manager Allen Paulse was copied to CXPRESS for inclusion as the critical Hope Spot qualification period for Plett kicks in I realise you are already aware of the environmental concerns, noise and air pollution, and inconsiderate nature of the sport, and I’m aware that there has been an overwhelming percentage public vote against jet skis in this town on more than one occasion.

I would now like to address this issue from a tourism and economic standpoint in light of the critical timing explained below.

We have a rental house in Plett above Central Beach and visitors from all over the world and country rent this house. At least two thirds of the tourists have commented in our guestbook how disturbing the jet skis are.

These tourists are paying good money to be in a prime location in the bay. The jet skis are loud enough that they wake people up from sleep and disturb conversations.

It makes being in the houses and on the beach ex-

Dear Mrs Zille, leader of the Democratic Alliance, it is with sadness and only after long consideration that I have decided not to vote for the DA in the coming May election.

Since about June 2012, I have been corresponding with various DA officials

ceptionally unpleasant for hundreds of people while only entertaining a small, inconsiderate few. The fumes while swimming are particularly unpleasant.

This message has been consistent from all the residents and rental houses above Central Beach, and also includes Beacon Island guests. Many tourists will not rent along this beach again as a result of the jet ski disturbance and our house has lost tenants and income as a result.

It is clear that the jet ski operators are not adhering to guidelines and rules regarding launching, wake, and no acceleration rules around the beach. Many of the riders are not licenced and dangerous to themselves and others.

Riders are frequently doing figure of eights around the breakers which is both dangerous and irritating from a noise and fume perspective.

One of the problems is that the type of people who operate jet skis tend to be selfish and thus the experience in other places in the world has been that the only solution is to ban them from eco-tourist and environmentally-sensitive coastal areas.

This is a critical time for Plett, which has been nominated as a Hope Spot destination (similar but superior to Blue Flag Beach status). An international designation, Plettenberg Bay may be the first town in Southern Africa to receive this prestigious award.

We have to satisfy low impact activities to be eligible.

Jet skis contravene this.

The award would give Plett immense free international media, highlighting the town as a preferred choice tourist destination. We meet the criteria in all respects except for the jet skis.

We are in the process of

Open letter to Helen Zille... about a number of issues that are all on record and to say that I have been extremely disappointed with the responses and the virtually total lack of action, is to put it mildly.

I do not think that the

DA is the kind of political party I wish to support any longer as I have noticed that your officials clearly enjoy passing the buck on some of the matters that I have put to them, or have failed to respond at all.

being officially recognised

by Dr Sylvia Earl of Mission Blue International, however the presence of jet skis off Central Beach places the nomination in major jeopardy.

This is an economic decision and we need to be decisive about eliminating jet skis. We cannot allow a few people to impact thousands of town residents and tourists negatively.

This is the moment our municipality needs to be courageous and far-sighted - it is its duty and responsibility to the wellbeing of this town and its people. Many other towns welcome jet skis and they are encouraged to congregate there.

I urge you to act decisively, as criteria for the Hope Spot award are being reviewed end-April.

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It appears that, once again, there is a lot of talk, but very little action.

Unless you can convince me by word and deed that I should continue supporting the DA, this is my final decision.

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My suggestions ignored by Bitou My correspondence with local DA members, copies of which were sent to the likes of leader Helen Zille and ministers Donald Grant, include suggestions for the use of local expertise on a Mayoral Advisory Committee, the establishment of community vegetable plots, and the manufacture of flower boxes to generate employment.

In January 2012, I wrote to Bitou mayor Memory Booysen, inter alia: ‘I have been living permanently in Plett since my retirement in 1993. I am presently 72 years of age.

‘I have behind me a very successful career of 34 years in the City Council of Pretoria, now Tshwane, where I joined as a rookie traffic officer in 1960 and left as one of two Deputy Chief Traffic Officers.

‘Apart from holding a diploma in Highway Engineering, I successfully obtained my SA Institute of Traffic Officers’ diploma and also studied abroad in the USA, England, The Netherlands, and Sweden.

‘As Deputy Traffic Chief I managed a staff of around 300 and an annual budget of R54 million.

Part of my work in the

FLOWER BOXES FOR FUNDS: During my last correspondence with a local councillor, I explained how Bitou could follow the example of PE where jobs are created for unschooled workers who make containers for flowers and plants from old pallets and left-over wood dumped by industries and making good profits in the process, but found out that this idea was never submitted to Council

Council was as a representative of the Traffic Department at council meetings, traffic advisory, safety, and town-planning meetings.

‘I wrote and read various papers at ITO conferences in South Africa, one of which is part of UNISA’ Criminology course. I also represented the ITO at various traffic safety oriented committees such as at the CSIR, SABS and the National Road Safety Council and was jointly responsible for the writing and implementation of several acts in the law and subsequent handbooks and manuals.

‘Finally, I was part of the management committee of the SA School Driver Edu-

cation Programme.

