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MARDI GRAS & ARTS FESTIVAL I N A S S O C I A T I O N W I T H
From around November every year, the sunsets seem to have a distinctly pink colourisation – as if to remind us that it is time to start planning for next year’s Pink Loerie Mardi Gras & Arts Festival. Ideas are thrown around, sponsors are slowly (and sometimes carefully!) approached in the ensuing months, discussions as to what works and what doesn’t takes place and before we know it, the new logo for the year is designed, the entry forms are on the website and the programme – and this Pink Loerie News – take shape. The Pink Loerie is a celebration – a celebration of both locals and visitors, arranged by the pink community (and everyone who wants to be pink, even if it is for one week a year!), of Knysna, the wonderful scenery, the hospitality, its diversity and the rights and freedoms we enjoy in South Africa. It is apolitical and not an activist endeavour – that is best left to the many Prides and activists around South Africa – but rather just what the name implies – a Mardi Gras and a celebration.
parade. Donations are badly needed and appreciated – just contact one of us.
This is the 13th year – and going without a hitch – opposed to what some other ‘pink’ festivals are sadly experiencing at the moment.
Finally thank you to our main sponsors, Globeflight, Zanzibar, Davanna Bar, Barefoot Wine, The Rex Hotel, Pezulla Realty and Letting, Knysna Hallow Country Estate, The Lofts Boutique Hotel, Cunningham’s Island Guest House, Bone Wear, Michael Game Plan, Chris Winspear Design Jewellers, Protea Hotel Knysna Quays, Manhunt, Mooikloof Spar Pretoria, Jonway/Gomoto, Rani Resorts, The Knysna Belle and the many others you will find in this edition of the Pink Loerie News.
Initially started by local businessmen and women to bring colour to the slow month of May, first under the guidance of Juan and Julia and now Julia & Coenie (for the last time), John-Louis, Karin and Dirk, the past 13 years have proven that smaller towns can support the pink community and vice versa. We are fortunate to have the support of the Executive Mayor, the Honourable Georlene Wolmarans, the Speaker and the town council and authorities as well as the overwhelming majority of local residents. We want to request all visitors to support not only the competitions and parties, but also the daytime Arts Festival component such as Little Poof Gaybaret on Wednesday and Friday; the Queens of Wonderland Dragvaganza and later in the day the Art Exhibition opening at Knysna Fine Art on Thursday (see the programme in the middle pages of this edition), as well as the charities of this year, Loeriehof Home for the Elderly and Animal Welfare, who will have collection boxes in the
Please also support our new edition of the Sunday recovery party from 12 noon at Zanzibar, brought to you by the enigmatic Therapy brand this year and iconic DJ Stuart Hillary. Remember that Davanna Bar will have daily meal offerings at excellent prices and a different themed party every evening. Do not miss out on our mini-market underneath Zanzibar and please support the stalls.
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I can’t believe it’s that time of year already when our little town is dressed up in pink and dons glitter balls and feathers. A big welcome to everyone visiting Knysna to participate in, or merely observe, the Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival! As every year, we need a little encouragement to sparkle as the winter approaches, and the Pink Loerie gives us the opportunity to do just that! We take a lot of pride and delight in hosting this festival each year and to offer you a glimpse into the many beautiful landscapes and activities that our town can offer. Although you are here mostly for all the glitz and glamour, do try to explore a bit of Knysna - it has so much to offer!
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you to do so safely and responsibly. We have Municipal Law Enforcement Officers on duty to keep an eye on the festivities and you are welcome to approach them should you have any concerns. Thank you to the organisers of this festival for bringing this bold and beautiful event to Knysna each year. We look forward to seeing which exciting developments you are going to introduce to the programme this year. The Pink Loerie experience just gets better with each passing year, and we hope to strengthen and build on this relationship in many more years to come. Go pink or go home! Georlene Wolmarans Knysna Executive Mayor
The Pink Loerie is all about having fun but we also want to encourage And should you need directions to the next party or accommodation for that friend who decided to come along at the last minute, please visit us at the Knysna Tourism Office on the Main Road, opposite the Knysna Mall. We’ll even provide a few handy tips of things to do and see in between cocktails and curtain call.
It’s that time of the year when our town turns pink and the party lasts until the last feather has drifted away and the last piece of sequence has been swept up. But until then we’ll all be enjoying a programme filled with events to amaze, delight, titillate and excite. The friendly staff at Sedgefield (left) and Knysna Tourism are looking forward to help you make the most of your stay.
We hope you’ve packed your cozzies, but even if the sun doesn’t come out during the festival, you can still enjoy long walks along our beaches or in our indigenous forests, cruise on the lagoon, enjoy one of our Knysna Tourism Living Local experiences like paying a visit to the Rastafarian community at Judah’s
Square or spend the day at the hottest restaurants and shops – pop in at our offices and we’ll give you the skinny on where to be, when to be there and, of course, how to get there. We’d like to thank the organisers of the festival - because we know how hard they have been working, we know that everyone will have an absolutely fabulous time. So have fun, be safe and pay us a visit before heading back home! Kind regards, Team Knysna Tourism
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Your mama’s favourite moffie is back! Bruce J. Little and Carel-Piet Van Eeden are here again to help put the “Oe-ie!” into the Pink Loerie. Songs that will blow the boy’s skirts up and humour that will get the girls flexing their sixpacks! Thandawami the Love Tokoloshe, Denzil the “Sash” Queen, Guru Rabmibamji and of course the reluctant faghag Mariska, would not miss it for the world! Come and have a “gil” and sing along and see why the shows have been sold out and have had to be extended every run! It’s a homo-homage to some of the greatest divas of the 80’s, it’s a queer celebratory explosion much like a rainbow bumper-sticker. Put on that tutu and tiara, kick-start that tractor but whatever you do… don’t miss this homofabulous show! Opening of the Pink Loerie Arts Festival section: Manhunt in association with The Rex Hotel, Barefoot Wines and The Rose Cafè presents Little Poof “Gaybaret”! Wednesday 1 May 2013 at 1 pm (public holiday) at The Rex Hotel Knysna. R80 per person including Barefoot Wine and snacks. Also one show at Zanzibar on Friday 3 May at 3 pm - R80 - pay at the door for both.
South African darlings of the cabaret stage, Emile Minnie and Godfrey Johnson, will be joining forces and hands to bring you an evening of fun, humour and fabulous songs. Fleur du Cap winner Godfrey Johnson and SAMA award nominee Emile Minnie will be performing raucous hits from the sixties to the naughties with just a piano, a clarinet and a wine glass for percussion. Come and see these two captivating artists light up the stage with their humour and energy. Songs include “Love is a stranger” by Eurythmics, “Holding out for a hero” by Bonnie Tyler and “Putting on the Ritz” by Irving Berlin. For that something extra they will be doing French love songs by Piaf and Brel, as well as an original Afrikaanse treffer or two. Grab your handbag, your man purse or your moonbag and make your way to the Minnie and Johnson show! Leg-warmers optional. Join us at the Pink Loerie VIP dinner that is being attended by the Mayor and the Speaker, Mr. Gay World Andreas Derleth, all the way from New Zealand and no less than three Mr. Gay South Africas, Mr Mardi Gras 2011 and 2012 and various other luminaries. A three course 5 star meal incl. complimentary Barefoot Wine is offered and takes place on Friday 3 April at Simola Country Club - only R220 per person. (Mail dinner@pinkloerie.co.za to book.)
