13 February 2013 #358
Published fortnightly by CXpress (Pty) Ltd - PO Box 1449, Plettenberg Bay 6600 - 6 Park Lane, Plettenberg Bay - Tel: 044 533 1004 - Fax: 044 533 0852 Email: editor@cxpress.co.za / advertising@cxpress.co.za Web page: www.cxpress.co.za Printed by Group Editors
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Photo: Sharyn Hodges - www.showmeplett.co.za
Streetwise? In Plett two beggars can earn more than R1 000 in only three hours, which raises the question: Do givers breed takers, and are their generosity responsible for keeping beggars on the streets? Turn to page 4 for the full report...
Focus on school bullies p3
Shark hunter caught p3
Farewell to Alan Read
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Go on... have a laugh
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CXPress
Issue 358
News & Views
February 13 - 2013
People Around Town
Dr Mamma Hawa
– her ways of spiritual healing seem weird to white people GIGI LEWIS interviews interesting Garden Route residents and visitors that happen to cross her path “ROOM number four,” exhaled the indifferent voice from behind a sewing machine when I enquired about Mamma Hawa, a herbalist doctor in Knysna, and a lethargic dark hand pointed along a narrow hallway. The temperature was near 30 degrees. I was unable to locate room four from a row of doors so close together they must lead to very small booths and, helplessly, I looked back in the direction of the sewing machine. A buxom figure lifted itself languidly out of the chair from behind her work, looming before me like an irritated whale. She pointed at a minute leaflet that was stuck to a door without number. Listed on it were - in English on one side, and isiXhosa on the other - several dozen conditions that ‘Dr Mamma Hawa, Woman Herbalist’ could ameliorate. I was fascinated to read the list, including ‘Bring Back Lost Lover’, ‘Send Away Tokoloshe’, ‘Bring Back Stolen Property’, ‘Make Men’s Penis Big & Strong Permanently’, to name but a few. Hawa quenched my curiosity by enlarging on some of these topics, later. The tiny room was gloomy, with cushions on the floor to sit on, and curtains floating over the door and windows. The smell of incense was intensely heightened by a mystifying aura, inexplicable to my senses. Hawa peeled out of the darkness to greet me. When I suggested that we take a portrait photograph of her before carrying on with the inter-
view, she refused adamantly: “No, you can’t take pictures of me. I am a Muslim and we may not be photographed.” After settling down in a nearby café Hawa, 43, told me she was born a Kikuyu, in the town of Eldoret in western Kenya. At an early age, she had shown the mystic ability of fortune-telling, palm-reading and the throwing of bones, inherited from her mother’s mother with whom she communicates frequently, as she does with other ancestors as well. “Midnight is the best time for me to be in contact with them. I am most receptive then and experience a strong and powerful connection with the spirit world. “I will say my midnight pray-
plication). “I then soak them in water where they disintegrate and the water becomes holy. People must drink the water with the prayers encrypted in it. But you must be a strong believer from the start and things will reveal themselves.” I am not convinced yet but could imagine that, should she seriously do a session with me… No, I couldn’t succumb! “White people don’t believe in our culture,” she said wryly and continued, “I trained as herbalist doctor in my country and developed my own techniques and spiritual healing methods which qualify me to make my own mutis (medicines). Some of the ingredients I receive in the post from Kenya.”
NO AILMENT TOO SMALL: Dr Mamma Hawa’s signboard lists an array of conditions she could remedy
ers, burn some incense and sit in my room alone and relax. Through my knowledge of yoga, I will meditate silently for some time in the dark. Then I will talk to myself quietly and before long I can feel them (the spirits) whispering. “After that, I can ask anything and they will answer. I do the same with dreams that I had during the night and have forgotten by morning. They will tell me everything. I will even communicate on the phone with clients at night, if I get spiritual guidance for them from the spirit world.” I looked at her in awe, her dark eyes trying to pierce my soul. But I’m a non-believer. I can’t believe in that kind of thing. She sensed my thoughts and said firmly with conviction, her eyes not budging from mine: “I can force you to have faith.” “How?” I exclaimed, startled. “Through miracles,” her gaze eased off. “I write special prayers for each individual. In Arabic. I create them myself. In the Muslim (Islamic) faith they are called Duas (prayers of sup-
Hawa came to South Africa on recommendations through her work. She travels from Plett, where she now lives, to Knysna every working day to attend to her clients. “It was difficult, at first, to communicate with people as my mother tongue is Swahili, so I had to learn isiXhosa when starting to practise here. “My clientele is mainly Xhosa, but other nationalities as well. When I was recommended to someone in the Seychelles, I also had to learn to speak French.” Hawa has dedicated her life to praying and healing and felt that she could not have accomplished her aspirations fully, had she had children to look after. She is not married and has no children. Her mutis are primed with care and consideration of each individual case and may contain, apart from secret ingredients not divulged in our conversation, such diverse items as bees, tobacco leaves, lebani (a pungent root from Kenya) and aloe vera, a plant she “cannot live without”.
SPIRITUAL HEALER: Herbalist Dr Mamma Hawa made an exception to the Muslim no-photo rule for the CXPRESS camera, and shared her wisdom freely
My curiosity deepened when Hawa was prepared to give me a glimpse into a couple of solutions she had for the subjects on her list, one of which was ‘Success in Business & Get More Customers’. “If this restaurant we are in, for example, would want to get more customers to spend more money here, I would first have a consultation with the owner and then place a specially created Dua at his front door, facing inwards. “And, believe me, when people enter the shop, they cannot help but to buy things,” she concluded. Hawa was serious when I light-heartedly asked her how she would make ‘Men’s Penis Big & Strong Permanently’. She lowered her voice to the point where I could hardly hear her, and said: “No sweet things (he must eat). He must drink strong, hot coffee fortified with a special muti that I make especially for him, and take large sips over a period of 30 minutes before the ‘act’.” I had the distinct feeling that she had not told me every aspect of her accomplished healing methods but was grateful that she had freely answered many of my questions - some not suitable for printing here. I thank her for being so open with me. Hawa is indeed a Musawo (Swahili for ‘Sangoma’) of renown. And when I mentioned that the article would be incomplete with a blank space where her picture should be, she consented and kindly allowed me to photograph her in profile.
Gigi Lewis listens to you on her shell-phone... An ace photographer and indomitable adventurer who enjoys life to the full, you can email her at gigi.lewis@telkomsa.net with comments or suggestions.
How far have you fallen… in love?! If that someone special makes you weak in the knees, let’s see how you feel standing, together, at the edge of the world’s highest bungy bridge
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HIS Valentine’s Day, bring your weak knees, pounding heart, and the one you love to Bloukrans Bridge for the twofor-one special and fall even harder (200 metres harder!), with a rope of course, into the valley below. You know what they say: When love ain’t madness, it ain’t love. So Face Adrenalin offers loved-up folk the opportunity to take those profound
emotions to the next level and see just how deep your love is. They also take full responsibility for the amount of people falling in love - and shouting ‘I love you!’ - as gravitation pulls them down yonder. With a number of records to its name, Face Adrenalin hopes to claim a few more as people come together and fall for each other to the depth of their souls this Valentine’s Week.
The two-for-one offer runs from February 14-17 and, while falling in love is an exceptional experience, so too is jumping off a high bridge with the one you love. It’s 100% safe and you will be in extremely good hands – just remember to show the love, and to enjoy the most amazing experience of your life. See the advert on this page for contact details.
