10 June 2020 by CXpress

10 June 2020 Photo: Baxter de Jager

Published every Wednesday by CXpress 2006 (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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Strippers During the dark pre-dawn hours of Friday June 5, a heavy-duty hauler transporting paint caught fire at the truck stop in The Crags east of Plettenberg Bay. Shortly after first light, a handful of budding entrepreneurs were on the scene to see whether some of the undamaged cargo could be stripped. Find out more on page 3.

Back to school as per C-19 rules p2

Knysnaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s able MM resigns p3

Surf cover shot rakes in shout-outs p5

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#HelpMyPlettSmallBizniz Campaign update - and thank you, Prof Theo! EMAX Plett launched a campaign on Facebook some weeks ago to assist local small businesses - like CXPRESS and hundreds of others suffering blows because of Covid-19 lockdown regulations - by introducing those in need to those in a position to assist financially. The project went live on Facebook on May 18 and immediately many businesses came forward to ask for assistance. Simon Revington and the Remax team are also sending out emails and WhatsApp messages to all their networks in an attempt to attract donors or contributors who could boost businesses in Plett. One such benefactor - who greatly boosted the morale of the CXPRESS team with his donation of R1,000 was Professor Theo T du Plessis of Danhof in Bloemfontein. A thousand thank yous, Prof - every rand received will help ensure the survival of this 22-year-old community platform, and get us a few steps closer to printing papers on a weekly basis again. Email editor@cxpress.co.za if you would like to further our cause, and visit Remax Prime Properties on Facebook or email simon@remax-plett. co.za for additional information.

NEWS & VIEWS

10 June 2020

Smooth return for seniors in local primary and high schools

PLETTENBERG BAY PRIMARY CARERS: From left, Tiaan Dixon does sanitising duty at the single entrance to the school grounds; Lauren Bangay checks the temperature of a Grade 7 student before she enters the classroom; teachers Angelique Murray and Anjo Dodds, at right, prepare for when their Grade 1s return to school

HE Western Cape was the only province in South Africa where Grade 7 and 12 students were allowed to return to the classroom on June 1. CXPRESS chatted to a few teachers and students about their experience of the first week back at the grindstone under Covid-19 regulations. Plett Secondary teacher Tania Schlechter said that about half of their matrics had returned to school on June 1. “Last week, around 65 of the total of 130 Grade 12s attended classes. On Monday June 8, there were another 10 shaved off this total, but hardly any of our students have underlying health issues. “Of course one has to keep your distance, however we now somehow know more personal

things about one another - do you have a sore throat or any other symptoms? “The youngsters easily forget about the distance rule but on the whole, it feels as if they are generally more obedient than ever. Time will tell how this will change once the Grade 8 and 9 learners return, but we are using this time with our matrics to prepare for all eventualities.” Some comments from Plett Secondary students include: • I miss that teachers can’t stand close to us when explaining the work. - Lucille Olivier • Masks make it harder to hear what teachers are saying, and I miss our fellow students from other grades. - Bruceston Ruiters • I miss the tuck shop! - Haylin Michaels • The things I miss most are

going to the library and playing sports. - Etholine Philander --At Plett Primary, the three Grade 7 classes - two English and one Afrikaans - have been following a strict regime of homework throughout the months of April and May, and students generally seemed excited to return on June 1. Headmaster Kobus Koekemoer and senior phase department head Susan Fourie furnished parents with extensive instructions by May 29, covering all aspects from masks to arrival and departure times, the details of screenings and classroom routines. According to School Governing Body member Mimi van Huyssteen, whose son Auru is one of eight Afri-

kaans-class Grade 7s currently attending school, the children seem generally excited to be back behind their desks. “All work gets done in the classroom, so the fact that there’s no homework makes it much more bearable. Auru feels completely safe at school. Of course the masks took some time to get used to, but by now everyone is in the habit of only taking them off when having a bite during break time. “Many parents seem concerned about sending their children back to school, but I can absolutely vouch for the fact that Plett Primary is doing everything in its power to keep the kids safe.” • Read the letter from Wittedrift High’s headmaster at the bottom of this page.