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In all of Knysna’s history, few people can have served their community with the devotion that Percy Mdala did. Percy Mdala came here in 1956 to work for Bishop Stainton, who was then Rector of St George’s. He taught at St. Paul’s Caradoc, which was housed in the church hall at Salt River. When Mdala arrived there, the school had about 25 pupils, and was supported financially by the Anglican Church. It received no funding from the Government’s Education Department. Mdala and his colleague, a Mr Ganga, started a programme of house visits in the area to encourage children to attend the school. They were so successful that two more assistant teachers were appointed to serve the growing numbers of pupils.
from the Government. The sad irony was, however, that forced removals soon affected the population of Salt River to the extent that the school had to be closed down because all of its pupils had been taken away from the area. A new school was started in Thembelitsha in 1971. Mdala was its first principal, but he resigned within the first year of its opening (he had, for many years, been the only properly trained black educationalist in Knysna).
On rainy days, the Salt River flowed so strongly that children could not cross it to come to school. Percy Mdala would go down to the river and carry the pupils across, one or two at a time. At the end of the school day, he would carry them back again so that they could make their way safely home.
After his retirement, Mdala remained active in the fight for black education.
The school received much support from Mr & Mrs. JDM Philip, and became known as “Philips Lower Primary School’. It was finally recognised for a subsidy
http://www.knysnalivinglocal.co.za/general/info/back-in-time
His memory been honoured by naming the new high school, which opened in 1992, Percy Mdala High School.
be further enhanced with some great cars parked in a special VIP area and events, making it a Car Show with a difference and a must for the enthusiast and his family. The Car Show is all about quality and offers an exciting opportunity to see some amazing classic cars on display.
The Garden Route Motor Club’s annual charity KNYSNA MOTOR SHOW will take place on MAY SATURDAY 4, 2013 FROM 09:30a.m to 3:00p.m on the High School field, Waterfront Drive (opp. the Caltex Garage) in the beautiful town of Knysna. The Show is a magnet for local and national Petrolheads . While featuring a wide spectrum of classics from all over the world , the majority are of British origin, with all the famous marques on display - MG, Jaguar, Austin Healey, Morgan , Triumph , Austin , Morris , Lotus , Aston Martin . Couple this to the rich oldies ,Classics and SUPER cars from Europe and the USA it makes for a wonderful sight to come and admire. In addition we aim to attract several Car Clubs throughout South Africa . With the plans already being formulated , the 2013 Car Show will
Come to Knysna for a couple of days ( May 1 is a public holiday and take a few days off) , attend the Car Show and enjoy the Garden Route. There is lots to do and see in the area , which is rapidly becoming a national hub for the purchase and restoration of Classic Cars. These places are easy accessible and welcomed by the respective business owners. The Car Show is the major charity event of the GRMC and in 2012 was able to distribute R39,000 equally to Hospice, Animal Welfare and E-Pap (children feeding scheme ). This was twice as much as the previous year and the aim is to double this again in 2013. Come and enjoy the Car show knowing that your gate fee will be going to charity.
To ad to the Country Fair atmosphere, a variety of quality food stalls , and bar service will be available. Further details will be provided as plans are developed. Peter Pretorius Chairman: Garden Route Motor Club
What ever you do. Don’t miss the 2013 knysna motor show. It is a motor show with a difference, come and see for yourself and be amazed.
For further information please contact Peter Pretorius Chairman: Garden Route Motor peterp@epweb.co.za 082 3214724
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For more than a decade, the administrative backbone of the Pink Loerie Mardi Gras & Arts Festival was a classy lady called
Representing the local interests on the Pink Loerie Organising Committee (PLOC), first with Juan Lerm and then for the past four years with Coenie Kukkuk and John-Louis O’Neil and now also with added PLOC members Karin Sephton and Dirk Bloem, Julia single-handedly saw to it that the books balance, that the parade is arranged and that liaison with the local authorities went without a hitch. Overlooking the Knysna estuary from her historical home up in the mountain, it was a metaphor for her overlooking the administration of the festival – and being its most senior member, also the PLOC itself, often calming nerves and being the voice of reason. The current members looked up to her for advice on the local conditions, charities and
authorities. Julia, who is at retirement age, also saw to the clean-up with her team after the parade – and no wonder that the festival got a clean slate from the municipality after each year’s celebration as Julia’s concerned eyes did not miss a thing. She is to the rest of the PLOC the personification of Knysna – calm, dedicated and enduring. It is sad
that she has decided to retire from PLOC after all these years, but the remaining members understand that everyone, even Julia, needs some peace and quiet sometimes over and above their daily activities – where she is still an active member of the local community.
as she is very much still on the go – and wish to extend an invitation to each and every Pink Loerie event in the future. Your place at the PLOC table will always be there Julia, now as honourary life member! Pink Loerie Organising Committee (PLOC)
We wish her luck in her endeavours
Dr Carel van Eeden was awarded his Ph.D. in Holistic Life Counseling from the University of Sedona in 2012. He has been in the healing arts for more than ten years and has qualifications in numerous disciplines, including Reiki and Core Regeneration, which he combines during counseling sessions in order for his patients to gain maximum benefit from sessions. The focus of each session is on creating a space where each individual can feel completely safe and secure and focus on learning the life lessons that they have been assigned. Carel is a faculty member of The Institute For Integrative Medicine and holds a certification in Integrative and Regenerative medicine from the institute. He is available for consulting in Johannesburg and also does Skype consultations. See the advertisement to the left for more info. www.doctorcarel.com - info@doctorcarel.com
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Dr Carel van Eeden Ph.D. - Holistic Life Counseling “Creating a space for people to truly be themselves without fear, so that they become aware of their own perfection�
No matter what your background or belief systems A truly holistic approach to counseling including: l Energy medicine l Integrative/Regenerative medicine l Spiritual counseling
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Functional art from the forges and brushes of Job and Wena van Eeden blacksmith@bethnet.co.za 082 829 4982 www.blacksmithmetalart.co.za
info@doctorcarel.com www.doctorcarel.com carel.piet facebook.com/doctorcarel @doctorcarel
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Knysna Fine Art is one of South Africa’s finest galleries. We specialise in contemporary South African art in a variety of media, although a number of international fine artists are exhibited. The gallery also handles the work of the South African masters and works closely with vendors and collectors. Recent sales include major works by Gerard Sekoto, J.H Pierneef, Lucas Sithole and Robert Hodgins. The owner is Trent Read, the elder son of the late Everard Read, who was the doyen of South African art dealers and Trent is the fifth generation of his family to be a dealer. He worked at Christies in London for several years and also worked in the USA but most of his career has been spent as a director of Everard Read in Johannesburg. He moved to Knysna in 1994 and opened the gallery in 1997. Trent is considered an expert in contemporary South African art but his knowledge of the fine and applied arts in general is broad. Clients of the gallery have access to a wide spectrum of expertise from his international links. The gallery moved to Thesen House in 2010 and there are very few galleries anywhere to have such beautiful
space in which to operate. We have recently opened a new venue in the same building – A Different Drummer handles ceramics, objets de vertu, photographs and fine tribal artefacts, and has rapidly established a reputation for excellence with collectors, architects & interior designers. We have a regular program of exhibitions in Knysna but also regularly mount shows elsewhere in South Africa, in Europe and the USA. We consult to museums, corporate and private collectors both here and internationally and offer expert advice on the care and maintenance of collections. Our expertise in the design of environments to show art at its finest is used extensively by architects and designers. We value for insurance and probate. Join us for drinks at the opening of this exhibition of fine paintings and sculptures at 6pm on Thursday 2 May 2013.