News & Views
February 13 - 2013
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York High incident puts focus on how schools deal with misconduct T
John Harvey
HE suspension and punishment handed out to seven York High Schoolpupils after an apparent initiation raid caused a boy to end up in intensive care has been accepted as “fair” by both the boy’s parents and Western Cape Education MEC Donald Grant. The incident, in which 14-year-old Andrew Searle was hit on the head with a pillow case that contained a shoe, firmly placed the issue of initiation rituals at schools back under the spotlight. According to Grant’s spokeswoman, Bronagh Casey, the pupils received and served a five-day suspension from the school hostel. In addition, they were sentenced to completing a first-aid course, had to assist as members of the first-aid panel for a year, and would be subject to community service at the
school’s hostel. Andrew’s father, Sean, has also welcomed the punishment. “We think the punishment was fair and that the school handled the situation very well,” he told CXPRESS. “I do feel for these boys that such an unfortunate incident occurred. My son is doing much better, though.” Casey said while the department could give advice on how the disciplinary process should be followed, it did not advise on the sanction. “Each school is required to have a code of conduct, which is determined by the SGB (school governing body) after a wide process of consultation. “It is important to note that codes of conduct will vary from school to school, as schools serve a diversity of communities who by their nature will place greater emphasis on certain values and behaviour than others,” she said.
“For this reason discipline is clearly a professional management activity and is the responsibility of the school principal and teaching staff. “However, when a learner misbehaves in such a way that the infraction constitutes what the relevant law refers to as ‘serious misconduct’, the principal has the option of referring the matter to the SGB for further handling.” Although York’s seems to have been an isolated incident, Casey said it was difficult to assess averages or statistics, as not all such incidents were reported to the provincial education department. “The department has requested that schools report incidents of bullying to the department’s Safe Schools hotline. However, in many cases schools deal with the matter internally. We can therefore not guarantee that all schools report incidents of bul-
Great-white hunter brought to book REDHANDED: ‘Smile! You’ve been caught killing a protected shark’ proclaimed an English press report after Leon Bekker’s sentencing this month
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NTERNATIONAL media took a huge bite out of George fisherman Leon Bekker earlier this month, following his conviction and sentencing for catching a great white shark at Mossel Bay. Despite claims that he did not know the animal was a great white while sport fishing in March 2011, the Mossel Bay Magistrates Court sentenced him on February 1 to a R120000 fine or 12 months in prison, suspended for five years. Bekker faced charges of contravening the Marine Living Resources Act. Photographs of Bekker hauling the shark onto the rocks were widely circulated on the internet at the time, sparking
outrage among environmentalists from around the country and the rest of the world. Britain’s The Mirror held nothing back in damning Bekker for his actions. “Jaws-droppingly stupid,” screamed its headline, with the article including the words, “Smile! You’ve been caught killing a protected shark.” America’s CBS news was also quick to pounce, showing numerous pictures of Bekker holding the shark and giving the thumbs-up sign. Perhaps even more damning was that the story took centre stage on Discovery News - not exactly an entity known for its support of environmental transgressions. Discovery also made
mention of the fact that California was about to make its own great whites a protected species, and the ruling would certainly seem to support that. The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) hailed as “groundbreaking” a decision to impose the stiff sentence on Bekker. DAFF spokesman Lionel Adendorf said: “What makes this case so remarkable is the fact that this is the first great white shark case and conviction in any SA court, as South Africa is also the first country to impose legislation to protect great whites.” The legislation came into effect in 1991. Garden Route Media
lying to the department.” There are, however, programmes in place that teach schools how to deal with these instances. These include: • Positive behaviour training
for school staff; • ‘Deep Democracy’ training to assist schools in dealing with conflict situations; • ‘Handle Workshops’ to manage pupils who display various
challenges that impact on their learning and behaviour; and • ‘Smart Class’ interventions that focus on learners with behaviour problems. Garden Route Media
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Issue 358
Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za
News & Views
February 13 - 2013
Quit your day job, brothers and sisters – begging pays best! John Harvey - Garden Route Media
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LETTENBERG Bay is often viewed as the Monaco of South Africa, a holiday playground for the rich and famous where cocktails and luxury cars take pride of place on any given sun-drenched day. But it now appears that the town’s beggars have just as much chance of accumulating enough green to afford them the good life, following an ‘undercover’ initiative by Solidarityaffiliated programme Helping Hand. Last week, the trade union revealed that white beggars make on average R172 a day when begging on the streets of the country, after conducting a survey in Gauteng, the Western
Cape, and KwaZulu Natal. However, that is apparently a pittance of what they are able to make in the Southern Cape particularly in Plett, where local Helping Hand officials Mariaan Mans and Adelle Wright “dressed down” in tattered and filthy frocks to test the waters of benevolence, yet still managed to come away with R1’257 and five cents – in a matter of only three hours. Hypothetically speaking, if one does the maths, that amounts to R3’352 per eighthour working day for a begging team of two. If one takes it further, that amounts to R100’560 a month, which earns the team more than a million rand at the end of the calendar year - more than enough to keep the Moet and Chandon flowing. It was in fact Mans and Wright’s exploits between August and October last year that set in motion the national study, which has yielded some astonishing results. According to the survey, which interviewed 61 beggars in the three provinces, about 16% of them said they received less than R50 a day, while 7% said they received more than R500 a day. About a quarter said they managed to make between R51 and R100, and another 25% said they received between R151 and R250 a day. Close to 10% claimed they made between R300 and R400, and 3% made between R401 and R500 a day. Mans said she was astounded by how quickly she and Wright managed to win over the Southern Cape public, in spite of their unkempt appearance. “We did this as an experiment across the Southern Cape towns of Plett, Mossel Bay and George. We really did the whole number: torn, dirty clothes, and wigs to make it look like we had not washed our hair,” she said. “We also had the usual placards that you see around, ‘No
GONE BEGGING: Mariaan Mans of Helping Hand may have looked down on her luck in Plett, but a mere three hours of ‘work’ fetched her more than R1’000 Photo: Sharyn Hodges - www.showmeplett.co.za
money, please help’. One of the things we wanted to show was at what times begging was most profitable. In Plettenberg Bay we went out on a Saturday morning, and within three hours we had made R1’257. “It was incredible. People just stopped and gave us money.” Buoyed by their success, the dishevelled pair then took their Oliver act to Mossel Bay on a midweek morning, where a mere 45 minutes on the streets brought home a very respectable R366. That is until local
traffic authorities stepped in, as begging is not allowed in the seaside town. “What was remarkable is that instead of looking down on us for begging, the people driving past in their cars actually swore at the traffic cop, as if he was doing wrong when all he did was upholding the law.” Believing that their success showed no signs of letting up, they departed for George where they hit the streets in the afternoon. That, however, was where their luck ran out. “We only made about R90 in a few hours, but the worst was how we were viewed. You could tell that the people thought we were up to no good, and the looks they gave use were very bad.” Mans said the point of the exercise was to show not only at what times of the day begging was beneficial, but also how unemployed people who “always claim they are looking for a job” were not telling the truth. “The public are actually the ones keeping them on the street, and that simply is no good. Clearly, if this is the kind of money that a beggar can make, then they will never bother looking for a job. It is more sustainable for the people to go through recognised charity organisations and donate their money there.” According to the report, 78% of the beggars indicated that they wanted to work but said they did not want to do “inferior work”. Nearly 60% of the beggars had not passed matric. The study also found that black beggars tried to sell things on the streets, unlike their white counterparts. Some white beggars rejected work offers. Since the report was published last week, Solidarity has been inundated with comments from people saying they were wasting time in their current occupations and should rather beg for a living.