Pure pre-virus plesier

KEEPING THEIR DISTANCE: Plettenberg Bay Secondary School students are seated one per bench on the school bus, and follow strict protocols necessitated by Covid-19 regulations when arriving at school - below, Auburn de Jongh is being monitored by teachers Mr Antonie and Mr Pieterse, at right - Photos: Marshell Williams

Die 2020 prefekte van Plett Sekondêr is aangewys lank voor daar ‘n sweem was van hoe Covid-19 met hul gloriejaar sou inmeng. Volgens leerkrag Tania Schlechter is hulle regtig ‘n besonderse klompie kinders - en lyk alte mooi in hierdie jaar se baadjies met omboorsel. “Hulle help ongelooflik baie met dissipline by die skool. Elkeen moes ‘n voorlêgging doen om in aanmerking te kom vir verkiesing, en is dus waarlik ge-‘hand pick’ - net die beste van die Graad 12s.” Baie geluk aan, in die voorste ry, AJ Oliphant, Aldridge Terblanche, Johanely Arendse, Kershia Terblanche, Celine Olivier, Zanele Kam, Amryl Louw en Auburn de Jongh; in die middel staan Veronique Davids, Azizipho Jim, Jaymor Windvogel, Luzaine Bruiners, Jolene Mabele, Marshell Williams, Keith Komalo en Sibongiseni Mahlathini; met Claude Kivetts, Kananelo Loff, Ashley Williams, Simnikiwe Shoba, Justin Figland, Amos Mangqukela, en Siphosethu Bisholo wie die agterhoede dek.

‘n Boodskap van Wittedrift Hoër se skoolhoof Die bestuurspan van Hoërskool Wittedrift het al drie weke gelede begin met voorbereiding vir die terugkeer van ons leerlinge. Heelwat beplanning, sanitering en afbakening het in die laaste week, voordat die Graad 7 en 12 leerders teruggekeer het, plaasgevind. Die hoofdoel was om ‘n veilige skoolomgewing vir die leerders te skep - selfs meer as wat verwag word volgens die

Covid-19 regulasies. Vir beide leerders en opvoeders is die “nuwe manier van skoolgaan” baie vreemd. Om die hele dag met ‘n masker te loop, op kolle voor jou klas aan te tree en op stoele op geverfde kolle 2m uitmekaar op die vierkant in die oggend bymekaar te kom, is ongekend en baie onpersoonlik vir ons leerders. Vir onderwysers om die hele

dag aan diens te wees om te verseker dat leerders 1.5m afstand behou, is ook iets waaraan hulle nie gewoond is nie. Ten spyte van die nuwe reëls en regulasies het almal by hierdie nuwe manier van skoolgaan ingekoop. Op Maandag 1 Junie was die kinders doodstil en grootoog; teen Donderdag het dit weer soos ‘n skool begin klink!

Alle opvoeders en leerders is gemotiveerd om van die res van die jaar ‘n reuse sukses te maak. Twee doelwitte is vir ons veral belangrik: Om alles in ons vermoë te doen om personeel en leerders gesond te hou, en om te verseker dat elke leerling die geleentheid kry om steeds dieselfde akademiese standaarde te bereik wat Hoërskool Wittedrift nog altyd gehandhaaf het. Groete, Jeremy Marallich

NEWS & VIEWS

10 June 2020

CXPRESS

Bright side of paint-truck blaze may soon show throughout The Crags CXPRESS had the good fortune of receiving a first-hand report and photos from ‘citizen journalist’ Baxter de Jager, who happened to be in close proximity when a truck caught fire in the dark hours of Friday morning INDMILL Lane residents Lisa and Baxter de Jager became permanent occupants of the property formerly known as Windmill Nursery in September last year. But with a history of holidaying in Plett from their Randburg home for over two decades, and Baxter’s folks having lived on the land housing Bramon’s wine tasting shop ‘till their 2017 passing, the De Jagers are all but strangers to the area. Being familiar with the sights and sounds of bustling Gauteng, the couple was relieved to find that ‘what went bang in the night’ on June 5 had nothing to do with crime or traffic carnage. “We were awake on Friday morning, as our cat was being very chatty. We heard a ‘boom’ coming from the direction of the N2 around 4:30am - we could not work out what it was, as it didn’t really sound like an accident. “Soon after that we saw a red glow over the trees and heard other hissing and popping noises. We decided to walk across and investigate,” says Baxter. By the time they reached the truck stop across the N2

from their home, a small fire truck (viz: bakkie kitted out with firefighting equipment) was already on the scene, hosing down flames that threatened to engulf the entire back trailer of a huge Wilson’s truck transporting tins of paint. “Lisa spoke to the driver briefly while I took the pics. The larger tanker arrived from Plett soon after and quickly put the fire out. As the sun came up, I was curious to go see the extent of the damage. More and more people arrived and grabbed paint tins off the damaged trailer, so I decided to move on.” Baxter adds that police arrived just as he was walking back across the highway. But according to Morne Terblanche, who owns The Crags filling station and Bread & Brew coffee shop with wife Adele, these men ‘We heard a “boom” coming from the N2 around 4:30am and soon after saw a red glow over the trees and heard other hissing and popping noises’