LEON VERMEULEN ...“There are many fine artists in South Africa, but there are relatively few original painters. Painters who love the material and the process for its own sake. Painters who let the paint move you rather than their own good intentions. And who sees the relationship between drawing and painting as essential.”... “We can see fragments of a life with ordinary, domestic things to care for, flowers, dogs, a radio… We can see uncommon things like icebergs. But we also see paintings about the loneliness of trying to create yourself and trying to get rid of yourself which is to an extent the core activity of art.”... “Leon Vermeulen has given us access to beautifully sensous, yet restrained spaces. Someone who is able to paint a sock with so much love understands what it means to be touched.” Marlene Dumas Amsterdam
ANDRÉ STEAD The Elemental Man series is derived from an in-depth study of the human male. The development of the series started with a number of nude photographic shoots documenting the physical attributes of the male form performing everyday actions and movements. The photographic reference was used to create a series of realistic figurative oil paintings that illustrate the movement of the male figure. The paintings allowed the artist to explore the reference material in-depth and to transcribe it at an intellectual level. It is during this phase of the creative process that the conceptual value of a body of work is defined and the series forms its own identity. As this series is part of an ongoing study of the human condition, it is not only the physical attributes of the male form that is studied but rather the male as a whole, mind, body and soul. The painted works act as a filter between the photographic material collected during the research shoots and the sculpture pieces that are ultimately created. The subject matter of the photographs is the models from the shoot, the subject matter for the paintings is the photographs of the models and the subject matter of the sculptures is the painted works. This multiple step development of this series bears an interesting resemblance to the multiple step processes used in the sculpturing and finishing of three dimensional artworks. First the original “soft copy” is carved and formed then it is moulded and cast in a hard medium like resin. The “master copy” allows for a higher level of refinement and will be moulded to produce the final editions that in turn are individually cast, refined and finished by hand. The research into a new subject matter starts at roots level in the studio with the first photographic shoot. Meeting the models often creates a first impression that will permeate throughout the entire body of work. As the sculptures are all about the subtleties, it is often the subtleties of the subject that define the work. The process of photographing, drawing and painting becomes a way in which the physical attributes of the model is programmed into the artist’s mind in order to fluently express the fundamental dynamics of the form during sculpturing. Strangely, it is the “research” done while having a coffee break and making small talk that reveals the true nature of a person’s temperament and it is this element that sets the tone for the series. The elemental man series depicts the morphology of man in its elemental form, uninhibited by complex detail. The sculptures are impressionistic, capturing only that which the artist chooses to reveal about the subject. The simplified form embodies the essence of the subject and its relative action. A person’s actions and personality have a natural association with a relevant temperament and each temperament has its own association with a physical element. For example: A running man would be displaying an energetic temperament associated with the burning of energy and the burning of energy relates to fire. The references to elements in the series places man firmly in the realm of nature and as part of nature, not separate from it. It is from this perspective that the elemental man series was conceived.
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knysnatravel.co.za/activities/top-8-things-to-do-in-knysna/
PICNIC AT JUBILEE CREEK Stock up with pastries and sandwiches and head to the Knysna forest for a picnic. Jubilee Creek has a beautiful picnic site on the banks of Millwood Creek , a cool forest stream which meanders along the 1.8km trail to a pristine rock pool where you can swim. You will need a permit which is obtainable from the little office at the boom. To get to Jubilee Creek, take the N2 from Knysna towards George. Turn right onto the Rheenendal Road and follow it for just under 13km to the Bibby’s Hoek turnoff to the right. This road becomes a gravel road and will take you to a four way crossing with a boom where you will obtain your permit. The picnic site is 10km from the boom and well sign-posted.
The waterfall and pool at Jubilee Creek
TAKE A FERRY TRIP ACCROSS THE LAGOON Take a cruise across the lagoon on the famous John Benn or River Cat ferries. These scenic cruises depart from the Waterfront or in front of Cruise Café restaurant, and take cruisers across the estuary to the famous Heads and will give you a fantastic and very different view of Knysna including Thesen Islands, Leisure Island, Featherbed Nature Reserve, and the Eastern and Western Heads. The more luxurious Paddle Cruiser offers an hour and a half lunch-time cruise or a two hour supper cruise.
John Benn Ferry
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GO TO THE BEACH Knysna has two beautiful beaches which this year received Blue Flag status – Brenton on Sea and Buffalo Bay (Buffels Baai) beaches have clean white sand and pristine dunes. You can swim at Buffalo Bay, which is in a SANParks Reserve, and there are life guards on duty during season. At low tide you can even cycle along the shore between the two beaches. The beach is popular with surfers and has a casual family-friendly restaurant. During high season (1 December to 31 January) dogs are only permitted before 9am and after 5pm daily in specially designated areas and must be on leashes.
Buffalo Bay, one of Knysna’s two Blue Flag beaches
VISIT THE KNYSNA ELEPHANT PARK Knysna’s many animal sanctuaries are well worth a visit, especially if you are travelling with children. Possibly the most exciting and well known of these is the Knysna Elephant Park, which offers the opportunity to feed and get close up to these majestic animals, which once roamed free in the Knysna forests. Tours last between 45 mins and an hour and depart half hourly from 8.30am until 4.30pm. This makes a great morning or afternoon outing and there is a good restaurant on site.
Knysna Elephant Park
HIKE FEATHERBED This pristine piece of paradise is a privately owned nature reserve and South African Heritage Site on the Western Head of Knysna only accessible by ferry. The four hour daily excursion is a wonderful outing which includes a ferry trip, a ride to the top of the Western Head, a 2km trail which takes you through Milkwood forests, along the sandstone cliffs to the sea caves and reveals spectacular views, and a light meal at the Forest Restaurant.
Featherbed Nature Reserve
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www.ontosomething.co.za/historyknysna/
Knysna’s history is interwoven with it’s rich natural heritage: the indigenous forests, and much of the history of this beautiful town, seems to revolve around it’s beauty, elephants, forests & people. The name Knysna was derived from a Khoi word, the meaning of which remains uncertain. Some suggestions have been “where the woods and water meet”, “straight down”, even “ferns”. The most likely sounding one is said to have originated from “Zthuys Xna” meaning place of wood. The first settlers all selected superb farms for themselves, the finest being Melkhoutkraal (Milkwood Corral) which included the whole basin containing the Knysna Lagoon, the ownership of which was taken over in 1804 by the man who will always be identified with Knysna as the real founder of the town, George Rex, whose enigmatic and forceful personality has become part of the folklore of Southern Africa. The town of Knysna itself came into being when the areas of Newhaven and Mellville were combined in 1881.