News & Views
February 13 - 2013
Plett says farewell to one of its most interesting inhabitants Alan Read 3 September 1948 – 29 January 2013
TREASURED MOMENTS: Alan will be missed by many - at right is one of his works of art at The Khaya; in the pic far right Alan and Bertha Ollemans, share a special moment while in party mode
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HE passing of Alan Read, one of Plett’s most flamboyant characters, left a void that will be hard to fill for generations to come. Alan arrived in Plett around 1978 and settled at Arch Rock Caravan Park in Keurboomstrand, where he became a unique fixture and ended up amassing a vast number or lifelong friends. His brother, Graham, promised to share some memorable tales about this local legend’s lifesaving and WP rugby years
in CXPRESS of February 27. For now, Alan’s girlfriend, Bertha Ollemans, submitted these images and wrote: “In the time I spent with Alan, we built our little modest home, The Khaya, in Arch Rock Caravan Park behind his original house. It was kind of luxurious camping and we loved its rustic feel. “Woodwork creations were definitely one of Alan’s fortes - many of them are still around at The Khaya. I used to run a laundry for the holiday people of Keurbooms, and they loved
to come and chat to Alan and see his works of art. “Those are the times I will treasure.” Capturing the essence of Alan, Brett Bellingern - a long-standing friend of the family - wrote: “One of the original hard men of WP rugby. The Garden Route is a little less festive now with your passing. Thanks for the back-slaps, parties, and legendary stories. “And thanks for showing me that Bacardi Breezer Orange
N January 16 while Denese and I were seeing off Is it a bird, is it a fish?! O friends Dave and Brenda Scott
LEW LEATHWHITE popped in at CXPRESS last month with proof of a remarkable find – but we’ll let him tell the story...
MINIATURE ANGEL: Luck was on Lew’s side when he managed to capture this little flying fish in the water and in flight
on their canoes on Keurbooms River at Sanderlings Estate, we spotted a small and unusual fish swimming next to the jetty against the rocks. The water was crystal clear and the fish appeared to be silvery-white, about the size of my little finger. It seemed to swim around 25cm below the surface – then, all of a sudden, a pair of wings shot out and retracted. This happened several times, so we quickly ran to fetch our camera. We waited for action and, to our utter amazement, the fish projected itself out of the water and glided upstream for about 3.5m before dashing back into the water. By some miracle, I managed to get a photo of the fish both in
should always be topped up to the neck of the bottle with extra vodka! You will be missed, Big Al. Thoughts and love to Justine, Nats, and the ever-extending family.” Alan leaves behind two beautiful daughters, Natalie and Justine; grandchildren Oliver, Noa and James; brother Graham; and many other relations. An intimate service to celebrate his life was held at Plett Methodist Church on Monday February 4.
the water and in flight. We transferred these photos onto the computer, enabling Dave to crop and enlarge them. It was clearly some sort of flying fish. Henk Nieuwoudt from CapeNature confirmed this and said it was very unusual for the fish to be in this area, which is well out of its natural habitat - they are normally found in Mozambiquan waters. However, our waters have warmed up of late and different species are being spotted all the time. Henk has since been in contact with Dr Malcolm Smale from Port Elizabeth Museum, who identified our surprise visitor as a Spotfin Flying Fish (Cheilopogon furcatus), although indicating that he would like a specimen to confirm this finding.
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Business 101
Issue 358
Sean O’Connell M.Com (Tax), CA (SA)
Business admin compliance unpacked and unplugged
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OU ask yourself: “Is my business compliant with all statutory requirements?” And then you proceed to have a sleepless night... Compliance is a significant issue for smaller owner/managertype businesses. While larger businesses have the resources to navigate the various laws and regulations to ensure full compliance, smaller businesses often find themselves in contravention of these laws simply because of a lack of resources. So it is useful to outline the areas of compliance that you need to be aware of as follows: 1. The Companies Act • Financial Statements: When? Required annually. 2. The Income Tax Act (Individuals) • Provisional Tax Returns: When? August 31 and February 28, and voluntary payment by September 30 every year • Annual Tax Assessment – Fi-
Business
February 13 - 2013
nal Tax Return: When? Cut-off for submission is November 30 for non-provisional taxpayers and January 31 for provisional taxpayers, but these dates can vary at the discretion of SARS. 3. The Income Tax Act (Companies) • Provisional Tax Returns: When? Every six months and 12 months from company’s financial year-end • Annual Tax Assessment – Final Tax return: When? Cut-off is 12 months after company’s year-end. 4. The Income Tax Act (UIF & PAYE – EMP201) • Payroll Tax Returns: When? Seven days after the end of the month to which UIF and PAYE refers. 5. The Income Tax Act (UIF & PAYE – EMP501) • Payroll Tax Reconciliations: When? Two to three months after August and February of each year. 6. The Value Added Tax Act
(VAT201) • VAT Returns: When? At one, two, four, six or 12-month intervals. 7. Compensation for Occupational Injuries & Diseases Act • Return of Earnings (W.As. 8): When? Two months after the end of the year. 8. Companies and Intellectual
Investor Focus
Property Commi ssion (CIPC) • Annual Company Return: When? Annually on anniversary of the month of registration. The above eight points cover all your basic business admin compliance requirements. The documents and returns relating to these points need to be compiled and submitted on time to remain compliant. Over a 12-month cycle, these documents include: • Financial Statements • Provisional Tax Returns (times two) • Annual Tax Return • Monthly UIF & PAYE Returns (12 x EMP201) • UIF & PAYE Reconciliation
Returns (two times EMP501) • VAT Returns (normally six times VAT201) • Workmen’s Compensation Return • Annual company return If you recognise all or even some of these document types you are well on your way to maintaining your business admin compliance requirements. Remember, although the above list is simple, the complexity lies in the detail and you need to carefully manage your submissions calendar. Your business may have type-specific compliance require-ments, for excample all
Non-Profit Organisations are required to submit an annual report to the Department of Social Development in order to keep their NPO-status. Custom Returns relate specifically to businesses where it may be required that you also submit industry-specific returns on a regular basis. If you are experiencing problems managing any aspect of your compliance requirements, feel free to chat with us. Phone Sean or Jeremy at Andrews O’Connell or visit www.plettaccountants.com for further information, and see the advert on this page for contact details.