‘The reason for this brief CV is as follows.

‘I still have an avid interest in traffic enforcement and safety matters, including those aspects that relate directly or indirectly to town planning matters, but felt uncomfortable with the previous municipal set-up and never thought to offer my services and expertise.

‘Now that things have so dramatically changed for the better in Plett and after reading your mayoral feedback I felt to contact you.

‘As a physically and mentally healthy retired person with this vast source of knowledge and experience and with a large number of

contacts in the country, I believe that I could perhaps make a small but significant worthwhile contribution to the services provided by you in our town.

‘Should your Council be interested, I would offer my services absolutely free of charge without any compensation - being able to live here is compensation enough for me - and subsequently be glad to meet with you and other councillors for an interview.’

I was informed at the time that the mayor planned to establish advisory committees but nothing happened in this regard for the remainder of that year.

In further correspondence with local councillors, I mentioned that Plett had a great number of people with enormous skills and knowledge who have retired here and that this source should betapped,as assistance from such ‘outsiders’ would save Bitou vast sums of time and therefore also expenditure.

I’m more than disappointed in the DA with all its sweet talking and lofty TV and radio advertisements.

Their words speak so loud that their deeds can’t be seen.

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Sport & Adventure

19 March 2014

Knysna sailors travel east to dominate Hobie 14 nationals

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ARLIER this month, a group of Knysna Yacht Club (KYC) members ventured to East London to participate in the Hobie 14 Nationals. The regatta was run by East London Yacht

Club and all participants launched their boats from Orient Beach.

Weather over the three-day event made for interesting sailing, with mainly moderate winds but a huge swell

running. So those watching proceedings from the promenade were treated to a spectacle of high-speed sailing and surfing on bulging swells.

The Hobie 14 was originally designed to play in the surf and the KYC members really enjoyed catching these swells way out at sea, riding them at great speed until they started to feather, and then jibing out.

Ten races were sailed and

the KYC teams dominating throughout. Fresh back from victory at the Hobie 16 Worlds, it’s no surprise that veteran Plettenberg Bay sailor Blaine Dodds took top honours with a string of firsts.

He was followed by Don Tait, who secured mainly second positions, while fourth place overall went to Declan Nurse and Don Brink finished sixth.

RIDING WAVES THE KYC WAY: From left in front are PeterBlaine Dodds, Declan Nurse, Don Tait and Blaine Dodds, with Don Brink at back

Dare-devils to thrill Buff bikers this weekend

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THAT’S RICH! Bruce and Brent Le Riche in action during a recent show - Photo: Stephen Fouche

WO of SA’s most renowned stunt bikers, the Le Riche Brothers, will perform unbelievable manoeuvres in a 30-minute show in Garden Route Casino’s parking lot at 11am on Friday March 21.

The show is expected to attract a huge crowd of locals and visitors who will be flocking to Mossel Bay for the annual Buffalo Rally.

With 17 years’ of trials riding and international training experience under their belts,

Plett plays host to first water polo date

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N March 1, Plett Water Polo Club hosted its first-ever mini festival at the Health & Fitness Centre pool in Piesang Valley - and a great success it was.

Water polo is reputed to be the fastest growing school sport in SA and the historic event saw about 110 junior players take to the water, representing the Plett Club, Holy Cross and Glenwood from George, and Oakhill from Knysna.

A total of 16 keenly contested matches were played throughout the day in a festive poolside atmosphere.

The final match provided great entertainment when Plett’s masters (senior) play-

SEEING DOUBLE: One of Plett’s famous Roode twins Ben, left, compete against the Holy Cross defender and goalkeeper

ers teamed up with coaches and parents from visiting teams for an exhibition match against the juniors, showing them a few new tricks and time-tested wiles.

Despite the Blue team (juniors) illegally sneaking in two extra players for the last

three minutes of the game, they were unable to beat their elders... Respect!

Families of the Plett players got stuck in to present a great selection of food and drinks which, together with background music and a very vocal crowd, created

brothers Bruce and Brent are able to perform tricks that have never been attempted before in SA. They use a specially-built truck and trailer for most of their stunts, but also have the world’s first and only trials rollover motorcycle rig.

Brent rides a 300cc Factory Beta and Bruce a 300cc Gas Gas Racing - special machines developed for the sport of trials riding, with a premium on low-end power and manoeuvrability.

a carnival spirit of note. A temporary stand was erected to give all supporters an excellent view of the games.

Plett Water Polo Club wishes to give special thanks to Melvilles Spar for the generous food sponsorship, The Music Box for the sound system, music and announcing, Plett Coastal Tool Hire for erecting the stand, Nick Bryant for the subsidised drinks, and all those parents who volunteered their help.

In addition, thanks to Jeanne at Plett Health & Fitness Centre for granting the use of the pool. A great time was had by all, and next year it’ll be bigger and better. The Club is open to anybody wishing to join - call Dave Harrow on 082 569 5556.