THE KNYSNA ELEPHANTS The elephants are an enormous part of the history of Knysna, part of the mystique and magic of the forests where they have roamed for thousands of years. Much of this history is exhibited and documented in the Knysna Elephant Park. As
Hunted and chased by tree felling in their forests, by the end of the ‘80’s they were almost extinct, with only one herd remaining at the beginning
early as 1876, a certain Captain Harison made application to the Cape Government for legislation to protect the Knysna Elephants as he was concerned about the rate at which they were being destroyed by hunters. This was denied, being
of the 20th Century. So interesting and emotive is their story, that numerous books have been written, including novels by well known South
considered “hardly worthwhile to legislate on the subject”, hard to imagine if one studies the numbers that were recorded. In the book, The Knysna Elephants and their Forest Home, it is stated that while accuracy is extremely difficult when assessing
elephant numbers E.J.Dommisse, a former District Officer in Knysna, indicated the following table taken from records:
1870
between 400 - 500 elephants
1902
about 30 - 50 in the main forest
1904
about 20 in the main forest
1908
about 20 in the main forest
1910
15 large elephants and 2 young ones
1914
13 elephants
1920
7 elephants
African author, Dalene Matthee. Her worldwide bestseller, Kringe in die Bos, translated into English, Circles in the Forest, gives a fascinating
insite into the lives of the people of that time - the woodcutters, the gold diggers, the merchants, and of course, the elephants.
THE GOLD RUSH AT MILLWOOD Fortune seekers flocked to Knysna, from as far away as Britain, California and Australia, when the message spread that gold had been discovered in the forests and hills of Millwood, the area 33km north of Knysna. Within weeks, a town mushroomed, with six hotels, houses & shops, and traders flourished. Sadly, the gold rush was short lived as it became
evident that there was not in fact enough gold to sustain the town that had developed, and within five years, Millwood became a ghost town. Now, more than a century later, a mystical aura is still present, and Millwood is a popular attraction as visitors visit the remains of old foundations, street signs, tunnels and mine shafts deep in the forest, trying to relive in their
imaginations, the lives and activities of those miners from a distant past. Although Millwood did not succeed as a mining venture, it was nevertheless an important part of the history of Knysna, promoting Knysna as a port. At one time, some twelve vessels per month docked in the harbour, bringing in mining
machinery and taking out timber. Much of the old mining equipment has been recovered, restored, and is now on view in the Materolli Museum, Bendigo Mine and Millwood House, originally built in the mining village of Millwood, later dismantled and moved to Knysna.
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THE WOODCUTTERS OF KNYSNA in their own wealth, as the forests were mercilessly robbed of their rich resources.
This is another group of people who are so much a part of the history of Knysna. In 1778, Governor Joachim van Plettenberg recognized the potential of the forest timber industry, thus
developing Knysna’s original forest timber supplies, with Lord Charles Somerset deciding that the surrounding forests should be exploited in order to meet the soaring demand for timber.
Towards the end of the 18th century, European stock farmers and woodcutters had established themselves in the district. For over 200 years, woodcutters eked out an existence, frequently exploited by greedy businessmen interested only
In 1939 the forests were closed to protect them from being completely denuded, and allow them to regenerate. The majority of woodcutters were “pensioned off” to an area known as Karatara. Today, Karatara is still home to many of the descendants of these woodcutters, a beautiful, undeveloped little town where old original buildings can still be seen.
SAN AMBROSA CHURCH, GOUNA Originally built for the Italian Silk Spinners by Rev Rooney in 1891. In 1881, a group of approximately 30 Italians embarked on a courageous expedition to the dark continent of Africa as it was then known, encouraged by a few enterprising colonials who had hoped to establish a silk spinning industry. There have been many rumours about how the Italians came to Knysna, and it is believed that they
were shamefully misled about the conditions and facilities to which they were coming. Ultimately their silk trade dream never materialsed due to a failure to produce Mulberry trees to feed the silk worms required to spin the silk. Believing that the African soil was not suited to growing the Mulberry trees, the Italian settlers abandoned their effort, and were forced to live out a meagre existence by means agriculture and small scale cattle
breeding on land provided for them in Gouna. Ironically, it turned out that the crop failure was in fact not due to unsuitable conditions at all, but rather due to a bug that had found it’s way into the area when early settlers brought alien plants into the country from Australia. Had they known this, a flourishing silk trade may have blossomed into a much needed lucrative industry in the country. San Ambrosa Church was built ten years after the Italians’ arrival in
Knysna, lovingly created in memory of their precious life in the foothills of Italy. Sadly over time, the Church was vandalized, and looted of it’s yelowwwood ceilings and floorboards, candleholders & altar cross. Some renovations have been done, and some say that San Ambrosa exudes a special comfort, reminiscent of the passion and history of it’s original pioneers , and the Italian legacy here lives on…
THE WRECK OF THE PAQUITA Embedded in the ocean floor in the Heads at the mouth of the Knysna Lagoon, lies the skeleton of one of the more infamous wrecks along the Garden Route. In the early hours of a cold and rainy morning with poor visibility, on the 18th of October 1903, the Paquita allegedly “fouled her anchors”, and
drifted onto the Beacon rocks at the Knysna Heads. There was much speculation as to how the Paquita had managed to get there, as there was about why some of the crew had deserted the ship or been paid off, as there were apparently only four men still aboard to sail on to their next destination. Further investigation raised even more questions, and in
the end, the claim on the insurance was not surprisingly dismissed. This Knysna legend is now a favorite haunt for scuba divers and snorkellers , the underwater beauty of the wreck with its brightly coloured corals and marine flora making it one of the most beautiful dive sites on the Garden Route.
THE KNYSNA ANGLING MUSEUM This precious collection is a unique feature for angling in South Africa, and can be viewed at the Old Gaol
complex. The only one of it’s kind in the southern hemisphere, a must
for fishing fans, the place to view valuable angling equipment and
relive the changes of the angling sport over many years.
fort was also known at the time as Thomson’s Folly, being used mainly
as a watchtower as it never saw any action!
THE KNYSNA FORT Constructed at Verdompskop in Knysna during the Anglo Boer War under the supervision of Major
Anstruther Thomson, the remains of which can still be seen behind the Knysna Provincial Hospital. The
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As first published on Mambaonline.com
You were a handsome young thing once, and now, ten years later, after helping your partner establish his business by doing the books, answering the phone, watering the plants, doing the curtains, and just, well, being there, the company has grown to such an extent that it now pays other people to water the plants. You two were far too busy to register a civil union or do a commitment ceremony. It’s only recently that the law allowed you to marry and the two of you have been together for so long you thought you were already “married” in the eyes of the world and yourselves. “A piece of paper is just a piece of paper.” you kept saying to each other. “Our love means more than that.” And then he dumps you - for a younger model. And, all of a sudden, you realise that the house is registered in his name, so is your little convertible. The business,
which is now a major source of income for him, is owned by him alone. And you’re being told to get out of the house immediately. You vaguely remember hearing the term “common law wife” on Boston Legal once. Does it apply to you? (Although you’re certainly not a “wife” nor are you “common”.) And now you sit in the attorney’s office, with tears brimming in your eyes and you want to sue. The question is, do you have a leg to stand on?
WHAT IS A ‘COMMON LAW WIFE’? Firstly, this is South Africa and Boston Legal and most of the other TV legal shows are American. Forget about terms such as “common law wife” and “alimony”. Yes, I know that the South African media use this language, but the fact remains that none of these terms are actually known to the South African legal system.
We do have “alimony”, but we know it as “maintenance” and the law differs quite substantially. So forget about what you have seen and read. To add to the confusion, on the 14th of January 2008, the Domestic Partnership Biill (which we will call “the bill”), was published in the Government Gazette. The history of this bill is quite interesting. It first saw the light as “Chapter Three”, in
the Civil Union Bill, but was removed in total due to, presumably, time constraints.