Malcolm Stewart – Portfolio Manager at Sanlam Private Investments Knysna
This is an interesting look of what really influenced markets during 2012, giving an insight on market influences other than earnings and dividends in the context of significant world events
Business
February 13 - 2013
It’s business as usual for the property market this year
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T remains business as usual for the property market in 2013, with buyers likely to continue taking advantage of the favourable buying conditions. For sellers, the new normality that has set in over the past three years means they will need to continue to price conservatively if they hope to conclude a successful transaction. Market performance is direct-
ly linked to that of the macro economy and, given protracted economic challenges, the market has settled into lower turnover levels combined with flat house price growth and tight mortgage lending criteria. These conditions are likely to persist throughout 2013. Only once there is a noteworthy pickup in economic and job growth, are we likely to see any real
movement in sales volumes and house price growth. Even then, the uptick is likely to be slow and it’s unlikely we will experience the boom conditions of the pre-2007 era for some time. Buyers are likely to continue taking their time before putting pen to paper and sellers will need heed the advice of credible real estate professionals as
Nolans Plett reaps national rewards for sterling service, ethics, and results N
AWARD EARNED: The Nolans team received their Gallery of the Year Award in Plett last Friday – from left are Luxaflex marketing manager Janneka Barnard, Luciano Lamberti, Luxaflex Eastern and Southern Cape area manager Jackie Hayselden, and Hercia and Marco Lamberti
WE DID IT! Nolans staff members – from left are Benedict Voorman, Joey Spies, Denzil Oraai, Desmond September, and Alton Williams – proudly display the certificate and trophy won
MORE MERRIER: Enjoying the presentation on Friday February 8 were, from left, Robert and Hendra van Helsdingen of Nolans George with Lana Smith and Louw Steffens Photos: Timothy Twidle
OLANS Blinds & Flooring in the beautiful Piesang Valley of Plettenberg Bay has been trading since 1998 – and, in January 2012, joined the Luxaflex® Gallery Programme. As a supplier of the best quality and variety of window coverings worldwide, Luxaflex® only invites companies with good business credentials and ethics to join their exclusive family. Dealers Marco, Hercia, and Luciano Lamberti from Nolans Blinds fit this criterion perfectly. Luxaflex® is extremely proud to be associated with Nolans Blinds. The partnership has worked so well that in the first year of trading they won the prestigious 2012 Gallery of the Year award – an annual honour bestowed upon gallery dealers who achieve outstanding results, while maintaining an exemplary work ethic. Of the 25 galleries operating in South Africa and Namibia, Nolans Blinds has achieved tremendous results, simply by committing themselves to the Luxaflex® product and remaining loyal to their customers. Their stunning showroom, along with their partnership with dealers in Knysna and George, is true testament to their success. The guys at Nolans Blinds are experts in their field in the domestic market as well as the commercial arena. For advice on window treatments, whether motorised or standard applications, Nolans Blinds has a range of fantastic products at its fingertips - from the latest awnings and shutters to an exclusive range of Luxaflex® Blinds. Visit Nolans Blinds and you will be greeted by friendly staff, professional salespeople, and excellent installers. See the adverts on this page for contact details.
to what buyers are looking for and what price they are prepared to pay. Longer mandates are still encouraged, as are working with a real estate brand with strong marketing systems. Visit www.seeff.com to view the excellent selection of real estate buys on offer, or pop into Seeff Plett on the corner of Church and Main Streets to speak to one of the professional sales agents. You can also call 044 533 0311 or email plett@ seeff.com and see the advert on page 3 for current listings.
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Issue 358
February 13 - 2013
Social Scene
People, places & events
WORLD-CLASS: On February 10, Plett thrilled to a concert by the World Orchestra, above - a group of 60 young musicians drawn from 50 countries from across the world, led by Josep Vicent of Spain. On arrival at Plettenberg Primary School, the orchestra was greeted by an energetic dance routine accompanied by the Plett Pioneers Field Band. The orchestra played to a capacity crowd of 450 people and was given rapturous applause at the conclusion of the performance. Their two-week South African tour ends in Cape Town on February 16. In the pic far left is first violin Ana Vemic of Serbia during the open rehearsal. At left, SA members of the orchestra Odile Lesch, left, and Nidhi Gangan enjoy the welcome afforded them at Plett Primary. Photos: Tim Twidle
MEGA MARKETABLE: Tania, left, and Zimasa are new faces at The Market in Plett’s Main Street, where they sell bead creations under the exotic-sounding brand name ‘Tazim’. This talented team makes their pretty accessories themselves and if you need something special that’s not on their shelves, you’re welcome to ask and they’ll string it up, custom-style. Take note that you can now use wi-fi for free at The Market when having your delicious morning coffee – see the advert at left for contact details. FLYING HIGH: Greenwood Independent School recently congratulated two of their Grade 5 sports stars. Noah Chatz, right, achieved the Rising Star Trophy from Wessel Wilms Karate in Knysna as one of sensei Elrie’s future top students, both competitively – having received gold for free-fighting and bronze for points-fighting at a recent tournament – and traditionally, through consistent high marks on the grading floor. Ben Dugmore, left, became Greenwood’s first SWD tennis player, and that after playing for the last nine months only! Well done, gentlemen, you’ve done your school particularly proud.
OLYMPICS AT OAKHILL: The SA heats of the 22nd international Kids Lit Quiz kicked off on February 9, with 80 schools participating in this contest dubbed the Olympic Games of Reading.Our hood’s regionals took place at Oakhill School in Knysna and saw the Glenwood House team of, from left, Ruby McGowan, Derick Hill, Leah Sammon, and Dane Botha take first place after scoring 89 out of 100. At back are SA Kids Lit Quiz coordinator Marj Brown and proud coach Philip Vercueil.
OPEN FOR ANIMAL BUSINESS: It was a joyous occasion indeed when the brand new premises of Plett Animal Welfare Services opened officially on January 31. In attendance were many of the town’s caring pet-lovers, who helped realise this dream over the past many moons. In the pic from left, fund-raising committee members Arthur de Gouveia and Toy Black cut the ribbon with Bitou mayor Memory Booysen. (Visit www.cxpress.co.za and click on the Home & Health page of issue 355 to find out more about the premises project.)
Entertainment
February 13 - 2013
Entertainment Diary DELICIOUS WORDS: Deon Meyer’s talk on his best-selling crime thrillers promises to be a sure highlight of the fourth annual Knysna Literary Festival from March 19-24, which also sees the return of the ever-popular Delicious Word Journey, as well as a kids entertainment line-up not to be missed – see the programme on this page for details, or visit www.knysnaliteraryfestival.co.za for more information on events and bookings
Kurland Hotel in The Crags, last month listed as one of Tripadvisor’s Top 25 Travellers’ Choice 2013 Small Hotels in SA, offers a Valentine’s dinner to die for. Chef Leon Coetzee has created a four-course menu to enjoy at R490 per person at the Kurland Hotel restaurant on February 14, when each guest will receive a glass of Cap Classique, and the ladies a Kurland rose, on arrival. Day visitors can catch Valentines High Tea on the verandah from 3-5pm, which includes a plethora of sandwiches, tartlets, spring rolls, quiches, cupcakes, scones, heart-shaped biscuits, and various teas and coffees at R150 per guest. And if your Valentine’s wish is lunch at Katarina’s, you’ll receive a complimentary Kir
Royale to mark this special occasion (see the advert on p12). This is also the perfect time to wander through the estate’s famous rose gardens - an ideal romantic setting to pop the question and plan your wedding or honeymoon – call 044 534 8082 or visit reservations@kurland. co. za to for info or to book. Join the Business Breakfast at 101 on Meade in Meade Street, George, on February 19 at 8:30 am. The topic is ‘Financial Survival: the Lighter Side’ and cost is R80. Call Veronica on 072 424 4644 to book. The Kids of Kurland School Project presents Andrew Young at the Movies as their annual fundraising concert. Experience this award-winning saxophon-
ist and his band at The White House in Plett CBD at 8pm on February 21. Tickets at R175 can be bought at The Old House Shop, or call Ann Fermor on 082 452 8764 for info (www. kidsofkurland.com). Wessa repeats its popular Kammanassie Circuit Geology Tour on Saturday February 23, when three expert geologists - Paul Rixom, Peter Ginn and Colin Ralston - will lead a group of 20 participants on a full daytrip. Commencing in De Rust, the route circumnavigates the Kammanassie Mountains with stops at geological features en route. Book at wessa george@ isat.co.za - members, students and pensioners pay R100 and non-members R120 (www.face book.com/wessa.eden).