in blue seemed unconcerned about the pilfering. “We were very grateful that no one was injured and no damage sustained at the shop or garage,” says Morne, adding that the scene of the fire and spilt paint was a messy business but, by Tuesday morning, a local contractor had made much headway in clearing the scene. Plett SAPS spokesperson captain Marlene Pieterse confirmed that no reports of injuries were received or charges laid at the local police station. The general assumption seems to be that hot wheel-bearings set one of the trailer’s tyres alight. The loud bang as it exploded reportedly woke the sleeping driver. And rapid response by alert Crags residents following WhatsApp reports of the fire probably minimised the damage to travellers (four other trucks were parked there overnight) and locals alike. Morne - a true Crags native, having been born in the pretty rural region, and running the service station with Adele since 1993 - says they have been feeling the Covid crunch like the rest

Knysna DA supports former MM Gratz to lead provincial government intervention T was a sad day for some when able acting municipal manager Dr Michele Gratz resigned from her post during a council meeting late last month, since she was regarded as having added significant value to the municipality since her appointment in February - and under very difficult circumstances. Said local DA Constituency Head Dr Dion George in a press announcement last week: “We regret Dr Gratz’s resignation and wish to thank her for her service to

the people of Knysna.” Her appointment followed the suspension of then municipal manager, Dr Sitembele Vatala, to enable various allegations against him to be investigated. In her resignation speech to council on May 28, Dr Gratz mentioned that Knysna Municipality should be placed under administration. “This proposal is wholeheartedly supported by the Knysna DA Caucus,” said Dr George, adding that provincial government interven-

tion in local government, or “administration”, is detailed in Section 139 of the Constitution of South Africa, and provincial supervision would help Knysna Municipality “to recover from its current dire financial crisis so that it can become sustainable and self-sufficient”. He concluded that the DA in Knysna supported the appointment of Dr Gratz as administrator for Knysna Municipality, and hoped she would favourably consider taking up this position.

of the country’s businesses, and especially smaller, owner-run concerns. “We’ve had great support for Bread & Brew since opening four years ago. Like everyone else, the lockdown meant we had to close shop during April and May. “Fortunately, since the start of Level 3, we’ve been able to welcome back visitors for take-aways. What’s more, I think another attraction soon to adorn The Crags will be lots of brightly-painted houses!”

PAINT IT BLACK: Bitou firefighters were on hand fast to douse flames that damaged one trailer of a transportation truck, the cargo of which was partly destroyed, and partly pilfered by locals soon to live in newly-painted luxury (visit www.cxpress. co.za to see more pics) - Photos: Baxter de Jager

CXPRESS

INTERVAL

10 June 2020

Waiter with a sense of humour HILE dining with a friend, he explained the peculiarities of the restaurant he’d chosen: “The waiters never admit they don’t have something. They’ll take your order for a slice of sun and go away as if they mean to get it - then they’ll come back and say they just ran out.” To prove his point, he called over the waiter: “I’ll have a double order of dinosaur, please.”

“Yes, sir,” answered the waiter. “And how would you like it?” “Well done.” The waiter left and returned quickly. “I’m sorry, sir, but we’ve just run out of dinosaur.” “What?” said my friend with feigned disappointment. “No dinosaur?” The waiter lowered his voice. “Well, we do have some left,” he said confidentially, “but it’s not very fresh and I won’t serve it.”

An American in England N American visiting in England asked at the hotel for the elevator. The portiere looked a bit confused, but smiled when he realised what the man wanted. “You must mean the lift,” he said. “No,” the American replied. “If I ask for the elevator I mean the elevator.”

“Well,” the portiere answered, “over here we call them lifts.” “Now you listen,” the American said rather irritated, “someone in America invented the elevator.” “Oh, right you are sir,” the portiere said in a polite tone, “but someone here in England invented the language.”

Strict dress code at Storms River bottle store

Missed train HE train was about to pull out of the station. A young man ran towards it and managed to throw his bag in and climb aboard just in time. A fellow passenger looked at him and said: “Young man, you should

be in better shape! At your age, I could catch the train by a gnat’s whisker and still be fresh. Look at you, panting away.” The young man took a deep breath and said: “I missed this train at the last station.”

Face to face AYS Ron to his friend: “Once I came face to face with a lion, and to make matters worse, I was alone and weapon-less.” “Goodness! What did you do?” his friend asks. “What could I do? First I tried looking straight into his eyes, but he kept crawling up on me. Then

I thought of plunging my arm down his throat, grabbing him by the tail and turning him inside out, but I decided it would be too dangerous. Yet, he continued creeping up on me. I had to think fast… “ “How did you get away?” “I just left him and passed on to the next cage.”