Our friend is the exact person that the legislators had in mind when drafting this bill. When the bill becomes law, one or both of the parties may apply to the court, after the domestic partnership has ended, through death or separation, for a maintenance order, an intestate succession order (inheritance where there is no will), or a property division order.
According to the bill, unregistered domestic partnership are not liable to maintain one another and neither party is entitled to claim maintenance, except where the court finds, that it is just and equitable that maintenance be paid. Thus, you have to convince a court that it is fair that you should receive maintenance.
The Constitutional Court gave parliament a cut-off date to enact new legislation to enable gay people to marry and, as we now know, Home Affairs took their time to do it. There was just not enough time to incorporate domestic
partnerships, the legal term for shacking up together or cohabiting (“saamwoonverhoudings” in Afrikaans), into the Civil Union Bill. Chapter Three then re-appeared in 2008 as a bill on its own. But, this bill has never been voted on by parliament and is still not yet law.
THE BILL Should the bill ever become law – it works as follows. The bill distinguishes between “registered” and “unregistered” domestic partnerships. If two parties feel that they do not want to enter into a civil union or get married, for whatever reason, they can choose to register their domestic partnership. There is no general community of property, but the parties may conclude a partnership agreement, which is registered with the partnership itself, much in the same way as an ante-nuptial contract. That’s easy enough. But what if, as with our friend, you did not register an agreement. In other words, the Venter wagon was unloaded, the sex happened (or the other way around!), ten years have gone, but the legalities were never attended to.
The bill states that the court, when deciding on an application and making an order, must have regard to all the circumstances of the relationship, including things such as the duration and nature of the relationship, the degree of financial dependence or interdependence and the degree of mutual commitment to a shared life, among a host of other items.
A surviving partner may also apply for maintenance when the other has died, and much the same criteria as stated above will be considered. In the same vein, under the bill, a surviving partner can apply to inherit the intestate estate (i.e. where there is no will) of the deceased partner. The third possible order a court will be able to make is, of course, to divide the joint property or the separate property or parts thereof. All relevant factors must be taken into
account, and it implies that gifts will remain the property of the recipient. Now that we know what your rights could be, may a party now apply for an order in terms of the proposed act? No. The bill is supposed to be under consideration by parliament. It has been in limbo for four years now and we do not expect it to become law anytime soon. The only exception to this is when a partner dies, and there is a pension fund. The surviving partner in a domestic relationship may claim pension benefits if the partner can prove that he/she was dependent on the deceased. This will, however, not affect claims on a partner’s pension while both are alive.
WHAT DO I DO NOW? There are three options to consider. The first is to enter into a cohabitation agreement which will be much the same as an antenuptial contract, wherein the parties agree how liabilities and assets will
be divided. The law basically views the cohabitation as a business partnership wherein the parties agree how to share the profits and losses and who is responsible for what expenses, and so forth. These
agreements have no binding power towards third parties such as creditors or do not establish immediate rights of intestate inheritance – it is binding only between the partners.
The parties will have to ensure that they have a joint will drawn up or each one his own will, wherein Continues on p.30
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PINK LOERIE MARDI GRAS AND ARTS FESTIVAL 2013 IN ASSOCIATION WITH
DATE
TIME
ARTS FESTIVAL
VENUE
COST
Wednesday 1 May 14:00 Rex Hotel, Gray Street (near Waterfront). 2013 (Public Holiday) Thursday 2 May 10:00 Loerie Hof Retirement Home, Graham 2013 Street (one block above Zanzibar). Thursday 2 May 13:00 Zanzibar Night Club, Main Street. 2013 Thursday 2 May 2013 Friday 3 May 2013
18:00 Knysna Fine Arts, Thesen House, 6 Long Street. 15:00 Zanzibar Night Club, Main Street.
Friday 3 May 2013
18:00 for 18:30 15:00
Saturday 4 May 2013
Simola Country Club, Hotel and Spa (five star). www.simolaestate.co.za Starts behind Pledge Square to Queen Street.
EVENT
R80 entrance including a glass of Barefoot Wine and snacks.
Manhunt Little Poof (Cabaret). Starring Bruce J. Little & Carel-Piet van Eeden. Charity Drive with Emile Minnie & Godfrey Johnson (Cabaret).
R50 entrance and all proceeds go to Loerie Hof Retirement Home. Free entrance plus free glass of Barefoot Wine – all welcome. R80 entrance.
Queens of Wonderland Dragvaganza. Starring Shannin Brown with special performance by Corne & Olivia Mae.
R220 per person including 3 course dinner – mail dinner@ pinkloerie.co.za to book. FREE entrance.
Art exhibition opening. Manhunt Little Poof (Cabaret). Starring Bruce J. Little & Carel-Piet van Eeden. VIP Dinner with Emile Minnie & Godfrey Johnson (Variety Show).
Parade. Floats must be ready and in line at 14:30.
MARDI GRAS
ZANZIBAR NIGHT CLUB DATE Wednesday 1 May 2013 (Public Holiday) Thursday 2 May 2013 Friday 3 May 2013 Friday 3 May 2013 Saturday 4 May 2013 Saturday 4 May 2013 Saturday 4 May 2013 Sunday 5 May 2013
TIME
VENUE
COST
EVENT
19:00 Zanzibar Night Club, Main Street.
FREE entrance.
Meet & Greet with resident Dr. Katz (Zanzibar).
21:00 Zanzibar Night Club, Main Street.
R40 entrance.
20:00 Zanzibar Night Club, Main Street. 22:00 Zanzibar Night Club, Main Street. 17:00 Zanzibar Night Club, Main Street.
R50 entrance. R50 entrance. R50 entrance (all day & night pass).
Miss & Me Mardi Gras with resident Dr. Katz (Zanzibar) & DJ Ariee (Crew/Navigaytion). Wicked Wonderland Party with resident Dr. Katz (Zanzibar). Mr. Mardi Gras with resident Dr. Katz (Zanzibar). After-parade show & prizes.
18:00 Zanzibar Night Club, Main Street.
Globeflight HERO After Party with resident Dr. Katz (Zanzibar), DJ Ariee (Crew/Navigaytion), Catherine (5fm) & Kevin Grenfell (EMI/ VIRGIN). Manhunt Mr Hot Pants Competition with resident Dr. Katz (Zanzibar).
20:00 Zanzibar Night Club, Main Street. 12:00 Zanzibar Night Club, Main Street.
R30 entrance.
Therapy Recovery Party with resident Dr. Katz (Zanzibar) & Stuart H (Therapy).
DAVANNA WINE BAR Wednesday 1 May 2013 (Public Holiday) Thursday 2 May 2013 Friday 3 May 2013
Davanna Wine Bar, Main Street.
FREE entrance.
Davanna Wine Bar, Main Street.
FREE entrance.
Davanna Wine Bar, Main Street.
R40 entrance.
Saturday 4 May 2013
Davanna Wine Bar, Main Street.
R20 entrance.
Sunday 5 May 2013
Davanna Wine Bar, Main Street.
FREE entrance.