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Let’s see your pets through YOUR eyes!
February 13 - 2013
Competition
ENTER NOW!
THEME NO. 7: A MOMENT TO REMEMBER DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: 21 FEBRUARY 2013 WINNER ANNOUNCED: 27 FEBRUARY 2013
Example
Current Theme: A MOMENT TO REMEMBER A few of our favourite entries received so far...
Over R20 000 worth of prizes to be won! Sponsored by:
This theme-based competition is open to all Garden Route residents. Your photographic abilities should not be a stumbling block - we will be looking at your ability to portray the personality of the animal you capture. Follow the Challenge in CXPRESS and on the CXPRESS Garden Route Newspaper Facebook Page. HOW THE CHALLENGE WORKS • The CXPRESS PICTURE YOUR PET CHALLENGE is a theme-based competition with the focus on domesticated animals. There are 10 themes and four categories (dogs, cats, birds, and other domesticated species), and a prize per theme for the winner in each category is announced in every alternate edition of CXPRESS. A grand prize winner in each category will be selected from the 10 theme winners at the end of the Challenge. • A theme (see below) is announced at the onset of each Challenge. The judges select any of these themes at random at the start of each new Challenge, and readers then have two weeks to capture and submit photos that they consider best depict the theme. • Winning entries with the judges’ observations are published in CXPRESS and on the CXPRESS Garden Route Newspaper Facebook Page. THE PRIZES • Dog Category: Theme winners - A Rogz voucher and 3kg Propac veterinary food and toys valued at R400. Grand prize - An Axiss Dog-powered Scooter valued at R3 999. • Cat Category: Theme winners - Hagen Catit Senses toy, cat accessories, and Nutrience veterinary super premium food valued at R350. Grand prize - Cat bed, scratching post, food & treats valued at R650. • Bird Category: Theme winners - Daro pet supplies voucher and Petline voucher to the combined value of R400. Grand prize - Daro bird cage suited to bird size up to the value of R1 000. • Other Domesticated Species: Theme winners - A R250 Pet Pool Warehouse voucher. Grand prize - A R500 Pet Pool Warehouse voucher. • Each winner will also receive an A3 full colour print of their winning photo, courtesy of Kodak Express. HOW TO ENTER • Submit no more than two entries per theme to editor@cxpress.co.za or post directly on the CXPRESS Garden Route Newspaper Facebook Page – a new EVENT will be created for each theme (please enter your photos on the wall of the EVENT and not on the page wall) - or deliver entries on CD at the CXPRESS office at 6 Park Lane, Plettenberg Bay. • Entries must be in Jpeg (.jpg) format and no larger than 400KB. • Provide your name, location, and contact details. THE RULES • Only Garden Route residents may enter • All photos must be taken by the person whose name is submitted with the entries • Entries will only be accepted in electronic format • Entries that have no relation to the theme whatsoever will not be considered • No late entries will be accepted • For layout purposes, CXPRESS reserves the right to crop photos published in the paper • The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. THE THEMES (which the judges select at random) • Animal smiles • The little ones • Owner/pet look-alike • In relax mode • Feeding time • All eyes • Cuddles with the family • At play • A moment to remember • Funny pics with captions
SUBMITTED BY: From top left to right - Jeannine Stopforth, Mynhardt van Loggerenberg, Liezel Pienaar, Engela Botha, Myles Murray, Annet Hattingh, Erin Shattock, and Sandra van Zyl
Visit the Events tab on the CXPRESS GARDEN ROUTE NEWSPAPER Facebook Page to view more entries - and submit your entries before 21 February!
Interval
February 13 - 2013
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Just a reminder to those who stole electrical goods in last year’s riots… your One Year Manufacturer’s Warranty runs out soon.
‘n Baie belangrike boodskap aan alle dames!
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YFTIEN Februarie is die begin van die Super Rugby reeks van 2013. Tydens hierdie belangrike gebeurtenis is daar ‘n hele paar dinge wat julle moet weet en verstaan: 1. As jy ‘n ‘Mmm’ hoor na ‘n vraag wat jy gevra het, beteken dit: Gaan, geniet dit. Moenie die kar stamp nie en moenie meer as R50 spandeer nie. Maak gou. Bring klam biltong met ‘n vetjie, tesame met 12
koue biere, ‘n pak chips, rump steak, wors (bykos), skaaptjops (bykos) en charcoal. 2. Skuif vroegtydig die meubels sodat jy glad nie tussen die rugby-kenner en die TV stel verbybeweeg nie. Om dit poedel-nakend kaal te doen gaan geen verskil maak nie. 3. Hou jou opruimende gedagtes vir na die wedstryd. 4. Halftyd, beseringstyd en tussen wedstryde is daar sodat
dat die man ‘n draai kan loop. Moenie dan kom onbenullige vrae vra soos: “Moet daar water by die ceiling uitdrip?” of “Moet daar vlamme by die kar se dashboard uitkom?” Los dit tot na die game. Baie dankie byvoorbaat vir julle samewerking. Ons is lief vir julle, julle lyk great in daai nuwe rok en nee jou ma kan nie kom kuier nie. Sien julle weer raak in November as die rugby replays boring raak.
Watch what you eat
A
doctor was addressing a large and attentive audience in Gauteng. “The material we put into our stomachs is enough to have killed most of us sitting here, years ago. Red meat is awful. Soft drinks corrode your stomach lining. Chinese food is loaded with MSG. High fat diets can be disastrous, and none of us realises the long-term harm caused by the germs in our drinking water. “However, there is one thing that is the most dangerous of all and we all have eaten, or will eat it. Can anyone here tell me what food it is that causes the most grief and suffering for years after eating it?” After a while, a 75-yearold man in the front row raised his hand and softly asked: “Wedding cake?”
Irish is as Irish does… Snow in Ireland
On a bitterly cold winter’s morning in Dublin, a husband and wife were listening to the radio during breakfast. They heard the announcer say: “We are going to have eight to 10 inches of snow today. You must park your car on the evennumbered side of the street, so the snowploughs can get through.” So the good wife went out and moved her car. A week or so later while they were eating breakfast again, the radio announcer said: “We are expecting 10 to 12 inches of snow today. You must park your car on the odd-numbered side of the street, so the snowploughs can get through.” The good wife went out and moved her car again. A few days later they were again having breakfast, when the radio announcer says: “We are expecting 12 to 14 inches of snow today. You must park... ” Then the electric power went out. The good wife was very upset, and with a worried look on her face she said: “I don’t
know what to do. Which side of the street do I need to park on so the snowploughs can get through?” Then with the love and understanding that all long-married husbands possess, he replied: “Why don’t you just leave the fecking car in the garage this time?”
An Irishman’s mind
An old Irishman was asked: “At your ripe age, what would you prefer to get – Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s?” The Irishman answered: “Definitely Parkinson’s. Better to spill half an ounce of whiskey than to forget where you keep the bottle!”