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ON THE SOAPBOX

10 June 2020

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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

To protest or not: George Floyd furore begs the question once again I refer to the ongoing protests following the killing of George Floyd in the United States during the past week. While I do not condone what happened to Floyd, it appears to me that the protests are somewhat selective and subjective. Protests have erupted, not only in the States, but in other parts of the world as well. Some prominent sports people have become involved in protest action and have criticised those who have

chosen not to participate. So much for the freedom of choice! Many musicians and radio stations have also joined the protest action. The Palestinian authority in its continuous demonising of Israel, to its shame, has been quick to exploit the killing of Floyd by comparing Israeli soldiers’ actions to the policeman who murdered Floyd. Why is it then that so often the world has chosen to remain silent on other

Adorning CXPRESS cover makes for excellent exposure

WHEEEE! If you’ve missed out on our 22nd birthday edition, sporting this spectacular cover shot, visit www. cxpress.co.za to catch up at once - Photo: Keegan Jordaan

I’m writing to ask you where I can get my hands on your latest edition, since the normal outlets in The Crags apparently have not received their CXPRESS deliveries during lockdown. I would appreciate it if you could recommend where I could find a copy - thank you so much for using my photo, as it is an honour to be on your cover. This exposure is very much appreciated, as it’s really needed. Thanks again and warm regards. Keegan Jordaan, Plett (It was an absolute pleasure to splurge

Keegan’s spectacular capture of Dylan Reddering in mid-surf on the cover of our June 3 edition, which was distributed at selected outlets in Knysna and Plett. Please take note that there’s another print edition to look forward to on June 17, and don’t hesitate to email esther @cxpress.co.za for details on the current distribution list. Most importantly, remember that fresh online issues are being churned out during in-between weeks, as well as regular updates posted at www. cxpress.co.za and on our Facebook page. - Eds.)

atrocious deeds? In 1978, when two civilian aircraft were deliberately shot down near Kariba in then Rhodesia and many of the survivors were murdered as they lay injured, the world was silent. In fact, the silence was deafening. Following the Tiananmen Square massacre in China in 1989, other than for a ‘rap over the knuckles’ by then US president George Bush, the world again chose silence. The killing by police-

men of Andries Tatane in Ficksburg in 2011 went unnoticed by the world - which once again was silent following the recent alleged killing of Collins Khosa by South African soldiers. It would be an interesting study to know what criteria the world uses to decide as to whether protest action is needed or is not needed in response to acts of brutality. It is indeed a strange, strange world we live in… Kevin Meineke, Plett

Somehow Plettenberg Bay reader Corinne Fernley penned these words on May 30 - the eve of lockdown Level 3 Lockdown SA, on Day Sixty-Five… A journey to nowhere, and now we arrive At cliff’s edge, carefully gauging the view, Will we fall, or fly off and embrace the new? Thoughts swirl and unfurl around an invisible foe, If freedom means fear, it’s easy to say “no.” Deep inside us an ache still remains, At the expense of so much - what precious few gains! We’re counting the cost as we warily peer At a future from which we can no longer veer. The past, pulsating with preternatural dreams, Holds and enfolds us, straining the seams Of the present - a fragile and tangible thing Which grounds us, astounds us, with a

Mutual birthday wishes shared

CXPRESS contributor Timothy Twidle shared this stunner of a photo after a weekend of good rainfall enjoyed along the Garden Route recently. Soon after receipt of this pretty contribution, it was our pleasure to be in touch with Tim to express the best of wishes, when he celebrated his birthday on May 29. His response was fired off rapidly and received to coincide with the 22-year anniversary of our first edition hitting the streets on June 1, 1998. It read, inter alia: “I applaud and commend the sterling work that CXPRESS is doing in keeping the newspaper going during these difficult times.” We could not have done it all these years without the likes of you, good sir! - Photo: Timothy Twidle

familiar ring. Could the unknown tomorrows yield beauty untold, Through the tunnel of Covid, so dark and so cold? Clarity cascades in a crashing wave, Such sadness, and huge respect for the brave. Life’s lottery all of a sudden surrounds Every movement we make, and mistrust abounds. Will humankind ever again undertake tasks Simple and social, with no need for masks? As we navigate this daunting new normal, My prayer to the Universe need not be formal It flows out to everyone, anywhere, now Let us beat this, defeat this, someday soon, somehow.

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10 June 2020

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