Meet and Greet. Free welcome drink on arrival. Mixed music and open dance floor. Bar snacks and meals available the whole week. Red Square evening with give-aways. Happy hour throughout the day. Extreme party with loads of give-aways. Miss Butch and Miss Femme Competition @ 20h00 great prizes. Omega promotions & Happy Hour Wheel. A day full of drink specials, lekker music, best drinking deck to watch the parade. Malibu party & Wet T-shirt competition... loads of fun. Laid Back Sunday - bring your own meat and braai or have a babelaas breakfast for 30 bucks. Bar snacks and meals available the whole week.
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1. ZANZIBAR & PINK LOERIE FLEA MARKET 2. DAVANNA WINE BAR 3. REX HOTEL 4. KNYSNA FINE ARTS 5. SIMOLA HOTEL COUNTRY CLUB & SPA 6. PLEDGE SQUARE
May 2013
PLOC: info@pinkloerie.co.za | www.pinkloerie.co.za | Designed by Cream Graphic Design | www.creamofceations.co.za | Printed by Paarl Coldset
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2 HARKER STREET, PLETTENBERG BAY, SOUTH AFRICA Steeped in history, resting on a hill overlooking Plettenberg Bay’s beautiful beaches, from the Outeniqua mountains to the Robberg peninsula. Stone Cottage has stood watching over time and tide for over a century. Passionately restored, this historic guesthouse offers comfortable suites and boutique backpackers for discerning travellers who welcome a unique and authentic experience to bathe in the relaxed, eclectic elegance of this iconic home. Filled with reclaimed treasures, art, memorabilia & a sense of humour, this venue has been a retreat for many who have found solace in Stone Cottage’s quietly quirky & creative atmosphere.
For more information or bookings: Tel / Fax: +27 44 533 1331
Cell: +27 82 416 2090
Email: info@stonecottage.co.za Web: www.stonecottage.co.za Become our fan on Facebook: www.facebook.com/StoneCottagePlettenbergBay
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inheritance is secured for the other party. The problem with this is that a will can be changed at whim, without the knowledge of the other party – even if there was a joint will previously. The parties should also state in their wills that the other party should have the right to attend to them in hospital should one of them be non compos mentis or not in the frame of mind to make his or her own decisions. It is doubtful how enforceable such provisions would be, especially if the other party will have the right to decide if medical treatment should be continued or not. As it stands now, only the nearest relatives have that right and we know that not all relatives approve of same-sex
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relationships. It might easily happen that a partner could be totally barred from even visiting at the hospital. A court would have to be approached. And, in many cases, it would have to be done on an urgent basis, which obviously has a huge cost component. If a court will agree to this remains to be seen. The other option regarding property rights is to approach the court to have a “universal partnership” declared. For that, you will have to prove the elements of a partnership, such as each party had to contribute, even if it was in the form of skills or labour and not just money. The purpose of the partnership is the joint benefit of both and the object should be profit or, put in another way, acquiring wealth. The parties would also have
to be in agreement that a partnership existed. It is important to note that this year, in March, the Supreme Court of Appeal not only recognised such universal partnership as to have been part of our law since Roman times, but also that it can be entered into tacitly – meaning that it does not have to be expressed, even verbally. The court can make a finding that a universal partnership existed from the conduct of the parties only. However, it takes a court to declare a relationship a universal partnership, expressed or implied, meaning having to go to court and all the associated legal costs – and lots of them!
May 2013
Your best option at the moment is to consult your lawyer and get a cohabitation agreement in place to have at least some of your rights protected as well as a current will. For legal help, see www.attorneys. co.za and search ‘cohabitation’ and your area. Several firms will be listed - and don’t forget to first get a quote. Of course, the third option is to get married or enter into a civil union, which will automatically offer you a great deal of protection in your relationship – in the same way that heterosexual married couples are protected. Suddenly marriage doesn’t seem like such an outdated, or heterosexual, concept, now does it? Coenie Kukkuk - Attorney
May 2013
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CONVENTION BUREAU
May 2013
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Antwerp, city of arts and culture, fashion and diamonds, history and gastronomy, diversity and excellent LGBT life is excited to invite you to the worldOutgames from 31 July – 11 August 2013 and the Mr Gay World competition from 31 July – 5 August 2013 in Antwerp, Belgium The worldOutgames consist of 3 pillars of equal importance: a sports competition in 35 disciplines with an estimated 6000 - 8000 participants, a cultural festival with exhibitions, theatre events, museum shows, opening and closing ceremonies and plenty of parties, with a combined reach of some 250.000 visitors and a human rights conference with 500 participants leading up to the ’Declaration of Antwerp’. Curious? Visit www.world.outgames.org.
BRUSSEL 0H27
worldOutgames Antwerp
PARIJS 1H55
Register now! www.world.outgames.org
AMSTERDAM 1H08 KEULEN 2H00
Visit our website for registration or more info about the event.
LONDEN 3H05
www.world.outgames.org MADRID 2H57 The worldOutgames are licensed by GLISA, the Gay and Lesbian International Sport Association.
like us on facebook facebook.com/Outgames2013
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Ek ly aan engtevrees, hoogtevrees en het gely aan vliegvrees. Ek sê het. (Op ‘n plaas groot geword, so gelukkig maak geen dier, groot of klein my bang nie, inteendeel spinnekoppe was my troeteldiere en menigte Priscilla Spinnekop is deur my ma “per ongeluk” gedood met Doom toe sy “muskiete” gespuit het in my kamer). Nie eers ‘n Delta pas, toe die rand nog so drie vir ‘n dollar was, kon my vrees vir vlieg genees nie. Sewentien vlugte in die VSA in net meer as ‘n maand, en met elkeen het ek my kneukels spierwit geklou, hoeveelhede whiskey ten spyt. Een van die laastes was in so ‘n blink metaal spoetnik wat net 34 mense gevat het, van Orlando tot Key West. Johann en Isak moes my bagasie opsit en dreig om my te los voor ek opgeklim het. Mens land in die see en eindig in die see. My mede-passasiers het verkeerdelik gemeen ek is ‘n fundamentele Christen en het maar saam hoofde gebuig die laaste paar sekondes soos ek hardop gebid het. En so gaan dit waarheen ek ook al vlieg. Vrees, kneukels, hou elke trekking op elke lid van die bemanning se gesigte dop, en hoeveelhede whiskey. Turbulensie is ‘n leliker woord as moerneuker. Oor en oor stamel jy, dié hel is die moeite werd. Byt vas. Nou-nou land jy en dan is als oor. Al is nou-nou nog so 18 ure ver. Tot en met een van die vlugte terug van Australië af. Die eerste stuk van om en by vyf ure, vanaf Sydney is agter die rug - en genoeg tyd vir so twee of drie stewiges in die kroeg, en ek is reg om hom weer te klim. Amper jolig. Met die opstyg is daar ‘n knal wat die hele vliegtuig letterlik laat sidder en beef. SAL! dink ek, wat de moer. Daar val bagasieluike oral oop, ‘n stuk wering breek af reg bo ons dat mens net drade sien uithang. Maar net so gou hou dit op, die bemanning glimlag en ons kry drankies. Die oop stuk vliegtuig binnegoed bo ons word met duct tape toegeplak en die kaptein sê als is ok, was maar net ‘n rowwe opstyg. Ja, en ek is die nuwe James Bond. Gelukkig kry ek geslaap - met behulp van die bedwelming en vriendin Ilse se vermaninge - en net voor Swaziland, nog oor die see, eet ons ontbyt. Toe kom die roep oor die interkom - die hoofwaardin staan hier vlak voor my met sulke groot oë en sê: “Crew, this is ‘n 54-call, I repeat - this is ‘n 54-call”. Ek dink dit was die nommer. Die nommer vir groot moeilikheid as jy so na die ander kajuitbemanning se gesigte kyk. Daar word aangekondig dat een van die bande gebars het met die opstyg - en sonder om te blik of te bloos sê die kaptein - ek sweer: “We don’t know if there is something wrong with the landing gear, but it has not retracted”. Bid jou dit aan. Dat totale paniek nie uitgebreek het nie, is ‘n wonderwerk. Ek dink ons was te oorbluf. Oombliklik spring die bemanning aan die werk en ons kry links en regs instruksies. Alle bagasie nie in die luike nie, moet toilette toe, so ook ons skoene. Ja, en ek het moerse boots aan, dit moet uit en in. Alle juwele en brille af en valstande uit. Weer kom die duct tape uit en ons plak als toe, meeste van die jong mans moet help. Luike, toiletdeure. Ons het so baie dinge gedoen dat die tyd gevlieg het en ek yskoud word toe die kaptein sê ons moet gaan sit, ingordel en nou mooi luister. Ons gaan ‘n noodlanding doen. Op Jan Smuts (die naam toe). Die kajuitbemanning is uiters professioneel, groot oë en al. Ons gaan regtig moet “brace”. En die nie soos in ‘neck brace’ nie! Daar is reeds brandweer en “nooddienste” - ander woord vir ambulance en brandweer, wat wag. Die kaptein gaan dit aftel. Ek, en ander jong mans naby die deure, word gewys hoe om die deure oop te maak en die ander by die glybane te laat afgly. Ons moet onthou om die suurstofmaskers op te sit as dit uit die dak val. Ek is bang ons s’n is dalk toegeplak. Ons moet die liggies onder op die vloer dophou in geval van rook. (Wat van vuur?). Mens volg die instruksies soos in ‘n droom.