Hoe om budgies te koop
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ie outjie hoor ‘n oom verkoop budjies. Hy suiker af na die oom en vra wat vra hy per budjie. “R5,” sê die oom. “Ek wil asseblief daai bloue hê, Oom.” “Luister, Boet, die hele hok is vol budjies en almal is R5. Ek gaan nie die bloue probeer vang nie. Jy sal maar die eerste een wat ek vang moet vat,” sê die oom. Die outjie hou aan hy wil die bloue hê.
Hy sien die oom begin hom vererg en sê: “Ek sal Oom betaal wat my pa vir ‘n skaap betaal.” Vinnig gryp die oom sy vangnet en met ‘n groot gesukkel vang hy die bloue. In die proses skryf hy ‘n paar budjies af. Hy sit die budjie in ‘n papiersakkie met gaatjies, gee dit vir die outjie, en vra: “Hoeveel betaal jou pa vir ‘n skaap?” “R35 per kilogram, Oom. Sal Oom asseblief vir my die budjie weeg?”
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Food & Wine
February 13 - 2013
PeeBee’s Wine Column
Words & Photo: Peter Bishop
On tasting a few lesser-label Bordeaux
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VER the last few months, I have been exposed to a number of lesser-label French Bordeaux wines offered blind. Most Francophiles buy lesser wines in a great vintage – 2005 or 2009. With the price of the very best wines being forced ever upwards, it makes sense to explore. It is opposite to those who bought Meerlust Red in 1985, or Vergelegen Red in 2002 – top Cape wines in a poor vintage. The 2005 Château Beaumont from the Haut Medoc was described thus: ‘A beautiful balance and structure, seems like a New World winemaker on an Old World site. Delicacy, violet, blueberries, lovely grip – reminiscent of Rustenberg 1982, but decidedly French.’ I rated it 17.5 out of 20 - an opinion shared by the experienced tasters in the group. The next, at 16.5, was duller in appearance, with a decent violet grip. I thought it was the Meerlust 1995 with plum and raspberry fruits and a good finish. All the tasters took it as a Cape Bordeaux blend. It was great comparing the 1999 Château Montrose (St Estèphe) to its 1970, which showed all the tomato puree, perfume and rusticity of a matured wine. The 2002 Château PontetCanet was calmer, seemingly richer in Cabernet Sauvignon, with small ripe tannins that gave the impression of it being Kanonkop’s Paul Sauer, although a knowledgeable friend
SALUTING THE ADMIRAL: The wines of Saint Julien are sometimes referred to as ‘the epitome of Bordeaux’
correctly placed it as a Paulliac. A stunner was the Château Beychevelle (St Julien) 2000 that five of the eight tasters scored 19 out of 20. I thought it had the Carménère grape (found in Chile, and the mother plant of Cabernet Sauvignon). Lovely oak, intense nose and all the lead pencils, the cigar box and the tomato puree that the studious taster loves to experience. ‘Cabernet all the way, delicate and soft with violets,’ is how I described the 1989 Château Canon Premier Cru of St Emilion. I attended a tasting of 12 such French Bordeaux that had been a bit too warm on serving. The wines were offered in four flights of three. The 2010 La Reserve du Malartic (Pessac Leognan) was peculiarly of the lighter berry style.
While the 2009 Haut-Medoc des Giscours had a bold nose and showed the cherries, it seemed the highly-rated 2007 Château Mont-Redon Châteauneuf du Pape was thrown in purely as a distracter. Another 2009 Pessac Leognan, the L’Abeille de Fieuzal showed promise and finesse with bold cherry mouthfeel, while the 2006 Clémentin du Château Pape Clément - a Grand Cru of Graves - was soft perfumes from nose to finish. That wonderful meal wine, the 2006 Grand Vin de Leoville (second wine of Leoville Barton – a St Julien) smacked of herbs and fennel. Feature of the third flight was the 2007 Alter Ego (Le Medoc), a second wine of Château Palmer, with excellent use of oak and lovely Cabernet
So you think you can cook… on a Cadac?!
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UIZ de Fonseca of LM in Plett in the town’s Main Street is at it again, having now orchestrated Season 2 of the popular cooking competition that saw local and visiting diners rock up in their droves last year. So you think you can cook... on a Cadac kicks off at LM
in Plett on Thursday February 28 at 6pm for 6:30, and promises yet another series of exciting and gastronomically fun-filled events. Entrants will cook on Cadac-sponsored heat and will not be limited to any food type. “But,” says Luiz, “please don’t come and fry up some
boerewors, slap it onto a roll and expect to get through to the next round. We need to be WOWED! “Cadac has generously given us a fantastic first prize of spectacular retail value. Robberg Seafood Safaris has again come on board as our food sponsor, and Rietvallei Wines will once more delight our palates.” The much-anticipated second season will see Sue van der Gaast of MCFM, food guru Paul Deans, and 2012 winner Bruce Noble taking turns at entertaining the audience, so enter today at LM in Plett and get planning as to how best to wow judges and diners alike. Call Luiz on 044 533 1420 or visit youthinkyoucancook on Facebook.com and see the ad on this page for more info.
features. Opposed was an unbalanced 2006 Les Carmes of Haut-Brion, which was a bit volatile – a bottle fault. The 2010 Château Croix Figeux (St Emilion) was magnificently firm with a strong mouthfeel as expected. The audience – mostly reputed winemakers – were slow in throwing opinion, but they took to the 2007 Château Pavie Macquin (St Emilion), with its great blackcurrant concentration and balance. The 2000 Château Labégorce (Margaux), again herbal and a bit oxidised, proved to be a room-divider. The same split occurred with the last wine, a 1995 Château Poujeaux Moulis-en-Médoc, with lovely ripe skin tannins, all smoky, tea leaves and waxiness. Sure, one is not as lucky as in earlier years, to be exposed to the very best. Sitting in a tasting environment, often excellent wines stand there waiting for criticism, but when they are enjoyed at the table, having been refrigerated down to 18 degrees, then the charm and class stand out. The same would apply when tasting a bevy of Cape Bordeaux blends. The best memory? Comparing the Château Rausan-Ségla 1978 to its 1975. Now that was class. PeeBee has kept his palate alive since 1975 when he met Beejay Lankwarden in the Wilderness. He explores local, national and international wines, looking for ‘the cutting edge’.
Home & Health
February 13 - 2013
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Joyful Aids ladies now ready to launder in Plett
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LEVEN residents of KwaNokuthula in Plettenberg Bay, all of them women living with HIV/Aids, rolled up their sleeves and took the fight against poverty into their own hands, while at the same time tackling the stigma and discrimination suffered by Aids victims and their families. In 2007, Bitou’s Joy Community Development ladies started their laundry and gardening project with the help of St Monica’s Church, which provided a venue to operate the laundry business as well as land to create a small garden where vegetables were grown for members’ tables. “But,” says one of the Joy ladies, “our projects did not survive at that time because of the political agendas of certain parties running our town.” She said they received no official support and were thus de-
GOOD AND CLEAN AND FRESH! Lokose, in pink, and her welltrained staff run a successful laundry in KwaNokuthula and in the process help fight the scourge of HIV/Aids
nied the chance to make changes in their community. In October last year, however, Bitou Municipality lent a hand by availing a building for the laundry operation, complete with a three-year lease agreement – during which time they don’t have to pay rent. More good news is that electricity is now provided by Bitou,
and the caring folk in charge also fixed an old delivery truck for their use, bought detergent for the laundry, and also helped pay for marketing. So far the project has created 19 contract jobs - 11 for the laundry and five for the garden. A R840 IDT stipend is paid every month, so the reality is that many more members now
have the opportunity to put bread on their tables. The Joy ladies thank Plett mayor Memory Booysen, municipal manager Allen Paulse, the LED team and IDT community service section, and Monde Stratu and Siphiwe Dladla for taking this project to heart. They are also very grateful for the community’s support. Please take note that laundry hours are 7am to 7pm during the week, and from 9am to 3pm on Saturdays and holidays. They operate in the Simunye Thusong Centre where there is a security system and armed security to ensure that clients – and their clothes – stay safe. Washing can be collected and delivered by calling Lokose on 083 955 9338 – she says their kilo rate is entirely affordable, while her staff give their best with a smile, so do support these innovative women.
Plan your happy health year with clear goals in mind
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EACHING a goal is an achievement - it takes hard work, determination, willpower, and self-discipline. This thought applies to everything we want in our lives. Health awareness is becoming an essential lifestyle choice, with healthy eating plans and regular exercise a perpetual aspiration. But with positive thought, success is inevitable! Diet and Exercise Plan • Ensuring a successful result requires a change of mind-set, no matter what you want to achieve – whether it’s a distinction or winning a race, a requirement of excellence is focus. • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle requires a weekly eating plan inclusive of breakfast, lunch and supper, so helping you maintain order and control. Avoid foods that will ruin your mind-set. Basing your diet on whole grains, vegetables, fruit, low-fat dairy and lean protein can offer a great starting point to eating healthy. • Your exercise plan should include the steps you need to take in order to reach your goals. This plan does not have to be rigid and stringent but may vary – walking, dancing, gardening, playing a game of soccer or cricket with the kids. Getting the family involved ensures
In the Garden Sarah Pearce
I
Waterwise gardening
NDIGENOUS gardens are naturally waterwise, but there are other ways to save and reduce water usage if your garden is not entirely indigenous. Start by harvesting as much rainwater as possible by installing water tanks connected to your gutters. When watering, give a long deep soaking twice a week as opposed to daily sprinklings. This encourages plants to send out deeper roots which in turn make the plants healthier and more tolerant in dry spells. Ensure your soil is well prepared with good quality organic compost and use an organic fertiliser twice a year. To help stop evaporation, use a quick growing ground cover and mulch any bare areas with bark chip. For advice, design and installation, please don’t hesitate to contact us. And enjoy your garden! See the Landscaping By Design advert on this page for additional information.
their support. Goals • Setting short-term goals will enable you to reach your longterm goal. These should be attainable and as you reach each of them, the result you are after will become much easier. • Be accountable to somebody for your eating and exercise habits - this will help you stay on track. • Join a friend or family member who has similar goals as you, as this will keep both of you motivated to follow a healthy diet pattern and complete exercise routines. • Keeping a record of what you are eating and exercising will discipline you in reaching your goal. • Become a member of a weight-loss or weight-management group, so surrounding yourself by like-minded people. • Continued support and mo-
tivation from friends, family members and or groups will go a long way to you attaining your long-term goal. Monitoring your health goals Says Weigh-Less founder and chairman Mary Holroyd: “Take your life one day at a time. Don’t worry about tomorrow, get through today first.” Setting suitable timeframes for action items and goal completion is critical for achieving goal setting success – these are highly dependent on your starting point, but some general indications are: • Allow yourself one week per kg of weight you want to lose. • Allow yourself three months to get into peak physical fitness. • Allow yourself at least six weeks to quit a habit like smoking, and maybe even longer for alcohol and drug dependency. A fit body is a healthy body – and you only have one, so
look after it. By setting yourself effective health goals, you’ll maximise your life span and enjoy the ride so much more. In the words of Janice Joplin: “Don’t compromise yourself. You are all you’ve got!” Setting goals for a lifestyle of healthier eating supported by an exercise regime means that you are investing in yourself, the end-result being a focussed, more confident you – a timeless investment, that is. Mary has the last word: “I don’t believe in stopping life until you reach your goal. Some days will be bad, others wonderful, but you will succeed. “Put it down to an education – you are learning about your body and teaching yourself skills that you will use to maintain your ideal weight forever. Now that’s real power!” Visit www.weigh-less.co.za for further information.
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TO LET - Garden Unit in Plett CBD 1 Bedroom, 1 bathroom Available immediately R1 900 water & lights incl. Ph. 044 533 1004 (office hours) to view
February 13 - 2013
Classifieds
On The Soapbox
February 13 - 2013
Letters to the Editor
Email: editor@cxpress.co.za - Fax: 044 533 0852 - PO Box 1449, Plett 6600
No smoke, no spend
Centre management at The Market Square has told Mugg & Bean to close their outside smoking area. Over the past years I have bought a cup of coffee at Mugg & Bean most times that I do our weekly household shopping at
Pick n Pay. I shall be forced to now do my shopping at Checkers and Spar. Pick n Pay’s turnover will drop by R48’000 per annum and Mugg & Bean’s by R960 per annum. Thom B, by email
Out of control driver endangers lives
OFFROAD: Parking next to a double white line, the bus driver blocked traffic on the N2 between The Crags and Keurbooms
On Thursday January 24, I was returning to Plett after picking my wife up from Port Elizabeth Airport and we had just passed The Crags at 3:55pm when, on rounding a blind corner, we were confronted by a bus on the wrong side of the road over the double white line passing a slow-moving vehicle. Even though we were travelling at 80km/h, I was just able to take avoiding action by going off the road while keeping control of my vehicle. When looking in my rearview mirror, I noticed that the bus had now slowed down to walking speed. Thinking that the driver had suffered a heart attack, I did a quick U-turn and followed the bus with four vehicles behind it, still travelling at walking speed. I overtook the vehicles, pulled up alongside the bus-driver’s window and enquired if he was alright. I was immediately met with abuse being shouted at me and, not wanting to get involved with an out of control driver, I quickly overtook the bus and pulled in at the next farm entrance. The bus passed the turnoff, but parked (as per my picture) next
CXPress
to the double white line. The driver exited the bus and came towards me, hurling abuse. It would appear, from what I could glean from other drivers, that he was travelling too close behind the vehicle in front of him, which was driven by two German tourists, when they decided to slow down for some reason. As he was too close he could not brake in time so proceeded to overtake them on a double white line, which is where I was originally confronted by the bus on my side of the road. The driver was still being abusive to me and my wife thought that he was going to get violent, but fortunately I had my camera with me and snapped this idiot’s parking on the N2 blocking any traffic from overtaking him. Not only had this driver put our lives on the line but also the passengers in his bus. I can only think that his bad driving and erratic behaviour was due to either drugs or alcohol, not just bad attitude. Needless to say, I have filed a complaint with the bus company and hopefully this idiot will not be endangering any more lives on the road in the future. Roger Davis, Plett
On moaning residents and rainbow cyclists
I am responding to the ‘Open letter to Plett Ratepayers Association’ and ‘Cyclists responsible for own safety’ in CXPRESS of January 30. Ratepayers I ask ‘Disillusioned Plett Resident’ to please join us on the committee and help towards getting solutions to the many complaints. It appears so easy to complain, but try get anyone to join us on the committee so residents’ issues can be addressed, and they run away. It is so much easier to complain than to apply oneself to find solutions to our town’s many challenges. Cyclists I ask Mr Parker one question: What happens to motorists in Australia when they knock down a pedestrian or cyclist? The same as what is supposed to happen in this country: they go to jail. Doesn’t anyone know that any form of self-propelled roaduser has right of way? Who was
on the road first, Mr Parker, the horse and carriage or the motorised carriage? What do you think will happen to you, Mr Parker, if you knock down a pedestrian crossing Knysna Main Road in front of the police station? Your motorised transport is a privilege, not a right. I thank Mr Parker for observing our colourful day-glow spandex attire as this means we are taking responsibility for our own safety. We make ourselves highly visible to avoid being ploughed down by inconsiderate motorists. It appears that Mr Parker wishes to enforce the highway law that cycling is not allowed on national roads. This would be a wonderful idea, if only there were any cycle paths in the first place. I invite Mr Parker to join our regular party of cyclists in our day-glow gear to brighten up everyone’s day. Rainbow Cyclist, by email
Snake rescuers - the facts The letter ‘One thumb up, two thumbs down’ in your January 30 issue refers (visit www.cxpress and click on the Letters page of issue 357). I was very surprised to read the complaint about the socalled snake expert, as described in Kevin Jansen’s letter. Although I’m not even sure that the letter was directed at me (there are but a few people doing snake rescues in the area), I feel I should clarify a few things regarding this subject. Those involved in snake rescue are not employed to do this, and it is not their job as such to go ‘snake-hunting’. They are volunteers who do this for conservation and a shared love of snakes. Secondly, the recommendation to leave a boomslang that
is found on your property alone is what any snake expert would advise you to do, as they are arboreal and non-aggressive, unless the snake has found its way into you house. If, however, you are really afraid of it, it would make sense to monitor it from a safe distance if you wanted someone to come and collect it. Once a snake has moved off into vegetation it is very difficult to then try and find it - as stated before, they are quite shy snakes. We do ask for a call-out fee as it does cost us for travelling and time off work. And, after all, we are taking a risk every time we relocate a venomous snake. Clint Murray, by email (Phone Clint on 082 509 1724 if you are afraid of a venomous snake inside your house. – Eds.)