May 2013
Dan begin die aftel uit die bloute. Elke 100 meter vanaf 1000 tot 0. 900, dan 800. Ek hoor mense om my bid. Ilse bid sag, maar ek hoor haar. So op 500 sak ‘n onverklaarbare kalmte op my neer. Ek kan dit nie beskryf nie - ‘n rustigheid, dalk aanvaarding, vou my toe. Al wat ek op 200 meter uitkry, is “Sterkte” vir Ilse. ‘n Mens kan niks hoor behalwe die motore nie.
het haar vir baie lank dopgehou en haar naamplaatjie uit my kop geken. “Bernadine” of so iets as ek reg onthou. Vertel van die “54-call” (of watter nommer ook al), die band, die duct tape, die toilette, die ingenieurs.
Ons slaan die aarde met ‘n helse slag, die hele vliegtuig bewe en lawaai. Als ruk en vibreer. Nog niks ontplof of brand nie. Net een moerse aanhoudende lawaai. Van die luike val weer oop, en die wering, en dis weer net drade.
Ek het nooit weer SAL gevlieg nie.
En dan stop ons. Net daar. Ons het nog nie halfpad geland nie. Net so - iieeeeeeeeee, dwah, dwah, doef, ieeeee, eeee, doef, staan. Ons hoor sirenes en kry instruksies om in die “brace” posisie te bly. Enige beweging kan ‘n vonk laat ontstaan is ons voorheen meegedeel - as daar brandstof gelek het is dit DWAH! Hallo St. Peter. Ons moet so bly sit terwyl inginieurs die kolos ondersoek, kom dit oor die interkom. Na wat ‘n ewigheid voel, met my nekspiere al styf, taxi ons in, steeds so half in die “brace” posisie. Toe ons uiteindelik stop, sê die kaptein, dis ok, ons kan maar opstaan. Mense juig en almal klap hande. Ek het ‘n verskriklike piepie, maar die toilette is toegeplak. Daar word verduidelik dat ‘n band gebars het met ons opstyg in Perth, dat van die stukke rubber die toemaak belemmer het, en dat met ons landing die res van die band gedisintegreer het - vandaar die moerske lawaai. Gelukkig kon die vliegtuig steeds land - het glo nog 15 ander bande of so iets, blykbaar. Ons maak die duct tape los en trek skoene aan. Almal is almal se nuutste beste vriende, en die tannies druk die personeel. Op veilige grond terug in Pretoria bel ek die Pretoria News om vir hulle te sê hoe dankbaar ons is, en hoe goed die bemanning was. Ek gee die vlugnommer, landingstyd en selfs die hoofwaardin se naam, want ek
Na ‘n halfuur bel die koerantman terug en sê, nee meneer, SAL ontken dat daar enige voorval was. Hy het met ‘n paar mense gepraat.
Klokslag ‘n jaar daarna, weer oppad Sydney toe, klim ek die draak weer. En daar is my vrees weg. Ek lag en gesels, neem video in die vliegtuig, drink whiskey omrede dit lekker is (ok dit was lank terug!) en vertel vir die tandarts wat emigreer langs my grappe. Turbulensie is my nuwe rede vir ‘n glimlag. Ek bevind my ‘n paar jaar terug op ‘n klein sprinkaandoodmaker van ‘n vliegtuigie vanaf Isle St Marié oppad na Antananarivo in Madagaskar. Al twaalf die sitplekke is van plastiek en ek kan die vlieënier se instrumente lees, die dingetjie het regte propellers. Langs my sit my broer. Nooit bang vir niks. Bleek, kneukels wit vasgeklem aan die sitplek - daar is nie reëlings nie en kla omrede daar nie whiskey bedien word nie, slegs koeldrankblikkies uit ‘n coolbox. Oë groot vasgenael op die enigste lugwaardin wat twee treë voor ons sit en gaap. Ek kyk hom so, glimlag en blaai my boek om. Nou moet iemand my nog net aan ‘n bunjee-tou vasbind en van Van Stadensbrug afgooi. Dan hanteer ons sommer die hoogtevrees ook. Probleem is, hulle kry my nie naby daai brug nie. Ek weet presies wanneer hy kom. En dan sit ek voet in die hoek en is daar verby net as die eerste passasier sê: “Oeeee!!! Hier is daardie moerse hoë brug”... Coenie Kukkuk
May 2013
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Trading Hours Mon-Sun: 07h00 - 20h00 Tel: (012) 480 0492 Fax: (012) 480 1977
Cnr Garsfontein ein & Jollify Street, Mooikloof, Pretoria, 0 0059
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May 2013
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Dit was nog altyd een van die grootste hoogtepunte op die “pienk kalender”... om die Pienk Loerie Mardi Gras & Arts Festival mee te maak. Elke “queen” wat haar sout werd is, praat gewoonlik van diè wonderlike byeenkoms nog voor die laaste een verby is. Die beplanning vir die volgende fees begin altyd met groot drome en ideale. Almal wil diè gesogte titel as Me. of Mej. Mardi Gras inpalm en daar is boonop baie lekker pryse. Ek het oor die jare verskeie van die Pienk Loerie feeste bygewoon, en elke jaar was dit net beter en groter. Maar hoe bring iemand die ‘Loeries’ en ‘Lorries’ bymekaar? Kom ek verduidelik... As televisiepersoonlikheid het ek die einste kompetisie al aangebied en met my ontwerperspakkies aan die Saterdag-hoogtepunt (die parade) deelgeneem (Sat. 4 Mei om 3 nm die jaar hoor, moet dit nie misloop nie). Dit was ook die geval saam met my beste vriendin, die beroemde en berugte Debra de Donner. Of “Auntie DD”, as jy nice was. En so beland ons in die lieflike Knysna. Met die intrapslag was dit al klaar duidelik, die Pienk Loerie Mardi Gras is die een byeenkoms wat ons twee as vriendinne vir donkiejare later nog sou saamsnoer. Knysna was verfrissend en verwelkomend. Die gasvryheid was ongekend en die skoonheid van die dorp het ons totaal in vervoering gehad. Om nie eens te praat van al die “pienk” waarin die dorp getooi was nie. Maar die beste van alles was: om vriende van regoor die land na vele jare weer op een plek raak te loop. In 2010 was ek maar nog skrikkerig om vir Cleo (my alter ego) op so ‘n groot manier aan Suid-Afrika
bloot te stel, omdat ek toe reeds op televisie bekend geword het. Maar die uitdaging was nie te groot nie. Inteendeel, hoekom nou nie ‘n idilliese vakansie in die pragtige Knysna inwerk nie, so saam met ‘n “drag-kompetisie” en al. En wie anders as saam met die enigmatiese Debra, my vriendin en bondgenoot.