Fracking not our energyproblem solution Recently through your pages (CXPRESS of Jan 16), a plea was put forward to motorists not to boycott Shell petrol sales. I fully understand the motive for this in the present difficult economic climate. However, should we not perhaps look beyond our own front doors to see the bigger picture? The following facts are taken from an address delivered in Cape Town by Lewis Pugh, early in 2011: • Shell spilt more than 9-million barrels of crude oil into the Niger Delta – twice the amount that BP spilt in the Gulf of Mexico. • Shell was found guilty of bribing Nigerian officials and paid an Admission of Guilt fine of US$48-million. • Shell stands accused of being complicit in the execution of Nigeria’s environmental
campaigner, Ken Saro-Wira and eight other activists. Shell paid US$15.5-million to the widows and children to settle the case out of court. As a matter of interest, KZN game ranger Dr Ian Player and his friends took on Rio Tinto, one of the biggest mining companies in the world - and won. Activists from across Europe brought Shell to its knees when trying to dump an enormous oil rig into the North Sea. Is it possible for Shell franchise-holders to speak out with one voice and let Shell know that fracking is not the solution to the energy problem. The money would be better spent on renewable energy projects. I have put pen to paper simply lest my voice be the one that could have made a difference, but was not heard. Suzanne Hook, Knysna
Help Beauty Lukwe finish her building in New Horizons Bitou resident Beauty Lukwe has a safe house in New Horizons, which she started years ago, taking in abandoned, neglected or abused children off the streets. She now cares for six children on a permanent basis – two girls and four boys – who all share a single room. Last year, Eskom donated some money for Beauty to add an extension so that the boys
and girls could have their own separate space. Building started, but when they neared roofheight the money ran out. Is there anyone who would be prepared to donate money or building supplies so that this work could be completed? It would be SO much appreciated. Please contact me on 082 490 7035 or at lisa.ritchie.plett@ gmail.com if you can help. Lisa Ritchie, by email
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Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za
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Issue 358
Sport & Adventure
February 13 - 2013
Warbirds star at explorer’s anniversary
VETERAN: Lead pilot Scully Levin taxis out for the display in his T6 Harvard trainer
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HE annual celebration, from January 31 to February 3, of Bartholomew Diaz’s arrival at Mossel Bay in 1488, had spectators overawed by a spectacular flying display over the beach. Some 15 aircraft participated, including the Flying Lions formation aerobatic team and a veteran P51D Mustang fighter that took part in WWII. Organised by the municipality, the Diaz Festival saw its
highlights lined up for Saturday, when Diaz Beach hosted music concerts, an historic car and tractor display, ocean lifesaving demonstrations and - the audience’s favourite - a breathtaking aerial display. The four restored North American T6 Harvard aircraft of the Flying Lions team enthralled spectators with their tight formation aerobatics, interspersed with wave-skimming
Words & photos: Bob Hopkin
WOUNDED WARBIRD: The 1944 P51 Mustang of Patrick Davidson, side-lined for much of the day with an oil leak
low-level manoeuvres. Led by legendary South African Airways pilot and multiple aerobatic champion Scully Levin, the team has acquired a worldwide reputation for their flying prowess. Levin will have held his pilot’s licence for 50 years in 2014 and has some 25’000 flying hours in more than 150 types of aircraft. The expected single aircraft climax of the festival was the
intended appearance of Patrick Davidson’s North American P51D Mustang, although an oil leak side-lined the classic aircraft for much of the day. Davidson said that the aircraft was built in 1944 and saw active service in Italy during World War II with the 355 squadron of the USAAF, before being fully restored in the USA and converted for civilian use before being purchased by him.
Sport Shorts ‘Chair Challenge in George this weekend
This young sailor is a Plett lass through and through
Top South African athletes will again tackle the twists and turns of Outeniqua Pass on Saturday February 16 in the annual Outeniqua ‘Chair Challenge (OCC). And Algoa FM will broadcast live from the finish line in support of one of the only sporting events in the country organised exclusively for persons with physical disabilities. This year, organisers are expecting more than 1’050 entries from across the country for the marathon, half-marathon, 10km race, and fun event. Almost R250’000 in prize money is up for grabs, and will be divided among the 44 different race categories – visit www. georgeocc.co.za for additional information.
Seasonal gremlins were at play when we reported on the South African Youth National Sailing Championships at Swartvlei in Sedgefield (Dec 8-14) in CXPRESS of December 19, mistakenly calling born and bred Plettenberg Bay sailing ace Philippa Edwards a Joburger. The daughter of Lucinda and William Edwards, veterans of anything that’s wind-and-sailpowered, Pippy and family often team up to compete in regional and national events. The talented Grade 10 Collegiate Girls pupil, who boards at this prestigious Port Elizabeth school, will be sailing in the national champs held in Port Elizabeth at the end of March – good luck!
LOCAL TALENT: It’s a fact... Philippa Edwards hails from Plett!
Tight Lines
Graeme Pollard
Don’t you just love a leerie?
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LTHOUGH water temperature has dropped by three or four degrees in the bay, fishing remains good. ome nice-sized hake have been caught in the deeper water and most of the red fish like red roman, big santers, silvers, pangas and the odd red stumpnose have been hooked on the shallower reefs.
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Sharks have at times been a menace but it’s always a challenge to catch and release these hard-fighting fish. Also lovely was seeing a couple of leeries coming out on plugs and live bait. Until next time, cheers and tight lines. See the Plett Fishing Charters advert below for more info.