aangebreek om aan die “Me”afdeling deel te neem, na ‘n groot gesmeek. “Onthou, dit is nou die afdeling vir jou meer gesofistikeerde en beleerde tante.” En so het “DD” nou nie juis die ondervinding daarin nie. Sy sing gewoonlik net stroperige en eng liefdesliedjies tydens haar soirees.”
Die O.R Tambo-lughawe is koud teen die voordag, maar met vertrektyd was ons daar (sak en pak met die “fake” Louis Vuitton reistasse in gelid). Die vorige aand was daar maar min slaap, so met die rokke wat nog diamante en glitter gekort het. Daar is gespoeg en geplak met die vrese dat ons die vlug George toe sou verpas, maar ons het dit gemaak. En die gasvryheid van Heron’s Gastehuis in Knysna was net die lafenis vir ons vlugvoos siele.
En toe kom die “antie” met ‘n bang! Pure rou talent. Met daardie blou vere-skepping singgpraat sy die ballade van Dame Kiri TeKanawa – “The Heart is slow to Learn”.
Die aand met die kompetisie was die atmosfeer gelaai met verwagting en opwinding. Ek en Coenie Kukkuk het as comperes die “meisies” op hul tone gehou – letterlik! Van stillering vir die aanbieders was daar geen sprake nie, maar die Skotse kiltrompies van Peter Bondesio was ‘n treffer aan my en Coenie. Ons het die gehoor vooraf in “stitches” gehad met diè uitheemse kleredrag. Die groot oomblik het vir Debra
Haar geskeerde beentjies bewe toe sò in daai effense tiekiehakke dat sy moes gaan sit. Die gehoor reken dis deel van haar optrede, maar ek het van beter geweet... Toe sy haarself eers neergeplak het op die trappe van die Loerieverhoog, sou Kiri nie kon kers vashou by Debra se teater-tegniek en sjarme nie. Nodeloos om te sê kry sy toe ‘n staande ovasie, en ek ululeer van trots vir diè oorwinning in die kleine. Ek en Coenie het daar gestaan en wind sluk uit pure verbasing vir die onverwagse, maar welkome triomf van “DD”. Dit was ‘n kragtoer. Sy het haar tien minute van sprankel
vir die Loeries gegee, maar sy het ‘n leeftyd se onthou terug gekry – en sy het plek gekry in die top drie. Aanvanklik was dit ‘n gesoebat en ‘n gekners van tande. Dit het talle vergaderings saam met die organiseerders gekos en ‘n omkoopsessie by haar gunsteling vel-tegnikus vir ‘n facial, om haar te oorreed om my te vergesel na die “Lorries” toe. Sy het uiteindelik naam gemaak en die ervaring deel gemaak van haar ryk skatkis van herinneringe. Ek dink Knysna onthou nou nog die “antie met die blou rok”. Maar toe sy die eerste keer gehoor het van die Pienk Loerie, vra sy my met so ‘n vaal en verwese uitdrukking op die gesig: “Waar de fok staan die Pienk Lorries”... toe bars ek in trane uit van die lag en sê: “Ag toemaar vriendin,ek sal jou gaan wys. Onthou net een ding, “The heart is slow to Learn”. Dankie Knysna vir die pragtige herinneringe. Kom ons maak vanjaar weer so, en elke ander jaar! Bring jou beste vriend(in) en maak jou eie mooi lewensoomblik in Knysna. En as jy vir my of Debra raaksien, kom sê hallo en “be nice to DD.” Eagan Williamson (Cleo Houston-Brown)
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Hierdie gaan oor my. Hierdie is vir my op daardie dae wat ek dwaas en bang voel. Wanneer ek dink dat ek verkeerd of immoreel of sleg is of wat ookal in my gedagtes skuil. Hierdie is om te sê na moer met die idee dat ek nie kan wees wie ek is nie. Hierdie is vir die tye wat ek bang of skaam gevoel het of die kere wat ek trots gevoel het dat ek nie so baie praat oor die feit dat ek gay is nie. Hierdie is vir die kere wat ek abnormaal voel. Want op hierdie oomblik voel ek wonderlik. Op hierdie oomblik voel ek natuurlik. Op hierdie oomblik voel ek dat hulle almal verkeerd is. Op hierdie oomblik weet ek dat ek nie op aarde is net om kinders te maak nie. Nou weet ek dat die idee dat ek onnatuurlik is, beide onnosel en ondeurdag is. Die idee dat liefde net op een manier kan bestaan. Die idee dat ek nie emosie kan toon teenoor iemand van my eie geslag nie. Heeltemal verspot. Heeltemal verkeerd. Ek weet nou dat wie ek is, nie gebaseer is op die ‘belàngrike dinge’ nie. Hierdie is vir daardie dae wanneer ek omgee of my arms die een omhels vir wie ék lief is. Hierdie is vir die dae wanneer ek dink dat ek nie ‘n ‘normale’ lewe kan leef nie. Hierdie is vir die dae wanneer ek dink dat dit tel. Hierdie is vir die dae as ek gekritiseer word. Hierdie is vir die dae as ek aangeval word. Hierdie is vir die kere wat ek bang is om in die straat te loop. Hierdie is vir die kere wat ek seergemaak of verneder is. Hierdie is vir wanneer ek ‘faggot’ genoem word. Hierdie is vir my geliefde. Hierdie is vir die ‘gay agenda’. Hierdie is vir die idee dat ek ‘slegs ‘n seksuele wese’ is. Hierdie is vir die idee dat ek ‘net seks wil hê’ en dat ek nooit vir uitstappies wil gaan of net sit en lees terwyl jy in die kamer is nie. Hierdie is vir die idee dat ek ‘net met my geslagsorgaan kan dink’. Hierdie is vir die idee dat ‘gaywees net met seks te doen het’. Hierdie is vir jou wat vir my sê dat my gevoelends nie tel nie. Hierdie is vir my want ek is eg. Hierdie is bowenal vir my want ek het die reg om gelukkig te wees. En hierdie is net soveel vir jou.
Uit: “Revolutionising Voices- A Multicultural Queer Youth Anthology” (Ed: Amy Lennie)- p.3 Vrye Afrikaanse vertaling – Coenie Kukkuk
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